The Gallagher House.
Past midnight, pushing 1:00 AM.
The lights were blazing.
Lip had regained some mobility, and the pain in his body had dulled a bit.
Also, after all that drama and with the late hour, Lip had calmed down slightly.
But that didn't stop him from unleashing a torrent of abuse at Tony.
He couldn't help it; that was his character.
Arrogant, conceited, always thinking he was the smartest and toughest guy in the room—after taking two punches from Tony, Lip absolutely had to curse him out.
Fortunately, Tony had a relatively good temper. He just listened, saying nothing and doing nothing.
Fiona kept trying to persuade Lip...
Unfortunately, to be honest, Lip's arrogance extended to Fiona as well. Fiona actually had zero control over Lip.
Lip respected Fiona, knew how much she suffered for the family... but respect didn't equal obedience.
Deep down, Lip always thought Fiona wasn't smart and would never amount to much... simply put, he looked down on her.
And so.
Lip, face red and neck veins bulging, continued to berate Tony.
Steve sat to the side, watching this scene, smoking silently. Inside, he was more determined than ever to just have fun with Fiona and nothing more.
Having witnessed Lip's insanity and knowing Fiona would never give up on him, Steve wasn't willing—and didn't dare—to jump into this massive fire pit.
Debbie was crying anxiously.
Ian sat quietly, expressionless.
Carl watched with keen interest, finding it all very amusing.
After a good long while.
Lip finally ran out of steam and shut his mouth.
Tony glanced at Fiona...
A few hours later, having shot his load twice, Tony was like a man who had walked through the desert for ages and finally got two sips of water. He was desperate for more, his mind consumed by the thought of drinking...
Therefore, Tony didn't mind Lip's cursing in the slightest. He smiled and said calmly, "Done venting?"
"I hit you. That was my bad."
"But I hope you understand, there's a big difference between breaking and entering to commit assault versus burglary."
"You sat in Juvie for three months before getting out. If you got caught tonight, with both charges, you'd be looking at another year inside, minimum!"
"Is that the result you want?"
"You obviously have a bright future. Why waste it like this?"
Tony gave a heartfelt lecture, then looked at Fiona. "Fiona, one of the conditions of your parole is that you cannot associate with criminals. If Lip gets arrested, you'll have to go back to prison to serve the rest of your sentence. Did you know that?"
Thump.
Fiona hadn't actually thought of that. Her eyes widened in terror instantly.
Back to prison? Absolutely not!!
She could never go back to that nightmare!
Fiona panicked. Instinctive fear took over. She hurriedly pleaded with Lip, "Lip, calm down. It's really not worth it over Karen..."
Fiona rambled on desperately.
Lip chain-smoked furiously, saying nothing.
After Fiona finished, Debbie chimed in... accurately speaking, they were practically begging Lip.
Time flew by.
Lip remained silent.
Tony checked the time. It was really late, and he had work tomorrow. He said his goodbyes and left.
Shortly after.
Lip, cigarette dangling from his lips, went upstairs on his own, lay on his bed, and closed his eyes.
In the living room downstairs.
Fiona was helpless and on the verge of a breakdown. She scratched her head violently. "Alright, let's sleep. We'll talk in the morning."
Ten minutes later.
The lights in the Gallagher house went out, and darkness wrapped around it once more.
---
Tony returned to his rented apartment and lay in bed. He was exhausted and wanted to sleep, but he couldn't. His mind was filled with images of the two battles with Fiona earlier.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he got, and the more obvious his physical reaction became.
Tony was happy.
Happy, happy...
Suddenly, Tony thought about Steve holding Fiona while sleeping at this very moment.
Instantly, Tony wasn't happy anymore. Feelings of displeasure surged.
Before long.
Tony was grinding his teeth in hatred, secretly resolving that he had to get rid of Steve.
The night deepened.
God knows how long it took before Tony unknowingly drifted off to sleep.
---
A New Day.
The sun was shining, and the spring breeze was gentle.
Dexter walked Dumb Nine over to Xiu's Fruit Stand.
This morning, only Svetlana was busy in the fruit stand; the Russian artisans weren't there.
So, Dexter walked straight in with Dumb Nine. Waiting until a customer buying fruit left, he spoke directly, getting straight to the point. "If you want your sisters to continue doing that business here, I suggest you get yourself a legal American identity as soon as possible."
"When you do, I'll transfer the fruit stand to your name. After that, you and your sisters can play however you want."
"Of course, I'll still be the actual owner, and our deal remains valid."
"Or, you guys can find another place, pool some money, and open a new fruit stand. You've been doing this for a few months, and you're smart. I trust you can make money opening another shop. Plus, with that side business of yours, your life shouldn't be much different."
"Think about it. Give me an answer soon."
Svetlana: "...Boss, I..."
Dexter smiled. "Whatever happens, no hard feelings. Alright, I'm off."
Svetlana froze, watching Dexter leave.
To be honest.
Svetlana hadn't considered the first option Dexter proposed.
The second option... Svetlana had actually thought about it last night.
Just like Dexter said...
She was indeed familiar with the fruit business now, had accumulated a base of regular customers, and more importantly, had saved some money during this time...
With those savings, plus whatever the sisters could pool together...
Finding another storefront and opening a fruit stand might be a stretch, but it was doable. And then, it would be her own business. No need to split the profits with Dexter... And it shouldn't take long to become profitable...
But now that Dexter actually suggested it...
Svetlana felt conflicted.
Really start over? Leave here?
Svetlana couldn't make up her mind. She thought about it for a long time but couldn't decide, so she put it aside for now, planning to discuss it with her sisters tonight.
---
Dexter lit a cigarette and leisurely continued his stroll with Dumb Nine.
He didn't care what Svetlana chose.
Option one or option two, it was all the same to him.
However, not caring didn't mean he wasn't looking forward to it.
Life is all about choices.
Svetlana's choice this time could trigger a whole chain of subsequent events.
That meant it would be interesting.
That was the point.
Dexter smiled, walked into the flower shop, and bought a bouquet as usual.
---