[Four years later]
A woman adorned in beige suit pants, cream stilettos and a white blouse walked down the J.F Kennedy international New York airport lounge. She had a matching blazer jacket folded on one arm, while the other hurtled along her small hand luggage.
On her face she adorned sunglasses which hid her tired baggy eyes. She had applied red lipstick and along with the sunglasses, her whole look screamed fashionable and classy.
You could tell by her assured steps and posture, along with the material of her clothes and branded bag that she was forged from a different calibre than the norm.
Her beauty was unparalleled. It had one completely bewitched upon first glance. Everyone with eyes in the lounge followed after her movements as if entranced.
One could not tell that this confident woman emitting a wealthy aura was once the shy and timid Yan Yan. The stark contrast was staggering.
Four years ago, after waking from coma, she had blossomed into a new woman. Chairman Jiang had immediately added her into his family register and so she had discarded her old name and officially became Jiang XinYan.
Jiang XinYan dragged her luggage to one of the dining tables and served herself a cup of coffee and light snack before sitting down.
She began to take out her laptop and phone and resumed the work she had.
Her actions were so normal, nobody could tell that she was the Jiang XinYan the heiress of the big Jiang Conglomerate worth multiple of billions.
As she worked on her laptop, she had a phone nestled between her ear and shoulder.
"Grandfather, I understand, I've made all arrangements." Her soft voice spoke.
"Yan'er, I know how competent you are, you worked your way up from being a director to a CEO position in just under a one year. I'm proud of you, but I just worry that's all."
"Grandfather I want to come back. I'm ready to take over Jiang Corporation, remember I promised your early retirement. Leave it all to me, this granddaughter will not fail you."
Grandfather Jiang sighed. "I trust you with all my heart Yan'er and I know you will not fail me. I cannot wait to see you, when is your flight landing in Z city."
"I'll be there by tomorrow afternoon. I have transferred my flight details to Executive Assistant Wang. He has arranged for a new assistant and driver to pick me up. You don't have to worry. Rest at home and I'll see you soon." Jiang XinYan comforted him.
"Alright take it easy. Will see you soon, grandfather missed you very much."
"Me too, goodbye grandfather."
After she finished her call with him, Jiang XinYan then continued typing on her laptop. She was still making a final report for the new director of the New York branch.
After this, she read through all the previous yearly and monthly reports for the mainland branch in Z City. Then she resumed reading all her employees CV and achievements they made within the last year.
It was sort of like doing QA report and the task was very gruelling. She had begun this a week ago after getting a call from doctor Lian about her grandfather's depleting health.
Jiang XinYan knew it was a huge leap to go from director straight to CEO position of Jiang Corporation. There was a lot of work way ahead of her. However, she was very confident about her abilities.
She had transformed the New York branch in just one year, she was confident she will make Jiang Corporation reach new heights.
Her grandfather was lacking stamina, old age was one of the factors. With fresh new ideas brimming in her youthful mind, it was time Jiang Corporation entered a new era.
After finishing reading all the reports, it was time to board the flight, she was just packing up and closing her computer when she felt eyes trained on her.
She glanced down and saw a child of about four years of age, staring at her with huge glassy obsidian eyes.
Jiang XinYan didn't know why but she felt her heart instantly softening.
This little dumpling was so cute. He had thick hair that slightly traced to his small neck and curly bangs covering his eyebrows. His nose was small and button-like and his tiny lips were pursed with anticipation.
His eyes were so huge and black, staring at her as if staring deep into her soul. He looked at her as if he recognised her and was anxiously waiting for her to recognise him.
He was adorned in a miniature black suit and the outfit was so adorable Jiang XinYan instantly felt compelled to take a picture of him.
While resisting her urges, she squatted to her knees so that she became eye level with him.
"Xiao Lo'Bao [1], you're so adorable, are you lost?" Jiang XinYan asked him.
She could not resist stroking his soft hair and cheeks which immediately redden upon her touch.
The child didn't respond to her query. He just looked at her with those glassy eyes as if patiently waiting for something.
"What's wrong, Xiao Lo'Bao, have you lost your mommy?" She asked him.
He instantly nodded but then paused as if seeming to think about something, after that he firmly shook his head. A small smile gently bloomed on his face as he pointed at her.
"You want me to find your parent?" She mistook his pointing.
He shook his head, then he pointed somewhere behind him. Jiang XinYan glanced behind him, there were a bunch of people sitting down and she couldn't decipher whom his parent was. Judging by the non-panic, she guessed the child had walked all the way over to her rather than being lost.
"Xiao Lo'Bao, did you find aunty beautiful, is that why you came over to greet aunt?"
Jiang XinYan didn't mind how shameless these words were. It was her reflex reaction to find ways to complement herself at every given opportunity.
The little dumpling nodded his head and then he reached out for his pocket and took his phone out.
Jiang XinYan felt her heart beating, "Xiao Lo'Bao, do you want to get this aunt's phone number? How cute. Although this aunt is beautiful, she's too old for you."
Just as she was rambling, the little dumpling was pursing his lips while earnestly typing something.
Before he could show her whatever he was typing an announcement rang imploring everyone to start boarding the plane.
Jiang XinYan quickly stood up and began packing her stuff into her bag.
"Xiao Lo'Bao quickly go back to your parent, although this aunt is trustful and won't hurt a soul, it's no good to wander around." She patted his hair once more and then said goodbye quickly as she rushed to be the first to board the plane.
Meanwhile, the little dumpling with pouty lips fought his brimming tears away as he watched her leave. He didn't get to show her what he had written, and he suddenly felt anxious and sad.
His little legs wanted to run after her, but his mind was conflicted as he remembered her warning that was similar to his father; do not wander around unattended.
....
[1] shortened version of saying Little dumpling. It's similar to saying 'Sweetie pie' in English.