Chapter 118: Shopping Plans

He didn’t know whether the pill would work, and he wasn’t foolish enough to assume that a single treatment could solve everything. However, Ethan had given him something he had almost lost: another chance.

And for that, he was grateful. After their conversation about the pill, Ethan and Lucas spent some time chatting over tea.

They discussed a few business matters, with Lucas occasionally mentioning the progress his company had made over the past few days. Ethan listened casually, offering a comment here and there before bringing up something else that had been on his mind.

"By the way, Lucas, there’s something else I need your help with."

Lucas immediately straightened. "What is it?"

"Have you heard anything unusual about the businesses connected to Samuel Wayne recently?"

Lucas’s expression turned serious.

"Not much. We’ve been keeping an eye on things, but Samuel hasn’t made any significant moves that I’m aware of. Why do you ask?"

Ethan leaned forward slightly.

"Someone visited Eve Refreshments a few days ago. He bought all the bulk fruits we had in the third shop."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "All of them?"

"Every last one."

Ethan briefly described the man, explaining how he had shown little interest in the quality or variety of the fruits and had barely negotiated before agreeing to purchase the entire stock.

Lucas listened attentively, his expression growing more thoughtful as Ethan continued.

"Did you find out who he was?" Lucas asked.

"Not yet. That’s why I’m telling you." Ethan took another sip of tea before setting the cup down. "I don’t know whether he’s connected to Samuel, but his behavior was strange enough to make me suspicious. I’d like you to investigate his identity, his business, and the people he’s associated with."

Lucas nodded immediately. "Understood. I’ll look into it."

"Don’t stop at the man himself. Check whether his business has any connections to Samuel or the companies we’re already investigating."

"I’ll make sure of it."

Ethan’s expression became slightly more serious. "And Lucas, be careful with the business deals you sign."

Lucas looked at him curiously. "Did something happen?"

"Not yet. But don’t underestimate Samuel. He’s a shrewd businessman, and someone like him won’t sit still forever after losing several opportunities. If he realizes we’re interfering with his interests, he might try to use a business deal to turn the tables on us."

Lucas nodded slowly.

He had already learned to take Ethan’s advice seriously. The man rarely spoke without a reason, and even when his suggestions sounded casual, they often revealed an understanding of the situation that others had overlooked.

"I understand, Brother Ethan. I’ll be more careful."

Ethan nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. For now, gather information. Don’t confront anyone until we understand what’s going on."

"All right."

They continued talking for a little while longer before finally preparing to leave.

Outside the teashop, Lucas adjusted his jacket and looked at Ethan.

"I’ll contact you as soon as I find anything about that businessman."

He hesitated briefly before adding, "And I’ll let you know what happens with the pill."

Ethan smiled faintly. "Sure. Take care of yourself."

"You too, Brother Ethan."

After exchanging their farewells, the two men went their separate ways.

Ethan watched Lucas leave before turning toward the street where he had parked his bike.

’Now, I can only hope the pill works as promised.’

He couldn’t deny that he was still a little worried about it. Nevertheless, he had made his decision, and there was no point in second-guessing himself endlessly.

Besides, he had other things to worry about.

Albert’s wedding was happening over the weekend, and he still hadn’t bought anything suitable to wear.

’Right. I need to remember to get that done tomorrow.’

With that thought, Ethan got onto his bike and drove home.

.....

By the time Ethan returned, the smell of freshly prepared food had already filled the house.

He walked into the dining room and found Evelyn arranging the dishes on the table while Nora sat nearby, chatting about something that had happened at school.

Seeing him enter, Evelyn looked up with a smile.

"You’re back. I was wondering when you’d arrive."

Ethan walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. I had something to discuss with Lucas."

"Business?" Her eyes narrowed.

"Something like that."

Evelyn nodded without pressing him further.

"All right. Go wash your hands. Dinner is ready."

Ethan smiled and headed to the bathroom. When he returned, the three of them settled around the table and began eating.

Nora was the first to bring up the upcoming wedding. "Dad, when are we going to Uncle Albert’s wedding?"

"This weekend," Ethan answered, glancing at her. "Why? Are you excited?"

Nora nodded enthusiastically.

"Of course! I’ve never been to Uncle Albert’s wedding before."

Evelyn laughed softly. "That’s because he hasn’t gotten married before, silly."

"Oh." Nora blinked before looking back at Ethan. "Then will there be lots of food?"

Ethan stared at her, amused. "Is that all you’re thinking about?"

"No?" Nora protested, puffing out her cheeks. "I’m also thinking about the cake."

Evelyn burst into laughter. "You’re unbelievable!"

Nora pouted, apparently unable to understand what was so funny about her answer.

Ethan shook his head, amused, before returning his attention to his food.

After a while, Evelyn suddenly looked at him.

"By the way, we need to buy clothes tomorrow."

Ethan paused. "Clothes?"

"Yes. What do you intend to wear to your cousin’s wedding?" She raised an eyebrow. "Don’t tell me you’re planning to wear one of the old suits in your wardrobe."

Ethan looked at her innocently. "What’s wrong with my old suits?"

"Nothing, if you want to look like you’re attending a business meeting instead of your brother’s wedding."

He couldn’t help laughing at her answer.

"All right, all right. We’ll go shopping tomorrow."

"Good." Evelyn nodded in satisfaction. "We also need to buy some dresses for Nora."

Nora immediately raised her head. "Eh? Dresses?"

"Yes, sweetheart. You’ll need something nice to wear to the wedding."

The young girl smiled brightly. "Can I choose them myself?"

"Of course," Evelyn replied warmly. "We’ll see what we can find."

Nora returned to her food, already looking excited about the prospect of new clothes.

Ethan watched her for a moment before turning toward Evelyn.

"Looks like we have quite a bit of shopping to do tomorrow."

Evelyn smiled.

"Then you should get enough sleep tonight. I don’t want you complaining about being tired halfway through the shopping trip."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "When have I ever complained about something like that?"

She gave him a knowing look. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

He laughed and raised both hands in surrender.

"All right. I’ll behave."

The rest of dinner passed pleasantly, with Nora talking about her plans for the wedding and Evelyn occasionally reminding her not to get too carried away.

By the time they finished eating, Ethan had almost forgotten about the worries that had occupied his mind earlier.

He still hoped the pill would work, and he still needed Lucas to investigate the suspicious businessman. However, those matters could wait for now.

Tomorrow, he had a shopping trip to survive.

And judging by Evelyn’s expression, it wasn’t going to be a short one.