3 Chapter 3: Long-Awaited Meeting

It was not until early in the morning that Miyeon saw the text. She felt a rush of mixed emotions: anticipation, sadness, dread, and hopelessness. Though she had been back in Y City for almost a month, she didn't inform the Lee Family of her arrival. In her heart, she thought perhaps they would inquire about her wellbeing first. But as expected, there was no communication from her family despite not hearing from her for several months.

She quickly responded to the text, giving the address of her 1 bedroom apartment. Then she went to make some coffee. As she stood by the counter sipping her coffee, she decided it's best to move the boxes in the living room to her bedroom and do some cleaning. By the time Miyeon finished, it was close to noon. As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Her mom was here.

Qin Anzhi is a petite, mild-mannered looking, middle aged woman. She looked like the quintessential affluent auntie with her luxury clothing, salon styled up-do, and manicured french tip nails.

Miyeon let her adoptive mother into the apartment and Anzhi immediately sat on the living room sofa. Miyeon's eyebrows raised slightly as she followed her mom to the couch. She had expected her mother to look around a bit and make some small talk better settling down.

'Hmm. She must be here for some urgent business.'

Anzhi cleared her throat, "Miyeon-ah, why didn't you tell mom that you intended to come back to Y City? Will you be settling down here?"

Miyeon noticed Anzhi fiddling with her fingers, a sign of nervousness. "Mmm. Will be staying here indefinitely. I've left my job at Mckinsey."

"Oh…."

"Mom, what is it you want to tell me?"

"Well. Your sister Ningning is getting engaged."

"Ah?! Ningning is only 19 this year."

"She is getting engaged to the 3rd son of the Song Family, Song Yu"

"..."

"Ningning she is very excited. She likes Song Yu."

"..."

"This marriage is very important for the Lee Family. You know our family's business hasn't been doing well for a while now. But with the investment from the Song Family, your dad will be able to turn around the company."

"I see."

"Miyeon-ah, mom has a favor to ask you."

"Mmm.."

"The Songs don't know of your existence. They only know of Ningning as the daughter of the Lee Family."

"..."

"You must know that since that incident occurred 10 years ago. It has been hard for the family as well. For a while there has been a stigma in our social circle. Of course a lot of people have forgotten since so much time has passed but if the Songs where to hear of that event… We just cannot risk this affecting Ningning's marriage. Mom hopes you understand."

Miyeon looked down. She felt a sting in her eyes but took a breath to calm herself. "I understand. What would you like me to do?" She asked with a soft smile.

Anzhi's eyes lit up. She took Miyeon's hands into hers. "Miyeon-ah, your adoption paperwork has been changed. We moved you under my late-sister's family registry. So in public, please call me Auntie Qin instead of mom. Of course, this is just for appearances. I still consider you as my own daughter. You can do that for our family right?"

"Mmm. Of course."

"Good good. My Miyeon has always been a good girl." as she patted Miyeon's hand and prepared to stand. "I will need to leave soon since there is still a lot to prepare for the engagement ceremony in 3 weeks."

As Qin Anzhi reached the door, "Ah about the engagement, your dad and Ningning hopes that you lay low for the time being. It's only temporary until— "

"I understand. I won't be attending. Auntie Qin." Miyeon answered still with a smile on her face.

Hearing this confirmation, Qin Anzhi left Miyeon's apartment in a positive mood not realizing how her adoptive daughter just addressed her.