302— Mother And Daughter Have A Heart-To-Heart
They didn't go anywhere in particular, just cruised around major roads and enjoyed the sights of the Capital. The driver also pointed out some places to them as he drove past.
They finally went back to the Gao family mansion after sitting at the riverside for a while. Pei Yueran was glad to have gotten out for a breath of fresh air.
Getting back, Li Chuanmo went to the study to do some work, while Pei went to take a nap.
*****
On the roof of a sports complex near the Gao family mansion, a man in black was speaking into his earphones as he looked through his binoculars.
"Target spotted Boss. Do I move in now?"
"Why did I send such an idiot like you? If you move now, would there even be a banquet tomorrow? Just monitor her, that's all." An androgynous voice tinged with annoyance sounded, causing the man in black to shake.
"Understood Boss."
"Just keep your mates posted and move in at the right time. If you spoil my good plans, I don't need to tell you what would happen, right?"
The man in black was truly afraid now, "No Boss. I'll do as you ordered right away."
The man cut the call and spoke with disgust, "Nuisance." If not for the fact that his right hand man was arrested in the trap that immature brat Lancaster set for them a couple of years ago, where would it be this idiot's turn to take orders directly from him?
But no matter. Once this operation was over, he would begin training a better replacement.
*****
After dinner, Pei Yueran followed Qiao Mingran to the garden. Showing her the flowers and the house was just an excuse to spend time together, but when they got there, Pei Yueran's eyes shone.
The garden had an assortment of flowers, and Pei Yueran could even recognize some high class breeds near the small building she thought could be the green house in the centre of the garden.
"You have a beautiful place here." She said conversationally.
"Thank you. I don't take care of it personally anymore, but I handpicked each flower type. You like flowers too I presume?"
Pei Yueran nodded, making Qiao Mingran happy. Although a lot of people liked flowers and it wasn't a special trait, she still liked to think that her daughter got her love for flowers from her.
She was happy to desperately cling to any resemblance she could find.
"Wonderful. Let's go into the greenhouse, I'll show you the newest breeds of orchid and peony that I recently got."
Pei Yueran nodded and waited for her to lead the way. As they went, Qiao Mingran asked her about the boys and how they were doing. She longed to see her biological grandson, Han Yichen.
She also asked about her in-laws and if they had a good relationship.
Pei Yueran answered her questions one after the other.
Just before getting into the greenhouse, Qiao Mingran stopped to face her. Twisting her hands together, she said, "Yue'er, I invited your adoptive mother too, but her flight would only arrive tomorrow afternoon. I hope you're not angry with me."
She was just feeling a bit selfish. She wanted to spend a bit more time alone with her daughter before her second mother arrived.
On impulse, Pei Yueran touched her arm, "It's alright. I understand, and I'm sure Mom does too."
Qiao Mingran patted her hand in happiness, "Thank you for understanding Yue'er."
Both of them admired the flowers some more. Qiao Mingran really had some special varieties of orchid and peonies.
"This color is very vibrant," Pei Yueran spoke appreciatively as she admired a purple peony. It bloomed with large white flowers, and a deep purple hue at the heart of it.
"That's my favorite Itoh peony. Cora Louise."
Pei Yueran nodded. She wasn't very knowledgeable on the various breeds of peony, but she knew a beauty when she saw one.
Qiao Mingran walked around, introducing the rare breeds she had. From the different species in existence to how to care for them properly, she talked about different peonies, monkey orchids, Juliet roses and even fire lilies.
Half an hour later, when they finally stepped out, Pei Yueran felt she had become a sort of expert horticulturist.
But the advantage of that was that they had grown just a bit closer. It was obvious in the way Qiao Mingran smiled happily and walked with more energy.
"That reminds me, the wardrobe team would be here by 3pm tomorrow, in order to get you and your husband ready for the banquet." She informed her as they walked back side by side.
Pei Yueran tried not to groan as she nodded. Coming at 3pm for a program that would begin at 7pm, the preparation time was a lot ah.
"You don't like make-up, do you?" Qiao Mingran asked knowingly.
"No, not really." Pei Yueran spoke ruefully.
Qiao Mingran smiled, "Neither does Tingxiu. The only time I see her on makeup is in her movies. She's quite a good actress by the way."
Pei Yueran nodded. She hadn't seen any of her movies, but she would check them out one of these days.
By this time, both of them had gotten to the door of the main house. In the foyer, Qiao Mingran held her hands, "Yue'er, I can't tell you how happy I am to have you here at last.
"I've imagined you in this very house year after year, wondering how different life would have been if I hadn't lost you. But being able to walk and talk to you, knowing that you're staying just above my room gives me so much joy. Thank you Yue'er."
Pei Yueran's heart went out to the petite woman and she gave her a warm hug. Maybe she wasn't ready to open her heart completely, but currently, she was very ready to try.
"Good night."
"Good night."
Qiao Mingran smiled as she watched her go up the stairs.
Pei Yueran met Li Chuanmo in the bedroom when she got in, "Done with your meeting?"
Li Chuanmo nodded. He had actually been in a meeting with Charlie all along, talking about tomorrow's layout and various emergency measures in case a scenario different from what they were planning for cropped up.
"That's good."
"So, did you enjoy your talk with her?"
She spoke as she walked towards the closet. Li Chuanmo naturally followed. "Actually, I did. She is erudite, especially about flowers. I learned a lot."