In the blink of an eye, the three-day, two-night outing ended on Friday.
The teachers led the students and parents back and announced that classes would resume on Monday.
At the manor, Old Ashley saw them return and asked with concern, "Did you have fun these three days?"
"Yes, Great-grandma! Let me tell you, we went to the fields and planted rice ourselves. Daddy said we can eat the rice we planted in the second half of the year."
Gregory proudly recounted the events of the past three days.
Chloe, standing beside him, chimed in excitedly, waving her hands.
After a while, seeing that the two little ones were starting to yawn and look sleepy, Deanna called for the servants to take them to their rooms. Only then did she have a chance to chat with her grandmother.
"Has anything happened at home recently?"
"Everything's been fine here. Your future mother-in-law knew you weren't home, so she's been coming over every day to check on me. Tomorrow is the weekend; you should take Gregory and Chloe to visit them at the old house. I think they miss Gregory and Chloe."
Old Ashley recounted the recent events.
Deanna was a bit surprised to hear this because she hadn't expected Samantha to come over and help look after her grandmother. She felt a warm sensation in her heart.
She nodded and said, "It's perfect that tomorrow is the weekend. I'll take Gregory and Chloe over to stay for two days. Will you come with us, Grandma?"
"I won't go. I've just gotten used to this place. If I move again, I might have trouble sleeping."
The old lady waved her hand, indicating she wouldn't go.
Deanna knew about her grandmother's condition and didn't insist.
The next day was the weekend.
After having breakfast with Deanna and Lance, the two little ones said goodbye to their great-grandmother and headed to the old house.
At the old house, Samantha was pleasantly surprised to see the family of four arrive. "You're back! Why didn't you call me in advance so I could prepare?"
"Prepare for what? We just brought Gregory and Chloe over to spend time with you and Dad."
Lance responded with a light smile.
Deanna and the two little ones stood beside him, smiling brightly.
"Grandma."
"Samantha."
Hearing their voices, Samantha's smile became even more gentle.
She warmly invited them to sit down.
Once seated, she eagerly asked the two little ones about their outing. "I heard you went to a village this time. Was it fun?"
"It was very fun."
Talking about the outing, before Samantha could ask more questions, the two little ones started sharing their experiences.
Chloe took out a photo album from her small backpack and handed it to Samantha, saying in her sweet voice, "Grandma, look, these are the photos we took."
Samantha held the little girl while looking at the photos.
Gregory acted as the commentator beside her.
When they had almost finished chatting, Lance asked, "Where's Dad? Did he go to the company today?"
"No, your grandfather took him out for something. Do you need to talk to your father?"
Samantha looked over curiously as she spoke.
Lance shook his head. "No, just asking casually."
Usually, his father would stay home with his mother on weekends.
The family chatted in the living room until evening when Logan and Old Mercer returned.
"Dad, Logan, you're back. Deanna and Lance brought Gregory and Chloe over and plan to stay for two days."
Samantha greeted them with a smile and then mentioned Deanna and Lance's plan.
Hearing this, Logan and Old Mercer looked pleased.
"Gregory and Chloe are here."
"Perfect timing; I have something for them."
Old Mercer said this.
The two little ones ran over and asked in their sweet voices, "Great-grandpa, what do you have for us?"
"I got a beautiful ruby and had it made into amulets for each of you."
Old Mercer said as he took out two palm-sized brocade boxes and handed them over. "Open them and see if you like them."
The two little ones obediently opened the boxes and were immediately captivated by the amulets inside.
"Wow, so beautiful."
They exclaimed in unison, their eyes shining brightly as they clearly liked the ruby amulets.
Seeing this, Deanna stepped forward and saw the ruby amulets lying in the brocade boxes.
The ruby amulets were crystal clear and obviously valuable. The exquisite craftsmanship made them look lifelike.
Undeniably, Deanna also liked these ruby amulets at first sight, but she couldn't let the little ones accept such precious gifts.
"Grandpa, you've already given them so many valuable things before. We can't accept these ruby amulets. Gregory and Chloe, give the amulets back to your great-grandpa."
"Okay, Mommy."
Although they liked the ruby amulets, the two little ones obediently returned the brocade boxes to Old Mercer.
Seeing this, Old Mercer deliberately put on a stern face and said unhappily, "Why can't they accept them? I specifically prepared these for them. If they don't take them, what's the point of me buying these ruby amulets?"