36. FAMILY VALUES

Finally - Bastian's b-day! Ideally on Kids Day. But very untimely, Bas' tooth has started to loosen. Bas quickly took care of it, to avoid any possible drama, or even worse, a glitch as a teenager. There's no point in taking risks, who knows what other CAS bugs EA has swept under the carpet.

The guests slowly started to arrive. Time to take souvenir photos before the family chaos starts. Of course the kids had their own entertainment program.

It was great fun!

Filip: Will I get another grandchild, Bea?

Bea: It looks like you will! We are expecting!

Hector: You remind me of someone.

Enue: Maybe my mom? One of the protesters when you tried to turn Sulani into a big commercial center? 

Maja: So... Maybe I'll bring the cake!

Bas: Can you believe it? After the holidays we're all starting high school! I can't wait!

Mary: Oh no, Bas! Don't remind me! The holidays have only just started and you're already talking about school!

Happy Birthday Bas! 

As a kid, Bas completed following aspirations: Creative Genius, Whiz Kid and Brainy Trainee. This one is already an overachiever!

Bas rolled the Proper trait. In addition to Geek trait, he also has a bunch of traits gained from aspirations. Aaaand, he entered his teenage years already with 3 level of romance skill - very interesting...👀 I chose for him the Overachiever aspiration (created by me) cause nothing else seemed ok. 

Maja: Oh no! The guests are starting to leave! The Watcher forgot to block the area!

Jace: Oh well, more cake for us. 

Hector: I know I've been a pretty absent grandpa. Here's a little compensation. I heard you like rockets, now you can buy one!

Bas: Thanks. But, honestly, I'd rather build one myself.

Hector: That can be arranged too! They say money can't buy happiness, but don't believe them.

This life lesson about money clearly got Bas thinking, and he decided he liked these deep, engaging conversations...

Maja: Jace! Do something! You were supposed to make sure your father behaves!

Jace: He's just talking to Bas.

Maja: Yes! About money! Maybe it'd be better if your father didn't teach him any values ​​or his own worldviews related to this aspect of life. 

Jace: Dad, I heard you gave Bastian a lot of money for his birthday and a "money speech". You know, we value different things in this house.

Hector: Like what?! Poverty???

Jace: I meant responsibility, or conflict resolution.

Hector: And that's great! Those are very important business skills!

Hector: But son, I have to admit my mistake. At first I wasn't too happy with your relationship, but it has its advantages. Business is booming like never before! Since your wedding and the online stream, everyone comes to Tartosa! So the family business is thriving!

Hector: I'm just surprised that you're all still crammed into such a small house. Maja's a celebrity, isn't she? You could live in a villa in the Valley. And you could hire a butler. It's a bit embarrassing that you were the ones serving food today.

Jace: I'll think about it.

Jace just realized that he'll never be good enough for his father's standards, and, what's more important, that he doesn't really want to. It was a very cathartic feeling. His midlife crisis made him realize a few things and definitely changed him.

Above all, Jace understood that there was certainly a Laurent in him and he wouldn't change it - his perfectionism. However, it manifested completely differently than for the rest of the Laurents. For Jace, family was the most important, Maja and Bas, and he wanted the best for them. 

His perfectionism was also reflected in his art of photography. But it wasn't about fame, money and making big business. He wanted to capture the true essence of reality in his photos - emotions, stories and important details, to move souls and inspire the viewer.

He has finally come to terms with the choices he has made throughout his life and with himself, fully accepting the Sim he is, but also his roots.

Hector: I have to go now, we have an important business meeting in Ravenwood tomorrow, this place could have potential.

Jace: Sure, dad, see you soon.

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