Chapter 13 - Surprises and reactions (1)

June and July, 9 years ago, City K at various locations.

After leaving the recruitment centre Lexi turned to Matthew and said, "Now that you have made your commitment, why not open the letter from your grandparents."

Matthew pulled it from his pocket and opened it. As he read the contents, he was shocked. They had opted to ensure if he took the path, they knew he wanted to take and acted to ensure that he would not lose out. Unlike the terms of their wills as his parents and Phillip had said, it was clear that on joining the military their Villa, and thirty-five percent of JL International's became his.

Not being able to say anything, Matthew simply handed the letter to Lexi, whose eyes as she was reading it became wider and wider. Unlike Matthew's fears yesterday, as a result of what was said at his birthday celebrations, he had choices. His grandparents had made sure he was provided for but did it in a way that ensured he could make his own choices.

"What are you going to do?"

"Talk to the lawyers about implementing this, but not saying anything until just before graduation. If things go wrong, and I think they will, I want as much time with my family before they disown me for following me dreams."

"You know you have me."

Before Matthew could reply, Lexi's mobile rang and she answered it "Yes Mother, what do you need?"

A few minutes later Lexi ended the call and quietly said "Matthew I have to head home." He gave her a brief kiss before putting her into a taxi to take her home, handing the driver enough funds for the fare and a tip. Matthew took another taxi and headed to the lawyer's office to discuss the letter from his grandparents given he had enlisted in the military.

Three weeks later, two days before graduation the Rong, Yao, Nang, Gu and Hou families had gathered to celebrate the impending graduations of Matthew, Andrew, John, Steven and Paul at the Yao family villa. Chester uncomfortably was sitting beside Susan and Phillip was sitting alone not wanting to interact with people.

Lexi had spent time talking to everyone before sitting beside Matthew who had moved slightly away from everyone. In a quiet voice she said, "Are you going to tell everyone?"

"Lexi, I need to. I must report in three days to the city's military base for the commencement of my training. I have put it off and off because I am fearful of the reaction."

Squeezing his hand Lexi said, "You know you still have me, regardless of everyone else's reactions."

"Thank you, Lexi, you do not know how much this means."

Before either of them could say anything, Andrew called out "Lexi, leave Matthew alone. He does not need you bothering him."

Matthew knowing that they were treading a fine line about anyone finding out about their true relationship called back "Stow it Andrew. Your sister has spoke to everyone else now she is speaking to me."

"Damn it, Matthew, get over here. Our parents want to make their speeches."

"Fine," Matthew called back, before turning to Lexi and quietly saying "We will talk later."

"Absolutely."

They headed back to where everyone was gathered, listening to their parents make small speeches about how proud they were of each of them and their intended University study. Matthew did not know how his parents had arranged to be the last to speak, but this made things easier.

Anthony Rong started "Finally we have now reached my son Matthew, who from what the school has told me it the top student. That will make you pursue a business degree as we have discussed so much easier …"

"Father, stop. You want me to pursue a business degree but that has ignored what I want. Three weeks ago, just after my eighteenth birthday I made the decision and enlisted in the military. I am to report for training to the base outside town the day after graduation."