227 Knowing the Truth Part 1

October 18, 20XX (Friday)

Xue Manor

Entering the massive doors of the estate, Yang led Mei Li in her course. The woman was still emotional and dragged her feet, so Yang had to pull her to move at a reasonable pace. She was behaving like a child, but she looked too cute for him to chastise.

As if by fate, it was Chang Min that received them in the entrance. He briefly stared at their joined hands before he asked, "Mei Li, how come you arrive here early? I thought you were coming here to prepare this Sunday."

"Mei Li would like to ask you something," Yang said while he nudged Mei Li.

The painter wrung her hands together. On their car ride to Xue Manor, Mei Li had been advised by Yang to be blunt and demanding. The CEO had even told her to use her tears if it was necessary.

"I want to know why your family left me in the orphanage." Mei Li demanded, provoking the anger in herself.

Xue Chang Min had never known that Mei Li's gentle and lethargic-sounding voice could bear so much malice. The most surprising thing was how Mei Li uttered the words 'your family' as if she was not a part of it. His narrowed eyes look at Yang with a bit of hurt and anger. Yang must have told her the truth. It was not his secret to share!

Mei Li moved to stand between the two men regardless of her lack of intimidation because of her height. Yang almost snorted that the petite painter wanted to protect himself, the six feet tall giant. It was like Jack guarding the beanstalk.

"Don't drag Yang into this! I was the one who noticed the little things. I noticed Mother Zhao and Grandma Zhao mistakingly calling me Mei Lin, to Aunt Qinyang's warm welcome of me that she had given me a diamond set that cost more than all my painting a combined! I saw how my room here was prepared close to your private quarters instead of the guest bedroom; the servants were gossiping how unnatural you all are to me." Mei Li ranted.

Seeing how their grandson was held up, the elder Xue couple went down to the entrance to see who was holding Chang Min back. In the process of drawing closer to them, the elderly heard everything that Mei Li had said. They look at each other and sighed. It was time for the truth to come.

"Mei Li, dear, why not join us in the living room so we can talk about it while we sit down." Grandma Xue smiled, putting a little ease in the growing tension. Yang bowed his head to greet the old couple to show his respect.

Grandpa Xue patted Yang's shoulder three times and said, "You have done well in keeping this from your fiancee."

Yang nodded, happy inside for his efforts being acknowledged rather than hated as Chang Min did. Sometimes, Yang cannot understand his friend's brain. Wouldn't it be best for Mei Li to know now that Arcadia is slowly dying? For him, telling Mei Li was the best course of action for her protection. Aside from giving her doubts some clarity, this move would make Mei Li think twice about her actions that might cause trouble and would lessen her questions about her over-the-top security.

Once everyone was seated on their seats at the large western Victorian styled living room, Grandpa Xue was the one to start the conversation. He asked as his hands grip his wife's for support, "What do you want to know?"

"Why was I left in the orphanage?" Mei Li asked, "Who decided to leave me there? When was I left there? Who are my parents? Why are you hiding this from me? If I did not discover this, will you ever tell me? What did I do wrong to be left in the orphanage?"

"Nothing, you did nothing wrong!" Chang Min declared, voice loud because of his displeasure.

Mei Li, who was already emotional, began to cry. Her tears from their way to the manor returned greater than when she had in the car. Yang put his right hand on her left thigh to comfort her. Chang Min grew restless as his little sister's sobs worsen. Yang drew her closer to him, showing and letting her feel that she was not alone. Mei Li subconsciously leaned towards him, pulling strength from his warm embrace.

Grandma Xue glared at her impulsive grandson and commanded him, "Sit down. We will talk without raising our voices."

Immediately sitting down, Chang Min could not help but sulk at the side. His ears were listening to their conversation instead of actively participating. He knew that he was just as emotional as Mei Li, so joining in the conversation would lead to shouting and pointing who was right or wrong. It was hard to refrain himself from talking when all he ever wanted was to yell their real connection.

Grandpa Xue began, "You were given to the orphanage not because we hated you, but because it was necessary for your safety. Your safety was the main reason and nothing else."

"Why?" Mei Li needed to know more.

"Your father is not an ordinary man. He was a politician, a government agent, and hailed from a long line of militants in Europe. It is not a surprise that he had enemies in every corner of the word because of it. Unfortunately, our daughter, your mother, feel for this kind of man." Grandma Xue explained. Her age showed on her face, the tired line of worry had deepened with every word.

"Who?" Mei Li hurt to see the usually smiling elder show such a pained expression as if she relived the day of her greatest hurts.

"Your mother was Xue Mu Lan, and your father is Jerome Bonaparte."

Mei Li choked in her surprise. Who?!