Chapter 24

"Alvin, Alvina, stop snacking for now. We're going to accompany our great-grandmother for a meal." Melissa touched Alvin's little head, hinting him to quickly bring his sister along. "Okay, Mom" Alvin covered the cookie jar for Alvina and commanded with the authority of an older brother "Alvina, you go hold Dad's hand, and I will hold Mom's hand. Let's go!" Alvin scampered to Melissa's other side, grasping his mother's hand. Alvina carefully went over to Joseph latching onto his little finger "Daddy, I want to walk with you." Using her tender and smooth little face, she rubbed against Joseph's hand, coyly speaking in baby language. Seeing Alvina trying so hard to act the part, Joseph felt slightly embarrassed. "Sure…" Joseph wasn't fond of children in the past. He disliked their whining and clingy nature. But when his hand was held by a child's tender little hand, gently shaking, a warm feeling unexpectedly crept into his heart. A long table stood in the center of the dinning room decorated with daisies, carnations, and lilies. Above the table hung an oddly shaped plant-like chandelier, and also standing on the table were two lit candelabras. People's shadows were cast against the walls, lending a joyous and romantic atmosphere. Grandma Julia took the head seat, while Joseph and Melissa sat by her side. Alvina sat next to "Dad", and Alvin naturally positioned himself next to Mom. The dishes were delivered from the kitchen one after another, with the appetite-stirring aroma wafting in the air. "Wow, it smells amazing! I can tell it's going to be more delicious than mom's cooking!" Alvin shone with anticipation in his eyes; spoon in hand, ready to dive in. "Your mother can cook? Next time, she will have to cook something for me to try!" Grandma Julia originally thought that the young generation didn't cook, and just ordered takeout. Coming across a woman who could cook in this day and age, her grandson is truly fortunate! "Definitely! Mom knows how to cook everything, just that it's usually too bad in taste." Alvina helplessly shook her head, resting a cheek on her puffy hand and complained candidly. Grandma Julia was amused "Haha, really? From now on, you can stay at your great-grandmother's place. Just say what you want to eat, and your great-grandmother will have it made for you." "Isn't that exaggerated? You ate the food I've prepared, and you've grown up quite healthy, haven't you?" Melissa felt that as long as someone back Alvina up, her spirit would soar. Joseph suddenly found it amusing and added fuel to the fire, "What, your food is awful, and you won't even let your daughter say it?" "Exactly! Give me five!" Alvina raised her tender little neck, and slapped a high-five with Joseph in perfect harmony. Melissa was so aggravated that her mouth was almost crooked! She turned her head and asked her son seriously "Alvin, tell me honestly, is the food mom makes delicious or not?" Alvin awkwardly puckered his little mouth, his eyes hinted a trace of apology. "Mom, your dishes are a bit unpleasant, my sister and I didn't want to hurt your feelings, so we lied to you, saying they were tasty." "Hahaha..." Upon hearing this, Joseph almost spat out the soup he had just swallowed. He couldn't help but laughed out loud "You see, they didn't want to hurt your feelings... Haha!" Joseph always had a stern face, so it was rare to see him laugh. Today was like tapping into some great joke, he was incredibly amused.