Chapter 347: Chapter 347: Springtime Hearts Stirring
No one noticed, but Shane Coleman was smiling knowingly on the side.
Ashley Shaw said that if Owen Sinclair was her idol, she couldn’t be happier. Owen must be over the moon by now, right?
Shane glanced around and sure enough, he saw Owen with the corners of his lips lifting, looking like he was in a great mood.
Clearly, he was overjoyed.
The group found a seat by the window, allowing them to see the people coming and going outside the complex.
This place seemed steeped in history, with a very retro streetscape outside. The ground wasn’t paved with concrete but rather with vintage-looking green bricks.
Shane was worried Owen might be too happy and not control his expressions, letting Ashley figure something out, so he deliberately brought up a topic.
"How did you find this place?"
Owen, while sanitizing bowls for the group with hot water, said, "I used to live in this neighborhood."
This statement surprised everyone.
"You used to live here?"
Owen lifted his eyelid and said, "Don’t underestimate this place. Back in the day, it was one of the most prosperous areas in Westcroft."
Shane shrugged, "I really didn’t know that, I was just a kid back then."
Although he called Owen "big brother Owen," he was only ten years older than Ashley Shaw, a little over one cycle older than young Owen.
A cycle is twelve years, just a bit over, so Shane was really just a teenager back then.
Owen said, "The house is still there. If we have time later, I’ll take you guys to have a look. I have someone clean it for me every month; it should be accessible."
Ever since Ariana Grant confirmed that Owen had no ill intentions toward Ashley, she reinvigorated her enthusiasm for him as an idol.
"Great, great!"
Owen then asked Shane if they had enough time.
Shane looked at the time and said, "The court session starts at two in the afternoon. We just need to be there half an hour early. It’s only eleven now; we have plenty of time."
"Alright, let’s settle on that then."
As Owen spoke, he made a phone call, asking the other person to open the windows at home for ventilation and to clean up a bit.
Once the call ended, the first dish was served.
It was a large dish: taro-braised free-range chicken.
The taro was cooked soft and mushy, paired with fresh native chicken, both spicy and addictive.
The owner came over and said, "I can tone down the spice in other dishes, but not in this braised chicken. See if you can handle it. If not, this dish is on the house."
Ariana had already eaten two pieces of chicken and immediately gave a thumbs up.
"Boss, this is the perfect spiciness; it’s delicious. I love it."
The owner smiled and walked away.
Soon, the second dish arrived.
It was a very homey dish, pickled radish stir-fried with beef.
Ashley often had this dish, but the version here was outstandingly delicious.
Ashley, with her homemaker instincts, asked the owner how they made such a simple dish taste so good.
The owner chuckled and said, "The essence of this dish lies in the pickled radish. The quality of the pickled radish is the key."
Ashley caught on quickly.
"Did you pickle the radish yourself?"
The owner nodded proudly, "Yes, I pickled it myself. In this area, I dare claim my pickled radishes are unmatched."
Ashley nodded in agreement, "These radishes are indeed well pickled."
"If you like, I’ll let you take a couple home after you’re done."
Ashley hurriedly waved her hand, "No need, no need."
"Don’t be polite; I pickle plenty every year."
Owen also said, "Take them if you like. I’m a regular here and often take pickled radishes home."
Ashley finally nodded with a smile, "Thank you then."
Just as they were talking, footsteps were heard at the entrance.
"Grandpa Garrett, I’m bringing some folks here for lunch later..."
Ashley found the voice familiar, turned her head, and saw Claire Xavier walking in from outside.
Their eyes met, and Claire looked delighted.
"Ashley? Ariana? What are you doing here?"
Before she finished speaking, she spotted Owen sitting opposite Ashley.
"Actor Sinclair, you’re here too? No wonder they’re here."
Owen nodded with a smile, "Brooke, what a coincidence."
After that, he explained to Ashley, "Brooke also used to live in this neighborhood."
Ashley was shocked, eyes wide open.
Claire continued, "My grandpa’s family is here. I used to spend my winter and summer vacations here, and he still refuses to move out. He says he’s used to living here."
So that was it.
Ashley marvelled at how small the world was, seeing Shane across from her gaze at Claire in amazement.
Ashley suddenly remembered that Claire and Shane seemed to be of similar age and both were single...
With this thought, Ashley introduced, "This is Shane Coleman, Ariana’s and my lawyer. This is Ms. Grant, my friend."
Claire proactively extended her hand, "Hello, Attorney Coleman. Thank you for taking care of Ariana and Ashley."
Shane wiped his hand and shook Claire’s hand.
"Hello, it’s my duty, no trouble at all."
Ashley seized the moment, "Ms. Grant, we’ve just had our first dishes served. Join us."
Claire shook her head, "I won’t join, as I have guests to attend to later. It’s Ivy Bond’s parents."
Ashley understood.
"Alright, then you enjoy your meal, and we won’t bother you!"
"No worries, go ahead and eat! I’m just here to order ahead; I’ll have to pick them up soon."
With that, Claire nodded slightly to the others and went to order food from the owner.
After ordering, Claire left to pick up her guests.
Shane was a bit restless and asked Ashley, "Ashley, does your friend... have a boyfriend?"
Ariana’s gossip radar instantly activated.
Before Ashley could respond, she excitedly replied, "Oh, is our handsome lawyer feeling romantic? I must warn you, our Ms. Grant is not easy to pursue."
"Not easy to pursue? The last thing a lawyer fears is a difficult case. That’s true for cases and people alike."
Shane finished speaking, leaning confidently against the chair, about to cross his arms in a cool manner, but he almost fell backward—
The chairs here were long benches, with no backrest at all.
But Owen, quick as lightning, pulled him back, preventing Shane from falling flat on his back.
Ashley and Ariana laughed so hard their stomachs hurt, holding their bellies as they laughed silently.
Even Owen couldn’t maintain his poker face, his face twitching.
After causing such a scene, Shane, red-cheeked, fell into silence.
Ashley was the first to recover, earnestly saying, "Ariana wasn’t wrong just now. Ms. Grant is rich and beautiful, truly hard to pursue."
Shane also seriously replied, "I know she’s difficult to pursue, but once I set my sights on something, I’m not one to give up easily."
Ashley was about to say something when she suddenly remembered Shane saying his family had arranged dates for him and quickly asked about it.
Shane waved it off, "Don’t bring it up; we scheduled a few times, but the other party always made excuses about being busy and wouldn’t come out."
Ariana was shocked and asked, "Wow! What kind of person is she? With your credentials, she doesn’t even want to meet you? Is she an absolute beauty?"
Shane sighed, "I don’t know; I haven’t seen a picture. But it seems the girl is indeed wealthier than my family. And coincidentally, her last name is also Grant, what’s her name again... Oh, right, Claire Xavier."