8 Aires Royal Palace Dinner

At the main dining hall, the king and queen sat waiting for the prince. Anxious, the queen turned to the maids. "Wasn't my son supposed to be here for dinner?" She was worried that there might have been a missed communication between the servants.

It was not often that she got to see her son. He was born as a genius, overtook his father's work early in life and kept himself busy all the time. She had gone over to his palace a few times just to see him but he was never around and then when she dropped by to see him at Aires Corporate Square, he was either in a meeting or too busy. She constantly had to check with Long Kue of his schedule before going to see him which she hated. He was her son and she couldn't even see him without reserving time in advance.

The main kitchen maid stepped forward and replied, "Yes, according to Butler Zeu... the -"

Before the maid could continue, the prince walked in through the spacious door, "Mother… father… sorry, I made you wait." He looked like he had rushed over.

The king glanced at his son and said, in a low stern voice, "Sit down." He knew how busy work could get since he used to be in his son's shoes at one point. Although he still was busy, it was nothing compared to how it used to be.

Hue Chi was a brilliant child, excelled among many geniuses and took over his work at 18 years of age. Although he was not inclined to the idea then, because his son was still young but his son had suggested it so he reluctantly gave his son the work, making his wife angry at him for a whole year.

The queen smiled at her handsome son. She still found it hard to believe that she gave birth to him who looked so mystifyingly handsome. "Don't work too hard. Come, sit."

Prince Hue Chi complied with his mother and took a seat across from her so she could look at him with ease.

The king looked at the maids and signaled them to bring in the food. Two maids pushed the food carts closer to the table and carefully arranged the dishes on the table. The royal family of three ate the food after the maid wheeled the empty food carts out of the room.

While slicing the meat on the plate, the king glanced at his son. "Aren't you meeting Ether CEO tomorrow?"

"Hmm," Prince Hue Chi replied.

"Meet up with Kao Sheng for dinner at the cruise. Accompany her for the next couple of days." Hue Chi's father ordered.

Prince Hue Chi paused for a few seconds and then continued eating. He knew sooner or later his father would lay orders about a potential wife in front of him. His parents had dropped hints and comments here and there but he had never reacted to their hints or showed any interests, so he knew they would take a more drastic approach.

The queen looked worried. Afraid that her son and husband might argue, she quickly piggybacked off her husband. "Hue Chi, you've always declined dinner dates, marriage events, and invitations. We are just worried about your future as crowned prince of this kingdom." She stopped to see if her son would react, but he didn't. "Just meet up with her and have dinner. We will not force you to marry her if you don't like her." The queen gave a 'do not interrupt me look' at her husband. Her husband could be too forceful sometimes and it had caused setbacks in the past.

Hue Chi thought, well, all the investors for the Aqua Illusion Beach project would be there. Some high-end people would be there with their partners and grown-up children. Therefore, it was not a bad idea to make his parents happy for once. It was convenient anyways. In addition, he did not want the two young ladies from Lyon to know that the reason for their early coming was so he could feel them out. Thus, quite a few people were invited to stay on the cruise with an agenda.

"Okay, she can get a suite at the cruise. I'll have Lue Han coordinate that for her," Hue Chi replied.

The king was shocked that he almost dropped his spoon. He irked his eyes at his wife with a 'was I hearing a thing' expression look. She was just as surprised as her husband but she confirmed with him via her expression that she did indeed hear the same thing as him.

After a few looks exchanged between the royal couple, the queen smiled at her son. "Yes, just have dinner with her. We really like Kao Sheng. Her family through many generations as Aires Military Family of this kingdom has been protecting this country. She is from a great background. If you don't like her, there are many other elite daughters."  

"Yes mother, I'll think about it." Prince Hue Chi continued eating.

After dinner, prince Hue Chi stood up and excused himself. "Mother, father, I'll head out first. I have to get in contact with Lue Han to coordinate accommodation for Kao Sheng."

Hearing him made the royal couple ecstatic. They quickly urged their son to leave and coordinate accommodation.

After prince Hue Chi got out, he sent a text to Long Kue and asked him to arrange accommodation for Kao Sheng and also relay the message to Lue Han.

Back at the main Royal Palace, the royal couple walked to the study room feeling as if they had conquered one battle.

The queen turned to her husband. She was anxious. "My Lord, let's get in touch with General Va Tong. He has to let his daughter, Kao Sheng, know. She needs to get ready as well."

He nodded in agreement and took out the phone from his shirt pocket and pressed a speed dial button on the screen to call General Va Tong.