Identity.

Zhao Meihui kept staring at the woman that came in after Secretary Liu. She looked fierce, and yet cold in a red dress.

Like fire and ice, brought together.

"Grandmother, happy birthday!" The woman said to her. But wait.. Grandmother?

"Qi Mingxia?" Zhao Meihui's mouth gradually opened in shock, as she finally registered in her mind what she was seeing. This was her granddaughter!

Qi Mingxia chuckled watching her grandmother's dramatic reaction. People outside wouldn't believe her if she told them, but Zhao Meihui was one hell of a drama queen.

"Oh my god, it's Qi Mingxia!" Zhao Meihui breathed out, jumping out of her seat in excitement. She quickly walked to Qi Mingxia, and started scanning her from top to bottom.

"See, I told you! You'd look incredible in a gown." Nodding in satisfaction, she patted Qi Mingxia's head. "It's good you have finally decided to listen to your grandmother."

"Yes." Qi Mingxia smiled. "I realized, grandma always knows best!"

Zhao Meihui rolled her eyes at the flattery. "Come, sit with me." She pulled Qi Mingxia towards the sofa. They had a bit of catching up to do.

"I'll go downstairs then, Madam." Secretary Liu said, a smile visible on his face too. "I'll let you know when to come down." He thought it was only proper to let them have a chat alone.

Matriarch Zhao nodded. Secretary Liu bowed, and retreated from the room.

Qi Mingxia looked around. The room was very spacious, and its designing was very well done as well. But this was not the best room of this hotel. The best one was always on the top floor; the presidential suite.

Her grandmother every time booked the presidential suite. Why this room, this time?

Turning back towards Zhao Meihui, she asked, "Grandmother, why are you in this room? You did not book the top suite?"

Zhao Meihui's back stiffened. Why? Why else? She was trying to dodge the wild and rebellious Qi Mingxia. The moment Zhao Meihui thought this, Qi Mingxia seemed to realize the reason as well.

An apologetic smile appeared on her face. "I'm sorry, for the way I behaved in the past few years. I'll try to change, Grandmother."

Zhao Meihui sighed. "Mingxia, I know there are things that you do not like very much. Dressing up, socializing, going out with people; but the thing is, no war can be won alone. You need people, and people won't put their trust on a person, who is not up for things they are uncomfortable with, even when the situation calls for it."

Qi Mingxia processed Zhao Meihui's words in her head. She understood this. Very well. Which was why, she was here like this.

"You also reject your femininity, because you believe hell came to you because you are a woman." Zhao Meihui continued.

At this, Qi Mingxia eyes stilled. "It is not like-" She started in counter, but was cut off by Zhao Meihui immediately.

"Yes, it is." Zhao Meihui said, looking Qi Mingxia in the eye. "Deep down, you know it. The way you dress, the way you live- it all stems from that belief. You think being a woman makes you weak."

Zhao Meihui paused. Qi Mingxia did not say anything. She looked down at her hands on her lap. Her mind empty.

Zhao Meihui took Qi Mingxia's hands in her hands and turned her towards her.

"Mingxia," Zhao Meihui started again softly. "There is power in a person's identity. Rejecting such an integral part of your identity will not make you invulnerable. It will be your weak spot."

"You suffered because you were a weak woman. You can only defeat him if you face him as a powerful woman. You have to do everything that is necessary, even if you don't like it. Or else, the price of defeat will be heavier for you this time."

Qi Mingxia took in a deep breath. She knew this. So losing was not an option.

'Doing everything necessary..' Straightening her back, Qi Mingxia discarded the pain and misery she was feeling while listening to her grandmother. Each and every word spoken by her grandmother were true.

She just never could accept her own truth. Looking at her grandmother, she let out a small smile.

"Thank you, for pointing out these hard facts. My mind is.. clearer now. I'll follow your advice, grandmother. I'll do everything that is necessary. I, Qi Mingxia, will win."

Zhao Meihui nodded and patted her granddaughter's cheek with love.

Clearing her throat, Qi Mingxia said, "I haven't given you my gift." She took out the wooden box, and presented it to Zhao Meihui. "Happy birthday, Grandmother. May you live healthy and happy for many more years."

Zhao Meihui took the box carefully. Opening it, her eyes instantly moistened looking at what was inside. Looking at Qi Mingxia, her smile widened. "Thank you, little pie."

Qi Mingxia chuckled. "You are still calling me that?" Zhao Meihui too chuckled.

"Wait a minute." Zhao Meihui said, remembering something. "You won't leave now, will you?"

Qi Mingxia noticed the worry in her voice. She also took a good look at her face. Her grandmother was growing old. This was her 75th birthday, after all. Guilt gripped her heart for not being more caring towards her grandmother.

Qi Mingxia shook her head. "No, I'm staying for some time. Actually, I wanted to ask you something."

Qi Mingxia felt unsure of what her grandmother would think. She had never offered to do this before.

"Will you let me escort you to the banquet hall?"