After everyone returned to their seats, Eason, looking like a little adult with his delicate features and vibrant spirit, raised his ss of juice. “This toast is for you, brother. I wish you both happiness.”


    Tristan and Monica clinked sses with him gently. “Thank you,” they said, their faces soft with smiles.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Eason then turned to Ivan and Jennifer, raising his ss again. “This toast is for you two as well. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”


    The boy’s gratitude was genuine; he was kind-hearted, unlike his mother and sister.


    “Eason, how are your studies going?” Ivan asked with concern.


    “Very well!” Eason replied confidently. “I understand everything now, and the teacher says I’ve made progress! Recently, I’ve been catching up on Western physics and mathematics.”


    Ivan gave him a thumbs up. “We should earnestly learn the good things from the West and apply them.”


    “Yes!”


    Jennifer asked, “Eason, have you been keeping up with your physical exercise?”


    “I have,” the boy replied, looking at her. “I go for a run every morning and y basketball, so I’ve grown quite a bit taller recently.”


    Jennifer nodded in satisfaction. “Let’s toast to that!”


    “Cheers!”


    Finally, Eason stood up, walked around the table with his ss of juice, and approached Rowan.


    Rowan smiled warmly and affectionately patted his head. The boy’s hair was getting thicker, and his features were bing more defined. One day, some lucky girl would meet him, and it would surely be a beautiful story.


    “Dr. Watson, thank you,” Eason said gratefully, his eyes bright. “Because of you, I am healthy today. I admire you greatly. My dream is to be a doctor too. Will you take me as your apprentice when I grow up?”


    “Of course!” Rowan agreed readily and clinked sses with him. “But remember to study hard and keep fit. Being a doctor is tough and busy work.”


    “I understand!” Eason nodded firmly, nting the seed of determination in his heart before downing his juice in one gulp.


    He returned to his seat and poured himself another half ss of juice. Raising his ss once more, he said, “ire sister, this toast is for you both. I wish you a safe pregnancy, happiness, and eternal joy!”


    “Come on, let’s toast! ept Eason’s blessing!”


    “Eason, we wish you robust growth too!”


    The restaurant was brightly lit with happiness on everyone’s faces asughter filled the air.


    It was a delightful dinner among friends.


    Outside, the rain fell harder as night deepened.


    Spencer’s car was still on its way back to the city at a slow pace in the silent car as rain battered the windows.


    He wished time could slow down so this road would stretch longer.


    The windshield was covered with sheets of water; even with the wipers on full speed, it was futile.


    The rain turned into a downpour.


    Summer watched the road ahead intently without saying a word.


    Soon, Spencer pulled over for safety reasons and turned on the hazard lights.


    Summer snapped back to reality but continued to look ahead through the rain-soaked windshield at faint lights in the distance.


    She slowly turned her gaze to find Spencer staring at her intently. Their eyes met under the warm yellow glow inside the car.