Alex mentioned it was time to eat, Emily immediately perked up.
"It's time to reveal the answer to the last dish!"
The director served rice to everyone, and Alex took the lead, presenting the dish to Emily. "Celery, shredded pork, and rice," he said, watching her reaction closely.
Emily's eyes lit up with understanding. "Jin Li Hen, right?"
The director smiled proudly as Alex gave Emily a thumbs-up.
"That's right," Alex confirmed.
Jin Li Hen. It's the story of two lovers—what the name means to the world is nothing, but to those lovers, it meant everything. They cherished it so much that they passed down the name to their child, who grew up loving this dish.
Emily tilted her head, intrigued. "Why do you name your dishes, Uncle?"
"Back in college, my classmates and I would often eat this kind of food. Over time, they started giving the dishes special names. It became a tradition, and I thought, why not give this one a meaningful name too?"
"That's wonderful! Speaking of college..." She paused, leaning in with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Uncle, was college life romantic?"
Alex leaned back, "Well, that depends on how you look at it. Romance can take many forms. It could be walking under the moonlight, writing love letters like the old days, or even listening to a symphony together. Sometimes, romance is grand and passionate, and other times, it's quiet and tender."
Emily raised an eyebrow. "Uncle, you're being sneaky! You're using examples to talk about something bigger. So, did you ever fall in love in college?"
Director White didn't stop her daughter from asking, her curiosity evident as she looked at Alex expectantly.
Alex rubbed the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I came from a small town, and I was taught to focus on my studies. I guess I forgot about romance during those years."
Emily wasn't convinced. "Come on, there must have been some girls chasing you."
Alex laughed. "Alright, alright. I was the secretary of the Youth League in college. A few girls did come up to me—mostly to submit their applications."
Emily wrinkled her nose at him, feigning disappointment. "Bad guy! That's not what I meant!"
The director finally intervened, her tone gentle but firm. "Emily, don't talk to your uncle like that. Show some respect. Now go back to your room to study."
Realizing she had crossed a line, Emily blushed deeply. "Sorry, Uncle," she mumbled before hurrying back to her room, her cheeks still pink with embarrassment.
Once Emily was gone, Director White sighed, her voice soft and reflective. "I think you spoil her too much, Alex. It's the same with her uncle. They used to play and fight all the time when she was younger. She adores him."
Her voice wavered as her eyes grew misty. The mention of Emily's uncle, triggered a wave of grief she had been holding back. Alex noticed the shift, the way her hands trembled slightly as she spoke.
Director White tried to blink away the tears, but it was too late. Her emotions, amplified by the wine, were too strong to contain. Slowly, tears began to fall, silent and heavy, like pearls dropping one by one onto the table.
Alex watched her, his heart heavy with sympathy. He knew words wouldn't help, so he simply moved closer, taking her hand in his. He held it firmly, silently offering comfort.
The director's shoulders trembled as she wept quietly, her tears now flowing freely. Alex reached for a few napkins and gently handed them to her.
"Sister," he said softly, "it's okay. Let it out. You'll feel better after crying."
Director White wiped her eyes, still sniffling as she tried to pull herself together. "Thank you," she whispered. "I just—sometimes it's hard to keep it all in."
She tried to stand up but stumbled, her legs shaky from the wine and the emotional toll. Alex quickly moved to steady her, feeling slightly awkward in the moment but determined to help.
"Emily!" Alex called out, raising his voice just enough to be heard.
Emily came running from her room, her eyes wide with concern. "Mom, are you okay?"
Together, they supported Director White, helping her to her bedroom. Once inside, they tried to coax her to lie down, but she stubbornly refused.
"I'll just sit for a bit," she muttered, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Alex poured her a glass of water, then motioned for Emily to follow him out of the room, giving her mother some space to breathe.