Has That Changed?

"But still, no one should have to experience that. Would it be okay if I asked you to call me Mom?"

******************************

Meanwhile,

~Li Family Mansion; Master Li's Study

The two men silently entered the expansive study, a testament to his refined taste, marrying classic elegance with modern comforts. The room exuded an air of aristocratic sophistication, a place where intellectual pursuits intertwined seamlessly with the lavish surroundings.

Floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookcases lined the wall, displaying an exquisite collection of leather-bound books, rare first editions, and antique manuscripts. The books were meticulously arranged, with their rich spines forming a mosaic of colours and textures that were both visually captivating and intellectually inspiring.

They took their seats on the leather armchair and velvety sofa placed strategically around the ornate mantle and fireplace and kept the silence for a few seconds,

"You didn't marry her out of love, am I wrong", Master Li was the first to break the silence, and although his sentence was short, it certainly hit the nail on the head,

Li Hao didn't reply for a while, he wasn't surprised his father had figured it out in such a short amount of time, in fact, he had anticipated it, that was just how perceptive his father was,

"Yes", came his reply

"Has that changed?",

The silence ensued once again, he didn't know what to say,

He hadn't exactly given it much thought, after all, until their 'official' meeting in his study a week ago, He and Liling had been nothing more than employer and employee, but now they were living under the same roof and had gotten to understand each other better,

She was smart and reserved and often came off as extremely cold, but for some reason, he was never bored or put off by it. He enjoyed her straight-faced comments and how honest her smile was when she was with Little Bun. Compared to his boring monotonous life from before, he was definitely not regretting popping the question on their first meeting,

Master Li could see the faint smile present on his son's face and took it as the reply to his last question,

"Well then, just make sure you treat her very well. I also have something to give you",

He got up and walked to his mahogany desk, pulling out the first drawer, he produced a blue jewellery case from within it. Nestled inside its plush velvet layer, was an exquisite imperial jade bead bracelet. Carefully strung together, the bracelet seemed to emit its own inner radiance and timeless allure, along with its forest green hue and well-polished beads, it served as a testament to the imperial jade's intricate nature,

"I want you to give this to Liling", he said as he handed it over to him,

Li Hao immediately knew what it meant. The jade bracelet was not only valuable beyond words, but it was also a Li family treasure. It was always handed down to the wife of the eldest son in the Li Family. By giving him this, not only was his father trying to say that he had accepted Liling as his daughter-in-law, but he was also trying to tell him that he should now come to terms with being the eldest son of the Li family.

He slowly clenched the case in his palm, it had been last worn by his elder brother's wife, but had been returned by the police after the car crash. He wasn't sure if he was ready to come to terms with his position and act like his elder brother had never existed.

Gradually taking hold of his emotions, he stood and thanked his father, and they both began going back down to the women.

"Liling, when can I expect another grandchild, I'm already growing so old, and I want to be surrounded by lots of grandchildren. I can only rely on you since this troublemaker here refuses to get herself a husband", Madam Li side-eyed her daughter as she tried sweet talking Liling.

The poor Liling in question had no idea what to say about her mother-in-law's request and chuckled awkwardly while straining a smile,

"Mom", Li Xui pouted, " Why would I just randomly pick a husband from the streets, I already have someone I like, and it takes time you know. Plus, stop pestering Liling to give you grandchildren, you're making her feel awkward"

"But...", Madam Li attempted to fight back, but Li Hao who was on the stairs and had heard the whole conversation spoke up as well,

"Li Xui's right mom, stop pestering Liling, you already have Little Bun"