Chapter 2006

In the back of my mind, I thought, "That's a hundred dollars for a slap on the wrist—that's more than a hard day's work!"

She suppressed her excitement and said, "Okay, let's forget about this. And remember, in the future, don't look down on people with 'dog eyes'!"

The other party immediately nodded respectfully. "Don't worry, I will remember."

Lady Wilson arrived home with two hundred dollars in her pocket and four large plastic bags; the aroma of food filled the house. Gena and her two friends had cooked. They had worked as cleaners at the supermarket that day, earning $120 each—a total of $360 for the three of them. That amount would barely cover a meal at a restaurant. However, with careful cooking, it could provide a rich meal.

Gena and her friends, all from the countryside and practical, had worked hard all day and wanted a meaty treat. They bought two pounds of pork, potatoes, beans, and vermicelli, making a hearty stew. The stew cost less than a hundred dollars, but was plentiful. The smell of the pork overwhelmed the range hood. Interestingly, Gena turned off the hood once the stew began to simmer, then deliberately opened the kitchen door to spread the aroma further. This was pure torture for Christopher and Harold upstairs.

While not gourmet, the stew was a practical, delicious, and satisfying meal—exactly the kind of food ordinary families enjoyed. Christopher and Harold were starving, and their heightened senses of smell were driven wild by the aroma. They assumed their family had cooked and eagerly awaited dinner. Upon asking Hannah, however, they learned the meal was prepared by their three new tenants. This was utterly disheartening for father and son, as well as for Wendy and Hannah.

Just then, Lady Wilson stormed in, scowling. "Those three country bumpkins! The dining room has tables, yet they're eating at the coffee table! Do they think this is their own home?!"

Excited to see her, Wendy exclaimed, "Grandma, you're back! We're starving! We've been waiting for you to bring us food!"

Harold cried, "Grandma! I'm so hungry, I'm going to starve to death!"

Lady Wilson sighed, handing the four plastic bags to Wendy. "Here. Get some chopsticks and eat quickly."

Seeing the bags, the Wilsons forgot where the food came from and focused on eating.

Wendy said excitedly, "Grandma, I'll get the chopsticks from the dining room!"

Hannah chimed in, "I'll come with you!"

Lady Wilson snorted. "Hannah, stay there! You're not getting a single bite of this food!"