A Billion Dollar Exchange

''What's up? ''

Liu Wei closed his eyes, organizing the words in his mind.

''Baby? Are you there?''

Liling asked when she did not hear any response.

''Yeah… yes; … grandparents came back today…''

He finally said it; he shut his eyes briefly as he waited for her response.

No matter how Liling wanted to pretend that she was fine, the mention of grandparents sent shills down her spine;

''Wow… that's great; ''

She replied forcefully; her heart raced a little bit.

''We're having a family dinner tonight;… I will not be coming back today. ''

Liu Wei felt like slapping himself; he felt so miserable; he imagined how she would be feeling at that moment and it hurt him like a thousand blades, struck to his heart.

The phone call became eerily quiet. Liling could not find her words immediately such that it became obvious that she wasn't quite joyful.

''That's okay, you need to spend some quality time with them, it's been quite a long time. ''

Actually, she wasn't sad because he was having dinner with his grandparents, but what made her quiver was the fact that his father would be there, and he might bring up discussions concerning her.

''Are you okay? ''

Liu Wei asked, a concerned frown forming on his forehead;

''Liling exhaled an air she didn't know she had been holding;

''Yeah… yes, I'll be okay. I'll just eat quickly and sleep. You, enjoy yourself. ''

She replied affirmatively;

Liu Wei's head lowered;

''I'm sorry…''

''Baby, I'm not complaining, besides, it'll be selfish of me to take you away from your grandparents, don't you think? ''

SHe said, trying to make him not to worry.

''I'll call you after dinner, okay? ''

''Yeah, I'll be waiting. Bye. ''

''Yeah, bye ''

He stared at his phone for some time before putting it into his pocket and walking back into the house.

He went up to his room for the first time in years; everything was still arranged and very neat. The maids cleaned it regularly although he wasn't staying there anymore.

Some of his personal items were still there, even some clothes, except that he had outgrown them;

After looking around for a while, he went in and took a shower before changing into one of his pajamas, which although he had outgrown it, was a bit manageable;

Taking his clothes out for dry cleaning, he stepped downstairs;

His father had already returned and he was chatting with his grandparents in the living room.

He paused for a moment before coming over to join them;

''Good evening father; ''

Liu Wei greeted and sat on an empty couch;

''How have you been? ''

His father asked; a small smile on his lips.

Liu Wei knew his father well enough to know that the smile was not real; it was either that he had done something or was yet to do something;

''I'm…''

Just before he could respond, he was interrupted by the opening of the parlor glass doors;

Lo and behold, three people stepped in;

Da Xia, her father and her mom. Smiles plastered on their faces.

Liu Wei froze on the spot and his eyes darted instantly towards his father, who intentionally avoided any eye contact.

''Grandpa… grandma…''

Da Xia rushed towards them and embraced them in greeting;

''Oh, ChengFeng, I didn't know you were coming, and with your wife! ''

Mr Zang Ru stood up from the ground and welcomed the both of them;

Remembering that his parents did not know who they were, he immediately introduced;

''Dad, mom, this is ChengFeng, a very good friend of mine and a business associate and this is his wife and daughter, who is currently engaged to our dear Liu Wei. ''

If it was able to see with the mind's eyes; one would see a sizzling volcano boiling inside of Liu Wei.

So that was his father's plan? To introduce that mistake-of-a-woman to his grandparents before he would have anything to say?

To think that he was wicked enough!

''Oh my! What a beauty. ''

Grandma exclaimed, lifting Da Xia, who was still squatting from the floor.

''Oh Liu Wei, you didn't tell me she was this beautiful!! ''

She said, turning to glance at Liu Wei, who was sitting like a molten ice on the couch, unspeaking and unmoving. ''

The atmosphere became eerie, as everyone noticed his aloof expression.

Liu Wei's father and the Chengs understood what was happening, so his expression wasn't strange to them, it was only his grandparents, who had just returned that were confused.

Suddenly, Liu Wei stood up and greeted his grandparents;

''Grandpa… grandma, I'll be upstairs in my room, you can send for me when dinner is ready. ''

Without waiting for their response, he stomped off. Ignoring both his father and the bunch of clowns; who had just walked in. 

As soon as Liu Wei left, the situation became very awkward;

Grandma, who always saved the day, spoke up first;

''Don't worry, that's how he is most of the time, come; come sit down. ''

She welcomed them to the seats, and called on the maid to serve snacks, as they waited for dinner to be served.

Grandma kept Da Xia by her side, and asked her some questions about herself.

She was a graduate, she was beautiful and from the way she acted, she was well trained;

Why didn't her grandson like her?  Or was there someone else?

When it was time for dinner, Liu Wei was called down.

He respected the fact that his grandparents were there and came down for dinner.

During the meal, he didn't speak, only answering questions when asked.

Da Xia respected herself and didn't speak to him to avoid the embarrassment of being ignored.

After dinner, Liu Wei thanked them and turned to return to his room but his grandfather stopped him.

''Liu Wei, come sit, ''

He said as they walked towards the parlor.

Liu Wei paused for a second before stiffly obeying his command.

''I hear that you are managing the affairs of the company very well. ''

Grandpa said with a smile on his face;

''I'm trying my best. ''

''Good, that's good to know. ''  He paused fo a second before going on;

''You know you are the only child and grandson, don't you think it's time you get married? ''