"Graduate on time, land a great job!" Evie said.
"There's no room for me in that plan!" Alexander sighed.
"How is there no room for you?" Evie replied, a flicker of guilt in her voice.
She hadn't expected him to catch on at all!
"Then how exactly does this plan involve me?" Alexander pressed.
"Fine, fine. After I graduate successfully, I'll have a bachelor's degree. That at least means Mrs. Sterling has a university education, and her credentials are decent. Then, if I can find a good job, it proves Mrs. Sterling is a capable woman. Of course, if I happen to work at Mr. Sterling's company, I'll become his subordinate, working under his wise leadership! Doesn't that sound relevant?" Evie's words tumbled out faster and faster.
Alexander just stared at her, finally letting out a helpless chuckle.
"Evie, you can really talk your way around anything!"
"Everything I said is true!" Evie insisted.
"Which part?" Alexander shot her a glance.
"Every single word!" Evie grabbed his arm, grinning.
"Pure nonsense!" Alexander declared at last.
"…" Evie could only giggle in response.
Back at Sterling Manor, they went upstairs. Alexander held out his hand. Evie was a bit confused but still reached out to take it, looking at him curiously.
"What about my gift?" Alexander had to ask directly.
"I put it in the top drawer of your desk!" Evie finally realized.
"What is it? So mysterious!" Alexander smiled.
"Just use it however you like. I spent ages picking it out." Evie said, then dashed into the bedroom with a giggle.
Alexander shook his head, amused. What kind of gift had she bought him? It was so secretive.
Well, he was curious now, because Evie was being so mysterious.
Alexander went into his study to retrieve his New Year's present.
Opening the drawer, he found a wrapped gift inside.
He took out the gift, untied the ribbon, and opened the box. The next second, he stared at the contents, laughing and crying at the same time.
Evie had actually prepared a box of flavored condoms for him.
Evie finished washing up and walked out of the bathroom, still wondering if Alexander liked the gift she had prepared.
She had searched for a long time before picking out that pair of cufflinks for him!
She had looked at them and thought they were the most perfect match for Alexander.
Even though they were expensive, she hadn't hesitated to buy them.
She just didn't know if Alexander would notice them?
Evie sat nervously on the sofa, waiting for Alexander to return to the bedroom.
Alexander walked back into the bedroom.
Evie looked at him anxiously.
Alexander walked straight over to Evie, sat down beside her, looked down at her, and said, "Thank you!"
"You like them, right?" Evie replied with a smile.
"Even though I don't think it's necessary, I don't mind if you like it!"
Evie nodded again, but then she thought the second half of his sentence sounded strange?
"What flavor do you want to try first tonight? Or should we try them all?" Alexander leaned in and asked.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Evie was stunned, staring at him in amazement.
"What you gave me is for me to use, isn't it?"
"Yes, but what I gave you isn't scented?" Evie blinked.
"Are you sure?" Alexander said, gently kissing her cheek.
"Yes, how can you smell the cufflinks? Do you want me to buy you some cologne?"
"Cufflinks?" Alexander stopped his actions, looking at her.
"Yes!" Evie answered firmly. "Didn't you see them?"
"I only saw this!" Alexander pulled something out of his pocket.
Evie looked at his hand, took the item, and asked, "What's this?"
"A condom—"
"Ah?" Evie stared at Alexander in shock. The next second, her face flushed bright red, and she threw it back into his hand. "I didn't buy that! I'm done for! I've been tricked! The cufflinks I bought were precious!"
With that, Evie rushed out of the bedroom and ran to Alexander's study to find the packaging box.
It turned out the cufflinks were at the bottom, while on top were a dozen condoms with various scents!
Evie looked awkwardly at Alexander as he walked into the bedroom and explained, "I only bought the cufflinks! How did these extra things get in there!"
"Maybe it's a free gift!" Alexander laughed, coming over. He certainly didn't mind having more of these things.
"Why didn't you tell me about the gift?" Evie said dejectedly.
"Maybe it's a surprise for your husband!" Alexander hugged Evie from behind and kissed her white neck. Evie suddenly froze on the spot, not even daring to move her toes.
Tradition dictated getting up early on the first and second days of the Lunar New Year. The early bird catches the worm, as they say.
But Evie was lying in bed, looking like she was going to sleep until the end of time.
She was completely wiped out. She didn't even want to move a finger. She just wanted to sleep.
Alexander called her twice. She just mumbled and went back to sleep. She had no intention of getting up.
Eventually, Alexander stopped calling her and let her sleep.
A call came from the main house, asking them to come down for breakfast.
Alexander said not to wait for him and Evie, and for them to eat first.
After a while, Eleanor Sterling's low voice came through, "Haven't you two gotten up yet?"
"Mom, don't wait for me and Evie. Eat first!" Alexander didn't directly answer his mother's question.
"On the first day of the New Year, there's no reason not to have breakfast together!" Eleanor scolded.
"Mom, what's more important? Breakfast or your future grandson?" Alexander asked with a smile.
"You rascal!" Eleanor couldn't help but laugh and scold. "Alright, alright, you two come down later. I'll keep some breakfast warm for you."
"Thanks, Mom!"
After hanging up, Alexander turned around and looked at Evie, who was still sleeping on her stomach.
It seemed she had really been worn out last night.
He sighed to himself. Evie's stamina wasn't good. She would need to exercise more from now on!
After more than half an hour, Evie finally woke up groggily.
Alexander leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Everyone is waiting for us to have breakfast!"
Evie opened her eyes and looked at Alexander in surprise.
"But I told my mother that breakfast isn't as important as her little grandson!"
"Little grandson?" Evie muttered, still confused.
"Isn't the son we'll have my mother's little grandson?"
Evie stared at Alexander blankly. The next second, she realized what he meant. "Pervert—"
She blurted out the same words as before.
Then she quickly covered her mouth and said vaguely, "This time doesn't count!"
"It's all my fault!" Alexander stood at the bathroom door, answering with a smile.
Evie was so embarrassed she couldn't even muster the courage to look at Alexander for a long time.
Alexander was so bad.