Aunt Sarah was truly the picture of a wife and mother.
Knowing she would be hosting neighbors, she went out early to buy extra groceries.
Fresh river fish. Crawfish. A whole turkey.
Just looking at it was enough to make one hungry.
Steve rushed over as well after getting a call from Ryden.
He didn't know why he was suddenly being treated to dinner, but it gave him a good excuse to visit his mother.
After meeting him, Ryden already knew the legendary Captain America was currently a full-on mama's boy. Sarah said something, and he followed it.
Dinner ended quickly.
The high-grade steak was fragrant. Corn and carrot soup sat steaming beside pastries and an oversized turkey.
This kind of meal was something only a middle-class family would have during the holidays.
A poor family wouldn't even see this on New Year's.
As the host, Ryden naturally sat at the head of the table.
He raised his glass of red wine.
"Everyone, I made a deal today. I sold my weapon designs to Stark Industries. I got ten percent equity and five thousand dollars. I owe a lot to everyone here. Before this, I was always burning or blowing things up."
He paused.
"I caused trouble nonstop, and you all still took care of me. Aunt Laura, thank you. Without your cooking, I'd probably have starved a long time ago. So-let's drink."
He kept it brief and lifted his glass.
The table fell silent.
Aunt Laura's family had always known their young neighbor was obsessed with science because of his parents.
They just never imagined his inventions would sell for such a price.
Five thousand dollars.
That was more than their family could earn in three years without spending a cent.
Compared to them, Aunt Sarah and Steve were completely stunned.
They hadn't known Ryden for long.
To make that much money in one go was unreal.
Forget five thousand. Even two thousand sounded astronomical to them.
A complicated mix of relief and pride flashed through Sarah's eyes, like watching her own child succeed.
No wonder he'd bought so many gifts that afternoon.
Though those undergarments...
That thought was still a little... distracting.
"Wow, Ryden, you're incredible! No wonder you were so smug this afternoon. Haha. Seriously impressive. As expected of my classmate-though it's obviously thanks to my guidance!" Terrence exclaimed.
He had been a little worried that his old friend might look down on him now.
The gap between rich and poor wasn't easy to ignore. Neither was skin color.
"Hey, don't overthink it," Ryden said. "We're brothers. Friends forever. We'll conquer the world later. Or at least our own dreams. Didn't you want to be a general, Terrence? Be bold. I've already taken the first step."
He clinked glasses with him.
Every protagonist needed a sidekick.
Terrence was solid enough.
"Congratulations, Ryden. Seeing you succeed like this, Kathy would be comforted in heaven," Aunt Laura said, puffing out her chest as she raised her glass. "You have to come over for dinner more often."
"Congrats, Brother Ryden. Can I still play with you and do homework together later?" Little Sherry asked, her eyes wide and watery.
She was too young for wine, so she held a glass of milk instead.
"Of course. You'll always be my cute little sister. Cheers."
Ryden laughed and tapped glasses with her.
He swore he didn't have any strange preferences. He was very pure.
His sincere expression made it hard to doubt him.
Terrence finally relaxed.
This was his childhood friend. Maybe a bit shameless, but dependable.
Because he was in a good mood, Ryden kept drinking.
Red wine wasn't strong, but it was dangerous in its own way.
Especially the delayed effect.
You felt fine at first. Then an hour later, the world spun.
They talked and laughed until everyone had clearly had too much.
Terrence's family lived next door, so they headed back easily.
Steve left early. He had a draft physical the next day and needed rest.
Once the house quieted, only Ryden and Aunt Sarah remained.
"Ugh... dizzy," Ryden muttered. "Aunt Sarah, I'm going to sleep. Haha. I'm really happy today. I finally made it. Yes! Next time I can go to parties and meet pretty girls!"
Alcohol loosened his mouth.
Making money and chasing girls.
That was living.
"Master Ryden, you've drunk too much," Sarah said softly. "Let me help you upstairs."
She had also had quite a bit of wine herself.
Her tolerance wasn't high, but as a housekeeper, she couldn't rest until her master was settled.
She supported him carefully up the stairs.
Ryden's body was slightly undernourished, making it harder than expected to hold up nearly a hundred pounds of dead weight.
He collapsed onto the bed, mumbling about marrying many wives and making piles of money.
His hand gripped Aunt Sarah's arm tightly, as if releasing everything bottled up inside.
She meant to leave.
But listening to his rambling dreams-circular and childish-reminded her of Steve when he was young.
Always talking about big futures.
The alcohol crept up on her.
She yawned, her thoughts blurring.
Before she realized it, she drifted off.
The next morning, Ryden woke with a pounding headache.
His head spun.
"Ugh... I drank too much. Damn it, it's Monday-school."
He glanced at the clock.
Seven o'clock.
He shot out of bed.
"Huh? Why am I naked? ...Whatever. My back hurts a bit. Maybe I slept wrong."
Sleeping naked was just a habit.
Some doctor even said it helped with thinking.
After coming to America, he'd adopted the local custom of showering in the morning.
Hot water washed away the fog in his head.
Refreshing. Efficient.
Downstairs, Aunt Sarah stood in her apron.
Her figure was impossible to hide.
Her face was flushed, like a flower in full bloom.
When she saw him, her gaze flickered away.
"Master Ryden, you're up. Breakfast is ready-egg sandwiches and milk. Did you sleep well last night?"
Her voice carried restraint.
Testing. Hesitation.
And something else.
"Oh. Aunt Sarah, you look really beautiful today. Does red wine make people prettier?" Ryden said casually. "Last night? I don't remember much. I drank too much. My back hurts a little, though. Probably slept wrong. Thanks! I won't be back for lunch-I'm going to be late."
He stuffed one sandwich into his mouth, grabbed another, drained the milk, and bolted out the door.
Aunt Sarah watched him leave.
A flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes.
Then she smiled.
She hummed softly while tidying the living room, last night's dishes still untouched.
As memories surfaced, her face warmed again.
She felt shy.
And strangely happy.
She just didn't know if the young master would ever realize what had happened.
🍊 Boost This Fanfic! 🍊
Every 100 Power Stones gets 1 bonus chapters! 🚀