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CHAPTER 244

"I know that even though I wish for you to stay you can't and you won't but more importantly, I want you to know that I would forever have your back and would render my help anytime you need it. All you need to do is ask."

"Thanks. I will. I appreciate the offer."

"You deserve this and more. Also, I am sorry if I have not been behaving well. I'll miss you, Li Jing."

"I know. It's alright. I'll miss you too."

He reached for her hand and held them in his while using his thumb to lightly caress the back of her palm. "Can I get to taste your cooking one last time before you go?"

Her cheeks raised up and her lips parted as she gave him a toothed smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Is that a yes?"

"What do you think?"

"A definite yes, it is then. I would let you wrap things up and we would leave by 3 pm. Deal?"

"Deal."

Just as they planned, Ye Cheng and Li Jing closed from work on time and went to her place to prepare dinner.

The little time spent cooking together was one that Ye Cheng would come to cherish and love for a very long time.

All through, his eyes remained glued to her and he did not quite understand why he felt drawn to her in such a way. His mind and thoughts remained centered on her and he knew within him that he was going to lose a dear friend.

"Hey."

Li Jing peeled her gaze from what she was doing for a moment and smiled at him. "Hey."

"How do you feel?"

"About what exactly?" Li Jing asked and dropped the plate she was rinsing before turning to him, giving him her full attention.

"About moving and leaving everything you have ever come to know behind."

She let out a sigh then went to sit down opposite of him at the dining table. "Honestly?"

"Yeah."

"Nervous though. Not really sure. Uncertain, a bit scared but above all, excited."

"Excited?"

"Yes. I do not know how to explain it but I feel this rush of adrenaline to fast forward time and see what lay in store for me and come back."

"But what if you do not like what is in store for you?" Ye Cheng asked her then he leaned backward in his chair.

"Then I would return. I would not let anyone determine my life and how I should leave it for me. I would return and leave the city."

"Are you sure? You would be abandoning your mission of finding your parents."

"Yes, but it wouldn't really be abandoning of the mission. I would ensure I start something to search for her and my father as soon as I settle down there and get things moving. Then peradventure I return, I would already have a start-up on my search."

"Alright then. I believe you. I would not stop you or ask you to stay any longer."

'Thanks. It means a lot."

"You're welcome."

***

By the next day, Li Jing packed up her things and went to her grandfather's house. He was ready as well and together they left the city.

By the time they got to their destination, Li Jing was marveled by the magnificent mansion that stood proudly in front of her.

She knew her grandfather was rich but never did she expect that his house would be lavishly spent on.

The building virtually spelled out wealth and without being told anyone who saw it would know the owner belonged to a highly rich and respectable family.

"Wow!" Li Jing exclaimed. Mr. Lin watched his granddaughter closely. He could see the astonishment in her eyes and a smile that radiated what she felt and how wowed the whole scenario overtook her.

It was the first time she was seeing a house like this aside from Ye Cheng's but left to her, it beat Ye Cheng's house hands down.

This had only made her wonder what kind of generation her grandfather was in. He did not do things, people, his age would do.

Li Jing thought this way as the building, the design was one that a young guy of this generation would spend his time doing. It wasn't that she did not like it. It was very unexpected.

The outside shone with a brilliant cream, gold, and black color with some ancient Chinese paintings on it. Around the building was a wide lawn that spread down to the back of the house with different types of plants and beautiful flowers.

A clear path filled with interlocking tiles, lead to the entrance of the house. To each side of the mini walkway were sunflowers and a variety of roses making it look like a path meant for the royals.

Right from the gate which had the same color as the house to the main door, everything breathed out riches while giving onlookers, a sense of warmth and security.

"You like?"

"Like?" Li Jing turned to her side and faced him. Her surprise was now replaced by a breathtaking smile. "I love it, grandfather. I simply love it."

"I am glad. I had the painting redone to match your taste. I want you to feel very comfortable in your new home and enjoy all that you wish. Although, it was originally your grandmother and mother's design and idea."

"What?"

"I mean the house and its painting."

"Ohh…" Li Jing peeled her gaze off of him and averted them back to the building. "They had a nice taste."

"Sure, I married a lovely woman, you know, and gave birth to a breathtaking daughter who gave me a magnificent granddaughter."

'Don't flatter me, gramps."

"You know I'm not. That aside, let us go in. You need to freshen up so that you can prepare for tonight's event."

"Sure. I would need to also go and get my outfit for the event later on. So I would need someone to take me there, please."

'Nonsense. Everything you need for this party had been taking care of. Just relax. Once you have freshened up, you would go for your fitting to ensure all is in place before the party starts officially."

"Thanks so much."

"Welcome. Come on in. The maids would take your things to your room. I have a lot to show you." Li Jing nodded at him and took his outstretched hand.

The moment they stepped foot inside the mansion, Li Jing's eyes widened the more. If she had thought the outside of the mansion was beautiful, then she had seen nothing.

The inside of the house was painted with a similar color to that of the outside with the cream overshadowing everything and a touch of gold and black designs in some parts of the house.

Everything was so specific in detail and spectacular in its wake. Right from the entrance to the staircase at the end of the hallway, several golden chandeliers hung on the ceiling, following a straight pattern, leading to the big space close to the staircase where the biggest chandelier Li Jing had seen in her life, hung.

It was magnificent.

"Welcome sir, ma." The greetings of the maids lined up at her left-hand side brought her back to reality.

She had been so caught up by the designs, paintings, and chandeliers that she totally forgot she had company.

"Ahem, thanks." She cleared her throat and offered them a shy smile.

"Everyone, from today she is the new lady of the house, my granddaughter, Li Jing. Her word is the same as mine. Whatever she says go. Do well to assist her and help her be accustomed to things here. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir," everyone chorused.

"Good. Ping Kang."

"Yes sir." A man in his early forties stepped forward and bowed his head lightly to Mr. Lin.

"From today, you would be in charge of putting her through the things she needs to know and familiarizing her with her duties."

"Yes sir."

"Li Jing, if you need anything, ask him and if he cannot help, do not hesitate to bring it to my notice."

"As you wish grandfather."

"I know you would do well. Yes," he returned his gaze to Ping Kang. "How is preparation for tonight's event?'

"Everything is set and just as you have instructed. I have done a thorough check twice to ensure things are in place."

"Okay then. I would leave her to you. Show her, her room. I need to tend to urgent matters in my study first before freshening up."

"Yes sir," Ping Kang bowed again and took a step back to his former position.

"I would see you later after your fitting. Enjoy and have fun."

"I will. You take care."

"Definitely." Mr. Lin smiled at her and made his way past the living room through the passageway and took his right.

All through, Li Jing's eyes escorted him that she forgot people were waiting for her.

"Ahem. Young Miss, if you would please," Ping Kang drew her attention and stretched his hand towards the staircase.

"Yeah, sure."