On the way back to Fifi's maternal grandmother's house, Fifi, Audrey, and company were chatting and laughing. Beside the path were neatly repaired flowerbeds with large violets planted inside.
One of their companions said in surprise, "God, I can guarantee that when I'm old in the future, I'll definitely come here to enjoy my later years."
Everyone laughed out loud.
Soon, Fifi brought her companions to a small bungalow.
Fifi opened the fence in the courtyard and called Audrey and the others in. She then shouted upstairs, "Grandmother! Robert! My friends are here."
Soon, someone opened the window of a room on the second floor. "Sister!
where are they?"
Everyone looked up curiously and saw a little boy of about eight years old leaning against the window, looking at them curiously.
"Kid! Come down and play!" Dylan shouted first.
When Robert saw that there were so many people, he instantly cheered and ran downstairs.
There was a big tree in the courtyard. There was a big table under the tree. Fifi called everyone to sit around the table. She said, "My grandmother might be cooking in the kitchen. Wait here. I'll go take a look."
Audrey and the others stood up. "Let's go take a look too."
Fifi had no objections and quickly carried the food they had bought into the kitchen happily.
Robert was Fifi's cousin. He was in the third grade of primary school this year. Dylan got along well with him and was led to the kitchen.
"Oh, my God!" In the kitchen, a chubby old lady with a kind face looked at the group of young people who suddenly appeared in front of her and could not help but exclaim, "Are these your friends? They're really good-looking." Fifi introduced them. "This is my maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruth." Soon, everyone greeted the old lady with a smile.
Mrs. Ruth smiled and nodded. "Today's afternoon tea will be ready soon. Just stick around. Don't leave so quickly tonight. We can barbecue in the courtyard."
"That's great!" Robert was the first to cheer excitedly. "It's been a long time since our house is so lively. Perhaps I should do a water gun battle with them."
"You!" Fifi pretended to be angry. She squatted down and rubbed Robert's chubby face.
There was limited space in the kitchen, so there was naturally no need for so many people to help. Hence, Audrey, Anna, and the other boy named Phillip stayed in the kitchen to help with the work. The others went outside to sit in the courtyard.
"Oh, God, you're really good-looking." Mrs. Ruth scrutinized Audrey's face seriously and instantly smiled. "I even find you somewhat familiar."
Anna continued, "Madam, have you seen the scenes Audrey acted in? She's a female celebrity."
Philip smiled and said, "We've been filming in this town recently. When the movie is released, you're welcome to watch it."
Mrs. Ruth couldn't stop smiling. "Okay, okay," she said repeatedly.
At three o'clock, afternoon tea was ready. Everyone sat around the table in the courtyard, enjoying the pleasant afternoon.
"Robert, how many times have I told you to wash your hands before eating!" Fifi cursed as she walked over. She dragged her younger cousin to the corner of the yard to wash his hands.
"God, this matcha cake is really delicious." Dylan couldn't help but sigh.
Mrs. Ruth's eyes narrowed to slits. "I'm glad you like it. Everyone can have a barbecue in the yard tonight. It's best to watch the stars here."
They all nodded.
After tea, everyone started preparing for tonight's barbecue. However, the playful Robert insisted on dragging Dylan to the grass for a water gun battle. For a moment, the courtyard was very noisy.
Audrey was sitting by the table, skewering the raw squid with an iron skewer. Mrs. Ruth narrowed her eyes and looked at her for a long time. Only when Audrey looked up did Mrs. Ruth suddenly laugh.
Audrey recalled Ruth's strange words in the kitchen and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Madam, have you seen me in private before?"
Mrs. Ruth looked at Audrey with a benevolent gaze that inexplicably carried a sense of familiarity.
Mrs. Ruth said, "I can't really put my finger on it. But, my dear, I do have something here for you to see. I'll bring it to you later.."