Imperial Garden Plaza
Everyone was outside enjoying the summer breeze and bright sunshine. At the same time, they were having a barbeque for lunch since the girl drags all of them again to the market early in the morning.
Elizabeth was happily playing by the pond along with her servants, whilst Long and Chou watch her from behind.
General Zhao notices how happy the girl was playing that he recalled something very important. "Sister, isn't it almost Lili's birthdays, has she decided already?"
Lady Zhao finished the food in her mouth first before answering her brother. "She has, will just have the same simple party amongst close friends and family. Will try to avoid other people from attending."
"How about that boy aren't we going to invite him?" The old man said, causing the father of the celebrant expression to suddenly turn cold and surprised.
Lord Knightley was completely shocked since he has never heard a word from his daughter about such a man in her life. The fact he has missed the most crucial part of being a father, he became upset and furious. "What boy?"
"Brother-in-law last time our precious princess woke up with dark eyes. She stayed up all night wondering if whether the boy was being affectionate towards her. You know her, she good at figuring people just like you. So she became confused about that boy's action and couldn't sleep at all." General Zhao explained everything suddenly feeling a chill down his spine.
His own daughter was actually unable to understand something. He could not believe it at all, for the girl was far smarter than him. At the same time, it was thanks to her as well that the business has improved even better. "Winston, give me a complete report about this boy."
General Zhao taps the man on the shoulder and beamed proudly. "No need brother-in-law I have already asked someone to check on him."
"Well done my dear brother-in-law." He replied as they shake hands in agreement that this was the best and necessary action. As a man, they must protect her.
Lady Zhao just finished her meal as she remembers something. "By the way, I noticed Lizzy visiting the old studio last time. Father, have you asked the servant to clean it for her?"
"No worries child, the studio has been cleaned and redecorated as well to her liking. I'm pleased to see her working there since it was your mother's favorite place as well." Elder Chief Zhao replied as he focused his gaze on the girl playing around.
"She sure has inherited mother's talent when it comes to art and music. Sister, I heard one of her earlier artwork was actually auctioned for more than 50 million was that true?"
Lady Zhao nodded, please of her daughter's achievements. "It was indeed, it was for a charity event so it was sold for a good reason. You know she won't sell any of her work for no good reason."
Elder Chief Zhao reached out his hand and held his daughter's hand. Pleased that she gave birth to a wonderful child. "The child is good, I just hope she finds a good husband that can take care of her." he then added, "Anyway, how about we all eat out for tonight. A family dinner to welcome everyone home."
Lord Knightley softened his expression, nodded to the old man's proposal. "That would be a good idea father-in-law."
"Then, I'll ask Lili where she wants to eat." General Zhao said, as he got up and walked towards the girl.
Whilst the three of them continued to talk about family matters and business.
General Zhao called for the girl's attention. "Lili, father suggested we should eat out tonight. Where do you wish to dine?"
"Ah, let's eat at Grand Spring Hotel. They have the best fruit cake dessert..." Elizabeth got up from the ground and locked her arms around the man's arm.
"Come, let's go tell father." He said as both of them headed back to where everyone else.
...
Later that afternoon, Elizabeth spent some time with her father playing tennis whilst her mother watched them from the side reading her book.
"Father, can you go easy on me, please..." Elizabeth pleads as she tried to catch her breath.
"You seem to be out of shape?" Lord Knightley did his service but not too strong seeing the girl sweat was as big as raindrops and was looking all worn out.
"I haven't had a proper sleep lately..." she frowned at the same time regret what she just said for she knew that her father would inquire as to why.
"Any why is that?" he asked, as he returned the ball back to her.
"I've been busy with work..." she replied, averting her eyes from the man hoping that he does not see through her lies.
"Then I insist you stop working, I wasn't pleased anyways since you've been to the hospital twice because of your career."
Elizabeth was surprised to hear her father's cold words, that she lost her focus and was unable to return the ball, "No father, you can't just say that... It's not just because of work, it's because of that idiot..."
She did not continue what she was about to say and covered her mouth. She glared at the man who was beaming proudly of what he had just achieved.
The man ignored his daughter cold glare towards him and walked to his wife and seated on the chair in front of her. He grabbed a bottle of water and drank it.
"You know she'll hate you for what you did..." Lady Zhao put down her book to talk to the man.
"I know, but as her father... I don't want my daughter to be keeping secrets from me, especially if it involves a man." He replied, with a serious expression.
"You and father are too overprotective... She needs to experience all kinds of pain to become strong, she'll be fine, you all just need to relax..." She sighed, surprised how crazy worried they are when it comes to the girl.
The man grabs the towel and wipes the sweat on his face, "I'll relax if I know the man is worthy of my daughter. She is the heiress to the Knightley's fortune, at the same time to inherit all our established business."
Of course, Lady Zhao understands that. Their daughter right now is the most prestigious, desirable lady in the world. Despite the fact that people don't know what she looks like, the point is she to inherit all the family fortune makes her every tycoon dream wife. Even just the fortune they both earn from their career and own established business can make their daughter be part of the top 50 richest people in the world.
"My dear Robert Knightley, you know one day, your daughter will spread her wings and fly so far away that even you can't hold her back." She said as she helps the man wipe off the sweat around his body.
"I know, but when that time comes... No one will dare hurt her." He replied, for he intends to make sure by the time she wishes to venture into the world on her own, everyone will fear them and that no one will dare to bully her.