It was Lunar New Year’s eve a few days later.
This was a nationwide festival holiday.
Since everyone was in the capital, they were going to welcome the New Year together. Hence, Nell took Lizzy and Sunny back to the Leith Residence in the afternoon.
Despite the New Year celebration, Gideon was still in the office, tending to paperwork. He could only make it home later.
Nell called him in advance and informed him to head straight to the Leith Residence after he was done, instead of coming home to Fengqiao Villa.
It was a lively scene in the Leith Residence, a rare opportunity to have everyone gathered.
The old madam was in the best mood lately. This was understandable; in the past, either Gideon was situated abroad or Jean was absent occupied with something. Even if they all were back, it was rather cheerless with family members amounting to only two grandparents and two grandchildren.
This year was different. Seeing the children cradling around her, the old madam’s heart was filled with warmth. It was as if years were lifted off her.
It was the New Year after all. Jean, as a member of the Leith family, should come home for such an important event.
Nevertheless, worried about Nell, the old madam beat around the bush and asked for her option beforehand.
Nell did not carry any malicious intent toward Jean anyway. Jean was abroad because of the stone-betting event and it had nothing to do with her.
With the issue about the stone-betting event somewhat resolved, it was only natural she wanted to come home.
Nell responded positively toward the old madam with a smile. The latter could sit back and relax, knowing Nell was not the least bit disgruntled about the entire ordeal.
In the afternoon of the same day, Nell had no sooner returned to the Leith Residence than Jean arrived.
The duo ran into each other at the door. Jean still put on airs, albeit not as swollen with pride after the lesson this time. Although she was not happy to see Nell, she merely scoffed without commenting and went on her way.
Nell let it slide.
She felt that it was hard enough for Jean who was pushing forty to act like a teenager.
Admittedly, the Leiths’ favoritism played a part. However, Jean was naive, believing every word she was told and unable to think for herself.
To take offense and get angry over such a person was a waste of time, other than getting herself worked up.
Nell was never one to treat herself poorly. She could not be bothered to do things that had no benefit coming out of it.
The Leith Residence was decorated with many New Year ornaments, radiating the place with joy.
Once they were in the house, Nell had Lizzy go play herself while Karen and another maid of the residence took care of Sunny. She, on the other hand, went to look for the old madam in the back kitchen.
New Year’s eve was the most important day of the year. The old madam often enjoyed cooking delicious meals for the family. This was a decades-long habit and tradition.
The capital was located in the northern part of China where it was bitterly cold. It was a trend to eat dumplings during the Lunar New Year's eve.
As the old madam and Jean grew up in the North, they were no stranger to this tradition.
However, Nell was brought up in Jincheng and it was located in the South. She rarely had dumplings and noodles.
Thus, she was the only one all thumbs in the entire family. Everyone else knew all about making dumplings.
Amid her embarrassment, the old madam smiled. “Come over if you want to learn. I’ll teach you.”
Throwing a glance at her, Jean wanted to taunt her but stopped short. Seemingly struck by a thought, she held her tongue.
Nell took no notice of Jean’s expression. Despite Old Madam Quinton’s assurance, Nell was still not confident but still braced herself and washed her hands.
Apart from the maids, there were three of them who were wrapping dumplings.
Gideon came home at 5:30 p.m. and was playing chess with the old master in the chess room.
The old madam slowed down the movement in her hands and said, “Look, put the filling in and pinch the dumpling wrapper. Your left hand should hold the middle without moving, like a central axis while your right hand will pleat following the motion. It’s beautiful and delicious when you make it this way. Give it go.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Spoiled by the President