My Beloved

Chapter 62 - WELCOME TO ENGLAND

"Wow! The city is so big!" Han Luo exclaimed, her voice swathed with an intense enthusiasm.

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, which once ruled over the world. It was once said that in the realm of the United Kingdom, the sun had never set on the empire. Standing on the River Thames in the south-east of England, London is the city where the British monarchy and parliament live.

Han Luo was girdled by the concrete jungle. Endless rows of tall buildings faced each other – like two armies facing off in a battle – but separated by the slow flowing meander. The two divided sides of London were joined by several, distinctive bridges. The blend of histories was intertwined in this city; the 21st century Shard and the 9th century Tower of London both reside in this city. The renowned West End acts as London's entertainment district, where the city never truly sleeps. Watching a theatre production in the center of Soho would act as a perfect end to a long, excursion around this city. Also scattered around London are the peaceful, green, open lands, acting as a place of refuge from the bustling metropolis.

"I want to go to the park!" Han Luo whined. Her knowledge let the young girl know the basics of the parks in London. Most famously, Hyde Park and The Reagent's Park are at the heart of London. But the number of parks in London, in actual fact, are countless.

"You can go tomorrow with your three brothers," Butler Noah replied. He came to London with her as Ma Rui was stuck with her project and so was unable to come.

"I can't wait to meet them." Han Luo giggled with excitement. She told Ma Rui to keep it a secret from them so that she could give them a surprise.

It was late in the afternoon, and there wasn't a single speck of cloud in the sky. The entire heavens were painted blue, as the sun rays pierced the earth. Despite the soothing air, there was no end to the noise. Sounds of people talking away were carried through the wind's breeze as the pigeons boldly cooed. In the distance, the vague roar of a car engine could be heard, along with the menacing honk of an angry road driver. Both tranquil and turmoil fused together in the streets of London.

Their car drove them to The Bishops Avenue, considered to be one of the wealthiest streets in the world. It is on the north side of Hampstead Heath, on the boundary between the London Boroughs of Barnet and Haringey. The Bishops Avenue is home to monarchs, business magnates, and celebrities. Many believe that among the wealthiest people, The Bishops Avenue is better known than Buckingham Palace itself. Just by living there, one demonstrates a significant amount of status. If one lives there – there's no need to explain that they're rich.

With sixty-six houses, the houses run downhill north-south. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that each house has its own architecture, contrasting from the usual, repetitive terraces seen in London. Many of the houses are influenced by the designs of Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. Some were influenced by traditional English country houses. But it's a luxury to live here; average property prices surpassed well over 1 million Euro in the 1980s.

"These houses are so big!" Han Luo gazed at the houses in wonder. The Han Mansion, the Tang Mansion, and the Mo Mansion were large and gated. They were all surrounded by a lake, garden, akin their mansions back in China, but visually completely different.

Noah asked, "I heard Mr. Han bought you a house here. Is that true?"

Han Luo nodded. "It is. Uncle bought me the house when I turned eleven this year. We are going there now."

Noah gulped. "He sure dotes on you a lot. I heard only billionaires live here." He was sure that some of these houses were worth over 65 million Euro. He thought to himself, 'Only crazy people would buy houses here… how could you have so much money to buy a house here? I could only dream." He also heard that the Tang Family and the Mo Family bought houses here, so no wonder Han Changhong bought a house for Han Luo. He even used his own money. 'If his wife finds out about it, she might die. She'd probably die of a big heart attack! I don't think he even spent this much money on his wife in a lifetime. What a lucky child.'

"Ah! I think we have arrived." The car turned left and entered a household compound. Han Luo quickly came out of the car and looked at the house in awe. The brick wall surrounded the house and over the five inch wall, the green bushes situated. The brick pillars all had lights on them, embellishing its raw red appearance. This three storied house had the same brick design as the wall and the whole area was encircled by trees and bushes. It was getting dark, so the lights were all turned on. It looked magnificent, as it stood proudly and peacefully.

Han Changhong bought the house for Han Luo, and she could not be happier. Although he could never spend that much time with her, he always gave the whole world to Han Luo. Some would call the young girl blessed, yet others would call her spoiled. Some would call Han Changhong loving, yet others would call him overly generous. But it was the least he could do because no matter what he gave Han Luo, it could never bring her mother back. No matter what he could do, there was no guarantee that Han Ying Wei was ever going to wake up from his coma. Han Changhong's only option was to give the world to his brother's daughter.. His niece's heart was always filled with warmth whenever she remembered and cherished his benevolence.