The Unveiling of Secret Queen

Chapter 350: Chapter 350: Grandpa Nie, nice to meet you_1

”I just noticed Mr. Norton has been replying to messages non-stop, and I have no idea with whom he’s been corresponding. I’ve heard that Mr. Norton is quite serious in private and seldom behaves like this in public. I wonder who could merit such attention from him.”

It must be someone quite impressive, right?

That’s what he thought, but he didn’t say it aloud.

Whoever it was, they were on a level he couldn’t possibly reach.

Probably another great master.

Ivy Wilmar looked from a distance at the old man, who kept his head down, her brows slightly furrowed, still preoccupied with a matter on her mind.

Since Ghania Quinlan had arrived in Beijing over a month ago, her piano skills had improved noticeably. Her original idea was that since her husband had already brought her back to be cultivated, she should be nurtured well, thus becoming an asset to the family. Hence, she thought if she could associate Ghania Quinlan with Mr. Norton upon his return to the country and then get her admitted into Tsinghua University, whatever scandals that McKinney might hold, she could have someone clean them up, making Ghania a worthy investment.

Now, seeing Mr. Norton with such disinterest in their Piano Association, she wore an expression of worry, unable to think of how she might ingratiate herself with him later on.

Twenty minutes later, the meeting was over.

Ivy Wilmar picked up the things on the table, politely declining those who came up to make small talk with her and made her way against the tide toward the old man who was also preparing to leave.

”Mr. Nor—”

She had barely uttered a word.

When she saw someone beat her to it, stepping up to Mr. Norton first.

Celine Tucker, inherently proud and from a prestigious family, had rarely ever needed to lower her stance. This time, however, she greeted the old man with a smile as warm as the spring breeze, exhibiting an extremely humble attitude: ”Mr. Norton, hello. I’m Celine Tucker, the daughter-in-law of the Zachmann Family. This is my daughter, Caryn.”

With an inviting gesture, she beckoned Caryn Zachmann to come closer, speaking with an air of cheerful warmth: ”Caryn, come quickly and greet your Grandfather Norton.”

Caryn Zachmann, very well-mannered, greeted the person in front of her with an elegant and composed voice: ”Hello, Grandfather Norton. I am Caryn Zachmann. I’ve long heard about you from my grandfather, and I’ve admired you from afar. I’m honored to meet you.”

Shawn Norton, faced with the two people who had suddenly blocked his path, subconsciously frowned, his vibrant face momentarily flashing impatience. Upon hearing their introductions, however, the annoyance on his face softened, and with a gracious nod, his tone warm, he asked, ”I haven’t been back for several years and haven’t visited your grandfather. How is his health?”

He and Ericko Zachmann were the highest-ranking individuals who revered traditional culture. Ericko was more adept at handling people than he was, having resolved many issues for him over the years, and they always maintained a good relationship—the kind where even without frequent interactions, their friendship remained steadfast.

Hearing his warm tone as he spoke to her, Caryn Zachmann breathed a sigh of relief, her bright eyes respectfully fixed on him as she replied, ”My grandfather is in good health but always thinks of you. He says it has been a long time since he last saw you and misses the days when you shared meals and conversations.”

A look of nostalgia crossed Shawn Norton’s face, his features relaxing a bit as he rarely displayed a faint smile, ”... When I have the time, I’ll go visit him.”

Celine Tucker immediately chimed in, ”Do you have time a week from now, Mr. Norton? I will book a spot at the Imperial Hotel and we can all have a meal together.”

”A week from now?” Shawn Norton had matters on his mind; results from the Tsinghua University exams would just be out, and he was certain he wanted to see the outcome firsthand. However, after a brief distraction, he tactfully declined, ”I’m not sure if I’ll be available.”

Out of respect for an old friend’s family, he didn’t make a definite refusal: ”We’ll see. If I find the time, I’ll contact Ericko about it. As for where to dine, we can decide that later.”