No matter where Toph, the second grandson of the Hamertons, went, he was always a ray of sunshine in people's eyes.
Since a young age, Toph had been beloved by everyone. Compared to his brother's maturity, Toph had a carefree and innocent character, always wearing a smile on his face.
It was often said that people who loved to smile were lovable themselves.
As soon as Toph walked in, he caught Renee's attention, and she greeted him with a smile.
Nicholas and Linda exchanged glances and smiled, seeing Renee's unusual behavior. They quickly ushered Toph to take a seat.
"Help yourself. No need to be polite!" Nicholas said, patting Toph's shoulder and beaming. "You've grown so much lately!"
"Ahem... Uncle Nic, I passed puberty a long time ago!" Toph chuckled and helped himself to an omelet, digging in eagerly.
Linda poured Toph a glass of milk, knowing he preferred it warm, not hot.
Toph took the glass and cheerfully exclaimed, "Thanks, Aunt Linda! Your house always has so much food. It's amazing!"
"Your place isn't too shabby either!" Nicholas smiled and asked teasingly in a lowered voice, "What's the matter? Do your parents not feed you?"
Toph had his mouth full of food, making it difficult to respond.
Nicholas and Linda chuckled, aware that Toph's home was often filled with excessive public displays of affection.
"Never mind." Linda's words pricked Toph's heart. "Your parents treat you and your brother as an afterthought. Look at your brother. He's smart enough to escape and hide in Jangasas!"
"Ahem..."
"Even if you're choking, we'll still say it." Nicholas continued teasingly. "You're not young anymore, and you don't even have a proper girlfriend. No wonder your parents keep flaunting their love to torment a single guy like you..."
Toph appeared to be in a daze, his blank stare fixed on them, with pieces of omelet falling from the corner of his lips.
"Don't say that about Toph..." A gentle voice suddenly interjected.
The dining table fell into silence as everyone turned their gaze toward the source of the voice.
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