Chapter 11: Reunion

Sometime later in the locker room: The team decided to celebrate off campus. They all agreed to do karaoke. Ushi cringed at the idea and Angel just wanted to be with her friends. Luckily her Dad was there, so she had a great excuse not to go. Angel saw the desperation in Ushi's face and invited her to come along. However, the Captain was against it.

Captain Li: What is this? You two never hang out, or get along.

Ushi: Aren't you the one saying that we should get along?

Captain Li: It's true, but…

Ushi: Don't you see I'm trying?

Captain Li: I can see that, I just don't know why.

Ushi: Captain, with all due respect, you don't need to know everything. We don't know much about you either.

Captain Li: I don't have any secrets.

Ushi walks away back to her locker. She knew that the Captain had lots of secrets. She knew that Ai Rose Li was under the influence of her Uncle. She also knew that her Uncle had targeted Angel. Ushi and Angel never got along, but she was still her teammate. Ushi realized that she and Angel work very well together on the court. Over the years, Ushi had been jealous of Angel. Angel was smart, pretty, witty, and one hell of a volleyball player. When she found out a little about the Captain's betrayal, she's been keeping a close eye on Angel. It wouldn't fix the wrong Ushi has done toward Angel in the past, but she was moving in the right direction.

Yu and Nai waited outside the gymnasium along with Angel's Dad, Dr. Cao Jin.

Dr. Cao Jin: I had the chance to talk with my daughter. She's had a tough week, but has managed to find some very supportive new friends.

Yu: I think we're the ones that are lucky.

Dr. Cao Jin: I believe that it was you that saved her.

Yu: I would have done it for anyone.

Dr. Cao Jin: How would you like to date my daughter?

Yu: Well, I Um…

Nai: My wife and I were just saying how great they are together.

Dr. Cao Jin: Ha, then it's settled.

Yu just had the most mind-blowing short conversation of his life. Did Angel's dad just approve? He's a smart guy, perhaps he already knew they were dating. He knew that talking to one of China's legends was hard enough, but he didn't expect this. Thank goodness Nai jumped in. Meeting her Dad was very unexpected and nerve wrecking. From what he knew about him, he was a highly respected Doctor that participated in a Country Crisis. He was recognized as a hero and moved on to serve as top chairman of the World Health Organization. When Angel told him about him it was almost unreal. The girls seemed to be ready and walked in their direction, another save.

Angel walks up and hugs her Dad again. She really did miss him. She then walks over to Yu and grabs his hand.

Angel: My teammate Chen Ushi will be joining us. I hope no one minds.

Wei Wei: Not at all, you were amazing.

Ushi: Thanks, you all can just call me Ushi. I like my first name way more.

Angel: Where is everyone else?

Yu: Mei, Houzi, and KO went to the office for a quick conference call. They were tying up loose ends for the upcoming trip.

Nai: They will meet us at Grand Lizue when they finish, but we can head over.

Ushi: Grand Lizue? Don't you need a reservation?

Nai: Already taken care of.

Yu: Is there something bothering you?

Angel: Nami said she would show up today, but I haven't seen her.

Yu: Maybe she got held up somewhere?

Angel: I'll call her when we get to the restaurant. Maybe she can meet us.

Yu: That sounds like a good idea.

Everyone started walking to the cars to head out. Angel's Dad rode with her, Yu, and Ushi.

Angel: Is Mom here too?

Dr. Cao Jin: Actually, I'm here on business. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Angel: I still can't believe it. And to think you didn't say anything, keeping secrets is not your forte.

Dr. Cao Jin: Well, it wasn't easy.

Yu: How long will you be in town?

Dr. Cao Jin: Just for the weekend I'm afraid. But it won't be long until Angel graduates. She'll be home in no time.

Angel thought about that last comment. There was a possibility that she wouldn't go back home. She wondered if she could make a decision while her Dad was present. Angel stayed silent on the matter for now.

Dr. Cao Jin: You're mighty quite My Dear.

Angel: Oh, sorry. Just caught me thinking to myself.

Dr. Cao Jin: I was hoping to meet your teammate that helped you with finding a place to stay on such short notice.

Angel forgot about that.

Ushi: That would be me Dr. Cao Jin.

Dr. Cao Jin: Oh, my Dear, why didn't you say so?

Angel: I thought I mentioned that.

They all arrived at the place without any incidents. It was located in the City, but it wasn't that much of a drive. Yu spotted Mei, Houzi, and KO waiting for them at the entrance.

Angel: You two go ahead, I would like to talk to my Dad for a few minutes.

Yu: Sure, we'll see you inside.

Angel and Dr. Cao Jin walked over to a white bench surrounded by purple and white orchids. The landscaping was beautiful here. It helped her relax as for some reason being serious with her Dad made her nervous.

Dr. Cao Jin: You know, I really like this Ban Shan young man. You two should get to know each other more.

Angel: I like him a lot too. But what will happen when I graduate?

Dr. Cao Jin: That's up to you.

Angel: What do you mean?

Dr. Cao Jin: Whatever decisions you make will be your own. Your mother and I will support you 100%.

Angel: I just always thought I would come straight home and find work.

Dr. Cao Jin: You have met our expectations farther than you think. I want you to build a life for yourself.

Angel: I just want you two to be proud of me.

Dr. Cao Jin: Perhaps it's just something I haven't said to you out loud, but I've always been proud of you, my Dear.

Angel: You have?

Dr. Cao Jin: Always. Now, I take it that you are staying at this young man's home?

Angel: Yes, but he's staying with his friends. I have the place to myself, I promise.

Dr. Cao Jin: Ha ha ha, you two remind me of your mother and I. But that's another story. There is something else on your mind.

Angel: I got a job offer from Mr. Xiao Nai. Although, I wouldn't mind coming home, I really like it here too.

Dr. Cao Jin: You have plenty of time to think about it. Just remember, don't make a deal because you're in love. Take the time to ponder about all of your options.

Angel: Did Mom have to make a decision like that?

Dr. Cao Jin: Ha, you'll have to ask her about that.

While heading inside she thought about calling Nami. Either she missed her at the game or something did come up. Angel would call tomorrow to give her the good news about the win. The night went on with lots of old stories and laughs between old and new friends. Dr. Rai Cao Jin excused himself early as he had an early meeting and a late flight the next day. The Doctor even invited Yu to come to America for a visit. Yu looked like he was going to faint. Everyone wished the Doctor well, and he was on his way as Nai had already called a taxi for him. Angel thought this to be one of the best days she's had in a long time. Her Dad just approved of her boyfriend. Angel and Ushi have indeed gotten close, but right now it seemed that she was getting closer to KO. She was surrounded by people that she has grown to care about in a short amount of time. What was missing?

Some hours later…

Zhou: I had a feeling that my niece would fail. She's not strong enough.

Daze: I don't think taking her dormmate was necessary.

Zhou: She'll be fine, we don't have her tied up like we're savages. All I need to do now is wait.

Daze: What about the meetings in Hong Kong next week?

Zhou: We'll take her with us. No one would know who she is or care for that matter.

Daze: This technology better be worth the trouble.

Zhou: It will be.