Chapter 1602 - 1589: Wherever the Gaze Falls, There Is Everlasting Love: Set in Stone (2000+)

Joseph Lancaster’s smile reappeared, albeit not without some strain; before he could react much, Emily Zimmerman had already greeted him with a laugh.

"Joseph, haven’t seen you for a month, how have you been?"

"I’m alright."

What Joseph Lancaster said was perfunctory. He’s no fool; the scenario was clear enough, and he was ushered in, shoulder-to-shoulder, by his elder brother Daxton Lancaster.

For some unknown reason, Joseph briefly scanned the area and didn’t see any sign of Violet Zimmerman, and he instinctively asked, "Where’s my sister-in-law?"

Daxton Lancaster’s demeanor was decidedly natural; he led his brother by the shoulder to sit on the sofa beside their parents. "She’s at home, taking a nap."

"Joseph, are you becoming more impolite? Quickly say hello to Uncle and Aunt Zimmerman."

Lorelei Howard chided her son as a reminder.

The elder Lancaster was grinning from ear to ear, as his second grandson was also about to have a girlfriend.

"Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunt."

Joseph Lancaster greeted Augustus Zimmerman and his wife politely, and the couple followed him with their gaze, appearing quite satisfied with Joseph.

"Joseph, I heard you and Emily got along in college. Your dad went to F City a few days ago, and he brought Emily and her parents over. You two aren’t young anymore; just one more year and you’ll reach the legal age for marriage."

Lorelei Howard spoke directly, not giving Joseph Lancaster a chance to speak.

Of course, all of this was Daxton Lancaster’s doing, who told their parents that the two had feelings for each other during their studies, but were too shy to express it. Hence, today’s matchmaking with Emily Zimmerman’s family.

Emily’s father works in politics, serving as the F City government office director. Being accustomed to directing people, as soon as Lorelei Howard finished speaking, he turned to Emily Zimmerman.

"Daughter, Joseph is a good child. We agree with you two dating."

What was originally unfounded gossip became a certainty once Lorelei Howard and Augustus Zimmerman mentioned it.

"Joseph, did you hear that? Treat the girl well." The elder Lancaster also chimed in.

Joseph Lancaster’s expression grew even more unnatural. Even though he was unwilling in his heart, as a gentleman he couldn’t express that in front of both families. He stood up immediately and addressed Emily Zimmerman.

"Let’s go outside and talk."

"Grandfather, Uncle, Aunt, Brother, chat away. I’m just stepping out for a moment." Emily Zimmerman stood up, politely greeting everyone, shyly following Joseph Lancaster outside.

"Look how anxious Joseph is."

Seeing her son’s urgent posture, Lorelei Howard beamed with joy. Her eldest daughter-in-law was about to give birth, and now her youngest son had a potential partner — it was double happiness for a mother.

A smile played across Daxton Lancaster’s lips, distinctly understanding. His brother was indeed anxious, though it wasn’t the anxiety their mother thought.

"Daxton, did you propose having Emily work at Joseph’s company?" Augustus Zimmerman glanced past his wife at Daxton Lancaster.

"Yes, Uncle Zimmerman," Daxton Lancaster replied courteously.

"The Lancaster family’s company is a private enterprise. If Emily stays in F City, she’d surely enter a state-owned enterprise."

"Uncle Zimmerman, you make a valid point, but whether working in a private or state enterprise, the purpose is always to make a living.

State enterprises might have prestige, but they pay less. A fresh graduate like Emily would earn at most thirty a month, whereas the salary at our Lancaster’s company, serving as Joseph’s secretary, would be much higher. It’d also help foster a relationship between the two."

Upon seeing Augustus Zimmerman still in deliberation, Daxton Lancaster continued, "Why not let Emily work at Joseph’s company for a few months? If you’re not satisfied later, you can always transfer her back, given your influence, perhaps even back to a government department."

Being praised appeases those with influence. Hearing Daxton’s words, Augustus Zimmerman leaned back into the sofa, adjusted his crossed legs, interlacing his fingers, his thumbs playfully chasing one another, contently speaking.

"You’re right. Our Emily, a university graduate, is quite sought after."

Daxton Lancaster smiled slightly, saying nothing more. He could see Emily’s feelings towards Joseph Lancaster.

When a girl pursues a boy, only a thin veil stands between them—if Emily pursues earnestly enough, his brother would eventually have feelings for her.

"Exactly, do today’s graduates even worry about job-finding?"

Lorelei Howard added, then turned to Isabella Fletcher with a smile, "Rest assured, Isabella. I’ll treat Emily like my own daughter."

"But... where will Emily live?"

Isabella Fletcher appeared troubled. Emily, being an only child, felt safe residing at school while studying. In a state enterprise, she could have staff accommodation, but with the Lancaster’s being a private company, employees would not be provided housing.

"Isabella, doesn’t Emily’s living situation already have a solution? Our Lancaster family has plenty of houses; what’s one extra person living here?"

"No need to worry about the daughter’s living arrangements. Before bringing us over, Daxton mentioned that she’d stay with the family and commute with Joseph daily."

Augustus Zimmerman frowned disapprovingly, while Isabella Fletcher hesitated, "Is this... okay?"

Lorelei Howard chuckled as she replied, "What’s wrong with it? Emily would be part of the Lancaster Family sooner or later. Having her live with us now is just an early experience of life with us. Don’t worry, sister, I’ll take good care of Emily — and you both can visit over the weekends; F City isn’t far from T City after all."

In the lobby, everything was already discussed. Out in the courtyard by the old man’s gate, the clean-cut gentleman rarely showed dissatisfaction.

"Emily Zimmerman, I think I made it clear. I’m interested in someone else, not you! Why didn’t you give me a heads up before coming over?"

"Joseph, I had no idea. I only realized it was a matchmaking after arriving here with my parents."

Emily Zimmerman hurried to explain. Initially, she planned to stay at home with her parents for a while before starting work. But this morning, strange visitors showed up, and her family was brought here.

"You didn’t know?" Joseph was evidently skeptical about Emily’s explanation, as he leaned against the willow tree at the door, his handsome brows furrowed.

"Then why didn’t you speak up when my mom said that earlier?"

Emily Zimmerman anxiously twisted her fingers, softly mumbling, "You didn’t say anything either."

Joseph Lancaster...

"I didn’t explain because I didn’t want to embarrass you!"

"Since you don’t want to make me look bad, there’s no need to explain. Anyway, they’re not forcing us to get married right away."

Emily Zimmerman continued to mumble softly. Joseph Lancaster sighed weakly, his palm supporting his forehead as he leaned against the willow tree.