I got into the client's van and headed out. I arrived at the ivory-white house a few hours later. That was where the Smith family lived. Uncle John, the driver, helped me safely out of the car and explained that the main entry to the Smith residence was the relief-covered door in front of me. I'd go in, and someone would meet me. After thanking him and bowing, I watched the black car go. I carefully approached the Smith residence's main door and knocked on it while keeping an eye on it.
I was greeted by a woman who appeared to be in her 60s. An elderly man with single-lens glasses was standing behind her. His name was Tim, and he was the Smith residence's housekeeper. "Hello, Miss. She is Aunt Jessie. I am Tim, the housekeeper of this residence. Please come in." His face was smiling as he held up his hand to let me in. His eyebrows made it easy to tell that he was assessing me. I nodded and grinned as I followed his instructions.
The Smith residence is very large. The first thing that comes into view is the mythological stone sculptures and ancient porcelain standing on both sides. Historical Western paintings are on the wall. A simple, clean white colour dominates the walls. A traditional crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There are marble tiles on the floor. It is evident that the marble's patterns are all cut in one piece and are remarkable and cohesive. All of this demonstrates the family's wealth and prestige.
"You may take a seat first, the master will meet you later." As he walked away, Tim remarked politely, still grinning. I smiled and said thank you, and sat on the floral gold-rimmed sofa in the basement hallway. After exploring this gorgeous layout and the clothing that Mr. K. personally made, I think the clothing is also really valued. The butterfly's body is a green diamond, and the pendant is encrusted with diamonds.
I heard footsteps coming from the stairs a moment after that. It sounded as though two or three persons were present. I got up slowly and turned to face the three people descending the steps. An elderly man with grey hair stood in front. Even though he appeared to be over sixty, his sharp eyes and straight frame gave the impression that he was much older than fifty. He was James Smith, my adoptive father, and the father of Alan Smith. A tall man in black suit pants and a white shirt stood behind him. His eyes were just as startling as those of his father. Tim stepped beside the two, assisting James with his descent down the stairs. The two men's patronising gazes indicated that they were deciding whether I, the recently adopted daughter, had any plans.
I bowed softly to welcome them as they slowly made their way downstairs. "No need to be so respectful, take a seat." A solid voice came, and James Smith smiled as he turned to face me. I looked at Alan, who was standing behind his father, and smiled back. He gave me a blank stare, but his eyebrows gave the impression that he was staring at an adversary. After that, we took a seat together.
Aunt Jessie brought the freshly brewed tea and placed it on the table as soon as I sat down. "Your real name is Sharon, right?" Calmly, Mr. Smith took up the teacup and asked. "Yes, Mr. Smith." I gave him a look before responding. Sharon was expressly selected by Mr. K for this project. He claimed that before a wealthy family adopted me, this nickname could accurately describe my character and abilities. Mr. Smith smiled and nodded, then said, "It's a good name, which fits your image. But since you are in the Smith family, let's change your name." After giving it some thought, he asked if I could adopt the name Natalie Smith. I agreed and grinned. Alan sat beside Mr. Smith and silently observed what was happening.
After that, Mr. Smith introduced Alan to me. "This is my youngest son, Alan. He should be two years older than you. From today on, you should call him brother. There is another elder brother above you two, but unfortunately, he has been busy recently and doesn't come back to this house often." Mr. Smith said, remarking as he finally turned to face me and noted how I was treating the Smiths. I got up and offered Alan a warm "Hello."
After glancing at me, Alan answered slowly, "You are an intruder. Outsiders like you are not welcome in our home, and neither is my father. Then he got to his feet and went upstairs. I quietly looked at him until the second-story wall hid his figure. "He is not good at speaking, don't take it to heart." Mr. Smith stated quietly as he sipped his tea slowly. He appeared used to this kind of situation with his son. I went back to the couch, took the teacup in silence, and drank the tea gently.
I ate dinner with them in the evening. We didn't speak during the meal. "Let's eat," said only Mr. Smith, and dinner was opened. "They are a noble family, as one could assume. Although it appears to be a typical dinner, it is a Hongmen Feast. Between their eyebrows, every trick you and I guessed was exposed. I pondered. We sat in the first-floor living room after dinner, each of us occupied with our belongings. Alan was using his computer to complete his art assignment while Mr. Smith talked about his family with me.
From what Mr. Smith told me, I learned that Alan was originally chosen as the successor of the Smith Company, but he had a car accident on the way, which made his left side less flexible, and he could not walk too fast. Alan was first selected as the Smith Company's successor, but according to Mr. Smith, he suffered a car accident there that reduced the flexibility of his left side, making it impossible for him to walk too quickly. Undoubtedly, it was a significant burden for the Smith Company's successor. Consequently, the group's board of directors decided to choose his brother, Kelvin, as the successor. Shortly after giving birth to him, his mother left. Following Mr. Smith's second marriage, Alan was born.
Besides, Mr. Smith was delighted to hear that I was a student at A1 University to study history as well. First, A1 University was the best university in A City, and Alan was a student there as well. The Smith family's status inevitably benefited from their children attending this university; in addition, my major may draw attention to the Smiths' literary achievements. I got to look straight into Alan's eyes. His looks made it clear that he was uncomfortable around me and a little upset that I was attending the same university as him. Mr. Smith made plans for him and me to go to the mall together tomorrow to buy some new clothes and strengthen our bond because it's a holiday.