It's Your Turn To Cry and Beg, Dear Uncle
Chapter 18: Welcome Dinner

Chapter 18: Welcome Dinner

Upon arriving at the Chinese restaurant, Kyra immediately alighted the car and looked around in search of James. However, she couldn’t catch a glimpse of his car or the man himself amidst the row upon row of cars passing by the entrance. The only car she recognized was the Bentley that Cressida and Vincent had driven, arriving a few seconds after her.

"Let’s go inside first. Lila just texted me a while ago that she and James will be late," said Cressida with an obviously content face. She even glanced at Kyra as she spoke. The latter maintained her composure despite her clenched fists hidden beneath the sleeves of her sweater.

Jane was also grinning upon hearing that. Her mind was already imagining herself holding her great-grandchild. Wouldn’t that be interesting?

The old lady flashed a genuine smile. She could worry less now because there was a potential companion for her grandson. She and Creighton were already old and nobody knew when death would claim them. Hence, she wanted to make sure that James would already have his own family to accompany him through thick and thin.

"Well, let’s order some dishes first so they can directly eat when they arrive. Come, sweetheart," the old lady beckoned. Kyra pursed her lips as she held Jane’s old hand and walked inside the restaurant.

The manager of Paradise Dynasty was already waiting for them by the entrance. He had been informed by the owner’s beforehand to serve this group of guests only the best service. Not only because the Synders was a well-known household in the upper crust society of the capital, it was also because Cressida was the owner’s close friend in the socialite circle.

Paradise Dynasty was a five-star Chinese restaurant in the bustling business district. It quickly rose to fame thanks to its strategic location and majestic ancient architecture.

As one of the top Chinese restaurants in the capital, they successfully captivated their guests with its delicious cuisine and authentic ambiance, featuring stunning pagodas and a serene man-made lotus lake. The setting transported diners to an era of imperial splendor, perfectly embodying the name Paradise Dynasty.

The Synders family was escorted by the manager to the most prestigious private room on the second floor. Among the five available, it was the largest and most lavishly decorated with a balcony overlooking the beautiful garden and the lotus lake. It wasn’t an exaggeration to even say that the room was worthy of an imperial family.

Cressida was mighty satisfied with this service. The extravagant welcome would also emphasize Lila’s standing within the family. Afterwards, Cressida began to order many dishes as soon as she got a hold of the menu.

"Let’s order the eight-flavored xiao long bao. Lila loves this."

"She also has a fondness towards radish pastry."

"Then, mapo tofu, imperial pork ribs, steamed oyster with garlic sauce..."

"Oh! Don’t forget a portion of Peking Duck. It’s Lila’s favorite."

The waitress skillfully noted all of the orders while Kyra raised an eyebrow watching how Cressida generously picked the signature dishes of this restaurant. But, that wasn’t all, this great-aunt also failed to consider everyone else, especially the elderly. She went on and on with what Lila would like to eat.

"Right, I haven’t ordered the vegetables. Let’s go with stir-fried spinach with minced garlic."

Kyra finally let out a derisive scoff which attracted everyone’s attention. "I assume that’s also Lila’s favorite?"

It was hard not to notice her sarcastic tone, even the usually dense Jane was able to detect the displeasure in Kyra’s tone. The old lady rubbed her beloved sweetheart’s back to comfort her.

"Why are you suddenly aggressive? It’s Lila’s welcome dinner after all."

However, Kyra ignored Jane for the first time and immediately retorted, "Switch the stir-fried spinach with stir-fried beef with kailan. That’s grandpa’s favorite." Kyra smiled as she imitated Cressida.

On the side, Creighton let out an awkward cough.

"What mother said is right. Besides, Lila can’t eat red meat while father can eat spinach," Cressida rebuked Kyra with a frown but the young lady was not to be outdone as she turned it around.

"Then, Lila can just not eat the kailan dish. Surely, she would give in to an elderly or is she that greedy?" Kyra stressed the words ’not’ and ’greedy’, adding a layer of mockery. She was getting irritated by Cressida’s antics. It wasn’t strange now why Lila got along well with Cressida.

"Kyra..." Jane tried to console her but Kyra turned to stare at the old lady causing her to sigh in resignation. She also knew that Kyra was just being considerate with them,

Cressida pursed her lips, her gaze solemn. In the end, she conceded, "Fine."

Noticing the tense atmosphere, the waitress awkwardly asked, "How many bowls of rice would you like to order?"

"Let’s omit the rice and order egg yolk fried rice with dry scallop."

However, Kyra chimed in again. "No, we’ll order seven bowls of white rice instead. Thank you."

"Why are you being like this, Kyra?!" Cressida raised her voice. She was annoyed beyond words. "This is Lila’s welcome dinner."

"Cressida!" Creighton called her out with a warning look.

Cressida immediately shrunk in her seat. She wasn’t afraid of Jane but her father-in-law was especially intimidating ever since she had met him. Despite his age, the old man’s aura remained strong and oppressive. His stern gaze, honed from his military background, always managed to subdue the other party.

"It’s okay, Grandpa." Kyra smiled. "Yes, I know this is her welcoming dinner but there’s also other people who’s eating with her. Grandpa and grandma have to manage their cholesterol level and you’re going to feed them with egg yolk fried rice and dry scallop. How very considerate of you, Great-aunt."

With that, Cressida was stumped into silence. She was too excited and had forgotten about the elderly’s diet. Kyra sneered at her reaction.

"Also, we’re ordering pu’er tea for the drink. Is Lila okay with this, Great-aunt?" Kyra asked sarcastically.

Lila actually preferred oolong tea, however when Cressida turned to look at Creighton, the old man was also staring at her. Cressida was speechless.

She had no choice but to nod obediently, "Yes."

"Good. Everything’s settled then." Kyra closed the menu book and handed it to the waitress. "Thank you."

At the same time, James opened the door of the private room with Lila following closely behind him. Nobody knew whether it was intentional or out of habit, but James made his way directly to the empty seat beside Kyra. Meanwhile, she had deliberately left that spot open for him.

However, just like her, Cressida had also considered this and left an empty seat beside her, allowing Lila to sit next to James.

"Lila, auntie has ordered your favorite foods." Cressida said warmly, gently tucking a strand of Lila’s hair behind her ear. It was then that she noticed Lila’s expression. The woman appeared pale and disgruntled. Clearly, she was unhappy about something.

"What’s wrong?"

Cressida’s question drew everyone’s attention. Kyra raised an eyebrow upon seeing Lila’s deflated state. Her gaze shifted discreetly to James, who seemed absorbed in the menu. She couldn’t help but wonder what the man had said during their drive.

Nevertheless, Kyra couldn’t suppress a twinge of satisfaction at Lila’s discomfort. Her mood instantly lightened up.

"It’s nothing, Auntie." Lila shook her head weakly. "I just feel unwell because I’m...quite hungry."

Cressida sighed. "Oh dear, you need to pay attention to your health even when you’re busy. This isn’t good, why are you the same as your boyfriend? James often neglects his lunch during the busy period."

Lila forced herself to smile. "Really?"

Jane chimed in at this timing, "Oh yes, that’s why I often worry about him and wish he would just get a wife already. Actually, why don’t you two have lunch together from now on? This way, you two will be eager to eat since you get to spend time together at the same time."

"Oh, that’s wonderful!" Cressida was excited. She really loved Jane today. The old lady had unknowingly helped her.

At the encouragement of the two ladies, Lila slowly lightened up. Her face blushed adorably as she glanced at the quiet man beside her.

"I would love it if James didn’t mind."

"Of course, he doesn’t mind. Right, darling?" Jane looked at his grandson while giving hints with her eyes. James pursed his lips. He could only give a small grunt.

"Great! So, Lila, don’t forget to call him tomorrow," Cressida reminded her with an excited look. Lila nodded obediently.

Kyra quietly rolled her eyes. Soon after, the dishes were served, and everyone began to eat. James, however, quickly noticed that none of the dishes were Kyra’s favorites. It didn’t take much for him to piece together what must have happened in his absence.

His gaze shifted toward Kyra, who met his eyes briefly before resuming her meal.

James sighed inwardly. His concern was soon validated as Kyra stopped eating after taking a bite of each dish. Though there was still rice left in her bowl, she stood up abruptly, leaving her meal unfinished.

"Where are you going? You haven’t finished your meal," Jane asked, concerned.

But Kyra easily assured her, "I’m full, Grandma. I’d like to hang out on the balcony now."

Lila, who had been watching Kyra, immediately stood up with the intention to follow her.

"You’re full as well?" Jane asked.

"Ah, I will continue later, Grandma. I just want a quick talk with Kyra. I haven’t gotten a chance to greet her privately," Lila could only say this since she also didn’t feel good just eating a little when clearly they had ordered all of her favorite foods.

"You’re right. Go ahead, she’s a kind girl."