บท 36: The truth

Arriving at Lee manor, they headed upstairs to Master Lee's study room. "Enter"

Jade wanted to leave as it is clearly family matters but Derek held on to her, "You are already part of our family. Butler Xi, can you help me speak to Dr Peter and get him to standby." After giving out instructions, Derek with Jade by his side entered the study room.

Master Lee could predict the topic of discussion by looking at their grim expression. He was informed that the two of them headed out to see a renowned hypnotist. Every night since Derek stayed at the manor, he could hear Derek screaming in his sleep. There are times he wanted to rush there to comfort his son but was helpless. He suspected being in this manor triggered a massive stimulation to his subconscious mind.

"Father, I am sorry if I'm being disrespectful but I really want to know what happened 20 years ago. For the past 5 years, I have been digging into the past but each and every search always ended up with a road block and I suspected it was you at the background stopping me from finding out the truth. We can stop if you feel uncomfortable, but I am planning to marry this lady beside me and I want to know what I'm up against and if that person is still around to cause any threat."

Throughout the whole time, Derek was holding Jade's hand and Master Lee kept quiet. After a moment of intense silence, Master Lee finally spoken. He pressed for the bell for Butler Xi. He signaled Butler Xi to retrieve some documents. He then signaled Butler Xi to give those documents to Derek.

He cleared his throat and spoke, "The culprit was your uncle, my younger brother Lee Han Ping. He is delusional and is in love with Yu Ling, your mother. He has an impression that your mother only stayed on because of you. It was true that our marriage was arranged but we fell in love, your mother was a wonderful woman, loyal, strong even on her own and supportive. I had always wanted to protect her but she insisted on protecting us. I had a deep regret of not going that day to the so called ransom exchange. Your mother insisted that I should not go because she knows Han Ping will target both of us. She made me promised if anything were to happen, I need to be stronger for you. To be honest, all these years I do not resent you of her death but myself. I had to be firm with you because you need to grow up. Tough love some people say." his tears was flowing and his voice wavered as he spoke.

Jade stood up and dragged Derek along and stood beside Master Lee's chair and placed their hands on his. Master Lee stared at their face and his heart no longer feel heavy and felt liberated instead. Derek passes a clean handkerchief to Master Lee. "Inside the folder is information on your uncle imprisonment location. I now leave it to you handle how you deem fit and proper."

Derek nodded solemnly and realised his father suffered as much or even more than he did. Living in regrets and unable to die to fulfill a promise, such a familiar feeling, because that was how he felt. Derek discerned that his situation is better as he now has Jade to accompany him for the rest of his life. Today, he felt liberated as well. He finally could let go of all resentment and guilt.

Jade decided to leave the two of them in pretext of making an important call but they knew better. The moment she left, Master Lee stood up to give Derek a real hug. "I'm proud of how you turn out my son. You have a good eye and chose the right person for yourself. I am glad that she will be by your side when the time comes for me to meet your mother. I can tell her no need to worry because you are going to be fine."

"I am sorry father. I have always been self centered and selfish, I wallow in my own sorrow and I was blind to yours. If only, if only I knew you were also suffering, we could have share our burden and not waste all those years drifted and misunderstood."

"Your mother says we are of the same trait, stubborn mule she used to call me." he smiled at the sweet memories that were flooding his brain.

"Let's make new memories." Derek said with conviction. "The rings have arrived, I planned to propose tonight, can you keep Jade company while I make some preparation. Once we get back to Beijing, we will register our marriage. Do you want to move back to Beijing? You can always stay at the countryside manor in Beijing, it will be easier for us to visit."

"Good chap. Marry her fast, don't let her go. Give me grandchildren fast. I'll think about it about moving to Beijing. The idea is enticing. Why don't you give me grandchildren first, then we discuss again about me relocating to Beijing. Are you going to announce your marriage?"

"Yes. I want the world to know she is mine."

Master Lee invited Jade to visit his favourite art shop. She complied with his request. The whole manor was in chaos because Master Lee wanted to leave the house, he had not left the manor for the past 20 years and the Young Master was causing chaos with all his demands. He invited a 3 star michelin chef to prepare a 3 course western dinner. It will be a candlelight dinner at the English garden, one of the four gardens in the manor. He wanted the grand piano to be moved there. He asked Butler Xi to inquire for available pianist. Flowers were ordered and delivered. Even a photographer was invited as well as a personal stylist.

Meanwhile, Master Lee was throwing tantrum in the car because most of the shop or galleries that were open 20 years ago had closed down or relocated to some other place. He kept asking why no one updated him with all the changes. Finally, he brought her to a temple, to get blessings. Then they took a stroll in town garnering attentions. Some who recognised Master Lee were shocked to see him leisurely strolling accompanied by a very beautiful lady. He proudly introduced her as his daughter in law.