The four headed to one of the minor courtyards after Yang Jiahui finally calmed down. Long Tengfei awkwardly comforted her. He wasn't an affectionate person to begin with, so his movements looked stiff and unnatural as he patted his wife's back.
They followed the old chamberlain who led the way. A servant took Iris' presents from Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui to be placed in their bedchamber.
Yang Mei walked beside Iris and started chattering. She asked Iris various questions but also talked about herself in an endless stream of words. Her energy reminded Iris a little of Dom. Perhaps that was why she immediately felt at ease with the young woman.
"Do I call you Xiulan or Iris?"
"Either is fine, Yang Mei."
"I told you to call me Meimei."
"Alright, Meimei."
"I'll call you Xiulan then! The public knows you as Iris, so it kinda feels exciting to be one of the few people who knows your real name." Meimei giggled. "By the way, I love your album! My favourite song is 'Phantom of Your Love'. So tragically romantic! Ah, my heart! I cry whenever I listen to it! Did you really compose all the songs in your album by yourself?"
"Yes, I did."
"You're so amazing! Can you sign my copy of your album?"
"Yay! To tell you the truth, I didn't buy it myself. Uncle Tengfei bought a lot of copies of your album. So I just stole―I mean, I took a copy for myself. He has so many so I don't think he'll mind if I take one. Don't forget to write my name when you sign it, okay? Write 'Meimei'."
"Sure."
Meimei continued to blabber on as they neared the small courtyard. Iris learned that Meimei was a few months older than her. Iris was 20, while Meimei was 21. Meimei was currently attending university studying Digital Media Arts and Design. Iris' interest was piqued so she asked questions about the digital arts program.
"Uncle Tengfei told me that if I want I can work at Long Industries after I graduate but the truth is that I really want to become a digital manhuajia [1]," Yang Mei whispered to her, dramatically glancing at Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui who were walking ahead of them, making sure that they wouldn't hear her.
Iris couldn't help but smile at her antics. Indeed, Meimei reminded her of Dom. "Meimei, if you want to become a digital manhuajia, then become one."
Meimei pouted. "I really want to but becoming one is basically gambling, you know. Success is not guaranteed and I might become one of those stereotypical starving artists who can't even make ends meet. At least, if I work at Uncle Tengfei's company, I know I'll have regular salary and great benefits. Besides, Uncle and Auntie have already been so kind to me, inviting me to live with them when I became alone and even paying for my education. I feel like I'll be returning their generosity with unkindness if I throw away my education to become a manhuajia instead."
"Hmm…Then I'm also basically gambling. As a musician, a celebrity, I have no insurance whether my music or work will sell or not. I observed that fame is a fickle thing. Hard work doesn't always equals success, especially in the world of us artists. But you can't be successful without hard work. One day, you're the object of everyone's adoration but the next day, you might be the object of everyone's scorn until you're forgotten and your career is over. Knowing this, I still pursue this career because I love it. Success is nice and what we all aim for, but what drives me is the freedom to pursue my passion. I know that there are many people who disapprove of my career, but this is my life, not theirs. I don't want to live a life of regrets."
'Not again', Iris thought to herself. In this life, she would do her best to live without regrets.
"Wow, Xiulan. That's deep." Meimei pondered over Iris' words. "Don't want to live a life of regrets, huh?"
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.
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)