"I like it." Tangtang’s eyes were shining. Girls just love things like jewelry, and this silver bracelet was extremely exquisite, reflecting masterful craftsmanship.
Watching Tangtang happily run to the living room, Su Wenhe grasped Tang Xi’s hand, "Xi, if you ever find life in North City unpleasant, come back here. Your godmother will always be waiting for you, and you have a home on North Island."
Suddenly, Tang Xi felt tears threatening to spill.
She looked down, wiped them away, and tried to hold back the emotions welling up in her chest. She wanted to speak but choked up instead. Leaning on Su Wenhe, while being gently embraced by her, Tang Xi closed her eyes. It took her a while to steady her emotions before she could say, "Mom Su, it’s so wonderful to meet you here. I thought I was unfortunate, but on North Island, I met so many good friends and you, my godmother, and now I feel lucky again."
"I also feel lucky to have met you and Tangtang."
At noon, Su Wenhe was busy in the kitchen.
She had stewed beef with sauce in the rice cooker since last night.
She made chicken soup.
And stir-fried a few dishes at noon.
There were only three people eating, but she prepared over a dozen dishes.
When it was almost time for lunch, Tangtang was playing with Tang Xi’s phone and called out, "Mom, Dad is asking what time you will be picked up this afternoon."
Tang Xi was in the kitchen helping Su Wenhe, who was preparing the last dish, braised prawns in oil.
Upon hearing this, Tang Xi said, "Well, we’ll discuss it later. Tell Dad we can take a taxi back on our own."
Just then, Su Wenhe spoke up, "Invite your father to come over for dinner."
Tang Xi thought for a moment, "He’s probably quite busy."
Actually, Tang Xi feared that Fu Tingzhou’s stern demeanor might make Su Wenhe uncomfortable.
After all, she knew Fu Tingzhou’s character quite well.
Tangtang had already sent a voice message to Fu Tingzhou on WeChat.
"Dad, Grandma Su asked me to ask if you want to come over for lunch."
Tangtang, "Yes, Grandma, Tangtang really likes Grandma Su."
"Okay, Daddy will come over soon."
Tangtang excitedly shouted to Tang Xi, "Mom, Dad said he will be coming over soon."
Tang Xi was chopping ginger and nearly sliced her finger.
Su Wenhe noticed her mood, "Have you been getting along well with Mr. Fu these past few days?"
"It’s okay, I guess," Tang Xi felt there was no need to hide anything from Su Wenhe and while they cooked, they chatted, "He’s lost his memory, doesn’t remember me now, which I actually find quite nice. If he doesn’t remember me, we can get along well. If he were to regain his memories, he would probably hate me."
Su Wenhe patted her shoulder, "Let nature take its course. I think he’s really good to Tangtang. During the days you were missing, Tangtang cried a lot. I can tell that he’s very patient with her and has always wanted to make it up to Tangtang."
Tangtang checked the oil temperature and put the prawns in.
Wearing rubber gloves, she waited until they were deep-fried just right before taking them out, then prepared a sauce.
"Mom Su, sometimes I feel really conflicted," Tang Xi admitted.
Su Wenhe knew what she was conflicted about and reassured her by patting her shoulder, "Xi, no matter what you decide to do, Mom Su will support you."
Tang Xi carried out the finished dish of prawns in tomato sauce from the kitchen.
When she placed it on the dining table, she called Tangtang to wash her hands.
The girl did as told and bounded back, passing through the living room, she said, "Mom, what is this? I haven’t seen this big thing at Grandma Su’s house before."
Tang Xi glanced over, and the ’big thing’ Tangtang referred to was the massage chair.
Su Wenhe’s apartment had a simple layout: two bedrooms and two living rooms, with the living area not being very large. Additionally, her home’s decorations were in a traditional Chinese style, dating back more than twenty years.
Therefore, having a very modern massage chair in the mix seemed a bit out of place.
Su Wenhe came out, "That’s a massage chair, would Tangtang like to try it?"
Tangtang clambered onto it as if climbing a mountain while Su Wenhe, with her glasses on, fetched the instruction manual and adjusted the settings.
A tingling sensation from the massage and the rocking motion.
Tangtang was startled at first but then burst into laughter.
Su Wenhe said, "Xi, you don’t need to buy such expensive items. I checked the price for this type of chair, it’s too costly."
Tang Xi took off her apron.
She walked over, familiar with the brand of the massage chair, which was one of the top domestic brands.