Imperial Garden Plaza
4:30 AM
It surprised the whole household to see the Master all awake so early in the morning. At the same time, it was the weekend and they all don't have work.
They were all looking exhausted as they were up so early and it was their day off... They were all dressed in casual clothing, which made it impossible for people to recognize them for who they are. Even the so-called Goddess looked like an ordinary mother but still charming.
Some of the servants wonder where they'll be heading, while some could not help but laugh seeing a familiar situation.
"Alright everyone, let go..." Elizabeth cheered in high spirits as they walked out the door.
General Zhao yawned as he called out for his sister's attention, who was looking exhausted from lack of sleep since she still experiencing jet lag. "Sister, why have we dressed up like this?"
"Do you think I know?" Lady Zhao frowned tiredly from the lack of sleep.
As the three of them walked outside, the car that the servants used to go and do errands was parked outside. It seems they were meant to ride it. It was a simple silver SUV, but in good shape and quality. However, people won't believe it if such an aristocrat family would actually drive one of these.
The girl went to the driver's seat, as the old man and woman seated at the back and her uncle was left to sit in the front with her.
Elder Chief Zhao taps the girl on the shoulder to grab her attention and asked. "Darling, Grandpa doesn't mind where we're going, but can you at least tell us?"
Elizabeth turned around and smiled before starting the car. "Grandpa, if I tell you, it won't be a surprise anymore wouldn't it."
As the girl started the car engine and drove out of the community and into the city.
General Zhao seated at the front seems to realize where they were heading since they were almost at the outskirt of a familiar city. "Aren't we close to M City?"
"That's right, this is the way to M City." The old man looked outside as he notices the familiar way.
After a few minutes, the car stopped, and the man seated at front couldn't believe himself. He palmed his face in disbelief.
"I just knew it..."
Elizabeth turned off the car engine and faced all of them with beaming delight. "Everyone welcome to Shanghai Grand Market Day."
It was a 3-day market sale. People were selling fresh ingredients from, seafood, poultry, vegetables and so on. There are even some handmade craftwork people made to sell and delicious local food stalls.
...
The four of them all walked together into the market. They weren't those proud aristocrats that find market disgusting and dirty actually they quite enjoy going to the market. They have even made loads of memories just because of the market.
The girl was in high spirits, which pleased the three of them since they were so worried about her after what happened yesterday.
"Mother, come... This granny is selling your favorite fish," She yelled as she called them over and eager them to hurry up.
The old lady greeted them as they approached her fish stall, "Madam, your daughter has a good eye. This fish just came fresh just a few hours ago."
"Granny gives us two fish please." 'The girl said, as she left in a hurry for she saw something special again. "Uncle comes quick, check out the crabs."
After paying for the fish, General Zhao carried it and quickly chase after the girl.
The old woman chuckles seeing the adorable girl smiling so brightly. "Madam, Old Man your family is sure blessed with such a beautiful girl."
"We are indeed."
The old man answered as he recalls the memories of his late wife. Who used to drag him to the market too during their earlier married life. Seeing the girl and his son being dragged around was almost the replica of them. Not only that, his daughter used to drag them as well to the market before she got married since after she got married she always drag her husband to the market instead.
Because of the girl adorable charm, people started giving her free stuff. Also, when they went passed the food stall. People gave them a free taste of their products. The fact that they always eat high-class food, eating normal food was a delight for them.
When they finished their shopping, each one of them was carrying loads of bag of fresh ingredients. Amazingly, the girl has prepared everything and even arranged a cool box with ice ready to make sure the fresh ingredients won't get damaged.
...
As they were heading home.
This time General Zhao drove the car back as they switch places with the girl. Due to her grandfather's request, the girl started singing a song since they were able to buy a crafted ukulele in the market.
Both mother and daughter sang together bringing joy to the old man's heart.
Country roads, take me home
To the place, I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
When they finally arrived home, they were all over the moon from their trip.
The servants help them carry all the ingredients into the kitchen. Then the mother and daughter duo were left to prepare everything. Some of the staff were in tears seeing both of them cooked together.
"This sure brings back memories."
"I know right, didn't the Madam drag the family to the market before too, even the late Madam Zhao used to drag them to the market as well.."
It surprised all of them when the man suddenly popped out from behind them.
"She sure did... She drags all of us to the market once. I didn't expect it will happen again, who knew our family has such a crazy obsession over market trips. I can't believe this time I was dragged out of bed by my own niece."
The staff giggled in hearing their Master's story. To their surprise, they didn't expect the master would show such a gentle side to them.
Since he was mesmerized by the scene of his sister and niece, it made him remember the time when his mother and sister were there in the kitchen doing the exact same thing. He suddenly had teary eyes as he steps forward.
"Lili, let me help you cut the fish."
Elizabeth was startled by the man's sudden approach, she noticed that his eyes were a bit reddish. How she wish to tease the man but did not and smiled instead.
"Of course, Uncle can you make them in sashimi size "
"How come no one called me to help?" Elder Chief Zhao step in as well as one of the cooks then handed him an apron.
"Grandpa, you know you could just have rested." Elizabeth helps the man put his apron on.
"Spending time with you all is much better than resting." He planted a kiss on the girl's forehead and did the same to his daughter.
As the four of them worked together, Lady Zhao asked one of the servants to take pictures of them. She then took a quick break as she posted it on their family and friend GC.
Soon everyone started comment…
Elder Madam Kuo: Haha, didn't expect Lizzy to be like big sister.
Elder President Yang: That old man is showing off again. Cheng do you even know how to use the knife.
Grandad: Darling, I can't wait to see you. I hope you'll cook for granddad as well.
Granny: Baby, we'll see you soon.