Simplicity
“Yes. It’s just that we have lost contact in recent years, and I don’t know what happened to him.”
Franklin nodded.
“Perhaps he is already a high-ranking civil servant. When he arrives, you two can spend some quality
time and reminisce about the past.” Filled with delight, Frieda turned to Maria. “Go and get yourself
changed quickly. Our guests are arriving, so you should dress up. Furthermore, this squad leader of
your dad’s has a son. When they arrive together, you might—”
“Come on, Mom. Stop it. I have a boyfriend now, and you’re aware of it, aren’t you? You’re being such
a pain!”
Getting up from the couch, Maria headed to her bedroom with an exasperated expression.
“You silly girl, I’m doing this for your own good. Zayne is nothing more than a sales manager. This guy
is the son of a powerful official. Zayne is no match for him.” Frieda kept nagging Maria.
Ignoring her mother, Maria entered her bedroom and slammed the door shut.
“What a rebellious child,” Frieda mumbled before turning toward Franklin. “Franklin, I’m going to
prepare some refreshments. In the meantime, remember to make a lunch reservation at a hotel so that
we can have a meal together.”
“Sure!” Franklin nodded.
Soon, Jared and his family arrived. After they pressed the doorbell, Franklin opened the door quickly.
The moment Gary and Franklin saw each other, they hesitated briefly before giving each other a tight
hug.
“Squad Leader, I’ve missed you so much! You have changed so much over the years. Even your hair is
all turning grey!” Franklin exclaimed with a smile.
“Haha! You have grown a pot belly too. I’m amazed that you dare to wear your uniform with that body
of yours.”
Laughing heartily, Gary gave Franklin a punch.
When Franklin shifted his attention to Hannah and Jared, he was stunned by Hannah’s listless eyes, as
if she couldn’t see anything even though her eyes were wide open.
Noticing his surprise, Gary quickly introduced, “This is my wife, Hannah. She lost her sight due to an
illness a few years ago.”
Franklin said at once, “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Chance. Please come in right away.”
Hannah nodded with a smile. “Thank you. I have heard a lot about you from Gary.”
“If not for Squad Leader, I wouldn’t even be standing here!”
Franklin helped Hannah in at once.
“Mr. Saunders, let me do it.” Jared stepped forward and supported Hannah.
“This is my son, Jared,” Gary remarked.
After glancing at Jared, Franklin said with a smile, “He looks like a capable young man, just like his dad
back in the day.”
Hearing that, Jared cast a smile. He had a good impression of Franklin, as he felt that Franklin had a
genuine smile and didn’t put on any airs.
Nonetheless, no one noticed the momentary change in Gary and Hannah’s faces when Franklin uttered
the comment.
“Franklin, is your former squad leader here?”
Frieda hurried out of the kitchen to welcome them with a big plate of fruits.
“This is my wife, Frieda,” Franklin introduced his wife to Gary and his family.
“Nice to meet you.” Gary smiled politely.
At that moment, Frieda was stunned by how ordinary Gary’s outfit was and the amount of grey hair he
had. He didn’t exude the authority of a powerful government official at all. When she turned to Hannah
and Jared, she realized they were dressed as shabbily as ordinary folks.
Have government officials nowadays dispensed with the pomp?
“What are you spacing out for? He is talking to you!” Franklin tugged at Frieda’s arm when he saw her
gawking.
Having regained her senses, Frieda quickly welcomed her guests. “Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
Please have a seat. I have prepared some fruits for you.”
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