2 WHAT DID YOU DO? (1/2)
Hu Lei sighed with exasperation as she listened to her father. Her decision to return to their home in Supreme City had unsettled him. She had travelled with him around the world for twelve years. She had never been truly alone. How could he not be worried?
”I have been back for three months, and I am still alive.” She spoke with a laugh.
”You think old Bai has not told me about your days in the Manor?” her father asked.
”That old man has great interest in gossip.” She replied through gritted teeth.
The old butler had been maintaining their home for the years that they had been away. Though he remained the manager of the estate without supervision, he was a man with traditional values. He considered the Hu father his master. He did not waver in his loyalty. Unfortunately, that meant that he would not hesitate to sell out the young miss.
”If you have true desire to live a normal life in Supreme, I will not stand in your way. However, you cannot remain sequestered in the Manor.” This response was not unexpected.
There was a hint of sadness in the voice, causing Hu Lei to flinch. She had not left the house, except for a few occasions since she had been back. It was not like she wanted to be a hermit. She really wanted to know how to have a normal life in the city. However, she did not where to start.
There was no need for her to leave the manor because she had everything she needed. Even if she did not have something, she did not know where she could go. Supreme City had changed tremendously over the years. She did not remember anything about it. If she did walk out of the house she would probably get lost.
”I am fine, Dad.” She said softly.
”Lei'er, I know that the events of your childhood still haunt you. So many things went wrong during that time. Perhaps taking you with me was not the right decision. Maybe you could have had a normal life.” The rough voice held a tinge of regret.
Hu Lei's eyes darkened and her face became stiff. She did not like talking or even hearing about her years as a child. The memories always caused darkness to cloud her mind and attempt to pull her into that abyss of captivity. As she felt that suffocating feeling, she consciously took a deep breath and suppressed the darkness.
”Dad, you know that is not true. Though I was a child then, it was also my decision to leave with you.” She added a light tone to her voice as she always did to keep father from worrying.
The man on the other end of the line sighed.
”Have you seen your mother?”
”She has her new family, and she has not gotten in touch. It is obvious that she has no interest in me.”
Hu Ming did not know what to say. He wanted to defend the woman that he had once loved, but the words remained stuck in his mouth. He did not want to provide empty platitudes. His priority was for his daughter to live a full life. The past was the past. There was nothing that could be changed at this point.
He chose to avoid the topic altogether.
”You should not worry about unnecessary things. Let nature take its course. Right now, you should only focus on your new job.” He spoke with a hint of excitement.