Chapter 213

S21 43. Picnic on the Beach

“Come on,” Philip persuaded again. “You said you wanted to learn new skills. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn to socialize.”

“You think I’m a weirdo?” Barbara squinted.

Philip laughed lightly. “If not, let’s go this Saturday. After the picnic, we can hang out for a while at the mall.”

Barbara’s eyes suddenly brightened. She seemed to find a good reason to accept the offer with the impression of being forced.

“Can we go to the mall after the picnic?”

Philip nodded. “So, we’re going picnic?” Philip stuck his little finger through the iron bars.

Barbara suppressed a smile. Glancing in another direction, she linked her finger to Philip’s. “Deal.”

Since that second, Barbara’s heart couldn’t stop pounding. She couldn’t wait for Saturday to come. They were so enthusiastic when the D-day arrived, they left early in the morning.

“Where are the others?” Melanie asked as she entered the dining room. There were only four sets of tableware available.

Frank raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know? They went on a picnic.

Melanie’s jaw dropped. “Picnic? Who?”

Frank and Kara glanced at each other. They thought it was strange that Melanie didn’t know. In fact, the twins were very excited to welcome Saturday, even Barbara and Philip too, although they didn’t mention it.

“The four of them-“.

“Four?”

+25 BONUS

Frank gasped, not expecting his mother to interrupt with a shriek.

“Yes. Louis, Emily, Barbara, and Philip.”

Melanie snorted in disbelief. “That brat….” She put her hands on her hips and gritted her teeth.

“Where do they go?”

Frank blinked. “To the beach, but they didn’t mention the specific location.”

While grimacing, Melanie grabbed her phone. She tried to contact Barbara. However, for the first time in history, her daughter’s number

was not active.

“That kid… she dares to disobey?”

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Kara could no longer remain silent.

“They’re just going on a picnic. Why are you angry?” Frank conti

Seeing the others looking at her in confusion, Melanie took a breath. After swallowing bitter spit, she sat down in her chair.

“Nothing. Let’s eat.”

She didn’t want anyone to know that Barbara had “low taste” in me

Frank and Kara nodded. They turned the plates awkwardly. Even Susan, she felt the air was a bit hot. Melanie’s anger must have been

enormous.

‘That brat…. Just wait and see. When he comes home, I won’t show

him mercy.’

Meanwhile, the twins had arrived at the beach. They were very eager to help Philip spread the mat, put up the big umbrella, and arrange the

food from the basket. Barbara, who was sitting relaxed, was busy taking care of her skin.

+25 BONUS

“Auntie, haven’t you applied the sunscreen on the car? Come on, help us!” Emily waved her hand, calling out. She looked very cute with her pink hat and sunglasses.

Barbara pursed her lips. “Aren’t you guys almost done?”

“No! There are many things to do. Auntie can’t be lazy. Come on, help. me organize the food!” Emily pointed at the basket.

Barbara snorted. She wanted to argue. However, realizing Philip’s glance, she finally moved, arranging the fruits on a plate.

“So, what will Auntie discuss on the broadcast today?” Louis asked as he sat next to Emily.

Barbara put the fruit plate proudly. “Let’s just chat casually. I’m sure many people have never had a picnic like this. They will definitely be enthusiastic to see what we bring and do.”

“Then, how about we build a sandcastle now? Auntie can show

her followers later.”

Emily elbowed her brother’s arm. “We have to have breakfast fi Louis. Otherwise, where will we have the energy? That’s right, isn’t Philip?”

Philip nodded and smiled sweetly at Emily. “That’s right, Young Lady. You are very wise.”

The corners of Barbara’s lips twitched. She was annoyed that Emily got praise, but she didn’t.

“So, what is our breakfast menu this morning? Apart from this beautifully arranged fruit?” Barbara tried to get attention.

Louis’ tiny finger reached out, almost touching the sandwich. “Can’t

+25 BONUS

you see this, Auntie? Our breakfast is right here.”

Barbara sneered. Why did she embarrass herself?

“I’m just making small talk.” After protecting her dignity, she took a piece of bread and handed it to Philip. “You want?”

Everyone was wide-eyed. Even Louis postponed eating the banana.

“Thank you,” Philip said with a faint smile.

Suddenly, Emily opened her palms. “Auntie, I also want a sandwich from you.”

With a banana stuffed in his mouth, Louis imitated Emily. “I also want

to.”

Louis’s speech was not clear. However, Barbara wasn’t annoyed with him at all. Her heart actually warmed. She felt that they were getting closer.

“You guys… are so spoiled.” She put one in Louis’ hand, the other in Emily’s hand. The twins’ laughter shook the atmosphere.

“Thank you, Auntie!” Louis said, still with a banana stuffed in his

mouth.

“Thank you, Auntie!” Emily exclaimed cheerfully. Her plump cheeks turned redder.

“Auntie, how about you start the live broadcast now?” Louis

suggested after putting the banana peel down. “My stomach is already growling. I don’t want to finish the food before Auntie records.

Barbara smiled slightly. She grabbed her phone, turned off the airplane mode. At that time, several messages came. In an instant, her expression turned flat.

“What’s wrong, Auntie?” Emily tilted her head, checking her aunt’s

+25 BONUS

condition.

Barbara blinked. Putting her phone in the bag, she shook her head. “I suddenly think it’s better if we don’t broadcast. How about we just have fun today?”

“I like it, but… are you okay?” Emily’s brows furrowed in worry.

“Relax, Emily. We can take some photos and videos. Auntie can post them later.” Louis shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Wow! That’s a great idea, Louis.” Emily’s round face lit up again. Then, while devouring the bread bit by bit, she started to say her ideas.

Meanwhile, Philip glanced at Barbara. He knew the girl was angry. ” What is it?” he whispered.

Barbara flinched. After a blink, she shook her head. “Oh, nothing. Let’s

eat.”

Sensing her fear, Philip looked around. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a black car parked right behind them. The driver had just rolled up the

window.

“Philip, don’t daydream! Eat your sandwich! After this, we have to work hard,” Louis said.

Philip twitched an eyebrow. He answered, but his eyes refused to

move. Only after the car left could he mingle freely. However, every now and then, his eyes remained alert.

***

“Come on, Emily. We have to hurry! Don’t let the adults win!” Louis exclaimed while panting.

“I’m trying to be quick,” Emily said, brokenly.

With his two tiny hands, Louis helped Emily fill the bucket with wet sand. Once the bucket was full, they lifted it and turned it over

+25 BONUS

together.

Unfortunately, no matter how fast they tried, Philip and Barbara were quicker. A few minutes later, Barbara was jumping up and down with joy.

“Done! We finished first! Woohoo!” She imitated Louis’ style. The toddler pouted.

“This is cheating. Your hands are bigger. Your legs are also longer. It’s natural for you to win. I should have been with Auntie, while Philip was with Emily. That would be fair.”

“Never mind, Louis. It’s just a game. Just let Auntie win. She’s never done that before.” Emily patted Louis’ shoulder. “Is that right, Philip?”

Instead of responding, Philip turned to face the other direction. His glasses had been removed. His face changed fiercely.

Barbara and the twins also turned around. Seeing a group of men getting out of the car, they gasped.