บท 5: Delusional

The end result of being found out by Yi Meixu was meeting her father. Xia Yanmei had no choice but to speak to him after her mother received threatening calls from Xia Zihao.

The father and daughter were in the hotel coffee shop and have been for minutes, plainly staring at each other.

"Why are you such an ungrateful child?" Xia Zihao asked. "What about your studies? Have you chosen to abandon five years of studying? What are you doing here? Answer me!"

Xia Yanmei's mouth twitched from left to right before she gave her response, "I finished my masters last quarter. I lied about not having graduated yet."

She still lied. It had been a year since she had attained her masters degree, but she liked the idea of her father still sending her support money.

"How could you do this to me? Why are you like this to me? Your own father?"

"Do I have to explain myself? You ruined our relationship when you chose to betray our family. Worst, get a divorce to be with your mistress!"

"For how long are we going to argue about this? You have to accept the truth. Yanmei, you have a sister and a step-mother - "

"I'm sorry, father. However, you also have to accept the truth. I cannot accept your betrayal and you can't make me. Now, I apologize for taking your support money, but that is all gone now. I will just repay you when I start working for brother Ting - "

"Wait, did you say that you will be working for the Royal Dragon?" His father interrupted her, seemingly changing his point of view.

She rolled her eyes, knowing what will happen next, "Yes. Brother Ting wants me to train under him directly."

Her father's smile was from ear to ear and his eyes glistened in excitement. "Wow! That is good to hear. Yanmei, please do well in the company. Soon you can help your sister get in as well."

"You know very well that is not my decision to make. You know how uncle Tao and brother Ting is," she pointed out to him.

She watched Xia Zihao contemplate on her words. After a few seconds, she heard him say, "Well, at least you can help your sister show to the Bais that you are already in good terms. It would really help her gain respect from the rest of the Bai Family."

"What? Five years of being officially Bai Han's girlfriend and she has not done that? Why do you need me to do that?" Yanmei questioned in protest.

"Many of the Bais think that we are a broken family… That we are not one - "

"Of course, father. They are not blind."

"Stop this! Stop this now, Yanmei. Be there at the rehearsal dinner and make sure to attend the wedding - That! That is all I am asking of you, Yanmei. Please, help your sister once in your life. I promise, I won't ask for anything more," her father pleaded as he leaned forward to see his daughter's reaction.

She reluctantly agreed, knowing her father would not stop at disturbing her or her mother. After sending off Ning Suyin to the train station, she went home to her grandfather's house.

When Xia Gang learned that Yanmei was attending Yi Meixu's rehearsal dinner and the wedding, he felt uncomfortable. He then elaborated to Yanmei how her sister had tried to win his side over the years to the point of defaming her. However, Xia Gang knew too well not to trust her half-sister.`

"I'm telling you, Yanmei. That mother and daughter are up to no good. How dare they think I would replace you for them? I have known you since you were wearing diapers! I practically raised you with your father often wondering off to wherever!"

Her grandfather's words made her chuckle, but she assured him, she could handle Yi Meixu, "Don't worry, grandpa. She could never affect me."

The night of the rehearsal dinner came and Yanmei decided to arrive late for the event. When she reached the restaurant, she happened to see Yi Meixu talking to Bai Han's cousins outside the private function.

"My sister will be here later. Whatever happens, please don't make her feel uncomfortable. Yanmei is still in love with Han and that is why she decided to attend the wedding party. I am worried that she will try to take Han's attention but at the same time, I don't want to hurt her. I love my sister so much," Yi Meixu said to two of Bai Han's cousins.

"What? I feel so sorry for Yanmei. I can't believe she would do this."

"Don't worry, Xuxu. We are with you on this, we will watch her and make sure she does not even look at brother Han."

Yanmei frowned and folded her arms against her chest, hearing Yi Meixu from where she stood. She murmured saying, "Delusional. Why do I even have to bother myself with this?"

Before resolving to join the party, she thought of a great idea. It made her give out a naughty grin. She told herself, 'I might as well play with her.'

Slowly, she opened the doors to the function room where the rehearsal dinner was held. Xia Yanmei walked-in elegantly in a white fitted cocktail dress, perfectly hugging her slender body. As she walked, her soft and silky hair bounced along every step she made.

Everyone could see how more beautiful Yanmei had become. Having lived in the US so long, her skin was very fair, white as a pearl, nearly showed any pores. Along with her go-getter attitude, her presence awed all eyes that were on her, including Bai Han.

Yanmei gave smiles to the Bais and greeted them politely before nodding to her father and going to the couple's table. She completely ignored Yi Liling.

"Hello, Xuxu," she greeted her half-sister and slowly diverted her gaze to Bai Han. She pushed behind her ear a lock of her hair before greeting him, "Han, nice to meet you again."

Bai Han flushed instantly. He thought, 'How could I have not seen it before. Yanmei was absolutely more beautiful than Xuxu.'

Yi Meixu was earlier angered by how appealing Yanmei looked, coming inside the room like she was the main event. Soon, she quickly recovered herself and greeted back, "Sister! I am so happy to see you. Finally, you are here!" She then turned to the Bai family and other guests, saying, "Everyone, my sister is here! I am so happy."

Yanmei purposely hugged Yi Meixu and did the same to Han Bai. As she hugged him, she whispered to his ear, "Meet me at the Sheraton Hotel. 9PM at the lobby."