As the laughter and warmth filled the room, Director White leaned back in her chair, a content smile on her face. She looked at her daughter and then at Alex, feeling a sense of comfort she hadn't experienced in a long time.
"You know, Emily mentioned earlier that it's been a while since she's had a meal like this at home," the director said, her tone softer than before. "When her father was still here, the two of them would often joke around, sometimes teaming up to annoy me. But since he went abroad, it's just been the two of us. I haven't had the energy to keep up with everything, so meals became simple... bread, milk, nothing special. She's not happy about it, but there wasn't much we could do. Now, even on Sundays, we barely have time together. But she's grown up enough to manage herself, and I trust her. Still, Alex, I was thinking... stay with us for the New Year. Help me make up for the time she's lost."
Emily's eyes gleamed as she quickly jumped in. "Uncle, did you hear that? You have to team up with Mom to make up for all the happiness I've missed out on. And when Dad comes back, I'll make sure he thanks you personally."
Alex chuckled, waving off the suggestion. "Your Dad doesn't need to thank me. If anyone should, it's you."
"Oh? And how exactly should I thank you, Uncle?"
"Simple," Alex said with a grin. "Be good and listen to me."
Emily shook her head, laughing. "That won't work! I think you and Mom should listen to me."
The director smiled at their banter, raising her glass. "Don't listen to her. But tonight, let's just enjoy the moment."
Alex toasted Director White again, and the two clinked their glasses, the sound resonating softly in the cozy room. As the wine flowed, so did the warmth in the air. Alex had almost finished his bottle of Moutai, while the director's Martell was also nearly gone.
"Maybe you shouldn't drink too much more," Alex said gently, noticing how much Director White had already consumed.
She waved her hand dismissively. "It's alright. We're at home, and it's not every day I get to relax like this."
With that, she stood and made her way to the bathroom. The moment she was out of sight, Emily saw her chance. She grabbed the bottle of Martell and poured herself a generous glass, flashing Alex a mischievous grin.
"Uncle, don't say anything!" she whispered, holding the glass up. "I'm toasting you again!"
Alex, torn between amusement and concern, clinked his glass with hers quickly, hoping to avoid getting caught. Emily drank the wine hastily, her eyes widening as the alcohol burned her throat. She coughed and quickly grabbed her Coke, taking a long sip to wash it down.
"Uncle," she whispered, her voice hoarse, "is this what wine always tastes like? It's so hard to drink!"
Alex couldn't help but laugh quietly. Emily glared at him playfully, rubbing her nose. "You're terrible! I'll get you back for this."
Just as the director returned, Alex suddenly remembered something. "Oh no, I forgot I was still cooking the rice!" he said, jumping up to head to the kitchen.
"It's fine," Director White called after him. "The rice cooker will switch off automatically."
Before Alex could respond, Emily darted after him, taking the opportunity to pinch his waist as payback for his earlier laughter. She giggled and sprinted back to her seat before Alex could react.
The director, seeing them both moving around, assumed Emily had simply helped him unplug the rice cooker, and didn't give it much thought.
When they all sat down again, Emily glanced at her mother, her expression softening. "Mom, I called Dad this afternoon. He said he'll be listening to the New Year's greetings on New Year's Eve. He asked me to be good and listen to you, to be filial at home. He also asked me to toast you on his behalf—to thank you for all your hard work."
She raised her glass, and took a sip, smiling at her daughter. "There's no way I could say no to that," she said quietly.
Emily smiled back, her voice growing more serious. "The second toast is also from Dad," she said, pouring another glass. "He wanted me to thank you again."
The director raised the glass to her lips, drinking it down.
Emily quickly poured another glass. "The third toast for my word to be a filial," she began, but before she could finish, Director White raised her hand.
"Alright, that's enough," she said gently, "No need for a third toast. I'd rather see actions than hear words. Now, go toast your uncle, you little rascal."
Emily stuck her tongue out playfully, then turned toward Alex. "Uncle, I'm so happy you're here to spend the New Year with us. I want to toast you three times too! The first is from my parents, to thank you for being here. The second is from me, to thank you for all you've done. And the third... well, since you can't spend the New Year with your own family, let this be a toast for grandparents."
"I'll drink the third toast, Emily, but I can't accept the first two. You don't need to thank me."
Emily pouted. "That's not fair! You have to drink all three."
Alex smiled, then sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll drink all three." And with that, he downed the three glasses in quick succession. By the time he was done, there was barely two glasses worth of wine left in the bottle.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. "Where are Emily's grandparents, by the way?" he asked, looking at Director White.
"They live in another country. We haven't seen them in years. The last time we met was when her father went there. Emily and I have only seen photos of them since."
Alex's heart warmed at the thought. Staying with them for the New Year suddenly felt like the right choice. He raised his glass once more. "Sister, let me toast you again. Can you drink a little more?"
Director White chuckled softly. "I'm fine. I'm really happy tonight, and a little more won't hurt. How about you? Still holding up?"
Alex grinned. "You know me. I can handle a bottle of white wine without a problem."
Tonight, Director White wasn't the composed professional he'd known for so long. She was simply a mother, and in some ways, a sister. The warmth between them was palpable, and Alex felt more at home than he had in a long time.
After finishing the bottle, Alex stood up, signaling it was time to eat. The director wanted him to drink more, but he politely declined.