"Just remember my few requests and youâll be fine."
James Black rarely showed his generous side. He patted Jane Sampson on the head and watched as she snuggled up in his arms, acting cute. He curled the corners of his lips and suddenly said, "Be good."
Be good???
Jane Sampson complained silently in her heart. Was she not good enough already?
Feeling obligated to be âgood,â Jane Sampson took it upon herself to prepare the mid-day lunch.
During the New Year, she hadnât managed to have the New Yearâs Eve dinner last night, and this morning she only had a bowl of dumplings James Black cooked...
which were overcooked...
So, for lunch, Jane Sampson made a table full of delicious dishes to reward herself for the hard work sheâd done all year.
Just as she was finishing up, Jane Sampson called James Black to invite Peter Gingery upstairs for the meal, and James, considering the New Year festivities, hummed an agreement.
At the dining table, Peter Gingery couldnât contain his excitement, ceaselessly praising Jane Sampson for being virtuous, intelligent, and nimble, as if he wanted to shower her with all the best compliments.
It was only until Jane Sampson grew tired of his chatter that he proudly shifted to another topic with a big grin.
"Oh, by the way, did you check our game group today? It was very lively. Even the usually busy ones showed up. Iâm really looking forward to our gathering on the fourth day," Peter Gingery beamed, "Remember to call out whoever criticized you in the group. I want to see their face when they meet you in person; itâs definitely going to be hilarious."
"Oh, him..." Jane Sampson burst into laughter.
The two of them continued chatting back and forth, while James Black listened from the side without any intention to interrupt their conversation or chip in.
He just kept adding more vegetables to Jane Sampsonâs bowl, not waiting for it to empty, continuously filling it up.
As Jane Sampson talked and ate, the contents of her bowl never seemed to diminish. She kept eating diligently until she finally realized...
She had overeaten.
"Itâs all your fault, feeding me like a pig?" Jane Sampson said, puffing up with anger at James Black, then rubbed her swollen belly and moved to the sofa to announce to Peter Gingery that they should play a game.
But just as she took out her mobile phone, a call from Granny Sampton came first.
Jane Sampson answered right away, "Granny, happy New Year."
"Ah, happy New Year, happiness to all! Last night we were all watching you perform on TV, you sang so beautifully, just like a celestial fairy in heaven, and your grandpa and I couldnât be prouder. Our little Jane is truly amazing!"
Granny Sampton was genuinely happy. Being on the Spring Festival Gala stage meant that Jane Sampson was truly recognized by many people, signifying that Jane Sampson was indeed excellent.
This also made Granny Sampton and Grandpa Sampton feel extremely proud and face-giving.
"Thank you, grandma." Jane Sampson was extremely happy.
"Tomorrow is the second day of the lunar new year, and your grandpa and I were wondering if you and James will be coming home." Granny Sampton asked.
"Heâs on guard team duty, and canât get away." Jane Sampson explained on behalf of James.
Granny Sampton wasnât surprised, as it was the same every year.
However...
"James may not return home, but you could come back, right? Tomorrow, if youâre here, grandma will cook you something delicious." Granny Sampton sighed, "This year, our home feels much emptier during the New Year. Your younger brother is also abroad and hasnât come home, and itâs just a few of us left. Without you two pistachios, itâs not lively at all, and we havenât even given out your grandparentsâ red envelopes yet."
Granny Sampton tried to persuade, "Youâre at the Black Residence now, right? Should I have the driver pick you up tomorrow morning? Or will you drive home by yourself?"
Jane Sampson was silent for a long time, knowing that her grandparents hoped she would come home.
But she didnât want to go back to that place that was no longer her home, that so-called home.