A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World

The hall fell deathly quiet. Mickey watched Gloria leave and wanted to follow her, but the benign-looking woman held him down and shook her head. She looked both worried and relieved.

The looks on the others’ faces were diverse, but most of them were gloating. They couldn’t wait to see severe punishment befall Lance and his family.

Jeffree looked surprised, yet was strangely not angry. He looked at the Gloria’s seat, and then started cutting his steak. “Eat.”

“Father, Gloria is—” Aurora started.

“I’d feel more comfortable if you wore a veil over your hideous face instead of applying a thick layer of face powder,” Jeffree said coldly. He forked a piece of medium steak into his mouth. “If I ever catch you using those magic drugs again, I’ll disown you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father,” Aurora answered quickly, and lowered her head.

Women will never amount to anything, Jeffree thought, eating. Only an old fool like Ian would let a woman head his family business. It’s the first time Gloria has defied me; she looks so much like her father.

In the garden in Moreton Manor, Gloria was crouching by the pond, watching fish swim. “If I keep on eating that tofu pudding, I think my freckles will heal. But what do I do then?” she whispered.

…

What is Mag doing here? Luna wondered, looking at his back. She walked a little closer, and saw the children eating with blissful smiles.

Mag brought something for them to eat? Then she noticed Amy, and suddenly understood. It must have been her idea; she’s always so kind.

Considering the prices, Mag is so generous, Luna thought.

Amy turned around and saw Luna. “Teacher Luna!” she called, waving her hand.

The other children stopped eating, and stood up quickly to greet Luna.

Mag turned around and was surprised to see her here, but when he saw the big bag, he understood. “Good afternoon, Luna.”

She helped Amy a lot, so it’s perfectly normal for her to help other kids, Mag thought.

Luna smiled at the kids and waved her hand. “Good afternoon, Mag.” Then she walked over to them.

She was wearing a deep green flowered dress and that white silky scarf of hers. Her smile was kind and gentle. “You brought supper for the kids?” Mag asked.

Luna nodded. “Yes, but apparently they have already got something better to eat.” She took a sniff. “It smells good, but I don’t think I can place the smell. Is it a new dish?”

Mag nodded. “Yes. There are two more. You should try it,” he said, taking a box of braised chicken out of the bag.

Luna waved her hand. “Thank you, but I’ve already eaten.” Her eyes swept over the kids. “Where is Colin?”

“He has been adopted. The Gray Temple has found him a family. Now he gets to eat tasty rice every day.” a kid said with envy.

“Rice is nothing compared to this. This is my first time eating chicken, and somehow I feel so warm,” another kid said happily.

Luna smiled. “I’m glad he’s got adopted.” Although these kids are so innocent and adorable, many people prefer to adopt babies.

“Please eat it, Teacher Luna. You always eat with us every time you come here; you couldn’t have eaten,” Amy implored, looking up at Luna. “It’s called braised chicken and rice, and I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“It’s really very delicious, Teacher Luna,” Jessica agreed, her face streaked by tears.

Other children begged Luna to eat too. They decided it would be a shame to miss such a delicious dish.

Mag smiled and handed two boxes to her. “Please eat it, for the children.”

Luna hesitated for a moment as she looked at the kids’ expectant faces and Mag’s smile. Then she took the boxes and smiled. “Thank you.” Then she turned to the kids. “Let’s eat together.”

The children grinned, and went back to their food.

Luna opened the lids, and a delicious smell floated out right away. It might be even more expensive than Yangzhou fried rice, Luna thought as she looked at the browned chicken.