Heinz and his sons didn't leave after walking out of the room. They were observing the situation inside, and listening to their conversations through the surveillance devices.
Gary sneered and said to Heinz, "Are you finally sick of being the president of a company that you want to shake things up for your career? Are you trying to be their matchmaker instead?"
Heinz was not offended at all as Gary teased him. In fact, he was elated.
He looked at Gary with a faint smile. "There's nothing wrong with that. Just treat it as I'm doing a good deed."
Gary twitched his lips, "You're on the way to becoming their matchmaker."
"At least I feel great about this." Heinz laughed, and the joy in his eyes is obvious.
Ernest then said, "Gary, don't you see it? Dad is doing this for our future's sake. They'll only start to leave us alone if they finally get back together. They have already caused so much problems, and it's bad news for everyone."
Gary raised his eyebrows and answered, "So, you're trying to say dad is leading them to build a family just like ordinary people so that they have something to focus on and stop messing with our lives? If they don't have any children to carry on the bloodline, they might get mad. I can finally understand it now. That's the only way to make them normal again."
"Yes, you get it now." Ernest nodded. "Having a family together will keep them occupied with their own lives, instead of being obsessed with us. They will want to build good karma for their children."
"Just like our old man." Gary raised his chin towards Heinz.
Heinz smiled with a smug on his face upon hearing them. "You are both right. I'm trying to instil hope in their lives to keep them away from us. Otherwise, they will only be repeating the same cycle again and again."
"Why do I smell fear in your tone?" Gary smiled mischievously at Heinz. "When did you get so cautious?"
"I am getting old, that's why." Heinz sighed. "I've been thinking back on my past decisions and I know I should put the history behind me and move on. I can forget about what Simon and Marry did to us in the past as long as they will change to be kind people. Your mother and I are trying to save them from getting involved in more troubles."
He was doing that for himself, and for them too.
Gary chuckled again upon hearing that, seeming a little dismissive.
"Look at you. It feels like you're becoming a monk soon, wanting to put all the earthly matter behind yourself," Gary said.
Heinz raised his eyebrows. "No, I'm not at that level yet. I don't think I will ever be able to be a monk."
"You can slowly get used to it," Gary mocked.
"I am just an ordinary human being who's trying to do something decent. I am content with our lives now, to be a good dad, and have children who are filial to me, especially after you called me dad just now. I have just started living my happy life." Heinz threw a wink at Gary. "I won't be able to leave you behind, my son."
"I think it's more like you won't be able to leave mom behind," Gary pointed it out directly.
Heinz nodded and said, "Of course. I can't leave your mom behind, and also all of you. I enjoy being the father of all of you now. How blessed!"
"I can't relate to you as I'm yet to be a father," Gary said in a deep voice.
Heinz paused and looked at his son as continued teasing him, "Come on, son, call me dad again."
Was he already getting addicted to that?
Gary looked at Heinz and found him childish. He said helplessly, "Does it feel that great to be called 'dad'?"
"Of course. It might be something trivial to other dads, but it took you 20 years to call me dad, and that shows how difficult it's for you. I feel accomplished," Heinz said.
Gary knew that it would be huge news to their entire family.
He had held on for more than 20 years, yet he ruined his past efforts that day.
"So, I am just so happy today. I especially feel like telling your mom about this. She will be happy for me too," Heinz said.
Gary frowned after hearing that. He looked at Heinz and sneered. "You're childish."
Heinz didn't mind him saying that at all and he happily nodded. "So what if I'm childish? I am still your father no matter how childish I am. Come on, call me dad again.”
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