~Xiang Manor~
Carrying a porcelain vase, a maid was walking hurriedly in the hallway. Hearing the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor, she looked up and held in her breath.
Raelle walked inside without informing anyone beforehand and when she came across that maid who stood frozen at her place, she stared at her for a moment longer.
The maid's face had turned white from holding her breath. She was so scared of Raelle that she didn't wish to make a sound even if it was merely the sound of her breath. The only reason she hadn't dropped the expensive antique porcelain vase down was that if she did, she'd be dead meat. The woman standing before her disliked people creating unnecessary trouble. She had never been a kind person.
"Breathe," said Raelle before she walked past her without paying her any more attention.
Grandfather Xiang was in his room and seeing the time, Raelle knew where she'd find Mu Chenyan. so, she walked straight towards the kitchen. Even before she entered she could smell the variety of aromas floating in the air.
And soon she heard Mu Chenyan's voice instructing the kitchen staff, "Check the duck stew. How long has it been on the stove?" Then she directed her attention towards something else, "Did you add all the herbs I gave you? Elder Xiang is old, make sure to stew it well."
"Miss Mu, we have been working in this family for years," said the head chef. "You really don't have to keep instructing the same things."
"I'm also turning old and naggy!" retorted Mu Chenyan. "What can be done about that? But still, I can't possibly neglect Elder Xiang's health. If I'm not cooking myself, I have to make sure you all are doing the job well. Also, don't forget to marinate some chicken wings to make honey and chili wings. Our Little Fai's been craving some late-night snacks these days."
Raelle's been silently listening to everything without making her presence known to anyone.
"Missy!" A helper saw Raelle standing at the door and was startled.
Mu Chenyan turned her head around and she bloomed with a smile but she soon frowned, "Aiyo, my Elle. What are you doing here? Go out of the kitchen. Did you forget how dangerous the kitchen is? There is smoke, oil, knives, chili..."
"And so much more," added Raelle.
Mu Chenyan tapped her nose and turned her around before taking her out of the kitchen. No matter what, she really couldn't bear to allow her darling Elle to step inside the kitchen even if it was just to stand around and do nothing. It couldn't be helped, she always believed that Raelle was born to do greater things. The kitchen was not a place for her.
As long as there was a breath left in Mu Chenyan, she'd do everything to make sure Raelle never had to do what was not required.
"You're the reason why I can't even tell the difference between scallions and leeks."
Mu Chenyan touched her head, "There is no difference between the two. Both are from the same family anyway. Who cares what you use? You, don't even think about it. All you have to do is enjoy the meal. How it's made is not a big deal." She took a pause and added, "But darling, why didn't you tell me you're coming? I'd have asked the kitchen to prepare more things. Let me do it now. There is still time in dinner."
Raelle held her hand and pulled her to sit down saying, "I'm not staying for dinner."
"What?" Mu Chenyan was disappointed when she heard that.
Raelle patted her hand, "Opa and Xian would be waiting for me at dinner. I'll come over tomorrow with them."
"You're right," said Mu Chenyan. "You should have dinner with them." No matter what she was not that selfish. She knew currently Raelle was the life of the Shui family, she couldn't possibly make the father and son eat alone in their dark world. Besides, she still had Hyson around and also her best friend. "Then what brings you here, Elle?"
"I need a haircut," told Raelle. She never had the habit of delaying what she had decided upon. Now, that she noticed she needed a haircut, she'd come and find Mu Chenyan as soon as possible to discuss it.
Mu Chenyan held Raelle's hair in her hand and nodded, "You're right. I didn't even notice that."
"You've already sent me away from you, how would you even notice that?"
Mu Chenyan glared at her, "Don't talk nonsense with me. It hurts."
"Fine," said Raelle. "So, when should we do it?"
"How about in two days? Our Little Fai is leaving the day after tomorrow, then I'll come over. Or you can come home as well. Both are your homes, it's fine to cut your hair wherever you want."
"Alright," agreed Raelle. "I'll come over in two days." She looked around and asked, "Where is Yue? And what about Hyson?"
"Hyson received a call and went out to meet someone," told Mu Chenyan without much thought. "And Yue is taking a nap. More like, I had to push her in her room to rest a bit. That stubborn woman is always making me worried. Even my Elle and Fai never give me so many worries."
"Indeed, we are awesome!"
Mu Chenyan chuckled at her narcism. "Yes, yes. You both are awesome!"
"Is Opa sleeping?"
"I don't think so," replied Mu Chenyan. "You can just go to his room and say hello. He'd be sad otherwise if he knew that you came and didn't even see him."
Raelle hummed in agreement. Now that grandfather was old, he was really particular about such things. It couldn't be helped, he loved her dearly. This love couldn't be denied.
Raelle stood up and left to see her Grandfather. Indeed, the old man was not sleeping.. He was just reading something to pass his time.
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