On the way.
The car sped down the road.
Ever since Adam invited Juno to go hunting, she had been thrilled, constantly coming up with ideas.
In the U.S., hunting is legal, but there are relatively strict regulations.
First, you need to obtain a hunting license.
The U.S. has done an excellent job of protecting its natural environment, but as a result, certain animal populations sometimes grow out of control, disrupting the ecosystem.
When that happens, the relevant authorities assess the situation and issue hunting tags for overpopulated species.
For example, if a particular type of deer becomes too numerous and needs to be culled by 1,000, the local government will sell 1,000 hunting tags.
Hunters must purchase these tags, and the number of tags they buy determines how many of that species they are legally allowed to hunt.
Additionally, there are regulations on hunting firearms.
For instance, automatic rifles are prohibited—after all, nothing can withstand a terrifying bipedal ape unleashing rapid gunfire.
Moreover, a hunting firearm can only hold a maximum of three bullets in the chamber. If you miss, you have to reload, giving the animal a chance to escape.
There are many other scattered rules and restrictions as well.
Of course, in reality, not everyone strictly follows these regulations.
Adam and Juno had already made plans—once they got home, they would start learning how to shoot.
Winter break lasts from December to January, about a month in total. Today was December 6th, a little over two weeks before Christmas—just enough time to learn.
As for buying a cabin in the woods, medical supplies, and applying for hunting permits, those would have to wait until next year.
Next year would be a busy one.
But it would also be fulfilling and exciting.
Outside the Duncan Household
Juno dropped Adam off and then drove away with Karen.
"I'm home!"
Adam pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"My proudest son is back! What a double blessing!"
His father, Bob, who looked stressed out just moments ago, immediately brightened up and greeted him with a warm hug. Then, he whispered in Adam's ear, "Help me smooth things over later."
"And what about me?"
The third sibling, Gabby, grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"You?"
Bob glanced at Gabby. Normally, he would put on a stern face and say, "You're my son," but today, he was all smiles and flattered him instead. "Of course, you're also my proud and wonderful son."
"I just hope I'm the last son."
Gabby turned to Adam and said, "Guess what? Do you think my wish will come true?"
"There's a 10% chance."
The second sibling, Teddy, scoffed. "Originally, there was a 50% chance. But look at us four—boy, girl, boy, girl. Now, guess which gender Duncan #5 is more likely to be?"
"Ohhh—"
Gabby let out a dramatic wail.
"Mom's pregnant again?"
If Adam couldn't figure it out by now, he'd have to be pretty dense.
"Congratulations, you got it right."
Teddy smirked sarcastically. "And don't worry, not only is Duncan #5 on the way, but Duncan #6 is already in the works. According to Dad, having four kids makes a household lively. Since you went off to college, the house has felt too quiet. Now, guess who's heading to college next year?"
She pointed to herself.
"*Cough, cough.*"
Bob cleared his throat repeatedly, looking embarrassed.
The truth was, Adam going off to college leaving the house "too quiet" was just an excuse. Four years ago, when Charlie was born, Teddy had sternly warned their parents:
They could have fun, but they *could not* go overboard.
Clearly, their parents' relationship was strong, and in the heat of the moment, they had let their guard down, boldly charging toward the ultimate "warrior family" challenge.
"It's actually a triple blessing."
Their mother, Amy, finally spoke up. "Your grandma invited us to Palm Springs for Christmas this year. Isn't that exciting?"
Bob's face instantly darkened.
Much like Sheldon Cooper's dad, Bob had the classic in-law experience—his mother-in-law never thought he was good enough for her daughter, and even after more than twenty years of marriage, that hadn't changed.
Spending Christmas with *her*? No wonder he looked so miserable.
"Yes!"
Gabby cheered, raising his hand in excitement. A trip was always a good thing.
"That's the *only* good news today."
Teddy's expression finally softened a little.
"I have some good news, too."
Adam grinned at Teddy.
"What is it? Did you buy us gifts?"
Teddy's eyes lit up.
"Nope, but Mom *did* get a new set of makeup."
Adam smirked, getting his revenge. "Looks like you were right—going to Palm Springs for Christmas *is* the only good news for you today."
"I was wrong."
Teddy immediately admitted defeat, not hesitating for even a second.
Between siblings, pride didn't matter.
Now that Adam was making money from writing books, there was no way the makeup he bought for their mom and sister would be anything less than high-end.
In America, plenty of girls start wearing makeup as early as middle school, and it's not just girls.
Even in *The Big Bang Theory*, Sheldon and Leonard's expensive skincare products made Penny drool. And despite how much Leonard worshiped Penny, even he refused to let her use them.
A high-end makeup set? That was definitely irresistible.
"Welcome home, big bro!"
Teddy quickly stepped forward and gave Adam a warm hug, conveniently dropping the formalities and calling him "bro" instead. Reality was reality.
"I'm just messing with you. Of course, I got my favorite little sister some makeup, too."
Adam was very pleased with Teddy's quick surrender.
"I'll help you with your luggage!"
Teddy rushed to grab Adam's suitcase, immediately fishing out two sets of makeup to try with their mom.
"What about my gift?"
Gabby ran over too, and when he saw the latest gaming console, he let out an excited scream.
"Wow! This is awesome!"
"Dad, I got you a new fishing rod."
"Charlie, aren't you happy to see your big brother?"
Adam handed out gifts to everyone before noticing that his youngest sister, Charlie, was unusually quiet. He crouched down to her level and smiled.
"No, I'm not happy."
Charlie answered bluntly.
"Why not?"
Adam held out the toy he bought for her and asked gently.
"I don't like little brothers or sisters."
Charlie pointed at their mom's belly.
Adam chuckled. He knew kids were like this, so he comforted her:
"Charlie, do you like *yourself*?"
"Yes!"
Charlie nodded quickly.
"Exactly."
Adam smiled. "You should ask your third brother, Gabby—when you were born, he didn't like having a little sister either. But now, he *loves* you."
"Yeah, that's true."
Gabby smirked while playing with the game controller.
Everyone shot him a glare!
"Okay, okay."
Gabby rolled his eyes, put down the controller, and crouched beside Charlie. With an exaggeratedly serious face, he said, "Charlie, I love you~"
Charlie glanced around, her little eyes shifting mischievously. She smiled sweetly but didn't say, "I love you, too."
Instead, she gave a response that would make Ross and Ted speechless and bring Leonard to tears.
"Thank you!"
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