I! Cleaner!-Chapter 1093 - 1008: Gift
"Don't worry, it's nothing serious."
Noticing the worry on Anna's face, Leon quickly gathered his emotions and expertly put on a "boss face," explaining with a smile:
"You know, my job is rather special, so when I zone out, I really zone out... Sorry, something came up just now, and I couldn't pay attention here."
Is that so?
Under the disguise of a Gold-level Master Performer, Leon's expression was naturally flawless. After seeing his usual demeanor, Anna, who didn't understand anomalies, finally relaxed and quickly walked over to check the pot.
"It's okay, only the bottom is burnt... Out, out!"
Slightly distressed, Anna checked the burnt stew, took the apron hanging by the stove, tied it on, and then placed her hands on Leon's shoulders, pushing him out.
"You go sit on the sofa; I'll handle the rest!"
"I can help you clean up..."
"Going out is helping me!"
Shooting him a playful glare, Anna, a slender girl, slightly increased her strength and forcefully pushed Leon, who kept looking back every few steps, out of the kitchen, then firmly closed the kitchen door.
Once the kitchen door was closed, under Anna's stern order, Leon obediently sat on the sofa, and couldn't help but feel a faint tightness in his chest.
The Black Goat might be abstract, but it wasn't stupid. It would never speak carelessly about such matters. So, what it said is 99% true. Melanie's future may be inevitably linked to the abyss...
"Here! Big bro! Here!"
Leon turned at the sound, seeing the door slightly ajar, and Melanie, who'd already reserved a spot in Abyss Hundred Prisons, didn't know when she slipped out.
Peeking towards the kitchen, she saw Anna busy with the pot, unaware of their movements. Mei the Great Demon God breathed a sigh of relief, closed the door properly, and sneakily gestured for Leon to come over.
"Big bro! Come over!"
"?"
Looking puzzled, Leon walked over, ready to ask, but suddenly his hand was stuffed with a bulging little purse.
He opened the purse embroidered with a pink pony, checked inside, and found at least twenty Gold Wheel coins. Leon asked in confusion:
"What's this..."
"Activity funds."
Sniffling her red nose, Melanie, who had just been spanked, turned her head away from Leon, and grumbled:
"Although you didn't help me when I was in trouble, you're still my big brother... This is the money I've recently earned. You've been traveling for months; sis-in-law might not be pleased. Use this to buy her some gifts, and maybe she won't be mad at you."
"This isn't necessary..."
Looking at the so-called activity funds Melanie handed over, Leon laughed helplessly and pushed the pink purse back, explaining:
"The situation between me and your sister-in-law is unique; we both have things to keep busy with. She won't be angry about my trips, and I don't need your help either; your big bro has money."
"You having money? That's unlikely!"
Facing her brother who stubbornly denied being broke, Melanie sneered:
"I've seen Anna sis's accounts; your salary mostly goes to her. If you haven't earned anything extra, you probably wouldn't have more than eight or nine Silver Wheels left, what good gifts can you buy?"
"Though your big bro doesn't have much money, gifting isn't about lavishness."
Ruffling Melanie's hair, Leon took the opportunity to educate:
"Don't focus too much on the material value of a gift. What's important is the thought behind it. Also, your sister-in-law doesn't lack money or things, so my gifts don't have to be expensive. If thoughtfully chosen by your big bro, she'll like them."
"Tsk, excuses of a broke guy are endless."
"???" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
Sigh... It's something I have to worry about...
Facing a brother who's great except for being miserably thrifty, Melanie sighed, raised her face and asked earnestly:
"Big bro, are you planning to gift sis-in-law flowers? Roses or peonies?"
"???"
Leon asked in surprise:
"I do plan to give Veronica a bouquet of roses... How did you know?"
"Given the little money you have left, what else can you gift besides flowers?"
"..."
"Indeed, whatever you gift, sis-in-law will be happy. Just considering roses shows you're quite thoughtful... But you're stingy!"
"..."
"Here, take it. I've listed everything for you."
Stuffing the bulging pink pony purse back, Melanie pointed to the compartment behind it and sighed:
"Inside is a list of gifts I think sis-in-law might like. I'm not sure which is suitable; pick one when you meet her, seven to eight Gold Wheels should be enough."
"But in your purse there's..."
"The rest is for you to spend."
Glancing at Leon's worn collar, Melanie, long critical of his spending habits, earnestly reminded:
"Big bro, being too stingy is a bad habit; it needs changing."
"..."
Noticing Melanie's gaze, Leon looked at his classic battle gear he'd worn for months, washed countless times by Divine Blood, yet still bearing a pilled collar, and instinctively smacked his lips.
"It still works fine. Maybe Anna can shave the pills off for me when she's free... Ugh... Forget it, Anna's already busy enough, and I might be a bit too frugal..."
After deeply reflecting on his bad habit, Leon silently accepted Melanie's wallet, deciding to indulge a little this time.
Seeing her brother not stubbornly refusing, Melanie's face lit up with satisfaction.
I'm the best!
Not only can I help my brother overcome his frugality, but once sis-in-law receives the gift, knowing I helped choose, next month's investment might triple! A complete win! I win twice...
"Melanie!"
Having dealt with the mess Leon caused, Anna exited the kitchen, pot in hand, furrowing her brows at Melanie, who had snuck out instead of working on homework.
"What did I say earlier? You..."
"I-I... Pot! Anna sis! Put the pot down first!"
"..."
Finally pulling Anna away, after a chaotic dinner, Leon, after much hesitation, left early, wallet in hand with Melanie's list, heading to the department store, and he made it to the palace before nightfall.
"You're here."
Hearing the footsteps from the balcony, Veronica, buried in work, looked up, smiled at Leon, then pointed to the empty vase on a nearby rack.
"Just place the flowers there... Hmm? You didn't buy flowers?"
