It’s been three years for Lu Lijun to be away from his family, but he still remembered everything as it is. He was fifteen years old and changed from that cute chubby kid.
It was Jake’s birthday, and Lu Lijun and Noah were invited to his home. Noah was excited with the thought of going to Jake’s home as it was the first time during these three years they were invited.
"I wonder why he never invited us to his home?" Jake asked as he and Lu Lijun were on the way to Jake’s home in Lu Lijun’s car.
"It’s good. Anyways I don’t like to go to anyone’s home," Lu Lijun replied, not being bothered by anything.
"I know, but what I mean is, he is rich and what’s there to hide from us that he always avoided inviting us. Even if he is not rich, we are not the kind of friends to choose our friends based on their wealth."
"You overthink, Noah. I wonder if this brain of yours takes rest even for a single moment," Lu Lijun commented as he continued looking outside of the car’s window.
"When my friends love to keep secrets from me, then how can I not be like this? Look at me, I share everything with you guys but you too..." Noah stopped as he ended it up with a deep sigh.
Soon the car took a turn in one of the expensive areas in the city which showed the royal side of it and stopped in front of the huge iron gate where security guards checked the car and talked to the driver where he showed them the invitation letter.
The security guards allowed the car to enter the gate and followed the path surrounded by the greenery on both sides. After crossing a certain distance, Lu Lijun and Noah were surprised to see the mini castle-like building.
"Is that a castle? Is our friend prince or what?" Noah asked.
"Seems like it," said Lu Lijun.
"I can’t believe it. Clark, are we at the right place," Noah asked the driver.
"Yes, young master. This place belongs to one of the royal families in England," replied the driver.
"I can’t believe it," Noah exclaimed.
"Now you got to know it, then shut your mouth and behave," Lu Lijun warned.
Noah gave him a narrowed eyes look, "Lijun, you knew it, right?"
"I had a doubt, but it seems like it’s true," Lu Lijun countered.
"I think I am the only ignorant person here." Saying Noah kept quiet.
Looking at the stubborn, rude, and cold guy, Noah always thought Jake belonged to a wealthy family with lots of issues that turned him rude and cold, while Lu Lijun never paid attention to anything.
When they stepped out of the car, one man in a black suit who seemed like a butler of this mini but lavish castle, welcomed them as two women in black uniform accompanied him.
"Welcome!"
Lu Lijun and Noah nodded a little, accepting the greetings from a tall European man.
"Where is Jake," Noah asked.
On the way towards the Mansion from the car, Lu Lijun and Noah saw so many servants busy working here and there as the entire Mansion was decorated with beautiful flowers.
The traditional European style castle-like building, situated in the middle of a vast land surrounded by greenery everywhere, had a beautiful fountain exactly opposite to the entrance. Few vintage cars had parked on one side that added to the royalty of the Mansion.
Following the butler, Lu Lijun and Noah reached the amazingly stylish and huge living room where they saw Jake coming downstairs wearing a black suit. He looked different from his messy self whenever he attended the school. At this moment, he looked like one royal young man, ready to address his people.
"Cough! Is he really, Jake?" Noah asked as he continued looking at his friend till he reached them.
Jake said nothing and signaled the butler to leave them alone. Once he left, Jake spoke, "If I kick your balls, then only will you believe I am your friend?"
Noah stepped back, "Forgive me. I was just making sure, but the way you talked, now I have no doubt."
"Anyways, welcome to my home," Jake greeted his friends finally as he instructed, "Let’s go somewhere else."
Lu Lijun and Noah followed him. Noah being curious about so many things while Lu Lijun was quiet all the time.
"Are you a Prince Jake? I mean for real?" Noah asked.
"Hmm!" Jake nodded as he continued leading the way outside of the living room, through the corridor, and reached one small separate part of the Mansion, which had a swimming pool attached to it.
"Why didn’t you tell us?" Noah asked.
"I didn’t feel it was important," Jake usually replied as if it was not a big deal and ignored how his friend was upset with him.
Noah had nothing to say with this reply, and Jake continued as he looked at silent Lu Lijun, "Lijun is no less than a prince too. Ask him, one day he would be a powerful man."
"Both of you are so secretive. After this, I won’t tell both of you anything," Noah frowned.
"Don’t act like a spoiled girl," Jake commented, and Noah returned to his senses.
They reached a quiet place and sat in the chair near the swimming pool where the pleasant breeze welcomed them, and servants came with the refreshments.
"It’s your birthday today; you should be inside the home." Finally, Lijun spoke, and Jake answered, "Hmm, it’s such a nuisance, but I have to bear it for a while."
"You are a prince, and how come it’s a nuisance?" Noah asked.
"I don’t want to be tied in the chains of royalty when I wish to fly like a free bird," Jake commented, the sadness evident on his face.