Chapter 426
Sophia Sullivan didn't stop her experiments until Little New Year's Eve.
She finally caught her breath three days before New Year's Eve.
David Sullivan and Isabella Sullivan came to Kyoto from the neighboring city.
The couple had long decided to spend the New Year with Isaac Atlante and Florence Atlante.
Somehow David convinced his parents and elder brother.
He ended up following Isabella north.
They were supposed to leave half a month earlier.
But Isabella suddenly went into seclusion for her writing.
Then she went to G City for a book signing.
The trip kept getting delayed.
Early in the morning, Sophia drove to the high-speed rail station.
The Spring Festival travel rush was in full swing.
She waited over ten minutes before spotting her parents.
"Dad! Mom!"
She jumped up and waved.
Isabella wore a red coat.
Her posture was erect.
She stood out in the crowd.
David pushed the luggage cart.
His arms were laden with bags.
Isabella only carried a small handbag.
She looked elegant, like a noblewoman on vacation.
At first glance, she resembled a young lady with her elderly butler.
But in reality—
"Let me carry some," Isabella reached out again.
David sidestepped. "No need. I can handle this myself."
He even lifted the bags to show it was effortless.
Isabella insisted. "I want to carry something."
David shook his head. "No."
"No..."
"No..."
Sophia approached while her parents were still arguing.
She tentatively offered, "Should I help Dad with some?"
They both nodded simultaneously.
Sophia: "..."
In the end, she ended up carrying everything.
The parking lot was spacious.
The family of three could finally talk.
Isabella hadn't seen her daughter in a long time.
Her longing overflowed.
She touched Sophia's face and delivered the classic mother line: "You seem thinner?"
"Grandma makes delicious food every day. I've clearly gained weight." Sophia laughed and linked arms with her mother.
Mentioning Florence Atlante softened Isabella's eyes. "How are your grandparents' health?"
Back in the neighboring city, she noticed her mother's eyes were sensitive to wind.
They teared up with both cold and heat.
So when the elderly couple suggested returning to the capital, she didn't object.
The environment in the capital was more familiar.
The medical facilities were better.
She didn't stop them, but she always worried.
Sophia: "Grandma takes herbal medicine daily and combines it with acupuncture. Her eyes are much better. She can see more and more clearly."
"That's good." Isabella breathed a sigh of relief.
David rubbed his hands. "It's cold outside. Let's get in the car first. Your grandparents are waiting."
"Okay."
On the way, Sophia was still curious how her father had convinced her grandparents.
How did he get the old traditionalists to agree to their son and daughter-in-law celebrating the New Year away from home?
It was simply unbelievable!
David mumbled a few vague sentences.
He didn't want to elaborate.
Sophia didn't press further.
...
The Atlante family home.
Isaac and Florence had started the deep cleaning a week ago.
The house was spotless inside and out.
Isabella's room was redecorated.
The single bed was replaced with a double.
A special area was set aside next to the sunroom.
Flower pots and soil were prepared for David to grow his potted plants.
Lanterns, couplets, and "Fu" character decorations were all in place.
The New Year atmosphere was strong.
Early in the morning, the elderly couple put on brand new Tang suits.
They waited spiritedly for their daughter and son-in-law.
"What time is it?" the old lady asked.
Isaac checked his watch. "Just past 11."
"Almost there. They arrived at the station after ten. They should be here soon. Are the slippers ready?"
The housekeeper nodded. "Everything is prepared."
"Is the tea cold?" The old man was uneasy.
"It's still warm."
"Warm isn't good enough! Tea should be scalding hot to taste best! Pour it out and make a fresh pot."
"Okay."
The old lady remembered something. "Don't cut the fruit yet. Wait until they arrive to keep it fresh."
"Okay."
"Is the living room tidy?"
"Was the restroom cleaned again this morning?"
"How are the preparations in the kitchen?"
...
The elderly couple repeatedly checked everything.
They finally heard the car engine signaling Isabella and David's arrival.
"They're here! They're here!"
Isabella and David walked through the door side by side.
The old man and old lady stood in the foyer.
They watched their daughter and son-in-law approach hand in hand.
Their granddaughter followed closely behind—
They had waited decades for this moment.
Their wish was finally fulfilled.
...
Lunch was meticulously prepared by the old lady.
Every dish was a favorite of David, Isabella, and Sophia.
"Isabella, try this... you used to love it... and this... these..."
The old lady smiled at her daughter, unable to get enough of looking at her.
"Mom," Isabella said helplessly, "stop serving me. You and Dad should eat too!"
"Yes! We are eating, we are eating!"
Isaac nodded. "We know. You eat more. David too, and Sophia..."
"Thank you, Dad." David ate while praising. "Mom's cooking is wonderful. Every dish is delicious."
The old lady's eyes sparkled. "If it's good, eat more!"
"Okay. You should start eating too!"
"Yes!"
The elderly couple picked up their chopsticks.
They didn't eat much.
They were too busy watching their daughter and son-in-law.
Isabella found it amusing.
Finally, Sophia stood up—
She served a piece of braised pork to each of the elderly. "Grandpa, Grandma, if you keep staring at my mom, she's going to get embarrassed."
"Ahem! Okay, okay, we'll stop looking. Let's eat, let's eat!"
Isaac quickly picked up his braised pork.
The old lady reluctantly withdrew her gaze.
If looks could solidify, her gaze at that moment would be stickier than spider silk and sweeter than honey.