MAKE UP YOUR MIND

"…and, there will be a change of management anytime soon. Brother got wind of it but he is just letting it spread. The other executives were asking for some confirmation, but he assured that they are baseless rumors and Uncle's health is perfectly fine."

Guan paused and stares at Su Bin with hooded eyes.

"But you know that is not true," Su Bin adds.

"So, you came back home because you are worried of your Father's health condition? Talking about filial piety." Zheng Li An smirked at Guan but he was ignored by the latter.

Guan lightly puts down the glass in his hand on the table full of drinks and food at the center. Zheng Li An's club-service never really disappoints when they come to visit, he thought. Guan clasps his hands together and leaned on the table.

"One night," he starts, "I received a call from Mother. It was the time Father had his second major operation," he glanced at Su Bin while talking. Then, he continues, "The doctor told her he might not make it this time, and I should come home to see him even just for a little bit."

The other two just sit there, looking at him, waiting and listening to everything he says.

Guan frowns. "I received the call a month ago and did nothing. I moved on with my life as if nothing is wrong, calling Mother from time to time – asking for updates. I felt relieved when she said he is already out of the woods. Then, one day, out of the blue, I received a call from the person whom I least expected."

"Uncle?" Su Bin interrupts.

Guan nods and drinks to replenish his throat from all the talking.

"I was surprised, it took me a minute to answer the call and realized I was not hallucinating. He told me to help Brother and join the company. He was so generous to even tell me he will invest in my business." He scoffed, "Of course he would know everything single thing about me. Even though we never said comforting words towards each other, it was still civil and formal. More business-like than being father and son. Although, I expected it to end in an argument," he shrugged and takes another sip of whiskey.

Su Bin: "Is that the reason why you came home?"

"No," Guan immediately answers. "Actually, I also don't know the exact reason."

Zheng Li An chuckles at his answer while Su Bin adjusts his tie as he slumps his body on the leather couch. How could he not wrap his own my mind around it?

"Should I do it?" he asked in between their silence.

They look at Guan, both have a vague idea of what to say. After all, he still has the final decision no matter what they say.

"Do it." Zheng Li An said, "You have all the right to do it."

Su Bin heaves out a sigh of relief. It has been a long time since Guan had been away from his blood-related family. Except for him, who had been Guan's companion to America, only his Mother had been in constant contact with Guan.

For twelve years, he had been holed in New York, never wanting to go back home and face his family for so many reasons. How could he? Their parting went south that night especially, between his father and brother.

Before departing to America, Guan told his Father that he would stand on his own feet, and accept nothing from him. Even though his father did not denounce him as a son, true to his word, he never gave Guan a single penny. All of his expenses were either given by his Mother or he would find ways to get money himself, of course with Su Bin's help.

And that is how they met Zheng Li An.

The both of them worked under Zheng Li An for years, until Guan decided to put up a business of his own when he had enough savings of his own. Su Bin helped him all throughout the process but he needed to leave America for good to work at YinYang.

While Su Bin did an annual visit to City X, Guan did not. He did not even attend his own brother's wedding. Their feud ran deep through the years; Su Bin was thinking, maybe it healed with time? But he might be wrong.

Su Bin helplessly sighs inwardly, 'These father and sons are stubborn. Why can't they just talk it out?'

Right now, Su Bin is glad that Guan is having some thoughts of helping in the company.

"You knew something else, don't you? What are you not telling me?"

Su Bin got startled when he heard Guan's voice, waking up from his reverie.

"Huh?" he glanced at Guan; the latter is looking at him with sharp eyes.

He gulps down the aftertaste of the bitter whiskey. "N-n-o."

Guan never left his eyes on Su Bin, especially after hearing him stutter. The way he is tapping his finger on the table scares Su Bin, the hairs on his back starts to prickle. He tried his best to avoid his eyes but to no avail.

"H-hey, B-b-bro, all I know is that Uncle wants you to join the company. He asked me and Brother about it and we both agreed. That is all I know."

"Oi! Spare the guy." Zheng Li An interfered when he saw how terrified Su Bin is. He shakes his head while laughing at the two in front of him.

Guan finally breaks the eye contact, only then that Su Bin realized how he is holding his breath.

"I'm still skeptical with the thought that Father reached out to me. What was the reason? He already has Big Brother by his side; and you. He does not need me anymore," he looks at Su Bin, full of indignation…and envy.

It confused Su Bin for a second but he is easily distracted and says, "You think we are the same? You are still Uncle's son, and you have all the right to be in the company."

Zheng Li An: "Internal conflicts are normal in big companies. Your Father is only thinking about you and your company's future. He could trust his own family in running it. Anyway, you should think about your decision, because it will only lead to regret and deeply ruin your already ruined relationship with your Father."

Guan snorts at Zheng Li An's statement at the end.

How can he mend a decade-long silent war?