Chapter 964: Ancient

[From: Old Mrs. Pierson

My Dearest Atlas,

How have you been, my dear? Isn’t the weather lovely these days? The flowers in my backyard are blooming so beautifully, and in the morning, they glow like no other. They’ve given this wide and plain green space beautiful colors. I have spent many tranquil moments walking amidst this delightful meadow, reflecting on life’s peculiar twists and turns, and our beautiful family ties.

I must confess that despite all this tranquility and joy, I find myself worrying about your well-being. I am afraid that your wit and wisdom, which have given me so much delight, may go to waste. Therefore, when our dearest Penny mentioned that you too carry this worry in your life, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I have selected quite a few eligible women in their prime who have the perfect star alignment with yours.

This old woman only wishes you the best. I hope this brings you some ease. I look forward to your response and assure you I will arrange everything, provided you give me the time to fulfill these arrangements.

Sincerely,

Grandma]

---

Atlas blinked, then blinked again, feeling as though the small device in his hands had turned into an old parchment. Reading Old Mrs. Pierson’s text message felt like he was wearing ancient clothing, as though he had been away from home to defend his land.

"I never knew Old Mrs. Pierson knew how to use a phone," he muttered to himself, reading the long message once more. Every time he read it, the same feeling crossed his heart and mind, to the point that he could almost imagine himself back in ancient times.

"Sir, I’m sorry it took me so long," Allen then said, returning with a tray of food from the fast food counter, sitting down across from Atlas. The second he saw the puzzlement on Atlas’s face, he was tempted to take a peek at what his boss was reading.

Sadly, Allen could only see that someone had sent his boss a very long message. Whatever it was, it must be important. So, Allen sat quietly, unwrapping his hamburger without disturbing his boss.

"Allen, will you tell me the meaning of this?" Atlas asked after a moment, flipping his phone to show Allen the message he was reading. "It sounds to me like Old Mrs. Pierson is at least two centuries old to write such a letter."

"Letter?" Deep lines formed on Allen’s brows as he checked the text message. After reading the first sentence, his face contorted as he understood why Atlas had said that Old Mrs. Pierson was probably older than she claimed. As he continued reading, scrolling the message down with his index finger, he almost choked on his hamburger.

"*Cough! Cough!*"

Atlas frowned and reached for the glass of water to hand it over to Allen. After Allen took it, he downed it in a single gulp. For a moment, Allen felt his hair grow longer, as though he were wearing one of those tight scholar uniforms from ancient times by reading such a message.

"Hah!" Allen breathed out in relief before setting his wide eyes on his boss. "Sir! Did you not understand the letter?"

"I did. Old Mrs. Pierson wants to set me up with all these women."

"Then why are you asking me what it’s about?"

"I’m trying to confirm Old Mrs. Pierson’s age." Atlas casually shrugged as he retrieved his phone and stared at it. "She might be lying."

Allen’s face contorted, but he decided not to comment. Knowing his boss, he could easily imagine Atlas’s train of thought—perhaps he thought Old Mrs. Pierson was a secret immortal.

"Should I read it again?" Atlas wondered aloud. "I feel ancient when I do."

"I think—" Allen didn’t even get a proper sentence out before Atlas started reading it again anyway. "..."

’I should’ve known it’s not me he’s talking to, but himself,’Allen thought, taking a big bite of his burger as he watched Atlas’s expression grow stern and serious. ’I guess he likes the idea of being ancient. I didn’t know Old Mrs. Pierson had such a sense of humor.’

After a moment, Atlas placed his phone down and rested his arms on the table.

"Sir?" Allen raised his brows in surprise. "Are you... alright?"

Instead of answering, Atlas tossed the phone lightly in Allen’s direction, making it spin briefly on the table.

"Read it."

"Uh..." Allen cleared his throat and picked up the phone, skimming through the message again. "What should I look for in here, sir?"

"Whose idea is this?" Atlas asked.

"Huh?"

Atlas slowly raised his head and locked eyes with him. "Whose idea was it to set up these blind dates?"

"It was... Old Mrs. Pierson...?"

"Read it again."

"Yes, sir!" Allen quickly complied, reading the message again, only to notice one name mentioned. His face twitched, and he forced a smile at Atlas. "Miss Penny... was worried?"

"She’s not worried. She’s losing her mind."

"..."

"I’m going to see her."

Having said that, Atlas stood from his chair and walked away. But just as he had taken a few steps, he turned back, gazing at the food on the tray. He picked up the burger and then the fries before continuing on his way, leaving Allen behind.

"..." Allen blinked, eyes on his boss’s back. "Should I go with him? Or should I just enjoy my first meal of the day? I feel like I’d get indigestion if I eat with him."

---

Meanwhile, Hugo and Slater, who also received the same message, had different reactions from their First Brother.

Hugo, back in the ward to watch a coma patient, read the letter quietly. He had been staring at his phone intently before deciding to message back:

"Whatever makes you happy, grandma."

Then he tossed the phone aside, not really understanding what Old Mrs. Pierson was saying. All he understood was that she had a beautiful garden.

"Good for her!"

---

As for Slater...

"Ew. Ew. Uh... too skinny for me—nope." Unlike his brothers, Slater took the matter seriously and checked the list of women Old Mrs. Pierson had sent. But halfway through the list, all he had been saying was:

"Ewww."