The Walk (1)

Xiu Ling sat at the back of the limo with Lin Kang sitting next to her. The sun was high in the sky and the pair seemed like they were on the way to go somewhere.

It had been a week since the dramatic announcement of Xiu Ling's victory at Lin Corps. The people at Lin Corps now showed Xiu Ling deference and respect that they would normally reserved for their boss only. Xiu Ling was slowly coming into her own, and the workers felt more comfortable dealing with her compared to risking the ire of Lin Kang and so it was a win-win situation in the end.

Business was going well at Jia Jia and Xiu Ling was considering branching into other avenues. It was too early for them to open a branch even though Lin Kang had suggested that already. Xiu Ling said they needed more time to get their brand name out there first before considering that.

Instead the business idea was actually provided by Auntie Xiao. She noticed how Mrs. Xiu would start the day by preparing the base for the broth, sauces and curries so she suggested having the base frozen and sell them in pre-sealed packages. That was a brilliant idea and Xiu Ling was working with the relevant parties to make that into a reality.

In terms of her people, Auntie Sun had already went back to her home. She had provided Xiu Ling with much needed help and by the time she left, Xiu Ling had already found and finished training the new employees. Xiu Ling was very appreciative of her help.

Mrs. Xiu had expressed the intention of leaving the city. Even though she enjoyed the company of her grandson and daughter, Mrs. Xiu preferred the simpler life of the countryside. Xiu Ling tried to persuade her to stay but since Mrs. Xiu had voiced her preference, she chose to respect her mother's decision. Mrs. Xiu had already left that morning and Lin Kang came to fetch Xiu Ling after she parted from her mother at the airport.

Xiu Ling was ushered into the car and when she asked for their destination, Lin Kang said it was going to be a surprise. They had left the airport and reached the city.

Sitting in the car, Xiu Ling couldn't withstand the curiosity anymore. She asked her husband again where they were going. A charming smile appeared on Lin Kang's face and he turned around to tell her, "Do you remember I promised you a gift to celebrate your inevitable success?"

Now that Lin Kang mentioned it, Xiu Ling did have a recollection of something like that being brought up during the meeting. It was about something that Lin Kang had owed her. "Yes, I do. You said it was something that you should have given me a long time ago but I cannot remember anything like that."

Facing her confused face, Lin Kang smiled brightly. "It's better that way because then you'd be really touched by the surprise."

Xiu Ling tried to figure out what her husband was up to but she had no idea. She tried to get it out of Lin Kang but the man said she would find out when they arrived at their destination. Since he had said that, Xiu Ling decided to just go with it. It would not take long for them to reach the destination.

The limo rolled to a stop before a business street. There were rows of shops on this corner and Xiu Ling wondered why they were there.

"We've arrived," Lin Kang announced.

Xiu Ling looked around the car and her eyes eventually settled on one of the shops. She suddenly had a feeling why they were there.

Noticing his wife's attention on the shop, Lin Kang finally revealed the secret, "You've guessed it. I've owed you a wedding."

The car had stopped near a wedding dress shop.

In all fairness, Lin Kang was right. When they first got married, it was a contractual marriage so it was done without much fuss. Things were quickly approved and done like they could not wait to sweep everything under the rug. Naturally there was no wedding.

It had been so long and so many things had happened, including the birth of their son, since then that Xiu Ling had completely forgotten all about it.

Lin Kang added, "Most woman only has one chance in her life to wear a wedding dress but I've deprived that from you. I sincerely apologize for that, but today I shall make it up to you. We're going to have a substitute wedding and I promise you'll be the most beautiful bride the world has ever seen."

Xiu Ling didn't even know what to say. It was obvious that she did not expect something like this. Yes, it was definitely a surprise.

Her first response was to go to her usual reaction of saying no, she did not need such a pampering. Of course, Lin Kang was not going to have it. Xiu Ling deserved a special day of her own and he was going to make sure she was going to have it. He threatened half-jokingly her by saying, "If you say no, it means that you're not going to accept my apology."

Xiu Ling finally relented and accepted her husband's kindness.

However, when she got out from the car, Xiu Ling realized her husband did not follow her. She turned around with a frown on her face, as if asking, 'Aren't you coming?'

Lin Kang explained with a smile, "It's taboo for the groom to see the bride before the wedding but I trust that I have put you in good hands. I'll see you later. Have fun."

Lin Kang waved goodbye to Xiu Ling and drove away. Xiu Ling had no idea what he meant but she made her way to the store. When she stepped through the door, her face lit up with pleasant surprise.

Her best friend, Joann was there to greet her with a smile and other than that, Xiu Ling exclaimed with surprise, "Mom!"