Chapter 146: In the Lap of Luxury Xin looked over at the penthouse while Michael personally toured them around.
The penthouse was a true marvel of modern luxury, boasting five spacious bedrooms, each more extravagant than the last.
As Xin, Xiaxia, and Evelyn explored the interior, they were left in awe of the luxury that surrounded them.
Xin wandered into one of the bedrooms, his eyes wide as he took in the lavish decor. ’This room is incredible. It’s like something out of a movie.’ He thought to himself.
The bedroom was decorated in soft, muted tones that exuded tranquility and elegance. The king-sized bed was adorned with high-end linens and plush pillows, inviting anyone to sink into its comfort.
The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and the room featured its own private balcony that overlooked the city below.
Xiaxia had found her way to another bedroom, equally as impressive. "Look at this view, Mom. It’s breathtaking."
The windows in this bedroom stretched from floor to ceiling, offering an uninterrupted vista of the city skyline.
The room itself was decorated in a more vibrant color palette, with rich jewel tones and intricate patterns that added a touch of drama to the space. A luxurious chaise lounge sat by the window, providing the perfect spot to take in the scenery.
What left Xiaxia utterly amazed was the expansive bathroom, complete with its very own centrally placed Jacuzzi! Throughout her life, she had never had the opportunity to bathe in such luxury.
Evelyn entered the master bedroom, her eyes widening at the sheer size and grandeur of the space. "I can’t believe this is where we get to stay," she murmured softly.
The master bedroom was a true sanctuary, with a massive four-poster bed as its centerpiece. The bed was adorned with a canopy that flowed elegantly to the floor, creating an atmosphere of sheer luxury.
The room featured a private sitting area with plush armchairs and a fireplace, adding a touch of warmth to the surroundings.
"B-boss . . . this is too much," Evelyn stammered, didn’t know what to feel or say at the moment.
Michael felt that this was the right time to confess when Xin and Xiaxia were checking out the other rooms.
"Actually . . ." Michael’s started, staring closely into Evelyn’s eyes.
However, his words were interrupted when Xin and Xiaxia suddenly arrived, and he was forced to change his sentence. "Don’t worry about it. No one is using this unit anyway, so you might as well."
They continued to explore and found that the penthouse also included a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room with seating for twelve, and a spacious living area with sumptuous leather sofas and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
Xiaxia couldn’t help but marvel at the attention to detail and the quality of the furnishings. "I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s like my dream home and so much more."
Evelyn couldn’t shake the feeling that all of this was too much, and she couldn’t help but feel like they were imposing on Michael’s generosity.
Michael, however, wore a reassuring smile in response to their reactions. "Consider it a small gesture of appreciation for all that you’ve done, Evelyn. This place is yours for as long as you need it."
Moved by Michael’s kindness, Evelyn expressed her gratitude sincerely. "Thank you, Boss. This means the world to us."
"Well then, I’ll let you guys settle in for the night. You can take the day off tomorrow," he informed Evelyn and addressed Xin and Xiaxia. "I’ll call your school to let them know you’ll be absent due to the circumstances."
Xiaxia couldn’t help but react strongly to the idea. "No way!" She blurted out, but then quickly realized her outburst and continued more composedly, "I mean . . . I’d rather not have the school find out about our house burning down. Living in mass housing is bad enough, but if they know it got burned . . . I’ll never hear the end of it."
Michael glanced at Evelyn first, sensing her embarrassment and guilt about not being able to provide the best for her children.
Evelyn met his gaze and nodded, acknowledging her shortcomings.
"Very well," Michael agreed. "I’ll come up with an excuse for you."
There was a short paused before Michael finally asked about the chocolate milk, eyes sparkling with excitement as he stared intently at Evelyn.
When the topic of the chocolate milk came up, Evelyn began explaining, but Xin intervened. "She gave it to me."
Michael shifted his gaze from Evelyn to Xin, his expression fell.
There was an unspoken conversation between them and Michael understood what happened and he could only sigh.
"You shouldn’t give her a drink at night when she’s tired and full," Xin advised.
"I’ll keep that in mind," Michael replied.
Xin then took it upon himself to escort Michael to the door and instructed his mother and sister to head to bed.
Evelyn started to voice her concern, but Michael interjected gently, "It’s fine. You girls should rest. I’ll send over some comfortable clothes for you to change into."
Xiaxia and Evelyn expressed their gratitude again, visibly tired and grateful for the reprieve from the night’s chaos.
Michael’s features softened as his eyes settled on Evelyn.
Xin cleared his throat and escorted Michael to the private elevator, there was a moment of silence between them.
Finally, Michael broke the silence first.
"Did you . . ."
"Yes, I did," Xin replied, completing Michael’s unspoken question.
"I see . . ." Michael suddenly felt embarrassed that someone had read his note on the bottle.
He then stepped into the elevator, and just as the doors were closing, Xin offered his final words for the night.
"Thank you. I appreciate all the help that you’re giving us. But this is only temporary. I’m going to buy back our old house and repay you for this favor."
Michael only gazed at Xin for a moment before a faint smile played on his lips and the elevator door closed.
Xin knew that buying back their old house would take some time, and he would have to impose on Michael’s feelings for his mother until then.