Chapter 23 - He Always Knows

On his way home,Zhang Min wondered how to talk to his mother.He knew she was unsatisfied with the arrangement but he still did not know the reason behind this.Lost in these thoughts,he almost did not realize that his father's car was int he driveway.Only as he was about to ring the bell did he realize this anamoly.His father was home in the middle of the day!

Slowly,he backed down and went towards the back door which was almost always unlocked.And it was this as well.On light feet he entered the house and sneaked into the hallway.He did not know what he was looking for while tip toeing around but he stumbled upon more questions rather than answers when he reached his father's study.He could hear the sounds of an argument brewing and decided to listen in.

Inside the study:

Mrs Zheng Luo was pouting as she glared at her husband.He had promised her that once their sons were old enough,he would retire and then they would go on a cruise together.And now that their youngest was set to go to college,he was getting another child to come into the family.Dr Zheng sighed and said to his wife,"Luo luo,it is a long story.And I know that you are disappointed but Shi Ai is a good girl.We only need to protect her until she turns eighteen.And Luo Luo try not to get too attached."

MRs Zheng could not understand the matter.Her husband was adamant on taking the girl into the family on one hand and warned her to not to get attached on the other.She frowned and said,"Husband!You have to tell me what is going on.You told me the girl is an orphan and is on a scholarship here.And she was your patient.So what exactly is the reason that you are insisting on this.

Dr Zheng shook his head and tried to explain a bit."Sigh.Shi Ai is an orphan.She was dying when she met him.I don't know how or what caused him to consider her.But she was a pretty and happy child.I think she worked her way into his cold heart.Anyway,he moved the entire army medical team to get her treated and even paid all her medical expenses,here in country A.Mrs Wu,who was working in the orphanage then,agreed to be Shi Ai's legal guardian when coming here.Last year,Mrs Wu came to me with the request to foster her since she was dying.After thinking a bit,I refused her.That is when I received his note."

Mrs Zheng was confused.Who was 'he' ?And what note?

She frowned and asked,"Who are you talking about?"

"Shi Ai's guardian."

This was even more confusing!Zhang Min who was listening in wanted to bang his head against the wall.His father was talking in riddles.But his mom asked the question of the hour.

Irritated,Mrs Zheng asked,"Husband.Tell me properly!"

"The proper explanation is that,Mrs Wu and me we are both guardians only legally.Shi Ai's real guardian is someone else.Or rather Knight.Luo luo,the man is a very dangerous man if made an enemy but the most loyal friend.You remember when our eldest was almost court martialed under false pretenses and charged with treason last year?He was the one who sent all the evidence to help us.And we were lucky that our son was not at fault otherwise Knight would have sent his head.That is the kind of man he is.When he rescued our son,it was clear that I would be expected to return the favor. And Shi Ai is the favor.He always know where she is.Mrs Wu passed away some time back but I was informed only now.Because that is what he decided.

Mrs Zheng was now thoroughly scared.She had heard the name Knight in hushed whispers amongst the military wives.

In a trembling voice Mrs Zheng asked,"Then she is dangerous.."

Dr Zheng shook his head and assured,"No.Infact Shi Ai is our shield.Knight is dangerous only to those who have done something wrong.And Shi Ai does not know about this and we must be careful to never let her know about him.As far as I know,she does not even remember meeting Knight."

Mrs Zheng nodded thoughtfully but outside,Zheng Min was even more confused than ever.