Chapter 723

Though Alden Reese's exposed skin was covered in tattoos that gave him a fierce appearance, his gaze toward Jane was remarkably gentle. "Jane, how's Brother John doing these days?" Jane sipped her milk obediently, looking utterly adorable with her soft, chubby cheeks enough to melt anyone's heart. She nodded sweetly. "Mhm, Big Brother is doing well. Thank you for asking, Brother Alden. He was supposed to come with us today, but he got too busy with work." Alden Reese chuckled warmly at her innocent reply. "With Wallace Corporation being so big now, I'm not surprised Brother John is swamped." Curious, Jane blinked her big round eyes at him. "Brother Alden, how did you and Big Brother meet?" She had been quite surprised when she first learned they were friends. Though she knew John sometimes had to resort to underhanded tactics in business, he always carried himself with an upright demeanor completely different from Alden, whose rough exterior screamed "street tough." Alden didn’t dismiss her question just because she was a child. Instead, he answered naturally, "Brother John and I were classmates at medical school. Back then, I got into a fight over a misunderstanding, and he happened to pass by and helped me out." "Later, Brother John had to drop out because of family matters. I got framed and couldn’t finish school either ended up spending a few years inside. After I got out, I drifted around until I ran into Brother John again. He knew I’d always been into handling venomous snakes since college, so he helped me set up this snake farm." Jane tilted her head, puzzled. "But Brother Alden, why did you choose to open a snake farm in the outskirts of the capital? The climate here isn’t very suitable." Cold-blooded creatures like snakes preferred damp, cool environments, while the capital’s northern location made it relatively dry raising snakes here would undoubtedly drive up costs. Alden’s eyes sparkled with amusement and surprise. "Jane, how old are you again? You know about this stuff?" "Mhm!" She nodded earnestly. "I learned it from *Animal Planet*! My sister loves those shows, so I picked it up!" Just then, Mina, Harold, and Bryan emerged, each carrying a specially designed cage. Mina looked thrilled, while Harold and Bryan wore expressions of sheer discomfort, holding the cages as far away from themselves as possible. Mina carefully carried the snake cage like a prized treasure as she approached Alden, her large, beautiful eyes crinkling into crescent moons from sheer delight. Gazing at him with a hint of admiration, she chirped, "Brother Alden, you're amazing! Even the snakes you raise are so gorgeous!" Despite being nearly thirty, Alden had never met a little girl as bold as Mina. Most seven- or eight-year-old girls would burst into tears at the mere sight of a snake picture, let alone develop an affection for them. So, his eyes softened with genuine fondness as he regarded this rare kindred spirit. Lowering his voice gently, he asked, "Mina, do you really like these snakes?" With startling honesty, Mina replied, "Well, not exactly. I just want to study the differences in corpses after being bitten by different venomous snakes. I was thinking of taking a few snakes back to test on some lab mice." The smile on Alden's face visibly stiffened, the corner of his eye twitching slightly. Though he was no stranger to Mina's eccentricities, she still managed to catch him off guard. Nevertheless, he responded earnestly, "Mina, if you're planning this experiment, lab mice might not work. These little guys would swallow them whole in one bite." Tilting her head thoughtfully, Mina frowned before nodding seriously. "You're right, Brother Alden. Maybe I should switch to rabbits for the experiment. Though rabbit meat is so delicious it feels a bit wasteful." She even shook her head regretfully, causing Alden's facial muscles to tense up again. Unlike most adults who might dismiss a child's words as mere playfulness, Alden treated her with respect. He suggested thoughtfully, "Mina, how about we collaborate? I've been researching antivenom serums. We could use the rabbits for my detox experiments first after the snakebites. Once they die, you can study the corpses. That way, we both save resources." After a brief pause, Mina nodded approvingly. "That makes perfect sense, Brother Alden. Do you have a lab here?" "Sure do! Want me to show you?" Alden had been speaking to her as an equal all along. Mina's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly followed him. "Yes, yes! Brother Alden, how long have you been working on this research?" "I've been researching this since college..." Their voices gradually faded into the distance, leaving Jane, Bryan, and Harold exchanging puzzled glances. Jane tilted her head. "Sister just left with Brother Alden like that?" Frederick reached out and ruffled Jane's hair gently. "Don't worry, Alden Reese is trustworthy. He won’t hurt Mina." Instinctively, Jane nuzzled against Frederick’s palm like a kitten, her soft, childlike voice murmuring, "I know that. It’s just… Sister’s acting a little strange. She usually drags me along for stuff like this." Harold subtly pulled Jane closer to him, though his gaze lingered on Mina’s retreating figure. "It’s fine. Her mind isn’t really on these things right now. She’s just trying to distract herself." "Ugh!" Jane sighed dramatically, her little face scrunching up in frustration. Honestly, just letting Bryan use the itching powder on Huan was way too lenient. They should’ve concocted something worse something to make him ache all over, body and soul, until he wished he were dead! When Mina finally emerged from Alden’s lab, her cheeks were flushed with excitement. She waved her hands animatedly at Jane. "Jane, you won’t believe how awesome brother Alden’s lab is! They’ve got everything snake venom extractors, serum synthesizers, all kinds of high-tech equipment. Mine looks like a kid’s playroom in comparison!" Jane watched as her sister tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Want me to upgrade your lab then? Just tell me what instruments you need, and I’ll get them for you." Mina slung an arm over Jane’s shoulder, grinning. "Not a bad idea, little sis. Let me take stock of what’s missing first, then I’ll give you a shopping list." There wasn’t a trace of hesitation in Mina’s tone no false modesty, no holding back. "Okay! I’ll buy you whatever you want," Jane promised, her sweet voice brimming with sincerity. She was fully prepared to spoil her sister rotten, but then she noticed the faint redness at the corners of Mina’s eyes. The reason for her sister’s sudden sadness flashed through Jane’s mind, but she bit back the question. Some wounds were better left untouched asking might only make it hurt more.