Links:
https://twitter.com/Red_shrimpp/status/1647237626078851074
https://www.edna.bg/media/foto/14-naj-dobri-nachina-za-byrzo-izgariane-na-mazninii-zaguba-na-teglo-7577?p=1
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This part is a reference to Chapter 67 of this book.
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the 8th of February, 2026
Estella was not too surprised to find the front door fully locked. After all, her Master Lan was supposed to have been at his brother's wedding yesterday; the boys were most probably still partying, or regretting partying rather.
She frowned slightly, remembering Mister Lan's parties, from before. One good thing about that silly chico was that now Mister Lan was a little bit more reasonable. Not a lot, mind you – just a bit!
Of course, the young blond boy was with him. He was like his shadow, and the small, slim lady had truly wanted to dislike him, jealous of this closeness; she was forever suspicious towards anyone new in her Master's life, especially after all his crazy ex-s!
But the blond boy was a fan of her cooking, and paid her compliments, and also – was a real gentleman with her, and she was melting, flattered and impatient to cook for him too! Nothing was more important than good, strong, healthy food, and seeing her boys – all of her boys! – feed properly, ah, it filled her heart with joy!
So, today was Sunday, and she was not in a hurry, as she knew the house would be empty most of the day – she could take her time with the cleaning, and the fresh cooking. She was supposed to be here at 10 in the morning, but her Juan offered to give her a lift before going to work, and she accepted; she was bringing in some fresh produce for Mister Lan's fridge, although she doubted he would appreciate it properly; her Master preferred the meat, and now that his heavy court case was finally over, she had no doubts he would be ravenous more often than not. Stress had this effect on him.
Oh, well, one never knew! Maybe the blond boy and the second Master were going to appreciate her efforts better!
She puffed a small stray strand of greying hair from out of her eyes, as she was trying to unlock the front door. Her hands were holding a wide crate, full of fresh vegetables, and some avocado too, although the real treasure today were a couple of rare persimmons, which she had bargained for for almost half an hour! And even though her Juan had offered to her to help her with the bags, she refused firmly, and shooed him away.
- Eyy, Dios mío! - she almost cursed, finally managing to disable all alarms, and undo all the locks. – Ahh, Master Lan, pfft!
She let herself in, not really caring to keep quiet. It was a little after 9:30 in the morning, and she was absolutely sure the house was Master-Jiang-and-Master-Lan-free. This was why she gaped foolishly at the two unfamiliar pairs of shoes at the front door.
Ha!
Well, those were male shoes alright! Master Lan's shoes were a bigger number – she could swear on it! Master Jiang would never wear such elegant and fancy shoes; he preferred wearing his old, worn-out, and probably quite comfy sports sneakers. And the blond boy – he owned two pairs of shoes, she knew that for sure: one pair of oldish, but well-kept military boots, and one pair of close-fitting, black leather slip-ons, which looked very comfortable too, and which he wore in case he needed to be wearing a more formal outfit.
