"Lei, do you possess any recommendations for potential investments in restaurants, hotels, and hospitals?" Haya's inquiry was delivered in a soft tone, her gaze intent upon her plate of food.
Underneath the radiant embrace of a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon, we gathered by the poolside for a leisurely barbecue. The sun was casting its golden embrace upon our family day, a time when our residence became a hub of activity. My parents orchestrated the grill with culinary prowess, while my aunts and paternal cousins indulged in poolside relaxation or offered their assistance.
Nestled beneath the shade of a capacious wooden table, a fixture fit for a family, I found myself in the company of my younger siblings. A mere twelve meters distant, the cerulean waters of the pool sparkled like sapphires.
"A restaurant?" I oscillated my gaze between Haya and Yara, the two of them sitting across from me, their gazes as distinct as their personalities.
"We have a passion for cuisine, and Haya possesses a particular ardor for culinary creations," Yara chimed in, her glance pivoting towards her culinary-inclined sister. Meanwhile, Haya maintained an expectant look, her eyes shimmering with the brilliance of distant stars.
Five years ago, my foray into advanced classes coincided with a culinary journey undertaken by the twins and me, guided by my mother's expertise. It resulted in an unexpectedly delightful day of experimentation, with the final outcome being an abundance of delicious dishes.
Curiously, while cooking wasn't a personal favorite of mine in the past, I discovered an evolving affinity for it this time around. After mastering the rudiments, I persisted in my culinary education alongside Mom and Haya. Yara, however, contented herself with the foundational skills and expressed no particular interest in progressing further.
My attention shifted to Haya and Yara, witnessing the remarkable transformation that had taken place. The diminutive, pudgy, and often tearful little bunnies they once were had now given way to youthful individuals who stood at a juncture between slender and robust. Their shared snow-white tresses cascaded like a silken waterfall, framed by lashes that held a pronounced prominence, their gaze akin to the endless sky, painted in a delicate shade of blue, uniquely akin to us siblings. The contours of their visages bore the legacy of my mother's lineage, characterized by a straight and dignified nose, while their lips, plump and vibrant, adorned their petite countenances with a touch of allure.
Familiar yet distinct, I mused silently.
In their bright eyes, I could detect their shared mischievousness, but in their depths, Yara's eyes held a playful sparkle, while Haya's were imbued with a profound and enigmatic allure. Their personalities mirrored the essence of their gazes, each brimming with their unique charm.
So young, yet they radiate an aura that commands attention. It is my duty to safeguard these treasures.
A year ago, their curiosity was kindled towards the world of business. Given their ages and predilections, I exposed them to a spectrum of online enterprises, and it didn't take long for these astute and precocious individuals to launch their own venture. Within a mere half-year, they garnered substantial earnings. However, the subsequent half-year witnessed their decision to sell their creation to a major corporate entity.
Understanding the rationale behind their inclinations towards restaurants and hotels was relatively straightforward. Our family boasts an intrinsic love for fine cuisine, coupled with an insatiable appetite for culinary exploration. Our avid travels lent credence to the idea of establishing our own culinary haven, not only for our pleasure but also as a pragmatic way to offset costs while amassing profits.
Directing my attention towards Haya, who had maintained a quiet, contemplative demeanor throughout, I discovered her gaze imbued with a tender and affectionate warmth, as if our sibling bond was being silently celebrated.
However, it was the notion of investing in a hospital that perplexed me.Turning my gaze towards our parents, who presided over the grill with familial devotion, Haya's eyes assumed a somber hue.
"Our parents are growing older, and the prospect of having a hospital within close proximity is advantageous. Private rooms tailored for our family's use would alleviate their discomfort, especially if it's situated within a hundred-meter radius from our house."
The swiftness with which these young minds were maturing was enough to stir emotions within me. It was almost overwhelming.
Truly, I consider myself fortunate to be their elder sibling.