Fourteen years earlier cont...
By silent understanding, they never spoke on the subject and Jia Li did not say anything to Tang either. Single child and the apple of her father's eyes, she enjoyed a lot of freedom from her parents. But she had made sure to stay worthy of the privilege and ensured she got decent marks in school and didn't misuse her parents' trust in her.
Mr. Lin was also fond of her three friends and often took the kids out for picnics on weekends. All four mothers got along famously as well. But the fathers were a different story. Chung, Li Jie and Jia Li's fathers were friendly enough but Tang's dad had always held himself superior and aloof, both in his mind and overtly as well.
In his opinion, he and his son were destined for bigger better things and he disliked his son's over familiarity with the three families. But Tang knew how to work around his father and managed to keep his friends away from his dad's hostility for the most part. His father had always made it a point to include him in his grand plans about a big business and a rich lifestyle.
Tang knew that his father had immense faith in him and he never did anything which was against his father's wishes as well. Which is why his mind shied away every time when he thought about the future when he would have to confront his dad about his relation with Jia Li. For now, he ensured that his dad was kept in the dark about the intensity with which he liked her.
By the time they were at the end of middle school, they had formed a band and Tang had become the most popular boy around town. Around the same time, his father won the long fought legal battle against his cousin, winning the ownership of a huge amount of shares. Mr. Xie's dream of being a successful and respected businessman seemed within his reach now.
"Papa, did you know that Uncle Xie has invested a lot of money in a big consumer brand recently? He is planning a big bash next week since his partner is coming here. Do you know our band is going to perform that evening? Will you please make sure that you make it in time to hear me that night?" Jia Li chattered non-stop.
Mr. Lin tried to calm his bundle of energy with a smile and replied gently, "you know we both are very proud of you and your accomplishments. I will try to make it that night but if I get stuck in some important office work, can you please forgive me for it already?"
After Jia Li left the room, Mrs. Lin looked at her husband for an explanation of the white lie he had told their daughter.
"You and I both know that we won't be invited to that event. Mr. Xie used to barely tolerate the likes of us till now for his son's sake. Investing money in a cash strapped company was a smart way to ensure his entry into Shanghai's rich and famous world. He will surely move up the connection ladder with his skills. I just hope, for my daughter's sake, that Tang doesn't get affected by the changes in their economic status else she will be mighty disappointed to lose her precious friend", he finished.
As a government employee, he had no high aspirations about getting rich and was quite content in his current circumstances.
Jia Li had inherited her fair colouring and the lovely green eyes from her mother. Mrs. Lin was still an extremely good-looking lady. She was also much more perceptive than her husband even though their daughter was closer to her husband. She knew if there were to be any problems between Jia Li and Tang, her daughter would not be disappointed, she would be shattered and heart broken.