Chapter 18 Dumplings and Money
Becky was moved to tears.
Sharon reached out a hand. “Mom, where’s mine?”
Mary swatted her hand away. “Didn’t we send some in the group chat?”
“I want more!”
“Get lost!”
Becky watched their bickering with a smile, her heart warm.
That night, Becky stayed over at the Yale family home.
She and Sharon lay under the same blanket.
Suddenly, Sharon reached over and poked Becky’s stomach.
“Did you gain weight? You’ve got a little belly now.”
“Maybe.”
The next day was New Year’s Day. Becky was still mooching off the Yale family’s food and fun.
Seeing everyone posting holiday greetings on their Moments, she decided to send Xavier another
message.
Xavier opened Whatsapp.
“A thousand miles of scenery and beauty still don’t compare to my ex-husband. Wishing you a New Year surrounded by luck, wealth, and romance!”
The message came with a flood of cute emojis.
He burst out laughing.
So enthusiastic
–
guess last night’s cash really worked.
“Want money? Come to Westview Pavilion.”
Becky didn’t think twice. She got dressed and headed out with a skip in her step.
Sharon blinked. “You’re heading out already?”
“I’m going to get money.”
Before Sharon could ask more, Becky had already slipped out the door.
Two hours later, Becky arrived at Westview Pavilion.
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Xavier glanced at the time and looked up at her.
“Did you crawl here?”
Bundled in a thick puffer jacket, only her small face showing, Becky plopped down on the sofa and tugged off her hat.
“There’s no direct bus here. I had to transfer a bunch of times. Took a while.”
“Trying to guilt-trip me?”
“No need. I really am broke.”
“Didn’t I send you a hundred thousand last night?”
“I paid off debt.”
“You took out a loan?”
“No, borrowed it from someone.”
“For what?”
“None of your business.”
“Becky!”
“You said you’d give me money, right? Cash or transfer?”
Her big peach blossom eyes stared at him. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, lashes trembling slightly.
Xavier stared at her for a long moment.
“What’s the rush?”
Becky pouted.
Getting money was seriously a mission – all the way from the south side of Dracovia to the north.
The house was quiet.
“You home alone?”
“Everyone went home for the holidays.”
No wonder.
The heating was on, and Becky started feeling hot. She unzipped her coat a bit.
The two of them sat there in silence for a while. Neither spoke.
Becky wasn’t sure what Xavier wanted. Did he bring her here just to sit in awkward silence?
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This was so boring.
She was about to pull out her phone when Xavier suddenly spoke.
“I haven’t eaten. Go make me something.”
Becky, still waiting on that money, peeled off her coat and obediently headed to the kitchen.
Watching her tie on an apron and bustle around the kitchen, Xavier froze.
He remembered Becky didn’t know how to cook.
He’d only asked to put her on the spot
–
was waiting for her to beg him.
Back in high school, one summer break, the whole family went on a trip – except Becky.
He couldn’t stop worrying and snuck back mid-trip.
He found Becky sitting on the sofa gnawing on bread, looking pitiful.
“I’m starving. Will you make me something?”
He had asked, “Where’s Millie? And the others?”
There had been several maids back then. Millie handled meals.
Becky had replied, “They all went home for the holidays.”
Later, he found out it was Yvonne’s doing. She’d secretly given the staff time off.
Xavier couldn’t cook either, but looking at Becky’s miserable face, he forced himself to make her fried rice.
He remembered how burnt and awful it looked.
But Becky had said it was delicious – and finished every bite.
When did she learn how to cook?
He had no idea.
Becky decided to make dumplings – perfect for New Year’s Day.
They were time-consuming, but Becky was patient when it came to food.
An hour later, two steaming plates of dumplings were on the table.
Xavier stared at them in disbelief.
They looked good enough to sell.
Becky mixed up two bowls of chili dipping sauce with garlic and vinegar.
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She waved him over. “Come eat! This one’s beef, that one’s shrimp and veggie. Eat them while they’re hot
that’s when they’re best.”
–
Xavier sat down and took a bite.
His eyes lit up immediately.
Becky grinned. “Told you they were good.”
Xavier nodded.
They were delicious
–
better than anything the maids had ever made.
“How’d you learn to do this?”
Becky froze for a second.
She forgot the original Becky couldn’t cook.
She casually made something up. “I learned.”
“When?”
“After the divorce.”
Xavier was quiet for a moment.
“You’ve got a real knack for it. Should’ve learned earlier.”
Definitely more talented than he was.
He once enrolled in a cooking class, studied for a whole month, and only managed to make food that was just barely edible.
—
But Becky had always acted like it was amazing and polished off every dish.
10
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