Chapter 70

The species in the Alps are not abundant, but they are certainly not few. There are marmots, mountain hares, ptarmigans, mountain goats, and even bears, though the latter have now disappeared. But there are no deer!

So, when an injured fawn mysteriously appeared at this time and place, are you telling me it wasn't human intervention? Do you think I'm stupid?

"It's been about half a year," Father didn't hide it, responding in a similarly low voice.

"Half a year?" Li Xu raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

"Not at all. We replicated a relatively simple 1:1 model, designed at least seven different plans, and conducted abrasion tests on the fawn to make the injuries look natural," Father continued.

Li Xu's mouth twitched, not knowing what to say. He had never seen anyone pursue a woman to this extent.

"Moreover, the fawn had to be carefully selected. It should be somewhat similar but not too similar, to avoid reminding her of the original one. Additionally, it must be gentle to specific people," Father added.

I understand the first part, but what does the second part mean? What does it mean to be gentle to specific people? Did you inject it with pheromones or something?

However, he soon understood. As the servant brought the first-aid kit, the fawn became nervous, struggling to get up whenever anyone approached.

"I can handle it; I have experience," Audrey said, making the servant put down the first-aid kit and stand aside with Li Xu and Diana.

But she alone couldn't treat and bandage the fawn. Animals are just animals, and once their wounds are stimulated, they instinctively struggle.

"Let me help you," Father immediately stepped forward, squatting far away and slowly approaching, carefully extending his hand toward the fawn's head.

The fawn remained wary, allowing only Audrey to touch it. Seeing the hand approach, it immediately pulled its head back.

But Father was very patient, keeping his hand there and continuously soothing it: "Don't be afraid, little one, we won't hurt you."

With his gentle words, the fawn gradually calmed down, finally allowing his hand to rest on its head, even licking it a couple of times as he stroked it.

"See, it likes me," Father said happily, sharing a smile with Audrey as they began to disinfect and bandage the little one.

Damn, this is impressive. Unconsciously, he made everyone fall for it. No wonder he's a Casanova! Li Xu ranted on the side.

But upon careful thought, none of Father's women seemed to have ever resented him. Damn, indeed incomparable. Spending money to please women and knowing how to spend money to please women are two different levels.

Afterward, Li Xu, Diana, and the servants watched as they treated and bandaged the fawn and carried it back inside.

From the gentle look in Audrey's eyes, it was clear she had already taken the little one as a replacement for Ibi.

Oh, Ibi was the sika deer she adopted in 1959 while filming "The Green Mansions." She loved it dearly, always by her side, and they even appeared together in magazines. Among Audrey's pets, it was the most beloved, but unfortunately, animals have much shorter lifespans compared to humans, just as humans have much shorter lifespans compared to elves.

So, after Ibi passed away a few years ago, Audrey was depressed for a long time. Although it didn't die in a car accident like her famous dog "Famous," losing a companion of so many years would be hard for anyone, let alone a sensitive woman like her.

Father had indeed hit the mark. As long as the follow-up was done well, even if the truth came out in the future, there wouldn't be much blame.

"Tomorrow, I'll have someone check if any pet transport trucks have passed through town. If there are, I'll buy this little one. If it's smuggling, I'll inform the police and adopt it," Old Edward said to Audrey after settling the injured fawn in the house.

Well, the biggest loophole has been sealed.

"But..." Audrey hesitated.

"Switzerland doesn't have the habit of keeping deer as pets, and there are no such species in the mountains. Circus acts don't use deer, so it must have escaped from a pet transport truck or a smuggling vehicle," Old Edward explained. "I believe this is God's will, sending this injured little one to her."

Even Diana chimed in, "Yes, Auntie, it's so pitiful."

Audrey was actually very willing but didn't want to bring it up herself. Now, with their encouragement, she didn't say much more and calmly set up a temporary nest for the fawn.

"I have to say, well done, Dad," Li Xu said to his father after everything was done.

"Do you think I'm just trying to make Catherine happy?" Old Edward raised an eyebrow—Audrey's middle name is Catherine.

"Isn't that the case?" Li Xu countered.

"Not entirely," Old Edward shook his head. "You should know that she is actually quite fragile, especially after her two failed marriages. She needs something to寄托感情 (寄托感情 means to寄托感情, which can be translated as 'to寄托感情'), and children are clearly not suitable. Not every little one can help the family before they grow up."

"They are more likely to be mischievous and cause trouble, especially teenage boys. If the family doesn't have to clean up their mess, it's already a blessing from God, right?" Li Xu asked with a smile.

"A replacement for Ibi is a suitable object for寄托感情," Old Edward continued, "because it is unique, unlike Catherine's fox terriers, which can be easily replaced."

Li Xu smacked his lips and lowered his voice slightly, "What about Robert Walders?"

"He's probably in Australia or New Zealand. In any case, Smith told him he's not welcome in the Northern Hemisphere anymore," Old Edward said casually.

Well, as long as that gold-digger doesn't show up, there shouldn't be a problem. But...

"Just doing this isn't enough. Aunt Audrey basically doesn't act in movies anymore, meaning she has no life goals. So, this fawn can alleviate her temporary emptiness but not for long," Li Xu shook his head.

"Then, dear son, what do you suggest?" Old Edward asked.

"Do charity," Li Xu shrugged. He didn't believe his father hadn't thought of it. "Using a noble goal to fill one's emptiness and satisfy oneself is a common method in history. There are still many people in the world who can't even fill their bellies. With Aunt Audrey's status, calling for attention to hunger issues is quite normal. You can also use this to open a new tax shelter."

"Very good. Then the task of persuading Audrey will be yours," Old Edward patted his shoulder.

I knew it wouldn't be that simple! Li Xu rolled his eyes. But this shouldn't be too difficult. However...

"Don't rush. For a long time, her focus will be on the fawn," Old Edward said calmly, then added, "But, what about Diana? Don't you plan to put more effort into her?"

Damn! Do you have to bring this up? Which pot are you stirring? Do you want me to really hit you?

Despite his words, Li Xu felt helpless. When he mentioned his parents using marriage to secure cooperation, he knew Diana had already learned about it.

Unfortunately, after hinting a few times, the little girl didn't react. Combining his past and present life, he was almost fifty. Greenspan from JP Morgan, who was much older, still chatted with him. Calling Diana a little girl wasn't too much.

In any case, he didn't know if she hadn't seen it or didn't want to talk about it, making it hard for Li Xu to bring up the topic.

It wouldn't be a big deal under normal circumstances, but with his father's methods as a contrast, it was a bit awkward.

He had to find a way. He needed someone to help. Li Xu thought gloomily, already forgetting about Isabella and his daughter.

But help came quickly. While they were talking, Diana found an excuse to chat with Audrey alone.

"So, dear, what do you feel?" After listening quietly to Diana, Audrey asked calmly.

"What do I feel?" Diana was confused.

"Or, how do you feel about Eddie? Do you love him?" Audrey clarified.

"I... I..." Diana hesitated, struggled, and finally lowered her head, speaking softly, "I want to be with him, I want to talk and chat with him. When I'm in his arms, I don't have to worry about anything else. Is... is this love?"

"Of course it is, dear," Audrey sighed, looking at her face, "Don't doubt it; this is the state of being in love."

"But... but he said... he said he would find a mistress..." Diana's mood became even lower.

"Maybe he was just talking," Audrey tried to comfort her but then sighed, "Dear, asking me about this is a mistake. You should know my two marriages... were both terrible."

"I'm sorry, Aunt Audrey, I didn't mean to..." Diana hurriedly said.

"It's okay, dear, it's okay," Audrey shook her head, "It's the truth. Eddie—meaning the father of the little one—always said, one must face the truth."

This reassured Diana, and she cautiously asked, "Then... Aunt Audrey, you and... you and Uncle Edward..."

Audrey fell silent, looking at the dark scenery outside, and after a moment, sighed lightly, "Eddie is a good friend and lover, but not a suitable husband."

But she shrugged, "But he is who he is, and the little one is who the little one is."