章 15: Back In Jade Country

1 year and 6 months later.

Jade Country National Airport. VIP Exit.

"Welcome back Young Master Choi!" Secretary Park greeted. Choi Kazuki only nodded and continued looking at the photo sent by his mother in law.

"Welcome back Young Sir Park, Young Sir Zhang and Young Sir Tanaka!" He also bowed and greeted the three members of LSS.

Choi Kazuki asked for a tissue before he sneezed. He really couldn't stand perfumes due to his allergy. Thanks to the flirty attendant with the pungent perfume, his allergy acted up in the plane and now he his nose is blocked.

"These are chocolates from Amethyst Country. I know your wife will love them!" Shiro put the boxes of chocolates on Secretary Park's free hand.

"And here's my gift for younger cousin-in-law. She loves succulents right?" Mingyu gave the small cacti on top of the boxes

"We'll be going now leader-nim and stop oogling at your wife's picture!" The two teased and immediately bolted before Choi Kazuki could react.

"Well...we won't hold you back Kazuki. Now go to your lovely wife! Or I'll steal her from you!" Jinhai winked and ran towards his car.

"What--? Hey! You rats! I'm not oogling at my wife-- ugh whatever. Take me home, Secretary Park. I wanna rest." He gave up and just walked towards his car.

"Yes, Young Master. The summary of the investigations will be sent to your home computer via e-mail. Have a good rest, Young Master!" Secretary Park followed with the gifts to Young Mrs. Choi on his hands.

Choi Kazuki is finally back at Jade Country. Ever since he left the country for their world tour, his mom and his mother in law would update him about Hexie Wu. At first he was glad that he could monitor what Hexie Wu was doing and unearth her plans but as it got frequent, he stopped using his phone for a year and only opened it now after they landed.

Now surge of messages kept popping up and the latest was a message from his mother-in-law, Li Lifen.

Mother Lifen: Would you be so kind and scold my daughter? She bleached her precious hair again and dyed it red!!

"Again? Last time it was green highlights...."

He almost dropped his phone when he first saw the photo. He did not recognize the girl in the photo at first if not for the description his mother in law gave.

Mother Lifen: Our Hexie-er is not responding to our messages, maybe you could call her or tell her to call us when you get home.

Mother Lifen: Hexie-er is probably locked up in her cold room again. Also tell her to stop using the air conditioner in her room to the maximum level or it might become north Pole *shivering emoji*

He looked over the photos his mom, mother in law and even his little brother sent to him. She...got thinner? His chubby bunny wife shed her fats. No wonder his mom begged him to make Hexie Wu eat more in their last phone call a month ago.

What happened during his absence?

When he got home, only their maid, Nanny Lin was there to welcome him. He was told that Hexie Wu was attending a sleep-over at the Wang's residence. He only shrugged and directly went to his room.

On his way, he saw the pictures hanging on the wall. Mostly are photos of Hexie Wu and her small achievements, like the moment she got her black belt, or when she and a bunch of her classmates wearing costumes in her university's festival. Hexie Wu was dressed like a vampire with her half-bleached hair. She was easy to spot since she was still chubby here like the last time he saw her.

The photos shown how she gradually shed got fats. The latest picture was her and her childhood friends in a cafe, there was a "Happy 1st Anniversary!!" on the background.

Choi Kazuki felt a pang of regret. He didn't even send her a gift on their wedding anniversary, not even a text.

"Aish! The past is in the past! Why am I feeling sorry for that girl?!" He said to himself and immediately went to his room. He booted up his computer and read the e-mails.

His phone rang, it was his mom.

"Yes, mom?" He answered lazily as he scanned the emailed document with attached pictures.

[I have an order for you my genius darling son.]

"Ugh. What is it mom?"

[You will keep an eye on my dear daughter in law and feed her in school and in your home.]

"Mom, have you forgotten I already graduated college with Latin honors?" His perfect brows furrowed at his mother's strange request.

[I have already sent an application for Master's, now be a good boy and go to I.C.E. University to complete the enrollment process today.]

"But mom--" he was about to protest when his mother cut him off.

[Do you remember your deal with your dad?]

"What!? Don't tell me Father asked for your decision?" Kazuki seethed in anger.

[Oh my! My son is truly a genius! Yes, I was the one who made the final decision. I made sure that your band's contract will be renewed once my dear daughter in law accept the marriage alliance.]

"You did all that?" Kazuki still couldn't believe his mother's power. If he only knew, he would have made a different deal that does not include any marriages. He massaged his temple.

[Yes my dear Kazuki-chan. Behind every successful man is a woman. Remember that. What I have told is you is not a request but an order. An order to properly take care of your wife.] His mom's voice softens. She truly dotes on Wu Hexie that much?

"Why?" Kazuki couldn't help but ask, his curiosity got the better of him.

[To atone my sin to Hexie-er 10 years ago.]