"Uncle, the dumplings are ready. Hurry up and bring them over," Emily called out.
Alex snapped out of his thoughts and quickly moved to help. Emily handed him one of the plates with a playful smile, and he noticed it wasn't hot at all—she had just been teasing him. It was her way of lightening the mood, reminding him that nothing significant had happened earlier. Her easygoing attitude reassured him. She didn't mind his awkwardness, or if she did, she wasn't letting it affect things.
With a sigh of relief, Alex took the plate from her, feeling a wave of calm wash over him. Maybe he had been overthinking it. After all, Emily was just a playful kid, and anyone who dwelled on the earlier moment would be making too much of it. He followed her back to the living room, where the TV continued to play, filling the space with festive music and laughter from the Spring Festival Gala.
Director White emerged from the kitchen shortly after, holding another plate of dumplings. She was laughing at the ongoing crosstalk performance on TV. "I love Yor's humor. He never gets old, does he?" she chuckled, glancing at Alex and Emily as she set the plate down.
Alex, now feeling much more composed, hurried to the kitchen to fetch the last two plates of dumplings. By the time he returned, Emily and the director were already seated on the couch, laughing and chatting like nothing was out of the ordinary. Their lighthearted banter and the festive atmosphere helped him relax even more.
The dumplings were steaming, the scent of pork, chives, and crab roe wafting through the air. It mingled with the sharp, sweet aroma of rice wine that had been poured earlier. Alex sat down, grabbing a pair of chopsticks and joining in as Director White encouraged them both to dig in.
"Let's eat before the dumplings get cold," she said, placing a dumpling into her mouth and savoring it with a satisfied sigh. "These are the best ones yet. The crab roe this year is exceptionally fresh."
Emily, already stuffing a dumpling into her mouth, grinned with her cheeks full. "Delicious, as always, Mom! Uncle Alex, try one!"
Alex bit into the dumpling Emily offered, surprised by the burst of flavor. "Wow, you're right. These are incredible," he said, looking over at Director White. "I don't think I've ever had crab roe this good before."
The director smiled, clearly pleased with herself. "It's all about timing. We got them from the market just this morning, and they were selling out fast. But I knew we'd want something special for tonight."
As they ate, the phone rang. The landline echoed through the room, and Alex noticed Director White had reconnected the international line, likely because they were finished with their main meal. She stood up, walked over to the phone, and checked the caller ID. Smiling, she pressed the speakerphone button.
"Asha? It's Devid. Are you and Emily enjoying the New Year?" a deep voice asked, filling the room with warmth.
Director White's expression softened. "It's lively, but it's not the same without you here. We all miss you. How are things on your end?"
"I'm doing well. I miss you both, too. I know you and Emily have had it tough while I've been away. I promise I'll make up for it when I get back. Let me speak to our little one."
Emily's eyes lit up as she leaned in closer to the phone. "Dad! I miss you. How's your New Year over there?"
"I miss you too, sweetheart. Have you been listening to your mother? No acting up, I hope?"
Emily grinned mischievously. "How could I? Since you left, I've lost my title as the family treasure. Mom's more powerful than General Patton now!" She laughed, glancing at her mother, who raised an amused eyebrow.
Devid laughed heartily on the other end. "Good! But remember, if she dares to bully you, I'll give her a piece of my mind when I get back. But be good to her—no talking back. It's better to avoid trouble altogether, okay?"
"I understand, Dad," Emily replied, her tone softening. "But didn't you say you'd listen to the clock strike midnight with us? Why are you calling now?"
"I had planned to, but I've got a cocktail party at the embassy later today. I won't have time, so I'm calling early to send my New Year's wishes. I wish you and your mom peace and happiness in the coming year."
"I wish you good health, Dad!"
"Thank you, baby! Tell your mom I've got to go. See you next time."
"Goodbye, Dad…" Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper as the call ended. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she quickly blinked them away, trying to remain cheerful.
The director came over and gave Emily a hug, smoothing her daughter's hair affectionately. "Don't worry, sweetheart. He'll be home before you know it."
Seeing the tender moment between mother and daughter, Alex felt a pang of emotion. This was what family was all about—love, support, and togetherness, even when they were apart. Emily quickly composed herself, her usual bright smile returning as she turned back to Alex.
"Come on, Uncle Alex. We still have dumplings left!" she exclaimed, determined to keep the mood light.
Alex smiled at her enthusiasm. "What about the wine? Are we going to drink it with the dumplings?" he asked, eager to shift the conversation away from the sadness that had briefly crept in.
Director White chuckled as she picked up her wine glass. "Of course. Dumplings and wine go hand in hand, right? It's tradition!"
"Ancient tradition, even!" Alex joked, raising his glass. "I think the wine from earlier wore off. Let's have another round."
As they refilled their cups, the warmth and laughter slowly returned to the room. They toasted to the New Year, to family, and to the moments they shared. Each sip of the rice wine was smooth and comforting, a perfect complement to the rich, savory dumplings they enjoyed together. The festive spirit gradually enveloped them all, and any lingering tension from earlier completely disappeared.
The evening stretched on, filled with the glow of the television, the clinking of glasses, and the laughter of three people who, despite the challenges and distance, had found joy in each other's company.