Chapter 49

"I'm sure the manager is here; I saw him going inside". He Long said as he pointed towards the staff room. The lady behind the counter looked visibly annoyed, she thought it was her bad luck that a poor man had to come to her and was probably looking for the manager to ask about wanting a job. 

"I'm sorry sir but we have no job vacancies here and if your looking for clothes they have cheaper options elsewhere", the lady said rudely to He Long. Ming Chen who was going to ask He Logn what was taking so long heard what the lady had said.

He went up to her and slammed his hand on the counter. 

"Ogh my god Mr Ming, what do we our the pleasures", the lady said after recognising Ming Chen. Other wont be able to recognise He Long, someone who doesn't go out in spotlight, Ming Chen however, has been in the spotlight since a young age for being a genius, his research was used by top universities. Many articles and news stories covered him. 

"I want to see your manager", Ming Chen said rudely to the lady, who didn't seem to mind and ran towards the staff room to get the manager. When the manager came out he saw both He Long and Ming Chen standing by the counter, to say that he was shocked would be an understatement. 

"Mr He, Mr Ming, what do I owe such pleasures for people of your calibre to come here", the manager said bowing respectfully to both Ming Chen and He Long. He Long was about to speak when Ming Chen moved him aside. 

"We intended to shop here but to think there is such snobbish people here, I no longer have such desires anymore", Ming Chen said and grabbed He Long's hands pulling him to leave. Hearing and seeing this the manager was shocked and quickly follow behind them intending on stopping them. 

"Wait, young master Ming, this lowly one isn't sure what happened, please explain", the manager almost begging. Ming Chen gave a quick side glance at the lady. Who looked petrified right now. Her manager never acts this respectfully towards anyone, she knows about Mr Ming to think that other man was someone powerful too. She messed up big time. Seeing that the lady looked like she was about to faint and the pure regret on her face, Ming Chen decided not to pursue this matter anymore longer and instead jokingly directed it to the manager. 

"We have been waiting for over 10 min and Manager Yun didn't even bother coming out to greet us", Ming Chen said jokingly but the manager really thought that he was officially offended two of the most powerful families in Dan Dong City. 

"Hhaha, we are just messing with you manager Yun, we came here to get matching suits I hope you can help", He Long said getting rid of the tension in the store. 

Manager was indeed an expert; he was able to help both He Long and Ming Chen suitable suits that matches but was different at the same time. Ming Chen loved it and so did He Long.

Time passed by really quickly and it was now time for old Madam He's birthday party. The grand estate of the He family was adorned with vibrant lanterns, colourful banners, and the fragrant scent of blooming flowers. It was a special occasion, and the entire mansion seemed to come alive with anticipation. He Long's mother was celebrating her birthday, and it was destined to be an extravagant affair.

Ming Chen stood at the entrance of the grand hall, dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit that highlighted his striking features. He couldn't help but feel a slight nervousness. Attending his husband's mother's birthday party was a significant event, and he wanted everything to be perfect.

He Long, resplendent in a sharp tuxedo, arrived at Ming Chen's side, his dark eyes filled with warmth and reassurance. "You look amazing," he whispered, planting a tender kiss on Ming Chen's cheek. 

Ming Chen smiled, his heart warmed by He Long's words. Together, they entered the bustling hall, filled with elegant guests dressed in their finest attire. The chatter and laughter filled the air as they mingled through the crowd.

The birthday celebration was in full swing. He Long's mother, a regal and graceful woman, held court at the centre of the room. She was radiant in her traditional Chinese attire, and the guests surrounded her with congratulations and well-wishes. He Long and Ming Chen approached her, and the room seemed to hush for a moment.

He Long's mother turned to see her son, her face breaking into a warm smile. "My dearest He Long," she said, enveloping him in a motherly embrace. "and Chen Chen you look so handsome, come here and me a hug", old Madam He said as she engulfed Ming Chen into a bear hug. The people surrounding old Madam He were shocked to see her hug him. Of course, they all recognised him but did think much about the relationship between the two people. 

The grand birthday celebration for He Long's mother was an event filled with joy, love, and unity. However, amidst the festivities and laughter, a sinister plot was unfolding, aimed at harming He Long and casting a dark shadow over the night.

As guests mingled and enjoyed the elegant affair, Ming Chen's keen instincts sensed something amiss. He noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere and, as he was reaching for a glass of wine for, He Long, he hesitated. A faint, unusual odor wafted from the glass.

Ming Chen's heart raced as he realized the danger. Someone had attempted to poison He Long. Panic welled up within him, but he knew he had to act swiftly to protect the man he loved.

Ming Chen discreetly switched the glass meant for He Long with another one and then approached a discreet corner of the room, where he could examine the poisoned glass closely. The odour was unmistakable, and he had no doubt that this was a dangerous toxin.