"Eh? It is just me. By the hand. Natashenka, she tries sometimes, but she thinks like engineer, not like seamstress. Ah, but I should remember she found silk finer than I ever could! But..." Now Lenya turns from the 'doting mother' directly to the 'mistress of the side hustle'. "If you are promising steady work... who would you be asking for?"

Natalia is beginning to seriously doubt bringing Maomao to her family's apartment. Still, she gets some tea with orange zest, sets an electric kettle, and pulls forth cups and saucers. "you as well, mother?"

"Just water for me, dear," Lenya says.