The rich porridge fragrance filled the whole kitchen. Olive Steele stirred it evenly in the pot with a spoon and then changed it to a small fire and boiled it slowly.
She was very happy that the old lady gave her a signal of peace. Although her manner of speaking was still very stiff, almost like a command, but anyone could hear that the old lady finally opened her heart for her.
The kitchen was huge. She grabbed her laptop and put it on the table, while waiting for the porridge, she handled the hotel work.”
Chloe Malan sent her a message, “Olive, you have a home, remember? When are you coming back?”
Olive Steele teased her, “Do you want me to come back or are you looking for someone else?”
“Shut up.”
“Stop lying to yourself, will you? If you miss him, say you miss him; if you don’t miss him, say you don’t miss him. It’s nothing embarrassing. You’re not a pure innocent girl anymore. So, what’s the harm? If you have something to say to him, tell me, I’ll pass it on.”
“Why should I tell you? Do you think I can’t tell him myself?”
“Is there a progress?”
“Shut up. You’re teasing this old lady, aren’t you?”
Olive Steele smiled and shook her head, “You’re not old, Chloe. Will you stop saying that?”
“Men can call themselves old men. Why can’t women call themselves old lady? I like it though.”
“Alright. Have it your way.”
Olive Steele surrendered. This was how Chloe Malan talked. It was a habit. She had always been outspoken and Olive Steele was familiar with it. The old lady, however, would probably faint if she had to face Chloe Malan’s temper. Mrs. Hoyle was a prude and she had no tolerance for rudeness.
A few seconds later, Chloe Malan sent a message again, “Oh, by the way, Mr. Gao found his long lost daughter.”
“Are you sure?!” Olive Steele’s eyebrows jumped.
“He confirmed it himself I was there this afternoon to take some photos. Wait a minute, I’ll search the photos and send it to you. Take a closer look at the photos. I personally feel that she’s legit. I mean, she has Mr. Geve’s eyes.”
After a while, Chloe Malan sent the photos. An unfamiliar woman’s face was displayed on the 14 inch laptop screen. She was laughing, crying, hugging, and holding hands with the Geves. It was touching.
The woman had a good bone structure and good temperament. The first impression people might get was that the woman was educated. But, who was she?
“I haven’t heard from them for a while and suddenly this thing happen.” Olive Steele said. She guessed that her man didn’t know about this either. Had he known this, he would have told her the first time.
“It’s a long story and a fate. The woman’s name is Susan. She’s a high roller from Business Administration Department of Stanford University in the US. She was adopted by Chinese-American at the age of three and has lived in the States ever since. She went to Luo City for a business trip. It was her first time coming back to China. She was hospitalized because of acclimatization and met Aunt Gene by coincidence. You know, Aunt Geve has eagle eyes. It was summer, so she wore thinner clothes. Aunt Geve happened to see the jade pendant on her neck which was exactly the same as her own, so she went forward to ask. You can guess what happened next. They cried, hugged, and everything.”
It took a while for Olive Steele for say, “Really?”
She deeply questioned this woman.
“Yes. It’s a pity you were not there. Had you been there, you would definitely cry.”
“Maybe.” she was not a cold hearted woman. It’s just that this Susan…
Chloe Malan suddenly asked, “Olive, have you ever thought about finding your own biological parents?”
“Why are you bringing this up?”
“Nothing. I’m just wondering that, are you afraid you will offend your adoptive mother and father by mentioning this?”
It was not about which one was better between giving birth or raising someone. Her adoptive parents had regarded her as her own for so many years and it was such a blessing to actually find a family that treat her like part of them. She had to discuss it with them and got their approval. At least, she had to respect them for taking care of her for so many years.
“Let’s talk about this later. Tell me more about Susan.”
“She will stay in China for a period of time. He wouldn’t let me tell you saying that he would wait for you to return to Luo City to give you a surprise, but you know, I cannot keep my mouth shut so I’m telling you now. I think the happiest man right now will be your man. You know what I mean, right?”
“Shut up.” Olive Steele rolled her eyes.
Although her man didn’t mind her being a parasite, but being a parasite was so boring. She also didn’t want to end up being a dissatisfied housewife.
“Why should I shut up? Don’t forget to come back for Uncle and Aunt Geve anniversary. They are looking forward to seeing you guys.”
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