Chapter 23.

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"Are you engaged ?" Yang Mi asked. She was surprised that Yulan was someone's property because to her, that was what marriage meant. She still remembered the moments her father hit her mother. They were terrible and horrible.

"Yes. I am engaged" Yulan answered, bringing her hand forward for them to see. There was a diamond ring on her finger. She felt shy showing it to them.

"Wow. That good" Ah Lam spoke. She was still shocked. "Why did you two separate? What happened?"

"He came to my town by an accident. When it's was time, my mother told him to return back to his city and his family. That's why I came here to search for him" Yulan told them. That was the best explanation she could give. Mother had warned her never to tell anyone about her real identity.

"What is his name? Since you don't have a picture of him, his full name would help" Ah Lam said with concern. She understood the pain, the young woman was going through.

"Lian. That is his name" Yulan said, looking at them with a worried face. She noticed that they looked at each other then at her.  "What happened aunt?"

"Tell us his surname" Yang Mi drew closer. She took interest in the matter all of a sudden.

"Li" Yulan's lips parted slowly as the name came out of her mouth. She could hear Yang Mi's loud screams. What was wrong? Was the name a forbidden one??

"Stop your screams, Yang Mi" Ah Lam shut her off. She wanted to be sure of what Yulan' was saying. "Are you sure his name is Li Lian?"

"Yes aunt. That's what he told me" Yulan said, in a low tone. She was afraid now. "Did I say something bad?"

"No dear" Ah Lam smiled. "The name is familiar. In fact many people bear it, because of the young master."

*The young master? Li Lian?? Is that his name too???" Yulan asked.

"Yes . But he is different from your Li Lian. I am sure your fiancé copied the name from our Li Lian" Yang Mi snarled. When it came to defending him, no one was better than her.

"It's fine Yang Mi. I understand. My Li Lian is not married" Yulan told her. She believed that he was still single.

"That's okay, Yang Mi. Go to your room now. Don't bother Yulan about that again" Ah Lam told her.

Yang Mi went upstairs with words in her throats. She knew that Yulan was telling the truth. But the thought of Li Lian having an affair outside, it's was impossible. He was different from the other men including her father.

"Don't mind Yang Mi. She is fond of the young master , that's why" Ah Lam tried to make her feel better.

"I understand aunt" Yulan smiled. She met someone who was caring to her.

"Take care of yourself when I am away. I Know Yang Mi won't bother about you. There is food in the fridge" Ah Lam picked up her keys from the table. She looked at Yulan once again and went out of the house.

The boy who helped her to clean the house washed the car neatly. Even though he was paid, she was still grateful to him. Yang Mi was too lazy to help her do the house chores.

Once she got to the car, Ah Lam put on a gospel music and headed for the Li's company.

In less than two hours, she arrived at her destination.

The workers greeted her as she walked in to the building. Every one knew that she was Li Lian's favorite aunt. He treated her with respect.

"Good morning aunt" Zhi Ruo bowed deeply. She was a beautiful girl who lived same street with her.

"Morning Ruo. You look pale and sick. What happened to you?"

"You are welcome aunt. I am sick. But don't worry , I took medications this morning before coming to work" Zhi Ruo lied again about her health. She would have told Li Lian's aunt how she felt about him but no!

Chu Hua was in the picture. Ah Lam might get angry about it. She had her principles. – one woman was enough for Lian.

"The boss is expecting you" Zhi Ruo took the lead when they reached the last floor. "He is not in the office right now."

"Where did he go to ?" Ah Lam asked with a surprise look. When. They spoke on the phone, Li Lian never mentioned about going out.

"Don't worry aunt" Zhi Ruo gave a smile as she opened the door of Li Lian's office. "He went for an emergency meeting."

"Oh. I hope nothing happened?" She asked.

"No aunt. Please sit down" Zhi pointed at one of the sofa. "He will be back soon. I will stay in my office for now."

Ah Lam nodded. She liked Zhi Ruo. The girl was nice and respectful. Li Lian would never had found any secretary better than her.