Art Club

Yang Liu jolted awake, her heart racing as she glanced at the clock. It was already 10 o'clock! Panic surged through her as she realized she had overslept and missed the time to take Han Wei to school. Slipping into her slippers, she dashed down the stairs, her mind racing with thoughts of the Han Wei.

As she reached the bottom, she spotted Butler Ling setting the table for breakfast. Approaching him, she noticed him engaged in conversation with the cook, who was busy preparing the meal.

Butler Ling heard her footsteps and turned around, a warm smile lighting up his face as he dismissed the cook with a nod. With a slight bow, he greeted her, "Madame, I've just set the table for you. I figured you would wake up around this time."

Yang Liu's eyes widened as she took in the spread before her. The table was adorned with all her favorite foods from when she first arrived in this new world. Confusion crossed her features as she looked back at Butler Ling and asked, "Where is Han Wei?"

With a calm demeanor, Butler Ling replied, "The driver has already taken the young master to school since we noticed you hadn't woken up."

Embarrassment washed over Yang Liu, and she scratched her head sheepishly. "It was an accident. I overslept. But I'll pick him up after school."

Butler Ling smiled understandingly and nodded, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Yang Liu settled into her chair and began to enjoy her breakfast, savoring each bite to her heart's content. However, after finishing, she found herself sitting on the couch, boredom creeping in. Having always been a diligent worker, the idle time felt strange and uncomfortable.

As she pondered what to do next, she called out to Butler Ling. He promptly responded, "How may I assist you, madame?"

"Is there a club nearby? I'd like to do something active," she inquired, hoping to shake off her restlessness.

Butler Ling thought for a moment before answering, "There's the art club that Secretary Jin's wife is part of, and it's close by. You could call her if you're interested."

A spark of recognition flashed in Yang Liu's mind as she recalled the lovely gift she had received from Secretary Jin's wife. Deciding to take Butler Ling's suggestion, she thanked him and retrieved the card Mrs. Jin had given her. After jotting down the number, she dialed.

The phone rang twice before a sweet voice answered, "Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, this is Yang Liu. I'm calling to thank you for your lovely gift," she replied warmly.

Zhen Lian, her voice filled with delight, responded, "Ah, I'm so happy you liked it! You're so beautiful; I knew it would suit you perfectly."

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Yang Liu expressed her gratitude before adding, "Actually, the reason for my call is to ask about the art club. I've always enjoyed painting, but I stopped for a while. I was wondering if I could join you at the club?"

Zhen Lian's excitement was palpable. "Of course! We have a meeting tomorrow at 1 PM. Does that work for you?"

Yang Liu considered the timing of Han Wei's school dismissal and replied, "That works! What's the address?"

With a soft laugh, Zhen Lian said, "No need for that, dear. We're friends now. I'll come pick you up!"

Surprised but composed, Yang Liu replied, "Sure, I'll be waiting for you." They exchanged goodbyes and hung up.

As Yang Liu turned, she noticed Butler Ling watching her with a curious expression. He asked, "Madame, I didn't know you used to paint."

Yang Liu wasn't taken aback; she had already checked that the former Yang Liu had enjoyed painting in school, just as she had. "Yes, I used to paint a long time ago, but I stopped. Now I'd like to get back into it."

Butler Ling's eyes sparkled with delight at the news. "That's wonderful, madame! I'll make sure to buy all the supplies you need. The master and the young master both love painting, too. It's a pity they stopped."

Yang Liu's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of their shared interest. With a mischievous smirk, she said, "Great! Whatever you buy for me, get the same for them."

Taken aback by the request, Butler Ling's eyes brightened with excitement. He rushed off, eager to order everything. Little did he know the chaos that awaited with those painting kits in the hands of his madame and the two boys in the family.