The Emperor's Pampered Wife

The pitter-patter of water droplets on the bright sunny day suddenly sent everyone in a panic. Mothers picked up their children and those crossing in the road or walking down the street instantly held their hands up to cover their heads and ran at full speed. The drowned-out voice of the droplets suddenly boomed as it became deadly and strong. The wind accompanied it in its journey making skirts and dresses blossom like a rose. Everyone ran away from the open instantly filling in the empty restaurants and places.

Everyone hid, except the CEO of one of the great companies in the Imperial. Jian Lan Group's CEO, Hou Guanyu walked out of his office after grabbing his coat and strode towards the elevator. He was in a hurry and his employee can see it clearly. Normally, he'd walk down slow and greet them but today seems different. His long time assistant, Chu Jin and the new secretary Miss Yuri was behind him, both also wearing their professional look.

"Did you see CEO Hou? Do we have important visitors today?" one of the employees asked right after the elevator doors closed.

Those who were holding their breath suddenly sighed in relief. They thought it was the end of their career. As they were new there they thought that if the CEO becomes like that someone ought to get kicked out.

"I thought he was going to fire someone" they cried out.

The ones who had been there for a long time only shook their head. "If it were important visitors, CEO would normally be happy"

Her friend nodded her head in agreement. "Something must have happened back at their household"

A young woman in her 20s suddenly exclaimed "It must be terrible for the CEO to be like that"

There was silence at the older one's table. Instead of agreeing with her, they smiled and proceeded with their work. Shi Yuan, one of the closest employees to the CEO shook her head at them. "He may seem stoic...but he's actually holding back his joy. This only means she's coming back"

The other employees gave her a confused look but Shi Yuan had already returned to her office without even explaining anything in detail. She was such a cliffhanger, now everyone wants to find out who she's referring to.

.....

Meanwhile, inside the elevator, an oblivious Chen Yuri stood behind CEO Hou. As his secretary, she ought to know who he's meeting or if any visitors had suddenly shown up. She was supposed to be the one who gets their call first...but she received none that would warrant their CEO to take eager steps.

"Sir, the driver is waiting outside, shall I ask someone to wait outside the airport?" Assistant Chu Jin said and was ready to call someone.

But Guanyu suddenly spoke. "She wants her car, let someone drive it there and give it to her"

Now Yuri was much more confused. [Did his daughter go abroad?]

That can't be, she fetched Young Lady Jei Li yesterday and Miss Chungsa went to make trouble again yesterday so she can't possibly be abroad. Besides, if she did go, the possibility of her returning right afterward is only 5%. She's a spoiled little princess, she'd go shopping and touring first before she decides to return.

She wants to ask but she'd be admitting her shortcomings for not knowing what's going on. So she decided to just stand back and go with the flow.

"Are you not going there, sir? She's finally back in the country, shouldn't you be there to greet her?" Chu Jin asked boldly. Yuri however was not surprised.

In her short time, she had already noticed that the CEO does not treat Chu Jin as a mere assistant. Even if Chu Jin asks or says something that seems insulting to others, CEO Hou only acknowledges the insult and even thank him for the criticism. Perhaps it's because he's been with him for a very long time...or his insults simply made sense.

Guanyu looked at Chu Jin and nodded his head. "I want to, but you know her well. Now that she has a job she'd focus on that first. Worse, she might kick me if I go there with all the cars and the guards"

This time, Yuri was more convinced they weren't talking about Hou Chungsa or Hou Jei Li. If it was her she'd ask CEO Hou to bring all the cars he can get and all the men he can hire to show off her wealth. Hou Jei Li is so young to have a job. So who are they talking about?

"I understand your predicament. The young miss is indeed a hard one to handle, but it would still work out fine if you went" Chu Jin answered with all honesty.

"I'll meet her when it's time. That daughter of mine...she can do fine even without me around" their CEO answered with both disappointment and adoration.

He does miss her, but what can he do? He had done a terrible job as his father forcing her to leave the country. If she ever does hold resentment, he'll feel so bad he might get sick. So he needs to fortify himself. Until he can accept his daughter's words, he'll delay their meeting.

Yuri fell into a complete thinking mode. [Does the CEO have other daughters than Jei Li and Chungsa?]

Suddenly, she took an analyzing glance at their CEO. [Such a mighty man, the possibility of him having an illegitimate daughter is high. He might even have a lot of it]

Chu Jin took a glance at Yuri and noticed the slight change in her expression. He smiled, fully knowing what's running in her head.

A ting sound interrupted his staring as the elevator halted and opened up. Guanyu took the first step, followed by Chu Jin and Yuri. The men he had arranged greeted them and handed Chu Jin two pairs of umbrellas. Yuri took one and Chu Jin had the big one.

Once outside, Chu Jin made sure not a single drop of water touched their CEO. He was doing this job for a long time and knows very well how Guanyu hated getting damp.

"I'll be preparing the house for her, make sure you bring the things I asked you tonight" Guanyu ordered as he boarded the car.

"Well then, I'll be leaving. Call me if anything happens" he added and finally closed the window. Chu Jin and Yuri bowed down, each now holding their umbrella. The car drove at high speed at Guanyu's command leaving the two under the rain.

Yuri looked at Chu Jin and opened her mouth. But she was too nervous that a word never came out. If she asks, isn't she stepping out of bounds? The matter is much personal that if she asks Chu Jin might lash out at her for being nosy.

"I know what you're going to ask. But ask anyway. I know it's not a matter that can warrant your dismissal" he said and looked at her. Yuri nodded her head and gulped before looking at the empty road their CEO took.

"Does the CEO have an illegitimate daughter?"

Chu Jin sighed and shook his head. "He only has two daughters and has no illegitimate ones at all. You met Young Lady Jei Li already"

Yuri looked at him confused. But their CEO said 'that daughter of mine'. In shock, she looked at him. "Then he has a mistress, and he calls her daughter?"

This question took Chu Jin by surprise. He doesn't know if he was ought to laugh or bring her to a psychiatrist for thinking such a thing.

Who would even dare call their mistress, daughter? Such a question was idiotic but he does not blame her at all. She had only entered the company 3 months ago and she knew nothing like the others.

"Do you think Chungsa's attitude is what a lady of the Hou Household would act...much more a daughter he took care and raised?" he asked and turned around.

Yuri ran behind him, still confused about the matter. "You mean she was adopted?"

"No. She's merely someone leeching off others' wealth" he said and took a halt as he began thinking of Fe Chungsa who was reining on the throne that wasn't hers.

Fe Chungsa is not the real daughter. Chu Jin's question also implied she wasn't his illegitimate child. She's not adopted either. Which only means she's the daughter of his wife from another man.

[But why does he treat her like her own?]

"How come no one knows of his real daughter? He hid her so the daughter of his wife can take her place?" that thought was so sinister. But is their CEO really that kind of man?

[Is he the kind of blind husband that'd prefer the arrangements of his wife than the welfare of his daughter?]

Chu Jin shook his head. "It's not like CEO is hiding her, they just didn't try to find out who the real daughter was"

Yuri followed behind with tons of questions still lingering in her mind. [Why is he raising Chungsa like a spoiled brat while his daughter gets shrouded by mystery? Is he protecting her from someone? Maybe Fe Chungsa's mother schemed all this! Then the daughter could possibly be returning after she escaped the scheme?]

"Where is the real daughter now?" she was only asking it in her mind, but it slipped out.

Honestly, she does not like Fe Chungsa at all. She was a pampered brat and her attitude towards employees may seem great but she's nothing but a loathsome person in a mask. So she's curious where the real daughter is because perhaps she's a much better person. She'd want her around Jian Lan than the fake one.

Chu Jin went inside the elevator and Yuri not wanting to end the conversation followed suit. He does not want her to remain oblivious so he looked at her, analyzed her, and thought that she knows that the matter was not something she can spill out and interfere with. It's probably okay to tell her.

"She's at the airport and probably going to Yi Lan afterward for her first day of work"

Yuri's eyes went wide.

"The young lady is a doctor?" she asked which was only replied by a curt nod.

Unbelievable!

Becoming a doctor is hard work, much more working as one. She could just work at her father's company and spend more money than earn. But she actually decided to leave and become a doctor which warrants a lot of time and effort. It's also very dangerous because it exposes her to sickness.

[An heiress like her actually chose that than plainly being wealthy?!]

"What happened to them? Why is the CEO's daughter working like that?"

Chu Jin looked at her. "It's not appropriate to discuss it at such a place. But...is working as a doctor bad?"

In an instant, Yuri fell into a panic. She shook her head vigorously and gulped down. "No. I don't think so. It's just that... it's a virtuous job...and I think I like her already for becoming one. I pay great respect to doctors"

He nodded his head and understood her. At first, he too did not believe she abandoned her studies on finance and worked her ass out to become a doctor. However, he thinks she's much more charming now that she had become a doctor than a plain heiress who was bounded to Hansang.

"What's her name?" Yuri asked curiously.

Chu Jin looked at her before he looked away with a smile. "Doctor Hou Wei Yan...the rightful owner of Jian Lan Group"

.....

The sun was just rising at that time, everyone was practically sleeping in the neighborhood but the young doctor Hou was already up. She slung her back backpack with a key chain stating 'World's Most Awesome Doctor' written in it.

It wasn't like she was bragging but the key chain held a special meaning to her. It was the first thing that commemorated her arrival to her dreams of becoming a full-fledged doctor.

A profession she once thought was a pipe dream but through many struggles, she finally made it.

But now, she had to leave the country that made her realize her dream. A sad smile dominated her face as she looked around her apartment. It was full of memories, both good and bad.

She glanced at her kitchen which witnessed her journey from a terrible cook who burns even hot dogs, to a woman who one can call a great wife to be.

Then she lingers her eyes in her living room which practically saw all her mood shifts. It stood witness to how she still watches cartoons and idolizes young men whose great at singing and performing.

[Ahh, great times]

Lastly, her mini-library was there when she's gloomy or overly excited for a good read. It was the witness of how her passion for romance grew and how her dream guy came to be.

Such a great apartment, but she had to leave it because she had already achieved her reason for coming to America. "Don't worry, I'll come back when I have time" she mumbled to the wind as though comforting the apartment.

"Madame Rouche will take care of you while I'm gone" she added and took one final glance at the apartment.

With a heavy suitcase and her beloved stuffed toy in her hand, she exited her apartment and locked it with a heavy heart. She placed a gentle kiss on the door, pouring her feelings on it like she was bidding farewell to a lover.

After planting the kiss, she took slow steps away from her apartment and took the elevator. As the doors closed, a single tear slid down her face which she wiped instantly.

No, she's going to return, so she did not have to cry. She comforted herself and got off after arriving at the ground floor.

The owner of the place, Madame Pearson, was waiting for her below along the security guard. Both of them had viewed the young woman as a very important person in their life. She was very kind and caring. Even though she comes home rarely, she would always pay them respect and visit them with her signature chocolate cake with cayenne pepper ganache. Whenever someone gets sick, she'd always be the one to give first aid when she's there and help them with the hospital arrangements when she's at the hospital.

After learning of her sudden decision to leave, they were saddened. Seeing the young doctor stepping out of the elevator with her suitcase instantly sent Madame Pearson into tears. It was like her grandaughter was leaving and it's breaking her heart.

"Madame P" she exclaimed as she ran towards her. She wiped her tears away with a sad look. "Please don't cry, you're making me extremely sad"

Madame Pearson wiped her tears but continued to look at her sadly and silently weep. "I can't help it, you're leaving. Wei Yan, can't you stay?"

Wei Yan gave her a sincere smile and shook her head. "I have to, my stay here is long overdue. I have no more reason to stay away from my homeland. But it's not like I'll be gone forever, consider it just going out for a vacation"

Looking at the bright young woman who had a sad look in her eyes made her stop her weeping. She may look fine with everything, but her eyes spoke otherwise. As she looks deeply, she saw sadness, a pool of caged tears stood evidence of this. Hou Wei Yan made a decision, as elders they must respect it and not hinder her. If they do so, aren't they just burdening her and making her much sadder?

So the once weeping old woman hugged her tightly and let her go instantly. "I'll remember your words. Please be safe there"

"I will" she said and took a glance at Mr. Rafael.

"See you soon, Mr. Raffie" her smile was enough to show how grateful she was. Rafael nodded his head and waved his hands.

"Bring me your country's best food when you come back" he said as he has a deep fascination with Chinese cuisine.

Hou Wei Yan gave an endearing laugh. "I'll bring tons for you. Madame Rouche will be taking care of the apartment while I'm gone"

"We'll take care of her well, don't worry" he said. This made her relieve because Madame Rouche was quite a hard one to handle, but if Rafael was ready to take on the challenge, then she has nothing more to fear.

"Then, I'm off" she finally said and stepped out of the building, instantly boarding a taxi. She knew she would cry if she took another glance, so she fixed her gaze on her panda stuffed toy with a determined look. Once she's back in China, she will devote herself more to her job.

.....

Hou Wei Yan was now inside the airplane, a book of another romantic encounter in her hands. She swept her gaze outside and felt warmth rushing through her. She's finally mustered up the courage to return that it felt magical and nauseous.

Is she nervous?

Likely, since the possibility of a direct encounter with her fear is high.

"Honey? Honey, what's wrong?" the sudden call of a Chinese woman perked up her ears. She had called out quite loudly making some passengers look her way, including her.

Beside the woman was a three years old girl who was already crying and wheezing. She was clutching her chest as though she was in so much pain and was clearly out of breath as sweats began dripping down her face.

"She's having an attack. Xu, get her inhaler, quick" the male beside her ordered and stood up to hold the child's hands. "Its okay, baby, take deep breaths"

The woman named Xu scrambled in their luggage, practically throwing everything inside.

"Xu, hurry!" the man yelled taking some people by surprise.

They were speaking Chinese and most of the people on that flight were foreigners who were invited to an event in China. It was obvious the child was having an attack but what is she looking for?

The stewardess was already beside them, trying to help and control the situation. "Madame, what are we looking for, I may be of assistance"

Xu was already in tears as she crawled on the floor to take another look at the things she threw out. "Her inhaler, I didn't find it"

"Are you sure you had it inside the bag?" she asked while also looking around for the inhaler. The woman nodded her head and continued searching inside every space their bag had.

"Did you see any inhaler while she's searching for her bag?" she asked the passengers in English.

The couple who was looking at them the whole time shook their head. "We saw everything except any inhaler"

"Xu, what are you doing?!" the man yelled out again while soothing their daughter. "It's getting terrible"

Xu cried even more after hearing him exclaim. "I'm looking!!!"

The stewardess looked at her in worry. "Madame, it looks like it wasn't there. Perhaps you packed it in your checked luggage, it happens most of the time"

The young woman stopped, a sudden scene played out in her mind sending her tears to lose control. "Oh my God! Yan, it's in our checked luggage!"

Her husband stopped and looked at her in utter disbelief. "What? How the heck did that happen?!"

Her wife shook her head. "I don't know!"

She was now terrified to unknown lengths. What are they going to do now?

Noticing the sudden turn of events, her husband instantly called out for medical assistance. "Is there a doctor or a physician on board? Please come forward, there's a child having an asthma attack, we need immediate assistance"

Wei Yan closed her book in an instant and stood up. She walked towards the passenger's seat and looked at the stewardess. "I'm a doctor at Yi Lan hospital, call for the ambulance to be ready once we land. Tell them it's Doctor Hou Wei Yan. And get me an oxygen meter, please"

She clutched down and looked at the child. She was short of breath and might pass out but she's holding out quite well.

"Listen, darling" she stopped and looked at her parents. "What's her nickname?"

"Ruru. We call her Ruru" her mother instantly answered making her nod.

"Listen, Ruru. You're a very brave and outstanding girl. You're very calm, you're doing it excellently, so stay like that, okay? Stay calm. This older sister will help you, so take long deep breaths for me, okay? Ruru?" she asked with a bright smile sending the kid the assurance she needed.

Surprisingly, the kid nodded her head. The stewardess instantly gave her the oxygen meter. After a short while, she found out the child's oxygen level was dipping to a dangerous level. She looked around and calmly told the stewardess. "Ask for an inhaler"

The stewardess nodded her head and an instant, a middle-aged woman raised her hand.

"I have an inhaler with me" she walked towards them with an inhaler in her hands. Hou Wei Yan took a glance around and knew there won't be any hands raising up.

"Ma'am, are you the one using the inhaler?" she asked as the woman placed it in her hand. Wei Yan checked the inhaler.

"Yes, it's for me"

Slowly, she shook her head and looked at the child. "It's for adults. She's too young to understand how it properly works"

With what she said, the mother's tears fell once more. Now the situation is turning dire again.

Noticing this, Hou Wei Yan took the mother's hands and placed it in the child's hands. "Please hold her and calm her while I make preparations"

The husband looked at her dumbfounded. "What are you doing? Save her!"

"That's what I'm planning to do" she muttered before clapping her hand, drawing everyone's attention towards her.

"I need your help to make a makeshift nebulizer that delivers both oxygen and asthma medication. To create it, I need some things that you may have. I need a water bottle and a plastic cup" she asked in a kind manner no one can decline.

The couple earlier looked at their bag and luckily they have a water bottle. The young woman strode towards her and gave her the water bottle. Meanwhile, one old man handed her a plastic cup. She bowed down towards them. "I appreciate it, thank you so much"

She looked at the stewardess once more. "I need something to cut this up, an oxygen mask and an oxygen tank"

The stewardess took immediate action and gave her everything that she needed. "I had already called Yi Lan and they said they are on stand by"

"Thank you. Mr. Yan, please lend me a hand"

Seeing his daughter in such pain and not being able to do a thing, is very excruciating. If she does not do anything about this matter, it may leave some pent-up frustration to the father. The husband instantly let loose of his wife's hand and aided the doctor.

She cut up a water bottle and added oxygen to one end and the adult inhaler through a hole in a plastic bottle. Thus, the oxygen and medication will get delivered through the bottle's opening, directly to the child. After finishing her contraption, she brought it to Ruru, and with the help of her parents placed the oxygen mask.

She looked at the crying mother and slowly rubbed her back.

"She's going to be fine" she said and gave a sincere smile. "Your child is a fighter, and she has great parents to support her"

"Thank you" she cried as she hugged the doctor's arms. Her husband let loose the tears as he watched his daughter slowly regaining her normal breathing.

"Thank you doctor" he said as he wiped away his tears and held his daughter's hands.

This made everyone in the airplane who witnessed her performance clapped their hands. Wei Yan looked at them and kindly gave them a humble smile.

"It's because you helped me. Thank you so much" she said making them clap once more.

After it died down, she clutched again. "I will continue to observe her until we get to China"

The parents nodded their heads, slowly clutching their daughter who was just saved by a beautiful doctor a moment ago.

Right after two hours, the child had already begun playing with her mother once more. The people who continued watching along Wei Yan gave her an amused glance. This young woman seems too young to be a doctor that they doubted her at first. But she's the complete example of don't judge a book by its cover phrase.

What she did was simply outstanding!

The event that happened on board spread through quickly as the child Hou Wei Yan helped was taken in by Yi Lan Hospital. The ones who greeted the stewardess could not believe that the child was already laughing in the hands of his father. They doubted their story but there were a lot of witnesses they don't know how to react.

"But the young doctor left instantly, I don't know where she is" the stewardess desperately said. She fled making her think that perhaps she wasn't a doctor. But when she called Yi Lan Hospital they confirmed her identity. So why did she suddenly flee?

The young doctor who finished helping the kid on the stretcher smiled. "Don't worry, she's indeed our doctor...though she's newly hired. She probably fled because of the crowd"

The stewardess lingered her gaze and saw that there was indeed quite a crowd. "Why would she? She could use this for publicity"

"True. But that's not her. She's not someone who uses for publicity" she said and allowed the parents to get inside before getting in as well.

"Thank you for your hard work" she added and closed the door.

The ambulance instantly left giving her no chance to refute. The doctor who had done great job mid-air was nowhere in sight, she disappeared as though an angel who leaves after a miracle.

.....

"Ah, Xie Na, what's wrong?" she asked as she strode the airport with her suitcase. "Did Yi Lan took care of the child?"

A sigh was heard from the other line. "You left without permission again?"

This took Hou Wei Yan by surprise making her look around her surroundings, thinking that her best friend was just around the corner, sniping her. "What are you talking about? I never do that"

Xie Na clicked her tongue which made Wei Yan gulp down. "I was the one who fetched the child, you psycho. Where are you? Go to the hospital so I can give you a beating"

Hou Wei Yan laughed. Her adorable dimples showing and her eyes nearly gone from laughing.

"You really think I would go after your threat?" she said and continued strolling around.

"Hou Wei Yan, I'm serious. Everyone is dreading to meet you here, you can't skip on this one. They even prepared you some gifts and a cake"

A sigh escaped her lips. They had gone overboard. She was just a new employee so going to such lengths is too much. She does not want people to resent her, she just wants to work diligently, that's all.

"Xie Na, I'm---Ah!" A loud thud erupted as she landed on the cold tiled floor...butt first. It wasn't too painful but the impact was enough to numb it for a second. Her suitcase fell down as well which attracted some passersby.

Blushing, she stood up and dusted her pants. She then bent down and picked her fallen suitcase and panda before lingering her gaze around, searching for the person who bumped her. It didn't even take a second because surprisingly, the one who bumped her was standing close to her in a frozen state.

Confused, she called him out. "Excuse me, but an apology would do great, sir"

As though hypnotized, the man continued to stare at her making her much more confused. Does he know her? She's been gone from China for 8 long years. Those who remember her are scarce and she knows them all.

"Uhm, is there something in my face that warrants your frozen state?"

The man was taken aback and was finally brought back to reality. He took firm strides with a stoic face on his face. As he got closer, she was suddenly sent into a daze. She can't believe she's seeing it!

She can't believe she's actually laying her eyes on a very handsome man. He had raven-colored hair, held back and styled perfectly by gel. The color of his eyes was a perfect hue of gray like ash drifting on the wind and dancing as it goes up. His nose, his chin, his plump lips, and his long eyelashes were such perfection it harmonized too well. Not to mention, he was tall. She was already considered tall with a height of 5'9", but he was much taller than her.

If she's correct, he's about 6'2"? No...6'3"? His height was worth applause!

He was wearing a suit with a dark blue necktie which he wore like a model. His suit complemented his look very well, you'd want to give him more than 10 points for overall appearance.

While she was caught in the trap of his brilliance, the man was already standing before her, analyzing her appearance. What he saw wasn't the supposed brunette girl, but a blonde curled woman. Her complexion was perfect in color and her eyes were an extremely rare colored emerald. Realizing he was drowning, he instantly diverted his attention to her expression. He was concerned all of a sudden, but it vanished when he saw adoration.

With a slight unnoticeable smile, he touched her shoulders gently to bring her back to her senses. "I'm so sorry for bumping into you"

Startled, Wei Yan took a step back which sent the man to vanish his smile. [Did she remember something?]

"Are you okay?"

Hou Wei Yan shook her head shyly. A blush still evident in her face. She had seen a fair share of handsome men in her life, but somehow, he had mysterious charm drawing her towards him. No matter how hard she tried to divert her attention, her eyes always lead her back to him.

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern" she said and glance up once more as the man was a bit higher than her.

"I sincerely apologize. But you fell on the floor, are you sure you're not hurt?" he asked again. He took a step forward, he took slow steps as though he was walking on ice. Right now that is what he's feeling. If he's not careful, who knows how she will react.

She shook her head again and gave him a sincere smile. As he walked closer, she just remained rooted on the ground.

"Thank you for your apology. I'm really not hurt at all" she said and bowed down before taking her suitcase and instantly fleeing the scene as people were beginning to take notice of their interaction.

She fled in haste, completely forgetting her stuffed panda.

The man looked at her as she eagerly took long strides away from him. He continued watching her and the path she took even though she already exited the building.

[She's back]

[Finally, she's back!]

He's finally able to meet her after 8 years of restrain. A smile crept through his face as he looked at his hands that held her shoulders earlier. He looks like a crazy person for grinning widely right now, but he did not care. He was simply overjoyed by such wonderful news.

Noticing the lone panda, he picked it up and held it securely in his hands.

"Brother Li!" a woman's voice booming voice suddenly erupted making him turn his head back and break his fantasy.

He took one final glance at the exit and then walked away calmly towards the calamity. His gaze fell upon a woman dressed in an American lazy style outfit. She wore plain white clothes overlapped by a black coat and loose ripped jeans complemented with a pair of white sneakers.

"Changhai, your mother would faint if you go home looking like that" he said as he took hold of her suitcase and began dragging it.

"Who cares about it, clothes don't actually matter. Even those with high profession wear so simple clothes and yet they still do their job properly" he looked at his cousin weirdly because she was somehow affected by someone to say such things.

Changhai gave him a happy and hyper smile as she clapped her hands before hugging his arms in joy. "Ohhhh, by the way, brother. I found you a very good match!"

Bored and uninterested, he simply gave her a grunt of disapproval. This sent her to pout and halt their walk. "Brother, I'm serious. She's really pretty and honorable you'll find her great too"

"Changhai, you told me that a million times already" he said as he looked at her seriously. He wasn't interested in anyone, his heart was already fixed on a certain someone.

She gave him a look of disappointment as she remembered all the wasted dates and friendships. The Elders of their family had given her many gifts by setting up her older cousin on dates. Initially, she was doing it for all the incentives she will receive, but over time, she began feeling bad for her brother who's been single for a long time.

It would have been fine if he was enjoying his life as a bachelor, but he was not! He was always working, working, and working, that she find it miserable.

"But you never even met any of my arrangements! This time for sure, you'll like her" she continued her chatter as they continued walking.

"She's a doctor and she saved a kid having an asthma attack on the plane earlier. I was so amazed because she was humble and considerate! Much more, she has deep and rich colored emerald eyes you'd get mesmerized by it" she exclaimed in excitement as she remembered the color of her eyes.

It held determination to save a life.

He was taken aback by her description. Rare rich emerald-colored eyes. Such a description perfectly fits Hou Wei Yan's description. "Changhai, what's---"

"There you are!" someone suddenly exclaimed. His attention was instantly drawn to the voice that echoed and not far was a panting woman gripping her suitcase.

She took eager steps towards the man, afraid that he'd run away with her toy.

"Excuse me but, that's mine" she said while pointing at the panda in his hands right after arriving in front of him.

He looked at the panda and the woman. Did she return for the toy? Somehow, he felt glad when he thought of that. She came back, he can look at her again.

"I'm so sorry for interrupting you but I dropped it and I really need that"

Looking at her sweaty figure, she must have already gone far but had to return. He wants to keep her much longer, but who was he to hinder her appointments?

"Here. Next time check before leaving" he said as he handed down the panda to her with hesitation.

Changhai remained there, watching as they interact with each other. Her cousin never really likes girls and he'd ignore or brush them off without giving them a chance to make a move on him. He was that adamant to women, but now look at him go! She was so excited, it was like watching a romantic movie with a very fresh start and soon it will blossom into a great love.

She badly needs a popcorn right now!

Wei Yan accepted the toy with a smile and bowed down to thank him. "Thank you so much"

Noticing she suddenly took a step back, Changhai had no choice but to intervene. She can't leave just yet! Not when the show is just getting started!

[Their romance needs more time to bloom!]

"You're the doctor who saved that little girl earlier, aren't you?"

This made Hou Wei Yan stop and look at her. She must be a passenger earlier. "If I remember correctly, you're Doctor Hou?"

She gave Changhai a warm smile.

"Yes, I am. I'm so sorry but I really have to go. I still have a very important meeting to attend" she bowed down once more and gave an apologetic look.

Changhai shook her head accompanied by her hands. "Ah, no. It's okay, being a doctor is tough work. Sorry for holding you back"

"Thank you so much" she took one final glance at the two and instantly turned around to leave. Like earlier, he remained there, watching as she exits and watching her tracks. Changhai smiled and snapped her fingers.

"That's the woman I was talking about. So what about now? Interested? I can arrange for you to meet. It's easier to approach her as a woman" she offered but he rejected her with one look. He took out his phone and instantly dialed his trusted assistant.

"Huang Xun...arrange someone to watch over Hou Wei Yan. Make him report everything directly to me" he ordered and hang up. Changhai was left speechless as she slowly clapped her hand.

"Woah, is this how Ji Li Zhao works his way to a woman's heart. Woah, you move quite fast. How did you know her name?" she asked but she was shrugged off as Li Zhao began walking faster and leaving her behind.

Right now, he needs to investigate once more on the 8 years he missed in her life.

Tianshi Conglomerate, one of the leading empires dominating the imperial and one of the greatest companies under the Ji Empire, was somehow in a state of panic. Particularly, the great assistant's office.

A man was sitting in his chair, quietly scrolling down the tablet in his hands which held important details of the men in front of him. There are 3 of them in total. Two of them were specially trained agents with great martial arts skills, while the other excel in the field of computer and hacking.

With a sigh, he placed his tablet down and gazed at them. He never expected his boss to order such a thing right after meeting his first love. Yes, he has a vast knowledge of their President's love life and he's been dreading to personally meet the person who was able to steal from the world's most vaulted heart.

"Your target this time is a woman around 26 named Hou Wei Yan. Originally, she has brownish hair but she dyed it blonde. Her eyes are rare rich emerald in color. I got the news that she's now a newly hired doctor at Yi Lan Hospital" he said as he described her the way Bei Changhai described Wei Yan with enthusiasm.

The men remained stoic but each took a knowing glance at each other. The man that stood in the middle, took a step forward garnering Huang Xun's attention. "Assassination"

Huang Xun immediately shook his head. It was indeed surprising for them to be called and given a woman as their target. Their boss is a very terrifying man but he spares women and children.

He was firm in his belief that its a man's responsibility to take care of women and children. No one dared question him about that at all.

"Your job is to guard and monitor her as well as finding out every single detail about her. From the reason why she's back to the reason why she dyed her hair blonde"

The three of them were frozen in the spot. They're spying on a woman? For their boss to order such a thing, could she possibly be their future lady boss?

Oh, such delight!

They had always wanted him to find a partner. Under his rule, unless you devote yourself to protecting your woman...you can't simply play around or you might get beaten by the seniors. This developed a great atmosphere in their base as everyone was devoted and loyal to their partner.

Now they wish their boss to bask in the great water of marriage.

"Do your job properly and report directly to the boss. He wants every detail, so don't go goofing around by missing out on anything in your report" the way this was said held warning and danger.

By the way their boss wants to be hands-on, their hypothesis could be 100% true. After knowing everything, he'll make a strategy, capture her heart, and get married. They will make sure she's safe and will even help if he's in trouble. After all, they are experienced and could be practically called experts in wife wooing.

But does he even need others to help?

"Her best friend, Xie Na might be of assistance to you" he said and handed them a folder containing Xie Na's information before waving his hands.

"I'll be watching" he added, his eyes turning to a dangerous dark shade.

[We know, why does he have to scare us all the time?]

Each of them thought as they bowed down and exited his office.

.....

"Xie Na, stop gobbling at the cake" Hou Wei Yan muttered as he looked at some medical records handed down to her.

It was just her first day but they already started their torture of her. At first, they were warm as they gave her a grand welcome. But right afterward, they began shoving some medical records to her. This is why she hates welcome parties. It's annoying and now she has to suffer.

Xie Na looked at her best friend who was seriously looking at each of the records. Her gaze landed on the pile of records she had already finished. It had already accumulated like a tower making her smile. "They're testing you quite roughly, huh"

"I know. For me to stand a place here, I have to work harder and surpass my sloppy past" she replied, her gaze still focused on the papers.

Looking at her made Xie Na suddenly smile. "So, unto another topic. When are you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?"

This question suddenly made Hou Wei Yan's movement stop. She turned her head slowly at her, her face now full of confusion.

"When did I tell you I'd introduce you one?"

"Come on, you told me once you return there would be a man trailing behind you and you'd introduce me to him" she said while wiggling her brows in a teasing manner.

"So where did you meet? Or...How did you meet? Was it love at first sight?"

Not knowing whether her friend is crazy, she shook her head with a sigh. "When did I ever say he's my boyfriend?"

Disappointed, Xie Na slid across the room and stopped in front of her table. She took hold of the papers in her hands and gave her a questioning look. What was that all about? Did she just expect and waited for nothing?

"What do you mean by that?"

She shrugged her shoulders and arranged the papers neatly. "I'm talking about a bodyguard. Dad hired someone behind my back, I was thinking you'd like to meet him. After all, his looks don't fall below your standards"

"Psycho, I already have a loyal boyfriend. As if I'd go looking for trouble" Wei Yan glanced at her at the mention of her boyfriend. She's glad Xie Na found someone, but she's not sure if he's really a devoted one.

After all, she never met and interacted with him in person. She'll have to wait and see and let the book unfold.

Amidst their cheerful chatter, a loud bang suddenly echoed making them flinch and look at the door. There stood a nurse, sweating and panting like crazy.

"Yes? Do you need something?" Xie Na asked as she strode towards the nurse. Analyzing her uniform and appearance, she's young and must have been new here.

"Doc---Doctor Hou, there's an emergency patient! We need your help!" at the mention of emergency, Hou Wei Yan did not put much thought and simply took out her coat.

She wore it as she walked and adjusted its collar. She grabbed a handful of her hair and tied it into a messy bun creating quite a sexy atmosphere around her.

Before stepping out, she gave Xie Na a look and pointed the desk with her mouth.

"There's a letter from little Aina in the drawer. I forgot to hand it out earlier" and with that, she leads the nurse out as the doors of her office closed. She had familiarized the building and everything in it, so they easily arrived at the emergency ward where a bloody mess was happening.

.....

It was already 6 in the afternoon when Ji Li Zhao found time to return to his office. As he walked inside the company, everyone paid their respect and bowed down before proceeding to their task. He sat down in his chair calmly while looking out the window.

The once crying sky was now as clear as the vast crystal clear ocean. It was like the weather was accompanying his mood.

After receiving the news of his sudden return, Huang Xun was now in front of the President's Office. He got there at lightning speed which amazed those newly hired employees. He knocked on the door three times before calling out. "President Ji"

"Come inside" he answered as he fixed his tie and faced Huang Xun in his professional and businessman state. "What came out of the task I gave you?"

Huang Xun simply nodded his head and handed down the tablet he held earlier. "These are the musketeers' profile and Miss Hou Wei Yan's profile. They could not reach you earlier, so they had told me of the news"

He scrolled down the tablet and also nodded his head. His assistant chose one of their best which made him feel relieved. "Speak"

His gaze was on the detailed and updated profile of Wei Yan. What caught his interest was a hundred pictures of her in different places and different angles. His cold border was melted in an instant as he saw an image of her most brilliant smile.

Behind her was a wildflower field full of flowers of different kinds popping at the most random order. His hands automatically touched her cheeks and softly caress them, something he wanted to do for a very long time now.

Huang Xun coughed taking him back to the present time. This had always been normality to him. Whenever a picture of the young lady appears and the boss' gaze fell upon it, he loses his senses.

[No]

[More like, he drowns out the other noises and focuses his full attention on the picture as he reminisces good times]

"Miss Hou went straight to Yi Lan Hospital after her arrival. She showed no sign of wanting to return to the Hou Household and had only been diligently working. After receiving a pile of paperwork, she's now performing a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on a middle-aged woman suffering from severe Coronary Heart Disease" he said as he observed the expression on the President's face.

It was only for a split second, but he noticed it grim for a while. Was he concerned she'd injure herself in surgery?

Besides that, he was also curious about one thing. He's been longing to be together with her, and yet when she's finally in front of him, he hid and ordered men to observe and protect her. He should just approach her and build up their relationship, why is he hiding?

"President, I have known of your relationship with Miss Hou. May I boldly ask you something?"

Ji Li Zhao swept his gaze at him and at the picture filled tablet before nodding his head. He trusted the man in front of him and had shared his love event with him after testing him countless times. When someone knows your burden, it's much easier to breathe.

"Are you perhaps afraid she'd find out?" he asked making Li Zhao look at him and slowly sigh in defeat. He feared that if he lingers around, she'll remember and freak out.

His name, Ji Li Zhao, was equivalent to a brave emperor who has no fears...but that title is an utter lie. He has a lot of fears, everything mostly concerning Hou Wei Yan, and the one taking the top spot is her finding out the sin he had committed right in front of her eyes.

The emperor's silence confirmed his guess. So he was indeed afraid. But the matter was a long time ago, her trauma held back her memories, and she met him already and reacted like he's a complete stranger. Isn't he the only one scaring himself?

He shook his head and dismissed such thought. "What are your orders, President?"

Li Zhao remained silent for a second before looking directly at his eyes. "Let's observe her for a week. Afterward, arrange a meeting with Jian Lan's CEO, I have a favor he needs to fulfill"

Knowing fully well what it was, a smile crept through Huang Xun's face. "Is that all?"

"I want Yi Lan Hospital. Find ways to make it mine and if the owner asks...call me so I can meet him personally" Ji Li Zhao ordered.

He's not going to rule it, he'll only watch on the sideline. Since Hou Wei Yan is now a doctor in Yi Lan, he needs a high position so he can protect her from anyone who would dare lay a finger at her. Once he owns Yi Lan, he'll have more reasons to visit from time to time to take a peek at her.

Their company is not yet in the medical field, but since his future wife is a doctor...he'll enter that industry and he will pave a path for her.