The three of them exchanged glances, feeling a sense of impending doom. Despite their gossip about John, it was only because they were all so close. But Tim usually acted like a tough guy around everyone, and now they had stumbled upon his privacy.
"Damn it, it's your fault, Jack, for making me stop the car," Hannah complained in a low voice.
"I didn't. I just tapped you," Jack defended himself weakly.
John had the most exaggerated expression. "Oh God, he's not going to kill us to silence us, is he?"
Just as the three of them held their breath, Tim wiped his eyes and stood up. He walked over to the car, expressionless, and looked at them. "I don't want to go home today. Do you guys have a place to drink?"
The three nodded vigorously, and John stammered, "I was just heading to Hannah and Jack's place. Jack said he prepared a lot of food. Do you... want to join us?"
Without a word, Tim opened the door, got in, and sat in the back seat with John. Hannah stepped on the gas, and they drove off. The car was silent for a while until Jack cautiously asked, "Tim, are you okay?"
Tim was silent for a moment, his voice thick with emotion. "When Isabella woke up, she called a lawyer and gave me a divorce agreement. She doesn't want anything, just to end our relationship."
The car fell silent again. After a while, John patted Tim on the shoulder, trying to comfort him. "You deserve better."
Jack opened his mouth, unsure what to say. In his mind, this might not be such a bad thing.
Back at Hannah's place, Jack asked her to move a high stool into the kitchen for him, where he started preparing dinner. Tim joined Hannah in the living room to play PS games, while the idle John wandered into the kitchen, asking if he could help.
"Is your injury okay?" Jack asked in surprise.
John pointed to his leg. "Aren't you also injured?"
Jack sighed and assigned John to peel garlic and wash vegetables. They chatted as they worked.
"Is that lady doctor still single?" Now in a private setting, they spoke as old friends, and John had come to see Jack as an equal. Jack felt no need to hold back.
"You mean Clarice? I saw she was still wearing a wedding ring, so I didn't ask. Besides, it's been so many years..."
"Married people are the easiest to hook up with, right? These fiery types usually aren't satisfied in certain areas because their husbands start neglecting them. And you have a past with her. Maybe you could rekindle things," Jack said, feigning seriousness.
John looked at him in surprise and shook his head repeatedly. "No, I can't do that. Just thinking about it makes me nervous. Thoughts like that ruin many lives."
"Hahaha, I got you. That's the right answer." Jack laughed mischievously.
John's tense expression relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't try to tempt me, you devil."
Jack corrected him. "It's 'devil.' Demons destroy; devils play with hearts."
"But I think you should at least..."
"Clarice?"
"Yes, talk to your old flame. At least, you owe her an apology, don't you?"
John thought for a moment and nodded. "Next time I see her, I'll try to explain. I really didn't handle things well back then."
Jack smiled inwardly but kept his expression neutral. "Either way, I noticed Clarice looked at you strangely that day. Maybe she still has feelings for you. You should ask. Maybe she's already divorced and just hasn't taken off the ring, or they might be separated. These things are quite common in the USA."
"Hey, shut up, you devil." John laughed and flicked a parsley stalk at Jack, the water droplets sprinkling like holy water.
"I'll clear things up with her." He thought for a moment and added, though it was unclear how or what he would clarify.
Jack was pleased with John's response. In his previous life, he hadn't experienced the reality of American society. Most of his information and stereotypes came from TV shows and the internet.
Before the wave of political correctness swept the USA, most TV shows reflected universal values that resonated with many. They often highlighted societal issues like drugs, guns, gangs, and corrupt politicians, which was why Jack liked American TV shows despite disliking the country.
At least back then, some Americans were still sensible. The characters Jack encountered in this TV-like world were rational, emotional, kind, and just, each with their flaws but also very human.
As night fell, dinner time approached after nearly three hours of preparation. "You two unscathed folks should get your butts over here to help with the dishes," Jack called out to the living room.
Hannah and Tim, who had been playing games and bickering on the sofa, obediently put down their controllers and walked over. They were amazed to see the lavish spread of dishes.
As a developed country capable of bleeding the world dry through dollar manipulation, American supermarkets had ridiculously cheap ingredients. Braised pork hock, garlic lobster, grilled lamb chops, tomato beef stew, and more filled the table, all for less than a hundred dollars.
Of course, the ingredients were paid for by the rich girl Hannah. Jack barely had fifty dollars to his name, and with payday still days away, he was still out five thousand dollars in bail money with no idea when he'd get it back.
"Why haven't I had these before? How many more recipes are you hiding?" Hannah shook Jack's arm, making his heart race.
Tim pretended not to notice anything, looking around. "Is there any beer?" This usually serious guy seemed to genuinely treat Jack and Hannah as friends, ignoring their ambiguous relationship.
"Want to try some Ceresian white wine?" Jack's eyes lit up. He figured if Tim wanted to drink to forget, he might as well knock him out and see what this usually stern guy was like drunk.
He pulled out a crate of Erguotou from the corner. He had discovered that Americans couldn't handle the strong smell of traditional Chinese liquors like Maotai but were more accepting of lighter, higher-proof liquors.
Today marks the first round of recommendations. Please don't hesitate to vote for it.
Please don't shelve the book for now. Ensuring good follow-up data is crucial for it to survive to the third round of recommendations, which will help more people see this book.
Also, remember to invest. The stockpile is being diligently built up, so your investments won't be in vain.
Once again, I bow in gratitude to all the readers!
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