Xiao Churan asked, “When did you go to sleep?”
Ye Chen smiled, “I went to sleep when you did. What’s up?”
Xiao Churan waved her phone, “I saw news saying there was a terrorist attack on the island last night, quite serious. I even saw my parents in some of the video footage.”
Ye Chen feigned shock, “For real? A terrorist attack on the island?! Are Mum and Dad okay?”
“They’re fine,” Xiao Churan said, somewhat impressed by Ye Chen’s acting. She murmured, “The news says Bernard Elno bribed the terrorists with money, which saved everyone. There were no casualties among the tourists yesterday. I was just thinking of checking on Mum and Dad to ask what happened.”
Ye Chen continued the act, “I never imagined the Maldives could be so dangerous! Come on, let’s go to their room and find out what happened.”
Xiao Churan nodded, and together with Ye Chen, they left the water villa and went next door.
After knocking for a while, Xiao Changkun, rubbing his eyes, opened the door. Seeing Ye Chen and Xiao Churan, he yawned, “Churan, Ye Chen, you two are here so early?”
Xiao Churan hurriedly asked, “Dad, I saw news about a terrorist attack last night. Are you and Mum okay?”
“We’re fine,” Xiao Changkun said dismissively, waving his hand. “Not only are we fine, we even got lucky out of it. We each got $100,000 for emotional distress!”
He added regretfully, “It’s a pity you two weren’t there. If you had been, you’d each have gotten $100,000 too.”
Xiao Churan pressed, “What exactly happened? Tell me quickly.”
Xiao Changkun invited them in and recounted the harrowing events of the previous night with some embellishment.
When Xiao Churan heard that he and Ma Lan had inexplicably passed out for a while at the bar, she knew it wasn’t Bernard Elno’s money that saved them, but Ye Chen’s intervention.
She glanced at Ye Chen, who was listening to the story with rapt attention, as if deeply intrigued by the events.
She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Her marriage with Ye Chen was filled with all sorts of lies. Even though he’d been a hero and saved her parents, he still had to put on an act in front of her. It was a feeling that left her deeply helpless.
At that moment, Ma Lan, hearing the commotion, came out of the bedroom. Seeing Ye Chen and Xiao Churan, she said excitedly, “Daughter, dear son-in-law, this Maldives trip was so worth it! We didn’t spend a penny, and we’re leaving with a nice sum!”
Xiao Changkun chuckled, “I already told them.”
He then looked at Ye Chen and Xiao Churan, saying, “By the way, Ye Chen, Churan, we’ve discussed it and plan to stop by Dubai for a few days before heading back. If you two have things to do, you can return to Jinling first. No need to stick with us.”
Xiao Churan knew that with $200,000 in compensation, her parents wouldn’t quietly return to Jinling, so she nodded, “Plan your trip as you like.”
Just then, the doorbell rang. Xiao Changkun opened the door to find the butler, Hani, standing outside, who said respectfully, “Good morning, Mr. Xiao. Sorry to disturb you so early. I have three matters to discuss.”
Xiao Changkun nodded, “Go ahead, Hani.”
Hani said, “First, the Chinese embassy has contacted us. They’d like us to inform all Chinese guests that if anyone wishes to leave the island early, the embassy can arrange flights to return to China. It’s entirely voluntary, and if you and your family prefer to stay on White Horse Island, they won’t interfere.”
Xiao Changkun replied, “The embassy’s quick to act, but we won’t bother. We’ll leave on our checkout day. What’s the second matter?”
Hani continued, “The second matter is that our group’s president, Mr. Bernard Elno, knows tonight is Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve. He’s arranged a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Asian-themed restaurant at 5 p.m. You, your family, and other Chinese guests are invited to celebrate together. Mr. Elno will attend in person, and we’ll also broadcast the Chinese Spring Festival Gala live.”
Xiao Changkun smiled, “Your island’s service is quite thoughtful. Why start the New Year’s Eve dinner at 5 p.m.?”
Hani explained, “There’s a three-hour time difference with China, so we’re three hours behind. At 5 p.m. here, it’s 8 p.m. in China, when the Spring Festival Gala should start.”
“Oh, I see!” Xiao Changkun laughed, “Alright, we’ll be there on time. By the way, ask your boss when the promised compensation will be paid.”
Hani replied promptly, “Mr. Xiao, that’s the third matter. Please provide your and your family’s bank account details. Our group’s finance team will transfer the funds today. Additionally, Mr. Ye and Ms. Xiao will receive the same compensation. Our boss said all guests on the island are treated equally, $100,000 each!”
