The next day, Jason Luo’s family t up with Brown and Raul before heading to Princeton. Though no one said it aloud, everyone understood in their hearts—Old Pedro probably didn’t have much ti left...
On the plane, silence filled the cabin. Coach Brown gently squeezed Jason Luo’s shoulder and said, “Don’t make things so gloomy. When we get there, let’s all be cheerful. Fulfilling a lifelong dream is sothing to celebrate, isn’t it?”
He was right, but still... Jason forced a smile. “Coach, don’t worry. I know what to do.”
As soon as they stepped off the plane, before they could even leave the airport, several n in black suits blocked their path. “Excuse , which one of you is Mr. Jason Luo?”
Jason froze. “That’s . What’s going on?”
“Ah, you must know Miss Catherine. Her father would like to speak with you privately. If it’s convenient, please co with us.”
What? Catherine’s father?
Henry Luo imdiately tensed up and pulled his son aside. “You little brat, tell the truth—did you get yourself into trouble behind my back?”
Jason was caught off guard, then nearly burst out laughing and crying at the sa ti under his father’s suspicious glare. “Dad, what are you thinking? There’s nothing like that! My guess is that when Catherine helped us last ti, it caught her father’s attention. You and everyone else should go visit Coach first—I’ll catch up later. After all, they helped us a lot. It’s only right that I thank him in person.”
Henry Luo finally relaxed. “Well... just be careful... Ah, never mind. You decide for yourself.”
Since they had sent people to fetch him, Jason had no choice but to go. The car ride passed in silence until they pulled up to a large, standalone villa.
Led by a maid, Jason was brought to et Catherine’s father, Jonette. Dressed in a robe, Jonette was making coffee while reading the newspaper. When he saw Jason, he smiled warmly. “Ah, our boxing champion has arrived! Please, have a seat, young man. I was just reading about you. You know, I used to be a huge boxing fan. Haha, a WBA world champion at nineteen—if I were thirty years younger, I’d definitely be one of your biggest fans.”
Despite the man’s friendly tone, Jason felt a heavy pressure settle on him. “You’re too kind, sir. Morell’s level wasn’t that high—I was just lucky. I still have a long way to go.”
“Oh? I wouldn’t be so sure. Haha! Have so coffee—it’s from Congo. Give it a try.”
“Thank you.”
Jason held the steaming cup, his heart pounding. Why had this man called for him? If Catherine had arranged this, she would’ve told him beforehand... Whatever the case, he decided to speak first.
“Sir, last ti I was in trouble, and it was thanks to Catherine and your help that things worked out. I’m truly grateful. If I’ve caused you any inconvenience, I’m willing to make it up to you however I can.”
Jonette smiled faintly. “My little sweetheart actually went behind my back and used my resources to help you. Honestly, that surprised . She’s always been an independent girl. That alone says a lot—which is why you’ve piqued my interest.”
Jason could tell the real topic was coming, and his nerves tightened.
“I have four children. Catherine is my youngest daughter. As an Arican father, I try not to interfere too much in her personal life. But she’s still young, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about her.”
Jason felt his stomach twist. “I... Sir, your daughter is an extraordinary young woman—bright, cheerful, kindhearted. Anyone who spends ti with her can’t help but be drawn to her. Of course, I’m no exception. But... I’m not even twenty yet. Honestly, I like being around Catherine, but I’m not sure if that’s love. When it cos to feelings, I’m terrible at figuring things out...”
By the ti he finished, Jason’s face was burning and sweat was beading on his forehead.
Jonette listened intently, nodding several tis, seemingly pleased. “Good. At least your answer shows sincerity. But tell —has she ever ntioned her family background to you?”
“Family background?” Jason shook his head slowly.
Jonette stood up, extending his right hand. “Then let’s make a proper introduction. My na is Jonette Roosevelt—Catherine Roosevelt’s father.”
“Nice to et you, sir. I’m Jason Luo. It’s an hono—”
Jason froze mid-sentence. Roosevelt? Could it be that Roosevelt?
Jonette nodded slightly. “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. My family is the Roosevelt family—descendants of the two presidents.”
Jason was completely stunned. This had to be so kind of joke!
Catherine was a descendant of Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt? That was beyond anything he could’ve imagined!
No wonder even the police captain had addressed her as “Miss.” A political dynasty with influence stretching back over a century—its power was unimaginable!
Good heavens. Jason would never have guessed Catherine ca from such a background. His mind went blank.
Jonette sat back down. “I’m telling you this not to pressure you, but so you can better understand my daughter. As her father, I respect her choices. But I also hope you think carefully and never do anything that might hurt her. Otherwise...”
Jason nodded slowly. “I understand, sir. I’ll think carefully before making any decision. Thank you for being upfront with .”
“Good. Don’t take it too hard. You’re still just friends for now—this is just a friendly reminder. And one more thing: don’t let emotions cloud your boxing, and never, ever get involved in politics. If you do, no one will be able to save you. Understand?”
Jason knew exactly how serious that warning was and nodded silently.
Jonette then invited him to stay for lunch, but Jason politely declined, ntioning his old coach and leaving in a hurry. Throughout, Jonette remained gracious and even had a car arranged to take Jason to the hospital.
On the way, Jason’s thoughts were in turmoil. Catherine’s father had been polite, yet Jason could clearly sense the subtle air of superiority behind his words.
He couldn’t deny reality. Sure, he was a boxing champion now—but compared to a family like that, he was nothing.
If he and Catherine truly ended up together, how could he possibly fit into such a world?
Catherine... Catherine... After thinking it over again and again, Jason decided to let go. It wasn’t fear—it was realism. Their family backgrounds and cultural worlds were simply too far apart.
Take just one example: Aricans valued independence, even after marriage, couples often lived separately. But Jason had no mother, and Grace would eventually marry too. Would that leave his father to grow old alone?
Questions like that kept piling up, forcing him to weigh everything carefully...
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