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.”

the wine, cautioning, “It’s mild and not too strong to taste. But it packs a

probably aren’t aware of how much we can drink. This batch of your wine might not suffice for me

of overconfidence and showboating, Finnegan lightly tapped his head, reprimanding, “You should realize that Mr. Sanchez’s

me next time, Finnegan. It really hurt! And by the way, we all address him respectfully as ‘Mr. Sanchez. When you call him ‘Bennett,’ it sort

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gap. Doesn’t that seem a little disrespectful?”

is my grandfather’s master, I think we should all stick to

roles. I definitely don’t

laughter throughout the room, effectively marking the

dinner.

tonight for joining us in celebrating my father’s birthday. Let’s raise a toast to this wonderful gathering!” She took the lead, sipping her wine, and everyone followed suit.

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 from any hardships. You assumed

you, Dad, as a gesture of my gratitude for all that you’ve done for

a punch later on. And really, it’s

joined in the toast, emptying his glass in one

so emotional? Now you’ve got me missing my parents.

mood lightened as everyone laughed.

the meal. “Let’s dig in. The pork chop and duck confit are

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

Bennett’s warning, the pineapple wine, though delightful to sip, had a

a full glass, soon appeared slightly tipsy,

his face flushed and