"Ahem... Richard, calm down. Even if it were a serious illness, you need to listen to me first. Don't jump to conclusions, alright? You're not a young man anymore. How can you be so easily rattled?" Tristan said calmly."Well... alright, Uncle Flores. Go ahead, I'm listening. I'm prepared for anything. I'm old enough now, I can handle it," Richard said, sitting back down, his expression grim. He couldn't help but think bitterly, "Of course you're not worried—you're not the one who's ill. Why is everyone in this hospital so nonchalant?""Your condition could be minor or severe," Tristan Flores remarked, examining the X-ray films.Richard Anderson, his complexion still pallid, replied, "Please, Uncle Flores, tell me what you've found.""We've caught it in its early stages. With prompt treatment, you should make a full recovery. However, if left untreated, it could progress to a more serious condition. You ought to be grateful to that young man. Without his warning, this ailment might ha

"Ta-da, a reward!"At that moment, Alice, who had been hiding her hands behind her back, revealed a colorful lollipop.Joseph stared at the lollipop, momentarily taken aback."A lollipop?"He was dumbfounded."Yes! It’s your favorite kind, just like mine. We both have a sweet tooth," Alice said with complete seriousness.Joseph didn’t respond immediately but accepted the lollipop, examining it carefully."I never would’ve guessed I enjoyed these so much in the past," he said with a slightly awkward smile."Of course you did! You’ve just forgotten. But Joseph, one day, you’ll remember everything," Alice replied earnestly."Yeah, actually, I’ve started recalling a lot of things over the past few days.""By the way, I’ve got a meeting with a friend later. I might be home a little late," Joseph said to Alice."Be careful tonight, and if you’re drinking, don’t overdo it. Just come back after you’re done. Don’t worry, I know how to give a man his space.""Alright, I’m off," Alice said with

"Alright, I’ll leave you to it," the owner said before walking off.At that very moment, a taxi pulled up in front of the barbecue restaurant. A striking young woman stepped out and hurried toward Joseph after spotting him.It was, of course, Heidi Cooper."Finally, I made it! I’m starving," Heidi panted as she sat down, immediately grabbing the tea from the table and gulping it down."Why the rush? That’s the tea for rinsing your cup," Joseph said, bemused."I don’t care. At this point, it doesn’t matter. So, did you order anything yet?" Heidi asked eagerly."Yeah, I’ve ordered some things. Take a look. Start with some of the mains, and later I’ll make you something special," Joseph said, pouring her another cup of tea."Oh, Joseph! I’ve missed your cooking so much," Heidi said, her voice softening with appreciation.Just as she finished speaking, plates of cumin lamb ribs and cold beef salad arrived at the table."Wow, you’re amazing! You always remember my favorite dishes," Heidi e

"Got it. I knew you’d be showing off your cooking skills tonight," the barbecue shop owner called out."The usual deal—charge me the regular price," Joseph added."No problem. This isn’t the first time, I know how it goes," the owner chuckled."Hey, man, I saw you cook last time. You’ve got some serious skills. That grilled fish you made—it looked and smelled amazing," said a middle-aged man sitting at a nearby table, his tone warm and friendly."Yeah, I was lucky enough to try it. This guy’s cooking is something else," echoed another diner."Not to say the barbecue owner here isn’t great—his skills are top-notch—but this guy’s on a whole different level.""Is he really that good? He must be a professional chef, right?""Professional? Even professionals can’t always make food like that."The chatter around the tables grew louder.Joseph was a regular at the barbecue shop, and on occasion, he’d step behind the grill himself. Quite a few people there knew him, and some had even had the

At that moment, Joseph brought over two more dishes: cold clams and shrimp porridge."Wow, this is such a feast, brother-in-law! I’m going to cry… when will I get another meal like this?" Heidi gazed at the spread before her, moved almost to tears."Next time? Well, maybe we’ll have to wait until I get paid next month." Joseph smiled, teasing her."No way! Next month is far too long. I’ll take the hit and treat you instead. We can’t wait that long—I’ll starve to death living off the stuff at home." Heidi reacted dramatically, shaking her head. "Honestly, brother-in-law, I can’t live without you.""Alright, alright. You eat first. I’ve got a few more dishes to finish. I’ll bring them over once they’re done." Joseph stood up, still smiling."Be quick about it. You’ve been working all day. Once you’re done, come sit with me and eat." Heidi peeled a juicy shrimp, her words dripping with double meaning."Won't be long." Joseph answered casually before heading back to the kitchen."He