Chapter 82 The Battle of Two Men
Ethan keenly observed every move Quentin made, thinking, 'It seems Quentin's feelings for Lauren are not as indifferent as I thought.' At least for now, he appeared to cherish her greatly. Snapping back to reality, Ethan continued distributing gifts to the children.
Once the gifts were handed out, Ethan led the children in games in the yard. With so many kids, the games were lively and boisterous. Lauren longed to join in but, considering her condition, she resigned herself to being a spectator.
Quentin, however, stood there like a telephone pole, unmoving and seemingly indifferent. Seeing everyone having fun, Lauren decided to encourage him.
"Mr. Robinson, won't you join in the fun? Look how much Ethan is enjoying himself!" Lauren called out.
"I won't. I haven't played such childish games since I was eight," Quentin replied, glancing at Ethan, who was playing Duck Duck Goose.
Lauren's eyebrows twitched. Indeed, Duck Duck Goose wasn't a high-intelligence game, but children's games were meant to be fun, not intellectual.
"No wonder you have no joy in your life," Lauren couldn't help but retort.
Quentin's sharp gaze shot over like an ice pick, instantly silencing her. She resumed her role as a silent spectator.
As Lauren watched the children play, she noticed Kim running over.
"Miss, will you come play with us?" Kim tugged at Lauren's hand, trying to pull her over.
Lauren shook her head. "No, Kim, the baby in my belly can't handle such vigorous games."
Kim looked disappointed. It was rare to have so many adults playing with them. Seeing his crestfallen expression, Lauren's heart softened.
"Kim, how about I ask this uncle to play with you?" Lauren cheerfully suggested, pointing to Quentin.
Quentin frowned, showing no interest in such childish games.
Kim eyed Quentin skeptically. "Does he even know how to play?" he asked, his tone full of doubt.
Quentin turned to Kim, casting a fierce look that sent the boy scurrying away.
"The mister is scary, like the Big Bad Wolf," Kim complained, amusing Lauren and Ethan.
Ethan patted Kim's head and said, "He's just playing with you. He wants to play Eagle Catching Chicks. What do you all think?"
The children, spurred on by Ethan, shouted, "Yes!"
"Do you think this mister looks like an eagle?" Ethan asked.
"Yes!" the children answered.
In such a situation, Quentin had no way to refuse the children's request. Lauren laughed, delighted to see Quentin in a tight spot.
Ethan walked over to Quentin and said, "What's the matter, Quentin? Afraid to play a game?"
Quentin, who never backed down from a challenge, responded to the provocation. He stood up, dusted off his clothes, and said, "Who's afraid? Let's do it!"
So, Ethan and Quentin led a group of children in a game of Eagle Catching Chicks. However, Lauren found their game could have been more interesting. Playing should be a joyful activity, yet their faces were serious and stern.
'What's going on? It's just a game!' she thought.
Quentin glared fiercely at Ethan, who was playing the mother hen. 'No problem,' Quentin thought. He would catch Ethan's 'chick' one by one and teach him a lesson.
Ethan was also on high alert. He felt this was more than just a game—it was a contest between him and Quentin.
Lauren found herself exasperated. Quentin and Ethan were not young anymore, yet they behaved so childishly. To her, they seemed like overgrown children.
Quentin carefully observed the formation of the 'chicks,' trying to find a flaw. At the same time, Ethan kept a close eye on Quentin's movements, ready to adjust the lineup and perfectly counter his attacks. Both men, deep in thought, were trying to outdo each other, leaving the children unaware of the situation and impatient.
Lauren laughed helplessly. This game was turning into a world war. If it were her, she wouldn't have the patience to continue.
Ethan noticed Lauren laughing and glanced in her direction. In that split second, Quentin seized the opportunity and lunged forward. Since no one had time to react, Quentin managed to catch the two children at the back.
The captured children laughed heartily while the others, relieved to have escaped, patted their chests in fright.
Quentin sneered. "Mr. White, you don't have much of a knack for games!"
"You're celebrating too early. Bring it on!" Ethan retorted, striking a pose and looking seriously at Quentin.
Lauren watched their earnest gameplay with great interest, feeling happy. She wished time could stop at this moment, free from difficult thoughts and worries about the future, wanting to laugh carefree forever.
Quentin, too eager to win, tripped while running. It was the first time Lauren had seen him in such a chaotic state. She couldn't help but laugh out loud and quickly ran over to check on him.
Quentin flipped over and stood up from a lying position, earning applause from the children. Seeing Lauren running over with concern, Quentin straightened his hair and said, "I'm fine. You sit there and watch how I beat him."
"Alright, it's just a game. Don't overdo it," Lauren said loudly, fearing they might get hurt.
Ethan laughed heartily. "Lauren, it's just a game. We know our limits, don't worry!"
As soon as Ethan finished speaking, the children lined up behind him again, ready to continue the game. Not wanting to spoil the children's excitement, Lauren stepped aside.
Happy times always passed quickly. Lauren watched as Quentin and Ethan played all sorts of children's games with the kids until everyone was exhausted and collapsed on the ground.
Everyone had so much fun that they lost track of time. Lauren checked her phone. It was already 1:30 in the afternoon, but she didn't want to ruin everyone's good mood.
Soon, Dean came over to call everyone for lunch. Seeing everyone tired but happy, Lauren smiled and said, "Alright, Uncle White and his friend are tired from playing with you. Shall we invite them to lunch?"
"Yes!" The children got up, bouncing and pulling Quentin and Ethan toward the dining area.
Lauren admired the children's boundless energy, following them and chatting with Dean as they walked ahead.
