It was a peaceful morning when CEO Kien told Lala he was heading to the market to buy some fresh ingredients for lunch. As he grabbed his shopping bag and hat, Lala waved from the porch, smiling brightly.
“Stay home and be good, Lala,” Kien said warmly. “I’ll be back soon!”
As soon as he disappeared down the road, Lala tiptoed into the kitchen with a sparkle in her eyes. “I’ll surprise Uncle Kien by starting lunch myself!” she whispered with excitement.
Climbing onto her little stool, Lala scanned the kitchen. She remembered watching Kien cut vegetables, stir soup, and flip pancakes many times. She pulled out a few carrots and cucumbers from the fridge and carefully washed them. Although her knife was plastic and safe for kids, she took her time slicing the soft vegetables into cute shapes—stars and hearts, just like Kien had shown her.
She found leftover rice and began preparing a simple fried rice, adding a pinch of salt and stirring slowly in the pan under low heat (with help from the nearby maid keeping a close eye). The room filled with a warm, savory smell.
By the time CEO Kien returned with a basket full of meat and fresh herbs, he was shocked and touched.
“Lala! You cooked?”
She nodded proudly. “Just a little—while I waited for you!”
Kien looked at the neatly arranged veggies and steaming bowl of rice, then down at Lala’s smiling face.
“This is amazing. You’ve really grown,” he said, hugging her tightly.
They sat down together, enjoying the small meal she had lovingly prepared. It wasn’t just food—it was Lala’s sweet way of saying: I care, I watch, I learn… and I love.
