Chapter 385 Two Peas In A Pod
Zhane, being a skilled surgeon, was adept with his hands, unlike Luke and Rafael, who struggled even with simple tasks like peeling shrimp or managing their strength. Zhane’s expertise required him to handle delicate procedures with precision and gentleness, akin to the light touch of a feather. This skill was crucial for performing complex surgeries, such as Bry’s uncle’s operation, which was challenging due to the extensive damage not only to the muscles but also to the nerves.
After witnessing Zhane effortlessly peel shrimp, Gerald immediately relaxed and began engaging in conversation with Dave, who was occupied with reaching for food and serving Hera. Gerald recounted the events at the Dragon Palace Hotel involving Alexi, a story Dave had been eager to hear. He described how he and Zhane had rushed to assist Hera, and how Zhane had ended up being pinned down by the unhinged Alexi, among other details.
As Gerald began his storytelling, even Bry’s initially nervous father started to relax, listening intently to the account. Although he occasionally frowned or pursed his lips in anger, he kept his reactions subtle to avoid interrupting Gerald. Bry, on the other hand, had a more expressive response. Hearing the story, he pounded the table in frustration, his nostrils flaring like a bull in his anger.
If he could, Bry would have cursed a dozen times while listening to Gerald’s story. Bry’s animated reactions struck Gerald as amusing, fueling his enthusiasm to recount the tale with even greater vigor. However, Bry’s father wasn’t amused by his son’s boisterous display. In fact, he was so disturbed by Bry’s behavior when he saw Bry raise one foot as if he were ready to climb over the table in his indignation.
Without realizing it, he had forgotten his earlier predicament and nervousness. Acting on habit rather than thought, his hand instinctively moved to the back of Bry’s head and delivered a sharp slap. This action quickly subdued Bry’s incessant growling and scowling, calming the young man who resembled a provoked beast.
Bry immediately straightened up and looked at his father with a hurt expression, rubbing the back of his head. "Dad, why are you hitting me? Shouldn’t you be going after sister Hera’s ex? Or am I just your practice target for when you finally see him?" Despite his whimpering, Bry tried to maintain a brave face, with his eyes and nose reddened. "Well, if being your target helps you hit that bastard harder when you find him, then I’ll accept it," Bry declared with righteous determination. His comment sent everyone at the table into fits of laughter.
Even the usually reserved Zhane chuckled openly as he handed more seafood to Hera. Hera, too, felt her frustration about Alexi dissipate, reminded of how things might have turned out differently if she hadn’t gained clarity earlier. She laughed openly at Bry’s righteous anger on her behalf. However, once the laughter died down, another child at the table joined in the conversation.
"The nerve of that bastard, trying to covet my woman—with a face like his? How is he even remotely better than me, Dave Carson? Hmph!" Dave pounded the table with the same intensity Bry had earlier, pouting and growling in frustration. Despite his more reserved upbringing, Dave’s reaction mirrored Bry’s almost exactly.
He grumbled a few more times, echoing Bry’s sentiments, making them seem like two peas in a pod. Bry’s father, already frustrated, was tempted to hit Bry on the head as well, especially since Dave was behaving just like him. Bry, emboldened by Dave’s actions, began cursing and ranting alongside him. Bry’s father’s face twisted in frustration as he glared at Bry, prompting Hera to intervene. She attempted to pull Dave down but ended up pinching his sides to get his attention and calm him down.
"Ah! Ah! Sweetheart, let go, it hurts!" Dave bellowed, wincing as Hera’s hand pinched his sides firmly. He tried to gently pry her hand away without hurting her, but his efforts looked helpless and pained. With a mix of apology and indignation in his eyes, which were reddened and pouting, he looked at Hera and plaintively asked, "Sweetheart, do you not love me anymore?"
Seeing Dave look like a helpless puppy, trying to act cute to escape the situation, made Hera chuckle. However, she didn’t release her grip until Dave had sat back down. Bry, witnessing Dave’s evident discomfort, winced in sympathy, almost feeling phantom pain in his own sides. Reluctantly, he too sat back down.