"I see you haven't lost your cynicism", commented Tang who had overheard his remarks.
"Sorry buddy, I didn't mean to disparage your guests", Li Jie said sheepishly.
"I didn't say you are wrong in your opinion. In fact I am happy to see that you haven't changed a bit", said Tang mildly.
"I never knew that you were gifted with a voice like an angel, darling", said Mei Zhen, came and positioned herself between the two men.
"Now I know what I want as my wedding night gift", she added with a wink.
"I guess I am going to leave you two to discuss your err…future nights and find a place to change back into age appropriate clothes", said Li Jie cheekily.
"Yes, you do that", said Tang and beckoned a staff member passing by.
"I need you to get three rooms ready on the first floor. If the rooms next to mine are occupied, shift them out to further down the hall", instructed Tang to the man.
"Li Jie, he will guide you all to your rooms. And please don't hesitate to ask him for whatever any of you require. The other guests shall start to arrive in an hour or so. I will catch up with you in a bit", he spoke warmly.
Li Jie sketched a mock salute to his friend walked away to find Jia Li and Chung, who had slipped away earlier.
Mei Zhen spun around and demanded, "what was the need for putting them up in such close quarters to you. You are the bridegroom. Don't you want your special cousins or friends to stay around you?"
Tang looked at her quietly before replying, "there is no one more special or important than them for me."
She immediately backtracked and said with a smile, "sorry, I didn't mean to sound interfering. It is just that I have neither met them nor heard of them before tonight. They have appeared so suddenly and taken over the scene. I just found it a bit odd".
Tang took a minute before saying evenly, "Let me tell you about my most annoying habit. The things that I don't talk about are usually the most important issues in my life. It has been a source of frustration to my parents and I am sure you shall berate about it as well at some point in future. Now, aren't you getting late for your change of attire?"
She was irritated beyond measure as she reached her room. She and her parents had been allocated the entire second floor to change, relax during the function.
"If you are going to keep scowling, the best make-up also won't be able to hide those frown lines", chided her mother.
"Please don't lecture me right now, mom. I need fifteen minutes to myself. Make sure no one enters the room before that else I can't guarantee their safety. And no, I don't want to talk about it", said Mei Zhen, slamming the door on her mother's face.