Dinner

While the mother-daughter duo were anxious about the matter, it was the opposite at the Zhao residence.

As Madam Zhao, Alice's maternal grandmother greets the couple who has just arrived with a small smile plastered on her face. She was elated to meet her granddaughter, but at the same time, her conscience was still being bitten by guilt. This granddaughter of hers has suffered enough.

Alice greeted her grandmother with a hug. "Grandma." Her grandfather is standing beside them. "Grandpa."

"Alice." Grandpa Zhao nodded as a form of greeting.

"It's so nice to have you here now." Madam Zhao reluctantly let her go after a tight hug. "Come to the table and let's eat. I've asked them to cook your favorites."

"Yes, Grandma." Alice let out a smile as the old woman guides her to the dining area. Alice completely forgot that she was with someone when she arrives.

Eric followed behind, talking to Old Zhao about business matters.

Old Wu was waiting in the dining room, greeted Alice with a quick hug, then moved to where Eric and Old Zhao are.

"Look at those men." Madam Zhao said while shaking her head. "Even when at home, all they talk about is business. Let's ignore them dear. Come, sit."

‌While waiting for the men to finish their talk, Alice and Madam Wu talked about what career Alice would indulge in. Alice has been studying Multimedia and wanted to have her own agency. She wants to be into modelling and commercials, and if fortunate, then can invest into films.

The Wu family, mainly Old Wu and Benjamin Wu are in law firms. The Zhao family are into hotels. So, they would not be able to help Alice in her field of interest.

"Well,‌ that Eric boy is in the movie industry, Alice." Grandma Zhao reminded Alice. "‌Why not help him with his company instead of building your own? You two are going to get married soon, anyway."

Alice was not a bit surprised that Grandma Zhao would suggest this. She obviously has heard of Eric and his achievements in that field. But, working for another is different from being the boss of your own company.

Grandma Zhao noticed Alice's unwillingness. Just as she was about to say something, a maid approached them.

"Madam, Mrs. Chen is here."

"Let them in."

Alice didn't expect that Madam Chen would be here. She stands up and decides to greet the latter. Madam Chen saw Alice and gave her a bright smile and a hug. "Alice, my dear girl! It's so good to finally see you again!"

Alice felt really awkward with this sudden intimacy. She didn't know why but her eyes roamed and find Eric looking at her with a facial expression she can't figure out. Embarrassed that she was caught looking at the guy, she averted her eyes.

"Auntie Chen, how are you?" Alice felt really embarrassed by the woman's excitement to meet her. She was just a daughter of a friend and it feels so weird to be treated like an important person.

Madam Chen lets go of Alice and leads the way to the dining table. "Silly girl, didn't I ask you to call me Mom. I feel so old when you call me Auntie."

"But, Aun-" Alice was about to speak but the look on Madam Chen stopped her.

Madam Chen felt that Alice is embarrassed and so as to not embarrass her further, they both sat down and began talking about something else, with Grandma Zhao joining in, sitting on Alice's right and Madam Chen on Alice's left. They talked about the new dramas that they all liked.

The maids started serving the food and all of the people in the table started eating. Alice can't wait for the dinner to be over and just rest, but she knows they would be talking about the engagement soon. She started eating silently, glancing at her grandpas and grandma sometimes. She tries to avoid looking at Eric's direction, although they are both sitting opposite each other. She can feel him looking her way out of the corner of her eye. Does he need something? Is there something on my face? That and Auntie Chen and grandma keeps on giving her bits of meat and vegetables and encouraging her to eat more.

When the dessert was served, Grandpa Zhao speaks, "Madam Chen, I am glad that you came here. How was the food?"

"Thank you. It was my pleasure to be here today and see my lovely daughter-in-law after being away for a long time." Madam Chen grabs one of Alice's hand to hers and taps it lightly. Alice doesn't know what to do and can only shyly laugh.

*cough* "Yes, yes. We have to talk about that." Grandpa Wu stated. "Since both of them are here right now, it would be better if we have a welcome party and the engagement at the same time."

"I agree. Alice, although it seems a bit fast but you and Eric both already know of this arrangement, right?" Grandma Zhao said.

This time, Alice is curious as to how Eric would respond. She looked at him and he is looking at her at the same time. Alice made a pleading face, still hoping that Eric would disagree and cancel this engagement.

Eric seems to notice the change in Alice's expression and can immediately guess what she wants him to do. He smirked at her in response, and answered Grandma Zhao with a slight smile, "Yes, Grandma, and I am very happy of this arrangement and would like to have all of your blessings."

Madam Chen looked at her son proudly, "Eric has been planning for the engagement party for a long time, Alice. And my son is a handsome boy so you won't suffer a loss, yes?"

Alice couldn't even believe the bullsh*t that Eric has spouted. Happy my ass! The f*ck with that! But looking at Madam Chen's hopeful expression, she just managed to sigh and accepted her reality. Like she thought before, arranged marriage like this is still a normal thing, and the both of them can have a mutual agreement during this marriage anyway. And maybe *cough* it's not a loss cause this guy can be considered handsome in some ways. No matter what people say, looks is more than half of the reason why you like a guy.

"Auntie, stop joking. I was only worried he is the one who will have a loss being engaged with me." Alice joked, all the while smirking at Eric. You are so dead. You deliberately make yourself good in my grandpa and grandma's eyes.

"Nonsense! My dear girl, I am only worried so tell me when he tries to bully you okay? You can tell Mom and I can beat this boy for you!" Madam Chen laughed.

"Grandma is happy that you will have someone to take care of you from now on, Alice. You have my blessing." Grandma Zhao said.

"Mine too." Grandpa Zhao added.

"And as well as mine." said Grandpa Wu, tenderly looking at Alice. The elderly began talking to each other after, leaving Alice feeling like her grandma and grandpas are giving her away, just after she got back.

"We can discuss the date next time, I think Alice is tired for today." Eric interrupted the elders talk and stands and walked towards Alice. "Come, I'll show you to your room."

Alice frowned but decided she really need the rest. She stands up and excuses herself from the table. The elders happily shooed them away, and Madam Chen giving her son a big thumbs up.