My Manor

"Hey, sister, why are you down here again? Aren't you going to your brother-in-law's place?" Kama Clive, who had just stepped out of the house with the garbage, couldn't help but ask in surprise when she saw Cindy Clive coming out of the garage again.

"What brother-in-law? Seriously, we're just friends." Cindy Clive's face turned a little red as she heard her sister's words. She looked at Kama with an expression of contempt and added, "Just friends."

"Alright, alright, friend. But aren't you going to your 'friend's' house? Why are you out here again? Not going? Are you planning to go shopping with your lovely sister out of guilt?" Kama Clive smiled softly at Cindy and teased her. Cindy, in response, rolled her eyes.

"That's not it. Jiang Hai just happened to drive by. He was going to buy a car, so I decided to go with him." Cindy said a little uncomfortably.

"Oh? So, can I come too, since you're just 'friends'?" Kama raised an eyebrow and tossed the garbage aside before walking over.

Cindy didn't know how to respond to her sister's teasing.

Just then, the sound of an F650 engine roared as Jiang Hai's car appeared in front of them.

The sight of the car caused different reactions in the sisters. Cindy appeared a bit flustered, while Kama seemed a little too excited. It was clear she was hoping to join Jiang Hai for some fun.

The Clive family's household was strict. Though their father wasn't too rigid, their mother was.

Cindy's father, a French chef, had been introduced before, while her mother was a teacher before becoming a full-time housewife after marrying her father. Cindy's stepmother was the main reason Cindy became a teacher at a local elementary school.

Kama Clive, now in high school, was nearing graduation, but living at home meant her mother still had control over her life. This was especially true for high school students, as graduation approaches, they are often faced with temptations and rebellious behavior.

With high school parties and celebrations in full swing, the time right before graduation was known for students acting on impulses that they might not have otherwise. In fact, this period had the highest probability of first-time experiences for many high school girls.

The Clive family's mother, being a former teacher, understood all too well what could happen at this stage. So, she made sure to keep a close eye on Kama. Despite Kama's attempts to rebel, it had been fruitless. Their mother's influence was too strong, and she had little room for freedom. When Kama wanted to join the workforce, her father sent her off to the Ocean Temple—a place where she had to socialize with older men she had to call "uncles."

Kama had no choice but to stay home on her days off, and if she wanted to go anywhere, she had to go with her sister. It was frustrating for her.

Now, however, the opportunity to get out and have fun had finally arrived, and Kama wasn't going to waste it. As soon as she saw Jiang Hai's car, she rushed over and called out, "Hey, brother-in-law, are you picking up my sister to go to your place? Can I come with you?"

"Wait, sister, brother-in-law?" Jiang Hai was stunned by her words. He did have feelings for Cindy, but he hadn't expected things to be so clearly labeled.

"Don't listen to her nonsense. The truth is, it's Saturday, and she wants me to go out with her. I didn't want to, so she's asking to go to your manor to hang out." Cindy's face flushed bright red as she hurried over to Jiang Hai's side and quickly explained.

"Sure, no problem! Let's all go!" Jiang Hai smiled warmly at both of them.

When Kama heard that, she cheered and ran inside to change clothes. Cindy sat in the front passenger seat, looking at Jiang Hai with a mix of frustration and amusement. He was too soft-hearted, but at the same time, it seemed like he didn't mind being called "brother-in-law."

"She's about to graduate and is stuck at home with nothing to do. I hope she won't bother you too much," Cindy remarked, settling into the car.

"It's fine. You know me, I don't mind. I have nothing important going on at the manor. Robbins handles the livestock, and Edward takes care of the fishery. I'm more of a hands-off boss. The more the merrier," Jiang Hai said, grinning.

"That's good," Cindy smiled, glad that her sister was in good hands.

Generally, when girls went out, it was a hassle—clothes, makeup, the whole process. But Kama didn't seem to care much. She hadn't even changed into her winter clothes yet and didn't bother with makeup, since she was 18 and at her best.

After about ten minutes, Kama came rushing out, jumped into the back seat without waiting for the door to be opened by Jiang Hai.

"Brother-in-law, where are we going? Aren't we going to your manor?" Kama asked eagerly once she was seated and buckled up.

"We're going to buy a car first," Jiang Hai responded with a smile.

"Buy a car? What car are you looking for?" Kama's curiosity piqued.

"We need a few cars. Right now, we only have three pickup trucks at the manor. They're fine for daily use, but they're not suitable for more formal occasions. For example, if we have guests to pick up, these trucks won't do. The manor will be selling products in the future, and we need to make a good impression. So, it's time for some new cars," Jiang Hai explained patiently while glancing at Kama in the rearview mirror.

"Ah, that makes sense, brother-in-law." Kama nodded thoughtfully, but then remembered something. She leaned forward, peering over the driver's seat to ask, "By the way, do you need any help picking out a car?"

Before she could finish, Cindy interjected, "Okay, that's enough. Don't call him 'brother-in-law' anymore. You know his name—just call him that, alright?"

Although Cindy and Jiang Hai hadn't clarified anything between them yet, Kama, sensing her sister's frustration, quickly corrected herself. "Okay, Jiang, what kind of car are you buying? I have a friend who works at a dealership. Maybe they can give you a discount."

"Great! The car I'm looking at isn't exactly cheap," Jiang Hai smiled at her response.

Kama quickly texted her friend, and within a few minutes, she turned to Jiang Hai. "All set!"

Seeing how eager and helpful Kama was, Jiang Hai couldn't help but smile. This little girl sure was fun. While he wasn't as rich as he once was, he still had enough money to buy a car, but if Kama was offering help, he was happy to take it. A discount or a better car—either way, it was a win.

As Cindy watched the interaction between Jiang Hai and her sister, she felt a warmth in her chest. Though things hadn't been clarified yet, she hoped that if things kept progressing, there might be a chance for them.

If she and Jiang Hai really did get together... The thought made Cindy blush. Quietly, she stole a glance at Jiang Hai, her heart racing.

While the three of them thought about their own things, Jiang Hai's car drove on toward the largest car dealership in Winthrop.

(To be continued...)