Kenneth Osborne chuckled dismissively, secretly criticizing his mom's opinion.
If there's nothing even remotely serious, why accept their things and have him go out to watch a movie?
Of course, he wouldn't directly challenge his mom.
A woman, no matter how sensible she usually is, would go ballistic when her beloved son argues against her for another woman, regardless of menopause.
Kenneth wisely chose not to provoke his mom's sensitive issues but gently explained: "...If we wait until things get serious to compare charts, and something unfavorable shows up, what do we do then?"
"What if the Newman Family disagrees at that point, and Sarah Newman is deeply in love with me, refusing to marry anyone else? That wouldn't be a marriage alliance, but a feud."
Kenneth's mom laughed heartily, and in her excitement, she replied using voice: "Kenneth, why worry about that? If Sarah Newman is deeply in love with you and refuses to marry anyone else, as long as you like her, just marry her!"
"What if her parents aren't happy, what can they do? By then, if there's a child on the way, her parents won't be able to run away either!"
"I'm telling you, in this world, no parents can win over their children!"
Kenneth's lips curled into a sarcastic smile: "Is that so? Then if someday I find a wife that neither of you like, and she's pregnant, would you two accept her?"
Without a second thought, Kenneth's mom opposed: "No way. Your wife must be approved by both your dad and me. If we don't approve, even if she gives you eight to ten children, she's still not allowed through the Osborne Family's door! We wouldn't acknowledge her! You remember that!"
Kenneth couldn't help but laugh at his mom's assertiveness. So much for the idea that no parents can defy their children in this world!
"Mom, anyone who doesn't know might think our Osborne Family has a throne to inherit, and other girls are crying to continue our line. — Your double standards are really impressive!"
Kenneth's mom felt no unease or embarrassment from the sarcasm, and her voice grew louder: "What's wrong with double standards? Double standards are right! You are my son, what do other girls have to do with me? How can I treat you and others the same?"
"Why should I care for others' kids the same way I care for my own? Anyone who doesn't have double standards is foolish and doesn't understand priorities!"
"Mom, you are truly overqualified to be an elementary school language teacher in our small town. You should be a PR spokesperson at a big company, or the state owes you a civil servant position!"
"If you argue with people from X country, you could drive those who like double standards crazy."
Kenneth's mom thought her son was complimenting her and was pleased to share his wavelength, seriously reminding him: "Remember to observe the girl closely when you watch the movie tomorrow."
"Too opinionated won't do, neither will those who only listen to their parents' opinions. Can't choose someone who can't make money, and if she can but won't let you manage it, that won't do either..."
She went on for ten minutes, practically writing a three-thousand-word essay on 'whether to marry or not'.
Kenneth didn't bother to read it, just gave a couple of perfunctory responses, and subtly brought the topic back: "Mom, I heard the Newman Family is in business and takes birth charts seriously."
"Moreover, they emphasize prosperity. To avoid doing anything futile and embarrassing your son, how about you subtly suggest to Mrs. Newman that they should proactively compare birth charts?"
"Consider it introducing a business to Uncle Nick. Isn't Uncle Nick known for being generous? I heard he gives a 10% finder's fee for business referrals."
Upon hearing this, Kenneth's mom instantly "sat up in shock from a supposed illness," in a typical 'if you talk about this I'm all ears' manner, skipped the voice message, and called Kenneth directly.
"Kenneth, are you serious? A 10% finder's fee for a business referral? How come I didn't know this!"
Kenneth knew his mom's weakness well and nodded seriously: "Yes, I haven't told anyone else, so don't tell others either. Nora told me secretly. Uncle Nick doesn't want people to know this, and he's already famous, with more business than he can handle, so why would he care about a small business like comparing charts?"
"I'm just worried that even if the Newmans go to Uncle Nick, he wouldn't take the business."
Kenneth's mom immediately started plotting: "...Your Uncle Nick is indeed capable; I heard he charges seven figures for checking feng shui for big city bosses!"
"The Newman Family just needs to compare birth charts; they might not offer that much, but they're not short on money. Even if they only offer ten thousand, I can earn a thousand as a finder's fee."
"A few minutes of talking and I earn a thousand, much more than what I earn teaching at elementary school."
"After months of hard work, my throat becomes dry, and I only make three or four thousand."
"If Uncle Nick charges twenty thousand, then I make two thousand!"
"I need to calculate this properly. Son, Mom needs to sleep, you should go to bed early too!"
Saying so, Kenneth's mom hung up the phone to plan with her husband.
Kenneth's dad was sitting next to her, wearing reading glasses, watching fantasy cultivation stories on his iPad but half-heartedly, as he was also listening in on the phone call with Kenneth.
When Kenneth's mom put down the phone, he immediately reminded her: "If you really want them to compare birth charts, remember not to approach the Newmans directly, lest they think we have ulterior motives."
"Do I need you to tell me that?" Kenneth's mom rolled her eyes, "I'll talk to my sister. She's a well-known obstetrician-gynecologist at the city hospital, knows many people, and just needs to pass a message to Mrs. Newman."
"I understand these people best, they'd rather believe there is something than not!"
"Besides, I need to make an early appointment with Mr. Zhang, and inform him about this business; the finder's fee can't go to someone else."
Saying so, Kenneth's mom pulled out her phone to call Nick Zeller.
However, Nick's phone showed he was on another call.
Kenneth's mom checked the time; it was already midnight.
"So late, and someone's still calling Nick? As expected of the Great Heavenly Master, indeed he has an endless stream of business."
Kenneth's mom used to think Nick was just a fraud tricking people under the guise of feng shui.
But ever since three years ago when their family, persuaded by Nick, bought a house here that skyrocketed in value, Nick became a 'Living Bodhisattva' in her mouth.
She now had unwavering faith in Nick and was one of his most devoted Believers.
What she didn't know was that the person calling Nick for 'business' was her son, Kenneth Osborne.
Nick Zeller was already in bed, playing with his phone and not yet asleep.
Kenneth tried sending him a message, and after confirming he was awake, called him.
"...Uncle Nick, here's the deal. Can you help us out so we both win, how about it?"
Nick Zeller shook his head with a fake smile: "Kenneth, who do you think I am? Do I need to scam people for money?"
Kenneth Osborne: "..."
"Uncle Nick, if not, I'll go to Nora and ask her to compare the charts?" Kenneth knew Nick's weakness was his niece, Lawrence Winters.
Nick immediately shifted his tone, looking serious: "Nora isn't skilled enough; something as significant as your marriage shouldn't be handled by someone inexperienced."
"Don't worry, when the Newmans come, I'll be sure to help you out!"
Kenneth felt relieved and thanked him with a smile: "Thank you, Uncle Nick. I won't say much, I'll just give the thank-you gift to Nora."
"Hahaha! A thank-you gift is also income; I'll still take a cut." Nick said slyly before hanging up the phone.
Thinking about the upcoming financial gain, winning on both sides, his heart was filled with joy.