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"Your father had a heart attack!"
Mei Xing was struck to silence as she sat there, listening to her mother. The fear and worry was as loud as Mrs Luo's voice as she spoke.
"Feng Houyi just pulled a little of his investment out of the company and because of it, your father has lost one of his biggest investors. He begged but they refused to listen. It got to him. He raised, fed and clothed you, Mei Xing. He paid for your education, yet you have caused him this much trouble."
Mei Xing shook her head.
No.
She refused to be brainwashed, guilt-tripped or gaslighted by her mother.
"He did all that just so he could push me into a man's house like a bargaining chip for his business," Mei Xing wasn't afraid to say it. "Like it or not, I paid you back. If you had not promised my hand, Feng Houyi would not have invested in the company at all."
Exhaling sharply, she continued. "I spent two years fulfilling all of your needs and that of that bastard. No more. This life… It is for me. You or anyone else don't get to dictate it."
"Can you hear yourself? Can you hear the words coming out of your mouth, Luo Mei Xing?"
"You should hear yourself. You know what? Instead of your dear husband to keep depending on his children to get investors for his business, why don't he settle down and think of a real plan to salvage the situation. We are children, not some items for exchange."
And with that, Mei Xing ended the call. She couldn't not keep having this back-and-forth argument with the woman. She had already started setting a course for her life and she would not be allowing anything to redirect it.
Knock Knock
Mei Xing's eyes fell on the door as she asked the person behind it to come in. It was the rude secretary from earlier. She walked into the office with her head hung low and a stack of paper in hand.
"Ma'am, these are the documents you asked for."
"Drop it on the table and leave," Mei Xing responded, the annoyance from the call slipping into her tone.
The secretary nodded and did just as she was told. Mei Xing was left to the silence of her office; another sigh rolled out as she slumped back into the swivel chair.
"What a way to soil my mood?" She murmured.
~Days later~
At the Lu mansion, Lu Aotian was busy in his study when his mother came in. A unique smile lit up her face when she connected her eyes with her son as she placed a tray of food and water on his table.
"Mum." His unique deep voice sounded sweet to her ears, making her cheeks flush a bit.
She loved how caring her son was.
"You shouldn't have," he added, concern written all over his features.
"You have been held up in here all day despite it being the weekend. So I thought I may as well just bring your food to you or my darling son will starve," she said, pressing a cute pout at the end.
Lu Aotian nodded. "Thanks, Mum. I'm sorry I couldn't eat dinner with you and Dad though." I just need to…"
She held up her palm, cutting him short. "No excuse. I am not mad. I trust you but never neglect your health, son. Your father and I didn't want you to take over only for you to get burnt out."
"I know. I won't let it repeat itself," Lu Aotian promised.
Trusting that he would heed her words, Mrs Lu took a seat.
"That's okay. There are more dinners ahead," Mrs said said, dismissing his apology.
"So, have you heard about the upcoming charity event next week?" She inquired.
"Yes. I was informed yesterday."
"Your father and I won't be able to make it next week. We also think it is a good opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with our business partners."
"I knew you two would sub me in for you. Tsk. Sly foxes," Lu Aotian shot her a playful glare.
Mrs Lu chuckled. "Well we are taking the opportunity to spend more time together. Your father promised to take me out that day. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Of course you won't." Lu Aotian shook his head, a smile plastered on his face. He admired his parents' relationship and dreamt of having one like theirs.
"Enough about your father and I. Let's talk about you,"Mrs Lu changed the topic.
"What about me do we have to discuss?" His brow lifted in amusement.
"You know you just came back from abroad and you have been up and about with the company. That only means that you have not had the time to… see anyone," Mrs Lu approached with caution.
Lu Aotian's eyes squinted. He wasn't sure what she was getting at. "So, you are saying…"
"This event, people here usually go in pairs. Like with a–"
"A date," Lu Aotian finished for her.
"Yes, a date. So since you probably have no one, why don't you take Eu-meh with you. Just like you, she just arrived. You two can keep each other company and it's an avenue to spend more time together. You bother haven't seen each other for–"
"Mum," Lu Aotian called, stopping her in her tracks.
"Yes, sweetie."
"First of all, you struck down my ego. You don't believe I have been able to find someone for myself. Have you seen this face?" He waved his hand around his face.
Mrs Lu chuckled and replied, "Honey, your father and I made that face. You're a charmer."
"More than a charmer. Thank you," he added. "And secondly, I won't be taking Han Eu-meh as my date to this charity event."
"What? Why not? You both compliment each other," Mrs Lu persuaded.
Lifting a brow, Lu Aotian shook his head. "I personally don't think we do."
"But she's–"
"I already have a woman in mind."