Aurora’s expression was just as serious.

“You can rest assured, sir. I only plan to use this place as a studio. I won’t be bringing in too many people, and I’ll make sure everyone treats every plant here with care.”

“If you’d like, we can exchange contact details. I can give you regular updates about the courtyard,” she added, fully understanding his feelings.

The older generation always carried deeper bonds with the things they had nurtured. Once they had rooted themselves in a place, leaving became difficult.

The old man beamed, looking at Aurora as if she were his own granddaughter. “If it weren’t for you, I truly wouldn’t know what to do.”

His face softened with relief. If not for her arriving at just the right time, he would never have felt at ease handing the courtyard to anyone else. Every flower and tree had taken so much of his care, and he wanted to find someone who would continue cherishing them. He had lived here for so many years, it was impossible not to feel attached. If his children weren’t moving elsewhere, he never would have agreed to leave. But now, there were things beyond his control, and he had to learn to let go.

Aurora understood him completely. “Don’t worry. Even if you move away, you’re welcome to come back anytime. I promise to preserve the courtyard and garden just as they are, keeping everything in its original beauty."

“Whenever you want to return, the door will be open. I can even video call you regularly to show you how things are. Since it’s only for work, you can rest easy.”

At those words, the old man’s worries finally lifted. “With that promise, there’s nothing left for me to fret over. And just by looking at you, I can tell you’re a good and dependable child.”

He took a sip of tea, calm settling over him. “Leaving the courtyard in your hands puts me at peace.”

“Thank you for your trust,” Aurora replied.

Megan watched the two chatting away so happily that her curiosity got the better of her. What on earth were they talking about? She nudged Ian with her elbow. “Hey, aren’t you curious what those two are saying? I can’t make out a thing.”

Ian glanced over casually, then shook his head. “Not really. If they strike a deal, everyone’s happy. If not, we’ll just find another place.”

He had a remarkably open view of the situation. Hearing that, Megan realized there wasn’t much to worry about after all. She had been anxious that Aurora might not handle it well, but now, seeing her chatting so easily with the old man, it was clear things were going smoothly. Her worry suddenly felt unnecessary.

With that thought, Megan crossed her arms and huffed. “Well, if you’re not worried, then I won’t be either. You’ve got a point.”

Ian gave her a look and couldn’t help but shake his head. He hadn’t expected someone as cool and composed as Aurora to have someone like Megan around–so playful and lighthearted. It struck him then that Aurora kept her life and work surprisingly well separated. That was something worth learning from her in the future.