PEARL EARRING

The black Maybach traversed the main highway as the pitter-patter of rain against the car grew each moment past. The driver peered through the rearview mirror to check on the man occupying the back seat. The heater was running, yet the cold atmosphere that filled the car didn't evaporate. The man's eyes were closed, but that didn't hide the anger looming in them. With the way the man's brows were snapped, he was mad.

This man was his Young Master, who he had served for more than 5 years, inheriting the position from his father, as his father did the same from his grandfather. Meaning, they were the only family in the country who would serve the Xie Family.

Xie Yijun belonged to the Xie Family. A clan with hundreds of years of tradition. The Xie Family was considered royalty in the country, controlling both the political and business sectors.

"Do you want to die? Look at the road!" Xie Yijun was tired, edgy, and cranky. He was up for 36 hours, and the catnap on the private jet didn't relieve his fatigue.

Xie Yijun was overseas for the acquisition of Hope Medical Center when he saw the reports on tv. One of the manufacturing plants under Z Global Group was reduced to ashes, killing three employees and injuring 25 more. It happened early in the morning, which he found comforting—if not, the casualties would have been more.

The moment he received words that there was an issue of his R & D being compromised, he canceled the meeting, called the pilots, and flew back to the country. Data from the company's latest project was stolen, and a virus bugged their system. He immediately ordered his security team to investigate the matter. Whoever was responsible for his employees' death, he would use his power to send that person in hell.

As his frown deepened, a voice sprung out from memory. "You should smile often. Your poker face is just so unsightly." She brushed his cheeks with her long, delicate fingers.

Jamming one hand inside his pocket, he curled his finger around the pearl earring he carried every single day. It was hers. It was the only reminder she existed. Soon, the nasty feeling he had vanished. His nerves relaxed.

The rain stopped by the time they got to their destination. Xie Yijun peeled his eyes open and gave the hospital a brief glance, he then asked his assistant with impatience, "Why are we here?"

Assistant Sun who was occupying the seat next to the driver, cleared his throat. "The Old Master is hospitalized." The Old Master he was referring to was Xie Yijun's maternal grandfather.

Xie Yijun frowned, yet it didn't diminish his god-like appearance. "How ill is he?"

When Assistant Sun informed him that the Old Master had been rushed to the hospital due to his excessive drinking, Xie Yijun ordered coldly, "Let's return." He had more urgent things to deal with. His grandfather wasn't in a severe condition. Moreover, the Old Master had been advised repeatedly to stop his alcohol drinking habits.

"That boss— the Old Madam said she has something to say." Assistant Sun mentioned the Old Madam because she was the only one Xie Yijun would listen to. Seeing the changes in his boss' expression, Assistant Sun opened the door of the car.

'What is it again this time?' Xie Yijun wondered as he climbed out of the car. Just as he was about to take another step, the corner of his eyes caught a figure getting into a car.

"Xiao Yi?"

"You said, something boss?" Assistant Sun followed where Xie Yijun's eyes were directed. There was nothing except a car that was moving further away from the hospital.

"Nothing. It's just an illusion." Xie Yijun shut his eyes momentarily. Just how bad did he desire to see her that he had an illusion? Reigning down other thoughts that were surging up, he strode towards the hospital. "Let's go."

Assistant Sun hurriedly went after his boss. His mind was somewhere else. 'Why did it feel like the boss was moody lately?'

…...

Xie Yijun took the elevator to the top floor where the VIP rooms were. As one of the premier hospitals in the country, the VIP room gives the feeling of living in a penthouse. It's furnished with modern equipment.

Xie Yijun found his sister and cousin lounging on the couch. The TV mounted on the wall ran the latest fashion show everyone was revving about. There were just the two of them, but their noise was loud enough to assume there would be more.

"You're here." His younger sister said when she caught his figure standing at the door. She nervously glanced at the screen, relief passed when a commercial was playing. Reaching for the remote, she pressed the button, and the screen went black.

"Why turn it off?" Xie Yijun dropped himself on the single settee. The two looked at each other, and it was his sister who answered, "It was boring."

"Oh?" He extended his hand to get the remote from the glass table, but his sister jumped from her seat and beat him. She was scared to be caught doing something his brother was against, especially that she was in big trouble this month.

The voice coming from the other side of the room saved her because Xie Yijun stood when he saw his grandparents. His grandfather was in a wheelchair. He was being pushed by the butler.

"This kid, you don't know anything about being filial!" His grandfather bellowed. His grandmother, who was following behind, hit his grandfather on the arm to warn him, "Stop yelling at him!" His grandmother was in her 80's, but she was far from looking like one.

Paying no attention to his grandfather, Xie Yijun met his grandmother halfway and walked her to the sofa. "Are you feeling better?" Xie Yijun asked his grandmother. While he was away, he was told that his grandmother was down with the flu. He heard her answer, "I am much better now. Your prescription worked like magic."

While the two were catching up, another person was sulking. Unhappy, he was hit by his wife and ignored by his grandson, Old Master Xie's face was distorted unpleasantly. He pushed his wheelchair forward and disregarded the assistance of his butler. Today, he must teach his grandson.