The Liu Manor

Finally extricating herself from her excited fans, Lou Wei hailed a cab towards the Liu Manor. It was only 11am so she still had plenty of time to get ready for tonight.

On her taxi ride, she was wondering how the upcoming reunion would pan out. Truth be told she wasn't nervous because technically the Liu's were not her family but this original body's relatives.

Sifting through her memories, she was able to figure out that Liu Wei was very much loved throughout her life but very sheltered. She wasn't allowed to set foot outside her house without her 2 bodyguards. All her friends were vetted thoroughly to make sure that these so called friends wouldn't take advantage of her.

After all, the Liu's is one of the top family's in the city and there were always people with nefarious thoughts who sought connections with them. But these were made into effect only after that one incident during her childhood.

As time went by, Liu Wei felt stifled. She didn't understand why they were so strict on her. The feeling of being unable to breathe or think, was making her crazy. She wanted to pursue modeling and finally gained the courage to let her family know. Only to receive their disapproval and outright opposition, this was the beginning of her rebellious stage. She went against their wishes and accepted a contract with an agency abroad.

Her grandfather was solemn and quiet upon hearing the news. "Once you step out this house, I will no longer have a granddaughter. Think very carefully before making any harsh decisions!"

Of course as an 18 year old, that ultimatum had the opposite effect. Those words spurred her faster into walking out of the door rather than deterring her from leaving. She felt that this was her life and she should be able to live it the way she ought to. Instead of living like a robot and being demure in front of others she much preferred freedom.

She wanted to experience the world. But after her rebellious stage waned, she was able to learn the true reasons why they were so over protective.

When she was a child, she had a close friend. They did everything together, she was her first friend at school. That friend's family found out that Liu Wei was rich so they took advantage of their close friendship and kidnapped her in the pretense that they were going to a movie.

She was oblivious to it all because it wasn't a typical kidnapping case. In fact she never knew that she was being kidnapped. But a ransom of 1 billion yuan was sent over to her family. If no payment wasn't received by evening they would kill her.

During her time abroad she investigated the whereabouts of her childhood friend and found out that her parents were sent to jail and the friend was sent out of the country for adoption.

Also, she later learned that her 2 bodyguards from the Liu Family never left her. They were just silently protecting her. The indescribable feeling of guilt and selfishness on her part was what made her regret her decision when she was 18.

She felt stupid four doubting the only people that cared about her. Her family was only trying to protect her and throwing a tantrum was her way of thanking them?

These familial feelings were very similar to her own past life. Her mind started going down memory lane and it made her ache for her family all the more. But unfortunately she will never see them in this lifetime again.

Outside the Liu Manor, she gathers her courage and knocks on the door. The housekeeper lets her in and points her to where her family were gathering.

In the living room her mom, dad, older brother and Grandfather were having tea. They acted like that was the norm. That they were all there at the same time having tea. But she knew that the guards at the gate had already informed them of her arrival.

Her mother and father looked nervous and was tightly holding each others hands, her older brothers appearance looked like he had dressed in a hurry. She could tell because his slippers were on the wrong foot and finally grandfather's legs were shaking imperceptibly.

"Hello, everyone... I'm sorry I dropped by unannounced. "

With a stern look her grandfather says "What are you doing here? I thought I made it clear that you are no longer part of this family!"

She knew from her memories that her grandfather was all bark but no bite.. "But I missed you terribly in during the time I was away. I know I disappointed you, I was selfish and immature. I disregarded the love and care that you have shown me. I'm here to apologize and to do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I'm sorry grandfather please forgive me." She says as tears start to pool in her eyes.

Mrs Liu started crying "You bad child~! What took you so long? We've been waiting for you to come to your senses!"

She launches herself towards Liu Wei and grabs her into her arms. "I've missed you my baby."

Mr. Liu was trying to hold his emotions in check and with a hoarse voice says "Welcome home my daughter."

Her brother on the other hand wanted to give her a hard time. "Since you haven't been home in 3 years, you should have brought some gifts. Where is mine?"

Of course he of all people would still want gifts at a time like this. She grins at him, "Older brother I have your gift right here. She ran to him and gave him a big hug. I missed you so much, thank you for taking care of grandfather and our parents."

He starts to blush but hugs her anyway. "Well I think you should upgrade your gifts the next time. But I will take it since I am your favorite brother."

"…..?" Wasn't he the only brother that she has? This guy, is too hilarious.

She then turns her head to look at grandfather who was still wearing a stern look. She kneels down and grabs his hand and puts it on her cheek. "I promise to be a good granddaughter from here on out. I won't be in the entertainment industry anymore. I have left it behind."

He was shocked to hear this, knowing that she was at the pinnacle of her career. "But you love it… why would you give it up?"

"Because I love you more.."

He starts to tear up and slaps her hand softly "You sweet talker!! I have missed you my little fire cracker."

Li Na felt a sense of relief. Like a heavy burden was taken off of her chest. And in that moment she knew that she was able to grant peace to the original Liu Wei. The broken Liu family was now whole again, and the promise she made was completed.