Chapter 177 Three Visits to Imperial City, Two Disappointments
Alistair said, "Camilla probably doesn't know much about Sebastian's personal matters either. What's the point of asking her? Just ask Sebastian directly next time."
Bella nodded, "Alright, I'll ask him directly next time I get the chance."
"What? Are you serious?" Alistair was surprised.
Bella rolled her eyes, "Camilla, do you have any rock candy?"
"Yes, I'll go get some." With that, she got up and walked towards the kitchen.
Seeing his daughter leave, Bella said to Alistair, "Camilla lives alone and is neighbors with Sebastian. They get along well, so I need to ask her for more details, don't I?"
"True, you're always so thoughtful."
Bella glared at him, "Don't get too close. What if Camilla comes out and sees us? How would that look?"
Alistair immediately sat up straight, "I'll be careful!"
The room had already been tidied up, and Camilla had even gotten a new bed for her parents.
The sheets and covers were newly bought, washed, and sun-dried before being put on.
"Mom, Dad, you should rest for a bit and take a nap. Later, I'll take you out for a walk. You've been to New York City a few times but never really had the chance to explore. This time, I'll make it up to you."
Alistair and Bella had been to Imperial City before.
During her four years of college, they visited her three times.
The first time was when she was a freshman, dropping her off for registration.
The second time was when they heard Camilla had a boyfriend. They were worried, so they came during Alistair's summer break to meet Leopold.
They stayed for three days. Camilla accompanied them for the first two days, and Leopold showed up on the third day. After a quick meal, he left, saying he had something urgent to attend to.
The third time was for Camilla's graduation ceremony.
They came happily to witness one of the most important moments in Camilla's life, only to hear from others that she had given up on her master's and Ph.D. to pursue some ridiculous romance.
Alistair was deeply disappointed in Camilla.
Bella couldn't understand it either.
It ended in a dramatic fallout, with them cutting ties and not speaking to each other.
The last two visits were not pleasant memories. Hopefully, this time would go smoothly.
While they rested, Camilla went out to buy some fresh vegetables and fruits.
All of them were Bella and Alistair's favorites.
As for towels and slippers, she had prepared those in advance.
After making dinner, Camilla went to wake her parents.
Bella raised an eyebrow at the sight of the table full of dishes, "Not bad, you've really inherited my skills."
Alistair muttered under his breath, "Clearly, she inherited my skills, not yours."
Bella pretended not to hear him, knowing he wouldn't dare say it out loud.
Camilla handed over the utensils and sat down, "Shall we start?"
Bella couldn't wait any longer.
Alistair took a couple of bites and nodded repeatedly, "My daughter's cooking skills must have come from me."
Bella didn't even bother to respond to him.
After dinner, the family went for a walk at Harmony College.
It was just around sunset.
The sky was a blend of orange and gold, as beautiful as a painting.
It was summer break, but there were still quite a few students around.
Camilla led her parents through the main avenue, past the north gate, and to the library.
Alistair was so captivated by the sight of so many books that he couldn't move.
In the end, Bella had to drag him away, and he left reluctantly, looking back every few steps.
Back home, Alistair was still thinking about it. He had never been to the Harmony College library.
When he was young and studying at Cascade College, he was a sensitive and self-conscious kid from the countryside. He spent all his time studying or sleeping and didn't have the time or money to explore.
Before going to bed, he said to Bella, "Can you go there with me again sometime?"
Bella knew he was craving books and agreed immediately.
"You're the best, honey."
"Stop it, time to sleep."
"Okay."
It turned out that resting early and conserving energy was the right choice because the next day, Camilla took them to a nearby mountain for a hike.
It was another sunny day.
Since they left early, it wasn't too hot when they arrived.
Alistair stood on the top of the mountain, looking down at the magnificent landscape.
Bella seemed a bit lost in thought.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Camilla noticed her staring at a spot, seemingly in a trance.
Bella's eyes showed a hint of confusion.
In fact, she hadn't done any research before coming here and hadn't looked up any information about the mountain.
But as she walked around, she felt a sense of familiarity.
Maybe, in the memories she had lost, she had been here before?
Alistair started off full of ambition, but after walking for a while, he gave up.
"I can't go on, I'm tired and hot. Let's rest for a bit."
Bella laughed at him, "Who was it that confidently said yesterday that he would be fine? And now, look at you, giving up so soon?"
Alistair defended himself, "I'm old, and I've been walking for a while before needing a break. Look at those young people; they're already turning back. I'm doing better than them!"
On the seemingly endless stairs below him, many young people were indeed starting to head back.
Bella stayed silent.
Fine, she couldn't argue with him.
Camilla watched her parents bicker and couldn't help but laugh.
Halfway through her laughter, Bella caught her, "Why are you laughing so happily? Are you on your dad's side?"
Alistair winked at her, as if to say: We're on the same team~
Camilla said, "Dad, Mom, how about a photo together?"
"Sure, sure!" Alistair, who had been sitting, immediately stood up and started fixing his clothes.
Bella chuckled, "Aren't you vain?"
"Of course! Standing next to my wife, I can't look too shabby. Camilla, how do I look?"
Camilla gave him a thumbs up, "Handsome! Ready? One, two—"
Alistair said, "Wait!"
He realized his hat was crooked and tried to fix it but couldn't figure out what was wrong.
Seeing him struggle, Bella reached out to help him, looking exasperated.
Bella was wearing a short-sleeved red chiffon dress today. The fitted fabric accentuated her slim waist, and her hair was pinned up, making her look elegant and beautiful.
Alistair, on the other hand, was dressed casually. Despite being over fifty, his features were still sharp, with a high nose bridge. Camilla's "handsome" was not just flattery.
Facing each other, Bella adjusted his hat. "There, it's straight."
Alistair looked at Bella with a smile, "You're so beautiful."
Camilla pressed the shutter, capturing the moment.
That night, the exhausted family of three slept soundly.
The next morning, Camilla got up early, made breakfast, and told her parents she was going to Aurora's house before leaving.
However, when she returned in the afternoon, she found an unexpected guest at home.
"Sebastian?"
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