{Authors Note: A late update due to re-writing the lost chapters. My laptop went on a fritz and I couldn't recover my updated files to the specific date. Apologies. Here we go again.}
He heard the words clearly from her mouth and tactfully gave her some privacy. Eventhough he didn't get into Su Lian's personal problems, it doesn't mean that he didn't understand what she has been going through. The little information she trusted him can be put together to see the bigger picture.
He frowned when he came to a few answers as to why her mother would contact her out of the blue. Chen Kai didn't deny 'mother's love and worry' as the reason but it wasn't on top of the list. He more or less figured out the Su family situation when Su Lian told him the truth for her acceptance of a college in Nanjing. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the nοvelfire.net
"That being at the bottom, the call is probably for some benefits they want and they remembered they had a daughter. Or… Lian is unknowingly connected to someone they have their eye on. Either reason concludes to the fact that they want to use her as a tool." Worry for her filled his eyes. Glancing at the closed door, he debated as to whether he should intervene or let her handle things on her own.
Chen Kai was protective of his woman and wanted to shield her from anything that may harm or upset her.
This time he couldn't.
He took a quick look at his space inventory – the unclaimed rewards were highlighted with a white glow. The cultivation technique was bold in his vision, this was meant for his first wife but she was clear on their feelings. It wasn't a 'forever type of mutual feelings. Only someone who truly loved him can successfully cultivate this technique as his Dao Companion.
In cultivation one must have a calm heart. The present Su Lian isn't fit to start. She has to resolve her present problems or else they would become a heart demon.
Ruffling his hair in mild frustration he left the quarters and returned to his on the other side of the estate. He might as well do some work while waiting for her.
'System, please show me my current properties on Earth.'
A transparent screen hovered before him. His profile opened for a few moments before the system displayed all his properties on the present star.
Each company was shown along with the detailed changes and future profits. Learning from Chen Kai's past success as a Business Tycoon, the system placed notes on industries he may or may not enter in the future.
"Real Estate. Construction. Food & Beverage. Sub-Entertainment. Science and Technology. Security. Each is on the right track. Both domestic and overseas have calmed down, this should be good enough to stay under the radar for a year or two. Hmmm, something is missing," he murmured thoughtfully. He sat lazily in his office chair, swiping through all the compiled reports the system created for him.
'System share these with Argon and show me the fashion and jewelry trends from Star E 8947 from the latest ten years along with the designs.'
[Confirmed. Now showing designs from Star E 8947. Please note to refrain from plagiarism all designs are from the host's past employees under Dahlia's banner.]
A hint of nostalgia flashed across his eyes when he heard the name Dahlia. The brand was created in reminiscent of his mothers. Each of their styles were shown through the works of him and those carefully selected designers.
"Why don't I continue the same style on this star?" he mused aloud.
'Noted. Proceed with the compilation and send them to Argon,' he said inwardly.
"Argon, search for fashion companies that have low traffic and are on the verge of bankruptcy. This will ease my boredom for a while." Chen Kai spoke aloud for the AI Argon and inwardly for the system.
After seeing the companies both domestic and overseas that were available, a surge of excitement filled Chen Kai. To create something from nothing was a big part of his success in all of his lives. This Dahlia project would be treated as a treasure for him. Apart from the ready-made companies given to him by the system and those he inherited from his mother, Chen Kai felt more comfortable starting this new company.
Time went by unknowingly to Chen Kai. If it wasn't for Argon's reminder for dinner, he would have worked right through the night forgetting a meal and also Su Lian's presence.
He expected to see her in the dining room but her absence made him frown in confusion. "Where is your madam?' He asked the maid behind him.
"Young Madam decided to have her meal in her quarters," the young maid answered, trying her best to keep her eyes lowered.
"Leave my share in the heater." On his last words, he turned to the direction of Su Lian's private quarters.
A touch of guilt bombarded his conscience. He was too caught up in work that he forgot her well being.
Hurrying to the other side of the estate, he nearly missed the lonesome figure lying on the garden swing with a sense of melancholy covering her.
His steps were stiff as he walked towards her. Her eyes were unfocused while she kicked off the swing mechanically. Drawing closer, he saw the tear stains on her face under the garden lights, his heart lurched at the sight of this. The swing was installed on one of the larger trees that were kept within the building of the estate. Surrounding the tree were wildflowers blooming naturally creating a peaceful area suitable to ease one's worries.
Entering the little haven, Su Lian's focus came back when Chen Kai filled her vision. Seeing his gentle smile and those dark eyes covered with concern for her, she let go of that wall she held up. She wasn't afraid to show him her vulnerable side.
Her tears came like a waterfall, reddening her eyes even more. "Lian." Her name was full of doting and gentleness when he spoke. Rushing to her side, he pulled her into his arms smoothly before taking a seat on the swing with her on his lap.
"Did they do it again?"
He held her tighter, hoping this hug would comfort her and possibly give her some security to move on. It was cold of him to think that she should cut ties with her parents but he was human, she was human, what about her feelings? Not all parents are parents.
"Is it because of our trip to Hangzhou?" he asked softly.
"They wanted to know how good is my connection with Young Master Qin and how incapable you are compared to your friends. I guess they haven't looked into your background fully since my… she… gave me some advice in choosing a good partner." Su Lian still couldn't believe the first topic her mother brought up was her marriage choices. After everything that happened her mother chose to spoke up for the good of the family.
There was no concern about her health, no comment on her graduation, not even a question about finding a job, there was no motherly concern for her child. Nothing. Every word she spoke was fed to her by her husband and son. It was clear what they wanted to achieve when they were the ones who severed the familial relationship.
"Yes, baby." Kissing her lips softly and trying his best to silently reassure her, Chen Kai wanted all her hurt to go away. The sad, broken tone she spoke with cut his heart a thousand times with one stroke. He wanted his lively Su Lian back.
"I issued an official severance letter to them. Do you think I was wrong? Am I ungrateful in your eyes?"
How can he not hear the insecurity in her words? The land they were living on was built on familial piety, doing something like that would be unfavorable to her if the public knew. Before it was just words between father and daughter, now it would be official.
"No, you aren't." He would not be a hypocrite and push her to stay with a family who saw her as a tool and didn't care for her. They hurt her emotionally so many times. Why would he leave her in that pit?
"How can my wife be the ungrateful one in this mess? You're only aiming for your happiness and a peaceful state of mind. You're allowed to have this – no matter what."
Su Lian stayed in a quiet state, digesting Chen Kai's words and understanding his small actions of comfort, wasn't this what she wanted? To be happy with her life choices whether it's her career and love life, she can grasp that now without hindrance.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she moved her body to cling to him like a koala, pressing her face in the side of his neck. Her cute actions made him laugh and even adore her more.
"I'll support you with whatever decision you make. You have me by your side."
"Thank you, husband."
"It's what I should do, my wife."
"Useless! Aren't you her mother? Aren't mothers and daughters supposed to share the same breath? You can't even speak a few words to get her to do your bidding. Useless! As expected of a woman. Without someone guiding you can't get the job done. As for that little bitch of yours, embarrassing my family wherever she goes. She was basically a prostitute for a poor bastard. If it wasn't for my son, steering the root of the gossip our reputation would be ruined!"
A middle-aged woman sat gracefully on a vintage carved chaise lounge, sipping a freshly brewed cup of tea without the slightest hint of annoyance. Listening to her husband's disparaging remarks and his biased mention of his children was something of a daily activity in the Su Mansion. Madam Su was unbothered about his rants and even more uncaring of what happens to her so-called daughter. Her soft and gentle motherly image when she spoke to Su Lian vanished.
She did her job of giving birth to descendants of the Su family, what more is there to do?
Their marriage was common in high society. A business deal. The marriage contract details were listed out carefully and she fulfilled everything. There was nothing in the contract stating that she had to secure future business marriages for this family. On top of that, this husband of hers has such a large gut.
Did he think the porcelain doll he said he raised can catch the eyes of Nanjing's young masters, much less Beijing's young masters? What young miss those indulgent young men haven't seen or tasted? Heh~ Over reaching.
Madam Su gently placed the jade teacup back on the matching tray and looked at this husband of hers. Her age was over 40 but her meticulous upkeep of her body and health gave her the vibrant look of a spirited 30yr old woman. Her beauty was still captivating and her limpid eyes were clear and charming never showing the cold years of her marriage.
"I've done what you asked of me. The child would not bend to your demands. She has made her decision. What happens next has nothing to do with me," she said coldly.
Master Su was fuming. He wanted to slap that arrogant look off her face. He felt stifled knowing his control over that girl was gone and that he never had a grip on this wife of his. There was no budding affection before or after their marriage. Everything was done with a purpose. How they got two kids between their cold relationship, only the heavens knows.
Madam Su got to her feet and leisurely fixed the couture knee-length dress. Master Su opened his mouth to give a demand to her as her husband but she cut him off before he had the chance.
"I'll be leaving in an hour. Don't worry I won't be back anytime soon. Maybe mistress number three can come to keep you company while I'm away. She seems eager to enter your home."
The words 'your home' were a mockery to him. Who doesn't know that this villa was part of her dowry and under her name? It would be a lie if Master Su said that his marriage to the Zhao family only daughter was on equal terms.
"Zhao Ling, don't….", he said through gritted teeth when she walked past him.
"Don't what? Make a scene? Make you lose face? Don't stain the Su family name?" she sneered. "Su Jingzhi, not everyone is like you who can't control their little pets."
Madam Su scoffed at his outburst and continued out of the room.
Her dear son was making his way to the room when they both crossed paths.
"Mother," he greeted curtly.
Madam Su's eyes skimmed over this firstborn son of hers. A clear duplicate of that cheap husband even his self-assuming and arrogant personality was from his father. If she had to guess the two are probably aiming for the daughter to marry well before the son finds his partner.
Ah, what a family. Maybe it's a good thing that the child grew a backbone and left.
"Son. Take care of your father, I'll be leaving soon."
Madam Su didn't wait for his response and left after giving him a somewhat gentle smile.
The faster she was out of that prison, the better.