A Healer’s Journey

Chapter 271 Casanova

“Everyone’s hard work is appreciated, but it’s just a birthday, after all. Nancy, let’s not do this again, okay? Everyone’s really busy, and I’m not too fussed about birthdays!” Bennett remarked as he and Nancy joined the rest of the party at the riverside pavilion.

Bennett looked resigned, gently chiding Nancy.

Rhiannon interjected, “Mr. Sanchez, Nancy’s gesture is her way of showing her respect and love. Please don’t be too hard on her. Plus, we have to dine anyway. Getting to celebrate your birthday while enjoying the great meal you’ve prepared is a treat for us all.”

Shaun and the others, despite this being their first encounter with Bennett, echoed this sentiment respectfully.

Bennett, with a reluctant smile, said, “Well, if everyone insists. Give me a moment, I’ll bring out my three- year-old pineapple wine for you all to try.”

As Bennett turned and noticed Finnegan, he nodded in acknowledgment before walking away.

Finnegan, taking a seat, queried, “Nancy, is this the first time you’ve celebrated your dad’s birthday?”

Nancy explained, “Dad’s never told me his birthday, and he avoids the question whenever I ask. I’ve never celebrated it before! I only found out today because I stumbled upon his ID while doing laundry. Otherwise, he probably would’ve never told me.”

This elicited a laughter from Shaun, who remarked, “It’s not unusual. I always forget my parents’ and grandparents’ birthdays until the last minute.”

“That’s pretty cold, man. I always remember my family’s birthdays. It’s a good chance to act nice and score some extra pocket money!” Zephyr chimed in.

Their banter continued until Bennett reappeared with a clay pot.

The chatter subsided as he placed the pot down and broke its wax seal. A tantalizing scent of pineapple and alcohol filled the air. “Brewed this three years ago,” Bennett explained. “Used almost ripe pineapples and double-distilled corn wine. By now, it should be smooth with a slightly sour, sweet undertone.”

Shaun sniffed the aroma. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was some kind of fruit juice.”

poured the wine, cautioning, “It’s mild and not too strong to taste. But it packs a punch later on, so go easy

worry about us. You’re meeting us for the first time and probably

lightly tapped his head, reprimanding, “You should realize that Mr. Sanchez’s homemade wine isn’t something you can compare to those mass-produced

head and jested, “Go easy on me next time, Finnegan. It really hurt! And by the way, we all address him respectfully as ‘Mr. Sanchez. When

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gap. Doesn’t that

“Considering Finnegan is my grandfather’s master, I think we should all stick

roles. I definitely don’t want to be

uproarious laughter throughout the room, effectively marking the start of the

dinner.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Finnegan and everyone present here tonight for joining us in celebrating my father’s birthday. Let’s raise a toast to this wonderful gathering!”

of my earliest childhood memories, you’ve always been the dad I cherished the most. After Mom passed away, you single-handedly raised me for twelve years, sparing no effort to provide the best for me and shielding me

added, “And that’s why I’m making this toast to you, Dad, as a gesture of my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me!” With that, Nancy raised her

later

emptying his glass in one

we have to get so emotional? Now you’ve got me

as everyone

Nancy to sit down and clapped his hands, signaling the start of the meal. “Let’s dig in. The pork chop and duck

atmosphere gradually shifted from the earlier sentimentality to a more jovial tone. Everyone picked up their wine glasses or chopsticks, easing into a warmer,

pineapple wine, though delightful to sip, had a potent

glass, soon appeared slightly tipsy, on the verge of

usually a seasoned drinker, was visibly affected, his face flushed and