They were at it yet again.....

Yue Ling brought a wet towel for Yi Yiren as he was getting sweaty. He thanked her for being considerate.

"Taste this,"he pointed at the grilled peaches on the tray. They tasted good to Yue Ling and we're not overcooked and even had a nice yellow color.

Good,she replied.

Yiren was happy with her answer and he continued grilling. He was taught by his grandfather all he knew about cooking. The elder believed that all genders must learn to do the art. Yi Yiren was fine with cooking for the family though he knew the ladies hated this part because of the smoke and heat,he was happy to indulge.

Lu Ximei came and checked on them, dinner was ready and Bingbing was in charge of setting up the table. They were eating outside the house at the backyard space. The moonlight illuminated the place and it had a nice quiet atmosphere. They were eating peacefully.

Lu Ximei was happy, she ate a little but felt full. She imagined how it would be like if her husband was around today with all their children around. His only sister's daughter who he cared for deeply was now back. She didn't resent them and even her presence was soothing,no longer hateful. Yi Zhoujan usually became sad whenever he thought about the manner in which Yue Ling left. It unknowingly left an empty space in their lives.

Yiren had observed his mother. He was the head of the family as of now but the true head would always be his father. Lu Ximei would feel lonely whenever he left so either him or his sister came by to live with her. They agreed on it to keep her company. Lu Ximei appreciated their attempts,it was a way one would know they have filial children.

"Everybody raise their bottles ," Yiren spoke.

They did as he said and he proposed a toast to their father. Father may not be around today and I know how you all feel, he's coming back in half a month. We can just make another gathering and invite other family members too.

"All you have to do is be there,"Lu Ximei said. She. spoke cheerfully and the mood brightened again. She was easy to get along with and kept moving with the current generation. She easily got along with the current generation.

Yi Yiren occasionally picked food for both his sisters and the meal went by well.

Lu Ximei had gotten Yue Ling's former room cleaned for the night but Bingbing asked if Yue Ling could sleep in her room and she agreed.

They all went to their rooms.

Bingbing: I wanted to ask if you have time for a vacation.

Yue Ling:When is it?

Bingbing: I will have a month leave soon and I wanted us to go on a vacation. We could go to the neighboring country or city or anywhere. Bingbing had many friends but despite how long she'd been apart from Yue Ling ,she would be her best option. She wasn't the type to go alone on a vacation so she desperately waited for Ling's reply.

Yue Ling: It's a good idea but not for now. Yue Ling knew that nothing bad had happened yet but she still couldn't relax. Most things that happened this year in her past life were yet to happen and it wasn't going to be peaceful for long.

Bingbing: It's okay. She didn't want to force it as she didn't know her cousin's schedule. As long as Yue Ling hadn't rejected the idea.

Good night Ling, she said.

Good night, Ling replied.

She laughed softly realising she was now free to sleep. Bingbing wouldn't let her rest if she was awake. If it was the past Yue Ling,she would be angry because of Bingbing's stubborn behavior.

Ling woke up at the normal time and freshened up. Her clothes were in Bingbing's closet as they were kept there by Aunt Lu. Her aunt put extras hoping her niece stayed even today.

Ling went downstairs and found Lu Ximei discussing something with one of the helpers. Lu Ximei behaved alot like Yi Shuyan when getting things done. They were kind or strict when necessary,it might have had to do with the upbringing.

She greeted her aunt.

Lu Ximei: Did you sleep well?

Ling: I did, thanks for everything.

Lu Ximei: One doesn't need to thank their own family. Are you leaving today?

Ling: Yes, I'm leaving today but I will come by often.

Lu Ximei: I'll hold on to that. Let's have breakfast.

The two were still eating when Yiren joined. He greeted them and after a while they were done with eating.

Before Yiren left,he talked to Yue Ling.

"Ling, your car will be delivered later in the morning,aunt has sent it for you."

Thanks brother,bye! Yue Ling said.

Your welcome,bye for now,he said.

Yue Ling called Yi Shuyan after Yiren left.

Good morning mother,Yue Ling spoke first.

Good morning Ling, are you ok?

I am well mother, how are you?

I'm fine too,Yi Shuyan replied.

Yue Ling sensed something wrong about her mother's tone so she asked; Anything disturbing you?

Yi Shuyan sighed and said; come by today. We need to talk.

After the call,Yue Ling knew something was wrong but wondered what. They only had one source of problems but which problem was it now.

She picked one of the architecture magazines on the table and looked through, she would leave after Bingbing woke up. She was very calm and collected. Nothing seemed to change that about her.

Bingbing woke up at 7:00am and Yue Ling kept her company for a while. She listened to Bingbing and hummed occasionally.

Yue Ling left two hours later.

Lu Ximei who had closely been observing Yue Ling's behavior noticed the change. She knew something had happened unlike her daughter as she wasn't born yesterday. There was fear in her heart, Yue Ling had grown up alot. She wondered if they needed to investigate more about her life abroad.

Yue Ling arrived home and was welcomed by Aunt Xu. Aunt Xu was glad to see her young miss but there was a slight change in her tone and face when Yue Ling asked about where her mother was. Yesterday when her boss received the call,her attitude dropped greatly. Yi Shuyan had been in her room since yesterday afternoon. She was worried but it wasn't in her place to meddle.

She hinted to Yue Ling for her to be considerate and told her where her mother was.

Yue Ling went to her mother's room and knocked. Yi Shuyan let her in and she looked around the room to find her mother