The grand hall was richly and carefully decorated to welcome the guests. Butlers seam around the room offering glasses of several drinks in several colors. The orchestra that Madam Yoon played soft tones in the background as the guests who had arrived greeted and spoke with their acquaintances.
"This could be the most important day of your life, nevermind your wedding. today you will make acquaintances with your future wedding guests, so be jovial and confident". Madam Yoon whispered to Jade as they stood at the entrance of the grand hall.
Jade clutched her purse tightly. "I'm suddenly feeling unready " She confessed
Madam Yoon sighed. "No you shouldn't, you are already beautiful and I'm sure you'll stand out tonight, so just introduce yourself to as much people as possible and that's it" She said trying to calm Jade.
Jade nodded in agreement as her Mother's words suddenly made her anxious. truly her Mother had outdone herself with the preparations so the least she could do was get acquainted with a few guests, what was the worst that could happen. "Let's go " Jade said and immediately her Mother pulled her along as she walked into the hall.
"Confidence " Jade heard her Mother whisper, then she realized that she was staring and she immediately composed herself and gave a small smile which she very well knew was going to be on her lips for the rest of the evening.
As they walked into the hall Jade felt several pairs of eyes watching her but thankfully Yeong approached her and she linked her arms around his.
"let's meet Father" Yeong said as he led her to where his parents were standing with a few guests .
"Father" Yeong said when they stood before a middle aged man, whose hair was fully grey, though he looked unhealthy his handsome features were still uninterrupted. he had on more clothes than anyone else, he held a walking stick in one hand and Madam lee in the other.
"Father, you really shouldn't have bothered, what if your health is affected. " Jade said in worry.She was grateful that he was able to make it but she was still concerned for his health. Her Father in law was the nicest person she had ever met. When her engagement was first announced, he was the only person in the family who treated her with utmost sincerity and she respected him for that.
"My doctor speaks more than I can understand about my health, so I also wouldn't want to hear anymore about it. And why wouldn't I come to see your house when Yeong had done nothing but brag about how better his house was" Chairman lee said
Jade smiled at his joke and turned to greet her Mother in law with a peck on both cheeks.
"You look lovely " Mrs lee said
"Thank you "
"Oh my, if it isn't the couple of the night, you both look good together " A round woman in a purple lace dress said.
Jade flashed her a bright smile, while Yeong just smiled awkwardly.
The woman spoke to them about a few things before leaving. Jade knew that the woman was Madam Do and she was an antiquarian, she also promised to send them invitations to her next exhibition and fundraising auction.
"How about you both go ahead and greet the guest while Yeong and I meet a few people before I go " Chairman lee said and Mrs Lee gave him a small smile before leaving with Jade to greet the guests.
The guests that they met engaged them in small discussions,while most of it were interesting the rest just bored Jade.
A few minutes later, Mrs Lee's attention was called and she left Jade with her mother.
"You see that woman in blue dress with the short permed hair?" Madam Yoon said to Jade who nodded when she saw the woman who was speaking to someone with a bored expression on her face. "She is Madam Ahn. Back then her marriage was such a big issue because her in laws wouldn't let their son marry a foreigner, but now that her social network is second to your in law's , she has put her In laws in their rightful place. And she's a very snobbish person, no wonder her favorite lee is Ruby so just in case she approaches you, say something nice about Ruby and you're automatically under her protection " Madam Yoon said and just as she said, the woman started walking towards them.
"Madam Yoon " Madam Ahn greeted and turned to Jade. "You have a nice house and I like what you've done with the garden "
"Thank you " Jade said with a smile
"I don't seem to see Ruby around, isn't she here?" Madam Ahn asked
"Ruby is very busy with work,so she sent gifts and promised to make it up to you all. She takes such good care of the family business" Jade said, regretting why she said more than she was asked.
Madam Ahn observed Jade carefully. "You seem to think highly of your sister in law"
"She's very responsible and Capable " Jade added.
Madam Ahn opened her purse and handed Jade a gold card. "Let's take this as your housewarming gift. With time You'll know how to make use of that" She said and without waiting for Jade's reply, she left.
"I always heard of this but I am truly Seeing this gold card for the first time" Madam Yoon said as her eyes glowed with happiness.
"What is it?" Jade asked as she looked at the card that had only two words on it, 'AHN's Ś '
"This card is only granted to people that the Ahn family owe a favor. What you have in your hand is the Ahn's saving card. Depending on the people you meet where you are, that card can do a lot of things and I mean anything". Madam Yoon said
"That is so cool " Jade said in astonishment as she put the card in her bag.
"Well since its not too late to say this but, welcome to Ahn's protection" Madam Yoon said with pride.