The Ageless Dream

17.3 Land of Xiang (67)

"Hurry!" Dong Li Hua playfully said while holding both Dong Xu and Summer Basch's hands. She led them into the rose garden her father took care of for years. With the help of Dong Zhenzhen and Dong Chun Wu, the three of them transformed this place into a romantic scenery with flickering lanterns and scented candles lit.

"Why do I smell roses?" Summer raised a brow. Its only her second day of stay but she is glad Dong Li Hua had forgiven her.

"I think I know what's going on." Dong Xu light chuckled. The blindfold covering their sight got removed and ahead them is a table for two with candlelight on top and roses everywhere which is a heartfelt dating site.

"Li Hua... What are these for?" Summer frowned a bit.

"Dear mother, I prepared these for you and Dad. Do you like it? I even hired a band for the two of you. Isn't this place perfect for love?" Dong Li Hua proudly smiled. She glanced on her left where a rose bush is, Dong Chun Wu's hiding spot. They planned to take a picture of Dong Xu and Summer Basch having a date.

"This... I- I love it." she stepped forward and held her daughter's hands. Summer Basch hesitated for a bit and looked at Dong Xu. He silently nodded in agreement. "Li Hua, I have something to say."

"Hm?" the young girl frowned. For some reason, she feels uneasy.

"Your father and I...we can't be together anymore." Summer slowly spoke as to not shock Dong Li Hua.

"What? W-why not? Dad's first wife had passed, you're unmarried- wait. Unless you..." Dong Li Hua retrieved her hands. She stared on Summer in disbelief.

"Li Hua, I never loved your father. What happened between us is forced but I have forgiven him long ago. Because I have you, I have a beautiful daughter like you and it's a blessing. I met a man in US then I fell for him and married each other a decade ago. You can meet him someday; he is your stepfather. A kind man too and he is willing to support you." Summer decided to tell everything since confusion had occupied Dong Li Hua's face. "I came back to take you with me. You spent seventeen years with your father and I had longed to stay with you too. I know that US is a new place but you will surely love it there."

"Take me back? Dad." Dong Li Hua turned to Dong Xu who lowered his eyes. "You- you want me to go with her?"

"Li Hua, she is your mother. I stole every chance she should have with with you in the first place." he looked up to meet her gaze. Dong Xu can see how shocked she is.

Dong Li Hua took a step back. Her father is giving her away just like that? Her mother married another man a decade ago? This family, it messed up. She gritted her teeth and without a word, ran into the house.

"Li Hua..."

"Xiao Hua!"

Her parents called out for her but Dong Li Hua did not look back. She grabbed her purse on the dining table and took her phone. Dong Li Hua rushed out of the manor as Dong Chun Wu chased after her.

"Xiao Hua, wait!" he called out but Dong Li Hua never stopped. Her tears blurred her sight and she ran in stubbornness to leave the place. Only her grandfather can help her now. Only in his side can she be calm.

"Young Master, watch out!" sudden shouts were heard. Dong Li Hua turned around to face the path when she completely bumped into a person. A pair of hand grabbed her arm to steady her.

"Miss?" a mesmerizing deep voice resonated that night. A familiar once she can never fail to recognize. Dong Li Hua lifted her teary eyes to see the young man. It was him, the man who is similar to Ying Zheng.

"Young Master, its inappropriate to touch a woman. Please remember why Headmaster told us to come here." one of the guards reminded.

"Shut up." he coldly said before diverting his attention on the girl trapped in his grasp. "Green eyes, they look lovely."

"I- Im sorry, Sir." Dong Li Hua regained her senses and removed his hold. She glanced behind to see Dong Chun Wu's silhouette. She ran away to maintain their distance before calling a cab to bring her to her grandfather's house.

Upon reaching the front gate, Dong Li Hua rang the doorbell. It felt strange her eyes were heavy. She wanted to sleep when she heard a soft tinkling sound and this alarmed Dong Li Hua. Once the gate opened, a maid asked who she is. Dong Li Hua was unable to answer and fell down. Remaining silent within the night breeze were lingering sounds of dangling plum rubies.

"Argh! My back aches." Dong Li Hua complained and opened her eyes when she discovered she is in a new place. It was a radiant room with many sets of colorful dress, instruments, jewelries and pretty women.

"The new girl is awake. Dress her up. Lord Xiang is here today so serve him the fresh ones." not far from her id a woman in a red attire, talking with two ladies.

"Not again!" she screamed in her head. Only two days passed yet here she is again! Can fate stop fooling her around?!

"You, come here." one of the ladies pointed at Dong Li Hua. She gulped before slowly walking forward.

"Green eccentric eyes. Lord Xiang will really favor her. Madame San will receive a lot of money today."

"Of course." smiling wickedly, the lady showed a set of white clothes to Dong Li Hua. "Go change behind that folding screen. Hurry, you don't want to be punished."

Without a choice, Dong Li Hua went to change her dress and at the same time, thinking of a plan to leave. She knew this is an illegal flower house. In ancient times, flower houses were serving for courtesans that are only for artistic entertainments. Selling a woman's body is not part of it.