The next day is Old Madame Fang’s 80th birthday. The Fang Family did not entertain any guests and decided to have a simple meal with the entire family at a hotel. Fang Minghao and Wei Qing even made a special trip back to celebrate her birthday, making the old matriarch very happy. During the meal, Fang Yan announced that she will be staying in Beijing temporarily and won’t be returning to Shanghai very soon. This is the best gift that Old Madame Fang received this year.
In the washroom, Pei Qing splashed water on his face. He drank a lot of wine today, but since he has a high alcohol tolerance, he is not drunk. In order to bid for the land in Chengnan, his company invited some important government officials to have a meal at this hotel. In fact, honestly speaking, he doesn’t like these types of events, he felt that this type of method is too low. In his opinion, he could use the time spent eating to do more important things. But there is no other way. Chinese people like to bring work to the table, talk business while eating and drinking. Towards this reality, he is unable to change anything so he could only go along with the current drift of society.
Pei Qing used his hand and wiped away the water on his face, instantly feeling much better. He pulls down his crooked tie in irritation and was just about to leave when he almost ran to an incoming Fang Rui.
The two shouted at the same time.
“Fang Rui!”
“Pei Qing!”
Then they both laughed in surprise.
“You brat, when did you come back!” Pei Qing smiled and gave Fang Rui a punch. He didn’t expect to see him here. Pei Qing is two years older than Fang Rui but they have the same dream of being a musician. When they were in school, they and some other students formed a band, him, a guitarist, and Fang Rui the lead singer. They performed at various school events as well as at a bar and won over many girls’ hearts. Later, because of their own personal reasons, the band did not continue, but their friendship still lasted.
“I came back yesterday.” Fang Rui returned the punch. This is their usual way of greeting.
“How long are you staying, we should find a time to get everyone together.” Right now, everyone is busy with their own lives so it isn’t easy to get everyone together.
“I’m not staying for long.” Fang Rui also wants to get a drink with everyone but he doesn’t have the time. In order to come back and celebrate grandma’s birthday, he had already delayed some important meetings.
“Then let’s have a drink tonight.” Pei Qing suggested.
“Okay, no problem. Oh right, what are you doing here, are you with someone?”
Pei Qing said, showing some frustration, “En, I met with some land bureau people this afternoon, it just ended. Working in real estate, it is inevitable to deal with these people.”
“What about you, are you meeting a client?”
“Today is my grandmother’s birthday, so our family came out to eat.” Fang Rui said with a smile. “Since you’re done on your side, why don’t you come over and sit a while?” Fang Rui enthusiastically invited him.
And just like this, Pei Qing was brought into the Fang family’s feast and therefore entered Fang Yan’s world.
Pei Qing isn’t someone you could easily forget. Not only because of his handsome face, but also his temperament. Noble but cold, giving people the feeling that they couldn’t get close.
When Fang Rui brought Pei Qing in, Fang Yan recognize him at first glance. He was the man that Fang Yan saw at the small town, she didn’t think that Fang Rui would know him. Fang Yan sometimes question if China is really that big. The answer is yes, after all, China is the third-largest country in the world. But in her opinion, that is not the case. Two cities thousands of miles apart and yet they met in this situation. Fang Yan wants to pretend not to know him but Pei Qing saw her first and after getting over his initial shock, he nodded at her in greeting. Fang Yan could only smile back at him.
Fang Rui was able to catch these subtle interactions between them, and asked in surprise, “You two know each other?”
“We only saw each other once. When I was on a business trip at Z City, her hotel room was right next to mine. I didn’t expect to see her here or that you two know each other.” Pei Qing took the initiative to explain.
Fang Rui nodded in understanding and didn’t ask much. Then he introduced him to everyone present.
When Pei Qing entered the room, he was caught off guard. Originally, he thought that it a simple family meal, but he didn’t expect to see two higher-ups, Fang Minghao and Wenqing. Although they are not in the same occupation, with Fang Shi’s reputation, he naturally recognizes them but didn’t expect to meet them in this circumstance. What’s evening more surprising is the woman he met once at the small town is actually Fang Rui’s sister. He never took the time to remember a certain woman so it comes as a surprise that he remember Fang Yan, whom he only saw once on the balcony.
“I’m really sorry. I just bumped into Fang Rui so I wasn’t able to prepare any gifts in advance.” Pei Qing sat down and politely said. After so many years in the business, he is very clear on what he should say according to the situation.
“I already happy if you are willing to accompany this old lady for a meal.” The old madame said with a smile.
“Then I wish grandmother may your happiness be as immense as the East Sea and live as long as the Zhongnan Mountains!” Pei Qing respectfully toasted the old madame.
“Good, good….” The old madame smiled from ear to ear.
The atmosphere of this family birthday celebration is still quite good even with the appearance of an outsider. However, Pei Qing didn’t stay long. An emergency call from the company prompted him to leave early.
Comments
Post a Comment