"Yes, but I'm not going to the banquet for food and drink—I'm going to save my life!" William Thompson smiled again as he spoke. Of course, the little girl didn't understand what he meant, and he didn't explain.

Just as he was speaking, he heard a familiar set of footsteps outside. Soon after, Edward Clark walked briskly into the courtyard carrying several packages. When he saw Daisy in the yard, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "You really came at the right time! These are pastries from Pinxiang Tower—you'll definitely like them, little girl!"

"Thank you, Little Lord!" Daisy ran over joyfully to take the pastries that Edward Clark had brought.

"I've told you so many times, call me cousin!" William Thompson reminded her again from inside the window. Only the servants at home called Edward Clark that; Daisy was his own younger sister. Even though she wasn't related to Edward Clark, she should still follow his way of addressing him.

"Thank you, cousin!" Daisy grinned mischievously at William Thompson's reminder, then ran off with her pastries. This girl was very stingy—once the pastries were in her hands, if she couldn't finish them, she'd hide them away, and no one could hope to get even half a piece from her.

"I didn't expect you to be so good to your half-sister," Edward Clark said with a cheerful smile as he walked over.

"Legitimate or not, it makes no difference to me. Besides, don't forget, both my parents were born of concubines," William Thompson said as he walked to the outer hall and invited Edward Clark in to chat, since it was still quite cold outside.

"Have you got the gift ready? My father will take me to the birthday banquet tomorrow too—do you need any help from us?" Edward Clark came in, took a sip of hot tea, and finally asked.

"No need to worry about the gift. As for tomorrow..." William Thompson hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Cousin, when you go back, tell uncle that no matter what happens to me tomorrow, you must not get involved—not even say a word!"

"Cough, cough~~ What do you mean? What exactly are you planning to do?" Edward Clark was so startled by William Thompson's words that he choked and coughed twice before anxiously pressing for an answer.

"It's nothing, just giving you all a heads-up. When the time comes, just don't worry about me!" William Thompson smiled again. These past few days, he hadn't just been preparing the gift—he'd gone over the entire plan in detail, considering every possible scenario. When the time came, it would be best if Edward Clark and his father didn't get involved, or they might get dragged in as well.

"Cousin, now that you say that, I'm even more uneasy. We're brothers—can't you at least give me a hint so I can be prepared?" Edward Clark asked nervously, his instincts telling him that William Thompson was probably planning something big tomorrow.

"It's not that I don't want to tell you, but I really don't know what will happen tomorrow. After all, the choice isn't in my hands, but in my grandfather's," William Thompson said helplessly, shaking his head. Compared to Samuel Thompson, he, as a grandson born of a concubine, was just a minor figure.

As soon as William Thompson finished speaking, Edward Clark was about to ask more, but suddenly a servant came running in to report, "Master requests young master in the front hall—there's a guest!"

"Another guest?" William Thompson was taken aback by the servant's words. Last time it was his fifth uncle—who could it be this time?

Edward Clark was also curious, so he went with William Thompson to the front courtyard. But as soon as they reached the entrance to the hall, they heard a thunderous voice shout, "Son-in-law, you're finally back!"

Before William Thompson could react, he saw Edward Clark's face change beside him. Without another word, Edward Clark turned and ran, calling out as he went, "Cousin, I have something to do—I'll come find you tomorrow~~"

Before he finished speaking, Edward Clark had already disappeared. Only then did William Thompson react, but he suddenly felt darkness overhead, then his whole body tightened—someone had picked him up around the waist! At the same time, a strong smell filled his nose and mouth, nearly making William Thompson pass out.

"Good son-in-law! You're finally cured!" The booming voice echoed in William Thompson's ears, making him feel as if he'd gone deaf.

But at this moment, William Thompson finally saw clearly that he was being lifted by a man as big as a black bear. The man was shouting excitedly while slapping him on the back. Those two fan-sized hands were like pile drivers—every slap made William Thompson feel like his internal organs were about to come out.

"Brother Hu, Will has just recovered from a serious illness—he can't take your slaps! Put him down quickly!" At that moment, a lifesaving voice called out. William Thompson was nearly in tears—his own father still cared about him! He felt that if this went on, he'd either be slapped to death or suffocated.

The bear-like man seemed to agree with Richard Thompson's words, so with a "thud," he put William Thompson down. William Thompson staggered back a few steps, then took a deep breath, finally feeling alive again.

"You... cough, cough~ Who are you?" William Thompson asked, clutching his chest and coughing, still shaken. If it hadn't been for his father's words, he might have been strangled to death.

"He really doesn't recognize me!" The bear-like man exclaimed in surprise at William Thompson's words.

At this point, William Thompson finally caught his breath and had a chance to size up the man. He was a head taller than most, with thick limbs, a broad back, and a face covered in bristle-like whiskers. His features were actually quite regular, but at first glance, he really did look like a black bear.

"Will, don't be rude. This is James Howard, Captain Howard, and also your future father-in-law!" Richard Thompson stepped forward and scolded.