The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 296 In Grandma's Arms

As Autumn had made an appointment with Andy to have dinner with the Zhao family, she came to Shining Company an hour before her shift to prepare. Inevitably, she ran into Leila at the entrance. And Leila's face blanched at the sight of Autumn.

"Hi, Ye, here you are," Leila greeted Autumn with an awkward yet surprised smile. It was evident from her expression that, she knew Autumn must have known about her complicity with Paula, but irrespective of that she had to greet Autumn warmly as always.

"Hmm, "Autumn just nodded to acknowledge her greeting without a pause. She felt that this was a never ending drama which she could not tolerate anymore. She forgave Leila over and over again, thinking she would turn over a new leaf, but it seemed that... she had been way too kind towards her.

"Leila." Autumn had already crossed Leila, but she suddenly turned around and called out to Leila.

"Yes, what's the matter, Ye?" Leila asked in a calm tone, but her heart was pounding out of her body with nervousness. She clenched her hand in a tight fist involuntary as she tried to calm down.

"Oh, it is nothing important, "Autumn replied softly, "I just wanted to ask if you aren't used to being here."

"No, I actually enjoy working here," Leila hurried to answer with a frozen smile, "Mr. Lu is nice to me, and my colleagues are very friendly as well."

"That's good." After much deliberation Autumn finally did not question her about stealing her scheme. She wanted to consult Charles before she could decide what to with Leila.

With the year drawing to an end, Charles had been incredibly busy lately. In addition, owing to the loss of cooperation with Light House Company, he had to work harder to silence the board and ensure smooth functioning. Thus, on their way to the Zhao family, he told Autumn, "So from tomorrow on, I may not be able to see grandma with you as often as I'd like.

There are heaps of job that require my immediate attention in the company, and social engagements are almost arranged right up till the New Year's eve. But you can rest assured that I will come and see her with you when I have time. I hope that is okay with you?" he asked apologetically.

"That sounds reasonable, "Autumn answered in a considerate tone. She didn't mind it. After all, she could go to see her grandmother alone. But in fact what did worry her was that... it meant she would have to delay dealing with Leila.

With the company's affairs all hectic, it was not possible let alone realistic to recruit new employees. Therefore, Autumn planed not to settle accounts with Leila until Charles was no longer busy.

"By the way, Charles, "Autumn suddenly realized something. She paused for a moment before continuing, "No matter how busy you are, don't forget about Chris and Sam. Aunt Jane and Sam met me, they hope to meet our family as soon as possible. You must make time."

"Oh that is no problem. I am certain I can accommodate that in my schedule, "Charles nodded.

Once they arrived at the Zhao family, Amy had just gotten the dinner ready and was setting the dishes down on the table. And she smiled as wide as her face could accommodate once she saw Autumn and Charles.

"Sit down for dinner, " Amy told them happily, which made Abby jealous. "Mom, every time Autumn comes, you cook for her personally, but you never make the time to cook for me at all. You've crossed bounds in partiality, "Abby complained in an injured tone.

"Stop complaining and just eat!" Amy ordered as she broke into a laugh. Then she turned to Autumn and softly said, "Eat up, child. I'll just bring soup and join you."

"Let me help you, "Autumn said, as she got up and followed Amy into the kitchen. "Grandma... "

She called out and then paused for a moment before she added, "Please don't go through the trouble of making so many dishes every time I come. Otherwise, I'll always be worried and pressured about coming here."

"Don't listen to Abby, " Amy said and patted Autumn on the arm. "I haven't taken care of you for so many years. While I still have the strength to move, I want to do whatever I can for you. Even if it is just as small as a meal, I will be happy." Amy earnestly expressed her love and guilt towards Autumn, and at last she couldn't help weeping.

She somehow became very emotional while facing Autumn.

"Please don't cry, grandma, " Autumn comforted her as she wiped Amy's eyes. "I'm just worried about wearing you out. I only meant to look out for your welfare and nothing else."

Autumn could feel the overwhelming level of love and care from the Zhao family, and now she was getting along well with them so the awkwardness had dissolved.

"I'm okay," Amy stopped tears and her face lit up with happiness. "Let's join everyone else for dinner."

Then Autumn helped Amy serve the soup. Emily, blind, soon went back to her room to rest after dinner. Not wanting to disappoint Amy, Autumn ate much more than she usually did. And she went to see Emily after putting the bowls and chopsticks in the kitchen.

She opened Emily's door, but found the room in a state of pitch darkness. "Grandma," she gently called out and apprehensively inquired, "It's so dark. Why not leave one light on?"

Upon hearing Autumn's voice, Emily quietly smiled and answered, "I can't see anything anyway. So it really makes no difference whether the light is on or not."

Autumn, hearing what Emily said, felt a pinch of pain. If there was any treatment that could cure Emily, she would pay whatever it took, but now... It was not a question of money.

In the face of what was destined, there was nothing anyone could do.

"Are you crying, Autumn?" Emily asked, almost like she could sense Autumn's pain. She then reached out and took Autumn's hand and said, "I will die sooner or later. I don't want you to be sad about it." "I wish you could be with me always, grandma, "Autumn said, holding Emily.

Every time Autumn thought about Emily's illness, she had a rising sense of hate towards Wendy in particular. It was after all Wendy's fault that Emily missed the last window for treatment.

"Silly girl," Emily sighed and now wrapped her arm around Autumn. She also wanted to spend more time with Autumn, but since she knew that was not possible, she decided to accept the reality gracefully. She hoped sincerely that Autumn too could accept it, so that when she died, she might not feel too grieved.

Autumn felt like she was transported back to her childhood. She was reminded of days when Emily would hold her in her arms, slowly waving a large fan to drive away mosquitoes. Emily also narrated many strange stories and also sometimes taught her ancient poems. Every time she lay in Emily's arms, she felt safe and comfortable.

Even though Emily was very skinny now... Autumn still had the same feeling of security in her arms.

"Well, you're married. Stop acting like a spoiled child, "Emily beamed, "I want Charles and you to live happily ever after, okay?"

"Hmm, I know we will," Autumn replied in a low tone. Then she reluctantly left Emily's arms. Realizing that Emily was a little sleepy, she said, "Get your rest, grandma. I will see you tomorrow."

"Okay," Emily said. Autumn tucked Emily in and left the room. Meanwhile, in the living room, Charles and Andy were sitting on the sofa talking about work. Abby, unable to get a word in, sat next to Andy and listened to their conversation silently.

"Is she asleep now?" Amy asked softly, as she glanced at Autumn.