Mr Liang

The grand mansion loomed over them,its vastness seeming to swallow the few flickering lights that danced in the Windows to Liang Chen's right.

The stillness was broken only by the haunting echo of Yun ting's heels on the ground,a solitary serenade that heralded their arrival.

As they reached the entrance,the door swung open, revealing a servant attired in majestic blue,her face a serene mask .

Though the warm light spilling from inside cast a golden glow,it couldn't mask the gentle gesture of her left hand, beckoning Yun ting to enter,with a subtle bow,she ushered Liang Chen in,her eyes cast downward in respect.

As they crossed the threshold,the door behind them whispered shut.

On the couch, three elderly men sat in contemplative silence,their faces echoed with the weight of years,but as the door closed,one of them,his eyes locking onto Liang Chen with a deep, unspoken understanding, stood up.

He hastened towards Liang Chen,his steps slowing down as he took in Liang Chen's sorrowful countenance, without a word,he placed a gentle hand on Liang Chen's shoulder, offering a comforting presence.

"Grandson....",he murmured,his voice a soothing palm,"don't trouble yourself with it",his hands fluttered in a reassuring gesture before turning to Yun ting,his face alight with surprise.

"Yun ting you are here!",he exclaimed,his eyes crinkling at the corners.

He nodded as if affirming a silent question,"your father must be worried sick."

Yun ting's response was laced with a hint of melancholy,"of course,he must be worried.i am his only daughter",as she spoke,she struck a gentle pose,her hands resting on her hips ,her body stretching like a blossoming flower.

The two elderly men ,who had been silent observers, finally rose,their movements slow and deliberate.They approached the old man,Mr Liang,their faces etched with concern and bid farewell.

"Allow us to take our leave",they said almost in unison,their voices low and gravelly.

Old man,Mr Liang nodded,his eyes clouded with a mix of emotions.As they departed,one of the men cast a sorrowful glance at Liang Chen,his eyes filled with deep empathy.

The servants who had been a silent witness to the exchange, opened the door,her head bowed in respect,as they vanished into the night.

"Mr Liang,"Yun ting called out,her eyes darting towards the old man,their corners crinkling with a hint of frustration.

"Yes,Ms Yun",Mr Liang replied,his voice low and soothing.

Yun ting's gaze drifted away,her lips twisting into a subtle scowl,"I detest being called,"Ms Yun this,"Ms Yun",she said,her voice laced with a quiet intensity "just like at home, where everyone addresses me with this ... this title,"she spat out the word,her heel striking the floor with a sharp tap.

The sound echoed through the room like a declaration of independence.

Mr Liang's eyes twinkled with mirth as he chuckled,"you know,you look adorable when you are angry, just like Liang Chen.".

Yun ting's face flushed with indignation,"i am not cute, just wait in the future,just looking at me with make people tremble in fear."

Mr Liang's laughter deepened,"haha ha,I have no doubt you will" he wrapped his arms around their shoulders,his voice blooming as he began to sing while steering towards the dinning table.

"My little birds will soon leave the nest...look at the length of your wings.... trying... trying..to be Kings and queens...la la la"

Liang Chen and Yun ting joined in,their voices harmonizing in a joyful crescendo,"we will soar high.... higher than gods",the words hung in air ,a declaration of youthful ambition and promise of limitless possibilities.

Mr Liang ushered Yun ting and Liang Chen to their seats,he claimed the head chair for himself,As they settled in,Yun ting rubbed her hands in anticipation,her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The leading servant,the Same woman who had opened the door entered with a procession of four others,all clad in crisp blue attire, they moved with synchronized grace, their footsteps quiet on the floor

The woman bowed her head,her blue hair sweeping forward,as she presented the dishes to Mr Liang.

The aroma wafting from the steaming plates was intoxicating,and Mr Liang's eyes lit up."wow, truly amazing",he exclaimed,his voice filled with delight.

Yun ting echoed his sentiment."wow, truly amazing, grand pa Liang! 'she took a bite,her eyes widening in appreciation,"Although ",she teased,"Not quite exquisite as Liang Chen's culinary masterpieces."

"Alright eat up,it is getting late ",Mr Liang said,his voice warm and encouraging,as he watched Yun ting take a bite of crispy fried fish.

Liang Chen's fork hovered above his plate,a mound of rice poised on the tines, forgotten,his gaze drifted away,lost in thought.

Yun ting's eyes met Liang Chen, concern etched on her face,"Chen,is the food not to your liking?",she asked,a hint of teasing in her voice.

Liang Chen's gaze snapped back,his eyes focusing slowly,he opened his mouth to respond,but no words emerged.

The silence stretches for about a second,until Mr Liang intervened."hey, what is going on here?"Mr Liang asked,his tone light but his eyes narrowing slightly as he set his chopsticks down.

Liang Chen's fork clattered onto the table,his movements abrupt,he stared at Yun ting,his expression unreadable,but his eyes betraying a Depth of emotion he couldn't quite conceal.

"The food is fine for me,but it seems to have lost its appeal for Liang Chen",Yun ting said.

Grandpa Liang chuckled knowingly."oh I think I understand the issue,you are not upset about the food,but rather that Liang Chen didn't cook it himself.instead of saying so,you are redirecting the conservation."

Liang Chen's face broke into a smile as he finally took a bite of his rice."you are right, grandpa,I am sure Yun ting was looking forward to my culinary skills."

Yun ting's fork clattered onto the table,and she turned away,her face a mask of feigned indifference.

A sound echoed through the silence,the sudden knock on the door broke the tense moment,and the servant in blue hastened to answer it.

As she opened it,her eyes met those of a tall, imposing figure clad in dark grey attire, adorned with golden accents on his shoulders,the servant bowed respectfully,her hand extended in a gesture of welcome."Master Feng welcome."