Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
Furious, Serena gripped her purse tighter, swinging the chain towards Alma’s back.
Alma quickly dodged, pushing Serena’s head into the sink.
The faucet sensed a presence, and water gushed out, soaking Serena’s hair and face. She struggled, but Alma held her head down firmly.
“Let me wash your hair to strengthen our bond”
Unable to get up, Serena stepped back in anger, driving the heel of her shoe into Alma’s foot.
The pain made Alma let go. Serena scooped up water from the sink and splashed it onto Alma.
“Bitch, I’ll fight you!”
Serena was furious. She grabbed her purse again, lashing out at Alma with the bag’s chain.
Alma flinched from the pain, grabbed a nearby trash can, and dumped its contents onto Serena.
Though Serena instinctively dodged and blocked with her hands, the dirty contents still stained her dress.
“Ugh.” Serena felt nauseous.
Seeing how dirty she was, Alma also found her disgusting and quickly kept her distance.
After delivering her final words, Alma turned and left.Serena was livid, but the stench from the trash made her retch. She was driven to madness, vowing to make Alma pay one day when she caught sight of her disheveled reflection.
She whipped out her phone, calling her friend. “Send me a dress, any dress, immediately!”
She felt a twinge of anger. How could her friends have missed Alma, a fully grown woman, entering the restroom?
“Serena, what’s the rush for the dress? Let me guess, your period came unexpectedly and stained it?
We waited for you outside for quite some time, and when you didn’t show up, we figured you might be dealing with your monthly visitor. We rushed to the store to get you some feminine hygiene products.”
At that, Serena’s anger deflated a little. “Just get it over here, will you?”
Alma was in for it now!
Meanwhile.
Beverly called Alma with the sudden news. Mr. Eugene and Grandpa Nathan had moved their tea time up, and they were at a nearby tea house at that very moment.
Beverly asked Alma to be ready, as their farnily car would soon arrive at the school gate with a stylist and makeup artist inside. Today, it was imperative that they make a good impression on Mr. Eugene.
At that moment.
In a tea house filled with the fragrant aroma of tea, Mr. Eugene and Grandpa Nathan were engaged in a tea tasting.
“You’re harder and harder to get a hold of, you old coot,’ Grandpa Nathan complained, though his face was full of smile. “I’ve been trying to set this up for months!”
Mr. Eugene chuckled heartily. “Well, I’ve been chasing after the younger generation, hoping to find a worthy successor.”
“Still no luck? Perhaps you should consider someone else if it’s not working out””No, no, I can’t do that,” Mr. Eugene insisted, waving his hands dismissively. “I have my heart set on that girl.”
“Are you a glutton for punishment? There are so many clever kids out there.
Why not give someone else a chance? Why hang yourself on one tree.”
Grandpa Nathan was interrupted by a knock on the door. A waiter brought in a mother-daughter pair, both of whom were elegantly dressed and smiling warmly.
“Beverly and Alma, come in, come in; Grandpa Nathan cheerfully greeted them.
Beverly first saluted him, then turned towards Mr. Eugene.
“I’ve long heard of Mr. Eugene’s renown. Now that I’ve seen him in person, he’s just as impressive as I expected. I am Beverly, Alma’s mother. I’m very grateful to Grandpa Nathan for giving us this opportunity to meet you. Alma, say hello to Grandpa Eugene.”
In her introduction, she did not mention her own prestigious background as a member of the Collins family but introduced herself as Alma’s mother. This humble approach left a favorable impression on Mr. Eugene.
Alma also greeted him politely, revealing herself as a person of good manners and character.
“I’ve known Grandpa Nathan for over twenty years, and this is the first time he’s recommended someone to me.”
Although the name “Alma” rang a bell with Mr. Eugene, he hadn’t paid much attention to anyone else at Summerfield College. Today, his focus was on Mirabella.”I truly believe this child is clever and quick-witted, with great potential. She has won countless chess awards since she was young.’ Grandpa Nathan said, turning to Alma. “Did you bring any of your certificates or trophies to show to Grandpa Eugene?”
Alma smiled gracefully. “I wouldn’t dare embarrass myself in front of you two gentlemen. Those awards might impress the average person, but given your profound skills in chess, it would be like a novice trying to show off their sword skills in front of the master.”
“Ha! I knew it! That kid’s quick-witted. She won’t let you down in the future,”
chuckled Grandpa Nathan, clearly pleased with Alma’s performance. If he hadn’t already taken on a protege, he would have been tempted to take Alma under his wing.
Mr. Eugene responded with a warm smile, “Come, let’s have some tea first.”
Following several cups of tea and friendly chit-chat, Beverly, sensing the time was right, turned to Mr.
Eugene with a soft smile.
“Alma has long admired your work. Would there be any chance for her to receive your quidance?”
Eugene laughed heartily, “Oh, I wouldn’t dare advise. Just keep studying under Morgan. She’ll make a name for herself in the future.”
Despite being a master at chess, Morgan was nowhere near Eugene’s level.
What Beverly and Alma wanted was not just to learn from Morgan but to become Eugene’s personal protege, paving the way to the pinnacle of success and receiving undivided respect.
“Grandpa Eugene.” Alma was about to propose a game of chess, having thought out her argument carefully.
But Eugene waved her off, “Alright, that’s enough tea for today. I’ve got some errands to run. Nathan, we’ll catch up another time.”
Nathan understood the situation was unlikely to change and graciously laughed, “You’re such a busy man. I’ll probably have to wait several months to see you again. Allow me to walk you out.””No need, spend some time with the girls.”
“We’ve been friends for years, and it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t see you off.”
Beverly gave Alma a look, indicating there was no more opportunity to persuade Eugene.
After he left, Alma couldn’t help but feel a bit deflated.
Beverly picked up her teacup, savoring a sip of tea before speaking again, “I knew Eugene wouldn’t choose you as his personal student. But he didn’t even give a hint of offering guidance. Do you know why?”
Alma shook her head, “Did I perform poorly earlier?”
Beverly finished her tea before replying, “To be precise, you didn’t perform as well as Mirabella. Your actions haven’t yet challenged Mirabella’s standing in his heart.”
It seemed Louisa’s daughter did have some talent, earning Eugene’s high regard.
“So should I just keep trying to impress him? Maybe I can eventually win him over?”
“It’s futile” Beverly sighed, refilling her cup. “But don’t worry, we have other options”
“Mom, are you talking about Jamie, who is known as Noelle?”
“Yes,’ Beverly took a sip of her tea, her voice calm, “In her early years, Noelle would take on incredibly challenging pieces. Fast-paced ones were bold and free-spirited under her interpretation, while slow ones were like a gentle stream, touching the heart without being overly sentimental.”
She paused before adding, “Not only did Noelle win the favor of renowned conductors like Caravan and Shana, but also famous composers like Silvano from Dawnstar, Elita, and talented Spanish composer Cecilia. They all praised her performances and hoped to collaborate with her someday.”Alma seemed to see a glimmer of hope.
“Famed violinist Heather once said she would never perform Noelle’s violin pieces in public, as it would be an embarrassment. She couldn’t replicate the full range of emotions and the collision between ice and fire”
Beverly continued, “Many performers focus on the superficial glamour of their performances, showing off their skills without deep thought. Noelle’s impeccable technique and profound thoughts are awe-
inspiring. That’s why she can produce such moving pieces.”
“But Mom, no one’s ever seen Noelle. It won’t be easy to find her.”
At the same time as she felt excited, Alma also felt a twinge of worry. “What if Noelle has already taken on a disciple, or what if she’s like Grandpa Eugene, not easily accepting students.”
“How will you know if you don’t try?” Beverly said. Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside and whispered, “Quiet”
Seeing her mother’s straight posture, Alma followed suit, straightening her back.
As the footsteps grew closer, the door was pushed open, and Grandpa Nathan came in with a hearty laugh. “Finally got that old coot out of here.
His presence was nearly freezing the place”
Beverly and Alma shared a knowing smile, their elegant upbringing shining through.
“Beverly, I’m really sorry. That old man is so stubborn, and once he’s made up his mind, not even nine bulls can pull him back.”
“Mr. Nathan, you’re being too hard on yourself. Without your introduction, we would never have had the chance to meet Mr. Eugene. You’ve helped us greatly. it’s just that Alma is not good enough to catch Mr. Eugene’s eye. It’s not your fault.”
Nathan was moved by her words and said with some embarrassment, “In that case, I know a master who’s even better than Morgan. I’ll introduce you to him sometime.”“Mr. Nathan, Alma has always admired your skills, but unfortunately, she hasn’t been lucky enough to become your student. She believes that the only person who could possibly match you is Mr. Eugene.
But now that Mr.
Eugene has chosen someone else, and Alma is too proud to settle for less.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.