My Precious Family 2 [Jenlisa]

Chapter 272: Welcome back, Boss.

When Bear reached the kitchen, he stopped by the entrance. He slowly moved his eyes and immediately spotted Jennie.     

She was standing by the counter. Her hands were spread on the edge of the counter and her eyes were sharp, looking straight in his direction as if she was ready to fight.     

Bear couldn't help but gulp, hearing it echo in his ears.     

"What are you doing?" she asked, jerking her chin to the balcony. "Go."    

"Huh?"    

"We'll talk on the balcony," she explained, keeping it short and simple. "For privacy."    

"Ah..." Bear nodded, glancing at the transparent sliding door in the corner. He glanced at her suspiciously but still marched toward the balcony.     

Bear looked around the wide balcony but didn't find the need to sit on the comfortable chairs around. Instead, he found a spot in the corner while waiting for her. When a minute had passed and she didn't come, Bear peeked through the glass pane, only to see her carrying a tray.     

'What is she doing?' he wondered, watching her approach the balcony with a tray in her hands.     

Bear politely slid the door open to let her enter, only to flinch when she glared at him. Jennie didn't say anything, though. She carried the tray carefully, putting it down on the table.    

"Sit," she said as soon as she straightened her back, head turned in his direction. She pointed at the chair with her left finger. "Sit down. Don't just stand there."    

Uh...    

The lines between his brows deepened, dragging his feet to the chair she pointed at. Clueless about what she was planning, Bear watched her sit down on the chair across from him.     

"Uhmm..." he cleared his throat, raising his brows. "Young madam —"    

"Let's talk later." Jennie abruptly stopped him mid-sentence, resting her leg over the other, arms crossed. She jerked her chin to the food on the tray.    

"Eat that first," she said, looking at him straight in the eye. "We'll talk once you eat that."    

His already furrowed brows creased.     

Why?    

Bear glanced down at the tray that had a silver lid on top of it to cover the food inside. He knew Jennie would usually take charge of the kitchen, almost making the chef lose his job. Therefore, he was aware she might be a skilled cook.     

That wasn't his concern, though.     

Why did she want him to eat first before they talk? It wasn't poisoned, right?    

"It's not poisoned, Bernard." Jennie rolled her eyes as if she could read him like an open book. "Just check and eat it. You'll understand why I'm doing this."    

There was still reluctance in his eyes, casting her a quick look. Still, he wanted to talk to her about the serious matter. Therefore, Bear swallowed whatever doubt in his heart and opened the silver lid.     

As soon as he did, the aroma immediately wafted through his nostrils. It smelled familiar. Looking at the simple dish, his face turned blank.     

"I told you." Jennie sighed, keeping her eyes on him. "Now, have a taste."    

Bear lifted his head to her, only to see that her initial fierceness was replaced with something inexplicable. The dish before him was something Jane would usually cook; it was her comfort food. And because Jane would usually make it, she would share it with him. After all, it was an original recipe. Something she perfected throughout the years.    

That was why he would never mistake even its familiar smell.     

"Thank you... for the food." He nearly stuttered as his voice was a little shaky. His hand was trembling as he picked up the cutlery, clearing his throat as he took a spoonful.    

There was fear that was crawling into his heart, which he couldn't explain, since he expected to be excited. Perhaps there was still a lingering fear that this wasn't true. That Jennie was just copying Jane. Jennie was an award-winning actress, remember?    

Bear witnessed her acting skills firsthand.     

Who knew?    

Perhaps Jennie was actually acquainted with Jane. Jane would sometimes go around in disguise, talking to strangers. Maybe Jane met Jennie, and they became friends for a day. Therefore, Jennie was copying Jane to escape her reality.     

Jane could've told Jennie about him!     

Myriads of thoughts surged through Bear's mind as he guided the spoon to his mouth. He was almost amazed at how quickly these thoughts occupied his mind in a split second. Some were even unbelievably ridiculous ideas. However, all those things that had invaded his head magically disappeared when he shoved the food inside his mouth.     

'No doubt,' he thought, lifting his eyes to the woman across from him. 'This was her recipe.'    

His eyes softened as a layer of tears coated his eyes. No matter how much he fought it, tears formed in the corner of his eyes as he started chewing. Before he knew it, he was sniffing hard while covering his eyes with his arms.     

"Bear..." Jennie called quietly, biting her inner bottom lip. Her eyes softened, feeling a bit emotional as the old man ate while crying in silence.     

They didn't speak for the next ten minutes as he just ate slowly, savoring the meal he missed so much. It felt like home. Each bite was a different emotion.    

When he ate the last bite, Bear finally mustered the courage to look at her.     

"It's good," he forced his voice out, forcing a smile, but failed miserably. "Hits home."    

Jennie smiled subtly, shrugging. "I thought I should prove myself first before I start with any nonsense. I missed you so much, Bear."    

"Boss..." his vision grew blurry at the tears that formed in the corner of his eyes. "I'm sorry. I guess tears easily come out when you are older."    

Bear wiped his eyes with his sleeve, forcing out a laugh. When he barely recomposed himself, he huffed and raised his head.     

"You don't have any idea how much I missed you." the corner of his mouth stretched until his visible wrinkles deepened. "Welcome back, Boss."