140 Life of Regrets (2/2)

”Wow, Xiulan. That's deep.” Meimei pondered over Iris' words. ”Don't want to live a life of regrets, huh?”

”But of course, the final decision will be yours to make. It's your life after all.”

Meimei nodded. ”Right.”

They finally arrived at the small courtyard. Meimei revealed that the garden was personally cultivated by her aunt. Compared to the sophisticated gardens comprising the main inner courtyard, this garden indeed looked more like a normal, personal garden. There were more colourful flowers than trees and shrubs. There were even some vegetables being grown. Everything looked a little disorganized, yet there was an unmistakable homely feeling here which the other areas in the compound lacked.

The old chamberlain led them to a traditional pavilion within the courtyard. There was a table and chairs big enough to accommodate them. A servant was already waiting to serve them hot tea and pastries.

The four sat down and chatted as they ate. Long Tengfei was very pleased that his daughter didn't make any trouble with his wife. In fact, the interaction between the four of them was light and friendly. Although he and his wife still felt a little awkward when speaking to his daughter, they were becoming more comfortable as time passed by.

Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui watched the two young women chatting like close friends. Yang Jiahui was delighted that Xiulan and her niece were getting along very well. She wished that they could treat each other like sisters. Then perhaps Xiulan would be more willing to visit the compound more often.

When the sun started setting, they stood up and headed inside for dinner. They continued chatting with each other as they seated themselves.

Moments later, a man in his late twenties arrived and joined them. He was Long Hui, Iris' eldest half-brother. He was Long Tengfei's heir and eldest son born with his first wife.

Long Hui's cold and indifferent expression reminded Iris so much of Jin Liwei. They had the same innate arrogant aura found in most firstborn sons and heirs of prestigious families.

Iris and Meimei stood up from their seats to greet him.

Meimei: ”Hello, Big Brother Hui.”

Long Hui nodded at her. ”Hello.” Then he turned to look at Iris. He looked a lot like Long Tengfei, but his features were a little more delicate compared to his father's chiselled appearance.

”It's good to see you, Elder Brother,” Iris greeted.

”So you finally return here, Little Sister. Didn't you say before that you're never ever setting foot here again?”

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Footnotes:

[1] Person who draws/creates manhua (Chinese comics)