"You've just returned, and can't be blamed for not knowing," the old master softened his tone a bit.
"Marianne is a straightforward girl by nature. She might have gone out for a while and then returned, possibly because Zuri Ginger might have felt wronged and confided in her, which led to her rushing home. It's rare to have a friend who stands up for you like that," Lilian Jackson smiled slightly. "Aunt Williams, when you're advising her, don't be too harsh. You don't want her to feel hurt and resent you for being biased."
"Raising children is the most exhausting. You'll understand once you become a mother," Lydia Williams smiled wryly but felt somewhat at ease.
She knew her daughter well and couldn't guess that her sudden return home to confront Mia Ginger surely had something to do with Zuri Ginger. But the old master's direct personality meant she couldn't say these things without evidence.
Lilian was just the right person for this.
She was the daughter of Butler Jackson, whose father was an orphan who grew up with the old master, with even his name given by the late lady of the house.
Lilian's grandfather and the old master were like brothers, remaining inseparable even during times of war, always serving as the old master's right hand. Their relationship was extraordinary.
After his death, he left behind a son who continued to grow up in the Jackson Family, becoming Butler Jackson.
Butler Jackson, now in his fifties, has always been unwaveringly loyal to the old master. After marrying, he had a son and daughter. His son, Gideon Jackson, has a close relationship with Young Master Jackson, who grew up under the old master's care. His daughter, Lilian, even studied traditional Chinese medicine specifically to tend to the old master's health.
It's not an exaggeration to say that Butler Jackson and his two children are deeply loved and trusted by the old master, rivalling that of his own descendants.
Lilian's words not only helped Marianne and herself but also directly pointed out the truth, sidelining Zuri Ginger, while subtly hinting to the old master that compared to Marianne, Mia Ginger was ultimately an outsider.
Her words truly achieved multiple purposes with a single move, displaying her keen intelligence.
And Lydia naturally saw through her thoughts clearly.
Seeing that the old master remained silent, she cautiously smiled and continued, "Actually, you can't really blame Marianne for this. Mia Ginger doesn't seem to like getting close to people. She didn't even tell Zuri and the others about the big news of receiving an admission letter…"
"What admission letter?" Lilian asked with a curious smile. "Which university did Mia get into?"
"That girl is remarkable. As an art student, she got into Cloud Capital University." The old master gave her a look, clearly smiling with satisfaction.
"Cloud Capital University?" Lilian was quite surprised, her hand slipped slightly, nearly dropping the hot cup.
"Indeed, she got into Cloud Capital University. They say she received the admission letter the day before yesterday, but no one in the Ginger Family knew. At the dinner table, her mother even suggested she take another year of supplementary classes," Lydia sighed. "The child is quite sensitive, stubborn, and thoughtful. Koa is eight years older than her, he might have to be more considerate and tolerant in the future."
She spoke in a gentle, soft voice, like a mother dedicated to worrying about her children, and completely aligning with the old master's deep affection for Koa, naturally drawing his attention.
As she watched the old master slowly savor his tea, Lydia timely stopped talking, making her point without overstating.
Lilian's expression softened, handing a cup of tea to Lydia, and smiled, "Be careful, it's hot."
The joyful smile on her lips had not yet faded, and when she unintentionally looked up, she saw Koa standing at a corner not far away, his expression indifferent.
How long had he been listening there?
Lilian couldn't help but feel nervous but, on second thought, realized their conversation was flawless. So, she deepened her smile and called out, "Koa."
Koa stepped over, but instead of sitting on the sofa, he took a low stool from under the coffee table and sat next to the old master.