Ethan Carter ran outside, and Eugene Bennett picked up the wood and examined it: “‘Wu Yun,’ big brother, your original name sounds like a joke. I didn’t expect you to be so attached to it.”

Henry Bennett held a knife between his fingers, didn’t even wait for the ice, got up, picked up the watermelon, and left. After leaving the house, he sat under the porch and started eating. When he finished, he carved a few auspicious clouds on the watermelon rind. His original name was Warren Bennett, born on the fifth day of the fifth month; “cloud” symbolized good fortune and happiness. But ever since his talent for carving emerged, his father gave him the name “Hanbai.” It was just a nickname at first, but when he entered middle school and filed his records, it became official.

Whether it was antiques or carving, jade was always the most sought-after and prestigious. Edward Bennett was humble all his life, but with this son, he finally showed off a little.

Eugene Bennett and Earl Howard Bennett came out of the house. Earl Howard Bennett deliberately said, “Hanbai, we’re waiting for you to teach us how to carve characters, hurry up.”

Henry Bennett, in a good mood after eating watermelon, tossed the knife and played along: “What a crappy name!”

All these senior and junior brothers had been given names by Edward Bennett based on materials, but it was just for fun—said and forgotten. Only Henry Bennett’s was official. Henry Bennett had actually accepted it; his only complaint was that jade was too fragile.

After a few laughs, Ethan Carter, who had gone to look for ice, finally ran back, but empty-handed, saying, “Master is back! And he brought someone with him!”

Attending a funeral was already inauspicious enough, and he brought someone back? Brought what? Henry Bennett cursed, and Ethan Carter stood aggrieved next to a pot of lucky bamboo: “Really, they’re in the front hall!”

Henry Bennett took his long legs down the steps, ran out of the small courtyard to the front yard to see. The main living room door was open, and the thick carpet felt stuffy in the summer, but the newly replaced white jade ornaments gave off a cool vibe.

Edward Bennett was talking with Lillian Carter, not noticing his son running in. Henry Bennett didn’t greet anyone, and at a glance saw a boy standing in the center of the living room.

The boy was sizing him up too, his gaze timid.

Henry Bennett felt a headache coming on—he really did bring someone back? The family was already bustling, and now his dad had brought someone back from Yangzhou, a southerner in a northern courtyard, completely out of place.

He walked up to the boy and asked, “And you are?”

Edward Bennett finally looked up: “This is Master Grant’s apprentice. He’ll be staying with us from now on. All of you with your rough and stubborn ways, tone it down. Don’t let me catch you bullying him.”

Henry Bennett kept a straight face: “What’s your name?”

The boy was so intimidated by his stare that he didn’t dare blink: “Samuel Grant, the ‘Shenyu’ from ‘speak cautiously.’”

A stranger suddenly joining the family—was he here as an apprentice or as a son? The brothers each guessed, but none dared show any dissatisfaction in front of Edward Bennett. Henry Bennett was the boldest, directly saying the boy’s name sounded odd, then asked, “Dad, you took him as your apprentice?”

Edward Bennett nodded: “Yes, from now on, Samuel will be ranked fifth, your junior.”

Samuel Grant hesitated, wondering if he should call out “senior brother.”

Unexpectedly, Henry Bennett looked at him: “Little Ji, all apprentices get a new name. I’ve never seen a face as fair and translucent as yours. How about… Pearl Grant?”

Samuel Grant had just lost his mentor and just acknowledged a new master. Standing in a strange house facing a group of strangers, he couldn’t tell if they were happy or annoyed.

The sunlight was scorching, and Henry Bennett’s smile was dazzling. He nodded and could only agree.

Author’s note: There are quite a few family members, so let me clarify for everyone—Edward and Lillian had Henry, and took care of Grace and raised Samuel; second uncle Colin is unmarried, Earl Howard and Eugene live with their dad; Ethan often comes over after school, he’s a cousin, not a direct sibling; Director Ian Bolton is stingy, Vera only appears in dialogue. (Also, the story is set about thirty years ago, so things aren’t as modern as today. I’ll explain more as needed. Wishing everyone a pleasant evening.)

Chapter 2: Jade for Gold.

Suddenly having an extra person in the family is no small matter.

But no matter what, the person was already brought back, and there was no way to send him away again.

Facing the door in the main living room were a pair of round-back chairs. The left side was the sofa and TV, the right side was the big round dining table. After giving the boy a name, Henry Bennett sprawled on the sofa, crossed his legs, and watched TV.

He acted like the leader, and since his attitude was clear, the other three brothers followed suit. Earl Howard Bennett found an excuse to slip back to the east wing, Eugene Bennett stood behind the sofa watching TV, and Ethan Carter, being young and restless, darted in and out.

No one paid any attention to Samuel Grant.

Samuel Grant stood nervously on the thick carpet, his back sweating nonstop. It was his first time in the north, and he thought the summers would be cool, but it turned out to be just as hot.

Standing there alone, not daring to move, he felt like an unwelcome guest, and sweated even more.

Edward Bennett and Lillian Carter had always been a loving couple. After a week apart, they had endless things to talk about, while Samuel Grant didn’t even dare to breathe too loudly. He was so quiet that they both forgot he was there.

It wasn’t until Ethan Carter ran in from outside, shouting, “Uncle! Are all those big boxes at the door the ones you brought back?!”

Samuel Grant reacted before anyone else. He glanced at Ethan Carter, then turned to look at Edward Bennett. Edward Bennett gestured to him, saying, “They’re all Samuel’s. You young and strong ones, go help move them.”

Lillian Carter hesitated, “Move them to—”