Imperfect Desires

"Kids, there are fireworks outside. Let's go watch it together," Cali tried to take the kids out.

But apparently, she didn't read their unwilling expressions. She thought they'd be excited that's why she took them out but who knew these kids had eccentric tastes. They didn't bring any fireworks but there were other people around the society who did. In fact, the management of the residential area around here even hosted a firework show this year.? ??

Colorful lights lit up the sky beautifully. It was a beautiful sight for sure.

Ava made a face and clicked her tongue, "What a waste of money!"

"And they are using all that money to harm the environment. It's such a pity," added Asteria.

"We humans are the ones making earth unlivable and are finding a place on Mars instead," even Jackie couldn't help adding. "If only we used all that money to save our own planet."

Cali was enjoying the fireworks when she was stumped by these words from kids. A bucket of cold water was thrown into her excitement. Fireworks held a very special meaning in her life. After all, Dylan used the fireworks on the night he proposed to her.

Who knew these kids had such heavy opinions regarding this?

"It's just for one day," she said to them.

"You lie for one day or two, does that make a difference? It won't change your lie into the truth, right?" Asteria was the one who asked her in return.

"How is that related?"

"You might light up the fireworks one day but that day comes every year. One day makes a lot of difference."

Cali had just opened her mouth to say something when Xiao Li stepped in and pulled his daughter away, "Ria, say sorry to auntie."

"Oh," Asteria didn't know why she had to apologize but she'd listen to whatever her Papa says. "I'm sorry, Cali Auntie."

Then Xiao Li looked at Cali and smiled apologetically at her, "She is a bit s?ns?t?v? when it comes to our environment. I'm sorry for that!"

"You don't have to apologize to me," Cali waved it off. She didn't mind what Asteria said. Since whatever she said was true. And she wasn't even arguing with Cali. Asteria was talking very politely but was just stating facts. Cali couldn't possibly get mad over that.

Xiao Li dragged Asteria to Xiu's side and looked at Xiu in fond exasperation. It was Xiu's dislike for fireworks that got to the kids as well. But Xiu couldn't be blamed. She never told them to dislike it. But these girls just love to follow her lead. As for Jackie, he was smart on his own and his likes and dislikes were already very clear to him.

"Li bro, I didn't do anything," said Xiu when she noticed her elder brother's eyes set on her.

Xiao Li hadn't even said anything when Xin Zimen came to lecture him, "How dare you give a look to my daughter? Looking for a beating?"

"Dad, I didn't even say anything yet!"

"Oh... Then don't bother saying. You can't say anything good anyway."

After lecturing him, Xin Zimen stood beside Xiu and continued to fondly talk to her. He knew she didn't like fireworks, so he suggested, "How about you let them enjoy and you come inside with me? I'll give your red envelope to you."

Xiu nodded her head fervently and followed him in. Seeing him going in, the kids also ran inside. Xiu pointed at the tree that had red pouched and told them, "Now, all of you can take the one you like. But remember only one chance. And you can only take one."

"We can negotiate," suggested Jackie.

"No way. No negotiations," Xiu firmly declined this offer. Like hell, she'd let them negotiate, wouldn't she turn into the losing party then? What's the point?

"Oh," all of them obediently went over to take the one they liked.

Xiu also blinked at Xin Zimen looking for her red envelope. Currently, she was no different than a kid. She was looking forward to it.

Xin Zimen rubbed her head lovingly, "You look like a puppy and I can almost see a tail swaying behind you."

Xiu wasn't even embarrassed to hear that from him.

"Momma, I can't reach the one I like," Rowan came to tug at his mother's clothes.

"Who told you to be so short?" Xiu stuck out her tongue.

Rowan looked unhappy to hear that, "Baba said I'll grow taller. I'll be taller than him."

Xiu chuckled at him while Darren said from the side, "Will you at least let go of your own son?"

"How can I do that? I'm a firm believer in treating everyone equally. So what if he is my son? I want to tease him, I will!"

"That is something only you'd say," said Darren as he hugged her from behind. "By the way, don't I get a red envelope from you?" Taking a pause he added, "After all, all my finances are in your hands. I should get something on new year?"

"I didn't ask you to give me all the finances. I never took charge of it either. Don't throw dirty water at me."

Darren laughed at how her feathers were ruffled by just one comment. It was so easy to tease her.

"Can you both stop flirting? I still can't reach the red pouch I want," Rowan couldn't help talking from the side.

"Who taught him that we are flirting?" asked Xiu as she looked at her son and her husband. "Isn't he only three?"

"He is already turning four," reminded Darren. "Besides, he is smart enough." f𝒓𝑒e𝙬𝒆𝚋𝘯૦𝘷𝐞𝑙.c𝑜𝐦

Darren picked up his son and made him sit on his shoulders as he said, "Is this height good for you, your highness?"

Rowan giggled, "Seems okay for now."

"Dramatic!" remarked Darren. And then he gave his wife a look as if to say, their son inherited it from his mother! And there was no doubt about that either.