In a daze, Eric Bennett also recalled that when he was young, his relationship with his older cousin, the daughter of his eldest uncle, wasn’t good. First, because the family had a little brother, Emily Palmer, born to his younger uncle, who was five years younger and the apple of everyone’s eye. His older sister, Anna Palmer, liked this little brother more than him. Second, the two of them were in middle and high school at the same time, but there was a generational gap, and they often clashed in their thinking. Both were very competitive, so their arguments would often get heated. On top of that, his own grades were poor and couldn’t compare to his older sister, who attended No. 1 High School, which naturally made her look down on him even more. So his sister was always displeased with him. This was completely different from many years later, when, in another big city, his sister would show him care and concern, calling him every week. Growing up really does change a lot.

The whole family gathered together. Although there were mutual criticisms and complaints, sometimes heated arguments, sometimes theoretical debates, it was always the warmest time. In the future, the three siblings would be scattered all over the world, and even during the New Year, someone would often be absent. Remembering those days together was always the liveliest and most heartwarming.

Now, feeling as if time had reversed, Eric Bennett felt a sense of closeness in his heart. He wasn’t upset by his sister’s disdain, and smiled calmly, saying, “It doesn’t matter if my grades are a bit poor. As long as I make up for it and study hard, I’ll try my best to perform at my highest level this time, okay?”

Worried that the siblings would start arguing again, Mrs. BennettGrace Palmer immediately tried to smooth things over. “Oh, now Eric Bennett is working hard. He even studied late last night. He knows how to work hard now!”

Unexpectedly, even after her own sarcastic remarks, Eric Bennett could still respond calmly. This was the first time Anna Palmer had seen her most defiant little brother so composed, which made her pause in surprise. She couldn’t keep up her attack and just pouted, “With grades that bad, studying won’t help anyway!”

Chapter 11: The Spirited Family Dinner (Part 2)

The focus of the family dinner conversation soon shifted to the little brother, Emily Palmer. At this time, Emily Palmer was still young, five years younger than himself, but definitely a precocious member of the new generation. Though only about eleven years old, he was very clever. On their mother’s side, the whole family revolved around him, and he was naturally everyone’s little treasure. Plus, Emily Palmer had been quite good-looking since he was little, with curly hair and an upturned nose, looking very much like a foreigner. So from kindergarten to elementary school, he was always popular with the girls. His older sister, Anna Palmer, of course, adored him as well.

Spoiled by the whole family, Emily Palmer used to completely disregard his older brother, bossing him around and even spitting at him, tormenting his fragile nerves in a roundabout way. Later, by chance, Eric Bennett took Emily Palmer to the swimming pool. Who would have thought that, despite usually acting all high and mighty, the moment he got in the water, he became a helpless lamb, clinging to Eric Bennett for dear life. That pleading look in his eyes made Eric Bennett finally unleash years of pent-up resentment...

After swallowing several liters of pool water, Emily Palmer became quite afraid of Eric Bennett and willingly became his little shadow.

Now, Emily Palmer’s grades in elementary school weren’t much better than Eric Bennett’s had been, and the frequency of calls to his parents was even threatening to surpass Eric Bennett’s record. Once the family started talking about him, the conversation just couldn’t be stopped.

Emily Palmer stuck out his tongue at Eric Bennett and gave him a thumbs up. “How did you talk to big sis just now? That’s the first time I’ve seen you so full of presence!”

Eric Bennett suddenly realized that, when they were little, his older sister, who was a top student at a prestigious school and always wore a stern face while lecturing others, had left the impression of a “black-faced god” in the hearts of both Eric Bennett and Emily Palmer. Together with their eldest uncle, she was a formidable figure. Although he would sometimes clash with her in thinking, he always lost badly. Now, to be able to respond to his sister without being servile or overbearing was enough to surprise even Emily Palmer.

Emily Palmer had just learned the word “presence” at school for the first time, so he tried to use it for everything. This little brother of his really made Eric Bennett both laugh and cry.

“Alright! Let’s do it this way!”

Eldest uncle David Palmer and younger uncle Samuel Palmer actually made a rare decision at the same time.

“Emily Palmer, if you get double nineties on your finals, I’ll buy you that game console you like!” Samuel Palmer said cheerfully.

“Really!?” Emily Palmer was already overjoyed. The first-generation Gameboy was still black and white back then, but being able to play things like Super Mario, which could only be played on cartridge consoles, was already amazing to countless people. At that time, having such a game console in your hand made you the envy of everyone. Emily Palmer had once been looked down on by a kid whose family owned a Santana car, so now, hearing that he could have one too, he was naturally thrilled.

“Then…” Eldest uncle spoke up, “Eric Bennett, if you can successfully get into No. 3 Middle School this time and perform exceptionally well, I’ll reward you with a bicycle—a good one. You can pick it yourself!”