Chapter 784: Going Abroad
Randy sat between Martin and Patricia, wearing a white suit and smiling as he chatted with them.
He and Charles were identical twins, looking exactly the same since childhood. They even had the same height and build. The only difference was their demeanor.
Over the years, Randy had become more refined, while Charles was mature and composed. Despite their different personalities, if they dressed alike, only a few close people could tell them apart.
When Charles walked in, Randy stood up immediately. "Charles!" They were blood brothers but had been busy with competitions and performances, so they hadn't seen each other in at least two years, except during Christmas.
Charles brightened up and walked over. "Why are you back? Weren't you supposed to perform in Country M?"
Randy chuckled, "It got canceled last minute! I was planning to stay in Country M for a few days, then head to Country Y for a performance. But I heard you won another gold medal, so I came back to celebrate."
Charles asked, "So you're leaving soon?"
Randy nodded, "Yeah, my flight's at nine tonight."
"So soon?" Charles suggested, "Let's make the most of our time, have dinner, and then go out."
Randy smiled, "Yeah, let's make the most of it!"
They found another spot to sit. Violet was about to sit next to Charles but was stopped by Austin.
Confused, Violet looked at Austin. He patted the empty seat next to him, "Sit here."
Violet pouted, "No, I want to sit with Charles."
Austin's eyes showed a hint of displeasure, "I saved this seat for you."
Violet retorted, "But I didn't ask you to!"
She walked past Austin and sat next to Charles. Austin clenched his fists, then slowly released them, silently starting his meal.
The round table for twenty was packed. After dinner, Charles planned to go out with Randy. Seeing them about to leave, Fannie insisted on tagging along. Maria didn't want to miss out either and joined in. Violet, who had finally seen Charles, grabbed his hand to go along. Seeing Maria go, Tyler followed. Only Declan and Austin stayed behind, looking like they were watching fools, with no intention of joining.
What was supposed to be a duo outing suddenly added four extra people. Charles's mouth twitched, and his temples throbbed. He had only planned to hang out with Randy, as they were the same age and shared similar interests. Dealing with Fannie and Violet was manageable, but Maria and Tyler were too young. Taking them out meant babysitting instead of having fun.
"Never mind, let's not go out! Let's go home and play some games instead. I've developed some fun games recently. You can try them out and see if they need any tweaks."
He had secretly started a gaming company a few days ago, and his games were already launched. But this was just the beginning. There was much more to do.
Randy loved playing the games Charles designed. Each new game perfectly captured Randy's interest. Hearing about a new game, Randy's eyes lit up, "Alright! Let's go home and play games."
Charles held Violet's hand as they left. Fannie and Maria immediately followed, with Tyler trailing behind Maria. Austin watched Charles and Violet holding hands, his eyes flickering a few times before he eventually followed. In the large room, everyone played together, but Austin didn't fit in here, sitting alone at the back, his gaze never leaving Violet.
They spent the whole afternoon playing, had dinner together, and chatted before Patricia and Martin took Randy to the airport. That evening, Violet got her own room since it wasn't appropriate for her to share a bed with Charles. Patricia and Martin got back home around eleven.
As they went upstairs, they saw Charles sneaking out of Violet's room. "Charles!" Patricia called out.
Martin added quietly, "Do you have time? We need to talk." Charles knew what his dad wanted to discuss and nodded, "To the study."
"Good." Charles and Martin headed to the study, with Patricia following out of concern. Sitting behind the desk, Martin began, "Have you decided? Are you going abroad or joining the special class for the gifted young? With your abilities, staying in middle school isn't suitable for you."
Charles was still undecided, "What about Violet if I leave?"
Martin's face darkened, "Charles, you're a man, and you're only fourteen. You shouldn't give up your future for external factors. Men should prioritize their careers. Besides, if you don't strengthen yourself, how will you protect those you care about in the future?"
Martin's words hit Charles. He wanted to stay to protect Violet but knew he would eventually have to leave. Patricia added, "Your dad's right. You're still young and shouldn't act impulsively! I know you care for Violet, but she has parents and a brother in the same class to protect her. She'll be fine."
Martin continued, "My plan is to send you abroad for further education." Charles frowned, "Why? I think the special class for the gifted young is good enough."
Martin wasn't angry. He calmly asked, "Do you really think the special class is better than studying abroad?"
Charles fell silent. Martin continued, "You could finish its curriculum in just a year. With your intelligence, I'm confident. You've been a computer genius since you were five. The academic content is too simple for you. It's a breeze."
Charles lowered his head, silently accepting his father's words. Martin added, "My plan is ten years, visiting Country M, Country D, Country Y, Country E, and Country H. These five countries are the most developed. You'll spend two years in each country. You know nine languages, so you should adapt quickly once you are there."
Seeing Charles's change in expression, Martin added, "Of course, if you finish your studies early, you can come back sooner."
Charles understood his father's intentions were for his own good. Going abroad was more suitable for him. Staying here would just waste time. Men shouldn't only focus on the present but should have a long-term vision. "Dad, can you give me time to think about it?"
Martin, rarely serious, said firmly, "One night! Not a moment longer! When you were twelve, I discussed this with you. You said you'd think about it, and it's been two years! You can't waste any more time!"
Charles clenched his fists, struggled internally, and finally nodded, "Okay."
Martin sighed, stood up, walked over to Charles, and ruffled his hair, "Charles, you're very bright. I believe your achievements in the future will surpass mine! Don't ruin your prospects."
Charles nodded, "I understand." Martin nodded in satisfaction, "Alright, it's late. You should rest. Good night!"
Charles nodded and left the study. Watching him leave, Patricia felt pity but knew that men should go out and make a name for themselves. She believed Charles could take care of himself.
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