Shang doesn’t say it, but it warms his heart to see his parents dig in, the looks of delight on their faces sparking something within him he long thought dead.
“What did you want to talk about?” he asks.
Xu Hong glances over at Li before grinning. “Well, as you’re probably unaware, it’s going to be our fortieth wedding anniversary.”
“Today?”
His mother nods. “Today.”
“Congrats,” he says, doing his best not to be stiff and awkward. He’s been away for so long, he’d forgotten entirely.
“We were going to tell you a little earlier,” Li starts, “but we got a little distracted playing catch up.”
“Tell me what?”
“We’re hosting a little party,” Xu Hong explains. “A small get-together. Tonight. Here.”
Shang shifts. “Do you need me out of the way or—”
“No, no. We very much want you here.”
He sighs. “Oh, alright. Good. Thank you. Who’s, uh... Who all is coming?”
“Oh, just the boys,” Li says fondly. “Bobby, Edwin. A few of your mother’s old colleagues.”
Shang swallows. “Uncle Charlie?”
Xu Hong’s smile is tight but sympathetic. “He said he’d be making an appearance, yes.”
He sets his jaw. “I see.”
“I think it’ll be good for the two of you. To see each other.”
Shang doesn’t say anything. Everything that’s happened... It’s a lot. He supposes it’s a lot like ripping off another bandage. If he could face his parents, surely he can face the mentor he’d let down.
“There’s another reason why I bring it up,” Xu Hong continues. “I just got off the phone with the caterer I hired for the party.”
“Oh?”
“It appears there was some last-minute scheduling issues. They’ve given me back my deposit back, but I’m without anyone to—”
“I can help,” Shang offers without hesitation.
“Are you sure?”
“It’s no trouble.”
Xu Hong smiles and pats Shang on the arm. “Thank you so much, dear. I know I’m asking for a lot on such short notice, but…”
“What’s short notice?” comes a sleepy voice.
Shang looks up and immediately smiles when he sees Eden shuffle in. Her hair’s an adorable mess, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He pours her a fresh mug of coffee, instinctively moving in to kiss her temple while wrapping an arm around her waist.
“They’re having a party tonight to celebrate their anniversary,” he explains.
Eden’s eyes widen. “Oh, congratulations, you two!”
“They were just asking me if I’d be willing to cater.”
