Chapter 591 A Fashion Show Would Also Do
A few days later, the Lunar New Year arrived. Chai Hua, the butler, had been extremely busy for the past three days preparing for the festival in Commoner Residence.
Since wealthy families enjoyed feasts all the time, there was no need for them to organize one during the new year. Therefore, their focus was on entertaining guests and relatives who visited. As the Lunar New Year approached, many well-wishers would give them a call.
There was a limit to Nan Zhengde’s stamina, so Chai Hua was responsible for screening the calls. He would deal with some of them directly while those prominent figures such as the general from the capital would require Nan Zhengde’s personal attention.
Other than phone calls, many others would visit bearing gifts.
The guests comprised those from political and business circles. Some came asking for help, whereas others used the opportunity to cement their relationship after having received help.
Even such guests had to be filtered.
Obviously, the Nan family wasn’t short of anything at all. The only reason gifts were accepted was out of courtesy. Situations where the gifts were rejected would either be because the courtesy wasn’t deserved or if the Nan family weren’t willing to help with whatever was requested.
On top of that, protocol dictated that they would also have to give a gift in return for receiving one. Furthermore, the gifts couldn’t all be the same. Instead, they had to commensurate with the status of the person receiving them.
Despite the complex process, one couldn’t possibly ask Nan Zhengde about everything. Chai Hua was responsible for making decisions and the butler couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.
Given how challenging the task was and the fact that one needed to have an in-depth understanding of everyone in Flower City, the role of the Nan family butler was similar to that of senior management in a large company. Ordinary folk were simply not up to it.
Obviously, the Nan family butler’s social status was significantly higher than that of an ordinary butler. To a certain extent, Chai Hua was already part of the family. Wherever he went, he had the authority to represent them.
One day before the Lunar New Year, Chai Hua personally visited the villa in Red Maple City.
He was there to finalize the menu according to the traditions of the Nan family. Those who were attending the Lunar New Year eve’s dinner were to inform him of their two favorite dishes so that the chef could prepare them.
Considering how important the dinner was, everyone would be served their favorite dishes on the table to liven up the atmosphere.
This was a matter that Chai Hua personally handled. In addition to the dishes requested, he would also collate the details of how salty the dishes should be.
Not only was there a sense of ceremony, but it also demonstrated the respect shown to everyone.
By the time it was Erbao’s turn, she listed out five to six dishes at one go.
Just when she was about to continue, Nan Chen stopped her. “Everyone only has two. You can’t insist on having that many.”
“But there are so many dishes that I enjoy,” Erbao replied with a pout.
“Don’t worry about it. Little Miss can list out everything she likes. There won’t be enough time for too many, but we can manage eight to ten dishes,” Chai Hua reassured them with a smile.
Having served the Nan family for many years, the butler enjoyed wearing a classic suit and carried himself in a distinguished manner.
“It’s all right, Mr. Chai. Let’s stick to the rules where everyone gets two dishes. After all, we would end up wasting food if there were too many dishes,” Nan Chen replied.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll prepare six for Little Miss then,” Chai Hua answered with a smile.
“Hurray!” Erbao exclaimed while clapping her hands.
In truth, she wasn’t particular about the food. She chose to order many dishes just for the fun of it.
“Thank you, Mr. Chai.” Nan Chen nodded.
“Master Chen, Old Master wants me to remind you to call all the senior government officials of Flower City to wish them a happy Lunar New Year before three this afternoon. I know you won’t forget, but it’s my duty to remind you lest Old Master questions me about it,” the butler suggested with a smile.
“I know. I’ll call them in a while. We’ll be going over once I wrap things up here. Thanks for the trouble.”
“Don’t mention it, Master Chen. It’s no trouble at all. Anyway, I’ll be going now.”
“All right.”
“Mr. Chai, I’ll see you tonight. Please remember to give me a red packet.” Erbao waved her hand.
“Erbao!” Nan Chen snapped.
“That goes without saying. I’ll definitely give you one.” Chai Hua chuckled.
“Mr. Chai, don’t listen to her. There’s no need to give one to her,” Ning Ran interjected as she hurried over.
“This year’s celebration will be more festive than before with the addition of Little Miss, Little Master, and yourself. Little Miss doesn’t need a red packet from me, but it’s my honor to give her one.” He beamed.
“Stop fooling around!” Ning Ran gave her daughter a look.
Erbao made a face, for she knew she had more leeway today due to it being the Lunar New Year.
Once Chai Hua was gone, Ning Ran asked Nan Chen, “Does Mr. Chai have children? Isn’t he going home for the ew year?”
“When I was young, Mr. Chai had a wife and children. However, they went missing,” the latter explained.
“Missing?”
“Yes, his wife took the children out on a trip, never to return. He searched for them for three whole years, while the Nan family deployed all its resources to help. Unfortunately, it was a futile effort. They seemed to have disappeared into thin air. As time went by, Mr. Chai gradually got over the incident. He didn’t remarry and continued serving the family. Therefore, Grandpa has ordered that we take care of Mr. Chai in his old age.”
“How did they go missing just like that?”
“They went on an island holiday. The boat could’ve capsized. I’m not really sure. Nonetheless, don’t bring this up in front of Mr. Chai, as it will strike a raw nerve of his.”
“Okay.” Ning Ran nodded.
“Mommy, are we changing into our new clothes now?” Erbao tugged at her sleeve.
“It’s still early. We’ll change it later. Or you might just dirty it.”
“Doesn’t she have a few sets? We’ll just change it if it gets dirty,” Nan Chen remarked by the side.
“Why must you go against me? What’s the point of changing so often at home to look good? Is this a fashion show?” Ning Ran knitted her brows.
“Why not? Aren’t new clothes meant to be worn? There’s no reason to keep them in the closet. Erbao, go get changed!” Nan Chen gave her his full support.
“All right!” Erbao ran off in delight.
“How am I going to discipline the children with you challenging my authority?” Ning Ran glared at him.
“It’s the Lunar New Year. All that matters is they have a good time. Anyway, I need to prepare and give the city leaders a call to wish them seasonal greetings. While I’m in my study, don’t let the children disturb me,” Nan Chen instructed.
“All right. I got it.”
At five in the evening, Nan Chen brought Ning Ran and the children back to Commoner Residence.
Ning Ran was filled with anxiety, for she felt as if she was the only outsider there.
Meanwhile, Bai Hua and Nan Zhiyuan had already arrived. The moment she saw Erbao, she hurried over and picked the latter up. “My darling has grown a little taller now.”
All this while, Erbao never liked Bai Hua, but she allowed her grandma to carry her out of courtesy.
“Come, give me a kiss,” Bai Hua suggested to Erbao.
Erbao refused. You should be grateful I allowed you to carry me. There’s no way I’m giving you a kiss.
“Come, it’s just a kiss. I missed you a lot.”
Bai Hua pretended to be close to her grandchildren to impress Nan Zhengde and Feng Wan.
Cognizant of how both of them doted on the children, she figured she could impress them by being nice to the children.
“Grandma, I’m still sick, so please put me down before I give it to you.”
Erbao made an excuse to avoid giving Bai Hua a kiss.
“Oh, you’re sick? Tell me what’s wrong? Have you seen the doctor?” Bai Hua feigned concern.
“I was poisoned. Someone spiked—”
“Erbao!” Ning Ran cut her daughter off immediately.
