"It is Lin Jia Li's birthday and Mr. w.a.n.g Wei has been personally overseeing the planning for the same," the a.s.sistant had told him at that time.

"Who is Lin Jia Li?" Mr. w.a.n.g had asked in surprise, never having heard that name cross his son's lips.

"Oh, she is the manager at the Moganshan language inst.i.tute, where Mr. w.a.n.g Wei goes every weekend," the a.s.sistant had replied helpfully, cluelessly.

A few discreet enquiries later, Mr. w.a.n.g had received a fair idea of the importance of this woman in his son's life. Though he had never interfered in his son's life or its decisions, he definitely wanted to know more about the person who had brought such a drastic positive change in Wei's life. He was looking forward to knowing her better.

"We have managed to click enough pictures and conducted a few interviews. I think this should be enough for the article that I intend to publish," Chu told Jia Li.

"On behalf of the inst.i.tute and the people, I am really thankful. The positive feedback will go a long way in showcasing the place in a positive light," Jia Li said gratefully.

"Look at you being so formal Jia Li. I did it partly for you and because it is a part of my brother's company. But a big reason for coming here was the inst.i.tute itself. Good ideas attract more good ideas," she replied warmly.

All three of them made their way back to Jia Li's office where Tang was still immersed in the office records.

"Oh, you guys are back so soon?" he looked up in surprise and stretched his arms above his head.

"Soon? It's been three hours. I guess the numbers kept you so entertained that you lost track of time," Ethan spoke, a naughty grin on his face.

Tang matched his grin and got up from Jia Li's chair.

"I guess we should head back then," he addressed his sister and her fiancé.

"You want to leave now?" Jia Li looked at him in surprise, peering at the window outside.

"It's grown dark outside. It has snowed in the past few days and the roads maybe slippery. Why don't you leave early in the morning?" she said anxiously.

Tang walked up to her and said huskily, "it's good to hear concern in your voice for me. Been so long that you worriedly bit that lower lip for me."

Jia Li hadn't realised that she was chewing her lip as had been her habit. She broke the hypnotic eye contact and took a step back.

She tried to persuade Chu, "I seriously don't think it's wise for you guys to travel tonight. You can stay the night and leave early morning."

Chu shrugged her shoulders and said that she was okay with whatever the boys decided.

"You don't have confidence in my driving skills? Have you forgotten that I grew up on this mountain as well? I am not trying to be difficult but I have an important meeting lined up tomorrow morning. It is imperative that I reach back tonight," Tang said charmingly.

She looked at Ethan, who threw his hands up in surrender.

Sighing, she said, "let me get some hot food packed for all of you. I don't want you to stay back for dinner and delay the departure then."

Once Jia Li had left the room, Chu looked at her brother in concern. He reached for her arm and pulled her closer to him.

"Have faith in me. I promise no harm will come to anyone, hmm…" he calmed her down.

Jia Li bade them farewell with an edgy feeling in her heart. Tang had never refused her like this in the past, she groused. Tidying up, she finally found her phone and was startled to see so many missed calls from Wei.

"Is everything alright? I am sorry that I missed your calls. My phone was on silent and I have had a busy day," she rattled off the minute he picked her call.

"How can you be so irresponsible? After you didn't pick up, I called the reception and got to know that you were busy touring the place with Ethan and Chu. I understand you are a workaholic but can you be a little sensitive towards the people who care for you. At this rate, I won't live to see my 40th birthday also," he chided her gently.

Feeling guilty, she kept quiet and waited for him to finish his rant.

"Now, don't make me feel bad by staying shut. I was just worried about you. My day doesn't go well if it doesn't have your voice in it," he said softly.

"I am truly sorry. I didn't mean to worry you," she repeated.