At the time Hou Yi, Yao Tan and Junior were leaving the stadium after the game, Anna, Amanda, Ton and Sally returned to Alecia and James' apartment to finish arranging it.
On walking around Sally noticed some bare walls and asked, "Should there be something on the walls?"
Ton turned and responded "To not worry. The framers have not finished the photographs and paintings of mine that are to go on the walls. They will not be done until Wednesday and will be brought over and hung."
That shocked Sally. While she knew Ton liked photography and painting but was surprised that Alecia was willing to it in her apartment. "You are kidding me?"
"No. Those paintings in the lounge of my family's apartment that you like are all my work. Dad also hangs some of my work in the XF International office, and over the last three months six of the paintings he has had there have sold to other businessmen. While each one has not been for a large amount of money, it has been good that my work has been appreciated. I even had one request me to do a matching painting to the one he purchased in a different tone."
"Why did you not tell me?"
"Sally, how long has it taken you to agree to become involved with me? The last thing I wanted to tell you was that I was an artist. After Alecia left, I started to realise that sporting dream I was pursuing was Junior's dream, not mine. I simply went along with it because I wanted to do with things with him. I also realised that while I love my art and I have some talent it will not be enough for years, if ever to make a career out of it."
Pausing for a few seconds, Ton continued "I will pursue it as a hobby until that time, but I need to become an adult. Alecia said to me one I needed to grow a pair and become an adult rather than simply being a child relying on Dad. I have persuaded Dad to help me get a job within the art department of XF International on a part-time basis which will allow me to combine things, plus I have been accepted to complete a business and fine arts degree once I complete High School."
"Ton why?"
"Sally, I just need to be myself, rather than being influenced by Junior and Alecia too much. This is me. And if I was realistic, if I did not start making the changes for myself, you would not have agreed to go out with me." After pausing, Ton continued "Now we need to finish this, so that can go and join Mum and Anna while they are waiting for Dad, Uncle Yi and Junior to return from the football game."
"Fine, why though did you not join them?"
"Because I wanted to spend time with my girlfriend, rather than my brother." Ton moved in and gave Sally a quick hug, before pulling back to continue what they were doing in making things ready in the apartment.
Some twenty minutes later they were finished, and to get to Anna and Hou Yi's apartment, they headed downstairs to take the lift specifically up to it. As they were shown into the lounge area where Anna and Amanda were quietly sitting Butler Ge asked what they would like to drink and eat.
As Ton and Sally sat down, Amanda turned and said "Thank you Ton. I am a.s.suming everything is now ready for James and Alecia?"
"Just the artwork and framed photos to be delivered and the kitchen to be stocked. The former, mum will be delivered in Wednesday, once the framer can finish framing the last painting and the latter …"
Anna interrupted "Do not worry about that. Butler Ge will arrange that with our staff to happen Friday as it makes no sense to do it earlier."
Amanda quietly said "Speaking of Friday Anna, as Alecia and James are staying with us Thursday and Friday night, we figured a family dinner at our place to welcome them back. Say about 6pm for 7pm?"
"a.s.suming that is OK with Yi, I have no issues."
"Sweetheart, are you using my name in vein?"
"Yi never. Come here at sit down."
Trailing Hou Yi and Yao Tan, who quickly moved to their wives was Junior, who Ton and Sally saw had a quick look of unhappiness cross his face with the couples there. Sally headed over and quietly spoke "Junior, I know you have issues with Melissa and Jessica. The fact that they have even refused to have anything to do with me since a few days after Alecia left proves they are not worth worrying about. The right person will come along for you."
After giving him hug, Sally continued "And remember I am not taking Ton from you. He will always firstly be your brother, whether he is involved with me in the future or someone else hew will always be your brother. Now, stop being sad as you know Ton and I have said most of the time we are happy for you to hang with us, as you are my friend as well."
Junior felt a little relieved with that, but the fact that it as couples all around still made him feel somewhat alone.