I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

John Watson looked at Sherlock's calm and leisurely appearance of smoking, with mixed feelings deep in his heart. He slowed down, slowed down again, and finally bent down to pick up the notebook on the ground, then sat back in the chair again, dazed .

For Watson, among the many celebrities and dignitaries in the city of London, if there is anyone who can make him have an absolutely positive opinion, it must be two people, and their names are Karl Krause and Doris Guerra ston.

Although...before last night, he always thought that he had nothing to do with those two outstanding people, but it did not prevent him from admiring their careers and achievements.

Mr. Karl Krause not only made outstanding contributions to the research and development of drugs, but also was a commendable kind employer in terms of improving the working environment of the factory.

He has been working hard to improve the working conditions of the workers, ensuring that the factory area is well-lit and ventilated. He equips the workers with flush toilets and bathing facilities, and provides canteens and nurseries.

Moreover, he also actively promoted relevant legislation to force more factory owners to adopt the most basic health and safety measures. While ensuring work efficiency, they must also protect the health needs of workers.

When Watson first arrived in London, he visited the factory set up by Mr. Karl Krause in the suburbs.

Of course, the experimental area related to the core technology is not allowed to enter. He just followed other tourists around the open area and listened carefully to a simple and vivid science course.After that time, his favorability for Mr. Karl Krause increased from the original eight points to a full ten points.

He feels that everyone is of the same age, but some ideas and practices of Mr. Klaas are really great.The most important thing is that he not only has good ideas, but also the ability to realize them.On the other hand, after returning from the battlefield, I have been muddling along, doing nothing every day, which is a waste of good time.

After reflection, Watson touched his empty wallet, and found that whether it was because of the incentives or the actual personal property situation, he should have changed, and he could no longer live in such a carefree way.

So John Watson, who was determined to change his life, met the most attractive consulting detective in England.

At this moment, the brilliant roommate played the violin and seemed to be in a good mood.

In the beautiful and smooth music, Watson carefully recorded all the details of the Greek interpreter case. When he closed the notebook, his roommate also stopped playing.

"Holmes, I would like to ask, when recording this case, should I deliberately downplay the existence of your brother and Mr. Claus? Of course, I will definitely not ignore Mr. Claus' contribution in this case. I mean, um, after that, no, it's the details of your brother getting along with Klaus...do I need to avoid it?"

"No need at all, my dear Watson, those two don't care about those gossip, you just record it as it is."

"Is it rumors?" Watson's eyes lit up, obviously realizing that the detective next to him was an insider, "Holmes, if it's convenient, can you tell me which of the rumors outside are true? Which ones are false?"

Sherlock leaned on the sofa boredly, and lazily replied:

"It's hard to say, Watson, do you know how many kinds of so-called rumors there are? Heh, there are more types of soot than I have studied! It would be too unrealistic for me to analyze each one for you. Moreover, some The matter involves Klaus's privacy, and I can't say anything about it."

Watson waved his hands again and again: "Holmes, you have misunderstood. I have absolutely no intention of prying into that gentleman's privacy. I am just curious, um, curious about the truth or falsehood of some widely circulated claims. Of course, if it is inconvenient, I will Didn't mention it."

"My friend, you don't have to be so cautious. Mycroft and Klaus didn't hide their personal relationships and ways of getting along with you, which means that they don't care about letting you discover some truths. So, if you have any doubts, just ask Come on, while I still have some free time."

Watson immediately cheered up. He brought Holmes a cup of tea, and then asked:

"They said that the reason why Mr. Claus attaches so much importance to production safety and the health of workers is related to an experience in his youth, which also involved, um, a lady he attaches great importance to, is that so?"

"In a way, yes."

Sherlock pondered for a while, and explained a few words as simply as possible:

"In order to treat her fiancé's illness, one of Doris' personal maids plotted against Doris together with others, and planned to kill a noble lady to make a lot of money. It happened that my brother visited Gladstone Manor , discovered their conspiracy, and caught the instigator behind the scenes. During the investigation, Mycroft met Klaus, and the two interrogated the personal maid together, and learned that she murdered Doris motivation."

"What does this have to do with improving the working environment for workers?" Watson was puzzled.

Sherlock smiled: "My friend, please pay attention to a detail in my words. I have already said that the fiancé of the personal maid is seriously ill. You can figure it out after a little thinking. The fiancé must be Because of participating in factory labor, he suffered personal injury or got related diseases, so that he had no money for medical treatment.”

Watson was stunned, and there was a trace of heaviness between his brows:

"So, after solving the hidden danger for Miss Gladstone, no, Mrs. Holmes, who was not married, Mr. Cross noticed the tragic situation of the unfortunate gentleman, so he felt deep sympathy. So, in the days that followed Here, he treats his employees as well as possible."

Sherlock touched his chin and said meaningfully:

"It's not just Klaus, but Klaus and Doris were touched together and decided to help some people. However, Klaus at that time had no ability, and Doris didn't have much ability because she was an unmarried woman." The right to use her dowry, so they can only help a small number of people. Until recent years, their business has expanded, and their investment has received rich returns, so they have less constraints in doing things."

These words made Watson's eyes brighten, followed by regret.He couldn't understand the subtle tone of Sherlock Holmes, and he focused on the gossip of ordinary people.

"So, Mr. Claus and Mrs. Holmes were so like-minded when they were young? Leaving aside those emotional problems, I really think that there is a sincere friendship between the two of them."

Sherlock Holmes raised his eyebrows and made a gesture of listening attentively.

Watson's tone was a little excited:

"Sherlock, you see, Mr. Claus has changed some life plans because of this incident, and Mrs. Holmes has publicly said that the reason why she donated one public library after another is to let everyone, all classes think Those who want to acquire knowledge have a good reading channel.

"She also specifically mentioned Mr. Claus, saying that he was of ordinary origin, but he was eager to acquire knowledge. He had suffered a lot in his youth to obtain the opportunity to learn. While she was proud of her friend's success, she was very proud of what he had encountered. I deeply sympathize with all kinds of embarrassments.

"So, she hopes that in the future, those who want to improve their reading, broaden their horizons, and appreciate the beauty of words in the future Klaus can find a relatively fair free opportunity in the public library. You see, Sherlock, they are achieving each other and making each other better people, I think this friendship is precious, even surpassing love!"

Sherlock Holmes asked: "If my guess is not wrong, you were still struggling with the complex relationship between men and women just now, how did you start singing the praises of pure friendship?"

Watson smiled awkwardly: "Actually, in fact, some emotional boundaries are not so clear. However, as a well-bred gentleman and lady, I believe in Mr. Clarks and Mrs. Holmes. What's more, Mr. Holmes is not so clear about Mrs. Mr. Laws' attitude is also very kind, which makes me feel that I can't look at them with narrow and vulgar eyes. The relationship between the three of them must not be as entangled and helpless as the outside world has said. "

At this moment, the gray eyes of Sherlock Holmes were gazing seriously at John Watson with an inexplicable light.

"I have to say, Watson, that you have, to a certain extent, wonderful intuition and judgment."

Although he didn't know why he was praised, Watson felt very honored.

While Watson was chatting with Sherlock, Pei Xiang, the absolute central figure in the topic, had already removed his disguise and came out of the bathroom wiping his wet long hair.

Mycroft had long since showered, and was sitting by the window reading today's paper.

He heard footsteps, looked up at his wife, and took a short breath.

"New custom pajamas?"

"Well, do you like it?"

"It's hard to say." Mycroft took the big towel from Pei Xiang's hand and helped her wipe her hair.

"Can't tell?"

"Well, I think I'll have to look at it a few times before I can tell if I like the new look or not."

Pei Xiang smiled, enjoying her husband's gentle care while caring for her skin meticulously.

Mycroft looked at the bottles and cans on the dressing table, and suddenly smiled:

"These skin care products are all under the name of Klaus. The series you use is named 'Doris' and it is the best-selling product. No wonder the rumors have become more and more true, saying 'Dolly' Silk' is specially developed for you, because Miss Gladstone's obsession with beautiful appearance is no less than her enthusiasm for charity."

Thinking of Watson's reaction today, Pei Xiang frowned.

"There's nothing you can do about it. At the beginning, your political opponents wanted to criticize you, using the fact that 'Klaus' had a close relationship with you to stir up trouble, and wanted to put you on an indecent charge. We To fight poison with poison, deliberately muddy the water.

"Originally it was just a stopgap measure. I didn't expect that everyone paid so much attention to our family. It has been passed on for many years, and many details that are lingering and sentimental have been added. Mike, every time I hear it, I feel If the story of our 'three' is not written into a book and then rehearsed into an opera, it would be a disservice to the enthusiasm of the whole English people to gossip."

Mycroft bowed his head and kissed the top of his wife's head, thinking that his father-in-law had comforted him tactfully on a certain Christmas day, so he couldn't laugh or cry.

"That's fine, this explains in disguise why you and Klaus don't always show up at the same time. Look, they have already thought of a reason for us, that is, Mr. Klaus is afraid of causing misunderstandings, and he is worried that he will not be able to help himself. So , he avoids you, associates only with me, and is indirectly concerned with Doris Gladstone's married life as Mrs. Holmes."

"Yes, they can't laugh at you, my Mr. Holmes. Because everyone knows that all the libraries named after me were built because of your precise investment vision. If you didn't manage it with your heart His wife’s property and full support for his wife’s charitable work will not have the queen’s awards and good reputation in the future.”

"However, if possible, I hope they know that the person with a keen investment vision is my Doris."

"It's not important, honey," Pei Xiang stood up lightly, wrapped her husband's neck gently, and leaned into his arms, "I just... took advantage of some time, you are the real far-sighted .”

Pei Xiang thought of some views and opinions of Mycroft, and expressed his admiration and trust without hesitation.

"Maybe, I should record the truth and give it to Victor to keep and pass it on, so that our future generations can also know the real stories of the elders."

Mycroft hummed lightly, not interested in continuing to speak for the time being, he picked up the warm jade in his arms, and walked towards the big bed...

John Watson met the "legendary" Mrs. Holmes a month later, at Edward Gladstone's wedding.

"Holmes, I really didn't expect that you and I would come to such a wedding. Well, you understand what I mean? I just think that you may not like this kind of occasion, and you would rather spend your time pondering some unthinkable things. "

Sherlock Holmes certainly understands Watson's subtext. He stands in the corner with sharp eyes, watching the guests coming and going on the field intently.

"You do know me, Watson, but Doris told me that if I came to her brother's wedding, I would find a 'big surprise' and I would never be bored and waste my time."

"big surprise?"

"Yes," Sherlock Holmes said, his eyes suddenly paused, and then he turned his head nonchalantly, "Well, my dear friend, I already know what the 'big surprise' is, and it is indeed not in vain. Come."

"What is it? Come on, Holmes."

Sherlock smiled and shook his head: "Watson, this is another new case. I can't say anything to you until I reach a specific conclusion."

Watson hesitated to speak, his eyes were full of curiosity.

Sherlock pushed him: "Watson, concentrate on enjoying the party. Have you seen the lady standing next to Mycroft? That's Mrs. Holmes you miss so much. I think you should be willing to come forward Go get acquainted."

Sure enough, Watson was immediately distracted and followed Sherlock's guidance to look over.

It was a very beautiful and elegant lady, tall and graceful, standing beside the tall Mycroft, and the two looked a perfect match.

The shorter wife didn't know what to say, and the gentleman next to her lowered his head slightly, looking at his partner with gentle eyes.While the lady was speaking, she helped her husband adjust the accessories on his coat, and the movements of the two were intimate and natural, forming a whole of their own.

"Hey, I think, I'd rather not bother you," Watson sighed. I don't know whether he was feeling sorry for Mr. Claus, who was clearly out of the game, or simply envious of the harmony between the Holmes and his wife. The way they get along is superfluous and meaningless."

Since Watson refused, Sherlock did not insist, because he discovered a new research object.

However, just because Watson doesn't bother, doesn't mean that other people have this level of delicacy.

After standing alone for a while, Pei Xiang and Mycroft entered the busy social mode. These two people have always been very popular figures, and as long as they attend the event, they will not be left out.

After a while Jane Gladstone and her husband approached, and introduced the Holmes and Mrs. Holmes to a new acquaintance, who was aimed at Mycroft.

After we chatted for a while, another acquaintance came forward to say hello.

Someone asked about Pei Xiang's art exhibition, and someone made suggestions on the site selection and architectural structure of the new library.Gradually, the husband and wife were separated and formed their own social circles.

When the husband and wife have the opportunity to be alone again, it is almost time for the couple to make a solemn oath.

After the ceremony, the guests offered their blessings one after another.

Pei Xiang and Mycroft stepped back tacitly to give way, and then they quietly left the lively crowd.

"I'm sorry, Doris."

"What are you sorry about?"

"At the beginning, when I made an oath with you, you were not tempted by me."

"Then are you tempted, Mycroft? Didn't you say that you can only give me loyalty and respect, but not true friendship?"

"Doris, are you laughing at me? You and I both know that I have long been tempted by you, but in the first two years, I have been unwilling to face it squarely."

Pei Xiang smiled lightly, with a shrewd tone: "Yes, Mr. Holmes is so proud that he never believed that he would fall into an irrational love. He said to himself, stop, Mike, that's not A field that a rational and intelligent person should set foot in. Talking about love? It’s better to eat one more candy, which is sweet anyway.”

Mycroft coughed lightly, hoping his wife would save him some face.

Pei Xiang looked at him with his head tilted, and suddenly asked: "Mike, do you think I will marry myself at will in order to get rid of some troubles that can be solved? I have to make a solemn promise before God that I will never leave a man until now." abandoned?"

Mycroft paused, then took two quick steps, and turned to Pei Xiang.

"That's the sweetest thing I've heard this year, Doris."

"Just this year?"

"Because I believe that next year we will have a deeper relationship and it will get better and better."

Pei Xiangyan smiled.

Sure enough, next year.

Pei Xiang asked Mycroft, what do you want to do after retirement?

Mycroft thought for a while, he likes to observe human beings, he likes the magnificent vitality and rapid changes of the city of London, so he plans to stay in the city to live.

"Go to the countryside to relax once in a while, how about you, Doris? If you like the comfort and quiet life in the manor, let's go back. You and I can always find a way to coordinate."

Pei Xiang didn't answer right away.

Mycroft said, "The most important thing is that you are with me, and the rest is fun, Doris."

Pei Xiang didn't make Mycroft anxious either.

"I also don't like living in the manor. We have lived in this city for so many years, and seeing her getting better and better, I am reluctant to leave. However, I want to change to a completely different way of life. Do you have any new ideas? ?"

Mycroft suddenly remembered the childish dreams of childhood, and said with a smile:

"Maybe, we can invest in a store that only sells what we like."

"What do you like?" Pei Xiang smiled and glanced at her husband, "Is it a dessert house?"

"Not bad." Mycroft said expectantly, but his smile was reserved.

"If you are willing to travel around in person on the basis of investment, go with me to find the best raw materials and the most authentic methods. Maybe, I can relax some requirements and allow you to eat half a cake or a cookie every day."

Mycroft hesitated for a moment. "A cake or two cookies?"

"also."

"Doris, those are the sweetest love words I've heard this year."

Then, in the last year of his life, Mycroft felt it was his turn to say the sweetest words of love.

"Doris, don't be sad. This is a good thing for me. Once I leave, I will have eternal rest. At this point, there will be no more sorrow, and my soul will be complete and peaceful. But you, but To walk alone, to bear the wind and rain of the unknown, Doris, I worry about you."

Pei Xiang's eyes were slightly red: "You know everything, dear?"

"Well, I noticed it slowly, and you didn't deliberately hide it from me."

"You're so smart, it's hard to lie to you."

"If only I were smarter, I could break through those unknown limitations and stay by your side all the time. However, I later felt that if I became smarter, I might completely miss this relationship with you , so, Doris, don't be sad, everything is just right for me."

Pei Xiang nodded.

Mycroft smiled affectionately and slowly closed his eyes: "Forgetting is the best medicine, Doris. Promise me that before you are completely strong, you will never seek back the memories of the past. You must always look forward."

"Okay, I promise you."

"Good night, Doris, my wife."

"Good night, dear Mycroft."

The Fourth World: The Story of the Little Phoenix Series