“They’re gone atst,” Emanuel exhaled deeply, his eyes fixed on the tea set as if it held some ancient secret.


    “They must be exhausted after all this.


    There’s some food left, but it’s my leftovers, not exactly set aside for you.


    ”


    Allison''s eyes scanned the table, noticing that the dishes were fresher than Emanuel let on.


    She decided to keep that observation to herself.


    Reluctantly, Emanuel put away the tea set and sat down at the table.


    They gathered around to eat, and the atmosphere was surprisingly serene.


    Emanuel was in a good mood, even allowing himself a sip of his precious Hennessy Paradis.


    “You have fulfilled my greatest dream today! It is a pity that you young people yearn so fiercely for independence.


    I wanted to hand over this property to you so that you could settle down.


    ”


    Allison nibbled on a piece of delicious fish, more focused on her te than on Emanuel''s words.


    "Are you giving him a dirty look?" Emanuel insisted.


    “No.


    Everyone knows that your house here is worth a fortune.


    It is the true legacy of all Athton.


    ”


    If Allison had stamped Emanuel''s name on the ceramics she made, it would have been like striking gold and securing her future without any further struggle.


    Emanuel had seen the harsh realities of life.


    Today, when that unpleasant couple showed up with bad intentions towards Allison, Emanuel had a moment of rity about his struggles.


    Allison was a young woman alone, recently divorced and without the safety of family.


    Emanuel wanted to offer her a stable ce.


    But Allison’s yful refusal of his offer made him chuckle as he served Ken a nice piece of stewed beef.


    “You did a great job today.


    Take this.


    ” A hint of sadness flickered in Emanuel’s eyes.


    The obnoxious pair had paraded through his domain today, but they actually held Ken in high regard.


    After all, it was money and power that made people tick.


    Ken may not have had Allison’s talent, but he proved to be quite capable in the daily grind.


    "Allison, I''m not trying to pity you, but I honestly don''t want these old pieces to disappear from history.


    "


    Emanuel sighed heavily.


    Today, pottery isrgely machine-made, and fewer and fewer young people are carrying the torch.


    Even his own generation was dying out.


    Thepetitiveness of his youth had left an indelible mark, but the departure of familiar faces brought with it an inexplicable loneliness.


    Understanding Emanuel’s sentiment, Allison put down her utensils and spoke with calm determination.


    “I appreciate your desire to preserve the art of pottery, but taking over this property would be too heavy a burden.


    I don’t like strings attached.


    I promise to promote the craft, but you must put your family first when ites to the property.


    ”


    Emanuel wanted to continue arguing, but Allison skillfully changed the subject.


    “Emanuel, how bad do you think my situation is? Just because I’m divorced doesn’t mean I’m destitute.


    I own a vi at the Starfish Vis.


    I’ve just been busy with other matters, so I’m temporarily staying at a friend’s house.


    I’m far from destitute.


    ”


    “Staying with a friend isn’t ideal,” Ken added.


    “If you need a ce, let me know.


    I have plenty of properties.


    Consider it a reward for today’s guidance.


    ”


    “Always the rich one,” Allisonughed.


    “Well, it’s gettingte.


    You’d better stay here tonight,” Emanuel said, getting up with a groan.


    “I’m getting old.


    Cooking makes my back and waist hurt.


    ”


    Allison shook her head, seeing through Emanuel''s feigned difort.


    He was probably in pain from her excitement over the tea set.


    "Since it''s going to rain tonight, you can''t just hang around my house and mooch off.


    Go and get some dried bamboo shoots from the hill behind.


    "


    Ken looked at his wheelchair in silence.


    "I am disabled," he said tly.


    “But you still have arms and legs,” Emanuel replied.


    “With that fancy wheelchair of yours, it’ll be a piece of cake.


    You could probably catch and carry a pig in it, not to mention some bamboo shoots.


    Go now.


    ”


    Allison looked at Ken''s custom-designed wheelchair, made by a high-end medical technology team, knowing that Emanuel viewed any fancy gadget as merely a work tool.


    Ken, ustomed to Emanuel''s harshness, saw in him a reflection of his own grandfather.


    Despite Emanuel''s constant nagging, he had always cared deeply for Ken.


    "Alright, I''ll go put my wheels to good use.


    "