The Alchemists

The new year finally arrived, and the Schneider extended family celebrated it together in a complete formation for the first time in several years. London fulfilled his promise to Jan to give him a month-long vacation fully funded by the company.

His assistant chose to spend it in Bali and Boracay. He really used every second to relax and limit his contact with the outside world. London could only contact him once a day because Jan didn't even turn on his cellphone.

Fortunately, there was nothing urgent to handle that made London have to trouble his assistant. Therefore, Jan could go on vacation in peace. In the final week of his vacation, he even planned to take his mother for adventure.

Since winter in Europe was quite cold that year, Caspar invited his entire family to gather on F island during the new year's holidays to enjoy the tropical sunshine. He had expanded his property on the island so that it could accommodate many more people. The place was now more like a private island resort that could provide many people with complete facilities.

"I didn't know your family had a private island," L said when they landed at Changi Airport, Singapore. Their little family was the last group to arrive in Asia. Caspar and Finland, along with Rune and Aldebar, had arrived first on F Island. Terry and Nicolae arrived the following day.

Aleksis and her family flew from Yorkshire and stopped by their mansion in Singapore with their four children. They waited for Lauriel to bring Altair and Vega. Because even though they didn't feel bothered by their four children, Lauriel insisted on taking his two eldest grandchildren.

"Uhm .. my family does have some islands," London replied, scratching his head that wasn't itchy. "Later, I'll take you to our other islands. F Island happens to be my mother's favorite."

"Oh ..." L was just astounded to hear London's explanation. She knew that her husband's family was FILTHY RICH, but she still couldn't tell exactly how much wealth they had and whatever assets they have.

London and L decided to stay overnight in the penthouse at the Continental Hotel for one night so that L could at least see Singapore briefly before they proceeded to F Island by a helicopter. The girl had never been to Asia before, and she was amazed at how different the world was outside Europe.

They left for F Island the next day from the roof of the Continental Hotel. L, who had never ridden a private helicopter before, was very impressed. Lily was really calm and sweet.

She slept along the way, so her parents didn't have to worry about him. Even though the helicopter they were using is not as noisy as a standard helicopter, still for an ordinary baby, the sound would be quite annoying.

Along the way, L repeatedly chuckled in amazement at the beauty she saw below them. They passed through Singapore, a country full of futuristic buildings, making them feel like they saw a city from a sci-fi movie about the future.

Then they also got to enjoy watching the sea and various small islands and sh.i.p.s that were sailing in the Straits of Malacca.

"Wahhh ... finally, you arrived too. Where's Lily? I want to carry her ..." Caspar said excitedly.

London took Lily's car-seat from the helicopter and handed it to his father. "Lily is still sleeping. Soon, when she wakes up, you can play with her. Has everyone arrived?"

Caspar received his youngest granddaughter with a happy face. He would take Lily with him and make sure he was the first person the baby saw after waking up.

"Most people are here, except Lauriel and Aleksis' family. They will arrive soon," Caspar answered. "How are you all doing?"

"We are all healthy," London answered. He took his wife and signaled that Marc brought their bags to the villa.

They all walked happily towards the luxurious building decorated with various trees and tropical plants, full of flowers. Finland immediately came out to welcome them, followed by their children.

Terry, who had never met L directly, extended his hand to introduce himself.

"Hello, you must be Marianne. I'm Terry, London's eldest brother," said the handsome young man.

L broke away from her husband's grasp and welcomed Terry's hand. "Good evening, Older brother Terry. Nice to meet you."

Terry then hugged L and patted her shoulder. "Welcome to our family."

L turned out to be very fond of Terry because not only was the young man very friendly to her, but he also made her feel no longer lonely among the Schneider family members which the majority looked European. L was half Japanese and she does not seem to fit together with those who mostly have tall bodies and bright-colored eyes.

In the past, only Finland was seen as half Asian in the family, but L was unable to establish a close relationship with her mother-in-law because she felt uneasy. But now, with Terry, who is practically a generation with her, and has a half Asian appearance like herself, L could feel more familiar.

"Hi, Marianne ... I'm Nicolae, Terry's best friend," Nicolae who was standing behind Terry also immediately reached out his hand when Terry released his arms from L. "We've met through Virconnect."

"Ah, that's right... I remember. You are now a professor in New York," said L. She welcomed Nicolae's hand and hugged him the same as Terry. "I can't wait to be a student myself..."

"Ah ... very nice. Do you know what you want to major in?" asked the young man while returning L' hug.

"I don't know yet, I'm still thinking ..." L. said

London had told the rest of his family about his decision to let L go to college. He knew that L often felt sad and inferior when she was among educated people. Especially when she was still thinking that London was close to Caroline, who was a doctor specializing in pediatric medicine.

That's why he wanted his family to support L to get an education, and they all understood and was all supportive. Whatever L wanted to do, they will support her, as long as the girl felt happy.

"Hello, L ..." Rune burst through the door after Nicolae finished greeting L. He appeared with a handsome man who looked very much like him. The difference was Aldebar has longer hair than his. "How are you? You have never met my uncle ..."

L nodded respectfully to Aldebar. "Good evening, Uncle. I've heard so much about you from my husband ..."

Aldebar gave a small laugh while nodding. "Hopefully, only the good ones ..."

"Uhm ... the point is, London says I can't take any food and drink from you ..." L glanced at her husband. "He was afraid I would fall into the trap and become your guinea pig ..."

Aldebar giggled at L's honesty, "Haha ... that's right."

L and London looked at each other, and then both smiled. The girl said to him quietly, "Your uncle is a bit strange, huh ..."

"Now he's your uncle too ..." London replied with a smirk.