Noah was marvelled at his courage. He accepted to take a picture with the little boy. A photographer had a nice picture taken and the hard copy was handed to Noah, who in turn took one and gave the other one to Liam.
"I will tell my mummy I took a picture with the most famous CEO in the country," Liam sang beaming with smiles. Noah patted his head like a pet.
"Good bye Mister Noah," Liam waved at him as he entered his car and drove off.
"Here, have this framed and bring it to me," he instructed his secretary handing the picture to him.
Emily sat quietly drafting the design of a dress. She was so engrossed and absorbed in what she was doing that she had her eyes for nothing else. The door was flung open and in came Liam, rushing like a whirlwind into his mother's arms, taking her unawares and nearly throwing her off the seat.
"Mummy!" he screamed and nestled himself in the comfort of her bosom. Emily hugged her only child and kissed his forehead.
"How are you my baby?" she asked kindly.
"I am fine mummy. And how are you too?" he responded.
Emily looked and saw his teacher. She stood up quickly and greeted him.
"Good evening, Sir Xu. How are you doing?"
"Very well, thank you," he responded.
"Have a sit, sir," Emily said and gestured him to a seat.
"No, thank you. I am about leaving. Your son has made you, the school and us all proud. He came first in the competition. In this bag here are his prizes," Sir Xu Cheng announced excitedly handing a bag to Emily who took it with great joy.
"Wow. My baby!" Emily exclaimed and hugged her son tighter.
"I will be leaving now miss. It was a long journey, we need to rest," the teacher said and made for the door.
"Yes. That's true. Thank you for taking care of my son. Get enough rest sir. And have a good night rest," Emily called out as he left.
"Anytime, you are welcome. Liam is such a lovely boy," the teacher finished and was soon out of sight.
"Mummy, did you know that I was able to complete my blocks before everyone else? It was so easy. They were all struggling with theirs but I was done," Liam said to his mum triumphantly.
"I am proud of you baby," Emily said and rubbed his head.
"Mummy, I also saw the biggest CEO in USA. He shook my hands and I took a picture with him," he cried again and rummaged his bag for the prized picture. Emily didn't think of anything or anyone. She momentarily forgot that the biggest CEO was Noah Harper. She watched her son hand her a picture. He pointed at the smiling man and said,
"That's him mummy. He is my friend."
Emily's smile vanished and was suddenly replaced with fear and worry.
"Noah?" she blurted out.
"You know him mummy?" Liam asked.
"No... no. Not at all. I don't know him. What is his name?" Emily asked feigning ignorance.
"But you called his name now mummy," Liam insisted.
"No dear. It was just a coincidence. What is your friend's name?" Emily asked still playing cool.
"Mister Noah Harper," Liam stated.
"Nice. And how did he become your friend?" Emily pressed further.
"Zhou Jiang and Bai Quin pushed me and I fell on the road. He was driving that time and he nearly hit me but he stopped and came down. That was how we met first. He also attended the competition and was called upon to give me my prize as the guest of honour. That was how he became my friend," Liam explained in details.
"That's nice. Okay, go in and take your bath," Emily said dismissing him. He was a very helpful boy and could undress and have his bath on his own despite his little age.
Emily broke into a silent sob the moment Liam left her sight.
What would become of her? How and why will her son be friends with her ex husband? Her greatest fears have come to pass. Noah will definitely find out his mother and come after her. If only she knew, she would not have listened to Gu Yanxi and let her son attend the competition. Now, Noah knows about her son. Different thoughts kept flooding her mind making her sad all the more.
Gu Yanxi was quick to notice her mood when she came back home that evening. But before she could say anything about it, Liam came running excitedly,
"Aunty Yanxi," he screamed and ran into her open arms.
"How are you?" Gu Yanxi asked tenderly.
"Fine, Aunty Yanxi. Aunty, I won the competition," he announced smiling broadly.
"Is that so? Congratulations! We are going to celebrate this," Gu Yanxi said in excitement. She looked at Emily and noticed she was still sad and lost in thought.
"What could be the reason for her mood when her son came first in a competition?" she thought.
"Tell me about the competition," she said to Liam intending to start a conversation. Liam was very happy to tell his tale.
"Aunty Gu, did you know that I was able to complete my blocks before everyone else? It was so easy. They were all struggling with theirs but I was done," Liam said to her with pride.
"Oh dear. I am so proud of you," she replied and opened her bag. "In fact, have some candy," she said giving him a handful of candy which he took with relish.
"Thank you aunty. Aunty, I also made a new friend," he continued.
"Wow, so soon?" Gu Yanxi asked.
"Yes. He is the most famous man in the country. His name is Mister Noah Harper. And I took a picture with him. Let me hurry and get it," he said and hurried off like a rushing wind.
"Noah Harper! He met Noah," Gu Yanxi said within. She instantly knew the reason behind Emily's sad state, her tears and her being lost in thought. She was about to make a move when Liam came in with the picture.
"The picture is lovely. Keep it well okay," Gu Yanxi said aiming to avoid arousing any form of suspicion within the boy.
"Yes Aunty, I will," he answered and turned to his mummy.
"Aunty, what is wrong with mummy?" he asked in concern. Gu Yanxi knew she had to lie to him this once. She took a deep breath and said,
"She is not feeling to well. Go to your room so that you don't disturb her, okay?"
"Okay. Get well soon mummy," Liam said and left for his room.
Gu Yanxi went closer and tapped Emily. Emily looked at her and said,
"Noah," and broke down in tears.