Chapter 200: Chapter 200: Meeting Amanda's Parents

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow across the horizon, Tailsa stirred awake.She had taken a long, restful nap, sleeping soundly through the afternoon.Groggily reaching out beside her, she realized that the "bad man" wasn't there.Rising from bed, she slipped into a fluffy white dress that hugged her waist, complete with puffed sleeves and a flattering neckline.Wearing it made her feel like a fairy who had accidentally wandered into the mortal realm—especially appealing to those roguish types.Feeling cheerful, Tailsa stepped out of her room and wandered around the third floor before heading down to the second. Eventually, she found Wu Ma in the living room, tidying up."Aunt Wu , where did they go?""Boss and Amanda already left; they said dinner isn't happening here tonight."Tailsa froze in place.So they played and then ran off? What did they think this was?Meanwhile, James and Amanda were in the car, preparing to take Timmy back to her grandmother's house.The little girl was apprehensive about parting from her dad since she would be starting kindergarten and wouldn't see him for a while.James comforted her for a long time and finally said, "How about I go with you to Grandma's house?"Timmy's face lit up, but Amanda was taken aback. "Are you sure that's convenient?"James laughed, "What's the issue? Your mom has met me already. It'll be good to make a formal introduction and let them know not to pressure you into blind dates."Amanda replied, "I told them last time, and they even received a substantial amount of money; they're aware of it.""How much?" James asked, curiously.Amanda answered honestly, "Five hundred thousand each."James's eyes widened with surprise. "So that counts as betrothal money?"Amanda's gaze turned thoughtful for a moment, unsure if he was joking, and quietly agreed."Then I'll go and meet your father-in-law, giving you some extra prestige," James grinned."Be cautious; my dad can be a bit gruff. He might not take well to you," Amanda warned."Don't worry; as long as you're on my side, everything will be fine," James replied confidently.After doing some shopping, James carried ten bags of Tianye leaves and an array of high-end health supplements like deer antler and cordyceps.Behind him, Jay Johnson held two cases of Maotai.The total was about fifty to sixty thousand dollars worth of gifts.Arriving at Amanda's home, they were greeted by the curious glances of the neighbors, while Amanda's mother, who had been informed earlier, welcomed them inside.Amanda's parents lived on the second floor of an old complex.From the outside, the building looked run-down, and stepping inside revealed that it was just as dated.The mixed-colored stone floor was clean but showed signs of age and wear.The walls had patches of peeling paint, and the wooden furniture scattered around gave the place an old-fashioned feel.In the living room sat a robust elderly man with a sharp gaze, wearing round, antiquated glasses, peering at a newspaper with concentration.He hardly acknowledged the lively group that walked in."Come in, come in! Look at all these gifts! You could have just brought a couple of cigarettes. Your dad doesn't even drink..." There was Mrs. Smith, Amanda's mother, beaming with a bright smile.She greeted James and the others and quickly dashed to the kitchen to turn off the stove, apologizing for the rush.Amanda pointed in the direction of her father and whispered to James, "That's my dad, Lori Smith."James cast a glance at him.This expressionless old man was likely the boss he needed to impress.If he could win over the old man, maybe he'd finally earn Amanda's sincere affection.This could potentially lead to a reward of ten elite bodyguard protectors.James's mind raced as he thought about how to break the ice and get the old man talking.Timmy, eager and outspoken, raced ahead and exclaimed, "Grandpa, Timmy has a daddy now!"That declaration struck the elderly man like a bolt, instantly catching his attention.He looked up and scrutinized James and the tall Jay Johnson behind him.One looked refined and poised, while the other was rugged and broad.Just as he was about to ask who was who, James gestured for Jay Johnson to set the wine down at the entrance.He laid the cigarettes on the coffee table and smiled politely. "Hello, Uncle. I'm Amanda's boyfriend, James."Seeing it wasn't the seemingly honest tall guy, Lori Smith's demeanor cooled instantly as he nodded curtly. "Sit down, make yourself at home."Then he turned to Timmy, admonishing her, "Timmy, you can't just call anyone 'Daddy' without knowing; you should call him 'Uncle.'"Timmy's eyes widened, and she replied, "But Mom agreed I could call him that!"Lori Smith cast a sideways glance at his daughter and replied flatly, "Your mother doesn't understand. You need to learn your manners."Timmy glanced at her mother's helpless expression and the smiling face of her new dad, contemplating before she said, "Does Grandpa not want Timmy to have a daddy?"The innocent question hung in the air, leading to an abrupt silence.No one expected Timmy to throw such an emotional punch at her grandfather.Seeing the old man's conflicted expression, James couldn't help but smile, giving Timmy a thumbs-up from the corner."Grandpa didn't mean it that way; he meant..." Lori Smith stammered, struggling for words.He thought about saying that this wealthy newcomer had no good intentions, that he was only with his daughter to have children.But saying that in front of the man was awkward, especially since Timmy wouldn't understand.Lori furrowed his brow, staring at James. "Don't think your money can make you do as you please; I don't need your money."No matter how much money you throw around, life is just a few decades long; when it's over, it's all gone.Lori had lived long enough to see that money wasn't everything.Of course, being wealthy is the best option, but he could still lead a fulfilling life without it.Family harmony and his children's happiness mattered far more.He didn't want his daughter to end up with another insecure man."Uncle, you're mistaken. I just want Amanda to have a better life."James slowly sat down across from him, smiling as he said, "Amanda is the most understanding girl in my heart, and I'm willing to take care of her for a lifetime."Lori Smith replied coldly, "If she were so understanding, she wouldn't have dragged others into it to irritate me."James fell silent for a moment, then issued a soul-searching question: "So you don't want her to enjoy a good life and to be happy, do you?""Do you want your daughter to be frequently taken advantage of in a bar, working tirelessly for peanuts?""Do you want your granddaughter to grow up without a father figure?"Lori Smith became agitated, responding, "That's because she doesn't listen to me! She should have married someone reliable much earlier; how could she have to endure this much suffering?"James chuckled lightly. "Let's not debate the right and wrong of who listens to whom. Everyone has different perspectives at various life stages, and you can't project your values onto your children. That wouldn't be fair.""Given the situation, your daughter is already divorced and raising a child. Do you honestly think you can find her a sincere and reliable man? Are those trustworthy men really so trustworthy?"At those words, Lori Smith fell silent, at a loss for a comeback.After a long pause, he finally looked up sharply at the young man with a smile.That kind of confidence and directness was something he had never possessed.Could this be the unshakeable confidence of the wealthy?At that moment, Mrs. Smith emerged with a plate of peanuts and fruit."What are you all discussing? Your faces look so serious."