It'll Come Naturally

Edward was a man of wealth and status. He was supposed to meet Leo Ouyang at Mochan Restaurant at 7, but he arrived at 7:15. He never felt the need to arrive early, and no one ever challenged him over his penchant for tardiness.

The waiter ushered Edward to the room booked by Leo Ouyang and knocked on the door.

A deep voice came from within. "Come in." Edward entered the room, and his eyes were drawn to Leo Ouyang's smile.

"Boss Mu! Nice to meet you." Leo said. "Please...come in." Leo stood up as Edward approached. His behavior confused Edward. Why did his father-in-law call him "Boss Mu?" Why so formal?

Edward decided to play along, also adopting a formal tone. "Mr. Ouyang. It's been too long. Sorry, I'm late."

"It's alright. I know you are very busy. I'm so glad you could find the time to be here." Leo's voice was unctuous, his smile too big by half. Edward regarded his father-in-law. Leo's daughter, Daisy, was truly a beautiful woman, and Edward could see where she got her looks.

"Nothing is more important than our relationship, sir," Edward replied. He could be tactful too, though his suspicion was raised. Something was definitely not right.

"Edward! Glad to see you." a sweet voice rang out. Edward looked around for the source of the voice. He found it: a pretty woman, sitting at a table.

"Mr. Ouyang, who is she?" She seemed familiar, and she knew who he was. But who was she? Edward was at a loss.

This is my daughter. Edward, meet Mary." Leo's hands moved, indicating who was who. "Mary...Edward. She just returned from abroad but she can't wait to see you. That's why I arranged this little soirée." Leo Ouyang said with a smile. That

And suspicious. There's more to this meeting than just a social occasion, he thought. And why didn't the old man invite Daisy? Surely

daughter." Remembering his manners, he looked at Mary and said," Nice

that's very kind of you. Let's have dinner." Leo waited for his daughter to sit, and then took a chair. Leo Ouyang was a shrewd man. He worked many years

Mary indicated

Thank you." He still thought formality might be wise. He smiled and said," Far be it for me to refuse a beautiful

had been since they first met. But Edward's grandfather insisted that only Leo Ouyang's flesh and blood daughter could marry Edward. Mary was his stepdaughter, and therefore not eligible. So he got Daisy. But Mary had heard that

down. 'We'll see, Daisy.' she thought

in his surroundings.

Mu. I know your business is thriving. I am hoping you could teach Mary some business skills in your spare time." Leo said humbly. 'Daisy would be incensed if she heard this.' Edward thought. Daisy's father loved his stepdaughter more than his own kin. He would do everything for

could learn from you." Edward

up with young people anymore. You're still young, and might be able to talk to Mary

how about a toast first?" Edward

me?' she thought. 'I am neither underdressed nor overdressed today. Why is he paying so much