Chapter 12 - The word is out in the open.

They spoke for a few minutes by the poolside as the ambiance echoed their laughter and joy and then decided not to keep the grandparents waiting over the breakfast table.

As all three of them walked into the living room, breakfast was already set, and Li Delun and Li Bai were waiting for them.

Bao walked in, followed by the rest of the company, and said, "Good morning granny, and good morning Grandpa." He then pecked a kiss on their cheeks and hugged them lovingly. Jia and Liqin followed suit.

As they sat for breakfast, Bao picked a piece of bread and said, "I leave my best friend unto your care, Liqin, from today onwards, till death does you apart."

He looked up with a sly smile and said, "I didn't expect you to, however, hold this feeling from me till now. Were you both waiting to spill it out, after our families fixed our wedding dates?"

He winked at Liqin to play in, and then continued, "Granny, do you know we were all the while entertaining, two secret love birds in our nest?"

He pointed to Liqin and Jia and said, "Had it not been for the plans of the elders to hitch me with Jia, they would never have confessed their actual feelings for each other to me."

The elders were in for a surprise, but were glad, that the children could find love amongst their friends.

Liqin stared at Bao, shook his head, and said, "I am sorry Grandpa, for not having informed all of you, about the mutual feelings, that Jia and I shared, as we wanted to concentrate on our careers."

He clenched his teeth and added, "We wanted to wait for two years, until the bond had strengthened to a path of no return, and then inform the elders to arrange for the ceremony. Had it not been for the desire of uncle and aunty to hitch Bao and Jia, we would not have opened up so soon."

Li Delun broke the silence, and said, "Both of you are the same to us. We are happy to have her in the family with us."

Jia, who had been a mute spectator all the while, looked slowly through her eyelashes blurted out, "I can't live a single day without Liqin by my side."

She had said that so convincingly, that for a moment even Liqin got carried away by her words, coupled with the twinkle in her eye.

Liqin picked up a small piece of meat, and placed it on her bowl, and said, "Here this is your favorite."

She smiled back, and said, "Thank you."

They were so close to each other naturally, that there was no need to act out for others to believe in their passion for each other.

As they completed their breakfast, they received a call from Li Enlai, and Li Diu informing them about their safe arrival.

Li Delun then took the phone, walked out, and spoke to Li Enlai on some important matters.

Li Bao was all ears to their conversation and heard his grandfather, inform his father about the relationship between Jia and Liqin.

He smiled and thought, "I am relieved now, as the cat is out of the bag, and I would not be obliged in any manner now."

He bent forward and whispered to Liqin, "Grandpa has informed dad and mom too."

Liqin turned around and whispered in a state of shock, "What? I am done for sure now."