Chapter 224

"Hey, come on, you've been a parent for years and now you're suddenly interested in a parent-teacher meeting? Did you fall for one of the kids' parents or maybe the teacher?" William's friend teased, clearly amused.

William scratched his head, looking a bit troubled. "It's not that. Just tell me, okay? Consider it a favor I owe you."

"No way, man. It's not every day you need something from me. I gotta milk this for all it's worth," his friend laughed heartily.

"Forget it, I'll ask someone else," William said, losing patience. It was just a kindergarten thing, no need to let his friend hold it over him.

His friend, however, got anxious. "Wait, fine, I'll tell you. They're making lanterns soon, and there's a parent-child outing coming up. They announced it a while ago. Hey, are you planning to go? I could lend you my son."

William thought for a moment. "Alright, we'll see about the outing." As for making lanterns, he wasn't much help there. Christina used to be an architect; making these things would be a piece of cake for her. Asking his friend turned out to be pointless.

His friend, with a mysterious look, said, "Show me the woman you're interested in. I want to see who's finally caught your eye after all these years."

The sound of children playing could be heard in the background. William quickly found an excuse, "You're happy with your family, so don't bother me. Go spend time with your son." With that, he hung up the phone. His friend was left fuming but couldn't do anything about it.

The next day, Harper brought the lantern to school, and it immediately drew the admiration of her classmates.

"Wow, it's so pretty! Your mom is really talented."

"Yeah, my mom did most of it, but I cut out this little window. Isn't it nice?" Harper proudly showed off the lantern.

"It's beautiful."

"Let me see it."

The kids started arguing over it. In the midst of the commotion, the lantern was passed around several times. Harper, worried it might get damaged, quickly said, "Give it back to me, now!"

"Don't be so stingy. It's so well-made, we just want to see how it's done," several kids chimed in.

Just then, with a thud, the lantern fell to the ground. Harper rushed to pick it up, but in the pushing and shoving, two kids lost their balance and fell. The delicate lantern was crushed instantly. Harper tried to fix it but found the paper was creased and couldn't be restored. She felt a wave of frustration. She and her mom had worked hard on it all night.

The kids, realizing their mistake, apologized, "Sorry, Harper, we didn't mean to."

Harper, being generous, forced a smile. "It's okay." But she was still upset. Her mood remained sour for the rest of the day.

William, waiting in the car, spotted Harper standing at the kindergarten gate, looking forlorn. He waved her over.

"Harper."

Harper looked up, her small face full of sadness.

William got out of the car and gently pinched her cheek. "What happened? Who made my Harper upset? Tell Dad Cavendish, and I'll take care of it."

"No need," Harper pouted. "The lantern Mom and I made got ruined by my classmates, and now I can't turn in my assignment next week."

"Is that all? How about Dad Cavendish helps you make a new one?" William offered eagerly, seizing the opportunity.

Harper's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course," William said, patting her head. "Looks like your mom isn't here yet. I'll have the driver get some materials, and we can make it in the classroom."

"Okay," Harper nodded.

The materials were quickly bought. The school had strict rules, so William couldn't take Harper out, but the teacher recognized him and allowed them to stay in the classroom.

William cut the colorful paper and glued it together. He chose a remote-controlled color-changing bulb for the lantern. But when he turned it on, his face fell. The paper was too thick; the light couldn't shine through.

Harper rested her head on her hand, "Dad Cavendish, this isn't as nice as Mom's."

William smiled awkwardly. "No worries, it's not finished yet. I'll fix it."

He started cutting patterns into the thick paper, hoping to let the light through. But his cuts were uneven and messy, making the lantern look worse.

Harper couldn't help but laugh. "So, there are things Dad Cavendish can't do."

"No problem, if it's ugly, we'll start over," William said, determined, grabbing more paper.

Before he could start, the teacher's voice came from outside. "Harper's mom, you're here."

Christina's voice was gentle, "Sorry I'm late, I had something to do. Hope it didn't cause you any trouble."

"No trouble at all. Someone's been keeping Harper company, so I got to finish my report," the teacher said, leading her in.

Christina wondered who was with Harper, but her face darkened when she saw William. "What are you doing here?"

"I..." William quickly made up an excuse, "Just asking about school activities for a friend."

Really? Christina was skeptical.

Harper, however, was happy, "Mom, Dad Cavendish is helping me make a lantern."

Christina gently patted her head, "Didn't I already make one for you?"

"It got ruined by my classmates," Harper said, looking down.

"Do you want the one he made?" Christina glanced at the crooked lantern.

Honestly, Harper wasn't impressed. "Mom, can you make me a new one?"

William felt a bit embarrassed.

Christina, pleased, ruffled Harper's hair, "Of course, Mom will make you a new one."

William gritted his teeth. Winning over a child wasn't easy, but he was up for the challenge.

As Christina and Harper left, William caught up, "Let me give you a ride."

Christina turned and smiled faintly, "No need, I have my car."