Chapter 746: Brotherly Love, Sisterly Respect

Unaware that her brother and sister were quietly scheming over next year's allowance, Anna returned to the apartment after hailing the carriage and led out William and Melanie, who were still glaring at each other.

Where's the eldest brother?

After glancing around the doorway and seeing no sign of Li Ang, Melanie asked curiously:

"Where's Brother? Isn't he coming with us?"

"He went to pick up the gifts."

Anna lifted Melanie under the armpits and placed her on the carriage, then reached for William as she replied casually:

"Our sister Aly's health isn't good—she hasn't been to school and rarely leaves home. Brother wanted to give her an unforgettable birthday, so he specially ordered some gifts."

"But since time was tight, even after paying extra, they were only ready this morning, so he got up early to collect them and will wait for us at the street corner over there."

"Oh…"

After hearing Anna's explanation, Melanie's bright eyes flickered with envy.

How nice—it was the first time William and she had ever received custom-made gifts.

William, who had refused Anna's help and climbed aboard himself, noticed her envy and patted her shoulder, speaking like a small adult:

"Don't worry—when your birthday comes, you'll get one too. Brother only skimps on himself; he always gives us whatever he can."

"He never threw us big birthdays before because our family was too poor and had to be frugal. Now we're much better off, and knowing Brother's nature, he'll definitely prepare something special for your next birthday."

Hmm… that's true…

Recalling how Li Ang had always treated her well, Melanie's petty jealousy instantly melted away.

Thinking of that frail girl, stuck at home all year, even without anyone to accompany her to steal bird eggs, she felt a twinge of guilt—how wrong of her to envy such a pitiful child just because Brother showed her favoritism.

Anna, listening nearby, felt her heart soften and instinctively reached out to stroke William's small head, her eyes tinged with quiet guilt.

In truth… though they were a bit mischievous, both William and Melanie were truly good children. Whoever treated them kindly, they remembered deeply; they knew right from wrong and never did anything truly outrageous…

Hmm… that's debatable, but at least they never started anything outrageous—they were generally decent. It was unfair of me to worry they'd bully others before we left.

Squeezing her still-plump purse, Anna, feeling guilty, decided to compensate the "wronged" siblings and said:

"Alright then—since you've both been well-behaved lately, when we get back tonight, I'll buy each of you a gift. What do you want?"

?!!!

Upon hearing Anna's promise, not only did Melanie beam with joy, but even William looked startled.

Compared to their ever "generous" brother, Anna had always been the frugal one—or to put it plainly, she hated spending money and would rather split every copper coin into eight pieces.

And yet today, Anna—who was perfect except for her stinginess—had unexpectedly been generous. This opportunity had to be seized!

Also, knowing Anna's nature, the total gift budget would be strictly limited—even with their current wealth, seven or eight copper coins was the absolute max, and that sum was shared between the two of them…

Whoever asked for the cheaper gift would lose out!

Without thinking, they exchanged glances, saw the fire in each other's eyes, and instantly synchronized their thoughts—they knew the other had the same plan. A battle for the reward budget was about to begin!

"I want a doll! And new shoes!"

In a flash of thought, Melanie—faster-thinking and better at math—blurted out two gifts totaling five copper coins, instantly claiming most of the budget.

After calculating the price of those two items, Anna's eyes flickered with hesitation, but seeing Melanie's slightly worn shoes, she nodded slightly. Li Ang worked hard for his money; she didn't plan to buy them anything expensive—seven or eight copper coins was the limit.

Though Melanie had claimed most of the budget, her shoes were indeed too small and needed replacing. If William wanted something like a toy, she could afford to take less.

After all, boys' toys break quickly—whether it's a five-copper coin wind-up soldier or a three-copper coin tin frog, they'd be shattered within two months anyway. Better to save where you can…

Having mentally allocated the budget, Anna nodded, approving Melanie's request.

"Alright… William, what about you? What do you want?"

"As for me…"

William glanced at his sister, who watched him with smug eyes full of triumph, and smiled faintly in return.

"Buy me some books."

?!!!

Under Melanie's horrified gaze, William pulled a folded scrap of paper from his pocket and read calmly:

"Anna, the books I want are: A Brief History of the Continental Wars, Our Kingdom, How the Parliament Was Formed, A Guide to the Standing Armaments of the Kingdoms…"

After reciting a long list, William handed the paper to Anna and modestly offered:

"I prepared this list, but you don't need to buy them all—just a few will do."

"Even though all these books were recommended by my teacher and guaranteed to help my studies, Melanie's toys are important too. My grades can wait—it's no big deal. Buy her toys first."

"…"

…

Phew… perfect timing.

Seeing the carriage approaching, Li Ang, waiting at the entrance of Red Cedar Avenue, recognized the passengers' silhouettes and waved. The carriage slowed and pulled up.

"Keep going straight to the very end and stop at the entrance of Baohua Estate."

After instructing the driver and handing him the pass token, Li Ang stepped aboard. He was about to ask if they were ready, but noticed the two children's odd behavior.

William, as usual, wore his serious little-adult expression, but the slight lift of his chin betrayed his inner delight.

Melanie, by contrast, sat slumped like a defeated rooster, lips pouted high, and even as Anna turned away, she secretly kicked William as she boarded.

"…"

Looking at the half-dozen dusty shoe prints on his pant leg, yet still wearing a victorious smile, Li Ang rubbed his temples in exasperation.

Though he had no proof, he had a strong feeling that agreeing to Emma's request to bring these two troublemakers to celebrate Aly's birthday was a terrible mistake…

(End of Chapter)