115 An Awkward Smile

A gentle tinkling sound welcomed Wang Yuvin and Europa as the door of the ice cream parlor swung open.The walls of the place were painted in pastel colors and photos of various flavors of ice cream were alternately displayed on corners.Modern ball chairs that looked like ice cream scoops were neatly placed around each table instead of the usual chair models. As his eyes wandered around the area,Wang Yuvin noticed a familiar figure sitting on one of the chairs. When he realized who the person was, he decided to leave immediately before the person sees them. He was about to turn around and exit the shop when Europa started whining, begging him to put her down.Thinking that ignoring his niece's request would just attract more attention, Wang Yuvin reluctantly put the little girl down. "Thank you, uncle! Hmmm this place looks nice! But is it okay to bring pets here?" As soon as Europa's shoes touched the floor of the shop, she immediately faced Misha and rubbed her belly.Wang Yuvin then thought that answering nowas a good alibi. Unfortunately, someone had already gave Europa an answer before he can get to spew out a lie."Of course! They welcome pets here! But even if they don't, I will make them do so! Ho-Ho!"The owner of the voice was none other than Chairman Xu who was in casual clothing and was leisurely eating his caramel crunch ice cream. "Hi, Chairman Xu!" Europa was able to recall and recognize the old man. "Ho-Ho! This old man is happy that the young miss remembered him. Come! Have a seat and join me!" The chairman who now looked like a common elderly male, stood up and pulled a chair for Europa."Thank you, Chairman Xu! Uncle, come sit beside me!" Europa was really relaxed as she made herself comfortable in Chairman Xu's presence. "Is this really okay with Chairman Xu? Aren't we violating your privacy?" Wang Yuvin was still hesitant to accept the old man's invitation despite his niece's eager approval."It is okay! I invited you myself, you're not bothering me. Or perhaps, it's another way around? Is this old man being a nuisance?" Chairman Xu was now wondering if Wang Yuvin disliked the idea of him hanging out with them."Ah, it's not like that Chairman Xu!" Wang Yuvin immediately sat on the chair beside Europa and placed Misha on his lap. He didn't want to offend the old man since his shares of The Hideout came from him."Ho-Ho! If that is the case, allow me to pay for your ice cream." Chairman Xu stroked his beard as he generously volunteered to treat them snacks."If the chairman wishes to, we'll gladly accept the offer. Thank you." Wang Yuvin said before asking a waiter to bring them the menu."You can order anything you want, okay? No need to be shy." The chairman said before putting a spoonful of ice cream inside his mouth."Thank you, Chairman Xu! Can we buy something for Misha, too?" Europa was making sure that her pet will also enjoy a snack."Yes! They also have snacks for pets ." Chairman Xu then called the waiter over to ask for the menu intended for the pets.As soon as the waiter handed the menu, Chairman Xu gave it to Europa while asking, "Do you know how to read?" '"Yes! But I can't read as fast as you yet." Europa smiled as she replied to the chairman and took the menu from him."Ho-Ho! Your parents and uncle must be proud of you. Aiyo! My 6-year-old grandson is having a hard time learning reading." Chairman Xu's facial expression became really bright when he talked about his grandson."Where is your grandson, Chairman Xu?" Europa asked with eyes full of curiosity."Ah, he's probably on his way home now with his parents and older brother. They went out for lunch in a fancy restaurant." There's a trace of sadness in the chairman's voice which Wang Yuvin didn't fail to notice.'Is it possible that Chairman Xu's not in good terms with his grandsons' parents?' Actually,Wang Yuvin wasn't really into minding other people's business, however, he was starting to get interested with the chairman's personal life. What kind of father and grandfather this influential man be?He then started thinking about their adoptive father. The man indeed was comparable to an iceberg when dealing with matters concerning business. However, when it comes to his family, Wang Daizhuo was very warm-hearted."But why are you alone here? You should have brought your grandsons to accompany you, Chairman Xu." Europa seemed to have a lot of questions for the old man."Their father just went back from a business trip... So they are spending time with him now since he had been away for a long time. How about you? Where are your mother and father?" Wang Yuvin instantly felt like a bucket of ice cold water was dumped over his head when he heard Chairman Xu's question. Unintentionally, his eyes gazed upon the little girl who had already started answering the chairman's question."My mama is still inside the gown shop across the street. Hmm, and about my papa...Maybe my papa is also on a business trip. I haven't seen him yet." Though uncertain of her answer, Europa was still smiling widely. Chairman Xu was at loss for words when he heard Europa's answer. He then silently turned his head to Wang Yuvin and flashed an awkward smile. No wonder the young man tried to avoid his company. He already thought of this possibility."Anyway, let's order now!" Wang Yuvin immediately changed their topic as he placed the menu full of delicious looking photos of ice cream in front of his niece.