Fortunate to Have You This Lifetime
Chapter 1282

Chapter 1282: Chapter 1282

——Do you have time on New Year’s Day? Come home with me.

When a man extends such an invitation, Jane McCain is certain it signals a meeting with the parents, suggesting their relationship is about to progress further.

Along with the sweetness, there’s a bit of nervousness.

She knows very little about Allen Rivera’s family, having never met his parents and siblings. Conversely, Allen had occasionally seen Ruby Spencer when dropping Jane off at home, exchanging a few polite words.

Jane McCain once again found Zara Jameson to discuss strategies.

The two women huddled together, opening their phone maps to study Allen’s hometown in Hutton County.

"It’s not that far, a two-and-a-half-hour drive on the highway. But this place is really small, what’s the main source of economic income?"

"Green agriculture?" Jane hesitantly searched for information, "It seems there’s also a famous hot spring resort here."

"Oh, I get it. Hutton County is in Phoenix Hill. There’s indeed a famous Phoenix Mountain Hot Spring there." Zara asked her, "What does Allen’s family do?"

"I didn’t dare ask..." Jane McCain replied awkwardly, "I only know he has a sister and two brothers; one of his brothers works as a chef in another city, while everyone else is back home."

"Such a big family living together..." Zara thought for a moment and muttered, "Could they be farmers?"

Jane puffed out her cheeks in displeasure.

Zara hurriedly explained, "I’m not discriminating against farmers, I’m just worried you might encounter a ’phoenix man’. There are plenty of stories on the news about this — where a big family sacrifices to support a successful son, all counting on him to repay their devotion by marrying a woman who also works hard for them. Be careful not to jump from one pit into another."

Jane whispered, "If he’s a real phoenix, it’s worth jumping into the pit..."

Zara laughed and poked her forehead, "You shameless."

Finally, she asked, "Have you told your mom about this?"

Jane nodded, "My mom is abroad right now, busy planning a New Year’s clothing show. I called her, and she told me to prepare gifts and be polite when visiting."

"Aunt Spencer really has a big heart." Zara sighed slightly.

"What do you think I should bring as gifts for his family?" Jane asked.

"Hmm... For a first meeting, something too light won’t do." Zara mused, "But too extravagant isn’t appropriate either. Elderly folks seem not to like women spending money lavishly..."

"Some specialty pastries from Clearwater City would be safe." Zara finally suggested.

Jane McCain wasn’t convinced, "Is that reliable?"

Zara laughed, "How would I know if it’s reliable? Ryan Wesley only has one uncle, I don’t have your sweet dilemma."

Sweet dilemma?

Jane McCain cupped her cheeks and silently thought.

Indeed, it’s very sweet...

...

Jane McCain made a list; it included gift boxes of pastries, porcelain, tea, nutritional health products, and massage equipment.

She planned to ask Allen Rivera about his family’s preferences before really considering what gifts to buy.

She called him but received no answer.

This wasn’t surprising; when Allen gets busy, he often doesn’t answer calls. But as soon as he’s free, he always returns her calls promptly.

Jane McCain wasn’t anxious. She first organized some of her personal daily necessities, then embraced her shy and sweet feelings and went to Allen Rivera’s apartment.

Her mom had told her that when a man lets you into his private space and allows you to change the settings, swap out sheets, or pillows, it means you’re already in his heart.

Jane was tidying up inside when she heard the front door open.

She turned around happily, ready to surprise him, only to find it wasn’t Allen Rivera outside the door.

It was his assistant.