Soon, the dishes were served.

Jack’s phone rang constantly throughout the meal. He seemed to be discussing business matters. When he finally got a break, he turned to Miranda and said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I was so busy at Grandma’s birthday banquet yesterday that I didn’t even get a chance to greet you.”

“It’s no big deal,” Miranda said.

After all, he was the eldest and only grandson of the Sutton family. Naturally, he would have to make small talk and socialize with others.

“I heard you’re now doing your postgraduate studies in Bedford College? Coincidentally, I’m also in Elgerson now. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need help. My number hasn’t changed. You still have it, right?”

“Yes, I do. Thanks, Jack.” Miranda nodded quickly.

“You’ve become so formal with me,” Jack remarked.

Miranda retorted, “No, I’ve just become more well-mannered.”

Jack chuckled at her words.

“Jack, what kind of work are you doing in Elgerson?”

Jack took a bite of food and replied, “I co-founded a smart home renovation company with some friends. We help people to set up smart home systems. Think of it as setting up modern, high-tech systems around the home, such as robotic commands, full-house temperature control, automation systems…”

The home renovation industry was slowly undergoing drastic change with the rise of artificial intelligence in recent years. However, traditional renovations still dominate the market for now. Smart home systems weren’t widely accepted yet.

Jack had studied artificial intelligence and computer science in university, so starting a business in smart home systems was a natural fit for his major. He kept the explanation simple as he was afraid the technical details might bore Miranda.

Similarly, Miranda didn’t ask anything too technical. Instead, she asked him how his business was doing.

Jack gave her a bitter smile. “I only realized how intense the competition in the renovations industry was after I entered it. Plus, smart home systems are still new in the market, so it is quite tough in the beginning. I can’t say my business is going well or badly… I just barely manage to keep things afloat.”

His vague answer made Miranda think that while his company might be struggling, they were at least able to stay operational.

However, on her way back from the bathroom, she overheard Jack on the phone when she passed by a small balcony.

“Mr. Yardley, we’ve worked together more than once, right? You know what kind of person I am. I never shorted you a penny, even if it meant I didn’t make a profit! We’re just a small company, and running a startup is not easy.

“This time, we are short on cash flow because we failed to collect payment from the last project. Please bear with us for some time. I guarantee that every penny owed will be transferred to your account by the day after tomorrow at the latest.

“Yes, Mr. Yardley. Thank you for understanding. Don’t worry, I will definitely…”

While speaking, Jack hunched over unconsciously. He gave off the impression of a young man who had been worn down by the hardships of life, and yet he was still holding on stubbornly.

Miranda took in this scene before her. It seemed that Jack’s situation was worse than she had initially thought.

When Jack returned from his phone call, Miranda was already back at the table. She didn’t mention anything about what she had overheard.

After finishing their meal, Jack got up to pay the bill. “Let’s go, Mimi. I came here by car, so I’ll drive you home.”

“Sure. Thank you, Jack.”

Jack dropped Miranda off at her home. He said he was busy with something and had to leave shortly. Lionel heard the sound of an engine and stepped outside to take a look. “It seemed like Jack’s car. Did you two meet up today?”

Miranda took his arm as they walked into the house. “Yeah, we even had lunch together.”

“He handled the relatives and guests for your grandmother’s birthday banquet this time. Thanks to him, everything went smoothly. He’s really starting to resemble his father more and more…” Lionel couldn’t help but sigh.

Miranda changed into slippers and walked further inside. She noticed that everything had been cleaned and tidied up. The messy living room had returned to its original tidy state.