MING LAN

Chapter Seventeen: Investments

Ming Lan and I learn to invest. She with her money, I with the saving money. Appa never taught me enough in this matter. I can see that he just follows most of his friends investing. Making money of course. Not knowing much either, when I talk about investments with him. I have to find out on my own, by reading more. There are the latest articles on money matters online to read, which helps.

    Ming Lan and I intend to buy land, build blocks of shophouses in the future. Planning early for our children's future. Limiting ourselves to an annual holiday abroad. Planning for more local holidays and not spending lavishly. Appa knows of our long term plan too and encourages us.

    I have been in a comfort zone so far. Now, I can see clearly that it is my full responsibility, in everything. From doing business, making money, having a strong family, children’s welfare, education, the servants and keeping my wife happy in bed. It is not easy after all being a man of the house. I have to be strong inside out. I often sigh thinking of all those but feeling confident thinking of having Ming Lan beside me.

    We had promised to build a strong home together. She always gives me her full support in certain matters, giving me strength and ideas.

    “Keong. I am pregnant again.”

    I hug Ming Lan before she can say further. I hug her close to my body, sighing happily. Feeling so happy to hear that she is pregnant again. I had waited for eight years for my third child. “Thank you, Ming Lan. Thank you. You make me very happy.”

    “Are you sure you want another one. I’m thirty seven. I hope you can take it and don’t go looking for women outside. I’ll never forgive you if you ever do that.”

    I quickly covered her mouth with my mouth, not wanting to hear more. I am so happy now. I kiss her lips. “I’ll never do that to you. Have you ever heard of or seen me doing all those before?”

    Ming Lan shakes her head. “No. But you’re forty. People say…”

    “No, no, please. Don’t start… I know myself. Ok? Trust me. I’m the same guy you married eleven years ago. Why should I change now?”

    “I don’t know. I just have that feeling.” says Ming Lan, blinking at me lying on the bed.

    I look into her eyes, with the feeling that I have for her all these years. She is my wonderful and caring wife. She always cares for my boys and me. I am always happy with her in bed. She is my wonderful woman.

    “I love you. I love you, Ming Lan.” I kiss her again, assuring her of my love for her. I take care not to overdo it this time, knowing there is a baby in her. Oh, how I love you, my wife. You really make me a happy father again.

    Amma’s house has become our holiday house all these years. Going back often for fresh fruits when our tenant calls informing us. Ming Lan let them deal with the fruits and kept the branches low by hanging heavy loads. That policeman guy, Jack, helps a lot. He is like Ming Lan, doing what she had done, keeping the place clean and neat in his spare time.

    The fruit trees, coconuts, guavas, bananas, papayas and oranges bear endless fruit supply all year round. Rambutans, mangoesteens and mangoes are beginning to bear flowers again.

    There are two regular fruit sellers who come and pluck the fruits themselves. The tenants keep the house well maintained with a portion of the money they sell the fruits. They repaint the house, making it looking very welcoming. Ming Lan is saving her fruit money and the room rent for her children, reminding her of Amma. Not that the money is a lot but it meant a lot to her. She is a sentimental person.

    Ming Lan takes care of our son herself when she is at home. She is a loving person to me, Appa and my son. “I love you the most, Keong. I cannot sleep without you by my side. Is that proof enough?” She answers teasing me when I ask her about it as she hugs my head on her lap on the bed.

    I pull her down on my side, pecking her everywhere, making her giggle and escaping my hands with her big belly. There is no escaping my hand. I get hold of her and express my emotion on her, quieten her down until we are done for the day, laying in heavy breathing beside her.

    She strokes my face gently, smiling at me before we fall asleep mouthing ‘I love you’. I love my wife very much.

    Ming Lan is still a popular teacher in school with the pupils, expecting our third baby anytime. I am anxiously waiting for my third baby.

    She told me she wants four children to compensate for her loneliness living alone with grandma. I have to work harder then, after our third child delivery. I smile to myself, thinking of my wife, Ming Lan and my coming family member. My family is growing and I am getting busier obviously, entertaining my sons before their bedtime.