Chapter 3 - A Golden Break of a New Era.

20th December 2010

The blooming sun on the horizon stretched its golden rays, onto the garden of the mansion of the Li household, where the patriarch of the Li family Li Delun, sat with his better half Li Bai, for his morning tea along with his family.

Li Delun comfortably relaxed on the rocking lounge, looked at the rising sun, reading the morning newspaper, and said, "It has been more than three decades since we handed over the reins of the vast business empire and household to our son, Li Enlai, and daughter-in-law, Li Diu."

Li Bai picked up the cup of tea, and replied, "It's a blessing to have Diu as his better half as she is an embodiment of serenity and calmness, unlike Li Enlai who is stern and ruthless to the core."

As the lounge rocked comfortably, Delun sat erect and said, "That's true Bai. Their union had created a ripple in the society then, as well as shaken the foundation of our business empire. I had never thought that he would recover from his loss then."

"Good morning mom. Good morning dad." Li Enlai walked in with a manservant who was carrying a huge album.

Delun turned to him and said, "Good morning. Did you read the newspaper?"

"No, not yet."

Delun got up, hugged him, and said, "You have won the Business China award for excellence."

"Really!"

"We were discussing your achievements since your takeover of the Li Empire. It has flourished and reached its peak under your guidance. With your hard work and vision, you have created a billion-dollar Empire with vested interests in several industrial sectors. The household name Li is stamped on almost all products available on the shelves of the domestic and international markets. We are proud of you."

"Thank you, dad. I hope Bao and Liqin reach greater heights than me. I received the wedding album. I have called the Huang family to join us for breakfast so that we can cherish the memories together."

"Good morning mom and dad. Good morning hubby." Li Diu walked in with two maid servants for serving tea and breakfast.

"Good morning honey." Li Enlai got up and pulled over the chair for Diu to be seated as the maids served tea and breakfast in the garden.

Li Bai held the hands of Diu and said, "On the family front you have been the perfect daughter-in-law, spouse, and mother to Li Bao. With you in charge of the household, Enlai never had to look into household matters. If there's anyone who should get the credit along with him, it's you."

Diu tilted her head, narrowed her eyes, and asked, "What credit are you talking about mom?"

"He won the Business China award for excellence."

Diu turned to Enlai, smiled, and said, "Congrats."

Enlai held her hands and said, "You should congratulate yourself. Mom is right, I could always approach you for words of wisdom, whenever required, as you were always, the stillness in my raging storm."

Diu smiled, bowed down, and said, "I am honored to be a part of this household. Moreover, I always had all of your continued support and love in everything."

"Thank you for standing by me through thick and thin and lovingly correcting me when required, with a stillness that matches your stature and peaceful nature. You have in the past thirty-one years never complained about my lack of expression of affection and time for you, and have been the epitome of sacrifice and grace. Apart from our annual family holiday, we rarely had time for each other, with my busy business schedule."

"The situation demanded then, and I completely understand the choice you've made, for the betterment of the families involved. Moreover, since the kids have now taken over charge, we can compensate for our lost time together now."

Their conversation was interrupted as Chang Bohai, the patriarch of the Chang family walked in for breakfast.

Enlai got up, walked over, held his hand, and helped him to be seated comfortably.

"Did Liqin call? I already miss my grandson so much. This honeymoon seems like an eternity."

"It might seem like an eternity to us, but it might be fleeting to them."

"Oh! I forgot about it so soon. I have become too old. I am used to him waking me up with his smile. Have we received the wedding album?"

"We received it yesterday evening. I have called the Huang family for breakfast, for us to enjoy the album together."

As they flipped through the album weaving memories of the precious day Li Enlai said, "We have lost a lot of our time with bitter experiences of the past. Let us hope that the kids cherish each moment."