CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE (59) Bicker

The week quickly ran by, Rose running through different activities. From the estate project to the apartment buildings around the university, then to the yet to be built restaurant.

The following week was Christmas and she already planned on giving all the employees ten days off to spend some quality time with family.

It was Saturday morning, the sun brightly shone on the blue sky, sending it rays down on earth.

Rose tucked her hair behind her left ear, then picked up a gift box and headed towards the awaiting children.

They cheered as she got close, she set it down and waited for Zedong, whom appeared with the same box.

She saw Dandan struggling to lift the box and almost laughed.

He Duyi was also there to assist them.

Each and everyone of them got to work, while Rose gave out presents, Zedong gave out packed snacks, and Dandan gave out fruit juice, while Duyi gave out smoothies and a packaging Christmas bag.

They did the same thing the previous day, in another school.

This continued for a long time until the boxes was empty and the teachers helped refill it.

They did it until they made sure every child had gotten theirs and gave out the extras to the toddlers present.

"Miss Chen," Rose heard someone call out to her from behind and turned to see the principal passing her a bottle of water. "Aren't you thirsty?" The older woman asked.

"I sure am, Mrs Huang." Rose took the bottle water from the woman, uncapped it and took three gulps. "Thanks," she said after that.

"I also have to thank you, for your kindness towards the children. You are here yourself this year, which makes it even better. I know how busy you are, so I wasn't expecting you..." Mrs Huang trailed off mid sentence not knowing how to continue.

"I came because it is Saturday, thank you for considering me." Rose flashed the woman a smile. "I'm more thankful that I get to see the children here."

Mrs Huang bopped her head twice, "We have received more than we have given. All thanks to you, may almighty bless you always."

"Amen, and you too."

Silence ensued between the two as they watched the children dance around in joyous mood.

Rose let out a deep sigh. It is a great sight to behold. She said to herself then felt a tug on her cloth.

Rose glanced down and saw a little girl looking up at her while shielding her face. Rose bent down, so the girl wouldn't have to look up.

The principal also glanced down and saw the girl then said, "Ran'er, oh you're here, say hi to our benefactor."

The little girl squinted her eyes at Rose then asked with a big smile on her face. "Hello, how are you?"

A smile lit up Rose's face as she couldn't help but compliment. "You're so sweet."

"Thank you," Ran'er said. "So tell me, how are you?"

"I'm fine." Rose rolled her tongue inside her mouth, trying hard not laugh. "So tell me, how are you too?" Rose lifted her hand to brush the few strands of hair falling from the girl's bun, back.

"I'm great."

"She's such a sweet girl," Mrs Huang said. "And funny," Mrs Huang laughed after she said that. "She's popular for so many reasons."

Rose: "Oh, I see. So tell me, what is your name?"

"Su Ranqi." Ran'er replied.

Rose didn't read any further meaning to the name so she smiled and stretched out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Su Ranqi. I'm Chen Lan Rose. So just call me Rose, okay?"

Ran'er nodded. "Thank you for the delicious biscuits, I love my snowball. I also love the chocolate smoothies."

Rose was surprised by how much the girl spoke. "I'm glad you love them."

Then they heard an ice cream bus, entering the compound from the front yard and Ran'er made an oh sound then said. "I have to go, the ice cream is here... bye."

Rose watched the girl ran off while waving back at her. Rose waved as well.

"You have a big heart," Mrs Huang said. "It's unbelievable to know that you're so calm with children despite not being close to any."

Rose laughed as she didn't know how to reply.

*~~~*

At the front of the school compound, two small buses entered the school, while the first was giving out ice creams, the second was giving packed lunch.

Shen was nervous seeing so many children swam up the ice cream bus and almost gritted his teeth.

He sighed realizing he had someone to help him.

"What is with your face?" Baozhai asked. "Are you scared of children?"

"Not really..." Shen raised his hand to scratch his head and Baozhai slapped it away.

"Stop it, you can't touch your hair." She said then pushed a shower cap towards him. "Here, wear this."

Shen collected it and put it over his head.

Yuanqi got down from the food bus with a bouquet of lily flowers in his hand he went to look for his little sister.

But the two siblings missed way, as Ranqi narrowed her eyes at Changsu in the food bus, he also saw her and flashed her a smile.

"Changsu!" She yelled at the top of her voice and Changsu burst into laughter.

"Come in!" He gestured for her to use the back door and she did.

Inside the bus, Ranqi perceived the food aroma and made a humming sound. "Where's my brother?"

"I don't know,"

"What do you mean? Did he not come with y'all?"

"I don't know." Changsu continued to answer her while he still gave out the packed lunch.

"Did you prepare all of these, then?" She asked pointing at the coolers with the packed lunch. "I know you're too lazy to."

"Hahahaha." Changsu laughed. He was used to the little girl's bickering. And enjoyed it always. "I'm really good, though."

"I know you will say that, even if it's a lie."

Changsu paused, laughing but not moving his eyes from the children queuing up.

"I always say this, but no one believes me."

"What is that?" She asked with interest.

"That you're an old woman in a young girl body." Then he glanced at Ranqi to see her mouth lifting with a pout.

"How can someone believe such a lie?" She shrugged. "It's because it's a lie that's why no one believes it."

Changsu laughed again, to the brink of crying.

"You're opposite of your brother." He remarked.