Silver lining

Sure enough, the country was taken by surprised, two influential families, overnight, destroyed, Master Han and wife were arrested for corruptions and embezzlement meanwhile their son is in prison for rape. The police seemed to have solid evidence against the whole family. The Han's branch family were also in trouble for cronyism and bribery. The Fu family declared bankrupt with no chance to rise again. Madam Fu divorced her husband immediately after the news broke. The heiress was no where to be seen.

"Boss! Why didn't you just hand in Miss? She is the root of the problem and your business, the one you work so hard over the years came crumbling down just like that"

"The root of the problem is me, if I spent more time educating her and not just indulging in her materialisticly she might have been a sensible girl. I have given her a chance to start anew, so if she doesn't take this chance, there is nothing more I can do. At least later when I meet my creator, I have no shame. If I retain all my wealth at the expense of my daughter, I know my soul won't be at ease," explained Master Fu in a sorrow tone.

"Money and power can be obtained in the future as long as I'm willing to work hard but my daughter, I only have one" he continued.

He had build his company from nothing and he did not rely on anyone to make it big. He is not afraid of hard work. His wife, met him when he was already someone with status so how could she bear to face hardship with him, this sort of woman, pretty on the outside, he had known for a long time yet he could not let go a beauty, his lusts for beauty had always been a problem. He then stared haggardly at the plain looking woman by his side, the one who was speaking earlier.

"Siew Lan, I truly left with nothing at the moment, I don't think I can pay your salary anymore, I am ruined, I'm sorry you follow me all these years in naught. If you want to leave, I won't blame you, I will write a recommendation letter, you have always been outstanding and a good friend," said Master Fu.

Ling Yi stared at the man she had been secretly in love with, all these years, they grew up together in an orphanage, since young, he had grand and ambitious ideas, fascinating her, while she had always been a follower. She was there when he started from the bottom, she was also there when he had gotten married and entangled in various affairs, she was also the one who helped him untangled in those various affairs. Her heart hurts that he never saw her as a woman.

He continue to stare at the woman who remained silent, he is truly lucky to have such a loyal person by his side. Only today, he realised she is not that plain, her inner beauty radiates as she kept silent. This woman, his rock, his strength, someone who never laughed at his ideas, always the one encouraging him to aim higher. If she truly agrees to leave, he would definitely feel empty and sad. He had a sudden realization losing her means losing his world.

"Why are you looking at me that way, Zhi Vi?" asked Ling Yi. A moment ago, she saw extreme tenderness in his eyes while looking at her. Her heart raced a little thinking about the possibility of him returning her love.

"Nothing."

He shook his head, he didn't want to be selfish, she should leave his side.

"I have kept you by my side for many years but you did not receive much benefits, now its too late for me to award you with anything for all the years you have supported me, I am sorry you have wasted your youth with me," he said with a small sob.

His face aged drastically, just a moment ago he still look like a man in his 30s when in actual fact he is close to 50.

"As long as you ask me to stay, I won't leave, we can start over, these years those bonuses and salaries you gave, I have, you can use it to start over."

He stared at her in disbelieve, his own wife left him while she is offering her hard earned money to him.

"I can't take your money but thank you. Thank you Ling Ling for not abandoning me."

He gave her a hug, and unexpectedly she grabbed his face and gave him a kiss, she had always wanted to do it but afraid of crossing the line, afraid that if she confess, she might lose him forever but at this moment, she felt their soul connected. She is a 45 years old virgin and after holding back for so long, this man tonight is in need of comfort and she will do her everything to let him know in this cruel world, there is still hope and love. Tonight she will let him taste what is love.

His way of addressing her tonight reminded her of their childhood. Boys used to tease her about her plain looks, her clumsiness but it was him who made life worth living. He would fight the big boys to get them off her back and cared for her. So now that he has nothing, she would offer him her everything.

After their kiss, he finally came to his sense and looked her in the eyes, "Ling Ling, do you know what you doing? Won't you regret it?"

With whatever courage she had, she shook her head and with trembling hands she unbuttoned her top. His eyes widened with surprise, such white and creamy skin, her mount was calling out to him, he didn't know beneath those loose clothes, she has hid such beautiful treasure. He shook his head once more, he can't take advantage of her this way. For the first time in his life, he actually possessed self control. This woman deserves respect that other women doesn't.

"Ling Ling"

He stopped her action by pulling her towards him.

"Don't" he whispered. "I might not have enough self control. You are beautiful you know"

Tears streamed down her face, even in such circumstances he is rejecting her.

"Silly man, all these years I have love you, I have no regrets" she said.

"I promise you, wait for me, I don't want to take you in these circumstances. It won't be fair. Okay? Trust me"

Thanks to her pure love for him, he felt vitalise and he will work hard.

"I don't need you savings or your money, just promise me, you will stay by my side, I'd be happy to stay by yours, once I am able to stand on my feet, we will get married," he said wiping her tears away.

She burst out into tears and burrow her face into his chest. Initially she thought he was going to push her away but looking at how he is acting, he is respecting her. She is different from the other women he has had. In this misfortune she is glad she found courage and he had open his eyes.