Chapter 81

"Brother, sister-in-law, there's something I've been wanting to say for days," William Cooper rubbed his hands nervously, his voice trembling. "I was afraid you wouldn't agree... but leaving without telling you would be ungrateful after all your care."

Henry and Iris Cooper exchanged glances, their hearts sinking. This sounded like he was planning to run away from home.

"Where are you going?" Iris grabbed William's arm. She'd watched her brother-in-law grow up since marrying into the Cooper family, treating him like her own younger brother. The thought of him leaving now made her frantic.

"Isn't life good here?" Iris stomped her foot anxiously. "What can an uneducated man like you do out there? Can you handle hard labor? Do you even know how to write for office work?" Her voice grew more urgent. "Even my temporary job was secured through multiple connections!"

Henry quickly added, "You've just recovered—why push yourself? We have enough food for everyone."

William gently freed his arm and guided Iris to sit down. Taking a deep breath, he met their gazes firmly. "Brother, sister-in-law, I've thought this through. There aren't many job opportunities here—an extra mouth is just another burden."

"Most importantly..." His voice cracked slightly. "Luna saved my life. I can't just accept that grace without doing anything. She's about to start school in the city, and everything costs money. That instructor Andrew comes from a wealthy family—we can't let Luna rely on his money and lose dignity in her future marriage."

Henry froze. Finally understanding his brother's intentions, he smacked his own forehead hard. "I'm such an idiot! I actually misunderstood you..."

"Brother!" William grabbed Henry's arm. "How could you know what I was thinking? We're family—no need for explanations!"

Henry's eyes grew moist as he clapped William's shoulder firmly. "Good man! I support you! A real man repays kindness!"

William immediately turned to Iris, shaking her arm playfully like he did as a child. "Sister-in-law~ Big brother agreed! Say yes too!"

Iris, dizzy from his antics, finally laughed helplessly. "Fine, fine, I'll agree!" Then her expression turned serious. "But on three conditions!"

William sat up straight.

"First, no dangerous jobs! Second, eat on time! Third..." Her voice wavered. "If things don't work out, come home. I'll always leave the door open for you."

Tears spilled down William's cheeks. He nodded solemnly, like a soldier making a vow before deployment. "I promise, sister-in-law."

Outside, the setting sun stretched their three shadows long across the ground.