Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

After flirting with Ethel for a while, Lip reluctantly said goodbye and walked back home.

As soon as Lip opened the door to the room, he saw Mandy, Karen, and Jessica laughing and chatting on the bed. To anyone who didn't know them, they could easily pass as biological sisters.

"What's so funny? You all look so happy!" Lip asked, smiling.

"We're planning to go to Lake Michigan later!" Jessica replied with a grin.

"Karen, Mandy, skipping school again?"

"Yup!" Karen and Mandy nodded confidently.

"You've already missed three days this week! Still feeling bold?" Lip teased.

"We've missed three days already, so what's one more? Besides, you're here to help us catch up on lessons!" Karen said sweetly, her voice laced with a playful pout.

"Alright, alright, let's go have some fun!" Lip sighed, surrendering to their whims.

"Yay!" The three girls high-fived each other in excitement.

"Husband, we're hungry! Let's have breakfast!" Mandy pouted as she took Lip's hand.

"I'll make it, but you need to get up and wash up too!" Lip replied.

"Okay!" The three girls responded in unison.

Lip went downstairs and started preparing breakfast. About half an hour later, the girls came to the dining table, and they all sat down to eat.

Lip watched them chatting and laughing over breakfast, feeling content.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

"Hey, Kevin, what's up? You busy?" Lip answered.

"Lip, Veronica and I are heading out to buy more Marlboros for the future. But we don't have time to take Ethel to Lake Michigan..." Kevin explained.

"That's perfect! We're going there today too. Why don't we take Ethel with us?" Lip suggested.

"Great! Thanks a lot, man!" Kevin responded.

"No problem!" Lip hung up and told the girls the news.

"Eat first, then I'll pick up Ethel. Afterward, we'll head out!" Lip said before leaving the house.

As Lip walked out, Jessica, Karen, and Mandy exchanged knowing glances and giggled.

"If you're still trying to figure out excuses, call Ethel. Let's settle this now!" Jessica said with a grin.

"That's right, everything's falling into place," Mandy added.

"Seems like the universe is supporting us today!" Karen chuckled.

The three girls continued their conversation, planning their day.

Lip arrived at Kevin's house and spoke with Kevin and Veronica before taking Ethel's hand and leading her out.

Ethel blushed shyly, keeping her head down as Lip led her back to the house, humming happily.

Once they were out of sight of Kevin's house, Lip couldn't resist and pulled Ethel into a hug, planting a kiss on her lips. Ethel's cheeks flushed with redness, making her even cuter in Lip's eyes.

As soon as Ethel entered the house, she was greeted by Mandy, Karen, and Jessica. Since they were older, Ethel called them "sisters" one by one.

"Ethel, don't you have new clothes? Why are you still wearing that old-fashioned light blue dress?" Mandy asked, puzzled.

"This is my new dress, but I guess they all look a bit alike," Ethel explained with a smile.

"The first order of the day is to buy Ethel some new clothes and change her hairstyle! If we have a little sister, we have to pamper her!" Jessica said authoritatively.

Lip stood there, a little confused, watching the girls treat Ethel like their younger sister. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on that he didn't know about.

"Lip, let's go!" Jessica called out with her big, cute eyes.

"Let's go!" Lip waved his hand, and everyone climbed into the Hummer.

Lip had never believed that women could be born shopaholics, but today, he was a firm believer. Jessica, Karen, and Mandy bought a dozen outfits for Ethel. Each time, they asked Lip to comment on whether the clothes looked good.

Lip's arms were full of shopping bags.

At Lip's suggestion, the girls avoided more mature or sexy styles, focusing on outfits that suited Ethel's youthful and pure appearance.

When Ethel finally came out, her long hair flowing down, wearing a white tank top, light blue jeans, and classic white Converse sneakers, Lip was stunned by her beauty.

Seeing Lip's reaction, not only Ethel, but also Mandy, Karen, and Jessica couldn't help but laugh and cover their mouths.

After shopping, it was already nearly two in the afternoon, so they headed towards Lake Michigan.

Once there, the group enjoyed a simple day of walking, looking around, and eating. Though it was nothing extravagant, Ethel's face was always lit up with a joyful smile.

As evening approached, the sky at Lake Michigan became more beautiful, with the setting sun casting a golden hue over the water. The evening breeze and birds flying overhead added to the peaceful atmosphere.

Under Jessica's arrangement, the group stayed at an internal lake-view B&B owned by Hongmen.

After settling into their rooms, Lip felt oddly unsettled. He had helped the girls with their luggage, only to be kicked out afterward.

"Ugh, women's minds are so complicated!" Lip muttered as he slouched on the sofa in his room.

Little did he know, the three girls next door were busy sharing their experiences with Ethel.

Time passed, and just as Lip was about to nap from boredom, the doorbell rang.

"Ding dong~ ding dong~ ding dong~"

Lip jumped up and opened the door.

When he saw Ethel standing there, wearing a midriff-baring tank top and denim shorts, his heart skipped a beat. He was momentarily speechless.

Thinking back, he realized he hadn't checked Ethel's loyalty in a while, so he quickly used his "Comprehensive Tool."