Mrs. Ju’an’s expression changed and the teacup in her hand fell on the floor. The other women looked at each other, laughing secretly.
“Ah, your daughter-in-law might be beautiful and well-mannered. However, the future is not certain. I didn’t know Mrs. Ju’an would overlook such matters.”
“Hmmm, and Mrs. Ju’an claims she knows the secret to a perfect home,” another woman added.
“You–“ Mrs. Ju’an glared at all the women. “So what if there’s something strange about my daughter-in-law’s background! At least, I have a daughter-in-law, while your sons are still out there currying favor with local girls.”
“Ah, Mrs. Ju’an.”
“Please don’t be mad. We are just showing our concerns.”
Mrs. Ju’an only looked more irritated. “That’s it, all of you, get out!” She stood up and chased the women out. “If you like, don’t come to the wedding. I don’t like to see hypocrites around me!”
Mrs. Ju’an scoffed as she strode back into the house. She asked the servants to take the teacups away and toss them in the thrash. Then she joined her husband in his study room.
“I told you to stop hanging out with those women.” Mr. Ju’an didn’t look up from the newspaper he was reading. Obviously, he’d heard the women’s conversation.
“What’s the fun in this world if you can’t show off what you have?” Mrs. Ju’an pouted. “Hmph, they’re just a jealous bunch.”
Mr. Ju’an sighed.
“You were supposed to come out and yell at them for bullying your wife, you know,” his wife continued grumbling. “Old Ju’an, when will you stop being so soft?”
“I didn’t ask you to look for trouble,” Mr. Ju’an said calmly. His tone was so soft that his wife couldn’t find any point to berate him.
Argh! Sometimes, she couldn’t help but think her husband was so boring.
“Hey.” She nudged the man, probing him to give her attention. “Does it not worry you that our daughter-in-law comes from a strange background?”
Mrs. Ju’an was conflicted. Even though she didn’t mind, it didn’t mean that she didn’t think about it once in a while.
Mr. Ju’an dropped the newspaper in his hand gently. Then he said, “Agnes, we are all humans. And you have seen the girl for yourself. Since she is Jason’s choice, we can only wish them happiness.”
Mrs. Ju’an could only sigh.
Someone opened the door, and they both looked up and saw their son walk in. The couple’s eyes lit up and the woman hurried up.
“Ah, what a surprise, Son. Didn’t you go to work?”
Their son would normally visit them on weekends, so they were surprised to see him today. They were, nonetheless, happy.
“Come come, sit down.” His mother dragged him to a couch. “Do you need anything from us? We have a lot to discuss about your wedding. Son, did you skip work to begin with the preparations?”
Jason greeted his parents, laughing softly at his hyperactive mother. “I didn’t skip work, Mum. There’s someone I have to meet in this neighborhood before going to work. So I decided to stop by.”
“Oh.” The woman looked a bit disappointed. “Then let me prepare something for you. It will only take some minutes.”
“Thank you, Mum. I would love to stay, but I need to hurry,” Jason fended her off gently, before bidding them goodbye.
“Urgh! Old Ju’an, are you sure you didn’t rub some of your personality on our son? Why is he becoming more boring?”
“He has responsibilities, Agnes. Stop pestering him as if he’s a child.”
…
When Jason left his parents’ place, he glanced at his wristwatch.
He was a bit late for work. But it didn’t matter. What was more puzzling to him was why the former CEO would personally invite him to his house.
He entered his car and drove down the street. After some minutes, he stopped his car in a well-furnished bungalow.
As if expecting his arrival, the Security opened the gate, urging him to park his car inside the house.
Jason was a bit startled by the sight in front of him. He grew up in this neighborhood and knew every house like the back of his hand.
The old owners moved out not long ago, and as he came to realize, the new owner was none other than the former CEO of MystiArt Productions.
The house was not so big, but the interior was refurbished to look like a luxury Villa.
“Mr. Ju’an, you’re here early. Ah, how can I forget your diligence? You are well-mannered not to keep this old man waiting.”
The Security led Jason to a flower field where the middle-aged man was having tea.
“It is an honor to meet, you Mr. Wu. I hope you have been living in good health.”
“Life is treating me well.” The middle-aged man beamed then gestured for him to sit down. “Mr. Ju’an, I won’t waste your time. There’s something this old man would like to request from you.”
Jason’s brows furrowed, but he masked his surprise with a smile. “If it’s in my power, consider it done. What would Mr. Wu like to request from me?”
“It is simple.” The man chuckled. “I know it is in your power to grant it.”
Jason remained silent as the man went on.
“But first, Mr. Ju’an must know that I have nothing against you while I was the CEO. So to mend my mistakes, I should let you know that you don’t have to worry anymore about the merging of your department and that of Old Wang’s department.”
“Also…” Mr. Wu seemingly wasn’t done talking. He played with the tiny spoon in his teacup for a while before he continued,
“What does Mr. Ju’an think about acquiring some shares in MystiArt Productions?”
Jason’s confusion heightened, and he didn’t hide it this time.
“Mr. Wu, may I hear that thing you want from me?”
“Sure.” Mr. Wu gave a throaty laugh. “Just marry Old Wang’s daughter and all I promised you will come true.”