Chapter 262 - The Lee Family Residence
Chapter 262 – The Lee Family Residence
Mansion of the Lee Family
"This news did not include our family. That young girl seems considerate and had changed her mind to use our status," Brent's father said to his son. The two of them were seated on a wooden chair in their gazebo, surrounded by water. Below them were Koi fishes waddling its tail and swimming around the pond. The father and son were enjoying their morning tea and the scenic sunrise on the horizon.
"Pa, Sofia had arranged the news. She purposely concealed most of the information. But the press will announce my identity later. According to her, it's like a marketing strategy," Brent spoke calmly. Then, he continued to explain all the arrangements that Sofia had told him.
"I see. That's an impressive strategy. But, no matter what, she is using our family status to gain advantages of her business. Who would have thought that someone is actually too guts to use our prestige?" Brent's father said in a cold tone. He then stir the water inside his teacup and took a sip on it.
"Sofia is a close friend of mine, pa. I don't think her action would have a negative effect on our family business. She just needs my support," Brent defended.
"Hmmph! I've investigated the new business that she is conducting. The location and nature of the business are really good. Is it coincidental? Perhaps, someone is behind her and is using her to make trouble for us," the man could not help but warn his son.
Brent shook his head and firmly said, "I don't think so. From my observation, Sofia has her principles. She does not want to cause troubles."
"Oh? Listen, son, we have been the richest family in district 7 but, our family may lose our social standing against her business. I hope I am wrong. But the location of her business is really auspicious. And with the cost that we paid for the venue of your wedding, it will attract wealthy clients and famous customers," Brent's father stated with a sigh.
"Father, you may not know this but, Sofia and I had spent our time together in the past. We played games almost every day. Those times when we complete difficult quests in the game were one of the happiest moments in my teenage life. It's still fresh in my memories. Although we have drifted and established our squad separately, I know she won't do harm to our family," Brent responded with a melancholic tone. He pursed his lips and continued, "I've taken advantage of her gaming knowledge in the past. I have learned to play online games because of her. If she can take advantage of our family status for her business, as the young master of the Lee family, I won't mind."
Upon hearing his son's tone, Brent's father looked away. His hands slightly trembled, and he slowly clenched them to form a fist.
This was the first time he had heard his son expressing his sentimental side. The young man had been known to the public to have an aloof and distant personality. Even his sister was not that close to him.
"Son, why do you put so much importance in gaming to the point that you would cherish someone just because you have played games with her in the past? The virtual world and the real world are completely different! Are you confused?" his father could not help but ask.
Brent looked down and observed the Koi fish swimming near them. For a moment, he deliberated what to say. In the end, he only smiled at his father.
Would his father understand his sentiments about gaming? The answer was clear. No. Only those who had the same experience in gaming could understand his emotions.
"Are you confused?" Brent's father repeated. Although his face looked calm, his tone sounded agitated.
Brent sighed and secretly wished his father would not pursue his question. He slowly moved his cup of tea and looked at his father in the eyes. "Pa, why do you mind this trivial thing? As far as I could remember, our family never cared about our social image before. We even hide from the public and stayed low-key. But now, you are actually worried about these things!"
"T-that…" his father pressed his hands together and furrowed his brows. "Son, in the past, I don't see anyone in this district that could compete our Lee family. This is why I never cared about others. But now, my instinct says different."
"Sofia is just starting her business. I am her friend, so, I should support her. She did not even start operating it yet. What is there for us to be scared of? There is still a long way for her to surpass us," Brent easily spoke with no trace of emotion on his face. He finished his tea and silently placed the cup on the table.
Brent's father took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He slowly massaged the back of his neck and stood from his seat. The man walked towards the edged of the gazebo and looked at the fishes.
After a few seconds, he finally spoke, "Do you really think a mere teenager is capable of planning and pulling out these stunts? I have never forgotten her personality. Ahh… the way she acted when she spoke to me during your wedding rehearsal… it's as if she could control everything in the palm of her hand. Brent, for some reason, I could sense something terrifying in your friend. I just know what it is."
"Pa, you are overthinking," Brent said and also left his seat. Then, he went to the side and took a container of fish food, and stood next to his father. "Let me handle our family affairs. You just relax. Here," he said and gave the contained of fish food to his father.
"I think—" Brent's father paused. He found it hard to describe what he really think of Sofia. His hand tapped the cap of the fish food container and sighed once more.
"Pa! Stop worrying! It's not good for your health," Brent grumbled.
"I'm not really worried about our business. I know you are capable, son. I just regretted that I kept on asking you to get married and give me grandchildren. If I did not pester you, maybe, you won't take a politician's daughter as a bride. I never wished for our family to be involved in politics," Brent's father said and his expression looked gloomy.
"Ehem! Actually, Grace is likable. Even if you don't ask me to settle down and find a wife, I will still marry her. Pa, don't blame yourself. It's my choice. I am not forced to do this wedding. Don't look down on your future daughter-in-law," Brent stated with a gentle smile on his face.
"AHH!!! Son, could it be— could it be that you are in love with her?" his father gave him a suspicious look.
Brent chuckled and started walking away, or rather escaping from his father's personal query. "Pa, it's time for me to go. I have several documents to sign in our company. See you later!"
"Hey! Wait—" Brent's father quickly placed the fish food container. He wanted to follow his son but the young man was quick to run away.
"What happened to you?" Brent's mother suddenly appeared with confusion on her face.
"Our son… Our son—" the old man pointed the direction where Brent escaped.
"I saw Brent go inside the mansion on my way here. His face seemed a bit red. I asked him if he had suffered an allergy but he only greeted me and ignored my question! What is happening? Old Lee, you better tell me!" the woman demanded. She crossed her hands on her chest and gave her husband a condescending look.
"HAHAHA… really? Then, if his face is red… Ahem! Hahaha…" his words were swallowed by his laughter.
Seeing that her husband was wildly laughing without knowing any reason, Mrs. Lee kicked the man on his knees. "What are you so happy?! Finish your sentence before you laugh! Hmmph! I have heard the news about the wedding but only the information about the bride was announced. I am not happy!"
"Ahh… my dear wife… I am just overjoyed. Today is actually a great day! Don't mind that news. We should make preparations," Mr. Lee said and quickly went to the side of his wife. He gently rubbed her shoulder to coax her. "Let's eat breakfast. I will tell you everything."
The man guided his wife inside the mansion. Seeing the affection of Mr. Lee for his wife, the servants that were cleaning their residence smiled and giggled at each other.
"Why is Brent not here?" Mrs. Lee frowned after they were settled at their dining table. She was glaring at her husband but the old man pretended not to see her anger.
"Madam, the young master had left," one of the servants who were arranging the food quickly reported.
"He went early in the company? He should eat his breakfast with us! After he gets married, who knows how long he will eat at this dining table again," Mrs. Lee pouted.
"My wife, don't be sad! No need to spoil this day with such negative thoughts. I have something to tell you," Mr. Lee grinned at his wife and before long, he immediately told her all his earlier conversation with their son.
"If that's the case, then… We have to make sure that this wedding is perfect for our son! Husband, be sure to monitor the organizers of the wedding, okay?" Mrs. Lee finally smiled.
Mr. Lee nodded his head repeatedly.. "I will. I will!"