136 Brother

Masaichi Xiu pursed his lips as he stared at the steam emerging from his hot black coffee. His eyes were dazed and his brows were furrowed. He recalled his conversation with his son when he visited City T.

"Manta-kun, I have something to ask."

"Sore wa nan desu ka, Otousan?*" Manta blinked adorably as he looked up to his father. Since he was in City T, he was used to speaking the language more often. However, he still perfectly converse in his grandfather's native tongue.

"Did you really tell your aunt that Okaasan had a baby when she left to see me."

The little boy pursed his lips then nodded. His eyes were starting to water.

"Who told you that?" Masaichi kept his gentle tone.

"Okaasan...she said that I will soon have a brother...or a sister...and she will give it as a present for you...but she..." Manta was already sobbing.

"Sshhh...It's okay...Don't cry. Otousan believes you."

"Tousan...I could've been a brother right?" Manta looked up at his father, seeking confirmation that he had a correct understanding of things.

Masaichi pursed his lips, deeply sighed before answering, "Hai." He embraced his son who let go and cried all he wanted.

At that moment, he had confirmed that his wife was indeed pregnant when she died. However, he could never believe that it was not his child. He still believes that his wife will never cheat on him. This was actually strengthened by his son's account that the baby would be a present for him.

Masaichi's thoughts abruptly ended with a knock on his office door.

"Come in."

Secretary Ta came in her professional smile. "CEO, the CEO of ZFC is here for your requested meeting.

_

Hours prior, Dan was pacing back and forth on his condominium unit. Secretary Ta informed him just the night before that his brother-in-law had requested an audience.

His jitters even become worse when he got a message from his wife.

[MXZ: Hey, I forgot to tell you. Brother knows I'm pregnant. Have a great day!]

[Why are you telling me this just now?!]

[MXZ: I told you, I forgot. I just heard from Riley that they told you to meet him for a 'business partnership' <grinning emoji>]

[You really want me dead, don't you?]

[MXZ: Of course not, I love you! <kissing emoji>]

[If he kills me, remember that I love you.]

Dan pulled out a dozen of suits, shirts and ties. On a normal day, he could wear his work clothes with not much thought on them, but still coming out in stylish combinations. However, this is definitely not a normal day, and his wife was miles away so he could only decide for himself.

_

Dan came into the CEO office wearing a pair of black suit, under which was a plain white shirt and narrow black tie. It was rather plain looking, but because of his face and his height, he looked dashing in the outfit.

His goal in deciding on this was to not get too much attention which could trigger his brother-in-law.

He was convincing himself that he will not get killed. 'It's business. They did not lie to my assistant. It's just business, Dan. You will not face him as your brother-in-law, but the CEO of XCG. That's right. It's gonna be fine...'

Though these thoughts run through his mind, he kept an indifferent face.

'It's gonna be fine. You're fine, Dan.' When the door was opened into the office, he gulped. 'I'm fried.'

Masaichi Xiu walked towards him and offered a hand to shake.

Verdan Zhou shook the hand firmly but briefly.

"I will be back with refreshments." Secretary Ta bowed before leaving.

"CEO Xiu, what can ZFC do for you?"

Masaichi Xiu gestured that they sit on each sofa, directly facing each other.

Dan complied without a word, keeping his indifferent expression.

Masaichi Xiu sat, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.

"Shouldn't you be calling me 'Brother' by now?"