Chapter 24 - The Kingly Empire

Liu Meilien was there sulking on her seat. She did not even entertain the idea that she should 'sink her claws' on the younger of the Qing brothers. Maybe she would make a move when the time comes but for now, she wanted to feel sad about what was happening. Why was it that no one wants to date her?

She was already making her name as a model and recently, she had received an invitation to be part of a drama wherein she could be the supporting actress. Her mother was like a bird on her ear, whispering who was who and how much was their net worth.

She was not interested. Throughout the event she just crossed her arms on her ample b.r.e.a.s.ts, refusing conversation from anyone which earned her a glare from her mother. She wanted this kind of wedding and she wanted a man as handsome as Qing Chen to be her husband. Just imagine the cute photos they could take! She did not want the younger brother! She would rather have an older man than Feng Xuan's brother-in-law.

"Mother, can you please just give it a rest?" she told her. "I had just gotten back from a photoshoot earlier this morning. I am still tired. I don't want to socialize."

Her mother clasped on her elbow. "Socializing helps you to be more recognized. The world might know you but this is an entirely different dimension. Who cares if the working class find you beautiful? We only need the opinion of the people in this room."

Liu Meilien refused to look at her mother. Thankfully, Feng Xuan caused a small scene by fleeing to the restroom and the people whispered to one another.

Her mother's hold on her tightened. "Now is your chance. Go and socialize."

Liu Meilien stood up, not because she was going to meet some young bachelors but because she wanted to get away from her mother. She found herself leaning against the marble bar and ordered a sweet alcohol drink.

While waiting, a man said, "Scotch, please."

Liu Meilien took a glance from the corner of her eyes and saw that it was the younger Qing. Huh, he was making this too easy. He probably recognized her. She flipped her hair so he could see her face. She waited but her drink already arrived and he hadn't taken notice of her.

She sighed. Men, must I do everything? Liu Meilien plastered a winning smile on her lips and said, "Hi. You must be Qing Chen's brother."

The brother gave her a smile, not a practiced one. "Qing Lok. I feel like I have seen you somewhere."

Liu Meilien dropped her eyes to the floor. Her mother was right. She was not recognized in this society. "I am Liu Meilien. I am Feng Xuan's step-sister."

"Right," he said and stood up to his full height, reaching for her hand and shook it. "You look so much like your mother. You are both beautiful."

"Oh, why thank you," she said, pulling her hair behind her ear.

"I have to get back to my grandmother," then he whispered the next words. "This is her drink."

Liu Meilien laughed. "You must be some company then. Come find me if you get bored." She smiled at him and leave. It was always better to be the one to leave first, so they would get the view of you walking away and that makes them want to run after you. Maybe not now. But in the near future.

Qing Chen was not meant to give a speech. He did not like appearing fake in front of people so as much as possible he refused the idea of speaking words in front of their guests. But he had received a tip from his father that he should come clean and that announcement would further ensure the people of their alliance.

So he stood there in the middle of the dance floor with the microphone on his hand and a glass of champagne in the other. "Good afternoon, everyone," he greeted. "I would like to thank you all for coming and celebrating with me and Feng Xuan." He took a look around the room, as if daring for someone to speak up. "This is an arranged marriage and I haven't known my wife for very long."

A few people laughed, probably the ones who had the same experience.

"But in the short time that I spent with Feng Xuan, I knew I wouldn't really mind spending the rest of my life with her," he said. The men chuckled, thinking he was joking. "I want to thank our families," he said. "Feng Lizhao and Qing Zihao, for making this marriage possible. Especially to Mr. Feng, for thinking that I am worthy enough to marry his daughter. May this marriage give way to our families future endeavour together." He raised his glass and the people followed him, "I would like to raise this toast to my beautiful wife, who will be taking all of my money should we come to separate ways."

The people laughed, including Feng Xuan. She tipped her glass back to him and drank. He said his farewells to the guest and that they may enjoy the place and be with the others until the evening. He also invited them to the casino before saying thank you.

The emcee concluded the event and Qing Chen felt the weight lifted from his shoulders. He turned to his wife. "Want to go sit by the rooftop?"

When they came out of the glass-covered room, the sun was almost setting. Qing Chen had a white sofa brought upwards for this special reason. He had promised Feng Xuan that they would see the sunset and the skyline at night. He wanted them to be comfortable.

He unbuttoned his coat when he sat down and laid back against the pillows. There were so many things running in his mind but he couldn't quite forget what his grandmother told him. "My grandmother is sending us a maid."

"What?"

"She's sending us a maid," he repeated and scrunched his face with his fingers. He himself couldn't believe what atrocious request it was. "My grandmother said it would give her some peace of mind knowing that our old house maid would handle the affairs in the house."

Feng Xuan furrowed her eyebrows but laughed. Parents—grandparents, they could just be really overbearing sometimes. But they could not really be disobedient to their elders. Especially in the matters of marriage. "She thinks I couldn't take care of you."

"Can we entertain her? Even just for a month?" he asked, wanting Feng Xuan's understanding. "I couldn't have her nagging down on me about it every time I see her."

Surprisingly, Feng Xuan nodded. She was sitting sideways and her other arm was on the backrest of the seat. "Let her come," she said with a smile. "I'd show her just how much of a perfect wife I will be for you."

That made Qing Chen smile. Now that was the kind of making a point that he wanted to hear. "That's settled then, a month, I'll tell to her."

Feng Xuan nodded.

"Another topic of conversation," he started and stretched in his seat, preparing for the discussion.

"What?"

He smiled at her, "How do you feel about being part of The Kingly Empire?"