11 Bribe

Early the next morning, Li Muchen went to his parent's house. He was sure they would be around since it was a Sunday morning.

His parent's apartment could be termed a mansion. They were the only ones living around the area and the security was quite tight.

The disadvantage was that, It was nearly impossible if not impossible to find a taxi around that area.

When he arrived, the maid was so happy to see him. It was always rare to see the young master especially when things got so busy at the company.

She quickly led him inside the house and went to fetch the Li elders.

"So you finally remember you have a mother" Jiang Dana said as she climbed down the stairs. 

Muchen greeted his father Li Fazhan, and then, his mother Jiang Dana. He waited for them to sit down before sitting also.

"Here are the documents" He stood up and handed his father a file. It was the same file he had been going through the previous night.

Li Fazhan took the files from him and nodded. He was a taciturn man and rarely initiated a conversation or even give a response.

"Oh no! It's Sunday. You haven't been here in a long time and the first thing you do is business?" Jiang Dana grumbled.

Both men laughed and finally focused on her to al converse together.

"Where is Heya?" Muchen asked after their series of conversation.

"In her studio as usual" Jiang Dana answered.

"I should see her before leaving. If you will excuse me" He said then stood up.

"Why is he being so formal with us?" Dana complained to her husband Li Fazhan. He only laughed and waved Muchen to go on.

Li Fazhan was fond of laughing whenever he was with his wife, Jiang Dana. Even after years, many years of being married. He still loved her unconditionally.

Muchen also laughed and bowed slightly before going up the stairs.

After passing through different turns with maids all over the place, he finally got to her studio. The door was slightly ajar so he could watch her from there.

She was solely focused on playing the keyboard and didn't notice when he pushed the door and entered inside.

The tune was so pleasant that Muchen didn't want to interrupt her.

He looked at his little sister who he was quite fond of. She was a very timid teenager, especially because of her body stature. She was chubby and bigger than most people her age. She hated high school so much that she has sworn to never go to college. Mixing up with other people was something she did not wish to try again even at age 19. This isolated lifestyle was what she preferred and she was glad her parents supported her.

Ever since she was little, Instead of playing with toys, she had preferred playing with the musical instrument, and was thankful that her parents made her a mini studio just liked she asked. 

She suddenly stopped to unwrap a chocolate which was beside her. It was then Muchen noticed all the empty wraps of chocolate littered on the floor and could not help but laugh.

She quickly turned to look at who was behind her and was surprised to see him there.

"Big bro.." She stood up hurriedly and went to hug him happily.

Muchen had to support himself from falling over. He took the chocolate which she was holding on her hand then spoke.

"Li Heya! You still haven't changed?"

"Bro, you have not been here for a while and the first thing you do is try to scold me?" she complained.

They both moved to the sofa and sat down.

She had always liked her brother. Even more than she liked her parents. He was always there for her and wanted the best for her..

"How have you been?" He asked.

"As usual, like a ghost in this house... it would have been nicer if I was staying with you though"

she said before grinning cunningly.

Of course, he was waiting for her to say that. That was actually why he came here in the first place.

She had been trying different tactic to move in with him but he had clearly refused. But this time, He was completely and totally open to it.

"I can let you move in with me.... But there is a condition"

"Really?..." her eyes lit up. She couldn't believe he was finally agreeing to her wish.

"You will really let me go with you today?"

He nodded. "And like I said, there's a condition to it"

"Anything, tell me anything. I will do it! I promise you" she said excitedly.

He looked at her as he spoke clearly.

"I'll be giving you a fitness coach" After speaking, he watched her to study her reaction. As expected, The excitement in her eyes dwindled. She really hated having a personal instructor. She had one at a time but It was like hell to her that she threw a tantrum and refused her from coming close to her.

"Is that really the condition?" she asked looking like a sad puppy.

"Yes! Do not worry. You don't have to force yourself too much or try too hard. If you agree, we will leave today" he tried to cajole her stylishly.

After thinking for a moment, she agreed. It was still better being with him than with her parents who didn't care about her. The only thing they knew how to do was to give her food and more food.

Muchen finally smiled when he saw her nod. "It's decided then"

***

After convincing his parents that he was taking Heya with him, He sat back down with his parents as Heya went with the maids to get her things.

"Do you have a girlfriend yet?" His mother suddenly asked.

"Not yet" He answered.

"Not yet'? it means there is a possibility that you will have one soon?" she asked excitedly.

At 29, Li Muchen had still not introduced any girl to them. It was something to be worried about. Besides, He was already stable. So why was he still delaying?

His choice of words also shocked him. Not yet? What did he mean by 'not yet'?

He just smiled awkwardly and changed the topic to anything but him having a girlfriend. He talked about the garden in the backyard, foods, paintings, even the color of the furniture.

He was finally relieved when he saw Heya coming down.

Time to leave!

He hurriedly stood up and went for one of Heya's luggage to help the maids with it.

"Do not forget to call your grandmother" Li Fazhan reminded him.