บท 36: Their Disapproval Was The Biggest Obstacles

A few days later, on December 30th.

Lucas worked full day from Christmas until yesterday so, he was granted a leave despite it being the last day of the year. It helped him to stay occupied and calm before he came to any big decision.

At the same time, Lucas' heart was inclined to do what Michael had told him before.

Even before Linda woke up to cook breakfast for the family, Lucas was already out and about.

The clock showed two o'clock when he entered the kitchen. He wanted to use the time when everyone was still sleeping to do what he love to do.

Lucas planned to prepare the food on behalf of his mother as well as bake some bread and cookies. The ingredients were bought yesterday, using quite a bit of his money.

"This should be enough..."

Lucas stared at the cookie dough sitting inside a glass bowl. He was waiting for the bread one to rise properly. He just wanted to make simple milk bread and chocolate chip cookies.

At half-past six, everything was mostly ready. The divine smell of refined sugar, melted butter and baked chocolate swirled in the kitchen.

The cookies and milk bread sat on a corner of the kitchen island while Lucas began to prepare breakfast.

"Lucas? What are you doing here?"

Lucas turned around from the stove. He saw Linda was eyeing him in shock. She was still in her pajamas and sweater on top.

"I'm making breakfast, Mother," answered Lucas. He returned his focus to the boiling pot, "Rice noodles. I've prepared the other condiments."

Linda was still surprised. She moved her gaze to the kitchen island.

Several plates were put there; fried peanuts, pickled mustard, thinly sliced marinated meats, chopped scallions as well as shredded chicken. Next to the pot boiling the rice noodles on the stove, there was one for the broth.

"You even baked cookies and bread?" Linda also saw the fluffy milk bread and cookies sitting on the kitchen island.

"...yeah," Lucas' voice was muted, "I made lots. Can be given to the children if they come to visit later."

"Oh, we can do that," Linda agreed. She swallowed the initial dissatisfaction after knowing her son wasting time making the bread and cookies.

Lucas ignored his mother. He could sense the slight discontent coming from his mother's voice. It was something that he got used to all this time.

"T-then... I'll be out of the way. Your father and Kevin won't wake up until later," Linda coughed.

"Okay," replied Lucas curtly.

Linda quickly walked out of the kitchen, getting away from the awkward situation. Her face was frowning.

Like Richard, Linda hoped that Lucas wouldn't pay much attention to baking, something that he acquired because he often spent time with the deceased old man next door before.

To them, all of their eldest son's time should only be focused on studying and getting a better job. Shouldn't they worry because Lucas was still working the low-class job of a delivery rider?

"Geez, if only he dedicates that resolve to find a better job," mumbled Linda under her breath, "He only knows to make his parents worry."

Both Linda and Richard were too biased and blinded by their shallow judgments.

They forgot how well Lucas did in his study before. They also feigned ignorance about why Lucas couldn't continue his study to the third-tier education.

In their mind, Lucas was a hopeless child.

At a quarter past seven, breakfast was served on the dining table. Lucas also sliced some of the milk bread. He brought out butter and strawberry jam from inside the fridge. They sat next to the bread slices.

Richard and Kevin appeared in the dining room around seven-thirty. The latter was sniffing the air.

"I smelled something great," Kevin was already salivating. He looked at Linda who was pouring tea into the cups, "Mom, did you bake cakes or something? It's like I'm in a bakery."

Linda smiled stiffly, "Your brother... baked some bread and cookies. He also made our breakfast."

"Oh?!" Kevin's eyes began to twinkle. He noticed the milk bread sitting on the corner of the table, "Is that the bread? Where are the cookies? The broth looks so good!"

"In the kitchen. You can have those later," Lucas replied without looking at his younger brother, "Sit down. Have breakfast first."

"Hehehe~ Big Brother's cookies are the best!"

Kevin immediately sat down next to Lucas. He got himself some rice noodles, ladled the broth in and put the condiments in his bowl.

Unlike Linda and Richard, Kevin didn't think much about Lucas' interest in baking. In fact, he did mention to his big brother about getting involved more professionally in the field.

The only obstacle was their parents' disapproval. They always thought it was a shameful thing for a man to do.

Lucas subtly glanced at Richard who sat at the head of the table. He hadn't said anything until now but, Lucas could sense more disappointment and anger coming from him.

Ignoring those, Lucas quietly ate his meal. His mood was better after talking to Michael the other night.

Once Kevin finished his breakfast, he immediately reached out for the milk bread. His eyes were twinkling in delight.

"Wow, it's so soft and fluffy, Big Brother," Kevin spread some butter and jam over one slice, "You really can bake well. Looks just like the bread from a famous store!"

Lucas only hummed. He quietly sipped the last bit of the broth.

"What's the use of knowing how to bake? Can that get you a good job?" Richard finally spat out what he had been holding back the entire breakfast, "It's not a man's job to be in the kitchen."

Lucas gave no response but, Kevin retorted.

"Dad! Most world-renowned chefs are men! They can cook and bake so well ah."

Richard sneered. He glanced at his golden child, "Kevin, at least they have professional qualifications. What does your brother have?"

Kevin frowned, "Well, learning unprofessionally also..."

"Kevin, enough," Lucas cut his younger brother out. Giving a look to his father, he said, "Just say whatever you want to, Father. I won't care anymore."

"Y-you! What did you say?" Richard's face instantly flushed. He didn't expect to receive such a reply from his eldest son.

Linda was also shocked, "Lucas, how could you..."

"I've finished eating."

Lucas quickly brought his dishes and rushed to the kitchen, ignoring his parents' wrath. While washing the dishes, a smile curled up on his lips.

"I should go with the plan."

Lucas was determined.

Later in the afternoon, a text was sent to Liliana's number.

[Ms. Xin, I'm sorry for not replying to you. I'll be straightforward. If possible, may I ask for your help? I'm in a dire situation now.]