Chapter Seventy-five: Visiting the Sick

With no other choice, Wei Hua followed Hirano Kinoshita back to Japan. After entering the grand estate of the Kinoshita family, he found himself standing outside the room of Sakurako Kinoshita. Hirano glanced at Wei Hua, then quietly turned and left, clearly intending to give him and Sakurako some private time together. Wei Hua lingered at the door for a moment, then gently slid it open and stepped inside.

The room where Sakurako lived was a classic Japanese chamber, with a large tatami mat covering the entire floor. Wei Hua removed his shoes before entering. Sakurako was already asleep. He approached her side and sat cross-legged, quietly observing her as she slept. The once rosy glow of her cheeks had faded, leaving her pale and wan, her usual radiance gone. A heavy sorrow weighed on Wei Hua’s heart—he had not imagined that Sakurako’s feelings for him ran so deep. He understood now that he could not refuse her affection; the consequences would be unimaginable.

Having resolved himself, Wei Hua reached out and gently clasped Sakurako’s hand beneath the covers. Sensitive as she was, she awoke the moment Wei Hua touched her. Seeing him before her, Sakurako could not help but ask,

"Wei-kun! Am I dreaming? Are we meeting in a dream?"

"No, you're not dreaming. We're not meeting in a dream. I’m right here, in your room, in the Kinoshita family estate. I’ve come back from Europe—your father brought me over from America. Sakurako, you’re ill, and so seriously—why didn’t you tell me?" Wei Hua asked.

"I didn’t want to disturb you. Especially since you and the three sisters were to be married, I didn’t want to intrude on your happiness. But I couldn’t help myself; I don’t even know why. When I heard you were marrying the three sisters, I felt miserable. I had no desire to do anything, didn’t want to eat, and now I’ve become like this. Wei-kun, am I ugly now?" she asked him.

"No! Sakurako, you’ve always been beautiful. It’s just that your spirits are a bit low right now. Rest well, eat a little more, and soon you’ll be as lovely as ever. Besides, we brought back plenty of gifts for you from Europe, but we came in such a hurry that we didn’t bring them along. Celine and the others will be coming to Japan in a few days to see you, and will bring the gifts then. The way you look now, the three of them might tease you," Wei Hua said, pretending to be light-hearted.

"Gifts aren’t important. I’m just happy that you’re here. I’m sorry to trouble you. I’ll get better, so please don’t worry about me. There’s still so much to do for the company, you don’t have to stay here with me."

"It’s all right. Takagawa is handling everything at the company. He’s managed it very well lately, so you don’t need to worry. Sakurako, I’d like to talk about us. You’ve placed all your feelings in me, yet I’ve treated you like this. Don’t you feel wronged?"

"Wei-kun, please don’t say that. I don’t feel wronged. I like you, but you don’t have to force yourself to like me. You met the three sisters before me, so I’m not jealous of them—only envious, envious that they can be your wives."

"If I were to propose to your father right now, would you agree to marry me? After all this, I think perhaps I can try to accept your feelings, as long as you don’t feel aggrieved. But there’s something I want to say. A girl as lovely as you deserves the glory of a princess, the joy of being courted by many, a passionate romance with a prince, and a beautiful marriage. If you agree to my proposal now, you’ll miss all of that—won’t you regret it?"

"How could I regret it, Wei-kun? I’m not like those Western girls. Don’t forget, the Kinoshita family was raised with Chinese culture. I never dreamed of a white knight—I believe in a good match, a union of talent and beauty. You are the best husband I could ever choose. I’m sure Father will agree too. I don’t care how many wives you have; I just want to marry you," Sakurako said, her voice unwavering.

"Very well, if you insist, let’s agree on this. Rest now, regain your strength, and when you’re well again, I’ll ask your father for your hand, and he’ll give you to me as my beloved wife."

"My health is already much better, Wei-kun! You can go to Father right now," Sakurako replied, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Wei Hua looked at her blushing face and burst out laughing. "It seems you’re really eager to marry me! But it’s not up to you—it’s up to me. Now, lie down and rest. I’ll have someone bring you food. I’ll take care of the proposal; you don’t need to worry. Just wait to be a bride." He gently but firmly insisted that Sakurako lie down again, and perhaps because her heart was finally at ease, she soon drifted back to sleep.

While she slept, Wei Hua went to see Hirano Kinoshita and told him the outcome. Hirano was naturally delighted—Wei Hua was to become his son-in-law, and with Wei Hua’s support, the Kinoshita family’s future was assured.

Three days later, Celine, Jessie, and Mary arrived in Tokyo with a large entourage of bodyguards. Instead of going to the company, they came straight from the airport to the Kinoshita estate to visit Sakurako. When they heard that Wei Hua intended to marry Sakurako once she recovered, they were unsurprised; they had long expected this outcome. Both emotionally and in terms of interests, Wei Hua’s marriage to Sakurako would greatly benefit his career in Japan, especially in his plans to restrain the rise of right-wing forces.

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