Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

Chapter 64: Chapter 64



After dinner, the Gallagher family gathered in the living room.

This time, the TV stayed off.

"Lip, tell me, what is it you want to discuss with us?" Fiona asked, her eyes sparkling as she looked at her younger brother, who was growing more masculine and confident by the day.

"Handsome, is it because Kevin and I announced our wedding that you're inspired to marry one of your three girlfriends too?" Veronica teased, as usual.

"Hahaha! Veronica, I'd love to, but I'm still under eighteen!" Lip shot back with a relaxed grin.

"Before we get into the serious stuff, how about we share what's been going on with everyone lately?" Lip suggested. "If it's something good, we can all celebrate together. If it's bad or tough to handle, we can brainstorm solutions as a family."

In truth, Lip wanted to gauge how his "enhancements" were impacting his siblings. It was critical for his future plans and strategies.

"I think Lip's right! I'll go first!" Carl said eagerly, never one to shy away from attention.

"These past two days, something weird happened. My head, which used to feel all foggy whenever I read, suddenly feels clear. You won't believe it—I actually got a C on a test!" Carl grinned, full of pride.

"Oh my God!"

Everyone stared at him, wide-eyed in shock.

For someone like Carl, whose best grade had always been a D (achieved mostly through cheating), this was no small feat.

"It looks like our little troublemaker has turned over a new leaf!" Lip teased as he lifted Carl off the ground with ease.

"High five, Carl! That's awesome!" Fiona said, bumping fists with him. "What happened to you?"

"I'm not sure," Carl admitted, scratching his head. "But ever since I woke up yesterday morning, my brain just feels... clear."

"Carl, are you positive about this?" Debbie asked, her tone serious.

"Absolutely!" Carl nodded.

Debbie's lips curled into a smile as her eyes lit up. "Then it's not just you. I've felt the same way! Yesterday, I woke up feeling so free, like something heavy had been lifted off my shoulders. It's like my whole body is lighter!"

"And guess what? My teacher asked me to replace someone on the debate team! I've gone from being a backup to the third speaker!"

"Wow, Debbie! Tell us everything!" Fiona was beaming with pride.

"Well, during practice for the mock debate, one of the main speakers had to drop out at the last minute. The teacher asked me to fill in, and—well—the more I spoke, the more impressed everyone got. By the end, the coach told me I should stay as the third speaker permanently!"

"Debbie, you're amazing!"

The room erupted in cheers. Fiona pulled Debbie into a tight hug and planted a kiss on her cheek, leaving her sister blushing with happiness.

"Hehe, I was going to share my own news, but compared to Carl and Debbie, it seems a bit small," Ian said, his voice soft and a little embarrassed.

"Come on, Ian! We want to hear it!" Lip encouraged, patting him on the shoulder.

"Well, I got promoted again in the reserve officer training camp. I was a squad leader, but now I'm a platoon leader. And because of my performance, they're recommending me for West Point Military Academy next summer!"

"What the—?!"

Lip, caught off guard by the huge development, was the first to react with surprise.

"Oh my God! Is the Gallagher family going to have a general someday?" Kevin joked, throwing up his hands in mock disbelief.

"Maybe," Fiona replied, her joy and pride almost palpable.

"Fiona, why don't you share your news with everyone?" Jimmy suggested, looking at her with a loving smile.

"Hehe, alright!" Fiona's cheeks flushed with happiness. "With Jimmy's encouragement, I've decided to pick up a pen and book again!"

Fiona covered her face, now glowing red.

"Oh honey, it's about time!" Veronica said, pulling Fiona into a hug.

"Thank you, Veronica." Fiona continued, "I'm planning to earn my high school diploma within the next year, then attend community college. Eventually, I'll work hard to learn a professional skill!"

"Of course, I'm still the Gallagher parent—nobody's taking that title away from me. To make this possible, I've hired a knowledgeable and experienced tutor!"

"Who is it?"

The group asked in unison.

Lip had a sneaking suspicion of who it might be, but he played along.

"I'm deeply honored to announce that the tutor is… Jimmy!"

Jimmy placed a hand over his heart and gave a theatrical bow.

Fiona pulled him close and kissed him passionately, causing another wave of cheers to erupt from the family.

For a full minute, the couple basked in their love, while everyone hollered and teased.

When the room finally quieted, all eyes turned to Lip.

Their expectant looks seemed to say, "Your turn. Spill it!"

"Alright, alright! I'll tell you!" Lip laughed, raising his hands in surrender.

"Next summer, as you've all hoped, I'll be attending the University of Chicago, double majoring in computer science and finance!"

"Ohhh yeah!"

The cheers this time were loud enough to make the neighbors think the Gallaghers had won the lottery.

"Also, I'm planning to rent a place near campus. But don't worry, I'll be back on weekends—don't even think about taking over my room while I'm gone!" Lip added with a grin.

"After all, my girlfriends are all here!"

"Hahaha!"

Everyone burst into laughter, fully understanding the convenience Lip was referring to.

"Now that we've all shared our recent wins, let's move on to the next steps!"

The family nodded, anticipation lighting up their faces.


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