Laughter filled the air. Although the Cheng family is someone you can not easily trifle with, they are indeed good people.
And since they are good people with great power, many have dreamed of becoming a part of their circle. One thing is for sure, once become a part of their people, success is only one inch away.
The banquet has long started and so friends, family, business associates started to give their gifts and blessings to Grandpa. Of course, giving your blessings are way of currying a favor to the family. One would bring the most expensive and astonishing gift, or latest models of technologies, or business collaborations or anything just to please the family.
Terrence and Alicia finally arrived! As they walked thru the isle, heads turned towards their direction.
"ahh it's Mr. Cheng's grandson!"
" ohh my, I've only seen him once during the 35th anniversary of the company, he's really a grown up now"
"ahhh why is he so dashing? Is Mr. Cheng's second grandson a celebrity?"
"who's that beside him? Her girlfriend?"
"maybe that's the case, but I can't remember from which family was she"
" they really look good, she's very pretty anyway"
" no way! how can she be the girlfriend, ssshhhh, Sophie is here guys"
Terrence and Alicia walked straight to the front table where the Cheng family was located. There, only Grandpa and Grandma were the familiar faces for Alicia.
"Grandpa happy birthday!" uttered Terrence as he hugged his grandpa.
" You stupid brat!! You always came late! Where is my gift now?" answered grandpa, but before Terrence could reply, grandpa's gaze fell on Alicia. "Ahhh you look so beautiful tonight my dear, are you being scammed by Terrence again?"
"Happy birthday Grandpa, were sorry for being late, I just finished my review class since Terrence picked me up.." Alicia sincerely apologized to grandpa, however, Terrence had
once again haughtily interrupted " we're not as late as older brother, why bother apologizing, duhh!!"
"You idiot! If you could only share your brothers work, he would have not be as busy as he is everyday. You.. you should start practicing at the company, you should earn your own money, how can you even get married if you cannot even buy your own food!"
" Grandpa, what is the use of all your hard work and earned money if no one is to spend it?" he answered his grandpa sarcastically.
" Enough Terrence! You're grandpa is right, starting tomorrow, you should go to the company or else I will freeze all your accounts!" Mr. Peter Cheng exclaimed seriously.
" Hey Dad! I was just joking, come on, don't be like this. Mom, help me huhuhu, why are you all so serious?"
" Oh yes, Mom, Dad, this is Alicia, remember the little girl whom I always prank with? It's her hahahah!'
" Hello Alicia, you've grown up into a fine woman. You are very beautiful now. Are you and Terrence dating?" Mrs Beatrice pointed Alicia and then Terrence while talking.
" I hope he does not transfer his bad habits with you. He is such an ungrateful son" Mr. Peter added with his head shook.
" Wow, Mom, Dad, where is your support, eh? I thought you want grand children? hahahaha!"
".." Alicia was dumbfounded by thiere words, nevertheless, she answered them respectfully." Hello Aunty, hello Uncle. It's nice to see you again, thank you for your concerns but we are just friends. I am still 20 and is still pursuing for my career. It is best to develop my self first in achieving my goals before I enter into relationships. Besides, a woman with wit and actions is more attractive than by beauty alone."
"Right, my dear. You should learn from her Terrence" Grandma said. "You're indeed a good child, sigh, I wish you all the best".
"thank you Grandma, I will."
Just then, a young lady wearing a royal blue chiffon dress came forward to greet grandpa and the rest of the family. She is Sophie, the heir of CJ Electronics. She is the only daughter of the Ku family. Their business is known as the number one electronic business in country X specializing air conditions, televisions and computers. They have expanded their business outside the country but is not as the same as the Cheng's powers.
Aside from being the heir of a wealthy family, she is also Terrence' ex girlfriend.
" Grandpa, happy birthday" she gracefully bowed down to greet grandpa, and then turned to face the others, " Grandma, Aunty, Uncle, it's been a while, good evening". And then lastly, turned to face Terrence and Alicia " Hello Mr. Terrence Cheng, it's nice to see you again." Just then, after the greeting, she scanned Alicia as if inspecting every inch of her. " Nice to meet you Alicia, I finally see you in person, not bad!" she said bitterly.