Henry Clark said, “The Mid-Autumn Festival happens to be my mother’s birthday. She’s never liked lively crowds, and besides, during the festival, every family gathers together, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to invite people over to celebrate. So, we’ll just have the maids and stewards from each branch in the inner residence drink some wine and eat some pastries, and that’s it. You and that scholar each prepare a gift and see whose present can move my mother’s heart more.”

“Oh, that sounds difficult. Who is that scholar, anyway? Is he really impressive?”

Henry Clark said, “They say he was a child prodigy in the countryside and passed the provincial exam two years ago. But his family is poor, so he had to come to the residence to find some work—this way, he can study and earn some money. Adam... Adam Sullivan, right? You’d better be careful.”

Adam Sullivan regained his confidence, put his hands on his hips, and said, “Don’t worry, a mere country prodigy is no match for me. Just wait and see how I deal with him.”

Henry Clark looked worried. “You must pass. I can’t let that damn prodigy become my study attendant.” This guy wasn’t stupid at all. He grinned and said, “If a bookworm like that becomes my attendant, and with his uncle being a steward in the inner residence, who knows how many times he’ll complain about me to my mother. I’d rather have you as my attendant, helping me copy calligraphy and do some painting and such. Haha, we’ll share the good times and the bad together.”

Adam Sullivan rolled his eyes at him. Looks like Eldest Young Master Clark is a sly one—he just wants someone to do his homework and help him chase girls, right? With that attitude, even if he turned into the real Sun Wei, the princess wouldn’t spare him a glance.

Henry Clark appeared very sincere and said, “There are only two days left until the Mid-Autumn Festival, so time is tight. You’ll handle the poetry and painting, of course. As for the gift, leave it to me. I’ll pay for it. My mother happens to need a pendant to go with her outfit, so I’ll pick one out for you.”

Adam Sullivan shook his head. “Madam already has so much jewelry; giving her something like that isn’t original. I’ll think of something myself.”

Henry Clark gave a thumbs up. “Brother Sullivan, the moment I saw you, I knew you were extraordinary. Fine, you figure it out yourself. I have a date with a beauty—off to deliver my painting!”

Henry Clark rolled up his painting and dashed off like the wind.

Adam Sullivan watched Henry Clark’s receding figure, the muscles on his face twitching.

“NMD, he even saw through my extraordinary bones. This guy really has a sharp eye.”

Now Adam Sullivan had another problem in front of him. Competing in poetry and painting was one thing, but now he had to give a gift too? Adam Sullivan rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.

First, he still didn’t know much about this so-called prodigy. As for painting, Adam Sullivan was fully confident. But when it came to poetry, he probably wasn’t a match for that guy—this prodigy must have come prepared. There was no choice but to be clever about it.

As for the gift, Adam Sullivan thought this was the most crucial part. What kind of person could become a study attendant? Poetry and painting were just embellishments. For Madam, character was the most important thing. And there was no standard for judging character—it all depended on Madam’s feelings.

More accurately, it was a woman’s intuition. If Madam was at the right age, it would be a menopausal woman’s intuition.

If Madam says you’re good, even if you’re not, you’re good. If Madam says you’re not good, even if you are, you’re not.

The first impression in front of Madam was the most important.

And that impression depended on who could move Madam’s heart.

So, the gift had to be chosen with utmost care—there couldn’t be a single mistake.

“Big Brother Sullivan, what were you and the young master whispering about just now?” Ethan saw Adam Sullivan looking grim and cautiously came over to ask.

Adam Sullivan’s mood brightened, and he laughed, “I’ve decided—I’m going to compete with that prodigy. But I need your help with something, Ethan.”

Ethan puffed out her chest, clearly proud to be able to help Adam Sullivan. “Ethan will do her best.”

“So full,” Adam Sullivan’s eyes were almost caught by her curves, and he reluctantly looked away, coughing awkwardly. “Go find out what Madam likes and tell me.”

Ethan said, “I’m always by Madam’s side—how could I not know her preferences? Madam is usually quiet and gentle. Every day, she goes to the Buddha hall in the inner residence to worship. I don’t know if that counts as a hobby?”

“Of course it does!” Adam Sullivan snapped his fingers, inspiration striking. “Which Buddha does she worship? Is it the Old Mother Bodhi, Tathagata, Vajra, or something?”

Ethan rolled her eyes at him. “What Old Mother Bodhi? Madam worships Guanyin.”

“Oh.” Adam Sullivan nodded, then asked, “That steward in the inner residence—what kind of person is he? Can he usually speak to Madam?”

Ethan said, “Mr. Harris is a really good person—loyal to Madam and kind to us servants. He also likes to worship Buddha, so Madam often talks to him.”

Adam Sullivan realized his opponent was no ordinary person. No wonder Henry Clark’s words didn’t carry much weight with Madam. This Mr. Harris must be a very slick and cunning guy, and in this competition, he would definitely use his close relationship with Madam to help his nephew.

“But it’s fine. I have my own trump card—Ethan as my inside agent, haha…” Adam Sullivan grinned smugly and said, “Ethan, if Madam mentions me in the next few days, remember…”

Ethan interrupted, “Of course I’ll say good things about Big Brother Sullivan.”

Adam Sullivan shook his head. “No, don’t say good things about me—say bad things.”