When the vows were done, Andrew was the first to knock back his ss of herbal tea in one go.


    Justin followed, finishing his drink without hesitation.


    Ceremonyplete, Andrew called out, "Herman!"


    Justin echoed, "Brother!"


    Andrew, practically buzzing with excitement, threw his arms around Justin andughed, "Herman, I''m officially handing over my winter break homework to you. We''re in this together now-heaven as our witness!"


    Justin could only stare.


    This sounded less like sharing fortune and more like sharing trouble.


    He shot back, "Is it toote to change my mind?”


    He was starting to feel like he''d been yed.


    Andrew immediately locked him in a bear hug and refused to let go. "No backing out! Heaven saw it happen. You thought being ''Herman'' was going to be easy? Paradise, you''re our witness, right?"


    Paradise pressed her lips together, trying not tough. “Justin, you''ve fallen for Andrew''s tricks. He always has something up his sleeve."


    Justin shrugged. "Feels like I just boarded a pirate ship."


    Carter strode over, sounding stern. "Andrew, who are you trying to con into doing your homework now? I turn my back for one minute and you''re already causing chaos."


    Spotting Carter, Andrew immediately shoved Justin in front of him like a human shield. "Save me, Herman!"


    That''s what brothers are for-selling each other out at the crucial moment.


    As the saying goes, better him than me.


    The whole room burst intoughter.


    Andrew never cared much for saving face-he could be flexible when he needed to.


    Wherever he went, the ce was full of energy. He was like a monkey, bouncing around, always charming and full of mischief. Somehow, even with hisid-back attitude, people trusted him and wanted to be near him.


    The birthday banquet was lively all the way until eleven, when Anastasia took Paradise back to the hotel to rest.


    Herman, Jonah, and Carter kept drinking until the wee hours before finally calling it a night.


    Back at the Wisman family home.


    Jonah came home reeking of alcohol. Justin hurried over, helped him settle onto the


    sofa, and handed him a steaming cup of hangover soup.


    Jonah blinked and looked up at Justin. "You''re still up?"


    Justin had changed intofy loungewear, his freshly dried hair fluffed up, sharp features softened by youth but already hinting at a


    maic charm. Give himne


    a few more years, and he''d be the kind of man who turned heads everywhere he went.


    Jonah took a sip of the soup, his tone turning serious. "Why did you swear brotherhood with Andrew today?"


    Everyone in the Wisman family paid close attention to Justin''s friends.


    Not that Jonah disapproved of Andrew-he just wanted to know Justin''s reasons.


    Justin was straightforward. "He''s genuinely fun to be around, and there''s just something about him—people naturally gather around him and trust him.”


    Jonah nodded. "That kid''s got potential. Worthy of a real friendship."


    He stood up. "You should get some rest too. We''ve got people to see off tomorrow."


    Justin quickly asked, "Is Uncle Herman and his family leaving?"


    Jonah nodded. "Yeah. Tomorrow, you''ll see them off for me. The Lees are leaving too One day the Wisman family will be in your hands Justin. You''re the son I''m most proud of."


    Justin had understood his role since he was a child.


    "Dad, I''ll also go to Riverdale


    le


    tomorrow to visit the Stranz family," he said thoughtfully. "Aunt Huang lost her child while Wesley was here for the banquet Out of Both courtesy andpassion, the Wisman family should pay their respects."


    Jonah nodded. “That''s the right thing to do. Go to Riverdale for us tomorrow."


    "Yes, Dad.” Justin tucked away his excitement behind a calm expression.


    Jonah headed off to his room. Justin returned to his own and immediately called his assistant to arrange the Riverdale visit.


    Justin now had real influence in the Wisman Corporation, and Jonah had even assigned him a personal assistant.


    After the call, Justin sent another message: Make sure the painting of the weing pine is delivered to the hotel first thing tomorrow...


    This painting was for Paradise.


    He knew she lovedndscapes, so he''d splurged to buy this one from a collector.


    And truthfully, his visit to Riverdale wasn''t just about paying respects to the Stranz family.


    With everything set, Justin stood at the window, looking out over the city lights. In his heart, he whispered, Little one, grow up fast.