You couldn't set off fireworks in the city; you could only watch them from designated areas.
But while watching fireworks was enjoyable, lighting them yourself was a completely different kind of thrill.
Getting to light fireworks finally helped Dexter understand the appeal of the countryside.
"If I had known we could set off fireworks here, we would have bought way more."
Truth be told, this rural area was pretty amazing—not only could you light fireworks, but the food and drinks were top-tier.
Tonight's meal had stoked Dexter's appetite more than any dinner he had ever eaten at home.
Especially after the James family's bankruptcy, a feast like this was a rare luxury!
After going bankrupt, their quality of life had inevitably taken a massive hit.
But even when their living standards were at their peak, it was hard to find flavors this fresh and authentic.
Dexter was genuinely in awe of Dewitt's cooking skills.
He kept calling him by his name, showering the man with endless, sweet-talking praise.
Shirley gestured toward Dexter with her chin. "He's never been this eager to please me."
Claire found it hilarious too. "He probably won't even be this eager to please his future girlfriend."
All of his brown-nosing was reserved entirely for Dewitt.
Shirley had already stood up. "I'm so stuffed. I'm going to take a walk around the yard and then come back to help clear the table!"
Shirley was no longer the spoiled rich girl who wouldn't lift a finger to help.
She figured that since she was a guest in the James Village, she ought to do whatever chores she could handle.
Word had it that those were the kinds of guests people liked the most.
In the past, Shirley didn't think she needed anyone to like her, but now, she desperately wanted to be in their good graces!
If Pandora liked her, she would definitely let her stay a bit longer, right?
She liked the James Village. It might lack the bustling glamor of the city, but its vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere was something the city could never offer.
Not to mention, there were so many incredible things to eat here.
By the end of this New Year, she was bound to gain at least ten pounds!
Even so, there was no way Shirley was giving up on the food.
"There's no need for that, you kids go on and play."
Patti smiled warmly. "I'll clear the dishes."
"I couldn't possibly let you do that," Shirley tried to insist.
Patti merely waved her off. "Go on, go on. Claire, take them out to have fun."
Claire knew Patti wasn't just being polite.
She looked at Shirley. "Let's go. No need for you to do the dishes. Our plates are actually quite expensive,
ou wouldn't be able to afford
it
if you broke one." Content-
Shirley's eyes widened. "Are you looking down on me?"
"How could I even break a plate?"
"And even if I did, I could absolutely pay for it!"
Deep down, Shirley genuinely couldn't fathom not being able to afford a simple plate.
That was, until Mary chuckled softly beside her. "Don't push it, Shirley. You really wouldn't be able to afford these."
These were entirely different from standard, rustic earthenware.
They were a complete set, and judging by the patterns, they were turn-of the-century antiques at the very least, possibly even late Qing dynasty.
Using artifacts like these for an everyday meal was a profound testament to the immense deeprooted wealth of the James
estate. vel
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Shirley had wanted to argue back, but if Mary said she couldn't afford them, she probably really couldn't.
"Alright, fine."
Shirley at least had a sense of self-awareness.
"Let's go, let's go. We're going to light fireworks! By the way, did you guys buy a lot?"
"Will there be enough for us?"
Claire recalled the massive stash loaded in the trunk. "There should be more than enough."
Edison had bought a staggering amount, though they were originally intended for the night of his wedding.
They obviously couldn't blow through all of them today.
Dexter was immediately bossed around again, tasked with hauling the fireworks out
of the car.
He lugged them down box by box, stacking them neatly in the courtyard.