Chapter 3 : A Long-Awaited Reunion

Donald, still in his flashy jacket, repeated, "I came to find you, bro. Where are you going? I''ll give you a ride."

Austin''s phone, with a lucky cat charm hanging from it, was still swaying from the shock. He stared blankly at the young man in the now-damaged sports car.

Donald was all smiles, while Austin had mixed feelings.

The situation was incredibly awkward until the toll booth attendant, who had just returned from the restroom, arrived and broke the tension.

"Hey, hey, hey! What''s going on here? I was gone for just a minute, and you crashed! Are you looking for trouble?"

Donald: "…"

The attendant, a short man with a bit of a belly, moved surprisingly quickly despite his age. He rushed up the slope like a small cannonball. "How did you crash like this? Don''t argue here! Move the cars aside and argue there!"

The attendant was clearly hot-tempered, especially when he noticed Donald, a young man with an earring, and immediately assumed he was "up to no good." He impatiently slapped the back of the sports car. "Hurry up! Don''t block the way! More cars will come soon!"

Seeing that Mr. Whitney was about to lose his temper at the diligent attendant, Austin quickly got out of the car to mediate. "Sorry, we all know each other. We''ll move right away."

As he spoke, he pulled out a brand-new pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, and handed it to the attendant. "Sorry for the trouble. Could you lift the barrier for us?"

Hearing that they knew each other, the attendant felt a bit more at ease. Although he didn''t recognize celebrities, Austin''s suit and demeanor made him seem like a respectable person. The attendant took the cigarette with two fingers and his tone softened. "Alright, alright, just move the cars quickly!"

Austin agreed repeatedly, then turned to Donald''s car with a more serious expression.

Audrey reached out. "Hey, Caleb…"

The company car was too conspicuous, and the license plate was well-known among fans. It would be fine going to other hospitals, but since they were heading to a children''s hospital, it would be troublesome if someone took a photo and posted it online. Since Donald offered a ride, it was the best option.

As Austin opened the car door, he saw a large bouquet of white orchids on the seat.

The golden retriever barked, "Woof!"

Donald eagerly handed over the flowers. "Bro, these are for you. Congrats on the new movie''s success."

Austin was momentarily stunned. He took the flowers, still a bit confused, and got into the car. "…Thanks."

"Flowers for the beautiful," Donald said with a grin. "So, where to?"

"Children''s hospital. Thanks for the ride. I''ll treat you to a meal later."

Donald thought he misheard. "…Where?"

Austin: "Children''s Hospital, let''s head out first."

Donald was confused. The old man had already raised the barrier. Seeing Austin''s serious expression, he hesitated but carefully turned the car around and drove off steadily, leaving Audrey with a seemingly suave back view as they sped away...

Audrey: "..."

Once they were out of the parking lot, Donald absentmindedly listened to the car''s music. It took him a moment to realize that Fiona''s single was still on repeat.

For some reason, this was the only single Austin had ever recorded since his debut. His slightly hoarse, deep voice echoed through the car''s surround sound system.

Austin himself listened for a while without making any comments.

Whitney''s face turned a bit red with embarrassment. "Uh... bro, we haven''t listened to the evening news yet. Let me change the station."

Austin nodded, and Donald quickly switched to the radio.

Radio FM106: "Feast City, where culture and sports flourish, and international artists excel!..."

Donald: "..."

He turned off the radio.

Silence was indeed better.

After a moment of quiet, Austin glanced at the luggage in the back seat and then at the noticeably more rugged Donald. He asked softly, "When did you get back?"

Donald replied immediately, "Just got off the plane today. I missed you so much, I couldn''t wait to come find you."

Austin, used to such remarks, asked, "Mind if I make a call?"

Donald: "Go ahead."

Austin opened his contacts and dialed a number. "Hello? Mr. Jones? Sorry to bother you so late. Are you on duty tonight? ... Yes, yes, thank you. I''ll come up to our usual spot... Oh, by the way, how''s the kid? What''s the diagnosis? ... Still waiting for blood test results? ... Okay, I''ll be there soon."

Austin hung up the phone, leaned back, and let out a long breath.

After turning a corner, Donald glanced at him again. "What''s up? Is it serious?"

Austin raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose and slowly shook his head. "Not sure yet..."

Donald: "A relative''s kid?"

Austin: "..."

Seeing Austin''s prolonged silence, Donald thought it was odd. He assumed Austin was too tired to speak and was about to drop the subject when...

Austin said quietly, "My kid."

Donald slammed on the brakes, nearly rear-ending the car in front.