Chapter 65: Simplicity

"Yes, we've lost touch in recent years, and I don't know what happened to him," Franklin said, nodding.

"Perhaps he's a high-ranking civil servant now. When he arrives, you two can reminisce," Frieda said, turning to Maria with delight. "Go change quickly. Our guests are arriving; you should dress up. And, his son will be with him"

"Mom, stop it! I have a boyfriend, you know! You're being a pain!" Maria interrupted, rising from the couch and heading to her bedroom with an exasperated expression.

"Silly girl, it's for your own good! Zayne's just a sales manager. This man's the son of a powerful official—Zayne's no match!" Frieda persisted.

Ignoring her mother, Maria slammed her bedroom door.

"What a rebellious child," Frieda mumbled, turning to Franklin. "Franklin, I'll prepare refreshments. Meanwhile, please make a lunch reservation at a hotel."

"Sure!" Franklin replied, nodding.

Soon, Jared and his family arrived. Franklin opened the door promptly after they rang the doorbell. Gary and Franklin hesitated briefly before embracing tightly.

"Squad Leader! I've missed you! You've changed so much—even your hair is graying!" Franklin exclaimed, smiling.

"Haha! And you've got a potbelly! I'm amazed you still fit in your uniform!" Gary chuckled, playfully punching Franklin.

When Franklin turned to Hannah and Jared, he was stunned by Hannah's vacant stare, her eyes wide open but seemingly unseeing.

Noticing his surprise, Gary explained, "This is my wife, Hannah. She lost her sight to an illness a few years ago."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Chance. Please come in," Franklin said immediately.

Hannah smiled and nodded. "Thank you. I've heard a lot about you from Gary."

"If it weren't for the Squad Leader, I wouldn't be here!"

Franklin immediately helped Hannah inside.

"Mr. Saunders, let me," Jared offered, supporting his mother.

"This is my son, Jared," Gary said.

Glancing at Jared, Franklin smiled. "He looks like a capable young man, just like his father."

Jared smiled in return. He liked Franklin's genuine and unpretentious demeanor.

However, neither Gary nor Hannah's momentary change in expression went unnoticed.

Frieda hurried from the kitchen, bearing a fruit platter. "Franklin, is your former squad leader here?"

"This is my wife, Frieda," Franklin introduced her.

"Nice to meet you," Gary replied politely.

Frieda was taken aback by Gary's simple clothes and gray hair; he didn't look like a powerful official. Hannah and Jared were similarly plainly dressed.

Have government officials dispensed with pomp these days? she wondered.

"What are you staring at? He's talking to you!" Franklin said, tugging her arm.

Shaking herself back to reality, Frieda quickly welcomed her guests. "Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please sit. I've prepared some fruit."

The extraneous promotional text has been removed. The dialogue has been cleaned up for better flow and consistency. Sentence structure and punctuation have been improved throughout.