Chapter six: Family

In the somber darkness, she shone as the only source of light, like a candle in the dim, long corridor of Li.

"Whatever you desire, name it and I shall obtain it for you, and more," he vowed.

How could anyone resist being moved by such innocent beauty?

"I long for a mother," she confessed.

Suddenly, his vision became blurred, overwhelmed by emotions.

He had never been fond of women, as they often indulged in all sorts of things.

His little cousin, or rather, his daughter, yearned for a mother.

How could he possibly find a wife?

"Disgusting," he murmured.

He found them repulsive.

"Dad, I know you never engage in conversations with women, and I am the only one you speak to regularly, but haven't you interacted with someone extensively, even if just once?" she asked innocently.

The only girl he had conversed with came to his mind.

But he could never marry her.

"Why are you so silent, Dad? If you can't find someone, I will understand," she said, her face growing melancholic and her round eyes welling up with tears.

She couldn't attend school, and any friend she made had to go through rigorous checks.

Although she had a kind tutor and Nanny Aisha, whom she loved and respected deeply, she still felt a void without a mother.

Every time she saw her friends with their mothers, she felt a sense of isolation.

"I agree, but on one condition," he declared.

He couldn't resist any longer; the little girl was simply too adorable.

She looked like a miniature bride in her pristine white gown.

"Daddy, it's my birthday gift, why should it come with conditions? However, I am also a businesswoman, and I will consider your request. Speak, and I will assess if I can fulfill it," she stated with a small, high-pitched voice.

The little child was astute, destined to become someone significant in this world.

He couldn't help but burst into laughter.

She was the only person on the planet who could bring out this side of him.

Swiftly composing himself, he lifted the little girl and placed her on her makeshift throne.

"You shall choose your mother; feel free to select anyone you desire," he proposed.

That was his condition. Even if he were to choose a wife, it wouldn't be someone he genuinely liked, so it was better if the little girl chose someone she appreciated.

"I knew Daddy would say something like that, so I have already devised a plan," she beamed, radiating warmth and tranquility.

Descending from her throne, she ran upstairs to her room.

After a few minutes, she hurried back down, clutching a letter.

"Miss Nathalia, your parents have sent me to collect you," a housekeeper announced.

Two hours had elapsed since she had immersed herself in novels to escape from the dreadful day. However, every time she encountered words like red, dirty, trash, animal, white, and wealthy man, they reminded her of the torment.

Donning a lilac gown, her locks artfully styled in an elegant updo, Nathalia descended the stairs, concealing her unease from her parents. The prospect of dinner did not appeal to her, yet it was a customary affair.

"It's imperative that no one skips dinner, unless there is a pressing matter," her father's words echoed in her mind.

Normally, Nathalia was animated at the dinner table, but today, she lacked the inclination to engage in conversation. She politely greeted her parents and dutifully ate the meal that was presented to her.

Observing his daughter's distress, Mr. Hu Nivil felt a pang of sadness.

"Nathalia, Min informed us of what transpired today. Don't worry, I'll get you a new car and it doesn't matter if you fail the task assigned to you. At least, you stood up to him, just as I would have," he assured her.

Her mother, however, held a different perspective. Ever since she heard the news, she incessantly complained, disturbing everyone's peace.

"Nivil, how will we manage to pay for Sabrina's medical expenses in the USA? Let's not forget, we have another daughter," Mrs. An expressed her pessimism.

Unlike Nivil, money was all Mrs. An yearned for. She believed that as long as she had money, all her problems could be resolved.

"An, are we still going to have this discussion?" Mr. Hu interjected.

Her anger mounting, Mrs. An pushed her plate away, causing it to shatter and spoil the environment.

"If only Sabrina were the CEO, none of this would have happened," she lamented.

This day proved to be the most challenging for Nathalia. Any hopes of improvement were futile. Her mother's words wounded her deeply.

"Mom, Dad, please stop fighting. I can find a solution for the company and still handle Sabrina's medical expenses," she implored.

"What solution do you have?" her mother yelled.

Just as arguments were about to escalate, Head Housekeeper Lang discreetly placed a lavishly adorned envelope on the table.

Recognizing the opportune moment, Lang seized everyone's attention, diverting the impending debates.

"What is it, sir?" Mr. Nivil inquired.

"I have no idea, sir. We just received it," Lang responded.

It was only logical that to learn the contents of a letter, one must read it.

The envelope appeared pristine, bearing the emblem of Li Electronics.

"Dad, it seems to be from Li Electronics," Nathalia remarked, her reluctance to be associated with the industry notwithstanding.

Curiosity piqued, she anxiously awaited the unveiling of the contents within the exquisitely embellished envelope.

With meticulous care, Mrs. Lang opened the envelope and retrieved a piece of paper. She proceeded to read its contents aloud to the assembled group.

Since Nathalia was five, she has occupied the position of their head housekeeper, and her ability to gain the family's trust was immediate.

Such was her level of trust that she was even allowed to partake in meals with them.

Aunt Lang, often seen wearing the family's housekeeper uniform, would always tie a cloth around her head before commencing any conversation - an action she repeated by clearing her throat before speaking.