Dinner (1)

The redness of her skin turned into a slight tan as a few days passed. Song Luli decided to use the cooling gel Long Jie gave her and some aloe vera to mend her burned skin.

Work had been busy, and she hadn't seen much of Long Jie lately. They both had varying schedules, and there wasn't a definite time when either person would be home. She thought perhaps that's why Long Jie had chosen her at the end.

She was aware that he had many marriage meetings before her, and some even competed over him. She couldn't help but think of that day. He wanted someone that wouldn't fall for him. Was it because he was always busy? She understood that more than anyone, what it meant to be busy. She, herself, didn't want to be tied down.

In her room, she placed on some light makeup, preparing for the evening dinner when she received a phone call.

The phone number was unfamiliar. Song Luli picked it up and heard sobbing through the other line. Her eyes widened and realized that it did sound familiar.

"Meiling," she said softly.

On the other line, her sister's voice broke. "Luli..."

"What's wrong?" she asked, concern.

"I'm coming home," she said. "I broke up with stupid, goddamn, cheating, no good piece of shit boyfriend!"

Song Luli was stunned. "He cheated on you?"

"Yes," she answered. "I can't believe it!"

Song Luli wasn't sure how to respond, but before she could, her sister continued, "Anyway. I'll be home in a few days. I can't wait to catch up!"

Shit!

Song Luli wasn't sure how to break the news to her. Why didn't she think of telling Song Meiling sooner that she moved out?

"I—"

"Bye!" said her sister.

Rubbing her temples, Song Luli stood up and proceeded to get dressed. She placed on a modest dusty-rose dress and small diamond earrings. She kept her hair straight, swaying against her shoulders.

When she finished, she met Long Jie halfway to the staircase that split between the west and east wings of the house.

He wore a dark-blue suit that complimented the colour of his eyes. His auburn hair fell over his lashes gracefully, but his jaw remained hard and tight. He kept his hands in his pockets as he descended the staircase. Song Luli followed after him as they walked towards the car.

Inside, she fastened her seatbelt, when he turned to face her and said, "You can sit in the front seat, you know?"

Song Luli was momentarily stunned. "Sorry," she said. "Force of habit." She then stepped from the car to sit next to him, but when he began to drive, silence enveloped around them.

She stared out of the window to keep her mind occupied.

When they arrived, Song Luli began to feel nervous. She hadn't seen any of the Long's in years, and the entire family were known to be part of High Society, they were more prominent than elites, and she didn't even think that was possible.

The house was grand, thrice the size of the one she was living in with Long Jie. Bright lights illuminated the house against the night with dozens of porchlights.

Song Luli stepped from the car, walking to Long Jie's side.

Butlers waited for them at the front, opening the doors. Inside was a vast open space. Everything screamed affluence, and she suddenly felt stiff with nerves.

When they both stepped through the threshold, a man paused in front of them, holding a champagne glass. Song Luli's eyes widened. He was a tall, handsome man with raven-black hair and bright ice-blue eyes.

"Father," Long Jie referred to him tonelessly.

Song Luli's eyes almost widened out of her sockets. This was Long Huojin? But he looks so young!

Her postured stiffened.

Long Jie's father spared a glance at her. His cold face then softened with a smile. "Song Luli," he said, reaching out to shake her hand. Stunned, she responded, "Hello, Father-in-law."

"How are you holding up with the company?" he asked softly, genuinely.

Song Luli's lips parted open. "I-It's going well! I am still adapting, but catching up nonetheless," she answered nervously.

Long Huojin's smile widened. "I'm glad," he answered.

A woman approached them with a graceful walk, stepping to Long Huojin's side, locking arms with him. She had long auburn hair and soft brown eyes.

"You must be Song Luli. It's been a while," she said to her.

Song Luli bowed to Long Jie's parents respectfully. "It's nice to see you," she responded.

Long Jie's mother, Xue Guangli, smiled. She then approached her son carefully, and he towered her just like his father. She reached up to touch his cheeks, and she pulled them. Long Jie barred his teeth.

"Why didn't you bring her to see us sooner?" she asked Long Jie, almost upset. But her undertone was gentle, almost playful.

"I didn't want her to suffer the questions you two would surely ask of her," he responded.

Xue Guangli raised a hand, placing it over her mouth. She turned to face her husband, "Oh my. Did you see that? Long Jie cares about this girl. How delightful," she said.

Long Jie's cheeks burned. "Mother," he said.

Xue Guangli then faced Song Luli. "I'm sorry," she said. "I like to tease my son. He's my only child, you know."

Song Luli smiled. "I understand, Mother-in-law."

Xue Guangli tilted her head with a warm smile. "Let's go in, Mrs. Long." 

Song Luli flushed. She didn't understand why, but it felt embarrassing to be called that. "Luli is just fine," she said.

"Luli," repeated Xue Guangli.

The stiffness from Song Luli's shoulders lifted, and the atmosphere felt smooth. She didn't expect his parents to be so kind, and when Long Jie looked at them, his face softened. It was the same look she had whenever she saw her own parents.

Long Jie glanced at his side, towards her. "Let's go," he said. Song Luli followed him as they stepped further into the house and the dining hall. Waiting for them on tall chairs was his grandparents; their faces appeared to be grave and unamused.