Has That Changed

They all settled around in the living room engaging in a blur of laughter, stories, and easy conversation. 

Liling felt more relaxed with every passing moment, the warmth and hospitality of Li Hao's family wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

"Liling, let's open the gifts you brought." Mrs Li said gesturing to the gifts now on the coffee table. 

 Liling handed out the gifts, hoping they would be well-received. 

The two women showed immense appreciation towards their gifts, with Mrs Li immediately putting on her new scarf much to Liling's appreciation.

Finally, she turned to Mr Li, who had been watching the gift opening quietly. He began to unwrap his gift with careful precision, revealing the hand-crafted chess board. He opened the board and appreciated the jade pieces. 

His eyes softened as he examined the chess set, running his fingers over the smooth, polished pieces. With his subtle nod and a faint smile, it was evident he approved of the gift. 

She let out a subtle sigh of relief and returned the smile. 

With the gifts opened and everyone in high spirits, Mrs Li led them to the grand dining room, where an exquisitely set dining table awaited them. The dining room was just as elegant as the rest of the house, with tall windows draped in rich fabrics and a chandelier that cast a warm glow over the room.

The table was laden with a feast—dishes meticulously prepared and presented, reflecting the care and tradition that went into every family meal.

The conversation flowed easily over dinner, with Mrs Li and Li Xiu sharing stories from the past and laughing at old memories. Liling couldn't help but lose herself in the feeling of warmth and belonging she felt. She could see where Li Hao's personality had come from.

After their dinner, Li Hao who had been completely ignored by his family the whole time, was suddenly told by his father to follow him up to his library, and the two men went on their way,

Since the men were gone, the three women sat down together and continued with their conversation which seemed not to want to ever come to an end.

"Liling, when do we get to meet your family?", Madam Li asked, she seemed thrilled by the idea of meeting the people who had raised her lovely daughter-in-law,

"Well actually...." Liling wasn't sure how to get around the question without making them feel awkward, "They're no longer..."

Madam Li got the message before Liling could finish and put her hands up to her mouth, "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to"

"It's fine", she said as calmly as she possibly could, "It was a long time ago, so it doesn't affect me as much"

*****************************

Meanwhile,

~Li Family Mansion; Mr Li's Study

The two men silently entered the expansive study, a testament to his refined taste, marrying classic elegance with modern comforts. The room exuded an air of aristocratic sophistication, a place where intellectual pursuits intertwined seamlessly with the lavish surroundings.

Floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookcases lined the wall, displaying an exquisite collection of leather-bound books, rare first editions, and antique manuscripts. 

The books were meticulously arranged, with their rich spines forming a mosaic of colours and textures that were both visually captivating and intellectually inspiring.

They took their seats on the leather armchair and velvety sofa placed strategically around the ornate mantle and fireplace and kept the silence for a few seconds,

"This wasn't a marriage of love, am I wrong", Master Li was the first to break the silence, and although his sentence was short, it certainly hit the nail on the head.

Li Hao didn't reply for a while, he wasn't surprised his father had figured it out in such a short amount of time, he had anticipated it even, that was how perceptive his father was,

"Yes", came his reply

"Has that changed?"