FENG LANG
Chen Yu was right. The outfit my father had prepared was truly atrocious. I scoffed. Like I'd ever be caught in anything remotely close to a pink suit.
I chucked the piece of garbage into my closet, getting it out of my sight.
I shrugged on the set Chen Yu picked out—a formal black suit. A brief look in the mirror, a squirt of cologne and little bit of gel in my hair later, I was ready.
I picked up my phone. On the screen was a text from my father.
'Lang, don't be late.'
I rolled my eyes. I pushed the phone into my pocket, strutting out of the room.
I glided past the parking area reserved for my Audi, the sight of it causing an uneasy feeling to settle in the pit of my stomach. I still couldn't remember how its front ended up dented. Or how it even got here in the first place.
The security guy on duty that night said he didn't recall seeing my car pull in…
"Mr. Feng" Chen Yu's voice called from beside my Mercedes, pulling me from my thoughts. With one last glance at the parking area, I walked towards the car.
I reached for the door, but before I could touch the handle, Chen Yu's hand crossed mine, clicking the door open. I turned to him with a questioning look. Since when did he open my door for me?
I said nothing, entering the car and slamming it shut. I watched him get in the driver's seat with his annoying smirk, throwing not-so-discreet glances at me through the rear view mirror every now and then.
"There is water in the—"
"I know where fucking everything is in this car, Chen Yu." I cut him off. "Just drive." I massaged my temple as the car pulled out of the driveway.
The uncharacteristic niceness and coddling these past few days were starting to get to me. I was one last worried glance away from breaking something.
I sucked my teeth in restraint as we drove.
In close to an hour, we arrived at our destination.
The Xu estate was just as I expected. Powerful, but discrete.
The driveway was long enough, that the city noise died before the gates came into view. No cameras, no guards—at least none I could see.
Old stone lanterns lined the drive. The kind you didn't see in the market these days. It wasn't exactly my taste though. I preferred modern.
We arrived at the main house, about three hundred meters from the gates. Traditional lines with modern materials. Around one wing, a pond curved, Koi moving slowly beneath the surface.
I stepped out of the car. Though significantly smaller than the house I grew up in, the view was undeniably immaculate.
A B-Gen M-Alpha in his forties—dressed in a crisp black suit— descended the flight of stairs at the entrance, his steps precise. "Mr. Feng, Chairman Xu regrets not greeting you personally. He has just finished a meeting and is expecting you." He said coolly, looking directly into my eyes. With a final nod, he turned around, going back up the stairs.
I sent a meaningful look to Chen Yu, as we both followed him.
The interior of the building was a contrast to the traditional style exterior. High ceilings, uniformed staff, polished floors.
We turned a corner, arriving at an opening. At the far end, chairman Xu sat, sipping tea. An influential D-Gen Alpha in all his glory. He was also dressed in a suit, staring down at the rest of the room from his large chair.
"Mr Feng." He started when he saw me approaching. "You've come a long way for a conversation your father should be having. Have a seat." I only grunted at the subtle condescension. He gestured to a chair across from him. "Can a mere D-Gen Alpha like me offer you some tea?" My eye twitched. He was testing me.
I forced a smile.
"Please." I took my seat, while a maid poured me a cup, Chen Yu coming to stand beside me. "Chairman Xu," I started, "Why don't we skip the part where I pretend not to know your arrangements with my father. I doubt he is in any way suited for the real intent behind this meeting."
His cup stopped at his lip for a second before he proceeded to take a sip. "Your project in the mainlands is going to require a lot of land and resources. Lots of paperwork. Lots of approvals."
"And we hope for your unyielding support." I took a sip of the dark liquid, its earthy taste providing an immediate calming effect.
From somewhere in the house, I heard the clicking of heels against marble. From the way the sound faded with every step, the person was moving away. There was a distinction in the person's footsteps. It was more… refined.
Suddenly, it stopped. Then, after a few seconds, it started again. Getting louder this time.
I was about to set the teacup down when I suddenly froze. My head snapped up and I turned to Chen Yu who mirrored my expression.
That scent. It was that scent.
Lavender.
The unsettling feeling from earlier returned.
My eyes quickly flitted to the direction I knew the scent was coming from. Not so patiently, and not so calmly waiting.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed chairman Xu relax in his chair with his lips curved up in a smirk, having caught on to my anticipation.
My mind filled with dread.
Did he know? Was he the one behind it all along? It would make sense, because he had the influence and the resources. But would he dare?
Why would he risk it? For leverage?
Click!
Click!
Click!
The footsteps got louder. And so did my curiosity and unease. The corner of my eyes twitched as my throat dried up. My heart pounding in my ears.
I wasn't used to this feeling, and I didn't care for it.
Then the final click sounded as the person came to a stop in front of me. My eyes travelled upward.
A pair of white strapped heels. Long toned legs. Floral blue dress stopping mid-thigh .
Chairman Xu stood up, taking her hand with a proud smile.
"I think introductions are in order. Mr Feng, I'd like you to meet my youngest, Meilin."