Chapter 55

"Do you have any obligations at your company today?" "Even if there was work to be done, missing a day or two wouldn't matter. Besides, I'd rather handle the tasks you've given me myself as I wouldn't trust them with anyone else." Peter approached Melissa and noticed a young girl standing next to her. He glanced at Amy, puzzled and asked. "And who might this be?" "She is my best friend, Amy Aaron, kind-hearted and gentle." Melissa introduced them cheerfully with emphasis. "This is my close friend from abroad, Peter James, a man of loyalty and deep sentiments." "Nice to meet you, Miss Aaron. Melissa has often spoken about you, and you indeed appear to be gentler than her." Peter cautiously extended a hand in greeting, unsure if Amy would accept his unexpected salutation. "Hello, Mr. James." Amy silently offered her hand. He lightly gripped it before letting go. For some unknown reason, a warm current surged within Amy's heart as though her heartbeat had stopped the instant their fingers touched. Could this be the love at first sight, as often described in novels or depicted in films! Amy stood slightly flushed, fiddling with the garbage bag, as she overhears Peter ask Melissa. "Melissa, is all that to be thrown out?" "Yes, and it's regretful. They're all damaged." Melissa looked at the items, her heart heavy, and her tone sullen. "Hand them over to me, I'll do it.” Peter took the waste bag while saying this, briskly walked to the green rubbish bin and carefully tossed the bag into it. As soon as the garbage landed, Peter heard sounds of broken glass and was prompted to ask. "Why is there no segregation of waste in this bin? These shards of glass can be dangerous; won’t they hurt anyone?" Having lived abroad where waste segregation is a norm, Peter was surprised. However, Amy’s neighborhood was a regular one, falling short of such advanced amenities. “No, Peter. People who come for garbage collection simply tip the contents into the garbage truck; they don't pick it up by hand." Melissa explained to Peter. She looked in surprise at the numerous household items packed in the trunk of his car and jokingly punched Peter's arm. "Peter, you're incredible! You've bought everything I could think of and even those I didn't; you're truly awesome!" "I was worried all the way here, afraid you might not like them. Hearing you say this puts me at ease." Peter said half in jest. Amy found him to be quite an interesting person. "Let's get these up there quickly then!" Melissa exclaimed with delight, speaking to Peter's two assistants. Seeing people moving stuff into her house, Amy quickly tugged on Melissa's sleeve and whispered. "Melissa, what on earth is going on? Why are all these people moving stuff into my home?" "All your stuff got smashed, didn't it? These are my supplies for you. I hope you're not angry with me; I'm the reason you're in this mess." Melissa candidly grinned. Winking at Amy, she cheerfully remarked "Amy, why don't you guide our handsome newcomer?" Glancing at Peter, Amy immediately went ahead to lead the way. Melissa trailed behind, winking at Peter and mouthing, "How about that? My bestie is quite gentle, isn't she?" Peter looked at Melissa and shook his head, silently wondering whether she was testing him or trying to set him up with someone else. "Mr. James, please have a seat. Melissa, you should also sit down. I'll go and make some honey pomelo tea for you," Amy invited them to sit on the sofa, then turned to head into the kitchen. "Amy, you don't need to fuss. Peter won't be able to stay for long," Melissa hurried over to stop Amy, but saw Amy wave her over. "What is it, Amy?" Melissa quickly leaned in, asking in a low voice. "Melissa, this stuff is from you, why didn't you give me a heads up?" Amy mildly reprimanded. She was kept in the dark about the whole matter; there was no mental preparation at all. "If I had told you in advance, you would definitely have refused. Taking action first and explaining later is a better strategy!" Melissa understood Amy's character well. Amy, who would rather suffer losses than accept others' kindness, was truly strong-willed. "But how am I supposed to pay back such a huge favor?" Amy seemed slightly worried. She was pacing in the kitchen, but had completely forgotten about the honey pomelo tea. "Amy, you're overthinking this, it has nothing to do with you. Peter and I have a deep friendship. If anyone needs to repay the favor, it's me. So, rest assured." Melissa comforted Amy. She looked around before reminding Amy. "Right, Amy, what did you come in here to get again?" "Oh no, I completely forgot." Amy opened the fridge and took out a jar of chilled honey pomelo tea, realizing she would need to boil some water to make the tea. So, she turned to Melissa and said. "Melissa, you should go back to the living room. We shouldn't neglect our guest." Melissa understood Amy's concerns and smiled in agreement. "Alright, then I'll go keep Peter company for a bit." Ten minutes later, Amy carrying a tea tray came out of the kitchen. She gently placed the tray on the coffee table in front of the sofa, served the honey pomelo tea she had prepared to Peter and Melissa, and sat down on a small sofa to the side. "Thank you" Peter picked up the cup. The pomelo tea smelled sweet and fragrant, and it even contained fresh pomelo pulp. He blew at the tea and took a small sip. "This is quite tasty. What brand of pomelo tea is this?" Melissa also took a sip and nodded in admiration at Amy. "This is a homemade honey pomelo tea that I made. I've only made it three times, but this batch is finally drinkable." Amy lowered her head somewhat awkwardly. She was quite pleased when someone mistakenly thought her tea was store-bought and even asked what brand it was. Amy usually made small desserts and beverages out of boredom when she was at home, but it was rewarding to finally have someone appreciate it. "Wow, Amy, you're so talented! I had no idea. You should teach me sometime, so I can make it for Alvin and Alvina." Melissa exclaimed in surprise before taking a few more sips of her tea. "Take it and let the kids have some if you like it" Amy was always genuine. If she ever became somebody's wife and mother, she would undoubtedly be a model good wife and mother. "No need, Amy. You only need to tell me how to make pomelo tea someday. I haven't been doing anything at Clarkson's house anyway, and this honey pomelo tea might come in handy to please Grandma." Melissa suddenly thought of using the pomelo tea to curry favor with Grandma Julia and decided to learn it well from Amy. "Melissa, how's your progress at the Clarkson's house recently?" Peter, took this opportunity to ask about Melissa's recent plans.