97 IF IT WAS THE OLD ME…

"I'm afraid I can't. My girlfriend won't be happy about."

Guan saw that Jiang Xue's face fell and somehow that made him eternally glad inside. Truth be told the purpose of their visit is not just about being on friendly terms but…

"Girlfriend?!" Mrs. Niu who is beside him, exclaimed and looked at him suspiciously. "This is news."

Guan casually sipped tea before turning to his mother and smiled. "We just started dating, Mother."

Across them, Jiang Xue turned to her father with a troubled look all over her face. Mr. Jiang felt pity towards her daughter who had been waiting for Guan to come back all these years and ignored those other men around her.

Mr. Jiang patted his daughter's hand, indicating for her to calm down. He puts the cup down and cleared his throat – catching the attention of both mother and son.

"Guan," he called, "I heard that in you'll be replacing your brother's position as the CEO of the company, is that true?"

Guan sat erect and looked at Mr. Jiang while Mrs. Guan put on her smiling face.

"Yes, Uncle," he replied curtly.

"That's great. I hope the relationship between our companies will still go on in the future, as well as our families."

He smiled at the old man. "Of course, Uncle." He could clearly decode the meaning behind Mr. Jiang's words.

"I really wish Old Niu is here so that we can have a proper talk," Mr. Jiang replied.

"My apologies, really. My husband and I didn't know that you're coming so, we went on our separate businesses today. Why don't you stay for lunch? You too, Guan." Choi Minjun consoled.

"Yes, Mother."

Guan frowned after hearing what her mother had said. So, this is not the important matter that she was saying? Good, then. But what is it about?

Mrs. Niu ordered the servants to prepare a feast as their guests are going to join them for lunch that today.

During their lunch, if it weren't for his mother, Guan would have stormed out of the house or stayed inside his old room. His ears almost fell out as Mr. Jiang kept mentioning his daughter's achievements.

Like how she graduated at a university with flying colors; how she participated in charities and such; and the most daring was, how she rejected all other suitors because of him. Guan almost flipped the dining table out of anger inside but managed to remain calm and composed on the outside.

Choi Minjun, who is beside him, kept smiling and gave positive comments about Jiang Xue. In Guan's perception, his mother is going to add Jiang Xue in her list of 'marriage prospect' for him. This is another headache for him. Good thing Liu Yang accepted his proposal and now he has a reason to reject these prospects.

From across the table, he knows that she had been stealing glances at him across the table but remained his head bowed down. When he could not take it anymore, Guan intentionally raised his head and her face greeted him. Startled, Jiang Xue immediately turned her head to sideways with her face red.

Guan stared at her for a moment then returned eating his meal. He sighed inwardly. He thought:

'She is pretty though, just not my type. Too bad I already pledged my loyalty towards Liu Yang the moment she said yes. If it was the old me…'

Guan went stiff in his seat as he stopped his mind from talking to himself. His hand clutching the chopsticks quivered. Old him? When did he…?

Then, a snort came out of his mouth unbridled, catching the attention of everyone.

"Guan, what's so funny," Choi Minjun nudged.

"Nothing, Mother. Su Bin just sent me something funny just now," he smiled at everyone then continued eating.

He bowed his head to conceal the smirk on his face. He could not wait to see Liu Yang and thanked her sincerely.