He perked up his ears, listening to the loud commotion next door. The more James Bolton listened, the more curious he became. After thinking it over, he finally decided to go out. He had just lifted a corner of the door curtain when he heard a bang. Looking closely, he saw that a teacup had fallen to the ground and shattered into pieces. At that moment, he immediately drew back the foot he had already stepped out, but did not let go of the curtain in his hand. Instead, he hid behind it, quietly watching and listening.

　　"Big brother can be an official, second brother is skilled in martial arts, but here I am, in my thirties, and have accomplished nothing. In the end, it's because I was ignorant and shallow in my youth. My life is basically wasted, but heaven has eyes and actually let Jamie become enlightened! I heard all the things he said in front of the old lady. The old lady even gave him the string of prayer beads she never parts with. Even Charlie and Jack have never received such an honor."

　　"But…"

　　"No more buts... Jamie, come out, stop eavesdropping over there!"

　　James Bolton didn't expect Henry Bolton to suddenly say this halfway through his speech, so he had no choice but to show himself awkwardly. He already knew that in these times, big families were strict with discipline, so he braced himself for a scolding. Unexpectedly, Henry Bolton walked slowly over to him, squatted down, and looked him straight in the eye.

　　"Jamie, what you said in front of the old lady today was very good. In the future, you should also try to please the old lady, understand?"

　　Hearing such advice from his father, James Bolton naturally understood. He nodded vigorously at once: "Don't worry, father. From now on, I will study hard, practice martial arts, and be filial to my parents and grandmother."

　　At this little adult-like answer, Henry Bolton immediately showed a satisfied expression. He stood up and paced back and forth a few steps, then suddenly burst out laughing. When he finished laughing, he muttered to himself.

　　"Heavens, you finally opened your eyes!"

　　Suddenly remembering something, he stopped abruptly, turned around, placed both hands heavily on James Bolton's shoulders, and said word by word, "Jamie, in our Zhang family's school, it's not just Zhang family children—there are quite a few students from other families as well. Among them, some are focused on studying, while others are mischievous and playful. Since you want to study and practice martial arts well, don't get involved in things you shouldn't. When something happens, think more about your mother and me."

　　Standing to the side, Bennett saw James Bolton nodding repeatedly and felt quite gratified. Her earlier displeasure about her son going to school also vanished. But when she heard Henry Bolton nagging on and on, she couldn't help but get a little annoyed.

　　"Alright, alright, isn't there still half a month left? Whatever you want to say, you can tell Jamie one thing at a time later. Why rush? I know you hope Jamie will make you proud, but that takes time."

　　"If I leave it to you, our good son will be spoiled again!"

　　"I only have this one son. The old lady is just interested in him for now and looks at him a few more times. Who knows if she'll forget about him later! If I don't watch over him and dote on him, no one else will care!"

　　"Fine, I can't out-argue you. In any case, too much motherly love spoils the child. Now that he's suffered a bit, he'll have a future. As his mother, it's never wrong to put more thought into your son."

　　"I'm not as heartless as you…"

　　Sensing a strange, tender atmosphere between his parents, James Bolton was stunned for a moment, then tiptoed away quietly. Once in the courtyard, he couldn't help but think—no matter the era, parents always seem to pin their unfulfilled hopes on their children, regardless of whether they can bear it or not. Of course, even if it's just for himself, no matter how heavy the burden, he would definitely carry it.

　　The third branch usually ate dinner in their own quarters, but that evening, when it was time to set the table, Henry Bolton went out at a friend's invitation, and the old lady Sullivan sent Grace over with four small dishes, saying she was thinking of James Bolton and had the kitchen make them specially. Although it was just buckwheat noodles, stir-fried lettuce shreds, shredded chicken with tofu, and a bowl of sour plum soup, it was the first time the old lady had remembered the grandson of the third branch, so even the maids and daughters-in-law in the third branch walked with more spirit.

　　After mother and son finished eating, Bennett took James Bolton to the main house again. When they reached the door, they saw several daughters-in-law carrying out a small table, most of the dishes on it barely touched. After these people left, a maid lifted the curtain and invited them in. Seeing this, James Bolton understood at once—the second branch must have dined here with Sullivan; who was close and who was distant was obvious without asking.

　　By now, it was already dark outside, but the room was brightly lit with candles. With just a glance, James Bolton noticed the room was livelier than during the day. Besides the familiar maids, there were two boys who looked vaguely familiar. They were about his age but especially robust—clearly the brothers Charlie Bolton and Jack Bolton.

　　Standing beside Sullivan, Fletcher was gently massaging her shoulders and back. Seeing Bennett and James Sullivan enter, she smiled and said, "Old lady, didn't I say Jimmy is filial? You had four light dishes sent over, and here he is to keep you company! Jimmy, just now Charlie and Jackie told the old lady two jokes from the school. Since you're here, why not tell one too and make the old lady happy?"