Chapter 26: Future Plans

Wilton Ford sighed in relief upon hearing Fabricio's acceptance. He smiled, "That's settled then. Additionally, I've arranged for your medical license. It should be issued in the next couple of days." Fabricio was overjoyed, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you so much, Dean Ford." "There's no need for such formality among colleagues." After some more conversation, Wilton led his group away, and Fabricio returned to room 1608. Upon entering, he saw Ruff packing up, seemingly ready to leave. Puzzled, Fabricio asked, "Brother, are you going out?" Ruff replied with a smile, "Little sister is all better now, so I'm planning to head back to Wellsville City." Fabricio frowned slightly, then slowly said, "Brother, I was going to discuss this with you in a couple of days, but since you're in a hurry, I'll say it now." Pausing, he looked at Ruff and Davey, speaking earnestly, "Brother, quit your jobs. I've got a plan to open a restaurant for us to run." "What?" Both men were taken aback, shaking their heads in disbelief. Ruff said, "Fabricio, are you joking? What do we know about running a restaurant?" "Yeah," Davey added, "you worked hard for that money. Save it for your future, like getting married. Don’t worry about us." Fabricio, touched by their concern, smiled and urged, "Just hear me out. I didn’t just earn a million; it’s actually two million." "What?!" Both men exclaimed in shock. Davey, in disbelief, asked, "Two million? Fabricio, you're not kidding us, right?" Fabricio handed over the check without further comment. Davey examined it closely, confirming, "It's indeed two million!" "My goodness!" Ruff was astonished. "Fabricio, how did this happen? How could you have so much money?" Fabricio explained, "Another million was an advance payment from the Harrison family for another patient I'll be treating in about a week." Ruff, Davey, and Waimarie were dumbfounded. They understood the previous million for treating Iggy Harrison, given the severity of his condition and the family's wealth. But another patient paying the same amount was beyond their comprehension. Fabricio noticed their puzzled expressions and casually explained, "The other patient’s condition is a bit more complex than Mr. Harrison's, hence the higher fee." The group nodded in understanding. Fabricio continued, "And there's more. I'm now a specially appointed expert at the Public Hospital. I just have to occasionally help with difficult cases and get a salary of fifty thousand a month. So, big brother, second brother, you don’t need to worry about my finances." The trio was shocked again. Just being a consultant with occasional work and earning fifty thousand a month seemed too good to be true. After digesting the news, Ruff shook his head in admiration, "Fabricio, you've really made something of yourself." Fabricio replied seriously, "No matter how successful I am, we're always family, always brothers. So, don’t refuse my offer. Stay here, and let's open a restaurant together." "But…" Ruff hesitated, "With our skills, can we really run a restaurant? And hiring a chef would be too costly..." Ruff, used to a modest life, ultimately decided against it, "Fabricio, keep your money for your own business. We're not cut out to be bosses." Fabricio smiled, "Brother, there’s a reason I suggested opening a restaurant. I have a plan." Ruff looked puzzled, "What plan?" Fabricio glanced at the clock, "It's late now. Brother, don't rush off today. Wait till tomorrow, you'll understand then." Waimarie also persuaded, "Brother, it's been so long since we've seen you. Can't you stay one more day?" Finally relenting, Ruff set down his bag, saying with a helpless smile, "Alright, I'll stay a couple more days." Waimarie beamed, "Brother, you're the best." Fabricio sighed in relief, then turned his attention back to Waimarie, "Alright, little sister, time for your medicine." Waimarie took a sip and immediately grimaced, "Brother, it's so bitter!" "Bitter or not, you must drink it," Fabricio insisted. "Two doses a day, and you'll be up and about in half a month. Or would you prefer to lie in bed for three months?" "Ah? Then, I'll drink it." Watching her finish the entire bowl, Fabricio collected and washed the bowl, then addressed the others, "Brother, stay at the nearby hotel for tonight. I need to make some preparations for a big 'surprise' I have for you tomorrow morning." With the Yang family gone, Fabricio had rented a small room near the Economic Development District, less than 20 square meters. Rather than having his brothers stay there, a hotel was a better option. Worried they might skimp on expenses, he transferred ten thousand dollars to them, saying, "Stay in a nice place and don’t be frugal. We can afford it now." Ignoring their protests, Fabricio left, reminding them, "Call the nurse when you leave, and have a good dinner. Think of little sister, if not yourselves. I'm off." "Fabricio, Fabricio!" Ruff stomped his foot, exasperated, "This kid, getting carried away with a bit of money!" Davey shook his head with a wry smile, "Let it be, brother. He means well for us." "He can’t just act without a plan!" Ruff frowned, "We're just two brothers; any place is fine to stay. Why transfer ten thousand?" Davey shrugged, "He says his part, we do ours. He can’t control everything, right?" They exchanged glances, both unable to suppress a smile. What else could they do?