The Unwanted Proposal

Perhaps feeling burdened by the idea of bringing up the disgraceful past, Old Master Ding took some time to calm his turbulent heart.

Liliana and Talia understood that this subject was sensitive, thus, they let the old man prepare himself first.

The pot of tea and cups were left untouched. A faint layer of steam swirled above the clear surface of the reddish-brown tea.

Old Master Ding exhaled a sigh, heavily imbued with regret and sorrow. The wrinkles on his forehead deepened as he scoured his mind to bring up the memories of the past, the ones full of shame.

Clasping his hands together, Old Master Ding forced himself to speak. His eyes landed in the direction where Liliana and Talia sat.

"More than fifty years ago... our family encountered a big issue, enough to shake our foundation."