The butlers greeted the two as soon as they arrived in unison.

"Young Master Su," they said simultaneously, bowing respectfully. Su Feng granted them a curt nod, acknowledging their valuable presence.

They walked into the main house where a large staircase stood in the middle, parted between two wings of the household. One of the butlers placed her stuff in her guest room, which was not far from Su Feng's.

Song Ren changed into a flowy navy-blue dress when she saw Su Feng leaning on a pillar from outside her room. He wore a full black pressed suit, his golden hair combed to the side. He gasped at the sight of her; his lips parted in awe.

It took a moment for him to respond. Su Feng then grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into his room. He approached his dresser and took out a long black box.

Su Feng then took small steps towards her and placed the box in her hand. Song Ren was surprised to have received a gift. "What is it?" she asked.

"Open it," he said tenderly.

Song Ren opened the black case, revealing a diamond necklace shaped like leaves. She was mesmerized by the beauty of jewelry. Su Feng gestured her to turn around.

Song Ren moved swiftly, facing the mirror on the side of the wall. From the reflection, Su Feng placed the necklace around her bare pale-white neck that complimented her dress.

He stared at her in admiration and then Su Feng hugged her from behind abruptly. For a moment she paused; she slowly then leaned back into his embrace. Song Ren felt utterly stunned.

"Why did you give me this?" she asked, unbelieving, craning her neck to view him.

Su Feng twirled her around to face him; he hugged her waist tightly, resting his chin over her shoulder. Song Ren held her head up high, challenging him, wondering which one of them would cave into their overwhelming desire. If they were animals, she would have already fallen into his pheromones.

Song Ren embraced him back, but then he pulled his face away from her shoulder, meeting her face, so close that she could see the overlapping colours in his eyes. Their breaths clashed, but their intentions were interrupted by the butler.

The older gentleman cleared his throat, "Master and Madam Su await for your presence in the dining room."

Su Feng, still wrapped around Song Ren said, "We'll be down there soon."

Song Ren flushed in embarra.s.sment, trying to push him away, but he never budged, only gripping her tighter. She gritted her teeth, "We need to greet your parents," she argued.

Su Feng frowned, "all right," he said.

Su Feng offered her an elbow. Song Ren took it by locking her arm with his as they walked down the staircase towards the dining hall.

The dining room was majestic and enchanting. A long table stood in the middle of the hall with guests surrounding the table. As soon as they entered, a young blonde girl stood up from her chair and hastily ran up to Su Feng with a close embrace. The girl appeared to be around fifteen. She wore a pink chiffon dress; her blonde hair curled in tight waves, her eyes twinkled blue-grey.

"h.e.l.lo, sister," Su Feng said while patting her head.

"Su Feng!" she gazed at him with admiration. She then turned to Song Ren, "Is this the girl? Is this Song Ren?" she asked.

Su Feng looked at Song Ren, his expression soft and proud, "Yes, it's her." He turned to face her, "Song Ren, this is my sister Su Yuying."

"h.e.l.lo Yuying," Song Ren said politely with a soft smile. Su Yuying reached up to her brother's ear and said something while looking at Song Ren. "Feng, she's gorgeous."

Song Ren's previous tense and stiff body softened into mush after hearing those words.

Su Yuying approached her, grabbing her hands, "Brother always talks about you!" she admitted. Song Ren's eyes widened.

"No, I haven't," he said while glaring at his younger sister.

Su Yuying glared back at him, "Yes you have, even years ago, all I heard was—"

Su Feng interrupted his sister's words from saying any more, by covering her mouth. The girl's eyes widened. "Go sit down," he told her. Su Yuying listened to him obediently and found her place.

Su Feng placed a hand over Song Ren's waist and guided her to the Master and Madam Su. Master Su had black hair peppered with gray, and dark brown eyes, while his wife had dark brown hair streaked with white and green eyes. Song Ren knew that Su Feng was half-German; therefore, she felt puzzled that he did not resemble his parent's, but she smiled without appearing to be surprised.

"h.e.l.lo Master and Madam Su," Song Ren bowed down respectfully, "I'm happy to meet you." Madam Su smiled at her gently. Although she was well over fifty, Su Feng's mother still looked young; she had no laugh lines or wrinkles. "h.e.l.lo," Madam Su greeted her politetly.

Master Su's face was hard and grave; he granted her a curt nod but did not say any more. Awkwardly, Su Feng escorted her to the only two empty seats next to Su Yuying. The chatting quieted as they took their seats, most of Su Feng's relatives looked at her. After a moment, the chatting resumed.

Under the table, Su Feng caressed her hand with his thumb, granting her a rea.s.suring gesture, and the night began.