บท 14: Gao Family Summoning.
Chapter 14
Madam Gao let out an exasperated sigh, shifting her gaze toward the source of the voice that had interrupted her moment of respite. Seated in her opulent living room, she found her daughter-in-law, Madam Gao Rouyun, a woman hailing from a family of considerable wealth. Rouyun bore an uncanny resemblance to Eliza, with her pretty oval face and cascading black hair. Her hazel eyes mirrored those of her daughter. Despite her petite yet tall figure and graceful posture, her outward beauty masked a less-than-charming personality.
"I explicitly emphasized the need for perfection because my daughter is returning home, accompanied by someone special. Due to your negligence, consider yourself dismissed," Madam Gao Rouyun proclaimed, her voice saturated with anger, directed at the maid.
The maid, feeling the weight of impending job loss, hastily bowed and pleaded, "Oh, please, ma'am, spare my job. I am willing to undertake additional tasks and put in extra effort. I implore you not to fire me please."
Rouyun's glare intensified as she retorted, "Leave this place immediately." Her words carried the weight of authority.
Madam Gao cleared her throat with enough volume to reach Rouyun's ears. Startled, Rouyun pivoted to find her mother-in-law seated on the couch. "Oh, Mother, you're here," she greeted, masking any surprise in her tone.
Commanding attention, Madam Gao beckoned, "Gao Rouyun, come here." There was an unmistakable undercurrent of displeasure in her voice.
Rouyun, her eyebrows knitting together, gracefully exited the kitchen to join her mother-in-law on the couch. "Is something wrong, Mother?" she inquired, curiosity lacing her words.
Madam Gao fixed her daughter-in-law with a piercing gaze and sighed, "Don't fire the maid; it was just one tiny mistake." Rouyun's frown deepened as she voiced her objection, "But that was an unforgivable mistake."
Met with her mother-in-law's glare, Gao Rouyun promptly closed her mouth and reluctantly acquiesced, "Okay, Mother."
Rising from her seat, she returned to the kitchen and addressed the staffs present, "You may all continue your work. No one is getting fired. I will forgive this, but only once." The maid nodded in gratitude, bowing in acknowledgment. With that, Rouyun exited the kitchen and ascended the staircase.
As Gao Rouyun left, a woman entered the house through the front door, announcing, "Mother, I'm here." It was none other than Liu ShiShi. Madam Gao's face lit up as she looked at her daughter and warmly remarked, "You suddenly decided to come visit after all these years, Shishi." The joy in Madam Gao's voice was evident as her daughter approached, giving her a tight hug and planting a kiss on her cheek.
Liu ShiShi exuded an air of sophistication, her well-built stature adorned in an expensive designer dress, complemented by high heels and tasteful jewelry. Her short straight black hair framed a pair of dark brown eyes, and her pale skin added to her elegant appearance.
Following Liu ShiShi were her two sons, Liu Ronan and Liu Javin, along with her husband, Liu Qianli. Javin, who is eighteen and the youngest of the two sons, bore a striking resemblance to Liu Qianli. Both men were handsome with tall, muscular frames, neatly trimmed black hair, and sky-blue eyes. Ronan, on the other hand, shared more facial features with Liu ShiShi.
Javin's face lit up with a warm smile as he rushed toward his grandmother, exclaiming, "Grandma!" The enthusiasm in his voice matched the excitement in his eyes. Madam Gao, equally delighted, returned his embrace. "You've grown up a lot since I last saw you, Javin," she remarked, hugging him affectionately. Javin, pleased with the recognition, gently pulled away and took a seat beside his grandmother.
Ronan, following suit, shared a brief hug with Madam Gao before settling on the couch opposite her. The room filled with a familial warmth as greetings were exchanged. Liu Qianli, displaying a respectful bow, addressed Madam Gao with genuine inquiry, "Greetings, Mother. It has been a long time. How have you been?" Madam Gao, wearing a gracious smile, responded, "I'm doing well, Qianli. Thank you. I can see you haven't changed one bit." Qianli, maintaining his composure, replied, "Oh really? That's great. I am happy to hear that," taking a seat on one of the couches.
Seizing the moment, Madam Gao leaned closer to Liu ShiShi, and initiated a reminiscent conversation. "Do you remember the question I asked you when you first brought this man, seeking my permission to marry him?"
Liu ShiShi nodded in agreement, affirming, "Yes, mother, and I want to emphasize that he is unquestionably Chairwoman Liu's son."
Madam Gao fixed her gaze on him, her thoughts echoing, 'I genuinely find it hard to believe that the jovial old lady gave birth to this AI; even her husband isn't comparable. I'm grateful that Ronan and Javin don't entirely resemble him.'
Contemplating this, Madam Gao subtly shook her head before redirecting her attention to Liu ShiShi.
"Mother, what about Brother Bailong?" Liu ShiShi inquired, curiosity evident in his tone. "Did he come?"
A soft reply escaped Madam Gao's lips, "He did."
Liu ShiShi persisted, "And is he comfortable with Gao Rouyun summoning the entire family here?"
"He didn't entirely agree with it," Madam Gao responded, her voice carrying a delicate softness, "but in this house, everyone must abide by my rules."
A subtle tension enveloped the room, with Madam Gao maintaining her composure and a hint of firmness in her tone. Liu ShiShi couldn't help but sigh and mumble, "I wonder why Gao Rouyun insisted on everyone's presence."
Just as the air held a sense of mystery, Gao Rouyun and Gao Bailong made their entrance, descending the stairs and gracefully entering the living room.
Gao Bailong, with neatly combed black hair, dark brown eyes, and glasses, exuded an air of sophistication. His tall, handsome stature and strong presence were undeniable as they both took their seats.
Gao Rouyun initiated the conversation, breaking the anticipatory silence, "Good, you are all here."
"I called you all for a reason," she stated firmly, her words lingering in the room.
Everyone's confusion deepened, but just as Gao Rouyun was about to continue, Eliza and Mason arrived, hand in hand, making their entrance with Eliza's vibrant announcement, "Hey, everyone, I'm home."
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