Episode 9

"Indeed. These vagrants speak about war and bringing glory to our country. How amusing!"

The other youth snickered in agreement.

Bang bang!

The next moment, both young men caught but a blurry shadow before they were hurled against the wall behind them, causing it to collapse.

"Pfft!"

Fresh blood spurted from their mouths as their legs tensed before becoming motionless.

"Aaah! Murder!"

The girls screeched as if having seen a ghost and immediately scattered.

"Oh no, Fane, you've killed someone. What if they were somebody important or members of an organization? What will we do now?

Upon seeing the two lie still, Joan's face drained of color.

"You've been rash. This isn't a battlefield. There are some who we must take care not to offend. Do you think that this is the battlefield where taking a life goes unpunished?"

"Why couldn't you have controlled your anger? They were just words!"

Salena was equally exasperated. She was at a loss for what to do next.

Seeing the concern of the two women he cherished most warmed Fane's heart.

"Mother, Salena, do not worry. They have merely fainted. I know how to hold back. They will come around soon!" Fane assured them with a wry smile.

"Is that so?"

Salena stepped forward hastily and placed two fingers under their noses to check. She breathed a sigh of relief, "They're still breathing. They should be fine,"

"We need to get out of here quickly!" Joan urged, her eyes darting around nervously.

"Alright, Mother, let's go. Forget your job. It's time for you to enjoy life!"

Fane looked at the two women with a bright smile. He then suggested, "Let's go shopping. It's still early. I'll take you both to buy some new outfits!"

Several outfits?

The proposition surprised Joan. "But where's the money coming from? And how can I just quit my job? There are so many mouths to feed. Our whole family relies on Salena and me! My son, listen to me. Salena has gone through a lot for Kylie. Make sure you treat her well and don't let her down!"

"That's impossible. Father-in-law's leg may not allow him to work, but mother-in-law and Clifford should still be able to, right? Aren't they also oppressed at their workplace?"

Fane furrowed his brow. Clifford had been too young for military conscription back then, but five years had passed; he should be grown up by now. He must contribute to the family, surely.

"Hhh!"

Discussing them made Joan inhale deeply.

"They blame you for their misfortunes. Besides, they got used to the pampering at the Taylor residence. How can you expect them to want to work? They just refuse to find jobs!"

"My brother is utterly useless. He hardly ever comes by. Whenever he does, he's only asking for money!"

Salena's tone displayed despair when she mentioned her irresponsible brother.

Salena looked at Fane. "But now that you're back, the Taylor family won't be able to hold me back. It would be great if I could get a job soon!"

"They have been holding you back?"

Hearing her words, Fane chuckled. "I have been rather lenient by not pressing the Taylor family!"

"Look at you. After becoming a soldier, you've changed. You've grown tougher. And this confidence!"

Joan observed her son, her face radiating pride. Everyone had told her Fane was probably dead, but she never believed it. She knew he would come back safely one day, and that day had arrived.

"Come on, let's go buy clothes for you both!"

Fane gestured to move forward with Joan.

"Where did you get your money?"

Salena pondered for a moment, a sudden thought overtaking her.

"I've heard that those who return from war are rewarded. It seems you've received some rewards, right?"

"Is that true?"

Joy lit up Joan's face. "Then it must be tens of thousands of dollars, right? You've been a soldier for five years. But remember to be frugal. Kylie's kindergarten fees are expensive, they're a good school!"

"It should be more than tens of thousands. I have heard from others who returned from war. One guy was awarded over 200 thousand dollars for an average accomplishment!"

With that thought, Salena smiled contentedly. "This is wonderful. If we have 200 thousand, our lives will be much more secure,"

"Mother, don't worry about that. If Kylie is to attend kindergarten, it will surely be the best one!"

Fane led Joan and Salena swiftly to a large shopping mall.

He halted in his tracks and held Salena's hand with utmost seriousness, stating,

"Salena, you need not pick through trash any longer. If you wish, you may work just to pass the time. And if you don't feel like working, I will support you!"

"What are you doing? So many people are watching!"

Salena's face flushed, swiftly pulling her hand away.

Truthfully, she held some feelings for Fane. She had been coerced into their marriage, leading her to drink herself into oblivion, hence the deed. But she couldn't bring herself to terminate the pregnancy. Besides, Fane was a devoted son and seemed to possess a sound character. It was Kylie who helped her endure for so long.

Now, with Fane holding her hand, she felt deeply embarrassed.

"Let's go in and have a look around. But you don't need to buy anything for me, Fane. You should get something for your in-laws. They've had enough hardship for the past five years because of you!"

Joan just smiled at them, clearly hoping for Fane to gain recognition from his in-laws.

"For clothes, it's better you take them to pick themselves. If I buy them, they might not fit!" Fane considered some possibilities and replied.

After all, they were his in-laws. They had suffered because of him, and he hadn't had a chance to treat them well, not even for a day. Their disapproval was understandable.

Finally, Fane led them to the second floor of the mall.

"Fane, I think we should stay on the first floor. The second floor has branded clothes. There's even international brands, it's expensive!" Salena whispered to him after looking around.

"Really? How expensive?"

"Son, let's go down. The first floor is cheaper. Just get something for your wife. That's enough. Don't worry about me. I still have plenty of clothes!"

"I don't need it. Get some for your mother instead!" Salena interrupted.

She also thought about saving money.

"Come on. Stop this nonsense and listen to me. We're shopping here!"

With both of them in his grasp, Fane pulled them directly into an upscale boutique.

"No, no, this is too pricey..." Salena protested.

But it was too late. Fane's strength easily dragged them into the store.

As they entered the shop, Salena fell silent. After all, she knew not to embarrass Fane in public.

Unknown to them, however, their attire drew disdainful glances from some of the patrons.

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