Chapter 31: I Don't Lack for This Much

As soon as Willow Avery arrived at the dance studio, many gazes fell upon her.

"Willow, you have a boyfriend?"

"Wow, that was so lingering—kissing inside the car. I guess Senior Jace will finally give up hope now."

"I’m so envious of Willow. She has a handsome uncle and a rich, handsome boyfriend."

The more Willow heard, the more confused she became. "What boyfriend?"

"Oh, you people are so gossipy," Luna Hayes pulled her toward the locker room. "Stop being so envious and jealous. Hurry up and practice your pieces; the school anniversary is coming up."

"Sister, I’m loyal, right?" Luna closed the door and winked at Willow. "I know you want to keep your relationship underground, so I helped clarify things for you."

Willow still didn't understand. "Did you guys misunderstand something?"

Julian Kingston had dropped her off today. The previous incident had been so big that everyone had seen him. How could they still associate him with being a boyfriend?

"It’s this." Luna pulled out a photo. "You’ve become famous at our school. People follow your every move. A strange car came to drop you off, and it was caught on camera."

Willow looked at the screen. It was from the moment she was applying ointment to Julian. Because it was taken through the rear windshield, it wasn't very clear—only two blurry figures could be seen. They were very close, looking as if they were embracing, or perhaps kissing. Added to that, he wasn't driving his Range Rover today; the car was a Mercedes from the estate.

Since she truly had a clear conscience this time, Willow let out a sigh and explained, "That’s my uncle."

"Real or fake?" Luna was skeptical. "Why were you guys so close? What were you doing?"

Willow answered while changing her clothes. "His back was injured, so he asked me to help him apply some medicine."

Luna’s expression turned strange as she listened. Going to a doctor when injured makes sense, but asking a niece to apply medicine? And an adult niece at that.

"Willow, you and your uncle... it wouldn't be what everyone is guessing, would it?"

"Huh?" Willow looked at her instinctively. "Guessing what?"

"Just..." That the two had an improper relationship. Luna changed the subject. "Didn't I hear you say you and your uncle had moved apart? I was just curious."

"Yes," Willow talked about it, also thinking it was quite a coincidence. "His place happened to have a plumbing leak, so it's being renovated."

Luna found it hard to believe. "The home of a man who drives a top-spec Range Rover has a leak??"

How did that sound so far-fetched?

Willow was dazed. "Is that not normal?"

Leaky houses were very common. Luna pressed her hand to her forehead and shook her head, not wanting to argue over such a boring topic.

"Fine, let's not mention the house," she said giggling. "Since fate between me and your uncle has returned, just wait for me to win him over. Let’s agree beforehand—you can’t interfere."

Willow rubbed her forehead. "Why are you so interested in my uncle?"

She probably really wasn't that open-minded. Thinking about sleeping with the same man as her friend in the future made her feel incredibly uncomfortable.

...

For the next few days, Willow chose to apply the ointment to Julian at home. The man recovered quickly; after two or three days, he was almost fine.

Over the weekend, Sterling Kingston had an appointment and was out. However, he still ordered the servants to watch Julian and make sure he drank the tonic soup.

Without the fear of being discovered, Willow took a peek at the clay pot during breakfast. It was terrifying. Her uncle already had plenty of energy; now that he was being supplemented this much, she couldn't imagine his state in bed.

Sensing the girl's fearful gaze, Julian’s brow furrowed slightly. Had he done something to offend her?

Just then, the designer called, saying he had arrived outside the estate. Julian went to meet him before calling Willow. "The designer is here. If you have any requests later, just say them."

"Okay." Willow put down her chopsticks and walked into the living room. After introductions, the designer showed her the sketches.

"As per Mr. Kingston's instructions, this dance costume retains the style of your school's version but adds some clever details. The embellishments are natural diamonds, which will create a dreamlike effect."

Willow knew the price of natural diamonds. "There’s no need for diamonds; ordinary crystals will do."

"Miss Avery," the designer disagreed. "Crystals aren't as brilliant as diamonds under the lights." And if she was worried about the price... It cost six figures just to hire him; surely there was no need to save money on materials?

Julian decided: "Use diamonds."

Willow looked at Julian. "Uncle Julian, fakes are fine. Real ones are very expensive." And to cover the entire hem, she couldn't imagine how much it would cost.

Julian believed that to raise a girl properly, one had to spend money. "Willow," he raised his hand to touch the top of her head and said seriously, "I don't lack for this much."

Willow’s eyes widened. She estimated her father wouldn't even be willing to spend this much on her. Moreover, it seemed the cliché "money-scattering" tropes in novels actually worked. Right now, she felt that her uncle would definitely be a model husband in the future.

Julian withdrew his hand and looked at the designer. "Continue."

The designer went on for a while about the design philosophy. Every part was excellent. By the end, Willow’s eyes were sparkling with light. It was truly beautiful.

The designer put away the sketches and smiled. "Since there are no issues, shall we begin measuring? Could Miss Avery please change into something thin and close-fitting?"

Julian spoke up: "She has her measurements."

The designer pushed up his glasses. "It’s still more accurate if I measure personally."

Julian’s gaze darkened. The designer was male. And he hadn't brought an assistant. He didn't want anyone else touching Willow at such a close distance. He simply suggested: "Give the tape to me. I’ll do it."

"Huh?" The designer was bewildered. "Is there something inappropriate about me measuring?"

Julian said calmly, "She’s a young girl; she’s shy."

The designer froze for a moment, then realized. "My apologies. My assistant is on leave today; it was my oversight." He handed over the measurement chart. "Then I shall trouble you, Mr. Kingston."

Willow didn't think there was anything wrong with taking measurements. School dance costumes were usually very tight-fitting. The designer or her uncle—it was all the same. However, as she changed her clothes and watched Julian slowly approach her with the soft tape measure, she felt exceptionally uneasy.

"Uncle," she gripped her hands nervously. "Can you measure well? How about we just use my previous measurements..."