Dominic approached the dining area within his parent's mansion and, as informed by Jeffery, the WuXian family was also seated at the table along with their daughter Mimi WuXian.
"Good evening, mother and father". Dominic greeted his parents respectfully, before turning his attention to the other people seated at the among them. "Mr and Mrs WuXian, my greetings to you, as well as Miss WuXian". He said coldly with a slight nod before taking a seat next to his mother.
Delighted at seeing her son, Mrs Lanxian face light up. "Dominic, darling you're here, did I hear someone with you". She asked, looking beyond him, searching for someone else.
Taking his seat among them, he answered with a slight nod, "Yes, Michael".
"Ohh goodie, where is he? Tell him to come quickly". She beamed.
Mrs Lanxian had long since loved and treated Michael as a son, she found his bright personality a pleasure to have around. Though at times making you want to smack him over his head. Michael's mother and herself were also childhood friends, when they were living in America, so Michael naturally became a frequent visitor to their home.
"He's in his room getting changed" Dominic responded.
"Son, how is the new merger coming along at work?" Mr Lanxian, Dominic's father, asked with a monotone voice.
One would say that Dominic was a carbon copy of his father, all dominance and very little in the way of showing outside people affection.
Focusing his attention fully on his father and using a respectful tone. He said, "Daniel has done the analysis today, and it seems it will yield us favourable results in the future."
Upon hearing what Dominic words, Mimi WuXain, who was sitting between her mother and father, perked up, almost unable to contain herself within her seat. Her mother and father also shared a look and lightly smirked.
Right away, Mr. WuXain said, "You have such a hard-working son, Mr. Lanxian. Our son died many years ago, but he might have been as successful as Dominic" He said with a sadden expression.
"How long has it since he has passed away?" asked Mrs Lanxian. Feeling somewhat guilty that they may have touched on a touchy topic, and having just now unintentionally boasted about their son's achievements.
Seeing that her father's words had touched Mrs Lanxian's emotions, Mimi took advantage of the situation. "It has been eight years, and there is not a day that we don't think of and miss him", she said, on the verge of tears.
"Don't cry" Mrs. Lanxian said affectionately, holding Dominic's hand. "Just continue to be a good daughter to your parents. You're all they have left."
Dominic, however, stared expressionless at them, knowing fully well the truth behind their fake performance, but didn't dare call them out on their what he could only view as bullshit.
Just then, Michael entered the room with a big smile on his face, unaware of the previous awkward conversation. "Aunty, uncle, your favourite nephew is here, and good evening to your guests, I am Michael Jones, Dominic's best friend". He introduced himself while looking at the family, waiting for that puzzled expression on their faces that he has become accustomed to. People are often confused when he introduces himself as Dominic's close friend.
As if on cue, the WuXian's eyes looked upon Michael, before returning to the Lanxian family in shock. He then awkwardly returned Michael's greeting. Not deterred by their actions, Michael, cheerfully, took his seat opposite Dominic.
Dominic's father, who was aware of their awkwardness, but has always been puzzled as to why others were always dumbfounded at their friendship. Immediately welcomed the young man, "Michael, you're back, how were your travels? Your mother said you were away for some business". Mr Lanxian spoke calmly and firmly, clarifying that Michael was very much a respectable and welcome member of their family.
Michael responded with a bright smile, "Oh, very well, thank you uncle. Considering the boss I have, it was like knocking the ball out of the park." Michael said, while stealing a glance at Dominic.
"That's good to hear, dear, but that is no excuse not to call your mother more often. She has been calling and complaining about what a feral son you are, going around destroying these young women innocence". Mrs Lanxian scolded Michael, who was already expecting this, as his mother constantly bickers at him about his whore-ish behaviour.
Shameless of his behaviour, Michael cheekily answered, "Aunty if they were so innocent they wouldn't so freely give me their innocence now would they?". Michael said flashing that winning smile of his then continuing, "am, simply, setting some teachable moments!" he smirked while winking at Dominic.
Mrs Lanxian face immediately became sour, unamused by his words, "What kind of teachable moment is that? Look at Dominic, he's been committed to keeping himself for his true love, you could take a leaf out of his book" Mrs Lanxian said sternly while looking coldly at Michael.
Proudly, he declared, "I'm just trying to build experience for my love, so I can blow his mind when the time comes." Michael said without a hint of embarrassment, totally shocking the whole table except for Dominic, who was very much used to this behaviour.
"Yo…you…" exclaimed Mr Lanxian, who couldn't even outer the words needed to reprimand this child. She simply could believe that this man was so shameless to say such words to them.
Mrs WuXain quickly grabbed Mimi hands, hoping to establish a clear distance between themselves and Michael. Michael quickly noticed and made it clear of his standard in an underhanded way. "Though I may have quite a bit of experience when it comes to partners, it doesn't mean everyone is suitable for a night with me. Some people, no matter how they pretend to be delicate and honourable, have done far worse than me. You never know who you're sharing your dinner with." He glared at them coldly.