Chapter 64: Returning Home
64 Returning Home
When the car pulled up in the car park below the apartment, Anna Jones, Du AnLing and Leng Xi were all reassured that the shopping in the car would be sent up to the apartment as soon as possible.
They were chatting to each other life long time friends, rather than people who had just met less than 24 hours previously.Anna, herself felt happy and safe with them.For Du AnLing and Leng Xi they finally had a daughter not only who they could dote on, but more importantly they gained someone that they knew instinctively they could trust and respect, and for that reason they knew whatever happened in the future, they had to protect her.
With that, they went to the lift bank, but before they arrived, a security guard who had not met Anna before stopped the three women."First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou, you both know that I have to contact the Young Master before I am able to let you up to the apartment.I will also need to know who this is with you, so I can request that she is allowed up as well."
Anna, who by this time was really feeling tired, did not want to have to deal with this, and did not hold back in her anger in responding, before either of Du AnLing or Leng Xi could respond "I do not need my husband's permission to enter our apartment, nor bring guests with me.Get out of the way, now or I will be telling my husband."
"Young Madam Hou?"
"She is, now get out of my daughter-in-law's way, responded Du AnLing.
All three, then went around the security guard, and Anna, using the key that she was handed opened the lift for them to be taken straight to the apartment.As soon as the lift opened, Anna spotted Hou Yi, who stepped forwarded, and gently puller her to him, and gave her a brief kiss, before raising his head "Mother, Aunt, please come into the lounge"
Anna, out of the corner of her eye, spotted Butler Ge, and before going into the lounge, she walked over, "Butler Ge, there will be a number of bags come up from the car.Can you please find somewhere and place them out as they have shopping of mine, and my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law in them, which we need to sort out."
"No problem Young Madam, we can place them in the formal dining room, as that has the largest table.Is there anything in particular that you would like for dinner tonight."
"Just make it a simple meal, but not seafood tonight.Just ensure that is something that my husband likes.My Mother-in-law and Aunt-in-law will not be staying."
"I will speak to the chef about that madam and will let you know where it is ready."
With that, Anna walked into the lounge area, and heard Leng Xi saying "…and the meal, while simple was delicious.It is somewhere we will return to.More importantly you charming wife, helped us indulge in shopping, but without spending a fortune.You have to be proud of her."
"I have already seen the efforts of some of your shopping spree.They seem quite appropriate."With that, Hou Yi, turned and realised that Anna was coming towards them.After saying "Sweetheart, come and sit here," he pulled her down onto his lap.
"Yi, there is plenty of space beside you," responded Anna, gently slapping his hand, and moving to sit beside him.
"Mother, Aunt, you might be wondering why Assistant Wang is here.Anna and I have spoken about our formal wedding ceremony.Anna, wants this to occur in Australia, preferably close to her parents in Warrnambool, and we want you to work with Assistant Wang to arrange this.Sweetheart?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking.My preference would be for a church ceremony.While my parents' had me christened Anglican, I am not overtly religious, but would like a church ceremony if possible.From my memory that would mean Christ Church in Warrnambool, but that may not be large enough, depending on the number of guests you are inviting."
Anna continued, "Photographs, on the day, subject to weather could be done at the beach, we would travel to Tower Hill, for an. Australian Native background, the botanical gardens, possibly Flagstaff Hill, or if there was a long time between the ceremony and reception, go somewhere on the Great Ocean Road"
Anna had to pause for a second, and then continued "As for reception Venues, I'm a little at a loss.My sister used a venue at the local racecourse and one brother used a venue at a local hotel, and the other brother's reception was at the local performing arts centre, that has a large hall upstairs.The only thing is given my parents' reaction last night when we told then about our marriage, they are unlikely to help arrange anything, but my father will also be stubborn, in that he will want to pay for everything, like he did for my sister when she married."With that Anna, started to gently cry.
Hou Yi wiped the tears away, and quietly said "Do not worry, they will come around.Cost is not an object, as I want you to have what you want, and my mother and aunt can work miracles."
Hou Yi turned back to everyone "A date does not worry us, it is simply when it can be organised.Assistant Wang knows my schedule.Further we need you to work together to arrange this.I know that Assistant Wang's wife, before they had their daughter was an event planner, so maybe she could help you?Importantly we are happy to generally leave things up to you."
Hou Yi paused, took a breath, and continued "Now before we kick you out, Mother, Aunt, I understand that you did a lot of shopping today and the bags from the car have arrived, for you to collect your items."With that Anna, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, all got up and followed Butler Ge, into the formal dining room to sort out their market shopping.
Meanwhile, back in the lounge, Assistant Wang, answered his mobile telephone, and spoke to the person on the other end of the line, repeating a mobile number at the end of the call."Sir we have a problem, and we need your wife here."