Simon is looking over the catalogues of camper vans when his mother call him. Asking him to go home on Friday for dinner. He agree and inform Lisa just incase she is planning something.
That Friday after work he pick her up at the bus stop. He drives along the high way to get to the mansion. It's been awhile since he step home.
"When was the last time you stay in the mansion?"
"I don't remember ... i was studying overseas most of the time."
"So you hardly go home?"
"Yeah, when i get home, i sleep over at my friends place. Sometimes they sleep over at mine."
"Why are you studying overseas?"
"Why? I think because ... actually i don't know."
"What is your ideal of career?"
"Acutally cooking. I wanted to be a chef. When i was a kid, i am the one who cook at home. My mother will be always busy with work. My father, passed away when i was a toddler. So i learn to care for myself since young. Learn everything and anything. I even join boxing classes just to learn defence and attack. Just in case people who bullies my mother, i can fight back. Fortunately there is no one around us who belittle our family. In fact, everyone chip in to help. I learn to cook from neighbours. They are kind enough to show me how to do a simple meal from scratch. "
"Are you ever lonely... since you said your mother is always at work."
"No i have plenty of things to do. I does all the house work, go to supermarket, cook, do homework, socialise by playing games with neighbours. Plenty of people to go round to meet."
"How did your family get rich?"
"She worked a few jobs here and there. Hardly time for herself. The money she earn goes to my school fees and groceries. The rest, she used them on stock market. I don't know how she do it but she make it. By the time i attend High school, our family is in a better financial situation. Eventually she open up this company we have and things got better."
"Did any of your relative help when you're little?"
"Help? No. They just say do what you can. When we got financially better they come asking for money. Of course my mother does not give away anything easy. She demand something in return. Thus most of them dislike my mother. She said this is the only way she can see a person's character. If they agree the terms, there is no doubt that my mother will help them till the end."
As they talk about his past, they soon arrive at the lane where the mansion is at. He drives up slowly and flash the headlights at the gate. It takes awhile for the gate to open up. Lisa see the same old secretary, Mr Lim who follow the Chairlady to their apartment on the other day. He is working as a butler too. Mr Lim smile brightly when he see the couple as they get off the car. Simon put his arm up on Mr Lim's shoulder. They talk and laugh as they walk in. Lisa who is following behind feels timid. She see the mansion is big and bright. She walk in to see the chairlady scolding Simon for putting his arm on Mr Lim.
"No manners! He is older than you!"
Simon walk to his mother and hug her.
"Don't be angry mother. Here i hug you too."
The chairlady laugh and lightly hit her son. She then see Lisa standing so far away.
"Come here! Why are you standing so far away?"
Lisa walk over and not sure what to say or do. While Mr Lim hurry away to get the food ready. Simon wants to see the kitchen and he runs after Mr Lim. Leaving Lisa and chairlady alone.
"It's your first time here. After getting married to my son for so long, it's crazy that you never step inside this house."
"Hmm. He did not want to stay here..."
"I know. My son have his own ideal. Getting him married is already a huge issue. He always say he wants to marry after thirty but i don't want understand that. Getting marry young have a lot of advantages. When you marry late in life, the honeymoon period is shorter because both will be rushing to have a baby. Plus after thirty there is not much energy to catch with with a child and a new generation to catch up with. How much energy will we spend to do all those?"
Lisa keep quiet and smile. The Chairlady takes Lisa's hand.
"Your honeymoon period is not over yet am i right?"
Lisa's face turn red. She look down on the chairlady's hands.
"Then try to make a baby. Just one now. I will take care of the child. Look i am still healthy and still able to run. So both of you need not worry about who is going to take care of the child. Even if you don't feel like taking care of the baby, let me do it. My son, i never have a chance to take care of him. I left him alone to grow up. Now i must take care of his first child. To make up the lost time that i should have done. I never been a mother to him but he become my mother by doing everything for me and even take care when i am sick. So, let me have this chance Mei Wan."
"It's not for me to say. I have to talk to ... him."
"Yes talk and do at the same time. It's always the magic hour."