Chapter 1030: Dependency
In such a crowded place, finding someone taking advantage was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Amidst laughter, the crowd continued to push and shove forward, unavoidable contact between bodies, especially with the scantily-clad women being squeezed and jostled around, unsure of how much harassment they endured. Yet, they lacked the audacity of middle-aged women and could only blush and remain silent.
It took the pair a full half-hour to inch their way out of the crowd, leaving Kevin drenched in sweat, exhausted, and panting, while Audrey sported flushed cheeks and disheveled hair, her ample bosom heaving like after an intense encounter.
"My goodness, that was exhausting," Kevin observed the still congested entrance, his heart racing. "I never realized the county had so many people. Could the residents of Starfall Town have also shown up? I swear, there must be at least fifty thousand people here today."
"It's not as exaggerated as you make it sound. How many people are there in the whole city?" Audrey chuckled, explaining, "It's all part of a marketing strategy. Didn't you notice several entrances to the market weren't even open? It's all about creating buzz, making it seem lively. Your mom's clothing company's grand opening was the same; doing business requires a grand entrance. However, the market owner truly took a risk; if something were to happen with so many people, it wouldn't be a joke."
After resting by the roadside for a while, the two carried the heavy plastic bags towards the Sanguan district. Suddenly, a silver Santana pulled up beside them, and a short figure emerged, revealing Sean, the class representative from Class 5-6.
"Mrs. Johnson, what are you doing here?" Sean exclaimed joyfully.
"Oh, it's Sean," Audrey smiled faintly. "I came to buy some things amidst the market activities, who knew it would be this crowded."
Sean's eyes lingered on Audrey's ample bosom, radiating heat. With a grin, he said, "Mrs. Johnson, my mom and I are also here to shop for groceries. Why don't I give you a ride back?"
A mature woman alighted from the car, dressed in a black embroidered cheongsam with a high slit, exposing snow-white thighs and a deep cleavage. She sported a short haircut, ear studs, and sharp, keen eyes. Approaching Audrey, she shook her hand warmly and said, "Oh, you must be Mrs. Jones. You're truly young and beautiful. I'm Cynthia, Sean's mom. Sean often mentions how much care you show him, always looking out for him. I'm usually too busy with work and never found the time to thank you properly. Please, hop in; I'd love to have a chat with you on the way."
"No need, Sean's mom. It's just what I should do. Sean performs well at school, and I hope we can collaborate with parents like you because parents are indispensable in a student's education. Let's chat another time if you have the chance," Audrey smile faintly, declining the invitation.
Kevin sized up Sean's mother, Cynthia, thinking that although Sean seemed sleazy, his mother exuded a certain allure. Her attire and demeanor hinted at a seductive woman, though not as stunning as Ivan's mother, Willow. Willow was an absolute beauty, her figure more enticing; if he could win her over, Ivan would definitely be defeated.
Cynthia was sociable and engaged in network marketing, skillful in conversation. She chatted with Audrey for over ten minutes, leaving Kevin feeling restless, and Sean appearing bored, attempting to interject but failing. With Kevin unable to contribute, the two stared at each other in silence.
Observing Cynthia's ceaseless chatter, Audrey frowned but hesitated to interrupt. She discreetly tugged at Kevin's clothes, who, feigning surprise, remarked, "Oh, sis, I just remembered, I think the gas at home might still be on."
"Really?" Audrey quickly interjected, "Sorry, Sean's mom, let's chat another time. We should head back now." Without waiting for Cynthia's response, she hurriedly led Kevin away.
As they distanced themselves, Audrey breathed a sigh of relief, complaining, "Sean's mom sure can talk, I've never met anyone as verbose as her when I'm teaching."
Kevin, too, felt relieved, recalling Cynthia's nonstop chatter. At one point, he considered forcibly silencing her with his member but quickly dismissed the thought. After the incident with Evelyn, he dared not provoke his classmates' mothers. Regret lingered from his encounter with Ivan's mother, Willow, at the hospital; although they held animosity, it was a personal matter between the two, unrelated to their mothers. Despite the temptation to escalate matters, few ventured into such treacherous territory, aware of the profound consequences it might entail.
Upon returning home, they were surprised to find Bethany seated on the living room sofa.
"Mom!" Kevin rushed forward with joy, embracing his mother. "You're back! I missed you so much."
"Child, let me go," Bethany, weighed down by her son's large frame, found it hard to breathe beneath the tight pressure on her chest. Playfully scolding him, she said, "You're still making me reminisce about when you were a child, making your cousin laugh at us."
Only then did Kevin sit up, grinning mischievously, "No matter how old I get, I'm still your son. What's wrong with a hug and a kiss?" Planting a kiss on her cheek, he teased.
Bethany felt a blush spread across her fair face, a hint of unease showing in her expression. The intimate contact with her son made her uncomfortable; after all, he was grown now, and Audrey was right there. She gave Kevin a stern look and remarked, "Have you been slacking off in your studies again while I was away? Is your homework done?"
Quick to intervene, Audrey stepped in, "Auntie, Kevin has been doing well these past days, completing his assignments admirably and even helping with household chores. There's no need to scold him; he's better than many boys in our class."
"Is that so?" Bethany glanced surprisingly at her slouching son, thinking of her busy schedule and the regret of not spending enough time with him. Softly, she said, "Well, since your cousin speaks so highly of you, I'll let it go this time. What would you like for dinner? Mom will cook for you."
"I want a delicacy, chicken with leeks," Kevin responded without hesitation, sharing his preference for the meals his mother prepared. In the past, when times were tough, meat was a luxury, and his childhood memories were scant apart from boiled cabbage with plain water.
"Alright, I'll prepare it for you now," Bethany reminisced about their difficult past, feeling more indebted to her son as she rose to head to the kitchen to knead the dough.