As soon as Alex saw Emily's mood darkening, he jumped in quickly to lighten things up. "Emily, Uncle hasn't told you the names of the dishes yet. Would you still like to hear them?"
Emily tilted her head, pretending to be indifferent but clearly curious. "Alright then, tell me."
Alex smiled and asked, "Which one do you want to know first?"
Emily pointed at the braised yellow croaker. "What's this one called?"
"This," Alex said with a dramatic pause, "is 'Fish Swimming in Shallow Water.'"
Emily burst out laughing. "Haha! The little bit of soup certainly makes it shallow enough! Okay, I'll let that one pass."
She then pointed at the scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green peppers. "And this?"
Alex smiled wider, "This is Persimmon Chicken Pepper Exchange."
Emily furrowed her brow for a moment, thinking it over. Then her face lit up with understanding. "Haha! That's brilliant! So clever. It's the perfect name—so meaningful! I'll give you 100 points for creativity. No, 120 points, because it's beyond my expectations. What's the next one?"
She pointed to the stir-fried green peppers with cashews. Alex answered with a flourish, "This one's called 'Greening to Repay the Country.'"
Emily clapped her hands, clearly enjoying the playful exchange. Meanwhile, Director White watched her daughter and Alex play along, her eyes softening. There was a glimmer of deep joy in her gaze, the kind that only surfaces when true warmth and happiness fill the room. Her expression seemed to melt away any lingering stress, like spring thawing the last remnants of winter.
Emily suddenly stood up, holding her glass. "Come on, Uncle, I want to toast you. Your arrival has brought warmth into our home, which has been cold for a long time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Alex blinked, caught off guard by Emily's sudden earnestness. He quickly regained his composure, raising his glass in return. "Alright, Emily. Uncle also wishes you eternal happiness and joy!" he said warmly before downing his wine in one gulp.
Seeing his empty glass, Director White immediately reached over to refill it. Alex stood up, a little flustered, but clearly touched. "Uncle, sit down," Emily said, "Why are you acting so formal? Treat this place like your home. The more comfortable you are, the happier Mom will be."
"She's right, you know," Director White chimed in, "Didn't I already say you're like a little brother to me?"
"Alright," Alex said.
Emily laughed, feeling her cheeks flush. "It's been a long time since mom said I'm right," She held her glass toward her mother. "Mom, I want to toast you. Happy Mother's Day!"
The director, her eyes twinkling, raised her glass. She downed her wine with a happy smile, then lovingly picked up some food for both Alex and Emily. Pointing at the dish with green peppers and cashews, she thoughtfully said, "You know, I've thought of a better name for this one. The green peppers are as smooth as silk, and the cashews are golden and curved like little birds. How about calling it 'Yellow Oriole Singing in the Green Willows?'"
"That's beautiful, Director! Very poetic and fitting. A perfect name!" Alex said.
Emily clapped again, this time genuinely impressed. "Wow, Mom, you and Uncle have just created a dish that'll go down in the annals of food history! What a pair of wordsmiths!"
Director White chuckled, "And what about this one?" Emily asked, pointing at the celery and pork slices.
Alex wagged his finger teasingly. "Ah, that one's a mystery. I can't reveal its name yet."
"Why not?" Emily asked, narrowing her eyes. "Tell me!"
"Because this dish needs to be savored with rice, You'll find out soon enough."
Emily crossed her arms, feigning impatience. "Fine. What about the soup then?"
Alex grinned. "Ah, that's rock sugar, white fungus, and lotus seed soup. Let's call it 'Three Cool Dish.'"
Emily tilted her head, considering it. "Hmm, it's fitting, but not very poetic. It needs more depth, don't you think, Mom?"
Director White gave a nod of encouragement. "Well, why don't you come up with a name yourself?"
Emily's eyes gleamed as she examined the soup carefully. "Look at the lotus seeds. They're like tiny hearts. And the white fungus, combined with the rock sugar, looks like shimmering crystals. How about calling it 'Crystal Heart?'"
"Wonderful! 'Crystal Heart'—what a lovely, delicate name!"
The director looked at Emily, her expression softening. "That's perfect, Emily. It's elegant and thoughtful, just like you. From now on, whenever we make this porridge at home, we'll call it 'Crystal Heart.' It'll nourish the body and the soul."
Emily blushed slightly, clearly proud of herself but trying to hide it. "Really, Mom?"
"Of course," Director White replied warmly. "It's a beautiful name, and it suits you perfectly."
Emily's smile stretched wide. "Thanks, Mom!" She raised her glass and clinked it with Alex's and her mother's. "Cheers!"
"Alright, enough naming dishes. Let's dig in!" Director White said, laughing. She served each of them, making sure everyone had a generous helping of 'Crystal Heart,' even adding extra lotus seeds to Emily's bowl with a smile.
Emily, her face flushed with happiness, stole a glance at Alex and quickly looked away, shy but content.
"Don't mind her," Director White said to Alex, laughing as she raised her glass again. "Come on, let's enjoy ourselves!"