Family Man System: Taking Care Of My Family Makes Me OP

Chapter 19: Change in plans

Not hearing anything from Kai for a long minute got Jean worked up.

She kept glancing his way a few times before she finally couldn’t hold it in and asked, "Are you upset after all?" Her voice was a little trembling, unsure of what she should think right now.

Kai calmly turned her way and said, "Not... really." He sounded uncertain, but he was hesitating because he didn’t want his thoughts to expose his real emotions. "I mean... it was indeed something I could have never expected... to be with the most beautiful girl in our school. The Jean Scarlette whom everyone admired and wanted to be friends with... yeah, the realization later had me questioning a lot of things. I even wanted to contact you... but I feared hearing the worst."

Jean could imagine what he must have thought. Whatever happened between them, Jean had made it appear casual the next morning by leaving without saying a word or leaving a note.

However, "It was my first time... Kai. And yet I did it out of spite for my father."

Kai shook his head. "Well, you were pushed into a corner by your father so I understand your situation. And trust me, I don’t blame you."

The person she was dealing with was her father. And the way she still respectfully called him spoke a lot about the relationship they once had.

The very step she had taken to go against him was admirable.

"You are courageous, Jean. And not only because you went against your father but also..." Kai glanced at the little life lying on the bed before he added, "You brought a new life into this world all alone and took care of her better than what one could expect from a woman who needed to keep hiding all the time."

Glancing back at her, he smilingly said, "So, the only thing I am feeling right now, other than anger toward your father, is respect. You are a wonderful woman, Jean."

Jean lowered her head upon hearing those words, tears gathering in her eyes.

She had heard so many things in recent years.

She was regarded as a disappointment, a cheater, a failure...

And right now, she expected Kai to be at least a little furious with her for how she had fabricated things to make it go her way.

However... all she could feel right now was his genuine admiration for her.

Her heart swelled with emotions she had been hiding for far too long.

Kai slowly rose from his seat, put down his cup, and pulled her into a hug.

Jean leaned against him, clutching his shirt tightly as she wept in silence.

No words were exchanged between them, and yet, he understood what she exactly needed.

.....

After a while, things grew a little calmer.

Jean was a little embarrassed since she had been crying a lot since yesterday, worrying him so much.

"I really need to collect myself," she said as she wiped her eyes and slowly rose from the chair.

Kai hummed and told her, "It’s okay. Crying helps release accumulated stress. So crying once in a while is good for our health." He looked over his shoulder before adding in a lighter voice, "Don’t make it a habit, though. My heart can only handle this much."

She chuckled upon hearing that. "I will make sure to draw my limits."

Kai smiled and returned his focus to the kitchen.

Since she had prepared dinner last night, he took the job of making breakfast.

Meanwhile, Jean began tidying up the house.

There wasn’t much to do, so she started with the mattress. She began to fold it and place it in a corner.

The peaceful silence didn’t last for long as Jean said, "Kai... I think I can manage somehow in Kreacher’s Block."

She had already thought of a few ways to remain hidden and conceal her identity when going out.

She couldn’t let herself be seen by her family members, or they would create problems for Kai instead.

However, because of herself, she didn’t want Kai to stay in this place when he had somehow purchased a house in such a good district.

That’s why she made the decision.

Kai continued moving the spatula as he said, "About that... did you know, unless you have moved in, you can sell a house in the Block at the exact price you purchased it?"

Jean was taken aback. "Why are you saying that?"

Kai slowly turned, wiped his hands, and said, "I have already talked to the agent, and now we can use the money to have a house anywhere in the country." Drawing closer, he softly said, "And this time, let’s pick the location together. Okay?"

Jean was stunned. "But... it must have been your dream to have a house in Kreacher’s Block. You have earned the right to stay there... why are you doing this for me...?"

Kai winced. "Not really. I just inherited some shares and funds from here and there. And I chose that place because I just felt like it. I don’t have any attachment to Kreacher’s Block. In fact, I just visited it for the first time yesterday."

Jean remained standing there for a few moments, unsure what to say.

Kai then hurriedly turned and said, "Now, don’t mull over it and start searching where we are going to live." He then remembered something and said, "Right. Look under your bag. There is a surprise for you."

Jean hummed and reached for her bag... only to gasp when she saw the box resting there, sealed in a thin film with the name of the device displayed on the front.

Jean lifted it and said, "Kai... this? Why did you pick the latest one? It must be expensive."

Jean kept glancing between the phone and Kai but heard nothing from him.

"Kai?" Jean asked, only for him to give a startled response.

"Ah, yes?" He turned to her and said, "Yes, I am fine. Just go ahead and unbox it. You might need to add things to it to make it actually usable."

Jean could tell that something was on his mind, but since he didn’t tell her, she didn’t insist and nodded silently.

Kai didn’t want to respond to her like that, but his entire focus was on the dark gift box currently hanging before his face.

[Task: Surprise your partner for the first time.]

[Reward: Black mystery box.]