The next day, in the sitting room of the Longwangshi estate, Madam Li Na sat gracefully, her posture impeccable as she sipped her tea.
Opposite her was Ming Zhu, the matriarch of the Qinwangzu family, mirroring her elegance, there was a full smile on her face as she also drank her tea. The two women exchanged pleasantries, their conversation showed a lot about their longstanding friendship and mutual ambition.
"It's been too long since our families have come together like this," Li Na remarked, placing her teacup delicately on the saucer.
Ming Zhu nodded in agreement, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Indeed, Li Na. Your husband always spoke about uniting our families more closely, but now he is gone, which we are all still sad about," she said with a pause. "Perhaps it's time we honor his wish."
Li Na's eyes gleamed, showing that she was in agreement with her. "I couldn't agree more. Yong Li has matured into a fine young man, and your Zhi Hui has blossomed into a remarkable woman. The synergy between them could be an advantage."
As if on cue, Zhi Hui entered the room, her presence commanding attention. She was dressed in a chic qipao that accentuated her slender figure, she exuded confidence and charm. Her eyes, lined with kohl, filled with anticipation as they met Yong Li's, who had just stepped in behind her.
Yong Li, ever the embodiment of poise, greeted everyone with a slight bow. "Mother, Aunt Ming Zhu, it's a pleasure to see you both."
Li Na gestured towards the plush loveseat. "Come, sit. It's been years since you and Zhi Hui have had a proper conversation or an opportunity to reconnect."
Ming Zhu chimed in, her tone light with a gentle smile. "Perhaps you two can catch up while we mothers discuss other matters."
Understanding the unspoken arrangement and intention, Yong Li nodded, leading Zhi Hui to the adjacent sunroom. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun.
Zhi Hui sat in one of the chaise lounges, her posture relaxed yet inviting. "It's been ages, Yong Li. You've become quite the distinguished gentleman."
He offered a polite smile, taking a seat opposite her. "And you've grown into a sophisticated woman. So how did America treat you and how have your endeavours been since you returned? Hope you've been enjoying your stay so far?"
She leaned in slightly, her eyes never leaving his. "It treated me well, but I've always felt that home has its own unique charm."
He nodded and a brief silence enveloped them but Zhi Hui broke it just immediately.
"Yong Li, do you remember the summers our families spent together by the lake?"
He nodded, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "Yes, those were the times when he had no responsibilities."
She reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his hand. "I've always cherished those memories."
Yong Li gently withdrew his hand, with an unreadable expression on his face. "They were indeed memories to be fond of."
Sensing his reservation, Zhi Hui shifted the conversation. "So tell me, what have you been up to lately?"
He hesitated for a moment before responding. "Nothing much. The family business has kept me engaged, you know since father is no more, I have everything on my shoulder. There's always something demanding attention."
Before she could probe further, the double doors swung open, revealing Li Na and Ming Zhu.
Li Na's eyes twinkled with mischief. "We hope we aren't interrupting anything."
Zhi Hui felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "Not at all, Aunt Li Na."
Ming Zhu exchanged a knowing glance with Li Na. "It's heartwarming to see that the two of you are reconnecting. Perhaps there are other plans in store for both of you."
Yong Li offered a tight-lipped smile, though his mind elsewhere.
The women took their seats. "Zhi Hui?" Li Na called and she replied.
"Tell us what your relationship life is like. Are you seeing anyone?"
She blushed and lowered her head. "Not really aunty. I have not seen a man fit for my status."
Li Na smiled and looked at Ming Zhu, both of them sending each other a silent message, then Ming Zhu turned to Yong Li. "What about you?"
"Yong Li?" She called, getting his full attention.
He swallowed hard, "no. Relationships are off my radar for now. I am not ready for any at the moment."
They were still talking when Zhi Hui's eyes turned to the door, with a smile. "Lei Feng? You are here?"
Lei Feng was standing by the door side, unannounced and totally uninvited.
"What the hell do you think you are doing here?" Yong Li rose, the happy atmosphere shifting to tension.
His eyes darkened, and his jaw tightened. Without another word, he dashed across the room to where Lei Feng was, with a swift, unexpected motion, he delivered a heavy punch to his jaw.
The room turned into chaos and guards came rushing in, pulling the two men apart before further damage could be done. Yong Li tore himself out of their grip, straightened his shirt and stormed out.
He got into his car and drove off, without even bidding a goodbye to the Qinwangzu family.
Li Na, mortified, turned to her guests. "I apologize profusely for this disturbance. Perhaps it's best we reconvene another time."
Ming Zhu, ever composed, nodded. "Yes, perhaps that's best. Come, Zhi Hui."
As the Qinwangzu family made their exit, Li Na's demeanor shifted from apologetic to furious. She turned to Lei Feng, her voice a venomous whisper. "How dare you show up unannounced?"
Lei Feng, nursing his bruised jaw, smirked. "What are they doing here?"
"None of your business. What are you doing here?" She asked in a muffled tone.
"You still owe me the rest of my payment for dealing with Giulia, remember?"
Li Na's eyes narrowed. "Shut up, don't say that here, someone might hear. I already sent half of your payment. You'll get the rest once I'm certain that you've completely gotten rid of that wrench for good."
He stepped closer, his voice was low and threatening. "But I need the money now. I am not leaving without it!"
"Sorry excuse me," Zhi Hui's voice came from behind, causing both Li Na to jump in fright and Lei Feng to turn around in surprise.
With a fake smile to hide her nervousness, Li Na looked at her, about to speak but Zhi Hui beat her to it.
"Sorry, I forgot my purse, I just returned to pick it."
"Oh," Li Na muttered, looking all tense. "Have you been standing here for long?"
Zhi Hui flashed her a smile, "no, not at all. I just got here."
She immediately walked in and picked her purse, showing it to Li Na. She walked back to them and gave Li Na a hug, "I'll get going now, aunt. It was nice catching up."
The moment she was out of sight, Li Na let out a breath that she had been holding in, "you fool! See what you almost caused. Zhi Hui would have overheard us."
"But she didn't," Lei Feng answered, looking unbothered.
Li Na tapped her forehead and let out a sigh before walking to a hidden drawer and retrieving a portion of the remaining sum from it. "Here is your money, now leave and never show your face here again unannounced."
"Only if you would check your messages," Lei Feng said, taking the money, with a sly grin playing on his lips. "By the way, it's always a pleasure doing business with you."
Li Na frowned her face and shoved him out.
"Get out!" She waited till he was out of the gates, before rubbing her temple in frustration.