The silence in the room grew more by the second.
Had they heard right? Li Hua? The more they looked at the women before them the more it clicked. They had the same features, sharp phoenix eyes with raven dark hair. Yet they seemed more mature then they remembered.
"Hello Everyone." Feeling their awkward stares she tried to move the conversation along. She didn't want to be there longer then she had to.
"Ah HuaHua come take a seat! It's been so long I didn't even recognize you. Tell me how long has it been? 9 years...no 10!" Feng Mian gestured.
Hearing that nickname, Li Hua cringed. "It's been 7 years." She walked over to the table. Seeing there was multiple seats open, her mind told her to sit at the farthest seat.
Seeing her move towards the back, Li Zheng spoke for the first time, "Come sit next to Li Yan."
Sighing, she turned around to see Li Yan. She hadn't noticed it before but Li Yan had been eyeing her down ever since she arrived. Disregarding her stares she took a seat.
The room was once again quite, no one speaking a word. Some maids came in and served tea. Seeing there was some commotion, Feng Mian spoke up once again.
"Well I bet your wondering why we called you here today! We are waiting on one more person, they should arrive in a few minutes."
"Alright." Li Hua spoke as she smelled the tea. The aroma was soft and calming.
They all drank their tea until the man from earlier knocked on the door.
"Young master Gu Ming, from the Gu Family has arrived."
The door opened and a man walked in. He was short and round, his cheeks plump. Li Hua thought hard. Gu Family? She had heard about them a little. They were a very well off family but the rumors about their son was what made them popular.
So this was him, Gu Ming. He was known for his great appetite and even greater attitude. He was only a few years older then her but the stories of his relationships were vast. What was he doing here?
"Ah Young Master Gu, thank you for coming. Please have a seat." Li Zheng said.
Gu Ming took the seat across from Li Hua. Staring at her with a big grin. Seeing this, she felt a chill run down her spine. Just what was going on?
Once everyone had settled, the maids brought in dinner. They started to put food on their plates when suddenly Li Zheng announced.
"Today we're here to discuss the marriage between Li Hua and Gu Ming."
Li Hua who had just put a piece of pork into her mouth had chocked.
"What!?"
It took a while for the words to register in her head.
She couldn't believe it. So this was why they wanted her here. To discuss a marriage?
"I'm sorry did I not make myself clear?" Li Zheng was obviously displeased by her reaction.
"It's ok Mr. Li I'm sure it's a shock to Ms. Li but we can work it out." Gu Ming said. He was looking at her with pleased eyes. It disgusted her.
"I'm sorry but I must go." Li Hua slammed her hands down and stood up from her seat.
"Sis calm down." Li Yan whispered. It was the first time she spoke and it was obviously for show. Of course the white lotus was being the white lotus.
"Li Hua can't you see you are embarrassing everyone. Sit down." Her father shouted. He was obviously angry.
"I'm sorry I will not. Please forgive my behavior. It was very nice seeing you all, really nice. I must go now I have business to attend to." Li Hua turned around without a second to spare and left the room.
~~~~
She should've known. They only wanted her back so they could marry her off. That way she wouldn't be an issue. If they were lucky she'd be beaten into nothing by that man.
She scoffed. "Your not getting rid of me that easily."
She walked towards the front of the house and was about to leave when someone tapped her shoulder.
Turning around she came face to face with Li Yan.
"Where do you think your going?"
"Home."
Hearing her say this Li Yan let out a big laugh.
"Home. What home? Without my family you'd be on the streets. Don't even think about going back to America."
Li Hua stood there. Even if she didn't want to admit it, Li Yan was right. Her life in America was funded by her parents and she had no where to go.
"Just realizing it now, huh? You really are pathetic. You can change how you look all you want but deep down your still my dog."
Li Hua looked up and stared at Li Yan in her eyes.
"Even a dog wouldn't waste its time on you." Li Yan tolled her eyes, turned around and opened the door.
As she walked out the house, Li Yan yelled at her from the door.
"You're going to regret this!"
Li Yan flipped her finger at her and kept walking.
~~~
A little while later, Li Yan was outside a hotel. While in America she had earned some money so she would be stable for a while. However, she knew she would need a job soon.
The hotel room she got was small and cramped but it would have to do for the time being. After she showered and got settled into bed she stared out the window.
It overlooked the entire city, 'At least I got a good view.' She thought. Everything looked so small from where she was at. Everyone down there had a life and a story. What was hers? Slowly her mind wandered to a figure. What was he doing?
Realizing her thoughts she quickly shook her head. It was no use in asking such silly questions. He made it obvious he wanted nothing to do with her.
The thought made her heart hurt.
~~~
Somewhere in a high rise building.
A man looked out on to the city. Recently, he had been looking out the windows a lot. It was just something about them that captivated him.
"Bro, what so interesting out there?" Someone called.
Su LingTian looked up and saw Lu Ting staring at him. They were out at an exclusive club supposed to be having a good time.
"It's nothing." He turned around and grabbed his drink. It was always nothing.