The mother and child arrived at the country club when the small wedge of light just started appearing over the horizon where the sun rises.
Contrary to a popular belief, most rich parents do not promise their children a lifetime covered with comfort and pleasure. Some rich kids have a tight schedule they need to follow every day. They have to wake up at dawn and already working on their activities when everyone else is still eating their breakfast. It is because of a belief the world can take their wealth away. They need to be vigilant as many people were coveting the golden crown.
Similar to some rich parents, the past Ji Yun often goes beyond the limits just to establish self-discipline within her child and to make sure he has habits that will lead him to become wealthy. She wasn't thought of any of this since what she has was a new wealth. She simply observed the affluent, and learned their actions, to have a place in this high society. This exclusive club was the first learning space she stepped into: to really be a part of the rich.
Brilliant lands. Ji Yun was blinded by the lavish open displays of wealth surrounding the place. But only in her later years, she discovers that not everything that shines and attractive is valuable.
The club was built to serve the rich. Within its expansive land can be found top-rated golf courses, an equestrian center, a pool area, heliports, and stylish clubhouses with all the sports, spa, and exquisite dining options and lounges. The club's privacy and security were sought after by the affluent, as it reserves the facilities only for wealthy members and their guests. The place is indeed a perfect ground for sprouts to learn the world of the rich. They can do recreation activities while start building their social connections.
Ji Yun watched Su Rong play lawn tennis in the regularly maintained grass court. His little frame moves swiftly while keeping a good balance and body control. He had a fierce concentration throughout the game, and even as he is at the point where he's on the losing side, a slight smile never leaves his face. 'He is enjoying the game. So adorable'
"My baby is really talented," said Bai Weiwei, smiling proudly while looking at her son. "Of course, Xiao Rong is also talented Ms. Ji."
Ji Yun replied with the same smile before returning her sight to her son. They were currently in a cafe. The interior of the place was fashioned out of wood veneer with aluminum accents and a floor to ceiling glass windows that allow the guests to see the tennis courts. The players' parents socialize inside while their sons were playing together outside. When Ji Yun and Su Rong just arrive, Yi Ran asked her son to play a match, so the explanation of why she was with Ms. Bai in the same table watching the game.
Su Rong and Yi Ran arranged the match in two sets. They were facing the end of the second set and currently at 4th deuce. To win, a player must win two consecutive points to take the game.
Su Rong's opponent had the advantage point, but the look of having the imminent victory wasn't displayed in his face. From afar, it looks as if her Xiao Rong is the one's winning because of his unfaltering smile.
"Xiao Ran is too serious like his dad." Ms. Bai murmured on the side.
Su Rong continues to exploit his opponent's returns, but not enough to win the point. He controls his swings, giving hope to the opponent that he can win. A moment later, he ends the long rally with a sharp smash. Again, the points are tied so they have to restart.
"You can do it, Xiao Ran--" Ms. Bai said. The cheer was cut off when a tennis racket flew towards Su Rong's area. The scene alarmed both Ji Yun and Ms. Bai.
Ji Yun immediately leaves to go to Su Rong's side. Her heart was pounding, even the tennis racket didn't reach Su Rong, her heart wasn't pacified. Her fingers were still trembling from shock.
"You piece of shit!" Yi Ran said while grabbing Su Rong's shirt in anger. "You are playing with me all along!!"
"Young master Yi, please calm down." mediates by the staff who officiated the game, "Please let go young master Su first. We can talk peacefully."
However, Yi Ran didn't let go and still looking menacingly at Su Rong.
Su Rong saw his mommy running on his way, and said, "Ran, what do you think we're doing? We're playing tennis, obviously."
Su Rong's calm eyes further intensify the anger of the other resulting in Yi Ran punching him in the face.
"Ah! Xiao Rong!" Ji Yun ran to Su Rong, who fell from the impact of the punch. "Baby, let mommy see where you hurt," she panicky said, worry all over her face.
"I'm okay, mommy. It's not that painful." Su Rong smile to ease his mommy but later winced in pain.
"Let's go to the clinic," Ji Yun said to her son before facing the seven-year-old Yi Ran, "What's wrong with you?! Not only you throw your racket, but you also have the guts to punch Xiao Rong?"
Yi Ran didn't answer, continue boring a menacing stare at Su Rong.
"Xiao Ran, why did you do it?! Apologize to Xiao Rong immediately!" Ms. Bai said the moment she arrives.
Feeling wrong, Yi Ran said, "Why should I say sorry? This piece of shit is the one who started it!"
Ji Yun's face darkens to a deep red because of anger but still keeps her calm.
"Now, you're blatantly lying? Do you think I didn't see your preposterous actions? Apologize. Now." Ms. Bai sternly said.
When all the people were waiting for Yi Ran's words, Su Rong voicelessly muttered 'Trash' while looking at him. This agitates the boy to attack Su Rong. "YOU!!"
"Yi Ran!" Ms. Bai stopped Yi Ran by firmly grabbing his hand. The child looked at his mother's disapproving eyes before he stubbornly shakes her hold. As soon as her hand loosened her hold, Yi Ran grab the opportunity to run away.
"Yi Ran!" Bai Wei Wei shouted but her child didn't look back, "I'm sorry Ms. Ji for Xiao Ran's actions. I'm sorry Xiao Rong. Ms. Ji, let me cover Xiao Rong medical fees--"
"It's fine, Auntie Bai. I'm all right. Ran Ran was just irritated because of the long match. You should follow him." he said, his eyes held a glint of humor. Holding his mommy's hand, he added, "Mommy's here to take care of me."
"What an exemplary son," Ms. Bai praises, "I wished my Xiao Ran has a good temper like you."
"I'm deeply sorry for what happened. Ms. Ji, I will follow that trouble maker first. We will visit you later to formally apologize," Ms. Bai added.
"No need. Just take care of your son properly so he doesn't act disgracefully next time." Ji Yun rebuked angrily.
Ms. Bai gave a slight smile before leaving the mother and son to follow her son.
"Are you really fine?" Ji Yun asked Su Rong again. Worries replaced the anger in her eyes, "How about we go to the hospital, hmm?"
"I'm fine, mommy." Su Rong said, a pleased smile was hovering on his lips. "I don't want to play tennis now but I think it's a bit early for my horseback riding lessons. How about we grab some snacks first?"
Ji Yun observes her son's face. Since there was no open wound, she was somewhat appeased, "Okay. We do what you want, but we have to ice that before it bruises."
After applying an ice pack to reduce swelling, the mother and son moved to their next destination. They decided to have a meal at the verandah cafe overlooking the small outdoor equestrian arena where the little Su Rong had been practicing his riding skills.
They ride a golf cart to traverse the green expansive lawns that were landscape in top-tier condition. Since they were early from the scheduled time, they let the driver drive the luxury cart at a smooth pace to enjoy the breeze and lush lands.
Su Rong grabbed a drink from the built-in refrigerator. The white pearl finish cart provides the most comfortable ride. It sports six-seater snazzy leather seats and has a built-in fridge.
"Do you know why Xiao Ran act that way?" Ji Yun asked.
Su Rong shrugs his shoulders, "Don't know." He took a sip in his drink before saying, "Ran Ran always does things unreasonably. He's angered easily if things didn't go his way. He's always like that."
The memory of Yi Ran's annoyed face brightens Su Rong's mood. He wanted to ask his mommy to play with him, but that pest went their way to challenge him.
Su Rong just let him be the best in their age group, yet he wasn't contented and still irritated him. Since Yi Ran was known as a problematic kid, he merely added the icing on the cake by pulling his potential. Besides, how can goodness be magnified without evil on the side? Su Rong was elated with the outcome. He removed the pest. Also, he let his mommy witness that he had a good temper and true sportsmanship. 'Indeed, a wonderful outcome.'
Ji Yun peered at her son. She stealthily clenched her fist, not wanting to think about the disturbing scene she unexpectedly saw earlier when she slightly turns her head. 'That was a child taunting his enemy. Nothing more.'
A long sigh escaped slowly through Ji Yun's mouth. Her Ah Rong never taunts someone, even when he was young. He's always a well behave child according to her memory.