Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Engagement

On a day in June, Wei Hua arrived at the old Kinoshita family residence in Tokyo as an invited guest of Kinoshita Heiji. It wasn’t until the banquet began that Wei Hua realized he was the only guest; everyone else present was a significant figure within the Kinoshita family. Glancing around at the assembled company, Wei Hua leaned toward Kinoshita Heiji and inquired, “Mr. Kinoshita, what is the occasion for such a grand gathering today? I don't see any other guests. Don’t tell me this banquet is held specially for me—if that’s the case, I must admit I’m a little concerned!”

Kinoshita Heiji responded warmly, “Wei Hua, you’re far too modest! Indeed, this banquet is prepared in your honor. All those present are important members of the Kinoshita family. I intend to introduce them to you, so that we might all come to know each other better, and our mutual understanding may deepen in the future.”

Wei Hua found himself somewhat puzzled by this explanation. Why would it be necessary for him to meet all the key members of the Kinoshita family? Though he did have business dealings with them, it seemed unnecessary to become acquainted with every influential figure. Still, he kept his confusion to himself.

After several rounds of wine, Kinoshita Heiji, emboldened by the drink, posed another question, “Wei Hua, you must be seventeen this year, am I right? Have you considered marriage yet? In the past, most Chinese men your age would already be fathers. So now is the ideal time for you to begin thinking of a wife. If you settle on someone now and spend some time together, you could be married by the time you turn eighteen. If you haven’t found a suitable match, our family could help. Tell me what kind of refined young lady you desire, and I will be sure to find her for you.”

“Mr. Kinoshita, I haven’t thought about such matters,” Wei Hua replied. “I’m only seventeen. I don’t intend to concern myself with personal affairs at such an early age, so I must ask you not to trouble yourself over them on my behalf.” By now, Wei Hua understood Kinoshita Heiji’s intentions. He wished to strengthen family ties through marriage—a common strategy among ancient Chinese rulers and influential families. Wei Hua hadn’t expected to find himself the subject of such a proposition.

Kinoshita Heiji pressed on, “Wei Hua, there’s a saying in China: ‘First establish your family, then your career.’ You already have your career; naturally, it’s time to have a family. You’re alone here, with no one to look after you. As your friends, it’s right for us to consider your interests. Even if you don’t wish to marry just yet, you should at least consider finding a few girlfriends. I know young people nowadays value romantic freedom. You can begin with courtship and marry later. My daughter Sakurako is a fine girl, educated in America, as you know. She greatly admires you. Would you consider giving the two of you a chance?”

This was, of course, the heart of the evening’s purpose. Wei Hua was well aware of this, but he had no intention of giving a definitive answer. If Celine, Jessie, or Mary were to find out, chaos would surely ensue. Thus, he replied with a smile, “Mr. Kinoshita, you’re not unaware of my situation with Celine, Jessie, and Mary. All three are my girlfriends—though our relationship is a bit complicated, they are indeed my girlfriends. I haven’t yet found a perfect solution to this situation. Am I supposed to marry all three? So perhaps we shouldn’t discuss Miss Sakurako for now. I believe fate is decreed by heaven; all should proceed naturally. If we are destined to be together, then so it shall be; if not, then effort is in vain. You must know the saying, ‘A twisted melon is never sweet.’”

He continued, “Mr. Kinoshita, I understand your intentions tonight. Rest assured, my partnership with the Kinoshita family has its own reasons. I value your family’s strength, and your attitude toward the Chinese people and government. This has nothing to do with whether Miss Sakurako becomes my girlfriend. As long as your family’s principles remain unchanged, so will our cooperation.”

Hearing Wei Hua’s words, Kinoshita Heiji realized further discussion of marriage would be fruitless and shifted to lighter topics and anecdotes. The marriage alliance he had hoped for was not settled, leaving Kinoshita Heiji disappointed, yet unwilling to give up. He summoned his nephew, Kinoshita Nosuke, back from America specifically to discuss the matter, with Sato Eimon accompanying him.

“Nosuke, I’ve called you back to help me devise a way to persuade Wei Hua to accept marriage with Sakurako. You know as well as I do that if Wei Hua agrees, the family’s future will be transformed. I’ve already broached the subject, but he politely declined. Still, I can’t let it rest, so I need your help,” Kinoshita Heiji explained.

“Master, from what I know of Wei Hua, this matter cannot be rushed—it must be handled slowly,” Nosuke replied. “He is by no means a libertine. By all accounts, he is young, wealthy, and charming—many young women would dream of being at his side—yet we’ve never heard of any scandal attached to his name. The only women close to him are the three female executives of his company. And even their relationship with him, it seems, only deepened due to some drunken indiscretion; were it not for that, things would not have progressed so quickly. That’s what those three women themselves have said.”

Sato Eimon added, “Miss Sakurako does indeed admire Wei Hua, seeing him as her idol. But whether she truly likes or loves him, I cannot say. If she does, we may find a way forward; but if not, forcing them together could backfire.”

Dear readers, please click, recommend, and bookmark!