Bab 10: Chapter 10 Feeling wrong about your waist?
Aunt Sarah is indeed a good wife and mother. Knowing that she had to entertain the neighbor next door, she immediately went out to buy a lot of vegetables and returned with fresh river fish, crayfish, and a big turkey. The sight was mouthwatering!
Steve received a call from Mark and rushed over.
He didn't know why Mark had invited him to dinner, but it was a good opportunity to drop by and see his mother.
After getting in touch, Steve realized that despite being the famous Captain America, he was still a mama's boy. Basically, Sarah had the final say in everything.
Dinner was prepared in no time: delicious high-end steak, corn and carrot vegetable soup, pastries, sweets, and a massive turkey! Such a feast was usually reserved for festivals in well-off families. For poorer families, a meal like this could take years to afford.
Mark, as the host, naturally sat at the head of the table, picking up a glass of red wine and making a toast. "Everyone, today I made a business deal. I sold the weapon blueprints I designed to Stark Industries. I got 10% of the shares and 5,000 dollars. During this period, I received a lot of help from all of you. I used to either burn down the house or blow it up," he joked.
"It was always chaos around me, but you took care of me, Aunt Barra. Thank you! Without your delicious meals, I might have fainted from hunger long ago. Now, let's all raise a glass together!"
With just a few words, Mark made his toast, leaving everyone a little surprised. Aunt Barra's family was aware that their little neighbor was obsessed with science because of his parents, but they didn't expect that something he invented could sell for such a high price. Five thousand dollars—something their family would need three years to earn without spending a penny!
Compared to Aunt Barra's family, Aunt Sarah and Steve were utterly shocked. They had only known Mark for a short time, and it was surprising that he could make so much money at once. Five thousand dollars was unimaginable to them; even two thousand was a fortune!
There was a mix of complexity and relief in Aunt Sarah's eyes, almost like the feeling of seeing her own child succeed. No wonder Mark had bought so many gifts for her in the afternoon. It was just that some of those intimate gifts were a bit intriguing!
"Wow, Mark, you're amazing! No wonder you were acting so fussy in the afternoon. Haha, you're really incredible, just like I expected from my classmate! You'll have to take care of me too!" Mark's black friend Oli said in surprise, a bit worried that Mark's newfound success might make him look down on his old friends.
"Hey, don't overthink it. We're good brothers, good friends forever. In the future, we'll fight the world together. At the very least, we must realize our dreams. Don't you want to be a general? Be brave. I've taken the first step." Mark clinked glasses with Oli.
Every hero needs a close friend, and Oli was that for Mark—a genuine and loyal companion.
"Congratulations, Mark. Seeing what you've accomplished, I'm sure your parents would be proud in heaven. I'll definitely visit more often!" Aunt Barra proudly raised her glass and toasted the young inventor.
"Congratulations, Brother Mark! Can I still come over to play and do homework together in the future?" Shu Lin, the little black girl with big, watery eyes, asked sweetly. Being too young, she could only drink milk.
"Of course, you'll always be my lovely little sister! Cheers!" Mark smiled as he clinked glasses with Shu Lin. He swore he had no inappropriate interests—he was genuinely a pure-hearted guy!
Mark's sincerity reassured Oli, who knew that despite being a bit of a troublemaker, Mark was a true friend.
With everyone in high spirits, Mark drank glass after glass. Though red wine doesn't have a high alcohol content, if consumed too much, it can easily lead to drunkenness. The effects of red wine sneak up on you, and soon enough, Mark was feeling a bit woozy.
Everyone was happy for Mark, and as they chatted late into the night, a little too much was consumed. Oli's family lived nearby, so they headed home after just a few steps. Steve left early to rest because he had a medical examination the next day and wanted to give it his best shot.
Soon, everyone had gone home, leaving only Aunt Sarah and Mark.
"Ugh, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Aunt Sarah, I'm going to bed. Haha, I'm so happy today! I finally made it! Yeah! Next time, maybe you can come to one of the parties and meet some of my beautiful classmates!" Mark babbled drunkenly, perhaps under the influence of the alcohol, finally speaking his mind about his desire to enjoy life, make money, and meet women.
"Hehe, Young Master Mark, you've had too much to drink. Let me help you to your room so you can rest." Aunt Sarah, who had also had too much wine, tried to maintain her composure. As a caregiver, she couldn't let her young master collapse drunkenly at the dinner table.
Despite feeling dizzy herself, Aunt Sarah supported Mark and helped him to his room. He was nearly 100 pounds, and it was a challenge for her to carry him, but she managed.
Mark collapsed onto the bed, still talking nonsense about marrying many wives and making lots of money. He even held onto Aunt Sarah as he spoke.
Originally, Aunt Sarah intended to leave, but hearing Mark talk about his dreams reminded her of her own son, Steve, who used to dream big as a child. Listening to Mark's words, and feeling the effects of the wine herself, she yawned and soon fell asleep beside him.
The next day, Mark woke up with a hangover, his head still spinning. "Oh man, I drank too much. Wait, it's Monday! I've got class!" he exclaimed, looking at the clock, which showed 7 a.m. He quickly got up.
"Why am I not wearing clothes? Ugh, my back hurts. Well, I'll take a shower first." He didn't think much of it, as he sometimes slept without clothes. He recalled Erik, the astronomer in *Thor 2*, who said that not wearing pants helped with thinking!
After a refreshing morning shower, Mark headed downstairs, where he saw Aunt Sarah wearing an apron that barely concealed her impressive figure. Her face was rosy, like a blooming flower, and she was more beautiful than ever.
"Good morning, Master Mark. Breakfast is ready—egg sandwiches and milk. Did you sleep well last night?" Aunt Sarah's tone was probing, with a hint of nervousness and something unsaid.
"Oh! Aunt Sarah, you look beautiful today! Does red wine have beauty benefits? Last night? I drank too much and can't really remember. I'm fine, though my back hurts a bit. Anyway, thanks for breakfast. I won't be back for lunch today—I'll be late!" Mark said, sandwich in hand and milk quickly downed, as he rushed out the door.
Aunt Sarah watched him go, a trace of sadness in her eyes. But then, she smiled again, as if remembering something that made her happy. She hummed a little tune as she cleaned up the living room, her thoughts lingering on what had happened the night before.
She only hoped that Mark wouldn't find out.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
-- Power
stone