Two gentlemen were standing by the hallway, listening intently on the chaos inside the greenhouse, yet they did not step inside.

"Are you not going to pacify her?" a man in his mid fifties asked the younger man in a harsh voice. The elder man was standing tall, with his back straight. Dressed in blue and white kimono, he looked peaceful and una.s.suming, yet his voice was strict and stern like a military general.

Ido Kanagawa was looking at a view of a beautiful j.a.panese garden which spread out in acres behind his main residence. The lush, tranquil greenery was dedicated to his beloved, Ayane, who pa.s.sed away few years ago. From his line of sight, he could see bonsai trees that stand majestically on top of showcasing pillars. The ancient looking plants were lined up perfectly on the outer side of the garden. They circled around the garden and elevated the harmony of the whole area.

To the right side, there were stone paths over pebbled stones, leading up to a small pond that was surrounded by fake mountains structures. Numerous koi fish and lotus flowers were decorating the pond abundantly. Ido Kanagawa was standing by a sliding door frame made from bamboo and was facing the pond right in front of him.

The peaceful surrounding was accompanied by a symphony of waterfalls on his left side, that created a small stream that traveled all around the garden. From afar, one could see a stepping stone paths that lead the way from the entrance to a small tea house. The stone paths were decorated with lanterns made from stone that provided lighting along the way.

The scenery should be a perfect place to be appreciated, whenever he need an escape from his strenuous daily life. But this serene and secluded peace had to be tainted by his youngest offspring.

He sighed inwardly while thinking about the child inside the greenhouse. He and his wife had pampered her too much, that she became ungrateful. He tilted his head slightly downward to the left, and disdainfully clicked his tongue so softly. This son in law of his was a great disappointment as well. He could not understand why his daughter was so adamant in being with this guy. There were so many other overqualified j.a.panese men that he wanted to marry his daughter to.

But she had to threaten her whole family with her dearest life just to be with this man. His wife had cried and begged him to relent. Finally, he had to take a step back because his wife was also threatening him with her life.

"My apologies, father" the younger man, Charles, finally spoken up. He bowed his body ever so slightly at the direction of his father in law. "I will talk to her again," he paused and hesitated for a while; he was debating if he should tell the truth to his father in law. But if he did not, and if his father in law found out by himself, both he and his wife would be in deep trouble.

Charles felt uncomfortable while standing this way. He had to remember to maintain his manner and body language all the time. In front of the elderly, he should bow his body a little to show a sign of respect. He was expected to be presentable and looked regal in front of his wife. It was a cool and breezy weather today, however Charles was already sweating inside his dark grey suit. He could feel that his white s.h.i.+rt is already drenched and sticking to his skin.

But he still tried to keep his posture and voice tone to be as orderly and elegant as possible. He had to show Ido Kanagawa that he was worthy to be his son in law.

"To tell you the truth, father, we received news that our biggest investor was actually based in Shanghai. She wanted to meet him to ask him why he pulled his investment." When he finished, Charles raised his body a little because he was not accustomed to keep bowing down. And right away, he received a stern glare from a burly man who had been standing silently by his father in law's side.

Ido Kanagawa was a prominent figure in this country, and had received many death threats, either from his fellow business a.s.sociates or even from his families and friends. That was why he had hired this bodyguard, who was also acted as his personal a.s.sistant.

A loud crash was heard from inside the greenhouse. Something made from metal had fallen down and clanged loudly on the floor. Charles swiftly bend his body a little more, "Let me talk to her again, father," he paused and then he bent deeper, "Please appease your anger, father. Remember your health."

Ido Kanagawa had both of his arms folded in front of him, hidden inside the wide sleeves of his kimono. Without acknowledging any of his son in law's words, he started to walk away. The wooden sandals thumped softly on the floor like a velvet. Outsiders would be easily able to judge from the way he walk, he showcases a trademark of a properly raised gentleman; that had gone through centuries old of tradition being imprinted on himself.

Charles kept his body slightly bowed when his father started to take his leave. He could hear a soft snort from the bodyguard, a sign of looking down at him. Charles decided to ignore the insult, and did not show any sign of disrespect from his side until the elderly turned a corner and disappeared from his line of sight.

'Hmph! Soon, you shall see who will be standing on the top.' he mumbled to himself, 'Such a lowlife yet you dare to insult me!'

He slowly straightened his body and his facial expression changed abruptly. He was looking like a lost little lamb before, trying hard to look innocent and humble in front of his father in law. But now, he lifted his head higher, lazily looking around and arrogantly patted off the imaginary dust from his suit.

'This annoying woman started to jeopardize all of my plan, and this is not looking good.' he scolded her in his mind while started to walk towards the direction of the greenhouse.