Andrew didn't tell them in advance about their visit as he wanted it to be a surprise.
He wanted Ashley to meet the only family member he'd recognize as his own.
Just as they arrived, a figure came out of one of the high shrubs. This particular one was designed to be as high as an average person's chest.
He was wearing a Chinese traditional suit. He looked like he was in his late fifties to early sixties and he looked very healthy.
Ashley turned to look at Andrew in puzzlement.
Just as Andrew was about to speak, the butler, who had been trimming the tree, raised his head and straightened his back.
He was so surprised that he dropped his shears on the ground. He stared back at Andrew. When he spoke, his voice was quivering, "Mr. Lu, you're back?"
He couldn't suppress the excitement in his heart.
Andrew nodded and said, "Yes, Porter. Is Grandpa here?"
Porter nodded hastily and said, "Yes, yes, Mr. Lu. Come in. I'll inform Master that you're here.
Mr. Lu, why didn't you tell us that you were coming to visit? Had we known you were coming, we would have made preparations!" Porter led Ashley and Andrew into the villa.
Porter only noticed Ashley when she was standing behind Andrew. His eyes sparkled. "Who is this young lady, Mr. Lu?"
When he asked, his mind was racing. Every time Mr. Lu came to visit, he always came alone. The whole family was starting to get worried about him.
He couldn't believe Andrew had finally brought a woman with him. He could sense the special significance of the woman.
He looked at Ashley politely and Ashley smiled back.
'This old man looks quite friendly, '
thought Ashley.
While Porter was trying to figure out what Ashley and Andrew's relationship was, Andrew pulled Ashley next to him and said, "This is my wife."
Porter wasn't just surprised—he was stupefied.
'What did Mr. Lu just say?
His wife?
Am I that old? Do I have hearing problems? Did I hear that wrong?'
Porter looked at Andrew in disbelief. He couldn't hide his excitement though. "Mr. Lu, did you... What did you say just now? Could you please say it again?"
Andrew preferred that his personal affairs be kept private. So when Porter asked him to repeat himself, he responded a little impatiently, "I said, this is Ashley and she's my wife."
Then he looked at Ashley and his eyes were gentle and affectionate.
Porter was so excited that he didn't know what to do with his hands.
He hadn't heard it wrong.
Mr. Lu did bring home a wife.
"Great, that's so great. Mr. Lu, you and Mrs. Lu stay here and I'll go to tell Master."
When he walked inside, he turned to the side and called out, "Bertha, come out here. Look who has come to visit."
"Okay, coming."
"Mr. Lu, Bertha will come to wait on you while I go tell Master."
Then as he walked away, he did a sort of dance.
as if he couldn't hide his happiness.
After he left, Ashley felt relieved. She started to look around the villa. This time, she was much more relaxed.
This was a little different from the Golden Palace as the Golden Palace was a little more European in terms of style.
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