Bo Qiang

Lina was taken aback as the grand mansion loomed before her, its towering structure and intricate architecture a clear display of the immense wealth her adoptive parents possessed. The sheer scale of it made her feel small, like she had been dropped into a world that was too big, too lavish for someone like her. The sprawling gardens, the marble columns, the expansive windows, all of it whispered of an existence she had never known.

As the car came to a stop in front of the main entrance, Lina took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Her heart raced as she stepped out, following closely behind Lian Mei and Wei Jian. The cool air outside did little to calm the storm brewing inside her chest.

They approached the front door, which Wei Jian unlocked with his own key, a subtle reminder that this place—this grand estate—was theirs. As they entered the house, the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers greeted them, giving the space an air of quiet elegance.

Wei Jian's voice broke the silence, deep and authoritative but not unkind. "Lina, this is where our family lives. You've seen pictures, but it's different in person, isn't it?" He glanced at her with a faint smile, as if aware of how overwhelming this must be for her. "But as you know, Lian Mei and I don't spend much time here. We'll be in and out, busy with work and our travels, but you'll be staying here with Bo Qiang."

Lina nodded, her gaze taking in the grand foyer. The high ceilings, the chandeliers that glittered like stars, the tasteful yet expensive décor—everything about this place screamed wealth, power, and a world far removed from the one she had known.

Wei Jian continued, his tone softening as he spoke. "We don't keep a large staff here. We prefer privacy and not having too many outsiders in our home. But we have the essentials : a cook, a driver. If you need anything, you can always let me know." His eyes were warm as they met hers, and for a brief moment, Lina felt a flicker of comfort in the midst of the unfamiliar surroundings.

Seeing her so quiet and composed, Wei Jian felt a surge of affection. Despite everything, she was handling this new life with grace. He gently placed his hand on her head, a fatherly gesture that surprised Lina. His thoughts softened as he looked at her. "Daughters really are better," he mused silently, the warmth of the moment settling over him.

After a beat, Wei Jian cleared his throat. "Now, Lian Mei will show you to your room. I need to head to the office and take care of a few things." With that, he gave Lina a nod and turned, his footsteps fading down the hallway as he made his way to his study.

Lian Mei smiled at Lina and gestured for her to follow. "Come, dear. Let me show you around." She led Lina up the sweeping staircase, giving her a tour of the mansion, pointing out the various rooms as they walked. The art on the walls, the furniture, even the soft rugs beneath their feet it was all so exquisite, so carefully curated, that it left Lina feeling as if she were walking through a museum rather than a home.

Eventually, they reached a room at the far end of the hall. Lian Mei opened the door with a soft click, revealing a spacious, beautifully decorated bedroom. "This will be your room, Lina," she said, stepping inside. "I hope it suits your taste. If there's anything you'd like changed, just let me know."

Lina glanced around, taking in the luxurious bed, the plush armchair by the window, and the elegant vanity set in the corner. It was all so perfect, so far from the modest room she had once called her own. She forced a smile. "It's perfect, Auntie. Thank you."

After Lian Mei finished showing her the rest of the house, she left Lina alone to settle in. Lina sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling a mix of excitement and unease. This was her new life now, but how much of it was hers? And how much of it was dictated by the story she already knew too well?

Meanwhile, in his office, Wei Jian sank into his chair with a heavy sigh. His thoughts lingered on Lina. He had never imagined himself as the type to adopt, but something about her had stirred a protective instinct in him. He pulled out his phone and dialed his son, Bo Qiang.

The phone rang twice before his son's smooth, almost indifferent voice came through the line. "Hey, Dad. Is something wrong?"

The casual tone immediately set Wei Jian's temper off. He clenched his jaw, feeling the irritation rise in him. "You ungrateful brat!" he barked into the phone, his voice echoing in the quiet office. "Where were you? Why didn't you pick up your mother and me from the airport?"

Bo Qiang's chuckle came through the speaker, light but slightly mocking. "I was working, Dad. You know, that thing people do?"

Wei Jian's irritation flared even hotter. His son's nonchalance grated on him. "And worse than that, you didn't even bother to come and meet your future wife!" His voice was sharp, full of the frustration he had been holding in.

Bo Qiang's laughter immediately died. There was a brief silence before he replied, his voice turning icy. "My future wife? Dad, I had nothing to do with the arrangement you made with her parents before they died. That was all you." His tone then shifted, becoming playful in a way that Wei Jian found even more infuriating. "Besides, if you adopted her, doesn't that technically make us siblings now?"

Wei Jian felt his blood pressure spike, his grip tightening on the phone. Before he could respond, he slammed the phone down, ending the call abruptly. He leaned back in his chair, fuming. Bo Qiang had always been like this cool, detached, treating everything like a joke. On the surface, he seemed approachable, charming even, but beneath that veneer was a man who kept everyone at arm's length, including his own family.

As Wei Jian sat there, his thoughts drifted back to the past, to the years when Bo Qiang was still a boy. There had been a time when they were close, when they had shared moments of warmth and laughter. But something had shifted over the years, something Wei Jian couldn't quite pinpoint.

Now, no matter what he did, there was always a distance between them, a wall that Bo Qiang had built up brick by brick. And despite all of Wei Jian's efforts, he had never been able to tear it down.

He sighed, a deep, weary sound, as memories flooded his mind. "All I want is for him to be happy," he thought, the weight of his son's coldness pressing down on him. He wondered if he could have done things differently if there had been moments when he could have bridged that gap before it grew so wide.

But it was too late for regrets now. He had made his choices, and so had Bo Qiang. All he could do now was hope that something—or someone—might finally reach his son. And in his heart, he believed that Lina might be that someone. She was pure-hearted, gentle, and kind. Perhaps her presence could soften Bo Qiang's heart, bring some light and warmth into his life.

Wei Jian's chest tightened with worry as he thought about the future. "I just want him to find joy and fulfillment," he whispered to himself, his hope clinging to the fragile belief that Lina might be the missing piece to Bo Qiang's happiness.