80 Great Invite

The moon was already up by the time Hou Wei Yan's appointments were done. Qiu Meixiu already went home ahead of them due to some family matters that needed her attention.

"Baozi. Let's go home" she called out as she took hold of her bag. She took a glance at him and immediately smiled when she saw him packing his bag as well.

"Okay"

After Cao Yingjie closed his bag, Fang took hold of it. He then allowed him outside first while he locks the office.

"What do you want to eat for dinner?" Hou Wei Yan asked as she took hold of his hands. The two of them began to slowly walk ahead while occasionally glancing at Fang who was behind them.

Cao Yingjie flashed an excited smile before he raised his right hand in enthusiasm. "Steak!"

"May I join?" a voice said out of nowhere making them both halt. Soon a female dressed in red walked out of the corridor with a huge grin on her face.

Hou Wei Yan's eyes budge big in excitement when she recognized who it was. "Xiaolian!"

"Mama!" Cao Yingjie yelled as he run towards her. Xiaolian chuckled at his actions before she caught him in her arms as he jumped. "Mama!"

Cao Xiaolian was a red-haired beauty. She has red curly hair that reaches her waist and blue cerulean eyes that was in perfect harmony with her hair. If she was to be compared to someone, she was the perfect copy of Disney's Princess Merida.

Although, unlike the brave Princess, Cao Xiaolian is a fluffy mother when it comes to Yingjie. Even though she's already 38 years old, Xiaolian still acts like a teenage mother. She engulfed her son in a tight hug and began squishing him in the cheeks. "Oh, my baby! Did you gain weight again?!"

"Big Sister took care of me really really well" Cao Yingjie proudly said making Hou Wei Yan chuckle.

Xiaolian laughed alongside her before she pinched her son's cute and plump cheeks. "You're abusing your Auntie again"

After a few more hugs, she finally turned toward Hou Wei Yan with a huge smile on her face. "Wei Wei"

"Xiaolian!" she called back as she engulfed her in a warm and tight hug. "Did you finish your convention already?"

"Yes" she replied with a smile on her face before glancing at the CCTV situated in the corridor.

Meanwhile, in Makio's Nest, Konako Reizo who was creating software for the Switzerland base they were building suddenly noticed something wrong.

[ HUH?! Yi Lan's CCTVs are out! ]

"What in the world?!" he exclaimed as he hurriedly glided his chair towards the operating system of Yi Lan Hospital's CCTV. After a few seconds of programming the software, Reizo found himself at a loss. He lost the battle! "Boss! Boss!"

"What?" Makio angrily shouted when he heard his damn disciple yelling like a maniac. "You're disturbing my snack time, Reizo!"

Reizo looked away from the computer and faced Makio with sweat all over him. He had the look of terror that Makio felt terrified himself. "We lost connection in Yi Lan!"

"What do you mean lost connection?" he asked as he placed down his marshmallows and strode towards him.

"The CCTVs are out!" Reizo said with worry as he allowed Makio to take control of their computer.

After witnessing the CCTVs going haywire, Makio instantly knew something was suspicious. The CCTVs in Yi Lan are always monitored to ensure the safety of the patients and doctors. After they took hold of the system, it has gone even better, and not even once did it act up.

[ Not until today! ]

"Contact Wolf! Madame may be in trouble!" Makio instructed as he began doing his work. He began typing codes and fighting whatever hacked into their server but it was to no avail. "Who the hell would do this?!"

While he was yelling there in frustration, Cao Yingjie was now holding his mother's hands with a huge grin on his face.

"How did the convention go? Nothing happened?" she asked, quite curious if her friend finally found someone she can love.

Cao Yingjie was intelligent and not once did he ask about his father, but both Hou Wei Yan and Cao Xiaolian know that he yearns for a father. Even if it wasn't his biological father, as long as he has a father figure to look up to while growing up, it would be fine for him.

But his mother refuse to take in another man in her life after the heartbreak she suffered from Yingjie's father.

"What else could possibly happen?" Xiaolian asked and soon after chuckled when she saw Hou Wei Yan's hopeful gaze.

She's not ready to find another man, besides, everyone she meets is far inferior to the man she used to date. After all these years she still can't fully open up her heart to others because the damn bastard is occupying most of the space in her heart.

"You're thinking something ridiculous again" she said as she flicked Hou Wei Yan's forehead while shaking her head. No matter how much she dreams of it, a new romance won't bloom in her life.

Her heart won't allow it no matter how much her mind argues.

"Can't I fantasize?" Hou Wei Yan asked as she rubbed the area that Xiaolian hit. It was quite painful but tolerable. She wants to strike back at her like usual but they are still in Yi Lan Hospital. She needs to maintain her professional disposition.

"Nope" she replied while shaking her head with a smile. "Thank you for taking care of Yingjie again. He must have caused some trouble"

Hou Wei Yan smiled at Cao Xiaolian before she glanced at Yingjie who was lovingly gazing at his mother. The two of them had no facial similarities but it was undeniable that he was her son.

Cao Yingjie had all of Xiaolian's traits. They have a similar look whenever they see something amusing and mesmerizing. Thinking this, Hou Wei Yan can't help but think what her future children would look like.

[ Would they inherit my look or my traits? Or would they take after my husband? ]

"Just some minor tantrums. He got along pretty well with my assistant and guard so the whole babysitting thing wasn't that bad" she finally said after her momentary pause.

"I'm glad"

"Are you taking him home? Why don't you stay with me tonight?" Hou Wei Yan offered as they exited Yi Lan Hospital.

Cao Xiaolian glanced back inside before secretly turning off the device in her bag. It was a little something she created that disrupts radio and any form of recordings when turned on. It was her secret weapon, the reason why she had kept herself hidden from those who continuously look for her.

"No. We should probably go home" she answered with a smile on her face. This way, the jerk won't find out about her or Yingjie. "We left the house unattended long enough"

"Okay" Hou Wei Yan replied before she crouched down on Cao Yingjie's level. Slowly and gently, she ruffled his raven-colored hair and looked straight at his hazel-hued eyes. "Thank you for behaving well, Baozi. Make sure to take care of your Mama for me and don't forget to work hard at school"

"Got it, Big Sister" he blurted out as he gave Hou Wei Yan one big hug. He's glad his mother is finally here but he's also sad at the same time because it means he will be leaving Hou Wei Yan and the others behind.

In the past, all he had was his mother and Hou Wei Yan. But now, he has a lot of additional family members like Qiu Meixiu, Fang Tao, Xie Na, and even Ji Li Zhao. Whenever he thinks of the people he met during his stay with his big sister, he can't help but feel sad and miss them.

He grew attached to them despite their short time together.

Especially the four dogs who managed to attach themselves to his heart.

"Will you come to visit us? You're in China now, so we're closer to each other" Cao Yingjie asked as he continued hugging her, his eyes glistening with tears threatening to fall.

Hou Wei Yan glanced at Xiaolian who immediately gave her an okay sign. A smile made it's way to her face before she parted from him. She stroked his hair gently and looked straight at him with sincerity. "When I find the time, I will visit you. So behave, okay?"

"Okay" he replied earnestly. Hou Wei Yan drew closer to him and gave him a kiss on the cheeks before she handed him back to Cao Xiaolian.

"Thank you so much, Wei Wei" Xiaolian said sincerely as she took hold of Yingjie. After a few seconds, she rummaged her bag and took out a golden paper.

"By the way, Xing Cuifen and I met during my stay in the US. She asked me to give this to you" She handed it to Hou Wei Yan who accepted it with confusion. "It's for Liu Jiayi's birthday. She's celebrating it here in China"

Upon the mention of their cute little sister, Hou Wei Yan's eyes twinkled in delight. The Liu family, although one of the most influential Regal families decided to leave the Imperial to build another Empire in Japan. Hosting a birthday party in the Imperial after all the years of their disappearance means they're finally reestablishing themselves and reclaiming their former position.

"I hope Liu Shan will be there" Hou Wei Yan said with enthusiasm, unable to contain her happiness. These people are the only ones who truly treasure her as she is. Her true friends.

Xiaolian chuckled at her excitement. She stretched out her hand and ruffled her hair. "Of course, she will. How can she miss her little sister's birthday?"

"You'll be there too, right?"

"Of course! I might not bring Yingjie though" Xiaolian said which made Yingjie immediately react.

He pouted before pulling his mother's hem. "Aw, why not?"

She glanced at her son before flicking his forehead with a grin. "Because it's a girls' night out"

"Don't worry, your Uncle Rai came with me here. He's staying with us till the end of this month" she added with a huge smile on her face. She was worried about where she'll leave Yingjie for that night. Thankfully her adopted son decided to visit China and help her furnish her company.

"Okay" Cao Yingjie said in defeat. He wants to go but his mother deserves time for herself. Besides, his uncle is very kind and cool, unlike some certain psychos he knows so he was sure their time together would be a blast.

"Well then, see you this Saturday?" Xiaolian asked as she opened up the back door of her car. Cao Yingjie immediately went inside and was shocked to see Shino inside. It was their cat, a fat and huge Persian cat which was adored by his mother.

"Shino!" he exclaimed as he hugged her. Thankfully, their cat loves warm hugs and is not feisty enough or it would turn into a disaster.

When she saw this scene, Hou Wei Yan can't help but chuckle at his sudden display of cuteness. She turned to Cao Xiaolian with a smile on her face. "Only if my leave gets approved"

"Just don't take the night shift. It's an evening event after all" she immediately responded while holding her hands. "You need to come. The girls will finally be reunited, don't miss out"

Hou Wei Yan only smiled at this. Because she's no longer single, she needs to get permission from her husband first. She was sure it would be a big-scale event and many people will attend. Going there without informing her husband or getting his permission seems inappropriate. "Thank you for this, Xiaolian"

"Anything for you" Xiaolian said, knowing fully well what concerns her. When Hou Wei Yan looked at Cao Yingjie inside the car to bid her goodbye, she glanced at Fang who was standing behind Wei Yan. After a few seconds, she winked at him before getting inside her car.

Fang immediately sighed when their car left his sight. He touched his earpiece to inform those panicking people in Makio's Nest that everything was okay now. "The Madame is fine. Maybe it's just some external problem"

"Are you sure?" Makio asked, not sure whether to trust his words or not. [ No matter what excuse he says, what happened is utterly suspicious! ]

"Positive" Fang said before ending his report. He then sighed when he remembered his first meeting with Cao Yingjie's mother. He was shocked to see her that he could not react in time to stop Hou Wei Yan from accepting her request to babysit Cao Yingjie.

"Cao Xiaolian" he softly mumbled as he walked toward Hou Wei Yan. Her sudden appearance is making him uneasy, especially for the man who offended her greatly.

.....

The garden was lit up early, an extravagant table was set at the entrance of the maze and two people occupy such space. Hou Wei Yan and Ji Li Zhao were sitting comfortably opposite each other with a bunch of treats filling their table. This scene has now become usual in Li Wei Mansion.

Each night, the couple spends their time talking to one another before they go to sleep.

"I received an invitation from a friend. It's for her birthday" Hou Wei Yan opened up as she placed down her cup. "Can I go?"

"When will it happen?" Ji Li Zhao inquired, though he already knows which party she was referring to.

She fidgeted, thinking that her husband won't allow it. "This Saturday night"

Ji Li Zhao sips his tea before he gave a warm smile towards her. "Why would I not allow you to go?"

"You can attend any party you want and even hold one. I won't reprimand you for enjoying" he added which made Hou Wei Yan blink repeatedly his way.

"Aren't you bothered?" she asked all of a sudden.

Well, she's heard plenty of times from her past colleagues that some men tend to get jealous when their wife joins a party by herself. They often think they're cheating or something.

Perhaps that was just their experience because her husband is displaying the opposite of it.

It's not like she has the guts to cheat anyway. Her husband deserves all of her love and devotion.

"I trust you" he answered which made her feel warm. He trusts her that much it's quite flattering. "Besides, I will look after you there"

"What?"

"I'll be there to watch over you" Ji Li Zhao said with a grin on his face. He then pulled out a golden invitation from his coat. But he immediately returned it, afraid Hou Wei Yan will see the name printed on it.

"Are you being serious right now?" Hou Wei Yan asked, disbelief all over her face. [ He's acquainted with the Liu Family? ]

"Don't worry, I will behave" he said as he flashed a dashing smile her way. Hou Wei Yan's heart immediately skipped a beat at what he did.

[ Darn, my husband has a very handsome smile! ]

"You won't even know it's me" he added as he sipped his tea in a very relaxed manner.

"Why would you go that far for me?"

"Because you're my wife" Ji Li Zhao answered without hesitation. He would go that far because she's his one true love. "I'll contact Amine and make him prepare a suitable dress for you"

At the mention of her charming stylist, Hou Wei Yan can't help but pounder who styles her husband.

"How many stylist do you have? Do you use them every day?" she asked as she looked at him from head to toe. Then she remembered all the clothes lined up on his part of the closet. "Looking at the wardrobe in our room, you seem well supplied with high-class fashion items"

"I don't have a specific stylist. My assistant is the one who contacts whoever is near the location of the venue. On special occasions, I contact Amine's brother" he said without hesitation. He was someone who never bothered about what to wear but he knows he needs to keep a dignified appearance fitting for his title.

That's the reason why he had plenty of people calling themselves his stylist because he never really cared who offered their service as long as what they offer is enough to keep up with his appearance.

"Oh? So he has a brother?" Hou Wei Yan asked, suddenly intrigued by her stylist's life.

She had long noticed that Amine was a bit different compared to other men. He was more feminine and quirky. She didn't ask for his sexual orientation because it would be rude, so she remained silent about it. It never bothered her that he was different because she likes him just the way he is but does his family accept his difference? Or perhaps his older brother has the same preference as he does?

"And a sister. Their sister handles their company while Amine and his brother work as a stylist under her" he answered quite earnestly. "Given the Lius are involved, you might meet the three of them there. They have quite a relationship with the Lius"

Hou Wei Yan's eyes sparkled when he said this. So he's somehow related to Liu Jiayi? "Really?"

"Yes" Li Zhao said with a smile on his face. He then gently pointed at her teacup. "Now, finish that up so we can sleep"

Hou Wei Yan smiles back as she sipped the last drop of tea. After doing so, she placed it back gently on the table as she glanced at her husband's alluring smile.

She doesn't want to go to sleep yet, because she knows that she will wake up the next day without him by her side. So her precious memories with her husband only happen before they go to sleep. "Let's walk for a little. It's not good to sleep after eating"

Ji Li Zhao stayed silent for a while before he stood up and offered his hands to her. Once she accepted this, he can't help but chuckle at her obvious intentions. "Isn't this an excuse to spend some time with me?"

"I see, you're getting bold with your accusations" Hou Wei Yan said as she looked away, her face clearly red from embarrassment. They continued walking inside the maze and because of the moonlight, Ji Li Zhao was able to notice her blush and he too can't help but blush alongside her.

"Should I act liked a tamed pup?" he asked, not wanting their conversation to end in such a way.

"No" she replied as she squeezed his hands. "I prefer this type"

"Wild beast" she suddenly blurted out as she looked at his black hair. With his ebony hair sticking out in all directions, she can't help but be reminded of the many beasts she adored in the novels she read. Truly, more than a tamed pup, her preference falls on a wilder type of man like her husband.

Ji Li Zhao laughed when he heard her answer. He never expected her to use such a description of him. He was called by many things; Cold Blooded Emperor, Bloody Tyrant, and even Demon, but her description seems to go well with him.

He's not cold-hearted, he was just someone none of them can control so they called him names.

To be called a Wild Beast is flattery to him who only heard curses on his name.

"Your flattery is faring well, wife"

"It's good to progress" Hou Wei Yan said with a huge smile on her face. Now that he said this, she can't help but think back to their first meeting.

During the meeting he didn't show up, he hid in the bush to talk to her back in the Hou Mansion, then he showed up with a full mask covering his face and a cloak to cover his hair, afterwards, he decided to uncover the lower part of his face. He used to rarely show up and only order his men, but now, he accompanies her for an after-dinner tea and even sleeps beside her. It was small steps but they are progressing well.

"Yep. I like this progress" she blurted out as she leaned her head on his shoulders. Both of them then looked at one another and can't help but smile and laugh at their silliness.

The night ended with laughter but the morning brought in quite a shock to the young Madame.

"What in the world?!" Hou Wei Yan suddenly exclaimed in fright when she saw figures in her room.

There were at least ten mannequins in her room, each of them has a gown and other jewelry that matches it perfectly.

It was already time for her to wake up so Gu Man decided it was now okay to knock on her door. "Young Lady?"

"Uncle, what is this?" Hou Wei Yan immediately asked when Gu Man entered her room.

Gu Man looked at the mannequins as well before he gave her a huge smile. "Ah, Darlene brought those in. I instructed them to do it silently so as to not disturb your sleep"

[ That's not the issue here! ] she thought in her head.

[ Why are there so many mannequins inside my room? Why are they donning precious-looking dresses? ]

Before she could ask for the specifics, Gu Man stood up beside her bed. "We have prepared the bath. Should I send in someone to help you?"

"Ah, no thank you" Hou Wei Yan said, still unable to digest well what's currently happening. "I will bathe by myself as usual"

They always prepare her bath and offer their services to her, but she doesn't like the idea of letting them do so. She can bath herself perfectly well so there's no reason to accept such accommodation.

Thankfully, they know how to honor her wishes.

"As you wish, young lady" Gu Man said as he took a bow. "Darlene is waiting downstairs"

"I will get on with it" she answered as Gu Man excited the room. When left, she sighed at what was happening to her morning. "He didn't have to go this far"

After taking a bath, she went downstairs and nearly fell when she saw another twelve mannequins waiting below her. She sighed again.

"Really?" she said before she looks at the camera located on the corner ceiling which faces the stairs. "You don't have to go this far"

"Madame" Darlene called out which enabled Hou Wei Yan to return back to her senses.

"Darlene" she greeted once she descended the stairs. "It's nice to see you again"

"It's my pleasure to serve you, Madame" he immediately said before showing her the mannequins scattered around. Hou Wei Yan looked at each one of them and smiled widely when she saw the four dogs lingering it as well. "I heard from the boss that you will be attending Liu Jiayi's birthday so I brought out my special collection"

"Thank you, Darlene" Hou Wei Yan said but she immediately felt troubled by the number of gowns in front of her. Ah, there are also ten more in her room. "But isn't it a lot to bring out? You could have just chosen one"

"Non-non-non" he said while making an x sign using both of his hands. "Darlene wants the Madame to choose what she wants. This is my special collection, and everything is bound to suit you but I want you to choose what you want"

"Hmmm" she hummed as she looked around once more. Truly, all the dresses lined up are magnificent but if there are this many she will have trouble choosing. "Any recommendations?"

"I recommend everything" Darlene blurted out with a huge grin on his face.

[ Well, that was helpful' she thought before turning around to face all the dresses. All of them vary in color, design, jewels used, and fabric.

"This will be harder than I thought" she finally said as she inspected every single one of them. All of them are unique and can really pique interest, but somehow, she can't get the right feeling. They are truly magnificent and well made and true, it suits her body type, but something feels off.

She wants something that will compliment her well and not stand out too much in a crowd. After all, she's not the birthday celebrant.

[ What color would suit me? ]

In the past, she remembers her grandmother complimenting her emerald eyes. Her mother also has the same emerald eyes. Her mother likes to don herself in emerald green dresses stating that it goes well with her eyes.

If she remembers correctly, there's an emerald green one in her room. It was an A-line dress, fitted from the shoulders to the hips then widening to the hem pierced with gold and emerald jewels. It's styled with a princess high neck filled with beaded crystal along with a strapless sash. It also has a train that doesn't entirely reach the floor and sweeps the ground.

"I think I want the emerald green one in my room" Hou Wei Yan said before facing Darlene with a smile on her face.

"Then, let us try it on you" he immediately said as he offered his hands. She accepted it and both began walking upstairs to check out the dress that captured her heart.

"By the way, what's your relationship with Little Sister Liu?" she asked as she tilted her head, truly curious about his relationship with their little girl.

"Jiayi?"

"Yes, Jiayi" she said while nodding her head.

Darlene smiled her way before looking back ahead. "Well, I'm their second cousin. My mother who was the cousin of their father was a Chinese Painter who drifted to France and married my French father"

"That's quite a love story" Hou Wei Yan blurted out, her eyes shining with the thought of their first meeting. She was always after romance novels after all and France is a place of romance. "Do you look like your father?"

"I'm a mix of their look" Darlene shared with a smile on his face. His brown curly hair came from his mother while his hazelnut-colored eyes were inherited from his father. His father who was of pure French descent has beautiful golden hair. "My Big Sister looks like my mother while Big Brother looks like my father. Even their baby pictures look identical"

"Now I want to meet them even more" Hou Wei Yan exclaimed with the thought of meeting his siblings. Amine has a very charming face. Despite how he acts, his face can still surely attract an ample amount of ladies. She can bet his big sister and brother would look attractive like him.

Darlene looked at her with a grin on his face. "I'll introduce you to them this Saturday, Madame"

"Really?" she asked, her eyes sparkling in excitement.

"Of course" he said with a smile. His sister was a big fan of Xing Mei Yi so meeting Hou Wei Yan would also delight her. "My big sister would be delighted to meet you"

Once they arrived at the room, Darlene excitedly strode toward her chosen dress. He isn't the birthday celebrant but he's excited just by thinking of Hou Wei Yan finally showing up to the people who once tried to curry her favor. He will make sure she will look divine.

He will make sure of it.

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