In a lively group chat, Caleb Morales shared some uplifting news: [Yes! Mrs. Lewis has finally recovered from her serious illness. If all the children she raised and nurtured don’te to see her right away, she might feel a bit let down.]


    Jeff quickly jumped in: [Let’s make this special! How about we treat Mrs. Lewis to a lovely wee dinner at a five-star hotel?]


    Lisa countered: [Jeff, we don’t need to go overboard. Mrs. Lewis has always lived simply. A fancy dinner might make her ufortable. What if we just dine at that cozy little restaurant that’s served home-cooked meals right by the orphanage for years?]


    Charlie couldn’t help but sigh, overwhelmed with nostalgia as he thought of that small restaurant that had been a staple for over a decade.


    On his eighteenth birthday, Mrs. Lewis had used her hard-earned savings, umted through a lifetime of frugality, to take him and a few friends out for a meal there. She even bought him a birthday cake that day. After that celebration, Charlie no longer met the adoption criteria of the orphanage and had to step out into the world on his own.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Reflecting on it now, Charlie realized that meal at the home-cooked restaurant was the most heartfelt and memorable dining experience he had ever had.


    With that in mind, he quickly responded: [I can’t believe that restaurant is still around! I think Lisa’s suggestion is perfect. Let’s make a reservation there!]


    Jeff retorted: [Come on, Charlie! We’ve all been working for years and have some savings. Do you really have to be so cheap when ites to treating Mrs. Lewis?]


    Charlie replied: [I’m not being cheap; I’m just respecting Mrs. Lewis’s preferences. She might not enjoy a dinner at a five-star hotel. In fact, she could find it wasteful and feel distressed about it.]


    Jeff shot back: [Stop making excuses. You’re just trying to save a few bucks, aren’t you?]<fn9a2f> ?????? ???? fι?dnοvel</fn9a2f>


    Then, Jeff sent a voice message to the group: “Charlie, I know your situation. You might not have much money as a live-in son-inw, but Mrs. Lewis cared for you. Can’t you sacrifice a little to treat her to a nice meal?”


    Charlie frowned at this.


    Ever since their days in the orphanage, Jeff had been a thorn in his side. Back then, Jeff was bigger and often formed groups to bully the other kids.


    Charlie had been one of his targets. However, thanks to some fighting skills he learned while living in the Wade family mansion in Eastcliff, he was able to handle the situation and defeat Jeff’s gang, leaving them in tears.


    Since then, Jeff had harbored a grudge against Charlie, always opposing him at every turn.


    This troublemaker had caused countless issues for the orphanage since childhood, including several thefts that led to Mrs. Lewis having to step in, apologize, and pay off those affected.


    Even after all these years apart, Charlie sensed that Jeff hadn’t changed much.


    Yet, Charlie decided not to engage further. He replied calmly: [I stand by my opinion. I believe the restaurant Lisa mentioned is the best choice.]


    At that moment, Lisa chimed in: [I agree with Charlie! Mrs. Lewis has always been thrifty, and I think she’d feel ufortable at a five-star hotel.]


    Caleb, their childhood friend, added his support: [I’m on board with this idea too!]


    As the agreement spread, Lisa concluded: [Alright, there are ten of us for dinner tonight, and nine support the home-cooked restaurant. Let’s go with the majority! I’ll reserve a table there now. Everyone shoulde as soon as they can!]


    [Sounds good! We’re in!] Everyone responded enthusiastically.<h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>