Chapter 407: Reluctance to Part
A few days later, their trip to Ballas Island ended. After having such a wonderful time, Madelyn felt physically and emotionally fulfilled, her mood significantly uplifted. Sebastian felt the same way; despite working on his laptop during their stay, escaping the city and spending quiet days with Madelyn had greatly improved his spirits.
Following this, the two returned home. Madelyn, lugging her suitcase, arrived brimming with uncontainable joy. While settling her luggage, a phone call came through.
Madelyn answered, chuckling. “Hey, Jillian! What’s up? Are you missing me?”
Jillian, sensing her good mood, smiled. “Yes! I’ve been missing you. But I called to tell you Josiah’s enlisting in the military in a couple of days. I was thinking we should throw him a farewell party tonight.”
Madelyn immediately agreed. “Sure! Let me tidy up, and we’ll meet tonight.”
“All right, I’ll wait for you.” Jillian’s voice was full of joy. The call ended.
Madelyn turned to Sebastian on the couch. “Sebastian, I have something to attend to tonight, so I won’t be home for dinner. Remember not to starve yourself.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow and glanced at her, nodding nonchalantly.
That night, after tidying up, Madelyn headed out. The event was held in a premier private room at Elite Club. By the time she arrived, the place was buzzing with activity. Jillian, Tristan, and all of Josiah’s friends were there.
Josiah, the center of attention, was continuously encouraged to drink.
One friend toasted him: “Come on! Josiah, we’ve known each other for years. Bros before hoes! We’ve been through a lot together—brawls, drinks, nonsense. You’re joining the military, and as your buddy, I’ll support you no matter what. Here’s to you! May your future be bright and prosperous!”
The atmosphere was electric. Madelyn smiled in satisfaction. Although Josiah had been a troublemaker, his friends seemed genuinely honorable.
Jillian, seeing Madelyn, greeted her joyfully, “Madelyn, you’re here!”
“Am I late?” Madelyn asked apologetically.
“No! We’ve only just started,” Jillian said sweetly. “But Josiah’s been waiting for you. He’s been rather absent-minded.”
“Really? He seems to be enjoying his drinks, though,” Madelyn chuckled, and they walked over. Josiah had already been coaxed into drinking several glasses of wine.
The alcohol was pleasantly rich, neither too strong nor too weak. Even with Josiah’s tolerance, the continuous onslaught of drinks was overwhelming. Just as someone was about to propose another toast, he waved his hand. “No more. I really can’t drink anymore.”
A man shook his head. “That won’t do, Josiah. You’re leaving in a few days. Once you’re in the military, you won’t have a chance to enjoy a drink. Let’s make the most of today and drink until we drop!”
“Exactly! Drink up! What’s there to fear?” His friends joined the teasing.
Josiah felt helpless. He wasn’t scared; he just disliked drinking himself senseless. Seeing his buddies’ continued enthusiasm, he didn’t know what to do. If I drink, I’ll pass out. If I don’t, I’ll upset them.
Then, Josiah had an idea. He made Tristan the scapegoat. “Stop trying to get me drunk. Let me tell you something. Tristan’s also joining the military. If you guys are going to insist on drinking, include him too, okay?”
“What? Tristan, are you going as well?”
Everyone looked at Tristan in surprise. They hadn’t expected him to be enlisting as well.
Madelyn was taken aback. Stepping forward, she said, “Tristan, why the sudden decision to join the military? You’ve never mentioned this before.”
The friends were utterly confused. This news was a complete surprise.
Tristan, slightly embarrassed, chuckled. “You all know I prefer doing everything with Josiah. Now that he’s joining the military, I can’t just do nothing, can I? For years, I’ve done nothing significant—idly enjoying myself or wandering around. Honestly, I’ve grown weary of this lifestyle. After careful consideration, yesterday I sought Old Mr. Blume’s help. I’ll join the military with Josiah.”
Tristan looked at them with a self-satisfied expression. “What’s with your faces? Can’t I enlist in the military?”
The crowd shook their heads in disbelief, struggling to accept that the two leaders of their group were enlisting. For a moment, everyone’s emotions were too complex to articulate.
Everyone was elated; joining the military was a respectable path, a vast improvement over their aimless past. However, a deep sense of reluctance to part filled them. Once in the military, opportunities to meet would be rare; strict management meant seeing each other once or twice a year at most.
Madelyn felt unsettled. Although usually nonchalant, the thought of infrequent future meetings filled her with reluctance. However, there was no point in resisting. Josiah couldn’t continue his aimless lifestyle. His family was military, so joining the army was a natural, destined path. Madelyn couldn't stand by and watch him retrace his previous life.