Yao Tan looked at his watch and noticed it was 2:30pm . Heading with Amanda to the stage area, he noticed the boys about to leave, so picked up the microphone set up there .

"h.e.l.lo everyone . My wife Amanda and I welcome our friends and family here to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of our children Tan Junior, Ton and Alecia today, along with the early celebration for my birthday on Monday . Children, could you and James please join us up here . "

The boys with those few words knew their father spotted them, and unless they refused to join him and Amanda, Alecia would again become the centre of attention . They rutned and headed to the stage area joining their father, Amanda, Alecia and James on the stage .

"As you all know," continued Yao Tan, "I was thrust into parenthood at the age of sixteen . For you my children, and all of your friends out there let it be a lesson particularly is you are s.e.xually active with your boyfriend/girlfriend, practice safe s*x . " That comment caused a ripple of laughter throughout the room .

"While I never expected to become a parent, let alone a sole parent at such a young age, given their mother decided to surrender her parental rights just after their birth, I have never regretted the decision to raise the three of you on my own . Seventeen years later, life has been an adventure with each of you, and I would not have changed a thing, despite having my wife with me . "

"Now, before any of you yell out about my parents…"

Hou Yi could not help himself, and yelled out "Yeah them, and some close friends too . "

This drew some chuckles from the crowd and someone added, "Friend and business rivals . "

"Frememies?" came someone else resulting in laughter throughout the room .

"Thanks everyone, making a joke out of me . "

"Well it is easy . "

"Please let me be serious so we can get back to the fun . " After a brief pause Yao Tan continued "Luckily I have the most wonderful parents who not only supported my decision to raise my children as a sole parent, they have graciously returned from their seemingly never-ending retirement holiday to come and join us in celebrating birthdays today . " Yao Tan politely clapped, and everyone present jointed in .

"Their support when the triplets were born to complete the school year . But them made it clear I needed to raise and support the children . Their tough love meant I had to learn to care for and be financially responsible for them, but deep down I always knew the last thing they would see was their son or grandchildren suffer . They reminded me constantly that I needed to achieve my full potential, including ensuring I completed my education . "

"While I was able to get my foot in the door at XF International, they ensured that being the CEO and Chairman's son was no guarantee of promotion . I had to learn the business from the bottom up . I never had a free ride and achieve by my own actions . My hope is, my children you develop the same work ethic, as well as any siblings Amanda and I may have for you in the future . "

"Despite everything I hope you realise my children you have been my priority . I want you to soar and achieve your dreams . You each have your own talents and skills and deserve the opportunity, within reason, to achieve what you want and explore to determine your own path . "

That drew a few laughs, and without Junior and Ton realising it he had laid down the reality that they would end up facing .

"My darling daughter, you have just commenced your new life adventure . You are leaving us for just under six months heading overseas with your husband…" This drew gasps of shock from those guests who had not heard about Alecia's marriage .

Yan Tan continued "…for him to complete his university degree, before you both return here with you joining XF International while going to University . Your path will be like mine, starting at the bottom and earning your way up . Can you and James please promise me that I will not become a grandfather until you turn at least twenty . "

"Dad, who knows what the future will bring . "

"Alecia, stop trying to give me a heart attack . The last thing I want is your husband performing CPR on me . " Those around who knew that James was almost completed his nursing degree laughed .

Someone not knowing the joke asked "What is so funny?"

Anna responded "My brother has almost completed a nursing degree, so as a medical professional he would be expected to …" That then caused the laughter to spread once people realised what would happen .