That night, Dan was squirming in his bed. Shopping and dinner went well. However, anticipation on Midori's set time was killing him.
Meanwhile, in the Xiu household, mother and daughter were having after dinner tea.
"Mom?" Midori set her teacup and its saucer back on the table. Then she remembered that they were not alone. She turned to the maid brushing her slightly damp hair from bathing. She nodded and smiled, and the maid immediately left.
Her mom looked at her head maid and the latter swiftly walked away.
"What is it?" Her mom was reading business reports.
Madam Xiu has been the mistress of the household after she married Xiu Jin. She came from City O but her family had expanded their business in this country. She met her husband during a trip to survey their local office. Luckily, her father was not too traditional when it comes to marriage. However, Jin's mother thoroughly opposed the union. Jin threatened to leave the country and be with her in Country N, giving up all rights to the company. However, Elder Xiu would not let that happen so he used his authority to make his wife agree to his son's marriage.
Igarashi Aoi, Madam Xiu's maiden name, is a woman with great talent for business. This appeased her in-laws. She was one of the heirs of their company and she held a high position. However, it was not as vital as Jin's role as XCG's CEO. After marriage, her in-laws were impressed in her management skills. Not to mention, she was also able to give them a young master after 2 years of marriage. She however, named her children in her native language. It is enough for her that they have her husband's surname. She raised Masaichi and Midori to be close to their parents, even though they are busy with the company. They also learnt of her language and cultire. She inculcated that family should always come first.
"Mom, can I go out tomorrow..?" Midori waited for a change in expression on her mother.
Madam Xiu maintained her icy expression and continued reading.
"Where are you going?" She casually asked her daughter.
Midori did not know how to respond. She does not know where Dan is taking her. She wanted to ask permission first before confirming her availability.
With this dilemma, she was only able to answer in syllables, "Uhm...erhmm..."
"Why are you babbling? You're not an infant." She looked intently at Midori.
"Mom, I..."
Aoi understood her hesitation. She gave her daughter a knowing smile.
"You can go." She paused. "Don't forget to bring your phone. Call if needed...and make sure that boy will bring you back here. I will leave early. Tell him that I will be home at 9 in the evening. I would like to meet him."
Midori's eyes widened. She was just asking if she could go out with a classmate. How come it felt like she was permitted to go out on a date?
She was stunned by the sudden change in her mother's expression. From the icy poker face, she had the warmth of summer.
"Is that even impossible? What kind of boy are you going out with?" Aoi was impatient for her answer.
"Huh? Uhm..hai! Hai, wakarimashita*!"
"Hmm..yokatta*." Aoi resumed reading.
"Demo okaasan...*"
"Hmmm, nani*?"
"Honto ni...de-to janai*!" Midori felt helpless in explaining.
"I never said it was." Aoi said smiling.
Midori was flabbergasted. What did she just confirm?!
"Hmm..wakatta*."
"Go to bed now. Oyasumi*." She kissed her daughter on her temple.
"Oyasuminasai, Okaasan*." Midori left for her room.
Aoi laughed. "Hmmm...young love."