Chapter 210: Going to Take Pictures
Master Drake.
Vivian Lowell froze for a moment. Seeing the gentle smile on the old man’s face and his lack of denial, she knew he was silently confirming his identity. She wondered in disbelief, "He is actually Master Drake?"
She observed him carefully and noticed that his eyes and brows did indeed bear some resemblance to Sylvia and Joy Drake. However, a sudden thought struck her—he also looked a tiny bit like her! Their eyes and eyebrows, in particular, were strikingly similar.
She wondered if it was just a coincidence. She was starting to feel completely bewildered.
Master Drake looked at Julian Faulkner and offered a slight smile. "A hero in his twilight years. Though, an old man like me can hardly be called a hero.
"Back then, it was all thanks to the support of my brothers that I built my career. It’s a pity that in my old age, I’m still left all alone.
"My child is gone, and living here by myself is truly lonely."
Master Drake spoke with the same utmost sincerity as before.
Hearing this, Vivian recalled the information she had gathered about the Drake Family. She knew Master Drake originally had a daughter. The daughter had married a Veridian international student abroad. They had met, fallen in love, and tied the knot overseas.
If everything had gone according to plan, his daughter’s return trip for a relief project would have gone smoothly, and Master Drake had intended to return home around the same time. His granddaughter was about to be born, and he had always believed that Veridia was their true home. Returning to his roots was his greatest wish.
Tragically, his daughter and son-in-law had died in a car crash, taking his unborn granddaughter with them. Master Drake grieved for a long time, and his plans to return were shelved indefinitely.
As for Sylvia, Joy, and the others, they were actually the children of Master Drake’s siblings. While they shared some blood, they weren’t truly close family. To Sylvia and Joy, Master Drake was undoubtedly an elder, but it was his status as the patriarch that truly commanded their reverence. Beneath that reverence, however, there was very little familial affection. It was a rather heart-wrenching reality.
Master Drake himself could easily imagine that if he were to pass away one day, all that would be left of the Drake Family would essentially be a complete shambles. The Drakes would tear each other apart fighting for profits.
Vivian naturally caught the underlying meaning behind his words. The moment she had learned of Master Drake’s true identity, she had harbored some ulterior thoughts, but those were all gone now. She didn’t know why—perhaps her sympathy was just overflowing. Even though Sylvia and Joy were both scheming women who had their own history with her, Vivian was still willing to trust Master Drake.
She wasn’t an idiot, after all. From helping him catch his cat earlier to formally meeting him today and chatting under the tree, she felt he was a genuinely good person. Someone who cared for small animals couldn’t possibly be bad.
With that in mind, Vivian said softly, "It’s alright. We’re neighbors now, and I can see that Yuumi and the Golden Retriever both like you a lot.
"If you ever have free time, you’re always welcome to come over and visit us!"
She smiled brightly, her sincerity evident. Master Drake mirrored her smile.
Beside her, Julian pressed his lips together slightly. He had initially been wary of Master Drake, but seeing Vivian so completely unguarded, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything. He decided to let it be. If Vivian was willing to trust this man, he would extend a fraction of that trust as well. Master Drake did indeed seem different from people like Joy and Sylvia—the fact that he lived here all alone was proof enough. In his heart, Master Drake probably hadn’t truly accepted them either.
"Vivian." Julian checked his watch and said, "Didn’t you say earlier that you wanted to take some photos? I’ve booked the time, and we can head out now."
Take photos? Vivian finally remembered. It was the photoshoot Grandma Faulkner had suggested a while ago. Julian had kept it in mind the whole time. He had even secretly gotten Vivian’s measurements to have custom cheongsams and Western-style evening gowns tailored for her at a boutique.
And now they were ready!
The photography studio had contacted Julian a few days ago to let him know the clothes were at the shop and he could drop by whenever he was free. They could shoot in Aethelburg or the surrounding areas; it was entirely up to Julian’s preference.
Julian didn’t particularly have a preference. To him, what Vivian and his grandmother liked was all that mattered.
"Today?" Vivian asked in surprise, though she was undeniably thrilled. Most girls loved dressing up beautifully and having their photos taken, after all.
"Yes, today." Julian nodded and asked, "Do you have any other plans for today? If not, we can leave right now."
"Of course I have time today!" Vivian exclaimed. She turned to Grandma Faulkner, happily linking arms with her. "What do you think, Grandma? Shall we go take photos today? Where would you like to shoot?"
Grandma Faulkner thought about it seriously before replying, "Since we’re wearing cheongsams, let’s go to The Sunstone Palace! It’s Saturday, so it might be a bit crowded.
"But I just love places with that antique charm! Let’s go, let’s go! While it’s still early and the sun isn’t too harsh, we can take a few extra sets of photos!"
"Mhm!" Vivian nodded in agreement. She then turned to Master Drake, who was sitting nearby. "Mr. Drake, my family is heading out now. You should take a stroll and head home early too!
"Oh, right! If it’s alright with you, could we add each other on WhatsApp? If you ever need help with anything, you can just reach out to me!"
When Master Drake first heard the words "my family is heading out," a hint of sadness had crossed his eyes, but it vanished instantly. The moment she suggested exchanging contact info, a bright smile spread across his face. Naturally, he was delighted.
"Alright." Master Drake scanned Vivian’s WhatsApp QR code, and the two quickly added each other as friends. Vivian noticed that his profile picture was actually a pile of wooden dolls! They were brightly painted, depicting four figures that looked like a family: an old man, a young couple, and a swaddled infant. Next to them were numerous wooden toys, like a rocking horse and a tangram puzzle. Every single piece was incredibly exquisite.
What a beautiful collection of wooden toys!
Vivian fell in love with them at first sight. She couldn’t help but imagine how happy she would have been if she had such toys to play with when she was little. However, on second thought, she remembered what Master Drake had just told them. His daughter had been pregnant when she died in the car crash. He was supposed to have a granddaughter. Were all these toys prepared for his daughter and his unborn grandchild?
Vivian felt a deep sense of sorrow just thinking about it. If only there weren’t so many tragedies in this world. A single speck of dust from the grand sweep of history weighed like a mountain when it fell on an individual.
They drove straight to the photography studio, where Vivian laid eyes on the custom-made outfits. The craftsmanship of every single piece was impeccable. The embroidery was masterful, and the rich patterns on the cheongsams perfectly complemented one another without looking cluttered.
"You look stunning, Grandma! You look just like a highborn lady from the Republican era!" Vivian couldn’t help but praise Grandma Faulkner when she stepped out of the fitting room.
Truth be told, Grandma Faulkner genuinely hailed from a prominent family, though they had encountered some hardships. She had always carried herself with incredible elegance. Vivian even thought she could model for a senior clothing store—the photos would definitely turn out amazing!
Wearing the perfectly tailored cheongsam, Grandma Faulkner checked herself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. She turned back to Vivian and said, "Listen to you, it’s not that exaggerated!
"I’m already at this age; how could I possibly compare to a young girl? Alright, you and Julian hurry up and change! Pick out a few outfits, and we’ll head to The Sunstone Palace!"
"Mhm." Vivian agreed and went to pick out clothes with Julian.
Their outfits were designed as matching sets. They weren’t wedding outfits, but rather couple’s wear, featuring subtle details that echoed one another. Standing before the racks, Vivian felt a wave of indecision wash over her as she looked at the cheongsams, tailored suits, and dresses. Every set was absolutely gorgeous!
Which one should she choose?
Unable to make up her mind right away, she decided to peek at what Julian had picked so she could just match his choice. To her surprise, the moment she turned around, she caught him looking right back at her! His eyes were gentle, assessing her with a look that told her instantly he had the exact same idea. He was suffering from decision paralysis and wanted to see her choice first!
Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile, instantly understanding each other’s intentions.
"Oh, my goodness!" Grandma Faulkner couldn’t watch them dally any longer and grumbled, "If you don’t know what to wear, just put on anything for now! There are places to change once we get to The Sunstone Palace!
"Go on, go on, it’s getting late! Don’t dawdle anymore! I’ve already booked a restaurant for lunch—we’re having roast duck!"
Roast duck! The mere thought of a plump, SIZZLING roast duck being served, with a specialist skillfully carving the meat onto a platter, made Vivian’s heart flutter. She imagined pairing the tender meat with thin pancakes, shredded scallions, ginger, and savory sweet bean sauce. Just thinking about it made her stomach rumble.
Vivian hesitated no longer and decided to follow Grandma Faulkner’s lead by wearing a cheongsam!
She had seen plenty of travel photos online where girls posed in traditional outfits against crimson walls. The Sunstone Palace had its fair share of those walls, not to mention countless ancient-style buildings. It was a popular spot for cheongsam photoshoots, making it the perfect location for a vintage aesthetic!
Mind made up, Vivian grabbed her cheongsam and ducked into the fitting room. Honestly, she felt Julian would look good in anything. They always had great chemistry, so even if they didn’t wear a matching set, they would still look like... well, a married couple?
When that thought popped into her head, it startled even herself. Truthfully, she hadn’t expected to accept him so quickly after their flash marriage just a few months ago. Matters of the heart truly were mysterious.
Lost in thought, Vivian finished changing and stepped outside. Grandma Faulkner was currently inspecting Julian. His outfit hadn’t been nearly as complicated, so he had beaten Vivian out of the fitting room.
Standing before the mirror, his tall, straight posture and slightly stoic expression made him look just like a dashing young nobleman from the Republican era. He had actually chosen a traditional tunic that matched her cheongsam perfectly! Vivian’s cheeks flushed with warmth. She had been right—they really did have an unspoken connection!
Grandma Faulkner noticed Vivian stepping out of the fitting room and smiled when she saw how perfectly coordinated the couple was. "My, oh my, what did I tell you? I rush you into the fitting rooms, and you two end up picking the matching set anyway!
"Mhm, very nice! Look at you two, you look so deeply in love! Alright, come over here! Hold hands and do a little twirl for me. How about a kiss, too?" Grandma Faulkner teased mischievously.
Vivian felt a wave of embarrassment, but Julian actually followed his grandmother’s instructions. He walked over and took Vivian’s hand. He gazed down at her, the small bowtie at his collar looking endearingly charming. Meeting his tender gaze, Vivian felt his aura soften even more.
She loved this side of him.
"You look gorgeous." His deep, velvety voice washed over her as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. He murmured softly, "What a coincidence. We ended up picking the exact same set."
"Mhm..." Vivian subconsciously wrapped her arms around his waist. Pressed against his chest, she caught the faint, familiar scent of his cologne. It was as comforting as ever.
Right at that moment, the photographer, who had been adjusting his camera nearby, glanced over. He immediately raised his lens and snapped a candid shot of them holding each other.
Vivian grew even more flushed. Weren’t they supposed to take photos at The Sunstone Palace? Why was the photographer in such a rush to start now?
As if reading her mind, the photographer offered a warm smile and explained, "I saw how affectionate Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner were being and couldn’t resist snapping a shot.
"Seeing you hold each other so tightly made me feel entirely enveloped in your happiness. Candid moments like this are often much more precious than posed shots, wouldn’t you agree?"
Vivian didn’t respond, but she couldn’t help stealing a glance at Julian.
Were the two of them really that deeply in love?