Chapter 151

Angeline walked over and gently rubbed Yasmine’s round head. Yasmine held Angeline’s index finger and pointed at the peony on the table.
She laughed and said, “Mommy, beautiful Mrs. Lawson would be so happy to see such pretty flowers.”
Angeline asked the elderly man with a light laugh, “Sir, is this flower for sale?”
The elderly man glanced at Angeline and smiled warmly.
He asked, “Do you recognize this flower, or are you buying it for your daughter to play with? This flower is not easy to care for.”
Angeline responded honestly, “I only know it’s a peony. It’s not for the child to play with. It’s for a family member. The elders at home love flowers, so I’m picking one as a gift.”
The elderly man confirmed, “This is a peony called ‘Silver Petals’, the most beautiful in the country. It wasn’t easy for me to raise it.”
Angeline inquired politely, “Could you consider parting with it?”
Yasmine reassured the old man with her chest puffed out, “Mister, this flower must be your treasure. Mrs. Lawson at our home is great with plants. I’ll send you pictures of it regularly!” The senior man laughed at Yasmine and asked, “Really? This flower might be expensive. Can your mother afford it?”
Yasmine tugged Angeline’s hand and asked, “Mommy, do you have enough money?”
Angeline reassured with a smile.
“Don’t worry.”
She asked, “Sir, how much is it?”
The elderly man offered, “Donate 20 thousand to charity if you can. If you don’t have that much, just donate whatever you can, and the flower is yours.”
Angeline was puzzled and said, “Sir, that seems inappropriate.”
The older man explained with a warm smile, “I won’t live more than two months. I have no family. Knowing your family can care for plants, I am relieved to entrust the flower to you.” Yasmine looked confused and blinked her big, shiny eyes. She did not grasp the meaning of living for over two months.
The elderly man reminded Yasmine, “We have a deal. Remember to take pictures.”
Yasmine agreed, “Okay! Don’t worry, mister.”
Angeline donated 50 thousand dollars through her mobile phone before the senior man’s eyes.
The aged man looked at Angeline with slight surprise and smiled more deeply.
He said, “It seems I’ve chosen the right family.”
Meanwhile, Ingrid confirmed the shop’s location from the photo Linda sent and entered while holding Ned’s mother, Sherryn Clarkson’s hand. Ned followed from behind. She asked, “Is the shop owner here? We want to buy flowers.”
Angeline held the heavy flower pot in one arm and Yasmine in the other. She turned to find herself face-to-face with Ingrid, Sherryn, and Ned. Sherryn was startled at the sight of Angeline. She was surprised once more when she saw Yasmine, not even four years old, by Angeline’s side. Ned’s breath quickened when he saw Angeline turn with the flower. His gaze fell on Yasmine’s face, which was very similar to Angeline’s.