Chapter 10.
*****
"He is among the top five richest men in China" Ah Lam answered. "His family is rich. Damn rich ."
"So, they owned the city?" Yulan could not help but wondered why a man would stop others from moving because he was rich and owned some expensive cars. She knew that her Like Lian would never be heartless like this.
"May be they do. When you gat money , you gat power Yulan. And when you gat power, you rule the city like you owned it" Ah Lam played with words.
Yulan nodded. She was beginning to see why her mother said the ways of men were not pure. They were selfish and wicked. But, Ah Lam was the opposite. She was Caring and kind. She saw her as a different being.
After a few minutes drive, the car stopped in front of a creamy building. Ah Lam came down from the car and urged Yulan to do the same.
"This is my house. You are welcome" she said, walking to the door.
She turned the doorknob and Yulan followed her behind when she entered the room. The living room was big and quiet. There were pictures hanged on the wall.
It's was Ah Lam and a Man. May be her boyfriend, who knew.
"Feel at home Yulan. Come, I will show you where your room is" she said, climbing the staircase.
Of course she followed the woman again and when they got to the first door by the right, Ah Lam fixed a key and opened it.
"This is your room. Come let's me show you around" she said, closing back the door.
They went down Stairs, back to where they came from. "Over there is the kitchen, where you can cook" She explained, pointing to the other end. There were different equipment that were strange to Yulan but she didn't bothered to ask. "There is the back door leading to the swimming pool, which is outside."
Yulan nodded. She understood what Ah Lam was saying. Just when she was about to asked what was that big black board on the wall doing there? A girl, in her early twenties ran down stairs to where ah Lam was and kissed her.
"Mama, you came home late. I have been waiting for you for hours."
"I am sorry dear. I had urgent matters to deal with" Ah Lam answered.
"Who is she?" The young girl whispered. Her hair color was same as Ah Lam. "Don't tell me she is one of your charity…"
"Yang Mi be respectful. She is our guest. By the way, She needs our help not your insults" Ah Lam scolded.
"Sorry Mama" she kissed her in the cheeks. Turning to Yulan, she said, "Hi, I am Yang Mi and you?"
"Yulan" She replied, trying her best to put on a smile. She felt not welcomed after the girl's whispering.
"Yulan? What is your surname or you are just Yulan?" Yang Mi asked. Her mother was kept giving her signals to stop every time their eyes met but she couldn't.
"Yes. Called me Yulan".
"That is enough, Yang Mi. Don't be rude to her. We think Yulan is suffering from amnesia, you shouldn't make matter worst for her" Ah Lam told her.
Her face changed immediately she heard that. Quickly, Yang Mi rendered apology to Yulan "Forgive me miss. My mouth never stop running no matter how hard I try."
"It's fine. I understand" Yulan answered.
"Mama are you not going for the young master's anniversary party? Chu Hua sent an invitation card."
"When ?"
"Few hours before you left for work. I know you won't go mother. Please can I replace you?" Yang Mi asked her mother.
"Yes. I will stay at home with Yulan. Take care of yourself while you are there."
*****
At the Li's mansion…
In the large living room was a plasma television. There was a set of sofa which formed a curved shape in the room. An expensive carpet was laid in the center.
The Lis gathered together to discuss the forth coming anniversary of their son.
"Chu Hua , Do tell Li Lian to come home earlier" his mother said. She was in her early late forties. Her face curved in to a smile each time she spoke.
"I already did that Muqin (Mother in Chinese)" Chu Hua answered, sitting next to her mother In law , who was looking at the invitation cards. "They are beautiful. You know how to choose."
The opposite chair, was where Yan Zi, Li Lian's step mother sat. She was the second wife of elder Li. Her age could be thirty-four or forty. No one could guess because she was thirty every year. (So she claimed)
"Let's hope that he doesn't disappoint us today. Li Lian is hard to predict and he is against this party" Yan Zi spoke. They all turned and looked at her. She was used to it. And no matter what their eyes won't hurt her. "I am being honest here. We are all aware of that."
"Father is back" a red headed boy ran in to the room. He looked at his mother who beckoned on him to come.
"What did you say my child?" Chu Hua asked her son. He dropped his toy on the floor and came to her. She held him up.
"Father is back. I saw him" The little boy said.
"Did you hear that? Li Xian said Li Lian is back" Chu Hua said to her step mother in law. Who looked away quickly.
The door of the room opened and the women stood up to greet him.
He was tired and needed rest. Seeing them gathered together like this , Li Lian knew they were discussing about the party.
"Muqin" He said, kissing his mother's cheeks. Turning to his stepmother , he kissed her knuckles "Houma" (Step Mother) while each of them touched his dark hair.
"Welcome my son" his mother said, with a smile. "You must be tired."
"Yes. I have a headache too" Li Lian said, touching his forehead.
"Don't worry my child. I will bring painkillers to you immediately" Yan Zi said, leaving the room.
"What are you waiting for?" His mother asked Chua Hua who was still standing. "Take his brief case and make sure he has a good rest before the party."
The party? Li Lian couldn't believe that they were all after the party. The women were excited because they were going to flaunt all there new dresses and latest designer jewelries.
The men of the house would just sit and watch. They won't enjoy the party because it's was not their thing. They all wanted a quiet and peaceful life.