Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 46: The Big Family

Ling stood by the window of her Hong Kong apartment, the city's skyline glimmering in the evening light. Her thoughts were far away, centered on the woman she loved. Orm had no idea about the plan Ling was formulating—a plan to formally court her, one that would involve not just her parents, but the entire Kwong family. It was a daunting task. The Kwong family was conservative, and the news of Ling dating a woman had already caused a stir among her extended relatives. The pressure of introducing Orm to the family, in a formal sense, weighed heavily on her.

Ling's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kwong, had already met Orm and fully supported their relationship. But the problem wasn't them. The problem was the rest of the big family—particularly her uncles, aunts, and older cousins who held traditional views about marriage and legacy.

She sighed, knowing what was ahead. Today, she would discuss her plan with her parents and brother, Daniel, who had been her pillar of support throughout the recent lawsuit. Her parents had always been practical, understanding, and loving, but this was uncharted territory.

At dinner that evening, the family gathered around the table. Ling's mother, Mrs. Kwong, served up a comforting meal, her usual calm expression masking any concern she might have felt.

"Papa, Mama," Ling began, breaking the gentle clatter of silverware. "I've been thinking... I want to formally ask Orm to be with me, as my partner for life."

Her father looked up, his kind eyes meeting Ling's with understanding. "You're serious about this," he said softly, a statement rather than a question.

Ling nodded. "I love her, Pa. We've been through so much together, and I want to make sure our relationship is something official. Something that everyone, even our big family, can acknowledge."

Mrs. Kwong placed her hand over Ling's. "We know how much you love Orm. You already have our blessing, darling. But you're worried about how the family will react, aren't you?"

Ling swallowed hard. "They weren't exactly subtle the last time they heard about Orm and me. The backlash was... difficult. And now, I'm asking them to accept her officially. I don't want this to be a battle, but I know it could turn into one."

Daniel, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "Big Sis, you've already faced bigger battles with the lawsuit and everything else. I'm sure the family will come around eventually. It might not be easy at first, but they love you. If they see how much Orm means to you, they'll accept it."

"I hope you're right," Ling said, her voice heavy with uncertainty. "But what if they don't?"

Mr. Kwong cleared his throat. "Ling, you're our daughter. We've always supported you, and we always will. But families like ours... they can be set in their ways. It's not just about love or happiness for them. They think about traditions, about the future of the family name. Some of them might resist."

"I'm prepared for that," Ling replied, determination filling her voice. "But I'm not willing to compromise on this. Orm is my future."

Her mother smiled softly. "Then we'll stand by you, no matter what."

Ling looked at her parents, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Thank you, both of you. And Daniel, I'm glad to have you by my side too."

Her brother grinned. "You know I've got your back, Sis."

Meanwhile, in Chumphon, Orm sat in her childhood bedroom, having just finished a video call with Ling. They'd spent most of the conversation talking about their future plans, though Orm was still unaware of the surprise Ling was preparing. She loved seeing her girlfriend's face, even through a screen, and the thought of seeing Ling again soon brought her peace.

"How's P'Ling doing?" Orm's younger brother asked as he popped his head into her room.

"She's fine. Busy as always," Orm replied with a smile. "But things have finally settled down after the lawsuit."

Her brother, four years younger and always teasing her, smirked. "You sure she's not too busy for you? I mean, she's kind of a big deal."

Orm rolled her eyes, laughing. "She's never too busy for me. And stop teasing, P'Ling's been so good to me."

"I know, I know. I just like seeing you happy," he said, his tone more genuine now. "She's a good person, and I'm glad you found her."

Orm's heart warmed at her brother's words. Despite their sibling banter, he had always been supportive of her relationship with Ling. "Thanks, little bro. That means a lot."

Downstairs, Orm's parents were chatting in the kitchen. Her father, Mr. Sethratanapong, was in his usual chair, sipping tea as her mother prepared dinner.

"How's Ling?" her father asked when Orm joined them.

"She's doing okay. Things have been tough with everything going on, but she's strong," Orm said, sitting next to her father.

Her father looked thoughtful. "You know, when I first heard about you two... I didn't know what to think. It's not what I imagined for you. But seeing how much she cares for you, and how you've been through so much together... I can't deny how happy she makes you."

Orm reached out and held her father's hand. "I'm lucky to have her, Po. She's been there for me through everything."

"And you've been there for her too," he added, his tone gentle but firm. "That's what matters."

Her mother chimed in, setting a bowl of soup in front of Orm. "You two have something special. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

Orm smiled, feeling the warmth of her family's support. "I won't, Mae. I promise."

A week later, back in Hong Kong, Ling stood in the elegant dining room of her family's estate. Her extended family gathered for a formal dinner, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Her uncles, aunts, and older cousins sat around the table, each one silently assessing her as she prepared to speak.

Ling cleared her throat, gathering her courage. "I have something important to discuss with all of you."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her.

"You all know about my relationship with Orm," Ling began, her voice steady despite the nerves twisting in her stomach. "What some of you may not know is that I plan to make it official. I love her, and I want to spend my life with her."

A murmur of disapproval rippled through the room. One of her uncles, a stern man with traditional values, spoke up first. "Ling, this is not the future we envisioned for you. Our family name, our legacy... it's important. This relationship... it complicates things."

Ling's jaw clenched, but she remained calm. "I understand the concerns about tradition, Uncle. But Orm is my future. She's the person I love, and I won't apologize for that."

Another relative, one of her older cousins, added, "Ling, we care about you. But you have to think about what this means for the family. People will talk. It's not just about you."

"I have thought about it," Ling replied firmly. "And I'm not asking for permission. I'm informing you of my decision. I hope you can respect it, even if you don't agree with it."

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Ling could feel the weight of their judgment, but she held her head high. This was her life, and she wasn't going to let anyone dictate how she lived it.

Finally, her father, who had been quiet until now, stood up. "Ling has made her choice. And as her parents, we support her. This family has always prided itself on strength and unity. That strength comes from love and loyalty, not just tradition."

Mrs. Kwong nodded in agreement. "We've always taught Ling to follow her heart. And that's exactly what she's doing."

With her parents' unwavering support, Ling felt a surge of confidence. She had faced bigger challenges before, and this was no different. She would fight for her love, no matter what obstacles lay ahead.