The CEO Who Hates Me

In the evening, Arya's father invited Ryu for a drink outside, in their lawn.

"It's been a long time since I had a drinking buddy. It feels nice, to have another man in the family since you see I'm trapped with women." Arya's father said while laughing as he poured Ryu a shot.

He was quite happy to have someone he can finally drink with in the family since he was surrounded with ladies.

"While I know you are a very mature person who really cares about my daughter, but please don't mind my saying a few words to you about married life." His father in law said.

"Marriage is not a simple thing. You have to put in lots of efforts to make it last. It's an ever ongoing process. I've been married for twenty five years now; at first it was not easy to maintain family along with the business, especially when you have to manage a big company. I struggled with managing my time between my business and my family." Arya's father said while looking closely at Ryu as he drank the peg of wine.

Then he added, "You are a Ken and you have a lot in your hands. I'm just afraid my daughter will have a hard time. So I will ask you just for one thing…"

Ryu suddenly gulped seeing the serious face of Arya's father as he looked directly in to him.

"Make time together a priority because time is the "currency of relationships" so consistently invest in 'time' into your married life." He heard Arya's father speak clearly.

Arya's father knew how difficult it was because he himself had experienced that by owning and managing a corporation.

Ryu was the heir of the Ken lineage and he was quite sure it will be even harder for him given how vast their family business was.

So he wanted to emphasize that time with the family was the most important thing above all.

"Family is the most important and valuable gift for me and I believe it's the same for everyone as well. It is the first lesson in relationship with others. The word family for me means people to feel secure with, to have someone on whom you can count on, whom you can share your problems with. But it also means to have respect for each other and be responsible for each other as well." Arya's father said as he drank another peg.

Ryu smiled and nodded before he said, "I understand father. I will make sure that family is my priority at all times, also that I shall spend enough time with Arya and my family."

Mr. Tan coughed hearing Ryu called him father. He was not used to it yet. He felt awkward since he was used to be called by her daughters only.

"Father, regarding the managing of the beach resort, I had it transferred back to you. The beach resort was actually owned by your family anyway. I just had made arrangements to corner Arya at that time using my connections. I am sorry if I went a bit overboard and look a bit cunning but I at that time I just had to find ways to get her." Ryu explained in honestly. His voice was low.

Mr. Tan was a bit surprised with Ryu's honesty and at the same time he admired him for being true about all that he had conspired.

He laughed and said, "I like your honesty son. I guess you are really charmed by my daughter. Arya is one of my treasures and I will entrust her to you. While you are with us, you might find me giving you a lot of advices about married life because being your elders, it's our responsibility to guide you on the principles of life that we have gained from our own experiences."

Ryu also laughed and said, "Don't worry father I would gladly take note of every advice that you give and will follow as much as I could. Also, I would like to tell you that Arya and I will stay mostly in the City but we will make sure to keep visiting you from time to time. If you want we can arrange for you all to stay with us in the City."

He liked his father-in-law, he felt comfortable around him already. Now he understood more and he was happy and grateful that Arya grew up with a wonderful family.

No wonder she would do anything for her family. They have strong bond, deep connection and a very harmonious and full of trust relationship with each other.

Ryu felt proud and lucky to be a part of this wonderful family.

He saw Arya's father inhaled the evening fresh air…

"That's alright, staying here would be best for us plus Reese also needs a healthy environment like this. You guys keep visiting us in your free time or we could visit whenever we have the chance to." Mr. Tan answered while he poured another glass for Ryu.

From a distance Arya and her mom were watching…

"You go to bed first dear. I'm sure these guys's chat will take a long night so don't wait up for your husband. You know how your dad is. He will release all the words of wisdom he has deep in his system about relationships and marriage before he calls it a night." Arya's mom laughed while she gently touched Arya's shoulder.