Wang And Changying Are Absolutely Devoted To Each Other

"Listen? Do I hear the buzz of cupids wings or could that be the Valentine brothers winging their way home?" Dante cocked his head and put a hand to his ear.

"Oh, wonderful!" Antonia exclaimed. "Come on Changying let's go welcome them."

"I can stay and finish this, I don't mind," she said not wanting to get in the way of a family reunion.

"Nonsense, come on," Antonia ordered, and they went out of the front door to watch the plane approach the runway that ran parallel to the road but on the opposite side to the farm. Changying had arrived at the farm house in a rush and hadn't noticed the huge tree when she arrived, and she looked up seeing Ben and BJ in the basket of the cherry picker getting a bird's eye view of the plane.

Antonia hurried down the stairs and across the lawn as the plane landed and taxied to a stop opposite the front gate. She was soon surrounded by a gaggle of noisy chirping children all vying for her attention. Carmen and Romey soon joined in, and Changying was surprised that there was no sign of Jules and Bianca as she walked across the forecourt and lawn with Dante.

"Ah the summoning power of grandchildren," Dante said dryly and nodded toward the side of the house where Wang and Joseph had appeared walking toward the growing crowd near the plane. Wang turned his head spotting her and murmured something to his father and veered off in her direction. After what had happened between Joseph and herself, she was concerned about his reaction and she slowed her pace making Dante look down at her and follow her eyes to Wang.

"I thought you two would be running into each other's arms right about now," Dante said confused by her apparent unease and the seriousness of Wang's face. "You're staying right?"

"If Wang still wants me to," she said nervously.

"I don't think that is ever going to be an issue," Dante chuckled but realised something must have occurred that cast the doubt in her mind. It was new territory inviting an outsider into the family and while his attempt had failed at the first hurdle he had believed Wang and Changying were absolutely devoted to each other and could overcome whatever stipulations Joseph put on her admission to the family.

"Mine," Wang said picking her up and kissing her deeply.

"Guess that answers that question," Dante chuckled and wandered off towards the arriving family members.

"Are you okay?" Wang put her down looking into her face seriously.

"You could've warned me," Changying said quietly. "It's not a normal part of getting engaged you realise. Normally there's a ring and maybe a party not being placed into servitude for months."

"I couldn't, and it wouldn't have mattered if Papa hadn't given us his blessing. So there was no need until then," Wang tried to explain walking her away from the house and the rest of his family. "I thought he might ask us to wait considering what happened with Baozhai and other family issues lately."

"That's understandable I guess. What would have happened if he had refused?" She dreaded the answer knowing that Dante had not seen his girl since her flight from the farm.

"We would have returned to the city after Christmas and talked about our options. I am glad we don't have to do that," he admitted turning to look at the people gathered in front of his family home. "I can't imagine my life without this place and these people."

"I know," Changying said softly. "I would never make you choose between your family and me. I signed the contract."

"I know, Papa explained his conditions to me," Wang turned to look at her. "I'm not exactly happy about all of it," he admitted. "Were it one of the Slave Masters who oversaw your trial I would not have to face them over the dinner table. At least, I know he will treat you well, and you will get to know more about the extended family than you would have otherwise." He spoke as if convincing himself that it was best this way. "Plus this way it is only three months rather than the expected six."

"It's such a short time when we are talking about a lifetime together," she reminded him of his own words. "You said that to me, and it is how I had the courage to accept and agree to everything your father said. Signing that contract meant I could look forward to a future with you." He bent and kissed her softly then knowing everything she said was true for him as well.

He hated that the trial was not in his control. He could control every other aspect of his life regardless of his siblings or friends. His father though was the one man who made him feel out of control. Even today when he had arrived expecting to see Changying, his father had exerted his power and made Wang feel like a petulant child.

"Come for a ride with me," he said as they neared the stable.

"Wang before today I had never even seen a horse let alone ridden one," she laughed. "I can't but you need to clear your head and think about things as much as I do. Go for a ride and clear your head, you can teach me to ride another day when I can concentrate better."

He turned stroking her cheek and searching her eyes.

"It's just a lot to take in you know. I don't regret my choice but I need some time to process it all," she said honestly. "The same way you do. Nothing about today went the way either of us thought it would." She leaned up and kissed him. "I love you and your family, I'm happy," she reassured him quickly. "But I am an only child and used to being able to have some space and time to myself. It's part of who I am, and I could use some time to think right now."

"You can't just wander about by yourself," Wang said with concern.

"I'll stay within sight of the house so I can find my way back easily," she said, "I won't go far I promise."

"I'll compromise," Wang offered, "Come to the stable with me then I will take you somewhere safe to be alone while I go for a ride." He took her hand and led her into the timber barn. She jumped and squealed as the first horse they passed snorted making Wang laugh.