Chapter 196: A New Chapter  

**Las Vegas.** 

**Luxury Suite.** 

"Don't you have anything to say?" 

Rachel was a little annoyed when she saw Adam just smiling without saying a word. 

"I think you should have a good talk with Ross." 

Adam considered for a moment and said, "Does he have some kind of mental issue?" 

"A mental issue?" 

Rachel scoffed. "Of course, he has a mental issue! Who else would count that?" 

"Alright, you got me there." 

Adam didn't dare say more and simply raised his hands in surrender. 

"Oh." 

Rachel was frustrated. "I knew it was pointless talking to you guys. And to think you even have a degree in psychology!" 

"Didn't you study psychology too?" 

Adam was speechless. 

"I only switched to psychology because the parking was better near the psychology department building!" 

Rachel declared self-righteously, "That's totally different!" 

"…." 

The corner of Adam's mouth twitched. He first gave a thumbs-up with his left hand, then with his right, then clapped, holding both thumbs up in a classic "I give up" expression. 

Rachel flicked her long hair angrily and walked away. 

Chandler and Susie, who had already finished their discussion, came out of the room. 

"She's not going?" 

Adam asked curiously. 

"Nope." 

Chandler shook his head. "The fewer people, the better in situations like this—less awkward that way." 

"I actually think she should go." 

Adam teased, "Otherwise, it could lead to even more awkward misunderstandings later." 

"Exactly!" 

Chandler, ever the sarcastic one, immediately quipped, "I'd love to see whether he'll take my side or go against me." 

"That won't happen." 

Adam laughed. "Remember, neither of us has *that* kind of presence." 

Because Chandler had been influenced by his father, Helena, since childhood, he gave off a strong "gay vibe" to most people—though not as strongly as Rajesh, it was still enough to cause misunderstandings. 

For instance, when he worked at an IT company, one of his female coworkers tried to set him up with another male coworker. When she found out he wasn't gay, she was completely shocked. 

Chandler then tried to explain to the gay coworker that he wasn't actually gay. 

But the guy just smiled knowingly and said, "I know." 

Apparently, people in *his* community had a kind of "radar" that could instantly tell if someone was one of them. And while Chandler *seemed* like he was, he didn't truly give off *that* vibe. 

His father, Helena, as a seasoned member of the LGBTQ+ community, had an even sharper eye. 

No one could fool him. 

After joking around for a while, Adam and Chandler got up and headed to the small theater—but in the end, they didn't invite Susie along. 

**At the Theater.** 

Helena took the stage right on time, sweeping her gaze across the audience. When she spotted Chandler sitting next to Adam, her eyes softened, her expression almost melting him on the spot. 

After the opening monologue, Helena began her audience interaction segment. 

"Where are you from?" 

This time, instead of going straight for Chandler, Helena started from the edge of the audience and handed the microphone to a guest. 

"Bakersfield." 

The guest replied. 

"Excuse me?" 

Helena pretended not to hear. 

"Bakersfield." 

The guest repeated. 

"Oh, I heard you. I just meant—I'm sorry." 

Helena joked with a completely straight face. 

The audience erupted in laughter. 

"Your sense of humor is definitely inherited from your father." 

Adam commented. 

"Thankfully, that's all I inherited." 

Chandler quipped in his usual self-deprecating way. 

Helena continued greeting the guests, throwing in witty remarks here and there, making the whole thing feel like a stand-up comedy show. Eventually, she reached Adam and Chandler. 

"So, what's your name?" 

Helena handed the microphone to Chandler. 

"Chandler." 

He answered in a low voice. 

"Chandler~ Such a unique name." 

Helena said solemnly. "Your parents must be amazing~" 

"I don't know how others see them, but they *definitely* think so themselves." 

Chandler retorted. 

"Other people's opinions don't matter." 

Helena smiled. "What do *you* think of them?" 

"They have a great sense of humor~" 

Chandler replied seriously. "They actually believe they're amazing~" 

Helena's smile faltered slightly as she moved on to greet other guests, forcing a smile. 

"What are you doing?" 

Adam nudged Chandler and whispered, "Don't forget why we came here tonight." 

"I know, I know." 

Chandler watched his father's retreating figure with a mix of regret and frustration. "I didn't *mean* to roast him—it just came out!" 

Adam rolled his eyes. 

This guy was *addicted* to sarcasm. If they were in a different world, Chandler would definitely be the kind of person whose excessive sarcasm would cause an explosion that wiped out the entire planet—a true *mouth of doom.* 

Of course, in this world, for Helena, Chandler's sarcasm was probably just as devastating. 

"Just clap more and talk less. You can talk after the show." 

Adam suggested. 

"Okay." 

Chandler quickly agreed. 

Sometimes, he hated his own mouth, too. 

Because often, instead of making people laugh, his jokes just made them feel awkward. The way they looked at him… like he was an idiot. 

**Clapping, though—that was easy.** 

Simple, clear, no misunderstandings… 

Sure enough, when Helena saw Chandler applauding, she lit up again. 

**After the show.** 

Adam took Chandler backstage. 

Both father and son had the desire to reconcile, and under Adam's guidance, Chandler—this time refraining from using humor—was able to open up to his father. 

Helena expressed sincere regret, and Chandler chose to forgive. 

As expected, for the past few years, Helena had been visiting New York every year, watching Chandler from a distance. Seeing him happy with his friends gave him peace of mind, so he never stepped forward to interrupt his life. 

"You'll be a great father." 

Helena looked at Chandler and said emotionally. "A far better parent than we ever were." 

"I think I will be." 

Chandler smiled and accepted the compliment—just as Helena had once earnestly declared his parents "amazing." 

Adam, however, had an idea in mind. 

**The weekend flew by quickly.** 

Adam's parents, reluctant to leave, took Teddy and Gabby home. 

Monica also left in a hurry, wanting to get away from this place that held too many painful memories. 

She was joined by Ross, Phoebe, Rachel, and Susie. 

Chandler and Joey, on the other hand, took turns driving Phoebe's grandmother's taxi back to New York. 

Adam, Juno, and the others stayed in Las Vegas for a few more days. 

Then they flew to Los Angeles, explored the famous Hollywood, and visited the equally well-known San Fernando Valley. 

After that, they traveled to Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls… They toured all of America's most famous sights. 

**And just like that, the long summer break quietly came to an end.** 

**A new chapter was about to begin.** 

*(End of Chapter.)*