Chapter 494: Martin Reed Heard They Were Leaving

When Martin Reed heard they were leaving, he hurried over cheerfully. His daughter Emily was in the provincial capital and could travel with Nolan Brooks and his wife. Though Walter Brooks was as stubborn as a mule, Nolan was Elena Ward's brother-in-law. Rumor had it Emily's rented storefront actually belonged to Elena's sister—that was quite the connection.

Nolan efficiently purchased five train tickets.

The group boarded the train in high spirits.

Walter Brooks, experiencing his first train ride, kept glancing around while pretending to be worldly. It was downright comical.

Old Mrs. Brooks, however, knew the drill. She lay down on her bunk and dozed off immediately.

This infuriated her husband. Couldn't she have given him a heads-up? Now he was too embarrassed to ask questions. He'd assumed trains were like buses—you sat all the way to the destination. Who knew you could sleep lying down?

His shock only grew when Nolan returned with hot water. What else did this train have?

The old man's eyes widened. Suddenly, he clutched his stomach, face turning crimson.

He needed the restroom but couldn't find it anywhere. His wife had slipped out earlier, acting mysterious when questioned.

Pacing the aisle anxiously, he caught Nolan's attention. "Dad, what are you looking for?"

Food and drinks were already on the table.

From the middle bunk, Martin and Helen Reed paused their sightseeing to watch.

The old man stammered, "When's the next stop? I need to... relieve myself..."

Nolan chuckled. "Dad, trains have toilets. No need to wait." He helped his father up.

Martin quickly turned back to the window, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Mrs. Brooks burst out laughing.

Mortified, the old man followed his son, discovering a clean metal stall—far nicer than their outhouse at home.

Once they left, the compartment erupted in amusement.

Wiping tears, Mrs. Brooks said, "That old fool—too proud for his own good."

Martin grinned. "If not for your guidance, we'd be the ones embarrassed."

Helen marveled, "This train is so advanced. I heard there's even a dining car."

Martin recalled the stuffy military transports from his youth—nothing like this.

When the old man returned to everyone's poorly hidden grins, he glared. This promised to be an eventful journey.