As the dishes began to arrive, each a vibrant and aromatic masterpiece, the table gradually broke into smaller conversations, creating a warm but focused atmosphere.
Hao Jun leaned toward Isaac and Cassandra, clearly intrigued by their hospital’s reputation. “I’ve always admired your approach, Dr. Cosmos—efficient but with a personal touch. Healthcare is an area I’m considering for investment. How do you see the potential for expansion?”
Isaac nodded, maintaining a professional tone. “Growth is always possible, especially with the advances in telemedicine and patient care. But we’re cautious. Scaling too fast in healthcare can cost that personal connection.”
Cassandra added, “Quality has always been our priority. If we expanded too quickly, we might lose that.”
Hao Jun smiled, clearly impressed. “That’s exactly the ethos I value and what’s missing from many larger institutions.”
Meanwhile, across the table, Ling was engaged in an animated conversation with Keira and Selene, her gaze warm as she spoke to Adam’s sisters. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you both,” she said, her enthusiasm genuine. “Adam’s mentioned you, but not nearly as much as I’d hoped.”
Selene, quick to notice Ling’s interest, leaned in with a smile. “Oh, I bet you wanted him to mention us more,” she teased, throwing a glance at Adam. “But tell us about yourself, Ling—you seem to have an interesting background.”
Ling’s cheeks reddened slightly as she replied, “I work with my grandfather and travel a lot… and I spend time in VR. That’s where I met Adam. He’s been teaching me so much.”
Keira, though quieter, observed with interest. “So, you two have spent a lot of time in-game?”
Ling nodded, her eyes briefly flicking to Adam. “Not nearly as much as I’d like,” she admitted. “But I’ve learned more from Adam than I expected. He’s brilliant.”
Selene and Keira exchanged glances, each noting Ling’s admiration. Selene’s curiosity sharpened as she asked, “It sounds like you’ve enjoyed his company, then?”
Ling’s face softened, her expression sincere. “I have, very much. Even in brief interactions, he’s left a strong impression.”
At the other end of the table, Nathan eyed Adam with a probing gaze. “So, you’re doing well for yourself, then?” he asked, his tone careful but tinged with curiosity. “That suit alone must have cost a fortune.”
Adam returned his gaze calmly, seemingly aware of the tone behind Nathan’s question. “It’s been a productive few months,” he replied, sipping his drink. “Enough to cover a few suits.”
Nathan raised an eyebrow, refusing to let it drop. “And what else are you spending on? Besides the fancy apartment?”
Adam’s expression remained even. “Mostly investments. I live modestly—just some upgrades here and there, but my focus is on long-term stability.”
Nathan’s irritation was thinly veiled. “What about your free time? Do you even have any, or is it all work?”
Adam leaned back, keeping his composure. “I have some free time, but I’m careful with it. I always have something to work toward.”
Sensing the tension, Ling leaned closer to Adam, giving a light laugh. “Actually, I was hoping Adam might join me for a stroll after dinner. It’s strange—we’ve met so often in Pangea, but this is our first time seeing each other in person. I’ve been suggesting a walk for ages!”
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Selene and Keira exchanged knowing glances, picking up on the warmth in Ling’s words. Ling’s interest was clear, even if Adam’s feelings remained unreadable.
For Nathan, the whole exchange was growing increasingly aggravating. It wasn’t just Adam’s success or his polished appearance—it was the way he now handled himself, so collected and composed, in a way Nathan couldn’t quite emulate. Watching his younger brother’s calm responses only underscored the gap between them.
Adam, sensing that the conversation had run its course, turned deliberately toward Hao Jun, drawing the room’s attention as he spoke. “Mr. Hao,” he began, his voice even but purposeful, “I want to clarify something.”
All eyes turned to Adam, sensing the shift in tone. Even Ling, who had leaned toward him in quiet admiration, paused, noting the seriousness in his expression.
“Ling is a remarkable person,” Adam continued, his voice steady. “She’s talented as an alchemist in-game, and I’ve appreciated our time working together. But I want to be clear—I have no intention of pursuing something deeper. My focus is on business, and I want to respect those boundaries.”
The room grew quiet as his words registered. Adam’s calm and direct statement held no ambiguity, and he met Hao Jun’s gaze directly, as if to underscore his sincerity. “Ling’s company is a welcome bonus,” he added, a slight smile softening his words, “but my goals are clear.”
A subtle flicker of approval crossed Hao Jun’s face as he absorbed Adam’s words, nodding slightly in recognition. Ling, meanwhile, gave a small smile, though the warmth in her gaze had softened, replaced by something deeper—a kind of respect that hadn’t been there before. She understood, though, that Adam’s boundaries were firm.
Across the table, Nathan, Selene, Keira, and even Cassandra registered the weight of Adam’s words. This was no longer the younger brother they remembered, uncertain and eager for approval. This was a man who had found his path, unapologetically focused on his goals and unwilling to be distracted.
Nathan’s conflicted reaction mirrored that of others at the table. On one hand, relief—that his younger brother hadn’t complicated things with a romantic interest in Ling. On the other, a sense of awe, and perhaps even jealousy, as Adam managed to draw boundaries that few men his age could. Adam had taken control of the evening with maturity, rejecting the prospect of an enticing relationship without hesitation.
Isaac, though not fully aligned with Adam’s career path, couldn’t help but respect his son’s tactful yet firm response. Adam’s ability to handle Ling’s affection so clearly and respectfully was a show of strength Isaac valued. Perhaps for the first time, he was able to see Adam not as a son needing guidance but as a man with his own principles.
Cassandra, meanwhile, felt a mix of pride and bittersweet longing. She was proud of Adam’s integrity but found herself wishing he had left the door open to Ling. Ling’s elegance and background would have been a lovely match for her son. Still, she respected his choices, even if it left her with a hint of disappointment.
Selene and Keira mirrored their mother’s emotions. Selene admired her brother’s maturity, though she wondered if Ling’s presence in his life might have been beneficial. Keira, though quieter, shared a similar thought, recognizing Adam’s poise while feeling a touch of regret for what he had chosen to close off.
As the evening progressed, the room relaxed into quieter conversations, but the subtle shift in atmosphere remained. Adam’s declaration had introduced a new dynamic, redefining his place among them. He wasn’t merely a sibling or a son anymore—he was a man of distinct vision and clear purpose, unaffected by the external pull of wealth or affection that didn’t align with his goals.
Hao Jun, watching Adam closely, offered a subtle smile of admiration. Without saying a word, he conveyed his respect for Adam’s decision. Ling’s affection hadn’t gone unnoticed, but Hao Jun respected that Adam hadn’t taken advantage of it. His composure and integrity spoke volumes, qualities that Hao Jun clearly appreciated.
Ling, for her part, maintained her composure, though a flicker of disappointment crossed her face. Only those who looked closely would see it. For her, Adam’s firm boundaries added a new layer to her admiration. If she had been fond of him before, her feelings had now grown deeper, more respectful. Adam’s calm and gentle rejection had touched her in a way she hadn’t anticipated, revealing a level of maturity she hadn’t expected.
As the evening’s ambiance softened back into casual conversation, Adam felt the subtle shift within himself. He had drawn his line, respected his values, and showed his family the extent of his transformation—not through displays of wealth or success, but through a quiet confidence that demanded no validation.
In that moment, Adam had taken control not only of the evening but of his own identity within the family. His quiet determination and purposeful choices spoke louder than any of his words. His path was set, and with each step, he made it clear that he was a man of his own making.