"Over here," Ryder pointed to the garden. "Even though the house and the whole place are charred to ashes, the garden is able to grow flowers again. However, it's all black roses. No other plants grow here except for the black roses. I don't know how it happened.
After one year since this place burned, I came here and saw these stunning and mind-blowing black roses. Mom is very fond of flowers, and roses are her favorite among other flowers. So I suppose the garden is also mourning her death and forbidding any plants to grow here. I don't usually believe such things and always deem everything could be explained scientifically. But after spending an enormous amount of time doing research and considering some possible things, I still don't have an explanation for this unusual phenomenon.
Uncle Feng also told me that no one dared to come here because they were afraid that the black roses were symbolizing death and that mom was still guarding this place. How silly. I thought so at first, but I eventually came to believe it. So I ask Uncle Feng to make the fence higher and put a padlock on the gate." Ryder's lengthy explanation leaves Jackie and Zoe in astonishment.
"You know, son, black roses are mysterious blooms that can convey many significance. Black roses do have a more positive meaning as well. They can stand for the beginning of new things and major changes, and they are also a symbol of elegance. Black roses are a rare variety of flowers. and it doesn't mean to convey evil. There are some things out there that we don't understand and can't explain scientifically, but that doesn't mean they don't exist." Zoe's explanation was interrupted when Jackie spoke.
"Hey, aren't those red roses?" Jackie points out the red flowers that are hiding in a pile of black roses.
Ryder and Zoe followed the direction and saw a few other colors of roses, such as pink, white, and orange roses. Ryder was so surprised and amused at the same time.
"Wow, there are really different kinds of colors now."
"I think your mom's garden is done mourning now." Zoe then smiles at Ryder, and the mother and son hug each other, but of course, the father won't allow it. So he jumped at them and joined the hugging session.
Back in Beijing,
"Son, I and your mama have decided to introduce you to the company as our son and the sole heir of the empire and our property. Are you fine with it?" informed Jackie. "But if you're not ready yet, we can set aside this matter for now. What is your opinion about it?" He added
"Baba, mama, please give me some time; I am not ready yet." He answered.
"Sure, son, don't worry about it; we're not in a hurry." Jackie reassured him, "And about your mom and dad case, I already hired private investigators and learned that Roue Chen has not been in the country for quite some time now; he is somewhere in Europe.
And I also received another report the other day. I think he's developing something, like a new kind of drug. On top of that, a group of mafia members and politicians backed him. So it's kind of tough to catch him unless he comes here to the mainland, and we also need a lot of solid evidence to have him summoned to court."
Ryder lowered his head, but he understood what his father meant. Roue Chen is not an easy opponent.
"It's fine, baba," Ryder replied a bit gloomily.
"Son, honey, why don't you invite your friends and Jiang's family?" "It's been a while since I saw them," suggested Zoe, lightening the mood.
"That's a good idea, honey; let's have a barbeque party then," seconded Jackie.
ONE YEAR LATER
"Son, are you ready?"
"Yes, baba, but I'm nervous," replied Ryder while fidgeting with his fingers.
"Don't be nervous; mama and baba are here." Zoe comforted him and held his sweating hand. Ryder is not really into crowded occasions like this; he is an introverted individual who doesn't like parties and extra attention.
"Mama, can I wear this mask?" I don't want to attract so much attention. I won't be able to walk outside freely if I expose myself in public." Ryder was holding a simple black masquerade mask he had already prepared beforehand.
"Sure, son, if that's what you really want, wear it now; we're going down in a moment."
At the event hall, the emcee taps the spoon against the glass of whisky to create a tinkling sound and get everyone's attention.
MC: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. May I get your attention, please?" The emcee scanned the entire ballroom to make sure everyone was paying attention to him.
"Welcome to the Xiao Empire anniversary. I'm sure you all are excited, as this is the first time in a long time that Chairman Xiao and Madam Xiao will be hosting a party. I won't go roundabout anymore, so let me present to you the stars of the night! " The emcee gestured his hand to the stairs on the right side behind him.
The three walk down the golden staircase with a red carpet on it. They descend like royalty—a king and a queen, with the prince in between them.
All eyes were fixated on them with astonishment. All the visitors were surprised by the man wearing a mask walking in between the chairman and the CEO. Everyone could tell that the man was not ordinary, and he was also very elegant with his fine surface. Even though he was wearing a mask, everyone could tell how good-looking he was.
The Xiao family stepped up to the stage and received the mic that the emcee gave them.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Your presence is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for making it here." He paused and met everyone's eyes. "I won't be beating around the bush; the main purpose of this event is to present to everyone the only son and sole heir of the Xiao Empire and Xiao properties.
Please, welcome, my son, Ryder Xiao."
Ryder stepped into the middle of his parents, took the mic, and thanked everyone for welcoming him, wishing them a pleasant night, and enjoying the party without any further speech.
A round of applause and whispers resounded throughout the ballroom.
On the other hand,
From the corner of the hall, there is this young man with his usually stoic face drinking a glass of orange juice and staring at Ryder intently.
___
"Hey, Ryd, I've got a clue about Roue Chen." Luke after entering Ryder's office.
"Really? What about it?"
"He's here in the country right now."
"How did you know that?"
"I hacked the records and database of one of the private airlines and found out that Roue Chen arrived here in the country three days ago. I have also checked the CCTV footage of the airport and the nearby CCTV cameras. "Here, take a look at these." Luke showed him the tablet with pictures and video recordings of Roue Chen at the airport.
"I have traced the plate number of the vehicle that picked him up at the airport. Here is the address. I think this place is a suburban area."
"Mn," Ryder nods, "let me know if you find something more about him."
"Okay, that's all for now; I'll go ahead now. My boss will fire me if I keep slacking off my work and gossiping here." Luke then sprinted to the door.
Ryder crumpled a piece of paper and threw it at Luke, which hit Luke's back.
"I will surely do that if you won't get out of my office right now." Ryder chuckles, and Luke storms out of his office and shuts the door with a loud bang.
Ryder's office has always been like that whenever his four buddies visit his office. Ryder has always been happy after he found his real parents, but he never forgot his mom and dad, who take good care of him like their own child. He never once forgot his promise to them.
Ryder opened the drawer of his table and took out a photo of his mom and dad. He caresses it with the tips of his fingers.
"Mom, Dad, what should I do now? I still don't have the evidence. The court won't believe me if I only tell them what I've heard. I miss you so much, mom and dad." Ryder takes the photo frame to his chest. He shut his eyes and rested his back on his swivel chair while reminiscing about his happy memories with them until a knock on the door pulled him back from his reverie.
"Come in," Ryder said, putting the photo back in the drawer and looking at the visitors.
"Baba, mama," he said as he got up and greeted his parents.
"What's wrong, son?" You look unwell today," asked Zoe.
"It's not that, Pa, Ma; I just learned that Roue Chen is here in the country." Ryder guided his parents to the lounge.
"Don't worry, son; I already assigned people to follow him and gathered some evidence," replied Jackie.
"By the way, what's your plan for your 21st birthday?" It's almost a week from now." Zoe sat beside him.
"I will be visiting mom and dad, and I don't have any plans, ma; that's their death day also. "I'm sorry, baba, Mama." Ryder felt sorry for his biological parents for not granting their wish to have a birthday party celebration, but he just couldn't. The day his mom and dad were slaughtered was still a nightmare for him, and he couldn't help but be emotional every time that day came. That picture of his parents soaking in their own blood still haunts him at night and gives him a difficult time sleeping.
"It's fine, son; we understand you. Don't be sorry. It's something you should be sorry about, okay?" Jackie patted his back.
"Thank you for understanding; rather, I have a request."
"Anything you want, sweetie, just say a word." Zoe smiled at him. Whatever his baby wants, she will gladly give it to him without hesitation.
"Um," Ryder puffed. "Instead of celebrating my birthday, why don't we fund a charity for homeless children?" If possible, I want to build a home for those who are homeless and abandoned by their families. I have found land suitable for building homes; maybe we could purchase it and build homes?"
"Oh, my sweetie," Zoe embraced him. "I truly admire your mom and dad. They brought you up so well with a golden heart. I'm forever grateful to them for bringing the best out of you like this."
Jackie Xiao also joined the hugging session, and they decided to grant their only son's wishes. Although they were already sponsoring countless charities and donating large amounts of money to many orphanages, building a home for homeless and abandoned people is completely different.
___
late at night before Ryder's birthday.
"What?!" Ryder heard Jackie shout on the phone. It was 11 p.m. when Ryder went out to the kitchen to get some snacks as he was feeling hungry after talking to his four buddies through a group video call. He doesn't want to disturb the maids, who're already resting, just to get him snacks, so he made a trip to the kitchen.
Ryder was about to go back to his room when he saw his father enter the study room. He was planning to invite his dad for a midnight snack, but before he could knock on the door,
"What?! How did that happen?
"....."
"Okay, I understand. Find his family and make sure they are safe. Relocate them to a safe place, and explain to his family what happened.
"Good, stop following him for now. and be careful, okay? They may threaten him to speak. Hopefully, he didn't say anything.
"...Bye!" Jackie Xiao ended the call and sat down on his swivel chair while massaging his temples.
"Can I come in?" Ryder knocked on the door to get his baby's attention.
"Baba, I didn't mean to eavesdrop; I overheard you talking with someone on the phone. It seems like it's not good; what happened, Pa?"
"Oh, yes, sit down first; I have something to tell you." Jackie motioned him to the couch.
"What about it, baba?"
"One of my men was captured by Roue Chen." So I asked others to retreat first; we have to lay low for now. I think it's going to be a tough battle, son. Roue Chen is not an ordinary rich individual.
I also learned he was the half-brother of the prime minister but always kept a low profile so he could do whatever he wanted without involving his brother's position, who's also providing him protection whenever he is involved in any cases or dirty deeds." Jackie Xiao sighed.
"I understand, Papa; leave it for now. I also have plans. but for now, based on your statement, we can't move recklessly without making preparations."