Chapter 491
“If you want to go, then get up quickly, brush your teeth, and after breakfast, we’ll set off together,” Margaret instructed.
Ruby, who had been lacking energy just a moment ago, suddenly found herself invigorated. She hopped out of bed and scurried to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Seeing Ruby’s enthusiasm, Dylan followed suit.
In the bathroom, Margaret had already prepared toothbrushes and cups for them, with toothpaste even pre-applied on the brushes.
Upon seeing this, Ruby exchanged a glance with Dylan. When Margaret came in, they looked up at her and said, “Grandma, mommy says we should do things on our own. From now on, you don’t need to help us prepare toothpaste anymore.” Hearing this, Margaret paused as she looked at the tender cheeks of the two children. She had wanted to pamper her grandchildren a bit, which is why she prepared the toothpaste for them. After all, it was not easy having these two little ones to dote on after so many years.
But then p>
“You’re right, I was wrong. Grandma thought I was making it more convenient for you by doing that. But your mommy is correct; you should do your own things,” Margaret conceded.
“However, since grandma has helped us today, we still need to thank grandma,” Dylan added.
Immediately, Ruby chimed in, “Thank you, grandma p>
Margaret felt absolutely melted by these two adorable little creatures!
After washing up and having breakfast with the two, Margaret called upon the house staff to inquire about preparations. Once she confirmed that the car was ready and all necessary items were loaded, she led the two grandkids out the door. She left swiftly, and once they had gone, the remaining house staff looked after the departing vehicle.
“With the bosses away, can we take it easy this week p>
“Don’t talk nonsense. The wages our employers pay us are generous. We get paid to get the job done; if you worked anywhere else, even doing several times more work, you wouldn’t make half this salary p>
The house staff, who had initially thought they could loaf around with the masters away, experienced a sudden realization upon hearing this remark, snapping back to their senses and no longer entertaining thoughts of laziness.
The car merged onto the highway, completely unaware that as they departed, a dark-colored van was approaching from the opposite direction. They passed by each other in an instant, missing one another.
At this moment, Margaret sat in the car, opening a bag of candy she had brought especially for the trip.
“Today, we’re heading to the countryside, and it might be a long journey. Have some candy first p>
Each of the little ones took a piece, and then Margaret tucked the bag away.
“Grandma, why are we going to the countryside? ” Ruby blinked her eyes curiously and asked, “Is mommy there p>
Mentioning their mother, Margaret didn’t dare say too much, merely explaining quickly, “No, dear, grandma wants to take you to meet two people p>
She didn’t keep them guessing and continued, “They are grandma’s father and mother-you’ve seen their picture in the room before p>
Hearing this, Ruby blinked and asked, “Is it the family photo with grandma, daddy, and mommy p>
“Yes, that’s the one p>
“I understand, they’re my great-grandmother and great-grandfather p>
Margaret’s lips curved into a smile as she nodded.
“That’s right p>
“Grandma, do great-grandmother and great-grandfather live in the countryside? Why do they live there p>
Ruby had many questions, one after another, endlessly curious. Margaret patiently answered each one, even thinking to herself that with such company, the journey would surely not be lonely or boring. After about two hours of driving, they finally arrived in the countryside.
Upon arrival, the two children were energetic and comfortable despite the journey. Conversely, it was Margaret who had worried about the kids getting car sick, but as it turned out, she was the one feeling unwell.
Stepping out of the car, her legs were still shaky. The little ones tried to support her, but due to their height, they couldn’t help much. They quickly pressed against her leg, saying, “Grandma, if you’re not feeling well, just stay in the car and rest a while; we can go down later p>
Seeing her own condition, Margaret agreed and sat in the car to rest. She sipped on the drink Dylan handed her a sweet and tangy beverage that helped dispel her nauseousness. “Grandma, do you feel a bit better now p>
Coming back to her senses, Margaret replied, “Yes, much better now. Let’s go. We can’t drive any further; the road ahead isn’t suitable for cars. Grandma will walk with you the rest of the way p>
They had brought only the driver with them to avoid drawing too much attention. After parking the car, the driver single-handedly carried two large bags of luggage and followed behind.
The village roads were narrow and winding, unfit for cars to navigate through easily. If they encountered a vehicle coming in the opposite direction and another was behind them, it could easily lead to a traffic jam.
For the two youngsters, this was their first visit to such a place, and their innate curiosity had them looking all around as they walked.
Along the way, they encountered many local children playing by the roadside. The presence of strangers piqued the locals’ curiosity, prompting looks in their direction.
There was a stark contrast between the two groups.
Ruby glanced at the other children’s dresses, then down at her own little dress, before looking up at Margaret and asking, “Grandma, I’ve never worn the kind of skirt they have. Can I buy one like that too p>
Hearing this, Margaret looked over at the local children. She saw one girl about Ruby Hansen’s age wearing a blue floral dress that was clean and neat. Paired with the girl’s cuteness, the dress looked especially nice on her.
Several other children stood by her side, probably playmates. Margaret stopped to give them some candy before addressing Ruby Hansen, “Of course, you can, Ruby. If you like that dress, once we settle in, tomorrow we can have your great- grandmother take us to the flea market to buy one p>
Ruby had always gone to supermarkets and malls. Hearing the phrase ” flea market” for the first time made her even more curious.
“Okay, then brother will come along too p>
“That sounds good p>
After about ten more minutes of walking, they finally arrived in front of a yard.
Compared to two years ago, a few more flower beds had been added near the entrance of the small courtyard. However, as it was still cold, the flowers had withered away.
The courtyard gate was custom-made and very sturdy, secured with a large lock.
When the gate was first constructed, Margaret suggested installing a combination lock, which would be convenient for coming and going, and it could even use fingerprints if the code was forgotten. But the elderly couple disagreed, saying that a combination lock didn’t fit the rural, pastoral vibe of living in the countryside.