Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Sky is About to Change

Lunch at the Hawthornes’ was quite hearty, with meat, vegetables, and even steamed sweet potatoes. After a quick meal, Adrian Hawthorne and Old Master Tate took the newspapers to the old master’s place next door to read them.

After a closer look, Adrian Hawthorne was even more delighted. The papers were all from the current month, with some from just the last couple of days. There were even two copies of the People’s Daily—the most authoritative newspaper in the entire country. The rest were copies of the Zylos Daily.

“Grandpa Tate, the city must have changed so much by now.” Adrian Hawthorne’s eyes sparkled.

The newspapers were a small window onto the world, and these dozen or so issues had relayed a crucial piece of information to him—

The times were changing.

And drastically at that.

Change meant opportunity. If he could just seize it, he was certain he could become a formidable figure in his own right.

The old master nodded. “You’re right. The times are indeed changing. Just you watch, within a year, the higher-ups will issue new policies. All these minor shifts right now are just them testing the waters. What a pity… this is also the best time to make money. Kenneth, why don’t you make a trip into the city?”

Adrian Hawthorne hesitated. He desperately wanted to go to the city, but his mother…

The old master sighed, his eyes dimming. “Never mind. We still don’t know which way the wind is blowing. Let’s just lay low for now. Things might be changing for the better, but they could also be getting worse. At least we’re safe here on Millstone Peak. As long as there’s life, there’s hope. Kenneth, you must be patient.”

He was terrified of another political movement; his old bones truly couldn’t endure another one.

“I think the wind is blowing in a good direction. Comrade Deng is in charge now, and he’s already repudiated the ’Two Whatevers.’ All of this suggests things are unlikely to get worse. If worse comes to worst, I’ll just take my mother to the city.”

Adrian Hawthorne made up his mind. He desperately wanted to go see the world outside. This was a rare opportunity, and he refused to let it slip away.

Besides, he had other plans in mind. He still didn’t know if his father’s schemes had succeeded. If his father had failed, he had to start planning for his own future. Even without the Hawthorne family, he, Adrian Hawthorne, could still build his own empire.

Now… it was both the worst of times and the best of times.

The old master glanced outside where Rosalind Green was washing clothes. Her body was so frail, it looked as if a strong gust of wind could carry her off. He shook his head. Rosalind Green would never be able to endure a journey over the mountains. Adrian’s father had protected her too well, raising her like a greenhouse flower that couldn’t withstand the slightest hardship.

He mulled it over for a moment before an idea struck him.

“I do have an idea,” he said. “We can ask Byron Thorne for help. As long as the Thorne family steps in, no one will dare to make a move.”

Adrian Hawthorne’s brow furrowed. “The Thornes aren’t that charitable, are they? After all those times in the past, Byron Thorne never uttered a word of support.”

’Byron Thorne is an old fox who only takes and never gives. He took the five hundred yuan but refused to lift a finger to help, even letting his grandson bully me.’ Adrian Hawthorne had no fond feelings for the old man.

The old master smiled. “That was then, and this is now. Let me handle this.”

“You’re not thinking of asking ’Little Fatty Tang’ to do it, are you?” Adrian Hawthorne asked, displeased. “Don’t think that just because she’s been quiet for a few days, she’s actually turned over a new leaf. She’ll probably be back to stirring up trouble by tomorrow.”

’As if I’d ever beg that fat girl for a favor!’

’Did I have any pride?’

“Kenneth, you’re mistaken about that girl. She may have been a bit mischievous before, but she’s completely different now. Think about it. What has she done over the last three days?”

“I’ll pay them back for the meat. Hunting season will start again soon, and I’ll repay the Thorne family then.”

Adrian Hawthorne’s expression was proud. He would not accept a handout from the Thorne family for nothing.

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