Chapter 309 - Just Like Old Times

Although Hanxi has been staying at the hotel with Isabella, he had come to work the usual on half days. Every time, Gao kept asking for him just to tease him about his newfound love. 

Hanxi was getting tired of his badgering that he told him, "Yes. I am in a relationship and you are about to grow old, forever single."

His words made Gao Rou frown. He had followed Christina Lu's proposal to fly to the US and learn about Intramed Wise. He had also dated Darwin's sister, Deana, but they broke up after just two months of officially being together and it was he who ended the relationship. 

One can only imagine the disappointment in Christina's face. Even Andrea felt bad for Deana since Darwin had become a very loyal business partner to her and Lu Fang. 

Gao Rou told them, they both just don't see each other eye to eye. Andrea knew, however, that Deana was hurt deeply. He was never interested in anyone else and merely drowned himself with work. He had been especially occupying himself at Gabriel's Den. 

What the Lu Family, including Lu Fang, did not know was that Gao Rou had been investigating his father's death. Before he broke up with Deana, he received an anonymous call telling him that his father was killed. He lost interest in going to the US again. 

Since he was still uncertain, Gao Rou chose not to tell Lu Fang about the phone call he received. He decided he would use the facility and manpower of Gabriel's Den to find out the truth. All his life, he was made to believe that his father died in a traffic accident. His mother died two years after because of a heart attack. 

As he was reviewing some reports from his operations managers, Gao Rou heard his office doorbell rang. He checked the monitor and saw it was Lu Fang. He smirked and let him in the office. 

"Well, if it isn't my bro. You know we are just in the same office but I could swear there were days when we don't see each other," Gao Rou complained. 

"Gao Rou, I'm not the only one who is busy. Even you have been occupied with whatever it is. Juan tells me you've been sleeping a lot at the Den. Is that true?" said Lu Fang as he grabbed the seat in front of Gao Rou's table. 

He cleared his throat and lied, "Yes. General Lei had requested information on the new prisoners."

"Hmmm." Lu Fang pondered for seconds but trusted his words. He looked back at him and said, "You should take some time to relax. Come to the house and have dinner with us. Hanxi and his girlfriend will be there. You might want to meet Isabella. She is flying to Italy the next day."

"Yeah. Sure. That's a good idea. Do you want me to come early and help with the cooking?" Gao Rou offered. 

"You know what? Let's leave work early and play with the twins. That is more meaningful. We have a chef at home who can take care of our meals," the man suggested, realizing he and Gao Rou had not spent time together. "Let's have a good drink with Hanxi. I'll also ask Bolin and Arti to join us. Tomorrow is a Saturday anyhow. It will be… just like old times."

"Look forward to it," said Gao Rou, but after the man left, he realized, he was the only one without a partner. "F**k, I'm bound to witness some display of affection the entire night."

While Lu Fang and Bolin drove together to the mansion, Gao Rou brought his own car, but they left the office at the same time. 

When they arrived, Hanxi and Isabella were already there. Arti was there too since she had reported to the mansion instead. She, Andrea and Isabella, together with Hanxi, discussed the latest sales report on Andres Islands.

Knowing that they have visitors for the night, Andrea instructed the chef and aunt Rosa to prepare a feast. While the kitchen was busy preparing for their meals, everyone was already at the dining table, getting started with wine and a huge platter of cheese. 

As usual, Lu Fang and Andrea were very affectionate even with their friends around. 

"Here, babe. Have some wine," Lu Fang said before pouring onto her glass. 

Andrea glared at him saying, "Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"No, babe. I'll do that after we finish dinner. This is just to get you started," the man winked before leaning closer to whisper in her ear, "How about we have another titanic scene."

Andrea giggled at her husband's proposal but she would not back down. She whispered back to him, "garage at our usual time."

"Hmmmm."

Since aunt Rosa had caught them in the kitchen one time, they had done most of their thrilling exercise at three in the morning. So far, they haven't been caught as of yet. 

When dinner was served, everyone happily indulged in some deep-fried pork belly, grilled beef steak and shrimps. Matteo was especially excited about the crispy pork. After finishing their meals, they chatted ridiculously over wine. 

Hanxi and Gao Rou kept pestering each other with just about anything under the sun, but he was most affected by the fact that Hanxi was now in a relationship that he said, "Hanxi, I thought you were going to join me to a life of being single! I can't believe you are leaving me behind, man!"

"Gao Rou, I'm sorry you missed on your chance for happiness but I won't let go of mine. I won't be like you," Hanxi pointed out. 

"At least… I'm not a virgin!" That was Gao Rou's last line of defense making everyone laughed at him for his announcement. 

Hanxi glared at Andrea and she immediately defended herself, "I told no one! I swear!"

"Hanxi, it's very obvious. Among the three of us; you, me and Bolin, you were the only ones oblivious of why Lu Fang and Andrea were constantly disappearing - "

"Don't involve us in the discussion!" Andrea yelled before adding, "We are not the only ones who does the disappearing act. Don't forget how our assistants disappeared at the end of our wedding celebration!"

Bolin and Arti choked, realizing their bosses apparently knew what they did that very day, over a year ago. 

They all went about pointing fingers at each other and while they were laughing and playing jokes, influenced by alcohol, Isabella was in deep thought. She was absolutely touched by Hanxi's words and actions. Since they became officially together, she swore, he had clearly shown how much he loved her. 

What especially stayed on her mind was the fact that Hanxi was inexperienced. She gulped at the thought but soon turned her gaze to his handsome face, admiring him completely. She thought, 'So I would be his first? And only. I hope.'