Chapter 384 - Can't Come

The next morning, Lu Fang started to pack his things. He would leave in the afternoon with Hanxi and Bolin. He was going to meet several investors during the celebration party, and so he made sure to have an assistant with him. 

The man spent time with the kids, merely playing or cuddling with them until afternoon finally came and it was time to say goodbye. 

"I love you, I love you, I love you… and I love you," said the man to each of his children and then kissed his wife. They were all at the main door, bidding goodbye to Lu Fang. 

The man insisted that Andrea stay behind. There was no need to send him off at the airport. 

While holding Andrea's hand, he said, "I'll call you when I arrive."

After Juan put all the man's luggage inside the car, Hanxi came down with his bags and also gave his goodbyes.

"Kids, say goodbye to uncle Hanxi!" Andrea said. 

"Bye uncle Hanxi!"

He did the same, kissing the twins and Angela before hugging Andrea. He said, "I'll stay in Italy for a month, this time, Andy. Take care, okay?"

She pouted her lips before pretended to be affected, sniffing and wiping her eyes with a finger. She said, "Okay, okay. My brother is already growing up."

"Stop it. Bye, sis."

"Bye, Hanxi, give my regards to Bella and Matteo."

Andrea saw the car disappear from the mansion gate before going back inside and do her mommy duties. 

While inside the car, Lu Fang took out his phone and noticed he had four missed calls from Bolin. He knew this was probably from the time he took a shower or went for some last-minute loving with his children. 

He was about to call him back when Gao Rou called. "Hello Gao Rou, how is everything?"

"I'm just calling to check on you. I'll be dropping by your house later and I'll be bringing my father with me. I  - I think he likes the kids," said Gao Rou. 

"Has he said anything to you?" Lu Fang asked, recalling how he had hinted Gao Rou's father. 

"Not directly, no, but he has started asking about mother… I'm sure he is going to ask about himself soon," answered Gao Rou. "I - I will let you know if he has any progress… Have a safe flight, bro."

"Thanks, Gao Rou."

After putting down the phone, he had already forgotten to call back Bolin until they were already nearing the airport. He received another call from his assistant. "Hello, Bolin. Are you on your way?"

"Master, Arti was rushed to the hospital this morning - I'm sorry. I could not tell you right away, but I have been trying to call you - "

"What? What happened to Arti?" Lu Fang asked while holding his phone up to his ear. 

"Master,  - last night she started having wet bowel movements and  - and just this morning she was vomiting too many times. She fainted, and I had to bring her to the hospital," explained Bolin. "Master, I - "

"You can't come with me?" Asked Lu Fang. 

"Yes, master. I hope it's okay… Arti has no family here in China… but  - I already asked Lanying to come in my place instead, I'm sure she can manage, she is extremely well organized and smart. She had already confirmed to come and fortunately enough, she already has a multiple-entry Schengen Visa," said Bolin, hoping his boss would understand. 

"Hmmm… I see. I understand, Bolin. Please take care of Arti then. Did you tell Lanying to bring her laptop?" 

"Yes, master. The same requirements that you asked of me, I told her everything. She said she could pull it off but -  she also said she might be a little late since she still had to pack," explained Bolin. 

"It's fine then. We will wait for her," said Lu Fang. 

Seeing Hanxi's puzzled expression, he explained how Lanying was coming in place of Bolin. 

"I see. She is pretty young, can she do it?" Said Hanxi. He too was curious about Lanying's capabilities. 

"She has been doing very well," said the man. He then tried to call Andrea to let her know especially Arti's condition, but she was not answering. He figured she was busy with the kids. 

Hanxi and Lu Fang waited for nearly an hour at the aircraft until Lanying arrived. She was dressed in her usual business attire as she hurriedly boarded the airplane. 

She was still gasping for air when she walked towards Lu Fang, but she managed to give her greetings, "Good afternoon, Mr. Lu. I'm sorry I am late."

"Take your seat, Lanying, let's leave now so we can arrive in France before lunch tomorrow," the man said before instructing his security team to give a go signal to the pilot. 

As she took a seat, Lanying had a big smile on her face. She quickly sent a text to her father saying, "Dad, I am already in the plane. I'll let you know when I arrive."

After a minute, she received a text back from her father which read, "Good. Stick to the plan."

She then switched off her phone following the pilot's announcement. She took a deep breath, relieved that she was able to pull it off. She got comfortable and remained smiling until the plane took off. 

Lanying had not expected to be given the opportunity this fast. Yesterday afternoon, Arti did not drink the juice she gave her, but she guessed she must have done so after getting home. 

While Lu Fang and Hanxi were on their way to France, Andrea finally checked her phone. Her eyes grew wide and her ears turned red learning that Lanying took Bolin's place. She immediately tried to call her husband, but his mobile was already switched off. 

She decided to check on Arti first. When Bolin answered, Andrea asked, "What happened to Arti, Bolin?"

"Mrs. Lu, the doctors said she had food poisoning."

"Food poisoning? What did you guys eat last night?" Andrea probed. 

"We both ate the same thing last night, Mrs. Lu but - "

"But what?" Andrea cut him off. 

"But Arti drank the vegetable juice with chilis that Lanying gave her - "

"What did you say? Who gave Arti what?"

Bolin repeated himself and soon heard a busy tone. He did not even get a chance to explain further. He was afraid that Andrea might misunderstand and doubt Lanying. The Juice was bought from a juice bar, he thought, 'Surely Lanying had no idea this would happen.'

Andrea immediately went to the study. She knew Lanying was issued a company phone but just before checking on her device, she said to herself, "Lanying, I better be wrong because if I am right, I'm going to gain weight eating popcorn the entire trip."