Jacob felt flustered by ine’s question, overwhelmed with guilt, and struggled to find the right words to exin himself.


    At that moment, Charlie interjected, “Dad, is it because you didn’t do well during the cultural exchange in Korea that you’re feeling down?”


    Jacob, reminded by Charlie’s words, nodded quickly and replied, “Yes, yes, that’s right… I just didn’t perform well.”


    As he spoke, a deep sigh escaped him, and he vented his frustration, “I’ve put so much effort into preparing for this cultural exchange. We, Huaxia, were supposed to bring honor to Aurous Hill. Who could have anticipated that once we arrived in South Korea, the other members of the group would overshadow me? I’ve been here for over 20 days with no opportunity for personal growth. I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life…”


    ine listened and, while she believed much of what Jacob said, her anger boiled over, “Look at you! No wonder your mother, your brother, and even your sister-inw look down on you! It’s just a cultural exchange! If you didn’t perform well, so be it. Losing face happens. Why not try again next time?”<fn9f16> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? </fn9f16><h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Jacob, feeling defeated, replied, “It’s easy for you to say that. You have no idea how significant this overseas exchange is for me. If I had seeded, it could have changed my life forever. But now, it feels like others are rewriting my story while I’m just a background character!”


    Seeing Jacob’s defeated demeanor made ine even angrier. She snapped, “I don’t care how many chances you missed in Korea or how embarrassed you feel. You need to clean this living room thoroughly tonight. I want it spotless! Don’t even think about sleeping until it’s done! If I wake up tomorrow and smell smoke or see even a single cigarette butt, you’ll regret it!”


    After saying that, she angrily maneuvered her wheelchair into the elevator and headed upstairs to her room.


    ire couldn’t help but voice her frustration, “Dad, you’re taking this way too seriously. It’s just a hobby with the Painting and Calligraphy Association. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t perform well during the exchange. Why are you letting this get you down? And smoking and drinking alone at home isn’t safe! What if something happens to you while we’re not around?”


    Jacob sighed, “You don’t understand my feelings. I’m really depressed. If I don’t smoke or drink, it only gets worse!”


    Before ire could respond further, Charlie quickly reminded her, “Honey, Mom went upstairs by herself, and she has trouble moving around. You should check on her and see what she needs. Dad and I will be fine here.”


    Realizing the urgency, ire responded, “Okay, I’ll go check on her first. You take care of Dad.”


    Turning to Jacob, she added, “Dad! No matter what happens, you have to stop smoking and drinking from now on.” Jacob replied, “Fine, fine, I understand. You go check on your mother. What happened to her leg again?”


    “She fell while visiting New York, and the old injury red up again,” ire exined with a sigh.


    Jacob rolled his eyes, “What old injury? I think your mother must have upset someone and got into a fight. I know her well enough!”


    ire replied seriously, “Dad, don’t say that. Mom has been through a lottely. I’ll tell you more when I can. I need to go see her now.”


    With that, ire hurried to the elevator and made her way to the third floor.


    As ire left, Jacob looked at Charlie with red eyes, feeling aggrieved, and said, “Charlie… my dear son-inw… Dad’s heart is broken…”


    “What?!” Charlie shook his head in disbelief, “Dad, when did you fall in love? Who is it? Why haven’t I heard about this?”


    “Of course, it’s Auntie Matilda!”