Chapter 329: A Shattered Worldview

Ken Ward and Joanne Cheney had just stepped into the house when Joanne suddenly remembered what her poor sister-in-law had said that afternoon. She nudged the man beside her.

“Oh, right, Stark, I snuck a peek online this afternoon. And I have to say, that girl really does look a lot like that…”

Joanne Cheney’s words died in her throat when she saw Owen Ward, who was supposed to be upstairs, sitting on the sofa.

She froze for a moment before quickly composing herself and asking warmly,

“Son, didn’t you go upstairs to play video games? What brings you down?”

Owen Ward smiled nonchalantly.

“I finished two rounds, but then my friend had to go, so I figured I’d come down for a drink of water. Has my uncle’s family left already?”

“They have. Your dad even slipped him a few thousand. If we gave him too much at once, we were afraid it would hurt his pride. So, we’ll just transfer some more money directly into his account later.”

“Anyway, enough about that. Are you hungry? Didn’t we bring back some salmon yesterday? I’ll go to the kitchen and get it. How about I make you a bowl of noodles while I’m at it?”

“No thanks, Mom. I’m still full from dinner. I’m heading back to my room. You and Dad should get some rest, too.”

Owen Ward poured a glass of water and stood up.

“Don’t stay up too late tonight. We have to head back to the city tomorrow morning.”

Ken Ward patted him on the shoulder and said gently.

“I know. Goodnight, Mom, Dad.”

Owen Ward concealed his thoughts, gave his parents a small smile, and turned to go upstairs.

Watching his retreating figure, a fond, maternal smile played on Joanne Cheney’s lips.

“My son is so thoughtful. He’s truly a gift from heaven, sent to repay our kindness.”

“Right, that person you mentioned earlier…”

Ken Ward paused, then pulled her toward the stairs. “Never mind. Let’s talk inside our room.”

Once back in their room, Joanne Cheney furtively peeked out, glancing toward Owen Ward’s door.

Seeing his door was shut tight with nothing out of the ordinary, she quickly and firmly closed her own.

But after the master bedroom door clicked shut, a figure emerged silently from the shadows, pressing an ear to the door to listen intently to the conversation within.

…

Back in his room, Owen Ward listened to the recording again and again in disbelief. Finally, he slumped against his headboard, completely devastated.

For as long as he could remember, his parents had always been kind, generous, and good-hearted people.

Though they weren’t highly educated, they were hardworking, optimistic people who strove to improve their lives. They had always loved him unconditionally, giving him the best education and resources within their means.

Even the employees at their supermarket and the elderly folks who collected recyclables in the neighborhood had nothing but praise for them, always saying what kind people they were.

But the events of today, one after another, had completely shattered the image of his parents he’d held for eighteen years.

It was his father, always maintaining a distant, superior attitude with his own brother, followed by verbal threats and a false charity that felt more like a handout.

It was his mother, with her strained smile while talking to his aunt, and the fleeting looks of contempt, disgust, and disdain in her eyes.

It was their mean-spirited and cruel demeanor in private, and the viciousness of their verbal attacks.

And it was their conversation just now… a conversation and a plan that completely shattered his worldview.

He suddenly couldn’t tell what was real and what was fake. He had no idea how he could even continue to live in this house, how to face them.

Staring at the time on his phone’s lock screen, Owen Ward took a deep breath and sent the audio file to someone in a chat window.

…

「The next day.」

As Ken Ward and his wife came downstairs, Owen Ward was just walking out of the kitchen, carrying two bowls of noodles.

Joanne Cheney hurried forward to help, chiding him playfully.

“Son, why are you up so early cooking? You silly boy, if you were hungry, you should have woken me up to make something for you.”

Owen Ward subtly avoided her touch, setting the bowls down on the dining table.

“It’s fine. The village roosters woke me up. I was just about to head upstairs and call you for breakfast when you came down.”

“Those country roosters really are a nuisance. Don’t worry, you can catch up on sleep in the car later.”

Ken Ward sat down at the dining table and picked up his chopsticks.

“Let me be the first to try this breakfast my son cooked with his own two hands. Let’s see how it tastes.”

“Yeah, go on, try it. It’s something I learned in my cooking class at school. If you guys like it, I can make other dishes for you when we get back home.”

“Oh yeah? Sounds great! I’ll be looking forward to that.”

“I’m sure anything our son makes is delicious. We’re in for a real treat.”

The family of three exchanged pleasantries around the table, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

Remembering the ‘unread’ status he’d seen on his message that morning, Owen Ward asked casually, as if making small talk,

“By the way, Mom, Dad, are you free in the next few days?”

“What’s this about? Are you getting bored with summer vacation and want to go somewhere? Where to? I can go with you,” Joanne Cheney asked.

“I’m not really bored, I just wanted to go to Kingsland to visit the university, and maybe spend a few days sightseeing in The Capital. I think the last time I went to Kingsland was back when I was in elementary school.”

As he spoke, Owen Ward cautiously glanced up to gauge their reactions, then added with feigned regret, “But if you’re busy, never mind. I can always go just before the semester starts.”

Ken Ward and Joanne Cheney exchanged a glance, wondering if he had discovered something. But his reaction didn’t seem to suggest he had.

“Well, about that… maybe we should wait a bit…”

Before Joanne Cheney could finish, Ken Ward cut her off.

“The supermarket has been really busy lately. How about this: I’ll give you the money, and you can go by yourself. Would that be okay? You’re a grown man now, after all. It would be good for you to get an early look at the place you’ll be spending the next four years.”

“Okay, then. I can go by myself. I’ll send you lots of pictures when I’m there.”

Owen Ward smiled, as if completely understanding.

Joanne Cheney was still a little worried. “You have to remember to call us regularly, just so we know you’re safe.”

“I know. Don’t worry, Mom.”

Once Owen Ward had carried the empty bowls into the kitchen, Joanne Cheney asked in a hushed voice,

“Why did you kick me just now? He’s still so young! It’s not safe for him to go that far all by himself!”

“What do you mean, young? He’s already eighteen! In two months, he’ll have to go there by himself for school anyway! Besides, travel and communications are so advanced these days. We can contact him anytime. What is there to worry about?!”

Ken Ward shot her a glare and hissed,

“This is actually perfect. Now that he’s out of the way, we don’t have to worry about how to explain everything to him right away. Give me some time to think. I need to figure out how to spin this lie to put him off for good. Until then, you need to keep your mouth shut!”

Joanne Cheney pouted. “I know, I know. You talk as if he’s only your son. I’m worried about him too, you know.”

Owen Ward heard every single word of their conversation. A bitter, self-mocking smile tugged at his lips as he turned on the faucet and began to wash the dishes.