RDD 17

Chapter 17

My wife was shocked just the way I was when I was counting the money. For a lower-middle-class family like us, having that amount of cash was surprising.

She smiled but I knew that she was nervous just like me. 

"It's a good thing that you put them in the bank, but I'm shocked that you carried almost 20k in your bag alone! Don't do it again."

"Yes."

I agreed with her. At least I have to make sure that the money is safe while I'm in public. 

"Looks like I have to prepare our clothes later. We have to go to the province before December 23, so that we can join the signing of the contract."

"Hm, I already bought a souvenir for father and mother-in-law."

"Let's think of a business once Mom and Dad gave us our share."

Penelope sighed as she said it. For her, it was a bit sad that half of their land would be sold, she had memories and was greatly attached to the place. She grew up helping her parents cultivate the land. However, she understood that nobody wanted to take over the land, so selling it was the best option. 

Besides, our family needed the money. No, everyone needs money, not only us. 

I clenched my fists, once I become rich, I will buy back the land for my wife.

"Hm, let's eat first. Kids, drop the toys and wash your hands, we're going to eat chicken and donuts."

"Donuts?"

"Chicken?"

The two kids immediately dropped the toys. They could play with them later, but their stomachs need nutrition. 

They pitter-patted to the kitchen and clumsily washed their little hands. 

My wife and I chuckled at their excitement as I helped my wife prepare the dishes. 

-Nom nom nom nom.

Just as we both expected, Sophia and Roman only targeted the chicken and donuts. They never touch the rice and vegetables. 

"Roman, you have to eat pumpkin, and so are you, Sophia."

Penelope gave the two kids a spoonful of pumpkin each. 

The kids obviously hated vegetables just by looking at their expressions. 

"..."

Roman hatefully glared at the pumpkin and ate it together with the chicken just to overcome the taste. 

Unfortunately, Sophia, the youngest child, threw a tantrum and almost cried when she saw the vegetable on her plate. 

-- Sniff sniff...

My baby girl looked at me, asking for help. But I couldn't help her since Penelope was staring at me too...

'Sorry princess, I don't want to make your mom angry, or else she will not cuddle with me later.'

Considering that the dishes were great, I can say that our lunch was lively. 

 The kids were giggling/grumbling all over. My wife was happy and relaxed as she fed Sophia. She was smiling, even if she was thinking about her parents. 

After lunch, Penelope left for the cafeteria to tell her manager that she would be gone for the long week's holiday. I'm sure it would be fine, the school cafeteria would not be busy because the students would take a vacation too. 

"Kids, do you want to watch movies?"

I'm the only adult and it's my responsibility to take care of the two. 

Unfortunately, Roman was busy with his Beyblade. Watching it spinning repeatedly. 

As for Sophia, she was talking to her new barbie toy, asking if barbie likes her hair combed. 

Sophia was still a baby so I put her next to me so that I could see what she was doing.

In the end, I sighed and sat in front of the big fat television. I was still not used to seeing this kind of 'vintage' television because in 2023, most of the televisions being sold were flat screens. 

"Anyway, let's see what I can watch... Rambo, Rambo 2, Rambo 3, Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3. Total Recall, Terminator, True Lies. Damn, I guess like Silvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger very much, huh."

I could not help it, they were my idols...

"This..."

I was dumbfounded by my own atrocities, most of the DVD Discs I have were action movies! 

'Well, action movies are not bad. In my opinion, it's far better than repetitive superhero movies in the next two decades.'

That's right, I have grown numb from watching superhero movies. I'm tired of it. 

In the end, I settled with Keanu Reeves's "Speed". I like the fast-paced and nerve-wracking explosion scenes... Let's not talk about "Speed 2", Keanu was not the male lead of that movie. 

While the kids were busy with their toys, I was watching an action movie. Fortunately, there were peanuts that I could munch on while being immersed in the movie. 

Without knowing, half an hour already passed and my wife returned.

"How are the kids Honey?"

"Hm, they are fine."

I nodded and turned off the television. I turned to my wife who was walking toward Sophia and checking the child. 

"How was it?"

"The Manager agrees."

"I'll help you pack up our luggage later."

"Thank you. Now... Roman, come here. I have something to tell you and Sophia."

The two kids looked at their mother, waiting for her next words. 

"Tomorrow, we will go to your grandparents' house so you have to sleep early."

"Un!"

Roman was excited, he knew that his grandparents loved him. He immediately turned around and cleaned his room to pack things. 

"Mama?"

As for Sophia, she was confused as she never knew her grandparents. 

"That's right sweetie, we will meet Grandpa and Grandma. Don't you remember them? You talked with them last time?"

"Weally? Ah! Gwandpa and Gwandma!"

Sophia never meet them but she had a conversation with them on the phone. Although she was usually shy and didn't talk much. 

"That's right, so you must sleep early tonight so that we will not leave you."

"Ah!"

My wife teased and Sophia looked shocked. She watched Home Alone last month and she cried because the boy was pitiful, he was left alone by his parents. 

"Mama, don't lweave me!"

"I promise sweetheart, but you to behave."

"Un!"

She nodded and hugged her mother.