Free Web NovelChapter 423: Chapter 423: Who is the Woman?
After a Herculean effort, they finally got it open. Hearing the hiss of carbonation, Adrian Hawthorne couldn’t help but gulp. Jim Thorne eagerly poured a little into a cup and offered it to Tang Xiaonan.
"I’ve had my fill."
Tang Xiaonan refused. She had specifically brought it back for her brother and the others to try.
"Then I’ll drink it. Let’s see what this foreign soda tastes like."
Jim Thorne took a big GULP, but he couldn’t bring himself to swallow it right away. He held it in his mouth for a long moment, his brow deeply furrowed as if he were drinking medicine. Tang Xiaonan giggled. ’Most people look like that the first time they try Coke, but they learn to love it. It’s the legendary happy water for shut-ins, after all; practically no one can resist it.’
"What’s it taste like? Is it good?" Goldie Thorne asked hopefully.
Jim Thorne forced himself to swallow. ’This foreign stuff must be expensive, so I can’t waste it,’ he thought, even though he really wanted to spit it out.
"It’s hard to describe. You try it."
Jim Thorne handed the cup to Goldie Thorne, his expression a mixture of emotions. ’With my limited vocabulary, I can’t possibly describe the taste of this foreign soda. Better to just let Uncle try it for himself.’
Goldie Thorne also took a swig, and his brow immediately furrowed into a single line. His first instinct was to spit it out, but Jim Thorne stopped him. "Hey, this stuff is expensive!"
"It’s very, very expensive! The man said one can costs several dollars," Tang Xiaonan piped up, thoroughly amused.
Goldie Thorne’s expression changed dramatically, and he swallowed without hesitation. ’A little bit of soda for several dollars? That’s daylight robbery! No matter how awful it tastes, I have to drink it.’
"What is this stuff foreigners drink? It stings the nose. Orange soda is way better, and it’s only ten cents a bottle. You could buy dozens of bottles of that for the price of this one can." Goldie Thorne looked at the Coke in disgust. He really couldn’t bring himself to like it; the taste was just too weird.
Jim Thorne licked his lips, a bit disappointed it was over. "You know, I’m starting to think it’s not bad. It’s a little intense at first, but now it tastes pretty good."
"It’s disgusting. Coffee is what’s good. When I, your uncle, find a girlfriend, I’ll take your new aunt to drink coffee. Now *that’s* high-class stuff," Goldie Thorne said, a dreamy look on his face. His greatest motivation was the thought of taking a city girl out for coffee. That stuff was even more expensive, so he had to make some serious money.
"Have you ever had coffee, Uncle Goldie?" Adrian Hawthorne asked.
Goldie Thorne shook his head. "You can only get that stuff in Tristone, and it costs a fortune. How would I have ever tried it? I hear it’s really good, though. All the rich people drink it. It shows you’ve got class."
Adrian Hawthorne couldn’t help but smile. "Once we sell all this fabric, I’ll treat you to a coffee, Uncle Goldie."
Goldie Thorne’s eyes lit up, but he waved his hand dismissively. "I’ll pay for it myself. No need for you to treat me."
’How could a grown man like me let a kid treat him? How embarrassing! Besides, once the fabric sells, I’ll have money. I can certainly afford a cup of coffee. When that time comes, I’m definitely going to Tristone to live it up a bit. And who knows? With a bit of luck, I might even run into a pretty lady!’
Adrian Hawthorne smiled and shared the can of Coke with Jim Thorne. The familiar taste strengthened his resolve. ’I have to find my father. Why hasn’t he come looking for Mom and me? Is it because of that woman?’
His heart sank with a bad premonition. ’There’s a woman close to Dad—that mad old man even mistook her for Mom. It’s very likely she’s already taken Mom’s place. I have to find out what’s going on.’
"This Coke is actually really good! The more you drink, the better it tastes. BUUURP..."
The can of Coke was gone in no time. Jim Thorne let out a few burps, glanced at the remaining can, then tucked it into his bag. "We’ll save this one for Tang Xiaonan."
’I can’t be greedy with things my sister likes.’
Tang Xiaonan smiled, pressing her lips together. ’We’ll take the other can back so Felix Thorne and the others can all have a taste. It’s no big deal if I don’t get one. Once I start making money, I’ll be able to drink as much of this as I want, every single day.’
