Returning Home
Wednesday, continued…
When the car pulled into the apartment complex, Du AnLing and Leng Xi quickly made the decision to have their market purchases sent up to the apartment, so they could sort everything out in comfort later.
As they moved toward the elevator, Anna couldn’t help but notice how natural the conversation felt between them all. It was as if they had known each other for years, rather than having met less than 24 hours ago. Anna realized, with a quiet sense of surprise, that she felt more at ease with Du AnLing and Leng Xi than she ever had with her own mother.
For Du AnLing and Leng Xi, Anna was like the daughter they had always wanted. They felt an immediate, instinctive bond with her, a trust and respect that told them they would protect her at all costs.
Just as they were about to enter the elevator, a security guard Anna had never seen before stopped them. “First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou, I’m required to contact the Young Master before I can let you up to the apartment. I also need to confirm who this is,” he said, nodding toward Anna. “I need to request permission for her as well.”
Anna, feeling the weight of exhaustion and irritation, didn’t hold back. Before either Du AnLing or Leng Xi could respond, she snapped, “I don’t need my husband’s permission to enter our apartment or bring guests with me. Step aside now, or I’ll inform him myself.”
“Young Madam Hou?” the guard stammered, clearly taken aback.
“She is,” Du AnLing responded firmly. “Now, move aside.”
The three of them bypassed the security guard, and Anna used the key she had been given to open the elevator. It took them straight up to the apartment. As the lift doors opened, Anna immediately spotted Hou Yi standing in the foyer. He stepped forward, gently pulling her into his arms and giving her a brief kiss on the lips.
“Mother, Aunt, please come into the lounge,” he said with a warm smile, his tone respectful as he ushered them inside.
Out of the corner of her eye, Anna saw Butler Ge, and before entering the lounge, she walked over to him. “Butler Ge, there will be several bags coming up from the car. Can you please find space to place them? They’re filled with shopping for me, as well as for my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. We’ll need to sort through them.”
“No problem, Young Madam. We can place them in the formal dining room, as it has the largest table. Is there anything special you’d like for dinner tonight?”
“Just something simple, but not seafood. And make sure it’s something my husband likes. My mother-in-law and aunt-in-law won’t be staying,” Anna replied.
“I’ll speak to the chef and let you know once it’s ready, Madam,” Butler Ge said with a bow.
With that, Anna made her way into the lounge. As she entered, she overheard Leng Xi laughing. “The meal, while simple, was delicious. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to. But more importantly, your charming wife helped us indulge in shopping without breaking the bank. You should be proud of her.”
Hou Yi chuckled. “I’ve already seen the results of some of your shopping spree. Everything looks quite appropriate.” He turned just as Anna walked toward them. “Sweetheart, come and sit here,” he said, pulling her gently onto his lap.
Anna gave him an amused look. “Yi, there’s plenty of space beside you,” she teased, giving his hand a light slap as she tried to move to the seat next to him.
But Hou Yi wasn’t having it. He softly tugged her back and settled her onto his lap. “Comfortable?” he asked, his eyes filled with affection.
“Mother, Aunt,” Hou Yi continued, “You might be wondering why Assistant Wang is here. Anna and I have been discussing our formal wedding ceremony. We’d like it to take place in Australia, preferably near her parents in Warrnambool. We want you to work with Assistant Wang to help arrange everything. Sweetheart, would you like to add anything?”
Anna paused for a moment, clearly lost in thought. “Sorry, I was just thinking. My parents would prefer a church service, even though they aren’t very religious themselves. It’s more about respecting their beliefs. They had me christened Anglican, and from what I remember, the church in Warrnambool would be the perfect place for it…”
