Unexpected visitors

Dad has paid of all his debt as of this month with the money I sent from my salary and his back pain is getting worse hence he has neglected the land a bit this past month. I help mum with the cooking while Christine look on and keep us company in the kitchen. Christine admit she lack the ability to produce a proper meal and the father and son will probably run away if she cooks. Laughter and merry whistling was heard throughout the afternoon. Lunch was a quick affair as Albert and Xavier has offered to help to clear the wild growth in the farm.

Mr. Zhang repeatedly refused Albert offer to help with the farm since he knew his in-laws are from a rich background. Furthermore although only two out of four plot of land is in use, each plot is the size of a football field which will take up effort and time. Albert has discard Mr. Zhang concerned by stating that men should learn about land, only by knowing how things grow will one learn to appreciate and treasure their gain.

Mr. Zhang lent a pair of clothes to Albert but Xavier just rolled up his trousers and sleeves to set to work since nothing fits him. Mr. Zhang was surprised when five young men has joined in the group and the land was free from wild growth by late afternoon. Since he recognised Daniel as our driver the rest he guessed must be either driver or security guards from their dressing. He is not interested to pry into his new in-law privacy as long as they are not into illegal business. The ladies sat at the side watching the men work while going to and fro the house to fetch refreshment and herbal tea that Mrs. Zhang prepared.

A loud car honked sounded by the front gate when the three of them were coming back from the farm all muddy and dirty laughing merrily with the antics of Xavier first experience in the fields. The ladies have long gone back to prepare for dinner. The old wooden front gate was slammed opened and a middle aged couple who looks as if they own the place came in.

"Ah....Old Zhang, you are still working hard and I see you have two workers now. It will not be enough to work all four plots of your land, why don't you sell them to me? It will hold you out for another 2 to 3 years at least until your precious daughter earns well enough to feed the family,"said the man.

Yuki came out from the house when she heard the commotion."Uncle and Auntie Tang,"she greets the new comers.

"Yuki, you have changed,"Auntie Tang said in a surprised tone as she scrutinized Yuki from head to toe. "When did you get back? You should've come over to say hello even when Lucia is the one who managed to get the scholarship to the States."she continued.

My mum who came after me stand on our doorway with her hands clenched,"We have nothing to said to you Tangs, why do you barged into our house uninvited?"

I found mum and dad behavior odd considering the fact that Lucia was my best friend in high school after all. We often hanged out at each other home so our parents became close as well. I thought it was because Lucia has moved to the States while I went to the city that they stop contacting each other but now it seems there is something else that drifted them apart.

Menacing aura filled the front courtyard from two particular men. Uncle Tang throw a quick glance at the two other unknown men covered in mud and take no notice of it since they didn't look like they posed much threats.

"We were not interested to come over. Someone reported they have seen two luxurious car at your doorstep and we thought it was Lucia returning with her boyfriend. Lucia has always felt guilty towards Yuki so we thought they might have stop here for a visit first. Apparently the information was incorrect as we can see what people meant was two good looking farmers mucking around your doorstep. We apologised for the intrusion."Auntie Tang pulled her husband arm to leave the premises.

Yuki was totally lost in the conversation. She went forward to blocked the way,"What do you mean Auntie Tang?"

"Oh, your parents thought it was us who poisoned their food and caused them to be hospitalized when the scholarship result were released. In fact, it was them who was so greedy eating all the specialty we bought back from District 10 which leads to food poisoning and you have to take care of them the entire week. Since the school cannot contact you, they have to award it to the runner-up, Lucia. It is totally our good luck which we can't even revert the decision so it's not like we can reject it, the scholarship will just be awarded to the third runner-up if so." Auntie Tang slapped my hand and pushed me to the side.

Xavier stood next to me instantaneously to hold on to me when I staggered. Before they step out of the courtyard, Uncle Tang issued an invitation,"Lucia promised she will be home before Chinese New Year with her boyfriend from the States, your family are welcome to visit us then."

Mum was in tears while Dad was in anger but they keep apologising to me about the food poisoning incident and keeping the scholarship news from me. No point crying over spilled milk, and I agreed. Knowing my parents was never greedy I tried my best to consoled them. In the end, it was Xavier words that got through,"What seems like a misfortune for your family has brought me your daughter. For that I cannot thank you enough especially doing only a part of your chores in the field today made me realise how much you sacrifice just to bring up my treasure. I promised you that I will cherish Yuki and respect our elders for as long as I live."

Dad was telling Albert he is a very wise father and brought the boys to the hot spring at the back of the house for a dip. After mum calmed down, we helped her to set the table for dinner. Albert came back all excited to get his wife to try the all natural hot spring at the backyard.

Dad found it one day when he was planning to create a herb garden at the back when he found some wild herbs growing there. He changed the plan to a hot spring for the family instead. It was a very basic stone pool with straw screens around it. I know it help dad's back and mum knees a lot.

"You youngster should go back to the city. Me and your mum will stay over the weekends to discuss your wedding celebration and plan our family home here with the in-law. We will take the extra room tonight,"dictates Albert shamelessly. Yuki finally understand where Xavier blatant behavior is coming from.