Headache

Chapter 14: Headache

Ling Yue glanced around the table, filled with gratitude that the Li family didn't regard her with pity. She could have easily told them she was an orphan, but she didn't want them to assume her parents were deceased when they were very much alive and kicking. This Li family intrigued her deeply. Their pensive expressions held a touch of comedy, except for one person shamelessly fixated on her since the beginning of lunch. Now, his gaze intensified, growing more penetrating and profound. In his presence, she always felt unsettled, and now a slight headache began to throb -- a precursor to the unbearable pain she knew would follow. Sighing, she realized she still had to take DouDou to the vet.

ALARM...ALARM...

The awkward silence was finally shattered by Ling Yue's phone alarm. She checked her phone before silencing it, remembering that it was time for DouDou's vaccination. She didn't realize it before but she had spent almost an hour and half speaking to the Li family and didn't feel bored. Ling Yue glanced at DouDou, who had finished his meal and was now exploring the hallway.

"Ahem... Aunt, Uncle, I and DouDou should leave now. The vaccination appointment is in an hour, and it will take some time to get there." The table's occupants finally emerged from their contemplation upon hearing Ling Yue's voice. Mother Li didn't want to part with Ling Yue just yet, but she couldn't stop her either. Everyone rose from their seats to bid her farewell.

"Yue'er, where do you live?" Father Li suddenly realized he didn't know her address. He knew the area where she stayed while in Barcelona but had no knowledge of her actual residence. Ling Yue smiled in response to the question. Seems like her Uncle Li finally knew how to ask few important questions. She was intrigued by the fact that a powerful business tycoon like Li Jin never asked her important questions like her family and residence. Why did he always miss out on those details?

"I live in the outskirts of the city uncle. I like it there" she replied, avoiding sharing the exact address. Mother Li and Father Li didn't press her further, assuming Ling Yue had unpleasant memories in the city and preferred to live in solitude. They assumed she only ventured into the city for work.

"Yue'er, the next time you visit the city, please come to our home, alright? I would love to see you again," Mother Li expressed her desire, wishing she could simply whisk Ling Yue away to her house. Alas, she knew it was a mere wishful thought. She wanted to shower Ling Yue with more affection and care. Ling Yue simply nodded, appreciating Mother Li's words. She had grown fond of Mother Li and understood why Uncle Li doted on her so much. As for visiting their home, she didn't want to reject Mother Li outright, so she nodded. For now, she needed to wrap things up quickly before returning home. Her head was already throbbing painfully, but she was accustomed to enduring it for an hour or two.

As they approached the elevator, Ling Yue suddenly remembered something and turned to face the couple, a bright smile illuminating her face. She retrieved a beautifully crafted rosewood box from her handbag and extended her hand toward Mother Li.

"Aunt, Uncle, once again, happy wedding anniversary. I wish you love, laughter, and happiness for the years to come." Mother Li and Father Li were taken aback by the sincerity in Ling Yue's eyes. Throughout their lives, they had received countless wishes, some genuine and some insincere, but Ling Yue's greeting emanated from the depths of her soul, as rare as a cherished blessing. Mother Li accepted the wooden box, her curiosity piqued. Father Li also peered inside, his eyes widening at the exquisite jewellery nestled within.

Mother Li couldn't hide her astonishment either. She had seen and owned numerous beautiful jewelry pieces, boasting an impressive collection at home. However, the piece before her was truly mind-blowing. As they observed the gift's grandeur, Li Wei and Li Mei approached, their eyes soon dazzled by the majestic artwork showcased within the box. Li Wei immediately glanced at Ling Yue, recognizing her handiwork. He had witnessed her talent before.

The box contained a hairpin and a suit brooch pin. The hairpin was skillfully sculpted from gold, taking the form of a tiny phoenix with its tail composed of five different gemstones: ruby, topaz, emerald, rose quartz, and sapphire. Each stone symbolized love, health, protection, purity, and fortune for the family. The phoenix's beak clasped a delicate daffodil flower, its stem dividing into three chains made of gold, rose gold, and platinum. The three chains intertwined gracefully, culminating in a small heart-shaped diamond.

The brooch pin was no less impressive. The dragon carved on the golden brooch appeared to soar into the sky while cradling a deep orange carnelian crystal near its heart. The significance of the jewelry was evident, and Mother Li comprehended it well. The three chains suspended from the phoenix's beak represented her husband and two children, symbolizing their connection to the phoenix's heart. The carnelian crystal signified the family's support, encouraging her husband to work harder and reach greater heights.

The artist's representation of these meanings was breathtakingly beautiful. Although Mother Li loved and appreciated the gift immensely, she hesitated, feeling uncertain if she was worthy of receiving such a majestic piece. She looked at Ling Yue, who wore a faint smile as she observed the family.

"Yue'er, this gift is too extravagant. I'm not sure if I'm deserving of it," Mother Li voiced her concerns, genuinely hesitant rather than merely adhering to social formalities. Ling Yue smiled and spoke to Mother Li, looking into her eyes.

"Aunty, believe me, if I didn't feel you were worthy of this gift, I would have walked away without giving it to you. Uncle Li can attest to how shameless I can be when it comes to simply eating and leaving," she chuckled. "I presented it to you because you and your family embody the message this jewelry conveys. Please don't hesitate and accept it." Ling Yue then turned to Father Li and offered him a faint smile.

Father Li felt a wave of emotion wash over him as he beheld the gift Ling Yue had bestowed upon them. He remembered casually mentioning to her once about approaching several jewelry makers and designers to create a beautiful piece for his wife, but the results had been unsatisfactory. He never expected Ling Yue to remember and design a piece entirely on her own. She surpassed his initial imaginings, making it even more beautiful than he had envisioned. She didn't forget him either. She made one for him too. He had observed Ling Yue's talent before and knew without a doubt that she had crafted this piece. Sigh. A precious gem like Ling Yue had been neglected by her own parents.

He had always felt immense pride in Ling Yue, more so than when he witnessed his son receiving the Best Entrepreneur of the Year award on stage. Her brilliance radiated wherever she went, even without taking any deliberate action. With a gentle smile, he acknowledged Ling Yue's heartfelt gesture as he watched his wife accept the gift.

"Ling Yue," Li Wei called out just as Ling Yue was about to enter the elevator. His deep voice stirred something within her every time. She wished she could slip away silently, but it seemed that was no longer possible. Ling Yue turned to face Li Wei, still holding DouDou in her arms, meeting his concerned gaze.

"Are you okay? You look pale. Should I drive you home?" Li Wei's concern drew everyone's attention to Ling Yue's condition. It was then that they noticed her pale complexion and the slight perspiration, despite the air conditioner running. Mother Li grew increasingly worried. Ling Yue had been fine until now. What could have suddenly caused this change?

"I'm fine, Young Master Li. Thank you for your concern. Don't worry; I can drive home safely. DouDou and I are running late. We should take our leave now," Ling Yue assured them, although her headache intensified. She knew she could manage the drive home despite the pain. However, Mother Li couldn't bear to let Ling Yue go alone. Ling Yue had already nestled herself in Mother Li's heart, and she intended to care for her just as she did for Li Mei and Li Wei.

"Yue'er, you don't look well, my dear. Let Li Wei accompany you, okay? I won't be at peace if you go alone," Mother Li insisted, her concern palpable. Ling Yue realized that declining was not an option; Mother Li wouldn't accept a refusal. Although she wasn't accustomed to accepting help, Ling Yue understood that it would put Mother Li's mind at ease. But she still thought of it a one last try.

"Aunt, I already have my car with me. It would trouble Young Master Li to return," Ling Yue replied.

"It's no problem at all, Big Sis. How about this? Gege will drive you in your car to the vet, and I will send a car for Gege later," Li Mei proposed, determined not to lose such a stunning sister-in-law. She was eager to ensnare Ling Yue's heart and make her a permanent part of their family.