A Dog-Blood Family Drama

"This feels so nice."

Leslie lay flat on the lawn by the lake, enjoying the spring breeze. She had just finished exploring the entire Graceville Manor.

Aside from several places like Calix's bedroom, his home office and the annex where Aunt Wendy and Uncle Raymond lived, Leslie had visited them all. This place was indeed huge.

The rooftop swimming pool on the third floor was huge, more than enough to host a party there. Anyone could enjoy the mesmerizing view of the lush greenery surrounding the mansion while taking a dip.

As someone who enjoyed swimming but lacked the opportunities, Leslie was so tempted to get into the pool. Yet, she held back by telling herself she could try it some other time.

The library was on the other side of the second floor, the same one where Leslie's bedroom and Calix's were located. The place was also spacious but, most of the books didn't interest Leslie.

Her attention was only to mystery and fantasy novels instead of books about business and the economy.

Calix mentioned there was an indoor gymnasium in the basement, located on the first level thus, Leslie dropped by at the place. Judging from the wide array of equipment inside, he might spend his free time there to keep in shape.

Unless CEO Xu simply purchased everything out of momentary impulse and tried them all before his motivation was drowned by his laziness.

Hurm... Maybe not. After all, the man's physique resembled the top handsome actors in the dramas.

Leslie had visited the lake before but, she ended up coming here once again. Drawn by the tranquility of the lake shimmering under the sunlight, she plopped down on the ground to rest.

|Leslie, aren't you worried?|

Mimo curled next to Leslie. Its childlike voice echoed in the air yet only could be heard by her.

"Worried about what?" Leslie murmured softly. Her eyes were staring at the rustling leaves above.

Lying right below a tree, the sunbeam streamed through the tiny gaps between the vivid green leaves. The wind carried the scent of the flowers, reminding one of the brilliant spring season.

|About meeting the original host's family. You don't have any memories of them yet.|

Mimo's last sentence was a statement. Aside from remembering the little details in the novel, Leslie knew nothing about the Li family.

"Mimo, didn't you say I'll receive her memories gradually? Especially after I get triggered by something or someone?" asked Leslie, recalling what Mimo had told her yesterday.

|Uhuh, yes.|

According to the crochet fox toy, Leslie would slowly receive Charlene's memories unless the latter suppressed some particular ones. Thus, she believed that she would know more about the Li family once she met them tonight.

What happened in the book was due to the author's planning. But, Leslie still wanted to see the parents who let their daughter marry a man who she hadn't known at all. 

Rowan Li and Bianca Zhao. They were Charlene's parents.

Rowan was the firstborn of the main Li family but, Old Madam Li adored his younger brother more. The disparity of treatment between them was so obvious until Rowan was known as the neglected first son.

The Li family's matriarch prioritized Geoffrey, the youngest son of the Li family. The good treatment was extended to his wife and children. 

As a result, Charlene's family was ostracized by the other members of the Li family, including distant relatives. They were busy currying favors with Geoffrey.

"Haa... it's indeed a dog-blood[1] family drama."

Even though Charlene was only one of the supporting characters, her personal life could easily mirror one. Of course, the author wouldn't put too much focus on her compared to the female lead.

Leslie slowly closed her eyes, pushing every thought regarding the Li family away. They could wait until later.

Gradually, Calliope's adorable laughing face was conjured in her mind, bringing a smile to her lips. Soon, the words she used to chant followed.

"Poppy made the bed! Come and look!"

"Oh? Why can't the doggy eat chocolate? Chocolate is so delicious ah."

"Mama! Mama! The froggy jumps!"

Like most children, Calliope was a ball of curiosity. Entertaining a young child could be exhausting sometimes, especially for Leslie who had no one to rely on when she was discouraged.

Yet, Leslie took it as a learning experience. After all, being a parent had its first time.

"Mimo."

Mimo lay its head against Leslie's arm, |Yes, Leslie?|

Leslie exhaled a sigh, "Tonight, I'll tell Calix about Poppy."

Despite still feeling unsure which was the best way to bring up the topic, Leslie couldn't wait anymore. She needed to start looking for Calliope from now on. No one knew when would they be reunited.

|You'll find Poppy, Leslie. CEO Xu will help you ah. Trust me.|

"Hehe, thank you, Mimo."

Without opening her eyes, Leslie gently stroked Mimo's round head. The fox toy snuggled closer to her, resembling a pet.

Enjoying the cool spring air, Leslie leisurely lay on the lawn. She had forgotten that Calix promised to come home early today.

****************

Xu International was not that far from Mapleview Hills where Calix resided. Usually, he needed less than thirty minutes to reach Graceville Manor.

The clock had just struck a little over three-thirty by the time Calix parked his sedan in the garage. Whistling to an upbeat tune, he quickly got inside the mansion.

"Welcome back, Mr. Calix," greeted Uncle Raymond. He was trimming the topiaries near the main entrance.

Because Calix was more inclined to drive the car himself, Uncle Raymond dedicated most of his time to taking care of the garden. He also learned the art of topiary, much to Calix's amusement.

Calix paused from walking, taking the time to admire Uncle Raymond's hard work. He flashed a thumbs-up to the middle-aged man before praising the latter.

"The cat topiaries look cute. Good job, Uncle Raymond."

"Hahaha! If I'm more skilled, I'll craft a dragon and phoenix pair for you and your new wife."

Calix smiled awkwardly as he thought of the auspicious symbols for newlyweds. In weddings, the dragon and phoenix pair portrayed love, prosperity and happiness to the groom and bride.

Patting Uncle Raymond's back, Calix said, "It's okay, it's okay. These cat topiaries are more than enough. She might..."

Calix almost bit his tongue, trying to stop from saying the rest of the sentence. He was so close to saying Leslie might love the cat topiaries.

How could a comatose person enjoy seeing the topiaries?

Uncle Raymond might look strangely at him like how Aunt Wendy and Edward did before.

"What? What is it, Mr. Calix?" asked Uncle Raymond confusedly.

"No, it's nothing."

Calix flashed the brightest smile before hurrying inside the house.

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Reference:

1 - Dog-blood refers to exaggerated, melodramatic, or sensationalistic storylines in TV shows, movies, or novels. It's similar to the English phrase over-the-top and melodramatic. (Source from Quora)