Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Mason Quinn’s Lament, the Doctor’s Lesson
"Julian, we came all the way from Capital City, and before even having dinner, you’ve fed us a meal of PDA."
Mason rolled his eyes, his tone full of sarcasm.
He just wanted to have a meal and see how George would deal with John, who wooed the little witch, Isabella, but now there’s this PDA on top of everything.
Julian lowered his eyelids with a playful look, "Since you’re full, why don’t you serve the dishes?"
"Me, serve the dishes?" Mason incredulously pointed at himself, but seeing the look in the man’s eyes, he resignedly stood up.
He hummed a tune while setting the table.
When everyone recognized what he was humming, they burst into laughter, even Julian and Claire couldn’t help but join in.
"Master Julian, feeding PDA, single Mason, consuming PDA, oh, it’s heartbreaking, it’s heartbreaking."
Laughing, Sebastian wiped the spilled water, but he felt a sense of camaraderie.
He, too, had been hit hard today, and he could already foresee that the days ahead would only get worse.
...
After dinner, George didn’t care about John’s mood and dragged him to the nearest boxing gym.
Watching the man in the distance, who’d changed into his gear and was coldly staring at him while twisting his wrist, John forced a wry smile.
Fighting with his brother-in-law, he was really afraid he might not be able to step through the door afterward.
George, unaware of his inner thoughts, agilely flipped onto the ring and nodded, "Come on up."
John hesitated, "Are you sure you want to fight? Can I refuse?"
"What do you think?"
Sigh.
Admitting defeat, John sighed, changed into his clothes, and slowly climbed up.
Watching the two face off in the ring, Isabella was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan; she’d seen her brother’s fighting skills, and if he went all out, John definitely wouldn’t stand a chance.
"Don’t go hard on him, brother," Isabella couldn’t help but say, "Or else... or else I’ll tell Grandpa you bullied me."
Her words only made George’s gaze even colder. They’d just gotten together, and she already knew how to threaten him—very good.
A cold sneer slipped from his throat.
"Tsk, our little witch is being unhelpful," Mason spoke lazily, his tone full of amusement, "Now John is in for it."
"Seems like Bella really likes him," Caleb chimed in calmly.
Helplessly, Sebastian held his forehead; usually so clever, why choose to speak now?
Hasn’t she heard that when brothers-in-law fight, never intervene, or whoever loses, the other side will be miserable too?
As the referee gave the signal, George’s fierce punch headed straight for John.
Oh really, they’re serious.
John swallowed hard, barely blocking the punch from hitting his face.
Whoosh.
Regaining his composure, he became serious, launching a quick and powerful attack.
Watching the back-and-forth between the two, Julian turned to Claire and asked with a low laugh, "Aja, who do you think will win?"
Without thinking, the girl answered, "George Xyler."
Although John’s punching was fierce, it lacked form, clearly not someone who usually boxes. George, on the other hand, showed strength with control, a good grasp of rhythm, and was more formidable.
"Pretty sure of yourself."
The man’s deep voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Being with my brother, what good people could they possibly be?"
Claire raised her brows and gave a nonchalant smile.
The kid was subtly insulting him.
The man’s eyes twinkled with amusement, but he didn’t retort, just affectionately tapped her.
As time passed, both George and John ended up bruised, though John looked worse.
Half an hour ago, his handsome face had now turned into a swollen mess, patches of blue and red all over.
George, touching the wound at his mouth’s corner, showed a fleeting appreciation deep in his eyes.
Not bad, he had a bit of resilience.
Ultimately, the match ended with George knocking John down.
Seeing it over, Isabella hurried to the ring, reproachfully glared at her brother, then helped John up.
"We’re going to the hospital."
She said, intending to leave, but John smiled and patted her hand, gently shaking his head.
"No need, these minor injuries will heal themselves in a few days."
In the end.
He turned to the man opposite with a not-so-happy expression, "Brother, do you feel better now?"
Upon his words.
George’s face grew darker. Seems he held back too much just now.
"Who the hell is your brother, don’t call me that."
John scratched his head, "You’re Bella’s brother, so you’re also mine. If not brother, should I call you brother-in-law?"
Since they’d eventually be a family, might as well start early.
"Haha, brother-in-law my foot," Mason laughed unabashedly, "Kid, you must really want a beating."
Even Isabella couldn’t help pinching him, "You and your big mouth."
She’d been watching the entire time, seeing that her brother hadn’t used his full strength. Otherwise, John wouldn’t even be standing here, he’d probably be in the hospital by now.
"Looks like more practice is needed," George eyed him expressionlessly, "So let’s continue and let you fully experience a brother-in-law’s love."
Those last words came with gritted teeth.
Hearing this.
John’s body shivered, he laughed awkwardly, "No need, I’ve already felt it. Uh, I suddenly think I need to visit the hospital, so I’ll just head out first."
Truly, if the fight continued, he’d probably be unable to get up.
No way was he doing something this embarrassing, better make a quick exit.
Holding John as they left, Sebastian, who had been in the background, glanced at the others before turning to follow.
A group of bosses, he couldn’t handle it.
"Hey, you’re just letting the little witch leave with him."
Mason tossed him his clothes, speaking lazily.
Once dressed, George shot him a glance, "What else, you know her temper, anyway there’s plenty of time, take it slow."
Tsk.
Seems like John’s future days would be tough, oh how interesting.
Mason stroked his chin, laughing gleefully.
...
"John, how does it feel to fight with your future brother-in-law?"
Sebastian looped John’s arm over his shoulder and supported him, asking with a smile.
Since ancient times, father-in-law and son-in-law relations have been tough, and same goes for brothers-in-law.
"What fight," John retorted, "It was a friendly spar."
"Yes, a friendly spar that left you covered in injuries."
Listening to their bickering, Isabella couldn’t help but shake her head, "No wonder you guys are brothers."
Hearing her voice, John immediately wilted, "Bella, I’m starting to feel a bit of a headache."
Headache?
Isabella’s heart skipped a beat, could it be a concussion?
Watching one person feign and another coddle, Sebastian’s mouth twitched, thinking John shouldn’t have a headache but might need a new head instead.
Under Isabella’s insistence, John had no choice but to obediently go to the hospital.
And the outcome.
Upon seeing his injuries, the doctor looked pained, "Why can’t young people today take care of their bodies, day in and day out, getting into fights. You might feel fine now, but once you’re old and your health issues surface, you’ll regret it."
The doctor’s words left them all embarrassed, and seeing the doctor wanted to continue, John quickly explained, "We didn’t get hurt fighting, I just accidentally tripped."
But then.
The doctor, increasingly pressing in his examination, retorted, "Tripped? Are you questioning my professional judgment? Who trips and gets hurt this badly, are you saying you fell off a cliff?"
Isabella and Sebastian tried to hold back their laughter as they watched him get lectured.
Finally leaving the hospital, John found his mind overwhelmed with the doctor’s lecture. Are all doctors this talkative nowadays?
Carrying the medicine they’d been prescribed, Isabella patted his shoulder, "Let’s go home and apply it, education time is over."