Chapter 1 (part 2)

Needless to say, dating between the two was immediately forbidden by the influential Ming family. One of the most eminent families in China, they could not afford such a scandal. Even the thought that their eldest daughter had fallen in love with a black embassy employee was a source of shame for the entire family. Yet, despite the prohibitions and restrictions, the two lovers had found it difficult to stay away from each other; with a thousand subterfuge, they had managed to see each other. Finally, not even a month after their first meeting, the two decided to get married.

As the wife of an English government official, Hui Ying had acquired the right to leave the country with her husband without incurring any repercussions, and so they did. Thirty years and three children later, they were still as much in love as the first day.

The Carter family took advantage of every moment, each dish accompanied by an update on each member of the family: George would soon be taking up the post of assistant ambassador in the Ottawa embassy; Claire's business was expanding, and she would soon have to expand the premises; Mr. Carter and his wife were looking forward to their retirement. But despite all this good news, the atmosphere grew a little tense as soon as Adam's new assignment was mentioned.

"I'm glad you're finally getting credit for your efforts," his father tried to congratulate him.

"A career opportunity not to be underestimated, little brother. You'll have to work even harder now." He observed his brother.

"Come on, big brother, he hasn't even left yet, and you're already giving him this kind of psychological terrorism. Give him time to settle in first."

"He doesn't need to settle down; we already know Beijing." Upon hearing those words, Hui Ying nervously brought the glass of water to her mouth; her husband noticing her restless gesture, gently squeezed her hand.

It was always like this when Adam was mentioned, or Beijing was mentioned, the entire family's spirits would be stirred. And often, it was George and Claire who gave vent to that buried nervousness.

"I know better. You don't need to remind me of our 'connection' to Beijing. It's no accident that I went to study in Shanghai after what happened." Flamed Claire "What I meant was that she needs to acclimate to the new workplace. Get to know her colleagues and understand how the work is organized."

"I don't think it differs much from my current employment. The masthead is the same; the only difference is that I'll be able to go around looking for news of my own, signed by my own hand," Adam tried to interject.

"By any chance, did you warn anyone of your arrival?" weakly interjected Hui Ying.

The question everyone had been unconsciously waiting for had been asked. And Claire was the first to respond.

"You know, mom, I don't think the venerable old man wants anything to do with Adam," Claire exclaimed sharply.

"Claire, how many times do I have to remind you not to refer to your grandfather by that epithet." Mr. Carter tried to restrain her.

"Why? Isn't he the one who kicked Adam out seven years ago? Besides, Dad, to be honest, you should stop treating him with respect. He's never shown you any." Became indignant Claire.

"Claire, please watch your tone. Remember where we are." George rebuked her

"I don't think I've said anything I haven't expressed before," the girl defended herself.

The little girl became furious when she heard her grandfather mentioned. Her hatred was so deep-rooted that she often did not realize that her invectives not only did not reach the person directly concerned but were a source of deep pain, especially for Hui Ying and Adam.

Philippe, noting his wife's extreme pallor, prepared to comfort her with a light embrace. He knew all too well the suffering that lurked in his wife's soul. Adam, in turn, was unable to remain immune to the pain; after all, he was the one who had incurred his grandfather's wrath years ago.

Despite the pain, he tried to lift everyone's spirits. "Come on now! Let's not ruin this night by fighting over past events. Instead, we should take advantage and enjoy the serenity of these moments gathered together. Who knows when we'll be able to do this again in the coming months."

Hearing these words, Hui Ying turned to him and tenderly stroked the back of his head as if to comfort him in turn.

No one at that table was unaware of Hui Ying's pain. She had gone from being a beloved daughter to an outcast in her own family. Her father had never forgiven her for her choice and, despite this, for years, the old man had forced her to return often to China to pay him homage, making her accompany him as often as she could by that husband and those children born with a different color and different culture.

All his contempt could be seen when with ill-concealed arrogance, he presented to the world his two youngest grandchildren, the sons of her second daughter, while Adam and his family were barely calculated.

Thankfully, this immolation had been over for years now. Adam had been the cause of the final break with the Ming family. The torture of being shown up as the second-rate relatives had finally ended, and Claire had helped hammer the final nail in the coffin of that falsified kinship. She had faced the old man head-on with all the impetus of her young age and had spat on him all the poison accumulated over years of abuse and injustice.

They were different, but that didn't make them undeserving of being considered an integral part of the family. From an early age, Hui Ying taught them to be worthy of admiration and raised them to be cultured, respectful, and kind. They all spoke Mandarin correctly, knew all the traditions and customs of their motherland. However, all their efforts had been in vain in the eyes of the venerable old man. Their outward appearance would always prevail. Their only sin was their father's children. They inherited those warm caramel complexions, thick curly hair, and dark chocolate eyes from him. So different from their cousins of pure Chinese blood.

None of them were deserving. Especially Adam.