The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 186

Chapter 186: Chapter 186 Helping a Friend
With their ample manpower, it didn’t take long for them to transport all the items designated for Hera by shuttling between floors. Amy also engaged in a discreet conversation with Cindy to arrange for a secluded coop behind the Jade Dragon Building where they could house chickens and ducks without drawing attention. Amy planned to care for the livestock temporarily, given their surplus of ingredients so they don’t lack these ingredients. Cindy went a step further and enlisted the expertise of a landscaper, architect, and engineer to design a beautiful duck house with a small pond and chicken coop exclusively for Hera’s use behind the building.

Anticipating that Hera might cherish the gift as a keepsake from the villagers and her time in the village, Cindy wasted no time in taking action. She decided to delay informing Hera until after their guests had departed, or perhaps even until the following day as a surprise.

After everyone lent a hand in assisting Hera with her gifts, they gradually dispersed, including the male leads, who departed content with both the dinner and the events that transpired in Hera’s penthouse. Before Bry and his family took their leave, Hera sought a moment alone with Bry’s father.

“Uncle, I have a friend who is currently abroad, and her place is vacant. Coincidentally, the caretaker of her house is away, attending to her newborn granddaughter, and leaving the property unattended. My friend is due to return in two weeks, but the caretaker won’t be back by then. After discussing it with my friend, considering your extended stay in the city for your brother’s consultation and surgery, I proposed the idea of letting you stay in her house.” Hera provided a thorough explanation, aiming to alleviate any concerns Bry’s father might have about her proposal.

Hera had stepped out earlier to make a call to Cindy, making arrangements for Bry’s family’s accommodation. Understanding that they were far from home and facing the challenge of finding a place to stay while caring for Bry’s uncle during their city visit, Hera wanted to spare them the stress and inconvenience. Her aim was to ensure they could enjoy a relaxing time in the city. This gesture was her way of reciprocating the warmth and hospitality she had experienced in their village.

Hera recognized that simply offering the place without any conditions might lead Bry’s father to refuse out of concern for imposing on her kindness or potentially taking advantage of her. Therefore, she took care to devise a scenario where they could reciprocate the gesture by ensuring the property remained clean and tidy during their stay. This thoughtful approach aimed to address any reservations they might have had about accepting her offer.

As Hera anticipated, Bry’s father expressed hesitancy. “Isn’t your friend concerned about inviting strangers into her home? What if they turn out to be malicious and steal from her?”

Hera chuckled at his concerns, noting how he even entertained the thought of accusing himself of greed or thievery to emphasize his point. “Don’t worry, Uncle. My friend’s place is sparsely furnished with only the essentials. It’s hardly lived in by her as she’s often out and about, preferring minimal hassle. Plus, it’s not a high-end property, so there’s no need to fret about causing any damage. You’re welcome to use all the amenities provided, including bedding and appliances, and simply tidy up after yourselves.”

Pausing briefly, Hera continued, “She also mentioned that you’re free to use any ingredients in the refrigerator as you please, without the need for replacements. A designated person restocks and throws the supplies daily, and the caretaker usually takes home any leftovers since my friend prefers fresh ingredients.”

Hera made a point to include the last detail, considering Bry’s father’s farming upbringing, where wasting food was frowned upon and seen as sacrilegious. When he learned that the provisions would spoil otherwise, he readily agreed to make use of them. Hera couldn’t help but notice his reaction, and inwardly, she smiled with satisfaction, her eyes betraying a subtle, discreet smile.

“Uncle, could you help take care of my friend’s house?” Hera asked once more, injecting a hint of pleading into her voice, underscoring the favor she was requesting.

Bry’s father’s initial reluctance dissolved, understanding that Hera was seeking a favor for her friend, which conveniently benefited them as well. With a nod, he affirmed, “Then, we’ll cover your friend’s rent for the duration of our stay.” He added, cementing their agreement.

Anticipating his response, Hera came prepared with a solution. “Actually, Uncle, she’s willing to hire you as temporary caretakers for a while. Instead of paying rent, she proposed that she wouldn’t compensate you with a salary for cleaning and maintaining her place. This way, you can stay in her apartment without any financial burden. Additionally, she mentioned her superstition about unoccupied houses attracting lost souls. That’s why she’s keen to have caretakers present, especially since her original caretaker is unavailable.”

Hera adopted a playful pout, resembling a cute child, before continuing, “Uncle, my friend is a bit of a scaredy-cat and hates her house being empty, even for a day. Could you do this for me? I’ve already assured her that I have reliable people who can take care of everything for her…” Her voice trailed off slightly as she awaited Bry’s father’s response.

She meticulously laid out every detail, even carefully orchestrating the scenario and briefing Cindy on what to do to enhance its credibility. Besides, Hera knew that even if she revealed that the property belonged to her and offered it to them, along with asking for rent, Bry’s father would undoubtedly decline. He was the type to avoid inconveniencing Hera and would never entertain the thought of taking advantage of her kindness.

Hera understood the rural mindset well—people from the countryside valued self-reliance and were wary of burdening others. If everything was simply handed to them, they would feel uncomfortable accepting the favor, unless they were confident they could repay it somehow. They wouldn’t hesitate to work tirelessly, even as a maid, just to settle the debt. Above all, they were fiercely independent and stubborn, unwilling to be indebted to anyone for long.

Hera felt a strong desire to reciprocate their hospitality, especially given her fondness for Bry and the bond she had forged with their family. To her, they were more than just acquaintances—they were like family friends. As she saw it, the city was her domain, and she felt a responsibility to look after them during their stay.

Moreover, Hera reasoned that the situation made sense, considering the property was currently vacant. Having someone occupy the space to prevent any sense of abandonment seemed like a sensible arrangement. With her conscience clear, Hera wore a genuine smile, showing no signs of deceit as she looked expectantly at Bry’s father. Witnessing Hera’s sincerity softened Bry’s father’s heart, prompting him to nod in agreement without hesitation.

Upon securing Bry’s father’s agreement, Hera provided Cindy’s phone number. “Uncle, this is the number of her neighbor. The caretaker left the keys with her before she left, so you can retrieve them from this person after seeing Xavier and Zen off to their destinations.” Hera’s explanation was delivered with sweetness and a touch of excitement.

Bry’s father shook his head in resignation, but his gaze towards Hera was one of fondness, akin to how he would look at his own mischievous daughter. After expressing a few more words of concern to Hera, much like a caring mother, he departed with his son and younger brother. Hera could only accompany her guests to the elevator, as they insisted she stay put since darkness had begun to fall, and she deserved a well-earned rest after the long day they had.

Hera refrained from pressing further and simply saw them off as they boarded the elevator. Yet, as she watched them depart, a nagging feeling lingered, hinting that something was off. Try as she might, she couldn’t quite grasp the elusive thought, and eventually, she relinquished her attempt to make sense of it. With her mind feeling like a tangled mess, she decided to let go of the puzzling notion and allow herself to unwind.

After lingering by the elevator for a few more moments once it descended, Hera retraced her steps back to her penthouse. Weary from the day’s events, she decided to indulge in a hot bath before retiring for the night. Feeling exhausted, she opted to keep the bedroom dimly lit, with only a single bedside table lamp providing a gentle glow. She left the curtains open, knowing they would automatically close before dawn, ensuring an undisturbed night’s sleep. This way, Hera could gaze at the stars from her window while finding solace in the tranquility of the night.

Heading straight to the bathroom, Hera wasted no time in drawing a warm bath, complete with a luxurious rose petal bath bomb. Immersing herself in the soothing water, she aimed to ease the weariness from her body, ensuring a restful night’s sleep ahead. Emerging from her bath after half an hour, Hera then lit a calming lavender-scented candle. This aromatic touch was her secret weapon to ward off any potential interruptions to her sleep, such as lingering body aches or restlessness.