This chapter deals with the daily life of the family.

...

The next morning.

Luke handed over his duties to the deputy team leader.

This old fellow, apart from being elderly and hot-tempered, had no shortcomings; there was nothing to worry about concerning work.

Luke got the itinerary from Reid, and he was to return home in the afternoon to prepare for the trip to Washington.

The most important aspect was his family.

America places great emphasis on family values; even presidential campaigns showcase familial love. Like the retired Guanhai brothers, many people's first impression of them isn't the Great Commander, but rather a good father, a good husband. The ability to balance family and work is seen as a critical campaign chip.

Whether it makes sense emotionally or logically, having family accompany Luke to receive the award is better than him receiving it all alone.

That evening, Luke invited his family for a dinner gathering.

The gathering took place in his own little yard.

Today, Luke was too lazy to cook, so he ordered Chinese takeout.

By five in the evening, family members started to arrive one after another.

Grandfather Robert, Uncle Val, Mom, brother, and his brother's girlfriend Maggie.

This was the first time Luke had seen Maggie since the couple had their dispute; they were laughing and sticking together, their relationship enviable.

Val approached with a beer, whispering, "Did you invite Maggie?"

"No, little fatty decided on his own. I couldn't say no to him," Luke replied.

"Seeing them together like this makes me feel a bit redundant," Val admitted.

Luke clinked glasses with him, "Trust me, you're not the only one who thinks that way."

"Haha, that makes me feel much better," Val laughed, taking a big gulp of beer. "So, what's the reason for today's dinner?"

"Does a family dinner need a reason?"

"Come on, I'm your uncle. You can't fool me," Val countered.

Luke smiled. "I'll talk about it during dinner."

Val shrugged, showing an 'I knew it' expression, then pulled out a USB drive from his pocket and handed it to Luke.

"What's this?"

"It's a new song I just recorded.

You know, I got a stable job recently, earned some money, rented a recording studio.

You're the first listener. Give me your feedback after you listen," Val said.

"I'll listen to it carefully," Luke said, slipping the drive into his pocket.

A car stopped at the curb, and a young man stepped out, opening the trunk. "Mr. Lee, your food is here."

Luke called out, "Jack, come help."

"Coming!"

With six people total, Luke had ordered eight dishes and two soups.

The restaurant wasn't far from here, and a few dishes could be reheated with a portable burner, set up on the dining table, marking the start of a standard Chinese dining gathering.

Luke had eaten at this restaurant before, and the flavor was quite authentic.

Although Luke could cook, he only made simple home-cooked meals. For a more elaborate Chinese meal, he still had to go to a restaurant or order takeout, as preparing such an array by himself was simply unrealistic.

Maggie, surprised, exclaimed, "Wow, there are many dishes I've never seen before! What's that red dish? It looks so appetizing."

"Golden Lion Fish," Luke explained, "The main ingredient is fish, which is coated with flour, deep-fried and shaped somewhat like a lion, finally topped with a sweet and sour sauce.

It's somewhat similar to sweet and sour pork tenderloin."

"I like sweet and sour pork tenderloin."

"Then you'll definitely like this dish." There was one thing Luke didn't mention: the dish had been modified, not in flavor but the type of fish used.

In China, Golden Lion Fish is usually made with carp, but this restaurant had switched to sea fish for a similar texture but with the advantage of being boneless and more expensive.

Robert said, "I'm also looking forward to this Chinese meal."

Linda looked conflicted, "It's been a long time since I last had it."

Luke spread his hands, "So what are we waiting for? Everyone, please take a seat."

As Luke energetically invited everyone, the gathering officially began.

Little fatty, like Luke, preferred lamb and grabbed a piece of hand-grabbed meat, biting into it. "Damn chef, forgot to add the seasoning."

Luke explained, "Stewed lamb only needs spring onions and ginger, no other seasonings."

Jack questioned, "Are you sure? There's not even salt, it doesn't taste like anything."

Luke suddenly felt uneasy... his own brother hadn't tasted authentic hand-grabbed meat. "Jack, this is called hand-grabbed meat, it tastes better if you dip it in leek flowers."

Jack tried it, tasting a bite, "Not bad, it's a lot less greasy."

Luke thought that when he had time, he should take his brother to eat more authentic Chinese meals.

Chinese culture is broad and profound. Luke did not expect his brother to know all the cultural intricacies, but as a person of Chinese descent, he should at least understand Chinese cuisine.

As the saying goes, 'food is the most important thing for the people,' understanding Chinese food culture is also a gateway to grasping the broader national culture.

At least then, the brothers would have more in common to discuss.

When the meal was nearly finished, Luke put down his chopsticks and announced, "Family, I have something to announce."

"I knew it," Val, wiping his mouth, said, "Did you get a promotion or something? Or did you receive a medal?"

Luke laughed, "You really could be a detective, uncle."

"I received the Medal of Valor for public safety personnel, and I'd like to invite you all to the award ceremony."

"Ha ha..." Robert laughed, "That's great news, I will definitely be there."

"My son, you are my pride," Linda said, standing up and hugging Luke.

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