Burning Passion

CHAPTER 188: HE WAS LIKE HER MEDICINE

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After the gathering, Jerome called his sons and scolded them for leading the guests to their crazy hobby back in the US. 

Jerome bowed to his grandfather, apologizing for the commotion his son did. Gratefully, their business partners did not complain about seeing their children swimming in the pool late at night.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Angrily, Jerome shouted at his sons. "Garry? Raymond?" 

Garry raises his head, shocked that he took the blame. "How is it my fault?" 

"Because you are the eldest! And who told you to talk back!?" 

Garry lowered his head once again and accepted his father's scolding. Raymond wanted to defend himself, but his father would not listen to his reasons with the anger on his father's face. They just followed what Harry did. Now they pointed it out as at fault.

"I will give you each with 25 beatings." Jerome took his belt to discipline his sons. But then Harry spoke. 

"I'm the one who should punish, father." 

"Harry!?" It surprised him. At the same time, he couldn't believe that Harry started something such as a pool party. "What are you saying?" 

"I was the first one who jumped in the pool." 

"What?" It surprised him. For the first time, Harry did an impulsive action. He knew that it is not usual for Harry to do such a thing.

However, he has to show to his sons. Whoever made mistakes, he will punish them. Although he doesn't understand why Harry does that act. He must show to his grandfather that he would not tolerate such behavior. That even his son should receive the right amount of punishment. It will be his principle as appointed the new CEO of the Shang Empire's main office. He was hoping that it would be a lesson for Harry, and he would not do it again. 

Harry kneeled on the floor to receive his punishment. He took off his shirt to expose his back and then put his arms on the back of his head.

"Father…" 

Before Jerome could raise his right arm to hit Harry, Steven spoke up.

"What? Are you admitting it was your mistake as well?" 

"No. But to tell you the truth of what exactly happened." 

Jerome studied Steven on the face. He might not be as smart as Harry but full of mischievousness amongst the twins. He knew Steven would not lie for no valid reason. "Alright. Tell us what happens," he encouraged his son. 

"It all started when Lilian pushed Nina in the pool." 

All the Shangs who gathered in the banquet hall turned their head in Lilian's direction. The girl's face turned white. She bit her lower lip. Nervous to receive a scolding from elders, worst, a punishment. She was thinking how she could defend herself. She needs to make a drama to spare from shame.

Lilian glanced at her parents. They were throwing a livid look at her, and it didn't go well for her.

"Everyone is laughing at Nina. The reason Harry and I start the pool party." Steven went on. "Nina did nothing wrong to her. Instead, she makes sure that Nina becomes the laughingstock in the party." 

Lilian wished for the floor to swallow her whole. It was her end. She could not take even just five beatings. How about twenty-five? Her skin would leave marks! And it's all because of Nina Li! She hates that girl even more! 

Now that truth came out. Jerome sighs with relief. He knew Harry would not lead his brothers doing such action that would put himself into trouble. Jerome was a tough father to his sons, but he also keeps an eye on them. And he has high hopes with Harry.

Jerome turned to his grandfather and bowed. He said, "The truth has finally unveiled, grandfather. From here on, it's not my place to punish Lilian for what she did." 

"Hmm…" The Old Shang hummed. He sat up from his chair. Before he took a step, he glanced at his second son. 

A new appointment as chairman, Jared Shang bowed. His father did not utter any word, but he understood. His father wants him to discipline Lilian.

Lilian is the daughter of his youngest son. He approaches his granddaughter to lecture her. 

"What did you do, Lilian? Li is an important friend of our family!" 

Lilian presses her mouth. Her chest was filled with contempt. She believes that Shang should not bow toward the Li because Shang is wealthier than the Li. 

Li may be also successful in the business world, but Shang is incomparable. So why does she have to be friendly toward that girl? Lilian believes that Nina should the one bow to Shang if Li wants to take advantage of Shang's connection.

"Lilian? Do you hear me?" Jared yelled at his granddaughter.

"I'm sorry, grandfather," Lilian responded with a low voice.

"Why did you push Nina in the pool?" he repeated his question.

"I —" Shit! Lilian cuss. She couldn't think of any reason to defend herself. As Steven took the side to that girl, she could not make up a story but apologize. "I wouldn't do it again, grandfather. I will make friends with Nina." 

"Remember this, Nina. Don't measure the anger of your great-grandfather. If you don't want me to lose my position, don't do such things ever again!" 

"Yes, grandfather." Lilian bowed to her grandfather. She clenches both of her fists as her eyes stared furiously on the floor.

'Because of that girl!' It makes her too angry. Now she was lectured in front of the clan! She won't forgive Nina! 

~~~~~

The next day, in Li Manor… 

"Achoo!" Nina sneezes constantly. She caught a cold from last night's pool party. She is now suffering from watery eyes and a troubled nose. 

Dona already gave her daughter a herb tea, but Nina keeps sneezing. It makes her worried. 

"You will not go swimming at night. I will tell your father to fetch Doctor Wen." 

"Mama, I am fine! You already gave me herb tea!" 

"But Nina?" 

Nina giggled and hugged her mother. "It was fun! Achoo!" 

No! You will not go to any pool party again!" 

Nina frowned. But her colds were truly a bother. 

Later, a maid knocked on the door. The maid informed her that the Shang family arrived and wished to visit Nina. 

Dona quickly meets Mely downstairs and accommodates the family. 

"Mely, you shouldn't trouble yourself." 

"We heard that Nina caught a cold. I feel so embarrassed for what my sons started last night," said Mely. She observes Dona's reaction, whether Nina told her parents what truly happens. But in what she sees, it seemed Nina said nothing to her parents. Now that poor girl is suffering from colds.

"Can I see Nina?" Mely said afterward.

"Sure! Let's go to her bedroom." Dona led Mely toward the princess' bedroom, while Nelson entertained the men.

Climbing the staircase, Mely wandered her gaze to the entire Li manor. She noticed a big change Li did to their house than the last time she visited them. She complimented Dona. "Your house is beautiful, Dona. And it's getting bigger!" 

"Oh. Nelson gets a lot of ideas every time he travels. Modern houses inspired him. He even hired an international architect to help us redesign our house." 

"Hm. You were so lucky marrying Nelson." 

"You are right, Mely. I didn't perceive I would fall in love with him. You know how I hated my parents when they arranged for me to go to Nelson. But he pursued me and proved to me he offers love and not his wealth," said Dona. 

Mely could tell how in love her cousin was to her husband. Nelson Li is older by twelve years than Dona. He is a mature and responsible man. 

"Mely, you were lucky too to marry someone from Shang. And you have four sons!" 

"You are right, Dona. Jerome is a workaholic. But he is a good man. I can't ask for more being his wife. He is generous to me. I could say I need more attention from him sometimes. But I know he is working hard for us. So I don't want to complain. Do you know? Our lifestyle in the US must also compete to live up to our name and reputation. We have to be recognized for Shang's business interests in a foreign land." 

"I understand what you were saying. Sometimes, I feel sad about being a businessman's wife. Instead of family time. Sometimes, Nelson has to go to the company to settle a problem and work overtime every week. Anyway, everything he works hard on is for us. So I won't complain about either, but being a supportive wife." 

The two women giggled. Definitely, they can relate to each other. Dona and Mely grew up together, and they treat each other like sisters.

Mely feels so bad seeing Nina sneezing constantly. After Dona led Mely to her daughter's bedroom, she excused herself to head to the kitchen to instruct her maids to prepare lunch with Jerome Shang's family. 

And as of Mely, she takes this as an opportunity to talk with Nina alone.

"Poor, Nina. I'm so sorry that my sons dragged you to their craziness last night," she apologized. 

Nina smiled and said, "It's alright, Aunt Mely. It was just a cold." 

"But I feel bad about it. I learned that Lilian pushed you to the pool. Steven told us. Please forgive that niece of mine. Her naughtiness went overboard."

Nina pushed a timid smile. It surprised her that Steven speaks up on her behalf and reveals what truly happens. Also, Harry helps too.

"Aunt Mely, Steven, and Harry save me from embarrassment. Hopefully, you did not punish them."

"Don't worry, Nina... Jerome only lectured our sons."

Nina felt relief. She continued chatting with Mely. Soon, her smiles are wider and were like she doesn't feel sick anymore. It happens, Mely talking about her children, and her chest flutters every time she hears stories about Harry.

He was like her medicine.