Chapter 4: Wrapped Around Her Finger

Ning Suyin was waiting for her daughter to come out from the airport's arrival area. Finally, after five years her daughter has returned. It saddened her that she chose not to visit, not even once during the time she stayed in the US. They both only talked over video calls.

"Yanmei! Over here!" She was teary-eyed at the sight of her daughter.

Xia Yanmei hastily walked towards her mom, dragging along two of her huge luggage. She also felt emotional but tried to hold back her tears. "Mom? why are you crying? We talk almost every day!"

They hugged each other very tight before heading to the hotel. She and her mother decided to stay in a hotel for a few days before Ning Suyin would return to the province.

With the money that she had saved up, having worked while studying and after finishing her masters, Yanmei gave her mother some pampering after a day of rest. She took Ning Suyin to the spa and bought her new clothes. She also bought her grandparent's gifts that her mother can bring back home.

Tired of walking the entire day at the mall, the mother and daughter rested in a coffee shop while indulging in some refreshments. After settling down, they spoke about Yanmei's plans.

"What are you going to do after this?" Ning Suyin asked.

Yanmei bit her lips before answering, " I am going to take up brother Ting's offer to work for him."

Before leaving, she and her cousin, Xia Ting had already agreed for her to work for the family business. The Royal Dragon Corporation had greatly expanded its trade shortly after her cousin's take over on the company and he needed more help from those he trusted.

Initially, she did not want to get involved with the business, knowing her father will use her for whatever purpose beneficial to him. However, she could not say no to her cousin.

"Is that really what you want?" She heard her mother's concern. It made her grin awkwardly altogether.

Yanmei cleared her throat before answering, "To work in the best company? Yes. To get monitored and bothered by my father? No. I just hope he no longer has cronies within the company."

"And, after my visit here in Guangzhou, where will you stay?" Her mother probed further.

"I think… I will stay with grandpa Gang for a few days. He has not been well these days. After I stay with grandpa, I will be staying with uncle Tao and brother Ting… I am very in demand lately. They all want me to live with them. They all know I don't want to stay with my father," said Yanmei.

Ning Suyin was overwhelmed by the fact that her daughter was loved by the Xias. The family had a very strong bond which she recalled was fostered by her ex-husband's grandfather.

Although Xia Zihao nor Xia Gang was not part of the main family that created the Royal Dragon, the Xias preferred to bring-in their families instead of outsiders. Thus, it did not surprise Ning Suyin that her daughter would be asked to join the company.

While they were chatting away, they heard a familiar voice call out to Yanmei.

"Yanmei? Oh, Yanmei! It really is you! I can't believe it!"

They both turned to see who it was but only to be disappointed. They found Yi Meixu, coming towards them with Bai Han behind her.

"Oh, boy," Xia Yanmei mumbled to herself.

Yi Meixu immediately gave Yanmei a hug despite her greeting not being responded to. After pulling away, she merely received a grin from Yanmei.

"Yanmei! When did you arrive? Why didn't you tell us you were arriving? How long are you going to be here?" She laughed out of the blue before adding, "I'm sorry to be asking so many questions, but this is just a surprise! Did you tell father that you were returning?"

"No, I did not tell father," Yanmei replied plainly.

As Yi Meixu continued asking her questions, Bai Han kept staring at Yanmei, stunned by her presence. He realized that Xia Yanmei looked different from how she used to be. She looked mature and sophisticated, slightly westernized. He thought she looked rather attractive.

His thought was suddenly interrupted when his fiance called him over. "Han! Han! Honey! Come over and say hi to Yanmei!"

He walked over slowly and greeted the mother and daughter, "Good afternoon Yanmei and Mrs. Ning. It's nice to see you again."

Yanmei gave a fake smile and greeted him back. She was about to make an excuse to leave when Yi Meixu asked, "How long has it been? Five years? Surely, Yanmei, you must be over Bai Han by now right?"

The question made her frown that she slightly raised her voice saying, "What? Get over Bai Han?"

"Sister, please. I beg you, please forgive us already. Me and Han, we are getting married next week. I would love for you to attend the wedding - "

"I will be busy by then and about forgiveness, it's down memory lane. There is no need to bring it up, but please, you'll have to excuse us. My mother and I have so much catching up to do." Yanmei quickly gestured to leave and bid goodbye to the two.

They left hurriedly to avoid any further discussion. Their exchanged of words happened so fast and Meixu was putting words into her mouth. Yanmei did not like it one bit but instead of making a scene, she chose to leave in her presence.

Yanmei heard Meixu sob and she could only imagine it was another drama. She chose to ignore it, pretending not to hear and walked out the door with her mother.

After being meters away from the cafe, she could hear footsteps running towards them.

"Yanmei! Yanmei!" She turned to see that it was Bai Han.

When he caught up with them he asked, "Yanmei, please. If you have truly forgotten about the past. Can you spend time with her and connect Xuxu? She really felt hurt by the fact you were never in touch with each other."

"Hmmm… I really doubt that - "

"How could you be like this, Yanmei? Xuxu, she loves and misses you dearly!"

Yanmei took a deep breath and closed her eyes before telling him, "Look. I don't know what she told you and I don't expect you to believe me. However, she is lying and the worst part is, you believe her." She then shook her head before adding, "She has you wrapped around her fingers."