Having that somewhat uncomfortable conversation with his mother, Dash knew perfectly well that it would never improve, but that was okay. It would be impossible for him to mend this relationship with them, but at least it was bearable, and he didn't truly hate them for abandoning him in that hospital.
The burden he could have been for them might have caused them many problems. Without being selfish, Dash could understand many of the reasons his father stopped visiting and why his mother only came once every few months.
Dash felt pathetic; he could also understand that this was their consolation to live peacefully in this house. The world is terrifying, so he couldn't run away from home as he was just a kid, and to live alone, he needed money, which he didn't have.
"You're thinking a lot, are you nervous about the tournament?" Frederick had noticed his silent son and directed a more attentive look at him.
Dash smiled subtly and said, "Not to brag or be arrogant, but I have the tournament under control... It's just that my friend in China claims to be bullied at school, and to resolve that, he would also participate in the Kung Fu tournament that will take place after the Karate one."
"Hasn't his mother found out that her son is being bullied by someone else?"
Elena took a sip of water and said, "It must be difficult for her, being able to raise a child and work is something complicated to handle at the same time."
"At least she didn't abandon him..."
When Dash said this, his parents stared at him, and that's when he clarified, "I mean, as far as I know, many mothers abandon their children to rebuild their lives that have been shaped by numerous bad decisions. Isn't that more common than it should be?"
Elena understood what her son meant and pointed out, "She is a good mother; maybe working and taking care of her son is the only thing that keeps her stable."
Frederick, who wanted to stop talking about other people during dinner, changed the subject and said, "I have received the details of the Dojo you will open. You know I will manage it very superficially, and you will be responsible for making it successful."
"Yes, father. Moreover, all the progressive profits will repay what you have invested in that place." Dash responded very discreetly; his tone and aura always remained as refined as possible because that was how he had been taught.
"The profits from that Dojo won't cover the expenses in it until many years later, but we are satisfied that you are aware of everything you have been given for your dream, and we hope you don't disappoint us." Elena was a straightforward woman who had sacrificed foolish dreams to achieve success in life, making her what she is now.
In life, many believe that pursuing dreams is valuable, but usually, they all live in the realities of the world. Elena does not regret the decision her mother made for her back then to attain all the wealth she could now have, but at least she didn't want to do that to Dash, who seemed very interested in Kung Fu.
For her, her son's success or failure is ephemeral since she has worked enough and will continue to work to see in her son all the success she could not obtain.
"If you manage to extend your fame in China, our liquor business might enter that country and succeed, but remember that you must win no matter what happens." Frederick would not do this for himself but for his son.
"I understand what you mean; the image of the Sakura Bushido Dojo could become important, and in that way, collaborate with brands, mainly from your company, to obtain unimaginable profits."
"I am surprised that you know about business." Elena looked at her son and nodded with satisfaction; she had a good son and not garbage like her younger sister's child, who was a headache.
"He is our son; he couldn't be normal if we didn't educate him."
Dash smiled slightly, and only he thought that all that knowledge was owed to movies and TV shows. After all, that was the only thing he could enjoy in his past life.
...
At night, Dash practiced muscle memory movements just to refresh his mind from tense thoughts, and after releasing all that stress, he went straight to bed.
Having received the final results of the uniforms that would be black with gold, Dash smiled upon seeing the Dojo's logo and his name marked in a bright color.
When he got the results, he sent them to Devon, and they both talked until late at night before falling asleep. The tournaments were approaching, and Dash felt he was getting ready, wanting to know if he had talent or if all his victories were due to hard work.