Chapter 144: Chapter 114: Acquaintance

"You’re back. Come in, I need to talk to you."

Wade hesitated for a moment before following him into the room.

Guer first looked him over carefully. Seeing that he seemed fine and that his complexion was normal, he was finally able to relax.

"I’ve already spoken with your aunt. I’ve agreed to accept the donations."

Wade’s head snapped up.

"Really?" He could hardly believe it.

Guer nodded.

"My illness might not be curable, but you were right—where there’s life, there’s hope. No matter what, you have to at least try. I was too stubborn before. Please forgive your dad."

As he spoke, Guer opened his arms to him.

Wade’s body trembled slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Guer waited quietly.

A few seconds later, Wade moved.

The father and son embraced. Wade buried his face in Guer’s bony shoulder, and the muffled sobs and trembling of his own shoulders were the only things that betrayed the emotions the young man had suppressed for so long.

A few minutes later, Wade regained his composure, but his usually expressionless face showed a hint of embarrassment and shyness.

"Actually, I have something to discuss with you too."

He changed the subject, telling Guer about his trip to the Black Panther Company and his decision to follow Ning He out of the city.

Guer was silent for a moment.

"That man... does he have a scar on his face?"

Wade nodded.

Guer’s expression turned inscrutable.

"He mentioned your mother?"

Wade nodded again.

Guer suddenly let out a soft snort, seemingly displeased.

"In the past, I would never have agreed. But things are different now. I may be accepting the donations, but life isn’t easy for the residents of the North Third District. I can’t just take their money for nothing. I’ll go with you."

Wade was stunned. A complex look crossed his face, and he seemed to want to say something but held his tongue.

Guer chuckled. "What, looking down on your old man? Think I’m useless now?"

Wade rubbed his nose, saying nothing.

"Don’t worry. I’ve already started taking my medicine again, and my condition should improve in a few days. And don’t you forget what your old man used to do. Experience always comes out on top. I’ll make a trip to the Black Panther Company myself. I’m sure they must be desperately short on manpower right now."

Ning He quickly received the news, and the matter was settled.

She sent another message telling Wade to hurry to the restaurant, intending to use the next few days for some intensive training. As for company matters, Wade gave Julie all the information he had gathered on the models, quality, and price points for various materials and equipment. Ning He left the decision-making to Julie, making herself responsible only for wiring the funds.

Julie quickly finalized the first batch of equipment. Once Ning He paid for it, her bank account balance shrank by ninety percent.

On top of that, as word of the community’s fundraiser for Guer spread, Ning He made an anonymous four-figure donation. Her savings were now almost completely depleted, making the need to earn money all the more urgent.

Meanwhile, as soon as Guer had recovered some of his strength, he immediately went to the Black Panther Company with Wade.

When he and Macken met again, they didn’t immediately exchange greetings. Instead, the atmosphere grew tense. Just as everyone tensed up, wondering if a conflict was about to erupt, the two men suddenly looked at each other, broke into smiles, and pulled each other into a bear hug.

The two spoke privately in the conference room for a long time. When they emerged, Macken solemnly shook Guer’s hand.

"A pleasure to be working together."

Guer smiled. "Just like twenty years ago."

Watching Guer leave, a curious Johnny sidled up to ask.

"Boss, who was that? What’s this about working together?"

"An old friend. He’s joining us temporarily," Macken said.

"Huh? But he looks so sickly," Johnny said, his face full of doubt. "Can he really handle it?"

Macken smiled. "Over twenty years of Beast Tides, he’s saved just as many people as I have. So you tell me, can he handle it?"

Johnny’s mouth fell open, and for a long moment, he was speechless.

「A few days later.」

Everything was ready. Amid great anticipation, the day of the first Gourmet Group: Gourmet Challenge finally arrived.

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