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Chapter 16 - 16. Dumplings.

"Uncle, how's the progress of the servant you planted in the Li Family? Has she found anything interesting?"

Three years ago, this revenge plan had been well-planned, including the great help from Tomy Xu-Ronan Zhang's personal driver-the late biological father of Chelsea-who managed to save little Chelsea from great danger that night.

Now Tomy Xu was in a faraway place with his family, living safely and comfortably after Jeremy Li's massive manhunt for the driver and Ronan's only daughter and younger sister-Margareth Li-who disappeared on the day of her parents' death.

Remembering the time when Chelsea was seven years old was truly crazy, she didn't even expect to live healthily until today. A girl who suddenly became an orphan in one night, then was taken away by her father's driver like an illegal immigrant, Tomy Xu struggled a lot when hiding with Chelsea from Jeremy Li's men fifteen years ago.

"Not yet, just trivial things, so that woman hasn't given any news yet." Daniel Jiang drove casually, heading towards Emerald Group as usual.

"Well, once they take the bait, I can start with a little energy."

Chelsea gazed off while folding her arms across her chest, she had to play in a fun, neat, and structured way so that when the opponent knew she was their enemy, the surprise explosion would echo in the air like fireworks.

The servant smuggled by Daniel three years ago was a spy agent, he asked her to gain full trust from the couple Elena Zhao and Jeremy Li, so it would be easy to control every corner of their manor.

The placement of the servant with a spy background was what made Chelsea know every important information from the Li Family, including the reason she could appear as Jonas Li's wife in their business marriage.

"I hope the situation favors us, even though the war hasn't really started; I think you're giving too much tolerance." Daniel checked the rearview mirror, but Chelsea didn't even look at him.

"Tolerance, huh?" She laughed lightly. "I have to be a weak woman and utilize their family's protection, why not? A little drama of a wife and daughter-in-law is still necessary, isn't it?"

"It's really not like you." He sneered without pressure.

"I got chills watching that clarification video; did you vomit after doing it?" Chelsea's laughter became louder; indeed, only Daniel understood her character the most. "Something like that; you have to admit that I'm a little crazy, Little Uncle."

"Not just a little crazy, but truly a crazy woman."

The car successfully entered the Emerald Group area, Daniel Jiang chose to park his car in the basement.

"Right on time; now I have to act as a dignified and caring wife." She checked her makeup. "It's okay to fight as long as you can grasp your mother-in-law's heart and control your husband more."

Daniel sighed resignedly; he would leave everything to Chelsea, even though the boss's daughter made various dramas in the family; he just needed to wait for orders and protect her with all his might.

"Little Uncle should pray that my beloved husband eats my cooking; because if he doesn't, I'll stuff it in his mouth."

She ended her chatter with laughter again when pressing the lift button in the basement; Daniel Jiang kept watching her from inside the car.

"Yeah, have fun, Chelsea Moon."

***

"Welcome back, Mrs. Chelsea." Lusi bowed politely, then smiled brightly after straightening her back, she seemed more energetic since their last meeting.

"Mrs? Didn't you used to call me 'miss'?"

"That's right. However, from now on and in the future, I'll call you 'Mrs', because you're Mr. Jonas Li's wife."

"So that's how it is." She didn't know that her husband's secretary could be funny.

"By the way, I've watched your clarification video, Mrs. Actually, it's okay if you didn't apologize; I can understand why you were harsh towards Miss June. I've been watching her come and go to the office to meet the boss, and..." Her sentence trailed off, showing a bit of emotion simmering beneath her restrained expression. "The point is, I'll fully support you! A legitimate wife hitting a bad woman isn't a problem; you're in the right place."

Lusi became more enthusiastic, and Chelsea laughed at her current silly behavior; it seemed like Lusi would make a good friend if Chelsea gave her a little attention-it wouldn't be a problem.

Lusi must have been frustrated dealing with June, who always tried to get close to Jonas Li; she had normal thoughts as a woman, and maybe Chelsea's slightly harsh actions towards June were enough to ease Lusi's long-pent-up frustration.

"Thank you, Lusi. Thank you for trying to see things from my perspective, and don't behave like that woman; you'll get into trouble in the future." Chelsea warned gently. "You should date a single man, make sure no woman can disturb or steal him in your relationship." It was as if Chelsea had never done such a thing, so her words were as light as a feather.

"Of course, Mrs. I'll date a good and responsible man; we've known each other since high school."

"Wow! So, it's puppy love, huh? Very romantic."

Lusi's face lit up at the warm reception of her love story; she liked that Chelsea had a lighthearted and efficient way of thinking, easy to talk to even when discussing nonsense.

Lusi thought Chelsea would maintain distance due to their different social classes, but in fact, when Lusi mustered the courage to face her directly-after seeing the assault video uploaded by June, she was shocked and creeped out by how easily Chelsea's hand swung to hit someone.

However, she tried to think straight; a graceful and authoritative woman who acted harshly towards someone must have a strong reason.

So, Lusi waited for that reason to emerge; she wasn't one of those who condemned Chelsea's actions without knowing her side. Then, the CCTV footage and clarification video appeared the next morning, making Lusi cheer because Chelsea won the commotion outright.

"Wh-what's this, Mrs.?" Lusi's eyes widened when Chelsea's hand moved quickly, slipping some bills into her blazer's pocket.

"Buy some sweet and refreshing snacks during lunch; I know you face pressure serving Jonas all day; he's probably difficult for you, right?" Chelsea smiled warmly while touching Lusi's shoulder.

"Stay motivated, Miss Cheng. I really like someone who's dedicated to their job; I hope you are too."

"Cer-certainly, Mrs. I've been Mr. Jonas's secretary for three years; I'm fully dedicated to this job; I won't disappoint you." The sparkle in her eyes was full of innocence; the little girl worked hard under the pressure of the world.

"Alright, don't forget to pamper yourself. I'll go meet my husband."

"Yes, Mrs. Have fun." She kept watching Chelsea until the woman disappeared behind the door of the boss's room. "Oh my goodness! Why is she so kind? I can buy snacks for a week with this much money."

***

Jonas sighed in resignation while listening to his wife enthusiastically describe her "super busy" and fun activities while hard at work making dumpling skins and gyoza with Aunt Wen in the kitchen.

She explained everything lightly while laughing, not caring how drained Jonas felt listening to her chatter.

Ehen she was little, her mother used to make simple food like that with her own hands, even though the house chef was capable of taking over the task.

Margareth Li instilled simple knowledge in little Chelsea that one must be patient if they want to achieve maximum results in every task, just like folding dumpling skins after filling them with ground pork or beef.

However, little Chelsea's hands weren't allowed to touch anything; she just needed to watch her mother cook, demonstrating her part from start to finish until a bowl of warm dumpling soup was served on the table.

"You'll be able to do it yourself when you grow up; for now, just pay attention to Mommy carefully, Laura."

Chelsea took a deep breath as her voice trailed off, Jonas almost didn't notice when his wife stopped chattering and stood with her back to him without moving.

"I'll eat it, so go home."

A gentle dismissal came from Jonas's lips; he thought his wife was tired of talking and tried to glance at her back until he realized that Chelsea's shoulders were shaking.

The woman bowed her head, letting tears fall onto her black stilettos.

Jonas swallowed hard, looking tense as he thought Chelsea was crying because he had dismissed her.

"I didn't mean to..." He spoke softly and moved closer to the woman. "There's still a lot of work, but I'll still eat it."

Chelsea came to her senses. "No, I'm not crying because you dismissed me; isn't it usual?" She turned around, smiled widely with her face still puffy from crying, and then laughed lightly.

How did this woman master all those expressive combinations?

Chelsea waved her hand. "Don't feel awkward around me; just be yourself like usual."

She wiped away her tears elegantly and then turned to face Jonas, the smile on her face as warm as spring sunshine.

Chelsea stood on tiptoes and decided to give Jonas a light peck on the cheek, leaving her soft perfume scent as someone's ear lobe reddened.

"Don't forget to eat your lunchbox; I'll head home." She waved her hand and then left the room.

***

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