No one picks a fight with someone who''s all smiles.


    Andrew was still just a kid, so Herman had no choice but to let him have the upper hand. Anastasia almost never saw Herman look so defeated-she couldn''t help but find it hrious.


    When Andrew showed up earlier, he was the very picture of that old saying: "Strong youth, strong nation." One nce, and you could see promise written all over him.


    The car was huge—a seven-seater-so Andrew had plenty of space to sprawl out. Justin slid into the car next. "Uncle Herman, I''ll take you all to the hotel," he said, then nodded at the driver. "Let''s go."


    Justin and Andrew imed a row together, while Herman, Anastasia, and Paradise sat behind them. The car was loaded with snacks and drinks; Justin even went around and poured tea for the adults.


    Andrew was the only one skipped over.


    Not that he cared. He just helped himself, poured a ss of juice, and made himselffortable. If you want something done right, do it yourself.


    Andrew started chatting away with Herman. "Uncle Herman, how long do you n on staying here?"


    Herman''s face didn''t budge. "No idea yet."


    Andrew spun around to Paradise. “Paradise, why so quiet? Rememberst time, I sent something over with Chubby for you-why didn''t you take it?"


    Because it was a love letter, and there was no way she was going to ept that.


    Paradise gave him a look just like Herman''s. "Too childish."


    Andrew grinned, turning to Anastasia. “Ana, you look amazing today. That makeup and outfit? Totally on point."


    Anastasia''s heart did a little flip. “Thanks!"


    Then Andrew shot a look at Justin. "Justin, why the serious face? You''re young- lighten up! Smile more. Be like me! We''re about the same age, right? How old are you? When''s your birthday?"


    Justin answered, "Thirteen. October."


    Andrew grinned, unbothered. “What a coincidence! I''m thirteen too, but I''m a September baby, so I''m older-you''ve gotta call me ''big bro.""


    Justin gave him a side-eye. No way did Andrew look thirteen.


    Andrew stuck his chest out. "I''m just short, okay? Didn''t eat enough veggies growing up. Age isn''t just about height! Come on, call me brother-I''ll watch your back from now on."


    Paradise couldn''t help herself. "Justin, don''t listen to him. He''s not thirteen-he''s not even twelve yet! He had to repeat a year."


    Andrew was just messing with


    Justin anyway, so he didn''t mind Paradise blowing his cover. Still, he pouted, "Paradise, we go to the same school! Aren''t we supposed to look out for each other? Why you gotta snitch on me?"


    Justin''s lips twitched into the tiniest smile. He''d never met anyone this entertaining before.


    The Wisman family had a million rules, and as the golden child, Justin was always under the


    microscope-the whole family and even the city watched his every move. He never had the freedom to act out like Andrew, saying and doing whatever popped into his head.


    Andrew was a nonstop chatterbox, his voice filling the whole car. When he was really excited, he''d even burst into song.


    He actually had a pretty good voice, but he went out of his way to sing off-key, just to be funny.


    Paradise pped her hands over her ears. "Andrew, that''s terrible! Quit singing already!"


    Andrew just leaned closer to her and sang even louder. "The sun is shining, the flowers are smiling at me..."


    Anastasia couldn''t help butugh. Andrew really was a gem—pure sunshine.


    Soon, they pulled up to the hotel. Most of the Wisman family''s guests were staying here. In fact, the family had booked the whole ce. Justin got Herman''s family settled and then took Andrew to his own room.


    Andrew''s room was upstairs, on a different floor.


    Justin said, “Andrew, here''s your room. If you need anything, just let me know. Hope you enjoy your stay."


    Andrew flopped onto the soft bed. "Not bad, not bad. Superfy bed, sea view- nice! Go do your thing, don''t worry about me. When you''re done, let''s y pool or something. You know how to y?"


    Justin answered seriously, "No. I y bowling, golf, table tennis..."


    Andrew waved him off. "Those are for old people, Justin! You''re too young to be acting so grown-up. Not fun at all. Go take care of your business-I need to lie down, I''m still a bit seasick."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!