CHAPTER THIRTEEN - Nosy cousins (1)

The next day, breakfast was lively with some of the guests who were yet to return to their homes. There was another celebration three weeks from now, so some of them opt to stay in their hotel suite and where ever their accommodation was till that time. Normally, the annual celebration was held alongside the king's birthday. But this time the Queen decided to do it differently. She wanted to host a not so little party for the King's birthday.

Elder Mu and his family were part of the families staying behind, well... only the elders. They were staying at the first Queen's palace. "Where is Zeng-Ah ? " He asked when they all sat down awaiting the royal family to join them for breakfast. The King invited all his ministers and friends to join him for a birthday breakfast.

"He left. " Mu Cheng said making all of them to stare at him question. "He booked an early flight and called me when the plane was about to take off. " He sighed.

Diana shook her head as she looked atound the table for her friends. Most of the people were eyeing them waiting for the perfect opportunity to meet them or start a conversation with them to talk about marriage or business. "Zeng-Ah doesn't like crowded places. It's a miracle that he stayed throughout yesterday's party. " Diana said she drank her tea.

Mu Ying snorted inwardly. 'More like he was looking for your future granddaughter-in-law. '

"More like wanting to get away from any possible marriage set-up. This ain't the nineteenth century yet that archaic thinking and fucking old tradition still remains in most family here. Where parents especially mothers thinking it's okay to disregard their daughter's feelings and set them up with their definition of Mr. Right. " Mu Lyam said. A woman beside him turned to glare at him when she heard his words and he returned it with an icy glare of his own.

And he wasn't entirely wrong if you look closely, it what some parents are trying to do especially the ministers. Then they will claim it's for the betterment of the country and the children's life. The only difference is that they have modified it to make the whole act look modern and natural then others sees them as good parents.

"Did he say where he was going? " Elder Mu asked ignoring the exchange between Lyam and the noble woman, while Cheng shook his head. " Then call your wife and ask if he's arrived. " He instructed.

"Okay dad. " They went silent listening to the conversation around them till Diana spoke again.

" Do you want to say something Mu Qing? " She asked her granddaughter who had been staring at her since she heard that Mu Zeng was gone.

"The director of my lastest movie contract is currently hosting a tour to promote the movie and I'm supposed to join them. So, I'll be leaving immediately after breakfast. But I would make it make back before the annual celebration. " Mu Qing said. Elder Mu didn't say anything, he just gave her his permission.

"I... also would be accompanying Qing for her tour. " Mu Ying said swinging her hand on Qing's shoulder squeezing it tightly as her sister 'forgot' to mention her in the excuse. "You know, I promised Qing to accompany her on this tour as she was shy initially. " She said while grinning cheekily.

"Now that Qing isn't shy anymore. " Mu Lyam asked.

"Hm? " She pretended not to hear what he said hoping that Lyam would drop it. But with the way he was smiling, it was obvious he had another plan.

"Now Qing is obviously not shy anymore, why must you still accompany her. " Lyam asked smugly. Ying glared at him wishing she could just smack him.

"Well I made a promise so I must fulfill it. " She said through gritted teeth glaring at him.

"Alright stop your useless bickering. We are not stopping anyone from leaving provided that you all will come back before the celebration. " Mu Cheng said as he looked as his parents for their consent.

"Alright! " Diana agreed.

"Whatever. " Elder Mu replied nonchalantly.

"Grandpa!! " They chorused in bewilderment.

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At the airport...

Mu Zeng walked towards the plane as the announcer spoke through the mircophone informing them that the passengers should start boarding the plane. He just finished speaking with his dad, so he was late to enter the plane. Yesterday's party was too bothersome and tiring for him all because of a certain white-haired lady plaguing his dreams. At the party, he thought he saw her moving to the balcony, so he followed her. Only to be disappointed as it was just his cousin, Mu Qing who also tinted half of her hair white. Now the two sisters won't stop pestering him on why he was looking for the little white-haired girl.