No Such Fetish (9)

The old residence of the Shi Family was located at the picturesque Half Moon Bay. The area was vast and scenic, but most importantly, had excellent Feng shui1 that blessed the family's offsprings. Hence the Shi's had put in a large sum to buy this land and built their ancestral home here. The residence that was handed down from generation to generation had been around for almost a hundred years. 

That was why the house had a vintage elegance to it. Despite its age, its appearance did not seem obsolete at all. On the contrary, it was more like an old vintage wine that got finer with age. 

As the car slowly approached the residence, Ling Chuxia inadvertently sweated out of her palms and clasped her hands tighter. 

The automobile entered the main gate and passed a big field as it moved further inside. It came to a gradual stop at the door of the main building. Mr. Chen got out of the car and opened the passenger door with one hand while the other was affixed to the car roof. "Young Mistress, we have arrived," he notified her. 

Ling Chuxia responded with a short "Mm" and bent her waist slightly to exit the vehicle. She stood where she had alighted and stared at the magnificent door. She felt her heart sink but still, step by step, started moving towards the door. 

Mrs. Shi sat erect on the sofa in the living room as she spoke to the housekeeper. 

Ling Chuxia promptly walked up and stopped about two or three feet away from Mrs. Shi. She smiled politely and respectfully greeted her. "Mrs. Shi, I am here." 

Mrs. Shi seemed to have not heard her and did not respond, as she continued speaking to the housekeeper.

Although Ling Chuxia had been mentally prepared for any circumstance, the current situation still made her heart thump uncontrollably and left her hanging. 

She drooped her head with her arms crossed. She stood unceremoniously to one side and waited in silence. 

Mrs. Shi and the housekeeper continued their conversation for much longer before the housekeeper finally nodded and moved backward. 

Mrs. Shi picked up the cup of tea in front of her and took a small sip. Finally, she shifted her gaze to Ling Chuxia. Her voice was as tender as it had always been, with not a hint of unhappiness. "Xia, you're here. Don't be shy, take a seat." 

"Yes, Mrs. Shi." 

Ling Chuxia walked to the seat directly opposite Mrs. Shi. She adopted an elegant sitting position as she sat upright. 

Mrs. Shi instructed the servant at the side. "Pour the Young Mistress a cup of tea."

The servant responded and moved to serve Ling Chuxia. She placed the cup of tea in front of the Young Mistress, who softly thanked her. Then, Ling Chuxia picked up the cup and took a polite sip. 

Mrs. Shi threw Ling Chuxia a faint glance. She asked leisurely, "Has Che come home?" 

The question sent a chill down Ling Chuxia's spine. Alas, the unavoidable had come. She put down the tea as her hand rubbed against her shirt unconsciously. She nodded slightly and responded. "He had come home yesterday." 

"Oh?" Mrs. Shi raised her eyebrows as her eyes lit with excitement. "How is the progress for the child then?" 

Ling Chuxia looked down and dared not look Mrs. Shi in the eye. Her hands gradually clasped tighter as she opened her mouth and scrambled for words. However, she did not manage to say anything in response. 

Mrs. Shi already knew the answer from Ling Chuxia's reaction. Her excitement visibly faded as her expression turned gloomy. 

She placed her tea back on the table forcefully. The cup knocked against the marble of the surface and produced an ear-piercing sound that was clear and loud. The noise shook Ling Chuxia as her heart started racing. 

"Xia..."

Mrs. Shi was just about to begin her lecture when a ruckus started near the door. Almost immediately, she heard the pleasantly surprised voice of the housekeeper. 

"Young Master, you're back!"

1Ancient Chinese concept of geomancy