Games That People Play

Chapter 18 Family Dinner

Lu Jinian feigned surprise when he entered the exclusive banquet hall for the Yue family at The Excelsior. He didn't want to disappoint his grandfather. The Patriarch was beaming with delight when he saw his favorite grandson. Yue Lanxin, the Third Young Master was by his side, supporting him as he struggled to sit up with his walking stick.

"Lu Jinian, my boy! Welcome back!" He exclaimed while cousins, uncles and aunties from the Huangs and Yues started to gather at the huge dinner table. "Come here and sit by my side!" The old man called Lu Jinian again.

Long and powerful legs strode towards the presidential table. He slightly bowed his head in respect to the elders who called their well wishes. "Grandfather" Lu Jinian bowed before the old man and took his seat at his right side. The left taken already by Lanxin.

"Everyone, your attention please!" the old man's voice boomed in all the corners of the family banquet hall. "I am very happy to announce that Lu Jinian has completely recovered from his illness, I wish to thank all of you who worked hard during his absence." Sounds of loud clapping, then he looked over the small crowd and saw Xi Yin.

He fondly smiled and continued, "I also want to acknowledge the presence of my eldest grandson, Yue Xi Yin. Come here boy, sit here with your brothers." He invited. Xi Yin accepted graciously with a bow of his head and walked towards his grandfather.

He smiled at the other relatives, he knew that most of them resented his position in the company, being an illegitimate child, though he was born first. It was his great luck that Huang Lin who was then betrothed to Cheng Yue was magnanimous in accepting his mother Wei Mu who was also in her senior year at the time of her pregnancy, and forgiving Cheng Yue for a night of drunken passion.

Huang Lin did not dwell on her pain but she objectively faced the challenge and chose to protect both families and their business interests. She knew that the powerful merging of both companies would happen only by marriage, and that was hers and young Cheng Yue. She was generous to Wei Mu and in exchange, she gave her utmost loyalty to the HLY Group and worked deligently. Xi Yin then called Huang Lin his Big Mother while his biological mother, simply Ma.

Both ladies were always present in all of his life milestones. He was grateful to belong to this family and he will always respect and uphold the family rules. So, Xi Yin didn't mind that Lu Jinian was acknowledged by the family as the principal heir to most flourishing companies handled by HLY Group at a tender age of fifteen.

He was only two years older than Lu Jinian. Both brothers' studies and trainings came first. They were not easy and they never had much time to hang out with friends. They were only allowed to have their first taste of alcohol at the age of twenty.

They were then trained and employed at various companies under Huang Lu Yue's helm. They underwent rigorous trainings abroad, workshops pertaining to management and financial strategies. In all of the said courses, Lu Jinian excelled and was always on top, and Xi Yin and Lanxin respected that.

"Xi Yin, I am proud of the man that you have become" the old man continued. "I was reviewing all the reports from your end and I am satisfied with your performance!" The old man gently tapped Xi Yin's shoulders before settling on his seat.

"Thank you, grandfather" Xi Yin bowed again respectfully. During this time, Cheng Yue took the microphone and urged everyone to start eating. The food tonight was extra special and delicious.

Xinli didn't have much appetite, so after a few mouthfuls of rice topped with her favorite steamed shrimps and braised beef, she put down her chopsticks and headed out into the gardens. She wanted some fresh air, she didn't touch alcohol, she was scarred for life the last time she drank. This time, she put some sense into her tired and lonely mind.

She sat at the nearest bench she found. She raised her tired eyes to the heavens and said a breath of prayer. "Mom and Dad, please bless me and be happy with your daughter. I have come a long way and living my dream in the hotel industry. I am now a manager, aren't you proud of me? I miss you so much." A wayward tear escaped her eyes, she wiped it with the back of her hand.

A shadow came into view. That unmistakeable male scent invaded her senses, she immediately knew it was Lu Jinian.

"Waiting for someone, Lia?" he drawled. She stood up calmly although her stomach did a somersault and her nerves were all alive.

"Did you want something, Mr. President?" her tone was devoid of feeling. She saw his expression hardened and his eyes were like a pair of ice glaciers ready to pierce her heart.

"I seem to recall the last time we were alone like this, you were warm and inviting..." malice and disgust laced his words, "Why pretend to be proper now?"

Xinli's chest heaved with anger but she bit her lips before she could say something equally insulting to this man who was her boss... but not for long!

"I came here to have a breath of fresh air and since the air is a bit chilly and isn't to my liking anymore, i might as well take my leave, sir."

Before Lu Jinian could act or say anything, Xinli hurriedly left and went straight to the ladies' room. His smouldering eyes followed her 'til she was out of his sight. Houbin saw their interaction but withdrew and turned back without being seen.