For Jason Luo, the fact that his father had finally stepped out of the shadows and faced life again was the greatest blessing imaginable. With the heavy weight on his chest lifted, Jason grew lively once more. As soon as the car stopped, he helped his father upstairs—he still had a big surprise waiting for him!
When they pushed the door open, Henry Luo froze the moment he saw Grace. "This is..."
"Dad, this is Grace Sun. She's become like a sister to me during this time, and we'd like you to recognize her as part of our family—your goddaughter."
"Sister? Goddaughter?"
Henry Luo looked at Grace, then back at Jason Luo, clearly not very pleased with the arrangement.
Grace's face turned red, and Jason grew anxious. "Dad, she really is a good girl. Her mother passed away recently, and she has no family here in America. While you were away, we looked out for each other like real siblings. She's kind, capable—this whole house was decorated by her..."
Henry Luo glanced around at the completely transformed home, then turned back to Grace. Tears welled in his eyes. "Good. Very good. Forget being a goddaughter—from now on, you're my daughter! You've both done well. From today, we're family."
Grace beamed. "Thank you, Uncle Luo."
Tony Huo shouted, "Uncle? You should be calling him Dad!"
Henry Luo held Grace's hand and shook his head with a smile. "It makes no difference. Wonderful... If Elaine knew we had another daughter, she would be so happy..."
Hearing that, Jason suddenly remembered. "Dad, how about letting Grace light some incense for Mom first, so she can bless us for better days ahead?"
Henry Luo's eyes dimmed slightly. "Yes, that's right. But later, you three step outside. I need to speak to your mother alone..."
The three exchanged glances. Jason nodded. "Alright, Dad. Take care of yourself. We'll go out for a walk."
...
Once downstairs, they realized they had nowhere in particular to go. Tony said, "Jason, this is great. Your dad finally let go of his burden. Not just you—even I feel lighter. After all these years, he must have so much to tell your mom. We should give him some time before going back up."
But Grace frowned. "Still, his health isn't good. Too much grief isn't safe for him either. Maybe someone should check on him..."
Her words unsettled Jason too, though eavesdropping on his father didn't feel right...
Grace's eyes flashed. "How about this—I'll go. If anything happens, I'll call you."
Jason considered it and nodded. "Alright, go ahead. We'll wait downstairs."
But more than half an hour passed with no news from her.
Tony grew restless. "Jason, how long has it been? Let's go check. I'm starving."
"Fine, let's sneak up and see."
When they got upstairs, they found Grace with her ear pressed to the door, tears streaming down her face, even her nose running.
Jason and Tony crept closer and faintly caught Henry Luo's voice inside:
"Elaine, I was wrong. All these years, every time I got drunk, the pain of missing you was unbearable. I wanted to die, but then there was Jason... And like a fool, I even thought he was holding me back from joining you..."
"This twisted thinking has tormented me for so long... But now I've woken up. Elaine, Jason is our child—the greatest treasure you left me. I'll raise him well..."
"He's grown so strong now, but I've held him back. Don't worry—I'll make up for all that was lost..."
"And we have another daughter now—Grace. She's such a good girl, and so lovely..."
Eavesdropping can be dangerously addictive. Listening intently, Jason's tears dripped onto Grace's head. Startled, she looked up, spotted two heads above her, and cried out, "Ah!"
"Who's there?"
Henry Luo rose and opened the door. When he saw the three of them, he let out an angry grunt. "When did you get here?"
"Uh... just now..."
"Me too, Dad..."
"Enough! Come in. Grace, go light incense. I've already told Elaine about you."
Grace nodded, lit incense before the portrait, and knelt down. "Mom, my name is Grace. From today on, I am your daughter. I'll take good care of my brother and Dad. Please, in heaven, bless Dad's recovery, protect our family from illness and hardship, and let our days grow better and better."
When she finished, she bowed deeply.
Jason helped her up. "Go pour Dad some tea. I'll pay my respects too."
Grace nodded happily. "Got it, Brother."
Henry Luo drank the tea Grace brought him, smiling at last. He turned to Jason, who had just finished bowing, and said, "Jason, bring me your mother's photo."
"Okay." Jason wondered what his father was planning.
Henry Luo carefully removed the photo frame and took out a small jade pendant hidden inside. With trembling hands, he gently caressed it. "Grace, come here. I bought this for Elaine back then. Now we'll give it to you—consider it a token of our feelings."
"Ah! No, I can't accept this. It's far too important to you..."
"Grace, listen. Back then, Elaine wanted a daughter more than anything. Who would have thought, six years later, her wish would come true? This is fate! Today I'm passing this jade pendant from your mother to you—you must take it!"
"As for what's most precious, your mother left me Jason. From today on, I'll protect both of you. I'll never let you suffer again..."
"Dad..." Grace whispered as she accepted the pendant.
"Dad!" Jason cried out with joy.
"Uncle Luo, I'm hungry..." Tony's words broke the moment awkwardly.
Henry Luo rubbed his face. "Alright, enough of that. Let's eat! Time to try my good daughter's cooking. Come on, everyone, sit down!"
Grace had spent the whole night preparing, cooking nearly every dish she knew. Henry Luo nodded in approval with each bite, though he couldn't drink.
At the table, Tony kept signaling at Jason, who finally caught on—yes, now was the perfect chance.
"Dad, Grace is now working at Uncle Miao's pharmacy. The job is stable. I'm training in boxing and competing, and I've even signed a contract with Mr. Raul at the gym. My income is decent, and we've saved up some money. I'll give it to you later."
Henry Luo set his chopsticks down. "Jason, I already know about your boxing. Dr. Miao told me everything at the hospital."
"Here's what I've been thinking, son. I know you only took this path out of necessity, for my sake. I'm sorry for that. But now that I'm better, I can't let you keep suffering like this. Tomorrow I'll go out and find work. I want you to focus on your studies and return to school. That's the only way I can honor your late mother."
Jason's heart sank, his hopes instantly frozen...
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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