《Imperfect Desires》


 Chapter 1 - Goodbye, My Happy Ending

    The darkened gray blanket of wool enshrouded the sky; like a predator would encircle its little prey. The wet season wasn''t supposed to start for another couple of weeks but the darkened gray smudges were a clear indication of rain. A low rumble rang loud in the cool air, startling her a bit.


    Trickles of liquid fell down as if they couldn''t think of anything better to do. There was a bit of laziness about them.


    A lone figure clad in a maroon silk gown stood at the balcony of a condo. A beautiful melody of Bach''s ''Cello suite 1'' was lingering softly in the background. The entire condo was dark with a single exception of a computer screen.


    A Weibo profile was opened on the browser. Profile id, Chen Xiu had uploaded a post 30 minutes ago. The handwritten note in the photo stated:


    ''I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part that I spent years waiting for a happy ending.


    Now... I''m just too tired...''


    The post might be short but she had embosomed her heartfelt feelings. Feelings she was too scared to say out loud.


    When the diffused grey light of the dark sky pushed light, it fell on the lone figure of a young woman. As the cold wind stroked her body, she shivered instinctively but didn''t move.


    Her raven orbs were desolate and listless. Her fair white skin was getting a rosy charm because of the chilly air that constantly assaulted her body.


    She outstretched her bare arm, the rain droplets splattered on her fingers. Feeling the cold raindrops caressing her fingers, she tilted her fingers upwards. Her languid gaze was stuck on the remnants of the drops running downward like tiny rivers.


    The pitter-patter of the raindrops mixed with the sound of sad melody behind her, it was oddly comforting.


    She could remember reading somewhere, ''One day, your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it''s worth watching.''


    Was her life worth watching? She wondered to herself before sneering at her own ridiculous thoughts.


    ''Chen Xiu, don''t be delusional. You''re nothing more than a green tea bi-tch. Who cares that you''re the pure goddess of the entertainment industry worshipped by millions?'' A mocking voice ran in her mind. ''Look, I just proved to the world that you''re nothing more than a lowly p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e who slept her way up. Let''s see for how long can you hold your pride.''


    Was she really a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e?


    She had worked her entire life, just so she could raise her head with dignity between those upper-class school fellows of hers. But being a righteous and hardworking actress could only amount to her being a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e? People idolized her, worshipped her like a goddess but she was still a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e for those elite class people.


    ''Xiuxiu, you''ve really left me with no pride. Is that why I raised you? I helped you become the top star just so you could ruin my name with your filthy scandals? What kind of a crime did I commit to being stuck with an ungrateful and useless daughter like you?'' Her mother''s piercing words echoed in her mind.


    She was the product of a broken family. And she had a broken life, striving to survive with her broken desires. But in the end, even he left her with a broken heart.


    His status was far above her own and she knew that from the beginning but she couldn''t stop her heart from falling in love with that perfect man.


    He said, ''I love you!'' And the naive her believed him.


    He said, ''I will never let you be wronged.'' And she even believed that.


    He also said, ''In this life, only you deserve to be my wife.'' Silly her! She actually believed every word that he told her.


    Perhaps, she needed a wake-up call. Oddly, her wake-up call was too much for her already fragile heart to take.


    She laughed at her own self in a scornful and contemptuous manner. Not knowing when that laugh turned into a streak of tears that flowed softly and steadily down her flushed cheeks. She covered her mouth to stop those sobs from escaping. But for how long could one hold a buried ache.


    On the computer screen behind her, there were already a thousand comments on the post.


    [I can''t believe, I loved you from the moment you debuted. Who knew you''re such a vicious person?]


    [Look, look! Our so-called pure goddess is trying to gain sympathy. But guess what? We don''t care.]


    [The commenter above, I''m with you. This sl*t didn''t even bother clearing up the scandals. Not that I was hoping for her innocence.]


    [Xiu Goddess, I believed in you. But you have let me down.]


    [Ha! You must really be tired after rolling around in sheets with all those investors.]


    [I can''t believe with that kind of character, you tried to steal someone''s husband. How shameful of you!]


    [Some people don''t have any shame at all. You should just leave the industry already. You don''t even deserve to be a mistress.]


    [Xiu Goddess, if you like money so much, come to this young master. I have plenty of money to splurge on you.]


    [Chen Xiu, just go and die already!]


    On the cold balcony, her eyes were closed and as if she could hear all those voices screaming at her, she took a step forward, letting the cold wind and rain wash her down. To numb her pain that had been gnawing at her heart. The world didn''t matter. Scorn always accompanied fame.


    But what broke her was his words...


    No matter how she tried to explain, he didn''t listen. She begged him to trust her but he didn''t. Was their love so shallow? It was so fragile that he couldn''t even give her one thing she asked for; trust!


    As the raindrops trickled down her body, drenching her, she stood rooted. Not moving at all. Not letting herself feel anything. She shut all the sound out and sighed softly.


    ''I wonder if you''ll miss me if I''m gone. I wonder if you''ll believe in me once I''m no more.'' Wondering this to herself, her bare feet touched the surface of the wicker chair as she stood on it looking down.


    From the twenty-fifth floor of the building, everything seemed surreal in the dark; overshadowed by the gray clouds.


    Closing her eyes gently, she smiled in satisfaction. She slumped her body ahead and the next second, she felt the strong wind slapping her face as her body started falling fast. "Goodbye, my happy ending!" A soft whisper left through her pale and trembling lips.

 Chapter 2 - Free From The Past

    The darkness had surrendered as the sun rose as a canopy of gold, blooming like a flower in the horizon. Every tinge of dark charcoal slowly changed its color to vibrancy. It was the break of dawn... Dawn of endless possibilities, new hopes and a desire to make those dreams come true which the previous night had left behind.


    In the white linen sheets, a tall and slender body stretched before rolling out of the comfortable sheets to pull the thick curtains. A pair of light honey-brown eyes slowly opened to blink towards the sun. The sun of this very day which she wasn''t once promised.


    She let that moment to sink in, to soothe her very core with those nascent rays that softly caressed her skin. She was fascinated by the beauty of this tranquility that seemed to have filled her and the warmth that she felt, reminding her once again that... She was still alive.


    Trudging towards the bathroom, she stopped in her track as her gaze fell on the reflection in the mirror that stood tall beside her closet door. She stepped closer and tucked those long brown hair behind her ear.


    The girl in the mirror didn''t look anything like her previous self. Those honey-brown orbs were a complete contrast to her raven ones. The rosy lips, smooth, clear, and delicate skin of her face wasn''t like hers either which had to survive through thick make-ups for more than a decade.


    They say, After every painful ending, a new beginning is promised. She never expected that she would get a chance to have a new beginning as well.


    And she got her new beginning when she woke up in this body five years ago. But even after spending five years in this body, she couldn''t bring herself to call it her own. However, she was on the pursuit of making this life hers.


    Life was heavy for her once and she eventually lost the strength to carry its burden. One would think that a shattered heart would weigh lighter but who knew that each shattered piece would weigh down on her soul like a tremendous boulder. It weighed her down so much that she eventually let herself fall to her death.


    Standing under the showerhead, she let the warm water comfort her broken self.


    After a warm shower to start the day, she dressed up in a white colored high waist sailor bell bottoms with a beige colored full sleeve blouse. She wore a pair of elegant slip-on pumps and a golden watch on her wrist matching it with the golden buttons of her blouse.


    With her long hair tied up in a professional bun, she picked up her purse and wore the thick-rimmed glasses before leaving her room with only one thought in mind, ''Let''s pick up another piece of our heart today to start over. Fighting!''


    It had become a routine of hers to remind herself that she needed to start over and for that she needed to free herself from her past life. And to free herself, she had to pick each little piece of her heart that was cast away. Because by only freeing herself, she could hope for a better future. With the painful experience of death once, she had learned what happy ending truly was; it was just moving on.


    In the past five years, her only motive in life was to move on.


    But as soon as she entered the living room, a strong stench of alcohol assaulted her senses making her cough. She looked around only to find the previously elegant looking hall to turn into a garbage den. Empty wine bottles littered the floor along with empty ice-cream boxes and plenty of other junk food packets.


    She rubbed the space between her brows and sighed out while shaking her head. The look of the living room was enough to tell her the tale of what conspired here.


    Placing her purse on the dining table, she trotted up to the couch and found that beautiful Latina sleeping in a very unladylike posture with her one leg dangling down.


    She pulled the soft throw blanket which was half-tucked under that gorgeous woman''s body making her fall with a ''thump'' on the thick carpet.


    "Xiu''er! Can''t you wake me up like a normal person?" The elusive beauty on the floor was rubbing her buttock with a pitiful pout. Her dark chocolate brown eyes were blinking at Xiu like an abandoned kitten.


    "This is how normal people help their best friends wake up," Xiu replied while pushing her glasses up. "So, my dear Nora, did you enjoy your trip to the heartbreak hotel last night?"


    The half American and half Latin beauty was the original body owner''s best friend. But in the past years, Xiu could consider her to be her own best friend. The Chen Xiu who never dared to make friends in her previous life because of the scheming entertainment industry which she was a part of, now had a best friend whom she considered to be a family.


    Nora Cartwright was certainly not amused by her jeer as she huffed and said, "What kind of a best friend are you? Aren''t you suppose to comfort me for going through a breakup? But here you are jeering at me. Heartless!"


    Xiu was busy cleaning up the mess that Nora had created last night while she heard her complaints in amus.e.m.e.nt. "Nora darling, this was your third breakup this month. I don''t think you need my moral support. The wine and ice-cream must have done you justice already."


    Nora wasn''t offended by her best friend''s comment as she said, "My darling Xiu''er, no wine, and ice-cream can replace your single hug." She even opened her arms wide blinking her big eyes earnestly.


    Xiu had to give in to the antics of this best friend. She hugged her pleasantly before scrunching up her nose. "EW!" She pushed Nora away while waving her hand before her nose. "Please go and take a shower. You smell like urgh!"


    "That was mean of you!" Nora crossed her arms before her chest making her already well-stacked bosom to seem more prominent.


    Xiu ruffled her thick curly hair making them a mess as she said, "Who told you to take relationsh.i.p.s so casually?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Nora asked in disbelief. "I haven''t met the one who can make me seriously rethink about our relationship. Anyway, let''s not talk about it." She waved her hands impatiently as always. Whenever it came to the point of serious relationsh.i.p.s, Nora Cartwright would easily chicken out. "My baby Xiu''er, why are you looking so gorgeous early in the morning?"


    "I have to leave early today. I won''t be doing breakfast with you as well." Xiu replied while looking at her wristwatch.


    "No, no, My baby Xiu''er, don''t abandon me. You know I don''t like eating alone." Nora tugged at her arm like a child.


    "Nora darling, today is the first day for interns. I have to be on time." Xiu placated this big child and picked up her purse to leave.


    "At least, drop those glasses and let your beautiful hair down," Nora suggested while looking at the uptight Xiu who looked cold at first sight. She remembered her best friend as the kind-hearted and warm person but since she had the amnesia, Nora could tell that her Xiu had changed. As if into a completely different person.


    "I don''t want people to faint seeing my beauty," Xiu played along with Nora in a haughty manner making Nora laugh out loud at her.


    "Have a good day, Baby Xiu!"


    "You too, my feisty Latina!"

 Chapter 3 - Like A Piece Of Paper

    One would think that having no memories of the original owner, Xiu was given a chance to a clean slate to fill it with her own story. But only she knew how difficult it was to pretend to be someone you have no clue about. Being a professional actress, she knew how to immerse herself into a role but here she was clueless. There was no script or any impression of the real Bai Xiu.


    She was lost. She was living with the burden of not knowing whose life she had snatched and why? All she knew was that she wanted to do justice for the departed soul. Even in these five years, she couldn''t find a fragment of a memory that belonged to the real Bai Xiu.


    After an hour-long bus ride, she finally reached the sky-high building of Spark International Group. The tall, glass building was intimidating in its own way. But it was not something that could wear down Xiu - the girl who had gone through death. And yet survived miraculously through rebirth.


    She sniggered at the word ''rebirth''. It seemed so foolish to even herself even when she had experienced it first hand. According to her, this supernatural phenomenon was only suited for fictional stories and now, her own life had become like one.


    But before entering the building, she took a turn to enter the cafe. She stood in the long queue waiting for her turn. The tv was playing in the background and she could faintly hear the current news playing.


    "The Nominations for the Golden Phoenix Awards have been uploaded. It is reported that the voting lines will be open till the..."


    Xiu zoned out the voices around her. Once upon a time, she was the winner of the Best Actress Award at that Golden Phoenix Awards for four consecutive years. She certainly made one green with envy with her achievements. However, it was just once upon a time kind of a fairytale.


    Today''s Xiu was nothing like that Goddess that people admired or scorned at the end. She didn''t want to be that naive again. Perhaps that''s why Xiu never even tried to look back or tried to find out what was going on in the Capital. After her rebirth, she had completely let go of the past that belonged to Chen Xiu.


    She was fine being an ordinary girl in the An City. It was peaceful here with no one to point fingers at her again. It''s easy to point fingers but those people could never understand what Xiu had to bear. People said Chen Xiu committed suicide. She would say, ''You all killed me. How could a coward like me even dare to jump? It was your accusations that pushed me down that balcony.'' But unfortunately, she couldn''t change the past.


    And neither did she want to anymore. This wasn''t her body and she had no right to solve her personal grudges when she couldn''t even solve the ones the original soul left behind.


    "Miss?" Xiu''s thoughts were disturbed when the cashier called her asking for her order.


    "One black coffee to go," she gave her order and paid with her mobile before leaving the cafe and entering the busy lobby of the company.


    She entered the elevator and stood at the back while others filled in.


    "Hey, are you a new intern as well?" A perky girl asked the guy in glasses standing beside her. While he nodded in reply like a shy person, she went on, "I knew it. I felt the vibes. By the way, I''m Bo Jiu. And you are?"


    The guy took a while before replying softly, "Shen Li."


    "Okay, nice to meet you Shen Li." Then she turned to introduce him to the other two interns who were joining today. "Shen Li, since I like you, let me give you a heads up. My cousin works in the Design Department and she had told me that we should be very careful around the intern Supervisor."


    "Why?" Another petite girl asked in curiosity.


    "My cousin said that our training supervisor is known as the Heartless Witch in her Planning Department but she is also revered in the Finance Department because of her IQ." The girl named Bo Jiu kept talking without caring that there were other employees around her. "Her real name is Bai Xiu and she is only twenty-three years old."


    "Huh? She''s so young? How can she be our training supervisor?" Another intern joined in.


    "Aiyo! Didn''t I just tell you that she has a high IQ? She topped the college entrance exam and it took her a year and a half to get her bachelors degree in Economics. She was selected as an intern when she was still in college but later got a permanent job. She has been here in the company for over 3 years and even had double promotions." Bo Jiu kept on relating Xiu''s history with ease not knowing that the person in question was right behind her.


    Xiu was certainly amused to hear all this but she didn''t show it on her face at all. Aye, I didn''t know I was famous again. Seems like I wasn''t born to lay low-key.


    "She seems like an amazing person." Shen Li commented in a nervous tone.


    "Aiya, our Shen Li is so pure-hearted. Don''t be fooled. She has the name of Heartless Witch for a reason. She loves wearing her colleagues down. Get on her bad side and she''ll crush you like a piece of paper." Bo Jiu''s words had instilled some fear in other interns hearts.


    While Xiu was thinking, ''When did I crush someone like a piece of paper? I''m not a shredding machine!''


    With a cardboard box in her hand, Xiu entered the meeting room where the interns were asked to gather for their briefing. Without even saying a word, she pulled out the business cards and placed it on the table to distribute.


    "Let''s skip the introductions since you must have heard a lot about me already." Her eyes lingered on Bo Jiu as she said those words making the poor girl cower back in her seat. "I''m Bai Xiu. And that''s all you need to know about me. As for our rules, I''ll say it once. Don''t make me repeat myself." She paced around the meeting room passing behind each and every one of them like a looming death verdict.


    "The first rule, I hate tardiness. Don''t let me find you ditching work." Taking a brief pause, she continued, "The second rule, I hate excuses. Unless you''re dying, don''t let me hear you say that you want a day off." She dropped a thick file on the table making them flinch at the loud sound as she went on, "And the most important rule, mind your own business. Planning department hates gossips the most. Don''t even dare to test my patience."


    She was about to turn to leave when she halted to say, "Oh, let me enlighten you. I might not crumble interns like a piece of paper but I love making their life hell." Her voice had turned stern at the end making everyone''s heart jolt especially, Bo Jiu who was cursing her luck.

 Chapter 4 - A Bond With Rain

    "How''re the new interns?" Xiu could see the ghostly smile on her manager''s face while she asked that question.


    "Just like last year, I still hate them," Xiu answered straightforwardly which Li Baoni loved about her. Xiu had impressed her on different occasions, especially with her honesty.


    "Bai Xiu, just because you''re a workaholic, doesn''t mean you should roast others with yourself. Give those interns some break. It''s only their first day." Li Baoni instructed in a calm tone as her experienced eyes stayed on Xiu''s straight face. She couldn''t seem to remember the last time she saw this young but cold girl smiling. Was it such hard work to lift her lips slightly?


    "I respect you, Ms. Li but leisure is only suited when it''s needed. If we''ll give them a laid back first day, wouldn''t it be giving them false hope that the following days will also be like that?" Li Baoni could only shake her head at Xiu''s argument. This girl deserved her title of Heartless Witch.


    Li Baoni rubbed her temples to ease the incoming headache as she said, "You have a meeting with a client during lunchtime, try being nice." Xiu gave her a small bow and turned to leave.


    ''Nice?'' Xiu sneered as she sat in her own cubicle. ''The goody-two shoe Xiu died on that balcony, five years ago. This world doesn''t value nice people like her.''


    She collected her material for the meeting and left early.


    The meeting lasted for two hours and when she left it was already past 3 o''clock. To save the first day of new interns, Li Baoni had texted her to take the rest of the day off. She thought Xiu wouldn''t agree but Xiu only replied with an ''Okay'' before hailing herself a cab.


    Through the glass pane of the taxi, she could see the big hoardings for international brands which had made a rush of memories to invade her mind. But she didn''t let those painful memories to break her down like they once did. After half an hour ride, the taxi was stopped at the outskirts of the city. Xiu paid the fare and made her way up the small hill.


    There was an ethereal silence in her surroundings. Dead silent except for the occasional sounds of birds flapping their wings and a strong gust of wind that was blowing around.


    She had been absent-mindedly strolling around crossing the plank walkway by the small lake.


    Hearing a low rumble, she stopped and looked heavenward only to find the sky darkening up. The sky was gray. It was about to rain soon. She had ignored the cold chill in the wind earlier but couldn''t do it anymore.


    She gave a brittle smile finding it somewhat amusing. Heaven seemed to love drenching her with cold splashes of raindrops. Because she shared a deeper bond with rain than one could imagine. Actually, one couldn''t possibly fathom what kind of a connection she shared with rain.


    It was also raining the day she chose to commit suicide. She had called herself a coward but even she knew if she was given a second chance, she would still choose the same ending. She was that tired of her life and the people who never understood her. Or even tried to appreciate her efforts.


    Oddly, heaven really chose to offer her a second chance. But not in the way, she could expect.


    Because it was also raining when...


    She woke up in another body five years ago.


    Closing her eyes, she had gone back to the day she was born again.


    *Flashback*


    Hurting... It''s hurting so much...


    She seemed to have been reliving the pain of when her body fell on a car after she jumped from her balcony. She remembered the way every inch of her body ached, her head bled, glass shards pierced her body...


    Most of all, she remembered the way her spirit slowly and torturously left her body. It was worse than being torn apart. But she had to go through this pain repeatedly. It felt like centuries had passed but she was stuck in a loop. Had to live through the agony and pain over and over again.


    Feeling her head bursting with sharp pain, she wanted to open her eyes but found it really difficult to do so. Suddenly, she felt a couple of droplets hitting her face. She felt the coolness and her brows knitted together.


    ''Am I still in the rain? No one is going to bury my body?'' Scoffing at her own thought, she replied to herself, ''Who would? My mother doesn''t care. And him...'' Just the thought of him put her through agony. ''He isn''t mine anymore to care. I guess I''m not allowed to have some peace even in death.''


    Leaving herself to fate, she didn''t make another effort to open her eyes. Her body kept getting drenched in the rain.


    "Xiu, have you lost your mind? What are you doing here?"


    Hearing her name being called out, she frowned. The voice was unfamiliar but the concern was evident. The voice was coming from somewhere close-by.


    ''Who could be worried about her?'' She thought to herself and felt like someone sheltered her from the cold rain. And then she felt something warm being dr.a.p.ed over her wet self. She wanted to open her eyes. She had to open her eyes. She wanted to see who was so thoughtful towards her?


    In the world that scorned her and shamed her, who was willing to become her warm embrace?


    Therefore, she tried again. Disregarding the shooting pain in the head, she pushed herself to try harder. Her eyes fluttered and as she slowly opened them, her vision was blurry. But when it cleared what came into her view was a beautiful young girl. She didn''t look Asian at all with her striking features but she spoke Mandarine so fluently.


    The girl before her had a honey-colored skin. Her eyes were chocolate brown matching her hair perfectly. She was one beautiful girl. Even Xiu who had lived the life of a superstar felt that the girl before her was gorgeous. An elusive beauty whom the artists couldn''t match up with.


    But Xiu was certainly unfamiliar with her. Who is she? She wanted to ask but her eyes fell on her surrounding and she held back her tongue. That and also because she felt like her throat was stinging. She was in a cemetery. More precisely, she was curled up in a fetal position beside a gravestone.


    Unfamiliar gravestone. The name on it was; Carina Novell.


    The name didn''t ring a bell to Xiu. But thinking about this name brought a weird pain to spread through her heart making her gasp and breathe deeply. What was this weird pain? She wondered to herself.


    "You''re running a high fever. Let''s get you home, first. Why didn''t you call me? You are so irresponsible. Am I not your best friend?" The beautiful girl was dragging her frail body but she felt like she had no strength to move.


    ''Best friend? But in my line of work, I could never make a friend. When did I make such a caring best friend?'' Xiu was frowning trying to carry the weight of her own body.


    Seeing her condition, the beautiful girl supported her body properly and took her down the small hill. There was a car waiting there. Xiu couldn''t make sense of anything. Her head was hurting badly and she didn''t know how she was even able to stand.


    She dropped all her thoughts and followed the girl towards the black car. She decided to leave the thinking for a later time. Nonetheless, before she could enter the car, her eyes fell on her own reflection in the side-mirror and she froze.


    Looking at the unfamiliar face of a teenage girl, Xiu''s mind reeled with shock. The girl had puffy red eyes, thick straight hair that reached her shoulder and was sticking to her face, her face was small but had baby fat on it. To make sure, Xiu lifted her hand with effort and tried to touch her face only to realize that it was indeed her face.


    Not being able to digest something ridiculous like this, she screamed, "Ahhhhh!"


    Her scream startled the beautiful girl beside her but before she could react, she saw Xiu''s body going limp as she fainted.

 Chapter 5 - Rebirth As Bai Xiu

    *Flashback Continued*


    Xiu found herself in a maze with a looming fear and wrenching pain that was clenching her insides. She kept running and running and running... Only to found a dead-end... One after another. Her path was lost. She was lost.


    Beads of perspiration trickled down her face like water. She felt tired, her legs were giving up on her. The maze was made of mirrors. Mirrors that reflected her pitiful past reminding her of her own demise. She wanted to run away. She didn''t want to look at those faces filled with scorn for her. She didn''t want to see the disgust in those pair of eyes.


    She squatted down and buried her head in her knees, letting her tears stain her beautiful face. Her shoulders were shaking because of the sobbing.


    Suddenly, she felt someone touch her shoulder and lifted her head to see a teenage girl smiling back at her. Xiu looked in those honey-brown eyes with intrigue. They seemed to be pulling her in.


    The girl offered her hand to Xiu and she spent a long time staring at that hand with curiosity. When was the last time someone offered her a helping hand? But the warmth in those eyes managed to give her some courage. Xiu lifted her hand reluctantly and held that soft hand that was offered to her.


    The young girl pulled Xiu along and slowly those painful memories in the rows of mirrors started fading away. It didn''t take long before Xiu saw a bright light at the end of the maze.


    The warm girl stopped at the last step and when Xiu looked back at her in question. She pushed her lightly and her lips moved to say, "Don''t give up!"


    With a jolt, Xiu opened her eyes to find herself in an unfamiliar place yet again. But this time, it was a hospital room. The beeping sound of the machines seemed to be echoing in her mind. The earlier scene was just a dream. She heaved a sigh of relief with that thought.


    Xiu''s mind was going through a splitting headache. It was like something was trying to invade her mind but there was a force stopping it. She held her head with her hands and hissed in pain as the needle on her hand was pulled slightly.


    "Today, in the West Lake Cemetry, Superstar Chen Xiu was cremated. People''s Pure Goddess had committed suicide last week when she jumped down the balcony of her bedroom." The newscaster''s voice reached Xiu''s ear as she sat dumbstruck on the hospital bed. The voice was coming from the tv in her hospital room. "There was no suicide note found in her apartment but the Police stated that Ms. Chen''s last Weibo was her suicide note. However, that handwritten note was also not found in her apartment even after the extensive search."


    Xiu''s mind was fazed as the newscaster''s words registered in her mind. Yes, she committed suicide. Then why is she here? She looked at her hands and feet before dashing toward the bathroom.


    As her eyes fell on the reflection of the young girl, her eyes widened up. The girl she saw in her dream, was staring back at her now through that mirror. Splashing cold water on her face, she hesitantly lifted her eyelids to gaze back her own reflection again.


    "How is this even possible? I jumped because I wanted to die, why am I even here?" She mumbled to herself in exasperation. "Maybe, I''m still dreaming?" Thinking this, she pinched herself and yelped in pain. "Ow!" Rubbing the spot she grumbled, "This is so not a dream!"


    But this felt like a nightmare. She was a professional and renowned actress. Playing other characters had been her job but right now, even she couldn''t accept this. How ridiculous it was that she was resurrected? And that too in someone else'' body! The question that bugged her conscious was; why? She died with many regrets but so what? That couldn''t be a good enough reason for this bizarre phenomena.


    Also, the main question was; Who is this girl?


    But no matter how hard Xiu tried to remember, except for a splitting headache, she felt nothing. Wasn''t all the transmigration novels stated that the new soul would get the previous owner''s memories? Then why was she not able to recall anything?


    She propped her elbows on the marble basin and supported her face as she kept staring at the adorable girl in the mirror. She died at the age of 23 and now, she was back to being an 18-year-old.


    Was she meant to be stuck with her own miserable and painful memories? But how was she supposed to have a new beginning with these old scars?


    The only plus point was she could do everything that she couldn''t do when she was 18 herself! Her eyes immediately lit up. For instance, she could finally go to the college entrance exam. Just this thought was enough to make Xiu feel giddy and energetic but the reality soon hit her.


    "What about him?" Thinking about that handsome face, Xiu felt downcast. "Was he missing her? Did he regret calling her a presumptuous woman or treating her the way he did?" She slapped her cheeks to knock herself out of it.


    "Xiu, listen to yourself. Haven''t you learned your lesson? He pushed you to your death. He is all the way in Capital while you are born in... Whatever this place this. This body belongs to someone else. And that someone might have her own dreams which are left broken now." As her consciousness nagged her, Xiu felt sober.


    She realized she needed to think this whole thing through. Walking out of the bathroom, she found that beautiful girl pacing back and forth in worry.


    "Thank God! You''re alright!" The girl pulled Xiu in a warm hug as tears trickled down her face. Xiu''s body was stiff and she didn''t know how to reciprocate this kind gesture. She had no clue who this beautiful soul was but she reckoned that she was the original owner''s best friend. "I''ve been so worried about you."


    As she felt that Xiu had no reaction and there was a strange look in her eyes, Nora had called for the doctor. After a thorough check-up, the doctor questioned, "Can you tell me your name?"


    Xiu bit her lip and said, "I don''t remember." She definitely had no desire to mention that she was Chen Xiu in the body of someone else. She might end up in a mental asylum or worse, like a lab rat!


    The doctor didn''t seem fazed by her words as he continued to ask her some other questions.


    "Uncle, how is she?" Nora asked the doctor as he came out of the room. "She stayed in a coma for a week. And now, she seems different."


    "Nora, I already warned you to be prepared. Your friend went through some trauma which led to her this state. As for now, she seems to be suffering from amnesia."


    "It is temporary?" Nora asked with an earnest look.


    "We can''t be sure. Perhaps, her trauma is too big for her young self." The doctor patted her shoulder before leaving.


    Nora slowly walked back inside the room to see Xiu curled up on the bed with a dazed look in her eyes. She seemed like a lost kitten. Her eyes had lost their l.u.s.ter.


    "Xiu!" Nora called out softly as she sat beside her on the bed and stroked her hair saying, "It''s okay if you can''t remember anything. I''m gonna stay with you. I''ll be your memory manual." Xiu was bewildered to see her charming smile.


    And it was Nora who told her that her name was Bai Xiu. It was ironic that both owners of this body shared the same given name.


    As for Nora herself...


    She was a Latin-American beauty who moved to China when her mother remarried a Chinese businessman. She was only 14 at that time and in just 4 years, she was quite fluent in Mandarine.


    Getting infectious by her love and gentleness, Xiu sat up and hugged her back with a small smile. But alas! Her care was for the Bai Xiu who was already gone.


    "You scared me, girl. Why did you go to the cemetery?" Nora seemed like she was reprimanding her but in fact, it was her peculiar way to show her Latin love. "Anyway, welcome back to the land of the living."


    Xiu looked into her clear and bright eyes saying, "Indeed, it''s welcome back." Only Xiu knew what she meant. With those words, she had decided to leave the shadows of her past behind. Chen Xiu was dead and nobody could change that fact.


    Now, only Bai Xiu would live. And she will live her life to the fullest.


    Goodbye, Chen Xiu!


    The world didn''t need you. And it will never need you again. Let''s bury Chen Xiu and her memories right here.


    *Flashback Ends*

 Chapter 6 - Just Another Sad Song

    Coming back from her reverie, Xiu sighed out heavily and turned her gaze back to the now very familiar gravestone.


    Carina Novell...


    The original Bai Xiu lived with her single mother, Carina Novell. Her mother was Italian while her father... She knew nothing about that man who never existed in her life. All she knew was that her mother left her own family in Italy to chase after her ''invisible'' father.


    It was the only thing similar between Bai Xiu and Chen Xiu; both never knew about the fatherly love. But Bai Xiu was still lucky to have a mother who actually loved her. Unlike Chen Xiu''s who used her just to revive her own fallen fame.


    In five years, she learned a lot of things about the original owner of this body. For instance, Bai Xiu had a very pitiful childhood growing up without the warmth of a father. But it became worse when her mother got into an accident and was in a coma for three years before losing her battle with life.


    Bai Xiu was only 16 when she was left all alone in this world to fend for herself. It was the kindness of her best friend''s parents that she had a roof above her head. But there were plenty of unanswered questions in Xiu''s mind.


    For instance, what was real Bai Xiu doing at the cemetery when she died?


    Or how she died so suddenly?


    These were only a couple of questions. There were a lot more mysteries surrounding Bai Xiu''s life. And with no recollection of Bai Xiu''s memories, Xiu felt like a fake in the real sense.


    Both Carina Novell and Bai Xiu had no relation with Xiu but she couldn''t help coming back here. For them. Whenever she felt lost or tired, she would find her way to the Small Hill Cemetry at the outskirts of the city.


    To give peace to the soul of Bai Xiu, she had buried her old things right beside her mother''s grave. Xiu felt like this was the place that pitiful girl wanted to be. She might not have a relation with Bai Xiu and her mother but Xiu felt like she owed both of them. One was the woman who gave birth to Bai Xiu and the other was Bai Xiu herself who gave her not just her body but also life.


    Oddly, she had felt at ease when she buried Bai Xiu''s things right beside her mother. It was a peaceful sensation that rose from within her heart and engulfed her whole body.


    Today yet again, she pulled out a rose from her purse and laid it before the gravestone with a soft smile on her face.


    "I''ve come to see you again..." Xiu''s voice was heavy with emotions. She was staring into the distance with contracted pupils. Xiu had learned from Nora that Bai Xiu always wanted to be a stable white-collar worker. Live a peaceful and normal life. And that''s exactly what Xiu was working for.


    Soon, the raindrops fell down in a drizzle. She didn''t move. She had made a stronger bond with rain over the years. After all, the rain was there to accompany her when she died. It was also there to watch her rise from the dead like a Pheonix. Therefore, as the droplets of rain touched her, she felt like heaven was caressing her gently. It was soothing. It eased up every little knot in her heart.


    Xiu smiled and looked up at the sky. "You really have a way to cheer me up." She was laughing merrily as if a mother was coaxing her and she was the child who was placated easily with a single kiss.


    "Thanks for the pep talk!" She shouted to the sky.


    Turning around, she said her goodbye and made her way down the small hill. After skipping her way down, she couldn''t find a taxi for herself. While waiting by the roadside, she was humming a beautiful melody. Her blouse was slowly getting wetter. Yet she found the time to lift her hand to catch the droplets of rain while singing to the melody of rain.


    ??I''ve been holding on too long


    I''ve been holding on too long


    But those promises of forever


    were never meant to be strong??


    As the rain caught a tempo, so did her beautiful and graceful voice.


    ??I saw a notion in his eyes


    I wonder if he saw something


    in the wake of my smile


    I wrote a story of our love


    I wonder if he heard the call


    of my yearning heart??


    She raised her head again to let the raindrops mercilessly assault her face or perhaps, her senses.


    ??Oh, look I''m dreaming again


    With only my wishful thinking


    Even when I know,


    this is just another sad song??


    Her blouse was so wet at this point that it stuck to her skin like a second layer of skin making her figure more prominent under that thin fabric.


    ??But I was holding onto it for too long


    I wonder if he finally saw me falling apart


    I wonder if he heard the melody of my heart


    singing just another sad song??


    Her voice had turned so soft as if she was singing the last verse in a hushed whisper. A sudden gust of wind stroked her body making her shiver instinctively. She wrapped her arms around her body in a daze.


    She was stuck in watching the raindrops with such intent that she didn''t even realize that someone had been standing behind her all this while. She only realized it when a warm coat jacket was placed on her shoulder.


    Xiu was startled for a second and in confusion looked at that brown-colored coat which laid on her dainty, round shoulders. It had a very comfortable and warm touch to it. But how did it get here?


    When she lifted her eyelids, she only caught sight of a strong and firm back clad in a button-up shirt while he climbed in the back seat of a Rolls-Royce.


    "Hey!" Xiu lifted her hand to shout at him but the car had already revved up to leave. She frowned while holding the coat to keep it from falling. "You could have offered me a lift if you really wanted to help." She mumbled to herself but shrugged her shoulders eventually.


    She decided she should stay happy with what she has. At least, he shielded her from the wind. It was already a kind gesture.


    Just then a taxi stopped right before her and she finally settled in, to shield her body from rain and cold. On her way back, she kept staring at the coat with interest as if it was the most enthralling thing in this dull world. Actually, for Xiu, it was not just enthralling. It was rather appalling as well.


    Were there really people who thought of lending a helping hand to a stranger? she wondered in bewilderment. From the intricate design and expensive fabric, Xiu could tell that it belonged to some rich scion. She was pursing her lips in confusion and groaned in exasperation before deciding to not overthink about it.

 Chapter 7 - Kiddo!

    After the rebirth, Xiu had made a strict rule to follow through for herself; she always woke up with a new determination and went to bed in satisfaction at night.


    However, this task was difficult tonight. Her soaked clothes had dried up in the taxi but the shivering hadn''t subsided. Coming back to her apartment, she pulled on a loose pair of pajamas along with a snuggly shirt. She took an antibiotic and fell on her bed in a deep slumber.


    It was around midnight when she woke up and that too because of the strong and raging protests from her stomach which was asking for food. Now that she thought about it, she hadn''t had anything nutritious or healthy to eat since last night.


    She rubbed her forehead in exasperation since this habit of skipping meals because of strict diet meals was still going hand in hand with her. She was rather tired of it now. Because of this very habit, she even looked malnourished now. She had painstakingly followed through diet plans in her previous life to look the part of stunning Superstar.


    However, this life was different. Bai Xiu was already frail-looking and with Xiu''s eating habits, it was a wonder that her body was still holding on.


    Making her way to the kitchen, she opened the fridge only to realize that there were only water bottles inside. She was about to look for her phone to text Nora when her eyes fell on the sticky note on the fridge.


    It read:


    "Baby Xiu''er, Sorry! I forgot to buy groceries. But I''m not good at it anyway so please, let me off the hook considering that I just had a breakup." There was even a pleading face drawn at the end.


    Xiu really wanted to beat this stupid best friend who was using that breakup card all over again. How typical of her! But even though she wasn''t the real Bai Xiu, she couldn''t bring herself to get angry with Nora. That girl had been her saving grace who showed her a way when she felt lost and lonely in this unfamiliar body, unfamiliar place, and no memories to guide her.


    She knew that Nora did all of this thinking that she was her best friend Bai Xiu but still, it meant a lot to her. Xiu hadn''t even gotten this much warmth and love from her own mother as much Nora had showered her with.


    Xiu rubbed her itchy nose and sniffled. She could tell that this was the sign of flu since this body didn''t have a strong immune system.


    "Forget it. I''ll buy some medicine for cold on my way as well." Thinking that Xiu picked up her phone and left in her cute bunny slippers and disheveled bed hair. She was looking like an adorable teenager rather than an inelegant woman.


    Her apartment complex was located in high-class society, it was a very safe area and she didn''t have to walk far to reach the pharmacy. After buying herself some cold medicine, she walked towards the 24-hour convenience store. There wasn''t much traffic at this hour and just when she was close to the convenience store.


    "Boo!"


    That sudden shout made Xiu jump in fright, only to see her elegant and classy looking best friend laughing with her hand on her stomach. Nora was laughing her head off and Xiu could even detect the slight twinkle of tears that had brimmed in her big eyes.


    Xiu lifted her hand and pinched Nora''s shoulder making her yelp.


    "Who scares their best friend like this?" Xiu bellowed in anger since she actually got scared earlier.


    "The normal ones. Like those who push their best friends of a couch." Nora reminded her of the morning incident and Xiu rolled her eyes at how childish this revenge was.


    "Hmph!" Not wanting to entertain her anymore, Xiu entered through the glass doors of the convenience store.


    Nora followed her inside and hugged her from behind like a clingy girlfriend. "Baby Xiu, don''t be angry." Suddenly recalling something, she let go off her and asked, "Oh, and what are you doing here? It''s so late at night."


    "I can ask you the same question," Xiu replied while crossing her arms before her chest in an imposing manner. But seeing her in such an adorable state, Nora couldn''t bring herself to feel the intimidation. "Also, who was the lazy bum who forgot to buy groceries. It certainly wasn''t me."


    Nora pursed her lips taking in all her scolding. "I''m late because I was working overtime. Dad''s been nagging me to be a little more responsible and whatnot." Nora replied offhandedly while Xiu tapped her head. She should have expected this answer.


    Nora was actually working as a Manager in a Seven-Star Hotel which was even listed in Forbes. Her stepfather owned a Hotel Empire and she was the only heiress. So, this job was more like her training which she wasn''t taking seriously at all.


    Just to escape from the nagging of her mother and step-father, Nora had decided to share an apartment with Xiu. That and also because her parents would never allow her to live alone. It was safe to say that she was pampered way too much. But since Xiu never treated her any different than a normal person, she always felt a stronger bond toward her.


    Seeing that Xiu''s beautiful eyes had narrowed into slits, Nora decided to continue, "How about I pay for everything?" The cold gleam in Xiu''s eyes got thicker and Nora decided not to add fuel to fire or more appropriately not add more frost to this snow which was out to bite her. This frostbite-like best friend was already giving her the chills. "Baby Xiu, don''t be angry."


    When Nora used that tactic of acting cute, Xiu gave in but only because her head was hurting because of the flu. She needed rest and that could only happen after they were done buying something to eat.


    "Go and collect the snacks that you feasted on last night. I''ll buy some noodles for both of us."


    "My Lao tong''s[1] wish is my command!" Nora playfully gave a salute and marched off toward the snacks shelves.


    Xiu also roamed around the convenience store to find noodles. She chose the Chicken noodle flavor for herself and since Nora had a peculiar taste, she had to look for the tomato sauce flavored noodles.


    Her eyes lit up as she found tomato sauce flavored noodles on the top shelf. She lifted her arm and tried to reach it. But since there was only a single packet of tomato sauce noodles, it was quite in the back and Xiu had to tip-toe to reach it. Just when the tip of her finger touched the packet, she felt a warmth behind her back and another strong hand stretched forth and took the tomato sauce noodle packet with ease.


    Xiu thought he was helping her and even bowed slightly to say, "Thank yo-" but her words stuck in her throat as she realized that the guy had turned to leave.


    "Hey! Stop right there, you thief!" Xiu''s roaring voice made the guy halt in his steps and he turned around.


    And that''s when Xiu noticed that the guy or calling him a man would be more appropriate had a strong presence. She first noticed his fair skin which was even blemish-free with his exquisite and chiseled facial contours, he looked better than the country''s top male gods. He had peach-shaped eyes, elegant brows and thin lips which were set in a straight line.


    He gave off a feeling of maturity and sturdiness along with a mix of mischief which could be seen his black orbs. There was a mysterious wild streak in that pair of eyes. The sleeves of his button-up shirt were rolled up to his elbows while the tie around his neck was hanging loose.


    While she was observing him from head to toe, the man was frowning with an impatience. When she didn''t speak after a whole minute, he snapped a finger before her face and said, "You want something, kiddo?"


    [1] "*Lao tong*": Lao tong refers to women who share a bond closer than even sisters.

 Chapter 8 - Uncle Touched Kiddos Bottom-line

    ''Kiddo?'' Xiu''s eyes widened up dramatically as she realized that he was calling her a kid!


    However, she overlooked the fact that in her loose-fitting pajamas, with a malnourished body, that small face and long hair that was even falling before her face, she did look like a teenager.


    "Who are you calling a kid?" Xiu was officially in a bad mood now. All her anger from earlier was bursting out on that stranger who was eyeing her from head to toe as if to say, ''Obviously you''re the kid here.''


    If there was one thing that would be on top of the things that Xiu liked about Bai Xiu''s body that would be her height. She was taller than she was in her previous life and she even took pride in that now. But since she could only reach his shoulder, he made her feel short and it further ignited her anger.


    "Open your eyes and see clearly! There is no kid here." Xiu fumed with hostility in her honey-brown eyes.


    Not knowing why this adorable looking ''kid'' was arguing with him, the man straightened his posture and spoke civilly and like a responsible a.d.u.l.t, "Look, little kid. I know today''s generation doesn''t want to be treated like a kid but still, this is no manner to talk to your elders. Also, where are your parents? How can they allow you to wander out of home in the middle of the night?"


    Xiu didn''t want to press this matter but his tone of coaxing a child made it worse as she said, "Then like a good elder, give the pack of noodles back to me, UNCLE." She emphasized on ''uncle'' with childlike innocence. Since he was treating her like a kid, she''d treat him accordingly.


    The man''s mouth opened wide in disbelief as he glared at her and repeated, "Did you just call me uncle? Does this young master look that old to you?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at the way he called himself ''this young master''. If the limited edition Patek Philipe on his wrist or his premium handmade leather shoes weren''t much of a screamer than his own words confirmed that he was one of those born with a gold spoon in their mouths.


    Playing along with him Xiu gave him a spurious smile saying, "I didn''t call you old." The man was satisfied with her answer until her face turned back to a grave look and she added, "I called you ancient."


    "A-Ancient?" The man''s breathing got ragged as he couldn''t believe he was being treated this way and that too by an adorable looking ''kid''! How could he take it lying down? This was an insult. A straight strike to his ego! "Hey kid, now you''re taking this too far. Be a good girl and don''t touch my bottom-line!" His voice held a certain raging temper that felt like it would make Xiu burn. But she was unfazed.


    Instead, she nodded her head as if she understood him and just as he gave a smug grin, Xiu lifted her foot and stepped on his handmade leather shoes with all her strength and weight.


    "Ouch!" She took him by surprise or shock, he didn''t know himself. But one thing was sure, she had directly snatched the noodle pack from his hand like a real gangster and turned to leave. While he was recovering from this unbelievable event, he saw her taking a couple of steps back and she kicked his knee this time making him grunt and even bent down to rub his sore spot. "What was this for?" He shrieked at her receding figure.


    "Because you touched my bottom-line, UNCLE!" With that, she trotted over to the cashier counter leaving him baffled and stunned. He had indeed touched Xiu''s bottom-line when he said, ''Be a good girl.'' That simple sentence was worse than the cursing in her life. Why? Because she had been the good girl all her life only to end up with nothing in her hands. Not even her pride or self-respect. And in this life, she hated being a good girl.


    That innocent good girl was gone. Not even her she''ll remained. Now''s Xiu was anything but a good girl. At least, she held this belief.


    The man she left behind was however had some other things going on. It was the very first time in his life that someone had dared to treat him this abrasively. He couldn''t believe it at all. And just when he came out of his daze and followed after her, his phone buzzed inside his pants pocket.


    First, he was planning on ignoring the call but the caller id made him do otherwise. "Hey, buddy! What''s up?"


    "Dylan, where are you? I thought you''ll be here by now," a pleasantly smooth, soft and euphonious voice of a man could be heard from the other side.


    The man who argued with Xiu whose name was Dylan looked around the shop and found Xiu at the cashier counter with another woman. "I''m on my way." He replied over the phone while observing the interaction between Xiu and Nora.


    Nora was still clad in her hotel uniform with a small scarf wrapped around her neck. Because of her western genes, she gave off a mature vibe even at the age of only twenty-three. Her body was also well-matured and when compared to Xiu, she looked older.


    Right now, Nora was paying for everything at the counter while she rubbed Xiu''s hair lovingly and spoke tenderly, "See baby Xiu''er, I paid for everything. I love you so much that I''m willing to buy the world just for you."


    Nora was trying to cheer up Xiu who was looking like a volcano ready to burst and it worked at some level when Xiu gave her a small smile. However, this gesture of their love was perceived in a whole new way by someone whose eyes were about to bulge out.


    Nora and Xiu took their shopping bags brimming with snacks while Nora placed her hand around Xiu''s small waist and led her out saying, "I''m gonna cuddle you like a teddy bear tonight."


    Xiu had already expected that because Nora was one of those people who loved cuddling. She had a human sized teddy bear in her room just for cuddling purposes. And after every breakup Xiu would end up in that teddy bear''s position.


    "Dylan, what the hell are you doing?" The smooth voice with a tinge of impatience came again jolting Dylan awake from his daze.


    "Oh, Sh*t! Buddy, that pair of girls look like a couple." Dylan voiced out softly while his eyes were still stuck on the disappearing figures of Xiu and Nora with a thoughtful look on his face.


    There was silence at the other side before Dylan heard a piercing cold voice, "Then are you waiting for them to invite you for a threesome? Or a night show?"


    Hearing such a blunt remark from his best friend''s mouth, Dylan choked on air and started coughing profusely. He knew he had a overly whimsical mind but when did his cold hearted but perceptive best friend turned like him?

 Chapter 9 - I Have You

    It''s not every day that Young Master Dylan was left speechless. However, this was nothing when Dylan''s childhood best friend was involved.


    "Hey, Daz! Don''t insult me with your forward kind of nature. You and I both know that I am not into threesomes." After composing his feelings and emotions, that''s all that Dylan could say to make a come back in this conversation.


    He heard a heavy sigh as the other person said, "Then why are you wasting your time there?"


    Dylan pursed his lips trying to think about how to weave his words. He needed to be very careful around this perceptive best friend of his. "Actually, I''m a bit confused."


    "Why?"


    "Daz, one of those girls looked underage. What if the older one was taking advantage of her?"


    "Ay, I didn''t know our Dylan has a compassionate heart for humanity." His words were dripping with derision which made Dylan a bit sulky.


    "Daz, what if she really was a sugar mommy?" Dylan was still insistent as he strode out of the convenience store and made his way to his car.


    "Then are you jealous?" The reply came almost immediately.


    "Why would I be jealous?" Dylan was frowning as he questioned since according to him he lacked nothing in life and there was no reason for him to be jealous of anything. He held the record of being jealous only twice and both of the times, his best friend was the reason. But he would never say that out loud. Ever!


    "Perhaps because you don''t have a sugar mommy..." The person on the other side of the call trailed his words while trying to purse his lips to hold in his laughter.


    But Dylan didn''t find it funny at all. If he had been drinking water, he would have spurted it out but since he wasn''t he had the urge to puke blood. However, thinking that puking blood would be an unsophisticated act on his part, he dropped the idea.


    "Daz!!!" Dylan bellowed in rage.


    "Drop it!" Just two words made Dylan''s anger deflate like a balloon. He didn''t dare to argue again.


    "I''ll be with you in five minutes."


    "You better be." With that, the phone was hung up and Dylan was left to stare at his phone.


    "He really fed his manners to a dog," Dylan grumbled in exasperation and started the car''s engine which came alive with a roar considering that his car was just like his social status; magnificent.


    On the other side of things...


    If Nora knew that she had been labeled as a ''Sugar mommy'' by a second-generation heir, she would have definitely choked him to death.


    But it was fortunate that this fiery-tempered girl didn''t have a clue about Dylan''s assumption as she slurped down her noodles with a content face.


    "Did you get drenched in the rain?" Nora inquired Xiu when she saw her eating medicine.


    "Yeah." Xiu gave a monosyllable reply.


    "How? The rain had started around 3 o''clock and at that time, you should have been at the office." Nora was frowning as she was trying to understand.


    "Manager Li gave me half a day off." Xiu again answered in only a few words much to Nora''s annoyance. She remembered her best friend as a chatter-box but after that ''amnesia'' incident, her Bai Xiu was a woman of few words. As if saying a couple more words would hurt her face.


    Nora chortled, "That middle-aged manager of yours is certainly crafty. Just to save the as*es of her new interns, she even gave you half a day off." She was really amused at just the idea of this.


    "No doubt. Manager Li is indeed crafty and cunning just like a fox." Xiu agreed with her and stood up to wash the dishes.


    "Where did you spend the day?" Nora asked again as she realized that Xiu had not come home as she should have. Because if she did, Xiu would have gone for grocery shopping instead of a convenience store in the middle of the night.


    Even after waiting for a whole minute, Nora didn''t get an answer from Xiu which made her narrow her eyes as something came to her mind. "Don''t tell me you went to the land of dead again!" Xiu stayed silent yet again which was like a silent affirmation. Nora''s anger was finally switched on, "Xiu, what is wrong with you?" She held Xiu''s arms and shook her violently making Xiu feel dizzy.


    With a stuffy nose, Xiu was already feeling a headache but with that sudden shaking, she felt like the noodles she had just consumed would soon make their way out again. Her face lost color with how stuffy she felt.


    Seeing Xiu''s pale face, Nora let her sit down and softened her tone as she took Xiu''s cold hands in her own, "Baby Xiu''er, why are you so obsessed with cemeteries? I know your mother is buried there but still... The amount of time you spend socializing with the dead, if you use half of it in socializing with the living, you''d really have an amazing social circle to count on."


    Socializing with the dead? Xiu''s lips turned slightly upward in self-mockery. But how could she actually tell Nora why she was obsessed with cemeteries. Could she just say that she felt the most peaceful at that place? Could she tell her that she ''Chen Xiu'' originally belonged in that cemetery? To be honest, Xiu was still not sure who died on that day, five years ago. Was it Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu? Or perhaps both died in their own way.


    Because Chen Xiu died for the world and Bai Xiu died for real. But who would be the judge of who was more pitiful? After all, both had an untimely death. If the people''s words pushed Xiu to death than what pushed Bai Xiu to death?


    After a moment of a daze when Xiu realized that Nora had been scrutinizing her with a complicated expression, she immediately put on her one of the best-practiced smiles and said, "Why would I need a social circle to support me? I have you and that''s enough."

 Chapter 10 - It Wasnt So Bad

    When people say that a single sincere friend is better than a hundred fake ones. They aren''t lying at all. Because the fake ones will keep leaving at the different junction of your life. But that one sincere friend will stick around to stand at your wedding to embarrass you with his speech saying, ''Friend, you broke my heart but I hope the one you chose will make you happier.''


    And that one friend will also be at your funeral with a heartfelt eulogy which would leave everyone in tears. That''s the power of friendship. The real ones can make you laugh your head off and they can make you cry buckets as well. No matter how silly, foolish, or idiotic these friends are. What really matters is the sincerity of that relationship.


    Nora had to be the sincerest person Xiu had ever met in her two lives. Even being an heiress, she wasn''t arrogant. She didn''t even like to flaunt her wealth. But she also had no interest in being a socialite either.


    ''I have you.''


    That once sentence worked like magic to placate Nora. Her face lit up like the flowers blooming in spring; beautifully with a peculiar charm.


    To distract Nora even further, Xiu even narrated the strange incident of a stranger leaving her with her coat jacket. "Don''t you think he was acting foolishly? I mean, he could have offered me a lift if he really wanted to help."


    Nora took her own used utensils to the sink and wore the gloves as she said, "And my baby Xiu''er, would you have taken the lift from a stranger? Even if he offered out of goodwill?"


    Xiu fell into contemplation. Indeed, she overlooked this fact. She would never take a lift from a stranger. What if he had some ulterior motive? The belief she held in humanity and kindness was long trampled on brutally. Kindness and goodwill were just a ruse people used to deceive society.


    "Okay. I agree that I wouldn''t have taken the lift. But he could have offered me an umbrella. He was riding in a pricey Rolls-Royce. Certainly, there would have been an extra umbrella in it." Xiu retorted stubbornly while drying the dishes.


    Nora was surprised to see that Xiu was actually making an effort to argue. Was it so important for her to win?


    "What if he really didn''t have an umbrella?" Nora was also insistent as she gave Xiu a sideways glance.


    "Nora darling, in all Korean dramas there is always such stuff in chaebol''s[1] cars." Nora couldn''t help but giggle at how Xiu used Korean drama as an example. "Don''t laugh. You can check yourself. I even saw a show where the guy only had one umbrella but he left it to the girl while he put on his hood and walked in the rain."


    Nora wanted to touch Xiu''s head but seeing that she still was wearing the gloves, she didn''t do so. "Baby Xiu''er, it was also his goodwill that he gave you his coat and walked in the rain himself to get to his car. Stop always questioning things. Take things as they come."


    Xiu finally stopped arguing. She also felt that this argument was pointless. No matter what that coat was warm enough to provide her with the comfort that she needed at that time. She shouldn''t question someone''s goodwill.


    "I''m going to sleep now," Xiu announced after they were done cleaning up the kitchen together.


    "Hey, my cuddle bear! Come back to me!" Nora whined from behind as she saw Xiu trotting towards her room.


    "Nora darling, why don''t you get an appointment with a professional cuddler?" Xiu turned around to say with her one hand on her hip.


    "Professional cuddler? There is such a thing?" Nora asked uncertainly.


    "Of course there is!" Xiu answered affirmatively. "I recently saw a video. Just like professional therapists, there are now professional cuddlers." Nora was blinking her big eyes with a dumbfounded look. "You pay them by hours just like those shrinks. There is nothing s.e.x.u.a.l involved. It''s pure cuddling."


    "But how can they cuddle with a complete stranger?" Nora was in disbelief.


    "Just like you open up your life before a stranger. In reality, there isn''t much difference between shrinks and cuddlers. One gives you a bit of honest advice and listen to your rambling for hours while the other lets you cuddle them to get some silent support and comfort." Xiu explained in a calm and patient manner. She even searched for the videos online and showed it to Nora.


    The look on Nora''s face was priceless after that. She hugged herself while rubbing her arms up and down. "Baby Xiu''er, you just gave me the cringes. It feels so weird just thinking about hugging a stranger. But cuddling? Yikes!"


    Xiu was trying her best to stifle her laughter. Her plan worked. If there was one thing she couldn''t bear with that would be cuddling. It felt so foreign to her. Perhaps because no one had ever cuddled her before, she was really uneasy with that.


    "Oh, then we should sleep in our own bed." Being a top-star, it wasn''t hard for Xiu to feign a sad expression.


    Nora saw her twisting the doorknob of her room and shouted, "Baby Xiu''er, goodnight! Sleep tight and don''t let the bed bugs bite!" She even passed her a flying kiss.


    Xiu shook her head at Nora saying, "Right back at you!" Then she took a step inside her room and closed the door.


    When she laid down on her bed, there was a smile on her face like a flower that had yet to fully bloom and charm the world with its beauty. Looking at the ceiling, she laid straight on her back and whispered, "It wasn''t so bad."


    That was her affirmation to say that another day was well-spent. She was satisfied with her day after the time spent with Nora and the anger that she got to direct at a stranger with that kick. Also, the warmth that a stranger left to her. It was one productive day.


    [1] "Chaebol": The Korean term for second-generation heirs.

 Chapter 11 - Attack Of The Heartless Witch

    -The next morning-


    "What''s for breakfast?" Nora came out of her room still in her tweety print pajamas.


    "Bread and milk," Xiu answered calmly while she held the butter knife and ignored Nora''s unkempt appearance. Because let''s face it, Nora could look gorgeous even with her bed head. Xiu, however, thought she looked like a zoo animal with her bird''s nest every morning.


    "Ai! Don''t we have any other option?" She asked and took a seat beside Xiu. Nora wasn''t very fond of bread for some reason.


    "There is one lazy bum in our house who forgot about groceries-"


    "Oh my! Yummy! I love bread and milk. It''s the healthiest breakfast ever." Seeing how Xiu was going to strike again with her foul-mouth, Nora cut in. It was better to shut her mouth and eat what was offered. Rather than filling her stomach with Xiu''s sharp words early in the morning.


    Xiu was pleased to see her expression while she munched on her bread and took a sip of milk. All of sudden, for some reason that stupid scion from last night came to her mind and she said, "Nora, can you help me sign up for a membership in your gym?"


    With bread in her mouth, Nora froze and her eyes bulge out as she stared at Xiu trying to see whether the latter was serious or not.


    "Are you serious?" Nora asked and saw Xiu nodding. "You hate gyms. What changed?"


    Xiu made a sour face and explained, "I met a stupid jerk last night and he called me a kid! Can you believe it, a KID!"


    Nora tried to cover her laughter with a cough. "He wasn''t lying." Even though Nora said it under her breath, Xiu heard it clearly.


    "What did you say?" Xiu''s body emanated a cold chill.


    "Hehe..." Nora gave an awkward laugh saying, "Don''t get me wrong. But baby Xiu''er, even though you have a very good height, your body isn''t fit. Isn''t that why you always wear those fake glasses? To make yourself look a bit mature and older?"


    Xiu wanted to argue but found nothing to argue with. Indeed, Nora was right. Her body was more on the scrawny side than the plump one.


    "You just sign me up for the membership. Stop making stupid remarks." Xiu shot up from her seat and picked up her purse. "Wash the dishes before leaving." Saying that Xiu left out the door.


    "Good morning, Ms. Bai," the elevator attendant greeted her politely with a smile.


    "Good morning, Loulou," Xiu also greeted her and got in the elevator. Xiu changed a lot in five years but she was still polite to those who were polite to her.


    Today, however instead of taking the bus, she chose to ride the taxi and reached the office earlier than she was supposed to. Her department wasn''t as busy as it looked every morning. She sat down in her cubicle and turned on the PC.


    Xiu was labeled as a workaholic by her colleagues for a reason, she always lost count of time and space when she was immersed in her work. She was lost in her own world when she heard someone coughing.


    Xiu lifted her eyelids and saw one of her new interns, Bo Jiu was standing beside her with a cheerful smile. Xiu bit the end of her pen between her teeth and twirled her swivel chair to face her.


    Bo Jiu placed a coffee cup on her desk along with a paper bag. Then with a flattering smile, she said, "Good morning, Ms. Bai! I heard you love black coffee. So, I got some for you. Also, I thought you might be hungry, so I also brought a croissant for you. Hope you like it."


    Xiu''s pointed finger tapped the pen that was held between her teeth while her eyes shifted. She picked up the coffee cup and took a sip with a nod. Bo Jiu felt like she was relieved now. After yesterday''s blunder, she didn''t want this supervisor to turn against her. As her cousin said, all hell will break loose if Bai Xiu''s wrong button were pushed.


    Xiu languidly stood up from her chair and paced around Bo Jiu''s figure in a circle. She stopped before her face and said, "We really can''t trust what we see." Xiu''s comment made Bo Jiu confused. "You look like a normal person. Then why are you acting like a dumb one?"


    Bo Jiu stiffened at the coldness in her voice. "I think while learning about coffee preferences, no one mentioned that I hate brown-nosing people. Flattery is only justified when you don''t have talent. Are you trying to tell me that Spark International Group made a mistake by hiring you; an untalented girl?"


    Bo Jiu immediately shook her head vigorously. Beads of perspiration could already be seen on her forehead while her face was turning white like a sheet of paper. "I-I didn''t mean-" she stammered but couldn''t complete her sentence. Xiu held the authority to fire her at any moment, being her direct superior.


    But there had been no cases of Bai Xiu firing any intern on her own accord. However, there were plenty of cases where she made sure that those interns write their own resignation letters. Bo Jiu didn''t want to be one of them.


    "I guess Ms. Bo loves being the errand girl." Xiu supported her elbow on the palm of her other hand. With a thoughtful look, she added, "Attention everyone!" With her voice, the hustling and bustling department became quiet instantly. "Ms. Bo loves doing errands. Call her when you need an errand girl." A few sharp intakes of the breath could be heard. It was no doubt that the Planning Department was one of the busiest departments in the entire company.


    Running errands for fifty or so people would certainly leave Bo Jiu in a pitiful state. But nobody came to help her. Who would want to make an enemy with Bai Xiu? No one dared to mess with that Heartless Witch.


    Xiu was pleased to find Bo Jiu close to tears but didn''t feel a tinge of sympathy as she said, "For now, Ms. Bo, it won''t be fair that only I received the privilege of having a coffee brought by you. Please, make sure to gratify and satisfy your other seniors and peers." The smile on Xiu''s face was akin to someone poking thorns.


    "Yes, Ms. Bai!" But Bo Jiu could only nod her head in agreement and bowed before acting upon her orders.


    Xiu sat back in her seat and without even a hue of guilt, she sipped on her coffee. Oddly, this bitter coffee tasted so darn sweet to her today.


    Leaning against the glass door of her office, Manager Li saw Xiu and shook her head thinking, ''This girl really has some issue!''


    Xiu, on the other hand, would like to correct her with the fact that she doesn''t have just any issue, she has issues. Plenty of those. But none that she could voice out.

 Chapter 12 - Mistaken Rides

    For the rest of the day, Bo Jiu was running around trying to finish her errands. Because of heels, her calves were hurting but she couldn''t complain. A highly educated graduate from Harvard was being treated like an errand girl. That was a real blow to her ego. There were even blisters on her feet by now but she still gritted her teeth and willed herself to move forward.


    Her will and pride didn''t let her accept defeat before Xiu. She wanted to prove herself. She had to prove that Xiu was wrong. Spark Internation Group didn''t make a mistake by choosing her. She was talented and she''d let everyone see that!


    As for the other interns, none dared to provoke Xiu at all. If the rumors weren''t enough then the way she treated Bo Jiu gave them enough sense. Apart from that, they could see that after treating Bo Jiu to a special sentence, Xiu was quite pleased the whole day. It made them even think whether Xiu was a sadist who drove pleasure from hurting others.


    But they weren''t completely wrong. Xiu did find pleasure in hurting others now but not the way they imagined. As they say, never push someone so much that they break. Even the gentlest person can lose his temper. She was pushed to that edge in her previous life. Now, all that remained in her was indifference or so she believed.


    Around 6 o''clock, while Xiu was arranging her things, she received a call.


    "Baby Xiu''er, are you done?" Nora''s voice came from the other side.


    "Yup. Why are you asking?" Xiu asked slinging her purse on her shoulder.


    "I''m right outside your office. Come fast." Xiu opened her mouth to say something but Nora had already hung up.


    Without further ado, Xiu made her way down and before even she exited through the revolving doors of the building, she could see a flashy red Ferrari parked up front. Xiu was all too well familiar with that car and the car''s owner as well.


    The only thing she could be thankful for would be that Nora wasn''t waiting outside the car like she usually did. With Nora''s jumping and shouting habit, even Xiu would get embarrassed.


    However, what made it worse was all the curious gazes of those young employees who had gathered around looking for gossip. Xiu pursed her lips, lowered her head and briskly ran towards the passenger seat and hopped inside.


    "Babes, couldn''t you use your inconspicuous Audi instead of this flashy Ferrari?" Xiu was looking outside of the tinted glass at the crowd of people.


    "When did Audi become low-key?"


    Hearing an unfamiliar masculine voice, Xiu yelped in surprise and turned her face. The man on the driving seat lifted his imported sunglasses and gave Xiu was a lopsided grin. Saying that Xiu wasn''t familiar with that face would be the absolute lie!


    How can she forget the one who ticked her off last night and received a kick in return? Right now though she was in big trouble. She was in the wrong car and that she got to only because of the interior of the car.


    Nora had the same model of Ferrari as well and since Xiu was in a hurry to get in, she didn''t even bother checking whether it was Nora''s car or not.


    Dylan was watching Xiu''s blank look with interest. He thought the girl looked familiar but where had he seen her?


    "I''m sorry! I think I got in the wrong car." Xiu gnashed her teeth and reluctantly apologized. Only because it was indeed her own mistake this time. She turned to open the door but the crowd of the people outside was bigger than before. Everyone was leaving for home after a full day of work. If she opened the door now, a lot of talks was going to ensue.


    Xiu despised gossips and didn''t want to be part of any. Not anymore. She had gone through enough scandals in her previous life. She didn''t need some more to add in that horrifying list. After an intense battle with herself, she sighed out, "Can you drop me at the next juncture? Please!" She didn''t have many expectations from Dylan considering he was one of those affluential people that she wasn''t fond of.


    She wouldn''t have made this request if Dylan had recognized her but he didn''t. Last night he saw her unkempt look. Now, she was the real deal looking at least in her twenties rather than a teenager he thought she was last night.


    Dylan was certainly not a compassionate person like his best friend said. But he had one quality; he had manners. He loved being chivalrous. He would open doors for women, let them walk first. But it wasn''t because he thought they were weak. It''d rather be because he believed that women were stronger than men. So, it was his duty to show his respect.


    And right now when he looked Xiu''s face, although he found no emotions or sincerity in her apology. He still couldn''t bring himself to say no. And at any day, he''d blame his best friend for that.


    "Fasten your seatbelt." Dylan only said that in reply and eased up the car on the busy road while Xiu texted Nora to meet her at the next junction.


    In no time, the car was already parked at the side of the road and Xiu unbuckled her seatbelt. "Thank you. And I''m really sorry for mistaking your car as my friend''s."


    "Does your friend have the same car?" His question wasn''t what Xiu expected but she still nodded and turned to open the door when she heard him mumbling. "I need to change the car."


    Xiu didn''t pay him any attention and got off. Right behind her Nora also parked the car and came out of the car to give her a hug saying, "Baby Xiu''er, how can you leave me there?"


    "I thought you again brought your Ferrari," Xiu answered while pointed towards the car behind.


    "Oh my gosh! This really does look like mine. See even the numbers are the same." Sure enough, when Xiu checked the number there was only one digit difference. Nora''s Ferrari had the number ''LEX778'' while Dylan''s car was ''LEX777''. No wonder she mistook it so easily.


    "Forget it. Let''s go now." Xiu took Nora''s hand and almost dragged her towards the car.


    Inside the red Ferrari, Dylan was still wondering why Xiu looked familiar but it dawned on him when he saw Nora through the side mirror. His jaw almost hit the floor. As if putting pieces together, he immediately climbed out of the car and shouted, "Hey, you''re that kid I met last night?"


    Xiu was about to enter Nora''s Audi when she heard Dylan''s deep voice. She was planning on changing her views about him after this incident but he had to remind her that he was a jerk!


    She fumed back, "Thanks for the ride, UNCLE!"


    Nora pursed her lips to stifle her laughter as she started the car. Xiu ignored his bulging eyes and settled in the car. Both girls left Dylan standing there flabbergasted. He wasn''t focusing on her calling him ''Uncle'' at the moment. Instead, his mind was trying to find the similarities between the girl he saw last night and the one he just met.


    How could they be the same? If you ignore the sharp tongue, one might really not be able to find any similarities. She made him finally believe in the idiom he once heard, ''The tongue of a woman is the sword that is never allowed to rust.'' Finally, he sighed out in acceptance, ''A bit of grooming can do wonders.''

 Chapter 13 - A Reminder Of Past

    Seeing how Dylan had ticked off Xiu, Nora silently drove the car towards their destination. And even Xiu didn''t ask her where they were going. Not even when she saw that the route didn''t lead to their apartment complex.


    Only when Nora parked the car in the parking area, Xiu noticed where there were.


    The Galaxy Mall...


    Looking at the tall and magnificent building before her eyes, Xiu raised her brow at Nora inquiringly.


    "Hey, Duo Shou[1]! You promised me something last time." Xiu reminded Nora in a mild tone which somehow felt worse than her ice-cold one.


    Nora Cartwright was a classic example of a shopaholic. If a product catches her eyes, she''d get it at any cost. Just like boys. No one could escape her clutches or charms. She had sworn last time that she won''t do shopping unless she really was in need of something. But here she was again...


    "Heh..." Nora smiled awkwardly. "Er... Aiyo, my baby Xiu''er! When have I ever gone back on my words?" Nora wrapped her hand around Xiu''s arm and pulled her along saying, "Trust me, I''m not gonna buy anything for myself. I promise." She raised three fingers to show her sincerity.


    "You better keep your word," Xiu warned again while letting herself being dragged along.


    Xiu was observing Nora''s expressions in amus.e.m.e.nt. The latter had lowered her head as low as it was possible. She was looking at the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in this world. Only to keep the products on those mannequins out of her sight. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. She was using the same strategy. Xiu knew Nora didn''t have strong willpower when it came to shopping and she was wondering why she dragged her here.


    They took the elevator straight to the fifth floor and stopped before the glass door of an Italian Handmade Clothing Brand''s outlet. Xiu squinted her eyes at Nora in perplexion. Although The Galaxy Mall was a home to top International Brands, this particular one was reserved for men ONLY.


    "Don''t tell me you''re gonna buy a suit for your new boyfriend? Did you already found one?" Xiu asked while glaring at Nora who raised her hands in a frantic manner and waved them saying ''no''.


    "No way. I just broke up, don''t want another one on my plate yet. Also, why would I buy an expensive suit for a boyfriend who doesn''t even come with a guarantee himself?" Nora''s response eased up Xiu at some level.


    "Then what are we doing here?" Xiu asked further.


    "To buy a present for my dad," Nora answered matter-of-factly.


    Xiu''s lips took the shape of an ''O'' as she understood what Nora was doing here. Nora''s parents had been abroad for months and Xiu remembered that Nora told her they were coming back in a week. However, instead of buying a present for her biological mother, here Nora was looking for an amazing gift for her stepfather.


    The kind of love, care, and protectiveness Nora''s stepfather showered her with really could make one green with envy. Especially someone like Xiu who had never known what fatherly love was all about.


    As Nora''s shopping companion, Xiu had to look around the extravagant store with interest. But no matter how hard she tried to keep her memories buried some still found a way out. Just like this specific brand store... Only once she came to a men''s store in her previous life and that too because she wanted to buy a suit for... him.


    In the end, what followed her was a string of accusations and scandals along with internet trolls. She could bear all that but he had to make it all worse with his sharp and cutting words, "Who told you to show up at a menswear shop?"


    "I just went to buy a suit for you..."


    "Did I ask for it?" He didn''t even give her a chance to explain properly. "Now everyone is wondering who your boyfriend is. Or who is the sponsor behind you? Is this what you wanted?"


    "This wasn''t my intention." ''I just wanted to buy something for my boyfriend like any other girlfriend out there.'' But she had let her thoughts stay within her mind. She didn''t want to provoke him anymore.


    Seeing her eyes brimming with tears that she was trying hard to hold onto, he softened his tone as he had said, "Xiuxiu, I''m not short of these branded suits. You don''t have to sully your own reputation just because you want to make me happy. I''m happy being here with you." Those words of care were enough for her to forget her grievances as she nodded her head.


    Those words were even enough for her to forget how much she wanted to hold his hand in the open. Before the whole world. She had thought that even if she couldn''t stand beside him at least if he wore the suit she bought for him, it''d make her feel close to him.


    But she had yet again buried those feelings and stated,


    "I''ll do as you say."


    Thinking about this sentence, Xiu had an urge to laugh at her naivety. No wonder people took advantage of her so easily. She was a fool.


    "Baby Xiu''er, how''s this one?" Nora called Xiu but found her zoning out. She sighed and shook her shoulder a bit. "Xiu''er, are you daydreaming about your Prince Charming in that exquisite looking suit?"


    "Huh?" Xiu gave her a dumbfounded look before noticing that she had been looking at a maroon suit intently for a while now. "No thanks. I don''t want a Prince Charming."


    "Suit yourself," Nora replied and tugged her to look at her choices to finalize.


    About 30 minutes later, they finally found the perfect suit and after asking the attendant to wrap it in a gift box, both girls walked out of the store.


    "Baby Xiu''er, let''s run." Nora suddenly said making Xiu apprehensive.


    "What happened?" She asked.


    "She''s calling me again," Nora answered with an aggrieved face.


    "Who? I didn''t hear anyone." Xiu looked all around but didn''t find anything out of the ordinary. The crowd of people wasn''t that much because not just anyone could shop at the top-tier mall like The Galaxy Mall.


    Then she saw Nora lifting her finger to point at something as she followed the direction. She found who or more like what was calling Nora.


    A mannequin was behind the display glass in a gorgeous bodycon dress. Xiu facepalmed herself. This shopaholic really knew how to make a scene. Even the products were calling out to her all the time. But she still couldn''t help the smile that spread on her face because of this dramatic best friend.


    Nora''s antics did wonder in making Xiu forget about the past that was not hers anymore. And it never could. She secretly glanced at Nora and said in her mind, ''Thank you for being here.''


    [1] ''Duo Shou'': A duo shou, or "hand-chopper," is someone who is a shopping addict and promises to chop off their hand if they ever place another order again.

 Chapter 14 - Back In The Day

    Xiu practically had to drag Nora away from there. It was a strenuous task since the latter was acting like a kid who couldn''t just let go of the teddy bear that had caught his eyes. Nora''s big eyes were looking earnestly towards that dress.


    Seeing her throwing tantrum at this age over a dress, Xiu was really depressed. She knew Nora well enough to know that this best friend won''t be getting over this for a long time. But still, she saw the conviction in her eyes as she turned her eyes away from the dress and walked beside Xiu like an obedient girl.


    As they boarded the elevator, Nora''s whole demeanor shifted. "Baby Xiu''er, I heard there is a new Mala Hotpot Restaurant on the eighth floor. Shall we give it a try?"


    Seeing how hard Nora was trying to keep her promise. Xiu felt her heart softening up. "Okay. You book a room. I have something to buy on the sixth floor." Saying that Xiu pressed the button for the sixth floor and got off.


    "Don''t take too long," Nora shouted as the elevator doors closed.


    Xiu looked around before finding her way to the accelerator and riding it back to the fifth floor. She made a beeline straight to the shop she had in mind.


    *Chanel* signature board was illuminated above the glass doors.


    Xiu strutted inside and found a sales attendant pleasantly smiling back at her. "How can I help you, Miss?"


    Xiu pointed at the mannequin in the display window and said, "Can you get me that dress?"


    Yes, she was back at the place where she saw Nora''s pleading eyes. That feisty girl never reacted like this even after a break-up. But over losing a dress, she was really depressed and seeing her in such down spirits, how could Xiu be at ease? For her strong resolve, Xiu decided to give her a surprise. She earned it after all.


    So what if Nora Cartwright was Bai Xiu''s best friend? For the past five years, Xiu had come to love her the same way Bai Xiu did if not more than her. Xiu didn''t know how deep Bai Xiu''s bond was with Nora but she knew that her own bond was deeper than it had ever been with anyone in her previous life.


    The sales attendant bowed her head respectfully and immediately presented the dress to Xiu in the size she asked for. Xiu touched the dress while analyzing it like an expert. Clothes were once her passion, how would she be unaware of what would look good on Nora?


    This particular bodycon dress was designed intricately with floral lace detailing and lining. It was a knee-length dress in a beautiful navy blue color which Xiu thought would compliment Nora''s olive skin perfectly. It had a decent V-neckline, not the plunging one which might look vulgar with Nora''s gorgeously shaped body. It had half-sleeves just making it one elegant and not-too-over the top dress.


    Xiu nodded her head in appreciation and directly said, "Wrap it up for me, please. Thank you!"


    The sales attendant was a bit taken aback by her delicate but melodious voice and more so by Xiu''s polite and graceful manners. She immediately smiled brightly and said, "Wouldn''t you like to try it on, Miss? This will certainly look good on you."


    Xiu thought she was being nice just because it was her job but the sale attendant was really speaking from her heart. If one ignored the fact that Xiu was a bit scrawny and focused on her delicate features, it wasn''t hard to tell that she was a real beauty.


    "It''s a gift for my friend." That was the only reply Xiu gave making the sale attendant feel a bit disappointed.


    Xiu was trudging her way towards the counter for payment when the surrounding whispers got to her ear.


    "Aya! This Meng Chaun is really becoming a Zhong Cao Machine[1] these days. My mother saw her advertis.e.m.e.nt for that new Glory Perfume and immediately asked me to buy it for her. She''s really getting influential." A girl that looked to be in her early twenties was talking to her friend.


    "It''s not just your mother. Even mine asked me for the same lipstick that Meng Chuan applied to her fan at the last fan meeting." The other girl replied.


    "Hey, but let''s not forget the original Zhong Cao Machine of our nation." Another one of the girls joined in just when Xiu was losing interest in these gossips when she heard her own name. "Goddess Xiu was the real deal back in the day. Don''t you remember? Even though social media wasn''t as strong as it is today, people would still buy whatever she wore even in her normal outings."


    Xiu gave a bitter smile at this comment. Indeed, her fashion influence was off the charts back then. But why did it seem like it had been centuries? It clearly had only been five years but a lot had changed.


    "Don''t talk about that hypocrite! She was just a beautiful vase."


    "All that backlash was well deserved!"


    "Guys, don''t talk bad about a dead soul." The girl who mentioned Chen Xiu spoke again.


    "Stop always supporting her. She only committed suicide to hide her evil deeds. If she hadn''t jumped down that balcony, people might have pushed her themselves."


    Those hurtful words pierced Xiu where it hurt the most. She had bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from breaking down. But her pale face was clear give-away that she was hurt.


    Today was really not her day as it was the second time, she was reminded of her wounds that had just scabbed.


    The sales attendant had noticed her odd behavior but didn''t comment. But when Xiu passed her credit card for the payment, the sales attendant spoke in a gossipy manner, "These young kids know nothing these days. People like us only knew what status Chen Xiu held in the industry." Xiu gave her a surprised look. The sales attendant thought she didn''t know anything as she continued, "Miss, you might not know this but Goddess Xiu was the first Asian endorser for Chanel. And our outlet''s had gone in a frenzy back then. She could make sand turn to gold just like she made our local brand of jewelry an international one with just being an endorser for it."


    Xiu silently took the bags from her hand and collected her card as well. "Miss, do come to shop again. Also, please don''t mind my rambling. I just feel a bit sad that such a bright star ended in such a pitiful manner. I get a bit emotional."


    Xiu shook her head at her saying, "I don''t mind. Thanks for your help." With her kind smile, Xiu left the store.


    Right outside, she saw an advertis.e.m.e.nt screen with Meng Chuan holding a Glory Perfume bottle. Xiu gave it a fleeting glance and walked away. Did she miss those days? Not in a million years! No one felt more fed up of that industry than her.


    Besides, a star was always meant to fade away. She just became one of those who faded too soon.


    She shrugged her shoulders at that thought in a nonchalant manner but with a huge weight on her heart.


    But feeling happy with her gift for Nora, Xiu was in high spirits. Imagining the look on Nora''s face, she was inwardly grinning. That silly girl would really go crazy with this surprise.


    [1] "Zhong Cao Machine": Zhong Cao means to "plant grass," and describes the effect when someone sees something owned by a friend or family member, or an advertis.e.m.e.nt for a product, and wants it. The effect is like planting a seed in their mind. It refers to someone who holds the power to sway the public''s fashion preferences.

 Chapter 15 - A Strange Stranger

    Just when Xiu entered the Mala Hotpot Restaurant, she felt like she was back in ancient times. A beautiful hostess in an elegant qipao bowed and greeted her with a gentle smile.


    Xiu returned the gesture with her own smile.


    "Miss, are you here with someone?" The hostess was inquiring politely.


    "Yes, my friend, Nora must be here." Xiu even tried to look around but on the wooden tables couldn''t find her.


    "Ah. Please follow me, Miss," the hostess ushered her through the dining area.


    The combination of red and black really caught Xiu''s attention. Even the tables had a generous space between them which ensured privacy for diners. Closely following the hostess, Xiu noticed how the restaurant was fully packed. It was no wonder Nora knew about this place. It must be quite influential.


    The hostess brought her to a private room and left after bowing to her.


    "Baby Xiu''er, what took you so long?" Nora immediately bombarded her with her questions, not even letting Xiu catch a breath. Without saying a word, Xiu placed the shopping bag in her hand at the table. Nora eyed it for a while and when she opened it, a shrill shriek of excitement escaped from her mouth. "You still treat me the best," Nora said while hugging her like a koala.


    Xiu patted her arm that was around her shoulders and said, "Don''t be dramatic. It''s your reward for learning self-restraint." She rubbed the space between her brows and continued, "I wish you could have the same restraint with your boyfriend''s list as well."


    "What''s taking them so long?" Nora changed the topic yet again very conveniently. But seemed like the luck was also on her side as the door opened and a couple of servers came to place their order.


    Seeing that Xiu decided to not push this topic anymore. She looked at the steaming hotpot and her eyes glossed up behind the steam.


    Holding her chopsticks, Xiu picked up a fishball and blew on it before taking a bite. Her tongue felt the assault of spices making her face red immediately.


    "Baby Xiu''er, it''s their special Extremely spicy flavored hotpot. You should eat from the other pot of mild flavor. That''s for you." Nora reminded her with concern.


    Xiu shook her head and said, "It''s okay. I feel like eating this flavor. It''s so good." She was lying. She never was fond of spices. But she insisted on eating these extreme spices because she felt like this way, she''d be able to hide her real tears that were threatening to spill out.


    ''Don''t talk about that hypocrite!''


    ''All the backlash was well-deserved.''


    ''Chen Xiu, if you have any sense, leave the industry immediately!''


    ''It''d be better if you just die. So what if you have talent. You''re the most horrendous person.''


    ''People like you should be stripped off of your clothes or better yet, their skins!''


    The voices from earlier mixed in with the voices from the past came like a gust of memories that slowly tried to penetrate her heart.


    Nora saw her small nose getting extremely red along with her glossy eyes. Her clear eyes looked like they were in a daze. But she still saw Xiu stubbornly stuffing that spicy hotpot in her mouth while wiping her snot and tears with a tissue. She looked like an utter mess. Or she seemed devastated. Nora wasn''t sure anymore. She hadn''t even seen Bai Xiu like this when her mother died.


    Somehow, Nora''s heart was sure that she was using this hotpot to hide her tears from her. But why?


    With a long calming breath, Nora held Xiu''s wrist and stopped her from torturing herself. It was indeed torture since, at this point, Xiu''s tongue was completely numb.


    "That''s enough," Nora said softly while she wrapped her arms around Xiu''s shoulders and let her head lean against her chest. "If you want to cry, I won''t stop you. I won''t even ask you. But please, stop hiding from me."


    Nora''s words made Xiu finally break in sobs. But she still didn''t want Nora to see her breaking apart. So, she shot up from her seat and ran outside the room. As she saw the sign of bathrooms at the end of the hallway, she frantically ran inside and locked the door from inside.


    Hugging herself in a protective manner, Xiu dragged her body and stood before the mirrors to look at herself. The face staring back at her was looking like a riped tomato but she could feel the burn of spices on her lips even now.


    Looking at herself she sniggered, "In the end, you''re still that coward who chose the easy way out." She placed her hand under the running water of the tap and splashed her face a few times. "This is who you were. You''re still the same. Nothing can change about you. How long are you going to let your past dictate your future?"


    She was screaming at her reflection like a madwoman. She felt pathetic. Not because she was reminded of the past. But because she realized that she was still letting others words rule her life. She was letting those unimportant people''s words get to her head and mess with it. It made her feel ashamed.


    She wasn''t just ashamed to face herself. She was ashamed to face the person who gave her the right to live as Bai Xiu. With a ''thud'' she dropped on her knees and the marble floor hit her knees hard but she felt nothing as the pain in her heart was much worse.


    In this new life, she was letting the wounds of her past life get to her. She felt it was not fair with the real Bai Xiu. Not at all!


    She held her head in her hands and whispered, "I''m so sorry, Bai Xiu! I really am sorry!" She was mumbling all by herself, "I was always innocent but how did I end up here?"


    "Asking for forgiveness is pointless unless your own heart forgives you." Suddenly, Xiu heard another voice in the silent bathroom. She whipped her head to see a man leaning against the wall near the washbasin. "Innocence has a peculiar quirk about it; every innocent ends up being the guilty one." She saw him pushing his body off the wall and standing straight.


    That''s when she noticed his beautifully tall stature. He has casually dressed in a pair of trousers and a red jacket with a crisp white shirt underneath. He was wearing white sneakers and a Vacheron Constantin on his wrist.


    He walked towards her kneeling figure and as he stood against the light, his shadow fell on Xiu and blocked her vision. She had to arch her neck and look up at him. Suddenly, her honey-brown orbs collided with a pair of gray orbs. Her eyes widened at the way those eyes bore into her. She was actually really absorbed in them.


    He passed a tissue to her and turned to leave not before saying over his shoulder, "You might think that most of your life belong in that past. But don''t forget that the past is already gone. Now, it''s just a memory that can only hurt you or teach you a lesson if you''re willing to learn."


    With these words, he took long strides to walk out leaving a dumbfounded Xiu on the cold floor with her knees aching badly.

 Chapter 16 - The Victim Is The Culprit

    Xiu blinked her eyes as she saw him walking out the wooden door. Suddenly, her eyes grew large and she rubbed her face with slightly more force than it was needed. After that, she immediately sprinted behind him.


    Since he didn''t seem to be in a hurry, he was walking leisurely and Xiu easily caught up with him. She didn''t trust her voice and held his jacket to stop him.


    Feeling a slight tug behind, he stopped to turn his head and when he saw Xiu glaring at him with her bloodshot eyes, his brow quirked up instinctively. Xiu''s face was completely red but from anger. She pointed her finger at him accusingly as she shrieked in a hoarse voice, "Pervert!"


    The beautiful gray eyes before her darkened, turning a bit dangerous making Xiu want to take a step back but she didn''t do so. She held her ground persistently. From a demure looking broken-wreck, she turned into a feisty wild kitten baring her fangs and ready to claw at him.


    "Yo-You were in a female bathroom! And also, who are you to advise me? Do you feel pity just because you saw me crying? Are you feeling sympathy for me?" Seeing her untimely surge of emotions, the frown between his brows eased up slowly. "You don''t even know me. Who gave you the right to judge me? Who asked you to give your stupid advice?" Xiu saw him cooly raising his eyebrows.


    Xiu was flabbergasted for a moment because of this simple gesture. The way he raised his eyebrows gave her an iconic feel and it added a great deal of intensity to his already good looks. Yes, she was indeed accepting that he was good looking. Actually, calling him good-looking made her feel like she wasn''t doing justice to his strong and fierce looks that made him appear like a knockout.


    Adding the fact that he had a very masculine square jaw and perfectly sun-kissed skin, he was the well-deserved definition of drop-dead gorgeous. He really had the quirks of being a natural handsome hunk.


    "First of all, I don''t have the mean or reason to feel pity for you at all. I''m certainly not a sympathetic person. The girls that I despise the most are those who try to lure people with their tears. I find it highly repulsive." His rich velvety smooth voice broke the train of Xiu''s eyes that were openly ogling him. "Second of all, yes, I don''t know you at all. But you seem to have a habit of talking out loud and that''s enough for people to get the gist of things." All this while, he wasn''t even looking at her. His attention was at the cellphone in his hand. But when he lifted his eyelids, he saw her narrowing her eyes at him. "Third of all, don''t raise your voice at me. I run out of patience very easily. And for the most important part."


    He pointed his finger behind her and Xiu subconsciously followed suit by turning her head. Her mouth opened as a gasp escaped involuntarily. Behind her, it was clearly stated that she was in the Men''s Bathroom.


    Xiu had to bit her tongue as she realized that calling him pervert was so wrong as it turned out, this was absolutely her own fault. She wasn''t the victim anymore as it seemed like she just became the culprit!


    If her own shame wasn''t enough, she heard his cello-like voice again as he said, "Me, pervert? Are you sure it''s not the other way around?" There was a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt behind his words but in her shame and embarrassment, Xiu didn''t catch up to that.


    She closed her eyes like a pigeon who just saw a cat. Because her mindset was similar to that of the pigeon who thought that if he closed the eyes, the cat won''t eat it. But problems don''t go away just because we turn a blind eye to them.


    "I-I''m not a pervert. It was a mistake. I didn''t see in a hurry." She stammered while trying to keep her voice at a calming level. The man before her was even more amused to see the flush that had crept up from her neck.


    Xiu felt a tickling sensation as a soft breath fanned the side of her face, her eyes shot open and she saw his face only inches away from her ear as he whispered, "Not that I care, but although it''s a highly reputable restaurant with award-worthy hygiene. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors?"


    Xiu understood the implication behind his words. She had lost her control and actually kneeled on the floor of the men''s bathroom. Eww!!! Her face immediately turned pale as she felt disgusted. Pushing him away, she made a dash for the private room where Nora was and left the restaurant as fast as she could.


    Watching her running like that, a reverberating sound of laughter could be heard in the hallway.


    "Daz, are you alright?" The man turned to see his best friend walking towards him with a worried expression.


    "What do you mean, Dylan?" He inquired with a smirk still stuck on his face.


    Dylan was rather confused as he said, "You don''t laugh like that unless..." he left his words hanging as he didn''t know how to complete his sentence without irking this best friend of his.


    The man''s expression shifted a bit but he composed himself as he said, "Forget about me. It''s time to talk about you. I have been waiting for an hour. It was you who wanted to eat this hotpot and it''s me who had to wait here for you. Why are you always testing me like this?"


    Feeling a drop in the temperature, Dylan gulped visibly as gave an awkward laugh. "Heh heh... Cough! I wasn''t going to be late. It''s because I bumped into that couple of girl from last night again." Dylan replied with a sour expression at the reminder of Xiu.


    "Looks like you''re fated for that threesome."


    "Darren!" Dylan couldn''t believe that his best friend was still stuck on this topic. Didn''t he make his stand clear?


    "Stop whining like a girl. I''m famished!" Saying that the man who was called, Darren made his way towards the private room he had booked for an hour now.

 Chapter 17 - Fifty Shades Of A Woman

    Seeing the nonchalance as ease on Darren''s face, Dylan was exasperated. "Oi! Why are you using your poisonous tongue on me?"


    Darren calmly sat down on the chair and looked through the menu while saying, "Dylan, I''m not a snake. I certainly can''t have a poisonous tongue. If I did, you''d be the first one to die." Taking a pause, he added, "Also, it was your own wild fantasy to have a threesome in high school."


    "You don''t need to remind me of my dark history." Dylan retorted.


    "Well, I wasn''t the one who read that wish before the whole class." Darren was pursing his lips to stifle his laughter. That reminder from Dylan''s rebellious phase was such a sore spot for Dylan that no one dared to voice it out again. Well, with the exception of Darren.


    Dylan stared at him in disbelief as his temper was about to flare up. But something caught his attention. He came close to Darren and sniffed with suspicion. "You were with a woman." It wasn''t a question. He seemed certain with his statement.


    Darren pushed him away saying, "What the hell! What dog nose you have?" Darren was really sure that this friend''s nose was better than military dogs. He didn''t even touch Xiu earlier, how could Dylan still catch a whiff of her scent on him? Even he didn''t smell anything.


    "Ahan!" Dylan immediately perked up as he said, "I''m not wrong. Tell me, who''s the girl?"


    Darren took a sip of water and asked, "Even if I tell you who she is, would you really know her?"


    Dylan found the answer almost immediately. Nope! He wouldn''t know at all. "Of course I won''t." He sat back at his own chair like a defeated man and continued, "After all, you have a weird personality. You always date women from a humble background."


    "Well, not everyone can endure socialites like you." Darren retorted almost immediately.


    "Let''s not delve into this topic anymore. We both have our own reasons." Dylan tried to stir the conversation to a different route as he asked, "So, mind sharing what was she like? Because if she''s the one who made you laugh like that... Then we have a lot to look out for." He suddenly felt apprehensive for some reason.


    Darren didn''t speak for a while, he languidly skimmed through the menu and ordered a couple of dishes along with wine. Then propping his chin on his intertwined fingers, he said, "Do you think women are eccentric?"


    "Think?" Dylan snorted and added, "I know women are eccentric. I find them outlandish and sometimes they even give me outr¨¦ feelings." He noted Darren''s odd silence and asked, "Why are you asking this suddenly?"


    "In a matter of five minutes, I saw that woman changing her fifty shades."


    "Huh?" Dylan looked dumbfounded.


    With a sigh, Darren explained, "I met a damsel in distress with tears streaked face," Xiu''s crying face flashed before his eyes. "Then she turned into a self-loathing dove; fragile but pure." He remembered the way she kept condemning her own reflection as if she had let herself down. "Within a split-second, she seemed like a vulnerable little lamb." He was referring to when he saw her breaking down as she fell on her knees. His eyes flickered at the memory as he thought she must have hurt her knees badly.


    Dylan was listening attentively to his best friend without even trying to cut in which was so not like him at all. But they both were acting out of their norm. When did Darren turn this talkative? He wondered to himself.


    After a long uninterrupted silence, Darren continued, "Moving on, I saw her turning into a feisty wild kitten ready to claw like I''ve stolen her toy or something." He couldn''t forget the way she accused him of being a pervert. But what amused him back then was her defiant nature. She was trying to hide her vulnerability behind her sharp words. "Soon, she became like a red rose; preciously delving in her embarrassment." He couldn''t help the chuckle that escaped from his mouth as he remembered her flushed face and closed eyes.


    "What happened next?" By this point, Dylan was too invested in this tale. It was intriguing since he had never seen his best friend elaborating a woman like this.


    Right when Darren opened his mouth to speak, the door opened and the serves brought in their dishes along with the special wine. Dylan was getting impatient and when the waiter asked, "Do you need anything else?"


    "No, we don''t." Dylan waved him off and the servers got his hint, leaving them alone in the room. Dylan shifted back his attention to Darren, "Go on, tell me what happened next?"


    "Next..." Darren picked up his wine glass and swirled the crimson red liquid before taking a sniff. "Next, she became a runaway princess."


    "You mean she ran away?" Dylan asked with a disbelieving look as if saying, ''Do you think I''ll believe this sh*t?''


    "Mhmm." Darren made a sound of affirmation.


    "How is that possible? I have never seen girls running away from you. At least not at the first meeting." Dylan was mumbling to himself.


    "And I haven''t seen a girl kicking your ass at the first meeting either." Darren''s reply reminded Dylan of the most embarrassing moment of his life. "Later on, they sure try to beat you. After all, you''re the biggest jerk for them."


    Dylan wasn''t offended by the latter part of his speech but he sure felt a jab because of the former reminder. His hands curled up into fists as he said, "I''ll not let her off if I met her again. She called me an uncle again."


    Bouts of laughter could be heard in the initially silent room as Darren was really feeling like this was the best thing he had heard. Someone dared to not just kick Dylan but also called him old. Oh, he was certainly going to be entertained for a long time. How he wished he had seen the scene first hand. It was such a pity for Darren that he missed this chance.


    ''I should ask someone to retrieve the CCTV footage from the convenience store.'' Darren came to that conclusion when his curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 18 - Spicy Cupcake

    On the other hand...


    "Baby Xiu''er, would you please come out? You have been inside for two hours." Nora was knocking at the bathroom door where Xiu had locked herself right after coming back from the mall.


    She hadn''t even given any kind of explanation to Nora for their abrupt departure. And seeing Xiu''s face, Nora didn''t ask anything either on their ride back. But now that Xiu had been locked inside the bathroom for a long time, Nora was getting anxious.


    Inside the bathroom, Xiu stood under the showerhead and kept rubbing her body with a sponge. Her milky white skin had turned red from all the rubbing. It looked bruised at first glance and to be honest, Xiu even felt bruised since now the light contact of water with her skin was enough to make her flinch in pain.


    But as if she was adamant on peeling this layer of skin off of herself, she didn''t stop. Her knees were in the worst condition; there were blue bruises that looked ugly and the pain was shooting up to her bones. When the knocking at the door grew insistent, Xiu''s hazy state was broken and she turned the water off.


    Patting her body with the soft towel, she applied some ointment on her knees and wore her pajamas before walked out.


    "Ah, finally!" Nora heaved a sigh of relief and looked Xiu up and down with her scrutinizing gaze. "What took you so long?"


    Xiu didn''t answer and went towards the kitchen while Nora followed her. She saw Xiu heating up some milk for herself and asked again, "Why did we leave without even eating properly?"


    Under Nora''s persistence, Xiu had to cave in and she did as she narrated the incident in the Men''s Bathroom.


    "Pfft!" Nora couldn''t keep her laughter in control. "Sorry, it''s just funny that you ran in Men''s Bathroom and labeled that innocent man as a pervert. It''s almost like the pot calling the kettle black."


    Xiu wasn''t amused at all with Nora''s words. Instead, her disgust came back as she shuddered a bit. "Hey! How can you call him innocent?"


    "Wasn''t he innocent?" Nora retorted with interest.


    Xiu huffed while crossing her arms before her chest. "Fine, I accept that I was at fault for not looking. But it doesn''t make him innocent. He didn''t have to embarrass me like that." Thinking back, Xiu felt like puking.


    Xiu drank her milk in silence while Nora sat beside her to observe her expressions. Suddenly, she said, "Baby Xiu''er, do you know in the past five years this is the first time you showed emotions?" Her words stunned Xiu for a while as she continued, "After the amnesia, it was like you had become a different person. But now it feels like you''re still my Bai Xiu. You always use to overreact and make dumb mistakes. You were labeled as the clumsy of our class."


    Seeing Nora''s smile of contentment, Xiu felt awkward inside and chose to stay silent. She didn''t know how to say that she really wasn''t the Bai Xiu she knew of. Bai Xiu was clumsy, she as Chen Xiu wasn''t allowed any room to make mistakes. From the very beginning, her mother always told her, "Mistakes are for the losers. Winners are not allowed to fall."


    But now, Xiu knew that her mother was wrong. Making mistakes, falling down or winning without a fall... All of that is pointless. One only needs to learn how to stand back up after falling down. Otherwise, even the winners will feel like a loser. Because only a fall can bring out our true capabilities.


    "By the way, how can you call that Mr. McHottie as Uncle? I saw him today, he was really... And I mean like really gorgeous." Nora saw the way Xiu stopped talking and decided to change the topic. She had seen Dylan when he exited his car to shout at Xiu.


    "Really? I still think he''s an Uncle." Xiu answered plainly.


    "Oh please, don''t be biased just because he messed with you. Be honest, he was one hot stuff." Xiu was familiar that Nora wouldn''t compliment other''s looks that easily. There was no doubt that Dylan was handsome but Xiu really chose to overlook that fact because of his infuriating personality.


    She was indeed biased. But what about it? She didn''t care at all. "If you find him so attractive, go date him. I''m pretty sure both of you will suit each other."


    "Ouch!" Nora faked as she held her hand against her chest in a dramatic manner. "Can''t you stop using that sharp tongue of yours? It does hurt. Anyways, I called him handsome. I didn''t say he''s attractive. He''s not my type at all."


    "Thank God, he''s not your type. For a second I was scared that I''ll have to act politely and cordially with him if he really became your boyfriend." Xiu also followed suit in being equally dramatic and the effect was even better since she was an award-winning actress.


    While Xiu was washing her cup in the sink, she said, "We''ll have to survive on packaged food or takeouts for another two days. I''m very busy at the office. So, let''s go grocery shopping on Friday."


    "Works fine with me," Nora replied offhandedly.


    As Xiu was walking towards her bedroom after bidding Nora goodnight, she heard Nora''s voice from behind, "You didn''t tell me what that Bathroom pervert looked like? I''m really curious."


    Xiu shook her head at this curious cat she called a best friend and without turning back, she said, "Goodnight, Nora!" With that, she entered her room and fell on her bed tiredly.


    Rolling around a bit, she stared at the ceiling in the darkroom and thought about the ''Bathroom Pervert''. What did he look like? Nora''s words were still ringing in her mind.


    Darren''s beautiful gray eyes were the first thing that flashed before her eyes and Xiu felt entranced. He certainly was a treat for sore eyes. But as for his tongue... Hmmm... That was too spicy for her liking.


    She found his euphonious voice pleasing to the ears but his words didn''t feel that pleasing at all. One could call him a cupcake filled with hot spices. No matter how visually pleasing he was, he''d certainly burn people with that tongue of his. With these thoughts roaming in her mind, she finally closed her eyes and lost herself to the dreamland.

 Chapter 19 - Chasing A Happy Ending

    [Under the clear blue sky, trees were swaying lazily with the warm breeze. The sun looked to be celebrating something with its beautiful blazing yellow, free and bright spirit.


    Through the french doors, a pair of black eyes kept observing the lazy waves of the ocean. The wave after wave coming to caress the shore in a loving manner. But even that beautiful sight of the tranquil and serene beach evoked no emotions within those impassable eyes.


    "Ms. Chen, shall we begin?" The elegant yet professional voice broke Xiu''s reverie as she turned to face the lady before her who sat with her legs crossed over one another in a straight posture.


    Xiu leaned back on the comfortable couch as she said emotionlessly, "I can''t do this anymore, Dr. Xi." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes saying, "I feel so numb."


    Dr. Xi picked up her notepad and pen. "Ms. Chen, let''s talk through this. How did your day start?" Her polite and professional voice was soothing but Xiu knew it won''t last for long.


    "It started with my non-existent will to carry this burden of my body. It felt pointless." Xiu replied heavily.


    "And why do you think it''s pointless?" Dr. Xi asked again.


    "Isn''t it pointless?" Xiu asked her in return. "It''s not like anybody is gonna appreciate my effort." Her hopeless voice made Dr. Xi purse her lips.


    "Ms. Chen, I asked you to stop looking through social sites. Are you following that?"


    "I don''t see how this can help me get better," Xiu replied blandly.


    "If you''ll stay away from the negativity only then can you get rid of the negativity that''s embedding its seeds in your mind." Dr. Xi''s words were reasonable but Xiu didn''t feel like it as she sniggered in self-mockery.


    "You think that can help me?" Xiu''s eyes held scorn in them as she added, "Do you know how I spent my night?" Dr. Xi stayed silent letting Xiu speak her mind. "I received a parcel with a dead cat. Each of its limbs was cut brutally. I was all alone in my apartment. I screamed, cried, yelled... But do you know what happened?" She was scratching the back of her hand with her nails so harshly that it started bleeding. "No one came to help. Not a single person. I spent my night curled up in a corner all alone."


    Dr. Xi saw the tears brimming in her eyes but her resolve to hold them in was also visible. The girl before her was broken. From the moment, she became her psychiatrist she knew Xiu was crumbling inside.


    "Ms. Chen, speak your mind. Don''t hold back anything. Not even your tears. Because I know that''s not what you want to talk about."


    Xiu looked at her doctor and felt like she had become an open book. And yet someone was asking her to read her own soul out loud.


    "Dr. Xi, do you know why it''s hurting so much?" Xiu again moved her eyes away from the woman who looked to be in her early thirties. "It hurts badly because of how much I loved him. I''ve never really loved anything in my life, not even my status as much as I loved him. But now, that love is fading away right before my eyes and I know it''s ending. But with its end, I''ve also come to a realization."


    "What did you realize?"


    "The fact that I have lost my own self while loving him. I gave up so big of a part of myself that without him, I feel like there is nothing left. Not even my own existence. I poured my heart and soul into this and that''s why it feels like my heart has broken into million little pieces and each piece is hurting like hell inside."


    Dr. Xi kept her professional stance but looking at the beautiful girl she felt like she was looking at a doll; lifeless and listless. She could see the overwhelming desire of fading away in Xiu''s face and it was scaring her.


    "Ms. Chen, sometimes we have to lose to learn how to win again..."


    Xiu interrupted her mid-sentence as she said, "Doc, we encounter some defeats in life after which there is no desire of winning left within us. I honestly don''t want to stand back up. It seems to be a tiring thing and I''m too tired and lazy to bother about it."


    "How can you give up so easily?"


    Xiu couldn''t help but scoff at her words as she said, "Do you think I''m giving up easily?" She smiled bitterly as she added, "Let me introduce you to myself again. Hi, I''m Chen Xiu. People call me Goddess Xiu. But do you know who I really am? I''m the girl who studied how to cook, so I can cook his favorite dishes. I couldn''t stand being apart from him, so in every break during the shoot, I called him to remind him that I exist. I always saved up and planned everything for his sake. My morning started with his thoughts and ended with only him in my eyes."


    Her tears had finally broken through and flooded over her face as they fell like a stream of water.


    Dr. Xi passed her the box of tissue and with a gentle gaze she asked, "Do you know how you ended up here?" Xiu hiccuped and shook her head. "Instead of finding your happy present, you kept chasing a happy ending with someone who wasn''t even written in your fairytale."]


    Xiu''s eyes opened with an erratic heartbeat drumming throughout her body. She touched her face to find it stained with tears. She looked at the familiar bedroom and sighed.


    ''The past of Chen Xiu is still haunting me as Bai Xiu.'' She mused to herself before pushing herself out of the bed and opened the curtains to let the sunlight stream inside.


    These dreams were a common occurrence to her and she was quite used to them now. But if it was in her own abilities, she''d rather probe into Bai Xiu''s memories than her own. As she was brushing her teeth, her heart hurt looking at her own reflection.


    Not because of the girl she was today. But rather for the girl, she was five years ago. That girl who begged and groveled for someone to stay by her side. Anyone. But no one stayed beside her. She used to wonder why she wasn''t good enough but not again. She didn''t want to lose herself in the endless cycle of self-torture all over again.


    After her morning routine, she came out of the bedroom and found Nora all dressed up.


    "What''s the hurry?" Xiu asked since she knew Nora would never get ready so early for her job.


    "I have to deal with some foreign guests. Also, you remember it''s Friday." Nora reminded her with a toast in her hand.


    "I do. I''ll finish my work on time. You better not be late."


    Nora came to give her a small hug and said, "I won''t be late. Wait for me." Saying that she ran out the door in a hurry.


    Xiu ran after her and shouted, "Nora, stop!"


    "Huh? What''s wrong? I''m getting late." Nora tapped her shoe impatiently. Xiu pointed towards her feet and Nora followed her sight and groaned in annoyance. "Urgh! Why am I wearing two different heels?"


    Xiu muffled her laughter saying, "Maybe it''s your new fashion."


    "Haha... Very funny." Nora gave a dry laugh while changing out of the oddly mismatched heels.


    Xiu watched her running and shook her head at this girl. She was really forgetful whenever she was in a hurry.

 Chapter 20 - Pompous Demotivator

    About an hour later, Xiu was also at her office. It was Friday and she had to get some work done. Because if she did any overtime over the weekend that feisty Latina back at home will murder her with her bare hands.


    Okay, that might be an exaggeration but honestly, you wouldn''t wanna be on the receiving end of Nora''s lectures. The way she moves between Spanish, English, and Mandarin to scold is enough to make one dizzy. Also, Nora had a very special trait, she''d always speak Spanish when she''s angry. Somehow, for Xiu, she looked really cute.


    "Ms. Bai, Manager Li is looking for you." Xiu heard her colleague''s voice and nodded.


    She collected the material needed for the discussion with Manager Li and trudged towards her office. Xiu curled her fingers to knock lightly before opening the door to enter. She paused for a moment to see Director Lin of their department also sitting inside Manager Li''s office but soon composed herself.


    "Bai Xiu, take a seat." Manager Li offered politely and Xiu sat down while passing the files to Manager Li.


    While Manager Li got busy with skimming through the files, Director Lin looked at Xiu with a gentle gaze. He was a middle-aged man probably over his fifties but he was a very professional and kind superior.


    "Bai Xiu, I''ve heard some rumors about you," Director Lin started with a cough. Oh, did we mention he loved the gossips between the youngsters? He was like gossipmonger. Perhaps, it was his way of feeling young again.


    "I wonder what caught Director Lin''s attention," Xiu replied seemingly unfazed. She grew quite used to his gossipy habits. It didn''t bother her anymore. Especially since he was her direct way of staying up-to-date about the office.


    "Our new interns have a new name for you," Xiu lifted her brow but didn''t comment as he continued, "They are calling you ''Pompous Demotivator''." Xiu was frowning as she really felt nothing wrong with this name. "They are calling you demotivator because apparently after every conversation they have the urge to jump off the building."


    It felt like she got a promotion from Heartless Witch to Pompous Demotivator. How amusing!


    "They should just do that then." Xiu''s response made Director Lin choke on his words while Manager Li also lifted her eyes to look at Xiu''s stern and solemn look. "No offense, Sir. But if they use half of their brain in completing their assigned tasks, they wouldn''t have to listen to my nasty remarks."


    Both Director Lin and Manager Li pursed their lips at her reply. Indeed, if those young people had the time to come up with a nickname for her, they could have used that intelligence on their tasks instead. After all, Xiu was only demanding when it came to working. She hated tardiness and excuses.


    "Bai Xiu, I really like you. From the moment you joined our department as an intern, I''ve valued your talent. But cut those new interns some slack. We are already under a lot of pressure." Director Lin advised her in a patient manner.


    "What do you mean, Sir?" Xiu asked.


    "Aiya! It''s all because of our temperamental CEO. He fired four of his secretaries from his secretarial department. It''s a mess on the top floor with all the work pressure. That overbearing Prince comes once in a month and makes everything hard for us." Director Lin really looked anxious as he rubbed his forehead.


    "Mr. CEO must have a reason for his actions. I heard he''s very reasonable. Even though he''s the heir of the Qiu Conglomerate and Spark International Group is just a subsidiary under his command. He had never been unfair with his decisions." Xiu decided to voice out since she had heard a lot of praises about the CEO. Although his demerits often would outweigh his merits, nonetheless, he was a capable leader.


    "I know he''s not unreasonable but he should also consider our workload." Sighing out, he continued, "Anyways, I was here for some other matter. Tomorrow, the Planning Department is going on a recreational trip. To create bonding between new interns and give relaxation to old employees, it was decided by our CEO."


    Xiu opened her mouth to say something when she heard Manager Li''s voice, "Don''t you dare try to find your way out of this again. You always have excuses for such activities. This time it won''t work." Xiu shut her mouth conveniently as she saw Manager Li''s angry gaze. "I have checked through the KPI report. It''s very detailed as expected of you."


    "Thank you, Manager Li." Xiu bowed her head show her respect and gratitude.


    "You have also attached a list of actions with quality improvement suggestions and their expected outcomes. The transparency report is also remarkable." Manager Li passed the files to Director Lin as she praised Xiu without holding back.


    Director Lin also nodded his head, "It''s no wonder, we value you so much. And somehow I think you''re wasting your talent in the Planning Department."


    "I''m quite satisfied with where I am, Sir," Xiu replied politely.


    Xiu was about to leave the room when Manager Li''s voice halted her, "Bai Xiu, don''t overwork yourself." Xiu smiled at her and left the room.


    She came back to her cubicle and found a steaming hot coffee laying on her table waiting for her. A sticky note was attached to it, "It''s not brown-nosing. You genuinely look tired so I thought it''ll help." Xiu rubbed her chin in a thoughtful manner and her lips curled up.


    She savored the taste of the coffee and got back to work. In the evening, when she left the office right on time, she found Nora waiting for her outside while leaning against her car.


    "Hey, baby Xiu''er!" Nora shouted loudly while waving excitedly. Xiu really wanted to be embarrassed but couldn''t bring herself to do so.


    With equal enthusiasm, she shouted back, "Hi, Nora darling!"


    "Oh my gosh! Did our Pompous Demotivator actually smile?"


    "Forget it! I''m still feeling the chills."


    "But who is that gorgeous girl waiting for our Heartless Witch?"


    All kinds of whispering were going on around her but Xiu decided to zone them out as she alighted in Nora''s car and they both steered their way on the busy road.

 Chapter 21 - A Supermarket Encounter

    "Don''t you dare touch that bread!" Nora''s loud scream startled the group of shoppers around them. She pursed her lips but didn''t bother apologizing as she snatched the bread from Xiu''s hand saying, "Aren''t you tired of eating this? We have spent the whole week on bread."


    "And who''s fault is that?" Xiu retorted with a smirk as she wiggled her brows.


    Nora grumpily huffed. "Focus on the grocery list."


    Xiu smiled at her tantrums and turned back to look through the ingredients of the condiment pack in her hand. Seeing that it was sugar-free, she placed it in the trolley and pushed it forward.


    "So, are you going to that recreational trip tomorrow?" Nora asked while placing the pasta in the trolley.


    "Don''t want to," Xiu replied indifferently.


    "Don''t make excuses this time. Who knows you might get a surprise on this trip?" Nora teased her playfully.


    Xiu shook her head at Nora''s teasing and didn''t pay any attention to her.


    "Mom, I want that candy!" Both Xiu and Nora''s attention shifted to a little boy tugging at his mother''s sleeve and his mother was sternly dragging him away.


    "Candies are not good for teeth. You will get cavities. Stop making a scene here."


    This particular scene reminded both girls of a particular person they were very well familiar with. Xiu looked at Nora and found her guiltily averting her eyes. Of course! That person was Nora herself who threw these kinds of tantrums when it came to her shopping habits.


    Seeing the tears in that kid''s eyes, Xiu pulled out candy from her purse and saw how that kid''s eyes brightened up. But Xiu languidly unwrapped it before placing it in her mouth. Her look of satisfaction made the kid wail even more pitifully.


    The mother of the kid glared at Xiu and said loud enough for people to hear, "Young people these days are really insolent!"


    Xiu didn''t mind at all. But someone else sure did. As Nora was about to get in her fight mode, Xiu raised her hand to stop her.


    "We don''t have to concern ourselves with these remarks."


    Nora nodded and stomped her foot before walking off to buy the seafood. Just then Xiu heard someone scoffing and turned to see Dylan scowling while throwing daggers at her with his eyes.


    "I knew it! You are no good! How can you be so petty?" He was raging over from the moment he saw Xiu teasing that little kid.


    Xiu crossed her arms before her chest in an imposing manner completely losing her childlike innocence that created the misunderstanding between them at the first meeting. "Please, enlighten me... How am I being petty?"


    Her words were simple but her authoritative voice with a sharp edge gave Dylan an eerie feeling. But he still wanted to hold his ground as he insisted, "Didn''t you just mock that little kid? Over a candy! How shameless is that?"


    Xiu thumped her hands on the trolley''s handle making Dylan flinch in surprise. She started pushing the trolley toward him as she spoke, "The candy was mine. Why am I not allowed to eat it?"


    With her each step, Dylan took a step back. "But... Your petty action of provoking him made that kid cry." Dylan spoke adamantly while Xiu rolled her eyes at him.


    Xiu gave an illusion that she was going to push the trolley to hit him and Dylan on instinct tried to avoid it, only to bump into a pillar. As he stumbled back, Xiu extended her foot and Dylan tripped only to land on his buttock in a pitiful condition.


    "Ommf!" He groaned in pain.


    Xiu squatted down near him while he rubbed his forehead. "Aiyo! This is why I think you should walk with a cane. Uncle is getting on age and he even needs spectacles now. Should I lend you mine?"


    Dylan glared at her. "Just because you''re a girl I''m being a gentleman otherwise..."


    Xiu stood up with ease disregarding his words as she turned to leave and said over her shoulder, "Keep your chivalry to yourself. I am an independent woman. I don''t need it from someone like you."


    Dylan was stumped for words for a while before he shouted at her back, "Don''t let me find you again!"


    "Don''t wanna see you again as well, Uncle," Xiu replied with a sickly sweet smile which made him cringe.


    Xiu left Dylan in his pitiful state right there on the floor and came to join Nora at the checkout counter. Coincidently, the mother-son pair from earlier were also right ahead of them.


    Xiu turned to Nora and winked at her as she started wailing, "Ahhh! Nora, my tooth is hurting."


    Nora had already gotten the hint as she also made an anxious face and said, "Oh my! That''s why I warned you to stop eating those candies. You must have gotten cavities from all that sugar consumption."


    The kid ahead of them looked at them making his eyes big. His mother was also looking at Xiu and Nora in confusion.


    "Now what?" Xiu asked with another scream of pain.


    "Let me take you to the dentist." Nora held Xiu''s hand as if ready to pull her out of here.


    But Xiu resisted like a kid and with glossy eyes said, "I don''t want to. The dentist will use that big needle to poke into my mouth. It''ll hurt a lot. Also, my face will swell up and all my friends will call me ugly."


    The kid ahead of them gasped as he held his mother''s hand tightly. His face looked horrified. "Mom, I don''t want candies ever again." His mother looked surprised as she looked at both Xiu and Nora, she felt a bit guilty for her remark. She judged their intention too soon. Even though their way of giving the message was too peculiar but it worked on a five-year-old very well.


    As Xiu watched the mother-son pair leaving the supermarket, both friends did their signature fist bump dramatically.


    "And as always, my baby Xiu''er is the best actress." Nora praised Xiu who flipped her hair off her shoulder- even when all her hair were tied up in a bun.


    "I told you, I was the most amazing actress in my past life," Xiu replied sincerely.


    "Yes, yes. And I was the ruler of the seven seas." Nora obviously took her words to be a joke as she played along.


    But Xiu wasn''t backing off either as she replied, "Oh my! Your Majesty, you bestowed me with your friendship..." She wiped her non-existent tears and continued, "Now, this peasant of yours can die in peace." She was curtsying like a noble lady as she lifted her eyes and met with Nora''s amused gaze.


    Both friends burst out laughing happily without any regard for the others around them. They really knew how to live in their own bubble. Perhaps, that''s why both of them didn''t realize that someone was intently looking towards their antics.


    With a soft look in his eyes, Darren couldn''t stop himself from following Xiu from the moment he saw her at the checkout counter. And that drama of hers really took him by surprise. Just as he said before, she really knew how to change her shades in the blink of an eye. He was definitely entertained.


    "Daz, let''s never come to this supermarket ever again!" Dylan''s voice broke Darren''s gaze as he turned to see the black face of his best friend. Dylan looked like he was on the verge of exploding.


    "What ticked you off now?" Darren asked offhandedly while turning to look in Xiu''s direction but couldn''t find her anymore. He felt slightly disappointed.


    "That little monster!" Dylan gritted out. He didn''t even have to explain anything and Darren already could figure out who he was talking about.


    "She met you here as well?" Dylan nodded his head while Darren sighed out, "You said we won''t go to that convenience store since she met you there. Then you stopped driving your Ferrari just because you again bumped into her because of that car. And now, we are even not allowed to come to this supermarket?" Dylan again nodded his head but this time, Darren slapped the back of his head saying, "Knock yourself out of it already! Just say you don''t want to help me buy my daily necessities."


    "I''m serious," Dylan argued but Darren kept on ignoring his childish behavior.

 Chapter 22 - Crown Queen Of Lame Excuses

    Saturdays are all about smiles and blessings. With coffee as a companion and a smile to brighten the day that''s what Saturday mode was for Xiu.


    But...


    Things were about to change today. Usually, Xiu would only leave her bed at around noon but this week, she had to get up early.


    She looked like a zombie as she roamed around the kitchen to brew some coffee for herself. It was very much needed to wake her. With a steaming hot mug of coffee, Xiu made her way towards her room when she almost bumped into Nora.


    "Argh! Gosh! You scared me!" Nora gave a start and pinched Xiu. "Why are you still looking like a sleep-zombie? It''s 7 o''clock already."


    Xiu yawned in response in a very unladylike manner. "Can''t I just skip out on this one?" Xiu''s voice came out groggy.


    "And why is that?" Nora lifted her brows in question.


    "I want to catch up on my sleep," Xiu whined.


    Nora pulled her ear. "Ow! Ow! Let me go! It''s hurting!" Xiu screamed in pain while trying to swat Nora''s hand away.


    "Tell me, my crown queen of lame excuses, which kingdom are you going to conquer in sleep this time?" Nora''s words were dripping with sarcasm. She freed Xiu''s ear but didn''t stop glaring at her.


    "Fine. Fine! My Empress Dowager! I''m going to dress up now." Xiu rubbed her ear and hastily entered her room afraid that Nora would again start her abuse. ''Wuwuwu! Pitiful me!'' Xiu thought with a crying face.


    Xiu had been insomniac in her previous life and now that she found the blessing of sleep all over again, she really had a hard time leaving the comfort of a bed. It was a tiring job. She was like a starved person who finally found food. The difference would be that her food was now; sleep.


    How she yearned for it, only her heart knew.


    Xiu picked black colored sportswear which consisted of a half-sleeved t-shirt and shorts that reached below her knees. It was comfortable for a golf course outing. She matched it with white converse and a white jacket. Pulling up her hair in a high ponytail, she saw the abandoned cup of coffee on her headboard and sighed. "One precious cup of pure delight is just wasted like this. Tsk!" She clicked her tongue in disappointment.


    Picking up her purse, sunglasses, and the cellphone she walked out of the room. She found Nora waiting for her in the living room impatiently.


    "Did you take sunglasses?" Nora inquired while eyeing her up and down. Xiu dangled her sunglasses right before her eyes. "Good. What about sunscreen?" Xiu rolled her eyes at her and showed the sunscreen bottle to her. "Very good. What about-"


    "I have everything, mother." Xiu teased her with a look of annoyance. But Nora didn''t mind at all.


    Instead, Nora gave her a bear hug saying, "Take care of yourself out there. Try to socialize. They are your colleagues, not animals. I''m sure they won''t bite."


    "And if they did bite?" Xiu asked rhetorically.


    Nora had a thoughtful look before saying, "Then you bite them ten-folds in return." Xiu had expected this type of childish reply from Nora but it still made her day.


    "Okay. I will. But you''ll have to bail me out if I ended up in the police station."


    Nora patted her chest assuringly, "Don''t you worry, my child! I''m here for you." Xiu shook her head and turned to leave but Nora''s voice halted her again.


    "Now what?"


    Nora threw her car keys and said, "Take my car."


    "The company is gonna provide us with the rides."


    "You just take the car. Don''t argue with me." Saying that Nora straight ahead slammed the door at Xiu''s face.


    Xiu dragged her body towards the lift and greeted the elevator attendant. ''Ugh! I really don''t feel worky today, I just want to be comfy today. Why can''t I just poof out on my bed?'' Xiu whined in her head on her ride to the company where she met with her colleagues.


    "Bai Xiu, you brought a car?" Manager Li asked Xiu the dumbest question, in Xiu''s opinion. After all, her car was right there for everyone to see.


    "Yes, I did," Xiu answered heavily with a premonition creeping up in her heart.


    "That''s good. Let your interns accompany you. It''d be a good bonding time for you all." Manager Li''s words made Xiu grit her teeth.


    ''After ruining my perfect Saturday morning, you want to ruin my moment of personal space?'' Xiu thought bitterly but still had to maintain a composed look as she said, "Sure."


    But her words were like a thunderstorm that struck on the new interns. All their faces paled.


    "Manager Li, let Ms. Bai go alone. I prefer the bus rides." One of the interns spoke up and ran towards the bus.


    "I also love the bus rides." Another one followed along, leaving only Bo Jiu behind.


    Manager Li was having a headache seeing how those interns ran. It was like she didn''t offer them to ride with Bai Xiu but instead gave them to the Grim Reaper himself.


    "You also want to join your friends, Ms. Bo?" Manager Li asked as she rubbed her forehead.


    "No. I''ll ride with Ms. Bai. She should have some company as well." Bo Jiu stated as she made her way to Xiu''s car and settled in. Xiu was left frowning. She had treated Bo Jiu in the worst way by making her an errand runner for the whole week but still, she chose to ride with Xiu? That didn''t settle well.


    But Xiu didn''t comment on it and alighted the car before saying goodbye to Manager Li; temporarily.


    As the ride was long and they could see a long stretched black river of tarmac ahead, both Xiu and Bo Jiu were getting bored. But none bother to break the silence.


    At least, not until Xiu''s curiosity got the best of her. "Shouldn''t you be avoiding me like a plague?"


    Bo Jiu was a bit startled to know that Xiu initiated the conversation. But soon, she managed to shake her head in negation. "Why would I be?"


    "If my memory serves me right, you are a top graduate from Harvard and yet you chose to come back to your city and start as an intern. But I treated you like an errand girl. You must have stabbed me to death by now in your dreams." There was nothing wrong with Xiu''s statement. But it still surprised Bo Jiu that Xiu was this straightforward with words.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to hate you. Trust me, I wanted to. But I couldn''t do so." This time, Xiu was surprised. "At first, I really wanted to yell and scream at you for wasting my talent like that. But when my rationality came back to me, I couldn''t bring myself to hate you."


    "Oh, really? I wonder why is that?" Xiu gave a brittle smile.


    "You gave me the lowest rank in our department. But it took me a whole day of blisters to realize that being at that rank allowed me to know how the Planning Department operated. In this week, I not only learned about the coffee preferences of my superiors and peers. I also learned about their working habits. And most importantly, I learned how important our Planning Department is to the whole Company." Bo Jiu''s words made Xiu feel amused.


    "So, I really didn''t judge you wrong. You do have a passion for learning."


    Bo Jiu gave a start. "It wasn''t my punishment?"


    "If you''d spent the whole week whining about how I treated you unfairly, then yeah! It would be your punishment." Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "But you''re not one of those who blame others for their own downfall. You''re a fighter who learned how to survive in that downfall. Honestly, I would say that you just learned the most important lesson of your career."


    Bo Jiu couldn''t find words to describe her feelings. In the end, her persistence wasn''t all for naught. It was all worth it. Now, she completely believed in her cousin''s words. Bai Xiu always had a motive behind her poisonous tongue. Bo Jiu''s eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Xiu. The woman before her was really unlike any other she had met.

 Chapter 23 - Lost Her Way

    Sitting under the shade of trees, Xiu''s eyes wandered up to look at that clear blue sky. A defiant sky looked back at her. Living through two lives, Xiu had walked under the same sky countless times. Sometimes she found it dark, angry, crying bitter tears of rain, hailing, firing away its heat, or just looking like brimstone.


    But there were rare days like today when the sky looked serene, dappled by the clouds. That vast sky akin to the ocean and those beautiful clouds akin to molted feathers of an angel.


    "Won''t you be joining us, Ms. Bai?" Bo Jiu''s voice broke Xiu''s calming therapy of enjoying herself under this beautiful clear day. With a clenched jaw, she gave Bo Jiu a hard look.


    "No," that monosyllable reply was enough to back off Bo Jiu who got the hint and left her alone.


    Since her whole rhythm was already disturbed, Xiu decided to watch her colleagues play. It was quite obvious that none of them were taking it very seriously. They all just came to enjoy themselves, who would bother about the game rules. Only now she noticed, that she was the only one dressed like someone who was here to play golf. And ironically, she was the only one keeping her distance from golf clubs.


    While the other ladies were all dressed to impress. As for who they wanted to impress, she neither knew nor cared.


    "If you''re gonna sit here, why did you come?" Manager Li came to rebuke Bai Xiu for keeping her distance again. Why was it that being so young, Bai Xiu didn''t like interacting with people? Manager Li couldn''t understand her at all. Rather, she found this girl frustrating.


    "Because you forced me to," Bai Xiu answered plainly, in all honesty; making Manager Li gape at her in disbelief. This honest nature of hers was the reason she found her too difficult to handle.


    "You little lass, I''m your superior. Can''t you for once try to be nice to me? Perhaps I''ll give you a promotion." Manager Li''s words were like they fell on a deaf ear. Because Xiu was still treating her like an invisible being.


    "You might get a heart attack at this age if I started being nice to you. And I don''t want that. I care for you." Xiu''s words made Manager Li place her hand on her neck as she felt like her blood pressure was shooting up because of this uncaring girl. How could she even curse her like this? Right at her face! And she even called her old!


    "Okay, okay! Stay a damn lunatic!" With a huff, Manager Li left her alone.


    Xiu watched her leaving and a smile bloomed on her face. It was quite easy to mess with this superior of hers. But this lady looked cute when she was angry, so Xiu did it at every chance she got. Xiu picked up the golf club which Manager Li forgot and looked at it carefully. While twisting it in her hands, she could easily tell that this was pitching wedge (a type of golf club).


    Bai Xiu might have despised golf as per Nora''s words, but Xiu didn''t. At least, not until she was Chen Xiu. She learned it diligently under her mother''s orders, only to fit into the elite class of Capital City. She was talented in golf, even beyond her mother''s expectations but to give a face to those pampered socialites, she had to lose oftentimes.


    What a pity that she buried her talents only to be acknowledged by people who didn''t matter from the beginning. Once Xiu even thought of becoming a professional golf player because her instructor was impressed by her talent. But her mother didn''t let that happen. At that time, Xiu had realized that she was just a stand-in doll who was supposed to achieve those heights of fame that her mother couldn''t do so in her youth.


    With a sigh, Xiu dropped the golf club and stood up from the grass and dusted off her clothes.


    "When are we having lunch, I''m hungry." Xiu''s voice broke the chattering of everyone as they looked at her in astonishment. When did Bai Xiu start to care about food? Wasn''t she always skipping lunch? No one had ever seen her eating in the company''s cafeteria. And she never went out of the office during lunch hours either. Feeling their curious gazes a bit annoying, she gave a look that seemed to say, "What? Never seen someone hungry before?"


    All of them shifted their gazes away from her at once.


    "Food is served. All of you, please follow me." A golf club attendant came to announce and Xiu heaved a sigh of relief. In reality, it was everyone else who really felt relieved since they didn''t have to reply to her anymore.


    Xiu was the first one to find a seat at the long table of delicacies. Seeing her favorite seafood, she didn''t want to hold back at all. She picked up a Sweet and Sour Braised Fish with her chopsticks, she took a bite of tender and juicy fish. Although it had a humble taste, she got bored of it pretty soon.


    "Manager Li, wasn''t our CEO going to join us here? Why isn''t he here yet?" One of the bold female employees asked.


    That''s when it clicked in Xiu''s mind. Ahan! They all dressed up for our CEO! Xiu really wanted to have a hearty laugh. What a joke!


    "Mr. Qiu is busy." A simple reply from Manager Li was a resounding slap on all the females'' faces.


    ''He should have come. This show of circus clowns would have amused him to no end.'' Xiu was musing to herself with sarcasm. It was a known fact that the CEO of their company, Mr. Qiu hated the women who threw themselves at him. These ladies were looking for their own death.


    When the news of the CEO''s absence was known, all the ladies were left to drown in their gloom. Except for those who really came out to enjoy on this fine day. Garrison Hills Golf Club was really a beautiful place with green grounds that felt like a carpeted floor. Xiu really found it refreshing and relaxing. She also decided to visit again but with Nora. At least, she''ll have someone whom she actually likes.


    There was a huge Spa center right beside the Golf Club and company actually managed to get all the employees a free voucher to pamper themselves like those affluent people often did. There was a pathway through peach woods that led to the Spa and when everyone happily weaved their way through it, somehow, Xiu managed to lose her way.


    "Great! I might not be clumsy but this body sure is. I wonder how many times the real Bai Xiu found herself in this kind of predicament." Xiu was muttering to herself while trying to find her way out. The staff said that it took only five minutes to get to the Spa but she had been running in circles for fifteen minutes now. "Argh! I''m sick of it!"


    Xiu kicked a peach tree in annoyance. Beautiful pinkish petals fell down on her head like snow. Xiu looked heavenwards to find the beautiful scenery of flowers grazing past her skin as if soothing her raging anger. Even standing alone in these peach woods, Xiu felt at ease now. And as her mind stopped feeling annoyed, she finally could hear the sound of water.


    Following the sound cautiously, she found herself standing before a natural hot spring. Hot water was flowing from a fissure in the rocks and down the pool along the creeks. She found a couple of lounge chairs and a table full of fruits at the side.


    "This must be a part of the Spa," Xiu thought out loud and bent down to soak her hand in the pool to check the temperature of the water.


    As soon as her hand made contact with the hot water, her eyes brightened up. The water could be described as ideal for soaking your worries away. It looked too appealing to her. But sigh, she didn''t bring a swimsuit.


    With a heavy sigh, she decided to get up and find her colleagues. But as she just stepped back, she bumped into something.


    "Who allowed you to come here?" As she heard a whispering voice right beside her ear, Xiu cursed in her heart. She didn''t bump into something. It was someone!

 Chapter 24 - Asked To Strip

    The heat from the body behind felt scorching hot to Xiu even through her clothes. That tickling sensation near her ear made her so startled that she jerked away from him like a scared fawn. In her startled state, she was about to fall backward but a pair of strong hands held her round shoulders firmly to pull her back.


    Her nose hit something hard but it smelled heavenly.


    Her eyes could only see a sturdy n.a.k.e.d chest. She lowered her eyes only to find a lean, Olive skin which was perfectly sun-kissed. It looked irresistible as water droplets were trickling down and glistened because of the sunlight falling on his body. His muscles were symmetrically balanced on his chest and his arms. And it gave an allure to his V-line.


    Sh*t! He wasn''t wearing clothes! There was only a towel wrapped around his lower body loosely and it actually seemed like it could fall at any moment now.


    "If you''re done gawking..." she felt the calloused pad of his pointer finger touch her chin as her face was lifted up and he continued, "My eyes are up here."


    Feeling like she''d been caught while she was on an endeavor to find where that V-line led to, she awkwardly coughed and lifted her eyes. But the sight before her taken her by surprise. That strong, chiseled jaw was very familiar to her. However, that pair of gray orbs were even more familiar as they stared back at her with no visible change in them.


    Staring into those eyes, Xiu felt like walking in the first snowfall of the season. His eyes held the chill which was akin to those snowflakes that fall from the sky to drop their kisses softly. It was like looking at a sprinkle of white flurries. Somehow, his eyes managed to make a comfortable feeling to rise in her heart which slowly surged through every cell of her body. Those gray eyes were exhilarating, and bright as if beckoning her caged soul to spread the wings and take the flight.


    Realizing how engrossed she was in that pair of eyes, Xiu shook her head and stepped back to create some safe distance between them. "You don''t need to touch me. I can help myself." Xiu spoke out gingerly with each step.


    "Old habits die hard, right Ms. Pervert?" That mellifluous voice sounded again.


    Xiu finally realized why he was familiar. She just met him a couple of days ago or more like, embarrassed herself in front of him. She lowered her head. ''Wait! I can''t let him see my embarrassment.'' With this thought, she felt invigorated and stared back at his handsome face in a defiant manner.


    "Who are you calling a pervert?" The way her voice raised definitely showed that she was feeling embarrassed.


    Darren looked at her up and down in a slow manner with his finger tapping at his chin before saying, "Look at yourself and then at me. See the difference?" When Xiu frowned in response, he added, "You''re fully clothed while I''m half-n.a.k.e.d."


    Of course, Xiu was aware of this glaring fact, after all, his upper n.a.k.e.d body was right there before her eyes seducing her. Who was the shameless one here?! She was the one being seduced, not the other way around.


    "Oh, please!" Xiu scoffed while averting her eyes away from him as she continued, "There is still a cloth on your body."


    Darren''s mouth twitched as he said, "Why do I feel like you''re really disappointed?"


    ''Of course, I am!'' Xiu screamed in her mind before reminding herself to act gracefully. It was not the time to show her other-self. But she felt nothing wrong with her gaze, after all, if beauty was standing before you, it''s only right to do justice by appreciating it. Xiu might have lost her old beliefs of one true love and blah blah blah. But she certainly was a woman and a young one at that too.


    She''d be acting weird if even this kind of beauty didn''t manage to entice her. This kind of ravishing beauty was meant to be appraised like those paintings.


    "You''re talking nonsense." Saying that she took another step back and lost her momentum. Her arms flailed in the air and she opened her mouth to scream but all her screams were muffled by the water which she fell in. Standing on her feet in that five feet deep pool, she coughed to get the water out of her lungs.


    "You!" She looked at Darren standing right beside the pool, not even caring that she was in the water. "You didn''t catch me!" She screamed at him in anger.


    Darren looked at her aggressive and resentful face, feeling intrigued. "I remember someone saying, ''I can help myself.''" He quoted her earlier words making her feel even more annoyed at him.


    "You! Son of a Biscuit!"


    ''Biscuit?'' Darren was amused to hear this kind of cursing. He really wanted to laugh out but held himself back.


    "Turn away!"


    "Why should I?" He retorted solemnly.


    "Because I am fully drenched." She stated the obvious with a roll of her eyes.


    "So what?" His words really irked her to her limits.


    "Yah! Can''t you see?"


    He looked at her curiously as he said, "I am trying to see."


    Her eyes widened at his words and she crossed her arms before her chest in a defensive position. "You pervert! Demoralized lunatic! Look away."


    Darren obviously didn''t bother listening to her. "I really hate these double standards of our society."


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded at where he was going with this.


    "You seeing me half-n.a.k.e.d is not counted as offensive but me seeing you in drenched clothes is suddenly offensive? What logic is this?" He stared back at her urging her to give him a reply.


    "That''s because you''re a man," Xiu stated as if it was common sense but who knew her words would come to bite her.


    "So, just because I''m a man, I''m not entitled to have self-respect? Why does your prestige as a woman matter but mine as a man doesn''t?" His words left Xiu in a stump.


    She found her voice after a moment as she said, "You''re being unfair now."


    "I don''t think so. I''d be unfair if I asked you to strip as well. Because only then we''d be even. But I didn''t do such a thing. Why? Frankly speaking, first, I don''t want to act like a hooligan and second, I really don''t think there is much to see there."


    Xiu''s mouth was agape at his words. He didn''t just shade her bust size, right? She was seething inside with rage as her whole body trembled while she gnashed her teeth.


    Not knowing what to do, she looked around and didn''t find anything to hit him with. So, she held the closest thing she could that was his... towel. She felt triumphed as she thought she would hear him scream but she was even more disappointed when she saw that he was wearing boxers underneath that towel.


    ''What the hell! Who does that?''


    Darren watched closely as her face changed shades again right before his eyes making him fascinated.


    "Satisfied?" His voice somehow turned deep.


    "What are you implying? I just wanted to dry myself." Saying that she walked out of the pool and wanted to use that towel but couldn''t bring herself to do so.


    Following after that, her vision darkened as something soft fell on her head and as she touched it to see, she realized it was a towel. A very comfy one. She looked back at Darren who was now fully clothed in a pair of dark jeans and a t-shirt.


    She didn''t want to argue anymore as she said, "I didn''t come here intentionally. I lost my way to the Spa."


    Darren''s brows lifted up as he stared at her back while she wrapped her dried her hair with the towel. He could have offered her clothes but he had only male outfits and he felt that she wouldn''t want to change here.


    "How can you lose your way to the Spa?" He questioned disbelievingly.


    "Why can''t I?" She asked while pulling the towel around her shoulders.


    "Follow me," he said and beckoned her.


    With a frown, she followed him cautiously. It took them five minutes to cross the peach woods and he pointed at the side. Xiu realized she was originally on this path with everyone when she lost her way. But when she saw that there were arrows carved on the woods, she really felt like smacking her head.


    "Now tell me, with these big arrows pointing you in the right direction. How dumb one has to be to even lose their way on this path?" His words felt like jabbing at her heart and ego. But he didn''t stop as he said, "But then again, I shouldn''t expect much from someone who managed to lock herself in a Men''s Bathroom."


    Xiu shut her eyes closed at that dark history''s reminder. She rushed away from him disregarding him completely.

 Chapter 25 - Ms. Clumsy & Mr. Hot Spices

    Watching her retreating back, a crease appeared between Darren''s brows. Why was she always rushing away from him? Was he that scary? He touched his jaw in confusion. Or perhaps... Did he go too far with the teasing? But he just loved seeing her expressions. That''s why he couldn''t stop his mouth from speaking so ridiculously. Here he was lamenting over the fact that he might have gone too far. He didn''t even know whether she''d cry again like she was doing when they first met.


    He really didn''t want to see her cry like that. As for why? He generally hated the girls who cried. But for Xiu, he didn''t feel repulsive but there was an irk in his heart that he couldn''t let go of. However, even he couldn''t tell why he was having this kind of feeling for a stranger.


    At Xiu''s side, she had stopped running after a good distance away from Darren.


    ''Huh? Why am I running?'' She wondered to herself and went into a deep thought process. ''It''s my second time meeting him and I have thoroughly embarrassed myself before him. But so what? He is a stranger! I might never even see him again. So, let''s get even!''


    With a newfound determination, she turned back and briskly trudged his way. He hadn''t moved from his place. But seeing her coming back, he was perplexed. ''Forget it, since she is here, I should apologize for my words.'' He decided silently.


    Xiu stopped right before him and pointed at him accusingly as she started, "Listen, Mr. Hot Spices," Darren''s brows quirked up at that nickname while she continued, "I know that both the times we met, I was at fault. My emotions got the best of me and I ended up in Men''s Bathroom. And this time, I was lost in my thoughts and ended up at Men''s hot spring. It was not INTENTIONAL both times." She emphasized on ''intentional'' on purpose.


    ''Men''s hot spring? Miss clumsy is getting the wrong idea again. That''s a private property for goodness sake! I can even sue you for trespassing!'' Darren thought to himself.


    However, Xiu hadn''t thought of the possibility that it could be private property. According to her, if there was a Spa at such a good location, it wouldn''t be odd to have public hot springs as well.


    "I am definitely not a pervert!" She was still trying to prove her point here. "Also, we are not close. So, it''s not fair that you shaded me so many times in the past thirty minutes. Especially about something really personal!" As she said the last sentence, his eyes lowered to see the movement of her slightly red lips. But Xiu thought he was looking at her chest and she tightened her hold on the towel. "My eyes are also up here."


    Darren lifted his eyes to meet her honey-brown ones and found them quite warm. Like a sunny day. Fascinating indeed! "Thanks for your reminder!" Xiu sensed his sarcasm clearly and fumed. "Why don''t you cut the chase and come to your main point." He suggested knowing very well that she wasn''t here to explain herself to him. She didn''t look like the kind of person who would spend hours just to clear their image.


    She huffed and looked away from him as she said, "As you said, you have self-respect. But I also do. Your words offended me."


    Darren felt even more guilty as he heard her words. "So, what do you want me to do?"


    "Apologize," Xiu answered without dilly-dallying at all.


    Darren nodded, "I am sorry." Xiu''s eyes widened up as she heard his apology. Did he just agree? Just like that? But didn''t men prefer to keep their so-called pride and ego? She was really confused but her confusion went up a notch as he continued, "I was trying to tease you. I know it was wrong of me. I know my mistake very well. But just like last time, I wasn''t judging you. Calling you Ms. Pervert... It was supposed to be a harmless joke. I didn''t mean it. So, I am really sorry about it."


    Xiu''s mouth was agape as she was stumped for words. What was she supposed to do or say? Since he apologized so readily and so sincerely, she felt like she was the main culprit all over again. Why was he making her feel guilty? He was being savage with his comebacks at the hot spring but Xiu thought he was even more savage now.


    Hold on! Is that the feeling of being starstruck? She shook her head immediately.


    "Um... Erm... How can you agree so easily to apologize? You could have just shooed me away. I mean you''re a man, I won''t be able to stop you even if I wanted to," she was mumbling as if all of this was meant for herself to hear out loud.


    Darren gave a sad smile as he said, "My mother raised me better than that." Xiu was stunned still as he pulled on his shades and turned to leave saying, "Don''t take my useless words to heart. It''s your life, my opinions shouldn''t matter in it. Adios!" With that, he left.


    Xiu also started walking towards the Spa. ''My mother raised me better than that.'' His words had really struck a chord. A buried memory flashed in her mind as she lifted her hand to touch her cheek.


    "Ptak!"


    A resounding slap. Xiu hissed in pain as her fingers lightly brushed her cheek as if that wasn''t a memory. As if she was living through it all over again.


    With that one slap, she had lost her footing and fell on the ground back then. And then she heard a grating old voice, "Son, why are you sullying your own hands by touching a filthy and immoral woman like her? Our servants are enough to remind her where she belongs." That woman was HIS mother who actually incited him to hit her.


    And there was another mother in this world who raised her son to be a real man. Xiu''s bit her lip as she felt her chest stuffed up. Xiu couldn''t help but look back at the spot where he stood. She read that first snow was a magical event. Today, she met a man whose eyes reminded her of the first snowfall and he turned out to be a magical but weird person.


    She chuckled to herself and shook her head at that thought. She never thought she''d associate snow or magic to a person. That too a man!

 Chapter 26 - Are We Close?

    "Ms. Bai?" Bo Jiu was the only one outside the Spa and as soon as she saw Xiu, she came up to her. "What took you so long?"


    Xiu heaved a long sigh, not wanting to disclose the fact that she lost her way and ended up like a soaked cat; dripping with water. "Oh, nothing... I was just admiring the peach blossoms." Xiu thought that was one crappy excuse. Actually, a crappy slap on the name of all the crappy excuses but at the moment, she could only come up with this. Well, don''t blame her! The poor girl was under pressure. Or maybe, too much water went into her head. A reasonable voice in her countered which Xiu decided to disregard.


    Bo Jiu narrowed her eyes at Xiu, suspiciously. "Really? I thought you got into a fight."


    "Huh? What gave you that idea?" Xiu asked with a frown since she was certain that nobody knew of her encounter with that strange stranger. Hold on a second, she didn''t even ask his name. Oh, well... Forget it, it''s not like they were going to see each other again. And she was very pleased with that thought. After all, in this world of sadistic and hedonistic male chauvinists, he was an anomaly who actually accepted his mistake and acted like a chivalrous person. To be honest, the fact alone that he actually looked at her as a human and not just a woman who was below him, was already hard for her to digest.


    It was safe to say that Xiu''s experience with men wasn''t something to brag about. Life of a Superstar is lived with thorns under your feet. You can''t possibly move forward without letting your body pierced. The men who respected her wholeheartedly in her previous life could be counted on one hand but the ones who tried to trample all over her pride and use her for pleasure were countless. And she didn''t even have to think twice to confirm this fact. According to Xiu, with her experience of two lives, she could be said to be quite well-versed with male egoism. And it was quite easy for her to read a man like the back of her hand.


    But Darren didn''t give her a chance to read him. Just when she thought he was just like any other man, he took a 180 shift in his attitude and apologized to her sincerely. Since she couldn''t figure him out, her mind only had one conclusion that was to stay as far as humanly it was possible to do so. The things you can''t figure out should be avoided at all costs. Especially the ones who make you question; Was she being biased when it came to men? Just because of her own worst experiences.


    She was quite satisfied with that surmise to avoid him. It was better for both of them.


    Bo Jiu had seen her pupils contracting as if she was zoning out and her assumption was proven when she touched Xiu''s shoulder and the latter was startled a bit. "What were you saying?" Xiu asked with a cough to hide the fact that she had really zoned out right before her eyes.


    "I asked who managed to get you involved in a water fight?" Bo Jiu questioned a bit lightheartedly. A big mistake on her part though.


    "Ms. Bo, are we close?" Xiu''s eyes wore the cloak of ice which seemed too sharp for Bo Jiu''s young self.


    "No, Ma''am!" Bo Jiu replied seriously.


    "Then I wonder why are we having this conversation?" Xiu''s question made Bo Jiu want to shrink back in her cocoon just to avoid looking into Xiu''s eyes. She might have not agreed with her peers before but now, even she had the urge to jump down a building. How could someone''s eyes make someone feel all this? Weren''t her words just enough that she even had to top it up with an overwhelming aura.


    "I''m sorry for saying too much," Bo Jiu took a step back from her and apologized sincerely.


    Xiu left her there and went inside. She asked for some dry clothes and the staff was very attentive and active since they were ordered to take care of every single employee with the utmost care and attention.


    On the other side of the things, Darren had only taken a couple of steps on his way back when he saw his security team running his way.


    "Sir, are you okay?" The head of security inquired with his stern face but his furrowed brows gave away his anxiousness.


    "Don''t ask--it''s still too early to tell," Darren replied ambiguously. "Anyway, what''s the rush? Why do you look like the time I almost..."


    "Darren!" His chief of security; Shota interrupted him mid-sentence, not letting him go back to the memory of that time. Sometimes, Darren wondered whether he was the one still chained to that memory or Shota was. However, he never voiced it out. Shota was an ex-Special Forces officer who had been with him since he was a teenager. So, it was not hard to tell that Darren meant a lot to Shota and the same went the other way around.


    Darren raised his hands in defense as he said, "Okay, I won''t finish that thought. But really, why do you look so worried?"


    "When I didn''t find you at the pool, I thought..."


    "That someone kidnapped me?" Darren finished his words for him and earned a glared in response. "Relax! I''m not a kid. I can very well take care of myself."


    Shota was surprised to see Darren in a playful mood. What happened to this iceberg? But he knew that he won''t be able to hear a word from Darren even if he asked directly. "Where did you go?" So, he used indirect manners.


    Darren looked at the forty-something security officer of his who still could shame youngsters with his fitness and vigor. "I was learning the art of change and acceptance." He replied solemnly.


    "Huh?" Even at his age, Shota could say that Darren loved to give him a hard time with his mysterious way of talking. Why did this boss of his never understand that he was the guy who loved using his fists to solve the problem, not his brain? Well, not everyone could find pleasure in mind games anyway.


    "You won''t understand even if I tell you," Darren said as he put a hand in his jeans pocket while the other was raking through his dark hair as he started walking again. The rest of his security team also followed suit in silence.


    Darren really wasn''t in the mood to explain his encounter with Xiu to Shota. He knew that Shota would overreact. Because for Shota, nothing was a coincidence.


    As for the art of change and acceptance, he had learned it very well today.

 Chapter 27 - Sheer Dumb Luck

    A new week. A new beginning. A fresh start of a new journey.


    And...


    A very old and detestable Monday; also known as the horror story of white-collar workers.


    Our Xiu''s distaste for Mondays was not any less than others if not worse. But this specific Monday was even worse since she didn''t get her whole weekend to herself. Saturday at the golf club and Sunday at the gym with Nora had put her in a horrible mood.


    When she entered the company, even her colleagues could feel her horrendously cold and dark aura. It was like her whole being was screaming, ''Stay far away from me!'' and that''s what everyone did. As much as it was possible for anyone humanly possible, they tried to keep their interaction with her minimum.


    Xiu''s brooding continued till the lunch hours that''s how deep her hatred for was Mondays. If anyone would ask her, ''What''s wrong?'' her answer would be, ''I don''t do Mondays.'' And that alone is saying something, right?


    As an actress, she had to work on weird dates running all around to complete the shooting on time. The working hours as a star were worse than being a white-collar. A nine to five job was a piece of cake for her. But the way she had grown attached to sleeping was the cause of dislike for Mondays. She felt more normal this way. A simple job. Simple working hours. And a very simple but fulfilling life. What more could she ask for?


    Pfft!


    Who was she kidding? There was a lot of things missing in this simple life of hers. But now, she had truly learned to appreciate the things she had and also learned to be grateful for all of it.


    Almost everyone in the department went for lunch either in the cafeteria or outside the company. Other than Xiu, only a couple of other employees were still buried in work. Xiu stretched her body to loosen up the stiffness to some extent. Her body was already sore because of the excessive workout at the gym under Nora''s ''professional'' and ''experienced'' instructions.


    ''Ay! I shouldn''t follow her workout plan. I won''t be able to even walk otherwise.'' Xiu mused to herself. She still remembered a lot of workout plans from her previous life and decided to just follow those up from now on.


    With a sigh, Xiu went to the pantry to make herself a cup of coffee. Her hand had just touched the metal handle of the wooden door when she heard the voices from inside.


    "Bo Jiu, don''t be so headstrong." Xiu recognized that voice to be of another new intern. What was her name? Ahan! Yi Gougou. "I asked for coffee and you didn''t bring it to me. It''s nothing much. You''re the errand girl in the department anyway. It''s your job."


    That snicker and mocking tone didn''t go unnoticed by Xiu as she narrowed her eyes.


    "Yes, I am an errand girl. But at least, I know what I''m doing. Unlike some people who are taking credit for other''s hard work." Bo Ji''s voice sounded resolute and it made Xiu lean her back against the wall with a very relaxed look on her face.


    "You!" The other girl, Yi Gougou''s face turned livid. "You think of your own self. Miss high and mighty graduate of Harvard. You''re below me right now in status."


    "To be very honest, I''m glad I don''t have a status like you. Not everyone has a think skin like you." Bo Jiu''s words made Xiu''s lip curl up slightly in amus.e.m.e.nt. She could imagine the face of the other girl; red with anger or from the invisible slap. It felt oddly satisfying.


    Xiu watched both of the girls leaving the pantry one after the other and had a contemplating look on her face. She went inside the pantry and finally made the cup of coffee that she so needed right now. With her cup of steaming hot coffee, she came back to her cubicle and got busy with work again.


    After lunch, the employees came back to their seats and soon, the department was bustling with activity. The sound of typing, papers shuffling, pens ticking, and heels clanking on the floor were distinct.


    "Ms. Bai, I''ve brought the files from Finance Department that you asked for," Bo Jiu placed the files on her desk and continued, "These are some concepts from the Advertis.e.m.e.nt Department. These need the Manager and the director''s approval." She was being cautious with her words as she saw Xiu not even shifting her eyes away from the screen of her desktop.


    When Xiu didn''t talk for a good few minutes, Bo Jiu felt awkward. "Then. I should excuse myself."


    "Stop," Xiu called out. "Get the case files for the last six months from the PR and sort out the data. I need a detailed report in two days." Bo Jiu nodded as she took the instructions. "Also, you don''t have to run errands for anyone anymore." Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear but she didn''t stop, "For your internship period, you''ll be my assistant. Exclusively."


    The sound of gasps surprised Bo Jiu who couldn''t understand the weird reaction of everyone. Almost all her superiors were giving her some odd looks which she couldn''t decipher at all. But soon did.


    Xiu went to the Manager''s office and behind her, a commotion ensued.


    "Congratulations, Jiu!"


    "Girl, I don''t know if it''s sheer dumb luck but you certainly have hit a jackpot."


    Bo Jiu was confused, "Senior Lu, what do you mean?"


    "Aiyo! Xiao Jiu, you still don''t realize it?" The man whom she called, Senior Lu asked while she shook her head in negation. "Do you know that our Heartless Witch is the second in command after Manager Li in our department?" This, Bo Jiu knew very well. She had heard all about Xiu''s promotions and achievements along with her tyrant nature. "But do you know that our Heartless Witch had never and I mean never had an assistant?"


    "This... I didn''t know. But what about it? Ms. Bai has a lot of workloads. It''s obvious that she''d need help." Bo Jiu said plainly but others shook their head at her naivety.


    "Our Junior Jiu, being Heartless Witch''s assistant means she''s taking you under her wings. She''s personally going to train you and with her around, who would dare to even mess with you?" When Bo Jiu heard this detail, she was dumbstruck.


    Only now she realized how big of a matter it was to become Bai Xiu''s personal Assistant. Seems like she got herself a real backer but a ruthless one.

 Chapter 28 - The Grass On His Head

    "I''m so proud of you," Manager Li stated with a bright smile on her face but Xiu had a frown etched between her brows at her strange behavior.


    "For what?" Not being able to hold in her curiosity, Xiu finally asked.


    "No intern asked for resignation in the first week. Isn''t that something..." Manager Li stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Xiu''s expression.


    Even an idiot could read from Xiu''s smirk what was going on in her mind which precisely was, ''Celebrating too soon, eh?''


    "What''s with that expression?" Manager Li straightened up as she questioned.


    "What look?" Xiu feigned ignorance. She looked like an innocent little lamb while pretending to be nice. Manager Li, however, wasn''t fooled by her look at all. That earlier smirk had said it all to her.


    In a defeated manner, Manager Li sighed out and said, "Can''t you just train them as a normal supervisor?"


    "So, do you want to give the position of a permanent employee to someone who takes advantage of his or her peer? We are here for a fair judgment. You can''t snatch this opportunity from those who really deserve it rather than those who depend on their looks and gullible tongue." Xiu''s words made Manager Li feel so down that she waved her hand to dismiss her.


    While Xiu was leaving the Manager''s room, she heard some whispering, "Bo Jiu, treat us to a meal. You''ll definitely get a permanent job at the company now."


    Bo Jiu pursed her lips but didn''t say anything. Right at this time, Xiu coughed to get everyone''s attention. A hush fell over and the crowd dispersed immediately. Xiu slapped the file in her hand at her desk making Bo Jiu flinch back.


    "I don''t like people who take things for granted," Xiu spoke without looking at Bo Jiu who stood beside her.


    "I know that Ma''am," Bo Jiu replied back obsequiously.


    "Good for you," said Xiu as she perched back down on her swivel chair. While she got busy with her doc.u.ments, she noticed that Bo Jiu was still rooted in her place. "Would you like me to show the way to your desk?" Xiu''s derisive tone made Bo Jiu flush red in embarrassment but Xiu as always had more to serve as she continued, "Or perhaps you''re planning on sitting on my head?"


    Bo Jiu frantically shook her head and said, "No, no. Ma''am, you just didn''t dismiss me that''s why I was standing here."


    Xiu shook her head at this girl with high manners. "Do your work, I''ll call for you if I need anything."


    When Bo Jiu left, Xiu tapped on her desk rhythmically as a sly smile stretched on her naturally pink-hued lips.


    ~~~


    "This tea-green color looks good on you," a female employee said looking at Yi Gougou''s perfectly manicured and beautifully painted nails.


    Yi Gougou gave a haughty smile, "It was a gift from my cousin in States. It''s from the limited edition of Clique Beauty. And that brand is exclusive to elite-class. Not just anyone can buy their products."


    Xiu rolled her eyes as she heard that from behind. That was a bit excessive praise for that cosmetic brand. But Xiu didn''t bother mentioning it at all.


    "Ms. Yi!" Hearing the voice of Xiu, the gossipy girls left Yi Gougou alone to deal with Xiu.


    "Ms. Bai," Yi Gougou''s expressions shifted. From that haughty girl to an obedient employee, it didn''t take much of a time. "Are you looking for me for something?"


    "I heard a lot of praise from Lu Jin. He said you''re particularly a future bright star of our department." As Xiu''s words were heard, Lu Jin who was not far away almost choked on air. Why couldn''t he recall saying all that? But then it clicked, tsk. tsk. This new girl was going down.


    Yi Gougou, however, was basking in this praise. After all, this was the closest anyone got to getting praise from Bai Xiu. "I''m just doing my job, Ms. Bai. I didn''t realize Senior Lu liked my work this much."


    "That''s very humble of you. I like that attitude." Xiu sneered with contempt while Yi Gougou was still oblivious to her doom. "So, I was wondering... There is an executives meeting in the morning, and we have some doc.u.ments that need to be translated. Would you be able to handle it?"


    Yi Gougou''s smile stiffened a bit as she replied, "Of course, I can handle it."


    "Great!" With that, Xiu left a huge pile of doc.u.ments on her desk with a smile. Yi Gougou''s expression turned grimmer as she noticed the bulk of files. "Don''t be late. The meeting is at 10 in the morning."


    While leaving, she turned to the intern on the desk beside Yi Gougou''s and said, "Mr. Qiao Liang, you''ll be leaving with Lu Jin for the Qin City. Get ready in five." Qiao Liang looked at Yi Gougou''s pouting and felt reluctant but seeing Xiu''s urging gaze, he moved fast.


    "Hey, Ms. Witch!" Xiu glared at Lu Jin who was sticking too close for her liking. "When I asked for an assistant for this trip, you said no one is free. Now, you''re readily and happily sending an intern with me? Are you feeling all right?" Lu Jin was very familiar with Xiu''s working. Even though he joined the company a year later than her, he was aware of her torturing manners. However, this translating doc.u.ments seemed too easy and too good to be true. What was this Heartless Witch planning?


    "Don''t tire the horses of your brain. They might graze upon all the grass that you''ve grown so tirelessly on your head by being idle." Xiu''s remark made his lips twitch in anger. She was calling him brainless. Did she have to have such an irritating and infuriating personality?


    It was a pity that such a beautiful face had such a foul-mouthed beast behind it. It''s an eye-opener for him.


    "Stop scowling. Confiscate the phone of your intern. Don''t let him out of sight." Xiu warned with an indescribable look in her eyes.


    "Fine, Ms. Witch!" Lu Jin replied and strutted away. "Whatever you say, goes..."

 Chapter 29 - Perfect Candidate

    Oftentimes, we get so tired of everything and we sigh out, ''Life is hard.'' But yet, the same life is said to be precious. What we don''t realize is that; neither life is hard nor life is that precious.


    It''s always the people in our life that defines our life. We don''t get tired of life, we get tired of the people in it. Life doesn''t become hard all of a sudden, it''s always the people who make everything seem hard for us. Most of all, life in itself isn''t that precious. The people we love makes it precious for us.


    People don''t give up on life on their own. No one is born with that courage to face death on their own will. But when the people who gave us the courage to live turn away, that''s when we lose the courage to live as well.


    Xiu could be described as the perfect example of a person who chose death over life once everyone left her alone. It wasn''t that life wasn''t that precious anymore but the people in that life just stopped being precious to her. It also wasn''t that she had the courage to give up on life but it was also those people who forced her to take that last step towards her death.


    In this life, however, she was given a chance to meet the people who truly made her realize how precious life is. When she first lived with Nora, she found her a very loud and outspoken person. It showed how honest and sincere she was.


    And the best part of being Bai Xiu was that Xiu learned to let go. The things, the people, the fame, everything that she held dear and kept clinging on to. She finally learned to let it all slip away. Because at the end of the day, she was the only one for herself. And if she would keep holding grudges, she won''t be able to focus on being ''the new version'' of herself as she so liked to put it.


    "Ms. Bai, people call you Heartless Witch behind your back." Bo Jiu knew that Xiu was aware of her nicknames around the office. It''s just that she never cared but why?


    "Behind my back? I think I''ve heard them calling me Heartless Witch right at my face as well." Xiu replied, feeling not even slightly bad about it.


    "Don''t you care? Doesn''t it hurt?" Bo Jiu asked.


    "And why should an Emporer be bothered with a few petty peasants opinions?" Xiu retorted with a palpable arrogance. "If I so much care about what they think about me, won''t I be lowering myself to their level? When walking the stairs, we keep our eyes on the next step, not on the step below. Just like that climbing the ladder in corporate life, you have to learn three things."


    "What are those?" Bo Jiu was listening attentively as she asked.


    "First, always mind what you see but never be like those who turn blind-eye to injustice. Second, hear everything but filter out the words that make you question yourself. And third, always speak your mind but never let others be in control of your judgment." Xiu spoke patiently and righteously.


    "I''ll remember your words. Thank you, Ms. Bai!" Bo Jiu sincerely showed her gratitude since she felt like sticking with Xiu would allow her to learn a lot.


    Unbeknownst to her, someone had been watching her from a while through the blinds in an office room.


    "She is the candidate you told me about?" The woman looked to be in her mid-thirties and clad in a professional business suit, she looked exquisite.


    "Yup. That''s Bai Xiu, one and only." Manager Li answered in a polite manner. From her polite and humble way of talking, one could guess that the other woman wasn''t someone ordinary.


    "She''s wayward," the other woman commented while tucking her caramel locks behind her ear.


    "Oh, tell me about it..." Manager Li replied knowingly.


    "She also seems flaky." The woman again remarked with a glint in her eyes.


    "You have no idea how eccentrically she behaves."


    "She''s also stubborn."


    "As stubborn as a mule." Manager Li couldn''t help but say.


    "Perfect! She''s just the right candidate." A beautiful smile slipped on the woman''s face as she seemed quite excited.


    Manager Li looked at her with an odd expression and said, "Really?" She couldn''t believe that this woman would actually like Bai Xiu. Well, she had confidence in Bai Xiu but...


    "I''m as sure as eggs is eggs." The woman replied with a peal of laughter and continued, "I need someone as strong as her for that stubborn ass of a thing I call the boss. I can already imagine seeing her throwing him in a fiery pit and roasting him alive."


    "That''s a bit excessive. Don''t you think?" Manager Li questioned with tightly knitted brows. "He''s the boss, after all."


    "Nothing is excessive for that problematic, short-tempered and grumpy big-baby. I''m sure she''ll be able to handle him very well." The way her pupils were contracted, Manager Li was getting an eerie feeling. "Do you think she''ll be able to clear the screening tests? I mean I won''t be able to act biased in an official matter."


    "Don''t worry about that. She''s smart. I''m afraid if I let her stay here for another year, she might take my job from me." Manager Li said with conviction.


    "Is that why you''re sending her away?" The other woman asked again.


    "Li Qi''er, my dearest sister... I''m sending her away because I believe that this department isn''t doing justice to her. She has boundless potential and we''re restricting her here. Being a part of your department will give her access to Qiu Group of Corporations'' head office." Manager Li spoke with a rare gentleness that her sister, Li Qi''er had never seen before.


    But Li Qi''er knew that if her sister was complimenting Bai Xiu than that girl really deserved the best of the best.


    "Okay, then. Next week, the screening will start. Send her for that." Li Qi''er spoke and left her sister''s office, not without taking another look at Xiu who was answering the queries of Bo Jiu at the moment. The more she looked, the more she thought that Xiu was perfect.

 Chapter 30 - Mismatched Pair

    The light of the day has long drained away, giving way to the velvety dark of night. Under the moonlight, the city was mesmerizing with skyscr.a.p.ers littered all around and the neon lights that were illuminating the city as stars did to the dark sky.


    While people were making their way back to the houses after a long and tiring day, in a sky-high tower, the top floor was still lit up.


    Furious typing on the keyboard could be heard as a pair of eyes were glued on the screen. The woman rubbed her eyes as her shoulders slumped tiredly. She looked exhausted. Her droopy eyes turned to look at the office beside hers and saw the lights were still blaring back at her. Turning off her desktop, she picked up a folder and stood up from her seat.


    She curled her fingers and gave a warning knock before pushing the door open to see two handsome and dashing men locked in a staring competition. It wasn''t something new to her at all.


    She coughed lightly to make her presence known and saw both a pair of gray eyes and a pair of ink-black eyes shifting towards her.


    "You haven''t left work yet, Ms. Li?" The gray-eyed person asked with a crease between his brows.


    Li Qi''er sighed out, "You should be asking that question to your dearest friend, Mr. Salvay."


    The frown between his strong eyebrows deepened as he turned his eyes back to his best friend, "Didi, how can you make her work till this time? It''s already 9 pm."


    "Daz, stop calling me Didi. You know I hate that nickname." Dylan showed his annoyance without restraint. "Besides, I didn''t ask her to stay. Her working hours are over long ago." Shifting his eyes from his laptop, he looked at Li Qi''er and said, "Ms. Li, why are you still here?"


    "I have something to discuss with you but you have been busy all afternoon. I could only wait." Li Qi''er said exasperatedly, not caring whether the one before her was her boss.


    "When did you start getting vigilant?" Darren was the one who asked that. "You have been with our Didi for ten years since the time he started getting his business training."


    "Since the time he has become temperamental." Li Qi''er replied back.


    Darren pursed his lips to stifle his laughter. "Don''t blame him. A monster kid has made him grumpy these days." The reminder of Xiu was like someone jabbed at his wounds.


    "Haha. Was it supposed to be a joke? Because I couldn''t bring myself to laugh at it." Dylan shot back with a fake smile plastered on his face.


    "Aww! Poor thing. I knew you lost your funny bone." Darren didn''t back out. They both held their gaze for a moment longer before bursting out in laughter.


    Li Qi''er looked at them with smiling eyes. She had known both these best friends for years. They both had plenty of similarities and also plenty of differences as well. But in all these years, she had never seen them fighting with each other. Their bond had been stronger than real brothers. She could hardly believe that anyone could come between them.


    Dylan Qiu also known as Qiu Hedi had been her boss for the past ten years. One and only heir of Qiu Group of Corporations. He had the haughtiness of a young master, it was embedded in his mind and soul from the very beginning. Perhaps, that''s why he was short-tempered. In normal life, he was a very easygoing person but when it came to working, he always turned into a bad boy.


    Finance magazines often described him as the bad boy of the business world. He had the qualifications for sitting in the office of CEO of Qiu Group of Corporations'' Head Office.


    As for the person sitting opposite of him, R.D. Salvay. He was said to be one of a kind business magnate. He didn''t get everything on a silver plater served to him like Dylan. He had earned everything with his own efforts and hard work. Perhaps, that''s why he was always serious but level-headed.


    One being haughty and the other being humble. They were an oddly mismatched pair of best friends.


    "Ms. Li, what did you have to discuss?" Darren asked Li Qi''er since Dylan still wasn''t focused on her.


    "I have the list and resume of all the candidates for Mr. Qiu''s Head Secretary." Li Qi''er placed the folder at his oakwood table gently. "I''ve personally selected each candidate from within the companies that are under Qiu Group."


    "Head Secretary? For what?" Darren asked in confusion.


    "Mr. Qiu being his temperament self fired four of his secretaries from Spark International Group." Li Qi''er answered as it was the most obvious thing.


    "Why do I need those useless fellows when I have you as my Executive Assistant?" Dylan retorted as he read the proposal files on his laptop.


    "Are you serious? You forgot again?" Li Qi''er almost shrieked at her forgetful boss. Actually, no. He wasn''t forgetful, he was a big apathetic jerk!


    "What did I forget?" Dylan asked indecisively.


    Darren coughed lightly as he stated, "Didi, Ms. Li is resigning in a few months."


    "What? Why?" Dylan''s reaction really made Li Qi''er want to smash his head on a wall. What a lackadaisical ignoramus!


    Darren shook his head and added, "Boy, are you sure you listen to what she says?" Darren was seriously questioning Dylan''s working ethics. "Ms. Li is pregnant. So, she asked for resignment because she wants to be a stay at home mother for her child. Remember, she said it last month?"


    "I can''t recall." Dylan gave a dumb and lost look. "Oh, by the way, congratulations!"


    "For what?" Li Qi''er asked.


    "For your wedding. I didn''t know you''re married." Darren facepalmed himself as he heard this reply.


    "Oi! You even went to her wedding with me. She married my bodyguard, Shota last year."


    "Huh? Shota married her? I''m so sorry, Ms. Li. You were wearing a veil. So, I didn''t recognize you." Dylan looked at her apologetically.


    "Forget it. I''m used to it in all these years." Li Qi''er could only grumble with a belly full of anger. "Anyways, I''ll be choosing four final candidates. And one of them will eventually be my successor. And I''d like your presence during the screening process."


    "I told you to just deal with it yourself. Just choose someone less nagging person unlike yourself." Dylan mumbled the last part softly.


    Li Qi''er, however, smirked as she remembered Xiu. Less nagging? Hahaha. She''ll be the death of you!


    "Ms. Li, you can look for me if you need any help." Darren offered in his usual good manners.


    "Thank you, Mr. Salvay!" Li Qi''er looked at him gratefully.


    "Yes, look for Daz. He loves hiring people." Dylan also chimed in as he turned off his laptop.


    "Not more than you love firing people," Darren replied nonchalantly but it made Li Qi''er laugh out. "Oh and Ms. Li, I told you to stop calling me Mr. Salvay. You''re Shota''s wife now and he''s like family to me. So, you are indirectly also a family member."


    Li Qi''er couldn''t help smiling at Darren''s gesture. Indeed, this man was really different for people who mattered to him.

 Chapter 31 - A Morning Clash

    Bright and early in the next morning, Nora entered the apartment after her morning run in the nearby park. Clad in grey sweatpants and a matching trendy tank top, she pulled out her ear pods and took a towel to wipe off the beads of perspiration.


    Stretching her body, she strode towards the open kitchen to get herself a water bottle. But while passing through the sitting area, she thought she saw something in the open balcony from her peripheral vision. She thought she was hallucinating and for that, she took a couple of steps back to take another look and was stunned still.


    The cool morning air was flooding through the balcony''s French doors making the white sheer curtains to dance at its soft rhythm. The dazzling sunlight was slowly about to rise in the horizon to shine upon this glorious world.


    However, what stunned Nora rooted to her place was something else entirely. Or we should say, it was rather a someone.


    On the balcony, Xiu looked to be in great concentration as she was trying to keep her balance in doing planks on the yoga mat. Her face was red from trying to hard to hold her position while beads of sweat were palpable on her face. She was wearing high-waist leggings with trendy mesh details along with a cropped seamless tank top.


    Nora almost lost her balance at this sight. While Nora was a morning person, Xiu was not one to put it lightly. Seeing Xiu out of her bed before her alarm buzzed was almost impossible.


    Perhaps that''s why Nora got a shock when she saw Xiu working out.


    With a grunt, Xiu laid down on the yoga mat with her face down while panting, like a bird that had often flapped his wings against his cage. She looked beat but seeing her like that, Nora was certainly amused.


    "Baby Xiu''er, are you alright?" Hearing Nora''s concerned voice, Xiu turned her face sideways and looked at her.


    "I''m good." Xiu even gave her a thumbs up to say she was just peachy. Pushing her body off of the floor, Xiu managed to sit up and said, "I took the liberty of rummaging through your closet. Hope you don''t mind me using these." She was talking about the clothes she wore which weren''t hers. If she wasn''t even a fitness conscious person, there was no need to have tons of fitness wears as well.


    It would be waste of money and a stingy person like her would never allow herself to do that.


    "I don''t mind at all," Nora replied in a daze and went to bring two bottles of sparkling water. She passed one to Xiu who thanked her in return and took a sip of refreshing water from her own.


    Sitting in the balcony, they both stayed silent. Not daring to break the tranquility in the air. That fresh morning air was calming and relaxing. Finally feeling the discomfort because of the stickiness caused by sweat, Nora went to take a shower.


    Xiu was left contemplating whether to take the shower first or make the breakfast. In the end, she chose the shower and went about doing her business.


    About an hour or so later, both of them sat at their small glass dining table having their simple breakfast which consisted of Hash Brown Egg Nests with Avocado and their respective coffees.


    "When are Uncle and Auntie coming?" Xiu started the conversation as she inquired about Nora''s parents.


    "There flight is on Friday," Nora answered and took a sip of her Cappucino. "And we''re having a brunch on Saturday together. You are also invited."


    "I don''t know. It''s your family reunion. I shouldn''t interfere." Xiu replied a bit hesitantly. She was already indebted to Nora''s parents for providing her with a roof when she needed it. They didn''t just offer her a warm home, they offered her a warm family as well. But she still felt like she was intruding. After all, she was still an outsider.


    She didn''t want to act like those people who are given an inch and they try to take a mile. She couldn''t repay their kindness but she didn''t want to be a burden as well.


    "Oi! Where is all this bullshit coming from? My parents are your parents. My family is your family. Why are you still trying to push us away?" Nora was scowling unhappily at Xiu''s words.


    "Nora darling, try to understand. I''m not a thankless person but I can''t always intrude in you-"


    Nora raised her hand to cut her off as she said, "What intruding? Are you trying to indirectly tell me that my love, friendship and sincerity for you are a burden? Or is it that you owe my family a lot of favors?"


    "That''s not what I really mean to say..." Xiu tried to speak but Nora wasn''t keen on listening anymore.


    "You have really hurt my feelings with those words, Bai Xiu. I always treated you as my sister and so did my parents. But in the end, you don''t even want to share a meal with us because you think you''ll be a burden for us. How ironic!" When she finished, Xiu was left speechless and Nora took this time to leave the apartment with reddened eyes.


    Xiu was stumped for words because it might have been the very first time Nora called her Bai Xiu. She never used her full name. And the name felt like a jab to her ego since Xiu was reminded how Nora''s sincerity and love were for the real Bai Xiu and not a counterfeit like herself. She was reminded of how she had taken everything Nora had to offer as granted.


    Most of all, Xiu was reminded of how she had no right to hurt Nora. Her jaw clenched while her fists tightened. She shouldn''t have hurt Nora. Not at all. But where was she to put her pride?

 Chapter 32 - A Mistake On Her Part

    Having an argument early in the morning and that too with Nora wasn''t on Xiu''s to-do list. But it still happened. And the way Nora left with reddened eyes broke Xiu''s heart in a very strange way. She had never felt this prickling feeling in her heart before. She never thought a friendship could mean so much.


    But since this friendship had become precious to her. This argument was very serious for her as well. It had completely spoiled her mood and she was irked, to put it mildly. And if we stop putting it mildly than our Xiu definitely had a desire to punch someone''s face. The itch in her hand was real!


    Someone had already been the target of her wrath and now, she was certainly not gonna go easy. Just from her expressions, one could tell that Xiu wasn''t in a good mood. Bo Jiu being tactful, gingerly shrank her existence for the sake of her own safety.


    But others weren''t so lucky.


    "Ms. Bai, these are the doc.u.ments you asked me to translate. I''ve completed these." Yi Gougou happily announced in a loud voice for the others to hear as well. She needed recognition and what better way than to curry favor with Bai Xiu?


    Xiu''s already hard face turned stony and chilly. She picked one of the files and skimmed through it languidly. As she turned page after page, Yi Gougou felt like she was close to being praised again. And this time, everyone in the department will know how much Ms. Bai values her talent.


    "Ms. Yi," Xiu called out and everyone craned their necks to look towards Xiu''s cubicle. "I think I made a mistake yesterday." Everyone''s curiosity was piqued at her words. Bai Xiu and mistake? The words never suited in the same sentence! "I already have the translated version of this contract. I think I burdened you."


    "Oh no, no." Yi Gougou shook her hands saying, "It''s nothing bothersome at all."


    "No, it must be bothersome," Xiu insisted in her humdrum manner. "After all, you were the one who translated it last week as well."


    Yi Gougou''s eyes widened at her words as her whole being stiffened.


    "I''m surprised that you didn''t realize it yourself." Xiu''s indifferent manner put Yi Gougou in a jittery state. With a chuckle, she added, "One might think you didn''t even read the contract."


    "Um... Ms. Bai..." She was looking for some words or any excuse. Since it was already suspicious that she translated the same contract which she had done last week. But how would she know it? She had given it to her desk mate last week using her green-tea bitch act and last night, she had to pay someone to translate all those doc.u.ments that Xiu threw at her without notice. "I did read. I translated it myself."


    "But I wasn''t really blaming you," Xiu herself gave a way out to Yi Gougou as she continued, "After all, with all those other reports to translate. You must have overlooked this tedious matter. No need to be so fl.u.s.tered."


    "Y-Yes. Yes. I was too stressed and I had to stay awake last night just to go over all those doc.u.ments. I really overlooked it under pressure of work." Yi Gougoou pretended to be tired as she rubbed her forehead in fake exhaustion.


    Xiu''s eyes looked dull as she tilted her head to a side. Then she stood up and closed in on Yi Gougou. Under Xiu''s scrutinizing gaze, Yi Gougou gulped in nervousness.


    Xiu gave a smile which actually looked scary as she said, "I should learn some beauty tips from Ms. Yi. I''m never able to look this refreshed and well-slept after working overtime. Most of the time, people would say I look like a zombie."


    Xiu''s jeer was clear and it made plenty of employees to snicker. Her point was clear even though it was done indirectly. Yi Gougou claimed to have worked overnight but she didn''t even look the part of her lie at all.


    Yi Gougou laughed awkwardly as she said, "Ms. Bai is really funny."


    "Do I look like I''m joking?" Xiu''s face became impassive almost instantly.


    "I-I..." Yi Gougou didn''t know what to say.


    But Xiu didn''t give her a chance to say anything either. "Manager Li, why don''t you look through these contracts." Xiu passed the files in her hand to Manager Li and sat back leisurely.


    "Hmm... You have done a good job, Ms. Yi," Manager Li complimented Yi Gougou as she read through the first file.


    "Thank you, Manager Li!" Yi Gougou''s tensed heart eased up again.


    But soon, Manager Li''s brows knitted together. "This. Bai Xiu, what''s this? Why do I have two copies of the same contract?"


    Xiu turned to her and said, "It''s certainly my mistake. I forgot to check. And Ms. Yi had to translate the same contract twice."


    Manager Li''s frown didn''t ease at all as she said, "What do you mean? These two copies are definitely translated by two different people."


    Manager Li''s words made Yi Gougou''s heart stop for a second while the other employees took a sharp breath. It was finally cleared to them what Xiu was intending to do when she said, she made a ''mistake''.


    "I think you are mistaken, Manager Li. Both the contracts are done by Ms. Yi. She just said it herself. Didn''t she?" Xiu''s question was directed towards the people around her and everyone nodded simultaneously.


    A nosy colleague even voiced out, "Manager Li, Yi Gougou just said that she worked on her doc.u.ments herself."


    "Do you think I can''t read or I''m too old now?" Manager Li''s voice turned sharp. "Both contracts are done professionally but each person has their own way of word usage, grammar and sentence making. And these two contracts can easily be differentiated based on these things." Turning to Yi Gougou she said, "Do you think I''d believe that just in a couple of days, your English actually managed to take a drastic change?"


    Yi Gougou was stumped for words as she stood biting her lip in anxiousness. She didn''t expect this outcome. It was all because of that one contract that was repeated. Why did Bai Xiu do such a mistake? Or was it really a mistake? Yi Gougou glared at Xiu hatefully while the latter shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.


    "Sigh! Here I thought, I really found a talent. But who knew it was just another one using others to take credit." Xiu''s comment was straight.


    "Ms. Bai, I didn''t take credit. Last night, I had too much work. So, so, I asked my sister for help. That''s why this whole misunderstanding occurred." Yi Gougou didn''t want to lose her face as she insisted that she was being wronged.


    Xiu nodded while Manager Li said, "Well, we can give you another chance..."


    But her words were cut off by Xiu as she added, "But how would we know this was really the first time?"


    Manager Li looked at Xiu in surprise and chose to stay silent. This girl still had something up her sleeve. Wasn''t the humiliation already enough? However, for Xiu, it wasn''t really enough. Not just yet!

 Chapter 33 - Innocence, Mistake, & Habit

    The way Xiu spoke put Yi Gougou in a difficult position even more than she already was. Anyone could tell that Xiu wasn''t insinuating anything solely based on suspicion. It was as if she had proof. Impossible! Yi Gougou denied this possibility and with newfound courage, she said, "Ms. Bai, you''re wrongly accusing me. I am an honest employee. Of course, this was my first mistake."


    "But Ms. Yi, I haven''t accused you... Yet." Xiu spoke calmly as before.


    It was as if Yi Gougou was losing her temper because of her guilty conscious while Xiu looked completely unfazed as she held her ground.


    "Lu Jin, don''t you have something to share with us?" Xiu turned to Lu Jin who looked worn out after his overnight trip to Qin City. However, with Xiu''s calling, he was on alert mode.


    "Manager Li, you should read this," Lu Jin passed a cellphone to Manager Li which clearly wasn''t his own. As Xiu had instructed, he used his brain cunningly to confiscate Qiao Liang''s phone last night who just happened to be Yi Gougou''s desk mate.


    Manager Li took the cellphone and read through the text messages that had been exchanged between Qiao Liang and Yi Gougou. She didn''t look pleased with all that she read. If anything she felt disgusted to even look at Yi Gougou.


    "Disgusting! Yi Gougou, how dare you take advantage of someone else? You used your colleague''s innocence for your advantage and even take credit for it? Don''t you feel ashamed at all?" Manager Li was fuming in rage. She couldn''t believe that someone like Yi Gougou actually managed to pass their initial screening. "And still, here you are claiming that you didn''t do anything? Do you have shame or not? You are such a disgrace!"


    Turning to Xiu who looked bored she said, "Bai Xiu, you can deal with it in your own way." With a huff, she slapped the file in her hand at Yi Gougou''s face and turned to her office not without saying, "Qiao Liang, in my office." As Qiao Liang still had some sympathy towards his ''beautiful'' and ''gentle'' desk mate, he was reluctant. "Now!" With Manager Li''s sharp tone, he jolted and ran after her.


    "Aye, it''s a classic example of a beautiful face and a black heart."


    "She''s been using her glib tongue and coning that innocent looking boy."


    "Haiz! Pretty girls definitely know how to use their charms."


    "Since they don''t have the brains they can only using their so-called charms."


    "What charms? It''s just their sweet-talking."


    "Or perhaps, it''s dirty talking. Who knows what she did to make him willing to cover for her."


    Whispering, snickers, snide remarks started going around in the department and nobody bothered to lower their voices at all. Yi Gougou''s eyes were red rather it was in embarrassment or anger, who knew? But no one paid heed to her ''feelings'' either.


    "Look at her pride. She is still standing right there."


    "She should dig a hole and bury herself alive."


    As the voices grew louder, Xiu was disturbed. Those words were poking right where she was hurt the most. Women are said to be gentle but we often forget that women are vicious as well. Especially, when it came to bringing another of their kind down. They would not back out at all.


    And Xiu hated this attitude. She gave a warning glance around and everyone immediately sealed their lips.


    "Bo Jiu!" Xiu called out.


    "Present, Ma''am!" Bo Jiu answered as she raised her hand but realizing what she did, she gave a sheepish smile and rephrased her words, "I mean, I''m here."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Bo Jiu and said, "Call Si Yao from the Advertis.e.m.e.nt Department."


    "Right away." Bo Jiu turned on her heels and ran to get her task done.


    It took five minutes before Bo Jiu walked back trailing behind a stern-looking man. "Bai Xiu, you''re looking for me?" The man called Si Yao asked.


    "If my memory serves me right, we have an ad shoot today, right?" Xiu asked languidly making everyone anticipate her next move. Si Yao frowned but nodded in agreement. "Our department''s Ms. Yi has quite a talent in fashion. She''ll be following you to the set."


    Yi Gougou looked at Xiu in surprise. Wasn''t she fired? What was this pompous demotivator doing? Yi Gougou couldn''t comprehend but she was indeed delighted. As long as she didn''t lose her job. Not being able to finish the internship period in Spark International Group could impact her future. In the worst way possible.


    "Thank you! Thank you so much, Ms. Bai! For giving me another chance. I won''t disappoint you at all." Yi Gougou tried to show her gratitude with a couple of tears trickling down her innocent-looking face.


    "You''ll be cursing me by the end of this day." Xiu murmured as she waved her off as if getting rid of a pest like her.


    Still, with a frown on his face, Si Yao questioned, "Do you want me to deal with her?"


    "Senior Yao, you don''t have to bother with her. Her personality and arrogance will be enough for her to fall on her own." Xiu answered before sending him away. As for why Xiu sent her to the shooting set was unknown to everyone. Xiu could already guess that Yi Gougou was one of those thick-skinned people who won''t resign even after all this humiliation before the whole department. And Xiu didn''t have the rule of firing people.


    No matter what, she had to push Yi Gougou to an edge where her only option would be resignation.


    As Qiao Liang came out of Manager Li''s office, he looked pale and down spirited. He went straight to Bai Xiu and gave a ninety-degree bow. "I''m sorry, Ms. Bai! It won''t happen again." He looked guilty and scared.


    Only a rustling sound of papers was heard while Xiu held a fountain pen between her pearly white teeth. "Mr. Qiao," she spoke in a very soft voice. "First time it''s called innocence. The second time it becomes a mistake. Do you know what''s it called the third time?" Qiao Liang looked back at her with furrowed brows. "Third time it''s simply called a habit. And habits often turns into ignorance."


    "Having talent is no big deal in this world. Almost every other person is a genius who hasn''t been discovered yet. It''s the attitude that matters. What matters is how you use that talent of yours." Xiu finally lifted her eyes to look at Qiao Liang who was standing with his head lowered. "I guess you didn''t learn anything in school. This isn''t a school homework that you can so kindly let your desk-mate copy."


    With a snicker, she added, "But in your case, you''re ready to give your limelight to a woman just because she was beautiful, and nice to you in person. Honestly, in my opinion, you weren''t being played. You let her play you. And that makes you the second most foolish person I''ve ever met."


    ''Well, first being myself.'' She didn''t say the last words out. "This is the corporate world. You either become the hunter or the prey. Better choose wisely on which side you want to stand." With that she let him get back to work.


    She didn''t want to be mean to him or give a lecture like that. She wasn''t compassionate or had so much free time on her hand. But she still did so. Only because Qiao Liang reminded her of her previous self.


    In the entertainment industry, everyone tried to leech off of other''s popularity and she had been used plenty of times for that purpose. But considering that she never liked having conflicts, she didn''t try to push people away. She considered it to be a kind of help to let others shine who really deserved to.


    But who knew that all those who used her once would not even bat an eye when she was in a difficult position. Everyone chose to turn their backs on her. She didn''t want another person to chose her path of no return just because he also founded his wake-up call a little too late.


    She didn''t know how much of her words really got to Qiao Liang but it was worth a try. Whether he''d learn something or not, it''d be up to him. She had done her part of trying. That was as far as she was willing to go.

 Chapter 34 - Make Your Death Look Like An Accident

    Even though Xiu didn''t have much of an experience with friends in her previous life, she did yearn for it wholeheartedly. Now that she had Nora in her life, she truly learned what friendship was all about.


    The argument in the morning had left Xiu in a very bad mood. After spending the whole day like a jitterbug, she finally heaved a sigh of relief as she left the company. Without wasting her time on subway or buses, she directly hailed a cab and made her way to the hotel where Nora worked. When Nora didn''t even give her a call the whole day that''s when Xiu really became restless.


    In the past years, it had never happened before. Nora would always call Xiu once in a day no matter how busy she was. Now that she didn''t do so, Xiu felt hurt. But since it was her own fault, she couldn''t be angry with Nora at all.


    Entering through the grand lobby of the hotel, Xiu came to the reception and inquired, "I''m looking for Nora Cartwright. Your general manager."


    The receptionist smiled at Xiu politely and professionally as she answered, "Ms. Cartwright is at the poolside."


    "Thanks." Xiu said before turning to leave while the receptionist replied with a humble, ''You''re most welcome.''


    Using her long legs to her advantage, Xiu briskly made her way towards the poolside. Her hands felt clammy with anxiety. Why was she nervous? She just had to apologize to her best friend. That''s all! But Nora wasn''t an easy person though she gave the wrong impressions. No one could be more familiar with Nora''s temper than Xiu.


    While her thoughts were running amok, she finally reached the poolside and what she saw made her frown in displeasure.


    A boy was holding Nora''s hand as he begged, "Nora, listen to me. Come on, we''re just casually dating. And I wasn''t the one flirting. She came on to me."


    Nora tried to shake his hand off as she sternly replied, "Look, mister, I already said it to you last week. We are over! Don''t you get it? Should I spell it out for you? O-V-E-R! Over!"


    "This is not fair. You''re not even giving me a chance." The boy retorted rather moodily.


    "You est¨²pido[1]! Nora Cartwright doesn''t do second chances. Even if that girl came all over you, it''s a fact that you didn''t push her away." Nora pointed out as she finally shook his hand away.


    "And whose fault is that?" The boy sneered. "We dated for two weeks and you didn''t even let me kiss you. I am a man. I have some needs."


    "You little sissy! That''s the bullshit excuse you got there. You just couldn''t f.u.c.k.i.n.g keep that thing between your legs to stay in the pants. You needed a hole to fill which that whore offered to you and I''m glad it wasn''t mine!" Nora''s explicit words made Xiu''s ears to turn red. Seriously, this girl had no filter!


    "Bitch! You''re no better. Don''t think yourself to be so high and mighty. You''re nothing but a slu-" his words were cut off when a punch landed straight at his nose with shocking force. The boy lost his balance and fell back in the pool with a loud ''splash''.


    "Oi! How dare you talk like that to my best friend? First, you broke her trust and now, you dare to call her names?" Xiu was raging in anger. She often didn''t interrupt Nora''s fights like these since Nora could handle these pieces of shit very well on her own. But when he called her a bitch, Xiu lost her temper. "Say that again and I''ll break your face."


    The boy was coughing out the water as he stared at Xiu''s red face. She looked livid and dangerous.


    "What are you glaring at? You retarded piece of shithead! Who gave you the right to call my best friend a bitch? But then again I shouldn''t expect much from a bastard bum like you." Nora was staring at Xiu''s back as she was cursing right and left at that boy. She couldn''t believe it.


    The boy got out of the pool and still wanted to say something when Xiu pounced at him and kicked him where the sun doesn''t shine. With a wail, he hunched over trying to keep his hands over his treasured jewels. Xiu wasn''t done yet and she tried to move again but Nora held her back.


    The boy started limping his way away from the madwoman as he addressed Xiu before leaving.


    "You bastard jackass! Don''t ever let me see you again. Otherwise, I, Bai Xiu, solemnly swear I''d make your death look like an accident." Xiu yelled back at him. There weren''t many people at the poolside in the evening but she had still managed to catch a lot of unnecessary attention. But Xiu wasn''t bothered at all.


    Nora was pursing her lips as she tried to hold back her laugh. Her Baby Xiu''er was really so cool just now! She was so proud of Xiu like a mama bear.


    But when Xiu turned to her, Nora coughed and looked away. She wasn''t going to forget the argument that easily.


    Xiu brushed back her hair which was sticking out from various places because of her outburst earlier. She wrapped her arms around Nora''s waist from behind giving her a back hug. "I''m sorry for what I said in the morning." Resting her head on Nora''s back, Xiu felt at ease as she poured her heart out, "It''s not that I don''t consider you as family or I don''t consider your family as my own. But Nora darling, try to understand. I''m comfortable with everything that you and your family have to offer except for the unconditional love."


    Nora turned around and gave Xiu a quizzical look. "I''m scared of that love. I''m scared of what I''d do if one day I lost all that? I''ll be too broken to move. And the thought is really scary."


    Nora stroked Xiu''s head as she said, "Silly, do you think we''d leave you like your mother did? Please, you''re stuck with me for the rest of your life. So, don''t get ideas that don''t fit in our friendship."


    Xiu stayed silent for a moment. As she was talking about how everyone abandoned her in her previous life, she couldn''t tell that to Nora. So, when Nora mentioned about Bai Xiu''s mother, she decided to go along with that excuse. In any case, she also left her daughter alone in this world.


    They both hugged each other as Xiu mumbled, "You''re not mad at me anymore?"


    "Nah! I can''t do that for long. Also, you are more important than any argument." Nora replied heartily.


    Xiu grinned at her reply as she said, "I agree."


    "See as best friends, we had to go through these arguments, dramas, stupidity, tantrums, fights, jealousy, tears, laughter and much more. Otherwise what stories would we tell our grandchildren to embarrass each other?" Both of them laughed at that. "By the way, you were so savage earlier." Nora complimented with a full-blown grin at the reminder of Xiu''s outburst.


    "He deserved it," Xiu replied matter-of-factly.


    "He so did," Nora agreed.


    [1] "est¨²pido": Douchebag in Spanish

 Chapter 35 - Sense Of Humor

    Darren had just left the hotel gym with his attention solely on his mobile screen. His brows were furrowed in concentration as he read through the content of the email. His attention was broken the moment, he heard the loud ''splash''. Instinctively, he had lifted his eyes and looked around.


    Much to his surprise, he found Xiu''s furious figure having an outburst of profanities. The expletive words oddly didn''t match up with her innocent-looking face. And yet, she didn''t look like a shrew when she pounced on that man.


    "Ouch!" Darren even closed his eyes as he saw her kicking the man''s ''plonker''. "That must have felt like hell." He bit out with a shake of his head.


    But what really amused Darren was the scene that unfolded after that. The way she hugged and pleaded with Nora made him smile on instinct. That friendship tugged at his heart. He had already gathered from their earlier encounters that Xiu had a razor-sharp tongue which had no mercy when it was let loose. But she was also an honest person who knew where to draw a line.


    "Mr. Salvay!" Darren''s gaze broke away from Xiu and Nora as someone called him. He turned to see one of the hotel employee coming his way. "I was about to come to your room."


    "What for?" Darren asked in confusion.


    She extended a black folder towards him saying, "Someone left this for you at the front desk."


    Darren took the black folder from her hand and said, "Thank you!"


    The employee smiled and replied, "That''s my job. Besides, our Manager wanted to know whether we should extend your staying period like usual?"


    Darren looked where Xiu was but didn''t find her there anymore. He felt a bit disappointed but he shook it off as he said, "I''ll let you know." The employee nodded and turned to leave.


    Keeping his attention on the black folder, he went back to his Presidential Suite where he found his best friend pacing around frantically. Paying no heed to Dylan, Darren opened the folder and checked the content inside.


    "Daz! Where were you? I was waiting for so long?" Dylan complained as he saw Darren not even lifting his head to spare him a glance. Darren''s sole focus was on the information lied before him on the coffee table.


    "I was at the gym," Darren replied offhandedly to get Dylan off his back.


    Dylan sat beside Darren on the sofa and said, "Dear bro, do you know what happened?"


    "I wonder..." Darren started as he flipped through the set of information languidly. "Did you finally realized that you''re a woman stuck in the body of a man?"


    "Darren!" Dylan shouted at him for such an inappropriate remark.


    "Don''t be ashamed. I always had a hunch. Don''t worry, I''ll still love you as much as I do now," Darren replied just to piss off his best friend even more.


    "Daz! Don''t get on my nerve!" Dylan gritted out through clenched teeth. He was so infuriated by Darren''s words. Did he have to insult his only best friend like this?


    "Fine, I''ll stop now. Tell me, what happened?" Darren placed the contract back on the table as he


    "Not telling you anymore!" Dylan huffed back in anger.


    "Suit yourself," said Darren in a monochrome manner.


    Dylan gaped at him for not even asking again. Wasn''t he the least bit curious? Or perhaps he was certain that I won''t be able to hold myself back? Well, I''ll show you! I can definitely keep it to myself!


    Obviously, this was a lie. Dylan Qiu and actually could keep something from his best friend? It was something unheard of. And yes, Darren was also very much aware of this fact.


    Holding in his itch to spill the beans, Dylan looked at what Darren was looking through and frowned. "Are you finally looking for a place to stay?" He sounded surprised. "I thought you were eventually gonna turn this Presidential Suite into your home."


    Darren could feel his sarcasm but had no desire to argue. "After a whole year, I do feel sick of hotels." Darren gave a vague reply. "These are some places that my assistant sorted out for me." Turning to face Dylan, he added, "Let''s finalize a place over the weekend."


    "Why are you looking through all these options?" Dylan scowled. "You know you are always welcome to come and stay with me."


    "I am scared," Darren replied making Dylan frown.


    "Why?"


    "Now that you know you''re a woman in a male''s body, I''m scared you might jump on me."


    Dylan was finally ticked off as he really jumped on him to punch him. And that''s how the best friend ended up having a WWE fight over the living room''s sofa. Darren was laughing all the while Dylan was trying to keep his temper in check. It was a friendly fight. After all, none of them could really bear to hurt the other one.


    "Oh come on, you know you can''t resist my charms," Darren added fuel to the already blazing fire.


    "Your jokes are losing their charm along with yourself." Dylan huffed like a kid in annoyance. "But really can''t you just stay with me? Or you can always go to your villa in Rose Gardens."


    Darren''s face stiffened as Dylan mentioned that place. "Aren''t you tired of having me as a roommate all through college?" Darren''s voice was calm but Dylan felt something off yet again. "As for Rose Gardens... You know I built that villa for a reason. When that reason is no more, it scares me to even enter that place again."


    Dylan pursed his lips and said no more about this topic. He knew he would hurt Darren even more if he continued to push him. Perhaps, looking for a new place was the better option.


    "I''ll help you look for a place," Dylan said as he picked up the details of different properties. "You''re not gonna buy a house?" He questioned as he saw that all the properties were either a penthouse, condo or a bachelor pad.


    "I''m gonna live alone. Why bother buying a huge house where only I''ll reside?" Darren replied matter-of-factly.


    "You''re right. But you can always have ghosts as your tenants. I heard ghosts love to reside in huge houses." Dylan spoke in a spooky way. "And you''re a magnet for attracting trouble. I''m sure ghosts will also fall for your charms."


    "R.I.P," Darren replied while Dylan''s brows knitted together in confusion.


    "Who should rest in peace? The ghosts?"


    "No. Your sense of humor!" Darren flicked his forehead making him wince in pain.

 Chapter 36 - A Play-Off

    With her small and soft hands tightly wrapped around Nora''s arm, Xiu was grinning from ear to ear. After a whole day of a bad mood, she was finally at ease in Nora''s presence. She kept telling Nora about her day with enthusiasm, not even taking a break.


    Nora certainly was enjoying Xiu''s carefree look. She scarcely found Xiu chattering like this. It put her mind and heart at ease.


    "Let''s head to the rooftop restaurant. I''ll treat you to dinner tonight," Xiu announced as she pulled Nora along towards the elevator.


    Nora had to run in her high heels to keep up with Xiu''s pace and as the elevator doors closed, she said, "My stingy Xiu''er is actually gonna buy me an expensive dinner? My my! Am I dreaming?"


    Xiu slapped her playfully as she glared at her and stuck her tongue out childishly, "You know I''m not stingy when it comes to you."


    Nora pinched her adorable nose saying, "I know. But you''re stingy when it comes to yourself."


    "How is that?"


    "Baby Xiu''er, you still haven''t bought a car for yourself. Even though it''s very important for traveling." As Xiu opened her mouth to say something, Nora added, "And don''t say that you can''t afford it. You very well know about your finances."


    Xiu couldn''t argue with that. She indeed could buy the car if she wanted to. But the problem was simple. She didn''t want to! "Nora darling, you know I still have trouble with driving. I have to stay focused while driving. And then those mirrors. Argh! You know I''m not comfortable with them."


    Living as Chen Xiu, she always had a nanny van right there at her service. She never had to bother with driving since it was a hassle. And she never even learned to drive back then. But living as Bai Xiu, Nora had taught her how to drive and even managed to get her driving license. However, Xiu was literally just an average driver.


    She was the kind of person who never managed to park the car properly. And counting herself as a lost cause, Xiu had given up on learning. It was just not what she could get better at. And she didn''t want to either.


    "Besides, in public transport, I get loads of time to clear my head. I get to zone off, dose off, and even get a chance to let some steam off." Xiu added as the elevator stopped at the top floor.


    "Steam off?" Nora asked in surprise and confusion.


    "Yeah! You know when someone tries to harass a passenger, I get to yell, shout, and sometimes punch them. It''s a very fulfilling feeling." Xiu explained with a satisfied expression while Nora shook her head at her.


    "I think you should be saying that you get to show off." Nora remarked helplessly as she turned to the usher and said, "Table for two."


    "Right this way, Ms. Cartwright," the usher obviously knew Nora as the manager of the hotel. Therefore, she was extremely polite and humble with her as she led them to a table.


    As the usher left, Xiu looked around at the most beautiful city that could be seen from their table. The landscapes and natural beauty of An City were already mesmerizing but its nightlife and skyscr.a.p.ers weren''t any lesser in beauty. The roads lit up in colorful lights making it seem like the dark sky was painted with rainbow colors. The view from there was breathtaking and the slight chill in the night breeze was even more refreshing.


    "Nora, by the way, I''m not a show-off. You''re simply a turn-off." Xiu remarked as she took the menu from the server standing beside them. She looked carefully through their variety of cuisine before settling on, "We''ll have ch.i.p.s and salsa for appetizers. And Chicken Mole as the main course for me. What about you, Nora?"


    "Chicken Parmigiana for me," Nora told the server without even looking. She was huge fan of Italian food, so her choice of food didn''t come as a surprise to Xiu at all.


    "Are you fine with Pana Cotta in dessert?" Xiu inquired and Nora nodded. "Alright. We''ll go with Pana Cotta then."


    "Also, a classic jalapeno margarita," Nora added along making Xiu''s face brighten up but then she said, "And add fruit mocktail for my friend here. That''ll be all." She gave back the menu and reclined back in her seat.


    "If you''re having a margarita, so can I. Why are you being such a put-off?" Xiu huffed in annoyance. It had been a long time since she touched alcohol. Oh, how she missed it! Xiu shook her head knocking this stupid thought off.


    "Baby Xiu''er, I learned my lesson very well. I''ll never let you drink again. You become a totally different person and last time, you''re like a kid on sugar-roll. I can''t take the risk of getting you drunk ever again." Nora reminded Xiu about her last encounter with alcohol making her lower her head in embarrassment. It can be said that she wasn''t very proud of that moment.


    It wasn''t like this before. But as Bai Xiu whenever she drank, she''d end up acting like the characters that she used to play in her serials and movies as Chen Xiu. She used to merge herself with the character that she played that''s why so many people were envious of her talent. Now that talent only came out when she was drunk.


    "You also drink a mocktail with me." Xiu insisted since it was really torture seeing Nora drink. Especially since Xiu was once an alcoholic. Well, Chen Xiu had become an alcoholic. But she was clean as Bai Xiu. She did want to keep her distance from alcohol but since that was the only thing that accompanied her till her last breath, she really couldn''t help the itch that arose in her heart whenever alcohol was brought before her.


    "Be a good girl. I''m going through a heartbreak, I deserve that margarita. You should be glad that I didn''t order my favorite bottle of Villa Wolf Gew¨¹rztraminer Wine." Xiu nodded her head knowing well enough that with wine she''d have really lost her control. She didn''t insist on this again.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Xiu questioned after a moment of silence.


    "What?" Nora asked in response.


    "That ignoramus f.u.c.ker was ripping you off?" Xiu added with disgust as that boy''s face came back to her mind. She had already killed him a thousand times in her head but it wasn''t really enough.


    "Why does it matter? Didn''t I already tell him to f.u.c.k-off?" Nora wiggled her brows at Xiu as they both laughed together. The play of that suffix, ''off'' was going great between both of them till now.


    "Let''s just end this stand-off." Xiu emphasized on the ''off'' part making Nora laugh again.


    Following that, their dinner was served and both of them ate heartily with a light conversation. Forgetting all about their argument, the whole day''s tiredness, their bad moods, and annoying co-workers. What mattered was that both of them could sit together for a delicious dinner and An City''s top restaurant. In the company of the best view and soothing live music.

 Chapter 37 - A Proposition

    The following morning, Nora again found Xiu at the balcony but instead of working out, she seemed to be in meditation. Nora was really surprised by Xiu''s new morning routine. The girl who worshipped sleep was actually leaving her bed a bit early for the sake of exercise? It was really hard to digest.


    However, Nora found this change as a positive one. So, she didn''t even question Xiu lest the latter would choose to stop again. In fact, Xiu had really taken Dylan''s comment to heart. When he had called her kiddo, she felt her blood boiling and that''s why she decided to focus on taking care of her physique.


    Later on like any other morning, Xiu dressed up in her office attire which consisted of a chiffon blouse and pants. After her breakfast with Nora, she left the apartment.


    She walked for 20 minutes before reaching the bus stop. As Xiu had mentioned to Nora, she really did enjoy her bus rides. Being in the company of so many strangers rushing to their destinations gave her a sense of freedom that she didn''t have in her previous life.


    In the past, these strangers used to look at her from afar but now, she was part of this crowd herself. An unknown stranger whom nobody knew. That feeling alone was liberating.


    Making her way through the bustling lobby of Spark Internation Group, she took the elevator to the eighteenth floor. She had just placed her purse on her desk when two envelopes caught her eyes. One was a handwritten apology letter from Qiao Liang which made Xiu scoff as she thought, ''Are we still in high school? What''s with the handwritten apology? Do I look like a teacher?'' She shook her head and looked at the other envelope.


    Her lips upturned in a satisfied smile. It was the resignation letter from Yi Gougou, just as Xiu had hoped for it to be. Xiu could hear the murmurs going around in the department but she was in too good of a mood to spare them a glance. She settled in her swivel chair and turned on her desktop.


    "Did you hear? Yi Gougou resigned."


    "I did. But wasn''t she sent to the ad shoot with Senior Yao?"


    "Aye! For someone with Yi Gougou''s personality, the ad shoot is a hell of its own."


    "Senior, what do you mean?"


    "Aiyo, my clueless junior! Our company works on an international scale with international endorsers. Those internationally renowned supermodels are always on their high horse. And with Yi Gougou prancing on her own high horse, how could she survive?"


    "I heard Yi Gougou bumped into Supermodel Lily and the latter''s dress was completely ruined by Yi Gougou''s coffee. Instead of apologizing, Yi Gougou started yelling at her. Haiz! Supermodel Lily is already known as a hard person to deal with. Not professionally but personally. When Yi Gougou yelled at her, she landed a slap to her face making her fall. Then all her assistants took turns and poured their coffees on Yi Gougou''s head."


    "Tsk. Tsk. That was a harsh treatment. She must be thoroughly humiliated."


    "But what about it? Yi Gougou was still shouting and yelling at her. Also, after what she did Ms. Bai still gave her a chance and she was ruining our company''s image before those foreign people."


    "Senior Yao was really in a difficult position because of her. He had to apologize so many times. Now, those foreigners might think that our whole company is filled with uncultured people like Yi Gougou."


    "Good riddance. Our department doesn''t need people like her."


    Xiu had heard all the gossips and she even was aware of what happened at the shooting location. After all, a certain Senior Yao had called her last night to nag for an hour. He really was regretting listening to Xiu''s advice. Because of Yi Gougou, his own job was in jeopardy along with the company''s endorsing contract.


    Xiu didn''t mind at all. After all, what you didn''t hear couldn''t possibly hurt you or bother you, right? And Xiu had really done exactly that. She had placed the phone far away from herself until Si Yao was done rambling on and on.


    During lunch, Manager Li called for Xiu and asked her to sit with her for lunch. Xiu raised her brows but complied as she took a seat beside her on the couch.


    "I didn''t expect we chose such an unprofessional person as an intern." Manager Li started the conversation while Xiu stayed quiet. "I have something important to discuss with you."


    "Yes," Xiu said giving her complete attention to Manager Li.


    "I''ve recommended you for a transfer to the top floor." Xiu coughed a bit as she choked on rice in her mouth. She picked up water to take a sip before mumbling her apology.


    "I think I made it clear that I don''t want to be an assistant," Xiu replied with knitted brows. "I have no interest in being a baby sitter of a second-generation heir."


    Manager Li smiled slightly at her choice of words before speaking up, "Not just an assistant. Executive Assistant."


    "Still a babysitter," Xiu said matter-of-factly.


    "Listen to me Bai Xiu... Do you know what authority an Executive Assistant of the CEO has?"


    Xiu shook her head and added, "No and I''m not interested in knowing either."


    "Don''t be so stubborn. As an Executive Assistant, no one would be able to challenge you. The only person above you would be the CEO. And this alone would be enough for your talent to flourish. It''ll allow you to make connections which are very important in our world. If you still want to stay bundled up in your cocoon, it''ll only lead to your downfall."


    Manager Li''s words made Xiu think deeply. It wasn''t like she wasn''t stirred by her words. But still, she was very happy and comfortable in her cocoon.


    "I''ll think about it," Xiu answered sincerely as she decided not to reject her so abruptly and went back to eating silently while Manager Li smiled in satisfaction.


    A window of hope was better than the closed door of rejection.


    However, more than being comfortable in her cocoon, Xiu was feeling reluctant because of the word ''CEO''. That title was scary and she had been under the knife once because of that title. But a reasonable voice in her head reminded her that it wasn''t that title that shambled her world. It was the person who held that title.


    As a way of moving on from the past, should she really accept this proposition? She might be able to rise above her fears instead of keeping them inside her.

 Chapter 38 - Jing Residence

    Friday came sooner than expected. It was the day when Xiu would feel the taste of freedom in its true sense. Since she''d get two days to roll around in the sheets. Well, alone. Literally! Cough! Cough! The author means it in a very innocent sense. Don''t work up your mind.


    Moving on...


    There was something special about this Friday night, she was going to Jing Residence with Nora for dinner. It had been six months since she last saw Mr. and Mrs. Jing also respectively known as Jing Ge and Clara Cartwright.


    Xiu had just stepped on the driveway which led to a beautiful European style house when she saw Nora''s mother Clara Cartwright coming out of the house with an apron around her waist looking very much like a housewife which she really wasn''t. Clara Cartwright was a famous Attorney and even ran her own law firm which was why now, she had stopped going to the court herself. She was one tough woman and a brilliant Attorney. She hadn''t just given Nora her own last name but also her feisty and tough personality.


    Clara hugged Xiu kissing her both cheeks affectionately before saying, "Welcome home, my little Xiu." Xiu was smothered by her love but couldn''t bring herself to push her away. That motherly affection and love were so relaxing and it made her eyes stung with tears threatening to spill out.


    "I should be welcoming you instead, Clara mom," Xiu replied in her slightly choked up voice. She wasn''t used to calling her mom but Clara had insisted that Xiu treat her like her own mother. And so Xiu did. It was hard saying no to both Clara and Nora. You see, both mother and daughter were a bit too persuasive.


    Pushing Xiu at an arm''s length, Clara observed her from head to toe and frowned displeasingly as she said, "You lost weight. Again." Turning to Nora who was collecting the gifts for her parents from the back seat, Clara''s tone took a sharp edge as she said in Spanish, "Nora Cartwright, how did you take care of my little Xiu? I told you to look after her. You have done such a poor job."


    Nora opened her mouth to speak when she was shunned again by her mother, "No excuses! Go inside and do thorough repenting." Stroking Xiu''s cheeks lovingly, Clara added, "Oh dear, you look so thin. Don''t worry, I''m back now. I''ll make you a plump little ball soon enough."


    Xiu smiled at her genuinely and answered, "I''d love that."


    It was clear from their interaction that Clara was closer to Xiu rather than Nora since the latter was completely forgotten and disregarded by her own birth-mother.


    "I should help Nora with those gifts," Xiu said as she looked at Nora''s struggle trying to keep all the things balanced and failing miserably.


    Clara looped her arm with Xiu and dragged her towards the wooden door of the house as she said, "Let her be. Nora is a strong girl and look, how fat she is. She can manage this much."


    Xiu was stifling her laughter while Nora finally dropped the things in her hand on the floor as she heard her mother''s words. "Fat? How am I fat? Are you sure you''re my mother?" Nora shouted well in a whisper, not daring to let her mother hear her voice. She didn''t want to listen to a long lecture in Spanish all over again.


    Walking through the foyer, Clara took Xiu straight to the family room where Jing Ge was talking over the phone. Seeing Xiu enter with Clara, he smiled at her affectionately.


    "Dad!" Nora''s loud chirp made him look behind Clara and Xiu. Nora dropped everything on the floor and ran up to Jing Ge, straight into his arms. "I missed you so much." She squealed as she hugged him like a bear.


    Jing Ge laughed at his daughter and said to the person on the other side of the phone, "I''ll call you later. My daughter is at home now." With that, he hung up the call and stroked Nora''s hair lovingly. "How''s my little dolphin?"


    "Very upset." Nora''s muffled voice came.


    "Oh? And who dared to upset my princess?" Jin Ge asked in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "You did." Nora looked up at him accusingly with a pout. "You were gone for such a long time. Do you know how much I missed you?"


    "Stop being dramatic, Nora," Clara warned sternly which made Nora look at Jing Ge with pitiful look in her eyes.


    "Dear wifey, don''t say anything to my Nono. She''s my little princess and if she won''t be acting like this with me then who else?" Jin Ge said to his wife before giving his attention to Nora who was still stuck to him like daddy''s little girl.


    Xiu was really envious of her. Nora was truly a daddy''s little girl even though Jing Ge was her step-father. No one could really tell that though. Because they shared a bond deeper than real father and daughter.


    Xiu watched how Nora sat down beside Jing Ge and started telling him about everything that happened. Nora really couldn''t hide anything from her father. He was even aware of Nora''s all boyfriends. And he never said anything as long as Nora wasn''t getting herself into trouble, he would give in to her all wishes.


    Xiu decided to help Clara in the kitchen and walked through the dining room to reach the beautiful kitchen with breakfast nook, kitchen island, eating bar and a huge walk-in pantry cabinet. Xiu really loved everything about the Jing Residence. It was a perfect home for a small family like theirs. It wasn''t too huge but it was extravagant still keeping its cozy and homely touch.


    "Little Xiu, you should sit with them. I''m fine here with Sister Qin to help me." Clara said to Xiu as she saw her entering the kitchen. Sister Qin was their cook but she often was just used as a helper in the kitchen.


    "I think I''ll enjoy my time here helping you Clara mom," Xiu said and walked around the kitchen island while rolling her sleeves up. "Tell me, what can I do for you."


    Clara shook her head at Xiu. She knew Xiu was stubborn and won''t listen until she really let her do something. While she was thinking about what to say, Sister Qin spoke up, "Clara, why don''t you ask Xiu to make her mouth-watering cupcakes?"


    Clara''s face lit up as she clapped in excitement. "That''s right, Sister Qin. I''m getting forgetful. Little Xiu, make some of your special cupcakes. I missed those sweet heavens."


    Xiu giggled at Clara''s childish excitement and nodded, "Anything for my Clara mom." Sister Qin helped Xiu with her apron and Xiu said her thanks and in reply Sister Qin gave her a sincere smile. Since Sister Qin had been in Jing Family for decades, she was all too well familiar with Xiu and her importance and status in this house.


    Xiu took the bowl and a whisk to start on with the base of her special recipe. She had thought she would really stop baking after...


    *Flashback*


    "Urgh! I''m tired!" Xiu slid down on the kitchen floor with flour, cocoa powder, oil, and other stuff sticking on her raven black hair, face, and apron. She looked like a mess.


    She picked up her tablet and read the recipe again. But even after reading for the millionth time, she was sure that she followed the instructions right. Then why did even after ten tries she was not able to get a perfect cake?


    Was it that hard? I can''t do this anymore.


    "But tomorrow is his birthday." The reminder made Xiu''s will to harden as she got up from the floor with a push and dropped another waste of a cake aside. "You can do this, Xiu. There is nothing that you can''t do."


    In the silent apartment, she worked the whole night and finally managed to get an acceptable cake. She was really satisfied with her handiwork. "See, patience is the key. This looks so delicious." Xiu said to herself as she decorated the cake and even wrote his name on it.


    Later on, in the company, she asked her manager to deliver the cake to him. She was anticipating his surprise. Also, she yearned for him to appreciate her efforts.


    But do you know what happened?


    She found the cake in a trash can outside his office. It shattered her heart but her pride was also crumbled when his secretary said, "Ms. Chen, stop wasting time on baking. You''re good at acting that doesn''t mean you are good at everything. Leave the baking to professionals. That cake wasn''t even worthy of a dog. How could you even except our CEO to taste it?"


    Xiu told herself to not cry and give them the satisfaction but she did break down when she came back home. All her effort was pointless. He didn''t even bother tasting it.


    *End of Flashback*


    Xiu had lost her confidence back then and never touched any baking product. But it changed with Clara''s presence. Under Clara and Sister Qin''s patient guidance, Xiu had learned so many desserts that she was acclaimed as the dessert queen in the Jing Residence.


    Who didn''t like compliments? Xiu wasn''t any different at all. Even though her first batch of cupcakes back then was slightly burnt, none of the family members put her down. They all praised her endlessly making her cry with their warmth and love.

 Chapter 39 - Faith In Her

    Dinner was served precisely at 8 and everyone took their usual seats at the dining table. Xiu sat beside Clara and helped in serving.


    "Is Jackson still sleeping?" Xiu turned to ask Sister Qin who shrugged her shoulders to indicate that she had no idea about the second child of Jing Family.


    Right then, Xiu heard a groggy childish voice calling out, "Ma! I''m hungry!" Xiu craned her neck to see a cute little bunny descending the stairs while rubbing his eyes adorably. At the sight of that little bundle of joy, Xiu''s heart melted.


    "Food is served, Jackie." Nora''s voice made the little kid open his eyes and his big eyes blinked in surprise before a huge grin spread on his cute face. He ran down the stairs as Nora opened her arms saying, "Come little brother."


    But imagine her stiffened face and awkward posture when that little bunny went past her and ran into Xiu''s arms. Xiu had knelt down on the floor to face that six-year-old. He immediately wrapped his small arms around Xiu''s neck and kissed her cheek. "Baby Xiu, Jackie missed you so much." His cute pleasing voice made Xiu smile widely.


    She kissed him back saying, "Baby Xiu missed her Jackie more."


    "You did?" He blinked his eyes at her earnestly making Xiu nod vigorously. "Don''t miss me anymore. Jackie is back for his Baby Xiu."


    "Aiyo!" Xiu hugged even tightly at his cute words.


    And a huffing and puffing Latina was left with her mouth twitching as she crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Oi! I''m your sister. Why are you forgetting that all the time?"


    Little Jackson stuck his tongue out at her and heard his father''s stern voice, "Jackson! That''s very rude. As the only brother, don''t you think you shouldn''t be bullying your sisters?"


    A crease appeared on Jackson''s forehead as he thought for a while before saying, "Sorry, dad! I promise I won''t bully my sisters. And I won''t let anyone bully my sisters as well." Hearing such words from that pea-sized brother, both Xiu and Nora were moved as they smothered him between their arms together. "I... Can''t... Breathe." He managed to squeeze out.


    Clara and Jing Ge laughed seeing this scene and shook their head. This was a very usual scene in Jing Residence. Since Jackson was the youngest, he was like the Sun of this house; everything revolved around his preferences.


    "Little brother, I think you''re turning into the second Baby Xiu''er," Nora teased Jackson as he was trying to hold his chopsticks. "You both love your sleep." Nora laughed at her own joke but when she saw Xiu''s narrowed eyes, she shut up.


    "Stop your nonsense, Nora. Jackie was jet-lagged and that''s why he slept for so long." Clara also reprimanded Nora for teasing her brother who seemed happy now that Nora was being rebuked.


    "Besides, our Jackie is still growing up. He needs plenty of sleep." Xiu also defended him and added, "Jackson, you don''t listen to her at all."


    "I normally don''t listen to her," Jackson replied in amus.e.m.e.nt leaving Nora to gasp at him in disbelief.


    The dinner was a hearty affair as it passed with a lot of chatter, laughter, and teasing. Xiu was having a stomachache from all the laughter. As Sister Qin served the chocolate cupcakes that Xiu made, Jing Ge spoke up, "This must be our Xiu''s creation."


    "Huh? Dad, how did you guess?" Nora asked picking up a cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting. It was her favorite flavor.


    "Because our Xiu is the only undefeated dessert queen in this family." Jing Ge said with pride in his tone and affection in his eyes as he looked at Xiu.


    Xiu got up and served a cupcake in his plate saying, "Uncle Jing, you eat this cream cheese frosting one. I made this one for you."


    "What about me?" Jackson pouted at his seat as he looked at Xiu adorably.


    Rubbing his head, Xiu placed another one for him. "Here you go, my prince. These Strawberry frosting ones are all for you." Jackson laughed in excitement and dug in.


    Xiu couldn''t describe the feeling she had when she saw the looks of content on their faces. The happiness in their eyes made Xiu feel really satisfied. Also, she felt invigorated as if someone was slowly bringing her confidence back to her.


    After dinner, both Nora and Xiu helped with cleaning up the utensils before Xiu was called to the study by Jing Ge. She entered the study and found Jing Ge sitting behind his mahogany desk.


    "You called for me, Uncle?" asked Xiu as she stood at quite a distance away from his desk.


    "Take a seat. I have something to discuss with you," Jin Ge said and Xiu took a seat at the couch. Although Jin Ge was a very compassionate person, Xiu couldn''t forget that he was the Chairman of the largest Hotel''s Chain in the world. She wasn''t scared of him but she did find him a bit intimidating at times. Perhaps, it was because of the great respect she had for him in her heart.


    "How''s your job at Spark International Group?" He asked after she stopped tapping her foot impatiently on the Persian Carpet on the floor.


    "It''s good," Xiu replied plainly.


    "Are you still not gonna consider working with me?" He asked looking straight at her. Xiu was sitting with her head lowered and lips pursed. Jing Ge had seen the potential in her and he really admired her straightforward personality. He really liked her as a person who had a clear distinction between who or what mattered to her and who didn''t.


    "Actually... I''m being transferred from my department." Xiu didn''t want to decline him straightforwardly like before. "I''ll probably become the Chief Executive Assistant of our CEO."


    Jing Ge didn''t look surprised at all rather he seemed pleased to hear that. "Hmm... CEO Qiu from the Qiu Group, right?" Xiu nodded her head. "Not bad. He is considered a very righteous businessman with high morales. I guess it''ll be fun to work with him."


    "Hopefully." Xiu mumbled before added, "Besides, you know I''m not suited to be a hotelier. I hope you don''t mind."


    Jing Ge smiled at her saying, "You''re overthinking. I just don''t want you to suffer any grievance out there."


    "I think dad, you should have faith in Baby Xiu''er. She doesn''t suffer loss." Nora announced as she entered the room with a huge grin.


    "I have full faith in her. You don''t need to remind me, Nono." Nora smiled at her father before pulling both of them out to the family room.


    Xiu lost track of time as she sat with the Jing family and chatted over snacks and tea. It was close to midnight when she decided to leave but since Nora was to stay back, she had to leave alone.


    None of them wanted her to leave but Xiu insisted on going back as she had something important to do. Nora gave her the car keys and asked her to take it back. It was difficult to get any cab at this time.


    Xiu didn''t decline her good-will and took the car. She wasn''t worried at all about driving since the roads were mostly empty at this time. She was happy about this fact but couldn''t remain happy till the end.

 Chapter 40 - At Her Worst

    Because of her poor driving skill, Xiu was very vigilant, cautious and attentive throughout her drive to the apartment complex. As she drove the car in the underground parking lot, she had finally heaved a sigh of relief for reaching without any mishaps.


    But apparently she had let her guard down too soon because...


    Right as she was going to park the car, a cat jumped right in the middle of her way. Xiu was startled or more like spooked as she swerved across her path and with a bang, her car had hit into something. Her body yanked forward but because of the seatbelt, she managed to stay unharmed.


    But with her head on the steering wheel, she felt like crying. Why? Why? Just why was this happening with her all the time? It''s like the lady luck was really her nemesis as she always ended up in such situations.


    Slapping her mouth, Xiu spoke, "Damn it! Why did you speak too soon? What rotten tongue do you have?!"


    Unbuckling her seatbelt, Xiu alighted from the car and looked at the damage. Her eyes widened as she saw that she had banged into a white sports car, that looked super expensive. She wasn''t well versed in cars or other vehicles but even an idiot could tell that that car was really expensive.


    "F.u.c.k! I''m screwed!" Xiu cursed out loud as she buried her face in her hands, lamenting over this situation.


    Looking at that broken headlight and other damage to the sports car, Xiu was in despair. And while she was busy knitting her brows in tension, she heard a soft groan. Xiu immediately looked around but found no one, at least, not until she noticed that there was someone inside the car. Xiu looked closely and saw a figure with his head lowered on the passenger seat. This discovery made her freeze at her place.


    Same day,


    Earlier in the evening...


    "Are you sure that you''d be okay at this place?" Dylan was asking Darren as he looked around at the moderate-sized apartment. It was enough for one person to live in but Dylan was still skeptical considering the status of Darren... This place seemed shabby to him.


    However, his best friend''s thinking wasn''t aligned with his own. "It''s perfect. From all other places, I really like this one." Darren replied with a look of satisfaction.


    "Daz, I know you don''t like big houses but this residential sector is not suitable for you." As Darren frowned at his words, Dylan continued, "I mean, yes, there are only wealthy people in this sector but still... They are not from our social circle." Dylan was really trying to stress on that fact. After all, there were different circles even in wealthy people.


    Money tends to change one''s living standards, social standards not so very much.


    "Social circle?" Darren raised his brow and Dylan nodded vigorously. "But my social circle consists of only you. And you have no problem with me living here. Just say that you''re worried about my security."


    Dylan sighed out, "Why are you not worried? This place could really be dangerous."


    Darren punched Dylan''s arm saying, "The main reason for this choice is that it is the place people would least expect me to be at. It''s not dangerous, it''s rather very safe."


    In the end, Dylan had to give in since the other person was Darren who never lost a negotiation in his life. And since the apartment was already selected, Darren had asked his people to start working on his new place.


    Darren had just come and sat inside Dylan''s sports car when his phone rang. His attention shifted to the number that flashed on his screen. That''s when he felt a strong jerk. His body yanked forward and his head hit the dashboard.


    Suddenly, his whole body trembled as his vision got blurry. With the help of his hand, he supported his head. All of a sudden, the vision before him changed. He felt like someone transported him back in time as he looked at the horrifying scene before him.


    Flames... The car was combusted in flames. With a loud and ear-piercing boom, he saw the car''s pieces flying everywhere. He felt the heat on his face, on his hands, on every single pore of his body. He heard someone screaming and someone wailing out his name. His heart felt constricted as his breathing got harsher.


    But then as if someone pulled him out of that miserable scene. True enough, he saw a hand that was touching his shoulder. Beads of perspiration of the size of soybeans were dripping down his handsome face that was contorted in pain. There was no physical pain, there was only the remnant of that memory that he despised.


    With a great effort, he turned his head and looked at a hand that resembled a white jade in its purest form. Slowly, his eyes trailed up and met with the warmest honey brown eyes he had come to know in his life.


    In those eyes, he saw anxiousness, guilt, concern, and fear. But he found that look so familiar that he forgot to breathe. Xiu was anxiously asking him if he was okay but Darren''s mind couldn''t make sense of what she spoke. He saw her ruddy lips moving but he couldn''t hear her voice.


    At this time, Dylan''s voice rang in his mind...


    "When did you start taking interest in strangers?" Dylan had asked that day when he first met Xiu at that Mala Hotpot restaurant.


    Darren''s reply back then was, "She reminded me of someone. The contempt and disdain for herself in her eyes was scary and yet familiar. I saw her breaking down right before my eyes and it reminded me of how I couldn''t stop something like that years ago. That stranger had so many similarities with the person in my memory that for a second, I really forgot who she was." Taking a pause, he added, "She seemed a very strong woman but she was trying to put herself down with her own self-deprecating words. I couldn''t stop myself from talking to her."


    Seeing that he was zoning out, Xiu held his shoulders and shook him violently as she screamed, "Are you alright? Say something! Don''t scare me like this!"


    Xiu''s loud voice managed to break Darren''s train of thoughts as he winced trying to close his ear. "Are you trying to make me deaf? Tone-down a bit."


    Hearing his voice, Xiu stopped shaking him and leaned against the side of the car to inhale and exhale a long breath. Darren looked at her pale complexion as he alighted from the car. With a tissue, he wiped the sweat from his face.


    "Were you worried about me?" Looking at her worried state, Darren forgot all about his earlier state of shock. The tremble in his body was gone and it even replaced with an itch to disturb this easily fl.u.s.tered girl.


    Xiu clenched her fists and hit his shoulder in anger, "You! Idiot! Jerk! Bloody psycho! You almost gave me a heart attack with your look. I thought I killed someone." Xiu was really out of sorts because of him. When she had found that someone was inside the car, she was startled but seeing that Darren''s eyes were rolling up, she was horrified.


    She thought he''d die because of some panic or shock attack. Thinking about how he almost managed to send her to the hospital, she completely forgot that she was the one who hit into his car.


    Darren''s only fault was that he was always there when Xiu was at her worst.

 Chapter 41 - Take A Breather

    While Xiu was busy cursing him for scaring her so badly, Darren was being entertained by her reaction. He took a water bottle from the car to calm down himself. However, it didn''t take him long to remember that there was someone behind his little ''accident''.


    He walked towards the front of the car and his brows slightly hooked up. This damage was... Dylan was definitely gonna puke blood. Darren shook his head at this thought.


    "Is that your car?" Darren''s question alerted Xiu as she looked over at him and felt like digging a grave for herself. Oh, right! She had already dug the grave. It was about time to bury herself in it now to hide her embarrassment.


    "Well, about that..." Xiu started but lost the words to say. What could she possibly say? Right, she should try telling the truth. "It wasn''t intentional. A cat jumped out of nowhere and spooked the hell out of me."


    Her look of grievance and being wronged really made one want to look at her twice. But did Darren fell for it? No! Obviously, not! His only thought was, ''She really has a knack for acting. It''s a pity, she isn''t an actor.''


    "I''m sorry for damaging your car," Xiu spoke again just to apologize. It was needed. "But my own car is also damaged." She didn''t forget to point that out at all.


    The expression on Darren''s face didn''t change much. "The car is my friend''s and he certainly is going to be hopping mad like a wild rabbit." He could already picture Dylan''s crestfallen look and dramatic performance.


    "I''ll pay for the damages. I can''t shirk this responsibility." Xiu reluctantly voiced out. No one would know how much of a big deal it was for Xiu to say those words. That stingy girl was actually willingly offering money. And she was the person who''d rather not buy a pair of shoes for herself until she''d worn out the previous one.


    "Do you know how expensive this sports car is?" Darren questioned plainly and while Xiu shook her head, he wasn''t surprised at all. "It''s a limited edition sports car. And only three of these models are made in the whole world. Can you estimate now?"


    "Not really. But I know that the person who can buy this expensive car can certainly pay for the repair cost as well. Right?" Darren was stumped for words. She did not just say that so casually! But Xiu wasn''t done yet as she said, "So, the situation is sorted. I should get going."


    She was really gonna turn on her heels to run when Darren''s fingers pinched her sleeve and tugged it back saying, "What''s the hurry? Are you running like a little thief?"


    "Hey! I''m no thief!" Xiu turned back with her puffed cheeks. "Did I say something wrong? A person who can buy this expensive car would definitely have the money to repair it as well."


    "You''r not wrong. The one who bought the car does have the money for repairing as well." Darren agreed rather easily.


    "So, what''s the problem?" Xiu snapped at him for not letting her go.


    "The problem is that, you''re the one who damaged it. So, why should he be the one to pay for it''s repairing?" Darren wiggled his brows at her questioningly.


    Xiu straightened up and ran her mind at the speed of light to come up with a good argument. It was a matter of life and death now. Cough! A matter of pride and dignity.


    "I''m not running away. Look, did I ask your friend to bring out his flamboyant fortune car so easily? He should know that accidents happen. He should hide this type of fortune car at home." ''Because people like me have bad luck. Have some pity for poor people like me.'' Xiu didn''t complete her sentence. It was not necessary.


    ''Fortune car?'' Darren thought to himself. ''I''ve heard fortune cookies. When did fortune cars come?'' He was truly learning something new from this clumsy girl. "Accidents does happen. But you can be defined as accident-prone." Poking her forehead with his index finger, he added, "And no matter how much you try to stay calm and collected, you would eventually end up hitting something that you shouldn''t."


    Xiu couldn''t deny his words. She really was accident-prone now. But she still insisted on being right as she said, "Being accident-prone is not a bad thing. Accidents often lead to something bigger and better."


    Darren nodded his head in agreement and added, "While the rest either leads to you a hospital bed or six-feet under the ground."


    Xiu choked as his words made it to her ears. She was having a coughing fit because of the embarrassment. Urgh! This man! "This is why I call you hot spices. You''re always breathing fire." Darren was surprised to know that the real reason behind his ''nickname'' was his own tongue which often wasn''t in his control. "Besides, technically speaking, being dead or injured is all about priorities."


    Darren raised his brow at her in question as she explained, "Perhaps, when you ended up on the hospital, you weren''t Grim Reaper''s priority but when you eventually ended six-feet under the ground, that was when you''re his priority."


    This time, it was Darren''s turn to choke on air. He truly was speechless. "You have to have the last word. Right?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes all around as she nodded sheepishly. "It gives me fulfilling satisfaction." She was grinning like a fool before she composed herself seeing Darren''s narrowed eyes. That pair of gray eyes was no joke. With a cough, she asked, "Can you give me an estimate of the total repair cost?"


    Darren looked at her face with his hands over his chest while he leaned at the side of the hood. "More or less, 3 million. And I''m still not adding the cost for my mental health."


    Xiu''s breath hitched as she forgot whether she was to inhale or exhale at this point. It wasn''t that she didn''t have the money. But using it for repairment and that too, for someone else'' car? This was torture for her miserly heart.


    Her eyes turned watery like a deer. Those beautiful eyes were like whirlpools pulling someone towards them while tugging at someone''s heartstrings. She really looked adorable like that.


    Darren didn''t know which ghost came over him but he said, "But I agree with you. I think the one who bought it should cover the damage cost as well. After all, it''s the driver''s fault for being careless with such an expensive car."


    Xiu was really surprised and her eyes sparkled like a firefly that would lead the way through the night. "Really?" She was still in shock.


    "Do you have any doubt?" He asked in return.


    "No. I just never thought there are nice people in this world." Xiu answered with a heavy heart.


    "I''m not being nice. Don''t flatter yourself."


    "Oh..." Xiu could only say that blandly since he was really sharp-tongued out to cut people.


    "But as you said, the cat was at fault here. I can''t put the whole responsibility on you. That''s why, I won''t ask for any damage cost from you."


    Xiu felt it was surreal that someone was exempting her from debt. Nonetheless, it meant a lot to her. Her 3 million were saved. Phew! She could finally take a breather!

 Chapter 42 - Angel Is Smart

    Bad luck is a misused word. Because oftentimes, it''s not that we have a stroke of bad luck but rather that our good luck has run out. And we also forget that when luck runs out that''s when the fate starts playing its game. After all, fate always manages to find its way.


    Xiu was the person who believed in bad luck and she also believed that bad luck could destroy a person. Darren, however, wasn''t like her. In his opinion, everything happens for a reason; Good or bad alike. Because we can run from destiny for as long as fate doesn''t have the desire to pull us back on track.


    As for Xiu and Darren... They both didn''t know but the fate had already started its game. All that left was for them to understand this game.


    Right now...


    The understanding nature of Darren had already taken Xiu off guard. Since he really didn''t ask for any remuneration. It was surprising, to say the least. But the fact was that Darren believed in her words. No one would cause the accident on purpose and the sincerity in her eyes were enough for him.


    It was indeed the cat''s fault and no one could ask the cat for money now, could they?


    "So, I can really leave?" Xiu asked cautiously looking at his expressions.


    "Yes." Darren gave a monosyllable reply in a monotonous tone.


    However, just as Xiu was about to alight in her car, she turned to look at his face and couldn''t help asking, "Are you normally this understanding?"


    Darren looked back into her eyes and contemplated her words. Was he really this understanding? Not really. Yes, he wasn''t unreasonable like Dylan but still...


    "What if I say no?" Xiu wiggled her nose as she shook her head.


    "Nah! She is not ready to believe it." Xiu mumbled mostly to herself.


    "Who?" He asked doubtfully as he looked around but found no one in sight.


    "Aiyo, the stupid angel on my right shoulder," Xiu replied in a daze and bit her tongue as soon as she realized how stupid she must have sounded.


    Darren, on the other hand, had some other opinions. He chuckled and asked, "So, didn''t that devil on your left shoulder gave you the idea to just run after the accident?"


    Xiu clicked her tongue in disappointment as she said, "She did. But then that stupid angel reminded me that there are cameras around us. We won''t be able to run far." She sighed heavily at the end and found it really strange that she was talking so comfortably with Darren. Why was she disclosing her own thoughts? With this ease?


    Forgetting all about her facade of cold persona, she was actually comfortable being her real self before him. And it wasn''t the first time she said something to him, she normally wouldn''t say to anyone. He always managed to make her act the way she was. Without even trying.


    A peal of laughter made Xiu again lift her eyes to stare at him. With his head thrown back, Darren was laughing heartily. Once again, her reply was really out of his imagination. But he didn''t find it childish at all. The reasoning was quite acceptable.


    "That angel is smart," he spoke in between his laughter while wiping the tears that escaped through the side of his eyes due to laughing so much. His gray eyes looked glossier and somehow, that made Xiu smile as well along with him. "That reminder of security cameras was timely."


    "It sure was," Xiu grumbled before recalling something. "Hey, by the way, are you really alright?"


    Darren was surprised by the sudden change in her demeanor and replied uncertainly, "Yeah. What can possibly be wrong?"


    "I don''t know. When I checked up on you earlier, your whole body was shaking, it was cold and you''re sweating profusely and your eyes looked dazed. You didn''t even hear my voice. It seemed like... You''re living through a painful memory or something. Weird observation, right?" Hearing Xiu elaborate like this, Darren''s hands had clenched into tight fists as his nails dug into his skin.


    His face looked solemn at the reminder. But he found it even more surprising that her observation was correct. "You''re thinking too much. I hit my head at the dashboard. Probably, because of that, I was out of sort for a moment."


    Xiu observed his expression intently before shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "If you say so."


    Darren''s phone again rang and he went to find it in the car. Xiu also boarded her car and tried her best to park it at its rightful parking space without any mishap. Fortunately, she succeeded in doing so.


    She couldn''t hear Darren''s conversation but she could see that he didn''t look happy at all with whatever the other person on the phone was saying. As her eyes fell on the box of cupcakes that Nora handed her before she left, she fell into deep thought.


    Chocolate cupcakes had a very sacred place in her baking repertoire. And the ones with chocolate buttercream frosting with chunks of chocolate in it were even more sacred. She had never shared these with anyone aside from Nora''s family. But now that Darren had let her off the hook so easily, she was having second thoughts.


    She had to express her gratitude. 3 million wasn''t a joke but he still didn''t ask for it from her.


    With this thought in mind, Xiu took the box of cupcakes and went to Darren''s side. She waved her hand before his eyes to get his attention while he was still on the phone call. And when he looked at her, she smiled at him and stuffed the cupcakes in his hands. "Thank you." She mouthed before flashing her grin to him and turning on her heels to leave.


    Darren was left staring at her back as she went to the electronic glass door in the parking lot and punched in her code before entering the building. ''She lives in the same building? Interesting.'' He mused to himself before sighing and speaking to the person on the call, "If you''re done, I''m hanging up. Stop calling me already." He disconnected the call without giving any chance to the other person to talk.


    Then he opened the box that Xiu stuffed in his hands and opened its lid. His brows hooked up slightly as he saw the neatly arranged four cupcakes inside.

 Chapter 43 - His Black Widow

    Looking at the beautiful cupcakes in his hand, Darren''s mood was a bit complicated. It was the first time in his whole life that someone gave him desserts. Also, since Xiu offered these cupcakes to show her gratitude, it even made clear that she was really thankful to him.


    "Daz! Why are you looking dazed?" Dylan chose this moment to enter the underground parking. "I asked those workers to do overnight work. Your place will be ready by the end of the weekend. Aren''t I awesome?"


    Dylan was trying to fish for some compliments from his best friend. Because when all''s said and done, compliments were a luxury coming from Darren''s mouth. He didn''t criticize people often but he wasn''t fond of praising people as well.


    But when Darren didn''t even pay any attention to Dylan, he was confused. "Oi!" Dylan called out again as he came near him. But as soon as he stepped closer, his eyes popped out of their sockets. Taking heavy steps in front of his car, he looked at the broken shards of the headlight. That dent and scratches... The more he looked, the more his heart got constricted. He felt his chest stuffy as he forgot to breathe.


    "Ahhhh!" Dylan''s shrilly scream jolted Darren awake as he turned his face and saw Dylan kneeling on the floor with his face buried in his hands. The way his shoulders were shaking, it seemed like he was crying. "My poor Black Widow is hurt. Oh my gosh! Who did this to you?"


    Darren puffed out a breath as he rolled his eyes at his best friend. ''See. Isn''t he a dramatic performer? He can put actors to shame with his over-acting!'' Darren thought to himself while his face twitched in half chagrin and half joviality.


    "Didi, who names their white sports car as Black Widow?" Darren couldn''t help but ask since this ''Black Widow'' was bugging him.


    Dylan stopped whining for a second just to reply, "If your secretary''s name can be Paige Turner then why can''t my baby''s name be Black Widow?"


    "And your point is?" Darren had to hold in his laughter at the reminder of that ''Paige Turner''. Dylan had laughed his heart out that day when she was appointed. Apparently, he found her name rather... Funny and unique. But mostly, funny. He remembered how Dylan joked about her name saying, "Daz, she''s a ''Paige'' you have to ''Turn'' in life. Dis you get it? Paige? Turn?" And then he laughed at on his own joke.


    Coming back to the present...


    "The point is my dear friend if parents don''t think about logic while naming their children then why should I have a logic behind naming my favorite car after my favorite superhero?" Dylan was very possessive about his two things; His cars and his superheroes. His sadness suddenly took a turn and he looked livid as he stood up and asked, "Who did it? Who dared to touch my baby? I''ll chop off the limbs of that person who dared to hurt my poor beauty."


    Darren disregarded his dramatic show since he was getting bored. Or perhaps because he was never gonna tell him about Xiu. Knowing Dylan, he was certain that this best friend of his would definitely go looking for trouble.


    "Does it matter? I''ll pay for the repair cost. Stop your wailing, it''s embarrassing." Darren said under his breath as he was looking at a family of four making their way out of their car. As the kids looked at Dylan weirdly, Darren shook his hands and made some distance between them saying, "I don''t know him. Trust me, I don''t."


    Dylan''s jaw dropped to the floor. Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g kidding me? How can his best friend just do that? Being the childish person that he was, Dylan wrapped his arm around Darren''s shoulder and said, "You can''t get rid of me in this life. Stop trying."


    Darren shook his head at his childishness and that''s when Dylan noticed the box in Darren''s hands. "Why do you have cupcakes? Who gave it to you?"


    Darren shook him off of his body and hid his box of cupcakes behind his body. "Why does it concern you? This is the first time someone offered me dessert."


    Dylan extended his hand and said, "Give it to me. You can''t eat that. No one gives you sweets because no one wants to kill you. Now, give it here."


    "No way!" Darren shook his head vigorously and resolutely.


    "Daz! You''re diabetic. Stop arguing." Dylan reminded him as if Darren didn''t know it himself. All his life, he was reminded of his diabetes. Only he knew how hard this sugar-free life was.


    "I keep my sugar level under control. And my doctor also said that I can consume a reasonable amount of sugar in a day." Darren repeated the words of his physician precisely.


    "Those are chocolate cupcakes. That''s definitely not a reasonable amount of sugar."


    "So what? Each and every chunk of chocolate here is calling my name. I''ll definitely eat this." Darren was also persistent. Would it be nice that he give Xiu''s sincerity to Dylan just like that? Saying that he even picked up a cupcake and stuffed it into his mouth. Ultimately, he had no faith in Dylan.


    And as the moist chocolate melted in his mouth, Darren was lost for words. He didn''t have much experience with desserts but he could still claim that these were the best. And his words were proven when the desserts lover, Dylan Qiu himself m.o.a.ned out, "This is super good. I''ve never tasted such a rich flavor of chocolate in cupcakes. And the buttercream frosting is to die for."


    Darren didn''t even know when he stole a cupcake from his box and when he did, he was glaring at Dylan resentfully. Dylan was oblivious to his best friend''s rage as he still dared to say, "Give me another one."


    "Never!" Darren replied plainly.


    "Why not?"


    "This was the compensation for damaging the car. She gave it to me."


    "Yeah. But the car is mine. So, technically this should also be mine," said Dylan.


    "Didi, the car is designed by me. Paid for by me. I just gifted it to you. So, don''t argue since I''m also the one paying for the damages." Darren closed the lid of the box.


    "Hey! I was also angry because you bought this car for me. You always say that I don''t value the things that you give me."


    "Well, do you?" Darren challenged back as he added, "If you did then you wouldn''t have brought this flamboyant car here. Don''t you know accidents happen?"


    Darren stopped abruptly as he realized that he repeated Xiu''s words. But then again, her words were correct.


    Dylan was resentful but since Darren was the one who was going to pay for his car''s repairing. He decided not to argue. But he was curious to know who managed to make Darren look so dazed.

 Chapter 44 - How Are You Feeling?

    [It was a cold night. Sheer white curtains were being blown softly by the night breeze as the windows were left open. The sky was cloudlessly adorned with a full moon and freckled with bright stars. It gave an ethereal feeling to this starry cold night.


    The room was enshrouded in darkness. But the moonlight splashed down its watery silvery-glow inside the room, illuminating it enough to navigate through the darkness. The room was beautifully decorated with Art Deco Delight as the main theme. Geometric shapes and graphic patterns polished chromes, glossy timber furnishing, glass, mirrors, and layered sultry lightings; it encompassed a bold and artistic expression with exotic designs. All in all, the interior design was a statement in its own right.


    And in this room, a figure clothed in a white gown was lying on the sofa. The moonlight spilled on that beautiful face which was burning hot. Her straight black hair was untamed as they stuck to the side of her face. The girl looked in pain with a frown etched between her beautiful brows. She was none other than the Goddess who ruled on millions of fans hearts; Chen Xiu. An empty bottle of Chateau de Seguin Bordeaux Sup¨¦rieur was dangling from her hand.


    There was a thick stench of alcohol in the room which was slowly being washed by the night breeze but didn''t manage to remove its remnants that still lingered around. A bottle of anti-depressants was lying right on the round glass coffee table.


    The combination of cold breeze and her hot body made her feel uncomfortable but her hazy mind made her eyes droopy. She was left with no energy as the glass bottle in her hand fell on the thick rug.


    The next time when she awakened, she could hear the murmur of people around her. She opened her eyes slowly to see a female doctor in a white coat giving instructions to a nurse beside her. Xiu looked at the heart monitor attached to her, then at the IV drip that was injected to her. It didn''t take a genius to figure out that she was in a hospital.


    "Ms. Chen, are you awake?" She heard a comforting and pleasant voice. Looking at the doctor, Xiu nodded her head slowly. "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"


    Xiu opened her mouth but nothing came out. The nurse helped her with a glass of water which managed to bring some comfort to her itching throat. She tried again to speak as she said, "Headache."


    "Isn''t that obvious? You took your prescribed anti-depressants with wine. Do you know how dangerous that is?" The doctor was rebuking her with a gentle tone. But even with that tone, Xiu felt like someone pining nails in her skull. It was painful.


    Someone entered the room and Xiu shifted her eyes to stare at the youngster looking back at her. The doctor turned to the youngster and started, "You''re her assistant who brought her here?"


    "Yes." The youngster replied humbly with a nod of his head.


    "Do you know how stressed she is? Ms. Chen''s body is over-worked. Are you people trying to kill her?" The doctor''s attack on the poor youngster was uncalled for since he was only an assistant. He was training to be a manager while he was studying at a University. It was his misfortune that he was stuck with a person like her who came with a piece of baggage.


    The doctor took him out to reprimand him even more while Xiu was left alone in the room. She sat up slowly in the bed and looked out the windows at the chirping birds. The warmth of the sun had completely overshadowed the cold of the previous night. She was looking out in a daze.


    And her daze was broken when a hand made contact with the side of her face. A resounding slap echoed in the usually silent room. Xiu didn''t have to turn to know who slapped her.


    "Chen Xiu! Do you take my words as a joke?" Her mother''s raging voice made its way to her ear which was still buzzing because of the slap. "I told you last night to rest because you have an early shoot for the endors.e.m.e.nt. But you ended up here in a hospital."


    Xiu didn''t look at her. She was sitting still with a dejected look. She looked dispirited as if someone had stolen the essence of her life.


    "Do you know how many calls I had to attend because of you? I had to make so many excuses to postpone this ad shoot." Her mother was livid and looked rather frustrated. The woman whose single hair was never out of sort looked completely disheveled as she kept rebuking her daughter. "Why aren''t you saying anything? I''m talking to you!"


    "I don''t have an answer for you," Xiu replied with a heavy heart as she still refused to look at her mother. Crying for her mother''s affection? Xiu had long given up on that. It was really ironic that her own mother''s first question was along the lines of how much loss she''d have to face. It was just Xiu''s wishful thinking that she wanted to hear, ''How are you feeling?'']


    A loud ringtone buzzed somewhere making her squint her eyes in annoyance. Xiu''s hand looked around on the bed while her eyes stayed closed. As she finally found the phone at the edge of the bed, she attended the call without looking at the caller id.


    A furious voice came from the other side, "BAI XIU! Where the hell are you?"


    "Today''s Sunday. Obviously, I''m in my bed under my warm duvet." Xiu''s groggy voice replied matter-of-factly.


    "You''re still sleeping? It''s 11:00 am already." The person on the other end seemed to be gnashing her teeth.


    "I still have time to sleep. Now, hang up." Xiu was about to cut the call when she heard the voice again.


    "You irksome idiot! Today''s your interview for the E.A''s position. Stop being a lazy cat and get here. Now!" Manager Li was truly exasperated by this girl who forgot the one thing she asked her to remember.


    "Oh, right! Our weird boss always does the interviews on Sundays. I forgot. I''ll be there soon." Saying that Xiu yawned lazily and sat up on her bed. She thought about the dream she just saw and felt her mood turning bitter.


    But she had to get to the company now. She couldn''t let her past influence her current mood, not more than it had already done. So, she shook off all the unnecessary thoughts of her mind and took a quick shower before getting dressed and leaving for the company.

 Chapter 45 - Xiu, Oh Dear Xiu

    Xiu had heard that Spark International Group''s CEO was an eccentric man. But on the day of the selection, she actually believed it wholeheartedly. Because the selection process was exactly like the one she had to go through when she first applied as an intern.


    Each candidate was given a sheet of paper with a couple of questions that they had to answer. After that, they were moved to the interview room. The interview was conducted by Li Qi''er herself as she was the current Chief Executive Assistant of the CEO.


    In the evening, Xiu got the message that she had to report to work at sharp 8 in the morning. And now her working location was; Top Floor, Secretarial Department.


    Xiu had never been to the top floor of the company before. But she wasn''t nervous about it as she rode the elevator with other people. Xiu was the last one to exit the elevator as she stepped on the marble floor.


    Calling the floor interior lavish might be an understatement. It looked like the whole floor came out of some interior decor magazine. Xiu was really impressed by it.


    "You''re early," Xiu''s attention shifted to the person standing before her with a smile. It was Li Qi''er in her usual pantsuit; formal and yet classy.


    Xiu looked at the time and see it was 7:45 am. She didn''t think it was early since she left home at 6:30 am just to be on time. "No one''s here yet?" Xiu asked feeling the absence of other selected candidates.


    "Not every person is punctual like you," Li Qi''er commented as she beckoned her to follow behind her. Xiu did so obediently as Li Qi''er brought her to the cabin right beside CEO''s office. "This is my old cabin. But now, it''s yours." Li Qi''er announced with a smile.


    "Don''t I have to go through some training period?" Xiu asked uncertainly since Executive Assistants'' position came with heavy responsibility.


    "Don''t worry, I''m here for a month to help you settle in. As for this position, this was yours the moment I first saw you in the Planning Department." Li Qi''er was quite satisfied with Xiu since the latter had what she was looking for; Determination, talent, skills, a cunning mind, and a strong, unwavering personality.


    Xiu didn''t know what to say about this revelation and trust in her. But Li Qi''er has very much to say. "Okay, let me brief you about somethings." Xiu nodded and mentally prepared herself to remember every word clearly. "Our CEO, Mr. Qiu, has a rule. You can only wear pantsuits at your job unless you''re asked to do otherwise which is rare."


    Xiu was surprised by this fact but it was convenient with her since she normally felt comfortable in pantsuits. "You can''t wear perfumes around him. He has an allergy." Xiu raised her brows but noted it down in her mind. "He is not fond of coffee but when he is in a bad mood, he loves eating cakes. You can say he has a sweet-tooth even at this age." Xiu chuckled softly along with her.


    "Ah, most importantly... You can only let two people in his office without his permission. One is his mother; Zhao Wei and second is his best friend, Mr. Salvay. Aside from those two, every single person has to have an appointment. Even the chairman of Qiu Group who is his father." Xiu nodded her head saving the names in her mind clearly. "All in all, he is demanding but when it comes to working only. He''s not really an unreasonable person unless you cross his boundary line."


    "I''ll keep that in mind," Xiu replied politely. Li Qi''er gave her the new employee pass and other things that she''d need to settle in her new position.


    The elevator again stopped with a ding sound at the top floor and a tall, lean figure in a clean-cut suit with a vest strode briskly on the sleek marble floor. In his hand was a tablet while he was busy on a call. The tapping sound of his designer shoes caught Xiu and Li Qi''er attention.


    "Good morning, Mr. Qiu!" The jolly and petite receptionist said as she saw her handsome boss.


    Dylan''s attention was focused on his tablet''s screen as he replied to the person on the phone but still gave a nod to the receptionist to acknowledge her greeting. He walked further and crossed the waiting area only to stop to see that the floor was too silent. He looked at the empty cubicles of his secretaries and frowned.


    "Ms. Li, in my office," with these words left over his shoulder, he opened the door of his office and walked inside.


    "These new recruits are in big trouble." Li Qi''er shook her head in pity since it was a rule at the top floor that every person had to come before the CEO and the eccentric CEO always came at 8 at the dot in the morning. "Bai Xiu, come with me. You have to meet the CEO." Li Qi''er dragged Bai Xiu who was until now just looking around the wide cabin that now belonged to her.


    Knocking three times on the door, Li Qi''er opened the door and walked inside with Bai Xiu behind her. "Good morning, Mr. Qiu!" Li Qi''er greeted while Dylan sat in his leather chair but was looking behind at the glass wall.


    "Ms. Li, what kind of people did you hire? Why is the whole floor empty?" Dylan''s voice was sharp but he still seemed to be talking in a respectful manner.


    "If you stop firing people, maybe the floor wouldn''t seem this empty." Li Qi''er answered plainly while Xiu looked at her with admiration. This woman had the guts. She actually talked back to the CEO of the company. Xiu was really looking up to her now.


    "It''s my fault, now?" Dylan retorted as he rotated his chair to face her.


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she saw his face clearly. There was disbelief visible on her face as she slowly lost the color of her face.


    "Is it not your fault?" Li Qi''er questioned righteously and challengingly.


    "Their incompetence is not my fault." Dylan was also stubborn about his decision. How could he accept that he was at fault?


    Li Qi''er rolled her eyes at him and decided not to continue on this topic. "Anyways, this is your new E.A." With that Li Qi''er patted Xiu''s back which seemed to have startled Xiu as her spirit almost left her body. "She is the one I told you about. Bai Xiu." Li Qi''er was busy in the introduction and didn''t realize the stunned faces of the other two around her. "And Bai Xiu, you must have seen our CEO somewhere. He''s the high profile, Dylan Qiu."


    Dylan''s face hardened as he noticed Bai Xiu. But soon his eyes narrowed slowly with a mirthless smile on his lips.


    Xiu gulped her saliva with difficulty as she thought, ''Xiu, oh dear Xiu, this Uncle is gonna kill you!'' That little Xiu in her heart made a crying face.

 Chapter 46 - A Show-Down

    At a moment like this, any other person would have been embarrassed, guilty, and remorseful. After all, knowing that you had treated your own boss in such a humiliating manner would be enough for others to want to dig a hole to lie in. But Xiu wasn''t any other person. Of course, she had a bit of struggle in her mind going on but still, she wasn''t embarrassed at all. Remorseful? Far from it!


    According to her, she treated Dylan exactly the way he deserved. ''Relax, Xiu! Maybe he doesn''t even remember me. He meets so many people, he won''t be petty enough to remember insignificant being like me.'' Xiu was busy trying to calm her heart with thoughts.


    It showed how much she was underestimating Dylan''s, as Darren loves to call it, childish pettiness.


    But now that he was looking at her like a wolf would look at his prey, a bad premonition knocked softly on her heart. Xiu slowly shrank her body and hid behind Li Qi''er who was still oblivious to the tension in the air. This move of hers made his brows to quirk up in surprise. ''Is this tigress trying to deceive him in sheep''s skin? Dream on!'' These were Dylan''s internal monologue.


    "Ah, Bai Xiu, what are you doing behind me?" This question... Dylan also wanted to ask since he was certain that she won''t be able to run from him now. This fish was finally on his chopping board awaiting his knife to strike. HAHA!


    And he was so gonna enjoy chopping her into tiny, tiny, tiny pieces! If Li Qi''er wouldn''t have been here, Dylan''s evil laughter would have definitely been a sight for Xiu.


    Xiu coughed and pretended to brush some dust off Li Qi''er''s shoulder saying, "Sister Li, there was something on your jacket."


    "Oh. Well, thanks then." Li Qi''er obviously didn''t feel that she was lying. However, Dylan thought otherwise as his sharp eyes were following Xiu''s every move.


    "Ms. Li!" He called out to Li Qi''er.


    "Yes, Mr. Qiu?"


    "You can leave. I''m sure you have other matters to deal with. I should get some BONDING time with my new Assistant." The way he stressed that ''Bonding'' word, showed how much hatred he was suppressing in his heart. "I should get to know her. We have a long time to spend with each other. Understanding is essential."


    Li Qi''er pursed her lips as she contemplated his words while looking at both Dylan and Xiu. But somehow, she missed that pleading look in Xiu''s eyes that were begging her to stay. Therefore, her reply was, "Okay. Call me if you need anything." And with that, she left closing the door behind her.


    The moment of silence stretched as Xiu kept her eyes on the locked door through which Li Qi''er left. She was wondering with an adorable scowling face, ''Where is the spirit of camaraderie? You just abandoned me at the first junction? And here I thought, you''ll help me settle in. But you just left me in the wolf''s den.''


    "Hi, Kiddo!" Dylan''s voice sounded right beside her ear making her yelp in surprise as she took a step back. Was he was a ghost? He didn''t even make a sound!


    When all''s said and done, Xiu couldn''t even deny the fact that he really remembered her. Not anymore! But we have a lot of cards up our sleeves as well. Xiu smirked inconspicuously.


    Taking a deep breath, Xiu stood straight at a reasonable distance from him and composed herself. She was the confident Bai Xiu! She couldn''t fall before this Uncle who turned out to be her boss! But I refuse to stand down.


    With this pep talk to herself, Xiu confidently met his raven-colored eyes. Dylan couldn''t help the surprised look that emerged on his face. It was like she suddenly turned into a different person right before his eyes. Even the look in her eyes changed. He was shocked by this realization, this was the fastest speed he saw someone changing expressions. Er... No, no. The whole persona had changed.


    "Hello, Mr. Qiu! I''m Bai Xiu. It''s nice to finally meet you. I''ve heard a lot about you." Xiu''s words seemed practiced with no sign of obsequience or supremacy. Her words and tone were both just right.


    But Dylan wasn''t convinced at all by her acting. "Are you feigning ignorance? Or do you think I''m dumb?" His words came out resentfully as he stared her down but Xiu was indeed his perfect match in attitude. She didn''t cower back. Not even for a second!


    "I don''t understand what Mr. Qiu is implying. But I would never dare to call you dumb." Xiu replied with a straight face which made his brows to knit together. Usually, his new secretaries would always try to fawn all over him. Why was she so confident and full of herself?


    Dylan leaned against his desk as his slender index finger rubbed against his bottom lip in a thoughtful manner. "So, you can think that I''m dumb but you won''t dare to call me dumb?"


    Xiu snorted inwardly while rolling her eyes at him as she thought, ''Calling you dumb? You''re the dumbest one! How can I insult the mildly dumb ones by comparing you with them?'' But she kept her inner bitterness to herself as she changed the words that spilled out of her mouth, "Sir, you are my boss. I definitely don''t have any views about you since I''m not even familiar with you. This is the first time I''ve seen you in my life."


    Dylan stood up straight as he took a step towards her. "Ms. Bai..."


    "Hmm..."


    Dylan looked into her eyes dangerously as he questioned, "Are you sure we have never met before?"


    "Positive!" Xiu replied almost in a blink of an eye.


    Dylan''s lips stretched into a forced smile, he looked angry. "Then I''ll make sure this meeting is worthwhile." There was a promise in those words which Xiu could feel clearly but she didn''t let herself get affected by his strong presence. And his promise was loud and clear, ''I''ll make you regret feigning this ignorance. Mark my words!''


    "Looking forward to it, Sir," Xiu replied with a smile this time which really looked challenging as if saying, ''Let''s see how shabby you really can be.''


    She wasn''t scared of losing her job at all. First, because she was confident in her capabilities. Even if she lost this job, she wouldn''t be jobless. Second, she had heard how Dylan never let his personal feelings get involved in professional life. He won''t let her personal feelings affect his work.


    Dylan, on the other hand, wasn''t expecting such a reply from her but he was pleased, to say the least. She wasn''t trying to please him neither was she trying to act all scared around him, this change was refreshing for him. There was no doubt that playing with this one would be fun. And as they say, Patience is the key and all Dylan had was patience.


    If not today, she''d accept she''s that ''kiddo'' one day. He was gonna wait for that while torturing her for that insult. This resentment had dug deeper in his bones because no one dared to treat him the way she did.


    No one could be certain who won this first round of the show-down. Because both had their own tricks. If Xiu would never voice out that she''s that kiddo, he had no evidence to say otherwise. As for Dylan, his upper-hand was the fact that he was her boss now.

 Chapter 47 - Ghost Stories

    "Ms. Bai, follow me. We have a meeting to attend."


    "Ms. Bai, where are the meeting minutes?"


    "Type the report again!"


    "Ms. Bai, I don''t like unprofessional people. How can you not know the agenda for the executives meeting?"


    "Ms. Bai, where is the file for Royal Gardens project?"


    "Can you please walk faster?"


    "I suddenly don''t fancy the typed report. Give me a handwritten copy."


    "Oops, sorry! The report got wet. Go to write again."


    "Hmm... It''s well written but... This word ''annual reports'' is bugging me. Why don''t you change it with ''yearly reports''?"


    And that''s ladies and gentlemen how Xiu spent her first day as the Chief Executive Assistant of CEO Dylan Qiu. By the end of the day, Xiu had only one wish and that was to murder this Mr. Qiu. But boiling him alive in a pot had an even nicer sound to it.


    Dylan, on the other hand, was smug seeing her lethargic state. He was supposed to leave work early today but he spent three extra hours just to torture Xiu. But the poor Dylan didn''t even realize that he was working overtime along with her. She wasn''t alone.


    "You have done a good job, Ms. Bai. I''ll see you tomorrow." With a satisfied look on his face, he briskly walked towards the elevator while Xiu followed behind him. They rode the same elevator but he went to the underground parking while Xiu got off at the ground floor.


    It was close to 9 o''clock when she arrived at her apartment complex. She pressed the button for the elevator and leaning against the wall, waited for it come to the ground floor.


    She had closed her eyes when she heard a voice, "Hi, Sweets!"


    Xiu opened her droopy eyes with difficulty and looked at Darren''s familiar face. "Hi, Mr. McSpicy!" She greeted back, not even noticing what he just called her. She found him very refreshed and energetic even at this time. He was dressed in a tracksuit with Airpods in his ears. He definitely came back from a run.


    Darren pursed his lips at that nickname but didn''t comment. The elevator door opened and he stepped inside. "Aren''t you going up?" He asked and Xiu nodded while joining him inside. He saw the desolate look of Xiu and felt weird since she didn''t seem like herself. "Bad day at the office?"


    "Bad day?" Xiu snickered as she added, "I think my whole life is about to turn bad."


    "I wonder why?" He couldn''t resist asking since she was replying without any hesitation.


    "Because I''m stuck with a cranky boss!" Xiu exclaimed in distress.


    "Oh..." Darren replied.


    "Oh? No, no. Your reaction can''t be this light." Darren raised his brows at her waiting for her to speak. "That stupid biscuit is too demanding and childish. How can he be this petty? I have never met someone this petty in my whole life!"


    "He seems like an awful person," Darren remarked with a frown.


    "Awful? He''s the worst! He made me write the same report 7 times. BY HAND! And it was a ten-page report. Can you imagine how my wrists have been tortured under his bullying?" Xiu complained as she poured her heart out. Not even realizing that she was not that familiar with Darren.


    But since both of them didn''t mind this fact. The atmosphere was rather comfortable between them. She talked and he listened silently.


    Darren patted her shoulder lightly as he tried to console her in the most awkward way, "There, there. It''ll get better."


    Xiu looked at him with bloodshot eyes as she shouted, "It won''t get better. I''m the bad luck magnet. I have the worst luck in the world. It''s like the whole universe is conspiring against me."


    "It can''t be this bad." Darren seemed uncertain whether it was about her words or his own, he wasn''t so sure.


    "Forget it, you won''t understand. Even I can''t understand whether I have the worst luck or this body. But one of us definitely is born with the worst luck." Xiu kept muttering to herself.


    "I think you''re really tired. That''s why you''re talking whimsically now." Xiu glared at Darren as they reached their floor and both exited it together. But it wasn''t Darren''s fault that he was unknown to the fact of Xiu''s spirit living in Bai Xiu''s body.


    "Why are you following me?" Xiu suddenly questioned him as she saw him behind her.


    "But I think you''re following me." Darren retorted matter-of-factly as he took a couple of steps to overtake her.


    "What rubbish! I live on this floor." Xiu replied tenaciously.


    "So do I," came the reply from him making her look at him wide-eyed.


    Then she saw him entering the passcode of his door which happened to be right in front of her own. It was already established that she wasn''t having a good day. But now, seeing him had awakened her inner mischief self.


    ''Calling me whimsical? Let me tell you how whimsical I can be.'' Xiu mused to herself with a mischievous grin.


    Darren had barely opened the door when he heard Xiu''s surprised voice, "You-You bought this apartment? Really?"


    With his hand still at the metal handle of the door, he turned to look at her and said, "Yeah. I can''t buy this apartment?"


    "No, no. That''s not what I meant. But..." She looked like she was having an internal battle and still hesitated before speaking, "Haven''t you heard the stories?"


    "What stories?" Darren also acted like he was intrigued by her words. "Tell me. I''m all about stories. You can even call me the story guy."


    Xiu wanted to laugh at his words but she had to bit it down. Couldn''t ruin the performance, right?


    Xiu looked right and left to see if anyone was coming and then in a hushed tone said, "I heard the last owner of the apartment had gone crazy here." Darren raised his brows at her as she added, "He claimed... He heard someone calling his name at night."


    "Really?" Darren gasped as if he really believed her words.


    "Yes. That''s why no one wanted to buy it. I''m telling you, there were strange things happening in this apartment. Unknown to everyone." Xiu made a scared look while shaking her head in despair. "It was super creepy." She cringed to add another realistic effect to her super performance.


    "Thanks, Sweets. You''re such a good neighbor for sharing this with me." Darren thanked her with a sincere look which even Xiu couldn''t distinguish.


    "My pleasure. That''s what neighbors are for." Xiu smiled at him as she opened the door of her own apartment.


    While she was about to close her door, Darren stepped inside his apartment and the foyer light flickered. "Haiz! It all started with lights flickering." Xiu said with a touch of pity. "Take care of yourself, Mr. McSpicy." She shut the door with a huge grin on her face.


    It was fun pranking people. Especially with ghost stories. She knew Darren won''t believe in her words but... A seed of doubt will stick with him at least for a week. And that thought brightened up her mood.


    However, she didn''t know that Darren wasn''t superstitious. He never believed in ghost stories since the time he was a kid. The only reason why he accompanied Xiu with that nonsensical talk was that he could see it made her happy. Her earlier dispirited self was looking candid and mischievous. It was a joke on her part and it was indeed very funny for him.


    Unbeknownst to both Xiu and Darren, there was someone around them who actually believed in ghosts and who was scared to death after hearing Xiu''s words. Haiz! If only she knew who it was...

 Chapter 48 - Scaredy-Cat

    Darren closed the door behind him and changed into a pair of home slippers. He was about to turn when his eyes caught the view of a certain pale-faced best friend. Seeing him moistening his dry lips and looking vigilant, Darren could tell that Dylan had heard his conversation with Xiu. At least, half of it which involved Xiu''s ghost story.


    Because only that could explain why Dylan seemed on edge. Dylan could be defined as a superstitious person. And his belief in ghosts was way beyond one''s imaginations. Darren could recall a very recent event where Dylan was supposed to leave for Italy but came back halfway to the airport. The reason he gave was, "A black squirrel crossed my path."


    "So?" Darren had asked.


    "So? There is a high chance that I''ll have a stroke of bad luck. I''m not going." Dylan announced like a grumpy kid.


    "Was the squirrel adorable?" Darren asked and Dylan nodded in response. "Then there is an even higher possibility that you''ll have a stroke of probably adorable luck."


    However, Dylan was persistent with his superstitious mind and canceled the whole trip altogether.


    Anyways, coming back to the present where Dylan was still zoning out with the word ''ghost'' ringing in his mind...


    Walking towards him Darren placed his hand on his shoulder and Dylan was startled. He was about to scream but Darren blocked his mouth with his own hand.


    "Put a leash on your imaginations. It''s only me." Darren looked calm, bright and a bit jubilant.


    Dylan, on the other hand, looked depressed, uncertain and mostly helpless. "Daz, thank God it''s just you." He placed his hand over his heart and breathed deeply.


    Darren walked further inside towards the kitchen as he said, "Of course, it''s just me. Who were you expecting? A ghost?"


    Dylan tried to keep his fear from showing as he said, "Daz, don''t talk about ghosts. You know I don''t like hearing about them."


    Darren took a water bottle from the refrigerator and uncapped it to take a sip of cold water. "I also don''t want to talk about it. And besides, there is no such thing as ghosts. I''ve been telling you that for years now."


    Dylan, however, wasn''t very keen on believing Darren''s words. His fear of ghosts wasn''t really far-fetched. It was real because of the prank his school fellows played on him in his childhood. They had dared him to walk inside the supposedly haunted house in their town and after he did, they locked him inside.


    After that incident, Dylan had developed a fear of ghosts and according to him, they were as real as humans. Dylan''s eyes wandered around Darren''s apartment carefully and cautiously as he said, "I think... I should go back."


    "You just got here. Don''t run like a scaredy-cat." Darren spoke to stop Dylan from leaving. "I had already pre-ordered a movie for us. Also, the pizza is on the way as well. We''ll have fun tonight."


    "Really?" Dylan turned back. "What''s the genre of the movie?"


    "Horror." Darren''s answer made Dylan''s face to lose all colors as he glared at his best friend.


    "You know what, I''m leaving." Dylan decided for real and turned on his heels to leave but Darren held him back while laughing.


    "Ms. Li is right about you. You''re a big baby." Dylan scowled at his words. "You''re twenty-seven and still believe in these ridiculous things."


    "Ghosts are real." Dylan insisted again.


    "Yeah." Darren snorted and added, "Now, you''ll say werewolves and vampires are also real."


    Dylan gave a reluctant look as he said, "They could be. Since witches are real. They could also be."


    "Witches are real?" Darren raised his brows looking at him inquisitively.


    "As real as gold but with a black heart. Haven''t you seen my socialite girlfriends? They all are black-hearted witches." Dylan spoke with certainty. " So, I believe, anything is possible."


    Darren was speechlessly looking at his best friend. Dealing with Dylan was the most difficult task and suddenly, he felt some pity for his new E.A. That girl must be suffering because of his tantrums.


    Lowering his voice to a hushed tone, Darren said, "If anything is possible, I believe the girl behind you would have already strangled you."


    "What?" Dylan turned his head with such speed that he almost got whiplash. But when he didn''t see anyone behind, he really wanted to punch Darren for scaring him. "Now, you''re making fun of me." He pouted trying to show he wasn''t very happy with this joke.


    "This is your retribution for treating that innocent E.A of yours so badly on her first day," Darren stated straightforwardly.


    "What did I do to her? I just asked her to do what was already written in her job description." Dylan replied in a righteous manner.


    "And you want me to believe that you didn''t bully her? Please... I know you better. The moment you texted me that your new E.A is the same girl who insulted you twice. I knew what ideas started brewing in your mind." Dylan couldn''t possibly refute Darren''s words. The latter knew him as his own shadow.


    "But she was also at fault. She''s denying that she met me." Dylan told him how Xiu claimed that this was their first meeting.


    Darren slapped his head saying, "Idiot! What do you expect? That she''d happily bounce around you saying, Sir, I''m the one who kicked you and called you Uncle." The sarcasm in his voice was too sharp for Dylan.


    If Dylan knew that Darren was almost on friendly terms with Xiu, he''d had puked blood in anger. Because Darren''s words had always been sharp. He never cared about the feelings of the other person before speaking. He was indeed a man of few words but his every golden word was meant to sting people where it hurt the most.


    "You''re taking her side because you selected her," Dylan claimed as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    With his arm around Dylan''s neck, Darren said, "My offer still stands. You can send her to my company. I''ll be more than happy to accommodate her."


    Dylan frowned at his reply, "I have never seen you persistently asking for someone. You haven''t even met her. Do you really think she''s worth it?"


    "Didi, I''ve seen her resume and I''ve seen the answers she wrote in her screening test. That girl is more than just worth it." Darren''s reply stunned Dylan. When was it this easy to impress his iceberg like best friend? Dylan was wondering but had no idea. "She has a Bachelors in Economics and a Masters in Business Administration. According to her resume, she had been promoted 6 times in the last 3 years of working in your company. Not only that, but she''s also doing her research work for Doctorate in International Relations. And she is only twenty-three. Can you even imagine the potential of that girl?"


    Dylan hadn''t noticed all of these things about Xiu before but now that Darren mentioned it. He thought about it seriously. He could already tell that Xiu was a diligent worker even if he had only spent a day with her. But how was he supposed to forget his humiliation?


    "Her name is Bai Xiu, right?" Darren asked and Dylan nodded. "Hmm... You should try not being biased with her."


    Dylan nodded again but rather reluctantly before pushing Darren away. "Get a shower man. You''re sweating."


    "Wow, genius. Took you long enough to realize that." Darren threw another derisive comment his way and in response, Dylan stuck out his tongue childishly. "Fine, I''ll be back in a jiffy. You make yourself comfortable."


    "What''s yours is mine. So, I''m already comfortable enough." Dylan replied in satisfaction.


    With a sly smile, Darren halted in his track and said, "And Didi, don''t worry. The girl behind you will definitely not disturb you."


    "Ah!" Dylan yelped loudly as he turned to look around while Darren laughed heartily at his response. "Daz! I''m gonna kill you!" Dylan threw the cushion at him but Darren had already closed the door and the cushion had hit the door instead.


    Now, Dylan was left with a lingering fear that there was really something wrong with Darren''s apartment. The spark of doubt that Xiu ignited for Darren had turned into flames in Dylan''s mind. Without knowing it, she had taken her revenge for giving him a sleepless night just like he gave her a restless day.

 Chapter 49 - Once OR Twice

    It wasn''t that Darren knew that Xiu was Dylan''s new Executive Assistant. He had indeed selected her and read all her details but there was a certain detail missing on Xiu''s resume and that was her photo. While all the other resumes had a photo, hers didn''t.


    This was the first point that had intrigued Darren when he was helping Li Qi''er in the screening process. The second point was her accomplishments. And those accomplishments were enough to make him realize why she didn''t attach her photo on the resume. It was a clear statement that her work would be enough to speak for her. His interest had piqued enough.


    However, the deciding factor was her answer to a certain question. During the screening process, Xiu was given a sheet of paper with some questions. In fact, that was a set of questionnaire to determine the character of the employee and it was set by Darren himself.


    Since Li Qi''er knew how good Darren was at determining the abilities of a person, she had said nothing about that questionnaire. And she was right, with just those answers, Darren could tell what kind of a personality each of the candidates had.


    The answer that became his final deciding factor for Xiu was for the question; Write a letter to yourself.


    It seemed a very simple and ordinary question but in reality, Darren knew how complex it could be. People often tried to show their ambitions through this. But he wasn''t looking for ambition because ambitions often led people astray. He was looking for determination and sincerity. And that''s what he found in Xiu''s questionnaire sheet.


    Her answer was something like this:


    "Dear Xiu,


    I''m sorry. I''m sorry for letting you down. I''m sorry that even after living a lifetime, I didn''t care about you. I didn''t spend any effort to learn about you or your wishes. I''m sorry for mistreating you and most of all, taking you for a coward. I''m sorry for not standing beside you as your strength when you needed it the most.


    Xiu, I know you''re strong. Stronger than anyone I''ve ever met. But it''s time to prove this to others. It''s time that we should learn about ourselves. Forgive me for prioritizing others over you. But no more, let''s give ourself a chance. We have spent long enough in the paradox of past and future. Neither we can go back in past nor do we have the sight to see the future.


    What we have is today. And now, we need to shape this today of ours.


    Thank you for staying with my unbearable self. Thank you for not giving up. And thank you for trying your best with this second chance. This time, I want you to live to the fullest. Live your imperfect desires that you had hidden from the world. Let me give you the love that you craved for till the end. Let me make you forget the scars that are left behind.


    Don''t ever let anyone make you feel small again. Don''t let anyone make you cry again. Forget yesterday and come, we''ll find our true self together. What do you like to do? What makes you feel good about yourself? What makes you happy? Because you''re never alone. I''m always there for you. And together, we can conquer the world.


    Just do give up and keep fighting! Because this rollercoaster of a ride we call life has only started."


    Xiu''s words had touched Darren deeply. It was the sincerest letter he had read. All other candidates went along the lines of how they will do their best and achieve the heights of success. But she only asked herself for a chance to prove herself. Live one day at a time.


    Obviously, he didn''t know what second chance Xiu had talked about or which end she was referring to but nonetheless, the letter was very touching. It reminded him of someone whom he lost. Someone who was gone forever now.


    He really wished to poach Xiu to his own company. But he couldn''t snatch someone from his own best friend. Therefore, he decided to let it go.


    On the other side of things...


    Xiu had no clue that the words that she wrote because of her frenzied emotions were the reason for her selection. She had a dream about a bitter memory that very day and she wasn''t in a good mood. Therefore when she read that question about writing a letter to yourself. She just poured her heart out.


    She also had no clue, how deeply those words had affected someone. And how she had invoked someone''s buried memories along with her own.


    Currently,


    When Xiu entered the apartment with a content smile, she heard Nora''s voice, "Baby Xiu''er, why are you so late?"


    And seeing Nora''s concern, Xiu just spilled her heart out honestly as she kept cursing Dylan who was sneezing unceasingly in Darren''s apartment and Darren even joked saying, "I think someone is cursing you."


    "It must be that Ms. Bai!" Dylan answered hatefully while Darren shook his head at him.


    Who knew that his guess was right on point! It wasn''t in Xiu''s hands otherwise she would have already smashed Dylan''s head with a baseball bat.


    Back on Xiu''s side, she looked aggrieved as she related the story of the whole day to Nora who was equally furious now.


    "How dare he! Such a despicable man! He treated you so badly and you let him? Why didn''t you say anything?" Nora''s temper flared up as she rolled up her sleeves ready to fight. "Let me find him. I''ll give him a good lesson!"


    Xiu held her back saying, "Nora darling, stop it! Do you think I can''t give him a punch or two?"


    "Then why didn''t you?" Nora shouted at her, not satisfied with how Xiu let herself get bullied.


    "He''s my boss. I should bear with him once or twice." Xiu''s voice was barely a whisper. "Besides, I don''t want to end up with a lawsuit."


    "What lawsuit? My mother is the best lawyer. Why are you worrying about a lawsuit?" Nora gave her a side hug and added, "Next time, feel free to kick his ass. We''ll handle the lawsuit if we have to."


    Xiu smiled at her reply wholeheartedly as she felt completely relaxed now. Nora had that effect on her. She really could brighten up her day.


    "I''ll definitely kick his ass," Xiu replied with determination.


    "Good!" Nora patted her head proudly.

 Chapter 50 - Dont Hate Me

    Sleep is often defined as half death. In view of the fact that a person is closest to death when he is sleeping. Then it wouldn''t be wrong if we say that every morning a new life is given to us. That''s why mornings are called precious; We are born all over again. The mornings bring you dawn of new life and new possibilities.


    Life is a gift... We all have heard this phrase plenty of times in life. But how many of us really cherish this gift? If anything we take it for granted. The value of life can only be understood by someone who has only a few days to live.


    And in case of Xiu, she was the someone who experienced death first hand. Perhaps that''s what made her value each morning where she was able to breathe again, feel again, and live all over again.


    There was a Calligraphic painting on Xiu''s bedroom wall, it was actually a Chinese Proverb which stated, ''If you do not experience anything, it''s impossible to gain knowledge.''


    This very statement was what made Xiu feel motivated, determined and vigorous every morning. It reminded her what she had missed upon and what life still had in stores for her. All she had to do was keep her head high and live through this new day of new experiences and knowledge.


    But in all these motivational talks, there is always something in our morning routine that we all despise the most. For instance, some people hate waking up early, it makes them feel cranky, lazy and tired. And some hates taking showers in the morning for some bizarre reasons.


    However, our Xiu hated the battle with her tangled hair. That was the real struggle for her every morning considering she had long hair that fell to her lower back. Don''t get the wrong idea, she loved her long hair but she didn''t like the idea of taming them. It was a strenuous task especially if you have to do it first thing in the morning.


    As always it took her over fifteen minutes to tame her hair. After that, she prepared breakfast and sat with Nora to give her company.


    "Don''t be bullied today," Nora started the conversation with her reminder. "If he really gets unreasonable, give him a good beating."


    Xiu laughed softly as she nodded, "Will do, ma''am!" Nora was reassured with her words but then Xiu added, "If it really got to the point of my limit, I''ll do as you said."


    With an apple in hand, Xiu left for office. Nora also picked up her purse and keys before leaving out the door.


    She was closing the door behind her when she saw a man coming out of the apartment in front of her. She called out uncertainly, "Darren?"


    Darren looked up from his phone screen and his brows raised seeing Nora standing before her. "Ms. Cartwright."


    "Seriously? Can''t you call me just Nora?" Nora looked frustrated at him for calling her by her last name even after a whole year.


    "Okay. Just Nora. Fancy seeing you here." Darren''s reply made her glare at him.


    "Why can''t I be here?" She asked crossing her arms over her chest in an imposing manner.


    "I thought you''re the daughter of Mr. Jing Ge, the famous King of Hotel Empire. Therefore, I didn''t expect to see you in this apartment complex." Darren replied in a nonchalant manner but with honest words.


    "I can say that about you as well. Since you stayed at our hotel''s most expensive suite for a year. You couldn''t possibly be a simple person yourself. That much is already established." Nora pointed out as she stepped inside the elevator with him trailing behind her.


    "I never claimed to be a simple person unlike the Princess of Hotel Empire who loves to say that she''s only a hotel manager." Darren''s words made Nora''s lips to twitch. He wasn''t wrong. But in her defense, she didn''t like people treating her differently after knowing her real status. Unlike the person beside her who was just like her best friend Xiu; Too indifferent to care about her social status.


    "Darren, have you ever talked nicely to people?" Her question made him frown in confusion as she said, "It''s always like you love pointing out the things people don''t like to hear."


    "Oh, you mean I''m very truthful. Because people nowadays only don''t like to hear the truth. Thanks for the compliment though." Darren''s words made her feel speechless. He was a difficult person to talk to and Nora had already learned that when she first met him at the hotel.


    Her interactions with him weren''t much but she still knew that he was a difficult man.


    With a sigh, Nora shook her head saying, "I suddenly feel very bad for the person you love."


    Nora''s comment made Darren''s body to stiffen up visibly which didn''t go unnoticed by Nora who was the only person in the elevator with him. Nora felt like she said something wrong since it wasn''t difficult to tell by the way it suddenly became cold inside the elevator. His orbs contracted and his jaw was clenched hard just like his fists.


    "I didn-," she wanted to explain herself when his phone rang and she was cut off.


    He picked up the call ignoring her presence and listened to person on the other side for a while before answering, "I don''t care how much resources or money you need. But I''m warning you, don''t let PassionArt Entertainments to win that project. Not at any cost!"


    Nora was surprised to see his domineering and cold persona. She always thought he was a very easygoing person since he was very gentle expect for his words which never had been gentle at all. He wasn''t one of those unreasonable or unbearable guests she had to deal with at the hotel. In all honesty, he was very easy to please. But this side of his... It really reminded her of Xiu when she was angry.


    As the elevator stopped, Darren walked out taking long strides briskly towards the car waiting for him. Sitting in the back seat of the car, he waved for his driver to start the car as he heard the reply from the person on the other call.


    "Sir, I''ll do my best. Rest assured, we won''t let PassionArt Entertainments to win this time." Darren made an affirmative sound in response. "If you don''t mind, can I ask you a question?"


    "What is it?" He replied impatiently.


    "Why do I feel like you have some personal grudge against PassionArts Entertainment?" The words from the person on the other side were cautious.


    Darren took a long breath as he gazed out of the windowpane and looked at the hoardings on the tall buildings. In a soft voice, he replied, "I just want to destroy the company that destroyed her. It''s a grudge of life and death. You won''t understand how deep-rooted hatred it had become."


    The other person stayed silent before informing about some other things and hanging up the call. Closing his eyes, he leaned his on the backrest. ''You won''t come back even if I do all this. But... Please don''t hate me for destroying the ones you cherished the most. Because they didn''t cherish you at all.''


    The driver saw a lone tear trickling down his boss'' cheek and he couldn''t help but sigh in sadness. Who knew the person who had a sharp tongue was actually broken inside? But the people close to him knew very well. His calmness was just a facade to hide how he was crumbling down inside every single day.

 Chapter 51 - In Your Head

    Problems have a quirk about them; it''s that they always stay with us. And the greatest challenge of life is discovering where the problem lies because 80% of the times the problem lies within ourselves. With our attitude of facing that problem. But no human likes to accept his own mistake. It''s human nature; One can''t do anything about it.


    Problems are like the rocks that try to block the flow of a river but don''t forget; Water knows how to find its way. Therefore, our attitude should be like that flowing water that stays calm but still persistent while facing all the obstacles. After all, its the attitude of the water that makes all the difference.


    Outgrowing from your problems or even solving those problems only brings you 20% of the success. The rest lies with the lesson that you learned through that period of time.


    Right now for Xiu, Dylan was her biggest problem. Neither she could solve this problem nor could she outgrow from it. However, what she could do was find a middle ground. She couldn''t let herself be pushed by this problem. After all, her dreams were bigger than the problem named Dylan Qiu.


    This morning, Xiu''s problem with Dylan was completely different than it had been yesterday. Because today, Dylan decided to ignore her. He had come to office earlier than anyone and had locked himself in his office.


    His only call to Xiu was to say, "Cancel all my meetings for today. And don''t disturb me. I''m repeating my words, don''t let anyone disturb me."


    "Noted." Xiu had replied calmly but with a frown that he couldn''t see over the phone. After that, Xiu hadn''t heard from Dylan at all. It was like he wasn''t even present. But from the gloomy vibes that were looming around his office, she could tell that this grumpy Uncle was indeed inside.


    That and also because he kept firing up emails to her mailbox with doc.u.ments that needed revision or the plans that were completely rejected. Xiu couldn''t help but agree that even though he was eccentric and grumpy but he was hardworking as people said.


    "Why is it so quiet?" Li Qi''er asked after softly knocking on Xiu''s office door.


    "Sister Li," Xiu gave her a sincere smile as started, "Don''t ask. Boss has locked himself in his office."


    Li Qi''er looked at the closed door of Dylan''s room and chuckled, "Oh, he''s in lockdown mode again."


    "Lockdown mode?" Xiu repeated in confusion and a bit of curiosity.


    Li Qi''er nodded and entered her office. "Don''t worry. He''ll be fine soon on his own."


    "Hopefully." Xiu sighed out. Li Qi''er was about to say something when the landline in her office rang and Dylan asked her to come to his office. "Coming right away, Sir." Then she looked at Li Qi''er who gave her encouraging smile.


    Knocking on his office door, she walked inside and found him with his head buried in the doc.u.ments that had been stacked on his desk.


    "You called for me, Sir?" Xiu used her words cautiously, she didn''t want to tick him off. Dylan lifted his head and Xiu''s eyes widened looking at his face. She took a sharp intake of breath which caught his attention.


    "Your expression is exaggerated. I don''t look that bad." Dylan replied in annoyance.


    But Xiu''s opinion didn''t match with his at all. His eyes were puffy, rims were slightly reddened and there were dark circles to give him the look of a panda. She bit her cheek to hold her laughter since she found him quite... Cute?


    When she couldn''t keep it in anymore, Xiu''s laughter reverberated in his room. She was laughing pleasantly and even her eyes had gotten wet.


    "Whenever you''re done with that, let me know. I have all the time in the world," Dylan grumbled sarcastically, holding back his temper. He had promised Darren last night that he won''t fire her. But last night was the reason for his condition as well. He had spent the entire night awake with the fear of ghosts lingering around him.


    "Sorry. I''m really sorry." Xiu managed to control her laughter but thinking that he had been hiding behind closed doors because of this was really making it difficult for her to control her laughter. However, if only she knew that she was the reason behind his sleep-deprived state. Oh boy, she would have been over the moon. But she was clueless. For now.


    Dylan looked at her composing herself within a minute and a crease formed between his brows. He slapped on a tall stack of doc.u.ments and said, "Take these back to the reference room. And also, find time to slowly deliver all the reference doc.u.ments to our online database. Sooner the better."


    A blue vein throbbed violently at Xiu''s temple. He was starting his payback again. Such a petty man!


    Xiu exhaled her pent up anger in the form of long breath and angrily picked up the heavy stack of doc.u.ments. She was about to turn when she heard his voice again, "Have any opinions, Ms. Bai? Or do have any problem with your job?"


    Xiu gave him a fake smile as she answered, "How can I dare have any opinions?" Her voice turned into a whisper as she mumbled, "I understand your condition. I''d definitely not go head-on with a sick man."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her dangerously as he asked, "What did you say?"


    And Xiu''s reply came as "I think Sir, you''re sick today. You should not exhaust your body. Take some rest. Should I send you some tea?"


    Her politeness gave him sudden creeps much worse than he had when the ghost stories were running in his mind last night. What suddenly got into her? He didn''t know and for some reason, he didn''t want to know either.


    "I''m not sick. Thanks for your concern. You can get back to work now." He waved her off as if getting rid of her.


    Xiu turned on her heels and stormed out of his office not before stopping at the last step and turning her face to say, "Do you know?" He raised his brow inquisitively and she added, "You looked cute a while ago. Not so very much right now!" After closing the wooden door of his office behind her, she snorted, "And you are sick. IN YOUR HEAD!" With that, she raised her leg as if kicking his door.


    Then with an angry look, she briskly went towards the reference room.


    Xiu was dumbfounded to see the reference room. It was a big room with racks of files stacked on them. Seeing it all, she almost pulled her hair in frustration. He was really doing it on purpose.


    However, she had no other option and had to start with this work. As she flipped through one of the files, she was surprised to see the early plan works of the company. All the project that had been done by the Spark International Group were listed, even the ones that they failed to meet.


    Suddenly, this room filled with a musky smell didn''t seem as bad to her. It looked like a box of opportunities. And Xiu decided to take this opportunity without any regret.

 Chapter 52 - Gave Up On Failures

    "She said, I''m not cute. Can you imagine that?" Hearing Dylan''s nonstop complaining, Darren rubbed his temple softly and closed his eyes briefly taking a pause to let his surroundings sink in.


    Standing on a concrete pathway, he could feel the slightly warm breeze caressing his skin. The day''s last beams of sunlight glowed on the horizon. The scent of different flowers around him overwhelmed him. He opened his eyes to see the lush freshly cut green grass which was concealed by the bundles of flowers.


    The society park was bustling at this time with several people out for an evening run and parents accompanying their kids who were playing happily. An elderly group was busy doing their meditation while old society aunties were having their dance class in one corner. It was such a lively scene that Darren felt peaceful inside.


    "Are you even listening to me?" Dylan''s voice ruined Darren''s moment of tranquility once again. He really wished to disconnect the call. Or better just hit the phone on Dylan''s head.


    "Didi, you''re not cute to me as well, right now." Darren''s voice showed his irritation along with the fact that his patience was running out.


    Dylan coughed awkwardly as he retorted, "I know I am not cute at all. I''m fatally attractive!" Dylan''s statement made Darren feel like beating him now. Literally.


    He continued his evening run as he said, "Didi, do you have some obsession with your E.A or something?"


    "What? Who said that?" Dylan''s reaction was over-exaggerated. Darren couldn''t help rolling his eyes at him even though Dylan couldn''t see him.


    "Because, my dear Didi, you met your E.A for only 15 minutes today and for the past 30 minutes I''m bearing the torture of listening to you complaining about her reaction," Darren stated the obvious which made Dylan scowl at the other end.


    Before Dylan could reply, he heard a female voice from Darren''s side, "Hey, McSpicy!"


    Darren suddenly stopped and tilted his head to see Xiu sitting on a swing waving at him while she held yogurt in her other hand. Seeing her smile, Darren also smiled back at her and forgot all about his anger on Dylan. He waved back at her, "Hello to you too, Sweets!"


    "Come sit with us," she beckoned him while gesturing towards Nora to scoot over to the third swing which she did so in a daze. When did her Baby Xiu''er get so friendly? She couldn''t bring her mind to work around this fact at all.


    On Darren''s side, he changed his direction and walked towards Xiu while saying to Dylan, "I''ll call you later. Or not."


    Dylan was left looking at his phone screen with a disbelieving look. His best friend just hung up on him for a girl. A GIRL! So much for the bro-code!


    Darren sat down on the swing beside her while not paying any attention to Nora. "You look really happy. Did your boss stop bothering you?" He asked curiously since the Xiu he met last night in the elevator and the one sitting beside him now looked to be two completely different people. Last night, she was listless and right now, she looked rejuvenated.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "Nope. He''s still going at his petty schemes."


    "Then what''s up with the big smile?" Darren questioned gesturing towards the bright smile on her face which seemed to have given her a new light.


    Xiu poked the straw in the new yogurt bottle and passed it to him saying, "I learned a good lesson from you on our first meeting." Darren took the yogurt from her and gave her an inquiring look as she elaborated, "You said past can either hurt me or teach me something."


    "I did. So, what did you learn?" Darren took a sip of the yogurt and realized it wasn''t as sweet as he was expecting it to be.


    "I learned that he loves hurting me through his torture. He can do it since it''s his right as my boss. But falling down, feeling hurt, or giving up is my own right. He can''t force me to feel something I don''t have a desire to feel." Darren looked at her in surprise. From his simple words, she learned such an important lesson. It was unbelievable for him. "So, I have decided to smile because I feel like smiling. Also, because he wants to see me failing and I''m a winner. I gave up on failures long ago."


    Seeing her determined and resolute eyes, he gave her a round of applause. "Wow, Sweets. You''re amazing."


    Xiu laughed at his remark saying, "Right? I know. I don''t know why I didn''t realize it before, I truly am amazing." ''Wish I could learn how amazing I am when I was Chen Xiu.'' She mused to herself with a disappointed look.


    Darren pursed his lips at her reply not knowing whether to laugh or not. She looked adorable and innocent with those bright and hopeful eyes, full of dreams that had yet to see the dawn of reality.


    Suddenly, recalling something Xiu said, "I completely forgot. That''s my best friend." Xiu pointed at Nora who was sitting on the swing beside Darren''s now.


    Darren turned to face her and smiled saying, "Hi, ''just Nora''..."


    Nora had kept quiet until now for two reasons; one, she was unable to make sense of Xiu''s sudden friendliness. And second, she didn''t know what to say to Darren after her morning blunder but his greeting in that familiar way made her feel somewhat easy.


    "Darren, I thought we established that you''d be calling me Nora," Nora replied back with a scowl.


    "You guys know each other?" Xiu asked looking at both of them making her already big eyes, bigger.


    "Yeah, we met," was the only reply from Darren who didn''t elaborate how or where they met. And Xiu wasn''t very interested in knowing the details as well.


    "Good. Saves me from the introductions." Xiu replied nonchalantly while chuckling at her own self saying, "It''s not like I know your name."


    "It''s Darren."


    "Huh?"


    "My name," Darren explained and Xiu nodded while biting the straw of her yogurt and sipping on it like a little kid.


    "So, Darren..." Nora tried to speak. "I''m really sorry about what I said in the morning."


    "What are you talking about ''just Nora''?" Darren''s response with that smirk made Nora forget all about her embarrassment.


    "Hey! It''s Nora. Not ''just Nora''!" She corrected him.


    "Yeah, and I called you just that. Just Nora." Darren smirked again which made Nora want to pull his hair.


    They both heard Xiu laughing out beside them and turned to look at her. Finding two pairs of eyes on herself, Xiu bit her lips to compose herself as she said, "Sorry, it seemed funny for some reason."


    "Darren, I''m being serious. I''m really sorry." Nora sincerely felt guilty and Darren could see that. He decided not to tease her anymore.


    "I''m also serious, Nora. I really forgot whatever happened in the morning." Darren''s reply made Nora stare at him in confusion. "It happened in the morning. The sun has already set for the day. I tend to let my grudges sink just like that sun on the horizon." Xiu was entranced hearing his reply. How beautifully he just said that he doesn''t hold unnecessary grudges. "Besides how can I hold grudges sitting between two beautiful young ladies?"


    "Smooth..." Xiu drawled playfully patting his shoulder.


    "Baby Xiu, stop laughing already," Nora said impatiently since now they were catching the attention of the other people in the park.


    Darren''s head turned to Xiu as he asked, "Your name is Xiu?"


    Xiu looked at him weirdly as she answered, "Yup. I''m Xiu. Bai Xiu."


    "That explains it," Darren mumbled more to himself than anyone.

 Chapter 53 - Like I Give A...

    The most mystifying thing about strangers is the fact that sometimes, they hold the power to change your life just like you hold the power to change theirs. Because a single smile does wonders whether you believe it or not. Someone somewhere out there needs that single smile of yours to keep going on. Perhaps that''s the only sunshine in their rainy day.


    But there are always those familiar souls in those strangers who become our friends, acquaintances, or life partners. It''s just a matter of when or how your heart recognized those familiar souls. Because every relationship starts with some memories you shared with a stranger.


    For Darren, Xiu was that stranger who made his heart want to smile at her. And seeing her smiling like that brought a strange comfort to his heart. Especially, when he heard that her name was also... Xiu.


    That explained why she was the stranger that felt most familiar to him at first meeting. Her presence already felt familiar and now even her name was very familiar. Familiar and very close to his heart.


    In his own thoughts, Darren completely forgot that Dylan''s Assistant''s name was also Bai Xiu. Not because he didn''t remember it but because his whole attention was on Xiu''s given name. He didn''t even hear her family name.


    "What are you girls doing here?" To distract himself from his aching heart, he shifted the topic. Both Xiu and Nora were dressed in their working clothes, there was no way they came for a run here.


    Both besties shared a mischievous look as they said together, "We are sightseeing."


    "Huh? Sightseeing? Here?" Darren looked around at the resplendent park and found it beautiful but it definitely wasn''t a place for sightseeing.


    "Aiyayaya..." Xiu moved her swing to his side as she said, "Sit with us. You''ll learn the art of sightseeing."


    Darren''s curiosity was piqued by her way of speaking. And he was looking forward to this ''art of sightseeing''.


    "Oh, look that one in shorts and a t-shirt." Nora pointed at the guy that was running on the track.


    Xiu scrunched up her face saying, "Nah. He''s at most 6."


    "Why? Look at his strong built." Nora argued while still pointing at the guy.


    "Too bulky. And look at his height. I don''t like that height at all. Also, he''s fair like a porcelain doll. He''ll give girls some self-complexion." Xiu retorted while shaking his head.


    Nora had a thoughtful look as she said, "You''re right. He''s indeed short. I like boys with tall height."


    Darren was stuck between both of them listening to them giving points to boys and their so-called ''art of sightseeing'' was checking out boys. Like seriously? Darren really couldn''t decide whether he was supposed to be angry or was he supposed to laugh at them. They both were amusing.


    Darren cleared his throat to get their attention. "Are you guys seriously giving points to boys?"


    "Men." Nora corrected him as she said, "We are giving points to men. Young boys are too ambitious these days."


    Darren couldn''t refute her words. "Well, then how about me. How many points should I get?"


    Xiu leaned back and Nora did the same as they looked at each other from behind Darren''s frame. "How many?" Xiu asked pointing at him. "But he''s our neighbor. We shouldn''t be doing this on him, right?"


    "I agree. We have to see him almost every day." Nora agreed along with her.


    "But he has beautiful eyes," Xiu said matter-of-factly.


    "And the perfect height as well," Nora added.


    "His-," Xiu was about to speak when Darren spoke up.


    "Girls, I''m sitting right here." At his reminder, both Nora and Xiu straightened up as they played the nonchalance game.


    Xiu whistled a tune as she tried ignoring his eyes but couldn''t do so. "Look, McSpicy..."


    Hearing Nora''s chuckle, Xiu stopped to look at her inquisitively. "Oh my, Baby Xiu''er you call him McSpicy?" Xiu nodded. "Suits him very well."


    Xiu laughed back saying, "I know, right? He has a spicy tongue with those sweet looks."


    "Agreed. 100%!"


    "Still here!" Darren spoke out again to remind both of them of his presence which was being treated like thin air now. Then he looked at Xiu and said, "Thanks for the compliment of ''sweet looks''." She opened her mouth to say something but he didn''t let her as he added, "And I''m totally going to ignore your comment of ''spicy tongue''."


    The three of them got up to leave as the street lamps were turned on and the darkness grew more and more. On their way back, Xiu suggested, "By the way, Mr. McSpicy don''t you think you should treat us to some drinks or dinner? You''re our new neighbor, show some goodwill."


    Nora slapped her head saying, "Baby Xiu''er, you can''t ask people to treat you to a meal."


    "Why not?" Xiu rubbed her head where Nora hit her as she pouted.


    "Yeah, why not?" Darren took Xiu''s side which made Nora look at him in disbelief. "Besides, my mother says that we should never refuse someone for food. It''s disrespectful."


    "Disrespectful to the person?" Nora asked raising her brows.


    "Nope. Disrespectful to the food." Darren replied with a straight face but his answer made Nora'' lips to twitch while Xiu was gasping for air while laughing.


    "That was a good one!" Xiu and Darren shared a high-five leaving Nora to facepalm herself as she thought how did she get stuck between these two? Wasn''t her bestie supposed to be on her side?


    Seeing Nora''s blank look, Darren said, "Ms. Cartwright, stop thinking. It''s just a meal and why should I give up on dining with my two lovely new neighbors?" Recalling something he added, "Also, isn''t it a tradition to send something to eat at your neighbors home when you move in? As a way of introduction."


    "Those are ancient traditions. Who follows them in this age?" Nora retorted.


    "Why do you want to be like everyone else? Let''s do something different." Darren''s reply shut Nora up. She knew he wasn''t going to give up now.


    "Guys, could you please stop. I''ll pay for the meal. What''s the big deal?" Before Darren could say anything, Xiu added, "Besides, I should show my sincerity after banging your car."


    "I don''t want to decline this offer..." Darren gave a thoughtful look as he said, "But just a reminder, the car was my friend''s."


    "Like I give a damn!" Xiu cursed while shrugging her shoulders and taking the lead to stop the elevator.

 Chapter 54 - The Best Kind

    The rest of the week for Xiu was very calm and relaxing since Dylan was out of the city for business purposes. Xiu''s only job was to organize the data in the reference room. That work was tiring but not having to deal with Dylan brought her more comfort and happiness than she cared to admit.


    Today was Friday. It not only marked the end of the week, but it was also the day for her dinner night with Nora and Darren.


    On Darren''s side...


    There was a private elevator that opened directly in his private office, a huge room occupying the corner of the building with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the main road giving a view of two directions. It''s triple glazed and so clear that the panorama seems like a high definition screen. The city below was so far away but the birds flying past the window seems at an arm''s reach. As if to remind us that the skyscr.a.p.er was in their space now.


    The remaining two walls had a door, a low bookshelf, and a single oil painting - the scene of a rainy night with a girl standing with an umbrella under a lamppost.


    The office room was painted grey with a sophisticated and minimalistic interior. The glass surface of the desk was equally uncluttered with a desktop computer and an open notebook sat beside it. A stack of papers was sitting under a crystal paperweight with a beautiful silver colored fountain pen lying on top of it. The pen had an inscription of ''R.D Salvay'' in golden writing.


    The swivel chair behind the desk was empty. And a tall figure stood before the bookshelf, bursting with books. He held a book in a foreign language. As he slid it back on the shelf, he came to sit behind his desk on the swivel chair. He picked up his opened notebook and looked at the words written in black ink.


    "Loving you was my pride


    Losing you became a story of its own


    A story that brings me a million degrees


    of pain.


    A story where I cried all night


    and yet


    had to act strong all over again.


    I wish our parting was like a stalemate...


    But my dear, you abandoned hope


    And your surrender left me with no way to cope."


    The ding of his private elevator reached his ear but Darren didn''t even lift his eyes to see. Because he already knew only two people had access to his private elevator; One was he and the other was his best friend.


    Dylan entered his office and glowered at Darren whose attention wasn''t on him at all. He sat down on the chair before his desk and said, "What kind of a brother are you?"


    "The best kind," replied Darren matter-of-factly and Dylan was left gaping at him in disbelief.


    "Don''t you feel any shame?" Dylan asked. "How can you even claim to be the best kind?"


    "Why can''t I?" retorted Darren as he closed his notebook and locked it back in the bottom drawer of his desk.


    "I was angry with you," said Dylan as if it was a known fact.


    "Were you?" Darren frowned as he finally looked at Dylan''s face.


    "You have got to be kidding with me!" Dylan was looking at him unbelievingly. "Forget it. It''s no use telling you about it anyway."


    "Already forgotten," Darren stated.


    Dylan stayed silent observing Darren''s facial expressions to decide whether to talk or not. With much hesitation, he finally did.


    "Daz, we are best friends. No, let me rephrase that. We are brothers. Right?" Darren nodded in reply not knowing where this was going. "Then help me get out of this blind date that mom set me up with."


    Darren heaved a long sigh and got up from his chair, looking out the window she said, "Didi this is the one thing I can''t help you with." Dylan came to stand beside him as he added, "I have already promised your mother that I''ll stay far away from this matter."


    "What? She contacted you first?" Dylan almost shouted in exasperation as Darren gave him a nod. "How can she do that?" Dylan was feeling dejected.


    "Your last breakup was a couple of months ago. I think you should just go on this blind date." Darren''s sound advice made Dylan scowl. "Besides, you should get as much experience as you can before you find THE ONE. That experience might help you in treating her well."


    Dylan scratched the side of his jaw. "But you don''t understand the awkwardness of blind dates."


    "And I never will," said Darren proudly.


    Dylan snorted, "Of course, you won''t. Aunt has never forced you for anything." Dylan was really resentful thinking about how Darren''s mother and his own were so different.


    "Because I have the best mother ever!" announced Darren lovingly and a smile lingered at the edges of his lips at the reminder of his mother.


    "Mama''s boy," Dylan grumbled under his breath.


    "Indeed." Darren agreed with his remark. "And a proud one."


    Dylan was about to speak when a knock sounded at the door and a head craned inside saying, "Boss, Mr. Sylvester''s secretary has called twice to confirm whether we are really canceling the dinner meeting or is there some kind of a mistake."


    "There is no mistake, Paige. I have a personal commitment." Darren replied with a smile.


    Both his Assistant and Dylan gave him a wide-eyed look. "When did Mr. Salvay started prioritizing personal commitments over professional ones?" Dylan asked in a weird tone.


    Darren ignored his question and turned back to his secretary saying, "If they call again, tell them we can decide on a time for tomorrow but tonight is not possible."


    "Copy that," said Paige and asked Dylan, "Would you like something to drink, Mr. Qiu?"


    "Anything other than the poison you want to give me, Turner," Dylan replied with a cheeky grin. While Paige rolled her eyes at his childishness of still laughing because of her name.


    "I''ll try my best to refrain from adding that poison I oh so passionately want to give you." With that, she closed the door.


    "Did you see that? Your secretary really hates me." Darren shook his head.


    "Maybe you are the ''secretary despising magnet''. Even your own secretary hates you much less mine." Dylan pursed his lips since he had nothing to refute with. "And if you get over the joke of ''Paige Turner'', my secretary might stop hating you."


    Dylan burst out laughing as he said, "Sorry, can''t do. That''s the only amusing thing about your secretary; Her name. The rest of her is scary."

 Chapter 55 - Beauty Standards

    When Xiu had suggested the dinner, she didn''t expect the restaurant they were standing in right now. It was named ''Les Moments''. If her memory served her right, this French restaurant was a prominent one and was frequented by the elite class including celebrities.


    People couldn''t get a table here on impulse. Most of the reservations were made two months in advance. She gave a sideways glance to Darren wondering who he really was. Because if he could book a table here so soon, this meant that he wasn''t a simple character. Although his plain chinos, t-shirt, and a jacket said otherwise. But Xiu was familiar with brands and she could tell even his simple attire must have cost a lot.


    This was the difference between Dylan and Darren. Dylan loved his clean-cut suits while Darren loved his not so formal attire.


    As they were ushered to their table, Xiu''s eyes wandered around. Large mullioned windows, long embroidered curtains, dark walnut tables were the first thing that caught her attention. There were fresh flowers on the tables and a delicate piano tune was playing live on the large piano that sat in the middle of the restaurant.


    Their table was on the second floor near the glass railing where they could see the piano performance clearly. Feeling a gaze at the side of her face, Xiu tilted her head to look at Darren staring at her. There was mischief beneath his wrinkled lids. Those grey eyes that could compel anyone were a shade darker under the lights.


    "Baby Xiu''er, what should we eat?" Nora''s voice broke Xiu''s curious gaze on Darren. She looked at the menu and flipped through it leisurely.


    "Why don''t you choose for yourself?" Darren asked looking at both ladies sitting opposite of him.


    "Because my Xiu is the food expert here," Nora stated nonchalantly.


    "Are you sure?" Darren asked with an incredulous glance at Xiu which made her frown. "I don''t think Sweets can be a food expert?"


    "And why is that?" Xiu retorted narrowing her eyes at him.


    "Perhaps because you look like someone who is surviving on air," Darren said in dispair feeling really bad for her.


    "Pfft!" While Xiu''s face was twitching, this laughter came from her best friend.


    Holding back her anger, Xiu said, "I eat food, not air."


    "If you say so," Darren didn''t seem convinced at all as he reluctantly agreed with her. "But your pale skin and skinny body tell a different story." Suddenly enlightened, he added, "Don''t tell me that''s your beauty standard."


    Xiu hit the food knife on the tabletop making Darren straighten up in his seat. "I know I''m skinny. But it''s not my beauty standard! And my skin is pale because of the lack of sunlight in my life."


    "Go for a morning run," Darren suggested as he took a sip of water.


    Nora snorted, "Run? And in the morning? Haha!" Following her fit of laughter, she continued, "She''s The Lazy Burrito. Even cats will be ashamed before her laziness." Darren spurted out the water that he had yet to swallow. "She has a gym membership and she only went to the gym one day. Only ONE DAY!"


    Darren was wiping his mouth while Xiu had lowered her head. Her own best friend was defaming her now. How pitiful of her!


    "Would you like to know the height of her laziness?" Darren nodded his head vigorously. "She even sent a third person to cancel her gym membership because she wanted to use her free time to sleep."


    Darren couldn''t control his laughter was Xiu was being roasted between them. "Nora Darling, that''s unfair. You can''t just say all that about me." Xiu tugged her lower lip out slightly and gave her adorable puppy eyes.


    Nora patted her head and said, "Well, but there is no doubt that our Xiu is the food expert. She might not be a foodie but she does know about food tastes."


    ''Of course, I am a food expert. I learned my culinary skills from a Michellin Chef. It was no easy feat.'' Xiu shouted in her mind but couldn''t voice this out. Unless she wanted others to know that she was Chen Xiu.


    "Then Sweets, why don''t you give the order for all of us?"


    Xiu happily nodded and started reciting the dishes she had decided on earlier. Darren had seen her flipping through the menu once and she was already well-versed with the entire menu. "As for the wine..."


    "There will be no wine." Nora interrupted her speech.


    "What?" Xiu almost shouted out loud at her. "No wine to go with French cuisine? My lady, that''s an unpardonable crime."


    "Stop being dramatic. I''m not letting you drink at all." Nora stated sternly.


    Xiu made a crying face while Darren looked between both of them.


    "Let me order a bottle of Moselle? It''s soft and very light. I won''t get drunk at all." Xiu tried to convince her and Nora had to give in to her pleading look. Xiu was really happy as if she was on cloud nine.


    Soon, they started a light conversation and waited for their food. When the server poured the gold-colored Moselle in the glass for tasting, Darren could see the stars shining in Xiu''s eyes. Her eyes were glued to that sparkly wine that looked enticing.


    Darren passed the glass to her for tasting and said, "You should do this honor."


    Xiu happily took the wine glass from his hand and swirled the wine in the glass before taking the glass close to her nose to take a whiff. The rich aroma awoke all her alcohol deprived senses as she took the sip. As the rich but soft liquid touched her tongue, Xiu felt disenthral.


    "This is good," Xiu remarked and gestured for the waiter to serve the others.


    As the wine etiquettes dictated, the waiter served the ladies first and then moved to Darren''s side. Since white wine was served with appetizers, their hors d''oeuvre was also served which was Pissaladieres (Onion and Anchovy Tarts). This two-bites hors d''oeuvres were power-packed with rich flavors which could make anyone hungry for a meal.


    Xiu had excused herself for a while to use the ladies room when Darren asked, "You''re really against her drinking wine. Any specific reason?"


    Nora looked at him straight, "She becomes a different person when she is drunk." Darren''s brows knitted together. "Drunk Xiu is although very adorable but she''s hard to handle. Once she cried for a whole night when she was drunk and the next time, she laughed for the whole night. And last time..." She shook her head at the memory, "She was a kid on a sugar rush."


    "Sugar rush? How?"


    "Because she baked for eight hours and spent another two trying to finish everything." Nora''s reply left him really confused and curious. What she didn''t tell him was that Xiu looked dispirited and listless when she was drunk and Nora didn''t like seeing her depressed at all.

 Chapter 56 - Blind Dates & Love Affairs

    There are two similarities between blind dates and love; Both are blind and both have no guarantee. You either hit a jackpot or you wind up broke and alone in a bar.


    In other words, blind dates are just another way of forcing two complete strangers to sit together and be awkward together. And tonight was going to be more than just awkward for Dylan who was stuck in this act of mismating by none other than his own mother.


    Looking at the strict looking beauty before him, he was getting a headache. Her stiff face and monotone voice. His focus was completely scattered. He couldn''t possibly hold a conversation with someone like her who kept talking about herself for the past 45 minutes without a break.


    And Dylan was the one feeling thirsty on her behalf as he kept drinking water. Was he interested in knowing how many meetings she had to put on hold for this blind date? Absolutely not! He was the last person who wanted to come to this date anyway. Then why was he stuck here?


    The answer to that would be, his mother strictly warned him not to turn her down on the very first date like he always did. It was difficult not to do so.


    "Please, excuse me for a minute," Dylan excused himself and opened the door of the private room. His one foot was yet to cross the sill when he saw a very familiar face making a lightbulb to turn on his head.


    Now, what were the odds that Dylan''s mother had chosen her favorite restaurant for Dylan''s blind date and it happened to be named ''Les Moments'' where Darren had brought Xiu and Nora? Apparently, the odds were high since right now, Xiu was on her way back to her table when she had to look at the face she had come to hate.


    Obviously, Xiu was going to ignore Dylan who had just popped out of nowhere but how could Dylan let her leave so easily? His mind had already come up with a hundred different plans. Since his mother''s exact words were that he neither could stand up his date nor could he reject her without trying at least for three dates. But she never said that the supposed ''date'' couldn''t reject him.


    An evil smirk bloomed on his lips which seemed really disturbing to Xiu. He gasped in shock and said loudly on purpose, "Sweatheart, what are you doing here?"


    His blind date also looked in his direction while Xiu replied to him, "What?"


    He held her wrist and said in a whisper, "Stay quiet or I''ll cut your paycheck." Xiu''s mouth opened as she glared at him in disbelief. That was the worst threat of her life. She worked her ass off just for that paycheck. How could he threaten her with money? The only reason she endured this petty man was that paycheck!


    Dylan pulled her inside the private room as he said in a worried tone, "This is not what it looks like. I really didn''t want to come. Mom forced me." He looked like a pitiful boyfriend trying to explain himself to his girlfriend while Xiu was left stunned.


    As her eyes fell on that elegant and beautiful lady inside, she could guess more or less what was going on here.


    "Dylan, who is she?" His blind date asked as she looked at Xiu in a weird way. Was that contempt she just saw or was her eyes playing jokes with her? Anyhow, the other girl didn''t seem pleased with Xiu''s presence. Because she found Xiu to be a competitor and as a woman, she could see the beauty of Xiu very well.


    Dylan turned to look at his blind date and said, "She... She is my girlfriend."


    "What?" That shriek made Xiu flinch a bit.


    Dylan pulled Xiu to sit beside him while Xiu tried resisting but he wasn''t letting go at all. He held her hand in his and said, "I''m sorry, Ms. Gu. I wanted to make this clear to you. I just love my sweetheart very much." He brought their joined hands close to his lips and planted a kiss which made Xiu cringe inwardly. In anger, using her other hand, she dug her nails on his thigh making Dylan almost shout in pain. He glared at her dangerously but held it in as he added, "We are really in love. She''s very angry that I came for the blind date because of my mother."


    "Why didn''t your mother say anything?" His blind date looked at both of them hatefully. Especially, Xiu. Naturally, women always had animosity for their own kind.


    "My mom is against our relationship. And I''m really stuck between my love for my sweetheart and my mother." Dylan replied in a sad voice making himself the victim who was really stuck.


    Xiu wanted to give him a round of applause for this acting. Although his level was lower than hers, still he could challenge plenty of veteran actors with these skills.


    "Why didn''t you say anything before?" Xiu also smirked at him as she thought about how he was gonna answer this one.


    But she had underestimated Dylan once again. "We had a big fight yesterday and I was really upset. I thought I should listen to mom and give this date a chance." Dylan explained in a sincere tone. "I didn''t mean to use you or anything but I want to thank you."


    "For what?" Ms. Gu, his blind date crossed her arms over her chest as she was seething in anger now.


    Dylan wrapped his arm around Xiu''s shoulder and pulled her close to his side saying, "Because of you my sweetheart has come back to me. She is also very sorry for walking out on me like that yesterday. Aren''t you, babes?" He looked at Xiu gesturing her to nod along but Xiu was being stubborn and Dylan had to use his hand to make her nod.


    Ms. Gu stood up from her seat and dug her nails in the palms of her hands. Seeing how Dylan was still focused on Xiu and how their hands were intertwined together, she was mad. She picked up the glass of water and threw it straight on Dylan''s face before walking out in her high heels.


    Xiu didn''t even try to hide her laughter as she unabashedly and unapologetically laughed right at his face. Dylan''s face was stiff for a second. He took a tissue to wipe his face before turning to Xiu, "Is it that funny?"


    "Very," Xiu replied and stomped her heel on his foot. Dylan instinctively left her hand and Xiu was freed to move. "Next time, don''t you dare touch me without my permission. Or this heel might find the way to your precious jewels." Seeing how her eyes wandered from his eyes to the middle of his legs, he turned away.


    "Don''t you have any shame?" He screamed at her.


    "If you are shameless enough to use your E.A to get rid of your blind date than naturally, your E.A also has to be shameless enough to match your standards." Saying that she dusted off her hands and left the private room slamming the door shut behind her.

 Chapter 57 - Handsome Male Lead

    Xiu made a beeline to her table after leaving that irritating boss of hers behind. She kept cursing Dylan in her heart. "You damn nincompoop! If you weren''t the one controlling my paycheck, I''d have already murdered you a hundred times without regret." She was rubbing the back of her hand where his lips barely grazed her skin. "I wish she had splashed wine on your face. Alcohol is also a strong disinfectant and it could surely kill a germ like you."


    With an evil smirk, she thought, ''The Earth would have been cleaner without you.''


    But as the scene of water being splashed on Dylan''s face replayed in her mind, she couldn''t stop herself from laughing. It was indeed a funny sight. Oh, how she wished to make a video of it for keepsake. Or for blackmailing? Aiya! She could have asked for a pay raise with that video. What a pity! She missed a golden chance.


    When she sat back in her chair beside Nora''s, she was grinning from ear-to-ear but her brows were snapped together in concentration.


    "What happened to you? And what took you so long?" Nora was the one to question as she saw the look on Xiu''s face. She looked like someone who had hit a jackpot in a casino and now, she was worried about what to do with all that money.


    "Nothing. I just watched a live comedy," was Xiu''s reply.


    "It must be fun if it made you laugh like this," Nora remarked while studying Xiu''s countenance.


    "It was fun but only because the clown was pitiful and yet I felt no sympathy for him," Xiu replied as the corners of her lips lifted up. As she mused to herself, ''Wasn''t my clown of a boss pitiful? If that blind date was set up by his mother... Aye, his mother must not be very fond of him.'' She shook her head in disappointment since, in one glance, she could see that woman''s personality.


    Personally, she had no hopes for blind dates. But then again, one couldn''t eat poison with opened eyes. So, they tried blind dates with a little faith.


    "As long as it made you laugh, I''m glad as well," Nora said and turned her attention to the food on her plate.


    Darren was peering at Xiu''s face in silence all this while with a lopsided grin on his lips. She looked happy as the twinkle in her honey brown eyes was palpable. But the fact that it was already Xiu''s third glass of wine hadn''t gone unnoticed by his keen eyes as well. However, for some reason, he just couldn''t bring himself to stop her. She seemed to be enjoying herself. How could he stop her?


    Nonetheless, Xiu''s eyes were also on Darren but not his face. Her attention was on his table manners. Elbows off the table, sitting up straight, chewing with his mouth closed, taking small bites, didn''t speak with his mouth full, and using a napkin. He was well-versed with all the etiquettes and somehow, he made it look very effortless as well.


    Xiu had always disdained so many rules involved with eating. When her mother had hired an etiquette teacher for her, the six-year-old Xiu had spent a month trying to learn which spoon to use for which food. It was safe to say that learning etiquettes had never been a joke.


    But now, Xiu found his movements to be clean, unhurried, and elegant. She had dined with many people but this was the first time, she was so immersed in observing someone eat. Perhaps, that was the reason that she didn''t even realize how much wine she had drunk already.


    Darren and Nora were involved in a conversation when Darren looked at Xiu. She was holding the wine glass in one hand while the other one supported her face. The snow-white skin of her face was tinted now while her eyes were swiveling towards the back of her head. Nora also noticed her condition and the way Xiu''s eyes were stuck on the empty glass, she knew her bestie was intoxicated.


    "I had one glaaaasss..." Xiu slurred as she raised one finger with less coordination between her limbs. "Why are there two glassesss?" As if learning something new, her pupils dilated, "Stupid, you''re raising two fingers." She curled back her index finger and frowned adorably. "Aish! Now there is no finger. Where did my finger go?"


    She made a crying face. With glistening eyes, reddened face and strands of loose hair made her small face look enchanting.


    "Baby Xiu''er, your fingers are right here. Don''t cry." Nora uncurled her fingers and showed it to her. Xiu''s face lit up instantly as she smiled.


    "Oh, they are right here." She said in surprise and awe. She turned to face Nora and blinked her eyes. The scene of how she first saw Nora in the cemetery five years ago played before her eyes. She pointed her finger at her saying, "You! I know youuu. You''re that girl." She tapped her temple with her finger as if stressing her memory to recall. "Ah! You''re the girl who saved me. I saw you first when I came back."


    "Baby Xiu''er, did you forget me already?"


    Xiu shook her head. She hugged Nora while still sitting on her chair. "You''re my memory manual. How can I forget you? But I want to say som-" She hiccuped before continuing, "Say something to you. Thank you! Thank you for being there for me. I''d have been so lost without you. I love you. I really do."


    Nora smiled back at her as she stroked her hair and said, "I love you too, my Xiu."


    Xiu''s face stiffened as it lost all the light. She straightened up and said, "You don''t love me."


    "Of course, I do," Nora stressed on her words.


    Xiu shook her head in negation. "No. You love Bai Xiu. I''m..." She suddenly forgot what she was talking about. How weird! She knew she was gonna say something important. What was it?


    "And you are my Bai Xiu," Nora said to get her attention.


    Xiu looked back at Nora''s face and her reassuring eyes. She nodded in a daze as she mumbled, "Now, I am Bai Xiu."


    "What is she talking about, Nora?" Darren finally intervened as he could sense the sadness in Xiu''s tone. As if she was disappointed about something. What could make her lose the bright twinkle from her eyes?


    His euphonious voice rang in Xiu''s ears and she turned her face to look at him. Her eyes immediately lit up again like fireflies. She beamed with pleasure, awe and was that a starstruck look on her face.


    She stuck her palms against her cheeks as her mouth was agape while she stared at him. A wolfish whistle that sounded more like coming from a hooligan could be heard from her as she bounced all the way to his side. "Aiyaya! I have never got to work with such a handsome Male Lead before."


    Both Darren and Nora were left staring at her oddly.

 Chapter 58 - Wine OClock

    People drink in two situations; when they are happy or when they are miserable. But the consequences don''t change much in both situations. Because alcohol had never been the answer to any problem. However, for some people, it''s still worth a shot. After all, reality gets a touch of photoshop and everything turns nice after some editing.


    And Xiu was one of those people who believed that alcohol was really worth the shot. But only because even for a small moment, she would get a chance to escape her consciousness. And that small moment where she could be herself meant a lot to her.


    Right now, Xiu was sitting on a chair beside Darren looking like one of those teenagers who ran after their idols. Darren looked at Nora questioningly and she raised her hands in defeat saying, "I told you. Drunk Xiu is not my cup of tea."


    "Wow!" Xiu exclaimed in awe and the palms that were against on her own cheeks went up to the sides of Darren''s face. "Ooooh... I heard grey eyes are quite rare. Yours are pretty." Darren wanted to say something but Xiu''s hand had squished his face. "My, my... Have you chosen the female lead?" She suddenly asked. "Why don''t you take me in as the female lead? I''m pretty good."


    A line appeared between her brows as she replied to herself, "Haiz! But I can''t be the female lead."


    "Why not?" Darren asked as his eyes bore into her as if peering into her soul.


    Xiu looked despondent as she hiccuped again and said, "Because I have never been so lucky in life." Before Darren could ask her to elaborate she spoke again, "Let me introduce myself though. I''m Xiu. Bai Xiu. Bai for purity and Xiu for beautiful. So, Bai Xiu for pure and calm beauty." Xiu explained her name and pointing at her face added, "Isn''t the name just right for me?"


    Darren''s eyes flashed as the fork in his hand dropped on his plate making a clanking sound. A distant voice of a girl rang in his mind, "Let me introduce myself. I''m Xiu. Chen Xiu. Chen for the break of dawn and Xiu for beautiful. So, Chen Xiu for beautiful as the break of dawn." The girl''s raven orbs had sparkled under the chandelier as she had also added with her charming smile, "Isn''t the name just right for me?"


    This flash of memory left Darren in a turmoil as he answered in a daze, "Indeed. The name really is meant for you." Now, whether the answer was for the girl before him or the one in his memory, he didn''t know. However, this moment had left his mind in jitters.


    Hearing his answer, Xiu smiled brightly and said, "That I already know." She picked up the wine bottle to pour a drink for herself when Nora held her hand.


    "Wine is not good for health." Nora used a stern stance to stop her.


    Xiu scowled with a cute face and said, "How can you say that? Haven''t you heard, there is wisdom in wine. Let me pour some wisdom in my system." Nora rolled her eyes at Xiu while her answer also jolted awake Darren from his daze.


    "You''ll get drunk." Nora tried again.


    "Hun, it only takes one drink to make one drunk and in my case, I''ve already finished the whole bottle." She even shook the empty bottle of wine before Nora''s eyes making both Darren and Nora stare at her. When did she drink all that? Xiu, however, was giggling at their reaction.


    She was a true alcohol addict in her previous life how could a couple of drinks get her dizzy? She at least needed a bottle to come close to losing her rational self.


    Nora slapped her head from over the table as she almost shouted, "Xiu! Why did you drink so much?"


    Xiu rubbed her head like an aggrieved kid and following that she pretended to look at her silver wristwatch with a thoughtful look as she said, "Perhaps because it''s... Wine o''clock?" She laughed out again at her own joke. But she was the only one laughing at the table. The rest of the two were having complicated feelings. "Oi! Why aren''t you laughing at my joke?"


    "If no one laughs, that means your joke wasn''t funny at all," Nora answered her question.


    "Huh!" Xiu snorted as she said, "Oh please! My joke was funny. You both just don''t have a sense of humor." She seemed determined to prove them wrong. Because she couldn''t let herself be wronged. Turning to look at Darren with glistening eyes, she said, "Handsome, do you also think my joke was lame?"


    His mouth curved into a smile as he replied, "Not lame at all. Your joke was cute just like you."


    "Really?" Xiu''s eyes brightened up. "Would you like to hear another one?" Darren nodded his head. How was he supposed to refuse when she was asking so sweetly? "Twinkle Twinkle little star..." Like a kid, she even lifted her hands and made blinking stars with her hands as she continued in her singsong voice, "When life''s being a bitch to you... Take a trip to the nearest wine bar. Hahaha..."


    This time even Nora was having trouble holding in her laughter. To Darren, she looked too ingenuous and winsome. She didn''t seem as difficult as Nora had painted her to be before him. But why was there a gloominess in her warm eyes?


    "I made you laugh..." Xiu clapped happily. "Now give me a reward."


    "What do you want?" Darren asked looking at her with a small smile.


    Xiu tapped her chin and said, "I want... More wine. Ow!" Xiu yelped before glaring at Nora indignantly. She rubbed her arm where Nora had pinched her with her eyes looking like a cute rabbit stuck in traffic lights.


    "No more wine for you. Wine is the problem here." Nora''s angry look made Xiu want to cry.


    "But if it is a problem then why did my high school chemistry book say that alcohol is a solution?" Nora was speechless before Xiu''s reasoning. She sure wanted to refute but couldn''t find words to do so.


    Nora opened her mouth to speak when Darren shook his head to stop her. He turned to Xiu and said, "Wine is such an insignificant wish. Why don''t you make another wish?"


    "Since my Male God is the one asking, Xiu will think again." Xiu tried to think. What else could she ask for? Obviously, her credulous mind was stuck on wine but there must be something else that she could ask for. She looked around the restaurant.


    A beautiful and huge white piano in the middle of the first floor made her eyes widen. She pointed at it saying, "I want to play that."

 Chapter 59 - To Say Goodbye

    Darren looked at her indecisively, "Do you know how to play the piano?"


    Xiu grinned in reply and said, "There is a voice in my head and it''s saying, ''You can do it.''"


    "Are you sure there is no contradicting voice in your head?" He asked as his eyes glinted mischievously.


    Xiu scrunched up her face before poking his arm with her finger and said, "Actually, there is another voice. And it''s saying, ''Don''t listen to her, she''s drunk.''" She even imitated voices as she talked about her own conflicted mind.


    "Who are you gonna listen to?" He questioned rubbing his bottom lip with his thumb.


    "Drunk people are cool and awesome. I''ll naturally go with the first voice. Besides, drunk people never lie." Xiu answered without even thinking. Right now, she was in her own happy world where everything was sunshine and rainbows. And every word was making her laugh as well.


    "You''ll end up doing something regrettable." Nora finally interrupted as she could see that Darren was gonna give in.


    Xiu stood up, with her hands on her waist, she glared at Nora and said, "In alcohol''s defense, I''ve done some pretty dumb stuff in life while being sober. So, even if I really do end up regretting this moment, I''ll just blame it on alcohol."


    Nora didn''t know why she was smashing her head against this wall named, Bai Xiu? It was so infuriating. Darren''s gaze on Xiu had changed once more as he said, "Come. I''ll make your wish come true."


    "Yay!" Xiu happily exclaimed and walked, actually, stumbled her way to the staircase. But the staircase before her looked like an abyss and she didn''t know where to step. Everything was making her dizzy. She turned and her nose bumped into Darren''s hard chest. This time, the collision was very light but as she lifted her eyes and saw that it was a familiar face, she covered her nose with her hands, "Ah! My nose! You broke my nose!"


    Looking at her performance, Darren was suddenly reminded of his dramatic best friend, Dylan. Well, the drunk Xiu had something in common with Dylan.


    "Stop making a fuss!" Darren tapped on her forehead with a warning edge in his voice.


    Xiu immediately stopped and opened her arms saying, "You pick me up and take me down." Darren raised his eyebrow at her inquiringly. "How will I go down otherwise? Aren''t you my Male God? Tall, dark and handsome?"


    Behind them, Nora''s face had changed several shades already. She thought she had seen all of Xiu''s drunk versions but tonight, she was able to see a very different Xiu. She was talkative, fun, sarcastic, witty, and was even hitting on someone now. Well, it was not exactly flirting but Nora was gonna stick with this belief for now.


    Darren shook his head at Xiu''s childishness and picked up Xiu in a bridal style. He was so accommodating to her that if Dylan had seen this scene, he would have fainted for certain. But Darren''s indulgence in Xiu had nothing to do with his feelings for Bai Xiu. But it had everything to do with his feelings for Chen Xiu.


    For the first time in the last five years, someone had made him recall Chen Xiu; the innocent and pure self of her. For the first time in five years, he thought of that beautiful face without tears in his eyes.


    After putting her back on the floor, he had a talk with the manager and led her to the piano stage. "Stage is all yours, Sweets. Break a leg!" He encouraged her and went down towards the lounge area to watch her performance with Nora.


    Both of them obviously didn''t have many hopes for Xiu''s musical performance but they were still cheering her. Xiu''s posture was all wrong as she sat down before the pure white piano. Without preparing herself, her fingers touched the ivory keys of the piano producing a bland and unimaginative sound.


    Biting her lips, she looked in Nora and Darren''s direction and mumbled, "Sorry!"


    But seeing the warmth of their eyes that were even reaching their smiles made her stunned for a moment. She felt an aching pain gushing in her heart. The earlier cheeriness suddenly vanished from her eyes as she stared at the ceiling decorated with shimmering bright lights. She closed her eyes for a moment letting her whole life to replay in her mind.


    As she opened her eyes again, there was a heartwrenching pain in her eyes that looked glossy under the lights; but still bright, beautiful and breathtaking. She lifted her long and slender fingers and they easily swept over the keys of the piano as if a casual wind lightly caressing the wind chimes. Those thin and frail fingers slowly started playing a beautiful melody.


    ?? Let me start with the memories you left me


    The love memories that I so hate


    The pieces of lost time that I kept safe


    And the scared me you left trapped


    With the feeling of being scared


    Dear boy, take all your memories


    just like you left and moved on


    ''Cause I also want to say goodbye


    And stitch my broken heart ??


    Her soothing voice and the accompanying melody stirred wonders in peoples'' hearts. Her fingers seemed like they had found a home. Her voice held the pain to convey the meaning of her lyrics.


    ?? You promised not to make me cry


    Yet you''re the one to tell me a lie


    I want to unchain my heart


    That you''ve been still holding on


    I''ll remember this love


    No matter if it''s gone


    So,


    Dear boy, take all your memories


    just like you left and moved on


    ''Cause I also want to say goodbye


    And stitch my broken heart


    Dear boy, I wonder where you learned


    the art of letting go


    ''Cause I also want to say goodbye


    And stitch my broken heart ??


    Tears had flooded in her eyes and shimmered under the lights and yet, she resolved herself to not let them fall. She was pouring her heart out but she had no desire to pour her tears out as well.


    ?? I look at the deeply colored night sky


    All I see is darkness and my wasted tears


    I was the one blind


    I''ve kept my hopes alive


    Dear boy, you just take your memories


    along with your longing and your trace


    I''m done with you


    And the love that I called my saving grace


    Dear boy, take all your memories


    just like you left and moved on


    ''Cause I also want to say goodbye


    And stitch my broken heart ??


    Her voice was delicate at times like silver balls and then it would seem like an echo from the fairytale. Her slender figure dressed in a long peach-colored floral skirt and white shirt looked broken from behind.


    ??Dear boy, I have to leave you


    ''Cause I have a long way to go


    I can''t approach you anymore


    I''m letting you go


    To set my soul free


    This is my last goodbye


    To let my broken heart fortify ??


    As she hit the last note, a silence surrounded her. It was eerily silent that could shake one''s heart.

 Chapter 60 - Where, Who, & Why

    A single moment can trigger a million memories. But when these timeless treasures which we call memories are triggered, they bring an agonizing pain. For Darren, Xiu became the trigger that held his hand and made him walk through the memory lane.


    During those four minutes of her performance, Darren went through many emotional changes. From those blissful and cheerful memories to pained, dark and dejected ones. He was absentmindedly staring at the side of Xiu''s face with an impassive look.


    The silence that had loomed over, after Xiu hit the last note was actually broken by a very unexpected individual. That certain individual had watched Xiu''s performance from the second floor and he was the first one who lifted his hand and gave her an applause. And that person was... Dylan.


    After getting rid of his blind date, Dylan hadn''t made an attempt to leave immediately. He stayed back to enjoy the food he had ordered. The date was miserable, he needed something to compensate for that. But who knew when he was going to leave, a beautiful voice would halt him in his steps.


    But following his lead, everyone in the restaurant gave her a warming round of applause. It took Xiu a while to come back to her senses and when she did, like a good artist, she gave a small bow and hopped her way down the stage.


    Both Darren and Nora was astonished and had no words for her. But when Xiu looked at them, they both gave her a bright smile that started from their eyes and reached her heart. The warmth and appreciation in their eyes made her feel relaxed. However, perhaps she was emotionally drained now as she hugged Nora and closed her eyes to sleep.


    The Xiu who was like a vibrant and free butterfly being drunk fell asleep like a baby who held a warm glow of happiness in the smile that lingered on her lips.


    "She''s out!" Nora informed Darren.


    "You take her to the car, I''ll follow you," Darren stated with a blank look and Nora nodded.


    On Dylan''s side, he wanted to approach Xiu. Because he could feel that she was hurt and upset. Also, because her voice had prompted some bittersweet feelings in his heart. But before he could move, he saw Nora had helped Xiu out of the restaurant. His whimsical mind took action as he mumbled, "Oh, so she was here with her girlfriend." He had an insightful look as he added, "No wonder she didn''t like playing the role of my girlfriend."


    If Xiu knew that Dylan was still thinking of her as a homos.e.x.u.a.l person, she would have stomped on his head with her heels and not just his precious jewels. And it would have been justified after all, who asked Dylan to have such a fanciful mind?


    Anyways, in his own world, Dylan actually missed the chance to see his best friend as well and Darren quietly left the restaurant and went to Nora''s car which was now parked upfront waiting for him. They had come together and since their destination was same, they were indeed gonna leave together as well.


    Nora had laid Xiu on the back seat and took the driver seat for herself while Darren settled on the passenger seat. There was a very complicated atmosphere inside the closed car.


    "I didn''t expect Sweets to play the piano so beautifully. Did she took lessons?" Darren started the conversation to break the thick silence.


    Nora''s expressions were one of confusion and surprise as she said, "She once told me that her mother used to teach her piano. But... I never thought she was actually really good at it."


    "Did she have a breakup?" was his next question.


    Nora gave him a sideways glance and snorted, "No way! She never even dated anyone."


    Darren''s face lacked his usual nonchalance as he said, "How would you like to explain the lyrics of her song?"


    Nora pursed her lips since she had no answer for that as well. "I honestly don''t know." She said in a small voice and added, "She''s been secretive lately. Maybe I really missed some detail." And when Nora said ''lately'' she actually meant from the time her Bai Xiu lost her memories.


    "When you weren''t letting her drink, I seriously thought that it was a big deal. But she was so well-behaved." Darren turned his head to look at Xiu who was curled up on the backseat. "I found her quite fun."


    "This is... Something out of my understanding. It had always been very difficult to deal with the drunk Xiu. But tonight... She really was like a little angel; Sarcastic, witty but still fun." Nora replied. She was also having some trouble believing that suddenly Xiu was a well-behaved child. How was that even possible? "But it''s a good thing that she fell asleep. At least, she won''t be bouncing up and down all night now."


    There is a famous Murphy''s law: when you believe that something will go wrong, trust that instinct because your worries will definitely come true. And Nora had actually even voiced out her worries, how could the heaven, or in this case, Xiu disappoint her.


    On the backseat, Xiu had vaguely heard their voices but her droopy mind wasn''t very responsive. Feeling tired of sleeping on one side, she tried to change her side but instead rolled down the seat and fell down.


    Hearing the sound of her landing, Nora stopped the car at the side. Xiu, however, was busy rubbing her head with an aggrieved look. When she opened her eyes, her vision was dark. Because of the sudden impact, she couldn''t see anything immediately. She didn''t panic.


    Instead, her reaction was completely out of the world...


    "Where am I?" She voiced out and as her vision cleared up, she looked at her hands and said, "Who am I?" Then she scratched her head like a fool who lost his way and said, "Why am I?"


    "Are you okay, Sweets?" Darren asked with concern from his seat looking at her still sitting on the car floor.


    Hearing this voice, Xiu looked up and found two pair of eyes looking back at her. Her eyes widened as she pointed at Nora and asked vigilantly, "Who are you?" Turning to Darren, her voice turned softer but the question was same, "And who are you?"


    Darren and Nora shared a look as he asked, "Do you think she hit her head too hard?"


    Nora shrugged her shoulders indifferently as she replied, "Possibly she''s drunk too hard."

 Chapter 61 - Handsome Kidnapper

    "I really want to say that I''m right but..." Darren looked at Xiu curling in a corner and said, "I feel like your theory makes much more sense."


    Xiu gingerly looked at them under the dim lights that were penetrating through the windows. She tried to open the door of the car but it was locked and her heart felt uneasy. She curled herself in a far corner making her body shrink more and more. "Where are you taking me?" She asked with tears swimming in her eyes. She hugged her body in a protective stance as she asked, "Are you guys kidnapping me?"


    Both Darren and Nora were speechlessly looking at her. At this point, both were leaning towards what Darren said, perhaps she really had hit her head too hard.


    With her shaky finger, Xiu pointed at them and warned, "You! You can''t kidnap me like this!"


    "Is there a special way to kidnap as well, Darren?" Nora looked at Darren inquiringly who gave a blank look in response.


    Finding some courage from within, Xiu started again threatened, "Open this door or I''ll start shouting."


    "If I opened the door, you''ll run. Am I an idiot? Xiu, sit tight and don''t make a scene." Nora berated her in a stern tone.


    Xiu''s lips and chin trembled, she looked the epitome of pitifulness. One look could invoke anyone''s sympathy. "Wuwuwu! You''re a meanie! Why are you shouting at me? I''m such a good kid." Xiu''s exaggerated crying made Nora feel a headache while Darren had no words or opinions.


    "See, I told you drunk Xiu is a mess!" Nora yelled at Darren while pointing at Xiu to show him what they were stuck with now.


    "She seemed really like an angel before," Darren made his remark in defense.


    "Wow! She''s certainly not a little angel anymore!" Nora was really infuriated. Her Latin self was at the verge of bursting out.


    Xiu''s emotional senses were heightened at this point and her perception was at peak even though her mind was slow but she could clearly feel Nora''s anger and it scared her more. "Help! Help! Save Me! They are kidnapping me! Please, save me!" Xiu started shouting at the top of her lungs and that broke the last shred of Nora''s patience.


    "Xiu, shut up! You''re gonna make us end up in a police station!"


    Instead of stopping, Xiu''s voice got even louder. Darren unbuckled his seatbelt and alighted down the car. He opened the door of the backseat and slid in. He turned the car''s inner light on and looked at her calmly with no anger or impatience.


    "Sweets, we''re taking you home. No one is kidnapping you." The reassurance in his soothing voice made her feel relaxed. Her vigilance was slowly crumbling as she looked at Darren''s face. And the way he smiled. There was a particular charm in his smile. Definitely something was there; she felt like the bright sun had come down and made a home in his heart. Because that light was reflecting his alluring grey eyes.


    Holding back her tears, Xiu tried to smile back as well. "If the kidnapper is as handsome as you are, I don''t mind being kidnapped." Her reply made them dumbstruck yet again. Xiu got a bit comfortable as put her feet down and said, "But let me warn you, I don''t have any money to give. Please, don''t sell my organs for money."


    Darren chuckled and looked at Nora gesturing her to drive while he tried to placate Xiu like a kid. "You have some wild imagination, Sweets."


    Xiu poked his head and asked, "Why do you call me Sweets? I have a name."


    "I know." He replied. "But I call you Sweets because you''re the first person in my life who has offered me a cupcake."


    "Really?" Xiu''s eyes widened in childlike wonder.


    "Mhmm..." He answered with a humming sound.


    Supporting her face on her hands, she kept staring at him in wonder and curiosity. "What are you looking at, Sweets?" He asked startling her a bit since she was too involved in her thoughts.


    "I was wondering... Why did you become a kidnapper?" Darren''s nibbled on his bottom lip as he had no answer to that. "With your looks, you could topple down the entertainment industry." She added sincerely. But the light in her dimmed slowly as she said, "But don''t go to that industry."


    "Why not?" He questioned.


    "In the entertainment industry, monsters literally hide in your closet with a mask of angels. They will exploit you until they can and then they will besmirch you before extinguishing the little fire in your soul." She replied in a sad and dispirited voice.


    Before Darren could react, Nora announced, "We''re home." Xiu didn''t make a scene this time and followed them to the elevator. She was still lost in her own thoughts when they reached their apartment. "Thanks for the dinner, Darren. And sorry for all the trouble Xiu made for you." Nora''s voice jolted her awake and she looked at Darren who stood in front of his door.


    Xiu ran to his side and held the sleeve of his jacket. "Xiu, come back here. Our home is this one." Nora beckoned her to come back but Xiu shook her head stubbornly.


    "You''re mean to me. I don''t want to go with you." Xiu replied showing how much pitiful she was under her tyrannical personality. "This gentleman is very nice and handsome. I''ll follow him. You go away."


    Nora facepalmed herself and pulled Xiu to her side. "Xiu, wake up! If you remember this night tomorrow, trust me, you''re gonna be in big trouble."


    Xiu was still shaking her head while trying to free herself from Nora. Darren came to her side and she looked up into his eyes. He patted her head gently and said, "Sweets, aren''t you tired?" She nodded her head while pursing her lips. "Then go home with Nora. She won''t be mean to you anymore. If she''s still mean, you come to me and I''ll teach her a good lesson."


    Xiu thought about it and nodded. "Good girl! Now, goodnight!" He rubbed her hair before unlocking his apartment and entering it. Xiu also entered her own apartment with a content smile.


    It took Nora a while to understand that Xiu was this obedient because Darren had been treating her with patience and he cooed to her like she was a kid. And oddly, it worked on her. She finally understood the mystery of drunk Xiu; She was just a little girl looking for some affection that she had missed out on in life.


    How did I take so long to understand that? Nora thought to herself.

 Chapter 62 - Wine Xiu

    Tonight was supposed to be a simple dinner with his new neighbors but this night became entirely something else to Darren. He was happy, sad, and felt a bit adventurous trying to coax the drunk Xiu. All in all, every moment was something that carved itself in Darren''s memory perfectly.


    With a towel in his hand, he was drying his hair after the shower with a lingering smile that was left behind as a reminder of the events that conspired tonight. In his walk-in closet, he parted the hanging coat jackets with his hands and picked up a mahogany box which was no bigger than a shoebox.


    He took the box and sat at the edge of his bed. He kept staring at the box in his hands for a long while with a complicated expression. It wouldn''t be wrong to say that he was afraid; Afraid to open that box of memories. But he still did.


    What lied inside were indeed memories that he most cherished and yet those memories scared him as well. Because the person who gave him those memories was no longer around. He pulled out a black envelope; It was an invitation card to Golden Phoenix Awards.


    Staring blankly at the invite, he was lost in the memory of that night...


    *Flashback*


    In the airport waiting area, he was going through his new designs on his laptop when his cellphone''s message alert came. He ignored it completely. But his cellphone rang again but this time it was an alert from his WeChat.


    Darren immediately picked up his cellphone knowing well enough who texted him. After all, there was only one person who had his WeChat details.


    He unlocked the phone screen and read the text: [Knock, Knock!]


    The corner of his mouth quirked up as he replied: [Who''s there?]


    The reply came instantly: [Wine.]


    Darren shook his head and asked: [Wine who?]


    [Wine Xiu! Hahaha! *Wink emoji*] Reading the next reply, Darren rolled his eyes but couldn''t help chuckling.


    Darren: [Are you drunk texting me again?]


    [Woooah! I''m not drunk. I''m just being awesome!] Darren facepalmed himself. Was it difficult to guess that she was drunk even after this reply? She always talked about wine when she was drunk.


    Darren: [Yes, and the awesome you is now drunk on wine. Because Goddess Xiu always drinks when she is upset.]


    The next reply came after three minutes: [Why would I be upset? I just won three awards at the Golden Phoenix Awards. I should be happy.]


    Darren: [You should be happy. But... Are you? Are you really happy?] When no answer came, he typed another text: [Do you think the wine will make you happy?]


    [Oi! I sent you the invite, why didn''t you come?] Obviously, she was trying to avoid answering his question. [Aiya! You didn''t even come to cheer me.]


    Darren: [How can you say I wasn''t there?]


    Goddess Xiu: [*shocked face emoji* You came? Why didn''t I see you?]


    Darren: [There is a certain CEO in your life. With him around, can you really see an insignificant me?]


    Goddess Xiu: [*grimacing emoji* Now you''re taunting me.]


    Darren: [I wouldn''t dare. Anyways, what are you doing? I mean other than being a drunk wreck.]


    Xiu''s reply was a voice message next as she slurred, [I''m looking for my hangover shirt. But I can''t find it.] She sounded really depressed as she complained.


    Darren: [Are you sure, you''re not wearing your hangover shirt?]


    The next voice message was filled with her hearty laughter. [How silly I am! I''m really wearing the shirt.]


    Darren rolled his eyes at her again as he mused, ''As if I didn''t know that.'' Then he typed the next message: [By the way, my best friend told me the other day that hangover is a cheap word. We should be classy and call it wine flu.]


    Goddess Xiu: [I like the sound of that. Wine Xiu is suffering from Wine Flu. That has a nice ring to it.] Before he could send his reply, she sent another voice message. [Welcome! I''m Wine Xiu with a Wine Flu. Today''s specials for Wine Xiu are being an emotional and drunken wreck, lack of sleep and then some more lack of sleep. Also, our last special is low patience. Thank you very much for visiting. Please come again!]


    Darren: [There is something missing in your today''s specials.]


    Goddess Xiu: [What?]


    Darren: [Aren''t you gonna sing?]


    Goddess Xiu: [Ah! I totally forgot that. Let''s do it. Would you like to hear a bit?]


    Darren: [It''d be my honor.]


    Xiu had a habit of singing whenever she was drunk. And Darren was one of those rare people who actually knew how much Xiu loved to sing. But she never wanted to sing for people or to make money from it and that''s why she kept this secret in her heart.


    Darren waited for a couple of minutes and her voice message came. He played and a soft humming sound could be heard.


    [?? I saw the light in your eyes


    I saw my life in your eyes


    I took you for my destiny


    Why are you becoming


    just like my fantasy? ??]


    Her voice broke at the end. There was nothing soothing in her voice that day. All he heard or felt was the pain in her voice that she was trying to wash down with the wine. However, the wine only added more pain to her heart and her voice.


    But why was the pain prickling his own heart? Why was that voice so painful to him? If only he could have understood the reason a bit sooner.


    *End of the Flashback*


    Darren slowly opened his eyes and dropped the invitation card back inside the box with a heavy sigh. As he had told her, he had indeed attended the awards function at that time. He was supposed to meet the investors that very day but he still came for her. Only because she asked him to.


    Even though there was a possibility that he might never get a chance to showcase his talent every again, he took that risk for her sake.


    He hated it when she was upset but the funny thing was Chen Xiu; The Nation''s Goddess was always upset. However, no one bothered to ask her if she was really okay. There were thousands of photos of her on the internet till date but he still couldn''t find the one where she laughed with all her heart.

 Chapter 63 - Regrets Of Last Night

    Hangover; A natural reminder that you either had too much fun last night or you made the biggest jerk out of yourself last night. Or maybe, both?


    As far as Xiu was concerned, she was in that ''both'' category. After all, she did some pretty dumb stuff last night but there was no doubt that she was having a lot of fun as well. However, that fun was limited to last night because the morning certainly wasn''t gonna be fun or pretty for her.


    The sound of that chiming doorbell made Xiu aware of the cracking headache and slowly her mind started functioning and she realized the layer of dehydrated saliva that coated her lips. When the doorbell rang again, she felt like her brain was gonna swell beyond the capacity of her skull. Her body was already wrapped up in a duvet, and now, she even covered her face with the pillow to block the noises of the world.


    Outside of her bedroom, Nora kept looking in the direction of Xiu''s room but the latter didn''t bother at all to check who was at the door. With a sigh, Nora made her way towards the door and pulled open the door.


    "Is that to beat me?" Darren was standing outside the door and he was pointing at the spatula in Nora''s hand.


    Nora hid the spatula behind her and smiled saying, "Definitely not!" She took a brief pause before asking, "What brought you to our humble abode early in the morning?"


    Darren''s brows puckered up as he showed her his wristwatch and said, "It''s half past 12. Certainly not a morning."


    "Tell that to someone who is still sleeping like a log." Nora retorted helplessly.


    His brows raised in surprise, "She''s still sleeping?" Nora nodded in response. "How can she even sleep with a hangover? Isn''t she nauseous by now?"


    Nora waved her hand to correct him, "Her hangover is different. Except for a splitting headache, she feels nothing. No nausea at all. And to remove her headache, she just sleeps it off like she''s doing right now."


    "Hmmm..." Darren hummed in reply and said, "Did you make a hangover soup for her?"


    Nora smiled sheepishly while scratching her head, "I don''t know how to make that."


    "Looks like it was the right decision to bring hangover soup with me," answered Darren and gave a thermos to Nora. "When she wakes up, give her some of this."


    "Aww! I didn''t know our neighbor was so thoughtful," said Nora while taking the thermos from his hand.


    "I am thoughtful but you''re not." Nora frowned and continued, "Avoid opening the door with a spatula in hand, you''ll scare the poor guest away."


    "Haha..." Nora gave a dry laugh and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t scare you away."


    "That''s because I am a brave neighbor," said Darren in a poised manner.


    "Come inside, why are you standing at the door?" Nora offered as she took a step back to allow him to pass.


    "Naw! I should head back now."


    "Don''t be shy, buddy. I know we seem like a whole lot crazy packed in a whole lot of cuteness but trust me, we don''t bite." Nora''s face was straight as she spoke. The ''we'' was referenced to herself and Xiu which Darren understood very well.


    His lips twitched as he heard her calling herself crazy and yet cute. It was hard not to laugh but he somehow managed to do so. "Come already, I''ll wake Xiu as well." Nora almost pulled him inside and leaving him in the sitting area, she briskly walked towards Xiu''s bedroom.


    Xiu''s dimly lit room with thick dr.a.p.es keeping the sunlight from entering in was a clear message that someone was not in the mood of waking up. Nora tugged at Xiu''s duvet and the later didn''t even budge from her position.


    "Baby Xiu''er, get up already. The sun is already shining bright in the sky."


    The only reply that Nora got from Xiu was, "Shut up and get out of my room!"


    Nora didn''t mind her rude words simply because she knew that hangover Xiu was not to be messed with. She was bitter, rude and crude. Well, anyone who''s brain felt like exploding will turn into a bitch and that was exactly what Xiu was right now. Nora walked towards the windows and opened the thick dr.a.p.es which allowed the bright sun to shine inside the room.


    "Ah! Turn the damn sun off!" Xiu shouted at the top of her lungs but when the headache ebbed and flowed back, she buried herself back in the duvet. It was not a good decision on her part to shout. Definitely not!


    "Xiu, no-one can turn the sun off. It''s mighty and humans are insignificant before it." Nora spoke as if lecturing a small kid. "But God can do this."


    "Oh, so I should give up hope then." Xiu''s reply made Nora frown. "After all, God hates me the most."


    Nora wanted to retort to that but Xiu didn''t give her any chance.


    "Can you stop talking? My head is gonna crack open." Xiu requested this time in a humble and polite manner.


    "Okay. But you get up and come out. Darren has brought hangover soup for you. It''ll help with your headache." Shaking her one last time, Nora left her room.


    Xiu had no plan of leaving the comfort of her bed but when she heard that Darren was here, she had to get up. It wouldn''t be nice to let him wait as a guest.


    Once her feet touched the floor, it seemed to sway which almost made her lose her balance. She reached for the wall but her hand slipped along the sheen paint and she sprawled onto the thick rug with a crashing thump.


    As if the impact had jolted her brain or something but the last night''s events played like a movie before her eyes. And Xiu was watching that movie or more like living through it with her eyes wide open. "You''re so gonna regret it tomorrow." Nora''s words rang in her mind and Xiu had the urge to cry.


    "What the hell did I do?" She pulled the roots of her hair, "Xiu, oh Xiu! What were you thinking? How can you embarrass yourself like that?"


    "Xiu''er, you''re okay?" Nora''s voice startled her a bit.


    "I''m fine. Absolutely fine!" Xiu shouted back and ruffled her already messy hair. And the hair that looked like a bird''s nest when she woke up after her ruffling looked like a bird''s nest which had been destroyed by the wind.


    She laid straight on the rug and kept her eyes on the ceiling. The room swirled again before becoming stationary, she used the bedstead to pull herself to standing. It was time to face the bitter reality.

 Chapter 64 - Positively Adorkable

    Xiu stumbled her way to the shower with her mind in shreds. She turned the dial, releasing thousands of steamy drops; darkening her hair and trickling down her fair shoulders. The clear glass shower cabin was filled with steam almost instantly. Her mind faded into dullness and everything seemed like a foggy illusion.


    Her eyes closed over and over, each time showing a new image from last night. "Where am I? Who am I? Why am I?" Her own voice pulsated through her mind making her body tremble under hot water. But the sensation of the steamy water calmed her a bit. She cupped her hands under the showerhead but looking at that crystal clear water her mind swirled again. "Why am I?" She asked aloud, this time it wasn''t just a memory. This was her real question to herself, and to whoever sent her back in this body.


    The answer to ''Where am I? Who am I?'' can be found easily. But who was supposed to answer that ''Why am I?'' Xiu once learned that everything in our life has its own purpose to fulfill. From the moment, she became Bai Xiu, her question was why? For someone who chose death over life once, for someone who didn''t cherish life the first time, why would anyone want to give that person a second chance?


    But who was she suppose to question in the end? Who was listening? Because now she believed that nobody was really listening at all. She was just wasting her time. She honestly didn''t want to think about these things that didn''t even matter anymore.


    Walking out of the bathroom in her home clothes, she wrapped her damp hair in a towel and looked at herself in the mirror. "You have already embarrassed yourself enough. Hiding won''t solve anything. Let''s just face him. If push comes to shove, we''ll deny everything. When will those acting classes will come to use?" She patted her cheeks and walked out of the room. Oh, not before wearing her sunglasses and unwrapping her long hair to dry naturally.


    Watching her walk like vampire hiding from sunlight, both Darren and Nora were trying hard not to laugh out. With her hand on the kitchen island, Xiu walked up to the refrigerator and opened it to get some water.


    "Come and sit here, I''ll bring the hangover soup." Nora pulled out the chair for her and pushed her on it before going around the kitchen island.


    "Hi, Sweets! Your morning is quite late." Hearing Darren''s words, Xiu held her shirt''s collar and pointed at the front of her shirt. Darren read the words written on it, "Don''t talk. I have wine flu." As he read the last line, his face lost its initial liveliness. He looked at her burying her head in her hands and whispered, "Now, you''re really scaring me, Sweets." However, whether those words were for her or for himself, he wasn''t too sure.


    Nora watched him looking at her shirt and elaborated, "That''s one of Xiu''s hangover shirts. Apparently, hanging out in this shirt helps her in getting over this hangover." Nora chuckled softly while placing the bowl of steaming hot hangover soup before Xiu and a pate full of pasta in front of Darren saying, "It''s 1 p.m. I''m sure it''s almost lunchtime for you too."


    "It''s really alright." Darren tried to refuse.


    "No need for this politeness. It''s not every day that Nora Cartwright cooks something with her precious hands." Xiu was talking in a hushed tone as if it was a secret but in reality, she was just trying hard to ease up her headache.


    "Okay. Then I should really not say no to this meal. I might not get a chance for a second one." Darren''s response made Xiu look up at him from behind her sunglasses.


    "Why did you bring the hangover soup? You really didn''t have to." Xiu asked with curiosity quite palpable in her voice.


    Darren brushed her damp hair gently as he replied, "Actually hangover soup was just an excuse, I just wanted to check up on you. After your last night''s drinking escapade, I was worried that you might get sick."


    Xiu didn''t know what to say to that. No one had ever made excuses just to check up on her health. It was quite a new feeling for her. "Next time, don''t look for excuses. We don''t have a habit of turning our guests away from the door. If you want to know how I am, just be straightforward about it."


    Nora also jutted in, "Xiu is right. There is no need to be this polite. We''d feel like strangers."


    Darren smiled and nodded to both of them. "I''ll keep that in mind." He looked at Xiu and asked, "So, how are you feeling?"


    Xiu slurped her soup as if eating noodles and said, "I feel like someone is hitting my head with a hammer. I''m really thirsty as well. But... I think I''ll live."


    "You sure about that last part?" He asked palyfully.


    "Positively not sure!" She replied affirmatively and gave him a toothy grin before cupping her face, "Did a truck run over me last night?"


    Both Nora and Darren looked at each other. "Why?" asked Darren taking the lead.


    "My whole body is aching," she replied massaging her shoulders.


    Nora and Darren again shared a look and this time, Nora asked, "You don''t remember last night?" Xiu shook her head in negation completely denying it. Why would she say she remembered her most embarrassing moments? She wasn''t that crazy yet.


    But it was true that her body was aching and that was because of her fall in the car last night and in the room earlier.


    Nora really wanted to remind her how much she had infuriated her but Darren cut her off with, "You''re adorable last night. Positively adorkable[1]!"


    When Darren didn''t mention anything, Xiu''s heart swelled involuntarily. She knew Nora would never hide anything. Why would that best friend give up on this precious chance to embarrass her? As a best friend, it was her right to take advantage of Xiu''s misery but Darren didn''t let her do so.


    Wasn''t he openly picking sides now?!


    [1] ''adorkable'': Adorable + dorky

 Chapter 65 - A Fine Gentleman

    People often talk about the color of eyes. Xiu was also one of those people and that''s why Darren''s grey eyes were so intriguing to her. But now that she was looking at his eyes through her dark shades, she realized his eyes were beautiful in any shade.


    From his eyes, she could feel an intensity, his honesty, and a rare gentleness. For the first time, Xiu wanted to agree with her drunk self who called him a gentleman last night. He was indeed a gentleman with his great spirits, the respect in his eyes and his noble ways. He wasn''t just handsome because of his features that stood out in the crowd but also because he had a soul that shined from within his skin.


    He was handsome from the depth of his sincere eyes to the gentle expressions of his voice. She sighed heavily as she thought, ''I always heard there is plenty of fish in the sea. But my heart got stuck on a salmon who didn''t care about my feelings at all. Haiz! McSpicy is even more good looking that crazy jerk of a salmon. Then why was I stuck on him?'' She really felt pitiful for herself. Actually, if she was being honest, then even Dylan was better than that ''salmon'' who was in her heart. But love must have really blinded her to not see anyone else.


    "Why are you looking at me? I can feel the intense gaze even through those shades." Darren''s voice startled her a bit as she was jolted awake as if someone caught her admiring him.


    "I was wondering where did you get such delicious soup?" Xiu half-lied as she was indeed curious about the soup.


    "I made it myself," replied Darren making Xiu choke on the soup that she had yet to swallow. He rubbed her back and gave her a glass of water. Xiu mumbled her thanks and stared at him weirdly. But she wasn''t alone even Nora''s expressions were weird. "What''s wrong?" he asked seeing them behaving like this.


    "You know how to cook and you actually took the initiative to cook for me?" Xiu was in disbelief. A bit more about knowing that he actually worked hard on this soup just for her. She was the only one drunk, so it wasn''t like he was making some for himself and saved some for her. He ACTUALLY cooked it for HER!


    Darren couldn''t understand her internal shock. "I have been living alone since I was fifteen. So, I picked up a couple of skills. It''s not that shocking."


    "Fifteen? Did you run from home?" Xiu asked intriguingly and Nora hit her head.


    "Don''t listen to her," Nora sounded guilty and sorry but Darren waved it away nonchalantly.


    "I don''t mind," he replied and added, "And no Sweets, I didn''t run from home."


    "Then were you kicked out?" Xiu asked again and this time, Nora pinched her thigh making her yelp. "Stop it, Nora! I''m asking a very reasonable question."


    "Yeah, right," Nora grumbled with derision.


    "No Sweets, I wasn''t kicked out of home as well," Darren replied with a small smile on his lips.


    "Then boarding school?" She asked again being nosy for no reason.


    "Hmm... I can''t say it was a boarding school. More like training school." His vague answer left her feeling all curious and restless. But she didn''t want to appear anymore nosy than she already did. This much probing was not good after all.


    Xiu silently finished the entire bowl of the soup and felt a lot better than before. The headache wasn''t as bad as it was when she woke up. It was quite bearable now. Darren was about to help Nora in cleaning the table when she refused to take his help. That action made her smile.


    "Oi, McSpicy! Did you pay for the meal last night?" Xiu''s question made him frown but he nodded. "Why did you? I said I''d pay."


    "First, you weren''t in the condition to pay at all." Xiu retracted her gaze as he pointed out her ''condition'' from last night. "And second, my mother would kill me if I let you pay."


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded.


    "Before you start on your feminist speech again, my mother is even more of a feminist than you are. But she had told me to never let a lady pay what I owe." Xiu was left silent as he continued, "And the dinner was my responsibility as the new neighbor and for your friendly welcome. That''s what I owed you both. How could I go back on my values?"


    Xiu patted his shoulder and said, "Did anyone ever tell you?"


    "What?"


    "Your mother has raised a fine gentleman. And it''s rare. Trust me, it''s rare!" Xiu dramatically flailed her hands as she spoke to emphasize her point.


    "Now that''s an exaggeration. You never know what kind of a person I am." His voice sounded bitter for some reason. But Xiu couldn''t bring herself to believe his words. "It''s already late, I should take my leave now."


    Like a good host, Xiu stood up and walked him to the door. She was about to close the door when she heard his voice, "Sweets wait! I have something for you. Just a sec!" He entered his apartment and came back within a couple of minutes with a black gift box in his hand which he extended towards her and said, "This is for you. But you have to give me a promise with this."


    Xiu took the box and felt it was a bit heavy. She tried to shake it to know what was inside but to no avail. "What''s the promise?" She asked absentmindedly since her attention was solely on the gift box now.


    "You will only open this gift the day you''d feel happier than ever." Xiu frowned at his words. What kind of promise was that? "Last night, you drank because you''re sad. Now, I want you to only open this when you''re truly happy. Promise?"


    "But I love opening presents. It''s torture for someone like me." Xiu gave him the puppy eyes but he didn''t budge at all. "Aish! Fine!" She hooked her pinky with his and even stamped the promise. "But can''t you give me a little hint? What''s inside?"


    With a thoughtful look, Darren replied, "It''s something you asked for last night."

 Chapter 66 - Eternal Silence

    Xiu had always loved gifts. The mystery of wrapped gifts always made her excited like a kid. She really wanted to open the one that Darren gave her but she held herself back because of the promise. But when she thought about the promise again, she felt despondent. ''I don''t think happiness is anywhere in my life. Does that mean I''ll never get to open this gift? Urgh! I should re-negotiate the terms of this promise.''


    With those thoughts, she placed the gift in a cabinet in her room. For the first time, Xiu felt like this gift wasn''t just wrapped in a gift paper, it was actually wrapped in a wish. A wish for her happiness. That thought was weird but her heart was inclined on believing that. With a long sigh, she fell down on her bed again planning to sleep for the rest of the day.


    She was thinking about the clue that Darren gave her. Something she asked for? But what did she ask for? She tried to remember but instead of the memory, her headache was coming back. So, she decided to just give up. Let the mystery stay as a mystery. A tiny little devil on her left shoulder was checking her nails as she said, ''Gr.a.p.es are really sour.''


    Xiu felt like punching that tiny thing. Okay, she was giving up because she could remember, but did she have to point it out like this?!


    "Xiu!" Nora entered her room and sat beside her on the bed. "What do you think about Darren?"


    "What? What am I supposed to think? He''s a nice man. Nicer than anyone I''ve ever met. Wait, he''s the second nicest person in my." Xiu rephrased her words as a certain person came to her mind out of the blue.


    "Who''s first?" Nora asked curiously.


    Xiu turned her face away saying, "Definitely not you."


    "You!" Nora picked up a pillow and hit it on Xiu''s head. "I''m so nice to you and I''m still not at the top?"


    Xiu sat up and faced Nora with a serious face, "Look, Nora. I know you''re really nice. But the person on the top of my list is someone nobody can compete with. Sorry!"


    Nora didn''t push this matter as she could see that Xiu looked really serious. "Anyways, why are you nice to Darren?"


    "What do you mean?" Xiu placed the pillow in her lap and supported her face on her hands.


    "I mean, I know Darren is nice as a person. But you... You certainly can''t be described as a nice person." Nora spoke honestly without sugar-coating her words as always.


    Xiu thought about what she just said. She indeed wasn''t nice as Bai Xiu. Chen Xiu was the one described as a good girl. As Bai Xiu, she had already changed that image of a good girl to a cold devil. But then why was she nice to Darren? The answer to this question was simple, Darren saw her when she was crumbling again from inside, he heard her lies at the hot spring. He always saw her most embarrassing states and yet he never really laughed at her.


    And how many people were there in the world who would actually lend you a hand when you fell instead of laughing at you? In Xiu''s life, Darren was the third person who offered her a hand. The second was Nora and first was someone really special to her.


    She knew in her heart that she must have hurt that person with her suicide and that''s why she was really sorry to him. And he was the only one who made her feel sorry. Because he was also the only one who used to see the real her, ''Goddess Xiu is hiding her tears in the rain. Do you think you can fool me like the rest of the world?''


    And Xiu knew in her heart that she really couldn''t fool him. Even when he was thousands of miles away from her, he always knew her heart better than herself. He once told her, ''Ah-Xiu, people don''t lose in love. They either break down or shatter away. And the ones who are left, they wear an eternal silence of solitude. So, don''t play with your feelings.''


    Xiu used to make fun of him saying, ''You''re philosophical, Homie! But don''t forget, my heart only knows how to love. It really doesn''t understand your words. If I fail, I''ll love even more because that''s all I know.''


    But now that Xiu looked back in life, she could say that he was right. She didn''t lose in love. She was left broken and alone.


    Seeing Xiu zoning out, Nora shook her a little. "Ha? Oh, what were you saying?" Xiu asked again.


    "I''m asking why are you so nice to Darren? Just because he''s nice to you?"


    "Nope! Because he''s honest with me. He doesn''t say words to please others. He says what he feels is right. Yes, his words do hurt at first but at the end of the day, he can''t be considered wrong. That''s what I like about him that he speaks his heart out without caring about, ''What people will say or think?'' Also, it''s an established fact now that he is a gentleman with good manners. Somehow, he really shows that an admirable woman raised him."


    Nora was stunned speechless seeing Xiu praising someone in this many sentences. A girl who barely said good to someone was actually praising Darren for a whole two minutes? It was a huge feat for an anti-social person like Xiu.


    Nora patted her head and said, "I''m glad that you''re actually trying to be friendly with someone who is not me."


    "I should drink to that," said Xiu making Nora glared at her.


    "You didn''t learn your lesson last night?"


    Xiu hugged Nora saying, "Nora darling, I learned my lesson. I''ve been calling myself an idiot from the moment I woke up. But... Let''s face it, I just love calling myself an idiot. I can only do that when I''m suffering from hangover and hangover comes from being drunk. So..."


    "Stop right there!" Nora interrupted her as she said, "Don''t try to trick me with your stupid, illogical logic. It''s exasperating. I''m not letting you drink and that''s final. Go to sleep if you want to."


    Xiu pouted for a second, before pushing Nora off her bed and getting under the duvet saying, "Okay. Goodnight then!"


    Nora was left staring at her unbelievingly. This girl was really... Argh! Stomping her foot, Nora left her room. If she stayed a minute more, she was gonna strangle Xiu for sure.

 Chapter 67 - Something Beautiful

    A triangle of orange light was advancing from the porch into the sitting room, over the edge of the large, silvery grey, silky carpet. The walls were hung with a fine grey canvas and the furniture was laid out perfectly accentuating the beauty of the modern interior of the sitting room.


    A man was sitting on the accent chair with his one leg crossed over the other. His left elbow was placed on the armrest and supported his face while his right hand had a book. His grey eyes were engrossed, absorbed, almost in a trance. He seemed like he was transported to another reality.


    Lavender curtains framed the windows from the north but were drawn from the west. The last orange rays of the sun peaked through the glass windows and fell on the back of his head, giving him an ethereal halo of his own. Behind the glass of the windows lied a beautiful yard blooming with delicate pansies, prim and proper tulips, exuberant daffodils and cl.u.s.ters of red roses.


    But the man inside the room found the book in his hand more beautiful than the world outside the windows. For him, the book opened as beautifully as the blooming flowers outside the window. Upon the leaves of this book was written something from the soul.


    "I saw a catastrophe in her and I knew it was meant to destroy something beautiful. I tried hard not to look. I did try. But... I still saw the beauty of her that was dazzling like the sun; even without looking at all. Her every breath brought peace to my tempestuous heart, and yet the comical laugh on her beautiful face brought another wave of madness to my heart. Possibly, that''s why I almost forgot... Every dazzling sun fades in the twilight. She did too. The girl who shined brighter than the sun in my life was lost in the twilight of death..."


    They say a writer''s magic wand is his words and true enough, Darren was now caught in this wave of the magical world that was inscribed on the golden pages of the book. Those words had a vice-like grip on his mind, it''s twisted reality was challenging his sanity. And Darren felt like losing this battle. He wished he could just skim read the book but... Why did he have to live through each page with breathless rapture?


    The worst part of this world of imagination was the fact that it seemed to be taunting the voidness in his life, in his heart, and in his soul. After a brief pause, he continued to read further...


    "She did destroy something beautiful. It was a pity that something beautiful was she ''herself''. And that way the hurricane that led me to my world actually lost herself to this world. The enchantress who bewitched me with her moon-struck smile and took my sanity with the way her eyes kissed my soul was led to her end all alone."


    Darren''s fingers curled into his palm instinctively. He closed the book, not being able to read any further. His eyes fell on the coffee cup lying on the chairside table beside him and he felt dazed. The coffee had gone cold now. There were no wisps of steam and Darren''s mind recalled a haunting scene as he whispered, "She must have felt cold that night... Under the rain. She must have been so alone as well. I wish I could have been the umbrella you needed. But it''s just a wish. One that can never be fulfilled."


    His chest felt constricted and he to bit the inside of his cheek to keep his emotions under control. It was not an easy task. One would say it''d get easier after five years but only he knew, with each passing second, everything was getting difficult. More than it ever was. He closed his eyes shut as he placed the book in his hand at the side table.


    "Daz!"


    Darren felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Dylan looking at him with a worried look. But seeing the look in his eyes, Dylan was stumped for words. He knew in his heart that he had to avoid hurting Darren at any cost.


    So, he changed his original question which was, "Are you okay?" to the new question which turned out to be, "What are you doing here?"


    The worried look in Dylan''s eyes brought Darren back to reality. He was reminded once again that his sadness wasn''t his alone. With him, all those who loved him were also being hurt. And he couldn''t do that to them. This pain, regret, resentment and whatever else was there, all was his and his alone. Just like the love he had for her.


    Therefore, Darren changed his expression and replied, "Your mother invited me for dinner."


    "Oh..." Dylan nodded languidly before freezing as if lightning had struck him. He looked at Darren with wide eyes and the latter also looked back but with a look of sedateness.


    "You''re certainly in trouble, Didi," he said in an amusing manner and continued, "Now the real question is..." he looked at Dylan''s pale face and went on, "What did you really do, Young Master Hedi?"


    Dylan had a horrified look as he held Darren''s arm as if he was his last hope and said, "Daz, my best friend. My brother from another mother. Be the sun in my dark sky, please!" Darren was not very convinced with this pleading. Of course, Dylan didn''t have Xiu''s cutesy charms to go along with his acting otherwise, he might have really had a chance here. But was Dylan Qiu going to give up so easily? Certainly not!


    "Please, help me this time! Save me from my mother. I should have known that she was up to something when she called me. But I just couldn''t read between the lines. She must be furious by now."


    "What exactly did you do this time?" Darren repeated his question with urgency in his voice.


    "Well..." Dylan sheepishly backed away and said, "My blind date rejected me."


    "Oh?" Darren feigned surprise and asked, "Why am I having difficulty in believing that you had nothing to do with her rejection?"


    "Because I really did something," Dylan jutted in innocently smiling at him. When Darren gestured for him to continue, Dylan narrated the whole story of his blind date. From A to Z, well excluding the name of the girl he used. Dylan knew that Darren was impressed with his E.A''s talents and if he had mentioned her name, he was sure that Darren would not help him at all. So, he intentionally chose to skip the name part.


    "Will you help me now?" Dylan blinked his eyes at Darren expectantly.


    Right at this moment, a booming voice entered his ears making his whole body tremble.


    "Qui Hedi! You''re so dead this time!"


    The voice belonged to his mother dearest and seeing how she had used his Chinese name to call him, he was certainly doomed this time.

 Chapter 68 - Angry Mom

    Darren looked over his shoulder to see Dylan''s mother standing at the doorway wearing a flowery apron and with her hands behind her back. Dylan''s mother could be described as classical beauty. Even at the age of forty plus, with her five foot six height and willowy figure along with her soft features, she was really a woman who defied age in all ways.


    One could tell from one look where Dylan got his looks from but what most people didn''t know was, Dylan''s temperament was also inherited from his mother. Obviously, Darren wasn''t one of those people.


    "Hi, beauty Weiwei!" Darren stood up to greet her with a smile and the anger on Dylan''s mother''s face was instantly gone.


    She smiled back at Darren and said, "It''s good to see you, Darren. I thought you almost forgot your beauty Weiwei."


    "That''s a sin I''d never dare to commit," Darren replied pleasantly.


    Taking advantage of their distraction, Dylan shrank his existence and tried to slip away inconspicuously but how could his mother, Zhao Wei let him do that? She was a typical housewife but she was more astute then people gave her credit for.


    "Where do you think you''re running off to?" She held him back by pulling his collar taking Dylan by surprise.


    "Mum, I didn''t do anything," Dylan tried to convince his mother but she didn''t look very convinced. He turned to look at Darren who raised his hands completely distancing himself from this matter. "Daz, how can you forget that we''re brothers?"


    "Didi, you''re forgetting that since we are brothers then beauty Weiwei is my mother as well. In fact, that means, I will definitely cheer for my mother rather than my brother." Darren''s reply left Dylan feeling dejected and alone. His best friend abandoned him so easily.


    "Qiu Hedi, did I actually raise a son like you? I''m ashamed to know that you actually used a girl for your own purpose." Zhao Wei''s words stunned Dylan. Who told his mother he used Bai Xiu? Did Bai Xiu do it? That E.A can do anything, I should not rule out this possibility. Poor Xiu was being implicated for no reason. "You actually took an innocent girl and forced her to play the role of your girlfriend. What kind of behavior is that?"


    Zhao Wei finally brought her weapon which was... A feather duster with genuine ostrich feathers. Dylan couldn''t believe his mother was gonna use this old school thing to beat him again. But so what if he believes it or not? He was about to be beaten and that was a certain fact!


    Sure enough, soon the first strike was made on his head but instead of the soft feathers, he was hit with the metal handle. Dylan ran to hide behind Darren and said, "Mum, she really was my girlfriend."


    "Oh, really?" Zhao Wei placed both her hands on her waist in an intimidating manner and went on, "Darren, does our Dylan has any girlfriend?"


    "None that I know about," Darren answered honestly and while Dylan glared at him, Darren just shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.


    "My dear son, tell me a lie that I can actually believe." Dylan opened his mouth to retort when she cut him again, "Don''t you dare make the excuse that Darren doesn''t know about your girlfriend. You can forget to eat but you can never forget to spill the beans before Darren. He''s like your diary and you have to tell him everything to feel at ease."


    Dylan scratched his head. Why was his mother so right? His friendship with Darren was just like that. He just couldn''t keep secrets from Darren.


    "Mum, can''t you let me go?" Dylan acted pitifully. "I really didn''t like that blind date. She talked a lot and all about herself. She even splashed water on my face."


    Zhao Wei''s anger rose an octave. She pulled his ear and battered him with the duster as she said, "How can you be my son? You actually let that puny little girl treat you like that? It was the first date and instead of respecting that fact that you came clean about your relationship, she actually dared to throw water?"


    Darren was left smiling at the side. See, it was this easy for Dylan to placate his mother. Because for Zhao Wei, only she was allowed to bully her son. The rest were not allowed. Not now and not ever!


    After thoroughly beating her son, she softened her tone and said, "You don''t worry. Mother will take revenge for you. What does she think of herself to actually dare touch my son? Hmph!"


    Turning towards Darren, she pulled him towards the dining room as she talked, "Let''s have an early dinner. I made everything to Darren''s liking."


    "What about me?" Dylan asked with a grievance.


    "Become a man like Darren first and then ask for the same treatment," Zhao Wei replied with a not so kind look to Dylan.


    "Are you sure I''m your son?" Dylan asked just to make sure.


    Zhao Wei gave a pensive look as she said, "I also have doubts. Maybe you got exchanged with Darren in the hospital. Aiyo, I wish that''s true."


    Darren chuckled and said, "Beauty Weiwei, should I start calling you mother?"


    "You both!" Dylan gaped at them in disbelief. "You guys are ganging up on me now." He was distressed.


    The three of them sat down at the glass dining table with Zhao Wei and Dylan on one side and Darren right opposite of them. However, even though Dylan was closest to his mother, all the dishes were actively being picked out for Darren. There was a huge mountain of side dishes on Darren''s bowl now.


    "Mum, give me some too," Dylan tugged at his mother''s arm.


    "Dylan, what are you three? Pick your own food." Dylan was speechless at this response. He was three? What about Darren? Was he three as well? But Dylan didn''t dare to say it out loud.


    "Beauty Weiwei, where is uncle?" Darren asked seeing how it was already 7 in the evening and Chairman Qiu had yet not returned home.


    When Zhao Wei stayed silent, Dylan spoke up, "Mum, are you two still fighting?" Zhao Wei didn''t give him a reply at all. "Are you guys teenagers? Why is your fight taking a month? Just solve it already. The idea of having two Christmases was nice back in high school. Now, I need both my parents together."


    Zhao Wei slapped his head saying, "Why is your brain so abnormal? Now, you''re at the age where you can handle yourself even if we divorce."


    Dylan shook his head vigorously, "No, I can''t. No, I won''t. I don''t want to at all. So, you both solve whatever is going on before I have anxiety and depression because of you both."


    Zhao Wei held her forehead as she felt really worried about this son. When he was supposed to act like a spoiled child, he was sensible and now that he was supposed to act sensibly, he was being a baby.


    "Dylan, you''re a very successful businessman." Dylan smiled at this compliment, feeling proud. "But you''re a failure in your personal life." Dylan''s smile stiffened as she finished.


    Darren, however, had other views. Dylan had always been sensible otherwise he wouldn''t have managed to become the successful businessman he was today. His childlike behavior was just for the people who really mattered in his life like Darren and his mother. He could act like a spoiled child before them because in his heart he knew that these two would give in to him eventually. They had his back. And that thought was enough.

 Chapter 69 - Not Just Enough!

    "Ms. Bai, follow me to my office."


    "Yes, Sir."


    It was another Monday and Xiu was still stuck with Dylan''s moodiness. They had just come out of the conference room and Xiu was still sorting out the meetings minutes when he asked her to follow him.


    When Xiu entered his office behind him, he was already going through some files. Without lifting his head, he asked, "Have you met my mother?"


    "What?" Xiu''s eyebrows snapped together in confusion. How or why would she meet his mother? Wasn''t it a ridiculous question? But then again, Xiu hadn''t expected anything better from a ridiculous person like him. "I haven''t even seen your mother yet."


    Dylan looked at her face and felt that she was telling the truth. But if she didn''t chinwag before his mother then how did his mother found out everything? Mysterious. It was really mysterious.


    "Forget it. Are you done sorting the data in the reference room?"


    I''m a human, not a machine! How am I supposed to sort hundreds of files in a week? She was shooting laserbeams - invisible ones- through her eyes at him. "Not yet. I''m working on it."


    "Why are you so slow? I think your age is getting to you." Xiu''s mouth opened wide at his remark. Oh, no! He did not just use the same tactic on her which she did on him before! Childish little copycat. At least, bring your original words to get on my nerve.


    "I agree with you. Haiz! We are all helpless before age anyway." Xiu''s reaction left Dylan speechless. Wasn''t girls always sensitive about age? Why was she so indifferent? Was she pretending or did she really not care? Somehow, he was leaning towards the former option.


    However, the latter option was true in Xiu''s case. She might be in the body of a 23-year-old but her spirit was of a 27-year-old. But she had never been sensitive about age from the beginning. If anything she''d be proud to say that she finally learned something from her years.


    Dylan didn''t manage to provoke her but she unknowingly did.


    "Would you like me to give you a handwritten copy of the meeting minutes or printed copy will do today?" She asked with an innocent smile but somehow, it really was like someone was challenging him.


    "You have very bad handwriting. I don''t want to spend another hour trying to understand it. So, I''ll be okay with a printed copy today." Xiu found his reply stupid just like himself. And she had learned her lesson to never let stupid people''s stupid words get to her.


    "Suit yourself." She muttered softly and said, "I''ll bring it to you right away," with that, Xiu left his office without even asking for his permission.


    Dylan kept staring at the closed door as he said, "What is it? This feeling of being insignificant... Am I that unimportant for her that she won''t even argue with me now?"


    Xiu angrily slammed the doc.u.ments in her hand on the table as she came back to her own cabin. She immediately went through the meeting minutes before printing it out and taking it back to Dylan''s office.


    She stood in front of his desk while he skimmed through the printed copy. "Everything seems fine to me." He stated and Xiu heaved a sigh of relief that she didn''t have to do it again as always. "But..." Xiu pursed her lips as she knew something else was coming now. How could this nitpicky person say just fine so easily? He definitely had something up his sleeve. And Dylan indeed did. Since she wasn''t still confessing about calling him ''Uncle'', he was gonna make her!


    "I''m feeling really down. So, why don''t you bring something sweet for me?" Xiu rubbed her forehead and nodded. She had turned to leave when she heard his voice again, "Ms. Bai, I prefer chocolate cakes. But today, I''d like cupcakes."


    "I''ll keep that in mind, Sir." Xiu gritted out with clenched jaw.


    Xiu''s first stop was the little cafe near the office building and when she brought the cupcakes to him, Dylan''s reply was, "These are not from a gourmet bakery. Go. Buy again."


    Xiu took his order again and went out to find the gourmet bakeries. When she came back after thirty minutes, she was again rejected. Dylan had only taken a bite and said, "This is not the taste I want. Bring it again."


    Xiu spent the next three hours going back and forth from office to different bakeries but Dylan always had some excuse for her. For instance...


    "This is not moist enough."


    "Not chocolaty enough."


    "Not sweet enough."


    "Too moist for me."


    Xiu finally asked, "Sir, why don''t you just tell me what exactly do you want? What is it that you''re looking for? I have already gone to half of the gourmet bakeries in the whole city and yet, you don''t find anything to your liking."


    "Do you think I''m making excuses?" He asked.


    "Aren''t you?" Xiu was straightforward with her words. She was done beating around the bushes. Now, she had more urges to treat Dylan like a bush and beat him instead!


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her and said, "Ms. Bai, although I do love torturing you. But right now, I''m not doing this for entertainment. I''m really looking for a certain taste." He was exasperated himself by now as he went on, "My best friend gave me a cupcake a while back and it tasted heavenly. I''m trying to find that same taste."


    "Why don''t you ask your friend where he got it from? It''ll help you and me both." Xiu suggested for her own goodwill. Her ankles were hurting now because of all the running that she was doing.


    "Do you think I''m an idiot?" Xiu had the urge to say ''yes'' but she kept her urges buried. "I already asked him. He said he doesn''t know the name of the bakery. So, as my Executive assistant, you should be helping me."


    "Sir, don''t you think I''m overqualified for this job?"


    "You are. But your job description stated that you have to fulfill all my needs."


    How she wished to refute to that. If only she really could!


    Poor Xiu and Dylan, both were oblivious to the fact that the cupcakes that he wanted were made by Xiu herself.

 Chapter 70 - Little Dum-Dum

    "Sir, if you didn''t stop abusing your rights as my boss, I''ll file a lawsuit against you!" Xiu''s veins had bulged out in anger now. All her anger was obviously directed at Dylan.


    "Ms. Bai, come here," Dylan beckoned her to come to his side and Xiu took careful steps towards his desk. But she stood at a considerable distance away from him. He clicked a button on his keyboard and said, "Watch carefully."


    Xiu frowned but she still looked at the screen. The screen showed the surveillance view of the secretarial department on their floor.


    On the screen, she could see how three out of five of secretaries were busy on their cellphones. Xiu was uncertain about why he was showing this to her. This was not something surprising to her. She had seen this scene everyday live.


    "What do you think they are hired for?" She heard his question and looked at him.


    "They are your secretaries?" She answered doubtfully. "So must be here to complete your tasks."


    "Then why only you''re allowed to enter my office?" He further questioned while looking at her.


    "I don''t know," she answered shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe, it''s your favorite hobby to only order me around."


    Dylan stood up from his swivel chair and stepped close to Xiu saying, "You just said that you''re overqualified for this job. But why am I finding you not as smart as your resume stated?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Do you know what your job title is?"


    "Chief Executive Assistant of the CEO."


    "Correct. Then do enlighten me why are you not using your position or your brain?" He poked her head with his finger seriously finding her very slow-minded now. "In this company, the only person who can order you is me. The rest are below you and they would have to do as you say. Therefore..." He crossed his arms before his chest and added, "If you had used your own mind a little bit instead of running all around the city. You could have ordered anyone in that secretarial department to do this menial task for you. I never said that you have to go to the bakeries yourself. Your task was to bring cupcakes, how you do it was all up to you."


    "Oh," was Xiu''s reply. Now that he mentioned it, he really didn''t say that she had to go herself. But since she always did her work herself, she just assumed that she was supposed to go and buy those cupcakes herself.


    Also, she was still skeptical about those new secretaries who joined with her. All of them were either lazing around or gossiping. And Xiu wasn''t fond of people who didn''t take their job seriously.


    "Oh? Just, oh? That''s your reply? Seriously? And then you say, I''m abusing my rights as your boss. You literally tormented yourself. I had no share in that this time." He snickered as he continued, "I recently heard a lot about you. Everyone called you Heartless Witch in your previous department. And there was another new name from interns..." With a thoughtful look, he added, "Ahan! Pompous Demotivator. I thought you''re really some genius but you turned out to be..." Dylan had a distressful and disappointed look on his face as he went on, "A bird''s egghead. Tsk. Tsk."


    Xiu''s eyes narrowed dangerously as she glared at him ready to swallow him whole. "Did you just call me a bird''s egghead?"


    "I did," he replied confidently. "Did I say anything wrong? If your brain wasn''t so tiny, you wouldn''t be threatning me with a lawsuit right now."


    ''Oh, you did not just say that!'' Xiu''s brain screwed were shuffled. Calling her ''a bird''s egghead'' was equal to calling her a dunce person. It was an insult, she wasn''t gonna take lightly at all.


    She had heard a lot of things as Chen Xiu and had to swallow down those insults as well with a smile. Even when people used to say, "Chen Xiu is just a beautiful face with no brains," she always stayed quiet but she had proved her intelligence as Bai Xiu and she wasn''t gonna let Dylan go for this insult.


    "You! You''re shabby down to your core." Dylan gaped at her with wide eyes as she glowered at him saying, "You can abuse your position of being my boss but who gave you the right to call me a fool?" She took a dangerous step towards him making him step back. "You are the only fool between us. Your whole family is a fool. How dare you call me a fool?"


    "You''re giving my words a totally different meaning again." Dylan tried to explain but Xiu didn''t give her a chance.


    "Oh, really? I don''t think so! You little dum-dum. Don''t play with the fire, I''ll literally burn you into ashes."


    "I am the boss here. Mind your words, I''ll fire you otherwise." Dylan said in a warning tone as he was shocked to see Xiu''s angry version. What little devil took over her body? Why did she seem so scary all of a sudden?


    "Go ahead. Fire me. Do I look like I won''t find a job anywhere else?" Xiu wasn''t scared at all because of his threat. Dylan was taken aback to see her actively threatening him back. He obviously had no plans of firing her but why did she seem so certain that he won''t do so? Was he that easy to read through?


    "You! You!" He was having difficulty in finding words to retort. "I''ll cut your paycheck!" He used the same tactic that he used on the weekend to get her help.


    Xiu clenched her fists tightly. ''Calm down, Xiu! It''s just a paycheck anyway. Self-respect is more important.'' She was reasoning with herself.


    "Go ahead, do whatever you want. I expect nothing less from a petty Uncle like you!" Xiu snapped out and finally blurted out the confession that Dylan was eager to hear.


    At first, he was shocked to hear that ''Uncle'' again but after a minute, that shock turned into a sly smile that spread on his face.


    "Gottcha! Convenience store kiddo!"

 Chapter 71 - Bury The Hatchet

    The moment Dylan''s words registered in her mind, Xiu''s expression had become comical. She looked like one of those pop-eyed toys from claw machines. It was perfectly funny - at least, for Dylan it was funny.


    He saw the shock registering on her face before she could even hide it in any way. A small smile played on his lips but it had a dangerous edge to it. Words had left her but he suddenly had found a whole new world.


    "I''m an old Uncle?" He repeated the words she once said to him as he stepped towards her. "I should wear spectacles?" Xiu looked anywhere but at him as she took another step back while he took another towards her. "Right, you''re even gonna lend me your spectacles." Xiu choked on air at that reminder, she pushed her spectacles up the bridge of her nose and coughed with a fist before her mouth. "I''m your damn punching bag?"


    Xiu had already hit him four times. The first attack was on his foot then the same day, she hit his knee. After that, she made him fall on his buttock in the supermarket and the last one was very recent when she stomped on his foot yet again on Friday night. Come to think of it, poor Dylan was always getting physically assaulted by her.


    Under his searching gaze, Xiu''s face had went blank. Her brain cogs weren''t working fast enough. She stared into his dark ink-black eyes. "Cat got your tongue, Ms. Bai?" he roared seeking an answer from her.


    With an indifferent look, Xiu replied, "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Just cut the crap already. I can applaud your acting skills but..." he narrowed his eyes at her and went on, "You can''t fool me. I didn''t believe you the first time when you said ''I don''t know what you''re talking about'' and neither do I believe it now!"


    Xiu took a deep and long breath to compose herself as she thought to herself, ''Ah-Xiu, let''s just bite this bullet. He''s mad as a hatter. He doesn''t look like he''d let it go if I didn''t come clean.''


    "Sir..." Xiu''s voice was strained and squeaky. No matter how strong her mentality was, at the end of the day, Dylan was her boss. She could beat him outside of the office but she had to stay as his E.A in the office. It wouldn''t look good if she punched or kicked him here. Although the thought was really enticing.


    She could have really done that and slapped a resignation in his face if she was Chen Xiu. But she had learned too many things being Bai Xiu. One of those things was, she wasn''t a quitter. Not anymore. She had quit once in life and what she had quitted upon was her own life. She wasn''t gonna do that again.


    She was glad to announce that she was an emotional-wreck but she was not gonna accept being a quitter. Xiu had teared up that word off of her dictionary. That''s why she had been bearing Dylan''s unreasonable requests until now. Not because she was an exceptional employee but only because she didn''t want to quit.


    "Yes, Ms. Bai," Dylan had come to know Xiu at some level. He could see how stubborn she was. There was no way she was gonna accept her mistake so easily. But he was curious to hear her reply. He wanted to see how she was gonna handle this sudden situation.


    "Ahem! Ahem!" She cleared her throat and said, "I didn''t call you old."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes. I meant to call you..." Xiu searched her mind for something reasonable to say. "Vintage. Yes, vintage. I was calling you vintage." Xiu blurted out.


    "Vintage?" Xiu nodded at him. "Is there a difference?"


    "There is." Xiu''s confidence came back as she started explaining her logic, "You see vintage things are priceless, valuable and most difficult to get. For instance," she ransacked her mind again and said, "Wine. A vintage wine is the best. So, I wasn''t insulting you back then. I was actually appreciating you."


    Dylan pressed his lips together and walked back to his swivel chair. "I still think you meant to call me old. And you just called me Uncle again."


    ''Get over it already!'' Xiu screamed in her mind but a sickly sweet smile stayed on her lips. "Sir, why are you taking it to heart? Haven''t you heard old ginger is the spiciest? Besides, me calling you an Uncle was out of respect. Like people calling someone stronger then them as granduncle. I was saying it in that context."


    "But you said Uncle. Not granduncle."


    "That''s because you look so young and handsome. It wouldn''t be fair to call you granduncle." Xiu was at the point of buttering him and his inconspicuous smile told her this flattery wasn''t going to waste.


    Dylan''s hand ran along the back of his chair and he said, "What about lending me your spectacles?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him as his back was facing her now. "That was because... Because you have such pretty eyes." Dylan turned around to see her with a quirked up brow as she nodded and continued, "Yes, yes. Such pretty eyes can get dusty with all this environment pollution. That''s why I suggested lending my spectacles. We need to protect such bright gems."


    Dylan bit the inside of his bottom lip trying to stifle the laughter that was threatening to escape. Her excuses and on top of that those expressions were giving him a hard time keeping a straight face. "What about me being your punching bag?"


    "Erm... About that... Hmmm..." Xiu eyes wandered all around his office as if any excuse will pop out of anywhere and oddly it did. When she heard the wall clock''s tic, that''s when it clicked. "I get muscle spasms."


    "Huh?" Dylan was dumbfounded.


    "It''s true. I do get muscle spasms. I lose control of my own body. So, you can''t blame me for hitting you." Xiu played the part of a damsel in distress who was hiding behind the excuse of mental illness.


    Truly, at this point, all that was left for Dylan to do was applaud her on this marvelous performance. He just couldn''t believe it himself! He always thought he was the most dramatic person himself. And no one could take that title of dramatic king from him. But seeing Xiu, he literally wanted to bestow his own crown of being the dramatic king to her.


    She deserved it.


    To hide one lie, you have to concoct a million others. She just proved that statement in such a way that Dylan couldn''t bring himself to stay angry at all. Sigh! It seemed like it was time to bury this hatchet.

 Chapter 72 - Childlike Innocence

    Dylan wasn''t able to stifle his laughter anymore. He laughed out heartily as he settled in his swivel chair. Xiu was surprised to see him laughing since from the time she knew him, he was always grumpy and broody. He looked like a cheery and happy kid now. There was a childlike innocence on his face which was hard to ignore.


    "Sir..." She gingerly spoke out, "Let bygones be bygones. I believe you''re a bigger person. You won''t hold this small matter against me, right?"


    Dylan laughed again at her words without replying to her. She had to speak up again, "Be the bigger one, let''s move on. Eh? I even made you laugh. I had a friend who used to say that the biggest gift which you can offer someone is a smile."


    Dylan rubbed his jaw and said, "Ms. Bai, you can stop now. I''ve already buried this hatchet." Xiu looked surprised. "But I have a question for you... You could have really resigned, I know you''d have a lot of job offers. Did it not cross your mind?"


    Xiu lost her earlier cautious look and said, "It did cross my mind but... I promised myself to not give up in this life. Only cowards are quitters, and I''m no coward. Not anymore."


    Dylan smiled at her saying, "Take a seat." Xiu sat down opposite his desk. "Do you know that I didn''t select you as my E.A?"


    "You didn''t?" She looked surprised.


    "No. Not at all. I wasn''t involved in this screening at all. This time the whole process was supervised by my best friend. And he''s the one who selected you." Dylan elaborated with a complicated look. "Do you know what he says about you?" Xiu shook her head. "He said no matter what I do, you won''t quit." Xiu''s brows snapped together. "According to him, you''re a stubborn person who will persist at any cost."


    Xiu gave a small smile as she replied, "How can he be so certain? We didn''t even meet."


    "My best friend is like that, he can read people like an open book. I''ve been a very bad judge of character in my life but he''s the only right person in my life." Dylan kept rotating the paperweight on the table as he talked, "Your personality and my best friend''s personality is really alike. You both are stubborn and good at hiding emotions. Maybe that''s why I was getting the thrill out of irritating you. But just like him, you gave a very bland response. I got bored."


    "Your best friend sounds like an impressive man," said Xiu sincerely.


    "Are you complimenting him or yourself?" Dylan''s response made her cough profusely. Seeing her state, he changed the topic, "Anyways... I realized that it was wrong of me to call you kiddo back then. But you were wearing such cute pajamas and with your face half-hidden behind your hair, I really took you for a teenager." ''It was my mistake to call you kiddo. How can a sharp-tongued girl like you be compared with innocent kids?'' he definitely kept these words within himself. He had no plan of starting another war.


    Although nobody said it directly, it was silently assumed that both of them were gonna work civilly with each other from now. There was no point in these quibbles and squabbles.


    Recalling something, he said, "Don''t call me Uncle again as you did earlier."


    "Ahem. When did I?" Xiu again denied since there was no proof at all. Or so she thought.


    "There are cameras in my office," Dylan told her in amus.e.m.e.nt while pointing towards the hidden cameras within his room.


    Xiu was dumbfounded. "You actually put cameras in your own office? Why?"


    "So that I can check whoever enters my office behind my back," he was looking elsewhere while speaking and Xiu raised a brow at him provocatively, he added, "Fine. I forget things after placing them. That''s why the cameras are installed."


    Xiu burst out laughing but seeing his stern face, she mumbled a sorry and pursed her lips to hide her laughter. He was really amusing and Xiu couldn''t deny it anymore. How innocently he just stated that he was forgetful. She found it cute that he was honest and didn''t twist his words or used any harsh words to shun her. After all, she was just an employee even if he didn''t explain himself, she couldn''t force him at all.


    "Do you have a camera in my cabin as well?" She asked out of the blue.


    "Nope." He replied with a shake of his head.


    "Why should I believe you? You even have cameras in your secretarial department." Xiu insisted stubbornly.


    "Ms. Bai, there is no camera in your office since it''s your personal cabin. A woman''s personal space which I can not invade without getting myself stuck in a lawsuit. My secretarial department has several people in it and it''s my right to keep an eye on them. As for your cabin, it''s yours. I wouldn''t dare going there."


    Xiu kept staring at him with a strange look in her eyes. When he had given her a lift back then, she had already deduced that he was silly like a child but he had a good personality. Now again, he was making her want to re-think her views about him.


    She snickered softly, "You''re the second man who''s making me question what I knew about men." ''Is Bai Xiu too lucky to meet decent men or Chen Xiu wasn''t destined to meet any.'' She kept her last sentence to herself. As Chen Xiu, all the men that she came across were worse to worst ones. But why was as Bai Xiu, she was given a chance to see that not all men were animals.


    Some were sensible and friendly like Darren while others held their childlike innocence like Dylan. How contradicting these two were from the ones she was associated with once.


    "Let''s work well together, Sir." Xiu extended her hand towards him and Dylan eyed her suspiciously. "I''m not hiding any needle or pin in my palm." She assured him while showing him her empty palm. Dylan dropped his vigilance and shook her hand.


    "Yes, let''s work towards a successful collaboration." Xiu rolled her eyes at him and he added, "Oh, but don''t forget my cupcakes. I still need those."


    Xiu''s lips twitched and she gnashed her teeth while she thought, ''Thanks for reminding me why I find you so hateful. I really wasn''t liking this feeling of you being nice.''


    "I''ll do my best to find your desired taste," Xiu replied with a polite smile and turned to leave his office.

 Chapter 73 - Roger That

    Sometimes we come across people who manage to make an instant connection with us. And that too on a deep level. It doesn''t have to be a karmic relationship and this connection is not like a twin flame either. It''s just like the universe wanted to bring you together to learn how to cherish yourself.


    These connections can be found even in a stranger. And on very unexpected places as well.


    "Sweets!" Xiu was walking sluggishly through the park when she heard this familiar way of calling. She turned her face and saw Darren on the running track. "Hold the lampost! Now!"


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded since she couldn''t understand why he was asking her to do something so silly.


    "Just hold the lampost! It''s important!" He shouted from his position.


    Xiu frowned but still held the lampost with her both hands. When he ran up to her, she asked, "Why am I holding it though?"


    "As a precaution," he replied with a straight face.


    "Precaution for what?" She asked with a confused look on her face.


    "The wind is picking up its pace. I was afraid it might blow you away." His reply was in a serious manner but it made Xiu''s lips to twitch. However, she wasn''t sure if she wanted to laugh or get angry. "There is even a prediction of a thunderstorm at night, you keep the windows locked."


    She hit his head with her purse and said, "That was not funny."


    Darren rubbed his head and said, "Your face says otherwise." Xiu looked at his face and both of them burst out laughing together. "By the way, you''re very easy to prank."


    "That''s because I didn''t know that you''d actually tease me because of how I look," Xiu replied hitting his arm with her purse again.


    "But I wasn''t teasing you for your looks. I''m teasing you for being lighter than a matchstick." Xiu gaped at him in disbelief.


    This man! He really was outspoken!


    "McSpicy, don''t tease me again for looking like a matchstick. Don''t you know, matchsticks are used to start a fire?" Xiu harrumphed away from him and started walking in the same sluggish manner as before.


    Darren also took a step to catch up with her and said, "Sweets, matchsticks don''t just start a fire." Xiu looked at him with a raise of a brow and he went on, "Matchsticks are burnt along in that fire."


    This was the connection between Darren and Xiu which they had made without even realizing it. They both found a friend in each other and this connection was irrevocable.


    "Hey, isn''t the apartment building on our right. Why are you taking the turn to the left side?" He asked when he saw her walking in the wrong direction.


    "I heard there is a new diner around the corner, I''m gonna have my dinner there," Xiu replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "Nora has gone to her parent''s place. And I don''t wanna eat in an empty apartment. Would you like to join?"


    "Since you''re insisting so much. I''d love to join you." He said with a cheeky grin.


    "Who''s insisting? Don''t be cheeky!" Xiu took a pause before speaking on her own, "In the silence of an empty apartment, we often can''t tell whether we are eating the food or the silence is eating us." Darren gave her a strange look. "And in a crowd, I often find myself left out. As if I don''t belong anywhere."


    "Sweets, the world can never give you the feel of belongingness. You have to find it within yourself. If you don''t even think that you belong anywhere, how will you find the right place in this wild world?" Xiu looked at him and gave him two thumbs up.


    "You''re really a good friend to have," said Xiu in a delighted and satisfied manner.


    "We are friends now?" he questioned.


    "What? Aren''t we?" Xiu stopped walking to face him as she said, "Are you telling me we are just strangers? We have met more than five times already. Even had two meals together. We are going to have our third meal just now. After three dates, people even move from holding hands to rolling under the sheets. You''re telling me, we are still stuck at being strangers?"


    Darren facepalmed himself and stayed quiet. He really didn''t know what to say to her. Does she even think before speaking? How can she be so careless with words?


    "I feel like I said something wrong," Xiu scratched her head and as she just repeated her words in her mind, her eyes widened in shock. "F.u.c.k! It sounded so much better in my head." She looked at Darren guiltily while he was still fighting the urge to laugh.


    "Sweets," he called her.


    "Hmm..." she hummed in reply not willing to trust her mouth.


    "I was just confirming that we are friends now. There was no need for such a long explanation."


    "Roger that," Xiu replied lowering her head to look at the ground.


    "But you''re right. We have met so many times. From that Men''s Bathroom to hot spring and then that accident..."


    "Do you have to embarrass me even more by reminding me all that?" Xiu interrupted him. "I get it we didn''t meet in the best of moments but still... As a friend, you shouldn''t be talking about it."


    "Actually, as a friend, I am the only one who has the right to embarrass you like this." Darren''s reply made an appalling look to cross her face. "I will remember our first meeting for the rest of my life. Wait, I think the second one was even better."


    Xiu covered his face with her hand and scowled, "Stop talking already! This much embarrassment is enough for the next couple of years."


    Darren pushed her hand away and said, "Who asked you to zone out all the time?"


    Xiu couldn''t even retort with that. She really had a habit of zoning out. And it always ended badly.

 Chapter 74 - Smart Kid

    Sitting in a corner booth, Xiu and Darren gave their order to the waitress. When the waitress left, Darren picked up the glass of water to take a sip and asked, "Why do you keep looking at me?"


    "I was wondering aren''t you uncomfortable here?" Xiu asked curiously.


    "Why would I be uncomfortable?" He retorted back as he traced the seam of the glass with his finger.


    "You''re getting all kinds of stares. Some even look like they''re ready to eat you," Xiu said as she pointed around at the women who had their eyes glued on Darren.


    "You had the same look on Friday night when you got drunk." Xiu choked on air at his words.


    "Liar! When did I have such ideas?" Her voice turned sharp.


    "But you don''t even remember what happened that night. How can you say that I am lying?" he lowered his voice and added, "Don''t tell me you''re lying about forgetting everything."


    Xiu was stumped for words. She neither could accept nor deny it. Both ways, she''d be in trouble.


    "Anyway, I still think I didn''t go that far." Xiu tried to reason.


    "How can you really forget? You called me handsome and you even wanted to come to my place for the night." Darren had an inkling that she remembered that night very well. But to hide her mortification, she was feigning forgetfulness. He was testing the waters with her now.


    "I used to think it''s a miracle that you''re single with those good looks and Greek God-like body. But now, I think it''s no wonder that you''re single." Xiu glared at him hatefully for reminding her of those stupid antics that she did being all drunk. Could she just have a memory loss like other normal people?


    "How can you say I am single?" Darren didn''t even spare a glance around at any other woman even till now. He had gotten unnecessary attention from his teenage years, he had become accustomed to it by now.


    "You''re sitting here having dinner with your neighbor in a small diner. If you had a girlfriend, you''d have been having dinner with her instead." Xiu replied matter-of-factly.


    The waitress came back with their orders and left after placing it on the table.


    "Don''t assume things, it''s also possible that my girlfriend isn''t in town." Darren made his point after waiting for the waitress to leave.


    Xiu dug into her meal and spoke with a mouthful, "I don''t think so." She seemed really certain with herself.


    Darren shook his head at her in amus.e.m.e.nt. He watched her eating and asked, "Did someone starve you or something? Eat slowly." Taking a brief pause he added, "Don''t tell me that your boss did something again."


    Xiu slapped her chopsticks on the table. The reminder of Dylan irked her to no end. "Don''t talk about that little dum-dum! He exhausted me physically and mentally. I feel emotionally strained as well now! I ran around so much and then had to think of a million excuses for one lie. It was a tiring day."


    "Little dum-dum?" Darren laughed out as he said, "That''s a very unique name for your boss. That brings me to the point, what do my employees call me?"


    "You''re way better than him. I''m sure your employees won''t you call you by names." Xiu said and picked up steamed broccoli with her chopsticks.


    "You know me as a friend, not as a boss. I might be worse than your CEO." Darren spoke in a bright and serene manner. As Dylan often said, Darren had different personalities for different people. And as a boss, he was a completely different person as well.


    "I still think you won''t be as unreasonable as him. He''s just too much!" Xiu insisted again. There was no way she was gonna accept that someone could be more unreasonable than Dylan. "Although you have your own negative points, these points are still better than him."


    "I have negative points? How many?"


    "One." She raised a finger to reply.


    "I have only one negative point? Really? Didi will have a lot to say about that." Darren chuckled softly.


    "Didi?" She looked at him inquisitively.


    "Oh. Didi is my best friend. His name is Hedi, but I call him Didi." Darren elaborated and Xiu nodded in response. "Anyways, why do I have only one negative point?"


    Xiu drank the soup directly from the bowl and after placing the bowl down, she said, "Because there is one thing I hate about you. But that same thing about you makes you a good friend."


    "Really? Now, I am really curious." Darren gave all his attention to her.


    "You''re candid and forthright. Your truthful personality is a little too much. But that same quality is redemptive as well." Xiu''s reply made him silent. "It''s a good thing that you don''t twist your words. I have come to hate those people who have something else in mind and say something entirely different."


    Darren gave her a small smile but said nothing in reply. He silently finished his own meal.


    "By the way, what do you do?" Xiu asked out of the blue as she realized that she had no clue about Darren''s profession.


    "I''m a mechanical engineer," he replied but kept the rest of his history to himself.


    "Woah! Smart kid."


    "Kid? I''m older than you." He pointed out the age difference.


    "What are you saying! You look 27 to 29 at most. We''re almost the same age."


    "I''m 27 and I don''t think we are of the same age. You look like in your early twenties." His words reminded Xiu that she was indeed 23 now. Even though she was really 27 years old, she was still in the body of a 23 year.


    Xiu awkwardly called for the waitress to bring their bill and said, "I meant, I am an old soul. It doesn''t matter how young I look. My soul is of a withered old woman."


    Darren was gonna pay the bill when she held his hand to stop him. "Let me pay the bill. I might earn less than a smart engineer like you but I still have enough to pay for a simple meal."


    Darren backed off and let her pay. He didn''t push it because of her stubborn nature. She didn''t like owing people and she wasn''t shy about it either.


    While they exited the diner, they passed by a small store and Xiu could hear the news playing out on the tv, "Today PassionArts Entertainment lost the Flick City project to RX Studios. The Flick City project was named one of the most expensive and largest projects of the entertainment industry. Almost eighty percent of the movies and shows will now be filmed in Flick City."


    Both Darren and Xiu''s expressions changed. Darren''s turned solemn while Xiu''s turned dazed. PassionArts Entertainments wasn''t an unfamiliar name to both of them. Especially Xiu who had signed with that company from the age of fourteen.


    She found it weird that even being the top entertainment group in the country, they actually lost a project to someone else. However, what she didn''t know was that PassionArts Entertainment was doomed to failure because their fight now was with Darren. And Darren was fighting for someone else'' sake, how could he not give his best?

 Chapter 75 - Flashes Of Memory

    Standing in front of the window, she saw the dark black ominous clouds in the sky. The wind had picked up howling like a wolf into the night. The first crack of thunder rent the air and within seconds the rolling boom of thunder reverberated overhead.


    Xiu silently watched the flashes of thunder and mumbled, "He was right. It really is a stormy night."


    In between the long low rumbles of thunder came the downpour and rain lashed out in a torrential and unforgiving way. That streak of hot silver splitting the sky looked fascinating to her. The scent of rain was dark and heady that night.


    Xiu''s heart was feeling heavy as she watched the crazy cut zig-zags of lightning drawing a new pattern of white each time on the black canvas of the night sky. She wondered if any of those zig-zag paths led to heaven. But she wasn''t scared of this stormy night. In a way, it was actually comforting to know that her heart was not the only one screaming and howling in pain. Even the sky was tired of keeping silent.


    The white flashes of lightning in the dark sky were like camera flashes that painted images on a dark film. And each flash reminded her of a memory; A flashback that led her back in time.


    *Flashback*


    A lone figure was leaning against the wooden door. She was wearing a soft pink colored dress which had lost all its shine just like her eyes that had lost its twinkle. Tears had been flowing down her face like rain.


    With her dainty hands, she knocked on the door again, "Mom, please open the door! Let''s talk about it." Her voice was barely audible that''s how hoarse it had become after crying for so long. The lightning flashed in the dark sky and pushed its inverted limbs down.


    The continuous booms of lightning struck dreadfully close to the porch where she was sitting outside the main door. Her small figure cowered back as she closed her ears with her hands and screamed out. She had always been scared of thunderstorms.


    "Mom!" She screamed out while slamming the door with both her hands. She used so much force that her skin broke and the blood oozed out of her hands. But her fear of thunderstorm had overwhelmed her senses of pain. "I won''t do it again. Please, let me in!"


    With a click, the door opened and Xiu looked up at her mother. She touched Xiu''s head and said, "Why are you here now? Didn''t you say that you''re old enough to make your own choices? Then why are you looking for this old and senile mother of yours?"


    "I still need you in my life. I never meant to hurt you." Xiu replied in hoarseness.


    "Xiu, why don''t you understand? You''re hurting me even when I''m trying to do everything just for your sake. Why do you want to ruin the image that you had made for all those years? You''re only 21 and dating that new CEO of the company will only bring you scorn. Nothing else." Her mother nagged at her while pulling her inside the house.


    She settled Xiu on the couch and gave her a blanket. She pulled out medicine box and cleaned the small cuts on her hands.


    Xiu''s body was trembling because of being outside in the cold weather for an hour. Her body was weak and frail. She had no energy left in her to argue. But she still tried, "But I love him."


    "What about him?" Her mother asked indignantly. "Do you think he loves you as well?" Xiu looked up at her earnestly as if silently telling her that he loves her. "Don''t fool yourself, Xiu. He is one of those people who got their wealth on the silver platter from birth. People like him only know how to value their status. Definition of love for them is a lot different."


    "Don''t you want to see your own daughter happy?" Xiu found a new wave of confidence as she confronted her. "Or are you scared that if he married me then you''ll lose your money-making machine? Oh, no. You must be jealous since your own relationship didn''t work, you don''t want mine to work as well."


    "Ptak!" A slap was delivered right across her face but instead of feeling baffled, Xiu was left numb again. "Yes, I am a mother who is using her own daughter for money. Happy?" She held Xiu''s arms and shook her, "But I won''t let you question the failure of my relationship. Don''t forget that you also came into this life because of that same failed relationship."


    Xiu lowered her face. She knew she had touched her mother''s sour spot but she couldn''t help it herself as she continued, "Perhaps that''s why I am a failure as well."


    She watched her mother walking inside the kitchen and when she came back she held a cup of hot chocolate. There was no expression on her mother''s face.


    "You don''t want me to interfere in your personal life, I won''t." Xiu heard her mother''s voice when she took the cup from her hand. "From now on, I''ll only work as your manager. There is no point in showing my concern as a mother since you don''t need a mother anymore. You''re old enough to make your own decisions."


    Xiu opened her mouth to say something but her mother had already turned to leave. She stopped midway of the flight of stairs and said, "It''s a stormy night. Sleep in your old room." With that, she watched her mother leaving without even turning to look.


    *End of Flashback*


    Coming back to the present, Xiu closed the window through which she had been looking at the gloomy city dyed in darkness and rain.


    To think of that memory now, Xiu was really surprised to realize that her mother''s concern turned out to be true. Her mother always said he won''t be hers. But she wasn''t willing to believe her. Her mother warned her that families like his will play dirty just to throw her out of his life like a useless fly. But she didn''t listen. All because she believed in the power of love.


    Fixing the dr.a.p.es, she snickered to herself, "So much for love. Sheesh!"


    It was strange but now these memories didn''t bring those tears as they used to do. With all the changes going on in her life, she felt like those memories were so distant that they often didn''t seem like they belonged to her.


    But then again, come to think of it, those memories really didn''t belong to her anymore. Those were Chen Xiu''s memories. Chen Xiu who chose to die on that balcony. Chen Xiu who was scared of thunderstorms and friendship.


    Now, she was Bai Xiu. Bai Xiu who loved everything about thunderstorms. Bai Xiu who had friends... Genuine ones. Bai Xiu who was willing to fight just to live. Bai Xiu who was not just a memory.

 Chapter 76 - Lets Break Up

    All of us have survived at least one storm in life. But that storm still lives within us in one way or another. Some have the memory of a stormy night and some have the memory of a stormy heart, others had live through a storm of heart in a stormy night.


    Unbeknownst to Xiu, there was another person being haunted by those streaks of lightning. Because he had also broken in a stormy night. With a cup of coffee in hand, Darren was sitting on the edge of his bed looking outside the glass windows with a blank look.


    The inky darkness seemingly was sinking in his bones. The silver hues in the sky looked like molten silver, swirling and radiating ripples. The explosion of thunder came in great waves of discordant and demented sounds. The sound was intensified with the howling wind but the person inside the room was lost in his own world.


    *Flashback*


    "Did you reach safely?" A worried voice could be heard on the phone.


    Darren leaned his head against the windowpane and looked outside at the subtly electric atmosphere. The grey clouds in the sky gave him a surreal feeling.


    "Mama, are you angry that I left you alone in the hospital?" He asked, feeling guilty, ashamed and yet helpless.


    "Absolutely not. Regi, you have spent enough time with me. As you said, now, she needs you to stand beside her." His face immediately lit up as he heard her words.


    "I know she needs me and I''m willing to stand by her through this hostile time as she did for me," he answered with a tender look on his face.


    "Are you still going to tell me that you don''t love her?" He could feel the playfulness in her voice.


    "Mama, I told you I only care about her. This is not love," he claimed in response to her teasing. ''At least, she doesn''t think so.'' He kept his thoughts to himself.


    "Sir, we are here," his driver announced from the front seat and Darren looked out at the ''Sky Castle'' Apartment building.


    "I''ll call you later," he hung up the call and alighted down from the car with a smile on his face.


    Standing under the apartment building, he c.o.c.ked his head up and frowned slightly. Not because the rain had started falling but because the beautiful concrete and glass building was lit up except for that one apartment where his eyes were stuck. It wasn''t that late at night, was she sleeping early? He wondered to himself.


    His expressions shifted when he noticed something falling from that same balcony in that dark rainy night. Within minutes, he heard a crash as a body laid on top of a car not far from him. The sound of glass shattering, the sound of car alarms blaring and screams of people along with the lightning that jagged through the sky ripping the dark night like a paper... All seemed too distant to him.


    The broken shards had cut his arm but he stood there motionless finding it hard to breathe. He couldn''t decide whether he was supposed to breathe in or breathe out. Even breathing seemed like a tiring job. The crowd of people pushed him and jolted him awake.


    The rain was still falling mercilessly. He took one step at a time to move forward and felt like each step was akin to a rock that was weighing down on his heart. And then he saw something that shook the earth from under his feet along with the sky over his head.


    Clad in a maroon silk gown, her slender body was lying listless and lifeless on the top of a car. Blood had painted her fair skin in scarlet color. His body trembled when his illusion broke and he realized his biggest fears had become reality.


    There was a smile on her lips even when she closed her eyes and that was all it took to break Darren into a crumbling mess. He held her cold hand and shook her, "Ah-Xiu! Ah-Xiu! Please, open your eyes."


    But her lifeless body gave no response. Even when the paramedics took her to the ambulance, he didn''t let go of her hand. He walked like his limbs didn''t even belong to him. Everything hurt and if one asked what was everything, he might not be able to tell precisely. He just knew someone was squeezing his heart out.


    The pain had always been invisible and subjective but that night, he felt the pain like no other. That night, he even saw pain with his own eyes in the form of her death. It was visible and yet couldn''t capture that pain in his hands to hide her from it. His heart ache like it was torn apart and it magnified his woes.


    The ache had turned dull like lazy torture that was finding it amusing seeing him disintegrate slowly.


    Even when in the hospital he was told that she''s already dead, he didn''t listen. He didn''t want to listen. He couldn''t listen! He kept stroking her face, cleaning the blood off of it with care. She hated blood, he knew that. So, he tried his best to wipe her face clean.


    By the time, they covered her face with a white cloth, Darren''s burning pain had intensified to a hot volcano. He had lost all his control over his emotions. The tears were flowing like water out of his eyes. He clasped her hand between both of his hands and leaning his head against it, he whispered, "Ah-Xiu, please wake up. I''m sorry for being late but please, don''t punish me like this. How can you do this?" His voice was choked up and hoarse.


    He tried opening her curled up hand and saw a crumpled piece of paper inside. It had blood stains on it now. It was her own handwritten note that read:


    ''I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part that I spent years waiting for a happy ending.


    Now... I''m just too tired...''


    Reading that note he looked at her face and fell down on his knees as he cried his heart out that had collapsed with her life. Now, his tears also stained that piece of paper as he asked, "Just how tired were you? Just how alone were you? And why didn''t you call for me? Was our relationship that shallow?"


    He had turned that piece of paper and found another string of words...


    ''Dear Life,


    I''ve cried enough. Let''s break up now.''


    He cried so many shades of agony that night but she was gone. He didn''t let her go but he lost her. All that she left behind that night was her absence. A void in his heart that finally made him realize...


    "I love you, Ah-Xiu! I''m tired of lying to myself now. But I''m too late anyway."


    *End of Flashback*

 Chapter 77 - From His Heart

    Every storm in life passes with time except for those storms that had brewed within our hearts. Those storms tend to bury themselves deep in our bones in silence. But a single tickle of sound is all it takes for those raging storms to start all over again. However, whether those storms pass or stay, we are called humans because we have a strong sense of survival.


    Haruki Murakami once said, ''One thing is certain. When you walk out of the storm you won''t be the same person who walked in.''


    And that is the real truth. Because words often can''t teach us what a single storm can. But trust me, a storm can''t break you as words can.


    Xiu was once broken by words and she chose to embrace the silence of death. She chose to leave the world with her imperfect desires and her imperfect self. However, heaven had bestowed her with some mercy. Whatever the reason might be, but she was offered another chance.


    She was given a chance to live the life of another.


    But heaven didn''t seem to have any mercy for Darren. He watched her dying right in front of his eyes. She took her last breath with her hand in his. How tormenting and traumatizing it was, only he knew himself.


    Xiu broke her every connection that could lead her to the life Chen Xiu lived. She spent five years just trying to become Bai Xiu. A new version of herself.


    But Darren had been stuck at where she left. He had spent five years in agony. He neither could get over her nor move on. He couldn''t even lose his feelings for her. No matter how hard he tried he still couldn''t walk away from her memories. Nevertheless, he had to do what was best. He had to smile for everyone.


    Clutching his chest, he was sobbing unceasingly all alone behind the curtain of the dark rainy night. Lashes heavy with tears and no one to hear the howls of his misery. That once burning pain of his had turned into an icy numbness with time. But there was still that rawness in his crying and pain.


    He still held her last note in his hands. He had kept it safe for all this time. Looking at it, he hiccuped and said, "You always said you wanted a dramatic exit from this world. A dramatic, tragic, saddening and unforgettable exit. Are you happy to have your unforgettable ending?"


    That''s what Xiu really loved in life. She always loved the stories that ended in tragedies. According to her, they were closer to reality. Even though she wished for a happy ending in life but she always used to say that happy endings don''t leave that long lasting effect. Being an actress for life gave her a desire for a dramatic twist. Who knew, she was her own dramatic twist.


    ''She had left without a warning


    She wore the cloak of a grave


    with a goodbye


    Life was so precious to her that


    it made one wonder the depth of


    her pain.


    She was gone too fast


    leaving the memories of past


    He couldn''t hold her in the darkness of life


    But he couldn''t let her leave from his heart.''


    In the empty apartment, the sound of his cellphone made him open his eyes back to the harsh reality. Getting up, he wiped his face, came out to the sitting area and drank a mouthful of water before accepting the call.


    "Why are you calling me so late at night?"


    The other side was silent for a moment before replying, "Huang Ming is getting married next week."


    Darren rubbed his forehead and asked, "Didi, you''re calling me at this time of the night just to tell me that one of YOUR friends is getting married?" He emphasized on ''your'' on purpose since his own friend circle wasn''t as active as one would think of it to be.


    "Daz, whatever is mine is yours. That means my friends are also yours. Also, he specially asked me to invite you." Dylan replied keeping his voice bright and cheery. When Darren didn''t speak for a long moment, he added, "Daz, are you crying?"


    "No," Darren replied without missing a beat as he walked up to the door leading to the balcony.


    "Why is your voice hoarse then?" Dylan retorted in the same manner. "Are you missing that someone again?"


    Darren slid open the door slightly and he extended his hand to catch the rain droplets. "We miss people who are gone. She is right here with me in my heart. How can I possibly miss her?"


    Dylan pursed his lips and closed his eyes. "Aren''t you really torturing yourself like this?"


    "Not at all," Darren replied while bringing his wet hand close to his face. "She had perished from this world in rain. Doesn''t that mean she still is lingering around me within these raindrops? When I can feel her caressing my face, when I can feel her happiness in the pitter-patter sounds, how is this torturous or tormenting? If anything, it''s my only blessing."


    Dylan sighed out in defeat or sadness he didn''t know but he still said, "I feel like an idiot for arguing with you over this. So, let''s change the topic. You''re coming with me to Huang Ming''s wedding."


    "You should take a date with you instead," Darren suggested.


    "Don''t act smart. You''re coming and so is your date."


    "First of all, I''m not trying to act smart. I am smart. At least in comparison with you," Darren didn''t forget to taunt while sniffling and added, "Second of all, I hate weddings. I might not even show up at yours."


    Dylan laughed out softly as he said, "I''m not getting married. Not so soon. So, you don''t have to worry about it at all. Besides, at the rate you''re going, I think you might not even get a chance to stand at your own wedding." Darren rolled his eyes, closed the door and went back to his bedroom. Just as he fell back on his bed, he heard Dylan''s voice again, "I forgot to tell you the most important thing."


    "Now what?" Darren could tell Dylan had nothing important to say at all. He was just trying to cheer him by accompanying him. This best friend was also a weird character.


    "My assistant called me priceless today," Dylan told with a prideful look on his tone. Obviously, he didn''t disclose the whole story since he knew Darren was gonna laugh at him.


    "Sigh! And here I thought she was shrewd and savvy. Tsk, tsk. I''m very disappointed in her now."


    "Yah!" Dylan shouted at his teasing. "Can''t you stop insulting me once in a while?"


    "Mmm..." Darren pretended to think before replying with, "Can''t do."


    "Sheesh. You can''t even lie for your brother," Dylan got into his pitiful act again before continuing, "By the way, I can''t find those cupcakes that you shared with me last time. Why don''t you tell me about that neighbor of yours, I''ll request her myself."


    "You and Sweets are so alike that I think if you requested to her, she might add poison in your cupcakes." Darren had no clue how right he was about this. Neither was Dylan.


    "Why? I don''t even know her yet."


    "Didi, as I said, you both have countless similarities. And I''m afraid that you both can never sit in a room civilly. With both of your natures, there is bound to be trouble."


    Dylan was frowning but he didn''t push him any further. After all, if Darren said it there was no way Dylan wouldn''t believe it.

 Chapter 78 - People & Paper Planes

    "Paige, I have looked through the contract. Send it to the legal team. I''ll directly be going for the meeting so I''ll see be late," Darren was instructing his secretary on the phone while changing his shoes in the foyer.


    "Boss, CEO Mo wants to see you for the Flick City project," his secretary informed him.


    Darren''s hand on the doorknob paused for a second before he pulled open the door and said, "Then if there is nothing important, clear my itinerary for the afternoon. I''ll go to Capital myself."


    "Okay, boss," she replied in a plain voice.


    Darren hung up the call and walked towards the elevator. There was already someone waiting for the elevator. But Darren was confused to see that even though the elevator was empty that person was not stepping inside. What was that hesitation all about?


    "Where are you lost? The elevator is already here," Darren waved his hand before Xiu''s face almost startling her and entered the elevator.


    But Xiu still didn''t move. Now her attention was fixed on Darren''s face. Even though he looked refreshed and energized but that same look seemed really familiar to her. ''Fear in disguise''. That one phrase unconsciously came to her mind.


    Darren pressed the button of the elevator to stop it as he raised his eyebrows in question, "Aren''t you gonna enter, Sweets?"


    Xiu nodded and stepped inside. The elevator doors closed and Xiu''s eyes found their way back to Darren''s face. Do you know what fear in disguise is? No? Honestly speaking, every one of us is familiar with this phrase. We live with it.


    Fear of showing your sadness, distrust, or simply of being yourself. We all have it inside of us. But to hide it, we disguise it with a whole new persona of ourselves. But calling that persona as confidence would be wrong because, at the end of the day, it''s still just a disguise.


    If Darren thought his disguise was perfect then he was mistaken. Because Xiu had seen that same disguise on her own face too many times that she lost count. Spending a night drowning in tears and wearing the mask of a smile to face the world. How could an actress like her not be familiar with such an obvious disguise?


    "Is there something on my face?" Darren asked as he lifted his eyes from the phone screen since he could feel her burning stare for a while now.


    "Are you okay?" She asked straightforwardly without dilly-dallying anymore. It was better to just ask straight away than waiting for an excuse to ask the same question.


    Darren tilted his face in a thoughtful way and replied, "Just a bit stressy and a little depress-y. But everything else is just peachy and bright-y."


    The elevator doors opened at the ground floor and giving her a smirk, he walked out. Xiu followed him out but stayed quiet. Darren looked back at her and asked, "Don''t you have any comment now?"


    Xiu shook her head with a small smile. "Even paper planes have the right to crash down. How can we as humans can''t have those days? I believe we are all the same. Crying the same tears at night. I don''t have the right to comment on you being stressed or depressed. After all, we are the generation with happy pictures but sad lives. But..."


    "There it is... I knew there was a but coming," Darren''s voice seemed playful and oddly, it felt even sadder to her.


    Because she knew to be funny was not always easy. Every action, words, feelings, even sadness, and tears are part of that one joke... All hidden behind that one smile.


    Xiu caught up with him and tapped his shoulder saying, "But I have come to learn something." He gave her an inquisitive look and she continued, "Glossing up your sadness makes it uglier." Darren''s eyes widened considerably. "A smile with tears in your eyes can never be a pretty smile even if you want to believe it otherwise. Life needs balance. Joy and sadness are both parts of us. Then why try dodging any of it. Isn''t talking about it better?" She patted his back and went on, "Don''t keep it in. Talk to someone about your stress. Talking can do wonders... It''s sad that I learned it too late."


    She shook her head in disappointment at her previous self and turned to leave.


    "Sweets!" He called her from behind and she turned around. "You''re right. You really have an old soul in there. But I''m still thankful for it."


    "Sheesh." Xiu smiled and said, "Use an ice pack. The rims of your eyes are still red. It won''t look good if people noticed it."


    "Will do," he replied with a blithe smile and wore his sunglasses. He was aware of his own sensitive eyes. Crying always had consequences for him. How could Xiu not figure out that he cried with those obvious signs? However, she still didn''t point it out directly. Looking at her for a second longer, he opened the door of his car and said, "Sweets, I never thought I''d see snow in summer. Did the rain change the weather last night?" He looked really worried about it as he settled in the back seat of his car.


    "Huh? What?" Xiu didn''t understand his meaning at all. Why did the conversation change so abruptly? She scratched her head and saw something falling from her peripheral vision. As she tilted her head to look at her shoulder, she was dumbfounded. "DARREN!!!"


    She shouted his name while Darren was laughing out loud at her reaction. He waved his hand at her as his car revved past her. Xiu was left trembling in anger. She brushed off stupid dandruff from her shoulder which he just called snow. And felt like pulling her own hair. Why did I change my hair product? This is humiliating!


    Xiu kicked and punched in the direction Darren left and screamed. "Can''t he put his sharp tongue to some good use? Why is he always doing this to me?"


    But after a moment of feeling the humiliation, she was laughing her way to the office. If he hadn''t noticed it, she would have been even more humiliated in the office.

 Chapter 79 - Back Garden

    "I definitely need a hair treatment," was Xiu''s first agenda of the day. She set an appointment with a salon and for the time being, decided to wear her hair down. Playing it safe was playing it wisely. There was no way she was gonna give Dylan any chance to abash her.


    "Ms. Bai, let''s go," Dylan knocked on her office door and beckoned her to follow.


    Xiu had no idea what he was talking about but she followed him nonetheless like any normal E.A would have done so. "What''s that bag for Sir?" Xiu asked staring strangely at the duffle bag in Dylan''s hand.


    He grinned slyly and said, "You''ll know. Soon enough."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and didn''t question again. However, when she saw him entering the secretarial department of his, she was surprised and more curious about what he was up to. Xiu was yet again taken aback when he slammed the duffle bag right on the desk and made the poor secretary flinch in fear.


    "You must be Ms. Fu, right?" The secretary nodded her hesitantly and Dylan''s brittle smile made her hair stand on ends. "And you''re Ms. Liu and Ms. Wang. Am I correct?" Getting the answer in the form a simple nod. He seemed pleased.


    Xiu was staring at him wide-eyed with a complicated look while he continued, "My shredding machine ate all my doc.u.ments. But oddly, now I want them back. So, how about the three of you put every doc.u.ment back the way it was... Before going through a shredding torment." Xiu gaped at him in disbelief. There seemed a bulk of shredded papers in that bag. Woah! His way of teaching a lesson was really unique.


    He seemed impressed by himself as he looked at Xiu and said, "Ms. Bai, what are you doing? Follow me."


    Xiu nodded absentmindedly and walked behind him. As they got inside the elevator, she couldn''t stop herself from asking, "What was that? What you just did?"


    Dylan tapped his foot softly on the elevator floor and said, "That''s for them to learn that Dylan Qiu doesn''t pay people who don''t work for it. Haven''t you read my amazing speech on the company''s website?" Seeing Xiu''s lost expression, he was irked, "Oi! You really didn''t read it?"


    "Was I supposed to?" Xiu felt like asking this for some reason.


    "Now, that''s where you''re really careless." He rummaged out his phone from his coat inside pocket and showed the screen to her. "Read this. A positive culture in the company comes from the people working for it. Being mindful of your own work and your coworkers is also a form of empathy." He scrolled down and spoke again, "See, I even said that transforming a culture is important but staying true to your values is of utmost need in this fast pace world."


    Xiu was actually paying attention to his words as she felt like he wasn''t just babbling. His words had a meaning deeper than one could understand. "I do want my employees to have fun but having fun is different and making fun of another to feel good is an entirely different thing. I can''t tolerate tardy, gossipy and close-minded people in my company." Xiu unconsciously agreed with his words while he went on, "I don''t fire people without a warning. But if even after this warning, those secretaries didn''t change their ways, I don''t mind finding new people."


    Dylan looked at Xiu''s face and asked, "Why? Are you finally impressed? Feels like you''re working for an amazing boss?"


    The elevator door opened in the underground parking lot and Xiu replied, "Well... You''re just all right."


    Dylan''s face twitched at her such a casual remark. "Can''t you flatter your boss for once as others do?"


    "You''re fat enough with flattery, I don''t need to add my share in that," was Xiu answer which made Dylan feel defeated before her. This tongue of hers was really like Darren and there was no doubt about that.


    "Catch," he threw the car key towards her and when she caught it, he gave her a thumbs up and said, "Now, drive."


    Xiu looked at the car key in her hand and then looked at him walking towards an elegant and classy car with his hands in his pants pockets. "What are you waiting for? Drive." He turned around to see her standing right where he left her.


    Xiu trudged up to his side and gave him a fake smile saying, "Sir, do you have a death wish?"


    Dylan''s brows knitted together as he replied, "No. Of course not. I''m too young to die."


    Xiu clicked her fingers together and said, "Let me tell you something, Sir. For your information, a man is never too young or too old for three things." Dylan''s curiosity was piqued as he stared at her waiting for her to continue, "There is no age for love, dreams, and death. They come at the most unexpected moments of our lives."


    "I agree with that, but why are you telling me this?"


    Xiu held his hand and passed the car key back to him saying, "If you don''t have a death wish, don''t ask me to drive. I''m not good with mirrors."


    "Aww, I like it that you worry about my safety. Silly me, I thought you''re planning my murder in that cunning mind of yours," Dylan didn''t even bother filtering his words as always. What was the point? She hated him anyway.


    Well, Xiu''s thoughts were aligned with his. She also thought he hated her and adding a little more hate won''t do much damage. That''s why her answer was, "Don''t sweat it, Sir. I do have murder plans but slamming your car into a tree isn''t one of those. My most favorite plan involves chopping you into tiny pieces and burying you in my back garden."


    Dylan gulped at the way she was describing the scenario. It felt like she had some vivid imagination about his murder. Scary and dangerous woman!


    Xiu patted his arm lightly and said, "Why are you looking so pale? Don''t worry, I can''t act upon that plan."


    "Wh-Why not?" He stuttered while taking a step away from her.


    Xiu smiled at him sweetly and said, "Because I don''t have a back garden... Yet."

 Chapter 80 - Cheating Partner?

    "You''re calling off your murder plan just because you don''t have a backyard? How can you even talk so casually about murdering your own boss?"


    Scary was not enough to describe her anymore. She was wicked - not just odiously but also impiously.


    "Well, I''m not calling off the plan but rather just thinking whether to buy a house with a backyard or change my plan," Xiu answered with a straight face. Dylan boarded his car in a hurry to hide from her. He felt like a victim already. Xiu also boarded the car with a smirk.


    "Why don''t you just hire a driver?" Xiu suggested while she buckled her seat belt.


    "I don''t like people touching my cars," he answered and when Xiu gave him ''The Look'' that reminded him how he had just asked her to drive, he added, "You''re my E.A. There is at least some difference between you and other people. But come to think of it, you don''t even treat me like a boss."


    "Start acting like a boss and I''ll start treating you like one, Sir," Xiu replied without missing a beat. She had insulted him in a respectful manner. First, she said what she wanted to and added that ''Sir'' at the end to show how polite and respectful she was.


    Dylan was left with no response or maybe he didn''t want to. After all, his blood pressure was already rising because of her. He fixed his eyes on the road and took long breaths to calm himself. "You have really long hairs," he commented absentmindedly.


    Xiu really wanted to open his brain to see what really was in there? "Thanks for noticing," she replied in derision.


    "No need to be this sarcastic. You never wear your hair down so I didn''t notice it before." When Xiu didn''t bother to give him a reply he went on, "I have seen you going back and forth to your previous department. Is there someone you can''t part with?"


    Xiu looked at the side of his face and answered, "There is an intern. I promised to be responsible for her until her internship period ends. Then I was promoted. But I can''t just leave my responsibility like that. So, that''s why I go back to my previous department."


    Dylan bobbed his head up and down slowly as he said, "We both value responsibility. I like that. It makes me feel like we are perfect together."


    "Please don''t say that again," Xiu stopped him from saying any more. "Being perfect in any context with you? I''d rather kill you."


    "Are you sure it''s not ''kill myself''?" he questioned cautiously while he stopped the car in front of a restaurant.


    "Not at all. Been there. Done that. Not walking the same road again," said Xiu in a vague manner as she alighted down from the car. Killing herself once was enough! Walking the same path twice never ends well.


    When Dylan didn''t come out of the car, she leaned ahead and asked, "Aren''t you coming?"


    "Wait inside, I''ll join you after parking the car," Dylan replied and rolled up the windowpane before revving away.


    Xiu looked in the direction he left and shook her head, "He is really possessive with his cars. Bloody psycho!" Xiu entered the restaurant. "Hi, I made a reservation for lunch at 1300hrs. The name would be Mr. Dylan Qiu."


    "Let me confirm that," the restaurant employee said politely and looked through her tablet computer. "Yes, Miss. Follow me, I''ll take you to your table."


    "I''m with someone, let him come," Xiu replied and the pretty and bubbly girl nodded at her. Xiu sat down on the sofa in the waiting area. There were plenty of magazines lying on the coffee table but she didn''t pick any to read. She had long lost her interest in magazines. That was also one of the reasons why she didn''t recognize Dylan. Because usually, people recognized him everywhere. He was always on the front page of some business magazines.


    She looked back towards the entrance and shot up from her seat with wide eyes. But the silhouette that had surprised her was no longer there.


    Her heart rate quickened while her eyes looked dazed. Was it the same person she thought? Or perhaps her mind was being delusional.


    "Earth to Ms. Bai," Dylan waved his hand before her eyes and smiled. "Why do you look lost? Did you see your partner cheating on you or something?"


    Xiu looked at him with a dangerous look and said, "That''s not funny at all."


    "If you say so," Dylan shrugged his shoulder and they finally walked towards their lunch table. But even while walking, Xiu''s eyes were looking around as if to find someone. She really looked out of sort. She was sure that she wasn''t mistaken. But if she wasn''t mistaken then how could anyone vanish within a blink of an eye? Dylan tapped her shoulder and said, "Who are you looking for? Don''t tell me your girlfriend is really here?"


    Xiu frowned at his words and asked absentmindedly, "Why would Nora be here?" She had taken his ''girlfriend'' in a platonic context while he definitely didn''t mean it in a platonic sense. If anything, Xiu''s reply confirmed for him that Nora was her girlfriend as in girlfriend, not just a girl who happened to be a friend.


    "It''s good as long as it''s not your girlfriend you''re looking for," he stated and muttered to himself, "I don''t wanna deal with cheating drama at all. That confrontation won''t be funny."


    "What are you saying?" Xiu asked him.


    "Nothing. Just sit down," he said while pulling out a chair for her. Xiu eyed his gesture but sat down.


    When he sat down beside her, she said, "You didn''t have to pull the chair for me."


    "What can I say, I have remarkable manners," Dylan flipped his hair with his hand and spoke proudly ruining Xiu''s mood again. If he didn''t open his mouth, he might really seem like a golden boy. What a pity!


    But what can one do? It''d be unfair if he was perfect in every way possible.


    They had come here for a lunch meeting with the President of a Shopping Mall Enterprise. However, the said person was late. And they had to wait now.


    "Sir, would you like to order something first?" Xiu questioned Dylan who was drinking water. It was his third glass. Either he was really thirsty or really nervous. But Xiu could tell that he wasn''t nervous at all. Then he must be really thirsty.


    "Can''t you stop calling me ''Sir''?"


    "What else should I call you?" Xiu retorted with a raise of her brow.


    Dylan opened his mouth to answer. "Mr. Qiu!" Dylan closed his mouth and rubbed his throat. How can a feminine voice come out of his mouth? Wait, but he didn''t even move his lips yet! Then that meant...


    Both Dylan and Xiu turned their heads and looked at the woman standing not far from them. Her red lips were arced into a huge smile.


    "Why is she here?"


    The question was asked by both Xiu and Dylan simultaneously but as they looked at each other, they both had no clue for the answer. Seeing those red lips, Xiu''s eyes were turning red with rage. Her fists were clenched as she stared daggers at the face right before her.


    Enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road!

 Chapter 81 - Old Times Sake

    We all have heard, ''Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.''


    But this saying has left with no meaning in today''s society. Why? Because the real problem lies with... We can''t even tell friends and enemies apart anymore. In fact, enemies have become more sincere than friends. At least, they know how to show their hatred and dislike for you instead of wearing the facades of friendship.


    Seeing that woman dazzling in her million-dollar ensemble, Xiu closed her eyes briefly as some bitter memories resurfaced in her mind.


    A dainty hand holding her elbow and saying, "Chen Xiu, you''re the perfect life partner for my cousin. I can''t believe we''ll be cousins-in-law." That squealing voice was still vivid in her memory. But so was another voice...


    "You don''t worry at all, Auntie. I''ll make sure to throw that Chen Xiu out of my cousin''s life. Just because she is called Goddess Xiu, does she think she can raise her status? I''ll never let her use our family name. She isn''t deserving of it at all!"


    When Xiu opened her eyes again, her aura took some shifts. The anger and hatred which was easily visible on her face were nowhere to be found anymore. Her face was as impassive as it could get. She had unclenched her fists and the hard countenance of hers also altered back to her languid self.


    With her heels clanking on the marble floor, the woman came to their table and sat down opposite them. Xiu noticed the look on Dylan''s face which was unlike hers. He wasn''t being humble with his hatred at all. His dissatisfaction was written all over his face. And it made Xiu curious to know what animosity these two had.


    "Ms. Hu, I don''t have time to deal with you right now," was Dylan''s way of starting the conversation.


    The woman before them named Hu Shishi stared at Dylan''s face for a moment longer and said, "You''re still not very nice with words, Dylan."


    "Are we on good terms? I don''t think so. Please, I don''t allow unfamiliar people to call me by my first name. Don''t try to get familiar with me." Dylan was hell-bent on not giving her face at all and if Xiu said she didn''t like it, she''d most definitely be lying about that. Because she was enjoying this very much.


    The expressions on Hu Shishi''s face were a sight to behold. And that allowed Xiu to have even calmer outlook than before. Xiu knew Hu Shishi''s personality and was really surprised to see that she was trying hard to keep her temper in check before Dylan.


    But she was more curious to find why? Either it was because Dylan''s status and identity were better than hers or something else?


    Hu Shishi clasped her hands together and gave Xiu a fleeting look before speaking again, "Can we have a proper conversation? Alone?"


    If Xiu could tell that by ''alone'' she meant to send Xiu out, then how could Dylan be this dense? He got up from his chair and said, "I don''t think we have anything to talk about. Stop using these cheap tricks."


    Hu Shishi stood up as well and held his hand to stop him. Dylan turned and glared at her making her take a step back. "Mr. Qiu, can you leave our differences aside for a while? I just need fifteen minutes of yours."


    Dylan looked at her for a moment longer and said, "Ms. Bai, order a meal for yourself." Xiu looked at him with raised brows while he continued, "Don''t be polite, Ms. Hu will pay for the meal."


    Hu Shishi was gnashing her teeth when she heard that he was asking her to pay for his secretary''s meal. The secretary who was nothing in her eyes whom she didn''t even spare a second glance. But now that she looked at Xiu, she was stunned.


    With her hair down, Xiu''s small face looked beautiful. In her white and beige pantsuit, she was looking formal and elegant. From her sitting posture to her expressions, she didn''t give out the vibe of being a secretary. Rather, the term ''ice beauty'' suited her better.


    That look of hatred in Hu Shishi''s eyes made Xiu''s lips to curl up. She didn''t know it''d be fun to see Hu Shishi being like this. That''s why on purpose she asked Dylan, "Will you not be joining me for lunch?"


    This nice gesture of Xiu was scarier than her murder plans. Well, at least to Dylan it was. Before he could reply, Hu Shishi jutted in, "What kind of a secretary are you? Don''t you even know that Dylan doesn''t eat lunch?"


    In fact, Xiu really didn''t know that. But now that she mentioned it, Xiu remembered not seeing Dylan eating lunch during her week or so time with him. "I''ll join you later after having a talk with Ms. Hu." Dylan''s answer was for Xiu but it certainly was to irk Hu Shishi. And it worked very well. "Let''s talk somewhere else, Ms. Hu."


    Dylan didn''t even wait for her and walked off in another direction. Xiu could see them through the glass windows but couldn''t hear anything. But from her overthinking, she had conjectured that Hu Shishi liked Dylan. Woah! Even though she hated Dylan but for being a decent man, she''d want him to be with a better person. And the hypocrite Hu Shishi wasn''t that person at all.


    Meanwhile, Dylan had taken a seat in the outdoor dining area. Hu Shishi looked innocent and docile as she sat before him. Dylan looked at his watch and said, "Your time starts now."


    "Dylan, back then I really didn''t know-?"


    Her words were cut off when Dylan raised his hand to stop her. "If you''re here to discuss that, let''s not do it."


    Hu Shishi took a deep breath and composed herself. "Okay. Let''s talk business then," she started as she looked straight at his face and continued, "RX Studios has signed the deal for Flick City. I''ve heard from a source that you''re close to the mysterious person behind RX Studios. Can''t you help my cousin for old times sake?"


    "Old times sake? Why are you talking like we dated or something?" Dylan looked really annoyed as he spoke. "We were never on good terms and you made it worse by messing with my family. But then again, look where it got you."


    "If PassionArts Entertainment really didn''t get this deal... My cousin will get in trouble. Uncle has given him an ultimatum. If he didn''t seal this deal, his position in the family business will get-"


    "Do I have to listen to this sob story?" asked Dylan without an ounce of empathy.

 Chapter 82 - Nutjob VS Crazy Wench!

    Dylan Qiu a.k.a Qiu Hedi was born in an ideal home. A home with a loving and caring mother, a strict father and a doting elder sister. Being the youngest in the family, he was the most pampered person. He never had to go through grievances in life. At least, not until he had to face the world.


    It was safe to say that Dylan''s sensitive heart was broken brutally in this harsh world.


    Dylan had always despised it when people approached him with ulterior motives. But it was a shame that rarely anyone came to him without an agenda. Perhaps that was why he had no problem with Xiu''s hatefully bitter tongue. Because it allowed him to feel her sincere hatred openly. In a way, he was actually very thankful for that.


    "Can''t you just take into account your friendship?" Hu Shishi tried to persuade him again.


    Dylan leaned back in his chair languidly as he snickered in mock contempt, "Friendship? Your cousin and I nothing to do with each other. Not anymore. Whatever friendship we had is long severed. If I''m not wrong, he doesn''t even know that you are here to ask for my help."


    "Dylan, why are you turning into a cold-hearted person like Darren? We have tried asking for his help as well, but even he is not willing to help." The mentioning of Darren''s name made Dylan stand up in anger.


    "Cold-hearted Darren?" He snorted. "Say my best friend''s name one more time and see how evil-hearted I can become!"


    Dylan turned to leave when her voice made him pause, "If you helped us this time, I''ll tell you where she is." Dylan turned to look at her with a raging fire in his eyes while she went on, "I know when you asked me last time, I said I don''t know where she is. But I lied. This time, I''ll really tell you where she is."


    Dylan''s fists tightened as he tried to keep his emotions from wavering. "Do you still think I''m that college boy in love? I''ve grown out of those years. I won''t care even if she died. So, Ms. Hu, stop playing this game. It''s getting boring now."


    He again turned to leave and walked back inside the restaurant to Xiu. What he saw made him want to laugh?


    There Xiu was with a table full of food which was barely eaten. Xiu was busy clicking photos of the food which looked enticing and delicious.


    "You''re not done yet, Ms. Bai?" Dylan asked coming to her side.


    Xiu looked at him and stood up saying, "All done."


    Dylan looked at the food again and said, "But you barely touched anything."


    Xiu patted his shoulder like an old friend and leaned close to whisper, "Revenge should be classy. And classy revenge is pricey. But pricey revenge is what Xiu likey." Dylan stifled his laughter while she added, "I have a rule if I''m not the one paying then the most expensive thing is what I get." She pointed at the table of food and said, "This is the most expensive meal of this restaurant. The white wine alone costs thousands."


    Dylan rubbed his forehead and said, "I just realized..." Xiu raised her brows in question and he added, "You''re the best crime partner."


    Xiu gave him an honest smile and flipped her hair conceitedly saying, "That I am."


    "Let''s go," he was about to leave when he saw Hu Shishi walking towards him again, he reminded her, "Don''t forget to pay the bill. My fifteen minutes were expensive." Xiu loved the look on Hu Shishi''s face when she saw the bill. Oh, inner satisfaction was real. Real and liberating in a twisted way.


    "Dylan," Hu Shishi''s voice stopped them again. "Even if you say you forgot her. I won''t believe you. You''re desperate for her and desperation never goes away."


    Xiu observed the way Dylan''s eyes closed briefly to take a deep breath before he turned to face her and said, "You wanted my help? Let me help you then." Hu Shishi''s eyes brightened up. "The mysterious person behind RX Studios is no one else but my best friend... R.D. Salvay," Dylan enunciated each word making Hu Shishi stagger in shock.


    "What? But why?" She asked in a daze.


    Dylan gave her a blithe but provocative smile as he said, "Why? Nice question. The guy who didn''t even flinch when his own life was at stake. Why is he going to the extent of challenging your whole group?" His voice took a dangerous edge as he added, "Because this time you people destroyed something precious to his heart. Your cousin has a lot more to expect ahead. This project was merely the silence before the storm."


    With his vague but clearly threatening words, Dylan walked out of the restaurant with Xiu in tow. But Xiu''s mind was running fast to process his words. ''Hu Shishi''s cousin? As in... Him ? R.D. Salvay? Project? What is happening?'' Suddenly remembering the content of the news she recently heard, she felt enlightened. ''Does the loss of PassionArt Entertainment for Flick City project has something to do with Dylan''s best friend? But what do his words mean? Is this a revenge plot? But why?''


    Dylan waved his hand before her eyes to awaken her from her zoned out state again. "Stop zoning out on me. Let''s leave this place already."


    "Wait." Xiu held his arm to stop him and when he looked at her slender hand around his arm, she left it like she was burnt before saying, "Let''s wait in the car. I have a nice show planned out for you."


    Dylan frowned but still nodded. As they sat in the car, she kept her eyes trained towards the entrance of the restaurant, seeing that Hu Shishi was walking out, she smiled evilly and slapped Dylan''s arm saying, "Look over there. Keep looking."


    "I hate that face. I already need something to cleanse my eyes. And you want me to look at that face again?" Although Dylan''s answer was annoying, she found it entertaining.


    "Just look. You''ll feel better soon enough," said Xiu ambiguously.


    Dylan decided to give her a chance as he languidly supported his head on his hand and looked in Hu Shishi''s direction. Suddenly, his eyes widened. He didn''t know how it happened but out of the blue, a big Tibetan Mastiff dog ran towards Hu Shishi tackling her down.


    "Ahh! Ahhh! Take this beast off of me!" Hu Shishi was rolling on the floor trying to avoid the dog but how could she be stronger than a huge Tibetan Mastiff? And what was worse, Hu Shishi hated dogs! How could Xiu not be aware of that? She had spent years with that hypocrite white lotus bitch!


    Xiu laughed out seeing her pathetic condition while Dylan was left staring between Xiu and Hu Shishi. "What did you do?" He asked in curiosity.


    "Nothing. I just asked for a special something from the kitchen and left it in her pocket. But don''t tell it''s a secret," Xiu replied in a playful manner.


    "Why?" He couldn''t help but ask. Why was she doing this with his hatred as if the hatred was her own? She ordered the most expensive meal just as he had wanted her to. And now, she even made Hu Shishi miserable just like he wanted to see her.


    "Because I hate her," realizing what she said, Xiu rephrased her words, "I mean, I could see how much you hate her. You''re not good at hiding your dislikes."


    Dylan smiled to himself, indeed he was not good at hiding his feelings. He still couldn''t learn that skill. This corporate world made him become evil and scheming businessman but he didn''t have a poker face. It was his biggest flaw in the business world.


    "Do you mind me asking why you hate her?" Xiu had been curious about it for a while now. "Don''t tell me, she has a thing for you."


    "Girls like her can''t have feelings for anyone except for themselves. My hatred for her is deep-rooted, she hurt someone really important to me."


    Was that ''someone'' whom Hu Shishi was talking about? Xiu didn''t question thought. She could feel his discomfort. It was weird but she felt like he was really hurting.


    "Aiyo, I need a strong drink to forget that horrific face," Dylan looked at Xiu and asked, "Would you like to join?"


    "The offer is tempting but no," was Xiu''s reply. Only she knew how hard it was to refuse drinks. "Wine is my holy shrine and I don''t like sharing it with strangers." Dylan was stupefied by her reply. "Why don''t you give me half a day off? I need some serious spa treatment to get over this encounter." She had purposely lowered her voice towards the end of her sentence.


    "Deal. But in exchange, remind me not to mess with you. You have one crazy mind." ''And I have no wish to be treated like that.'' He cringed at the thought.


    "Well, only a nutjob like me could deal with a crazy wench like her," Xiu answered proudly.


    Dylan stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "That I can agree with."

 Chapter 83 - Throw You Away

    "You did what?" Nora shouted in shock as she moved the curtain slightly to see Xiu.


    After leaving with Dylan, Xiu had called Nora and both of them met at their usual hangout spot: Spa. Right now, they were having a massage and feeling her tense muscles easing up, Xiu had blurted out all the events of the day.


    Xiu turned her face to look at Nora''s wide-eyed look and said, "What? I just did what I had to do. You and I both despise those hypocrite white lotus bia-tches."


    "I''m proud of you, my baby Xiu''er," said Nora while wiping fake tears of pride. She looked like a mother being proud of her kid. Xiu rolled her eyes at her performance and put her head back down. "By the way, why didn''t you just drive the car for your boss? You mostly have no problem with driving in the day. Night driving and parking lots scare you more."


    Nora''s statement was somewhat true. Xiu was like a blind person during the night. And parking lots were her nightmare.


    "I''m not his babysitter! Why should I drive?" Xiu replied straightforwardly.


    "Touch¨¦!" Nora answered before the silence dawned in the room.


    Later, Xiu was feeling refreshed and lighthearted after a relaxing massage session. The colors of sadness or hatred or anger all were gone. Her bright and rejuvenated spirit was back. She had let Hu Shishi slip out of her mind way easier than she had thought it''d be.


    "The massage was good right?" Xiu casually asked while entering the salon.


    "Absolutely delicious," said Nora with a dreamy look. "That tingling sensation on my back and those dancing fingers... Sigh. I was too lost."


    Xiu slapped the back of her head and said, "I was talking about massage, not the masseuse." Nora scrunched up her face in discontent. "Also, that was a trainee. A freshman in college. How can you even have schemes about him?"


    "A freshman in college. That means he''s out of high school. Meaning... I won''t have to face a lawsuit for dating a minor." Nora answered in her usual indifferent manner.


    Xiu sighed while shaking her head at Nora. "Hey, Neil!" Seeing the hairstylist, Xiu waved at him.


    "Hey, gals!" Neil gave both of them a hug. "It seems like I haven''t seen you both in years."


    "That''s called exaggeration. We were here just last month," Nora replied lifting her arm and placing it around his shoulder.


    Following that, Neil was looking at Xiu''s hair with a worried look. "Bai Xiu, what the hell did you do to your hair?"


    "Nora brought some new hair products from New York, I started trying those..." Xiu stated while looking at his weird expressions through the mirror. He looked like a heartbroken beauty. But Xiu could understand his feelings. Hair was for Neil just as a painting for an artist. He took pride in his art.


    According to him, the beauty of a woman lied in her hair. He was very serious about that.


    "You used those products?" Xiu nodded in response to Nora''s question and she added, "Good to know. I''m definitely not gonna touch those products."


    Xiu picked up a brush and hit her head. "You used me like a guinea pig!"


    Nora hugged her saying, "Baby Xiu''er, you know I love you."


    Xiu snorted, "If I were you, I''d also love me."


    Nora was left speechless at her conceited reply. Neil had to part them as he said, "You both don''t have to rub your love in like this. Can''t you be considerate of a recently dumped person?"


    Both Xiu and Nora looked at him weirdly and asked simultaneously, "Neil, you got dumped?"


    "Thanks for asking," he rolled his eyes at them and pushed Xiu back on the chair saying, "Bai Xiu, I told you that you have a sensitive skin type. Why did you use something without consulting me?"


    "Sorry about that," Xiu replied guiltily. "But can you please help with this dandruff. I had an itch all day to scratch my scalp off."


    "We''ll do something..." was his reply.


    "Give her a haircut while you''re at it," Nora jutted in from the side couch while she was skimming through the pages of a magazine she had picked up out of boredom.


    "I don''t need a haircut," Xiu shouted back.


    "Yes, you do," said Nora with an urging tone.


    "No, I don''t," said Xiu with the same stubbornness.


    "Can you both stop arguing like husband and wife? My employees already think you both are a couple."


    Hearing Neil''s words both of them looked like they have eaten a fly.


    "WHAT??!!"


    Both of them screamed at him in horror. Neil chuckled at their reaction and said, "I know you both are just friends but people don''t know that. So mind your actions in public once in a while."


    "This is giving me a headache," Xiu remarked while rubbing her temples. "Why do I have to be paired with Nora? Eww!"


    "I''m not that bad of a choice," Nora said with a playful smile. "Actually, I think I''ll be better boyfriend material. What do you say, Baby Xiu''er wanna date me?"


    "No way! Go away! Before I throw you away!" Xiu snapped at her bitterly.


    "Seriously, I have known you both for three years and you''re still the same. One date too much and the other is still a single soul wandering on this earth." Neil was familiar with their antics. In a way, they had grown quite close in these years. In Xiu''s pathetic social circle, he was the member no 2.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and said, "I am not a single soul. I also am dating."


    "Who?" Neil and Nora gave her a curious look.


    "My perfectly perfect self," replied Xiu with self-confidence that might bring shame to a peac.o.c.k.


    "Baby Xiu''er, I do love you but you''re really a pain in the arse sometimes." Xiu stuck her tongue out at Nora. "You don''t listen to her at all Neil. Just give her a haircut and some highlights to her boring look. Then I''ll take you out for drinks to heal your broken heart. Or your dumped ass. Whichever is hurting more."


    Xiu chuckled and said, "Will I be joining this drinking escapade?"


    Neil and Nora turned their faces to look at her strangely and shook their heads in practiced synchronization. They both had their fair share of dealing with drunk Xiu. It was safe to say that she was a handful for them both.

 Chapter 84 - Desperation & Hatred

    In the city''s high-end bar, the atmosphere was rather quiet and appeared proper. There wasn''t a large crowd around in the day time. But the patrons of this bar weren''t normal people. Every single one of them was dressed in an attire fit for a party. But considering their status in society, they were dressed rather humbly.


    The bar didn''t have the hubbub of usual bars. It was a sophisticated bar where a piece of soft music was playing just to fill the eerie silence but not loud enough to disturb the customers.


    Dylan leaned on the bar and lolled his head to one side. The impression he gave one was of a heartbroken person. The bar-tender was there to take his order in a flash. Seeing Dylan''s face, his eyes widened momentarily before he composed himself.


    Dylan''s eyes were glued at the rows of colorful alcohol bottles lined behind the bar-tender as he absentmindedly gave his order, "One ice-cold Martini... Stirred no shaken." The bartender nodded his head turned around to get his drink.


    As his drink was served, Dylan didn''t immediately drink it. His eyes observed the crystal clear drink for a long moment without making any attempt to drink it. With his index finger, he stirred the olive on a stick and in his trance-like state he failed to notice that someone occupied the bar high chair beside him.


    And that''s why he was startled when a hand was placed on his shoulder, "I wonder what our Didi is guilty over." Dylan looked at his best friend''s face and stayed quiet as Darren continued, "Didi would never invite me for a drink during the day unless... He did something he wasn''t supposed to do."


    Dylan gulped down his suave sophisticated ice-cold Martini in a hurry without even savoring the taste of gin or vermouth. The burning sensation which his throat felt was evident on his face as well. He popped the olive in his mouth and looked anywhere but at Darren. His hasty actions even further confirmed that he was guilt-ridden.


    Lifting his hand slightly, Darren beckoned the bartender and said, "Refill for him and I''ll take a bourbon whiskey. Neat." He emphasized on his last word before looking at Dylan to ask, "Now, why don''t you spill the beans already. I promise not to kill you."


    Dylan mulled over his promise for a moment and shifted his body slightly to face Darren before speaking up, "I met Hu Shishi today."


    "I am supposed to care because...?" was Darren''s indifferent response as he held the glass of his drink. Straight bourbon whiskey was like a slap in the face for anyone''s taste buds but Darren knew he needed that slap badly. But for him, this slap would be for his senses.


    "She asked for my help," Dylan stated cautiously and seeing no changes in Darren''s expression he felt apprehensive inside since he couldn''t read Darren at all. "I did help her in some way," Dylan added but still found no changes in Darren. "In the heat of my anger, I told her that RX Studios is your company."


    Darren munched on some salted peanuts and nodded his head. "In the heat of my anger? This sounds oddly familiar." He tilted his head slightly to one side in a thoughtful manner as he spoke out, "Why does it sound so much like your biggest blunder back in college?"


    Dylan frowned at his words and thought about it only to widen his eyes when Darren spoke imitating his voice, "Don''t you remember barging into our apartment with a disheveled look only to tell me... ''Daz! I''m the biggest jerk! In the heat of my drunken stupor, I slept with my own friend''s sister. Just kill me already.'' Does it ring a bell for you, Didi?"


    Dylan wanted the ground to just open up, so he could bury himself. "Daz, why is your bloody memory so good? Why do you even remember that word for word? I''m talking about a serious matter right now."


    "Serious? What do you want me to do?" Darren asked straightforwardly. "Do you want me to yell at you? Beat you? What really do you want me to do?"


    "Do something. I''m feeling really stuffed up from the time, I disclosed that secret of yours." Dylan was having a really hard moment. He couldn''t just get it out of his mind no matter how much he tried to. It was Darren''s secret for his revenge plot, he didn''t know why he even said all that.


    Darren propped his elbow on the bar and supported the side of his face on his fist as he said, "It''s not easy to tick you off to the point where you''ll blurt out something in the heat of anger." Dylan''s eyes widened when he heard Darren''s speculation. "Didi, did Hu Shishi provoked you?"


    "How can I be provoked so easily?" Dylan replied with an awkward laugh trying to hide his discomfort.


    "Perhaps... She mentioned... Qiuqiu?" Dylan''s eyes became big when he heard Darren''s response.


    Getting over the ache in his heart, Dylan retorted, "Are you a worm in my stomach? Or a mind reader? Why do you know me so well? Can''t there be a possibility that I was provoked just to see Hu Shishi''s annoying face?"


    Darren shook his head in negation. "Your desperation for Qiuqiu is far more than your hatred for Hu Shishi," Darren stated with conviction.


    Dylan didn''t want to comment on that statement. He didn''t know-how. To change the topic, he said, "Wouldn''t you like to hear what my E.A did to Hu Shishi? My anger was deflated in a minute."


    "Oh, really?" Darren sounded surprised. "I wonder what she did to make you look so excited."


    Dylan laughed out as he related the story of how Xiu ordered the expensive meal and then managed to make Hu Shishi a pathetic mess with the help of a dog. "I don''t know how her mind works. She actually used a huge Tibetan Mastiff. Can you imagine the scene?"


    "I certainly can''t. But I do like the sound of it," replied Darren with a small smile tugging on his lips.

 Chapter 85 - Flirting

    We often end up losing the track of time when we''re with friends. That''s what happened with Dylan and Darren as well. Both of them didn''t drink for long but they did end up at a restaurant for dinner.


    Suddenly, Darren''s phone beeped. He looked at the message before clicking on the link that forwarded him to a Weibo page. Seeing the content of the video, his brows quirked up ever so slightly.


    "Damn! I don''t even have to imagine that scene anymore. I can enjoy it in high definition," Darren really didn''t expect that he would be seeing this.


    "What?" Dylan asked swallowing his food since it was bad manners to talk while chewing.


    Darren turned the screen of his phone towards Dylan and the latter almost knocked the glass of water down. The video playing on the phone screen was Hu Shishi''s live pathetic act that he had experienced first-hand today. The video started from the moment she stepped out of the restaurant looking sassy, obstinate and arrogant.


    From that look to rolling on the ground with a huge dog on her was really something... Funny. Dylan got the chance to laugh again as he relived the moment. But realizing something he said, "Where did this come from?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly as he replied, "Paige sent me the link. But the Weibo page belongs to a famous paparazzi. Maybe, the paparazzi was following Hu Shishi and finally managed to shoot this."


    Although Darren''s explanation seemed reasonable, Dylan wasn''t convinced. He had a doubt in his heart for some reason. The angle and position of the camera seemed like it was in the direction of his own car. But in his car, only Xiu was with him and for Dylan, Xiu wouldn''t do it since she had no reason to go this far at all.


    "What''s the use? PassionArts Entertainment is gonna use money to drop this video," Dylan spoke bitterly and with discontent evident on his face.


    "They can do whatever they want, how can I let go of such an amazing chance?" Seeing Darren''s ice-cold smile he rubbed his hands together.


    "What are you planning now? It''s already giving me the chills." Dylan shivered involuntarily.


    "The video is becoming a hot topic and it''ll stay that way until I say so. I already asked Paige to work on that," stated Darren offhandedly.


    "Why? How is it beneficial to you?"


    Darren placed his fork and knife down and intertwined his fingers together as he looked at Dylan. "Do you really think Hu Shishi loves her cousin so much to come and actually beg to you?" Dylan shook his head without even thinking. Hu Shishi was a self-obsessed person how could she be selfless? "Then why do you think she came to you?" Dylan thought about it and shrugged his shoulders. "Hu Shishi is the best candidate for PassionArts Entertainment''s next CEO. Half of the board is in her favor because of her tricks. She wanted to use her cousin as a shield to save her own position since the Flick City project was under her supervision."


    "That makes more sense now," said Dylan as he looked at Darren with admiration in his eyes. He was about to speak when the screen of Darren''s phone lit up again and Darren raised his hand to stop Dylan.


    Darren unlocked his phone and read the message which came from Xiu.


    Sweets : ''Howdie neighbor! I need your expert advice.''


    Darren instantly typed back the message, ''How can I help you, Sweets?''


    The reply came even before he could place his phone back on the table. This time there was a photo attached.


    Sweets : ''McSpicy, what do you think? If you''re really really really happy, which one would you choose? Breezer or Beer?''


    A smile tugged at his lips which bedazzled the best friend sitting opposite him. Dylan almost spurted out the water in his mouth when he noticed the arc of his lips. And it wasn''t even cold or sinister. The smile looked rather sincere and warm.


    Darren replied, '' Do you want me to be honest? Or am I allowed to lie?''


    Sweets : ''Let''s be honest.''


    Darren : ''Then honestly speaking, if I''m really really really happy, I''d go for a sober night.''


    Sweets : *shocked face emoji* ''That''s not an option tonight! Please, help. I''m either allowed two cans of beer or Breezer. Isn''t that unfair?''


    Darren : ''Oh, so tonight there is no wine o''clock?''


    Sweets : ''Nah! Tonight, it''ll be beer o''clock.''


    Darren stifled his laughter as he typed, ''Oo! You liar! You do remember what happened on Friday night.''


    Xiu covered her mouth with her hand and typed back, ''I don''t know what you''re talking about. My beer is waiting for me. Bye!''


    Dylan''s suspicion wasn''t wrong, it was indeed Xiu who had filmed Hu Shishi''s embarrassment just the way she once did to Xiu. A tooth for a tooth. So, an online embarrassment should also be returned the same way, right?


    Xiu had used Neil''s account to send the video to a paparazzi she was familiar with in her previous life. The reason she chose that specific paparazzi was that Hu Shishi had a huge beef with her. And since she was looking really happy, Nora allowed her to drink either Breezer or Beer.


    But Xiu was never fond of choosing. She always got confused and that''s why she decided to take a third person''s opinion which happened to be Darren.


    When she hastily said bye, Darren chuckled at her response and sent a text message.


    Xiu looked at the phone screen to find a new message from McSpicy and hesitatingly clicked it open.


    McSpicy : ''Don''t drink too much. Having blacked out drunk nights is really no fun.''


    Xiu smiled slightly and answered, ''What are you talking about? Drunken mistakes are the best ones. Wanna try sometime?''


    McSpicy : ''If I didn''t know any better I might have thought that you''re flirting with me.''


    Sweets : ''What if I am?''


    After pressing the send button, Xiu looked at her phone with a horrified look. What did she do? Why? Why was she saying all that? What would he think? Xiu slammed her head lightly on the tabletop startling both Nora and Neil who looked at her strangely.


    Meanwhile, Darren was in a trance when he read her reply. ''What if I am?'' Did it bother him? No... Not really. But...


    He shook his head and typed a few words before deciding not to reply. Because whatever he replied might make this situation a little awkward. He didn''t know whether Xiu was joking or not but he wasn''t gonna joke around with her. He could see how beautiful her heart was, he didn''t want to hurt that heart in any way.

 Chapter 86 - Attraction & As.e.x.u.a.lity

    By four twenty o''clock in the afternoon, Xiu was tired as she let out a groan and arched her aching back. She had spent the whole day sitting in the same position going through piles of doc.u.ments. Oddly, Dylan hadn''t called for her in his office after lunch hours. And staring at the computer screen, her eyes were too dry and her hands were stiff.


    Bending over, she reached for the inside of her purse and retrieved a bottled lotion. Rubbing her hands together to blend the lotion, she was lost in thoughts again.


    It was Friday again and she hadn''t heard from Darren since the day she sent him that stupid text. He hadn''t been home as well and Xiu didn''t know whether she was feeling at ease to know that he wasn''t around or bothered. All she knew was that something in her wasn''t feeling right. Would it even make sense if she said that she got too comfortable around him too soon?


    Even in the morning, seeing Xiu''s dispirited face, Nora had questioned her, "What''s bothering you?"


    "Nothing..." Xiu had replied absentmindedly but suddenly changed her words. "Actually, Nora, do you know why our neighbor is missing?"


    Nora had smiled in a knowing manner at her and asked, "Why don''t you just text him to ask?"


    Xiu had indeed picked up her phone to type the text but gave up. She didn''t know why she was curious. He was just a neighbor and yes, she could call him a friend but they weren''t that close.


    "No, I shouldn''t..." Xiu placed her phone back on the table and drank her soy milk.


    "Baby Xiu''er, what do you think about Darren?" asked Nora observing Xiu''s expressions.


    "What do you mean?" Nora couldn''t tell whether Xiu was really that ignorant about her question or was she pretending.


    "I mean, Darren is a really decent guy... Don''t you feel any attraction towards him?"


    Xiu coughed as she heard Nora''s words. She drank a mouthful of water and calmed herself. "Nora, haven''t you heard? The attraction is temporary love. Yes, good looks do catch one''s eyes. And with Darren''s looks, I was almost starstruck. But that''s all."


    Nora drank her smoothie with her eyes on Xiu''s face which had a ruddy touch to it now. "Baby Xiu," Xiu looked at Nora as she continued, "The attraction is temporary love but love is the permanent attraction. Good looks catch one''s eyes but good personalities capture your heart. I believe Darren has both good looks and a great personality if one is willing to look over his sharp tongue."


    Xiu couldn''t help but chuckle at her last sentence. His sharp tongue? That surely needed some getting used to. But Xiu couldn''t deny the other traits as well.


    "Aren''t you attractive to him then?" Xiu questioned Nora in response instead of answering.


    Nora stayed quiet for a long moment and with each ticking second, Xiu''s heart felt apprehensive. For some reason, she didn''t want Nora to be attracted to him. The idea made her feel sad and frustrated along with the suffocation she felt in her chest.


    Nora flicked her forehead making her scowl and said, "Baby Xiu''er, Darren is the kind of guy one would take home to meet with parents. And I''m Nora Cartwright, I have never dated anyone decent in my life. In a way, he''s way out of my league."


    "Nora, you''re the perfect combination of beauty and brain. You have social skills and a sassy personality. In a way, you''re the kind of person who attracts people towards herself. If an amazing person like you finds him out of her league, then how can an imperfect person like myself can have a crush on him?" Xiu was feeling dejected as she said that but she didn''t want to lie to herself. She really felt that Darren was too good for herself.


    Nora poked her temple and went on, "Sheesh! You dumb girl! Have some confidence in your own self. Physical attraction is common, there is nothing wrong with having it. In fact, it actually gives me the comfort that you''re not as.e.x.u.a.l."


    "You thought I''m as.e.x.u.a.l?" Xiu looked at her with a horrified look.


    "Yes. You''re at the peak years of your life and you''re not willing to date. Forget dating, at this point, I want to hire a damn escort to accompany you." Xiu crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive manner. "Relax, I won''t do it though. I just want you to give this attraction towards Darren a chance."


    "How am I supposed to do that?" Xiu asked cautiously.


    "Hmmm... Try kissing him. If it feels right then let yourself go. And if it doesn''t feel right, then you''ll have a final answer to walk away."


    "Kiss him to figure out my own feelings?" Xiu had a complicated look.


    "Get over your 90''s mentality. It''s just kissing, it won''t taint your damn pure soul." Xiu pursed her lips tightly at being taunted this way.


    Coming back to the present...


    Xiu was really contemplating her words in her mind. She would be lying to herself if she denied the attraction she had for Darren but she was scared of the strange connection that she felt with him. As if a magnetic pull was bringing them close. She was scared that if she kissed him and it felt real and right, she would never be able to walk away.


    One might say that as she chose suicide, she must have locked her heart for love. Actually, she did. That''s why she didn''t feel the need to date anyone in these years. But with Darren''s entrance in her life, she wasn''t sure of her own self anymore.


    She knew this was a physical attraction at this point but as Nora had told her, physical attraction was enough for some relationsh.i.p.s. At least, it was a chance for her to realize that it was time to move on. It was her chance to move on from the past. To break all that linked her to Chen Xiu.


    "Ms. Bai!"


    As she heard someone calling her, Xiu was startled awake and glanced towards her cabin door to find her colleague.


    "Is there something you need, Mr. Yao?" Xiu inquired looking at his face.


    "Please, you can call me Yao Tianyu," he insisted and added, "And we''re going out for dinner tonight. So, I came to ask if you''d like to join us?"


    "Dinner?" Xiu asked arching her brow at him.


    "Yes. Since the time new people joined our department, we didn''t get a chance to have a proper welcome. So, we thought we should go out for dinner."


    Xiu looked at Yao Tianyu''s face for a moment longer. He was the only one beside Ms. Li who was consistent in Dylan''s secretarial department for three years since the time Dylan became the CEO. She pondered over this invitation and since her own thoughts were running wild, she decided to just agree.


    "Okay. Let''s have dinner then."


    Yao Tianyu smiled at her reply and telling her the time, he left her alone in her office. Xiu looked at her wristwatch and noticed she still had a couple of hours. Stretching her arms, and neck, Xiu shook away all the thoughts out of her mind and focused back on work.

 Chapter 87 - Dull Heartache

    Around five-thirty o''clock, Xiu organized the things on her desk and turned off the desktop computer. She had just collected her things when the landline on her desk rang. With a dissatisfied frown, Xiu picked up the receiver and held it against her ear.


    Before she could say anything, the voice from the other side sent a wave of astonishment through her whole body.


    "Hello, can you speak to Mr. Qiu?"


    That voice...


    She stood motionless while her brain stuttered. Every single part of her felt like someone had put her on a pause mode. She couldn''t feel anything except for a dull ache in her heart. Her eyes and mouth were frozen wide open in an expression of stunned shock.


    There were a million things running through her nervous system and yet she couldn''t even utter a single word. It was like someone had a hold on her body. An invisible shadow that had caged her in his arms.


    Even though she recognized that voice clearly. She always did. But right now, she chose to be in disbelief. Being in denial was better than being in grief.


    "May I know who''s speaking?" The words had slipped out of her mouth before she could even stop herself. Why was that? Why was it necessary for her to confirm his identity? She knew his identity. She knew it better than anyone. Or at least, she had the delusion that she knew him better.


    She vaguely remembered that she heard the person''s reply. She heard the name which was etched in her memory for too long now. She heard the name which brought out the memory of her broken heart.


    "I''m Zhou Jinhai..."


    Xiu thought she would cry or break down if he ever came before her again. But why was it that even hearing his voice, all she felt was a dull pain which slowly turned into numbness? There were no tears. She didn''t feel like crying at all. Why was it that all he reminded her of was the painful nights she spent crying and the wrenching days, she spent trying to hide her tears behind a fake smile? And it also reminded her that she had wasted enough tears on him.


    "Mr. Qiu has left the office," replied Xiu in a haste and hung up the call before she could hear that soft and yet silvery voice. Hearing it once had invoked a strange feeling in her as if a noose had tightened around her neck.


    She fell back on her chair and leaned her head back as she closed her eyes. The first moment she had heard that voice and that name, she remembered it vividly to this day.


    *Flashback*


    At the peak of her age and her career, Chen Xiu was envied by many. Even within the company, her competition was tough. However, the critics used to say that Chen Xiu was unbeatable. People could imitate her but the perfection of a character could never be imitated like Chen Xiu.


    But even being the superstar, Chen Xiu was considered a very gentle and humble person. It wasn''t an image she had made, Chen Xiu was a gentle and humble person. She wouldn''t get angry easily but when she did, she wouldn''t hold back either.


    That anger was the reason, she had first met him. She was going to meet the new CEO and on her way, someone bumped into her. Because she was wearing a long gown, her dress came under her heel and she lost her balance.


    The man before her extended his hands and like any other person, she tried to hold it. But to her dismay, that idiot had actually extended his hand to catch a toy. A stupid toy was given importance over her and she had landed straight on her buttock.


    "Thank goodness, you''re okay," she heard him say and glared at him while groaning in pain.


    "How am I okay? My whole body is hurting!" She shouted at him in rage.


    Finally, the man noticed the girl sitting on the floor and pursed his lips before saying, "I wasn''t talking about you."


    With the help of the couch by her side, Xiu managed to stand on her feet and pointed at him, "You! This stupid toy car is more important than my life?"


    "It''s not a toy..." Seeing how Xiu narrowed her eyes at his words, he cleared his throat and said, "Oh, you''re Chen Xiu, right?"


    "So what if I am?" She retorted still staring daggers at him.


    The look on his face turned soft as he smiled at her and said, "You''re prettier in person."


    "What?" Xiu was dumbfounded by his remark. Was he seriously choosing this moment to compliment her? After what he did, he still had the cheek to say that?


    He leaned over to look straight into her eyes and grinned widely. "You''re even adorable when you''re angry."


    "Are you seriously hitting on me right now?"


    His soft brown eyes roamed all over her face making her frown. She even took a step back but because of the couch behind her, she couldn''t move any further.


    "Right, I should hit on you in a proper way. I''m Zhou Jinhai. Nice meeting you in person, Goddes Xiu," he extended his hand towards her.


    Xiu eyed his fair-skinned hand with a strange expression. But she didn''t shake it. Instead, she slapped his hand away saying, "What am I supposed to do with your name? You still haven''t even apologized!"


    Before he could reply, they heard his secretary''s voice, "CEO Zhou, you have a meeting with the executives in fifteen minutes." He nodded his head in acknowledgment and waved her off.


    Xiu''s eyes became bigger only slightly as she questioned, "You''re the new CEO?"


    He nodded and said, "Do you still need that apology?"


    "Yes, I do. But I feel like I won''t be getting any from a snob like you who thinks a toy is important than a human," saying that she purposely bumped into his side and walked off leaving him standing there... Flabbergasted and lovestruck.


    *End of Flashback*


    Xiu opened her eyes and took her purse to leave the office. If she could, she would really erase that first meeting from not just her memory but also her life.


    "Sorry for making you all wait," seeing her co-workers waiting for her, Xiu apologized sincerely. She felt bad for making them wait just because she wasn''t in her right state of mind.


    "It''s all right, Ms. Bai. You''re always working anyway. Let''s get going now," another female employee named Gu Luli from the department said and smiled at Xiu.


    Xiu was grateful for their understanding and left the office building along with them.

 Chapter 88 - Sick Of It

    Have you ever gotten to a junction of life where life forced you to wonder; Wonder how different life could have been if that ''one thing'' didn''t happen? If you had chosen to take the left turn instead of the right one? What if you hadn''t met that one person? Could anything really be different today? Or was it just our wishful thinking?


    Xiu wouldn''t lie, she had cried all her tears because of that one moment. The moment she had fallen in love with Zhou Jinhai. It hurt her to a point of no return and yet, she was stubborn about being a strong person. She was that stubborn and solid person, who wiped her own tears knowing no one else will and went along with the day like any normal person.


    Fate seemed to be playing an elaborated joke with her. She was supposed to start over. She had just decided to give her heart another chance. But with a single phone call, she was sucked back into that past she despised. As they say, wherever you go, whatever you do, past will always follow you.


    Xiu slammed her chopsticks down on the table startling all her colleagues who were engrossed in their own gossips. Xiu had stayed quiet all this while. Even though her body was with them, her mind wasn''t. But no more!


    The shadow of Chen Xiu''s past of bitter memories... Xiu would never let it ruin Bai Xiu''s present. Under the curious and strange gazes of her colleagues, Xiu placed her hand over her heart, ''Right. I''m Bai Xiu. How can I let Bai Xiu''s heart beat for the same rotten, cheap, brainless, heartless ignorant? No! I can''t let that happen! I won''t let that happen! As Blair Waldorf once said, "We can''t let the men of our past define us." 1 ''


    Xiu finally noticed the weird looks she was receiving and smiled awkwardly. "Let me pour you a drink," Gu Lili offered and Xiu nodded in return readily to get over this moment of awkwardness.


    "Ms. Bai, you''ve been quite famous in the company since you joined," Yao Tianyu started the conversation to involve Xiu noticing how distant she was.


    "Really? Are you sure the word you''re looking for is not ''notorious'' instead of ''famous''?" Yao Tianyu ended up coughing at her indifferent remark. With just one answer, he managed to somewhat understand Xiu''s personality and decided to stay quiet. However, some people were classic examples of ignorants.


    "I heard you''ve been named ''Heartless Witch''. How many hearts did you break to get that title?"


    "Oh, there was another name of ''Pompous Demotivator''. You seem quite experienced in raining on other''s parades."


    "Some people say Ms. Bai is too full of herself and never gives a face to others."


    This trio of Fu Suyin, Liu Jinjing and Wang Hualing were the same girls who were punished by Dylan earlier in the week. But seeing them being so gossipy here again, Xiu could only smile which didn''t even look like a smile. Some people never learn their lessons. It was her own mistake for expecting to have a quiet dinner.


    Xiu gulped down her glass of Baiju and turned to face them as she spoke, "Why don''t you be honest? Just be straightforward and say that I am notorious as a crazy bitch. Yes, I broke plenty of hearts but what can I do, I was given an opportunity to do so. Didn''t you get a chance to break a couple of hearts?"


    Let''s call the trio of gossipy girls were shocked since that''s exactly what they had heard about Xiu from others. It was completely unexpected to see that Xiu wasn''t even the least bit affected by their words. Instead, she was attacking them so blatantly.


    "I''d rather hear you say that on my face than behind my back," Xiu wasn''t done yet. Her temper meter was high tonight and she had to get it down in some way. Why not just do it by seeing those shocked and amusing faces of her nosy colleagues. Getting on others'' nerves had its own perks and quirks. "Because if you say it on my face, I''ll forget you. But if you say it behind my back... I hold grudges like no other since I''m full of myself. And I do love not giving faces to others."


    Seeing the weird atmosphere, He Fang who had been quiet all along spoke up, "Ms. Bai is too honest with her feelings and words. Now I know why someone like Dylan Qiu has you as his E.A."


    "Mr. He is talking as if you know our boss very well." Xiu retorted giving him a fleeting glance.


    He Fang gave her a sincere smile and said, "You can say something like that. But it seems like we''ll be having a good time working together. A person like you is hard to come by."


    "Person like me?" Xiu questioned him again.


    He Fang leaned close to her side and whispered, "Someone who doesn''t know how to flatter others. With your headstrong nature, I think it''s a wonder that you managed to stay in the company for three years. However, it''s also inspirational."


    Xiu didn''t mind his words. He wasn''t like others at the table having an agenda of their own. He seemed too simple. So simple that one might overlook his presence. But he still managed to give others a feeling of belonging and trust.


    Gu Luli also joined their conversation and said, "Ms. Bai, you already have enough people who hates you in the company. Do you have to make some new enemies?"


    Xiu smiled at her said, "It''s in human nature to hate something that they can''t have or to hate someone who they can''t become. If I can''t make them love me, isn''t it better to let them hate me all they want." With a sly smile, she added, "But I find it more fun if that hates come from fear."


    Both Gu Luli and He Fang shook their heads and said simultaneously, "Ms. Li was right about you. You''re not a simple character."


    Xiu frowned, not knowing what they meant but still shrugged her shoulders and raised her glass towards them saying, "Cheers?"


    "Cheers!" The three of them clank their glasses together.


    Xiu''s eyes roamed all around the table looking at each person. She never liked company dinners because she always felt out of place. However, a lion should know it''s territory and its people. Right now, this was just a way for Xiu to see what kind of people, she was working with.


    And this one dinner was enough for her to tell, whom to be wary of and whom to befriend. Argh! Why does every profession have its own politics? She was sick of it. A quote from the famous American show: Gossip Girl.

 Chapter 89 - His Rose

    -Xi''an International Airport-


    The huge airport couldn''t lose from the city''s biggest shopping mall in any sense. The tiles under Dylan''s feet gleamed white and spotless. People were milling around the terminal''s door. Dylan looked up at the plasma screens of arrivals on the wall and checked the time on his wristwatch.


    Seeing how he was early, he decided to lounge on one of the low comfy chairs to wait. Normally, he wouldn''t leave his office this early but today he had to. Plugging in his Airpods, Dylan blasted the music to escape from the cacophony of noises.


    His attention was on reading business news on his phone before he opened his itinerary to see if he had anything planned for the weekend. "Lunch with mom?" His brows arched up slightly as he read his tomorrow''s plans. He really hoped it wasn''t about another blind date.


    A pair of white sneakers came into his line of sight and as he lifted his eyes, he was met with his best friend''s gray orbs. Dylan smiled widely as he stood up and almost jumped to hug Darren. "Daz! My Dazi! I missed you!"


    Darren pushed him off his body and said, "What are you doing here? Didn''t I tell you I''ll call my driver?"


    "Aren''t you happy to see me instead?"


    Darren nodded and threw his backpack towards Dylan which he easily caught and said, "Let''s go now. I''m tired."


    "Yes, boss!" Dylan replied and they both walked off in the direction of Dylan''s car. As they both settled in, Dylan asked, "How was Xia Capital?"


    Darren stayed quiet in reply for a moment before saying, "Same as it has been for a while. Unbearable and suffocating." The capital was a place which once made him feel alive and now, all he felt was dead inside. The capital held his worst and best memories. Somehow, he just couldn''t overlook the worst ones to cherish the best ones.


    Dylan looked at him through his peripheral vision and said, "I need your help." Darren looked at him with a questioning gaze and he went on, "Let me stay at your place for a couple of days."


    "Why?"


    "Didn''t you hear? I have a little invader in my house. I feel like an outsider in my own place these days. That little monster is really annoying."


    At Dylan''s reply, Darren didn''t question since he knew who had been giving a headache to Dylan at his own place. "If you''re comfortable with the ghosts of my place, then you''re most welcome to be our guest," replied Darren with a straight face.


    "You''re just messing with me, right? There are no actual ghosts, right?" Dylan asked while trying to keep his inner fear from showing.


    "Maybe... Maybe not," was Darren''s vague reply in a very thought-provoking tone.


    Dylan took a deep breath and trained his eyes on the road. The ride to Darren''s place was a silent one after that. They both didn''t talk. Darren because he was tired and Dylan because he didn''t want to disturb Darren. Dylan parked the car outside Darren''s apartment building and helped him with his light luggage.


    Seeing how sad Darren was looking, Dylan suggested, "Dazi! How about a bro''s night out?" Darren stopped walking and as Dylan caught up with him, he noticed Darren''s eyes were focused in a certain direction. "Why did you sto-?" Dylan''s words were stuck in his throat as he followed Darren''s gaze.


    A man had been standing outside the electronic glass doors with a cigarette between his lips. Seeing Dylan and Darren, he put out his cigarette and walked in their direction.


    "Hello, old friends!"


    Hearing that greeting, Darren''s hands clenched into fists as he gnashed his teeth in fury. Noticing the way, Darren''s eyes were shooting cold daggers at the other person, Dylan held his clenched fists in his own hand and patted Darren''s shoulder.


    "Don''t punch him," Dylan had just spoken when Darren shot the damn caution out the window and threw a punch right on his jaw. "Aiyaya! I said don''t punch him." Turning towards the man who was holding his jaw with his hand, he said, "Jinhai, what the hell are you doing here?"


    Zhou Jinhai straightened up and rubbed the side of his jaw. He looked at Darren''s hard expression and said, "I was curious. Curious to know why an old friend is so determined to destroy me."


    "It''s not possible that you just came all the way from Capital because of your curiosity," claimed Dylan in a knowing manner.


    "Don''t talk like that Didi, I might assume we are still friends," replied Zhou Jinhai with a woeful expression.


    "If we are not friends, then don''t call me Didi as well."


    Zhou Jinhai''s eyes were still looking at Darren but Dylan was coming between them like a wall. Dylan knew what kind of a battle was gonna start here if he moved. Darren had been fighting a battle of anger within himself daily and seeing Zhou Jinhai, Dylan was certain that Darren was gonna lose this battle with his own buried rage.


    "Regan Darren Salvay... I have a single question for you. Why?"


    Darren pushed Dylan aside and looked into Zhou Jinhai''s eyes as he answered, "You had a beautiful rose in your life." Zhou Jinhai''s brows furrowed as Darren spoke slowly, "A rose full of life and love. The rose wilted in your garden because you didn''t give it the attention and love it needed even though that rose gave you all that it had; its pleasant scent to its calming touch."


    Darren poked at his chest in an aggressive manner and snorted, "Because of you, the withered rose disseminated and dwindled into nothingness. And you''re still asking, why?"


    Darren''s eyes held pain and rage along with disappointment. He wasn''t angry with the world, he was angry with himself. For Zhou Jinhai, all he had was a disappointment and nothing else. He was disappointed because Zhou Jinhai couldn''t cherish or protect the person he once said he loved.


    Because of him, Darren lost the girl who was just like her name; beautiful like the break of dawn. Until now, Zhou Jinhai didn''t even realize that Darren had been talking about Chen Xiu. But the look in Darren''s eyes had shaken Zhou Jinhai.

 Chapter 90 - Oopsie, Sorry!

    Zhou Jinhai''s eyes drooped down as he contemplated Darren''s words in his mind. His mind somehow realized which rose had dwindled in his life but his heart wasn''t accepting it. If he accepted, his world will collide once again.


    "Are you talking about... Chen... Chen Xiu?" He stuttered to complete his question. As if he couldn''t bring himself to even say her name. As if it was too painful to even remember that name.


    "HEOL! You do remember her name. That''s a shocker," Darren snickered with contempt making Zhou Jinhai curl his fingers into his palm. "Do you know how much I envied you because of her?" Zhou Jinhai raised his brow in surprise. "But now, I pity you. I really do."


    "Daz, let''s stop here." Dylan tried to stop Darren since he could see how Darren was hurting himself along with Zhou Jinhai.


    Darren, however, didn''t listen to him as he added, "Jin Ge, I only lost the person who gave me a second chance at life. You..." He laughed with no humor as he went on, "You lost that one person who loved you with all her heart. With all she was. Doesn''t that make you the most pitiful person between us? I never had anything but you always did. You had everything. Perhaps, that''s why you didn''t know how to cherish her."


    Zhou Jinhai took off his spectacles and rubbed his eyes. It seemed like he was trying to massage his tiredness away but how could Dylan and Darren be fooled so easily? They knew Zhou Jinhai was trying to hide his tears from them.


    Putting his spectacles back on, Zhou Jinhai placed his hand on Darren''s shoulder and said, "You''re right. I had everything. I took it all from you after all. Today, I realized I even took Xiu from you. Do you really have to make me hate myself to that extent?"


    "Yes. I do. I never questioned you for anything. But... I''ll never stop questioning you for her death. It wasn''t a suicide. You and everyone around you pushed Ah-Xiu from that balcony. I won''t let this go. Ever." Darren spoke without holding back at all.


    Zhou Jinhai had a sad smile on his face as he said, "I set her free back then. That was the only way I knew to save her."


    Darren shoved his shoulder saying, "Stop fooling yourself. All she wanted was to hold your hand. She went through all that because you were holding her hand. But the moment you abandoned her and stopped being her support, she gave up. You still don''t even realize how desperately she wanted to hold your hand."


    The rims of Darren''s eyes had reddened as he bit his tongue to hold back his tears. To be honest, this battle of revenge was the most difficult for Darren himself. On one side was the girl he loved wholeheartedly and on the other side was Zhou Jinhai. Describing Zhou Jinhai and Darren''s relation couldn''t be done in a few words.


    They both had defied the norms of society to keep their friendship and brotherhood. Even when they fell apart, they didn''t stop caring for each other. But the death of Chen Xiu managed to stand like an unbreakable wall between them.


    Seeing Darren like this, Zhou Jinhai finally realized something. He didn''t just break Chen Xiu back then. He ended up breaking Darren as well. His heart shook violently at this realization. One left the world because of him and the other was living like a dead person. He really wished to ask Darren, ''Just how much did you love Chen Xiu?'' but he couldn''t bring out the words. The words got stuck in his throat just like his emotions that had choked up.


    There seemed to have come a moment of stalemate. It wasn''t that none of them had anything to say. It was more like none of them wished to speak anymore. This awkward silence was broken when Darren''s cellphone rang. Seeing the caller id, he was surprised as he attended the call, "Hello!"


    "Hello to you too, Mr. Invisible!" Xiu''s slurred words were heard from the other side. Hearing her voice, Darren was left dumbfounded for some reason unknown to himself. Xiu waited for a minute before tapping on the mic, "Yah! Where are you? Why aren''t you talking? Don''t like my voice now?"


    Darren darted out his tongue to stroke his lips and asked, "Did you drink?"


    "Oh, that... Hehe... I was at the company dinner. Had a couple of shots of Baiju." Xiu answered before hiccuping and saying, "Oopsie! Sorry!" and laughed again like a lunatic.


    Darren held his forehead with his hand and asked, "Where are you?"


    "Me? Mmm..." Xiu took a while as if to think before replying, "I''m on the bus. But my stop is not coming. I think the driver is planning on kidnapping me."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her kidnapping drama again. Just how imaginative was her mind to always think that she was being kidnapped? However, he knew drunk Xiu was like a child. Saying anything would only worsen the situation.


    He looked up to find two curious pairs of eyes on himself and put the phone on mute before saying, "Didi, you can go back now and please take him with you or the next punch won''t be as light as the last one." With that, Darren walked off in the opposite direction.


    Looking in the direction he left, Zhou Jinhai asked, "He hates me, right?"


    Dylan didn''t want to talk but he still replied, "No. Even if he wants to, he can''t hate you. That''s the biggest dilemma of his life right now. Daz can never hate you but likewise, he can''t bring himself to forgive you as well. So, he just pretends to hate you."


    "How far is he willing to go to avenge Chen Xiu?" Zhou Jinhai asked with a complicated gaze.


    "He tried to bury himself with my Goddess Xiu," said Dylan making Zhou Jinhai look at him in shock as he continued, "How far do you think he is willing to go?"

 Chapter 91 - I Came For You

    Xiu''s placed her one side of the face against the cold glass window and had the phone on the other side. Her hot face felt a cooling sensation from the glass which kept her awake. There was long silence from the other side which made her pout as she questioned, "Why aren''t you talking?"


    "Sweets, look out the window," she heard his reply in a breathless voice. Xiu frowned and looked outside to find him standing at the bus stop. He waved his hand at her and asked, "Aren''t you getting off?"


    "What are you doing here?" She asked absentmindedly. Why she needed the answer? She couldn''t tell. But her mind and heart, both needed to hear his reply.


    "Obviously, I came to take you home," he replied with an attempt to smile at her. Even in Xiu''s half-drunken state, she could tell that he looked sad but why was it that his presence made all her sadness go away?


    The bus started again and Xiu got up shouting, "Uncle, stop the bus. This is my stop." Apologizing for the delay, she ran off the bus and came to stand right before Darren. "You really came for me?"


    Darren couldn''t understand the sparkle in her eyes but he nodded as he said, "Yes. I came for you. How have you been, Sweets?"


    Tears had pooled up in her eyes as she laughed. Her feelings were in a mess earlier. But not anymore. She had felt a noose tightening around her neck when she heard Zhou Jinhai''s voice but seeing Darren, it had loosened up on its own. The cold numbness in her heart was replaced with a warm and cozy feeling. Where it came from? She didn''t know at all.


    She always felt that there was a chain around her ankles holding her back. Linking her to her past. But when he said, ''I came for you.'' Xiu felt like breaking free from it. And she did as if that invisible chain shattered, and Xiu jumped up wrapping her arms around Darren''s neck taking him by surprise.


    On instinct, Darren had lifted his arms but put them back by his sides. Xiu sniffled and spoke, "I can''t even remember the last time someone came running for me. Perhaps, because no one ever did."


    She pulled away from him and laughed with tears trickling down her face. Darren didn''t know whether she was happy or sad? Or both at the same time? He had earlier questioned himself why he got worried knowing that she was drunk and alone on the bus. But now he didn''t want to question himself anymore.


    Not all questions necessarily had an answer. Some questions should be left as they are. Only time could answer them. Just like his feelings right now which he didn''t know how to define.


    He wiped her tears with his thumb and said, "You look ugly." Xiu slapped his face making him gape at her in surprise and disbelief. He held his hand against his cheek where she just struck and not lightly either. "Do you have to slap for such a small matter?"


    Xiu raised her hand again and he took a step back. In the end, Xiu hit his chest repeatedly as she whined, "It was such a harmless joke. Did you have to vanish just because of a text? Do you know how anxious I was thinking that I might have ruined our friendship? How can you not even text me back?"


    Darren held her wrists to stop the assault and said, "Listen to me."


    "Why should I?" Xiu tried to squirm her wrists out of his wrists but it didn''t work. She lifted her leg and Darren had to catch it between his own legs while she scowled. "Even if I was flirting, does the idea sound so bad that you disappeared for three days? No text, no calls. Even neighbors should have some sense of propriety. I never thought you''re this irresponsible!"


    Darren stared at her face while she went on and on and on without a single break in between. Her attention was on venting and his attention was how cute she seemed during this outburst. He was really feeling the void of Chen Xiu badly tonight. Why was this little friend of his making him feel so weird?


    He chuckled at her outburst and let her go. Even though his laughter turned into tears, he couldn''t stop himself. He just couldn''t stop laughing. As for why he laughed, he didn''t know. He really didn''t know.


    "Are you seriously laughing at me right now?" Xiu was dumbfounded at his laughter. He shook his head and wiped the tears that had escaped from his eyes and Xiu was left baffled. She held his hands and looked into his eyes with a childlike curiosity. "Why are you crying? Tell me, who dared to upset my friend. Xiu will fight for you. Just tell me."


    He smiled at her fighting pose and held her hand saying, "Aigoo! Little tigress, you don''t have to fight with anyone. The one who is making me cry is already gone."


    He had spoken the last words in barely a whisper but Xiu somehow managed to catch it as she patted his shoulder and said, "There is no use crying over spilled milk. If the person is gone, then it''s their bad. But if you''re holding yourself back for someone who''s gone, then that''s your bad."


    At this point, Darren couldn''t tell she was drunk or sober. Darren waved his hand before her eyes and asked, "How many fingers do you see?"


    Xiu opened her eyes wide and counted, "One... Two... Three... Four... There are four fingers." She grinned at him as she almost lost her balance and he had to hold her body up.


    "Definitely drunk," he mumbled and sighed out since he was only holding two fingers up and she counted four.


    What he didn''t notice was the way Xiu looked at him. There were no signs of intoxication in her eyes. Instead, her eyes were clear now as if she had woken up from a dream. It had taken her a wasted life to realize the value of words, she had said to him. If only she had the courage to accept and live with those words back then.


    As he helped her in walking, she asked again, "Why didn''t you reply?"

 Chapter 92 - Live Happily

    ''Why didn''t he reply?'' Darren thought about it all over again.


    He remembered what happened... When she texted, ''What if I am?'', he had placed his phone down without a reply but he picked it up again and typed, ''The idea doesn''t sound as bad as I thought it would.'' Reading his own reply, he wasn''t sure anymore and backspaced everything.


    He tried to type another reply, ''Am I supposed to be flattered?'' But this time as well, he hesitated before pressing the send button. While he was hesitating, Dylan had come up behind him and said, "I think both answers are good. Just hit the send button already."


    Darren glared at him and backspaced again before locking the screen. "Why did you stop flirting? It was going so smoothly," had said Dylan.


    Darren slapped his head and said, "I don''t want to hit on her."


    Dylan''s brows quirked up in surprise as he questioned, "Why not? In the past five years, you dated girls to fill the void in your heart and life. Although it didn''t work, still it''s worth a shot. If you can''t make it, just fake it."


    Darren didn''t refute his words but said, "She''s not someone I want to fill my life''s void with. She is a good friend."


    "Why? What''s so different about her?" asked Dylan seriously but also answered his own question, "Because she made you smile without even trying? Or because this neighbor managed to cross your walls of trust? What really is different about her?"


    "She..." Darren didn''t know how to say it. "She reminded me of Ah-Xiu at more than one point."


    "Ah! So, she''s my Goddess Xiu''s replacement?" Dylan didn''t say it like it was a question. His tone suggested it as a fact.


    Darren glared at him and warned, "Didi, Sweets is not anyone''s replacement. I don''t even look at her like that."


    Dylan shook his head at his friend and said, "Daz, if she''s not a replacement, then are you willing to replace Chen Xiu in your heart with this neighbor of yours?"


    Darren was dumbstruck at his question. He knew it was almost impossible to replace Chen Xiu in his heart or life but he never thought of using Bai Xiu as a replacement as well. Then what was going on? What answer was he supposed to give?


    "I have to leave for Capital. Bye!" Darren had left their conversation at that. But this left Dylan in a complicated situation as well.


    Now that Xiu had brought up the question again, he still had no reply. He made her sit on the bench outside the convenience store and went inside. When he came back, he had a sobering drink in his hand, he uncapped it and passed it to her saying, "Drink this and sober up. Then we''ll talk about it."


    Dangling her legs like a kid, she drank the whole bottle in one go. She scrunched up her nose adorably as she passed the empty bottle back to him. Sitting beside her, his eyes were trained on her face. "Gosh! You''re making me curious. And I really don''t want to be curious again."


    "Huh?" Xiu blinked her eyes at him inquisitively but he shook his head.


    "Come, I''ll take you home now. Sleep early, so you can wake up early," he tugged at her arm but she refused to budge.


    "Hajima!(Don''t!) The breeze is so fresh and light. I want to stay here. Mornings are boring anyway. I hate mornings." She held the side of the bench and shrank to a side.


    Darren sat beside her and placed his hand on her head in a gentle manner as he said, "Do you even realize how lucky you are to have a morning?" Xiu looked at him curiously as he went on, "Some people close the eyes at night and never even got a chance to open them again. And some get stuck with them in that night without closing their eyes."


    His heart was torn as he talked about this. Chen Xiu closed her eyes in a night and he got stuck in that night with her.


    Xiu held his arm with both of her hands and as he looked at her, she smiled, "Did someone close his eyes for good in your life?"


    Darren shook his head saying, "No. I was just giving a general example."


    Xiu leaned against his side and said, "You''re holding your tears back and that person is resting in peace. Isn''t that unfair? Happy endings are destined for fairytales. Reality doesn''t have a happy ending. This time, I learned that to live happily is a lot more important than a happy ending."


    "Sweets, where did you learn that from?" His views about her were ever so slightly changing. She was bold and yet shy in her own way. She was deep and yet pretended to be superficial. She was hurt and yet had a solid attitude to face this world. Wasn''t she too young to learn this much?


    Xiu looked into his eyes and replied, "It took me one death and two lives to get here."


    "What?" was his shocked and confused reply.


    Xiu laughed at his response and thought, ''Right. No matter how many times I tell the truth, no one will be crazy enough to believe that it really took me one death and two lives to get here.''


    "Forget it," she waved off and stood up looking at the sky. "There are so many stars in the sky."


    Darren also looked up but found not a single star because of the city lights that overshadowed the starlight. "There are no stars, Sweets."


    "Isn''t that my point? Even stars fall down, why can''t we?" ''Even stars on this Earth fall as well. Just like Chen Xiu did.'' She heaved a long sigh and said, "I want to be silly, crazy, weird, stupid and bold tonight." She looked at Darren and asked, "Will you help me?"


    "How?"


    Xiu stood before him and held both his shoulders saying, "Don''t disappear like before. I won''t remember this night anyway. So, don''t play the ghost game with me again."


    Darren reluctantly said, "Okay."


    His reply had just left his mouth when Xiu tip-toed and pressed her lips against his making his eyes widen in surprise.

 Chapter 93 - No Name Feelings

    When did Xiu become bold enough to do this, she didn''t know. But when she felt the chains in her heart breaking, she just knew she had to do something. And she did. She chose to kiss him.


    She chose to take a leap of faith or destiny. Whichever it was, she just knew that she had to do it. If not tonight, then when? If not now, then it''ll become never. So, kicking the caution out the window was the right thing to do for tonight. Besides, she still had a trump card of being drunk. This kiss wouldn''t hurt their friendship with that trump card.


    With that thought in mind, she had pressed her lips against his. The scent of his body was overwhelming and yet why did she find it addictive? As the tips of their nose touched, and she felt the warmth of his breath, she was breathless already.


    After a few seconds, she pulled away and averted her eyes from his face. It was a very quick peck on his lips but it was enough to start a spark. Darren was standing just like before with a dumbstruck look. He really couldn''t tell if it was his delusion or reality? If it was real then why did she do it? Why with him?


    Seeing her scratching her head, he asked, "Why? Why did you kiss me?"


    Xiu cleared her throat and replied, "Does every feeling has to have a name? Sometimes, we can just go with the flow. Right now, I felt like it and I did it. Don''t force me to overthink."


    Darren was stunned to hear her reply. Not every feeling had a name. Just like not every question had an answer. It seemed so simple then why was he making it so difficult? He felt lighthearted as he let all the thoughts in his mind to take a break.


    He pinched Xiu''s chin and lifted her face up to face him as said, "That''s not how people kiss. It was a very fleeting peck on the lips."


    Xiu pursed her lips as she shifted her irises to look heavenwards. "Well... Doesn''t matter, I''m gonna delete this night from my memory anyway."


    Instinctively, Darren''s arm lifted as he wrapped it around Xiu''s waist and pulled her close. He leaned close to her ear and spoke in a very low voice, "I really hate it when people forget me that easily. And oddly, I don''t wish to hate you."


    "Huh?" Xiu arched her brows in question.


    But...


    The answer she got was...


    He pressed his lips against hers and Xiu felt like a light had ignited in her brain and her whole body was feeling its warmth. His kiss wasn''t like hers. It wasn''t a peck. When he moved his lips against hers softly, that''s when Xiu felt it. It was one of those real kisses; one that made you seem like the sky had lit up with fireworks.


    Xiu had closed her eyes without knowing it. She was letting her other senses feel everything. It felt like soft rain was falling but there was an explosion within her. A million feelings were mingling together making a mess out of her. She didn''t know what it was and neither did he, but they both felt that feeling... It just felt right.


    There was nothing formal or mechanical about the kiss. Instead, one would say they were the lost lovers who had finally found their home. Xiu felt like she was defenseless against him but she didn''t know the real person without power was him. Darren didn''t know why but he didn''t want to let go. It was like he found the missing puzzle piece of his life and it felt good.


    But the question was... When did Bai Xiu become his missing puzzle piece? Wasn''t his puzzle piece lost forever?


    As they both pulled away, Xiu was still staring dumbfoundedly at him. His grey eyes stayed on her face for a long time before he said, "I dare you to forget this."


    "Can you let me go?" Xiu asked lowering her head.


    Darren raised his hands to show her and said with an amused grin, "I have already done so."


    Xiu looked down and realized that his arm really wasn''t around her waist anymore. Then why was she still standing so close to him? With a horrified look, she took a step back to make some distance.


    "Follow me closely, I don''t want you losing your way back," said Darren as he turned to hide the swirls of emotions in his eyes. That complicated pondering look.


    Xiu pressed her lips together but followed him closely. To make sure she wouldn''t lose her way, she held Darren''s jacket from behind with her index finger and thumb. She did it cautiously and hesitatingly. But she really didn''t trust herself at the moment.


    She wasn''t very drunk, to begin with, and after drinking that sobering medicine and sitting in the cool breeze, she was almost sober now. Then why was she unable to trust the functioning of her own body? Her tongue darted out to caress her lips and she could still feel the tingling sensation of his lips on her.


    Darren had felt her presence close behind and even smiled when she held his jacket. It was as if she was afraid, he would really disappear like before. Such a silly person she was.


    Even throughout the elevator ride, Xiu didn''t let him go. She only let his jacket go when they reached the front of the door. Xiu punched in her passcode and turned to look at him.


    "Stop thinking, and go to sleep." He gestured for her to enter the apartment and she did.


    As for himself, as he entered his own apartment, he leaned his head against his door and hit it twice. "Argh! Regan, what the hell did you do?!" He held his head in his hands and gritted his teeth. "Why did you kiss Sweets? What were you thinking?" Hitting his head against the wall, he answered his own question, "That''s right. I wasn''t thinking at all!"

 Chapter 94 - 50/50

    When Xiu had locked the door of her apartment, she was also in disbelief. But it was kind of pleasant disbelief. She really didn''t expect that kiss from Darren. Why did she feel like a schoolgirl? Her face burned hot as she leaned against the door and touched her red cheeks with her cold hands.


    She literally felt like fangirling over that kiss which only lasted for 60 seconds. But she had gone through so many emotional changes throughout those 60 seconds that Xiu would never be able to describe in words.


    As Xiu walked inside, she saw Nora sprawled on the sofa in a strange posture. There was an ice-cream bucket lying on her stomach as she dug her spoon in it and brought it up to her mouth. Seeing Xiu, she halted and asked, "What took you so long?"


    "Had a company dinner," said Xiu vaguely and tried to dodge her sharp-eyes from catching the scarlet color of her face.


    But how could Nora let it go so easily? "Stop right there! What''s with that strange glow on your face? What did you do?"


    Xiu tried to appear calm and collected as she turned to face her and said, "Nothing. You''re just overthinking."


    Nora shook her head in negation. "No way. Come and sit here beside me. Have some ice-cream and start talking."


    "Don''t want to," Xiu said straightforwardly and turned again towards her room.


    Behind her, Nora''s suspicion was increased by a notch. "Baby Xiu''er, don''t you like us anymore. Me and my ice cream," she elaborated her question.


    Xiu looked back at Nora''s face and said, "Ice-cream, Yes! A big yes! You..." Xiu gave a nonchalant look and went on reluctantly, "Maybe."


    Nora''s mouth opened wide at her reply. She ran up to her side and said, "You! I didn''t expect this from you. It''s okay. Just because I''m a ''POTATO'' today, you don''t fancy me. Don''t worry, one day I''ll be ''FRENCH FRIES'' and you''ll crave for me."


    Xiu couldn''t keep up her indifferent look as she burst out laughing at Nora''s face. First, Nora tried to appear upset with a straight face and arms crossed over her chest but seeing Xiu''s laughter, she ended up laughing along.


    Nora finally pulled Xiu to the sofa and gave all her attention to Xiu as she asked seriously, "Now that I made you laugh, won''t you share what happened?" Seeing Xiu''s confused look, she added, "Don''t deny it. You never come back from company dinners with that beautiful glow. So, tell me what good thing happened?"


    Xiu took off her blazer and threw at the back of the sofa as she lifted her legs and sat cross-legged on the sofa in a comfortable position. The look on her face told the story of her happiness and yet, she seemed reluctant to share.


    Xiu took a spoonful of ice-cream and with a mouthful of ice-cream, she tried to speak, "IkissedDarren."


    "What?" Nora asked again since she understood nothing. Nothing at all. "Either eat or speak. You can''t do both."


    Xiu swallowed and played with the ice-cream spoon as she stated, "I kissed our neighbor."


    "Which one?" was Nora''s reply.


    Xiu glared at her as she inquired with a boiling look, "Which one could it be?"


    The gears of Nora''s mind finally shifted as she widened her eyes in surprise and covered her mouth with her hands. "OMG! Don''t tell me, you kissed... Darren?" Nora seemed cautious as she spoke but when she saw Xiu biting her lower lip and nodding, she finally lost it. "Ahhhhh!"


    Xiu was stunned by her shrieking as Nora hopped like a bloody bunny. Xiu had to place her hand over Nora''s mouth to stop her shrieking. "Get over it already!"


    Nora scooted close to her and said, "Baby Xiu''er, the glow on your face is telling me that you still haven''t even gotten over that kiss. How do you expect me to get over it? It was my Baby''s first kiss."


    Xiu looked at her incredulously as she repeated, "First kiss? It''s Bai Xiu''s first kiss?"


    Nora slapped her shoulder, "Don''t say it like we''re talking about a third person. We are talking about you!"


    That''s when Xiu jolted awake again and smiled at Nora saying, "Right. It was my first kiss." ''Well, at least, as Bai Xiu it was. Not only that, it was my first kiss with McSpicy.'' She placed her hand over her heart which was beating really fast and whispered in a low voice, "But why do I not want it to be the last?"


    Nora shook her violently and almost made Xiu dizzy as she said, "Now, tell me the details. All the hot, juicy, spicy, salty, whatever kind. Just share all the details."


    At Nora''s enthusiasm, Xiu finally felt like it really was her first kiss. Because it was her first time having someone to share it with. She had never talked about this stuff with anyone. Her feelings were always left in her heart. She always had to hide them too deep. But with Nora, she didn''t have to be vigilant at all. So, Xiu told her everything from the moment she met Darren at the bus stop.


    Now, it was Nora''s turn to fangirl. "Awww! My XiuRen ship has finally taken a step. Mama is proud."


    Xiu choked as she coughed and looked at Nora strangely. "XiuRen?"


    Nora nodded her head and added, "I knew it. You both had the hots for each other."


    This time, Xiu was too shocked that she even forgot to choke. She was having a hard time controlling her emotions as she said, "Hots for each other? What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Nora rubbed her head and said, "Baby Xiu''er, you don''t even notice anything." She shook her head and added, "I''m the third person between you two and as a spectator, I can assure you that you both look at each other with such an intense look that even I can feel the damn chemistry."


    "Are you sure, you''re not overthinking this? I mean, I didn''t feel anything like that," stated Xiu with a doubtful look.


    Nora poked her head and said, "You both are chemically bonded and there is no doubt about that. Didn''t you enjoyed the kiss?"


    Xiu frowned as she said, "I did..." But seeing Nora''s excited look, she added, "But it could be because of my withering hormones."


    Nora sighed out, "First, you''re only twenty-three. It should be budding hormones. Second, love is not rocket science. It has everything to do with hormones."


    "Isn''t love all about feelings?" Xiu questioned earnestly.


    Nora rolled her eyes at Xiu and said, "It''s 50/50. Now, stop talking. The more you''ll talk, the more you''ll be confused." Xiu nodded and went to her room. The moment she touched the handle of her door, she heard Nora''s voice, "Are you willing to give dating him a chance?"


    Xiu thought for a second and replied without looking back, "Maybe."


    Nora smiled knowingly. That answer was good enough. It meant Xiu was willing to think about this seriously. Even though it was Xiu''s first kiss, but the most excited one was Nora.

 Chapter 95 - Impulsive Connections

    We all need spontaneous moments in life to make us realize how beautiful a random act or thing can become. We can either dare ourselves to experience the adventure of life or we can just spend our life as a puppet being played on the strings of so-called ''planned life''.


    Being impulsive is not always a crime. At least, it''s better than regret. Because if you don''t know how to seize a moment on impulse, all we''ll be left with is regret.


    Tonight Darren had been impulsive, and without even thinking he had kissed Xiu. Saying he didn''t feel anything would be wrong. Because he felt... A lot more than he could describe in words himself.


    As he entered the living room, he was a bit taken aback to see Dylan sitting on his couch munching on his ch.i.p.s. "Oh, you''re back," Dylan stood up from the couch and raised his finger for some reason but Darren completely didn''t give him a chance to even open his mouth.


    "Didi, punch me," said Darren standing right in front of Dylan.


    "What?" Dylan wasn''t used to this behavior at all.


    "Just punch me hard," Darren insisted but Dylan didn''t even move at all.


    Instead, Dylan crossed his arms before his chest and asked, "I need a reason for that ridiculous request of yours."


    Darren was exasperated as he started, "Why are you not understanding? I need someone to knock some sense into my brain. How can I kiss my neighbor? She''s a good friend and I really don''t want to ruin this friendship. So, punch me for being impulsive. Besides, I don''t think I can hurt her. Argh! Why is it so bloody difficult?"


    Dylan was wide-eyed gaping at him with shock written all over his face. Darren and impulsive? Since when did that start?


    "Hoel!"


    "Aiya!"


    Darren''s body stiffened as he heard two very familiar voices from behind him. He slowly turned around and was stunned to see the surprised faces of the two most important women in his life. As he looked at the two equally stunning ladies giving him a strange look through the screen of the wall tv, he looked at Dylan accusingly.


    Dylan raised his hands in defense and stated, "I was about to tell you that I''m having a video call but you didn''t even give me a chance." With only this statement, he managed to shirk all the responsibility away.


    "Hi Ma, hi Beauty Wei," Darren greeted the two women awkwardly and hid his body slightly behind Dylan to escape from a long interrogation that was about to begin.


    "France, did you hear what he just said?" It was Dylan''s mother, Zhao Wei who questioned.


    The red hair woman whom Darren addressed as ''Ma'' was Francesca Salvay. The woman whom Darren respected and loved the most. Her western features showed a stern personality. She shared the same olive-skin as Darren and the grey eyes. "I can''t be sure, Sister Wei. Because before today, I''ve never heard my son use the word ''impulsive''," said Francesca in reply to Zhao Wei''s question. "My dear Regan, did you really kiss a girl merely on impulse?"


    Darren lowered his head and didn''t dare to look at both the women in eyes as he said, "I''m sorry for that."


    "Sorry for what?" Both ladies asked simultaneously.


    "Erm... For being impulsive. I am clear that I have no such feelings for her and yet, I was impulsive," was Darren''s reply.


    "You should be sorry to someone else. Since the only girl, you didn''t kiss was actually the one you had feelings for. Anyways, do you regret it?" Francesca asked straightforwardly.


    Darren didn''t expect this response. But he wasn''t stumped for words at all. "Y-No. Not at all. I don''t think I regret it. I just feel like a bad person for kissing her when she wasn''t even completely sober. Also, what if this ruined our friendship. I really like her as a person."


    "There he is..." Again both ladies had spoken simultaneously. Both Darren and Dylan were confused and that''s why Zhao Wei added, "Our well-planning Darren. Who always has a plan. I was really scared for a second to hear that you turned impulsive."


    Darren didn''t know what to say at all. But fortunately, no one wanted his opinion at this point. However, all of them had plenty of opinions for him.


    First, Francesca stated, "Regi, there are many people who aren''t in love but they managed to spend their whole lives together. Likewise, there are many people who love each other wholeheartedly but never get to be together."


    Next was Zhao Wei, "The only regrets in life should be the ones you never managed to do. We can''t possibly regret our own choices. And if we do, then we are regretting being ourselves."


    Following that, even Dylan had something to say as he placed his hand on Darren''s shoulder and said, "Dazi, it''s okay to be a bit impulsive. It means the connection between you two was so bloody strong that you both couldn''t just resist each other."


    Darren pushed his hand away and said, "Didi, the strongest connection in my life had been my connection with my Wi-Fi. The rest always ended somewhere."


    Dylan: "..."


    Zhao Wei: "..."


    Francesca: "..."


    After an odd silence, Francesca said, "Hedi, now you really punch him in the face."


    Darren took a step back to defend himself as Zhao Wei said, "Darren, we know you regret not accepting your feelings for that girl on time in the past. But... Don''t let this one become another Chen Xiu in your life."


    "Exactly, you have to think of your future as well," Dylan sided with the ladies because obviously, who would want to be standing against these mothers?


    "What''s the rush, Didi? My future is really bright," said Darren nonchalantly.


    "Really? And how do you know that?" asked Dylan.


    "Because it''s so bloody bright that even I can''t see it at times."


    At Darren''s reply, Dylan really wanted to strangle him now. Why was he taking everything as a joke? But after seeing how Darren wasn''t being serious, none of them said anything to him.


    These were the people who knew him very well and since they could see Darren was avoiding the serious talk, none of them pushed him. If he wanted to see through this matter on his own, they would never be able to convince him otherwise.

 Chapter 96 - Enough Sweets?

    The following day...


    Dylan had left Darren''s place late at night after listening to Darren''s version of the kiss which ended before it could even begin as Darren had only said, "I kissed her." Dylan''s veins throbbed violently as he really didn''t know how his best friend could be so... Bland? Who described a kiss like that?


    And after Dylan left, that''s when Darren had the time to sort out his thoughts.


    Now with a new day, he had new thoughts in mind. He decided to first observe Xiu''s reaction after last night before stressing himself so much. And since he had something to discuss with Nora anyway, he chose this excuse to see Xiu as well.


    After ringing the doorbell, he patiently waited outside their door. During the night, more than the kiss, Darren''s mind had replayed the scene of how Xiu hugged him at the bus stop. Of course, before slapping him hard. Well, not like he didn''t deserve that. So, he didn''t blame her for that.


    That was the thing about Xiu that he really couldn''t get out of his mind. Her little gestures always managed to touch him unexpectedly. Just like that hug and the way she held his jacket on their way back. He was even moved by that slap. Because of that he even questioned himself if he was becoming a masochist.


    The door before him finally opened but he frowned when he didn''t see anyone. "I''m down here..." Hearing that voice, Darren lowered his eyes and saw a young boy who wasn''t even able to reach his waist.


    Darren''s brows quirked up slightly in surprise but he composed himself and smiled at him saying, "Hey, little mister. And who you might be?"


    The little boy scrutinized Darren from head to toe and asked, "I don''t talk to strangers."


    Darren nodded his head in understanding and that''s when Nora came in his view. "Hey, Darren! Why are you standing at the door?" She touched the little boy''s head and said, "Jackie, why didn''t you invite our guest in?"


    "Dad said no unfamiliar boys should enter the place where only two girls live alone," stated her little brother, Jackson trying to seem smarter than his age.


    Nora rolled her eyes at him and said, "Relax. Darren is not a stranger. He''s our neighbor. Besides, with your protection, we''ll be safe." Then she looked at Darren and invited him inside.


    Darren followed her inside and sat down at the sofa while Jackson sat opposite him with a vigilant look. It was Darren''s first time being under the scrutiny of a young boy and it made him feel funny. Of course, he couldn''t possibly be intimidated under a six-year-old'' gaze.


    Nora offered him a glass of water and asked curiously, "Are you here to see Xiu?"


    Darren coughed a couple of times and said, "No. Not at all. I''m here to see you about that exhibition at your hotel." Nora gave an inconspicuous smile and played along with him as she nodded in understanding. However, after a moment, Darren asked, "But where is our Sweets. Must be sleeping till now, right?"


    Nora''s smile turned into a full-blown grin at his words. She found him so adorable while trying to act nonchalant. "No, actually, she''s in the kitchen," said Nora trying to conceal her mischievous grin.


    "Huh? She actually woke up before noon on Saturday?" Darren was surprised. From his interactions with Xiu, he was clear about Xiu''s love for sleep.


    Nora leaned close to whisper as she pointed at Jackson and said, "You see that little thing. He''s my younger brother, Jackson. But let me be honest with you, he''s closest to Xiu. Since mom and dad dropped him off here in the morning, Xiu couldn''t sleep after that because of her happiness."


    "Oh, so Bai Xiu is in the kitchen for Jackson..." Darren trailed his words. "What did little mister request for?" The question was directed at Jackson.


    "My Baby Xiu is making tiramisu cake for me," Jackson replied with a straight face. He wasn''t familiar with Darren and that''s why he seemed a bit distant.


    Darren came to sit beside Jackson and looked at the game Jackson was playing on his cellphone. "So little mister likes playing ''The Sniper Call''?"


    Jackson lifted his eyes to look at Darren and asked, "You also play the game?"


    Darren nodded and replied, "I used to play the desktop version. Never tried the mobile version."


    Jackson passed his cellphone and said, "I can''t complete the mission. Can you help me?"


    "Will we be friends after that?" asked Darren.


    "Mmm... It depends on your performance." Jackson replied with a thoughtful look and Darren smiled at him. With a nod of his head, Darren took the cellphone from him and got himself familiarized with the mobile version before starting the mission.


    Both boys were engrossed in their own world after the mission began. The mission was a bit tricky but Darren managed to complete it even though he had to face some difficulties because it was his first time playing this game on a phone. Jackson took his phone from him and jumped up and down in happiness.


    "Wow! You''re even better than Baby Xiu at this game," Jackson hugged Darren and added, "Now, we can be friends."


    Darren laughed out slightly as he saw how easy and simple it was to win a kid''s, innocent heart. "Does your Baby Xiu also play this game?"


    Jackson shook his head and added, "Nope. But Baby Xiu knows everything about this game."


    Darren didn''t speak for a while as if he was lost in thoughts. That''s when Xiu joined them and looking at Darren, she acted absolutely normal. As if last night never happened at all. But Darren wasn''t paying attention for now.


    "Here''s your cake," Xiu gave a slice of cake to Jackson and turned to see Darren. "Oi, neighbor! Would you like some cake?"


    In a daze, Darren shook his head and replied, "I think I''ve had enough sweets last night, Sweets. All thanks to you for that."


    Xiu: "..."


    Nora: "..."

 Chapter 97 - Cyber Cafe

    While Xiu was pursing her lips at Darren''s remark, Nora had burst out laughing. Xiu slapped the back of Nora''s head and said, "What are you talking about, McSpicy?"


    Darren stared at her face with his full attention this time. Her words confirmed Darren''s thoughts. She didn''t forget last night but she was willing to pretend she did. Sigh! This realization was a bit disappointing.


    "Nothing, Sweets," replied Darren and turned to talk to Nora about the exhibition at her hotel that his company was sponsoring.


    But our Nora didn''t forget to give him a thumbs-up as she said, "Neighbor, you really know how to talk. I''m impressed." Darren pressed his lips together and said nothing in reply.


    Xiu looked at his nonchalant behavior and felt irked. Why wasn''t he saying anything? Did he really expect her to bring up that kiss? With a sigh, Xiu sat beside Jackson and started instructing him about how to play. "Go left. No, stop, stop. Let''s wait for a second... Now, fire. Oh, use the hand grenade. Yeah!"


    Her excitement was infectious, and Darren couldn''t help himself from looking her way. Seeing her enthusiasm, he was reminded of someone...


    *Flashback*


    -Seven Years Ago-


    Inside a tinted glass cabin, three boys were wearing headphones as their hands were flying over the keyboard while their eyes didn''t even move slightly away from the high-tech computer screens. The scene on the screen was a survival battlefield.


    "Fire! Fire!" One of them shouted and got up with a victorious grin. He patted the shoulder of the one beside him and said, "As always, our Daz is the best at ''The Sniper Call''. I just knew it!"


    Darren pulled off his headphone and said, "Didi, stop overreacting. And besides, how can you bring me to the cyber cafe?"


    The boy on his other side held his shoulder and said, "Darren, you''re gonna leave next week. We just wanted to spend some time together before you go back."


    Darren turned his chair and said, "Jin Ge, I have no problem with spending time with you both. But you guys know that I can''t be in public places. And especially somewhere like a cyber cafe where my chances of being recognized are super high."


    Dylan patted his back and said, "For your sake, I chose this private cabin for us. Who will recognize you here?" He took a brief pause and added, "And if we didn''t come out today, then Jin Ge wouldn''t be able to join us."


    Darren looked at Zhou Jinhai who also nodded and said, "I''m gonna get super busy from tomorrow."


    Darren frowned at him and stated, "But isn''t it your college graduation ceremony tomorrow?"


    "Right and after the graduation, Jin Ge is supposed to take over Zhou Corporation''s Entertainment business," said Dylan indifferently but realizing what he said, he lifted his eyes to look carefully at Darren''s face to find any changes in his expression but there were none.


    "I don''t want to but mom and dad are pressurizing me into this," said Zhou Jinhai with his own eyes fixed at Darren. He sounded like he was trying to clear something up. "I really have no interest in taking over the family business but they still want to train me like this."


    Darren''s face was impassive as he looked at both Dylan and Zhou Jinhai strangely. "Why do I feel like you''re guilty about something Jin Ge?"


    Zhou Jinhai bit his lips and said, "Shouldn''t I be?"


    Darren smiled at him, "Jin Ge, you''re the eldest son of Zhou Family. Isn''t it obvious that you''d have to take over the business at some point? Why are you even explaining this to me? I have nothing to do with this."


    Darren''s reply clearly drew a boundary that Zhou Jinhai didn''t dare to cross and swallowed whatever he had in mind. Seeing how the tension in the room had increased, Dylan tried to placate the situation. "Jin Ge, my Goddess Xiu is also signed under your company. Please, take care of her."


    Darren didn''t pay attention to them as he was busy on his cellphone. That''s why he didn''t even care about what Dylan was talking about.


    "Didi, I don''t get why you''re so crazy about Goddess Xiu. Isn''t she just like any other actress?" Zhou Jinhai teased Dylan who wasn''t happy about it at all.


    "Let me warn you Jin Ge, don''t say a word about my Goddess Xiu. She is the only person who makes me believe in humanity and innocence. Her heart is as beautiful as her face." Dylan was speaking with a dreamy sigh as he was lost in daydreaming.


    Zhou Jinhai hit his arm and said, "Don''t be fooled by that. Every actor has made an image before the media. Hers is of innocence. Don''t take it that seriously."


    Dylan got him in a headlock and said, "Jin Ge, I advise you to learn about my Goddess Xiu before joining the company. You might not survive otherwise. Hmph!"


    "I think we should leave now," said Darren and only now noticed the strange mood between Dylan and Zhou Jinhai. But he didn''t ask the reason since both of them were always butting heads over something.


    Dylan turned to the door and said, "I''ll bring the car from the parking."


    "Me too," Zhou Jinhai also left and Darren was left behind as he shook his head at his friends. They really had a lot to argue about.


    Darren put on cap and dark glasses before leaving the room. As he walked out of the room, he saw a dainty figure wearing a cap and a hood over it, running towards him. Before he could even make sense of anything, he was pushed back into the room.


    "You!"


    Darren wanted to say something but a fair slender hand went up to his mouth and forced him to swallow his words as he heard a very soft feminine voice, "Stay quiet. They''ll find me otherwise."


    That managed to shut him up as he was left trying to figure out what was going on? Were there thugs after this girl or loan sharks? Both ideas weren''t appealing.


    *Flashback To Be Continued*

 Chapter 98 - Daebak!

    *Flashback Continued*


    There always comes a time when we come across a person we can''t just get out of our head. No matter how hard we try or how desperate we are to forget them, we can''t. Especially the ones we never even saw coming and yet they ran into our life at a high speed and finally crashed into us in a way that it left a unending impression.


    That''s how one could describe Darren and Chen Xiu''s first meeting. Xiu had escaped from her apartment to this cyber cafe for a date.


    Yes, a date.


    A date with herself.


    And strangely, her dates always were at the cyber cafe where she would spend hours playing games in the hustle and bustle of normal people. Even though she always sat in an inconspicuous corner, she felt a lot less lonely with a lot of people around her. It was satisfactory in its own way.


    Who knew what happened but a couple of paparazzi managed to get wind of her. Xiu had no idea how since she had taken safety measures carefully and cautiously. She was wearing the most ordinary tracksuit and even wore her mask to hide her face along with her cap and hood. How can someone recognize her with this much packing, she was baffled about that.


    However, she had no time to think as she ran and saw an open door of the cabin. Without thinking, she ran inside. But to her surprise, she had run into another person and she had to push him back inside as well. If she had let him out, he would run into those paparazzi and she''ll be in trouble if he opened his mouth.


    "You!" She heard the male voice and on instinct, she shut his mouth with her hand as her eyes kept looking around cautiously.


    When Xiu didn''t let Darren talk, he bit her hand making her yelp. "Are you running from loan sharks? Or some thugs are after you? Listen don''t expect me to help at all."


    Xiu wasn''t listening to him at all. Well, she could hear but couldn''t understand as her mind was focused on seeing the people behind. Of course, that yelp had caught some attention. "Shit!" Seeing how those paparazzi were gonna enter the cabin, she placed her hand over his mouth again and looking around, she pushed him down and hid under the table with him.


    Darren wanted to resist but weirdly, she had a strong vice-like grip because of her anxiety at the moment. "Listen, if you don''t want me to knock you out, stay still. Once they''ll be gone, I''ll let you go."


    Darren couldn''t see her face but he saw her black eyes like beautiful obsidians. Beads of perspiration had appeared on her face. Darren''s hand had lifted up to wipe her sweat but the way she stared at him, he ended up slapping her hand which was around his mouth.


    "Okay. I''ll let this hand down. But if you even squeaked, I''m throwing you out the window." With that warning, Xiu lowered her hand slowly.


    "Who are you hiding from?" He asked through gritted teeth while she kept her eyes on the door of the cabin that was pushed open from outside.


    "Shush..." Xiu placed a finger on her lips and whispered, "It''s paparazzi. I''m in no mood to get into trouble."


    "Paparazzi?" Darren''s eyes widened and he immediately pulled out his own mask.


    When Xiu lifted her eyes, she was surprised to see him wearing the mask. Why was he hiding? She was the one being chased right now! Who did he think he was? However, now was not the time to think or say anything. It was a survival game now. If her mother got to know that she went to the internet cafe again, Xiu knew how she was gonna react.


    As they both silently waited, they heard someone speak, "He''s not here. Are you sure we got the right cyber cafe?"


    Another one of those paparazzi replied, "We are at the right place. But seems like we''re late. Regan must have left already."


    "We followed him all the way to China and yet we found nothing noteworthy. This guy is really a definition of mystery on his vacations," said the first paparazzi.


    Darren''s body stiffened to hear his name while Xiu''s brows snapped together. ''Regan? They were not here for her? Then?'' her eyes shifted to Darren who fixed his mask and glasses. But she shook this idea away. ''How can they be here for him? But he is the only one who is hiding like her.''


    After another five minutes, the paparazzi people left the cabin and Xiu heaved a sigh of relief, so did Darren. They both looked at each other with a suspicious and cautious gaze before trying to come out of under the table.


    However, they ended up hitting their heads together and crawled out while rubbing their heads. "This is all your fault!" Xiu snapped at him while she massaged her head.


    "You''re the one who pulled me under the table. How''s it my fault?" ''Although that saved me from getting into trouble, I won''t accept it before you.''


    Xiu huffed and crouched down to look for her cellphone that fell down when they bumped into each other. She picked up her phone and stuffed it into her pocket before pointing at Darren. "Don''t talk about this to anyone."


    "Same goes to you," replied Darren calmly, since he didn''t want to be angry with her now. After all, unknowingly, she was the one who saved him from getting caught by the paparazzi.


    "Naturally, I won''t," was Xiu''s reply in a matter-of-factly manner. Walking out of the cabin, Xiu held her hand over her heart and said, "What is this? Why is my heart beating so fast? Is it because he had a smooth voice that tugged at my heart?" She shook her head vigorously before slapping herself, "Shake out of it, Xiuxiu. My heart is beating fast because we were in big trouble just now. That''s all."


    With a huff, she extended her legs to walk but couldn''t help looking back at the door as she whispered, "I wonder if his voice is this good... He must be really good-looking, right?" She slapped her head this time and ran out of the cafe from the back door.


    Back on Darren''s side, he also picked up his cellphone from the floor and left the cabin with more caution this time. As he walked to the front of the cafe, he almost ran to their car and shouted at Dylan, "I almost got into trouble because of you two." As he told them about the paparazzi, they immediately drove out of that area.


    "Darren, you should have called us. We could have stalled the paparazzi." Darren looked at Zhou Jinhai and frowned.


    "That aggressive girl didn''t let me even say a word," Darren spoke in frustration.


    "You even managed to get aggressive with a girl in a cybercafe? Daebak!(Amazing!)" Dylan patted Darren''s shoulder and the latter twisted his wrist making him grunt.


    *End of Flashback*

 Chapter 99 - Date Me.

    In Greek, the word ''Nostalgia'' literally means, ''the pain from an old wound''. This meaning defines nostalgia perfectly. Even though the word itself seems delicate but the meaning behind it is potent beyond words. It has the ability to act as a pinch of salt on a person''s wounds. Wounds that he seemed to be running from.


    The game that Jackson played had managed to scratch the layer of those memories that Darren didn''t dare visit. Not because they were painful but instead because that past seemed so beautiful that it scared him. It was scary just to know that the beautiful past was just past that was lost. And the one in the past was just a memory now.


    But even though nostalgia is painful, it''s a seducer that lures us in and gives us no way out. We get so engrossed in feeling that pain that it becomes a drug. One which we can''t live without anymore. Perhaps, that was one of the reasons Darren couldn''t bring himself to forget anything about Chen Xiu.


    That was just one of those memories that Darren wasn''t willing to forget at all. He still couldn''t forget how people called Chen Xiu an innocent fairy while she was really a fairy but her anger wasn''t one of a fairy.


    Although even hearing her name was painful, the memories of her still held some comfort for him. At least, in his memories... She was alive. She was breathing. She was being her innocent, silly and broken self.


    Presently, seeing the sad lazy smile lingering on Darren''s face Xiu was taken aback. She always felt that he was sad. As if he was dying inside silently like she used to do. Even his grey eyes had lost their l.u.s.ter that always mesmerized her. He reminded her of her past self so much that it was becoming scary now.


    Clicking her fingers before his eyes, she startled him. "Wakey, wakey! Is your daydream more beautiful than reality?" Darren didn''t even hesitate before nodding his head. Xiu shook her head at him, "Even if it''s beautiful, it''s still just a dream you''re seeing with open eyes. It''s pointless." Then she held his wrist pulling him up from the couch as she said, "You come with me."


    "Not like I have a choice. Even if I don''t want to, aren''t you still dragging me with you?" Darren''s response forced Xiu to drop his hand as she took him to the balcony and closed the door to avoid Nora''s eavesdropping.


    Xiu observed his face for a moment and asked, "Don''t you have something to say to me?"


    Darren tapped his finger on his chin in a thoughtful manner and Xiu waited patiently with an eager look in her eyes. However, Darren burst her bubble with, "I don''t think so."


    Xiu gave him a disbelieving look and asked again, "So, you have nothing to tell me about last night?"


    "What happened last night?" Darren feigned ignorance or more like he played her role of alcohol amnesia. "Why can''t I remember? Did I get amnesia overnight?" He rubbed his temples as if stressing his mind to remember but couldn''t do so.


    Xiu slapped his arm and said, "Don''t act with me. I''m better at it than you. So, I can see right through you!"


    Darren straightened up and said, "That I know. You are definitely better than me at acting." He looked at the crease between her brows and added, "But I really don''t know what you want to talk about. Why don''t you give me a hint?"


    His last word was yet at his lips when Xiu pecked his lips at the speed of light and turned around to look around. Darren stood there trying to figure out how nimble her body really was. "Is that hint enough?" She asked exasperatedly.


    "I thought we were gonna pretend like that kiss didn''t happen," said Darren with slightly upturned lips.


    With a ''woosh'', Xiu turned around to face him and eyed him strangely with a complex look. "You want to pretend like it didn''t happen?"


    "I didn''t say that. I thought you wanted to forget it like that didn''t happen ever," he stated honestly as he leaned against the metal railing of the balcony.


    Xiu took a long breath and said, "So, you don''t want to forget?"


    "I didn''t say that either," was his reply which really got on her nerve now. Was he playing with her or what?


    She held his collar and asked, "What do you want to say then?"


    Darren patted her hand which held his collar to soothe her and said, "Actually, I''m waiting for you to say something. Only then I can come to a conclusion of whether to forget about last night or not."


    Xiu took her hands off of his collar and scratched her head. She also leaned against the railing beside him as they looked at the beautiful sky littered with fluffy clouds.


    While Xiu was trying to say what she had in mind, she heard Darren''s voice again, "If you want I can even apologize for what I did last night. Then we''ll forget it like it never even happened at all."


    "Do you want to apologize for it?" asked Xiu curiously. She looked at his face to figure out his reply.


    "Honestly..." He looked into her eyes and sighed out defeatedly, "I don''t want to apologize. I even think I won''t be able to forget it." He really was feeling defeated before the look in her eyes again. Why did she of all people have that effect on him?


    "Me too..." said Xiu softly and went on, "I don''t want to apologize or forget. I thought about it a lot over the night and I really can''t. No... The right words would be, I don''t want to."


    "What do you want then, Sweets?" Darren stopped dilly-dallying as he asked.


    Xiu breathed out from her mouth and said, "Would you like to date me?"

 Chapter 100 - Is That A Yes?

    Life often has a way of presenting us with a question. We can either choose the same old road that got us here in the first place or we can choose to do something we never saw ourselves doing. Sometimes, what we thought was real ended up as just an illusion. Now, Xiu was taking a chance with those sparks she felt with Darren that seemed like an illusion to find some reality.


    She didn''t know what Darren and she had but whatever it was, she knew she wasn''t willing to give up on it without trying. She didn''t want to regret this moment. She loved it that he could make her wear a smile without even trying at all. It was something new to her. But it was equally exciting as well.


    "Date? You?" Darren''s brows quirked up ever so slightly at her.


    Xiu played with her fingers as she said, "I know the idea is abrupt and seems very random. Also, I know I''m a f.u.c.k.i.n.g disaster. But..." She looked at him again with a sincere look and said, "I promise I''ll be an awesome f.u.c.k.i.n.g disaster and not the worse kind."


    Darren chuckled at her response and asked, "Do you like me?"


    Xiu nodded her head before shaking it. "I mean, I do like you as a friend. As a person. You could be considered a very rare kind of a decent man I''ve met in my life. I can''t find a reason not to like you."


    "So you don''t have any feelings for me?" he questioned with interest. Oddly, his own mind was blank for now. There was nothing running through his mind at all. All of his attention was on Xiu and her answers.


    "Do you?" Xiu asked in response and Darren gave her an inquisitive look. "I mean you also don''t have any feelings for me. At least not the ones you could give a name to." Darren was taken aback since her words had hit the mark. He couldn''t refuse even if he wanted to. "But as I said last night, is it necessary for our feelings to have a name. Isn''t the mystery of not knowing those feelings even more intriguing?"


    Darren stayed quiet for a minute before speaking, "People who date are often looking for either love or help, what are you looking for?"


    Xiu didn''t expect this question from him but she still had to answer, "I''m neither looking for love nor help. What I''m looking for are words." Darren''s brows creased and she continued, "The words to describe that connection we have with each other. You''re not an impulsive person neither am I. Yet, we both get impulsive around each other like last night. You came running to the bus stop without even thinking, just like I hugged you without any thought. I want to learn why we have that connection."


    Darren was lost for words to know how aligned her thoughts were with his own. They both felt something, but both had no words for that feeling. Both felt a strange connection. Both were being impulsive around each other. And both weren''t really looking for love. Yet they both were curious to learn about the other one.


    "I can even list out the perks of dating me," Darren looked at her again as she went on counting, "First of all, I am a very honest person. Second, you don''t have to worry about cheating at all since I literally despise any other man. Third, whenever you say that we are not good together, we''ll just go back to being friends." Darren kept listening silently and she kept talking all by herself, "You can always count on me. Also, I actually respond to texts, unlike someone who vanishes for days without so much of a simple text."


    Darren choked on air as he coughed at the last sentence which was a blatant taunt directed at him. Even now, she wasn''t over it.


    When he didn''t speak for a long while, Xiu''s mind started running in the negative direction again. She bit her nails in anxiousness and kept her eyes lowered as she wondered, ''Did I say something wrong? Does he think I''m not good enough? Well, I am not good enough but I can try to be better.''


    At this moment, Darren took a step close to her and with his hand behind her head, he planted his lips at the space right between in her eyebrows. Xiu was surprised as she lifted her eyes to look at him with surprise written all over her face. Darren tucked her hair behind her ear and said, "Sweets, never ever say that you''re not good enough for anyone."


    Xiu''s eyes widened dramatically as he chuckled at her reaction and tapped her nose saying, "Yes, you thought out loud. But I am serious. It''s not that you''re not good enough for me. I think it''s the other way around."


    Xiu held his arms and scowled, "If we both are not good enough in our own ways, then... Wouldn''t we make one hell of a not-good-enough pair?" Xiu pressed her forehead against his and looked closely into his eyes as she added, "I forgot to mention. The biggest perk of dating me is, I''m sometimes hilarious."


    Darren pressed his lips together to stifle his laughter and nodded as he said, "Aiya, Sweets, now that perk is making hard for me to say no."


    "Is that a yes?" Xiu asked with anticipation.


    "It''s indeed a yes," said Darren in reply making Xiu wrap her arms around his neck again for a tight hug. "I guess you love hugs."


    "Didn''t I mention I love giving surprise hugs?" she questioned in confusion and he shook his head, "Then now you know. I am a huggy person."


    Darren laughed out as he touched her head and said, "Sheesh. Now, it''s impossible for me to back off. Where else would I find such enticing perks of dating?"


    "Are you making fun of me?" Xiu narrowed her eyes at him as she pulled away.


    Darren held her hand and said, "I wouldn''t even dare."

 Chapter 101 - Seal It With A Kiss

    Simple things in life are the most beautiful ones. Simple spelled backward is ''extraordinary.'' Really, IT IS! Extraordinary can never be simple but simple things have that charm to become extraordinary in life. Because extraordinary often end up losing the ''extra'' in it and becomes just plain old ''ordinary.'' However, simple is meant to be meaningful and it never loses its meaning or l.u.s.ter.


    And that''s why a simple YES is quite meaningful.


    It''s called a simple yes. But that yes can change so many things. A yes holds so many unsaid promises of the unseen future. A simple yes had changed their relationship''s meaning entirely. A simple yes that could lead to a million things.


    It was a simple YES that was meant to change their entire life.


    "Awwww, that was so sweet," hearing Nora''s voice both Xiu and Darren turned their head to see her sticking her face to the glass doors of the balcony. She had a dreamy expression on her face. "Just seal it with a kiss already."


    Xiu glared at her while mouthing, ''Get out of here. Shoo!''


    Nora played dumb and shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly while she said, "What did I do? Just kiss away to seal the deal."


    "What the hell are you talking about Nora?" Xiu walked to her and pushed her back inside. "Just go away!"


    "Oh, please. You were so straightforward about asking him to date you just now. Why are you being so shy now? Dating without kissing is like..." Nora thought about the right words and went on, "Right, it''s like macaroni without cheese which by the way doesn''t exist. It''s also like rainy days without a steamy hot cup of coffee which makes the rainy day seem bland. Also, it''s like February without Valentine, Spring festival without cherry blossoms, and, and..."


    Xiu covered her mouth to stop her babbling. "I don''t want to hear anymore. Just get out. Stop ruining my life''s first proposal."


    "When did I do such a thing?" Nora pushed her hand away and spoke with an aggrieved look. "I''m just teaching you how to do this stuff since you''re so inexperienced."


    "Nora darling, I might be inexperienced in dating but you and I both know how experienced I am in kicking people''s asses. Don''t make me kick your ass."


    "Now you''re just being aggressive and that''s not lovely for boys. Keep it together," Nora adviced her again out of the goodwill of her heart.


    Xiu kicked her back inside and locked the door of the balcony before taking a deep breath to face Darren. She lowered her eyes and laughed awkwardly, "Don''t pay attention to her. Haha... She has gone mad again."


    Darren looked at her expressions and found it quite comical. The girl who was so bold to ask him about dating was being so shy now. It made him curious to know which one of her persona was real. Bold one or shy one?


    "I don''t think she said anything wrong though," said Darren without a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt in his voice. He sounded really serious as his eyes bore into her as if searching for her soul.


    "Huh? What do you mean?" Xiu was completely clueless about what he meant but not for long.


    Darren extended his long legs to cross the distance between them and Xiu had only gotten the chance to quirk her eyebrows slightly and before she knew it, his arms were around her; sure and hard as could it be.


    "Deals are often sealed with a handshake, but dates are sealed with a kiss."


    Xiu felt a rush of helplessness within hearing his smooth velvety voice so close to her that it could make her whole body feel tingly. The warmth of his hands had made her feel a surging tide of warmth all over. She was shocked to realize that just his hands made her feel so much. Was it because she''s completely sober that she felt everything heightened?


    His eyes were beckoning her towards himself as if there was a magnetic pull between them that made his eyes want her to incline towards him. And she did ever so willingly under the spell of his eyes.


    She felt every single pore of her body awaken when he bent his head and kissed her lips. It was soft at first as if he was hesitating because of something. However, slowly, there was swift graduation in the intensity of the kiss which made Xiu feel dizzy.


    Darren had just planned to tease her to see whether she was fl.u.s.tered by his touch or not? But even he became defenseless before the feelings. He was astonished to realize that his heart didn''t want to let go. He didn''t want to pull away at all. If anything, he wanted to deepen the kiss and delve into her mouth as deep as he could to taste her.


    She oddly tasted like warm honey, he was in amazement at how he always found her eyes to be the warmest one and now, even she tasted like honey. A feeling that reminded him of being at home. Being at a place where he belonged.


    Her body fitted perfectly in his arms just like their lips. It was obvious that he was the one controlling the kiss since Xiu had long lost her senses. As for Darren, he was entirely acting upon the feeling she surged within him. His body wasn''t under his own control at all.


    Just as Xiu''s hands lifted to pull him closer if it was even possible, her cellphone rang breaking the most amazing kiss of her life. She wanted to ignore it and she did, but the person on the other side was really a stubborn one.


    Darren pulled away from her and said, "I think you should pick that up."


    "Sorry," said Xiu and rummaged out her phone to see the caller id. Her face twitched to see who was calling.


    Seeing the obvious displeasure on her face, Darren craned his neck to see the caller id, he almost laughed when he read, ''Uncle Crazy Bitch'' flashing on her screen. He pressed his lips together to stifle his laughter. That was a really unique name for someone. But the question was who spoiled their kiss?

 Chapter 102 - Our First Day

    People who have nothing better to do in life try their best to ruin other''s lives as well. Especially, people like Dylan who loved spoiling someone''s beautiful moment since he didn''t have any of his own.


    Since a certain crazy uncle ruined her kiss, Xiu was pretty much at the edge of exploding when she picked up the call and gritted out, "What?"


    Dylan flinched at her way of attending the call. He had the hunch that he must have found her at the wrong time but what could he do about that. This was a bullet he had to take now.


    "Ms. Bai, that''s not how you are supposed to talk to your boss," came Dylan''s voice which sounded really irksome to Xiu for now.


    Xiu was about to breathe fire at him through the phone when Darren held her hand which depleted her anger like a balloon. She looked down to see her small hand in his and unknowingly her voice softened as she replied, "How can I help you, Sir?"


    Dylan was taken aback by her gentle voice. What ghost had taken over her body? He was really curious to know. "Err... Erm..." He was so surprised that it took him a while to even remember what he wanted to say. "Come to the company."


    "Let me remind you, it''s Saturday," Xiu pointed out for him while Darren looked at her inquisitively. "I don''t do overtime on weekends."


    "If it wasn''t important, I wouldn''t call you either. Please, come to the office," insisted Dylan sincerely. "Besides, how is it fair that your boss is working on the weekend and you''re sleeping peacefully?"


    Xiu tucked her bottom lip out slightly as she looked at Darren in a reluctant manner. "Crazy Evil Bitch!" she muttered to Dylan, seeing how she''d have to leave Darren''s hand. She didn''t like the idea of leaving like this. She had just started dating. Wuwu!


    "What did you just say?" Dylan shouted from the other side and Xiu had to push the phone away from her ear because of his shriek.


    "I didn''t say anything," said Xiu very calmly while Darren looking at her amusingly.


    "I heard you clearly. You just called me ''crazy evil bitch''," Dylan replied hatefully. If she had been in front of him, Xiu would have loved his state.


    "Oh, my! I didn''t know you had such ''high views'' about yourself, sir," said Xiu with a sly smile. She really played him into calling himself names now.


    Dylan wanted to pull his hair out. "Nevermind. I won''t stoop to your level. Just get here, now!" With that, he hung up on her.


    "What''s wrong?" asked Darren looking at her cursing at the phone which had disconnected a while ago.


    "I have to go to the company," Xiu sighed out.


    "What''s the problem with that?" he asked again seeing how dispirited she looked. "Do you hate your boss so much that you don''t wanna see him over the weekend?"


    "That''s true that I hate his guts but..." Xiu lifted their joined hands and said, "I don''t want to let this go so soon. This is our first day. Why does he have to ruin it?"


    Darren chuckled at her whining like a kid and rubbed her head saying, "Our first day?"


    "Of course, isn''t it? My relationship status is finally gonna change publicly. Do you even realize how big of a deal that is for me? I wanted our first day to be special." spoke Xiu without even thinking.


    "Right, you''re not gonna be single anymore," agreed Darren.


    "Huh? Single? I always thought my relationship status was cursed or something." Darren flicked her forehead. "Ow! What was that for?"


    "You want this first day to be special, it''ll be special. I''ll make sure of that," assured Darren like he was coaxing a child.


    "Promise?" she looked at him expectantly.


    "Promise," he replied.


    Xiu nodded her head and hopped back inside the apartment with a newly found happiness. Because now she had something to look forward to in the evening. Even Dylan''s reminder couldn''t spoil her good mood right now.


    As she was had changed into her office attire, her phone chimed. she frowned at first to see that the message was from Darren. Wasn''t he right outside? Why was he texting her then? Shrugging her shoulders, she opened the text and read...


    McSpicy: "If you''re really flirting then... Can I ask you out on a date tonight?"


    Right then, another text came from him, "Just a quick confirmation, so, you''re officially my girlfriend now. Right?"


    Xiu smiled at his text and replied, "Yes. Since I have the official right to flirt with you now that means I''m your girlfriend."


    Within a minute, she received another text from Darren, "Ohh... That means I''m not allowed to flirt with anyone else?"


    Xiu widened her eyes and pulled open her door to find him but bumped right into his chest as he chuckled and held her there. "Sweets, where are you running off to?"


    Xiu squirmed in his arms as she asked, "Do you want to flirt with other girls?"


    "Not other girls. But there is one in particular in my mind," said Darren with a straight face.


    "Oh, and what''s her name?"


    "Bai Xiu."


    "Eh? But that''s my name," said Xiu with a frown.


    "Really? But you''re my Sweets," claimed Darren.


    "Smooth. Really smooth," Xiu hit his chest making him grunt.


    "Do you have to act like a tigress all the time. It was a joke. Take it easy already."


    "Why did you text me though?" Xiu suddenly recalled.


    "Because my girlfriend asked me to reply to her. I didn''t want her to taunt me nonstop for days or weeks maybe just because I hesitated in pressing a send button." Darren''s reply was straight and honest.


    Xiu pressed her lips together before saying, "But it''s already been days since I sent you that text. You didn''t have to reply now."


    "Hmm..." Darren nodded his head and said, "Indeed. I didn''t have to but better late than never. Also, that day, you''re expecting a reply. Today, you weren''t."


    "What difference does that make?"


    "Ask yourself," he said mysteriously while he turned to leave.


    Xiu called him from behind, "Mr. McSpicy, about that date... I''d love to join you." Darren didn''t turn but there was an obvious smile on his lips that couldn''t be concealed at all.

 Chapter 103 - Commitment & Shamelessness

    Later Darren offered to drop her off to the office but she didn''t agree. As much as she wanted to spend this day with him, she didn''t want to trouble him. Also, she needed some alone time to think about what Darren said.


    Opting for a taxi over the bus, when she sat alone in silence, Xiu finally understood what he meant. If he had replied that day to her text, she would have definitely taken his words as a joke. But today was different. Now when he send that text, all she felt was a pleasant surprise in her heart along with a giddy feeling.


    Yesterday, when she heard Zhou Jinhai''s voice after five years, she didn''t cry. She thought it meant she had grown up but now when she thought about it again, she realized that she didn''t feel like a traitor for crying anymore either. Because if she hadn''t decided to give herself another chance to rediscover love, then she''d have definitely been a traitor¡­ Of her own happiness and future.


    Her phone''s ringtone jolted her back to reality. "Hello!"


    "Baby Xiu''er, I am so proud of you today that I can''t even tell you. This calls for a celebration. I should tell mom and dad about this," Nora''s excited voice could be heard from the other side.


    "Stop!" Xiu shouted out, not even realizing that the driver could take her words seriously. And the taxi driver did take her words seriously as he pressed on the brakes in alarm and Xiu''s head slammed into the seat before her. "Ow!"


    "You okay? What was the sound?" Nora asked in worry.


    Xiu rubbed her forehead and said, "I''m alright." Then she looked at the driver and added, "Mister, I didn''t ask you to stop. Keep driving, we still have a long way to go."


    The driver nodded before mumbling a ''sorry'' and started the taxi again. As for Xiu, she gave Nora her full attention. "Nora, don''t you dare tell anyone. If you told Clara mom or even Uncle Jing, they both will turn into overly conscious parents. I am not even sure where I''m gonna go with this thing between me and Darren. I don''t want to involve our families before I am sure about that."


    Nora chewed on her ch.i.p.s and nodded in understanding. "I feel you, girl. But¡­" With a slight frown etched between her brows, she asked, "Then why did you take such a huge step? How did you become bold enough to ask Darren so directly? You loved defining every single feeling in your life, what''s so different this time?"


    Xiu knew why she was asking that question. Until last night, Xiu really didn''t know what to do. She was unsure whether to feign ignorance over the kiss scene from last night or just face it like a man. Well, as much of a man as she could possibly be.


    "I have always been bold. Do you think your best friend is shy or something?" questioned Xiu in a doubtful manner. "Besides, last night I really planned on acting oblivious. But today when I looked into his eyes, I couldn''t do so."


    Nora smiled to herself as she asked, "What did you see in his eyes that broke your conviction?"


    "I¡­" Xiu looked out the windowpane and said, "I saw my whole world flipping." She sighed out and added, "It felt scary at first but then he held my hand. I guess that''s all it took to undo me. And that''s why I decided not to look for a definition of my feelings this time."


    "I knew Darren''s eyes were beautiful but didn''t realize that his pair of eyes had the power to undone my best friend," said Nora in a fascinated way.


    "Oh, well. I have decided to follow your golden words," stated Xiu taking Nora by surprise. She herself didn''t know which golden words Xiu was talking about. But soon she did as Xiu said, "The world needs two things; Commitment and Shamelessness. And a relationship needs only one thing; commitment to being your best shameless self."


    Nora coughed profusely as she heard Xiu''s words. While Xiu paid her taxi fare, Nora was busy trying to wash down her throat with a glass of water. "Baby Xiu, I also said something like being reserved and yet staying bold."


    "I remember that. Don''t worry at all, I''ll be exactly like that," assured Xiu while Nora was more worried now. "Oh, by the way, where is Jackie? Is he upset that we didn''t take him to science fair?"


    "Not at all," replied Nora nonchalantly.


    "Huh? How come our little prince is okay with that?" asked Xiu with a strange expression.


    "Because Darren took him to the science fair like he wanted to go," answered Nora indifferently.


    "What? Why?" Xiu was surprised. She stood before an empty elevator contemplating something before turning a corner to take the stairs.


    "How would I know? Maybe, Darren wants to connect with his girlfriend''s family." Nora was teasing her but Xiu''s steps halted.


    "Really?" She couldn''t help but ask.


    "Silly, I''m messing with you. Darren is also a science freak like our little Jackie, so when Jackie mentioned the science fair, he readily agreed to accompany him." Nora took a pause before adding, "Besides, you and I both don''t have any interest in science. It''s better for us to stay away."


    Xiu nodded her head even though Nora couldn''t see her. Walking the stairs to the 20th floor wasn''t an easy task but she did it while chatting with Nora. As Xiu stepped on her floor, she hung up the call and noticed the eerie silence on the entire floor.


    Usually one could hear the sound of typing or paper rustling but today, there was pin-drop silence.


    Placing her purse in her own cabin, she took some time to catch her breath and wipe off her sweat before she walked to Dylan''s office door and knocked before pushing it open slightly to peek inside cautiously.


    "You can just enter, Ms. Bai," came Dylan''s heavy voice.


    As Xiu walked inside, she could see the clouds of gloominess looming over his head. There was a suffocating heavy feeling in the room because of his weird mood.


    Before Xiu could say anything, Dylan pushed a stack of papers towards her saying, "This is our new product launch''s details, I''m sure I don''t have to tell you what to do."


    While talking, not even once he lifted his head to look at her. Xiu made a face at him and said, "Yes, sir." ''There it goes my plans for a memorable first day!''


    This work was gonna take her whole day. Argh! She so wished to kick Dylan''s butt.

 Chapter 104 - Cancel The First Date?

    Xiu didn''t know what really happened but Dylan really wasn''t in a good mood and apparently, that''s why Xiu had to slave away with him for the whole day.


    Close to the evening when she was about to knock on his door again, she heard his voice from inside, "Why are you taking your anger out on me?" Xiu''s curiosity piqued as she leaned close to the door to find any clue why Dylan was in such a bad mood. "Yes, I met Hu Shishi but I already explained that she tricked me into seeing her."


    ''Hu Shishi?'' Xiu frowned as that name was brought up again. ''Is he having a quarrel with his girlfriend over Hu Shishi?'' She sighed out in disappointment. ''Well, I couldn''t expect anything better from a homewrecker like Hu Shishi.''


    "Argh! She hung up my phone again!" Xiu heard Dylan''s exasperated voice from behind the door. She didn''t know what mood he was in but she still knocked. "Come in," came his voice.


    Xiu entered his office and placed the doc.u.ments on his table, "I have sorted out the details you asked for. Also, a complete analysis report is sent to your mail. I''ve contacted the production team as well, the product launch''s preparation will start from Monday without any hitch. Now, I would like to leave."


    "Not so fast," said Dylan making Xiu seethe in anger. He took his car keys and said, "Follow me, we have to meet Director Lu from Erzhong Group."


    "What for?" asked Xiu as she followed him out.


    "For a possible business co-operation," Dylan replied.


    Xiu looked at the time which was close to five in the evening now and scowled, "Can''t we just meet him another day?"


    "No, can''t do. He''ll leave for Canada tomorrow. We have to talk today. I just received the address where I can find him," said Dylan while massaging his brows.


    Xiu sat in his car with a dejected look. She unlocked her phone screen and typed a text message to Darren saying, "Let''s cancel our first date. This stupid boss of mine is not gonna let me leave on time."


    She had to wait for a minute or two before she received a reply from Darren saying, "Just call me when you''re free, I''ll come to pick you up." Xiu smiled at his text and hugged her phone close to her heart feeling really sweet.


    Dylan could see her odd behavior from his peripheral vision but didn''t say anything. Today, he really wasn''t in the mood to butt heads with Xiu. No matter how much he liked irritating her, he wasn''t planning on doing it today. He silently followed his navigation system to find the destination.


    When he parked the car and looked around, the gloomy clouds on his head turned into angry raging ones. Xiu also looked at the place where they were and frowned slightly. But her reaction was mild compared to Dylan himself.


    As Xiu was about to take a step towards the entrance, Dylan held her wrist and pulled her back, "Can''t you see what place this is? How can you so casually enter? Go and wait in the car or take a cab and go back home."


    Xiu''s brows quirked up at his words and she asked, "Didn''t you bring me here yourself?"


    "I didn''t know they had planned the meeting in a host club. If I knew I would have never brought my female executive assistant to such a place," said Dylan surprising Xiu. "Anyway, you just leave. I''ll handle this myself."


    "But..." Xiu was about to speak when her words were cut off by another voice that came from behind her.


    "Mr. Qiu, what a pleasant surprise to see you here." Xiu looked at the man who had called out. He had a potbelly and a smirk plastered on his face. "Usually, you always find ways to avoid our gatherings. Which wind blew you here today?"


    Dylan looked at how this man called Ming Hongyi was eyeing Xiu from head to toe and his rage level intensified. He pulled Xiu behind himself and faced Ming Hongyi saying, "I came to see Director Lu, didn''t know his meeting place consisted of such a level. And here I had an illusion that he was a person with moral integrity."


    Xiu was already taken aback when he pulled her behind his back but when he made that remark, she couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly.


    Ming Hongyi looked a bit awkward but he couldn''t argue with Dylan. And seeing this Xiu was confused. Obviously, this Ming Hongyi wasn''t of a low status himself, but still, he wasn''t able to say anything to Dylan openly.


    Ming Hongyi laughed to dispel the awkwardness and said, "Why are you standing outside? Director Lu is waiting for you inside. Please, come inside."


    Dylan turned to Xiu and said, "You go back home."


    "Mr. Qiu should let his female partner join us as well," Ming Hongyi said looking in Xiu''s direction.


    "My assistant''s presence is not necessary," replied Dylan without missing a beat.


    "Mr. Qiu, don''t be so headstrong. It''s just a business meeting, there is no harm in your assistant joining us. Or are you really going to disrespect Director Lu by doing this?"


    Dylan gnashed his teeth in anger since he could understand the underlying meaning of his words. He hated people who weren''t straightforward. Dylan was still contemplating what to do when Xiu spoke up, "I have no problem. Let''s go inside."


    Dylan looked at her weirdly as he said, "You might not have a problem but I do. This is not a place for someone like you."


    "There are other people inside as well," she pointed out.


    Dylan snorted, "Ms. Bai, I didn''t take you for a naive person. There are no humans in this kind of place. There are only hungry wolves wearing the skin of sheep to hide their filthy looking souls."


    Xiu didn''t know why but she smiled at his words. He had brought back some bitter memories but looking at him those memories felt like a joke to her. "But aren''t you human?" Dylan looked at her in surprise as she continued, "As long as one human is beside me, I think I''ll be alright. Besides, this deal is really important for the company."


    "You''re concerned about the company?"


    "Of course, how else will I get a pay raise?"


    Dylan shook his head at her and said, "Stay behind me. Don''t see or say anything, or even listen to anything."


    "Yes, Sir!" Xiu gave him a mock salute making him chuckle softly as they entered through the extravagant entrance of the host club.

 Chapter 105 - I Have A Girlfriend

    There are times in our lives when we want to do something against our own interests and likes. And 90 percent of the time, the reason behind doing those things is a person you care about.


    Darren had literally been very distant from kids all his life. He never really interacted with them just because he found them quite a handful. But since Jackson was like a brother to Xiu, he decided to bond with him.


    Now, it was his luck that Jackson was a science fanatic just like himself when he was a kid. That made things a lot easier for him. One trip of science fair and Jackson was already on Team Darren all the way like his sisters, Nora and Xiu.


    Darren had yet to leave the science fair when he received Dylan''s call and before he could speak, the other person started ranting, "Daz, did you talk to Xiao Mei? She''s not even picking up my calls. Apparently, meeting Hu Shishi is my fault. Can you believe that?"


    Darren turned to Jackson and said, "Jackie, don''t go far. I have to take this call." Jackson nodded like an obedient little boy which he really was and stood at the side. Then Darren spoke to Dylan, "Will you please relax? You and I both know that Xiao Mei''s reaction is not exaggerated. Hu Shishi ruined her life, what else do you expect her to do?"


    "But how is it my fault?" asked Dylan helpless manner.


    "It''s not your fault but for now, stop bothering Xiao Mei. Since she''s finally back in the country after years, it''s better for you to give her time and space." Darren spoke in a calm voice and added, "Where are you by the way? I have something to share with you."


    "Forget where I am, you tell me what do you want to share?" Dylan was intrigued since Darren''s way of speech had a slight shift which couldn''t have gone unnoticed by Dylan.


    "Umm... I... I have a girlfriend now," said Darren making Dylan almost fall from his chair.


    "Are you messing with me or something?" Darren stayed quiet at his question and that was all Dylan needed to know the answer. "Bloody hell! When did this happen? Who is she? Oh, wait! Is it the same girl you kissed last night?"


    "Mhmm..." was Darren''s reply before he explained how Xiu proposed this dating and all.


    Dylan was dumbstruck for a while before she said, "Bro, my dear Dazi, have you lost your mind? How can a girl have more guts than you? Don''t you feel ashamed that a girl asked you out on a date?"


    Darren was unfazed by his words as he replied, "Sweets is a strong supporter of feminism. According to her, if a man can do it so can she. So, what''s wrong with that? Besides, what matters is the end result, not the process."


    "Nevermind," said Dylan and added, "By the way, since you have finally decided to come out of your cocoon. Please, try to be happy and try to fall in love with an open mind and heart. Then it''ll be a happy love story."


    Darren was silent for a brief moment before he said, "There is no such thing as a happy love story."


    "Huh?"


    "Ah-Xiu used to say that we can either choose to be happy in life or we can choose to be in love. Because love in itself is already bittersweet. But people don''t like seeing the sweetness in that bittersweet since their focus is always stuck on the ''bitter'' part. And that leads to the belief that only sad love lasts. Ironic isn''t it?" Darren elaborated his words and Dylan had no way to reply.


    Dylan was lost in his thoughts wondering whether Darren was ever gonna be able to pull himself entirely out of Chen Xiu''s shadow? Because he knew as long as Chen Xiu''s shadow loomed in Darren''s life, his best friend would never be able to take the second chances that life had gifted him.


    "Daz, are you really not gonna look for love?" asked Dylan.


    Darren heaved a long sigh as he said, "I''m not sure about love but I''m sure that I''m looking for a home."


    "Huh? But you have your own house?" retorted Dylan uncertainly.


    "Idiot! Home is never a place, it''s always a person. Ma said that without love one can live but if we never found that one person who could make us feel like coming back home, then we have really wasted our lives."


    "Bro, are you calling me homeless?" was Dylan''s dramatic reply which made Darren chuckle out.


    "Yes, I am in fact calling you homeless."


    Dylan shook his head in a defeated manner and said, "Now, you''re just acting like my mother. The other day, I called her and said, ''Mom, I love you.'' Can you guess what was her reply?"


    "I believe my guess won''t do justice to Beauty Wei''s reply. So, why don''t you just tell me," replied Darren as he was really curious to hear the reply.


    "Man, she said, ''Sorry... I already have a husband.'' I was speechless at that." Dylan''s added effect of sad voice made Darren burst out laughing. That was such a typical reply from Dylan''s mother. "I mean, both of them haven''t even talked to each other in over two weeks and yet, she''s still siding with him. Can you believe that?"


    "I can believe that and I know you can too. Besides, aren''t you just jealous because you always wanted a relationship like theirs but don''t have one?"


    Darren''s reply did shut up Dylan since he was right. Dylan had always been envious but also proud of the bond his parents had. In a way, his own parents were his relationship goals in life. Who knew life wasn''t fair with everyone. Just as Dylan hung up the call, his already depressed mood had hit rock bottom.


    Even his best friend was trying to give himself a second chance and so was Xiao Mei. And what was he doing? Was he really standing where he was left? This thought alone was really depressing.

 Chapter 106 - Im A Crazy Person

    Back on Xiu''s side...


    Host clubs weren''t really new to her. In the entertainment industry, these places were often used as meeting spots. So, no matter how disgusted she was inside, she couldn''t bring herself to say it. As Chen Xiu, she wasn''t treated like those D-class celebrities but the direct innuendos were enough for humiliation.


    No one had ever tried to get cozy with her because of her high status in the industry but they never left any chance to say something hurtful as well. It was always a reminder that no matter how famous she ould get, she''d always be nothing before those in power.


    She completely agreed with Dylan''s words that there were no humans in this kind of place. There were only hungry and filthy wolves. Perhaps, that''s why Dylan didn''t fit in this kind of environment at all. His dignified and decent self looked really out of place. His aura of the aristocracy was a stark contrast with the shabby activities of this extravagant looking place.


    Inside the private room, Xiu saw four men including the one whom they met at the entrance. Each of them had a young woman sticking beside them. Some pouring drinks or some feeding them fruits with their own hands. This ingratiating scene was repulsive and hateful to Xiu. It was her first time entering a host club in this life but it seemed like nothing had changed at all in years.


    To avoid displaying her expressions, Xiu kept her attention on Dylan, whose face scrunched up in disgust while he clenched his fists tightly. Xiu really didn''t expect that Dylan was this repulsed by this place. It was safe to say that he didn''t like frequenting such places.


    Dylan greeted everyone out of politeness and sat on a couch with Xiu right by his side. The conversation at first started out casually as it moved towards the real agenda. But after a while, the atmosphere changed.


    "I didn''t expect Mr. Qiu to bring his own female partner, I had arranged for a good companion for you," the one who spoke was Director Lu himself.


    "Thanks for your kindness, but Director Lu, I don''t think your help was necessary. It''s not like someone like me lacks women... in life or in my..." Dylan left his words hanging making Xiu almost gape at him in disbelief. Was he an idiot? He really was trying to stir up trouble in another man''s territory with his direct blows.


    But of course, Xiu was amused. Seeing how Director Lu looked awkward and incensed, another man beside him named Shao Tao tried to placate the situation as he said, "Haha... Mr. Qiu is really funny. How about you ask your partner to pour a drink for you?"


    Xiu was about to pick up the wine jar when Dylan held her back and said, "I can pour my own drinks. You see I grew up abroad, so I''m used to doing my own work. Unlike some people, I have learned how to feed myself as well."


    Xiu felt another wave of admiration for Dylan. His every word was like a blade trying to cut people''s egos. She thought Darren was sharp-tongued, who knew Dylan wasn''t a pushover either.


    The fourth man in the room, Woo Gengxin extended his glass towards Xiu and said, "I hope then Mr. Qiu would let his partner accompany us for a drink."


    Dylan''s courteous facade had a crack as he glared at that man and said, "If even I''m not asking her to pour me a drink, then who the hell are you? If you love drinking with women so much, I think you should let the woman beside you do this honor."


    "Mr. Qiu, I have been patient considering our upcoming cooperation but now, you''re crossing a line. For just a woman, you''re willing to lose this million dollar deal?" Director Lu sounded infuriated.


    Dylan stood up to face him and said, "I have also entered this God-forsaken place because of that deal. Otherwise, do you really think I, Qiu Hedi would walk through the doors of a host club?"


    "You''re gonna make Erzhong Group your enemy at this rate. But I can really let this go if your female partner has a drink with me," said Director Lu.


    Without even thinking, Dylan held his collar and said, "Listen you puny little Director Lu, I am Qiu Hedi. Just because I''m running Spark International Group, don''t forget my real status. I''m still the only heir of Qiu conglomerate. Someone like you who used the money to get your position can''t really offend someone like me."


    Xiu really had the wish to give him a round of applause. He looked like a completely different person than his petty self. He looked mature and intimidating. She remembered someone once had said to her at one of these meetings in her previous life, "Xiu, it''s just a glass of wine. What''s the big deal? They are offering you a lead role, the least you can do is show your sincerity by drinking with them."


    But it wasn''t just a glass of wine for her back then. Because with each sip of wine, she felt her throat being pierced with needles as if she was being humiliated this way. Her life''s work and hard work had amounted to one glass of wine with the investors. It was painful to think about that but it was the truth of that glamorous life as an actress. Not once or twice, an actor had to be smeared with all kinds of dirt at every other occasion.


    "Next time, before playing any trick like this with me. Remember who you are and who I am. You wouldn''t wanna mess with me. Your people might not have self-respect but my people represent me and I''m a crazy person who values his self-respect the most," saying that Dylan took Xiu and walked out of that suffocating place.


    Coming out of the host club, she saw Dylan leaning against his car and taking long breaths to calm himself. He looked exhausted and mad.

 Chapter 107 - A Trip To Police Station

    It was around 7 o''clock at night when they left the club and Dylan offered to drive her back. Since Xiu didn''t want to call Darren to such a place, she took Dylan''s offer and settled in the passenger seat.


    "Sir, you okay?" Xiu asked.


    "Yes, I am absolutely fine. Why?" Dylan retorted indifferently.


    "You look really really mad," said Xiu in a straightforward manner.


    Dylan snickered as he said, "I do look like I''m really really mad but actually, I''m just really really depressed." Xiu''s brows quirked up in surprise as he added, "I don''t like people degrading others to feel good about themselves."


    "Is that why you didn''t let me pour them a drink?" She questioned purely out of curiosity.


    Dylan gave her a brief glance before looking back towards the road as he said, "If I''d let you pour them a drink, I wouldn''t even be able to face myself. No business deal can outweigh your dignity and respect. I''m childish but I do know that women are not toys. I can''t play with them just because I''m bored with myself."


    "Do you know, I wanted to murder you when you called me to the office this morning?" Dylan didn''t know why but he wasn''t surprised at all when she said that. "But not anymore. You are indeed petty and childish but you also have some plus points."


    Dylan gave a small smile and asked, "Any specific reason for the murder plans?"


    "You ruined my first date with my boyfriend," replied Xiu matter-of-factly.


    But Dylan''s attention was on something else as he said, "Boyfriend? Did you break up with your girlfriend or something? You both looked good together though. I was a bit surprised to see a girl couple at first but later, I found you both really adorable together."


    "Stop the car," said Xiu and because of her sharp tone, without considering that they were on the highway, he parked the car at the side.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked looking at her strange expression.


    "You think I''m homos.e.x.u.a.l?" inquired Xiu with complex emotion.


    "Yeah, I used to think that. But now, I just learned that you''re actually bis.e.x.u.a.l. That''s really shocking." Xiu''s mouth opened wide at his words as she breathed through her mouth to calm herself.


    "Sir, would you give me your phone please," she extended her hand towards him and Dylan eyed her hand for a while in confusion but still gave his phone to her.


    Xiu took his phone, pushed open the door of the car and got out. Coming right at the front of his car, she aimed his metal cased phone directly at his windshield.


    "Crack..." The windshield was chipped because of her perfect angle and the weight of the phone.


    Dylan came out of his car with a horrified look as he glared at Xiu. "What the hell are you doing?"


    "Who told you to call me a lesbian?" She screamed at him on the highway while the speeding cars were zooming past them. "It''s your fault for running your stupid brain in all the wrong directions."


    "How dare you hurt my car for that?" Dylan snapped back at her. "And is it my fault that you had such an ambiguous public display of affection with that girl whoever she was."


    "She''s my best friend for God''s sake. How is anything ambiguous in that?" Xiu kicked his headlight with her heel breaking that as well.


    Dylan held her wrist to pull her away from his car and said, "Why are you taking it out on my car?" Xiu gave him a look before she lifted her hand and pulled his hair making him yelp. "Ouch! Ouch! Stop that!"


    "Well, you said I should not touch your car then you should be your car''s replacement because I''m very angry right now," said Xiu.


    Dylan held himself back for a moment before he also pulled her hair. Obviously, he couldn''t bring himself to hit her in any other way. So, he chose the most childish way he could think of. "Hey, let go of my hair." Xiu tugged at his hair with force.


    He did the same and said, "You let go first."


    "No, you first."


    "No way, I don''t trust you at all. You have to let go first."


    "Why don''t you both just let go?"


    Xiu and Dylan stared at each other with confusion because they both had not said it. As they turned around, they saw two police officers standing beside them.


    "Mister, Miss please let go of each other," the officer spoke politely and Xiu and Dylan had to let go reluctantly but they both didn''t stop glaring at each other with venom. "Now, would you like telling us why are you both fighting on a highway?"


    "She broke my car," Dylan pointed at Xiu without holding back at all.


    Xiu also wanted to speak but how was she supposed to say it? "He started it," she replied.


    "Oh, really? What did I say?" Dylan asked with amus.e.m.e.nt dancing in his eyes.


    "Now, you''re just being a jerk," said Xiu.


    "And who forced me to act like a jerk? I love my cars, don''t you know that? How can you hurt my baby?" Dylan was like a whining kid at this point.


    "Well, if you had not assumed me to be... You know what then I wouldn''t have done this at all," screamed Xiu at the top of her lungs.


    Both police officers held them back before they could start another catfight and said, "If you both didn''t come to a conclusion here, I''ll have to take you to the precinct."


    "Oh, I always wanted to go to police station," said both Xiu and Dylan simultaneously and turned to glare at each other before huffing and turning to look away.


    "First, you parked the car on a busy road, breaking traffic rules then you started a fight in the middle of the road. You both are coming with us," said the other police officer and took them towards the police car.

 Chapter 108 - His Sweets & His Didi

    Both Xiu and Dylan had one thing in common, they both were stubborn and both had a bug called childishness. Dylan was possessive about his cars while Xiu never liked someone talking about her character. Even as they sat before the police officer in the police station, both of them had turned their backs to each other without uttering a word.


    They were still acting like those kids who loved throwing tantrums.


    "Tell me your name and social security number," the police officer asked looking at them both. Although they were reluctant but they both had to tell their names. "Now, give me the details for why did you both fight?"


    "I told you that she broke my car," said Dylan.


    "And I also told you he started it," Xiu jutted in.


    "I heard you both but I''m not sure what to say at all. There has to be a reason why she broke your car and there must be something he said to start it. But both of you are keeping a mum over this," the police officer was tired asking the same thing over and over again but it was like a dead end. They both didn''t plan on saying anything at all.


    The police officer sighed heavily as he looked at them again and said, "Can you call someone to come? I won''t let you both leave unless someone comes to take you both."


    "Can I have my phone then?" asked Xiu and the police officer gave her phone.


    "She broke my phone so I''ll have to use your phone," said Dylan and didn''t forget to remind everyone that Xiu had broken his phone along with his car.


    Xiu first dialed Nora''s number but disconnected it. If she called Nora, the latter would tell her parents and this small matter would blow up. Xiu thought about who else to call and settled with Darren. After all, a boyfriend should be responsible for her at this time.


    However, she was still hesitant. Calling Darren to the police station and that too on their first day of dating seemed really weird. But there was no one else in her friend''s list who could come to take her. Urgh! After ruffling her hair in annoyance, she finally dialed Darren''s number.


    Darren picked up at the third ring and Xiu said, "McSpicy, you''re still my boyfriend right? Even though I stood you up on our very first date."


    Darren frowned at her words and replied, "If you have not decided to break up with me then definitely, I''m your boyfriend."


    "I don''t plan on breaking up. I have yet to start my dating. Anyway, I need your help," said Xiu while playing with the button on her blazer.


    "Sweets, is everything okay? Where are you? What''s wrong? Tell me," Darren''s anxious voice made Xiu forget all about Dylan.


    "I''m fine. But I made a mess and now, I am at the police station. Can you come here to get me?" Xiu sounded like a cat asking for attention and affection.


    "What? Police station? What really happened?" Darren had already changed his shoes as he ran out of his apartment leaving his video conference in the middle. "Are you really okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Give me the address."


    Xiu smiled at his reaction and told him the address before adding, "Don''t worry and drive safely. I''m alright. Please don''t tell Nora about this. I''ll explain when you get here."


    "Okay, I''ll be right there with you. You don''t be nervous at all. I''m on my way right now." Darren hung up the call and called his driver to get the car out.


    Meanwhile...


    "Mr. Qiu, what are you doing? Are you gonna call or not?" The police officer urged Dylan who stood listening to the beep-beep from the receiver.


    "I''m trying to call. But seems like my best friend is busy on another call. Let me try again," Dylan replied and dialed Darren''s number which was apparently the only number he remembered perfectly. Besides calling his mother would only land him in the field of mines where he''ll be roasted like a bloody chicken.


    Finally, Dylan''s call connected when Darren had just boarded his car and asked his driver to drive him to the police station. When he saw an unknown number flashing on his screen, he didn''t want to bother with it but picked up the call at the last ring. "Hello!"


    "Dazi, what took you so long?" Dylan''s voice made Darren frown.


    "Why are you calling me from an unknown number?" Darren asked with a scowl.


    "A wild cat broke my phone," Dylan gritted out while he glared at Xiu''s back. "Anyways, come and pick me up."


    "Can''t do. I have to pick my girlfriend." Darren answered straightforwardly making Dylan gape in disbelief.


    "Hoel! Yah! Bro, this... dates before mates is not a good policy eh! How can you even abandon your best friend for a girlfriend?" Dylan was literally at the point of exploding now.


    "Stop overacting, she''s all alone there. And I''m already worried about her. I don''t even know the situation at all. Stop bothering me now," Darren was about to hang up.


    But Dylan blurted out hastily, "I''m in the police station. Please, don''t leave me here alone."


    Darren put the phone back against his ear and asked, "Police station? Which police station?"


    As Dylan gave him the address, Darren''s eyes widened in surprise. Both his girlfriend and best friend were in the same police station. But why? "I''ll be right there. Wait for me," said Darren.


    "Haha... I knew you won''t abandon your mate over a date. Come fast." Darren didn''t bother listening to Dylan anymore and disconnected the call. Dylan looked at the questioning look on the police officer''s face and said, "My brother will be here soon."


    The police officer looked at Xiu and she also informed, "My boyfriend is coming as well."


    "Okay," said the police officer and turned to his partner saying, "Keep these two apart. I don''t want them to start another catfight here."


    Xiu and Dylan scowled unhappily at his words but since the other person was a police officer, they both kept quiet.


    However, Darren''s mind was running at lightning speed as he realized that his Sweets name was Bai Xiu and the Executive Assistant he chose for Dylan also had the name, Bai Xiu. That could be a coincidence but his Sweets and his Didi being in the same police station? How was he supposed to convince himself that it was also just a coincidence?

 Chapter 109 - Mine! No, Mine!

    With his hands behind his head and legs propped over the desk, Dylan was languidly seated in the police station. Xiu, however, was dozing off.


    "Hey, Officer Cheng, can I get a soft drink? With lots of ice. I''m really thirsty." Dylan asked the officer who had been questioning them earlier.


    "I say, get this big baby a big bed and a lavish feast as well, his delicate self must be really tired," Xiu taunted from her seat which was in another corner of the room.


    Dylan gritted his teeth and said, "Don''t listen to troublemakers. She just knows how to break things."


    "And you only know how to be petty all the time," Xiu replied back.


    Dylan shot up from the chair and shouted, "Yah! If it wasn''t for you, we wouldn''t be stuck here right now!"


    Xiu also stood up to face him and snapped at him, "Huh! Some people really love playing the blame game. Mr. Qiu, let me remind you that it was your bloody comment that brought us here."


    Officer Cheng tried to hold Dylan back as he was about to charge towards Xiu. On the other hand, Xiu wasn''t a pushover, to begin with, she also rolled up her sleeves to beat the hell out of him. A female officer had to hold her back as well for Dylan''s safety. But the officers could only hold them physically, both Xiu and Dylan were still shouting curses at each other.


    "It was just a comment, did you have to go as far as murdering someone?" Dylan''s accusation irked Xiu even more.


    "Oi! Who did I murder? Don''t lie!"


    "You murdered my baby... My newly bought car," Dylan cried back.


    Xiu snorted at him, "A human''s feelings got hurt because of you but you still care about a machine? Do you have any sense?"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her and snickered, "Ms. Bai, let''s be honest here. Humans have long lost feelings since they love breaking their promises. But the machines are different."


    "Guess you didn''t learn the basics of life yet. It''s not hard to have feelings in this age, it''s difficult being human now!" Xiu retorted without holding back stunning Dylan to silence for a moment. "All you want in life is ''ATTENTION'' but do you even realize what you give others?" Dylan''s brows creased up a bit and she continued with a smirk, "You give people, ''A TENSION''!"


    "Pfft!"


    The female officer beside Xiu couldn''t hold back her laughter but the others were sensible enough to stifle theirs. Because Dylan''s face had turned red from anger. Oddly, Xiu realized that he was so naturally fair that tinges of red would become extremely vivid on his face.


    With his clenched fists beside him, Dylan was seething in the fire. He pointed at Xiu and said, "I used to think that you''re a mess. Hot but still a mess. I guess I''m not wrong about that."


    Xiu flipped her ruffled, tangled hair dramatically and said, "Don''t get the wrong idea, Sir. I''m not a hot mess. I love being a spicy disaster!"


    Dylan: "..."


    While Dylan was standing speechless, the glass door of the princist was pulled open from the outside and in walked a tall figure in his black jeans and a white t-shirt with a coat jacket over it. Both Xiu and Dylan turned their heads and instantly their eyes lit up.


    Almost at once, both of them ran up to the newcomer''s side and held his hand. Darren looked at Dylan holding his right hand and then looked at Xiu holding his left hand. Only he knew what turmoil he was going through right now.


    "I knew you''d come," both Xiu and Dylan spoke simultaneously as they gazed at Darren with the same look of dependence. But as soon as they saw each other holding Darren''s hand, their brows snapped together.


    "Mr. Qiu, let go of his hand," said Xiu glaring at Dylan.


    "Ms. Bai, I suggest you to let go," retorted Dylan with the same look of defiance.


    "Mr. Qiu, you can say anything to me but don''t you dare touch what''s mine. I''m a possessive bitch!" Xiu''s words earned her a quirk of a brow in surprise from Darren.


    "Ms. Bai, I should be telling you that. I know you treat me like a bloody arcade that''s why you''re always playing me. But this is my limit. Let him go!"


    "I have the right to hold this hand," said Xiu with conviction and right. She was like a tigress claiming her territory.


    "Oho! This hand is mine. This best friend is mine."


    "He''s my boyfriend!"


    As they both noticed what they had just said, both looked confused.


    "He''s your best friend?" Xiu looked at Dylan to ask and the latter nodded in reply.


    "He''s your boyfriend?" This time Dylan asked Xiu and she nodded in response.


    After a moment of letting that sink in, both of them looked at Darren at once and asked:


    "She''s the girlfriend you told me about?"


    "He''s the best friend you''re talking about?"


    Darren was the only calm person in this situation. Well, at least, he looked very calm right now. He looked at their anticipating eyes before he lifted his hand to brush Xiu''s hair down and said, "Yes, Didi, she''s my girlfriend." As Dylan''s eyes widened, he added, "And yes, Sweets, Dylan is my best friend. Well, calling him a brother would be more appropriate."


    There was silence for a moment. A complicated silence that seemed suffocating before both Xiu and Dylan spoke out at the same time again,


    "But I don''t like him."


    "But I don''t like her."


    Darren heaved a long and heavy sigh as he massaged his brows and said, "I really don''t have time for this, right now. First, let me solve the mess you both created."


    His words managed to silence them both and they turned into the most innocent and docile selves. Darren walked towards the desk of an officer and introduced himself saying, "Hi, I''m R.D. Salvay! I''m here for both of them."


    Officer Cheng looked at Xiu and Dylan before looking at Darren and asked, "You know both of them?"


    Darren took a moment before saying, "One is my girlfriend and the other is my best friend."


    Officer Cheng passed a doc.u.ment for his signature while he said, "Man, you must be having it tough." That look of pity and slight admiration in his eyes caught Darren off since he had no idea how much trouble his girlfriend and his best friend had put them in. If only he knew...

 Chapter 110 - Troublemaker Kids

    Darren couldn''t believe what he was told by the police officer. The argument that led to the police station sounded ridiculous and outrageous to him. He couldn''t believe that his best friend and girlfriend would turn out to be like two bullies trying to get the upper hand over the other.


    Now that he recalled it, he had always heard Xiu cursing her boss who turned out to be his own best friend. As for Dylan, he wasn''t any better either. So, apparently, while he wasn''t paying attention, his best friend and his girlfriend had turned into mortal enemies.


    Xiu and Dylan followed behind him in silence as they left the police station. Hanging their heads down in guilt both of them seemed like the epitome of innocence. But Darren wasn''t paying attention since he had much to sort out in his mind.


    "I still can''t believe you''re dating my best friend," Dylan was the one who whispered in disbelief.


    "Do you think I''m enjoying this? This is the most ridiculous truth I''ve ever heard in my life!" Xiu also whisper yelled at him in rage.


    Looking at Darren''s back, Dylan added, "Now, my best friend is not even talking. This is all your fault."


    Xiu was so close to hitting him but taking into consideration how Darren was there as well, she couldn''t just explode. It was enough of humiliation that her boyfriend had to come to pick her up from a police station on their first day of dating. She didn''t want to add in more humiliation. But she wasn''t the one to stay quiet as well.


    "Sir, I''m planning on buying a car now," said Xiu out of the blue making Dylan frown in confusion.


    "What does that have to do with me?" Dylan asked.


    "Nothing, I''m just warning you to take precautions," said Xiu with a shrug of her shoulders.


    "Precautions for what?" asked Dylan again.


    Xiu gave him a smirk which told Dylan that she was up to no good and sure enough, her next words stumped him. "Just informing you to be cautious while crossing the road next time. If my car ended up running over you, I won''t be the one taking the blame for it."


    Dylan: "..."


    "Hoel!" Dylan was having difficulty trying to form a sentence or even a word. "Yah! You won''t find a person like me ever again."


    Xiu chuckled as she said, "First of all, THANK GOD for that!" Dylan lifted his hand to strangle her when Darren around.


    "Hands down," Darren''s voice was like the angel of death standing on Dylan''s head. He was scared out of his wits when he saw Darren''s grim expressions.


    Xiu stuck her tongue out at him childishly before holding Darren''s arm and saying, "Sir... Wait, now that we are out of the office and considering how you''re my boyfriend''s best friend, I''ll talk casually with you." Both Darren and Dylan turned their eyes towards her as she went on, "Uncle Dylan, sometimes you should make peace with a fact that you''re a villain in another person''s story. Right now, you''re the villain boss in my dating. Even if you think you''re doing the right thing, don''t forget you''re not living my life. From my perspective, you ruined my date. And I, Bai Xiu will never forget this."


    After a moment of digesting her words, Dylan turned to look at Darren and said, "Aren''t you gonna say anything now? That''s a blatant threat!" When Darren showed no interest in involving himself in their argument, Dylan looked at Xiu and said, "You! You call me an Uncle. Remember?"


    "Of course, I''ll still call you Uncle. Why? Any problem with that?" Xiu didn''t turn back on her words at all. He was still the petty Uncle to her as before.


    "Okay, I''m an Uncle," said Dylan while nodding his head in understanding before he continued, "But I and Daz are of the same age. How is it possible that he''s your boyfriend and I''m an Uncle?"


    "How old are you?" asked Xiu.


    "Turned 27 this year," replied Dylan looking at provocatively.


    "I''ve heard that every three years comes a new generation. And I''m gonna turn 23 this year which means, you and I have 2 generation gap. That''s why you''re an Uncle," elaborated Xiu and even added, "As for my boyfriend, an age gap of five years is not much at all."


    "Hold on, we have five years age gap which means we are only one generation apart," Dylan tried to reason on a very unexpected matter, completely overlooking her biasedness for now.


    "Nope. We have one and a half generation gap but rounding it off it becomes two generations. Simple." Xiu seemed so sure of her own logic that even Darren had no words for her.


    "Does that even make sense? You''re being biased now." Dylan complained, with an unhappy expression.


    "Of course, I am being biased. One is my boyfriend and the other is my boss whom I really don''t like. Would it even make sense if I''m not being biased here? I think so not!" Xiu''s words really left Dylan in a strange mood. His mind really couldn''t work the way hers did. "By the way, Uncle Dylan since you''re old enough to be a bit behind the trend, let me enlighten you, it''s a trend to date older men. Besides, look at your best friend, does my boyfriend even looks like he''s older than me? I don''t think so."


    "Why are you questioning if all the answers are gonna come out of your own mouth?"


    Xiu smiled at him oddly and said, "Because I don''t trust neither your judgment nor your answers." Taking a pause, she added, "In the future, if your old self needs help in learning the trends of us young people, please tell me... Not!"


    "Hey! You! You!" Dylan''s body was trembling with rage now but he still couldn''t do anything at all.


    Xiu flipped her hair and looked at Darren asked, "Where is your car?"


    "Over there," Darren pointed at his black SUV and Xiu nodded her head as she turned to walk towards it.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Dylan yelled at her from behind.


    Xiu halted in her steps and turned her head to say, "I didn''t know that done was an emotion. Because right now, I''m feeling like I''m done with you!" With that, she went to Darren''s car where the driver opened the door for her and she slid inside.


    Seeing both Xiu and Dylan''s interaction with his own eyes Darren realized something. He was dealing with two troublemaker kids. Now he believed the police officer''s words, he was certainly gonna have it tough from now on.

 Chapter 111 - She Is Crazy!

    After Xiu left them, Darren''s eyes turned to glare at Dylan making him take a step back. He knew his best friend was childish but he never thought about the extent of his childishness before this day.


    "Dazi, please tell me she''s not your girlfriend? That''s outrageous!" Dylan tried to talk but Darren punched his guts making hunch over while grunting in pain.


    "I already said that she''s my girlfriend. Besides, outrageous? Didi, do you even realize what outrageous really means? You actually ended up in a police station because you fought with a girl in the middle of a highway! For goodness sake, what the bloody hell were you even thinking?" Darren''s interrogation seemed worse them the police officer. Dylan really didn''t have a way out of it at all.


    "She pulled my hair first. I just called her homos.e.x.u.a.l. But she broke my car and then pulled my hair. My HAIR! Can you believe that? How can you date someone so brazen and impudent like her?" Dylan had just straightened up when Darren punched him again at the same spot.


    "You seriously called my girlfriend lesbian? Have you lost your mind? I knew you were short of some screws in your brain but didn''t expect that now, your brain is completely lost!" Darren lifted his leg as if to kick but Dylan took a couple of steps back. However, because there were stairs behind him, Dylan ended up falling on his buttock.


    He m.o.a.ned in pain on the floor as he looked up at Darren and said, "It was just a comment. Did she have to take it to heart?"


    Darren slapped his head making him whine like a kid. "It was a comment out of your own assumptions. It wasn''t a fact. Besides, even if it was a fact that she''s a lesbian, you don''t get to say it. Who are you to question someone''s s.e.x.u.a.lity? That''s insulting and disrespectful."


    Dylan was thoroughly being thrashed by his own best friend. And when Darren finally let him breathe, Dylan said, "Are you really gonna date her? Don''t hit me!" He raised his hands in defense and went on, "I''m just asking why her? She''s crazy. Literally!"


    Darren looked towards the side where his car was parked and said, "Life is too short. Isn''t it better to spend it with someone whom you''re either crazy for or who makes you want to be crazy together?" Dylan lowered his eyes in thought while Darren looked at him and added, "Besides, why it has to be her... I already answered that question last night."


    That''s when Dylan recalled how he asked last night, "Would you really consider dating this girl?"


    And Darren had replied with, "I''m not sure but something in me wants to try this for once."


    Dylan had questioned again, "Why? Why her?"


    Darren had a small smile playing on his lips when he replied, "Because she is crazy." Dylan was dumbstruck by his reply. "Sweets is the kind of girl who makes you realize what madness really feels like. Looking at Chen Xiu, I always found her to be an aesthetic beauty that could make people envious. Sweets isn''t like that at all. She doesn''t hide her imperfections. I know she''s silly and outrageously ridiculous at times... But let''s be honest, she is real and definitely not boring at all. In my opinion, it''s her madness that makes her interesting. She doesn''t have the aesthetic beauty but she does have a remarkably candid beauty."


    Coming back to the present, Dylan glanced at his best friend and said, "I never thought someone''s madness could make them interesting."


    Darren chuckled as he said, "Didi, madness is just another name for sanity. Because the person who allows you to see his madness is the only one who can help you find your sanity. Just like the person who once showed us paradise is often the one who left us in hell to burn alone."


    Dylan sighed out heavily in defeat as he voiced out, "I''m running out of ideas to dissuade you from dating her. OW! OW!" As someone pulled his ear, Dylan yelped out and turned his head sideways only to widen his eyes and gulp visibly. "What are you doing here?"


    "I called her," the answer was given by Darren himself as he turned to the woman who showed up and dared to twist Dylan''s ear ruthlessly, "How are you, Xiao Mei?"


    "I''m absolutely perfect, Regan. What about you?" The woman who answered seemed to be in her late twenties. She was wearing an elegant and sophisticated dress in peach color. Her black hair reached her shoulders while her beautiful raven eyes were smiling at Darren.


    "Same as always," replied Darren.


    "Yah! Why did you call her?" Dylan screamed at Darren while trying to get his ear out of her vice-like grip. "Xiao Mei, you better let me go. Didn''t you say you won''t even see me again? Why are you here then?"


    "Who asked you to make trouble? I had to come," replied the woman while glaring at him.


    "Sorry, Didi. You told me not to tell your mother. You didn''t mention anyone else. But rest assured, Xiao Mei would never tell Beauty Wei." Darren was enjoying himself seeing the condition of his best friend. Why wouldn''t he? Who told Dylan to mess with his girlfriend? Didn''t he know that Darren had always been possessive and protective about his things and his people? Besides, this time his girlfriend was involved!


    "You''re just taking revenge for your girlfriend, aren''t you?" Dylan obviously understood Darren''s intention perfectly well. How could he not?


    "Then who asked you to pull a girl''s hair? Is that how you''re raised?" Hearing that angry voice beside his ear, Dylan flinched. Today really wasn''t his day. First, Xiu was playing him like an arcade and now these two closest people in his life were treating him like dirty laundry.


    "Xiao Mei, get your facts straight. His girlfriend pulled my hair first. It was because I''m a good person that I didn''t hit her," said Dylan righteously but received a hit on his head from her.


    "You come with me, I''ll teach you all about how to treat a woman," said the woman while dragging him not before saying to Darren, "Bye, Regan! I''ll see you later. But make sure to bring your girlfriend with you."


    "I will," replied Darren and waved them off.

 Chapter 112 - W For Sweets

    Settling in the backseat of the car, Darren saw Xiu curled up in a corner with her head lying against the window. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be sleeping peacefully as the street lights fell on half of her face to illuminate it in a dreamy way. There was a rare calmness on her face which Darren usually didn''t find.


    ''She was like a little queen


    with a tornado of emotions left unseen.


    With the burden of unheard shadows of sweet sounds,


    she was trudging the path to heaven like a may queen.


    Her defying pain was left unfelt


    It touched the bottom of her soul


    Just to open her whole.


    Ah! She was indeed a little queen.


    A chaos we called madness


    And a recipe of a beautiful disaster.''


    Darren stared at her face illuminated by the street lights for a little longer before extending his arm and with his hand on the side of her face, he placed her head on his shoulder. As he was brushing her hair away from her face, he heard her voice, "Hate to break it to you but I''m not sleeping."


    Xiu was about to lift her head when he pushed her head back on his shoulder and said, "You could have pretended that you''re sleeping."


    "I could but I didn''t want to lie," replied Xiu sincerely. Finding a comfortable position, she added, "I''m just super tired. My weekend lazy self has gone through a pure agony today. I find it cruel rather than complacent."


    Darren smiled at her answer and with his hand gestured for the driver to start their journey. "If you had mentioned the name of your boss, I''d have made sure that he would never even dare to call you out on Saturday."


    Xiu found his support sweeter than any word. "Mr. McSpicy, as much as I loved those words, let me be clear. My professional and personal life have a clear line. It''s like a tightrope I''m dancing on but I still enjoy it this way."


    Darren didn''t say anything in response since he didn''t know how to. After all, what she said made sense. He never mixed his professional life with his personal one, how could he ask her to do something that was against his own principles and conscious?


    "I''m gonna be honest with you about one thing," said Xiu when she didn''t hear anything from him.


    "About what?" asked Darren looking into her eyes.


    "I literally have no darn clue about relationsh.i.p.s. There. I just said it! Phew! The cat''s finally out of the bag. It is liberating," Xiu felt good after she voiced that out. Previously, she had been only in a single relationship but looking back, all she realized was that only she was the one putting effort into that relationship if one could call it that. So, in fact, she really didn''t know how relationsh.i.p.s actually worked.


    "Sweets, do you think everyone in a relationship knows what they''re getting into?" Xiu blinked at him with a frown. "No, silly. But people still take the chance. Do you know why?" Xiu had a thoughtful look but then she ended up shaking her head. Darren tapped the space between her forehead and said, "They are willing to take the chance because a relationship is always between two complete idiots who have no clue what they are looking for. But all they have is a simple thought that they will figure it out... Together."


    "Ohhh..." Xiu had a look of enlightenment as she bobbed her head up and down in slow motion. After a moment she said, "If we are figuring out stuff then I think I should let you know." Darren raised his brow at her inquisitively and she continued, "I''m a very private person. If you want to know something please ask since if you won''t ask, I won''t tell. I believe I''ll be burdening people with my own problems if I talked first."


    Darren opened his mouth to say something when she placed her head on his shoulder and continued her babbling, "Also, I''m lazy as you had been informed. So, my weekends are often spent deciding whether to just keep sleeping or take a shower? In the end, of course, I shower but just to make it seem like I did something productive. But then I again go back to sleep. Because there is no compromise on sleep."


    Just like that Xiu continued to talk about almost all the useless things she could think of. Her voice grew softer and softer as her whole day''s tiredness was wearing her down now. But she didn''t stop talking even now as she said, "Just think that today wasn''t our first day at all. I don''t want to start dating on a bad note. Today could be described as the worst first day of dating in the history of dating."


    Darren chuckled at her words and said, "I''m not sure. I mean, I really find this day... Memorable. I think I''ll never get to see another dating which started at the police station."


    Xiu hit his arm but since she was half asleep, her hands didn''t have much strength at all. "Memorable? What was so memorable about it?" She rubbed her eyes to keep herself awake for a little longer.


    "I don''t know about you Sweets. But..." he tapped the tip of her nose making her scrunch it up. "It was memorable for me since you called me for help. You didn''t call anyone but your boyfriend. I''m gonna sound really crazy but I actually felt happy to know that you looked for me in time of need."


    "Okay. You officially sound crazy," said Xiu as she closed her eyes again.


    "I know," said Darren softly and added, "Do you know I learned a new thing about you today?"


    "Really? What''s that?" Xiu asked with her eyes tightly shut.


    "I learned you''re a combination of three ''W''," stated Darren making Xiu''s eyes open as she stared at him in confusion.


    "Three W?"


    Darren nodded before elaborating, "Wild, weird and wondrous."


    Xiu pressed her lips together and stayed quiet in response. That compliment sounded better than anything she had ever heard in her two lives. With a sweet and content smile on her face, she finally fell in deep slumber.


    And...


    That''s why she missed the words Darren whispered close to her ear, "Besides, Sweets. Who said our first day has ended?"

 Chapter 113 - Remedy Of Love

    We all meet a person in life whose voice sounds so appealing that we can''t explain it in words. It''s like there is no possible word to describe it. But somehow that voice still holds that supernatural power to do things to you that are even harder to put in words.


    In Xiu''s life, she also heard that kind of voice that sounded so pleasing that she could spend hours listening to him. That voice was like a spellbound. She''d always forget about everything whenever she heard his voice.


    "I''m telling you, this love is so not easy. I''m so tired of it now. Can''t I just stop now?" She was mithering with her face buried in the duvet.


    Her petulant complaining earned her a sigh before she heard that smooth and pleasant sounding voice, "If you''re tired of loving then stop doing it already. Who''s forcing you to keep loving?"


    Xiu sat up in her bed and said, "Haven''t you heard, there is no remedy for love?" Taking a brief pause to take her phone to the balcony, she went on, "Besides, everyone around me is asking me to stop loving him. Every single person wants me to just give up. But why does nobody understand that more they ask me to give up, the more I don''t want to give up."


    "Are you certain that''s called love?" She frowned as she heard his question. "It seems to me that he has become your stubbornness now. That''s why you don''t want to give up anymore."


    "So what? Don''t you know Mr. Sportsman that there is no love without stubbornness?" Xiu said exasperatedly.


    "Ms. Superstar, you can either be stubborn or you can be in love. If you want to keep both then you might end up losing out." His words made her brows to knit up.


    "Mr. S, I don''t want to be that pathetic one who gives up without giving something a shot. Whether I''m a winner or a loser is still undecided. But if I just give up because people are forcing me to do so then I''m gonna regret this for the rest of my life." Xiu''s persistent voice earned her silence from the other side of the phone. After waiting for a long while, when she didn''t hear any reply, she asked, "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "Ms. C, I wish you don''t regret being stubbornly in love," was his answer in a voice that sounded really sincere and heartbroken at the same time. "Anyways, congratulations on successfully becoming the top most influential person from your industry."


    "Hey, that''s very boring. Where is my reward? Didn''t you always criticize me for my work? Now, that you do believe in my potential, I need a reward."


    She heard him chuckle that sounded like a magnetic pull making her heart feel complicated. "I still don''t like any of your work."


    "You''re a bloody jerk! No one has ever criticized me as much as you do. What''s so cool about being a sportsman?" Xiu was irked by his remarks.


    "Ms. C, don''t forget that you only take those movies or shows that your company or manager chooses for you. If you had ever chosen a role for yourself, I''m sure you''d have done better than ever." Xiu had no response to that since his words had hit the mark. Indeed, she had never been the one who chose any of her jobs.


    "You really know how to ruin my good times," she sighed heavily and went on, "Nevermind. Tell me about your new girl. How is it going with her?"


    "Who are you asking about? I broke up a long time ago."


    "What? What happened now? Why are you always breaking up? Doesn''t it hurt or something?"


    He laughed at Xiu''s words and said, "What era are you living in? Don''t you know how fast the world is changing? How can I date the same girl for the rest of my life? Wouldn''t that be boring?"


    "Argh! You''re really a bastard! A bloody jerk! How can you play with a girl''s feelings all the time?" Xiu started shouting at him through the phone making his roll his eyes at her.


    "I''m playing with them? I feel like the one being played though. But even if I explain that you won''t understand so let''s get over it." Xiu wasn''t very convinced but she still dropped the topic especially when he said, "Also, Ms. Superstar, you''re right there is no remedy for love except for one."


    "What is it?" Xiu asked curiously.


    "If there is no remedy for love than you should just love more to compensate yourself for the loss." Xiu''s eyes widened at his reply while he continued, "Losing someone is no big deal. Loving all over again with an even more passion is the real deal now. We only question ourselves after a breakup but we forget that perhaps, the person wasn''t doing his best as well."


    "Sweets... Sweets... Wake up, we are here."


    Xiu heard his voice and in her drowsy state, she felt like that voice had a striking resemblance with the one she remembered from her past. She instantly opened her eyes and looked at Darren''s face. Then she looked around to realize that she had been dreaming.


    With a confused expression, she looked at Darren''s face again and lifted her hand to touch his face but held herself back. It was weird how Darren''s voice suddenly felt so familiar but she thought it to be her own delusion and nothing else.


    "Where are we?" she asked rubbing her eyes with her lips puckered up in an adorable way.


    Darren pushed open the door of the car and offered his hand to her saying, "Why don''t you come out and see for yourself?"


    Xiu frowned at his mysterious way of talking but shrugging her shoulders, she placed her hand in his and alighted from the car. But her confusion increased when all that she faced was darkness before her. But the place she was standing at was very familiar to her. She looked at Darren''s face and asked, "Why are we here?"


    Darren leaned close to her ear and whispered, "For our very first dinner date."

 Chapter 114 - A Date

    As Darren''s words had just entered Xiu''s brain, the scene before her lit up with fairy lights. No, it was not a fancy restaurant or any other place she could have expected her first date to be at. This was the place she had met Darren plenty of times. This was the place where she took the initiative to raise her hand to wave at him and call him out without holding back.


    This was the place he teased her every single time. And this was the place, she first considered him a friend.


    "We''re having our first date at the park near our apartment complex?" asked Xiu looking at Darren with a complex look in her eyes.


    Darren nodded his head and said, "Yes, because..." he held her shoulders and turned her body sideways to face their apartment building as he added, "That''s the building where we had our third meeting." Then he turned her in another direction to face the swings and said, "That''s where you first called out to me and made me a part of your friend''s group." Then he turned her around again towards the tracks and said, "On that track, you punched me for teasing you about being as light as a paper." Xiu glared at his choice of words but he pretended like he didn''t see that as he turned her around again and went on, "Lastly, that''s the place where we kissed."


    Xiu''s eyes were also stuck at the convenience store as she was reminded about the scenes from last night. As she was pursing her lips, he continued, "Since we have so many memories at a single park, I thought it''s best for our first date as well."


    Christina Aguilera once said, "There is nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm."


    Right now, Xiu was the person who agreed with that statement the most. This man''s charms were turning dangerous for her to hold back. There were warning bells ringing in her mind but why did she feel so excited?


    Xiu held his arm and said, "You really know how to play and here I was thinking you''re a simple character."


    Darren smiled at her remark and led her towards a table that had been set up under a tree that had been decorated with lanterns and candles. As Xiu took a seat, her eyes were wandering around in wonder and fascination. Wasn''t this park the simplest of ones out there, why did it seem special tonight?


    "Didn''t I ask you to cancel our date for today? Then when did you plan all of this?" Xiu asked as she propped her elbows on the table to support her face.


    "I would have definitely not brought you here for our first date if you didn''t cancel it. This was just an improvised version so that you don''t miss out on your first day''s first date," his response was honest and straightforward. He didn''t try to hide anything from her. But one thing was certain, he went through all this planning just because she sounded disappointed.


    "You planned this from the time we met up in the police station?" Xiu asked as she tilted her face a bit. Seeing him nod in response, she asked, "Are you really that nice of a person? Or are you too good at this dating stuff?"


    Darren chuckled softly at her question as said, "I had a friend once, she used to say that I''m the worst one when it comes to dating and if she could, she''d put a warning sign on me to keep girls away from me."


    "Are you sure that wasn''t her way of trying to ward off her competition?" Xiu''s voice sounded as if she was prying.


    "I''m positive that wasn''t her intention. She hated my guts from the very first day we met. Just like I did." ''At least, until I realized that I never really hated her at all.'' He kept his thoughts to himself since it wouldn''t be nice to voice that out before her. Just like it wasn''t nice to think about his first love at that moment. "Anyway, as for your question, I can only say that I''m neither a nice person nor I''m good at dating. I just didn''t want you to end this day on a bad note."


    His answer wasn''t particularly what she was expecting but it sounded better when he said it. As she was still trying to let this moment sink in, she saw Darren''s driver bringing a couple of takeout boxes with him. She gave Darren an inquisitive look.


    "A little birdie told me that his Baby Xiu loves takeout food. And she''d prefer it over a five-star chef anytime and anywhere," was his reply as he waved off his driver and opened the boxes of food himself.


    "I presume that little birdie is my little Jackie," Darren nodded in reply and she added, "Then it''s safe to say that our little Jackie likes you."


    "I''ve never met anyone who doesn''t like me," said Darren as he passed her the chopsticks making her eyes narrow at him in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Oh, someone''s acting like an egomaniac," Xiu remarked as he unwrapped her chopsticks and wiped them with a napkin.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders and said, "There is nothing wrong with being a little conceited once in a while."


    Xiu had always heard about the first dates being fascinating. The fascination came from the fact of how much it affected human psychology. Because that first date decides whether you''re ready to go on a second date or not and that is in itself a huge deal. It was a huge deal to Xiu as well. Not because she wasn''t certain about going out with Darren.


    She was more than ready for that. She was ready because he felt like the second chance that was long overdue. The second chance she had denied herself for five years. But meeting Darren was like, even her heart wasn''t denying anymore. As if he really was meant to be the one who could allow her to live all over again.

 Chapter 115 - A Little About You

    Xiu didn''t know whether it was because she had dreamed about that one person she could call a friend in her previous life or because Darren''s voice reminded her of him, but whatever the reason was, she kept on thinking about what he used to say.


    She still remembered his every word...


    "Ms. Superstar, not every date turns out like a fairytale. Not every person is the right one. We date to look for that right one. If it wasn''t this one then we''ll date again to find that right one in the next person. All you need to master is the art of catch and release. If they aren''t sincere, if they like making excuses, if they expect you to be waiting for them all the time, while they play the game halfheartedly, then you know that''s the time to release them and move on. Their behavior doesn''t define your worth. You''re worth whatever you felt while standing before a mirror."


    Xiu''s lips curled up slightly as those words rang in her mind again. It was like a blast from the past. One that didn''t make her feel hurt, sad or useless. The only thing that she was thinking about was how she stubbornly said that she had no interest in learning his ''art of catch and release''.


    She chewed on her food as she heard Darren''s voice, "Sorry but I have everything tonight except for wine. I certainly had no mood to meet Wine Xiu tonight. Although I find Wine Xiu quite adorable, I still would like to have this dinner with Xiu instead of wine Xiu."


    Xiu scowled at his words and said, "That''s not fair. Who goes on a date without wine? And for your information, Wine Xiu is more fun."


    "Normal people do go on a date without wine," Darren replied calmly making her roll her eyes at him in response.


    "Sheesh..." Xiu made a face and continued eating before she said, "By the way, I just realized that I really know nothing about you. It''s like you don''t talk about yourself at all."


    Darren''s hand on the water bottle paused for a second before he looked straight at her and asked, "So, what would you like to know about me?"


    "Anything," said Xiu in a casual manner.


    "Hmm..." Darren had a thoughtful expression before he started, "Well, I was born in Norway. My mother brought me to China when I was 8 and that''s when I met Dylan. You can say since then he and I have been best of friends. Later, I left China again and went to Belgium when I was 14. But from the last three years, I''ve settled here. However, my mom still lives in Norway. That''s about it, I guess."


    "That means you and my boss are childhood friends, right? That also means you guys have a very close bond."


    "Yes, absolutely right. Even when I left China, he followed me everywhere. We are often mistaken for brothers. But then again, we are really like brothers. So what if we''re not blood-related." The way Darren talked about Dylan told Xiu how much he valued Dylan. It was nice knowing about Darren''s life a bit. "I know you have opinions about Dylan but..."


    Xiu interrupted his speech as she said, "Don''t worry about that at all. I have opinions about him as my boss. Not as your friend. I can''t smack him just because he''s your friend. After all, if I question him that means, I''m questioning your choices and questioning your choices indirectly means I''m questioning myself since you''re my choice. So, I''ll never talk about my boss with you."


    Darren didn''t know what to say but it really was a relief to know that she wasn''t as unreasonable as Dylan. She was right, she really had no right to question his choice of friends just like he didn''t as well.


    "I don''t know what kind of a boss Dylan is but as a person and as a friend, he''s quite decent. He has manners but he gets a bit childish when things don''t go his way." Darren tried to give Xiu a good impression of Dylan. However, it was a little too late for that.


    "I never called him a bad person. He is a good person, a very good person that I learned today. He''s a good friend, that I can tell since he has you as his best friend. As for being a good boss, I don''t know what to say. He knows how to get his work done but he doesn''t like taking people''s help." Xiu''s opinion about Dylan had truly changed a lot since he took her side at the club today. It showed what kind of a weird character he was. She really couldn''t say he was not a decent man.


    Yes, he was childish but everyone had some flaws. She decided to just ignore his childish nature, the rest was pretty okay about him. And since he was indeed Darren''s best friend, she really had to find something to like about Dylan. It wouldn''t be nice putting her boyfriend on the spot because of her own dislike.


    "Moving on, why did you decide to settle here? I mean your mother is still in Norway. Then why did you come here? Your home is all the way in Norway and you''re all the way here." Xiu inquired out of curiosity but Darren''s expressions changed slightly before he composed himself.


    "I had some promises to keep," he mumbled softly before adding, "Besides, who said I don''t have a home here? Let me tell you already, I have two mothers. One is in Norway and the other one is right in this city." Xiu''s brows creased up at his reply and he elaborated, "Dylan''s mother is my second mother. The reason why I''m so close to Dylan is her. She treated both of us as her sons. My mother had to work all the time that''s why I spent most of the time with Dylan''s mother. That''s why she''s also like a real mother to me."


    Xiu looked at him as she wondered whether to be envious of him or not. He had the attention of two mothers in his life while she couldn''t even get her own mother to look at her twice even after trying so hard.

 Chapter 116 - Its The First Time

    Xiu had recently read online that in a research conducted by a behavioral economist and Duke professor Dan Ariely showed that highly controversial questions on a first date actually helps people in understanding the emotions and values of a person. Run-of-the-mills questions like work, family, and hobbies are meaningful but they don''t provide the emotions that you''re often looking for.


    As they walked around after the dinner, Xiu looked at the side of Darren''s face and asked, "Have you ever broken someone''s heart?" Darren ended up choking on air as he coughed as her out of the blue question. Xiu rubbed his back slowly and thought, ''Wasn''t that a highly controversial question? What''s with the reaction?''


    "Are you serious about this question?" He asked after he stopped coughing.


    "Uh-huh," was Xiu''s reply.


    Darren stayed quiet for a second before saying, "I don''t know about others. But there is indeed one heart that I broke."


    "Others? Do that others refer to the ones you dated before?" Xiu stood before him looking at his face while Darren tried to look away.


    This was definitely so not what he had expected. "Sweets, trust me you don''t wanna go down that road."


    "Why not? How many did you date? There must be a number?"


    "What if I lost count a long time ago?" retorted Darren as he looked back at her.


    It was close to midnight and there wasn''t a single soul in sight at this time. Perhaps that''s why the silence between them felt eerie for a second.


    "I don''t believe that. You don''t look like a casanova," said Xiu after thinking for a moment.


    Darren flicked her forehead lightly as he said, "You really... Forget it, I don''t even know what to say to you."


    "So, why did you broke that person''s heart?" Xiu still didn''t let it go as she asked.


    Darren breathed out through his mouth before he said, "It''s not like I wanted to. I promised her I''ll come to see her but... Something unexpected happened and I didn''t keep my promise. The last message she sent me was that I really broke her heart. I thought it''d be fine once I see her later but who knew she wasn''t gonna give me another chance."


    When he talked like this Xiu really had more and more inkling that Darren sounded just like him. She always found Darren''s voice pleasing but she didn''t realize it until today that his voice held so much resemblance to someone else''. In her own thoughts, she didn''t hear most part of his answer as well. It was a pity, she missed out on something very important.


    But seeing how he looked depressed and dejected, she realized she had touched a very sensitive topic. She didn''t feel good seeing him like this at all.


    "Whatever. That''s all in the past. We all have broken a heart or two knowingly or unknowingly. There is nothing to be ashamed of." Xiu tried to lighten the mood with an awkward laugh. "Oh, so there is really no one else in your family other than your mother?"


    "Nope. My grandfather died when I was five then only mom and I were left," replied Darren without any sign of being irritated by her questions. When he didn''t mention anything about his father, she didn''t bother questioning him as well. It was like a silent understanding that the father''s topic was not allowed.


    "Do you know I never had a midnight date ever before in my life?"


    "Now I know," said Darren in a knowing manner.


    "Huh? What?" She asked in confusion.


    "That you''re Cinderella. Because she always has to run back home at midnight that''s why she can''t have a date at midnight," replied Darren looking at her with a straight face. "So, Cindy, why aren''t you running back now?"


    Xiu''s lips twitched at his words as a smile was threatening to escape and it did. She took a deep breath and said, "Do you believe in love at first sight? Who do you think has a higher probability of falling in love at first sight? Men or women?"


    "Men," was Darren''s reply without even thinking.


    "How are you so sure?" she asked.


    "Because it saves them trouble and saves their money as well," Darren shrugged his shoulders so nonchalantly as if this was the most sensible thing to say. "Usually, they believe it''s the love calling out to them but later they realize that it was just another wrong number."


    However, Xiu didn''t know why she ended up laughing like a fool. Seeing how she was laughing heartily, he added, "I always thought people could only laugh at my love life, didn''t know my jokes are also funny sometimes."


    At this, Xiu laughed even more. She laughed to the point of tears in her eyes. It took her a while to stop laughing and as she wiped the corners of her eyes, she looked into Darren''s eyes and said, "Can I tell you something?" As he nodded, Xiu only said, "It''s the first time..." After that, she didn''t speak. Not a word escaped her mouth. But she had said a lot in her mind, ''It''s the first time that I have tears in my eyes at midnight because of laughing so hard. It''s the first time, my tears don''t represent the loneliness of my heart or life. It''s also the first time that I actually have someone to hold my hand at midnight.''


    Darren lifted his hand to rub her cheek with his thumb and smiled at her. He could feel her strong emotions through her eyes. Without a word, she said a lot to him. So much that he couldn''t stop himself from pulling her in his arms and said nothing. He didn''t feel like it was necessary at all.


    But that silent hug was enough to make everything seem better to Xiu. She had heard that hugs did the magic that words of comfort could never achieve. She really felt good inside his arms. It was like a feeling of being protected. It felt safe in his arms. But how did she develop such a feeling for him so fast, was astonishing to her as well.


    Perhaps, time really had nothing to do with feelings. Because being around Darren always felt like she knew him for years and she didn''t even feel like that around her own mother whom she spent her whole life with.

 Chapter 117 - Mood Swings

    As life goes on, we come to know who was meant to stay in life and who was meant to leave from the beginning. We all meet someone new in life and someday, we all fall madly in love with that someone new without realizing it.


    Even the fear of heartbreak is not able to hold us back. Because love is often between two people who are like subatomic particles; having an undeniable connection.


    However, what we don''t realize is that it''s not that we find our way to a new person, it''s that we actually find our way back to the one who was meant to be ours from the beginning. Every destination needs some detours that don''t mean that our destination changed, it only means that our journey changed.


    Finding someone who could understand you even without words is a huge blessing. Xiu was realizing how that blessing in her life had come in the form of Darren. It was another first for her when her heart sincerely wished for this moment to ''last longer''.


    Xiu hesitated as they entered the building but in the end, she did place her hand in his. Darren looked at her hand in his and then looked at her. When he didn''t say anything, Xiu smiled to herself as she walked beside him.


    "Do you know before I met Nora, I used to think that if we remove ''Fri'' from ''Friend'', only ''End'' is left. And in the end, every person shows their true color. But Nora really changed my views about friendship. I had to rethink my whole life beliefs because of her," Xiu was still talking since she didn''t want this moment to just end here. "In a way, Nora is exactly what Dylan is in your life."


    "I already got that," said Darren as he pressed the elevator''s button for their floor.


    "Oh, I forgot to mention. You can''t ask me to stop arguing with Dylan just because he''s your best friend. Irritating him is the most favorite part of my day," Xiu didn''t try to sugarcoat her words or hide anything from him.


    Darren smiled to himself and said, "If you both stay out of police station, I won''t bother coming between you two."


    Xiu was satisfied with his reply as she said, "That''s for sure."


    With a ''ding'', the elevator door opened and they walked out together. As they came close to their individual doors, Darren suddenly was reminded of something as he smiled and said, "Do you know how much you scared Didi with your ghost story? He stopped coming to my place after that just because he still thinks that I live in a haunted apartment."


    Xiu recalled that day as well and laughed out, "Gosh! That explains his panda eyes and a sour mood. Pfft! That''s called the way of karma. He messed with me and ended up like that. It''s satisfying. I took my revenge without even knowing it. Cool!" Taking a brief pause, she asked, "My boss is scared of ghosts?"


    Darren looked at her expression and tapped the tip of her nose saying, "Stop the scheming. Didi is traumatized because of ghosts. Don''t do anything to him. If it went a little overboard, he might get a heart attack."


    "I wasn''t planning anything," said Xiu with innocence dripping from her expression but Darren obviously didn''t buy it at all.


    "You can stop with your acting performance. I can see through you. You definitely had something cooking in that brain of yours. But I''m telling you, ghosts are off-limits especially if he''s alone." Seeing Darren''s stern expression, Xiu felt like it was really a serious matter. So, she stopped the schemes that had been running in her mind. "But I can tell you that Didi is quite similar to you."


    "Me? How am I similar to that Uncle?" Xiu''s voice turned slightly sharp.


    Darren laughed at her reaction and said, "Because that Uncle would have the same reaction as you right now. You both have mood swings all the time. And you both don''t like it when the other person is right. The argument between you and Didi is that you called him Uncle and he called you a kid. But you both are holding that grudge till today. Aren''t you similar?"


    Xiu couldn''t refute anything he said. The argument between her and Dylan was because he called her kiddo. And Dylan held the same grudge. The rest that followed was the consequences of that one argument.


    Xiu cleared her throat as she felt his eyes on him looking for her to try and refute his words. When she couldn''t, she stubbornly said, "Mood swings are for kids. I have mood tsunamis and that too every single hour. It''s like... They pivot, bounce, recoil, rebound, fluctuate and occasionally twirl as well."


    Darren placed his hand on her head and shook his head at her. "You always have something to say, right?"


    Xiu rubbed the tip of her nose and said sheepishly, "I can''t help it."


    Darren lowered his head to come at her eye level and said, "Little lady, don''t forget to wear your smile before going to bed." He kept saying something else again but Xiu wasn''t listening again. It had happened before with her. Whenever he was around, instead of his words, her attention would be on his eyes. Because of that she often missed out on what he said. It was like she could hear everything but still couldn''t make sense of anything since she wasn''t paying attention at all.


    Darren pinched her cheek making her yelp, "Ow! What was that for?"


    "You''re zoning out again. Why do you always zone out on me like that?"


    Xiu rubbed her cheek and said, "Who told you to have such gorgeous eyes? I can only focus on one thing."


    Darren briefly closed his eyes since he really didn''t know what to say to her. Her excuses were really like her; never made sense at all. He rubbed her head and said, "Goodnight, Sweets! Go inside now."


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks and turned to enter her passcode. As she opened her door, she looked back at him and he said, "Don''t you have to sleep now?"


    Xiu reluctantly waved him goodbye and closed the door.

 Chapter 118 - Ms. Thief

    *Flashback*


    -Seven Years Ago-


    "Sister Xiu, here''s your room keycard. Rest for the night. You have an early shoot tomorrow," the youngster passed the keycard to Xiu before helping her with her suitcase.


    "Bohai, keep my work phone. Don''t let me see it during this whole trip," Xiu shoved the phone in his hands almost as if she was trying to get rid of it.


    The youngster named, Han Bohai looked at the phone in his hand before looking at her. "Sister Xiu, your mother is gonna contact you on this phone. It''s not like you gave her your personal phone number."


    Xiu snorted while rolling her eyes as she said, "My little assistant, she''s my manager. The day she''ll talk like my mother, I''ll tell her my personal number." As she opened the room door, she turned and added, "You can contact me on my personal number if something urgent comes up. And let me remind you, my mother looking for me to talk about work is not urgent! Let me say it again, NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT!"


    Han Bohai looked in a dilemma. "Sister Xiu, why do you have a personal phone though? Only I know the number since I got you that under my own name."


    Xiu let him place her suitcases inside the room as she sat down on the couch. "That''s my weird of having some freedom. That phone is the only thing that''s out of my mother''s or my company''s radar. Let me have some peace. Go and rest."


    "Okay, then you have a good rest as well. And please, get some sleep," he said before leaving the room.


    After he left her in the room, Xiu opened her bag to take out her nightclothes before she went to take a shower. Following her shower, she made a cup of coffee for herself and sat down on a comfortable chair near the glass windows. Looking at the wisps of steam, her glossy black eyes looked dazed.


    She shook her head to get rid of the weird thing running through her mind and finally looked for her personal phone. When she turned it on, she frowned seeing that there was a sports car photo on her lock screen. "Didn''t I have my own picture on the lock screen?" She scratched her forehead in confusion before swiping her finger on the screen only to realize that the phone was unlocked without asking for her password.


    At this realization, she swallowed her saliva and frantically looked through the phone. "Shit! This is not my phone!" She hit her head on the chair before trying to think about what happened. She went to the net cafe before Han Bohai picked her up and they took the flight here. That meant she picked the wrong phone.


    Xiu instantly dialed her own number and waited nervously for someone to pick up. After the third ring, the phone was picked up and without waiting for the other person to speak, she said, "You have my phone. Please tell me it''s safe."


    "I have your phone Ms. Kidnapper. Oh, wait, now I should be calling you Ms. Thief," Darren''s accusing voice was heard from the other side.


    "Hey! Who are you calling a thief?" Xiu snapped at him.


    "You. Because you took my phone first. That makes you the thief between us," said Darren without any modesty at all.


    Xiu was fuming but she still remembered her psychiatrist''s advice, she should stay positive and have healthy thoughts. Let''s be calm Xiu! She reminded herself before saying, "Give me my phone, please. It''s important."


    From her personal locker accounts to her investment details, every single thing was saved on that phone. Even though the phone was password-protected, her worry was that she never bothered remembering the details herself. It was such an irresponsible thing to do but then again, she was an irresponsible person.


    "Hmm... Give it back to you?" He asked as if it wasn''t obvious.


    "Yes, of course," Xiu replied matter-of-factly.


    "Okay. Let me try this... Abracadabra! Oh, it''s still here in my hand." Xiu opened her mouth to say something again when he added, "Let''s try Bibidibabidiboo... Tsk. Tsk. It''s a pity but seems like your phone doesn''t know how to fly."


    Xiu really wanted to get inside the phone line to punch him in the face for that comment. "Are you trying to be funny or rude?" she gritted out in anger.


    "I was being sarcastic Ms. Slowpoke," was his reply in a bored tone making her anger to skyrocket.


    "You! Son of a bloody biscuit! There is no need for that attitude of yours. Keep my phone safe. I''ll take it later in the week."


    "But I want my phone right now, I''m in a hurry for that." He sounded impatient.


    "Oh, Mr. Smartypants, do you think your phone can fly? Because I don''t mind throwing it out the window!" She yelled at him through the phone and Darren had to keep the phone away from his ear, in case, his eardrums got injured or something.


    "Throw it, I also know how to swing," was his reply in amus.e.m.e.nt. "Don''t forget to say goodbye to your phone." He waited for her to say something but when she didn''t he added, "Tell me where I can collect my phone. I''ll come right now."


    "Right now? So you want me to tell you about my hotel details so that the paparazzi could have a field day making scandals about me. No thank you very much but I''ll decline this offer."


    "Then what do you suggest? I told you I''m in a hurry to get my phone as well." Darren insisted like before.


    "Hmm... Let me think about this..." Xiu thought about it hard before saying, "My schedule will be over here in two days. Can you wait till then? I''ll call you to inform you about the place and time."


    "I''m quite impatient. So, your two days better be just two days. Otherwise, I''ll really throw your phone," he warned through the phone.


    "Stop with the threatening like a thug. It''s not like there is anything important on your phone. Except for cars, there is nothing in this phone of yours," Xiu spoke without even thinking.


    "You went through my phone!" Darren exclaimed in anger and Xiu hung up the call without waiting for him to explode any further.


    "Oh, boy! That went the wrong way!" She whispered to herself before laughing to herself like a fool.

 Chapter 119 - Sneaking Around

    *Flashback Continued*


    "Damn it! She hung up on me?!" Darren''s mouth was agape in disbelief and as he turned, he saw Dylan leaning against the railing beside him with a mischievous smile on his face. "What? What are you looking at?"


    Dylan used the beer bottle in his hand as a mic and asked, "Our Champion of tracks and girl''s hearts, how does it feel being shunned by a girl for the first time?"


    "Go to hell! What being shunned? She''s just a nutjob. Otherwise... Otherwise, who dares to hang up on me? I''m Salvay. Regan Darren Salvay. People don''t shun me." Darren shoved Dylan away and went inside the room.


    Dylan followed him inside with the same sly look and said, "Bro, did we swapped bodies or something?"


    Darren frowned at him, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    "I''m confused. Since it''s confirmed that we didn''t swap bodies then how come the way you were talking over the phone was exactly like me? Do I have that much influence on you now?" Dylan''s expression told Darren how much fun he was having all by himself with his crazy nonsensical conjectures. "Oi! By the way, it was that aggressive girl from the cybercafe, right?"


    Darren pushed him away and turned on the sports channel as he said, "If I have that nutjob''s phone then isn''t it obvious that she was the one calling?"


    Dylan nodded to himself as he absentmindedly stared at the tv screen. But soon, he pulled on Darren''s arm again to say, "I still don''t get it though. Aren''t you really good with girls? How come you weren''t acting like yourself with this girl? Is she not pretty or something?"


    "She..." Darren thought back to his meeting but could only recall her big black glossy eyes. However, from her lockscreen photo, he did know what she looked like. And even though he wasn''t gonna accept it, but he did find her beautiful. "She has a good voice." Dylan gave him a dumbfounded look. "What? I just realized it''s pretty easy to get on her nerves. So, I couldn''t help myself." Seeing the look on Dylan''s face, Darren added, "Nevermind. You won''t get it anyway."


    "Then make me understand," insisted Dylan like a kid.


    "Sorry, Didi. But I neither have time nor energy to communicate with you." With that, Darren went back to his own room to sleep.


    -Two Days Later-


    Just as Xiu had promised, she contacted Darren but without giving him a chance to speak, she said, "Let''s meet at the airport. Terminal 2, second floor''s bookstore. Be there precisely by 9:30 pm."


    Darren had just opened his mouth to say ''okay'' but she had already hung up without waiting for his reply. "She just loves hanging up on me, doesn''t she? How lovely!" He was being sarcastic again. "Crazy girl!" He mumbled to himself before he picked up his coat from the foyer closet and said to Dylan, "Give me the car keys."


    "Where are you going?" Dylan asked as he passed his keys to him.


    "Terminal 2," replied Darren honestly.


    "Huh? But your flight is from Terminal 3 and that too is tomorrow. Why are you leaving now?"


    Darren knocked on his head and said, "Don''t put stress on your walnut brain. Let it rest like it always does. If you use it so often, the rust might cleanse away. It won''t be good for your image."


    Dylan was still scratching his head like a fool when Darren walked out the door. "Hey! Did you just insult me?" He ran out the door to ask after he finally understood Darren''s words.


    Darren rolled down the windowpane and laughed at him saying, "Aiyo! It took you only a minute to realize that. I''m proud of you, Didi."


    "Don''t forget to wear your mask and glasses. We both will get in trouble if someone clicked a photo of you." Dylan didn''t forget to remind him.


    "I know," replied Darren.


    After thoroughly teasing his best friend, Darren came to Terminal 2 and after parking his car, he went to look for the bookstore Xiu told him about. Obviously, not before using his black mask and glasses as a cover. When he entered the bookstore, it was 9:15 pm. Using his height to his advantage, he tried to look around to find someone in a white hoodie with the words ''Superstar'' written at the back. These were the only details, Xiu told him over the phone.


    Finally, he found someone sneaking in the last row and went in her direction. Xiu was using a random book as her cover even though she was wearing a white mask with a kitty print on it. He was amused to see that usually, people used black colored clothes to stay inconspicuous but her way of sneaking around was really unique.


    Darren stood behind her and said, "I believe you have my phone, Ms. Thief."


    "Ah!" Xiu was startled as someone spoke so close to her and almost toppled down. However, Darren held her wrist on her time and pulled her back, only to have her bump into his chest. Because of the impact, her eyes turned teary and she rubbed her sore nose. "Can''t you make a sound? What if I get a heart attack?"


    "You have such a weak heart and yet you''re able to survive in this cruel society till now? Seems like you really had a stroke of dumb luck." Darren spoke in his usual stern manner.


    Realizing how close they were standing, Xiu pushed him away and went behind a bookshelf saying, "You stay in that row. I''ll stay on this one. Let''s keep a safe distance."


    "Wouldn''t we look more suspicious this way?" Darren questioned as he looked at her at the other side of the bookshelf.


    "Whatever! Just give me my phone." Xiu''s eyes kept looking around while she asked for her phone without dilly-dallying anymore.


    Darren pulled out her phone from his coat and waved it in his hand saying, "How about you give back mine first?"


    "You don''t trust me?" Xiu glared at him.


    "I don''t have a reason to trust you. I don''t know you at all," was Darren''s answer to her.


    Xiu''s brows quirked up slightly before she asked, "Mister, you definitely saw my lock screen photo right?"


    "Yes, I did. That''s exactly how I knew it''s not my phone," he answered fixing his glasses.


    "If you saw my photo. Then... Then how come you don''t know me?" Xiu was stupefied as she stared at him waiting for his reply.


    "Am I supposed to know you?"

 Chapter 120 - Strangers From Hell

    *Flashback Continued*


    Xiu was staring at him in disbelief. Although she couldn''t see his face, she could tell that he wasn''t joking with her. A strange feeling seeped into her heart and even before she could name that foreign feeling, all she felt was a deep sense of happiness.


    She would sound like a fool if she said it out loud that she was feeling happy knowing that he didn''t know her. It was like someone finally pulled her away from under the spotlight; a place every single eye was glued on her.


    Xiu had always felt like she was standing on a stage and as a performer, the spotlight was always on her and the audience was always hidden in the shadow. She could feel their stares but she could never tell who or how many were looking at her, judging her, wishing to tear her apart. It was a scary feeling.


    However, now that suddenly someone pulled her away from the spotlight, she felt so calm and happy that words weren''t enough for her to describe her emotions. Turning her body, she took off her mask from one ear and showed her face to him as she asked, "You haven''t seen this face before, right? You really haven''t, right?"


    "I have," Darren''s reply made her feel perturbed but just as she was about to fix back her mask, he went on, "I have seen it on your phone''s lock screen."


    At this response, Xiu didn''t know why but she ended up laughing. It suddenly felt so good being a part of the crowd. For the first time in years, she felt like she was one of the normal people. Losing her earlier temperament, Xiu extended her hand towards him and said, "Let me introduce myself. I''m Xiu. Chen Xiu. Chen for the break of dawn and Xiu for beautiful. So, Chen Xiu for beautiful as the break of dawn."


    There literally wasn''t any chandelier in the bookstore, but Darren was still dazzled by the way her raven orbs sparkled under the light. It was as if she had a supernatural ability to make every single light capture her and only her. And that charming smile on her pink lips made him starstruck for a moment without his own awareness. "Isn''t the name just right for me?"


    The way Darren perceived this scene was very different. Her aura, her personality, every single thing about her suddenly felt like it didn''t belong to a normal person. Without knowing it, he thought that she was the star that demanded attention from others and captured their souls without their knowledge. He was startled at this realization. He never thought he would meet such a person.


    "I don''t know about your name but your attitude definitely doesn''t match that face of yours," replied Darren after he got over his shock.


    Xiu hit his head without restraint making him scowl as she said, "And you have nothing nice to say."


    Following that, they both exchanged their phones and Xiu''s first question was, "You didn''t go through my phone, right?"


    "I have manners unlike someone," said Darren as he was obviously shading her for looking through his phone without his permission.


    Xiu felt guilty but it vanished even before she could savor that feeling of guilt as she said, "Oi! I was trying to find who is the owner of the phone. It''s a pity that you had nothing useful."


    "Excuses excuses. Such a pretty face and such lies. Tsk. Tsk." Clicking his tongue, Darren walked away from her without another word. Xiu was left cursing him from behind while she raised her hands as if to strangle him.


    "Jerk! He called me a liar!" She mumbled to herself before smiling and saying, "But he also called me pretty. Okay, I''ll let you go because you have good eyes." Someone tapped on her shoulder startling her again and as she looked at her assistant''s face, she asked, "What?"


    "Stop talking to yourself, Sister Xiu. People will call you a lunatic. Let''s get out of here before your fans get the hint that you''re back," Han Bohai observed the look in her eyes all the while he talked to her.


    Xiu looked in the direction Darren left and a look of longing flashed through her eyes. Then she turned to Han Bohai with a look of disappointment and said, "Let''s go."


    Weaving her way to the nanny van as she settled inside, Xiu took off her hoodie and mask. Her expression was of someone who lost something. And she actually felt like something was lost as for what, she couldn''t tell.


    She unlocked her phone and stared at the screen for a long while before typing a text message. After pressing the send button, she leaned her head back to take a nap.


    On the other hand, Darren had already left the airport when he received the text message. When he parked the car at the red light, his gaze fell on huge screen that had a perfume advertis.e.m.e.nt and the model was the girl he just met. "Woah! I didn''t even notice it before," he said to himself before he picked up his phone and saw the text from an unknown number. It read:


    ''Unsolved riddles, unknown aches


    kind or cruel forever is always at stake


    In this world of farewell


    We said hello like


    stranger from hell.''


    Darren''s brows furrowed as he tried to connect these words with that beautiful face. He honestly couldn''t believe that she was one who wrote this.


    When he drove back home, Dylan was waiting at the door like one of those ancient filial wives who couldn''t go to bed before their husbands come back from work. Darren laughed at his own thought and slapped Dylan''s head who was dozing off at the doorstep.


    "Why are you here?"


    Dylan yawned as he stood up and said, "You''re back. I was waiting for you. Wait, I''ll get you water."


    Darren didn''t say anything and went inside. Just as he sat, he heard Dylan''s voice, "Did you get your phone?" Darren replied with a hum and Dylan added, "Is anything missing?"


    "Although she''s a nutjob, I''m sure she didn''t do anything to my phone," was Darren''s reply as he took the water bottle from Dylan. Taking a brief pause, he looked at Dylan and asked, "Didi, do you know any Chen Xiu?"

 Chapter 121 - Caught My Attention

    *Flashback Continued*


    Dylan''s expression was like someone who had eaten a fly. He just couldn''t believe his ears at all. "You''re joking with me right?" He tried to laugh it off but Darren''s face told him that he wasn''t in the mood to play jokes at all. "F.u.c.k it! You are my best friend and you don''t know MY GODDESS!"


    Darren was taken aback by Dylan''s sudden change. Dylan stood up and placed the remote control of the tv in Darren''s hand as he said, "Turn on any channel. Any channel that has nothing to do with business and sports."


    Darren looked at the remote control in his hand with a weird look and couldn''t help but say, "Didi, you always end up fighting with me over the remote control. Why are you offering it to me so easily today?"


    "To make my point," said Dylan and urged him to change the channel.


    Darren didn''t know what he was playing at but he still complied and turned to a music channel. Coincidentally, the music video playing on the screen was the one Xiu featured in recently. "Oh, she''s there."


    "Of course, she is," said Dylan in a matter-of-factly tone and added, "Turn to another channel."


    Darren changed the channel again and again and couldn''t help but sigh out, "She''s everywhere." It was amazing for him to know that on almost every channel, either it was a commercial, talk show, variety show, drama or news, her face was everywhere.


    "I can understand that you live out of the country so you might not know her very well. But don''t act so oblivious. My Goddess Xiu rules the entertainment circle. She is the person with the most endors.e.m.e.nts in her circle. She''s a spokesperson for international brands. For the past three years, she bags all the awards she''s nominated for. It''s a very common belief that once Chen Xiu is nominated in any category, the rest should lose hope of winning." Dylan was babbling on and on about Xiu like a real fan.


    The sparkle of admiration and worship in his eyes was startling and stunning. Darren had never seen his best friend acting like this before. It was as if someone gave him a chance, Dylan could talk about Xiu for days without stopping. When Darren realized how happy Dylan was while talking about Xiu, a ridiculous thought popped up in his mind.


    "Didi, have you fallen in love with her?"


    Dylan stopped talking abruptly and smiled at his best friend. He sat down beside Darren and said, "Look at the screen, Daz." Darren did as he said. The scene on the screen was of one where Xiu was dressed in a completely white dress. There was a smile on her face so ethereal that one couldn''t possibly look away. "That smile is enough to light up the whole world. Do you know why?" Darren knew it wasn''t a question he could answer. So, he waited for Dylan''s reply. "Because she hides the darkness of the world behind her smile just to light this world up for others."


    Darren''s heart shook for a moment as he heard Dylan talking like this. "Bro, she''s my Goddess Xiu. Falling in love with her? A mere human like me is not good enough for her. She is like a real Goddess to me, one that people can only look at but can never touch. She''s someone people can worship but can never become. She''s that fantasy of mine where I believe no one is good enough for her. I''m so scared to even handshake with her at her fan meetings just because I believe that I might taint her."


    The way Dylan had placed her up on a pedestal made Darren recall the way he saw Xiu. She wasn''t a Goddess. She was just like any other girl. He remembered the way she laughed when he said he didn''t know her. She looked free at that moment as if someone finally tore away her shackles. "She lost her individuality, trying to keep up the pretense," he muttered to himself as he felt a little ache for her.


    "But I know it''s getting harder for her," Darren looked at Dylan to elaborate. "The first time I saw her on the screen, she had become my idol. But now my Goddess is struggling. Not with the world since she is already at the top of the world. Now, she''s struggling with herself. It''s as if she''s slowly losing herself. The time she had spent trying to become the Nation''s Goddess has snatched something from her."


    "What?" asked Darren as he suddenly was intrigued to know.


    "She lost happiness and her own identity. Her every action and word is under the scrutiny of millions of people. And we are living in hypocrites. We don''t want to be perfect ourselves but we want our idols to stay as the epitome of perfection. I don''t know why we forget that they also have feelings. They are as much human as we are. Even some are really sensitive. But as long as the criticism is not about us, who gives a damn about feelings?"


    Darren smiled as he ruffled Dylan''s hair and said, "I didn''t know our Didi was so serious about something. This Goddess of yours sure has some supernatural power. How else could she get our Didi to speak like an a.d.u.l.t?"


    Dylan stood up and said, "You''re right. She does have supernatural power. But her power is only that she catches the attention of people too fast. She has a way of capturing people''s interest." He turned on his heels to leave but stopped to say, "Do you know I see her smile every day. But it''s been a long time since I''ve seen her happy."


    Darren couldn''t say anything about the other things but he was certain about her supernatural ability. She could intrigue people without trying. She was well worthy of someone called Superstar. "Ah, except for her foul mouth," he said to himself and looking at the screen of the tv, he added, "Congratulations, Ms. Superstar! You caught my attention real fast."


    *End of Flashback*

 Chapter 122 - Cold Fever

    "Aiyo, when you know that takeout food doesn''t suit your palate why did you eat it?" Zhao Wei had been nagging Darren from the moment he came to visit her on Sunday.


    Coming over to Dylan''s family house on Sunday had become a tradition for both Darren and Dylan himself. If they both were in the city, they would always pay a visit to Zhao Wei.


    Right now, Darren was sitting on a cushion while Zhao Wei sat behind him on a couch. She opened a bottle of a medicinal oil and after pouring some on her hands, she lightly massaged Darren''s temples in a circular motion.


    "Beauty Wei, my headache is already killing me. Can you stop reprimanding me?" Darren''s voice sounded heavy because of his condition. Because of his stomach, he was running a fever and his head felt really heavy.


    "How can I stop? My son is sick, do you know how worried I am right now?" Zhao Wei''s voice sounded anxious as she replied.


    "Beauty Wei, it''s not a big deal. I have been through far worse, remember?" At his reminder, Zhao Wei''s expressions turned dark.


    "Why do you think I''m scared and worried? I don''t wanna see you like that again. And France left you with me because she trusted me. How am I gonna face her if anything happened to you?" Darren''s smiled at her response.


    "Aiyaya, my second mother..." He got up to sit beside her on the couch and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as he said, "This frown doesn''t suit you. I''m fine. It''s a little fever and nothing else. With your food, love, and care, I''ll be fine before you even know it."


    Zhao Wei gave him a sad smile. As she remembered what happened in the past, her body shuddered. She caressed Darren''s head with affection and said, "Take better care of yourself. Or you can get a wife to take care of you."


    As Darren was about to speak, both of them heard Dylan''s loud voice, "Mom, look your son is back. Won''t you welcome me?" They both shook their heads and when Dylan entered the sitting room, he said, "No wonder my mother didn''t bother replying. Her perfect son is sitting beside her."


    Making an ugly face, he sat at the single couch and said, "Oi, Daz! Why are you here? Don''t you have a girlfriend to keep company?"


    Darren glared at Dylan while Zhao Wei looked at him eagerly, "Darren, you got a girlfriend?"


    "Yeah," Darren replied while throwing an ugly look to Dylan who shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Dylan had opened his mouth to say something when Darren warned him, "I''m sick today, don''t try to mess with me."


    "Why didn''t you bring her? I want to see her," Zhao Wei didn''t pay attention to the tension between the boys as she was solely focused on the fact that Darren finally had a girlfriend.


    "Bring her? You want me to bring my girlfriend to meet my two fierce mothers on our second day of dating? Are you sure you don''t wanna scare her away?" Although he meant every word he said, he still said it in a playful tone.


    "How can we dare to scare her? It''s just that I''m really excited and I''m sure France is also gonna be." Zhao Wei sounded like an excited teenager.


    "Beauty Wei, we are just trying to figure out our relationship and feelings for now. Let''s not get the poor girl involved in family stuff for now. I''m sure that''ll be a burden to her," Darren spoke for Xiu''s sake since he knew how eager his mother and Zhao Wei were to get him married. Although he was never forced to do anything, he could still tell that they wished to see him happy.


    "Ah, hello! I''m also in the same room. Why do you guys always treat me as thin air?" Dylan complained since he was completely left out of this conversation. It was like he didn''t even exist at all. When the other two looked at him and Dylan achieved his goal of getting their attention, he said, "Mom, I''m telling you his girlfriend is a monster. She pulled my hair last night. Can you believe that?"


    "Oh my goodness, I''m already in love with this girl," said Zhao Wei making Darren smile.


    "Mom, are you sure I''m your son?" Dylan looked at her pitifully.


    "You can do a paternity test if you have doubts," replied Zhao Wei without flinching and turned to Darren as she said, "You go upstairs and lay down. I''ll bring some porridge and soup for you."


    When she left, Dylan came beside Darren and said, "You really are something. You have been the rebellious one between us and yet, everyone loves you."


    "Darren''s rebellious phase lasted for his teenage years. You are still that teenager going through his rebellious phase," came Zhao Wei''s voice from behind. She had come back to pick her phone when she heard Dylan''s words. "Dylan, even when Darren was rebellious he was responsible unlike you."


    Dylan waited for his mother to leave and picked up a cushion to hit his best friend saying, "Why am I the only one getting rebuked all the time?"


    "Didi, I have a fever. Stop messing around," Darren''s voice was still heavy and his expressions were pained.


    Dylan stopped for a moment and touched his forehead before saying, "It''s a cold fever!" When he saw Darren leaving, he followed him upstairs and said, "Do you have any idea what that tyrant did to me last night? You didn''t even ask!"


    "Xiao Mei is not a tyrant. The most she can do to you is beat you with her baseball bat," Darren replied in a calm tone.


    "Wow! You know and yet you left me with her?" Dylan looked at Darren accusingly while the latter still shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly as if it had nothing to do with him. When Darren lied down in his old room, Dylan helped him with the blanket and sat beside him. "How did you get sick?"


    "Not your concern," replied Darren.


    Dylan didn''t ask anything else. He wasn''t an idiot who couldn''t tell that his best friend was avoiding this topic. "You do remember Huang Ming''s wedding, right?" Darren didn''t reply but Dylan was unfazed by his silence as he continued, "You can bring a date. I mean your girlfriend can come with you."


    "I don''t even wanna go myself, why would I tag her along with me?" Darren retorted with his eyes closed. "Now stop talking, I really want to relax for a while."


    Dylan got the hint and got up to pull the dr.a.p.es which instantly darkened the room.

 Chapter 123 - Morning Call

    Xiu woke up to the sound of her ringtone blaring in her ear. With her eyes closed, she looked around on the bed for her phone and attended the call.


    "Hello! Who is it?" Her voice came out groggy and tired.


    "Dad," came the reply.


    "Dad," Xiu frowned in her half-sleeping state.


    "My sweet daughter, why don''t you try calling me dad again," came a very amused voice from the other end.


    Xiu squinted her eyes as she looked at the phone screen to see the caller id while she said, "Dad? How is that possible? In both lives, I had never had a father." As she finally managed to see the caller id, she screamed, "Uncle Dylan, that was a sick joke!"


    Dylan''s laughter was the only reply she heard which spoiled her mood. "Oi! Ms. Bai, why are you still sleeping? Don''t you know your boss is in the office? It''s already 11 o''clock and you''re still sleeping?"


    "What?!" Xiu exclaimed as she sat up while the sleep flew away from her eyes completely. Because of the thick dr.a.p.es in her room, the only thing she saw was darkness. "I''m late? Why didn''t you wake me up earlier?"


    "Neither am I your boyfriend nor your personal alarm clock," replied Dylan proudly with a satisfied grin plastered on his face.


    "I wish you were," said Xiu as she got up from the bed and looked through her closet for clothes.


    "What? Boyfriend?" He straightened up to inquire curiously.


    "Haha! Boyfriend? Check your face in the mirror first. I have high standards," Xiu''s taunting was about to make him threw some curses towards her but she beat him to it as she said, "I said, I wish you''re my alarm clock. At least, I''d have had a chance to slap you every morning just to shut your annoying mouth."


    Dylan''s whole body trembled in a rage because of her but just as he picked up his freshly squeezed vegetable juice, he smiled again and said, "Ms. Bai, it''s better to speed your pace rather than speeding your stupid mouth. Don''t you dare be any late than you already are."


    "Yes, yes, as you say, Uncle Dylan!" With that, she hung up the call and throwing her phone on the bed, she rushed inside the bathroom.


    Within fifteen minutes, Xiu managed to look presentable as she ran out the door. As she opened the main door to leave, she bumped into Nora who was just about to enter as well.


    "Woah, what''s the rush?" Nora asked looking at Xiu.


    "I''ll talk to you later, I''m getting late," said Xiu and tried to walk past Nora.


    However, Nora''s next words halted her in her track, "Late? But Baby Xiu it''s only 7:15 am, how can you be late?"


    Xiu looked back at Nora and asked for reconfirmation, "What did you say?"


    "It''s 7:15 am," repeated Nora.


    Xiu pulled out her phone from her purse and looked at the time. Indeed, Nora was right which meant Dylan had lied to her. And because she was disoriented and distracted, she didn''t even bother checking the time. In the summer, the morning sun was already so high up that it was hard to tell what time it was. Another reason was that she never expected someone to play this kind of a joke on her. At least, she never expected that person to be her own boss!


    But where there was Dylan Qiu, anything was possible.


    Note to self: Never believe Uncle Dylan''s words again. After that mental note to herself, Xiu walked back inside the apartment and dropped down on the couch like a zombie.


    Nora followed her inside and after bringing water from the kitchen, she passed a bottle to Xiu as she inquired, "What''s wrong? Did something happen?"


    "My stupid and childish boss pranked me," snorted Xiu. Following that, she laughed out to herself like a fool and said, "Oh, Uncle Dylan... You''re messing with the wrong person. I won''t forget this. I''ll definitely collect this debt. It''s a promise."


    The sinister expression on Xiu''s face made Nora look heavenwards as she mumbled, "God bless the soul that caught her attention now. May he rest in peace! Amen!"


    "What are you doing?" asked Xiu as she saw Nora making the cross sign.


    "Oh... I''m just praying for the departing soul," replied Nora with a smile. "If you''re not getting late, can you make scrambled eggs for Jackie? I''ll get him ready for school."


    Xiu nodded while giving her a thumbs-up as she said, "Leave it to me. I have got a lot of time now."


    After preparing the breakfast, she was setting up the table when Nora and Jackson joined her. Jackson didn''t forget to give Xiu her morning kiss before he sat on the chair closest to her.


    "Here''s my little Jackie''s scrambled eggs with lox and cream cheese. Just the way he likes it," said Xiu as she ruffled his hair lightly.


    "Thank you," replied Jackson with his toothy grin before he dug in his favorite breakfast.


    In the next five minutes, the number of times Nora''s phone beeped annoyed Xiu as she said, "Nora darling, did you start dating someone again?" Nora bobbed her head up and down while her eyes stayed glued on the screen. "Why don''t you ever learn? We should never do the same mistake twice. Didn''t you learn that?"


    Nora looked at Xiu and said, "Honey, once or twice, it''s always worthwhile as long as the mistake is spelled ''H.O.T'' and makes you feel like it was worth your while."


    Xiu shook her head at Nora''s words before gulping down her glass of milk. "Can I ask a question?" the voice belonged to Jackie who had been listening to them in silence all this while.


    "Don''t be so polite, little brother. Just ask away. Your beautiful sisters are here to answer," said Nora.


    "There are hundreds and millions of manholes in the world, right?" His childish voice was soft but clear. Both Nora and Xiu didn''t know where he was going with this but they nodded in sync and he continued, "If there are so many manholes in the worlds, why do people still choose to fall in love instead?"

 Chapter 124 - Tragic, Isnt it?

    The innocence with which Jackson had spoken was remarkable. As they say that children''s innocence always shines brighter than the rest of mankind. And that innocence is the reason that children always stands out from the rest.


    "Cough! Cough! Cough!" Nora was coughing profoundly while Xiu was gaping at him in disbelief.


    Xiu glared at Nora and mouthed, "This is all your fault for talking nonsense before him!"


    Nora replied in the same way, "Alright, alright. Leave it to me. Let me handle this." Then she turned to Jackson and said, "Little brother, people don''t only fall in love. Some even fall to their deaths."


    Xiu facepalmed herself as she heard Nora''s punch-in-the-face worthy reasoning. Was she crazy? How could she talk about death to a seven-year-old?


    However, Jackson''s reaction was even more unexpected as he said, "Fall to death or fall in love, is there even a difference? Sister, both things are the same."


    Xiu held his arm and turned him to face herself as she tried to explain, "Jackie, it''s not the same thing."


    "Baby Xiu, death means you stop breathing. Love means your heart stops beating for yourself. In both cases, a person dies. The difference is when someone stops breathing, we hold a funeral. But a person in love dies inside. We can''t possibly hold a funeral for that person. After all, even as an empty shell, that person is still breathing."


    A strange and thick silence engulfed the room. None of them spoke again. Jackson''s curious, innocent and young eyes blinked at both his sisters. As for Xiu and Nora, they both were trying to find a way to refute what he said. The only problem was that they couldn''t find a way to refute the truth he laid bare before them in his innocence without even realizing it himself.


    "Jackie, where did you learn all this?" Nora was lost in her own thoughts when Xiu asked.


    "Baby Xiu, I''m seven. I''m young and curious. And the way a.d.u.l.ts are painting this world before me is becoming scary. You used to teach me that love is beautiful. I still believe in you but it''s becoming difficult to believe in love now." His answer stumped Xiu for words yet again. It was dangerous to have genius kids around.


    Xiu held his hands in her own and said, "Jackie, you are right... The way a.d.u.l.ts see this world is scary. But you''re not them. Your way of seeing this world and their way has nothing to do with each other. Stop looking at this world through the peephole that a.d.u.l.ts made for you. Unless you open your own eyes to explore, the world will just be a scary place." She patted his head affectionately and added, "Don''t you remember, I told you before that darkness is just an illusion. Sunlight might be late but it''s always there. All we have to do is wait and believe. All you have to do is believe in your sister and look at this world in your own way. The world won''t be scary anymore. And please, stop reading these psychological books."


    Before she could get stuck with another awkward conversation, she stood up to leave and said goodbye to a very absentminded Nora and Jackson.


    Xiu was still disturbed by the deep questions that Jackson brought up early in the morning. If she hadn''t experienced it herself, she wouldn''t have believed that a seven-year-old could say such things. But then again, that seven-year-old had the IQ level higher than her own. It was no wonder he was so perceptive and sensitive to everything around him.


    "Ms. Bai, there is mail for you," the receptionist''s voice startled Xiu a bit and she collected her letter from the front desk.


    While she was signing her name, she heard, "Morning, Sweets!"


    Xiu turned her head and smiled at Darren while replying, "Morning, Mr. Salvay!"


    "Is it just me or is this really your first time calling me Mr. Salvay?" Darren sounded confused as he walked with her towards the glass doors of the building.


    "Hmm... It really is my first time calling you Mr. Salvay," replied Xiu while stuffing her mail in the purse. Her eyes wandered to his face and she frowned slightly as she asked, "Are you okay?"


    "Abso-bloody-lutely!" replied Darren with his usual polite smile. Recalling something, he added, "On another note, did Dylan disturb you this morning?"


    "How do you know that?" she narrowed her eyes at him with a skeptical look.


    "I have my own spies around him," answered Darren in an ambiguous manner. "Come, I''ll drop you off at your office."


    Xiu looked at the car door which he had opened for her and said, "Nah! I should not take advantage of my boyfriend just yet."


    "Only my girlfriend can take advantage of me and since you''re the one with the title, then you should take as much advantage as you can," Darren sounded playful to her but she could tell he meant well.


    "I''d love to do that but... What''s the hurry? For now, I''ll take the bus." It wasn''t that Xiu didn''t want to take up his offer. But she didn''t want to depend on him so soon. If she got used to his care too much, and this thing between them really didn''t work out... Sigh. Only she knew how scared she was of just this idea.


    As she had crossed the road to walk towards the nearest bus stop, she found Darren walking beside her. "What are you doing?" Xiu asked doubtfully.


    "Since I can''t give you a ride, I thought I should accompany you to the bus stop. That''s the least I can do." Xiu tried hard not to let his words touch her too deeply but it was hard. It was harder when she looked into his grey expressive eyes. Those orbs could suck her whole and she was certain of that!


    To distract herself, she told him all about how Dylan spoiled her morning with his stupid prank. At first, he laughed and then he said, "Sorry about that. He... He just doesn''t like you."


    Xiu lifted her hand and beckoned him to come closer. Darren had to hunch a bit to come to her level. Xiu stared at his face and said, "That''s what I don''t understand. Imagine, just imagine not liking someone like me... me... A beautiful, intelligent, hilarious, smart, wise, phenomenal woman... Tragic, isn''t it?"


    Darren''s lips turned upwards slightly at her praising herself. He placed his hand on her head and looked into her eyes as he said, "It''s really tragic."


    Xiu smiled at his reply and kissed him on the cheek before boarding on the bus while waving her hand at him, "Have a good day, Mr. Official Boyfriend."

 Chapter 125 - Jurassic Park

    Have you ever had that just two minutes of interaction with someone where you felt valued? That feeling of satisfaction that someone understands you or someone is staying by your side is too precious. Xiu also experienced that moment.


    The morning that started on a bad note turned quite alright when Darren walked beside her. It wasn''t even a long meeting and yet, she was left with a warm feeling inside. As she sat on the bus, she received a text from Darren, it read: "Have a good day to you too, Ms. Official Girlfriend!"


    Xiu giggled like a schoolgirl at the way he copied her but realizing how many pairs of eyes were staring at her, she composed herself and sent him a smiley in reply.


    Arriving at the company building, she put on her cold persona and walked through the doors of the company. Arriving at her floor, the first thing she did was to barge inside Dylan''s office without knocking. Dylan was busy admiring the view from his windows and didn''t notice Xiu''s presence, at least not until she slammed the door shut with a ''bang''.


    Dylan''s daydreaming came to an abrupt stop when he looked at the way Xiu was cracking her knuckles. "Ms. Bai, thi-this is my office. Keep your gangster avatar out of here." He stuttered while keeping a distance from her.


    Xiu crossed that distance and said, "There is still five minutes before my duty as your executive assistant starts. Before that let me warn you..." she took a long breath and added, "I can overlook the prank you played on me this morning. Because I''m in a very good mood."


    "Why do I feel like that good mood has something to do with my best friend?" Dylan asked with displeasure evident in his tone. He sounded jealous and he wasn''t even trying to hide it at all.


    Xiu gave him a fake smile as she said, "Not your best friend. MY BOYFRIEND! Keep that in your walnut brain." Dylan was in disbelief at the way she was displaying her sovereignty. And what did she just call him? Walnut brain? Why was she so in sync with his best friend? Xiu stopped his thoughts from wandering as she added, "Listen, don''t and I''m emphasizing again. Don''t ever play that ''dad'' joke with me again. It''s off-limits. I know I have never seen or met my father but you don''t have to rub it in my face!"


    Dylan raised his brows at her as he understood what she meant. Some people were like bane in our lives. He had that scourge in life as well. He just didn''t expect that Xiu''s father was the bane of her life. People love to go M.I.A (Missing-In-Action) but they don''t realize the consequences that the others have to face because of them.


    Dylan wanted to apologize but Xiu straightened her clothes and looking at the time said, "10 seconds to go. For your information, you''re still the human version of a headache to me. Now, 3, 2, and 1. Action!" Before Dylan''s very eyes from her gangster look, she turned to a professional within seconds and said, "Good morning, Sir! Anything I can help you with this morning?"


    Dylan was staring at her disbelievingly. He smiled sadly as he said, "You must be disappointed when you realized that it wasn''t your dad calling."


    Xiu laughed at his words, "Sir, I''m at that phase of my life where even disappointment doesn''t disappoint me anymore. Besides, it''s not like it''s the end of the world."


    Dylan stared at her for a moment as he thought, ''How many times did you face disappointment to make you so look indifferent towards it?'' Taking a brief pause, he said, "You''re right. It''s not the end of the world. My teacher used to say that life is a walk in a park."


    "Pfft!" Xiu laughed at his face and said, "Don''t mind but mate, what park are you walking through because I''m pretty sure mine''s somewhere close to Jurassic Park now."


    Dylan was speechless yet again by her reply. It took him a while to come up with something to say. "Frankly speaking, I don''t like you. But since you''re already dating my best friend, I have to tell you something."


    Xiu was surprised to see his change of demeanor as she asked, "What is it?"


    "Don''t let him eat junk food or box meals. He gets easily sick because of that. I''m only doing this for his sake. Out of politeness, he won''t refuse you but it''s not good for his health." Dylan''s reminded her with a complex look in his eyes. Then he waved his hand and said, "Now, just show yourself out." With a nod, Xiu left his office and only then Dylan could heave a sigh of relief.


    While Xiu entered her own office, her phone beeped.


    McSpicy: "Go a little bit easy on Dylan. Just a tiny bit."


    Sweets: "I was pretty easy on him."


    McSpicy: "Glad to hear that."


    Sweets: "Why didn''t you tell me that you can''t eat unhealthy food?"


    McSpicy: "That blabbermouth is really... Nevermind. Don''t pay attention to him at all."


    Xiu spent a long while staring at the string of words on the screen. She had come to realize something. Even though Dylan didn''t like her, he told her something about Darren that she didn''t know. Just because he didn''t want to see his best friend hurt. And the same went for Darren. The first thing he did was plead for his best friend.


    This bond of friendship or brotherhood was surprisingly stronger than she had originally thought it to be. She shook her head and typed a reply for Darren, "I won''t pay attention to him. But the condition is as long as you don''t cater to my likes while overshadowing your own likes and dislikes."


    She had just placed her phone down when the landline on her table rang. She held the receiver and  heard the voice of the receptionist of the executive''s floor saying, "Ms. Bai, someone is here to see you."

 Chapter 126 - Rumor Of The Day

    Just as Xiu placed the receiver down, a familiar figure knocked on her door. Xiu lifted her eyes to look at the bright and cheery girl before beckoning her inside.


    "What brought you here?"


    "Senior Xiu, of course, I needed your help," replied Bo Jiu. The same intern from the Planning Department whom Xiu had taken under her wings.


    "Follow me to the pantry, I need a coffee first," Xiu got around the desk and walked out with Bo Jiu walking beside her. As they both entered the pantry, Xiu saw all her female colleagues gathered there as if they were having a private meeting. Xiu greeted them before shifting her attention to Bo Jiu, "Take a seat. Would you like some coffee?"


    "Can I ask for one?" Bo Jiu sounded uncertain.


    Xiu shook her head and prepared two cups of coffee before sitting beside Bo Jiu. "So you''re saying that next month is the product launch banquet and your superior has put you in charge of the preparations?"


    "Exactly. I mean is it alright to give such a huge project to an intern?" Bo Jiu was talking about how she was being ostracized by her own colleagues but Xiu was too engrossed in the burning and bitter taste of her coffee. "Senior Xiu, are you even listening?"


    "I''ll start listening when you''ll stop whining. You think you have it tough. Come on, everyone is having it rough in life. Stop whining about it already," Xiu rapped on her forehead and added, "And since you have been chosen for an important project, it means that your superior would like to test your capabilities. Perhaps, this will be your chance to get that position of a permanent employee."


    Bo Jiu had a look of realization as she said, "Ah, I didn''t think it that way." Taking a pause she added, "But senior Xiu, can''t you control your sharp tongue? It''s painful whenever you talk." Xiu shrugged her shoulders indifferently and sipped on her coffee.


    She noticed the eyes of her colleagues and asked, "Is something written on my face? Why are you all giving me such looks?"


    "Ms. Bai, you''re very nice to your junior from your previous department but why don''t you ever help us out? We are also working in the same department now," Liu Jinjing took the lead to ask with a hateful glare towards Bo Jiu.


    "Exactly. And you never even sit with us in the pantry to talk," Wang Hualing jutted in.


    Xiu smiled at them which didn''t look like a smile at all and said, "Has anyone of you ever come to me for help?" Her question left them at a loss for words. "None of you ever asked me to help you out. You guys never even ask me whether I''d like to join you for lunch or not much less asking me for a coffee break. I have a very simple logic in life, I''ll give you the same treatment that you give me. I''m certainly no sorcerer who would know that you guys need my help with something neither am I a nosy person to ask."


    Bo Jiu was the only person amused by what Xiu stated while the rest were left with a red face. Their faces were thoroughly slapped by her without even trying. Looking for trouble with Bai Xiu, tsk tsk, they must really be delusional, thought Bo Jiu to herself as she looked at them with pity.


    "We can include you in our group now," Gu Luli tried to mediate the situation as she placed her tablet computer before Xiu and said, "Ms. Bai, did you check this post? Apparently, our CEO has an illegitimate daughter."


    Both Bo Jiu and Xiu spurted out and coughed as they heard this bit of news or more appropriate word would be a rumor. Xiu looked at Gu Luli and took the tablet from her hand. She skimmed through the article and looked at the photo where Dylan was holding a cute girl in his arms. The way they smiled looked exactly alike.


    Bo Jiu also craned her neck to look and rolled her eyes saying, "That''s not his daughter." All eyes in the room turned to her. Only then Bo Jiu realized what she had just said. She laughed awkwardly and explained, "I meant to say that it''s not possible. Mr. Dylan Qiu would never hide something like this from the media. It must be a misunderstanding."


    "Although I''d love to believe you... But... This picture is from his own house'' terrace. Can you still say that it''s a misunderstanding?" Fu Suyin said in a saddened tone.


    Bo Jiu was about to speak up when Liu Jinjing cried out, "Does that mean his mistress also lives in the same house as him? That''s heartbreaking."


    While those women were making a mountain out of the molehill, Bo Jiu was busy shaking her head at them. Xiu had seen Bo Jiu''s reaction with a scrutinizing gaze. She could tell that Bo Jiu knew something but she wasn''t going to ask. As she had said, she wasn''t nosy enough.


    "Enough!" Xiu suddenly stood up and said, "It''s a company policy that gossips are strictly prohibited. Even if he has a mistress and a daughter, it has nothing to do with you people. He has the responsibility to fulfill your monetary needs, it''s not his responsibility to cater to your emotional needs as well."


    Bo Jiu gave her a round of applause but stopped when Xiu''s eyes turned to her. "Get back to your work now. This much of a coffee break is enough."


    As all of them left the pantry, only Bo Jiu and Xiu were left inside. "Senior Xiu, I knew you''d never believe in gossips. This is all our social media''s fault. Always assuming the worst of people." Xiu stayed quiet in response. "But Senior Xiu, I heard you don''t like our CEO."


    "I don''t like him at all. But rather than gossiping about him, I''d love to curse at him. That''d be more fun to do," replied Xiu which surprised Bo Jiu. "He''s a rotten egg. A no-good, blood-sucking, hopeless, walnut-brain..."


    As she continued to curse, Bo Jiu signaled her with her eyes to look behind. "Why are you stopping me? I''m not done yet."


    "Not done yet?" A voice came from her back.


    Not noticing who had asked, she continued, "Nowhere near done yet. I learned the new curse vocabulary just for that worm face bastard!"


    "I''m confused whether I should be honored to know that you did so much effort just to curse at me or feel hurt instead," Dylan''s voice only now registered in Xiu''s brain and her body stiffened up.

 Chapter 127 - His Daughter?

    Xiu slowly and like really slowly turned around and found Dylan leaning against the door with a smirk on his face. Xiu looked at him for a moment longer as she thought, ''Oh, how I wish to hit him with my heels this time. No, you can''t do that, Xiu! Don''t forget you''re in the office. Keep up this professional avatar. Argh! I can''t get the idea of my heel against his head out of my mind. That''s so enticing.''


    Dylan obviously was oblivious to the things running through Xiu''s mind. However, as he saw Bo Jiu waving at him, he gestured her to leave. Bo Jiu made a face at him like a kid and even bumped into his shoulder on purpose before walking off.


    "Do you have to always come at the wrong time?" Xiu''s voice made him raise his brows in question. "You don''t let me sleep in peace and now I can''t even curse at you in peace."


    "Curse me at my face. But right now, we have to go for a location inspection."


    "You''re letting me off the hook? That easily?"


    Dylan only sighed in reply as if to say he couldn''t do anything else.


    Xiu nodded in understanding and got up to follow him. Taking all the needed doc.u.ments, both of them went out of the company. The location check was done rather smoothly as they both were at their best professional behaviors. Since both of them took their jobs too seriously, the inspection was done without any hitch.


    After that, they went to the laboratory to see the progress of their new product and on the way back from there, Xiu told him, "There is an article about you trending on Weibo."


    "I know," was his simple answer.


    Xiu frowned at his so carefree response and added, "If you knew why didn''t you ask the PR team to take care of this matter?"


    "I''m sure the PR team has better things to do than to clear up their boss'' image," replied Dylan with his eyes on the road.


    "Clearing your image is also their job," reminded Xiu.


    As Dylan stopped the car at a red light, he asked, "Ms. Bai, drop your biasedness for a minute and tell me, do you think those rumors are true?"


    Xiu looked at his serious expression oddly and shook her head in negation saying, "I don''t think so. That little girl could never be your daughter."


    "Do you have faith in me?" he inquired with a quirk of his brow.


    Xiu shook her head again and said, "Don''t flatter yourself. I just don''t think such a beautiful daughter could be yours." Dylan''s face twitched at her response as he drove the car. "But on a serious note, the picture is not fake. It can impact our company''s image. What if the board of directors asked you about this?"


    Dylan smiled to himself as he answered, "Ms. Bai, social media can fool the innocent public. The board of directors already know who the little girl in that photo is. Anyway, I already asked the PR team to clear up the little girl''s news from the media. It can have a huge impact on her life, not mine."


    "Who is she?" asked Xiu since now, even she had some curiosity about this matter.


    Instead of replying to her, Dylan parked the car in front of a cafe and unfastened his seatbelt saying, "Let''s get something to drink. I''m sure you must be tired after walking all day."


    Xiu frowned at him as she wondered, ''When did you become so thoughtful?'' Indeed, she was tired. It was close to noon and she had been following him in her heels from the morning. She definitely wanted to drink or eat something after that much walk.


    Xiu wasn''t unfamiliar to this cafe, she had heard about it a lot. The cafe''s first floor was designed in a modern and elegant way. However, the second floor was like walking inside a fairytale garden. The green plants and flowers had set up a beautiful place for dining.


    "Didi!" Xiu turned around as she heard an excited voice and found a cute little girl running towards Dylan.


    "My little star," Dylan kneeled down and opened his arms for her.


    "Didi, mommy is really mean. I asked her to let me visit you at your office but she didn''t agree," the little girl was complaining to Dylan in an aggrieved tone.


    "Hmm... Although what mommy did is really bad, I wasn''t at the office today. So, isn''t it good that I''m here now." Dylan was trying to placate the little girl when Xiu saw a woman walking in their direction.


    "Asteria, stop complaining already," the woman''s voice was soft and soothing like a light breeze in summer days. Her features were beautiful. Although she was wearing an apron around her waist, it couldn''t hide the natural elegance she had. "What brought you here? You don''t even like coffee." She was talking to Dylan.


    "Come on, Xiao Mei. Do I need a reason to be here?" Dylan said with a smirk. "Ow! Ouch! Let go of my ear!"


    The woman pulled his ear and said, "Hedi, I told you a million times. Call me elder sister. This impetuous acts of yours are the reason people think that we are dating."


    Dylan shook her hand off of his ear and replied, "It''s not my impetuous acts rather it''s your stubbornness. You never want to show your face to the media as my sister. How is it my fault?"


    "She''s your sister?" Xiu finally voiced out her question just to confirm that she wasn''t hallucinating.


    Only now Dylan remembered that he brought Xiu with him. As for his sister, she looked at Xiu oddly before extending her hand towards her, "Hi, I''m Qiu Meihui. His elder sister. And if I''m not wrong, you must be Bai Xiu, his executive assistant."


    Xiu shook her hand absentmindedly and said, "You know me?"


    Qiu Meihui smiled at her and nodded her head saying, "My brothers talk a lot about you. How can I not know about you?"


    "Brothers?" Xiu inquired in confusion.


    "She means me and your boyfriend," answered Dylan.


    "So the reason why you wanted to clear her name was that..." Xiu didn''t know how to finish her sentence. However, Dylan did it for her.


    "Because Asteria might be my niece, I raised her like my daughter. People''s words can have a huge impact on her future and I definitely don''t like that idea."


    "Aiyo, my brother is acting like an a.d.u.l.t for once," Qiu Meihui ruffled his hair making him scowl.


    "Sis, can you please cut it already," at Dylan''s resistance, she laughed it out.

 Chapter 128 - Shoe That Didnt Fit

    Seeing the way Dylan was being bullied by his elder sister, Xiu was reminded of Jackson and Nora. The only difference was that in her best friend''s case, Nora was always at the losing end. Jackson was the youngest and his age was his biggest weapon to manipulate Nora.


    Now that she thought about it, she decided to keep Jackson away from books that didn''t compliment his age. In the age of playing with toys, he was already getting intense with emotions. Xiu''s biggest fear was that she didn''t want Jackson to mature too soon. He was a child and deserved to experience being a child.


    She had to act like a mature person from a very young age, she didn''t want him to go through the same experiences in life. While Xiu was lost in her own thoughts, she felt a pair of eyes glued on her face.


    Xiu lifted her eyes and met with brown-colored orbs of a little girl who was looking at her in an adorable way. Asteria used her small hands to get on the chair and touched Xiu''s face saying, "You''re really pretty." Xiu was still blinking her eyes as she had no idea what to say in response. Asteria touched Xiu''s pin that held up her hair in a bun and pulled it out.


    Her straight light brown hair cascaded down like a waterfall. "Wow! Your hair reminds me of Rapunzel." Xiu tucked the strands of hair behind her ear and as she saw the happiness in those adorable and pure eyes, she was lost for words again. Xiu never liked people touching her hair but when that little girl did so, Xiu didn''t mind at all. "I''m Asteria. My name''s meaning is a star. That''s why both my uncles call me a little star. I''m six years old."


    Xiu looked at her toothy grin and patted her head saying, "Hello, little star! I''m Bai Xiu. Xiu means beauty. That''s all there is about me."


    "Aww, you''re just like your name. A beauty''s name is beauty," said Asteria with her childlike innocence. Xiu laughed along with her since this must be the most beautiful or crazy thing she heard today. Xiu looked around and realized that both Dylan and his sister had vanished. She felt a tug at her shoulder and looked at Asteria who said, "Can you tell me a story?"


    Xiu picked her up and put her on the table as she started, "Hmm... Story... Okay, let me tell you a new story." Asteria nodded her head excitedly. "So, once upon a time, there was a superstar named Red. In her world of glamor, she often forgot what or who she was. One day, she met a Prince Charming."


    "And they fell in love?" Xiu nodded in response.


    "Our little star is very intelligent," at her praise Asteria giggled. "Prince Charming gave her a glass slipper just like Cinderella. Red was really happy to get that glass slipper. Even when the glass slipper bit her, made her bleed, hurt her, she stubbornly wore it. Do you know why?"


    "Because it was a gift from the Prince Charming. Mommy says that we should never belittle someone''s present because it represents their feelings." Xiu smiled at her bitterly and bobbed her head up and down.


    "However, one day Red took off the shoe and gave it back to the Prince Charming. She realized that the shoe didn''t fit her. After all, she was Red. She wasn''t the Cinderella meant for the Prince Charming."


    "Red must have been sad," Asteria said sadly.


    "She was and that''s why she went off to live in a tower. A place no one knew her at all. There she met a knight who wiped her tears. The knight asked her to take his hand..." Xiu looked at her own hand as she thought of Darren unconsciously.


    "Did she took his hand?"


    Xiu pinched her cheeks and said, "That''s up to our little star. You should decide whether she should take that hand or not?"


    Asteria''s face scrunched up as she thought long and hard before saying, "Red should take the knight''s hand. Dazi says that everyone deserves a second chance in life."


    As Xiu heard her say ''Dazi'', she thought to herself, ''Again Darren? Why are you everywhere these days?'' Xiu kissed her cheeks and said, "Aiyo, Asteria is really smart. You''re even smarter than your Didi."


    "Hehe..." Asteria giggled as she said, "Everyone says that."


    "So the moral of the story is... if you don''t fit in someone''s fairytale. Write your own."


    As Xiu was playing around with Asteria, she heard Dylan''s voice, "Sis, can you stop saying that?"


    She looked towards the stairs and saw Qiu Meihui slapping Dylan''s head as she said, "What did I say wrong? You''re adopted. Go and ask mom yourself if you don''t believe me."


    "I''m telling you this trick is old now. I''m not adopted. If anyone is adopted that''s you!" Dylan retorted stubbornly.


    "Little bro, look at me. I''m a replica of mom. I don''t even need a DNA test to prove my identity. What about you?" Xiu could see Dylan was thoroughly pissed off and it amused her a lot.


    She had always seen Nora teasing Jackson with the exact same dialogue. She was an only child in both her lives and really didn''t know what kind of bond siblings had. For her, this was her reason for envy. She never thought she''d envy Dylan.


    Both siblings stopped bickering as they noticed Xiu. "When did your hair grew so long?" The dumb question came from Dylan.


    Xiu tied her hair back up and said, "What does that have to do with you?"


    "You can answer nicely once in a while," retorted Dylan in exasperation before saying, "Let''s go. I packed the drink for you as well."


    As Xiu was about to leave, Asteria held her hand and said, "Xiuxiu, come to see little star again."


    "I will," replied Xiu.


    "Woah! When did you guys become so chummy?" Dylan looked at his niece before looking at Xiu. Poor him, no one bothered to give him a reply.


    "Bai Xiu, it was nice meeting you," Qiu Meihui said to Xiu politely and the way she spoke made Xiu really wonder whether Dylan was adopted. If Dylan knew what was running through her mind, he would have puked blood in anger. "Be nice to my little brother. This one is fine but Darren is special."


    "I''ll keep that in mind," said Xiu in a pleasant tone.

 Chapter 129 - My Star In The Sky

    In the coming days, Xiu didn''t know how or when it happened but it had become a very casual thing for Darren to wait for her at the bus stop in the evening. Their short walk back home started getting longer like the things to talk about started increasing.


    On this evening, they were yet again walking side by side as Darren asked, "So you''d prefer staying home rather than going out. Why is that?"


    Xiu scratched her head as she said, "Because as soon as I step outside the house, I end up spending 200 dollars. And then I have to do a self-review session with my inner self to justify why I wasted that money." When Darren gave her a strange look, he grumbled, "I know I''m weird. You don''t have to be so obvious about it."


    Darren laughed at her reply and said, "Not weird. Just a bit unique." His words managed to make her feel a little better. "Anyway, one thing that you left behind in this year?"


    "Hmm... Er..." Xiu thought about it for a while before saying, "Toxicity." Darren raised his brows in question at her and she elaborated, "I''ve come to realize how unnecessary toxicity is in my life. You see, I spent hours in depression because I was that idiot so-called ''compromising hero''. But now, I''m no more. Now, I''d rather be a villain in a story than a goody-two-shoes hero. At least, I''ll be a villain at peace."


    "That''s an interesting thought," said Darren sincerely.


    "What about you? What did you leave behind this year?" Xiu asked him the same question as she sat on a wooden bench placed on the sidewalks.


    "Umm... I haven''t left anything behind but I''m trying to. I''m trying to leave someone''s shadow on my life behind. Let''s see if it works or I''m just being wishful," replied Darren in a bitter tone. Shaking his head, he asked, "Moving on, the one question that you despise the most?"


    "I hate it when people ask, ''How''s life going?'' I mean, bro it''s not like life came with an instruction manual, brakes, accelerator or steering wheel. There is even no test drive. It''s going the way it wants to. I can''t possibly handle it." Darren couldn''t stop himself from laughing again. Her words matched with her dramatic way of speaking made it seem hilarious. "If you''re done laughing, it''s your turn to answer the same question."


    "Cough..." Darren masked his laughter with a cough and said, "Well, I hate it when people ask, ''Are you okay?'' when in reality, they don''t really care at all about your reply. And since 90% of people don''t care, we have become accustomed to saying, ''I''m okay.''"


    Xiu was struck by his words to silence for a moment. What he said was a sad reality of life. It was painful and yet truthful. When people get hurt once, they become cautious and doubtful about the next person who walks in their life. Because a silent fear lives inside them that creeps up reminding them how they were hurt before.


    Xiu was exactly like that person who had become suspicious and uncertain about everything. But the way it was becoming easier and easier to stay beside Darren told her what she was missing out on. These evening walks were the most precious to her. She could hardly wait for the day to end since there was an anticipation that had bubbled inside of her to see Darren.


    Seeing how his answer made the atmosphere a little too serious, he asked, "Nevermind. Moving forward, what''s your greatest loss this year?"


    Xiu touched her hair and blinked at him saying, "Hair loss." Darren rapped the side of her head making her scowl. "Okay, my turn. Are you a ''Photophile[1]'' or a ''Nyctophile[2]''?"


    "I''m a Nyctophile," he replied without missing a beat.


    Xiu raised her brows in question. "Are you sure?"


    "Positive," he said.


    Xiu frowned as she said, "But with that big bright halo around you, I thought you''d love light instead."


    "Wait. What? Big bright halo? I have a halo and I don''t know that?" Darren turned his neck left and right, trying to find the halo she talked about but couldn''t do so.


    "Aiyo, I''m telling you there is a halo. Why can''t you just believe in my words?" Xiu insisted stubbornly. "It''s like light follows you wherever you go. Warm light which gives people a very comfortable feeling."


    "Okay. If Sweets say there is a halo then there is a halo for certain."


    Xiu patted his shoulder and said, "That''s like my boyfriend." Darren rolled his eyes at her.


    "Which one are you?" he asked after a pause.


    "I''m a proud Nyctophile. After all, when night comes we sleep. And sleep is the real pleasure of life." Darren''s expression was of someone who would say, ''Why did I even bother asking?'' Xiu, however, wasn''t paying attention as she continued, "I''m literally like a vampire who hates sunlight. Oh, by the way, I didn''t even ask why you love night darkness?"


    Darren looked up at the sky as he said, "Because nights are silent and silence often brings us to places or people that are left behind. Besides, I love stargazing."


    "You like the stars?" Xiu leaned her head against the bench and looked towards the sky.


    "Uh-huh," was his simple reply.


    "Why?"


    "Because my star is also in the sky. No, I should say my superstar is also there," Darren replied with a bitter and sad smile on his lips. He couldn''t help the look of hurt that flashed through his eyes. But Xiu''s attention was on the night sky. So, she didn''t manage to see Darren''s expressions.


    "What''s the difference between star or superstar? In any case, both are out of your reach," said Xiu casually, not even realizing that while she meant the real stars in the sky, he didn''t.


    He had been talking about the superstar who once wreaked havoc in his life. Chen Xiu who really had gone far out of his reach. He lifted his hand as if trying to catch a star in his hand as he said, "You''re right. It''s out of my reach now."


    [1] ''Photophile'': A person who loves light


    [2] ''Nyctophile'': A person who loves night darkness

 Chapter 130 - Kiss Of Seduction

    Later, Darren dropped her at the door and was about to turn when she said, "You can come inside. I''ll make some dinner for us. Besides, Nora is not home and if you didn''t come, I won''t bother making a meal for myself."


    Darren knew she meant what she said and after careful consideration, he entered her apartment. Xiu went off to change into some casual clothes before she came back and entered the kitchen. Darren sat at the dining table looking at her.


    "Where''s Nora?" asked Darren as an ice-breaker.


    "Oh, her parents are back from their business trip. So... she went to drop off Jackie."


    "Do you want me to help you with anything?" Darren got up from the chair.


    "Stop! Don''t move!" Darren stopped in his steps as she added, "I mean, the best help you can do is staying right where you are. If you came any closer, I''ll be distracted and that won''t be helping me in any way."


    "Oh-Okay!" he said uncertainly and sat back down. He picked up the food magazine on the table and flipped through the pages. "Who reads this?"


    "I do," replied Xiu and went on, "Nora only likes fitness magazines. And I can only read food magazines."


    "Hmm..." Darren hummed in reply before asking, "So, what''s your favorite place in the world?"


    Xiu stopped cutting the vegetable as she said, "Can I say my bed?"


    "No," replied Darren making her scowl in disappointment.


    "Fine, if not my bed then... I guess my favorite place would be... Anywhere I can call home." Her nonchalant expression and her deep words really were contradictory. "Do you have a favorite quote?" This time, she asked him.


    "Actually, I have two favorite quotes," replied Darren and continued, "The first one is by Robert Brault, ''What we find in a soulmate is not something wild to tame but something wild to run with.''"


    Xiu bobbed her head up and down slowly as she said, "And the second one?"


    "The second one is by Edgar Allan Poe, ''We loved with a love that was more than love.'' This one seems really complicated at first but in reality, this is the simplest quote I''ve learned in my life." Taking a brief pause, he asked, "What about your favorite quote?"


    Xiu placed the pan on the stove and said, "My favorite quote is by Linus Torvalds... It goes something like, ''I love making friends... it''s people I can''t stand.''"


    Darren was surprised to hear that and said, "No wonder, you push people away with your words."


    "What can I do? I just can''t stand them," Xiu shrugged her shoulders innocently. "I think people should come with a 30-second teaser. So that it makes it easy for me to decide whether I want to waste my time and effort on them or not."


    Darren had no response for her. "Alright, so what''s the weirdest thing you have ever done?"


    Xiu looked at his face and bit her bottom lip before replying, "I spent 48 hours in a cemetery staring at a tombstone."


    "Whose tombstone?" Darren''s response was nothing like what she had anticipated. He didn''t seem freaked out at all. Why would he? He spent much longer staring at Chen Xiu''s tombstone. He had no right to judge her for something he had done himself.


    "Bai Xiu''s mother," said Xiu absentmindedly before coughing and adding, "I mean my mother''s tombstone." Darren nodded his head in understanding.


    Xiu plated the food and served it before sitting beside him. She picked up stripped potatoes with chopsticks and passed it to Darren saying, "Try all of this. It''s edible."


    Darren took a bite and said, "Edible? It''s pretty good in my opinion."


    "I was trying to be modest," said Xiu.


    "Don''t bother. It doesn''t suit you," replied Darren.


    "I''ll keep that in mind," was Xiu''s reply as she also dug in.


    After their dinner, Darren didn''t let her wash the dishes. He wore the gloves and insisted on doing it himself. Xiu couldn''t refuse at all so she stayed beside him to give him company.


    Recalling something, Darren asked, "Are you free tomorrow evening?"


    "Tomorrow is Saturday and I was supposed to be free but Nora is taking me somewhere. She said it''s a surprise. So, I''m not even sure where she''s taking me. But why are you asking?"


    Darren cleared his throat before saying, "It''s Dylan''s friend''s wedding and I''m invited. I just asked to know whether you''d like to go."


    "I''ll pass, I hate weddings," Xiu said straightforwardly.


    "Why? Do you not believe in love?" he asked.


    "I do believe in love. I''m just not a fan of weddings," said Xiu matter-of-factly.


    "Then Sweets, would you like to define what love really is?"


    Xiu played with her fingers as she said, "Love is a strange feeling. In love, we always want to cry on the shoulder of the person who made us cry in the first place. But then again, it wouldn''t be love if we could describe it with logic or reason."


    Darren took off the gloves and walked towards her. He placed one hand on the sink while the other hand tilted Xiu''s face a little bit upwards. He was close. Like really close to her. As in, he was invading her personal space but Xiu wasn''t the one complaining. At all!


    He held in her gaze for a little longer as he said, "Sweets, you''re right. We can''t possibly define love with logic or reason. But we can still define it." A wrinkle of confusion appeared between her brows and he went on, "Love can be defined as reckless and fearless."


    With that, he dove in for a kill and stole a kiss from her. Not one of possessiveness or sweetness like she had felt before. This was like seduction. A slow seduction that made his lips seems inviting to her. Xiu kissed him back with all her passion. She wanted to lose herself in that moment and she did. She let that moment melt and seep within her very pores.


    The sweet anticipation of her eager lips was rudely broken when he broke the kiss and put some distance between them. She was breathless and dazed. A bit out of her sorts or perhaps, completely out of sorts. Her usually light honey brown eyes had darkened up.


    Darren pressed his lips at the spot between her brows and said, "Goodnight, Sweets!" Even when he left her apartment, Xiu was standing against the same cabinet, he had pressed her.


    She fanned her face and whispered, "Why is summer getting hotter?" She patted her cheeks to wake herself up and went towards her room to send him a goodnight message. After sending the message, she closed her eyes with a satisfied smile plastered on her lips.

 Chapter 131 - Battle Gear

    People often mistake style and fashion to be the same thing. But in fact, fashion and style are two very different things. For instance, fashion is like an armor that a woman can change every day. But style is an elegance that can''t be eliminated.


    Fashion is all about clothes but the style is all about the woman who makes that piece of clothing seem like a piece of art. Right now, Xiu was ransacking through her entire closet to find something to wear that could be both stylish and fashionable.


    "I don''t have anything to wear," she shouted and sat down on the floor in resignation.


    Nora rolled her eyes at her and pulled her up saying, "What are you talking about? There are so many clothes."


    Xiu looked at her weirdly as she said, "Nora, I have clothes. But I have no outfits. Can you feel me?"


    Nora''s brows wrinkled before she looked through Xiu''s closet herself. She picked out a blue lace summer dress and showed it to Xiu who immediately snatched it from her hand and said, "Dear best friend, I don''t wanna waste my precious dress on this boring day. I don''t even know where we are going. So, no to this one."


    "You''re postponing a dress because you don''t know the occasion?" Nora looked at Xiu strangely but the later stayed unruffled and looked rather nonchalant. "Xiu, a lady should always dress like she''s about to meet her worst enemy."


    "If I went by your reasoning, then I''ll have to dress up in a black hoodie and mask. Even with a knife in hand, people won''t recognize me." Nora slapped Xiu''s head in exasperation. How could someone even think like that?


    "If you''ll stay silent believe me no one will call you mute. I assure you that silence won''t be regretful either," said Nora as she glared at Xiu.


    "I know that already. I never regretted my silence, it''s always the words that make me think twice," Xiu sounded guilty.


    "Xiu, shut up!" Nora finally managed to find another dress and passed it to her saying, "Don''t even think about saying no. This is it!" Xiu silently took orders and went to change the clothes.


    It was a knee-length summer dress with a slash neckline. The dress had a vintage A-Line silhouette with a floral print on the skirt and a plain blacktop. Xiu looked different than her usual self especially since Nora had styled her hair in soft curls that reached her mid-back now.


    "Perfect! You look beautiful in that," said Nora with a huge grin.


    Xiu glanced at Nora while she was touching up her make-up and said, "I don''t like your new boyfriend."


    Nora held the mascara brush in her hand as she said, "You never liked any of my boyfriends. There is nothing new about that."


    "It''s not my fault that each of your boyfriends looks like a mistake," Xiu defended herself.


    "Xiu, before a soulmate you have to go through a couple of mistakes."


    Xiu facepalmed herself and said, "Would you like to tell me how many more mistakes are you planning to go through before looking for your soulmate?" Nora didn''t reply to her. Xiu took a brief pause before saying, "I''ll be the only person crying at your wedding."


    "Aww! Will you be that upset?"


    Xiu snorted, "Darling, your wedding would a miracle in its own self. Obviously, I''d be crying if such a miracle really happened."


    Nora wasn''t really listening to her. She was lost in her own thoughts and Xiu had to shake her to get her attention. "Why are you zoning out on me? Are you also having therapy sessions with yourself?"


    "Huh? What? Therapy sessions?" Nora asked in confusion and Xiu nodded in reply.


    "Of course! Whenever I zone out, I''m actually having a therapy session in my head. It''s pretty effective." Xiu elaborated herself.


    "What do you say to yourself in that therapy session then?" asked Nora as she came and sat beside Xiu.


    "Nothing much. I usually say... Dear problems, behave yourself. I''ve had enough for today." Nora raised her brows at Xiu in amus.e.m.e.nt while Xiu continued, "Or... I''d say, don''t think you''re rude. You are rude. But f.u.c.k it and don''t think about it."


    Xiu lifted her eyes to look at Nora and said, "But the right words for you would be... Don''t think you''re ugly. Yes, you are. But just don''t think."


    "You!" Nora tapped Xiu''s head saying, "Aiyo, you and your ideas... Tsk. Tsk. I feel pity for Darren sometimes."


    "He already knows that I''m a psycho case," Xiu stuck her tongue out at Nora to tease her.


    "And he''s still with you. Can you imagine finding another soul like him?"


    "Nah, I think he''s one and only," replied Xiu without hesitation.


    "Wow! Now, you''re already taking your boyfriend''s side. That''s quick progress." Nora teased her playfully making her scowl.


    As Nora wore her dress, Xiu couldn''t help whistling as she said, "As always, you look hot."


    Nora gave a dramatic flip of her hair and said, "I was born hot, baby."


    She was wearing a halter dress in stunning summer hues. The little detail of slightly pleated front gave it a new twist. The tie sash around the waist was making Nora''s already gorgeous figure to stand out even more. With rounded hem and keyhole back, it had a unique style. Of course, what Nora loved about her dress was the pockets.


    The pockets were a life-saver for someone like her who always forgot her phone here and there. It would save her a lot of trouble.


    Xiu had always called Nora wildly attractive not just because of the way she dressed but also because of the air of confidence around her. Xiu could say to be classy but Nora was wild. In all these years, Xiu couldn''t just pick up that aura of a wild soul. Perhaps, that goddess inside of her was too stubborn to change.


    As they wore their heels, Nora said, "Now, we are ready for the battle."


    "What battle?" Xiu inquired but Nora only gave her a sly smirk in response.

 Chapter 132 - Failed Relationsh.i.p.s

    Donning a well-tailored, handmade suit, his tall stature exuded an extraordinary elegance. The light of the chandelier reflected on his short but sleek hair and lingered making a halo that Xiu always found around him. His gray eyes were picturesque. His temperament was mellow and yet dreamy.


    The moment he entered the hall, everyone''s attention was spontaneously attracted to him and the one beside him. As Darren heard some gasps around, he made a U-turn to leave but Dylan held him back saying, "Don''t even think about it."


    Darren glanced at his best friend who was clad in a dark brown tuxedo. He was tall and elegant. His well-defined features and porcelain skin shone under the bright lights, exuding a luxurious elegance.


    Darren sighed in defeat and walked inside with Dylan. "Remind me why am I wearing this clean-cut suit?"


    Dylan smiled politely at the people around him and greeted them as he said, "Because we are attending a wedding."


    "It''s not my wedding. Why am I dressed up for it then?"


    Dylan tapped his arm with a forced smile and said, "It''s not your wedding but who knows we might find a potential partner for you here? Besides, don''t you know that weddings are the best matchmaking sights."


    Darren pushed Dylan''s hand off of his shoulder, "Keep dreaming. I have a girlfriend."


    Dylan scowled at him and said, "Yes, a casual girlfriend who is not even here."


    Darren was about to punch Dylan when they saw a man in white tux coming their way. "Hey, Dylan! I''m so glad you could make it." The man''s eyes shifted to Darren and he went on, "It''s an honor to see your face in a gathering, Darren."


    "Congratulations on your wedding, Huang Ming," Darren sounded extremely polite but distant as well. As if he was talking to a complete stranger. Although Huang Ming couldn''t be considered a friend to Darren, he was still once Darren''s acquaintance.


    "Thanks, Darren. And thank you very much for coming," Huang Ming could feel Darren''s distant coldness and he decided to not bother them anymore. "Okay, you guys enjoy yourselves. I have to greet some guests."


    Dylan passed a glass of champagne to Darren and said, "Why didn''t you bring your girlfriend?"


    "I didn''t even want to come myself," replied Darren matter-of-factly before continuing, "Besides, she had somewhere to go with Nora."


    "Nora?" Dylan raised his brows in question.


    "Nora Cartwright. Sweets best friend." Darren explained in a bored tone while turning his back towards the people since he was really uncomfortable being under the scrutiny of all those people.


    "Nora Cartwright?" Dylan mumbled to himself and frowned. "Why does this name sound so familiar?" He chugged down his champagne and suddenly had a look of epiphany as he said, "Aye, she''s Jing Ge''s daughter, right?"


    Darren nodded in response and asked, "Do you know her?"


    "Oh, hell yeah!" replied Dylan with a strange look which Darren couldn''t understand. Now that Dylan recalled, he finally understood why Xiu''s best friend gave him a familiar feeling. "She''s changed after growing up."


    "What do you mean?" Darren''s brows wrinkled slightly in question.


    Dylan shook his head and said, "Nothing. I''ll tell you the details some other time." Suddenly, he pulled out his phone and put his arm around Darren''s shoulder saying, "Say cheese!" He clicked a photo and posted it on his weChat moments.


    "What was that for?" Darren pushed him away as she scowled in displeasure.


    "It''s proof for my mother dearest that I really brought you to the wedding with me. You know how she has some trust issues when it comes to me. So, I had to do this," Dylan explained while scrolling through his phone.


    "Whose fault is it that she has trust issues when it comes to you," asked Darren in a challenging way.


    "Fine. It''s my own fault. Get over it already," Dylan retorted before saying, "By the way, Dazi, I just learned something."


    "What?"


    "My house is basically a university. Because I''m getting lectures 24/7 from my mother. I think she doesn''t get tired of it at all," Dylan looked aggrieved as if he had been wrongly treated all this while. "And the worst part is, I actually have come to love her lectures. It''s like I can''t digest my food unless mom gives me a long lecture on how I''m still wasting my years as a single dog. You tell me, which mother treats her son like this?"


    "Stop whining like a kid. If you stop ruining all the blind dates, wouldn''t she stop bothering you?" Darren retorted calmly.


    "Bro, why does she want these blind dates to work? Why is she forgetting that she eloped with dad herself? I''m a product of a love marriage that even got my parents to be kicked out of their families respectively. If they did a love marriage then why am I being forced to have an arranged one?" Dylan''s scowl had turned deeper now.


    Darren shook his head at him and said, "They are not forcing you to have an arranged marriage. They just want you to find a serious partner. Because your dalliances are making them anxious." Taking a brief pause, he added, "Yes, we are only twenty-seven but you''ll have to find a partner sooner or later. So why not, just do it sooner?"


    Dylan glanced at his best friend for a moment longer in silence before saying, "It''s not my fault that my soulmate is somewhere in the world getting played by people. It''s not like I have telepathy to shout, hey stupid! Come back here."


    Darren slapped the back of his head and said, "Try being serious once in a while. The reason why Beauty Wei is getting more and more anxious is because of the failed relationship of Xiao Mei."


    "My sister is my sister. She is not me," Dylan retorted in exasperation.


    "It''s ironic that you said that. After all, you shouldn''t forget how you have a failed relationship in your dark history as well." Darren''s reminder stiffened Dylan.

 Chapter 133 - Free Drinks

    Nora had brought Xiu to her own family hotel which made Xiu even more perplexed. The interior carved beams, exquisite frescoes, and expensive retro wall lamps of the hallway along with the panoramic view of the city at night through the floor-to-ceiling windows were always a highlight of this hotel for Xiu.


    As they neared a banquet hall and Xiu noticed where they were headed, she stopped walking and said, "You brought me to a wedding?" Nora smiled sheepishly. "You know I don''t like weddings."


    Nora held her arm and puckered her lips, "I didn''t want to come alone and you''re my only best friend."


    Xiu gaped at her for a second before saying, "I literally am feeling like a scapegoat right now. Just because you didn''t want to suffer through this alone, you pulled me along to ruin my Saturday night. I could have gone on a date with my boyfriend."


    "Woah! Stop right there girly! How can you even say that? I know date would have been a lot more fun but still, you can''t shun your best friend just like this," said Nora as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Besides, I don''t know anyone inside."


    "Then what the hell are you doing here?" Xiu yelled at her in disbelief.


    "It''s my friend''s sister''s wedding. I couldn''t say no." Nora answered innocently blinking at her. When Xiu didn''t budge, she used her trump card by saying, "There will be free drinks." Xiu''s resolve wavered a bit as she heard that. Nora could see that it was working so she struck when the iron was still hot by saying, "And tonight I won''t even stop you from drinking. You can have your heart''s fill."


    Xiu looked at Nora''s sincere expressions and said, "Sheesh. Sold!"


    Nora fist bumped in the air to show how happy she was after succeeding in her mission.


    While Xiu''s attention was on Nora, a figure walked past her but halted after a couple of steps. He glanced up instinctively at the scent of perfume. He watched Xiu talking animatedly to Nora without even blinking, a wrinkle of confusion was etched between his brows as he observed the side of Xiu''s face.


    Feeling a scorching gaze at the side of her face, Xiu tilted her face slightly and her eyes widened slightly to see the person standing not too far from her. Zhou Jinhai''s eyes couldn''t hide the disappointment that he felt when he noticed Xiu''s face clearly. His heart felt heavy and he was feeling hollow inside.


    Xiu, on the other hand, didn''t have the reaction that she could have expected from herself. It was a crazy thought but the look in Zhou Jinhai''s eyes made her think for a second that he was looking for someone else in her and this thought in itself was funny and heartwrenching.


    But she wasn''t wrong. Zhou Jinhai had indeed stopped because of that scent of perfume which he always associated with Chen Xiu. For a second, his heart had an illusion that it was Chen Xiu but the reminder that she was dead, broke his fantasy. A dainty arm wrapped around his own as he heard, "Jinhai, what happened?"


    Xiu also noticed the woman beside him. She was petite and wore a rose-colored mermaid-bottom maxi dress. It complimented her beautiful fair skin and clear eyes. Watching them stand side by side, Xiu had to admit once again that they looked perfect together. Just like his mother used to say.


    Xiu barely noticed his presence but it was a miracle that he couldn''t help noticing her. Xiu''s eyes on him were like any other stranger. In fact, when she noticed his female partner, Liu Nuan beside him, she even managed to smile. It wasn''t a mocking or sad smile. It was a very lazy, languid and indifferent smile that very well suited her persona.


    When Xiu turned back to Nora, Zhou Jinhai gave her another fleeting glance before walking towards the banquet hall with his female partner in tow.


    As Xiu and Nora also entered the hall, a phrase ran through Xiu''s mind, ''And suddenly, we were strangers again.'' Oddly, it really suited her situation. If anything, it was liberating to know that she wasn''t gonna break down before him again. Or for him.


    "Nora, you made it," an excited exclaim jolted Xiu awake and she looked at the girl in peach-colored bridesmaid dress hugging Nora as if her life depended on it.


    When the girl pulled away, only then Xiu managed to see her face and called out, "Bo Jiu?"


    The girl in peach-colored bridesmaid dress tilted her head and her eyes widened, "Senior Xiu, what are you doing here?"


    Nora pulled Xiu to her side and said, "That''s my best friend, I told you about." Then she turned to Xiu and added, "And Xiu, this is Bo Jiu. My friend whose sister is getting married."


    Xiu still couldn''t wrap this around her mind. Her junior at work was her best friend''s friend and she didn''t have a clue about that. She excused herself to find something to drink. And just as she was about to take a sip of the wine, she heard a deep voice from behind, "Ms. Bai, are you a ghost? Why are you haunting me everywhere?"


    Xiu turned around slowly and looked at Dylan as if she was looking at a dead man and said, "Believe it or not, I''m gonna break this glass on your head if you tried to make this night any worse for me than it already is."


    Dylan was taken aback to hear her response, "What got on your nerve? Because it''s certainly not me since I just showed up. So, who else made you angry besides me?"


    Xiu sighed out, "Not a fan of weddings and got to see some faces I wasn''t planning on seeing in this lifetime."


    Dylan nodded as he said, "I''m sure one of those faces is mine." Xiu gave her silent affirmation and he went on, "But if you don''t like weddings what are you doing here?"


    Xiu pointed at the glass of wine in her hand and said, "Free drinks."


    Dylan was left speechless at her reply. Because he certainly never expected her answer to be this.

 Chapter 134 - Oops, Busted!

    It was funny but with Dylan beside her, Xiu suddenly had a feeling that she wasn''t alone. Even though he was the most annoying person in her life but his presence was welcomed. At least, unlike some other people, she didn''t wish to remove him from her memory.


    Looking back Xiu could say that she and Dylan only interacted about either business or something to annoy the other person. But somehow, those annoying moments made her laugh and that was why Dylan''s presence wasn''t as despiteful as she was trying to show with her expressions.


    "What are you doing here Uncle Dylan? Which of your younger generation is getting married tonight?" Xiu teased him with a straight face but the mischief was clearly dancing in her eyes.


    Dylan''s face twitched and he tried hard to keep his mood leveled. At some level, he managed to accomplish his task as he said, "I really wonder what my best friend saw in you."


    "Right back at you bro," said Xiu with a sweet yet sarcastic smile. Dylan was silent again. Xiu observed him for a while before asking, "On a serious note, who do you know at this wedding?"


    "The groom," said Dylan casually.


    "Oh, the broom," Xiu repeated with a nod.


    Dylan looked at her face and repeated himself, "I said the groom. Not broom."


    Xiu snickered, "What''s the difference? Don''t all grooms turn into brooms under the rein of their brides?" Dylan choked as her words registered in his mind. When his coughing looked troubled, Xiu rubbed his back to soothe him and even passed him a glass of water saying, "Take it easy. No one will be able to turn you into a broom. Since you''re already one."


    "Has anyone ever told you how despicable you really are?" asked Dylan after his coughing stopped.


    Xiu played with her curls with her finger as she had a thoughtful look before saying, "Yes, almost every other person who worked with me." The way she honestly told him about how she was labeled as an outcast in her professional life, Dylan couldn''t find words to say anything. Dylan''s eyes were stuck to her face while hers were wandering around in the hall to look for Nora. "Don''t look at me like that," she broke Dylan''s daze.


    "Now I can''t even look?"


    Xiu tilted her face to look at him and said, "You can. Of course, you can look. The eyes are yours I can''t have a say in that but..." she took a dramatic pause as if she was in a dilemma and went on, "If you kept looking, I''m afraid you''ll fall in love. Then don''t come looking for me to take responsibility for your feelings. Honestly, I can''t afford that right now. And even if I could, I wouldn''t want to."


    Dylan gaped at her in disbelief yet again and raised his hands to strangle her but a voice stopped his action, "Dylan!" As he heard his name being called out, Dylan turned around and his expressions changed. Zhou Jinhai came to Dylan''s side and said, "When Huang Ming said you''d be coming to his wedding, I thought he was just messing with me. It''s really a surprise seeing you here."


    Dylan took a deep breath and replied, "Huang Ming is my middle school friend as well. Why would I not come? Just because you''re here?" He laughed but in a way that it didn''t seem funny as he went on, "Please, get off your high horse. I am Qiu Hedi. I don''t have to avoid a place just because you''d be there. It''s not like I care."


    Xiu''s brows raised slightly as she looked at Dylan''s face curiously. How come this man never talked like that with her? He hated her and he was very vocal about that as well. Then why was he like a child around her?


    "Besides, I''ve dropped you out of my life like... Er... Yeah, like an Uber driver would drop his rides," as Dylan was laughing at his own joke, Xiu was having difficulty keeping a straight face as well. Dylan took a step close to Zhou Jinhai and said in a voice that could only be heard by Zhou Jinhai, "Jin Ge, you and I stopped being friends the day, you chose your mother''s side. You believed in her rather than the evidence. Our friendship was at stake that night. Clearly, you lost. Or perhaps, our friendship did."


    Dylan intentionally shoved him before walking away. Xiu saw Zhou Jinhai''s clenched fists and frowned. He didn''t seem angry rather he looked defeated. His innocent eyes had filled hers with dreams, but it was his demonic lies that left no way for her desires to redeem. All that left was an imperfect heart''s daydream.


    Looking at him for the second longer, Xiu had a desire to laugh. Not because he looked pathetic or devasted to her. Nope, but because her illusion was finally broken. She once thought she''d be devasted without him, she thought she''d be ripped apart. But the irony was that only now did she realize that just because of one person, the world didn''t stop at all. The sky didn''t come crashing down like she used to believe.


    Her blood was still surging through her veins. Xiu actually smiled. She smiled so brightly that it seemed dazzling. But a realization had come to her. It was late but she finally understood how Zhou Jinhai wasn''t a part of her life anymore. And anything related to him did little to nothing. Her heart, mind, and she herself had completely wrapped themselves around this notion that he was gone.


    All of a sudden, Xiu''s eyes caught sight of Darren standing behind Zhou Jinhai and that''s when she wondered, ''Right, I always deserved better. Why was I so afraid to accept it? I have mourned my past self enough. Now, I''m gonna give my all to this person who is always trying to be there for me. I hungered for love all my life but was starved to death. My heart is certain this time, this one won''t let me starve the way everyone did.''


    Darren raised his brows at Xiu inquisitively in surprise and Xiu shook her head before running past Zhou Jinhai and wrapped her arms around Darren''s neck. On instinct, Darren''s hands had lifted to hold her. "I''m ready." ''He wasn''t ready for the love I could give. But... This time, I''m ready to allow my heart to love again. I don''t want any part of me to have any lingering longing for the past that wasn''t mine.''


    Xiu left her long elaboration to herself and she knew Darren won''t even ask. Because he would never force her to say something she didn''t wish to. She pulled away from him a bit to look at his face and said, "Aren''t I a good girlfriend? I came looking for you all the way here."


    Darren caressed her head and said, "But someone told me you''re here for the free drinks."


    "Oops, Busted!" Xiu smiled sheepishly at him making him throw his head back slightly to laugh out in a carefree manner.

 Chapter 135 - Crash Course Of Dating

    Some people are born with a peal of laughter so irresistibly contagious and enthralling yet fascinating that it just gets under your skin. It gets so deeply under your skin and tickles you at places that you never even thought were possible. That, exactly was the feeling Xiu was going through when she saw Darren laughing in that carefree fashion.


    It was a combination of such familiarity and unfamiliarity at the same time that even Xiu wasn''t certain which part was her delusion and which one was real. However, one thing that was certain to her was that she loved that laughter.


    "Who told you about my ''free drinks''?" Xiu inquired as she emphasized unnecessarily on the last two words. "Your busybody best friend or my scandalmonger best friend? Which one was it?"


    "Hmm... My busybody best friend" replied Darren and Xiu nodded in a knowing manner. "By the way, just asking but for how long are you planning on hugging me like this?"


    Xiu still didn''t bother unwrapping her arms from around his neck as she replied with, "But you haven''t done the thing yet."


    "What thing?" asked Darren with a touch of confusion on his face.


    "Tsk," Xiu clicked her tongue dramatically as she said, "That thing... You know when a girl runs towards her boyfriend, he twirls her once and then puts her back on the floor. That famous scene from movies."


    Darren''s brows quirked up in surprise as he didn''t expect this reply from her at all. "There is such a ''thing''?"


    Xiu shook her head in disappointment as she said, "Aiyo, you don''t even know the basics of dating."


    Darren looked around to see a lot of people''s attention on them even though they were in a far corner of the hall and said, "People are looking."


    Xiu''s eyes widened in disbelief as she dramatically pushed him and huffed, "Hmph! How dare you! How can you even look at people when my eyes are only looking at you? This is cheating! I feel betrayed."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her theatrical performance and picked her slightly off the ground. After a twirl that she requested, when he put her down Xiu''s face had a huge grin plastered on it as she pinched his cheeks and said, "That''s more like it."


    At first, Darren thought it was a very childish request. However, when he saw the way her face bloomed up he realized how much it meant to her. It was as if one of her biggest dreams had come true. And it was indeed true for Xiu, she always wanted someone to hold her in public without a care of what others would say or think. But she always had to be conscious of her image.


    After her request was completed, Xiu stood by his side and wrapped her hands around his arm saying, "I didn''t know my boyfriend looked this hot in a suit." She looked him up and down appreciatingly and added, "I can definitely get used to this look."


    Darren looked at her and said, "I can also get used to seeing you dressed up. You look beautiful tonight."


    Xiu smiled at the compliment as she felt like a blush was creeping up her neck which was weird considering that was the compliment she had heard the most in her life either as Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu. Then why did that simple remark seemed so bloody different when he said it? Perhaps, because it was the only time someone said it with so much sincerity.


    "So, did you miss me so much that you followed me all the way here?"


    "No, actually," as Darren was about to say something, he saw the way Xiu''s eyes narrowed dangerously and tactfully changed his words with, "I mean, yes. I missed you a lot and had to look for you."


    Xiu raised her hand to touch his hair and said, "You learn fast. At this rate, you will definitely be able to crash the basic course of dating."


    "Oh my, why am I so glad to hear that?" Darren gasped in fake disbelief. "But on a serious note, Dylan dragged me here. Personally, I am also not a fan of weddings."


    "Interesting. Both of our best friends have something in common," said Xiu thoughtfully.


    "Really? And what''s that?"


    "They both love dragging us to places we don''t like," replied Xiu matter-of-factly and Darren had to nod along in agreement. After a brief pause, she went on, "The only good thing about this place is that I''ll be getting something for free."


    "Don''t even think about drinking," warned Darren making Xiu pout in response.


    "Why not? I''m such a responsible drinker," said Xiu as she was trying to make her case.


    "Responsible? You''re one of those reckless drinkers," replied Darren weakening her case. "Besides, if you getting drunk and kissing me was you being responsible than thanks a lot but I''ll say no to Wine Xiu." Xiu choked on air as his single statement defeated her.


    She sheepishly scratched the side of her face and said, "That was me being bold. Not reckless at all."


    "Then how about your blacked out drunk episodes? You literally forget everything. Or you''re just too good at feigning the ignorance." This time, Xiu decided not to comment. If she did, she was gonna leave some loopholes. So, she decided to change the topic of the conversation altogether.


    "Just so you know, your best friend called me a ghost and that''s not very nice. But considering how he is scared of ghosts, I''ll let him go this once. Because if he thinks I''m a ghost that indirectly means that he''s scared of me as well. And that thought alone is quite satisfying."


    Darren pressed his lips together since he had no words for her. That look of satisfaction on her face was real. Before he could say anything, both of them were startled by the voice that came from behind them, "Just a thought, before backbiting me at least know that I''m standing right behind you guys."

 Chapter 136 - I Did. So What?

    As Dylan suddenly popped out from nowhere, Xiu had the urge to slap him on the face but she decided not to do so. Not because she was conscious of her image or anything but because this task was done by Darren himself. The difference was that instead of a slap, Darren had punched Dylan making him grunt in pain.


    "Since when were you standing there?" Darren asked as he glared at his best friend.


    Dylan rubbed his side and said, "I''ve been standing since the time she decided to teach you the basics of dating which is funny considering the number of girls you have gone out with. But that''s not the highlight of tonight. Instead, the highlight is that it''s the first time my best friend treated me like thin air because of a girl."


    "Are you eating vinegar?" This question was asked by Xiu as she eyed Dylan oddly.


    Dylan looked at her and said, "So what if I am? I feel betrayed right now!"


    Xiu laughed at his face, "Uncle Dylan, you''re sounding like a wife who had been abandoned at home while the husband is out having fun with his girlfriend."


    "First of all, stop calling me Uncle!" Dylan said through gritted teeth and went on, "Second of all, even if I sound like a wife, that''s between me and my best friend. Who are you?"


    Darren opened his mouth to say something but Xiu shoved him behind her body and said, "Who am I? I''m the official girlfriend here!" She looked back at Darren as she asked for confirmation, "Aren''t I?" When Darren gave an affirmative nod, Xiu looked back at Dylan with a provocative look in her eyes and a haughty expression on her face.


    Dylan snorted in disbelief at her and said, "You''re getting comfortable with that title. Way too comfortable for my liking."


    "Why shouldn''t I? It''s my right to be comfortable with that title," replied Xiu in a taunting manner and added, "Besides, Uncle Dylan just because you have nothing better to do, doesn''t mean that you should spoil my dates."


    "Woah!" Dylan exclaimed, "No wonder you''re called pompous demotivator. I literally wish to jump off the building whenever I talk to you."


    "Then why don''t you just jump? Even the earth will be delighted to get rid of a burden like you," retorted Xiu.


    Darren rubbed his forehead as he felt a headache coming on and had to step in between both of them before they could pull each other''s hair again and said, "Can''t you both consider where we are? At least, consider the time and place before fighting."


    "But you can''t decide time and place for two things," Xiu looked at Darren as she said. "First is love and second is arguments. Both can happen anywhere and anytime. And both love and arguments are amazing when they come unexpectedly."


    Darren hugged her from the side and kissed her temple softly as he said, "Indeed, both come unexpectedly."


    Dylan tapped his shoulder and said, "Bro, don''t forget that this time your girlfriend started it by calling me Uncle again."


    Darren smiled weirdly at his best friend before saying, "Actually Didi, this time you started it by eavesdropping on us." Without giving any chance to Dylan to say anything defense, he went on, "And you went too far by calling my girlfriend pompous demotivator."


    "The whole office calls her that," was Dylan''s defensive stance.


    Darren looked straight at Dylan and said, "I don''t care what the whole world says, I care about what my best friend has to say about my girlfriend. Questioning her means you''re questioning my choices. I think I made myself clear about that."


    Darren''s response not only stunned Dylan but Xiu was equally taken aback. It felt surreal at the way his words interpreted to her as how he and she weren''t different.


    "Sheesh!" Dylan cursed under his breath. "For a moment, I forgot that my best friend has a way with words." He glared at Xiu hatefully as he added, "Never thought he''d use his eloquence to shut my mouth."


    Darren''s phone rang and as he checked the caller id, he looked at Dylan with a warning look as he said, "Behave yourself, I''ll be right back."


    Watching Darren walking to a side, Dylan turned to Xiu and said, "Just a moment ago, you had a drink in your hand like you''re gonna drink the night away. What happened?"


    Xiu looked in Darren''s direction and replied, "Now I can just get drunk on his eyes."


    "Eww..." Dylan rubbed his hands over his arms as he cringed and said, "Say something I can digest. Don''t make me cringe with your cheap dialogues from third-rated romance movies." Xiu growled at him dangerously as she harrumphed in frustration. "By the way, you were in a pretty bad mood as well."


    Xiu sighed out, "Again, slow-witted Uncle, that was until I saw my boyfriend. With a big bright halo around him, everyone else looks like the blurred background which is completely unnoteworthy."


    Dylan looked at the way her eyes were sparkling and muttered, "You''re painting him as angel. Even though he''s also just a human. A very lost one at that."


    One side of Xiu''s lips curled slightly upward as she said, "Isn''t that awesome? He''s a human with flaws and so am I. Neither he''s perfect nor am I. But who knows, maybe we are perfect for each other."


    Dylan was stunned by her reply. She spoke with such hope and confidence that Dylan who wanted to break her away from his best friend really was left in a dilemma. But that didn''t mean that he wasn''t gonna tease her.


    He pulled out his cellphone and waved the screen before Xiu''s eyes saying, "Look, don''t I and my brother look good in one frame?" He was showing her the photo he clicked earlier with Darren. "He even wore that suit for me. That''s how much value I have in his life."


    Xiu was irked by his behavior and that''s why when Darren came back and asked, "What''s going on with you two now?"


    Xiu extended her hand and said, "You phone." Darren frowned but gave his phone to her nonetheless. Xiu held the phone with the camera on and kissed Darren''s cheek on purpose before Dylan while clicking the photo. While Darren was taken by surprise, Xiu pulled away and smiled at Dylan while wiggling her brows.


    "I think we look much better in one frame," said Xiu innocently and pleasantly.


    "You did not just do that," was Dylan''s reply.


    "I did. So what?" Xiu''s intimidating response shut him off immediately. "Dear abandoned wife, can you do anything about it?"

 Chapter 137 - They Met Again

    Weddings are held to celebrate the union of two people with the blessings of friends and family. However, in today''s society, weddings have become a social gathering where people either try to show their status with their clothes or they try to matchmake others. Well, any such gathering is incomplete without gossips and awkward encounters.


    Actually, the awkward seating arrangement had always been the highlight of any wedding. And this wedding was certainly no exception. When Xiu followed Darren to his table, only then did she realize that she not only had to bear with Dylan but also some annoying faces from the past; Zhou Jinhai and his wife, Liu Nuan.


    If it had been any other time, Xiu might have taken a detour but since she had Darren by her side now, how could she do that? She pushed Dylan to the other seat and sat beside Darren without a care in the world. As if it was the most natural thing to do for her.


    "Xiao Xiu," the voice belonged to Dylan and Xiu spurted the water at his face when she heard him calling her that. That''s how shocked she was. Dylan wiped his face with a napkin and glared at Xiu hatefully.


    Xiu coughed a couple of times and leaned closer to Darren as she said, "Bro, don''t creep me out like that. I have a weak heart."


    Darren smiled to himself as he asked, "Is it that unbelievable that Didi is talking casually to you?"


    Xiu shook her head in negation and replied, "It''s even harder to believe that he''s willing to talk civilly with me." Taking a pause she added, "Ah, most of the time he talks like a street shrew on a high dose of caffeine."


    Darren couldn''t stifle his laughter anymore. Dylan''s face twitched as he said, "Great! Alright, Dazi now you''re even ganging up on me with her." He pointed at Xiu and went on, "And you, Xiao Xiu, stop picking a fight with me. Please, I beg you! I''m getting dizzy."


    "Dizzy? Tsk. Tsk." Xiu clicked her tongue and looked at Darren saying, "Didn''t I say this Uncle is getting old. For now, he''s just dizzy later he''ll start having joint pains. Then fainting spells. Later, it''d be broken bones that would lead to bed rest and then... Only God can bless his soul." She made a cross gesture with her hand and added, "May he rest in peace."


    Dylan stood up from his chair to shout at her when Darren said, "Sit back down. Don''t create a scene."


    Dylan shared a look between Darren and Xiu before clenching his fists and sitting back in his chair. "She just cursed me to death on such a joyous occasion."


    "Won''t you introduce your girlfriend, Dylan?" A beautiful voice came from across the table. Without even lifting her eyes, Xiu knew that the voice belonged to Liu Nuan.


    Dylan''s playful expression swapped with a serious look as he said, "Liu Nuan, don''t be a busybody. Besides, Xiao Xiu is Darren''s girlfriend, not mine." He lowered his voice and added, "She''s a cup of bitter coffee and I don''t like coffee."


    "I heard that," said Xiu making him scowl before he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. Xiu turned to Darren and whispered, "Boyfriend, do you know these two sitting with us on our table?"


    Darren saw the curiosity in Xiu''s eyes and answered, "I knew them once. Not anymore. Now, those two have nothing to do with us."


    Xiu nodded her head but added, "But that Zhou Jinhai called to look for Dylan last Friday. I thought you guys must be close." Xiu was just testing the waters to see where this would lead to. She knew she wouldn''t get a straightforward answer from Dylan and honestly, she didn''t want to waste any more of her brain juices on him.


    Darren touched her head and said, "Don''t think too much. Zhou Family''s precious young master has nothing to do with us."


    Liu Nuan stood up from her seat and came beside Xiu''s chair as she said, "Hi, I''m Liu Nuan. I have been a very good friend of Darren since we were young." Saying that she extended her hand towards Xiu.


    Honestly speaking, Xiu had only a couple of personal interactions with Liu Nuan as Chen Xiu. It was hard for her to tell whether Liu Nuan was a white lotus or was she genuinely this kind and friendly. But the thing was that Xiu had no plans on finding out this unnecessary information now as Bai Xiu. But out of politeness when she raised her hand to shake with her, Darren held her hand and said, "Had been. We had been friends in the past. My girlfriend doesn''t have to greet you now."


    "You really hold grudges," said Liu Nuan in a sad tone before she went back to her seat and looked at her own husband whose eyes had been staring blankly in a distance from the time he heard Dylan say ''Xiao Xiu''.


    "Xiu, what are you doing here? Our seat is on the bride''s side," Nora''s voice broke the stifling atmosphere around Xiu and she looked at her best friend giving her an inquiring look. Nora''s eyes fell on Darren and her demeanor changed as she said, "Ah, no wonder." She had a look of enlightenment. "I got it, you want to sit with your boyfriend. But I don''t want to be stuck at that table alone between desperate singles. That table is not for me."


    "No hot guy to hook up with?" Xiu asked as if inquiring about the weather.


    "Not even one. Only girls with sad stories," replied Nora honestly. "And the boys at the table next to mine are typical rich brats that I despise the most."


    "Just sit with us then. Dylan doesn''t have a date for tonight anyway," offered Darren and pointed at the empty seat beside Dylan.


    Nora turned her face to look at Dylan and the latter smiled in a mysterious way as he said, "And they met again..."

 Chapter 138 - Apologies in Cash

    Sometimes we are in a dilemma with our own feelings. For instance, it''s hard to determine whether we are haunted by the memories of the people we lost or we are haunted by the time when we didn''t have to fake smiles - the time when we were a happy person.


    Staring back at Dylan''s face, Nora was also conflicted. For the first time, she realized that she was scared of both- the memories of people and the person she used to be. But most of all, she was scared of how his appearance could scrumble down the facade she got comfortable with.


    Looking at her dazed expression, Dylan clicked his fingers before her eyes and said, "Cartwright, are you that dazzled to see me?"


    Nora''s brows knitted together as she noticed his cheeky expression. "Woah! What happened to you?" She lifted her hands and squished his cheeks as she added in distress, "What''s up with this hoodlum manners? Where is the sweet, cute, and sensitive Hedi that I used to know?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry if I disappointed you," said Dylan sarcastically.


    "But I only accept apologies in cash," replied Nora making Dylan''s face twitch while Xiu laughed at the side.


    Giving her best friend a thumbs up, she said, "That was a good one."


    Dylan observed Nora''s face for a moment longer before saying, "You also don''t look like the teenage fangirl I remember."


    The smile on Nora''s face stiffened. She sat down on the empty chair and picked up a glass of water for herself. She could feel Dylan''s inquiring eyes on herself but she wasn''t planning on saying anything before everyone.


    "How do you guys know each other?" The question was asked by Xiu who had never seen both Dylan and Nora so quiet before.


    Nora and Dylan shared a look before Dylan answered, "We met at an old age home seven years back when both of us were volunteering there during summer vacations."


    Xiu gave Dylan a weird look as she said, "You and volunteering? Why is it so hard to believe?"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her and was about to say something when Darren beat him to it, "He didn''t go willingly. His mother forced him to do so."


    Xiu had a look of ''thought-so'' on her face with a smug smile.


    "Why don''t you ask your best friend as well? She also wasn''t there because of her love for humanity. She went just to see... OW!" Before Dylan could spill all the beans, Nora kicked his knee from under the table while glaring at him in a warning. "What was that for?!" Dylan wanted to holler but he could only whisper yell at Nora for such insolence.


    "Watch what you say! Just because we haven''t met in a couple of years doesn''t mean I have forgotten all the secrets you shared with me," was Nora''s reply to him with a sly smile. "Besides, I''m sure I''ll find those pictures of yours somewhere if I tried looking. Do you want me to publish those pictures for the world to see?"


    Dylan scoffed but he didn''t know whether he was scoffing at her or himself. "No wonder you both are best friends." He said looking at Xiu and Nora. He shook his head before leaning close to her and saying, "My ice cream buddy, don''t forget that I have your deepest darkest secrets buried in my heart as well. Don''t test me as well."


    Nora closed her eyes briefly before holding his wrist and dragging him with herself outside the hall. Dylan silently followed her. Bringing him to a quiet corner, she said, "You promised you won''t repeat any of that ever again."


    "I wasn''t going to. But you started it first. Besides, do I look like a punching bag? Every single person is punching me these days." Dylan was really aggrieved as he remembered how every person was treating him these days. From his own mother to his best friend, every single person was out to get him. He felt wronged. Really wronged.


    Nora took a deep breath and said, "Sorry about kicking you but at that time, I only knew that way to stop you from completing that sentence. I don''t want Xiu to hear any of that."


    "What? Why? Isn''t she your best friend?" Dylan asked doubtfully. "Doesn''t she know anything about that summer?"


    "Hedi, does Darren know why you broke up with your girlfriend?" At Nora''s question, Dylan was stumped for words. He looked unsettled as he looked at Nora. "Exactly, my point. Just like you don''t want Darren to know about that. So do I. I don''t want Xiu to know any of that. I''m scared of losing her."


    They both stood silently looking at the night sky through the glass walls. When the silence thickened, Nora suddenly laughed and said, "By the way, when I first saw you with Xiu near your company, I wanted to tell her how I know you but the way she painted your image as a devil before me, I just could not bring myself to do so."


    "People often see they reflection in others," remarked Dylan casually.


    Nora hit his shoulder, "Hey, you can''t call my best friend a devil."


    Dylan looked her up and down before saying, "Honestly speaking, I didn''t recognize you at all. At least, not until I heard your full name. You looked way different in your teenage years." As if thinking about the past, he smiled to himself as he added, "Those two pigtails with the dress that didn''t even fit you. Wow, you looked cute and innocent even if you weren''t. But now... Sigh. I have no words."


    "All of that effort was..." Nora left her words unsaid since Dylan didn''t need the explanation.


    "You didn''t see him after that incident?" Nora shook her head in negation at his question.


    "What about you? Did she ever come back?"


    Dylan snorted, "I''m not waiting for her to come back. As for you, I can tell you''re still waiting for him."


    "Don''t spout nonsense! I''m not a lovestruck teenager anymore. I have had a fair share of boyfriends."


    Dylan found her reply funny as he said, "If you weren''t waiting for him, you wouldn''t be scared of even talking about him. The reason you''re so taken aback to see me is that looking at me reminds you of all the time, you spent with him."


    Nora didn''t give a response. She was perturbed since she had no way to refute his words. Exactly, this was the reason why she had kept her distance from Dylan. He knew everything about her that she even avoided repeating in her loneliness.

 Chapter 139 - Happily Ever After

    The wedding ceremony had already started but Nora and Dylan had yet to come back. It made Xiu even more suspicious about their sneaky behavior. She had never seen Nora acting in such a way. As much as she knew her best friend and Dylan, she was certain that both of them were very blatant people. Both Nora and Dylan wouldn''t mind about their image before speaking their minds.


    So, the question was why did they choose to talk outside this time? What could possibly not be said before them? No matter what it was it gave Xiu a headache. As her mind liked doing overtime, she had already come up with a million possibilities in her head.


    That''s why she was so anxious and restless as she kept looking towards the entrance of the hall. "Say, boyfriend, do you think there is something between your best friend and mine?" She questioned Darren absentmindedly.


    "Nope. I don''t think so," said Darren positively.


    "How can you be so certain about this?" asked Xiu again. "They both have so much in common. To be honest, their personalities match way too perfectly. It''s like Nora is the female version of Dylan. Don''t you think so?"


    "I agree but I still think there is nothing between Dylan and Nora," replied Darren and Xiu didn''t ask again why he was so adamant on his words.


    While Xiu had no interest in the wedding, she still silently watched the ceremony. Especially, when she saw the bride and groom exchanging vows. Her eyes flashed with a distant look as she unconsciously looked at Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan.


    They say, heartbreaks hurt but Xiu found something else more painful. And it was the time, she had to sit through the wedding ceremony of Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan as Chen Xiu with a bright smile on her face. Even when there was a downpour in her heart, she had kept a beautiful smile on. Indeed, heartbreaks hurt like hell but watching the one you love marrying someone else was worse.


    Xiu couldn''t remember much from that wedding. That night was a blur to her. It had felt like a dream to her back then. But the reality was that she wasn''t the one standing at the alter. It was Liu Nuan. As for her... she was sitting in the front row watching the union of Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan.


    But there were certain things that she could recall very well. For instance, the way Liu Nuan''s pale face couldn''t be hidden behind the layer of make-up and the way she needed help to even stand at the alter. However, that one thing that stood out most to her was the way Liu Nuan''s eyes were sparkling that night.


    That girl looked so happy that Xiu couldn''t even bring herself to hate her for snatching someone she used to call hers. "How does it feel?" Xiu heard her mother''s voice and turned her face. At present, she felt like she went back in time when her mother was sitting beside her at that wedding and she said, "I told you love will get you nowhere. Don''t dream to be what you can''t be. See, he abandoned you for her."


    Xiu had sniggered as she had replied, "To be honest, I''m not disappointed at all. Mom, don''t forget that I''m the person who was abandoned by her own father even before her birth. Even though I have a mother, but I always felt like she abandoned me as well. If my own blood abandoned me long ago, I shouldn''t complain now that he abandoned me as well."


    She took a brief pause to take a long breath and added, "I should be glad that at least, he was the person who put some effort into trying to make me believe that he actually cared about me. Unlike you, who never even bothered pretending to be a good mother. Besides, I''m just gonna give up now. I''m too tired. So tired that I don''t even have the energy to hate anyone."


    Her mother didn''t say anything to refute her words. "Is that why you registered to be the bone marrow donor for Liu Nuan anonymously? Did you think she''ll feel thankful to you for saving her life and let you have her fiance?"


    Xiu shook her head as she replied, "No, I want her to remember me. I want her to hate me and be helpless about it. I want her to know that I saved her life even when she stole someone from me. I want her to despise her own life and herself." With a bitter smile, she went on, "Most of all, I want to hate myself for doing this out of pure selfishness. When did I become so sinister? With these thoughts in my mind, it''s becoming difficult for me to even recognize myself."


    Xiu felt someone''s hand on her shoulder and was jolted awake from her daydreaming. She looked at the concerned look on Darren''s face and smiled sadly. "Are you feeling okay? We can go outside if you want to." Xiu shook her head and patted his hand in a reassuring manner.


    She turned her eyes again to look at Liu Nuan and was stunned to see how she had the same exact look in her eyes as she did on her wedding back then. It was like in five years, nothing changed for Liu Nuan. She was still stubbornly staring at Zhou Jinhai while the latter''s attention was on his cell phone.


    "My McSpicy," Darren raised his brow at the way she called him. Well, ''McSpicy'' wasn''t the thing that caught him off guard, it was that ''My'' in ''My McSpicy'' that hit him. Xiu obviously didn''t notice what her words did and went on, "What do you think ensures a happily ever after in a marriage? Love or understanding?"


    Darren contemplated her words for a moment before saying, "A marriage needs two beautifully mad people who are willing to love and understand each other." He tapped the tip of her nose as he added, "Not every once upon a time is meant for a happily ever after. Some ''once-upon-a-times'' teaches us to live happily. And that''s often enough for a beautiful ever after."

 Chapter 140 - Babysitting

    There was a time in Xiu''s life when the question ''Why her and not me?'' ruined Xiu''s peace and left her in an emotional turmoil. Perhaps, that was the biggest question that pushed her so deep in depression that she forgot the way out.


    But only now did she understood how Zhou Jinhai was never her happily ever after. If anything, he was merely that ''once upon a time'' in her life. A hurtful and painful once upon a time.


    It was painful when she wanted to hate him but loving him had turned worse for her. And when there was nothing left for her to do. She did nothing indeed. She couldn''t bring herself to hate him but she definitely forgot how she loved him.


    She recalled how Zhou Jinhai had said to her during their breakup, "You deserve better than me." Xiu scoffed at the reminder. If she deserved better than why did he not put some effort to become that better one for her? Why did nobody try to put some effort for her sake? Because since they didn''t put effort for her sake, she could only assume how she wasn''t the deserved one.


    After years, Xiu could say that she met Zhou Jinhai at the wrong time. Their paths crossed again but only for her to realize how they were never meant to head in the same direction. Their paths could cross but they could never intertwine.


    Outside the hall...


    Dylan and Nora were still engaged in a conversation. Apparently, they had a lot to catch up on or pretty much nothing since both of them had only wasted the past years on useless relationsh.i.p.s. They both buried their sincere feelings somewhere so deep that nobody could find them. It''s been such a long time that perhaps, even they forgot what it felt to love someone wholeheartedly.


    "Back then I really thought he''d stay after your confession," Dylan suddenly brought out the topic of Nora''s confession. "I didn''t think he''d leave for New York even after knowing how you felt about him."


    Nora pressed her lips together before saying, "But I never confessed."


    "What?" Dylan was surprised to hear her reply. "I gave you his flight details, I even dropped you off at the airport. What happened then? Did you get cold-feet again?"


    "No, I just realized how far he was from me," said Nora helplessly. "There was a distance of five meters between us but suddenly, I felt like he was a million miles away."


    Dylan rapped her head saying, "You idiot! How can you give up even without trying?"


    Nora rubbed her head and said, "You wasted the best version of yourself on someone who didn''t give a damn. And still, I''m not calling you an idiot. Why are you attacking me?" She took a pause before adding, "Besides, even if I had confessed and just suppose that he''d accepted my proposal, then what? I wasn''t being myself around him. I was trying to act like the girl he liked. I didn''t want to cheat him like that."


    "And here I thought, you grew up from that phase," said Dylan in fake amus.e.m.e.nt. "I always told you to trust your gut."


    "My gut? What if my gut is telling me to abort the mission?" Nora retorted. Dylan rolled his eyes at her and finally understood where Xiu must have learned her ''social skills'' from. Because neither Xiu ever gave him the straight answer nor Nora was doing it.


    Looking at Nora, Dylan realized how all of us had that one person in the life whom we are said to be completely over. And yet, that person lives somewhere within us without our own knowledge. We think about that person unconsciously in the silence of the night when the bright lights of the world no longer overshadow the darkness in our hearts. That person who we want to avoid at any cost and yet, we still wait for that person''s one text.


    When they both went back inside the hall, the ceremony was about to end. "I think you brought me to this wedding, where did you go to yourself?" Xiu looked at Nora accusingly and suspiciously.


    "Nowhere, I was just catching up with an old friend," said Nora while looking at Dylan who nodded along in agreement. "Apparently, he is still single. And that came as a shock to me."


    "Who would want to date him? His face is enough to make girls run for their lives," Xiu taunted Dylan blatantly without a care in the world.


    "Wow, Ms. Bai! You really are something! You really can''t miss a chance to insult me, can you?" Dylan asked looking at Xiu with obvious displeasure. Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "You are a stinky brat!"


    "Stinky brat? Have you lost your mind?" Xiu glared at him and even yelled which was toned down by the orchestra playing in the hall now.


    Dylan leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest saying, "Haven''t you heard, you are what you eat. And since you love drinks, that''s why you stink!"


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief and was about to tackle him when Darren held her hand and shook his head. Xiu took a deep breath and while Darren spoke in a warning tone, "Didi!" Xiu held him back and said, "I got this."


    She shifted her attention to Dylan and said, "You''re right. People are what they eat. And since you ate too many dumplings in your life, that''s why you look like a dump who''s living in a dumpster with a piece of baggage of emotional dump while crying over your dumped ass!!!"


    Nora had to bit down her lips to stop herself from laughing. This was truly a ''R.O.F.L'' moment for her. She looked at Darren and said, "There arguments are no joke eh?"


    "Tell me about it," said Darren while rubbing his forehead.


    Nora looked at the fuming Xiu and Dylan who had turned their backs towards each other while huffing like kids. "Aiyo, they look so adorable."


    "Again, tell me about it," was Darren''s reply with an obvious smile on his face.


    "It must not be easy dealing with these two," Nora remarked as she could see how much of a handful Dylan and Xiu were together.


    Darren sighed out, "It''s worse than babysitting kids. They are always at each other''s throats."

 Chapter 141 - Born Expensive

    Nora had to agree with Darren''s statement. Both Xiu and Dylan seemed like two kids that he had to babysit. But the worst part was that babysitters were at least paid for dealing with rebellious kids. But poor Darren was being squished between his girlfriend and his best friend for free.


    "I thought girls were dramatic," Nora remarked as she saw how Dylan was still brooding over Xiu''s words. Xiu had used dumpling in a such a way to insult him that even Dylan''s face looked like dumpling to her now.


    "Clearly, you haven''t seen a guy losing in video games," replied Darren matter-of-factly. Seeing how Xiu was focused on the dance floor, Darren tapped her shoulder and said, "How about a dance, m'' lady?"


    Xiu looked at his hand which he offered to her and with an inconspicuous smile, she placed her hand in his as she answered, "I''d love to." If Dylan thought he''d be able to spoil her mood, then he was wrong. Xiu''s mood swings were no joke. Especially when Darren was the one who knew how to make her smile.


    Her celestial eyes shined as her delicate hand was held in his rough ones. He placed his one hand on her waist and whisked her onto the dancefloor. Xiu felt giddy and warm when his hand on her waist pulled her close. The lights were twinkling with every step that she spun in delicate circles, her hair bounced with each move and her agile feet glided around the floor.


    The slow music was like a spell that had bound them together with an invisible thread. There was no doubt that the music was enchanting and it had captured Xiu''s soul but what made her smile brightly again was the fact that she couldn''t even turn her eyes away from Darren. She was a professional when it came to dancing but he seemed quite skilled as well.


    For the first time, it wasn''t the music that was guiding her feet to move. She wasn''t twirling on the rhythm instead, it was his eyes that had held her captive. Xiu rested her head on his chest and let him sway her body ''round and ''round again. "Damn it!" she cursed under her breath out of the blue.


    "What''s wrong?" asked Darren.


    "It''s all your fault," said Xiu in an accusing manner and when he raised his brow inquisitively, she elaborated, "I''m talking about your eyes. They are confusing me now. I mean, it''s certain that my new favorite color is grey. There is no doubt in that."


    Darren pursed his lips before saying, "Are you flirting with me again?"


    "Jeepers! Is it that obvious?" Xiu exclaimed in surprise and he nodded. "So what? I have the right to flirt, don''t I?" Darren gave an affirmative nod in response and Xiu waited for a minute longer before saying, "But the confusing thing about your eyes is the sadness in them." Darren''s brows quirked up in surprise. "I always see you smiling but why does it feel like there is sadness hidden beneath that smile?"


    Darren contemplated her words, trying to come up with a reply but couldn''t do so. She had seen through him already. "Maybe, you''re just overthinking," he replied trying to divert through this topic.


    Xiu''s lips curled up slightly as she thought, ''I have seen the same look in my own eyes for years. There is no way I''m wrong about this. That look of loss is no joke. But the question is, what did you lose? Or who?''


    But since she could feel that he didn''t want to talk about it, she decided not to push it. Instead, she said, "Perhaps, his eyes weren''t dazzling enough to hide his broken smiles."


    "Or perhaps, he wasn''t strong enough to confront his broken smiles," added Darren making Xiu stare at him for longer then it was necessary.


    Yet again, Xiu had to agree that broken people had the brightest smiles. But only because broken people had faked that smile so many times that sometimes, they were even able to fool themselves.


    "Are you free tomorrow?" Darren asked seeing her zoning out on him.


    "Huh?" Xiu focused her eyes on him and as his words registered in her slow-moving brain, she answered, "How can I be free? I was born expensive."


    Darren had the urge to knock her head open to see what really was inside. How could she always have something completely unnecessary to say? Seeing how Darren was staring at her, Xiu smiled sheepishly and dragged him off the dancefloor while saying, "Your question doesn''t even make sense. I mean, you know it''s Sunday tomorrow. My only goal is to be as useless as ''G'' in lasagna."


    "Hmm... That means you''re gonna sleep the day off again," said Darren knowingly before adding, "I was thinking about spending the day with you but it''s okay."


    Xiu abruptly stopped and turned around to look at him. "What do you mean? Are we going on a date?" Darren made an affirmative sound. "Where are we going?"


    "Anywhere you''d like," replied Darren without missing a beat. "I might not be available next week. I have to travel back to our headquarters in Norway and it might take me a whole week to come back. So, that''s why I wanted to spend this Sunday with you."


    Xiu thought about it before asking, "When will you come back?"


    "I haven''t even gone yet and you''re already worried about when I''d be back?" Darren was pleased to see her reaction.


    Xiu felt awkward as she said, "I wasn''t acting like a clingy girlfriend or anything. I just asked out of curiosity. That''s all."


    Darren rubbed her head saying, "Aiyo, you really get fl.u.s.tered easily." Looking into her eyes, he added, "Don''t worry, I''ll be back within a week or so."


    Xiu felt a bit upset but she didn''t let it show on her face as they came back to their table. "Can we leave now? I can''t bear to stay any longer at this wedding." Xiu grumbled to Nora while tugging at her hair.


    Nora smoothened her hair down and glared at her best friend before looking around. "What''s really bothering you, Baby Xiu? Is it the wedding itself or is it those girls who are eyeing your boyfriend?"


    Xiu didn''t have to follow Nora''s gaze to know what she meant. Girls had always been sensitive to these things and she wasn''t an exception either. She had long felt the eyes of those girls following her boyfriend. How could she be okay with that? As she had told Dylan, she indeed was a possessive bitch. But she didn''t want to show her possessiveness so easily.


    That''s why she lowered her voice to reply to Nora, "Both. So, if you don''t want me to poke someone''s eyes out, let''s leave."


    Nora smiled mysteriously before nodding, "I didn''t see this version of yours before. A jealous girlfriend is my favorite kind."


    "I swear to Chanel, Nora, don''t try me," Xiu warned her while narrowing her eyes at her.

 Chapter 142 - Heated Kisses

    Xiu didn''t even realize what she said but her simple, ''I swear to Chanel'' shook every other person at the table. Whether it was Zhou Jinhai or Darren himself, they all looked at Xiu with a complicated look in their eyes. Because every other person at that table associated that simple sentence with Chen Xiu.


    "This entertainment company might be like a playground for a young master like you, Mr. Zhou. But I swear to Chanel if your stupid ideas did any harm to my career, I''ll hunt you to death!" That distant voice rang in Zhou Jinhai''s ears but it was familiar and he remembered it vividly.


    It was Chen Xiu''s weird way of swearing. Even Darren had once asked her,


    "Why do you always have to swear on Chanel?" And her reply was, "Chanel is love. And the day I''ll find something precious than my Chanel handbags, I''ll change my way of swearing."


    However, now that Darren thought about it, till her last breath, she never changed her way of swearing. Either she didn''t find anything more precious or perhaps, she couldn''t claim that precious person as hers. Something inside of him told him that he didn''t want the same for Bai Xiu. It was Chen Xiu who couldn''t find her precious one, he wouldn''t let the same fate befall on Bai Xiu.


    Even Liu Nuan''s brows had quirked up in shock along with Dylan.


    Only Nora was oblivious to the changes that Xiu''s words brought in others. She stood up languidly and said, "Fine, Baby Xiu. You wait for me outside, I''ll come after saying goodbye to others."


    Darren held her hand and said, "Let me send you off." Xiu didn''t resist at all and let him guide her out of the hall. When they came to the parking, Darren waited beside Xiu for Nora. Playing with her fingers, Darren''s eyes didn''t leave hers as she was pushed up against the side of the car.


    Xiu noticed the way his eyes were slowly tracing down to her lips and lingered there for longer than necessary. Not that she minds it at all, but his darkened gaze was making some unfiltered ideas to creep in her mind. And it made her restless, impatient and yet excited.


    Xiu was in a dilemma since she couldn''t decide whether she wanted him to stare at her like that or she wanted him to pull her in for a kiss already. But whatever it was, she felt needed. She found her own reflection in his clear eyes so fascinating that she didn''t mind seeing her story unfold through his eyes.


    Because she looked so different through his eyes that she felt envious of her own reflection that was captured within his eyes.


    Darren slowly leaned down and just inches away from her lips, he asked, "May I?"


    Right then and there, Xiu''s heart skipped a beat and she knew it. She knew she wanted nothing more than to kiss him and touch him at that moment. In a daze, she bobbed her head up and down. When Darren''s lips brushed against the side of her mouth, she almost cried out. She clutched the sides of his jacket tightly but Darren held her hands and placed them around his neck.


    She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. She felt a tidal wave of emotions and feelings coursing through her veins in the form of raging blood and the heartbeat that had sped up. She literally could hear her heartbeat drumming in her ears. For a second, she thought he''d be able to hear it as well but the way his lips caressed hers made her throw all the other thoughts out the window of caution.


    They both pulled away slowly before staring into each other''s eyes. Darren removed one of his hands from the car behind her and held the nape of her neck before pulling her back in for another kiss. He bit her lips softly making her m.o.a.n involuntarily. He smirked against her lips but when Xiu opened her mouth to say something, his tongue plunged inside her mouth.


    Xiu knew there was no cosmic explosion and yet she felt one within her heart. The sky was still dark outside, but something had ignited a fire inside her. The way his hand ran through her hair made her feel a tingling sensation coursing within her.


    The kiss had turned longer than it was intended. It had deepened to the point where it felt more heated then passionate. Xiu wasn''t standing anymore, her body was mostly leaning against the side of the car. She dove her fingers through his thick hair and loved the feeling of his sleek hair against her fingers.


    She pulled away from him a little to graze his bottom lip making him growl in a deep and throaty way. Following that, his lips traveled down to her exposed neck leaving a trail of soft kisses that made her giggle without restraint. But when he sucked on her collarbone, Xiu couldn''t help but take a sharp intake of cold breath.


    "Ahh! My stings," that sudden voice startled both Darren and Xiu. As they tilted their heads and looked at the grinning Nora, they pulled away from each other. "Don''t hold back on my account. Please, continue. If you want, I can unlock the car for you guys. You know for the sake of privacy."


    "I like the sound of that," was Darren''s reply making Nora''s eyes widen in shock.


    "Woah! Hold it right there, Darren. Not so fast, man," replied Nora playfully. "As much as I''m a huge fan of you both, I still don''t want to be the witness of your sweetness. So, leave me out of it."


    Darren shrugged his shoulders and kissed the top of Xiu''s head saying, "Text me when you get home and I''ll see you tomorrow."


    "You''re not going home?" Xiu found her breathless voice and managed to ask.


    "No, I have to go with Dylan," replied Darren before opening the car door for her and helping her with the seatbelt. After he made sure that she was settled in, he looked at Nora and said, "Drive safely and sensibly. Take good care of yourself and my girlfriend."


    Nora gave him a mock salute with her two fingers and said, "Roger that, Captain!"

 Chapter 143 - Flaunting His Love

    Darren stood at the same spot staring in the direction their car left. There was a beautiful smile lingering on his face and it even reached his eyes.


    "Nora said you both make a beautiful couple," a deep voice sounded beside him and Darren turned to look at Dylan. "And I had no words to refute."


    "Is that why you''re always picking a fight with her?" asked Darren with a quirk of his brow.


    "Me picking a fight with her and your relationship with her are two very different things. The problem is not that she''s not suitable for you. Honestly speaking, I believe that only she can pull you out of the darkness you pushed yourself in." Darren stayed quiet in response because he could feel the truth in his words. "But I''m still worried."


    "About what?" Darren raised his brow inquisitively.


    Dylan looked at his best friend for a moment longer before saying, "I''m worried that you might be mistaking her for Chen Xiu. Because if you are then it''s unfair to her. Ms. Bai is very vocal about her likes and dislikes. She can''t hide her feelings very well and that''s why it''s very easy for me to see that she likes you a lot."


    Dylan took a brief pause before placing his hand on Darren''s shoulder and said, "She''s a very expressive person but you have never been expressive. From a very young age, you learned to hide your feelings for the sake of your mother. But, Dazi, it was your lack of expressiveness that made you lose Chen Xiu in the first place. It took you too long to realize what you felt for her." Patting his shoulder, he added, "Don''t make the same mistake twice. Confront your feelings sooner rather than later."


    "Who are you? And what have you done to my best friend?" Darren looked at Dylan suspiciously making him roll his eyes. "On a serious note, Dylan, do you think I''m playing with her?"


    "You wouldn''t give any girl the status of your girlfriend unless you''re serious about it. I do know you like her. But perhaps, you haven''t even realized it yourself yet," said Dylan in an all-knowing manner before walking towards his own sports car.


    Darren followed him and alighted the car before saying, "How are you so certain of my feelings for her?"


    Dylan started the engine and said, "First of all, you would never argue with me for just anyone. She is someone special to you that''s why you''re willing to take her side. Second of all, do you think I didn''t notice your discomfort when Zhou Jinhai was looking at her? I could literally see you throwing fireballs at him through your eyes. And you, my friend, are not possessive about just anyone as well."


    On the ride back, Darren''s mind wandered around what Dylan said earlier. He had to agree that he took too long in understanding his feelings for Chen Xiu. Even when she told him about her boyfriend, he knew he was hurting. He could feel something hurting f.u.c.k.i.n.g bad. But the problem was that he was unable to take the hint back then.


    At least, he didn''t take the hint until she was gone. Until she left an emptiness within him, he didn''t realize how precious she was to him. Or how much he loved her. But when it ended, he couldn''t even blame anyone except for himself. She was a huge part of his life back then and yet he only realized his feelings for her when he felt his heart breaking into a million pieces.


    Pouring your heart and soul into something, only to realize that it was never meant to be ours... That shit had never been easy to deal with.


    Darren pulled out his phone from his jacket and opened the photo gallery. The last picture was the same one Xiu clicked to annoy Dylan. Only the side of her face was visible but the way her lips were curled upward made Darren''s lips lift up on their own accord.


    He didn''t know what got over him but in years, for the first time, he logged into his private social media account and uploaded the photo with the caption: ''Behind her spurious smiles, I found the most beautiful soul. Her crown might be crooked but this queen certainly is a looker.''


    He leaned his head back and closed his eyes briefly. He had yet to take a calming breath when his phone started beeping. Darren unlocked the phone and his eyes widened to see so many comments.


    AshTheNight: "Regan, is that you?"


    Bubbles: "I think Regan''s account is hacked."


    XavStar: "I''m certain someone hacked his phone. There is no way Regan would flaunt his relationship like this."


    BikerGal: "Come on guys, stop being so doubtful. Regan could be romantic as well."


    AshTheNight: "Since when? Regan has a reputation as a heart-throb and a heartbreaker."


    XavStar: "Regi, come out and explain this photo. This is your first post ever and you''re leaving us second-guessing."


    Darren laughed at their banter and typed, "The picture said it all. If it didn''t then learn to read the caption."


    BikerGal: "F.u.c.k it, man! You''re really flaunting your love?"


    XiaoMei: "You both look picture perfect."


    BeautyWei: "Oh My Bloody Goodness, what did I just see? Is that my Darren''s girlfriend I''ve been hearing about? Come on, send me a photo of her already."


    Darren was amused to see their excitement as he replied, "Beauty Wei, the mystery is yet to unfold. Don''t be impatient. A mere picture won''t do justice to her."


    XavStar: "Please tell me Regan''s body is possessed or something. When did you become so cheesy, man?"


    Bubbles: "Xav, love makes people do crazy things. I guess, our Regan has been knocked out as well."


    FranceSalvay: "Son, if this is your way of telling your mother that you want to get married. Then mom loves this. Bring her with you, we''ll set the date."


    Darren shook his head at his mother''s comment and typed, "Ma, I''m pretty sure that my picture didn''t suggest anything about marriage."


    BeautyWei: "Who cares? As long as you say it, we''ll be all up for it."


    Didi: "Enough everyone! I have been stuffed with enough dog food for one night. Stop talking about this now!"


    At Dylan''s reaction, everyone sent a laughing emoji annoying him even more. Even Dylan was surprised like everyone else to see that Darren actually bothered to post something in his Moments. He rarely even talked to those old friends of his. But he actually took the initiative to post about his relationship status was really a shocker for everyone.

 Chapter 144 - An Affair

    Not everyone desires a passionate kind of relationship. Some people crave for those innocent parts of a relationship. For instance, holding hands, forehead kisses and being able to tell how much you adore a person.


    Xiu was one of those people who craved those very simple but adorable things in a relationship. That was one of the reasons why she loved spending time with Darren. He was always attentive around her and she had come to realize how much she loved it whenever he kissed her forehead so naturally as a goodbye.


    "Nora," Xiu suddenly called out and Nora hummed in reply with her attention on the road. "Why are you so scared of serious relationsh.i.p.s? Are you afraid of love or people?"


    Nora looked at Xiu through her peripheral vision before saying, "Loving someone for a lifetime sounds amazing but..." she hesitated before continuing, "It''s equally scary as well."


    "Scary? How so?"


    "Baby Xiu, it''s scary when you realize that people tend to run out of love," said Nora with a sense of loss palpable in her voice.


    "I don''t agree with that," replied Xiu without even taking a moment to think. "First of all, people don''t run out of love, we run out of patience. Second of all, love is all about fear. If the idea of losing someone doesn''t scare the shit out of you, then you''re definitely not in love."


    Nora parked the car in the parking lot and said,


    "You sound different, does it have anything to do with this?" Nora passed her cellphone to Xiu where a video was playing. Xiu opened her mouth as she snatched the phone from her hand and stared at the scene playing out from earlier when she was too lost in kissing Darren that she didn''t even notice that her best friend was actually lurking around.


    "How could you do this?" Xiu exclaimed. "This is against my privacy rights."


    Nora unfastened her seatbelt and shrugged her shoulders saying, "It can''t be considered private when you''re both getting hot and heavy in a public parking lot."


    Xiu slapped her shoulder and shouted, "You should be ashamed of yourself!"


    Nora had a thoughtful look on her face as she said, "I think I already am. 24/7."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Nora''s response before alighting down from the car.


    "On a serious note though, don''t you want to be madly in love?" Xiu couldn''t help but ask.


    "Madly in love?" Nora pressed the elevator button and said, "I think I''m already mad enough. So, it feels like I''m halfway there. It can be considered progress, right?"


    "You''re impossible," grumbled Xiu, stepping inside the elevator. "I don''t know about you but I feel like you want more. As in, you deserve more than you''re giving yourself a chance."


    Nora stayed quiet until the elevator opened with a ding on their floor. Tonight when she met Dylan, she was reminded of the time when she madly in love as well. It perturbed her since she had been burying those feelings for so long now. Tonight, she had questioned herself again. Why did she choose to walk away? What could have happened if she had mustered up a bit of courage to confess her feelings?


    "Xiu, have you ever thought what could your life be like if at a certain point in your life, you had chosen to take a different decision? I mean do you think your whole life could have been different now?"


    Nora''s words unconsciously reminded Xiu of the time when she stood at her balcony all alone as Chen Xiu. If she had not chosen to jump down that night, what would have her life been like? That was the biggest question mark of her life.


    "Nora, do you remember once you asked me where I see myself in five years?" Xiu asked her own question in response.


    With a frown, Nora nodded and said, "Yes, and you replied to me that you''re barely holding yourself till the weekend. The five-year plan is too much of a hassle for you since you''re trying to live each day to the fullest. And that''s more than enough for you."


    Xiu smiled when she heard Nora quoting her word by word. "If you ask me again, my answer is still the same. When I wasn''t thinking about the regrets of the past and mysteries of the future, I was busy trying to live in the present. I don''t know what changes that one decision could have brought in my life but I do know that now when I look back, I''m proud of myself." Nora quirked her brows in surprise as they stood before their apartment door and Xiu added, "Because now when I look back I realize how many silent battles I have won. How bad of a decision it could possibly be if it taught me how to wipe my own tears and pat my own back?"


    Xiu''s words touched Nora and made that uncomfortable feeling inside of her dissipate. Nora hugged Xiu tightly as she said, "Xiu, thank you!"


    "For what?" Xiu asked in a perplexed manner.


    "Thanks for being you," replied Nora while patting Xiu''s head. Then she turned around to unlock the door and they both entered the apartment.


    "Oh, honey! I''m home!" Xiu exclaimed loudly making Nora almost jump.


    "Xiu, you idiot! Who''s your honey? You''re not even married yet?"


    Xiu stuck her tongue at Nora and said, "But don''t you know, I''m having an affair with my bed."


    Nora feigned a gasp and said, "Oh my! Are you cheating on Darren?"


    Xiu flipped her hair back and said, "Well, he can join my rendezvous if he wants to." She added a wink at the end making Nora''s mouth open wide in real shock this time.


    As Nora already knew, Xiu''s best relationship had always been with her bed. Because according to Xiu, she''d forget all the worries as soon as she laid down on her bed. After all, you can either be sad or asleep and Xiu preferred to sleep. Sadness just tires her out.


    But on this night when she laid down on her bed, her mind had wandered off to Darren. The way he talked, the way he smiled, the way he made her feel excited and fl.u.s.tered at the same time. His words, his actions, every single thing about him were running through her mind. With only his thought in mind, Xiu finally fell asleep.

 Chapter 145 - Curse Of First Love

    While Xiu was sleeping peacefully with a huge smile plastered on her face, Nora''s night was restless. She kept tossing and turning in her bed but the sleep didn''t come. She even tried singing herself to sleep with...


    ??When it''s time to go sleep


    And I can not fall asleep


    I close my eyes and count the sheep


    From one to ten.


    One little, two little, three little sheep,


    Four little, five little, six little sheep


    Seven little, eight little, nine little sheep


    Counting 10 little sheep to sleep


    10 little 9 little 8 little sheep


    7 little 6 little 5 little sheep


    4 little 3 little 2 little sheep


    Counting 1 little sheep to sleep...??


    But poor girl, just couldn''t sleep no matter how much she tried. "Argh!" In frustration, she sat up and pulled her hair. Knocking on her head, she shouted, "Stop thinking about him already!"


    However, she had no control over her mind and even if she did, she had no control whatsoever over her heart. Turning on her laptop, she opened her secret folder and scrolled through the pictures she had collected in secret of his.


    It wasn''t like Nora had never tried to delete this folder but she just couldn''t do so. She was the kind of person who would randomly get attached to anything. She was the girl who had difficulty while deleting a stupid screenshot much less the photos of a person she really loved with all her heart.


    She still remembered how she met him for the first time. Her first encounter with him was at the old-age home where she went with her mother for a meeting with her mother''s client. Who knew when she was wandering around, she would come across him.


    He was like a dazzling sun, warm, bright and fascinating. His kindness, patience with those old people, his smile and everything about him touched her deeply. Indeed, he was the reason why she decided to do volunteering at the old-age home.


    "His name is Xin Xiaosi," a deep voice beside her startled her while her attention was solely focused on admiring him. With a hand over her chest, she turned her face to glare at the person who spoke. "Oh, by the way, I''m Hedi. Qiu Hedi."


    Nora narrowed her eyes at him hatefully and said, "I didn''t ask for your introduction." Taking a brief pause, she added, "Anyway, I''m Nora. Nora Cartwright."


    Dylan smiled beside her and said, "Why don''t you just go and talk to him? Hiding behind the bushes just to sneak a peek at him... Tsk. Tsk. What era are you from?"


    "Why are you so concerned about my matter?" Nora questioned looking at Dylan squarely.


    Dylan looked at her with a complicated look before holding her wrist and dragging her with himself as he said, "I''m naturally a very nosy person."


    "Let go! Let go of my hand!" Nora kept squirming but Dylan didn''t loosen his grip at all.


    Dylan only stopped right in front of the boy she had been admiring from afar whose name was Xin Xiaosi. "Ah-Si, what''s up?"


    Xin Xiaosi looked at Dylan before his eyes fell on Nora who lowered her eyes, then his eyes trailed down to their entwined hands. Dylan noticed the look in his eyes and said, "Ah-Si, she''s a new volunteer. And since we are gonna have to face each other every week, I thought I should do the introductions. Her name''s Nora and I''m guessing she''s in her freshman year in high school."


    Nora pinched her hand and corrected, "Junior. Not a freshman."


    Xin Xiaosi extended his hand towards Nora and said, "Nice to meet you, Nora." Seeing him smiling at her, Nora was dumbstruck for a moment. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans before she shook his hand with a trembling hand. "Am I making you nervous?" He asked seeing the way she was acting and Nora frantically shook her head.


    "Of course, she''s nervous. Lose your big shot vibes," Dylan cut in making Nora glare at him again which he decided not to pay heed to. "And Ms. Cartwright, Ah-Si is not that scary. You just have to spend a bit of time with him to know him better."


    Nora wanted to slap Dylan''s face for embarrassing her like that. Of course, she didn''t find him scary. She was just a nervous wreck before him which had never happened to her before.


    Xin Xiaosi shook his head at Dylan and said, "Hedi, where is your Qiuqiu? Isn''t she gonna pester you today?"


    Dylan''s expressions shifted as he looked at him, "Ah-Si, don''t rub the salt where it bites. Qiuqiu went home and I don''t know when she''ll be back." Then he turned to Nora and said, "But today is about our new little friend. Join us for lunch."


    Nora shook her head in negation, "It''s alright."


    "Don''t be so modest," replied Dylan. "You can pay for the meal to feel better."


    Xin Xiaosi slapped his head and apologized to Nora saying, "I''m sorry for that. But you should come with us to lunch. Of course, we won''t ask you to pay."


    Dylan rubbed his head as he grumbled, "Seriously, man, you''re the only one who would say no to free meal."


    "Hedi, you''re old enough to pay for your own food. She is a high school student. Are you seriously gonna make her pay for your food?" Xin Xiaosi reprimanded Dylan while the latter seemed carefree and indifferent.


    In the end, she did take their invite and went to lunch with them. Although she was nervous, Dylan''s antics made it very easy for her to blend in. And that''s when she learned that Dylan and Xin Xiaosi were actually cousins. However, it was hard for her to believe that since as much as Xin Xiaosi was reserved, Dylan was that much unrestrained.


    There were literally no similarities between them except for the fact that they both were very sweet. They didn''t let her feel left out at all. But since Xin Xiaosi was a year older than Dylan, he used his authority as a big brother very well to educate Dylan.


    Coming back to the present, Nora snickered to herself as she mumbled, "Qiu Hedi if you''re still the same it makes me wonder... Is he also still the same?"


    She stared at the screen for a long while before saying, "You''re gone from my life, why am I still hung up on you then? Is this what they call the curse of first love?"

 Chapter 146 - Tipsy-Turvy Hormones

    Oftentimes, we overlook the small blessings in life while trying to look for some miracle. For instance, what could be a bigger blessing than the fact that the smile you took to bed last night was still blooming on your face when you woke up.


    It was rare for Xiu to wake up in such a good mood on a Sunday morning. But since she had plans with Darren today, she woke up early. Although it was close to 11 in the morning, it was still very early for Sunday. Her facial muscles were definitely not under her control since her lips had lifted up uncontrollably into an arc. Pulling off the duvet, she stepped down from the bed and walked towards the windows to pull the dr.a.p.es.


    However, just as she opened the thick dr.a.p.es, her eyes widened and she screamed out, "AHHH!!!"


    Her loud voice startled even Nora who fell down from the bed with a thud. "What happened? What''s going on?" It took her a couple of minutes to completely wake up and as she did, she frantically stood up. With a baseball bat in her hand, Nora ran inside Xiu''s room. "Who is it? Tell me, who should I hit?"


    Nora looked around Xiu''s room with a frown while Xiu looked at Nora with a strange look as well. "What''s up with the baseball bat?"


    "Oh, this is my weapon. I thought there is some burglar or something," replied Nora while yawning tiredly. "But now that I think about it, you''d never scream because of a burglar. In fact, you''d make the burglar scream instead."


    "Haha... Very funny," said Xiu in dry humor.


    "Nevermind. Why did you scream?" asked Nora while putting the baseball bat over her shoulder.


    "Look," Xiu pointed outside the window and Nora followed suit.


    "What are we looking at?" questioned Nora with a perplexed look.


    "Look at how heaven is messing with me," said Xiu and as she turned her eyes to look outside the eyes, she felt distressed. It was supposed to be a fine sunny day of summer but... The clouds of gloominess were looming around in the sky darkening not only the day but also Xiu''s mood. Grey had dominated the sky making the morning appear as night. "It was supposed to be a good day. I was supposed to spend that good day with my boyfriend."


    Nora fell on Xiu''s bed and kept nodding her head absentmindedly while Xiu was still going on with her complaints. Nora had gotten quite used to Xiu''s complaints. According to her, before losing her memories, Xiu used to complain about her shortcomings but after she lost all her memories, Nora never heard Xiu complain about her own self. She had become confident in a way that even surprised Nora.


    Xiu shook Nora and asked, "Why are you so sleepy?"


    "I couldn''t sleep much last night," said Nora as she sat up on the bed and looked at Xiu standing with her hands wrapped around her stomach.


    "Couldn''t sleep? Do you know it''s a Japanese legend that if you can''t sleep at night it means that you''re awake in someone''s dreams?" Xiu bumped her shoulder with Nora playfully and added, "I wonder who kept you awake in his dreams."


    Nora rolled her eyes at Xiu and spoke derisively, "That sounds romantic and utter bullshit!" Xiu shrugged her shoulders indifferently as she hugged her knees to her chest. Nora patted her shoulder and added, "Xiu, don''t look so down. In this weather, only outdoor activities are not possible. But you guys can still go out for movies, dinner, and stuff."


    Xiu nodded her head as she tried to look optimistic about this situation and said, "Right. We can still have fun. It''s absolutely fine. I love rainy days anyway. It''s perfectly fine. Nothing''s wrong. Nothing''s wrong at all." She repeated it in her mind like a mantra and it worked at some level to calm her nerves. But as soon as she passed by the wardrobe mirror, she ended up screaming again.


    "Now what?" Nora was startled awake once again.


    Xiu looked at her face with a horrified look and turned her head slowly. "BAM pimple BAM pimple BAM pimple!" Xiu pointed at three very obvious pimples on her face. Xiu arched her back uncomfortably as she said, "I don''t think this day can get any worse now."


    Nora turned on the lights in her room and looked at her pale face. "What date is it?" Nora asked while arching her brow at Xiu.


    At Nora''s reminder, Xiu picked up her phone and cursed out, "No wonder I''m gifted with pimples overnight. Congratulations to me, my day just got worse."


    Nora pressed her lips while Xiu ran inside the bathroom. At this time, even Nora had to admit that Xiu''s luck was not on her side. First, the weather gave up on her, afterward, zits ruined her face and now, her Aunt Flo visited right on time.


    Tsk. Tsk. Only Nora could tell how moody Xiu was gonna be now. And just as she expected, when Xiu came out of the bathroom, her face looked ugly. It looked like there was a gloomy cloud lingering over her head. She changed into another pair of pajamas and snuggled back in her bed while grumbling, "Mother nature hates me the most." She stuck her middle finger to the sky and shouted, "Screw you!"


    Nora coughed to conceal her laughter. She sat down beside Xiu and said, "You should stop cursing your luck. It''s not that bad."


    Xiu snorted, "I have a new rhyme. Would you like to hear?" Nora didn''t know what to expect but she still nodded in response. "Here it goes: It''s raining red, as I fell in a crimson wave of hell. Then why am I feeling blue? Must be the weather''s hue. With my tipsy-turvy hormones, Mother nature, I want to f.u.c.k you!"


    Nora burst out laughing at Xiu''s face which darkened her mood even more. "Shut up!" said Xiu with a warning look.


    "Sorry, I''ll stop now," answered Nora. "Should I pull out your secret chocolate stash?"


    "Yes, please," replied Xiu.


    Right at this moment, the doorbell caught both of their attention and Nora looked at Xiu knowingly as she said, "I think it''s your boyfriend."


    Xiu curled up in a ball as she mumbled, "Tell him, I''m dead!" and hid under the duvet.

 Chapter 147 - He Really Left?

    Just as Nora had predicted, it was indeed Darren at the door. When Nora opened the door, he eagerly looked inside but didn''t found a sign of Xiu. He was expecting Xiu to open the door for him and even felt a little disappointed when she wasn''t the one at the door.


    "Is she ready?" Seeing Nora''s expression, he added with a complicated look, "Is she still sleeping?" That was the only explanation that he could think of.


    Nora looked at him for a moment before saying, "Not sleeping. She''s just... resting."


    Darren''s expressions changed as he questioned, "Why? Is she feeling unwell?"


    Obviously, Nora wasn''t gonna pass on Xiu''s exact words to him and that''s why she chose to go with the safe route as she said, "She has a stomachache. She must have eaten something bad last night. She isn''t feeling well... Huh? Where did he go?" By the time, she finished making excuses, she realized that Darren was already gone which left her even more perplexed.


    "What did he say?" was Xiu''s first question when she saw Nora coming back to her room.


    "I told him you have a stomachache and he vanished," replied Nora casually.


    Xiu facepalmed herself as she said, "Thanks a lot for that excuse. He''s gonna freak out now."


    Nora frowned at her reply since she couldn''t understand what she meant but it didn''t take her long to realize Xiu''s meaning. Because soon enough Darren was at the door again. He was raking his fingers through his wet hair when Nora opened the door again for him and saw a bag full of medicines in his hand.


    Without waiting for Nora to open her mouth to say anything, Darren entered the apartment and went straight to Xiu''s room. "Sweets, you''re okay?" He came to her side and tried to pull the duvet off her face but Xiu didn''t let go. "I brought medicine for you. Although I don''t know much about your condition, I still bought everything that could be useful. I asked Dylan to send a doctor as well."


    He heard her sniffling and panicked, "Sweets, are you crying? Is it hurting that much? Should I take you to the hospital? Let me call the driver." He pulled out his phone when Xiu held his hand and looked at him with bloodshot eyes. Her nose was also red and tears were brimming in her eyes. "Sweets..."


    "You''re overreacting," said Xiu while rubbing her nose.


    "I''m overreacting? You''re crying. It must be really serious," said Darren matter-of-factly.


    Xiu sighed out as she wiped her tears and said, "I''m crying because it''s raining outside. I''m crying because my face is gifted with these ugly pimples. I''m crying because my Aunt Flo chose this very day to visit. And I''m crying because I accidentally punched my nose while pulling my blanket up. Can my life get any more unfair?"


    As her words registered in his mind, he pursed his words with a complicated expression on his face. "So, you''re on your periods?" he didn''t know whether he was asking for confirmation or stating a fact.


    "That''s one way to say it," replied Xiu and when she saw Darren''s lips curling up, her tear ducts opened again. "You can''t laugh at that."


    Darren sat down beside her and hugged her saying, "To be very honest, it''s really funny that you punched yourself." Xiu tried to squirm out of his embrace but he didn''t let go. "But it''s okay. Stop crying."


    The way his hand rubbed her back gave her such a comfortable feeling that Xiu ended up crying even more. "Shhh... It''s okay. It''s alright."


    Did you ever get a really good hug from someone that you just don''t want to let go? In Xiu''s hormonal imbalanced moment, she found his hug really precious. So precious that she cried her heart out. "First of all, my skin is sensitive right now and that punch really hurts. Second of all, if you kept hugging me like that I won''t be able to stop crying."


    "Oh," Darren tried to pull away but she didn''t let go.


    "Who told you to let go? Just keep hugging me now," Xiu rebutted with a bit of an attitude. "You can''t just offer me a hand and pull away when I get comfortable."


    "You just told me that..."


    "Stop talking. I know what I said," stated Xiu in a firm tone and shut him up. She hugged him for a good ten minutes and cried to her heart''s fill before composing herself and saying, "I''m done."


    Darren''s brows arched up slightly when he noticed the way sadness had vanished from her face. She leaned her back against the pillow and closed her eyes. "Is this crying a part of mood swings?" He questioned. "I mean you cried like the world''s ending and now, you look like everything is fine."


    "It''s not mood swings. It''s called time management." Darren frowned at her response and she elaborated, "I have a rule. I can''t let myself cry for more than ten minutes. That is enough time to wash up my emotional rust."


    Darren shook his head at her answer before ruffling her hair. "I have to say, you are a unique piece." He leaned close to kiss the tip of her nose and said, "Your red nose looks adorable right now."


    Xiu obviously didn''t take his words to heart and said, "You should leave. Sorry for ruining the day you planned for us again." When he didn''t move at all, she added, "I''m really not a good company during these days. Please, leave before I start saying that I hate you. I already have enough stupid things to keep me sad for a week." She tilted her head sideways and with her hand on her abdomen, she said, "I''m so going to die with these cramps. And this weather is so not helping."


    Darren patted her head and walked out of her room. Xiu watched him leave with her mouth agape. "Eh? He really left?" She pouted in disappointment. "Idiot! You''re not supposed to take my words seriously."

 Chapter 148 - Fall For You

    A silent girl is the most dangerous one. How? Because women have a natural ability to create scenarios in their minds that don''t even exist. 90% of the times when a girl is silent, she''s either overthinking, falling apart, crying inside, cursing her luck or all of the above.


    Xiu wasn''t any different especially now when her emotions were in a full swing. She was also creating her own zoo in her mind. According to her, she was lowkey scared to get happy because every time she got too happy something would just go wrong. Like it did this very day.


    Spontaneously, a m.o.a.n escaped from her mouth while she was trying to look around her bed for her phone. A soft knock at her door caught her attention and Xiu frowned since Nora would never knock before barging inside her room. And when the door was pushed open, Xiu''s brows arched up slightly to see Darren.


    "Didn''t you leave?" Xiu asked in a daze.


    Darren didn''t answer her question. Instead, he helped her in sitting up and passed a bowl to her saying, "Drink this brown sugar water while it''s still hot." When Xiu didn''t move, he urged again, "Go on. Stop daydreaming already."


    "Oh," with that, Xiu took a sip of brown sugar water while keeping her eyes on Darren who went out and brought a hot water bottle.


    Silently, he helped her with the hot water bottle to keep her warm and frowned when he touched her ice-cold feet. Wrapping her up in her duvet, he said, "I thought Nora was exaggerating but no... You really are a careless person." Seeing the way she was smiling to herself, Darren asked, "What''s so funny?" Xiu shook her head in response. "If you''re done with drinking that, then lie down."


    "Okay," Xiu passed him the empty bowl and lied down.


    "What do you want to eat?"


    "Hmm... Ice cream" replied Xiu with a grin.


    "Ice cream? No, can''t do." Xiu pouted and he added, "Ice cream is overly yin in nature. It''s harmful to the body in this condition."


    "But it''s my favorite comfort food," said Xiu.


    Darren pulled out a chocolate bar and said, "For now, eat this. Let me see what I can do to compensate for that ice cream of yours." Xiu happily snatched the chocolate from his hand and nodded her head.


    Seeing Darren in deep thought, Nora had to come up to him to ask, "Anything I can help you with, neighbor?"


    "Point me in the right direction," said Darren as he looked in the direction of the kitchen.


    "Wow! You can even cook?"


    "Doesn''t everybody knows how to cook these days?" retorted Darren with a frown.


    "I can''t cook even if my life depends on it," replied Nora in all honesty. "That''s why Xiu says that I should find myself a good husband. However, Xiu also says that my estratetraenol (EST) only attracts trashy men. And the worst of all is, I can''t even refute."


    Although he wanted to point out that her dating choices had been questionable, he decided against it. "Tell me what you need. Although I can''t cook, I do know where to kind everything."


    "Hmm... Do you guys have any leftover rice?"


    "It''s in the fridge," said Nora and went around the counter to get it for him. Afterward, under Darren''s instructions, she had to pass him every ingredient he asked for. "By the way, what are you cooking?"


    "The all the time comfort dish of Chinese cuisine," replied Darren.


    Nora thought about it for a second before saying, "Chicken fried rice?"


    "Bingo!" Seeing how Nora stared at him with her mouth agape, he asked, "What''s wrong? Sweets don''t like it?"


    Nora shook her head in a daze and answered, "It''s her favorite food during these days. I''m just trying to make sense of how you know about it?" She sat on the stool staring at him for a while before she went to keep Xiu company. "Baby Xiu, can you tell me where you ordered him from?"


    "Ordered? Who?" Xiu asked in confusion.


    "Your boyfriend," replied Nora matter-of-factly. "He''s making me feel like a failure in life right now."


    Xiu laughed at her reaction, "What did he do?" When she saw Darren coming back with a tray full of food, she didn''t need to hear a reply from Nora anymore. Her eyes brightened up seeing the bowl of food. Pushing Nora off her bed, she said, "Go away, I''m not sharing."


    Nora glared at her and turned to leave, "I wasn''t gonna stay around anyway. I''m already fed enough for a week." Saying that she left Xiu''s room and locked herself in her own room.


    Back in Xiu''s room, Darren accompanied her while she ate with fervor and rubbed her tummy saying, "This has to be one of the best-fried rice, I''ve ever had."


    Darren ruffled her hair lightly, "Glad to hear that." He took the utensils and only came back after cleaning them. Xiu was dozing off when he came back. He sat beside her to fix her blanket when Xiu held the lapel of his jacket and snuggled on his chest.


    Xiu buried her face in his chest and sniffed because the cologne smelt so damn good that she couldn''t stop herself from leaning closer. "You''re making me jealous," she mumbled in her half-sleepy state.


    "Jealous of whom?" Darren stroked her hair while holding her in his arms in a comfortable position.


    "Myself..." replied Xiu in a soft voice before adding, "I always lose what I get comfortable with. Don''t make me so comfortable that I forget what reality feels like." Darren stayed quiet in response while she continued, "For instance, take this moment, just because I''m here in my blanket, I can''t forget that it''s raining outside."


    "But just because it''s raining outside doesn''t mean something is gonna go wrong. Your problem is that Sweets, you like to overthink. You believe in your own superstitions so much that everything around you happens according to your beliefs. It''s a known fact that we always have to face what we fear the most."


    Xiu opened her eyes slightly before closing them as she wondered, ''Right now, my biggest fear is that I might fall for you. Would I have to face that eventually?''

 Chapter 149 - Memory Is Back?

    Xiu felt something vibrating under her hand and peeled open her eyes. She was surprised to find herself in Darren''s arms. And while her consciousness slowly came back, she remembered how she ended up there. She looked at the digital clock on her side table and realized she had taken a nap for an hour.


    Xiu looked at Darren''s face leaning against the bedpost and frowned. His posture was really uncomfortable. Half of his body was leaning against the bedpost. The way his fingers were tangled in her hair, showed how he must have dozed off while caressing her hair. The peace on his face made her smile on instinct.


    Suddenly, she felt the vibration again and saw Darren stirring slightly. On instinct, she pulled out his phone from his jacket cautiously and looked at the screen. A photo of Dylan glared back at her making her roll her eyes.


    As she attended the call, she was expecting to hear Dylan''s ingratiating voice. However, she was greeted by a very pleasant voice instead, "Darren, did you get some sleep? Why did you play video games with Dylan for the whole night?" Xiu looked at Darren''s sleeping face and pursed her lips.


    ''He didn''t sleep last night? And he still insisted on taking care of me?'' Xiu felt a little guilty.


    "Mom, can you stop pulling my ear?" Dylan''s loud shriek from the other side of the phone startled her. "Dazi, ask mom to stop bullying me. It''s not like I forced you."


    "You''re still making excuses?" Xiu heard the woman''s voice again which she was certain belonged to Dylan''s mother. "Err... Darren? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Xiu cleared her throat and said, "He... is sleeping."


    Xiu heard something crashing before she heard Dylan''s voice, "Woah, mom! Why did you push me?"


    "If I''m not mistaken, you''re my Darren''s girlfriend, right?" Xiu didn''t expect to hear the sudden change in the way she spoke.


    "Umm... Yes, that''s me." Xiu tried to sound pleasant but she sounded creepy even to herself.


    "Aiyo, your voice is pretty. Now, I''m more curious to find out what you look like," replied Zhao Wei.


    Dylan snorted by her side and said, "Don''t get your hopes up, mom. She''s a witch. You''ll be scared. Ow!" Of course, he received a slap from his mother for talking nonsense.


    "Child, don''t listen to my son''s ridiculous comments. He fell over his head when he was young and most probably lost a couple of screws back then as well." Xiu wanted to laugh out at the way a mother was talking about her own son. "But don''t worry at all, our Darren is nothing like Dylan. He seems aloof but actually, he is a very caring person. He doesn''t get attached to people very often but when he does, he gives it his all."


    "I can tell," replied Xiu as she pushed back Darren''s hair from his forehead. But while doing so, Darren''s eyes fluttered open and he stared back at Xiu with confusion. Xiu extended his phone towards him after saying, "It was nice talking to you. You should talk to him now... And I should leave."


    She was about to step down from the bed when he held her hand and said, "Wait." Darren supported his phone between his shoulder and cheek while he helped her with her slippers. "Don''t run around barefoot in this condition. The floor is cold." That simple reminder was all it took for Xiu to melt. With a huge grin on her face, she nodded and walked out of the room to give him some privacy.


    Darren rubbed his temples and yawned while he heard a sigh from the other side, "I used to wonder why girls buzzed around you like bees even when you wore that cold facade. I finally understood."


    "What did you understand, Beauty Wei?" asked Darren curiously.


    "Aiya, Darren, you don''t even realize that you''re a very attentive person. Which girl doesn''t want her partner''s attention? You notice the things even a girl would forget, that makes you a precious soul," replied Zhao Wei in a dreamy tone. Suddenly, her tone changed as she started, "Moving back to business, why don''t you take your health seriously?"


    "Beauty Wei, when did I take my health lightly?"


    "You missed your doctor''s appointment on Friday. You''re not taking proper sleep as well. I really have no idea whether you''re taking care of your diet or not. If you''re gonna be this careless, then please come back home so that I can keep my eyes on you." Hearing her stern tone, Darren knew she was worried. Otherwise, Dylan''s mother would never talk to him like that.


    "Beauty Wei, I have no problem in moving back with you but I''m afraid I''ll get sick from missing my girlfriend too much." He had an obvious smile on his face as he continued, "Besides, what if she found someone better behind my back?"


    "Huh! There is no one better than my godson," said Zhao Wei with conviction. "And stop making excuses with me. Anyway, when are you bringing that young lady home? I''m restless now that I have heard her voice."


    While Darren was talking over the phone, Xiu came out to disturb Nora who was watching tv. Well, it looked more like she was daydreaming with the tv on. Xiu watched how Nora absentmindedly kept putting ch.i.p.s in her mouth and mischief struck her. She tore a piece of paper from the magazine and placed it in Nora''s ch.i.p.s bowl.


    Nora was really lost in her own world since she picked up the paper and put it in her mouth before chewing it. It wasn''t until she felt something strange about the taste that she spit it out, "Ptui! Ptui! Yuck!" Hearing Xiu laughing at her, Nora was peeved. "Xiu, that''s not funny!"


    Xiu made a face while saying, "Babes, you adding ink in my coke was also not funny."


    Nora shook her head, "That was years ago. How can you still hold the grudge? Wait..." Nora held Xiu''s shoulder and looked straight into her eyes as she asked, "Baby Xiu, you remember? Did your memory come back?"

 Chapter 150 - Weird People

    Xiu was dumbstruck for a while. Nora, however, was excitingly jumping around.


    "Oh my God! This is huge! I mean, you finally remember. How much do you remember?" When Xiu didn''t answer for a long time, Nora shook her a bit. "Xiu, what''s wrong?"


    Xiu held her head in her hands and tried to walk through her memory lanes but to her dismay, she couldn''t figure out how she knew about that coke incident. It was like a new piece of memory was added in her mind. But that was it, apart from that once particular scene, she couldn''t recall anything else.


    And she knew that part wasn''t from her own memory.


    "Sss-" A sharp wave of pain made her hiss in pain instinctively as she fell back on the couch. She was straining her mind to dig up any other clue related to Bai Xiu''s life but couldn''t do so.


    Seeing her condition, Nora panicked a little as she kneeled down before Xiu and said, "Xiu, it''s okay. Don''t strain yourself. If you can''t remember then it''s alright. I must have overreacted."


    When Xiu opened her eyes, she noticed Nora''s disappointed look and pursed her lips feeling guilty again. Holding Nora''s hands, she said, "I''m sorry. But I really can''t remember." She didn''t know what she was sorry for. Was it because she wasn''t Bai Xiu? Or was it because no matter how hard she tried she couldn''t become Bai Xiu?


    Nora tried to smile at her in response and replied, "Aiyo, it''s alright. Even though you have lost those old memories, we have made so many new ones. It''s all worth it. What matters is that you are with me."


    Xiu couldn''t even bring herself to smile in reassurance at Nora. The Bai Xiu Nora was looking for wasn''t there and only Xiu knew that. Even though the body was there, the spirit was gone along with memories. But for the first time in years, Xiu had a hope that Bai Xiu''s memories weren''t lost forever. There was still hope.


    However, could just a bunch of memories really make any difference? Even if it couldn''t she still wanted to find those memories.


    "What are you both doing?"


    Both Nora and Xiu turned their heads simultaneously to look at Darren and Nora''s eyes widened in surprise, "Darren, why are you coming from inside?" She got up and circled around him with a suspicious look. "I thought you left but you''d been inside with Xiu. Interesting. Very interesting. And here I thought, you guys were gonna take it slow."


    Darren licked his lips while looking around and said, "I dozed off for a bit. Don''t work up your mind so much." Taking a pause to avoid Nora''s scrutinizing gaze, he added, "I should leave, Ms. Sherlock."


    "Didn''t you plan to spend the whole day with Xiu?" asked Nora in amus.e.m.e.nt. "Then why are you leaving so soon?" she sniffed around Xiu''s body and smiled slyly, "Why is his cologne all over you? What did you guys do?"


    Xiu pushed her away forcefully and said, "Quit it already." Then she looked at Darren, "Don''t listen to her, just stay," said Xiu and as she threw a cushion at Nora, she went on, "Nora is just teasing you since she has nothing better to do today."


    Eventually, Darren didn''t leave and Xiu was the one who ended up suffering. Because Nora was watching a doc.u.mentary on penguins and the way she and Darren were immersed in the poor and hard life of penguins left no room for Xiu to interfere. She could only curl up on the couch with her blanket and watch her best friend and her boyfriend being weird kind of geeks.


    Even when the doorbell rang, both of them had no reaction. Eventually, Xiu had to push herself to open the door and when she did she almost slammed the door back at the face of the person who showed up. However, Dylan had quick reflexes as he managed to hold the door with his hand and said, "I knew you have the worst manners. Is this how you treat a guest?"


    "Sorry, I thought I saw a ghost," was Xiu''s answer making Dylan''s face twitch. "Besides, if the guest looks as unpleasant as you, then yes, this is exactly how I treat that guest," replied Xiu without a hint of fear. "What do you want?"


    Dylan gnashed his teeth in anger and said, "I believe you kidnapped my best friend." Xiu narrowed her eyes at him dangerously making Dylan take a step back as he said, "I mean to say that Dazi is here, right?"


    "He is," replied Xiu calmly.


    "Then can I come inside?" asked Dylan with a smile.


    Xiu blocked his path and said, "No, you can''t."


    Dylan lifted his hand and waved a lunch box before her saying, "I brought wonton soup for you."


    "Are you bribing me?" Xiu looked at him while crossing her arms before her.


    "I feel like it''s a ransom to see my best friend," said Dylan in a low voice but when he saw Xiu''s expressions, he smiled at her and added, "I mean, it can''t be counted as a bribe. It''s my sincerity." When Xiu didn''t budge for a long while, he went on, "It''s homemade. My mom spent hours making this herself for you. It''d be your loss if you didn''t taste it."


    Xiu''s body relaxed a bit as she questioned, "Your mother made it herself?"


    "Yup," nodded Dylan.


    Xiu moved aside and said, "Come inside." Xiu locked the door when he entered and came back inside. But the scene that surprised her, even more, turned out to be when even Dylan joined both Darren and Nora. Xiu huffed to herself and snatched the lunch box from Dylan''s hands before sitting back in her seat to eat.


    Since everyone was focused on penguins, she didn''t bother offering anyone to join her. Especially because the homely warm taste of the food made her selfish self become even more selfish. It was not every day that she''d get to eat something prepared with so much love and care.


    For a moment, she was forced to wonder why she was acquainted with these weird people.

 Chapter 151 - Im Not Bai Xiu

    When you live with a lie for too long, it eventually becomes a part of you. But sometimes that very lie becomes a noose around our neck that tightens with each passing second. It either chokes us to our limits or it embeds itself within our flesh and blood.


    But every person has that one moment in life where they want to scream the truth to the whole world. For a person like Xiu, even though it was the most unbelievable thing, she still wanted someone to know that she wasn''t Bai Xiu. And today, she did...


    "I''m not Bai Xiu," said Xiu straightforwardly.


    "What do you mean?" Dylan was the first one to question.


    "Exactly what I just said," replied Xiu matter-of-factly. "I''m just a lost soul who somehow ended up finding a place in Bai Xiu''s body."


    "Huh?" The three people around her had complicated expressions on their faces as they stared back at her in confusion.


    Let''s rewind a bit to understand what really led Xiu to bluntly say her deepest darkest secret of all times.


    Earlier, Xiu was bored out of her mind seeing them ignoring her so brazenly. One of the things she despised the most was when someone ignored her presence. Her mother did that for years and according to her, that was enough. Xiu picked up her cellphone and downloaded one of those remote control apps and turned off the tv.


    Finally, three pairs of eyes blinked away from the screen. In confusion, Nora turned on the tv again but for the next five times, Xiu turned it off and acted like she had no clue about it at all. "I think there is a glitch or something," said Nora in confusion and Xiu''s lips curled up in a sly smile.


    Taking advantage of the fact that now, everyone''s attention was not on some cold arctic creatures, Xiu suggested, "Since the tv has a glitch, let''s play something." She pointed outside saying, "Don''t let the rain dampen your spirits."


    Nora raised her brow at Xiu in question since this morning, this very best friend of hers said something like how the rain was ruining her day. And now, she was being so optimistic? Nora really couldn''t get her mind around this. But since she couldn''t think of another better idea, they decided to play Jenga.


    The first person who dropped the blocks was Nora. "Now, pull a chit from the box." Xiu excitedly passed the box full of handwritten questions to her.


    Nora took one out and read it out loud, "Your first boyfriend called you...?" Nora scratched her head and as if reminiscing about that time said, "He used to call me Nory as it rhymed with Dory. From ''Finding Nemo''."


    "But he wasn''t your boyfriend," reminded Dylan making Nora hit him with a throw pillow. "What? He was your crush. At most, he can be described as your unrequited love."


    "Shut up, Hedi!"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Whatever."


    "What are you both talking about?" asked Xiu curiously looking at Dylan and Nora.


    "Nothing."


    "Nothing."


    Both of them replied simultaneously which made Xiu, even more, intrigued to know about this inside story between them. She had never seen Nora trying to avoid her eyes as much as she was doing right now.


    Moving on, the next person who lost was Dylan himself and when he read his question, everyone''s eyes were on him as his question was, "What was the biggest dream you had when you''re 18?"


    Dylan looked at Nora and Xiu''s curious eyes while saw a knowing look at Darren''s face. He sighed out before saying, "When I was 18, my biggest dream was to get married."


    "WHAT?!" Both the girls exclaimed in shock making him flinch.


    "Then why do you avoid blind dates?" asked Xiu looking at him with a weird look.


    "Because now marriage is my biggest nightmare," said Dylan as if it was supposed to explain everything. Xiu looked at Darren for confirmation and the latter nodded at her making Xiu puzzled.


    While they started the next round, Nora leaned close to Dylan to say, "It''s a pity that it took one girl to turn your dream into a nightmare. Tsk. Tsk."


    "Don''t play the game you''re bound to lose," Nora''s brows furrowed together when Dylan said that but his last word told her what his intentions were. "No-ry!" He intentionally used the nickname that Xin Xiaosi had for Nora making her glare at him hatefully.


    The next person who lost the game was Darren and his chit read, "Name the first person who comes to your mind when you read, ''I want you back''."


    "Ah-Xiu," Darren ended up saying on instinct but when Dylan pinched his thigh, he coughed to change his answer with, "I mean... No one really comes to my mind."


    "That''s boring, Darren," said Nora.


    "Why don''t you share what comes to your mind?" said Dylan since he wanted to take the pressure off of his best friend.


    And he succeeded in diverting Nora''s attention as she said, "Aiyo, obviously, I want my money back. All that money that I spent on useless things."


    "You''re still a shopaholic?" asked Dylan with a huge grin.


    "Don''t even mention that," said Nora as she had the wish to slap that grin off his face.


    While no one was noticing, only Xiu''s attention was stuck on what Darren said. ''Ah-Xiu?'' She was certain that''s what he said but why? Somehow she knew when he said Ah-Xiu, he wasn''t referring to her since he had never even called her Xiu much less Ah-Xiu. Apart from that, the feeling of loss that she felt from his voice couldn''t be faked.


    In the next round, Xiu was distracted but she was still not the one who lost. The one who lost was Nora again and read out her task, "Tell us a secret." Seeing the eager eyes around her, she tugged at Xiu''s sleeve and said, "Xiu, be my black knight. You still haven''t lost a single round. Please, answer this one for me."


    Xiu was gonna decline but she didn''t know what came over her. For once, she wanted to say it out loud. For once, she wanted someone to know this secret. So, she said, "My secret is that... I''m not Bai Xiu."

 Chapter 152 - Be My Lover?

    Xiu didn''t know whether to be sad or happy about the fact that she spoke the biggest truth of her life and yet, people took it as a joke since Nora ended up slapping her head and saying, "Xiu, you''re supposed to tell us a secret, not a fantasy story."


    "It''s not a fantasy story. I''m serious," insisted Xiu with a straight face. "I really am a different soul in a different body."


    "Let''s assume what you said is indeed true," said Nora and added, "But that means you want us to believe in reincarnation or transmigration. And that''s not possible."


    "Why not?" asked Xiu. "If I say I''m a time traveler, would you be more inclined to believe that?"


    "Yes," answered Dylan as he went on, "Time traveling is scientifically proven in physics. Reincarnation is based on supernatural myths which are not very believable." He took a pause before cautiously adding, "To be honest, you sound crazy right now. Oh, wait for a second, you''re already crazy."


    Nora jutted in, "Even those myths are only believed by kids now."


    Xiu smiled bitterly as she mumbled, "I wish we stayed as kids, at least, magic was believable. Now, even reality seems like a lie to everyone." She shook her head before saying, "Fine. Let''s get serious. My other secret is that I have a very cute superpower where I shut myself up and hate everyone. Including myself."


    "Silly," Nora pushed Xiu''s head with her finger while Xiu laughed it off.


    Xiu looked at everyone and smiled to herself as she thought, ''Well, I said it. It''s your loss that you didn''t believe me at all. It was my responsibility to say it once. At least, I can get some guilt off of my heart now.''


    What Xiu failed to notice between Nora and Dylan''s antics was Darren''s reaction. For a split second, his heart was jolted and if she had said she was Chen Xiu, he really wouldn''t have hesitated in believing in her. He couldn''t even remember how many times he wished to see a miracle. After all, Xiu had already reminded him of Chen Xiu on several occasions. So much so that even he was getting confused in his mind.


    However, all of that was just his own wishful thinking. At least that''s how he had to convince himself.


    In the next round, Xiu lost and her question was, "Ask another player a question," Xiu rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she glanced at the other three. Apparently, her luck had been quite good in this game.


    "Don''t look at me. I''ve already lost too many times," Nora made a cross sign while cowering back.


    Then Xiu''s eyes lingered on Dylan who said, "You already hate me enough. I''m sure you won''t like to add more reasons to your hate list."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him before shifting her gaze toward Darren. "Hi, boyfriend!"


    Darren rubbed the tip of his nose as he said, "Hello to you too, girlfriend!"


    "What''s the craziest pick-up line someone has ever used on you?"


    "Ooh, I''d like to hear that too," Nora eagerly looked at Darren.


    "I can recall a few," said Darren before adding, "But my personal favorite is... ''Do you have a place to stay? If not, my heart is available 24/7.''" Nora spurted out the drink in her mouth and coughed a couple of times. Darren had expected that reaction. "I have an even more interesting one... Umm... ''Grey is your eyes color, just how can it make my heart flutter? Your looks are making me a sucker, would you like to be my lover?''"


    "Oh my goodness!" This time the reaction came from Xiu herself as she stared at Darren with wide eyes.


    "Wait, both of you, he''s not done yet," said Dylan silencing both Xiu and Nora.


    "There is more to that?" asked Xiu and Darren nodded while pressing his lips together to stifle his laughter.


    "She had a lot to say that night as she went on and on with, ''Your skin is like milk butter, why are you leaving my heart on a cutter? Just write down your number, don''t make me suffer. After making my heart stutter, you can''t leave me like any other. You''re making me wonder, can''t you really be my lover?''" The look on Darren''s face was obviously a sign of how much he cherished that memory.


    "You remember it word for word?" asked Xiu in an odd tone.


    "Why wouldn''t he? Both of those pick-up lines were used by the same person within the same night. Daz would never forget that night," said Dylan as he was having the laugh of his life. "Even for someone like him, that was too much."


    "Who was such a bold one? You should have just taken her for actually having the courage to say all that." Nora decided to help her best friend as she knew Xiu also wanted to know who she was.


    "She was posh and yet utterly sloshed," replied Darren. "Apart from that, she was too innocent for me."


    "Innocent? Are you sure? She said so much!" exclaimed Nora as if reminding him.


    "Nah, I''m pretty sure she''s innocent. If she wasn''t drunk, I don''t think she''d have even said a word," said Darren knowingly. "Okay, enough of that. It''s been so many years. Let''s move forward with our game. That little red is definitely not a part of our game."


    Xiu''s head whipped to his side as she looked at him with a complex look. A distant voice rang in her mind, "Little Red, I hope you remember what you''re saying if you forgot this night... I''m so gonna murder you!" Xiu''s brows furrowed together as another scene flashed in her mind, "Little Red, Little Red... Sigh. You really know how to create a mess."


    In her daze, she stared at Darren unknowingly for a long time. At least, until Nora had to shake her back to the present. "Earth to Xiu!" When Xiu turned to her in confusion, Nora went on, "I know your boyfriend is handsome. Don''t rub it in by gawking at him so brazenly."


    "Go to hell!" Xiu pushed her away in annoyance but there was a tinge of red shading her cheeks as well.


    "Aww, honey, don''t worry. I''ll definitely be following your footsteps to hell," was Nora''s playful reply.

 Chapter 153 - Till Death Do Us Part...

    "Till death do us part."


    It sounds like a perfect and most beautiful promise one could ever make to a soulmate. However, don''t they say that soulmates have that kind of love which can live past three lives? Then why do we expect love to end with death? And why do we have to start a new life of marriage with the promise of death?


    "Till death do us part..." is only beautiful to hear. The reality is morbid.


    Why can''t we change that promise to, "and they lived happily ever after." Forever is vague but it represents endless possibilities as well. Endless beautiful possibilities.


    Marriage is not a ring worn on the finger or a sign on a piece of paper. Marriage is a promise in itself. A very intimate promise between two individuals who decide to share the rest of their lives together. Marriage is a responsibility. Its something to be endured and yet savored.


    "I know I''m not the best. But I promise to give us... the best I can. I choose you not just because I love you but because I respect you. You make me braver and kinder every single day and even though we walked through some harsh patches, you still stuck with me. You endured all my fits of tantrums but you didn''t let me go. And I am truly thankful for that. You loved me on days when even I hated myself. I promise to do the same for you. The hurdles in love increased day by day but they didn''t waver me. If anything, I should thank all the people who went against our relationship. Because they made me realize just how much I needed this... Us... You and me, forever and ever. Since you choose me, I''ll cherish this for life. For a hundred lifetime. I love you!"


    Standing with their hands in each other, two pairs of black eyes held so many emotions of disbelief and happiness. They both had tears swimming in their eyes as the bride said her vows. But there was an evident smile playing on their lips as well.


    A round of applause broke their staring and between the laughter and smiles of their friends, the groom leaned to kiss the bride. Petals of baby pink roses fell softly from the ceiling.


    However...


    That moment was short-lived...


    A deafening sound of thunder filled the room as a trigger was pulled not from afar once... twice... the first bullet broke the vase of flowers placed on the stage while the second bullet pierced straight through the bride''s chest.


    The cracking sound had stunned the audience to their places as they looked at a woman holding a gun which still had wisps of smoke coming out of the nuzzle. A trembling hand lifted up to touch her now blood soken gown and her knees buckled. With a ''thud'' when her knees hit the floor, it felt like someone had pressed the play button.


    Waves of laughter from a moment ago were swapped with chaos and screams.


    The perpetrator stood with an unrepentant look on her face as she whispered, "If I don''t deserve his love then he doesn''t deserve you either. Haha!!" The hysterical laughter of madness sounded creepy.


    A pair of honey-brown orbs were marveling over how fascinatingly the scene was played before her on the silver screen. Tears were trickling down incessantly from those big eyes as they stared at the screen without even blinking for a second as if she was scared to miss something.


    Back on the screen, the scene played on...


    The groom kneeled down crying, calling out, "Min, wake up! Keep your eyes open! Someone call the ambulance!"


    "Kai..." Min tried to speak in her frail voice which broke. She coughed a bit before continuing, "Thanks for making my dream come true. Let''s have a grand wedding in the next life." She tried to smile but the tears from her eyes betrayed her feelings and emotions.


    "I promise. I won''t let anything happen to you," Kai scooped her up in his arms as he ran towards the door but Min smiled sadly before closing her eyes in his arms forever. She wanted to spend the rest of her life in those arms, her wish came true since the rest of her life ended in his arms...


    Storytelling has been a part of human life since the very beginning of time. We all have our moments of storytelling. It''s a form of art that has various ways to become a part of our lives. Either as a movie, a drama or just as a book, stories have always revolved around us. Stories are around us everywhere.


    Stories have a way of playing with our emotions. We laugh with characters, we cry with them, we even felt moments of sweet love with them. And just when those characters come alive on a screen, all those emotions are heightened. Somehow those characters manage to create a magical connection with us; we feel their pain, happiness, anguish, and love.


    We get so emotionally attached to those characters that some of us often confuse those stories with reality. In the dark cinema room, after the night had waned, there was someone like that who was emotionally too invested in the character''s pain that had been beautifully portrayed on the silver screen.


    That pair of honey-brown eyes were bloodshot and swollen from all the crying but that teenager still had the will to throw popcorn at the screen while shouting, "Why are you killing Min? I mean, my Sister Xiu doesn''t deserve it? Bring her back! Bring her back, director! I''m so gonna find this writer to murder him! How can you even think about killing such a beautiful person?"


    After the girl was done with the shouting, she sat back and started wailing as if she had really lost someone in real. One could tell from the way she acted how well invested she was through that movie.


    "Student! Stop crying already... It was just a movie and actors playing fictional characters. Sigh. Unfortunately, Chen Xiu is still very much alive."

 Chapter 154 - A Teenager

    Chen Xiu was curling her ginger red hair which she often used as a disguise to blend in with people when her phone''s ringtone made her sigh in annoyance. She didn''t even have to see the caller id to know who was calling.


    As she picked up the call, a stern voice from the other end was heard, "Chen Xiu, where are you? I''ve been looking for you." A tinge of hope and happiness flashed in her eyes but it was diminished the very next moment as she heard her mother continuing, "Are you being rebellious at this age? It''s your movie''s success party tomorrow and you''re missing. What am I supposed to do? Do you want me to lose face as your manager?"


    Xiu turned the call on speaker and continued to languidly curl her hairs. "If only you had said you''re worried about me as my mother. But that''s my wishful thinking as always. I mean you have disappointed me so many times and yet, I''m an idiot who gets her hopes up."


    "Xiu..." Her mother tried to say something but Xiu didn''t give her a chance.


    "Mother, mother, my dearest mother..." Xiu''s voice was laced with sarcasm which she didn''t bother hiding at all. "Don''t worry, even if I''m being rebellious, I won''t tarnish your image. The success party is tomorrow. I''m sure, I have the right to have a day for myself."


    A tired sigh was heard from the other end before Xiu heard the voice again, "At least, inform me about your whereabouts. Where are you?"


    "Don''t ask that, I''ll mistake your words for concern and get my hopes up again," said Xiu with a snicker and picked up the wine glass to take a sip. "I''m alive for now. Alive and kicking!" With that, she hung up the call and switched off her phone. She took another fifteen minutes to create fake freckles on her face and making herself look like a foreigner.


    Wearing a cute pair of spectacles, she walked out of the hotel room not before pouring her wine down her throat and her work phone on the bed. Wandering around the streets aimlessly, she was lost in thoughts. As for what was running through her mind, she had literally no clue about that. There were said to be a million things and yet nothing running through her mind.


    "Theatre Park..." she read the huge sign lit up above the building and stood rooted staring at it for a long time. It was one of the well-reputed cinemas and the movie poster that had her caught her eyes was her own latest movie named, ''In His Arms.''


    Wasting her time for God knows how long, she entered the cinema in the middle of the night and bought the ticket for the last show of the day. As for why she bought the ticket to her own movie, she had a habit of watching herself alone on the silver screen. After all, that was the only place she looked happy.


    Sitting somewhere in the middle of the room, she looked around to find quite a few people even at this time of the night and that too during the middle of the week. Leaning her head against the comfy seat, her attention was mostly on the movie but soon, someone''s sobbing broke her gaze away from the screen.


    In the dimly lit cinema hall, Xiu turned her face sideways to find a girl crying like a baby. "Why are you killing Min? I mean, my Sister Xiu doesn''t deserve it? Bring her back! Bring her back, director! I''m so gonna find this writer to murder him! How can you even think about killing such a beautiful person?" When she heard this shouting from her, Xiu didn''t know why she ended up laughing to herself.


    Even though Xiu couldn''t see her face, she found her adorable. But the wailing sound got louder, she finally spoke up, "Student! Stop crying already... It was just a movie and actors playing fictional characters. Sigh. Unfortunately, Chen Xiu is still very much alive."


    The teenage girl''s head whipped around with a woosh as she glared at Xiu and said, "Elder sister, don''t curse my Sister Xiu. I pray to my mother every single day to take care of Sister Xiu."


    When the lights in the hall lit up again, Xiu finally looked at her face. The teenager had dyed her hair vibrant blue. Her eyes had a dark emo look with blue and black dominating the shades. Her mascara had flowed down her face making her white, almost pale face look a little unsightly. A three-star tattoo design was etched right under her left eye. She was not only wearing a nose ring but also a couple of lip rings as well.


    Black studs in her ears, black choker around her neck and colorful bands around her wrists. She looked like a typical rebellious teenager. When Xiu''s eyes lingered on her face for a long time, she touched her face saying, "Is there something on my face? Why are you staring?"


    Xiu stood up from her chair with a sigh and walked towards her. She stopped beside her seat and touched her head saying, "Kid, I wasn''t cursing your Sister Xiu. Even if I do, it won''t work on her. Anyways, I just wanted you to stop crying over a fictional character''s death. If you got attached so easily to people, they''ll trample on you." Before walking away from her, she stopped to add, "Besides, kiddo, get out in the sun once in a while before you turn into a vampire for real."


    "Huh?" The teenager frowned slightly before her eyes widened in realization. She got up and ran out of the hall to look for Xiu. However, the latter had already vanished. Looking at the couples who were being lovey-dovey in the middle of the road, she scrunched up her nose before saying, "She definitely teased my pale complexion. I was being nice calling her elder sister and she... Hmph! Let me find you once!"


    She wasn''t planning on giving up her search. She was stubborn as well, so how could she take anyone''s comment lying down? She had to have her ending and conclusive words!

 Chapter 155 - Felicity

    Leaving the cinema, Xiu was again on her track of aimless walking. Perhaps, she was really out of sorts and that''s why she didn''t notice someone''s presence behind her. At least, not until someone gripped her arms and pulled her in a dark alley.


    When she was harshly thrown in a corner, she hissed before saying, "Hey, that''s very rude of you." Staring back at the group of four men, she rolled her eyes, "How typical! Not a single one is worth looking." One of the thugs pulled out a pocket knife and Xiu crossed her arms before her chest. "Bro, that''s lame. Besides, even if you''re kidnapping someone, do it nicely. How can you throw me like a sack?"


    The four of them looked at each other in confusion since she had not even a tinge of fear on her face as one of them said, "You''re not our guest. Stop talking so much." Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. She seemed indifferent, mostly because she was half-drunk and the other half of her courage was coming from her trust in her taekwondo skills which she picked up for an action movie.


    Obviously, her half-drunk mind was overestimating her fighting skills. It wasn''t that she was bad. But it was a fact that her body wasn''t coordinated in her drunk state. However, she still trusted herself and cracked her knuckles as she said, "Some people don''t learn until they see the grave."


    When she lifted her fist to punch the guy standing closer to her, another shout got her attention. Her punch landed on the wall behind that guy and she glared at the newcomer who distracted her focus. But her eyes suddenly widened when she saw that teenage girl from earlier holding a steel pipe in her hand running towards her direction.


    For the next five minutes, Xiu only watched wide-eyed while that teenager was having a lot of fun punching, kicking, and swinging her pipe around. She didn''t stop until she saw blood and made those thugs run for their lives.


    "Kiddo, you''re really violent," said Xiu as she looked at those guys running away while wrapping a napkin around her scrapped knuckles. She also noticed how that teenager''s face was slightly rosy now and the smudges of mascara were also wiped clean.


    The teenager flipped her hair and laughed, "I have 5 gold and 4 silver medals in kickboxing. These little street thugs are no match for a professional like me." After bragging about her achievements, she added, "Anyways, who told you to wander around at this time of the night alone? Don''t you know it''s unsafe? You''re old enough to know the rules."


    "Kiddo, although I didn''t need your help, I still should thank you," Xiu cupped her fist in her other palm to show her gratitude and added, "So, what should I call you?"


    "My last name''s Bai," said the teenager looking Xiu and reciprocating her actions by cupping her own fist.


    "Bai... So, I can call you Xiao Bai?" asked Xiu as they both trudged their way out of the dark and lonely alley. Xiao Bai shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she agreed. Xiu placed her hand over her shoulder and said, "Since you helped me even when I didn''t ask for it, let me treat you to something."


    A few minutes later, Xiu entered a western bar and restaurant with Xiao Bai and took a seat at a table. Ordering some hard liquor for herself, she added, "You can bring a smoothie and burger fries for her. Whatever kids like her like these days." She pointed at Xiao Bai making the latter gape at her in disbelief.


    "Elder sister, you can''t call me a kid. I''m old enough to drink as well," Xiao Bai sounded like any other teenager who wanted to show how mature he was but still failed miserably.


    "Xiao Bai, just because you''re wearing make-up, it doesn''t mean you can fool my eyes. I''ve been playing with this stuff since I was a kid, that''s why I can see your real age behind this mask of make-up." Xiu''s words instantly shut her up. "Besides, why are you in a hurry to grow up? Cherish this time while it lasts."


    Xiao Bai lowered her eyes slightly and said, "I want to grow up to become an awesome person like my mother. If I turn into my mother or even half a woman she was, I''ll consider my life goal to be achieved. I''ll feel accomplished. I wish the year ends soon so that I can turn 18 sooner."


    "I wish the life ends soon enough..." said Xiu with a sigh and when Xiao Bai looked at her, she shook her head. ''If I ever picked up even one percent of my mother''s habits, I''ll certainly be a failure in life.'' Xiu wondered to herself before her brows scrunched up slightly at a realization, "Was? Your mother is..." she didn''t complete her sentence.


    But Xiao Bai completed it for her, "My mother is no more. She died a couple of months ago."


    "Ohh... I''m sorry to hear that," said Xiu with sincerity.


    Xiao Bai stayed quiet when their order was served. She took a while to sort out her emotions before saying, "It''s really alright. She spent a long time fighting for life. I''m glad that her suffering is over. Besides, now that she has gone to heaven, I can ask her to directly tell my wishes to God." Xiu looked heavenward as she thought, ''Does He really listen? Because I''m still waiting for some answers.'' Her thoughts were broken when Xiao Bai asked, "Elder sister, what''s your name?"


    Xiu looked around before tucking her hair behind her ear and saying, "You can call me Felicity." Xiao Bai looked straight and square at Xiu''s face for a long moment. She was Chen Xiu''s die-hard fan, how would she not know that Chen Xiu''s English name was Felicity Chen? Xiu''s face might be disguised by her make-up skills but her eyes had already seemed familiar to Xiao Bai.


    Xiu poured herself a drink from the whiskey bottle and said, "It''s an irony that Felicity is my name and that''s the only thing missing from my life." She gulped down the bitter drink in one go and made a face before saying, "Let''s not dwell on the things that we don''t have. It''s ''whiskey Wednesday''. We can''t waste it on useless talking."


    "Whiskey Wednesday?" Xiao Bai looked at Xiu with a huge smile.


    "Yup!" said Xiu while popping the ''p'' unnecessarily and adding, "I''ve survived through Mixed-Drink Moonshine Monday and Trashy, Tipsy Tuesday. Today is Whiskey Wednesday, also known as Wasted whacked-out Wednesday but we should be a little posh with words."


    Xiao Bai laughed out without any restraint as she listened to Xiu babbling all her ridiculous nonsense without any filter on her mouth. She was getting zonked and it showed very obviously!

 Chapter 156 - Daring Xiu

    "And if we are really being posh with words, then what will the weekdays become?" asked Xiao Bai in curiosity.


    "Oh, then it''ll be Margarita Monday and Tequilla Tuesday," replied Xiu without even thinking.


    "What about Thursday?"


    "Thursday is Thirsty. It had always been thirsty," said Xiu and went on, "Friday is Fearless and Sloshed is Saturday. And that''s how we survive the week."


    Xiao Bai pressed her lips together before saying, "You left Sunday out."


    "Hun, you need to look up the definition of sloshed. If you''re sloshed on Saturday, there is no way you''ll wake up on Sunday. So, Sunday is called Sleepy but it can be slurring Sunday if anyone really managed to wake up."


    Xiao Bai laughed again at her and said, "Older Sister, you''re really funny."


    Xiu knocked her head against the table and said, "Funny? I should be called reckless and an idiot. How can I even say all this to a teenager? I''m really a bad influence." She tried to look at Xiao Bai through her blurry vision and went on, "Xiao Bai, be good and don''t pay attention to this Unnie[1]."


    Before Xiao Bai could say anything, her cellphone''s ringtone made her swallow her words. She looked at the caller id and excused herself. "Hello!" she answered the call in a soft voice.


    "Baby Xiu, where did you run off to? When we got home, you weren''t here. It''s 3 in the morning and mom and dad are worried about you," Nora''s concerned voice didn''t give Xiao Bai a.k.a Bai Xiu any chance to speak.


    And when she finally found a chance, she answered with, "Relax, Nora darling. You can tell my uncle and aunt that I''ll stay at the school dorms tonight. Besides, I''m not a child who will get lost."


    "I''m not worried that you''ll get lost. I''m worried because of your changing behavior. Since the time your mother died, you''ve been changing into a person I can hardly recognize," said Nora.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t get into any trouble. I promise. Now, I gotta go. Bye!" Saying that Bai Xiu hung up the call and walked back to their table.


    However, while she was passing behind Chen Xiu, her eyes caught sight of an incoming call on Chen Xiu''s phone. She wouldn''t have taken interest but the picture flashing on the screen was very familiar to her. ''Han Bohai? Sister Xiu''s assistant?'' Her brows raised up instinctively.


    "Older sister, you seem a little bit reckless but I don''t think you''re moxie." Xiao Bai said in all honesty as she settled in her chair to finish her meal and sipped on her smoothie.


    "You think, I don''t have the spunk?" Xiu exclaimed in disbelief and added, "Okay, sober Xiu has no chills, I agree. But drunk Xiu is spunky. I have all the balls... Cough... I mean, I have all the guts needed for an adventure. Do you wanna try?"


    ''Sober Xiu? Drunk Xiu? Sounds very familiar...'' Bai Xiu scrutinized her gaze at Xiu''s face and tried to mentally put together Chen Xiu''s picture with the face which was right before her. When the mental image really matched, she didn''t freak out like fans. She was very calm but the smile on her face couldn''t be any more obvious. "Older sister, do you have a boyfriend?"


    Xiu rubbed her eyes and turned the screen of her personal phone upside down before saying, "Boyfriend? Define boyfriend. Because I''m pretty sure my dating vocabulary is worse than yours." Her words were slurred, her eyes were dazed while her head was swinging from one side to another. But there was no way that she was gonna stop drinking.


    "I''ll take that as a no. And since you look like a very safe kind of a person, I want you to come out of your shell. Just for one night," said Bai Xiu with a mischievous glint in her eyes.


    "My shell?" Xiu raked her fingers through her ginger red hair and said, "I am a loner. I have no friends. I have no lover. I spend my days alone drinking. I guess that''s the shell you''re talking about." Bai Xiu nodded her head in response and Xiu sighed out, "Does it show? Is my shell so obvious now?"


    "I''m not sure whether it shows or not, but I''m pretty sure that sounded like a narration of every doc.u.mentary made on serial killers." Hearing Bai Xiu''s words, Xiu couldn''t find words to refute. She had to accept that she sounded like that.


    "Okay, then!" Xiu slammed her hands on the table and said, "It''s coming out of my shell, right? It can''t be as difficult as people coming out of the closet. I think I can do that."


    "Alright," said Bai Xiu and looked around the bar. It took her a moment before she said, "How about flirting with the next man who enters through that door?"


    Xiu followed her finger to look at the main door and slapped her cheeks to keep herself awake as she gave him a thumbs up in reply. "Now, all I need is a catchy pick-up line," Xiu whispered to herself.


    "Here we go," announced Bai Xiu and Xiu herself also looked at the man in a green leather jacket that just walked through the door. He stood there waiting for someone and only walked ahead when another man joined him.


    Xiu, using her fingers, kept her eyes open and asked for confirmation, "I have to hit on that green jacket one, right?" When she didn''t hear a reply from Bai Xiu, she looked at her. Even though her vision was dizzy, she could tell that something was off. "Should I not hit on that one?" Xiu asked cautiously.


    Bai Xiu was jolted awake as she tried to smile and said, "It seems like destiny. You should do it since you said you''ll do it."


    Xiu picked up a bottle of water and gulped it down for her parched throat. Feeling her brain activity coming back, she stood up and said, "Wish me luck. I''m gonna embarrass myself for sure but hopefully, it won''t be that bad."


    [1] "Unni": In Korea when females address each other Older sister, they say ''Unnie''.

 Chapter 157 - Orange

    Watching Xiu walking in circles for five whole minutes, Bai Xiu was feeling dizzy. As for Xiu, she finally managed to wake her sleeping brain slightly. "Wait, now that my brain is functioning again, I just realized something." Bai Xiu looked at her inquisitively while Xiu elaborated, "This is not who I am. I''ve never flirted with anyone in my life."


    "Isn''t that the whole point of tonight?" asked Bai Xiu.


    "What do you mean?"


    "You''ve been ignoring someone''s call for a while now. That means older sister, you''re running from something like me. And my opinion is that... You''re actually trying to avoid facing the person who you really are." She took an unnecessary pause before adding, "Honestly, there is nothing wrong in being wild once in a while."


    Xiu didn''t find anything wrong with her words which made her even more confused since she hadn''t met the girl for too long. "I should just stop thinking," said Xiu to herself and pocketed her phone before walking in the direction of her target.


    However, when she came close to her said target''s prior location, she realized that he was missing. She scrunched up her face in confusion and looked at the only person who sat at that table with her ''target''.


    "Hey, orange! Where is the green bean?"


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her as he tried to contemplate her words. He looked around to see whether she was really addressing him or not. Xiu rolled her eyes and said, "I am talking to you. Who else looks like an orange here?"


    Dylan gaped at her before saying, "Orange? From which angle do I look like an orange?"


    "You''re wearing an orange knitted sweater and even your shoe match," she took a moment to look him up and down before adding, "Besides, your face is also like orange."


    Dylan stood up from his chair and gritted through his teeth, "Miss, are you looking for a fight here?"


    Since he stood up, Xiu sat down on the chair beside his and rubbed her temples saying, "Not looking for a fight. I just told you orange that I''m looking for that green bean."


    "Who is the green bean?" asked Dylan with his clenched fists.


    Forgetting all about manners or stuff, Xiu took roasted chestnuts from the table and started munching on them. "That guy in a green jacket who was here with you. I''m looking for him."


    Dylan''s face tilted to a side as realization dawned on him. "Ohhh..." he languidly took back his seat and crossed his one leg over the other. "You''re looking for my best friend? Interesting."


    "Slow-poke, if you finally understood, let me know where he is," urged Xiu again impatiently.


    "He went to the restroom," answered Dylan with amus.e.m.e.nt dancing in his eyes.


    "Got it," Xiu stood up to walk towards the restroom. Dylan''s brows were raised when she silently went in the direction of the restroom. He wanted to remind her that his best friend would be in ''Men''s restroom'' but considering how she called him ''orange'', he decided against it.


    "Some embarrassment might do her some good," was his personal opinion and he was actually very pleased with that too.


    On the other hand, Xiu was gonna enter Men''s restroom without thinking but luckily, her ringtone stopped her right when her hand touched the handle of the door. With an exasperated sigh, she picked up the call and almost shouted, "Han Bohai, if you didn''t stop calling, I''ll turn this phone off as well."


    "Sister Xiu, at least let me know that you''re safe and you''re being responsible," asked her assistant in a concerned voice.


    "Xiao Han, I''m Chen Xiu. Of course, I''m responsible," replied Xiu.


    "So you aren''t drinking?" he asked uncertainly.


    Xiu snorted in reply, "Nice joke."


    He sighed out, "If you''re drinking then you''re definitely not being responsible."


    "My drinking has nothing to do with being responsible. Besides, I''m in complete disguise right now which means even you won''t recognize me if you''re here. And that means if I won''t have any embarrassing photos, your job will be saved. Isn''t that me being responsible? I''m even being thoughtful for your sake." He wanted to remind her that her health was her top responsibility but she didn''t give him a chance as she added, "Now, stop talking. When I''ll feel like coming back to my cage, I''ll let you know."


    After talking to Han Bohai for a good few minutes, Xiu finally noticed that she was standing before Men''s restroom. Her face twisted when she thought of Dylan.


    Marching back to Dylan''s table, she knocked on his head with her fist from behind making Dylan spew out his drink. "What the hell? Have you lost your mind?" he exclaimed at her while taking a napkin to wipe his face and sweater.


    "Orange, you actually dared to play a joke on me?"


    "When did I?" retorted Dylan before adding, "It''s common sense that if you''re a girl, you can''t enter a men''s lavatory. Was I supposed to remind you even that common sense?" He had a smile on his lips as if provoking her on purpose.


    "Oh, my goodness! I just realized..." she leaned close to his face making him lean backward as she said, "There are seven billion people in the world, and yet I found your smile the worst."


    Using his finger, he touched her forehead and pushed her back saying, "Haha... It wasn''t funny at all."


    "With a face like yours, bro you don''t need another joke in life," said Xiu as she sat down without asking him yet again.


    "Did you just insult my looks?" asked Dylan glaring at her hatefully.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and picked up an unopened can of beer. As she opened the can and took a sip, she noticed Dylan''s weird gaze and said, "Relax, I''ll pay for the drink. As for your looks... I don''t have to insult. After all, your face is enough to mock you every morning. Tsk. Tsk. So, tell me whenever you look in the mirror, is it a tragic show or a comedy show?"


    Dylan was at his wit''s end now. He took deep calming breaths before opening his mouth to say, "Gosh! How I wish I could punch you!"


    "Why don''t you?" asked Xiu.


    "Because you''re a girl and I can''t touch you," replied Dylan without thinking at all. "Besides, my mom says that I can''t treat the people in the same way that they treat me. It''s degrading for myself and I have values. And I very much value my values. Apart from that, you''re pretty drunk and I''m not as petty to hold your insults against you while you''re not even in your right mind..."


    While Dylan was talking on and on, Xiu had lost him long ago since her attention was on the beer cans before her. How much she had drunk in the last twelve hours, only she knew. It was like she was scared of being sober as if she''d have to face something she didn''t want to.

 Chapter 158 - Would You Like to Check-In?

    "Do you have a death wish?" Xiu looked up or at least, tried to look at Dylan as he went on, "Why are you drinking so much?"


    He tried to snatch the drink from her hand and she resisted. "What does that have to do with you? We don''t even know each other. Don''t hold my drink hostage!"


    Dylan''s face twitched uncontrollably. "Missy, there is a thing called compassion. Although I lack that a lot, I still find it my responsibility to remind you that this is not good for health."


    Xiu was about to drop a comeback when a voice from behind halted her movements.


    "Didi, what''s going on here?"


    Xiu''s eyes sparkled as if a fire had lit up inside them. His voice reminded her of whiskey. It was velvety smooth and yet it had that touch of a slow burn. But this was the kind of burn that awakened her soul.


    "Great! Your green bean is back," said Dylan and Xiu turned around to face him.


    "Green bean?" asked Darren in confusion as he looked at Dylan and then his eyes fell on Xiu. "And who is she?"


    Dylan raised his hands, shrugged his shoulders and casually replied, "I have no idea. But she''s looking for you." And then he fell back on the couch since he felt like his job was done. It wasn''t like Xiu was there to look for him and from the starstruck look on Xiu''s face, he could tell that she won''t look at him again.


    Darren raised his brows at Dylan''s response and walked close to Xiu as he asked doubtfully, "You''re looking for me?" The more Xiu heard his voice, the more she felt that euphoric bliss bubbling inside of her. In her daze, she bobbed her head up and down. Getting that nod of affirmation, he added, "O-kay. How can I help you?"


    Xiu took a step towards him with a fascinated look on her face and Darren took a step back on instinct. They continued until Darren''s back hit the wall behind him. "What are you doing?" he finally managed to question.


    "Honestly, green bean doesn''t do you justice. I have never seen such beautiful eyes from such close distance." Her eyes bore into his as if to search for his soul as she continued, "Fascinating. Or perhaps, I should say spellbinding. Because I certainly feel spellbound now."


    Darren''s brows were raised as he felt awkward being pressed against the wall by a girl. It was a first for him and the way she was looking at him was making it hard for him to stay calm as well.


    Xiu''s hand lifted up as if to touch his face but her other hand slapped her own hand as she rebuked it with, "Don''t get unruly." Darren''s lips lifted up as she continued, "Sorry about that. I think my hands have some improper ideas. But I don''t. I am a very decent person." Leaning close to him, she smiled up at him and added, "By the way, I was wondering... Do you have a place to stay? If not, my heart is available 24/7."


    "Cough! Cough!"


    That cough came from Dylan who chocked on the peanuts he had yet to swallow. Xiu gave him a sideway threatening look before looking back at Darren with a smile and went on, "It''s even free of charge. Would you like to check-in?"


    Darren stifled his laughter and said, "Hmmm. That offer sounds really enticing."


    "I know, right?" She placed her hand at the wall behind him and said, "Sorry for staring but the fault lies with your eyes. They are seducing me on purpose. I''m innocent."


    "Really?" asked Darren and Xiu nodded her head innocently. "Should I close my eyes?"


    "No, don''t!" said Xiu hastily. "There is no need for that. I''m very willing to drown in these grey orbs."


    "Huh?"


    "Grey is your eyes color, just how can it make my heart flutter? Your looks are making me a sucker, would you like to be my lover? Your skin is like milk butter, why are you leaving my heart on a cutter? Just write down your number, don''t make me suffer. After making my heart stutter, you can''t leave me like any other. You''re making me wonder, can''t you really be my lover?" As Xiu went on and on, both Darren and Dylan had a look of disbelief palpable on their faces.


    "Wow! This is the most unique way of flirting I have ever seen," said Dylan.


    "You''re really hitting on me, Red?" asked Darren staring back at her.


    "Isn''t that obvious?" was Xiu''s response. "How much more obvious should I be?"


    Darren stayed quiet for a minute before he held her shoulders and swapped their positions. Now, Xiu was pressed against the wall while Darren looked at her with mirth flashing in his eyes. "You don''t have to be more obvious for me to know that you''re new to this. But for a first-timer, you''re doing pretty fine."


    "Really?" She smiled as if she accomplished something huge. "That was a compliment, right?"


    "Mhmm..." His face leaned down as he whispered close to her ear, "You just need a little practice. Would you like me to teach you?" Xiu felt a euphoria resonating inside of her with his voice. And since her heartbeat was slow and as her breathing was uneven, she blamed it all on him.


    "A person should always be willing to learn something new. Because knowledge can''t do any harm to us," said Xiu.


    Darren played with a lock of her hair as he mumbled, "Aiya, little Red, you don''t even know what you''re saying. But if you''re willing then..." His one hand wrapped around her waist while his eyes went down to stare at her lips before meeting her gaze again. He bit his bottom lip and said, "Little Red... I''ve found heaven in your eyes, now I''m curious what it tastes like."


    Xiu was so engrossed in the texture of his voice that context didn''t matter to her at all. All she saw was the way his perfectly shaped lips moved as he spoke. She even saw him moving closer. His lips, only inches away from hers stopped as he lifted his eyes to look at her as if asking for her permission.


    But he didn''t need it since Xiu pushed herself towards him as she threw her safe-self out the window of caution. If she was meant to be reckless tonight, she was gonna be exactly that!

 Chapter 159 - Explore That Body Of Yours

    With her eyes closed, Xiu felt the world stop. As if the background noises vanished into oblivion and the only sound she could hear was her own heartbeat and the sound of his breathing. Adding on the presence of his hands on her waist and his lips on hers, Xiu''s world was set ablaze. Oddly, she was the person who was happy seeing her world burning down.


    The butterflies in her stomach when he nibbled on her lips were real. It wasn''t just a fantasy for her, she actually felt what it meant to have butterflies wreaking havoc in one''s stomach. That tingly sensation was traveling from the tip of her toes to the nerves of her brain. It felt too good to be real.


    When his tongue grazed her lips, she felt like the earth was melting away while he left his signature on her soul. Call it sweet pleasure or sweet assault of his lips but whatever it was, it managed to flip her world and her beliefs. Even her drunken stupor couldn''t stop her brain and her soul from registering his presence.


    From the lack of oxygen in her system, she felt dizzy and tapped his shoulders. Darren pulled away from her and Xiu panted like the oxygen-deprived person that she was feeling like. Noticing how he stood calm and collected while she looked like a mess, she said, "I''m feeling dizzy from this kiss and that''s a first for me."


    Darren rubbed his bottom lip as he said with a smirk, "Well, heaven does tastes like heaven. I couldn''t help myself."


    "Smooth, Mr. Playboy! Very smooth," came Dylan''s voice who was enjoying the show from his seat while munching on snacks.


    "Shut up, Didi!" warned Darren with a stern look.


    "What did I do?" Dylan retorted while shrugging his shoulders.


    "Stay out of it," said Darren emphasizing his words. Dylan got the hint and zipped his lips like an obedient kid.


    Xiu held Darren''s collar and said, "This was my first official offscreen kiss and I''m such a loser that I find it special." Darren''s brows raised slightly while she continued, "But damn, you''re irresistible and I have to give that you. I don''t even mind being a loser. Let''s continue from where we left off."


    She tried to kiss him again but he evaded as he said, "You''re drunk. No, let me rephrase that. You are wasted! Otherwise, you wouldn''t be saying all that."


    Xiu pouted like a child who wasn''t given candy and said, "But this has nothing to do with me being drunk. Trust me. It''s your fault that my innocent mind is wandering off to some very indecent scenarios." She lowered her voice and went on, "And it involves your lips on mine and my hands doing some serious exploration. I never thought I wanted to be an explorer. But now..." she eyed him like a predator and continued, "I really want to explore that body of yours."


    "F.u.c.k! You did not just say that." Darren had an appalling look on his face. "Little Red, you''re so gonna regret these words."


    "Oh, I ordered my brain to stop thinking before I walked in this direction," replied Xiu with a huge grin and tugged at his jacket saying, "Let me continue. The thought of kissing you is stuck in my head."


    Xiu''s eyes looked at him earnestly while he looked back curiously. Both of them held some intense and unspeakable emotions and none of them was ready to look away.


    "Pfft!" Dylan''s laughter broke their intense gaze again. When Darren looked at him with an annoyed look, he said, "I''m sorry. I couldn''t help it. I just think you both suit each other with your smooth way of sailing through flirting borders. Riding on flames of intimacy, you both are way too casual about it. I''m feeling cringy from just listening."


    "Who is he really?" The question came from Xiu and she had asked it from Darren while the person in question was Dylan.


    "He''s my best friend," replied Darren in an irritated tone.


    Dylan stood up and fixed his shirt before extending his hand towards her and saying, "Hi, I''m Qiu Hedi. It''s really nice to meet someone like you who can match my best friend''s pace."


    Xiu eyed his hand for a long while before looking at Darren and asking, "Can I throw him out of here?"


    "Hey! I''m not a thing that you''d throw away," said Dylan.


    "Orange, I told you I don''t like your smile. I think you didn''t get the hint that I don''t like you as a whole."


    "Dazi, she''s insulting me. Say something," Dylan could only childishly look at his best friend for help since Xiu had already K.O''ed him earlier in the words battle.


    Darren felt like he was cornered. Honestly speaking, he didn''t want to say anything to Xiu. But Dylan was his best friend. Or more like a brother. What was he supposed to do?


    He held Xiu''s wrist and started, "Little Red..."


    Xiu raised her hand to stop him from continuing as she said, "Don''t bother saying anything else. Your voice was enough to distract me. Woah, I just realized that you are my worst distraction. You can definitely become my downfall. My rhythm and blues."


    Darren rubbed a hand over his face and said, "And I just realized that you have a lot to say."


    "That I do," agreed Xiu without hesitation. Suddenly, feeling a rush of vertigo, she held Darren''s arm to support her body. A sharp pain pierced through her brain. She felt numbness and tingling sensations in her hands and feet.


    "Little Red, you okay?" asked Darren as he noticed her eyes rolling upward.


    "I was just wondering how she''s able to stand with that much alcohol in her system," said Dylan from the side but shut his mouth when Darren looked at him.


    Her hands felt clammy to him and his brows furrowed, he touched her skin and was surprised to find that she was ice-cold. Darren shook her shoulder and Xiu tried to speak, "I''m-I''m okay." Her speech was not just slurred this time, it was uncoordinated. As if her body wasn''t responsive.


    From not far away, Bai Xiu ran up in their direction and touched Xiu''s wrist, "Older sister! Older sister, try to stay awake." But her voice fell on a deaf ear. In a panic, Bai Xiu looked at Darren and said, "Call an ambulance. Her life is in danger."


    Both Darren and Dylan were alarmed as they listened to her.

 Chapter 160 - Youd Forget Me?

    -An City Hospital-


    Outside the emergency room, Darren and Bai Xiu were pacing around while Dylan had gone to deal with the paperwork. While Darren''s eyes were stuck on the closed door of the emergency room, Bai Xiu''s eyes were observing him.


    Biting his nails in anxiousness, he mumbled, "What really happened?"


    "Alcohol overdose," came the reply from Bai Xiu. Darren lifted his eyes to look at her inquisitively and she elaborated, "Uneven breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, low body temperature and inability to wake up... All these are the symptoms of alcohol overdose."


    Darren''s eyes went wide as he understood the situation. He was having difficulty accepting the fact as he said, "My goodness, this superstar is even more reckless than I originally thought."


    One corner of Bai Xiu''s lips lifted upward slightly as she said, "You know who she is. Is that why you kissed her?" Darren stayed quiet in response giving a silent affirmation and she went on, "You heard her talking over the phone, right? But since you don''t look shocked, can I assume that this is not your first meeting?"


    Darren took a long breath as he sat down on the bench and said, "Technically, this was my third encounter with her. Four months ago, when I came to spend my summer vacations with Dylan, I had literally no clue who Chen Xiu is. But from the time she ran into my life, I feel like all I hear is her name. It''s hard not to get curious when you hear so much about a person."


    "It''s harder to avoid curiosity if the said person has a reputation like Goddess Xiu." Darren looked at her while she went on, "She has that comfortable aura around her that makes people want to get close to her. It''s hard to find someone like her unattractive. And that makes it even weirder that a person like her is actually a loner."


    "A loner? Are you sure about that? She must have a lot of friends," said Darren.


    Bai Xiu shook her head at him as she answered, "If she had friends, she wouldn''t bring along a stranger like me to accompany her to the bar. I guess drinking solo would have looked more pathetic, so she chose to cover it up by offering me a meal." Taking a brief pause, she snorted to herself, "I guess being a nice and innocent girl really makes you an outcast." Intertwining the fingers of her both hands, she closed her eyes and prayed softly, "Dear God, please take care of Sister Xiu. Give her enough strength to fight. Amen!"


    "You''re one of her crazy fans?" he asked out of curiosity.


    Bai Xiu narrowed her eyes at him and replied, "I''m her crazy fan but apart from that, I truly want nothing but happiness for Goddess Xiu."


    "She''s not a real Goddess. If she was, she wouldn''t need your prayers," said Darren.


    Bai Xiu was about to retort but held herself back when the doctor came out of the room. The doctor looked at Darren and Bai Xiu before his eyes caught sight of Dylan walking in their direction. When the three of them were together, the doctor said, "Qiu Hedi, would you mind telling me who the patient is?"


    Dylan looked at Darren and said, "Umm... Uncle, it''s my best friend''s girlfriend. You need to take good care of her."


    The doctor looked at Darren with a strange gaze before speaking, "I''d say your best friend needs to take care of his girlfriend. How can you let her abuse the use of alcohol?"


    Darren was gonna say something but Dylan held his hand and looked at him with pleading eyes to not reveal the real truth. If his parents got to know about it, Dylan knew he''d be dead meat. So, he had to make up the story as he said, "Uncle, actually, they broke up this morning. I''m sure she must have been really upset and that''s why she drank so much. Why don''t you tell us her condition?"


    The doctor calmed down a little before he said, "Follow me to my office."


    The three of them exchanged glances before following the doctor back to his office. As they sat down, the doctor turned on his computer screen and turned it towards them saying, "On Dylan''s insistence, I did some other tests and during the M.R.I. we have found this..." he pointed at scans and continued, "The patient''s frontal lobe has some damage."


    "Frontal lobe?" asked Bai Xiu.


    "Yes, the frontal lobe is responsible for emotional control, short-term memory, judgments, and other vital roles," the three of them looked intently at him as he continued, "There are two possible reasons for the damage. Either she had an injury or the excessive use of alcohol. And I''m inclined to believe the latter."


    "Uncle, you mean that her condition is serious?" asked Dylan looking rather anxious and restless.


    "For now, she is fine. Except for having blackouts and memory gaps, I don''t think she''s experiencing any other side-effect. But yes, her condition can get serious if she didn''t stop drinking," said the doctor in a professional tone.


    "Will she remember what happened tonight?" asked Dylan again.


    "Most probably, not. Also..."


    The doctor was about to continue when he heard a knock at the door and a nurse entered with a file, "Doctor, these are the blood tests that you asked for."


    The doctor took the file from her hand and looked at Darren as he said, "I''ll suggest you pay some attention to her if you don''t want to lose her. She is not awake but you can see her."


    Both Bai Xiu and Dylan instinctively looked at Darren and he hesitated a little before going to the ward Xiu was shifted to. Seeing her all pale and frail on the hospital bed, he felt weird. He walked up to her side and touched her hair. "The doctor said you''d forget me and I really don''t like the sound of that. Little Red, I have enough people in my life who forgot my existence. So, don''t you dare to be one of them!" His thumb rubbed her cheek as he went on, "Little Red, I hope you remember what you''re saying if you forgot this night... I''m so gonna murder you!"


    "Daz, we gotta leave now," came Dylan''s voice from the door and Darren nodded his head in understanding.


    Taking a piece of paper, he scribbled something on it and passed it to Bai Xiu saying, "Can you give this to her when she wakes up?" Bai Xiu took the folded paper from his hand and nodded. "Take care of her."

 Chapter 161 - Destiny Novell

    While Darren was leaving the hospital with Dylan, the latter''s curiosity got the best of him as he asked, "Dazi, are you really worried about this girl? I have never seen you get this concerned about some random girl. Are you really attracted to her?"


    "What if I am? What''s wrong with that?" asked Darren raising his brows in question. "It''s in human nature to get attracted to things that shine peculiarly and beautifully."


    "Nothing is wrong as such. It''s just... she seems like a troubled person," replied Dylan nonchalantly. "Also, you heard what Uncle said about her. She''s in severe need of medical attention."


    "Or she just needs attention," said Darren knowingly.


    "Whatever it is. She''s not suited for you..." was Dylan''s weak remark.


    Darren stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "What if I''m interested in your Goddess Xiu? Is she suited for me?"


    Dylan almost tripped over when he heard Darren''s words. "You''re kidding, right?" He laughed awkwardly but seeing how Darren''s expression didn''t change, he cursed under his breath, "Shikes!" before saying, "Bro, I love you but you can''t. Not her. My Goddess Xiu is off-limits."


    "Why?" questioned Darren seeing Dylan''s defensive stance.


    "The question is not that she''s suited for you or not, the question is whether you''re suited for her or not? And the answer is... N.O. NO!" Dylan almost screamed at his face and turned his face away with a hmph!


    "Again, why not?" was Darren''s question. He seemed too calm compared to his aggressive best friend. Dylan wasn''t in the mood to stay calm. He just couldn''t do so!


    "Daz, your dating history isn''t something to be proud of. No matter how much I love you, I don''t want my Goddess Xiu to end up as just one of your girlfriends." Dylan was adamant about his decision. He had too much respect and admiration in his heart for Xiu. Poor guy wasn''t even told till the end that the girl he just called ''troubled'' was, in fact, his Goddess Xiu herself.


    If only he knew that he was meant to be a mortal enemy for his Goddess Xiu for the rest of his life. Because even in the future, seeing Xiu and Dylan together would be a recipe for disaster and nothing else.


    Darren observed Dylan''s expressions for a long moment before saying, "Didi, why can''t you be positive? Perhaps, she won''t be one of my girlfriends. Instead, she could be THE ONE."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at his best friend with suspicion dripping from his eyes. After a long battle of stares when Darren didn''t back out, Dylan sighed in defeat and said, "Fine. But you have to promise me that you won''t hurt her."


    "Didi, I can promise that but... I have never seen you getting this possessive even for your own girlfriend. Qiuqiu would get jealous if she knew." With furrowed brows, he asked, "Don''t tell me you like her?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous," was Dylan''s offhanded response.


    If there was anyone else in Darren''s position that person would have never bought Dylan''s words but Darren did. Only because he believed in his best friend. They were about to board in their car when...


    "Wait! Mr. Salvay!"


    Hearing someone call for him from behind, Darren stopped and turned around to find Bai Xiu running towards him. She stopped just a few steps away from him and with her hands on her knees, she panted. Fixing her vibrant blue-dyed hair, she touched her lip ring and said, "You said she''s not a Goddess." Darren frowned at her words while she smiled and said, "I don''t agree with you. For me, Chen Xiu is and will be a real Goddess. People call her kindness as her pretentious image but only a person like me who had been at the receiving end of her kindness knows how beautiful her soul is."


    "What are you trying to say?" asked Darren in curiosity.


    Bai Xiu''s smile brightened as she rubbed the tip of her nose and added, "Today, I stand before you only because of her act of kindness. I don''t think a human heart could be like hers. If you slap a person they''d always return it with a slap. I''m one of those people myself. She isn''t. Her heart is too good for this world and only today I realized, how lonely that heart really is."


    Even though she didn''t elaborate on what kindness she spoke of but Darren could tell that it was something really important. And the sincerity in Bai Xiu''s words had stunned him. He had heard a lot about Chen Xiu in the past four months but he wasn''t willing to believe that she was really as good as she tried to be. However, for some reason, he wanted to believe Bai Xiu''s words. That teenager whose emo look gave an impression of rebellion actually made him want to rethink.


    "Why are you telling me this?" he asked.


    "I don''t know. My heart said you needed to hear this," replied Bai Xiu. Extending her hand towards him, she said, "It''s nice to meet you, Mr. Salvay. I''m Destiny. Destiny Novell. Hope you remember this name." She didn''t know why but on instinct, she had introduced herself using her real name. Destiny Novell, the name she was given at birth. She didn''t introduce herself as Bai Xiu since she believed it to be a fake name that her mother gave her after bringing her all the way to China.


    "I will," said Darren as he shook her hand which had a temporary butterfly tattoo on it. "I don''t think I can even if I want to. Your dialect is peculiar."


    Bai Xiu pursed her lips before saying, "Just say it sounds weird. I''ve been here for over five years and yet, my dialect is the worst. Even my Latin best friend sounds better than me. But my Italian touch doesn''t leave my tongue. So, my mandarin sounds funny."


    He laughed a little at her rambling before saying goodbye to her. Bai Xiu stood there to watch them leave before she went back inside the hospital. None of them knew how destiny had played them that night. It was a connection they all shared but in the fast pace of life, all of them forgot this connection that they once shared.

 Chapter 162 - Hot Drunken Mistake

    -The Next Morning-


    When Xiu opened eyes at the break of dawn, she wasn''t very surprised to find herself in a hospital room. Even though the stench of disinfectants was quite repressed by the air purifiers in the VIP room, her half-awake mind could still register her location. Instead of finding it surprising, she found it quite funny that lately whenever she closed her eyes, she always ended up in a hospital. As she sat up, she took off the needle from her hand and looked around.


    That''s when her eyes fell on Bai Xiu sleeping on the couch in an awkward posture. Xiu went to her side and covered her with a blanket before looking for her cellphone. Her assistant''s number was on speed dial so it didn''t take her long to make the call.


    "Sister Xiu, finally you''re contacting me. Please tell me you''re alright," came Han Bohai''s anxious voice.


    Looking at the sunrise through the balcony in her room, she said, "Xiao Han, keep quiet and listen carefully. Take the next flight to An City and I''ll send you my exact location later."


    "You''re in An City? Sister Xiu, why couldn''t you just stay in the Capital?"


    "Because I didn''t want to stay under the radar of my mother," was her indifferent reply before she added, "Don''t forget to eat before leaving. We have a crazy day ahead of us. Now, I''m hanging up."


    Following the phone call, she was staring at the birds in the sky when the door of the room was pushed open. Xiu turned her head to see a doctor in a white coat walking inside with a nurse in tow. Seeing Xiu awake, the doctor looked at his file and asked, "How are you feeling now, Ms. Chen?"


    "Alive," replied Xiu with a straight face.


    "How much do you remember from last night?" He asked further.


    "I went to the bar with her," she pointed at Bai Xiu''s sleeping figure and went on, "The rest is blank." The doctor nodded in understanding. As the doctor continued to ask her other questions, she continued to reply in monosyllables.


    The doctor sighed, placed the file in his hand down and looked at her with a serious look as he asked, "Ms. Chen, do you take anti-depressants?"


    Xiu''s composure faltered for a fleeting moment before she put on her best poker-face. Even though the times had changed but society didn''t. She knew how people looked at others coping with depression. Either people took depression as a joke or as a disease for mentally challenged people. Anyhow, depression had been frowned upon in the society she grew up in.


    Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked back at the doctor and said, "I''d like to claim my right to stay silent."


    The doctor pressed his lips together before saying, "This is neither a court nor a police station where you can exercise that right. This is a hospital and I''m your doctor. And one should never lie to two people; a doctor and a lawyer." Xiu looked at the nurse that stood behind him before looking back at him and he added, "Sister, you can leave."


    When the nurse left the room, Xiu started, "Yes, I take anti-depressants but it''s prescribed by my psychologist. But why are you asking that?"


    "Do you know how dangerous alcohol is for someone like you?"


    Xiu walked up to him and said unhappily, "What are you implying? Someone like me? What is wrong with me?"


    "You''re a mentally unstable person who has to rely on drugs to keep her emotions in check. I wonder why are you taking your mental health so lightly?" Xiu stayed quiet in reply and he went on, "Although alcohol harms a person''s body in many ways, for someone with your mental state, alcohol is directly shrinking your brain. At this rate, there is a high risk of Alcoholic Korsakoff syndrome."


    "KS... severe memory impairment," Xiu explained his medical jargon without a hitch making him frown a bit.


    "So you have been warned?" It was more of a statement than a question.


    But Xiu still answered, "Doctor, the reason behind my stress and depression begins with memories. Why do you think I''d try to save such memories?" Her words stunned the doctor. "I know it''s your job and I respect that but don''t waste your efforts on me. I''m not worth saving."


    Following that, the doctor tried to talk about her condition in detail but she didn''t pay much attention. She half-heartedly listened to everything he said just because of her old habit of not hurting other''s feelings by being rude. When the doctor finally left the room, only then did she notice that Bai Xiu was now awake and looking at her with an intent gaze.


    "Good morning, Xiao Bai!" greeted Xiu with a cheerful smile.


    "You remember me?" she asked doubtfully.


    "I have some impression," replied Xiu honestly. "But I don''t remember what happened after I took you for that meal. Did I do something weird? Any drunken mistake?"


    Bai Xiu bit her bottom lip as she thought for a moment before saying, "Does kissing a stranger, counts?"


    Xiu''s smile stiffened for a second before she looked at Bai Xiu and mumbled to herself, "Way to go Xiu, you finally lost your first kiss. Good riddance!" Bai Xiu raised her brows at her and she went on, "Was that drunken mistake hot? I mean on the scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate him?"


    Bai Xiu gave a thoughtful look and said, "A hundred."


    "Ohhh..." Xiu patted her chest as if comforting herself as she said, "Good to know that my drunken mistake was hot and handsome. That''s all that matters."


    Bai Xiu found her reaction quite funny as she said, "Older sister, aren''t you the least bit curious about him?"


    Xiu sighed out heavily as she replied, "I am but... I was taught to never do the same mistake twice."


    "Drinking excessively is also a mistake," reminded Bai Xiu.


    Xiu faked a short cough before saying, "Well, we never do the same mistake twice but we do it 8 to 9 times just to be sure."

 Chapter 163 - She Wished

    Bai Xiu would have never expected her idol to use such twisted words. She was appalled to find Xiu even more entertaining than she thought. But as she pulled out the piece of folded paper that Darren left with him, she had to tell her, "Well, Sister Xiu, your drunken mistake left this for you. He was the one who brought you to the hospital and even stayed until your condition settled. I think he was gonna stay but they had some prior commitment."


    Xiu took the note from her hand but didn''t open it. Inwardly, she was glad to know that he didn''t stay. Facing someone she kissed last night in her sober state was certainly not on her to-do-list for the day.


    "Aren''t you gonna read that?" asked Bai Xiu.


    "I will, just not now," said Xiu softly before she tucked the note in her coat which was placed on the chair near her bed.


    Bai Xiu didn''t comment on her decision and wore her red leather jacket while saying, "Sorry but I have to leave now. I have to get to school before my best friend realizes that I stayed out again. I can''t let her find out about my nightly crusades."


    "Actually, I should be apologizing for all this," she pointed at the hospital room making Bai Xiu laugh. "Also, thank you for staying with me."


    Bai Xiu straight up went and hugged Xiu tightly taking her by surprise. "Sister Xiu, you know life is all about giving and taking. Stop just giving people. It''s not that hard to take something back."


    Xiu furrowed her brows at her words and said, "What can I possibly take back from people?"


    Bai Xiu pulled away and looked at Xiu''s face saying, "If you know how to offer kindness, expect a little back as well. My night with you can''t amount to what you have given me." Xiu didn''t understand her meaning at all. "Sister Xiu, I know some debts can''t be paid but if you ever need anything, look for me. I''m willing to offer my life to you."


    "That''d be too much to ask," said Xiu in a joking manner.


    Bai Xiu smiled slightly as she turned to leave but stopped when she was about to close the door behind her and said, "This life is given by you, it doesn''t matter if I offer it back to you." With that, she closed the door and went off.


    As for Xiu, she was left with a complex look on her face. She scratched her head trying to understand what Bai Xiu meant but couldn''t do so.


    Who knew that Bai Xiu meant exactly what she said. That girl really ended up offering her life to Xiu. But if Xiu knew that her kindness would be repaid in this way, perhaps, she''d have really hesitated before doing that act of kindness. Because asking for a young girl''s life to save her own was never something she could think of.


    Coming back to the present...


    When Xiu''s eyes opened, her heart was drumming in her chest. Her whole body was drenched in sweat as if someone had soaked her in water. Her stomach was in a wrenching pain as her body had turned cold.


    It took Xiu a few minutes to calm her breathing, however, she still wasn''t able to move her body. Every part of her body felt heavy and it ached badly. Laying on her bed, she stared at the ceiling in the darkness and recalled the longest dream of her life. Oddly, she could recall every single detail vividly even the parts that never existed before.


    The most fascinatingly terrifying thing about her dream was the fact that she felt every feeling from two perspectives. Her own and from Bai Xiu''s. The memories she thought were lost forever had suddenly rushed into her mind overwhelming her like the memories of two people slowly merged together from that night seven years ago.


    When she finally could move her limbs, she rushed to the bathroom and took a hot shower to deal with her low body temperature. Also, because she was feeling too sticky for her liking. Even though the pain in her stomach had increased, she didn''t care at all. Standing before the mirror, Xiu felt like looking at a completely different person.


    She once thought that Bai Xiu''s memories weren''t given to her because she had no right over them. But only now did she realized that Bai Xiu''s memories were in slumber inside her brain. Locked up in a part and only now, they were awakened. As for what triggered it, she couldn''t think of any particular reason.


    She changed her bedsheet and laid back down in bed in the fetal position. Remembering Darren''s face from her dream, she whispered, "Was it really you? Or my mind is playing games with me?" She closed her eyes trying to run through that memory again. She was having difficulty believing that her first kiss as Chen Xiu was also given to Darren. It seemed surreal.


    Moreover, if he really was her so-called ''drunken mistake'' then that meant he was...


    Xiu sat up instantly with her eyes widened in disbelief. She shook her head as she muttered to herself, "No, Xiu. No matter how much you want Darren to be him. You can''t be delusional. What are the chances that Darren and Mr. Egomaniac are the same person? No way! Darren is sharp-tongued but he isn''t c.o.c.ky like him. Their nature doesn''t match at all."


    Xiu was trying hard to deny the fact that Darren could be the same person from her previous life. The person she could call special in the real sense. Because it wasn''t proved and if she got her hopes up, she was scared of the disappointments.


    As Chen Xiu, she only gave people. She really gave all of her and never asked anything in return. Because she was scared of disappointments. But her disappointments could never stop her from giving her best.


    Only now did she realize that her heart secretly wished for that dream to be true. She desperately wished that Darren was him. But knowing how none of her wishes ever came true, she didn''t want to get her hoped up for no reason.

 Chapter 164 - His Secret?

    Wishes often don''t come true when you''re consumed by fears or tears. But miracles always begin with wishes. However eventually, there comes a time in our life when we finally accept the fact that not all wishes are meant to come true.


    Xiu was one of those people who accepted that fact as well. Life is said to be meaningless without wishes and that''s why she looked for a purpose instead. Having a purpose in life sounded rather realistic than wishes and miracles.


    Tossing around to find a comfortable position to soothe her pain, she finally gave up on sleeping and came to the laundry room. It was the only thing she could think of to distract her mind from her life''s weirdest experience. Suddenly, her mind had a memory that wasn''t hers and yet it was hers, in a weird and some crazy way. And the more it sounded crazy, it was crazier to accept it for her. She wouldn''t be normal if she was able to accept this bizarre thing.


    She threw in her bedsheet in the washing machine and pressed the button.


    "What''s up, my little ketchup packet?" came Nora''s voice from behind startling her.


    When the new nickname registered in her mind, Xiu glared at her, "Ketchup packet? Seriously?"


    "What''s wrong with that?" asked Nora as if her words didn''t sound slightly offending to the person who was on her periods. "Oh, come on, it''s funny."


    "If you say so," replied Xiu half-heartedly and continued, "Did I wake you up?"


    "Yes, but it''s okay," said Nora while yawning. "By the way, why are you doing the laundry at 3 in the morning?"


    "I felt like doing it," was Xiu''s response with an annoyed face.


    Nora shook her head and said, "As always, your mood swings are on a whole different level. Just to be sure, are you in the late-night super mad-grumpy phase right now?" Seeing how amused Nora was, Xiu was irked. It was true that she had different phases throughout the day on her periods. For instance, the morning was a grumpy phase, then it was followed by sad mid-day. Following that would come lazy afternoon and night was meant to be a crying phase. Late nights were just mad.


    Since it could be called late-night and early morning at this time, Nora assumed her to be in the mad-grumpy phase.


    "Can you stop talking? I already feel like someone is punching my uterus," said Xiu while rubbing her stomach.


    "And you''re here doing laundry? You should be staying away from water, idiot!" Nora reprimanded her and dragged her out of the laundry room. Making her sit on the sofa, she covered her legs with a blanket and said, "Don''t move, let me bring that instant soup thingy for you."


    "I''d prefer instant noodles instead," said Xiu while pulling the blanket up and leaning back in a comfortable position.


    Nora eyed her for a while before grumbling, "Fine!" Xiu smiled to herself and turned on the tv for distraction. The silence was making her mind racing with thoughts of all sorts.


    Xiu was about to change the channel when Nora''s loud voice almost made her jump, "Xiu!"


    "What?" Xiu looked at her in irritation.


    "See, your boyfriend left his wallet here," Nora waved the leather wallet and when Xiu didn''t give any reaction, she came to her side and said, "Idiot, look what I found in it."


    "You''re sneaking through his stuff now?" Xiu widened her eyes at Nora who didn''t look guilty at all.


    "Hold your thoughts right there. I''m not such a person. The wallet was on the floor and it was opened when I found it. It''s not my fault at all," Nora explained her side of the story and sat beside Xiu while shaking her and went on, "Anyway, focus here." She opened the wallet before her and showed her the photo.


    In the photo, she could recognize Darren but there was another person she couldn''t recognize. Blue eyes and dark blonde hair were the highlights of the woman along with her aesthetically pleasing features which seemed more pleasing because of her smile. She had a high ponytail and was wearing a white t-shirt with blue jeans. Darren was hugging her from behind in the photo with the biggest smile she had ever seen on his face.


    "Why are we looking at this?" asked Xiu while looking at Nora inquisitively.


    "Oho! Can''t you see? This is important," emphasized Nora unnecessarily on her point.


    "How is it important?" asked Xiu playing dumb.


    "Xiu, men don''t just keep any one''s photo in their wallets," said Nora as if it was a huge deal.


    "Men usually keep their family''s photo in their wallets," was Xiu''s offhanded response.


    "Or their first love''s," Nora jutted in making Xiu''s face scrunch up unpleasantly. "Let''s be honest here, this woman looks really beautiful and the way Darren is so happy, I''m telling you she''s important in his life."


    Xiu thought about her words but as soon as the doubts tried to creep inside her mind, she shook them away and denied by saying, "She could be someone from his family. Don''t jump to conclusions on your own."


    "Don''t defend him. He only has his mother in his family and if you''re telling me that this woman is his mother then I''m definitely gonna jump off some building," Nora was adamant on her theory and her conviction was making Xiu''s belief to waver.


    "My noodles?" reminded Xiu to Nora as a form of distraction and it worked.


    "Oh, crap! I forgot about that," Nora threw the wallet at Xiu and ran off in the direction of the kitchen.


    Behind her, Xiu looked at the photo intently and felt a bit jealous seeing how Darren never smiled like that around her. His smile had a different charm to it. A carefree feeling as if he was most comfortable at that time. Not only that, the way his hands were around the woman''s shoulders, it showed how protective he was about her as well. Feeling a bit upset over that, she closed the wallet but almost dropped the wallet down with shock written all over her face.


    It was a customized leather wallet and it had two words carved at a corner. The familiarity of those two words left Xiu''s whole body trembling.

 Chapter 165 - Can You Wait For Me?

    On the brown leather wallet were carved two Chinese characters which read as... "Little King."


    Xiu couldn''t bring herself to look away as she stared intently at those words without blinking. As if remembering something, she opened the wallet and looked at Darren''s id card.


    "Regan Darren Salvay..." when she read his full name her eyes couldn''t believe it.


    "What''s with the wallet? And what do you mean by that ''little king'' written on it?" a distant voice rang in her mind.


    "Regan means little king, duh!" she had replied feeling proud of herself for knowing that.


    "Regan also means regal," he reminded her.


    With an ugly look on her face, she said, "Same thing. Don''t spoil my mood by correcting me. As for why I sent it... Mm... I always wanted to send gifts to a friend but I never had any before. You better use that. Or else I''ll hunt you even as a ghost!"


    "A Goddess haunting a King? That''s a story, I''d like to hear," he had joked back making her stomp her foot in annoyance.


    Xiu''s dazed eyes regained the focus when Nora''s voice entered her ears, "Xiu, although I know you avoid medicines, I still think you should take pain killers. You look so pale that it is scaring me now."


    Xiu looked at her absent-mindedly and ended up laughing out. Nora raised her brows in surprise at her and before she could ask her what''s wrong, she saw a couple of tears trickling down Xiu''s face. "Xiu, what''s going on? You''re scaring me. Are you that hurt after seeing that photo? Why are you acting so weird?"


    Xiu wiped the tears with the sleeve of her shirt and got up. Nora was left stumped while Xiu almost ran towards the door. As she pulled open the door, she was again surprised to see that Darren was standing outside the door but he seemed like he was about to turn around. But hearing the sound of the door, he stopped in his track and looked at Xiu.


    Darren looked at her sheepishly while he tried to come up with an excuse, "I was... Well..."


    Xiu didn''t give him a chance to complete his words as she hugged him tightly. Darren didn''t know why she was being like that but he didn''t ask either. He silently stroked her hair. And in his embrace, for the first time in five years, Xiu felt like someone was hers. She always reminded herself that all the love she was receiving was originally for the real owner of this body but Darren was someone from her previous life.


    Earlier, she had deliberately avoided accepting that Darren was the same person she knew. Even though she could clearly remember seeing him with Dylan. But she still chose to ignore those facts.


    However, now she couldn''t do so. That wallet was chosen by her, she especially customized it for the first friend she ever had. The reason why she knew him as Regan was because she purposely tried to avoid attachments and that''s why she never asked him about his personal life. Attachments never did any good to her but in the end, she still got attached to a friend she never saw.


    "I missed you," she said softly against his chest.


    "Sweets, we literally met just a few hours ago," said Darren with a perplexed look.


    "We did," she replied as she pulled away from him and looked at his face as she wondered, ''But I still missed you. You''re the only person I really wanted to apologize to in my life.'' Seeing his face, tears had brimmed in her eyes again. ''Gosh! I can''t believe you''re my little king. I really want to tell you who I am but if I did, will you really believe me?''


    Seeing the tears swimming in her eyes, Darren held her face in his hands and asked, "Sweets, you okay? What''s going on?" Xiu shook her head at him.


    "Nothing, it must be my stupid hormones acting up again," she blamed all her emotional changes on her hormones. She didn''t want to scare him away by talking about something as bizarre as reincarnation. Moreover, she didn''t feel like the time was right for all that. "Oh, what are you doing here at this time?"


    "Umm... I think I forgot something of mine at your place," replied Darren.


    Xiu pulled out the wallet from her back pocket and asked, "Are you talking about this wallet?"


    Darren''s eyes brightened as he took the wallet from her hand and his eyes closed briefly as if in relief to see something precious. Darren heaved a sigh of relief as he thought to himself, ''Thank God, it was here.'' He had turned his entire apartment upside down while looking for his wallet. He even went to the parking lot to search for it but couldn''t find it.


    He had wanted to look for it at Xiu''s place but was hesitating since it wasn''t polite to disturb them so late. That''s why he had been contemplating outside her door for a long while now. Surprisingly, she ended up opening the door.


    "You can check if anything''s missing," said Xiu jokingly to lighten the mood.


    Darren smiled at her rather sadly as he said, "Nothing is more important than the wallet itself." Xiu''s eyes widened when she understood his meaning and a giddiness took over her heart. She so yearned to say out the truth but held herself back.


    She needed to plan that confession for another day. For now, she wasn''t ready to face her previous self. Because in her mind, if she accepted her previous self again, she thought she''d be pulled back in that life of endless pain and loneliness.


    He knocked on her temple and said, "Why aren''t you sleeping?"


    "If I slept now, I won''t be able to wake up for the office," replied Xiu.


    "I already told Dylan that you won''t be coming to the office. Go inside and take rest. He won''t bother you." Xiu''s heart warmed at this gesture. "Oh, and my flight is in two hours. I won''t be seeing you for a week or so."


    Xiu nodded at him and took his hand in her own as she said, "I''ll be waiting for you." Darren smiled at her words and she took a pause before saying, "Can you wait for me?"


    "What do you mean?" he questioned finding her words really strange.


    "I mean, I''m not ready. I need time. Don''t ask for what. Just know that I want you to give me a little bit of time and I''ll tell you everything," said Xiu with an earnest look.


    Darren was really confused but the way her eyes glanced at him, really forced him to drop all the questions that had popped up in his mind. Besides, didn''t she say she''d tell him? He''d just believe in her words and have patience for now.

 Chapter 166 - Proposal For You

    Getting used to things is pretty easy in life, just like getting used by others. Pretty much it''s the same thing. Either you get used by others or you get used to others.


    However, getting used to being alone is a really terrifying experience. But the worst is when you get used to someone''s presence in your life. Someone who wasn''t there a few days ago. But that particular person still became a huge part of your life without you even realizing it.


    One could say that Xiu got used to Darren''s presence over the course of knowing him for a month or so. Perhaps that''s why when she opened the door in the morning and didn''t find him out there waiting for her, she felt something missing. She felt downhearted since she had to start the day without holding his hand again.


    It''s been only four days since he left but to Xiu, it seemed like a long time. But the reminder of how he had been calling every morning just to say ''good morning'' put that smile back on her face. Even with the time difference, he had been punctual with his morning and night calls. Seemingly, his voice had become her alarm clock for wake up call and her lullaby before bed.


    There hadn''t been anything exciting going on at the office. Her arguments with Dylan at work were also limited since they both had been busy with work. But that didn''t mean there were no arguments at all. Let''s take this very fine day as an example...


    After the lunch hours, Dylan had asked Xiu to help him with the customer concept and apparently the talk wasn''t as pleasant as he thought it to be.


    "I don''t like this marketing strategy," she had said after looking through the slides. "There should be something more touching about the concept to attract customers. Don''t make it seem so materialistic."


    Dylan eyed her strangely as he said, "Business is not run on emotions. Besides, it''s a marketing strategy, not a love story that has to be touching."


    "No, but we manipulate emotions to make money is businesses. Besides, what''s so wrong with love stories?" asked Xiu as if she was offended by his remark on a personal level. "Even love stories are a way to manipulate people''s emotions to make money. A corporate person like you should not judge it like that."


    Dylan also straightened up and said, "What''s so good about love stories? They never end well. For instance, take Romeo and Juliet or Jack and Rose from Titanic. It''s tragic."


    Xiu crossed her arms over the chest in defiance and retorted, "The tragedy is not the point here. The point is their love for each other. The point is that Romeo had Juliet with him till the end and Jack had Rose with his till the end. As for what was the end, it doesn''t matter because that end was beautiful for them. Besides, who are you to question their love? Romeo had Juliet and Jack got Rose, what about you? What you got?"


    "Can I say dark circles and depression because of you? That''s exactly what I got," was his reply. "Oh, wait! I think I''m getting a headache as well."


    Xiu clenched her fists and glared at him. She was so close to punching him but held herself back as she reminded herself how her boyfriend wouldn''t like that. With a long sigh, she said, "I think we trailed away from the real discussion."


    "Congratulations!" Dylan gave a round of mocking applause as he added, "You finally noticed that this was not our topic of discussion."


    After a long staring competition, Xiu got up to leave. Dylan extended his hand toward her and said, "Papers?"


    A lightbulb lit up in Xiu''s brain as she made scissors with her fingers and said, "Scissors! I won! Ha!" As Dylan gaped at her in disbelief she added, "What? What are you looking at?"


    "I''m trying to figure out why my best friend is dating you," said Dylan in all honesty.


    "Mr. Qiu, don''t strain your brain so much," started Xiu and went on, "If he can have a clown-like you as his best friend then I don''t think having a little crazy girlfriend is much of a deal."


    "You!" Dylan pointed his finger at her trying to come up with a comeback but she didn''t give him a chance to do so.


    "Ding! Ding! Ding! What was that?" Xiu questioned dramatically. "Oh, it''s an elevator since you''re not even on my level!" With that, she slammed the door and walked out of his room leaving a baffled and perplexed Dylan.


    After a long while of trying to settle his emotions, Dylan was like, "She has the most childish remarks and yet I''m the one labeled as childish? What kind of justice is this?" While shaking his head, he sat down on the leather chair and said, "Does she even remember that I''m the boss here? Why do I feel like she''s bossing me around now?"


    However, he couldn''t deny the fact that he had become very fond of these arguments. It always left a smile on his lips without him even realizing it. Honestly speaking, it wasn''t hard for him to figure out why Darren was dating her. He had seen the way she managed to bring that old carefree Darren back.


    He was lost in his own thoughts when he heard a knock at his door and soon Xiu entered again. Dylan raised his brows at her inquisitively while Xiu languidly came and sat down right before his desk. She didn''t speak for a long while. Finally, she took a deep breath and said, "I thought about it for a long while and have come to a conclusion. And I think that''s the best for both of us. So, I have a proposal for you."


    "Proposal? What kind of proposal?" asked Dylan with curiosity palpable on his face.

 Chapter 167 - Im In Love With...?

    That dramatic pause that Xiu added for some theatrical effect irked Dylan as he waited for her to continue. Getting tired of her silence, he said, "What are you waiting for?" Xiu kept her eyes on his changing expressions as she observed him thoughtfully. "Are you testing my patience right now?"


    Xiu shook her head in negation and said, "I can''t test your patience, I already know you''ll even fail in that." Dylan''s veins twitched in anger while she laughed at her own joke. This time, Dylan waited for her to get over the hilarity of her not-so-funny joke. "Anyways, let''s move on."


    "Finally," said Dylan with an attitude that Xiu didn''t give a damn about.


    "So, I''ve been thinking lately and trust me, I''ve done a lot of thinking," said Xiu as she leaned back in the chair and crossed her one leg over the other. "You''re my boyfriend''s best friend and that means you''re permanent in his life."


    "There is no doubt about that," was Dylan''s reply with a proudful look. Xiu couldn''t help curling her lips into a faint smile as she noticed how proud he felt about this friendship. Just as she thought, their relationship was more than just friendship. "But where are we getting with this?" he asked after a moment.


    Xiu tapped her fingers on the armrest of the chair as she said, "I think you have a misconception that I''m temporary in your best friend''s life." Dylan''s brows raised slightly since, in the beginning, that really was his opinion about Xiu and Darren. "So, let me clear this up for you today. I don''t plan on being temporary in Regan''s life. I can''t speak for him but as for myself, I''ve never loved or liked anybody half-heartedly. I give my all or none. For me, he''s someone I''d give my all for."


    Dylan was surprised to hear that. The way he viewed Xiu, he''d never thought about hearing such words from her. "Are you in love with Darren?" he blurted out the question without thinking it through.


    "Love? Mmm..." Xiu didn''t think about it before but now that he mentioned it. She felt a rush of feelings overwhelming her. And those feelings hit her on another level since now all those feelings from her previous life had also burst out. She couldn''t deny the fact that Darren was special even when she was Chen Xiu and he was still very special to her.


    She still remembered how once she had joked with him saying, "Homie, you''re really thoughtful person. It makes me jealous of your girlfriend. Why aren''t you, my boyfriend?


    "You didn''t give me a chance to ask you out," he had replied in such a serious tone that it made her heart skip a beat.


    She still remembered how she felt like her heart had cheated on Zhou Jinhai by acting crazy over another man''s voice or words. But thinking back she realized how she had cheated on her heart by not accepting the signs that it gave her.


    Dylan clicked his fingers before her eyes to bring her back to earth as he said, "Don''t zone out on me. I asked a very simple question, do you love him?"


    Xiu blinked at him with a perplexed look as she asked, "Simple question? Do you think love is simple?"


    "Yes, it is very simple," said Dylan with a solemn expression which really felt weird to Xiu.


    She jokingly said, "Now don''t say it''s as simple as jumping off a cliff. You just close your eyes and take that step."


    Dylan gave a sad smile before his eyes at her and saying, "Nah. In my opinion, love is when you have a million words to say and yet that one person''s eyes make you speechless because you see the rest of your life lying inside those eyes."


    As much as Xiu wanted to agree with him, she still had to retort, "If it''s love, it gets complicated. Eventually, it does. There is no denying. I''m a person who believes in living a simple life. But I want to love extravagantly. It''s not every day we fall in love." She took a pause to breathe before continuing, "I have feelings for Regan. Feelings that I can''t describe in words. And they say, often the unexplainable feelings are named love. If that is true then yes. I am in love with Regan."


    "I never thought I''d hear such words from you," said Dylan in surprise. "You really are a different person in my impression."


    "The version of me you created in your head is definitely not my bloody responsibility!" was Xiu''s reply. "Anyway, now that we have come to the conclusion that I''m not going anywhere from your best friend''s life, let''s have a compromise-treaty."


    "Compromise-treaty? Do you mean a peace treaty?"


    Xiu shook her finger before his eyes saying, "No, no, not at all! Let''s face it, you and I are like fire and water, there is no peace between us."


    "True," he couldn''t help agreeing.


    "That''s why my proposal is compromise-treaty. You''re not going anywhere neither am I. So, why not find a happy medium for Regan''s sake. I don''t want him to stress over the arguments we have. Also, you can''t always jump in whenever he''s with me," Xiu stated her other terms and stressed on her last line saying, "And don''t. I repeat, don''t you dare try to snatch my boyfriend from me. When it''s my time, it''s my time. You can''t possibly be there."


    Dylan thought about it for a while before saying, "Okay. We can find a middle ground if it''s for Dazi''s sake. Besides, I don''t want his first serious relationship to end in shambles just because I don''t like you."


    "So, do we have a deal?" Xiu extended her hand towards him and while Dylan eyed her hand suspiciously, she rolled her eyes at him and said, "Scaredy Cat, there is nothing in my hand. I can''t believe you have such little faith in me." She even showed him her hand as proof and finally, Dylan let his guard down and shook her hand.


    "I can''t help the suspicion. You aren''t a very nice person and besides, your track record doesn''t help much," said Dylan while Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

 Chapter 168 - Frenemies

    ~~Oslo, Norway~~


    The bright ceiling light was illuminating the windowless office where the atmosphere of tension had become so severe and pervasive that one could barely breathe. Aside from business suits and egos, one could see the blank expressions of people around the table. When the lights turned off and the projector was turned on, every pair of eyes went to the screen as the slideshow began.


    Darren looked at his friend and business partner, Asher Andersen across the boardroom table and tried to display the agony in his eyes as if to say, ''Just end it already!'' But since Asher wasn''t done with his presentation, he disregarded the pleading eyes of his friend. The thing he hated about these meetings were the numbers on those slides that always left him dizzy. Designing cars was his passion but one could say if Asher wasn''t there to help him, he would have never succeeded in his own business.


    If Darren could avoid, he would love to opt-out of such board meetings. His phone screen had flashed six times already and he had to return all those six urgent calls but he was stuck here from the morning. As his phone buzzed again, his eyes darted over towards the screen on reflex and his brows knitted together.


    With the phone in his hand, he shot up from his chair which stopped Asher from continuing.


    "Excuse me for a moment," said Darren as he rushed out of the room.


    Considering the time difference, he knew that Xiu must be on her way back home right now. But she never called him at this time. So, her sudden call really alarmed him. As he had just placed the phone against his ear, he heard Xiu''s sulky voice, "Boyfriend, when are you coming back?"


    Darren pressed his lips together as he imagined her pouting like a kid and a faint smile lingered on his lips. He had come to realize that every single time, her first question had been, ''When are you coming back?'' followed by, ''How are you?''


    "Soon," replied Darren and went on, "I''ll be back soon."


    "Hmm... Okay," said Xiu in response. "Are you busy?"


    Darren looked towards the closed door of the meeting room and replied with, "Absolutely not. I''ve time..." he took a pause before adding, "For you."


    Xiu giggled at his reply and said, "Then I have a lot to tell you."


    He leaned against the wall saying, "Go on, I''m listening."


    "Let me start with the highlight of today," said Xiu excitedly and continued, "Here it is, I finally made Dylan my friend."


    Darren''s brows quirked up in surprise, "You and Didi are now friends?" he sounded uncertain.


    "Yes," replied Xiu but when he stayed silent, she asked, "You don''t believe me?"


    "If you''re saying it, then I have no reason to question," was Darren''s reply.


    Xiu thought over it before speaking, "Sheesh. You really don''t believe me."


    Darren chuckled, "Sweets, then make it sound a little believable. Or at least, say something believable."


    "Okay, I accept. It''s not friendship. But it''s still something along the lines of that," Xiu didn''t talk about her compromise-treaty. "Depending on the time and circ.u.mstances, we''d be friends or enemies."


    As Xiu elaborated on the nature of her new relationship with Dylan, Darren said, "So, you guys are now frenemies."


    "Wow! That''s it! That''s the right term for it. Frenemies. Me likey!" Xiu was really excited since now she wouldn''t have to spend a few good minutes just explaining the nature of her relationship with Dylan. "By the way, why are you so certain that Dylan and I can''t be friends?"


    "I told you before, you and Didi are more like a pair of siblings who can never stop arguing. You both are very much alike."


    "Ha! No way! How can I have any similarities with him?" Xiu denied it straightforwardly. "I mean, come on, I''m pretty and he''s pretty dumb. We are not the same."


    "Touch¨¦!" said Darren and looked at his impatient business partner reminding him that time was ticking. Darren gave him a hateful glare before gesturing him to go away.


    "My stop is here," he heard Xiu''s voice from the other end and understood that she must have reached home.


    "Sweets, I''ll call you later..."


    Darren was about to continue when Xiu interrupted him.


    "Wait! I forgot the reason why I called you," she knocked on her head as she got off the bus and went on, "So, quick question. Carolina Blue or Tiffany Blue?"


    Although he wasn''t sure why she asked this, he still answered, "Carolina Blue. Definitely."


    "I thought so too. No wonder I love you. You know me well," blurted out Xiu without even thinking her words over. But when the words had already left her mouth, she bit the tip of her tongue. ''Stupid Xiu! What the hell did you do?'' She slapped her mouth as she wondered, ''Why is this tongue not in my control even when I''m sober?''


    As for Darren, he was stuck frozen at his place when he heard her words. He was in a state of stupefaction. But along with incredulity, he was flabbergasted. However, he couldn''t bring himself to look over that feeling of euphoria that had rushed out of his heart. It wasn''t that noticeable but it was there.


    "Sweets, what did you say?" he questioned for reconfirmation since he wasn''t sure if he could believe what he just heard.


    "Nothing," replied Xiu in a calm manner. Her first instinct was to hastily hang up but that would prove her to be the guilty party. So, she decided to calmly handle this situation.


    "Sweets, are you drunk?" asked Darren as he recalled how her first confession was when she was drunk. So, he didn''t want this one to be another drunken nonsense.


    "I''m not," Xiu emphasized her words to make him believe.


    "You better not drink when I''m not around," said Darren as a reminder yet again.


    "I won''t," promised Xiu and relaxed as he had forgotten about her slip of the tongue. "Alright. You go back to work. I''ll talk to you later. Bye and take care. Don''t forget to enjoy yourself but not too much. Also, come back soon."


    With that, she hung up the phone and Darren was left staring at his phone screen with a silly smile on his face. He felt a tap on his shoulder and only realized that Asher had been standing right there till now.


    "Regan, you''re in love."


    Darren scowled and pushed his face away saying, "Go away!"

 Chapter 169 - Tragedy & Comedy

    Beyond the horizon, the last rays of the sun illuminated the sky. In the far distance, as the silhouette of the skyline pierced through the warm glow, Darren alighted from the car before a beautiful family home.


    Right after getting out of the company, he was supposedly ''kidnapped'' by Asher. However, what he wasn''t expecting was seeing his old friends waiting for him. He looked at Asher who shrugged his shoulders.


    Darren looked back at the trio before him and waved at them saying, "It''s been a long time."


    The first to engulf him in a bear hug was Xavier Brown. Darren hit his shoulder saying, "Xav, are you trying to kill me? Let go already!"


    "If Xav had held his first wife with this enthusiasm, I''m sure he wouldn''t have to go through that divorce battle," hearing that usual sarcastic voice Darren couldn''t hold up his laughter.


    However, Xavier wasn''t that amused to hear that remark as he turned to look at Calista and said, "Cali, can you be a little sensitive?"


    Calista took a bite of the chicken wing in her hand and said, "I''m a doctor, honey. Being sensitive is my job. You can''t expect me to keep that professional attitude in my personal life." Then her eyes turned to Darren and she went on, "Regi, good to see that you still remember our faces."


    Darren shook his head at her, "Good to see you too, Cali."


    Before Calista could open her mouth to drop another sarcastic remark, Nelly stopped her as she greeted Darren and said, "Regan, ignore her. Her patient died today, so she''s in a mood."


    "Oh, that explains why Cali drove her Harley today," said Xavier joining the conversation again. He tried to give her a hug which she skillfully avoided while he said, "Darling, you can''t possibly save everyone. Stop thinking about it already."


    "For the first time, Xav has said something sensible," said Asher as he walked to Nelly''s side and gave a kiss on her temple. "Anyways, let''s go inside. Nelly has cooked a lavish meal for us tonight. You guys will love it." He looked down and smiled at his wife.


    "Oh, I thought you called me for dinner but apparently, Ash and Nelly are actually trying to show-off their marriage. I knew I shouldn''t have come," snorted Calista while leaning close to Darren and saying, "So tell me Regi, did you learn to show off from these two?"


    Darren knew she was referring to the photo he uploaded of Xiu and him. As he was reminded of that night, he laughed and replied, "I didn''t have to learn that. If the girlfriend is like my Sweets, anyone would want to show off."


    Calista held her chest and with a look of torment on her face said, "I can''t take this anymore. I never thought I''d hear this from you." She looked at Xavier and Asher before saying, "I expected these two to be the lovesick fools but you?" She shook her head in disappointment, "I can''t believe you changed so much."


    Darren ruffled her seaweed-like hair playfully as he said, "When you''ll get in a relationship, I''ll ask you then."


    "She and in a relationship? Please, only a mentally retarded person can deal with her," said Xavier before running inside the house because now, Calista was at his back with a murderous look in her eyes.


    Darren laughed at their antics and followed Asher and Nelly inside the house. As they sat at the dinner table, Xavier was already in Calista''s hands who thoroughly thrashed him before finding a seat at the dining table.


    "I can''t believe you both still argue like kids," remarked Darren when he saw Xavier''s discomfort with his sore body.


    "It''s because she''s no fun," said Xavier and when Calista glared at him, he added, "What? Can you disagree? Regan, let me tell you. Last month, I texted her, ''Cali, what are you doing?'' She replied with, ''I''m laying on my bed.'' I playfully said, ''Without me?'' Do you know what she said?" Everyone looked at him curiously. "She replied, ''I''m also paying my taxes alone. Want to join me in that too?'' Now, you tell me, can someone like her get a boyfriend?"


    Darren had to press his lips together to hold back his laughter. He had expected a reply like that from her. Even though Calista was a very good doctor but everyone knew that outside of her profession, she was the real gangster. Even her aura was that intimidating for people.


    "I don''t know about you guys but I believe that Cali''s love is going to be epic just like Regan," said Nelly as she sided with Calista.


    But Cali was like, "Epic? An incomplete love that ruined him completely. Can we consider that to be epic as well?" As every pair of eyes shifted to her with a complicated look, she took a sip of the wine in her glass and said, "Something tells me, I wasn''t supposed to say that."


    As she said that, her eyes were looking at Darren and the latter''s eyes were also on her. Every person on that table knew about Darren''s incomplete love that left him completely broken. But none of them ever voiced it out. But if Calista had a filter on her mouth, she wouldn''t have the reputation of being an insensitive person.


    Everyone stayed silent, waiting for Darren''s reaction but what really took them by surprise was how calm he seemed even when he was reminded of Chen Xiu. The reason? It was simple. When Calista was looking at him, he was looking at the wine glass in her hand and from that, he was lost somewhere else.


    His mind had wandered off to a certain... Wine Xiu?


    All of a sudden, he chuckled and said, "Why so quiet? She didn''t say anything wrong." They raised their brows at him inquisitively and he added, "I think Cali''s question is right. And in my opinion, Cali, incomplete love can be epic as well."


    "Oh? What makes our Regan say that?" asked Calista.


    "Today, Sweets told Didi that love stories don''t have to be perfect. You just have to love perfectly. As for whether it''d be a tragedy or comedy, who cares as long as you loved with all your heart? It''s weird but your words made me realize how right my girlfriend is."


    That pride in his voice as he talked about her was so obvious that it took everyone a while to get back to their senses. He didn''t seem like the Darren they remembered. He wasn''t sulking over someone''s death instead he was looking at it in a very different way. This realization made all of them feel happy.

 Chapter 170 - Sweets & Ah-Xiu

    Noticing the way his friends looked at him, Darren shifted in his seat awkwardly. How he wished to wipe those smirks off of their faces.


    "Now Regi, you just piqued my curiosity," said Calista with an intrigued look and went on, "Why don''t you tell us something about her?"


    "About Sweets?" asked Darren and saw every head around the table bobbing up and down. Darren touched his chin thoughtfully, "How should I say it... Hmm... Well, the moment I met her, I knew one thing for sure that she''s trouble. She''s weird and has an attitude. She''s careless and feisty. But... She makes me want to do things that I have never done in my life before."


    "For instance?" questioned Xavier.


    "All of you know that I''m a morning person and I love my morning run, right?" he looked at his friends.


    "Everybody knows that," said Asher.


    "Then do you know that I have swapped my morning runs with evening runs just because I got to see her in the park every evening?" All of them gaped at him in disbelief. "It''s true. I still remember the moment she called out my name from that swing with that huge grin on her face. After that day, I intentionally chose that time and I still can''t figure out why I did that. But I do know that she makes me feel things that I never did before."


    He felt a hand over his shoulder and turned his face. He was startled a bit to find it was Calista who was beside him now as she had pushed Xavier away.


    "Hey! How can you push me, Cali?" came Xavier''s whining.


    Calista pushed him once again and said, "Just like this."


    Her reply earned her a laugh from everyone except for Xavier who didn''t find it funny at all. If anything, he so wished to get back at her. "Cali, I''ll get back to you for all the humiliation."


    Calista straightened up and looked at him while cracking her knuckles as she said, "Xavi, I''m an orthopedic surgeon. Dude, if I know how to fix bones, I definitely have a couple of ways to break a few as well."


    "If I were you Xav, I''d believe her words," advised Darren.


    Xavier glared at Calista before sighing out, "You know what, Cali. Go straight, take the first left and GO TO HELL!"


    "I''ll go to hell gladly. Why don''t you go and get some butter first?" said Calista, looking intently.


    "But I don''t want butter!" he replied back.


    "Who said it was for you?" retorted Calista. "Oh, that just reminded me. Didn''t your ex-wife leave you because of something like she deserves butter? Or was it better?"


    "CALI!" Darren, Nelly, and Asher shouted her name simultaneously.


    Xavier was fuming now but soon his anger turned into a burst of loud laughter. He sat back and said, "Little cousin, how I wish for you to fall in love."


    Darren gave a lopsided grin as he said, "What if love is the reason behind her cranky self?"


    "Huh?"


    Calista pinched Darren''s arm saying, "Regan, if you said one more word, you''re dead meat!"


    Darren smirked at her, "Relax! Your secret''s safe with me since high school. I definitely won''t go back on my words." Suddenly recalling something, he added, "I read about your dad in news. How is he now?"


    Calista touched the ring on her index finger and said softly, "He died last month."


    There was silence around the table for a moment as everyone shared a strange look.


    "We''re..."


    "Sorry to hear that?" Calista completed their words and shook her head saying, "Don''t bother. Xavi is right. Being in a hospital, I have become an insensitive person after seeing so many people dying every day." She sighed heavily as she went on, "The only problem is that he has left me an inheritance and a task to keep the legacy of our family."


    "Is that why you''re resigning from the hospital?" asked Xavier and Calista nodded in response. "But how come aunt doesn''t know about it?"


    "Did my mother ever cared about him when he was alive? How can she possibly give a damn when he''s gone?" was Calista''s indifferent reply.


    "Don''t tell me you have to go through that family inheritance fights of the sort," said Nelly worriedly and Calista laughed at her reaction.


    "Nelly, unlike my mother, he never remarried. So, I''m still his only daughter. As for other relatives, dad only had a sister who had a fight with him years ago and left home. So, unless my aunt comes back, I have no relatives to fight with," said Calista.


    "Why do I feel like you''re really disappointed?" said Darren as he looked at her carefully.


    "Well Regi, you know how much I love fights. I believe it''d have been fun. But, alas!" Darren slapped the back of her head and shook his head. Her level of nonchalance towards the world had always been remarkable to him. He had been curious for years about why she chose to be a doctor. It really didn''t sit well with her personality. "Anyways, leave my story alone for now. Since our Regan Darren Slavay is finally in love again."


    "Woohoo!" came the sounds to hooting.


    "Shut up all of you!" said Darren in irritation.


    Calista patted his shoulder and said, "Don''t get shirty[1] with us, mister. We know you well enough. Whenever you talk about your Sweets, you get that lovestruck look in your eyes. Besides, you have said so much about her over this dinner and we yet have to learn her name. All you call her is Sweets."


    Darren knew he couldn''t refute those words. "Her name is Xiu. Bai Xiu."


    Calista spurted out her drink as she said, "Again, Xiu? Are you for real? Don''t tell me you''re confusing the two."


    Darren slapped her head again saying, "Shut up! I''m not. The reason why I love calling her Sweets is that I really don''t want to confuse her with Ah-Xiu. Besides, Sweets is like a whole different person than Ah-Xiu."


    "How?"


    "Well, Sweets is careless and carefree while Ah-Xiu was like a caged bird. Sweets don''t think before speaking while Ah-Xiu''s every word was spoken after contemplating it over a million times or so. Sweets never give up, it''s like losing will be a crime. Can you imagine that because of her fear of losing, she ended up in a police station with Dylan just because both of them didn''t want to give up." Remembering that night, he couldn''t help smiling goofily. "However, Ah-Xiu always ended up giving up her happiness for other''s sake. The only thing common in both is their obsession with wine."


    "Really?"


    "Definitely," replied Darren and went on, "Actually, the right way to tell them apart would be... Ah-Xiu was a very sweet person while my Sweets is not sweet at all. If anything she can cut people with her words."


    "And you still call her Sweets? Is that sarcasm?"


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her and said, "No. It''s not sarcasm. I call her Sweets because I love it."


    [1] shirty: Someone short-tempered or irritated

 Chapter 171 - Forget-Me-Not

    "Ok, I''m confused here. You love calling her Sweets? Why?"


    Hearing that question from Calista, Nelly hit her head saying, "Cali, you''re really clueless."


    "What did I say wrong?" she asked in reply.


    Darren smiled at her and said, "I love calling her Sweets because of her reaction." Calista looked at him earnestly waiting for him to continue. "She unknowingly ends up smiling whenever I call her Sweets. And I''d be lying if I said I don''t like seeing her smile. I''ve never made jokes in life and yet I tried being funny just to make her smile."


    "Are you still gonna say that you don''t love her?" came the question from Asher who had been keeping silence for a while. "But if you still want to deny then I must say you''re lying to your own self."


    When Darren saw all of his friends nodding in agreement, he was left silent. He frowned a bit wondering whether he really was in love. Asher patted his shoulder and said, "Don''t waste time wondering again. Last time, your biggest mistake was taking your feelings too lightly. And the result was... You lost her."


    Darren''s hands clenched into fists as soon as he finished his sentence. Chen Xiu''s death was etched in his mind to the point where it had become his scourge. But he couldn''t overlook the fact that now his Sweets had opened up the door of the feelings he thought he had lost. He raked his fingers through his hair in exasperation and sighed out.


    Back in An City...


    Xiu was eating a deep-fried dough stick with soy milk in the morning when Nora came and dropped on the chair beside her with her head on the table. "What''s wrong?"


    Nora looked at her with a sulky look and said, "Xiu baby, I ended up going against my rules and kissed a co-worker last night. I don''t know how to face him now?" She ruffled her own hair and added, "What should I do?"


    "Why do you do such mistakes?" retorted Xiu while rolling her eyes at her best friend.


    "Honey, you possibly don''t know but the problem with mistakes is that sometimes they are darn good kissers," replied Nora making Xiu hit her. Nora rubbed her arm where she was hit and went on, "From now, if you see me chase a man, trip me so that I can fall and bump my head back to reality."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at Nora suspiciously and the latter raised her hand saying, "I swear you can trip me. Or even hit me with a baseball bat. For now, I have no motivation to work today. Tell me, where can I download some motivation?"


    "Should I send you the link?" replied Xiu, playfully.


    However, Nora took her way too seriously as she held her hand in her own and nodded her head, "Send it already. I really need it today."


    Xiu shook her head and contemplated for a moment before pulling out a VIP invitation card from her purse and offering it Nora, "There is a new boutique opening today. I worked with them, so I have this special discount voucher. Is it enough for motivation?"


    "You''re allowing me to shop?" Nora gaped at her in disbelief while Xiu shrugged her shoulders and got up to leave. For Nora, the world was bright and sunny as long as she could go shopping. And what could be better if she could get a discount? Now, who doesn''t like discounts?


    Today, Xiu mostly had fieldwork and she was expecting not to see Dylan at all. This one thought had put her in a good mood but who knew that Dylan would call her to his office first thing in the morning.


    When Xiu entered his office, he said, "We''re going to Xia Capital tomorrow night. Arrange everything for that."


    Xiu looked at him in silence for a while before saying, "Xia Capital? Why?"


    At first, Dylan didn''t notice that she was acting weird as he said, "For a business meeting, obviously."


    "Okay, I''ll arrange everything for your travel and stay," said Xiu and turned to leave.


    "Stop!" hearing Dylan''s voice, Xiu halted in her steps and turned to look at him with an inquisitive look. "You''re coming with me."


    "Why? Do I have to? Can''t you take any of your other assistants?"


    Xiu''s insistence on not going made Dylan look at her with a thoughtful look. ''Your reluctance is irking me for some reason. I''ve never seen you back out like this before,'' wondered Dylan to himself while rubbing his index finger on his chin. "You''d be the one joining me and that''s final." Xiu opened her mouth to say something when he cut her off with, "You can get back to work now."


    Xiu looked at him hatefully before stomping her foot like a kid and trudging out of there. She came back to her office, looking like a defeated soldier. She had avoided going to Xia Capital for years on purpose. That place was where she grew up and had the memories that pushed her to her death. Every single place in that huge city was too familiar.


    Did she want to face all those memories? No!


    But she had to do it for her own sake. It was perhaps her time to pull herself completely out of that shadow of past life.


    Xiu was lost in her own thoughts when the door of her cabin was knocked. She looked up and raised her brow at her co-worker, Gu Luli who held out a beautiful bouquet of forget-me-nots and said, "Someone left this for you at the reception."


    Xiu was dazed and even took the bouquet from her hand in her dazed stated. She looked curiously at the flowers in her hands but since the sender had sent no information about himself, she really had no clue about the sender. Well, she had her suspicion and it was proven true when her phone buzzed with a message alert and she clicked it open to read...


    "Are you feeling blue?


    But don''t forget,


    Blue has different hues.


    Yes, Blue is a bit sad


    But you just remember


    to forget me not."


    Xiu ended up laughing as she read it and another message came.


    Mr. McSpicy: "Sorry! I know it sounds really bad. I can''t believe I sent that."


    Sweets: "Why? I loved it. It made me laugh."


    Mr. McSpicy: "That''s even worse. Darn it! I missed that laughter! *sad face*"


    Sweets: "To make me smile, you don''t need words."


    Mr. McSpicy: "Really? What do I need to do then?"


    Sweets: "Show up!"


    Xiu hit her head after pressing the send button but there was no point in regretting it. The message was sent already.


    Meanwhile, when Darren read the two words that held a beautiful feeling behind it, he sat up on his bed with a goofy smile. He typed the reply and sent the message before turning off the side-lamp to sleep.

 Chapter 172 - Rebirth

    It''s fascinating how someone stays away from our sight but gets stuck in our minds. Darren might have been far away from her but Xiu couldn''t stop herself from thinking about him. And the more she thought about him, the more she ended up missing him.


    Xiu''s simple two words ''Show up!'' showed how much she was missing him. In fact, she herself didn''t realize it that she had missed his presence. She was holding her head in her hands when her phone buzzed again. At first, she hesitated but eventually took the phone to check his reply. She was curious to learn what he sent.


    There were only four words written in the text and reading those words left Xiu''s heart in the chaos of emotions that she couldn''t describe in words. Tears had brimmed up in her eyes making her eyes look glossy but there was a smile on her face as well.


    She held the phone close to her heart along with the bouquet of flowers and closed her eyes. Tears of happiness rolled down her cheek while she read out his text. The four words he sent were... "I miss you too."


    It was the second time in her two lives that she experienced tears of happiness and oddly, both of the times, Darren was the reason.


    *Flashback*


    ~Chen Xiu''s 23rd Birthday~


    "Sister Xiu, your fans have sent gifts for your birthday," she heard Han Bohai''s voice and only gave him a nod of acknowledgment while he continued, "I''m placing these gifts in the guest room. Oh, I heard the company is planning a birthday party for you but since your schedule is really hectic, it''ll be over the next weekend."


    Xiu scrolled down her Weibo and with her eyes on the laptop screen said, "Does it even matter?"


    Han Bohai pursed his lips before sighing out. He placed all the fan mail to the guest room and came back to her side saying, "Sister Xiu, I''ll take my leave for the day if you don''t need anything else." Xiu waved him off. He stopped at the door and said, "I forgot to tell you, one of your fans sent a cake as well. It''s in the refrigerator. And Happy Birthday, Sister Xiu!"


    "Thank you, Xiao Han and good night," replied Xiu with a tired smile. After he closed the door and left, Xiu put the screen of the laptop down and got up to remove her makeup. It was eleven at night and only now, she had time to get back home for rest.


    By the time she laid down on her bed after the shower and her night routine, it was only ten minutes left before twelve. Her schedule for the next day was gonna start at 5 which only left four hours for her rest. But with the news, she just heard about Zhou Jinhai''s wedding, her mind was in conflict. It was expected that it was gonna be another sleepless night.


    She had closed her eyes in hope of getting some sleep when her phone buzzed and she picked up the call without looking at the caller id.


    "What are you doing?" came a very cheery voice from the other end.


    Xiu felt like it was the dumbest question considering it was the middle of the night. So, her reply was, "I''m counting stars. Want to join me?"


    Darren pressed his lips holding back his laugh as he responded, "Sorry, I don''t do two things; counting stars and falling in love."


    Xiu opened her eyes and frowned slightly as she asked, "Why not?"


    "Both are waste of time," replied Darren and chuckled by himself making Xiu scowl.


    "Are you done, Mr. I''m-Over-Smart?" asked Xiu irritatedly. "If you are, I''m hanging up."


    "Wait!" Darren''s sudden scream stopped her from pressing the disconnect button. "My Superstar is in a bad mood, eh?" Xiu didn''t feel the need to reply to him as he added, "Ok, get up and go to the balcony."


    "What for?" asked Xiu in confusion.


    "Fresh air helps in lifting up the mood. Now, move already," under his insistence, Xiu groaned tiredly but still walked up to her balcony. "Are you there yet?"


    "I''m here. Now what?"


    "Now close your eyes and take a deep breath," said Darren as if he was professional in therapies. "Did you close your eyes?" he asked to confirm.


    "I did," Xiu lied since she didn''t feel like playing along with him.


    "Oho! Don''t try to fool me!" Xiu rolled her eyes when she heard his warning. "Now be a good girl and close your eyes."


    Xiu huffed out before closing her eyes and said, "Now what?"


    "Take a deep breath," instructed Darren and Xiu did so. "Breath out," he went on. The process was repeated three times before he said, "You can open your eyes now."


    "Finally," grumbled Xiu and opened her eyes slowly. However, her eyes widened in surprise by the scene before her.


    Xiu''s balcony overlooked the city''s biggest LED billboard and right now, there was no ad playing on it. Instead, on the screen was her face. From her journey as a child star to Nation''s Goddess Xiu was played in a five minutes video and at the end was written, "Happy Birthday, Ms. Superstar!" And right when those words appeared on the screen, the fireworks went off and the dark sky lit up.


    "You still there?" she heard Darren''s voice and only then realized that tears had rolled out of her eyes unknowingly. Her hand was covering her mouth while she couldn''t help gasping at the scene.


    "Yeah, I am," she said while wiping her tears with a huge smile on her face.


    "Are you crying?" he asked in a worried tone. "It was just a birthday gift. Was it that bad?"


    Xiu chuckled at his response and replied, "You made this huge mess and yet, this package didn''t include a cake? Tsk. Tsk."


    "What? You didn''t receive the cake earlier?" came his prompt response.


    Xiu recalled how Xiao Han reminded her about a cake and asked, "You sent it?"


    "Duh!"


    "You''re crazy!" she sounded helpless but couldn''t hide her happiness at all.


    *End of Flashback*


    Even now Xiu could say that was the most beautiful and yet strangest way someone wished her on her birthday. But then again, Darren always did things differently. Just like today, he had sent forget-me-nots. A kind of flower that is often overlooked by most people.


    But the meaning behind those was beautiful- A connection that lasts through time. Xiu''s smiled widened. Forget-me-nots also meant true and undying love but Xiu was purposely convincing herself to not think in that direction as of yet.


    Xiu opened her eyes and wiped her tears. The world seemed bright and clear after she had shed those tears. As if the pain of past had rolled down her cheeks leaving an aftertaste of hope and happiness. His words had brought a burst of courage inside her which assured her that the future held only opportunities and lesser tears.


    She suddenly came to think... "Ah, this is what rebirth really feels like."

 Chapter 173 - Pretty Cold

    Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time or situation. But nostalgia is also defined as denial - denial of the painful present.


    Coming back to the city she grew up in, Xiu was in dilemma. Her inner self was in a conflict over whether she was supposed to feel any nostalgia? Especially when her present was so much more beautiful than the past? But she couldn''t possibly deny that she had some level of attachment to this place. This city had seen the glory of Chen Xiu and her downfall as well.


    This city had seen her laughing, crying, struggling with her mental health, her depression, her loneliness. What this city didn''t see before was her satisfaction. Because Chen Xiu was never satisfied with her life.


    It was early morning when they had landed in the Xia Capital. She had rolled down the windowpane of the car to breathe in some fresh air. However, she ended up coughing because of the heavy smog and rolled up the window. Now that felt very familiar to her. Sitting at the back seat, Dylan chuckled at her reaction. Xiu scrunched up her face at him but said nothing.


    First, they left their luggage at the hotel and then went straight to the meeting. Xiu followed Dylan for the whole day around and was surprised to see how serious he was about this project. After how much she was tired, she only wanted to drop on her bed and sleep.


    Despite that, Dylan pulled her to the hotel''s restaurant and said, "Have dinner with me." Seeing her scowling, he added, "I don''t like eating alone."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him and shook her head before taking a seat. They both ordered a steak.


    "Is Cabernet Sauvignon okay with you?" he asked Xiu''s opinion for wine.


    Hearing the name of her favorite wine with steak, Xiu''s heart blossomed. However, it instantly withered when Darren''s voice rang in her mind, "You''re not allowed to drink when I''m not around." Her face fell and she forced herself to say, "I''d like a glass of lemonade. Thank you!"


    "What?" Dylan was shocked. "Lemonade with steak? You sure about that?"


    Xiu clenched her fists tightly and nodded her head firmly. Dylan shrugged his shoulders and ordered the wine for himself and lemonade for herself. As the wine was served and Xiu saw Dylan savoring the taste of the red wine, her heart cried out. Dylan noticed her expressions and said, "If you want it just say so."


    "I don''t want it," said Xiu and looked away from him. "My boyfriend said I can''t drink in his absence."


    Dylan almost spurted out the drink when he heard her mumbling to herself. He thought something was wrong with his hearing. "I didn''t know you''re this obedient."


    "I''m very obedient, you just don''t know it," said Xiu.


    "You''re never obedient around me how would I know?" Dylan pointed out.


    Xiu waited for the server to leave before she picked up her knife and fork and said, "There is the difference between you and your best friend."


    "What''s the difference?" asked Dylan while cutting his steak. "He''s your boyfriend and I''m your boss. I pay you that means you should be listening to me."


    Xiu took a bite of her steak and smiled as she loved the taste before saying, "My boyfriend lives in my heart as my heartbeat that I don''t want to get rid of. While you live in my head as a headache I can''t get rid of." She took a pause before adding, "Besides, as the saying goes we should always listen to our heart and my boyfriend lives there. Logically, I should be listening to him."


    Dylan gave her a hard stare in disbelief and harrumphed. He thought he was going crazy since he actually understood her logic. He picked up his phone to check and put it back down again. When he repeated the same act three times, Xiu finally spoke up, "Stop checking your darn phone every minute. No one loves you. Isn''t that obvious already?"


    Dylan''s jaw clenched as a vein at his temple twitched dangerously. "Remind me why did I invite you to dinner?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and said, "Who knows? I was under the impression that you needed a babysitter again. Isn''t that why I''m following you around?"


    Dylan had the urge to slam his head against the table. Because only an idiot like him would talk to her knowing very well how much of pain in the butt she was. If he didn''t hate eating alone, he would have never invited his mortal enemy for dinner. But other than Xiu his only option in Capital was calling out Zhou Jinhai and that was worse.


    "I can''t possibly be a sane person for actually expecting a sane conversation with you."


    Xiu wiped her mouth with a napkin and said, "Uncle, you''re barely even a person and you''re talking about being a sane person? Tsk. Tsk."


    "You''re impossibly crazy!" exclaimed Dylan before gulping down his wine straight from the bottle. Xiu''s eyes widened but she didn''t try to stop him. "I was expecting a fun conversation with you but you just turned it into a funeral instead!"


    Xiu flipped her hair dramatically, "I''ve been told I''m the crazy bitch but thanks for your compliment anyway." Drinking so much wine in one go left Dylan a bit tipsy and Xiu could see that from the way his face was heating up. Just as she had once thought, he was unusually fair which made that red tinges on her cheeks even more obvious. "Come, I''ll take you to your room."


    Xiu helped him up and walked with him to his room. All the way to his room, Dylan was silent which forced Xiu to assume that he was a silent drunk. Furthermore, he looked adorable being all quiet and pouting like a kid. When they arrived before his room''s door, he stopped and stared at her.


    As he leaned forward, Xiu leaned backward. After a long hard stare, he finally sighed out, "How is he interested in you?"


    "Huh?"


    "You are nothing like her," he mumbled softly but Xiu heard him clearly.


    "What did you say?" Xiu asked for reconfirmation but Dylan didn''t repeat himself. He turned around and used the key card to open the door.


    Right before closing the door, he looked at her standing there again and said, "You remind me of winter nights." Xiu frowned at him and he went on, "You''re pretty... Cold!" With that, he slammed the door shut leaving Xiu with her curiosity to gnaw at her heart.

 Chapter 174 - Xiu, You Cant Die Like This!

    Walking up to the elevator, Dylan''s words kept running around in her mind. "You''re nothing like her." What bothered her was that ''her''. Who was that ''her'', he was referring to? In a daze, she got on the elevator and pressed the button for her floor.


    She wasn''t dumb enough to not even figure out that, he was talking about Darren''s ex-girlfriend but the way Dylan said it, was bothering her. Because from his way of speaking, that ''her'' seemed really important. Okay, it was official, she was jealous. It was weird but she had already started hating that ''her'' in her mind. There was no point in having good feelings for your potential ''love rival.''


    Xiu was jolted awake when the elevator came to an abrupt halt. She held the metal handrail on instinct and as her eyes focused, only then did she realize that she was all alone in the elevator. Her heart shook violently at this realization.


    She felt like the walls started to close in and she wanted to punch her way out but her body was stiff. She couldn''t feel her limbs at all. Her stomach lurched, adrenaline pumped and she could only scream out with wide eyes filled with fear. No, she wasn''t claustrophobic. But for some reason, this body had a deep-rooted fear of elevators. That was the reason Xiu never took an elevator alone. She''d either wait for someone else to join her or just take the stairs.


    However, today she was lost in her own thoughts and didn''t notice this detail that the elevator was empty. The unconscious fear inside of her burst out, even more, when the lights turned off, leaving only darkness behind. Breathing felt like torture to her as her heart rate speed up.


    She rummaged out her cellphone for light but her body lurched forward as the elevator started dropping at a whooping speed and the phone fell with a thud. All she saw was darkness around her as she tried to scream but her voice didn''t come out this time around.


    She closed her eyes as she felt like she was falling into an abyss. It was neverending, dark and hopeless. At this point, she didn''t know whether it was sweat or tears rolling down her face. The elevator stopped with a jerk after what felt like an eternity. And as the elevator stopped, Xiu''s limbs gave up on her and she fell on the ground. As the light seeped in slowly as the elevator door opened, everything became fuzzy; then she saw nothing at all. All her energy drained away as she blacked out.


    Her last thought before blacking out was, "Xiu, you can''t die like this! You still have to tell him that you''re Chen Xiu. You still have to tell him that... You love him."


    She heard someone screaming and it sounded like herself. Then she saw herself or more like Bai Xiu in an elevator. Punching the walls, making her knuckles ache and bleed. "Get me out of here! Save me! Someone, anyone!" Her cries for her help were unheard while he bellowed to the point her throat was left sore.


    With a loud scream, Xiu opened her eyes and saw the white lights that were illuminating the room.


    "Are you awake? Let me call the doctor," she heard an unfamiliar masculine voice but didn''t pay attention to it. Her focus was on her trembling body and shaky nerves. She looked around at the hospital room and her confusion increased even more. She was lost.


    When the doctor came to examine her, she still was staring blankly at everything. "Do you remember what happened?" inquired the doctor.


    "The elevator... It stopped and then the lights went off. After that, it started falling," her voice and body shook involuntarily at the reminder of that feeling.


    The doctor looked at the man behind him and raised his brows inquiringly. The man came up to Xiu''s side and said, "Miss, are you sure about that? I know the elevator stopped working but only for two minutes because of some technical glitch. The lights never went off and the elevator didn''t fall."


    Xiu looked at the unfamiliar man and the creases between her brows increased as she kept staring at him. "How is that possible?" she didn''t know who she was asking that. Then she recalled the cries for help she just heard in her dream and her eyes widened in shock. "Was Bai Xiu trapped in an elevator? When? Why? How?" she muttered to herself like a mentally unstable person and kept going, "Is that why I feel unfounded fear in elevators?"


    The questions were plenty in her head but the answer was none.


    The doctor observed her condition and took the man to a side saying, "She isn''t like that because of claustrophobia. It''s highly likely that she''s suffering from PTSD. Her mind played a trick and she felt like she was reliving that same situation of being trapped in an elevator all over again."


    "That explains why she was unconscious for the whole night," said that man in a denim attire. "Anything serious?"


    "She just needs rest," said the doctor and added, "Besides, we are administering the medicine to relieve her mental stress. Let her stay for some observation."


    When the doctor left the room, the man went to Xiu''s side again and saw her still mumbling to herself. He coughed a little to catch her attention and succeeded when Xiu was a bit startled. She looked at him questioningly and he said, "I found you in the elevator. Your body was ice cold, you''re soaked in sweat, the heartbeat was erratic. So, I took no chances and brought you straight to the hospital."


    "Oh," was the only word Xiu managed to say in reply before she shook her head and said, "I mean thank you very much for your help. And sorry for troubling you."


    "As long as you''re fine, it''s alright," said the man and smiled at her. Xiu found his smile charming and warm. He looked to be in his late twenties but he was handsome. Had a mature vibe and a charming appeal. "By the way, I still don''t know your name. You had nothing on you except for your phone which broke from the fall."


    "Ah, I''m Bai Xiu, nice to meet you," Xiu introduced herself politely.


    "Xin Xiaoli," he told his name and added, "And likewise, it''s a pleasure meeting you."

 Chapter 175 - Xin Brothers

    Suddenly the door was pushed open and came in another man with an anxious look on his face. But he went straight to Xin Xiaoli and started, "Bro, you''re okay? Are you hurt anywhere? What happened?"


    Xin Xiaoli pulled that person off of him and said, "Give me a chance to speak first." When that person took a step back, he replied, "I''m not hurt."


    "Then why are you in a hospital? When you texted me that you can''t pick me up from the airport because you''re going to the hospital, do you even know how scared I got? Then your cellphone went off and I lost half my life worrying about you," while the young man kept talking and talking, Xin Xiaoli pretended to yawn as if to show how bored and tired he was.


    "Give it a break, Si!" said Xin Xiaoli and held the young man''s shoulders before turning him towards Xiu and saying, "I brought that beautiful young lady to the hospital. She was the one who fainted in the elevator."


    The young man looked at Xiu while she waved hi to him. Then he looked back at his brother and asked, "You''re really fine?" Xin Xiaoli nodded his head and he hugged him saying, "Thank God, you''re okay. How can you do this to me? As my elder brother, you''re supposed to be taking care of me, not worrying me to death!"


    Xin Xiaoli laughed at his brother and patted his back before pushing him away. He turned to Xiu and said, "Sorry about my brother barging in here like this. He gets worried easily. Anyway, he''s my younger brother, Xin Xiaosi."


    "I can tell," replied Xiu with a smile. She found their relationship very refreshing and adorable.


    "You can tell?" the question came from Xin Xiaosi.


    Xiu nodded her head saying, "Yup. You both have the same eyes. The warmest and sweetest shade of brown... Honey brown."


    Both brothers shared a look before Xin Xiaoli pointed out, "Ms. Bai Xiu, your eyes are also honey brown."


    "Oh, I forgot that," Xiu scratched her head foolishly before saying, "Anyways, thanks for all your help but now, I think I should leave."


    "The doctor said you should stay for a couple of hours," said Xin Xiaoli and looked at his brother saying, "Si, go home. You must be tired from your long flight. I''ll see you at home after Ms. Bai Xiu gets discharged."


    "That''s not necessary. I''m already feeling really bad about all this. You should leave with your brother. I can definitely take care of myself," said Xiu sincerely.


    "That''s not right," said Xin Xiaoli.


    "Bro is right. You''re his responsibility since he brought you here and for the time you''re here, he should stay with you. Besides, we know how boring hospitals can get," Xin Xiaosi jutted in.


    Xiu was really surprised to hear that and didn''t know what to say to convince them but she gave up when she heard Xin Xiaosi continuing, "Bro, I''ll stay with you here as well. Let''s go home together. Dad will be super thrilled if we made an entrance together."


    "You and your obsession with dramatic details," said Xin Xiaoli while ruining his brother''s hairstyle which he didn''t appreciate at all.


    Xiu listened to the back and forth bantering of the brothers who were older than her and found them really cute. Weirdly, she didn''t find their childishness as petty as she did with Dylan. There must be something wrong with Dylan''s face. That''s why she always couldn''t help but speaking up her mind before him.


    Oh, wait! That uncle must have been waiting for his doc.u.ments!


    "Ah!" Xiu pulled her hair in exasperation as she screamed out.


    "What happened?"


    "Are you hurting somewhere?"


    Both brothers were around her instantly with worry written all over their faces. Xiu looked at them and smiled sheepishly as she said, "My boss must be looking for me to murder me. I was supposed to give him the doc.u.ments for the meeting."


    "Aiyo little sister, your life is more important than a doc.u.ment. Stop fussing over it," said Xin Xiaosi and offered his phone to her saying, "Give him a call and explain everything calmly."


    "And if he doesn''t understand, call him here," added Xin Xiaoli while stretching his neck as he went on, "We have ways to make him understand."


    "He''s super annoying," said Xiu but still took the phone and tried to recall Dylan''s number. It was a good thing that she was good with numbers. So, she soon connected the call. "Hello, Uncle. Cough. I mean, Sir. This is Bai Xiu, your executive assistant."


    "Where are you? I''ve been looking all over for you!" Xiu had to push the phone away from her ear, that''s how loud Dylan''s voice was.


    "I''m in a hospital," Xiu came straight to the point without dilly-dallying anymore.


    "WHAT? Which hospital? And why?" Dylan''s voice was strained as if he was scared.


    Xiu told him about the hospital and was about to brief him about what happened but he hung up. Xiu looked at the screen and said, "Fool, let me finish! Idiot! Psycho Uncle! Son of baloney! Haha! Baloney! I like the sound of that. Baloney."


    "Amusing," she heard from around her and looked at Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi before giving back the phone with a thank you with a sheepish look. Something was definitely wrong with her brain.


    Later on, without realizing it, Xiu got engaged in a conversation with both brothers who had stayed around just because she was alone. She was touched by the consideration. She hadn''t forgotten about the way her mind tricked her in the elevator. The first thing after going back, in her list was to find out why Bai Xiu was trapped in an elevator. What really happened to her there? Or did it had anything to do with Bai Xiu''s untimely death?


    It took Dylan twenty minutes to get to her room and he was panting like he had run all the way. Xiu was surprised when he opened the door as she asked, "What are you doing here? Are you that eager to yell at me for not being there for the meeting? How petty can you possibly get?"


    Dylan held back his anger since she was on a hospital bed and extended his phone towards her saying, "Call your boyfriend. I can''t take his crappy mood anymore."

 Chapter 176 - Sister-In-Law?

    Xiu had to spend the next fifteen minutes trying to convince Darren that she was okay. And after talking to him, she figured why Dylan was wearing the same clothes as last night and looked disheveled. Apparently, Darren''s been trying to contact her from last night but when he couldn''t, he disturbed Dylan''s sleep.


    Poor Dylan had to wake up at dawn and look for Xiu everywhere. And the worst part was Darren''s been constantly blaming him for being irresponsible since he even managed to lose a twenty-three-year-old.


    "Why are you in the hospital?" asked Darren and chewed on his nails anxiously.


    "Um... About that..." Xiu tried to think of something and said, "Well, it seems I was overworked. Yes, that''s it. You know how I''ve been running around all day, it exhausted me."


    Darren stayed silent for a minute before saying, "Give the phone to Dylan."


    Xiu frowned but passed the phone back to Dylan. And just as Dylan placed the phone against his ear, his expressions shifted from pale to the look of horror. "I understand. Don''t worry, I''ll do as you said." Xiu only heard Dylan''s reply and secretly felt really happy seeing Dylan in a difficult situation.


    "What did he say?" asked Xiu only to irk Dylan and it worked.


    Dylan glared at her hatefully and started, "You! You''re real trouble! I was right about you all along. My own best friend is saying that it''s my fault that you''re in the hospital. He said I''m an irresponsible boss for abusing my power." Xiu pursed her lips and rubbed her nose feeling guilty. "He also said that as my executive assistant, it might be your responsibility to listen to me from 9 to 5 but after that, I have to listen to you. Because as long as he''s not around, you''re my responsibility."


    Xiu was amused to learn about her new superpower - making Dylan dance at her fingertips. She couldn''t hide the evil smirk. "Little Didi, go get something to eat. This sister-in-law is feeling a little hungry."


    Dylan''s jaw hit the floor and he had to hold the side of her bed to support his body as he looked at her and said, "Sister-in-law? Aren''t you really eager?"


    Xiu touched her head and said, "I told you little Didi, I''m permanent. I ain''t going nowhere. You better get used to me."


    "You!" Dylan gritted out in a loud voice but a little helplessly as well.


    "You better not raise your voice at her again," came a voice from behind him and only then Dylan turned around to notice the two brothers standing in the same posture with their arms crossed before their chest in an intimidating way.


    Xin Xiaosi was the first one to speak as he said, "I like this little sister, so you better watch your tone around her, Hedi."


    "Besides, she is a patient and the doctor clearly said to let her rest," added Xin Xiaoli in defense and added, "And by the way, Hedi I never expected you to be such a person."


    "What did I do?" Dylan looked at Xin Xiaoli and questioned.


    "She was so worried that you''d yell at her for not completing her duty," said Xin Xiaoli and Dylan looked at Xiu who in turn lowered her head, played with her fingers acting as the epitome of innocence.


    Dylan resisted the urge to strangle her as he looked at Xin Xiaoli and said, "Li bro, you really need to re-evaluate this little thing. She''s a nightmare dressed like a fairy." Then he looked at Xin Xiaosi and went on, "And you, Ah-Si, it''s been three years since you stopped talking to me for no reason. But now, you''re actually standing up against me for a stranger? We''re the cousins here. She''s not!"


    "Oh, you guys are related?" asked Xiu in surprise as she tried to link Dylan with both Xin brothers and found no similarities whatsoever. "Now, I really believe that relatives come in all shapes and forms. We have no control over that."


    "We''re not related by blood," Xin Xiaoli was the only one who felt the need to explain that before he coughed awkwardly and said, "Nevermind. It''s complicated anyway." Then he took another brief pause before saying to Xiu, "You should call your family as well. They must be worried."


    Xiu looked at him weirdly before saying, "Don''t have a family. My mother died when I was in high school and I don''t know whether my dad is alive or dead."


    The three boys looked at her with a complicated look making her feel strange. "You don''t have a family?" asked Dylan.


    "Nope. Didn''t you know that already?"


    "I didn''t know that," said Dylan softly, mostly to himself. "No wonder you''re always looking for trouble. I guess it helps in filling up the void in your life." Dylan thought to himself as he stared at Xiu and asked, "What do you want to eat?"


    "Pizza!" said Xiu excitedly.


    "You''re a patient, I think red bean porridge is a better option," replied Dylan which made Xiu''s excitement to fly away.


    "Evildoer!" she cursed him with a sad look. "If you kept going against me like that I''ll curse you to be single for the rest of your life!"


    Dylan looked at her wild cat expression and touched her head gently as he said, "I''m already planning on staying single for the rest of my life."


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to him and turned to Xin Xiaoli saying, "Li brother, you can leave now. Since he''s here, I''ll be fine. You met your brother after a long time, you guys should head back home."


    Xin Xiaoli looked at his brother who stayed quiet in response and he said, "Okay. Take care of yourself then." He looked at Dylan and added, "You better be at your best behavior. She''s a very special young lady. Don''t raise your voice again."


    "Yes, sir!" replied Dylan in all seriousness.


    When they both left, Dylan looked at Xiu wondering about something. "What are you looking at?" she asked in annoyance.


    "I''m trying to understand, I thought you''re the most hated person in my company and yet everyone around me falls for your charms at the very first meeting. I have never seen Ah-Si or Li bro being protective of someone other than each other." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and added, "What spell do you use?"


    "A great wizard never reveals his tricks," said Xiu with her lips perked up in an arc. "Leave everything else and please, change out of those clothes. You''re ruining my personality by looking like a junkie."


    "No one will call you mute if you stayed quiet for a minute," said Dylan before walking out of her hospital room.


    When Dylan left, Xiu was secretly feeling really happy. Even though she always was at odds with her him, she could see that he was genuinely worried about her. He really was like a kid.

 Chapter 177 - Mother-Son Dou

    Xiu didn''t expect that Dylan would take her hospitalization so seriously. He literally had to reschedule all the meetings but he didn''t ask her to help at all. Xiu thought he was being considerate because of Darren but in reality, Dylan had heard all about Xiu''s condition from the doctor. Obviously, he didn''t expect her to have PTSD and it really shocked him.


    After Xiu''s discharge from the hospital, he took her to the hotel and even upgraded her room. "Stay here and don''t run around," warned Dylan before turning to leave. Xiu watched his receding back and scowled when he stopped and hit his own head before walking back to her. "Here''s your new phone."


    Xiu took the phone and said thank you to him before closing the door. She was standing alone in the hotel''s best presidential suite. It looked extravagant, flamboyant and yet modest, modern and very... Lonely!


    Xiu facepalmed herself and her shoulders slumped down dejectedly. She had purposely chosen that standard room for herself when she was booking the rooms. But now she was back to square one. She ended up right where she was running from, being alone in a huge space.


    While she groaned in anguish, she looked at her phone and sent a video call request to Darren. When he picked up, she picked up her spirit and waved, "Hey! Watcha doing?"


    Even though she could very well see him holding a book while he half-laid on his bed, she still had to ask that stupid question and the biggest stupid person was him who actually replied with, "Reading a book."


    "Oh, how boring of you," said Xiu and went on, "Nevermind. I called you because I want to give you a tour of my new room. Drum rolls, please. Dum, dum, dum. Are you ready for it?"


    "I think so," said Darren uncertainly as he put his book down.


    "Okay then, welcome to my royal life," she switched the camera to show him the suite and started walking. "Let''s see what we have here, oh it''s a huge mirror in the foyer." She showed her face to him and said, "Like my ego isn''t big enough already."


    Darren''s brows raised slightly as she went on and on with weird dialogues like, "Oh my gosh! That''s a swimming pool. They are literally asking me to drown in my troubles or my loneliness. Whichever it is, I''m offended!" Darren pursed his lips while she continued her tour, "Wow! That''s a huge living room with unlimited access to channels and movies and stuff. How wonderful it is that I can sulk here all alone! Perfect!"


    Darren knew he wasn''t supposed to disturb her since she seemed to be in her ranting mood. Whether it was because of the meds or her strange state of mind, no one could tell.


    "Aiya! Look, that''s a huge dining table. The only downside is, I''m the only diner here." She rolled her eyes and walked towards the master bedroom and seeing the huge bouquet of pink carnations she snorted, "Sheesh! They literally want me to feel lonely. Perhaps, your best friend really wants me to remember that I''m in this huge room all ALONE!"


    As she fell on the bed and kept on blabbering, Darren silently listened and watched as soon enough her voice turned soft. Not even five minutes had passed and she really fell asleep. "Good night, Sweets!" he said softly before staring at her sleeping. His other hand went up to touch her face but the phone screen came between them.


    As he tsked helplessly, he heard someone chuckling and looked up. "Maa! When did you come?" he was surprised to see his mother and didn''t even know since when she was eavesdropping there.


    The woman leaning against the door took off her coat and walked up to his bedside. If Xiu and Nora had been there, they both would have recognized her instantly. She was none other than the woman whose photo Darren kept in his wallet.


    She sat beside him and stared at his face with a smile, "I have to say, your Sweets sounds really amusing. Let me see what she looks like," she took the phone from his hand and looked at Xiu sleeping peacefully. "How cute." Her voice was lowered since she didn''t want to wake Xiu up.


    Darren took the phone back and disconnected the call before agreeing, "She is really cute."


    Francesca touched his head and said, "My son is really losing it. What charms does this young lady have? When are you introducing me to her?"


    "Whenever you come to China with me," said Darren firmly.


    "But you know about my job here," said Francesca and added, "Can''t you bring her here? Can''t you do this much for your mother?"


    "Ma, don''t play that emotional card with me again. I worked so hard to establish my own business because I didn''t want to see you work. I''ve seen you working all my life. Can''t you stop now? Retire already!"


    "My baby boy..."


    Before she could continue, Darren interrupted her, "First of all, don''t call me that. I''m not a kid anymore. Secondly, don''t use the same excuse that you''re used to working now."


    Francesca fixed her spectacles and changed tactics by saying, "Okay, you give me a grandchild, I''ll give my resignation."


    "Mama! What are you saying? I''m not even..." he didn''t know what to say. Why did every mother be insistent on grandchildren?


    "Oh, please! You love that young lady. So, the next stage should be a marriage and then kids," said Francesca as if it was the most casual thing.


    "Ma, even if we marry. I don''t think she''d want to be a mother this soon," said Darren using Xiu as a shield for showing his own disagreement.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t disturb you both. You can leave my grandchild with me and do whatever you guys want. You''ll be happy and I''ll be happier."


    Darren looked at his mother and held her hand saying, "Aren''t you tired? You had to take care of me when others were partying around. Can''t you live for yourself now?"


    Francesca patted his hand in her own and said, "I want to raise your child because I feel sorry to you. I always had to work and I could never take you out to play. Now, I want to compensate for your kid. Is it too much to ask for?"


    Darren snickered softly and said, "Aren''t you afraid that I''ll get jealous?"


    "Will you?"


    "Very much," he said with a look that showed his dissatisfaction and jealousy.


    Francesca hugged him and said, "My baby boy will always be my favorite." Then she pulled his ear and added, "Now that''s different that you''re the only son in the world who actually tricked his mother into going on a blind date."


    "Ouch! Ma, I don''t want you to be alone anymore," said Darren.


    "Quit it! If I never forced you to do anything, don''t force me as well. I''m living perfectly fine."

 Chapter 178 - My Boyfriend Is Missing!

    Originally the trip to Xia Capital was supposed to last for only two days but because of Xiu''s sudden hospitalization, the trip stretched to four days. But besides work, Xiu had no time to do anything else. Well, Dylan gave her proper time for rest as well but besides that, she didn''t do any sightseeing. Not that she needed it.


    However, she did learn that the room upgrade was Darren''s doing and not Dylan''s. And she sincerely apologized to Dylan for misunderstanding him and secretly cursing him which almost gave him a heart attack. Also, the pink carnation in her room was also sent by Darren which made it easier for Xiu to apologize.


    On the night of the fourth day when they came back to the An City, Xiu was really excited because it was the same day Darren was supposed to come back. But when she learned through his text that he had to extend his stay, her mood dampened.


    "What''s with the funeral vibes? Who died?" was Nora''s first question when she saw Xiu''s face. She looked like a zombie dragging her body around.


    "My Mr. McSpicy is not coming. He has to stay for a few more days," Xiu whined and jutted her bottom lip out showing how sorrowful she was feeling.


    Nora pressed her lips together choosing to stay quiet. Xiu wasn''t looking for a reply either. She went to her bedroom and got busy with sorting out her luggage. After that, she took a shower and came out to eat dinner with Nora.


    She had just taken a bite of her noodles when she recalled something and looked at Nora, "Nora, I have a few questions. Can you answer me honestly?"


    "Absolutely," said Nora confidently.


    "Have I been through some kind of trauma before losing my memory?" Nora stopped eating when she heard Xiu''s question. It was rare for her to see Xiu questioning about her past.


    "Trauma? Your biggest trauma was your mother''s death," replied Nora after a moment of contemplation.


    "Anything else other than that? For instance, I got trapped in an elevator or something?" Xiu probed further.


    "Trapped in an elevator?" Nora furrowed her brows and shook her head, "No way. I don''t recall such an incident."


    "You can''t think of any weird or strange things I did or say?" asked Xiu. She was desperate now to learn about Bai Xiu''s memories. Because her thoughts were in chaos. She didn''t want to live through each memory as she did in that elevator. "Tell me anything. Anything that you found ridiculous. Any small detail."


    Nora took a sip of water and fell into deep thought. It took her a moment before she said, "Ah, I remember one time, you disappeared for two days. It was a horrible experience on my part. And when you came back, you looked like a mess. There were bandages around your hand and your head. I was really worried. But you told me you fell down the stairs and had been in a hospital for two days. I didn''t believe you but looking at your expressions I didn''t push you for the truth."


    ''Disappeared for two days? And came back wounded? What really happened to you, Bai Xiu?'' Xiu absentmindedly kept chewing on her food.


    "However, I still find your name changing incident as the most bizarre one," Xiu heard Nora muttering in disappointment.


    "Name changing incident?" inquired Xiu with a raise of her brow.


    "Yeah, it happened right after your mother''s death. You''re adopted by my family and you asked my mother to change your name after adoption. From Destiny Novell to Bai Xiu." Nora explained as she got up with her utensils and walked to the kitchen.


    "I didn''t have the name Bai Xiu from the beginning?"


    "Nah! Everyone knew you as Destiny Novell, but you suddenly changed the name," replied Nora honestly. "I personally love your real name. It''s not like calling you baby Xiu isn''t fun, but teasing you by calling you ''My Destiny'' was more fun."


    Xiu''s thoughts were in a mess as she distractedly questioned, "Why did I choose the name Bai Xiu? Did I say anything about that?"


    "Xiu was actually the name of your favorite celebrity," Xiu''s eyes widened as she stared at Nora. "I know weird, right? I found that reasoning weirder than you. But your love and admiration for that celebrity were unconditional. You once told me that Chen Xiu gives you the strength to move forward."


    ''Weird? It really is weird that she chose my name as hers. But what I''m finding weirder is... Why did she feel the need to change her name? What was she running from? Or who?'' Xiu wondered to herself and bit her bottom lip. As she tried to look through her memories, a sharp headache made her yelp in pain.


    "Xiu, what''s wrong?" Nora was by her side instantly. She gave her a glass of water.


    "It''s nothing serious. Just a bit of headache," said Xiu, to ease Nora''s worry. "I''m having those quite often these days. No need to worry about it." It was true that headaches had become very common to her these days. Whenever she tried to think of something, her head would start hurting.


    However, Nora didn''t believe her at all. She could see the way Xiu kept rubbing her temples. So, she swallowed the words she was gonna say. ''I''m sorry, Baby Xiu! But I really don''t want to lose you. It''s better if I don''t tell you about that. Last time, you almost lost your life looking for answers. If I told you, you''d again go down the same road and I don''t want that. Sorry for being selfish.''


    "Did you remember anything from the past?" This time it was Nora who asked the question.


    "I don''t know whether it''s my memories or just hallucinations. But I keep seeing things," replied Xiu sincerely. Just when she saw the anxious look of Nora, she felt like she worried her for no reason. So, to distract her, she changed her tone and said, "By the way, let''s come to the real issue."


    "Huh? What''s the real issue?"


    "My boyfriend is missing, duh!" said Xiu making Nora roll her eyes in response. "I''m serious here. Do you think he doesn''t want me anymore? Or perhaps, I said something to upset him? Maybe, he finally realized that I''m a crazy person. Well, I don''t blame him if he thinks that I''m too much to deal with."


    Nora groaned in exasperation and placed her hand over Xiu''s mouth saying, "Shut up!"

 Chapter 179 - Savage Mothers

    There are always moments in our life that make us want to wish for the time to stop. And the same way, there are moments when we want to fast-forward everything. However, time never works like that. The way time work is very peculiar; when you wish for the time to stop, it fast-forwards. And when you want to fast-forward through, it slows down and passes slower than a tortoise.


    However, that''s not actually true. We believe it is but it isn''t. The time moves at the same pace. It''s our own feelings that change. For instance, a moment of joy is always shortlived because you''re so engrossed in your happiness that you didn''t even realize when the time passed. The same goes for moments of sadness. We become so involved with our sadness that time seems like it''s slowed down.


    This was certainly Xiu''s condition these days. It had been days and Darren still didn''t come back. She had never missed anyone this badly in her life ever before. And the more she missed him, the more her feelings for him grew. Since she was constantly in a bad mood these days, Nora brought her out for dinner and even called Dylan to join them.


    Sitting around the table, Xiu''s head was placed on the table while Nora and Dylan looked at her.


    "What''s up with her? She''s always mad at everyone in the office. People are scared to even talk to her. And I have never seen my employees this scared even by me," said Dylan looking at Xiu with a strange look.


    "Cut her some slack. She''s mad because she''s missing Darren," Nora defended her best friend and touched Xiu''s head as she added, "Xiu, cheer up. Darren''s been texting you these days and even explained why he''s suddenly so busy. Also, didn''t he send you those red camellia flowers the other day?"


    With her chin on the table, Xiu looked at Nora and said, "I don''t want his flowers. I want him. And I know he''s been texting me but I want to hear his voice. Darn it! Why did his company have to go through some crisis during this time?" She looked around at the restaurant filled with lovely couples and sighed out, "Look, autumn is right around the corner. Soon, it''ll be cold nights. Imagine, cold night, long drives, my little king and me, 80''s hit songs and no destination. What a beautiful night it''d be."


    "Well, at this point, you can only imagine," said Dylan and Nora slapped him from over the table while Xiu glared at him but soon lost the interest to even argue with him. And when she put her head back down, he was shocked. Now, he really believed that she was missing Darren since she was nothing like her usual self.


    But in Xiu''s mind, she had dropped the idea of dropping a savage sarcastic comment because she felt like Dylan''s small brain won''t understand her elite humor. So, wasting her energy on him was worthless.


    Seeing her not being co-operative, both Nora and Dylan decided to keep her out of the conversation. Dylan had actually thought about telling Nora that Xin Xiaosi was back but hesitated a little before saying, "Nora, I read a very interesting post. It went like sometimes God sends an ex back into your life to see if you''re still stupid. I felt that on a personal level. What''re your thoughts about it?"


    Nora took a deep breath, avoided looking at him and acted really cool as she said, "I don''t feel it at all. I''ve changed my life full circle. A 360-degree turn."


    "If you want to change your life around, you take a 180s turn, not 360s," both of them heard a muffled voice coming from Xiu who went on, "If you did a complete 360, it''s like coming back to the same bullshit! Who would wanna do that?"


    "Pfft!" While Nora thought about Xiu''s reasoning, Dylan burst out laughing. "I never thought I''d say this but I have to. Kiddo is right this time." He purposely called Xiu kiddo but to no avail since the latter was a like log again. No movement whatsoever. Dylan was disappointed to learn that. However, from Nora''s answer, he gathered one thing that he wasn''t supposed to tell her about Xin Xiaosi.


    If the girl had walked out of her past''s shadow. He had no right to push her back in.


    "Hey, Xiu! Let''s learn a little about each other. Tell me something you love to do, huh?" Dylan again tried to shake Xiu and sighed out before sitting straight up. It was his responsibility to cheer her up.


    "The fact that I have more clothes to sleep in than I do to go out is enough to say it all," said Xiu with a straight face.


    "You love to sleep," said Dylan.


    "Bingo! Never thought you''d be this smart." Dylan could feel her sarcasm literally dripping. Xiu yawned lazily, something came to her mind all of a sudden and she said, "By the way, dear Didi, are you seeing anyone?"


    "I''m seeing a lot of hallucinations, I''m thinking about seeing a therapist but as for seeing a girl, thank you very much but I''m fine." Dylan had purposely overlooked the way she called him. Unconsciously, he had come to make peace with the fact that she was Darren''s girlfriend and she was allowed to call him as Didi. However, he wasn''t gonna accept it outright.


    The conversation after that was light and fun moving from one random topic to another. Since Nora and Dylan were acquainted with each other, it made the atmosphere more lively.


    "How''s your mom, Hedi?" asked Nora just out of curiosity.


    "Don''t ask. That evil mother of mine is always insulting me," said Dylan.


    "What happened now?" She knew all about how Dylan''s mother was. She had heard about her a lot. But had yet to meet her in person.


    "Yesterday, I went to see her and I was using my phone while she was cooking. She came with a spatula in hand and hit me saying, ''Do you even know how many miles your thumbs have scrolled until now? If your legs had traveled for that many miles, you''d have gotten some world record or something.'' Now, you tell me, what kind of logic is that?"


    Hearing his words, Nora couldn''t hold back her laughter while Xiu had to press her lips to stifle her laugh.


    Nora gave him moral support saying, "Don''t worry. Mine is no better. The other day I went home and my brother wanted me to buy him some ice-cream. I went to the supermarket for it and texted my mom to let me know if she needed anything as well. So you know what her reply was?" Both Xiu and Dylan looked at her anticipating her reply. "She wrote: ''No thanks. I don''t need anything. Help yourself and buy yourself some self-conscience .'' I was shook!"


    This time both Xiu laughed along with Dylan and said, "That''s what I call a pair of savage mothers."

 Chapter 180 - Your Boyfriend

    Xiu silently watched as Dylan and Nora shared the stories about their mothers. Xiu laughed to the point of tears that''s how funny their stories were. However, those weren''t tears of joy, those were tears of sadness instead. She was envious of both of them for having amazing mothers.


    Even though both their mothers nagged them all the time, for Xiu, that was a very special thing. She wiped the corner of her eyes discreetly. She didn''t know what kind of a relationship Destiny had with her own mother but hers wasn''t anything special.


    "Since both of your mothers have the same hobby of insulting you, why don''t you both start dating?" suggested Xiu, languidly looking around. Dylan scoffed while Nora dropped her knife. Seeing their reaction, Xiu added, "It will keep your mothers busy with each other and they will let you off the hook."


    Dylan and Nora looked at each other for a minute before both of them shook their heads in sync and said, "Nah."


    Xiu found their response quite funny. She never thought she''d suggest something like that. But she had seen the way Nora and Dylan interacted. They understood each other very well and that''s why she thought they''d make a good pair. However, they didn''t agree with her at all.


    "Why won''t you date my best friend? What''s wrong with her? Don''t tell me that you''re looking down on her just because she dates around a lot." Xiu''s strike was directed towards Dylan who felt like he was being wrongly accused yet again.


    Dylan snorted in reply, "Please, I can''t possibly judge her for that. We live in the 21st century. Besides, if I had to judge someone I''d do that with my own best friend. Darren''s dating history is no joke."


    Xiu''s face fell again as he said that she looked like she was on the verge of tears as she said, "Are you trying to indirectly tell me that my boyfriend found someone else there and now, he''s abandoning me?"


    "Huh?" Dylan was dumbfounded more so with her intonation than her words as he said, "How did you come to that conclusion? Hold it, Darren might have dated a lot in his teenage years but he had never been the kind of person who would keep a girl guessing where she stands in his life."


    Xiu believed his words without a single doubt but came back to the original point, "Then what''s your issue with Nora?"


    Nora propped her face on her hand and stared at Dylan asking, "Yes, Hedi. Do tell us. What''s wrong with me?"


    Seeing Nora''s amused expression, he was really irked but he still replied, "Honestly, nothing is wrong with Nora but she and I can never work out. It''s just that... Sometimes, first love leaves no desire for a second one."


    "Ah, you''re one of those people," said Xiu with a hint of sympathy in her voice.


    "What kind of people?" The one to question that was Nora but the question had been at the tip of Dylan''s tongue as well.


    "You still dream about the ones lost in your memory, fabricated by your nostalgia and romanticized by your broken heart," she scoffed to herself and went on, "Didi, I suddenly find you very miserable. Stuck in an old love that''s no longer yours, doesn''t that hurt?"


    Considering how she had been stuck in the past for a long time herself, she felt like she had no right to question him. But since she knew the feeling of being stuck with some feelings, she could understand him deeply.


    "Love doesn''t guarantee happiness. Besides, I can''t possibly forget her just because it hurts," replied Dylan.


    "And just because it hurts doesn''t mean you should give up on finding love again," retorted Xiu in the same way. She looked at her best friend, looking for some support as she said, "Don''t you think so, Nora?"


    "Yeah, what''s your take on this Nora?" Dylan looked at Nora and provoked her in the same way she did earlier. "Who do you think is right? And don''t try to be biased."


    Nora saw Dylan''s provocative look and Xiu''s genuine curiosity and sighed heavily. "I think you both are right in your own way." She turned to Dylan and added, "Feelings don''t have a switch button. You can''t possibly forget someone just because it hurts." Then she looked at Xiu and went on, "Yes, giving up is not an option either."


    Dylan scoffed at her for taking the safe route out of it while she narrowed her eyes at him in a warning. Xiu wasn''t paying attention to their childish staring fight as she said, "Then what about you, Nora? My boss can''t date you because of some old flame. What''s your reason for saying no? He''s not that bad."


    Nora smiled at the way Xiu complimented Dylan and said, "I told you before. For me, there are only two categories of boys. One, those that I can kiss and second, those that I can''t bring myself to kiss." She looked at Dylan and said, "He falls in the second category. I can''t bring myself to kiss him. I can''t even imagine it. It just doesn''t feel right."


    Xiu actually felt dejected that they both weren''t willing to give it a shot. But remembering her own pitiful state, she decided not to say anything. Her phone rang and she looked at the screen. It was a private number, she frowned but picked up the call, "Hello?" No one answered from the other side. Xiu again called out, "Hello? Who''s it? If you''re calling then say something as well!" The call disconnected and Xiu was left puzzled. This was the third blank call of the day. Annoying!


    She looked up and saw how both Dylan and Nora were engrossed in their old stories and became curious, "I was wondering, you both seem quite close. How come you both lost contact with each other?"


    As Xiu voiced out her question, Nora''s body stiffened and even the color of her face shifted. The one to answer was Dylan as he said, "I also have the same question. She went to the United States and that''s when we lost contact."


    "Oh, you mean when Nora took a break in the second year of college and went to the United States for four months but ended up staying for like 7 months?" Xiu''s question was directed at Dylan who nodded in reply while Nora stayed silent.


    "Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," Nora excused herself and ran away from them. It was obvious that she was running from something. But Xiu or Dylan didn''t notice her change at all.


    After she went away, the rest of the two fell into tacit silence. It was obvious that they were gonna bicker if they even tried to be civil, so keeping quiet was the best option.


    Xiu''s phone rang again and she annoyingly picked it up and yelled, "Who is it now?"


    "Your boyfriend," came the reply.

 Chapter 181 - Sweet & Salty

    Sometimes, we don''t know how much we missed someone until we hear their voices. That voice of his pulled at her heartstrings wildly. Xiu''s heart was shaken as she shot up from her seat alarming even Dylan who had been disregarding her presence on purpose.


    Xiu had yearned to hear his voice so much that she felt like she was dreaming again. So for the sake of confirmation, she asked again, "Who did you say you are?"


    "Did you forget your boyfriend?" asked Darren in a pleased manner.


    Hearing his voice gave her a feeling of being at ease as she said being a little temperamental, "Which one?"


    She heard a gasp from the other side, "Gosh Sweets! How many boyfriends do you have?"


    "Oh, I don''t know. I think I have one who is all sweets and sends me flowers all the time. There is another who is very understanding and considerate, he''s never forgotten to call me. And then there is this idiot one who was supposed to come back I don''t know like a week ago. But, he vanished leaving me hanging."


    Darren was really amused as he heard Xiu''s answer and said, "I wonder which one is my Sweets favorite?"


    "None of those," said Xiu and added, "I''d like the one who''d actually come to see me."


    "Then why are you still standing there?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened in surprise when she understood his meaning and looked around the restaurant to find him. But to no avail. When she couldn''t find him she huffed, "I don''t have time to play around with you. And you know what, I don''t want to see you anymore. Forget it! Stay wherever you are!"


    "Are you sure about that?" Xiu''s body stiffened when her back felt the heat of another body. Then a hot breath hit her neck as she heard his voice so close, "Sweets..."


    Xiu closed her eyes to relish the sensation that tingled throughout her body. She could smell his scent which further proved that he was really here. Right behind her. All she had to do was turn around. However, she didn''t turn around. Actually, she didn''t make any movement at all.


    When she didn''t turn around, Darren came before her and tapped her nose saying, "Are you that upset that you won''t even look at me? Should I really leave then?"


    Xiu''s hand lifted to stop him but she forced herself to put it down. Darren had seen her action and couldn''t help chuckling silently. What bothered him was that she still didn''t open her eyes. He really wanted to see those sparkling eyes of hers. But he didn''t have the slightest idea how scared Xiu was of opening her eyes. The possibility of him not being there was really getting to her.


    "Looks like Sweets didn''t miss me at all," said Darren while playing with her hair.


    "I didn''t," replied Xiu and puffed up her cheeks adorably.


    "Really? Not even a little?" he asked again but in a very low and deep voice.


    "Well... I might have missed you... A little," said Xiu and cursed herself silently for actually falling for his voice. What was wrong with her?


    Darren placed his hands around her body and pulled her closer. He planted a quick kiss on her lips and bumped his nose with hers as he said, "But I missed you a little..." his lips traced to her ear as he added, "A little too much."


    Xiu''s eyes opened almost instantly as she stared into his grey orbs at such a close distance and lost herself. "Hi, there!" He said seeing how she was finally willing to look at him again. His hand was placed at the side of her face as he said, "I remember my mom warned me about the drugs in the streets but she forgot to warn me about the ones with brown eyes and a heartbeat."


    "You''re flirting again?" Xiu stared hard at him.


    "How can I?" Darren acted completely oblivious and added, "I''m already addicted to this drug with an adorable temper."


    Xiu hit his chest and kept hitting it while she said, "You''re the worst! I waited so much for you. I don''t even want to talk to you but I''m an idiot who really wants to hear your voice as well. I don''t want your stupid flowers, I want you. I missed you to the point of going crazy. I''m mad at you really mad at you."


    Xiu wrapped her arms around his body and sobbed like a baby. Darren looked at Dylan who shrugged his shoulders and looked away shrinking his presence as much as it was possible. Darren rubbed circles on Xiu''s back to soothe her emotions and said, "Sweets, why are you crying now? I''m right here."


    "Just let her be," he heard Nora''s voice. "She had been holding back her tears for a while now. I knew she was gonna breakdown before you."


    Then she held Dylan''s hand and pulled him away from there, giving them privacy. Dylan wasn''t very pleased as he said, "Why did you drag me here?"


    "Have some common sense," replied Nora while rolling her eyes at him.


    Dylan looked back at the hugging couple and asked, "How did you know she''d breakdown before Darren?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? For Xiu, those arms are the most comfortable place. She doesn''t feel like she needs to pretend to be strong before him," elaborated Nora and Dylan nodded in understanding.


    Back on Xiu''s side, she looked up at Darren and asked, "Everything''s okay with your business?" Darren caressed her head and hummed in affirmation. "Okay, then don''t leave now."


    Darren nodded his head saying, "I won''t. And if I really have to, I''ll take you with me. Alright?"


    Xiu tip-toed and kissed him on the cheek before saying, "That sounds like a good deal."


    He smiled at her genuine happiness and lowered his head to capture her lips. Xiu wasn''t passive this time around. She looped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. The intense kiss lasted for a good minute before Xiu became aware of the fact that she was in a restaurant with a dozen pairs of eyes around her.


    Hesitantly, she pulled away from him but her arms didn''t move from around his neck. "Darren touched his lips as he said, "Sweets is not sweet anymore. She''s sweet and salty now." He was obviously talking about the aftertaste of her tears lingering on her lips.


    Xiu hit his shoulder making him chuckle. He tightened his arms around her and said, "But I love it this way as well." Hearing that, Xiu buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes in content.

 Chapter 182 - Lovers Are Finally Together

    With her face so close to his heart, Xiu could clearly hear his heartbeat. Oddly enough, his erratic heartbeat managed to calm the storms rising in her own heart. All those weird, nonsensical ideas in her head were finally gone. All that was left was a comfortable feeling.


    In a matter of seconds, she fell in love with the way his heartbeat managed to pull her out of her loneliness.


    "Sweets, let go so we can go home now," said Darren but Xiu tightened her arms around him as much as she could. The way she was hugging was clearly screaming how much she needed him. Xiu shook her head in reply and he added, "You don''t wanna go home or don''t wanna let go?"


    "Don''t wanna let go," came a muffled voice in reply making him giddy for some reason.


    "But if you won''t let go, how will we go home?" he asked stroking her hair gently and lovingly.


    Xiu shook her head again and said, "I don''t know. But I''m not letting go."


    "Why?"


    "What if you left again?" she asked looking up at him.


    His heart jolted when he looked into her eyes. "I won''t leave."


    Xiu bit her bottom lip before saying, "You promise?"


    Darren stared at her for a moment longer wondering just how much she had been hurt that she needed constant reassurance in life? "I promise," he replied sincerely and kissed the top of her head.


    Xiu scrunched up her face but still didn''t let go as she said, "But I still don''t want to let go."


    Standing at a side, Nora looked like a proud mother as she saw her baby Xiu growing up. The only thing that was left was tears in her eyes but being the dramatic person she was, she pretended to wipe her non-existent tears and said, "Oh my my! My XiuRen ship looks so cute together. I can''t handle it."


    Dylan gave her a sideways glance and said, "Don''t you think you''re not in the position to fangirl over other couples? Worry about your own self!"


    Nora cursed him under her breath for spoiling her moment of fangirling and said, "At least, I''m fangirling happily. What about you? You look like you''re brooding here over something." She leaned closer to him and added, "Don''t tell me you''re jealous."


    "Jealous?" Dylan repeated and Nora nodded in response. He sighed out, "Maybe or maybe not. I don''t know, however..." he played with the ring on his finger as he added, "Today, I finally know why you call her baby Xiu." Nora looked at him with raised brows as he went on, "It''s because she''s like a baby. I never thought she had this side to her. She always looks ready to take on the world. But today, for the first time, I saw her being vulnerable."


    "She''s only human as well. I used to think she was superhuman as well when she fought with other kids for me. But after her retrograde amnesia, she actually started acting more like a human," Nora didn''t think before speaking as she said whatever was on her mind but her word caught Dylan''s attention for certain.


    "Retrograde amnesia?" He stared wide-eyed at Nora and then turned to look at Xiu before adding, "You''re telling me that girl lost her previous memories?"


    Nora thought about it and decided there was no harm in him knowing about Xiu''s condition. She ran a hand through her hair saying, "Mhmm... In the last year of high school, she had some kind of incident that led her to amnesia." She took a brief pause before saying, "Now that she cries, laughs and jokes around, I find her really comfortable."


    "What? She didn''t laugh, cry or joked around like that before the amnesia?" he questioned casually.


    "Nope. The only time I saw her crying was on the day of her mother''s death. She was a very mysterious person. Although I like thinking that she shared everything with me, I know she didn''t." She smiled to herself at the fond memories they shared and added, "But she always stood by my side and that was enough for me. So, I often looked over the other facts."


    Dylan listened to her attentively and nodded in understanding. Hearing it like that from Nora, even he could tell that the Xiu he knew was different than that. No matter how strong she showed her to be, if one looked closely, they''d find her sensitive side.


    They both heard Xiu''s yelp and turned their head only to find that Darren had picked Xiu off the ground. Since she wasn''t willing to let go, he didn''t want to force her either.


    "Aww! They are so cute, let me take a picture of that," said Nora shifting back to her fangirl mode. She took her phone out and clicked their photos.


    Xiu and Darren who were oblivious to Nora''s doings...


    When Darren lifted her off the ground, Xiu was surprised. "What are you doing?" she asked as her hands went on to wrap around his neck for better support.


    "Well, we gotta go home and you don''t wanna let go. Hence, this is the best alternative," he answered in his all-knowing manner before adding in a low voice, "Besides, I don''t want you to let go either."


    Xiu smiled at his reply and buried her face in his neck. Xiu was in a lovely mood which was interrupted when she heard Dylan''s annoying voice saying, "Public display of affections shortens the age of love."


    Xiu glared at him in a dangerous way and said, "Some words get you to grave as well."


    Now that Xiu actually retorted with the same attitude he was used to, Dylan felt at ease. Finally, the Xiu he was familiar with was back. He had opened his mouth to say something when Darren cut him off saying, "I guess you haven''t heard the proverb best friend, ''The lovers are finally together, all shall be well.''"


    Dylan''s eyes raised in surprise at Darren. He never thought his best friend took interest in Chinese Proverbs. But from the looks of it, he was beginning to. Nevertheless, he wasn''t the only one surprised, even Xiu was surprised to hear his reply.


    And she was that idiot who actually believed wholeheartedly in his words. Since they were together now, nothing could go wrong. Even if something did go wrong, at least, he''d be right by her side.


    Darren didn''t stick around to listen to Dylan as he walked out of the restaurant with Xiu in his arms. Right outside, his chauffeur opened the door of the backseat for him and he put Xiu inside before sliding in himself.


    Feeling her intense eyes at the side of his face while he was instructing his driver, he turned around and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    ''Because I can''t seem to look away!'' A voice screamed in her mind but Xiu''s reply to him was, "I have to make up for the time I didn''t get to see this face."

 Chapter 183 - Bite Those Lips

    How complicated is it to fall in love with someone? How do you think two souls find their way to each other? Do the eyes lead that way or is it the skin? Or perhaps, it''s the magnetic pull of the universe?


    Actually, it doesn''t take a kiss or someone akin to fall in love. Honestly, no one can certainly say how one falls in love. But one thing that''s for sure is that it only takes a moment. It can be a moment of laughter or crying with them. Or it can be a moment of hearing that particular person calling your name that eventually did some unexplainable things to your heart. Nonetheless, it can also be a moment of silence you shared with that person where you heard a peculiar melody and only then realized how loud silence could become.


    But it doesn''t really matter which moment it was. What matters is that when two souls fall for each other, all that''s left between them is a yearning. A yearning to be close to each other. And that yearning leads to fear of every goodnight turning into a goodbye. Because souls don''t have the notion of time and distance which means for the souls, the absence is like separation. That''s why the souls feel the presence of their significant other intensely even through a mere hand held.


    For Xiu, him holding her hand as he led her inside the apartment building was really special. As they were in the elevator, she couldn''t keep her eyes away from him even now. But Darren was feeling really strange under the scrutiny of her eyes and kept fidgeting.


    "Aren''t you tired of looking at me already?" he finally voiced out.


    Xiu took a step towards him and he took a step back on instinct. Perhaps it was her predatory expression that cornered him as his back hit the wall of the elevator. Xiu placed one hand on the wall and looked at him saying, "I don''t like seeing anything between us."


    "There is literally nothing between us," said Darren pointing at the way her body was almost pressed against his own.


    ''Clothes are still between us!'' her dirty mind reminded her and Xiu almost puked blood at her own thinking. Where did that come from? Seeing how Darren was looking at her, she kept her straight face and said, "Well, the heart has no logic and feelings are beyond magic. Then why are we keeping rationality between us?"


    "Sweets, who led you astray while I was away? When did you become so... Indecent?"


    "You did," replied Xiu honestly with an innocent look. "You are doing things to me that I can''t even describe in words. But I do know that..." she laid her hand on his chest and drew circles as she went on, "I really want to bite those lips."


    *Ding*


    As those words left her mouth, the elevator door opened and Xiu walked out like she hadn''t just been breaking his walls. As for Darren, he finally breathed out not even knowing that he had been holding his breath until now. She came on too strong and suddenly for him. He definitely didn''t expect it from her. Wasn''t she the shy type? Only alcohol made her brave.


    Poor guy didn''t know that love always made the shy turn into the brave one and the brave into the shy one. Like himself!


    As for Xiu, she didn''t drink tonight, then how was she this bold? While Darren was wondering he caught up to her and said, "Sweets, are you playing with me?"


    Xiu clicked her tongue and shook her head saying, "I haven''t started yet." Darren found her rebellious spirit a little too exciting.


    "What are we gonna play then?" he asked.


    Xiu stopped in front of his apartment, not her own and leaning against the door, she tugged at his jacket and pulled him towards herself. Looking up into his eyes, she said, "We''re gonna play... Taming my little king."


    Darren''s eyes widened in shock when she called him ''my little king''. It sounded so familiar and yet so foreign. However, he certainly loved it when she said it.


    "Would you like to play?" her voice didn''t waver even when she could feel the tension in the air. She knew she had hit a spot but that was what she was looking for. Outrightly telling him that she was Chen Xiu was not an option. But if she gave enough clues, he''d figure it out. Or at least, he''d have a little bit of doubt. And that doubt was what she was looking for.


    Seeing him standing there without any reaction, she gently leaned in and kissed his warm lips. As she pulled apart, Darren gave her an inquisitive look while she took shallow and shaky breaths. Xiu opened her mouth to say something when Darren held the back of her head with his hand and pulled in for another kiss.


    This time around, it was fiery and passionate yet it was so darn slow that Xiu''s heart felt like exploding. She didn''t even realize when he had opened the door behind her but she only realized it when he held her waist and picked her off the ground. The kiss wasn''t broken but he had carried her inside.


    Soon, she found herself falling and when her back hit the couch, she m.o.a.ned and taking advantage of that, his tongue expertly explored the recess of her mouth. She was lying on her back with his body matching her body form. Her hands lifted to explore each crevasse, each line along his perfect physique.


    They pulled away and opened their eyes. There was a whole world of wonder in her eyes while there was a curiosity in his. Although no words were spoken, a lot was said between them. Darren leaned in and softly kissed up and down her neck. Xiu involuntarily let out a whimper of anticipation. As he found his way back to her smooth lips, Xiu''s hands became even more determined as they slid under his shirt.


    However, she had yet to feel his taut muscles without the barrier of clothing when Darren held her hands over her head and bit her lips a little harshly as he said, "We''re done playing. I don''t know about my Sweets taming her little king. But seems like my Sweets is pretty much tamed now."


    It took her a while to pull herself out of the fantasy world he had brought her in and harshly threw her out at the end using her own words. She glared at him in anger but he laughed at her expression finding it too funny.


    He ruffled her hair and said, "This is why you should not play with the player or you''ll end up getting played by the player." He patted her head treating her like a puppy and added, "So be careful next time."

 Chapter 184 - Free Spirit

    Xiu was pouting like a kid but when Darren teased her, she pushed him off the couch.


    "Ommf!" He landed on the thick carpet and had yet to recover when she sat on him and held his collar while glaring at him.


    "This is so not fair," she had leaned down and right now, their faces were so close that their noses almost touched.


    Darren stared into her eyes in silence as he tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. However, after tucking her hair, his fingers lingered right there on her ear in a teasing manner. The more his fingers touched her ear, the more Xiu felt ticklish and fl.u.s.tered. Her ears were her most sensitive part and he could tell that from her squirming reaction.


    The back of his hand stroked the side of her face as he said, "Sweets, don''t push me. I have limited self-control right now since I haven''t seen you for days. I can only pull away once. If you kept playing around..." he breathed out a hot breath and added, "I won''t be able to stop." It had taken all his will power to pull away from her earlier. If she kept being like that, he knew he was gonna lose it.


    "What?" Xiu was flabbergasted to hear his reply. That look in his eyes told her that he had missed her as much as she did. However, she really didn''t want to fool herself.


    He held the back of her head and pulled her down to the point where their foreheads touched. "Sweets, I know you want me to continue but that''s only your emotions talking. I seriously don''t want our first time to be on impulse. I want to make everything special for you."


    Xiu kissed his lips and smiled against his lips before pulling his cheeks and saying, "My Mr. McSpicy, you''re turning me into Ms. McPudding." Lying her head on his chest, she added, "But you think too much. As long as you''re with me everything is special to me."


    Darren wrapped his hands around her, "Don''t get me wrong. This very moment is the most special to me. I''ve never had a person waiting for me like you before. And that makes you a very special person in my life and my heart. And since you''re special, you deserve special as well for bringing these feelings back to me. I had almost forgotten how it felt to have someone beside me."


    He planted a kiss on her forehead and thought, ''I really didn''t know why I was so attached to you but now I do. I''m glad that coincidences pushed us towards each other.''


    In his view, he had forgotten all about love in these past years. That''s why he wasn''t willing to believe when everyone around him said that he was in love with Xiu. He didn''t want to believe it. But his view changed when he missed her madly. However, tonight when he saw her at the restaurant and she hugged him while crying, that''s when it hit him.


    He didn''t like those tears in her eyes. And mostly, he didn''t like the fact that he was the reason behind those tears. He had smiled every time when he saw her smiling and that''s why he thought he found her special. But the way she hugged him and he felt like he was finally back home, that''s when he said to himself, ''Ah, you''re really in love, Regan.''


    The realization came suddenly but it surely stirred him inside out. He felt like crying and laughing at the same time. How weird it was that he felt like crying with her and wanted to laugh at her stubbornness. Even weirder was the fact that she held the power to make him sad and happy at the same time... It was a very dangerous combination. But he still found it exciting.


    His reverie was broken when Xiu suddenly said, "Oh, I just realized that I had never come to your place before." Darren gave her an inquisitive look while she got off him and darted her eyes around saying, "Let''s see what my boyfriend''s place looks like."


    Darren was really amazed at the speed in which she changed her emotions. He touched her head lovingly and helped her up saying, "Help yourself. Meanwhile, I''m gonna take a shower." Under his breath, he said, "I really need another one now."


    Xiu didn''t hear his last sentence since she was fascinated by the contemporary and modern interior design. It was really different than her own apartment. The way white and greys dominated the interior design made her confused. From his fashion sense, he didn''t seem like the kind of person who would keep such dull colors in life.


    After looking around, she went to the kitchen to get some water for herself. While she was pouring the hot water in a glass, Darren''s hands embraced her waist from behind saying, "So, how was the house tour?"


    "Boring," said Xiu without holding back. Darren wasn''t surprised at her reaction.


    "Hmmm... Tell that to Dylan. He''s the one who said it looks elegant," replied Darren.


    "Ah, no wonder I didn''t like it. It''s because it''s that uncle''s choice," said Xiu with disdain.


    Darren rested his chin on her shoulder and said, "Don''t you think you''re a little harsh with Didi?"


    "I am?" asked Xiu while turning her face slightly and he nodded. Xiu pressed her lips together before saying, "As I told you before, I can''t help it. I tried being nice to him. But I think something is wrong with his face, I can''t stop myself." She took a pause and added, "I think he and I have some grudge from a past life or something."


    "I think so too," said Darren in agreement as he held her hand and brought to his lips to plant a kiss. While Xiu was being fl.u.s.tered over this small but sweet gesture, she felt something cold on her wrist.


    It was a sterling steel bracelet with a three doves design. Xiu looked at him inquisitively and he replied, "Cali brought this from Peru. She said three doves have a special meaning. They symbolize, freedom."


    Xiu traced her hand over the three doves and said, "So, you''re giving me this because...?"


    "Because I want you to fly like a free spirit," replied Darren making her turn mushy all over again. She didn''t know about him but if he kept on touching her heart like that, she definitely was gonna pounce on him.


    Xiu chased those indecent thoughts out of her mind and caught on to something as she asked, "Who''s Cali?"

 Chapter 185 - Left-Out-Best-Friends-Club

    On the other hand, two people who were betrayed by their own best friends were speechless for a long time in the restaurant after Xiu and Darren left. And to lift up their spirits, both finished the wine on the table without realizing it. They both were officially in left out best friend''s club and that''s what they drank for as well.


    "I can''t believe she forgot that she was supposed to take me home with her," said Nora with a heartbroken look as she took the last sip of the wine.


    Dylan patted her shoulder and said, "People change when love gets involved. Don''t take it to heart." He sighed heavily as he added, "My best friend didn''t even say hi to me and left. Yours only forgot to take you home."


    Nora looked at Dylan sympathizing with her and nodded in agreement. She gave him an encouraging pat and said, "Don''t look so down. Let''s go for some dessert and coffee. My favorite cafe is about five minutes away."


    "Is this time for coffee and cake?" asked Dylan looking at her strangely. After all, they had just been drinking! However, Nora didn''t listen to him and dragged him along. They didn''t take the car since the cafe was about five minutes away. That''s why on Nora''s insistence, they both walked on the night street. Looking around at the brightly lit street with mostly couples walking hand in hand, he sighed out, "I suddenly feel really lonely."


    Nora understood his meaning but since she couldn''t do anything about it, she jokingly said, "Try turning off all the lights and watching a horror movie. Trust me, you won''t feel lonely at all." Seeing Dylan''s not so amused look at her joke, she had enlightenment, "Don''t tell me you still have that childish fear of ghosts?"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her statement and smiled which wasn''t really a smile as he said, "Childish fear? If I remember clearly, you''re scared of space. Isn''t that more childish?"


    Nora''s competitive spirit came out as she straightened up her expressions and said, "How is that childish? You tell me yourself, isn''t it scary? I mean the universe is so so so big. Imagine being all alone in this whole universe. Actually, being alone or not being alone, the idea is equally scary."


    "I understand your point but sis, can you explain to me why do you think that you''ll end up in space? I mean it''s not like one day you woke up and earth lost its gravity and you floated all the way to space." Dylan didn''t know why but he found his own words really funny and laughed out.


    Nora rolled her eyes at him and said, "That''s a possibility. Like the possibility of all those possibilities being possible is just another possibility that can possibly happen." She took a deep breath after saying that in one breath and added, "Anyway, what I mean is that don''t question possibilities."


    Dylan scratched his head trying to find a way to digest her words before he said, "Would you like to enlighten me why are we talking about space and ghosts?"


    Nora pursed her lips before she said, "Because we''re both singles who have nothing better to do." Dylan gave her a fist bump as a silent affirmation while she said, "Oh, we''re here."


    When Dylan looked at the caf¨¦, he wanted to say something but her excitement shut him up as she continued, "Let me tell you, they serve the best coffee. And the black forest cake is to die for."


    Dylan silently listened to her as they entered and walked towards the counter to order. "One iced Americano and black forest cake. What do you want?"


    "I''ll take the usual," said Dylan with a smile directed towards the girl behind the counter who nodded in response. Noticing Nora''s curious gaze on himself, he answered, "Don''t be surprised. I am a regular."


    "Really? But you don''t like coffee and this place is famous for it''s coffee," said Nora. She lowered her voice and added, "This place is also famous because of the boss lady. She is gorgeous. And if I, as a woman, am calling her gorgeous, you can possibly imagine."


    Dylan was about to answer her when he saw a figure coming out of the backroom and waved his hand as he shouted, "Hey, sis!" Nora''s eyes widened in surprise. Dylan clicked his fingers before her eyes and said, "FYI, the gorgeous boss lady is my elder sister, Qui Meihui."


    Nora''s jaw dropped to the floor. Meanwhile, Qui Meihui came up to them and said, "How come you''re here?"


    "Can''t I come to pick my sister up? I was in the area and thought to take you along. We live together anyway." While Dylan was explaining, Qui Meihui looked like she didn''t believe a single word that came out of his mouth.


    "Little brother, don''t lie for no reason. If you were this thoughtful, I''d have died from shock a long time ago," replied Qui Meihui, clearly mocking him.


    "Are you sure you''re my sister?" asked Dylan.


    "I wish I wasn''t. But I''m stuck with you," said Qui Meihui in a remorseful voice. Her eyes fell on Nora as she asked, "Who is she? Your friend?"


    Dylan frowned at the intonation of her voice and wrapped an arm around Nora''s waist saying, "She can be my girlfriend. Why did you just assume that she''s just a friend?"


    Qui Meihui looked at Nora and then at Dylan before shrugging her shoulders and saying, "Sorry, I just couldn''t get my mind around the fact that a sane girl would want you as a boyfriend."


    "SIS!" While Dylan was being thoroughly insulted by his sister, Nora laughed to herself at this bickering.


    Qui Meihui completely disregarded Dylan and extended her hand towards Nora saying, "Hello! I''m Dylan''s sister, Qui Meihui. But you can call me Mei."


    Nora shook her hand and greeted back, "Hi, I''m Nora. Nora Cartwright. Nice to meet you."


    Qui Meihui smiled at her and said, "You look really familiar."


    Nora scratched her head in a silly manner as she said, "I come here a lot for coffee. I just love this place."


    "Stop flattering her," said Dylan in exasperation.


    Nora was about to retort but something or rather someone behind Qui Meihui caught her eyes and she paused in disbelief.

 Chapter 186 - Love That Still Hurts

    Noticing Nora''s gaze, Dylan followed the direction of her eyes and cursed under his breath, "F*ck!"


    Qui Meihui also looked behind and called out, "Ah-Si, why are you just standing there? Come here."


    Yes, it was Xin Xiaosi himself who had come out of the backroom shocking Nora and putting Dylan in a difficult position. Dylan was feeling remorseful now since he knew that Xin Xiaosi was very close to Qui Meihui''s daughter, Asteria. And there was no way that he won''t come to see her.


    As Xin Xiaosi trudged towards them and he silently stared at Nora. His eyes didn''t leave her face even for a second while Nora avoided his gaze. The more he looked, the more his eyes saddened. It was as if he had millions of questions he wanted to ask but didn''t.


    "Ah-Si, say hi to our Dylan''s girlfriend," said Qui Meihui, intentionally emphasizing on that ''girlfriend'' part.


    Xin Xiaosi''s hands clenched into tight fists before he took a deep breath and said, "Hello, nice to meet you." His voice was formal and distant tugging at Nora''s heart while Dylan frowned.


    He could recall how Nora and Xin Xiaosi were close before Xin Xiaosi left for New York. He could believe Nora that Xin Xiaosi had no interest in her romantically but he knew that Xin Xiaosi treated Nora very well. Now, seeing how they were acting, he was really curious to know what really happened between them.


    Meanwhile, Xin Xiaosi turned to Qui Meihui and said, "Sister Mei, I took the cake out. Let''s decorate it."


    "Okay," Qui Meihui looked at her own brother and said, "Enjoy your date then Dylan. I''ll see you at home."


    Dylan nodded and she went back inside with Xin Xiaosi who stopped at the door to give another glance towards Nora. However, when he saw the way Dylan''s arm was now around her shoulders, he sighed and went in.


    Meanwhile, Dylan tried to comfort Nora as he had put his arm around her shoulder saying, "I was gonna tell you that he came back but¡­"


    "When?" questioned Nora.


    Dylan understood her meaning and replied, "He came back last week. I was really gonna tell you but you just said that you have turned your life around. I didn''t want to bring up the past."


    Nora scoffed, however, more to herself as she said, "I turned my life around? How come right now my life is flashing right before my eyes?"


    Dylan stayed silent for a while before he said, "Do you want to leave?"


    Nora thought about his question and shook her head saying, "No, I want to stay."


    Listening to her words, Dylan took her to an empty table but still said, "You''re only trying to hurt yourself by staying around."


    Nora stayed quiet as she thought, ''Hurt? It''ll hurt more if I didn''t get to see him again.''


    While their order was served, Dylan had been silently contemplating the various scenarios that could have conspired between Nora and Xin Xiaosi three years ago, but he didn''t want to jump to any conclusion without any confirmation.


    Meanwhile, in the backroom, when Qui Meihui had entered, she had noticed Xin Xiaosi acting strangely. "You look distracted," she remarked.


    "Do I?" Xin Xiaosi retorted but seeing her expression, he added, "I''m fine." Then he picked up the tools to decorate the cake and got busy.


    "She''s the one, isn''t she?" Xin Xiaosi''s hand paused when he heard her and looked at her in shock. "I have seen her pictures on your phone. I just never thought I''d see her walk in with Dylan. No wonder, she looked familiar." He stayed quiet and tried to act calm. "Do you think, she''s really dating Dylan now?"


    "I don''t care," he replied after a moment of hesitation.


    "Liar," remarked Qui Meihui and put the cake frosting on his nose saying, "Ah-Si, you''re still in love with her." He opened his mouth to say something when she raised her hand to stop him. "Don''t deny it. I''m older and experienced than you. You had never been able to hide your feelings from me."


    "I wish you''re this good at understanding my brother''s feelings as well," said Xin Xiaosi and earned a slap at the back of his head from her.


    "Don''t bring that up here. I''m talking about you," said Qui Meihui in a stern voice this time. "Love is a feeling that you can never hide. And yours is really obvious."


    Xin Xiaosi pressed his lips together before saying, "It''s true that I still love her. But she''s also someone who has hurt me the most. Just because I can''t bring myself to hate her, doesn''t mean it doesn''t hurt."


    Qui Meihui gave him a side hug and said, "You know it''s love because it hurts. Don''t forget that. Besides, no matter how much it''d been hurting you, you still couldn''t bring yourself to hate her or forget her." She took a pause and added, "I know you left the country because of her but don''t do anything like that again."


    Xin Xiaosi smiled at her stern warning and replied, "I won''t run from it anymore. Don''t worry."


    "That''s more like it," she said and helped him with decorating the cake. Noticing his dampened mood, she decided to use the person who could distract him. "By the way, did you have to bake this cake yourself? I mean, Asteria would have loved it anyway."


    "My little niece said that I should bake it myself. How can I disobey her?"


    Qui Meihui shook her head at him and mumbled, "You all boys are the reason, she thinks herself to be some kind of a princess. She''s only six. Don''t pamper her so much."


    "Sis, you''d been the queen. How can your daughter be anything else than a princess? She deserves it," said Xin Xiaosi. Although he wasn''t completely distracted, he still acted like it. Besides, Asteria was the only person who could lift up his spirits.


    Well, that little girl could lift up anyone''s spirits, he just happened to be one of those people who were more attached to that little princess.


    Qui Meihui knew that he loved her daughter like every other person but she was still thankful towards him. She could understand why Darren, Dylan, Xin Xiaosi and even Xin Xiaoli always gave in to Asteria. She was a child without a father and none of them wanted to her feel like it. This gesture mattered a lot to her.

 Chapter 187 - Friend Or Ex-Girlfriend?

    Coming back to the couple who forgot about their respective best friends...


    When Xiu asked, ''Who''s Cali?'', at first, Darren didn''t notice her tone. It seemed like a very casual question to him. Perhaps, because he had never been questioned like that ever by anyone.


    So, his casual reply was, "Cali''s a friend."


    Xiu turned her face slightly towards him and tried keeping her voice leveled and devoid of any jealousy as she asked, "Friend or ex-girlfriend?"


    Now, Darren noticed the change in her voice and laughed to himself as he said, "Sweets, I might have dated a lot but Cali could never be one of my ex''s."


    "Why not?" inquired Xiu curiously.


    Darren turned her body to face him and held her face in his own making her look at him and said, "Sweets, Cali''s been more like a bro than a girl to me. Not just me, actually, she''s been like that to everyone. She''s been a tomboy for as long as I can remember."


    Xiu raised her brows at him in curiosity and he held her hand, making her sit at the dining table while he got busy with something in the kitchen as he continued, "She and I were in high school together. Her interests leaned more towards the... daring side. You can call her an adrenaline junkie. When she went to med school, all of us were shocked and when asked her why she did it, she said, ''Reviving a person from death, doesn''t the sound of that gives you a thrill?'' We were speechless at her reason."


    Xiu had been listening to him attentively and when he stopped, she said, "She sounds really fun."


    "Sweets, don''t get impressed by her. She''s the last person I want you to be an acquaintance of," said Darren clearly not liking the idea of Xiu being a friend of Cali.


    "Why not?" questioned Xiu with a sulky look.


    "Because Cali is literally dangerous and reckless. She takes life very lightly. She can convince you into doing a lot of dangerous things with her and I don''t want you to be in danger," he said as he passed a plate of freshly cut fruits to her. Hearing his words and seeing his gesture, Xiu decided to push her jealousy away. While seeing her munching on the apple, he squinted his eyes and asked, "Why did you think that Cali is my ex-girlfriend?"


    "Your best friend said that you have dated a lot back in the days. So, you never know," she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and continued eating.


    Darren looked at her for a moment and asked, "What else Dylan said?"


    "He talks a lot, mostly I don''t pay attention," replied Xiu but after a moment, she recalled something and added, "But when he was slightly tipsy, he said you''ll never forget her. I don''t know who that ''her'' is but my brain convinced me that he was talking about your first love. Everyone has one of those."


    Darren touched the tip of his nose and stayed silent when she talked about this. Xiu noticed the silence and looked up at him inquisitively. Darren contemplated a bit before saying, "You''re right. Didi was talking about my first love."


    Xiu''s hands paused for a moment but she reminded herself, ''Xiu, you can''t possibly expect to be his first love. Since he''s not yours as well. Don''t be greedy. It''s already good enough that someone like him is willing to accept a mess as you.'' Her monologue managed to calm her down and she acted very casually as she questioned, "What kind of a person was she?"


    "I think I should describe her as a..." he thought about it long and hard but only one suited her the best in his mind. "Goddess. That''s what she was." Even though he hated it whenever Dylan used to say, Goddess Xiu all the time but now whenever he thought about her, he realized that she was really like a Goddess. Chen Xiu was a living angel. From his own understanding of her, she didn''t like taking credit for things.


    For instance, once he asked her, "I heard you sponsored some teenagers for their study abroad."


    Her reply was, "I didn''t do anything. I was just a way for those kids to achieve something bigger. It was in their fate."


    At first, he used to think that she was really weird and fake? But later, he realized that since she had been alone for most of her life. She perceived life very differently than other people. And that also made her extra sensitive towards things. She was never fake.


    Presently, Xiu noticed his daydreaming expression and grumbled to herself, "I was also a Goddess once. But you never called me one. You always said I''m a just a superstar with a pretty face, huh!"


    Obviously, Xiu still remembered what he used to call her but she didn''t know what he really felt. So, his words really hit a sore spot this time but she tried her best to overlook it. After all, first love never comes true. Besides, that first love was gone and only she was here now.


    But in her heart, she knew that someone''s memories can be more toxic than their presence. However, she didn''t want that shadow of doubt and uncertainty to linger between the two of them and that''s why she asked, "Do you still see her?"


    Darren touched her head in reassurance and said, "Sweets, first of all, she and I never dated. It was just a one-sided love I came to realize when it was already too late. Secondly, no. I''m not seeing her. Even if I want to, I can''t."


    "Can''t? Why not?"


    Darren looked heavenwards before closing his eyes as if it was too hard for him to say. "She went too far away."


    "Do you miss her?" Xiu questioned again. Before he could say anything, she said, "No, don''t tell me that. I don''t have to know this one."


    Darren smiled at her and said, "You really need to stop thinking."

 Chapter 188 - Youre My Present

    An author named Colin Wright once said, "Unanswered questions aren''t threats; they''re challenges and catalysts."


    Having said that we can''t deny the fact that every unanswered question feels like a threat rather than a challenge. Mostly when that answer could define your feelings. Because it leaves a doubt within our hearts that doesn''t go away unless we hear the definite answer. We also can''t deny that it''s that threat part that allows us to challenge ourselves to find the right pieces of the puzzles.


    At the moment, that threat was the feeling Xiu felt when Darren chose to avoid her question by saying that she needed to stop overthinking. But Xiu couldn''t do that. She might not have been the jealous type in her previous life but with him, she really knew what jealousy really felt like. It wasn''t that she couldn''t tell Darren really had feelings for her. Even though he often made her giddy like a teenager but she was, in fact, a mature woman. She was more practical than anyone around her. She might do dumb things but she never read people wrong after her rebirth.


    Yet the feelings she saw in his eyes when asked if he missed his first love were... Disturbing? Threatening? No matter what she could tell that those feelings were intense enough to make her feel insecure. But since all she felt was insecure as Chen Xiu, she quickly shook her head to get those thoughts out of her head.


    However, she forgot that her head was lying on Darren''s chest while she cuddled up to him and was only reminded when she heard his voice, "Don''t tell me you''re still thinking."


    Xiu pursed her lips and sheepishly replied, "I''m not."


    Darren, however, didn''t believe her at all and while running his fingers through her hair said, "You don''t have to keep it in like this. Just tell me what''s on your mind. Huh? No keeping secrets, remember? You made that rule."


    Xiu drew circles on his chest with her pointer finger and contemplated for a bit before asking, "You said your first love went far away. And since I have a lot of time to overthink about weird stuff, I was wondering... Where did she go?"


    Darren''s fingers running through her hair took a pause of half a second or so but Xiu noticed this change because of her over-sensitive feelings. She even felt the way his heartbeat changed when he replied, "She''s gone to a faraway land."


    "Which faraway land?" asked Xiu with creased brows.


    "Mmmm... Dreamland?" answered Darren with a playful tone which sounded rather sad than playful and even tried to laugh it off when Xiu hit his chest and sat up to stare at him with narrowed eyes as if to say, ''It wasn''t funny.'' Noticing her expression, Darren rubbed his forehead with his index finger and pulled her down in his arms again as he replied, "If her thought is making you feel insecure than I can assure you that she won''t come back."


    "Why not?" asked Xiu in curiosity.


    Darren took a long sigh and replied, "Because when I said she''s gone to dreamland. I wasn''t lying or joking. She''s gone to somewhere with no return ticket. She''s... Dead."


    "What?" Xiu tilted her head up to look at his face in the dimly lit room.


    A corner of Darren''s lips lifted up slightly in a sad smile as he said, "She died years ago. It was unexpected. At least, it was for me since I always thought she''d be there shining like the brightest star in the sky. Annoying but brightest, nonetheless. But I must have forgotten that even stars end up losing their light." He patted her head and added, "That''s why I said that you don''t have to think about her."


    Xiu didn''t know whether she was supposed to be glad about the fact that his first love wasn''t around or sad. In her opinion, competing with memory was difficult than competing with a living person. After all, people tend to change but memories don''t. Memories stay the same to haunt us for life.


    His answer got her overthinking process even more complicated as she blurted out unconsciously, "So, you really do miss her."


    Darren felt her saddened aura and kissed the top of her head as he said, "Sweets, I won''t say I don''t miss her. Because I do. I don''t want us to have any secrets and that''s why I want you to know that I do miss her at times especially when I look up at the starry nights. As I said, she was really a star. Perhaps, that''s why I''m so attached to the night sky. But mostly I miss her because I''m afraid if I won''t miss her then no one will be left to remember her with good memories."


    Xiu didn''t know why but her eyes teared up at his words. Those words hit a chord that really got her wishing... For the possibility of a single soul who could miss Chen Xiu like he missed his first love. It really made her envy a dead person. How ironic that she was envious of her own self.


    "Now can we stop talking about this topic?" he added when he noticed her silence. "The reason why I don''t want you to think about it because she might be the past I can''t forget, she still can''t fight with my present which happens to be you. As for why I don''t talk about my past is not that I''m ashamed of it or regret it. I just find it too... Sad and I don''t want its shadows to reach our present. Can you understand what I''m trying to say?"


    Without realizing it when he called her as his present, she ended up with a goofy smile on her face and snuggled her face in the crook of his neck. He taught her something new once again. The lesson she learned today was that... You didn''t have to erase or tore apart the page of life that contained your past life, you just have to turn to the next page.


    A painter can''t possibly erase his entire painting to make a new one, he just needs to pick up a new canvas. Just like that life didn''t ask anyone to forget the past, life just offered us the pages called, ''present.'' Similarly, who said you had to forget the past love to love a new person? Love never had rules, to begin with. Then how come we always try to forget someone just to overcome the past?

 Chapter 189 - Just A Mistake?

    On the other side, when Dylan and Nora were leaving the cafe, Nora stopped in her track and said, "Dylan, you can leave without me."


    Dylan looked at her for a moment before asking, "Why?"


    Nora looked back at him and replied, "I can''t leave like this. I really want to talk to him. Even if it''s just for a minute, I want him to look at me."


    Dylan pressed his lips together and wanted to talk her out of it but seeing the desperation in her eyes, he couldn''t bring himself to say anything at all. Instead, he nodded his head and went in the direction of his car.


    Even though it was an early autumn night, there was still a chill in the air that made Nora shiver or perhaps, it was her jumbled up nerves. Regardless of which it was, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms and looked at the glass door of the cafe which opened and Qiu Meihui walked out with Xin Xiaosi right behind her.


    Both of them were talking happily when Nora''s voice was heard, "Can we talk for a moment?"


    Xin Xiaosi''s expressions turned somber while Qiu Meihui stared at Nora curiously before she took the box of cake from his hand and patted on his shoulder before leaving them alone to talk. But even after Qiu Meihui went away, both Xin Xiaosi and Nora stayed silent for a good few minutes.


    Finally, the silence was broken when Nora asked, "How have you been?"


    Xin Xiaosi scoffed lightly as he said, "That''s funny coming from you."


    "Huh?" Nora was dumbfounded with his reply since she didn''t understand at all what he really meant by those words. "Si, what do you mean by that?"


    Xin Xiaosi took a deep breath and changed his look of accusation and questioning to a straight face as he replied, "I mean you didn''t bother asking this in the past four years. Why are you so curious now?"


    Nora looked down at her feet and said, "I wanted to ask but I didn''t want to disturb you. Besides, you left so suddenly and I had no way of contacting you."


    "Do you still have my old number?" his sudden shift in question made her brows to crease up as she nodded. "Can you dial that number?" Nora pulled out her phone and dialed his number which she remembered by heart and was surprised when he waved his phone''s screen before her eyes showing the sign of incoming call. "If you had tried, you could have reached me. Because I didn''t change this number even once." ''In hopes that you''ll contact me. Wishful thinking on my part.'' He left the last of his words unsaid and turned to leave.


    Nora held his arm to stop him and said, "Yes, I didn''t try to contact you but it was because I thought you didn''t want to see me or talk to me."


    "And why would you assume that? Because last I remember, we were really close friends," replied Xin Xiaosi matter of factly.


    Even Nora couldn''t deny his words at all. Indeed, they were very close. Even though she never showed her feelings for him, he always treated her like someone special in his life. But as the memory of their last encounter flashed past her eyes, she let go of his arm and stepped back saying, "I assumed that because of what happened that... night. I apologized to you for whatever happened that night but without a single reply, you barged out. And it didn''t take you longer than a month before moving to New York. If that wasn''t all to avoid me than what was it?"


    "You still don''t know why left like that?" he questioned with a skeptical look.


    "How am I supposed to know when you never said anything? I told you I was drunk that night. I also told you I didn''t do it intentionally. It was a mistake. I regret it just like you do. I also wish it didn''t happen but it did."


    Nora didn''t even realize it that as she spoke, Xin Xiaosi''s fingers curled up. His nails dug into his palms but even his jaw clenched tightly as he held himself back. "I don''t know what to say at this point. Even after four years, you remember me as a mistake. Ironic, isn''t it? However, that''s the only joke I can''t bring myself to laugh at." Saying that he turned around and walked away leaving a stupefied Nora behind to stare at his receding back.


    Nora didn''t understand what he meant or what she said that made him angry enough to look at her with that gaze. But she knew without a doubt that it hurt. It hurt beyond her control. She was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at Dylan looking at her with a look of sympathy.


    "You didn''t leave?" she asked.


    "No, I had to stay for this show," his choice of words earned him a deadly glare from Nora. He laughed awkwardly before offering his car keys to her. Nora eyed the eyes with knitted brows and he said, "You won''t find a taxi at this time and you certainly don''t want me to drive you home. So, take my car. I can just ride with my sister, we''re going to the same destination anyway."


    When Nora took the car keys from his hand, he ruffled her hair playfully and said, "FYI, you can cry in peace. I don''t have any hidden cameras inside my cars."


    "Now, I''m really doubtful," replied Nora making Dylan pout.


    "Sweatheart, you should feel honored that Dylan Qiu is letting you drive his car. I don''t even like people touching my babies. I''m being considerate of your feelings right now, don''t make me reanalyze my decision."


    "Weirdo," replied Nora and turned to leave.


    However, what they both didn''t notice was that there was someone who was keenly watching their interaction from a distance since the time Dylan ruffled her hair. Xin Xiaosi closed his eyes briefly as he whispered, "No wonder, you always call me a mistake. And I''m the fool who still don''t regret falling in love with you."

 Chapter 190 - But...

    Oftentimes, love is right before our eyes. Right there where we really want it to be. And yet, something ends up going wrong.


    It''s like telling a tale that went like...


    She loved him.


    He loved her.


    She wanted him.


    He wanted her.


    They both wanted each other.


    But...


    Sigh .


    It''s like telling the tale of two people who were just right for each other and were meant to be. But then what really went wrong? Perhaps, both of them didn''t know the answer to that question at all.


    When Dylan got in the backseat of his sister''s car without asking, he noticed Qiu Meihui looking at him with a raised brow as she asked, "Aren''t you gonna drive your girlfriend home?"


    Dylan was about to clear up that Nora wasn''t his girlfriend but just to get on a certain person''s nerves, he said, "I really want to. But if I went to drop her off, I wouldn''t want to come back. And I can''t stay with her since her roommate is a bit cranky." He definitely didn''t forget to drag Xiu in for no reason with his ''cranky'' remark.


    Qiu Meihui shook her head at her brother''s reply and looked at the side of Xin Xiaosi''s face. He had been looking constantly outside the window but when his hand lifted up to his face, as an elder sister, she could tell he was crying silently.


    "Hey, Ah-Si! Why didn''t you tell me that you''re coming? I could have come to receive you from the airport." Since Dylan couldn''t possibly stay silent throughout the entire ride, he tried striking a conversation with Xin Xiaosi.


    "Didn''t think it was important," replied Xin Xiaosi with a straight face.


    Dylan''s brows knitted together as he asked, "Didn''t think it was important to let me know or didn''t think I was important?" Xin Xiaosi took a pause as if thinking about his options when Dylan added, "Bro, I''m your cousin. You can''t possibly be inclined towards the second option? I''d be offended."


    "Don''t forget, we''re cousins who don''t share blood or family lineage. Besides, I don''t think anyone in the family had ever cared about offending you." Hearing Xin Xiaosi''s answer, Dylan''s mouth opened wide in surprise.


    "Ah-Si, you used to be such a sweet person. What happened to you? And why are you attacking me on a personal level?" Dylan still had no clue what he did to deserve this treatment. His bonding with Xin Xiaosi was as strong as Darren. But now suddenly, he seemed completely a different person. It made Dylan wonder what really happened in these four years.


    "You should be glad that I''m only attacking you with words. But if you didn''t stop talking, I''ll really punch your face without holding back," replied Xin Xiaosi and shut Dylan up for the rest of the ride.


    Dylan pulled out his phone and typed a text to Darren saying, ''Dazi, I''m not having a good feeling. It''s like a bad premonition but I think I''m in danger.''


    He received a text from Darren after a couple of minutes which read, ''Fighting!''


    Dylan was still reeling from the shock of receiving such a text from his best friend when Qiu Meihui parked the car before the house and got out. Xin Xiaosi and Dylan also followed her out but Dylan held Xin Xiaosi back.


    "Ah-Si, I feel like you''re angry with me and I don''t even know why. If you''re really angry with me, can you please let me know what I did wrong?"


    Xin Xiaosi stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "You didn''t do anything wrong."


    "Then why are we not talking like we used to do? Why are we so distant now? I literally know nothing about your life for the past years."


    "You have the love that I desperately prayed for. But you have it without even trying." Dylan''s brows creased up in confusion as he continued, "I''m not angry with you. I think I''m angry with myself."


    "What do-," before Dylan could continue both of them heard a scream from inside the house and dashed in.


    When both Xin Xiaosi and Dylan got to the living room, they found Qiu Meihui on the floor with a pale face as she held her hand over her heart and kept staring towards the kitchen. When Dylan followed her gaze, he found a very startled Xin Xiaoli standing with a glass of water in hand.


    "Hi, Li bro!" Dylan waved at Xin Xiaoli whose attention was solely on Qiu Meihui.


    Disregarding Dylan''s greeting, he looked at Qiu Meihui and asked, "You okay?"


    As Xin Xiaosi helped her up, she glared at Xin Xiaoli and shouted, "After scaring me like that you have the nerve to ask me if I''m okay? How dare you!"


    "That wasn''t my intention at all," replied Xin Xiaoli in a soft tone which made both Dylan and Xin Xiaosi laugh at his scared and pained expression.


    "Oh, that wasn''t your intention? Is that why you''re standing there in the dark?" asked Qiu Meihui and without waiting for his reply, went upstairs to her daughter''s room.


    Xin Xiaoli watched her leaving and softly replied, "But I was just drinking water."


    Looking at his downcasted expression, Dylan walked close to him and said, "If I knew Li bro is coming as well, I''d come sooner."


    Xin Xiaoli shook his head at Dylan and said, "I just tagged along with Si because I wanted to see Asteria."


    "Of course you''re here to see my niece. Did I say you''re here to see my sister? I did not!"


    Xin Xiaoli punched his side playfully and said, "Watch what you''re saying."


    "Did I say anything wrong? If only you''d be honest with your feelings for once..." Dylan sighed out in an exaggerating manner.


    "Although I hate to admit it, for once, Dylan is right," came the voice of Xin Xiaosi who looked at his brother with a knowing look.


    Xin Xiaoli slapped the back of his brother''s head and said, "Asteria has gone to sleep and I won''t allow you to wake her up. So, put the cake in the fridge and follow me."


    "Huh? Bro, you''re not staying with us?" asked Dylan in surprise.


    "If I stayed your sister won''t like it. Besides, dad didn''t buy a huge villa here for fun. We shouldn''t bother you." Dylan looked sad to hear his reply since it wasn''t every day that he''d get to see his favorite Li bro who was the only one who stood up for him. But he still had to agree because of his sister''s temper.

 Chapter 191 - So Lame

    Usually, Xiu''d be the last one to wake up on a Saturday. Normally when her eyes accidentally opened in the early morning on a Saturday, she''d be wondering whether to eat something or just sleep. 90% of the time, she''d just end up going back to sleep.


    But this Saturday was different. It was different for a reason. Because as soon as her eyes fluttered open, she was bedazzled by a certain someone''s beauty. She found it strange that his arm was still wrapped around her tightly. It made her wonder if his arm was numb by now. So, being considerate, she slowly and carefully tried to get out of his hold but his grip tightened.


    Xiu looked up at his face but realized, he had done it on reflex in his sleep. At this realization, she laid back down and continued staring at his face up close as if it was a piece of art. But then again, from the very first time, she saw him, she was indeed mesmerized by his beauty. So it was no wonder that he was like a beautiful piece of art for her.


    From all that she learned in her two lives, she always defined intimacy as s.e.x. But knowing him made her realize that intimacy had nothing to do with two bodies being together. It was always meant to be about two souls, hearts sharing their deepest, darkest truths and secrets. And since Darren didn''t hesitate in sharing his feelings honestly with her, she felt really close to him.


    Her fear of being rejected if she told him who she was completely gone. Now, she had the courage to show herself to him. Her heart somehow felt safe now.


    Thinking about this and that, she planted a kiss on his cheek and carefully got out of his hold. She went to the kitchen and looked around for ingredients to make breakfast for him. After she was done, she set up the table and covered the dishes before taking her purse and leaving out the door.


    Just as she walked inside her own apartment, she found Nora half-sitting half-lying on the couch as she kept staring at the laptop screen blankly. "Why are you sitting here like this?" Xiu asked as she changed out of her shoes. But Nora didn''t reply at all.


    Xiu was confused but didn''t ask again. She went to her own room to take a shower and change her clothes. By the time, she came back to the living room, she found Nora in the same exact position as she left her. It seemed like she was hardly even blinking. Xiu shook her a little and asked, "Nora, are you alright?"


    "Huh?" Nora finally noticed Xiu''s presence and said, "You''re awake? Isn''t it still early for you?"


    Xiu''s brows raised in surprise when she realized that Nora had no clue that she wasn''t home last night. She was thinking Nora was gonna tease her for a long time for this but the latter was oblivious and lost in her own world.


    Xiu kneeled on the carpet beside her and held her hand as she questioned, "Nora darling, you look out of sort for some reason. Tell me what''s on your mind? I''m right here for you."


    "I wasn''t thinking anything," replied Nora as she tried to act normal but failed miserably. Noticing Xiu''s solemn look, she said, "I was just wondering that we call flies as flies because they can fly. So, do you think flies call us ''walks'' because we can walk?"


    Xiu rubbed her forehead and looked exasperated as she said, "Darling Nora, I think you need to stop thinking about that. That''s the least of your concern." She looked at her laptop and saw that Nora was browsing through a shopping site. "You''re again shopping? Didn''t I tell you last time that every time before buying just take a moment to ask yourself whether you really need it? Whether you''re dying to have it? Why are you still shopping for no reason?"


    Nora looked at Xiu while she nagged her non-stop but as soon as Xiu took a pause, Nora hugged her tightly. Xiu was surprised when she heard her saying, "I know you don''t like it when I hug you but can you bear with it for a while? I really want you to stay like this."


    With that request, Xiu couldn''t bring herself to say no as she wrapped her arms around Nora and patted her back in a soothing manner. She didn''t know why Nora was feeling down but she didn''t ask either. She knew if Nora wanted to tell her, she''d have. And by asking her, she''d only be pressuring her which she didn''t want to.


    Their friendship was at the stage where they could tell when the other one was really hurting. But both of them never tried being nosy in each other''s lives. Perhaps, that was the reason that Nora felt at ease when Xiu was around. It was like the silence between them was enough to support each other.


    When Xiu felt hot tears seeping through her shirt to her shoulder, she was startled. It was rare for Nora to cry. She had never even seen her crying over breakups. It really made her wonder what really went wrong for Nora to cry silent tears. As Nora pulled herself back, Xiu wiped her tears before bringing water for her.


    While Nora took a sip of water, Xiu asked, "Are you feeling better?"


    "With my Baby Xiu around, how can I possibly not?" Nora tried to joke to lighten up the mood but Xiu wasn''t buying it this time at all.


    "You know you can tell me anything, right? I''d always be here with you."


    Nora smiled at Xiu and said, "I''m scared. I have done a mistake in life which I was reminded of when I saw him last night. If I told you what I did, you''d really hate me for it."


    Xiu touched Nora''s head and said, "We are best friends. No, we''re like sisters. How can I possibly hate you? I''d be the last person to ever judge you for any mistake. Because trust me, I''d done worse. So, stop this fear of yours and tell me whenever you''re ready."


    Nora nodded and a comfortable silence fell around. Not long after, Xiu tried to make Nora cheer up with a lame joke as she asked, "Hey, Nora, do you know what doesn''t sleep because it has two shifts?"


    Nora thought about and shook her head in reply. Xiu replied with, "A keyboard has two shifts that''s why it doesn''t sleep. Hahaha!"


    Nora''s lips lifted up but she tried to hide it as she said, "That was so lame."


    "Well, it made you laugh anyway," replied Xiu matter-of-factly.

 Chapter 192 - My Babies?

    Seeing how her tactic worked in getting a smile from Nora, Xiu tried once again saying, "Do you know I can jump higher than a tree."


    "Huh? No, you can''t," replied Nora stubbornly.


    "Of course, I can!" said Xiu with conviction.


    "How''s that possible?" asked Nora while crossing her arms before her chest in a challenging manner.


    Xiu pinched her cheeks and said, "Because trees can''t jump, idiot! Haha!"


    Her burst of laughter made Nora roll her eyes at her as she nudged her lightly and said, "If you didn''t give up on such lame jokes, I''m gonna kill you."


    "Such a bad temper!" grumbled Xiu like an annoyed kid.


    Just as they were goofing around, they heard the sound of door unlocking and looked at each other with a horrified look as Xiu pushed Nora and whisper yelled, "Get your dumb ass to the shower. If your mother saw you like this, it won''t end well."


    Nora nodded her head and ran towards her room while Xiu cleared Nora''s browsing history before shutting down the laptop. It was never a good idea to let Clara Cartwright know that her only daughter had been shopping for fun. And it didn''t take a genius to know that only Nora''s mother had access to their apartment.


    As Clara entered through the door, she found Xiu sitting with a magazine in her hand. She eyed Xiu as she placed the food basket in her hand on the table and said, "My little Xiu, why are you reading it upside down?"


    "What?" Xiu closed her eyes and bit her tongue as she realized how she had been holding her magazine upside down.


    "Something''s on your mind?" asked Clara as she caressed Xiu''s head and sat beside her. Xiu shook her head and snuggled in the warmth that she felt around a mother figure. "If everything is fine, why are you acting like a clingy baby? Not that I don''t like it but you rarely act like this." She tucked Xiu''s hair behind her ear and added, "Wait for a second, how come you''re up so early? I thought Saturdays don''t even exist for you since you always end up sleeping till Sunday."


    Xiu pursed her lips as she didn''t know what to say to that. She indeed always skipped Saturday. "Well, Clara mom... You can say that I have had the best sleep in years last night."


    Clara raised her brows in question at her and asked, "Did you finally try my aromatherapy?"


    Xiu thought back how she nuzzled up against Darren and felt calm in the presence of his overwhelming and peculiar scent. A smile formed on her lips as she replied, "It''s definitely aromatherapy. Worked like a charm."


    Clara eyed her suspiciously but didn''t say anything as she got up to set the table with breakfast dishes she had brought with herself. "Clara mom, why did you make so much?"


    "Felt like doing it," replied Clara with a shrug of her shoulders nonchalantly.


    "Were you stressed over some case? Because you love doing stress cooking," said Xiu in an obvious way and Clara ended up nodding. Xiu shook her head but didn''t say anything since she herself loved to do baking whenever she was feeling down.


    While Clara was setting up the table, she suddenly realized that there was a person missing around her. "Xiu, where is that no good daughter of mine."


    Xiu wasn''t surprised at how Clara called Nora as a ''no good daughter'' but rather she was surprised at the consistency of these insults. "She''s taking a shower."


    "For this long?" asked Clara and shook her head in disappointment saying, "This girl is really giving me a lot of stress these days."


    "I don''t give you stress, you love taking the stress all on your own," came Nora''s voice who stood at the entrance of the kitchen with an unamused look. "Besides, I''m old enough to take care of myself. Why do you worry for no reason?"


    Clara pulled Nora''s ear and said, "I''m your mother. If I won''t worry about your future who else will? Would the neighbors come to worry about it?"


    "They might," replied Nora but ended up screaming in pain when her ear was pulled with even more force. "Mom, stop it. It hurts."


    Clara let go and sat down at the dining table with Xiu. Nora also silently took a seat while rubbing her ear which had been assaulted by her own mother. While the conversation over the breakfast was really simple and light, Clara suddenly said, "I recently read in a study that people who take long and hot showers are actually lonely inside and they try to add warmth in life with hot showers."


    Nora looked down at her skin which was still red from her long hot shower and said, "Okay mother. I wasn''t expecting to be attacked on a personal level."


    "When did I attack you? I was just sharing my knowledge with you since you''d never pick up a book to read on your own." There it was another attack on Nora making her want to shrink or vanish from mother''s sight.


    "Mom, what really brought you to our humble abode so early on a Saturday morning?" Nora tried to stir away from the topic of conversation to avoid further verbal attacks from her mother.


    "Early? Darling, it''s 10 o''clock in the morning. How is that early?" asked Clara strangely.


    "Mom, that''s not the point here," Nora said or more like whined.


    Clara got up from her seat as she said, "I was cleaning your old room which you both used to share back in high school and found some stuff. I thought I should bring it to you."


    Now that got both Xiu and Nora''s attention as they looked at Clara expectantly. With a paper bag in hand when Clara came back towards them, she pulled out a vintage wooden box that had ''Destiny'' carved on the lid. She passed the wooden box to Xiu and said, "That''s the only thing of yours that I found. And since you always kept this box close, I thought it might be important."


    Xiu eyed the box strangely before taking it from her and looking it up and down. Then Clara passed the paper bag to Nora saying, "That''s your collection of comic books, I really wanted to burn it but your father got in the way."


    Nora hugged the paper bag like a baby and said, "Mom, how can you even say that? These are my babies."


    Clara slapped her head saying, "Idiot! This is your age to think about your real babies!"


    While the mother and daughter were busy with another argument, Xiu''s whole concentration was on the box in her hand. It felt weird holding it in her hand.

 Chapter 193 - Flower Of Mine

    Xiu spent about fifteen minutes turning the box up and down, but no matter what she did, she couldn''t open the box. She even shook it to check what''s inside but still nothing. There was no keyhole or password. She was really going crazy trying to figure out how this thing actually opened.


    At one point, she wanted to just smash it but held herself back since it seemed important to the real Bai Xiu. "How am I supposed to open this?" she asked in exasperation but when no one answered, she looked up to realize that she was the only person on the dining table. "Where did everyone go?" she asked no one in particular.


    While she scratched her head, she heard voices coming from Nora''s room which went something like, "Look at this mess. Do you call it a room? It looks like a dumpster."


    "Mom, everything is fine here. I clean my room every weekend," came Nora''s reply.


    Xiu pursed her lips and shook her head as she murmured, "Who is supposed to help me now?"


    "When was the last time you both did the laundry? Have you seen the condition of your closets? It seems like someone raided it or something." While Clara nagged nonstop, Nora came back to Xiu''s side with an amused expression.


    Xiu''s brows knitted together as she asked, "What''s gotten you into such a good mood?"


    Nora languidly whistled and tapped Xiu''s shoulder saying, "Babes, today is that day of the month when you and I are equally nagged by my mother. Finally, she''s not playing favorites. I love this version of Mom''s Nagging 2.0. Everything seems best when I share it with my best friend even if it''s my mother''s nagging."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at her and pushed the box towards Nora as she asked, "Mind telling me what this thing is? Is it really important?"


    Nora traced the carvings on the box and said, "Well, you always slept with this box lying by your pillow side. So, I do think it''s important."


    "Hmm..." Xiu hummed and bobbed her head up and down while contemplating. "But how am I supposed to open this? There is no keyhole or a key. I can''t figure this one out."


    "Now that''s the real issue because I''d never seen you open it," said Nora and thought seriously about how to open it.


    While both best friends were completely immersed in solving this mystery box, the doorbell rang but both of them didn''t pay attention to it.


    "Are you both deaf now? Why is no one opening the door?" Clara''s loud voice startled Xiu and Nora to the point where they both fell off the chairs and looked at each other not knowing whether to laugh first or run to the door first.


    However, in the end, Nora chose to laugh and Xiu ran off to the door. Just as she opened the door, she was faced with Darren waving at her. "Oh, shit!" Xiu cursed subconsciously and even turned her head to look inside the house before looking back at him. This was so not how she wanted Darren to meet Clara. Especially when Mother Cartwright was in angry mode.


    "Good morning to you too, Ms. Sneaky," replied Darren with a smile which definitely seemed fake. "You ditched me in the morning faster than a one night stand."


    "I didn''t mean to ditch you at all, I was just being considerate. That''s why I didn''t wake you up," replied Xiu in a conscious way while still looking behind her.


    Darren placed his hand on her head and turned it around saying in a dramatic way which really didn''t fit with his personality, "I''m right here and you still have eyes for someone else? How can you! Who are you looking for though?"


    "No one...?" said Xiu uncertainly.


    Darren eyed her suspiciously before he picked up a flower pot from the floor and offered it to her saying, "Thanks for the breakfast. This is me showing my gratitude by offering you my most treasured viola plant."


    Xiu looked at the flower pot and said, "So, these tiny purple blooms are violet flowers?" Darren nodded and she went on, "Cool. But would you mind telling me what''s your obsession with flowers?"


    "Who said I''m obsessed with flowers?" asked Darren.


    "Well, you have been giving me flowers for a while now, I really can''t understand your obsession with it," said Xiu with a complaining tone.


    "You''ll understand my obsession if you focus on the details," replied Darren with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He ruffled her hair playfully and went on, "Take good care of my flower." He tapped her nose in such a way that Xiu thought when he said ''my flower'', he definitely wasn''t referring to the flowers in her hand.


    "I will take of your flower," said Xiu while hugging the flower pot close to her body.


    Darren sighed out as he said, "But I was talking about..." he planted a kiss on her forehead softly and added, "This flower of mine."


    Xiu really didn''t want to blush at this moment. She was over the age of being all shy and blushy-blushy but apparently, she couldn''t control herself at all. Seeing her bright red ears, Darren chuckled amusingly and rubbed her earlobes saying, "This color really suits you."


    Xiu hit his chest and pushed him away slightly. "Stop doing that." She placed her cold hand on her hot cheeks to calm herself while he continued to laugh at her reaction. "This is not fair. You''re making fun of me now. Who does that to a girlfriend?"


    "I do," said Darren calmly and when she glared at him, he straightened up. "Won''t do it again, M''lady. Anything else?"


    "Nothing. Go back now," Xiu pushed him towards his apartment''s door.


    Darren scratched his forehead in confusion and said, "Why do I feel like you''re trying to get rid of me today? You didn''t even invite me inside. That''s really strange and... Suspicious." When Xiu avoided his eyes, he added, "Oh, are you hiding another lover inside?"


    "No, I am not!" Xiu almost shrieked out at this insinuation.


    Darren chuckled at her reaction and said, "Easy there. I was just kidding."


    "But that''s not a nice joke."


    When Darren and Xiu both heard that voice, they both looked surprised for their own reasons. Xiu for being caught and Darren for having an evesdropper who had been listening to them.

 Chapter 194 - Have My Heart

    Since Xiu had been standing at the door for quite a while, Clara came out to see what was taking her so long and when she got near, she managed to hear Darren''s conversation with Xiu from the moment he said, ''Take care of my flower.''


    Unknowingly, it made the corners of her lips to curl up slightly. That sweet smell of romance in the air was quite evident to her. And it really made her feel happy for Xiu. But just as Darren said that Xiu was trying to push him away, it made her think whether Xiu was really trying to hide her boyfriend from her. The thought wasn''t pleasant at all. As the only family of Xiu, she really didn''t expect this.


    That''s why she put on a fierce persona when she made her presence known to both of them. Xiu was still trying staring wide-eyed at her when Clara asked, "Who is he?"


    Xiu bit her lip and said uncertainly, "Neighbor?" Darren gave her a look of disbelief and hurt while Clara looked at her with her intimidating expression. Xiu lowered her eyes and told truthfully, "He''s my boyfriend."


    However, Darren wasn''t very happy when she accepted that fact. It sounded like someone forced her into acknowledging it. He didn''t know why but it really hurt him.


    On the side, Clara crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Darren up and down before saying, "So, he''s the boyfriend I''ve been hearing about."


    "You heard about him? How? When? From whom?" Xiu asked the questions one after another. She didn''t think she mentioned anything about Darren and Nora would never say anything. But then again, Nora could spill the beans if the person asking was actually her mother, Clara.


    Clara''s eyes were trying to evaluate Darren with her discerning eyes as she answered to Xiu, "Your brother loves to talk. You should know that by now." Xiu finally learned who the traitor was while Clara took a brief pause before adding, "He was really excited when he first met your boyfriend and kept talking nonstop about how cool and awesome he is. That''s how I managed to learn about him." She extended her towards Darren who had been silent till now and introduced herself, "Hi, you must be Darren and I''m Clara. Clara Cartwright. Nora''s mother. Well, I''m also Xiu''s guardian. According to my son, you''re the best. So, I''ve been wondering who actually impressed him so much."


    Darren stared at Xiu before pleasantly shaking his hand with Clara and saying, "It''s a pleasure meeting you. Although I wasn''t expecting our first meeting to be in a hallway, it''s still better than not meeting at all."


    "Oh, that does seem weird. Why don''t you come inside?" Clara invited him inside but before Darren could agree, Xiu got between them saying, "Clara Mom, Darren has to go somewhere."


    "I do?" Darren looked at Xiu who tried giving him a signal with her eyes which he pretended like he didn''t understand at all. Since she was so eager to get rid of him, he wasn''t going anywhere!


    Xiu pinched his arm and said, "Yes, you do."


    Darren was really peeved but seeing her pleading eyes... Argh! He gave up and sighed out in defeat as he agreed, "I have to visit my godmother. If I knew I''d be seeing you here I''d have canceled my plans."


    Clara had seen the interaction between Xiu and Darren. Honestly, she wanted to laugh at how much Xiu was trying to protect her boyfriend from her. But she could understand her as well. That''s why she said, "Oh, that can''t be ignored then. How about you come for dinner sometime to our house? My husband and I would love to have a meal with you."


    "That I can promise," said Darren without any hesitation at all.


    "Alright then, see you soon." Clara took the flower pot from Xiu''s hand and said, "And you come back inside after saying your goodbye."


    Xiu nodded her head and watched her enter the apartment. By the time, she looked back Darren was looking rather displeased as he asked, "Are you embarrassed by me?"


    "What? No. Not at all," answered Xiu without even taking time to think about it. "If anything I actually want to stick to you and show you off."


    "Then why didn''t you want me to meet her? She''s like a mother figure in your life. Or do you think it''s too soon?"


    Xiu held his hand and said, "As much as I love her, that can''t change the fact that her temper is no joke. She''s a criminal lawyer and if I let you talk to her alone, it''d turn into an investigation instead. I''d rather be at ease if your first meeting with her is in the presence of Uncle Ge."


    Darren knew that her explanation made sense but he wasn''t completely convinced. Xiu shook his hand saying, "Come on. You can''t be upset over this. Besides, you wouldn''t want me to meet your mother in your absence, right?"


    Darren furrowed his brows at her question and asked, "Why wouldn''t I?"


    "How will your mother like me without you trying to show her my good points?" Darren stared at Xiu weirdly as she went on, "Because, in your absence, she won''t find anything good about me and end up rejecting me."


    Darren flicked her forehead and said, "Silly! My mother would love you anyway." Xiu forgot about her sore forehead as she heard his remark and looked into his eyes as he touched her head and said, "I don''t know why you''re insecure but my mother would definitely love you even more than I do."


    Saying that he kissed the top of her head and waved his goodbye. "I should turn my lie into reality and should actually pay a visit to my godmother now."


    "You have a godmother?" asked Xiu in a daze.


    Darren nodded and said, "Didi''s mother is my godmother. Oh, and don''t make plans for tomorrow. We''re going somewhere very special."


    As he turned to leave, Xiu stood there watching him with a complicated feeling mixed with happiness. His comment about his mother loving her really had struck a chord she didn''t know existed. It felt special and it actually gave her a feeling of belonging. Oh, this man was definitely out to get her heart. Oh, wait! He already had it. What else was he after now?!

 Chapter 195 - Someone To Lean On

    Xiu entered the apartment with a dreamy look on her face and a huge grin plastered on her lips. But seeing Clara carefully watering the plant that Darren gave her, she tried to hide her expressions.


    "Don''t hide it, sweetie. Love isn''t that easy to hide."


    Xiu heard Clara''s voice and wondered how she knew what expression she had. After all, Clara wasn''t looking at Xiu at all. Xiu cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment as she said, "Who said anything about love?"


    Clara looked at her stubborn expression and said, "Little Xiu, I might not be your mother but I can still read your eyes. Especially, the way you looked at that guy. You''re in it way too deep already. And I''m not complaining at all."


    Xiu didn''t know how to refute that so she decided to stay silent over this matter. Clara held her hands and took her to the couch. They settled down and Clara said, "But I think that your Darren is in it on a whole different level." Xiu raised her brows in question and Clara went on, "Do you know what violet flowers represent?" Xiu shook her head. "They represent loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. He''s devoting all of himself to you."


    Xiu laughed it off saying, "Mom, I don''t think he was thinking that deeply. He just loves giving me flowers. There is no meaning behind it."


    "He gave you more flowers?" asked Clara in surprise.


    Xiu nodded her head and opened the gallery of her cellphone as she started showing her the photos of all the flowers that he sent and the little notes attached to those bouquets. "See, he''s just crazy and too cheezy."


    Clara looked through each photo with a hidden smile and said in a small voice, "Wow, he''s romantic." Xiu raised her brows again in question and Clara hit her head lightly as she said, "Silly girl, he made a damn confession with flowers and you''re still clueless? I thought you had an IQ of 180+."


    Xiu didn''t understand her meaning at all but when she linked each flower with the words he wrote, her mind was blown completely. The journey of flowers began from the time he sent her Forget-me-nots with a silly poem. Clearly, that was easy to understand since the flower literally meant that he was asking her to remember him in his absence. He clearly asked her to think of him if she felt sad.


    The next delivery was of pink carnations when she discharged from the hospital and the note with that said, "Just because it wasn''t obvious enough." At that time, Xiu had no clue what he meant but now when she noticed, she realized that pink carnations literally meant, "I will never forget you." So, that means his note was referring to the meaning behind the flower. As he added up the meaning of two flowers saying, "If you''ll remember me, I won''t forget you either. Like a sign of mutual remembrance."


    As she figured this much, she got really curious to know about the rest. And the next bouquet was of red camellia flowers with a note that read, "It''s really in your hands. Because I certainly believe that you''re THAT significant one." This one was even trickier and only now she understood after looking up on the internet that red camellia''s had a double meaning. In general, it''s royal meaning is, ''My destiny is in your hands.'' As for specifically red blooms, they represent the significant other.


    Connecting all the dots, Xiu''s mind was reeling. That was such a tricky confession and yet it moved her heart from the bottom. He had constructed the whole thing so meticulously that Xiu really wanted to just... hug him and never let go again. It was beautiful in its own crazy and silly way.


    "He''s really crazy," she muttered to herself.


    Clara patted her shoulder and said, "Or perhaps, he''s just crazy in love with you."


    Xiu''s heart fluttered as she looked expectantly, "Do you think so?"


    "You still have a doubt? He put so much effort and thought into this. If he wasn''t crazily in love with you, he wouldn''t do that. Unless, he''s too good of a playboy."


    Xiu nodded in agreement, it did make sense. He wouldn''t do so much just for anyone, right? She had to be that really special one in his life for him to put so much effort, right? But he clearly told her that he used to be a playboy. Now that made it complicated.


    "He could have just said it to me, why do all this when I''m dumb enough to not even get it?" Xiu muttered again in a sulky tone.


    Clara laughed at her reaction and said, "He used words with those small notes and he used those flowers as his actions to give you a complete package. Why are you still upset?" Suddenly thinking of this, she got excited as she said, "Finally, I can plan a wedding for my one daughter since the other one is useless anyway."


    "Woah! Mom, that''s going a bit fast?" Clara looked at Xiu questioningly as she continued, "Don''t you think it''s too soon to think about marriage?"


    "Xiu, time could never be an obstacle where love is involved. Because falling in love is like finding the key that perfectly fits. It just has to click."


    "I can understand what you''re saying. The connection he and I share really makes me wanna believe that we are meant to be. But even then, I''d like to give him time to think about it." Xiu gave her reasoning and Clara didn''t force her.


    "I don''t care as long as you have someone to lean on now," then she turned her head to look at Nora who had been silently immersed in watching something on the laptop till now and sighed, "I wish someone knock some sense into her head as well. I really want her to stop wasting her youth on stupid flings."


    "Ahan! I figured it all!" came Nora''s loud cheers of excitement as if she won a lottery startling both Xiu and Clara who had been talking seriously. They though something really big happened. But in reality, when Nora ran up to Xiu, her victory was that "I managed to figure out how to open this box of yours."


    Xiu''s brows quirked up on instinct as she starred dumbfoundedly at Nora who was being excited like a child now.

 Chapter 196 - Mystery Box

    Xiu was baffled to see how Nora was excited over a matter that had nothing to do with her in the first place. The box belonged to Destiny and now the box was hers since she was taking responsibility for Destiny''s life. But in all that Nora had no share whatsoever then why did she look like she just solved the biggest mystery of her life?


    However, Xiu didn''t point out her over-enthusiasm solely because seeing Nora behaving like herself after crying over God knows what made her calm down and less worried about her. Besides, Xiu knew that she would have acted exactly like Nora herself. So, as the ''pot'' she couldn''t just call the ''kettle'' black.


    After Nora didn''t bother saying anything, Clara took the hint that Nora wasn''t gonna say anything in her presence and went back to doing the chores she left halfway. Nora sat down beside Xiu right where her mother was sitting just a moment ago and shoved the box in Xiu''s hands saying, "I looked it up on the internet. Apparently, these ancient boxes are like a puzzle. And when I slid one of the wooden pieces, a new compartment opened up."


    Xiu looked at the box again carefully and sure enough, there was a small square-shaped compartment at the side that had opened up. But the lid of the box was still shut tight. Xiu shook the box and a small piece of paper fell out of the square-shaped compartment. Xiu puckered up her lips and frowned in confusion. Then using her index finger, she tried to look inside the secret compartment. Her finger touched something metallic and suddenly the carvings at the top of the lid lit up.


    "Wow! I never thought this ancient-looking box was so cool," exclaimed Nora and when Xiu gave her a look, she went on, "Come on, it''s really cool. There is a keypad hidden in those intricate carvings. How did someone come up with that?"


    Xiu wanted to say something but didn''t. After all, she also found it quite fascinating. That ordinary-looking box was definitely not ordinary anymore. If anything, it looked like it opened a whole new world which had been unknown to Xiu until now.


    "Let''s decide if it''s cool or not after opening it. For now, we don''t even know the password," reminded Xiu in a calm voice.


    Nora''s excitement also wavered for a moment before she picked up the folded paper that had fallen from the secret space. "Maybe, it''s written here."


    Xiu took the folded paper from her and unfolded it but reading the content on it made her frown to get deeper. This was not what she expected at all as she read the content,


    "I say nothing yet you know


    I have a name but I have to let it go


    I have no mouth yet I tell a tale


    I make you smile


    I make you cry


    I make memories come alive."


    Even after reading it out loud, it didn''t make any sense to her. "What nonsense is this now? And why is everyone around me so obsessed with riddles. I''m not as smart as people are taking me to be." Xiu was frustrated now since she couldn''t understand this just like she couldn''t understand Darren''s proposal. And this made her feel like a real dumb person now. "Why can''t people be straightforward?"


    Nora tapped on her shoulder and when Xiu looked at her, she said, "My darling best friend, the one obsessed with riddles had always been you." Xiu raised her brow at her inquisitively. "Xiu, you loved making riddles for people to solve. Actually, you loved solving riddles as well. So, I''m really not surprised that the answer to this riddle is gonna be the password."


    "Maybe, I turned into a dumb person after losing my memory," said Xiu with a heavy heart as she added in her mind, ''Since I took over this body.''


    Nora hugged her from the side and said, "Not at all. You''re smarter than before."


    Xiu tapped her arm saying, "I know you''re trying to make me feel better but it''s not working."


    Nora clicked her tongue and said, "I''m not just saying it. Trust me, you''re the most reckless person I have ever met in my life. But after losing your memory, you seem more mature and calm. I believe you''ll solve this riddle with ease. I have faith in you."


    Xiu caressed the box in her hands and thought, ''I have to solve this riddle because the deeper I''m getting, the more it seems like there is something I''m missing about Destiny''s sudden death.''


    "You''re right. I have to solve this," Xiu said with conviction. ''If not for me then for the departed soul.''


    "If your secret meeting is done, then come and clean your rooms," came the voice of Clara from the laundry room.


    Xiu and Nora shared a look with the same expressions but they couldn''t say anything. Nora sighed heavily as she said, "This mother of mine is a famous lawyer. How come she can''t read the situation? I mean she doesn''t even care that her daughter is having a mental breakdown and she also doesn''t care that you''re going through an emotional breakdown."


    Xiu slapped her head, "How would she know if we don''t tell her anything?"


    "She should know, she''s a mother," said Nora stubbornly making Xiu shake her head at her best friend who was pouting like a kid now.


    "She''s a mother and that''s why she''s trying to distract us with chores to forget about our personal problems." Nora frowned at Xiu''s words since it made sense. "Besides, you won''t know what goes through the mind of a mother. After all, you''re not a mother yet."


    Saying her point, Xiu walked off to her room with her new mystery box in hand and that''s why she failed to notice how Nora''s face paled and her body stiffened at her words. Her chest felt congested. She placed a hand over her heart and whispered, "You''re right. I''m not a mother how would I know what it feels like."

 Chapter 197 - Proper Home

    Meanwhile, Darren reached at Qiu mansion to meet Zhao Wei, Dylan''s mother. But even before he got out of the car, he could see Zhao Wei happily chatting with Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi in the garden. It was certainly a surprise for Darren as well to see both Xin brothers there.


    Seeing Darren making his way towards the table, Zhao Wei stood up with an even brighter smile on her face and opened her arms saying, "Darren, what a pleasant surprise! I thought you''d want to rest for the day or perhaps spend it with your girlfriend after your long flight. I didn''t think you''d come to see me."


    Darren kissed her cheek and said with a pitiful expression, "Apparently, my girlfriend doesn''t want me. So, I decided to have a date with my godmother instead."


    "There is really a woman who doesn''t want Regan Darren Salvay?" came a surprised voice of Xin Xiaoli as he stood up to greet Darren as well.


    "How is that possible?" said Zhao Wei and added, "I don''t know why she isn''t accompanying you today but I''m glad to see you."


    Darren greeted both Xin brothers and asked, "When did you come back Si?"


    "It''s been a while," replied Xin Xiaosi nonchalantly.


    "It''s been a while and he is only coming now to meet his aunt," complained Zhao Wei to Darren who sat between Xin Xiaosi and Zhao Wei.


    "Well, at least he came to see you. He didn''t even bother telling me that he''s coming back. So much for being friends," Darren said with fake sadness dripping from his eyes.


    Darren had known Xin brothers only because of their connection with Dylan, at first. But later on, they grew closer. He had been doing business with Xin Xiaoli for years but Xin Xiaosi was more like a friend. And that''s why when Xin Xiaosi raised his brows at Darren, he took Xin Xiaosi''s side without hesitation, "Beauty Wei, Si came back after years. He must have a lot of stuff to deal with. Besides, isn''t he here to see you now?"


    Zhao Wei eyed Darren before rolling her eyes at him, "So, you''re choosing friendship over me?"


    "Never!" said Darren with determination. Zhao Wei let him off the hook and offered him coffee.


    "Darren, about that launch show-," Xin Xiaoli had yet to complete his sentence but seeing Zhao Wei''s deadly glare he stopped himself.


    "It''s Saturday and I''m seeing you all after a long time. I better not hear anything related to business," Zhao Wei''s warning tone was enough to shut the three boys instantly. "Today, I''m so happy to see you all. My own children live in the same city and yet I see them once in a blue moon. So, I''m really glad to have you all."


    "Don''t tell me, Auntie you''re gonna express this happiness by cooking a feast," Xin Xiaoli joked but seeing Zhao Wei''s expressions, he facepalmed himself. "Seriously? Just sit with us. Don''t bother with the food."


    "But my biggest happiness is seeing you guys eating happily. It gives me pure joy," Zhao Wei said earnestly.


    Darren smiled to himself seeing her reaction. His own mother didn''t enjoy cooking since she rarely had time for anything other than work. But from the time Zhao Wei left her job, she wholeheartedly became a housewife. Seeing others enjoying her food was like an accomplishment.


    "Let me help you then," said Xin Xiaoli and got up to follow her.


    "Mr. Xin is trying hard to impress his way in," said Darren in a teasing manner as Xin Xiaosi and Darren shared a knowing look.


    Xin Xiaoli looked at Darren and said, "Both of you, wipe that smirk off."


    Darren and Xin Xiaosi laughed at him but didn''t tease him again. Apparently, it wasn''t a secret that Xin Xiaoli was in love with Qiu Meihui. Even Zhao Wei knew that as well.


    "I can''t believe that he''s still not moving on," said Darren as he shook his head referring to how even after years Xin Xiaoli was still stuck on Qiu Meihui.


    "Is moving on that easy?" asked Xin Xiaosi. "Oh, that reminded me, I need to meet this girlfriend of yours. I have to see who managed to steal you from the girl who lives in your memories."


    "If I knew you''re coming back, I''d have planned a meeting beforehand." Darren took a sip of his coffee which had gone cold by now.


    Xin Xiaosi noticed his smile and said, "So, when''s the wedding?"


    "Ptui!" Darren spurted out the coffee and coughed a couple of times. Xin Xiaosi passed him a tissue which he used to wipe his mouth and said, "Aren''t you moving too fast?"


    "Am I?" asked Xin Xiaosi and added, "I don''t think so. I really hate it when people play this boyfriend girlfriend game for too long. If your heart is certain she''s the one, why bother playing this game?"


    "Talking from experience, are we?" At Darren''s words, Xin Xiaosi gave a sad smile and nodded. He took too long with his feelings and he knew it but Darren knew that as well. "How is she?"


    Xin Xiaosi''s face lit up instantly at the change of topic as he replied, "She''s great as always."


    "Did she come with you?" asked Darren.


    Xin Xiaosi shook his head and replied, "Not yet. I have to settle some stuff before bringing my baby girl to a proper home."


    The look of pride, love, and happiness was evident on his face but Darren knew something was missing as he said, "A proper home is with a mother. Do you plan on meeting her-," Darren hadn''t even completed his sentence when Xin Xiaosi stopped him by shaking his head.


    "I wasn''t planning on but I guess fate had something else planned for us. I just met her last night. She was with Dylan and they seemed happy together."


    Darren knitted his brows and said, "But Dylan is not dating anyone."


    Xin Xiaosi looked at him in surprise as he said, "Don''t tell me she''s still holding on to one-sided love!"


    "That I''m not sure about," replied Darren since he didn''t know the identity of the girl in question. Taking a moment, he added, "Why don''t you tell me her name? I can ask Dylan about what really is going on."

 Chapter 198 - Silly & Whipped

    Xin Xiaosi and Darren had one thing in common, they both liked to keep their feelings bottled up. Perhaps, that was the reason why Xin Xiaosi lost Nora and Darren lost Chen Xiu. However, these two also were the best when it came to expressing their feelings with actions. They were from that minority of people who actually believed that actions speak louder than words.


    But who knew that their actions were in vain since they were in love with girls who couldn''t understand their actions at all.


    Just like Darren never told Xin Xiaosi about Chen Xiu, the latter never really revealed the identity of Nora as well. He didn''t want to bring up something that was already left in the past. After all, Xin Xiaosi and Darren grew closer in the years Xin Xiaosi was living in New York. And at that time, Nora had become his bitter and painful past.


    Now that for the first time Darren asked, Xin Xiaosi decided to just come clean and was about to say Nora''s name. But only, "Nor-" left his mouth and the rest was stuck in his throat because of Dylan''s sudden visit which interrupted him.


    "Hey, Ah-Si! Hello, my traitor-best friend!" Dylan huffed like a kid seeing how comfortably his best friend was chatting with Xin Xiaosi forgetting all about his existence.


    "Traitor?" Darren gave him an inquisitive look. "How did I become a traitor?"


    "Aren''t you? You didn''t inform me that you''re coming yesterday then you ran off with your girlfriend. Even now, you came to meet Ah-Si but you didn''t bother giving me a call. You betrayed your best friend by choosing a girlfriend over him." Dylan''s list of complaints was quite long and after a while, Darren and Xin Xiaosi both had stopped paying any attention to him.


    Dylan felt a tug at his pants and looked down at his cute little niece who said, "Didi, that''s not betrayal. That''s called setting your priorities straight."


    Dylan gaped at little Asteria while Xin Xiaosi and Darren burst out laughing at her sharp reply said in an adorable way. Darren picked that little doll in his arms and asked, "Little Star, where did you learn that?"


    "Uncle Li taught me that. When I asked him why mom always avoid him, he said she isn''t avoiding him. She''s just prioritizing me over her own happiness." Asteria replied in her clear and adorable voice. Those words didn''t suit someone of her age at all.


    Darren kissed her forehead and said, "Little Star is really smart."


    "She sure is smart," agreed Xin Xiaosi as he poked her chubby cheeks. "Did our little Star come to see her grandmother?"


    Asteria shook her head and said, "Nope. I came to see Uncle Li. Because I''m upset, he left without a goodbye last night."


    Darren placed her back on the ground and said, "Then run along. Your favorite Uncle Li is in the kitchen with your grandmother." Asteria beamed as she heard that and ran inside the house with her short legs.


    "Sister Mei really let her come with you?" asked Xin Xiaosi in surprise.


    "Don''t bother asking. When she woke up and learned that you both left last night. She screamed for an hour and fought with sis as well saying that she didn''t let you both stay for the night. Later, she refused to eat anything. After struggling for hours, Sis was the one who gave up and asked me to bring her to Li bro." When Dylan explained what had transpired since the morning both Xin Xiaosi and Darren were shocked.


    Even though Qiu Meihui avoided Xin Xiaoli at every chance she got, her daughter, on the other hand, was obsessed with him. Even though Dylan lived in the same house, Asteria always called for Xin Xiaoli whenever she needed something.


    "I don''t understand, she rarely sees him. Then how come she''s so attached to him?" The words came from Xin Xiaosi who knew very well how much his brother avoided seeing that little girl because of Qiu Meihui. Even though Xin Xiaoli had come to love Asteria more than he loved Qiu Meihui. But for Qiu Meihui''s sake, he would always keep his distance.


    Darren leaned close to him and whispered, "You didn''t see your first love for years. Why are you still in love with her?"


    Xin Xiaosi really wanted to smack Darren for that reminder but he held himself back as he said, "I guess you make sense."


    Seeing how Darren and Xin Xiaosi were engrossed in whispering even in his presence, Dylan was irked, to say the least. "You both are making me feel unsolicited by doing this."


    Realizing their mistake, both of them stopped talking. "Would you like some coffee?" asked Darren to loosen the tension between them but before Dylan could open his mouth to reply, he went on, "Right, you''re a boring person. You don''t drink coffee."


    "I can if you add some sugar in it," said Dylan stubbornly taking a seat beside them.


    "You and your sugary obsession," Darren shook his head at his best friend who was busy adding sugar in the cup.


    "How would a diabetic person know how yummy sugar is?" Dylan decided to get bitter with words being the childish person that he was and went on, "Your life is colorless without sweets, I''m telling you."


    Darren leaned back in his chair and smiled in content as he said, "You''re right. My life was colorless without My Sweets. I didn''t know it before but now my Sweets is enough to paint my life with colors of rainbows."


    Dylan who was about to swallow his sweetened coffee halted. He felt like the sweet taste of his coffee had vanished and a bitter taste took its place. How did he never realize that his best friend was this cheesy? Nah! It must be Xiu''s fault for turning him into a cheesy person. Obviously, Dylan was gonna blame Xiu for that as well. How can he not?


    "Your ''Sweets'' is the most bitter person I have ever met in my life," said Dylan to provoke Darren and it worked against him.


    Because shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly while replying, "She has to be bitter for unimportant people. I wouldn''t want everyone to fall for my Sweets'' sweetness now. Can''t let that happen."


    Dylan placed the coffee cup on the table, stood up, pulled out a white napkin and waved it in defeat saying, "I''m done!" After that, he walked towards the house to avoid the cheesiness.


    "Someone has wrapped you around her fingers," said Xin Xiaosi who had been silently observing the bickering of two best friends.


    Darren laughed at him and said, "I''d be happy if she did that. But that silly girlfriend of mine is too slow on things sometimes."


    "She''s silly and you''re whipped!"


    Darren had a thoughtful look on his face as he said, "Hmm... I also think so."

 Chapter 199 - Who Is The Girlfriend?

    When everyone gathered around for lunch, Zhao Wei couldn''t keep her face straight. Her cheeks were hurting from smiling so much but how could she contain her happiness? It''s been a long while since she was having lunch with so many people.


    As they say, with age people become sensitive to loneliness. Although Zhao Wei had maids running around the house, they weren''t her real family. And since she broke all relationsh.i.p.s with her paternal family, she couldn''t even go to see anyone. Her friends'' list was very limited.


    Darren was the only person who''d come to spend time with her whenever he had some spare time. Dylan would only come when she calls him over. Xin Xiaosi wasn''t even in the country for four years. But Xin Xiaoli always came whenever he visited An City. As for her own granddaughter, it was also rare to see her. Because of Qiu Meihui''s conflicts with her parents, she scarcely let Asteria meet anyone.


    Today, she really felt blessed but it ached her to see that not even one of those boys was married at this age. She truly felt bad for Xin Xiaoli since she knew why he wasn''t moving on. She always wanted him to become her son-in-law but Qiu Meihui decided to go against her parents and married the so-called ''love of her life''. Well, that didn''t last long anyway.


    But it was all in the past now. For now, Dylan was strongly against marriage and so was Xin Xiaoli. But she was also glad that at least, Darren had a girlfriend now. And from the looks of things, she knew there was a wedding in the near future.


    "Ah-Si," Asteria called Xin Xiaosi.


    "Yes, my little princess," replied Xin Xiaosi in a dramatic way.


    "Mom said you have a little doll for me to play with. Where is my doll? I want to play," hearing her request, Xin Xiaosi almost choked on his food as he looked at his brother and then at Darren.


    "What is Asteria talking about, Ah-Si?" asked Zhao Wei making Xin Xiaosi curse under his breath.


    "Grandmother, the doll can talk and it has a name as well," Asteria was happily telling her grandmother making Xin Xiaosi feel stressed now.


    Seeing the inquiring gaze of Zhao Wei, Xin Xiaosi wanted to say something but nothing came out. Thankfully, his brother was there to have his back as always as he said, "Auntie, I heard Uncle is coming back next month."


    As always, mentioning the name of her husband was a powerful distraction for Zhao Wei as she completely forgot about what Asteria said but Dylan didn''t as he curiously looked at Xin Xiaosi and Darren who leaned over to say something to him.


    "You didn''t tell Beauty Wei yet?" Darren asked Xin Xiaosi in a low voice.


    "My dad also doesn''t know yet," replied Xin Xiaosi making Darren''s eyes widen in surprise. "Don''t give me the look. I told you, I need to settle some stuff before bringing my baby girl back."


    "Oh, hell yeah! You have more than just some stuff to settle," said Darren as he was surprised how this huge news was still a secret from everyone. It''s been three years and no one had a clue that Xin Xiaosi had a three-year-old daughter.


    However, one thing he knew for certain was that everyone was gonna be over the moon after learning about that baby girl''s existence. After all, a family that only had males always loved new female addition. But the problem was the absence of the mother in this whole scenario. That was gonna be hard to explain.


    But on the other hand, Darren really admired how Xin Xiaosi managed as a single father. And also, all on his own. He dropped his passion and dream just because he wanted to be there for his baby girl at every single step.


    "What are you both whispering again?" Dylan pointed out without even trying to hide his jealousy. Darren wanted to laugh now because it reminded him how his girlfriend wasn''t even the jealous type but his best friend sure was.


    "Oh, I was asking Si what your girlfriend looked like," replied Darren making a homerun as Dylan started choking. "Why do you look so surprised? Didn''t you meet Si last night with your girlfriend?"


    "Qiu Hedi, you have a girlfriend?" came Zhao Wei''s voice making Dylan close his eyes in exasperation. He really wanted to ask Darren why he was so hell-bent on doing this with him today but it didn''t take him long to realize what Darren was doing.


    Even though he apologized for not taking care of Xiu during their visit to the Xia Capital, Darren was still holding that grudge. Poor Dylan felt like he wasn''t even wrong in the first place.


    Dylan looked at Darren and then looked at Xin Xiaosi. Finally, he decided to say, "It''s a misunderstanding. She isn''t my girlfriend."


    "You clearly said she is," Xin Xiaosi chimed in since he was irked by how nonchalantly Dylan denied it. Even though he knew he couldn''t have Nora that didn''t mean he was willing to let Dylan hurt her at all.


    "Ah-Si, that was a joke," said Dylan.


    "Her feelings for you are also a joke?" Xin Xiaosi took a deep breath and added, "Excuse me, I need a moment."


    Dylan was frowning at his words as he murmured, "I want to ask the same question. Are her feelings for you a joke to you as well?"


    "What are you muttering to yourself? Come clean right now!" Hearing his mother''s voice Dylan was startled.


    "Mom, my dearest mom, I told you she''s not my girlfriend. Just an old friend. That''s it!"


    "You better be telling me the truth," warned Zhao Wei dangerously.


    "Mom, you can ask Darren as well. She and I are just old friends," Dylan dropped the matter to Darren''s side who was dumbfounded for a moment.


    "How would I know her?"


    "Dazi, I was with Nora last night. You left me with her. Remember? Oh, no how would you remember? You were clearly too engrossed in kissing your girlfriend."


    Darren smiled sheepishly but his smile stiffened as Dylan''s words registered in his mind. ''Dylan was with Nora. Dylan introduced Nora as his girlfriend. Then... The girl Si was talking about...'' His eyes grew large at the sudden realization.

 Chapter 200 - Lucky Ones

    The day that had started on a very sweet note for Darren, it ended on a weird and complicated note. The same went for Xiu as well. While Darren got the shock of his life when he connected the dots and realized that Nora is the one in Xin Xiaosi''s heart, Xiu''s shocker was that mystery box that came out of nowhere.


    But thinking about that riddle made her extremely angry at Destiny for being this secretive over a tiny box. She had thought about destroying it but right behind the riddle, it was written that the box would self-destruct if force was used. And this very point made Xiu even more certain that the answer to her every question was inside that box. That''s why she was even more desperate to solve the riddle.


    As for Darren, did he bother to ask Xin Xiaosi or Dylan face to face about Nora? No! Of course, not! Why? Because his mind could only take so much for one day and even if he wanted to know about it, he wanted to learn it from Nora''s point-of-view since he knew all about Xin Xiaosi''s version of the story.


    On a beautiful Sunday morning, Xiu woke up looking like a mess with bird nest-like hair and dark circles. But she still had managed to maintain her beautiful smile because of the excitement of seeing Darren. Just the thought of seeing him was enough to brighten up not only Xiu''s day but it seemed like he could brighten up her life as well. Getting off of her bed, her eyes fell on that glaring wooden box lying on the side table and her smile stiffened for a moment.


    But before that thing could dampen her mood, she reminded herself, "Xiu, stop it! Today is yours and McSpicy''s. No one and nothing should come between you and him. Don''t you dare let a dead person''s memory ruin this day!" She nodded her head after her self pep talk and hopped off towards the bathroom. While she truly believed that today''s work should not be left for tomorrow, she was also the kind of person to leave the worries for the next day.


    After a steamy hot shower which by the way almost scalded her skin, she wore the bathroom robe and wrapped her hair in a towel before entering the closet to look for a dress to wear. While she was desperately looking for a suitable attire, the doorbell rang. "Nora, look who''s at the door!" Xiu shouted from her room but after a minute she remembered that Nora had gone home with her mother last night.


    The doorbell rang again and Xiu stomped her way to the door before pulling it open furiously. "Who is it?!" Her words were sharp and harsh but when she looked at the person standing outside the door, she wanted to hit her head against the wall.


    "Hey, Sweets, why are you so angry?" As she heard Darren''s rich velvety voice, Xiu looked up at him again and chewed on her lips without saying anything. Darren waited for her to say anything but when she didn''t, he noticed the way her skin was red. Because of the bathroom robe, he could see her enticing collarbones clearly which made his gulp.


    To distract himself from indecent thoughts, he entered the house, closed the door behind him and asked, "Did you forget that we were supposed to go somewhere today?" Xiu frantically shook her head in negation. Darren laughed at how her towel came undone and her wet hair fell over her back and shoulders. "Then why aren''t you ready yet?"


    "I''m a confused person. I can''t decide what to wear," answered Xiu with a straight face.


    "Do you take this long every day?" asked Darren curiously.


    "Why would I do that? I don''t have to look good for that boss of mine. But you''re my boyfriend. I need to, no, I have to look good beside you."


    "Why?" asked Darren as he brushed her damp hair away from her face.


    Xiu who was solely focused on answering him didn''t notice at all how close he was to her. And even if she did, she hid it quite well as she said, "Don''t you know?" Darren shook his head. "Aiyo, if I walk beside you looking like a cat lady, wouldn''t people talk. To match my boyfriend''s beauty, I have to raise my standard."


    Darren left an open-mouthed kiss on the side of her neck and said, "I don''t care about what people think of my girlfriend. She is my choice, not theirs. And if she''s mine why are they allowed to drop their opinions?"


    Xiu''s breath hitched as he dropped another open-mouthed kiss. It felt hotter than the hot shower she just took a while ago. Before her legs could give way, she held onto his jacket and tried to speak, "I don''t... care about what people think about me." She licked her lips to catch her breath and added, "But I wouldn''t like it if they said anything to you or questioned your choices." Darren wanted to look at her eyes and tried to raise his head but Xiu held him down with her hand as she went on, "Besides, I don''t want to look good for people, I have to look good for my boyfriend."


    Darren smiled and lightly bit on her skin making her yelp. He brushed his nose with hers and said, "Your boyfriend is very lucky then. His girlfriend is making an effort for his sake."


    "Oh, he certainly is lucky," said Xiu making Darren raise his brow at her acting so proud. She held his face in her hands and added, "But I am even more lucky to have him in my life."


    "Sweets, if you kept talking like this, I would definitely not want to leave this house," Darren''s voice had gotten low and husky making Xiu''s skin tingle in anticipation.


    "What if that''s the plan?" provoked Xiu even more as she bit his lips and wiggled her brows at him playfully.

 Chapter 201 - Closer To You

    ***WARNING!!! Enter at your own risk!***


    Darren never thought in his life that he was this easy to seduce. But he knew only this woman before him, was able to undo him in the way he never thought it was possible. There was a Chen Xiu in his life who taught him what loving someone felt like and then there was this Bai Xiu who taught him what desperately wanting that love closer to you felt like.


    Because for Chen Xiu, he always wanted to see her happy but for Xiu before him, he wanted to see her happy with him. He wanted to become the reason for her happiness. The way she was looking at him was pure torture and he wanted to hide her from the world.


    "Sweets, don''t test my self-control," his breath was tickling her ear and she felt a strange feeling crawling up her nape.


    "Federico Garcia Lorca once wrote, ''To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.''" She placed her hand over his chest and added, "What''s the point of punishing yourself? You can''t win anyway." Xiu leaned forward and bit his ear playfully as she whispered, "Do you think you can win this?"


    Feeling the touch of her soft lips on his ear made Darren''s body to itch with desire and passion. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath before he replied, "I lost the moment I first saw you."


    Before Xiu could ask him what he meant by that, he grabbed the back of her head, pulling her towards himself and crashed his mouth hard against hers. Unlike previous times, he wasn''t being slow, he was gentle but his lips moved fast against hers and Xiu had a bit of difficulty keeping up with his pace as he let her drown into the kiss while he ravished her.


    The fingers of his one hand were running through her damp hair while the other hand traveled down to her lower back at an agonizingly slow pace. His tongue swept against her lower lip and Xiu gladly opened her mouth for him. When his tongue made contact with hers in a fierce battle of domination, Xiu couldn''t help the hum that escaped from the back of her throat. It''s necessary to make it clear that she wasn''t the least bit embarrassed about it.


    She wasn''t embarrassed that her whole body yearned for him. She wasn''t embarrassed that she wanted to feel him and make him completely hers in every single way.


    His hand at her back was running up and down slowly. She could feel the burning hot sensation even through the bathrobe she was wearing. Darren slowed down the kiss and slightly pulled back, only giving her enough time to catch her breath as he rested his forehead against hers and said nothing.


    His gray eyes peered into hers as if to look for answers. As if asking whether he could continue. Xiu placed her hand on the side of his face and trailed, "Darren..."


    Darren leaned into her hand before placing a kiss on her palm and saying, "Regan... I want you to call me Regan."


    Xiu reached over and let her soft lips meet his in a light touch, she wanted to tease him as she breathed out against his lips, "Regan..."


    Hearing his own name from her for the first time clicked something within him. It felt really strange, how he wanted to consume her then and there. And before she could pull away from him after teasing him, Darren''s hand behind her back didn''t let her move at all as he pulled her closer to deepen the kiss once again.


    His hand moved to the belt of her bathrobe and with a single tug, it came undone. His hand held her h.i.p.s as she wrapped her legs around his waist tightly. Xiu dr.a.p.ed her arms around his neck, over his shoulders.


    Xiu couldn''t help but m.o.a.n into his mouth as she felt his hardness brushing against her nether lands. Her cheeks flushed in excitement as she kept their lips locked. He carried her to the room and Xiu only came to her senses when her back touched the softness of her mattress.


    She opened her eyes and looked at him. His eyes were taking in her expression and only now he noticed her red lacy undergarments. Seeing how he wasn''t moving at all, Xiu felt apprehensive. She didn''t care how her body looked but she was worried whether he was holding himself back again.


    "You''re not planning on running away again, are you?" Xiu asked anxiously.


    His lips lifted up in a smile before he pulled off his jacket and threw it carelessly. Who knew where it landed, he didn''t care anyway. His lips came close to her ear as he whispered, "The only place I want to be is... Closer to you."


    Soon, his lips found themselves on her neck, trailing over her skin temptingly. His kisses dropped along the length of her neck as he sucked and nipped on her skin in a way that it made Xiu arch her back in excitement. His tongue darted out to lick her skin and Xiu had to hold onto the bedsheet to keep herself from squirming.


    While his lips trailed towards her collarbones, his hands roamed around her body. Xiu again wrapped her legs around his waist to hold him tightly close to her body. She was afraid to lose the heat that her body hadn''t felt in almost forever. He kissed between her b.r.e.a.s.ts and Xiu''s hands found their way to his thick hair.


    He moved further down kissing his way down to her navel but stopped just right above her panties. His eyes searched for her eyes and when they locked their gaze, Darren found her intense gaze looking back at him. He smiled at her and said in a low voice, "Did I mention, you''re beautiful?"


    "I don''t think so," replied Xiu in a voice that sounded so foreign to herself.


    He kissed his way back up to her chest as he said, "Then let me show you how beautiful you are."


    Although this game of seduction was started by Xiu, she knew that she was the one who gave in first. Because how could anyone win before him?

 Chapter 202 - Wild Fantasies

    His sinful and intoxicating gaze made her blood rush southwards. Without breaking their eye contact, Darren''s mouth came down to plant a kiss on her right b.r.e.a.s.t through the flimsy bra of hers. Xiu arched her back to give his hand way to unhook her bra while his burning hot lips kissed her chest.


    As her bra slipped down, his mouth latched onto her hard and aroused bud while his other hand cupped her other b.r.e.a.s.t. The pad of his thumb rolled over her scarlet tip just like his tongue rolled over the other one. As he lightly bit the skin of her b.r.e.a.s.t, she instinctively shut her eyes breaking the intense stare-off.


    His teeth grazed against her sensitive tip making a gasp escape from her mouth. The gasp wasn''t because she was surprised, it was more like an indication that pleasure was washing over senses tingling her temptingly. Slowly, his hand slipped inside her panties and started massaging her sensitive area.


    "Regan..." Xiu m.o.a.ned out his name in a hazy state of mind.


    "Yes, Sweets?" answered Darren as his hand cradled her face while his eyes moved between her eyes and her lips. Xiu bit her bottom lip as she felt his breath hitting her face. It felt like the rhythm of his breath was starting another song of seduction.


    "Don''t look at me like that," said Xiu in a small voice but even though she said it, she didn''t avoid his eyes at all.


    "Why not?" He questioned.


    "Because the feelings in your eyes are consuming me and my soul," answered Xiu truthfully.


    Darren kissed her forehead, her eyes, the tip of her nose and finally her lips as he said, "What about you?" Xiu raised her brow at him inquisitively but Darren didn''t reply. He got off her body and Xiu felt cold all of a sudden.


    But before she could question him, she felt his lips trailing up her leg. She tried to close her legs when he sucked on the inside of her thighs but he held her legs down. He kissed her sensitive area through the panties and pulled away to undress slowly while Xiu''s eyes followed his every movement. Watching him like a predator. Xiu didn''t know why she closed her eyes when she saw him only in his briefs but she was reminded of the time when she met him at the hot spring. It wasn''t her first time seeing him half-n.a.k.e.d but certainly, the feeling was completely different.


    Xiu felt his presence on the bed but didn''t open her eyes. That''s when she heard him say, "Are you feeling shy? Last time you''re really excited though." Xiu opened her eyes and hit his chest for teasing him over that again. He really wasn''t letting her mistakes go that easily.


    Slowly, her eyes took in his broad shoulders as she roamed her hands over it before trailing it down to his abdomen muscles. But when she saw that he was still wearing his briefs, her face dropped for a moment just like it did when he was wearing shorts under his towel.


    "Oh, you''re disappointed again," laughed Darren at her reaction and Xiu hit him again for making fun of her like that. Darren''s hand caressed over her navel as he asked teasingly, "What kind of wild fantasies do you cook in that mind of yours?"


    "I''m a very good person. I don''t have any time for fantasies. I hardly have time to think of anything," retorted Xiu sharply.


    Darren''s expressions changed as he pinned her arms down and said, "I''m sad to know that you don''t think about me. Because your thoughts are wreaking havoc in my mind and heart."


    Xiu was left speechless. But it wasn''t like he gave her a chance to talk again as well since his lips had found their way back to her lips. His finger twisted around the top of her panties as he teased the elastic over. He slipped his hand inside her panties and her fingers teased her flower bud agonizingly as he asked, "So, you really don''t have time to think about me?"


    Xiu squirmed, groaned and m.o.a.ned but he didn''t give her what she was asking for. He was calm and patient as if waiting for something. Even though his two fingers were playing with her folds while he could feel her arousal, he didn''t let it show on his face.


    "I don''t need time to think about you. You never left my mind in the first place." The words slipped out of her mouth slowly and breathlessly.


    Xiu saw a tinge of a smirk at the corner of his lips before he pushed a finger inside her making her gasp loudly. Xiu held onto his shoulders tightly as he moved his finger slowly and gently inside her. Then he added another finger increasing Xiu''s pleasure and pain. Her fingers drilled in and out at a pace that made Xiu feel dizzy. But right when she felt like she was close to being a wet mess, he pulled out his fingers, he sucked on his fingers before her eyes making Xiu close her eyes in embarrassment.


    Darren pulled her pantied off all the way down leaving her completely n.a.k.e.d underneath him. Xiu had covered her face with her hands. Darren held her legs and pulled them apart for his comfort. Holding onto her legs tightly, his tongue found it''s way down to her lady parts. Xiu''s eyes opened wide when she felt his tongue playing around with her folds.


    She wanted to push him away and yet wanted to pull him closer. The conflict within her died down when a m.o.a.n of satisfaction escaped from her mouth involuntarily while her fingers raked through his hair without restraint. His tongue worked its magic expertly making liquid heat seep to her core. Her insides clenched as she could feel her nerves bundling up.


    He again used his finger to make a come hither motion deep inside her and that was all it took for pleasure to take over Xiu as she came.

 Chapter 203 - Exclusively Mine!

    Larry Niven wrote, "Seen through the glow of a building orgasm, a woman seems to blaze with angelic glory."


    This very quote hit very differently when Darren looked at Xiu. The way her body quivered. The way her legs went limp. The way her chest heaved up and down frantically trying to catch her breath. The way her eyes had rolled upward while the pleasure ran through her body. Every single detail got etched in his mind and he stared at her as if he was fascinated.


    When Xiu opened her eyes and found him staring at her with darkened eyes, her mind went blank. It was like someone was controlling her body as she placed her hands on his chest and rolled him over, changing their positions. Darren raised his eyes in surprise and Xiu caught his lips with hers. She could taste the remnants of her release in his mouth which seemed to have intoxicated her even more.


    She peppered kisses on his face and trailed down. Her open-mouthed kisses on his chest did something unexplainable to him. She was trying hard to act like her fearless self before him and that''s why she dared to graze her teeth on his chest making him gasp in surprise. And when he looked at her in question, she offered him a cheeky smile.


    While her hands were caressing the contours of his body, she accidentally touched his manhood but instinctively pulled her hand back. Not because she was shy but because she could feel how hard he was and that meant he was in real pain. Xiu carefully pulled off his briefs and took in his length with a visible gulp.


    Xiu lifted her hands to touch him when he held her wrist and said, "As much as I love those hands, I still want to be..." He sat up and whispered, "Inside you."


    Xiu''s cheeks blushed at how wantonly he was behaving. She tried to pull back her wrist but he didn''t let her escape. He kissed her wrists softly and added, "I just realized I love seeing you climax."


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief and Darren took that chance to invade her mouth with his tongue. Xiu didn''t even come back to her senses when their positions were turned once again and Darren was right above her. He broke the kiss to ask for her permission, "May I?"


    Xiu knew what he was asking for and without hesitation, she ended up nodding her head. Xiu didn''t know where he got the condom from but she didn''t want to ask at that time. He positioned himself between her legs and her body shook a bit when the tip of his manhood touched her core. Darren buried his face in the crook of her neck and whispered, "Tell me if it hurts too much."


    He repositioned himself and as he began to seek entrance, Xiu''s body tensed up and so did Darren''s as he said, "You''re really tight."


    Xiu rolled her eyes in her head as she thought, ''Of course, I am. This poor girl died a v.i.r.g.i.n after all!'' But she couldn''t say it to him and bit her bottom lip to hold back her screams. Darren slowly pushed further inside and Xiu felt like someone had ripped her insides out. She wanted to scream but held it back by biting the insides of her cheek until she could taste blood. It wasn''t that she was unfamiliar with this pain but she certainly had forgotten about her first time long ago.


    After he managed to seek the entrance completely, he didn''t move for a while, letting her adjust to his length while he showered her with kisses making the pain disappear slowly. It took a moment but soon Xiu had overcome her pain and tried to move her h.i.p.s against him seeking pleasure.


    "Sweets! You''re driving me crazy!" He grunted and began to move inside her slowly at first to ease her pain.


    Xiu''s pain began to disappear while her m.o.a.ns spread in the room. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she kissed him with fervor. As his pace became faster, so did his kiss became heated. She felt a strong sensation consuming her being.


    As the pleasure built up again inside her, she pleaded, "Please!" but exactly what she was asking for, she couldn''t tell herself. She wrapped her legs around his waist and gasped as he moved even deeper. Her body trembled as her orgasm washed over her. She shook uncontrollably as she screamed out his name in intense pleasure. This time she didn''t hold back her screams at all.


    He held her h.i.p.s and moved faster looking for his own climax. After a moment, he groaned as he held himself deep inside of her. He slowly pulled himself out of her and discarded the condom before laying down beside her and pulling her in his arms. Xiu found the energy to lay her head on his chest and listened to his erratic heartbeat.


    Her body felt sore but she managed to overcome the discomfort. It was weird how she felt a bit emotional for losing her innocence. She didn''t even feel like this after her very first time.


    She closed her eyes as she let that feeling seep within her being. This feeling was certainly new. She felt complete and content for the very first time in her two lives. She really felt like she found a home in him. A comfortable home where she didn''t have to hide. A home where she was accepted as herself.


    Darren was running his fingers through her hair when he suddenly yelped at how she bit him on his chest. "What was that for?" Xiu didn''t answer him, instead, she licked the spot she just bit and sucked on it making a bright red mark to appear. "Did you just mark me or something?"


    Xiu nodded her head and traced her finger over her creation as she said, "This mark is the proof that you''re mine. Exclusively mine!" She looked up into his eyes and added, "And Xiu doesn''t like sharing."


    Darren hugged her tight and said, "This won''t stay for long though."


    "Don''t worry, I don''t mind renewing it daily," replied Xiu brazenly.

 Chapter 204 - Its Ours...

    This very Sunday was postcard-perfect. The bright sun shining magnificently with the sky as an unbroken backdrop of blue. The weather was like the kiss of summer without the fiery heat of noon. The leaves in the park had their first autumnal blush while it was humming with activity. No wind, ambient temperature called for a perfect picnic or a date.


    However, Xiu found her perfect date right there lying in Darren''s arms. She didn''t know when she had fallen asleep in his arms. But when her eyes fluttered open again, she found herself facing Darren. His eyes were closed but whether he was sleeping or not, she couldn''t tell. Xiu brushed her nose against his chest and snuggled in his warmth again.


    When she felt him tightening his arm around her, Xiu smile in bliss. If there was one thing she learned from her previous relationship it was, she never wanted to beg for love ever again. Perhaps, that''s why she had fallen so hard, so fast and so deeply for Darren. He never left her guessing about where she stood in his life. She never even had to question his feelings since he always did his best to let her know that what he felt for her with his weird but cute actions.


    And most importantly, he gave her the love and attention she always craved for. He was so attentive that it made her feel bad for not knowing anything about him. He seemed too perfect to be real. But he was real. And his only flaw was that he had no flaw at all.


    She heard his phone''s ringtone but didn''t open her eyes. Darren stirred in his sleep and found the phone to see the caller id. "Yes, Dylan!"


    Hearing Dylan''s name, Xiu rolled her eyes inwardly. She really didn''t know why he always called at the wrong time.


    "Dazi, did you take her there?" asked Dylan curiously.


    "Not yet," replied Darren.


    "What? Why? Did you change your mind?" Dylan''s questions came one after another. "Well, it''s a good thing if you changed your mind. No girlfriend would be happy to see that her boyfriend had been obsessed with his first love to the point of going crazy."


    Darren caressed Xiu''s hair before planting a kiss at the top of her head and said, "But I have to tell Sweets. I mean I want to tell her. I don''t want to keep any secrets. At least, not from her. I want her to see every side of mine good or bad."


    Xiu''s heart warmed up at his words and tears brimmed in her eyes. She had to bit the inside of her lip to keep her tears from falling. The way he wanted to show her all his secrets made her feel like a culprit for hiding her identity from him.


    Dylan sighed out, "I should have known that. The way you were flaunting your infatuation with her-"


    Darren cut him off with, "It''s not infatuation."


    Dylan rolled his eyes at his words and went on, "Let me finish. I understood yesterday that it''s not infatuation anymore. You''re way too deep into this. But since I still need confirmation, let me ask you... Are you really in love with her?"


    Darren''s smile could be seen in his eyes as he stared at Xiu''s face intently. "I am," he replied with certainty. "And that''s why I have to make somethings clear to her."


    "Why didn''t you then? What''s taking so long?" Even Xiu could hear Dylan''s loud voice without even trying. And that showed how loud Dylan had screamed.


    First Darren rubbed his ear and then said, "I got..." His eyes fell on the messy bedsheet and his clothes sprawled on the floor as he added in a small voice, "Distracted."


    "Distracted? By what?"


    Darren was feeling a bit annoyed seeing how his best friend was being too nosy for his own good. Not that Dylan was not nosy before but somehow, Darren didn''t feel like sharing these personal matters with him anymore. Because it involved her. It involved Xiu.


    "Why do you care so much about me? It''s Sunday, go seduce someone or something like that," Darren replied in a sharp tone.


    "Oho! Dazi, seduction leads a man to hell. I have decided to not walk down this path again," Dylan lied right through his teeth while he was flirting with a woman from across the room. Wouldn''t it be too lonely if he stopped flirting around? "Besides, I don''t have to seduce anyone. My face is enough of a selling point."


    "Didi..."


    "Yes?"


    "After leaving Paradise Kiss, please, go and see a doctor. You need one."


    As Dylan heard Darren mentioning the name of the club he was in, Dylan was shocked. "How do you know where I am?"


    "Because I know you," replied Darren matter-of-factly and Dylan nodded his head since his reason made sense.


    "See you later, Dazi! I have a new entry in my to-do list," with that Dylan hung up the call leaving Darren baffled at his choice of words. If Dylan had been before him, he would have smacked his head.


    For the next few minutes, Darren stayed silent and Xiu frowned when she didn''t hear his voice.


    "How long are you gonna pretend to sleep?" Xiu heard Darren''s voice and pursed her lips.


    "I''m not pretending to sleep. I just don''t want to open my eyes," replied Xiu in a muffled voice.


    Darren held her face in his hands and looked at her face as he asked, "Why? Are you embarrassed? Or disappointed?" Xiu instantly opened her eyes to see him pouting like a kid as he went on, "I also didn''t want our first time to be here. I wanted to make it special for you. But I lost control."


    Xiu shook her head at him and said, "Idiot!"


    "Huh?" Darren stared at her dumbfoundedly.


    "I never asked for something special. I stopped dreaming of being special a long time ago. Because I learned that things don''t make anything special. It''s always the people who make a moment special." Xiu kissed at the corner of his lips as she added, "You''re the most special to me. The real miracle of my life. How can this moment be any less magical?"


    Darren closed his eyes as if he was in pain and said, "No wonder I lost control. How can I win when you talk like that?"


    "How can you lose when I am winning?" He looked at her inquisitively while she elaborated, "Since you''re mine and I''m yours then how can my victory is only mine? It''s ours. Isn''t it?"


    "Gosh! I''m in love with you!" Darren blurted out without even thinking. It felt like an instinct because that''s how she made him feel. How could he hide his feelings when she was being so loveable?

 Chapter 205 - In Love With You!

    Quote of the day:


    "Don''t wait for the right time when it comes to confessing your love, because in this case, the right time is always ''too late''." ~Mohit Sharma


    Xiu was stunned for a while since he so easily and straightforwardly just told her that he was in love with her. Even though it was the most obvious thing, it still was his first time saying it upfront. And the ease and comfort in his voice sounded like it was the most normal thing to say.


    Seeing her staring at him intently with a stupified expression, Darren ruffled her hair and said again, "Why are you so shocked? I really am in love with you."


    Xiu shook her head and said, "I''m not shocked. I just wasn''t mentally prepared to hear that."


    "Eh? Why not?" questioned Darren looking into her brown eyes.


    Xiu thought about it as well. Why wasn''t she mentally prepared? Wasn''t she supposed to? But then again, how can someone be ready to hear that confession of love? And that too from someone who has become a part of your heartbeat? Was anyone ever ready to hear those words? And that too from someone they had the same feelings for?


    We all expect those words but that doesn''t mean anyone is ever ready to hear them. Because no matter how much you try to prepare yourself, you''ll find yourself overwhelmed. That''s the magic of the word love. It makes your brain malfunction.


    "Because you have been saying it indirectly for a while now. I didn''t expect that you''d say it just like that," Xiu answered.


    Darren chuckled and squished her cheeks saying, "Glad to know that you''re just a little bit slow but definitely not dumb." Xiu pouted like a kid but she knew he was referring to how she took a while to understand his secret confession through flowers. "But I still have a bouquet of red tulips waiting for you."


    Xiu slapped his hands away from her face and rubbed her cheeks as she said, "I don''t want any more flowers. I don''t like it."


    "You don''t like my flowers?" Darren raised his brow at her in question.


    "I love your flowers because those are from you and everything from you is precious. I''m just saying that I don''t fancy flowers in general. Not a big fan," Xiu talked about dislike without holding back.


    "Why is that?"


    "Every flower has it''s thorns and they wither away. What''s the point?" Xiu told him calmly. She took a moment before asking, "By the way, why is there a bouquet of red tulips waiting for me now? What does it mean?"


    "It means," he kissed softly on her cheek and added, "Sweets, I love you."


    Xiu pursed her lips. It was his third time telling her that he was in love with her in the last five minutes and every single time he made her heart flutter like a schoolgirl. How was she supposed to react to that?


    Darren waited for her to say something... anything. Of course, he wanted to hear the same from her but that stubborn girl was taking too long making him impatient.


    "Sweets, don''t you have anything to say to me?"


    Xiu pretended like she didn''t understand what he was trying and pretended to think about it hard before saying, "Oh, don''t you think it''s a very unexpected time for such a love confession?"


    "I don''t think so," said Darren with a shrug of his shoulders and added, "Besides, saying ''I love you'' is easier than keeping that feeling inside. Because you never know when it''ll be too late and you''ll end up losing the chance to express your feelings." He took a deep sigh and placed his hand over her head as he added, "I learned it the hard way. And that''s why I don''t want to second guess my feelings anymore. Not with you."


    Xiu listened to his words attentively as she smiled softly and said, "And then people ask me why I love you. Isn''t it obvious? Who would not love this man?" Realizing something, Xiu''s eyes widened as she went on, "Wait! Do other women also think like this about my man? My MAN!" Her eyes widened as she pinched Darren''s nose and said, "You stop being so charming. It''s dangerous for my health!"


    Darren squished her face with his hands again as he said, "Sweets, stop overthinking! As much as I loved hearing you call me as your man, I would still like to hear those three words you''re trying to avoid."


    Xiu tilted her head to a side and said, "Three words?" He nodded his head and Xiu hummed before saying, "I am hungry. Those are my three words." Darren facepalmed himself and narrowed his eyes at her dangerously. Seeing him acting like that, Xiu gave in, "I already said it though. But okay, I''ll say it again. I love you, happy?"


    "Sorry, what?"


    Xiu gaped at his reaction and repeated herself, "I said I love you!"


    Darren touched his ear as he said, "I can''t hear you. Say it a bit louder."


    Xiu found his behavior childish which definitely wasn''t like him at all. And yet she found it adorable. But since he wasn''t giving in, she pushed his back against the bedpost and screamed right beside his ear, "I love you, Regan!"


    Darren finally smiled contentedly as he took her hand in his own and placed it over his heart saying, "See what your words do to me." Xiu felt his heart beating and found a strange connection. Then he took her hand and placed it over her own heart saying, "Now, you better remember this feeling. It wasn''t so hard, was it?"


    Xiu wrapped her arms around his neck to avoid looking into his eyes that looked too intense for her. She felt like she might end up burning under his gaze. When Darren raised his hands to rub her back affectionately, she whispered, "Oddly, nothing seems hard when you''re around. Smiling becomes normal and loving you becomes easier. But there is only one problem."


    "Hm? What is that?"


    "I can''t keep my hands away from you," replied Xiu and before Darren could say anything, they were interrupted by something very important.

 Chapter 206 - Loved You Longer

    When Don Herold said, "Interruptions are the spice of life." he wasn''t kidding. Because first of all, interruptions are never in our own control. And secondly, wouldn''t life be a little too plain without those spices of interruptions? If everything became predictable, how would one enjoy the unexpected moments?


    However, the interruption between them was really unexpected. It was certainly important because the thing that interrupted them was the loud sound that came from Xiu''s stomach indicating that someone was really hungry. When earlier she said, "I am hungry." she meant it wholeheartedly.


    But Xiu certainly didn''t want her stomach to growl so loudly to embarrass her before him. While Xiu was fl.u.s.tered, Darren chuckled as he said, "I have already seen everything. Do you have to be embarrassed over such a thing?" Xiu didn''t pull away but hit his back in defiance. With his deep laughter, he asked, "You didn''t eat?"


    Xiu shook her head in reply, "I got distracted by you."


    "So, it''s my fault now?" Xiu nodded her head up and down. "Okay. If it''s my fault then I should take responsibility for it. Go take a shower, we''ll go out."


    "Sounds like a good plan," said Xiu and got up with sheets rolled around her body. She slightly winced when her feet touched the ground. Her body was a bit sore.


    "Are you feeling sore?" Xiu heard Darren''s concerned voice and turned to look at him.


    "It''s fine. It''s actually a lot better than I expected," replied Xiu in plain honesty as she turned towards the bathroom again.


    She had only taken a step when she felt his arms around her waist as he placed his chin on her shoulder and said, "If it''s fine then shall we go for round two? Oomph!" Darren grunted as soon as he ended his sentence since Xiu hit his stomach with her elbow and escaped from his arms while Darren crouched over in pain.


    As Xiu ran in, Darren laughed out at her reaction while shaking his head. "Why are you so predictable at a time like this?" he whispered to himself before picking the rest of his clothes off of the floor. He had taken a shower when Xiu was sleeping peacefully and had been wearing his jeans. Now, he found his shirt and picked up his jacket from the floor.


    After that, he changed the sheets and made the bed perfectly well. And by the time, Xiu came out Darren wasn''t in the room. Xiu could hear his voice from the living and knew he was talking over the phone. Now, she came back to exactly where this day had started... Clothes!


    Xiu was frustrated at the thought of rummaging through her clothes but was pleasantly surprised when she found a long sleeve v-neck shirt with shorts and a peach-colored dress on her bed. It seemed like Darren had chosen those two for her. Now the final decision was up to her. Xiu smiled to herself and started getting ready. It wasn''t something over the top or too plain but it wasn''t something she wore every day as well. She had gotten too used to wearing work clothes.


    When Xiu came out dressed up, Darren hung up the call and looked at her. She had finally decided up on wearing the peach dress since it didn''t seem too casual. Besides, it was her favorite color. She styled her hair in a simple half up-do and applied light makeup.


    "How''s this looking?" asked Xiu as she twirled around to show off her dress that ended right above her knees.


    Darren patted her head and said, "Not as beautiful as you are. But you''re definitely making it look better."


    Xiu''s face scrunched up as she said, "Smart eh?"


    "That I sure am. Now tell me what do you want to eat?" asked Darren as he took her hand in his own and started walking towards the door.


    Xiu tapped her finger on her chin in a thoughtful way before saying, "I don''t know. I''m fine with anything."


    Darren tsked at her as he said, "I knew you''d say that." They were waiting for the elevator when he asked, "Oh, I just realized that Nora wasn''t home."


    "Took you long enough," said Xiu and added, "Anyways, she went home last night. I don''t think she''d be coming this week."


    "Why?" Darren showed curiosity unknowingly since he was planning on talking to Nora about Xin Xiaosi. He had to make somethings clear.


    "Her nanny is coming to An City and since she had been very attached to her, I don''t think she''ll leave her side," replied Xiu without paying any attention to Darren''s curiosity.


    Just when the elevator''s door opened and Darren took a step, his hand was pulled back and when he looked at Xiu, she was staring at him weirdly. "I forgot earlier..." he raised his brows at her and she continued, "Where did that magical condom come from? Were you carrying it all this time?"


    Darren choked on his own saliva as he started coughing. Now it was her turn to laugh at his reaction. Darren pulled her inside the elevator first and then replied, "After what you pulled on me on Friday night, I knew you''d not back off. And I also knew that I didn''t have as much self-restraint to say no again. So, I decided to play safe."


    "So, you already knew that I was gonna do something and you''re gonna lose?" Xiu was amused by his answer.


    "You looked like a broken doll when I pulled away last time. And I didn''t want to see that disappointment in your eyes again," replied Darren while cupping her face in his hands.


    Xiu leaned into his touch and said, "I wish you had noticed my presence sooner." Darren''s brows knitted up and she elaborated, "I could have loved you longer."


    Although Darren thought she was referring to the present, only Xiu knew that she was referring to the past instead. Because only she knew that even before she noticed Zhou Jinhai''s presence, that mysterious Mr. Champion of hers had already taken a place in her heart.

 Chapter 207 - Memory Of Someone

    Sometimes we want a moment to last forever, but sometimes we want a person to be our last one. In Darren''s mind, all he had was the thought of making the woman before him smile. How or when he fell so madly for her silliness was out of his understanding. But he knew that she was the one who held his hand and pulled him out of his sadness and guilt. Every single day she made him want to smile and to fall in love all over again. And he did fell in love. He loved her every single day with even more passion then the day before.


    All of that was on Darren''s mind while it seemed to him like Xiu''s mind was only focused on eating the cheeseburger that she craved so badly for some weird reason. Even when he offered to take her to some fancy restaurant for supper since it was already 3:30 pm but she insisted on eating that.


    However, only Xiu knew how she managed to keep her calm under his constantly staring at her like she was all he could see. His eyes made her heart beat slower and faster at the very same time. And it didn''t even make any sense to her as well. And yet it did make sense somehow. So as to avoid getting a cardiac arrest or anything, she solely focused on munching on the burger.


    Right after Xiu was done with her supper, Darren took her hand in his own once again. It felt so natural now. As if her slender hand belonged in his. If it didn''t why would it perfectly fit in his hand? Obviously, it was heaven''s signal or probably Xiu was reading too much into this.  Whatsoever, Darren alighted the car with her saying, "I have to take you somewhere."


    "Right now?" asked Xiu with a crease between her brows.


    Darren pressed his lips together and his thumb rubbed on her hand as he said, "I think I''m strong enough to talk about it today. I might lose the courage to say it again. So, before that happens, I want to get this off of my chest."


    "What exactly is it?" Xiu sounded a bit hesitant as she questioned.


    "Something you don''t know about me. Something that makes me who I am today. Something that can be considered as the biggest secret of my life. The one that haunts me even now." replied Darren with a slightly hoarse edge to his voice that didn''t seem like him.


    "Are you trying to scare me on purpose?"


    Darren flicked on her forehead and said, "Are you weak-hearted?"


    "I don''t certainly think so," her voice came out weaker than she had intended.


    Darren ruffled her hair and reassured her, "It''s nothing scary. It''s just that it''s a part of my life I can''t let go of even if I want to and you might have some issue with that. Like any normal person would."


    Xiu stopped asking him questions as she noticed that the car was moving up a hill. They were in the hills that enhanced the serene beauty of the An City which was a striking contrast to the bustling and concrete jungle also known as Xia Capital. This natural beauty of the city was the reason Xiu always felt at peace here.


    But as of now, she was really curious to know where they were headed since it seemed like private property. As they moved further ahead, Xiu could finally see the silhouette of a house. However, she was mesmerized by the skeletal trees crowned in a slightly crimson color flanked in rows as they gently swayed around in the early autumn wind. But when the car halted, her eyes were pulled to the beautiful yard that seemed to be created to perfection. The grass seemed jubilant green and different colors of flowers blended perfectly with it.


    They had arrived when the sun was setting in the horizon casting a beautiful and enchanting parting glow. When Xiu got off the car and took a step on the beige gravel walkway, she heard a satisfying crunch with each step. There were a couple of delicate fountains randomly spread out throughout that spewed out water into the air. The soft gurgling of the clear water was melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence.


    Peeling her eyes away from the enchanting scenery before her, she turned to face the beautiful house. She climbed up a few stairs and instantly came to a halt. She turned around to face Darren who seemed to be lost in his own world. "Are you hiding someone inside?" asked Xiu curiously looking at him.


    Darren noticed her skeptical eyes and retorted, "Who do you think I''m hiding?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she replied, "Who knows? Maybe a wife or a couple of children?"


    Darren burst out laughing at her assumption and Xiu smiled along with him. She had been observing his expressions for a while and since the time they got here, he looked really sad for some reason. So, she had to make the worst joke to get him to laugh.


    Darren shook his head at her and said, "You really have a wild imagination. I guess you watched too many movies."


    Xiu rolled her eyes inwardly as she muttered to herself, "More like I acted in way too many movies." But her reply to him was, "If not that then why do you look so scared to open this door?"


    Darren didn''t expect her to notice that he was out of sorts but he felt really happy that she paid attention. "It''s not a person I''m hiding." and he added in his head, ''And I''m scared to open this door because I don''t want to lose you.''


    "Then what''s the worry?" questioned Xiu looking completely clueless for why he was reacting like that or what was running through his mind.


    Darren placed his hand on her head and said, "What I''m hiding is the memory of someone. And oftentimes, memories are scarier than people themselves."


    Xiu''s eyes widened at his reply. It seemed to have hit a mark for her. She knew herself how easy it was to get away from people. But it was the memories of those people that never seems to go away. It''s weird how a person leaves but leaves behind his memories. And it''s even weirder how those memories turn into our driving force over time.

 Chapter 208 - Unrequited Love

    As Darren slowly opened the door and Xiu took a step inside, she was in awe. Not because the house was like a fairytale or something over the top. She was in awe at the simplicity of what she could see. The walls were an off-white color just like the outside of the house and the wooden floor was so sleek and spotless.


    The living room had a royal blue and white theme. The last rays of sun radiated off of the small crystal chandelier in the living room making the sight absolutely immaculate. Xiu was so lost in her observation that it took her a while to notice that Darren was making his way up to the second floor.


    Silently, she also trailed behind him. The clean and modern interior of the house really seemed like someone had brought her dream house to reality. She shook her head to get rid of nonsensical thoughts and was once again mesmerized. The second floor''s living room had French doors that opened up to a terrace. One could see the picturesque perfect view of the city from that point as the sun was hidden behind skyscr.a.p.ers and it''s parting rays radiated off the glass buildings.


    Passing through the hallway, Darren stopped in front of the door of the very last room. Xiu noticed his clenched fists before he took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Even though Xiu was hesitating but she was curious as well. That''s why she followed him in and the first thing that caught her eyes was the grand piano lying beside the glass wall looking over the landscapes.


    The piano was a beauty in itself but what made that room even more special was the glass roof. As the night was falling slowly, Xiu could tell that it must look wonderful to stargaze from there. However, she was still clueless as to why Darren brought her there. She looked at him questioningly as she asked, "Am I missing something?"


    Darren nodded his head and held her shoulders to turn her towards the other wall of the room. Xiu''s eyes widened to see what was before her. The wall was filled with photo frames and the person in those photos was none other than herself. Not as Bai Xiu. That wasn''t the face of Bai Xiu.


    The pictures weren''t of Superstar Chen Xiu as well. Instead, those photos were of just Chen Xiu. A normal young woman who was just like anybody else. Xiu had never seen those photos before anywhere. The candid photos had one thing in common... Her genuine smile. Except for one photo that hung right in the middle of the wall.


    In the photo, only half of her face was visible as she looked ahead. Her eyes looked desolate and lost. She was holding a translucent curtain while she looked to be standing on a balcony. Xiu walked towards the photo and frowned as she noticed a certain detail of that photo. She was wearing a hospital gown.


    Xiu''s heart thumped so loud that it was the only thing she could hear. Her thoughts were jumbled up but no matter how she looked at this situation, she couldn''t tell why he brought her there. Or why her photos were there? What did it mean? What was he trying to tell her? Her mind was so messed up that she didn''t even want to make assumptions at all.


    "She...?" Xiu tried to speak as she pointed at the photos but couldn''t find any words. She was speechless, to say the least. She found it quite bizarre and even if she wanted to explain her feelings, all she could say was it was complicated as hell.


    But Darren could see a storm of questions rising in her eyes. He wasn''t surprised at all though. Since that was exactly what he had expected from her. "Can you recognize her?" he asked out of the blue. When Xiu nodded her head, he ended up scoffing as he muttered, "She was right. I was the only idiot who didn''t know her."


    Xiu had heard his words clearly and could tell what he was referring to. And a smile hung at the corner of her lips when she thought back to the time he looked so clueless about her identity. But she wasn''t angry. That was one of the rare moments when she felt free.


    "Talking about Chen Xiu as a person or a celebrity is easy," Darren started as he looked at the photo wall and continued, "But it might be difficult to explain who she was in my life." Xiu''s brows raised up instinctively. "Damn! I practiced so many times and yet I don''t know what to say to you now."


    Xiu''s heart shook for some reason and she took a step towards him and took his hand in her own saying, "You can take your time. I''m right here."


    Darren looked in her eyes and smiled at her reassurance. "Do you know even though you both have the same name, I never could find her in you. Honestly, at first, I wanted to. I so badly wanted to look for her in you. But I couldn''t do so. Whenever I looked at you, I wanted to smile. And whenever I used to look at her, I wanted to make her smile." Xiu''s eyes moved at his confession as he went on, "Except for the name, you both are like two different people. Her image of being a celebrity had taken deep root in her soul. So deep that even she had forgotten what or who she really was."


    Darren caressed Xiu''s face saying, "But you''re different. From the beginning, you knew what you wanted and how you''re gonna get it. You know how to fight for what is yours. You don''t back down even if the argument seems petty. I love that confidence of yours. Remember that letter you wrote to yourself during the screening process?" Xiu didn''t answer because she knew he wasn''t expecting one as he continued, "The way you apologized to yourself for not trying hard enough for yourself made me realize the biggest difference between you and her. Chen Xiu always did what people asked of her but she never apologized to herself for mistreating herself like that."


    Xiu wanted to laugh at how right he was. But if she had laughed, she would have looked pathetic to herself.


    He stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again, "However, if I really have to tell you what she was to me then I can only say..." Xiu''s heartbeat sped up as she anticipated his answer. For some reason, she felt nervous and even had to clench her fist to keep herself stable. "She is my unrequited love. A person who was literally like a star in my life. I don''t know about the rest but I know one thing for certain. She made me who I am today."

 Chapter 209 - And He Never Did

    The thing that hurt about unrequited love is the fact that we often look for people who were never there in the first place. Xiu''s feelings were uncertain as she heard him calling Chen Xiu as his unrequited love. She honestly never thought that there could be someone whose eyes would only look for her. That reality of being unloved and abandoned by everyone around her had left a huge imprint on her mind in her previous life.


    Perhaps, that was the reason that she never even noticed that Darren was in love with her. Because the possibility of someone like him loving her seemed too farfetched. Yes, she was loved by millions of her fans but none of them fell for her real self. They fell for the artist she was, not the person she was. But the same reason was why she always felt so close to Darren even without meeting him in person because he knew her as a person and not as a star.


    With complicated feelings surging through her eyes, she kept staring at Darren''s back waiting for him to continue. She wanted to know how or more like why did he fell for someone like her? She wasn''t perfect neither in her previous life nor now. The only thing she could think of was how Chen Xiu could never become the real her as Bai Xiu did now.


    "From the time I was a kid, I had seen my mom tired. Always. Whenever she came home at night, she was so tired that she''d sleep as soon as her head touched the pillow," there was a sadness in his eyes as he reminisced his childhood and continued, "She had to work at a very young age for my sake. Because she wanted me to have the best of everything, she ruined her youth just like that working."


    Xiu could feel his guilt in his tone which made her uncomfortable.


    "Anyway, because of that I always wanted to grow up early and help her out. I think that was the reason why I got obsessed with go-kart racing when I was very young. My mom seeing my passion sent me to Belgium under the tutelage of her old friend and that''s how I first entered my pro-race at the age of 16," he passed a photo album to her and stepped towards the glass wall to look at the darkness that had slowly engulfed the whole sky.


    Xiu was shocked as she noticed how many trophies he had gotten even before his teen years. No wonder he had reporters at his back all the time as well. He was no less than a celebrity himself. Xiu also was reminded of how she always teased him by calling him ''Mr. Champion'' but never took him seriously.


    However, Darren was completely clueless about the mess going through Xiu''s mind as he continued to talk, "Over the next four years, the SportsCar Challenge became all I could think about before I entered Formula Ford. Sitting behind a steering wheel, I often ended up forgetting the rest. The speed was a passion I couldn''t let go off or so I thought. The first time I met Chen Xiu, it was when I was 20 years old- The very year I became a part of Formula Ford."


    Talking about his dreams, his eyes sparkled differently and even the aura around him changed completely. One could clearly tell how much he loved being on a track. He slightly turned to look at Xiu and said, "Do you know I gave that idiot my number while she was drunk but she never called me! She literally forgot all about that night. I mean you only pretend to forget but she really forgot."


    Xiu bit her bottom lip at how he didn''t forget to remind her that she wasn''t supposed to lie to him about such things again.


    "The very next year, I was in Canada for the championship race but..." Darren took a pause or it felt like his voice faltered for some reason. His brighter mood from earlier went downhill at the speed of light making an uneasy feeling to rise in Xiu''s heart and her prediction came true when he continued, "I had an accident right before the championship and I had to resign even before I could take the real flight towards my dream."


    He closed his eyes as if to calm himself but as the reminder of that blast came back to his mind, he opened his eyes instantly and found Xiu staring at him blankly. He thought he would see sympathy in her eyes but all he found was emptiness. As if it was her and not him who lost his passion.


    Xiu placed her hand on his arm and said, "It must have hurt." Darren raised his brow at her questioningly and she further added, "Losing without even trying."


    Darren''s eyes widened at her words. For years, he wanted someone to understand that his biggest regret wasn''t that he had an accident. If he had the same accident on the racing circuit, he would have never regretted it that much. Because in that case, it''d mean he was doing something he loved. It''d have been at the race track where he felt a sense of belongingness.


    "Are you a mind reader or something?" asked Darren as he gazed at her lovingly. "How do you know what''s in my mind or heart?"


    Xiu placed her hand over his chest and said, "Didn''t you say that I''m in your heart? Then I have to know what''s going on in my home."


    Darren chuckled at the way she so casually declared his heart as her own home. He wanted to pinch her cheeks for being so adorable and that''s what he did. If he could, he would squish that squishy little girl. Sigh. She was really one of a kind in his life.


    "Shall I continue or are you planning on distracting me with those flirt remarks?"


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks saying, "I''m an honest flirt though." Inwardly, she was really glad that he was sharing a part of his life that she wasn''t a part of. Neither as Chen Xiu nor as Bai Xiu. And honestly, it felt really good to her that he was telling all of this to her even when he never shared such a huge thing with Chen Xiu.


    She was the only person who felt amazing at how she was winning from her own self. But for some reason, she didn''t find it weird. Because from her perspective, Chen Xiu was dead. She killed her. And that fact could never change. She neither looked like Chen Xiu now nor she acted like her then what was the point of keeping her alive in her mind? Wasn''t it just torture? The type of torture Darren was living through on his own.


    Being Xiu, she forgot herself but he could never forget. And he never did.

 Chapter 210 - A Dead Star

    *Flashback*


    Life is a gamble. We all know it very well. But often we are so engrossed by the things we lost that we forget about the things we have. And that''s the true gambling of life. In order to attain what we lost, we end up destroying what we are left with.


    Darren was also one of those people who didn''t understand this gamble of life. All he knew after that accident was that he lost. He lost something really precious to him. His leg injury was severe and honestly, he never thought he''d walk again.


    "Don''t give up just yet, Mr. Salvay. After a year of rehabilitation, I''m certain that you''d be back on your feet again," the doctor told him in a way to reassure him but it only dampened his spirits.


    Darren barely gave him a nod and continued to stay silent. Dylan walked up to him and patted his shoulder saying, "Dazi, don''t look so dull. Do you know how happy I am to see you alive? I thought I''d lose you forever." Dylan''s voice got heavy with emotions towards the end but Darren didn''t even react to him being a crybaby.


    After a prolonged silence, Darren mumbled, "Do you know what happiness is for me, Didi?" Dylan looked at him as he spoke, "Speed. I only felt alive on the race track. I always felt like I had the wings to fly to the sky with that speed but in the end, I got nowhere."


    Dylan didn''t need Darren to explain anything to him. He certainly knew what Darren''s biggest wish was in life. Even though he didn''t know how his best friend felt but even if someone asked him again, he''d still choose Darren''s life over anything. "Who said you got nowhere? Besides, you''re only taking a break of a year or two. You''ll be back on that track again and I know it."


    Darren finally turned his eyes towards Dylan but didn''t say anything. How was he supposed to tell his best friend that he might never be able to hold a steering wheel again in his life? That accident was still very fresh in his mind. He remembered how desperate he felt when that truck hit his car toppling it over. If he had been saved a second later, he''d have burned alive. His body shivered at the mere reminder of that scene.


    "Didi, can you help me up?" He had been lying in bed for weeks and was sick of it now. Since Dylan could understand that, he helped him sit in a wheelchair.


    "Should I take you out for a walk?" asked Dylan.


    Darren stared at him weirdly as he replied, "It''s 6 in the evening, where are you gonna take me for a walk?" Dylan scratched his head sheepishly. "Just get me to the balcony. I need some fresh air." Dylan wheeled him towards the balcony where the light breeze could be felt making a serene atmosphere.


    "I''m gonna bring some dinner for you. Anything else do you want?" inquired Dylan like the caring best friend. However, it was the first time for Darren to see Dylan paying so much attention to something. Since a young age, there was rarely a case when Dylan actually cared for something. When Darren shook his head, Dylan turned on his heel.


    Darren was left alone looking at the sky littered with bright stars tonight. Since the sky was clear, he found the scene even more beautiful. He wheeled himself close to the railing and looked at the flower pots.


    "I can''t find a single firefly... Uwu!"


    Hearing that whining sound, Darren''s eyes instinctively looked towards his left. The balcony right beside his had a girl who was almost hanging on the metal railings while she wailed like a bloody kid.


    "Sister Xiu, stop acting like a kid. You can get hurt again," he heard a male''s voice that came from behind her but he couldn''t see that person.


    "I''m only hurt, not dead. Besides, isn''t being hurt a part of life? I can feel pain in my ankle even now, and that''s a reminder that I survived."


    Darren''s eyes widened in shock or surprise he didn''t know. He also didn''t know whether he was so shocked or surprised over those words or the person who said those words. Because the person who had spoken was Chen Xiu and Darren only saw her clearly when she pushed herself off the railing and turned to look at the person standing behind her. As the room''s lights fell on her face, Darren was baffled.


    "I feel really sorry for you," Han Bohai said to Xiu making her smile to falter for a moment before saying, "Sister Xiu, there is a difference in living and being alive. How long are you gonna fool yourself? You fell on the red carpet of an international award function, do you even realize what are the headlines going on back home?"


    "Does it matter? I have a serious concussion because of that stupid camera, my ankle is twisted and yet, I''m the one being blamed. How pathetic people can get?" Chen Xiu''s sharp remark took Darren and Han Bohai both by surprise. She was always so gentle that even people like her assistant forgot that she was also a human who could get tired. Realizing how she spoke, she said, "Sorry for snapping at you. Forget it. Just find me a firefly."


    Han Bohai shook his head at how easily she ended up apologizing for being human. "Sister Xiu, look at the starry sky. Isn''t it more beautiful than those tiny fireflies?"


    Xiu shook her head in negation with conviction as she said, "Little assistant, stars are dead lights dancing in the sky. They can only shine up there, but they can''t fly as they wish to. Fireflies are like flickering stars that are alive and can fly as they want."


    "But fireflies can never shine bright like stars," reminded Han Bohai making Xiu glare at him.


    "No need to rain on my parade," said Xiu with a huff and added, "You look at the stars. If I wished to see one, I''d just look in the mirror." The way she flicked her hair at the end of her sentence made Darren smile at her silly sassiness.


    "C.o.c.ky much?!" said Han Bohai.


    Like a child, Xiu stuck her tongue at him and bumped her shoulder with his before limping back inside to her hospital bed. Han Bohai looked at her back and felt sad. He knew why she hated stars so much. Those dead stars shining brightly reminded her of herself who was dead inside but was shining glamorously for the world.

 Chapter 211 - A Helpless Daughter

    Darren had never been the person to believe in fate or coincidence. Because he believed that every route we took in life was eventually the reason behind what we encounter. However, for the very first time in his life, his belief was shaken. And the reason was Chen Xiu.


    Except for fate, he couldn''t name that encounter as anything else. Calling it a coincidence didn''t seem right. Then what else was it if it wasn''t the fate playing around with him? Never in his wildest dreams, he could have thought of seeing Chen Xiu right there.


    After contemplating the whole night, he decided to pay her a visit the next morning. He sent Dylan away on purpose and wheeled his wheelchair towards her room right beside his. But right at the door, he halted and his expression shifted. A deep frown etched between his brows as he heard the conversation. The voices from inside were loud enough.


    "Can''t you do even one thing right?" came a loud and angry voice. "You only had to walk on the red carpet and you even messed that up? How could you be so dumb?!"


    Xiu listened to her mother in silence as the latter went on and on. Her mother threw a newspaper at her face and continued, "Look at the headlines you made. Do you even have a clue how messed up the situation is back home?"


    "Why is it that you only care about what people say about me? Why is it that you can never see my pain?" Xiu broke her silence as she stared at her mother''s face with hurt visible in her eyes. "Being my mother, your first question should have been, ''How am I doing?'' but no. You just know how to be my manager. You never learned how to be my mother. Or perhaps, I''m not your daughter, to begin with."


    "Xiu!" Her mother''s voice took a sharp edge. "Don''t talk nonsense with me."


    Xiu slowly got off the hospital bed and stood before her mother taking the support of the bed as she said, "Why don''t you for once just say that I''m not really your daughter? That truth will only hurt me once. At least, I won''t be hurt every day."


    "You''re my daughter and that''s why I want the best for you. Why don''t you ever understand?" Her mother''s voice softened up a little but it only made Xiu snicker.


    "The best for me?" Xiu mumbled in self-pity as she continued, "How do you know what''s best for me?"


    "Because I''m your mother," she heard the reply that made her laugh like a crazy person.


    As Xiu sobered up, she had a poker face while her eyes stared at her mother''s face with accusations. "How come as my mother, you don''t even know that I hate this life? I hate everything you worked so hard for. A superstar? I hate that title. While trying to give me the best you took my freedom from me. And along with that, you took my self-identity. This roleplaying on the big screen has made me forget what or who I really am."


    Xiu held her mother''s shoulder and shook it helplessly as she added, "Why can''t you see that while trying to make me the so-called star, you took one thing I needed the most in my life. A mother. I so desperately yearned for you but you''re never around. You''re always working."


    "And for whom I had been working? I did-"


    Xiu raised her hand to stop her from completing that sentence. "If you''re gonna say that you did all that for me. Don''t even bother! It wasn''t my dream. It was your dream. You made me an actress for your own sick selfish purposes. This had nothing to do with what I wanted."


    "You should have gotten an abortion back then. At least, I wouldn''t have to suffer through this life like this. Why did you bother keeping me? Wasn''t I just a mistake? Wasn''t I just a bastard?"


    "Ptak!"


    Darren heard a resounding slap along with that he heard the sound of something falling which made him anxious. He really wanted to barge inside the door but he didn''t know what right he had to do so. Technically, he couldn''t even be considered Xiu''s friend. And yet, all her words had made his heart ache badly.


    Inside the room, Xiu had fallen down with that slap. Because of her injured ankle, she had been standing on the support of her one foot but when her mother''s hand made contact with her cheek, it was so sudden that she lost balance and fell. Hitting her head at the side of the table.


    She could feel something hot dripping down the side of her face but she didn''t move.


    "Xiu..." Her mother was equally shocked as she tried to help her up but Xiu shook her hand away.


    "Get out of my room! If you were really here as a mother, you wouldn''t raise that hand," tears had brimmed up in her eyes but she didn''t let a single one fall out of her eyes. "You can shut my mouth when I say I''m a bastard but you can''t stop everyone''s mouth. Isn''t that the reason why you never tell anyone that I''m your daughter?"


    "Xiu, listen to mom-"


    "I said get the hell out of here! You''re here as a manager and you''ve done your job now leave!"


    Xiu didn''t lift her head to even spare her a glance as she sat motionless on the cold marble floor. While her mother clenched her hand in a tight fist and hesitated for a while before walking away from there.


    "If you had the courage to accept me even as a bastard, I wouldn''t have been this lonely in life..." whispered Xiu to herself as the dam of her tears finally gave up and tears flooded out endlessly.


    Darren watched her mother leaving the room and he felt a strange feeling rising in his heart. He really wanted to ask her how could a mother make her own daughter feel so helpless. Wasn''t a mother supposed to be the support of her child?


    That was the first time, Darren realized the difference between himself and Xiu. He never felt lost or alone in life because his mother was always beside him but for Xiu, no one was there. Not even her own mother. And without the support of a mother, Xiu was really a pitiful child.

 Chapter 212 - Miracle Of My Life

    Darren waited outside Xiu''s room contemplating whether to go inside or not. He didn''t know whether it was a good idea to face her when she was so down or not. But considering how his heart urged him to be with her at that time, he pushed open the door.


    To his surprise, he didn''t see her at first glance and his brows knitted up in confusion. He was certain that she didn''t leave the room unless she jumped down the balcony. When that far-fetched idea crossed his mind out of nowhere he hurriedly wheeled himself towards the balcony but stopped when his eyes fell on a slender figure curled up beside the bed''s other side.


    Darren unconsciously heaved a sigh of relief. He came to her side and called her, "Chen Xiu!" Xiu didn''t respond at all. She was motionlessly staring into nothingness with a dazed look. Darren tapped her shoulder, "Ms. Superstar, can I get an autograph?" Getting no response again, Darren held her shoulders and looked at her face. His eyes widened at how half of her face was painted with scarlet blood dripping from the side of her head.


    And the way she looked at him seemed like a lifeless person or perhaps calling her a lifeless doll would be better. In his shocked state, he lifted his hand to touch the side of her face but Xiu didn''t even flinch. As if she couldn''t feel the pain at all. After getting out of his initial shock, Darren pressed the button beside her beside to call the doctor. He felt completely helpless at how restricted he was because of being in a wheelchair.


    He had to wait outside her room while the doctors took her for treatment. He didn''t know why he was so worried for her but he was and he couldn''t deny it at all even if he wanted to do so.


    "Dazi, what are you doing out here?" came Dylan''s voice which wasn''t able to get Darren''s attention. Seeing blood on Darren''s hand, Dylan''s eyes widened as he frantically started questioning, "What happened to you? How did you get hurt? Why is there so much blood?"


    As always Dylan''s reaction was overdramatic but Darren wasn''t in the condition to point that out as he replied with, "Not mine."


    "Huh?" Dylan raised his brows at him inquisitively.


    "The blood is not mine," elaborated Darren while he stared at his blood-stained hand that had touched Xiu''s face and added, "It''s not mine but it''s hurting like it''s mine."


    "Can we not talk in riddles?" said Dylan as he helped Darren back to his room while talking, "By the way, how did you get someone else''s blood on your hand?"


    Completely disregarding Dylan''s question, Darren said, "Didi, contact the specialist you''re talking about. I''ll go for rehabilitation. I want to stand back on my feet."


    Darren''s sudden decision came as a surprise to Dylan as his face bloomed with a huge smile. "You''re serious?" Darren nodded in reply. "Oh My Gosh! That''s like the best news I''ve heard this month." Recalling something, he frowned and asked, "But what changed your mind so suddenly?"


    Darren raised his blood-stained hand towards Dylan and said, "This changed my mind. I have never felt so helpless in life before. Not even when I thought I''d never be able to be on a track again."


    Even though Dylan didn''t understand a word he said, he didn''t bother asking for an elaboration either. He knew if his best friend wanted him to know he would know. Therefore, he silently went to contact the doctor before coming back with a wet towel in his hand. He sat beside Darren''s bed and wiped the dried blood off of his hand saying, "I don''t know what or who changed your mind but I''m certainly very happy about it."


    Silence fell between them for a long moment which was eventually broken by Darren.


    "Can you do me a favor?"


    Dylan was taken aback since Darren never asked for any favors since the time they had been best friends. If anything Dylan was the one always asking for something and Darren could say to be the one who loved to only give. "What is it? I''ll do anything for you," even though Dylan asked in a daze but he was determined to do anything as he said so himself.


    "Can you find out about the condition of the patient next door?"


    Again, Darren''s request left Dylan in a dilemma. "Who is the patient next door?" asked Dylan.


    "You don''t need to know that much. And try not to act like Sherlock Holmes and just ask how she is. If you tried to know who is she, I''ll kill you," Darren''s threatening eyes made Dylan raise his hands in defense.


    Staring at Darren''s face for a long while, Dylan smiled in mischief as he said, "Dazi, is it love at first sight?"


    Dylan was expecting to be yelled at or he was expecting a pillow to be thrown at his face in response since that had always been Darren''s reactions whenever they talked about love. However, this time to his surprise, Darren didn''t act rashly. He calmly and languidly looked towards the sky through the window and said, "I don''t know if it was love at first sight or second or third or maybe fourth. But I do know that whenever I look at her, I don''t want to look away."


    As far as Dylan could remember, Darren never believed that someone''s outer beauty could attract you to the point of love at one glance. Because he clearly remembered the distinction between attraction and love.


    And Dylan wasn''t wrong at all. If Darren had to love Xiu for her beauty he could have done that when they first met. But he clearly felt the pull towards her because of her real self. When he had looked into her eyes moments ago, he saw those teary but dazed eyes staring back at him in a lifeless way and that''s when it hit him. That was the real her... Lost, broken, lonely and fragile.


    Dylan placed his hand on Darren''s shoulder and said, "You never believed in love at first sight though."


    Darren chuckled softly as he replied, "Perhaps, that''s why fate made me walk by her again and again. Apparently, someone up there is hell-bent on making me turn my head and look at her. I guess this love is the miracle of my life."

 Chapter 213 - Dear Dumbest Superstar

    "Doctor, how''s my Sister Xiu''s condition now?" asked Han Bohai as he looked at Xiu lying unconscious with a bandage around her head. He remembered leaving her in the morning without that extra bandage.


    The doctor placed Xiu''s chart down and said, "She had a concussion when she came yesterday but since today''s injury had been to her head again, we can''t be certain about her condition."


    Being Xiu''s assistant, Han Bohai wasn''t clueless about Xiu''s mental health. He left the room with the doctor to discuss her condition in detail and when he came back, he found Xiu''s mother standing beside her bed.


    He silently watched as she took Xiu''s hand in her own and whispered, "Xiu, baby, mom really loves you. Why don''t you understand?"


    "Neither do you," said Han Bohai as he stepped inside the room. Xiu''s mother wiped her tears and looked at Han Bohai with furrowed brows. "If you had understood her, she wouldn''t be here right now."


    "I did everything for her sake."


    Han Bohai snickered, "But you never bothered asking her whether she wanted all that or not. Because let me tell you, I have been around her since I was a high school student and I can assure you that Sister Xiu had never been happy being a glass doll."


    Xiu''s mother was about to leave when he spoke again, "I''m really disappointed in you today. I never thought you''d raise your hand at her as well."


    Xiu''s mother frowned at him as she asked, "How do you know what I did?"


    Han Bohai held her hand wrapped in a bandage and said, "It''s obvious. I have seen the relationship between you both for years. You hurt your hand for hurting your daughter. The question is how did Sister Xiu finally manage to trigger you that much?"


    "You talk too much," said Xiu''s mother with a glare and left the room.


    Han Bohai shrugged his shoulders as he watched her receding figure and mumbled, "I talk too much and you hate facing the truth." He walked up to Xiu''s bedside and poked her cheek saying, "Sister Xiu, you''re the biggest headache of my life. Can''t you stop worrying me to death for once?"


    He sat on the couch and didn''t realize when he slept. His eyes only fluttered open when he heard someone groaning in pain. In a flash, he ran up to Xiu and looked at her face contorted in pain. As she opened her eyes slowly, he smiled brightly at her asking, "You''re finally awake." Xiu stared at him blankly and he added, "Can you hear me? Is it hurting? Should I call the doctor for you?"


    "Who are you? Who am I? Where am I?"


    As her eyes stared at him with confusion, he asked, "You don''t know me?" Xiu shook her head lightly and even that made her m.o.a.n in pain. Han Bohai sat beside her on the bed and held her hand while caressing her face he said, "Honey, how can you forget me? I''m your dear husband."


    Seeing his cheeky smile, Xiu rolled her eyes at him saying, "F.u.c.k off!"


    Han Bohai laughed at her reaction since it was rare for Xiu to curse like that. "If you can''t even believe that then you shouldn''t have tried to play that memory loss game with me."


    "How can you say that I was acting?"


    "Because you''re an award-winning actress and no one can play this role better than you," replied Han Bohai making Xiu feel bitter. She really was willing to play the dumb but he really caught her way too fast. But she couldn''t say anything since Han Bohai was the only person close enough to tell when she was faking.


    However, what she didn''t tell him was that when she opened her eyes, she really couldn''t recall anything. Neither him nor herself. Everything felt blank and for a moment, she felt at ease for having a clean slate in her memory. But that ease was short-lived.


    Han Bohai held her hand tightly, bringing her back to reality as he said, "Can''t you stop scaring me like this? I really have no one else other than you. An orphan like me really needs a sister like you. So, stop getting sick."


    Xiu ruffled his hair playfully and said, "I''m not going anywhere. Not that easily. Stop whining and call the doctor for me. My head is gonna explode otherwise." While he was about to leave, Xiu called him, "Xiao Han!"


    "Hm?"


    "Were you the one who found me?"


    "Nope. When I came back, the doctors were already treating you. I think some nurse must have found you," replied Han Bohai.


    Xiu frowned at his reply because the voice echoing in her mind sounded brimming with concern. And if it didn''t belong to Han Bohai then who else could be worried for her?


    While she was still trying to sort out her memory, her personal phone''s ringtone caught her attention. She didn''t show any response for two reasons; one that she was too tired to move and two that she didn''t want to talk to anyone.


    But the caller seemed persistent and it made her even more curious since her personal number was only with Han Bohai. With much effort and willpower, she stretched her arm and took the phone from the side table.


    Staring at the name flashing on the screen, her brows raised instinctively in surprise. She placed the phone against her ear and opened her mouth to say something but the person on the other side beat her to it, "Why do you take so long to pick a damn call? Anyway, I have a question. It''s more like a mystery to me though. So, help me with it. Do you think love at first sight exists?"


    Xiu gaped as she heard that question and wanted to yell. But her head injury didn''t allow her to strain herself so she calmly replied, "Mr. I-Forgot-You-Casually-For-A-Year, you really have the audacity to call me after a year and ask me a stupid question? And how did you get my number?"


    Darren rolled his eyes at her reply and said, "Dear Dumbest Superstar, first of all, my question is not stupid. But you certainly are stupid. Second of all, I have your number exactly in the same way as you know who''s calling. By the way, I think you''re expecting my call for a year now."


    Xiu pressed her lips together. He really caught up fast. Just like he didn''t delete her number after their phones exchanged, she didn''t do so as well. And he was right, she was expecting him to call but he never did just like he had been expecting her to call him first.


    In the end, they both were equally dumb as they waited for the other one instead of taking the initiative on their own.

 Chapter 214 - Love Is Blind

    When Xiu didn''t disagree with his words, Darren''s lips lifted up in an arc as he realized how right he was. She really didn''t delete his number. Even when she wanted to, she couldn''t bring herself to. Oddly, she wanted to talk to that stranger who didn''t know her. She wanted to be the real her, the side that only he managed to bring out of her.


    "Since you won''t say it, let me tell you that I really was waiting for your call," said Darren in all honesty without any hesitation.


    Xiu was taken aback by his words. And a gush of warmth spread in her heart knowing that there was someone who actually was waiting for her, just like she was. She closed her eyes as she said, "Instead of waiting for so long, you could have dialed this number as you did just now."


    "Hmm..." Darren hummed in reply and answered, "I could have done so but I wasn''t certain whether the Nation''s Goddess would want to talk to a nobody like me or not." Xiu stayed quiet in reply for a long moment and he added, "Hey! You there?"


    "Hey, stranger! Why did you call me today?"


    "Huh?"


    "You said you weren''t certain whether I''ll talk to you or not then how come you''re certain today?"


    Darren looked towards the balcony of her room where he saw her last night and said, "I wasn''t certain but today I needed a friend." Obviously, he didn''t tell her that he called her because, for the first time, he felt like she needed a friend. And oddly enough, he wanted to be that friend she could count on.


    Xiu chuckled at his reply and ended up groaning because of the pain that shot through her head. She took a moment to say, "People like me should be in need of a friend, not someone like you. Don''t you have like a million friends or so."


    "How can you assume that on your own?" he questioned.


    "Because you have the eyes of a heartthrob. There is no way that you wouldn''t be surrounded by people." Xiu seemed assured by her words.


    "Dear Goddess Xiu, aren''t you surrounded by people? Then why are you the loneliest person I have ever met in my life?" His words hit a mark as Xiu''s face went blank. He had said the reality of her life so easily and yet she didn''t feel anything. Taking in her silence, Darren tried to divert her attention as he said, "Oho! You didn''t answer my question yet."


    "Which question?"


    "Love at first sight! Does it ring a bell?"


    "I''m not answering that stupid question," replied Xiu intently.


    "I told you it''s not a stupid question," insisted Darren stubbornly.


    Xiu rolled her eyes at his reaction and said, "For me, it''s a stupid question. Because the question itself doesn''t make any sense. How can you possibly not believe in that?"


    "Oy! It''s not like I don''t believe in love. I just think falling in love with someone, at first sight is nothing short of a miracle. That''s all," replied Darren.


    "Dumbo! Love is a miracle in itself. One day a person means nothing to you and the next day, the same person becomes your whole world. That person''s mood can affect yours. You laugh with them and cry with them. Isn''t that the biggest miracle of life?"


    Darren was dumbfounded for a while. He had never thought about love much less taking love as a miracle. But hearing her say it made him really question what love really felt like. Especially when he could relate with her words now. Since he felt the pain in his heart when he saw her hurt. Just like she said, wasn''t that also a miracle?


    "But don''t you think it''s irrational to fall for someone just by one look? Wouldn''t it be more like l.u.s.t rather than love?" questioned Darren seriously and added, "I mean how can we scan someone''s good and bad traits in a matter of one look? It''s impossible!"


    Xiu smiled at his reply as she said, "So you''re telling me you''ll stop loving someone if they have more bad traits than good?"


    "Huh?"


    "If love could see the good and bad it wouldn''t be called blind. We love the person for who they are with their good and bad sides. Then does it matter whether you fell in love at first sight or second? Because love can''t be calculative like that."


    Darren was speechless yet again by her words. ''Love is blind'' he heard that as well but he never heard someone defining it this way.


    Recalling something, Xiu asked, "By the way, why are you asking about this? Did you fall for someone at first sight?"


    "I think so," said Darren with a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.


    "Huh? Who is she?" asked Xiu excitedly but unknowingly felt like someone poked her heart with a needle.


    "You," replied Darren calmly making Xiu''s heart go ba-thump!


    She rubbed her hand over her heart to calm her heartbeat as she said, "That was a nice joke." There was no way she would let herself fall for delusions. It wasn''t worth it. Breaking her heart with her own assumptions really wasn''t worth it.


    "Aiyo! Why do you think it''s a joke? Why can''t I fall for you?" Darren found her reply really weird.


    "Although I''m beautiful and there is no doubt in that, I still can''t wrap my mind around the fact that someone like you can fall for someone like me."


    "I thought you''re known as the confident queen of the big screen. When did you become so pessimistic?"


    "Confidence is over-rated," said Xiu.


    "Oh really?"


    "Yes, really!"


    Xiu heard the sound of the door opening and looked at Han Bohai who came with the doctor trailing behind him. She took a deep breath and said, "Let''s talk some other time. I have to go now."


    "Will we talk again though?" Darren inquired curiously.


    "Yes, if only someone didn''t forget my existence for another year," with that taunt, she hung up the phone leaving Darren gaping at the phone screen.


    He really wanted to shout at her that he wasn''t the only one who forgot to call, she could have called him as well but didn''t do so. However, he was really surprised how at how well she hid through that phone call about her pain as if nothing was wrong. It made him wonder just how much was she used to pretending? Did acting become a norm in her life in a way that she forgot how to express her feelings as well?

 Chapter 215 - A Different Story

    Because of her new injury, Xiu''s stay in the hospital was prolonged as well which she despised the most. And in that hospital room, her only escape was the balcony in her room which she had come to love because she could look at the beautiful lake at the back of the hospital. And the very same place was Darren''s favorite because he could see her.


    "Why did you ask me to catch so many fireflies?" asked Dylan as he entered Darren''s room with a glass jar filled with tiny balls of light buzzing around.


    "Shush!" Darren took the jar from his hand and said, "None of your concern. Now, you can leave."


    Dylan looked hurt as he asked, "Are you really kicking me out?" Darren nodded his head without any hesitation and Dylan added, "What kind of a best friend are you? How can you forget me after falling in love?"


    "Shut up! Don''t bother with the theatrics. I''m not in the mood," said Darren as he looked at the jar in his hand.


    Dylan noticed Darren''s expression as he said, "Dazi, if you really like her this much why don''t you just go to see her? Isn''t she still right next door?"


    Darren''s face fell for a moment as he replied, "I can''t."


    "Why not?" Dylan couldn''t understand why his best friend was being so stubborn. He had never seen Darren hesitating like that before. Even when he could clearly see that Darren desperately wanted to meet that girl.


    Darren tapped his legs and said, "I can''t bring myself to face her like this." Dylan understood he was referring to his inability to walk at the moment.


    "Come on! It''s not permanent. I promise you''ll walk again," Dylan tried to lift up his spirits.


    Darren laughed at Dylan''s reaction and said, "I don''t know as of yet whether it''s permanent or not but I don''t want to meet her like this."


    "Do you think she''ll reject you like this?"


    Darren shook his head, "Nope. She has the most beautiful heart I have ever seen in my life. But I don''t want to see pity in her eyes. And I certainly don''t want her to feel my pain."


    Dylan heaved a long sigh as he understood what Darren was trying to say and silently left the room.


    That evening Xiu was, as usual, sitting on the chair in the balcony with a book in her hand which she certainly wasn''t reading. Even though her eyes were focused on the book, her brain couldn''t process what was written before her. She had been reading the same page for the past hour and yet she didn''t know what she was reading. It was like the words were just a cl.u.s.ter in her brain that didn''t make any sense.


    Out of nowhere, a golden light came in her view making her raise her brows in surprise. And just as she lifted her head, fireflies dancing onto their star-studded stage came into her view. Her mouth opened making an ''o'' shape as she stared at the tiny glimmers of light electrifying the summer night. They came as a pleasant relief after so many nights of blackness.


    Darren couldn''t stop himself from staring at her face full of wonder and happiness. She looked like a kid who finally got the candy he desperately yearned for. He realized how easy it was to make her smile genuinely and yet how rare it was for her to find that smile.


    "Little balls of fire, burning in the dark night," he heard her whispering.


    "Sister Xiu, should I catch those fireflies for you?" came Han Bohai''s voice from behind her and Xiu glared at him angrily.


    "Don''t you dare!" she looked back at the little glimmers of lights flying around as she said, "I don''t want to put them in a glass cage like myself."


    Han Bohai stayed quiet at her reply for a moment before he said, "I''ll bring some dinner for you."


    Xiu didn''t give him an answer but when she heard the sound of the door closing, she said, "Hey, tiny friend! Would you like to hear a song? No? Okay."


    Darren shook his head at her for trying to strike a conversation with a firefly. He couldn''t resist dialing her number again.


    Xiu didn''t take long before attending his call, "Yo, stranger! I really was expecting your call after another year."


    "Haha!" Darren gave a dry laugh and added, "If that was a joke, it wasn''t funny."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she replied, "Who cares? It was my joke and it certainly made me laugh. Isn''t that enough?"


    "You love giving these illogical kinds of logic, don''t you?"


    Xiu nodded her head even though she didn''t know that he could see her as she replied, "My logics are just like me. Completely doesn''t make any sense."


    Darren laughed out at her answer and went on, "Idiot!"


    "Thanks for the compliment," said Xiu with a cheeky smile.


    Darren raised his brow as he asked, "You sound really happy for some reason."


    "I am happy. Actually, I''m really happy. I met so many fireflies today."


    "That was enough to make you happy like this?"


    "Of course!"


    Darren stayed quiet for a moment to observe her expressions from afar before saying, "No wonder I call you an idiot." Xiu didn''t argue with him over that instead smiled on her own. "Why don''t you teach me how to be happy over such a small thing? I feel lost after..."  he couldn''t continue further.


    "After?" but Xiu insisted him to continue.


    "I had an accident recently, my heartbeat didn''t give up on me but dreams did. I feel really lost after losing that dream." It felt really easy and natural to share this with her that Darren didn''t even realize how he said that much without thinking at all.


    "Put your hand over your heart," Xiu said making Darren frown in confusion and just as he opened his mouth to say something, she added, "Don''t question, just do as I said." Darren took a deep breath and placed his hand over his heart and heard her saying, "Is it beating?"


    "Mhmm..."


    "Then if your heart didn''t give up on beating, how can you give up on dreaming?" Darren''s eyes widened as he stared at the side of her face. Xiu looked at the starry night as she added, "With every beat of that heart, a new dream is born. We are reborn. So, if you gave up on dreams it''s like giving up on life, isn''t it unfair?"


    "You must have heard that dreams are meant to be broken but I believe that dreams can''t break as long as we are standing firm. Yes, if we break down then that''s a different story."

 Chapter 216 - Mystery Vibes

    Darren''s perspective of Xiu had always been a girl who was broken and lost. Perhaps, that''s why he was surprised to hear her words. Because the way she talked didn''t show her loneliness at all. Instead, it made him see her as a very positive person.


    For a moment Darren couldn''t even believe that it was the same girl who held so much sadness and loneliness in her eyes and in her smile. Or was it that sadness that made her so optimistic? Or maybe, optimism and hope were the only thread she could possibly hold on to.


    In his own thoughts, he didn''t even realize how he ended up saying, "You have pretty awesome words to say for someone who doesn''t even have a dream in the first place."


    Xiu''s mind went blank for a moment as she heard his words to the point that she ended up laughing like a crazy person. "I can feel the irony..." She said in her head as only she knew herself that she had no dream or goal in life. When her life was already planned by someone else, why would she bother with dreams? But she still said to him, "How can you just assume that I don''t have a dream? I''m a huge star. Obviously my biggest dream is to get even more recognition for my work and not just for being a pretty face."


    "Even though you made those words sound so believable, I still don''t believe a single word you just said," answered Darren casually making Xiu smile sardonically at herself. "I don''t know about the rest but I know one thing for certain..." Xiu raised her brows in anticipation and he went on, "You''re a very good liar."


    Xiu''s eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "You think I''m a liar? And a good one? Then how come you didn''t believe my dream?"


    Darren heaved a long sigh as he said, "You''re a good liar but to the point that you can only lie to yourself. Perhaps, your lies sound convincing to yourself and that''s how you managed to survive in this cruel world of entertainment."


    Xiu stayed silent for a minute before she burst out laughing hysterically to the point that tears came out of her eyes. However, whether those tears were from the laughter or just the sad reality she felt in his words, she couldn''t tell herself. Whatever it was, his words made her feel pity for herself.


    "Boy, you hit exactly where it hurts the most," said Xiu while wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Be nice with words. You might get yourself in trouble otherwise."


    "Aren''t you the nicest? You''re like the literal definition of an angel, so tell me where did it get you?" retorted Darren without missing a beat.


    Xiu was speechless. She really had no comeback for that. He really read her way too deep without her realizing it herself. As for where being the nicest person got her, the answer was nowhere. Since she had always been labeled as a fake for being too nice. Even though that was just how she was.


    When Darren noticed the way her face fell because of his words, he felt bad and cursed himself for having a blunt mouth for the very first time in his life. He opened his mouth to speak when she said softly, "I feel like I''m living someone else''s dream."


    "Huh?" He knitted his brows in confusion.


    "Millions dream of being a golden celebrity. It certainly isn''t my dream, I just happen to own it."


    Her words struck Darren''s heart in a weird way. He had read somewhere, ''It''s one thing to have a dream, it''s another thing to own a dream.'' He felt like he finally understood the context of it. O perhaps, he was taking it the wrong way.


    "But anyway, I, Chen Xiu don''t want to chase a dream. It''s too tiring for my old soul. I would rather be a dream catcher. That just reminded me I always wanted a dream catcher and I still don''t have one." She clicked her fingers together as if she had a brilliant idea as she said, "You know what, I''m gonna buy myself a dream catcher. It might help me in catching my dream."


    Darren closed his eyes briefly at how innocent she sounded. "Ms. Chen Xiu, I think you have some misconception. Dream catchers are from North American ancient legends that described it as a charm of protection and hope."


    "Say what?!" Xiu exclaimed as if she was experiencing a cultural shock which she certainly was though. "What the bloody fish! I always thought I could capture my dreams with those dangling feathers. What the hell! I really am dumb."


    "Did you just realize that?"


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him saying, "Go ahead laugh all you want. People do it all the time. Actually, I don''t even care anymore. Hmph!"


    Darren noticed her broody face as she humphed and sat down on the floor with hunched shoulders and said, "Should I bring a dream catcher for you? To apologize for laughing?"


    "Will you?" Xiu suddenly perked up.


    "If you say so, I will," said Darren assuringly.


    "I want..." Xiu stopped herself from continuing and he watched her looking down at her hospital clothes and she touched her bandage as she said, "No. Forget it."


    "You don''t want the dream catcher or you don''t want me to come?" asked Darren curiously.


    Xiu leaned her head against the metal railing as she pouted and sighed heavily while thinking, ''I don''t want you to see me like this.'' She really didn''t want to show her pathetic side to him. She didn''t mind being a dumb person to him but she didn''t want his sympathy. One thing that pushed her towards him was how he was always sarcastic and real with words. He never sugar-coated anything for her sake. And she certainly didn''t want that to change.


    "I don''t know what you look like so even if you one day you pass by me, I won''t recognize you. That makes me excited for some reason. Mystery vibes. I like it." said Xiu instead of answering his question.


    "And you''re officially the craziest person I know. You even topped this list leaving my best friend behind who by the way is the epitome of craziness himself."


    Xiu laughed at how he described his best friend and avoided telling the truth that in reality, she felt reassurance in this mystery. In her opinion, soon enough, he''d realize that she wasn''t worth it. And then he''d be disappointed in her just like her own mother was. That''s why she wanted that mystery to stay. Because that way, even if he''d get disappointed in her one day, she won''t be able to tell.


    *End of Flashback*

 Chapter 217 - A Place Called Ours

    Darren shared so many memories with Chen Xiu that putting them in words wasn''t even possible for him. Especially when she had become just a memory as well. And without her, every memory of her could only bring tears to his eyes.


    As his hand caressed her photo on the wall, a tear slid down his cheek as he said, "At first, I honestly believed that we met through pure coincidence but when that meeting led to some strange feelings, I realized that she wasn''t just a coincidence in my life. She wasn''t my destiny either. But she played a huge role in what I am today."


    Xiu continued to look at his back with a blank expression. She hadn''t moved an inch from her place as she tried to make sense of whatever he said.


    "Ah-Xiu''s biggest fear in life was being forgotten. She always worked hard just so that people don''t end up forgetting her in the changing tides of the entertainment industry." Xiu could hear sincere sadness and a sense of loss in his voice. She felt weird knowing that she was the reason he was this sad. "I promised her that I''ll meet her a month before she committed suicide. But I couldn''t keep the promise..."


    Xiu''s expression finally changed as she knitted her brows and asked curiously, "Why didn''t you meet her then?" She really was curious to know the answer. Because she waited for the whole night but he didn''t show up. And when she tried calling him, he didn''t pick up.


    Darren stayed silent for a moment before saying, "It''s not that I didn''t want to. I really was looking forward to meeting her since she came all the way to Norway just to meet me. But..." he heaved a long sigh before adding, "My mom fainted at work and was hospitalized. My brain stopped working the moment I heard that my mother was in the hospital. She is my only family and I couldn''t just leave her there. That was the first time I learned that mom was suffering from cancer and she hid that from me."


    "I had already lost my grandfather because of cancer, I couldn''t lose her. She was the only one I had. How could I think of anything at that time?"


    Xiu slowly walked around the grand piano and took a seat before it as she buried her face in her hands. She wanted to laugh at how life played with her. She never really blamed him for not keeping his promise but she was hurt nonetheless. However, she felt like even that wasn''t justified anymore. She would have chosen her mother over him as well if she was put in the same situation even though her mother wasn''t even the best one.


    "I tried calling Ah-Xiu, the night after but her cellphone was off. I knew she was angry and she had the right to be. So, I left her a message..."


    Xiu recalled as she had gotten off the plane, and turned on her phone she had received his message that read, ''Sorry for not keeping the promise. Something urgent came up. I''ll contact you as soon as I get a chance to.''


    "But you never contacted her..." said Xiu softly with a heaviness in her voice that she couldn''t shake off.


    Darren was in a trance and didn''t really question how she knew that he didn''t contact Chen Xiu while he replied, "My days and nights were spent at the hospital with mom. I totally forgot about everything else." He shook his head remorsefully as he added, "How was I suppose to know that her whole world was shaken in just one month? And if anything, I honestly never thought that someone like her could commit suicide. Not because she was a coward. But because she was the strongest person I met in my life."


    ''Strongest?'' The corner of Xiu''s lips lifted up ironically.


    "I hate the fact that I couldn''t save her. I hate the fact that I couldn''t come to her a little sooner," said Darren in a hoarse voice.


    "Her death has nothing to do with you," said Xiu and Darren turned to look at her with knitted brows as she went on, "She couldn''t save herself. It had nothing to do with anyone."


    "You don''t understand, Sweets. She needed someone to stand up for her, with her. But no one was there. Not even me," said Darren helplessly.


    Xiu took a deep breath as she opened the lid of the piano and touched the black and white keys while she answered, "She needed to stand up for herself. She survived in that industry for over ten years because she depended solely on herself. What makes you think that at her last moment, she wanted someone else to stand up for her? You said she was the strongest person, then how come she was weak enough to wait for someone else to help her?"


    Darren looked at her in confusion since he couldn''t retort. He certainly knew how strong Chen Xiu was then...


    "You remember everything she said to you then how can you forget her life''s motto? Wasn''t Chen Xiu the person who said, ''I know things hurt but you should have a good cry once in a while and move on.''" Darren''s eyes widened as he looked at Xiu oddly.


    "How? How do you know that?" he questioned.


    "How do I know that? Hmmm... Interesting question..."


    Xiu had a thoughtful look on her face as she stared back at the confusion on his face before she straightened up and softly pressed the piano keys producing a soft melody. "Should I sing you a song?"


    ??I had a dream last night


    You and I, standing under the fairy lights


    I took your hand in mine in that dazzling haze


    You looked at me in that mysterious way, babe??


    Darren stared at her frozen at his spot in shock as she continued to sing...


    ??I felt something wasn''t right


    I wish those lips were on mine


    Even though it was a summer night''s dream


    I still wish I could make you mine??


    Darren''s mouth opened in disbelief. His whole body shook as a voice in his memory overlapped with the voice he could hear right now.


    ??Can we go to a place called ours?


    Can you hold me forever and ever?


    And I wish it ah-ah all


    Yeah, I wanted it ah, all


    Can you give a ''yes'' in reply-ly-ly?


    Cause I wish you could be mi-mi-mi mine ??

 Chapter 218 - Black & White Reality

    ''I saw a dream last night,'' he had said while drinking his soft drink. There was silence at the other end waiting for him to continue. ''I was standing under the fairy lights. But not alone. I was holding someone''s hand. Fair, long and slender fingers. So soft to touch that I was scared to bruise them.''


    ''Ohhh! Someone had a romantic dream. Who was the girl?'' came the excited and teasing voice.


    ''Will you let me finish? I didn''t see the face. But I vividly remember the feeling and emotions that spread throughout my heart,'' said Darren with a dreamy sigh.


    ''Dreams have feelings as well?'' she asked. ''I never heard that. My dreams only left me with fear. Because I always end up falling from somewhere in my dreams. Anyway, what did you feel?''


    ''I felt like I wanted to hug her and keep her safe forever. Like I wanted to hold that hand forever and never let it go again. Like I wanted her to be mine. Just mine.'' He sounded so content and yet sad. ''Just as soon as I was about to kiss her, my stupid dream broke.''


    ''Hahaha!'' he heard a peal of hysterical laughter from the other end. ''It suddenly took a sad turn and somehow it''s making me laugh.''


    Darren didn''t say anything even when she laughed at him. How could he when he loved hearing her laughter? What he didn''t tell Chen Xiu back then was that she was the girl he saw in his dream but he never even imagined how the next moment she sang the exact same song to him in her soft and beautiful voice would come back to him like that.


    Darren''s mind was buzzing as he stared at Xiu playing the piano with a stupified expression. The lyrics, the melody even the emotions were the same as he remembered except for the voice. His mind couldn''t come up with any possible explanation as to why his Sweets knew the song Chen Xiu wrote for him?


    Xiu noticed his skeptical look as she stood up and walked up to him. Taking his hand in her own she said, "Aren''t you gonna say something?"


    "How?" Darren took a moment before he managed to voice out only one word.


    "Hmm... How do I know the song Chen Xiu wrote to tease you for the dream you shared with her?" voiced Xiu making Darren''s mind go in another frenzy. "What do you think? What is your mind telling you?"


    Darren furrowed his brows before saying hesitantly and uncertainly, "She shared it with you?"


    Xiu smiled at his simple-mindedness as she replied, "But if Chen Xiu could share her heartfelt thoughts with anyone, why would she be so lonely? When her friend list only consisted of you and her assistant, then how could she share such a private thing with me?"


    Darren knew that answer without any doubt he knew that Chen Xiu would never share something like that with anyone. "Then were you there?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders as she said, "The only person who could enter her apartment was her assistant. Even her mother never bothered showing up. How could I be there then?" Xiu patted his shoulder as she added, "Why don''t you try thinking out of the box? Perhaps that impossible thought in your head is the reality."


    Darren''s eyes moved with her words but he was adamant about not letting his mind go astray at any cost. How was that impossible possible? No matter how much he wanted it to be true, he couldn''t blindly believe that.


    Xiu saw his hesitancy in his eyes clearly. "Just like piano keys, life also has two realities. First, are like white keys, right in front of us in the light. Second, are like black keys, hidden in the darkness of life. But just because we can''t see them in darkness, we can''t deny their presence or existence." Xiu took a deep breath as she took a step back and went on, "You''re scared to say the third possibility. Let me say it out loud for you... The third possibility is..."


    She lowered her head and when she raised it, her whole persona did a 180-degree shift as she smirked at him saying, "Should I introduce myself again? I''m Xiu. Chen Xiu." Darren''s eyes widened once again as she continued, "Chen for the break of dawn and Xiu for beautiful. So, Chen Xiu for beautiful as the break of dawn." Darren staggered slightly as he looked straight into her eyes and couldn''t believe what he saw. Even with a whole different appearance, her aura screamed of the same attention that Chen Xiu demanded. "This time, I won''t say that the name is right for me. Because Chen Xiu''s dawn has already turned to dusk."


    Silence thickened between them as Darren couldn''t stop looking at her helplessly and she kept biting her lips in anxiousness. Not being able to bear the silence, she said, "You''re right when you said that you can''t see her in me. How could you when I killed her with my own hands? When life offers you a second chance, you can''t possibly go down the same route. That''d be insane. Just like that, I stopped living like a character who had to be perfect. Just like what you used to say, with this second chance, I wanted to find myself. I wanted to find the self-identity that I lost previously."


    Her words reminded him so much of Chen Xiu and yet when he looked at her, he saw a different person or the same person? His mind was in a mess, playing games with his beliefs. Reincarnation or transmigration, whatever it was, it sounded ridiculous to him. Wasn''t that just fantasy? A myth? How was he supposed to believe that it was a reality?


    "I can understand if you don''t believe me. I can even understand if you call me crazy. But I hope instead of logic, you focus on..." she placed her hand over his heart and said, "This. Listen to your heart. No matter how crazy it sounds. I hope you still listen to it."


    Xiu dropped her hand to her side as she added, "I''ll wait outside whenever you''re ready to talk about it. Take your time. I know you have a million questions but you can ask anything whenever you''re ready to hear the answer."

 Chapter 219 - Xiu, Youre An Idiot!

    In a spur of the moment, everything can change in life. Even people tend to change in that one moment without us even realizing it. Speaking her heart out was Xiu''s that moment. Stepping out of the room when she stood at the balcony looking over the brightly lit city far away, her heart felt relaxed as if she had finally gotten rid of a huge burden.


    It was hard to say that she was the same Chen Xiu whom she hated the most in her life and yet, it was a sad reality she couldn''t even deny as well.


    But as soon as the cold night breeze hit her face, she held her head in her hands. Because finally, she realized what she did in her moment of foolishness.


    "F.u.c.k!" she cursed out as she fell on her knees while holding the metal railing. "What the hell did I just do?!"


    Honestly speaking, initially, when Darren told her that he didn''t see Chen Xiu in her and he was very clear about the fact that she and Chen Xiu were two different people, that''s when Xiu decided not to tell him anything. Because she didn''t want to confuse him all over again. Also because when the chapter of Chen Xiu was closed, it wasn''t worth it to open it all over again. That was, of course, her very personal opinion.


    However, when she saw Darren hurt because of Chen Xiu, she couldn''t help herself. Emotions took over her rationality as she wanted him to know that she never blamed him for not being there for her. It was true that she really wished he was there but it was also true that she never thought he was obliged to do so. Her decision to end her miserable life had nothing to do with him. Not even a little.


    Then how could she see him blaming himself? Even if she was ever hurt by him that was only because he didn''t keep his promise. But now that she knew he was with his mother, how could she blame him? She couldn''t and wouldn''t want to be his priority when the other person was his own mother.


    Ruffling her hair in distress, she whispered, "Xiu, you dumbo! He is gonna send you to an asylum for talking nonsense. How can you drop such a huge bomb on him so easily? What if he really thought that you have gone crazy? Or maybe he''ll think you''re possessed or something? Or worse, he''ll break up with you!"


    At her very own assumptions, Xiu wanted to cry. Especially as she thought about the possibility of a break up with him. That was like someone twisted a knife through her heart. It was the agony she couldn''t describe.


    "Did I really messed it up?" Xiu thought out loud to herself. Xiu knocked her head against the railing cursing herself, "Xiu, you''re an idiot! How could you be so dumb! No sane person can possibly believe such a horrendous thing!" As her head was about to hit the cold railing, she didn''t feel the impact. Instead, her forehead touched something soft.


    She opened her eyes slowly and looked at the hand that stopped her from assaulting herself. She raised her head slowly and turned to look at Darren staring at her with a complicated look in his eyes. Xiu couldn''t tell what was going through his mind as she said, "You won''t send me to a mental hospital, right? Or to a research center? I really hate those places." Seeing him being silent, she hunched her shoulders whispering, "You don''t believe me..." It wasn''t a question. It was a conclusion she could come up with.


    Instead of answering her, Darren showed his phone screen to her. Xiu looked at the screenshot of her last post on Weibo as Chen Xiu which read, ''I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part that I spent years waiting for a happy ending. Now... I''m just too tired...''


    Xiu knitted her brows in question as she looked at him and he finally asked, "I have only one question, what was written on the other side of this note?"


    Even after thinking for an hour, he could only come up with that one question. Because every other thing she said about Chen Xiu could have been known by someone close to her even though it was impossible but there were only two people who knew what was written on that note that Chen Xiu held in her hand even on her death bed. One person was Darren who pulled that note out of her hand and the other person was the one who wrote it; Chen Xiu.


    Xiu blinked at him in confusion as she retorted, "How do you know something was written on the other side?"


    Darren held her shoulders and said, "Just answer my question, Sweets."


    Xiu took a long dramatic pause before saying out, "Dear life, I''ve cried enough. Let''s break up now... That was written-" Xiu''s words were left unsaid as Darren pulled her in for a tight hug. Xiu was taken by surprise but she welcomed his warmth with a smile and wrapped her arms around him.


    Only she knew how scared she was when he wasn''t talking. But with one simple hug, she felt like everything was alright again.


    Meanwhile, Darren had a million things running through his mind until she said the exact same words as they were written on that note. It felt surreal and yet he desperately wanted to believe in her. How could he not? She was his Sweets. Even if she was lying, he would believe her because he loved her. As for in this case, no matter how unreal it felt, he couldn''t deny the fact that logically she knew everything about Chen Xiu that only Chen Xiu knew herself.


    But just as we started this chapter, some decisions are better left to that spur of the moment. Yes, you''ll make mistakes but how will you create memories without those mistakes? Sometimes, it''s better to let somethings happen naturally. Without realizing it, some unplanned decisions become the best ones in our lives.


    And it didn''t take a genius to know that Darren would stand by Xiu''s side as he said so. Because when you love someone, you have to accept every part of them. No matter how weird or crazy that part is. Because you should never forget, you fell in love with that person''s craziness in the first place.

 Chapter 220 - Play Of Destiny

    Words don''t matter when a simple hug is the only cure you needed in life. Oftentimes, that hug is the only thing you really needed to keep going. At the very least, Xiu only needed that hug from him.


    "So, you believe me?" she asked hesitantly as she tilted her head up slightly to observe his expressions.


    Darren looked uncertain as he nodded reluctantly before shaking his head but ended up sighing in defeat as he said, "I honestly don''t know."


    "Oh..."


    Darren kissed the top of her head saying, "You can''t possibly be expecting me to actually believe everything immediately? I mean, it''s a lot to take in." Xiu pursed her lips and thought about his words. She certainly didn''t think he''d be able to digest such a weird phenomenon so easily. "But I do know that my Sweets is not lying. So, give me a little bit of time to wrap my head around this whole thing."


    Xiu nodded her head and snuggled up against him like a kitten as she whispered, "Take all the time you need. I''m already glad that you''re not breaking up with me or sending me to an asylum."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her saying, "Sweets, what do you cook in this head of yours?" Xiu knitted up her brows as she looked at him in confusion while he continued caressing her hair gently, "Even if you were lying, I''d still choose to believe in you."


    "Hmm? Really?" Darren nodded in response. "Why?"


    "Why?" Darren repeated her question softly. He shifted his body to make her back touch his chest while he placed his chin on her shoulder and answered, "Because I love you."


    Xiu leaned against his back with a sheepish smile on her face. Her heart was beating fast while a blush was creeping up her face. "Whenever you open that mouth of yours, I really want to kiss you."


    "Why don''t you then?"


    Xiu tilted her head to face him as she said, "Oh, are we being cheeky now?" Just as Darren opened his mouth to speak, Xiu planted her lips against his taking him by surprise. There was nothing dreamy or giddy about that kiss. Instead, it was filled deeply with emotions. Emotions that screamed how happy Xiu was to have his trust and love. Emotions that showed how deeply Darren had fallen for her.


    When they pulled away, Darren tightened his arms around her waist saying, "Sweets..."


    "Hmm..."


    "Did you really think I''d break up with you?" questioned Darren and Xiu nodded her head in reply. "Why would you think like that?"


    "Because every word I just said sounded like a lie or craziness. Obviously, anyone wouldn''t want to be with a crazy person."


    "You mean, I fell in love with a crazy person? What does that make me?" Xiu glared at him before hitting his arm making him laugh. "Okay, okay. I''m sorry. But in all honesty, I already knew you''re crazy from the moment we met in that ''Men''s bathroom''."


    His emphasis on that ''Men''s bathroom'' made Xiu want to bury herself alive. He did that on purpose and she knew that. "Also, when you called me the son of a biscuit, you sounded crazy enough."


    "Hey!" Xiu exclaimed with a pouty face. "That''s not fair. Both of the times, it was an accident. I didn''t know it was Men''s bathroom and I really lost my way to that hot spring."


    Darren rubbed the side of his face with her saying, "I''m glad that you lost your way to my hot spring. That''s like the best thing you ever did in your life."


    "You mean I haven''t done anything else praiseworthy in my life except for having a bad sense of direction?" Xiu sounded mildly upset but it flew away as soon as she heard his reply.


    "No, what I mean is that... You lost your way but you found the right way to my heart."


    "Eeee..." Xiu cringed saying, "That was so damn cheesy. I got cringes all over." Even though she said that she couldn''t hide that goofy smile from her face at all. "But you''re right. I also love the fact that I lost my way that day."


    "Huh?"


    With a dreamy look in her eyes, she said, "I got to see a sight worth remembering."


    Darren''s face twitched at her words as he tickled her making her squirm in his grasp while saying, "Sweets, a sight to remember? You ogled my body like a predator! Do you even realize how uncomfortable I was?"


    "Regan, stop tickling!" Xiu tried to reason as she said, "It''s not my fault entirely. I mean your body is like a piece of art and only an artist like me can appreciate it. I was just doing my job."


    "Oh, really?" Darren continued to tickle her making her tear up with laughter. Suddenly, he stopped as he realized, "Wait for a second! You''d have done that if there was another man there?"


    "Nooo..." Xiu put some force on her words as she added, "I mean, not everyone has a body like my boyfriend."


    "And if they did, you wouldn''t mind, right?" That was a tricky question making Xiu grimace. Darren stared her down for an answer as he added, "Don''t you dare say yes to that."


    Xiu turned around to wrap her arms around his neck saying, "Well, that was the past. I won''t do it now. EVER!"


    "You don''t sound very convincing," replied Darren.


    Xiu kissed his cheek and whined like a kid, "Come on, you can''t be jealous over a possibility that didn''t even happen." Darren still showed no sign to budge and she went on, "Besides, I should be the jealous one here. You built a dream house for another woman. Don''t you think I should be the jealous one?"


    Darren blinked at her weirdly before stating, "Surprise! That woman turned out to be you!"


    Xiu looked around trying to retort but couldn''t since he was right. Even though he built the house for Chen Xiu, the fact that she was Chen Xiu couldn''t be overlooked at all. Especially when she accepted it herself! When Xiu didn''t reply, he sighed out, "I fell in love twice in my life. And guess what, both of the times, I fell for a dumb Xiu!"


    "What can we do now?" said Xiu making him raise his brows at her inquisitively. "I mean, even if I''m dumb. I''m still yours. You just have to deal with this crazy, dumb, weird, messy person."


    Darren closed his eyes in disbelief before saying, "I don''t plan on dealing with her. I plan to love her for the rest of my life."


    Xiu realized a small detail after they both said their parts, it felt like all the barriers between them were broken. As if they were closer than before. Because she certainly felt more at ease while teasing him or flirting with him. This strange connection that they made from her past life definitely was strong enough to pull them together all over again.


    This was the play of destiny at it''s best!

 Chapter 221 - In My Heart

    Time doesn''t stop for anyone even though all of us at one point in our lives wished that it did. For instance, you''re feeling so happy, blissful and content in that one moment that you didn''t want it to pass. Xiu certainly had those moments now. And oddly, in each of those moments, the other half was Darren.


    Perhaps, his presence alone was enough to make Xiu wish for the time to stop. Because in every moment that she spent with him, she wanted that moment to last forever. Just like right now when she wanted to stay in his arms forever. It was indeed true that Xiu always forgot whatever was going around her when his arms were around her. And why would she care about the world when her world was holding her, keeping her safe in his arms?


    On the other hand, even though Darren was willing to accept her truth slowly, he still had a strong desire to know why Chen Xiu chose to commit suicide? As much as he had known her, she would have never done it over something like those scandals that media weaved her in. Then what exactly pushed her to the point of death?


    "Sweets, can I ask you something?"


    Xiu who had been playing with his hand stopped her movement and took a deep sigh before saying, "If the question has anything to do with Chen Xiu''s death, then no. I''d very much not like to talk about it."


    Even though she talked about herself in the third person point of view as if Chen Xiu wasn''t her previous incarnation, Darren didn''t find it odd at all. Because Chen Xiu had a bad habit of talking about herself as if she wasn''t just talking about herself. He had gotten used it.


    "You don''t want to tell me?" questioned Darren looking at her.


    Xiu held his face in her hands and said, "It''s not that I don''t want to tell you. I don''t want to remember it myself. Not right now. Honestly speaking, I hate to even recall that whole past. Yes, I can''t deny it''s mine but what I can do is stay away from it." She kissed his forehead and went on, "I told you before, I pitied Chen Xiu the most. And when we come to pity our own self, that''s when life becomes a living nightmare."


    She hugged him tightly as she added, "I have lived a life doing what everyone asked of me. And that life in itself was a slow and painful death to me. I really don''t wanna go back to it. Besides, when I woke up as Bai Xiu, I promised myself to never turn back. So, I really am not ready to talk about it."


    "Do you really hate your life as Chen Xiu that much?" Darren didn''t know why but he felt hurt knowing how she avoided her past life.


    "I don''t hate it. Not anymore. Because being Bai Xiu taught me one thing, I could never be me if I hadn''t experienced everything as Chen Xiu. But that''s also a reality that the chapter of Chen Xiu is closed now. And I''ve moved on from it. I''m not denying that I didn''t write those chapters of my life as Chen Xiu but I''d most certainly don''t want to read those chapters out loud."


    Darren''s arms tightened around her as he smiled gently since even if she didn''t want to read those chapters out loud, unconsciously she still talked exactly like she used to do.


    "Wasn''t it tough? Being Bai Xiu? A whole new person. A whole new life. With completely unknown people."


    Xiu thought about it long and hard before saying, "It got easier after I accepted this weird thing that happened. It took me a while to adjust in this new life but I think I did a pretty good job."


    Seeing her frisky look, Darren felt relaxed that she didn''t have to go through any hardship again. "How did you choose what to do next?"


    "I didn''t," said Xiu delightfully. "I mean you should know how bad I was at making decisions for myself. It couldn''t possibly change overnight just because I got a new life. People don''t change their habits just like that. For instance, it does take a moment to fall in love but it definitely doesn''t take just a moment to fall out of love."


    "Then how did you manage to change?" he asked curiously since the change in her was striking.


    "I let the things happen naturally and eventually everything fell into place on its own. Yes, there is only one effort that I made." Darren looked at her with raised brows as she continued, "I made the effort to fall back in love."


    "With whom?" asked Darren strangely.


    "With myself," replied Xiu. "And when I learned to love myself again, I eventually learned to love this life and this world all over again. Perhaps, that was how I managed to change myself."


    Darren smiled at her lovingly and pridefully. It suddenly felt like he had seen her evolution from that broken angel to a beautiful and strong woman.


    "Sweets, you won''t leave me again, right?" His sudden question got Xiu confused as she looked at his face. "I had to say goodbye to you once. Even when the story was not finished, I held your hand and said goodbye. I don''t think I can do it all over again."


    Xiu extended her hand towards him and Darren took it in his as she said, "If you''re willing to hold this hand, why would I say goodbye? If I wanted to say goodbye, I wouldn''t have talked about the truth of my life that''d sound like crazy talk to most people."


    "I''m really scared to lose you," said Darren so straightforwardly that it left Xiu feeling baffled and equally fl.u.s.tered. What scared her the most now was the intensity of his love for her. "You ended your life like it was a film. As if it was that easy. I really can''t go through that pain all over again."


    "Babe, you had to say goodbye to your Ah-Xiu because she was tired of the script that people wrote for her. Her life was really like a film based on a script that someone else made for her. But I promise, your Sweets won''t leave you. Because your Sweets has gone crazy for you." She planted a kiss at the corner of his lips and went on, "Even though my goal as Bai Xiu was to look at the mirror and fall in love with my own smile. I failed. Because I ended up falling for your smile instead to the point that I want to hide you from the world."


    "Where would you hide me?" asked Darren in all seriousness.


    "In my heart," answered Xiu feeling proud of herself for some reason.


    Darren smiled at her saying, "Am I not in there already?" Xiu was stumped for words at his play of words with her. He intentionally was making her fl.u.s.tered again.


    Xiu looked into his eyes as she wanted to retort but stopped herself. Only now she paid attention to the look in his eyes. It seemed as if he had found his lost treasure all over again and he couldn''t stop looking at it. As if he was scared his precious treasure would be lost again even if he blinked once. Xiu''s heart clenched in her chest as she realized what she had put him through. She never thought her absence as Chen Xiu could hurt someone. But he wasn''t just hurt, she had broken him.


    "Regan, I''m sorry. I really am sorry," said Xiu all of a sudden taking Darren by surprise.


    "Sweets, what are you apologizing for?"


    "For leaving you with those bitter memories. For leaving you alone. And most of all, for not realizing that you had been loving me all that time."


    Darren''s smile froze for a split second before he regained his bright smile saying, "Sweets, I kept those memories because it was the only thing I had. I remembered you because I wanted to. My heart wasn''t ready to let go. Life was awfully dreadful without you in it but with those memories of yours, I was able to stand back up and move on. Not even for a second, I''d say that any of those memories are bitter. Any moment with you in it would eventually be sweet."


    "You''re just trying to make me feel better by saying that. This house screams the pain you felt because of me," said Xiu in a sad voice. Why else would he hold on to this house that somehow screamed the existence and importance of Chen Xiu in his life and in his heart?


    "Then how about you make it up to me now?" suggested Darren slyly.


    "How?"


    "By being only mine for the rest of our life," answered Darren without any hesitation.


    Xiu stared at his face for a moment longer before saying, "That''s easy then. Because I''m already yours."

 Chapter 222 - Terrifyingly Fascinating

    They say you glow differently when you''re not hating, hurting, feeling bitter or messy. That statement could be proved if one looked at Xiu''s face at that time. And why wouldn''t she be glowing so brightly when she had the human form of sunshine right beside her?


    And yes, that human form of sunshine was none other than Darren himself who could brighten up her day or mood at any time or any place.


    Right now, Darren was busy in the kitchen downstairs when Xiu sat at the chair staring at him constantly. It was close to midnight but she was still hungry. So, being the considerate boyfriend that he was, Darren decided to make some noodles for her.


    "You''re staring again," her daydreaming was interrupted when she heard Darren''s voice and straightened up. He wasn''t bothered by her gaze but he was bothered by the sheer intensity of her gaze. And that made it very difficult for him to focus on a simple task.


    Shrugging her shoulders, she replied, "Can''t help it. If I won''t stare at my ''ikigai'', who else would I stare at?"


    Darren furrowed his brows, "What''s ikigai?"


    "Encompassing joy... Or the thing that gets you up in the morning," answered Xiu joyously making Darren feel strange for some reason. But Xiu didn''t notice his expressions as she continued happily, "In my case, my mornings are happy just knowing that I''d be seeing you. That''s why you''re my ikigai!"


    "Where did you learn it from?" asked Darren as he placed the steaming hot bowl of noodles before her.


    "I learned it while I was shooting a Japanese movie, it''s been a long time but I still can recall." Of course, she could recall it very well. During that time, she was so fascinated by Japanese myths and legends that she couldn''t help but pick up the Japanese language along the way of her curiosity.


    "Do you talk to Nora like this as well?" asked Darren looking at her eat heartily. He knew that Xiu was crazy but he also knew that Nora was crazier. There was no doubt that they both would do some craziest shit together. But he couldn''t wrap his mind around the fact how Xiu managed to accept a friend in life when she was so scared of being backstabbed.


    With her mouthful of noodles, she didn''t say anything. After swallowing she said, "Nope. If I talked like this to Nora, she''d know that I''m not her best friend. I don''t want to scare that girl. Besides, she''d definitely send me to a mental hospital unlike you."


    "But can you really deceive her forever?" Xiu stopped eating as she looked back at him. "From what I know about you, you hate deceiving people. Even when you smiled for the camera, you never intended to deceive people. You''re always deceiving yourself."


    "Okay, here is the thing you don''t know about me," said Xiu while Darren paid his full attention to her. "I don''t have memories of the real owner of this body. I don''t even know who she really was. Everything I knew about Bai Xiu came from Nora. But recently, I learned that her name wasn''t even Bai Xiu. Her birth name was Destiny."


    "Then Bai Xiu wasn''t her name?" asked Darren. Now his curiosity was piqued to a whole new level.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "Not at all. I do know that she chose Xiu as her given name because of me."


    "You?"


    "Me as in Chen Xiu."


    "She knew you?"


    "That''s what I want to know," replied Xiu in frustration. "Nora said that Destiny was obsessed with Chen Xiu but as for why she was so obsessed, she doesn''t know. And neither do I cause I have no clue if we have ever met nor do I have her memories to guide me through."


    "That seems complicated," said Darren thoughtfully.


    "It is complicated. My memory wasn''t the best as Chen Xiu because of my drinking escapades. So, it''s highly possible that my brain skipped over the part where I met her. But why can''t I recall anything from Destiny''s memories is completely out of my understanding."


    Darren thought about it himself. But it was the truth that it was already hard enough for him to make peace with reincarnation. How could he even think about these memories and stuff? "Can''t Nora help you with that?"


    "She''s hopeless herself. She used to say that Destiny used to share everything with her but only now I learned that Destiny''s life was a complete mystery to Nora as well. Destiny had plenty of secrets and I think I''m close to finding those secrets. But yet those secrets are far from me."


    "Why are you talking like that?"


    "I found Destiny''s treasure box that she kept really safe but I don''t have the key to open it. To find the key, I have to solve the riddle that she left behind," told Xiu and felt good that she finally had someone to share all of that with and especially when that someone was Darren.


    Even if Darren couldn''t help her through all of that, it was enough that he was someone who knew everything. Also, as long as he was beside her that was enough to keep her going and striving hard to finding the truth behind the girl named; Destiny Novell.


    "What''s the riddle?" asked Darren. "Maybe I''d be of some help?"


    "I say nothing yet you know, I have a name but I have to let it go. I have no mouth yet I tell a tale. I make you smile, I make you cry. I make memories come alive." Xiu repeated the riddle right as she remembered it. "Honestly, I have no clue what she''s talking about since I never took interest in riddles in my whole life."


    "Focus on eating as well, your noodles will get soggy," reminded Darren as he thought about this riddle as well.


    Xiu finished her noodles in silence and went around the kitchen counter to wash the dishes when she came back, she noticed that Darren was still engrossed in thinking all by himself. She tapped his shoulder and said, "You don''t have to be that serious about it."


    "Aren''t you in a hurry to learn about the mystery?" questioned Darren looking at her oddly.


    "That''s true that I want to know this mystery but that''s not true that I''m in a hurry. I have learned how to be patient. If the answers are meant to be mine, they''ll eventually come to me. Worrying about it so much won''t help my cause at all."


    Darren touched her head as he said, "You''ve really grown up now." He took a pause before asking, "But why do you want to know this mystery? Isn''t life just alright without it for the past five years?"


    "Even though life had been more than just fine for the past years, I still want to learn the truth. Because I want to know the person who gave me her life. I heard life is a mysterious thing even though each of us is writing our own tale, somehow or someway these tales of ours get intricately intertwined. I want to know just how my tale got connected with hers."


    The more he listened the more he understood her yearning to know that mystery. Living in someone else''s body without knowing why could also be hell in itself.


    Darren heaved a long sigh as he said, "Hmm... These tales are really intricately intertwined. Just like yours and mine."


    "Ours is different," said Xiu certainly.


    "How?"


    "Because our tales managed to connect even beyond the border of death. How fascinating. Or terrifying?"


    Darren laughed at her reaction saying, "It''s terrifyingly fascinating."


    "Oh, that''s a very true description," agreed Xiu as she gave him two thumbs up in appreciation.


    "Come, I''ll take you home," said Darren as he held her hand and walked out of the house to board the car. As they settled in the back seat of the car, Xiu''s eyes were glued to the lone house that stood at the top of the hill. "What''s wrong, Sweets?"


    Xiu peeled her eyes off of the house to turn her head towards Darren and said, "I forgot to say thank you."


    "For what?"


    Xiu pointed at the house saying, "For making my only dream come to life even when I wasn''t there to see it."


    Darren placed his arm around her shoulder and said, "So what if you weren''t there? I believed as long as your memories are here, it''s worth it."


    "That''s why I said thank you... For keeping me alive in your memories."

 Chapter 223 - Lovers

    "I can''t believe you left me here all alone," said Xiu as she poured a glass of milk for herself.


    "All alone? I was giving you the opportunity to spend some quality time with your boyfriend," came Nora''s voice through the phone. "Spill some beans for your best friend and tell me what you guys did yesterday?" Nora''s nosy nature was coming to play again but for the first time, Xiu was not irked by it at all.


    In fact, the reminder of everything that happened yesterday brought a huge smile on her face. And unknowingly, she started blushing slightly. When Nora didn''t hear a reply, her prying senses heightened as she said, "Oho! You did it!"


    "What the hell are you spouting?" retorted Xiu hastily. And also cursed Nora''s wittiness that only worked on such things.


    "Your smile is saying something, Xiu baby," said Nora with a cheeky smile while Xiu looked around her. Nora definitely wasn''t at home then how did she know that Xiu was smiling? Xiu suddenly got goosebumps for some odd reason.


    "How do you know I''m smiling? Are you spying on me? Did you put spy cams without me knowing?" She knew Nora wouldn''t do that but she couldn''t help her suspicion as well. She even looked around to see if she could find any spy cam.


    "I don''t have to. You''re like my sister from another mother. We have a connection with the heart. Of course, I know that you''re smiling right now. So, tell me what did you guys do yesterday?" That''s where Nora was right. It wasn''t really hard for Nora to read Xiu like a book. And in five years, she even managed to read Xiu''s silence. It was an impressive skill to have indeed.


    "We didn''t do anything," answered Xiu trying to get out of this conversation but Nora wasn''t planning on letting it go.


    "Don''t start your Monday with a lie. There is no way I''d believe that nothing happened between you guys. Come on give me something to keep going here," insisted Nora stubbornly.


    "Why are you interested in someone else''s love story? If you''re that bored, go write one of your own," said Xiu.


    "I have written my story of unrequited love. You stop stalling me and get back to the point. Because I''m gonna die young anyway!"


    Xiu laughed at her saying, "Don''t worry, you''re too ugly to die young[1]!"


    "Xiu, I''m not ugly and stop playing the word game with me already!"


    Xiu finished the milk in her glass and washed it making Nora impatient at the other end before she calmly said, "We had a heart to heart conversation. And I think we are closer than ever now."


    "That''s it?" Nora sounded disappointed, to say the least. "What are you guys? Four?"


    "Seriously, this is why I didn''t want to tell you. Why do you think that physical intimacy is important? It''s the hearts that need to make a connection. We should have an intimacy of souls rather than something shallow like physical intimacy."


    "Aww... Keep your cute words to yourself. If you think I''ll believe that you guys didn''t have s.e.x then guess what! I don''t believe it! Do you think I''m a kid who hasn''t noticed the way you eyed Darren? Your desires are too obvious when he''s around. Stop trying to fool around with me." She took a breath before continuing, "I have full faith in Darren but you? No way! I won''t believe even if someone gave me a million-dollar that you didn''t seduce him."


    Xiu scratched the back of her head as she turned off the speakerphone and placed the phone against her ear saying, "If you know this much, why did you bother asking?"


    "Because I was hoping for my best friend to be honest with me but whatever!"


    Xiu coughed at her words knowing it was time to change the topic before Nora get hyper or upset. It wasn''t easy to placate her and Xiu wasn''t in the mood to do that job as well.


    "Nora, you''re really not gonna come home this week?" asked Xiu again even though Nora had told her that on Saturday when she was leaving.


    "Why? Are you missing me?" asked Nora anticipating her reply. "Or you''re happy that you''ll have the whole place to yourself?"


    "Shut up!" said Xiu and added, "I just feel like you''re avoiding me for some reason."


    "Why would I do that?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders saying, "How would I know that?" She pulled out a blazer and wore it while continuing, "Perhaps, you''re trying to hide something from me and you know if you stayed around me, I''ll learn the truth. So, you ran away."


    Nora''s eyes went round at how accurate Xiu''s assumption was. It was mindboggling for her. But keeping her calm she said, "Maybe it''s really like that."


    "Are you trying to tease me?"


    "I''d never," replied Nora before adding, "I gotta go now. I''ll talk to you later but don''t forget; s.e.x should be safe."


    "NORA!!!" Xiu shouted her name.


    Nora laughed in reply saying, "Bye-bye!" before she hung up hastily to escape Xiu''s anger.


    Xiu was really annoyed by Nora''s teasing as she picked up her bag, keys and changed the shoes in the foyer. Just as she opened the door, she came face to face with Darren who smiled at her brightly as he waved his hand and said, "Hi! Good morning!" He really didn''t have to always wait there but she didn''t know why he always did so. Not that she didn''t find it adorable but he could just ring that damn bell instead of waiting like that.


    Xiu''s annoyance was shoved out the window as she almost jumped on him and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek saying, "Good morning to you too!"


    Darren touched his cheek where her lips had been and mumbled, "It''s definitely a good morning now."


    Xiu giggled at his response and while locking the door asked, "Were you waiting for me?" Darren nodded his head. "You didn''t have to. I can go to the bus stop myself."


    "Today, I''m not taking you to the bus stop," said Darren as he held her hand like he usually did.


    "Then?"


    "Today, I''m gonna drop you off to the office," replied Darren as they got inside the elevator.


    "Huh? But you always kept me company till the bus stop. Why this sudden change?"


    "Oh, that''s because at that time I was your boyfriend," said Darren while tucking her hair behind her ear as he moved behind her to encase her in his arms.


    "What are you now?" asked Xiu curiously while he nuzzled her hair.


    "Now, my status has been upgraded," answered Darren while his lips came awfully close to her neck making her body tingle with each hot breath that hit her.


    "How so?" she managed to ask to curb her curiosity.


    Darren sucked her neck intensely making Xiu want to m.o.a.n but she held it back as he answered, "Because now my status is not just of a boyfriend. I''m your lover now."


    "F.u.c.k it!" Xiu cursed under her breath before she lifted her hand to touch his hair and wanted to run her fingers through his thick hair but held her urges in as she pulled at his hair saying, "Respect the public."


    "Ah!" Darren looked at her accusingly as they got out of the elevator for pulling his hair. "How did I disrespect the public?"


    "Well, elevators have security cameras," said Xiu as if this was supposed to explain everything.


    "So?"


    "So, how can you be sure that the person in the security room would not be watching us?"


    "What does that have to do with us?"


    "It doesn''t actually have anything to do with us but we should still refrain from acting indecently in public."


    "I still don''t understand your point," said Darren with a sulky look.


    "You don''t have to understand it." Honestly speaking, she didn''t understand herself either. It was a lousy excuse on her part but her mind was in a mess because of his stupid lips on her neck making her insides go wild. And she knew if she didn''t push him away, she''d most likely end up somewhere which definitely won''t be the office.


    Darren opened the car door for her saying, "You''re really cruel." Xiu rolled her eyes at him while he settled beside her and put his head on her shoulder saying, "But it''s okay. I still love you."


    Xiu watched him close his eyes and played with his hair asking, "Are you tired?"


    "Not anymore," replied Darren, not telling her that he couldn''t sleep last night at all. He had too much to process and it took him hours but he completely was willing to accept that his Ah-Xiu and his Sweets were one person. And that''s why he had a content smile on his face while he took the support of her shoulder.


    [1] The Korean saying is, ''Pretty Girls die young.'' That''s why Xiu put a play of words saying, Nora is too ugly to die young.

 Chapter 224 - Troublesome Fun

    Not just one or two, plenty of people saw Xiu getting off of a Mercedes. So, it wasn''t a surprise that the news managed to reach Dylan as well. That''s why when Xiu entered his office to drop off a file, his words were, "I heard your boyfriend dropped you off today."


    "Who said that?" retorted Xiu in a nonchalant manner.


    "Everyone," replied Dylan before adding, "Apparently your name is trending all throughout the company."


    "When did you start listening to gossips?" questioned Xiu wiggling her brows at him questioningly.


    "I only paid attention when I heard that you came with your boyfriend. That keyword ''boyfriend'' was enough to catch my attention," said Dylan calmly.


    "But I didn''t come with my boyfriend," answered Xiu looking at Dylan with gleaming eyes.


    "Then who gave you the ride?" asked Dylan with squinted eyes. This was the first time he was so interested in Xiu''s personal life and that was only because his best friend was involved in one way or another.


    "I came with my loverrr..." Xiu rolled that ''r'' with her tongue unnecessarily just to get on Dylan''s nerves.


    "Now I know why you make such a good couple with Daz," said Dylan as a line appeared between his brows. Xiu''s eyebrow rose as she looked at him. "You both love to play with my feelings by shoving your love in my face."


    "It''s not our fault that you''re a still single dog," said Xiu making Dylan fume with anger.


    "Do you really have to bring that up?" he questioned.


    Xiu took a seat before his table, placed her arms on the table saying, "I think we had decided to be civil with each other for Regan. Remember?"


    "I remember very well but you taunting me for being a single dog isn''t nice. Not from any angle," Dylan said his piece as he studied her expressions carefully. "That means you''re the one who is not being civil here."


    "Aiyo! Don''t be so sensitive. Just being civil is not enough. That''s why I''m trying to be friends with you and what better way there is to be a friend than actually teasing each other?" Her mouth curved into a smile that appeared too crafty to Dylan.


    "So that means I can tease you about Darren''s first love?"


    Xiu gave him a fake smile saying, "Dear Didi, roses are red, violets are blue but blood is also red and it''ll appear when I''ll kill you." Only after saying those words, she realized that Darren''s first love was also her. But that fact wasn''t known to Dylan. Why was she being so hyper then? She inwardly facepalmed herself for being jealous of her own self again.


    "See! You''re still looking for trouble!" Dylan complained like a kid with a pouty face making Xiu smile for some reason. "What are you smiling about?"


    Xiu shook her head saying, "It''s the first time I think I find you really adorable. That pout really suits you."


    Dylan didn''t mind her words as he said, "My mom also says that." Then he smiled and added, "Well, I''m adorable anyway."


    "You''re the first man who is looking so c.o.c.ky being called adorable," said Xiu looking baffled at him.


    "I only like it when my mom calls me adorable. The rest can''t do so," told Dylan as if he was sharing about himself with a friend. Without realizing it, he really was feeling like he wasn''t as annoyed by Xiu as he was before.


    Seeing him lost in thoughts, Xiu knocked on the table and said, "Where are you lost?" Dylan glanced at her and shook his head. "By the way, since we are trying to be friends, I can ask you anything. Right?"


    Dylan noticed the way her eyes bore into him and said, "Yes, you can as long as you don''t irritate me."


    "Why are you still single?" asked Xiu straightforwardly without missing a beat and catching Dylan off guard completely. He gaped at her in confusion and shock.


    Dylan looked out at the blue sky through the glass wall and replied, "Attachments hurts in the worst way possible. People disappear eventually with a simple goodbye not realizing that what they leave behind are flashbacks. Flashbacks that tend to scream pain." He shifted his eyes back to her and added, "Sometimes we stay alone because we don''t want to lose ourselves."


    "Are you heartbroken?" Xiu couldn''t help asking since his words reminded her of the feelings she once felt.


    "We all are heartbroken in one way or another. Aren''t we?" Dylan''s eyes darted around as if avoiding her gaze as he continued, "Sometimes it''s people who break us and other times, it''s life. But it doesn''t matter who broke us. What matters is that it gives us a chance to outgrow some people, places, and things which is the most important thing in life."


    Xiu looked at him in disbelief. For her, Dylan wasn''t a very deep person. She knew he was loyal and sincere but having such thoughts and feelings... It was really shocking to her. Without realizing it, she went around the table and ruffled his hair playfully saying, "If it''s not broken, it''s too good to be true. Beautiful people do not just happen. Beautiful people are beautiful because they are filled with compassion, gentleness and deep concern. And all of these things can only be valued by a broken person."


    Dylan looked at her in a trance not knowing how she managed to smile so brightly to make him forget about the sadness that suddenly has awakened inside of him. No wonder Darren fell in love with her. She really was a masterpiece.


    When he smiled back at her, she shook her head at him before adding, "It''s a good thing to cover your wounds with a smile but don''t make it a habit. Oftentimes, we lose ourselves while hiding behind that one smile." Then she slapped the back of his head and went on, "Now, see what you did. I was in such a good mood and you made me talk about these depressing things. You really don''t like seeing me happy at all."


    Dylan gaped at her again and glared while saying, "How is it my fault? You asked me about being single."


    "I wasn''t expecting you to turn into a sad Romeo. If I knew, I wouldn''t have asked in the first place."


    Dylan took a deep breath to calm himself, "You know what, leave! You''re hurting my eyes now!"


    "What nonsense are you talking about? Hey! I''m so lovely you can easily insert me in your eyes."


    "What?"


    "Don''t you know there is even a Korean saying about that?"


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes! It goes like this, ''Even inserting them in my eye will not hurt.''" Dylan looked clueless and she had to elaborate, "It means I''m so lovely that even inserting me in the eyes won''t hurt."


    "You have got to be kidding with me!" Dylan clenched his fists and shouted, "Out! Now!"


    Xiu puffed her cheeks and retorted, "Bad manners! I''ll tell my Regan how you told me to get lost. Hmph!"


    Dylan held his head in his hand as she left the room. In the silence, he thought back to her words and her antics and smiled realizing how she acted like that to make him smile again. She truly was a wonder like Darren said. It looks like he really had to deal with this future sister-in-law but suddenly this idea didn''t seem as annoying as it used to do so.


    If anything, for the first time, Dylan was actually anticipating it. Even though having Xiu as a sister-in-law screamed trouble in itself, it sounded fun as well. And Dylan would never back off from some troublesome fun. Especially when it came in a package like Xiu.

 Chapter 225 - That Back Garden Again!

    "I think I made your best friend upset," told Xiu guiltily to Darren over the phone call.


    Darren''s fingers paused as he focused on her words and asked, "That you always manage to do. But what did you do this time?"


    "I asked him why he is single," said Xiu meanwhile she arranged the data on the computer. "He looked really hurt for some reason. Who broke his heart? I didn''t take him for someone who would be stuck on a girl like this."


    Darren wasn''t surprised to hear her words at all. "Sweets, Didi isn''t stuck on that girl. He has moved on long ago."


    "Eh? Then how come he is still single?" questioned Xiu as her brows snapped together in confusion.


    "He is still single because he is not ready to move on from the pain she left for him," replied Darren honestly. He had no reason to hide anything from her at all. "Also..."


    "Also, what?" Xiu found his sudden pause to be strange. So, she insisted to know.


    "Don''t take it to heart but one of the reasons why he avoids attachments is actually you."


    "Me?" Xiu''s eyes widened. "What did I do?"


    "You as in Chen Xiu," Darren repeated but in a clear way this time making Xiu''s eye widen even more if that was even possible. Before she could ask, he continued himself, "People might have called you Goddess Xiu, for him, you were really a Goddess. He admired you from the time you debuted as a teenager."


    "He did?" Xiu suddenly felt a strange feeling evoking in her heart. It was the kind of warmth she never felt before. She was so touched.


    "You can''t even imagine how much he was hurt when I told him about your..." Darren couldn''t continue further. But Xiu could tell he was referring to her suicide. "He found inspiration and strength from you and when you left so suddenly, he was heartbroken. Around the same time, he had a break-up and it really pushed him to stop getting attached to people."


    Xiu stayed silent for a long while before she muttered, "I scarred him for life?"


    "Scarred? Maybe. Hurt? Yes! He still is a huge fan of you though. 20 percent of what he earns goes to the trust fund he opened in Chen Xiu''s name. He is the literal definition of a crazy fan. He and I only fought once in our life and it was over Chen Xiu. I dared to say that Chen Xiu is fake and he ended up punching me in the face." Xiu was getting some serious shocks today. She never thought Dylan would be like that.


    "Was he in love with me or something?" asked Xiu jokingly. "And did you just call me fake?"


    "First, I didn''t know you back then. Second, he did love you but like a fan. Apparently, you''re that angel who could never be his. And he himself didn''t think he was worthy of his Goddess." Xiu laughed as she heard him but still tears welled up in her eyes. She finally knew that someone really admired her for who she was.


    "Don''t say anymore. I''m already feeling bad for teasing him so much."


    Darren chuckled at her reaction. "Sweets, don''t worry about that. He had been teased by everyone in the last couple of years. And only because he doesn''t want to get attached to anyone anymore."


    "What did his ex-girlfriend did to break him to this point?"


    Darren didn''t reply at first but later said, "That I can''t tell you."


    "It''s okay. Anyway, you get back to work. I''ll see you later. Bye, love you!" Xiu hung up the call without waiting for his reply. After hanging up, she was lost in her own thoughts. She really loved her tom and jerry kind of relation with Dylan but knowing how much Dylan valued her in her previous life really made her feel guilty for everything she did to him. But not to the point that she''d say sorry to him. Because at the end of the day, he deserved it!


    During lunchtime, Xiu entered Dylan''s office and said, "Oi, let''s go!"


    Dylan looked at his wristwatch and asked, "Where? I don''t have any lunch meeting today."


    "Yes, you do," replied Xiu.


    "With who?"


    Xiu pointed at herself, "Yours truly."


    Dylan nodded his head before going back to work as he said, "Not interested."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him and held his wrist pulling him off of his chair while she kept talking, "Don''t act so high and mighty. It''s lunchtime which means, you''re not my boss for the next hour. But I certainly am your sister-in-law for the next hour. So, behave yourself and follow me."


    "Even if I don''t want to, you''re already dragging me," reminded Dylan as he was being dragged through his own office and that too right before his employees who couldn''t help but gape at the scene playing before them.


    Xiu stepped inside the elevator, pressed the button and just as the door was about to close, Dylan tried to escape but halted when he heard Xiu''s voice, "You do remember what happened when I took an elevator alone last time, right?"


    How could he forget that? He had to run through all over the capital to look for her. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back inside the elevator and Xiu showed a victorious smile. When they got off at the ground floor, Xiu again dragged him towards the exit. Dylan noticed how everyone was looking at them and said, "You can let my wrist go. I really don''t wanna be dragged like a damn sack of potatoes."


    "But you look like a potato. Mr. Potato-head!"


    "Keep doing that. Today, I''m a potato that''s why you don''t fancy me. One day, I''ll be..."


    "Shut up! If you continued, I''ll really be pissed off."


    Dylan shut his mouth at her warning and followed her silently as they crossed the road and came to the dessert shop around the corner. At the counter, only Xiu was talking, "I want strawberry mousse, a macaron, daifuku, and an almond cake." She looked jubilant as she ordered all the sweets by herself.


    "This is your lunch?" asked Dylan.


    "No. It''s yours," replied Xiu and added, "I know you love sweet things. So, I''m treating you today."


    "Treating me? What for? You aren''t planning to kill me after that, are you?" Dylan looked at her skeptically.


    Xiu held back her words as she calmly said, "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you. I have canceled that plan."


    "Because you don''t have the back garden yet?"


    Xiu glanced at him weirdly as she asked, "You still remember that?"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "It was a blatant death threat, I had to remember it."


    They both shared a look and ended up laughing out loud. That back garden joke of hers was iconic for Dylan. And certainly, Dylan''s expressions at that time were also historic for Xiu herself. Even Xiu didn''t know how she always managed to said so much nonsense to him only.


    As their order was served, Xiu said, "Eat this. I, Bai Xiu am giving you a sincere apology for hurting you in the morning." Dylan was stumped for words.

 Chapter 226 - Being Nice

    Dylan''s gaze was fixated on Xiu with a mellow look radiating through his eyes. He observed her radiant smile, the way the sunlight shone at the side of her head making her appearance seem gentler than he had been used to.


    It took him a moment before he turned to look around himself and pointed at himself, "Are you saying that to me?"


    "Who else is here?" retorted Xiu with a mildly annoyed look on her face. She took a deep breath before continuing, "I''m really saying sorry to you. That''s why I brought you here. I didn''t know relationship talk was a bit off-limits with you and ended up hurting you."


    Dylan leaned back in his chair as he gave a half-smile while she added, "Apologies mean nothing unless until you actually do something to make it up to the other person. I knew you like sweet things so, I decided to make it up to you in this way."


    Dylan looked at the table full of sweet delicacies as he wondered out loud, "I wonder what Darren told you."


    "Hm?"


    Dylan shifted his eyes back to her saying, "Why are you feeling guilty for no reason? Although I can''t be sure about what Darren said, I can assure you that I wasn''t hurt." Xiu''s brows snapped together as she looked at him inquisitively. "I was upset but not hurt. And I was upset only because of some memories not because you asked me about my ex-girlfriend."


    "Isn''t she also a part of those sad memories?" said Xiu off-handedly while she put a spoonful of chocolate mousse in her mouth. His mouth curved into a sad smile. He didn''t expect her to bring it up like that. When she noticed he wasn''t eating, she said, "What? Why aren''t you eating? I ordered it all for you." Dylan could have sworn that the cream around her lips said otherwise but he didn''t say it. "Try it. Everything is yum-yum yummy! Oh, coffee is here as well. Perfect!"


    "I don''t like coffee," reminded Dylan as he felt the need to since she had ordered for the both of them. "I really hate bitter things."


    "Do you hate life as well?" asked Xiu staring at him strangely.


    Dylan''s eyes darted around before he shook his head saying, "No. Why would I hate life?"


    "Because life is bitter as well," said Xiu in a duh-tone making Dylan''s brows shot up in surprise. "Dear Didi, life is bitter, that''s why people look for love''s sweetness. Exactly that way, the best combination in life is a sweet cake with bitter coffee. Making it a perfect combination of bittersweetness."


    Dylan ended up chuckling at her words. "Where did you come up with that?"


    "Because I''ve seen life''s bitterness at it''s best and life''s sweetness at it''s best as well. And yet I''d like to point out that too much bitterness and sweetness alike are not good for health. That''s why I love the bittersweet taste the most. It keeps the balance." She took a pause in her rambling to shove a spoonful of cake in his mouth saying, "Talk less and eat more."


    "I''m literally getting chills right now," said Dylan out of the blue. "I mean why are you being so nice to me suddenly? It''s giving me goosebumps."


    "Should I not be nice to you?" questioned Xiu in a tricky way while staring him down.


    "That''s not what I mean, I just am not used to it. Besides, I really need to know why are you being this nice all of a sudden," told Dylan sincerely.


    Xiu furrowed her brows saying, "Who said we need a reason to be nice to anyone? Just being nice is not enough? You''re questioning my sincerity and that''s not very nice."


    Seeing her hurt look which she certainly was faking, he said, "Okay, I''m sorry. I might have gone too far. But I was just trying to make sure that you don''t have any hidden agenda."


    "Hidden agenda? As in what?"


    "It could be anything. But I want to make one thing very clear, I won''t break up with Darren. Not at any cost! If that''s what you''re looking for." Dylan sounded determined as he spoke.


    Xiu laughed at his face as she said, "D, you gotta stop. Don''t talk like you''re dating him. He is your best friend. He is MY BOYFRIEND!"


    "I know that," said Dylan while scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "I just meant that I won''t go away from his life. No way."


    "I know," said Xiu softly before adding, "If there is anything I have understood about you is that, you''re a very loyal person. Why would I want to kick you out of Regan''s life when you''re as important to him as he is to you? I am anything but selfish. Oh, wait! I do have a selfish side but it''ll only come out if someone tried to come between me and the man I love."


    Dylan took a moment to recover from what she just said before asking, "Then if that''s not your agenda, what is it?"


    "Hmmm... I wanted us to sit down and have a talk like normal people do," said Xiu.


    "Why? I mean we never did that before then why suddenly?"


    "Exactly that''s why. We never did it before. Every single time we talk, we don''t hold back with sarcasm and insults. So, I wanted that to change since we are not just boss and employee anymore. And if we both are gonna stay in Regan''s life, why shouldn''t we settle our differences and get to know each other? Who knows, maybe we become good friends in the future."


    Dylan had no reason to refuse. Not even one. Instead, he felt like her words made sense to the point that even he was shocked to know that he was agreeing with her. It wasn''t such a bad plan to just sit down and talk. The talk that didn''t involve her bringing up the murder weapons and him trying to snap her neck.


    And he''d be lying if he said that he had never thought of snapping her neck before. He did. Every time she called him uncle, he really wished to snap her neck. But now that he sat with her, he really felt like she was right. They could''ve been really good friends if they both didn''t get off on the wrong foot. Also, since they both held onto that first encounter, they both kept misjudging each other at every step.


    Things needed to change even if it was just for Darren''s sake. It had to change.

 Chapter 227 - Cringy Punchlines

    As Dylan started eating, he recalled a certain event and chuckled on his own making Xiu glance at him curiously. "You know, if you really wanted to apologize, you could have just gotten me the chocolate cupcakes."


    "I''ll do it now," said Xiu enthusiastically as she was about to get up, he stopped her. "What? Didn''t you just ask for the cupcakes?"


    "I did. But I don''t want the cupcakes from here," said Dylan as he took a sip of his coffee and scrunched up his nose because of the bitter taste.


    "Then?" Xiu''s brows quirked up and soon her eyes went round as she was reminded of her first day with Dylan in the office and almost screamed, "Don''t you dare think that I''ll run around the city looking for the cupcakes that could suit your taste again. Last time, it was torturous enough!"


    Dylan laughed without holding back as he said, "Actually, the cupcakes I wanted at that time were closer to you than you could even imagine."


    "Huh? How?"


    "Because I wanted the cupcakes you baked," told Dylan with a shrug of his shoulder nonchalantly making Xiu''s jaw drop to the table. "At that time I didn''t know that the cupcakes were yours. I only found out when I learned you''re Darren''s girlfriend."


    "How did you taste my cupcakes?" asked Xiu.


    "You gave some to Darren and I snatched one from him. But I couldn''t get the damn taste out of my mind," Dylan had a small smile playing at the corner of his lips as he continued, "You know, even though my mom is a good cook now. She is still very bad at baking. Desserts are her nemesis. But my sister is the complete opposite of mom. Sister Mei is only good at baking, she''s really bad at cooking. Before I tasted your cupcakes, my sister''s desserts were my favorite but it changed. And it''s all your fault!"


    Xiu listened to him attentively but her mind was wandering off to something else. "You''re telling me that I ran around the whole city for something I could get from my own home?" Dylan nodded his head feeling sympathetic. "Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g kidding me?! Why didn''t you say so?!"


    "Are you even listening? Pay attention to me sometimes. I just said that I didn''t know about you back then," replied Dylan as he looked at her carefully and asked, "Are you okay? Was it that bad for you on that day? I honestly wasn''t teasing you or bullying you back then. I desperately wanted to find that taste again."


    Xiu waved her hand offhandedly saying, "Nah! I''ll just take it as one of my blond moments."


    Dylan''s brows quirked up in surprise as he asked, "Blond moments? What is that?"


    Xiu gave him a look as if she was looking at the dumbest person on Earth as she said, "That''s how I describe myself. ''I''m a brilliantly pretty brunette who has a fair share of blond moments in life.''"


    "That sounded like a bio for dating sites," said Dylan making Xiu hit his hand.


    Xiu flipped her hair and smiled at him conceitedly saying, "Bro, I never had to go on dating sites. I''m not that desperate in life." She took a pause before adding, "But you''re right, it sounded like a pretty good description for dating sites. What would you choose if you ever made an account? Or you have an account already..."


    Her suggestive tone made Dylan roll his eyes at her saying, "Sis, you really need to stop undermining me like that." When Xiu didn''t show any interest in changing, he went on with a sigh, "But I do have a witty punchline I read somewhere."


    "Oh, what is it?"


    "I''m like Oxygen, you can be my Potassium and everything will be OK." Dylan laughed at his own joke but Xiu''s lips only twitched in annoyance. He shook his head saying, "How dumb are you? Can''t you get it? Oxygen''s ''O'' and Potassium''s ''K'', wouldn''t it be ''OK''?"


    "I think you''re the dumb one here, I understand the chemistry. You don''t have to remind me of the damn periodic table all over again. I just didn''t find it funny at all." Dylan clicked his tongue at her for being boring while she added, "I have a better one. Oxygen can go on a date with Magnesium, it''d make people go OMg!"


    Dylan closed his eyes before chuckling at her saying, "Okay, let''s face it, we both have the cringy-iest punchlines."


    "I agree!" They did a handshake for agreeing with each other in silence.


    As they were about to leave the bakery, Dylan''s cellphone rang and with a beautiful smile on his face, he picked up the call. "Hello, my dearest Weiwei! What''s up?"


    "I''d say my blood pressure is up because of you but you don''t certainly care," came the reply making Dylan shake his head.


    "Ma, what did I do now?" said Dylan and that''s when Xiu understood that the call was from his mother. But the way he talked really surprised her. His eyes were shining brightly with love even when she could hear that the other person was certainly nagging him for something. After a moment of silence, she heard him saying, "Ma, I have eaten. I promise I''m not lying. Your favorite son''s girlfriend dragged me to the bakery today. I ate too many sweets. So, can you cook me something spicy for dinner?"


    "Are you with Regan''s girlfriend?" Dylan laughed at how his mother''s whole attitude changed instantly. As he hummed in reply, Zhao Wei said, "Take care of her since Darren''s not there. Be nice to her. Mom will cook whatever you want."


    "You care about everyone except for me," said Dylan sulking in his sadness.


    "Stop being dramatic, it''s not cute anymore," came his mother''s reply before she hung up the call.


    Dylan laughed as she hung up and noticed the way Xiu had been looking at him. "Don''t stare like that, you might fall in love with me."


    "Khhh!" A weird sound came from Xiu''s throat and she said, "Don''t be delusional. I said it already, you''re not my type. Not even close to it."

 Chapter 228 - Qiu Hedi, Thank You!

    When Dylan heard her saying that he wasn''t her type, he couldn''t help sighing in exasperation. "I know I''m not your type. You don''t have to repeat it so often." He took a pause, seeing her paying no heed to his words and said, "Jokes apart, why were you staring at me with such an unusual expression?"


    The corner of her eyes crinkled slightly as she answered, "Your mother was nagging at you and you seemed to be enjoying it. I just found it really weird. It seems like you really do love her."


    Dylan chuckled on his own before nodding his head, "Yes, I do love her. But why I looked so amused wasn''t because she was nagging at me. Actually, she was worried about me. She hates it when I skip the lunch and since I always take her simple words nonchalantly, she often uses her motherly nagging to get me back on track. However, let me tell you, my mom is not scary at all even when she''d be trying to act like one."


    "So when you say that nobody loves and blah blah blah, you''re just being a dramatic bitch?!"


    Dylan''s face twitched at her choice of words to describe him but he decided to overlook it for once. "Hey! I wasn''t being dramatic, since the time my sister had a daughter, my value declined. I''m no longer the youngest child and that''s why everyone just ignores me."


    Xiu didn''t feel any pity even after seeing his sulky face as she said, "Aiyo! Some people are really thankless in life. Just because everyone doesn''t give you the same attention as they used to, doesn''t mean your value declined or you''re no longer the loved one in the family. That''s bullshit. I''d do anything to have a family like yours."


    Dylan''s brows raised while she looked heavenward and said, "Oh, dear God! Why so unfair?! He doesn''t even value his family and yet he has one. I, who actually wants one, is left an orphan again! What nonsense is this?!"


    Dylan''s eyelids drooped for a moment as he was reminded that she had no family. But soon his eyes flashed as he said, "Are you trying to tell me that you don''t consider my best friend as your family?" That was one quick-witted remark.


    "Huh?" Xiu glanced at him in surprise.


    Dylan clicked his tongue before rummaging out his phone saying, "I should tell my best friend that the girl he thinks to be his whole world, doesn''t even consider him as a family."


    Xiu gaped at him for a moment before rubbed her hands together, "Why is my hand itching so much?" Her eyes darted around before settling on Dylan dangerously making him take a step back in horror as she continued, "I feel like punching a douchebag uncle!"


    Dylan clenched his fists tightly to hold himself back but couldn''t do so as he pointed a trembling finger at her face saying, "I''m warning you! Enough with that uncle! I''m not that old yet!"


    "Oh, right!" Xiu clicked her fingers together in realization as she continued, "As I said once, you aren''t old. You''re just ancient like zebras."


    "Zebras? How did they become ancient?" questioned Dylan overlooking the part that she called him ancient yet again. He didn''t want to be as childish as she was. It wasn''t worth it.


    "Zebras are black and white, doesn''t that mean that they are ancient?" retorted Xiu feeling proud of her comeback but her answer left Dylan speechless.


    He rubbed his forehead in worry, "I don''t know why Dazi think that you''re all about sugar and spice along with everything nice. When I can bet that you''re all about sarcasm, wine and brainless remarks!"


    "But everything about me is still fine," added Xiu with a wave of her hand.


    "Fine? How so?" Dylan crossed his arms before his chest.


    "As you said, I''m made of wine and everything about wine is just fine..." smiled Xiu making Dylan roll his eyes.


    Dylan flicked her arm saying, "Sis, that''s your obsession for wine talking." Xiu stuck her tongue at him in response showing how childish she could get.


    Both of them entered the company keeping a reasonable distance which was a striking contrast to the way they left the company. However, the pair of eyes around them didn''t stop staring at them. Since the lunch break wasn''t over yet, their floor was still empty.


    Just as Dylan was about to enter his office, Xiu held his wrist again making him turn to look at her inquisitively. "You can stop running from yourself." Dylan''s brows furrowed together as she went on, "Trust me, you won''t end up anywhere. Because the people who run from themselves, don''t really have a place to go to. I have tried it and it didn''t work. So, stop questioning your pain or feelings. Just go with life."


    He tilted his head to a side, glancing at her with an odd look in his eyes. "Remember, the Universe is magnetic, it''ll eventually lead good things to you but it depends on you whether you''re ready to accept those good things or you''re still stuck on the bad ones of the past."


    "What happened to you? You really give me chills when you''re being nice to me. I really am not used to it," said Dylan trying to alter the course of tension and seriousness in the air. He certainly was the kind of person who felt suffocated if the tension in the air could be thick enough to feel like you could cut it with a knife. He was a lighthearted and jolly person, who believed in getting over things after a drink or two.


    Perhaps, that''s why he didn''t want to be this serious with her. Especially because he had never seen her being this sincere with him before. Obviously, he''d feel uncomfortable with this sudden change. He probably was still skeptical about her intentions but he didn''t voice it.


    Meanwhile, Xiu didn''t mind his words or the suspicion in his eyes. She simply smiled at him and her hand slid down from his wrist to his hand as she took it in her own and looked straight into his eyes. "Qiu Hedi, thank you!"


    "For what?"


    ''For loving me when no one else did it. For believing in me when even I didn''t believe in myself.'' Xiu didn''t voice out her thoughts. Just shook her head, shrugged her shoulders and said, "Just because..."

 Chapter 229 - Get A Room Already!

    We live in those times where self-esteem and belief in one''s self have become a luxury. A luxury not everyone can afford. Why? In view of the fact that people have come to love degrading others. At one point in life, all of us said something to someone that had hurt their belief. And in turn, ended up affecting their self-respect or bring doubt in their own self.


    The words that were once used as flower seeds in a garden for encouragement are now used like blades to cut down the other person''s belief to the extent that they would crumble down without us knowing it. It''s a common belief that only strong people are not scared of criticism but why do we forget that every person is strong in his own right. Yet everyone ends up breaking in their own way as well.


    It''s true that one can''t make others believe in himself unless he believes in himself. But that belief in oneself is too expensive these days.


    As for Xiu, she had learned the value of words and had suffered from those words as well. Nobody knew better than her how much a little thank you or sorry could do to others. And yes, she indeed said thank you to Dylan as Chen Xiu and not just as Bai Xiu.


    To be honest, whenever she had an argument with Dylan, the reason she enjoyed it so much had been because it felt like the banter that only siblings would do. And someone like her who had been deprived of having a sibling in her both lifetimes really cherished those moments without even realizing it herself.


    Meanwhile, for Dylan, her simple thank you brought more confusion and yet he felt happy because he had seen the sincerity in her eyes. He thought the relationship between him and Xiu was really obvious; they both were vying for Darren''s attention in their own way and for their own reasons. But now, he wasn''t so sure anymore. Because after spending some time with Xiu, he realized that she and he could indeed be closer than he thought so.


    In the evening, when Xiu was leaving the office, Dylan came around her and asked, "How are you going home?"


    "Like I do every day," replied Xiu in her usual nonchalant manner.


    "And how do you go every day?" questioned Dylan, rolling his eyes at her reply.


    "There is a thing called public transport," answered Xiu and went on to elaborate, "It''s a bus that normal employees like me take to travel. It''s affordable and convenient at some level."


    "I know what public transport is," said Dylan seeing the look on her face that almost said she-doubt-that! "Anyways, what I mean is you should just get a car. It''s even more convenient. Oh, right! You can''t drive."


    "Who said I can''t drive?" asked Xiu as they both entered the elevator together. "I just don''t drive because I don''t want to."


    "So when you told me that you can''t drive, you''re just trying to get out of having to drive me around?" Xiu nodded her head without thinking making Dylan gape at her. "How could you?"


    "Don''t overreact now. Although I can drive, I have no sense of direction. Apart from that, my night vision is not that great, so I avoid driving at all costs." Xiu explained before he would go berserk for no reason.


    After knowing the reason, Dylan decided to drop this topic. They silently exited through the glass doors of the company and Dylan halted in his steps saying, "Since I''m leaving early today, I can give you-" He stopped himself from continuing as his eyes caught a figure behind Xiu and shook his head with a sigh, "Nevermind. Your ride is here."


    Xiu raised her brow at him in question and he pointed behind her with his chin. Xiu turned her head slowly and her eyes widened when they fell on the most hypnotizing person in her life with the most gorgeous gray eyes that sparkled when he saw her standing there and waved his hand at her while the corners of his lips stretched in a blooming smile making a dreamy sigh escape Xiu''s mouth without her even realizing it.


    It was none other than Darren himself. His dark hair looked scattered as strands fell on his forehead making him effortlessly handsome. But then again, his structured jawline and striking features were already enough to scream how handsome he was. But somehow, those gray eyes of his made a huge difference.


    "Close the mouth already. Your l.u.s.t is too obvious with that drool," came a deep voice near her ear making Xiu lift her hand to touch her mouth but finding it dry, she glared at Dylan who laughed in turn and said, "Sorry, I couldn''t help myself."


    "Whatever!" said Xiu and ran towards Darren leaving Dylan staring at her back with a thoughtful look. "What are you doing here? And if you came, why didn''t you call me? Why wait here?"


    "Easy there," said Darren as he touched her hair and said, "I just came and was about to come up when I saw you. As for why I am here... Hmm... Isn''t that obvious that I''m here to pick up my girlfriend?"


    Xiu made a face but inwardly she was shrieking with happiness. Because this was certainly a surprise to see him here. And she''d be lying if she said it wasn''t a pleasant one. Darren pulled out a single red rose from his jacket and gave it to her.


    Xiu stared at the rose oddly before asking, "What''s this for?"


    Darren touched her nose saying, "To remind you that I love you."


    "You could have done something else to remind me that," said Xiu.


    "What''s that?" Xiu touched her cheek with her index finger and even leaned towards him. Darren chuckled at her before leaning down to plant a kiss at her cheek. He came close to her ear saying, "I certainly don''t think this kiss is enough. Because I want to do more than just to kiss you."


    Xiu hit his chest, "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Darren played the role of an innocent saying, "What? I meant that I want to hug you as well. What is going through that head of yours?"


    Before Xiu could say anything, they both heard an annoyed voice, "Can you both stop flirting in public? Or just get a room already!"

 Chapter 230 - Still Have Hope

    Both Xiu and Darren glared at Dylan for his stupid remarks which by the way, nobody asked for. However, Dylan was completely unfazed as he kept his calm and continued, "Don''t take me the wrong way." He took a defensive stance and added, "I meant to say that you both shouldn''t do this cheesy flirting on the road. It''s embarrassing. Might not be for you both but it is for me."


    "Embarrassing?" Both Xiu and Darren crossed their arms before him and said simultaneously.


    "What exactly is embarrassing?" asked Darren glancing at him challenging him as if to say don''t-you-dare!


    Dylan didn''t know where he got his unknown courage to say, "You both being lovey-dovey, cooing to each other, having that unnecessary touches here and there. And most importantly, that stupid rose. Who gives a rose in this age and time?" Darren''s temper was rising and the way he was breathing through his mouth told Xiu that he was at his limit now. But unbeknownst to his upcoming death, Dylan went on, "Dazi, my brother, you have been out of this dating game for far too long. The trend of whispering sweet nothings and saying I love you is gone. Girls don''t like that anymore."


    "Oh, really? What do they like then, Mr. Dating Expert?" asked Darren with his words dipped in sarcasm while he clenched his fists to calm himself before he would punch Dylan for talking nonsense.


    Dylan tapped his chin with his index finger in a thoughtful manner before saying, "Girls like that swiping sound that your credit card makes in the shopping mall. Or the sound of that ''Krrrrr'' that ATM makes before the money comes out."


    Darren twisted his wrist behind him making Dylan shriek in pain as he said, "That''s enough nonsense for today! What I do with my girlfriend is my business. And as for being outdated, I don''t give a f.u.c.k as long as it brings a smile on my girlfriend''s face. Do you get that?"


    Dylan tapped Darren''s other hand that was on his shoulder and said, "Sorry! I was wrong. Please, let go now! You''re hurting me." When Darren let him go, Dylan stretched his arm while m.o.a.ning in pain and glaring at Darren, "I was just kidding. Did you have to be so violent?"


    "Joke all you want. But don''t involve my girlfriend''s name. It''s off-limits," said Darren in an aggressive and possessive way. Seeing his stance, Xiu was fascinated to the point that she kept looking at him with hearts popping out of her eyes. Him, standing up for her was really something she didn''t expect at all.


    Meanwhile, Dylan was baffled for a while as he just stared at his best friend oddly. Not because he found his words hurtful, but... "Dazi, it''s been a while you stood up for someone like this." For Dylan, he had only seen Darren being possessive twice in his lifetime, once for his mother and second was for Chen Xiu.


    But seeing that exact same aggressiveness in his eyes again, left him shocked for a while. He didn''t know whether he was supposed to be happy or worried. Happy because his best friend was finally letting someone take that place in his heart and worried because he knew Darren always loved with all of his heart. And it almost scared him that Xiu could actually ruin or hurt Darren in the same way as Chen Xiu did. That reminder of the past really terrified him.


    Finally, dropping her starstruck look, Xiu noticed the strange atmosphere between them and came between them saying, "Boys, stop it already! Don''t argue because of a woman. Fight over a job, parking space, the last pizza slice but don''t ever fight over a woman. It''s not worth it. To lose a friendship over love, big No-No!"


    Both Dylan and Darren shared a look with each other before bursting out in a peal of laughter. Darren rubbed Xiu''s head saying, "Sweets, what made you think we''re arguing?"


    "Weren''t you both having a showdown with that staring competition?" questioned Xiu.


    Both of them shook their head as Dylan butted in, "We weren''t staring. We were just having a conversation."


    "With your eyes?" Seeing Dylan bob his head up and down, she furrowed her brows. "How can you do that?"


    "Nobody can claim to know you better than your best friend, then how is it not possible to talk with your eyes between friends?" questioned Darren making Xiu think about it deeply. "Besides, Didi and I don''t argue. We just bicker and make it look like world war 3."


    Dylan high-fived with Darren saying, "That''s the best description. Anyways, moving on from my stupid remarks, I still think you both should get a room. Not just because you both are being an eyesore, but also because I don''t want anyone to bring negative energy in my best friend''s love life with their jealousy and all."


    "Aww!" Xiu pinched Dylan''s cheek as she cooed, "I can''t believe you have a brain."


    Dylan rubbed his cheek where she pinched while a vein at the side of his forehead twitched because of her remark. Also, because Darren took her side and laughed along with her at him. Can you believe that? His best friend laughed at HIM? Just because he wanted to side with his girlfriend, he actually agreed that Dylan had no brain!


    Seeing Dylan getting sulky, Darren offered, "We''re going out for dinner. Would you like to join us?"


    Dylan gave him a look before saying, "Let''s go." He clung to Darren''s arm with a sweet smile.


    Darren gave an awkward smile, "I was just being polite because I thought you''d understand the situation and say no."


    Dylan harrumphed before saying, "Dear friend, you shouldn''t be polite in this situation. When you''re going out with your girlfriend, you shouldn''t be polite to any third-party. Because not everyone can read between the lines. Besides, when the love of your life is beside you, why are you even bothering with formalities?"


    Darren nodded his head in understanding while Xiu gave him a round of applause saying, "Wow! You''re really trying too hard today at being smart."


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders saying, "I am not trying to be smart. I just don''t want to be stuck between you two for dinner. Seeing your sweetness overloading is nauseating enough for me. I''ll say no for my own safety."


    Xiu tsked at him, "Poor you! Being a bloody single dog must be hard on you. Don''t just give up yet, with that face, you still have some hope left." She even tapped his shoulder in an encouraging manner making Dylan roll his eyes at her.

 Chapter 231 - A Big Baby

    We often hear people say that love is when you instantly feel happy seeing the person you love happy. But why do people not talk about friendship like that? In my opinion, love and friendship aren''t that far off from each other. Oftentimes, there is a very thin line between the two. So can''t we say, the best way to define friendship is when you feel happy just seeing your friend happy?


    Well, at least, that''s how Dylan described friendship. And for that very reason, he was skipping around, whistling like a fool as if it wasn''t Darren who found the love of his life but rather it was him. Xiu had been right about him, he really had managed to keep his childlike innocence even though he saw the worst of people. Just like the fact that even though he was heartbroken and he stopped looking for love that didn''t mean that he stopped loving.


    Instead, for some reason, Dylan really learned the value of love when he felt heartbroken for the first time in his life. And that''s why he loved everyone around him with even more passion. That''s why he was so protective of everyone around him including Darren.


    As he arrived at his parent''s place, looking like an idiot, he met the housekeeper at the door and inquired about his mother. And knowing that his mother had been in the kitchen since the time she had talked to him over the phone, Dylan''s smile widened. He put off his coat and gave it to the housekeeper, rolling his sleeves, he went straight towards the kitchen.


    His senses were overwhelmed even before he entered the kitchen because of the delicious aromas assaulting him temptingly. Slowly and sneakily, he came behind his mother and... "Boo!"


    "Ah!" Zhao Wei placed a hand over her chest and hit his head with the spatula in her hand saying, "Hedi, aren''t you old for these pranks now? You scared me so badly."


    Dylan didn''t mind her rebuking him as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder saying, "Ma!"


    "What?" replied Zhao Wei as she picked up a new spatula to stir the vegetables on the stove.


    "Ma!" said Dylan once again but this time dragging his words a little like a kid.


    "What is it?" said Zhao Wei with a slight annoyance in her tone. Just as Dylan opened his mouth, she added, "If you called me once again, I''m gonna hit you again." Dylan didn''t speak after that but he didn''t let her go either. Whenever his mother moved around the kitchen, he followed along like a lost child. "Son, what''s wrong with you? Why are you following me like you used to do when you wanted a candy? Your food is almost ready. Go and take a shower, I''ll serve it for you."


    Dylan shook his head saying, "I don''t wanna let go."


    A line appeared between her brows. She placed a hand against his cheek and asked, "What''s wrong? Why are you being this clingy today?"


    "Nothing, I just missed you," answered Dylan straightforwardly.


    "You missed me? I wonder why is that?" questioned Zhao Wei as she narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.


    "Ma, I can''t miss you? I always miss you the most. Well, I actually am missing dad even more. I haven''t seen him in months. Can you both stop fighting already?" Dylan whined while tugging at her apron with a pouty face.


    "When did I fight with your dad? He is just busy. Don''t assume things on your own. By the way, you only come to me when no one else gives you attention." She pinched his cheeks saying, "Are you looking for mom''s attention again? My attention seeker!"


    Dylan smiled unapologetically as he nodded and said, "That''s not all. Today, I''m really love deprived as well." He was stuffed with Darren and Xiu''s show of affection so much that he needed someone to remind him that he was the most beloved child. And what better way than to look for the person who loved him unconditionally?


    Zhao Wei sighed out and beckoned him to hunch a little. As he did, she caressed his head saying, "Your dad is right. It''s all my fault that you''re so spoiled. Who comes to look for their mother at this age when they are feeling lonely?"


    "I do," replied Dylan as if it was something to be proud of. Zhao Wei facepalmed herself and shook her head while he said, "By the way, why are even listening to dad? In my opinion, the person who spoiled me the most is my dad himself."


    "I wish, I could disagree," replied Zhao Wei and pushed him out of the kitchen saying, "First take a shower. I''ll bring dinner out."


    Dylan puffed up his cheeks as he shook his shoulders before stomping away. Zhao Wei gaped at his reaction as she wondered out loud, "At this rate, I think he needs a babysitter rather than a girlfriend. Which girl would want a big baby like him? He really worries me to death!"


    Just before entering the bathroom, Dylan had texted Darren as something came to his mind. The text read; "You said to your girlfriend, we don''t fight. But would you really not want to fight if she is the one you''re fighting for?"


    Just when Dylan came out, he was drying his hair with the towel when his phone dinged and he picked it up to read Darren''s reply. It read, "I can fight for Sweets anytime with anyone. She''s the only one who''s worth fighting for in my life. But that doesn''t mean I''m willing to lose a brother like you. So stop overthinking!"


    A smile spread on his face as he read the text and was startled when he heard his mother''s voice, "I heard if someone smiles while reading a text. That person is so destroyed."


    "Ma, I told you a million times to knock the door before entering," said Dylan.


    "So?" Zhao Wei shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "It''s not like you''re hiding a girl in here. I''d be over the moon if there was a girl hiding in here." She hit her shoulder with his arm as she wiggled her brows asking, "Stop trying to distract me and tell me who was texting you."


    "Darren," replied Dylan and even shook his phone screen before her eyes.


    Zhao Wei''s smile vanished into thin air as she muttered, "At this rate, I think you should marry Darren then." Dylan almost choked on his own saliva as he gaped at his mother in disbelief.


    "Don''t even think about it, do you want his girlfriend to strangle me or something? She already is looking for excuses to run me over with a car. Even planned to bury me in her back garden but it''s fortunate that she didn''t have a back garden."


    Zhao Wei listened to his rambling before hitting his head. "You idiot son of mine! Even my Regan found a bride. When are you gonna do it? I want grandchildren."


    Dylan hugged her small frame and said, "Ma, I don''t want to. If I really had a child, you''ll give all my love to him. I don''t want that. I''m already sharing you with my niece. Don''t test me more than that."


    Zhao Wei hit his chest and said, "You childish and dramatic bitch! Grow up!" Dylan gaped at his mother in shock because of her choice of words. His mother had to take a moment before she calmed herself and said, "Where is Regan? Why didn''t he come with you? I cooked so much food. Ask him to come as well."


    "He went on a dinner date with his girlfriend," answered Dylan trying to hide how he rolled his eyes.


    Zhao Wei thought about it before saying, "Tell him to bring her with him. I have to meet her anyway."

 Chapter 232 - I Promise You

    Meanwhile, passing through the lounge area with embroidered couches, Xiu''s eyes had been wandering around to see the soft ambiance of the restaurant. The flagstone tile floor was as clean as crystal. The delicate live piano was being played to make it even more romantic.


    Darren''s arm had been around her waist as he was leading her to the table. But they had yet to sit when Darren''s phone rang. Xiu noticed how he declined the call and pulled out the chair for her with a sweet smile. As he was about to take his own seat, his phone rang again making him curl his lips in annoyance before he declined the call again.


    "You should take the call, it could be urgent," said Xiu as she noticed his expressions.


    "It''s Didi and he knows that I''m with you yet he''s calling to disturb me for no reason," said Darren as he ran a hand over his face.


    ''This boss of mine really knows how to get on my nerves,'' wondered Xiu on her own and heard his phone''s ring again. She said to Darren, "You should just take his call. He is a persistent person."


    Darren declined the call yet again saying, "When I''m with you, nobody should have the same access to me as you do. Not even my best friend."


    This was one of those moments when Xiu could say that she was not just in love with him. She was well and truly smitten. If she could have the eternity with him, she''d really fall into the spell of serenity by just having him by her side. Seeing his face was the only thing she even needed in life at this point.


    The scariest part about loving him was that she knew he held the power to make her cry and smile. And that was very dangerous to be held by a person. She didn''t know how but she knew that their energies somehow had a unique way to vibrate with each other. His smile was enough to burnish her soul into the beauty that she never knew she possessed.


    Darren was passing the menu to Xiu when his phone rang again making him close his eyes in annoyance and anger. But as soon as he saw the caller id, his anger vanished into thin air. Xiu noticed his changing expressions and asked, "Is everything okay?"


    "It''s my godmother, I really have to pick this one," said Darren as he took the call. "Hey, my dearest beauty Wei! What''s up?"


    "You didn''t pick up Dylan''s phone? I asked him to call you but he said you''re ignoring his calls. Tell me he is lying," came Zhao Wei''s voice.


    Darren''s bit his tongue before saying, "No, he isn''t. I really ignored his calls because I''m on dinner with Sweets."


    "Hmm..." he heard Zhao Wei humming on the other side before she said, "That''s wonderful! You should be paying attention to the gorgeous lady with you and not your best friend. I have taught you right!"


    Darren chuckled at her words, "You indeed taught me right." He took a brief pause before asking, "But why did you ask Didi to call me? Is everything okay?"


    Zhao Wei rolled her eyes at herself for completely forgetting the purpose of this call as she said, "Oho, look at my memory! I want you to bring your girlfriend over for dinner."


    Darren lifted his eyes to glance at Xiu before saying, "Like right now?"


    "Yes, of course! I want you to bring her over because I have cooked a lavish meal. Besides, isn''t it about time that one of your mothers get to meet her?" Noticing Darren''s silence, she added, "What? You don''t want her to meet me? Or do you think that it''s better for Francesca to meet your girlfriend before me?"


    Darren clicked his tongue, "Come on, Godmother! Stop being dramatic like your son. I just think isn''t it too sudden?"


    "My dear Regan, sometimes spontaneous decisions are the best one. If you''re willing to take a chance on love on the spur of a moment then why not life as well? Life often takes you to wonderland with its spontaneousness."


    Darren nodded his head knowing where she was coming from. Besides, he really wanted Xiu to meet one of his mothers at this point when he was certain that she was the one in his heart and she was the only one he wanted to keep in his life as well.


    "Let me talk to her first," said Darren and with a couple of more words, they hung up the call.


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "What is it? What are you thinking about?"


    Darren rubbed the back of his neck as he said, "Everything is fine. It''s just that my godmother aka Dylan''s mother invited you to dinner."


    "Me?" Xiu''s eyes went round as she pointed at herself and seeing him nod, she laughed awkwardly, "Not happening."


    "Huh? Why not?" asked Darren in confusion. "I mean I know it''s sudden but you''ll eventually have to meet her. She is just as important to me as my own mother." He made a pleading face, "I really want her to meet you. Besides, she invited us over dinner with so much love. I don''t want to disappoint her."


    "You''re taking my words in the wrong way. It''s not that I don''t want to meet her. It''s just..." she stopped mid-sentence and Darren held her hand urging her to continue. Xiu took a deep breath and continued, "I''m scared."


    "Scared of my godmother?" asked Darren with an odd expression.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "No. I''m not scared of her specifically. I''m just generally scared of mothers. Because history has proven that I have never been good with mothers. They always end up hating me for some reason. I don''t want yours to hate me and that''s why I have to do a lot of preparation. And I haven''t done anything yet."


    Darren was baffled for a moment as it took him a while to process her words before he asked, "Why are you thinking so negatively?"


    Xiu gave him a look, "Shouldn''t I be? You of all people know what my life was like as Chen Xiu. My own mother hated me, my ex-boyfriend''s mother hated me, and to top it off, my ex-boyfriend''s wife''s mother also hated me. So, bingo! I hit a jackpot with mothers'' hate."


    Darren''s heart shook as he was reminded of her previous life. Although he couldn''t find a single trace of hurt or pain in her eyes or in her voice, he could tell that she was still not over that. She really received the unnecessary hate for things she didn''t even do.


    He took a calming breath, pressed her hand and said, "I promise you, my parents would love you."

 Chapter 233 - This Man Is Taken!

    ''My parents would love you...''


    Apparently, it was a very simple sentence to Darren but for Xiu, it held so much meaning that she couldn''t describe in her words. That compliment hit straight to her heart and made some unknown emotions surge inside her.


    ''Xiao Xiu, be at your best behavior. I really want my mother to like you and it''s only possible if you don''t do anything against her wishes.'' A distant voice rang in her mind making her lips curl up at the irony of this particular situation.


    She tilted her head sideways saying, "Why would she like me when I didn''t do anything to please her? Wouldn''t she be taking a whole test to know whether I am good enough for you or not?"


    Darren raised his brows at her inquisitively, holding her both hands, he smiled at her again. "She isn''t the one spending her life with you. I am. Loving you is my decision, not hers. As for pleasing her..." he flicked on her forehead saying, "Silly girl! Both my mothers hate brown-nosing. Even though my godmother is now a housewife but she can read people better than anyone. She loves anyone who is genuine." He rubbed her head saying, "You of all people don''t have to please anyone. She''s gonna fall in love with you instantly. I promise."


    Xiu''s eyes widened slightly as she stared back at him in awe and wonder. She was trying to figure out what kind of parents did he really have. Why was he always different than what she had expected? Or what she was used to? Why he always challenged those stereotypical ways of society? Was it because he grew up in western culture? Or was it just him being himself?


    He never cared about what people think or said even when she was Chen Xiu and even after years, he was still the same. He still didn''t give a damn about other''s opinions.


    Lao Tzu said, ''Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.''


    People do tend to spend their lifetime trying to please others rather than pleasing themselves. Ask yourself, when was the last time you actually did something that your heart told you to? Because 99% of the time, we tend to disregard what our own wishes are. Just because of... What will society say?


    However, what we disregard is not just our simple wishes. It''s our own self. Trying to make everyone happy, we end up in the darkness of sadness ourself and nobody cares. And why would anybody care when we never cared about our own self in the first place. We have come to put ourselves as the second priority in life and that''s the reason for our downfall.


    At least, Xiu knew that it was the key to her failure; she chose to please others rather than herself. But was it really her fault?


    ''Xiu, don''t laugh too loud...''


    ''Xiu, don''t be a nuisance to others. You can eat what others are eating.''


    ''Xiu, stop wearing such cheap baggy clothes. Think of your image.''


    These were just a couple of statements that rang in her mind but there were countless moments when she was taught to put herself down and do what aligned with others'' wishes. She didn''t create her own path, she had ignored her soul for so long that even her soul felt tired and lonely. She had lived the life of a prisoner whose only job was to please anyone and everyone.


    And those same people never even once questioned, whether she really was happy herself?


    In a daze, she whispered, "You really make me question my life as Chen Xiu."


    Darren played with her fingers as he said, "If you are living the life of Bai Xiu, shouldn''t you get over the life Chen Xiu had?" Xiu''s eyes went round as he continued, "Sweets, you have to grow out of the fears that Chen Xiu lived with. Drop those insecurities now. It isn''t worth it."


    Xiu contemplated his words with a strange gaze on him trying to read his expressions which didn''t give anything away except for the palpable affection and love in his eyes for her that was enough to warm her heart and push her to make her decision.


    "I''ll go with you," said Xiu and went on, "I have to take this bitter pill of insecurities anyway. Why not today?"


    Darren nodded his head reassuringly as he led her out of the restaurant towards the car. As they settled down, Xiu said, "Your godmother is just like Dylan or different?"


    "Mmm... Not sure," said Darren in reply before adding, "I mean, she is eccentric but not childish like Dylan. In fact, she has a very sweet personality. You might get comfortable with her without even realizing it. She doesn''t keep that stern mother persona but she is stern though."


    "You''re comfortable with her as much as you''re with your own mother?" asked Xiu as she placed her head on Darren''s shoulder and closed her eyes.


    "Actually, sometimes I''m even more comfortable with Wei Ma then Mama. They both are very different. Wei Ma never gets angry with me. But Mama even ends up hitting me. So, there are a couple of secrets that only Wei Ma knows and Mama doesn''t have a clue."


    "So when Dylan says you both are brothers from another mother, he isn''t lying? Since his mother is so close to you, he''s practically your brother," said Xiu.


    "That''s right," replied Darren without missing a beat.


    Xiu wasn''t surprised to know that Darren was Zhao Wei''s favorite. After all, Darren had the charm to make anyone around him fall for him. Even though Xiu loved this about him but it really worried her as well. Since you never know when a third-party could get a wrong idea about him. She was mad at him again for having such amazing charms.


    Just like that, instead of worrying about meeting Dylan''s mother, she was more worried about how to announce to everyone that Darren was taken. If she could, she''d make him wear a t-shirt that read, ''Keep your distance, this man is taken!''


    But she couldn''t do that. So, she had to come up with something subtle to make her statement clear. Her thinking process only stopped going awry when Darren announced, "We''re here."


    Xiu was startled to hear that. She didn''t expect to reach that soon. Now, she was again under stress. No matter how much Darren reassured her, the trauma of a lifetime couldn''t possibly go away in one night with simple words. Right?


    When Darren offered his hand to her as he opened the door of the car, Xiu took a long calming breath and placed her hand in his as she willed herself, ''It''s do or die anyway! Let''s just do it!''

 Chapter 234 - My Queen!

    A sneaky hand tried to steal a piece of chicken stealthily but another hand smacked him. Dylan looked at his mother''s glaring eyes with a pouty face. Tucking his lower lip out a bit, he whined, "Why are we waiting? Dazi is not coming!"


    "Unlike you, Regan always comes when I call him," replied Zhao Wei with a prideful look.


    "Huh! That was when he was single. Now, he is taken. Why would he come running to you when he has a gorgeous lady to accompany him?"


    That was the statement that fell on Xiu''s ear as she walked through the lounge with Darren towards the dining hall. Her brows shot up in surprise. ''Did Dylan just referred to her as a gorgeous lady? Really?'' She couldn''t believe what she just heard but she had to.


    A moment later, she heard Darren clearing his throat to get their attention and as two pairs of eyes caught on to their presence, Xiu was dumbfounded to see that petite figure with such an adorable smile. Xiu didn''t know whether it was her imagination or the aura around Zhao Wei really was so bright and serene that it put her nerves on ease. From no angle, she looked like Dylan''s mother.


    "Regan!" Zhao Wei excitedly stood up and Darren embraced her in his arms. Zhao Wei looked at her own son mockingly as she said, "So, you were saying something?"


    "Woah! That was fast..." said Dylan as he glanced at Darren inquisitively. "You didn''t even pick up my call but you ran here at the speed of light just because my Ma called you? Such hypocrite are you!"


    Darren scratched his ear saying, "An annoying bee is buzzing around."


    "Dazi!" Dylan exclaimed as he stood up to glare at his best friend for calling him ''an annoying bee''. "How can you insult me like that?" He looked at his mother complaining, "Ma, why aren''t you saying something?"


    "Yes, say something Wei Ma," urged Darren as well.


    Seeing both Dylan and Darren looking at her, pushing her to pick a side, Zhao Wei''s brows drew together. Was she ever able to pick one between these two? NEVER!


    She lifted both her hands to pull both of their ears saying, "Don''t ever make a mother choose between her kids? I love you both and that''s why I won''t pick a side. Keep your childish arguments between yourselves."


    As she let go, both of them rubbed their earlobes looking at each other with accusing gaze. As if to say, ''This is all your fault''. However, Zhao Wei decided to ignore these two who were still acting like teenagers since her eyes caught sight of a lone figure standing at a distance observing them with curiosity and fascination in her eyes.


    Zhao Wei came up to Xiu''s side and said, "You must be my Regan''s Sweets that I have been hearing about." Xiu tried to smile as she nodded her head in response. "Bai Xiu, am I right?" Xiu wasn''t really surprised that she knew about her name as she nodded again. "Why are you just standing there?" Xiu raised her brows at her in confusion and Zhao Wei shook her head before wrapping her arms around Xiu saying, "Give me a hug, we can''t have such an awkward introduction."


    As Xiu was hugged in such a way, she was baffled for a moment. She didn''t know why but the way Zhao Wei''s hand patted her back made Xiu drop all the baggage of stress that she had been carrying for a while. Somehow, her embrace was calming enough to make Xiu grow out of her insecurities.


    Zhao Wei pulled away slightly to look at Xiu''s face before she smiled warmly, "Nobody did justice in describing you except for my granddaughter." Xiu looked at her dumbfoundedly as she went on, "My Asteria said that you look like a Princess in her storybooks. I honestly thought she was exaggerating but now..." She looked Xiu up and down before nodding in appreciation. "She certainly wasn''t lying."


    Xiu tucked her hair behind her ear in embarrassment. She certainly wasn''t expecting that compliment from Zhao Wei. "Aww, she''s blushing. How adorable!" Zhao Wei pinched her cheeks making Xiu''s eyes go round. "Looks like you''re not used to compliments. But how is that possible?" Zhao Wei looked at Darren and asked, "Regan, your girlfriend looks like a princess. Am I right?"


    Darren came to Xiu''s side and as he wrapped an arm around her waist, he said, "Nope."


    "What?" Zhao Wei was shocked to hear him denying that.


    Darren pinched Xiu''s nose saying, "How can she be merely a Princess when she''s the Queen of my heart? My Queen!"


    "Ohhh...." Zhao Wei smiled brightly at his cheesy comment.


    "Booohoo..." However, Dylan was cringed out by his comment.


    And as for Xiu, she was left starstruck, lovestruck or if there was any other struck available, she was feeling all of it at once. How could such a cheesy thing make her heart race so fast? How? How does he do that? Just how?


    Dylan joined in again to rain on her parade as he said, "Oi! Don''t look so touched by those words. It isn''t his original." He turned to Darren and went on, "Why are you acting like my dad? Even used his line?"


    Darren smacked Dylan''s head saying, "We learn from our parents the best. You have a problem with that?"


    "Just because you don''t have anyone to say these words to, don''t ruin this moment for Regan," said Zhao Wei and added, "Xiao Xiu, don''t worry about what this idiot son of mine says. He has a habit of spouting nonsense when he is hungry."


    "Ma!" whined Dylan. "How could you? Don''t give any more reasons for this monster to tease me! She already has a lot to say."


    "What the hell are you saying? Don''t try to taint her image. Such an adorable girl can''t be a monster!" Zhao Wei defending Xiu and it touched Xiu''s heart since she did it even when she didn''t know Xiu very well. But even then she stood up for her in front of her own son.


    "Adorable?" questioned Dylan as he looked at Xiu strangely and added, "This is the very first time I''m even seeing her this quiet. That mouth of hers always has something to say. And I bet she has a lot to say even right now. She is only trying to look good before you."


    Xiu gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes at Dylan in a dangerous way as if to say, ''I''ll destroy you for this remark!''


    Zhao Wei''s expressions weren''t any better as she pushed Dylan back to his seat saying, "You sit down and start eating. That''s the only way, your mouth will stay busy."


    Dylan didn''t argue back since he really was hungry now. Then she pulled Xiu''s arm and made her sit beside her saying, "You sit with me. I have a lot to talk about."


    "Oho! Here we go now," said Dylan knowing what his mother was like. For a moment, he looked at Xiu with sympathy.


    "Hedi!" Zhao Wei raised her voice keeping a sharp edge to it making Dylan drop his eyes back to the food.

 Chapter 235 - Fight For Me? Or Fight With Me?

    On that dinner table, Xiu learned the true meaning of finding your own happiness in another''s smile. Through Xiu''s observation abilities, she managed to learn that whenever Zhao Wei put some food into Dylan or Darren''s bowl, they both would keep praising her food and seeing them enjoy her food, Zhao Wei''s face would lit up brightly with motherly affection.


    "Xiao Xiu, is the food to your liking? If not, I can make something else for you," offered Zhao Wei in her ever so soft voice.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "You don''t have to. It''s already really good." When Zhao Wei gave her a once over, Xiu''s head lowered slightly as she mumbled, "It''s a little spicy for me."


    Zhao Wei chuckled at her innocent remark saying, "I''m really sorry about that. These two love to eat spicy food." She was pointing at both Dylan and Darren who really seemed to be enjoying that burning spices in their mouth. Even seeing Darren''s lips turning red from spices, she was feeling like biting those red lips. She inwardly rebuked herself for having such thoughts at such a time and was only brought back to reality when she heard Zhao Wei speak again, "You have some soup or vegetables instead. Those have only mild spices."


    Xiu nodded her head, "Thank you."


    "Don''t be so polite," said Zhao Wei while waving her hand nonchalantly. "No one is polite in this family. So, it''d be weird if you kept talking so sweetly."


    Xiu gave a half-hearted smile as she said, "But there is a person here who thinks I only breathe fire through my mouth."


    That specific person in question who she was referring to ended up choking on his food and started coughing violently. Darren had to rub his back and offer him some water to calm him down. After soothing his throat a bit, Dylan looked at Xiu and said, "I wasn''t lying. Today is the first time you actually spoke nicely to me. And I''m still having chills thinking about the goody-two-shoes way that you used with me."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and sighed out, "See! Even if I''m genuinely being nice, you''re skeptical about my intentions. Now, how is that my fault?"


    "Not your fault? Till this morning, you were spewing insults at my face without a care in the world that I''m your boss and yet during the lunch, your whole persona took a 180 turn." Dylan stared at her challengingly as he continued, "Now tell me, how can someone change so easily? Unless a ghost took possession of you or your soul got swapped with a nice spirit. Those are the only acceptable possibilities for me. Because I really can''t get myself to believe that you''re the same person who got on my nerves this morning."


    Xiu slapped her chopsticks on the bowl and glared at Dylan from across the table saying, "This behavior of yours is the reason why I can''t be nice to you even if I want to. Like, you are willing to believe in crazy things like a ghost possessing my body or soul swapping but you''re not willing to believe that I just simply had a change of heart? Or maybe, I genuinely wanted to build a good relationship with you? How unreasonable can you get?"


    She took a long calming breath before adding, "Your unreasonable behavior is the reason why I call you Uncle! You''re like those middle-aged men who just don''t have any trust left in the younger generation. Those old men only try to prove themselves right. Just like you do with! You only know how to be stubborn with me."


    Dylan stood up from his chair, fuming at her remarks as he said, "How dare you! I think we decided that you won''t call me Uncle and I won''t call you kiddo. Why are you still stuck at that point?"


    "Because now I truly believe that first impressions can''t be wrong," retorted Xiu as she stuck her tongue at him childishly.


    Meanwhile, Darren kept his focus on the food as if this banter was an everyday deal and he was too used it to. On the other hand, Zhao Wei was listening to Dylan and Xiu''s back and forth bantering with intrigue. Well, actually she looked rather more pleased and entertained than intrigued.


    Slowly, Zhao Wei slid close to Darren and asked, "Does this happen often?"


    Darren gave Xiu and Dylan a glance before saying, "Too often for me to even keep track of it now."


    "Really?" Zhao Wei was surprised to hear that. And the only reason for that was; Dylan wasn''t the kind of person to argue with anyone over petty things. He was a sensitive person because of the atmosphere he grew up in but he was also a sensible person. What Zhao Wei couldn''t figure out was how did Xiu manage to trigger that childish part of Dylan that only came out with either her, his dad and Darren.


    Dylan never even had this type of argument with his own sister. Then what was really different about Xiu to make her son act like that?


    "Aren''t you gonna stop them?" asked Zhao Wei. "I feel like they are gonna be at each other''s throat otherwise."


    Darren put a spoonful of pasta in his mouth, chewed softly and calmly. He took his sweet time before answering, "Beauty Wei, why are you so worried? They had been at each other''s throat for too long now. I don''t even find it any weird anymore. Because this stupid bickering of theirs creates a special connection between them that only those two can feel." Then he took a sip of juice from his glass and added, "Besides, they got each other behind bars. I don''t think they can do any worse than that."


    "Behind bars?" Zhao Wei gaped at Darren in shock.


    Darren didn''t panic even though he let out a secret between him and Dylan as he said, "Calm down, it wasn''t a big deal." As he explained the events of that night when he received a call from both Xiu and Dylan asking him to come for their bail, Zhao Wei couldn''t help but laugh. After that, he pointed at Dylan and Xiu as he asked, "But be honest, don''t they both look adorable acting like kids fighting over their favorite candy."


    "Why do I feel like you''re so happy because the ''candy'' they often fought over is actually you?" Zhao Wei''s suggestive words made Darren smile mischievously.


    "Well, why not? I also want someone to fight for me," said Darren with a smile but inwardly he added, ''Because people only left me. No one ever fought for me.''


    Darren was startled when he felt a soft hand on his head and looked at Zhao Wei, who said, "Isn''t it better to have someone fight along with you rather than for you?"


    Darren was dumbfounded for a moment before he chuckled at her and shook his head saying, "My Wei Ma can never be wrong."


    "That I know," Zhao Wei replied looking smug.


    Finally, getting tired of the arguing, Darren held Xiu''s wrist and when she turned to look at him, he shook his head and said softly, "Eat first. We need the energy to fight as well." Then he turned to Dylan and said, "Didi, Asteria also calls you uncle which means you''re actually an uncle now. Stop whining over that."


    Dylan huffed before saying, "But she only says it to annoy me, unlike Asteria." But when Darren gave him a look that said, ''That''s enough.'' Dylan made a face before nodding his head, agreeing to drop it already.

 Chapter 236 - That I Also Know

    It didn''t take Xiu to remember that she had spoken so outrageously with Dylan right before his mother. She took a sneaky glance at Zhao Wei''s face before burying her face in her food bowl in embarrassment. She certainly didn''t regret talking like that to Dylan but she did regret doing it when his mother was right there.


    However, she was taken aback when she heard Zhao Wei''s soft laughter before she felt a hand on her head. Xiu turned her face slightly and looked at Zhao Wei in question. "It''s funny how you''re reminding me of some people."


    A line appeared between Xiu''s brows as she looked at her in confusion. That''s when she heard Darren''s voice asking, "Doesn''t it? I also thought the way these two fight looks oddly familiar."


    Zhao Wei nodded her head and laughed out, "Oh my gosh! That''s exactly what I mean."


    "Ma, what do you mean?" questioned Dylan and as his brows creased up, he added, "Don''t tell me, you both think that she and I argue like dad and uncle Zi." Both Darren and Zhao Wei shared a look before nodding their head simultaneously in reply. Dylan scoffed at their reaction, "Oh please! Dad and uncle Zi are best of friends. She and I are the worst of enemies!"


    "Aww..." Zhao Wei''s reaction seemed forced before she rolled her eyes at her son and said, "My dearest son, if after all these years you still don''t have any clue that your dad and Zi once had been the worst of enemies, then what have you been doing?"


    "What?" Dylan''s reaction was dramatic as always. "Why would they be enemies? I thought they were like brothers. Wasn''t it uncle Zi who helped your and dad''s wedding when you both cut your ties with your respective families?"


    Zhao Wei sighed out as she looked lost in memories of old times, "What you''re saying is also true. If it hadn''t been for Zi, your and dad I would have never been together till today. But it''s also true that once upon a time, they both hated the sight of each other. They had such a cold-hot relationship that they could go for months ignoring each other but only a single thing''d be able to trigger them to the point of being at each other''s throat. Haiz! Those were some golden times."


    Xiu didn''t know who exactly they were talking about but she enjoyed the stories. This was the dinner scene that she had never experienced in both lives. Even though Nora had a pretty loving family, Xiu still could tell the difference between these two families.


    At Nora''s home, dinner had been simple. Everyone would talk and all; more like a formal setting. Also, since Nora''s family rarely had a chance to gather. Because both her parents were always busy with work. But here everyone was teasing each other. For instance, whenever Zhao Wei would place more food in Darren''s bowl, Dylan would start scowling and vice versa. This was the first time she had seen someone fighting for attention in this way. It was refreshing in its own way but mostly it showed how close they were. Because the dinner wasn''t quiet at all.


    After dinner, Dylan dragged his best friend to a side to discuss something while Xiu followed Zhao Wei to the kitchen. "Let me help me you with this," she offered.


    Zhao Wei smiled at her affectionately and shook her head saying, "You don''t have to. Tonight, you''re my guest. I don''t want my guest to work. But when you come next time, I won''t be being this polite." Xiu raised her brow, not understanding her meaning. "Next time, I''ll be treating you as a daughter and order you around." She rubbed Xiu''s head lovingly and added, "Besides, daughters-in-law are also daughters. So, I won''t be formal with you. But let me act like a host for this time."


    Xiu didn''t know why but her words touched her heart deeply. Unknowingly, Xiu nodded her head showing her agreement. Later, Zhao Wei instructed the maid to clean up and took Xiu to the lounge. As they sat together, Zhao Wei started, "So, Xiao Xiu... Oh, you don''t mind me calling you Xiao Xiu, right?" Xiu shook her head. "Then that''s good. Anyways, tell me something about yourself. All I know about you is from other people. Either from Regan or Hedi. I believe that''s how they see you but I want to know you."


    Xiu was tongue-tied for a moment. It was quite rare for people to ask her this question and mostly, she didn''t even know how to answer. Because her mind would be confused whether to reply as Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu?


    "Umm... I don''t know what to say," replied Xiu while she looked at her hands in her lap sheepishly. Zhao Wei didn''t want to push her and was about to drop the topic when she saw Xiu''s discomfort but Xiu spoke again on her own, "I''m Bai Xiu. I''m 23 years old. Currently, working as the E.A for Dylan Qiu. But I guess you know all about this."


    Zhao Wei nodded her head, "I do know this."


    With a tinge of sadness looming around her eyes, she continued, "Then let me tell you what you might not know about me." She took a long and deep breath before adding, "I''m an orphan. Well, kind of." Zhao Wei''s brow quirked up at her odd choice of words. "I mean, my mother is no more and as for my father, I don''t know him. So, I believe he''s no more as well. After my mother died, my best friend''s parents adopted me and I had been a part of their family since then." As Xiu looked up, she saw Zhao Wei''s eyes scrutinizing her face and her heart dropped as she said, "I guess I am not as special as you might have heard."


    Zhao Wei pinched her cheeks again saying, "Not special? If you managed to make my Regan open his heart for you, then how can you be ordinary? And even if you''re an ordinary person, what''s wrong with that? I was once an ordinary one as well. Then I found myself an ''extra''." Seeing her air-quoting, Xiu was dumbfounded. Zhao Wei laughed at her adorable expression as she said, "What I mean is, I found my husband, who is ''extra'' like his son. But who cares?" She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "That ''extra'' of mine, makes me complete and together, we become extraordinary."


    Xiu was in awe at how she weaved her words and stared at Zhao Wei in fascination. "If you''re ordinary, don''t worry. So what even if Regan is also ordinary? What matters is that the love between you two is extraordinary." She did a 180 turn adding, "But let me clear this, my Regan is anything but ordinary."


    Xiu smiled at her words and said, "That I also know."


    "Oh, I can tell that you know. I can see it in your eyes." Zhao Wei''s knowing way made Xiu blush a little.

 Chapter 237 - Can I Love You Any More?

    "It''s a scary thing when a person you admire is suddenly revealed to be absolutely, truly human." ~Kate Jacobs


    This quote was the thing running through Xiu''s mind when she and Darren were on their way back home. She had constantly been staring at the side of his face while Darren had been busy with reading through his mails. It wasn''t a secret that Xiu admired Darren. But tonight, she learned something that made her look at him in a completely different light.


    She thought back to how earlier Zhao Wei had told her, "Although Regan looks like someone who has the best in the world, it hadn''t always been like that. It isn''t like that even now. He had been through a lot more than he cares to admit. He always got the shorter end in life from the moment he was born. But what I personally love about him is how he always manages to keep his head up."


    Xiu had noticed how she took a pause as if to collect her emotions before holding Xiu''s hands in her own and saying, "Can you take care of him for us? He loves to say that he is independent. He is independent. But he tends to forget his own needs most of the time. So, you''ll really have to put a little effort into taking care of him. I hope I''m not asking for much."


    Seeing the vulnerable look in her eyes, Xiu shook her head, "It''s not much. Actually, I find it really heartwarming instead." Xiu smiled which made her happiness palpable even in her eyes.


    Zhao Wei patted the back of her hand adding, "To be honest, you don''t have to do much. It isn''t that difficult." Xiu''s brows quirked up slightly and Zhao Wei went on, "You just have to become his reason to live. I''m sure he''ll start taking care of himself for your sake. That had always been his nature, he loves to live for the people he loves."


    Xiu''s zoned out eyes only focused back to the present when Darren clicked his fingers before her eyes to get her attention. "Sweets, is my face that interesting? Why have you been staring for so long?"


    Xiu cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment before saying, "I wasn''t staring for that long."


    "We''re already home," announced Darren her eyes go round. No wonder he looked so amused, she had been staring at him all the way to the home. Well, that was weird and awkward!


    "So what? I can stare at my boyfriend for as long as I want," said Xiu in a sharper tone than intended as she opened the door of her side and got off. "Besides, what I don''t like is other girls staring at you as I do. Only I''m allowed to do that!"


    As Darren alighted from the car and came beside her, she held his sleeve like she always did. Darren couldn''t help curling his lips up in a small but sweet smile at her habit that she unintentionally did. It was such a sweet gesture how she always held his sleeve as if scared that she''d lose him in the crowd or something.


    Darren shook his head at her before intertwining his fingers with hers, "If you really don''t want other girls to have any ideas about me, you need to start taking my hand in yours, showing your ownership with the right. As if to declare that I belong to you."


    Xiu looked up into his eyes and lost her soul in those gray orbs without knowing it. See, this was exactly what made her fall deeper in love with him. Seeing that shine in his eyes, she was reminded of how he had his own storms to pass through and yet, he never let the darkness of those storms reach his soul.


    They say, eyes are the windows to one''s soul, and all she found was a beautiful soul behind those eyes like the beautiful person he was. It actually made her feel envious to see how strong he was or at least, pretended to be.


    All of a sudden, Xiu wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him taking Darren by surprise. "If I could, I''d stick to you like this to let everyone know that you''re mine. MINE!"


    Darren caressed her head softly as he said, "Should I scream to the world?"


    Darren saw her nodding her head before shaking her head as she changed her mind split second saying, "Forget it. I don''t have to prove to anyone that you''re mine. As long as you know that you''re mine. That''s enough."


    Darren pulled her away from his embrace a little to look at her face, his face slowly leaned down. Close enough that the tip of his nose was touching hers. At this distance, he found her eyes really enchanting. It was the first time, he felt like he got what he actually wished for. He always wished for Chen Xiu to love him just a little bit. And even though it was weird seeing her with a completely different face, he really started to accept her as both Chen Xiu and Bai Xiu. And it was even more fascinating how she looked at him just like he always wanted her to; full of love.


    The look in his eyes was so intense that Xiu felt like she was gonna burn down right there and then. She tried avoiding his eyes by looking anywhere but him. However, he made it impossible when his hand held the back of her face and his lips smacked against hers making her eyes go wide.


    The kiss was soft enough to make her heart feel tingles but it was intense enough to start a fire in her heart as well. Xiu slowly closed her eyes letting herself drown in the feelings that only he managed to bring out somehow. She clutched his arms to keep her balance otherwise her jelly legs would have given way long ago.


    Both Darren or Xiu didn''t know for how long they kissed but when they pulled away, they both could see the same emotions surging in each other''s eyes. "What was that for?" she asked.


    Darren rubbed her bottom lip with his thumb while he bit his own and answered, "You said I should know I''m yours. Then I should also let you how ardently I''m in love with you." While Xiu was processing his words, he leaned close to her ear and whispered in a husky voice, "Also, because I really wanted to kiss you."


    Xiu was left baffled at how he gave her a smirk before touching her head and saying, "Good night! Have beautiful dreams. I''ll see you in the morning." Xiu nodded her head in a daze but when she saw him not moving, she raised her brows inquisitively at him. "Sweets, I have to see you go inside first." He waved with his hand gesturing her to go inside and only moved when Xiu was inside her apartment.


    Xiu leaned against the closed door and took a long sigh taking in the events of that day. She slowly lifted her hand to touch her lips and with a huge smile went on to do her nightly routine.


    Later when she laid down to sleep, her phone chimed and she picked it up to see a text from Darren. Xiu frowned slightly before clicking it to read. It read, "Sweets, good night! I had a wonderful evening. Now m'' lady, make my breakfast even more wonderful and accompany me to breakfast tomorrow." In the end, he even added a pleading emoji making Xiu chuckle.


    Xiu thought about how he spent hours with her and yet didn''t forget to send her a text before sleeping as always. He really was crazy or too good at dating. Xiu typed the answer, "Hmm... I''d love to, Sir Regan!"


    Seeing that he sent the emoji showing how excited he was almost instantly, Xiu shook her head and whispered, "Idiot! How much more do you want me to love you? Can I fall any deeper than this? Can I really love you any more than this moment?" She took a pause before replying to herself, "I think if it''s you. I really can fall deeper than this."

 Chapter 238 - Weird One

    Every person is born with their distinctive traits that set their personality apart. That helps in making someone''s individuality shine. But there are certain traits that we develop with time either by copying someone or we are forced to adapt with time, and people around us.


    However, every person has a part of the toxic traits within him as well. Xiu also had her own fair share of toxic traits but one of those that she was reminded of every morning was... Apparently, she thought that she could do anything in just 10 minutes which was never right. And with this particular mindset, she kept putting her alarm on snooze.


    Her phone''s ringtone made her groan in irritation. In her half-asleep state, she attended the call, "Why are you calling in the middle of the night?"


    Darren rubbed his forehead and sighed as his assumption came to be true. She was indeed sleeping till now and had completely forgotten what they talked about last night. Ugh! This girl really needed to pay some attention!


    "I didn''t know that ''7 o''clock in the morning'' was also known as the middle of the night. Is this some kind of cultural difference or I''m too dumb to realize it?" came Darren''s voice making Xiu''s eyes wide open. She immediately sat up and looked at the phone screen to check the time and facepalmed herself.


    "Shit! Sorry! Really sorry! Baby, just give me 5 minutes, I''ll be right with you," said Xiu and hung up the call in a hurry. She frantically tried to get up but her foot got tangled in the sheets and she ended up falling face-flat on the floor.


    Meanwhile, Darren was left staring at his phone screen with a silly smile. She called him with such adoration that he couldn''t possibly bring himself to get mad at her. He languidly scrolled through his phone before wearing his shoes and walking out of the apartment.


    He checked the time and since it''s already been 15 minutes since they spoke over the phone, he lifted his hand to ring the bell. However, Xiu pulled open the door right at that moment. Darren lifted his brow at her as he looked at her from head to toe. Her hair was still slightly wet and that''s why she hadn''t tied it. Her nose was oddly red and her eyes seemed like she cried? Cried?


    Darren frowned at that thought. Then he caught sight of her putting the shoes in her hands down to wear them while she passed her handbag to him to hold. As she wore the shoes, she looked at him with a smile but her eyes twitched slightly as if she winced in pain.


    "Sweets? You okay?" asked Darren in a concerned tone.


    "Perfect!" replied Xiu hiding her pained expression. Earlier when she fell down the bed, her nose had taken all the impact and it even bled a little. But she didn''t want to tell him that otherwise, she knew he''d drag her to the hospital.


    They didn''t go far for breakfast, it was a place around the housing society. Xiu ordered beef rice noodles, some fried breadsticks, and some soy milk. Then she looked at Darren, who only ordered Jianbing, a Chinese crepe for himself.


    "Hm? That''s enough for you?" asked Xiu and he nodded in reply. "I thought you wanted to have breakfast with me? But you aren''t even eating anything?"


    "The keyword is ''WITH YOU''. Breakfast is just an excuse to spend more time with you in the morning," replied Darren with a straight face.


    Xiu was really fascinated at how he managed to say those words with that straight face. Xiu took a long deep breath and said, "But why do you even need excuses to spend time with me?"


    Darren scratched the back of his neck as he said, "Oh, that''s right. I don''t need excuses to see my own girlfriend." As they were having a normal conversation, the breakfast was served and Xiu dug in almost instantly. But just as she took a bite of her beef noodles, it was so hot that she almost spit it out. "Aye! What''s the hurry? Be careful."


    Xiu''s eyes watered at how hot it was, she really was being clumsy today. But why was her clumsy side coming out today of all days? She was really annoyed to think about it. However, she learned one important lesson today, she really needed to stop being in a hurry so much. And for that, she needed to do everything on time.


    While she went back to eating but this time taking her time blowing on her food first, Darren asked, "By the way, what did you talk about with Wei Ma last night?" Xiu lifted her eyes to glance at him inquisitively as he went on, "I mean, you both spend an hour talking. She didn''t tell you any embarrassing stories of my childhood. Did she?"


    Xiu laughed at the way he was looking at her trying to pry. "Do you have any embarrassing stories?" she retorted. Because to be honest, she personally didn''t think he could have any embarrassing incidents. It just didn''t seem to sit well with her.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders saying, "Well, I can think of one."


    "Really? What is it?" inquired Xiu, curiously blinking her eyes at him.


    "She... didn''t tell you?" asked Darren and Xiu shook her head in response. "Then what did you guys talked about for so long? It''s not possible that she didn''t say anything about me."


    Xiu smiled at her reaction and said, "She did talk about you." She took a brief pause before adding, "She said when you first came to their home with Dylan, she found you really cute. She also said how she actually thought you''re like an angel with two white wings on your back especially when you compliment on how good the dinner was." Suddenly, Xiu''s eyes drooped and while she played around with the noodles in her bowl, she quoted Zhao Wei''s words, "She also said, ''Regan was such a good boy with such good manners that I was in awe. But it took me a while to realize that he was too good for his age.''"


    He stayed quiet for a moment before he chuckled on his own saying, "Aiyo, she really thinks about everything. Don''t take her words too seriously."


    Even though he tried to laugh it off, Xiu didn''t find it funny at all. Even she could understand that Zhao Wei indirectly meant that he didn''t act his age. He grew up before he was supposed to and became considerate of everyone''s feelings around him except for his own. That''s why Zhao Wei insisted that Xiu should make him think about himself as well.


    "Regan, don''t you think you''re way too attentive? I mean don''t you get tired of being attentive to other''s needs or feelings?" said Xiu in a slightly desolate tone.


    He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Not really. If me being attentive can make people around me happy then why would it be a burden to me?"


    "But..." Xiu placed her hand on his, "What about your happiness?"


    He looked at her hand on his before he placed his other hand over hers and replied, "I don''t know why people assume that I''m not happy? The people I love and care about are my source of happiness. Just like this hand of yours in mine is enough to make me smile like an idiot for the rest of the day."


    Xiu scoffed, "Idiot! You''re a weird one. No, weirdest one!"

 Chapter 239 - Its Only Tuesday...

    "As long as you don''t mind loving this weird me, I don''t care about anything," replied Darren and it was all that took for him to score a goal and make Xiu speechless. He took a moment before asking, "By the way, where is Nora?"


    Xiu frowned at his question. Not because he asked about Nora but because from Sunday, he''d been asking about her way too frequently and it was only Tuesday now. Why was he so interested in knowing about her whereabouts so suddenly? Meanwhile, though Darren was trying to seem disinterested, he really couldn''t hide that he was indeed interested in this matter involving Ah-Si and Nora. He needed an explanation and that too from Nora herself.


    "Baby, why are you so interested in my best friend? Aren''t you worried that I''ll get jealous?" spoke Xiu with a crushed look on her face.


    Darren flailed his hand trying to deny it, "Sweets, I''m just curious. Nothing else. I promise."


    "You acting like this even more suspicious," said Xiu. But seeing Darren panicking, she chuckled at his reaction and said, "Aiyo, I didn''t know you''re that easy to tease."


    Darren pulled his chair beside hers and held her face in his hands. He didn''t speak for a good minute, only looked into her eyes. "Only you can tease me this easily. Because you have no idea how scared I am that you might leave me." ''I don''t even wanna give you a single reason to leave me behind again. Not this time!'' He didn''t say the last words out loud.


    "Huh?" Xiu brushed his hair off her forehead saying, "Where can I run off to? I have nowhere to go. Literally nowhere." As she recalled something, her eyes looked anguish, "Are you saying that because of what I did in my previous life? Did I really scarred you so bad?"


    Darren held her hand, shook his head and placed a kiss on the back of her hand and while his lips linger there for a while as he said, "It isn''t just about what you did as Chen Xiu." His forehead leaned against hers as he said, "I have only lost people in life. Nobody stuck around for my sake even when they were supposed to."


    Xiu smiled at how she could see his vulnerability. It made him seem so human and real that she couldn''t hold herself from leaning down to kiss him. He also had insecurities. It wasn''t the first time, he so straightforwardly told her that he was scared of losing her. He had said that before as well but this time, it meant so much more to her.


    "I''m not going anywhere. Even if you ask me to leave, I still won''t," replied Xiu with certainty before brushing the tip of her nose with his and saying, "Now, let me finish my breakfast. See, you make me forget everything with that stupidly handsome face of yours."


    Darren propped his elbow on the table and supported his chin on the palm of his hand as he kept looking at her eating with a smile lingering on his lips. She ate so calmly now unlike the clumsy version of hers earlier. Now, she looked like a Persian cat taking her time savoring each and every bite.


    Xiu tried calling him but he didn''t listen, she hit his arm to get his attention, "Where are you? I called you so many times." Darren touched the tip of his nose in embarrassment while she continued, "Whatever! What I want to know is, what do you think are the chances of Dylan believing my reincarnation story?"


    Darren straightened up as he asked, "You want to tell him?" Honestly, as much as he wanted to have this little secret of their own, he just couldn''t help thinking about Dylan. Dylan was the only person who deserved to know this secret, at least that''s what Darren believed. It was really difficult for him to keep secrets from Dylan and this was a huge one that concerned him as well more than Darren would like to admit.


    "I haven''t thought about it but maybe, it depends on his performance. But you tell me whether he''ll believe it or not?" She didn''t bother elaborating on which performance she was talking about. But Darren knew himself that his best friend was in trouble for certain.


    "He will," replied Darren making Xiu look at him in confusion. "I told you, he''s scared of ghosts. But it isn''t just his fear. He actually believes in ghosts and any supernatural activity. He even joined a social group where people share their paranormal activities. So, I really think that he''d believe you."


    Xiu listened to him before saying, "He really does all sorts of things, doesn''t he?" Darren chuckled before nodding his head. "I don''t think I can call him weird. Calling him abnormal would be better."


    "Hmm... I agree, he is abnormal. Because only an abnormal person can love a celebrity the way he did." The words he didn''t add this time were, ''He loved Chen Xiu to the point that he didn''t take a second before throwing away his own love.''


    Xiu was stunned by his words. Because she knew the celebrity in question was her. That brought her to a question, she really wanted to ask Dylan, why was he in love with her? What did she really have to have someone admire her in such an innocent way?


    Later Darren dropped Xiu off to the office and she got busy with work as usual. And when she found some time to breathe before the lunch hour, she was reminded of the riddle that Destiny left for her. Xiu pulled out that small note and kept reading it over and over again.


    Her fingers tapped on the tabletop in a rhythmic manner as she kept wondering, "I say nothing yet you know, I have a name but I have to let it go, I have no mouth yet I tell a tale, I make you smile, I make you cry... I make memories come alive." Xiu dropped her head on the table as she sighed out, "What is the answer?" she ruffled her own hair aggressively before asking out loud, "Is the answer ''Memories?''" Knocking on her head, she dropped the idea, "Nah! How will that bring me the key to unlock the box? Then is it ''Destiny?'' But it still doesn''t fit somehow!"


    Xiu was going crazy on her own when the phone on her table rang before she could even say a word through the receiver, she heard the other end say, "Come to my office. NOW!" Xiu flinched a bit how Dylan emphasized that ''NOW'' and wondered what happened to him this time.


    As she stood up, she mumbled, "It''s only Tuesday but I''m already tired of this week. What a bummer!" Shaking her head despondently, she entered Dylan''s room and asked, "What did I do to owe this pleasure of Mr. Qiu Hedi calling me on his own?"


    "You''re still in the mood of jokes?" inquired Dylan as she stared back at her with a blank face.


    "What did I do?" asked Xiu as a line appeared between her brows.


    "See for yourself," replied Dylan as he rotated the screen of his laptop towards her.

 Chapter 240 - My Always & Forever!

    Xiu looked at the screen and exclaimed, "Oh, that''s my baby!"


    Dylan''s face twitched at the way she screamed, ''my baby?'' What the hell? Rolling his eyes, he sighed out saying, "What did you do to convince him for this?"


    Xiu tilted her head in confusion, "Eh? What did I do?"


    "Why did he agree for this interview?" asked Dylan in a loud voice glaring at Xiu dangerously. She didn''t think it was such a huge matter. Wasn''t it just an interview, why was Dylan looking like he was gonna murder her?


    "How would I know that? And by the way, he''s such a successful person. Why can''t he do interviews? It''s nothing to get angry about," replied Xiu in a calmer tone making Dylan even angrier.


    "Are you simply dumb or pretending to be one?" retorted Dylan. "Since the time Darren left his racing career, he had never been on tv, magazines, and stuff." Seeing Xiu frowning, he rubbed his forehead, "When he announced a sudden retirement at the peak of his career, everybody was curious about his disappearance. He doesn''t like talking about that phase of his life. That''s why I am curious as to why he decided to accept this interview when he always rejected hundreds of times." He stared at Xiu accusingly as he added, "Which brings me to the point that this has something to do with you."


    As Xiu listened to him, her eyes had been drawn to Darren''s face that she could see on the laptop screen. The interview was with an international business magazine, oddly Xiu could see Darren''s discomfort through his face clearly. His usual calmness was somehow overshadowed. Xiu never had a dream in her life. Perhaps, that''s why she really couldn''t understand what Darren felt at that moment.


    But she wondered, whether facing the trauma of his broken dreams was that scary for him? Then why was he doing it? When she heard Dylan pointing his finger at her, she asked, "Why do you think it''s because of me?"


    Dylan scoffed as he fast forwards the interview and said, "Listen to this part."


    Xiu paid all her attention to the video as she listened carefully...


    The interviewer was saying, "Mr. Salvay, we are thankful that you managed to spare some time for us. At the last of this interview, do you mind me asking a personal question?"


    Darren shook his head, "I don''t mind."


    "You have won the award for the Top businessman of the year, twice in a row. How did you manage it? I mean what motivated you to achieve this dream of yours? Is there a person behind this success?" asked the pretty interviewer making Xiu glued to the screen staring daggers at the way that woman looked at her boyfriend.


    Darren''s expression changed as he replied, "There are a lot of people. But the one who pushed me to this place is the person who taught me how to dream..." He looked at the camera and as if looking straight into Xiu''s soul, he added, "She said if I have the freedom to dream, I shouldn''t stop myself from dreaming. She said I should do what made me happy. So, I took a step towards this new dream forgetting about the world because I wanted to see her happy."


    Tears pooled in Xiu''s eyes as she thought about how the broken parts of Chen Xiu managed to give wings to Darren to take a flight for new dreams and hopes. That was the first time, Xiu felt like she did something worthwhile as Chen Xiu. No matter how crooked or twisted Chen Xiu''s life was, she still pushed Darren to dream and fight for his dreams.


    The interviewer was lost in his words and the sincerity of those words as well. "You must really love this person you talk about."


    "I do," replied Darren without hesitation, "I really do love her." Xiu chuckled as he said that so straightforwardly. Was he an idiot announcing his love for her before the whole world?


    "Do you think she''d be seeing this interview?" asked the interviewer.


    "I hope so," answered Darren.


    "If you could tell her something at this moment, what would it be?"


    Darren took a deep breath and looked at the camera again making Xiu''s heartbeat sped up in anticipation and anxiousness and excitement. "Sweets, you know I chose you then. I still choose you and I''ll choose you over and over again. Without any doubt, in a heartbeat, I''ll be choosing only you. Because me and my heart both know, it''s you. It just has to be you. My one and only. My forever and always."


    Xiu covered her mouth with her hand as tears burst out of her eyes. Of course, she knew that. She knew he would choose her even if she was the craziest person alive, he''d still choose her. But then why his words were making her heart clench in her chest? Why was it so difficult to hear it? Why did it seem so painful? Weren''t those some happy words? Then why those words were making her cry? Oh, she knew... It took her a lifetime to realize that the one she needed had always been right by her side. How dense was she, right?


    "That''s so sweet and somehow making me envious as well," said the interviewer in awe before adding, "I think this message is enough to make it clear to all the single ladies that you''re taken. Such a piece of heartbreaking news. But I''d still like to say best of luck with your partner."


    Xiu''s eyes went round when she heard the interviewer''s words as she was reminded of her own whining, ''I want to tell everyone that you''re off-limits. Nobody should look at you like they are coveting you. You''re mine and I want that message to get across!''


    Her tears fell even more hard. That stupid, idiot actually went to face one of his biggest fears because he wanted to end all her insecurities? Was he crazy? Yes, as he said, he was crazy! He''d really go to any limits for her. But why for her? Was she really worth it? Did she really deserve the love of someone as amazing as him?


    Dylan saw her bawling her eyes and seemed reluctant to even say anything. He didn''t know why she was reacting this way. Wasn''t she supposed to be happy about this confession? He was the one mad and angry here. Not because he wasn''t happy for them but because somehow he felt like Xiu was changing Darren.


    He thought he did something, so he came around to her side and touched her head softly saying, "Oi, sorry for being harsh with words. But you don''t have to cry because of it. I think you might not have told him to do this but what you don''t know about Dazi is that he reads between lines way too much. So, maybe you said something which triggered this. However, I''m not mad at you. Actually, I''m happy. This is the first time in seven years that he is willing to face his fears."


    When Xiu started crying even harder, Dylan panicked, "Oh, come on! Can you not cry? Dazi will kill me if he got to know that I made you cry. Please, stop it already!"


    Xiu got up from her chair abruptly and hugged Dylan taking him by surprise.

 Chapter 241 - I Was Envious OF Her...

    Dylan wasn''t just taken aback, he was literally frozen like a statue in shock. Xiu herself didn''t know why she hugged him without thinking. But she certainly could say that being around Dylan wasn''t as annoying as it used to be.


    "You both best friends have one thing in common," she said pulling away to wipe her tears with her sleeve. While Dylan raised his brow in question, she answered, "You both are really crazy in your own ways."


    Dylan looked jubilant as he said, "Of course, we are. Why do you think we are best of friends till now? Both of us don''t do anything half-heartedly. Besides, to keep sanity in this world, all of us should try invading the borders of insanity once in a while."


    Xiu glanced at his face for a moment longer with her reddened eyes and shook her head saying, "That remark was so weird and so random..." she sighed slowly before adding, "But it still felt like you."


    Dylan had something bugging him, so he tapped Xiu''s shoulder with his index finger asking, "You didn''t cry because of me, right? It was Dazi who made you cry with his words, right?" Xiu furrowed her brows at him but still nodded in reply. Dylan patted his chest and heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank God! I''m out of trouble. He would have really murdered me if I had made you cry."


    "My baby won''t go as far as murdering you," retorted Xiu, defending her boyfriend.


    Dylan gave her a look that said, ''Are you really that naive? Or love turned you into a fool?'' before saying, "Miss Bai Xiu, I guess you think he''s an angel and there is no doubt he is. But let me tell you, that angel takes only a second turning into the dark angel. Dazi hates it when the people around him are hurt. Making you cry would be like touching his bottom-line and trust me I don''t have the guts to do that." A shiver ran through his spine as he added, "It''s scary to even think about it."


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to his words at all since she believed he was exaggerating and nothing else. "Don''t try to taint my baby''s image. He is the most amazing person."


    Looking at her daydreaming with that dreamy expression on her face, Dylan sighed in sympathy as he said, "Don''t look so touched by his words." Xiu gave him a skeptical look. "Little one, Dazi might have said those last words for you but the ones about dreams didn''t come from you and they were not for you either. That was my Goddess Xiu''s miracle, she gifted my best friend''s smiling face back to me."


    Xiu first didn''t know what to say. Wasn''t she the only person who was supposed to feel touched? After all, no matter what or how Darren said it, it was all meant for her to hear. It was a reminder that once he fell in love with her beyond her imagination and once again, he ended up loving her beyond his own imagination. Perhaps, that''s why he said that he''d choose her whenever and wherever because it was his heart choosing her for him over and over again.


    Since Xiu had nothing to say to Dylan, she chuckled, "I can''t believe you sometimes. Do you realize that even Regan doesn''t bring up Chen Xiu''s name as much as you do? Why? Do you want me to feel jealous of her? Just because she was Regan''s first love?"


    Dylan suddenly looked powerless and discouraged as he walked up to the glass wall, looking out at the sky, "I don''t want to make you jealous. My intention had just been to remind you that my Goddess Xiu is the person Dazi would never forget about. First love had always been like that. You can only fall in, you can''t fall out of it."


    Xiu came to stand beside him and said, "First love might be strong but it has no value when it''s not even around." Dylan''s eyes widened at her words as she continued, "Yes, first love is unforgettable but I don''t find it any special. Being someone''s first love is easy, but being their last is the hardest part." Dylan furrowed his brows, contemplating her words before he felt her hand on his shoulder. "I never wanted to and will never want to compete with a dead person. Why should I bother competing with someone who didn''t even fight for her own life?"


    As if Xiu had hit a mark, Dylan''s head turned to glare at her angrily, "You! I told you once before say whatever you want to me but don''t bring my Goddess Xiu in this. She isn''t dead. As long as she lives in the hearts of people like me who really admired her as a person and an artist, she''ll keep living. If nothing else, her legacy will keep living. And legends don''t die."


    At first, Xiu was shocked by his outburst but later, she really felt touched by his words. He really was impossible. Defending a person whom he didn''t even meet? What kind of an idiot do you have to be to act like him? "No, dear Didi... Legends don''t die but they do become myths or fade away in history somewhere."


    Dylan wanted to deny, he wanted to retort but his heart knew she wasn''t lying. She was telling the truth that he didn''t like to hear. He clenched his fists tightly helplessly. Xiu gave him a small smile as she said, "I had been curious for a while now, why do you love Chen Xiu this much? Was she your first love as well like your best friend?"


    Dylan gave her a sideways glance and shook his head, "Dazi loved her passionately. I loved her as an admirer." He took a pause before adding, "I was envious of her. She had what I never did."


    Xiu was left dumbfounded by his words. She as Chen Xiu had something that could make a young master like Dylan be envious of her? How? Why? She had nothing, to begin with. In fact, she only even had pity for herself. Then how could someone else be envious of her? Did that even make any sense?

 Chapter 242 - Lets Grab A Drink

    Admiration and envy are the terms that are closer to each other than one think. Seeing the good brings out the good in us or the jealousy within us. However, it''s not always true. Sometimes, we don''t envy others just because we can''t admire them. After all, envy can bud from admiration and admiration can bud from envy likewise. However, envy is also just another way of admiration.


    And that''s exactly what Dylan meant when he said that he was envious of Chen Xiu.


    "She had nothing. How can someone who had nothing made you envious of her?" questioned Xiu while glancing at the side of Dylan''s face.


    Dylan gave a brittle smile as he said, "A lot of people were envious of her and her achievements. Why couldn''t I be one of those people?"


    "Because you lacked nothing in life," replied Xiu in a straightforward way.


    His mirthless expression seemed odd to Xiu as he replied, "Indeed, I lacked nothing in life and perhaps that why I ended up admiring her even more. She lacked all that I had and yet her way of seeing life was phenomenal." He took a pause while Xiu rolled her eyes at him.


    ''Phenomenal? Really? Then how come I ended up being such a failure?'' she wondered to herself but still silently waited for Dylan''s reply. She wanted to hear what he had to say.


    "Whenever I felt down, I''d only have to look around and I''d find her smiling at me through a screen. I don''t think she ever realized how much that smile of hers mattered to people like me. It was all I needed to smile back at her. She was always there whenever I felt lost, tired or lonely. As if it was some kind of a connection."


    Hearing his words, Xiu scoffed, "Silly, it wasn''t a connection. You should say she was so famous that wherever you looked you''d find her endors.e.m.e.nt ads. It can''t be described as a connection."


    Dylan glared at her again for spouting nonsense, "Oh, really? There were other ads as well. Then why was it that only she was able to affect me? I cried with her, laughed with her, felt sad with her and even fell in love with her." He turned to face Xiu and went on, "She was the angel with no wings but not just for me. Do you know she loved kids? Whenever she had time, she''d visit an orphanage, she loved spending time with those kids."


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she blurted out, "How do you know that?" Her shock was obvious since nobody knew what she did as a hobby, not even her assistant. Her free time was spent either wandering on the streets or visiting an orphanage. There was no doubt that she loved those kids. They reminded her of how she had no love in her life like them.


    "I used to do voluntary work in the orphanages in my teens. During that summer break, I was in Capital staying with my uncle when I went to that orphanage. I honestly never thought I''d see her there laughing, playing and acting silly with those children. For the very first time in my life, I actually saw what her genuine happiness looked like." Xiu could see the admiration for herself in his eyes making her feel weird inside.


    "Do you know that she spent more than half of her earning trying to make the dreams of those children come true? Because she never had the right to dream, she wanted to protect their freedom to laugh and their innocent dreams. Now, tell me how could I not be envious of her? She had nothing and yet she lived to the fullest. While I had everything and yet I couldn''t stop complaining about my life."


    Samuel Johnson wrote, ''Whoever envies another confesses his superiority.''


    The same went for Dylan as well. He was willing to admit that Chen Xiu was superior to him in many ways. Especially when it came to her heart. She had the heart of gold. She tried to spread the love even when that was the thing most lacking in her own life. And for him, who had all the world and everyone''s love in his life didn''t have a clue as to how to fall in love or how to give back that love.


    "You must have heard that I had the most sheltered life," Dylan looked at Xiu while she nodded in a daze. "I indeed lived the most pampered life. But I took that for granted from the very beginning. It was my goddess Xiu who made me realize that love isn''t a one-way road. It goes both ways. You can''t take someone''s love for granted since that''d be insulting to the person in love with you."


    Xiu''s mind was all over the place as she tried to contemplate Dylan''s words. It sounded like he wasn''t talking about Chen Xiu because even while living as Chen Xiu, Xiu had never seen herself as such a person who could inspire another. She honestly believed that people only admired her for her beauty and that''s all. Someone admiring her as a person? That thought never even crossed her mind.


    Xiu ran a hand over her face and sat down on the floor without any care as she thought about how wrong she had been in her life. She thought Chen Xiu didn''t deserve someone''s love and yet there was an idiot named Regan Darren Salvay who loved her. Then she thought no one could admire her and yet there was another idiot named Dylan Qiu whose envy and admiration were all just for her.


    "You said you fell in love with her, what did you mean by that?"


    Dylan didn''t know why she looked so pale and out of sort but he still answered, "I heard someone asking her once, ''What is love to Chen Xiu? How would you describe it?'' Can you guess what she said?"


    Xiu tilted her head up to stare at him, she honestly couldn''t guess at all. She couldn''t recall it at all.


    "She said, ''Love is life.'' That person asked, ''Then what is life?'' She replied, ''Life is simple and straightforward. Just like love is. It''s us who ends up making both love and life complicated.''" Seeing Dylan reminiscing about the past made Xiu''s head hurt. "Seeing love as she described it made me fall in love with life itself."


    She stood up and ruffled his hair saying, "Let''s grab a drink together. I''m too sober to reminisce about that past which you seem to hold very dear to your heart."

 Chapter 243 - Shawty, Lets Party Till The Sundown!

    If one asked Xiu what it felt like being a celebrity, she''d quote what Megan Fox once said, "I''ve learned that being a celebrity is like being a sacrificial lamb. At some point, no matter how high the pedestal that they put you on, they''re going to tear you down."


    And if these words didn''t reflect the life Chen Xiu lived, then Xiu didn''t know any other words for it. People say being a celebrity sets you free but Xiu could say that being a celebrity was the real hindrance in her life. Being a celebrity is also a dangerous job. One day, the fans shower you with a lot of love but the very next day when you try to do something for your own happiness, those very fans turn their backs on you.


    What fans never realize is that if they put their trust in the celebrities, the celebrities also put their trust in their fans. Because for a celebrity, fans also become a family but do you realize how it hurts when that said family tries to tear you apart?


    Staring at Dylan''s face under the dim lights of the bar, Xiu was going through a surreal experience. She had to do a lot of convincing to get Dylan out of the office in the afternoon when the office hours weren''t even over now. She had heard the term, ''Die-hard fans.'' The ones who are willing to be there till the very end no matter how the wind has changed its course. But it was her very first time being an acquaintance with that said ''die-hard fan'' and that too of herself. It that wasn''t surreal, what else could be?


    Dylan felt really uncomfortable being at the end of her piercing gaze. He swirled the whiskey in his glass while trying to look anywhere but Xiu. But her aura was so damn strong that he could feel her gaze even at the back of his head. He gulped down the bitter drink and asked, "Are you even allowed to drink? I thought Dazi asked you not to drink with others."


    Xiu took a sip of her drink saying, "He said not to drink with others. You''re not others. Or are you?"


    Dylan brows knitted together at her reply. She didn''t seem drunk since her eyes were still focused and alert. Then why was she talking so differently?


    Meanwhile, Xiu had already had enough drink down her throat to make her tipsy. "Oi, Didi!"


    "Eh?" Dylan looked at her with a raised brow.


    "Reporters tarnished Chen Xiu in every way possible to the point where even all her fans went against her. You should also give up on her like she gave up on herself," spoke Xiu while tracing the top of the glass with her index finger. "People still blame her for things she didn''t do. Why don''t you try hating her as well? Perhaps it''d make your life easier."


    "My mom says that sometimes people pretend you''re a bad person so they don''t feel guilty for the things they did to you. And I believe the ones who still don''t want to accept her goodness are only those people who knows that they are guilty of her suicide." Dylan''s reply left Xiu in a stumble.


    She leaned back in her chair and laughed out like a crazy person. She laughed to the point where even her tears started falling. However, only she knew those weren''t the tears from her laughter, those tears were because of the idiot sitting before her. There was a limit to how much a celebrity could mean to a fan. But Dylan seemed like someone who really crossed all those limits and borders.


    She wiped the corner of her eyes saying, "Man, you''re really a dysfunctional person."


    Dylan looked at her eyes for a moment longer. Even under the dim lights, he could see that her eyes held a bit of hurt. What he couldn''t put his finger on was... Why? Why was she hurt? However, since he didn''t want to take the blame for her tears, he tried to joke, "I know, I''m dysfunctional. After all, I put that ''fun'' in ''dys-fun-ctional''."


    Xiu''s brows raised slightly before she laughed at his face again, "Bro, I put the ''hot'' in ''psyc-hot-ic'' as well. You can''t compete with me."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her thinking when did they start competing but soon he realized that they had been only competing since the first time they met. Whether it was for noodles or it was to prove oneself right, they just never stopped competing.


    "Didi, do you believe in reincarnation?" asked Xiu as she supported her head with her hand.


    "Reincarnation?" Dylan seemed unsure when she asked the question. "I do."


    "Huh? Why?" retorted Xiu curiously.


    "Because I believe in miracles," replied Dylan with a shrug of his shoulders as if he said it very casually.


    "Miracles?" Xiu repeated his words with a skeptical look palpable on her face. "What miracles have you seen in life to look so certain about miracles?"


    Dylan propped his elbows on the table and joined his fingers as he said, "Isn''t it a miracle that there are hundreds of stars in our country and yet I fell for only one?" Xiu looked up at him in surprise. "Isn''t it also a miracle that Dazi and I were born in different countries, had different family backgrounds, had completely different languages and yet, we became brothers for life? And if I talk generally, isn''t love itself a miracle as well?"


    "For someone heartbroken like you, it sounds weird to know that you still think love is a miracle," said Xiu making Dylan stare at her with a bit unpleasant look in his eyes. Xiu flailed her hands saying, "Calm down, Didi! What I mean is that you lived with a delusion and you still believe in a miracle. It''s not easy to have this belief."


    "Huh? What do you mean that I lived with a delusion?" asked Dylan, showing interest in her drunk talk.


    Xiu stretched her arm and ruffled his hair saying, "Aiyo, my dearest fan... There are two ways to love. It either turns into a delusion or it turns into a miracle. I''ve lived with a delusion once, I know what it feels like when that delusion is broken." She took a pause before adding, "But don''t worry, I found the miracle of my life. I believe you''d too." She leaned closer to him and whispered as if telling him a top-secret, "Let me give you a piece of advice from my personal experience..." she hiccuped and went on, "Sorry about that. But coming back to the topic, from my personal experience I can tell you that the love we call a miracle is often closer than we think. However, being the dumb humans, we spend a lifetime looking for that miraculous love elsewhere."


    Dylan listened to her attentively and even nodded in agreement before slapping her hand away from his hair saying, "I''m not your fan."


    Xiu pinched his cheeks making his eyes go-round as she said, "That''s what you think, sweety."


    ''Sw-Sweety? What? What the hell?'' He glared at her and held her wrist saying, "I think you''re quite drunk now. Let''s leave now."


    Xiu didn''t move as she whined, "Why? I still have a lot to tell you. We just started? Shawty, let''s party till the sundown!"


    Hearing her singsong voice, Dylan gaped at her in horror and shock. "That''s it. Now, we''re definitely leaving!"

 Chapter 244 - Ugly Kindnapper?

    From the very first time Dylan had met Xiu, she left a remarkable impression on him. It was remarkable because no one had ever been able to annoy him as much as she did. And that too on the very first meeting. Later on, his impressions of hers started shifting on several occasions. Today wasn''t any different, once again his impression of her being responsible and sensible was shattered.


    He had assumed that Xiu was a quiet drunk kind of a person but boy was he wrong about that! He was cursing the moment when he agreed to accompany her for a drink which later on turned into a complete drinking session.


    With her calling him as ''sweety'' had already rung a bell of warning in his head but when she started talking in a singsong voice, he knew something was going down. Who knew it was him going down today. He tried to drag her out of her seat but Xiu was resisting with all her willpower as she held the corner of the table and refused to leave.


    Shaking her head, she screamed, "I said I''m not going. Why can''t you listen to me for once? Is it that difficult?"


    Dylan rubbed his forehead, "Xiu, we have to leave now. You''re already drunk. I can''t let you drink any more than this."


    Xiu''s face scrunched up as she said, "I''m not drunk! I haven''t even started yet! This was just a warm-up. The party is only starting."


    Dylan held her wrist again and tried to pull her saying, "We are done here. And we are certainly done with your antics. There is no party here."


    "Ahh!!" came an agonizing cry from Xiu as she started yelling, "Help! Help! This ugly guy is kidnapping me!"


    "What the f.u.c.k!" Dylan looked at her in disbelief while she made a pitiful face for the perfect performance. She looked like the epitome of innocence with those watery eyes as if she was holding her tears back. Dylan was amazed at her performance. However, he didn''t have much time to praise her since he had to clear up this stupid misunderstanding that Xiu created out of nowhere.


    "Look at his shamelessness!" said an on-looker. "Taking advantage of an innocent girl."


    "What audacity you have? Kidnapping a girl? Tsk. Tsk." another one chimed in.


    Dylan was being hoarded by those people who tried to shove the blame on him as if they had been washed with the holy water or something! He was shameless or these people were? Hmph!


    Dylan glared at Xiu who cowered back as if she was a turtle hiding in her shell. He took a long and calming breath and tried to clear up, "Everyone, she is just drunk."


    "Exactly! How can you take advantage of a drunk girl?" said another prosecutor of justice.


    Dylan''s face twitched in annoyance as he said, "She''s my assistant."


    "Just because she''s your employee, you can''t force her like this."


    Dylan was on the verge of exploding now. He rubbed his earlobes trying to distract himself from his anger. No matter how much he tried to explain, those men weren''t having it. So, he looked at Xiu and asked, "Xiu, do you have a problem with kidnapping or the ugly kidnapper?"


    Xiu glowered as she replied, "Obviously, the ugly kidnapper. Bring the last kidnapper, he was handsome. I don''t like you."


    Dylan gave a look to those men who were trying to preach around and explained the situation before looking back at Xiu. Seeing him glaring, she again cowered back a little. Terror crossed her face and seeing her eyes, Dylan''s face went blank. He didn''t know why but she looked really scared. Why? He didn''t even say anything to her. Even though it was her fault for accusing him wrongly.


    He pulled out his phone and turned the screen towards Xiu. As she saw Darren''s photo on the screen, Xiu almost hopped up to him saying, "Oh, that''s my baby! My most handsome kidnapper!" She kissed his photo making Dylan roll his eyes. Suddenly, her smile dulled as she whined, "This is just my baby''s photo. Where is the real one? I want to kiss the real one."


    Dylan scoffed, "Of course, it''s not the real one. You only kissed the phone screen, and all that bacteria on the screen must be really happy." Xiu scowled at his attempt of sarcasm while he went on, "Don''t act like a broody kid now. You want to kiss your baby?" Only Dylan knew how cringy he felt when he said that ''your baby'' while she nodded happily. "I''ll take you to him. But you''ll have to come with me."


    "Really?" Xiu held Dylan''s arm and swung it from side to side as she asked for confirmation while looking at him with such a bright and anticipating gaze.


    Dylan was left in a trance as he stared at her. Was she really the girl he knew? Why did she seem like an innocent child? And if this was the real her, then what about the mature version of hers? Had she been faking it all this time? Or she is faking it now? Which one is the real one?


    In his own daydreaming, Dylan rubbed her head saying, "Yes, I''ll take you to him. Let''s go."


    Xiu nodded but as she was about to follow him, she turned back and picked up the alcohol bottle.


    "Leave that here," said Dylan sternly.


    Xiu looked at him pitifully, "I don''t want to." Even the corner of her lips turned downward to show how sad she was about parting with that bottle. And when Dylan tried to take it from her, she hugged it like her most precious possession.


    Dylan facepalmed himself as he said, "Forget it. I have no more energy in me." While walking ahead, Dylan kept talking or more like complaining, "I never thought you''d be such a childish person. I so wanted to call Darren but if I did, he''d really get angry for letting you drink. Now I know why he specifically said not to let you drink. You''re really a handful. I''m already feeling tired."


    When Dylan didn''t hear any reply, he turned around only to hear the sound of cold evening breeze blowing around him because the person he had been ranting to was nowhere to be seen.

 Chapter 245 - My Sky, My Love, My Lifetime...

    Dylan panicked... He completely lost his calmness.


    And the first possibility that crossed his mind was; either she passed out somewhere or she hit her head and passed out somewhere. These two were the only logical scenarios to him. He tried to find her in the parking lot but of no avail. She was literally nowhere to be found.


    Where the hell did she vanish?


    "Don''t tell me she went back inside to drink more?" Dylan thought out loud before running back towards the entrance of the bar.


    Just as he entered, he heard a singing voice...


    ??Sunday morning, rain is falling


    Steal some covers, share some skin


    Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable


    You twist to fit the mold that I am in??


    Finding that sweet, soft, but a bit raspy drunk voice oddly familiar, Dylan took a turn towards the live stage built inside the bar. And just as he thought, he found Xiu up on the stage holding the mic in one hand and the alcohol bottle in the other hand. What he couldn''t understand was why did the music band actually cooperate with her silliness?


    However, it didn''t take him long to understand that as she continued to sing...


    ??But things just get so crazy, living life gets hard to do


    And I would gladly hit the road, get up and go if I knew


    That someday it would lead me back to you


    That someday it would lead me back to you (someday)


    That may be all I''ll need (all I need)


    In darkness, he is all I see (all I see)


    Come and rest your bones with me


    Driving slow on Sunday morning


    And I never want to leave??


    Maroon5''s ''Sunday Morning'' wasn''t an unfamiliar song to him. It was a famous song when he was a teenager. Obviously, he had sung it in his drunken stupor at least once in life. But that didn''t mean he appreciated the way Xiu vanished without a word just to sing a song. So what if she was good at it? Although he didn''t want to admit it, she really had good control over her voice as if singing like a professional.


    As for Xiu, how was it possible that she''d be drunk and not sing a song? She loved to do this drunk singing just like she did when the infamous ''Wine Xiu'' was introduced to Darren himself. Tonight was no different for her, she''d sing anywhere and anytime as long as you put alcohol in her system. But the song coming out of her would depend on her feelings. And since Dylan was reminding her too much of Chen Xiu, she ended up singing her favorite song as Chen Xiu.


    Dylan was brought back to reality from his trance when everyone around him cheered and applauded for her. Meanwhile, Xiu being the superstar she placed her hand over her chest before bowing down slightly. As she straightened, she said, "This song is dedicated to Table no 13." Dylan and everyone around turned their heads while she continued, "Pretty lady, take that rose from your boyfriend. Before Rose take your boyfriend."


    Dylan''s eyes widened at her remark while she happily ran down to Dylan''s side and looking up at him said, "I''m a good singer, right?"


    Dylan cleared his throat saying, "You''re just too full of yourself!" He wasn''t gonna accept that she really was good. She was already up on her high horse, if he said anything, she might get wings to fly and never come down.


    This time, Dylan held her wrist so that she won''t get lost or distracted on the way as he dragged her to the car. However, she didn''t get inside the car. Instead, she jumped on the bonnet to get on the roof of the car. "What the hell are you doing?" asked Dylan. He was really seeing all sorts of things today. What the hell was she planning now? It was already the night time, just how much more he had to deal with now?


    Xiu laid down at the top of the car and pointed at the sky laden with stars, "I''m trying to see."


    "What?"


    "I used to be the star lost in the dark night, do you know what I''m trying to see now?" asked Xiu looking at Dylan. "I''m trying to see if this sky is beautiful or mine is. But I think my sky is the most beautiful. My sky who lets me shine like the brightest star in the universe."


    "Your sky?" Dylan furrowed his brows.


    "My sky, my love, my life and the one I want to make my lifetime..." replied Xiu in a sweet voice and Dylan shook his head at her for referring to Darren in such an exaggerated manner. "Do you know how much I used to hate night time?"


    Dylan leaned against the car and asked, "Why? People usually love nights."


    "But I didn''t," replied Xiu and went on, "It was the time I used to feel like the loneliest person. I could fake a smile for the whole day, but I couldn''t do it at night. And since I had insomnia, I couldn''t even sleep my loneliness away." She tilted her head as she whispered, "I was pathetic, wasn''t I?"


    Dylan turned his head to look at her face and said, "I didn''t know you have such a vulnerable side."


    "Everyone has that side, even you do." Dylan couldn''t argue with her remark. It was the truth, he couldn''t deny himself. "I used to hate the stars as well, how boring it must be for those stars to travel in the universe all alone. They can''t even deviate from their paths." She took a pause to chuckle saying, "But now I can brag that I have someone to accompany me. I''m not alone anymore. In this life, I''m not alone. I might not be the star anymore but now I have someone who shines brighter than sun in my life."


    Dylan honestly didn''t know what she was talking about. He could understand somethings while others he ignored saying that it was just her drunk talk. And it wasn''t a lie, Xiu really was rambling about all sorts of things tonight. "Oi, what exactly my best friend is to you?"


    Xiu sat up and answered, "He''s the one I''d love to find my way back to... Over and over and over again. Just like I did in this lifetime."


    Oddly, that''s the kind of answer Dylan was actually expecting from her. How could he not? He had seen those two together. He knew how deep they both had fallen. If it wasn''t cheesy enough to make him cringe, then how could he believe it?


    "Honestly tell me, when you heard Dazi''s interview, what was your thought?" he had been curious about that since the time he saw her crying in the afternoon because of the interview. He was really curious to know what she really had in her mind at that time.


    "I had nothing in my mind," said Xiu and as Dylan lifted his brow at her skeptically, she added, "I just wanted to run to him. I hated the fact that I couldn''t hug him, touch him at that very moment."


    "Huh? Then why didn''t you? Why did you drag me here to drink? You should have gone to him, idiot!" Dylan was hopping mad as for why he couldn''t tell himself.


    Xiu slid down from the car''s roof and said, "If I ran to him, I know I wouldn''t have been able to stop crying. If I had seen him at that time, I''d have honestly lost myself." And she mumbled to herself the later part, "And I don''t want him to see me breaking down again."

 Chapter 246 - Sweet But Psycho

    After a moment of talking about anything and everything, Xiu finally agreed to get inside the car. Dylan was at his wits ends since she even criticized his clothes in her drunk stupor saying, "You look like a clown in a suit. And it''s not even funny. I find it rather sad."


    At this point, he didn''t know whether she was really drunk or taking advantage of this moment to insult him. Because the possibility was high as long as the other person was Xiu.


    As they both settled in, Xiu turned on the radio. Xiu plastered her face to the windowpane as she looked out and suddenly said, "Oi, I''m bored."


    Dylan looked at her incredulously. He was wondering where was she getting all this energy from? Didn''t she say she was feeling too tired in the middle of the week? But now that alcohol was in her system, she was like a kid on sugar roll!


    Through the radio, she suddenly heard the RJ saying, "The next song is dedicated to Xu Mey from her sweetest husband Zhu Jie. Let''s hear ''Lovers'' by Taylor Swift."


    Xiu listened to the acoustic guitar playing along with the piano and seemed like she was giving to the lyrics. But suddenly, she turned the volume down and said, "Didi, if you are asked to dedicate a song to me, which one would be?"


    "The first question should be, why on Earth would I dedicate a song to you?" retorted Dylan in his sharp tone making Xiu narrow her eyes at him. He wasn''t wrong though. With the way their relationship was, it''d be a miracle if he''d dedicate a song to her. However, realizing that she was drunk and sensitive, he said, "Let me think... Hmm... Maybe, ''I''m a Mess'' by Bebe Rexha. It goes with you very well."


    "Hey!" Xiu hit Dylan who was driving and suddenly being attacked wasn''t very helpful to him as he almost lost control over the car. "How can you call me a mess? If anything, at least, dedicate ''Sweet but psycho'' to me. I think that suits me better."


    Dylan rolled his eyes not knowing why they were having this conversation in the first place. All of a sudden, he felt a hand grabbing his arm as Xiu exclaimed, "Stop the car!"


    "Why?" he asked instinctively.


    "Because I said so, duh!" came the dumbest reply from Xiu. But what else could he expect from the drunk version of Xiu?


    "Not happening," he refused straightforwardly. He could tell she was just messing around and he really didn''t have any more patience to deal with her. She had already wasted enough time at the bar and then at the parking lot. Now, he had to deliver this psycho to her baby. Because he wasn''t the one who could deal with her.


    "If you didn''t I''ll start crying here," threatened Xiu. Protruding cords were visible in his neck while he stopped the car at the roadside. As she said, the song, ''Sweet but psycho'' really suited her well. Because she was sweets for Darren but she was a psycho for him. And the last sentence really proved it. She was only sweet to Darren, with him her psycho meter was too high.


    "I''ll only stop the car when I drop you off to your baby. Don''t you wanna hug your baby?" Dylan tried to speak the way she''d understand. Yes, he was talking like a very patient a.d.u.l.t who had to placate a kid. Good thing, he had experience with kids because of his niece.


    "Fine!" grumbled Xiu and sat back with her arms crossed over her chest. But just as she saw all the other cars overtaking them, her face twitched, "Wow! I can''t believe you''re such a bad driver. Even worse then me, can you go any slower?"


    "Yes, I can. Do you want me to?" came Dylan''s equally sarcastic reply. It wasn''t his fault that he was driving slow. He was just being cautious. Even though he hadn''t drunk as much as Xiu did but taking chances was not a good idea when his best friend''s girlfriend was sitting beside him.


    Xiu harrumphed as she said, "No wonder I think you''re a slowpoke." Dylan clenched his fists with a tight jaw showing his aggression and frustration. "If you kept moving in life at the same speed, trust me you''ll stay single forever and then you''ll be left singing...


    ?I''m in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh oh oh


    I''m right over here, why can''t you see me, oh oh oh


    And I''m giving it my all, but I''m not the guy you''re taking home, ooh


    I keep dancing on my own?" (Side-note: The song is ''Dancing on my own'' by Calum Scott.)


    Dylan turned a blind eye to what she was doing and now, planned on turning a deaf ear as well. It was really pointless. If he kept listening and arguing, sooner rather than later, he''d end up smashing her head with something. Why did she talk so much? Didn''t she despise talking to him? Then why was she so eager to talk to him now?


    When Dylan didn''t reply, she said in a surprised tone, "Don''t tell me you really plan on staying single for the rest of your life!"


    "What''s so wrong with that? Why everyone have a problem with this?" retorted Dylan not being able to hold back from answering since she touched a very sensitive topic.


    "There is no problem," Xiu shrugged her shoulders casually before saying, "Why would I have a problem. Eventually, you''ll turn into a lost boy and then you''ll go around saying...


    ?I am a lost boy from Neverland


    Usually hanging out with Peter Pan


    And when we''re bored we play in the woods


    Always on the run from Captain Hook


    ''Run, run, lost boy,'' they say to me


    Away from all of reality?" (Side-note: Song: ''Lost Boy'' Singer: Ruth B)


    Dylan''s lips lifted up in a smile instinctively. He didn''t know why but he was really enjoying her using those songs lyrics since she even sang it herself in her soft voice. But she suddenly looked sober as she said, "On a serious note, living alone is a challenging thing. You have to fight with your sanity every single day. And a person like you can''t do that."


    Dylan knew what she meant. Even Darren had said something similar to him. Darren had told him that Dylan was scared of being alone and that was true. Dylan was so used to the attention he had from his childhood that he couldn''t possibly survive a day alone. But he had to distract Xiu because he didn''t want to continue this topic.


    "Why do I feel like you really love singing? You even know all the lyrics," said Dylan the most obvious thing at this point.


    "Duh!" replied Xiu and went on, "I love music. Since it was the only thing to get me through my lonely nights. So, slowly I got obsessed with learning lyrics and even the chords." She took a pause before questioning, "What about you? Do you like music?"


    "I do, but I can''t sing. I''m tone-deaf."


    Xiu scoffed, "That''s just an excuse. Chen Xiu was a tone-deaf and yet she trained her voice to sound like a professional. Couldn''t she even inspire you enough to challenge yourself? I guess she couldn''t. So, she isn''t as important as you said she is."


    Dylan turned his head to glare at Xiu, "You!"


    Xiu''s eyes were looking at the front and suddenly, her eyes went wide as she yelled, "Look at the front!"

 Chapter 247 - Lost The Thrill

    A single moment of distraction can bring a disaster upon you. One tiny mistake and everything can end right before your eyes. It was exactly that kind of moment for Dylan as well.


    When he looked at the front, a car was passing from the front and on instinct, Dylan swerved the steering wheel to the right and the car hit the pole. But because of the slow speed, the hit didn''t do any damage to both Dylan and Xiu. The same couldn''t be said about the car though.


    Technically, earlier he was supposed to stop at the red light but since the road they were on had very few cars, he really didn''t realize it until he had broken the signal and had almost hit the car coming from the other side. If it wasn''t for Xiu, they''d have been in a bigger problem.


    The other car didn''t stop to ask and left. As for Xiu and Dylan, they both got out of the car to see the damage. "This is all your fault," said Dylan as he put all the blame on Xiu''s shoulder.


    "How is it my fault? You''re the one driving!" replied Xiu in defiance.


    "If you hadn''t said that about Chen Xiu, I wouldn''t be so mad," said Dylan in anger.


    "Oh, come on! Did I say anything wrong?"


    "That is why I don''t like you no matter how much I try to. You always find a way to insult my Goddess Xiu and I don''t like that." He took a pause before saying, "You know what, sometimes I think you''re also a fan of my Goddess Xiu."


    "Me?" Xiu pointed at herself with a weird look on her face. "Where did that come from?"


    "Yes, you..." nodded Dylan and went on, "You''re a fan in denial. You know so much about my Goddess Xiu that only her true fans would know. That''s why I''m saying, you''re also a fan of hers. Just a bit jealous one."


    Xiu looked at his face with a blank look before she burst out in laughter. Clutching her stomach with her hand, she said, "Oh my GOD! I can''t believe it. I haven''t heard a funnier joke in my life before." Dylan didn''t know why she was being hysterical about it but he was left dumbfounded when her face went back to a poker-faced look and she continued, "The person I hate the most in my life is named Chen Xiu. I hate her with all that I have and all that I am. She really didn''t have anything to be envious of. If anything she was pitiful. Ask your heart as well, at one point in your life, you also pitied her, sympathized with her."


    She was poking Dylan''s chest forcing him to remember that pity he had felt for Chen Xiu. Because in truth, he did feel pity for Chen Xiu. Even if it was for just a moment. He couldn''t deny it.


    "If I was envious of that life, I wouldn''t have chosen death. Do you think I chose death as a joke? Just for fun? Or maybe to make people feel guilty for what they did to me? No! I did not! I never wanted anyone to clear my name of all those scandals. Why would I want to? Scandals were an everyday thing for Chen Xiu, then how could a mere scandal push her to death? Being the other woman in a married couple''s life, was it the first time she was accused of that? No, she had been through it plenty of times."


    Xiu was panting at the end of her pent up frustration and ranting that she never got to let out. At this point, she couldn''t tell what she was spouting. As for Dylan, he was in shock at how much she knew but mostly because she talked like she was talking about herself. As if she had lived through all that.


    Xiu crouched down and wrapped her arms around her knees as she said, "I chose death because I was tired. Not of all those scandals and people leaving me alone. I was tired of living a life that wasn''t even mine, to begin with. I, Chen Xiu lived a life of a lie. An identity that wasn''t even mine. A life that wasn''t mine. Just like I loved someone who wasn''t mine."


    Dylan''s eyes widened as she said the last sentence. First, she called herself Chen Xiu and then the biggest truth of Chen Xiu''s life. The truth that he only found out recently because of Darren, how did she know that Chen Xiu''s whole life was built on a lie?


    He held her shoulders as he questioned, "Who are you? How do you know all this?"


    As he shook her shoulders, Xiu''s dazed eyes finally focused as she stared back at him in confusion. Realizing how she rambled on and on and on, she facepalmed herself inwardly. Before she could say anything to explain, they both heard the siren of a police car as it stopped right beside them.


    As the officer moved closer, the stench of alcohol caught his attention and he said, "No wonder, there is an accident."


    While Dylan was still focused on Xiu, she got up and tried to say, "Officer, we can explain."


    "No need for that. Drunk driving, breaking traffic rules, causing an accident and damaging the property. I have enough reasons to take you both with me," said the officer making Xiu close her eyes helplessly.


    She tugged at Dylan''s arm saying, "Do something, dumbass! You got us in the accident, get us out of this mess now!"


    Dylan was shaken awake from his whirlwind thoughts wreaking havoc in his mind at that moment. And after getting the hang of what was going on around him, he said, "If a certain dumb person hadn''t distracted me, this wouldn''t happen in the first place." Obviously, even now he had to blame her for this.


    "Oh, really?" challenged Xiu and while Dylan was about to retort, the officer cut him off.


    "You both can stop your lover''s quarrel for now. Drink driving is an offense, please co-operate or we''ll have to..."


    "We are not lovers!" they both spoke at the same time but seeing the officer''s warning gaze, they both said,  "We''re co-operating," simultaneously as they silently followed the officer to the police car.


    Xiu leaned close to Dylan to whisper, "Doing the same thing twice lose its thrill. A ride to the police station was also only fun when it was the first time."


    While Xiu was trying to act normal, Dylan was wondering how was she able to talk and joke around so normally after breaking that bomb on him? Or was she just messing with him? On any other occasion, Dylan would have accepted that she was messing with him. But his heart wasn''t ready to accept that she was pranking him this time. It just didn''t feel right at all.

 Chapter 248 - Height Of Folly!

    Sitting in the same cell, Xiu and Dylan were lost in their own thoughts.


    "You can call someone to come for your bail," came an officer''s voice.


    Both Xiu and Dylan looked at each other. "Who should we call?" asked Xiu.


    "I really want to call Dazi but somehow, I feel safer inside this jail," replied Dylan while a shiver ran through his spine at the thought of Darren''s reaction. He still remembered how angry Darren was when he and Xiu were in jail for the first time. This time... Sigh! GOD might have to come down to save him from the wrath of his best friend.


    "Oddly, I share the very same idea," added Xiu as well. She wasn''t scared of Darren for the same reason. In fact, she was more worried that he''d be disappointed in her. Not only for being in jail but also for drinking so much. She ruffled her own hair as she cursed herself for drinking without thinking. The original plan was to take a drink to two, just enough to make herself talk to Dylan about Chen Xiu.


    Who knew, she wouldn''t be able to stop after those first two drinks?


    Officer looked at their reaction and said, "Suit yourself. Let me know when you decide to call someone."


    As the lady officer was about to turn, Xiu stopped her from behind saying, "Officer..." She read her name tag and went on, "Officer Gu, how about you let us leave? I''ll make you laugh and in exchange you let us go, okay?" The lady officer narrowed her eyes at Xiu while Xiu went on, "Do you know what''s the height of folly?" The lady officer shook her head, Xiu turned to Dylan and asked, "Didi, what''s your height?"


    Dylan stood up as he glared at her, "Did you just call me foolish?"


    Xiu shook her head saying, "Nope, I called you the epitome of foolishness!"


    Dylan was about to scream at her when they heard the lady officer laughing at both of them. Xiu smiled seeing that and said, "See, I made you laugh. Can we leave now?"


    "I never agreed for that," replied the lady officer before walking away.


    "How mean!" said Xiu behind her and sat back in silence. "I can call Nora but she''s gonna create a huge issue. Gosh! I have no one else to call. No wonder Nora asks me to make some friends."


    "How do you know so much about Chen Xiu?" asked Dylan, not even caring where they were. He would go crazy if she didn''t answer. He didn''t know what answer he was expecting but he needed one for sure.


    Xiu tilted her head, stared at his pale and anxious face as she answered, "If I said, I know all this because I am Chen Xiu, would you be able to believe me?"


    Dylan was stunned for a moment. Will he be able to believe her? He didn''t know but if she did say, she''s Chen Xiu, a lot of things would make sense. Especially, the secrets that Xiu earlier talked about. But if everything made sense then why was he hesitating in believing her. Was it really hesitation? Or was he so fascinated by the idea that he thought he''d stop breathing any minute?


    When Dylan became silent, she mumbled, "Darren said you''d believe me."


    "Is that why you asked me about reincarnation?" came Dylan''s question. Xiu looked at him and blinked her eyes before nodding. "You sound like a crazy person." Xiu narrowed her eyes at him dangerously while he went on, "But then again, I knew you''re crazy since the day we met."


    Xiu knew what he was going through. Any sane person would be having doubts and questions about this abnormality or miracle of life. Whichever one would like to call it. It was an abnormality for her at first as well but now, it was the real miracle of her life. If it took her so long to accept it, how could she question others?


    She rubbed Dylan''s head and said, "Can we think about getting out of here?" Dylan also straightened up and contemplated. "Should I sing for them? Maybe they''d let us leave?"


    Hearing Xiu''s eccentric idea, Dylan shook his head at her, "I don''t think that''d work. We have to call someone here."


    As he stared at Xiu, she raised her hands in as if giving up as she said, "Bro, I am an orphan. Who do you expect me to call? Call your mother, she''d definitely come."


    "Oh, she''ll come and then I''ll be grounded for life," said Dylan while making a slitting throat gesture with his thumb.


    "Huh? She can still ground you?" Xiu was surprised to hear that. She found Zhao Wei to be a very lovely lady, so she wasn''t able to digest Dylan''s words.


    "Dear assistant, Zhao Wei can do anything and everything. No one and I mean, no one can stop her. My mother is that kind of person, so I don''t want to be at the mercy of hers. Let''s think of something else."


    Xiu scrunched up her face and went up to the bars as she called for the officer to get her attention and said, "Hey! Officer Gu, can''t I bail Didi out? While Didi can bail me out? What do you say? We don''t have to bother anyone at this time of the night. It''s a win-win situation."


    Officer Gu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. This was her first time hearing such a weird suggestion in her entire career. "You both are behind bars. So, no!"


    "Law shouldn''t be this straightforward. Sometimes, you should bend it with the flow," said Xiu without thinking while Officer Gu stared at her, Dylan shut her mouth with his hand and pulled her back.


    "You''ll get us in more trouble. Just stay quiet and let me think!"


    "Are you gonna call your sister then?" asked Xiu excitedly.


    Dylan looked at her strangely as he said, "So that she can beat me again like last time? No, thank you very much!"


    Xiu''s excitement died down as she said, "Then what are we gonna do?"


    Dylan ran his brain to think of anyone to call and realized that just like Xiu, he also was very short of friends. Wow, they had something in common. It wasn''t that the idea of Xiu being Chen Xiu had left his mind, he was just trying to avoid thinking about that matter for the time being. The most important thing, for now, was to get out of jail.


    He abruptly stood up and shouted, "Officer, I''d like to call someone!"

 Chapter 249 - In My Tummy!

    Xiu barely reacted when she heard that Dylan was gonna call someone for help. In fact, she was engrossed in playing with her fingers to the point that nothing else mattered to her. Dylan didn''t pay any attention to her and dialed a number.


    Just as the call was attended, he screamed for help, "Bro, save me!"


    The person on the line frowned before saying, "Hedi, what game are you playing now?"


    Dylan was really frustrated at how his words really didn''t matter. But then again, he had a long history of doing these theatrics. It was not easy for anyone to believe him so easily. "Bro, I''m at the police station."


    The person on the other end abruptly stood up as he questioned, "What? How? Why?" shaking his own head, he went on, "Forget all that. Give me the address, I''ll be right there."


    Dylan hurriedly told him the address and smiled to himself as he hung up the call. Just as he walked back inside the cell, he looked at Xiu sitting so calmly that it even surprised him. But thinking that she must be tired after all that running around that she did, he didn''t comment on that. Instead, he sat down beside her and said, "Remind me to never be in a car alone with you. Whenever you''re around me something goes wrong."


    Xiu drew some symbols in the palm of her hand with the index finger of her other hand as she muttered to herself, "You''re right. Things always go wrong around me."


    Dylan didn''t know what she said but seeing her so quiet he was not feeling as good as he thought he would. Apparently, he had been way too used to her talking all the time. She was either insulting him, taunting him, teasing him, bragging about her boyfriend around him or simply would just talk random nonsense. Now, she had a sad aura looming around her which scared him.


    Dylan and Xiu didn''t have to wait long before the glass door of the police station was pushed open and barged in a furious Xin Xiaosi with a very calm Xin Xiaoli striding behind him. Dylan immediately stood up as he saw the two of them. But mostly because he didn''t expect to see Ah-Si. He had called Xiaoli but why did Ah-Si come along?


    However, Dylan''s question was answered soon enough as Ah-Si slapped the table with both his hands and glared at the officer. "Get. My. Brother. OUT. NOW!" said Ah-Si through gritted teeth. One could clearly see the aggression visible through his eyes. He was mad and even Dylan could tell that but seeing him like that only made Dylan smile like an idiot instead.


    "You can''t order me around here, Mister," said officer Gu as she met his furious gaze but couldn''t help flinching a bit because of the intensity of his gaze.


    Xin Xiaoli placed a hand on Ah-Si''s shoulder and faced the officer with a polite smile, more like his business smile while he said, "Please excuse my brother''s ignorance. Indeed, he can''t order you around but..." he gave his phone to the officer saying, "The person on this call can."


    Officer Gu furrowed her brows suspiciously before taking the cell phone from his hand. But as soon as she heard the voice from the other side, she was alert. Not only that, but her way of looking at both Xin brothers also changed drastically. "Yes, sir!" she replied to the Commissioner on the phone before passing the phone back to Xin Xiaoli.


    Ah-Si crossed his arms and stared at her saying, "Don''t make me repeat myself."


    Officer Gu gulped before asking her colleague to let both Dylan and Xiu go. And just as Dylan came out of the cell, he ran up to hug Ah-Si. "Ahh! Ah-Si, do you know how much I missed you?"


    Ah-Si tried to peel his arms off of his neck but to no avail. "Hedi, we just met over the weekend."


    Dylan shook his head, "No, that''s not what I mean. It''s been four years since the last time I have seen you being this protective of me. One day, you suddenly stopped talking to me and to this day, I''m only wondering what the hell did I do wrong?"


    Ah-Si pretended like he didn''t know what Dylan was talking about. Suddenly, Dylan poked Ah-Si''s cheek saying, "But I knew you still love me. Because Darren told me how you never stopped asking about me. You care but you just don''t want to admit it. Right?"


    "Can we have this discussion somewhere else?" said Ah-Si as he looked around himself to see the shock in every person''s eyes. Why wouldn''t they be shocked? Just a moment ago, he was looking like he was gonna tear everyone apart and now, he was being smothered by a giant baby. It was indeed embarrassing.


    "No, we have to talk now and right here," insisted Dylan while shaking his head. "If we went somewhere else, you''ll again start ignoring me."


    Ah-Si sighed heavily and opened his mouth to say something when someone cut him off. He heard a female voice coming from Dylan''s back as she said, "Such a dramatic bitch you are, Didi!"


    Dylan turned his head to glance at Xiu, "You''re no better."


    Only when Dylan turned did both Xin brothers realized that Xiu was also there.


    "Xiu? Why are you here?" asked Xin Xiaoli as he looked at Xiu with furrowed brows. It was his first time seeing her since the hospital escapade. He really wasn''t expecting to see her at the police station.


    "It''s her fault that we are here," answered Dylan while Xiu was scratching her head sheepishly. Xiu slapped the back of his head and glared at him in a warning. "See! Violent as always!"


    "You talk too much," said Xiu and completely disregarded Dylan as she walked up to Xin Xiaoli.


    "I talk too much?" Dylan was left pointing at himself. It was like the pot was calling the kettle black. How could she be so think skinned? She was the one who always forced him to talk!


    Meanwhile, Xiu looked at Xin Xiaoli sweetly as she waved at him adorably saying, "Hi, Li bro! Haven''t seen you in a long while." Recalling something she said, "Wait, I can still call you brother right? Last time, you said I can call you brother."


    Xin Xiaoli noticed that her face was completely red while her eyes weren''t focused; not entirely. She was even having issues standing straight. He gave one look to Dylan before answering her, "You don''t even have to ask that. I still am willing to take you in as my sister. Who wouldn''t want such an adorable sister? I''d love to have one."


    Xiu smiled brightly at his reply and said, "This is why I like you. You are nothing like Didi. You are so sweet."


    Ah-Si suddenly pulled at Dylan''s ear making him screech as he asked, "How much did she drink?"


    "Ouch, it hurts! She didn''t drink that much," answered Dylan but as something crossed his mind, he looked at Xiu asking, "Where is the alcohol bottle that you took from the bar?"


    Xiu tilted her head to the side as she blinked at Dylan before smiling broadly, "It''s in my tummy!" answered Xiu while rubbing her tummy like an idiot.

 Chapter 250 - Meow!

    Have you ever met anyone so cute that you couldn''t even get angry at them? Well, Dylan had met one and she was standing right before him flashing her toothy grin while rubbing her tummy like an idiot.


    Realizing that three pairs of eyes were on her, she looked a bit despondent as she said, "Did Xiu do something wrong?" She tugged at Xin Xiaoli''s sleeve saying, "Don''t be upset with Xiu, okay? Xiu only wanted to drink a little but Xiu''s inner drunk addict woke up and Xiu couldn''t do anything."


    Dylan, Xin Xiaoli and even Ah-Si couldn''t help but shake their heads at her. Xin Xiaoli bent a little to come at her height as he looked at her face and said, "No one is upset here. Not with Xiu for sure. So, stop pouting so adorably."


    Xiu gave him a nod before smiling radiantly. "If Li bro is not angry, can you bring me to eat something?" She had a sullen look on her face as she added, "Xiu is famished." Her mood swings were really something on a whole new level.


    "What do you want to eat?" asked Xiaoli as he guided Xiu out of the police station.


    "I want ice cream," answered Xiu without even thinking.


    Xiaoli stopped in his track before questioning, "Ice cream? That''s it?"


    Xiu bobbed her head up and down. "Yup! That''s all Xiu wants. Just..." she was struggling to count her fingers before she held up two fingers and said, "I just want three scoops of chocolate ice cream."


    Xiaoli looked at her fingers, "That''s three?"


    Xiu raised her brows before touched her fingers with her other hand and held up another finger with an awkward laugh, "Now, it''s three."


    Meanwhile, Xiu was happily oblivious to the fact that Dylan was in trouble because of her... AGAIN! Because right when Xiu had left with Xiaoli, Ah-Si asked Dylan, "What did she drink?"


    Dylan cowered back a little as he replied in a small voice, "I think it was... Rum."


    Ah-Si lifted his brow at Dylan, "Rum and coke?"


    Dylan laughed awkwardly as he replied, "Nope. I think it was just rum."


    "What?" yelled Ah-Si at Dylan. "Have you lost your mind? How can you let her drink that? Forget it, you shouldn''t have let her drink at all."


    Dylan looked woeful, "How is it my fault? She is the one who dragged me to the bar. And I only ordered a c.o.c.ktail for her. I don''t know how or when she got that bottle of rum from somewhere and wasn''t letting it go. I tried but trust me, she''s a devil. I can''t deal with her."


    Ah-Si punched Dylan in the stomach as he said, "She is such a cute girl. Don''t call her a devil. If there is any monster here that''s you for getting her drunk."


    Dylan was gaping in disbelief. How come no one ever believed him when he said that Xiu is a devil? He thought he was the best actor around here but she was really out of his league. Her level of acting was mindblowing. Just like my Goddess... Dylan''s eyes widened as the thought struck him all of a sudden. The realization that he heard Xiu calling herself as Chen Xiu hit him just now. Was that real? Or was he dreaming? Whichever it was, the possibility of both situations didn''t sit well with him.


    "What are doing? Let''s go now," came Ah-Si''s voice but when he didn''t see Dylan moving, he had to drag Dylan with him.


    When all of them were in the car and Xiaoli started the engine, Ah-Si asked, "Ge, where are we going?"


    Xiaoli glanced at the little excited kid jumping around in the passenger seat and replied, "My little sister asked for ice cream. We are getting ice cream for her."


    "What the hell!" said Dylan as those words registered in his mind. "Aren''t you tired? I''m already exhausted after this much." The question was directed at Xiu.


    Xiu turned her head to stuck her tongue at Dylan and said, "Only old people like you can get tired. I''m still young and free."


    "You''re calling me old again?" Dylan was fuming at the backseat.


    "Enough!" came Xiaoli''s stern voice which was really enough to make Dylan shut his mouth. "It''s the first time my sister asked for something. Whether you like it or not, I''m getting her the ice cream that she wants."


    Hearing Xiaoli''s answer, Dylan was amazed and wanted to applaud Xiu for whatever charms she had. Because it wasn''t every day that Xiaoli would want to do something like this for someone completely unrelated to him.


    About twenty minutes later, all of them were sitting around a table waiting for their ice creams. The only person who didn''t order was the one who brought them here; Xin Xiaoli himself. "Bro, won''t you eat?" Xiaoli shook his head in reply to Xiu''s question. "Why?"


    "Bro doesn''t like ice cream," replied Ah-Si for his brother.


    Xiu glanced at Xiaoli in shock but when her ice cream was served her expression immediately changed and she forgot all about what they were talking about. "Bro, since you''re not eating should I tell you a joke to make you laugh?"


    Xiaoli gave her a blank look but his eyes held the curiosity as he said, "Sure. Anything you want to do."


    Xiu happily started, "So, there was a guy who said to the girl, ''I love you.'' Do you know what she said in reply?" He shook his head in reply and Xiu went on, "She said, ''All the boys before you also said that but they were all dogs. What''s different about you? Why should I believe you?'' The guy stayed quiet for a long moment and the girl got impatient as she said, ''Well, say something now!'' Guess what did he say?"


    Now, even Ah-Si and Dylan had stopped eating as they paid their sole attention to her. Xiaoli, on the other hand, thought about it and answered, "I''m not sure. What did he say?"


    With a straight face, Xiu leaned ahead and whispered, "He replied, ''Meow!''" Seeing their dumbfounded looks, Xiu burst out laughing on her own.


    "Was it that funny to you?" asked Dylan in a strange tone.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "Nope. But your reaction was priceless."


    Seeing the way Xiaoli was looking at her, Ah-Si leaned closer to his brother and said, "Bro, why are you looking at her with such affectionate gaze?"


    "Doesn''t she remind you of someone?" asked Xiaoli in return and while Ah-Si raised his brow at his brother, he added, "I don''t know why but she gives a very familiar feeling."


    Noticing that strange mood of his brother, Ah-Si thought of something, "Don''t tell me you..."


    "Do you think if I ask dad to adopt her, he will?" Ah-Si closed his eyes as he heard his brother''s strangest suggestion.


    "Bro!" he whisper-yelled at his brother. "She must have a family of her own. How can you even think about this? I know you always wanted to have a sister whom you could spoil but come on! She''s not our sister."


    However, Xiaoli didn''t care as he said, "She''s an orphan. I heard it from Hedi. As for her not being our sister, can''t you believe in your brother for once? Sometimes, you don''t need blood to find your connection."


    Xiu and Dylan were oblivious to the idea cooking in Xiaoli''s brain while they bickered and ate their ice creams. And just as Xiaoli said, he really felt like he had a connection with Xiu. He really felt happy when she called him brother for the first time. It felt like he found someone he had lost long ago.


    As for why he felt this way... he couldn''t explain himself. Because some connections don''t need words just like some feelings. You just can''t put them in words.

 Chapter 251 - Thats My Idiot

    While Dylan and Xiu were having the time of their life (sarcasm intended!) Darren was going through a mental breakdown (and we''re not talking metaphorically here.) Now the question is, what happened?


    And for that, we''d have to rewind a little...


    When it was time to leave the office, Darren went up to his secretary, "Paige, can you reschedule the meeting with the dealers for tomorrow instead of the weekend?"


    His secretary, Paige Turner who had been smiling on her own while her eyes were glued to her cellphone screen looked up at her boss and said, "Why? That meeting was arranged for a long time for this weekend."


    Darren gave her a mysterious look as he said, "I have an even more important meeting over this weekend."


    Paige had a skeptical expression on her face, "Important meeting?" Her fingers glided over the keyboard and she looked at his itinerary before adding, "You have only one meeting over the weekend and that''s with our dealers."


    Darren leaned against her desk, "Well, you don''t know about this meeting."


    Paige stood up from her seat and came to stand beside him with crossed arms, "I have been with you since you started this company. How come I''m not aware of this meeting?"


    "Because it''s a personal meeting," replied Darren with a blithe bearing. When he noticed Paige narrowing her eyes at him, he sighed, "I''m meeting my future in-laws. Happy?"


    Paige almost jumped at her place when she heard Darren''s reply, "Oh my gosh! That''s such good news." She hurriedly went to her seat as she said, "I''m gonna send a mail right now to our partners. This meeting can wait, my boss has better things to do."


    "Wow! Aren''t you too excited?" asked Darren seeing her enthusiasm.


    "Well, what can I say... I''m sick of seeing you brooding all alone," replied Paige straightforwardly without even caring that she was talking to her boss. But since they really started from the bottom together, they were really close enough to tease each other at every chance they got.


    "Ouch! That''s a bit harsh," Darren pretended to be hurt by her words but she only rolled her eyes at his reaction. Darren stayed leaning on her desk while he texted Xiu to let her know that he''d be picking her up soon.


    Just as Paige was done sending the mail, she collected her stuff and said, "Seeing you smile like this feels good for some reason."


    "I always smile," retorted Darren without even missing a beat.


    Paige gave him a bleak look as she said, "You smile but it''s rare to see you happy." Darren furrowed his brows at her while she continued, "Boss, you smile for others. Trust me, I can tell the difference." She shrugged her shoulders as she took her handbag and stood up, "When I first started working for you, you looked like a lovesick person. But later it changed to a heartbroken one. So, I assumed that your last love didn''t do so well."


    Darren thought to himself about how connected his last love to his present love was. It was a miracle that even he had a hard time believing in. How could he not? His love rose from the dead to write his love story all over again. If that wasn''t a miracle than he didn''t know what else was.


    Noticing that he didn''t receive Xiu''s reply, he frowned and texted her again.


    "Boss, you coming?" he lifted his eyes when he heard Paige''s voice and saw her as she held the elevator door for him.


    Darren nodded and joined her. Darren saw Paige touching her make-up right beside him and said, "Going somewhere?"


    "Hmmm..." she hummed in reply and went on, "I''m going to the bar tonight."


    "To a bar? In the middle of the week? Don''t you usually go on weekends?" asked Darren, not just for the sake of small talk but also because he was genuinely interested in knowing.


    "I''m going to the bar for the same reason why people go to the gym," replied Paige with a smirk.


    Darren feigned ignorance as he answered, "To workout?"


    Paige gave him a sideways glance, "Boss, you''re not that innocent that you don''t even know that most people go to gyms and bars only to hit on people or check them out."


    Darren shook his head at her and with a blissful bearing said, "Well, how would I know? I''m out of that single''s pool. Now, I only check my girlfriend out."


    "Why do I feel like you''re shoving your love down my throat?" she looked at Darren strangely before adding, "I never knew you could be petty enough to show off your love like this."


    "I can''t help it," mumbled Darren as he smiled on his own thinking about Xiu and Paige only thought how whipped he was. But she was genuinely happy seeing him acting his age for once. For goodness sake, he was in his late twenties barely and acted like an old grandpa sometimes. She was really sick of that. "If you''re going to hit on someone, do you already have a target?"


    Paige smiled devilishly as she nodded and rummaged out her phone from her handbag and while she showed the video playing on the screen to him, she said, "My friend is the bartender there. He sent me this a while ago. Someone charming caught my eye."


    Darren looked at the video which was taken from a distance. The bar was dark with dim lights but he was surprised to see that the crowd was big even on a weekday. But later he understood that it was because of the live band playing at that bar. However, what caught his attention was the band playing a beautiful symphony as they sang...


    ?The world was on fire and no one could save me but you


    It''s strange what desire will make foolish people do


    I''d never dreamed that I''d love somebody like you


    And I''d never dreamed that I''d lose somebody like you


    No, I don''t want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)


    No, I don''t want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)


    With you (this girl is only gonna break your heart)


    With you (this girl is only gonna break your heart)? (Song: Wicked Games Singer: Chris Isaak)


    Until this point, Darren didn''t find anything odd but suddenly, when the main vocalist sang the lyric, ''No, I don''t want to fall in love...'' he saw a girl running up on the stage and just as the main vocalist sang, ''With you'' she took the mic from one of the vocalists and said in a sing-song voice, "But I already fell in love."


    When the back vocal sang, ''this girl is gonna break your heart,'' the girl made a gesture of making a cross over her heart and said, "No, I won''t. Never!"


    The main vocalist was distracted by her sudden interruption but so was Darren as he said, "Who is this idiot? She''s really drunk."


    Later, when the main vocalist whispered the last lyric, ''Nobody loves no one.'' Darren saw the girl pushing her long hair back and Darren''s eyes widened when the dim lights hit her gorgeous face and she said, "Don''t lie. My baby loves me."


    Seeing Darren''s dumbfounded look, Paige shook her hand before his eyes and asked, "What''s up boss?"


    Darren turned his eyes slowly in a daze and said, "I just realized... That''s my idiot."

 Chapter 252 - Social Vegan

    Yes, the person Darren found in the video was none other than his own idiot; Xiu. He was really having a difficult time trying to wrap his mind around this situation especially when he was told that his girlfriend''s two videos had been trending on social media for the past hour. One that he just saw and the other in which she was singing ''Sunday Morning'' herself like the main vocalist of the band.


    "You''re also starstruck, right?" asked Paige cheekily while she added, "She is gorgeous and charming."


    Darren''s face twitched as he glanced at his secretary and asked, "You''re going to the bar to hit on her?" Actually, he knew that Paige was bis.e.x.u.a.l, he never cared about it especially since he was raised in a different environment. But if this time, her answer was yes... Then he really cared!


    Paige gave him a proud smile, "Yup." Turning from alluring to chloric, it Darren only one second while she happily oblivious to his turmoil went on, "Do you think I''ll be able to bend her? Well, I won''t mind a one-night stand either."


    "OKAY! That''s it!" exclaimed Darren harshly and took a long deep breath. "You! Throw all those crazy ideas in your head about my girlfriend out!"


    "Girlfriend?" Paige was surprised. "She''s your girlfriend?"


    Darren pulled out his phone and pressed the button to show her his lock screen photo which was of Xiu''s sleeping face while hugging him. Paige raised her brows and laughed out, "Boss, you and I have such similar taste in girls."


    "Shut up, Paige!" said Darren as he watched her being amused at the expense of his feelings.


    Paige raised her hands as she said, "Okay, I give up. No matter how much attracted I am to her. I''ll give her up for your sake." As she patted on his shoulder, Darren was left gaping in disbelief.


    He glared at her and said, "You''re not giving her to me. Because she''s already mine. Don''t you dare..."


    Paige laughed at his reaction and said, "Boss, I have never seen you this possessive about someone before. Relax, I won''t do anything. She''s all yours." She took a step away from him and opened the door of her own car. As she started the engine, she wounded the windowpane down and said, "Hey, boss! Go and get your girlfriend already. I''m a girl and she managed to charm me, do you think men won''t be attracted to her?"


    As she reminded him, Darren was left thinking on his own in the parking lot. He pulled out his phone and dialed Xiu''s number but no one picked up. It''s been a while and she hadn''t even replied to him as well. Darren tried calling Dylan but his phone was switched off. "F.u.c.k you, Didi! Where the hell are you when I need you?" Darren cursed and screamed at his phone before getting in his car and asking the driver to take him to Dylan''s company.


    On his way, he kept trying to call Xiu and Dylan but to no avail. Then he thought of calling Dylan''s office and got the reply, "Mr. Qiu and Ms. Bai left in the afternoon for a meeting. They are still not back."


    Darren''s brain was running all kinds of scenarios since he was very familiar with the infamous ''Wine Xiu''. Now, he was even more worried to know that Dylan and Xiu were together. If that was true then he could only imagine. Because he knew nothing went right when those two were left alone sober let alone drunk. Well, not like their track history was any good.


    Darren texted Paige to send him the bar''s address and went there. As he walked inside the bar, he looked around desperately for her but couldn''t find her or Dylan. He tried calling Zhao Wei but she told him that Dylan wasn''t home. Then he called Dylan''s sister and learned that Dylan was supposed to attend a charity auction in the evening.


    Darren went to the charity auction venue but he wasn''t allowed to enter, not like he wanted to. He just asked the ushers to tell him, "Did Dylan Qiu come tonight?"


    As the attendants checked the guest list, they answered, "Yes, sir. Mr. Qiu came alone."


    Darren wanted to meet Dylan but he was so worried about his drunk idiot that he decided to not go inside. However, what he didn''t get to know at that point was that Dylan sent one of his employees to the auction on his behalf and since the invitation card had his name on it, the attendants thought that Dylan had come himself.


    Because of this small misunderstanding, Darren was left with a mental breakdown. Because if Xiu was alone then he really didn''t know what was left impossible. Because anything was possible for Wine Xiu. He ruffled his hair in frustration and called Nora, "Is Xiu with you?" he asked.


    Nora frowned at his question and answered, "No. I haven''t met her since Saturday. Why are you asking?" Darren told her that Xiu is drunk and alone. That was enough for Nora to get the gist of the situation as she suggested, "Try calling back at the apartment building. Maybe, she went home."


    Darren rubbed his hand over his face as he replied, "I did already. She is not home yet." He was so worried because of those stupid scenarios running in his mind that Darren was getting a headache now. "Can you tell me the places, she frequently goes to? Or friends that she have? Or anything?"


    Nora thought about it for a while before replying, "She is a social vegan. She avoids ''meet''."


    "Can you drop the jokes for a minute?" replied Darren because of her attempt to make him laugh but failed.


    "Actually, I really mean that. Yes, I wanted to make you laugh as well but more importantly, it''s true that Xiu is anti-social. She hates meeting people like they are a plague. But..." Nora stopped herself from continuing for some reason.


    "But what?" asked Darren.


    "Don''t call her weird even though she is weird but she often ends up at the cemetery without realizing it herself. She even sleepwalked to the cemetery once," told Nora honestly while Darren frowned at her words.


    Xiu had told him that she spent hours in the graveyard but he didn''t think she''d have sleepwalked there as well. But it wasn''t the time to think much. He replied, "Thanks for your help. I''ll talk to you later." As he hung up, he went to the cemetery that Nora told him about.


    However, he was disappointed again because he didn''t find Xiu even there. He wanted to track Xiu''s phone but it was turned off now. He really was running out of options. As he was descending from the small hill, his vision blurred for a moment. He shook his head trying to gain back his vision. As he came close to the car, he felt lightheaded and almost missed a step and fell. But fortunately, his driver was right beside him to help him up.


    "Sir, are you okay?" asked the driver and Darren nodded.


    But when he settled in the car, a wave of sharp pain ran through his head making him wince involuntarily. The driver heard him hissing in pain while he rubbed his forehead and passed a chocolate bar to him saying, "Sir, your sugar level is dropping. That''s not good for your health."


    Darren took the chocolate without any questions and took a bite of it saying, "I''m okay, Ben."


    His driver, Ben didn''t buy it as he replied, "Sir, I''ll drop you off home. You have been running around for almost 3 hours now." Before Darren could argue, he added, "I''ll look for Ms. Bai. Don''t worry. I''ll give you the report as soon as possible."


    Darren was sweating profusely while his body shaking at this point. He could tell himself that his blood sugar level was dropping. He honestly didn''t have it in him to argue anymore as he leaned his head back to the headrest and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 253 - The Riddle Of Her Life?

    As Darren rested his head against the seat and closed his eyes, sleep took over his senses. Soon, his dreams took him to the past...


    "I think I''m in love," he heard Chen Xiu''s voice through the headset while they were playing the video game as a team online.


    Darren was shocked by her sudden revelation that he forgot to attack and that gave the enemy a chance to attack him instead. Half of his HP was lost and Chen Xiu had to step in to save his game character as she said, "Oi! Pay attention! Do you want to die? Even if you do, don''t make me lose this game."


    Darren was brought back to reality because of her loud voice piercing his eardrums. He always wondered why her stupid competitiveness only came out when they were playing games? Couldn''t she fight like that for herself as well? But instead of saying all that, in a soft voice, he answered, "Sorry, I got distracted for a moment."


    "Distracted? By what? Your girlfriend?" asked Xiu as they continued to attack the enemy. When Darren didn''t reply, she didn''t push him for an answer either and took his silence as a yes but doing so made her heart ache for some reason. In silence, they both focused on winning the fight first. When they finally managed to steal the orb from the enemy, that''s when Xiu spoke again, "Stranger!"


    "Hmm..." hummed Darren in reply.


    "What''s the best way to ask someone out?"


    Darren''s heart clenched in his chest and he closed his eyes as if he was going through great pain. But his only pain at that time was the fact that the girl he loved was asking him how to confess her feelings for another. He never thought something could hurt this much but it did at that time. He was this close to losing another thing dear to him. The only difference was, this time he was losing the person he loved with all his heart. And it was not like his dream that he could replace with a new one. Because there was only one Chen Xiu and no one knew that better than him.


    Chen Xiu had no clue about what was running through his mind. She didn''t know that her simple words were hurting him immensely. She was only sharing something personal with a person she trusted the most. It was weird and unbelievable to her as well that she trusted Darren even without knowing him in person. But no matter how unbelievable it was, it was the truth. She trusted him maybe more than she even trusted her own sanity.


    When you love a person and they love someone else, that pain is indescribable. But they both knew how it felt to be the only one loving.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything again?" whined Chen Xiu as she didn''t hear Darren''s reply again. She found his behavior quite odd since he always paid attention to her every word, no matter how stupid her words had been. Today, however, he seemed lost.


    Darren looked heavenwards and replied, "The best way to ask someone out is... Just do it."


    "Huh?"


    "Don''t look for the best way or best time, there is no such thing in this world. Because with every passing moment you''re losing the best moment." Chen Xiu listened to him attentively and even nodded instinctively.


    "Ohh..." she started, "So that''s how my first love failed. I got it now. While I waiting for the right moment, someone else stole that right moment from right under my nose."


    "Then you shouldn''t let it happen now," advised Darren in a heavy voice with a strange feeling in his chest. As if he was suffocated now. "Don''t let this love lose."


    Chen Xiu was quiet for a long moment before sighing, "But I didn''t want to lose the first one either. He just didn''t even wait for me." Darren only frowned at her words not knowing what she was referring to. But only Chen Xiu knew how badly she wanted to stand before him and scream at him for not waiting for her. If only he had...


    "I really can''t think of a single person who wouldn''t want to wait for Chen Xiu even if it is for a lifetime and beyond," said Darren in a playful way but he meant every single word he said. Because he was that idiot who was willing to wait for her even if it was for a lifetime or beyond.


    Chen Xiu scoffed in reply, "Oh, please! Even you didn''t wait for me."


    "What?" asked Darren with furrowed brows and confusion palpable on his face.


    "Forget it," replied Chen Xiu as she calmed her feelings for him that were starting to emerge from a deep part of her heart. But she couldn''t let him know about those feelings. She didn''t want to lose him as a friend as well. She had lost the chance to make him hers, she couldn''t risk this bond of friendship with him. It meant everything to her.


    "Sometimes, you talk in riddles and make my brain go poof!" said Darren to distract her since he could feel the tension surrounding her.


    Chen Xiu took a deep breath before saying in a small voice, "You could have been the answer to my riddle. Instead, you chose to become the riddle of my life."


    Darren was left dumbfounded. He didn''t know what she meant and neither did she bother to explain before going offline. He was left contemplating her last words without knowing that she was actually confessing her love to him. Since she didn''t want to keep her feelings buried in her heart for good, it was her own way of letting him know that he was her first love. Her one and only first love.


    Her words were actually based on, "Follow love and it will flee; flee love and it will follow you. ~(Ann Hood)"


    What she meant was that she wanted to follow her love for him and make him the answer to the riddle that she considered her lonely life to be. But now when she was trying to flee from her feelings for him, he was following her like the ghost of Christmas past...


    ~~~


    Darren was jolted awake from his dream when Ben shook his shoulder and said, "Sir, we have arrived."


    It took Darren a minute to gather back his senses after that short nap but he felt a lot better. He wasn''t feeling as weak as before. The only problem with him was the words in his dreams that rang in his mind again and again.


    That dream was like a cruel reminder for him that he had lost his Xiu once. Whether it was to Zhou Jinhai or to death. He had lost his Xiu twice and only because he wasn''t there to hold her hand in the first place. If he had confessed his feelings for her first, he wouldn''t have lost her to Zhou Jinhai and if only he had been right by her side, he could have saved her from death.


    Darren ran a hand over his face in exasperation as he stepped into the elevator and came to his floor. Just as he punched in the passcode and pushed open the door, what came into his view baffled him, leaving him staring with a blank face.

 Chapter 254 - Right Here With Me

    The apartment that always greeted him submerged in the darkness that he had made his own sanctuary looked different tonight. Because tonight, it wasn''t the darkness that greeted him. Instead, it was candlelights spread out. His slumped posture straightened up in curiosity and equal confusion.


    As he took a further step inside, candlelights making the arc of brilliant gold in the darkness seemed to have made his heart beat faster. His eyes darted around the living room before they settled on a box lying on the glass surface of the coffee table. His flashed with astonishment and happiness as he noticed something else. Or more precisely, someone else.


    Since the candlelight gave far less illumination that the blaring electric bulbs, even the furniture''s shape were barely discernible. And just like that, Xiu''s figure was also hardly discernible to him. Using her arms as her pillow, she was leaning against the coffee table as she sat on the thick carpet.


    Darren took small but a bit hesitant steps towards her and kneeled down right beside her. He didn''t make a single sound, only stared at her face in the dim candlelights. The flickering yellow flames might have muted every other color in the room, but as he sat beside her, he was mesmerized by how she seemed to be basking in the warm light.


    Her skin looked mellow like peach, her bones seemed sharp and her hair... Oh, how badly he wanted to run his fingers through her long hair. But he didn''t lift his hand to touch, scared that he might wake her up and mostly because he was afraid that she was just an illusion. And if he touched, she''d vanish.


    With fascination palpable on his face, he kept his eyes on her. Suddenly, he noticed her eyes fluttering a little and she furrowed her brows before lifting her hand to rub her eyes like an adorable kitten. After rubbing her eyes when she lifted her eyes, she was met with the most beautiful orbs she was most familiar with. And noticing those grey orbs looking back at her, her sleep went out the window while her lips lifted up in a bright toothy grin.


    "Hi, baby!" Xiu waved both her hands at him in happiness. "When did you come back? Why didn''t you wake me? I''ve been waiting for you here." She kept talking and talking while Darren didn''t say a word in reply. His eyes just followed her every gesture or her every single expression.


    Under the dimness, he could say that her brown eyes seemed black, each pupil quite undetectable. And yet they shone so brightly like stars in the dark sky. She looked strangely different in that shallow light like she didn''t even belong to that era.


    Xiu clicked her fingers before his eyes when she didn''t hear anything from him and pouted, "Why aren''t you saying anything? Are you angry with me?" Xiu slid closer to him and held both sides of his face in her hands saying, "Don''t be mad at me. I know I was not supposed to drink when you''re not with me. But..." Xiu looked downward guiltily as she went on, "I had something to talk to Dylan and I couldn''t do it sober. Besides, I promise I only intended to drink one or two glass." She even raised her three fingers to show her solemn stance but it waivered soon enough.


    "Baby, you know that I was literally an alcoholic in my previous life. So, when a drop of alcohol went into my system, my nervous system had a short circuit and I lost count of how much I drank." Xiu was trying hard to explain herself as best as she could in her half-drunk state. But even then Darren didn''t speak which made Xiu''s heart beat like a drum in fear. "Baby, are you that upset that you won''t even talk to your Sweets? Can''t you forgive your Sweets just this one time? Please!" She tugged at his sleeve as she continued, "Even if you want to stay angry, please say something. Don''t be so silent. It''s scaring me."


    Darren finally spoke, "I''m trying to figure out whether you''re really here or I''m dreaming again." Xiu''s eyes widened as she heard his response and stared at him unblinkingly as he continued, "But you don''t talk to me this much in my dreams. I''ve been looking for you for hours and when I couldn''t find you anywhere, I honestly thought you''re gone. You left me again. The thought of losing you again scared the hell out of me. That is why I don''t dare to try to see whether you''re really here or not." he sighed heavily, "Because even if it is my dream all over again, let me live in this dream a bit longer. At least, you''re here with m-"


    His words were cut off by Xiu''s lips. It was for just a moment, a fraction of a second, incredibly risky and yet painful for Xiu to see him doubting. But the moment she pulled away, she felt him trembling against her and it clenched her heart in her chest terribly.


    Slowly and carefully her arms wrapped around his neck as she looked into his eyes and said, "This time you''re not questioning my will to stay. This time you''re actually doubting your own love." Darren raised his brows at her as she continued, "Baby, it''s our love holding us together. There is no way around it." She leaned her head a bit and bit his cheek making him flinch a bit in surprise. "This is to remind you that I''m very real. This is not a bloody dream. I won''t let this be one. When this reality is better than the dreams why would I let you think about some lost dream?" she whispered against his cheek before her lips slid to the corner of his lips to drop a kiss.


    Xiu almost pushed him as he fell on his back while she kept hugging him as if to transfer all her warmth to him. He wrapped his arms around her, her scent mixed with alcohol overwhelmed his senses and he rubbed her hair with a content smile as he said, "Yup... This reality is far better. You''re right here with me."

 Chapter 255 - Not So Perfect

    In the silence of the night, Xiu continued to lay on top of Darren. He was still lying on the thick carpet without any intention to move or let her go. With his one arm was sn.a.k.e.d around her waist, he ran his fingers through her beautiful, smooth hair with the other one. Xiu''s head was lying on top of Darren''s chest and she could hear his heartbeat changing rhythm.


    All of a sudden, Darren thought of something, "Sweets, how did you enter my apartment?"


    Xiu giggled before mumbling against his chest, "I thought if I''m the key to your heart than I should be the key to your house as well, right?"


    "Huh?" Darren was dumbfounded by her response.


    Xiu facepalmed herself before she looked at Darren''s face and said, "To explain that, I''ll have to rewind a little..."


    Going back to the time she ate ice cream with Xiaoli, Ah-Si, and Dylan, Xiu felt really happy but she also felt like something was missing. Her heart knew that the only thing missing at that time was Darren''s presence right by her side.


    As she thought of Darren, she left the three men alone. She only came back after 10 minutes and seeing her Dylan said, "Can you stay in one place?" He saw a square box in her hand and frowned, "What''s in the box?"


    "Whatever it is, it''s not for you," retorted Xiu while she stuck her tongue at him childishly.


    As they settled back in the car, Dylan plugged out his cellphone from charging and turned it on. The moment his phone turned on, it started vibrating over and over again. Dylan felt a sense of trepidation rising in his heart. And when he saw Darren''s name in his call log, he almost threw the phone.


    "Ms. Bai Xiu, where is your phone?" asked Dylan with a trembling voice.


    Xiu who was busy caressing the box in her hand while she smiled like an idiot on her own, turned her head slightly to look at Dylan and answered, "I don''t know."


    "What do you mean you don''t know?" screamed Dylan making Xiu flinch back a little.


    Xin Xiaoli who had been driving calmly, suddenly pressed the brake and the sudden jerk made Dylan''s head hit the seat before him. "Li bro, why did you stop the car?"


    "It''s a red signal," answered Xin Xiaoli before adding, "Also, don''t raise your voice at her." He looked back to glance at Dylan and continued, "If she cried, I''ll make sure that Auntie Wei gets to know about every single girlfriend of yours in the past three years."


    Dylan gulped visibly but ended up choking on his own saliva as he coughed. "Bro, do you know how happy I was to know that you came to bail me out? I mean, you never even use your father''s name for even your own sake and yet, you used Uncle''s influence to get me out of the jail. I was feeling honored and so important. And now, you''re giving un-related person like her significance over me?"


    "She''s neither un-related nor un-relevant," the answer came from Ah-Si instead and Dylan looked at him in disbelief. "Bro called her a sister. And if my brother says it, he means it." Of course, Dylan was aware of that but he didn''t know why that person was Xiu of all people now? "Besides, the reason why we used dad''s name to get you out is simple... The court procedure would have taken the time and bro didn''t want you to stay in jail for even a second longer."


    Xiu listened to them but she was a bit slow to process their words as she only asked her question when the car had resumed the silence, "Li bro, how did you use your dad''s influence to get us out so fast? Is he acquainted with the higher-ups?"


    "He''s not acquainted with the higher-ups," replied Dylan instead of Xin Xiaoli and when Xiu furrowed her brows in confusion, he added, "Because he is the higher up!"


    "Huh?" Xiu was confused.


    But before she could ask anything, Dylan said, "Bro, can you drive fast and drop this rabble-rouser to her place? Her boyfriend has called me over a million times and by now, he''d on the verge of explosion."


    Xiu clapped her hand happily and gave a thumbs up to Dylan saying, "For the first time, Didi is right. Take me to my baby. I miss him. Take me. Let''s go, go, go!"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her reaction and more so because the Xin brothers only gazed at her with a doting look in their eyes even though she was really acting like a nuisance. He really couldn''t understand what was happening anymore. Especially because that idiot Xiu didn''t even know where she left her phone. Dylan could tell what must be happening with Darren but he still didn''t dare to call Darren.


    It didn''t take long for Xin Xiaoli to park the car before Xiu''s condominium building and said goodbye to her. Xiu skipped her way to the elevator, greeted the elevator attendant and happily came to her floor. Just as she was about to unlock the door of her own apartment, she stopped and turned to look at Darren''s door.


    After contemplating for a minute, she rang the bell but got no response. Realizing that he wasn''t home, she said to herself, "Eh? My baby is not at home. Should I leave the box at the door?" She tapped her chin in a thoughtful manner before shaking her head. "That won''t be a good surprise."


    With that thought in mind, she decided to punch in the passcode that she could think of. "My baby''s birthday... 0114!"


    *Beep*


    The passcode turned out to be wrong, so she scratched her head and pressed in Darren''s mother''s birthday as for how she knew that she wouldn''t tell anyone that she had her stalking moments as well.


    *Beep*


    The passcode was wrong again. Xiu knocked her head against the door lightly as if that would give her an idea as she said, "Who else he loves the most?" Her eyes went wide as she pointed at herself, "Me. Haha. My baby loves me the most as well."


    Xiu typed, "1225"


    *Click*


    The door opened and she jumped in excitement. It really turned out to be her birthday. How weird!


    Coming back to the present, she beamed, "And just like that I knew that Xiu can not only open the door to your heart, she can open the door of your house as well."


    Darren stared at her beaming face before asking, "But how did you know that you''re supposed to use Chen Xiu''s birthday or Bai Xiu''s?"


    Xiu gaped at him as she sat on his stomach and hit his chest saying, "How can you not know this?" Darren raised his brows at her while she said, "Both Chen Xiu and Bai Xiu have the same birthdate. Only the year is different. My birthday even in this life is 25th December."


    "What?" Darren was really shocked to learn that. He never imagined that such a coincidence was even possible.


    "OMG! Baby, you don''t even know my birthday?" asked Xiu in an exaggerated manner. She hit his chest again, "How could you?! You only care about Chen Xiu and not me." In her complaining, she even forgot that she was Chen Xiu as well. She only remembered that she was Bai Xiu now and it hurt to know that he only cared about a dead person!


    Her punches were so light that Darren didn''t know whether to laugh or cry, he held her hands, caressed the side of her face and replied, "I was a dreamer, Chen Xiu was a dream. A perfect dream of mine. You..." his thumb pad rubbed her bottom lip as he continued, "You''re not so perfect but you''re real. You''re my Sweets for whom my love might not be perfect as well but I promise, it''s as true as it can be."

 Chapter 256 - Ideal Wife

    The flame of the candles was the only source of light in the room. Even the moon hidden behind the clouds couldn''t send a sliver of light in through the windows. And in that dim light, Xiu felt like she could not only see the sincerity in his eyes, she could feel it. She could feel it piercing through her heart and rising heat throughout her body.


    As much as she loved snuggling close against his wonderfully hard muscles, she itched to touch him even more so. Being an actress, Xiu had heard all kinds of cheesy and romantic words in her previous life. But then why did his word always struck a chord she didn''t even know existed within her? Where did he even come up with those words that could touch not just her heart but her very soul as well? Either he had an insanely sweet-mouth or he was insanely in love with her.


    Xiu could proudly say that he had insanely sweet-mouth, after all, she tasted it very well. But he was also insanely in love with her as well. And she couldn''t overlook that fact either.


    Hearing him call Chen Xiu a perfect dream made Xiu realize one very important thing, Chen Xiu was his number one but at the end of the day, she was his one and only. Xiu leaned down to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Every word that comes out of these ridiculously beautiful lips leaves me shell-shocked!" Darren chuckled softly as she left another featherlike kiss, this time on his lips.


    "Sweets?"


    Another kiss, this one a bit slow at first but when her tongue darted out to tease the seam of his lips, Darren''s arm around Xiu''s waist tightened. As he slowly opened his mouth slightly, she took the opening to plunge her tongue in, tasting him. Daringly, she sucked on his bottom lip making Darren groan and return her action as his fingers sunk deeper in her hair.


    She loved his soft and strong lips that made every single cell in her body flutter in anticipation. She didn''t want to pull away, she never wanted to pull away but she reluctantly did to inhale some oxygen. "Yes."


    Darren was left staring at her dumbstruck and it took him a while to realize that he had called her earlier and only now she decided to reply. Both of their breaths were labored as they tried to catch their breath. Xiu rested her forehead against his while his thumb lightly massaged the base of her skull.


    "You should stop, Sweets," came Darren''s breathless voice.


    Xiu trailed kisses from the corner of his mouth, over his jaw and down his neck and cuddled under his chin comfortably, "Why?"


    "Because you''re misbehaving under the influence of alcohol," replied Darren keeping his voice as calm and leveled as he possibly could at that time. No matter how much he was itching to just go with the flow, he had to remind himself that she was drunk. He couldn''t possibly take ''advantage'' of this situation.


    Xiu, however, paid no heed to his words as her lips curled up mischievously. Her fingers fiddled with his shirt''s button and she unbuttoned enough to reveal his chest, she gently dropped kisses on his chest. "Like this?"


    A rumble rose from his chest, warning retribution. But Xiu was far lost in her endeavors to care about his warnings. Her soft hair fell over her shoulder and tickled ever so softly against his n.a.k.e.d chest making Darren take a deep breath to keep his rationality which seemed like it was soon gonna be overtaken by the passion burning in his heart.


    Xiu could feel him hesitating even though she could tell that he was just as much yearning to hold her as she was. But why was he holding back then?


    Xiu''s soft lips sucked on his collarbone before she leaned close to his ear and nibbled on it. "Why are you holding yourself back?"


    "You''re... drunk," was his only reply. As his hot breath hit her cold neck, Xiu felt a tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach.


    "So?" questioned Xiu with a dumbstruck expression. Her muddled mind couldn''t possibly understand why he was holding himself back or maybe, she didn''t want to. Indeed, she didn''t want to understand whatever his reason was and no matter how reasonable his reason was. She just didn''t give a...!!!


    Darren held both sides of her face, "I''m not certain whether it''s alcohol talking or you really want this."


    Xiu suddenly was mad as she narrowed her eyes at him. "This is the only problem with you." Darren''s eyed went wide at her sudden outburst but she certainly wasn''t done. Oh, no! She was only starting. "You always treat me like a doll. As if, your touch would break me. You don''t share your worries with me because you think I''d end up getting hurt. You always find ways to treat me like the most precious person in your life. But what about me? Do you think I really am that weak? My body might be of twenty-three years old but you of all people know that I''m older than you in age. Then why do you think that I need your protection? I need you, not your protection!"


    Darren was left blinking at her in amazement. He had heard of her intimidating persona from Dylan but he never believed him. Tonight, however, he was seeing it first hand. In fact, he was at the receiving end as well. No wonder, Dylan always insisted that she was a devil in disguise. But then why was he finding this devil awfully adorable? More so, why was this intimidating side of her was making him so restless?


    "Why do you always go out of your way to fulfill my wishes? Was it necessary to announce to the whole world that you have a girlfriend? Yes, I wanted to do that but I didn''t ask you to do it! And you made me cry! It''s your fault that I drank in the first place. Who told you to say such words before the whole world?"


    It was his fault? Just because he wanted to see her happy?


    "Are you trying to be an outsider? Just because I''m not your wife, you don''t want to share your burden with me?"


    Darren''s brows quirked up at her words.


    "What? What are you looking at?" retorted Xiu stubbornly as she said, "Don''t look so surprised. It''s not like I asked about your ideal type of wife."


    Darren pursed his lips as his eyes bore into her.


    "But now that we are already on this topic... What is your ideal type? What kind of a wife would you like? Wise? Devoted? Career woman? Passionate? Or should I plan to surprise you every day?"


    Darren listened to her rambling with a starstruck look. He was fascinated. Especially, when she asked about his ideal type of wife. Haha! He really wanted to laugh because he knew she''d never say these things if she was sober. It was such a random idea and yet he found it a beautiful one. Wife? The idea was quite appealing to him. Actually, more than he thought so.

 Chapter 257 - Not Enough!

    Darren flicked her forehead and said, "You''re really an idiot!" Xiu rubbed the space between her brows while he went on, "I don''t think you''re weak at all. If anything, I have never met a stronger person than you. Not everyone can live the way you did after going through something bizarre as reincarnation." Xiu''s expression shifted. "People would often look back for revenge but you didn''t. That''s why I believe that you''re the strongest one I know who decided to give yourself another chance instead of dwelling over the past."


    His thumb rubbed against her cheek. "You think I don''t share my worries with you? Why is that? I forget about all my worries when you smile so beautifully. The world just turns into a beautiful place itself. How will I share those worries when I always end up forgetting them around you? Besides, if I treated you like an outsider, I wouldn''t have taken you to meet one of my mothers. And I most definitely wouldn''t be sweating over how I''m supposed to impress your family."


    Xiu''s eyes flashed with an indecipherable emotion. "Sweets, I didn''t announce to the world that I''m taken because you wanted me to. I did it because I wanted to do it. For the both of us. If I do something, I won''t just be doing it for you. I''ll be doing it for both of us. Because I want both of us together in the future ahead of us." He took a small pause before adding, "This is why I said, you''re an idiot who can''t even understand this!"


    Xiu process his words, her lashes fluttered with a pouty face. "Well, we can''t help it then," said Xiu in reply with a shrug of her shoulders. "Even if I am an idiot, I''m yours. So you have to deal with it. Because this idiot is already yours."


    Darren couldn''t help laughing out as he was reminded of what he had said earlier in the evening. He rolled over, swapping their positions while now he was on top of her, he pinned both her hands over her head and said, "Indeed, you''re my idiot." His lips crashed on hers without any prior notice. He didn''t play the game of teasing which Xiu had been doing. Instead, he went straight to the point. And the point was those lips of hers that had been calling him for a long time now.


    Xiu wanted to wrap her hands around his shoulder or run her fingers through his hair but he didn''t let her escape. Just as his tongue tasted hers, buzzing electricity ran through her body. This time, Xiu didn''t suck at his bottom lip, instead, she nipped at it slightly with her teeth before releasing it. He returned the action making a m.o.a.n escape through her throat involuntarily.


    His body pressed against hers and she could feel his hardened manhood pressing against her soft body. Feeling a curiosity rising in her, she wriggled her wrists and Darren loosened his grip. Xiu''s hands slowly trailed down as she slid his already unbuttoned shirt down. Slowly, her one hand reached between them and her palm glided over the front of his jeans. She felt the length of him up and down at an awfully slow pace making Darren''s breath become labored.


    As she felt him grow under her touch, she smiled smugly in satisfaction against his lips. Darren pulled away from her lips slightly to gaze into her eyes. He was taken aback to find something he had never seen in her eyes before. The ardor and l.u.s.t in her eyes was scorching his resolve to control himself.


    "Sober or not, you really love playing dangerously," remarked Darren breathlessly.


    A low growl escaped his throat when her hand teased his already painful member languidly. His lips trailed down her jaw and neck before he moved to the spot on her neck making her m.o.a.n out. She could feel her n.i.p.p.l.es hardening under the material of her bra. She felt an ache to be touched. She wiggled her h.i.p.s, sending delicious shivers through her whole body.


    Darren''s hands trailed down as he stroked her sides through the fabric of her shirt. But he didn''t even touch a single button of her shirt as if he had no intention to take her shirt off. It really irked Xiu in a way that she couldn''t even describe it.


    He captured her lips again while his hand took her b.r.e.a.s.t in his hand. Cupping her b.r.e.a.s.t, he gently stroked and squeezed it in his hand. Xiu tried desperately to push her chest up. Darren''s hand invaded inside her shirt as his hands rubbed the sides of her ribs making Xiu wiggle with his burning touch.


    He slowly unbuttoned her shirt as he kissed the skin along her collarbone. As his lips touched the skin right along the swell of her b.r.e.a.s.ts, she thought he was going to kiss but his hot tongue flung out to lick the skin along the swell of her b.r.e.a.s.ts, Xiu''s mind had started to buzz.


    That sudden feeling that he invoked in her body, made Xiu impatient. She so badly wanted every little barrier between them to just vanish. But Darren didn''t seem as she was. Xiu held his shoulder, "Are you trying to tease me now?"


    Darren kissed her arm saying, "Why would I?" His kisses trailed upward to her shoulder as he answered in a whisper, "What''s the hurry? Good things and good moments are both meant to be savored." He nipped at her earlobe before adding, "And my Sweets is meant to be worshipped. Didn''t I make that clear already?"


    Xiu stared at him with an unbelievable expression. Was he serious? How could he...


    Xiu''s thoughts left her brain as soon as she felt Darren''s teeth grazing slightly over her shoulder as he slid the strap of her bra down. Her breath hitched in her throat again when he did the same thing with the other strap before unclasping her bra from behind. As for Xiu, she happily had pushed herself up a little to give him access to the clasp of her bra.


    He took a moment to admire her bare and aroused chest while she looked anywhere but at his face. He lowered his mouth and kissed around her heated skin before closing his mouth around her already hard n.i.p.p.l.e. While he sucked and nipped at the nub, she arched her back asking for more of him. Seeking more of his attention, more of his tongue and his mouth around her needy and painful bosom.


    She again wiggled her h.i.p.s against his firmness while he ground his h.i.p.s into her in response providing her the relief she was looking for. But it wasn''t enough. It was just not enough!

 Chapter 258 - Scream My Name

    Darren trailed kisses up her chest, following the column of her neck to her ear. His hand replaced his mouth at her b.r.e.a.s.ts as he gently stroked, and pinched her n.i.p.p.l.es between his long fingers. He knew exactly what he was doing as he played her in his hands without any hesitation. However, she was more than willing to be played.


    He thrust his h.i.p.s into her making her m.o.a.n out, "You really want me to beg now, don''t you?"


    Darren captured her lips in a ravishing kiss and with a glint in his eyes, said, "I don''t intend anything like that. But I can''t deny that..." as he spoke, his hand gently squeezed her b.r.e.a.s.t before trailing down her side. His hand stopped on her waist to fiddle with her pant''s button. As he slowly pulled her pants down, his hand touched her private part with only the thin fabric of her underwear between them. Xiu arched her back in anticipation as he spoke in a slow voice, "I won''t deny just how much I love it when you scream my name."


    With that, his hand slipped inside her panties and while he nuzzled her neck, his finger slid through her folds making her scream out, "Regan!"


    Darren had a victory smile on his face as his finger touched her hot button making her gasp while he breathed into her neck, "See, my name sounds so much better now."


    He circled his finger inside her core making a come-hither motion that sent shots of lightning through her body. Just when she thought it was becoming too much, too sensitive, he added another finger making Xiu gasp again while he tasted her neck in between the kisses.


    Even Xiu couldn''t tell which ball of pleasure he pinched but it indeed sent her over the abyss. She cried out and gasped with her chest visibly heaving up and down. Xiu had yet to come down from her receding flood sensation when she felt his finger teasing her inner walls again. He dipped his head on her lips to swallow her m.o.a.ns while he stroked the front walls of her inner channel.


    She felt an intense heat and pressure rising in her body again. She didn''t know he managed to do it so soon after but her walls tightened around his finger as the dam exploded and she cried out yet again. Seeing his devilish smirk, she knew that his knowing hands must have figured out her g-spot!


    Coherent words had been lost as she only felt like she had lost herself to euphoria. She only had a vague idea of her surroundings but she could feel his touch even more intensely because of how sensitive her whole body felt. Her legs instinctively tightened around him, trying to pull him into her. She watched him lift his finger up to his mouth at a painfully slow speed and as he tasted her on his fingers, Xiu felt her body shudder for some reason.


    She gathered all of her strength even though she was already feeling exhausted because of a hectic day and the very recent two orgasms that left her almost drained. She pushed at his shoulders making him lay down beside her before she touched the zipper of his jeans and pulled it down. Darren raised his brow at her in curiosity while she unfastened the top button of his jeans.


    She pushed down the piece of clothing that separated her from him and he complied by lifting his h.i.p.s to help her push down his jeans and boxers. Darren clutched the side of the coffee table beside him when her soft hands touched his firmness. She was trying to take all of him but couldn''t so, ended up pouting instead.


    Her hands started caressing him slowly up and down making his breath hitch. She was like a curious child who watched his face contorted in pain and pleasure which brought a smile to her face instantly. His burning firmness yearned for a release while Xiu''s movement became careful and attentive. As if she was tasked with a very important task, she continued to fiddle around with his ''member''.


    She heard him grunt before he came all over her hands. Xiu looked at her hands dripped in him. All of him... She couldn''t help bringing her hand up to her mouth to taste him. But just as she sucked on her index finger, her wrist was held by a strong hand. Xiu lifted her eyes to look at Darren and was surprised to see how dark his eyes looked.


    She watched him taking tissue from the table as he cleaned her hand and said, "Are you done playing around?"


    Xiu blinked at him in question when he took her in his arms and laid her down on the couch before he spread her legs to settle between her legs. That''s when Xiu realized that it wasn''t just her body crying out for completeness, he was equally desperate to own all of her. This craving of feeling him inside of her was so strong at it itched all over her skin crawling under her skin like a curse. A curse, she knew she''ll never be able to get rid of.


    That musky scent in the air was only working like adding fuel to fire since she felt like her every sense was heightened. At least, her sense of desire was certainly at the peak now. They were intoxicated by each other and there was no denying that both of them could only find their solace in each other.


    Xiu gripped his shoulder as Darren plunged into her core slowly. Her walls clenching against him made Darren feel like the missing piece of his puzzle was finally found. He dipped his head to adorn her lips with his own while he slowly started moving inside of her. Xiu tugged gently at his hair as she surrendered herself to him.


    How could she not surrender? She could feel his warmth against her skin. She could feel him melting her soul away at a languid pace. She could feel hands caressing her body as if adoring every single part of her. It was the world of sensuality, while they were lost in heated passion and love. But this night''s breath only confirmed it for both of them that... They both were a pair of thirsty souls who only wanted to drown in each other.

 Chapter 259 - Favorite Genre

    His every touch on her skin wrote a melody in a way that even ecstasy was left envious. It was a piece of music she had never heard. She could discern the sensuality of love that seemed like a charm that actually spellbound her. His touch was tender and yet wild in a way that her nerves would remember it. And her senses? Well, she could say she had long lost all of her senses to him.


    With every single move of his, she felt thrills rippling inside of hers. The wild abandon and arousal that only he managed to invoke in her made Xiu realize just how much power he had over her now. Not only that the idea of wild ecstasy was a mere fantasy to her but now, she felt herself yearning to live in that wild ecstasy. It felt like a place she belonged in. And he felt like the one she belonged with.


    Xiu was lying limp after their wild affairs on top of Darren''s hard body. She could vaguely feel his hand brushing against her spine in slow motion. In the middle of the night, he slowly got up with Xiu still tucked in his arms and walked towards the bathroom. He filled the bathtub with slightly hot water to ease her ache before placing her in.


    Xiu opened her eyes slowly as her body slowly dipped into the water. She looked at Darren''s face with a lazy expression as she muttered, "Of course, how can a romantic night end without a bathtub scene?" she was being derisive with her words because it really felt like a scene straight from a movie.


    Darren splashed some water at her face as he rolled his eyes at her for such a remark. She''d really say anything and everything in her drunk state. She really was a sight to see when she was drunk. He was being considerate by washing her sticky body and she was spouting nonsense. However, he couldn''t deny that one reason for choosing to give her a bath had been that he loved seeing the artwork that he had done all over her body. Those bright red marks spread all over her body instinctively lifted Darren''s mood up.


    Xiu wiped the beads of water from her face that he splashed on her and held his arm that he had stretched to wipe her body. She looked into his eyes strangely and said, "As much as a romantic genre seems pleasing, you must know that I''m not a very big fan of it. I''ve acted in those cheesy pieces way too many times and I found them rather enjoyable. How naive I was. Sigh!" She caressed her cheek against his arm as she went on, "But I must say, e.r.o.t.i.ca is now my favorite genre."


    *Cough!!!*


    Noticing his reaction, she frowned and added, "Don''t look so surprised. E.r.o.t.i.ca is also romance but just a bit explicit. But then again, what''s wrong with explicit romance? E.r.o.t.i.ca is a misunderstood genre. Believe me, it has so much more to offer."


    Darren choked on his own saliva as he coughed profusely at her sudden confession and just as he opened his mouth to say something, he felt like the weight on his arm had increased. He looked down and found that Xiu had gone to sleep while leaning her head on his arm. Or more like, she passed out.


    He heaved a long and deep breath before he continued with the task at hand. After giving her a bath, he wrapped her in a bathrobe and brought her to his bedroom. Xiu only stirred in her sleep but seemed like she had no intention to wake up at all. Her exhaustion must have finally caught up to her. Darren shook his head at her before he dried her hair with a towel. Pulling the duvet above her body, he went to take a bath himself.


    Just as he came back, he looked at Xiu''s peaceful face and smiled. She seemed to be having a good dream since there was a smile etched on her face. He kneeled down beside her side and his knuckles brushed against her cheek gently and affectionately. ''E.r.o.t.i.ca is now my favorite genre.'' Her words rang in his mind again. He dropped a kiss at her temple as he whispered, "I really hope you remember what you said. Because I certainly would enjoy the aftermath of this drinking escapade of yours."


    He slipped under the duvet right beside her and held her in his arms. As she felt a familiar presence close to her, Xiu immediately leaned into him and snuggled against him with a content smile.


    From his previous understanding of drunk Xiu, it was that she''d act crazy. But only tonight, he got to know that she was rather a wild drunk as well. But he wasn''t complaining. Oh, no! Not at all! If anything, he loved that side of hers even more. It was like she always managed to show him a different side of herself and it made him crave for her even more.


    Oh, how he wished that she would stay in his arms for good. Recalling how she asked him about his idea of an ideal wife, he pondered over it for a while... Hmmm... Well, he certainly never thought about this subject before. It seemed so foreign to him that even he was surprised himself. Perhaps, that''s why he chose not to answer her at that time and more so because he wanted to give her an answer when she was sober.


    It wasn''t that he never thought about marrying before but he never got to that stage where he''d go on his knee to propose someone for marriage. It was rather weird how he never had the slightest wish to spend his life with another. Not even with Chen Xiu. Yes, he wanted to stay by her side but for some odd reason, his desire to own her was non-existent. Rather than owning her, he wanted to set her free. But it was very different for the one lying in his arms right at that moment.


    With Xiu, it was like a desperate cry from his soul to hold her and never let her go. As if, he wanted to own all of her. And it was ironic, how the person in his memory and the one in his arms were actually the same person!

 Chapter 260 - Tie A Knot

    Meanwhile...


    When Xin Xiaoli dropped Xiu off at her place, he turned the car towards Dylan''s house but being the baby that he was, Dylan started whining, "Bro, please no. If I went home like this, sis is so gonna murder me."


    "Who told you to get in trouble then?" retorted Xin Xiaoli in a calm manner. However, how was he supposed to tell that stupid idiot, that if he didn''t take him home then he would have no other excuse to see his sister! But obviously, Dylan was slow to process such an intention of his.


    "I told you several times, this was definitely not my fault this time," explained Dylan trying to prove his stance. However, it wasn''t very believable since he wasn''t even willing to look at either of the brothers as he lied through his teeth. Yes, it was his moment of distraction that led them to the police station but Xiu was equally responsible for that. At least, that''s what he believed.


    "You neither want to go to your parent''s place nor your own, where am I supposed to take you?" asked Xin Xiaoli as he decided to not argue with Dylan about who was responsible and who was not. He had other things to worry about. After all, it was the first time he used his father''s name to get something done. He was awaiting a call that he dreaded the most.


    "Let''s just take him home with us, I''m tired already," came Ah-Si''s voice who had been leaning against the windowpane with his eyes closed. Dylan''s eyes brightened as he nodded his head in agreement.


    Xin Xiaoli sighed out and swerved the car around towards his own place. Within 20 minutes, he parked the car right in front of his villa and alighted. "Welcome back, young master Li," came an eager voice. Xin Xiaoli turned his head to look at that familiar old face of their most trusted butler and frowned. The butler, Xin Kuan was in Capital then why was he suddenly here?


    "Oh, Uncle Kuan? When did you come? Did dad come with you?" came Ah-Si''s voice from behind Xin Xiaoli who was struck frozen at his place. Xin Xiaoli felt a cold shiver run up his spine as he heard that his father was probably inside the house.


    The old man around his sixties smiled gently and replied, "Young master Si, Master is not here with me. But there is indeed a surprise for you both inside the house."


    Xin Xiaoli released the breath that he didn''t know he was holding before he smiled back at Uncle Kuan and strode towards the door of the villa. Dylan greeted Uncle Kuan with such enthusiasm that it was remarkable, to say the least.


    But instead of following Xin Xiaoli inside, he held Ah-Si''s shoulder and held him back. Ah-Si quirked his brow at Dylan inquisitively. "I think you and I have a long-pending discussion."


    Ah-Si knew what he was referring to as he smacked Dylan''s hand away from his shoulder and said, "I don''t think so."


    Dylan didn''t give up as he stood in his way and said, "There is no way that you''d stop talking to me without a reason. Ah-Si, at least, I deserve to know why did you ignore me for so long." When Ah-Si continued being stubborn, Dylan''s eyes flashed with an indescribable emotion, "You only have to nod or shake your head. Does your behavior with me have anything to do with... Nora Cartwright?"


    Ah-Si''s muscles tensed visibly. Dylan noticed that change and had an inkling as he saw Ah-Si avoiding his gaze, "Should I take this as a yes?"


    "Whatever you think," replied Ah-Si before leaving Dylan to ponder all alone.


    Dylan tilted his head as he said, "Huh? Even if Nora did something, how am I involved in that?" he still was oblivious to what he had done wrong. When in reality, he was right. He actually had done nothing from the start to the end. He was as innocent as one could possibly be and yet he was being dragged in muddy waters without rhyme or reason.


    Dylan shrugged his shoulder and shook his head in exasperation as he also followed suit and entered through the door of the villa. He saw Ah-Si standing under the grand chandelier and frowned. Just as he was about to ask why he was standing like a statue, his unasked question was answered by a beautiful voice.


    Dylan whipped his head in front and was stunned to see the scene unfolding before his eyes. Xin Xiaoli stood visibly twitching not so far from them but what made his face look so pale was actually a gorgeous young lady clad in a mint green chiffon dress as she circled around Xin Xiaoli as if he was the flower and she was the bee.


    "What is she doing here?" asked Dylan as he leaned close to Ah-Si. Of course, he knew who this uninvited guest was, how can he not? She was the young miss of Yan family, Yan Ying who once had been Xin Xiaoli''s playmate. But that was only when they were in kindergarten.


    "I''m neither a gossipmonger nor a news announcer, how would I know what she is doing here?" retorted Ah-Si.


    "Xiao Si, it''s been such a long time I''ve seen you," Ah-Si was dragged away as well but before Dylan could rejoice at Ah-Si''s misery, he was also dragged in this as well.


    "Oh, my! If it isn''t the infamous Dylan Qiu in flesh," said Yan Ying with a sweet smile spread on her lips. "Last time we met, you had just become a CEO. And now, you''re the talk of the town." She leaned over as if to share a secret. "And I''m not just referring to business. Ladies are a huge fan of yours."


    Dylan acted like how Xiu usually did with him and said, "I guess, the God of love had blessed me personally." Yan Ying was a bit taken aback at his level of narcissism. Didn''t they say Dylan Qiu was a humble young master? But it was also true that she heard enough about his poisonous tongue.


    She laughed genuinely at his remark before moving her attention back to Xin Xiaoli as she showered him with compliments and just how much she missed him.


    "Why is she sticking so close to Li bro? I don''t like it," said Dylan as he was being possessive of Xiaoli instead of his own sister who never even spared Xiaoli a second glance.


    Ah-Si thought of something before he snickered, "If what I''m thinking is true, I guess we''ll have to get used to her overly sweet and cute personality for life."


    "Huh?" Dylan was dumbstruck.


    "If she followed bro here that means..." Ah-Si glanced at Dylan as he continued, "Someone has to a tie a knot now."


    "What?"

 Chapter 261 - A Love With No Destination

    Hearing what Ah-Si said, Dylan was feeling apprehensive. It wasn''t the first time that he heard about Yan Ying and Xin Xiaoli''s possible marriage but somehow, he had never felt this worried before. He knew how long it had been since Xin Xiaoli had been trying to court his sister, Qiu Meihui. But his sister''s stubbornness had always come in the way.


    What if his Li bro was also tired of chasing after his headstrong sister?


    Dylan really couldn''t tell how long Xin Xiaoli could avoid this marriage. After all, Yan Ying was a gorgeous woman with her own merits. And unlike his own sister, Yan Ying was neither divorced nor was a single mother. Not to mention, Yan Ying was like a very treasured daughter to Xin Xiaoli''s father as well.


    Even Dylan had heard how fond his Uncle Zi was of Yan Ying. And he also knew that Xin Xiaoli had never gone against his father''s wishes. Not even once in his life! But then again, who would dare to stand against his Uncle Zi? Wouldn''t that person be courting death?


    Dylan''s reverie was only broken when Xin Xiaoli spoke in a distant tone, "Ying, why are you here?"


    The bright smile on Yan Ying''s face faltered a little but she concealed her disappointment very well. It wasn''t the first time that his first question sounded so distant. She should have been used to it but... she still wasn''t!


    "Li, can''t I come to see you without any reason?" retorted Yan Ying while desperately trying to keep her smile look as real as she could. However, she couldn''t shake off the sadness in her voice. "I know you don''t even wanna be friends anymore but there is no reason for you to shed all cordiality between us now."


    Dylan frowned as he listened to their conversation and whispered to Ah-Si, "Friends? Weren''t they just playmates in their childhood?"


    Ah-Si gave a look to Dylan as if looking at an idiot, "Which world are you living in? Ying Jie 1and bro had been best friends. It''s only been a year since they grew a bit distant."


    Dylan had a look of enlightenment. Besides, Ah-Si wasn''t lying at all. Yan Ying and Xin Xiaoli were of the same age and because of their family''s relationship, they both grew up together as well. There was even a time when if you had to find one, you could just look for the other. Because these two always stuck to each other like glue.


    Ah-Si didn''t know how they fell apart but he did know that Yan Ying didn''t change from the time he knew her. It was only his own brother whose attitude towards her changed. And it didn''t take a genius to know that it had something to do with the marriage discussions between Xin and Yan family.


    Xin Xiaoli looked at his best friend''s smiling face and frowned. He knew her very well. How could he not see that she was hurting? Then why was she here? When she knew she''d only get hurt more!


    "Ying, don''t you hate me?" asked Xin Xiaoli and Yan Ying quirked up her brows at his sudden question. "Everything I said to you last time and what I did, isn''t that enough for you to despise me for life? Or are you still holding on to an impossible dream?"


    Yan Ying''s hand trembled as he so outrightly reminded her of what he did and said to her. She had to fist the side of her dress to hide her trembling hands. Tears were making her feel choked up but she willed herself to never cry in front of him ever again. And she wasn''t willing to break that promise she made to herself.


    She looked into his eyes and replied, "Ying has only learned to love you, Li. Ying doesn''t know how to hate you." Her words not only startled Xin Xiaoli but even Ah-Si and Dylan were stunned at their place. "I told you before, let me say it again... Just how you have the freedom to not love me, I also have the same freedom to love you." She tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and continued, "Don''t look so worried, this time, Ying is not here for you. I won''t bother you, I promise. I have no desire to dream again."


    Before Xin Xiaoli could say anything, his phone''s ringtone distracted him. Seeing the caller id, he immediately excused himself and went upstairs to take the call. Yan Ying''s eyes followed his receding figure until he disappeared completely from her line of sight.


    Sighing out, she turned to Ah-Si, "Little Si, how about dinner?" she looked at Dylan and knocked her head, "Oh, where are my manners? Dylan, why are you just standing there? Freshen up, I''ll ask someone to bring the dinner for you both."


    Dylan nodded his head and went to the guest room to take a bath. As she was about to turn towards the kitchen, Ah-Si held her wrist and as she looked at him in confusion, he said, "Ying Jie, don''t you have pride?" Yan Ying dropped her smile that she had kept before Xin Xiaoli and Ah-Si finally saw her anguished look. "If this love hurts this much, why are you torturing yourself?"


    "You of all people shouldn''t be lecturing me, little Si," replied Yan Ying as she patted his shoulder and added, "My only pride in life had been my love for your brother. All of you who want me to stop loving him, why don''t you guys understand that you''re actually asking me to lose my pride? Will I be left with anything after that?"


    Ah-Si really didn''t know what to say to her. "But don''t you feel tired? This road of love that you chose has no destination."


    Yan Ying looked at Ah-Si with a gentle gaze. Just like Ah-Si was the most precious younger brother to Xin Xiaoli, he was exactly like that to her as well. She lovingly ruffled his hair saying, "Aiyo, my dear Si, not every person is looking for a destination in life. Some just like the journey they are on."


    Ah-Si was lost for words. As much as he''d love to stand by his brother''s side. Sometimes, he really felt like she was the one suffering the most. And her only crime was that she fell for someone who didn''t love her back. Siste

 Chapter 262 - On A Date

    Xin Xiaoli who had gone upstairs to his room to take his call took a long breath before attending the call, "Hi, dad! How are you? How''s your trip going with Uncle Yi?" He was trying to act normal at best as he could.


    There was silence on the other end for a minute before he heard a deep voice, "I''m pretty good, son. Although our trip is not that fruitful, we''re still having a good time. What about you? Since your brother has finally found his way back home, why don''t you tell me what are you both up to?"


    Xin Xiaoli was expecting that question. He was even expecting his father to be sarcastic about Ah-Si''s sudden return back home as well. "Nothing much," he replied in a small voice completely unlike his normal one. He sounded intimidating to others but right now, he was like a child who got caught stealing candy.


    "Oh," he heard his father''s voice making a strange feeling to invade his heart. "I just had a brief discussion with An City''s police commissioner. The context of your ''nothing much'' sounds pretty interesting to me."


    ''He knows! How am I not even surprised?'' wondered Xin Xiaoli to himself. After all, how could it be possible that something escaped Xin Zimen''s attention? But before his father could question him, he wanted to come clean himself. "Dad, hear me out first. I know you have never asked anyone for a favor and I really am sorry for using your name like-"


    His father''s voice cut him off, "Son, I didn''t call to question your actions. I just think you should have called me first. Dylan getting arrested and that too for causing an accident can set off a huge internal battle of power within Qiu Corporation. It''s a sensitive topic and you know that as well." Xin Xiaoli''s eyes widened as he realized that his father was right. "First, tell me if Dylan is alright?"


    "Yes, he is fine," answered Xin Xiaoli. "He''s not injured. The accident wasn''t even that serious."


    "That''s good. Anyways, you don''t have to worry about it. I have made all the necessary arrangements. The news of Dylan getting arrested won''t be spread out. Tell him to be careful during this time, any simple act of his can backfire at this crucial time."


    Xin Xiaoli listened to his father''s advice and nodded his head. Even he knew it was a sensitive topic. If anything went wrong then Dylan might never be able to inherit Qiu Corporation. In fact, he thought only Dylan wasn''t taking this matter seriously. And to be honest, the person causing everyone this much worry, Dylan Qiu really wasn''t concerned at all. After all, he never wanted to inherit anything from his father. In fact, in his opinion, his sister was the better candidate for taking on that role.


    Xin Xiaoli''s train of thoughts only stopped when he heard his father''s voice again, "I believe you have already met my guest."


    He raised his brow slightly before saying, "If you''re talking about Ying then yes, I have met her."


    "I hope you don''t mind being cordial with her," said Xin Zimen in a serious voice.


    "Dad, if you''re still holding on to your dream of making her your daughter-in-law then-"


    "Let me clear this up with you, son. She and I both have no such intentions," Xin Zimen''s words made Xin Xiaoli frown. He couldn''t believe that his father actually gave up on an idea he had been insisting on for years. But why did it sound so strange to him? Before he could question anything, he heard, "She won''t bother you, I give my word to you. She''s there as my guest, not yours. So, I hope you refrain from being your usual bitter self."


    Xin Xiaoli was displeased by his father''s words, "Dad, she had been my closest friend for years. Can you please stop talking like I hate her or something? I mean, yes, we had an argument but we really don''t have any bad blood between us. I honestly don''t mind her being here as long as you''re not planning something in secret."


    "No bad blood?" Xin Zimen scoffed at his son''s words as he continued, "I wish I could believe you."


    Xin Xiaoli didn''t know what he meant and before he could ask, his father said his goodbye and hung up the call. Xin Xiaoli was still confused but he had no way to clear up his confusion unless he asked Yan Ying himself and that he didn''t want to do. He was still feeling guilty for what he had done to her last time.


    While upstairs, the atmosphere was really tensed, it was completely opposite downstairs where both Ah-Si and Dylan sat at the dining table with Yan Ying having a very lively late-night dinner.


    "Si, why aren''t you eating much?" inquired Yan Ying as she noticed that Ah-Si was barely eating anything.


    Ah-Si sighed out, "Before this guy called us for help," he was pointing at Dylan with his chopsticks as he went on, "I was having dinner with bro. So, I''m not really hungry."


    Yan Ying shook her head and tsked at him, "I can''t believe even at this age, you went out on a date with your brother instead of a gorgeous lady." Ah-Si didn''t answer and she didn''t push him either. Instead, she just teased him with a sad expression, "And there goes my wish to see my little brother''s wife in this lifetime." She even pretended to wipe the non-existent tears dramatically making Ah-Si glare at her.


    "Ying Jie, you''re too much," said Ah-Si and Yan Ying only laughed at his reaction.


    Dylan was looking at the interaction between Ah-Si and Yan Ying for a while now and he could tell that Ah-Si seemed quite comfortable in her presence. Actually, so comfortable that he wouldn''t even mind her teasing him.


    He was really curious about Yan Ying since he had the least interactions with her throughout his life even though her name was something he had heard very often even in his own household. But before this day, he had never felt the urge to know her. Only now did he feel like he really wanted to figure out this competitor who stood between Xin Xiaoli and his sister, Qiu Meihui.


    It wasn''t difficult to know about her since she was the only daughter of the Yan family, he knew that information about her could be found anywhere. At least, the basics that he didn''t know of. So, he pulled out his cell phone and searched her name on a search engine.


    As he clicked on a page that seemed to have her basic information, his eyes went wide in surprise.

 Chapter 263 - Bizzare Things

    Dylan read the information displayed on his phone screen with a baffling expression and took another look at Yan Ying again. The slender girl with beautiful features looked like a pampered princess from whichever angle one looked at her. And he wouldn''t doubt it either that she had been pampered all her life being the sole heir to an oil Empire of her family.


    But then why did the information he was looking at said that she was...


    "Ms. Yan, are you an archaeologist?" asked Dylan with a complicated expression. He might not know much about archaeology but he had heard enough to know that archaeologists had a very tough and even sometimes dangerous job.


    Yan Ying raised her brow at Dylan and retorted, "You didn''t know that?"


    Her words confirmed Dylan that she was indeed an archaeologist but why was it so hard to believe? Why would she leave her life of luxury to go after something so dangerous? No wonder her skin was a bit tanned from the excess exposure to the sun.


    "Dylan is a bit slow in learning some things," said Ah-Si as he stared at Dylan''s complicated expressions. He could imagine what Dylan''s internal conflict was all about. After all, it wasn''t every day that you''d know that an heiress to the billion-dollar empire was actually running around going to excavation sites and getting her hands dirty with mud.


    Dylan didn''t mind Ah-Si''s words at all. Since it was true that at this moment, his feelings were really complicated while his mind was trying to process this information very slowly.


    He suddenly had an urge to ask, "Why?" he looked at Yan Ying and continued, "Why did you choose this field?"


    Yan Ying wasn''t expecting such a question from Dylan. "Perhaps, I was too fascinated by human history. And more I got involved in excavations, the more I got intrigued with those artifacts that seem to take you on a trip back in time."


    Dylan listened to her explanation attentively before saying, "I read a book where an archaeologist found a mirror that could take him to another world. Did you find something mythical like that?"


    Dylan''s question seemed like he had intelligence of a five-year-old and even though Ah-Si laughed at his question, Yan Ying didn''t. She simply answered, "I''ll suggest you stop reading fantasy novels. Although this world has a lot of mysteries, it doesn''t mean you should believe in everything."


    Dylan nodded his head in agreement as he said, "That means the person who claims to have been reincarnated, is actually making a fool of me, right? Because such bizarre things don''t happen in this world."


    Yan Ying supported her chin on her hand as she blinked at Dylan, "The things we don''t wanna accept, we end up calling them bizarre. The question is not that it''s bizarre or not. The fact is that your mind knows the truth but you don''t want to accept it and that''s why you claim it to be merely a bizarre thing." Her answer stunned Dylan for a moment. He knew he had every reason to believe in Xiu''s words and yet he had no reason at all. It was tricky. So tricky that he was going crazy. "By the way, did someone really is trying to fool you by saying that?"


    Dylan was startled as he laughed it off, "Nah! I was just curious to know. That''s all. Also, sorry for taking your time. We had rarely met so I didn''t know much about you."


    Yan Ying observed his body movements and expressions carefully before nodding her head. Then she suddenly said, "Well, Dylan, I also don''t know much about you. I had been mostly out of the country these years. The last time I heard of you it was that you''re a crazy fan of a celebrity. And now, I heard that you have become a flower boy. Quite a ladies man you''ve turned out to be."


    "Flower boy?" Dylan quirked his brow at her.


    Yan Ying shrugged her shoulders. "I said what I heard."


    "Young miss, you have a call," she heard Xin Kuan''s voice and took the phone from his hand.


    "Thanks, Uncle Kuan," with that she excused herself and went to the pavilion in the back garden to attend her call. Just as she put the phone against her ear, she said, "Hey, Zizi! What''s up?"


    "You little brat! You again called me by my name? For once, can''t you just call me as Uncle Zi?" reprimanded Xin Zimen. However, he sounded really gentle as if he wasn''t even angry that she called him so carelessly.


    "Come on, Zizi! I told you already, I can''t call you Uncle. That just doesn''t sound right," answered Yan Ying with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.


    Xin Zimen sighed at this little mischief mistress and asked, "Did Xiaoli said anything to you?"


    Yan Ying laughed at his concern as she said, "Zizi if you were this concerned why did you force me to stay at Xin family''s villa? I think my own family''s vacation house is also in An City, I could have gone there but no. You just had to emotionally blackmail me into this." She took a pause before adding, "By the way, don''t worry. Li didn''t say anything at all. You''re just overthinking as always."


    "I know my son better than you," said Xin Zimen before adding, "But forget it. You tell me why are you in An City? Does it have anything to do with the investigation that I entrusted you with?"


    Yan Ying''s sweet smile swapped with a serious look as she answered vaguely, "You can say that."


    Hearing her words, Xin Zimen was alert and anxious as he asked, "What did you find out?"


    Yan Ying contemplated something for a moment before saying, "It''s better if I tell you when you come back."


    "Is it bad news?"


    Yan Ying pursed her lips, "I''m not completely certain yet. That''s why I said that it''s better if I tell you this face to face. Besides, aren''t you coming this weekend? We can wait until then. I''ll also confirm the facts by then."


    Xin Zimen felt apprehensive. "Little lass, you''re scaring me now. But I''ll wait till I meet you. By the way, as I said before, this matter should stay between you and me. My sons shouldn''t get involved."


    Yan Ying leaned against the pillar as she looked at the dark sky enshrouded with clouds. "As a matter of fact, Zizi, I don''t think your family should be involved at this point."


    "Why do you say so?"


    Yan Ying shrugged her shoulders as she replied, "You had been misled for over twenty years. Any outsider won''t be able to mislead you for that long. It has to be someone from your family and I wouldn''t want to alert that person just yet." Her eyes flashed with a complicated emotion as she said, "Besides, both Si and Li are too good for their own good. It isn''t wise to get them in this mess."

 Chapter 264 - I Love His Eyes

    -Next Morning-


    It was 8 in the morning when Darren''s eyes fluttered open slowly. He usually didn''t sleep in like that but last night, he was honestly exhausted. And all because of a troublemaker who was peacefully sleeping snuggled up against him. Darren turned his eyes to look at her face that seemed to be glowing differently in the morning and smiled.


    But as he was reminded of what he had to go through last night because of her, he pinched her cheek and said, "You! My little mischief-maker, let me see how you drink again!"


    He had yet to know what she actually did last night, but he was certain that he didn''t want her to drink again. With such an innocent face, she turned into a seductress from whom even he couldn''t escape. He really had to keep this little demon of his chained up right beside him.


    Reluctantly, he held her head and pulled out his arm from under her head. His arm was numb, but he didn''t complain at all. He silently withdrew from the room and came to the living room. Last night, he didn''t pay attention to cleaning the mess but now he had to.


    He was just glad to see that even in her intoxicated state, she was sane enough to not place any candle on the carpet. Otherwise, he was bound to have a hard time. While he got to cleaning the living room, his eyes finally caught sight of that square box that he had seen last night but were forgotten since someone was being naughty.


    He decided to clean the living room before dealing with that box and that was exactly what he did. It took him about an hour or maybe more to clean his living room merely because of his slight obsession with seeing everything prim and proper that was acting up suddenly.


    Later, he took the box and placed it at the kitchen counter while he perched down on that high chair before it. As he took of the ribbon wrapped around it, he opened it with a curious feeling. What came into his view baffled him before he frowned and held two photo frames placed neatly inside.


    Even more surprising was that both the frames were empty. What did it mean? Why would she give him two empty photo frames? What was she planning to do with it? He really couldn''t answer those questions at all. When he noticed that something else was also in the box, he placed the photo frames at the side and took out something wrapped in a paper bag.


    Darren calmly unwrapped it and his brows immediately quirked up in surprise. Inside were two ceramic mugs. But those weren''t ordinary mugs. It was a pair of couple mugs. On one of the mugs was written, "I love his eyes." There was a small heart drawn underneath. While the other mug had, "He loves my smile," inscribed on it.


    Darren chuckled at her cheekiness and shook his head. He was about to put the mugs down when he noticed that something was written on the other side as well. But he had to put both the mugs side by side to read the whole sentence which read, "You will forever be my always. And you''ll always be my forever. Because you''re my always and you''re my forever. Yours, Sweets."


    Darren held a hand over his mouth as he read those words. A strange emotion surged inside of him. He rubbed a hand on his forehead as if in distress but when his lips lifted, he only whispered, "She''s really my idiot. Childish!" Even though he said that he was secretly really glad to see this gift which meant a lot to him.


    He went inside the bedroom to check on her saw her sleeping even now without any care in the world. As if it was a weekend and she could sleep all day long. Darren poked her cheek and said, "Aren''t you planning on waking up today?"


    Xiu rolled her body over and kept sleeping. Darren shook her shoulder, "Aren''t you hungry already?" As if on cue, her stomach growled in response. She had only eaten ice-cream last night and it was expected that she''d be hungry. Because the only proper meal she had was also with him and that was yesterday morning. Darren chuckled at her stomach''s response and said, "I think now it''s really time to get up."


    Xiu fluttered her eyes open and rubbed her eyes saying, "I''d love to do that but my head is hurting. Also, my whole body is aching. I don''t want to move."


    "Well, no one asked you to drink like there''s no tomorrow," replied Darren in a strange tone making Xiu''s eyes open wide and all sleep was instantly lost.


    Xiu smiled sheepishly as she said, "About that..." she licked her dry lips and went on, "That was me being silly." She took a pause before she held his arm and acted coquettishly, "I''d really love it if you could bring me a coffee and something to eat right here."


    Darren touched her nose as he knew she was trying to escape from the previous topic and said, "Why? Can''t this independent and strong woman get up?" He actually had a strong impression of how she always liked to remind him that she was an independent and strong woman.


    Xiu scratched her head in a silly manner and said, "Although I am a strong and independent woman, I''d still love it if you''d bring me a coffee. Because I''m wrapped up in a blanket and don''t wish to move."


    "So much for being strong and independent," said Darren before he got up and left the room. Xiu held her head as she tried to remember what had conspired last night. She couldn''t recall everything for now because of her groggy state but the soreness between her legs told her about what could have happened. And call it her intuition or maybe she knew herself very well, but she could tell that whatever happened last night was initiated by her own self.


    But was she feeling any guilt? No! She was in fact very pleased with herself. She patted her own shoulders as she whispered, "See, I''m a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants. And if I want my boyfriend, who can stop me? No one!"


    Just then, Darren entered the room with a table full of food as he placed in right before her on the table. Xiu looked at the bowl of fruits nicely cut, delicious looking pancakes with blueberries and there was even a steaming hot mug of coffee. She almost had tears in her eyes receiving the treatment she never even dreamed of.


    But all of sudden, something caught her attention. It was the mug of coffee in Darren''s hand and she abruptly looked at her own mug carefully this time and her eyes widened.

 Chapter 265 - Chained-Up

    As Xiu looked at that familiar-looking pair of mugs, her blurry memory of last night started clearing up a bit. She stared at him and asked, "Why did you open the gift? I still had something to put in it."


    Darren raised his brow as he touched her head and said, "You still have something else? Isn''t this gift enough? Besides, how many times do you want me to fall in love with you?"


    Xiu furrowed her brows as she said, "Why are you saying that? You gave me the most precious gift by saying those words yesterday in that interview. How can I not even do anything for you? Besides, there is no trace of me in your apartment, and I didn''t like that." If it''s her territory, then she must make it seem like one.


    Darren caressed the side of her face as he said, "Sorry for making you cry." Xiu was startled that he suddenly said that but she didn''t say anything in reply and instead continued to sip on her coffee. Darren got up from her side and was about to leave the room when he stopped and said, "By the way, it''s weird that you didn''t notice." Xiu quirked up her brow in question as he pointed at her and said, "Check the belt of your bathrobe."


    Saying that he walked out leaving Xiu confused. She took the belt in her hand and just as she turned it, she read ''Xiu'' embroidered on it in gold color. It was hers! He got it especially for her! Xiu gaped at it in surprise before she looked down and found that the female slippers beside her side were also new. And she most certainly hadn''t seen that pair when she first came to his place.


    Thinking of something, Xiu abruptly stood up and ran towards the bathroom. Her surprise was clearly palpable on her face as she saw everything in pairs. Even in his closet, she found brand new clothes hanging as if tailor-made for her.


    Xiu didn''t know whether to cry or laugh. Cry because he was always ten steps ahead of her while laughing because she was genuinely happy. She freshened up before she finished her breakfast and changed into a dress that was in his closet. She didn''t have to run back and forth between her apartment and his anymore. Because he had gotten every possible thing that she might need. It almost looked like Xiu also lived there.


    She ran out of the room to look for him and found him in the living room staring intently at his phone with a frown etched between his brows. He looked furious for some reason.


    Sensing her presence, Darren lifted his eyes to stare at her with a complicated look in his eyes. "What wrong?" she asked cautiously.


    Darren instead of saying anything passed his phone to her. Xiu took it and as she looked at the video playing on the screen, her face paled.


    It was security footage. The worst part was that the security footage tracked her every single location yesterday. For instance, it started from the time she left the company with Dylan and went to the bar. Even the traffic camera followed her movements. Then from the bar to the accident location was also recorded. Not only that, her visit to the police station and who actually bailed them out could also be seen. The more she looked, the more she wanted to bury herself in the ground.


    Darren was also noticing her changing expressions as he stood calmly at a side. Actually, the footage was sent to him last night just like Ben had promised him. But Darren got distracted, he didn''t pay attention to his phone until now.


    "Sweets..."


    The way he called her sounded more like a repressed growl but one could faintly detect his helplessness as well. He was angry but he was really feeling incapable as well.


    "Baby, I..."


    Xiu really didn''t know what to say. She didn''t realize that he would find this all. She thought he wouldn''t know if Dylan didn''t open his mouth but apparently, her boyfriend had other ways. And his way was so damn well executed that even she couldn''t come up with an excuse. No wonder Dylan said he was most scared of Darren because as simple as his best friend looked, he wasn''t simple at all.


    "Why didn''t you call me after you both got arrested?" Darren asked in a heavy tone.


    "First, I didn''t want to worry you and second," she observed his expressions before continuing in a small voice, "I was scared that you''d be disappointed in me. It wasn''t like it was the first time. So, I thought you might think I''m troublesome and someone who-"


    Her words were cut off when Darren held her in his arms and said, "I don''t know how your doubts will go away but you can''t disappoint me. Ever! Stop belittling yourself so much. If you can''t trust yourself. At least, have some faith in my love for you." He looked down at her face and added, "I know you''re trouble but so what? If I''m willing to accept you why are you not willing to do so? I thought you finally learned to be confident in yourself."


    Xiu''s nose itched as she felt tears pooling in her heart. She looked up into his eyes and answered, "I''m confident around the world. I can stand against the world. But I really don''t have the courage to lose you."


    Darren shook his head at her and asked, "You didn''t get hurt in that accident, did you?"


    Xiu hastily shook her head, "No. Not at all. It was just a small one and it was my fault. Dylan was the one driving but I caused the accident."


    If Dylan knew that she actually defended him like that even though she had been insisting on blaming him for the accident last night, he might puke blood. Or maybe he''d rather question, ''What is this devil planning now?'' After all, he''d rather die than believe that Xiu had any goodwill for him.


    "Can you stop worrying me to death?" said Darren as he kept his arms around her, not letting her go at all. "I''d really go crazy without you." Xiu had a small smile on her face while her tears were threatening to fall at any moment now. He pinched her cheeks and said, "If you didn''t stop worrying me, I think I''ll have to chain you by my side."


    Seeing that thoughtful and curious look on Xiu''s face, Darren flicked her forehead saying, "I can''t believe you''re actually thinking about being chained up. Have you lost your mind?!"


    Xiu blinked at him with innocence. "I was not," she denied his conjecture all together without feeling guilty for lying right at his face.


    "Ms. ''I love e.r.o.t.i.c romance'', I think your face says otherwise!"

 Chapter 266 - Adventurous Night

    Even though Xiu was inwardly tempted, she couldn''t reveal that to Darren. For once, she actually believed that she had done enough already. There was no reason to scare him away with her crazy curiosities. Besides, she had plenty of time for that.


    She still blinked at Darren showing her innocent expression as if she didn''t even understand what he was saying. As if there was no one more naive then her in the whole world.


    But Darren could easily read her through and through by now. It wasn''t the first time he was seeing her acting this cute. Her cuteness knew no bound but he was also the only one who knew that her wild nature also knew no bounds.


    He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Don''t test me, I might really punish you next time."


    Xiu sucked in a cold breath at the way his hot breath assaulted her neck making her tingle all over. But to keep her senses intact, she pushed him slightly and said, "You already did." Darren gave her an uncertain look as she rolled her eyes at his reaction saying, "Do you have any idea how many hickeys I have all over my body? How am I supposed to step out of the house?"


    Darren smiled proudly as he languidly sat down at the couch and continued to stare at his phone saying, "The best solution is don''t step out the door."


    Xiu frowned at his reaction but she couldn''t deny that his idea was also the best. It was already past 10, there was no point in going to the office to face Dylan. Besides, she knew for sure that Dylan would tease her to death if he even got a glimpse of those red marks on her neck.


    She stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest and sat down at the other corner of the couch, keeping a distance between them. "That is not the point. The point is that-"


    Her words had yet to leave her mouth when Darren slid close to her as he stared right into her eyes. Xiu gulped down her saliva, not at the close proximity. It was more so because of the emotions surging in his eyes. She could clearly tell that he was enraged and yet sulky at the same time. Moreover, he was feeling crushed and desolate.


    He ran his fingers through her hair as he spoke softly, "I was scared last night. So, I couldn''t hold back when I held you in my arms. Sorry for losing my control."


    Xiu felt remorse and regret. She was remorseful for actually worrying him even when it was not her intention to do so. Regretful for actually drinking beyond her tolerance again.


    Before she could say anything, Darren''s phone rang and he pulled back. He picked up the call and listened to the other person before humming in reply. Then, he simply went up to the main door and opened it as he turned to look at Xiu and said, "It''s for you."


    Xiu''s brows knitted together in confusion but she still got up from her seat as she asked, "Who is it?" A roaring voice was heard from the door, "Xiu''er! You sneaky little thing!" Xiu had to cover her ears to save her eardrums from Nora''s piercing voice. "You scared us so much! Where the hell were you? And what were you thinking when you drank that much? How can you be this careless?!"


    This Latina was surely after Xiu with her claws out and pointed right at Xiu''s head. Ugh! Nora came rushing to Xiu''s side, held her shoulders and shook her incessantly to the point that Xiu was feeling a bit nauseous now. She just had breakfast and now an overly aggressive Latina was shaking her like she was a doll.


    Then suddenly when Xiu was feeling like she could see stars, Nora wrapped her arms around her shoulders and hugged her tightly. "You really love to worry me to death," said Nora in an exhausted tone.


    Xiu was stunned by her change before she patted Nora''s back and said, "I didn''t do anything. You just love to worry about me." Xiu pushed all the blame on Nora from the get-go.


    "You didn''t do anything?" Nora''s voice held a hidden meaning as she exchanged a glance with Darren and said, "After being a whole hot sensation on social media, do you really think you didn''t do anything?" Xiu had a dumbfounded look at what Nora said. What? What was she again? Hot sensation? Although her memory of last night was clear now, she still couldn''t tell what Nora was talking about at all. Nora however, jabbed at her forehead as she said, "You really do all sorts of unexpected stuff."


    Seeing how Xiu was still seemingly out of sorts, Nora pulled out her phone and finally showed the famous video of her singing. Xiu bit on her nails anxiously as she watched the whole clip before she looked up at Darren with complex emotion. He raised his brow at her, waiting for her to say anything and what he got in return was...


    Xiu foolishly smiled at him. "I am an amazing singer, aren''t I? Man, even I fell in love with my own charms. How can someone be so talented?"


    Both Nora and Darren gave her a look that said, ''Are you kidding with us? Where is this conceitedness coming from?'' However, in all honesty, the first thought after watching her perform in her intoxicated state that popped in both of their heads was in fact that Xiu was really good at singing.


    Now, that Nora had calmed down after seeing Xiu safe and sound. She finally noticed those fade red marks on her neck that Xiu had tried to hide with make-up. But how could she escape from Nora''s keen gaze?


    She pulled Xiu to a side and with a suggestive smile said, "Looks like, you had a fun and adventurous night."


    Xiu noticed where Nora was looking and glared at her before slapping her head.

 Chapter 267 - A Beast Under The Sheets

    After being hit by Xiu, Nora rubbed her head and said pitifully, "You should really tear off that mask of innocence now. There is nothing wrong with being a lady on the streets and a beast under the sheets."


    Xiu''s temper flared up as she repeatedly hit her best friend who was spouting nonsense at the first chance she got. Xiu noticed Darren''s eyes following her brutal attacks on Nora who was shrieking like a victim. She clutched Nora''s collar and practically dragged her best friend out of Darren''s place while leaving only a few words behind, "Have a good day, baby! I''ll see you later! Bye!"


    Before he could reply, the door of his apartment was shut close leaving him only sighing on his own. He more or less knew what was going on between Nora and Xiu. But it wasn''t his place to say anything. After all, his own best friend wasn''t any better if not worse. However, he still felt like there was something different in the bond that Xiu and Nora shared.


    Earlier when he found his phone, he had actually informed Nora first about Xiu before checking the messages from Ben. And while he was talking to Nora, she had said, "You didn''t have to make a whole scene by openly confessing your love for my Xiu."


    Darren knew she was referring to his interview as well. How was it possible that the interview would go unnoticed by Nora? "Is something wrong with claiming someone who is mine before the rest of the world?"


    He heard Nora chuckling before she said, "I didn''t know you''re also territorial." Darren frowned while she continued, "Don''t pretend like it was your own idea. I know my best friend better than you. She might have changed a lot but one thing about her is still the same, she never liked sharing her stuff. She is the kind of person who would find a way to announce to the world that something or someone belongs to her. I often tease her for being territorial like sharks. But I know deep inside she''s just insecure. And you chose this way to get rid of her insecurities. I really want to applaud your shrewdness."


    "Rather than shrewdness, I''d like to call it my love for her. I don''t find anything wrong with letting her know that nobody can dare to separate me from her," had answered Darren.


    Meanwhile, since Xiu was away from Darren''s eyes, she shed all forms of cordiality and showered Nora with attacks.


    "This stupid mouth of yours! Can''t you say something appropriate?" Xiu yelled at Nora as she finally stopped hitting her and Nora shrugged her shoulders in reply.


    "I was just merely stating a fact," replied Nora calmly while she ran her hands over her hair in an attempt to tame some untamed strands. "By the way, even if you won''t enlighten me with your adventurous night, do you think I can''t tell?" Xiu stared at her. "My dear Xiu''er, even your aggressive retaliation is enough to tell me what happened last night."


    Xiu harrumphed at her as she said, "I''m not being aggressive, I just think that you shouldn''t be teasing me about this and that too, right before my boyfriend!" Seeing the way, Nora was smiling with a hidden meaning, Xiu frowned, "Why are you smiling?"


    "Oh, nothing much. It''s just that I can literally feel that pride bursting out of you when you claim Darren to be your boyfriend. It seems so damn natural," Nora told her keen observation leaving Xiu with no retort. Even Xiu''s heart she knew that she was proud. So what? Was it wrong to be proud of the person you love? She didn''t think so!


    Nora touched Xiu''s head as she said, "But I can even tell that Darren feels even more proud to have you." She sighed looking at a distance with a hazy gaze, "No wonder my mom says that love is a two-way thing. Only one person can''t love alone, otherwise, that person would also get tired." She smiled happily at Xiu, feeling genuinely happy for her. Why wouldn''t she be happy? She had always wished to see Xiu happily in love with the love of her life. "Xiu, stop being reckless now. Because I can honestly tell you that your recklessness might do severe damage to your boyfriend."


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she looked straight at Nora''s face, "What do you mean?"


    "He didn''t tell you," muttered Nora to herself before shaking her head. "Nothing. Forget it. If he doesn''t want to tell, then we shouldn''t discuss this."


    Before she could turn around, Xiu held her arm and stopped her. "What do you want to say? What is it about Regan that I don''t know?" Xiu was really curious now.


    Nora pursed her lips and stared intently at Xiu''s face before sighing out, "I don''t know whether I should tell you this or not. But last night, Darren had almost turned the whole city upside down just because you weren''t picking up his call and he didn''t know how or where were you." Xiu was surprised to hear her words, "When he called me to ask about any clues, I can swear that I felt like he was scared. He was so worried and sounded breathless as if he had been running around a lot."


    Xiu listened to her in a trance. Hearing Darren said that he was scared was different but when Nora said it, only then did she really realize how much of trouble did she cause last night. One could say that Nora was never a bright person when it came to feelings, that was the reason most of her relationsh.i.p.s went downhill. She just didn''t have that sharp sense to discern people''s feelings. However, if a person like her could tell that Darren was worried, that means he was really worried about her.


    "Even when I told him that you can possibly be at the cemetery, he didn''t hesitate to make a visit to the cemetery looking for you," told Nora without hiding anything from Xiu.


    Even though Nora really loved and cared about Xiu, even she could tell that Xiu had her own lacking when it came to relationsh.i.p.s. And she knew it better because she had seen Xiu''s awkward interactions with herself; whether it was when she met her for the first time or when Xiu lost her memory. Both times, she had to break that barrier around her to make her feel comfortable.


    While Nora was talking, Xiu only caught one word that broke her trance and made her look at Nora with knitted brows, "Cemetery?"

 Chapter 268 - Not An Easy Person

    Meanwhile at Xin Villa...


    Sitting in the pavilion, a pair of black eyes were looking at the gorgeous lady sitting before him with fascination and admiration in his eyes. And those black eyes belonged to none other than Dylan Qiu while the person of his admiration and respect turned out to be Yan Ying. As for how this scene came to be...


    Dylan had woken up at the break of dawn and while he looked out the window, he surprisingly found Yan Ying. She was already dressed up and seemed engrossed in watching the birds flying around. The garden in Xin Villa could be described as very formal with bonsai trees lined up in the perfect lawn in their wooden boxes.


    Dylan got dressed up as he came to the back garden where he crossed the pond which was like a small lake with flowering lily pads and a wooden bridge that crossed the middle so one could look down at the koi carp. As he reached the wooden pavilion surrounded with flower beds, he looked at Yan Ying who was staring at the screen of her iPad with furrowed brows.


    "Good morning!" Dylan announced his presence and Yan Ying was so startled that she almost dropped her iPad. However, more than startled she seemed like she was caught red-handed as she turned off the iPad and smiled at Dylan politely.


    "Morning, Dylan!" she greeted with her perfect and gentle smile. "Why are you up so early? Even Li and Ah-Si are still asleep."


    "I had a bad headache and couldn''t sleep any longer," answered Dylan honestly as he took a seat right opposite her. If it wasn''t for the headache, he''d have been asleep for a long time.


    "It must be because of the alcohol," replied Yan Ying but in her tone, Dylan didn''t find anything weird. For instance, every other person would have scolded him for being dumb enough to drink and then drive but she seemed rather nonchalant about it. "Uncle Kuan!"


    "Yes, young miss," came a prompt reply from Uncle Kuan who popped out from somewhere making Dylan startle. He honestly didn''t even know that Uncle Kuan had been standing around.


    "Ask someone to make sobering soup for Dylan," said Yan Ying and she adorably raised her hand adding, "And some jasmine tea for me. Please!"


    Dylan was touched by her sweet gesture and felt complicated. Last night, he was really thinking about how to push Yan Ying away from Xin Xiaoli''s life so that his sister''s place won''t be taken by anyone. In fact, his purpose for coming to see her at this time was also that he wanted to probe her and find out more so he could plan his next move. But before her gentle and kind self, Dylan was feeling at a loss.


    Later, trying to make small-talk, Dylan''s interest shifted to Yan Ying''s profession of being an archaeologist. And the more she talked about her researches and showed him pictures from the excavation locations, Dylan was beyond fascinated.


    "I find history to be like art more like abstract art. Art that''s preserved by soil and dust. You only have to get your hands dirty and you might end up finding the jewel you never knew existed."


    Seeing the passion in her eyes for what she does make Dylan feel inspired. He had never felt this kind of passion for what he did. But he had seen it in Darren''s eyes and now, he was facing the same zeal in Yan Ying''s eyes.


    "Ying Jie, what exactly made you decide that you want to be an archaeologist? Someone inspired you?" Dylan didn''t know how or why but he unconsciously started calling her ''Ying Jie'' in respect. As if calling her a sister was given.


    Yan Ying looked at the jasmine flower floating in her cup of tea and replied, "When I was in middle school, I and Li went to a museum and that''s where I read, ''Archaeology is just re-discovering literature which had lost its native speakers.'' I was intrigued and couldn''t stop myself from being attracted to this literature that seemed like a mystery."


    Acting like a curious little kid, Dylan wanted to learn more and more. He was really surprised to see that she was being so patient with him. Even explaining the terms or things that he didn''t know about. She didn''t even mind it when he kept bugging her to tell more stories. In fact, she even passed her iPad to him and let him scroll through the photo gallery.


    Other than artifacts and stuff, Dylan was surprised to see that there were plenty of photographs of nature. "Ying Jie, did you click these photos?" Yan Ying gently nodded her head in reply. "Wow! You''re like a professional photographer as well."


    "Young miss, breakfast is ready. Where should I serve it?" asked Uncle Kuan who had been standing right outside the pavilion. Dylan had again forgotten that he was there all that time. But he really wanted to question why Uncle Kuan was always around Yan Ying? Wasn''t he the butler of the Xin family? Then why was he stuck around Yan Ying?


    "What about Li and Ah-Si?" asked Yan Ying in return.


    "Both young masters are awake," answered Uncle Kuan respectfully.


    "Then you should be asking for their opinion instead of mine. Or just ask the special guest," said Yan Ying as she glanced at Dylan.


    Dylan raised his hands saying, "Oh, leave me out of this. I''m so full from that sobering soup that I won''t be eating anything now." He stood up from his chair as he noticed the time on his phone and added, "In fact, I should be leaving now. I''m already late."


    He flashed his toothy smile to Yan Ying as he said, "Thank you for being so patient with my curiosity. I must have been a bother but you didn''t make me feel like it."


    "Curiosity is the most natural thing in humans. If we as humans won''t be curious then who will be?" retorted Yan Ying.


    Dylan didn''t know what to say to her. Even though he wanted to be hostile towards her but he couldn''t bring himself to. How could one not like her? Indeed, she seemed too good to be true but he still couldn''t associate her with the word, ''White Lotus''. It just didn''t feel right.


    But it was like a reminder to him that his sister''s competitor wasn''t an easy person.


    "Ying Jie, come to my house for dinner. Mom would really be happy," invited Dylan knowing how his mother loved the perfect, gentle, kind girls like Yan Ying.


    "I will. But let Yi come back first," answered Yan Ying. Dylan''s brows knitted together and seeing his confused look, Yan Ying chuckled while facepalming herself. "I mean I''m waiting for your dad to come back."


    Dylan''s face twitched to learn that his father Qiu Jiayi was actually addressed so casually by Yan Ying. He wondered what his dad''s reaction would be if he heard that.


    As Yan Ying watched Dylan''s receding figure, she frowned, "He is such a sweet boy. Why are there so many bad rumors about him?"


    "No one can be saved from rumors in our society, young miss. There are a lot of rumors about you as well," answered Uncle Kuan.


    Yan Ying puffed up her cheeks before saying, "I can''t really associate him with the playboy image people have made up about him." Shaking her head, she stood up and said, "No wonder Yi is always so worried this son of his. Such a good boy he is that it''d be a tough battle for him if he really inherited the Qiu Corporation."


    As she started walking, she looked back at Uncle Kuan and said, "Why are you still standing there? Let''s go, I''m hungry!"

 Chapter 269 - The Start Of A Game

    Yan Ying entered the villa through the back door that opened in the kitchen as she came to sit at the dining table with Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi. The smile on her face had turned completely different as she looked at Xiaoli eating his breakfast.


    "Ying Jie, have you seen Dylan?" asked Ah-Si as he noticed that Dylan was nowhere to be seen since the time he woke up. "Is he still sleeping?" he wondered out loud.


    "Hmm... Young Master of Qiu family has left already," replied Yan Ying as she poked her fork into the fruit salad in her bowl. Although Ah-Si was a bit surprised to hear that, he didn''t inquire further. But Yan Ying didn''t stop there as she continued, "Say, Ah-Si why is Dylan so different from his father?"


    "What do you mean, Ying Jie?" Ah-Si quirked his brows at her in question.


    "What I mean is that... If I have to describe Dylan in three words, it''d be sweet, kind and a bit childish. But I can never use the same words for Qiu Jiayi. I think everyone knows that his father is anything but sweet," elaborated Yan Ying as she tried to picture Qiu Jiayi with his only son, Dylan Qiu. The contrast in their personalities was too big.


    "Oh," started Ah-Si. "That''s because Dylan''s nature is like his mother''s. In fact, he''s a carbon copy of his mother. As for Uncle Yi, his temperament is matched with his daughter," at the mention of Qiu Meihui, Yan Ying''s hand movement became a bit sluggish while Ah-Si who was oblivious to this change continued, "Sister Mei is as much of a black-bellied person as her father. Even their cunning nature is alike. That''s also the reason Dylan had been insisting on not inheriting his father''s position. He believes Sister Mei is more suited for that responsibility."


    Yan Ying observed Xin Xiaoli''s expressions, while Ah-Si was busy talking about Qiu Meihui, she could clearly see the gratifying expression of Xin Xiaoli. And she could only inwardly roll her eyes at him. Did he have to be this obvious? She knows how much he loves Qiu Meihui, he really didn''t have to show that lovestruck look to make her heart clench even more.


    She suddenly lost her appetite completely. Instead of eating her fruit salad, she just kept playing with her food to pass the time.


    "How long are you staying for?" the question came from Xin Xiaoli while the question was for Yan Ying.


    Yan Ying glanced at his face as she retorted, "Why? Sick of seeing my face already?" She tutted to herself as she added, "It''s not even been 24 hours yet and you''re already bored of me. Such a sad reality it is..."


    Noticing the way Xin Xiaoli was looking at Yan Ying, Ah-Si chimed in saying, "Ying Jie, that''s not what bro meant."


    Yan Ying laughed at Ah-Si''s remark and waved her hands saying playfully, "I know. I was just teasing him." She turned to Xin Xiaoli and continued, "I''ve something important going on here, I''ll leave as soon as it''s done."


    "It''s not that I want you to leave..." Xin Xiaoli tried to explain himself but Yan Ying cut him off.


    "Li, you don''t have to explain. I know you don''t want Meihui to see me with you again. It''ll be another misunderstanding. As I promised, I won''t be bothering you. And I promise I''m not here for you."


    As she saw him nodding his head seemingly believing her words, Yan Ying felt her spirit dampen again. She never expected that there''d be a day when she''d have to explain herself to Xin Xiaoli. Even if one forgets that she was in love with Xin Xiaoli, there was no denying that they were a pair of best friends. How strange it was that his best friend didn''t even trust her anymore.


    While Yan Ying was trying to hide her sadness behind her smile, she heard both Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi''s phone ring at the same time. She lifted her eyes to glance at them both who excused themselves to take the call. Her eyes squinted as she was contemplating something. The tip of her lips went up as she said, "Uncle Kuan, look your master has started the game. Tsk. It''s a pity that he''s playing with his own sons this time."


    Xin Kuan who had been standing behind her all this time stared at the back of her head for a moment longer before answering, "Master didn''t start this game, his sons did. Master is only tired of playing this game for the last couple of years. So, now he is just planning on ending it."


    Yan Ying knew that Uncle Kuan was right. Indeed, this game was started by the Xin brothers but she still thought that Xin Zimen was being a bit too harsh. However, this wasn''t supposed to be her concern.


    "I know, I just am feeling bad for what they''ll have to face," remarked Yan Ying feeling bad for both the brothers whom she saw running out the main door one after the other.


    "Young miss, you don''t even know what Master is planning. Then why are you so concerned already?"


    Yan Ying gave him a look, "Uncle Kuan when Zizi starts to play... People are only left at his mercy. Besides, he isn''t the kind of person who would go easy on his own sons." See, they were already running around. She didn''t even have to think much to know what was to come.


    "Master had always been lenient with them but they took the game too far," replied Uncle Kuan.


    Yan Ying looked at him disapprovingly as she said, "Uncle Kuan, you''re being biased. Just because Zizi is your Master, you don''t have to always take his side."


    "It doesn''t matter whose side, I am on. What matters is that young miss should also get back to the task assigned. Don''t make Master angry."


    Hearing Uncle Kuan''s subtle warning, Yan Ying''s face twitched. "Give me a break. I''m just waiting for a phone call." As if on cue, her phone buzzed laying on the table''s glass surface. She hurriedly picked up the call, "What? Did you find anything?"


    She listened to the other person and as her silence prolonged, her frown deepened as much. After carefully listening, she asked, "Are you certain? If there is any mistake, I''ll dig your grave myself." She stood up from the chair and hung up the call, looked at Uncle Kuan and said, "Uncle Kuan, let''s go."


    "Where are we going?" asked Uncle Kuan.


    "To confirm something," Yan Ying gave a vague reply before picking up her iPad, her phone, and keys.

 Chapter 270 - Tombstone

    -At Fallen Leaves Cemetery-


    A red car stopped at the foot of the mountain and the passenger seat''s door pushed open. Xiu''s slender figure jumped down and ran towards the driver''s side as she pulled open the door and started tugging at Nora''s sleeve.


    "Calm down, Xiu''er! Let me unbuckle the seatbelt first," said Nora while she struggled to unbuckle her seatbelt which seemed to be stuck or maybe, she was just in a hurry and that''s why everything was going wrong. However, at her side, Xiu was still as impatient as she was before. Nora didn''t know what happened but since the time she mentioned that Darren went to the cemetery to look for her, she had been like a hyperactive kid who insisted on taking her to the cemetery.


    Even when Nora told her that she had something else to do, Xiu didn''t bother listening and kept saying, "We have to go to the cemetery. It''s really important." And since Xiu was the only person who could haul Nora around at whim, she could only comply with her wishes and willingly became Xiu''s driver for the day.


    Dragging Nora along Xiu went up the small hill and trudged around before finally making a stop before a tombstone made of black, sleek marble. The words written on it were:


    "In loving memory of Carina Novell..." Underneath was written her date of birth and date of death along with, "A beautiful lady, the most caring and the most amazing person. Forever in our hearts."


    And at the bottom right side was written a quote in a barely readable size:


    "Death: A tragedy we call the end.


    Life: A tragedy we call the journey."


    Nora noticed Xiu frowning as she kept staring at the tombstone. She didn''t know what she was thinking. But it gave her a strange feeling for some reason. It wasn''t the first time that Xiu was here, but then why her gaze seemed so different.


    "Now, would you like to tell me why we are here?" asked Nora as she shook Xiu''s shoulders gently to break her trance-like condition.


    Xiu blinked at Nora before lifting her finger to point at the tombstone before her. "...because this is the answer." Nora''s brows knotted together. "The riddle''s answer is a tombstone."


    Nora''s eyes widened in surprise as she stared at the tombstone again before asking, "How did you come up with that conclusion?"


    Xiu softly quoted the riddle left in Destiny''s mystery box...


    "I say nothing yet you know


    I have a name but I have to let it go


    I have no mouth yet I tell a tale


    I make you smile


    I make you cry


    I make memories come alive."


    She looked at Nora and continued, "Everything fits. Tombstones don''t talk, tombstones have names but they are not often called tombstones. Because the name carved on them is someone else''s. These stones can''t talk but we can hear a tale by reading what''s written on these stones. Standing before a tombstone, people cry and people smile because the rush of memories becomes unbearable."


    Nora couldn''t find any fault with Xiu''s conjecture. It seemed to sit perfectly well. Soon, she heard Xiu murmuring, "Besides, this is where it all started. This is where someone lost life and someone else got a second chance. This has to be the place of the answers."


    Nora was perplexed, not knowing what Xiu''s murmuring was all about. And something told her that she wasn''t supposed to question either. Xiu was lost in her own world. Nora was the oblivious one but Xiu wasn''t. She knew very well what she meant. When she first opened her eyes as Bai Xiu, she had found herself right here. In that cemetery, right before that very tombstone.


    Her beginning was right here...


    "So, how are we supposed to find the key here? Are we supposed to dig around?" asked Nora in a baffling tone.


    Xiu frowned at her words before rolling her eyes. She pulled out the mystery box from her purse and showed it to Nora, "Let''s admit it, you and I both are idiots. This is not an ancient box that needs a key to unlock like we originally thought. More like, this is a digital box that needs a passcode to access it. A four-digit passcode. That''s the key we are looking for."


    "Oh..." Nora had a look of enlightenment as Xiu pointed at the keypad that had been hidden within the carvings of the box on the lid. "Shall we try your mother''s birthday then?"


    Xiu thought about it before nodding her head. Since there was nothing else on the tombstone that could be used as the key, both of them pressed the date of birth of Carina Novell. However, it failed. The box only gave a beep sound and did nothing else.


    Both of them shared a look before Xiu said, "Let''s try the date of..." Xiu didn''t have to continue, Nora knew what she was saying. Therefore, she instantly pressed the date of death of Carina Novell. However, they ended up with another defeat. They tried the different patterns alternating, year, month and day but eventually, everything was a failure.


    "What the hell!" exclaimed both Xiu and Nora simultaneously.


    They both stared at the box with an almost identical look of helplessness and anger. It was a wonder how they both had to keep themselves from throwing that stupid box away that was becoming like a headache. It had been only five days since both of them came across this box and yet, it seemed like it had been centuries since they were trying to solve this mystery.


    Nora sighed at the side, "Now, I get it..."


    Xiu whipped her head around to look at Nora, "What? Did you get the answer?"


    Nora shook her head as she replied, "No, I understood what Ralph Waldo Emerson meant." Xiu quirked her brow at Nora inquisitively while the latter answered, "He quoted, ''All is a riddle, and the key to a riddle... is another riddle.'' This quote finally makes some sense to me."


    Xiu hit Nora''s head saying, "Is this really the time to be philosophical?"


    Nora shrugged her shoulders. "I know it''s not the time for this but something is better than nothing." Xiu didn''t react and allowed Nora to continue, "We haven''t found the right key but at least, now we know where to look. The first riddle''s key is ''tombstone'' then it''s a definite thing that right now, our next riddle is this ''tombstone'' itself. And our key is right before our eyes, we are just not able to see it in our exasperated states."


    As much as Xiu would have liked to retort back, she couldn''t. She felt like Nora''s words made sense. The answer was really before them, they were just looking at it from a completely different angle. As for what it was, they both couldn''t tell at the moment.


    "Let''s leave now. Since we have already waited for so long, let''s wait for a couple more days," suggested Nora as she held out her hand to Xiu. Xiu took her hand and stood up from the ground while patting her clothes.


    "Alright, let''s come back later," said Xiu as she followed Nora to descend the small hill.


    While both of them were only a couple of meters away from the tombstone, a pair of a tall man and a slender female came to stop right before the tombstone where Xiu and Nora had just been.

 Chapter 271 - Devastatingly Heartbroken

    Behind Xiu and Nora was standing a graceful figure that looked like a movie star. Not tall or willowy, rather like an action star. Clad in blue skinny jeans and white tank top along with jeans jacket, she looked confident and elegant. Each muscle definition was perfect, her confident stance could even be felt in the aura that seeped in the air around her.


    That figure stood before the tombstone but those serene eyes were stuck on the receding figure of Xiu and Nora. Her wavy hair was slightly fluttering because of the cold wind around her. Each strand moved freely as a compliment to the stillness in her eyes. She didn''t just have a beautiful bone structure, her skin was even like silk over the glass. Her eyes radiated an intelligent beauty.


    "Young miss, why are we here?" came a slightly hoarse voice of a middle-aged man standing behind the girl.


    Yan Ying''s eyes finally broke contact with two receding figures as she turned to look at Uncle Kuan and pointed at the tombstone saying, "To confirm this news." Her voice was soft and a tinge of disappointment could be detected in her voice as she placed the bouquet of white lilies before the memorial,


    She stared at the obelisk that read, ''Carina Novell'' and shook her head sadly. Uncle Kuan followed her line of sight and was stunned for a moment. "This..." he didn''t know what to say.


    Yan Ying could understand his feelings as she said, "See, this is why I said no news doesn''t always guarantee a piece of good news." Her biggest fear had finally come true. From the moment, Xin Zimen had assigned her with the task to find the woman named, Carina Novell. She had an unknown fear.


    And that fear slowly deepened. Because every lead of hers led her to nothing. And the inkling she had at the beginning, only solidified. Carina Novell was no more. She was certain but she needed to confirm it for Xin Zimen''s sake. Her intuition turned out to be true but for the very first time, she wasn''t feeling happy about being right.


    As the silence thickened, only the ''swish'' of cold air could be heard around them. There was not another soul in sight at the cemetery. Uncle Kuan glanced at his young miss who being an a.d.u.l.t still had the exuberance of youth. Her eyes were stuck on the name she read on the memorial with an indescribable feeling.


    Uncle Kuan couldn''t comprehend her thoughts but then again, he could never read her mind even before this. In his opinion, it wasn''t as difficult to understand his Master Xin Zimen as it was to understand his young miss, Yan Ying.


    Biting her nails in nervousness, she spoke, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how much sad do you think your master would be after learning this news?"


    "Master won''t be sad," replied Uncle Kuan without even thinking. But his answer earned him a very skeptical look from Yan Ying. Disregarding her expression, he looked heavenwards as he said, "When my Mistress died, that was when Master was sad. This time..." he looked at Yan Ying''s face and continued, "He''ll be devastatingly heartbroken."


    Yan Ying''s mood went down even more. She knew that originally Uncle Kuan served Xin Xiaoli''s mother, but after her death, he pledged his loyalty to Xin Zimen. But she still couldn''t figure out why Uncle Kuan was so casual about this matter involving Carina Novell. After all, if his loyalty lied with his late Mistress, shouldn''t he be upset learning about Xin Zimen''s love for Carina Novell? Then why was he so nonchalant?


    "Devastatingly heartbroken..." Yan Ying muttered to herself. "I don''t want to be the bearer of bad news. Uncle Kuan, why don''t you tell Zizi about this matter?"


    Saying that she almost made a run for her life but couldn''t succeed as Uncle Kuan held her collar and pulled her back. "Where do you think you''re running off to, young miss?" He had an amused smile dancing on his lips as he observed Yan Ying''s movements.


    "My job was to find Carina Novell. I have done my job. See, she''s been dead for almost 8 years now. I can''t help it anymore. So, I think my job here is done and I should take the next flight back home." She honestly didn''t want to tell Xin Zimen about this news herself. She didn''t know how he was going to react but the idea of seeing him heartbroken didn''t seem very appealing. Xin Zimen was like her second father, she only dared to tease him because she knew he loved her like his own daughter.


    But in all these years, she had never seen him sad except for the time when he first mentioned Carina Novell before her and asked for her help. She could still remember that helplessness, vulnerability and hurt in his eyes. It haunted her for a while and she didn''t want to see that same pain in his eyes again.


    "Your job won''t be done until and unless you stand before Master and give him a thorough report of your investigation," reminded Uncle Kuan making Yan Ying curse under her breath.


    Uwu! She really wanted to cry now. Why was she being dragged into this again?


    Her mind thought of a thousand excuses in the span of a minute and she decided to find her leeway as she turned to Uncle Kuan and said, "You see, even Li doesn''t want me to stay at Xin villa for long. Isn''t it better that I disappear before he could really get tired of me and throw me out himself?"


    Uncle Kuan rolled his eyes at her, "No one dares to do anything to you as long as Master is the one protecting you. Xin villa belongs to Master, not his sons. They can''t throw you out even if they want to." He took a pause to give her an amused look as he added, "Besides, I think you can take down both of them with your skills."


    "But..."


    She still tried to persuade him to let her go but Uncle Kuan wasn''t really listening as he almost dragged her down the hill saying, "Instead of coming up with excuses to run, why don''t you use those brain cells to find a proper way to disclose this news to Master?"

 Chapter 272 - A Lot More Digging

    Yan Ying had no way left to argue with Uncle Kuan. Instead, she was left contemplating her next course of action as she walked towards a tree at the side and sat underneath its shade. Sitting cross-legged, she closed her eyes and tried to focus. This was her way of thinking when her mind would get overwhelmed, she would only find solace by being one with nature.


    Uncle Kuan looked at her meditating leaving a very important discussion and was baffled. He really had a wish to see inside her mind to figure out what she really was. Or how her brain was programmed! Because he was certain that something was definitely wrong with her. However, he didn''t disturb her since he knew it was her way of calming the storm in her mind. No matter how weird but it was her way of avoiding stress.


    As he stood at the side watching the blue sky silently, his phone''s vibration caught his attention. He attended the call and greeted, "Xiao Zi, you''re calling at an unexpected time."


    Xin Zimen took a moment before replying, "Brother Kuan, I have a favor to ask."


    Xin Kuan''s lips curled into a curious smile as he questioned, "What can this humble one do for you, Master?"


    Xin Zimen''s lips twitched at Xin Kuan''s emphasis on ''Master''. But he laughed it off with, "Brother Kuan, can you be any more sarcastic?"


    After a moment of reflection came a reply in a level tone, "I can but I certainly don''t want to make you cry." Xin Zimen was rolling his eyes at those words before Xin Kuan continued, "Let''s not waste time. Just tell me what I can do for you."


    Xin Zimen slightly sighed and trailed off, "Can you keep that hyperactive beagle away from my sons until I come back?" Xin Kuan frowned to hear his words and Xin Zimen tried to elaborate, "I mean to say-"


    Xin Kuan didn''t let him finish, "You don''t want Ms. Yan to know what you have planned for your sons?"


    Xin Zimen was amazed at how fast Xin Kuan figured out everything. As expected of someone of his caliber. After admiring Xin Kuan in his heart, Xin Zimen noted, "Yes. That''s exactly what I''m asking for. You know her, she''ll be really upset to know their predicament and would obviously want to help. But I don''t want her to lend a helping hand. Not this time."


    Xin Kuan could figure out the rest for himself. It was quite obvious why Xin Zimen didn''t want Yan Ying to lend a hand to his own sons. She always lent a helping hand but in the process, she always lost her value in one way or another. After all, both the Xin brothers took her existence for granted.


    "Instead of keeping her in secret, isn''t it better to go easy on your sons? After all, at the end of the day, both of them are your own blood," wondered out Xin Kuan earnestly. "Your plan is a bit cruel this time around. Especially with Ah-Si."


    Xin Zimen nodded agreeably with his words but he wasn''t going to accept that. So, he decided to change the course of conversation as he inquired, "Forget about my sons. Are you with Ying?" Xin Kuan hummed in reply. "Where is she?"


    Xin Kuan looked back at Yan Ying''s figure still in the same position as before as he answered, "She''s meditating in the middle of nowhere."


    Xin Zimen facepalmed himself before a small smile played on his lips. "This beagle does all sorts of things. I can''t with her." Xin Kuan couldn''t agree more with that statement. "Brother Kuan, she must be a headache for you."


    Xin Kaun pointed out, "She is my responsibility. Even if she acts like a headache sometimes, I can''t deny that she''s the most amusing person one can come across."


    "Couldn''t agree more," agreed Xin Zimen.


    They spoke over the phone for another minute before hanging up. As Xin Kuan looked at his phone screen, he was bemused at how much Xin Zimen was worried about Yan Ying. One might say that he always preferred her over his sons but only Xin Kuan knew what Yan Ying was in Xin Zimen''s life. Or why she mattered so much.


    While Xin Kuan was lost in his own thoughts, he was startled by the roar that came from behind him...


    "I didn''t even think of that!"


    He turned around to look at Yan Ying''s face when she abruptly stood up and clapped her hands together with a look of enlightenment. She ran up to Xin Kuan''s side as she uttered, "Uncle Kuan, we always focused on the fact; where is Carina Novell? But we never even focused on why."


    Xin Kuan gave her an uncertain look while she went on, "What I mean to say is that why was she in China of all places?" Xin Kuan looked interested in her line of thoughts as he stayed silent to allow her to speak. "It''s not like a person of European roots would come all the way to Asia just to die, right?"


    Xin Kuan narrowed his eyes at her choice of words while she ignored it with a sheepish look and continued, "Focus on the context here, Uncle Kuan. Why would Carina Novell come all the way to China? What was her purpose here? You can''t say she was here for sightseeing."


    Xin Kuan mused, "Maybe she came to-"


    But Yan Ying''s frisky self didn''t give him a chance to finish, "Yes, you can assume that she was here to meet Zizi. But we can''t be certain of that. Because even if we assume that, there is still a loophole."


    Xin Kuan crossed his arms over his chest as he listened to her and wondered, "What''s the loophole here?"


    Yan Ying hit his arm and informed, "If she was here for Zizi then why didn''t she contact him? Why didn''t she try to meet him?" Before Xin Kuan could say anything, she speculated, "Now, I have two theories... One; she was never here for Zizi. Two; someone intercepted her attempts to contact Zizi."


    Xin Kuan was surprised at how much Yan Ying''s words made sense. ''No wonder, Xiao Zi always says that she turns into a genius after her meditation sessions,'' thought Xin Kuan to himself as he stared at Yan Ying in amus.e.m.e.nt. She definitely wasn''t looking for his suggestions. Instead, she was just telling him what she thought and she won''t be in the mood to hear that she was thinking wrong.


    Yan Ying came before Carina Novell''s gravestone as she claimed, "And if I''m not wrong... The second option seems more likely to me." She touched the memorial with her hand as she whispered, "Whichever it is, I''ll get to the bottom of this mystery. You don''t worry, I''ll make sure to find justice for you."


    Then she turned around, looking resolute as she declared, "Uncle Kuan, let''s go. Our mission is not even halfway through yet. We have a lot more digging up to do."


    Xin Kuan was really applauding her enthusiasm and was also feeling relaxed. If Yan Ying got focused on this task, she won''t even have the time to pay any attention to what was going on with Xin Xiaoli or Ah-Si. In fact, this way he wouldn''t even have to do anything.

 Chapter 273 - Pretty Busy

    On the other side...


    A tall figure passed through the glass revolving doors and stepped on the gleaming marble of the lobby. His chiseled jaw lifted with a pleasant smile. His attractively tall figure was smooth and tailored by success. He carried his height with self-assurance. He was charming and smart.


    In fact, he was handsome from the depth of his eyes to the gentle expressions of his face. His hand slowly lifted up to brush away his feather-like soft hair from his brows and underneath were revealed those beautiful grey eyes; which he knew so well to use. But those eyes that usually held wariness in them seemed to have a touch of playfulness.


    And this attractive one was none other than Regan Darren Salvay.


    As he trudged languidly through the lobby, he seemed totally not like himself. He not only greeted his staff along the way but even offered them an encouraging smile. Not that it was odd since Darren had always been very friendly with his staff always going against the norm of cold-hearted bosses. But today, his smile was different.


    Not only that, but the most surprising thing was also that this was the first time all his employees had seen him coming this late for work. He had been known as the most punctual person in the whole company. He''d come on time and would also leave on time. He didn''t have the concept of working overtime. He liked to finish his work on time.


    Instead of taking the executive''s elevator, he rode the employees'' elevator and even made small talk with his staff. He seemed to be in a very good mood but no one could figure out the reason behind his pleasant mood. However, no one was being a busybody to actually probe around instead they took his pleasant mood as a blessing.


    Darren stepped out of the elevator at the top floor and made a beeline towards his room. While he was carelessly humming around and not paying attention, a sudden bemused voice rang from his side, "Having fun, are we now?"


    Darren looked to his side to find Paige leaning against her cabin''s door while giving him a sickly sweet smile. However, why was it so chilly?


    "Good morning, Paige!" greeted Darren with a wave of his hand.


    Paige raised a brow at him as she spoke sarcastically, "Oh, with sun changing directions, I believe it''s time to say ''Good Afternoon!''" She additionally air-quoted those two words making Darren''s face twitch while she went on, "And did I mention that I certainly didn''t have a good morning today? And all because my boss decided to ditch work without so much as a prior notice."


    Darren''s eyelids drooped as he was reflecting over his irresponsible behavior. "I forgot to inform you that I''ll be late today," he was scratching the back of his neck sheepishly.


    Paige pointed her finger at Darren''s face. "You! Boss, don''t try to act cute before me. I won''t forget that I had to deal with all the executives raging insults in that board room. You threw me in this fire alone and ran off on your own. What kind of a boss does that?!"


    Darren silently listened to her reprimanding him since he agreed that he was at fault today. Today was his meeting with all the executives and knowing all those people, he could imagine the burn Paige must have had to suffer. It really slipped his mind that he was supposed to inform Paige about his delay.


    "I accept. This time its really my fault," he admitted his fault casually. Not even caring that the person before him was actually working for him and not the other way around. But that had always been his personality, he always paid respect where it was due.


    And he personally respected Paige''s work ethics. In fact, their cooperation with each other had been so strong that not even once Darren felt like he needed a different secretary. Paige could handle the work of a dozen people all alone and it saved him a lot of trouble as well. And now that she was put in trouble because of his tardiness, he had to accept his fault fairly.


    Seeing him admitting like this, Paige''s anger diminished a little and she took a deep breath before inquiring, "Seems like you found your girlfriend last night." Darren lifted his eyes to see her narrowed eyes scrutinizing his expressions. "I believe she''s the one to blame here."


    "Blame my Sweets? Why? What for?" Darren suddenly took a defensive stance.


    Paige shook her head at him. "Obviously because she kept you busy under the sheets last night."


    Darren opened his mouth in disbelief as he wanted to smack her head for talking so brazenly. But he really couldn''t bring himself to. Just because both of them were now in Asia, didn''t mean that they both forgot their western roots where being shameless was considered a compliment as well.


    So he nodded agreeably saying, "Not just busy. She kept me pretty busy." He even wiggled his brows at her provocatively. And seeing that Paige was glaring at him now, he smirked. "Aww, look at you being jealous."


    Paige rolled her eyes as she shrugged her shoulders trying to act nonchalant. "Jealous? Why would I be jealous of you?"


    "I don''t know maybe because just last night you had a crush on my girlfriend," reminded Darren making Paige''s mouth twitch. She really would have kicked him where the sun didn''t shine if only he wasn''t her boss. If only!


    What kind of a boss teases his own staff like that? He really was despicable! Paige cursed him in her heart but still replied, "I got over it."


    "Oh, really? How?" Darren seemed really curious to know.


    "Well, I just told myself that... She''s someone who only knows four vowels in life." Darren gaped at her in confusion while she added, "She knows ''u'' but she certainly doesn''t know ''I'' exist."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her remark and jabbed at her head saying, "That''s such a lame excuse and pretty old as well." He took a brief pause before adding, "I haven''t even heard this since I don''t know maybe high school? Are you really trying to reason with such an old joke?"


    "Whatever!" replied Paige before she recalled something and went on, "I almost forgot, you have a surprise waiting for you in your office."


    "What is it?" Darren''s brows knitted together.


    "I can''t say. It''s a surprise."


    Darren shook his head knowing that he wasn''t going to receive a proper reply from her. So, he simply took a step towards his office and twisted the doorknob. He pushed open the door slightly and what he saw made his spirit almost jump out of his body.

 Chapter 274 - I Believe In Her

    It was dark inside his office without the lights. The blinds were even down making his office seem dull and... gloomy? And there was even an eerie feeling in the air. As for the reason behind that coldness emanating from his usually warm and comfortable office, it was that person who sat at his chair right now.


    That invader''s facial expression was cadaver-like, not just sagged but lacking his usual liveliness as well. As if he had left his spirit snuggling under the duvet. His eyelids were drooped and clouds of gloominess were looming around his head. To be very honest, it took Darren a moment to even process who was this invader because of how rare this scene before him was.


    He turned his head and looked back at Paige as he questioned, "What''s wrong with Didi? He looks like he came from a haunted house. Or did someone suck his soul out?"


    Yes, this invader was none other than his best friend, Dylan Qiu aka Qiu Hedi. But he certainly didn''t look like himself. Or it''d be precise to say that he seemed like a ghost had possessed his body. Because it was rare to find such a dark and gloomy aura circling Dylan''s exuberant self.


    "How would I know what''s wrong with that young master? His eccentric personality is only understood by you," came a prompt reply from Paige. "However, I might not be sure whether he had been to a haunted house or not, I can still assure you that his ghostly presence is certainly making your office seem like a haunted house to me."


    Darren narrowed his eyes at Paige as he observed no change in Dylan''s expressions who was staring blankly at a piece of paper before him. "Don''t tell me you did something."


    His insinuation irked Paige as he snarled, "Why would I?"


    "Because you still hold a grudge over the fact that he laughed at your name," recalled Darren in an accusing tone.


    Paige scoffed, "Just because his sense of humor is so poor, I can''t stoop so low to exact a revenge plan on him." She turned to enter back inside her cabin as she put forth, "Besides, I have better things to do in life." Just as she was about to close the door, she left only one sentence behind, "Don''t care about his soul, but I hope his poor sense of humor has been sucked dry by ghosts."


    Darren shook his head at her remark before he closed the door of his room and picked up the remote to open the blinds first. As the natural light of the sun entered the room, Dylan finally looked up at Darren. Seeing his best friend, his reaction was very slow and dull as he noted, "You''re pretty late today. I''ve been waiting for hours here."


    "If I knew you''d be waiting for me so eagerly, I''d have run to you long ago," remarked Darren.


    Dylan didn''t give the same reaction as Darren was hoping for. Instead, he softly whispered, "As if you''d choose friendship over love."


    Darren gasped, "What? You don''t think I''d choose friendship over love?" Dylan simply and straightforwardly shook his head. Darren sighed, "Fine. But if my friend really needs me, I won''t hesitate."


    "I know," agreed Dylan with that same gloominess in his voice. His grim, sulky, and tensed look really bothered Darren.


    He came around the table and put his hand on Dylan''s shoulder, "I still haven''t asked you about last night and you''re already looking like a dead person. What is wrong with you?"


    In fact, it was really hard for Dylan to describe his feelings as well. He had been pretty much okay when he left Xin Villa in the morning. Then suddenly something and some feelings caught up with him making him lose all his spirit.


    "How do you know about last night? Did she tell-" he stopped mid-sentence and shook his head. "Nah. You have your own ways." Darren smiled at how his best friend caught up so easily. Not only that he was even answering his own questions now. "Before you get mad, let me explain myself..."


    While Dylan was preparing to say his side of the story, Darren chuckled at his reaction. "Don''t bother. Sweets already cleared it with me that you''re innocent this time. It was her fault and she''s willing to own up to it."


    Dylan''s brows knotted together almost instantly. Xiu actually took his side? But why? If one saw it logically, he was partially at fault as well. She didn''t have to take up all of the blame for him. Whatsoever, he was still touched and this made his initial feelings get even more complicated now.


    Dylan stood up from Darren''s revolving chair and walked around the table as he spoke softly, "Can you be honest with me?" Darren raised his brow at Dylan''s sudden alter in expression before nodding. "Is she..." he hesitated. "I mean, is your girlfriend really..." He clenched his fists in exasperation not knowing how to word it.


    But he didn''t have to. Darren''s small smile showed that he understood his best friend''s meaning. Darren sat down in his chair and began, "Yes, she is." Dylan''s eyes went wide as he stared back at Darren in disbelief.


    "You mean..."


    "I mean that my Sweets is my Ah-Xiu and Ah-Xiu is my Sweets. I don''t think I can rephrase it better than this," shared Darren without any hesitation at all.


    It wasn''t difficult for him to figure out that the reason why Xiu drank last night was to let Dylan know the truth of her identity. However, he also knew that Dylan would eventually come to him for confirmation.


    "So..." Dylan trailed off not knowing what to say at all.


    "You don''t believe her words?" questioned Darren.


    "Do you?" retorted Dylan. "Do you really believe a bizarre story of reincarnation? You don''t even believe in fantasies!"


    "Yes, I don''t..." replied Darren calmly. He looked at Dylan and continued, "But I believe in her."

 Chapter 275 - Courting Death!

    Dylan wasn''t the least bit surprised to hear Darren''s words. In fact, those were the words he wanted to hear from his best friend. He knew his best friend''s temperament better than anyone. How could he not know what was going through Darren''s mind?


    Seeing an arc spreading on Dylan''s face, Darren''s brows creased up as he came to a conclusion, "You already believed her words. Didn''t you?"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly in reply as he affirmed, "I couldn''t bring myself to not believe it. No matter how unreasonable and bizarre it sounded, my heart didn''t allow me to deny it." He took a pause as his lopsided grin grew, "And even if I had the slightest doubt, it''s no more."


    Darren stared at his best friend carefully before shaking his head. "If you already believed her words, then your earlier gloominess can''t possibly be because of that."


    Dylan''s smile froze as his eyes went wide. He looked horrified and troubled. Seeing him sighing so loudly, Darren inquired, "What''s bothering you know? Struggling with this revelation?"


    Dylan shook his head and went to Darren''s side as he wailed, "The struggle is not with this truth. The struggle is how am I gonna face her now? Overnight, she turned from my despicable assistant to my..." Dylan couldn''t even bring himself to continue as he was crying without any tears.


    "But now she''s your Goddess Xiu," Darren completed Dylan''s sentence for him. It was not an act of goodwill, instead, it could be said that Darren was enjoying Dylan''s struggle with his emotions. What Chen Xiu meant to Dylan, only he knew. That status of ''Goddess'' was very real for Dylan since he worshipped her like a real goddess.


    That esteemed goddess in his mind and he had been bullying her all this time?! Tsk. Tsk. Darren could only imagine his state of mind.


    Dylan picked the flower vase and hit his head with it. But not with enough force to break it as he admitted, "Yes. If she''s really my Goddess Xiu than I have committed a huge sin. How can I be arrogant and rude to her? I think my brain is damaged, otherwise, why would I act so willful before her?"


    "Tsk. Tsk. You''re really in a predicament my friend," Darren pursed his lips to hold back his laughter at Dylan''s antics but he really didn''t have any plan on stopping his best friend. Why would he? He was having a good time!


    As if recalling something, Dylan''s face paled as he stared at Darren looking horrified and noted, "I bickered with her. I even called her kiddo! I even pulled her hair!" A gasp escaped his mouth as he added, "I even took her to jail with me. And not just once. But twice!"


    Seeing that a red patch had formed at his forehead because of him using that vase as an assault weapon, Darren directly took the vase from his hand and placed it aside. Darren didn''t think Dylan would really keep on digging his own gave of guilt but the latter surprised him a lot.


    Dylan directly fell on his knees in a listless state and whispered, "I deserve to burn on the eighteenth floor of hell! What sin have I committed?!"


    Darren rolled his eyes at Dylan''s drama and tried to placate this little kid. "Didi, why are you taking this so seriously?"


    Dylan held Darren''s leg and shook him making Darren almost lose his momentum. "Why don''t you understand, Dazi?! I always wanted my Goddess to know me but like this... I never wanted her to see me as such an insolent one. I made her despise me."


    Darren could only sigh as he patted Dylan''s head and began, "She doesn''t despise you." Dylan looked up at Darren expectantly and the later went on, "Believe me, she likes you more like this. Because this is the real you. If you don''t believe me, you can ask her yourself."


    Since Darren said those words, Dylan would obviously believe it. For two reasons; one that Darren was his best friend and two because there was no one who could claim to know Chen Xiu better than Darren. These two reasons brought comfort to Dylan''s heart that had been going through a turmoil since the moment he accepted Xiu''s truth.


    "I know for sure that Sweets doesn''t despise you but yes, she sometimes gets irritated by you," disclosed Darren. "I don''t know what specialty you have but somehow you manage to touch her bottom line every single time. It''s not every day that she''d lose her temper but with you..." He stroked his jaw thoughtfully as he continued, "With you, it''s like her inner wild cat wakes up to bare her teeth and claws at you."


    Dylan really wanted to cry again as he heard that. This was really not how he wanted his relationship with a person who held so much respect and admiration in his heart!


    "But I don''t even do anything..."


    Darren showed a hint of sympathy as he crouched down to come at the same level as the kneeling Dylan and spoke, "You don''t have to do anything. From your interactions, I have come to a conclusion."


    "What?" questioned Dylan.


    "The reason why you both always end up shedding the pretense of cordiality is that you both have the same temperament. In one way or another, you both are really similar. You both can''t hide your real emotions very well."


    Dylan nodded his head in agreement. It was true. He hated the pretense in his life. Hiding his emotions was the most difficult job for him. Either it was his love or disgust, it could be seen right from his eyes. The same went for Xiu, for instance, the way she looked at Darren and the way she looked at Dylan showed the disparity of their status in her heart or life.


    Dylan finally got up from his kneeling position to stand straight as he announced with conviction, "The past is in the past. The past was my ignorance but now... I''ll make sure that my goddess sees me in a different light."


    Although Darren didn''t know why it was so important for Dylan. But he knew that Dylan was desperate to change his image before Xiu.


    "I wish you good luck for that," said Darren with a small but sincere smile.


    Dylan hugged his best friend and said, "Thank you. I knew I can only count on you. But please, help me in convincing my goddess that I''m not as bad as she thinks."


    While Darren patted his back and was about to say something, a languid voice filled with hostility and anger stunned both of them.


    "I don''t care whether you''re good or bad but right now, you''re certainly courting death!"

 Chapter 276 - Wife & Mistress?

    Both best friend''s turned their heads at once to see Xiu standing at the door with her eyes staring daggers at Dylan for some reason. Dylan could even feel his back turned cold because of the intensity of her gaze. What was wrong with her? Why was she looking like a bloodthirsty beast?


    "Sweets?" Darren asked in a bit surprising tone but nonetheless a pleasant one. He knew that she took Nora somewhere and even thought that Xiu wasn''t gonna be back till evening. And that''s the reason why he decided to come to work since she wasn''t home. It was truly a pleasant surprise to see her here.


    Xiu - unbeknownst to his thought - however, wasn''t in the mood to greet him yet. As she pointed her finger at Dylan and gritted out, "Get your paws off of my man! Right this instant!"


    Her statement was a bit...


    Darren and Dylan''s face twitched seeing her domineering manner. Each word of hers was like icicles that were being thrown at Dylan. However, Darren found her intimidating manner to be a bit too cute. Awww, she was so adorable when she was angry. Those red puffed up cheeks really made him want to take a bite.


    "I''m just hugging my best friend, what''s wrong with that?" inquired Dylan after he got over his initial shock. He had no idea when or how she got here but her words were a bit ambiguous!


    "You''re harassing my boyfriend," stated Xiu as she placed both her hands over her h.i.p.s and stared at Dylan as if challenging him.


    Dylan on the other hand almost puked blood at her choice of words. Harassment? Did a short circuit happen in her brain or something? Why was she uttering this rubbish?! Oh, no! It must be him whose brain had some fault. Otherwise, why''d he be willing to believe that this brat before her was actually his delicate and lovable Goddess Xiu!


    Xiu took long strides came to their side and tried with all of her strength to push Dylan away from Darren as she said, "Now, don''t touch him! Keep at least three ft distance."


    Dylan gnashed his teeth while he clenched his fists trying to calm down his anger but it seemed to be quite difficult right now. He let out a deep breath as he glowered, "Shouldn''t you be brandishing your claws at other females around him? I''m his best friend!"


    Xiu stood before Darren as if she was trying to protect him from Dylan as she replied calmly, "Sorry, but I feel most threatened by your presence. Other females? They don''t even have a chance! But you! You''re very sneaky and dangerous!"


    Dylan''s jaw dropped and hit the ground. What was she really implying? "For heaven''s sake! He is like my brother! Also, I''m very much straight!"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and said in nonchalance, "So what? I still don''t trust you." She took a pause as she added, "Besides, have you seen my boyfriend? His beautifully gorgeous and deep grey eyes are enough to stir anyone''s heart."


    "Argh!" Dylan literally wanted to smash his head or hers. She was so unreasonable! This was the reason why it was so difficult to get along with her. She was stubborn! "You!" He pointed his trembling finger at her as he glowered, "You''re really unreasonable!"


    Xiu simply rolled her eyes at him in reply, "So are you, Mister!"


    Dylan couldn''t find a way to retort. He was rendered speechless. Indeed, he was just as unreasonable as she was. No wonder, Darren said they shared similarities.


    Dylan''s belly full of anger could only be swallowed. How was he supposed to deal with the fact that his goddess actually had a vicious tongue! This was unacceptable! His beautiful image of his goddess was being shattered now!


    Darren who had been silent throughout their exchange of verbal blows finally sighed. He was indeed amused to know that he was stuck between two equally matched kids. Oh, wait! Maybe his Sweets had an upper hand. Whatsoever, he still enjoyed this bickering. It reminded him of a scene where a wife was claiming her possession before the evil mistress.


    However, in this case, the wife was Xiu and the evil mistress was none other than his best friend, Dylan.


    Darren really wanted to laugh out loud at these two. He didn''t know what was wrong with them. But he was certain that with these two around, he''d be entertained for life. Because it was not possible for them to be at peace. He learned another thing, these two were actually turning into really good friends!


    But the problem was that neither Xiu nor Dylan knew how to get over their initial disagreements. So, these two could only pretend to continue with those disagreements and dislikes for each other. It was really petty of them!


    Then again, he knew that both Xiu and Dylan were indeed very petty.


    He slowly lifted his hand to touch Xiu''s head as he asked, "Are you done teasing him?"


    Xiu turned her head around to look at Darren''s face and scrunched up her face. "Not really. I''m having fun. His reactions are beyond my expectations."


    Darren smiled at her. "But I think it''s enough. Didi might decide to jump down from this building otherwise. Because you have finally managed to mess up his brain."


    Xiu leaned into his touch as if she was the kitten being thoroughly pampered by her master. She adorably blinked at him. "Okay. If you say so, I''ll stop now."


    Hearing the exchange between them, Dylan''s accusing eyes bore into Xiu. "You were playing with me?"


    "Took you long enough to come around," stated Xiu with a chuckle. "Why are you so easy to fool, Dylan?" Dylan didn''t know how to answer that question. He was actually not even paying attention to her words. He was focused on the way her eyes were sparkling with mischief and her smile... She really looked like a blooming flower.


    That expression made something flash through his mind. This was the expression that made him fall in love with Chen Xiu. And at that moment, he could clearly see a mirror image of Chen Xiu in the girl standing before him. Ah! This girl was really confusing him!


    Seeing him so quiet, Xiu felt weird as she turned around to look at Darren and asked, "Why is he not talking? Did I do something excessive?"


    Darren shook his head. "No. You didn''t do anything at all. He is just trying to calm himself."


    Xiu''s lips turned into an ''O'' shape as she dragged out, "Oh..."

 Chapter 277 - Kindness Is Repaid

    Just as Dylan observed both Darren and Xiu''s interaction once more right before his eyes, he was really feeling strange. But it was a strange kind of good. As he recalled everything that Xiu just did, even though she was teasing him, he could tell that her possessiveness for Darren was real. Not only that, but he could also tell she was actually quite proud of Darren.


    But then what was the issue with him? Why did her personality take such drastic changes around him? Out of the blue, he blurted out, "Do you hate me?"


    Xiu who was lost in the gentleness of Darren''s gaze was suddenly brought out of her trance. She frowned slightly and tilted her head to give Dylan an inquisitive look. "I don''t," was her simple two words reply.


    Dylan''s brows knitted together, "Then why do feel so happy teasing me all the time?"


    Xiu looked at him as if he was an idiot and rolled her eyes, "Dear Dylan, don''t you like to tease my boyfriend? You always find a way to bother him as well. So, you tell me why do you do that?"


    Her question left Dylan in deep thought. He indeed loved to bother Darren. And if he wouldn''t tease his own best friend then who else? He looked around as he replied, "Because he is very special to me. We have a special bond."


    Xiu looked at Darren and he nodded as if allowing her to continue. Xiu smiled at him and took a step towards Dylan. Her hand lifted up and as her fingers approached, Dylan instinctively leaned backward. Xiu laughed at his reaction and shook her head.


    Her laugh was low and soft. But it could clearly be seen in her eyes. She gave the impression of relaxed joy and unrestrained mirth. The laughter seemed to be coming from within her heart.


    As Xiu put her hand down, Dylan raised his brow at her. "The reason why I love to tease you is also that you''re a very special person to me." Dylan''s eyes widened as he stared at her dumbfounded. "I might have found you an eyesore at first sight but trust me, the more I met you, the more you forced me to lose my prejudice against second-generation young masters. You never do anything by the norms. You''re like a free soul. You might be an insolent brat but at the end of the day, I might not be able to find a more genuine person than you as well."


    Dylan was really surprised to hear her saying that. "You are like that innocent kid who finds positivity everywhere. In both my lives, I have despised arguing with anyone. It was a hassle, I wasn''t up for. But bickering with you had always been so fun that I couldn''t hold back. As I said, you''re like a kid. The more I tease you, the more you whine like one and it really gives me a giddy feeling. And this is the special bond we share. Squabbling like there is no tomorrow."


    Seeing her laughing at him, Dylan puffed up his cheeks before pouting sulkily. He really didn''t like it when anyone called him a kid. After all, he had been treated like a kid for way too long. He really thought that at the age of 28, being called a kid was certainly not a compliment. Yet everyone around him would love to baby him all the time.


    His reaction earned him a giggle before Xiu lifted her hand to ruffle his hair catching him off-guard. But as he opened his mouth to show his displeasure, Xiu''s hand shifted to the side of his face as she stared right into his eyes. As he saw, her eyes softened and so did her voice as she continued, "More importantly, Dylan, you''re that special person who made me finally realize that Chen Xiu wasn''t just a failure."


    Dylan stared back at her in bewilderment while she added, "You made me realize that I never hated being an artist. In fact, I loved it when I could connect with people through my acting. But till the end, what I hated was being a celebrity. A celebrity who had no right to freedom. In fact, I wasn''t even allowed to laugh, cry, love or hate. But everyone else was allowed to peep into my privacy. Everyone had a say about how I should love MY life except for me.


    "You said Chen Xiu was like a breath of fresh air in your life. She was your smile. You said she made you fall in love with life itself, but do you know what life was for her?" Dylan was in a daze; just looking at the emotions stirring in her eyes. He could feel her pain through her words, so much that the rims of his eyes turned red as he shook his head. Xiu tried to offer him a smile as she went on, "Life was a prison for her. A prison she had no way of escaping."


    "You''re right, she lacked everything in life that you had. But that phenomenal way of her life that you described was wrong. You seem to have a wrong impression of me, I wasn''t the goddess you actually believed me to be. The reason why I seemed so hopeful was that a caged bird only has hope. The hope of freedom. I was also like that. I only had hope in life."


    She caressed his face as she breathed, "Thank you for loving Chen Xiu. Thank you for loving the girl who couldn''t love herself. And thank you for making her realize that she didn''t work in vain. Because trust me, it feels good to know that I was once able to inspire someone like you. Also, thank you for not letting the dreams of those kids break after I chose to give up on life."


    "You know that?" Dylan croaked out.


    Xiu nodded her head slightly, "My baby told me what you did for me. It means a lot to me."


    Indeed, when Darren told her that the orphanage she used to visit had been taken over by Dylan, she was really shocked. And even more so when she learned that he had taken over her project of making others dreams come true.


    Dylan couldn''t help himself as a tear fell down his eye. Instead of saying anything, he hugged her and muttered, "You''re an idiot if you think that you were a failure. You were anything but a failure. Actually, you''re foolish. Do you even realize how many people had been graced with your kindness? How can you even think that kindness won''t be returned? Even if people forget, the universe has a way to repay your kindness with kindness. Especially for someone like you who put a roof above hundreds of kids and put a smile on millions of faces."


    At that moment, Dylan knew one thing for sure. The person before him was his goddess Xiu. But the real her. Not the version he had imagined, instead this was the real her; the one he didn''t know. And realizing that she was really alive made him feel comfortable and relaxed.

 Chapter 278 - Still A Bully!

    Darren had been silently watching the two very precious people in his life having a heart-to-heart for the first time since they met. It actually wasn''t as surprising to him as one would think. After all, he was very clear about what Chen Xiu meant to Dylan and he was also very clear what Dylan meant to his Xiu.


    The reason why he told Xiu about Dylan being her fanboy was that he really wanted her to understand that even as Chen Xiu, she was never alone. People like Dylan existed who believed in her unconditionally and even were willing to fight for her. It was just that in the storm of slanders those voices of righteousness were muffled leaving the wrong impression that Chen Xiu had really fallen from her throne.


    "You''re the most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life. Inside and out," he heard Dylan speak and frowned.


    "Really?" Xiu quirked her brows at Dylan.


    "Yes, really. I didn''t just respect you as Chen Xiu, you really mean a lot to me as you right now as well." Xiu was a bit surprised to hear him say that. "You love challenging me, unlike others who always try to act nice and respectful just because I''m their superior. You''re not afraid to tell me that I''m wrong. And honestly, I really needed a person like you who would be honest with me." He glanced at Darren as he added, "Unlike a certain someone."


    Taking a step forward, Darren pulled his Sweets back and said, "As much as I appreciate you both acting like long lost friends. I really don''t want you to instigate my wife against me now."


    Dylan''s face twitched as he wiped his tears and breathed, "Wi-Wife?"


    Xiu also looked up at Darren''s face in surprise and smiled through her teary eyes. She felt a sudden gush of happiness and euphoria inside her heart. She really wanted to question him why and how could he say such a thing with such a calming tone? While her heart would turn into a mess, he''d still be standing as if nothing happened.


    Darren held Xiu''s waist tightly as he reckoned that, "Even if we are still not officially married, that doesn''t mean I can''t claim her as my wife. She is mine and that won''t change."


    Dylan smiled softly and sighed out, "Indeed, she''s really yours now. I guess your tears and heartache managed to knock on the doors of heaven and brought her back to you. Just for you." He rubbed his jaw as he added, "Or perhaps, this was heaven''s way of repaying your kindness. Mysterious and yet fascinating. Isn''t it?"


    Darren grinned at Xiu. "I don''t know how you got back to me but..." he pinched her nose softly and continued, "This time, I''m not willing to let you go. I won''t even let anyone steal you from me. This time, you''ll be mine and only mine. I''ll make sure of that."


    Xiu nodded her head in response but didn''t say anything from her mouth. She really didn''t trust her voice at this time. She certainly knew that she was gonna bawl her eyes out if she even tried to speak up and that would be really unladylike! But she could also see his utmost sincerity in those words and that was enough for her. Because she was willing to let him feel her sincerity, after all, words were actually nothing between them.


    Dylan rubbed his eyes as he suggested, "What are you waiting for then? Just ask and she''ll be yours." He really didn''t know why he asked that. But seeing them together, he felt like it had been ages since these two were meant to be together and yet they were not making it official?


    "She''s already mine," retorted Darren.


    Dylan rolled his eyes at his best friend. "I mean, get on one knee and officially make her yours." He really didn''t know what happened to his usually smart best friend. Tsk. Tsk. A certain goddess made his best friend drunk on love.


    Darren looked at Xiu who tilted her head to look back at him with questioning eyes. He knew what was running through her mind. Rubbing her head, he said, "Relax, I know you still have a lot of things to do. Don''t worry, I''ll only ask when you''re willing to accept my proposal."


    Xiu was really surprised that he understood her heartfelt thoughts. She really wasn''t ready for that proposal. Don''t get her wrong, if she could, she''d get married to him right this moment but she couldn''t do so. Her heart won''t allow her to do so. Her life was incomplete and shrouded in mysteries. She couldn''t just ignore everything at this point.


    Because her intuition told her that whatever Destiny was, had a lot to do with her.


    Seeing her lost in thoughts, Darren pinched her cheeks making her yelp as he said, "But just because I''m willing to wait doesn''t mean you can push me away. I''ll stick with you through everything that you have to face." Xiu rubbed her cheeks that were now red from being pinched like that. "Also, I''ll make this best friend of mine stand by your side as well. So don''t you dare feel like you''re alone."


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "You don''t even have to say it now. I''ll naturally stand beside my sister-in-law through thick and thin. That''s a promise."


    Xiu was quite amused at the way Dylan accepted her as ''sister-in-law'' this time around. Usually, he would be making so much trouble but not this time.


    She smirked as she reminded him, "Didi, this sister-in-law is still a bully. Don''t forget that."


    Dylan looked at her shook his head saying, "I don''t mind." Xiu raised her brows at him in question and he went on, "As long as it''s my sister-in-law, I''m willing to be bullied."


    "Aww, when did you become such a cutie?" Xiu gushed.


    Dylan scoffed, "I''m not a cutie." He raked his fingers through his hair and went on, "Call me handsome. This young master is overflowing with charms after all."


    "Being cute is also a charm, you dumbo!" retorted Xiu making Dylan think about it for a while.

 Chapter 279 - Emotional Reunion

    Meanwhile...


    It was midday when a tall and beautiful young woman stepped on those sleek silvery tiles of the airport terminal. She slowly took off the big black sunglasses. She lifted her hand and looked at the silver watch on her wrist. Taking a moment to look around, she moved towards the arrival hall.


    At the arrival hall, she stopped to check the plasma screens and seeing that flight was apparently late, she moved towards the lounge to sit comfortably on the low comfy chairs. Her chocolate brown eyes looked down at her cellphone as she busied herself with playing a crossword puzzle.


    Around her, there could be heard echoes of jubilation as friends and families could be seen with a broad grin at the first sight of the returning individual. But the young woman clad in scoop neck chiffon green Bohemian dress was completely oblivious to the cheery atmosphere around her.


    As much as she looked trendy and elegant, she was bored as well. Her game paused because of an incoming call and her brows knitted up. "Hello, mother dearest!"


    "Nora? You still didn''t find my aunt Mel?" came a slightly angry voice of her mother who in her anger chose to speak in Spanish without realizing it.


    "Mom, Mel''s flight is an hour late. I''m at the arrival terminal. As soon as she comes out, I''ll bring her to you," replied Nora in a rather calm tone than her own mother.


    Earlier when she dropped Xiu at Darren''s company, even she thought she''d be late. But only after getting here, she learned that the flight was late. Mel; Melissa Cartwright was in fact Nora''s grandaunt and the only relative of her mother who was still alive. But to Nora, she was more like a second mother who raised her that''s why she respected Mel even more than Clara.


    "Even if the flight is late, don''t wander around and wait right there," instructed Clara in a stern voice.


    Nora who had just stood up to get herself a cup of coffee halted but after shrugging her shoulders decided to just keep going. "I won''t go anywhere," was her reply to her mother as she came towards the coffee shop. The smell of coffee wafted around tempting her. Soon after, followed the aroma of different cuisines from the restaurants around the coffee shop. Nora''s stomach growled in protest but she could only rub her hand over her stomach and keep walking to the coffee shop.


    Both mother and daughter were silent but neither hung up. While Clara was busy giving instructions to someone related to her case, Nora was busy ordering herself a cup of cappuccino. While Nora waited for her order, she heard her mother''s voice again, "Oh, right. Nora, remind our Xiu to come home as well. I''d like her to meet aunt Mel as well."


    Nora tapped her fingers on the countertop rhythmically as she replied, "Will do. But I think she''d come on Friday night. You know her very well. It''s quite difficult to get a hold of her on weekdays. Especially now. "


    "Yes, I know. That''s why I asked you to remind her to come over this weekend," retorted Clara before adding, "Now, I''m gonna hang up. I still have to finish up some work. I''ll see you at home."


    "Okay, mom. Bye!" Nora hung up without hesitation and took her coffee cup from the worker behind the counter and turned to leave. She stared at her phone on the way and wondered out loud, "I really wonder what Xiu''er is doing right now. But something tells me, I shouldn''t be acting this curious."


    With a sigh, as she looked up, her eyes widened while her whole body turned stiff in a minute. Seeing that person looking at the arriving individuals with impatience quite visible in his eyes, Nora''s whole body felt a rush of emotions.


    The person was none other than Xin Xiaosi who had left the Xin Villa in a hurry in the morning. As for why he was at the airport, it seemed like he was waiting for someone. He looked really worried and Nora could tell since he had been cracking his knuckles which he always did in stress.


    Nora wanted to take a step towards him but just as she lifted one of her feet, a figure rushed to Ah-Si''s side stopping Nora right where she was. Nora couldn''t see who she was but the way she held Ah-Si''s hands made her clench her hands into fists. She felt her heart breaking into pieces all over again as she watched him hugging that person close before guiding her away from Nora''s sight.


    Someone bumped into her and the coffee in her hand directly stained her beautiful dress. "I''m sorry. I''m really sorry about this," said the stranger in her thick accent while she tried to clean Nora''s dress and hands with her napkin.


    Nora, however, wasn''t paying any attention to her as she waved her off. She couldn''t even feel the hot coffee that had spilled on her stomach. Apparently, the pain she felt within was stronger than the one she felt physically.


    Before the stranger could say anything, Nora felt a gentle touch on her shoulder and tilted her head to look at that smiling face she had been waiting for.


    "Hey, my little Nora!" Hearing that familiar voice filled with love and care, Nora couldn''t hold back herself as tears slowly filled her eyes. Before she knew it, she was hugging the older woman. Her tears dripped from her cheeks to the older woman''s white shirt. Her arms encircled around her shoulders to pat her back as she spoke in her soft elderly voice, "I didn''t think you missed me this much."


    Nora pulled away from her a little and sniffled, "Mel, I really missed you a lot."


    Mel wiped Nora''s tears and said, "But why do I think that these tears are for someone else?"


    "Are you doubting my love for you?" asked Nora while hiding her real feeling well within her heart. She didn''t want Mel to worry, so she could only cry with this pretense of missing her instead of showing her real heartache.


    Mel rubbed her head with affection and shook her head. "I can never doubt my honest, upright and adventurous Dora the explorer!"


    Nora rubbed her tears away to glare at Mel as she complained, "You know how much I hate that name!"


    Mel laughed at her reaction but said nothing related to it. "Are you planning on staying at the airport?" Nora was suddenly reminded that they were standing in the middle of the arrival hall. So, she sheepishly shook her head and took the luggage bag from Mel''s hands as she guided her towards her car.

 Chapter 280 - A Gluttonous Miss

    While on this side Nora had always been the slave of her emotions by hiding her tears behind her smile, there was another person on the other side who could say to be a master of her own emotions.


    Even now, in a small restaurant, she sat  at the table with plenty of food before her. Seeing the soup with spicy and sour broth, Yan Ying took the white bowl in her hand to take a whiff. Made with the goodness of mushrooms, cabbage, carrot and a twist of red pepper and sour with vinegar. She almost drooled at the sight.


    Right beside it was placed a fiery delight known as Szchewan Chilli Chicken. This dish was a perfect example of fiery oriental spices.


    Looking at her expressions, Uncle Kuan was getting a headache. A young miss of a rich family actually looked like a beggar who hadn''t eaten anything in years. Ao ao ao! This was really hard to watch for him.


    However, Yan Ying was oblivious to his inner turmoil as she picked up the wooden chopsticks and picked up the crisp appetizer; Spring rolls. Shredded veggies enclosed in a thin sheet and then fried golden. She dipped it into the tangy sauce and took a bite. The infused flavors made her close her eyes in content. Ah! This was heaven!


    As Uncle Kuan heard that strange voice coming from her mouth, he wanted to scream at her. Wasn''t she just so excited and filled with vigor an hour ago when she decided to investigate Carina Novell''s death? Then what the hell was she doing at this restaurant?!


    Yan Ying still didn''t pay any attention to him as she now turned her eyes towards the Honey Chilli Potato. This amazing recipe was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy tossed with hosts of sauces and spices.


    Seeing her so focused on munching on the food Uncle Kuan could only silently stare. There was no point in asking her to stop. He had been following her around for years and understood her nature very well. Why she was referred to as a master of her emotions was simple. She''d never let her emotions rule her life.


    In a sense, she was a very simple-minded person. So simple that just a bit of distraction and she''d completely forget what was going on. For instance, at this moment, food before her became that distraction that she''d been looking for. Just a distraction was what she needed to rule over her own emotions. That was her defense strategy.


    "Young Miss, isn''t it spicy?" asked Uncle Kuan, finally breaking his silence tactfully.


    Chewing on the Shitake Fried rice, she scooped a spoonful of the hot and sour soup and felt gratified with the taste. Her lips were red like hot pepper, even her cheeks were flushed. Water had been pooling up in her eyes but she still managed to offer a smile to him. "Spicy? This is called heaven! Haha!"


    "Shouldn''t you be calling it a hot mess?" inclined Uncle Kuan as he felt a bit frustrated with her state.


    "Uncle Kuan, do you know how I define heaven?" Uncle Kuan raised his brows and shook his head while she continued, "Heaven is defined as a hot mess!"


    Uncle Kuan slapped her head and reminded her, "I always thought your definition of heaven had been Xin Xiaoli. I guess I was wrong." Yan Ying''s body stiffened visibly before she shook it off almost instantly. Noticing that she wasn''t gonna give any reaction, he dropped the topic and asked, "Weren''t you eager to solve some mysteries? Why are you exactly wasting your time here then?"


    "Have you ever seen me being impatient, Uncle Kuan?" questioned Yan Ying and Uncle Kuan could only shake his head in reply. "No matter how eager I am, I can''t be going against my patience. Besides, if you think I''m wasting my time, you''re absolutely wrong!"


    After speaking this much, she continued to eat her food and even ordered more making him impatient for sure. "Young Miss, can''t you stop being a glutton?" Yan Ying quirked her brow at his in amus.e.m.e.nt while he added, "You remind me of Taotie!"


    Yan Ying furrowed her brows before inquiring, "Taotie? You mean that ancient vicious beast in Chinese Mythology?" Uncle Kuan calmly bobbed his head up and down.


    "Absolutely that glutton creature who could eat the world yet be left hungry," chimed in Uncle Kuan with a smiling expression.


    Yan Ying''s face, however, twitched at his description. Her hunger wasn''t that bad. After all, it wasn''t every day that she''d treat herself like this. But before she could say anything in reply, a man took a seat before her and smiled at her.


    Yan Ying stared at his smiling face with indignance, "Don''t you know how to ask for permission before taking a seat?"


    "Since you called me here, I assumed you''re giving me the permission to sit as well," came the prompt reply.


    "Mark, what are you doing here?" the question came from Uncle Kuan.


    The man named Mark turned to look at Uncle Kuan and greeted, "Chief Kaun, sorry I didn''t see you there." Uncle Kuan didn''t bother to care about being ignored as he beckoned him to answer. "Team leader Ying asked for something. I''m just here as a deliverer."


    Under Uncle Kuan''s inquiring eyes, she stretched her hand towards Mark. "Give it already."


    Mark passed the blue file in his hand to Ying while his eyes scanned the table filled with empty utensils. He really couldn''t bring himself to believe she was the one who ate this much all on her own.


    Meanwhile, Uncle Kaun also leaned beside Yan Ying to scan the doc.u.ment in her hands. Her brows were tightly knotted now. "Is this all?" she asked incredulously.


    "This is all we found," replied Mark straightforwardly.


    "Are you kidding me?" she retorted. "This single hospital doc.u.ment doesn''t even have the details that I need." She showed it to him as she bellowed, "Are you telling me that the hospital is no incompetent that they didn''t even bother getting the details of the guardian, relative, or family of the patient?"


    The doc.u.ment in her hand clearly was Carina Novell''s hospital history but what she desired to know wasn''t even mentioned at all. Even the cause of her injury wasn''t stated. Was this a joke?! Which hospital was this incompetent?!


    "When the patient was brought to the hospital she had already been in a coma for a year," replied Mark and even told the other details that he could gather from the hospital. "By the way, Team leader, I assure you something is fishy."


    "Why do you say so?"


    "All the digital data related to Carina Novell had been thoroughly removed. Even if I want to recover the data, it''s impossible." Yan Ying furrowed her brows. She had no doubt in her team''s abilities then... "It seems the other person is not any weaker than us."


    "You can leave now," she shooed him away and leaned back in her seat losing all her appetite finally. She bit her thumb in deep thought. "Uncle Kuan, don''t you find it weird that no family or guardian is mentioned?"


    Uncle Kuan closed the file in his hands and wondered, "Perhaps, Ms. Novell was all alone when the accident happened."


    Yan Ying''s shoulders slumped down as she said, "If what you just said is true then this is the most awful thing I''ve heard today." She looked at his face and added, "Her death''s news wasn''t as shocking but knowing that she was all alone at the door of death makes me really disturbed."


    "It seems like you''re getting nowhere with this."


    A glint flashed past her eyes. "Uncle Kuan, you really underestimate me." She picked up her phone and dialed a number as she said to him, "I''m still as shrewd as I was. No one can corner me so easily." As the other person picked up the call, she stated with a smirk plastered on her lips, "Hey, doctor! It seems like its time for you and me to meet."

 Chapter 281 - Queen Of My Life

    Coming back to a certain office located on the top floor of the building...


    Darren''s mood was quite complex seeing the interaction between Dylan and Xiu becoming franker and franker in the past hour. It really seemed to him like they were the best friends and he was the extra person there. Well, there was no need to even mention that he wasn''t a big fan of this situation before him.


    But he was also quite helpless...


    The worst part was that both of them weren''t taking their kitty party to another place and he was able to do nothing with their chattering in the background. Dylan was like a curious little fanboy asking everything and anything while Xiu was the calmest and patient he had ever seen her around Dylan. She was actually willing to accommodate Dylan''s curiosity and that was huge progress in his opinion.


    While he was lamenting at his own situation, all of a sudden, the door of his office was pushed open and a certain secretary strode in with the clinking sound of her heels on the floor. Darren noticed Paige narrowing her eyes at him. "You! You already gave me enough headaches in the morning when you came late without even informing me. And now, you want me to clear your itinerary for the whole damn day? Have you lost it?!"


    "Well, I informed you this time," answered Darren with a smirk feeling proud of himself.


    Paige''s eyes twitched as she showed her phone screen to him, "With this stupid text that only read, ''Clear my itinerary for the day.'' What is this?" As Darren opened his mouth to say something, she held up her hand to stop him. "If you''re doing this because of your best friend''s visit let me tell you, that''s really unreasonable! How can you ignore such important meetings? It''s just a best friend not the President of the country!"


    Darren stood up from his revolving chair and began, "You''re right, it''s not the President of the country. But..." he moved towards the sitting area of the room at a slow pace as he continued, "It''s the queen of my life."


    Paige''s furrowed brows eased up slowly as Xiu''s figure slowly came to her view. Xiu who had found Paige''s reaction quite similar to her own smiled brightly at her dazzling the already starstruck girl. Paige held a hand over her chest as she muttered, "Damn! I didn''t think the attack was so lethal in person."


    Xiu who had no idea about the other girl''s inner thoughts actually came to her side and stretched her hand towards her. "Hi, I''m Bai Xiu. I''m really sorry for today. He was late because of me in the morning and even now he''s not able to work because of me. I sincerely apologize for troubling you like this."


    Seeing that sincerely in Xiu''s eyes, Paige was speechless. Not because she really had nothing to say but rather because the girl before her looked so damn adorable that she couldn''t bring herself to say anything. Oh, shit! This crush was really getting to her head!


    Calming her nerves, she held Xiu''s soft hand to shake and introduced herself, "Hi, I''m Paige. Paige Turner."


    Xiu pursed her lips before whispering, "Paige Turner?" She bit the inside of her mouth but still couldn''t hold back her laughter. And the one to join her was none other than Dylan himself who had long found Paige''s name to be funny. Seeing her reaction, Paige wasn''t the least bit annoyed. Instead, she stared at Xiu with an even more intense look.


    She gave a look to Dylan and Xiu before shifting her eyes to her boss as if saying, ''They both share the same brain cells.'' Darren had to shrug his shoulders nonchalantly as if to reply, ''I know.''


    And he certainly knew, didn''t he already mention that Xiu and Dylan were quite similar. Their sense of humor just matched at a different level.


    Xiu controlled her laughter with much difficulty as she looked at Paige apologetically. "I''m so sorry for laughing like that. I really don''t know what came over me."


    "You looked cute, so it''s alright," replied Paige while she even rubbed Xiu''s head catching her off-guard. However, a certain possessive boyfriend pulled Xiu to his side while hissing at Paige. She laughed at his reaction and said in Norwegian that only she and he could understand, "She attacked me first with her smile, I could just kindly flirt back a little subtly."


    "Turner!" Darren''s voice took a sharp turn as he directly called her by her last name completely omitting the first name.


    Paige laughed at his reaction as she moved towards the door and said, "I''ll clear up the rest of the day for you. But don''t make it a habit."


    After Paige had left, Xiu tugged at Darren''s sleeve. "Babe, why did you get so possessive?"


    "I did not," answered Darren.


    Xiu placed both her arms on her h.i.p.s as she stared him down, "You just hissed at your secretary."


    "She was touching your head!" retorted Darren as if that was most reasonable answer he had. "I don''t like it when someone else touches you."


    "That''s what being possessive means," she replied.


    "Whatever."


    Xiu could only sigh at his response and so did Dylan who watched their exchange and wondered out loud, "Can you both refrain from this show of wind, flower, snow, and moon? At least, when I''m around."


    Darren looked at him in confusion. "Wind, flower, snow, and moon? What does that mean?"


    Xiu chuckled lightly at his adorable reaction. She pinched his cheek. "Babes, wind, flower, snow, and moon is a Chinese term used to describe romance. It literally means romance. Dylan wants to keep our romance show away from his sight."


    Darren finally gave a look of realization. "Didi, you could simply just say romance. Do you have to use such terms for me? I can barely understand simplified Mandarin. I have never read Chinese literature!" Dylan had no comments about that even though he knew that his best friend was not that proficient in Mandarin as he appeared to be.


    Since Darren wasn''t saying anything anymore, Xiu turned to Dylan and said, "Watch out, Didi. You never know the next day you might be having a wind, flower, snow, and wind show before us."


    "Huh! That can''t happen." Dylan looked certain of his words.


    "You never know," said Xiu mysteriously with a hidden meaning.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, isn''t it a shame? All those hair and no one to run her fingers through it?"


    "Pfft!" It was Darren''s turn to laugh while Dylan stood dumbfounded.


    "Don''t you think it''s a pity? Don''t brood over other''s happiness, spread your wings and look for your own."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her and replied, "If I can''t be happy whilst being single, I can''t possibly be happy being in a relationship. Happiness doesn''t come from a relationship. Happiness is a warm cup of milk and gingerbread in my cozy bed!"


    "Tsk. Tsk. Poor Dylan. You still don''t know." Dylan quirked his brow at her while she continued, "My dear boss, happiness comes from the heart." She shrugged her shoulders as she concluded, "But it doesn''t matter what you say. No matter which way or how far you run, I believe that God has a way to tie your red thread with the right one. And trust me, when that happens, it''d be you running after her, not the other way around."


    If only Xiu knew how her momentarily slip of tongue was going to turn into reality in the near future, she''d have rolled on the floor laughing at Dylan''s fortune or maybe misfortune? Whichever it would be, she would be the only one who would be laughing at the end!

 Chapter 282 - Nono In Trouble

    The next two days were rather quiet and troubleless. In fact, there was nothing noteworthy that happened during the next two days. Xiu went back to being a good employee and Dylan went back to being a good boss. Well, as good as he could become. But Xiu''s meetings with Darren changed a little, instead of Darren waiting for her outside her apartment, now Xiu literally just stayed over at his place since Nora was not home as well.


    On Friday night...


    Since Nora had already informed Xiu that her mother was calling her home, Xiu decided to visit Jing Family home. Just as she pressed the doorbell, she could hear the sound of a tiny figure calling out, "It''s Xiuxiu, I''m gonna open the door for her." Xiu''s lips hooked up since she could even hear the eagerness in Jackson''s voice. This little man was really anticipating to meet her.


    He pulled open the door and was taken aback when two arms wrapped around his small frame. Xiu had already kneeled on the floor to match his height. Her bear hug almost crushed the little one in her arms but Jackson only giggled in happiness.


    "Xiuxiu, I missed you so so so much," he beamed.


    Xiu stood up with him in her arms as she kissed his small face saying, "Xiuxiu missed Jackie so so so much as well."


    "Hehe..." Jackson had a broad smile etched on his face.


    "Aww, what an emotional reunion," came the voice of Nora who had been leaning against the door frame looking at both of them. She even dramatically wiped her non-existent tears as she added, "Xiu''er, I missed you so so so much as well." She opened her arms to hug Xiu crushing little Jackie between herself and Xiu.


    "Ah! Get off of us!" glowered both Jackson and Xiu simultaneously.


    However, Nora being Nora didn''t bother with what they were whining about as she kept her stance and didn''t let them escape. "Don''t be so mean to me. I really missed you very much."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Nora and pointed towards a paper bag at the floor saying, "I missed you too as much as I could in the last two days. Now, will you please get that inside?"


    Nora hesitated for a moment and reluctantly let her go before picking up the paper bag and walking back inside the house. Xiu followed behind with Jackson still stuck in her arms with his tiny arms encircled around her neck. He wasn''t willing to let go as he kept telling her stories about school and whatnot.


    "Jackie, let your sister take a seat first," came Clara''s voice as she saw her son clinging to Xiu like a koala bear.


    "Hey, Clara mom!" Xiu greeted her with a kiss on her cheek while the later did the same as well. "Don''t worry about Jackie. I don''t mind him doing this at all."


    Clara shook her head at Xiu and stated, "You''re the reason why he''s turning into little minx now."


    "What did I do?" retorted Xiu feeling wronged for being accused so unjustly.


    Clara pinched Xiu''s nose and said, "You always go along with his wishes and that''s why he''s forgetting his manners."


    Jackson pouted at his mother and looked at Xiu who nodded and they both announced simultaneously again, "There is no such thing as manners between family."


    "Haha! Exactly! If we have to keep track of manners even at home, wouldn''t that make us seem distant?" chimed in Nora as she picked up a strawberry from the fruit salad and yelped when a hand hit the back of her hand that was stealing around.


    Clara pulled Nora''s ear and said, "You young lady should not be the one to talk! You didn''t even help me with the dinner but now, you even want to steal around before dinner. Shameless!"


    "Mom, that hurts!" groaned Nora in pain.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Seeing the scene playing before them, Xiu and Jackson laughed their hearts out. There was in fact nothing new in this particular scene but somehow, it was always entertaining to see Nora struggling with her mother. This was the reason why Xiu always said that Nora was no match for her mother.


    This lively atmosphere in the dining hall caught the attention of the master of the house who came out of the kitchen with an apron around his waist and went up to his wife''s side, "My lovely wife, give my daughter a break. Isn''t your husband enough to help you?"


    "Uncle Jing, why are you helping Clara mom in the kitchen?" asked Xiu as she found it quite funny to see him in an apron. That womanly apron on his tall stature looked not so right and yet so right. How weird!


    Jing Ge gave Xiu a side hug and kissed the top of her head saying, "Well, my dear daughter, a man has to do everything after marriage. Where can I bring the courage to say no to the Empress?"


    Clara shifted her attention towards her dear husband, "Oh, so husband, you''re only helping me because you''re scared of me?"


    Noticing that hidden meaning behind her words, Jing Ge immediately tried to placate his wife. "Absolutely not! How can I see my wife suffering alone? This is our house and we should be willing to help each other to run this house together."


    While Clara''s attention was on her husband, Nora tried to slip away but little brother didn''t think so. "Mom, Nono is trying to run away again." Nora glared at her brother who stuck his tongue out at her in response.


    Nora stood still and tilted her head to look at her mom. "Trust me, I was just gonna bring..." she looked around for excuses and found one, "Yes, Xiu''er brought this. I was just going to bring this to the kitchen." She was referring to the paper bag that Xiu brought with herself.


    "Such a lame excuse sister," said Xiu with a smirk.


    "You too?" Nora looked at her best friend who was also not taking her side and wanted to cry now.

 Chapter 283 - Cranky One

    Mel who had come downstairs because of the uproar stood silently at the last step of the stairs staring at the chirpy family going back and forth in bickering and teasing each other. Who were the actual kids and who were the parents? No one could possibly know in that chaotic scene before her.


    Having grown up in Los Angeles, she had never seen a family this close to each other. Even the bond of Xiu surprised her very much. At first, when Clara had told her that she has an adopted daughter as well, she really didn''t expect that Xiu was not just anyone. She was just as Jing Ge told her, she was family without a doubt.


    If truth be told, she could finally say that she had no doubt at all in the bond of this family. Every one of them was a masterpiece.


    "I hope you all are not planning on keeping this up for the rest of the evening."


    Every head in the dining room turned around to look at Mel who stepped down from the last step fo the stairs and came towards them.


    "Aunt, you''re awake. I want you to meet someone."


    "Mel, I want you to meet someone."


    Both mother and daughter said it simultaneously and glared at each other while Mel was being amused at their reactions. Taking advantage of his mother and sister''s distraction, Jackie got down and held Xiu''s finger and dragged her all the way towards Mel. "Nana, meet my Xiuxiu. She''s the best in the whole world. Best sister. Best friend. Best daughter. Best everything." He introduced Xiu in an exaggerating manner.


    While Xiu was feeling awkward with this way of introduction, Mel found it heartwarming and rather adorable. From the moment she came she hadn''t seen this grandson of hers talking this much. But now, he was barely keeping his lips sealed. She assumed it was because of the girl before her.


    Xiu was facing Mel in an awkward posture. Even after years, she could say that this was her very first interaction with someone of Mel''s age at a personal level. She was rather awkward around elder people. But she didn''t even realize that the way her inner beauty had lit up her eyes was enough to work as a spellbound on elderly people who loved to read a person''s character from their eyes. After all, eyes are the windows to one''s soul. Nothing stays hidden in them.


    Clara and Nora rushed to Xiu''s side and both placed one hand on her shoulder respectively. "Aunt, I told you about Xiu before. This is my second daughter. Isn''t she a beauty?"


    "Mom, calling my Xiu''er beauty is an understatement. I tell you she can even beat that so-called goddess Chen Xiu when it comes to appearance." She took a pause before adding, "But there is one flaw Mel, my Xiu''er has a cranky personality." Xiu hit her arm for calling her cranky. And lamented over how Nora was comparing her present looks with her previous self. Was this a joke God wanted to play on her? Why everything ended up on a dead person!?


    Even Jackson hit Nora''s leg saying, "Nono, don''t you dare use bad words for Xiuxiu. She''s better than you. As dad always says, she knows what filial piety is."


    Nora gaped at her little brother in disbelief, "You little minx, how come you really forget my existence around her?" She pinched her brother''s cheeks harshly who whined in return, "Dad!"


    "Nora, stop teasing your little brother," said Jing Ge while rubbing his forehead. Then he touched Xiu''s head and told her, "Little Xiu, this is Melissa Cartwright. She''s your Clara mom''s only living relative."


    "Hi! Pleasure to meet you," said Xiu in a small voice still feeling a bit out of place before Mel.


    "Mel, our little Xiu is slightly awkward around strangers. So, don''t mind her lack of enthusiasm," cleared up Jing Ge for Xiu''s sake and Xiu even looked up at him gratefully. Even though he was not her father, he really knew her well.


    "It''s nice to meet you too, Xiu. I''ve heard a lot about you. Actually, I''ve heard so much that I was really anticipating this meeting," stated Mel in all honesty.


    "You must be really disappointed to see me being this ordinary then," said Xiu with an awkward laugh. She knew how much this family loved to talk about her and she also knew how exaggeratingly they praised her always. So, the thought of how much they told Mel about her, really scared Xiu. After all, she knew she wasn''t as perfect as everyone in this family made her seem.


    "Disappointed?" Mel gave a thoughtful look. "I guess I am a little disappointed."


    "Oh..." came out of Xiu''s mouth.


    Mel smiled at her gently and said, "But I''m disappointed to see that I''m making you feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, such bright eyes filled with hopes and dreams, can''t possibly disappoint me."


    "Okay! The introduction is over, let''s eat dinner now!" announced Nora as she clapped her hands to close the case and move on. Then she rubbed her stomach and added, "I''m really hungry."


    "Already? This isn''t even your dinner time yet," reminded Xiu as she checked the time on the big clock in the hall.


    Nora clung to Xiu''s arm and whined, "Mom is cruel, Xiu''er. You take me with you, she didn''t even let me eat anything at lunchtime."


    "Liar! I made you the salad that you asked for," Clara glared at her daughter for smearing her name with wrong accusations.


    Xiu giggled before she rubbed Nora''s head and told Clara, "Clara mom, our Nora is a little bear. That small bowl of salad definitely wasn''t even enough to wet her throat."


    Nora bobbed her head up and down. "Exactly! See, only my sister knows me best."


    Before Nora could crush Xiu in her arm, the latter escaped from her grasp saying, "I''m gonna help Clara mom in the kitchen. You stay with Mel and keep her company. Don''t make trouble."


    Nora''s lips turned downwards as she said, "I won''t make trouble but only if you make me Beef and Spinach Lo Mein."


    Xiu shook her head at Nora and before nodding, "Fine."


    "Me too, me too!" Jackson also raised his arm eagerly.


    "Now, what does Jackie want to eat?"


    "I want cake," answered Jackson.


    Xiu patted his head. "I already brought cake, little one."


    And the little one was floating on cloud nine with only this much. He was really easy to satisfy.

 Chapter 284 - Nora? Dora?

    As soon as Xiu came to the kitchen, she found Jing Ge dicing the onions with tears in his eyes while Clara was busy stir-frying the beef in the pan. She really wanted to help her Uncle Jing but she knew Clara well enough. Therefore, she got herself busy with finding all the ingredients she needed. After she placed everything on the counter, she counted everything.


    "Clara mom, there is no fresh spinach?"


    "Sister Qin planted some in the backyard," told Clara and turned to her husband, "Ge, can you get some spinach for Xiu from the backyard?" Jing Ge nodded and opened the back door of the kitchen to leave.


    While Xiu boiled the spaghetti, she heard Clara say, "Xiu, if you kept spoiling Nora like this, I''m gonna be in big trouble." Xiu raised her brow inquisitively. "Once you get married, who is gonna pamper Nora this way?" Xiu almost choked as she heard it. "Why are you so surprised? Aren''t you planning on marrying?"


    "I..." Xiu hesitated a little before replying, "I''m gonna marry but I''m not planning it so soon."


    "Tsk. What a shame! I still have to wait for my daughter''s wedding," lamented Clara.


    "Whose wedding?" asked Jing Ge as he came back with freshly cut spinach in the bowl in his hand.


    "Xiu''s wedding," replied Clara.


    Jing Ge opened his eyes wide as he stared at Xiu. "Who is the groom? Why is he in a hurry to take away our daughter? Besides, I have yet to even approve of him. I won''t give away my daughter to just anyone."


    Xiu chuckled at his reaction. His fatherly protectiveness always touched her heart. She really couldn''t deny that she had come to accept these people like her family. They mattered the world to her now.


    He held Xiu''s shoulders and said, "Little Xiu, don''t be swayed by anyone''s honeyed words. Men these days are completely untrustable! You must put your guard up."


    "Ge, she hasn''t even brought her boyfriend yet and you''re already judging him? Give him a chance first." Clara found her husband''s reaction quite funny.


    "I''m willing to give him a chance. But he has to prove first that he''s actually the right one for my daughter." He seemed adamant about his decision. "I''ll only allow him to be with my daughter if he manages to pass my test."


    "Ge, if you kept being like this both your daughters are gonna be single for life." Clara almost snapped at him.


    Xiu was amused. Moreover, she was feeling loved. "Both of you, calm down." She came between them and went on, "First of all, I''m not getting married until Nora finds her life partner. Second of all, Regan is my boyfriend and he obviously has to go through your evaluation. Third of all, as my family, you can say anything to my boyfriend just don''t be too harsh on him. I really love him."


    Jing Ge hugged this little one who talked with so much sincerity and love. "Little Xiu, if you love him so much, how am I gonna bring myself to put on that stern and cold fatherly look before him? I have yet to see him and you''re already defending him?"


    Xiu tilted her head up to look at him as she said, "Uncle, I just don''t want to lose him."


    Jing Ge nodded as he stated, "It''s good to know that our little Xiu has finally opened her heart. Don''t worry at all. I won''t do anything harsh but as a father, I also have some conditions. So, you can''t stop me from interrogating him."


    Xiu laughed at the way he put it and nodded agreeably. As long as he was willing to accept Darren, she didn''t mind what he did. After all, she believed in her Darren. There was no way he''d fail in such an evaluation. He had all the merits of a perfect life partner.


    Later, Xiu finished all the work in the kitchen. She didn''t even give enough time to Clara to complain before she got everything done. While working she learned that the Jing family''s housemaid, Sister Qin had gone to her hometown and that''s why Clara was alone in the kitchen.


    She called Nora to help her in serving the food while she shoved both Clara and Jing Ge out of the kitchen. Since the time she had been living with Darren, she barely even did any kitchen work. He''d do everything from cooking, to serving and to even cleaning up after. At one point, she even thought he might even start feeding her as well.


    Sigh... She really felt useless around him. And she really wasn''t used to that lifestyle!


    However, here she was not useless. She could do everything and anything because this was her home. This was her family.


    "Is Darren going to come tomorrow?" asked Nora as they were bringing dishes out of the kitchen.


    Xiu frowned a little. "I don''t know. He was gonna come with me tonight but suddenly got something urgent to do."


    "Aiyo! Work is more important than you?"


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at Nora and replied, "It was something personal. Not work-related."


    "Ohhh..." Nora nodded and heard Jackson laughing out clutching his stomach with tears hanging right at the corner of his eyes. "What''s so funny, little brother?"


    Jackson looked at Nora and laughed even louder saying, "Nana was telling me that in elementary school..." Nora''s face darkened as he stopped to catch his breath. She could tell what was coming. "In elementary school, your classmates bullied you by singing... Haha!"


    "Singing? Singing what?" asked Xiu curiously.


    ?Dora, boots


    Come on, Dora


    Do-do-do-do-Dora


    Do-do-do-do-Dora


    Do-do-do-do-Dora


    Do-do-do-do-Dora, let''s go


    Dora, Dora, Dora the explorer ?


    The one who sang was unexpectedly Nora''s mother. She was also having a fit of laughter making Nora''s fume in anger.


    "Mel! Why did you bring up that dark history?" Nora put all the blame on Mel who shared this long-buried story. Then she looked at her mother, "And you! Mother dearest! How can you laugh at your own daughter?"


    Xiu also couldn''t help it. She really couldn''t keep her face straight. She patted Nora''s back and said, "You and I are really meant to be sisters."


    "Huh?"


    Xiu presented the cakes she brought from home and said, "I made Dora cakes just for you!"


    Seeing that plate of Dora cakes, Nora fumed again, "Xiu!!!!"


    This was not a coincidence. This was definitely a conspiracy against her!

 Chapter 285 - A Silent Storm

    While there were laughter and happiness spread around Jing Family house on this fine Friday night, all the way at the Xin villa, dark clouds were looming around. The entire villa seemed to have been stuck in a storm. However, it was a silent storm.


    As Darren took a step inside the villa, he could feel the heavy and depressing aura in the air. Earlier, he was supposed to join Xiu for dinner with her family but he suddenly received a call from Xin Xiaoli and he chose to come here instead. Because as soon as he heard that something was wrong with Ah-Si, he couldn''t stop himself from coming all the way here.


    "Can you please eat something first?" he heard Xin Xiaoli''s frustrated voice as he entered the lounge area.


    There Xin Xiaosi was sitting on the ground, hugging his knees he had buried his face down. While Xin Xiaoli was trying to persuade him to eat something.


    "What''s the situation?"


    Hearing Darren''s voice, Xin Xiaoli tilted his head and found Darren at the doorway. He immediately dragged him inside and said, "Can you please ask him to eat anything? He hasn''t eaten anything for the past two days."


    Darren''s eyes widened at this revelation. He sat down beside Xin Xiaosi and shook his shoulder. "Oi! Why are you acting like a kid? Eat something before your brother really loses his mind."


    "I don''t want to, Darren," came a reply in a low and extremely hoarse voice.


    Hearing that voice, Darren felt like he had been crying. So, he directly held his head and made him look up. Indeed, Ah-Si''s eyes were red and puffy. But the worst part was the desolation in his gaze.


    "What happened to you?" Xin Xiaosi stayed quiet for a long moment which simply enhanced Darren''s worry. He was feeling perturbed and his intuition told him that whatever it was, it wasn''t gonna sound good.


    Sure enough, Xin Xiaosi hugged him and started sobbing again, "Darren, I''m the worst father in the whole world. I couldn''t even take care of my daughter!"


    Darren''s heart shook at the million possibilities, "What are you saying? What exactly do you mean? Where is Ava? Tell me!"


    But he didn''t get any answer from Xin Xiaosi. With a sigh, Xin Xiaoli patted his brother''s back as he related the whole incident, "On Wednesday, his friend who was taking care of Ava in New York was gonna bring her here. In the morning he received a call and ran to the airport. He waited for the flight for hours but his friend Emily came alone."


    "What do you mean?"


    "She lost Ava at the airport."


    "What?!" Darren was shocked.


    Apparently, when his friend had collected the luggage, she placed Ava in the luggage trolly while trying to deal with the customs. But during that short moment, the little girl of three years vanished into thin air. Xin Xiaosi had checked the security footage and got to see that Ava had indeed crawled down from the trolly herself and with her tiny legs ran around at the airport. However, after the little girl had made her way out of the airport all on her own, hiding in another person''s luggage, she was nowhere to be found.


    The girl hugging Ah-Si at the airport whom Nora saw was, in fact, his friend Emily who was just as much depressed as Ah-Si himself. She was apologizing to Ah-Si again and again for her slight moment of carelessness. He was trying to placate her while he had completely lost his soul the moment he heard that his daughter was missing. She was the only one he had and he couldn''t even imagine losing his reason to live.


    "What about the police?" asked Darren.


    "Already working on it but its been two days we still have no clue about her whereabouts." Xin Xiaoli was already stressed because of his own project and suddenly Ah-Si told him this news. He really didn''t know what was going to happen now.


    "What if someone kidnapped her?" asked Xin Xiaosi with tears falling from his eyes.


    "That''s a possibility we can''t omit as well." Agreed Darren.


    "For the time being, can you convince him to eat? He needs some energy to find his daughter as well! He has already fainted twice today," told Xin Xiaoli while rubbing his temples that were throbbing now.


    "Li is right. Ah-Si, you should eat something first," Darren also tried to coax Ah-Si into eating something but the latter was as stubborn as a mule.


    "I can''t eat! I don''t want to eat! I don''t even know how my baby girl is right now. Just how can I eat?" Ah-Si suddenly bellowed in exasperation. He was tired of all of this. Just how could anyone expect him to eat anything when he didn''t even know if his little baby girl ate anything or not. He was holding his hands together as if praying as he kept mumbling, "Ava, baby please be safe. Daddy is sorry for leaving you alone but don''t punish me like this. I''ll really die without you. Please, God! Keep my daughter safe and bring her back to me already."


    Darren was also quite helpless in this situation. He knew both Xin brothers must have done everything they could but if the result was still like this then...


    "Why don''t you ask your dad for help?" His suggestion earned him a stare from both brothers. "Don''t look at me like that. There is a rumor in our business circle, Xin Zimen can find a person even in hell! I really think you both should now come clean to your dad before it''s too late already."


    Xin Xiaoli thought about his suggestion calmly and said, "Ah-Si, I think Darren is right. We should really seek dad''s help now. I know he''ll be angry but it''s better than losing Ava."


    ''Losing Ava?'' Ah-Si shuddered visibly as he held his brother''s hand and said, "I don''t mind. Talk to dad. I just want my daughter back safe and sound. I don''t even mind him beating at this point."

 Chapter 286 - A Heavy Price Of Ignorance

    All of a sudden, the screeching sound of the tires caught their attention and a hurried footstep followed.


    "What''s going on outside, Sister Ji?" Xin Xiaoli inquired as he saw the breathless housemaid coming to their side.


    "Young Master Li..." she was panting heavily. "Master... Master is back."


    "What?" Xin Xiaoli was a bit stunned to hear that. From what he knew, his father was supposed to come next week. How come he was a week early? And that too in the middle of the night? A premonition rose in his heart.


    He almost came running outside the main door to find his father''s entourage. Just when Darren followed suit and stepped out, he saw Xin Zimen alighting from the car. There was a frown permanently etched between his beautiful brows. He was dressed rather casually in complete contrast with his status.


    However, the anger in his eyes was really overwhelming even for Darren who often had personal interactions with this business mogul before him.


    Xin Zimen walked straight towards his eldest son and said only word, "Move." Well, it was more like a command he wasn''t willing to hear anything.


    "Dad..." Xin Xiaoli tried to talk but his father''s glaring momentum made him take a step aside. Finally, the one hiding behind his brother looked up at his father like scared cat.


    Xin Zimen raised his hand and Ah-Si closed his eyes. But the expected jiggle of his cheek or piercing pain didn''t come. He slowly opened his eyes to see his father had clenched his hand mid-air. He seemed to be trying hard to keep his emotions under control.


    In the end, he pointed at his youngest son and began, "I never expected that one day I''d be ashamed of my own sons!" Ah-Si lowered his head and didn''t dare look at his father''s face. He knew how scary his father could get when he was angry. "How can you be this irresponsible?"


    "Urmm..." Ah-Si didn''t know what he wanted to say but whatever it was it died down in his throat.


    "Look at me and answer me," hissed Xin Zimen. Ah-Si lifted his head but still didn''t dare to look at his father straightly. He was willing to look anywhere but at his father''s eyes. "Now tell me, how can you lose your own daughter?!"


    Ah-Si''s eyes widened in shock. He had just decided to ask for his father''s help but he had yet to inform him about anything. Then how did his father already knew about the fact that he lost his daughter? And most importantly, how did he even know that he had a daughter?! But he wasn''t the only one with this reaction. Both Darren and Xin Xiaoli''s feelings weren''t any better.


    "Dad, how do you know?" Ah-Si could only get this one sentence out of his mouth.


    Instead of answering him, Xin Zimen called out, "Brother Kuan!" Ah-Si frowned but look behind his father to see Uncle Kuan coming with a small figure tucked in a blanket in his arms. His eyes almost popped out.


    "Ava!" He tried to rush towards his daughter but his father held him back.


    "Do you have the right to even touch her?" He jabbed his finger at Ah-Si''s head as he continued, "Use your head once in a while! Do you have any idea where I found her?" Xin Zimen rubbed his temple as he added, "You might forget your status as the young master of Xin family but people don''t. Especially, our rivals."


    "Dad, we''ve been trying to find her on our own but-" Xin Xiaoli stopped talking as Xin Zimen tilted his head to stare at him. He gulped visibly before trying to add, "We''re just going to tell you about it."


    "When? Exactly when was I supposed to know that I have a granddaughter? After losing her for good?!"


    Both brothers were left speechless with nothing to say. How could they say anything?


    "If Yi-"


    *Cough*


    Uncle Kuan''s timely cough halted Xin Zimen from spitting out the whole truth before his sons. "If my people hadn''t been on time, you''d have really lost her because of your foolish mistake!"


    Ah-Si''s heart almost stopped beating at the possibility his father brought to light before him so cruelly. He really couldn''t deny it he was being reckless. He was perfectly aware of how dangerous it was for his daughter without the protection of his father and he still chose to keep it a secret from him.


    He held his dad''s hand and looked at him with teary eyes, "Please let me hold her. I need to touch her."


    "I say, Uncle Zi you should really let your son hold his daughter now before he passes out."


    Xin Zimen turned to his left as he heard that familiar voice and his brows raised slightly at the sight of Darren standing calmly at the side. Having the full attention of Xin Zimen, Darren gave him a cheeky smile as he added, "Hi! Long time no see."


    "Regan, stay out of it," came a stern reply.


    "You know how much I respect you," started Darren as he came beside Xin Zimen''s side and put an arm around his shoulder. "On normal days, I wouldn''t interfere at all. But this time is special."


    "Oh? How so?" Darren whispered something in his ear and smiled at the end. Xin Zimen closed his briefly before saying, "Brother Kuan, let him hold his daughter."


    Uncle Kuan silently passed the tiny sleeping figure to Ah-Si''s arms whose eyes sparkled instantly. Looking at those slightly chubby red cheeks, her small lips pouting and that little snoring sound, Ah-Si lost his control and he burst out in tears. He kissed all over that tiny sleeping face and kept whispering, "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry, baby. Daddy is really sorry. Daddy won''t leave you alone ever again."


    "Get him something to eat," instructed Xin Zimen before walking away. He didn''t go inside the house, instead, he chose to walk towards the garden without a word.


    Uncle Kuan looked at Xin Zimen''s receding back for a moment longer with a complex emotion surging in his eyes before he took Ah-Si inside the house to get something for him to eat.


    Meanwhile, the only people left outside on the porch were Darren and Xin Xiaoli since Xin Zimen''s entourage was circulating around the house to check the security.


    Seeing how silent Xin Xiaoli had been, Darren couldn''t help but ask, "Li, normally you would always protect your brother from your dad. What happened this time?"


    Xin Xiaoli tried to smile at Darren but it looked rather sad as he questioned, "How long have you known my dad?"


    Darren frowned at such an absurd question but still answered, "Since the time I''ve known Dylan''s family."


    "That means it''s been almost two decades and by now, you must be very familiar with my dad, right?" Darren nodded in response. "But in all those years have you ever seen my dad this angry before?"


    Darren thought about it carefully. Even though Xin Zimen was quite famous for his temper, he really had never seen him this angry. For some reason, he could even feel that he was trying his best to suppress his rage but it seemed out of his control.


    "Not really. I''ve seen him angry plenty of times but not like today," he answered honestly.


    Xin Xiaoli patted Darren''s shoulder and stated, "That''s because today''s matter got really personal for dad." He looked heavenward with a sad look as he continued, "The night my mom died in that accident, dad wasn''t with her. It was just a slight mistake on his part that he didn''t want to accompany her that night and yet it cost him two¡­" He stopped mid-sentence, licked his lips and concluded, "Anyway, what I mean is that he had to pay a huge price for his slight ignorance. Now, when he saw what Ah-Si''s ignorance could result in, he was scared as he had been years ago."

 Chapter 287 - A Rescue Tale

    Darren finally got the gist of the situation. Now, he finally could say that Xin Zimen wasn''t omnipotent. That man was also scared of something.


    He went inside to check up on Ava and Ah-Si and decided to leave only after he was certain that everything was okay. Outside, on the driveway when he was walking towards his car, he heard a feminine voice.


    "Tsk tsk tsk. How can you even cry at this age, Zi?"


    Darren stopped walking and looked around to find where this voice was coming from. It took him a minute to find the owner of the voice sitting on the grass beside Xin Zimen.


    "Your granddaughter is absolutely fine now. So, you can stop worrying," said Ying again since the person beside her was really not paying attention to her. "Zi!!!" she shook his arm violently. "Don''t ignore me like your son."


    Xin Zimen finally looked up at the girl beside him and said, "I don''t even know how to thank you."


    "Why don''t you?" retorted Yan Ying while she wiped the tears from his face and went on, "Just say thank you, it''s that easy."


    Seeing her laughing even at this time to cheer him up, he was really lost for words. Perhaps, Brother Kuan was right. This little girl was indeed stronger than him. Or at least, she was better at pretending.


    Xin Zimen touched her head gently and said, "Thank you, Ying! If it hadn''t been for you¡­ I''d have really lost another person."


    Yan Ying sighed dramatically as she blinked her eyes saying, "Don''t say such touching words. You''d make me cry."


    "Be serious for a minute," warned Xin Zimen seeing her theatrics. "I honestly don''t know how to repay you for everything that you do for my family."


    "Ying is honestly flattered to hear that but¡­ that''s enough for today." She dusted off her jeans as she got up and added, "I might really cry if you kept being like this and Ying is in no mood to shed a tear."


    With a flamboyant flip of her hair, she walked away from him towards the driveway and was stunned to her place when she found Darren looking at her inquisitively.


    "You heard that, didn''t you?" questioned Yan Ying knowing the answer very well. Darren nodded his head honestly. There was no need to lie to her. "Damn it! Why is it that I always find you eavesdropping?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly before he held her from her shoulder and dragged her to a side while she complained, "Hey! It''s hurting!" She finally shook off his hand away when they were quite a distance away from their original position as she muttered, "Can''t you go easy on me?" She gritted her teeth while she pressed on her shoulder with her other hand.


    Darren frowned at her girly reaction but seeing a scarlet liquid dripping down her hand, his eyes widened, "What happened to you?"


    "Oh, thanks for noticing!" retorted Yan Ying before cursing her luck.


    "Ying?"


    "What?!"


    "Would you like to enlighten me what''s going on or do you want me to go and ask Uncle Zi himself?"


    "Ah!" Ying held him back. "Don''t! Let him forget this incident. I''ll tell you. I''ll tell you everything as always."


    Darren smiled in satisfaction and tapped his foot on the ground impatiently, "Please, start talking then."


    She glared at Darren before muttering, "Bloody bastard! Broke my stitches and now want me start talking as if I''m a parrot!"


    "What are you muttering to yourself?"


    Yan Ying gave him a fake smile. "I was just wondering whether your girlfriend knows that there is a gangster hiding behind that beautiful face of yours?"


    Darren tapped his chin thoughtfully before replying, "I don''t know about that but I don''t mind telling Li that there is a beast hidden behind your white lotus act."


    His smile was provocative and it ticked her off. Oh, how badly she wanted to punch him right now. But instead just decided to come clean and end this¡­


    It started from Wednesday when Ah-Si got the news that Ava was nowhere to be found. Originally, Xin Zimen indeed had a plan to teach his sons a lesson and that plan also involved Ava but before he could take any action his granddaughter went missing.


    But it wasn''t until midnight that Yan Ying received a call from Xin Zimen, "Ying, my granddaughter is missing."


    Yan Ying rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Is that your cruel way to teach Ah-Si a lesson? If it is, you''re going way too far, Zi."


    "Shut up! I wouldn''t joke around with my granddaughter''s life at stake!" He roared back. "She is really missing."


    Yan Ying was finally awake. She abruptly sat up in bed and inquired, "What do you mean? What happened? Wasn''t she gonna come to An City this morning?"


    That''s when Xin Zimen told her that Ava went missing from the airport and he got to know it only after Ah-Si filed a complaint to the police station. Besides, he couldn''t contact the people he had hired for his granddaughter''s protection in secret. And because he couldn''t contact his people he was certain that this was a conspiracy.


    "Umm¡­ You stay calm. I''ll get my team to work on it. I''ll give you an answer as soon as possible!"


    "Okay! I''m taking the next flight back home but it''ll take time."


    "I know. You don''t have to hurry. I''m on it!" said Yan Ying and hung up the call. She had already been sleeping at the headquarters because for some reason Uncle Kuan didn''t let her go home. She didn''t even know that it was Xin Zimen''s order and that''s why she had to sleep in that bunk bed.


    Right after tidying up herself, she got to work. From airport security to traffic security, she had gone through everything. For the rest of the night, she only watched security footage from every possible angle, her eyes almost popped out off the sockets.


    It was needless to say that she did everything she could and finally found a lead. Taking the elite of her team when she went to the location that they traced, her team got into a confrontation with the kidnappers. Of course, it wasn''t a verbal confrontation. Well, it couldn''t possibly be when both parties were holding guns and one even had a hostage in captivity.


    "Did you get shot?" Darren interrupted her story and looked at her incredulously. "Really? How come?"


    "Will you let me finish?" retorted Yan Ying and continued the rescue tale as she called it¡­


    Well, she indeed got shot on her shoulder because when one of those men threw Ava in the river, she was running towards her and that''s why she didn''t realize when a bullet pierced through her flesh from behind. Not that it mattered at that time.


    The reason why she didn''t tell Ah-Si about Ava yesterday after rescuing her was that when she found the little girl, Ava''s body was already turning blue. It scared the living daylight out of Yan Ying.


    Especially when the doctor said that Ava''s condition wasn''t very optimistic, she was completely listless. She didn''t know what to do at all. Even her subordinates were feeling bad for her. Who knew that such a brave soldier like her would actually pass out after she learned the news.


    She left everyone in her team in a frenzy with that turn of events. Only then did they get to know that her wound - she had been so conveniently ignoring - was infected because of the river water. Also, she was burning up with a high fever.


    "Why didn''t your team informed anyone?" asked Darren in confusion.


    "Ava''s birth is a secret even within the Xin family. I didn''t dare tell anyone about her identity without Zi''s permission. But how would I know that I''d be staying in a coma for 24 hours? If it wasn''t that Zi tracked my location and found me right after landing, I guess Ah-Si would have been in an even worse condition."


    Darren could tell that she was feeling guilty for almost driving Ah-Si to death with worry but this girl wasn''t even realizing that she had also just come back after knocking on the door of the death rather boldly.


    "What about Uncle Kuan? Wasn''t he with you?"


    Yan Ying shook her head in reply. "He had to leave for a distant journey and wasn''t in touch with anyone. I wouldn''t have to run around so much if he had been around."

 Chapter 288 - Dangerous Combination

    Darren was in deep thought when he noticed Yan Ying shifting her weight from one leg to another before completely leaning against the tree behind her. Seeing her complexion, he touched her forehead and his brows knitted up, "You still have a fever? Who let you discharge in this condition?"


    "I''m fine," she opened her eyes and pushed his hand away. However, he could tell that her push wasn''t strong enough like usual.


    Darren pulled her ear while hauling her towards his car. "You''re an impossible creature. If you''re sick just stick in the hospital. Why do you have to show-off this much? There is nothing wrong with taking a break once in a while!"


    "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" she was trying to let him know that he was hurting him but apparently the message wasn''t getting across at all. Because Darren almost threw her in the backseat of his car while she kept fuming, "Regan! Can''t you be a little nice to me? What''s with this barbaric treatment?"


    "Hello, ex-team leader!"


    Yan Ying shut her mouth and looked at the person in the driving seat. In fact, she smiled back at him saying, "Oh, hi Ben! Haven''t seen you since the time you decided to follow this barbarian."


    Darren who just settled in the passenger seat looked back at Yan Ying and said, "Instead of talking so much, just close your eyes and take some rest."


    Yan Ying huffed at him while Ben spoke, "I guess, team leader Yan is still taking her life as a joke."


    "Joke? Absolutely not!" She denied this statement rather sternly. "By the way, comrade, you forgot us all as soon as you changed parties."


    She was referring to how Ben had left her team to work for Darren years ago. Someone was still hostile for losing a valuable teammate to a moronic foe. It was a pity that this moronic foe had a handsome face and dreamy eyes.


    "He''s not your comrade anymore," reminded Darren as he gestured Ben to drive the car.


    Yan Ying snickered, "A comrade for a day is a comrade for life!"


    "Team leader, the saying actually goes like, ''A mentor for a day is a mentor for life.''" Ben so conveniently chimed in.


    Yan Ying leaned back in the seat to rest her eyes as she muttered, "Well, there is a certain someone who doesn''t value that phrase. Even now, he actually dared to treat his mentor like a rag. I think he even treats me worse than a rag."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her speech. "Ms. Mentor, it''s not my fault that you never even act like a mentor whom I''d want to show respect." He took a pause and said playfully, "Besides, I don''t treat you like a rag. Maybe, I don''t give you the care as much as people give silk sheets. But I think I give you enough care that cotton sheets deserve."


    Ben pursed his lips trying to bit back his laughter while Yan Ying glared at him through the rear-view mirror saying, "You idiot! How dare you compare me with cotton sheets?"


    "I think there is some truth in my words otherwise you wouldn''t be so agitated."


    Darren''s words instantly shut Yan Ying up as she crossed her arms across her chest moodily and closed her eyes. She really didn''t want to waste her brain cells arguing with him. Not when she really didn''t even have the energy to do so.


    Darren looked back at her face and frowned slightly. As much as it was true that this woman could be considered his mentor, it was also true that he never talked to her like he did with everyone around him.


    Actually, now that he thought about he realized that he and Ying were quite similar to Dylan and Xiu.


    By the time, the car halted before the hospital, Yan Ying was already in a deep sleep. Ben helped him carry her inside the hospital and Darren dealt with the paperwork. Her wound was cleaned again and she was shifted to a room.


    "How''s her condition?" inquired Darren to the on-call doctor.


    "She''s clearly very careless," stated doctor and Darren could only nod agreeably. "She fell in the water and didn''t change her wet clothes for hours. Also, she was already shot on her shoulder. Although the bullet didn''t cause any critical wound, it still got infected. I suggest to keep her here for two days for follow-up. Because I honestly don''t think that Ms. Yan is gonna be careful. Her health had always been the least of her worries."


    Darren didn''t know what to say. In fact, he knew whatever the doctor said was right. There was no room for denial.


    The person sleeping on the bed only opened her eyes when the doctor had left the room and tried to get up. Darren pushed her head down saying, "Don''t even think about it!"


    She looked at the time and seeing that it was 3 in the morning she said, "Why don''t you just go home? Your girlfriend must be waiting for you."


    Darren took a seat at the chair beside her bed and calmly replied, "My girlfriend went home to spend the weekend with her family."


    "Damn!" Yan Ying cursed under her breath before trying again, "I really can''t stay in the hospital. I have to leave."


    "Why?"


    "I have to meet someone. That person came all the way here just because of my call and I ditched our meeting on Thursday without even giving a reason." Yan Ying was frustrated already. There was so much going on and she had to get back to her work. She really couldn''t waste her time here in the hospital.


    Darren looked at her face carefully. "Ms. Archaeologist, what are you digging up this time?"


    Yan Ying sighed out, "I can''t tell you that."


    "Is it related to Ava''s kidnapping?" asked Darren and she shook her head in reply. "Then?"


    "Don''t get involved, Regan. It doesn''t concern you," replied Yan Ying seriously. "I told you once that often the pit we dig becomes our own grave. So, we should be mindful of our actions." She turned to look at him and added, "Now, will you please let me leave? It''s a really important matter."


    Darren pretended to think before smiling at her, "No! You''re staying here until the doctor says otherwise and I''ll be keeping watch on you."


    "Why are you being like this man?" she whined.


    "Ying, just take a break. Give yourself a little breather. The world won''t end if you stayed in bed for two days. Why are you being stubborn?" He rubbed his hand over his face in exasperation and continued, "That year when I was desperately trying to get up from my wheelchair, it was you who said that I should take it easy. You were the one who said that only my willpower and aggression won''t get me anywhere. I need to be patient. Why don''t you take your own advice?" Yan Ying raised her brow at him. "Be patient. The world can wait, your health won''t. The reason why I never give you respect a mentor deserves is that you... You''re the person who doesn''t even value her own self. How can you expect me to do it then?"


    She suddenly smiled at him widely, "I thought people take my words as a joke. I really didn''t expect you to remember what I said years ago."


    Darren scoffed, "I still take you as a joke. But even clowns sometimes teach us a thing or two."


    "Hey! This tongue with that face of yours is a very dangerous combination!"

 Chapter 289 - A Little Apology

    Back at the Xin Villa...


    Xin Xiaoli had been staring at his younger brother intently who had been holding his daughter in his arms cooing all this while. Even though the little girl was asleep, her father wasn''t willing to put her down.


    "Aren''t you gonna talk to dad?"


    Ah-Si didn''t look up but answered, "He... isn''t in a good mood."


    "Do I have to remind you why he isn''t in a good mood?"


    Hearing his brother''s question, he slowly looked up and shook his head. "I know."


    Xin Xiaoli stood up and stretched his hands towards his brother, "Give Ava to me and talk to dad." When Ah-Si didn''t move, Xin Xiaoli tried to take the sleeping baby from his hands but Ah-Si moved back. Xin Xiaoli was really feeling annoyed by his brother but he still ended up smiling. "I''ll take care of her. I promise."


    Ah-Si kept staring at his brother''s face for a long moment before he nodded his head and let him carry Ava however, he did so very reluctantly. Xin Xiaoli could tell how reluctant he was and he could also guess that it was because of the sudden trauma he had to face.


    Ah-Si took a long time calming himself and gathered his courage before he knocked on the door of his father''s study and twisted the doorknob with his clammy hands. Inside the study, the lights were off but through the window soft moonlight fell in. Right before the window was resting Xin Zimen on a recliner with his eyes closed.


    As Ah-Si slowly came close to his father, he could clearly see the deep lines etched between his father''s brows. He looked stressed and that made Ah-Si''s courage to go ''poof'' in the air. In just one night, his father who looked like a domineering king on usual days seemed to have aged.


    "Dad..." he called out so softly that it was hardly audible to himself.


    "I''m sorry!"


    Ah-Si was stunned as he heard his father''s voice and was completely lost for words. It was supposed to be the other way around. Why was his father apologizing?


    Xin Zimen opened his eyes but didn''t look at his son, instead his eyes were glancing at the moon shining in the sky. "I shouldn''t have reprimanded you like that. My emotions got the best of me momentarily." Saying that he clenched his fists tightly as if suppressing his emotions even now. As if some distant memory was torturing his soul.


    Ah-Si who had been holding on to his courage finally broke as he fell on his knees before his father and burst out in tears. "Dad, I''m really sorry for keeping it a secret from you. I really didn''t want to but..." He choked on his words and couldn''t continue.


    "Why did you then? Why did you choose to hide it?" asked Xin Zimen looking at his son who was crying like a kid now. He frowned seeing how a father of a little girl was actually crying himself like a baby.


    Ah-Si didn''t dare look up as he began, "I was scared that you''d be disappointed in me." Xin Zimen''s frown deepened while he went on, "Me being a single father and that too without marriage if this really came to light... You''ll be scorned by the whole family for not raising me well. I didn''t want anyone to question your principles and teaching or the way you chose to raise us both brothers all alone.


    "You always tried to protect me and bro from everything in life. Sometimes you got harsh but you always did everything for our good and you''re always questioned for your choices. Even me and bro often got mad at you for being so strict with us." He took a brief pause before adding, "Hiding Ava from you, for the time being, was just my way of protecting you. I really didn''t want to see you lower your head before anyone because of your own son."


    Ah-Si didn''t get any response from his father and the lack of his response left Ah-Si feeling apprehensive even more. He finally decided to lift his head and when he did, he was shocked. Xin Zimen was actually laughing silently at his son''s explanation.


    "You... Haha..." He leaned over a bit and stretched his hand to rub Ah-Si''s head. "My little silly one! No matter what you do, I''d be the last person to question you. Unless you do something against my principles. You being a single father might not be very pleasing to others but I still find it very admirable."


    He smiled affectionately at his son. "I can''t be more proud than this. Knowing that my son chose to take his responsibility instead of abandoning it. How can I not be proud? You''re my son and if I won''t stand by your side who else would?" His voice took a dangerous edge as he added, "However, I''d have really beaten you to death if you had chosen to abandon my granddaughter."


    Ah-Si chuckled a little. "Dad, you weren''t angry about this?"


    "No..." Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders. "I was angry that you chose to take my granddaughter''s safety very lightly." He pulled Ah-Si''s ear. "She is the only granddaughter I have, how can you even be so careless with her life?"


    "Sorry, sorry, sorry! Please, let my ear go now!"


    Xin Zimen finally listened to his pleading and let him go. "Now, let''s get somethings clear." He turned completely serious. "How did you become a single dad?"


    Ah-Si''s body stiffened and his face twisted strangely. "I got Ava about a year and a half ago. She was left at my doorstep with a note that said that she''s my daughter and I should be responsible for her."


    Ah-Si sighed heavily thinking about the moment when he first held that little one in his arms. She was so delicate and adorable that even if he didn''t believe what was written in that note, he''d still choose to keep her. After all, he wasn''t willing to leave such a small baby out without any guardian. Besides, he instantly felt a connection with that babbling little thing giggling at him and reaching out for his finger. Especially when she wrapped her hand around his finger, his heart melted.


    In fact, he, later on, did go for a DNA test but only after the assistance of both Darren and Xin Xiaoli who kept bugging him to find the identity of the baby before treating her as his own. But the test further proved that Ava was indeed his daughter. He was actually over the moon when he got the test result but he was also really sad.


    How could anyone choose to abandon such a small baby?


    How heartless one had to be able to do such an act?


    He honestly couldn''t tell and didn''t want to care about that either. Because that day he decided only to love one person and that was his daughter. He promised himself that he''d shower her with all the love even beyond his capability. Perhaps, that''s why he stopped going to work and chasing after his dreams. He was stuck to his daughter like a glue mostly.


    It was a pity that the only time he picked up some courage to part from her, he almost lost her for good. It was safe to say that he was thoroughly traumatized and this incident was only gonna make his over-protectiveness to get fiercer.


    Xin Zimen who listened to his son silently finally spoke up, "Where is her mother? Or should I ask who is her mother?"

 Chapter 290 - Stuck Between Angels

    ''Who is the mother?''


    That question made Ah-Si''s eyes to droop down in despair and pain. His heart clenched tightly inside his chest.


    "I asked a question, Ah-Si? Don''t you have anything to say?" Xin Zimen stressed.


    Seeing that his son wasn''t willing to answer, Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed considerably.


    "Don''t tell me you don''t even know who the mother is?" gasped Xin Zimen making Ah-Si look up at his father''s horrified face as he continued, "Tsk tsk tsk tsk. I didn''t know I raised a playboy. Aiyo! How am I gonna face your mother in heaven? This is tragic."


    Ah-Si''s face twitched at his father''s remarks. "Are you done, dad?"


    "I have more," replied Xin Zimen.


    "Don''t bother continuing please," pleaded Ah-Si. "I can only take this much."


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders and lamented, "Okay. I can understand. When fathers get old, sons don''t like to even talk to them."


    "DAD!"


    Xin Zimen chuckled slightly at his son''s reaction and zipped his lips indicating that he won''t talk now.


    This allowed Ah-Si a chance to sigh out, "First of all, I''m not a playboy. I know who Ava''s mother is but I don''t wanna talk about her. Not at all!" He took a brief pause before adding, "Second of all, don''t worry you won''t have to face mom in heaven."


    "Huh?" Xin Zimen brows quirked up slightly.


    And Ah-Si elaborated calmly, "Well, there is no way you''re gonna end up in heaven with her."


    "You!" Xin Zimen picked up a cushion to hit his head while he laughed it out. However, Xin Zimen also ended up laughing along with his son. This was the first time tonight he saw Ah-Si so lighthearted. It didn''t bother him at all that his son''s happiness was at his own expense.


    When the laughter died down and Xin Zimen leaned back in his recliner, Ah-Si placed his head on his thigh as he spoke, "Dad..."


    "Hmm."


    "Can you not ask me about Ava''s mother again?" Xin Zimen patted Ah-Si''s head. "I really don''t want to talk about the woman who didn''t even bother telling me that I was gonna be a father but just a year and a half ago abandoned my daughter at my doorstep."


    Xin Zimen shook his head at his son who still loved to act this spoiled. Ah-Si really knew how to take advantage of the fact that he was the youngest in the family.


    "But you never even asked her why she left her own daughter? No parent would like to abandon their own child without any reason or rhyme. She must have a solid reason for her actions. It''s just that you didn''t ask her."


    Ah-Si tilted his head up to look at his father''s face and frowned, "Are you actually defending her?"


    Xin Zimen knocked on his head saying, "I''m not defending her. What I am trying to tell you is that,,," He heaved a long sigh before adding, "I don''t want my granddaughter to grow up without a mother just like my sons did." Ah-Si''s eyes lost the initial displeasure as he stared at his father with a complicated gaze. "You grew up without your mother, you know how it feels. No matter how much I tried to cover for your mother''s absence, I still couldn''t do so. There are so many moments that I regret because I couldn''t be there for my sons when they needed me. Do you want Ava to grow up with that loss as well?"


    Ah-Si was lost for words completely. He knew what his father was referring to. He still remembered how when he was young he used to wake up his father in the middle of the night ordering him around to make him late-night snacks. Even though his Xin Zimen never complained but he was really bad at cooking during that time and oftentimes either cut his finger or burned his fingers during the process. In fact, he even almost burned the whole kitchen once.


    He knew very well what his father was talking about but...


    "Ah-Si, Ava is still very young and might not feel like she needs a mother but when she''ll grow up, she''s gonna question you where her mother is just like you used to do."


    Ah-Si pursed his lips as he listened to his father''s words with attention and contemplated over it as well. He couldn''t find anything to retort with. Whatever Xin Zimen said was hitting right at the mark.


    "I''m not telling you to get back together with her. If you don''t want to do it, don''t do it. Dad will never force you to do anything that you don''t want. I never did and I never will. What I''m asking of you is to get Ava''s mother involved in her life. Being in Ava''s life and yours are two very different things. Don''t deprive your daughter of the right to get the love of both her parents."


    Ah-Si could agree that his father never forced him to do anything that he didn''t want to. In fact, when both he and Xin Xiaoli refused to take part in the power struggle of the Xin family, their father didn''t force them at all. Instead, he supported them both and urged them to achieve their dreams.


    "Promise me that you''ll think about what I said. Not for me, but for my granddaughter."


    Looking at those eyes filled with eagerness, Ah-Si nodded his head agreeably.


    "I''ll think about it," answered Ah-Si honestly.


    Xin Zimen finally heaved a sigh of relief and smiled contently as he said, "Then I can be as ease."


    "But you have to promise me something as well," added Ah-Si. Xin Zimen furrowed his brows in confusion. "You won''t use your ways to find out who Ava''s mother is neither will you get involved in it unless I say so."


    "About that..." Xin Zimen seemed reluctant to promise that.


    "Dad!"


    "Haiz! Okay, I won''t do but if I died from the curiosity that will be on you!"


    Ah-Si laughed at his father and said, "You won''t die that easily. God only likes good people."


    Xin Zimen gaped at his son in disbelief before he looked heavenwards and beseeched, "Wife, are you seeing this? Now your son wants me to die early as well. Keep better watch on your sons from heaven."


    "Sorry, she can''t do," replied Ah-Si as he stood up from the floor and added, "She doesn''t even have the time to listen to you."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, dad. Really! After all, stuck between those gorgeous angels, I''m sure mom doesn''t have time to hear you whining about your sons."


    "You!" Xin Zimen threw the cushion towards him but Ah-Si turned sideways.


    "Haha! You missed!" He stuck his tongue at his father before running away from the study.

 291 Xiao Zi

    Xin Zimen watched his son leaving the room and shook his head. He stretched his hand to pick up the photo frame from the table at his side and looked at the woman smiling softly with her black orbs gleaming with happiness. ;


    "Your sons didn''t inherit a single thing from you," he remarked in a slightly low voice. ; ;


    "Are you complaining, Xiao Zi?" ; ;


    Xin Zimen heard the voice and looked up at his only friend who just walked inside the room. ; ;


    "Brother Kuan, I''m not complaining. It''s just that it would have been so easy for me if at least one of my sons had turned out to be like their mother," Xin Zimen lamented rather sadly. "She was stubborn, strong, cunning and shrewd. But Ah-Li and Ah-Si have none of these qualities. Not even one." ;


    Xin Kuan stayed quiet for a moment longer as he observed Xin Zimen''s expressions as he kept staring at his wife''s photo with an indescribable yearning palpable in his eyes. Right now, he couldn''t find that intimidating aura around Xin Zimen that people feared. Because at this moment, the Xin Zimen before him was just a husband who missed his wife and a father who was really worried about his sons. ;


    "The situation in the Xin family can get worse," reminded Xin Kuan. "Although Ah-Si having a daughter shouldn''t be an issue, those people are definitely not gonna let this go. I''m certain they''ll try to drag you down again." ;


    Xin Zimen''s eyes flashed with a strange emotion as he placed the photo frame back and turned to look at Xin Kuan. "They can drag me all they want. I don''t mind as long as they don''t try to pull my sons into their evil plans." He closed his eyes slowly as he whispered, "As for me, it can''t get any worse than this." The corner of his lips lifted up in irony as he continued, "I have no wish to continue this game." ;


    Xin Kuan lowered his eyes as he understood what he meant. ; ;


    "Xiao Zi, are you sure about finding Carina Novell? This matter isn''t as simple as it seems." ;


    Xin Zimen stood up and walked towards the desk as he replied, "If I wasn''t sure, I wouldn''t get Ying involved in this matter. She is the only one I can trust. Although my heart is not at ease because I know it''s as simple as it seems. However, I''m certain she can take care of herself." He shuffled through some doc.u.ments before asking, "Did she find anything?" ;


    "She did..." replied Xin Kuan. ;


    "And?" urged Xin Zimen to him to continue seeing that Xin Kuan wasn''t saying anything. ;


    "I think you should wait for Ying. She still is looking for something. Even though the puzzle pieces seem complete, she''s insisting that something is missing." ;


    Xin Zimen smiled slightly, "I don''t expect anything else from her as well. Let her have fun as long as it keeps her mind off other stuff." He took a pause before frowning, "Where is she by the way? Didn''t she come with us?" ;


    "Regan dragged her back to the hospital. And he is also keeping a watch on her," answered Xin Kaun exactly as he had learned. ;


    Xin Zimen ended up chuckling, "We don''t have to worry then. Regi won''t let her leave unless her fever goes down. Good! At least, there is still someone who can restrain that troublemaker." ;


    Just as he sat in the leather chair and turned on his laptop, Xin Kuan spoke up, "Xiao Zi..." ;


    "Hmm." ;


    "What are you trying to do?" asked Xin Kuan and Xin Zimen raised his brow in question. "I mean about Carina Novell." He sighed heavily before adding, "Technically speaking, she has nothing to do with you. But my intuition says that this matter can put you in a difficult position. You''re gonna get implicated like last time. Are you ready to face something like that again? Last time, your wife was standing with you. This time, you''d be alone." ;


    "Difficult position?" Xin Zimen repeated. "I''m already the most hated person in the whole family. The despicable younger brother who seized his elder brother''s position and power. Can I be any more despicable? I don''t think so." He smiled at Xin Kuan and added, "And who said I''m alone? Don''t I still have you?" ;


    "I really can''t understand you sometimes. You seem even more complicated than your late wife. At least, I could guess what she was planning. You! Sigh. It''s already a miracle that I can keep my sanity around you." Xin Kuan harrumphed when he couldn''t get a single normal reply from Xin Zimen. ; ;


    But then again, it wasn''t the first time at all. ;


    While on the other side of the things... ;


    Yan Ying slowly opened her eyes to see that Darren''s eyes were closed. She sneakily got off the bed and picked up her phone before tip-toeing her way towards the balcony. She dialed the number and waited for the other person to pick up. ;


    "Are you trying to play with me?" came a stern feminine voice. ; ;


    "Play? With you? No way!" Yan Ying replied nonchalantly completely disregarding the fact that the other person was serious and angry at the moment. "Anyways, where are you?" ;


    "Atlantis Hotel," she heard the reply. ;


    "Okay. I''ll come to you... *Achoo!*" she sneezed because of standing in the cold night breeze barefoot on the marble floor. "As soon as I get out of here," finished Yan Ying while rubbing her nose. ;


    There was silence at the other end before she heard the other person say, "Don''t you think you should give me an explanation for ditching me?" ;


    "At this point whatever I say will sound like an excuse. So, I won''t bother," answered Yan Ying. ;


    "Then give me the answer that I came here for..." ; ;


    "What do you want to know?" ;


    "Did you really found my aunt? If yes, then tell me where she is right now." ; ;


    Yan Ying pursed her lips and contemplated before saying, "I can''t tell. Not now. Let''s talk face-to-face about this." ;


    "But..." ;


    "And the answer to your question is, yes. I found Carina Novell." ; ;


    With that, she hung up and looked up at the sky before turning around. ; ;


    "AH!" ;


    Her heart almost jumped out of her chest as she saw Darren standing behind her like a grim reaper. Damn! That look was scary! ;


    "What are you doing here?" she pushed him aside and walked back to the bed. ;


    "That should be my question," retorted Darren. ;


    "I just had to talk to make a phone call. It''s not nice to leave someone waiting for you," replied Yan Ying languidly shrugging her shoulders. ; ;


    Darren stroked his jaw but didn''t say anything. He knew whatever he said won''t have any effect on this person at all. ;

 292 Fun In Funeral?

    Rrrr...


    The sound of the ringtone made Xiu roll over in bed. The sound caught her attention but she had no intention of picking it up. However, the caller was really insistent.


    Rrrr...


    The ringtone was getting on her nerve now, so she felt around the bed with her hand while her eyes were still close to find her phone and disconnected the call without even bothering to open her eyes to see who was calling.


    Rrrr...


    The phone rang again making her groan in exasperation. She was really not liking whoever was trying to ruin her precious sleep. Was the world ending or something? Why was someone so impatient? If the other person is not picking it means, that person is not interested in talking to you. Why call again and again?


    She accepted the call and grumbled into the speaker, \"What?!\"


    \"Hello, dear friend!\" came an awfully cheery voice. And let''s face it, it was way too early for Xiu to like this excited ''friend'' greeting her out of nowhere. Especially when her cup of coffee had yet to go inside her system.


    She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand as she said, \"There is a hell in hello and an end in a friend. I''ll be delighted to see you end up in that hell. It''d be wonderful!\"


    \"Ouch! Isn''t it early for such insults?\" came the reply as the caller feigned being hurt by her words. Not like she cared at all.


    \"Exactly my point!\" She yawned in a very unladylike manner before adding, \"Dylan, it''s a crime to wake me up on a Sunday morning. How dare you disturb my sleep?\"


    \"You''re sleeping? Is that why you didn''t pick up my call?\" asked Dylan as he checked the time at his watch. It was half-past 11 already and it definitely wasn''t an early morning. He was surprised to know that she was still sleeping. Although it was Sunday, he really didn''t expect that she''d be sleeping till now.


    Xiu rolled her eyes at his dumb question. \"No, no! I was busy having some unrealistic romantic fantasies. That''s why it took me so long to answer the call.\"


    \"Ohh...\" replied Dylan definitely not getting the hint that she was purely being sarcastic with him.


    \"Idiot! I was sleeping.\"


    \"Then say it like that. Don''t play a word game with me, I''m not in the mood.\" Xiu frowned at his reply while he continued, \"Anyways, I thought you love Sundays.\"


    \"I love Sundays? What gave you that impression?\" She sat up and leaned against the headboard while she stared at the time on the wall clock. It was really early for her considering that it was a Sunday.


    \"Well, the other night you sang that... ?Sunday morning rain is falling?\"


    \"Shut up! Don''t torture my ears,\" she yelped out.


    \"Hey, I don''t sing that bad.\" Dylan tried to reason.


    \"Fine, my bad!\" Dylan raised his hands in defeat even though she couldn''t see him.


    \"Good. Now tell me why are you acting like a villain in my love story?\" questioned Xiu and got down from the bed to open the curtains in her room. The bright light from outside made her squint her eyes instinctively.


    \"Me? Villain? In your love story? When did I do such a thing? Don''t accuse me!\"


    Xiu facepalmed herself and stated, \"Dumbo! I and my sleep have an undying love for each other. Just now, you became the villain of our love story by waking me up!\"


    Dylan''s face twitched uncontrollably at her elaboration. Oh, how he wished to strangle her but still ended up laughing. Gosh, he couldn''t be mad at her!


    \"Whatever!\" He was really not willing to continue this topic. \"I have wasted my time already. So, let''s get to business. Get ready and meet me at the Atlantis Hotel, we have a meeting to get to.\"


    \"A meeting? Today? Have you lost the remaining few screws of your brain as well?\" There was no way she was going to work on Sunday. That''s against the rules! Even her body is programmed to not work on Sundays!


    \"Not yet. But if I had to deal with you like this, I''ll surely have a nervous breakdown!\"


    \"Look, Dylan! Yes, you''re my boss I respect that but I''m not working on Sunday. No way! On Sundays, you can''t boss me around.\"


    \"You think I''m dying to work today? Obviously not. But Mr. Zubeck is gonna leave for France tonight. That''s why he has called for this meeting today.\"


    \"Your meeting, your problem. Fix it yourself!\"


    \"Xiu!\"


    \"What?\"


    \"Please, come. It''s gonna be boring.\"


    \"Oh, so you want me to suffer with you? Sorry, but I don''t wanna be bored to death in those oldies.\"


    Dylan sighed out heavily. \"It can never be boring with you around.\"


    \"Is that a compliment?\"


    \"Yes,\" answered Dylan honestly. \"You and I can make fun come alive in a funeral much less a stupid meeting with oldies. I''m sure we can survive that meeting.\" There was silence at the other end and Dylan was biting his lips waiting for her reply. \"So, see you at the hotel?\"


    \"No,\" replied Xiu straightforwardly dampening Dylan''s mood. \"If you want me to come, pick me up yourself. I won''t get a taxi around here. I won''t ask Nora to drop me off as well. You need help, you get your ass here.\"


    Dylan heaved a sigh of relief and replied happily, \"Okay. I''ll be right there. Just text me the address.\"


    \"Mmm...\"


    \"Just a reminder, dress up nicely,\" said Dylan.


    Xiu frowned a bit. \"What for? It''s just a meeting.\"


    \"Actually, it''s a luncheon,\" said Dylan in a small voice.


    \"What did you say?\"


    \"You already agreed to come. Can''t go back on your words. Okay, bye! See ya!\" He hung up the call without even waiting for Xiu to curse at him.


    Xiu looked at her phone screen with knitted brows. She ended up chuckling at his way of convincing her or more like deceiving her. But whatever. She had already agreed. There was no point in going back on her words. Besides, she was already awake and it would be a real pain to go back to sleep, she''d rather just go out then.

 293 Because Of Destiny

    ~Atlantis Hotel~


    Yan Ying stepped on the fine marble of the hotel''s lobby. The lights reflecting off of the crystal chandelier made the rainbow lights dance across the luxurious lobby. Standing before the twin doors that had led her to the lobby, she looked over towards the embroidered silk sofas space and frowned slightly.


    She dug her hand into the front pocket of her overalls and pulled out her cellphone. Just as she was lost in her own world waiting for the call to connect, she attracted quite a few eyes towards herself. But those eyes were rather looking at her in question.


    Wearing a grey and beige striped overalls that looked super cute. Flowy wide-leg pants with slightly cropped hems, tortoise buckle, and elasticized waist. It was already an attire that seemed rather too casual for this kind of high-class hotel. On top of that, she had tied her hair in a high ponytail and wore white sneakers. With her height and manner of shifting her weight from one leg to another, she seemed more like a college student on a field trip than a woman who was approaching her thirties in just a couple of months.


    "I''m in the lobby," she said as soon as the call was connected. She listened to the other person for a while before sighing out, "Fine, fine. I''m coming up."


    She took the elevator to the rooftop and was about to enter when a strict looking bodyguard stopped her, "It''s a private event. Outsiders are not allowed."


    Yan Ying wasn''t very happy to hear that. She was already in a bad mood because a certain someone had tied her to the hospital bed for two days. Okay, it wasn''t completely two days but it seemed worse to someone like her who was like a jumping kangaroo. She scoffed, "How do you know I''m an outsider?"


    "You don''t have an invitation card," replied the bulky man in the same manner.


    Yan Ying placed her hands on her waist and prepared herself to have a long argument when a voice cut her off. "She''s with me. Let her in." Yan Ying looked at the owner of that voice and turned to look at that bouncer with a provocative look.


    "My apologies for inconveniencing you, Miss. You may go inside."


    "It''s okay, you''re just doing your duty," replied Yan Ying with a sweet smile but even an idiot could tell that she didn''t mean a word she just said. She wasn''t that easily offended but the eyes of that bulky man had irked her so much that she was ready to start a war of profanities.


    "You''re even more childish than I actually thought," said the other woman as she took Yan Ying to a side.


    "What does that suppose to mean? I am a very mature person," she argued back. When she found that the listener was giving her strange eyes, she added, "Dr. Calista Novell, you shouldn''t be judging someone so easily."


    "I wasn''t judging you though," said Calista before adding, "I was just stating a fact."


    Yan Ying wanted to retort but when she looked around to find everyone dressed immaculately while she was looking like a schoolgirl, she held herself back. She wasn''t actually petty enough to prove herself as a mature woman. It really had nothing to do with her. How people looked at her had never been her concern.


    All her life she had only cared about how that one person looked at her. Unfortunately, he never even looked her way. So why did it matter how the rest of the unimportant world looked at her?


    "Whose party is it?" asked Yan Ying as she took a seat at a very quiet corner which seemed to have no one except for the two of them. "Is it yours?"


    Calista shook her head as she signaled someone to bring something to drink. "This is my first time here. Not just in this city but also in this country. Do you really think I can organize this party?"


    "You can''t but your last name can do wonders," Yan Ying stated the obvious making the small smile on Calista''s face to stiffen a bit.


    "You''re right, my family name can do real wonders. Isn''t that why I''m invited to this luncheon even when I barely know the organizer?" retorted Cali in a bitter tone.


    Both of them stayed quiet as the server placed the drinks down. Yan Ying looked at the cocktails and frowned before saying, "Can I get a lemonade?" Cali frowned at her request while Ying just shrugged her shoulders, "What?"


    "This is my second time meeting you in person and I must say I''m surprised to see how much your personality and taste doesn''t match with your identity." Ying didn''t react to her words. "When I first heard your name Dr. Yan, I was expecting to meet a sophisticated archaeologist. But it turned out that a Professor like you had a passion for digging things up more than I could have imagined." The corner of Ying''s lips turned up slightly into a smirk while she went on, "And now I''m not even sure about you."


    "Aww!!! You''ve been paying attention to me. I''m honored to hear that," replied Ying with such a sickly sweet smile that it took Cali off guard. "But let''s not dwell over what or who I am. Your long journey from Italy to An City wasn''t for me after all."


    Cali straightened up as she placed her hands on her knees. "Where is my aunt?"


    Ying took a moment to observe Cali''s expressions before she placed a document before Cali. The latter picked up the document, her brown eyes skimming over the content. As she read further, her eyebrows barely lifted up in surprise. It was such a small change that if Ying hadn''t been observing her, she might have missed it.


    "You don''t look surprised," stated Ying in an obvious kind of tone.


    Cali placed the death certificate in her hand down and looked at Ying with calm eyes as she replied, "I''m a doctor. Death is nothing new to me. I have spent years in hospital watching people die. It doesn''t really surprise me anymore."


    "Yes, but that''s your aunt we are talking about," reminded Ying. "You can be indifferent and cold seeing strangers die but can you keep up the facade with your own family members?"


    Cali leaned back on the sofa and crossed her one leg over the other saying, "The last time I talked to my dad before his death, I already had a premonition that my aunt in no more. Because I can assure you, if she had been alive there is no way she would stay away from her brother for this long." She took a pause before adding, "Dad said aunt''s punishment for him was to die without seeing her but I think they both punished each other by keeping their egos above their family. And they both died without seeing each other."


    Ying was surprised to hear that. "If you already had this inkling why did you insist on finding your Carina Novell?"


    "Because of Destiny."

 294 A Gangster Behind Scholar

    Ying had completely misunderstood Cali''s words. In her mind, Destiny referred to not a person but the general term destiny that she seemed to despise a lot. After all, no matter how hard she tried to achieve something there was always a mysterious thing called destiny that would come between her and her goal.


    And most importantly, her hate for this word was because of what her mother told her, "Xiao Ying, you should stop loving Ah-Li now. Maybe, he wasn''t meant to be your destiny." Those words were the bane of her life. How easy was it for people to say that he wasn''t in her destiny. But how come none of those people ever bothered to look at her efforts? How could a thing like destiny mess up her whole life?


    Because of this small misunderstanding, Ying was gonna have an outburst but she chose not to since the occasion wasn''t right.


    "Destiny! As if that can change anything."


    Cali pursed her lips as she was amused by Ying''s reaction. The more she looked the more she was surprised by this professor before her. From all her research about this person sitting before her, nothing matched with her personality. In-person, Dr. Yan Ying was a completely different person. She already figured that Ying was like a gangster in the clothes of a scholar but only now she was learning that this gangster was a little too amusing.


    "Dr. Yan..."


    Ying looked at her as she heard her name and said, "You can just call me Ying."


    Cali nodded and replied, "Then you can just address me as Cali. I stopped being a doctor a while ago."


    Ying rolled her eyes as she stated, "A doctor is still a doctor. Especially one like you who saves lives." She pointed at herself as she added, "I don''t like it when someone calls me doctor. After all, I''m more suitable for breaking bones than fixing."


    Cali chuckled softly at her words before replying in a serious tone, "Ying when I said destiny... I meant Destiny Novell. My one and only cousin."


    Now, it was Ying''s turn to frown. "Destiny Novell? Your cousin?" Cali nodded her head and Ying''s frown deepened. She picked up her phone and scrolled to a document and showed it to Cali. "But in your family registry, Destiny Novell is registered as your sister. As your father''s second daughter. How did she become your cousin?"


    Cali languidly took a bite of the pasta and frowned, "Eee. This doesn''t even have the Italian taste. How can they fool people with this?"


    Ying shook her head. "Hey! We are having an important discussion!! How can you talk about the inauthenticity of Italian pasta''s taste in this situation?"


    Ying''s brain was trying to process whatever she just heard. It wasn''t easy to take it all in such a short time as she blurted out, "So, she is not your sister. Right?"


    "Well, she is my cousin-sister." Ying glared at her dangerously and Cali tactfully answered, "I mean no. The answer to your question is a definite no. She''s Carina Novell''s biological daughter."


    Ying gulped down the lemonade she just got in one go. She was really feeling thirsty for some reason. Why was this news more shocking than knowing Carina Novell was dead? It didn''t seem logical but she was really going crazy thinking about this.


    "Wait, who''s the father?" Cali raised her brow at her in question. "The biological father of Destiny. Who is he?"


    Cali exhaled sharply. "We wouldn''t be in this mess if only aunt has ever told who the father really is."


    "Last time when I asked you about your aunt, you were certain that your aunt would be in China. How? What made you so sure?"


    "Because whoever Destiny''s father is, he is definitely from China. That is the only thing that dad knew about that mystery person."


    Cali noticed the way Ying''s face was turning pale. She suddenly looked like a sick person. While Cali was trying to understand Ying''s expressions, the latter one''s mind was all over the place.


    ''Zizi said he only loved Carina Novell. He didn''t mention anything about having a relationship with her. Where is this daughter popping out from? But if what Cali said is true, then it really means that Destiny is Zizi''s daughter. However, Zizi is not the kind of person who would abandon his own kid. Well, I don''t even think he''d leave Carina Novell if they really were in a relationship. Then what the hell is this? Fuck! Zizi has a daughter! Is that why he asked me to find out about Carina Novell?'' She shook her head to herself. ''Nah! If that was the case, why didn''t he mention Destiny? Wait! Does he even know that he has a daughter? This is turning into a bigger mess than I thought it''d be.''


    Seeing how Ying was pulling her hair in frustration, Cali was bemused yet again. Out of courtesy, she asked, "Ying, you okay?"


    Ying looked up at her face and sighed out, "I''m okay." No matter how much I''m struggling inside, I''ll still keep telling you that I''m okay. She took a deep breath to calm herself before she asked, "Do you have any photo of her?"


    Cali thought about it before nodding her head. She rummaged through her purse before giving her the photo. Ying took the picture from her hand and looked at it. Seeing the girl in the picture, her eyes widened instinctively.

 295 Kindergarten Figh

    At first, Ying''s eyes widened then she narrowed her eyes at Cali who was smiling innocently in response. Ying really wanted to throw something at her head.


    "Cali, what is this?"


    Cali took a sip of the cocktail and replied, "Don''t look so angry, Ying. Last time I met my cousin, she was only eight. Obviously, I''d have a photo from back then. If I had her current picture, I wouldn''t be having this headache."


    The girl in the photo that Ying held looked to be about eight or nine. Even her features hadn''t been matured yet. But what caught Ying''s attention after observing clearly was the little girl''s eyes. Those honey brown eyes were exactly like Xin Zimen. She really didn''t know about Cali''s headache but she certainly was getting a headache now.


    She rubbed her temples to ease the pain but it didn''t seem to work at all. "She came here with her mother?"


    "Yes, Destiny indeed left with her mother. As for the rest, I''m not certain," answered Cali honestly.


    "This doesn''t make sense. She was mentioned nowhere. In fact, even the family block on Carina Novell''s hospital paperwork was left empty."


    Cali traced the little infinity tattoo that was on the space between her index finger and her thumb. She was contemplating something before she began, "I don''t know about you. But I can tell you what doesn''t make sense to me..." Ying lifted her brows slightly while Cali continued, "Why were you so desperately looking for my aunt? And now, you seem very interested in my cousin as well." She intertwined her fingers to support her chin as she went on, "Isn''t it time for you to come clean?"


    Ying sighed out, "You already know why I am so interested."


    Cali''s eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke, "That means, my intuition is right. You do know who Destiny''s father is."


    "If I''m on the right track then yes," answered Ying. Before Cali could open her mouth to say anything she added, "But I can assure you that your aunt never met him. Moreover, I don''t think he even knows about the existence of Destiny. It might seem odd but it''s true."


    Cali listened to her silently and calmly before inquiring, "Who is he?"


    "That..." Ying looked around before saying, "I won''t tell you. At least, not until I''m certain about this." She took a brief pause and added, "So, can you please give me some time? I''ll answer all of your queries. I give you my word."


    Cali really didn''t know why but just like last time, she was willing to trust her words. It was surprising how this gangster-like scholar actually had such a reassuring aura that even Cali believed nobody would be able to say no to her.


    "I can trust you but you have to help me," she put forth her condition.


    Ying smiled at her words saying, "Even if you don''t say, I''m gonna do everything in my power to find Destiny. Something tells me, it''s gonna be a fun ride."


    Just one step inside and Xiu had already announced, "I''m bored already. Let''s leave."


    Dylan put an arm around her neck and held her back saying, "No running around. We just got here." He patted her shoulders and said, "Besides, how do you know it''s boring? You haven''t even looked around yet."


    "What''s there to look?" asked Xiu in a bored tone.


    "Well, you never know. You might actually find your boyfriend around," replied Dylan.


    Xiu''s eyes sparkled instantly as she looked at him, "Really? My Regan is here? Where? Where is he?" With that, she was off to find her boyfriend in the crowd of people mingling around.


    Dylan looked at her back and smiled mischievously, "You''re not as smart as you think. At least, not when it comes to your boyfriend." Of course, he knew Darren was not here. He had talked to his best friend early in the morning, he even heard Darren saying that he was going to sleep for the day because he was tired. Although Dylan didn''t know why Darren was tired, he could still tell from his voice that Darren was exhausted.


    He went around greeting the people while Xiu was left wandering around the entire rooftop looking for Darren who was not even there in the first place. A one-round trip later, she finally realized that it was just Dylan''s way of keeping her here. She was really unhappy about that but since she had nothing to eat after waking up, she had no energy to even fight as well.


    Instead of looking for Dylan to fight, she went to the food section to fill her tummy. She looked around at various kinds of delicacies but didn''t pick anything to eat. "Is that persimmon and apple salad?" She inquired to the attendant.


    "Yes, ma''am. It''s made from the fresh persimmons and apples."


    Xiu frowned, she vaguely heard a ''thud'' sound but didn''t pay any attention as she wondered out loud, "What season is it? Fall?" She was actually really surprised to realize that it was already the fall season. And what made her realize it was seeing fresh persimmon that grew in the fall season.


    She was still lost in her own thoughts when someone tapped on her shoulder. Xiu looked over her shoulder to look at the girl who seemed to be in her late teens.


    "Did you just insult me?" the girl''s insinuation didn''t get to Xiu.


    "Pardon me?"


    "I just fell and you mocked me," said the girl.


    "I mocked you? Without knowing it myself?" Xiu was really trying to figure out when did she get such an ability to mock people without even opening her mouth. Because if she really got that ability... *Cue the evil laugh* Hehehe.


    "You just said what season is it? Fall? Didn''t you say it to mock me?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened at her words and she burst out laughing. What was it a kindergarten fight? What kind of logic was that? Okay, it might sound funny if you really look at it the way that teenager was doing but the point was, Xiu never even said a word!

 296 Misfortune

    "Do you have any other information about Destiny? I mean anything helpful?" asked Ying looking at Cali.


    "Her full name is Destiny Marilyn Novell. She was born on the 25th of December 1995. She would be turning 24 this December. She loved boxing at a young age. Even had won many competitions..."


    "You think that''s helpful?" Ying''s face twitched hearing about Destiny.


    "Isn''t it?" retorted Cali.


    "Not at all," answered Ying.


    Cali just shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she replied, "Then I can''t be of much help to you. Besides, I''ve been looking for her as well. I didn''t find anything about her."


    "That''s you. We''re talking about me." Cali raised her brow at her while she went on, "You couldn''t even find your aunt. But I did. Didn''t I?" Cali nodded rather reluctantly but did. Ying smiled feeling proud of herself. "A doctor like you should focus on saving lives. Leave the digging up to the experts."


    Cali was really having a difficult time trying to adjust to this stupid person before her. "Ying, you don''t have friends, do you?"


    Ying''s smiled stiffened almost immediately as she replied, "How do you know that?"


    "Just a wild guess..." answered Cali with a knowing look provoking the person opposite of her who seemed rather too easy to offend. However, she was underestimating Ying''s patience. That woman had waited her whole life just for one man to look her way, how could she be impatient before such remarks?


    A strange silence prevailed between them as they both tried to size each other up so blatantly. It seemed like a war of silence that was being fought with the language of eyes. It might seem weird but both of them had more in common than they both cared to admit. Both women weren''t just stubborn, both of them were passionate about whatever they did. Moreover, both of them were rather simple-minded and single-tracked kind of person.


    "I don''t even wanna waste my breath on you, kid."


    The voices from not so far caught their attention as both of them turned to look towards the food counter where the commotion was starting.


    "Who are you calling a kid?" The teenager pushed Xiu''s shoulder making her eyes narrow dangerously. "First you mocked me with that fall comment and now you are insulting me by calling me a kid? Who the hell are you to talk to me like that?"


    Xiu brushed her shoulder where that teenager just touched with disdainful eyes as she remarked, "I rather not argue with someone like you whose IQ is even lower than the room temperature. I won''t drop myself to your level."


    "Ouch!" said Cali as she heard that insult from Xiu''s mouth. "Damn! I always knew it." She looked back at Ying''s face adding, "You Asians really have a way with insults. Like damn! That''s painful."


    "That''s what you think. That little one might disagree." Ying remarked knowing well enough about the mentality of spoiled brats.


    Xiu scratched her head as if she was really getting tired of this stupid argument as he said, "By all means, throw me out." She took a step back as she added, "I need to take a long bath to remove your idiocy''s germs off of me. Eeh. It can be contagious."


    "Pfft!" It was Ying''s turn to laugh while Cali just stood with wide eyes staring at the back of Xiu. "I wanna applause. I, Yan Ying am pleased. Very pleased right now."


    "You''re laughing at someone''s misfortune?" asked Cali with a strange tone.


    Ying shook her head, "I''m laughing at someone''s deadly eloquence." Cali gave her a look and in return, she shrugged her shoulders as she said in her defense, "Someone''s misfortune is another one''s fortune. It''s just the way we look at things."


    Back of Xiu''s side, the teenage girl was hopping mad now as she started screaming and making a scene out of nowhere. Xiu was really not in the mood to entertain her. How could she be? As she had mentioned earlier, she was sleepy and hungry. If she really lost control in this condition, then all hell would break loose. But apparently, people were not getting this point.


    "I''m gonna throw you out of here myself!" The teenage girl held Xiu''s arm and broke her daydreaming.


    While Xiu''s eyes were fuming over that hand on her arm, a furious voice was heard, "Let her hand go!"


    The teenage girl was startled by that voice and looked over. Making his way through the crowd, Dylan came to stand beside Xiu and said again, "I said, let go. Don''t make me repeat myself."


    The teenage girl let Xiu''s arm go instinctively. Dylan''s eyes didn''t have the slightest playfulness that he had around Xiu. It could be said that he was willing to be a punching bag but only for people whom he cared about which somehow included Xiu as well. As for the rest, he was willing to do the punching instead.


    "What is he doing here?" questioned Ying to herself as her eyes narrowed seeing Dylan in the crowd. Meanwhile, even Cali''s eyes were staring straight at Dylan. She didn''t even blink as a strange emotion surged through her eyes.


    "Is everything alright, Mr. Qiu?" asked a middle-aged man who came hurriedly after being informed about this commotion.


    Dylan pointed at the teenage girl without any change in his expression. "This thing disrespected my partner." Then he looked at the middle-aged man and said, "Do you know what that means?"


    The middle-aged man looked furiously at the teenage girl. Who didn''t know that Dylan Qiu would never let anyone disrespect his people? In fact, it was a hard and fast rule for him that insulting his people was equal to insulting him. And this time, it was not just anyone because Dylan had referred to Xiu as his partner.


    "Mr. Qiu, you can calm down first. Let''s have a discussion somewhere quiet," offered the middle-aged man in a polite voice.


    Dylan held Xiu''s hand and said, "I don''t think so." With that, he dragged Xiu out of there under the watchful eyes of the gossipers who had gathered for a good show and even got to see a shocking one. Since when did Dylan Qiu get so protective of the fairer sex?

 297 Loving Blindly

    Some people really don''t know what''s good for them. If life is treating you well, live well. Why do you have to go and look for death? That''s exactly what that spoiled brat did earlier. She really seeks her own untimely death.


    "Get it done as soon as possible."


    Xiu was looking at Dylan''s back with a complicated look. It was really rare for her to see Dylan in such a bad mood. She didn''t pay attention to what instruction he had been giving on the phone since the time he left the event.


    They had not left the hotel yet, they were still in the lobby when he was only focused on the phone and didn''t pay attention to even her. Being ignored like this really didn''t feel good but having someone stand up for her felt really good.


    She tapped at Dylan''s shoulder who looked over at her. "What are you doing, Didi?"


    "I should be asking you. Why didn''t you do anything?" He retorted making her raise her brow in question. "Normally you have a lot to say, how come you stayed so quiet there?"


    Xiu smiled at him saying, "Because I don''t like wasting my words and energy on people who don''t even deserve my silence. If one person is mentally retarded, I shouldn''t drop myself to that level."


    "But you always argue with me no matter how stupid it seems," complained Dylan.


    Xiu fixed his hair that he had ruined by raking his fingers through again and again as she said, "That means, I find you important enough to waste my breath and my brain cells on you."


    Dylan''s eyes widened slightly but then he frowned, "Even if you didn''t want to do anything. You should have called for me."


    Xiu facepalmed herself, "You''re overreacting." Then she turned towards the huge aquarium beside them and smiled widely, "Look, fishes!" Dylan looked at her smiling face and his frown loosened a bit. He followed her gaze and looked at the fishes she was pointing at. Suddenly, she blurted out, "Yum. That looks really yummy."


    Dylan gaped at her in disbelief. Was she for real? He had a look of horror on his face as he looked at her. "How can you even think about eating such cute fishes?"


    Xiu noticed his expression and rolled her eyes, "Because I''m hungry Dylan. And what cute? It''s all the same when it ends up in my tummy."


    "That sounds even more horrible," whined Dylan.


    Xiu shook her head at him as she said, "You''re acting like a kid who just got to know that Santa is not real." Dylan pouted at her remark while she pointed at a fish and said, "Don''t make that face. You look like that fish."


    Dylan looked at the fish. "Well, at least, I look cute."


    Xiu poked his head, "No, silly. You look ugly!" While Dylan was scowling she added, "Dylan, thank you!"


    Xiu''s eyes widened slightly at his words. "You..."


    "I''m not ugly anymore right?" he leaned close to her as if asking for some praises.


    Xiu shook her head at his reaction. "Well, you look a little bit better now."


    "Only a little?"


    "Do you want me to say that you''re cute?"


    Dylan nodded his head up and down.


    "I''m famished. Can''t think of any good words with an empty stomach." Dylan eyed her strangely and noticing his look, she added, "Don''t forget that you promised my Uncle Jing that you''ll take care of me."


    At this sudden reminder, Dylan gulped visibly. How could he forget that? When he went to pick up Xiu from Jing Family house, he had met Jing Ge. It wasn''t his first time meeting someone intimidating but somehow Jing Ge''s aura really scared him especially when he warned Dylan to take care of Xiu.


    "Xiu, your Uncle Jing is really protective of you," said Dylan as he got goosebumps remembering his warning gaze.


    "I know," answered Xiu happily.


    "I''m your boss and he was this strict even with me. I can hardly imagine what he''d do to Dazi." He was really feeling sympathy for his best friend now.


    "Uncle Jing won''t do anything," replied Xiu with confidence.


    "How are you so sure?" asked Dylan. "He even looked at me like I was stealing you away from him."


    Xiu laughed at him. "He knows I love Regan. So, he won''t be too hard on him. As for you..." she looked at him as she answered, "He was angry because I was supposed to spend the Sunday with him. So, you really stole me away from him unannounced. That''s why he wasn''t in a good mood."


    "Oh..." Dylan finally understood how he dug his own grave. It was a good thing he didn''t have to impress Jing Ge, otherwise, he could imagine his downfall.


    Dylan daze was broken when he felt a pull at his ear and stared at Xiu who was so mercilessly pulling his ear. "What are you doing?"


    "You lied to me," said Xiu as if that was enough to refresh Dylan''s memory. But then again, it was indeed enough since Dylan almost instantly knew what she was talking about.


    "I''m sorry," he chose to apologize almost instantly without missing a beat. "But it''s your fault for falling into my trap."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead as he said, "Yes, it''s my fault. But you knew very well that I''d fall for it."


    Dylan rubbed his sore ear as he replied, "Of course I knew. Your rationality and intelligence end at Darren. You seem to forget everything as long as my best friend''s name is mentioned."


    Xiu pouted sadly as she nodded, "I can''t help it."


    Dylan looked at her. "Although it seems like a good thing, it can turn into a bad thing as well. Loving someone so blindly is also not healthy."


    "What did you say?" Xiu squinted her eyes at him.


    Dylan shook his head and flailed his hands. "Nothing. I was saying, let''s go. I''ll get you something to eat."

 298 Planned Headache

    That powerful brooding air that was exuding from Cali made Ying feel a bit curious. Right after Dylan and Xiu left, these two also didn''t stick around to watch the show. At this moment, both of them were standing in Cali''s suite.


    Cali had gone to her bedroom while she asked Ying to wait for her in the living room. Finding herself a comfortable spot on the sofa, Ying stared at the picture of young Destiny in her hand. After frowning for a while, she picked up her phone and dialed a number.


    "Yes, team leader," came the reply as soon as the call was connected.


    "Where are you, Mark?" asked Ying.


    "I''m on a date with my-"


    Ying didn''t even let the poor guy finish before she said, "Drop everything else and get to work. I have an important task for you."


    "Team leader, I just said that I''m on a date," replied Mark.


    "And I said get back to work," insisted Ying.


    "Do you really want me to die alone?" retorted Mark before adding, "Just because our team leader is a single dog, doesn''t mean we should also follow her lead."


    Ying''s face twitched at his remark. "Well, then... This single dog is pissed off now. You better get to work or I''ll break your damn legs! Or might cut off all the hair of your date first!"


    Mark was startled at the threat because he knew she would do what she said. Yes, that''s how much bizarre she was. He never doubted her bizarreness not even for a second.


    "Agent Mark, on duty! Just give your command, team leader!"


    Ying was pleased by this response. Exactly, you should have acted like this from the very beginning! Why bother being stubborn when you know you can''t win from me?


    "Find me any information related to Destiny Marilyn Novell. Anything is fine. But I need it as soon as possible," ordered Ying in a serious tone completely shedding off her happy persona.


    "That''s all? What about other information? Any photo? Or another lead? How am I supposed to find someone with just a name?" Mark was already feeling like he was gonna have a rough time doing this task.


    "Well, I only know her birthday. It''s 25th of December," answered Ying calmly.


    "What year?"


    "Every year."


    "Team leader!"


    "Fine. 1995. Is that good enough?"


    Mark thought about it before shaking his head, "No. It''s not good enough. You really need to give me something else. At least leave some bread crumbs for me to follow."


    "There is another possibility..."


    "What is it, team leader?" inquired Mark.


    "She might have changed her name. If we never even came across her name during our investigation before, then I''m certain that she must have changed her name."


    Mark listened to her attentively before saying, "That narrows down our search a lot. Let me get back to the headquarters. I''ll inform you as soon as I find something."


    Ying hung up the call without replying to him. She was staring at the blank screen of her phone when she heard a voice from behind, "You''re really in a hurry."


    Ying turned towards Cali who came to sit beside her with a beer can. She offered one to her while Ying''s face scrunched up slightly, "I don''t like drinking."


    Cali''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wow! I couldn''t have guessed that."


    "Why not?"


    "Because of your profession," answered Cali.


    "Well, I couldn''t have guessed your like for beer as well considering your profession," retorted Ying calmly.


    Cali shrugged her shoulders as she replied, "I guess we both like going against the norms." Ying silently agreed to that. "Let''s be honest for a minute, Ying. Are you sure that you can find my cousin?"


    "I''m sure," answered Ying without hesitation. "Don''t worry, I think it wouldn''t be tough to find her now." Cali nodded her head in reply.


    Rrrr...


    Ying picked up her phone and didn''t even bother moving away from Cali as she started the conversation, "Hey, Zizi! What''s up?"


    "Where are you?" Ying frowned at that question and opened her mouth to reply when he added, "Don''t say hospital because I know you got discharged this morning."


    Ying smiled at this Mr. know it all and replied, "Yes, boss. I have been discharged this morning. Right now, I''m here to meet a friend." Cali raised her brow at Ying and so the person at the other end of the phone.


    "Friend?" Xin Zimen sounded like he didn''t even believe her for a split second.


    Ying could only sigh at herself as she said, "Okay, it''s an acquaintance." She took a brief pause and added, "Why are you calling though? Do you miss me?"


    "Zi is not missing you but I am," she heard another familiar voice and her smile broadened.


    "Yi!" she called out excitedly.


    She heard the laughter of the other man as he said, "Little lass, when are you coming home?"


    "If Yi is inviting, I''ll be right there in a minute," she answered happily.


    "What are you waiting for then? Come over to my place, Zi is also here." He lowered his voice to add, "I even convinced my wife to make your favorite dishes."


    "Then I can''t miss this one," she announced as she stood up. As Cali saw her excitement she was really getting dizzy for some reason. "Can I bring someone with me?"


    "Who?"


    "Is it a boyfriend?"


    "Zi, I''m asking her!"


    "Why can''t I ask?"


    Ying shook her head listening to the pair of best friends who were fighting like kids again. To break off their squabbling, she said, "Rather than a boyfriend, I''d say it''s a girlfriend."


    "What?"


    She heard a gasp from the other end and laughed silently.


    "Tsk. Tsk. Look Zi what your son has done. Poor little lass has even changed her preference because of heartbreak."


    Ying really wanted to roll on the floor laughing at them but she held herself back as she said, "I''ll be there soon. Bye!"


    As she hung up the phone, the smile didn''t leave her face at all.


    "Would you like to come with me?" asked Ying to Cali who was surprised to hear that. She really had no idea what possessed Ying to suggest that. "Don''t get me wrong. I just think you''d lock yourself in this room and keep thinking about your cousin. That''s not a healthy practice."


    "I already have plans," she replied.


    Ying frowned at her, "What plans do you have for the day?" Because according to her, Cali didn''t know anyone here. So what plans could she possibly have?


    "I have a headache planned for the day," answered Cali with a straight face.


    Ying gave a complacent smile as she shrugged it off, "You lost this chance yourself." She was willing to let her meet with Xin Zimen but the latter refused herself. It wasn''t her fault!

 299 Cant Deal With Her

    ~Qiu Family House~


    "I''m back!"


    Dylan exclaimed as soon as he entered the house. At first, he thought of taking Xiu to a restaurant but she refused. So, he offered to take her home and thinking about those gentle and loving eyes of Zhao Wei, Xiu couldn''t say no anymore.


    "Keep it down! Do you want the whole world to know that you''re back?" Xiu looked at him with dissatisfaction.


    Seeing her disgruntled face, Dylan wasn''t fazed at all. Instead, he was feeling even more lively as he nodded and exclaimed again, "Ma! I''m home!"


    Xiu punched his stomach since he was doing it intentionally to get on her nerve now. "Can''t you act like a human for just a minute?"


    "My company is with a monster like you, how can you expect me to act like a human?" retorted Dylan while taking a step back to make some space between himself and Xiu. He knew she wasn''t gonna let this go.


    And he wasn''t wrong at all. Xiu glared at him. "You! Who are you calling a monster?"


    "Of course, the monster knows herself!" He stuck his tongue out at her while running away from her. Xiu took off her heels and threw at him one by one. When he managed to avoid those heels, he laughed contentedly, "You missed!"


    Xiu folded her sleeves and clenched her fists at him. "Don''t let me catch you. Or I''ll really show you what a monster like me can do!"


    "I''m not an idiot. Why would I let myself get caught?"


    "What is going on here?"


    Zhao Wei looked at Xiu and Dylan who were running around like kids and raised her brows in amusement. Dylan hid behind his mother and said, "Ma, save me from her!"


    "Weiwei, get out of the way! He called me a monster!" Xiu pointed at Dylan while complaining to Zhao Wei.


    "Xiu, you''re wearing red. And even look like a devil. If I won''t call you monster than what else should I call you?"


    Zhao Wei hit his head, "Shut up, Dylan! That''s very bad!"


    "Ma, you can''t take her side in this one. Stay out of it!"


    Xiu also agreed, "Yes, Weiwei, you should really stay out of this. I''ll deal with this lumpy rabbit myself!"


    "Lumpy?! Rabbit?!" Dylan gaped at her. "Ma, she called me fat!" Zhao Wei nodded her head thoughtfully. "Ma, say something."


    "What can I say in your defense when you''re jumping around like a bunny?" retorted Zhao Wei and pursed her lips.


    With these loud bantering, it would be a wonder if it didn''t catch the attention of everyone in the house.


    Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi who had been in the study upstairs also caught the wind of this bantering. When they came down, both of them looked rather surprised at the scene before them.


    "Your son is at the losing end," said Xin Zimen as he watched Dylan getting agitated.


    Qiu Jiayi frowned a little, "Interesting. Very interesting."


    "Who is she?" asked Xin Zimen looking at Xiu.


    Xin Zimen eyed his best friend before muttering, "Old friend..."


    Meanwhile...


    Dylan touched his face and said, "Xiu, I''m not fat. My six packs might have faded now but I''m still very healthy."


    "Fatty!" was the only reply he got from Xiu.


    "I thought we are partners!" whined Dylan.


    "Partners in crime only. Don''t take it so seriously," replied Xiu.


    "What is Regan then?" asked Zhao Wei.


    "Oh, he''s the partner in life. There is a difference." Said Xiu with a smile. As soon as her boyfriend was mentioned, her whole persona was taking a turn again.


    "Oh my, my! Such a hypocrite you are! Whenever Dazi is mentioned, you become a beautiful maiden in love, but with me, you''re like a cactus!"


    "I''ve warned you not to bring my Regan between us."


    Zhao Wei was getting a headache now because of these two who were not ready to back off at all. Now she finally understood why Darren said that he felt like a babysitter around these two. They were a real handful together.


    "Xiu, where is Regan? Why didn''t you bring him with you?" Zhao Wei thought of something to interrupt these two who weren''t backing off.


    "You aren''t happy to see me here?" asked Xiu with a sad face.


    Zhao Wei was taken aback by the sudden shift in Xiu''s expressions as she hugged her and said, "No, no. That''s not what I meant. I was just asking why are you with Dylan on Sunday."


    "Oh," began Xiu. "That''s because of your son. He ruined my sleep to drag me to a stupid luncheon..." Then she narrated the whole story of what happened at the luncheon surprising Zhao Wei who looked at her son strangely now. "I really wanted to spend the rest of the day with Regan but he didn''t pick my call. Didi said he must be sleeping so I didn''t go to disturb him."


    Zhao Wei nodded in understanding. "It''s good that you''re here." She looked at both of them before asking, "Now would you like to tell me why were you both even arguing?"


    "He called me a monster," answered Xiu almost instantly.


    "Did I say something wrong?" Dylan looked at her challengingly.


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him before sighing out, "If you really want to say something, you should call me a ghost. That suits me better." Dylan''s eyes widened at her reply. While she leaned close to him as she whispered, "Before rebirth, I was also a wandering ghost."


    "You''re just trying to scare me," Dylan answered bravely. At least, he acted like he was brave.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Not my problem that you don''t believe me. But don''t say I didn''t warn you. Because there is a ghost behind you right now."


    "Ah!" Dylan held his mother''s arm and yelped out.


    "Hahaha..." Xiu laughed out at him. "You''re really gullible." She pinched his cheeks cutely.


    Dylan leaned his head on Zhao Wei''s shoulder as he said, "Ma, I can''t deal with her."


    "Who told you to start this?" came the reply from Zhao Wei and Xiu at the same time.

 300 Shall We?

    "Xiu, come inside. I have so much to tell you," Zhao Wei was already feeling excited about having a partner to talk to. It wouldn''t be wrong to say that she had become really fond of Xiu in just one meeting. And she was eagerly waiting for Xiu to visit again.


    "Ma, you aren''t happy to see me?" Dylan acted pitifully to seek his mother''s attention.


    "You''re here almost every other day. I don''t even know why you aren''t going to your own place," noted Zhao Wei with a hint of suspicion in her tone.


    Dylan decided not to say anything in reply to that question. Sometimes, it was wise to stay quiet as well.


    He tugged at his mother''s sleeve and said, "Ma, are you tired of me? This was it? How can your love for me run out so fast?"


    "Dramatic bitch!" said Xiu from the side making Dylan glare at her. "What? You''re acting so clingy. If you didn''t stop acting like Weiwei''s leg accessory, your father might kick you out of the house!"


    Before Dylan could open his mouth to say anything, another deep voice spoke up, "That''s true. I''m this close to kicking you out now, Didi. Let my wife go already."


    Dylan looked at his father and scowled then he looked at the other person beside him and hopped off to his side, "Uncle Zi, your best friends are bullying me."


    Xiu finally noticed the presence of Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen. She couldn''t help but be in awe as she looked at them. Even though one could find a few grey hairs but one couldn''t possibly find a single flaw in both of them. They looked handsome even at this age. While she was being mesmerized by their looks, she didn''t realize that the two of them had been looking at her with an imperceptible gentleness in their eyes.


    "Xiu, let me introduce you," Dylan started to break off the staring that was going on. "This is my father, Qiu Jiayi. You must have heard his name and if you didn''t, it''s no big deal." Qiu Jiayi rolled his eyes at his own son which Dylan conveniently disregarded as he went on, "And this one is my uncle, Xin Zimen. Now, don''t say you don''t know him that''s like a crime. Because everybody knows my most amazing uncle Zi."


    Xin Zimen rubbed Dylan''s head and said, "No wonder you''re my favorite." Dylan giggled in response.


    But then he noticed Xiu who still wasn''t saying anything and waved his hand before her eyes, "Hey! Where are you lost?"


    "I''m thinking," replied Xiu as she stroked her jaw.


    "What are you thinking?" questioned Dylan.


    Xiu looked at Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen before looking at Dylan, "With a family of such superior genes, how amazing you''re to have such an average face."


    "Hey!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Except for Dylan everyone burst out laughing at Xiu''s remark. Meanwhile, the perpetrator just shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and said, "I''m just calling you talented. It''s also a talent."


    Zhao Wei looked at Xiu before slapping Dylan''s head, "Why are you just telling me that now? Xiu, come with me I''ll fix you a meal." Xiu nodded and turned to leave with Zhao Wei. A couple of steps away, she turned to look at Dylan and winked at him making him curse which earned him another slap from his father.


    "That''s bad manners."


    "But she teased me first," said Dylan.


    Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi rubbed Dylan''s head and shook their head at him. This one was really innocent. How easy was it to mess with him? Both of them put a hand on his shoulder and made him sit between them. Dylan looked at both his father and uncle with an uncertain look.


    "Who''s that adorable fella?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "How did she tame you?" chimed in Qiu Jiayi.


    Dylan''s reaction to the first question was gaping but at the second question, he wanted to strangle someone. What the hell!


    "Adorable?" he looked at Xin Zimen and turned to his father, "Tamed me?" Seeing them both nodding, he flared up. "First of all, I can accept anything but Xiu can never be adorable. At least not after I know what she is. Second of all, dad, nobody can tame your son."


    "But she did. She just made you dance on her fingers without you even realizing it," said Qiu Jiayi while Xin Zimen nodded along agreeably.


    Dylan''s face was twitching now. But he couldn''t say anything. He couldn''t even do anything as well. So, he decided to simply answer, "She''s Xiu, Dazi''s girlfriend."


    "Regan''s girlfriend?"


    Dylan nodded. "Don''t fall for her tricks. She''s not as nice as she seems. She''s very tricky."


    Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen shared a look before both of them smirked, "Who said she''s nice? We just said she''s adorable with her tricks."


    Seeing his father and uncle laughing, Dylan really didn''t know what was going on.


    "Oi! What are you dawdling around for? Come to the kitchen," came Xiu''s voice as she craned her head inside the lounge.


    "I can''t cook," replied Dylan.


    "What am I here for?" Xiu smiled cunningly. "With me here, there is no fear. With such an amazing mentor, you''ll learn in no time."


    "Shameless!" Dylan stood up. "How can you always be so conceited?"


    "I have the right to be," replied Xiu with a smile. "Now, stop whining and come inside to help."


    "I knew you were shameless when you asked my best friend out but I never thought you''re this thick-skinned as well!"


    "Wait, Regan didn''t ask her out?" inquired Qiu Jiayi.


    "No, dad. It''s the other way around. My best friend fell for her tricky mouth," replied Dylan.


    "Get going already. Enough with your whining" complained Xiu. She really wasn''t gonna let him bad-mouth him anymore. He had enough fun already.


    Qiu Jiayi was looking at his best friend with a complicated look as he heard Dylan''s reply while Xin Zimen was lost in his own thoughts.


    "Stop rushing me. I''m coming!" Dylan could only give up before her so he gave up easily and went along to help her in the kitchen.


    As for Xiu, when she was about to turn, she was startled by two handsome faces that smiled back at her and said, "Let''s get to know each other... Shall we?"

 301 Weird Uncles

    Xiu was looking at those gentle eyes with a frown. She didn''t know why but she felt like an invisible pull was there. Or something that took her towards them without her knowing it. She silently and obediently sat before them which really wasn''t like her.


    She might have not known both Qiu Jiayi or Xin Zimen but she wasn''t a fool who didn''t know what their names represented in their society. Therefore, in her mind, both of them were mysterious men who owned the power to own anything. She knew they had the capability to possess anything. But somehow she couldn''t feel their intimidation at all.


    All that greeted her was curiosity and a comfortable aura. She felt really comfortable in their presence as if there was no worry in this world and even if there was someone would protect her. She placed her hand over her chest, that was a weird thought in her opinion. Why would her heart feel at ease before them? She didn''t even know them.


    "I told you, she''s adorable!"


    Her trance broke when she heard one of them say.


    "Her eyes are so clear and serene. Either she has faced all the storms of life or she has learned to hide them," stated Xin Zimen.


    "But that line between her brows," said Qiu Jiayi.


    "I know, it seems like she''s hiding some sadness within her heart."


    Xiu''s heart shook at their comments. She touched her face as she wondered, "Was something wrong with her face? How could they read me like an open book?"


    "Mr. Qiu and Mr. Xin, you both do realize that I''m sitting right here," she ended up saying.


    Both of them raised their brows to show their displeasure. "You''re Regan''s girlfriend. Did he mention us to you?"


    Xiu thought about it before nodding, "You both are like the only fatherly figures in his life." Isn''t that why she was being so cautious around them? She might not know them but she knew how much Darren respected both of them.


    "Exactly! That''s why you should not be calling us Mr. Qiu and Mr. Xin. The family shouldn''t be so distant," said Qiu Jiayi taking Xiu by surprise. "You can call me uncle Yi if you want. As for him..." He looked at his best friend and shrugged, "You can call him whatever you want."


    Xin Zimen glared at his best friend, "Don''t listen to him. He has a habit of babbling for no reason. Regan calls me Uncle Zi, you can do too. Or just Zi. I''m okay with both."


    Xiu scrunched up her face.


    "What''s wrong?" They both asked in concern.


    "You all are really messing with the cliches here," stressed Xiu as she went on, "Aren''t you both from an aristocrat family?" Both of them nodded. "Then why aren''t you acting like those people?"


    "What do you mean?"


    They were really confused as to what she was referring to. Were they acting strangely? They didn''t think so. Then what was she talking about?


    "An uncultured, no name girl like you can''t take my son!" She imitated a deep voice.


    Then changed her position and went back to her original voice, "But, I love him."


    Back to the deep voice, "Your love can''t bring him success or the respect that he needs to survive in this society. What can your love do?"


    "Then I''ll say," she changed her expressions and added, "My love can bring him happiness. Isn''t that what matters the most!"


    With a snort, she continued her one-man show, "Happiness? There is no such thing as happiness. The world defines you with only statuses, either you''re successful or you''re unsuccessful."


    She fell on her knees as she continued, "You can''t break us apart. Our love will keep living."


    This one-man melodrama was amusing for her to do but... Both Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi who were watching with pursed lips suddenly were startled when they saw a lone tear falling down from her eye.


    "Little one, why are you crying?"


    "Please, don''t cry."


    "Zi, you made her cry."


    "I did? I think you did."


    "When did I?"


    "Then when did I do so?"


    Xiu wiped her fake tear and looked at them bantering back and forth. Why did this scene look so familiar? It was like a deja vu for her. How strange! Her expectation was to see a reaction completely different than this. But why were they not acting according to what she had in mind? Weren''t they at the very least supposed to say that she was crazy? Why were they looking so concerned?


    "But I''m not crying," she interrupted them.


    "But that tear..."


    "That was to make my award-winning acting look real," she answered without any hesitation.


    Both of them heaved a sigh of relief and shook their head at her. "Little one, my wife used to say that tears define fears, dreams, pain, and love. Everything that makes you strong reflects in your tears. So, we shouldn''t be careless with tears."


    Xiu only focused on one thing, "Used to say? Your wife is..."


    "Oh, she got tired of him. So, she ran away," chimed in Qiu Jiayi which earned him a hit from his best friend.


    "His brain got damaged when he was young, don''t pay attention. My wife is no more," cleared up Xin Zimen and Xiu nodded solemnly.


    "Exactly what I said! She ran away with angels leaving you to mull over in this cruel world all alone."


    "Yi, shut up or I''ll call your wife now!"


    Xiu chuckled at them and wondered out loud, "You both are surreal."


    "Pot calling the kettle black," remarked Dylan in amusement as he wiggled her eyes at her. "Weird people like you shouldn''t judge weird people like them."


    Xiu slapped his head and shoved him back towards the kitchen as she followed behind him leaving Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen starring at her back.


    Xiu slowly turned around and smiled at both of them saying, "It''s really nice meeting you both, weird uncle no 1 and weird uncle no 2. You both are really sweet and Xiu like that."

 302 Kidnap You

    Being called weird wasn''t actually a compliment that they ever got before this day but for some reason, both of them didn''t mind it at all. In fact, being weird with that adorable little fella seemed the right thing to do to both of them.


    "You okay, Zi?" asked Qiu Jiayi as he looked at his best friend''s face.


    "Hmm..." Xin Zimen hummed in reply. "Why wouldn''t I be?"


    "Why do I feel like you''re gonna cry?" Qiu Jiayi raised his brow inquisitively. He really felt like his best friend was gonna cry.


    "I''m not," answered Xin Zimen as he sniffled sneakily to hold back his tears. He definitely wasn''t gonna give this satisfaction to Qiu Jiayi.


    "You know I won''t say anything even if you did cry," remarked Qiu Jiayi. But the other one really didn''t believe his words. Perhaps, the track record of a certain someone wasn''t as exemplary as it seemed.


    Xin Zimen looked at his best friend with red-rimmed eyes and said, "I''ve read somewhere, some strangers have familiar souls. She''s that stranger who took a moment to make my life flash past my eyes."


    Qiu Jiayi stayed quiet because he knew what his best friend was talking about. It actually took him off guard when Xiu started her one-man melodrama. Some memories really couldn''t just stay buried...


    "So, this is how the show will begin. I''ll announce to your father that I''m marrying Zi whether he likes it or not!" A melodious feminine voice announced with her hand held high up facing the sky like a warrior holding his sword up.


    "Stop being dramatic and get to the point," said an irritated voice of Xin Zimen looking up at those familiar pitch-black eyes.


    "As always, impatient Zi," she scoffed before continuing, "Anyways, then the battle of wits will begin. Your father being your father will say, ''I won''t let my son marry you! You''re an uncultured girl with no family!''"


    Another hand raised and she sighed out, "Yes, Yi what''s up with you now?"


    "I say, that''s not the right order. I mean, everybody knows that you''re uncultured, and yes you don''t have a family but your family name is still there to back you up," Qiu Jiayi remarked. "Honestly speaking any sane person wouldn''t really mind making you his daughter-in-law. After all where else would they find the prestige of Wen Family? You''re the last descendent."


    "Where is your girl?"


    "Oh. she went home today," he answered.


    "No wonder you look so lost," she answered making him scowl while Xin Zimen burst out laughing. "Don''t say the obvious. I know that already."


    "So, moving on, I''ll say, ''But Uncle I love Zi very much and-"


    "Wait!" Qiu Jiayi interrupted her once again. "That''s a big lie! You don''t love Zi at all!"


    "Oh, really?" Both of them nodded in agreement.


    "That''s my script and I''ll go with it!" Her conviction was fascinating and a little too contagious. "You have an issue go deal with it!"


    The girl looked at him as if she was looking at an idiot, "Dear future husband, you must be out of your mind if you think that I, Wen Ai am someone who would cry over a guy." Seeing her reaction both of them rolled their eyes while she placed her arms around their shoulders and said, "If push comes to shove, dear future husband, I''ll just kidnap you. Hehehe..."


    "Nothing good comes out when she laughs like that," reminded Qiu Jiayi.


    "Like I don''t know that," replied Xin Zimen in a duh kind of tone.


    Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Xin Zimen was brought back to the present as he looked into his best friend''s sympathetic eyes. Did he have to look at him as if he was dying? He was just missing his late wife, wasn''t gonna die so easily.


    "Don''t look at me with those eyes," he warned his best friend.


    "I''m not trying to make you sad but I think Xiao Ai won''t like seeing you this upset because of her," reminded Qiu Jiayi in an attempt to lift up his best friend''s mood - who really looked like he was gonna breakdown any minute now.


    "She won''t be upset. She always found joy in my misery."


    Qiu Jiayi shook his head, "Nah, that was you."


    Xin Zimen glared at his friend, "If you continue like that, I''m gonna tell Xiao Wei what you did during our summer break in college."


    "Zi, that''s not fair! It''s been decades!"


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Do you really think she will also think like you that it''s been decades?" He smiled and answered his own question, "No, I don''t think so. Instead, she will make you face the wall and reflect on your actions. Do you really wanna do that at this age?"


    "I''m so done with you." Qiu Jiayi put his foot down.


    "So am I!"


    Both of them huffed and turned around to walk in opposite ways. Qiu Jiayi knew why his friend was being this moody now. He had missed his wife in the past months when he wasn''t around, he could tell how much Xin Zimen missed Wen Ai in all those years. Especially when she was his biggest pillar of support.


    Qiu Jiayi, Wen Ai, and Xin Zimen were childhood friends, so it wasn''t even hard to tell how deep their bond was. They had been stuck together through thick and thin. But then she suddenly left his hand and Xin Zimen was left alone to carry out all the responsibilities. He lost his best friend, his wife, the mother of his sons, and most importantly, the one person who trusted him the most.


    Today, Xin Zimen was feeling really frustrated at how easily Xiu reminded him of Wen Ai. He saw an image of his old friend, his best friend, his wife in Xiu and it left him feeling at a loss all over again.


    He bit a cigarette between his lips and lit it up as he slowly took a puff of smoke. As he watched the wisps of smoke blowing out of his mouth, his eyes stung as the tears that he had been holding back fell down.

 303 Crush

    *Ding-Dong*


    The tall figure rolled like sushi between the blankets turned to his side but didn''t even flinch at the sound of the doorbell.


    *Ding-Dong*


    The doorbell rang again, and Darren used his hand to find his phone and placed it against his ear as he groggily said, "Hello!"


    *Ding-Dong*


    He opened one of his eyes to see that his phone was off that means the sound was coming from the doorbell. He groaned as he reluctantly and slowly uncovered his face and blinked his eyes. He sits up but wanted to fall back in the comfort of bed when the doorbell rang again. He dragged his feet off the bed and rubbed his eyes with his knuckles.


    He was stretching his arms over his head while yawning as he came out to open the door. That persistence of the person on the door was really getting on his nerve now. His head was throbbing because of the pain and he really didn''t wish to open his eyes at all. He twisted the doorknob and opened the door while saying, "Stop ringing the bell already!"


    The yawn made him close his eyes while he rubbed his head.


    "Good morning, sunshine!"


    Darren''s eyes opened wide as he looked at the person who stood before him. The first thing that came into his view was the beautiful little rose tattoo on side of her shoulder and the next thing was her trademark smirk.


    "Cali?" He asked in disbelief and rubbed his eyes again. But when the person before him didn''t change he was really shocked, "What are you doing here?"


    "Oh, what kind of reaction is that? I thought you''d be happy to see me here," replied Cali with a raise of her brow as if accusing him of looking so depressed.


    "Of course, I''m happy to see you," he answered while he moved ahead to hug her but she pushed him back.


    "Stay away while you look like a homeless person," she pointed at him who looked really worn out in his pajamas and messy bed hair along with his sleepy face. Okay, he looked semi-homeless person.


    Darren looked down at his condition and sighed out, "Fine. Come inside first." She nodded and followed him inside. He sat down at the sofa while she sat opposite him.


    He was still constantly rubbing his temples when he questioned, "When did you come? And why didn''t you inform me?"


    "I came a couple of days ago already. I couldn''t inform you because it was the last moment kind of decision." She answered and frowned at him before she held his wrist and asked, "Are you sick?"


    "I was taking care of a sick person maybe I caught the germs," replied Darren uncertainly.


    She pushed his hand away, "Nope. You''re absolutely fine. Just exhausted. Nothing else is wrong with you." He nodded his head. "Do you want some coffee?"


    "Can you make it?" asked Darren with a look of horror on his face.


    "I can try," replied Cali.


    "Hey, last time was an accident," she said in her defense.


    "Yes, yes, of course. After all, accidents only follow Calista Novell."


    "Now, you''re just being a meanie!"


    He laughed at her reaction and got up to make coffee for himself and for her. She followed him to the kitchen and sat down at the high chair. The reason why Darren didn''t allow her to even try making coffee was simple, last time in Norway, she almost burned his apartment down while trying to fry an egg. He really had no faith in her now. At least not when it comes to cooking.


    "What are you here for?" asked Darren looking at her with a complicated look.


    "It''s personal," replied Cali in a calm tone but Darren could feel the hidden tension in her words.


    However, he didn''t try to probe because he knew she wasn''t gonna tell that easily. "So, how long you''re staying?"


    "Don''t know," answered Cali looking at the steaming hot cup of coffee that he offered her. Then her eyes fell on the cup in his hand, and her brows raised considerably. "R. D. Salvay..."


    "What?"


    "When did you become such a cheesy person?" asked Cali as she pointed at his cup with her eyes. "I didn''t know someone could actually make you like those couple matching thingies." Darren didn''t respond to her teasing as he languidly drank his coffee. He loved his cup, so what?! "It somehow doesn''t suit your image and yet, I find it so adorable in your hand." She rummaged out her phone, "Wait, let me capture this moment." Before Darren could say anything, she already clicked the photo and even sent it to their friends'' group.


    "Having fun, are we?"


    "Very much," replied Cali with a broad smile.


    "Then let''s add more fun, shall I call Dylan to join us?"


    "Cough! Cough!" Cali choked on her coffee and started coughing. "Don''t joke around, Regi." She took a brief pause before adding, "He isn''t my goal to come here."


    "So what?" questioned Darren. "Even if he isn''t the reason why you''re here, he is still around. You can catch two birds with one stone."


    "He''s not a bird, Regi."


    Darren flicked her forehead, "Idiot! That''s a metaphor!" He shook his head at her.


    Cali stayed quiet for a while before she spoke, "I saw him today..."


    Darren''s eyes widened in surprise and he sat beside her. "Really? Where?" He excitedly shook her arm as he added, "See, this is why I always tell you that people who often meet on the same road are actually meant for the same destination. You''re just being stubborn by not even trying."


    Cali rolled her eyes at the sentence she was sick of hearing after all these years. "Regi, he was with a partner there. I didn''t see her, but she was beautiful."


    "You didn''t see her but she still was beautiful? What is that?"


    "I mean her silhouette was really pretty so she must be gorgeous as well," she replied. "Besides, my crush on him had been for years. It doesn''t even mean anything anymore."


    "Oh, so your crush on him is wearing out now..." Darren drawled his words before poking her cheek, "Then why do you look so sad at the thought of seeing him with someone else?"


    Cali was startled by his words. She looked straight at him. "Is he really with someone else? I mean, there is someone in his life again?" Darren didn''t reply and she took his silence as a yes. "Why is it that whenever I have a chance to get close to him, he already has someone in his life?"


    Darren facepalmed himself. "You''re impossible when it comes to love. Dylan is single. He doesn''t have anyone at this moment. It''s you who is finding excuses again."


    "I''m not," retorted Cali.


    "Oh, really? Then will you make a move this time?"


    Cali''s expression dulled as she said, "I don''t think so."


    Darren scoffed, "Loser! Always a coward when it comes to him."

 304 Using His Charms

    Darren was constantly looking at the face of his friend whom he genuinely cared about. If he was asked to tell any difference between his feelings for Dylan and Cali, he won''t be able to. Because truly, both were equally important him and both were like his... bros?


    Yes, it was weird for him to call Cali as a brother but if one met her in person they wouldn''t be able to disagree with him. She was a proud tomboy through and through. In fact, she was the first person who made him realize that gender was just a word.


    But this one-sided love...


    Why was he stuck with so many people suffering from this one-sided love thingy? Well, a few months ago even he was on the list of those people. But fortunately, he managed to change his status. He really wondered when the rest of them were going to be brave enough to take a chance in life?


    Or better, find someone like him who was willing to take a chance for them just like his Xiu did.


    He shook his head and exhaled sharply in distress, "I really don''t get you sometimes. Why are you so scared to even reveal your feelings?"


    Cali propped her elbow on the counter and supported her chin on the heel of her hand as she tilted her head to look at him. The first thing that caught Darren''s attention was her beautiful little birds'' tattoo on her forearm. It was simple but it was so elegantly done that it grabbed one''s attention almost instantly.


    "You''re right, I''m scared when it comes to him," she agreed without any hesitation making Darren''s brows to raise up in surprise. "Your best friend is like..." she searched for the right word before continuing, "Erm... I''d say he''s like an innocent little kid." She nodded as if she found the right word. "I don''t know how he did it but he really managed to protect his soul from the debauchery of this impure world. It''s a pity that he couldn''t protect his heart from breaking but even then he didn''t lose his essence."


    There was a small smile playing at the corner of Darren''s lips as he listened to her. He had nothing to disagree with. Everything she said was true. It was just that simple to define Dylan. That''s what made him precious.


    Cali frowned a little in her own thought as she continued, "I''m not like him. My parents got divorced when I was young. Unlike him, I grew up in a broken family. I feel like he deserves someone better- OW!"


    She didn''t get to finish as Darren had slapped her head, "These foolish thoughts really don''t go well with your confident-self. So, stop before I kick you!"


    "Kick me?" she raised her brow in amusement. "You will hit a lady now?"


    "Pfft!" Darren laughed at her face without any restraint. "Lady? Act like one first!" She scoffed at him before punching his shoulder and not so gently. He laughed at her reaction as he added, "See, even now you''re not gentle."


    "I''m helping you," he replied with a wink and waited for the call to connect as he placed his phone on speaker.


    Cali was frowning at his reply when she heard the voice of the other person which took her by surprise, "Heya, bestie! You finally came back from the dreamland?"


    Dylan''s overly excited voice even took Darren by surprise. What got him so excited?


    "Hmm... I just woke up with a bad headache. So, I made some coffee for me," answered Darren.


    He heard a sigh from his best friend who went on to say, "Bitter. Yuck!" Darren could only roll his eyes at Dylan''s remark and so did the person right next to him who was listening. Because both of them knew how much Dylan despised bitter things. His innocence wasn''t the only thing like a kid, even his palette was like one.


    "Grow up, Didi!"


    "I refuse to grow up if it means I have to like bitter things and bitter people. After all, I can''t digest both," Dylan gave his firm response without even thinking. "OW!"


    "What''s wrong?" asked Darren as he heard Dylan''s voice. He looked at Cali who looked anxiously at the phone and rolled his eyes at her reaction as well.


    "Nothing... I was cutting green chilies a while ago and I didn''t wash my hands later. Now, I just used the same hand to rub my eyes... Ssss... Oh, it''s burning now!"


    Darren facepalmed himself for having such an idiot friend while Cali sighed in relief beside him. Then she smiled thinking about his reaction since it was something really Dylan-like thing to happen.


    "Idiot!" Darren commented feeling really distressed thinking about this best friend of his. Then he frowned slightly, "Wait! What are you doing in the kitchen? Who is sick of living that he put you in the kitchen?"


    Dylan stayed quiet for a minute before he burst out laughing at his best friend, "About that dear friend..."


    "Didi, what are you doing?" Darren suddenly stood up as he heard that very familiar voice from Dylan''s side.


    "Dicing the carrots, just like you asked me to," Dylan answered with a proud face while Xiu''s face was twitching uncontrollably. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Xiu took a deep breath as she answered thoughtfully, "I''m wondering whether to hit you first or laugh at you first."


    Dylan took a step back as he replied, "How about laughing first?" It will allow him to run away from her! However, his plan was completely spoiled when Xiu chose to hit his head first. "Ouch! Why did you hit me?"


    Xiu laughed at him as she replied, "Because you''re the dumbest person I''ve ever met in my life!"


    "What did I do now?" Dylan scowled unhappily. He was doing everything that she asked him to do obediently.


    Xiu pointed at the carrots he cut and said, "I told you to cut them evenly."


    "Yes, I know. That''s what I am doing," said Dylan.


    "Didi, which idiot use a damn ruler to take measurements before cutting carrots?"


    Darren and Cali who had been listening silently ended up laughing when they heard Xiu''s words. Darren really had no trouble in picturing Dylan using a ruler to cut the carrots in even pieces.


    "You''d be mad at me if I didn''t cut these evenly," Dylan was trying to act pitifully now. He really couldn''t understand what he did so wrong this time. He could vaguely remember that he saw someone else using a ruler to cut even pieces of carrots. Perhaps, it was in a drama but he didn''t pay attention back then.


    Seeing that Xiu was rubbing her forehead, Dylan felt like he was gonna be in trouble soon, so he used the tactic that he learned this very day, "Sister-in-law, I did it all to impress you."


    Darren choked on air as he coughed at Dylan''s words and tone of voice. Why was his best friend acting like a spoiled kid around his girlfriend? Why was he using these charms on his girlfriend?

 305 3 Million

    "Okay, this sister-in-law is very kind-hearted. I''ll teach you myself, good boy..."


    This time Darren really lost it. Wasn''t it enough that Dylan was acting like an attention seeker? Why was his girl falling for it? This was a trap!


    Before he could say anything, he heard Dylan''s hushed voice, "Now do you know who is sick of living?" He chuckled softly before adding, "Should I tell her that you think she is sick of living that''s why she shoved me into the kitchen?"


    "DYLAN!" Darren yelled out his name which he very rarely did. "You bloody bastard! Why are you with my wife?"


    Dylan didn''t reply, he was busy enjoying his best friend''s reaction. So what if he couldn''t see Darren''s expressions? His furious voice was enough to tell the tale.


    Seeing Dylan''s smile, Xiu frowned and called for him, "Oi! Stop smiling like an idiot. Come, I''ll help you."


    "Yes, boss!" said Dylan without any hesitation as he walked up to Xiu''s side who was showing him how to do his work.


    "Didi, did you bring my girl to a luncheon today?" asked Darren as he recalled the original purpose of this call.


    "Mhmm..." came a reply from Dylan who didn''t let Xiu know that he wasn''t humming to her but rather annoying his best friend. Technology never seemed this appealing to him as it did today. After all, he had his Airpods in his ear and nobody could tell whether he was on call or not.


    Darren clenched his fists and looked at his other best friend sitting beside him as if saying, ''I told you he''s single.'' While Cali disregarded his told-you-so look, he turned back to the phone, "Did you bring her home after that?"


    "Mhmm..." answered Dylan again with a smile making Darren want to get in the phone to punch his face now.


    Cali had to pinch his arm to get his attention back. Because from his face, she could clearly tell that Darren was this close to beating his best friend who was having fun teasing him.


    Darren finally calmed himself and said, "Give the phone to my Sweets. I don''t even wanna talk to you right now."


    Dylan scrunched up his face and wanted to say something but decided against it. He could feel the dangerous and possessive aura of Darren even through the phone. It was better not to tease him anymore. This much was apparently his limit after this even Dylan knew that Darren wasn''t gonna let him be.


    "Okay..." muttered Dylan softly before pulling out his phone from the pocket and offering it Xiu. "Your man is going crazy. Talk to him."


    Xiu scoffed, "You think I''ll fall for this again? You already have used my baby''s name twice today. I won''t be fooled again."


    Dylan wanted to laugh at her reaction but he held himself back. He put the phone on the speaker and said, "Dazi, your girl has trust issues. Say something."


    Xiu''s eyes widened not in surprise but in happiness. With sparkling eyes, she almost jumped to snatch the phone from Dylan''s hand.


    "Baby, you''re awake? Did you get a good sleep? How are you feeling now? Not tired anymore now, right?" She didn''t take a breath as she kept talking about anything and everything, "I miss you a lot. I was gonna come to your place but Dylan said you''d be sleeping since you''re exhausted. I didn''t think it was a good idea to disturb you so, I chose not to go. Baby, do you miss your Sweets? Of course, you do. That was such a useless question."


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her as he muttered, "Let him speak first. Maybe he didn''t miss you as you claim."


    Xiu glared at him to back-off while she continued, "Baby, your best friend bullied me today." Dylan gaped at her in disbelief. Okay, Miss tattletale that''s not fair! "He woke me up early in the morning to accompany him on a stupid event."


    "Early morning? It was almost midday!" reminded Dylan in a loud voice.


    Darren who had been silently listening to the voice he''d never feel bored of, finally spoke up, "Didi, how dare you disturb my Sweets'' sleep and that too on Sunday morning? That''s like a crime!"


    Dylan was surprised at how in sync this pair of lovebirds were. How could they say the very same thing? "You must be kidding with me now. How can you take her side?"


    "A wise man knows what to say," replied Darren making Dylan scowl in displeasure. "I think you forgot what your dad used to tell us." Dylan frowned slightly but still continued to listen to his best friend who went on to quote, "''If you want a peaceful life, you better choose your wife over anything or everything.''"


    Dylan''s face twitched as he looked at Xiu who was very pleased by this conversation. He stared at Xiu''s face for a moment longer before he fell on his one knee and clung to Xiu''s leg. "Your highness, I''ve sinned! Tell me, how am I supposed to wash myself of this sin?"


    Xiu stroked her chin in amusement, "Empress is pleased by your quick response dear knight." Darren really didn''t know how he was stuck with these two drama queens. But anyhow, these two really made his life very colorful. "But first, stop trying to act like my leg accessory now." She pushed his head to make him keep some distance and Dylan acted pitiful before standing up.


    After thoroughly thinking, Xiu finally extended her hand towards him and demanded, "Give me my 3 million back!"


    Dylan frowned, "3 million? When did I take it?"


    Xiu hit his head, "You forgetful little brat! Your super expensive sports car cost me my savings!"


    Dylan was suddenly reminded of an incident that happened a long time ago, "Didn''t you pay for it with those cupcakes?" He still remembered that day, not because he had a good memory but only because the taste of cupcakes was still stuck with him.


    Xiu looked like she really wanted to kick him but didn''t, "Oi! I might be shameless, thick-skinned, a devil as you like to say, petty at times with you as well but I still have ethics. The honor that I kept with this soul won''t let me be that shameless. I used my savings to fix your stupid car."


    "She''s right. She indeed paid me later Dylan. Why do you think I found her so amusing?" Darren chimed in favor of his girlfriend.


    Dylan was shocked this time. Although he had come to terms with her being Chen Xiu, only now when she reminded him so specifically about the honor that her soul carried did he realize something. Chen Xiu wasn''t someone who would take advantage of someone else. No matter how changed she looked now, she would really not forget her roots.


    "Dazi, let''s talk later!" Dylan hung up the call without giving his best friend a chance to say anything.


    "Hey, I still have to talk to my boyfriend!" Xiu screamed at his face.


    "Calm down, this way, he''s gonna come running here for you," replied Dylan like a know-it-all.


    Xiu noticed his look and her mouth opened in the shape of ''O'' in understanding. Indeed, he was really useful sometimes. Dylan wiggled his eyes at her and both of them shared a look of pure evilness and mischief.


    Then he put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Now, let''s discuss this matter of 3 million."

 306 Never Went Easy

    Darren whose call was suddenly disconnected looked like he was gonna explode now. His fists struck hard on the counter while he closed his eyes to take long and deep breaths. There was no reason to murder your best friend over such a simple thing. Right? RIGHT?! Oh, no! That''s not right! He so wished to beat the hell out of Dylan right now.


    He hurriedly got up and went towards his bedroom. All this while Cali silently kept her eyes on him. It wasn''t really hard for her to figure out what he was planning to do now. And sure enough, after twenty minutes when he came out dressed immaculately, his first words were, "Cali, I need a ride."


    Cali who had just washed the coffee cups looked at him and said, "You do know that Dylan hung up on you on purpose, right?" Darren didn''t reply. Of course, he knew that very well. If Cali could tell what was cooking in that stupid brain of Dylan''s, how could he not? But it was just that... "But even if you know you still want to rush over because someone''s heart is not gonna be at ease unless he sees his Sweets."


    Darren didn''t give any signs of denying her words. He had no reason to do so actually. In fact, he didn''t even mind being teased like this at all. "Are you giving a ride or not?" he chose to put forth his own question instead of answering her.


    "Where is your car?" she asked.


    "I gave a day off to Ben. And I really don''t want to disturb him now. It doesn''t feel right," he answered. "And I can''t... drive as you know very well." Taking a pause, he added, "Don''t tell me you got your Harley Davidson bike even here."


    She smiled mysteriously. "What do you think?"


    "No, you did not..."


    After getting down to parking when he saw Cali''s ride, he couldn''t help saying, "You actually betrayed your love for bikes?" He knew about her obsession with dangerous rides. Considering how rare it was for her to drive a car.


    "Shut up and hop on!" was all she replied with as she alighted the grey Mustang convertible of hers.


    Darren silently took the passenger seat and buckled up because the ride was gonna be really dangerous from this moment on. True to his thoughts, Cali''s driving was just as reckless as it could have been. She had the perfect control over her car but she really was messing with the speed limit here. And what was with this desire to take over?


    Now that he thought about it, it seemed like it was his second time seeing her driving an actual car. They had stopped at a red light when he voiced out, "Cal, are you changing habits after inheriting your father''s fortune?" She gave him a fleeting glance as he added, "I mean you never even bought a car in your whole life before."


    Cali was about to reply when her cell phone chimed and she had to excuse herself to take the call. Darren didn''t mean to eavesdrop but since he was sitting right next to her, he couldn''t help it.


    "Didn''t you resign before moving to Italy?" he asked since the last time they met in Norway, she had told him about her plans to resign.


    "I resigned but the director is not taking my resignation seriously. She said I have accumulated a lot of leaves in these past years so she''s willing to treat my absence as personal leave."


    "So, she''s leaving a door open for you?"


    "Seems like it," answered Cali with a shrug of her shoulders before she stepped on the accelerator and started her race with the wind again.


    Darren was frowning thinking about something and he decided to just ask, "Do you want to go back?" He looked at the side of her face as he continued, "I mean being a doctor was never your own dream. But you still stuck around for years. So, there must be some attachment to your work."


    Cali smiled sarcastically at herself actually. "Do I? I don''t think I have the attachment to my work like you do, Regi." Darren wanted to say he was surprised but why didn''t he feel like it? "I don''t think anything changed in my life after leaving the hospital. I was living a mechanical life even then and even now."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Regi, do you even know how robotic I felt lately? For the past four years, nothing changed in my life. Patients, emergencies, surgeries, and blood that was all I saw every single day being stuck in the hospital." She suddenly stopped the car and looked directly at him. "The only difference in my life now is that in the hospital, my hands would get stained with blood every day. Now that I have to deal with my dad''s business, I can tell you that it''s a bloody war out there. My hands might stay clean in this corporate world, but I''m turning into a different person."


    Darren didn''t have to ask her what she meant. She was used to dealing with life and death every day at the hospital and now, she was stuck with stuck ups which seemed even worse to her.


    "Why did you stop the car here?" asked Darren and turned his head to look around. His mouth opened in surprise when he saw that the car was parked right in front of the Qiu Family house. "Hold on! How do you know his address? I didn''t give it to you."


    Cali looked around everywhere except for his face. She alighted from the car and came around to his side, opened the door, and pulled him out saying, "Don''t waste my time asking stupid questions. I''ve already done my job by dropping you off here."


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. "Wanna come inside?" he asked.


    "No!" Cali''s prompt and loud answer got him laughing hard. She hurriedly got back in the car and said, "I''ll call you later."


    "Wait!" Darren called out and bent down a little. With his hands holding the door of her car, he smiled at her playfully, "You know he''s inside."


    "Not interested," Cali said while pinching his nose to irk him. However, Darren didn''t react.


    "Even if you don''t want to flirt with him, I have an alternate plan for you," said Darren. Cali frowned at his words but didn''t say anything. Darren took her silence as her interest in wanting to know the rest of his thought. Smiling to himself, he said, "Instead of Dylan, you can use your charms on his parents. Trust me, it''s the most reliable way."


    Cali slapped his head. "Where are these ridiculous ideas coming from? And by the way, why are you trying to act like a cupid all of a sudden?"


    Darren rubbed his head where she hit to show that he was hurt. "Call me cupid or whatever! I''m just tired of seeing all the single souls wandering around me."


    "A while ago, you were also one of us. Don''t hate the squad just because you got lucky," said Cali playfully.


    "I''m not hating on anyone. I just don''t want this negative energy of single souls to infect me in any way."


    Cali smiled at his reply in a rather strained way before she got out of the car again and kicked Darren''s calf making him bent over in pain. "If you kept this up, I''m going to beat you into a pulp!"


    Darren really wanted to laugh at her reaction but he really couldn''t because of the pain he felt in his calf. Damn! She never went easy on him!

 307 Like A Stalker

    Meanwhile the pair of Xiu and Dylan that looked like long lost sibling quibbling over everything all the time was actually working in perfect harmony in the kitchen this time around. Under Xiu''s guidance, Dylan did everything that she asked for.


    As for the matter of Xiu''s savings that were spent on Dylan''s car, they had come to an agreement. As for what they decided, that was kept a secret between them. There was no point in sharing it with others when both the parties involved were absolutely okay with it now.


    "Whose car is at the front?"


    They both heard Zhao Wei''s voice from outside but didn''t pay attention to it as Xiu gestured Dylan to keep stirring the soup who obliged silently.


    "Oh, it''s Regan. But who is the girl with him?"


    Xiu and Dylan stopped whatever they were doing as they looked at each other. Turning off the stove, they both ran out of the kitchen through the backdoor and looked at Darren sneakily standing at the side of the house. Xiu was surprised to see that Darren appeared to be in a very good mood. He didn''t even get angry or said anything when that gorgeous and tall girl kicked him.


    Xiu was furious at Cali but she couldn''t go ahead because Dylan held on to her shoulder. "Don''t bother. That''s very normal between those two."


    Xiu didn''t expect this reply from Dylan. She bit her lips and silently watched Darren and Cali''s interaction from not so far. They couldn''t eavesdrop even after they both got on all fours and crawled behind a bush like the pair of most annoying and nosy kids that they were. One had to say it, both of them really had a great understanding of each other.


    Finally, Darren fist-bumped with Cali before turning to walk inside the house. "Hey, Sweets'' boyfriend!" He turned around when he heard Cali calling him. "Say hi to your new girl."


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her and she laughed at him before driving away.


    As for Xiu, she was left feeling something strange... Jealousy? Oh, that''s what it felt like for sure. Or maybe not. Actually, what bothered her was how Cali addressed her as a ''new girl''. It was like a sudden reminder that Darren had plenty of girls in his life before he actually fell for Chen Xiu. And this was not a very good feeling.


    "Who is she?" asked Xiu trying to keep her complicated feelings buried. "Is she Regan''s ex-girlfriend or something?"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her question and even lightly pushed her head. "Oh, please! Calling her Dazi''s boyfriend would be more appropriate."


    "Huh?"


    "This is Asher and this one is Xavier. As for this one, you already saw her." Dylan introduced Darren''s friends to her. "Ash, Vier, and Cali had been friends since middle school but Darren joined the group later on when he moved back to Norway."


    Xiu suddenly recalled something, "I think Regan mentioned this girl before." She tried to refresh her memory as she said, "I think he said she always looked for trouble or dangers. I can''t recall clearly."


    "You don''t have to," said Dylan before he looked at the photo in his hand and said, "She has a very questionable personality."


    "What? Questionable personality?" asked Xiu and Dylan nodded without any hesitation.


    He scrolled through his photo gallery and pulled out another picture. But this one was a solo shot of Cali while she was standing beside her bike. "Look at her, what impression does she give you?"


    "She has amazing body proportions," said Xiu with a sly smile making Dylan want to slap her head. Seeing that Dylan was judging her, she continued, "Hmm... She looks like an adventurer. There is no innocence in her eyes only a wish for a thrill. Oh, damn! I love those tattoos. So cool!"


    Xiu even zoomed in on all the visible tattoos and admired without holding back. Her reaction was also aligned with what Dylan expected actually. At least, from her. There were about seven tattoos visible to her and each tattoo was small but looked beautiful.


    "She''s a doctor, by the way," said Dylan seeing how Xiu''s jealousy was long swapped with a look of admiration for no reason at all. He really wanted to tell her that she was gullible but didn''t do so. Like how could she fall for a woman''s charms so easily considering that she was a woman herself!


    Xiu''s eyes widened at this revelation and he added, "An orthopedic surgeon to be precise."


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief before trying to say something, "But... But she doesn''t..."


    "She doesn''t give the vibes of a doctor, right?" Xiu nodded without any hesitation. She was willing to believe anything but Cali being a doctor? How? "That''s why they never judge a book by its cover. Just because you look cute doesn''t mean you''re actually cute. Looks can be deceiving." Xiu glared at his words which he conveniently chose to overlook as he went on, "Even though she doesn''t look like it, she''s an awesome doctor."


    Xiu found something weird in Dylan''s tone but couldn''t pinpoint what exactly was it. However, she could tell that Dylan sounded different about him when he talked about Cali.


    He didn''t pay attention to the look in her eyes as he rubbed her head and said, "The reason why I said that she''s more suitable to be Dazi''s boyfriend is the same. She had always been like a brother to him. He never even looked at that tomboy as a girl because she never even acted like one."


    Xiu nodded her head in understanding. She didn''t need this long explanation after she recalled how Darren described Cali to her a while back. But she still listened to Dylan for some reason. In fact, only now did she realize why she listened. She placed her elbow on his shoulder and leaned close to his face. Seeing her eyes sparkling with evilness, he was alarmed but it was too late.


    "I wonder, my little Didi, she''s a boyfriend to my Regan. What is she to you?" Her eyebrows danced in amusement while Dylan''s eyes widened instinctively.


    "What do you mean? She''s just a friend. Actually more precisely she''s a friend of a friend," said Dylan in his defense.


    Xiu wasn''t convinced as she grinned at his reaction. "Oh, really? Then why do you know her so well?"


    Dylan was stunned. He really didn''t know what to say in his defense now. "I... I..." he was stuttering trying to find some words.


    "What are you both doing?"


    The voice of Xin Zimen came timely as Dylan found a way to escape from this question which suddenly felt really difficult to answer. He abruptly stood up and said, "Uncle Zi, we were looking for some... herbs."


    "Herbs?" repeated Xin Zimen and looked around them to only find grass and bushes. Where the hell were herbs?


    Xiu was really sick of this stupid person who couldn''t even find a better excuse. She stood up and swatted her clothes saying, "Weird Uncle no 2, we were just having a little chitchat."


    "Here?" asked Xin Zimen completely overlooking the way Xiu called him again. Xiu and Dylan shared a look before nodding in sync. Xin Zimen sighed at them, "Whatever. Just go inside now."


    "Yes," said both of them and started walking down the same path that they used to come outside.


    While silently walking, Xiu leaned closer to Dylan and whispered, "Didi, we don''t keep a friend of a friend''s photo in our phone for no reason at all." She patted his shoulder and added, "I think you either re-evaluate your relationship with her or delete those photos. You''ll look like a stalker otherwise."

 308 Beauty To Flirt With

    When Xiu and Dylan entered the kitchen through the back door, Dylan hurriedly turned to Xin Zimen to say, "Uncle Zi, don''t tell anyone that we were..."


    "Having chit-chat behind the bushes?" Xin Zimen provided the words that Dylan was looking for with a playful smile.


    "Somehow, that sounds really strange," said Xiu before adding, "Anyways... Just don''t tell anyone what we were doing outside."


    Xin Zimen looked at Xiu''s face and smiled gently, "I won''t tell anyone that you both were eavesdropping on someone but what will I get in return." Both Xiu and Dylan scratched their head sheepishly because of how straightforwardly Xin Zimen chose to disclose their intentions. "I''m a businessman, I don''t do anything that''s not profitable to me."


    Dylan smiled at him saying, "But we are all family."


    "All the more reason for clear cut negotiations," said Xin Zimen with a glint in his eyes.


    Xiu and Dylan shared a look while thinking about his words. "But uncle has everything. What can we offer?"


    Xiu who had been silent finally stared back at him and said, "We can keep your secret." Xin Zimen''s brows quirked up slightly. "I mean, we won''t tell anyone that you had been crying outside while smoking." Her fleeting gaze had fallen on him when she left the kitchen with Dylan but because she was eager to sneak up to Darren, she didn''t pay much attention.


    Xin Zimen''s eyes widened in surprise while Dylan was no better. He looked at Xiu before looking at Xin Zimen who didn''t refuse her words. "Uncle, you really cried?"


    Xin Zimen laughed at Xiu before saying, "You have a talent." Saying that he walked out of the kitchen but not before adding, "I won''t tell anyone but don''t think it''s because of your offer. I just find you really amusing."


    His words were directed at Xiu who had made him laugh all over again and without even trying. She really was something. As he came to the living room, he saw Darren sitting beside Zhao Wei who was talking nonstop about how tired he looked and blah blah that he wasn''t gonna pay attention to.


    "What were you doing outside?" Qiu Jiayi asked Xin Zimen.


    "I was waiting for Ying. It''s been hours we called her. She''s never late so I was a bit worried," answered Xin Zimen while looking towards the door. Qiu Jiayi actually believed his words and also voiced his concern for Ying''s delay.


    "Regan, who dropped you here?" asked Zhao Wei as she finally did enough complaining about how thin and worn out Darren was looking.


    "Oh, it was Cali," answered Darren without hiding anything.


    Zhao Wei had to put some strain on her memory to dig out that familiar name from her mind as she exclaimed, "Ao! Cali is that friend of yours who saved Dylan''s life, right?" Darren silently nodded his head with a smile. "Why didn''t you call her inside? It''s been years and I have yet to thank her in person for saving my son."


    Zhao Wei''s expressions shifted into a full-blown charming smile as she began, "Xiu pushed me out of the kitchen and took Dylan inside as her helper. Hehe... It''s fun watching him suffering there."


    Darren also chuckled at how much Zhao Wei was enjoying her own son''s misery. He knew how much Dylan liked eating but hated cooking. His limited skills of frozen and instant foods were already enough headaches for him and now, Xiu actually forced him to cook from scratch.


    "I''m gonna go and check up on them," said Darren and got up to leave. After turning to the hallway, he found Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen standing there looking at the door with a frown etched between their brows. This was an odd picture for him. "Hey, Uncle Yi!" Qiu Jiayi smiled at him affectionately and even gave him a hug. "Hello, uncle Zi!" He greeted the person beside Qiu Jiayi who also did the same as Qiu Jiayi and even patted his shoulder.


    "How are you Regan?" asked Qiu Jiayi.


    "Pretty good I''d say," answered Darren.


    "Well, with such a peculiar girlfriend, of course, you''d be feeling pretty good," chimed in Xin Zimen. "I have a question though, where did you find her?"


    "If I say she ran into me on the streets," replied Darren with a smile that showed how happy and proud he was feeling while talking about his girlfriend.


    "Then we can say, damn! you''ve struck a lottery without even buying the lottery ticket!" said Qiu Jiayi which earned him a slap from his best friend.


    "Use the right metaphors!" said Xin Zimen before adding, "He means to say that you''re really lucky. She seems like an amazing person."


    "You met her?" he asked and saw them both nodding. "So, as the only father figures in my life, what are your views if I say I want to marry her?"


    Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen looked at each other before asking in unison, "Really?" Darren nodded in response. "I say, let''s call France back here. She just needs to be here, we''re willing to arrange everything for the wedding."


    "You both look way too excited," Darren pointed out.


    "Sorry, it''s been a while since we have found something interesting," replied Qiu Jiayi making Darren chuckle.


    "Then you should convince mama to just come here and settle everything," said Darren.


    Xin Zimen patted his shoulder again, "No worries. I''ll talk to your mom." Then he pushed him towards the kitchen and added, "Now, hop along! Don''t waste your time with old people, your girlfriend is over there." Laughing, Darren nodded his head and went towards the kitchen.


    "He looks really happy," commented Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen nodded in agreement.


    "Who looks happy?" they both were startled at the voice that suddenly came from their side. Both of them looked at the head that appeared craning over their shoulders before two dainty arms were placed on their shoulders. "What? Seen a ghost? Stop staring, you both are gonna make me blush now!"


    That remark earned the speaker something she really hated. Both of them held one of her cheeks and pulled it so not gently making her scream in pain.


    "Ah! Let go already!" she rubbed her cheeks that had gotten red under that brutal attack. That was so uncalled for. Before they could ask anything, she explained herself, "I got stuck in work. It was important. Don''t be so moody now."


    "You could have informed us," said Xin Zimen looking at Yan Ying who was still rubbing her cheeks.


    "Yeah, I could have..." she said before smiling back at them, "But if I did, how would I know that you both were worrying about me?" Seeing how their eyes narrowed, she smiled awkwardly, "Okay, okay! Ying is really sorry. My mistake, it slipped my mind."


    Both of them shook their head before looking behind her as if to look for someone. While Ying was about to ask what they were doing, Qiu Jiayi asked, "Where is your girlfriend?" Ying gaped at him. "You said you''ll bring your girlfriend. We''re waiting for her."


    Ying rolled her eyes at them, "As if you both would be looking so nonchalant if I really brought a girlfriend."


    "Why wouldn''t we be?"


    Before she could answer them, she heard the sweetest voice calling her, "Yingying, when did you come? And why are standing there? Come inside!"


    Ying smiled at the two middle-aged men before her as she said, "Now if you excuse me, old people. I have a beauty to flirt with." Saying that her expression changed to a delightful one as she ran over to Zhao Wei''s side. "Weiwei! You look gorgeous than ever. Are you aging backward?"


    "Oh, look at you being a sweet talker," said Zhao Wei trying to hold back her smile.


    "Sweet talker? Gorgeous lady, you''re calling my sincere words just a sweet talk? I''m hurt," Yan Ying feigned her most pitiful expression.


    Zhao Wei rubbed her head, "You are really something."


    "Well, something is better than nothing."


    "What?"


    "Don''t ask why I said that."


    Zhao Wei laughed at her words without holding back. Today was really a very beautiful day for her. She had so many people at home. All whom she dearly loved and cared about. And that included Xiu since she was Darren''s special someone.

 309 Take This To A Room

    Darren could hear Xiu and Dylan''s voice even before he entered the kitchen. It wasn''t surprising at all that both of them quibbling again but it had become a norm now so he wasn''t really concerned about it.


    "I did great, right?" he heard Dylan ask.


    "Fan-bloody-tastic!" soon followed Xiu''s voice dripping with derision.


    "Why does it sound like you''re being sarcastic?"


    "Oh, bummer! You actually got that!" Xiu gasped in surprise which definitely didn''t sound real. "I asked you to put sugar in it. You added salt! Do you think I should be complimenting you over being such a dumbass!"


    Dylan scratched the nape of his neck sheepishly as he replied, "I promise someone swapped the tags. It wasn''t my fault."


    Xiu glared at him while staring at her soup that was supposed to be sweet but now was salty. She was getting a headache now. How was she supposed to fix this? Her tangyuan(Sweet Soup Balls) definitely couldn''t be missed on this meal! She chose this dessert after thinking deeply about it. The dessert wasn''t chosen just randomly, she chose it because of its name which is actually similar to the phrase for ''family reunion''.


    Because of that, it felt right to make it. After all, today was a special day since Dylan told her it had been months since his father and his uncle came home. And if her assumption wasn''t wrong than Dylan''s sister was also gonna show up. It was indeed a family reunion.


    Seeing her brooding all by herself, Dylan patted her head saying, "Relax! It''s really not a big deal."


    "Not for you since it''s your family. It is a huge deal for me, Dylan!" Xiu retorted sharply but there was a tinge of sadness in her voice that she wasn''t able to conceal very well. "This is my first time cooking for someone other than Nora''s family. I wanted it to be perfect."


    Dylan shook his head at her, "It is already perfect!" He really thought she was overreacting. It was just a meal. There was really nothing to worry about. But he was certainly missing a point here that it was not as simple for Xiu whose only interaction with a proper family had been Jing Family. And this family was very dear to Darren, and because all of them were so welcoming to her, she really wanted to do something in return.


    All of them showed her warmth that she never had experienced and it overwhelmed her. Her culinary skills were her pride and that was her way to say thanks to anyone. She couldn''t afford to mess this one up.


    *Ahem!*


    Hearing a cough both Xiu and Dylan turned around to find Darren leaning against the doorframe with an amused expression. Even though he had seen Xiu and Dylan squabbling just a minute ago, he still could tell that their relationship had changed big time. They seemed really close now for some reason.


    Darren''s one arm snaked around her waist to support her since she was standing on her tippy toes while his other hand held the back of her head to get better access to the mouth that he missed so much. It was official, he was addicted to her kisses. There was no way around it.


    Hold up! Actually, he was addicted to her! Her eyes, her lips, her smile, her touch, her everything. He was simply addicted.


    They pulled away slightly but with the tips of their nose still touching like a soft caress. It was just a moment, she looked into his eyes and he looked back. Between that one glance and that kiss, the world had come to a standstill around them. The air around them seemed intense, in those briefest of moments, Darren couldn''t help pulling her body even closer if that was even possible. It seemed like he wanted to mold her within himself, possess her, own her, or maybe just keep her close to his heart where he could feel her.


    "Hi!" he whispered in a breathy way close to her lips and flashed her a beautiful smile.


    Xiu felt herself melting away with that one look and that one smile. Everything was forgotten even her initial worries were no more. Who or what would dare to touch her when he was embracing her in his strong arms as if reassuring her that everything was alright.


    Xiu hid her face in his neck as she whispered against his skin, "You''re late."


    Darren quirked his brows, "Did you know I was gonna come?"


    Xiu hummed in reply, "I knew you''d come." She tilted her head a little to look up at him saying, "There is no way you''d be at rest knowing that your Sweets is missing you."


    "Damn! That''s dangerous!" whispered Darren while running his hand through her hair.


    "What is?" asked Xiu enjoying the feeling of his hand in her hair, the touch of his other hand on the small of her back, and even the scent of his that reassured her that he was standing right there.


    He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he replied, "It''s dangerous that my Sweets know me so well." He kissed the top of her head.


    "My heart has a way to yours, if I''m missing you that means you''re missing me as well. That''s how we are connected," answered Xiu feeling really happy inside.


    Darren chuckled at her words but didn''t say anything to refute it. Suddenly, Xiu pulled away and held his face between her soft hands as she pouted, "Baby, why are you looking so worn out? What''s with these dark circles? You have become so thin. Good thing that I cooked a lot of healthy food, I''m gonna stuff you up and make you look like a steamed bun."


    "Steamed bun?" Darren raised his brows at her. "You want me to be fat? What about my hard-earned muscles?"


    Xiu jutted her chin up saying, "Your muscles need a protective layer." Darren burst out laughing at her reply while she went on, "Don''t laugh, I don''t mind you with a few fats. Actually, I think you''ll look super adorable." She was giggling picturing his super adorable look in her head all by herself.


    Darren poked her head, "Silly..."


    Xiu grinned at him without holding back.


    He held her cheeks and said, "I''d rather see you with soft chubby cheeks that I could squeeze all the time."


    This image of them was rather heartwarming but a certain someone who was left to suffer through it was certainly not feeling it. Since he was scowling all to himself with an indescribable look in his eyes.


    "Can you both take this to a room?" Dylan''s voice finally made Xiu and Darren realize that Dylan was also with them in the kitchen.

 310 Baby Dragon

    "Oh, you''re still here," said Xiu distastefully making Dylan''s mouth go ajar.


    After noticing the look on Darren''s face, Dylan felt like he was hit by a truck. He had been standing here all this while, you know! But they both couldn''t see him. After all, they were lost in each other''s eyes all this while.


    What a surprise that he was ignored! Well, not really!


    It wasn''t a surprise to Dylan that his presence had become so little for both of them. And honestly speaking he didn''t mind it for the first time as well. What made him look so sad was the fact that for the first time in years, he actually felt lonely. For a split second, he wished that there was someone who would run up to him as Xiu did with Darren.


    He wished to have that someone who would trust him like Xiu had trust in Darren''s feelings for her. It felt strange to accept it but he couldn''t deny it that his best friend had really hit a jackpot with someone like Xiu who could be caring, feisty, and loving. A full package that one would not be able to resist. Even more so, he was envious to see that Xiu''s every little emotion was reserved for Darren and Darren only.


    Dylan cleared his throat and replied, "Yes, I''m still here. Thanks for noticing!"


    Xiu turned to him saying, "I think you misunderstood something here, Dylan. Let me rephrase myself... You should be leaving now." Seeing her shooing him away Dylan found her cute.


    "Why should I? I''m seeing my best friend after so many days," on purpose, Dylan made a beeline towards Darren but Xiu stood in his way like a wall. "What?" Dylan frowned at her in annoyance. He wasn''t really annoyed at all, but it felt so good to tease her. He had grasped one very important thing about Xiu''s nature, she would take everything but Darren was her reverse scale. She would really stop using her mind when it came to him.


    "I told you to stop acting like a mistress between me and my boyfriend," growled Xiu in a low voice that sounded really scary but it reminded Dylan of a baby dragon who would try to scare others away with her little claws. Oh my gosh! She was really adorable! "What are you smiling about?"


    Dylan squeezed her cheeks as he cooed, "Super adorable baby dragon! I love it! HAHA!" Saying that he laughed and fist-bumped with his best friend before turning to leave them alone. It was better to not annoy her any more than this. If that baby dragon really sharpened her claws, he was gonna land in some trouble.


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks while she rubbed her cheeks that he squeezed so hard. What was wrong with him? She scowled.


    "He''s childish," muttered Xiu to herself. Darren rubbed her head affectionately but didn''t voice out that her childish nature was an equal match for Dylan''s. But since they both made his life seem more lively, he didn''t mind their childishness. Not even a bit.


    "What did you cook? Why does it smell so good in here?" Darren finally spoke up as he looked around the kitchen that was brimming with delicious and mouth-watering aromas. It even made his stomach growl in anticipation. He rubbed his stomach and smiled sheepishly at Xiu, "I guess I''m really hungry."


    Xiu chuckled at his reaction and started going on and on about what she made in the past three hours. Just listening to her made Darren feel tired. He held her hands in his own and said, "It must be really tiring."


    Xiu shook her head saying, "No. It''s not tiring at all. I actually felt so happy doing it." Darren didn''t know what to say. She really looked happy... Genuinely happy... But suddenly she bit her lips in worry and voiced out, "Do you think everyone will like the food?"


    Darren kissed her cheek. "Yes, Sweets. Everyone will like it. In fact, they''ll love it."


    "How are you so sure?" asked Xiu with uncertainty.


    Darren massaged her hands as he said, "Because I know how awesome my Sweets is. Also, they all have already fallen for your charms. After eating this meal, they''ll fall for you so deep that they won''t find a way out." His knuckles brushed against her cheek as he added, "Just like I can''t find my way back. But then again, I don''t want to."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead. "Either I''m an idiot or you''re too good."


    "Why?"


    "Because I actually believed those cheesy words of yours," answered Xiu making him laugh.


    He hugged her tightly as he reassured her, "I promise they''ll be really happy with this meal. Not just because of the taste but also because of the effort and love you put into this one meal." He kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes, "Sweets, everyone in this family has a complicated life but every single one of them is a very simple person. You can read their emotions right at their face. And if I say, they already like you a lot. I mean it. If they weren''t such amazing people, I''d have really grown up like an orphan."


    Xiu was surprised to hear those words. When Darren first told her that this was his family as well. She really didn''t expect that his feelings for this family were actually so deep and strong. But after meeting them one by one, she could actually see why Darren valued them so much. He was right, either it was Zhao Wei, Dylan, Qiu Jiayi or Xin Zimen, all of them made her feel so comfortable that one might end up envying this family.


    Seeing her lost in thoughts, Darren rubbed her head and said, "Stop thinking. This is not just my family now. It is yours. No need to be so cautious around them."


    Damn! She didn''t want to cry but he was really making it difficult for her. Why was he so good with words? And why was she so easy to fall for his words?


    Xiu managed to hold back her tears even though her eyes were stinging now. She smiled through her tear-filled eyes that she was holding back and said, "If it''s really my family then all the more reason for me to give my best."


    Darren understood her words as he took an apron from the side and put it on saying, "Tell me what you need, Mademoiselle! I''m at your service." Xiu giggled at him while he added, "Anything can be fixed as long as I''m here with you. Right?"


    Xiu nodded her head without hesitation. Everything could indeed get better as long as he was with her. So what that her Tangyuan soup was ruined by Dylan. She could just start from scratch. There was nothing to worry about.

 311 No Sympathy

    Dylan had chosen to left the couple alone and was actually going to leave as well. But he suddenly recalled that he left his phone in the kitchen and while he was going back to retrieve his phone, he ended up hearing Darren and Xiu''s conversation. He wasn''t planning on eavesdropping but he really couldn''t help it.


    After listening to them, he was left with some complicated feelings surging within his heart. He went to the lounge to find his mother and was surprised to hear who loud his mother''s laughter was and soon he didn''t have to guess why it was like that...


    "If only I could steal you from Yi, I wouldn''t hesitate a bit," said Ying as she smiled at Zhao Wei who rolled her eyes at her remark.


    "You little lass! That''s my wife," Qiu Jiayi screamed at her.


    "That''s a pity, right?" Qiu Jiayi gapped at her when she concluded, "She could have done so much better but she got you... Tsk. Tsk."


    "Ying!"


    "Hahaha..."


    While Qiu Jiayi was fuming over a little girl flirting with his wife, Xin Zimen was laughing without holding back. This was way better than anything on tv.


    Yan Ying didn''t really care about Qiu Jiayi''s reaction. In fact, she was really amused by it. She was still clinging to Zhao Wei like a spoiled little kid as she said, "Weiwei if I had been born in your generation I''d have never let you fall for his tricks."


    Zhao Wei stroked Ying''s face as she said, "Yingying, I don''t know if it''s a blessing or a curse that you''re born as a girl."


    "Huh? Why is that?" inquired Ying with curiosity dancing in her eyes.


    "You''d have been a deadly attack to young maiden''s hearts," said Zhao Wei making Ying giggle. "But I''m glad you''re a girl..." Ying raised her brow at her in question. "Otherwise, I''d be lacking a sweet daughter like you."


    Yan Ying smiled sweetly at her in contentment while Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen shared a look.


    "Your wife is really as innocent as she had been," whispered Xin Zimen to his best friend.


    "It''s not her fault that Ying loves to show her spoiled little girl''s act before my wife..." his lips lifted up in a smile as he added, "But even if she acted like her strong self, Weiwei would still treat her like a little girl."


    Xin Zimen sighed out and nodded in agreement. Zhao Wei always wanted a little girl whom she could spoil like a Princess. Even though her first child was Qiu Meihui but she never liked her mother treating her like a doll. In fact, since Qiu Meihui always rebelled against Zhao Wei, their mother-daughter relationship wasn''t that great.


    And Yan Ying didn''t like failing anyone''s expectations. So, it really didn''t matter to her how much she had to change herself for other''s sake. It felt kind of unfair to her. But she didn''t feel like it. As long as she was able to bring happiness in the life of people whom she cared about, she''d be okay with everything.


    "Ying Jie, when did you come?" Dylan asked as he saw Ying with his mother.


    Ying looked at Dylan and said, "Since you didn''t invite me for that dinner, I thought to invite myself to your house."


    "I invited you," retorted Dylan. He remembered he asked her to come home for dinner but she said she''d come when his dad would come back. And now she was here since his dad was back. She really stayed true to her words.


    "Yeah, only once. Later on, you even forgot my existence. Ouch!! That hurts," the corner of her lips turned downwards slightly while she placed a hand over her chest to show that she was hurt.


    "I had no way to contact you," replied Dylan to clear up his side of the story and he was being honest. He actually met her after years the other day, how would he have a way to contact her? Then he scowled and added, "Besides, why do you even need an invitation? This is like your own house, come whenever you want to."


    Ying''s eyes widened a bit as she heard those words from him. But she wasn''t the only one, even the others around her were equally surprised.


    "It seems like my son is finally willing to act like an adult," said Qiu Jiayi and turned to Ying. "You heard that? You don''t need an invitation to come here. I''m also your uncle like Zi, don''t always be so biased."


    Xin Zimen frowned at his best friend, "How is she biased? She doesn''t come to my home unless I ask her to. Once upon a time, she was like a sticky glue who didn''t even want to leave my home. At that time, I had to push her out. These days, I have to pull her in."


    Ying chuckled at them not knowing what to say. Even though they were all really important to her, she was still not their own. She didn''t wish to be a bother to anyone of them. So, how could she just come and go on will?


    She shook her head and chose to change the topic as she turned to Dylan saying, "Oi! I thought you''re helping around in the kitchen? Why are you here then?"


    "Dazi is here to help his girlfriend," shrugged Dylan trying to act nonchalant.


    Ying laughed at his reaction, "Why do you look like your single soul is scared?"


    Dylan was really surprised to hear that. "How did you guess that?"


    "I know that look very well," answered Ying and even patted his back saying, "These PDA couples are the worst. They have no sympathy for poor people like us."


    "Are you both bonding over your single souls?" questioned Zhao Wei with a chuckle.


    Ying and Dylan shared a look before silently nodding.

 312 Its Hot In Here

    "You both bond over your common misery, I''m gonna go check up on Xiu. She must be really tired, I really shouldn''t have listened to her," said Zhao Wei to Ying and Dylan before she tried to pass through them to leave.


    However, before she could, Ying held her arm. "Where do you think you''re going? Stay here with your husband. He''s already jealous enough that you''re not giving him time and attention." She winked at Qiu Jiayi before patting her chest. "Leave everything else to me. If I''m here, no fear."


    "It sounds more like, ''If I''m here, you can only fear.''" chuckled Xin Zimen at his own thoughts.


    "I thought only I heard that," said Qiu Jiayi before both of them pursed their lips to hide their laughter.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Wei nodded her head and pushed her son as well, "You go with her as well." Saying that she finally sat down beside her husband who placed his arm around her waist almost instantly.


    "Uhmm... Just to be sure, should I close my eyes or should I just leave the room?" asked Xin Zimen looking at Qiu Jiayi and Zhao Wei.


    "Zi!" Qiu Jiayi said his name harshly while glaring at him.


    "I''ll take that as a warning to leave the room," said Xin Zimen and immediately joined Ying and Dylan who were enjoying at the way Xin Zimen teased his best friend even at this age. While Ying and Dylan turned towards the kitchen, he went upstairs.


    "It''ll be traumatic, I''m telling you," said Dylan to Ying as they approached the kitchen.


    "Don''t worry, I''m quite immune to such lovey-dovey acts," reassured Ying to Dylan with a confident stance. Seeing her confidence, he nodded. Suddenly, he felt her hand on his shoulder while she said, "By the way, it can''t be more traumatic than seeing you in a pink apron."


    Dylan looked down to find that he had forgotten to take off the pink cute apron that Xiu put on him after blackmailing him for a while. No wonder everyone looked at him so weirdly. Dylan wanted to say something but held back since they were now standing in the kitchen.


    However, both Dylan and Ying were standing still at the door looking at the scene playing before their eyes.


    Inside, Xiu was now sitting at the counter with her legs dangling carelessly while Darren was the one holding the ladle and doing whatever she told him to do. Xiu was happily munching on the melon seeds that she found while staring at her boyfriend who looked so cool even when he was just stirring the Tangyuan soup.


    "Is it done?" asked Darren with furrowed brows. He wasn''t that good with Chinese food so he really couldn''t tell.


    Xiu who was busy daydreaming woke up from her trance and smiled at him, "Yes, turn off the stove now."


    "Okay," he turned off the stove and came to stand before her. "Anything else, Mademoiselle?"


    Darren placed his hands on her knees and pulled them apart as he stepped in between her legs and leaned his head on her shoulder, "My energy booster is right here, how can I be tired?"


    Xiu''s hand ran through his thick hair. "When you''re tired just say it that you''re tired. Stop trying to be Mr. Perfect all the time."


    Darren looked at her, "Are you saying I''m not your Mr. Perfect?"


    Xiu brushed his hair off of his forehead and leaned a bit to press her lips against his forehead. Her lips lingered a bit longer against his skin while she said, "You''re my Mr. Perfect already. That''s why I said, you don''t have to try so hard to act like it 24/7." Darren raised his brows at her in amusement while she added, "If you kept this up, it''ll become very hard for me to catch up to you."


    "Huh?"


    "Because I can''t be as perfect as you are. I have way too many flaws," answered Xiu.


    "I didn''t fell in love with the perfect you," said Darren while he held both sides of her face. "I fell for this version of yours that is completely flawed. Because it made you become so real that I couldn''t help myself from yearning for you."


    His hands slowly went down to her stomach and he pinched her hard making her squirm, "Regan!" He laughed out before burying his face in her neck, "Yes, Sweets?" Saying that he nipped her skin making her body tingle as his tongue slowly caressed her skin, she ended up giggling. His hands were still on her stomach making her laugh harder.


    "Stop that! Stop tickling me!" Xiu screamed at him to stop in between her laughter but it only encouraged Darren. Tears were already brimming in her eyes from all that laughter and she had to stop this. She wrapped her legs around his waist and caged his body. Looking directly into his eyes, she whispered, "This is not the way to play."


    "Oh, really?" challenged Darren with his eyes. His face came close to hers, only a breath away as he questioned, "Why don''t you tell me how to play then?" At the close proximity, she instinctively closed her eyes while he kissed her eyes softly before kissing the tip of her nose and just as his lips were about to touch hers, two annoying people disturbed him.


    "Woah! It''s hot in here!"


    Darren and Xiu heard Ying''s voice which startled Xiu while Darren was left rolling his eyes. They both turned to look at Ying who was fanning her face while looking anywhere but them. Meanwhile, Dylan was trying to make his presence smaller.


    "I told you we''ll get burned here," chimed in Dylan with a heavy tone. He looked really annoyed by the fact that he had to witness yet another moment between Xiu and Darren. Why was he the one suffering today?


    Ying laughed at his words but her eyes were now staring at Xiu and Darren.

 313 Frenemies

    Xiu also stared at the new face before her. It was her first time meeting Ying but why did she felt a familiarity with her then? It was just like the time when she met Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi. Even though she met them only once, she found a very strange comfort in their presence. Xiu really couldn''t describe this feeling well.


    "Hello, Ying!" greeted Darren clearly in a very bad mood.


    "You look like you swallowed a fly," remarked Ying as she took a step towards them. She stared at Xiu carefully for a moment longer before flashing her most sincere and warmest smile that was known as her biggest weapon. She extended her hand towards Xiu as she said, "You must be the Sweets I''ve heard so much about lately. Hi, I''m Ying. Yan Ying."


    Xiu held her hand to shake before replying, "Xiu. Bai Xiu."


    "Pleasure meeting you," said Yan Ying before turning to Darren, "Are you planning on staying like this for the rest of the day?" Darren frowned at her words and realized that he was still standing in the same posture as before with his arms wrapped around Xiu''s waist. he reluctantly pulled away and heard Ying saying, "That''s more like it. Please leave a way for us singles to live. Be more considerate."


    "What are you doing here?" asked Darren before adding, "I thought you''re gonna look for someone today."


    "And I thought you''re gonna sleep for the day," retorted Ying before adding, "But guess what? We both are here, aren''t we?" She patted his shoulder as she went on, "Life doesn''t go the way we want, so stop questioning it. Just go with the flow."


    Xiu''s eyes brightened as she heard those words. She now tried to read through Ying but all that she saw was a gentle smile on her face and a sparkling glow in her eyes. And a very bright personality.


    "Dylan, why are you standing there?" Ying didn''t pay attention to Xiu''s eyes as she was busy ordering Dylan around. "Get me the dishes. Let''s make ourselves useful since we are already here." Then she finally looked back at Xiu and said, "Tell me what to do. Today, for the first and perhaps last time, Ying is really at your service."


    Xiu looked at Darren who blinked his eyes in reassurance. "It''s not every day when she is so easygoing. Take full advantage of this time, Sweets. Just order her around freely."


    Xiu bit her lips but nodded. "Everything is almost done. I was going to make some drinks for everyone but I really don''t know what they like so..."


    "Leave that to me," said Ying and got herself busy with finding the things she needs to make everyone''s favorite drink. While holding the water bottle, she suddenly hit her head but since the bottle was still in her hand she ended up hitting her head with the bottle and winced a bit. "How forgetful of me..." she muttered to herself and came to Xiu''s side again. This time, she held her hand and said, "Thank you!"


    "Huh?" Xiu was confused. "For what?"


    "Who is she?" asked Xiu to Darren as he helped her down from the counter.


    "I wonder," muttered Darren.


    "What do you mean?" asked Xiu.


    "Well, I can''t really call her a friend but then again, I can''t call her an enemy as well. She''s more like a... Frenemy? Yes, that''s the right term." Darren was nodding to himself while Xiu was completely lost. Seeing her confusion, he added, "Actually, she and I are just like you and Dylan. There is no clear relationship but there is a connection."


    "Oi! Regi! Your girlfriend is not gonna run anywhere. So, just help around," came Ying''s voice.


    Darren rolled his eyes at her and scoffed. "But I''m certain about one thing, she''s really annoying!" Xiu chuckled softly seeing Darren''s expression. She had never seen him acting like this before. He never looked so fed-up with someone.


    "I know you just called me annoying," said Ying as if she really heard him. It was just a guess on her part but she knew Darren well that''s why her guess hit the mark perfectly.


    Darren turned to face her, "I said it, so what?" he narrowed his eyes at her and added, "Besides, I said nothing wrong."


    Ying narrowed her eyes at him and wanted to retort but she held back. It was really not wise to insult him before his girlfriend. She''d save all the insult for later. Darren was taken aback when Ying simply took a calming breath and chose not to jump at him with a knife. That was odd! And so not like her!


    He went around to face her and held his hand against her forehead, "Is your fever not gone? Or did it damage your brain somehow?"


    Ying shoved his hand away like always and said, "If I''m keeping my silence, don''t push me."


    Darren laughed softly, "But that''s the thing. Silence doesn''t really suit you."


    Seeing how Darren and Ying were busy going back and forth with their bickering, Xiu looked at Dylan who looked back at her. "They look like you and me."


    Xiu agreed with Dylan. "Were they always like this?"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "I don''t know. I never really asked Darren about his friendship with Ying Jie. I just know that they got really close after his accident. As for the rest, he never really shared or maybe I didn''t pay attention."


    "Dylan, what really can you pay attention to?" Xiu was really not surprised that Dylan''s reaction was that he didn''t pay attention. With his tendency to lose track of things, it was already a big miracle that he managed to become the CEO of a successful company. Like, the guy was oblivious to his own feelings it was really no wonder that he was oblivious to a lot more things going around him.


    "You can''t blame me. I also have a life," retorted Dylan feeling wronged.


    "So you do know that you have a life," said Xiu as if she suddenly realized something. She hit his head saying, "Then stop wasting that life."


    Dylan pouted his lips but didn''t say anything to her. It was of no use. He knew Xiu was not gonna listen to him. Besides, the battle of wits between Darren and Ying looked more interesting to him.

 314 Grant A Wish

    Xiu had expected to find a lively atmosphere at the dining table considering how she saw Jing Family. If not anyone, at least, Nora and Jackie would keep chattering throughout the meal. But it wasn''t the case with this family.


    True to her words, Ying didn''t let Xiu touch anything after she entered the picture. And she was the one who called everyone for this sumptuous late supper. Xiu just had to take a seat right beside Darren. On her right was Xin Zimen who was also seriously focused on eating.


    Xiu became apprehensive yet again seeing their reaction. Did they not like the meal? Why was it so silent here? She really couldn''t understand what was going on. She was biting her chopsticks when she felt a warm hand held hers. Xiu looked up at Darren who gave her a reassuring smile and blinked. Xiu felt herself calming down.


    Since she had been lost in trying to impress everyone, she completely forgot a single detail. This silence had only descended when Qiu Meihui joined them on the table with her daughter, Asteria. It was Xin Xiaoli who drove the mother and daughter here. But the tense atmosphere in the room really wasn''t something even he expected.


    However, there was a person who couldn''t help looking over at Xiu. Ying could clearly see the despondent bearing of Xiu. She frowned at first as she looked at every other people gathered at the table looking gloomy as if someone died or something. When no one made an attempt to say something, she took it upon herself.


    "Zi..." she called out Xin Zimen who was sitting right next to her side but she still spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.


    "Hmm..."


    "How''s the food? I feel like I haven''t had this delicious meal in ages," Ying tried to subtly praise Xiu as she went on, "I''m afraid I might end up eating the bowl with the food."


    "Why am I not surprised?" laughed Xin Zimen at her remark of eating the bowl along with the food.


    Ying narrowed her eyes at him while Xin Zimen frowned at her expression. Changing her expression to a forced smile she indicated something with her eyes as she continued, "Isn''t this Kung Pao chicken just amazing? Even better than those takeout that you love."


    Xin Zimen didn''t understand what she was trying to convey but he still spoke out his heartfelt feelings, "That''s true. I haven''t had such an amazing Kung Pao chicken in a long time. It''s simply delicious. I might really start hating takeout meals after this."


    Ying smiled in satisfaction as she noticed the corner of Xiu''s lips going upwards slightly. Ying found her smile delightful. She didn''t know it herself why but with Xiu, she felt a strange kind of affinity. Maybe it was since Xiu was younger than her by five years or so but it brought a protectiveness to come out for her.


    Xin Zimen silently slurped on the noodles and while chewing when he saw Ying''s anticipating look, he said, "It''s good. No, actually it''s really on fire. Reminds me of my wife."


    "How so? Your wife couldn''t even cook!" Qiu Jiayi finally spoke up as he was getting tired of a certain someone only involving Xin Zimen in a conversation. He was also feeling weird in this atmosphere but he couldn''t say or do anything since the boss at home was his wife, Zhao Wei.


    "That''s why I''m reminded of her," answered Xin Zimen which earned him a very dissatisfied look from his best friend.


    "Oh, uncle Zi, that means when mom told me that you and your wife were equally dumb in the kitchen, she was telling the truth?" Dylan questioned curiously.


    Xin Zimen nodded his head without any hesitation and with a smile at those memories said, "If we didn''t have a cook, and we had to prepare our own meals. Boy, we would have poisoned each other to death. That''s how dumb we both were in the kitchen."


    Xiu finally chuckled a little but kept her head down. Looking at Xiu, Xin Zimen touched her head and added, "Little one, thank you for all of this. You have a talent and magic in your hands. I''m officially a fan."


    Ying finally heaved a sigh of relief that Xin Zimen finally noticed Xiu. Just because all of them were eating with gusto didn''t mean that the person who put all the effort and work into this actually was a mind reader. They had to compliment a little.


    Following his best friend''s lead, Qiu Jiayi also chimed in, "I especially love this Pepper Steak. It''s to die for!" He smiled genuinely at Xiu and went on, "Regi, you''re about to lose your muscles. Because I don''t think you''d be able to put down your chopsticks once you tasted these delights."


    Darren felt really happy as he squeezed Xiu''s hand under the table and said, "I''d gladly lose all the muscles for anything that Sweets make for me." Xiu looked at his face while he smiled at her and added, "Besides, she wants me to get a layer of fats to protect my muscles."


    Xiu glared at him for telling this to everyone while everyone chuckled at his words. "That''s a very sneaky way to say that she doesn''t want anyone else to look at you," said Dylan while looking at Xiu whose face was getting red now from this uncalled embarrassment.


    "It''s her right to do so," finally Zhao Wei chose to join this lively conversation as she went on, "She cares about him so much that even now, she didn''t forget to make the Caprese Chicken Lasagna for Regan."


    Xiu had only made it because Darren wasn''t really fond of Chinese food. He could eat it but it wasn''t his favorite though. So, she decided to just whip up something that he could eat with delight, and it was Dylan''s suggestion to make the Chicken Lasagna. But now when she looked at Dylan munching on the lasagna, she suddenly thought that he wasn''t thinking of Darren when he suggested her to make lasagna.


    "Wei Ma, that''s because my Sweets can''t possibly forget me," said Darren with a sickly sweet smile on his face directed towards her. "I''m always on her mind."


    "Show-off!"


    "Narcissist!"


    Both the remarks came from Ying and Dylan simultaneously. However, Darren didn''t care about them acting like idiots as he said, "Well, I''m a show-off and a narcissist. Who wouldn''t be if they have the most amazing life partner?"


    "I suddenly don''t feel like talking to him," said Dylan as he went back to concentrating on food.


    "Everything is well and good but why are you all being so stingy all of a sudden?" began Ying as she looked at these old people. "All talk and no action is no good. The little girl did so much to impress this crazy family, shouldn''t you be rewarding her?"


    When Ying brought this up, they all shared a look. "Right, what do you want Xiu?" Zhao Wei was the one who asked.


    Dylan finally looked up and said, "Oi! I also helped. Where is my reward?"


    "This is not about you, Didi!" Zhao Wei warned her son.


    Noticing all the eyes on herself, Xiu was flustered. They were really serious about this reward thingy? Xiu didn''t know what to say to that. But she held Darren''s arm and answered, "I have everything I always wanted sitting right beside me."


    "Aww... That''s so sweet!" said Zhao Wei.


    "Yuck!" was Dylan''s response. "You really know how to rub it in."


    Xiu glared at him for his stupid remark and so did the other people at the table.


    "Sweets is absolutely right. There is no need for any formalities here," agreed Darren with his girlfriend as if that was not already expected.


    "Very well then..." began Xin Zimen before he looked at her and added, "Then how about you grant us a wish instead?"


    "What can I possibly offer you, weird uncle no 2?" she was holding back her laughter when she said that.


    Xin Zimen looked at people around him and said, "If you don''t mind this crazy family, how about being a part of it?"


    Xiu was left stunned.

 315 Little Cartoon

    Xiu was speechless, she didn''t know why but when she observed the sincerity in Xin Zimen''s eyes, she couldn''t help feeling touched. His voice made Xiu want to lean in to hug him and thank him for actually saying those words. She always thought that Jing Family accepted her as a family member because they thought she was Destiny.


    However, it was different with this family. They only met Xiu. They didn''t meet Destiny but even then they were willing to accept her as a part of the family. Xiu was feeling emotional again and she blamed it all on these people who were really trying to make her cry. How was she supposed to keep her facade of being calm when their words brought out a million feelings within her?


    But Xiu had willed herself to not let a single tear drop from her eyes. She never liked crying before people whether it was her previous life or present one. She would do anything and everything to hide her emotions from shedding down her eyes.


    "We might give you headaches at times, but we are still pretty awesome family," said Qiu Jiayi as if he was advertising how good this family was. But then again, who calls their own family a headache?


    Darren placed his hand around her shoulder and said, "Uncle Zi, my Sweets is already a part of the family." Xiu furrowed her brows at him while he added, "She''s my girl that automatically makes her a part of this crazy family."


    A round of laughter echoed around the table as Zhao Wei nodded, "True, true. If Regi is a part of this family then how can his girlfriend stay as an outsider?"


    The three elders smiled affectionately at Xiu as they said in unison, "Welcome to this crazy family, little one!"


    Xiu bit her lip in an attempt to keep her emotions from gushing out. The rims of her eyes had turned red now but she really didn''t know what to say. The way they all were willing to welcome her to their family was something she never thought would happen. It made her feel like a part of something and this feeling wasn''t that easy to describe in words.


    "Looks like I don''t have to ask dad to adopt you," chuckled Xin Xiaoli trying to lighten the mood for Xiu who looked like she was gonna cry any minute now. Xiu looked at him with confusion as he said, "I really planned on asking dad to adopt you. Because I wanted a sister like you."


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier?" Xin Zimen sounded displeased.


    Xin Xiaoli shrugged his shoulders at his father as he replied, "It doesn''t matter now though since she''s already a part of the family and I have finally gotten a sister to pamper."


    "Ah Li, I am not your favorite anymore?" questioned Asteria as she tugged at Xin Xiaoli''s sleeve with a pout.


    Xin Xiaoli chuckled at the little girl as he picked her up and made her sit on his thigh saying, "How is that possible? Our little star is everyone''s favorite."


    Dylan scoffed at the side, "Of course, you shouldn''t worry at all, you little thief. I don''t think there is anyone who''d be able to steal your position like you stole mine."


    "Didi!"


    "Hedi!"


    "Dylan!"


    Dylan rolled his eyes at how everyone said his name but in different ways. Why were they all so eager to reprimand him all the time? Did he say something wrong? He was the baby of this family until his little niece came in the picture. She was a thief and he really won''t forget that!


    "Are you really petty enough to blame a little girl for losing your position?" Xiu questioned staring straight at Dylan''s face who nodded without hesitation.


    "I am that petty!" he replied loftily making everyone shake their head at him.


    "Dylan, stop competing with my daughter. You had been competing with me for years, can you please keep my daughter out of this," began Qiu Meihui who had just been silently watching everyone until now. "Besides, dad still loves me more." She didn''t forget to tease Dylan how she always did since they were young.


    Dylan laughed at her face saying, "So what? Just because my partial birth giver..."


    "Partial birth giver?" Qiu Meihui cut him off with a frown.


    Dylan rolled his eyes at his sister, "I mean just because dad is always favoring you doesn''t mean I am jealous." He straightened his shoulders with pride as he added, "After all, my birth giver is the boss of the house and she loves me more." He turned to his mother with a sweet flattering smile, "Ma, I''m right, right? You love me more, right?"


    Zhao Wei looked at her son who was acting like a clingy kid all over again but smiled at him while giving a small sound of affirmation.


    "Mom, you can''t be biased with him always," Qiu Meihui said looking at her mother.


    Zhao Wei didn''t even look at Qiu Meihui as she placed her chopsticks down and looked at Xiu saying, "Xiu''er, stay after the meal. We still have so much to talk."


    Xiu frowned at this interaction between Zhao Wei and Qiu Meihui but she silently nodded to agree with Zhao Wei who got up to leave. Xiu couldn''t wrap her mind around the fact that the loving and kind Zhao Wei was actually acting so indifferently and coldly to her own daughter. But seeing how everyone seemed used to it, she could only frown in silence.


    It was neither her place to talk nor did she want to probe around.


    Qiu Meihui also got up and left while Xin Xiaoli followed after her. There was definitely something going on around here but it was something Xiu was oblivious to. And because she really hated being the oblivious one, she was feeling frustrated.


    "Ying, how''s your fever?" questioned Qiu Jiayi since he wasn''t gonna follow anyone. Taking sides between his daughter and wife had already got him kicked out of the house for months. He had learned his lesson and was now only gonna act like everything was okay.


    "I''m fine. It was a minor thing someone just overreacted," said Ying while her remark was directed at Darren who took a sip of his mint margarita and rolled his eyes at her. She was so close to getting pneumonia but in her words, it was just a minor thing. "Anyways, I had been curious about a while... How did you manage to reconcile with Weiwei? Did you apologize? Or she did?"


    "What do you think?" Qiu Jiayi retorted with his own question.


    Ying thought about it carefully before saying, "She won''t apologize, I can bet anything. She is my mother''s best friend and even my own mother never apologized to dad. It was always the other way around."


    "Well, in our case, nobody apologized..."


    "Huh? Really?" this voice came from Xin Zimen who raised his brows at his best friend.


    "Yeah, really," answered Qiu Jiayi.


    "Then what happened?"


    At the table, now only Xin Zimen, Qiu Jiayi, Ying, Dylan, Darren, and Xiu were remaining since Asteria also went to the lounge to watch cartoons after finishing her food. And every single person''s attention was now on Qiu Jiayi.


    "I was sleeping on the couch. In the middle of the night, she locked the door hid the key, and turned the AC on blast before snatching my blanket from me."


    "What?!"


    Qiu Jiayi nodded his head, "Yup. And before I could turn into a popsicle, I went up to the bed and laid down beside her."


    "That''s it?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    "Hmm... After that, I hugged her in her sleep and everything was okay."


    Xin Zimen scrunched up his nose before pointing at Dylan, "No wonder, you both peculiar and bizarre people gave birth to this cartoon."


    "HAHAHA!"


    The only person who wasn''t amused by that remark was Dylan himself who pouted pitifully and whined, "Uncle Zi..."


    "Yes, my little cartoon?"


    "How can you call me a cartoon?"


    "I called you ''my'' little cartoon."


    "Oh, then it''s okay."


    "HAHA!"

 316 Rage!

    "Ying Jie, what are you doing?"


    Xiu didn''t even realize when she started addressing Ying as a sister. Perhaps it was because Ying was older than her or perhaps, it was because of the comfortable aura around her. However, one thing was certain that Xiu had called her sister on instinct without realizing it herself.


    "Oh, I''m making some tea. Would you like some?" asked Ying as she looked at Xiu who followed her.


    "Which tea is it?" inquired Xiu as she tried to discern from the scent that was lingering in the air.


    "Oolong tea," answered Ying and added, "Zizi and Yi both like to drink tea after their meals." She was trying to tell Xiu about the different habits of members of this family. "Can you bring some cake from the pantry? Weiwei can''t drink tea without her favorite pastries." Xiu nodded and immediately turned towards the door of the huge pantry that was located at the side of the kitchen.


    Holding the tray with two teacups, Ying had just turned when a resounding slap was landed on her cheek making her stumble. Because the impact came so suddenly, her hands trembled and the hot tea fell on her hand. Luckily, she was still wearing her sneakers otherwise her feet were going to burn as well.


    She didn''t even have to look up to know who was the person who slapped her. That''s why she kept her head down to restraint herself from erupting with fury. But the other person wasn''t even trying to be calm and rational as her since Qiu Meihui held her arm and shook her violently. Coincidently, her fingers were wrapped around the same place where Ying already had a bullet wound. It made her wince in pain.


    "Can you drop this act of yours already?!" Qiu Meihui screamed at her in loud voice. "You deserve a Grammy for this performance of yours yet again."


    "Performance?" Ying raised her head as she repeated her words.


    "Yes! Performance! This I''m miss goody-two-shoes act of yours is getting old now! Get over it already!" Qiu Meihui shrieked making Ying close her eyes in frustration. "You can convince everyone with this act of yours but I won''t fall for it!"


    "Good riddance! I wasn''t trying to impress you in the first place," rebutted Ying with a smile while trying to hold in her pain. Her hand was trembling because of the severe burn and her wound was stinging badly now all over again. Oh, how badly she wanted to slap the other woman as well but couldn''t!


    Qiu Meihui scoffed at her in mockery, "Are you that desperate for attention? Why can''t you leave my family alone? Because of you, my mother is not even willing to look at me!"


    "Because of me?" Ying''s brows quirked up in mock amusement.


    "Yes! It''s because of you! It''s because of how perfect you had been in her eyes that she never saw anything good in me. You stole her love from me. And you''re doing that even now!"


    "YOU!"


    "Lower your voice!" Ying retorted with her eyes changing from a mild annoyance to full-blown rage. "I can also raise my voice and I can do it better than you. But I won''t do it since there are other people in the house." She took a long breath before saying, "You really think I stole your mother? I barely meet her once or twice a year. How can I steal her from you? I don''t even want to steal anyone!


    "It''s your own incompetence that pushed your mother away. Who told you to be so headstrong? When your mother asked you to marry Ah Li, you fought with her and ran away from home. Then you suddenly brought a man and announced that you''ll marry him at any cost. Weiwei tried to convince you so many times that he wasn''t a good person but did you listen? Apparently, not! You went ahead and cut off your ties with the family. Then after a year or so, he divorced you with nothing but a pregnant belly. Weiwei still held on to you. But what did you do?"


    Ying was circling around her as a predator while she spoke everything that made Qiu Meihui''s face darken. However, Ying wasn''t done yet.


    "You repeatedly insulted your mother. Because of you she even stopped socializing with others because she didn''t want to be embarrassed again. Do you think I impress her with my white lotus act? Then let me remind you that there is another girl in the house who seems to be your mom''s favorite at the moment. Is she also trying to steal your mother from you?"


    Ying definitely was referring to Xiu since she had already seen how fond Weiwei appeared to be of her. Besides, in her own opinion, there was actually nothing not to like about Xiu. And if one says that she was acting, that''d be bullshit!


    "Just because your act of push and pull works on Ah Li, don''t test me! Only Ah Li is fool enough to love a person like you who only knows how to love herself! I, however, can be the fool who loves him even knowing his desperation for you but I still am not dumb enough to actually bear with your spoilt brat act. Last time, I let you slap me because Ah Li was involved, this time I''m letting it go because it''s your family house. Next time, touch me and watch me burn your whole life into ashes."


    For the first time, Qiu Meihui saw the intimidation in Ying''s eyes. She had always seen Ying in a kind and gentle demeanor. It was her first time realizing that Ying was really not as simple as she seemed. And it actually made her heart to jolt in fear.


    Ying finally picked up a towel and wiped her hands as she said, "I''ve never hated you but I''m warning you, don''t get on my nerves. I''m really not as nice as I appear to be. And trust me, you won''t be able to handle the other side of me."


    Saying that she shoved open the backdoor and walked out without looking back. Every person had a limit, she had hers as well. When she never thought about hurting others, why would others still blame her? Was it her fault that Zhao Wei didn''t want to talk to Qiu Meihui who on her own accord had walked out of this house? Was it her fault that she just wanted to make everyone happy? If her one smile could make others feel better, was she wrong in doing so?


    In fact, Ying never even thought that she wasn''t good enough for Xin Xiaoli. She knew she had flaws as well but she was proud of those flaws that made her who she was. If Xin Xiaoli couldn''t see the goodness in her, it was his loss. She could cry for him, but she wasn''t willing to beg for the love that wasn''t hers, to begin with!


    "Shit!" Ying cursed out as she hit her head against the wall lightly. This outburst of hers was so uncalled for. She felt something on her cheek and raised her hand to touch her cheek only to realize that she was crying. "Wow! Now you''re acting like a crybaby! Fool!" she scorned at her own behavior.

 317 Drinking Partners

    Xiu who had gone to explore the pantry didn''t expect to stumble upon this scene between Yan Ying and Qiu Meihui. She had silently stood and listened to everything. It was a very bad habit to eavesdrop but even if she didn''t try to eavesdrop, their voices were loud enough to reach her. She watched Yan Ying storming off and waited until Qiu Meihui stomped away before she came out and look at the mess.


    She really didn''t expect that her curiosity would be fed so soon with all the answers that had been running through her mind. But these answers left her in a very complicated mood. Cleaning up the mess from the floor, she poured the rest of the tea again in cups and took it outside with a heavy heart.


    As she placed the tray down, Zhao Wei was the first one to speak, "Xiu, why did you bring it? Where is Yingying?"


    Xiu bit her lips before saying, "Ying Jie made the tea and left. She got something to do." The only reason why she dared to say this lie was because she had an intuition that Ying wasn''t gonna come back inside.


    Sure enough, just then Xin Zimen''s phone buzzed, and after reading the text he said, "That little lass ran off again. She said something urgent came up."


    "A new artifact must have come that''s why she''s so eager to leave," Zhao Wei shook her head knowing Ying''s nature very well.


    Xiu was glad that they didn''t notice that something was amiss. However, she overlooked the look that Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi shared. No matter how Ying would lie, they knew her very well.


    "It''s either your son," began Qiu Jiayi.


    "Or your daughter," finished Xin Zimen.


    They both shook their head as they whispered simultaneously, "One of them definitely messed up again." They had definitely hit the mark with that. After all, they both knew that the only people who could effect Ying in this house were either Xin Xiaoli or Qiu Meihui.


    ....


    Yan Ying who had chosen to leave quietly was now sitting in a bar. There was no drink before her, she was merely staring into space with a blank look on her face. As her phone buzzed, she picked up the call without even looking at the caller id.


    "Did you find my cousin?" came the voice from the other side.


    Ying rolled her eyes as she replied, "Cali, do you really think I am God? It''s only been a few hours. Have some patience, will you?"


    "I can''t," replied Cali sounding really tensed. "I had a really bad dream and I just can''t shake off this bad feeling from my heart. She''s my only relative left. Do you know how that feels?"


    Ying''s eyes drooped down, "Believe me, I do know how it feels."


    "Huh?"


    "Nothing. How about grabbing a drink with me?" offered Ying out of nowhere.


    Cali frowned at her words as she said, "But you don''t like drinking."


    "You''re at the hotel?"


    "Hmm..."


    "I''ll be down in a minute," said Cali and hung up the call.


    Taking her wallet and keycard for the room, she went out. She took the elevator to the floor where she knew the bar was and entered. It was early evening and the crowd inside wasn''t that much which made it very easy for Cali to spot Ying. As she walked closer she noticed that Ying was staring at something in her hand with a very sad look in her eyes.


    Standing right beside her, she looked at the thing in Ying''s hand. It was the chain around her neck that had two platinum rings looped in together. Cali frowned to see it since it seemed like the rings were a set more precisely, it appeared to be wedding rings.


    Since Ying didn''t notice her presence, she tapped her shoulder before perching down beside her. "Don''t you have any other friends to accompany you?" Ying had just opened her mouth when Cali answered her own question, "Sorry, I forgot you don''t have any friends."


    Ying didn''t retort. There was no snide or playful remark from her side which Cali hadn''t expected. Instead, she simply questioned, "So, what drink would you suggest doctor?"


    "Huh?"


    "My heart is hurting. Or maybe it''s feeling empty. I can''t tell really. All I know is that it sucks. So, can you suggest a drink that would numb this pain in my chest?"


    Cali clicked her fingers together to call the server and ordered the drinks. She placed six shots before Ying and six before herself. "Although I don''t know why you''re so down, I think this might help in feeling numb. At least, until the effect wears off." Ying was about to pick up a shot when Cali stopped her. "But I''m warning you, this is gonna leave a really bad headache in the morning. Are you still up for it?"


    "I don''t think I can feel any worse," said Ying as she downed the vodka shot in her head and grimaced at the burning taste. "It stings."


    Cali laughed at her reaction, "Just because it looks like water doesn''t mean it''ll taste like it as well." Saying that she picked up her own shots one by one and downed all six without a pause making Ying gape at her in surprise. "Ssss... It tastes just like I remember it."


    Ying furrowed her brows, "Remember it? From your drinking ways, I believe you have it on daily basis."


    Cali chuckled, "Nope! It''s been a year since I actually drank such strong alcohol. Being a doctor isn''t easy when you never know when you''ll be called back on duty. In high school and college, I used to have it on a daily basis but now... Sigh." She shook her head to herself.


    Ying placed one of her shots in front of her as she raised her own, "Then doc, drink all you want tonight. I''ll pay."


    Cali raised her brows, "You think I can''t pay for my own drinks?"


    "You know that''s not what I meant," said Ying knowingly while she poured the second shot into her mouth. The burn was still strong but now it wasn''t unexpected.


    While she picked up her third shot, Cali held her hand, "What happened to your hand?" Ying tried to retract her hand but she didn''t let go, "It looks like a burn." She looked into her eyes, "Aren''t you feeling anything?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders as she drank the third shot and slurred, "I thought my chest pain was far worse than this." She hiccuped and her head fell on the tabletop.


    "No wonder you don''t like drinking," muttered Cali to herself as she saw with her own eyes how Ying was knocked out with only three shots. She really had the worst alcohol tolerance she had ever seen! Sighing out, she finished the rest of her shots and looped her arm around her neck to support her body. "Dang! You''re heavy, missy!"


    Although she was complaining, she still took Ying to her suite and dropped her on the bed carelessly. She brought the first aid box and started treating the burn on her hand. She was about to stand up when she noticed a red stain on the white sheets. With knitted brows, she rolled Ying over and pulled up her sleeve.


    A gasp escaped her mouth at the sight of her wound that was bleeding. She really wanted to slap this idiot girl who was drinking with her body injured like that. What the hell was she even thinking? But she had already seen her swollen cheek, so she refrained from slapping her.


    Instead, she pinched her nose, "You idiot! Are you that tired of living? Why are you beaten blue?"


    In her drunken stupor, Ying slapped her hand away. "You! Just because you''re seeing me at my weak moment, don''t think I''m weak. Ying is still very strong. Ying just has some weak moments like these."


    Cali didn''t know what to say to that. She could only silently bring her own medical box to treat her wound. She had a doubt that it was a bullet wound. "I guess this is why you ditched me that day."

 318 Midnight Chats

    Dylan had finally come to his room and fell face down on his bed without any care. He was really tired now after running around the whole day. He rolled over on his back as he picked up his phone and opened the photo gallery.


    ''What is she to you?''


    Xiu''s words rang in his mind as he stared at the photo on his phone. His brows knitted up tightly as he wondered out loud, "What is she to me?" He sat up as he answered his own question, "Isn''t she just a friend? A really cool and amazing friend."


    ''Didi, we don''t keep a friend of a friend''s photo on our phone for no reason at all.''


    As Xiu''s other words rang in his mind, his frown got deeper. "But I have Dazi''s photos as well..." he tried to reason with no one in particular as he looked through his gallery and realized that even though he had Darren''s photos, it was either a group photo or a shot they took together.


    But it was completely different when it came to Cali''s photos that he had, after all, most of hers were solo shots and were taken personally as well.


    ''I think you either re-evaluate your relationship with her or delete those photos.''


    Dylan chewed on his lips as he thought deeply about Xiu''s suggestion. "Re-evaluate my relationship with Cali? But there is nothing to re-evaluate." He reasoned with himself and pressed the screen to delete the photo. However, his thumbpad only hovered above the confirmation box, he couldn''t bring himself to press ''confirm''.


    "This doesn''t make me a stalker. Not at all!" He assured himself.


    ....


    Cali had just taken a shower and lied down at the big couch in the sitting area. Her bed was occupied by Ying but there was another reason why she was on the couch, being on-call in the hospital had left her with a habit of sleeping at odd places. So, she found the couch rather more comfortable than the bed.


    With her arm over her eyes, she closed her eyes. It hadn''t even been five minutes when her cellphone''s vibration made her groan in exasperation. She took it from the table and accepted the call, however, the other person hung up before she could even say hello.


    Cali frowned and looked at the screen. Her eyes went round in surprise when she saw the caller id. But then a trace of doubt flashed through her eyes.


    11:48 pm


    She read the time and felt even more strange. After thinking for a good minute, she called back.


    "Hello, who''s this?" came a prompt reply as if the other person was holding the phone in his hand all this while. However, his answer made Cali raise her brow.


    She really wanted to say that since he called first he must know who she was but chose not to. "Cali..."


    "Cali who?" came Dylan''s reply.


    "Regan''s high school friend," she really didn''t know why she was willing to play this dumb game with him. She hadn''t been this patient with anyone in her life.


    "You called first," answered Cali.


    "I did?" Dylan pretended to be uncertain before adding, "It was a mistake. Actually, I was gonna call... umm... a friend named... Cami. Yes. It was Cami but since your name Cali sounds so similar, I must have messed up."


    Dylan wanted to bang his head against the wall for such a dumb excuse. But his brain wasn''t working very well. He could only think of this at the moment. Besides, he originally wasn''t planning on calling her. It''s just that he accidentally dialed her number but hung up as soon as he could.


    Cali stayed quiet for a long moment and when he didn''t hear a reply, he frowned, "Hey? You there?"


    "Yeah..." she replied calmly.


    "So..." Dylan wanted to say something or perhaps wanted her to say something.


    "So?" she retorted.


    Dylan cleared his throat, "I heard you''re in my city."


    "I am," answered Cali shortly.


    "You even came to my house with Darren but chose to leave without saying hi," grumbled Dylan, not even realizing that he was sounding like a kid who was complaining. "It''s like you came to the doorstep and without knocking chose to leave."


    After a brief moment of silence, he heard her reply, "If I really decide to knock, are you willing to open the door?" ''Would you really be willing to open your heart if I really decide to give my best?'' She chose not to say those words out.


    "Why wouldn''t I open the door?" said Dylan with a frown completely not getting the hidden context behind her words. "In fact, today was such a good day. Everyone was here, you should have really come inside with Darren."


    Cali shook her head at him as her lips lifted up in a smile. "I can''t believe it..." ''That I really like a dense person like you.''


    "What?"


    "Nothing." She wasn''t gonna explain her words. Suddenly she recalled something. "Vier sent a painting for you," she stated as she was reminded of the painting that sat in her bedroom. She didn''t know why a person like Dylan was suddenly interested in paintings. After all, Dylan was really clueless about art. So, it was really surprising for her to know when her friend Xavier told her that Dylan had asked him to get this painting.


    "Oh, he found it?" Dylan was suddenly excited to hear that.


    "If he sent it with me, obviously, he found it," retorted Cali matter-of-factly.


    Dylan chose to ignore her way of speaking as he said, "Everything is good as long as he found it."


    "So... I''ll bring it to your office?" Cali questioned a bit doubtfully.


    "No!" came Dylan''s abrupt reply and her face fell. He sounded really against that idea. "You can''t come to my office." After all, Xiu was at the office and if Cali appeared there to meet him, Dylan knew she was gonna tease him for the next decade or so. He was not willing to go through that.


    "Oh, okay. Then I''ll give it to Regi. He''ll send it to you," said Cali as she thought of the only alternative that she found suitable. Because it seemed like the painting was quite important to Dylan otherwise, he wouldn''t be so against the idea of having it mailed to him.


    "Why would you give it to Dazi?" Dylan scowled at her words. "Is it that important for you to avoid me?"


    "I didn''t say that..."


    Dylan didn''t let her finish as he went on, "Yes, you meant that. Otherwise, why didn''t you just come to my house? You''re clearly at the door, does it look good to leave just like that from the door?" He really wasn''t over that. "And even now, you want to use Dazi. If Vier asked you to send the painting personally, you should be doing it personally!"


    Cali sighed out heavily, "Okay. Then we''ll have to meet somewhere."


    Dylan smiled to himself, "Where are you staying? I''ll come over right now."


    "Are you that eager to get your painting?"


    "No, I''m eager to see y..." he bit his tongue before he could complete his sentence. "I mean, you just give me the address."


    "Dylan, it''s midnight," reminded Cali.


    "So? You''re not Cinderella and I''m no Prince Charming who can''t meet after midnight," replied Dylan stubbornly making Cali laugh out. He really was THAT idiot who used a fairytale reference. Damn! It was really a wonder that she liked him so much.


    "I meant, I''m trying to sleep right now," answered Cali. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to see him but she really didn''t want him to drive over at this time.


    Dylan''s face fell slightly as he muttered, "You don''t wanna see me?"


    "What? No! That''s not what I said," Cali was really having a difficult time adjusting to his mood swings as always. She tried to calm herself as she added, "How about we meet in the morning? I''ll text you the place."


    Dylan thought about it for a while and nodded, "Okay. But you have to text right now."


    "Fine..." grumbled Cali.


    "Goodnight then!" said Dylan after getting the confirmation and hung up the call.


    Cali stared at the screen of her phone and smiled, "Goodnight to you too..."

 319 Pleasant Surprise?

    If Xiu had not brought up the topic of Dylan''s relationship with Cali, Dylan would have never thought about it himself. But since she did, it made Dylan constantly think about the whys in his life. For instance, why he kept Cali''s photos? Why did he always pay attention to her? Why did he know about her likes and dislikes?


    And at the moment, why was he so excited and nervous to meet her?


    Right now, Dylan was standing outside the door of Cali''s suite with sweaty hands which he kept rubbing on his pants. It was really unknown to him why he was feeling so weird. It wasn''t the first time he was gonna see her. Then what was up with the anticipation bubbling in his heart? And what the hell was wrong with him?


    He knocked at the door and waited calmly. Well, at least he looked calm from his face but the turmoil in his heart was another story.


    The door opened after five minutes and since his eyes were stuck on the floor, what came to his view were bare feet, he slowly looked up. His eyes trailed upward at those bare legs and moving upward his eyes darkened a bit when he realized that the person at the other side of the door was only wearing a bathrobe.


    "Dylan? What are you doing here?" asked Cali as she looked at Dylan looking so dapper and that too so early in the morning.


    Dylan moved his eyes away from the drop of water that was dripping down her neck as it disappeared in the valley between her breasts. "I told you, I''ll see you in the morning."


    "Dylan, it''s 7 am." Cali thought of telling him the time since she thought he was really here mistakenly.


    "I know," said Dylan keeping his eyes on her face. ''I know what the time is, I just don''t know why I chose to come at this time!'' he was cursing himself inwardly but kept his face straight.


    "Forget it, come inside first," said Cali as she moved out of the way to allow him to come inside. Dylan followed her inside silently while looking around the suite room. Cali went to her room and soon brought out the painting packed really well. "Here..." she gave it to him.


    Dylan eyed her for a moment before saying, "Are you telling me to get lost?"


    "What?" Cali frowned at his words.


    "If that''s not your intention, then this can wait. You should..." he looked over at her before clearing his throat, "You should dress up first."


    Cali didn''t know why he was acting so weird. But she still nodded her head, "Okay, then you wait here. I''ll be right back." She went back to the bedroom to get dressed. Ying was still passed out on her bed with no care in the world. Cali didn''t think it was nice to wake her up so she let her sleep as if it was her own room.


    After dressing up she came out to find Dylan still sitting where she left him earlier. As he noticed her presence, he looked over and got up saying, "You didn''t have breakfast, right? Let''s grab something to eat."


    "Nothing. I just want to thank you for bringing over my parcel," replied Dylan with a smile as he walked towards her.


    "Oh, so you want to treat this delivery woman to a meal as your way of thank you?" retorted Cali. "When did you get so formal?"


    "What formal? It''s called being nice. And I have always been a nice person," Dylan reasoned stubbornly.


    "Yes, yes... You''re definitely a nice person," Cali played along with him with a playful smile.


    Later, Dylan eventually took her down for breakfast. They were just getting out of the elevator when Dylan bumped into a familiar face who beamed at Dylan before frowning, "Dylan, what a pleasant surprise seeing you here."


    ''Pleasant surprise? More like my nightmare!'' Dylan thought to himself before replying, "Hey, Nora! What are you doing here so early in the morning?"


    Meeting Nora here was considered a nightmare because he was very familiar with Nora and Xiu''s friendship. This chatter-box was definitely gonna gossip about him with her best friend and then he was gonna suffer at the hands of his dear sister-in-law.


    "There is an important guest coming and I have to receive him. It''s really annoying but work is work, right?" said Nora and finally her eyes caught sight of Cali standing beside Dylan trying to size her up.


    Dylan noticed the look of amusement in Nora''s eyes and tried to clear up, "This is not what it looks like."


    "Ah-huh!" began Nora before adding, "Dylan Qiu with a gorgeous lady... Early morning..." Nora nodded to herself. "This really isn''t what it looks like."


    Dylan hit her head saying, "I''m telling you it''s not. Stop assuming things." Nora scowled at him for hitting her head but stayed quiet as he went on, "This is Cali. Dazi''s friend."


    "And yours?" Nora insisted as she leaned closer to him intimidating him to answer her question.


    "My... My friend as well," Dylan stuttered his way through it. "I just came over so that we can have some breakfast together. She doesn''t know anyone here. I don''t want her to feel lonely or out of place. After all, we are hospitable people." Nora nodded her head but the look in her eyes didn''t change at all. Not even for a second, she was willing to believe Dylan''s words. What friend? He wouldn''t be here to accompany a friend over breakfast! At least, not just any friend!


    If it was Darren, she would believe it but it was not Darren. It was a woman and a very gorgeous one at that too. She was willing to bet anything that Dylan wasn''t here just for a friend.


    "She''s staying here?" asked Nora and Dylan nodded in response. Then she turned to Cali and introduced herself, "Hi, I''m Nora. If you have any problem, look for me. I''d be more than willing to help."


    "This is her dad''s hotel. Well, one of his hotels," cleared up Dylan for Cali while Nora just smiled looking at her. "If you really want to be of help, how about starting with a delicious breakfast?" Dylan again turned to Nora who scowled at his words.


    "Fine. Since Cali is Darren''s friend, I''m more than willing. Let me get the chefs to whip up an amazing breakfast for you," Nora was talking to Cali while Dylan pinched her shoulder.


    "What about me? She''s my... friend as well," She didn''t mention him even once. He was the one here but Nora acted like she was only treating them because Cali was Darren''s friend.


    Nora placed her hand over his shoulder and pushed him down a bit so that her face was right next to his ear as she whispered, "Your words are not believable enough." Dylan frowned at her while she patted his chest softly.

 320 Ex-Girlfriend?

    Dylan actually had grasped the true nature of Nora and Xiu''s friendship. Because just as he had thought, right when Nora turned away from him and Cali, her first instinct was pulling out her phone to call her best friend.


    As they say, good things are meant to be shared. So, how could Nora give up on sharing this good news with Xiu?


    "Hey, bestie! What''s up? Do you miss me so much that you couldn''t wait to call me?"


    Hearing Xiu''s exceptionally cheery voice, Nora could only roll her eyes.


    "Where are you?" asked Nora deciding not to answer Xiu''s questions at all.


    "I just came to the office," groaned Xiu before she went on, "And guess what? My boss is missing! He has a meeting in half an hour and then we have a flight to Lin City in two hours. But apparently, he doesn''t care. Even when I reminded him last night."


    Nora raised her brows in amusement before laughing out, "I say give up on waiting for him."


    "Huh? Why?"


    "Because your boss is busy with something more important," replied Nora.


    "Stop talking in riddles. You already know how sick I''m of riddles these days."


    Xiu''s exasperation made Nora give up her plan of dragging this on as she replied, "Okay, guess what! I just met Dylan at the hotel. Now, can you guess who he was with?"


    Xiu''s eyes narrowed and while she was about to say no, her eyes widened in sudden enlightenment, "A woman! Precisely a gorgeous western beauty!"


    "Bingo!" Nora answered bemused. "But how do you know that?"


    "I left a bug in that stupid brain of his, hope that bug is able to lead him to his own heart." Xiu was very certain about Dylan''s feelings for Cali. But she was also sure that her stupid boss was clueless to his own feelings. She had never seen him talking about a woman like he talked about Cali. That''s why she intentionally left the bug of doubt in his stupid brain.


    "Doesn''t seem like it," added Nora. "Because he seems like he''s still lost. He''s hesitant to claim that she is just a friend but he''s panicked when I said otherwise."


    "Hahaha..." Xiu laughed happily as Nora told her about the detailed encounter with Dylan. "Looks like I''ll have to go easy on him today for being late."


    "You should do that," agreed Nora. "Let the boy run after his future for once."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead as she looked at the file of the meeting agenda at her table and sighed out, "But what should I do with this meeting? I can reschedule the flight if I have to but I can''t do the same with the meeting since everyone is already here."


    "Handle it yourself," answered Nora decisively. "Don''t disturb him. I''m telling you just because he acts as a mistress in your relationship, you don''t have to do the same."


    "Ohh, I like the sound of that," Xiu blurted out as she heard Nora''s words.


    "Mhmm..." hummed Xiu in reply.


    "When will you back?"


    "In two days."


    "And how are you gonna survive these two days without your boyfriend?" Nora didn''t forget to tease her.


    "Of course, I can survive! As long as I''ll be able to hear his voice three times a day. No, maybe four. Okay, make that five."


    Nora laughed out at her best friend, "Xiu, why don''t you just pack him up and take him with you?"


    "That''s not a bad idea," Xiu smiled like a Cheshire cat as the plan started taking form in her mind.


    "Xiu!"


    "Relax... I wasn''t gonna do it. I know that he has to work as well. I can''t disturb him whenever I want to," Xiu acted the understanding girlfriend which was quite difficult to do. "No matter how much I miss him, we both have to focus on our jobs as well."


    "Ms. Bai, the meeting is about to start but Mr. Qiu is still not here," Nora heard a panicky voice from Xiu''s end.


    "Yeah, I know. Give me a minute, I''ll be there," Xiu answered to the speaker before she spoke to Nora again, "Nora, I''ll talk to you later. I have to handle this mess that my stupid boss has created for me."


    "Okay..."


    "I''m telling you, he should be thanking his luck for having an understanding sister-in-law like me as his E.A."


    Nora chuckled at Xiu but didn''t say anything before hanging up the call. She had already instructed the very best chef of the hotel to prepare a hearty meal for Dylan and Cali. She even instructed her staff to provide the best of the best for them. She looked over at the garden where a special table was set between the flower beds for Dylan and sighed out, "I can only do so much for you idiot! You better take advantage of this moment."


    "Ms. Cartwright, the guests are here."


    Nora nodded at the girl who informed her and followed her towards the entrance of the door.


    Meanwhile, Dylan was trying to read Cali''s expressions who actually had just a blank expression etched on her face as she looked at the very special treatment that Dylan was receiving. Even the chef himself came out with the food. And that looked really suspicious to her especially because of how Nora whispered to Dylan and patted his chest so carelessly.


    She really didn''t want to think about it so much. After all, Dylan had plenty of girlfriends in his life and she wasn''t planning on becoming one of those. However, she still couldn''t help it.


    "Everything okay?" voiced out Dylan finally and as Cali looked at him he went on, "You don''t like the food? Do you want anything else?"


    Cali frowned slightly as she looked at one of the most sumptuous breakfasts of her life. She really had no reason to say no it since every single thing on the table was according to her likes. And that was the reason Dylan was feeling so nervous again, he knew she liked all of this but then her expression made him doubt that he maybe he remembered wrong.


    "No, it''s good. I just don''t eat this much in the morning," said Cali in reply to his question.


    "You should give yourself a break today. Trust me you won''t regret it. If Nora did this all then I''m certain that everything is gonna be perfect. She doesn''t like doing things half-heartedly except for maybe chasing after a certain someone."


    Dylan didn''t know why he was blurting that out but he did. There was no way he had control over his own tongue. Seeing her, he just wanted to keep talking and talking. He knew she was a quiet person but he hated the silence between them. Because the silence allowed his brain to think and his brain would only think the worst-case scenarios.


    That''s why he was either arguing with her or running away from her. However, he was certain about one thing, he hated arguing with Cali. Because unlike Xiu, Cali would always give in to him. She would always lose on purpose and irked him how she loved being so accomodating to him. After all, when it came to be being headstrong, Dylan could bet that Cali was no less than Xiu.


    "You seem to know her well," stated Cali without even realizing that she sounded different.


    But how would the clueless Dylan notice the change in her tone? "Hmm... I actually know her for a long time now. We lost contact for a couple of years but I guess fate is a real thing. I found her again at the most unexpected time."


    "But I thought you don''t like staying friends with your ex-girlfriends," remarked Cali in the most casual tone she could muster up while Dylan choked on his food as he heard her.

 321 Troublemaker

    Dylan was looking horrified now as he tried to speak, "Ex what? Ex-girlfriend?" Cali simply shrugged her shoulders in response. "What makes you think that she''s my girlfriend?"


    "Didn''t you just say that it''s fate how you guys met again," stated Cali while taking a sip of her cappuccino e cornetto.


    "I think you''re misunderstanding something here," said Dylan. "Nora and me... Well, that''s a big no-no even in my next lifetime!" He even made a cross with his arms as if to emphasize his point. "She can be anything but my girlfriend."


    "Okay." Cali didn''t sound very convincing.


    "I said she''s not my girlfriend or ex-girlfriend. Damn! I never even had any thought of dating her. Not even for a fleeting moment," added Dylan as he kept staring at her face.


    "I said, okay."


    Dylan raked his fingers through his hair that he took an hour to set before coming here to see her and took a deep breath. His voice lowered down as he repeated, "She is really just a friend."


    Cali smiled faintly at his reaction. "Dylan, why are you explaining? It was just a stupid remark on my part. You don''t have to clear up your relationship status for me." She turned back to eating but noticing that Dylan was still looking at her, she softly added, "Mommo, calm down already. Just eat."


    Dylan had no idea what ''Mommo'' actually meant but he could say that whenever she spoke Italian, it sounded real good. But it was uncertain that if Dylan knew that ''Mommo'' actually translated to ''Dumb boy'' what would be his reaction?


    However, since he didn''t know the meaning, he just smiled like an idiot before nodding his head resuming to eat his pancakes. "How long are you staying for?"


    "It depends," answered Cali leaning back in her chair.


    "Depends on what?"


    "It depends on how long it takes me to find what I am looking for." Her answer was vague but it at least gave Dylan the impression that she wasn''t leaving that soon. Well, that was a relief. As for why it was a relief, he didn''t know and he wasn''t gonna waste time thinking about that as well.


    "Do you need help?" offered Dylan blinking his eyes at her.


    "Thanks for the offer, Pimpi (Prince). But I''m good for now," she turned him down since she didn''t want him to get involved with the family matters of hers that were getting too complicated for even herself. Seeing how his face fell, she added, "I''ll let you know if I really need any kind of help from you."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her as he grumbled, "I know you won''t. Even if you do need help, you''d rather look for Dazi then me."


    Cali''s brows quirked up in amusement, "That''s because you often like creating more problems for me than solving them."


    "When did I do that?"


    "High school. You asked me to take you out to find a gift for your girlfriend, and we ended up getting into a fight with a group of students from another school."


    "For the millionth time, Dylan, he was not flirting with me!"


    "He asked for your number!"


    "I think you easily seem to forget that I was in the soccer club and because of that he was asking for my number so we can decide for a place to have a practice match before the real game. But you ended up punching him without any rhyme or reason."


    "No matter how many times you say that I don''t believe it!"


    Cali gave up on explaining any further than that. They had had this conversation way too many times and it always ended with Dylan saying that he wasn''t convinced at all.


    "My question is still the same. Even if he was flirting, why did you get into a fight for me?"


    "Because... You''re a friend."


    "That just really makes me wonder what kind of mess did you created for your first love when someone so much as dared to talk to her."


    Dylan went silent. He was sitting still staring into space as he thought about what she just said. Did he really get into a fight for his first love? The answer would be, yes! But it was different because the one he fought was his first love''s brother and not her suitor. He never had to encounter anything like that with his first love.


    "I''m sorry for bringing her up." Dylan''s trance broke as he heard Cali''s voice. She thought he was so silent because she brought up his first love again. It must have saddened him again. But that wasn''t true at all. "I didn''t think she''d affect you this much even now."


    "Affect me? Even now?" Dylan asked with a scoff. "I''d be the real fool if I''d let her name control my emotions."


    "If she doesn''t have that control over you, then why are you still single? Why are you insisting on not trying to find your own happiness? Why do you not want to settle down?"


    Dylan looked at her face for a moment longer before saying, "Perhaps, I didn''t find that special someone who would make me want to settle down."


    "Or maybe, you''re not even looking for that special someone," retorted Cali.


    "You''re talking as if you have found the one for you."


    "Who knows... Maybe I have found THE ONE..."


    Dylan''s face looked serious as he stared at her, "Really?"


    Cali was gonna play around a bit but the look in his eyes really bothered her as she shook her head, "No, silly. Where would I find that special someone? I was stuck in hospital for years."


    "But there is always a possibility of finding a handsome patient or a handsome doctor. You never know..." Although Dylan was talking in a calm tone, inwardly he was going insane waiting for her answer.


    "Dating a patient? No thanks, that''s against my policy. As for dating a colleague? That''s too boring..." She looked around carelessly as she added, "I''d rather date someone who loves creating troubles for me."


    "So you''re looking for a troublemaker?"


    "Don''t have to look..." Her eyes lingered on his face for longer than it was necessary as if she was trying to convey something but Dylan''s brain was too simple-minded to get the hint that he was the said troublemaker!

 322 Mood Dampener

    Nora was standing at the reception listening to the staff''s report when she saw Dylan and Cali coming her way. Dylan stood before her and smiled brightly, "Thanks for the breakfast, FRIEND!" The way he chose to emphasize ''friend'' made Nora almost burst out laughing but she had to purse her lips to hold back.


    "You''re most welcome, FRIEND!" replied Nora in the same way that he spoke.


    Dylan leaned closer to her and said, "I don''t know why but people are really misunderstanding us." Nora frowned at his words while he went on, "I mean, Ah-Si already thinks that you like me and now Cali also thought we were more than friends. I''m telling you this is insane."


    "Ah-Si thinks I like you?" repeated Nora with furrowed brows.


    "Yes... That''s why he was so mad at me." Dylan didn''t even think about holding back as he went on, "He must have thought that I''d steal you from him but I never had any intention to do so." Saying that he turned to Cali and smiled again. His mood shifted at the speed of light, "Bye, Cali! I''ll see you later."


    He was rushing away when Cali called out, "Oi! What about your painting?"


    Dylan looked over his shoulder, "I''ll take it next time. Take care of it till then." He waved at her and ran away. He definitely wasn''t gonna take the painting with him. If he did, he was gonna lose his only excuse to see her. Although he shouldn''t be needing an excuse to see a friend, it was different this time around.


    Cali was shaking her head when Dylan ran back to her and she widened her eyes at him in surprise. "What?"


    "I forgot..." he smiled sheepishly.


    "What did you-"


    Cali''s words died down in her throat as Dylan pulled her in a bear hug taking her by surprise. He was squishing her like a real teddy bear making it hard for her to even breathe. He finally let go and lifted his hand to pat her head and as he muttered, "I''m really happy to see you in my city." He turned around and ran back leaving a stunned Cali staring at his back.


    She had always been surrounded by her guy friends and yet none of them dared to give her a hug since she hated it. Everyone knew if you hugged Cali, the only reply would be a punch and a broken nose. But Dylan was that exception in her life who intentionally hugged her every single time they met. He would catch her at unexpected times and run away before she could hit him. That stupid person didn''t even know that she never wanted to hit him.


    "Porca miseria! Quando mi fai questo, perdo la testa." [1]


    Nora who had been lost in her thoughts had come back to reality when she had seen Dylan acting like that. But then she heard Cali muttering in Italian and smiled to herself. Cali turned around to leave for her room when she noticed Nora''s smile directed towards her.


    "You understood what I said, right?" Cali didn''t know why but Nora''s eyes spoke volume.


    "Don''t tell him that," said Cali.


    Nora smiled slightly. "What? The fact that he makes you lose your mind or that you''re in love with him?" Cali pursed her lips trying not knowing what to say. "Don''t worry. Even if I scream it at his face, he won''t know it. I mean if he is dense enough to not notice the look in your eyes, I hardly think anything can help."


    Cali couldn''t help but chuckle as if mocking herself. "Well, he isn''t the brightest of people in my life but he''s the brightest star in my life."


    Nora patted her shoulder saying, "Let him know that before it''s too late." It wasn''t every day that Nora would give a word of advice to just anyone. Her advice no matter how silly or useless were only reserved for her best friend. But she chose to say these words to Cali because she knew it personally how it felt when you''re too late in telling your feelings.


    ....


    Xiu had just finished the meeting when she saw Dylan skipping around his way to his office. Her face twitched to see his happiness but she decided to go easy on him. After all, the impending rain on his parade was actually his own doing.


    "Having a good morning?"


    Xiu''s voice startled Dylan so much that he almost screamed. Her smile didn''t look friendly. No, it looked like something was not right.


    "You missed the morning meeting with the departments'' heads," informed Xiu. "I have already taken care of it." Dylan was surprised that she wasn''t screaming at him for missing an important meeting. Weren''t they launching a new product? And the meeting was about the launch of it? It was definitely important, then why was she acting like nothing was wrong? "Now, where is your suitcase?"


    "Suitcase?" asked Dylan in confusion.


    "Yes, we have a flight to catch in..." she checked the time and continued, "precisely 45 minutes."


    Dylan''s eyes widened as he was reminded that Xiu had been reminding him about their visit to the Lin City to look around the factory to see the manufacturing of the product and also to have a discussion with the labor union. But last night, he was really lost in his own world and completely forgot. See! He knew something was wrong here!


    "Don''t have it?" Xiu inquired seeing him silent and sighed out. "Good thing, I arranged your suitcase already." She turned around and pulled her own suitcase while shoving his in his hand. "Now, shall we?"


    "You''re not looking for my answer, were you?"


    "Nope..." went on Xiu without sparing him a glance.


    Before coming to the office, he was so excited that he would be able to hang around with Cali since she was in his city now and was also going to stay. But who knew his mood dampener was so prepared! He could only silently follow Xiu to the car and sit down. She had already arranged for the driver and everything. She really was well-prepared to catch him.


    "Xiu..."


    "Yes?"


    "Can''t we postpone this visit?"


    Xiu glared at him. "No. I''m not willing to say goodbye to my boyfriend once again just because you are not feeling like going. You should know, I hate goodbyes. So, keep your mood swings in check here since you''re the one who decided on this visit. I''m just following your orders like a good E.A."


    Dylan looked out the window as he grumbled, "But I didn''t get to say even a goodbye!"


    [1] "Damnit! When you do this to me, I lose my mind!"

 323 Trouble & Danger

    Ying opened her eyes to a brightly lit room and squinted her eyes. Her dry mouth felt sticky with thick saliva. A slight movement of her body made her moan in pain as the headache was clear tell-tale of what she did last night. She wanted to retreat under the duvet to escape from the ache that ebbed and flowed like a cold tide through her skull.


    A wave of nausea hit her hard making her run towards the bathroom. She needed to throw up and empty her guts before flushing her last night''s shame along with it.


    She was drained after puking her guts out and leaned her head against the cold glass wall of the shower. She had just closed her eyes to rest a bit when she heard, "You''re finally awake."


    Ying opened her eyes slowly and looked at Cali. She tried to smile but it was tiring. She barely made a sound at the back of her throat in reply. Ying licked her cracked and dehydrated lips as she continued to stay in the same position.


    Cali was amused by her condition. She could tell in a glance that Ying wasn''t used to this. It really surprised her that someone like Ying was actually not good at either drinking or handling her alcohol. In fact, she was the worst one Cali had ever come across in her life.


    "Would you like some water? Or should I bring some more vodka for you?" Cali teased Ying on purpose. Ying who was barely holding on cringed at the thought of alcohol before crawling to throw up again as the reminder of alcohol was enough to make her feel nauseous. Cali laughed at her softly before crouching down beside her to hold her hair while rubbing her back softly. "If you know your limit, why did you push yourself?"


    Ying looked at the blurry image of Cali before her because of the water that had gathered in her eyes. "I''ll be a dog if I drink again."


    "That''s the hangover talking now," said Cali before helping her up. "Wash up, I''m gonna find some clothes for you."


    Just as Cali turned to leave, she heard Ying say, "Thanks."


    Cali smiled to herself. She knew why she was thanking her. But she really didn''t think it was necessary. "You''re helping me, so I helped you in return. I don''t think there is anything to be so thankful for."


    ....


    *Knock!*


    Cali got up to open the door of her suite room and let the room service wheel in the trolley of food that she ordered for a certain someone suffering from a hangover. Just as she closed the door, she saw Ying coming out of the bedroom wearing her clothes and it made her face twitch.


    Even though Ying could be considered a tall girl compared to Asian girls but before Cali''s exceptional height, she was small. That''s why Ying had to roll her jeans three folds to make it acceptable for her size. As for the shirt, it was way too loose on Ying''s dainty looking figure and that''s why it looked so weird.


    Cali shook her head at Ying as she asked, "How did you manage to hold the jeans up?"


    "By using my emergency pins," shrugged Ying as she shoved a berry into her mouth with delight.


    "And what are you gonna do with the shirt? You look like a homeless person this way," remarked Cali.


    Ying scrunched up her face slightly before she held the hems of the shirt and tied a knot in the middle making it a little more presentable than before. "Have you seen my cellphone?"


    Cali went over to unplug her cellphone from the charging and threw it towards Ying who caught it with ease. "It''s been ringing all night and only went silent when the battery died. So, I put it on charge for you." Ying hummed in reply as she turned on her cellphone and it started buzzing non-stop. "Looks like someone''s really missing you."


    Ying shook her head at Cali who flipped open a magazine to read before she dialed the number that had called her the most number of times. "Hey, Uncle Kuan!"


    "Young miss, where are you?" came the voice of the person who was trying to keep his voice as leveled as it was possible. "I''ve been trying to contact you since last night. It''s already midday and I still don''t know where you are."


    "Take a deep breath, Uncle Kuan!" said Ying. "I was with a new friend I made and lost track of time. You''re worrying for no reason."


    There was silence at the other end before she heard, "So, you didn''t go to Yan Residence?"


    The smile on Ying''s face stiffened slightly before she loosened it up saying, "I promised Zi that I won''t go home alone. I don''t like going back on promises."


    "That''s good. That''s very good," Uncle Kuan said heaving a sigh of relief. "When are you coming back?"


    Ying''s brows knotted up before she replied, "Not sure. I have some work to finish up, so I might go to the headquarters from here. And most probably, I''ll be staying there until I find a lead to follow on."


    After talking for another five minutes, she hung up the call and continued to eat her breakfast which was actually considered lunch for others with a content look. Cali was really surprised to see her like that. Just last night, the look in her eyes reminded her of a broken person and now, she looked like the happiest person in this world. This disparity between the Ying she saw last night and the one before her right now was too much.


    "That wound on your arm," began Cali making Ying look up slightly as well. "Is it a gunshot?" Ying chewed on the food while nodding her head in reply. "Is that the reason why you didn''t show up to receive me at the airport?"


    "Kind of," answered Ying. Taking a sip of the fresh fruit juice, she went on, "If it was just a wound, I''d have come to see you at any cost. But the problem is, I was knocked out. So, that''s how I missed the time for our meeting."


    "How did you get it?"


    Ying chuckled at her question, "How do people get shot?" Cali squinted her eyes making Ying stop laughing on her own.  "That''s not for you to worry about. The less you know, the better."


    Cali nodded her head in agreement. "So are you not going home because you have to look for my cousin?"


    "Not really. I just don''t want to go home."


    Cali frowned a little as she voiced out, "Why is that?"


    "No one is waiting for me there except for responsibilities and loneliness. I can shoulder the responsibilities but the loneliness is a bit overwhelming when you''re not used to it."


    Cali''s eyes flashed with surprise at her words. "About that burn on your hand and that mark on your cheek..."


    "You''re asking way too much."


    "I know, but I can''t help it. You looked like a mess last night. So, I''m just wondering if that swollen cheek and the hand burn were..."


    "I let my guard down," said Ying before she could ask anything. "I usually don''t do it but whenever this heart gets involved, I always tend to lower my guard." Cali bit her lip while she stared at Ying who was still as calm as before. "This is why I have decided not to follow my heart from now on. That bitch always gives the wrong direction and I have to suffer for no reason."


    Cali ended up smiling at her words. She knew Ying wasn''t gonna share much with her since if she didn''t dare talk at her most vulnerable drunk state than there was no way that she was gonna reveal anything in her sober state. However, whatever Ying was willing to reveal had already left a strong impression on Cali.


    As Darren once said, Cali was fond of troubles. And Ying''s was shrouded in trouble and dangers from head to toe. It intrigued her to befriend this friendless girl who was too good at hiding herself behind her smiling persona.

 324 Kidnapping!

    "Nono, where are you taking me?"


    Jackie''s eyes were looking out the window at the unfamiliar route that his dearest sister took. Unexpectedly, Nora was the one who came to pick him up from school today. He didn''t have a good feeling seeing his sister smiling at him with opened arms and now that she was driving towards the road which definitely didn''t lead to the house, he was certain she was up to something.


    "This is not the way to our house and neither is this road gonna lead to your apartment. So, where are you taking me?"


    "It''s a surprise, little brother," chirped Nora with amusement flickering through her eyes. Jackie was quite familiar with her shenanigans and it really was a wonder how these two were actually siblings.


    "Are you kidnapping me?" Jackie shrunk himself towards the door as he gasped in horror.


    "Hoho!" Nora played along with his act. "How did you figure it out so soon? I''m gonna bring you to an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere and then..."


    "Then you''re gonna tie me up and torture me with your hilarious acts blah blah blah..." Jackie oh so generously finished up her ridiculous nonsense. "Be original, Nono. That''s really old school."


    "Hey! How can you call your sister old?" Nora wasn''t pleased with the way her seven-year-old brother was actually being contemptuous towards her. "Besides, I won''t torture you with my hilarious acts, I might resort to tickling you."


    Seeing her eyebrows dancing around, he could only shake his head in disappointment.


    "Oh, sorry. I should be calling you a toddler since your brain has stopped growing after that." Jackie''s derision made Nora''s face twitch.


    "Oi, little one! Just because you love acting like a grandpa, doesn''t mean I have to as well. I''m still young and free and wild. Well, mostly wild but you got the point right?"


    Jackie leaned his head against the windowpane and looked out the window saying, "You should feel ashamed of yourself. At the age of raising a kid, you''re proud to act like one yourself."


    "Bro, I''m turning 25 next month, why are you acting like I''m some kind of 30-year-old cougar?" She scowled to herself as she grumbled, "I made an effort to catch a break from work so that I can pick up my favorite brother from school and spend some bonding time with him. And here he is insulting me. This is why I say you''re the adopted one!"


    "Who cares even if I am the adopted one?" Nora was surprised that Jackie didn''t create a scene after hearing that as always. "If being an adopted one can make you act like my personal driver, then why not?"


    "I''m your elder sister, can you please show me some respect?"


    Jackie shrugged his shoulders looking at her, "I try my best." He turned his head to look around and frowned. "You brought me out for shopping?!"


    Nora''s satanic laughter made Jackie cringe. "Welcome to this..." she pointed at her nose as she went on, "Toddler''s world of candies." She alighted from the car feeling pleased with herself. She helped him down and said, "Let''s have some fun my dearest brother."


    Jackie slapped her hand away which was ruffling his hair in an annoying way on purpose. He knew how much his sister loved shopping. And indeed, shopping to Nora was like candies to toddlers. However, he didn''t want to accompany her on this shopping spree! She was gonna rake through every store and he''d be drained by the end of it.


    "Nono... My elder sister... My dearest sister... Let''s not go inside huh?" he hated the fact that he was too young and couldn''t drive a car otherwise he wouldn''t have to resort to whining like this before this annoying sister of his. His cellphone was at home, he couldn''t call anyone for help. And he didn''t have the money for a taxi as well.


    Nora smiled to herself seeing how he was acting like fish out of the water and grinned even widely. This was funnier than she expected it to be. She held his arm and dragged him along saying, "Oh, come on, Jackie! Don''t be a spoilsport now. Your dearest sister has brought you for some fun here."


    "I don''t fancy this kind of fun," he screamed at her catching the attention of people around.


    When Nora noticed how weird eyes she was getting from the crowd, she simply picked him up in her arms and whispered, "Be a good sport and I''ll buy you your favorite ice cream."


    "Don''t want it," he refused almost instantly.


    "Fine, fine. I''ll buy whatever you want," offered Nora. She rubbed her face with his making him blanch as she went on, "This sister only wants to have some bonding time with her little brother. Are you really that heartless to not see your sister''s love for you?"


    "Quit the act, Nono! Xiu is still far better than you in acting. At least, she looks believable when she does it," argued Jackie with a straight face.


    "If Xiu''er was here, would you still be so reluctant?"


    "No, absolutely not," answered Jackie without any hesitation. "Because when Xiu says that she wants to spend time with me, she doesn''t have an ulterior motive like you." He flailed his arm trying to force her to put him down but she didn''t. After all, she knew how much he despised it when people treated him like a little kid. There was no better way than this to tease him. "You''re taking advantage of this situation now!"


    "Jackie, you have no idea. I brought you here not to take advantage of the situation but I plan on taking full advantage of you!"


    "What?!"


    "Hehehe..."


    Nora''s evil laughter was really getting on his nerve now. Was it that important for her to act like a hooligan? Ah! How he wished his Xiu sister was here to save him from this exploiter Nono of his. But since Xiu had gone to Lin City two days ago, he had no way of getting out of this situation. He could only give up his attempts to escape.


    "You''re gonna use me to ask mom to reactivate your cards right?"


    Nora quirked her brows at her little brother who really caught on her schemes way sooner than she thought he''d. Damn! He was good! No wonder Xiu always insulted her by using Jackie''s name since the younger one was actually way smarter than her.


    "Little bro, I''m feeling proud to be a genius'' sister right now."


    Jackie rolled his eyes at Nora who didn''t even bother hiding her true intentions this time.


    "You could have just asked nicely instead of kidnapping me." Nora didn''t reply and he added, "But if mom got to know that you kidnapped me, she''s gonna murder you."


    "Don''t worry. Dad will save me from his evil wife," replied Nora in reassurance.


    "You''re a real piece of work," said Jackie feeling depressed all of a sudden. "Now, I really have doubts about whether we are really siblings or not."


    Nora glared at him angrily. "Oi! Just because I tease you by calling you the adopted one, don''t you dare question our relationship. No matter how stupid I am, I''m still your elder sister and no one can change that. Not even you!"


    Jackie stayed quiet but nodded his head to show his acknowledgment. He didn''t just say it, he meant it when he said his sister was a real piece of work. She''d keep repeating for days that he was the adopted one but if anyone else questioned, she''d gouge their eyes out for questioning her bond with him.


    She kissed his cheek making him whine as she added, "Besides, I have a genius brother like you, my lack of intelligence can be ignored with you around." She kept coddling him like a teddy bear in her hands as she went on, "Would you really love me any less if I''m a little stupid?"


    "No..." Although it looked forced, Jackie still answered honestly.


    Nora giggled as she kept bugging him with her kisses, "This is why I love you so much. My little bunny!"

 325 Moms Little Sidekick

    "Don''t like it."


    "Too dark."


    "Too fancy."


    "Very plain."


    "Hideous!"


    This had been going on for the past hour with Nora. She would try out dresses and the little one before her would keep going on and on with his moodiness. How was he still not content? He didn''t like even a single dress till now and it was getting on her nerve now!


    "Oi! How can you call your sister hideous?"


    Nora finally lost her patience. She was wearing a ruffled skirt with a shimmery shirt. Although it was not her style, he couldn''t go as far as calling her hideous.


    "I called the dress hideous. If you think the comment was about you then..."


    Jackie left his words unsaid as if it was understandable already.


    Nora took a deep breath and crouched down before him saying, "Jackie, are you punishing your sister for bringing you here?"


    "No. Not at all. I''m actually enjoying myself," said Jackie with a smile. But the smile was like a fuel that was sprinkled on the fire burning inside Nora''s heart. Of course, he was having fun. Why wouldn''t he when all he had to do was sit comfortably and reject every single piece of clothing that she chose to try out.


    "Of course, you''re enjoying yourself," she sneered as she thought about how he was playing with her. Jackie knew that as long as he rejected a dress, his sister wasn''t gonna buy it. She was the most indecisive person he knew. She was always confused about her own feelings. So, it wasn''t hard to manipulate her. All he had to do was say that the dress didn''t look good on her and she''s believe it at any cost.


    Nora was getting a headache now. She was tired of trying out different clothes. The one hobby that she loved the most was actually making her want to smash her head somewhere now. What was the point of having all her cards re-activated? She was not even buying anything!


    "Jackie, are you hungry?" she asked in a defeated tone.


    "Yes, very much," answered Jackie with the same innocent smile that could fool anyone in thinking that he was a simple little kid. But only Nora knew what kind of schemer and evildoer this seven-year-old was.


    "Come, I''ll buy you some burger and fries," Nora offered her hand to him and took him out of another famous brand''s outlet. Her eyes were still lingering on the beautiful dresses but even if she tired those, she wasn''t gonna be able to buy because a certain evildoer was hellbent on dampening her mood.


    "Mom says that unhealthy food."


    "Mom''s little sidekick! I don''t give a fuck that''s junk food or whatever. I crave greasy and unhealthy food and that''s what I am getting."


    Jackie made a displeased look as he shook his head at his sister, "I''ll tell mom you used bad words."


    Nora pinched his cheeks violently as she said, "Is it necessary for you to report every word to mom? Why can''t you act like a sweet little brother, once in a while?"


    "And what about you hurting my feelings for an hour? Is that fair?"


    Jackie rubbed his red cheeks that she squeezed so hard and grumbled, "Well, I wasn''t lying though. Those dresses were all for those delicate and pretty kinds of girls. Xiu can pull those off, you can''t."


    "You think I''m not pretty?" Nora widened her eyes at her brother in disbelief. How could he insult her at every chance he got?


    "I didn''t say that," began Jackie. "You''re beautiful in your way. At least, way better than those girls who look like sticks. But you don''t have the delicate beauty. Your features are sharper and your figure is more on the plump side."


    "Wow! Now, I''m fat as well."


    Nora stomped her foot like a kid and went off towards the food court with Jackie following behind her with a straight face. He didn''t call her fat and she knew that. But she was really not in the mood to understand since she didn''t even get to buy even a single dress for herself. It was hurting her now.


    ....


    "What''s the urgent matter that you called me to the mall?"


    Yan Ying was in the middle of a seminar when Cali''s call disturbed her and made her abruptly leave as well. But when she came to the address that Cali sent, she could only scowl. What could be an urgent matter in a shopping mall?


    "I heard world''s top brands reside in this shopping mall," said Cali as she around at the crowd of people with nonchalance.


    "So?"


    "I need your help in selecting a gift," answered Cali with a straight face.


    Ying''s face twitched at her words, "This is your urgent matter?" Cali nodded in reply. "You actually called me out of an important seminar of mine to help you with shopping?"


    "Yes, I''m very bad at shopping. Actually, I can even count on my fingers the number of times I chose to come to a mall for shopping. And right now, I''m in need of an experts advice."


    Ying closed her eyes to keep herself from erupting in the middle of so many people. It wouldn''t be a good sight. "Don''t you have anything better to do? You''re disturbing me way too much these days." She took a brief pause before adding, "Besides, do I look like an expert in shopping to you?"


    "First of all, I''m not trying to bother you. It''s just that I don''t have any friends here and since you are the one who invited me, as a good host, you should accommodate me well. Second of all, you do look like someone who has a fair share of experience when it comes to shopping."


    Ying might not know that Cali had friends in this city. Although both of them were men, she still could use their company. However, one thing she did know was that there was no way that Cali was the kind of person who would need a friend to hang around with. She seemed more independent than that.


    "What kind of a gift are you looking for? And for whom?" Ying finally sighed in defeat.


    Cali smiled triumphantly as she replied, "I''m gonna meet a friend''s mother for the first time and I don''t wanna go empty-handed. That''ll leave a bad impression and I really don''t want that."


    Ying frowned. "Didn''t you say you don''t have any friends here? And why do you need to meet a friend''s mother out of nowhere? Or is that friend a little too special."


    Cali cleared her throat awkwardly before pushing her head away. "Stop thinking so much. You''re already here, wouldn''t it be better if you just helped me with my gift?"


    Suddenly someone bumped slightly into Cali who scowled and looked at the person who said a ''sorry'' in a hurry before joining his parade of uniformed people. "What''s with the protocol? Is it the President''s entourage or something?"


    Ying wasn''t paying attention to her as she looked at the group of bodyguards with familiar-looking uniforms and called out, "Ah-Si?"


    Xin Xiaosi who had been stuck between this group of people that his father assigned to his side heard Ying''s voice and stopped. He turned around and seeing Ying, he almost ran up to her.


    "Ying Jie, help!"


    "What''s wrong? Did someone say something? Or anything happened?"


    Ying asked frantically looking around and didn''t forget to look dangerously at the group of people following him who backed off instantly with that one look.


    "My little Princess is scared," said Ah-Si as he pointed at the little girl who was clinging to his neck. Ying frowned and he elaborated, "Dad said I can''t take Ava out without any protection. So, he left all of these people with me. But Ava is not comfortable with them around. Look, she''s not even willing to look up."


    Ying looked at the little baby who was hiding her face in her father''s neck and refused to look up. Then she turned to the bodyguards behind him and said, "Follow me..." Ah-Si only saw her taking all of them to a side and saying something to them. He didn''t know the context of the conversation but he could see how everyone was being submissive with their heads lowered before Ying.


    "She''s a cutie pie."


    Ah-Si heard a voice and finally noticed Cali''s presence. "Is she your daughter?" Ah-Si nodded in reply. "Hmm... She looks like you. So adorable."


    Ah-Si didn''t know what Cali did but now, Ava had finally looked up. Her big eyes were blinking in curiosity at Cali who was smiling at her brightly. Ah-Si couldn''t help but smile when he heard that his daughter resembled him. It made him feel proud for some reason.

 326 Turn Your Back On Me

    The next moment when Ah-Si looked over towards Yan Ying, he couldn''t find his entourage in sight. Only Yan Ying was the one walking towards him with her gentle smile as always.


    "Ying Jie, where did everyone go?" asked Ah-Si baffled at the thought that he had been trying to get rid of those bodyguards for so long, and yet Ying didn''t even take five minutes before succeeding.


    "They are around, they just won''t disturb you anymore," replied Ying as she stood before him.


    "Thank goodness..."


    Ying was poking the sides of the little baby girl in his arms as if trying to tickle her as she asked, "What brought you to the mall?"


    "I wanted to buy some stuff for Ava... Clothes, toys, necessities.."


    Ying bobbed her head up and down as she opened her arms as if inviting the little girl and to Ah-Si''s surprise, Ava actually reciprocated her action and jumped into Ying''s arms without any hesitation.


    He knew how much his daughter avoided strangers. Just how could she so easily leave his side now?


    However, while he was busy trying to wrap his mind around this new development, both the women before him were busy playing with the little girl who giggled and babbled in reply.


    "How old is she?" asked Cali.


    "Three," answered Ah-Si.


    Cali frowned a little, "And she still didn''t start talking?"


    Ah-Si shook his head as his eyes dulled a bit. Seeing that Cali didn''t look for any further answer as she suggested, "Let''s do this little one''s shopping first."


    "Even if you didn''t say it, I was gonna do exactly that," replied Ying as she kissed the little girl''s head and cooed in a baby voice, "We''re gonna buy Princess Ava''s new clothes. Let''s buy lots of toys as well. Okay? Baby like the idea?"


    Little Ava in her arms only giggled adorably making her heart swell. Gosh! Would it be wrong if she said that she wanted to steal this baby girl?! She was so cute just how was she supposed to let her go?!


    ....


    Fiery, juicy, greasy, and deliciously moist.


    That was the only way Nora could describe the burger in her hands. To Jackie, she looked sloppy with juice dripping down her chin and even her hands were stained. To even his surprise, this was actually her second large burger since he didn''t want to eat it, she went on to take his as well.


    As he took a sip of his soda, he narrowed his eyes at his elder sister. "Nono, what''s on your mind?"


    Nora looked up at him and shook her head back and forth.


    "I know my sister very well. You''re neither a shopaholic nor are you a junk food lover." Nora lifted her eyes again to stare into his eyes in surprise as he went on, "You only insist on shopping when you''re stressed. And you only crave this junk food when you''re thoughts are all over the place."


    Jackie showed her phone which he had taken while she was focused on eating to her saying, "I just asked Xiu about your weird behavior. She said something is bothering you and that''s why you brought me out to distract yourself."


    Nora chuckled slightly, "My best friend is selling me out now."


    "Nono, can''t you share it with me?"


    "You''re too young, little brother."


    "Maybe I am young and won''t be of much help but you should know that your brother is always by your side."


    Nora couldn''t help but smile at him in gratitude. Those words really meant a lot to her. But could she really share everything with him? He was too young to get involved in her mess of a life.


    "Forget it, Jackie. It''s nothing much."


    "Nono, is it about a guy?" Nora raised her brow at him as he continued, "Xiu always complain that you settle for only dirtbags as if you''re punishing yourself for something. It''s like you don''t even believe that you deserve a better chance at love. None of your relationships in the past had been simple. In fact, each one was worse than the previous one." He reached out his hand to touch hers. "Are you again settling for another dirtbag?"


    Nora ruffled his hair. "No. I''m not. Lose that scowl of yours, if you kept looking so concernedly as me how will I tease you for being the adopted one next time?"


    "You''re trying to change the topic which means you''re definitely hiding something from me," spoke Jackie with certainty.


    "Even if I tell you everything, you won''t understand it."


    "Why don''t you try first? I''m smarter than you think. Don''t just look at my size."


    Nora smiled at him and replied, "I know you''re smart but I don''t want you to get involved in my life''s mess. I have created it myself. I can''t blame others."


    "It''s never too late to fix your life," said Jackie thoughtfully. "It''s never too late to start living again as well. Instead of suffering alone, I hope you let someone in. The number of times that you hide your tears behind this silly behavior of yours is really unhealthy."


    "That''s something Xiu''er would say."


    "Xiu is the one saying it," he again showed the chatbox to his sister who frowned. Even sitting miles away from her, this best friend of hers really knew what was going on with her. It was terrifying how Xiu could read her so well.


    Nora finally stood up and said, "Okay. Tell me what you want to buy and I''ll get it for you. I lost my interest in shopping for today."


    Jackie grinned at her as he hopped off the chair and held her hand. "Follow me..."


    Nora raised her brow at this little brother of hers who looked excited all of a sudden but followed him silently. When she finally looked at his destination, her face twitched. "Book store?" She looked down at her little brother, "What are we doing at a book store again?"


    "I need to buy some books about marine life," answered Jackie as his eyes sparkled looking at the heaven filled with books.


    "Just a month ago, you were interested in astronomy. And now, you want to learn about marine life? What exactly is wrong with you?"


    "Knowledge is power. And it''s never too much. A man''s knowledge can be too little but never too much."


    Nora sighed out before crouching down before him and holding his arms. "Jackie, why don''t you try acting your age? Eh? I''ll buy you those big remote control cars."


    "Even if you buy me those remote control cars, I''m most definitely going to open them to study them in detail. There is no way I''d be playing."


    "Urgh! I just want you to stop being cooped up in your room to study all the time. It''s unhealthy as well!"


    "Nono, you promised to buy me anything," reminded Jackie in a stern tone.


    Nora could only give up as she nodded and said, "Fine, let''s look for your books."


    Even though Nora followed him inside, she wasn''t paying attention to which books caught his eye. She aimlessly started wandering around the aisles to look for something that could catch her interest. She wasn''t a fan of reading books but thinking that it might be a good distraction, she decided to look through the novel''s section.


    A book with red cover caught her eye and she lifted her hand to take it when another hand raised towards the same book. As Nora''s fingers brushed slightly with the other hand, she felt electrocuted as she flinched back. She looked up to the person and her eyes widened to see him standing there with the same look of surprise and disbelief.


    "Ah-Si..."


    She softly called out his name and the latter just stared at her without a word. It was the last place he would expect to see Nora at. Her dislike for bookstores was known to everyone. Hearing his name from her mouth did things to his heart that he couldn''t say in words.


    He knew she had the ability to make him forget everything. The pain, the betrayal, or anything he felt because of her. But he wasn''t willing to give her the chance. He had to hold his ground for his daughter. There was no way he was gonna fall into this trap again.


    With this thought, Ah-Si turned around to leave but Nora''s hand went on instinct to hold his as she pleaded, "Can you please not turn your back on me?"

 327 Just Got Dumped

    "I''m turning my back on you? Are you sure you''re not talking about yourself?" Nora was taken aback when Ah-Si turned around to face her. His eyes held so much accusation and she couldn''t even decipher what she actually had done wrong.


    "Can''t we just talk like the good friends that we used to be? Why are you letting a single mistake come between us?"


    "Mistake? Mistake!! Why is it always a mistake when you say it?" Ah-Si was on the verge of exploding but he kept his voice down because they were in the middle of a bookstore. There might not be many people but he wasn''t intending on disturbing others. "Even after four years, I''m just a mistake to you?"


    "That''s not what I meant," said Nora in a strained voice. "You''re engaged to someone else, I shouldn''t have taken you to the room when you''re drunk. I''m sorry! But trust me, what happened was not my intention at all."


    "Of course, it wasn''t your intention otherwise you wouldn''t repeatedly call us a mistake." He sounded hurt and confused with his own feelings as he couldn''t stop himself from speaking out. Holding her arms in a tight grip he looked at her dangerously, "I told you that I broke my engagement. I told you that I''m in love with you. And yet in the morning, you said it was all just a mistake!"


    Nora''s eyes widened in shock. "Y-you mean when you said all that... You actually meant to say it to me? Wasn''t that just the alcohol talking?"


    "Who else was there?" gritted out Ah-Si angrily.


    Nora shook her head back and forth frantically. "No, I mean to say... I thought you''re drunk and you meant all those words for your fiance. That''s why I was so confused. I never meant to call you or us a mistake. Do you have any idea how much I have loved you all these years?"


    Ah-Si scoffed to himself at her words while she continued, "I don''t know what or how you misunderstood it but I never had any feelings for Dylan. The other day when he told me how you''re still under the impression that I like him, I was shocked. I never tried explaining before because I thought it''ll complicate our relationship if you knew that the one I love is you. How would I know that it will lead to such a big misunderstanding?"


    Nora kept talking in a daze before she recalled something and looked back at him. "Ah-Si, did you really mean it when you said you love me?" She tried to look into his eyes which he avoided. "Tell me. Just once more. Can''t you say it one more time?"


    "What difference would it make?" he retorted in half-annoyance and half-dispair. "You and I have drifted apart. We''re no longer the same people."


    "But I''m still standing right there. I still am in love with you."


    Ah-Si sneered at her words. "You have a weird way of showing your love then. Because if your intention was hurting me then you''ve perfectly done that." He took a deep breath before saying, "Besides I don''t love you anymore."


    "Isn''t it too late though?" Ah-Si shot back. "Whether I love you or not wouldn''t really matter at this point... I just want to spend my life with my daughter."


    Leaving Nora frozen still to her spot, Ah-Si turned and left the store without looking back at her. He didn''t want to turn around, he knew if he did he won''t be able to hold himself back. But he had to be strong. For himself. For his Ava.


    He still remembered that night vividly. He broke his engagement which was actually his grandmother''s arrangement and going against her was a huge step. He still went against her wishes and broke off the engagement because he wanted to tell Nora freely that he was in love with her.


    Because of Dylan''s stupid game, he drank a bit too much and everyone thought he was sulking because of his broken engagement which in reality held no importance to him. Except for the fact that he wanted to use that engagement as a bridge to pave a cordial path between his father and his grandmother.


    While he was drunk, he wasn''t drunk enough to the point of not knowing his own surroundings. He knew it was Nora who took him to the room and he also knew how he finally gathered up his courage to confess to her. He confessed with his words, with his actions, and yet she was telling him now that she thought all those words were meant for another.


    He hated it whenever she said that it was a mistake. He still remembered the morning after, she was already gone when he woke up and when he tried contacting her, she only replied with, ''I''m sorry, Ah-Si. I know it wasn''t supposed to happen. It was just a mistake. You don''t have to worry about it.'' It boiled his blood but he still kept waiting for her. However, she never showed up.


    After being tired of his waiting for a month, he chose to leave the country. He didn''t want to stay behind at this place which just reminded him of her.


    "Yo!! What took you so long?"


    Ying''s voice broke Ah-Si''s trance and he was brought back from his painful memories. He looked over and saw his daughter snuggled up against Ying''s chest as she was lightly snoring. The sight instantly warmed his heart. Then he noticed the shopping bags in Ying and Cali''s hands and his brows twitched.


    "Are you planning on buying the whole mall?"


    Ying looked at him thoughtfully, "Not a bad idea. But for now, I''m happy with this much. She is my one and only niece, I need to buy the best for her."


    "You look so comfortable with my daughter that I''m actually surprised that this is the second time you''re meeting her," said Ah-Si suspiciously.


    Ying conveniently chose to change the topic as she said, "Oh, look at the time. Let''s rush back now." She definitely wasn''t gonna tell him that she had sneaked up on this girl way more often than he could imagine. That was a little secret between her and her little niece. Besides, saying it out loud sounded creepy and stalkerish.


    As they were walking out of the mall, Ying leaned close to him and inquired, "Ah-Si, are you crying?"


    Ah-Si was startled by her question. "No, I''m not. Why would I be crying?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders as she answered, "I don''t know, I just thought you looked like someone who just got dumped or something." She patted his shoulder and added, "But if you really do want to cry, I can lend you my shoulder. Also, I''ll keep my lips sealed and you won''t have to answer any question."


    "Ying Jie, you''re really something," he shook his head at her while she acted nonchalant about it.

 328 Lost Her Only Chance

    Nora didn''t know how she found Jackie or when they got to the car. Even while driving she was distracted. It was a good thing that Jackie was there to smack some sense into her otherwise she was definitely gonna cause a huge accident.


    Even when Jackie kept asking her what was wrong, Nora had nothing to say. In fact, she really had nothing to say to him. Her thoughts were just a blur to her. She didn''t know what she was thinking. The only thing kept ringing in her mind was Ah-Si''s parting words, ''I just want to spend my life with my daughter.''


    Daughter...


    Daughter!


    Nora was having a mental breakdown all by herself thinking about how he had moved on. He really moved on while she was still suffering on her own. When she arrived home, without talking to anyone she simply chose to lock herself in her room.


    "Jackie, what''s wrong with your sister?" Clara asked as she noticed the lack of shopping bags in her daughter''s hands and also the way Nora quietly went to her room was suspicious. Since when did she become so well behaved?


    "I don''t know. She''s been acting weird today," answered Jackie as he pulled out his newly bought books to show to his father. With his books around, he really wasn''t in the mood to entertain anyone else.


    "Huh? But I even re-activated her cards. Shouldn''t she be happy?" Clara was really confused since she couldn''t understand her daughter''s mood at all. Nora had never been the quiet type. And today, her silence was feeling weird to everyone. "Jackie, did you say something to make her upset?"


    "I did not," refuted Jackie immediately. "I was at my best behavior. Well, as best as I could possibly be."


    Clara could tell what her son''s best behavior was like but she didn''t comment on that. Right now, she was really worried about her daughter. She took some snacks and knocked on Nora''s door. The only answer she received was silence.


    "Nora, open the door," called out Clara softly. "Don''t make me repeat myself." Her voice had just taken a harsher turn when she heard the click sound and smiled contentedly. Using her free hand, she walked inside and found Nora cooped up on the bed bawling her eyes out. Clara was startled to see tears in her eyes. She immediately rushed to her side and pulled her in for a hug, "What''s wrong? Why are you crying?"


    Instead of answering her, Nora chose to snuggle up against her and cried even harder. It was the safest place in the world. Her mother''s arms that always made her feel protected. Even if she wanted to stop crying, she couldn''t at this point. She just wanted to vent out all of her emotions. All of her pain that was gnawing at her heart so brutally.


    It had gotten quite dark outside and she was still in Nora''s room. She didn''t feel like it was the right time to leave her daughter alone. Clara had never seen Nora crying like this before and it really scared her this time.


    "Mom..." Nora called out in a hoarse voice. Because there were no lights turned on, she could faintly make out her mother''s expressions. But she liked it this way. She didn''t want to show her ugly swollen eyes to her mother. Besides, she didn''t think she''d be able to face her mother right now.


    "Are you feeling better after crying so much? You scared mom so much," said Clara in a slightly harsh tone but Nora could make out her concern hidden behind her words. Clara stroked her face and asked, "Now, tell mom what''s wrong. If you won''t say anything, how will I fix everything for you?"


    "Mom, you can''t fix everything," said Nora with a heavy tone.


    "Hmm... Yes, I might not be able to fix everything. But I''d still love to try my best. Besides, I need to find my daughter''s smile back. These tears make her look so ugly."


    Nora didn''t whine as she usually would do when her mother teased her by calling her an ugly crier. She simply hugged her mother''s stomach and said, "Mom, was it difficult being a single mother?"


    Clara frowned at her question. "Where is that question coming from?"


    Nora shook her head as she insisted, "Just tell me, please."


    Clara stayed quiet for a minute before answering, "Maybe. It was a little difficult at first but later on, this challenge became quite interesting. Besides, I had the sweetest daughter in the world so it was all worth it." She took a pause before adding, "I never liked running from difficult situations. Maybe that''s why your presence was a gift to me."


    "Mom, you''re really strong," mumbled Nora. "I don''t know why I am not like you."


    "Who said you''re not like me?"


    "I''m not like you, mom. I never liked difficult situations or confrontations. This fear of mine is the reason I drove him away from myself. If I hadn''t been overthinking on my own and actually listened to him, none of this would have happened. He wouldn''t have moved on. And I wouldn''t be a pathetic mess right now without him."


    Nora could tell it was her own fault. If that morning, she hadn''t run away from him, all of this would have been different. But she was scared that he was gonna wake up and realize that it was just a drunken stupid mistake. And since she didn''t have the heart to hear him say that it was just a mistake, she said it herself. Trying to save their friendship, she lost her only chance to find her love as well.


    Clara felt Nora''s tears wetting her shirt again and her heart constricted in her chest. She already could guess that it was related to a boy but she didn''t expect that Nora was so deeply invested in whoever this guy was.


    "Do you love him very much?" asked Clara knowing the answer very well and yet she couldn''t help asking it.


    "I do," answered Nora without hesitation.


    "Does he love you?"


    "I think so..."


    "Then what''s the problem? You can''t go back to the past but you can build a present together."


    "Mom, you''re not getting it. He has a daughter now. He moved on. He said he doesn''t want to see me."


    While Nora was busy sharing the tale of her long-buried love with her mother, there was another person who was listening to her outside the door. It was none other than her grandaunt, Mel. And right now, Mel''s eyes had a complicated look. She looked conflicted. With one last glance towards Nora''s room, she turned around to leave with a heavy sigh escaping from her mouth.

 329 Howdy!!

    "Howdy, stranger!"


    Paige lifted her eyes up to look at that exceptionally gorgeous smile that had entranced her at first sight and couldn''t help smiling back.


    "How are you doing this fine day, Ms. Bai?" she inquired politely.


    Xiu tapped her index finger on her chin thoughtfully, "Just a bit tired but I''m still doing very well. Thank you very much for your concern."


    Paige chuckled a bit at her way of speech and stated, "I heard you were out of town."


    "Yup just got back," chirped Xiu.


    Paige raised her brow, "If you just got back, what are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be resting?"


    Xiu bobbed her head up and down, "I was supposed to take a long nap but then I decided to have a late supper with my boyfriend first." Recalling something, she added, "That just reminded me, is he in?"


    Paige nodded her head in reply, "Yes, boss is inside..."


    Before she could add anything, Xiu went on, "He doesn''t have any meeting, does he?"


    Paige shook her head, "No. But..."


    "Then that''s perfect!" exclaimed Xiu as she clapped her hands happily and whirled around to walk towards Darren''s office.


    Paige kept staring at her retreating back and mumbled, "You should let me finish first." Shrugging her shoulders, she added, "Well, you''ll know once you get inside anyway."


    Inside the room, Darren was seated at his leather chair with a pile of documents scattered before him on the table. He looked at the files then looked at the beautiful lady sipping on her coffee at the side sitting languidly on the sofa.


    "Mama, why didn''t you tell me before coming?" asked Darren. He really wasn''t expecting to see his mother show up at his office so suddenly. He had been trying to convince her to visit for such a long time but she always refused by saying she was busy and now, all of a sudden, she just showed up.


    "Why? Aren''t you happy to see me?" retorted Francesca with a bit displeased look.


    "Why wouldn''t I be happy?" Darren got up from his chair and came to her side. He crouched down before her while he placed his hands on her knees saying, "You have no idea how happy I am to see you here. I''m just stressed now. If you had informed me sooner, I''d have finished all my work and cleared up my schedule. Now, how am I supposed to spend time with you?"


    Francesca smiled affectionately at him as her hand stroked his head, "If I informed you sooner, how would it be a perfect surprise? Besides, I''m not disturbing you. You can still concentrate on your work."


    "How can I work? I have so much to tell you. I want to take you to so many places. How am I gonna do that? It''s very rare for us to find time for each other."


    "Silly boy, I''m right here. You can just work and I''ll accompany you. What matters is that we spend time together as for how we do it, that shouldn''t be a big deal."


    Darren pursed his lips together for a minute before speaking out his worries, "You''re not gonna leave, right? I mean you''re gonna stay with me longer this time, right?"


    "You want me to stay longer?" asked Francesca.


    "I do," answered Darren and even emphasized by nodding his head. "Can you stay longer? Please?!"


    Francesca fixed his hair and nodded her head, "Of course, I can stay. For my one and only son, I''ll do anything."


    Darren smiled widely as he heard her reply. He knew she didn''t just say those words. She meant it. Yes, his mother wasn''t always able to stay beside him but she was always there for him when he needed her. He had seen her giving up her everything for him and that''s why not even for a second was he willing to believe that those words were shallow.


    "Now, chop-chop! Get to work. Don''t get distracted just because I am here," her light reprimanding made Darren smile wider at her.


    He hurriedly went back to his seat and continued his work. Francesca was looking around his office when she asked, "How''s your girlfriend? And when am I gonna meet her? I have been hearing so much about her lately that I''m starting to get jealous."


    Darren bit his lip. "Mama, are you here for me or Sweets?"


    "Both," was her straightforward reply. "I''m here to see my son and also to meet the daughter he had chosen as a life partner." Her words warmed Darren''s heart instantly. "So, when am I meeting this new daughter?"


    "Sweets is out of town. She''ll be coming back tomorrow. I''ll bring her to meet you as soon as she comes back. She''d be really happy to see you." Darren was already excited about his girlfriend meeting his mother. If there was one thing he was certain of, that was that his girlfriend and his mother were gonna be best pals. There was no way around it.


    "Hmm... Good. It gives me enough time to buy a gift for her," said Francesca as she continued, "I came in a hurry and forgot that I was supposed to bring a gift for my future daughter-in-law as well. But nobody can blame me for forgetting, I''m quite oblivious to these formalities."


    At this point, Darren knew that she was mostly chattering to herself like she usually did when she''d be trying to reason something.


    "Mama, there is no need for any gift."


    "What do you know?" Francesca gave him a displeased look which instantly shut him up. "I want to give something to my new family member. I just don''t know what to give. You gotta help mom with this..."


    "Okay. I''ll do as you say..."


    "Very well."


    Francesca had just taken a seat back at the sofa when she heard a knock at the door. The door was pushed open and someone craned in her head with a wide smile.


    "Hey, boyfriend! Missed me?"

 330 Anything Can Go Wrong

    "Sweets?"


    Darren was dumbstruck at that adorable person beaming at him from the door. She didn''t even take a minute before she skipped her way to his side and wrapped her arms around his neck. Darren looked over her shoulder at his mother who looked amused. He opened his mouth to tell her about another person in the room but his mother''s narrowed eyes made him shut up.


    As for Xiu, she was the perfect example of having eyes for only one person. Because as long as Darren was in her line of sight, the rest of the world could simply go to hell for all she cared.


    Xiu pulled away from him and sliding his laptop to a side, she simply perched herself on his desk and started dangling her legs like a little kid while her hands were holding his. "You must be wondering how I got here, right?" Without waiting for Darren''s reply, she went on, "Well, we finished our work sooner so we took the early flight back. Actually, I could have come back last night just as it was originally planned but that stupid and dumb boss of mine is really useless sometimes. I really wonder what really is in that big head of his. I''d love to open his skull to see what kind of nonsense in filled in there."


    Darren tilted his head slightly while trying to muffle his laughter. He was used to Xiu''s chirpy behavior but knowing her, she really was gonna regret it later on. "Sweets, you''re bad-mouthing my best friend."


    Xiu tapped his shoulder, "Correction! I''m bad-mouthing my boss which as an employee is my personal and basic right." She beamed to herself again, "Besides, why would I bad-mouth a friend? That''s no good. I''d rather curse my boss than my good friend named Dylan."


    "Dylan and your boss... Sweets, that''s the same person," reminded Darren gently.


    Xiu shook her head with her cheeks puffed up adorably. "Nah, Nah, Nah! My boss is simply a dumb person. Dylan is adorably dumb. As I said, a big difference! Bad mouthing the boss is the only thrilling and exciting thing in an employee''s life."


    "Hmm... That means my employees also bad-mouth me."


    "Who did it? Tell me! I''ll smack anyone who dares to bad-mouth my boyfriend."


    Darren facepalmed himself seeing her reaction then he stretched his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear while she kept talking and talking and just talking. Damn! She was really hyper for some unknown reason. He placed his hand on her forehead making her frown.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I''m trying to see if you have a fever..."


    Xiu pushed his hand away. "No, I don''t. I''m perfectly fit except for the fact that I''m really sleepy." She even yawned at the end of her sentence to show that she was really sleepy. However, this fact even Darren could see because of the way her eyes were looking so droopy. No matter how cheery she looked, it wasn''t that hard to tell that she was trying to hide her exhaustion behind her energetic performance.


    Xiu yawned again making her eyes wet. "I wanted to but on my way home, my stomach grumbled loudly reminding me that I hadn''t eaten anything. That just reminded me that there is a huge possibility that my boyfriend is still buried in work and hadn''t eaten as well. So, I took a detour and came right here to you to ask you." Darren raised his brow as she blinked her eyes. "Have you eaten your lunch?"


    Darren shook his head and even rolled his eyes at her. "You came all the way here just for that?" Xiu nodded her head without hesitation. "Sweets, if you''re hungry you could have just eaten with Dylan."


    Xiu scowled at his words. "Oh, please. I just told you my boss is weird. He doesn''t eat lunch. Although I don''t know why he only has two meals a day, I still don''t care and don''t wanna know either. I just know that since he''s weird and dumb, his reason for not eating lunch is also gonna be dumb like him."


    Darren chuckled at her words since what she said made perfect sense. Dylan''s reason for not eating lunch was indeed dumb like him.


    Xiu swung his hand from side to side as she said, "Baby, let''s eat something." She looked at all the files on his table and added, "I know you''re busy, that''s why..." she picked up her purse and pulled out a small lunch box saying, "I especially picked this homemade bento box just for you. Don''t ask how I got it though." She opened the lid and pulled out chopsticks before wiping it with a napkin carefully. "Now, isn''t it convenient? You can work while I''ll feed you."


    She jumped off the desk and sat on his thigh. "Am I not a genius? Perfect wife, right? It gives homey vibes, right? You should get used to it."


    "Hahahaha..."


    Xiu was startled when she heard an unfamiliar laugh from behind and looked at Darren who was having a difficult time deciding how to act. Xiu slowly turned around and her eyes widened when she looked at an elegant woman sitting in a corner.


    "Don''t mind me... You can continue, I won''t make a sound now," said Francesca but couldn''t help laughing even more when she saw how Xiu almost slid down Darren''s thigh but fortunately his arm was snaked around her waist to hold her up otherwise she was certainly gonna land on her buttock.


    Xiu''s whole body was stiff as a board now since she just realized that she had been acting like a real nuisance to her boyfriend in his mother''s presence! Aiya! That''s so not the first meeting I opted for!!! Xiu had the urge to scream at the top of her lungs. In her case, the saying that anything that can go wrong will eventually go wrong fit perfectly well.

 331 Tongue-Tied

    Use your words wisely.


    Xiu actually felt like today she understood the meaning of this sentence in a perfect sense. The words you use to describe others can often be used to perfectly describe you. For instance, in the case of Xiu, she loved calling Dylan a dumb person. But today, at this very moment, she wanted to use the same word for herself.


    DUMB!


    IDIOT!


    BLABBERMOUTH!


    Most of all, BLIND!


    She was repeatedly condemning herself for having a single-track mind. Xiu would never hesitate to accept that she had flaws. Like she was selfish, hypocrite, sometimes a liar as well. But she never thought that her being a single-track minded person was also a flaw. That''s something she only realized now.


    The woman before Xiu''s eyes looked to be in her forties but if one asked Xiu, she''d love to mention that Francesca could even outshine her beauty even at that age. She was stunning and those eyes that reminded her of Darren''s radiated an irresistible charm like her son''s which made Xiu believe that Darren definitely inherited his charms from this woman.


    Xiu was flustered now realizing how she just acted like a clingy little girlfriend before her mother-in-law. Damn! Someone just kill me right now! This is so damn embarrassing! Xiu wanted to cry but had no tears. This had to be one of her most embarrassing moments in both her lives. How she wished the ground to open and swallow her whole.


    Now her only hope was that Francesca didn''t understand her stupid chatter. Yup! That''s the thread of hope, I''m gonna hold with dear life. Xiu struggled to lift up her mood optimistically. However, Francesca''s next words dumped her newfound optimism to a place where she really didn''t dare to find it anymore.


    "Don''t look at me like that. If I''m disturbing, I can find my way out..."


    Although Francesca''s Mandarin wasn''t perfect, it still was enough to tell Xiu that her mother-in-law definitely understood her words. Great!! How awesome my life is! Note the sarcasm here!!!


    Xiu felt Darren''s hands on her shoulders as he pushed her towards his mother and finally spoke out, "Mama, you were so eager to meet my Sweets and now, you want to leave?"


    "I just thought I should leave some privacy for you both," said Francesca clearly in a teasing voice. She looked at her son before turning her eyes to Xiu who had yet to utter a word. It actually looked like she lost her voice. Well, at least that''s what she felt inside. "How about you get the introductions out of the way..."


    Darren nodded his head. "As you can already guess, Mama, this is my Sweets. My girlfriend. The only one I so eagerly wanted to introduce to you."


    "Sweets..."


    "For you, mama, it''s Xiu. She''s only my Sweets. You can''t call her that."


    "Oh, so possessive now. How mean of you!" Francesca looked at Xiu again with a smile. "Hello there, my Regi''s Sweets."


    Xiu slowly bowed her head a little as she tried to speak, "Hi!"


    Darren slid close to his mother and began, "Sweets, this is my mother. Francesca Salvay."


    Now that Darren stood beside Francesca Xiu was again stunned. No matter how she looked at it, it was really hard to believe that Darren was actually Francesca''s son. She looked too young for that. Besides, Xiu was more willing to believe that they were siblings rather than mother-son.


    "It''s really nice to finally meet you in person. I''ve heard a lot about you," Xiu somehow managed to find her voice from somewhere and said out those words politely. Completely unlike the way she just behaved before Francesca a while ago. Well, it was time to redeem herself and that''s what she was gonna do! "It''s really a pleasure to have you here. I have always admired you. I was really excited to meet the woman who raised such an amazing son."


    Darren pursed his lips as he raised his brow at Xiu who was again talking without thinking. And knowing his mother, he was certain that Xiu was in a for a surprise. Sure enough, Francesca''s lips curled up in a smile as she said, "Are you complimenting me or my son?"


    "Err... Both," said Xiu looking really uncertain. With the way she was being stared down, it was nerve-wracking. Why didn''t anyone warn her that mothers-in-law could make you so nervous? She, who had never even been frightened before a sea of audience was actually tongue-tied before a mother who was assessing her for her son.


    "Mama, don''t say anything else. Sweets is already nervous enough," Darren sided with his girlfriend who was turning pale now.


    "But I didn''t even do anything," retorted Francesca in her defense which was true since she had yet to even do anything. But apparently the way she suddenly showed up before Xiu was enough to scare the young one who was caught unprepared.


    Darren caressed Xiu''s head to calm her nerves as he spoke to his mother. "You don''t have to do anything."


    "I was wondering why my son didn''t miss me like he used to do," began Francesca. "Only now I understood. We mothers can''t hold on to our sons once their wives get in the picture." Her lamenting made Xiu feel like a bolt of lightning struck on her. "My son is not mine anymore and I have to accept this truth."


    Xiu frantically flailed her hands as she said, "Your son is still yours. You''re really misunderstanding here." Francesca was taken aback by Xiu''s sudden change. "I''m not trying to take him. I promise I''m not. He''s still your son."


    "Wait! Sweets, are you abandoning me?"


    "What?"


    "How can you just push me to my mother so easily? You should be calling me yours right now."


    Xiu didn''t know why he was behaving so annoyingly right now but she could only keep her curses within her heart as she spurted out, "I can call you mine anywhere but not before your mother. That''s your mother we are talking about. I as your girlfriend, your love, or whatever can''t compete with her of all people."


    While Darren pouted at her for actually not calling him as hers, Francesca was amused. She chuckled at Xiu''s words and lifted her hand to touch Xiu''s face as she said, "Silly child, he''s gonna hold this grudge for a long time now." Xiu frowned as she didn''t know what she meant. "But I love it. You''re amusing. Very cute. Just like a little girl."


    Xiu''s face fell at that comment. Like a little girl? Well, she couldn''t blame Francesca for thinking like that she had indeed acted like a little girl before her. But it still hurt to know that that was the first impression she managed to get across.


    Scratching her head awkwardly, she bowed again, "Sorry but I''ll have to leave. I just came to give that meal to him. I think you both have a lot to talk about and I won''t be disturbing you guys."


    "Sweets, you''re leaving? Why don''t you stay? We''ll go home together," offered Darren but Xiu refused flatly. She didn''t want to be the third person between a mother and son who was meeting after a long time. It was fine as long as she got to see Darren. Now, she could be at ease.


    "Yes, you should stay. I''d love to get to know you more," chimed in Francesca looking at Xiu with her sparkling eyes.


    It was hard for Xiu to refuse those eyes but she was really not in her right state of mind. She thought if she ended up spouting any nonsense before her, then she''ll be regretting it for life. So, it was better to be safe than sorry.


    "I''d love to as well but I..."


    "Right, you look really tired. Child, you should go back and rest. We can catch up later on. I''m not going anywhere."


    Xiu was thankful that Francesca gave her a way out on her own. She just waved them both goodbye and almost ran out of the office.

 332 Hide My Embarrassmen

    Xiu leaned against Darren''s door and closed her eyes. Her lack of sleep was finally catching up to her as she felt a painful headache brewing in. It made her want to hit her head against a wall. But she couldn''t do that at this place.


    "Oh, you''re leaving?"


    Xiu opened her eyes to see Paige smiling at her in amusement. Xiu''s face twitched to see that teasing smile.


    "You didn''t warn me," she growled in a low voice with a dangerous edge in her voice.


    Paige raised both her hands. "In my defense, you didn''t even give me the chance to say a word."


    Xiu glared at her before she passed by her but not before bumping her shoulder with hers childishly. Well, she had already made a fool out of herself before her mother-in-law, so acting like a rogue before Paige couldn''t get her in any worse situation. Paige, however, was actually feeling amused to see her acting like that.


    In the main lobby, Nora was shuffling through the magazine pages with a bored look on her face. She really couldn''t understand why Xiu asked her to wait downstairs. Usually, Xiu wouldn''t mind taking public transport but today, she excessively and intensively refused to do so. First, she asked her to pick her from the airport then waiting here.


    She was sighing out in boredom when Xiu''s face suddenly appeared right beside her startling her. "Ah! Xiu! You scared me!" she pushed Xiu''s straight face away and rubbed her hand over her chest.


    "Let''s go," said Xiu and made her way out.


    Nora was left dumbfounded yet again. Something was wrong with Xiu and she could tell that. The blank expression on Xiu''s face was like a foreboding. Xiu looked completely different than the little cheery and happy self of hers that just greeted Darren. Now, a very dark aura was surrounding her.


    Nora sprinted up to catch up to her best friend. "Hey, did you talk to Darren then?"


    Xiu quirked up her brows, "About what?"


    Nora gaped at her in disbelief. "You told me that you wanna see him because you have to tell him something."


    Xiu buckled up her seatbelt and stayed quiet in reply. "Xiu, I''m talking to you."


    "No. It wasn''t the right time," said Xiu as her eyes kept looking outside the window as if she was trying to find something. She looked restless in her seat as her eyes constantly wandered around.


    "Oh-okay..." Nora didn''t know what was going on but she found it really difficult to talk to Xiu for some reason. As she got on the highway, she asked, "So, did you get to feed him that bento box that I so painstakingly got for you?"


    Xiu shook her head and leaned back with her eyes closed.


    "Then why did you make me work so damn hard just to get it?" Nora was brooding now since all her efforts were of no use. "Should I take you home?"


    "Where are you going?" asked Xiu instead of answering her question.


    "I''m going back to the hotel," answered Nora.


    As she stopped at a red light, she looked at Xiu who had her eyes closed and tapped her fingers on the staring wheel impatiently. "I thought you wanted to sleep. You look sleepy to me. And by the way, just how much work did Dylan made you do that you look so sleep-deprived?"


    "It''s not his fault," said Xiu calmly defending Dylan without making any fuss. "I..." she stopped short as she tilted her head and opened her eyes to look out the window again. "I just couldn''t sleep."


    Nora''s frown got deeper. "You? You couldn''t sleep? Am I dreaming? Which parallel world is this? Or perhaps, you''re possessed by a ghost!" Nora looked at her with a horrorstruck look. "You, whoever you are, leave my best friend''s body!"


    Xiu turned to look at Nora as she voiced out, "It''s not even funny, Nora." At least not for her who was actually possessing her best friend''s body. Shit! Nora reminded her of the reality that even she was forgetting now.


    As the lights turned green, Nora stepped on the accelerator again but she looked in deep thought. It wasn''t hard to see that Xiu was distracted. Something was bothering her but she wasn''t voicing it out.


    "If that''s not the possibility than why didn''t you sleep? You love your sleep the most. Or did you miss your boyfriend to the point of having insomnia now?"


    "Maybe, I did miss him that much," retorted Xiu in a flat tone.


    "Did you now?" challenged Nora.


    "Why? Does it not sound right?"


    "Please, dear friend, I''m willing to believe that unicorns are real than believe that missing your boyfriend was too much for you and that''s why you had sleepless nights. I know the real reason is something else, you''re just not telling me." Xiu''s silence really worried Nora now. "Xiu''er, is everything really okay with you?"


    Xiu took a deep calming breath, she didn''t want to worry Nora because of her own issues. Changing from a blank face to a smiling beauty again, she replied, "I just made a fool out of myself before my mother-in-law. Do you really think everything is okay?"


    "Mother-in-law?"


    "Well, when I entered Regan''s office, I didn''t know that his mother was there as well. And one thing led to another and..."


    "Hahaha..." Nora burst out laughing. She didn''t even need to hear the whole story to know what must have happened. She was familiar with her best friend.


    "Stop laughing. It''s really not funny. She thinks I''m a little girl. You know what that implies? It means that I came off as an irresponsible, clingy, demanding, and worst kind of a life partner for her son. I really embarrassed myself."


    "Aiyo! That''s what''s been bothering you and I got worried for no reason. Xiu, it''s really not a big deal. Not every person you meet can instantly come to know of your charms and qualities. Give it some time." Nora was shaking her head at Xiu.


    "But that''s the worst kind of first impression," whined Xiu as she crossed her arms before her chest and grumbled incoherently to herself.


    "Take it easy, there..." Nora parked her car and alighted while Xiu followed suit. Nora was surprised to see how Xiu held her arm as they walked inside the hotel lobby. Xiu was never the kind of person who would stick this close to her.


    "Let''s get drunk tonight," suggested Xiu out of nowhere making Nora halt in her steps to look at her weirdly.


    "Again? How many more times? Nothing ever good comes out of this!" said Nora trying to hold her ground.


    Xiu wounded her arms around Nora''s shoulder as she said, "I know you crave that drink just as much as I do right now. Don''t resist the temptations. If you think I don''t know how disturbed you have been in the past days, then you''re really wrong. Just because I don''t want to force you, doesn''t mean I don''t know what''s going on in your life. So, tonight let''s get drunk."


    "...You drink to hide your sorrows. I''ll drink to hide my embarrassment."


    Nora wasn''t surprised to hear Xiu talk about her own problems. She could tell that someone from home must have informed Xiu and she was using her own excuse to get her to drink just so she could hear something from her. But even if Nora knew that Xiu was using this drinking escapade as an excuse to hear her worries, Nora still complied.


    "Let''s do it," she said in agreement. There was no point in hiding it anymore. She was indeed craving something to numb her pain that had gotten worse than before now.

 333 Shes Crazy

    "France! Ahh! I''m so happy to see you!"


    Well, that''s the only thing Darren understood from Zhao Wei''s mouth since the rest just went above his head while the two ladies before him were hugging each other as if they had met after a century or something.


    Everyone is dramatic in the family...


    Yes, those were indeed Darren''s thoughts and yes, he was also part of this dramatic family. There was no denying that either.


    As you might have guessed, Darren had brought Francesca to Qiu Family house right after he was done fumbling through his work. It became easier to finish up when Paige took it upon herself to work overtime just so he could spend some time with his mother. It wouldn''t be wrong to say that Darren really was grateful for Paige''s existence.


    However, just when he thought he''d be spending time with his mother, Francesca asked him to bring her to see her only girlfriend, Zhao Wei. He could only comply.


    Although Francesca and Zhao Wei gave him the impression of two teenage girls at the moment, he was still smiling seeing them act way out of character. It wasn''t actually a surprise though since he knew how close these two had become over the years. Just like his and Dylan''s friendship, their mothers had managed to create their own bond of sisterhood. It was truly heartwarming. So heartwarming that it could move people to tears. But of course, Darren wasn''t one of those people so he was gonna keep his tears to himself.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you''re coming?"


    Darren''s trance was broken only when he heard Zhao Wei complaining to his mother.


    "It was supposed to be a surprise," repeated Francesca. "Besides what matters is that I''m here. Isn''t that right?"


    Zhao Wei nodded her head agreeably while she pulled her in for another hug saying, "It brings back so many memories seeing you here. I''m so happy you''re finally back." Then she pulled Francesca to take a seat in the lounge area and looked like a curious little girl, "You''re here for our Regi''s girl right?" Francesca chuckled at her choice of words but nodded in reply. "When are you meeting her? I''ll go with you."


    "I already met her," replied Francesca and couldn''t help smiling fondly recalling her encounter with Xiu.


    Zhao Wei''s eyes widened in surprise, "You did?" Letting that sink in, she added, "So how is she?"


    Darren who was casually munching on the roasted peanuts finally straightened up. That was the question he had been asking his mother from the time she met Xiu three hours ago and he had yet to hear an answer from her. He knew Francesca was only dragging the answer just to tease him but he really didn''t think it was funny at all.


    "I know, right?" was Zhao Wei''s reply in a matter-of-factly tone. As if that was the most obvious thing in the world.


    "She''s very attentive and bold," added Francesca as she thought back to the way Xiu was acting around Darren. "She''s cheerful, caring, compassionate, expressive about her feelings, and lively." She looked at Darren who was smiling proudly now hearing her complimenting Xiu without holding back. "Most of all, she is what my Regi likes to call her." Both Zhao Wei and Darren looked at her with a raised brow. "She is sweet."


    Zhao Wei laughed in delight. "See! I told you!"


    Indeed, Zhao Wei had already told her all about Xiu. There was no way that Zhao Wei would hide anything from her gossip-buddy. But seeing is believing. Hearing all of this from Zhao Wei was one thing but meeting Xiu and seeing it for herself in a span of less than thirty minutes was a whole different experience for her. Just like...


    "Sister Wei, hearing about her was one thing, meeting her in person is a completely different thing. After all, I already had seen her photos and yet in person, she turned out to be even more breathtaking."


    Zhao Wei gave a slight nod in understanding. "Oi! Regi, you go and look for something to eat. Leave me some space with my sister."


    Darren rolled his eyes as he complained, "My Beauty Wei is ignoring me now that her sister is here. Ouch! I''m hurt!" Seeing how Zhao Wei narrowed his eyes at him, he stopped his performance short. See! This was the side-effect of having a dramatic family, even he couldn''t help being one like them. "Where is Didi? I''ll look for him instead."


    "He went to sleep right after coming back," answered Zhao Wei and Darren nodded his head before heading towards Dylan''s room to look for him. Now, that he was gone, she looked at Francesca again and said, "Now, you tell me, was I wrong when I said that Xiu is a perfect match for our Regan?"


    Francesca shook her head. "No, sister Wei was right. Xiu is exactly what Regi needs in his life." Her eyes held a bit of sadness as she added, "Xiu is full of life and that''s what Regi needs in his life. Someone who could make him want to live all over again."


    "She''s a beautiful soul," chimed in Zhao Wei in favor of Xiu since she had long been charmed by her.


    "Yes, but she''s a bit clumsy as well." Francesca couldn''t help chuckling as she remembered the way Xiu was gonna fall when she learned of her presence in the room. "She''s also emotional." Zhao Wei quirked up her brow and Francesca had to retell the whole story making Zhao Wei shake her head.


    "Now, I know why Dylan said that one of these days Xiu is gonna get in trouble for forgetting the world when her eyes are on Regi. I can''t believe she didn''t bother to look around at all." Although Zhao Wei had met Xiu a couple of times, she was still surprised to hear that Xiu was this crazy about Darren.


    "That''s not what Dylan said to me," stated Francesca making Zhao Wei looked at her inquisitively. "To me, Dylan described her as... ''She''s crazy. But she''s crazy for Darren.'' Those were his exact words and honestly, now I can''t even argue with those words because that''s the best way to describe Xiu in a few words."


    It wouldn''t even be in Xiu''s wildest dreams that Dylan actually took a few moments to assess her in the best way possible.


    "But her craziness is contagious," chimed Zhao Wei. "Because that girl can bring a smile on anyone''s face without her even trying. As I said, with her around, everything will get interesting."


    Xiu was completely oblivious to the way she managed to charm her way inside this family and the family members'' hearts. Xiu might have taken that ''little girl'' compliment as something negative but Francesca actually called her a little girl because Xiu''s cheeriness and liveliness reminded her of a kid. Most of all, her flustered look made her look so innocent that it''d be a wonder if someone didn''t actually fall for it.


    Whether Xiu knew it or not, she had indeed managed to creep her way in. Now, it was only a matter of time when she was gonna creep herself into this family.

 334 Creepy Feelings

    Fresh ice in the rocks glass with a chili salt rim along with a lime wheel.


    That''s what was before Nora''s eyes as she tried to read Xiu''s expressions in the dimly lit corner of the bar. Although they had arrived at the hotel hours ago, they only just managed to sneak in the bar just a while ago after she was done dealing with her duties. What surprised her was the fact that no matter how tired Xiu was, she was still insistent on sticking close to her like glue.


    She didn''t find it a bother but since this behavior was so out of Xiu''s character, it really disturbed Nora. But she had yet to voice out her worries.


    At this moment, Xiu was staring intently at the Ghost Spicy Margarita that she ordered for herself while she was sticking loyally to her Cosmopolitan. She had to tell Xiu everything related to Ah-Si like she told her mother. Yes, she indeed kept some parts hidden which she herself wasn''t ready to voice out but she thought the amount she told was enough for Xiu to get the gist of the situation she was going through.


    "So..." Xiu began looking really confused. "You actually walked out on him?"


    "No, he walked out on me!" retorted Nora glaring at Xiu.


    Xiu shook her hand completely disagreeing with her best friend, "Let me ask you this... Did he try to contact you after that ''one-night stand'' as you call it or not?"


    "He did," answered Nora not knowing where this was going.


    "How many times?"


    "...At least once every single day for a whole month."


    "Fuck! You''ve lost your mind or what? He so desperately tried to get to you but you being insecure ass actually chose to ignore him? Just because you didn''t want him to define that night as a mistake, you actually acted like a bloody bitch? What the actual fuck man!!!"


    Seeing how stinging Xiu''s words were, Nora chose to blame it on her choice of drink. She knew that spicy margarita was gonna bring trouble.


    "Xiu, you''re my friend or his? Why are you not taking my side? I was young and immature. When I was ready to talk it out, he left with his fiancee!"


    "I''m your friend that''s why I''m talking to you this honestly. You simply can''t put all the blame on him for choosing to give up. Neither can you blame it at your young age. Because if you ask me, I''d say you''re wrong for falling in love at such a young age then. He tried his best, you backed out on your own. A man can only have so much patience. He couldn''t be waiting around for you. And now that he has a daughter and he has moved on, you still can''t blame him. At least, unlike you, he''s willing to live and love again."


    "The world can''t wait for you just because you want it. People have the right to move on," said Xiu in a serious tone. "This is the reason why I hate this one-sided love. If you love someone just say it out, and get over with it. What''s with keeping it a secret? It''s nothing admirable!"


    Nora narrowed her eyes at Xiu, "I don''t think everyone can be like you. Just because you so easily chose to ask Darren out doesn''t mean everyone else can." Nora sounded a bit upset as she continued, "And besides, your views would have been different if Darren had said no to you in reply."


    "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Xiu tutted in reply. "No, my answer would have still been the same." Nora frowned at her response. "After all, if he had said no it meant that it was time to let go off my stupid delusion and fantasy. Trust me, uncertainty is worse than rejection. At least, with rejection, you know where you stand. But with that uncertainty, we only stand nowhere and that spells chaos."


    "Shit! I hate it when you''re right," grumbled Nora unhappily before she dunks down her drink and sighed out. "By the way, how come you look so energetic after drinking? Should I blame this snarky mouth of yours on this drink?"


    "Don''t look at me like that, you don''t have to blame anyone. I''m being me and you know it better than anyone. I said what I felt right. It''s not that I''m saying that the guy is right but what I said is that you both had done your fair share of mistakes to reach this point. So, stop mulling over it since it''s of no use now. What''s done is done. Now, the point is whether you still love him or not?"


    Nora didn''t even have to think before she replied, "I do. I still very much do."


    "Great! As you have said, that he looked hurt seeing you which brings me to believe that he shares the same feeling as you. So, I say you better get your ass back into his life. That is if you don''t mind accepting him with a daughter."


    Nora furrowed her brows, "Why would I mind that?"


    "Exactly what I thought, if you love him then him having a daughter shouldn''t be an issue here." Xiu was like a love expert who sipped on her drink languidly and spoke as if she had been through it all.


    "But aren''t we forgetting something here?" Xiu quirked up her brow while Nora added, "What about the baby''s mother?"


    "Ohhh..." drawled Xiu on purpose before waving her hand. "He said his life is all about his daughter that brings me to the conclusion that the baby''s mother is out of the picture. Otherwise, he would have chosen better words to turn you down."


    "Aren''t you assuming way too much today?" voiced out Nora at Xiu''s weird behavior. Was meeting her mother-in-law making her so jittery and talkative? Or something else was up with this girl again?


    "At least, I''m assuming positively unlike you who again wants to give up without even trying. I say you go and knock on his door. Get that stupid guy to realize that he is doing the biggest mistake of his life by rejecting you. Know your worth and make it known to him as well. Don''t just settle for anything."


    "You suddenly sound really wise," said Nora unconsciously.


    "Of course, I do. After going through a death phase, I also learned to have my wise moments." Xiu laughed to herself crazily making Nora feel shiver all over.


    Nora called in for another drink for both of them while she leaned back in her chair staring at Xiu''s face curiously. There was something wrong with Xiu''s expression but she couldn''t put her finger on what exactly was it.


    Heaving a long sigh, she started, "Xiu, what''s up with you?" Xiu quirked her brows up in confusion. "You look different. I don''t know what is it but you''re making me feel like something is wrong."


    "Something is wrong," said Xiu with a serious face and leaned over on the table while beckoning Nora to come closer who did exactly that. "I feel like someone''s following me. It''s just a feeling but it''s scary as I feel like someone can watch every step I take. Every move I make. This weird feeling is the reason I''m not able to sleep."


    Nora''s eyes widened as she heard her confession, "Is that what you wanted to tell Darren?"


    Xiu nodded her head without hesitation. "I wanted to but I won''t now."


    "Why not?"


    "Because it''s my problem and I can''t pull him into this."


    "That''s ridiculous." Xiu shrugged her shoulders showing she thought otherwise. "Anyways, are you sure about this feeling though? I mean it''s a possibility that it''s just a feeling. You might have had a nightmare and it left a lingering impression or something."


    Seeing how Nora was looking so worried all of a sudden for her, Xiu burst out laughing at her face. "Damn! My feisty Latina is really gullible eh?"


    "What?"


    "I was just joking with you. Hahaha..."


    Nora hits Xiu''s shoulder without holding back. "Have you lost your mind? You scared me for a second!"


    "Sorry, I didn''t think you''d fall for it so easily."


    Nora finally heaved a sigh of relief after she was done venting on Xiu for scaring her like that. But what she didn''t notice was that Xiu''s eyes held an indescribable sincerity. Whether she was lying or not, she just didn''t want to upset Nora. Knowing her best friend, she knew Nora would create a big issue out of this.


    "Don''t make such creepy jokes again. It gave me chills."


    Xiu nodded at her and smiled in agreement.

 335 Sisters

    The bold but fleeting burning taste of the drink in Xiu''s mouth was the only thing helping her stay awake. As much as she was fond of drinking, she really wasn''t feeling the usual excitement. Perhaps because she wasn''t feeling anything. Not even the drink in her hand could help her feel anything. And bloody hell! Why wasn''t she feeling the surge of intoxication catching up to her senses yet?


    "Hey, Cali! Here!"


    Xiu was yawning in boredom when she saw Nora getting up from her seat to wave at someone. With a frown, she voiced out, "What are you doing?"


    "I''m calling for someone to join us," answered Nora as if it was the most rational thing to do.


    "Why?" retorted Xiu. It wasn''t that she was being rude, it was just that whenever she and Nora went out drinking, nobody would be there except for these two. Besides, no matter how much Xiu liked drinking, she didn''t like getting drunk before just anyone.


    "Trust me, you''d love this guest," winked Nora at Xiu playfully making Xiu raise her brow in confusion. But before Xiu could say anything, Cali had already come up to their table.


    "Hi, Nora!" Cali greeted Nora but didn''t notice Xiu who was supporting the side of her face on her knuckles while her elbow was propped on the table in her inconspicuous corner.


    "I sent you the address, did you visit the place?" asked Nora excitedly while Xiu could only listen in without understanding the context of the conversation. Not like she wanted to anyway.


    "Yes, I did," replied Cali with a grateful smile. "Thank you for your help!"


    "Ay, that''s alright. Your a friend''s special guest, I could do this much."


    "Friend''s guest I can handle but special guest? I don''t think so," was Cali''s flat reply.


    Nora sighed heavily, "You just reminded me of what my best friend was saying." Cali quirked up her brow while Nora continued, "She said we should know our own worth and make it known to others as well. So, I suggest you stop with that hopeless outlook of yours as well." Cali only smiled slightly in reply but stayed quiet. "By the way, what did you get? Can I see?"


    Cali looked conflicted before she scratched the back of her head and nodded. She turned around and slid her blazer off her shoulders slightly. What came into Nora''s view was a butterfly tattoo at her right shoulderblade. It looked so lifelike.


    Nora opened her mouth to say something when an impatiently excited someone cut her off, "Wow! That''s such a cool tattoo. It looks so real." Without even realizing it herself, Xiu''s fingers ended up brushing on Cali''s tattoo making her flinch back. Seeing her reaction, Xiu rubbed the nape of her neck awkwardly, "Sorry, I got carried away in my excitement."


    While Cali was staring at Xiu''s smiling face, Nora chimed in, "Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my best friend..."


    "Bai Xiu," Xiu added herself. "Pleasure to meet you."


    "Novell?" Xiu repeated softly as her eyes widened considerably. Carina Novell. Destiny Novell. Calista Novell??! Is it what I think it is? Xiu shook her head at her own thoughts. No, it''s not possible. There are so many people with the same last name in this world. I must be overthinking again. She ended up denying her own thoughts in conflict. Composing herself again, she added, "I like that tattoo of yours. Man, I so wanted one as well."


    "Why don''t you get one then?"


    "Because Xiu''er is afraid of pain," said Nora in place of Xiu. "Oh, I forgot to say. Take a seat with us if you''re not waiting for anyone."


    Cali nodded and took a seat beside Nora while Xiu mumbled more to herself, "I''m not scared of pain. I''m scarred by it instead." However, if she said it out loud, she won''t be able to explain the meaning behind her words to them. So, she chose not to say it. As Cali took a seat and Xiu managed to see her face clearly, she yelled out, "Oh! You''re that tattoo girl!" She finally understood why Nora said she''d like this guest.


    "Huh?"


    "What is up with you now, Xiu?"


    Xiu pulled Nora''s collar as she hauled her towards herself and whispered, "She''s the girl. The one living in Dylan''s phone!" Then she frowned to herself as she added, "No, I should say that she''s the one living in Dylan''s heart as well. It''s just that my idiot boss is too slow to realize it himself."


    Nora shoved Xiu''s hand away as she sat back in her seat smiling apologetically at Cali who was looking at their interaction with amusement. "Not just your boss, I just realized even you''re very slow."


    Xiu grumbled incoherently after Nora insulted her like that. It wasn''t her fault that she only saw Cali once and that was from afar as for when Dylan showed her Cali''s photos, she was more interested in looking at the tattoos rather than the girl in the photos. Don''t blame her, she was a girl. It would be even weirder if she paid attention to Cali''s photos.


    "You came out to drink alone?" Nora was the one talking to Cali while Xiu got busy with her phone.


    "Yeah. I don''t know many people here," answered Cali while Nora called the server to bring a drink for Cali.


    "You should have looked for me," said Nora in a friendly manner. "Or if you don''t mind, next time you can look for my best friend as well." Xiu looked up from her phone screen when Nora brought her name up out of nowhere. Why was she saying that? She wasn''t that close to the girl she just met why would she go out drinking with her? Well, Cali''s thoughts weren''t much different from Xiu. "She can be a very loyal drinking buddy. Trust me, she loves to drink and she''s always up for it."


    "You''re making me sound like an addict," chimed in Xiu with a glare.


    Nora chuckled at her reaction as she said, "No, I''m just calling you an alcohol enthusiast."


    "There is no such thing," retorted Xiu unhappily.


    "Who cares?"


    Listening to Nora and Xiu arguing over such a trivial thing, Cali was really amused. As the server brought her drink, she carelessly took a sip while observing the relationship between the girls she was sharing a table with. Actually, she had no problem drinking solo. She had been used to it. But somehow she felt like it was the right decision to actually accept Nora''s invitation otherwise she''d have missed out on such a good show.


    "Can we stop now? I''m getting a headache from your loud voice," said Xiu as she crossed her arms against her chest and sighed out loudly. She had nagged Nora enough for today. And she was certain that her nagging was gonna be useful. "Besides, I don''t think we''re leaving a very good impression on our guest here."


    Cali shrugged her shoulders, "I don''t mind. You both remind me of two sisters who are trying to get the upper hand."


    Nora looked at Xiu while the latter did the same and they both ended up smiling widely as if the earlier bickering never happened. Nora rounded around the table to sit beside Xiu as she put her arm over Xiu''s shoulder to pull her close saying, "That''s because we are sisters. Just from different mothers. But still sisters, eh?"


    While she was rubbing Xiu''s head like a pet, Xiu pushed her hand away saying, "Yes, sister. But a very annoying one at times." Nora pouted at her adorably while Xiu chuckled, "But I still love her. Stupid."


    Nora laughed out at that she kissed Xiu''s cheek making her cringe. "I love you too sweetheart!"


    "Fuck off!" Xiu tried to push Nora away teasingly.


    "Not so easily..."


    Cali was actually really amused to see them. She neither had a sister nor did she have a girlfriend so their bond came as a big surprise to her. The closest to having a sister for her was Destiny, her only cousin. But after her parents got divorced, she lost contact with her as well.


    This made her wonder if she hadn''t left with her mother, would she and Destiny also become like these two? Would she also had been able to feel this warmth of having a sister?


    "What''s it like?" asked Cali unconsciously. When she felt two pairs of eyes looking at her in confusion, she elaborated. "What''s it like to have a sister? I had always been curious."


    Xiu and Nora again shared a look before Nora spoke out, "It''s like having a crime partner."


    "And a supporter," added Xiu.


    "I know if I ever did anything wrong, I''d still have her by my side. Yes, she would nag at me. Even beat me. But she''d still stand alongside me."


    Xiu chuckled at that. "In simple words, it''s like if I murder someone. She''d definitely help me to bury the body."


    "That''ll be fun and it''ll be my pleasure to be a part of this fun," said Nora with a wide grin.


    Xiu poked her head, "See! That''s what being sisters like. We are both twisted."


    "But we both love each other," agreed Nora.

 336 Haunting Ghos

    *Plop*


    That was the sound that greeted Darren as soon as he knocked on Dylan''s door. Without waiting, he opened the door and what came before his eyes was a sight of his best friend lying on the ground with his legs tangled in sheets.


    It really made him wonder how he actually came across this idiot who would fall down his bed even in his sleep. Dylan who was oblivious to his best friend''s criticism towards him was now rubbing his buttock that was sore.


    "Need a hand?"


    Dylan looked up to see Darren standing before him with his hand extended towards him. Dylan sighed out as he held his hand and pulled himself up from the ground. However, instead of standing up, he chose to fall on his bed and close his eyes.


    "Dazi, leave me alone. I really am not in the mood to entertain you. Being at your girlfriend''s beck and call for the past couple of days was enough of a torture for my poor soul. I really can''t take it anymore."


    Darren could only frown at Dylan''s words. "What happened?"


    Dylan put a pillow over his head. Only his muffled voice could be heard, "Don''t ask me. Go and ask your precious girlfriend. And while you''re at it, please do ask why did she spend two nights in my room with me?!"


    "What did you say?" Hearing that dangerously low voice of his best friend Dylan immediately cowered back and waved his hand.


    "Not that I mind her disturbing me at all," Dylan was trying to find a way to placate him since Darren looked like he was very close to throwing a punch at his face.


    Darren took a deep breath before he wounded his arm around Dylan''s neck dangerously and asked, "When I saw her earlier, she looked like she overworked herself or something. How much did you make her work?"


    Dylan shook his head frantically as he tried to squirm his way out of Darren''s grip. But note the keyword, TRIED. Not like there was any chance for him to escape the deadlock. So, he gave up struggling to save up his energy as he said, "Bro, it''s more like she made me work for her." Darren frowned slightly while he continued, "For two nights straight, she didn''t let me sleep. You have no idea what I''ve been through because of her."


    Darren loosened his grip around Dylan''s neck but his arm still lingered over his shoulder. "Tell me in detail about what happened."


    Dylan rubbed his sleepy eyes and took the glass of water from his side table to take a sip before he began the story of his nightmare...


    On the second night of his stay in Lin City...


    It was half-past eleven when Dylan finally managed to close his eyes to sleep. His consciousness was about to cross over to the dreamland when suddenly.


    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    That impatient and annoying knocking at his door made him groan. What the hell! He was just about to sleep? Why was someone disturbing him at this time of the night?


    "Xiu? What are you doing here? At this time... Are you okay?"


    He visibly saw her expressions easing up as she pushed him aside and entered his room without waiting for the owner of the room to invite.


    "Hey! I didn''t invite you to come inside!"


    Xiu plopped down on his sofa and chirped in an unusually loud voice, "And you weren''t planning on inviting me inside that''s why I chose to invite myself in."


    Dylan could only roll his eyes at her. "Whatever. But why are you here? And why are you sweating so much?"


    "I''m feeling very hot and the AC in my room broke," answered Xiu while she picked up tissues from the box on the coffee table and wiped her face with it before running around to the mini-fridge and helping herself to cold water.


    "Are you kidding me? Call the hotel management and change the room or something. Why are you here?"


    Xiu rubbed her stomach as she added, "I''m hungry as well."


    "Dumbo! Call the room service. Don''t be so stingy. Besides, I''m the one paying here."


    "Are you trying to kick me out of your room?" questioned Xiu with narrowed eyes.


    "Isn''t that obvious?" was Dylan''s straightforward reply.


    Xiu sat cross-legged on the sofa and refused to budge as she said, "Then I''m not leaving! Even if you kick me out, I''m staying put!"


    Seeing her acting so stubbornly, Dylan was losing his patience but he still gave in before sitting at the other sofa. Now that he paid attention he realized that she was barefoot. Did she come barefoot to his room? Why?


    Before he could voice out, Xiu distracted him, "Oi! Call for some takeouts."


    "What''s wrong with hotel''s service?" he retorted.


    "Nothing. But I''m craving something different," answered Xiu.


    Being the good brother-in-law that he was, he chose to listen to her. He asked someone to bring something for her to eat and even accompanied her while eating. She was awfully slow as she savored her food because now it was close to 2 in the morning. However, she was still not leaving.


    "Let''s watch a movie," she suggested and without waiting for his reply, she turned on the tv and started shuffling through channels. "What kind of movies do you like?"


    "I only liked movies when you used to act," Dylan didn''t realize that he had said his innermost thoughts out loud. But Xiu had heard him loud and clear. It made her smile genuinely at him.


    "Okay, let''s reminisce the time I used to act then," said Xiu and without hesitation selected one of her movies.


    Watching, talking about behind the scenes, or how the script was good and stuff like that, Dylan didn''t even realize how the night turned into day, and she finally left his room. He couldn''t catch any sleep but he was feeling really happy since he actually managed to watch one of his favorite movies with the person he admired the most.


    The following night...


    Dylan was yet again startled when he heard the door of his room being close. He sat up in bed and looked at the intruder who didn''t even bother this time and simply let herself in. She was sashaying in his room as if it was her own.


    "Xiu! What the hell is wrong with you? What do you want now?"


    "I thought we had fun last night so shall we play some games tonight?" She even had the audacity to smile at him innocently while showing him the board game that she brought with herself.


    "I want to sleep," announced Dylan and covered himself with the duvet.


    "Aiyo... I thought I could finally count on a brother but apparently I was wrong. I was all alone as Chen Xiu and I''m all alone as Bai Xiu. What a cruel reality." She added a sniffle as a dramatic edge to her performance and it was all that she needed to pull Dylan out of his bed.


    He sat with her in the same position as last night and started the game. He didn''t know why but she was really not like herself. He wanted to know what was up with her but she wasn''t willing to talk at all.


    Sometime close to dawn, he fell asleep sitting on the sofa. And when he woke up, what he saw frightened the hell out of him.


    There, Xiu was sitting with her eyes right at his face. She didn''t even blink for a minute while she kept staring at him with a blank expression. That expression of hers really scared him. He had only seen her with either a smile; real or fake and something with her angry face but this blank expression was the first for him.


    However, he was even more appalled when her lips curled up slightly. "Morning, sleeping beauty! Chop-chop now! We have a long day ahead." She leaned close to him as she wondered out loud, "Why do you look like you''ve seen a ghost?" She tapped her chin as she answered herself, "Well, I''m kinda like a ghost myself so I really can''t blame you for looking at me like that."


    He only looked at her back while she silently left his room. It wouldn''t be wrong if Dylan actually said that she really gave him the illusion of a ghost with the way she was acting. She was the haunting ghost that didn''t let him rest at all. However, that was something he wouldn''t tell Darren. After all, his life was still quite dear to him.

 337 Trapped In Past & Presen

    Even after listening to Dylan, Darren was unusually calm and quiet. This reaction came as a surprise to even Dylan himself.


    Placing a hand on Darren''s shoulder, Dylan began, "I think something''s bothering your girlfriend. But you might be the only one she''d like it to share it with."


    "She won''t," was Darren''s reply.


    Dylan''s brows knotted together. "Why not?"


    Darren gave an odd look to his best friend. "You have followed her when she was Chen Xiu, you work with her when she is Bai Xiu. Didn''t you figure her out even now?"


    Dylan felt like his words were an attack on his intelligence or his lack of observation skills but he wasn''t in the mood to prove himself at the moment. He was more inclined to hear what he had to say.


    "No one taught her how to share her worries with others. She had buried them deep inside for a lifetime and even now, she''s still trying hard to keep it all in." Darren took a deep sigh. "The reason why she doesn''t share anything is that she thinks nobody will understand. And in fact, she isn''t wrong either."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Darren looked straight into Dylan''s eyes as he questioned, "Didi, can you tell what it feels like to cross over the threshold of death and yet come back to life?" Dylan''s eyes widened up. "You can''t tell how it feels to be in a body you know nothing about. As long as she doesn''t retain the memories of the original owner, she''s gonna be feeling like she doesn''t belong anywhere."


    "I... I didn''t think about that..." said Dylan feeling ashamed at how he wasn''t really paying attention. He honestly couldn''t imagine what Xiu was internally feeling. But all he could tell was that... It must be a scary feeling.


    "Of course, you didn''t notice. Haven''t you seen her wearing her facade? She''s often spiteful of everything and yet somehow she ends up smiling at others. How will you see anything which she so desperately concealed behind that big bright smile of hers?" Darren was staring into space as he went on, "I don''t like bringing it up but I know she feels trapped. She is indeed trapped in the past and present. And there is no guarantee what she''ll be tomorrow. The mysteries surrounding her existence are gnawing at her pure soul that can''t live with the fact that she stole someone''s life."


    "And the worst part, she can''t even tell this to anyone. You and I are like that breather she found before her own mind could suffocate her into an abyss of no return. Do you know how scared she must be before disclosing her biggest truth which can easily be taken as nonsense? And yet, she took the risk to say it out loud. I have seen that fear of rejection in her eyes the night she told me who she is."


    For the first time being reminded that he was overlooking the pain that Xiu was going through, Dylan felt really weird. How was he supposed to deal with this information he didn''t know at all.


    Darren patted his back as he said, "Now, don''t look like you''re gonna pity her. That''s the last thing she needs." He stood up from Dylan''s bed and walked towards the door saying, "Take a shower and come down. I''ll take care of my girlfriend. She''s my responsibility anyway."


    As Darren left Dylan''s room, his mind replayed everything that Dylan told him. With a frown etched between his brows he wondered, What are you hiding, Sweets?


    "Francesca, you came fast..."


    "Well, if my elder brothers are the one complimenting someone then I had to come to see this new family member."


    Darren heard his mother''s chuckle when he entered the lounge. The place where he only left his mother and Zhao Wei, now also had Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen sitting along with the two ladies. This gathering of the old friends looked rather lively.


    "Oi, Regan! When are you planning a proposal?"


    "What?" Darren was taken aback slightly by that question which came from Dylan''s father, Qiu Jiayi.


    "Boy, why do you look so surprised? Aren''t you gonna propose her for marriage?"


    Darren smiled awkwardly which looked like he was rather flustered now. "I do. But I haven''t decided yet."


    "Do you need help?" this voice belonged to his own mother who looked at him eagerly.


    "We can plan the proposal if you want," chimed in Zhao Wei. "Trust me, we''ll make it memorable."


    Darren perched down on the handrest of the sofa as he said, "Aren''t you all a little too excited for my marriage? What''s the rush? And besides, I can plan my proposal perfectly well."


    He saw everyone visibly looking a bit mad at him for saying that. What? Did he say anything wrong though?


    "You can''t blame them for getting excited. In this family, nobody had a normal wedding," said Xin Zimen with a burst of laughter. He was casually sipping on his tea as he went on, "As you know, Francesca is still single." Darren looked at his mother who was scratching the side of her jaw while looking around as if to avoid looking at anyone. "As for Yi and Weiwei, they both eloped. And even Qiu Meihui''s marriage was a result of her rebellion. Now, tell me, are these old people wrong to wish for just a single normal wedding?"


    Darren was looking at Xin Zimen as if he wanted to scream that you old man are only trying to use your eloquence to get me to say yes. Not that he wasn''t planning on proposing but he definitely wasn''t gonna let anyone else get involved in that. Even if the wedding was not so private, he wanted the proposal to be something just between him and his Sweets. Was it too much to ask for?


    "Hey! You didn''t mention your own," said Qiu Jiayi while narrowing his eyes at his best friend. "If there was an award of having the most abnormal wedding, that''d go to you and Wen Ai."


    Xin Zimen burst out laughing even more. He laughed to the point that even Darren could see his eyes getting wet. "Aiya, if there was one thing that nobody can surpass my wife in that would be, she definitely knew how to put on a show."


    "Now, I''m really curious. Just how did you get married, Uncle Zi?" questioned Dylan who showed up all of a sudden.


    "Would you like to know?" Dylan nodded his head and Xin Zimen answered with a smile flatly, "Not telling."


    "You really love playing around," muttered Dylan to himself and shook his head. Darren''s reaction was the same as he looked at this group of middle-aged people who had soon gotten busy with their own stories.


    While Dylan was keenly listening in the fun, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He rummaged out his phone and clicked open the message that he received. But as soon as he read through the message, his eyes widened as he couldn''t help cursing out, "What the hell!"

 338 Why So Restless?

    Crazy Xiu:Wake up sleeping beauty!


    Wakey-wakey!


    Come out of the dreamland and see who''s with me.


    *attached a picture of Cali laughing along with Nora*


    Isn''t that a sight to behold? Oh, wait, I should say that''s a beauty to behold! Hehe...


    These were the messages that awaited Dylan. His eyes lingered on the photo that Xiu sent for a long moment. He was so engrossed in staring at it that he didn''t even realize how his cursing had attracted the attention of everyone in the room. Not that he cared.


    "What''s up with you now?"


    This question came from Dylan''s mother who was already used to his antics but still couldn''t help getting a headache because of her son''s random moments.


    "Umm... Nothing. I''ll be right back," saying that Dylan excused himself.


    Cranky Boss:What the hell is this?


    Where are you?


    And why are you with Cali?


    Where did you meet her?


    Xiu smiled contently staring at the string of messages that Dylan kept sending one after the other. Oh, how it pleased her.


    Crazy Xiu:Didi, I must say, she''s even better looking in person.


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her reply.


    Cranky Boss:I know that!


    Don''t try to change the subject, just tell me what are you up to?


    ''Aren''t you eager to know?'' Xiu thought to herself before trying in her reply.


    Crazy Xiu:Why do you care what I am up to? Besides, it''s not like I''m gonna kidnap her or something.


    Take a chill-pill, my over-the-top dramatic boss!


    Cranky Boss:Guess what!


    I don''t believe you very much right now.


    You''re definitely up to something.


    Spill the beans already!


    Xiu laughed out attracting the attention of Nora and Cali.


    "Found something funny?" asked Nora giving Xiu the look.


    Xiu waved it off, "Nah. Just a crazy fly buzzing around."


    Nora didn''t have to think much before understanding what Xiu was talking about. A knowing smile on her face was enough proof that she understood Xiu''s planning very well. "So, when is this crazy fly gonna fly here?"


    Xiu''s smile widened looking at her best friend who knew her so well that it was partially amazing and partially terrifying. "Soon. Very soon."


    With that reply, she sent another photo to Dylan. This time Dylan''s mind went blank as he looked at the phone screen. He almost dropped the phone because of the impact that this photo had.


    Crazy Xiu:I''m not planning anything but...


    This gorgeous young man might have other ideas.


    Attached to it was a photo of Cali with a tall man who looked quite young. Dylan''s hand clenched into a tight fist as he noticed how uncomfortably close that man was standing to Cali and was offering her a drink that looked like she was gonna accept.


    Xiu didn''t reply. Oh, not so easy. If he was a dunce didn''t mean she wasn''t gonna smash some common sense into him. If he wasn''t gonna realize his feelings on his own, then this sister-in-law was more than happy to provoke him.


    Cali being offered a drink was really nothing surprising to Xiu. From the time she sat with them, she had been offered a drink from half a dozen people already which included both males and females. Since Cali wasn''t trying to be a hardcore tomboy at the moment with the way she looked, she attracted quite a lot of attention because of her western looks.


    Although Cali had turned down each person without even batting an eye as if she had been too used to this kind of thing. And if she really was, Xiu wouldn''t actually be surprised. However, the particular picture that got Dylan in that raging mode was the result of Xiu''s perfect angle to click the photo.


    Crazy Boss:XIU! I asked WHERE ARE YOU?!


    Within five minutes, Dylan''s patience had run out as he sent several texts asking her to give him an address. After Xiu was thoroughly irritating her, she typed in the address and sent it to him adding...


    Crazy Xiu:Before coming, I''d like you to make sure to ask your heart why it''s so restless.


    Because if you''re coming for a ''friend'' let me remind you that ''friend'' of yours is capable of making her own choices.


    Dylan was left dumbstruck after reading her messages. She had managed to hit a mark. Once again, Dylan was forced to think about why it affected him? Why seeing Cali with someone else got him feeling so weird? And what was this feeling? Could it be jealousy?


    Shaking his head at his own thoughts, Dylan heaved a heavy sigh before running up to get his car keys and back to the lounge to shout, "Dazi, you''re coming with me."


    "Where?" was Darren''s reply.


    "You''ll know when we get there," answered Dylan impatiently.


    "No, you tell first," retorted Darren stubbornly.


    "Trust me, you''d regret it if you chose to stay," was Dylan vague reply making Darren curious.


    He got up and walked up to Dylan as he questioned, "What''s up?"


    "I have one word for you..." Darren quirked his brows in anticipation. "Xiu."


    "Let''s go."


    Dylan smiled seeing Darren''s reply. See, it was that easy to convince Darren to come with him without even asking for an explanation.


    ....


    "Xiu''er!"


    Xiu looked up from her phone screen at her best friend who was calling her name in a loud voice to get her attention.


    "What?"


    "Put your phone down." Xiu did exactly as she was told and put her phone down. "Now, you should talk to Cali, she seems very interested in Chinese culture."


    Xiu raised her eyebrows before shifting her attention to Cali. "Really?"


    "Hmm... Since I''m here I wanted to try something different but apparently, I don''t know where to begin," answered Cali.


    "That''s what I am here for! I''ll be your culture guide. And in my opinion, culture starts with traditional alcohol. So, I should say I''d be your alcohol guide," Xiu patted her chest feeling proud over her extensive knowledge of alcohol since she was a pure alcoholic in her previous life. "But before we begin, let''s see what taste would you prefer."


    "Taste?"


    "Hm. Flavor. I mean between grain, cereal grains, fermented sorghum, glutinous rice, and snake. What would you prefer?"


    Cali''s eyes twitched at Xiu. "Snake?" she repeated. "You don''t actually mean..."


    "Oh no, I do." Xiu was very serious talking about it. And seeing how Cali''s eyes widened, she elaborated. "Although snake wine is prepared by brewing a whole snake in rice wine, it poses no threat to the drinker since the venom dissolves in the liquor. So, you don''t have to worry at all." Cali was still not very convinced. "You should really give it a shot. It''s one of the oldest recorded alcohol in the history of our country. Besides, in ancient times it was believed that it could cure everything from rheumatism to hair loss. And it''s part of the culture."


    "You have tried it," asked Cali cautiously.


    "Of course, I have!" Receiving a look of disbelief from the two people before her, Xiu coughed awkwardly and went on, "But if snake wine is off-putting, we can always begin with Baijiu. It''s ''white alcohol''. Everyone loves it around here."


    "I think I can try that," said Cali while Xiu happily jumped up from her seat and went somewhere and when she came back she held a tray with three small cups, some snacks, and a white porcelain bottle in it.


    As she placed the tray on the table, she said, "Well, if we''re gonna try. Why not now?" She wiggled her brows in amusement as she poured the baijiu in three cups and went on, "It''s a tradition to drink baijiu with food rather than on its own. So, I brought these dumplings and wontons. Now, let me broaden the horizon of your taste buds."


    While Cali laughed at everything Xiu did, Nora was regretting the moment she asked her best friend to introduce the Chinese culture to Cali. She should have known her best friend needed just an excuse to put more alcohol on the table. But since Cali didn''t seem to mind it at all, she also kept quiet about it.

 339 Investigator Yan

    "Investigator Yan..."


    Yan Ying was reclining on her swivel chair, staring into space with a golden pen moving between her slender fingers when she heard someone calling her. She looked up at the person who called her.


    "Director Fei is looking for you."


    Yan Ying straightened up in her seat as she nodded her head.


    "Team leader, are you getting a promotion?"


    "It''s about time you''re promoted from being First class Investigator to the Special class investigator."


    "Team leader, don''t forget to take us out for a meal."


    Yan Ying frowned at the chattering voices that started between her team. She was really not interested in hearing anymore as she stood up from the chair.


    "I don''t know about the promotion, but I do hope I don''t have to be a team mentor anymore. It''s annoying raising kids like you."


    "Team leader, you''re talking as if you''re an old lady," said Mark as he laughed at her expression of boredom.


    "I''m hitting that three and oh. That means, thirty! Of course, I''m an old lady now."


    The six members of her team started laughing at her reaction. She really looked like someone who was fed up with life. But everyone knew that''s not how she actually felt. She was just feeling under the weather these days because their team''s investigation hadn''t gotten anywhere and she was getting restless now.


    ...


    Yan Ying took a deep breath before knocking on the door and pushed open the door to enter. A lady in her late-forties with round glasses perched on her sharp nose lifted her eyes to look at her.


    With her hands behind her back, Yan Ying spoke up, "Investigator Yan reporting to Director Fei."


    Pushing her glasses up, the lady with a tight bun on her head said, "You are visiting hospital too often."


    Ying raised her brow slightly. "It was a minor injury. Thank you for your concern, Director!"


    Director stared at Ying''s face with a stern look. "It was indeed a minor injury if someone hadn''t been careless enough to let it get infected so badly." Ying pursed her lips and didn''t say anything. She had been wondering what business Director Fei of the Criminal Department had with her who was these days lingering in the investigation Department. Now, she knew. She was called to receive an earful again.


    "I think I warned you last time to stop being so careless with your life," said Director Fei in a serious and professional tone. "Are you sick of living?"


    "I love my life very much. No matter how crappy it is, I still love it. And I had never been careless with my own life or anyone else around me. I really don''t know what we are getting at with this."


    "Your promotion is held back," said Director Fei as she passed a document to her. "Apparently, the higher-ups think that you need to learn to value your own life before anything else."


    "Oh, and that means you''ll still act as the Squad S3''s mentor for the next six months. Also, you''re off the field."


    Now, Ying was in disbelief. "What?! Are you suspending me? Just because I got shot on-field and got an infection? Everyone gets injured on the field. It''s no big deal."


    "The reason isn''t as you put it..." began Director Fei. "According to the reports, you let your personal feelings get in the way. You could have saved Ava Xin without any injury if you had been using your brain instead of letting your feelings get in the way."


    Ying wanted to curse out again. But she couldn''t refute her words. She indeed had been reckless with her actions. She couldn''t blame anyone but herself for letting her feelings get the best of her.


    "Also, we are not suspending you. You''re just on desk duty for the next six months."


    "That''s even worse!" Ying shot back. She was like that butterfly who loved flying around, putting her behind a desk was the worst thing for her.


    "That you should have thought about before acting out," that slight curve of that old lady''s lips was really making Ying want to wring someone''s neck at this moment. She was really provoking her for no reason. "Investigator Yan, although you have a success rate of 85% in your entire career. You have 99% filled with reckless decisions. As a team mentor, we don''t want your subordinates to learn those traits of yours. So, you better get your head back in the game and pay attention to your team members."


    "Duly noted..."


    Ying had just turned to leave when her shoulder was held back. She turned around and found Director smiling widely at her as she hugged her without any prior warning.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Why? I''m hugging my niece, what''s wrong with that?"


    "Haha..." Ying gave mocking laughter. "You weren''t being this smiley when you just scolded me."


    "Ay, that''s part of the job. My little niece, aunt still loves you," said Director Fei while rubbing her head like a kid.


    "You''re still the most annoying aunt," said Ying scrunching up her face in displeasure.


    "Huh? How many aunts do you have? Last time I checked, I was the only one."


    "Stop trying to act like a good person. It doesn''t go with the image you have around here," said Ying.


    Director Fei stroked her face saying, "That''s because I''m not a good person. But I want to be a good aunt to you."


    Ying pushed her hand away as she grumbled, "Yeah. Thanks for being the good aunt." Although she looked annoyed, she was actually feeling a lot relaxed after talking to her aunt.


    "Something bothering you?" asked Director Fei as she looked carefully at her niece''s face. "Wanna talk about it?"


    "Do you even have the time to listen?"


    "I have all the time in the world for you," said Director Fei as she dragged her out of the room. "I''ve already cleared up my evening to spend it with my dearest niece."


    "Where are you taking me?"


    Director Fei halted in her steps and looked at Ying sheepishly. "I don''t know. I want to go out for a drink but since it''s rare for me to come out, I clearly have no idea what''s hot these days."


    Ying shook her head at her aunt. How typical of her to know nothing. Thinking of something, she said, "I have recently been to a bar. It has a nice vibe to it. Wanna try?"


    "Well, why not?" replied Director Fei before frowning, "But wait! You went to a bar? For what?"


    "Why do people go to a bar?" asked Ying while Director Fei quirked up her brow. "Of course, to drink!"


    Director Fei laughed at her face as she opened the door of her car. "Dear niece, although you have inherited this dangerous side of yours from my sister, your drinking habits come from your dad. Who by the way is one of the worst drinkers I have ever come across!"


    "Hey! Stop insulting my dad!"


    "Wasn''t insulting him. I was just stating a fact," shrugged Director Fei carelessly while she stepped on the accelerator.


    Ying couldn''t say anything in reply. Although this woman claimed she was the reckless one, did she look at her own previous record? Or the present one when she was trying to make her car fly like a bloody airplane!


    The car ride was silent that allowed Ying''s mind to wander until she heard her aunt''s soft voice from beside her, "Ying''er, I know you''re upset that I''m giving you paperwork that you don''t like. But I can''t help it. I only have you now. And I certainly don''t wanna lose you as well."


    Ying''s eyes drooped down. What she indicated, Ying understood very well. But she wasn''t gonna talk about it. She had been avoiding this topic for half a year now. She definitely wasn''t gonna let her aunt break her resolve now of all times.

 340 Mr. Right Now

    If there was one thing Darren disliked about Xiu, that would be her drinking habits. But the worst of it was the fact that he couldn''t help loving her drunk version which was bolder than the sober one.


    When Dylan out of nowhere asked him to come with him, he really wasn''t expecting to end up at a bar. Because a certain girlfriend told him, she was gonna go back to rest. He really should have asked how exactly she was planning on resting because last time he checked, people definitely didn''t come to a bar for resting.


    No matter how frustrated he felt, it was poofed in the air when his eyes fell on Xiu who was walking towards the entrance while supporting her body with the wall. Okay, she was drunk! Like really drunk!


    Darren pursed his lips and rubbed his forehead when he heard Dylan''s voice from beside, "Take care of you girl, she''s getting a lot of unnecessary attention." While Dylan patted his shoulder, Darren also noticed those eyes on his Xiu which enraged him. Daren pushed Dylan aside as he was about to walk towards Xiu when Dylan held his wrist and added, "Don''t murder anyone. I really want the tradition of going to jail to end now."


    Darren glared at him making him back off. With raging eyes, he walked up to Xiu who was looking like a lost puppy now. Apparently, she forgot what she was going to do or where she was going.


    Her feet staggered when Darren held her arms to support her up. "Th-Thanks..." she slurred before adding a hiccup at the end. Darren didn''t reply and kept staring at her. She was trying to open her eyes to look around but everything was blurry at this point. "I came with someone." She held her head between her hands and tried to recall, "I just can''t remember who? Argh!"


    Darren heaved a long sigh as he asked, "Looking for someone?"


    Xiu nodded her head and tilted her head to look at him. "I am looking for someone. Just doesn''t know who is it?"


    "Perhaps, you''re looking for your Mr. Right?"


    "Why would I wait for him? Mr. Right is lost on his way."


    He quirked his brow at her answer with a faint smile at the corner of his lips.


    "Then what are you doing?" He questioned in amusement.


    She placed both her hands on his chest and pushed his masculine body against the wall taking him by surprise.


    Her honey-brown eyes blinked at him with mischief dancing in them as she planted a firm kiss at his jaw and said, "I''m planning on taking advantage of Mr. Right Now!"


    His eyes widened dramatically in disbelief before his eyes darkened with desire and passion. But more than anything, he was mad. Was she really that drunk? She was really gonna take advantage of just anyone? What? Just what did she say? Mr. Right Now? Oh, how he wanted to... Urgh!


    "Ah... It''s hurting!" she whined but oddly, didn''t even make an effort to push him away. Instead, her hands simply clutched his arms.


    "It''s hurting?" he questioned with a fire burning in his eyes. "Do you realize how much it''s hurting me seeing how you can''t even recognize me right now? And even worse, you don''t even think that I''m your mister right. But you''re more than okay to take advantage of mister right now?"


    Xiu laughed at his outburst. She slowly tip-toed as her face nuzzled her way towards his neck saying, "You''re not my mister right. And I won''t call you that either." Darren frowned at her reply while she tilted her head to look into his eyes. "Why would I call you mister right when to me, you''re my home?" Darren was stunned staring in her honey-brown orbs which were glistening beautifully. "I don''t need to see you just so I can recognize you." She patted his chest right above his heart as she leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered softly, "This is the only place I can call home. And I always know it when I''m home."


    Darren closed his eyes as his forehead leaned against hers. "Do you still plan on taking advantage of this Mr. Right Now?"


    Xiu grinned widely. "I''m planning on doing it for the rest of my life."


    His head leaned ahead as he whispered close to her ear, "Feel free to take whatever you want." He bit her earlobe softly as he added, "You don''t even need to ask."


    She felt his hot tongue licking her earlobe making her heart beat erratically. In Xiu''s intoxicated state, she could forget the world but she could never fail to recognize him. Not anymore. Even her drunk version had embedded his presence into her heart. Now, whether she was sober or drunk, she could feel his presence without even knowing it how.


    She didn''t know what it was or how it was, but she could guarantee that every fiber of her being had come to recognize him and his touch. It was as if he not only had kissed her body to claim her but he had kissed her soul to leave a mark that was gonna stick till death or perhaps, even after that.


    After being a tease, Darren held her in his arms tightly letting her put her whole weight on him. "You drank again?"


    "I missed you," she mumbled softly against his chest.


    "And that''s your excuse?"


    Xiu shook her head back and forth, "That''s not an excuse. It''s a fact that I really missed you."


    He really couldn''t argue with that statement and neither did he want to. "Shall we go home?" asked Darren caressing her head.


    "No."


    "Why not?"


    "You''ll leave again."


    Darren chuckled at her reaction. "I won''t go anywhere."


    "Promise?"


    Darren looked in her eyes and couldn''t help nodding. "Yes, I promise."


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "Okay then. But I don''t wanna walk. You have to carry me."


    "You want me to carry you?"


    Xiu nodded her head. "I want a piggyback ride." Seeing Darren''s reluctant expression, she tugged at his sleeve. "Please. Pretty please!"


    Darren gave in sooner than one would blink as he crouched down allowing her to get on his back. Her arms wrapped around her neck while she placed her head on his back.


    "You''re acting like one of those clingy and attention-seeking girlfriends."


    "You don''t like that?"


    Darren shook his head, "No, I love it since you rarely ask for anything."


    "I don''t wanna be a bother," mumbled Xiu.


    Darren stopped walking, turned his head a little to say, "But I really want you to bother me. Bother me all you want."


    "You''ll get annoyed."


    "I''ll never get annoyed."


    "Eh? Why is that?"


    "Because I''m more than willing to do anything for you. OW! Why did you hit me?"


    Xiu had hit his shoulder with a pout disrupting his sweet words. "You call me sweets but the one talking sweet is always you."


    "Haha... But you love it. Just like you love me."


    Xiu ran her fingers through his hair slowly. "I hate it."


    "You hate me?" gasped Darren.


    "No. I hate the fact that you make me feel like falling in love all over again whenever I lay my eyes on you. And I also hate it that I keep falling for you over and over and over again. And I hate it that each time I fall harder. I hate it that you can control my emotions so well. I hate this feeling of being scared that what if I lost you? I hate it that I don''t even know how to live without you anymore. And I hate it that I can''t help any of these feelings. And worse of all, I hate it that I still love every single feeling I have for you."


    Darren would have loved to see her face as she rambled on and on like that. And that''s why he put her down and turned around to look at her. Her face was red just like earlier because she was drunk but now, it somehow was redder. Her eyes were blinking at him with no haziness. Instead, her eyes looked clear now.


    Xiu nestled her face into his chest. "Stop looking at me like that. I really don''t know how to love you any more than I already do."


    "You might not know but I do," began Darren. "I know that I''m gonna love you even more than this. Because to me, it''s really not enough. I''m gonna keep loving you until you get sick and tired of me. But I still won''t stop. I''ll still hold onto you. I''d still love you and only you."


    Xiu hit his chest this time, "Do you want me to cry?"


    "No."


    "Then stop talking already!"

 341 I Know Her Very Well

    "Hello, ladies!"


    Both Nora and Cali looked up to see Dylan standing right beside their table. While Cali was raising her brows in surprise, Nora was grinning knowingly. He really came running, eh!


    "When did you come back?"


    The question came from Cali who didn''t expect to see him here at all. Obviously they weren''t close enough for her to know about his schedule but Darren still had informed her that Dylan was gonna stay out of town for another day or two. So, seeing him here was something that never even crossed her mind.


    "This morning," answered Dylan inviting himself to sit at the seat which was previously occupied by Xiu. He seemed to have taken a leaf out of Xiu''s book without knowing it himself because she was the only person he knew who would fit herself anywhere without any invitation.


    "Hey! That''s Xiu''s seat. Do you want to start another world war with her?" This reaction could only belong to Nora who was one of the witnesses of the war scenes between Xiu and Dylan. And she really didn''t want them to start here.


    Dylan waved her off saying, "Dear Nora, if I and Dazi are standing side by side, who do you think will catch Xiu''s attention? Whether she''d be interested in starting a world war with me or would she be more than ready to jump on her boyfriend?"


    "Of course, the latter. Between you and Darren, she''d always go with Darren."


    "Bingo!" Dylan clicked his fingers together. "That''s exactly she''s going to do even now."


    "You mean, Darren is here?" inquired Nora while craning her neck to look around for even a shadow of Darren.


    Dylan placed his hand on her head and rotated in the direction of where he left his best friend with his love. "He seems busy. Do you want to disturb them?"


    From her position, Nora could clearly make out the silhouette of two people who were stuck together and didn''t even have to know further than that to understand where this was going. "I guess she''s not coming back."


    "I''d be surprised if she really did come back," answered Dylan knowingly.


    "Wait!" Cali finally cut their conversation short as she questioned, "Bai Xiu is Regan''s girlfriend?"


    "She didn''t introduce herself?" asked Dylan strangely. He really couldn''t believe it when Cali shook her head in reply. "How is that possible? She loves to show off her boyfriend. How did she forget to flaunt her love before you?"


    "Perhaps, because she didn''t know that I''m acquainted with Regan," said Cali.


    "She knows," answered Dylan. "She knows it very well."


    Hearing Dylan''s answer made Cali wonder if that was the reason why Xiu called her ''tattoo girl'' earlier. She definitely seemed to recognize her but even she was in bewilderment at that time since she had never met Xiu before. But now it made sense that Darren must have talked about her.


    Anyways, she was more interested in this new information that Xiu was actually Darren''s girlfriend. She really didn''t expect someone like Xiu to catch Darren''s attention. He was a calm and collected kind of person but his girlfriend wasn''t one. And even in the past, all his girlfriends could say be the exact opposite of Xiu.


    "She''s trying to keep her public display affection to a minimum these days."


    Nora''s voice broke Cali''s trance.


    Dylan pointed in the direction of Xiu and Darren before voicing out, "That''s keeping it down?"


    Nora coughed awkwardly. "I mean she''s not at least shoving her flirting down your single throat!"


    "Look who''s talking," was Dylan''s biting remark.


    Nora narrowed her eyes at him. "Well, unlike you, I know where my feelings are leading me."


    Dylan''s jaw tightened at the way she so bluntly insulted him. "Oh, yeah? Then what are you doing here? Why aren''t you going where your feelings are leading you?"


    "Are you trying to pick a fight, Dylan?" questioned Nora. She could tell Dylan was in a bad mood and she obviously had an inkling about the reason behind his foul mood as well. But it oddly pleased her.


    "What if I am?" challenged Dylan.


    Nora slowly stood up from her seat and spoke in a low voice, "I''m not Xiu who is only happy verbally assaulting you. I''m Nora Cartwright! Mess with me and I''ll poke your bloody eyes out!" Dylan glared back at her but seeing how she was turning to walk away, he was taken aback.


    "Oi! Where are you going now?"


    Nora looked over her shoulder as she replied, "I''m gonna take the advice my best friend gave me earlier." Dylan frowned in confusion. "I''m gonna knock at the door that my heart wants me to." Also, I don''t want to be the third wheel here. It''s better to run than to suffer between you dumb people; one who can''t speak her feelings out and the other who doesn''t even know his feelings. What a pair!


    "Huh?" Dylan didn''t know what she meant and honestly, he didn''t care. Because now that he noticed, he was left alone with Cali who was silently staring at him. But the way she looked at him was different. Is she drunk? he thought to himself. He had just opened his mouth to speak when Nora slammed her hands on the table startling him. "What the hell! Why are you back now?"


    Nora grinned at him widely. "I forgot that I don''t have the address of the door I want to knock at."


    "Are you kidding me? You don''t even know where Ah-Si lives?" Dylan really had the urge to either laugh at her face or hit her for being a dummy.


    "I don''t. But you do," she replied while blinking at him with pleading eyes.


    Dylan being Dylan pretended like he wasn''t listening. "I do know. But why should I give it to you? Didn''t you say you''re gonna poke my eyes out? Why should I help someone who''s thinking of assaulting me?"


    Nora placed her hand on his shoulder and stared at him squarely. "Don''t make me repeat myself or..." the way her eyes shifted to Cali made Dylan curse under his breath. This is the reason why friends who know your secrets are the worst! Now, he would have to fall for this blackmailing. How annoying!


    "Fine, fine! I''m sending it to you," said Dylan before he got his phone out and typed in the address before sending it Nora who after checking to confirm patted his shoulder and ran off saying bye to the both of them. Dylan was shaking his head at her when suddenly his eyes fell on the table and his eyes went wide. "What is this?"


    The spread of alcohol on the table was really eye-catching, to say the least. He really couldn''t imagine that three girls were the ones who actually finished it all. But what he didn''t know was that most of it were done by Xiu herself alone. She needed company, which didn''t mean she needed help to finish her drinks. She was more than enough for that.


    "Hmm... Xiu said this is the variety of flavors that one should not miss in this life," replied Cali calmly. Her words weren''t slurred, she didn''t even look tipsy but her eyes weren''t really focused. Her face was also flushed which was clearly showing that even she had quite a few drinks this night.


    Dylan facepalmed himself, "I really can''t even say that I''m surprised." Then with a small smile on his face he went on, "It''s safe to say that Xiu is the one who drank the most."


    "How do you know that?"


    "Because I know her very well," answered Dylan.


    There was something in the way he said those words that bothered Cali for some reason. With knitted brows, she pushed herself off the chair and turned around to leave saying, "I should get back to my room."

 342 The Kiss

    Dylan didn''t know what happened and why she was so eager to leave but he didn''t feel good about it. It almost felt like he was being abandoned.


    He ran after her to catch up to her as he asked, "Why are you running away from me? I came to see you after so many days."


    "It''s only been four days," said Cali as if it wasn''t a big deal at all.


    "You must have had a lot of fun since four days doesn''t seem much to you," he sounded bitter which he didn''t intend though.


    "Are you sulking?" Dylan didn''t reply and she took that as a silent agreement. "But why?"


    "You..." his words and voice both died down as she looked at him waiting for him to continue. "You took the drink from that guy earlier."


    Cali frowned at his words. "So what?" Even though she did no such thing, she wanted to know why he was getting mad about it. She was brooding because he seemed to know even his best friend''s girlfriend better than he knows about her who had been around for years. It really got her mad how he never even thought she was important enough to learn anything about her.


    She had just opened the door of her room when she heard him speak from behind, "Oh... Then you should have gone out with him."


    She turned around to look at his face with a very annoyed look as she spat, "Maybe I should!"


    Dylan clenched his fists tightly, "You''re really getting on my nerve now!"


    "It''s not the first time," answered Cali with a mocking smile which was directed to herself. "You always find me annoying. Isn''t that why you always ignored me?"


    "I never said I find you annoying. You''re always creating troubles that''s why I might have kept my distance but never ignored you on purpose," Dylan didn''t know why he was trying to defend himself but he didn''t like it when she said that.


    "Just for your information, I still love creating troubles," said Cali. "So, you should be keeping your distance even now."


    "What if I don''t want to?" challenged Dylan as he stepped closer to her.


    "Why not? I didn''t change at all. If you didn''t like me back then you shouldn''t be liking me now as well."


    "I never said I don''t like you."


    "But you never said you like me either."


    "Argh! Why are you confusing me so much? You should know it that I like you..." Cali was stunned staring at him dumbfounded but he popped the bubble she was in with his next words. "Why else we''d be friends if I didn''t even like you?"


    Cali took a deep breath. I''m the idiot here for thinking too much. No, no. For hoping something from a jerk like you! She didn''t know what came over her perhaps it was the alcohol taking effect but without knowing the answer, she picked up a cushion and threw it at his face hitting him squarely. "You''re an idiot!" she threw her blazer somewhere on the floor while rambling to herself but Dylan only caught one part of it, "Why do you never understand?!"


    But she had to fall for a dummy who needed words to hear. He wouldn''t know unless she said something. There was no way he was gonna know anything on his own. It wouldn''t be wrong to say that Dylan was a complete opposite of her. And yet, she was in love with this dummy!


    Dylan held her arm to turn her around to face him as he whispered, "Then why don''t you try making me understand?"


    Cali placed her hand on the side of his face catching Dylan off guard. He was surprised and ended up flinching. Cali''s face fell as she was about to drop her hand down, he held it back on his face.


    "I hate to admit it but I am slow. I really can''t understand anything."


    Cali looked into his black orbs as she leaned her forehead against his whispering, "Is it that difficult to see in my eyes how much I am in love with you?" Dylan''s eyes widened. "Why is it that you never see? Or maybe you don''t even want to see? I know I''m not your type. I''m not gentle, sweet, cute, or caring kind but... I still love you."


    With a sigh when she was about to move back, his arm instinctively went around her waist to hold her in that position. He liked that position. Her forehead against him, her hand on the back of his head while her fingers brushed softly through his hair. Moreover, he loved seeing her eyes so close. Because at this position, the only thing he saw in those eyes was a reflection. His reflection that she seemed to adore.


    Would it be weird if he said that he actually could read her feelings in those eyes for the first time? Would it be even weirder if he said that he was losing himself in that moment? Or was it, even more, weirder that his heartbeat was jumping up and down wildly?


    His next move was purely based on his feelings. Feelings that felt right. He didn''t even allow his mind to talk him out of it before he bent down to capture her lips with his. This time it was Cali who was taken aback. Just mere touch of his soft lips against hers was enough to brew a storm beneath her skin. She could hear her heart pounding loudly but she didn''t care. Maybe she was too drunk, maybe she was just in a dream. Whichever it was she was gonna have the best of this moment. With that thought in mind, she let both her hands to run amok in his hair.


    Dylan could taste the alcohol on her but he didn''t mind. Because whether it was the alcohol he could taste or his own feelings, it was certain that he was feeling intoxicated now. It wasn''t on impulse at least that''s what he believed. He had been yearning to hold her from the moment Xiu had sent him the photos. He didn''t know why he always lost his courage before her but if he could, he would love to push her against the wall in that very bar to claim her lips along with claiming hers as his before all those people who eyed her.


    But the keyword was, ''if''.


    Dylan would have never taken this step if she didn''t say that she loves him. It was something that came to him as a surprise. Why? Because as Cali had said, she had been surrounded by men all her life. And each one of them was worthy of admiration. Dylan would have never even imagined that someone like him caught her eye. After all, every person around her was like the protagonist of a movie or something. Because every friend of hers was strong, macho, intimidating, reliable, and domineering.


    Dylan wasn''t like that. He was a carefree soul who was jubilant and who loved to just play his way through life. And he hated responsibilities that''s why he was called unreliable most of the time. But someone should really tell him why this girl who could even take him down in a fight was actually in love with him?


    Dylan would have doubted her words if he couldn''t feel her emotions through the kiss they shared. The kiss he so didn''t want to pull away from...

 343 Closer Than I Though

    "Come and play with it..."


    "It''s so white and fluffy!"


    "So cute!"


    Xiu''s comments were making Darren''s head dizzy. Especially the mushy gushy words he couldn''t make sense of. Why wasn''t she even noticing that her excitement wasn''t being reciprocated? And the blame goes to that samoyed puppy in her hands.


    Earlier when they were supposed to leave, Xiu out of nowhere saw the puppy outside the hotel and jumped down from Darren''s back. And when Darren found the cause of her excitement he could only curse his luck.


    Okay, let''s clear one thing... Darren hated dogs just as much Dylan did if not more. Both best friends liked keeping their distance from dogs for years now and yes, they had the reason for that as well. But he was not willing to share that embarrassing story with Xiu right now. So, he couldn''t only use other tactics to get her away from the dog who by the way was now taking liberties with his girlfriend!


    "Sweets, let''s go home."


    "Not yet. I want to play with Fluffy," Xiu said while running her hands through the thick, white, double-layer coat of hairs of the dog. She found the puppy so adorable. She had always loved dogs and Samoyed dog breed was something she never came across before in Asia. But now that she saw it in flesh, she could conclude that was one of the cutest little things she had seen in life.


    "Who''s Fluffy?"


    "He is," Xiu pointed at the puppy who was jumping about in her lap.


    "Can you be any more original?" remarked Darren with sarcasm quite palpable in his voice. Xiu just shrugged her shoulders at his words. Darren watched how the puppy using his front paws was attaching itself with his Xiu''s chest and got mad. Great! Now he was even jealous of a dog! Way to go, Regan!


    "Can we take Fluffy home?" Xiu''s question made Darren''s mind to go in disarray. Damnit! Neither he wanted to take that thing home nor did he want to refuse his girlfriend. What the bloody hell! Why was he being cornered like this?


    "Fluffy must already have a home. So, no. We can''t take it home," answered Darren with a calm voice while maintaining his distance from Xiu and her ''Fluffy''. Seeing how Xiu pouted, he added, "However, I''ll get you a pet. Anything you want other than a dog. A cat, a bird, a fish, damn it! I''m even willing to get a bloody crocodile but not a dog."


    Xiu pouted even more as she mumbled, "But Xiu only wants a dog."


    "But your boyfriend is scared of dogs," came a voice from behind Darren. Both Darren and Xiu looked over to see Yan Ying walking towards them. Instead of stopping beside Darren, she went up to Xiu as she took the little puppy from her hands and said, "Also, this little one''s mommy is looking for him at the entrance."


    Darren heaved a sigh of relief knowing that the puppy indeed had a family. Thank God! He was finally spared from this torture!


    At first, Ying was gonna make a joke but seeing the look on Xiu''s face, she dropped the idea. After all, it seemed like Xiu was the puppy who was being abandoned right now. "This little guy has a family he has to go back to."


    Ying''s words worked like a charm as Xiu finally nodded and rubbed ''Fluffy''s'' chin saying her goodbye. "You and I weren''t meant to be."


    Ying raised her brows as she looked at Darren, "Is she...?"


    "Yeah, she drank a lot," answered Darren while Ying nodded her head in understanding. "What about you? What are you doing here?"


    "Ah... I came to have dri... Dinner with my aunt but she dropped me at the entrance and went off to park her car. I was waiting for her when an old lady''s voice caught my attention. She looked worried about her baby which happens to be this little puppy."


    "And being the good girl that you are you decided to offer your help," concluded Darren.


    "Yeah, that''s about right."


    Xiu finally put the puppy back in Ying''s hands and said, "Take him home. I''ll miss you Fluffy!"


    Ying chuckled at her reaction while saying, "Oh, man! It''s gonna be fun to watch."


    "What?" questioned Darren.


    "Seeing you with a kid," answered Ying with a laugh. While Darren frowned she added, "You''re jealous of a puppy seeing how attached it got to your girl in minutes. What are you gonna do with your kids?"


    "I''ll gladly hire a nanny and push them out of my room," said Darren with a smile.


    "That''ll be very mean of you." Ying shook her head while she turned to leave. She needed to give this little puppy to the original owner who was crying hysterically earlier.


    Behind her, Darren hugged Xiu''s shoulders to comfort her. She looked really sad about this parting. But Darren really couldn''t do anything about this. He couldn''t even say that he''d adopt a dog for her because he didn''t want to. No, even the idea didn''t sound right in his mind.


    He didn''t know how but Xiu seemed to have heard his thoughts as she said, "Let''s adopt a dog."


    "What?" Darren was startled. "Why?"


    "What do you mean why?" frowned Xiu. "Dogs are so cute."


    "No, they are not," refused Darren without hesitation.


    "Baby!" Xiu whined but Darren tried to turn a deaf ear. Tonight, he was not gonna give in. Nope! Not happening. Not in this case! "In the future, when we have our own kid he''d need a friend who''d play with him and protect him. Dogs are the best friends. Do you want our kid to be lonely?"


    *Pffffffff*


    Do you hear that sound?


    Yeah, that''s the sound of Darren''s resolve deflating like a balloon. Why? Why did she have to use that tone? And why did she bring up the idea of having a kid? And she said, OUR KID! Bloody hell! How am I gonna be rational now?!


    Well, he wasn''t gonna be rational now that''s for certain because his reply was, "Sure. Let''s do it." While he rubbed her head gently and lovingly. Oh, fuck it! He was gonna give in and everybody knew that from the beginning. Who was he even kidding?!


    ...


    Ying gave the puppy back to the original owner and looked around to find her aunt who still hadn''t come back. While she was waiting, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She checked the called id and attended the call.


    "Team leader, where are you?" came her subordinate, Mark''s impatient voice.


    "Why?"


    "I found what you have been looking for. Or should I say I found the person you had been looking for."


    Ying was immediately alert as she questioned, "You found Destiny Novell?"


    "Yes, I did. And just as you had predicted, she had changed her name." He took a brief pause before adding, "I just emailed you her personal information. And there is something else."


    "What?" She could hear the hesitation in his voice and it got her even more curious.


    "I think I should tell you when you get here," saying that he hung up the call.


    Ying stared at her phone with a frown before checking her emails. She clicked on the last email and downloaded the attached file.


    //Previous Name: Destiny Novell


    //Present: Bai Xiu


    Ying''s frown deepened, "Bai Xiu? What a coincidence..." she muttered to herself as she scrolled through other details.


    //Adoption Details


    //Foster Family: Jing


    The rest of the details like her social security number, address, family details, occupation, and stuff were all written in the document but her eyes only got stuck on the screen when the picture of Destiny Novell came before her eyes.


    Ying lifted her eyes up and looked in the direction of Darren was walking with Xiu snuggled up beside him. "Every coincidence leads you to a fate that is unknown to you..." Ying had heard this plenty of times in her life but today, she really felt like some coincidences really led you to a fate unknown.


    "Bai Xiu... Or should I call you Destiny Novell? Whichever it is, you are closer than I thought."

 344 Lets Talk

    "Take a deep breath... It''s okay. You just have to ring the doorbell. Yes, you can do it!"


    This was Nora''s encouraging words to herself as she tried to lift her hand but ended up dropping the idea. As you might have guessed, she was standing at the door of Xin Villa at this time of the night.


    Nobody knew how she did it but somehow she managed to sneak up to the door without alerting the security at the main gate. Her drunk self was quite good at finding her way or perhaps, it was sheer dumb luck.


    She had several thoughts running through her mind. As much as she wanted to see Ah-Si, she was also not very confident. Especially after she watched him leave the other day at the mall.


    ''It''s your love story, nobody can write it except for you!'' Xiu''s words rang in her mind making her turn to stare at the doorbell again.


    "Oh, Fuck it!" she simply rang the doorbell and waited. As she heard footsteps coming closer from the other side of the door, she whispered, "Here goes nothing..."


    As soon as the door opened, Ah-Si''s face came into her view. As their eyes met, both of them stared stunned at each other.


    "Hi!" Nora waved her hand at him making him frown.


    Of all the days, why was it that he was alone at home tonight? There were not even any housemaids in the house tonight. And why was it that she was standing at his door late at night looking pretty drunk but still... Cute? Ah-Si shook his head immediately. Don''t fall for it again. She''s not cute. Not cute at all. He repeated those words to himself.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Nora had expected this question but it still hurt the way he asked it. He clearly showed how much he didn''t welcome her here. But just because he didn''t want to see her here, was she going to leave? The answer is NO! If it had been before, yes, she would have left by now already seeing him giving that hard stare. But tonight, she had two motivations to stay. One; she was drunk. Two; Xiu would kill her if she didn''t take control of her life.


    And apparently, those two reasons were good enough for Nora to hold her ground, lift up her eyes, and look at Ah-Si.


    "I wanted to see you," she answered making Ah-Si''s eyes widen a bit in shock. "Also, I wanted to talk to you."


    After his initial shock, Ah-Si intended to close the door as he said, "We don''t have anything to talk about." But before he could close the door, Nora put her foot in and blocked him from doing so. "Nora!"


    "What?" she looked into his eyes challenging him.


    "You''re drunk. Go home!"


    "Not going unless you sit down and hear me out!"


    Nora and Ah-Si kept looking at each other without blinking as if there was a competition going on to see who would blink first. Because whoever did will lose this battle. They say the one who loves more always loses. Then can you guess who lost?


    BOTH...


    ''You wouldn''t want your daughter to grow up without a mother, do you?''


    ''Don''t you want your daughter to have a happy family?''


    ''Don''t assume things so much. At least, sit down with Ava''s mother to know what actually made her abandoned her own daughter. No mother would leave her own child without a valid reason.''


    Those were the words that flashed through Ah-Si''s mind as he looked at Nora. His father, Darren and even his own brother had repeatedly told him to stop avoiding this matter. He knew he couldn''t run from it. Especially, he couldn''t turn a blind eye when Nora was standing right before him at the threshold of his house.


    "You want to talk? Let''s talk," saying that Ah-Si opened the door wide and indicating her to walk inside. Nora was in disbelief but she still managed to step inside. She watched Ah-Si closing the door behind her before he went to the cabinet closeby and pulled out a pair of new slippers for her to change into. Nora quietly took off her shoes and slid her feet into the pair of slippers he placed before her.


    As she followed him further inside, she wasn''t looking at anything except for his back. Those broad shoulders that seemed so enticing. She wanted so badly to put her head on his shoulder and forget everything. Wouldn''t it be better if time turned back? She promised to not be scared of her own thoughts anymore.


    "Take a seat," he suggested and Nora nodded her head before perching down on the sofa. She thought he would sit with her but instead, he went out of the lounge to somewhere she couldn''t see.


    Sitting alone, Nora was trying to come up with the right words to say to him. She really didn''t prepare anything before coming here. She just came here on impulse. What was she supposed to even talk about? After all, she had thought that he wouldn''t even agree to talk to her! But he did!


    Right, I should ask if he is single or not?


    Is that the right question though?


    Can I even ask him that question?


    Yes, why not? she argued with herself.


    "But with what right?" she mumbled out.


    "You still have the habit of talking to yourself?" Nora was startled when she heard Ah-Si''s voice and looked over to see him. He extended his hand towards her which held a cup in it. While Nora looked at him in confusion, he added, "It''s ginger tea. It''ll help with your drunkenness."


    Nora bit her lips as a smile bloomed on her lips. He not only remembered that she had a habit of talking to herself when she is drunk but he also brought her ginger tea. It really made her earlier doubts to vanish completely. It was exactly as Xiu had claimed, he really seemed like someone who was still in love with her. And that thought alone was enough to warm her heart.


    Seeing her with that silly smile, Ah-Si cleared his throat awkwardly while saying, "I''m not worried about your health. I just don''t want to have a conversation with a drunk person. It''s like banging my head against a wall. I''d rather talk to you when you''re sober. Yes, that''s the reason. That''s the only reason."


    Nora listened to him rambling on and on with her silly smile still intact on her face. He sounded more like convincing himself rather than her. But anyhow, whoever he was trying to fool here, at least she wasn''t falling for those words.


    Bzzzz...


    As his phone vibrated, he fished it out of his pocket and checked the caller id. Before attending the call, he looked at Nora to say, "Drink that. I''ll be right back."


    As he came out to the hall to take the call, he put the phone against his ear to hear his brother''s voice saying, "Ah-Si, I won''t be coming home."


    "Why are you telling me that?" Ah-Si frowned at his brother''s words. Even if he was not coming home, he shouldn''t be informing him.


    "I''m telling you so that you can tell dad," replied Xin Xiaoli from the other side.


    "Well, dad is not home. He''s gonna stay over at Uncle Yi''s place I guess. So..."


    Xin Xiaoli was silent for a moment before he questioned, "What about Ying?"


    Ah-Si scoffed at his brother. "Bro, Ying Jie hasn''t come home in days. And it obviously has something to do with you. And if it is your doing, you better pray that dad doesn''t hear about this. Otherwise, you''d be in deep trouble."


    "I didn''t ask her to leave..." protested Xin Xiaoli softly before adding, "I just enlightened her that if she stayed with us, Meihui might not like to hear about it."


    "There you have it!" spat Ah-Si in anger. "No matter how much I love you, I''d still say you''re an idiot. How can you not realize that other people also have feelings? I get it you love Sister Meihui but what about Ying Jie? Don''t forget before anything she''s a friend of yours. A friend who saved your arse way too many times."


    "I didn''t call my little brother to hear his lecture. So, I''m hanging up."


    With that, Xin Xiaoli hung up the call leaving Ah-Si even madder. He hated it whenever his own brother overlooked the fact that in his endeavors to please one person, he was hurting a hundred as well. But he couldn''t do anything about that. Especially now when his own problems were waiting for him to man up and face it all.


    Ah-Si took a deep breath and turned back to where he left Nora. "Okay, if you''re done let''s hear what you have to sa..." His words were still in his throat when he saw Nora curled up on the sofa sleeping with light snoring sounds that made him chuckle softly at her.


    He crouched down beside her and his hand having a mind of its own went up to touch her face gently. She had a crease between her brows while her lips appeared like she was pouting. However, she looked so adorable like this that he couldn''t even bring himself to wake her up.

 345 Soft & Cuddly

    Ah-Si spent half an hour in dilemma trying to think what to do with the sleeping woman on his sofa. Take her to the guest room? But guest rooms weren''t used for a long time and he didn''t know how clean it''d be. Take her to Ying Jie''s room? No... Without Ying Jie''s permission, that''s not good.


    He looked at Nora''s face who was hugging her body now indicating that she was feeling cold. For a moment he thought about just leaving her right there but...


    "Screw it!" cursing under his breath, he picked her up from the sofa and went towards his own room at the east corner of the house. After tucking her in his own bed, he quietly left the room.


    Earlier when he was trying to come up with a decision, he didn''t even for once thought about waking her up. Wouldn''t it save him the trouble if he just had woken her up and asked her to leave? But he stupidly just let her sleep in his own room. And on his own bed! For someone who wanted to push her out of his life and heart, he really wasn''t acting like it! What an idiot!


    With these thoughts running through his mind, Ah-Si didn''t even realize when he slept while laying in his brother''s room. Well, whatever she wanted to say it could wait ''till morning. But he forgetting something. He knew something was missing. But he couldn''t put his finger on what.


    The morning after a drinking night out had always been Xiu''s biggest regrets. But for Nora, hangovers weren''t as bad and like her body knew it she''d wake up on her usual time. Today, however, she was slightly late. Normally she woke up at 5:30 but now it was close to 7 in the morning when the blaring sunrays made her groan in frustration.


    Thinking that she was in her own bedroom, Nora casually sat up to rub her eyes while yawning. Then she tried to blink her eyes to look around but could only squint her eyes because of the irritating bright sunlight coming through the window. Nora was frowning since she remembered clearly that sunlight wouldn''t hit directly into her room through the window. Why was it like that today? Did the sun decide to change its course or something?


    She looked at the clothes she wore and how she was stinking of alcohol and sweat. This sticky feeling made her scrunch up her nose in disgust. "Argh! I forgot to take a bath..." she rubbed her hand over her face while groaning.


    She put her feet down and felt the soft and fluffy carpet underneath her feet which made her confuse again. When she looked down, her eyes went wide. There was a pastel pink fluffy rug underneath her feet. I repeat it''s PINK!


    And the reason why she freaked out was that seeing the ''pink'' rug made her finally realize that she wasn''t in her room. Now, how did it hit her? Did we mention that Nora wasn''t a big fan of pink color? No? Well, now let''s clear this up since Nora had always disliked the color. And that''s why it was impossible to find any shade of pink in her life.


    Closing her eyes while Nora was ruffling her hair, she felt something touching her thigh. She opened her eyes and sat frozen looking at those big doe eyes staring back at her in curiosity. It was the little baby girl who had crawled up to her silently and was now using her hands to crawl up her lap.


    Nora was stunned. She had no idea what to do when she looked at the adorable little baby before her. Especially when the little girl crawled up to her lap before using her shirt as a support to stand on her legs to touch her face with her small hands.


    Just as Ava''s soft hands touch Nora''s face, she lost it. While Ava giggled at her she almost lost her balance but Nora held her. The hands which she didn''t know where to put earlier now on instinct had clung to the little girl so tightly. Nora was now hugging her with tears rolling down her cheek. She didn''t even know why she was crying or perhaps she knew but didn''t want to bring back the dark memory.


    But she certainly knew how peaceful she felt holding that soft little doll in her hands. Ava was so little and so soft and cuddly that Nora didn''t want to pull away from her. Only now she had noticed the small bed at the corner of the room which must belong to this little one in her hands. Actually, now she didn''t even have to think where she was, she knew.


    "You look just like you dad," said Nora while poking the little one''s cheeks who just tilted her head slightly while smiling without knowing anything. "So cute..." gushed Nora while she dropped a kiss at her cheek. The little girl only giggled even more at that.


    Nora always thought that kids were whiny and loud but this one in her hands was oddly quiet. She wasn''t being fussy at all. Nora had spent half an hour or so with her but she didn''t whine or cry even once. She simply played around with Nora''s hair, her face then buried her own small face into Nora''s neck and slept peacefully while sucking her thumb. It really surprised Nora because except for her giggles, she didn''t even hear the baby girl babble anything.


    Wasn''t she at the age to talk already? she wondered to herself but didn''t know how to answer her own self.


    But what surprised her even more was how could the little girl sleep peacefully when she saw so smelled so bad? Wasn''t she bothered by it? Didn''t babies have a strong dislike to certain types of strong smells? Why was this one acting so different?


    She stood up with the little girl and looked around the room. Only now did she notice that everything in this room was pink except for the bed she slept in. How thankful she was for that! Soon, her eyes fell on a photo of Ah-Si with this baby girl in his hands smiling widely. Sighing out loud, she mumbled, "You really love your daughter huh..."


    She caressed the little one''s head before she tried to put her on the small bed of her own between her teddybears which were bigger in size than her small frame. But the little one refused as she clutched her shirt tightly in her small fist. No matter how small her hands were she was strong since Nora couldn''t really set herself free from her grip. Or perhaps, her heart didn''t allow her to.


    "Let''s find your father then," said Nora as she opened the door of the room with a deep breath.


    She had only taken a step out when a deep voice from behind startled her.


    "What the..."


    Nora turned around to look at the man who seemed equally shocked to see her. He was staring right at her with a dumbfounded look.


    "Miyabi!" he called out softly.


    "Yes, sir!" Nora heard the maid''s reply from behind him whom she only noticed now.


    "Am I seeing things or there is actually a girl coming out of my son''s room. Let me repeat, it''s my SON''S room!"


    Nora''s eyes widened when she figured out that the man before her was actually Ah-Si''s father. Just kill her now! She looked down at her shabby appearance and really wanted to bury herself in shame. This was so not the time to meet him.

 346 Lock Me Here?

    Nora was standing like a kid who was caught doing something she wasn''t supposed to. She could only lower her head as if the ground was the most interesting thing in the world right now. Someone, please help her, she had never felt this nervous in her entire life. Also, why nobody warned her that standing before Ah-Si''s father was this nerve-wracking?


    "I don''t think you''re seeing things, sir," came the answer from the maid who was called Miyabi. Even her eyes were staring straight at Nora with a strange look. After all, they had never come across this kind of situation before. "It''s really a young woman who came out of Young master Si''s room."


    Xin Zimen craned his neck to look inside the room and found no one which made him frown. "You slept here alone?" he asked and seeing how Nora only nodded, he sighed out in disappointment. "What a disappointment of a son I have!" He turned to look at the maid as he kept talking, "Can you believe it?"


    The maid nodded her head because she actually believed in her young master''s character. It''d sound weirder to her if he had stayed in the same room with Nora. "Sir, shouldn''t you be happy that your son is a gentleman?"


    Xin Zimen scoffed displeasingly, "What''s the point of being a gentleman when he''s worse than a single dog!"


    "I..." Nora wanted to say something but when Xin Zimen turned to look at her, she lost the words.


    Xin Zimen''s eyes were now staring at his granddaughter who was snuggled up against Nora''s chest. If he remembered correctly, this little granddaughter of his wasn''t even close to him since she didn''t like interacting with strangers and he was still a stranger to his own granddaughter. But now, she looked so calm and peaceful as if she felt protected and safe in those arms.


    Did he find it weird?


    No!


    He found it quite interesting and amusing instead.


    Seeing how Xin Zimen was looking at the baby girl in her arms, Nora tried to explain, "I tried to put her in bed but she refused to let go." She even indicated towards Ava''s hand which was still clutching the front of her shirt.


    "That''s weird. Normally, our little princess wakes up by this time and demands for her breakfast. Why is she sleeping today? Is she sick?" The maid turned to touch Ava in Nora''s hands and frowned even more mumbling to herself, "She seems to be fine. Then why is she still sleeping?"


    Xin Zimen listened to her words clearly and a strange smile appeared on his face. "Take Ava with you," he said to the maid and looked at Nora. "And you, young lady, follow me."


    Nora was taken aback a bit but she nodded silently and followed him. He called another maid and ordered her, "Take our guest to Ying''s room and find her a new set of clothes." He looked at Nora who was surprised now as he continued, "You should freshen up first." Saying that he left her with the maid.


    Meanwhile, Xin Zimen went to Xin Xiaoli''s room and found Ah-Si sleeping there just as he had expected him to. He clicked his tongue as he rolled his eyes, "No wonder you can''t even get yourself a wife! Your daughter has to work overtime to find a mother instead! What a shame!"


    He tried calling his son to wake up but when he didn''t, Xin Zimen simply kicked him awake.


    "Ah! Dad! What are you doing so early in the morning?"


    Ah-Si wasn''t expecting to wake up like this. He was actually having such a good dream. And it wasn''t every day that he got a chance to sleep ''till this late after all, his daughter would eventually wake him up early in the morning. But today she didn''t... Thinking about that, Ah-Si''s eyes widened as he shouted, "Ava!"


    "Stop right there," Xin Zimen''s voice halted Ah-Si in his steps. He was gonna run over to his daughter but for some reason, his father stopped him. "Before thinking about your daughter why don''t you tell me why there is a woman in your room?"


    Ah-Si''s jaw almost hit the floor as he recalled that Nora was still in his house! No, in his room! With his daughter! And his father saw her! He couldn''t tell which was worse at this point!


    "Da-Dad, about that..."


    "Save it," said Xin Zimen sternly. "I don''t mind it at all. I was actually happy knowing that my son was coming out of his monk-like personality until I saw that you slept in a different room."


    "That should not be your dialogue," said Ah-Si.


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders, "I''m not from the cave era neither do I have such conservative ways of thinking. If I did, I would have kicked your ass when you became a single dad out of nowhere."


    Ah-Si cleared his throat feeling like his father was now picking on him and that too on purpose. What a morning!


    "What is your relationship with her?" asked Xin Zimen after being quiet and when Ah-Si opened his mouth to say ''nothing'', he cut him off adding, "And don''t even think about denying it. I am not willing to believe that you let a random woman stay in your bedroom."


    It was really dangerous to have a father who knew you so well. "She was drunk and slept on the couch. So, I just put her on the bed. It''s really not a big deal."


    "That''s not what I asked though." Ah-Si''s eyes widened while his father went on, "I asked who she is to you, I never asked why she is here. And since you''re so ready to find a way out of this question it''s making me rather curious to know who she is."


    "Dad! What are you up to?" called out Ah-Si as he saw his father leaving the room and followed him but before he could step out of the room, the door was closed. He tried to twist the knob but turned out it was locked. "DAD! How can you lock me here?"


    "I''ll open this door when I feel like you''re ready to tell me the truth," said Xin Zimen and strutted away leaving his son yelling from inside the room.

 347 Fortune-Teller?

    After Nora took a bath and changed into the clothes that didn''t really fit her, she stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection. Even though she was in an oversized shirt and jeans, she found these clothes a lot more acceptable than the ones she took off.


    When she walked out of the room, she found the same maid waiting for her outside with a polite smile and led her towards the dining room where Xin Zimen was sitting with a newspaper in his hands.


    "Where is everyone? Why is it that no one in this house listens to me? I asked for my morning tea fifteen minutes ago," he was grumbling in annoyance.


    "Maybe you should act like the master of the house once in a while and everyone will start listening to you," said Xin Kuan who was sitting beside him.


    Xin Zimen looked up at him as he said, "Brother Kuan, except for you everyone thinks that I''m the master of the house.


    "That''s what you think," said Xin Kuan as he stood up to leave.


    "Where are you going?"


    "I have some work to do and you have a guest to attend to whom by the way you''re leaving a bad impression on."


    "When did I?" retorted Xin Zimen before he looked over at Nora and smiled gently. "Don''t just stand there. Take a seat and have breakfast with me."


    "I''ll see you later," said Xin Kuan before leaving.


    Now, Xin Zimen''s attention was completely on Nora since he put his newspaper down as well. "Sorry about the clothes. Actually I have only one daughter and apparently her size is different." He spoke as if it was his fault or something which caught Nora by surprise really.


    "There is really no need for all this," said Nora as she saw how many dishes were placed before her in a matter of minutes. She was really not sure what to feel right now.


    "What kind of a host would I be if I can''t even do this much?" replied Xin Zimen and urged her to eat. Seeing how hesitant she was, he went on, "Let me introduce myself. I''m Xin Zimen, Xin Xiaosi''s father."


    "You''re really Ah-Si''s father?" Nora blurted out without realizing it. She obviously heard it earlier but she was still reluctant since Xin Zimen really didn''t give her that impression. In fact, he looked so easy going that it made her wonder why or how his presence made her feel intimidated earlier.


    "It''s a pity but yes, that useless jerk is indeed my son," was Xin Zimen''s response which made Nora chuckle softly at him. "The only good thing he has ever done in life is giving me an adorable granddaughter. Other than that, he is the real disappointment." Now that he managed to lighten up the mood, he smiled back at her.


    "I''m Nora Cartwright," she finally introduced herself and felt bad since it was supposed to be the other way around. She was supposed to introduce herself first as proper manners but she didn''t do so. Now, she could only regret it in her heart.


    "You know my mom?" Nora was a bit surprised.


    "Who doesn''t?" retorted Xin Zimen calmly. "She''s one of the best lawyers I have come across in life. And she also is a successful person both professionally and personally."


    "Personally?"


    "Hm... She has such a beautiful daughter, obviously, that means she''s got the best of both worlds."


    Nora was flustered to hear those words.


    "You should eat something now. A proper breakfast is very important."


    Nora nodded her head before picking up the chopsticks to eat. The breakfast didn''t just look sumptuous but it also tasted heavenly. Her earlier fatigue and headache were completely gone after tasting such a delicious meal. But what surprised her, even more, was how quiet Xin Zimen had been. He had seen a woman coming out of his son''s room and he had yet to question her anything.


    She was thankful that he wasn''t asking but she was also bothered that he wasn''t asking. This bipolar nature was beyond her own understand now.


    She had just put her chopsticks down when she heard him saying, "No, no, no. Not so fast. You have to eat more. Energy is very important for a dehydrated body. Also, I assure you that food is much better than alcohol. It might not bring the momentary courage but it''ll indeed give you the strength to face the world."


    Nora couldn''t help staring at him in wonder. Was he a fortune-teller?


    "I... Actually..."


    "You don''t have to say it," Xin Zimen interrupted her stutter as he spoke up. "I''m not looking for any answers here. Not from you at least. So, don''t look so tense and relax."


    Nora had finally heaved a sigh of relief. She felt a lot at ease now when Xin Zimen clearly told her that he wasn''t going to question her about anything. It was truly a blessing since she also didn''t know how to answer.


    "Dad! How can you lock your own son?"


    "Who unlocked the door for you?"


    Instead of answering his son who was fuming in rage, Xin Zimen questioned him in return but seeing how his eldest son was walking behind him, he didn''t need to hear any reply. "Oh, so you called your brother for help..."


    "I had to," replied Ah-Si and looked at Nora with a frown. "And what are you still doing here? You''re awake, sober, and seems absolutely fine. Shouldn''t you be on your way back now?"


    "I was about to but..."


    "I stopped her. You have a problem with that?" Xin Zimen answered instead of Nora. "Also, keep your voice down. She''s someone''s daughter and I won''t allow you to raise your voice at her."


    The way Xin Zimen''s eyes squinted slightly and his voice deepened made not only Ah-Si flinch back but even Nora was startled to see his change. Darn! He looked scary now. He definitely didn''t look like the person she just felt comfortable with.


    "Are you really taking her side? I''m also your son!" retorted Xin Xiaosi.


    "Xin. Xiao. Si!" Xin Zimen''s voice was dangerously low now to the point that Xin Xiaoli had to hold his brother back warning him not to irk their father any more than this otherwise the consequences won''t be nice. Taking a deep calming breath, Xin Zimen tried to show a gentle smile to Nora and said, "I believe you have something to talk with him, right?" Nora pursed her lips and nodded her head in reply. "Then I wish you good luck because he is as stubborn as a mule!"


    Nora didn''t know what to say but she didn''t have to since Xin Zimen walked out of the dining room dragging Xin Xiaoli with him as well. It was clearly done to leave some privacy for Ah-Si and her. Honestly, she was really thankful for that.

 348 Bitter Pas

    "What did you say to my dad?"


    Nora shook her head frantically in response to his question.


    "I didn''t say anything..." she bit her lower lip before adding, "But I think he knows something."


    Ah-Si rolled his eyes as he took a seat opposite her and muttered to himself, "Of course, he knows something. He''s my all-knowing dad after all." After huffing at his own thoughts, he looked at Nora and said, "If you have something to say, speak up. I''m not gonna waste my time..."


    "Shut up! Will you?" Ah-Si gaped at her while she went on, "I''m trying here to think. I just don''t know where to begin."


    "Fine..." he grumbled and picked up a toast.


    He was concentrating on putting jam on his toast when he heard her voice again, "I grew up with my grandmother." Ah-Si''s brows knitted up together. "She used to say that Cartwright women are cursed with no-love." His frown deepened. "She lost grandfather when my mom was born, my mom got divorced when I was born and my grandaunt''s fiance died even before they could get married." She lifted her eyes to look at him as she continued, "I honestly believed in her words. I thought we were really cursed. Because whenever we get attached to something we''d lose it."


    "Why are you telling me this?"


    Nora didn''t pay attention to his question. She knew if she stopped she won''t be able to continue. "I never got a chance to believe in love until I met my best friend. Just like me, she didn''t have a father. Just like me, coming to this foreign country was really disturbing and scary to her as well. Perhaps these were the reason we grew so close to each other. Whatever the reason was, I just know that she taught me the definition of love all over again."


    "Do you know when I told her the same ''curse'' of my family, she laughed at me saying, ''Everything is destined to be. Your grandmother lost her husband to another woman because she was trying to use a child to hold him back not knowing that people who want to leave will eventually leave. As for your mom, she and your father got divorced on mutual terms. Sometimes leaving is also a form of love. It allows you to escape a relationship that could become a cage for you later on. It doesn''t mean love had been lost, it means that love is no longer enough.''"


    Nora still remembered those words that Destiny had used to comfort her back then. It was weird how they both were only a year apart but Destiny''s mind seemed mature than her own.


    Thinking about her best friend, there was a small smile at the corner of her face which actually expressed her sadness for some reason. "When I first met you I honestly didn''t think I''d fall in love with you so easily and so deeply." She was looking right into his eyes. "But I did. I did fall in love."


    "Didn''t you take too long to tell me that?" He was trying to sound as calm as he could but somehow he couldn''t remove the bitterness from his voice.


    "You''re definitely not doing a good job at clearing anything," Ah-Si pointed out.


    "I''m getting there," retorted Nora and lowered her head now. What she was about to say would definitely change his views about her. And she didn''t have the courage to look into his eyes. "That night... We spent together..." Ah-Si''s hands balled into fists tightly as he waited patiently for her to continue. "You might think that we were both drunk and that''s what everything happened but it isn''t true."


    "Huh?"


    "I could have sent you home with Dylan but I didn''t. I could have checked in a room and left you there alone. But I didn''t. Why? Because I had all the intention to take advantage of you."


    "What?!" Ah-Si was stunned in his seat. For the past four years, he believed it was a drunken mistake. At least, it was for her. But then?


    "Yes, you can call me anything you want. But you can''t blame me for being selfish. I thought I''d be able to get over you after that just one night or it''d be enough for me but I was wrong. And worst of all, I thought you''d hate me in the morning that''s why I said those words without even realizing it. And then I ran. I ran as far away as I could from you. I didn''t want to lose you, not even as a friend and that''s why I chose to hide."


    "You could have at least let me say my part first before assuming!" shouted Ah-Si making Nora look up at his face.


    "Didn''t you just hear me? My childhood had been filled with stories that only made me believe that I''d end up losing the one I''d love. I was young and scared. I was really scared of losing you but I didn''t realize that by hiding from you, I was only pushing you away from myself." She held the edge of the table so tightly that her knuckles were turning white now. "But it''s not like I didn''t try running after you. It was over a month later when I found out that I''m pregnant and the first person I wanted to talk to was you. So, I went to find you. Dylan told me you had a flight to New York and so, I went to the airport."


    "You came to the airport?" asked Ah-Si in a softer tone.


    "I did. But then I saw you with her..." Nora''s whole mood turned sore as she was reminded of the sight when she saw him standing smiling at his fiance. She hated it.


    "But she was only there because she was also leaving to study in Paris. We just happened to be at the airport at the same time."


    "Well, I didn''t know that."


    "You could have asked instead of leaving like that."


    "Do you know how much stressed I had been for the whole month and then with the pregnancy and all, I wasn''t in my right mind. My emotions were all over the place."


    "And that''s why you chose to walk away... With. My. Baby." he gritted those words out trying so hard to not say anything inappropriate.


    "Yes, that''s what I did," answered Nora in defeat. "I couldn''t even share any of this with my mother because I knew she''d be disappointed. Also, she had finally found a happy family of her own, and I didn''t want to create any trouble for her. So, I chose to leave and went to my grandmother''s place instead. She suggested to me that I should just abort the baby." Ah-Si''s eyes widened but before he could say anything, she went on, "So, I went for the abortion."


    Ah-Si stood up from her chair in shock. He didn''t even realize that his hand hit a glass and had fallen on the floor. Neither did he notice that his whole body was shaking now. It was fear. Yes, it was a feeling of being scared. Of the possibility of not seeing his Ava ever. It shook his core. But he was so shocked that he couldn''t even utter a word.


    "You know very well that I was only twenty-one and because my grandmother knew how difficult it had been for her and my mom being a single mother, she didn''t want me to go through the same as well. Even if I agreed on the abortion, I couldn''t do it."


    Ah-Si didn''t know how she could say all of this with a straight face but it was soon that his eyes fell on her hand that was bleeding. She had dug her nails so deep into her palm that caused it to bleed badly. She was using physical pain to numb the emotions in her heart. But what was he supposed to feel?


    "Don''t think I felt pity for the child and that''s why I chose not to abort because that''s definitely not true." Ah-Si scowled at her words. "It was my greediness and selfishness that chose to play at the right time and I decided not to get an abortion."


    "What do you mean?"


    "In Asian countries, it''s very easy to trap someone in a marriage with a child," said Nora with a sneer. "It''s a pity but I also was one of those shameless people who wanted to use her baby to get you back. I knew you wouldn''t leave if I brought our baby with me to you."


    Ah-Si fell back in his chair and closed his eyes. There were too many things running through his mind and yet what came out through his mouth even shocked him, "Then why didn''t you? Why didn''t you bring our baby to get me back? Why did you choose to stay silent all this while?"


    Tears that had been welling up in her eyes finally rolled down her cheeks. In a broken voice, she replied, "Karma is a real bitch. Because I had thought of using my baby, God punished me in the worst way possible." She wiped her face with the back of her hands as she went on, "It was last trimester when I fell down the stairs and lost the baby."

 349 Ill Be Here For You

    "Lost the baby?" he repeated her words in a very low voice. But his baby girl was in his room sleeping. Then what did she mean by she lost the baby? What really happened?


    "I..." Nora''s voice broke again and she tried to breathe in and breathe out. "I was actually injured pretty badly so, I only woke up from the coma after four months. That''s when my grandmother told me the baby is no more." ''Also, I won''t be able to be a mother ever again.'' she left the last sentence unsaid. Her lips trembled as she added, "I never even got to see or hold my baby. I was just told that it was a girl."


    Her body shook violently as she recalled those times. She had felt so lonely back then. And she couldn''t even share any of it with Xiu because she didn''t have the courage to see her own best friend hating her as well. Xiu was her only support, that one person whom she wholeheartedly loved and trusted. But she still couldn''t tell Xiu anything. She knew Xiu would never judge her for being selfish or greedy with her love but she also knew that Xiu wouldn''t like to hear about the abortion. Even if it was just for a second, she had indeed wanted to take a life before it could even breathe into this world. Xiu would hate her for that one moment.


    "You have all the right to hate me. I won''t say anything about that. I can''t even ask for a second chance because I know I really don''t deserve it." She stood up from the chair and turned to leave without waiting for him to say anything. Just like she once did before.


    But just as she reached the door, a hand clasped around her wrist. She turned to face Ah-Si who was glaring at her. "You still love running, eh?"


    "Huh?"


    Nora was frowning when he dragged her with him towards his room. She had no idea why he brought her there again and why did he stop before his daughter''s bed? But she didn''t question anything. She couldn''t do it.


    She saw him pick that little girl up in his arms with a doting look on his face. The smile on his face was so different than the way he looked at her earlier. It made her hate herself once again for being selfish and greedy.


    But her counselor had reasoned that there was nothing wrong with her thinking. Humans are naturally selfish. She shouldn''t beat herself too much.


    Honestly, those words never really comforted her. Not even once. Because when her heart was feeling the guilt, how could she feel anything else?


    "You have a beautiful daughter," she blurted out without even thinking. "She looks a lot like you."


    He stared at her face with an indescribable emotion in his eyes.


    Nora was startled by his words. With a brittle smile, she said, "I better not. I might feel envious of the lucky lady."


    "Lucky lady?" Ah-Si couldn''t help the dry laugh that escaped from his mouth. "Are you sure she''s lucky?"


    "Isn''t she?" retorted Nora. "She has given birth to your baby. She has you. What more does one need in life."


    "If you know that I have Ava''s mother in my life, why did you still choose to come here? Why did you tell me everything?"


    "I was gonna keep it a secret that I''d carry to my grave. Because I didn''t want you to think of me as a bad person. But... The other day when you walked away, I couldn''t help that feeling of suffocation that engulfed my soul. I think telling you the truth was the only way for me to escape my own demons." She took a brief pause before continuing, "Earlier, your father also said that we need to face our demons before the demons begin to swallow our soul."


    Ah-Si scoffed, "Indeed, my dad is still a busybody."


    "He wasn''t being a busybody, he was just trying to help. Also, what he said wasn''t wrong." Nora defended Xin Zimen without even thinking about it. She had a very good impression of him in her mind.


    "That''s the problem... My dad had never been wrong and it really makes me angry that I can''t even get mad at him for being a busybody." He turned his attention back to the little angel in his arms as he whispered, "As for Ava''s mother... I don''t have her in my life. After all, she was too scared to even wait for me."


    That look of accusation in his eyes was different than before and it really troubled her.


    "I really don''t know what to say but... Can you please enlighten me how the baby that you lost actually ended up at my door a year and a half ago?"


    "What?!"


    ....


    *Knock. Knock. Knock*


    Xiu was busy puking her guts out when the knocking at the door caught her attention. She ignored it, well she had to because the nausea was getting worse and she could only empty her stomach.


    *Knock. Knock. knock*


    She groaned while splashing cold water on her face as the knocking wasn''t disappearing. Who the hell was so impatient?! She certainly knew it wasn''t Darren since she had already sent him back early in the morning when she woke up with a severe headache and nausea. First, she wanted him to be with his mother, second, she didn''t want him to see that she wasn''t feeling well.


    *Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.*


    Okay! That just crushed Xiu''s patience. Holding her aching head, she walked up to the main door and pulled it open and barked, "WHAT?! Is the world ending or something? WHY ARE YOU KNOCKING SO MUCH?"


    Standing at the other side of the door was her handsome but really annoying boss who simply pushed her aside and invited himself in. Just like she had done to him just a day ago.


    "I didn''t invite you in," she gritted out.


    Dylan who was pacing in her living room now just replied with, "I took a page out my beautiful sister-in-law''s page and invited myself in because she certainly wasn''t going to."


    But as he turned around to look at her face, he couldn''t hold back his shock. Her hair was messy, her face was swollen and pale. Her eyes were so red. What the heck! "Where is my beautiful sister-in-law? Because you look horrible. Almost like a zombie."


    "Thanks for telling me that," replied Xiu with a touch of heavy sarcasm.


    "You''re welcome," was his reply in the same tone.


    Xiu didn''t have the time, energy, or patience to play with him. So, she uttered, "What the bloody fuck do you want, Dylan?"


    "That''s harsh. But how do you know I am here for something?"


    "You just called me beautiful sister-in-law. There is no way you came without an agenda here," said Xiu in an all-knowing manner as she walked towards the fridge and took out a bottle of water which she gobbled down in a minute.


    "Wow! You''re becoming smarter. I know it''s my company''s effect," said Dylan feeling proud of himself.


    Xiu picked a vase that was close to her and threw it at him. He caught it with ease before saying, "It can break."


    "Oh, yeah? Sorry, my intention was breaking your head with it!" she raised her voice at him but instantly regretted it as the sharp pain in her head became unbearable. She sat down at the chair beside her and placed her head on the table while her hand clutched her stomach.


    Dylan slowly walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Xiu! You look really sick to me. Should I take you to the hospital?"


    Xiu shook her head immediately. "Not going. I think it''s just a bad hangover."


    "I don''t think so. It really doesn''t look like a hangover to me," stated Dylan.


    "I''m really fine. I just didn''t sleep for so long and then I drank on an empty stomach. Maybe that''s why it''s pretty bad. But I''ll be okay. You don''t need to do anything. And especially, don''t you dare call my boyfriend."


    She just tilted her head and saw Dylan was already busy on his phone when she added, "Put it down or I''ll throw it out my balcony along with you."


    "That''s the spirit I was looking for. Since you have the energy to fight with me, I believe we are okay."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at his logic but didn''t comment.


    "Why are you here?" she questioned after she saw him tapping his foot on the floor impatiently. He looked rather nervous and excited at the same time. But he also looked moody. "You look like a girl on periods," she stated making him stop his movements to glare at her. "Don''t be mad. Your mood swings are quite entertaining to look at."


    "If you''re only gonna make fun of me, I''m leaving."


    "Wait, wait, wait!" Xiu called out to stop him. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to. Let''s just blame the hangover. You sit down, make yourself at home and then we''ll talk. Okay?"


    Dylan thought about it for a while before nodding his head. As for why Xiu chose to placate him so easily, it was because she knew Dylan wouldn''t come to her if he didn''t have something serious to talk about. At least, his expressions told her so.


    And since he had been a constant support to her, she was gonna do the same for him. She was gonna be there for him.

 350 Someones Blushing

    When Xiu decided to get rid of her ''zombie'' look, Dylan was pacing back and forth in her living room. And when she came back in a slightly better look - which at least looked like she wasn''t about to die - she saw Dylan still pacing back and forth in the same place.


    She let him be with his ''morning-walk'' while she made herself a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch with a steaming hot cup of coffee in her hand. But it was a real struggle to see Dylan acting like this. She was getting dizzy and tired again from just looking at him pacing around.


    "It''s my apartment, not your personal garden! Stop moving around already." He already managed to get on her nerve without even opening his mouth. What was gonna happen if he started talking? Xiu really was dreading about that now.


    Dylan ran his fingers through his already unruly hair in exasperation and took a seat beside Xiu saying, "I need something to drink."


    Xiu shoved his shoulder. "Then get it yourself. If you have the energy to parade in my apartment, you certainly can find something to drink for yourself."


    If he was expecting her to get something for him, he was so wrong. It was already a real battle for Xiu to keep herself awake while her mind buzzed so badly. And that constant feeling of wanting to vomit was not even going away. Her sense of taste was non-existent since the coffee that she usually loved to drink was now seemingly very bland to her.


    "You''re really not a good host," tutted Dylan before he stood up and went up to the fridge. He found a lot of beverages but settled with the juice of a red grape before coming to sit beside her again.


    Xiu had paid no heed to his remark, pulled her legs up, placed her head against the backrest, and closed her eyes to avoid the bright light that was falling in the living room through the glass walls. "Are you ready to talk?" Her voice sounded raspy as if she was coming down with a cold.


    Dylan drank his juice and slapped her knee saying, "Can you at least pretend to be interested in knowing? It''s important and you''re way too laid back right now."


    Xiu had to open her eyes and turn her body slightly to face him as she said, "Is it better now?" She picked up her coffee again and took a sip to keep herself alert.


    Dylan also turned his body slightly to face her and breathed out, "I kissed Cali last night."


    *Prrrffff*


    Dylan had to close his eyes instinctively because the stupid woman before him had spurted her coffee at his face.


    "Are you trying to insult me?" asked Dylan as he snatched the tissue from her hand and glared at her.


    "I''m not insulting you." Xiu defended herself. "But hey! Did you expect any better reaction from me?"


    "I knew it!" Dylan stood up. "I really shouldn''t have come to you of all people."


    Xiu held his hand and yanked him back on the couch surprising even Dylan who so easily fell back down. "Don''t act like you''re regretting your decision to come here. I know that when you needed to talk to someone, I was the first person you thought of."


    "How do you know that?" blurted out Dylan. "Are you a worm in my stomach?" Indeed, it never crossed his mind that he could go to any other person as well. Xiu was the first person he thought of and rushed here without even thinking.


    Xiu slapped his head. "Oh, please! I don''t wish to be the unlucky worm in your stomach."


    "How is the worm in my stomach unlucky?" retorted Dylan.


    "You''re a picky eater just like a kid. I believe the poor worms are starving in your stomach."


    "How can you pity the worms when you don''t even feel bad for me?!"


    Xiu placed her hand on his head. "Can you remind me why are we wasting time on worms?!!"


    Feeling her touch on his head made Dylan feel a bit calm now. He also wondered why he was again arguing about such a useless thing with her? What was wrong with them?


    Xiu patted his head and encouraged him softly, "Stop thinking about the rest and tell me what happened. I can be of no help if I don''t even know what I''m dealing with."


    After a moment''s reflection, Dylan told her what happened last night between him and Cali. Like a good listener, Xiu didn''t even interrupt when he was pouring his heart out. Besides, she needed to hear it to know why this stupidly adorable brother-in-law of hers was acting so out of character today.


    "So..." she drawled when he stopped talking. "She said she likes you and you couldn''t hold yourself back. That''s why you kissed her. And you don''t even regret doing it. Am I on the right track here?"


    Dylan nodded his head and looked at his hands. Oddly, he could still feel the way her skin felt under his touch. He could still remember the excitement he felt when his lips made contact with hers. And he couldn''t even deny that he so wanted to live that moment all over again.


    Xiu poked his cheek to get his attention back to the present and said, "Can you please stop blushing? It''s cute but I really have an active imagination and I really don''t wanna go through what''s really in that mind of yours is making you blush so badly."


    Dylan was startled by her words and lowered his head even more. Xiu laughed even more at his reaction. She pinched his cheeks, "Awww... Such an adorable baby you are, Dylan."


    He swatted her hands away while grumbling to hide his embarrassment. "Will you shut up?"


    "I can''t help it. Your ears are so red. It''s so funny and yet so cute. I can''t help it."


    Dylan really didn''t know what to do. Usually, he wouldn''t let his emotions come out before others but if he was letting his feelings show before Xiu, it only meant one thing; She was becoming a really important person to him.


    "Why are you not surprised that she likes me?" asked Dylan seeing how she looked right now. "Didn''t you say that only an idiot would be able to like a person like me?"


    "And you believed my words?" Dylan nodded his head making Xiu shake her head at him. "First of all, Nora had already told me that Cali likes you. Second of all, she''d be the real fool if she didn''t like a person like you."


    Dylan''s eyes widened in surprise. Seeing his reaction, Xiu rubbed his head like he was a kid and added, "Hey, hey, hey! Just because I love to insult you doesn''t mean I don''t like you. As I said, any person would be a fool if they didn''t manage to see how beautiful of a person you are. Me insulting you is just like my way of showing how much I find you special in my life. I thought we already established that you are a very important person to me. Even if it was as Chen Xiu or now."


    Dylan looked at her with a smile on his face while she pushed his face away, "Don''t give me that look. It''s annoying." Dylan chuckled knowing that she was also feeling embarrassed after saying all that. "Now... Can you move forward with the story? Her confession, your sweet kiss, and all should make you happy. It''s progress, after all! But why do you look so down then?"


    Now that she brought this topic up, Dylan could only sigh sadly and frustratedly thinking about what happened next.

 351 She Felt Righ

    Let''s do a quick rewind of Dylan''s side of the things...


    It had been perfect. Actually, too perfect that it even made Dylan feel like it was a dream. He might be naive when it came to feelings but he wasn''t naive or inexperienced in kissing. He has had his fair share of ''fun'' in life. And that''s why it was very surprising to him that a mere kiss was making him feel all those feelings that he couldn''t even describe in words.


    But he could tell that the kiss was special because of her. Because it was Cali, he felt like he was back in his adolescence. He really felt like a teenager who was getting excited because his crush had the same feelings as he did. But the main point here was that Dylan actually had never gone through that feeling before.


    His first and last real relationship wasn''t the result of his flirting. It was the other way around. His ex was the one who came on to him rather than him doing it.


    However, this one kiss was able to evoke those feelings that he never thought he''d be able to feel. Even when their lips parted, Dylan''s hands didn''t let her get away. He found a strange comfort with her body pressed against his own. Perhaps, that''s why he didn''t even think before sleeping with her.


    "Get you head of the gutter," rebutted Dylan as he looked at Xiu''s sparkling eyes. There was definitely something unholy running through that scheming head of hers. "Nothing of that sort happened."


    Xiu''s face looked like someone dropped a bucket of cold water on her, "You both slept in the same bed but nothing happened? What were you doing then?"


    "I just hugged her to sleep," answered Dylan in his innocent voice making Xiu want to smack him but she held herself back because let''s face it, she had expected this from him even with his bad record.


    "You have a track record which is by the way not very innocent but with the one person you had to take action, you chickened out?"


    "No, I didn''t chicken out," retorted Dylan and ran his fingers through his hair again. "I..." he tried to rethink his words before speaking, "I didn''t think it was right."


    "Woah! She isn''t the right person?"


    Dylan pulled a strand of her hair making her yelp, "No! Will you let me finish? I said it didn''t feel right. I was talking about time. The timing seemed off because she felt so damn right that I didn''t want to rush in like a fool."


    Xiu''s face brightened up as she grinned and forgot all about him pulling her hair. She simply slid close to him and grinned even more widely. "So, she felt like that right person, huh?" The way she was wriggling her brows at him was really annoying but it somehow made him chuckle at this idiot. Her finger brushed his ear adding, "Damn! Dylan, your ears are burning now. How shy can you get?"


    "You know you are acting like a jerk?" he spat at her with an undertone of anger which seemed too shallow to make Xiu take it seriously.


    "Not everything should be blamed on the hangover," said Dylan.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Then I guess I am a jerk. So what? Deal with it, since you have to bear me for long now." While Dylan shook his head at her, she tapped his shoulder and urged him to continue his story.


    And then Dylan went back to his story...


    Well, everything was great at night even when he hugged Cali to sleep. But when he woke up, she was missing from the bed.


    "She ghosted on you?" Xiu looked horrified as she stared at Dylan with sympathy.


    Dylan sighed out heavily. It was the umpteenth time she was disturbing him but he couldn''t even do anything. He just stared at her saying, "No wonder you and I find each other special." Xiu knitted her brows at him. "We share the same brain cell because that''s exactly what I thought as well." Xiu laughed at him as he added, "I really thought she ghosted on me but I was wrong..."


    ---


    Indeed, he was wrong because Cali hadn''t gone anywhere. But he only got to know that when she came out of the bathroom with only a damn towel wrapped around her body. Her hair was also bundled up in a towel. Dylan was stunned to see the droplets of water kissing her contour making him feel bothered. The way the water slid down her body made a lot of things to flash through his mind. Some seriously explicit thoughts that he''d want to get rid of but couldn''t do so.


    ''Oh, you''re awake...'' was Cali''s casual reaction which caught Dylan off guard. She took off the towel from her hair and started drying her hair. Dylan really thought she was testing his patience now. Because why else would she do that before him? She looked at his reflection through the mirror and asked, ''You can take a shower if you want to.''


    Dylan opened his mouth to say something but he couldn''t do it looking at her. So, he turned around and replied, ''I can''t. I have nothing to change into.''


    Cali nodded in understanding. ''Oaky then freshen up. I''ve called for room service. Let''s have some breakfast.''


    Dylan watched her rummaging through her wardrobe before he scratched his head and vanished into the bathroom. What he failed to notice was how Cali''s hands clutched her shirt tightly as she saw him disappearing from her sight. It was really not easy acting so calm before him. Her lips were still tingling from his touch.


    She was so out of sort that she even forgot to take her clothes before going for a shower. And that''s why she had to suffer through this torture of his eyes lingering on her half-exposed body. But bloody hell, she loved the sensations that surged through her body when his eyes bored into her.


    Dylan, on the other hand, was sulking now since even at the breakfast all she talked about was useless things; Weather, news, tourist spots in the city, and food. Like seriously? Why was she so nonchalant? His body was burning at the reminder of last night and she was pretending like she hadn''t confessed to him!


    But he was so busy in sulking that he didn''t notice how while talking her eyes would often linger at his lips without blinking. She was only acting this indifferent to hide how flustered she was.


    ''So, what''s your plan for the day?'' he had asked in his attempt to keep this conversation going and also, to find a way to spend time with her.


    ''Oh, I''m gonna meet Regan. I heard Francesca is here, so I''d like to meet her as well. It''s been a while,'' she answered while Dylan''s face fell completely.


    ''Okay. Then I should be taking my leave,'' he huffed throwing a tantrum before walking out of there and coming to Xiu. Well, the only stop he made on the way was to change his clothes.


    ----


    After listening to him Xiu raised his brow and muttered, "So you both ghosted on each other."


    "What do you mean? How is it my fault?" Dylan didn''t know why she was coming at him now. How could it be his fault that Cali acted as nothing happened between them? He was already feeling hurt because he hadn''t felt this way before. It sucked. Everything sucked right now!


    "Since you both avoided ''the talk''," she emphasized by adding the air-quotation and went on, "It means you both ghosted on each other."


    "But I didn''t even know what to say."


    Xiu patted his head comforting him and it helped since Dylan let his head drop on her shoulders with ease and closed his eyes feeling drained out for some reason. Xiu knew what he was feeling. It sucks when you don''t know where you stand in someone''s life. One minute they say they love you and the next, they just choose to withdraw without any explanation. It''s hurtful and painful in a way that Xiu felt really bad for Dylan right now.


    "Before we come to any conclusion..." Xiu was still patting his head as she went on, "Dylan, be honest with me. We already know what she feels about you. Now, what about you? Do you really like her?"

 352 Bro-Code

    It wasn''t that Xiu had any doubts about Dylan''s feelings. But she was still insisting to know what Dylan had to say. He had to have a clear view of what his own feelings were. Blindly trudging through this wasn''t gonna end well for anyone.


    In the case of Xiu and Darren, they both didn''t know what were feelings they had for each other but they knew they had an attraction, a cosmic pull that was binding them together. But it was different for Dylan since Cali had clearly stated her feelings for him. While he was still uncertain about what he felt for her. He was still unable to give a name to his possessiveness, jealousy, and the feelings she evoked in his heart.


    Hearing Xiu''s question, Dylan was in deep thought. If she asked this question before he certainly wouldn''t know what to say. But that kiss had only not only brought about feelings, it also brought clarity to him. A clarity he needed right now.


    "I don''t think I like her," said Dylan. "Ahhh!" he screamed at how Xiu pushed his head away before pulling his ear.


    "What did you say? Are you still playing around or what?!" She was mad. No, she was super mad to hear that reply. She hated indecisive men who couldn''t even decide what they wanted.


    "Stop it. I meant my feelings for her are more than just like," Dylan tried explaining himself and just as Xiu let his ear go. He rubbed his ear that had been brutally assaulted to the point that it had gone numb. Cruel! She was really cruel!


    "More than like?" she repeated his words and since he nodded. She raised her hand again which made him lean backward automatically in response. Xiu rolled her eyes at him and put his head back on her shoulder saying, "Sorry for overreacting. Your words just hit a mark badly. But you tell me more about these feelings of yours."


    Dylan didn''t ask what she meant since he was still busy brooding over his sore ear. "I honestly don''t know what to tell you since I''m not sure what feelings these are. But I can assure you, I have liked her for years but never really dwelled into this. But last night, it was as if everything clicked. As if I suddenly found the missing piece of the puzzle. Her lips against mine felt so right. Her body pressed against mine felt like a breathtaking moment where I forgot to breathe. She tasted..."


    "Too many details!" Xiu stopped him before he could go any further than that. She honestly just asked for his feelings and he was baring his soul and heart before her. She couldn''t help fondling his thick strands of hair and even pulled a few in the process. "Dumbass! You''re supposed to say all that to her. Not to me."


    Dylan straightened up with a pouty and sullen look. "How? She... She... Sigh!" He was vexed. "I don''t even know how to begin or where to begin. Also, I don''t even know what''s wrong with her."


    "Huh? Aren''t you little too forward in thinking? We have gotten nowhere and you already think that we are meant to be?"


    Xiu nodded her head without even thinking. "She''s Calista, you''re Dylan. She''s C and you''re D. You both are just meant to be." Dylan just blinked at her with a straight face. "Get it? C and D always stay together in the alphabet."


    "I got it, I just don''t find it very amusing," he replied.


    "Then I can only blame your poor sense of humor." Xiu would never accept that there was something wrong with her sense of humor. As always, it was his fault for not laughing. Not hers. Not at all! "Anyways, now stop wasting time and go look for her."


    Dylan shook his head. "I can''t go to find her. She went to meet Dazi. If she told him about what I did, he''s gonna murder me."


    Xiu frowned at his reaction. "Oi! Why would my baby murder you? He loves you like a brother, of course, he''d be more than happy to see you happy."


    Dylan smiled at her which didn''t really bring any good feeling to Xiu. "Let me tell you a story, it was back in the summer break of high school. I went out on holiday with Dazi''s group of friends and during our stay at the resort, someone made an indecent joke about Cali being with four guys alone. Can you guess what happened?" Xiu didn''t react since she knew he wasn''t actually looking for an answer. "Dazi put the guy in a hospital. Now, I have told you that my best friend is very possessive about the people he loves. Cali just so happens to be one of his closest friends."


    "I still don''t get it though. Why would he be upset seeing his best friend dating another best friend? It''s something to be happy about, isn''t it?"


    "On that same holiday, Vier, one of the other friends in the group joked that Cali should just pick one from the group to date. It was Dazi who shut him up saying that none of us deserves her. She''s way too good for any of us. Besides, he said if the break up happened, our friendship would be affected so it''s better to keep dating out of the friend circle." He heaved a long sigh before adding, "My first real relationship was also with a friend''s sister and I got punched for that. I don''t want history to repeat itself."


    "So? You''re not even gonna fight for her?"


    "Of course, I am going to. But not before I am sure where we are both standing." He leaned back in his seat as he added, "Because once I''m sure of where we stand, I am willing to let Dazi punch me to death for breaking the deal of not dating a friend. It''s a bro code thing you won''t understand."


    Xiu rubbed her temple saying, "Even if it was a friendship code, I still won''t get it since I''m pretty dumb when it comes to these things."


    "Haha... At least, you accept that you''re dumb."


    "Well, not dumber than you, little brother-in-law. You chose to throw a tantrum instead of staying with her to question her straightforwardly what was she all about."


    Dylan stopped laughing instantly. "You''re playing with fire here."


    Xiu opened her mouth to retort when the doorbell caught her attention. But instead of getting up to see who was at the door, she said, "Hey! The doorbell is working just fine then why the hell did you bang my door so hard?!"


    Dylan scratched his head sheepishly. "I forgot."


    "How can someone forget the bloody doorbell?"


    "If that someone is me, it''s possible."


    "Forget it. It''s so true that I can''t even argue with that."


    Hearing how the doorbell rang again, Dylan questioned, "Aren''t you gonna see who it is?"


    "I don''t want to," was her response but she still dragged her body off the couch and with heavy steps made her way to the door. She yanked the door open and a smile instantly bloomed on her face seeing the guest at her door.

 353 Be Like Sweets

    Meanwhile, at a posh cafe somewhere in the city...


    Cali had drunk three cups of Americano with four slices of strawberry cheesecake since the time she had come to the cafe. While she was at her fourth, Darren held her hand and scolded, "It''s enough already! Caffeine is not gonna help with your anxiety. You''re just making it worse." He took a pause to add, "Also, you''re making me really angry by eating so much cake before my eyes."


    "What''s up with her?" was Francesca''s question as soon as she saw Cali''s condition. "Cal, I''ve never seen you looking this tense. Tell me what''s wrong."


    "She told Dylan she likes him while she was drunk," stated Darren without even hiding his amusement at all.


    "What? Really? What did he say?" It was no secret to Francesca that Cali liked Dylan for a long time now. She had always been like a friend to Darren more than a mother and that''s why he never hid anything from her.


    "He kissed her," answered Darren making Cali groan as the memory of the kiss replayed in her mind all over again. She should have known better than to share anything with Darren. This friend was certainly going to enjoy teasing her now.


    "Wow! That''s good news," Francesca clapped her hands together in excitement. "Then why do you look so down, sweety?"


    "Because..."


    "Shut up, Regi! What are you, her interpreter, or something? Let her answer for herself." Darren zipped his lips instantly. She caressed Cali''s hair, and went on, "You tell me, sweetheart. What''s wrong?"


    Cali looked up at Francesca. "You know Dylan''s nature, don''t you?"


    Francesca nodded her head. "He is way too confused in his life."


    "Exactly. That''s why I''m not even certain why he kissed me. Perhaps, it was on impulse or maybe he was trying to confirm something."


    "There is also a possibility that he likes you as well," concluded Francesca making Cali''s eyes to shake slightly.


    No matter how much she wanted that to be true, she couldn''t bring herself to believe in those fantasies even for a second. If it didn''t turn out to be true, she''d be only hurting herself and she didn''t want to do that.


    "He doesn''t like me. He must be slightly shaken at the moment because of my confession. He clearly told me before that he''d never date anyone in his friend circle or anyone related to his friends for that matter." Then she glared at Darren as she added, "This is all your fault! You set that stupid bro code and he is a dummy who won''t dare to go against you. Even if he really had any feelings, he won''t do anything about it because of you."


    Francesca also narrowed her eyes at her son, "So not fair, Regi. How could you?"


    "Mama, don''t take her side. Back then I didn''t know that she had feelings for Dylan. And besides, if she had been as confident as Qiuqiu, she would have gotten him even before Qiuqiu got in the picture."


    "Regi, don''t bring that past up. You''re hurting her," reprimanded Francesca.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders. "I''m just trying to push her to not do the same mistake as she did before. You think Dylan can''t find another Qiuqiu? You think if you let it go this time again, another Qiuqiu won''t be able to snatch him again from you? For how long are you planning on staying this way?"


    Darren placed his hand over hers and sighed out, "You and Dylan both are very dear to me and as much as I want you to be together, I don''t want you both to hurt each other. Because you know Dylan''s last relationship messed him pretty badly. He still doesn''t trust people. But with you, it''s different. He already trusts you more than most people around him."


    "Regi is right, sweety. You should stop with the ''what ifs''. It''s not taking you anywhere. You came all the way to his city because of your personal matter can be considered a blessing and God''s way of telling to take control of your life. Stop living like a nun already." Francesca stroked her cheek as she added, "Don''t doubt yourself. Dylan is actually quite simple. If he kissed you, I can assure you that he didn''t do it on impulse. He wouldn''t ruin a friendship over impulse."


    "You think so?" Cali looked so uncertain that it made Darren want to laugh at her. He had never seen her looking like this before.


    "I know so," answered Francesca. "He grew up before my eyes. I know what kind of person he is."


    If Francesca was the one saying this, Cali could only choose to believe her. Recalling something, she looked at Darren and said, "Regi, I met your girlfriend last night." Darren wasn''t surprised to hear that now. "She''s... Something."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her, "She''s not my something. She''s my everything."


    "Cringy..." muttered Cali making Francesca laugh. "He had been a smooth player since the time we met but I never took him to be this cringy as well."


    "Well, I raised him and it''s still my first time knowing my son is capable of talking this way."


    "He''s whipped even more than the whipped cream."


    "If this is another roasting session of Regan Salvay, I''m gonna leave," announced Darren feeling annoyed with these two women teasing him non-stop. He didn''t even say anything wrong. Xiu is everything to him. Where was the lie in that sentence?


    "We''re not roasting you," said Cali.


    "Na-ah! We''re simply loving this version of lovestruck Regan Darren Salvay." Francesca had a big smile on her face as she looked at her son. "Seeing you in love is really a sight."


    "I can''t help it. I find my beginning in her eyes and I honestly feel like I can lose myself..." Darren looked at Cali and went on, "You should learn something from my Sweets." Cali quirked her brows at him in confusion. "She was the one who asked me out on a date. She even clearly stated she didn''t know what feelings she had for me but she was willing to venture into the unknown." Darren had a smile playing on his lips as he remembered the day Xiu asked him to be his boyfriend. "You already know you love him, why are you still hesitating then?"


    "Well, not everyone is as brave as your Sweets," stated Cali.


    "I know, there is only one Sweets and she is already mine." The look of pride on his face was really something. "But that''s not the point here. The point is that you need to clear up this whole mess. Actually, you should have done it before coming here. Why did you even choose to avoid talking?"


    He was upset with her and even more upset that Dylan hadn''t told him anything until now. Normally, he would come running to whine around but this huge matter, he was choosing to hide from his best friend? Darren wasn''t willing to believe that. But then why was Dylan silent ''till now?


    What Darren overlooked here was that now, Dylan had a sister-in-law to run to as well. Because in this matter, Dylan needed to hear an opinion from a third party who wasn''t involved with Cali. But Darren was a friend of his and Cali as well, he didn''t want his best friend to be put in a difficult position where he would have to take sides.


    He knew Xiu was gonna be neutral since if she accepted him as a brother or as a friend, she could be pretty brutal with words when she wanted to be. Taking sides wasn''t really her thing.

 354 A Gues

    "Ying Jie!"


    Xiu couldn''t tell why but she was genuinely so happy to see Yan Ying standing at her door. Perhaps, it was because of the comfortable feeling that she brought to her, but no matter the reason, Xiu really liked her only after meeting her twice or so.


    "Hi!" Ying waved at her with a smile saying, "I actually came over to see Regan but he isn''t home. And I think I heard from someone that you live right opposite his unit. So, I decided to give this to you. It''ll be a waste otherwise."


    Ying had intentionally chosen this time to appear when Darren wasn''t home. She had to go through so much trouble of making a whole set of the lunch box to bring with her before she came up with this stupid excuse. She was waiting for Xiu''s reaction now.


    "That''s wonderful. Come inside," she offered and while Ying was startled at how enthusiastic she appeared to be, Xiu had already dragged her inside.


    "Oh, Dylan? I didn''t know you''re here," said Ying with a bit of surprise. She really didn''t know Dylan was here. What was he doing here on a weekend though?


    Instead of answering her, Dylan pointed at the lunch box in her hands and asked, "What''s in that? I''m hungry."


    Ying placed it down on the coffee table and as soon as she opened the lid, the delicious aroma wafted out making the two hungry people drool at the sight of the food before them.


    Miso soup. Tempura. Spring rolls. Yangchow fried rice.


    The four leveled lunch box contained everything drool-worthy. Ying definitely went overboard just trying to come up with an excuse to see Xiu. But actually, she wanted to do this much for Xiu since this young girl had been very pleasing to her eyes from the very beginning.


    "Comrade, it''s time to attack," said Dylan as he rubbed his hands eagerly.


    "Wash your hands first," nagged Xiu making him groan but he still got up to wash up his hands.


    While those two went to wash their hands, it allowed Ying to look around her apartment. She had spent the previous night in her office going through the details she had found. But no matter how she looked, the result was the same. Xiu was Destiny Novell. But that wasn''t the truth that was shocking to her. Other than that information, she had received two more important clues.


    One; Xiu was suffering from retrograde amnesia.


    Two; Her teams couldn''t find anything related to Destiny Novell for so long because the information regarding her had been sealed within their own syndicate''s server.


    Shocked? Ying was more than just shocked now.


    First, she needed to confirm whether Xiu had recovered her memory or not. Second, she needed to know how Xiu was associated with her syndicate. But if Xiu really had no memory, the second one was gonna be a lot tricky to find out about. However, she had never given up so easily and she wasn''t going to do it even now.


    For now, her first and foremost mission was to collect a DNA sample. Before anything, she had to confirm Xiu''s relationship with Xin Zimen. She had already gotten Xin Zimen''s DNA sample which was quite easy since she just had to ask Uncle Kuan for it.


    "Ying Jie, why are you just standing there?" Xiu came back with her hair tied in a messy bun at the top of her head. "Sit down, be comfortable. It''s only me and Dylan here. Even my roommate is not around. Oh, I so wanted her to meet you."


    "Your roommate?" asked Ying pretending like she knew nothing about Nora.


    "Yeah. Nora is more like a sister than a roommate though. But today, she''s not around. I''d make sure to introduce you to her soon." Taking a pause she asked, "Would you like something? Coffee? Tea? Juice?"


    "Water is fine," replied Ying politely.


    Xiu went to get water for her but she heard Ying asking, "I''d like to use the restroom."


    "Oh, you can go to the one in my room. My room is on the left side," instructed Xiu since Dylan was in the guest restroom, she could only send her to her own room.


    And that was exactly what Ying had hoped for. Because arriving at the restroom, the only thing she did was taking Xiu''s toothbrush for the DNA test. "I feel like a thief right now, but I have to be discreet about it. I''m so sorry little one." She didn''t even know why she was apologizing. But she felt bad for sneaking around Xiu without her knowledge of what she was up. For the first time, Ying felt like a bad person for invading someone''s privacy.


    When she came back, she heard Xiu reprimanding Dylan, "Can''t you wait for Ying Jie? How can you start eating even before her? She''s the one who brought all this."


    "And she offered it to us. We can eat. Besides, I haven''t eaten anything since yesterday."


    "What about your breakfast with your ''it''s-more-than-like'' girl?"


    Dylan growled at her smug look before saying, "I lost my appetite when she acted so indifferent."


    "And now you got your appetite back?" Xiu was shaking her head at him.


    "You both really love to bicker. It really makes me feel like you''re both long lost siblings."


    Xiu and Dylan looked up to see Ying coming towards them. She also sat beside them and watched them eating happily. It brought a great deal of comfort to Ying knowing that even though she was invading someone''s privacy, she was still able to make this little one smile with her food.


    With a spring roll in his mouth, Dylan said, "I''ll have to ask dad. Maybe he had a mistress we know nothing about."


    Xiu hit his head for that remark making him almost choke. "That is not a nice thing to say about your father."


    "It was a joke," stated Dylan. "Besides, my mom would have killed dad already if he had so much as even thought of cheating on her."


    "I agree with that," chimed in Ying with a smile. "Weiwei would really go crazy."


    They laughed around at the table keeping it a very casual and carefree meal filled with small talks and laughter. The three of them forgot the burdens they were carrying. Xiu completely forgot that she was not feeling well, Dylan forgot that he had to face his feelings and Ying forgot that she was on a mission. Right now, those three were merely like friends who were busy sharing old stories with each other.


    "Dylan was such a crybaby back then," Ying laughed at Dylan sharing his childhood embarrassing stories with Xiu who also laughed at him without holding back.


    "Ying Jie, why is your memory so good?" Dylan whined. "Can''t you let those embarrassing moments stay buried in the past?"


    "Sorry. But you always looked so cute while crying with your squishy cheeks that all of us loved to make you cry even more."


    "See. They all bullied me back then."


    "Dylan, where are you squishy cheeks? I want to squish them."


    Dylan pushed her hand away, "Don''t you dare touch my face."


    "Haha... He always got mad like this back then as well." Ying told walking down the memory lane. "I have so many pictures of him from childhood. He was really a very adorable baby."


    "I wanna see those," announced Xiu.


    "No, no way!" Dylan panicked. Xiu was gonna tease him till death after seeing his childhood pictures. He wasn''t gonna let that happen.


    "Sure, I''ll show you next time." Ying didn''t pay any attention to him at all. "By the way, don''t you have any childhood memories to share? Any particular memory that you still remember?"


    Xiu''s smile dropped. Chen Xiu''s childhood memories weren''t very clear to her. Perhaps, everything was filled with darkness so her mind made it hazy for her. As for Destiny, she knew nothing. Absolutely nothing!


    "It''s okay if you don''t feel like sharing."


    Xiu shook her head. "It''s not that. I just don''t remember. Actually, I have retrograde amnesia. I can''t recall anything before the age of eighteen."


    Even though Ying had Xiu''s hospital records, only now she managed to confirm that Xiu was still suffering from amnesia. She had not been able to recall anything in the past five years. Well, this just made her work to get more difficult.

 355 Dont Trust You

    Ying felt Xiu''s helplessness. She could clearly see it in her eyes and it really made her feel bad for her. Having a blank memory seemed like Xiu wasn''t in control of her own life. As if one day those memories would come back and all the memories she had made will come to lose meaning.


    Dylan patted Xiu''s shoulder saying, "You should be happy it''s not anterograde amnesia (a state where a person loses his/her ability to make new memories.) Retrograde amnesia is like a blessing in disguise. You''re given a clean start to begin a new life."


    Xiu only smiled at his gratefully, not knowing what else to say. She knew he was trying to make her feel better but honestly, how could one live happily knowing there is a past she can''t even recall.


    "Yes, it doesn''t matter. Besides, I heard you''re a very smart person. So, amnesia should not be a big deal," Ying also agreed with Dylan and smiled genuinely at Xiu.


    "Oh, she''s smart. She''s also gonna get her doctorate degree like you," said Dylan.


    "Really?"


    Xiu shook her head. "I dropped out."


    "What? Why?" shrieked Dylan at her.


    "I didn''t feel like studying anymore," answered Xiu while shrugging her shoulders before she turned to Yan Ying and continued, "By the way, Ying Jie, I didn''t know you''re actually Dr. Yan Ying. That''s a surprise."


    "Why? I don''t look like a smart person?"


    Xiu shook her head, "It''s not that. I just thought... Forget it."


    Xiu actually thought that Ying looked more like an adventure-loving person than book-loving. That''s why she didn''t take her for a scholar. To be honest, after her first encounter with Ying, Xiu had been often thought about Ying. Even now, Xiu was wondering how she was smiling so brightly before her eyes when her heart must be in pain.


    "I think I got it. I indeed don''t give those scholarly vibes but it was father who wanted me to study further, so I did so."


    "Then your adventurous side is not inherited from your dad," questioned Dylan in surprise.


    "Nope. It''s from my mom. Actually, my whole maternal family is adventurous. I definitely got those genes from them." Ying said it playfully but she meant it. It was her maternal family who had been involved in the dangerous side of the story for generations. Just like her aunt, even her mother was in the Criminal branch. She was the only one who had been pushed to the Investigation Unit.


    But even though her whole life had been involved in dangerous work, she loved her job very much. It allowed her to see the world in a very different light. And under the guise of being an archaeologist, she had seen far and beyond of the world that rarely came to light.


    ....


    "That''s not possible!"


    "Maybe... Maybe you''re mistaken. She couldn''t be mine," she was mumbling non-stop. "You have no proof that she''s mine." Indeed, he had no proof. It was just his belief.


    Ah-Si sighed heavily, "First of all, I don''t need proof to know that you gave birth to her. Second of all, I didn''t tell you this because I''m hoping for you to believe me. I simply want to know where my daughter had been before she was left at my door. And why?"


    "How are you so sure that I''m her mother?" Nora was still in disbelief. "Your ex-fiancee could also be the one."


    "I''m certain it''s you because except for you I had never been with any woman." Why else would his own father tease him for living like a monk? Before Nora came into his life, he had never felt those feelings. That was also the reason why he so readily agreed for an arranged marriage back then. But who knew this Latina would stumble upon his life and wreck all his beliefs? "And if you''re not Ava''s mother then the only possibility I''m willing to believe is that she fell from the sky."


    Nora was again stunned to her place. The conviction in his words and in his eyes was startling. He wasn''t joking at all. He was serious when he said that there was only one possibility and that was this one; Nora was Ava''s mother. There was no other way around it. But how was she supposed to process this all?


    "How is this even possible?" she mumbled to herself.


    "Instead of asking me, shouldn''t you be questioning the people who told you that your daughter was born dead?" suggested Ah-Si.


    Nora contemplated about his suggestion and came to a conclusion. She indeed needed some answers and the only person who could provide her answers was her grandaunt since her grandmother was no more. She didn''t know what she was hoping for at this point. But she knew one thing, she desperately wanted to hold that little girl in her arms again.


    Mustering up her courage, she asked, "Can I hold her? Just for a minute?"


    Ah-Si looked at her pleading eyes and turned away saying, "Whether you''re her mother or not, I''m not gonna allow a woman who wanted to kill my child to hold her in her arms." He turned to look at her again as he added, "I don''t trust you anymore."


    Nora felt like her heart was crushed brutally. She felt so much pain and suffocation in her chest. Those words of his pierced her heart. But she couldn''t even say anything since she couldn''t even deny that she had thought of killing her baby once.


    Even if it was a fleeting moment, it had made her hate herself for wanting to take an innocent life. She couldn''t blame him for hating her as well for that. She brought it upon herself because of her selfishness and cowardness.

 356 Turn Your Back On Me

    *BLARGH!*


    Xiu placed her head against the cold tiles of the bathroom as she sat on the floor with a dull and lifeless expression. She had tried so badly to keep herself from vomiting but to no avail. Even though she had tried her best to appear as her bright and full-of-life self before Dylan and Ying, she lost the energy to keep up the facade after both of them left.


    She tried to stand up but her wobbly knees didn''t allow her. She could only sit there on the cold floor trying to gather some strength.


    Finally, when she managed to make her way to the bedroom, she took some antibiotics and painkillers to improve her condition and fell down on the bed face-down. She wanted nothing but to close her eyes now to ease her aching head. Perhaps, she was too drained out or the medicine took effect, but she fell into slumber within minutes.


    *Sob... Sob... Sob...*


    Xiu''s brows creased up slightly as the sound fell into her ears making her roll over in her bed. She put the pillow over her head and continued to pretend like she heard no sound.


    *Sniff... Sniff..."


    When the sound came again, Xiu opened her eyes and threw the pillow away. The sun had already set because of which her room was shrouded in darkness now. But not just her room, even the whole apartment was engulfed by the dark night. Not a single light was turned on. Then where the hell was the sound coming from?


    ''Don''t tell me there is really a ghost in my place now?'' Xiu''s heart shook her ridiculous idea and she got off the bed to look around. However, she had just taken a step when she bumped into something and fell over. "Ah!" Xiu rubbed the side of her bum before looking at the thing she bumped into.


    She squinted her eyes and when she got accustomed to the darkness, she voiced out in confusion, "Nora?" She hurriedly turned on the lights in the room and looked back. It was indeed her best friend who had been crying at the side of her bed with her face buried in her knees while she hugged herself for comfort.


    Nora looked up slightly and saw her red eyes, Xiu was startled and anxious. "Xiu''er!" she called out in a choked-up voice making Xiu even more worried.


    Xiu kneeled down beside her and put her arms around Nora''s shoulders pulling her in a hug from the side. Nora buried her head in Xiu''s chest and continued to sob hysterically. Her shoulders were shaking, even her whole body was trembling and Xiu had no idea what was going on. She had never seen her best friend in such a bad condition.


    She calmly and gently rubbed Nora''s back in silence. She didn''t want to rush her into telling her anything. She knew Nora would come around on her own and that''s why she was just gonna wait right beside her. In the meantime, she was gonna make sure that Nora won''t feel lonely. Just like Nora had never made her feel lonely during the time of her rebirth where everything was scary and unknown to her.


    Nora nodded her head before looking into Xiu''s eyes. She could tell Xiu was holding herself from asking anything.


    "Good. Now let me get my baseball bat!" Xiu stood up with a determined look in her eyes. Nora held her wrist and looked up at her inquisitively. "What? I''m gonna beat the crap out of whoever made my sister cry." Nora wanted to laugh at Xiu''s words but ended tearing up again. She pulled Xiu''s wrist and made her sit on the bed while she placed her head on her lap.


    "Can you promise, you won''t hate me?" Nora''s voice made Xiu frown.


    "Why would I..."


    Her words were interrupted as Nora continued, "What I''m about to tell you might really make you hate me. But I don''t want to lose you."


    Xiu couldn''t see her expressions but she could hear her sincerity in her voice clearly. She placed her hand on Nora''s head and said, "I can never hate you. No matter what. I really can''t hate you. Not even for a second."


    Nora stayed silent in reply and Xiu didn''t try to break this silence. She allowed this time for Nora to gather her thoughts. And when she was done, she narrated the story which she told Ah-Si in the morning. Xiu was shocked, to say the least. She never expected any of this.


    "You know just like he said, I went to see Mel right after coming out of his house," Nora continued.


    "What did she say?" Xiu held her breath as she waited for her reply.


    "She said, Ava is indeed my daughter." Nora''s tears fell making Xiu''s pajama bottoms wet but Xiu didn''t pay attention to that. She was still in disbelief. "She said because of premature birth, Ava was really weak and the doctors really said that she might not be able to survive. But she did, she was kept in the hospital for almost a year before her condition was stable."


    Nora looked up at Xiu as she cried, "Can you believe it? Xiu, I didn''t even know that my daughter was in pain. She was struggling with life and death. But I as a mother was clueless and oblivious to her own blood''s struggle and pain. I was busy trying to start my life afresh while my daughter was still suffering all alone. She must be so scared all alone. But I didn''t know. I didn''t know anything."


    Her sobs broke Xiu''s heart and unknowingly tears had pooled into her eyes. She didn''t know what Nora was feeling but her heart was breaking just listening to her. But she still needed some answers.


    "Then how did she end up with her father?"


    Nora rubbed her tears away as she answered, "Mel said that grandmother used a lot of money to find his whereabouts. She saw me starting a new life and that''s why she didn''t want to bring that past back to me. So, she chose to send Ava to her father''s door. Can you believe it? My own grandmother did this to me."


    "Why did Mel not say anything to you? Why she hid it for so long?"


    "Mel didn''t know anything. When my grandmother died half a year ago, that''s when she found out everything. But she didn''t know how to tell this to me now after years." She hugged Xiu''s waist, as she continued, "Xiu, I really didn''t want to lose my baby. I just lost my mind at that time. I was too stressed and my grandmother''s words managed to get to me. That''s the only reason I even thought of abortion. I accept that I chose to drop the idea because of my own selfishness but I promise that I loved my baby wholeheartedly."


    Xiu''s silence really was getting to Nora now. Was her best friend also planning on leaving her alone? Was she really such a bad person? She was already hurting from the look Ah-Si gave him when he said he didn''t trust her anymore. Then hearing everything her grandmother did break her even more. If Xiu also turned her back on her, Nora might not be able to handle it.

 357 Love Confessions?

    Xiu suddenly held her hands and push her a little to stand up. It scared the hell out of Nora as she watched Xiu walking away from her. Was she really going to leave? Nora''s heart clenched in her chest. It was more than just painful seeing Xiu turning her back on her. Her silence was killing her. Nora couldn''t take this. Her soul felt like leaving her body.


    But she didn''t even have the courage to hold Xiu back. Or even call her back.


    ''I guess I really messed this one up...'' she thought to herself bitterly with a fresh stream of hot tears rolling down her cheeks.


    Despodendantly, hopelessly, and sorrowfully Nora covered her face with her hands.


    Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up.


    Her brows creased up. Her vision was blurry because of tears, she rubbed her eyes and looked at Xiu again.


    Xiu has now dressed up in a fresh set of clothes. Her messy hair was now tied in a high bun neatly. That pair of skinny jeans and a tank top with a leather jacket looked really good on her figure. Even the pair of combat boots surprised Nora since this was an attire she rarely saw her best friend in.


    And after surprise came to the shock as she noticed the thing in Xiu''s hand.


    The infamous...


    Baseball bat!


    Why Nora thought called it ''infamous baseball bat''? Because it was customized with Xiu''s name written on it in beautiful calligraphy.


    "Wh-What are you going to do?" Nora asked feeling uncertain of what Xiu was planning. It wasn''t easy to read Xiu''s mind when she gave that blank expression.


    Xiu cracked her knuckles and smiled slyly at her best friend, "The idea is still the same... Let''s beat the crap out of the idiot who made my sister cry!"


    Nora gaped at her Xiu with her eyes staring wide at her in disbelief. Her lips were trembling as looked at Xiu with a sparkle in her eyes now. "Xiu... You don''t hate me?"


    Xiu rubbed her head and smiled gently. "Silly girl, I told you. Xiu can never hate you. No matter what you do, Xiu still loves you very much. You call me a sister. You said it yourself we are like soul sisters. We don''t need blood to define our bond. It''s stronger than anyone. And sisters don''t turn their back on each other. EVER!"


    "Xiu..."


    "My dear Nora, how can you even think that I can hate you? Yes, you did a mistake. But so what? Everyone does it. We are only human. Although that''s not a very good excuse, still I believe that as long as a person has guilt in his heart, he''s still worth saving. I have seen one of the cruelest people who don''t even feel remorse for their wrongdoings. As for you, you only thought of doing something bad and you''re killing yourself over that. How can I hate you when all you did was what any scared, lonely, depressed and pregnant 21 years old would do?"


    "Xiu..." Nora tried to blink her tears away looking at her best friend''s sincerest expression.


    Nora shook her head frantically. "I''d never let you fall. My Xiu''er is still the strongest for me. Because my Xiu''er is my biggest strength. I can only be reckless because I know you''re there to hold me. Save me. Stand with me."


    Xiu grinned at her through the haze of tears. "That sounds like a love confession but I am so up for it right now."


    Nora chuckled at her reaction. "Usually you don''t like such heart-to-heart confessions."


    "I still don''t. So don''t try to make me cry now," Xiu blinked her eyes to keep the tears at bay. She really didn''t want those tears to fall. She was feeling heartbroken for her best friend but she wasn''t gonna accompany her in crying. Neither was she going to lend her shoulder to her. There were far better choices out there.


    Xiu rubbed her face and pushed her towards the bathroom. "You clean up. We are not letting this go without a fight."


    Nora shook her head, "Xiu, you can''t really be thinking about beating him."


    "I am."


    "No. No way. Xiu, you''re not going to."


    Xiu put her finger on Nora''s lips and shushed her. "Just do as I say or I''m really gonna be mad at you."


    Nora pursed her lips and nodded. Xiu waited patiently for her to clean up and when she came out, she directly dragged her out of the apartment.


    Getting in the car, she took the steering wheel and took a long and deep breath.


    "Are you sure it''s a good idea for you to drive?" asked Nora in a hoarse voice. Actually, it sounded more like a hushed voice since Nora had lost her voice after that much crying.


    Xiu gave her a look of reassurance. "When I am angry, I can do anything. And this is all for you. I can definitely win over my night driving skills." Nora really didn''t have much faith in that sentence but she went along with it.


    She gave Xiu the address to Xin Villa after getting some serious threats from her. And Xiu drove as rationally as she could. But all she was seeing was blood right now. Nora''s tears were making her numb and she even forgot that she sucked at directions.


    That''s why even she was surprised when she actually managed to park the car before the right house. Well, just as she said, anger could get her anywhere.


    She pulled her baseball bat out of the backseat and opened the car door for Nora.


    "Don''t you dare back out of this," Xiu warned in a low voice.


    "But I never even agreed for this," retorted Nora as loud as she could possibly get her voice.


    Xiu didn''t listen to her and simply grabbed her hand to haul her out of the car. She looked at the beautiful villa and sneered, "Such a beautiful house keeps such vicious hearts. Hmph!"


    "Actually, all of them are very nice..."


    Xiu glared at Nora making her seal her lips. "Take his side one more time and my bat is gonna land on your head."


    Nora took a step back on instinct. It''s not that she really thought Xiu''d hit her but you see, Xiu was a crackhead. Not the kind you have in mind but she was just a person who had a very twisted way of thinking. You could never predict her especially when she was angry. Last time when that bat of hers came out to play, it was Nora''s ex''s girlfriend who got a broken nose. This time, her target was the man she loved dearly. How could she watch her best friend beating him up?


    Gosh!


    This was more troublesome than she thought!

 358 Collecting Debt Of Tears!

    The previous night, Nora was standing at the same door looking all nervous and anxious. Tonight, she found herself at the same place with the same feelings but for a whole different reason. She didn''t know how or why but Xiu didn''t look like someone who was gonna back out.


    Na-ah!


    She looked like she was ready for a bloodbath tonight.


    Nora could silently pray for Ah-Si''s safety because her faith in Xiu''s mercy was non-existent! She could be pretty ruthless if she wanted to be.


    Xiu rang the bell while Nora was still trying to hold her back. Xiu didn''t pay any heed to her best friend''s pleads. A woman in her thirties clad in a crisp uniform which indicated that she was housemaid opened the door and looked at Xiu who was throwing fire and Nora who was half-hidden behind Xiu.


    But since Nora was taller than Xiu, the maid could clearly see Nora and even recognize her from this very morning.


    "Miyabi, who''s at the door?" came a voice from behind the woman before a familiar face came into Xiu''s view.


    "Weird uncle?"


    "Oh, little lass?"


    "What are you doing here?" Both Xiu and Xin Zimen blurted out at the same time.


    Xin Zimen chuckled softly before gesturing the maid, Miyabi to leave. He stood before Xiu and said, "It''s my house. Why do you think I am here? But if you''re here not knowing this is my place then I''m gonna assume that I''m not the one you''re looking for."


    At this reminder, Xiu threw away her earlier surprise and started breathing fire, "Of course, not. I''m here to find the one who made my sister cry!" She stared at Xin Zimen with rage as she added, "And I''m not leaving without collecting some tears."


    "Made your sister cry? Collecting tears?" Xin Zimen frowned slightly. Xiu pushed Nora at the front a bit and Xin Zimen''s frown deepened looking at her. "Nora?"


    "How many sons do you have?" questioned Xiu completely disregarding the fact that Xin Zimen was looking really concerned now.


    "I have two sons, why?" he answered.


    "Well then one of your sons is the reason behind these tears and I''m so not letting this go!" She lifted her baseball bat and placed it on her shoulder adding, "If I don''t make him cry the same amount of tears I''m not leaving!"


    Xin Zimen looked at Xiu''s stance then he looked at Nora who didn''t dare look into his eyes. "You both should come inside first. This is not a good place for all this," he said and ushered them in the house. Although Xiu was reluctant, Nora pulled her in. "Have a seat, I''m gonna ask for someone to bring something to drink for you both."


    "We are not here for that," reminded Xiu since she felt like he looked way too casual about it as if the person she wanted to beat had nothing to do with him. Or perhaps, he was taking her words way too lightly. Oh, that thought infuriated her even more.


    "Calm down, little lass!" he said that to Xiu seeing how this little one was about to explode. "You need the energy to beat someone as well. Get a breather first."


    Xiu frowned at him and was about to retort when Nora held her wrist and shook her head. "He''s one of the nicest people I have met in life, don''t you dare act rudely with him." Nora''s warning came handy since Xiu dropped the idea of acting willfully before Xin Zimen. Besides, he wasn''t her target. It was his son!


    "Call your son! Or give me the directions to his room," urged Xiu as she saw Xin Zimen coming back with fresh fruit juice for both of them. He who wanted her to first have a few sips dropped the idea when she said, "I''m getting impatient and that''s not a very good thing."


    Xiu didn''t know why but he smiled at her words. Looking at her face he seemed to be lost in thoughts as he couldn''t stop smiling. What she didn''t know was that even now he couldn''t help seeing someone''s reflection in her.


    "Ah-Si! Get your ass out here!" his booming voice rang in the house while Xiu was stunned since his smile was back as soon as his eyes fell on her again. Wow! He changed expressions faster than her! And she had been a professional actress once!


    Then suddenly something clicked in her mind, ''Ah-Si? Did he just say Ah-Si? He can''t be talking about that Ah-Si. Right? Right?'' Xiu was busy trying to convince herself that there are so many people with the same names. ''But that Ah-Si whom I know and this weird uncle both are associated with Dylan. Then...? No, I''m still believing this!'' But her hopes shattered soon enough.


    "Yes, dad! Why are you so angry now?"


    Xiu looked at Ah-Si standing at the doorway and gaped at him.


    ''Seriously? I hate that the Earth is round! Why can''t it be flat? Why do I have to come across the same people so often?!''


    Xiu could only curse her luck. No, she was gonna curse her fate which was going round and round. This was really something unacceptable! How can coincidences be so dangerous? Why? Why? Why? She needed answers. Some serious answers here but who was gonna answer? Who could really answer why she was running into these people again and again?


    "I think I clearly told you to be nice to Nora," said Xin Zimen glaring at Ah-Si who frowned, and only now his eyes caught sight of Nora sitting at one side.


    His heart clenched in his chest at her sight. What happened to her? Why did she look like that? He really wanted to rush over and hug her but stopped himself from doing so.


    "You... Why are you back? I think we''re done talking in the morning," he spoke in a stern voice as much as he could to show his stance clearly.


    "I..." Nora wanted to say something but didn''t know what. What was she doing here? Even she didn''t have the answer to that! Someone just go and ask that eccentric best friend of hers. She didn''t have any answers, to begin with!


    "Oh, I can give you the answer for that," Xiu''s voice rang out from beside him. And the way it was laced with venom caught Ah-Si off-guard.


    "Xiu? What are you doing here?" Ah-Si was surprised to see Xiu here. He hadn''t seen her in a while now but looking at her now, he could tell something was off about her. She didn''t give those happy vibes. Nope! She was certainly giving some dark and murderous vibes at the moment.


    "Well, Si bro..." Xiu lifted her baseball bat and struck it straight at his calf making him lose balance and fall on his knee. "I''ve come to collect a debt tonight!"

 359 A Walk On Bloody Route Tonight!

    Xiu''s attack was so sudden and unexpected that it really caught Ah-Si by surprise. Oh, did we mention that she didn''t really show any mercy? Because she didn''t! The hit on his calf was really done brutally maybe not with all her strength but it was painful enough to make Ah-Si fall on his knees.


    And just as his knees made contact with the hardwood floor making a thud sound, another wave of pain traveled through his body. He winced in pain and was about to turn his neck when Xiu stepped on his gastrocnemius muscle putting her wait on his legs in a way that his kneecaps were crushed up against the floor now while her baseball bat went around his neck and put him in a headlock.


    "Ahh!!" Ah-Si couldn''t help screaming a bit in pain as she tightened the headlock and the baseball bat''s solid surface against his throat almost choked him to death. "X-Xiu!" His voice broke as he was coughing from this choking. He tried to lift his hand to get himself free from her grasp but Xiu was one step ahead again as her knee hit his spine with such precision that he almost coughed up blood.


    "The more you resist, the more bloody it will get. That''s not a threat, it''s a promise. I have been to jail twice as you know it, I don''t mind visiting it for the third time. After all, third time''s a charm."


    Ah-Si''s eyes widened at her words while Xin Zimen raised his lips in an arc. Damn! He was loving this girl''s weird and crazy style. She looked like a street thug. A violent and ruthless one at that. But he was loving it. Every bit of it.


    The reflection he saw in her was so vivid at this moment that he really felt like that person was standing before his eyes acting overbearing as she always did.


    "Xiu!" Nora called out to her seeing how Ah-Si was looking like he was in pain. His pain and struggle were palpable on his face. Xiu might be a dainty looking girl but in anger, she could become someone''s biggest nightmare with her sheer will to crush the other person.


    Xiu looked at Nora with a stern look. "You stay out of it! It''s between him and me now. If he has the guts to make my sister cry than he should learn about this sister''s wrath as well."


    "Dad!" Ah-Si called out to his father who looked too amused to even bother with all of this.


    "I warned you to be nice with Nora in the morning, you didn''t listen. Now, I can''t help you," Xin Zimen simply decided to stay at sidelines. Why would he fight his son''s battle? "Remember, you asked me to stay out of the matter of Ava''s mother. I''m gonna do just that now."


    "You definitely didn''t act like that in the morning," retorted Ah-Si.


    "That''s because, at that time, I was uncertain whether she is Ava''s mother or not, but now everything is clear. So, I''m gonna be a good father and stay out of the adult son''s life like he always wanted me to."


    ''Seems like I gave him the right title. He is weird!'' she thought to herself and heard Ah-Si coughing badly. She looked down and realized that her grip had tightened even more and she might have stopped his breathing there. Ooopsie! She didn''t even realize it!


    "Xiu! You''re gonna kill him!" Nora couldn''t help herself. She really didn''t want Xiu to be this willful. No matter what if Xin Zimen really decided to do something, they both will be in trouble. No, much worse, their whole family will be in trouble! Even if Xin Zimen didn''t act like that but she had heard his name plenty of times in the news to know what status or power he held.


    He was a terrifying man! And that wasn''t even a secret anymore to the world!


    "Fine," grumbled Xiu as she dropped the baseball bat, and just as Ah-Si thought he was gonna be able to breathe now, she held both his wrists and twisted his arms behind his back.


    "AHHH!" Okay, this was worse for him since he felt like she was actually gonna dislocate his shoulder or his hand. Something was definitely gonna get broken tonight.


    "Why are you screaming at this time, Ah-Si?" Xin Xiaoli''s voice was heard as he came down the stairs in his night suit while yawning. He was sleeping peacefully when this commotion downstairs ruined his sleep. "What''s up..." his words died down in his throat as he looked at his brother on the floor with tears in his eyes. "Fuck!" He looked at the person who was torturing his brother and gaped at her. "Xiu?"


    "Good to see you too, Li bro!" Xiu smiled at him but that smile held a warning. As if saying, you move and he dies!


    "What is really happening here?" he blurted out in shock.


    "Oh, nothing. We are just collecting some debt. Nothing too big. You can go back to sleep."


    "Bro, she''s gonna kill me!"


    "No, I won''t do that. If I kill you, my sister will cry more and I hate seeing tears in her eyes. So, I''m gonna spare your life for her sake."


    "And if she wasn''t involved?" the question came from Xin Zimen who still was chewing on his midnight snack.


    "As I said before, I really don''t mind visiting the jail for the third time." Xiu even winked mischievously at this time. She looked like a possessed person who didn''t care about anything at all. Her one-track mind was really on a bloody route tonight.


    "I love that spirit of yours," chuckled Xin Zimen in amusement.


    "Dad, is it really time to laugh?" Xin Xiaoli asked looking at his father.


    Xin Zimen shrugged nonchalantly but didn''t react at all. It was already good enough that he wasn''t helping Xiu in beating this idiot son of his. How dare he made a girl cry? Is that how he raised his useless sons? How and why did they both turn out so differently? Neither they managed to inherit the boldness of their mother, nor did they managed to inherit his manners. Such a disappointment they both were!


    "Xiu, you call me a brother. Why don''t we sit down and talk this out?" suggested Xin Xiaoli.


    "AH!"


    His words only incited Xiu''s anger which was why she used even more strength making Ah-Si groan in pain. "My sister also sat down and talked. Did he listen? No, he didn''t!"


    "Bro!" Ah-Si looked at his brother with pleading eyes with tears in his eyes as well. "Help me!"


    Xin Xiaoli looked conflicted. "He''s asking me to help him."


    "So? Pretend like you didn''t hear it."


    "I can''t do that." As Xiu puts more weight on Ah-Si''s calves with her foot. Xin Xiaoli slowly backed away, "Okay. I''ll back out. But you go easy on him. He has been spoiled and loved in his life. He really can''t take your brutal ways."


    Xin Xiaoli was right. Since Ah-Si was the youngest, he was just like Dylan who only saw the good things in life. But Ah-Si was the spoiled prince while Dylan was more like the childish prince. But one thing was common, they both knew nothing about physical pain.


    Dylan only managed to grow out of his shell when he met a tomboy like Cali who could put him on the floor with one punch. And since that was against his pride, Dylan managed to take boxing glasses. But Ah-Si never had to. He had so many bodyguards following him from a young age, why would he need to lift his own fingers for anything?


    "What are you really trying to do by doing this?" asked Xin Xiaoli as he saw how bad Ah-Si''s face looked now. He was pale as if every single part of his body was aching.


    Xiu placed her knee on Ah-Si''s back and smiled evilly at Xin Xiaoli before she shoved his body on the floor. Her one hand twisted one of his arms while the other was holding his face down against the floor now.


    "I''m gonna teach your brother a lesson of reality," said Xiu in a dangerously low voice. "Maybe he has not seen the world. He needs to learn that not everyone has a loving or perfect family like his!" She looked up at Xin Xiaoli as her eyes glinted with sadness and rage, "Some of us grew up in dysfunctional families as well!"

 360 Dysfunctional Families

    Hearing Xiu mention ''dysfunctional families'', Xin Zimen''s smile froze as well. From the look of deep amusement to deep sadness, his expressions shifted way too easily. Now, he was looking at Xiu with a different feeling.


    The side of Ah-Si''s face was still pressed up against the floor sending a striking pain through his skull because of the way she was shoving his face down. Her hand on his head didn''t even let him move an inch.


    "Do you know what it feels like to grow up in dysfunctional families?" Xiu questioned in a way that it indicated that she wasn''t actually expecting a reply from him. "You don''t. Because you didn''t have to live in one."


    Xiu''s breathing turned harsh as she continued, "You don''t know what it feels like to crave for attention and love. You don''t know what it feels like to stand in a corner and wish to disappear! But in reality, we all are just craving that someone would come along to find us. You don''t even know what it feels like when someone tells you that love is bullshit! And there is no such thing as prince charming because eventually everyone is meant to leave us!"


    Xiu held his collar and pulled him up. She turned his face to look at her as she went on, "And the worst part is, the kids like us who grew up in dysfunctional families actually believe that they don''t deserve to be loved. It doesn''t stop us from wanting to be loved though and that''s why when people like you show some care, we tend to fall for it. But do you know how scary it is that our one moment of selfishness can push people like you away from us?"


    Her fist landed straight on his face busting the side of his lip while injuring her own knuckles but the adrenaline rush was enough to mask her pain and make it seem numb.


    "You think Nora is at fault? How? If one day your daughter was knocked up by a guy who never made his feelings clear for her and then vanished into thin air, would you want her to give birth to the child? Do you think your daughter won''t be scared?" Ah-Si''s eyes widened staring at her. "You think it''s easy being 21 and being pregnant? You think it''s easy to be different in this society? It''s scary as hell! So what if she thought of abortion? First of all, she didn''t go through it. Second of all, even if she did, you are the last person who can point a finger at her because you didn''t wait for her!"


    "I did," Ah-Si''s voice was low almost a whisper.


    Xiu scoffed at him as she punched his face again, "So, your love for her could only give her one month to come around?" Xiu''s eyes were red from anger now. "If you really loved her you wouldn''t have left without talking. No matter how she pushed you away, at least you should have persisted enough! I''m not saying she''s right and you''re wrong. But you''re no better than her and that''s why you don''t have any right to blame her for anything!"


    "Don''t even think for a second that I''m here because I want you to accept my sister. No! Never! If you ask me honestly, I wouldn''t want her to be with a person like you who made her shed so many tears. But that''s not my decision to make and I won''t try to be the judge of that either! However..." she looked straight into Ah-Si''s eyes, "I won''t let you take her daughter away from her either!"


    "You''re not the one who went to through an accident, you''re not the one who stayed in a coma for months only to wake up to know that the child so dear to you is dead. You didn''t also go through the pain of knowing that you can''t be a mother again. You also are not the one who went through all of this all alone!"


    Nora lowered her head and closed her eyes as Xiu reminded her of the biggest stain on her existence now. Ah-Si also couldn''t help looking at Nora in shock.


    "She was the one who was scared, alone, and helpless. She was the one who suffered from depression. She was the one who had to live with the guilt. As for you... You moved on with your life. You simply went to another country to start a new life. Did you even look back once? Did you even bother? No, because you assumed way too much on your own. You''re not the only one who was hurt, she was also hurt. Even more than you! You have so many people besides you. She was too scared to even let me know what was happening in her life."


    Xiu didn''t realize when tears fell down from the corner of her eyes. She really wasn''t thinking straight at all. All she wanted to do was kill someone right there.


    She had lifted her bleeding fist again to hit him when Nora hugged her from behind halting her movement. Nora placed her head on her shoulder as she whispered, "That''s enough. Please stop, Xiu! It''s really enough!"


    Xiu really didn''t agree that it was enough but she still dropped her fist down and loosened her grasp on his collar as well. Nora''s touch seemed to have broken her crazed state of mind. The adrenaline that was rushing through her veins seemed to have drained out now.


    "You''re insane," Nora mumbled as she touched Xiu''s injured hand.


    Xiu ruffled her hair with her blood-stained hand, "I know." It took a huge effort to even move her hand slightly. She was tired now.


    Xin Xiaoli at the side also held his brother who was beaten and blue. The side of his face was beginning to swell. He really didn''t know how such a sweet-looking girl could have so much strength. It was also a wonder that Ah-Si hadn''t fainted after bearing so much pain. But looking at him, Xin Xiaoli was certain that Xiu didn''t go easy on him.

 361 Difficult, Lonely & Scary

    Although Ah-Si never had to even lift his finger to get anything in his life, there was another reason why he was so easily beaten by Xiu. His heart didn''t want to resist her. Something in his heart didn''t allow him to resist with full force. As for why he cried... He was a sensitive person and Xiu''s words weren''t exactly nice.


    The way she said things made his heart hurt badly to the point that physical pain had no effect on him. And the worst was done by Xiu when she dropped the bomb by telling him that Nora could never be a mother again. As if something in him died at that moment. Also, those words were enough to make him hate himself.


    Xiu really didn''t know what impact her words were capable of bringing.


    Xiu could see his reaction but she didn''t feel bad for what she did or said. No way! She wasn''t gonna regret it. Not this time!


    Besides, even regretting needed energy which she didn''t have at the moment. Xiu was suddenly startled when a small baby girl appeared before her eyes. She looked up to see Xin Zimen holding Ava in his hands as he was passing the girl to Nora with a gentle smile, "No one in this world can take what is yours. She''s your daughter and it''ll stay like that till the very end."


    Nora looked up at him with tears of gratitude before she took Ava in her arms with her whole body trembling in excitement and nervousness. When she held this little one in the morning her feelings were different but now when she knew that this was her own flesh and blood, Nora couldn''t describe her feelings at all.


    "Ba-ba-ba..." Little Ava babbled excitedly while clapping her hands as she immediately latched herself against Nora''s chest and snuggled in comfortably making her mother cry those happy tears.


    Nora couldn''t help hugging the little girl in her arms tightly and kissed her baby girl all over her tiny little face and her hands. She couldn''t stop herself from taking in this scent that only belonged to her daughter. Her baby girl.


    Xiu heard a clicking sound and shifted her eyes away from this mother-daughter reunion towards Xin Zimen who had clicked his fingers and all the help in the house rushed towards their young master to take him to his room.


    "Is he okay?" Xiu couldn''t help asking him while scratching her head awkwardly. Maybe, she really went overboard. But it wasn''t her fault. She was reminded of her dark past and she couldn''t hold herself back at all!


    Xin Zimen looked at Xiu for a moment with a deep look in his eyes before he held her wrist and pulled her up from the floor saying, "Worry about yourself first." He made her sit on the chair in the dining room because he wanted to give some privacy to Nora in the lounge with her daughter. Then he brought a first-aid kit and Xiu looked at him in surprise when he held her hand and tried to clean her bloody knuckles. "You don''t even know how to throw a punch. How could you hurt yourself?"


    Xin Zimen smiled a little at her words shaking his head. "No, you didn''t. If his mom was alive, she would have done worse than this." He applied some antibiotic ointment on her wound and added, "Besides, that physical pain won''t kill him but the guilt you left in his heart might. You see he has been a sensitive kid since his mother died. His mother''s death left a huge impact on his young heart and that''s why no one had ever even been angry at him. We always let him do what he wanted to."


    Xiu''s heart shook at his words. "How can you be so nonchalant when your son is hurting? Shouldn''t you be with him? My intention was not to guilt-trip him. I just wanted him to know that there is always two sides to the story. He wasn''t hurt alone."


    "Calm down, little lass!" Xin Zimen was really too casual about it. "Let me finish. I''m his father and even I can''t bring myself to knock some sense into his head. But you could so I let you do it. As you just said, he needed that reality check. I as his father can''t always solve everything for him."


    "You..." Xiu didn''t know what to say. She didn''t know at all! So, she blurted out, "You''re really weird."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her, "And so I have been told." He was quiet while bandaging her hand and his expressions were somber as well. It really made Xiu wonder what kind of a person was he? What was his story? And why did his presence felt so comforting? Why did she feel so protected in his presence?


    She had honestly been scared for the last few days. The fear wasn''t leaving. It had constantly been lingering even when she was at her own apartment. But now that he sat beside her, she didn''t feel scared anymore. Why was he having this effect on her? It was similar to the familiarity she felt with Ying and yet this feeling was different in its own way.


    Xiu''s trance broke when she felt a warm touch on her head and tilted her head to look at him. "It must have been difficult and lonely." Xiu frowned slightly. "Growing up in a dysfunctional family."


    "I wasn''t talking about my..."


    "I know you''re talking from experience," his words shut Xiu up instantly. "It was written all over your face. I could even see it in your eyes. Remember when we first met I said you''re hiding sadness behind your bright eyes?" Xiu nodded since she really remembered his words. "Only today I realized where that sadness came from."


    Xiu couldn''t look at him anymore. It was as if he read her like an open book.


    "I don''t know if it was difficult or not but it was quite lonely," she didn''t know why she shared it with him. She even forgot that as Bai Xiu, she shouldn''t have any memory of her past. What mattered was that it felt like he could understand her.


    "And scary," he added with a heavy sigh making Xiu look up into his eyes to see sadness and longing like she often found in her own eyes. Xiu thought it was a ridiculous thought. After all, he had everything. What could make him sad? Did he even have to long for anything? She didn''t think so. "I''m sorry!"


    Xiu was taken aback by his sudden apology. Where did that come from? "Why are you apologizing?"


    "I''m sorry that my son''s incompetence made you remember a bitter past," said Xin Zimen as calmly as he could. "And I''m also sorry that my son turned out to be a jerk." Xiu didn''t know what to say to that. She really was speechless. He pushed a glass of juice towards her and said, "Leaving all that aside, I really think you need this now."


    Although Xiu hadn''t felt like vomiting since she woke up again, she still was reluctant to eat or drink anything. But she reluctantly took it from his hand and said, "Thank you!"

 362 A Candy?

    "By the way, I''ve been wondering for a while now... What''s up with that baseball bat of yours?"


    Xiu almost choked on the juice that she had been drinking but she blinked at him as if she didn''t understand his meaning at all.


    "It''s customized so I assume there''s a story behind it," Xin Zimen sounded very certain with his own conjecture.


    "There is no story," she refused to budge. He didn''t have to know it.


    Xin Zimen smiled seeing her reaction. "Oh, there is always a story. But you don''t want to share that''s a whole different story." Seeing her hesitation, he decided to drop the topic. He suddenly laughed to himself saying, "Let me teach you how to throw a punch. Otherwise, you might really break your knuckles next time."


    "I know how to throw a punch," grumbled Xiu seeing him laugh at her so carelessly. But with the way, he threw his head back and guffawed really eased her nerves. It made him look really different.


    He pinched her nose saying, "No, you don''t. You purely were acting on instinct just like right now I don''t even know why I''m pinching your nose." He slapped his own hand muttering, "This hand has a mind of its own now." Xiu couldn''t help giggling at him. "Does your boyfriend know that his Sweets is not exactly just sweet? She also has some spice to her.


    "What am I? A candy?"


    "Hmmm... Good question. But if you''re a candy, tagline would be; Sugar and Spice, but everything nice."


    "That''s not even original."


    "But you''re definitely original with your ways." He was serious now. "But seriously, does Regan know?"


    Xiu pursed her lips before looking at him, "Maybe he doesn''t. Maybe he does." She took a brief pause to add, "But he knows that Nora is my bottom line. And if you dare to touch my bottom line then you should be prepared for the consequences."


    They sat in silence after that. She didn''t know why he was giving her company here. But something told her that he was trying to make her feel better while talking about anything and everything or just with this comfortable silence.


    "I just recalled, I think I heard you say something about going to jail twice..." Xiu bit her lips cursing herself for speaking too much in anger. "Now, I think that must be one hell of a story to tell."


    "No," replied Xiu sharply. "It''s a horrible story. It''s so silly that I can''t even believe it myself." Seeing his quirking his brows waiting for her to continue on, Xiu could only tell him how she and Dylan ended up in jail for the first time. And let''s be honest, she expected the reaction she was getting right now.


    "Yeah, you can laugh all you want. Even I can''t believe it till now!" Xiu could only grumble to herself for acting so immature with that stupid boss of hers.


    "You know it''s actually quite funny but my wife used to pull Yi''s hair as well whenever he did something wrong." Xiu raised her brows hearing this new information. She couldn''t imagine the way Dylan''s dignified looking father must have reacted to that. "It''s true. Yi was always finding trouble with Ai. And that''s why they mostly were in trouble."


    "And I''ve been wondering how Dylan could be so different from his parents," voiced out Xiu as if she finally got enlightened.


    "Just because Yi looks all mature now, don''t let it fool you. He was once worse than his son. I guess time and responsibilities finally managed to shape his personality."


    He shrugged his shoulder as if he was just sharing a normal thing and heard footsteps which made him look at the doorway. "Brother Kuan, you''re back."


    Xin Kuan looked at Xiu while nodding to Xin Zimen. He finally looked away from Xiu and said, "I have something to tell you."


    "I should go and check on Nora," Xiu being the understanding and observant one silently got up to leave. She could tell that the newcomer had something to discuss with Xin Zimen and she was in his way. Besides, she had to check up on her best friend as well.


    "Who is she?" questioned Xin Kuan when Xiu left them alone. Also, he felt like something was wrong with the way Xin Zimen looked at her. That soft and gentle emotions glimmering in his eyes were appalling to Xin Kaun who had never even seen him act like this around his own sons.


    "She..." Xin Zimen stopped to contemplate. How was he supposed to say it? How could he say something when he was uncertain himself. "I honestly don''t know at this point who or what she is." He even managed to laugh at his own words surprising Xin Kuan even more. "Anyways what do you have to say? And where have you been for the whole day? Do you know how exciting the show you missed was?"


    Xin Kuan frowned at his words. There was actually something exciting to this indifferent man? That was shocking. But he wasn''t gonna voice his views to him right now. "Young miss asked for the DNA sample just like you said she will."


    The smile on Xin Zimen''s face disappeared as he turned to look at Xin Kuan and raised his brow slightly, "So? Did you give her the DNA sample?"


    "Yes, just as you asked me to," answered Xin Kuan. "I thought she''d take the sample to the lab as soon as possible but she didn''t."


    "What did she do then?"


    "She spent the whole morning at Feifei''s apartment and when she came out, she was carrying a lunch box. I''m assuming that she cooked because first of all, Feifei was not home, and second of all, Feifei would rather survive on instant food than do the effort to cook for hours." Xin Kuan''s description of Ying''s aunt was on point. Director Fei could spend hours with the criminals but it was a hassle for her to spend even half the amount of time or effort trying to cook a healthy meal.


    "So, did she send the samples to the lab or not yet?"


    "She did. Just a couple of hours ago and she has been standing outside the lab all this while as well. It appears she''s more interested in the results than you are."


    Xin Zimen didn''t react to his words. He still looked as calm as before. There was not a single fluctuation palpable in his eyes. He looked like someone who had nothing to do with this whole matter.


    "I still don''t get. What are you trying to do exactly?"


    At Xin Kuan''s question, Xin Zimen looked down at the ring on his left hand and smiled, "A little something to make her rest in peace."

 363 I Have Another Job

    Even before Xiu entered the lounge, she could hear soft giggles from inside. It made her smile instantly as she saw Nora playing with her daughter. She looked so different today. Was it weird that Xiu felt like she was willing to do anything to protect that smile on her best friend''s face? Even if it was weird, she didn''t care at all.


    Nora was the first family to her and the rest came after that. She was the first person Xiu saw when she opened her eyes to this new life. That reason alone was enough to make Xiu depend on her. She really didn''t know when or how it started, but Nora had become her reverse scale without a doubt now.


    "Xiu, come here!" Nora called out her excitedly and as Xiu came close, she said, "Look at her. She is so pretty."


    Xiu looked at the little girl in her hands and nodded, "She is really pretty."


    "Hold her," said Nora and without waiting for Xiu''s reply, she passed Ava to Xiu. But seeing how awkward she looked, she shook her head, "Don''t be so stiff. Just relax. You used to be so good with Jackie, why are you acting like it''s your first time holding a baby?"


    Xiu could only sigh but she didn''t reply. Just because she was at ease with Jackie didn''t know she was fine with kids in general. Actually, if Xiu was being honest, she would say that she had literally no interest in kids. As a matter of fact, she had some kind of repulsion towards kids. Even though she wanted to grow out of the shadows of her past life but somethings don''t just change that easily.


    While Xiu was busy with her own thoughts, little Ava had already jumped back into her mother''s arms. It reminded Xiu of something she read somewhere, the biggest betrayal you feel is when you''re holding a baby and they open their arms for someone else. Like what the hell? But Xiu wasn''t gonna say it out loud because the person she jumped over to was her own mother.


    "Since you brought up the topic..." Xiu began looking at Nora. "What are you planning to do now?"


    "Huh? What do you mean?" questioned Nora distractedly.


    Xiu took a deep breath. "Don''t forget that no-one back home knows about this little one." Nora''s smile froze as Xiu reminded her that important point. "Not only you''ll have to tell Clara mom and uncle Jing about this but you''ll have a lot of explaining to do to little Jackie whose brain isn''t really little at all." Nora''s heart dropped a bit. "It''s not that difficult to explain everything to Clara mom and uncle Jing with this cute little baby of yours. But Jackie is not that easy..."


    Seeing Nora''s reaction, Xiu bit her lips. She wanted to smack her head. Why did she bring this up right now? She really chose the wrong time to spout her nonsense!


    But why was it that she was still not able to hold herself back since she went on with, "Also, I know it''s not the right time but what are you planning on doing with her?" Nora looked at her with knitted brows. "You and Si bro are not together. So, how are you both gonna manage? I know you want to be in Ava''s life but you can''t take her away from Si bro as well."


    Nora contemplated her words while squishing the little girl''s cheeks lovingly. "You do have the worst timing to drop the bomb of reality on my head."


    "Sorry about that," muttered Xiu apologetically scratching the back of her head. But in her opinion, there was really no such thing as ''right time''. This moment was as good as the next going to be. It wouldn''t make any difference to her at least.


    Nora sighed out while shaking her head at Xiu. She placed her hand over Xiu''s and spoke, "I''m not blaming you for bringing it up. So, there is no need for a sorry. I''m glad to have you here with me. It makes me feel a lot more at ease knowing that there is someone thinking for me and worrying for me." She leaned her head against Xiu''s gently and went on, "But I don''t want to think about all that for now. I want to spend this very moment with just my daughter. I want to lose myself in her soft giggles. Her bright big eyes. Her innocent but beautiful little face. Because at this very moment, I feel complete. And I haven''t felt like that in years now. So, please let me live in this moment."


    Xiu understood what she meant. And she didn''t want to take this moment away from her either. Because even she could see how happy Nora was right now. Those gloomy shadows on her face that broke Xiu''s heart were nowhere to be seen. Instead, there was a glow and a glimmer in her eyes. Perhaps, that''s what being a mother was.


    "You look very happy and I''m even happier seeing you happy," said Xiu as she wrapped her arm around Nora''s shoulder and hugged her from the side.


    "She''s looking at you," said Nora and smiled widely. "Babygirl, this is your one and only aunt. She''s a bit crazy but believe me, you''ll love her as much as mommy loves her." Xiu giggled at Nora talking like a baby. She seemed funny. "And Xiu auntie will love you and protect you just like she do it all for mommy."


    "Oh, man! I have another job now?" Xiu was pretending to act like she was really upset to hear that which earned her a slap at her head.


    "Stop whining! If you didn''t stay with my baby girl, I''ll really be mad!"


    Xiu acted like she was really scared of Nora and even nodded her head accepting her fate.

 364 Won A Battle

    "Ahem!"


    The sound made both Nora and Xiu look over to see Xin Zimen standing at the doorway.


    "Sorry to disturb you both but I just wanted to say that I''ve asked someone to clean the guest room for you both."


    "We aren-," Xiu wanted to say that they weren''t staying here when Xin Zimen cut her off.


    "I think your sister would like to spend some more time with her daughter," he was looking at Nora when he said those words.


    Xiu also looked and saw how the little girl was nestling up to her mother. She really didn''t have the heart to pull them away from each other. But... "We can take her with us." Xiu didn''t know what she said wrong but Xin Zimen didn''t look very amused.


    "If you think I''ll let you take my one and only granddaughter out of my house, you''re really wrong."


    "Why can''t we take her? Nora is her mother! It''s her right to take her daughter! How can to stop her?!"


    Xin Zimen looked at her and rolled his eyes. "Is she really this clueless or she pretends to be one?"


    "She is that clueless," Nora couldn''t help answering Xin Zimen honestly.


    "Hello! Before bad-mouthing me at least take notice that I''m standing right here!"


    "We''re not bad-mouthing you, Xiu''er. But you really need to stop living under the rock," said Nora looking at her best friend as if she was really disappointed.


    Xiu was still uncertain about what she did wrong. And how was she living under the rock exactly? What were they referring to exactly?!


    "Okay, let me say it this way..." began Xin Zimen keeping his voice calm. "Do you know who I am?"


    "Yes, you''re Xin Zimen," said Xiu in a ''duh'' kind of way like that was dumbest question she had ever heard.


    "Then do you know who Xin Zimen exactly is?" he asked further making her frown.


    "Not exactly!" answered Xiu in all honesty. She honestly had little to no knowledge of what Xin Zimen''s name even represented in this society. And to be even more honest, she didn''t care at all!


    Xin Zimen sighed heavily before smiling at her. "You''re really..." he shook his head and went on, "Forget it. Just know that I have many rivals. In personal life and in professional life. And any single one of them can try to use my granddaughter against me. I don''t want to play with her safety and that''s why until I assemble a highly skilled security team for her, I can''t allow you to take her out of this house."


    It''s not like he didn''t want Nora to go out with her daughter. It was just that he had already seen what happened the moment Ava landed in this country. He didn''t want to repeat all that again. Last time, he was lucky since Ying was able to save his granddaughter, the next time might not be that lucky!


    He was not gonna take any risk. Not at the expense of his granddaughter''s life.


    Xin Zimen looked at Xin Kuan who was standing beside him asking for help now. Why was this girl so clueless? He never had to explain or introduce himself to anyone before! But since Xin Kuan was being too amused seeing them, he stayed out it.


    "You can say I''m a very accomplished person," answered Xin Zimen.


    "Huh? What does success have to do with enemies?"


    "The more enemies you have the more successful you are."


    "Who said that?"


    "My wife!"


    "I wonder if you have a bad sense of humor or she did," Xiu''s words made Nora tug at her sleeve to just shut up already. Why was she so insisting on arguing over such a small thing?


    Xin Zimen, however, was chewing at the inside of his mouth now as he looked at Xin Kuan and asked, "Who has the bad sense of humor?"


    "I think you both did." Xin Kuan shrugged his shoulders and even smiled at him. Only now he understood why Xin Zimen was acting so out of his character. This girl was really something different.


    Xin Zimen looked back at Xiu. "Brother Kuan says both me and my wife. That means we were quite similar in way too many things."


    Xiu stroked her chin thoughtfully, "A female version of you? Hmm..." She grinned as if she liked the sound of that. "I think I''d love to see that."


    Xin Zimen could only pass her a sad smile. "I wish that was possible." Shaking his head to shake off all the bad thoughts, he went on, "We went off-topic. So, as I said in the beginning. The room is being cleaned, you can sleep there comfortably for tonight."


    "I get it that Nora has to stay but why do I have to stay?" Xiu still hadn''t given up on her questioning. She was really trying to get on people''s nerves now. But according to her, all these questions were necessary since she didn''t know the answers. And what''s so wrong with asking when you don''t know the answer?


    "Because I think your sister will be more comfortable with you around." He sounded as if to make it clear that she was asking a very useless question now.


    Nora held Xiu''s hand as soon as she saw Xiu opening her mouth again. "Please, shut up! And stay with me. I''ll feel better."


    Xiu thought about it before nodding agreeably. "Fine. I''m staying."


    "Good to hear that," saying that Xin Zimen walked out with Xin Kuan and muttered, "I feel like I just won a battle or something."


    "She''s a handful," remarked Xin Kuan.


    "Don''t even remind me," was Xin Zimen''s simple reply. He looked rather frustrated but there was still an amused smile at the corner of his lips. He couldn''t deny it, Xiu was really pleasing to his eyes.

 365 On Their Own

    In the guest room, Nora was busy with her daughter. Xiu was trying to sleep but couldn''t do so. She looked in Nora''s direction and wondered, ''Isn''t she tired just staring at the little girl? What exactly is she looking at?''


    Of course, she couldn''t understand Nora''s feelings at all. Neither did she receive a mother''s love nor did she know anything about a mother''s feelings.


    "I''m gonna get some water." Xiu got up and left the room. She was licking her dry lips repeatedly because of how dehydrated her body was feeling after vomiting so many times during the day. It was a good thing that she didn''t feel like vomiting now. But she wasn''t feeling much better.


    Nora saw her leaving and suddenly her eyes fell on the water bottle that was placed on the side table. "Water is right here. Why did she go out then?"


    Yes, Xiu had indeed used an excuse to get out of the room. It was partially an excuse. She indeed wanted to drink water but she also wanted to just get some fresh air since she couldn''t sleep anyway.


    She had just reached the kitchen when she heard the maids talking inside. She wasn''t gonna eavesdrop but what she heard made her so shocked that she forgot to move. She just stood there staring into space.


    "Oh, miss? Do you need anything?" one of the maids asked as she noticed Xiu''s presence.


    Xiu shook her head in a daze. Forgetting that she had come to drink water, she turned around and went towards Ah-Si''s room. She had earlier seen where Xin Xiaoli took Ah-Si, she just followed the path and didn''t even have to guess which was his room because his name was written on the door.


    She knocked on the door and waited. Hearing his faint voice, she pushed open the door to see him sitting beside his window. The waned moonlight was falling softly on his bruised face. She didn''t know how but his face wasn''t swollen like she had expected it to be. But it was bruised badly now.


    He was sitting on the carpet looking at the night sky with a blank look in his eyes. He didn''t even notice Xiu''s presence until she came to sit beside him.


    "Hope you''re not here to punch again," he tried to joke with a smile but smiling made him wince because of the strain on his face muscles that she bruised earlier. Xiu pursed her lips and looked down. "How''s your hand?"


    Xiu looked up at him now with an indescribable emotion. Was he for real? She was the one who hurt him and he was asking if she was okay or not?


    "I''m sorry," Xiu spoke after a moment of reflection making his raise his brows at her. "I didn''t know."


    "Didn''t know?" he didn''t understand what she was referring to.


    Ah-Si chuckled at her reaction and shook his head at her. "You''ve got it a bit mixed up there." Xiu looked confused. "I don''t really have the fear of pain. It''s the fear of emotional pain. And that too needs a trigger. For instance, guilt." Her brows furrowed up at his answer. "The night my mom died, only I was with her. I was seven back then. She had a heart attack and I couldn''t call for help." Xiu''s heart stopped beating for a moment. "Although my dad said that it wasn''t my fault since mom was already sick, I was too young to believe that. I really thought I killed her."


    Exactly this was the reason why his emotions overwhelmed him earlier when Xiu said all that. He was resisting until she was just trying to beat him but he stopped all his resistance the moment she started talking. His emotional rush made his chest hurt badly at that time. That''s why he felt like the physical pain made him numb but it was the aching feeling his heart that made him cry without his own control.


    His eyes were still trained on the night sky as he continued, "That''s the reason I avoided confrontations all my life. You''re right I should have waited longer for Nora to come around but I couldn''t. I was scared that even if she did come around, she''ll blame me for what happened between us that night. I honestly wouldn''t have been able to bear it. So, I ran from it just like she did."


    Xiu stayed quiet. She honestly was a bit lost after she heard everything.


    "I won''t justify what I did. After all, wrong or right, it has all passed already. I can''t bring that time back. No-one can." He turned to face her as he went on, "But I''d like to apologize. I shouldn''t have been hasty in blaming Nora for what she did. You''re right, even if she really chose to abort our child, I had no right to blame her. It''s not like she had an option."


    "Si bro, you love her, right? You''re still in love with her." Actually, Xiu didn''t have a doubt about this. She was certain that he loved Nora just as much Nora did ''till this day. Or perhaps, he loved her even more than she did since even when she tried to move on, he was standing right where she left him.


    "How about you leave that between me and her?" he replied.


    Xiu thought about it before nodding her head in agreement. She should really let it stay between those two. What they were gonna do with their future was up to them. She just hoped they''d consider their little daughter''s future.


    "You still didn''t tell me, how''s your hand?"


    Xiu looked at the bandage on her hand and smiled softly, "Your dad cleaned up the wound. It''s not that bad. I''ll survive I think."


    Ah-Si''s brows raised slightly before he rolled his eyes, "Aiyo, I think my dad really likes you."


    "Huh?"


    "My dad doesn''t seem like it but he''s quite overprotective when it comes to me and my brother. You''re probably the only person who just got away even after beating one of his sons right before his eyes."


    Xiu was even more surprised to hear that. He was right about one thing, Xin Zimen really didn''t look like that. Because she certainly thought he was having fun seeing his son''s predicament.


    "I know what you''re thinking. And I think he knew from the beginning that I deserved that beating that''s why he kept his distance." With a soft look in his eyes, he continued, "He had always been like that. His way of doing things is completely insane. No-one can understand him. But I think my mom was the only one who understood him."


    Xiu could only nod at that. Even she thought it was hard to understand Xin Zimen. She really wondered how his wife managed to stay with him. Because if his wife really understood him, she was something.


    "So, just to be clear. You''re not angry with me for..." Xiu didn''t even continue when he shook his head instantly.


    "I''m not. But I hope you keep that bat of yours away from me. I''m scared of it now," he said jokingly making Xiu giggle softly.


    Xiu really valued the people who had been nice to her in this lifetime and Ah-Si happened to be one of those people. She really didn''t want today''s incident to come between us. She was angry and wasn''t thinking straight to begin with.


    And just as she had said, in this matter, she couldn''t take sides. Because Nora was wrong in her place and Ah-Si was wrong in his place. But she wasn''t the one who could judge them. She could only remind them where they were wrong, as for fixing it all. They were on their own.

 366 So Random

    There is a famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, ''Restlessness and impatience are two diseases and both of them shorten life.''


    And right at this time, Yan Ying was both restless and impatient. In her situation, she couldn''t help herself though. There was a part of her that was not willing to believe that her most favorite man in the whole world, Xin Zimen could be a cheater. But then again, the possibility of Destiny Novell being his daughter was also there. She who had been known as a very patient person wasn''t acting like it at this moment.


    "Gigi, did you check up with the lab? How long will it take for the results to come out?" She was lying in a bunk bed constantly turning around because she couldn''t even sleep.


    Her team members had suggested, to just sleep on it, and by the time she''d wake up the results will be out. But who would tell her how to sleep with this much on her mind? Because she had been tossing and turning for the past two hours and now even the most cutest girl under her command was annoyed because this was like a hundred or so times she had asked her the very same question already!


    "Team leader, can you be anymore impatient? I''ve called the lab so many times that now they are not even taking my calls!" Gigi shouted back at her from the bed underneath hers.


    Ying sat up and said, "This won''t do. I should check up myself then." She jumped down from the bed and put on her shoes and jacket.


    "Team leader Yan, what''s really up with you? This is so not your style!" Another female team leader in the break room questioned as she rubbed her eyes. She had just woken up from their voices.


    "I don''t even know myself what''s really up. What can I possibly tell you, Team leader Li?" Yan Ying moved to the door and twisted the doorknob. "You guys should go to sleep. Sorry for being a bother." She knew she was being a nuisance. Everyone who came to the break room must be looking for a silent space to get rid of their exhaustion and she was ruining even that time for them.


    "Impatience can cause wise people to do foolish things," Team leader Li quotes Janette Oke''s quote as she looked at Ying''s receding figure and shook her head. Seeing Gigi giving her a strange look, she shrugged her shoulders and said, "She''s kinda cute acting so foolishly. Isn''t she?" Gigi nodded her head without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, Ying had already rushed up to the elevator. Using her identity pass, she went straight to the lab and was just about to enter when someone held her collar from the back and pulled her back. Ying looked at the fierce-looking doctor and smiled awkwardly.


    "Yan Ying, you''re not allowed in my territory today!"


    "Dr. Chu!" Ying pouted trying to show desperateness of hers but apparently, he wasn''t having any of it.


    "Don''t make me throw you out," he warned and went inside the lab, closing the door at her face.


    Yan Ying was also a very persistent person. She just sat down right in front of the lab''s door. They could kick her out of the lab but not from the hallways!


    Sitting on the floor, she was constantly tapping on her knees as if she was playing drums. And she was that fool who just randomly started humming the lyrics that came to her mind.


    ??Fine, I''ll forget you


    I''m gonna live like a flower, I''ll be myself


    Can''t nobody stop me now


    no, try me


    Everyone wants my scent


    But only you don''t know, like a fool


    Are you sure you''re not crazy???


    *(FYI "Song: Gashina Artist: Sunmi")


    Actually, her lyrics were quite mixed up and even the tune was off-key but she didn''t care! She never paid much attention to songs in the first place. It was just that when she was in South Korea a couple of months ago, she heard this very song playing in a cafe and it got stuck in her head. Perhaps, because the lyrics felt so raw that she couldn''t help it.


    She looked towards the ceiling with heavy feelings but she had stopped playing around. Now, she was just staring at the ceiling as she said the chorus part of the song as a question that came really from her heart, "Why are you leaving the pretty me here? And going?" As she said that out loud, she slapped her face to get back her senses. This was not the time to sulk over her unrequited love. She had much more important things to worry about.


    Every person who passed by her questioned her why she was sitting there and she just waved them all off. It was a good thing no-one heard her singing like an idiot, she would have become the laughing stock. But then again, everyone in this syndicate was always so serious that even Ying would say they all needed to chill a bit.


    Even after dawdling around, she couldn''t help the restlessness. So, she fished out her phone and dialed a number. "Ring... Ring... Normal people sleep at this time." Just after two rings, the phone was picked up and she could hear that warm voice from the other end.


    "I know, Zizi. But you''re not exactly normal." She giggled at her own answer while Xin Zimen only shook his head at her response. She had chosen to call him after seeing the time, he normally woke up 4:30 in the morning. Even if he went to sleep just a couple of hours ago.


    "I''m not normal but you usually are. So, why are you awake at this time?" he questioned. Ying stayed quiet for so long that he could have thought the call was disconnected if only he couldn''t hear her soft breathing. "What''s on your mind, Ying?"


    "I have a question for you." Xin Zimen frowned but stayed silent to let her complete her sentence. "I''ll give you two names and you have to describe both people in only one word. Okay?"


    "What game are you playing? And is this really the time to play?"


    "Zizi! Can''t you just for once go along with what I say without asking too much?"


    Xin Zimen sighed loudly. "Okay. Go ahead."


    "Wen Ai," she said the first name.


    Xin Zimen furrowed his brows. "Are you really asking me to describe my wife in one word?" As he heard her humming in response, his frown deepened. "Well... It''s actually quite easy to describe my wife in one word." He took a brief pause before replying, "Ai."


    "Huh? Why are you repeating her name?"


    "Because her name describes her the best. Ai means love. And Wen Ai was literally, love."


    Ying froze for a moment not knowing how to respond to that. She really wasn''t expecting this reply from him. Now how was she supposed to ask him to describe ''Carina Novell''? Somehow she didn''t want to hear it anymore. She was just trying to clear up her confusion but he just messed up her mind even more!


    ''I''m willing to die but I''m definitely not willing to believe that this man could cheat on his wife. There is no way I''m believing that!''


    "Why are you so quiet? What about the second name?" he inquired bringing her out of her trance.


    "Oh, forget it. I lost the mood to play. I''ll call you later."


    "Hey!" He called out but...


    "Beep! Beep!"


    The call was disconnected leaving him all confused. Why was this girl messing with his brain early in the morning?


    "You''re so random that it''s even hard for me to catch up with your antics," he muttered himself and shook his head. He knew that she had a habit of calling whenever something bothered her. That''s why she was so random. But that''s what made her feel so real and genuine.

 367 Unwilling To Love

    "Team leader Yan! Team leader Yan!"


    Yan Ying who had finally managed to doze off for a while swatted the hand which was trying to wake her up.


    "Team leader Yan!"


    The person who was trying to wake her up shook her shoulder again.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Dr. Chu, team leader Yan is not waking up," the assistant looked at her boss and voiced out the problem she was facing now.


    Dr. Chu didn''t know what to say to that. This girl was hovering around like a fly for the whole night and now that the sun was rising up, she finally decided to sleep? "Ying, the reports are done!" his voice was only loud enough to get to Ying who suddenly rose to her feet jumping around.


    "Where is it? Where is it? Give it to me!"


    The assistant looked at Dr. Chu with admiration. She had been trying to wake her up for the past ten minutes but she didn''t budge and the Dr. had to just say one sentence she was up.


    Ying didn''t notice all this weird reaction, she instantly snatched the report and ran off. Coming to a quiet corner, she took a deep breath. No, she took several deep breaths to calm herself before she opened the envelope.


    //Possibility of paternity: 99.9999999%


    Ying was left staring at that last statement with wide eyes. Her body was frozen stiff now. She had expected this result and yet she had denied it a million times in her head. But the reality couldn''t be denied. She couldn''t deny what was before her eyes now. Or could she?


    "Ying, I''ve been looking for you everywhere!"


    Yan Ying looked up to see her aunt walking towards her. Director Fei was scowling as she stood before her niece and crossed her arms against her chest. "The moment I stepped inside the building, I''ve heard your name so many times that it''s getting on my nerve now! What have you been up to?!"


    Ying looked really calm now. She looked up at her aunt, Su Feifei, and answered, "I''m going through different stages of grief."


    "Oh?" Her aunt, Su Feifei raised her brow slightly. "So, what stage are you on now?"


    "Denial!" she answered immediately.


    "You''re still on the first stage then," Su Feifei shrugged her shoulders casually.


    "The first stage was, shock," Ying retorted. "I just moved to denial but I think along with denial, I''m touching the stage of anger as well."


    "If you kept talking like this, I''m gonna throw you off the building!" Ying took a step away from her aunt who instantly grabbed her neck and pulled her to her side again. "Tell me what''s with this grief and all? Who or what are you grieving?"


    "Zizi cheated on Aunt Ai," said Ying with a sad face as her eyes looked like she was about to cry. She looked like someone who found out her own father had cheated on her mother. But technically, she had no blood relation with Xin Zimen neither with Wen Ai. And still, she was feeling really hurt with this new discovery.


    "Of course, not!" Ying replied seriously. "I have proof now!"


    "Let''s sit down and talk," said Su Feifei with a frown and brought Ying to her office. "Now, tell me what''s it all about?"


    Ying took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking, "Zizi asked me to find someone about half a year ago." She still could recall that day vividly. "First I didn''t think about it much since he only said that finding that person was very important to him. But the way he looked made me believe that he was indeed desperate to find that person."


    "Who is that person?"


    "Carina Novell," answered Ying and noticed how her aunt frowned again. "Does the name ring a bell?"


    Su Feifei had a thoughtful look on her face, "It sounds familiar. Oddly familiar. Where have I heard it though?" As if something clicked in her mind, she ran off to find her laptop and searched through it before she clicked a photo and turned the screen towards Ying. "Is this the woman you''ve been looking for?"


    Ying looked at the group photo which was quite old. There were 5 women in the photo, Wen Ai, her mother Su Xixi, her aunt Su Feifei, Carina Novell, and someone she couldn''t recognize. She stared at the photo for a long time. She even forgot to blink at all. All the ladies looked quite young and vibrant standing in New York Times Square.


    Ying was having difficulty coming up with words, "How do you know her?"


    "I don''t," answered Su Feifei seriously and while Ying was confused, she elaborated, "Carina was Sister Ai''s friend."


    "WHAT?!"


    Su Feifei didn''t get her big reaction but she still continued calmly. "I only met her during this holiday. Sister Ai had friends from all around the world. She was truly a social butterfly. Anyways, she met Carina on one of her trips and they instantly clicked. I don''t know the details though."


    "You, mom, and Aunt Ai grew up in the same house. How were you so clueless about her?" Ying really couldn''t believe that her aunt was this useless. She didn''t even know the details! Even though Wen Ai had grown up in the Su Family because she became an orphan at the age of seven and after that, Su Family took care of her since Wen and Su Families had been very close from generations. To Ying''s mother or aunt, Wen Ai was like a real sister.


    This was one of the reasons why Xin Zimen valued Ying so much.


    "Oh, I''m sorry that I was too busy trying to catch up with my sisters. They both had always been the best. I was always running after them that''s why I usually didn''t even pay attention to what they were up to." Su Feifei grumbled her years of complaints.


    "Forget it!" huffed Ying before tugging at her hair. "Let me process the fact that my Zizi cheated on his wife with his wife''s best friend. That''s like the most classic story of novels and dramas."


    Su Feifei''s eyes widened at her reaction. What did she just say? "Ying, are you watching too many dramas?" Ying looked up at her aunt. "You think Chief actually cheated on Sister Ai with that Carina Novell?" Ying blinked her eyes, giving her silent agreement. Su Feifei held her shoulders and shook her body violently. "Have you lost your brain?"


    She really couldn''t believe the way her niece''s brain was working right now. How could she even assume that on her own?!


    "I haven''t lost my mind! I''m speaking the truth!" Ying pushed her hands away. "Zizi did fell for her western beauty and cheated on my beautiful aunt Ai. They even have a love child." Now, she was ready to bite someone with that snarky mood of hers. "I have the DNA reports with me!"


    Su Feifei scoffed at her as she didn''t even look at the DNA report and said, "I don''t care what that piece of paper says because trust me, everything you just said sounds like a big joke to me which by the way is not even funny." Ying was quite surprised at her aunt''s reaction. "Look, I don''t know what you''ve found out. But let me tell you the reason why Sister Ai chose to marry Xin Zimen of all the people."


    Ying raised her brows and looked at her aunt in anticipation. She had heard from her mother that Xin Zimen and Wen Ai never loved each other but they somehow still found each other.


    "Xin Zimen can''t love. He''s incapable of loving anyone in this life!" Ying''s whole face was scrunching in confusion. "That was Sister Ai''s bizarre reason to marry Xin Zimen. A man who couldn''t love. Who didn''t even know how to love. And who was unwilling to love as well."


    Ying honestly had never heard an even more bizarre reason for marriage. No wonder everyone always said Wen Ai and Xin Zimen were a pair of weird people. Even their reason for marriage was super weird.


    Su Feifei stood up and looking at her niece she added, "As for Carina Novell, I can assure you one thing. Xin Zimen can kill that woman but he can never love her. Because if there is someone whom he hated the most in his life, then that person would be Carina Novell!"


    Ying''s feelings were indescribable at this point. She was in utter shock. It was hard to say what she felt. But one thing was sure, she needed some serious answers now!

 368 Worrywar

    "Stop. Stop it, Xiu! What the hell is wrong with you?!"


    It was 7 in the morning, the sun was rising up. But inside the huge bathroom, Xiu was standing before the mirror. She looked like she was about to die. Her face was deadly pale, her lips were dry, her eyes were watery and swollen.


    She kept rubbing her eyes as she kept asking herself, "Why is the water not even stopping now?"


    While Nora didn''t notice, Xiu had spent the whole night going back and forth from the bathroom. She had been throwing up again even though her stomach was empty. Her stomach was hurting now. She was also hungry but didn''t dare to eat.


    She washed her face with cold water and came out. But seeing how Nora was still sleeping peacefully, she didn''t disturb her. She was planning on leaving first. She walked out of the room.


    The house wasn''t as quiet as she had expected. All the maids were already busy with their work. Xiu stopped a familiar maid and asked, "Is Weird un... I mean Mr. Xin is awake?"


    "Which one?"


    "Xin Zimen," Xiu corrected herself, and seeing the maid nod in reply, she went on, "Where is he?"


    "Master''s in the study," informed the maid politely and gestured towards the study door at the end of the hallway. Xiu nodded her head and smiled thankfully at her.


    Originally, she was gonna ask the maid to just inform everyone that she''s leaving but considering how kind Xin Zimen had been with her, she decided to drop that idea. She curled her fingers slightly and knocked at the mahogany door.


    While she was contemplating whether to knock again or not, the door opened but since Xin Zimen was on the call he only looked at her fleetingly and beckoned her inside with his hand. Xiu followed him in.


    "Let''s talk about it later," Xin Zimen said this on the phone and hung up the call. "So, little one, why are you up so early?" He turned around to face her but stopped talking. He stepped closer to her and leaned down to look at her face with a scowl. "What''s wrong with you?" He lifted his hand to touch her forehead. "You have a fever? Why didn''t you say so?"


    "I... I don''t..." Xiu tried checking herself but since her whole body was burning up, she couldn''t really tell it.


    Xin Zimen pushed her towards the recliner. "You sit here. Let me call the doctor for you and..." he was trying to remember what else he needed. "Oh, let me ask someone what else I need to do."


    "But I was here to..." she watched him sprinting off in a hurry while her voice lowered, "Tell you that I''m about to leave." Xiu sighed out heavily as she shook her head. She was feeling sick why was he panicking? It kind of amused her a bit. She wanted to lean back and sit comfortably but she felt something was under her. She got up slightly to take out whatever was under and frowned to see the book that had been under her.


    //Behind The Red Curtains


    //This book is dedicated to my dear daughter who won''t be able to read it now. But I hope wherever you are, you''re happy. You''ll be missed.


    Xiu didn''t think anything as she shuffled to the next page.


    //"Death; A tragedy we call the end.


    Life; A tragedy we call the journey."


    // (January 14th)


    Xiu was about to turn the page when she stopped and came back to the same page. She read those lines over and over again. The more she read, the more it seemed like she had seen it somewhere. Familiar, it seemed very familiar.


    All of a sudden, she fished out her phone and opened the photo gallery. Last time when she solved the riddle, the answer was ''tombstone''. But when she went to the tombstone of Carina Novell, she found nothing. However, she had taken a photo of the tombstone as a precaution. Because she wanted to deeply think about the link between the tombstone and the password of the mystery box that she had.


    She placed the phone and the book side by side as she read out again, "Death; A tragedy we call the end. Life; A tragedy we call the journey... It''s the same thing." It was indeed the same thing. The same words were engraved on the tombstone and the same were written here.


    However, before she could think it over...


    "Why are you so late?" She looked up to see Xin Zimen reprimanding the woman beside him. "I called half an hour ago! Why you doctors are so lazy?!"


    "Zimen, will you shut up? What''s the hurry?" The woman beside him was wearing a maroon tracksuit and looked fed up with Xin Zimen''s complaints. Xiu could see they were quite close since Xin Zimen shut up. "Now, tell me who''s the patient?"


    "Use your eyes," he retorted and pointed towards Xiu. "Can''t you see her sitting over there?!"


    When the woman turned to look at Xiu, her brows raised significantly in surprise before she passed her professional smile to Xiu and went to her side.


    "I really am fine," Xiu tried to speak but Xin Zimen didn''t give her a chance.


    "Yes, and pigs can fly as well." Xiu gaped at his dry humor while the other woman rolled her eyes at him. "I knew something was wrong with you. Even last night, you looked really sick but I didn''t want to pry."


    The doctor who was examining Xiu glared at Xin Zimen and said, "Stay quiet! Let me examine her condition first." Xin Zimen stood silently at the side. After she was done examining Xiu, she looked at Xin Zimen and spoke again, "I believe you asked someone to make porridge for her?"


    "Oh, I completely forgot." He had indeed asked someone to cook something light for Xiu when he had gone down. "I''m gonna get it." He hurried away again leaving only the doctor and Xiu inside his study.


    "What should I call you?"


    "Xiu... I''m Bai Xiu."


    "So Bai Xiu, tell me since when are you having trouble with sleep?" Her voice was as clear as water without any ripples. Her voice was so pleasant that Xiu thought she could hear it for the whole day without getting tired of it.


    Xiu bit her lips before answering, "It''s been a few days." She answered honestly without hiding anything now. "Yesterday night, I went out drinking with friends and passed out for a few hours but when nausea woke me up, I couldn''t go to sleep again. I thought I threw up because of drinking heavily but even after having a proper meal, I threw up again. I took a sleeping pill to calm my brain but it wasn''t as helpful as I thought it''d be."


    The woman with black hair and black eyes listened to all the details before she replied, "You know sleep is very important for health." Xiu nodded her head. She understood that more than one could even imagine. "Our body can''t handle this much stress and running around without a night of proper sleep. I guess that''s the reason why you''ve been throwing up. Also, you''re taking way too much stress. Which is also not good for health."


    "It''s nothing serious, right?" she suddenly felt like asking that question. In her previous life, she had ignored her health for far too long.


    "Not for now," replied the kind doctor. As she packed up her medical box, she looked at Xiu curiously before asking, "What is your relationship with Xiao Zi?"


    "Huh? Who?"


    "Xin Zimen? Who is he to you?"


    "Oh... No one. I mean we know each other but there is no relationship."


    "Then why is he worried about you so much?" Xiu raised her brow in question. "I haven''t seen him like this since..." She stopped herself from saying any further before smiling at Xiu. "Take care of yourself. I''ll leave your prescription with that worrywart."


    "Doctor!" Xiu called out from behind.


    "Hm?"


    "I don''t even know your name..."


    "Zhao Huan," she answered.


    "Thank you, Dr. Zhao." Xiu looked awkward as she added, "And sorry, you had to make this trip early in the morning because of me."


    Zhao Huan shrugged her shoulders saying, "It''s alright. It''s rare for my brother-in-law to call me. And that too asking for help! I almost got a heart attack." She laughed out before leaving a confused Xiu in the room alone.


    "Did she say... Brother-in-law?" Xiu wondered out loud. "Shucks! She''s Weird uncle''s relative?!"

 369 January 14

    "Where do you think you''re running off to?" Xin Zimen glared at Zhao Huan who came out of his study. "I told you to fix that little girl."


    "Xiao Zi, she''s a human, not a bloody machine that I could fix," replied Zhao Huan feeling like this brother-in-law of hers really needed to learn how to talk.


    "Don''t try to be smart with me, Huan!"


    "Oi!" Zhao Huan hit his head. "How dare you be disrespectable to me? Don''t forget I''m your elder. Be nice."


    "Whatever!" He grumbled before asking, "How is she? Anything serious? Should I take her to the hospital? Or should I bring the hospital to home? I think the latter is a better idea." At this point, he was more so having a conversation with himself.


    "Xiao Zi..." she called him but he was so engrossed in rambling on and on that he didn''t notice. "Xiao Zi!"


    "What?"


    "She''s fine. Ask someone to bring this medicine and after feeding her something light, tell her to take the medicine and sleep. She badly needs it right now." Xin Zimen listened to her giving some other instructions and he mentally noted it all diligently while nodding his head. After she was done, she kept looking at his face before finally asking, "Why are you panicking as if she''s your daughter?"


    "She''s like one," answered Xin Zimen without thinking.


    Since Zhao Huan didn''t close the door behind her, Xiu could clearly hear them clearly. And as soon as Xin Zimen said she was like a daughter, Xiu felt like someone had cocooned her body in a warm and fluffy blanket. It felt extremely good.


    Outside, Zhao Huan tried to touch his forehead while frowning, "Are you okay? Any discomfort anywhere? Or did you fall over your head last night?"


    "What nonsense!" he had stepped back to avoid her touch.


    "Sorry, but I''m more willing to believe that you''re possessed than to believe that you''ve suddenly developed compassion. That''s a humanly feeling. How can you have it?"


    "I''m also a human," he retorted.


    "Really? You never acted like one though." Xin Zimen glared at her while she laughed it off with a shrug and turned to leave. "Take care of her and yourself. Also, you can call me without a reason as well. I promise I won''t bite."


    Xin Zimen didn''t listen to her, he gave Xiu''s prescription to the maid behind him and took the tray with the bowl of porridge in it from her hands. He entered the study and placed the tray on the table saying, "You''re already this big and don''t know how to take care of your health? Don''t you know health is wealth? How can you be so reckless about it?" He pulled a chair beside her and sat down. With the spoon, he was mixing the porridge while rebuking her.


    Xiu instinctively opened her mouth. She neither complained nor did she even bother to refuse his help. After all, she could still use her hands. There was really no need for him to feed her. And yet, he was doing it and she was letting him do it.


    "You shouldn''t have disturbed your sister-in-law early in the morning for me," Xiu finally thought of distracting herself from all the strange feelings. She knew these feelings well. She had felt like this when she was young. She always thought if her father was around, her mother would perhaps be different. And right now, he was actually making her want to wish for a father all over again.


    "I''m doing her a huge favor, the least she can do in return is using her medical degree for me," retorted Xin Zimen in a way that Xiu didn''t understand his meaning at all. He wiped her mouth with a tissue and passed her a glass of water as he went on, "Don''t think about it. She is a doctor, she knows patients come first."


    He heard a knock at the door and stood up to open the door. He came back to Xiu''s side with her medicine which made Xiu scrunch up her face in instant dislike.


    "Take this," said Xin Zimen as he passed her the medicine. "I just asked the maids to clean another room for you. After this, you''re gonna sleep there."


    "I can go home to rest," said Xiu.


    "This is also a home," replied Xin Zimen firmly. "Besides, I think we have enough rooms to accommodate a small girl like you. You can fit anywhere."


    Xiu pursed her lips and didn''t argue. Instead, she silently took the medicine. Then when she saw him collecting the dishes, she said, "Can I borrow this?"


    Xin Zimen looked up slightly and saw the book in her hand. He didn''t react for a minute. But then he sighed and said, "It''s not the genre you should read. Your young brain should read those love stories or one of those fluffy rom-com."


    "I don''t like that anymore. Besides, what''s wrong with this?" Xiu questioned while raising her brow. Since the moment she saw that quote in that book, she was certain that she was close to solving the mystery surrounding Destiny Novell. That''s why she decided to borrow the book.


    "It''s a psychological fiction. Really not your type," answered Xin Zimen lightly. His brows were constantly knitted together as he spoke. Until this day, even he wasn''t able to read that book. He couldn''t bring himself to. It brought up the pain, he didn''t want to relive.


    "Psychological fiction?" Xiu hadn''t noticed it before. She looked at the cover of the book curiously before searching up the author''s name on her phone. As she read the search result, she blurted out in surprise, "Wen Ai? Where have I heard this name before?"


    "That''s my wife," he answered for her making her gape at him.


    "What?"


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her response. Indeed, the author''s name was Wen Ai. It was his wife''s work; One that she penned down before leaving this world.


    "Wow! She has written three books. But..."


    "But this is the only novel she wrote," Xin Zimen completed her words for her. "Writing was a hobby of hers. As for this novel, I don''t even know why she wrote it."


    After Xiu skimmed through the profile she found on the internet related to his wife, she was frowning deeply. There were no photos and even less of information related to Wen Ai. But something caught Xiu''s attention, "Why are all her books related to psychology?"


    "Not psychology. It''s criminal psychology," corrected Xin Zimen making Xiu''s brows to raise up. "She was a criminal psychologist. But don''t tell anyone." Although he said the last sentence playfully, she could tell he wasn''t really joking.


    Xiu didn''t know much about his wife, Wen Ai. Except that she was no more and that she was just as weird as Xin Zimen is. So, that means if she was a Criminal psychologist, he wasn''t as simple as he seemed, right? Xiu''s brain had already started working up on this detail.


    "Stop thinking and get some rest," said Xin Zimen as he urged her to get up and follow him.


    Xiu did so. The room he brought her to was right beside the one where Nora was sleeping. As Xiu walked inside she realized this room wasn''t much different from the one beside it. Expect that this one had a balcony where a swing was hanging.


    "If you need anything, just use the telecom. No need to hesitate at all."


    Xiu nodded her head as she got on the bed without any argument. She was too drowsy after taking that medicine. Besides, arguments needed some energy which she lacked right now the most.


    "Have a good rest," he said while stroking her head very gently.


    Xiu''s eyes were closing on their own but she still didn''t forget to question. "What does January 14 represent?" Xin Zimen''s hand on her head stiffened. "It''s written at the start of the book."


    Xin Zimen crouched down beside the bed as his eyes kept looking at her. He could hear her soft breathing indicating, she had gone to sleep now. "14th of January..." he mumbled softly. "It''s my daughter''s birthday." There was a sad smile on his lips as he said that out loud.

 370 Your Responsibility

    "What''s your plan for today?"


    Darren placed a plate of French toasts on the kitchen island as he questioned his mother.


    "I''m going shopping with Weiwei," Francesca answered as she picked up a French toast and took a bite. "I still haven''t bought a gift for your girlfriend. I''m definitely gonna buy something today."


    "You really don''t have to," he said with firm persistence. "I''m not gonna stop you from shopping but you shouldn''t buy anything for Sweets."


    "But I have to," she abruptly asserted. "Weiwei managed to impress Xiu by using her culinary skills. I don''t have that advantage since I suck at it. So, I have to find other ways to impress my new daughter."


    Darren''s eyes gleamed in amusement as he wondered, "Aren''t you going in the wrong order? I thought Xiu was supposed to impress you and not the other way around."


    Placing her cup of coffee down, she squinted her eyes at her son. "Dear son, which era are you living in? If she needs to impress me for my approval, shouldn''t she have the right also to decide whether she likes this mother-in-law or not? It goes both ways."


    Bzzzz...


    Darren looked at his phone screen as he offhandedly told his mother, "I''m not even gonna argue with your unique views about life." He picked up his cellphone. "Hello! Uncle Zi, is everything okay? Why are you calling me so early in the morning?"


    "It''s not early in the morning," came Xin Zimen''s flat reply. True, it was close to 9 am but Darren still thought it was early in the morning. "Anyways, do you know where your girlfriend is?"


    Darren''s brows drew together at his question. "Sweets might be at her place."


    "Did you talk her to her?"


    "No, I haven''t contacted her since yesterday morning." Darren was telling the truth. From the time, Xiu just pushed him out of her place, he hadn''t gotten any time to contact her. "Why are you asking though? Why this sudden curiosity about my girlfriend?"


    "Aren''t you gonna check up on her?"


    Since Xin Zimen didn''t bother answering him, Darren couldn''t even push him for it. "Right now?"


    "Yes. Now!"


    "Uncle Zi, it''s Sunday. Sweets gonna sleep for the rest of the day. If I even bother her for a second, she''s gonna be in a cranky mood the whole day." The corner of his mouth quirked up just as he mentioned Xiu.


    "I''m really disappointed in you." Xin Zimen''s words made Darren''s eyes to widen in surprise. "Your girlfriend''s been sick and you didn''t even notice it." Darren''s smile faded. "She has a high fever and..." Xin Zimen told him in detail about Xiu''s condition which he learned from the doctor.


    Darren abruptly got up from his chair and ran towards Xiu''s door but before he could ring the doorbell, Xin Zimen informed him, "There is no use going to her place. She''s at my house right now. You should come here."


    "I''ll be right there," he told Xin Zimen and hung up the call before going back to his place. He only put on a jacket and changed his shoes before taking the car keys and running out again but not before shouting over his shoulder, "Mom, I''ll be back later. Xiu is not feeling well."


    His whole body was feeling jittery as he took the elevator down to the parking. He ran up to the car, settled down but just as he was about to start the car, his expressions dulled. He urged himself to hold the steering wheel but just as he did, his whole body went rigid and beads of perspiration started forming on his forehead.


    He really hated this feeling. He wanted to fly over to his Sweets but he couldn''t even drive! It had been a long time, he felt like this. The first time, he had that accident he was feeling lost. And that feeling of being lost had come crawling back into his heart today.


    While he was contemplating what to do since his driver, Ben was on holiday and he really didn''t want to disturb him, the car door opened and he looked up to see his mother standing beside him. "Come out. Let me drive." Darren didn''t know what to say as he kept looking at her face. "Why are you wasting time?"


    Darren silently got down and went around to ride shotgun while his mother took over the driving seat and said, "If I got in trouble for not having this country''s driving license, you better help your mother out." Darren glanced at her with a straight face but his eyes showed his emotions very well. "It was a joke, don''t be so serious about it. Now, give me directions."


    He nodded his head and instructed her along the way while he also told her why he was so anxious. Learning that Xiu was sick, Francesca could understand why Darren was feeling so restless. When she stopped the car at the door of Xin Villa, Darren ran out without even looking back.


    Knowing where Xiu was, he entered the room without even knocking. But stopped immediately. The scene before him really surprised him. Xin Zimen was sitting beside her bed on a chair with a towel in his hand. He soaked it in cold water before placing the wet towel on Xiu''s forehead gently.


    "Why is your fever not going down?" Darren heard him mumbling to himself.


    "Uncle Zi..." Darren called out softly. It was his first time seeing Xin Zimen looking so restless. He had never seen even a crack in Xin Zimen''s indifferent bearing and yet, today it seemed like Xin Zimen had forgotten to even hide his emotions.


    Xin Zimen looked up at Darren and seeing how curiously Darren was staring at him, he cleared his throat awkwardly before standing up and walking to his side. He shoved the towel into Darren''s hands as he chided, "Oh, you''re finally here. Take care of your girlfriend. Don''t be such a bad life partner. She''s your responsibility!"


    As he shoved past Darren, he didn''t forget to turn to give a parting glance to Xiu. But he definitely wasn''t gonna show his emotions to Darren, so he decided to leave first.


    After the door closed, Darren stepped closer to Xiu''s side and looked at her. She started grimacing as if she was going through some pain or discomfort. As he took off the towel from her forehead, he could see her brows drew together. His pointer finger pressed down on her frown.


    "I''m sorry for not taking care of you," he keened as he stroked her face affectionately. "I should have stayed with you especially when Dylan told me that you''re bothered about something. I''m really sorry." As if she heard his voice, she held the hem of his shirt tightly. When Darren saw her expressions easing up, he also relaxed and kissed the top of her head.


    Even in sleep, she was playing with his heart. However, one thing Darren was certain about after this incident. They had to live together. There was no other way he would know what she was up to and what''s going on in her life. Besides, he needed her in his life. No, he wanted it badly!

 371 For Her?

    Nora had fallen in love with this toddler of hers. Although Ava didn''t talk coherently, her little babbles her soft giggles, and her effort of trying to walk steadily really amused Nora. It warmed her heart.


    She had woken up a couple of hours ago but didn''t leave the room because she wanted to spend some more time with her baby girl. And since the maids had already gotten Ava''s breakfast in the room, she didn''t have to leave the room. She knew once she left the room, she''ll have to come back to reality. But that was inevitable and since it was inevitable, she decided to live in this moment for a bit longer.


    As much as Nora knew Xiu, she wasn''t surprised to not find Xiu with her when she opened her eyes. She, however, thought that Xiu must have left for home. And that''s why she didn''t think more about it.


    After dressing Ava in new clothes, she picked her up and finally left the room. Oddly, she found no one outside. Not even a single maid was in sight. Pursing her lips, she thought about it a bit before she ended up right in front of the door that she was now familiar with.


    She knocked on the door and heard the voice from inside before opening the door to step in. Ah-Si was standing before her with a towel on his head. He must have just taken a shower. Nora stayed silent but seeing how the little one was wiggling in her arms, she put Ava down who tried walking up to her father. At last step, she faltered a bit but before she could fall, Ah-Si bent down to hold her.


    "My dear princess, don''t you remember what dad said? No running around." He picked that giggling baby up making her laugh louder. "Don''t give dad those beautiful giggles. How will I stay mad?"


    Seeing him acting so naturally with Ava, Nora couldn''t move her eyes away. She even forgot why she came as she stood at a side in complete silence.


    She watched how Ava lifted her small hands to touch Ah-Si''s face, right where it was purple now. Ah-Si slightly flinched at the touch but his smile didn''t falter as he tapped Ava''s small nose. "No, it doesn''t hurt. Stop pouting so adorably." Indeed, the little girl was pouting as if she could feel her father''s pain. She looked like she was gonna cry now. Ah-Si hugged her tighter as he kept murmuring, "It really doesn''t hurt. Don''t be sad baby. Dad''s okay."


    While he was rocking Ava around leisurely, his eyes finally fell on Nora''s figure and he froze instantly. Right, he didn''t even notice how his daughter got here in the first place. He just heard Ava''s voice and only focused on her.


    He cleared his throat as he began, "Sorry, I didn''t see you there."


    "It''s okay," she answered honestly. She was genuinely okay with watching this heartwarming scene between a father and daughter. She really didn''t know he was so good with little kids.


    "So you have something to say?" he finally decided to start the conversation himself.


    "Umm... I just came to give Ava to you," she replied.


    "I thought you''d want to take her with you?"


    "Can I?"


    He shrugged his shoulders, "Xiu will kill me this time if I said you can''t." He was trying to joke around but when Nora saw him limping slightly she pursed her lips tightly. His kneecaps must really be in pain. Seeing her reaction, he tried again, "I was just joking. You can take Ava if you want."


    "I''m... I''m sorry."


    "Huh? For what?"


    "For what Xiu did. She gets a little possessive when it comes to me and..."


    "I didn''t mind it though," he chuckled softly. "I''m actually happy to know that you''ve someone like her in your life. Besides, she already apologized to me." Nora didn''t expect to hear that from him. Xiu could apologize to someone that easily? That was surprising. With a perpetually tired voice, he continued, "Actually, I should be the one saying sorry to you." Nora''s eyes widened. "I had no right to stop you from seeing Ava. I''m really sorry for being a jerk to you."


    "You don''t have to..."


    He shook his head to interrupt her, "No, I have to. Not just for this. I''m sorry for not being clear about my feelings. I''m also sorry for leaving. And most of all, I''m sorry I wasn''t there when you really needed me."


    Nora had nothing to say. Except that she was also sorry. If he didn''t try hard enough neither did she. They were at this point because both of them lacked in some way. It wasn''t just one person''s fault that they drifted away like this.


    "Now, you don''t have to forgive me just because I''m apologizing but I have a request." Nora looked up into his eyes. The helplessness and vulnerability in his eyes startled her. "You can hurt me in any way. I''m willing to go through anything you ask but please, don''t take my daughter away from me."


    "I''d never do that," said Nora loudly meaning the words more serious than they sounded. "I can never think about taking Ava from you. I know what it feels like to grow up without a father and I wouldn''t want my daughter to go through that." She could see how Ah-Si visibly relaxed to hear that. He really was anxious. "But I hope you let me be a part of her life."


    Ah-Si didn''t react to that as he waited for her to continue, "I don''t know how but I''d like to stay in her life as well. As a mother, I want to see my daughter grow up as well." She took a brief pause before adding, "Can we leave our differences aside for her?"


    Nora was a bit taken aback when he simply nodded. She didn''t think he''d agree so easily. She was ready to have a long argument but it seemed like he gave in way too easily.

 372 He Loved Her, She Loved Him

    "Why hasn''t she started talking yet?"


    Nora had been curious about this for a while now. She had seen how Jackie started talking at the age of 2. He could clearly make coherent words but Ava only babbled even now.


    "At first, I also didn''t understand why she was taking so long to learn to speak but I think I get it now," he said in a voice soft with affection.


    "Is it because of the accident? Is she not able to talk because of my carelessness?" Nora''s heart was suddenly being pricked by a needle as she thought about how if she had been more careful, her daughter wouldn''t have to suffer this much. But before she could shove herself down the pit of self-blame again...


    "Ba-ba-ba!" Ava''s voice made Ah-Si chuckle softly.


    Nora looked up at him. "My baby girl is saying you think too much."


    "She didn''t say that," Nora retorted. Her eyes looking at Ava were brimming with affection and love.


    "She did," he argued back. "You don''t believe me?"


    "I..." Nora was left tongue-tied as she glanced at his face. He seemed exceptionally relaxed and calm at this moment. And the way his gaze was challenging her, she didn''t dare to stare for long.


    "Normal kids do talk at her age but our Ava is special. She can''t be like everyone. So, she''s taking her sweet time in learning how to talk." He spoke in a friendly fashion. "Don''t think so much. There is nothing wrong with her. She''s absolutely fine."


    If Ah-Si thought that Nora would be able to give him a complete reply after this, he was really wrong. Because ''Nora.exe'' has stopped processing the moment he said ''Our Ava''. It not only sounded natural but also so beautiful that Nora felt like her heart was gonna explode. Her thinking ability had already crashed so she could only nod in reply.


    Seeing her smiling to herself, like an idiot, he frowned slightly but didn''t comment. Since the time they met again, this was the first time he had seen her acting like this. He had fallen in love with her silliness in the first place. One couldn''t comprehend the emotions sparkling in his soft eyes. Even his lips had curled up instinctively as he stared at her face.


    After Nora.exe started processing again, she felt an intense stare at the side of her face. She tilted her head to look, and Ah-Si instantly cleared his throat awkwardly while avoiding her eyes. He felt like he was caught doing something he wasn''t supposed to.


    "By the way, you really don''t want to spend more time with Ava? You can really take her with you if you want as long as you promise to bring her back."


    "I want to but I can''t," she nibbled on her bottom lip. "Your dad said that..."


    "He wouldn''t mind that?" she quirked up her brow.


    "He can do this much for his granddaughter," answered Ah-Si while shrugging nonchalantly. "So, if you want..."


    She shook her head at him. "I can''t."


    "Huh?"


    Nora pursed her lips before voicing, "I haven''t told mom and dad about her. Mom knows about you but she doesn''t know that a baby is involved in our story as well. And I''m pretty sure she won''t be very delighted to know that I hid such a big thing from her." Nora rubbed her forehead anxiously. "I still don''t know how I''m gonna tell her. Mom is still fine but dad must be really so disappointed that I don''t dare say a word."


    Ah-Si nodded his head in understanding. He really didn''t think about this matter. But now that he did, he could understand her very well. After all, he was equally scared to tell his father even though he''s a man. It must be even more difficult for Nora as a woman to talk to her parents.


    "Do you need help?" he asked even before he could think it through. The words just rolled off his tongue on their own. He really couldn''t control it. "Ahem! I mean if there is anything I can do, I don''t mind."


    Nora smiled at him genuinely. "Thanks but I think I need to do this alone. No one can help me with this. Well, except for Xiu. She needs to be there. Because the only person who can handle my brother is Xiu."


    "How old is Jackson now?" he questioned.


    Nora looked at him in surprise. "You... You remember my brother?"


    "Is it that shocking?" Nora nodded her head but seeing him raise his brows, she instantly shook her head. He chuckled softly at her reaction while rubbing Ava''s head. "I never forgot anything... Not about you or anything related to you."


    Even though the last sentence was said in a really soft voice, Nora had heard it and when she tried to look into his eyes, he turned his face away. She could see a blush creeping up his neck and smiled to herself.


    "He is seven but acts like my grandpa!" Nora sounded irritated but one could also hear indulgence in her tone. "He''s way too smart for his age. I actively avoid arguing with him because I know I''d lose."


    "I guess he spends too much time with Xiu," Ah-Si said playfully.


    "How do you know?"


    Ah-Si was surprised himself. "Don''t tell me he really is taking after Xiu."


    "He is," Nora said truthfully. "That''s why I always tease him that he seems more like Xiu''s brother than mine." She was feeling a bit bitter now. "They love ganging up on me."


    When did the atmosphere between them change, they didn''t even realize it. The only thing they felt was that they were both comfortable talking about anything now. Their status wasn''t clear but honestly, their feelings for each other were crystal clear. Because even after years of separation, nothing changed.


    Perhaps the intensity of love increased but it never left. And that''s why now, that love was even more palpable than before. One would call these two fools. He loved her, she loved him. But they wasted too long trying to run from their own heartbreak and insecurities.


    It wasn''t that Nora forgot how he made her cry yesterday but her heart didn''t want to dwell on that matter. After learning such a shocking thing from her, he needed proper time to process everything. In the rush of emotions, he spoke whatever came to his mind. She really didn''t want to hold it against him especially when he was willing to apologize for it.


    As for Ah-Si, even if he felt there was a big gap between them, he was willing to bridge this gap. Because his love for her couldn''t let him hate her even in those years when he misunderstood her. And now when he knew everything, he couldn''t just stand aside.


    Besides, their daughter needed both of them.

 373 Not The One

    "Strange. Strange. Super-duper strange." Xin Zimen had been mumbling to himself as he left the room which Xiu was in and turned the corner to go back into his study.


    "What''s strange?" he heard the question as soon as he entered the study where Xin Kuan had been waiting for him.


    Xin Zimen went around his desk as he spoke with a sad grimace, "It''s strange that I feel such a weird familiarity with that little lass. I can''t even describe it..." He was feeling exasperated as he shook his head.


    "Sometimes familiarity doesn''t have a name," said Xin Kuan. He was about to continue when the door of the study was pushed open with a strong force and a figure washed in anger and burning in fiery fire strode inside.


    Ying''s every step sounded like she was a grim reaper who brought a letter of death. Especially when she slammed the envelope in her hand on Xin Zimen''s desk right in front of him while her eyes never stopped glaring at him dangerously.


    Xin Zimen calmly looked at her then looked at the envelope before he stretched his hand to take it but Ying''s hand was still on the envelope. She was still in the same position as before. Not letting him see what was inside that envelope.


    "I have questions for you," she spoke trying to keep her voice level. "What was your relationship with Carina Novell? Did you really have an affair with her? If yes, then how could you? She was your wife''s friend! Are you really a cheater? But if not, then did you and aunt Ai chose her as a surrogate mother?" The more she spoke the more her voice was rising higher. "Or did she steal your girl? But my aunt Fei said that you hate Carina Novell and that doesn''t make sense to me at all. Wait, did she really kidnap your daughter?"


    Xin Zimen stood up from his leather chair and came around to stand beside her as he placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her down on the chair. Then he picked a glass of water and offered it to her, "Breathe. You really need to breathe first."


    Ying drank the whole glass of water and looked up at him. "I need some answers here."


    Xin Zimen chuckled softly, "Your imagination is running wild. I must say, it''s running wilder."


    Ying frowned at him. "What do you mean?"


    "Say something before she goes crazy making all these nonsense scenarios in her head," Xin Kuan''s voice made Xin Zimen nod his head.


    Xin Zimen sat at the chair in front of her and looked at her with his mouth set in a hard line. The way he prolonged his silence made Ying''s heart to beat wildly in anxiousness. She really didn''t know what she wanted to hear from him at this point but she needed to hear something. And only he could answer her.


    "Say something," she urged while shaking his hand.


    "Huh?" Ying''s frown came back as she stared at him in confusion.


    "She was Wen Ai''s friend but that doesn''t mean I met her or knew her."


    "Then was she really a surrogate? Or a kidnapper?"


    Xin Zimen hit her head and rolled his head, "Silly girl! Why did you not think that the DNA sample Brother Kuan gave you wasn''t mine, to begin with?" She gaped at him in disbelief while he added, "You assumed all kinds of ridiculous things except for this one."


    "It''s... It''s really not yours?" she stuttered.


    He simply shook his head, "I already had three kids and a very beautiful wife. Why on earth would we look for a surrogate mother? Or why would I have an affair when I had way too many important things to sort out?"


    Ying thought about it carefully. "But I thought kidnapping was possible..."


    "How old is her daughter?" he questioned cutting her off.


    "23," she answered.


    "Don''t you think there is an age difference between her and my daughter?" He took a brief pause before lamenting, "Besides, don''t forget my daughter is... dead. I can''t bring her back even if I want to." His expressions hardened thinking of this deep-buried memory. He could talk about his dead wife often but he never brought up even the name of his daughter whom he lost when she was too young.


    That reminder was the most painful one in his life and if he could, he wouldn''t want to think about it ever again.


    Seeing how the atmosphere became intense, he sighed out, "Let me clear this up with you again, I had no relationship with Carina Novell. And from the very beginning, I never said there was a relationship. I only told you that it''s important to find her. I never said she''s important to me."


    "But Uncle Kuan said that you''d be devastatingly heartbroken if you knew that Carina Novell is also no more now," said Ying with a sense of guilt building up in her heart.


    Xin Zimen tilted his head to look at Xin Kuan who was busy reading a newspaper carelessly. "Brother Kuan, why did you mislead her?"


    "Xiao Zi, her mind was on the wrong track from the beginning. You can''t blame me since I merely spoke the truth." Xin Kaun looked at him challengingly. "Don''t say you''re not disappointed to know that she died before you could reach to her."


    Xin Zimen''s hands clenched tightly while his eyes also closed.


    Ying recalled something when she noticed his reaction. "Zizi, aunt Feifei said that you hated Carina Novell. She wasn''t lying, right?"


    "Feifei? That blabbermouth really has a loose mouth," he spoke with disdain.


    Then he stood up, opened the drawer of his desk, and pulled out a photo. Staring at that smiling face of the little girl in the photo, his eyes moistened up. "How can I not hate Carina? She was the reason my daughter lost her life. Do I not even have the right to hate her? She''s the reason I lost my wife as well because if our babygirl hadn''t died, Wen Ai wouldn''t have gotten sick. I lost the two most important parts of myself."


    Ying''s eyes widened. She finally understood why her aunt reacted so weirdly to Carina''s name and her stupid assumptions. The helplessness, longing, and vulnerability she had seen in Xin Zimen''s eyes while he had talked about Carina Novell to her back then was because of this reason. He was really helpless because he couldn''t bring neither his daughter back nor his wife.


    "Wait! Wait a minute!" Ying voiced out. "Then why was I asked to find Carina Novell? Why were you looking for her?"


    "I never said, I''m the one looking for her," retorted Xin Zimen in a level tone.

 374 One Born, One Died

    Ying glared at him for such a response. What did he mean by he wasn''t the one looking for Carina Novell? He certainly was the one who asked her to look for her! Why else would she be running around like a madwoman?!


    "I mean to say that even though I asked you to find Carina Novell, I am not the one who wanted to know where or how she is."


    "Then?"


    Xin Zimen didn''t respond to her. Instead, he finally took that envelope from his desk and opened it. As he read the DNA report, his lips curled up in an amused smile, "A woman''s intuition is dangerous. It indeed is very dangerous." While Ying tried to read through his smile, he went on, "Now, it''s time for you to give me a detailed report of your mission."


    "I''m confused," Ying said matter-of-factly. If Destiny wasn''t his daughter, why was he the one looking so amused by this knowledge? What exactly was he playing?


    "Investigator Yan, how about you do your job first?" Hearing that stern tone of his voice, Ying couldn''t bring herself to dawdle anymore. She couldn''t avoid this any longer. If she did, he was gonna be really angry and she really wasn''t someone who could afford that. Besides, at this moment, he was asking as her superior and not as her Zizi.


    Ying stood up in an alert mode and related everything she learned from the point of Carina Novell''s death to Destiny Novell''s existence. But she had yet to tell him who was Destiny.


    "What is Destiny Novell''s new identity then? And where is she now?" he inquired seriously. His face or his voice didn''t indicate even a tinge of playfulness or carelessness from before.


    Ying hesitated in answering. She was in deep thought before saying, "Zizi, you won''t hurt her, right?"


    "What?"


    "I kinda like her. A lot actually and I don''t want you to hurt her. I don''t know why or who is actually looking for Destiny but I really don''t want her to get hurt in this gameplay of yours. And I know you." She looked straight into his eyes. "You neither play fair nor do you like playing mildly."


    "Should I be happy that you know me so well or be upset that you actually think I''d hurt her?"


    "You hate her mother. I don''t know whose DNA you gave me, but you know who her father is. And I have a feeling that you don''t have much compassion for her father as well."


    "That doesn''t mean I have to hate their daughter as well." Xin Zimen''s reaction got her a bit confused. "Aye! I''m not going to take revenge on a young girl for her parent''s mistakes."


    Hearing this, Ying finally relaxed and placed her phone before him, "You already know her." He quirked his brows at her inquisitively. "Her new name is Bai Xiu."


    Xin Zimen gaped at her in disbelief. Was she for real? That little lass who he had grown fond of was actually Carina Novell''s daughter? What kind of joke was this? And who the hell was playing this joke with him?


    "It''s the same Bai Xiu. Regan''s girlfriend. Dylan''s Executive Assistant. The girl you met at Yi''s house." He silently took her cellphone and went through the detailed information about Destiny Novell aka Bai Xiu. He fell back in his chair with his eyes stuck on the screen. "Also, there is something else... Destiny Novell''s identity was concealed within our syndicate''s server. Only the employees'' information is kept there. I don''t know how she got there."


    "Ask her then," he spoke in a daze. He wasn''t able to process this information for some reason.


    "I''d have done that but she doesn''t have any memories of her past."


    "Huh?"


    "She''s suffering from amnesia. She can''t recall the first 18 years of her life." Ying took a pause before adding, "In fact, she doesn''t even remember her mother. Also, she has no clue what her last name ''Novell'' actually represents in Italy. She''s just living an ordinary life without any memories."


    "In fact, now that I''m talking about her maternal family, I still have one more person to inform about this..." Ying was so absorbed in finding the whole truth that she didn''t even notice that she still had to tell Cali about Xiu. "Should I leave then?" Xin Zimen waved her off without even asking whom she was talking about.


    The silence that pervades after she left made Xin Kuan feel bothered. He looked at Xin Zimen who seemed to be in deep thought and sighed out gloomily.


    "Are you that shocked to know that Carina''s daughter is Bai Xiu?" asked Xin Kuan pulling Xin Zimen out of his trance.


    He shook his head. "Not really."


    "Then what''s with that look on your face?"


    "Do you know what''s Destiny''s date of birth?" Xin Kuan frowned at his question but shook his head nonetheless. "It''s the 25th of December."


    "That''s..." Xin Kuan didn''t know how to continue.


    "It''s the same date," Xin Zimen whispered softly. "Someone''s daughter was born on that day and mine died on the very same day. Such a brutal play of fate."


    "Xiao Zi..." Xin Kuan couldn''t tell what his feelings were but he knew one thing, Xin Zimen was really hurting right now.


    "You know when sister-in-law asked for my help, I was really angry. She knew how much I hated Carina Novell and yet she asked me to find her. I really didn''t know what she wanted to do." Xin Zimen finally spoke the truth that he didn''t tell Ying earlier. The person looking for Carina Novell wasn''t him. It was his sister-in-law, Zhao Huan whom Xiu met a couple of hours ago.


    "Then how did she really convince you? I mean you''re not kind. Why would you help her with this?"


    "Because she said that on the 25th of December, something else happened. She said that Wen Ai hid something from me. As for what was that I had to find myself." Xin Zimen crumbled the DNA report as he continued, "Now I know what she meant. Wen Ai wasn''t trying to save her friend Carina that night, she was saving the newborn Destiny. That''s how we lost our own daughter."

 375 Addiction

    Darren had been sitting beside Xiu since the time he came. He had already seen the bandage on her hand but didn''t know who to ask what she really did now. He hated it that whenever she was hurt, she''d hide away from him.


    For the most useless things, she''d run to him. For instance, she would run to him just to remind him that she was missing him. Or that he had to eat well. Or that he had to take care of himself. But why was it that whenever she should look for him, she would try to do everything on her own?


    He hadn''t realized how or when he had laid down beside her, hugging her. He wanted her to know even in her sleep that he was there with her. That it was okay to lean on him a little.


    "Snuggly, snuggly..." Xiu murmured in her sleep as she snuggled up even closer to his body. Her face was buried in his neck and her hot breath was fanning a very sensitive point on his neck. Darren raised his brow in amusement at how her hand was now wandering all over his chest while she kept mumbling, "I know this body."


    As if something clicked in her mind, her eyes fluttered open and came into contact with those grey orbs that every single time managed to make her knees go soft. And her heart go wild.


    Even now, her breath hitched as she gasped to see him this close. Her hand touched his face, "What is this? You''re really here? Why?"


    "Why?" he only repeated this and his mouth twisted making Xiu feel like she said something wrong. "So, I shouldn''t come to see my sick girlfriend? Who apparently forgot to tell me that she''s been feeling sick for the last few days now."


    "I..." Xiu didn''t know how to look into his eyes without giving herself away but she also didn''t know how to look away. You see, those eyes had a spell-like effect on her. She''d always feel like those eyes had captured her and her soul. It was impossible to look away.


    "Sweets, how can you hide something so important? I''m supposed to be the first one to know what''s going on with you. What''s happening in your life but you always shy away from doing that. I never push you to say anything because I know how difficult it is for you to open yourself. But I''m yours. You''re a part of me now. And I''m a part of you. Shouldn''t we know at least know this much about each other?"


    Xiu pursed her lips while the corner of her eyes crinkled a bit.


    "When I had a fever, I told you. Whenever I am going through something, I make sure you know it first. Why can''t you try to share this much with me?"


    "I don''t want to bother you. I don''t want to become a burden you''d get tired of," she had her insecurities so deep within her that she didn''t dare repeat those things.


    Xiu nodded her head as she sat up slowly as well. "It is difficult to believe that. Everybody who said, ''I''m here for you.'' eventually left."


    Darren held the side of her face as he stared into her eyes. No, he was looking into her heart. He was probing her soul with that piercing gaze of his. "But I''m not everybody! I''m Regan Darren Salvay! I''m your Regan. You''re stuck with me for life. I won''t leave even if you push me away. I''m gonna be like that annoying bubblegum in your hair."


    Xiu giggled softly at his reference. She was loving the way his palm was against her jaw while his long fingers were buried in her hair. It felt so good to have him simply sit here with her. But she felt at a loss when he pulled away.


    She seemed to have caused him to worry. And she needed to apologize for that. It wasn''t her intention since she herself didn''t know her health was deteriorating.


    Xiu held his hand and pouted her lips, "Baby, are you angry? But Xiu didn''t want to worry you. Xiu really didn''t know that Xiu had a fever. Also, Xiu didn''t want to disturb her baby and his mother. How can Xiu do that? It''s not that Xiu doesn''t want to share everything with Regan baby but Xiu doesn''t want Regan baby to worry about her so much." He squinted his eyes at her act while she dragged her words while saying, "Xiu is sorry, naaa! Aaa... Forgive Xiu, pleaseeee!


    ''But I''m not even mad at you,'' he wanted to say that but he held himself back. She looked so adorable acting like this that he couldn''t bring himself to tell her.


    While Darren pressed his lips together, he was trying to conceal his smile that every single time came out whenever she was around. But since he was trying too hard, his appearance to Xiu seemed like he was mad at her. It made her heart drop.


    Xiu held both his hands and kissed his forehead. "Just one last time, forgive Xiu? Pleaseee! Xiu can''t live without her Regan baby. And it''s all your fault."


    "How is it my fault?" he retorted in a curious tone.


    She kissed his right eye as she began, "It is your fault." She kissed the other eye. "If you hadn''t made me obsessed with you." She kissed the tip of his nose. "I wouldn''t be in this condition." She kissed his one cheek. "Where I can''t even imagine a future without you." She kissed the other cheek. "You know I''m addicted to alcohol." She trailed soft kisses down his jaw. "But now you''ve become a drug to me." Her lips stopped right before his. It was so close but she didn''t touch his lips with hers as she went on, "You''re the drug that makes me feel drunk without alcohol. And I''m addicted to you now. Besides, there is not even a cure for this addiction."


    She was leaning closer but just when Darren expected her lips on his own, she stopped and pulled away.

 376 Regans Future Wife

    Darren frowned at her. Why did she pull away? Why was she so unpredictable? Bloody hell! He was anticipating that kiss. He was looking forward to it! He acted as if it was the first time they were going to kiss. Because the disappointment felt like that. As if he was rejected on a first date. How pitiful!


    He scoffed, "So much for being addicted to this drug. You didn''t even taste it!"


    Xiu''s eyes widened at his reaction before her lips curled up in a beautiful face. It looked good on her pale face. Slightly different but still beautiful. At least, it was the most beautiful in Darren''s eyes. But then again, she was the most beautiful in his eyes.


    Xiu placed her hands on his face as she said, "It''s not that Xiu doesn''t want to taste this drug over and over again. But Xiu can''t. Not right now!"


    "Why not? This drug is all yours? Take a bite whenever you need to," he didn''t even realize how or when he started calling himself ''her drug'' and it didn''t even bother him. In fact, he felt quite proud of himself. Seriously, he really was easily placated.


    He was so damn deep in this love that he didn''t even realize how differently he had begun to behave. But all these changes were reserved for her. And only her!


    For the rest of the world, he was still reasonable, gentle, sensible, smart, handsome, knowledgable, successful Darren but for her, he was just a silly boyfriend who was in love with his girl so badly that he couldn''t be reasonable or sensible. His rationality left him the moment he had fallen for her.


    Xiu laughed out as she said, "Baby, I just realized that I''m sick. I don''t want to transfer my germs to you. That''ll not be good."


    Darren rolled his eyes at her reason for pulling away. He held the back of her head and kissed her lips passionately. "But I love the feeling of your lips against mine..." he whispered softly against her lips before capturing her lips again. This feeling in Xiu''s heart was the reason why she said she was addicted to him now. His soft kisses were exquisite like fine wine. How could she not feel drunk around him? His fingers coursing through her hair were enough to send shivers down her spine.


    Oh, how they wished to make this kiss last a lifetime.


    There was a feeling of endless bliss that was enough to make them wish to make this kiss last a lifetime. Who would want to pull away when you feel like you''ve found your world? Who would want to pull away when not only your lips but your hearts felt like they fit together perfectly well?


    Panting when they pulled away to catch a breath, Xiu looked at him accusingly. "I don''t want to pass my germs to you. What if you also get sick?"


    "What nonsense!" she couldn''t help it, she just hit his chest. "You''re..."


    "I''m what?"


    "You''re taking my breath away!" she completed her sentence as she placed her head on his chest. "Oh, wait! Ewww!" Xiu again tried to pull away but this time, Darren''s hands on her waist didn''t allow it. "Let me go! How can you hug this sticky body? I sweated a lot. Also, I didn''t even take a shower last night. I''m still wearing the clothes from yesterday. It''s all dirty now. Let me go!"


    "But I don''t mind," he replied calmly hugging her, not caring for her protests at all.


    "But I do!" she argued while trying to wiggle her way out of his grasp but to no avail. "Regan!"


    "Yes, Regan''s future wife?"


    "I..." Xiu''s words died down in her throat as she realized what he called her. ''Regan''s future wife?'' That was so damn random! But why was it making her heart flutter so badly? This is not fair! Xiu was complaining in her heart but her face was completely red now. All the blood had rushed to her cheeks. But it was neither embarrassment nor shyness. It was pure happiness.


    Darren had no idea how that simple title shook her brain and heart at the same time. How was she supposed to process this? She was too busy trying to collect her feelings right now.


    "So, Regan''s future wife, are you still planning on protesting?" he whispered very close to her ear making her hide her face in his neck as she shook her head. "Sweets, are you feeling shy?"


    "No, I''m..." Xiu lifted her face to look into his eyes as she told him. "I''m very happy."


    Darren smiled at her expressions and said, "Hmm... I guess we should remove that ''future'' and just make you Regan''s wife already. What do you say? Is it a yes?"


    "I''d very much like that," she didn''t hesitate to say it. She shamelessly just accepted that she wanted to marry him as soon as possible.


    "But I wasn''t even proposing, why are you so eager?"


    Xiu hit his chest again. "Bloody son of a biscuit! How can you fool me like that?!"


    "I didn''t do anything though," he said in between his laughter. "You assumed it on your own that I''m proposing." He held her wrist as he made her look up at him. "Don''t you think I''d do a much better job than this for the proposal?"


    "I don''t want anything fancy, these words are already enough for me. This moment is more than enough," Xiu answered honestly. She never wished for a grand gesture, to begin with. She wanted everything simple but meaningful.


    "You need to start expecting more for yourself," said Darren sincerely. "Because you, my future wife, deserve the best of everything. I''m willing to bring the world at your feet and you''re content with such a boring proposal?"


    "It wasn''t boring to me," she protested softly. "It''s more than enough for me because it''s you. If it''s you, Regan, Xiu is content with just anything." Darren couldn''t help smiling as she continued, "Xiu is only gonna wish for you in this life."


    "Hmmm... It''s okay. Because I''m here to wish for the world''s best for my Sweets." He pinched her nose softly. "Now, tell me why haven''t you been sleeping?"


    After this light and sweet moment, Darren asked the important question which made Xiu purse her lips. She wanted to tell him and yet didn''t want to. It sounded crazy. It really sounded crazy even in her own head. How was she supposed to say it to him?


    "Actually..."

 377 No Stop Button

    Xiu was about to speak when the door of the room was pushed open and Francesca walked in saying, "Regi, look what I found in the lounge." Xiu immediately sat up but froze the moment she saw what was in Francesca''s hands. "This baseball stick has my daughter, Xiu''s name on it. It looks so cool."


    Darren also sat up and looked at it. Then his eyes shifted to the bandage on her hand. Right, he had one more thing to ask her. And somehow he felt like that baseball bat and the bandage around her hand has some kind of a connection but he couldn''t pinpoint exactly what it was.


    "What is your mom doing here?" Xiu whispered to Darren while panicking inwardly. She neither wanted Francesca to see her as a weak girl who fell ill so easily nor did she want her to see her as a violent kind of person who ran around with a baseball bat to beat people. Fuck! What the hell was she saying?!


    In short, she wanted Francesca to see her as a perfect girl for her son. But the way Xiu was constantly coming before her really didn''t seem like it was gonna leave a good impression. At least, Xiu thought so.


    "She came to see you as well," answered Darren. He didn''t know what his mother had been doing all this time but he knew she didn''t come up just because she didn''t want to disturb his time with Xiu. However, that baseball bat must have appeared so fascinating to her that she rushed up without thinking. Turning to his mom, he asked, "Mama, where did you find it?"


    "Oh, it was in the lounge. It had some blood on it, but I cleaned it. I came to ask though," Francesca ran off to the side of the bed and leaned close to Xiu''s face. "Is it yours?" Xiu''s lips curled downward as she meekly nodded her head in reply. She couldn''t lie to her! "Oh, then did you beat someone with it?" Xiu wanted to bury her head, no! She wanted to bury herself six feet under the ground! But she again just border her head up and down in reply. "So, was it a bad person?" Xiu looked up at her as she elaborated, "I mean the person whom you beat with it. Was he a bad person?"


    Xiu thought about Xin Xiaosi and shook her head. He wasn''t a bad person. He did something bad but that didn''t mean he was a bad person. All humans do mistakes, he did one too. Big deal!


    "Hmmm..." Francesca''s humming made Xiu close her eyes losing all hope for her future. The dream of being Regan''s wife suddenly seemed bleak. "But then did he deserve the beating?" Xiu nodded her head again. Francesca also bobbed her head up and down in understanding before she rubbed Xiu''s head making her feel weird. "Then it''s good. If he did something to deserve the beating than we''re okay."


    Xiu couldn''t help staring into her eyes. "Child, why do you look so scared of me? Do I look that scary?"


    "It''s not that," Xiu abruptly disagreed with her assumptions. "You''re actually very beautiful. Even more than the picture I saw."


    Darren was hugging Xiu from the side now while she was trying to push him away. "Your mom is here. Behave yourself."


    "She doesn''t mind," replied Darren calmly while he placed his head on her shoulder.


    "Regan!" Xiu was pleading with her eyes.


    But Darren wasn''t budging at all! "Mama, tell her you don''t mind me hugging her. She''s pushing me away." Seeing how he whined to his mother, Xiu was startled. He never talked like this. Like ever! She had seen Dylan acting all cute with his mother but Darren? Oh, why didn''t someone tell her he looked so damn adorable acting like this?!


    "Oho! Sweetheart, can you please bear with my son? He doesn''t like it when people push him away," said Francesca making Xiu''s eyes widen even more. This mother-son duo was really too much for her poor heart! "But wait, Regi, she''s still recovering from a fever. She must be feeling tired and lethargic, instead of letting her rest why are you putting your heavy weight on her? Do you want to crush her? She looks so thin already?"


    "Mama, how can you say that? I''m here to help her recover?"


    "And how are you exactly helping?" she looked challengingly at her son who scratched the nape of his neck while saying, "By providing my love and support."


    "BLAAGH!" France acted like she was gonna puke at his words. "That''s so bloody ridiculous that I''m feeling nauseous!"


    "Aren''t you being too much with your own son?" Darren complained to her then turned to Xiu, "Sweets, you don''t pay attention to her. She never sides with her son. So, you have to take my side. Always." Xiu nodded her head in a daze. She was still reeling from trying to understand the nature of their relationship. They appeared more like friends than mother and son.


    But then again, France''s indulgent look directed Darren wasn''t also hidden from her. She finally could say that they were really close. Unlike any other parents, she had seen with their kids.


    "Let''s do a pinky promise that you''ll take my side only," Darren was still stuck on this point as he lifted his pinky finger and hooked it with Xiu''s.


    "How old are you?" Francesca spoke in disdain. "I can''t believe you''re my son."


    "Then maybe, I''m neighbor''s son," retorted Darren while sticking his tongue at his mother.


    Seeing how Xiu laughed, France looked at him is a disappointment, "If you kept acting like this, your girlfriend will eventually learn what a real mess you are to be with."


    "But she won''t stop loving me," Darren argued back and looked at Xiu. "You won''t, right?"


    That charm of his eyes worked again as Xiu really lost herself. She really forgot where she was or who was around her as she nodded her head at him and said, "I''d never. This love can only intensify. I don''t think it has a stop button."

 378 Poor Regi

    "Kids! My poor old heart can''t digest this much sweetness! Can you please get a room already?!"


    Francesca''s teasing words made Xiu blush so badly that she didn''t dare look at her now. Ah! Crazy, stupid, idiot, Xiu! How can you forget that she was still here? Where did you lose your brain? Did you forget it at home or something?! She really thought she left her brain something but then again, it was all Darren''s fault. He was a constant threat to her sanity!


    "Mama, we got this room. You''re being the third wheel on your own."


    While Xiu was trying to literally get herself to act normal, this boyfriend of hers just went on saying those words to his mother. I repeat, HIS MOTHER!


    All Xiu thought she knew about life was changing before her eyes because instead of minding Darren''s words, Francesca smiled even more mischievously. "If I can get on your nerve by being the third wheel, I''m gonna be exactly that!" She seemed to be really having fun teasing her son.


    Darren shook his head at his mother. "Sweets, you don''t mind her. Just pretend like she isn''t here at all." He really didn''t know why his mother was being a third wheel. He wants to be alone with his Sweets!


    "I can''t do that," Xiu argued softly.


    "Hahaha..." France laughed at her reply. "At least someone here has manners. I wish I had taught my son those manners as well." Wait! That sounded so wrong to Xiu. But how did it become worse when France continued with, "But I don''t even have manners myself so who cares?"


    Xiu jaw was gonna hit the floor now. The more tense Xiu felt the more easygoing Francesca was. Why was she going against the norms? Shouldn''t she be putting her son on a pedestal before her while reminding her about the ways she didn''t deserve him? Then why was she doing the other way around?


    *Knock! Knock!*


    "Oh, that must be the chicken broth," Francesca was the one who reacted as she heard the knocking. She opened the door, took the tray from the maid, and came back to Xiu''s side. "I asked the cook to make something healthy for you. Since you had porridge in the morning, we decided to change the menu to chicken broth."


    "You didn''t have to though," Xiu was still being cautious self who didn''t want to trouble anyone.


    Francesca waved her hand. "It''s not like I cooked it myself. Besides, you might get even sicker having my chicken broth." She poked Darren''s head as she went on, "I still am amazed at how he survived even after eating all those burnt fried eggs, burnt rice, burnt everything!"


    "I survived because you made it with all your heart. How can I get hurt by having a little too much of your love?"


    "My dear son, you don''t even eat sweets how did you get such a sweet tongue then?"


    "I''m right here and don''t act like I can''t understand you," Francesca was really not sure what was wrong with her son. She had never gone through this sweet feeling of love before so, she didn''t know how it could turn her rational son into such a... Argh! She couldn''t even find the right word for him now!


    Xiu''s elbow hit the side of his stomach as she whispered, "Can''t you behave? It''s really embarrassing!" Darren shrugged his shoulders, not minding it all.


    "Anyways," began Francesca as she pushed Darren away from Xiu and sat down beside her. She took the tray and said, "Let me help you in drinking this."


    "I can do it..."


    "No," France stopped her even before Xiu could protest. "Let me do this. This son of mine never let me feed him even when he was young. Also, I don''t even have a daughter. I''d love to feed you with my own hand. Can''t you let me do this much? It''s my only wish!"


    Darren poked his mother''s shoulder. "Don''t you think I should be doing that?"


    "Stay out of this. Can''t you see that I''m busy with my daughter? You go and sulk over there!"


    Xiu chuckled on her own while Darren jutted his lower lip out as if he was really gonna sulk now. Francesca didn''t pay attention to him, she happily got herself busy with feeding her new daughter.


    "Sweetheart eats lots and get well soon. I was hoping you''d go around the city with me. I have so many places I want to visit and I can''t do it alone. I need a company. I wanna go shopping with my daughter and I wanna eat those street foods that are so famous on the internet. I still have so much else planned."


    Xiu silently ate while listening to her plans. One thing was consistent with Francesca, she never stopped addressing Xiu as a daughter and it calmed Xiu''s nerves. She slowly started forgetting that this was her mother-in-law. The bridge between them seemed very easy to cross now.


    "I''ll take you wherever you want to go," Xiu agreed happily with her. "Oh, I even heard of a new coffee place. I heard they make the best coffee. Do you like coffee?"


    "Like it? Honey, I love coffee! It''s my life!"


    "Oh, I love coffee as well."


    "See? We already have something in common."


    Darren who had silently been observing them smiled. He could see how his mother managed to break Xiu''s wall and let her open up to her. They looked rather comfortable now that Xiu was losing her tense feeling.


    "Are you guys forgetting? I also love coffee!" He couldn''t help chiming in.


    "Regi, stay out of it!"


    "Regan, stay out of it!"


    As they both spoke simultaneously, Darren was left gaping at them in disbelief. How could they both do this to him? Were they planning on forgetting about him? Wow! A mother found a daughter and a daughter found a mother. Why would they need him? What son? What boyfriend? It was all just an illusion now!

 379 This Can Wai

    Cali had been feeling restless for a while now. She felt like something needed to be fixed between her and Dylan but she didn''t even know what. No matter how much she loved the kiss, she wasn''t gonna let herself get delusional enough to believe that Dylan liked her. Maybe he was attracted to her. Yes, that''s it. He was momentarily attracted to her.


    Bringing herself comfort with these thoughts, Cali finally decided to leave her room where she had been cooped up since the time she came back from her meeting with Darren and his mother. She didn''t even eat anything since then and now the creatures in her stomach were going berserk!


    She took the key card, her wallet, her car keys, and her phone before putting on her shoes and opening the door to leave. However, seeing Dylan standing outside her door, she was frozen. Stunned!


    "What the-!"


    She didn''t know what he was doing here but she had not expected to see him here. As for Dylan, he was equally shocked. He had been standing there for hours now. Actually, he had been there since early in the morning. He thought he could act upon what Xiu had said but why was it so difficult? He couldn''t even bring himself to ring the doorbell.


    "Hi!" he waved his hand with a silly smile on his face.


    "What are you doing here?" asked Cali without even thinking but her words hurt Dylan who was already feeling sensitive. Why did she ask that? Did she not like seeing him here? Did she not want him here?


    "Why? I can''t come to see you?" he retorted grumpily.


    "No, I just thought maybe you came to collect your painting."


    Dylan looked at her face. She wasn''t avoiding his eyes but he was. What was wrong here?! He was feeling shy but she wasn''t? What was this situation?


    "I came to see you," he said straightforwardly catching her off guard.


    "Me?" she pointed at her nose. Dylan nodded his head. "But why?"


    "Again, why can''t I come to see you?" he was really curious to hear the answer now. Why did she think that he wouldn''t come to see her? What exactly did she think about him? He was genuinely very curious about this now.


    She took a deep breath before saying, "After what happened the other night, I thought you''d run far away from me."


    "You referring to your confession?" he needed to be clear with his words this time. He didn''t want her to get any wrong ideas. He had to clear this up himself!


    Cali looked at his face for a moment longer before nodding her head, "Yes, that''s what I''m referring to. I really don''t want you to take it seriously. You don''t even have to feel awkward or weird. We are still friends. Besides, I was just..."


    Cali was taken aback a bit to hear him say this. He really knew her. But how? Was he paying attention to him as she did? Cali shook her head to get rid of these delusions as she said, "Yes, I meant what I said. But it was just a..."


    "Don''t you dare say it was just a mistake, I''d really get mad and might end up punching you!" He didn''t mean like he wanted to punch her as in punch her but she was making him pretty angry now by saying all the wrong things. Okay! She didn''t say it but she was gonna say it! And he knew that! At least, he knew her that much!


    "Can you really punch though? Do you even know how to throw a punch?" Cali really thought he was kidding. After all, Dylan would never hit a girl. Yes, that was his stupid excuse when he first lost in a fistfight with her. She was still amused at how he was living in an era where he thought girls couldn''t hand his ass to him in a fight!


    Dylan held her wrist and put her hands over her head against the wall as he whispered, "Do you wanna try? Do you really wanna see whether I can punch now or not?"


    This close, this posture, this exchange of breath, this very moment...


    Everything was just right. The warmth of his body against hers was enough to make her forget that she was supposed to escape from his grasp. But then again, she was already captured in his love why would she want him to let go? If anything, she wished he''d continue being this close. It felt good.


    "You don''t take me seriously or what?"


    "I take you... very seriously though," she never stuttered except for this man before her. Why did he have this effect on her? She was having trouble forming words with his breath hitting her face at such close proximity. "You never noticed though."


    Dylan frowned in confusion at her last words. "Abou that kiss..." he began but her phone''s ringtone stopped him. "You can ignore it."


    "I can''t though," said Cali as she looked at the caller id and picked up the call, "Hey, new friend! What''s up?"


    "I found your cousin. Come and meet me at the restaurant," came Ying''s calm but lethargic voice.


    "You did what? Really? You''re not playing with my feelings now, are you?"


    "Fuck off! Do I even have time to play around? Just come down already! Or I''m leaving!"


    "I''m coming!" Cali instantly hung up the call and looked at Dylan who was giving her serious doubtful looks. "I have to go. Let''s talk later."


    "Can''t it wait?" he argued.


    "No, but this whatever it is between us. It can wait," replied Cali as she ran off in the direction of the elevator. She was way too excited to learn that her cousin was finally found. How could she contain herself?


    But...


    ''That new friend! Playing with my feelings! And I''m coming!'' sounded so different in Dylan''s mind that he couldn''t even explain it himself. Can you blame him? She left him for whoever was on that phone call! Like, what the bloody hell?!


    Were Xiu''s words gonna be true? He was finally gonna run after someone?

 380 Well Meet Soon!

    Ying was yawning as she waited for the food she ordered and for the person she called. She was feeling like a huge burden was off her shoulders knowing that Destiny wasn''t Xin Zimen''s daughter. So, now even her will to stay awake was waning away. She could just put her head down on the table and sleep peacefully. After all, she was used to sleeping at odd places.


    But before she could act upon this certain ridiculous thought, Cali had already taken a seat beside her. "Where is she? How is she? She must be tall now? And very beautiful with her plump cheeks. She was always so adorable, I want to see her now. Tell me already."


    Cali''s excitement had literally no effect on Ying who was moving at her own pace which was like a sloth''s pace, to be honest. Was she acting in a slow-motion picture or what?


    "Can you tone it down a bit?" said Ying in annoyance. "My head is hurting. I can''t handle your cheeriness at the moment."


    Cali scowled unhappily at her before kicking her on the shin under the table. However, Ying''s instinct was stronger and sharper than hers. Cali was used to street fights, Ying was a professional. They both had a huge gap. That''s why Ying managed to escape so easily, unscathed.


    "It''ll take you another lifetime before you can hit me," challenged Ying making Cali''s mouth twist.


    "Are you really gonna waste time? I''m dying here from curiosity!"


    The server put several dishes before Ying who rubbed her hands eagerly before picking up her chopsticks and digging in. "Curiosity killed a cat! Let something go in my stomach first. I''m famished."


    Cali didn''t say anything. She waisted so long, she certainly could stay a bit patient now, right? Well, it wasn''t easy though as she saw Ying relishing in her food. Not being able to help herself, Cali also took that steak from her side and started eating without asking her. Not like Ying cared, she only gave a fleeting glance.


    "Before I tell you who she is, or how she is. You need to know two things about your cousin," began Ying keeping a calm voice. "First, her name is not Destiny anymore. Second, she has no recollection of her time as Destiny as well."


    "What?" Cali squinted her eyes at Ying.


    "Amnesia. She has amnesia. She doesn''t even remember you or anything related to you. Heck! She doesn''t even remember her own previous self."


    Cali was staring at her with a baffled look. She had expected this scenario once in her head that perhaps, Destiny had lost her memory and that''s why she never reach out to her. Why did it come true?


    "You know her in person?" Cali voiced her question because the way Ying talked about Destiny showed that she knew her. As in she knew her personally. Not just from the information she had gotten.


    Ying nodded her head, "Yeah! She turned out to be a friend''s girlfriend. I can''t even tell you how close she was and I''d been looking for her everywhere. It really blew my own mind at this bizarre coincidence."


    "I want to meet her," said Cali.


    Ying had expected this reply. She was actually waiting for those words. She wiped her face with the napkin and said, "I can take you to her but I met her doctors who said that any stress on her brain can be harmful to her mental health. Besides, she really does seem happy with the life she''s living. It''s been over five years but she seems to be living perfectly without those memories. It makes me question whether she really needs the reminder of those bad memories."


    Cali looked at Ying who continued, "The girl watched her mother die. She was alone and must have been scared back then as well. Must have faced some other bitterness as well. Maybe her brain really doesn''t want her to remember those things again. Maybe that''s her defense mechanism against her sadness." She took a brief pause before adding, "And you might know that even sadness can kill a person."


    "I don''t want to hurt her," said Cali. "I just want to see her. I want to get close to her before telling her who I am. I think in that way, her mind would get accustomed to me."


    Cali might be an Orthopedic surgeon, but she was familiar with how dangerous it could get if he acted carelessly around Xiu. People with mental health issues had to be handled with care and gentleness. It was necessary to stay patient with them and she was gonna be just that. Apart from that, every word that Ying said made perfect sense. There has to be a reason why Xiu wasn''t able to recover her memories. Maybe she really didn''t want to.


    Ying thought about what Cali said and felt like she was right. Before telling Xiu anything they needed to make sure that Xiu was calm and composed besides, her mind was comfortable in Cali''s presence.


    "Okay. I''ll take you to her. But I just visited her place yesterday, I can''t just barge in today as well," said Ying with a thoughtful look. Indeed, she had an excuse yesterday but if she made another stupid excuse, Xiu would catch up to her. "How about we plan it for another day? You can also study about her situation well."


    Cali also thought it was right to do. She shouldn''t be hasty. Besides, it was more than enough to know that her cousin was okay. And she was happy. Also, that she was living her life fully.


    "I say she''s better than you though," said Ying as she took a sip of her lemonade. "Don''t glare at me. She is younger than you and yet she has a boyfriend, a sister-like best friend, a good sense of fashion, and a bright future. Where are you at girl? Because I just saw you at the lonely single''s street!" Ying laughed at her own stupid words while Cali only pressed her lips into a hard line.


    "Shouldn''t you look at yourself before pointing your finger at me?" Cali really didn''t weird being so casual with Ying now.


    "I''ve decided to die alone. I''m gonna embrace myself from now on and look at the bright future with myself."


    "That sounds like something a heartbroken person would say."


    "Shut up!" Ying grumbled at her making Cali chuckle.


    Cali was in a very good mood now that she had information about her cousin. Even though she didn''t know Destiny''s new name or her address or anything. It was enough that Ying knew for now.


    ''We''ll meet soon, Cousin!'' Cali smiled to herself at this thought.

 381 Stupid Jokes

    After Xiu was done with the chicken broth, she still kept talking to Francesca like they had known each other for a long time. But oddly, not even once Francesca talked to her about Darren or her relationship with Darren.


    However, Xiu failed to realize that Francesca wasn''t interested in knowing about her relationship with Darren. Of course, the people who were in a relationship knew better about each other. And whether they were perfect for each other or not. She as a third person had no right to comment about that. Besides, she wanted to know the girl named Xiu. She wanted to know the real girl Xiu. One who had her own individuality and her own life.


    Francesca was indeed more interested in getting close to the girl who was becoming a part of her family.


    "Wow, Francie! You didn''t even bother coming to say hi."


    Francesca only stopped talking when she heard Xin Zimen''s voice and turned to look at him.


    "This little lass needs rest to get better but knowing you, I''m certain you didn''t let her even blink an eye from the time you sat down with her."


    Francesca looked sad to hear his say that. "How can say that? I''m just trying to have some small talk."


    "Like I don''t know what your small talk is like," he spoke with contempt visible in his voice. But just as his eyes fell on Xiu, he stopped talking. What he just learned from Ying had a huge impact on him. It wasn''t easy to look at Xiu for him now. Especially when he knew whose daughter she was. Also, how she became a reminder of something he''d love to forget.


    For Xin Zimen, even though this girl didn''t inherit her mother''s features, she had inherited those signature eyes of his family. No wonder, there was unknown familiarity between them. At the end of the day, she was still part of the Xin Family.


    But even after knowing the truth, one thing was certain, Xin Zimen''s behavior didn''t change with Xiu. Just as he had said, he could hate her parents but no her. Besides, who could hate such a girl? At least, he couldn''t.


    "Regi, did I call you here for this? You don''t want her to get better?" He finally looked away from Xiu''s face and turned to chide Darren whom he called to take care of Xiu. But right now, Darren was busy sulking at a side. His mother had pushed him away from his Xiu for a while now. How was it his fault!?


    "You can''t put the blame on me for this, Uncle Zi," Darren protested for his rights as well.


    "But since the little lass is your responsibility, I think I''m only gonna blame you!"


    "Oh please! I''m still trying to figure out how she even ended up at your place?" Darren''s mind was, in fact, contemplating over this detail. How was it that Xiu was at Xin Villa? There had to be a reason behind it? Who was gonna tell him that?


    "Xiu''er!"


    Oh, there is her best friend running over to her side with a worried face.


    "I thought you went home when I woke up. But I only learned from the maid that you are sick and resting. How did you get a fever? And why didn''t you even tell me? If you''re not feeling well, you should have woken me up?" Nora''s nonstop complaints got Xiu''s mind to buzz now. One should never underestimate this Latina''s concern over Xiu.


    "Nora, you''re sleeping with Ava so peacefully that I couldn''t bring myself to disturb you. Besides, you spent the whole day crying. You needed a good night''s sleep. How could I take that from you?"


    Nora scoffed at her reply, "As if you''d have woken me up if I hadn''t had a bad day." She poked Xiu''s head lightly. "I know you. You''d never share that you''re not feeling well." Xiu could only scratch her jaw at the reality of her words. "Now, tell me. What''s wrong? Is it serious? Should we go to the hospital? Mom will definitely murder me if she got to know that I didn''t take better care of you."


    "Will you shut up?" Xiu''s words got Nora to finally shut up. Xiu shook her head. "I''m fine. It''s just because I''m tired. That''s the reason why I got this slight fever." Nora squinted her eyes at Xiu who had to change her words, "I mean yes, I threw up a few times." Nora''s eyes squinted even more dangerously. "Okay! I threw up a lot. But is it my fault that I was feeling so nauseous? It happens. Why are you getting angry?"


    Nora pulled her ear which Xiu let her. "If you''re sick, go see a doctor! Damn it! Why would you always ignore your own health? And if you''re already feeling sick why the hell did you drag me here?"


    "Because that was important!" Xiu argued while wincing at the pain in her ear now.


    Nora hit her head but gently. "You fool! Your health is more important to me!"


    "No! Your happiness is more important to me than my health!" Xiu shot back without holding it in.


    Nora was short of words now. "You''re stubborn! And you''re impossible!"


    "Hehe... I know right?"


    Seeing her giggling Nora glared at her. "Is it something to be proud of?"


    "Isn''t it?"


    "No! It''s not, you..." Nora''s temper was rising up now. This stupid best friend of hers was really something she couldn''t understand. The more she thought she had grasped the essence of Xiu, the more Xiu would slip away from her understanding.


    "Now, don''t be mad at me. It''s not fair. We all have those down days. I also am just under the weather. What''s the big deal?"


    "The big deal?" Nora stared her down. "In just one day, you''re back to square one. You again look like a scrawny little girl. Exactly like the time when Darren told you to hold the pole unless wind might be able to blow you away."


    Xiu huffed at that. "You know I hated that stupid joke of his!"


    "But he wasn''t lying back then!"


    Xiu pouted at her best friend for saying that. Okay, she might have seemed a bit thinner than she did last week. But it couldn''t possibly be that worse as Nora just referred to. Because when Darren had played that joke on her, she was really thin like a matchstick!

 382 Any Less Beautiful

    In their own world, Xiu and Nora had completely forgotten that there were other people in the room as well. But seeing this sweet scene between these sisters, none of those people had dared to disturb.


    If Xin Zimen had seen Xiu''s possessiveness over Nora last night, now he was seeing Nora''s concern over Xiu. One could hardly tell that they were not real sisters. Because the definitely loved each other as one.


    "Zi bro, she said she felt tired and she was nauseous. Don''t you think there is a chance that she is pregnant?"


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at Francesca''s stupid conjecture. While Xiu and Nora had gone rigid to hear her words.


    "France, there is no bun in the oven. Stop assuming on your own. The doctor has confirmed her condition already. There are other million reasons for feeling nauseous and lethargic." Xin Zimen didn''t even bother speaking nicely. He was stating the truth.


    "It sounds funny when you say there is no bun in the oven," said Francesca as she tried to understand this strange term before she turned to her son with disdainful eyes, "Dear son, you need to work hard then. What a disappointment you are!"


    While Darren gaped at his mother in disbelief, Xiu almost choked on air. Was she for real? Xiu placed her hands over her cheeks that were feeling hot and she could bet it wasn''t because of the fever this time.


    When Nora finally looked at Francesca, her eyes widened. She had seen a photo of her with Darren where she had assumed that Francesca could be anyone but Darren''s mother. But now the way she addressed Darren...


    "She''s really Darren''s mother?" Nora couldn''t help asking Xiu secretly.


    Xiu nodded her head in reply. "So when are you planning on jumping down the building?" She wiggled her eyes at Nora who had a bet last time that if Francesca was Darren''s mother, she''d jump down from their balcony or something. Xiu hadn''t forgotten that. Not at all.


    Nora''s face was priceless as she looked at her best friend. "You''d be lonely without me so I dropped the idea."


    Xiu shook her head at Nora amusingly. It''s not that she really was looking forward to that jump. She was just amused to see Nora''s reaction. It was worth it!


    Nora stood up from beside Xiu and turned to Francesca, "Hi, I''m Nora Cartwright. I''m Xiu''s best friend and her sister. I''m sorry I didn''t introduce myself earlier."


    Francesca shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Either my presence is too insignificant or you both really are alike. Because Xiu also didn''t notice me when we first met." Nora pursed her lips because she knew how Xiu didn''t notice her mother-in-law. She had heard that story. "From your expressions, I believe you''re familiar with the story."


    Nora nodded her head in response as she grinned, "I guess we really are alike then."


    "You''re smart enough to connect the dots," was Xin Zimen''s simple reply.


    Darren couldn''t help looking back at Xiu in surprise. This sweet girl could really do some damage, huh! He wasn''t really surprised though. Knowing her personality, it wasn''t hard to guess what must have happened.


    Instead of saying anything, Darren just picked Xiu up from the end and moved towards the door saying, "I think it''s better if I take her home. She won''t be able to rest here."


    Xiu didn''t protest. She also felt like she should be at home now. Even Xin Zimen didn''t say anything this time since Darren was with Xiu unlike in the morning when she was planning on driving on her own in that condition.


    Outside the house, Darren placed Xiu in the backseat of his car. "Nora, you coming with us?"


    Nora shook her head, "I have to go to mom''s place."


    "Then how are you going? We''ll drop you on the way," Darren offered kindly.


    "Nah... Thanks but I have the car, I''ll manage."


    Darren nodded his head and was about to sit beside Xiu when she suddenly yelped, "My bat!" And just as she said it, her precious bat appeared before her eyes. She looked over to see Xin Zimen holding it out to her.


    "Try not to use it very often. But if you do happen to get in trouble, just give me a call."


    Xiu grinned brightly as she took her bat from him then she saw him turning to Darren to give her medicine to him and also some advice which she couldn''t hear. From her seat, she could also see Nora saying goodbye to her little baby girl. She looked really reluctant to part with that bundle of joy but she had to.


    "So, I just learned something new today." Xiu looked up to see Francesca who was sitting behind the steering wheel. "I just got to know that Ah-Si has a daughter named Ava. I also got to know that Ava''s mother is Nora. And I also learned that Ah-Si and Nora are not together but they both love each other even now."


    "Huh? How do you know the last part?" Xiu couldn''t help asking that. The way Francesca said that Ah-Si and Nora were in love with each other seemed like she was certain.


    "Honey, it''s that obvious," replied Francesca as she turned slightly to look at Xiu''s face. "Their eyes can''t stop looking at each other with that longing palpable in those orbs. Only an idiot won''t be able to tell."


    Xiu chuckled at her reply, "I guess those two are the only idiots then."


    "And I very much agree with you," Francesca smiled at Xiu gently as she started the engine and shouted at her son, "Oi! Are you coming or what?!"


    "Patience, mama!" Darren shouted back at her while she rolled her eyes at her son.


    "He''s such a sweetheart but he can be a really annoying person sometimes," Francesca grumbled to herself but Xiu didn''t respond to it.


    Xiu had also learned somethings today...


    One; It was a very nice and warm feeling someone took care of you. Like when Xin Zimen and Francesca fed her with their own hands.


    Two; Some relationships were hard to understand but that didn''t make them any less beautiful. Like Nora and Ah-Si.


    Three; A child is not necessarily an image of his/her parents. Like in Darren''s case, he might look slightly like his mother but his nature or character were definitely not like hers.


    Four; She had fallen in love with this family.


    Five; She''d very much like to become a part of this family. The idea of having a family wasn''t as scary as before.

 383 Im Gonna Combus

    Reaching the condominium building, Francesca had pushed Darren to Xiu''s house saying, "I also need some privacy. Go and disturb your girlfriend now." She had strictly ordered Darren to take care of her.


    Neither Xiu nor Darren were dumb enough to not understand that she was actually giving them space. She wasn''t looking for privacy, she wanted to give them privacy. And indeed that was Francesca''s plan. She had seen the way Xiu depended on Darren. The way these two love-birds had been clinging to each other on the backseat was enough for her.


    She really couldn''t bring herself to be the third wheel again. That much torture on her soul was enough for today. Now, she just planned on turning on the tv and watch horror movies to pass her time. Maybe the sourness of horror movies might be able to lessen the sugary taste that the XiuRen ship left in her mouth.


    GOD! She loved this adorable ship named XiuRen but she was really not able to bear with them anymore. They were really too much for her poor heart.


    When Xiu entered her own apartment with Darren trailing behind her, she couldn''t but say, "Your mom is..."


    "Weird? Strange? Bizarre? Crazy?" Darren offered his list of vocabulary for her to choose from.


    Xiu pursed her lips as she shook her head at him. "I was gonna say cute. She''s really cute but I can''t disagree with all that you just said." Darren chuckled at her reply knowingly. "I didn''t imagine her to be this way."


    Darren sat down with her on the couch as he pulled her body into him as he questioned, "What did you have in mind then? What image of Francesca Salvay did you make in your head?"


    Xiu looked at his face thoughtfully, "I thought since she has a son like you and she raised you so beautifully, she''d be a strong, bold, independent but also a strict mother. Moreover, I was thinking that since she raised you all on her own, and as you told me she never had much time for you, I thought you both be really distant."


    "Mama was busy always but whenever she was home, she made sure that she was there for me. She is actually a very simple mother. I told you already if you love me with all your heart that''s more than enough for her. Because she never had any expectations for my life partner, it had always been my own decision. But yes, she always wanted someone who''d wholeheartedly love her son."


    Xiu nodded her head as she muttered, "Beautiful people do have beautiful thinking as well. She''s very impressive."


    Darren kissed her head, "Yes, she is impressive but my Sweets is also very impressive." Xiu quirked her brows at him. "I think I''m very lucky that all women in my life have remarkable personalities."


    "Are you proud of the women in your life or yourself?" Xiu questioned as she got up, and he only shrugged his shoulders at her. She turned around to add, "I''m gonna take a hot bath. I''m feeling very uncomfortable in these clothes now."


    "Pervert!"


    "Oh please! If there is a pervert between us that''s definitely you, Sweets. Don''t forget how or where we met. In both of your lifetimes." Xiu could only press her lips together at the reminder. He was right, even as Chen Xiu she was checking him out in the bar and even as Bai Xiu, she was checking his naked body out at the hot springs. Wow! She really was consistent with one thing; checking him out! "Anyways, I had no immoral thoughts. I just think that you''re still sick, weak and you can''t even use your right hand. I''ll be helpful."


    Xiu took a step back while he took a step towards her. "Let me help."


    Xiu shook her head frantically, "No way!"


    "Why are you hesitating? It''s not like I haven''t seen anything? I''m more than familiar with that body of yours. More than you think."


    Xiu covered her ears and tried to stop that crimson color from rising up on her face. "Regan! You''re being shameless!"


    "So? I can be shameless with my Sweets. Now, come on! Don''t push me away!"


    "Definitely not happening!" said Xiu as she ran off and locked herself in the bathroom.


    Darren was left with a sense of loss outside the door but his lips were still curled up in a beautiful smile. He knew Xiu would never let him help. But it was fun teasing her. Especially now when she didn''t hide her blush from him.


    But he didn''t know that it wasn''t that Xiu didn''t want to hide her blush, she just couldn''t do so anymore. The control of her own emotions had long been given to Darren.


    "Sweets, I''m feeling sad now! You just promised that you won''t ever push me away and you won''t hide from me. But right now, you''re locking me out!"


    Xiu who was still standing with her back pressed against the bathroom door listened to him clearly. She didn''t know whether she was feeling weak or not? But he was definitely making her heart shake wildly. She could literally hear her heartbeat going, ''lab-dab! lab-dab!''


    Xiu could only shout back, "I''m not locking you out. But if I let you in, I''m gonna combust. You might not know but those flames burning in your stupidly beautiful eyes are my undoing. I can''t escape even if I want to."


    Darren smiled happily to hear that. Did she think it was that easily being around her for him as well? There was not a single moment when he didn''t want to touch her. That''s the effect of love when you''re in love, you couldn''t possibly take your eyes or hands off of each other. But if you don''t feel this way, are you really in love?


    And with the kind of consuming love these two had for each other, it was already a wonder how they could pretend to be calm and collected in the presence of others.

 384 Have The Throne

    Darren took Xiu''s phone which was on the bed and put it on charging. Just as the phone turned on, it started buzzing off nonstop. Darren raised his brows when he noticed that the person who had insistently been calling her had been Dylan.


    Rrrr...


    The phone rang again and the caller id was still the same. He was contemplating whether to pick up the phone or not when Xiu''s voice came from the bathroom, "Can you check who that is? And if it''s Dylan tell him to fuck off! It''s Sunday, I''m not working!"


    Darren laughed a little before he took the call.


    "Are we going through a break-up or what? Why are you not taking my calls? Why are ignoring me? Damn it! I''m frustrated. I need you!"


    Darren''s voice hardened, "I don''t know about break up but I''m certainly gonna break you bloody legs if you didn''t stop talking like Xiu is your girlfriend." Dylan was startled to hear his best friend''s voice from the other side.


    "Dazi!" Dylan tried to speak.


    "Shut up! Whether my girl ignores or not, don''t you dare raise your voice at her."


    "Yes, boss! I understand!"


    "Now, why are you looking for her?" Darren finally questioned in a slightly better tone.


    "Why can''t I? She''s my assistant and my sister-in-law. I have double rights on her."


    "Are you really trying to fight over who has more right between the two of us?" Darren was amused by Dylan''s words.


    "I can''t fight with you," answered Dylan honestly. "But seriously, where is she? Why am I not able to contact her from last night?"


    Darren took a deep sigh as he explained Xiu''s adventure to him and went on, "I think she forgot her cellphone here. That''s why you''re not able to get to her. But why are you even looking for her? What''s up? If it''s work-related, I''m not letting her help. She needs rest."


    "It''s something personal," retorted Dylan grumpily.


    "And since when did you start having personal things to discuss with my Xiu?" Darren had emphasized on ''My Xiu'' as a clear reminder call to Dylan that he was playing on a dangerous edge now. "I''m your best friend. Talk to me. I''m here to listen."


    "How stingy are you really?!" Dylan spoke disdainfully. "Now you even have an issue with me talking to your girlfriend?"


    "Yes, I have a problem because I don''t want her to get involved with your stupid issues."


    "So, now my issues are stupid?" Dylan sounded really sad.


    "Didi, stop trying to digress from the real topic. Tell me what''s going on with you? I feel like just like Xiu, you''re also hiding something from me. But my question is, why? You never hide anything from me but now, you''re more comfortable sharing your issues with my girlfriend rather than me?"


    "Dazi, I want to tell you but... I''m not sure what to tell you."


    "Why is it so difficult?"


    "It''s not difficult. It''s complicated."


    "What exactly is complicated?"


    "My feelings," answered Dylan without hesitation this time. Because he was certain about this one. His feelings were complicated. And Cali wasn''t really helping much either. He had mustered up so much courage to say something but she left without even listening to him. Now, where was he supposed to gather that courage from again?


    "Haven''t you heard, dear Didi?" Dylan raised his brow waiting for him to continue, "Feelings are not complicated. It''s feelings that complicate everything."


    Dylan was stunned still. Those words hit the mark. He could feel the reality of those words. No, he was living the reality of those words. Until he knew there were no feelings, everything was fine between him and Cali. But now those feelings got involved, everything just got complicated.


    "Cali told me everything about the other night," Darren finally revealed the truth as he sat down on Xiu''s bed. Dylan wasn''t surprised at all, that''s why he didn''t react. "Now, my question to you is, are you certain about your feelings?"


    "You don''t think my feelings are real?" Dylan questioned with a heavy heart. "Do you think I''d kiss her with uncertain feelings?"


    "No, I don''t," replied Darren. "But I''m just trying to say that... Maybe what you''re feeling is just ''Suspension Bridge Effect''."


    Dylan was surprised to hear that. ''Suspension Bridge Effect'' is a situation where you might misunderstand the feelings when crossing a suspension bridge between fear and love. It could also be described as you fell in love with the other person only because he/she rescued you from trouble or maybe invoke those feelings of belongingness. But this kind of love is only temporary.


    "I can assure you that it''s not a temporary feeling. That''s all I can tell you but I have no way of making you believe it," answered Dylan in a firm voice. He knew Darren said all that because he cared about both him and Cali. He didn''t want both of them to get hurt. And he was thankful for that. It was enough to know that Darren wasn''t trying to push him away from Cali. This much was really enough for him.


    "If it''s not temporary then are those complicated feelings of yours... Are they worth fighting for?"


    Dylan thought deeply about it before smiling to himself. "Yes. Not just my feelings, she''s also worth fighting for."


    Darren was relieved to hear that. It brought him great joy to know that his best friend was thinking this way. "Then, Didi, go and fight for those feelings and your girl. What''s holding you back?"


    "The girl herself is holding me back!" Dylan retorted in annoyance. "She''s running from me."


    "She''s not a runner though," replied Darren thoughtfully. "But if she is, give it your all. If she''s running from you, you run after her but don''t you dare run away from her."


    "Whose side are you on?"


    "I''ll stick on Cali''s side. I have a hunch that you already have my Sweets as your backer."


    Dylan laughed out, "I chose the real boss as my backer."


    Darren wasn''t upset that he was teasing him with Xiu''s name. Yes, between these two, Xiu was the backer but so what? He was more than happy to let her have the throne!


    "I guess you got smart!" muttered Darren.

 385 Paranoia

    Xiu slowly peeked out of the bathroom door and found Darren sitting right there at her bed. He also lifted his eyes to see her biting her lips. "What''s up?" he questioned.


    "I forgot my clothes," she answered softly.


    The smile on Darren''s face took a different turn. What luck! Even heaven was on his side right now!


    Darren just nodded his head and kept looking at her face. Xiu was really annoyed that he was neither saying anything nor was he leaving the room. What was he trying to do? Didn''t he get the hint? Of course, he got the hint! He was just trying to irritate her on purpose now!


    "Regan baby, can you pass me my clothes? Or maybe just leave the room?"


    "Why should I?" he responded while wiggling his brows. "Come out and take it yourself. I already told you, I have seen everything."


    "Can you please stop repeating that?" Xiu was really frustrated now at the way he was teasing her again and again. "Give me the clothes. Pleaseee!!!"


    Darren sighed out and walked into her closet to get her nightwear. As he passed it to her, Xiu''s fingers brushed lightly against his hand but it burnt her skin. This was really a danger. Did he say they were gonna live together? How was she gonna keep her sanity around him for 24/7? She might really combust within the very first few hours.


    When Xiu came out after drying her hair and wearing the black silk pajamas that he chose for her, Darren was leaning against the headboard of the bed. He was so carelessly sprawled on her bed as if it was his own. But could she really complain?


    "This got wet," Xiu raised her hand to show her wet bandage which earned a glare from Darren.


    "I told you to let me help but I don''t know what nonsense runs through that head of yours that you didn''t let me help." He was complaining in a soft voice as he got up to take the first-aid kit and helped her in changing the bandage as he said, "Don''t throw a punch again if you''re gonna hurt yourself like this. If you want to beat someone, call me. I''ll do it for you."


    Xiu smiled at him. "Would you have punched Ah-Si if I asked you to?"


    "Anyone!" he retorted sincerely looking into her eyes to show his conviction. "As long as you want it."


    Xiu hugged his waist and buried her face into his chest, liking the feeling of the fabric of his shirt rubbing against her skin while his scent tingled all her nerves.


    Darren settled up in bed with her still clinging to him as he said, "Why are you suddenly acting so clingy? Just a while ago, you..."


    "Get over it already," she chided in a soft tone and he sealed his lips. "Also, why can''t I be clingy? You said you love to see me being clingy."


    Darren ran his fingers through her hair softly, "Yes, I do. But then again, I love every version of yours. Even the one that loves tantalizing me." Xiu puffed up her cheeks at the way he chuckled at her. Darren pinched her cheeks.


    "Sweets..."


    "Hmm..."


    "You still didn''t tell me what''s been stressing you out?" Xiu''s finger stopped. "I know it''s bothering you and I don''t like it that it''s taking your sleep from you. After all, you love sleeping."


    Xiu again began to draw circles on his skin as she voiced, "Maybe I''m just being paranoid."


    "Even if it''s paranoia, I''d like to know about it."


    Xiu sighed out, "It started at the airport. I felt like a pair of eyes were staring at me, constantly following me. But everything was okay once I reached Lin City until that very night, the feeling came crawling back into my heart." Darren silently listened while she clutched his shirt tightly. "It''s a psychological fact that our mind can sense someone staring at us even when we''re asleep."


    Darren nodded his head since he also knew about this fact. "That night I felt like someone was looking at me when I was asleep." Darren raised his brows at her. "I tried sleeping again convincing myself that it was just my mind playing games with me." Xiu took a pause to look up at his face. "But then I had a dream, I saw myself running in a dark alley. There was no one around but I could hear someone''s footsteps behind me."


    "But it was just a nightmare," Darren consoled her gently.


    "I know," she insisted. "I know it was a nightmare but you see, I have had these kinds of dreams before. But those dreams seemed like a story was playing in my mind. This also felt real because I could feel the panic, the fear, the helplessness, and yet, I wasn''t able to do anything. It was all so real."


    Darren fondled her cheeks lovingly to calm her nerves while she continued after a breather, "After that, I couldn''t sleep. The feeling of being watched is not going away. No matter how I try, I''m not able to forget it. Maybe the nightmare got to me but now, I feel like someone is behind me wherever I go. And it''s scaring me."


    Xiu looked into his eyes with fear palpable in her eyes. "It''s just like being followed by paparazzi. You know I have no good memories with those people who followed me with cameras. Heck! They even made me scared of a camera now. I don''t wanna go back to that but this fear is gnawing at my heart."


    Darren pressed his lips tightly. She was a superstar, it was inevitable to avoid paparazzi. But those vulgar creatures had literally shredded her reputation to pieces and left her with nothing. Her fear was justified.


    Darren stroked her head. "Sweets, I''m here with you. And from now on, I''ll go with you everywhere until you lose this paranoia. So, please stop overthinking. I don''t want to see you get sick again."


    Xiu tried to smile back at him but her smile didn''t come out as bright as it usually was. However, it was enough for now. Because she was relaxed to know that he''d be around her. It gave her some comfort. If he was around then she could handle everything. Whether it was her paranoia or reality, she was willing to face it all.

 386 Hobo!

    "Nono, what are you doing?"


    Nora had been sitting in her car with her head on the steering wheel for a while now. She had parked the car before her house but didn''t dare walk inside. Something was weighing down on her. She wasn''t feeling very well.


    And while she was mulling over her own problems, her car''s window was tapped by her little brother.


    Jackson had seen her car from his window the moment she came back but he thought she''d come inside. So, he waited but she didn''t come even after half an hour of waiting. He constantly kept an eye on her movement and feeling like something was wrong, he decided to finally check up on her.


    Nora winded down the glass as she tilted her head to look at him, "Is mom and dad home?" He nodded his head. "Oh, there goes another excuse to turn back." She really was looking for an excuse to delay this conversation. Even though it was needed, she still didn''t know how to face them.


    "What are you really doing?" He asked in exasperation. Her expressions weren''t really helping right now.


    Nora took a deep calming breath before she pushed open the door and got down. She held Jackie up in her arms and when he tried to escape, she mumbled, "Your sister needs you. Can''t you offer her some strength?"


    Jackie squinted his eyes at her. "What mess did you got into now? How can I help you when I don''t even know what''s happening with you?"


    "You don''t need to do anything, just hold my hand. It''s enough for now," said Nora softly. She wanted this support from Xiu but since Xiu was sick, she didn''t want to drag her into this baggage of hers. It was her own problem and she needed to solve it herself.


    She knew she needed to solve it herself but...


    It wasn''t as easy as it sounded though.


    When Nora entered the house, she found her mom and dad sitting in the lounge having some discussion. She could see that they were busy with work, so she didn''t disturb them.


    "Oh, Nora... When did you come?" asked Jing Ge looking at this daughter of his.


    "Why do you like that?" Her mother Clara pointed out making Nora look down at her clothes. "Did you forget how to take care of yourself? How can you roam around looking like a buffoon?"


    "Mom, buffoon? Seriously?" Nora was really in disbelief. Her mother could never just show her motherly affection like a normal person. Clara shrugged her shoulders. "Where is Mel?"


    "Your grandaunt left in the morning," replied Clara casually. "Don''t you remember she had a flight scheduled for today?"


    Nora had really forgotten about this. She had just met Mel yesterday and after that, she was so absorbed in dealing with herself that she completely forgot about this.


    "Take a bath," said Clara. "Did you even eat anything?" Nora shook her head making Clara glared at her in annoyance. "Oh, so you plan on becoming a real hobo now!"


    Nora smiled thankfully at her step-father but her smile was strained. Her heart was clenching in her chest. Jing Ge had truly been an amazing father to her. He loved her, cared for her, did everything to make her feel like they were family. She really didn''t know how she was gonna look at him.


    Would he really hate her if he knew what a failure she was? Would he also leave as her own father did? Or maybe, he wouldn''t even want to see her again.


    All these thoughts were running through her mind as Nora made her way to her room. She had put Jackie down at his room''s door and now, she just laid on her bed staring at the ceiling with complicated feelings.


    "Bitter or sweet, you''re gonna have to face this reality," she mumbled to herself before getting up to take a shower.


    Downstairs...


    "Don''t you think something is wrong with Nora?" inquired Jing Ge looking at his wife.


    Clara had a thoughtful look as she replied, "Who knows what she''s dreading now. But I''m sure she''ll come around. You don''t worry about it." He nodded at her. "Sister Qin, can you please make something for Nora?" she shouted from the lounge.


    "Yes, madam!" came the reply from the kitchen.


    When Nora came down, a bowl of noodles was already waiting for her. She sat down calmly and started slurping on the hot noodles. But just as she drank the soup of the noodle directly from the bowl, she froze seeing how her parents were staring at her curiously.


    "You have something to say?" Clara started the conversation.


    "How do you know that?"


    "It''s written all over your face," said Jing Ge.


    Nora pursed her lips before wiping her mouth with the napkin. She stared at their faces for a moment longer before speaking up, "Mom, I told you about a boy I was in love with."


    Clara nodded her head. "Yes, I remember." Nora didn''t have to repeat anything for Jing Ge because if his mother knew then there was no way her father didn''t know. The one thing she loved about her parent''s relationship was the fact they had a very transparent relationship. Both of them didn''t hide anything from each other. Even if they both were in different fields of works, there was nothing that they didn''t know about each other''s life.


    "I got pregnant back then," she finally blurted out as she closed her eyes not daring to see their expressions. From the moment, she got to know about her pregnancy to the point she ran away to her grandmother, she told everything to them calmly and both of them didn''t even interrupt her. However, their silence was the reason why she opened her eyes again to look at them when she finished her piece.

 387 A Failed Mother

    Nora rubbed her hands together, feeling nervous. Their silence was getting to her in a bad way now. Why were they so silent? They needed to say something!


    "Mom... Dad..." she called out softly.


    Clara raised her hand to stop her from continuing as she mumbled, "You''re telling me I have a granddaughter?" Nora nodded her head. "And she''s three years old already?" Nore bit her lips as she nodded again.


    "Mom, I''m really sorry that I hid this from you but I didn''t want to let you down."


    Clara rubbed her forehead as she said, "You hid such a huge thing from me and you think I won''t be disappointed?"


    Nora shook her head and tried to hold her hand which she pulled away. "I didn''t really want to hide it all. I really didn''t know. I wasn''t thinking straight at that time."


    "Is that why you decided to confide in my mother? You chose to trust my mother when I couldn''t trust her all my life?" Nora''s eyes widened. She knew her mother never had a good relationship with her grandmother. "Instead of coming to me, you ran to her? Where did I go wrong? How was I not enough for you? How did I make you feel like you couldn''t share this with me? Maybe, I''d have been disappointed in you but for how long? You''re my daughter, eventually, I''d accept all your flaws and mistakes. Then why did you not trust me?"


    "Mom..."


    Clara stood up from her chair and turned to leave. Nora was scared as she looked at her father.


    Jing Ge also took a deep breath. He still couldn''t believe everything that Nora told them. It was hard to think that their daughter had hidden something like this from them. She suffered all alone but didn''t let them know? They could have been there for her but no, she chose to stay silent. Even for years and if she hadn''t found her daughter now, was she planning on keeping this a secret for life?


    "Where is she?" he asked in a heavy tone. Nora raised her brow looking perplexed at his question. "Your daughter. Where is she?"


    "Umm... Ava is with her father," said Nora.


    He nodded in understanding. "How is she?"


    "She hasn''t started talking yet but the doctors say it''s nothing to worry about. She''s healthy and very happy."


    He came to her side and hugged her gently. "Sorry, dad didn''t know you''re going through so much on your own. Sorry that dad didn''t know anything about your pain. I should have paid more attention. But I guess I wasn''t a good father."


    Nora was startled as she looked at him shook her head. "No, dad. You''re best. It''s not your fault that I turned out to be such a person. You did your best in everything. It''s me who failed you. I''m sorry. I''m really sorry."


    He smiled gently at her before he also followed his wife. Nora was left alone in the dining room or so she thought.


    "Jackie..."


    Jackson had listened to her from the start to finish, he walked up to her and tugged at her hand. Nora bent down to his height as he asked, "Did it hurt?"


    "Huh?"


    "When grandmother told you that your baby is no more, did it hurt?"


    Nora didn''t know where this question came from. Why was he asking her that? But she still nodded her head. "It hurt very much." Tears had again formed in her eyes now.


    Jackie looked down as he asked, "Is it hurting now when mom doesn''t want to let you explain?"


    Nora''s tears fell down. She couldn''t get the image of her mother''s expressions out of her mind. The way her mother looked at her said so many things that it pierced Nora''s heart brutally. "It''s painful." She mumbled softly.


    Jackie wiped her tears with his small hands and he said, "Mom is also hurting because you turned your back on her. You chose to lean on another person than her. Nono, mom loves you dearly even though her way of showing it is different. But you know that what you did has broken her now. You made her feel like a failed mother."


    Nora was stunned to hear his analysis. How was he at such a young age was able to understand it but she wasn''t? Now that he pointed it out, Nora realized that what she saw in her mother''s eyes earlier wasn''t contempt or anger. It was like something broke inside her.


    So, that means she broke her mother? But that wasn''t her intention though. That was really not her intention. It''s really not like she didn''t want to lean on her mother. But... How was she supposed to justify what she did?


    "Are you not upset with me?" she asked Jackie who shook his head. "Why not? I thought you''d be really mad."


    "I''m mad but I''m mad at myself because I''m too young and I can''t protect you like I want to. Sorry, Nono, Jackie is still not good enough."


    Nora pulled him in a hug immediately. "Stupid little brother, you''re good enough. It''s me who''s lacking way too much." She really didn''t expect that her brother would handle this so well. She was expecting a whole lot of drama from him but he didn''t do anything like that. It warmed her heart to know that he was willing to stay by her side. At least, someone was with her.

 388 Dear Goddess Xiu

    When Xiu''s eyes opened in the middle of the night, she found herself in that exact same position as she had been in before closing her eyes. Her legs were tangled with Darren''s, her head on his shoulder while her hand was right above his heart.


    Xiu smiled at him seeing how even now his arm was around her back. With her finger, she brushed his hair away from his forehead and stared at his face for a long time.


    Finally, she slowly and carefully peeled herself away from his grasp and left the room. Coming to the living room, she looked around for her handbag. As she found it under the table, she opened the zip and took that ''mystery box'' out.


    On the coffee table, she placed Destiny''s mystery box on the right side and the book she got from Xin Zimen''s library on the left side. And now sitting on the sofa, she just stared at these two items with great interest. Her expressions didn''t give away the tremble in her heart.


    The voice in her head told her that once she opened this pandora box, there was no turning back. And she honestly didn''t know whether she was ready to face whatever secrets this box was holding in. While she was lost in her trance, she felt warmth on her shoulder and tilted her head to see Darren rubbing his eye while his other arm was wounded around her shoulder.


    "Why did you wake up?" he asked groggily and yawned with his eyes half-closed.


    "You should go back to sleep," said Xiu softly.


    Darren blinked his eyes to keep the drowsiness at bay. As he looked at that box on the table. he inquired, "Did you solve the riddle?"


    Xiu pursed her lips and nodded her head. "I think I know the answer."


    "Then why aren''t you opening this?" Wasn''t she eager to know the mystery behind this mystery box? Then why was she hesitating now? "What''s wrong?"


    Xiu leaned her head on his shoulder. "I don''t know. I feel like my life won''t be the same if I opened this thing."


    "Life isn''t gonna stay the same anyway," replied Darren while stroking her head like he always did to comfort her. Then he took her hand in his own and placed their intertwined hands on his thigh saying, "It''s okay to have some change in life. Change is necessary to grow up and grow stronger. Do you really wanna live in darkness for life?" She shook her head in response. "Then you''ll have to open this box."


    Xiu pressed her lips together and nodded. She leaned over and took the box in her hand. Clicking the button that made the keypad appear, she looked at Darren again who smiled at her reassuringly. Sighing out, she pressed the code which she somehow knew was the answer to all this mystery, ''0114''.


    *CLICK!*


    Xiu''s heart almost stopped beating when the box opened with a click sound. See? She just knew this was the answer she had been looking for. It''s just that she found this answer at a very unexpected place. And at the most unexpected time as well.


    Staring at the content inside the box, her mind went blank.


    Letters...


    Yes, the box had a dozen or so letters in it. And the most bizarre part, each letter was addressed to only one person, Chen Xiu.


    As Xiu held the letters in her hand and skimmed through to find even a single letter that wasn''t addressed to her, she was disappointed to see that all these were indeed for her. Destiny had written all these letters to her but she never posted these. But if she wasn''t gonna post these why did she write the letters?


    "Are these fan letters?" inquired Darren as he also stared curiously. "I remember Dylan used to write fan letters to you. But he also never posted it."


    "Why?" she asked with perplexion.


    "I don''t know honestly, he never answered me," replied Darren honestly. "You should ask him yourself."


    Xiu looked down at the letters and hesitated.


    "Don''t you want to read what she had to say?"


    Xiu shook her head immediately without even thinking. "It''s a letter from the previous owner of this body. She used these hands to write these letters. But now, I''m the one in this body. It feels so strange. How can I read it without feeling guilty?"


    "But why are you guilty? It''s not like you stole this body. It''s all about heaven''s choices. If heaven chose this body for your soul, it must have something planned. You can''t doubt heaven''s big and complex plans." Darren patted her head. "Just read it. If nothing, it''ll give the real owner of this body a closure."


    Saying that Darren didn''t sit with her. He gave her the time and privacy to deal with this. He couldn''t do anything for her in this matter. This was something she had to face herself. He could only urge her to try.


    All the letters had a date on them probably the date the particular letter was written on. Xiu didn''t choose a random letter. She took the one which had a date from about 9 years ago. She calculated and realized that Destiny must have been about 15 or so when she wrote this letter to her. That''s such a long time ago, did Destiny knew her for that long?


    Really?


    Well, all of her questions had only one answer...


    These letters in her hands.


    If she needed answers, she needed to read these letters. Perhaps, this was her only way of knowing what obsession Destiny had with her. What was the connection between Chen Xiu and Destiny Novell? Only these letters could tell her.


    She only took that one letter while she placed the others back in the box. She slowly opened the special letter paper and read...


    ''Dear Goddess Xiu,''

 389 One Of Your Million Fans

    ''Dear Goddess Xiu,


    I have never written a letter before to anyone. And since my Mandarin is not something to be proud of, I''m not sure what I''m gonna write and how. This is also my 15th try and I''m still not sure what I want to say. Most probably, I''m never gonna post it and you''re never gonna read it.


    However, I still would like to pen this one out. There are some feelings that I''d like to share with you.


    First of all, let me introduce myself.


    My name is Destiny Novell but trust me, my name has no effect on my life since my destiny is still as fucked up as it could be. It''s just like how your name is Felicity Chen and I have never seen you happy. I guess our names really did us no good. Ironic, isn''t it?


    Coming back to the real topic, why am I writing this letter?


    What is it that I want to say to you?


    First and foremost, I want to say thank you! You must be wondering why I suddenly am showing this gratitude? But don''t be surprised. Not just yet...


    Last year, on April 24th, it was the first time I saw you. On a rainy night, in the middle of the road, no one stopped except for you. You were wearing a white gown and you didn''t even care whether it got dirtied by the mud or the blood. You didn''t even bother caring whether your expensive car would get sullied. You didn''t even hesitate to help a complete stranger.


    My mother told me, ''We are only as pretty as we treat people around us.''


    I never understood her meaning until I saw you. That night I met two people... One was the grim reaper there to take my life and the other was an angel who brought me back to life. I might not know the grim reaper''s name but I know the angel named Chen Xiu.


    I hope you understood why I said thank you to you earlier. It was for the same reason if you had not stopped your car and helped me, I would have lost my life that day. I''m only 15 by the way and I think I have yet to see a lot. So, I don''t plan on dying so soon.


    I have never believed in destiny until I met you. Because after coming across you, I realized destiny wasn''t just a joke. Well, Destiny Novell can be a joke but the destiny written by heaven''s will can''t be a joke.


    I oddly think that you don''t remember me after all, an angel would never keep track of how many good deeds she has done. I''m sure I was just another person in your life whom you helped. But I feel it created a bond between us. Technically, I have your blood running in my veins (That''s a pathetic joke, I know.)


    Writing it down really helped to ease my heart. I feel like I''ve done good. As for whether I''ll post this letter or not, I''m gonna leave it to destiny. I''m not talking about myself here. You know what I mean.


    One of your million fans,


    Destiny Novell.''


    As Xiu read through the letter in her hands, she stared at the words blankly. She could read it but why couldn''t she understand it?


    Rainy night?


    I saved her life?


    All of these questions ran through her mind. If this event really happened then it should be in her memories since she had her memories from the previous life. But why was it that difficult to recall?


    In that letter, Destiny had written the truth about Xiu. She indeed had helped so many people in life that she herself didn''t know it. The blame should go to her poor memory skills.


    Xiu picked up the laptop from under the table and turned it on. She felt like that date represented something. As she searched about Chen Xiu and April 24th, plenty of search results came out.


    //Headline: "Legion Movie''s main actress, Chen Xiu didn''t appear at the premiere!"


    //Headline: "Chen Xiu, the newly crowned Goddess Xiu forsook the red carpet. Is the fame getting to her that fast?"


    //Headline: "Hundreds of fans waiting outside the venue disappointed. Chen Xiu has yet to release a statement."


    Xiu''s mind buzzed as she read these headlines. That date did represent something. She was scorned so badly for thinking too highly of herself. But not even one of those news channels actually wondered whether she was safe or not? Perhaps, she got stuck somewhere? No, all of them just shoved the blame on her.


    *Flashback*


    "Can you drive in this weather?" The silky smooth voice of the girl rang from the backseat.


    "Don''t worry, Sister Xiu. I''ll take care of everything," replied her assistant, Han Bohai. He had only been selected as her temporary assistant a few days ago since her last assistant had gotten into an accident. That''s why she was doubtful about his skills since he was barely a year or two younger than her.


    "Okay, just relax and no need to rush as well," advised Xiu as she leaned back in the seat looking out the window. Seeing the raindrops hitting the glass of the window, she sighed out heavily, "Nothing good comes out of this weather. It''s depressing to me again."


    The car was driving smoothly on the busy road when suddenly a woman appeared right in the middle of the road. "Watch it!" Xiu shouted and Han Bohai instantly pressed the breaks. The car''s tires slid on the slippery road but thankfully, it stopped and didn''t hurt anyone.


    "Who is this madwoman?" Han Bohai shouted in anger.


    He was about to go out to look when Xiu placed a hand on his shoulder indicating him to stay still. The woman came rushing as she saw the car had stopped and tapped on Xiu''s window. Xiu winded the glass down slightly as she looked at the woman who didn''t look Chinese at all.


    "Please, help me! My daughter is hurt. She''s bleeding badly. I need to take her to the hospital. Nobody is stopping the car." Her frantic voice, the panic on her face, and the tears in her eyes got Xiu''s heart to feel weird as she nodded.


    "Bohai, go and help her," she instructed.


    "But the premiere..."


    Xiu gave him a stern look, "Go and help her."


    He silently got down the car and went to the side of the road with that woman. When they came back, Xiu could see the young girl in Han Bohai''s arms covered in blood.


    "What happened to her?" Xiu couldn''t help asking as she held the young girl''s head and placed it on her lap. Her blood was staining her expensive white gown but Xiu only cared about the bloody scene before her. The girl''s breathing was harsh as she fluttered her eyes open to see her.


    "I don''t know. I don''t know where those metal rods fell from. I know nothing." Xiu didn''t look at the woman who was apparently the mother of this girl. Her focus was on cleaning the blood off her small face.


    "Drive fast," said Xiu.


    *Flashback, to be continued*

 390 Why Didnt You?

    "Flashback Continued*


    The crimson color was a striking contrast to her pale skin and her white flowing gown. However, it still couldn''t overshadow her beauty. That gentle beauty one could stare at for hours. Her expensive attire and the hospital''s hallway looked at odd with each other.


    But right now, her face was contorted in worry. She was pacing around impatiently.


    "Doctor, how is she?" she rushed to the doctor even before the young girl''s mother could.


    "We need A positive blood urgently. She has lost a lot of blood."


    "I have O positive, I think it''ll work," said Xiu instantly without any hesitation.


    Her assistant held her hand to pull her away, "Sister Xiu, you have already missed the premiere. Tomorrow morning you have a shoot to attend. It''s an action movie and after donation, you''ll get dizzy spells. How will you work?"


    "New assistant, don''t stop me again," she only replied with those words. Her voice still as gentle as always but one could hear her displeasure.


    Without any hesitation, she had decided to donate her blood. If it could save a life, why hesitate? She never had any second thoughts. If she could help just anyone with anything in her power, she''d never turn her back on them.


    When she came out after donating the blood, she sat down at the bench since she was feeling a bit lightheaded now. But hearing that the surgery was successful and that she saved someone''s life, she was over the moon. Even her lightheadedness was all forgotten.


    "Thank you, thank you so much. You''re like an angel who saved my daughter''s life," said the western woman with tears in her eyes as she clasped her hands. "How will I ever repay you? For this kindness? What can I do for you?"


    "You love your daughter very much, right?" she asked in return.


    "Yes, she''s my whole world," the woman answered.


    The smile on Xiu''s face looked different as she said, "Then keep loving her. And stay by her side. That''s the only repayment I need." The westerner woman was startled a bit to hear her words. "I''m not trying to do you a favor actually. It''s a favor to myself. I don''t like turning my back on anyone. I feel like a betrayer if I turn a blind eye to someone in need. So, there is no need for repayment."


    Who knew that the girl who didn''t like turning her back on others would eventually turn her back on herself?


    Saying that she turned to her assistant and said, "Let''s go, Bohai!"


    As the new assistant followed after her, he was feeling really strange looking at her back. She had been depressed when she was going to the premiere and now, she looked like she had just won the whole world.


    "What are you looking at?" she asked noticing the strangeness in his eyes.


    "Do you think this kindness will get you anywhere?"


    Her steps faltered a bit but he held her arm to support her. "You''re really trying to kill yourself. How much blood did you donate?"


    "Not much," she answered with a sweet smile. "Just enough to save that young girl''s life. She is still young and her mother loves her so much. I can do this much for her." She took a pause as she removed the pins from her hair saying, "Besides, blood can be restored. I mean all I have to do is eat healthily and blood will replenish."


    He was really wondering what was going through her mind. What kind of person would risk their whole career for a stranger? How could she be so nonchalant about this? Tonight was supposed to take her a step higher in stardom but all she cared about was how she saved someone''s life.


    "New assistant, remember one thing in life... Kindness is not a gesture. It''s an art. It''s a real beauty. If a person doesn''t have kindness, he really doesn''t know what beauty or happiness feels like." She had spoken with a smile as she settled in the car.


    "Now I know why your previous assistant called you crazy. You''re literally in the truest sense, crazy."


    "Being crazy is better than being cold-hearted."


    Han Bohai stared at her face through the mirror and sighed out, "Be careful Sister Xiu, people like you have to often pay a hefty price for their kindness." Xiu frowned at his words. "Living in a cold-blooded society, you can''t save yourself from being tainted."


    If only she had taken his words seriously back then.


    "Then I''ll show you. Kindness is repaid by heaven. Who wants a repayment from mere humans? What can humans possibly give me?"


    *End of Flashback*


    Coming back to the present...


    The moonlight fell on her figure as she sat in the balcony under the cold breeze holding her head with both hands. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that heaven''s way of repayment was so bizarre.


    The girl she saved that night, she was living in the same girl''s body now.


    What kind of a joke was it?


    She indeed genuinely wanted that young girl to live her life to the fullest but now, she was occupying her body. Did she really deserve it?


    She hurriedly put the letter back into the box and closed it. Her thoughts were all over the place now. Her feelings were even messier. That''s why she didn''t dare read the other letters. No wonder, Destiny said they had a connection. It was a weird connection but it was still there.


    She needed to collect herself before she could read through the next letters. If each of the letters was gonna bring such painful memories from her past to flash before her eyes, she really didn''t know how she was gonna handle it.


    "Destiny... Why didn''t you send these letters?" she questioned in a hushed voice to no one in particular.

 391 Eliminating The Dangers

    The coffee cup rested upon the table; within that cup of swirling golden glaze sat the swirling hues of the coffee, blended perfectly. Right beside the coffee cup, upon a minimalistic white plate was a muffin that screamed ''rich chocolate''. The top of the muffin bore a network of cracks, made as it rose in the oven and fell a small way on cooling.


    The elegant woman extended her hand to pick up the coffee cup but before she could bring it to her lips, her eyes wandered off to the person who came to stand before her. Raising a single brow at him, she put the cup down as she stated, "Ao! Xiao Zi, you''re late!"


    Xin Zimen didn''t pay attention to her simple directness, he directly took a seat opposite her. Raising his hand, he called for the server and asked for tea. When he was done, he looked back at his sister-in-law, Zhao Huan.


    "So, why are you looking for me?" she wondered with her eyes on him. "There must be a reason why you called me early in the morning."


    Xin Zimen contemplated for a moment. "Your intuition was right."


    Zhao Huan''s brows lifted slightly as she tried to comprehend his words. "My intuition is always right. But the question is, what exactly are you referring to?"


    "Carina Novell and my elder brother indeed had a child," answered Xin Zimen with a heavy heart. He also slipped the DNA report towards her. "The DNA matched perfectly."


    The corner of her lips curled up in a knowing smile. "Why is the report crumpled?" Xin Zimen wasn''t willing to tell her that he crumpled it in frustration but she could tell it herself. "How childish of you!" She tutted in disappointment.


    "And Carina Novell is no more." Her smile fell as she heard those direct words from him. "Shouldn''t you be happy to hear that? Why do you look so sad?"


    "Why would I be happy about it?" she retorted.


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders carelessly. "Perhaps because she can''t take your place anymore."


    "She couldn''t take my place anyway," answered Zhao Huan calmly as she took a bite of the muffin. "Where is her...?"


    "Her daughter is in the same city," he continued even before she could finish asking. Seeing how she was lost in her thoughts, he speculated, "Do you think he knows about his daughter?"


    Zhao Huan shook her head, "I''m not certain about that actually." She took a pause before adding, "How did Carina die? And where did she die?"


    Xin Zimen frowned at her question but he still answered, "She died here." Zhao Huan couldn''t help looking at him. "But we don''t know how she died. We''re still working on that."


    "Can''t you just ask her daughter? She must know," she suggested.


    "We can''t," answered Xin Zimen and explained Xiu''s condition to her.


    Xin Zimen hadn''t thought about this particular point at all. He was so overwhelmed to know about Xiu''s relationship with Carina Novell that he completely overlooked the details. But now that he thought about it, why did she change her name? Why did she not go back to her Novell family? What exactly was happening with her?


    "Don''t tell me you think Carina Novell''s death isn''t as simple as it seems," voiced out Xin Zimen what''s been bothering him.


    Zhao Huan passed an old phone to him. He read the text message: "Boss, the work is done. Both mother and daughter are dead." His eyes widened as he read the message.


    She pointed at the phone with her chin, "That''s the reason why I don''t want my husband to know about this. Because I am not sure what role he played in this. But I''m certain, Carina''s daughter knew something. She chose to take a new identity to save herself."


    "You think he could do it to his own daughter?" Xin Zimen was in disbelief now.


    "To be honest, I don''t wanna come up with theories right now. He''s my husband and I know he''s not that kind of a person. But I can''t overlook the fact that the phone in your hand is his."


    No matter what differences there were between Xin Zimen and his brother, he was not willing to believe that his brother could actually do this.


    "What are you thinking now?" she inquired seeing how he stared at her suspiciously.


    "More than my brother, I doubt you."


    She laughed at him mockingly. "He is always trying to tear you apart and here you are telling me that you trust him? What kind of a creature are you, Xiao Zi?" She shook her head in amusement. "And you''re right. I do have plenty of motives to kill both Carina and her daughter. After all, Carina had an affair with my husband behind my back. I couldn''t bear a child for him but she did. I should definitely be going crazy over this."


    "Then why aren''t you going crazy? Why do you look so calm?"


    "What will I get out of it?" she retorted back.


    Before he could answer that, his phone rang and first took the call, "Oh, hey Weiwei! Why are you calling so early in the morning?" He listened to the other side in silence before nodding. "Okay. I''ll come for breakfast in half an hour." Then he hung up the call and looked at Zhao Huan who had been staring at him intently.


    "If you want to know something, just ask."


    She pursed her lips and waited for a moment before asking, "How is she?"


    "Who?" He questioned making her glare at him. "Oh, you mean Weiwei? But if you want to know about Weiwei just ask her." Zhao Huan squinted her eyes at him. "Fine. I''ll stop it now. She''s good. She''s as hyperactive as she had been since forever."


    Zhao Huan nodded her head and got up to leave, "Thanks for the information, Xiao Zi. I very much appreciate it."


    "Wait, you don''t wanna know who Carina Novell''s daughter is?"


    She shook her head. "I don''t have to know that for now. It''s not like I can bring her to the family before eliminating the dangers. But you make sure to keep her safe."

 392 We Aint The Same

    "Are you sure you don''t want to take a day off?"


    The same question was repeated umpteenth time now by Darren since the time he woke up in the morning. He couldn''t help it though; Xiu''s condition was better but she wasn''t completely fine. But she still insisted on going to work.


    "Just because Dylan is your best friend, I can''t take advantage of him. I have to work as I should be doing," said Xiu as she placed her hand against his cheek.


    Both of them were sitting in the backseat of his car which was now parked right outside the office building. They were the only people in the car since Darren''s driver, Ben had already taken the hint and left the car right after parking it. Xiu had to plead so many times before he agreed to let her go to work but here he was being stubborn again.


    "I know. But you''re sick," he repeated as if she didn''t know her own condition.


    "I''m feeling much better," she answered honestly. "Besides, I told you already. I''ll go mad if I stayed at home today." She was dreading those letters that awaited her back home. It''s not like she didn''t want to read those letters but she couldn''t really gather up the courage to do so. Especially after the mental blow, she received from reading the first letter.


    Darren hugged her waist pulling her closer, "It''s okay if you don''t want to stay at home. You can come to my office and rest there."


    Xiu poked his forehead, "Regan, you and I both know that if I went with you, no work will be done."


    Darren smiled sheepishly knowing perfectly well what she was saying. With the way they had been around each other since yesterday, there was no way they''d be able to concentrate on anything else in each other''s presence.


    "You still didn''t tell me what was written in that letter," he muttered softly with his chin on her shoulder. "Is it something I shouldn''t know about?"


    Xiu shook her head while she brushed his hair away from his forehead gently. "It was just a trip down memory lane reminding me that I share a fucked up connection with Destiny." He quirked his brow at her in a perplexing manner. "The letter reminded me that I had met Destiny. No, more like I saved her life."


    Darren listened to her in silence. It wasn''t really surprising to know that as Chen Xiu, she somehow ended up saving Destiny''s life. After all, that''s what Chen Xiu was like. She was so kind and caring that it made her seem foolish. People took her kindness and care for granted but she still never stopped or changed.


    Xiu pressed a kiss at the space between his brows. Her lips lingered longer than it was necessary. But when she pulled away, she flashed him a big smile and said, "Bye. I''ll see you in the evening."


    Darren pouted sadly but nodded his head. She opened the door and sashayed towards the building. Behind her, Darren winded down the window and craned his neck out as he shouted, "Sweets!"


    "I miss you already!"


    Xiu''s eyes widened at his loud and clear declaration. Naturally, she wasn''t the only one who was entering the office building at this time. So, plenty of employees around her were giving them some serious and curious stares.


    Xiu placed her finer on her lips as she indicated for him to hush down but apparently, he didn''t take the hint. Because...


    "And I love you! Like a lot! As in a lot, a lot more than a lot!"


    Xiu facepalmed herself as she heard him and also heard those giggles around her. Oh, why was everyone just standing there? Why were they so eager to enjoy this show? She wanted to vanish now! Remember, she once said she had come to hate becoming the center of attention. Well, right now, she was certainly at the center of everyone''s attention.


    But why was a smile creeping on her lips? And why wasn''t she able to dislike this whole scene? In fact, why was her heart racing wildly?


    "Go away, Regan!" she gritted out but with her twinkling eyes, she definitely didn''t seem as scary as she could.


    Darren rubbed the nape of his neck as he looked at her in anticipation. "You won''t say it back? You don''t love me?"


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief. Is this for real? When did he turn into this kind of person? He was always so sensible but right now, he was acting like a teenager in love. And it wasn''t even like they started dating just yesterday or something. They had been together for months now!


    "I''m waiting!" his voice echoed making Xiu curse at herself.


    Xiu walked back to his side and stared into his eyes, "What are you doing Regan baby?"


    "I''m seeing my girlfriend off like a good boyfriend." He grinned widely. Xiu sighed out at his reply. "So, you really don''t love me?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him before she leaned her head and kissed his lips taking him by surprise. "You''re not the only one who wants the whole world to know that I''m your girlfriend. I''d also like to claim my boyfriend before the whole world." He couldn''t help feeling giddy at her reply. "And I love you more!"


    Xiu didn''t really care about the gossips that were circulating because of this show early in the morning at the entrance of the office building. In fact, she felt like floating in the sky when she realized how she finally accepted Darren as her boyfriend before people. It''s never like she wanted to hide her relationship with him but since he was a public figure, she wanted to keep away from news or gossips for both of them.


    She had just entered the elevator when her phone dinged, she lifted her phone and stared at the screen. Darren was the one who sent her a text which read; ''Have a good day! And don''t forget to smile! ^_^''


    Xiu chuckled as she read it. She was still staring at her phone when she exited the elevator at her floor and walked out. But her smile faltered a bit when she heard...


    "You feel the pleasure, I feel the blues... We ain''t the same."

 393 Angry Water

    Xiu looked up from the phone screen and squinted her eyes at Mr. Moody who was emanating a thick grumpy and sulky vibes. To be honest, it was weird seeing Dylan in a disheveled look. He always dressed immaculately in his designer suits. But right now, his tie was nowhere to be found. The first two buttons of his white button-down were undone.


    His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His hair was left untamed while he raked his fingers repeated through his thick hair. His eyes were sullen and his lips were curled downward. Even his skin looked dull.


    He reminded Xiu of a sad movie hero from the 90s. Definitely his CEO charms were nonexistent today. To think that a girl was a reason behind his state, Woah! That really was unexpected!


    Xiu pressed her lips together as she noticed his condition.


    "Good morning, grouchy!" she couldn''t help being a bit sarcastic as she followed him to his office.


    "My morning is looking bleak, matey!" he retorted depressingly.


    While Xiu was contemplating what to say to him, he went on, "Did you and your husband had to create that drama at the entrance?"


    "Me and my husband?" Xiu repeated with raised brows.


    Dylan sighed gloomily, "You both act like newlyweds." Saying that he turned his desktop screen towards her and played the newly uploaded video on the company forum which clearly showed Xiu and Darren''s love confessions.


    "I thought you strictly prohibited gossips on the forum. Aren''t you gonna do something about it?" she quirked up her brow at him.


    He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "I''m not planning on it. I want other singles like me to suffer as much as I am seeing you two lovebirds." he stared at her face and added, "I say just tie the knot already. Why the hold-up?"


    Xiu held back her smile as she remarked, "For now, it seems like your love life is in a knot. Or maybe knots." She went on sarcastically, "Don''t tell me you couldn''t do the simplest thing I asked of you. How could you not even talk to a girl? You just had to clear your feelings to her and you couldn''t even do that?"


    Dylan closed his eyes briefly and spoke in a perpetually tired voice, "I tried. But she''s not even listening to me. She ran before I could say anything."


    "And you didn''t run after her?" She shook her head at him and tut-tutted to show her disapproval. "You''re..."


    "I''m what?" he asked since she abruptly stopped without completing her sentence.


    "I''m looking for the right adjective here," she stated as she looked thoughtfully at him. "Ah! I found it. You''re miserable! That''s the right adjective for you."


    "Xiu, I thought you''re on my side?" Dylan complained softly.


    Xiu slapped his head. "And I thought you''d be mature enough to keep your heartbroken look out of the business. But I guess we both expected too much from each other."


    Dylan could huff at her stinging remark.


    "Your point here is?" he inquired looking bored.


    "Maybe you should also have joined them. Perhaps they could find the right civilization for you."


    Dylan''s face twitched uncontrollably. "Are you saying that I''m an alien who needs to find the right civilization?"


    "I didn''t say anything but you''re smart," she flashed him a grin, annoying him even more than he was. However, her original plan was to make him laugh. This look really didn''t suit him but what could she do now? He didn''t look like he was gonna fall for her lame jokes today. "Here, have some water and stop sulking." She suggested while offering him a glass of water.


    "I want a fizzy drink. Can you get me Sprite instead of water?"


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "Sprite is also just angry water. You drink this water and leave the job of making you angry with me. It''ll just be like you drank the Sprite."


    Xiu focused on his face and soon his face cracked as his lips curled up in a silly smile. "You''re a fool!"


    "I know and this fool is more accustomed to her idiot friend''s smile. So lose the frown it''s making you look like a grandpa."


    Dylan nodded his head and finally appeared as if he was feeling better. But then again, he always felt good around Xiu no matter what kind of nonsense went between them. They had rarely been serious with each other. If they weren''t being sarcastic then they would be laughing at each other. But this unique bond of theirs was quite special to both of them.


    Because unknowingly, Dylan had come to depend a lot more on her than he cared to admit.


    Xiu patted his head like he was a puppy as she began, "I know courting a girl is not that simple. It''s an art. But I''m here for you. This sister-in-law is not gonna let you sulk alone."


    "Be honest with me," he gave her a suspicious look. "You''re so eager to find me a girlfriend because you want to push me out of Dazi''s life, right?"


    Xiu gasped, "Did you take the wrong medicine? How are you so smart today?" While Dylan scrunched up his face, she laughed at him while ruffling his hair. "No, idiot! I really want to do this for you. Why can''t you just believe that I''m that good?" She took a pause and added slyly, "Although part of my reason is to push a mistress like you out of my happy family."


    "I knew it!" he pointed his finger at her accusingly.


    After Xiu was successful in lifting up his mood, they both started the work. Since Dylan was working on a project, Xiu stayed with him passing him the documents and data that he needed. After interacting for months both personally and professionally, they both had a tactic understanding where they didn''t to talk but could work in perfect synchronization.

 394 Positive

    ?I like your shirt, I like your fingers, love the way that you smell


    To be your favorite jacket, just so I could always be near


    I loved you for so long, sometimes it''s hard to bear


    But after all this time, I hope you wait and see?


    The song playing in the background made Dylan frown because the girl with him was really excited to sing along even though today she sounded hoarse. It was lunch hour and Xiu had dragged him out of the office to eat something since he hadn''t eaten anything since last night.


    "Even to love, you need energy," was her loud and clear argument. "Besides, if you can''t love yourself, how are you gonna love someone else?"


    Needless to say that Dylan had no other choice but to give in. She was a persistent person or more precisely, a stubborn person.


    ?Love you every minute, every second


    Love you everywhere and any moment


    Always and forever I know I can''t quit you


    ''Cause baby you''re the one, I don''t know how


    I love you ''til the last of snow disappears


    Love you ''til a rainy day becomes clear


    Never knew a love like this, now I can''t let go


    I''m in love with you, and now you know? (*A Love So Beautiful OST)


    Tapping her fingers on the table rhythmically, she still hadn''t stopped singing along to the song. And while waiting for their food to arrive, he could only stare at her having her own mini-concert without any care in the world.


    "Xiu, even people are staring now. Can you stop singing?" Dylan finally decided to voice out his concern here. He really wasn''t liking the way people were looking and they were not that far from the office which meant there was a high chance of meeting someone familiar.


    "But I haven''t even started singing yet? At most, I''m just humming along," Xiu argued back grumpily as she leaned back in her chair. "But why are you feeling so embarrassed?"


    Dylan didn''t respond. The waitress placed their food on the table and left. Xiu cleaned the chopsticks and passed it to him before taking her own pair. "Dylan..."


    "Hmm," he slightly lifted his eyes to look at her when she called his name.


    "I heard you used to write fan letters to me. I mean to Chen Xiu," she stated in an almost hushed voice.


    Dylan was taken aback by her words. Why did she bring it up so randomly?


    "I did," he answered after clearing his throat.


    "But you never posted the letters?" Her eyes were boring into his now. As if trying to find all the answers that she was searching for. Xiu thought if she knew Dylan''s point of view about this matter, she might be able to understand Destiny a little better. After all, Dylan and Destiny had one thing in common; they both claimed to be Chen Xiu''s biggest fans. "Why did you never post the letters?"


    Xiu couldn''t comprehend his meaning at all. "What are you trying to say?"


    Dylan placed his chopsticks down and looked at her seriously. "Every single time I wanted to write a letter, I wasn''t able to write the right words." Xiu stared blankly at his face. "Even when I wrote the letter, I felt like the words I chose weren''t good enough to express my feelings. I always thought those letters won''t be able to convey my admiration for you. And that''s why I could never muster up the courage to post any letter."


    While Xiu was trying to understand his words, he added, "Also, I was kinda scared that my words of admiration and praise might end up burdening you. In an interview, you once said that your fan letters are like your motivating force. Those words urge you to strive for a better you."


    "You didn''t want to motivate me?"


    Dylan shook his head with a smile, "No, if I could I would want you to give yourself some break. Always trying to be better gets you nowhere. Because people don''t like appreciating the effort, they tend to love criticizing instead."


    "I have never met a more bizarre fan than you," remarked Xiu with a sigh. "I really used to think that fans love being recognized by their idols. Why did you turn out to be a weirdo?"


    "That''s because I was a fan of a weirdo, so in turn, I turned out to be a weirdo myself." Xiu squinted her eyes at him laughing at her. "Hey, you must have heard, ''Life is like an echo''. What you do eventually comes back to you."


    "Life is an echo," she repeated to herself and wondered whether being in Destiny''s body was also part of this cycle? She gave Destiny a second chance to live and in return, she was given a second chance herself. Good or bad; what goes around, comes around.


    During the rest of their time at the restaurant, Xiu didn''t speak. It made Dylan feel uneasy for some reason because it was not the normal silence. She looked like she was pondering about something. As if something was weighing down on her shoulders. Even when she was texting on her phone, she looked to be distracted.


    "Oi!" He shook her shoulder on their way back to get her attention. "Why did you come to work? You could have taken a day off to rest."


    "Didn''t want to," she replied shortly.


    "Why? Did you miss me that much?"


    Xiu scrunched up her face at his cheeky remark and gave him a side-eye look. "Are you tested positive?"


    "For what?"


    "For delusional syndrome!"


    Dylan gnashed his teeth at her and looked away saying, "Trying to have a normal conversation with you is the real struggle of my life."


    "But you''re forgetting, boss." Xiu began pleasantly. "To have a normal conversation, you need to be normal yourself."


    As the elevator dinged, Xiu immediately sprinted out while Dylan hollered at her back, "You!"


    "Me? What about me?" she looked back at him blinking innocently while she still kept walking but backward now.


    "You''re detestable! I really can''t believe I was trying to cheer you up..."


    "Oh, sorry!" He heard Xiu''s voice and stopped. Not because of what she said, but because of the person she bumped into. Dylan was so shocked to see the person behind Xiu that his finger that had been pointing at Xiu was frozen in the air now.

 395 Get The Hint Already!

    "Cali?"


    Dylan was in disbelief. His eyes were constantly staring at the person standing behind Xiu now. He had been thinking of her so much that he really thought he was seeing things now. Good thing, Xiu was there to remind him that he wasn''t dreaming.


    Xiu also tilted her head a bit and smiled widely, "Oh hi, Cali! What a pleasant and unexcepted surprise!" Dylan was left dumbstruck when Xiu turned around to give Cali a greeting hug as if she was seeing an old friend.


    His heart started racing wildly when it was confirmed that Cali was really standing there. Right in front of the reception desk.


    "Hi, Xiu! What''s up?" Cali was also surprised to see both Xiu and Dylan. Earlier when Ying had picked her up and brought here, she thought she was gonna meet her cousin, Destiny. She had been waiting here with Ying since it was lunch hour and even the receptionist was not at her place. But who knew she''d come across familiar faces as well.


    Xiu gave her a strange smile before saying, "I don''t know what''s up but... I can tell you what''s down." While Cali was raising her brow at Xiu, Dylan had already facepalmed himself knowing where this was going.


    "So, what''s down?"


    "My fever is, duh!" came Xiu''s remarkable reply. "Also, the temperature outside is also dropping. I need to get my winter clothes ready. What a hassle!"


    "Xiu! Are you sure this is the right time to discuss all of this?" Dylan gritted his teeth at her while trying to give THE LOOK! As if she was gonna get his message by that look of his.


    "Xiu, you''re back from lunch?"


    Xiu took a step away from Cali and looked behind her. Seeing Yan Ying walking towards them, her originally polite smile turned into a full-blown happy smile as she rushed up to Ying, "Ying Jie!" The impact of Xiu''s hug was that Ying staggered back a bit and almost lost her footing. "I''m so happy to see you here!"


    Dylan''s mood was complicated seeing this. Where did she get this excitement? He really couldn''t tell why Xiu suddenly turned into a kid whose parents just came back from vacation or something. But he mentally shrugged since Xiu had always been out of his understanding.


    "I can see how happy you are," replied Ying while rubbing Xiu''s head like an elder affectionately. She shook her head at the way Xiu clung to her and touched her forehead saying, "You still have a fever."


    "Ao! How do you know about my fever?" asked Xiu innocently but Ying''s eyes enlightened her. "Weird uncle must have said something."


    Ying laughed out, "It''s funny how you call Zizi, weird uncle and he lets you get away with it." She looked over at Dylan and went on, "Oi! What kind of boss are you? Your assistant is already sick and you didn''t even let her rest?"


    Xiu gasped at Dylan, "Didi, I think today is your last day." Dylan frowned. "There is no other way to explain why you have been so smart since morning." Ying laughed at her while Dylan was left cursing her in his heart. "But you''re right. This is the first time so many people are actually willing to take care of me. And who doesn''t like attention? If someone says they don''t, then either they are lying or they have lost their mind!"


    Xiu indeed was enjoying this all. This was the first time in her both lives where so many people asked how she was and they actually meant it! She felt like they were all spoiling her with this much care and attention but she loved it so much.


    "Xiu is absolutely right," said Ying agreeing with Xiu without hesitation.


    Ying''s interaction with Xiu reminded Cali of a very pampering elder sister. It was weird but since the time Cali had met Ying, she could bet this was the first time Ying was actually very relaxed. As if she had nothing to worry about. Nothing was weighing down on her heart.


    Xiu couldn''t help always smiling at Ying whenever she came around her. Even now, she felt like they had known each other for years. It was weird how they just clicked with each other. "I love it when Ying Jie sides with me."


    "Kiddo, I''m willing to side with you whenever you want," said Ying meaning the words seriously.


    Dylan pointed at Xiu, "Oi! You hypocrite! When I called you kiddo, you said I am an uncle. What about now? Ying Jie also called you kiddo just now. Say something why are you just grinning like a fool?"


    Xiu didn''t pay heed to his outburst as she just went on singing to get on his nerve, "?Say Something I''m giving up on you?" Dylan glared at her while she went on, "She''s like an elder sister. She can call me a kid."


    "I hate you," said Dylan straightforwardly.


    "Right back at ya!" Xiu stuck her tongue at him childishly before she looped her arm with Ying and said, "Come, Ying Jie, I''m gonna show you my cabin." While walking towards her cabin, she turned her head and showed Dylan her fist as if she was gonna punch him. Dylan didn''t get her meaning at all. She rolled her eyes and pointed at Cali with her eyes.


    Stupid, moronic boss! Get the hint already!


    Of course, Dylan couldn''t hear her internal curses. So, she took her cellphone and sent him a text which read; ''Don''t just stand there like a fool now! Cali is right there with you. Take the chance, you slowpoke!''


    As Dylan read her message, he finally understood what she was doing. No wonder, she seemed so eager to leave.


    "Well, I think I should follow them as well," Cali was also about to follow Xiu and Ying since she came with Ying with a purpose. It seemed like Ying forgot the real reason for coming here but she still remembered it very well.


    However, before she could go after them, Dylan held her arm and dragged her towards his office without a warning.


    There was no one at the reception but his secretarial department had people who were left gaping in disbelief as they saw the CEO dragging a woman to his office. Curiosity got the best of these employees as well. Who could hold back from picking up the cellphone and capturing this moment?

 396 My Feelings

    Cali had no idea what was running through Dylan''s mind but she was certainly not used to following people around or being dragged along.


    "Dylan, what the hell do you want? Let my hand go!" she didn''t want to create a scene that''s why she kept her voice low. "I need to find Yan Ying."


    Just one step away from his door, he stopped and turned around to face her with a complicated gaze, "You aren''t here for me?"


    Cali was taken aback by his question. Was she here for him? No! She wasn''t!


    Was she happy to see him here?


    Well... That was hard for her to explain.


    Cali shook his hand away as she replied, "No. I didn''t even know I''d see you here."


    Dylan''s eyes lost the twinkle slightly but it didn''t fade at all. He took a step towards her, his hand lifted up as it brushed past the side of her face and lingered there in an almost sensual way. Even his face was coming awfully close to hers now. And as he came closer, Cali''s eyes kept widening.


    "EeeeShhh!"


    Dylan''s trance only broke when he heard that girly shriek and that''s when he realized that he was standing before his employees who had been gawking for a long while now. Needless to say, the fangirls were about to go crazy because of his charm. Since Dylan wasn''t looking his usual cold self today, he gave off a wild charm and along with his flirting, it just blew people''s imagination to a new dimension.


    Dylan took a deep breath, he opened the door of his office and dragged her in before closing the door shut with a bang. Leaving everyone''s imaginations to run wild about what could happen behind closed doors.


    *PTAK!*


    After he left, in the originally pin-drop silent space a loud slap was heard. "You idiot! Why did you make that sound?!" One of the female employees Liu Jinjing couldn''t help reprimanding her colleague, Gu Luli for ruining such a rare moment.


    "I couldn''t help it. Mr. Qiu was..." Gu Luli''s face had gone completely red as she tried to form her words. "He was gonna kiss her."


    *PTAK!*


    Gu Luli groaned as she had been slapped again on her head, this time by Wang Hualing who shook her head at Gu Luli saying, "Exactly! He was gonna kiss her and you spoiled the beautiful moment."


    Gu Luli could only grumble her complaints. It wasn''t her fault that she couldn''t help fangirling over her boss. In fact, it was already a miracle that she didn''t start cheering out for Dylan. According to her, Dylan Qiu had been labeled as a playboy because of how many socialities had been around him but he had never been official with anyone. Moreover, none of his employees believed that he was a playboy because he was a very cold and grumpy boss even on normal days.


    It was after Xiu became his assistant that his habit of firing people on a whim came to an end. Not only that, but he also started showing more emotions as well.


    Dylan who had created a lot of buzzes outside was now staring at Cali. Right after closing the door, he had pressed her back against the door and left no way for her to escape with both of his hands right beside her head.


    "Dylan, what are you..."


    Cali''s words died down in her throat as she saw his face coming closer again. He looked dead serious. There was no playfulness in his eyes as his eyes stared right at her full lips without even blinking. And the way he licked his lips made her hold her breath. She pressed her hands on his chest but did she push him?


    No!


    She couldn''t gather the strength to do so. Because the moment his soft lips brushed against her own, she was lost. Her reason or excuses everything just burned away with that kiss. One of his hand held the back of her neck and the way his fingers danced over the nape of her neck sent shivers through her body.


    When he pulled away, he finally got his senses back. Earlier he was annoyed to know that she didn''t come to see him. It really frustrated him. Why couldn''t she come to see him? And the tone of her voice had made her feel like if she knew that he''d be here, she might have not even come.


    "Why did you?" she couldn''t help asking. This was the second time he kissed her. She could call the last kiss as his impulsive stunt but what about now? What was he playing now?


    His thumb pad rubbed the side of her bottom lip as he spoke in a raspy voice, "Why I kissed you?" She nodded in response. "Because I wanted you to know that it wasn''t an impulse that made me want to kiss you that night." Her eyes went round at his confession. "I wanted to do it for a long time. But since that night..." His eyes shifted to meet hers as he added, "Since that night I wanted to do it even more."


    "That sounds crazy," said Cali trying to laugh it out while she pushed him away to make some distance between them. She needed to think rationally and with him around, she wasn''t gonna be able to do so.


    "You confessing your love to me sounded crazy as well," he said halting her in her steps to look back at him. "I thought I was dreaming that a person like you could love someone like me." She frowned at him. "You and I have nothing in common. You''re an adventurer, I''m a homebody. You aren''t scared of anything and I''m scared of every little thing in life. For instance, I''m scared of ghosts, small insects, dogs, roller coasters, blood, and even feelings."


    Cali smiled at his words. He really was scared of a lot more things than he mentioned. He was a weird creature, she had to admit that.


    "You had been friends with remarkable people since you had been in school. I, on the other hand, was too scared to even look beyond my comfort zone because I was scared of getting hurt."


    "What are you trying to say here?" she chimed in with curiosity and perplexion palpable in her eyes.


    "What I''m saying is that... I think I like you."


    "Yeah, as a friend. I know that already."


    Dylan shook his head. "No, not like that. It''s a different kind of like."


    "How do you know it''s different? Maybe you''re just confused because of what I said that night. I told you, it wasn''t supposed to be that serious. You don''t have to worry at all."


    Dylan ran his fingers through his hair as he cursed, "Damn it!" With that, he took a step towards her. "I don''t care whether you''re serious or not." Another step towards her while she moved back on instinct. "But I''m very serious about this." One moved ahead, the other moved back again. "And I know what my feelings are. You don''t have to explain it to me." Cali''s legs hit the edge of the couch and as Dylan stepped forward again, she lost her balance and fell back but on instinct, she held his suit jacket pulling him with her.


    Now with his body pressed over hers on the couch, she had nowhere to run. Dylan took a deep and heavy sigh before continuing, "You''re gonna have to do better than this to run away from me now."

 397 Not Now But Soon...

    "I don''t get why you''re resisting so much?" Dylan''s stare from this angle and in this position was too much for anyone much less for Cali who had been in love with him for years. "You already said you love me, then why are you trying to run?" Pinching her chin, he wanted to hear her say it. He could feel her hands slowly creeping up his back and it really pleased him.


    "Why did you choose to love me in silence?" he questioned while he buried his face in her neck making her arch a little. The way the tip of his nose brushed her neck made her hold onto his shoulder.


    "Because in silence, there was no fear of rejection," her voice came out breathy. It really didn''t sound like her at all.


    "But isn''t it lonely? Loving all by yourself?" he was frowning in confusion but his lips still stuck on the skin of her neck.


    An uncontrollable moan escaped from her throat and she bit her lip to hold it. This was really embarrassing for her. But the way her moan ricocheted in his mind made him bite her skin. She held his shoulder even more tightly but didn''t dare make a sound. He darted out his tongue to lick where he bit earlier and Cali lost it as she let her moan escape without care.


    She could hold in the pain his teeth brought but the pleasing and burning sensation his tongue brought was her breaking point.


    Dylan smirked up at her while wiggling his brows like a jerk. Cali placed her hands over his eyes as she answered, "It was lonely. But in that loneliness, no one owned you but me." Dylan was stunned to hear her words. He wanted to remove her hand and look at her face but she refused to do so. "I chose to adore you from a distance not because I was scared of the pain. I was scared that I wasn''t the person who could make you happy. I still think that you deserve someone who can make you happy."


    Dylan finally peeled her hand off of his eyes and placed his forehead against hers. "Why don''t you let me decide whether you can make me happy or not?" His hand was running up and down her arm as he continued, "Do you know how excited I had been knowing that you''re in my city? For the first time, you''re here. I don''t know why it brought so much joy but knowing that you''re within my reach brought a strange comfort to me."


    Dylan held her body and shifted their position. Obviously, he didn''t want to crush her with his weight, so, he sat up allowing her to breathe.


    "Xiu said whenever I talk about you, I smile like a fool. Well, according to her I''m always acting like a fool but when it comes to you I become a lovestruck fool!" he was even smiling like a fool now. No wonder Xiu called him a fool.


    Cali couldn''t help staring at his face for a long while. He turned to her and held her hand in his own saying, "I know you don''t believe me but give me a chance to prove that I''m serious."


    Was it too much to ask for?


    Was she really being selfish?


    Was it wrong to ask for this much?


    Dylan pouted adorably at her. "Don''t say no, please. I promise that I''ll try my best but if you still don''t believe me, you can choose to... Walk away." It was difficult to come up with that offer but he had to do it. He seriously didn''t want to leave a way out for her but he didn''t want to pressure her either.


    Just because she loved him didn''t mean he wasn''t gonna try his best to show that he was serious about this whole matter. She was more important to him than he thought. And he definitely wasn''t willing to ruin the friendship they shared either.


    "Do you really think it''s a good idea?" she spoke up after calming herself a little. "I mean didn''t you say it''s tiring to run after a woman? Too much hassle and too much trouble."


    Dylan bit his tongue and cursed himself. Yes, he had shared way too much with her. But seriously, if he had the slightest clue about his feelings for her, he''d probably keep his bloody mouth shut! Now, he could only regret it since there was nothing left to do.


    "Dazi once told me that when you know that she''s the right one, you''d not care about anything else. Besides, a woman needs appreciation and we as gentlemen shouldn''t be stingy about it."


    Cali''s lips curled up slightly. When did he get such a glib tongue?


    "And you think I''m the right one?"


    Dylan sighed out while his thumbpad was brushing her knuckles softly. "I don''t know whether you''re the right one or not but I''m certain that you''re the only woman I want to be with. You''re the only one I''m willing to take this trouble for."


    Cali pulled her hand away from his and got up. "Okay, okay. Do whatever you want." She was gonna leave with that offhanded reply but...


    He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her back. "Is that a yes? You''re allowing me to actually go after you?"


    Cali hit his hand. "Idiot! I''m allowing you to show me how sincere you are."


    Dylan kissed her cheek happily. "Okay! I''ll do my best."


    "Stop smiling and let me go!" she complained but in a very soft voice.


    "But I want to cuddle you!" he whined.


    "We''re not dating yet," she reminded him.


    Dylan sighed and pulled away. "Well, not for now but soon..." He really left his words hanging leaving it to the imagination. Because if there was one thing he was certain of that was, he was gonna make her belong to him! There was no other way around that!

 398 A Long Road

    "How''s your hand now?"


    Xiu looked at her bandage and shrugged her shoulders, "It''s fine. Nothing too serious." It wasn''t really serious but the bandage made it look like it was something serious. It wasn''t like she busted something.


    Ying laughed at her reply and when Xiu squinted her eyes, she elaborated, "I just didn''t think you''d actually be able to even squish an ant." Xiu pouted unhappily. But Ying wasn''t lying. In her view, Xiu didn''t look like someone who''d be able to hurt someone. However, she turned out to be wrong. Ying ruffled her hair gently, "Next time, be careful not to bust your knuckles."


    "I was just angry at that time so I didn''t realize what I was doing," answered Xiu in her defense. It was not like she didn''t know how to throw a punch. She had worked with enough stunt doubles and had learned a trick or two. But in her anger, she just ended up exhausting all her strength. She didn''t care how lousy her punches or hits were. She was just venting.


    Although she was sorry that she vented not just for Nora''s sake, she ended up using her own pent up frustration on poor Ah-Si as well.


    "Oh, by the way, did you come with Cali?" asked Xiu as she recalled how she met both Ying and Cali outside. And seeing Ying nodding, her doubt was confirmed. "How do you know her?"


    "We are just acquaintances," replied Ying offhandedly. Explaining how she knew Cali was a bit more complicated that''s she chose the easy way out. And cross-questioning is the best diversion. "But how do you know Cali?"


    "She''s my boyfriend''s best friend. Also, my boss has a crush on her. It''s pretty normal that I know her."


    "Boyfriend''s best friend?" Xiu nodded in response. "She''s Regan''s friend?"


    "Yeah. They had been school friends."


    "What a small world," Ying couldn''t help muttering. What were the odds that Cali was not only acquainted with Darren but she had also met her cousin without knowing who she was? Such a tragically twisted coincidence. All of a sudden, something else caught her attention, "Did you say your boss has a crush on her?!"


    Xiu nodded her head.


    "But your boss is Dylan."


    Xiu nodded again.


    "That means Dylan has a crush on her?!"


    Xiu laughed at her reaction. She was waiting for this. But Ying took too long to actually focus on that certain point. Nonetheless, she finally was able to notice. "Yes!"


    "Is that why you pulled me here?" asked Ying raising her brows at Xiu. "You want to be a matchmaker and I was acting like the third-wheel."


    "You''re right but partially," answered Xiu sincerely. "I actually wanted to talk to you. Didn''t I mention that I love spending time with you?" Ying only smiled in response and didn''t continue with this topic.


    "Sister Xiu! Sister Xiu! Hot news! Oh... Sorry, I didn''t know you have a guest."


    "I told you to stay calm and wait patiently," Liu Jinjing reproached Gu Luli''s behavior and apologized to both Xiu and Ying for intruding.


    "I''ll go and check up on Cali," said Ying and stood up to leave. She could see these white-collar ladies had something to discuss with Xiu and she was getting in their way. Besides, she had to find Cali to inform her about Xiu.


    Xiu''s nosy colleagues waited till Ying left before they hurriedly circled around Xiu. "What''s up? Why are you all staring at me like that?" Xiu was genuinely curious to know what these girls were up to. If it was before she would have thrown them out by now but working with these ladies had made her become accustomed to their weird behavior. And in a way, they had grown close now.


    "Sister Xiu, do you know who the woman is in Mr. Qiu''s room?" Wang Hualing was the one to start first.


    "Except for you, nobody is allowed in his office and yet, he dragged that woman with him." Liu Jinjing couldn''t help chiming in.


    "You all know I don''t like gossips," was Xiu''s response which made their heads hung down in disappointment and guilt. Of course, they knew how much she hated gossips. Isn''t that the reason why none of them dared to come to her in the morning to inquire about the sweet confessions video at the company''s forum starring their very own Bai Xiu and their boss'' best friend, Regan Darren Salvay.


    However, they could choose to stay silent about Xiu''s love life but not about Dylan''s!


    "But since it''s about our boss, I''d love to gossip."


    Xiu''s words lifted their spirits. Elated, they started sharing what happened outside between Dylan and Cali. "So, who is she?"


    "I''d say your lady boss," answered Xiu making their eyes widen. "But with our boss'' skills, I believe it''ll be a long road."


    "Sister Xiu, do you mean boss likes her but she doesn''t like him?" Gu Luli asked naively.


    Xiu shook her head, "No, they both like each other. But Dylan''s reputation is not that trustworthy at the moment."


    "Ohh..." All of them said simultaneously as if they finally got the crux of the issue.


    Gu Luli looked at her phone screen and sighed, "But they look so damn good together." Xiu frowned at her words and Gu Luli turned her phone screen towards Xiu. "Sorry, I couldn''t help clicking their photos. They were so close and looked like a pair of lead from a movie. My hands moved on their own."


    Xiu smiled as she looked through the photos and nodded in appreciation before she even gave her a thumbs up. The pictures were clicked from a really good angle. If one didn''t know any better, they''d think that Dylan and Cali were actually modeling for a magazine cover.


    "Did you post these on the forum?"


    "I did not!" Gu Luli immediately shook her head. "Boss will kill me if I did that."

 399 Lovesick

    Dylan had only pulled away from Cali when he heard the knocking and soon Ying''s face came into his view. "Ying Jie, what are you doing here?"


    Ying scoffed at him, "I can''t believe that you just noticed my presence." Clearly, they had met outside as well but he didn''t question anything then. He barely even talked to her. But could she blame him? He was too busy looking at his crush. How could he notice her?


    And since Ying had a very soft and special spot in her heart for lovers, she let him go easily.


    "I was just taking Cali for sightseeing but then I thought, I should inquire about Xiu''s health along the way as well. So, that''s why I came." There it was another lie from her mouth. But it wasn''t a complete lie. Since the time she learned that Xiu had a fever, she wanted to check up on her. It just so happened to become a perfect excuse for her.


    "Dylan, how are you related to Ying?" asked Cali.


    "Ying Jie is my..." Dylan had to think deeply about it. How was Ying related to him again? "Ah, we are family friends."


    Cali quirked her brow and looked at Ying for confirmation who blinked her eyes in response. "I tell you I''m feeling like heaven is trying to remind me these days that the world is a small place." Ying''s words came from the fact that when looking for Destiny, she found her right beside her with the identity of Xiu. And now Cali was also associated with Dylan and Darren both. This was truly a small world!


    Rrrr...


    As his phone rang, Dylan excused himself for a moment leaving Cali to slid close to Ying. "I think we came with a purpose."


    "And the purpose is fulfilled," answered Ying with a smile. "You already met Destiny."


    "What are you even saying?"


    Ying patted Cali''s shoulder, "Girl, if we''re talking about your cousin Destiny who is now known as Bai Xiu then you already met her outside." Cali''s eyes went round. "And if we''re talking about the mysterious thing called destiny, then I think yours is right over there." She placed her hand on her head and turned it towards Dylan. "I think you hit a jackpot!"


    Cali was staring blankly in disbelief. Xiu was her cousin, Destiny? And seeing how Xiu didn''t even recognize her, it meant she really had lost her memory. But what a dumbass she was that she didn''t recognize her cousin as well.


    Ying helped Cali to sit down, offered her a glass of water, and patted her shoulder, "Take it easy. Cherish this happiness, don''t let the emotions overwhelm you."


    When Dylan hung up the call and turned around, Cali abruptly stood up and held Ying''s hand saying, "Let''s leave now."


    Ying and Dylan both had the same reaction to her words. They were both surprised. Ying thought she''d like to stay and have a chat with Xiu but why was she suddenly in a hurry to leave now?


    "Won''t you stay...?"


    She said let''s meet later which in his mind sounded like, she wants to see me again.


    "Bye, Didi!" Ying could only shout over her shoulder because a certain someone was pulling her arm as if she was eager to dislocate her shoulder.


    Dylan stood at his door waving bye. But before he could turn around, he noticed the crowd in Xiu''s cabin.


    "What''s going on here?"


    As his voice was heard, silence prevailed in Xiu''s cabin. Everyone stood straight and didn''t dare to say a word.


    "Nothing. Our Gu Luli clicked some awesome shots, we were just admiring together," replied Xiu with a smile. Gu Luli looked at Xiu in horror. What are you even saying, Sister Xiu?!


    "What?" he looked confused. While Gu Luli looked at her pleadingly, Xiu shook it off and gave her cell phone to Dylan. The knot between his brows eased up as soon as he saw the pictures. His fingers close enough to touch Cali''s face, while his face was almost stuck to her. Oh, the shot was taken so perfectly that Dylan couldn''t help staring without even blinking.


    "Sir, I..." Gu Luli''s voice cracked. Oh, how she was gonna explain herself?!


    "Ms. Bai!"


    "Hm."


    "Call the HR department."


    Not just Gu Luli but everyone''s heart dropped to hear that. Was he really going to fire her for this? But Xiu looked rather calm and collected.


    "For what?" asked Xiu.


    Dylan looked up at Xiu with a small smile playing on his lips, "Of course, because Ms. Gu is getting a raise." He winked at Xiu and turned around whistling leaving Xiu laughing her heart out.


    Meanwhile, everyone else was left gaping at his receding back.


    He stopped at his door and turned again to say, "Oh, and don''t forget to email me those photos."


    "You got it, boss!" said Xiu shaking her head at him. See? This idiot was so obvious. His emotions were written all over his face now. He was lovesick now. Anything involving his Cali was enough to shift his mood.


    "Mr. Qiu is in love!"


    "Boss is whipped!"


    "That''s the first time I saw him smiling without an agenda."


    While everyone was busy commenting over Dylan''s behavior, a certain defective piece only gushed...


    "He''s so handsome!"


    All eyes turned to Gu Luli who felt like she again did something wrong.


    Xiu was really amused by these girls. This was the reason she had come to actually feel like they were close. These girls made her realize that it wasn''t too bad to overlook someone''s flaws sometimes. They never failed to lighten up her mood.


    However...


    "Aren''t you gonna get back to work now?"


    Her strict senior professional vibes were still there. She wouldn''t go easy when it came to working. And the lunch break was over now which meant they had to go back to their desk and work.


    After everyone left, Xiu sighed thinking of Dylan, "You''re really a fool!"

 400 Not To Date Her

    "Let my hand go already!" Ying shook Cali''s hand away. She looked really mad now. "What the hell is your problem? You''re so eager to meet your cousin and now you just dragged me out. Weren''t you gonna talk to her?"


    Cali had actually started treating Ying as a friend and also forgot that no matter how calm and innocent Ying seemed, she was that dangerous as well. In fact, the suspicions and wariness that she initially even had about her were now gone. She rubbed the side of her neck saying, "I don''t know."


    "What do you mean you don''t know? You already know Xiu that makes it even easier to get close to her. It''s a blessing. You can actually get close to her without seeming like a bloody creep."


    Cali agreed with everything Ying just said but she couldn''t explain her feelings. She had just experienced two huge blows today. One that Dylan actually had feelings for her and second that Xiu was her cousin, Destiny. How was she supposed to deal with both these feelings? She literally had no idea.


    Xiu; the girl she met in a bar. The same girl whom she found quite funny and yet strange. The same girl who was her best friend''s girlfriend now. Wait! Her best friend was dating her cousin! COUSIN! Her one and only cousin!


    "Ying, have you ever felt so confused by your own feelings to the point of feeling lost?"


    Ying contemplated before nodding her head. "It happens to me every day since the time I did the mistake of falling in love with the wrong person."


    "Even you do mistakes?"


    "I''m only human," replied Ying nonchalantly. "But seriously, what''s your problem?"


    "I told you I don''t know. It was easy to face Xiu when she was just Xiu. Now, you''re telling me she''s..."


    Shaking her head, Ying looked at Cali, "If you can''t deal with this sudden change. Just pretend like Xiu is just Xiu and not Destiny. If you''ll try to find your lost cousin in her, I think you''ll feel even more lost. Because Xiu has grown up now. You need to learn about the present Xiu and get close to her."


    Cali thought about it and nodded, "I think you''re right."


    Whatever version of Destiny she had in mind was long overshadowed by the dust of time. Now, she could only look ahead. And the present version of her cousin was already very likable. How could she be having second thoughts right now?


    .....


    "Sweep her off her feet??!"


    Dylan lifted his eyes up to look at Xiu''s amused smile as he read that the title of the document in his hands. On an A4 page, the title was written in bold and glaring letters.


    "What exactly is this?" He was referring to the long list in his hand. He had a hint in his mind but he really didn''t want to go down that road.


    "Read it yourself," she suggested while taking a seat languidly. Right after her working hours ended, she had specially come to his room with this. After all, she needed to see his reaction.


    Number two; Give her your undivided attention.


    Number three; Make her feel special.


    Number four; Keep the element of surprise in mind.


    Number five; If she''s the one make her feel like THE ONE!


    Number six; And if she''s really the one then treat her like a potential wife.


    NUMBER SEVEN; COURT HER. DON''T JUST TRY TO DATE HER!!!"


    Dylan stopped reading ahead. It was a long list and he really wasn''t gonna be able to digest it all now. He really was not sure what this was all about but he could see how hard Xiu was trying to hold back her laughter.


    "Is this a joke?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I didn''t write that though." Dylan frowned at her reply. "Apparently, all your secretaries think that you need help. Because it seems quite obvious that you''d do a bad job. So, since they all want to see you happy, they jotted down all the things that a woman would fall for."


    Dylan was left stunned. He really didn''t expect that he had such thoughtful employees. But why did they all assume he''d do such a bad job? Was it written on his face that he knew nothing about this? Or his secretarial department was having a good laugh over him now?


    "Oi! This number seven is written in bold and capital letters. It means I have to pay extra attention to it. But... What do they mean by court her and don''t try to just date her?"


    Xiu straightened up. "In the morning, I told you that courtship is an art. It''s an art of seeking the love of someone you want to spend your life with. In other words, marriage."


    Dylan nodded his head in understanding. "And dating?"


    "Dating is just an act of spending time with each other for fun, casual relationship, or... Sex!"


    Dylan''s eyes seemed complicated as he stared at her long and hard. "Do you ever think before speaking?"


    "Nananana!"


    Dylan facepalmed himself for even asking that question.


    "Anyways, it''s time to leave. I had already delivered everything I needed to. Now, my boyfriend is here and I can''t let him keep waiting."


    "Dazi came to pick you up? I''m gonna go meet him."


    Xiu glowered. "Stay right where you are!" Dylan instantly sat back in his seat. "Sit and spend your time thinking about how you''re gonna get your girl. Don''t try to steal my boy from me."


    "When did I?"


    Xiu raised her hand to stop him. "Don''t continue. I don''t wanna hear it. I just said to put your time and effort into getting your girl." She picked up her bag and ran off saying, "Have a good time thinking."


    Dylan was left staring at that detailed document on how to woo a girl in his hand. Now that Xiu had a solid reason to kick him away from Darren, she was not gonna let it go. But then again, she was right. He needed to stop prowling around his best friend''s relationship and put that effort into coddling a certain special someone!

 401 a

    Xiu was happily skipping around when she came down. Her baby was here for her. How could she not get excited? Even though that was the most usual thing between them. Since the time they began dating, he had been the one to mostly do this pick-and-drop service. But today Xiu was left disappointed when instead of Darren, it was his driver, Ben who greeted her. Her disappointment was so palpable that poor Ben started scratching his head awkwardly. Did she have to look like she was about to cry?


    "Ms. Bai, sir had an urgent meeting at the last minute," he decided to be kind enough to explain since he really wasn''t okay with her expressions.


    "It''s okay," she grumbled unhappily before settling in the seat and texted Darren. Even though she said that her expressions definitely said otherwise.


    [You tricked me!"]


    She texted Darren and had to wait for about five minutes before he replied. [How did I trick my Sweets?"]


    [Seeing your message I thought my baobei (babe/baby) is here for me.]


    Darren was grinning as he read her text. He loved her endearments. She really was too cute sometimes. So cute that it was hard for his heart to handle it.


    He indeed texted her but only because Ben had no way to contact her.


    [Sorry!]


    He only sent one word but Xiu''s mind was left in turmoil. Why was he apologizing when she wasn''t even upset with him? She was just a little bit disheartened that he wasn''t the one who came to pick her up. But it was already enough that he knew she was his responsibility.


    [You don''t have to say sorry though. I''m not upset. I just wanted to see you.]


    Now, how was he supposed to concentrate in this meeting when she was saying something like that? Did she even realize what her simple words did to him?


    [Sweets, you have no idea how much I want to be with you right now.]


    Xiu giggled after reading that.


    [Concentarte on your work. I won''t disturb now. But I''ll be waiting for you.]


    She was gonna wait for him then how could he let her wait for long? He had to finish up this meeting as soon as possible!


    Just as Xiu put her phone down, she said, "Ben, are you kidnapping me?"


    It was a good thing that Ben was an expert driver, unlike Dylan. Otherwise, he would have also gotten into an accident because of her mindless gab.


    "Ms. Bai, you really say all sorts of things, eh?"


    Xiu just shrugged her shoulders in reply, "I do. But I can''t help it. This is not the way home. This is also not the way to Regan''s office. So, where else are you taking me?" Before he could open his mouth, she went on, "In my mind, I have only two possibilities, either you''re taking me for a surprise or you''re kidnapping me. Choose one!"


    Ben was a very serious and professional man but even he was having trouble holding back his smile at her words. She was just like his boss told him; A wonder!


    "Surprise?" repeated Xiu thoughtfully. "But my baobei is in a meeting right now."


    Ben didn''t reply. But this silence was not very suitable for Xiu whose mind had a habit of wandering off from nowhere to anywhere. Her head was pressed against the window as she stared at the passing lights. After a long time, today once again her eyes darted off to those led screen playing advertisements.


    She had been trying to convince herself of how much she hated her previous life only to come to the conclusion that she had never hated being an actor. It was the favorite part of her life; playing different roles and conveying so many different emotions. Evoking people''s feelings along with her character.


    Ah, the tragedy of our society where celebrities are treated as products.


    "Ms. Bai, we''re here," announced Ben breaking her trance. She looked around and furrowed her brows a little seeing that they had parked before a French restaurant. "Someone''s waiting for you inside."


    Xiu''s frown deepened but she didn''t question anything. Since her fever had yet to completely subside, she was feeling the tiredness along with sleepiness now. But she persistently kept her eyes open.


    "Xiu! Here!"


    Xiu had yet to enter the restaurant when she could see her mother-in-law waving at her. Oh, so she was the one with the surprise! Xiu shook her head as she turned to look at Ben. Did he have to keep this a secret?


    Francesca immediately looped her arm with Xiu''s and walked inside with her. "My son had a meeting so I thought I should use this time to my advantage and take my daughter out on dinner. Besides, we need bonding time as well."


    Xiu smiled in reply. There was no way she could understand her enthusiasm but Xiu found it quite adorable.


    Francesca had booked the best table in the restaurant that was right beside the glass wall that looked over the beautiful flower garden. She was very pleased with her choice.


    "You don''t mind this restaurant, do you? I''m not really fond of Chinese food so..."


    "It''s okay. I can eat anything." Xiu cleared it up even before Francesca could finish her sentence.


    "That''s good then."


    "So..."


    Seeing Xiu''s reaction, she smiled sweetly at her, "Are you trying to figure out what to call me?"


    Xiu looked down sheepishly. She had been wondering about that exactly. She really didn''t want to get ahead of herself and call her mom. And she also didn''t want to call her by her name out of respect. But calling her auntie felt weird because well, look at that gorgeous woman! She was defying age through and through!


    "Call me anything you like. I''m not very picky about this stuff."


    "Then can I call you...?"


    Xiu wasn''t even given a chance to say it when France spoke up herself.


    "I''d prefer if you call me mom though."

 401 Option One

    Xiu was happily skipping around when she came down. Her baby was here for her. How could she not get excited? Even though that was the most usual thing between them. Since the time they began dating, he had been the one to mostly do this pick-and-drop service. But today Xiu was left disappointed when instead of Darren, it was his driver, Ben who greeted her. Her disappointment was so palpable that poor Ben started scratching his head awkwardly. Did she have to look like she was about to cry?


    "Ms. Bai, sir had an urgent meeting at the last minute," he decided to be kind enough to explain since he really wasn''t okay with her expressions.


    "It''s okay," she grumbled unhappily before settling in the seat and texted Darren. Even though she said that her expressions definitely said otherwise.


    [You tricked me!"]


    She texted Darren and had to wait for about five minutes before he replied. [How did I trick my Sweets?"]


    [Seeing your message I thought my baobei (babe/baby) is here for me.]


    Darren was grinning as he read her text. He loved her endearments. She really was too cute sometimes. So cute that it was hard for his heart to handle it.


    He indeed texted her but only because Ben had no way to contact her.


    [Sorry!]


    He only sent one word but Xiu''s mind was left in turmoil. Why was he apologizing when she wasn''t even upset with him? She was just a little bit disheartened that he wasn''t the one who came to pick her up. But it was already enough that he knew she was his responsibility.


    [You don''t have to say sorry though. I''m not upset. I just wanted to see you.]


    Now, how was he supposed to concentrate in this meeting when she was saying something like that? Did she even realize what her simple words did to him?


    [Sweets, you have no idea how much I want to be with you right now.]


    Xiu giggled after reading that.


    [Concentarte on your work. I won''t disturb now. But I''ll be waiting for you.]


    She was gonna wait for him then how could he let her wait for long? He had to finish up this meeting as soon as possible!


    Just as Xiu put her phone down, she said, "Ben, are you kidnapping me?"


    It was a good thing that Ben was an expert driver, unlike Dylan. Otherwise, he would have also gotten into an accident because of her mindless gab.


    "Ms. Bai, you really say all sorts of things, eh?"


    Xiu just shrugged her shoulders in reply, "I do. But I can''t help it. This is not the way home. This is also not the way to Regan''s office. So, where else are you taking me?" Before he could open his mouth, she went on, "In my mind, I have only two possibilities, either you''re taking me for a surprise or you''re kidnapping me. Choose one!"


    Ben was a very serious and professional man but even he was having trouble holding back his smile at her words. She was just like his boss told him; A wonder!


    "Surprise?" repeated Xiu thoughtfully. "But my baobei is in a meeting right now."


    Ben didn''t reply. But this silence was not very suitable for Xiu whose mind had a habit of wandering off from nowhere to anywhere. Her head was pressed against the window as she stared at the passing lights. After a long time, today once again her eyes darted off to those led screen playing advertisements.


    She had been trying to convince herself of how much she hated her previous life only to come to the conclusion that she had never hated being an actor. It was the favorite part of her life; playing different roles and conveying so many different emotions. Evoking people''s feelings along with her character.


    Ah, the tragedy of our society where celebrities are treated as products.


    "Ms. Bai, we''re here," announced Ben breaking her trance. She looked around and furrowed her brows a little seeing that they had parked before a French restaurant. "Someone''s waiting for you inside."


    Xiu''s frown deepened but she didn''t question anything. Since her fever had yet to completely subside, she was feeling the tiredness along with sleepiness now. But she persistently kept her eyes open.


    "Xiu! Here!"


    Xiu had yet to enter the restaurant when she could see her mother-in-law waving at her. Oh, so she was the one with the surprise! Xiu shook her head as she turned to look at Ben. Did he have to keep this a secret?


    Francesca immediately looped her arm with Xiu''s and walked inside with her. "My son had a meeting so I thought I should use this time to my advantage and take my daughter out on dinner. Besides, we need bonding time as well."


    Xiu smiled in reply. There was no way she could understand her enthusiasm but Xiu found it quite adorable.


    Francesca had booked the best table in the restaurant that was right beside the glass wall that looked over the beautiful flower garden. She was very pleased with her choice.


    "You don''t mind this restaurant, do you? I''m not really fond of Chinese food so..."


    "It''s okay. I can eat anything." Xiu cleared it up even before Francesca could finish her sentence.


    "That''s good then."


    "So..."


    Seeing Xiu''s reaction, she smiled sweetly at her, "Are you trying to figure out what to call me?"


    Xiu looked down sheepishly. She had been wondering about that exactly. She really didn''t want to get ahead of herself and call her mom. And she also didn''t want to call her by her name out of respect. But calling her auntie felt weird because well, look at that gorgeous woman! She was defying age through and through!


    "Call me anything you like. I''m not very picky about this stuff."


    "Then can I call you...?"


    Xiu wasn''t even given a chance to say it when France spoke up herself.


    "I''d prefer if you call me mom though."

 402 Hatred

    "For an aperitif, I think French 75 will be good. For the entree, French onion soup."


    "Madame, tonight''s plat du jour - chicken paillard and Blanquette de Veau (Veal in Cream Sauce). Would you like to try?"


    "Okay. And for dessert, Chestnut Pear Tatin. Hmm..." Francesca''s eyes skimmed over the menu once again before she closed it and said, "I think I''m done. Xiu, do you want anything else?"


    "I''ll take winter salad with buttermilk cream. Thank you!" Saying that Xiu passed the menu back and smiled politely.


    The server took the order and walked away leaving Xiu to admire the soft but soulful French music playing in the background. Xiu had never been to this restaurant but the classic and simple style reminded her of a beautiful French dinner party. The light grey linen tablecloths adorned with glowing candles along with white plates and mismatched silver flatware. It was indeed a very comfortable place for dining.


    "You seem to know a lot about French cuisine," Xiu began softly, and seeing how Francesca looked at her, she added, "Mom."


    "That''s better. Try saying that more often. You''ll get used to it." Xiu smiled slightly in response. "And of course, I know a lot about French cuisine. It reminds me of home." Xiu''s brows quirked up as she continued, "My mother was from France and the irony is, she named me Francesca."


    Xu giggled softly at the way she said it. She really was a funny woman.


    The dinner was a quiet affair for Xiu only, mostly because Xiu was lost in her own world. But just because Xiu was silent, Francesca wasn''t. She had been telling Xiu stories of all kinds to which Xiu only responded in mono-syllables.


    "Something''s bothering you?" asked Francesca when she noticed Xiu was only playing with her food rather than eating it. Xiu looked up and saw her concerned eyes, she was a bit startled. "You can say anything you want."


    "If I really said what''s on my mind, you''ll start calling me crazy," said Xiu.


    "But I already know that you''re crazy." Xiu gaped slightly at her response. "Everyone told me what kind of a person you are. Even Brother Zi said that you say the most random stuff at the most random time with the most random feel to it. Wow! That''s a lot of random there."


    Xiu couldn''t hold back her chuckle. Her words helped her in easing up a little.


    "Actually, I had been wondering why everyone likes me?" Now it was Francesca''s turn to gape in disbelief. There was a person like Xiu who had a problem with people liking her? "Don''t take me wrong. I''m not complaining. It''s just that... Let''s be real, not everyone in our life can like us." Xiu was talking from experience. "I''ve gone through a phase where I did everything to please people. But the more I wanted them to like me, they somehow found faults within me. So, I''m not sure why you all think I''m good."


    Francesca was listening to her silently and attentively.


    Today, she had come to think of it because of all those ads she saw on her way here. Once upon a time, it was her face on those screens and everyone loved her. But then they all realized she wasn''t worth it and she was scorned. One couldn''t possibly forget all about it so easily.


    Francesca stretched her hand to touch her head gently. "You really have the most random thoughts." Xiu looked into her eyes filled with motherly affection. "You already know that either it''s Qiu Jiayi, Xin Zimen, or me, none of us are actually blood-related." Xiu nodded her head. "But we still make a very good family." Xiu could only nod in agreement. "You see, we all come from different backgrounds, experiences. But... That didn''t stop us from growing close and finding a family outside the boundary of blood."


    "Maybe you''re right. Maybe you''re really not as good as we think you are. But that won''t change the fact that my son is in love with you." Xiu looked astonished. "Actually, none of us ever really cared what kind of a person you are. All we care about is how much you make our Regi happy. And we all can already see how happy he seems with you in his life. Shouldn''t that be enough for parents?"


    "Besides, I think either it''s Sister Wei, Brother Yi, or Brother Zi, we all are not that nice either. We also hate things. We also hate people. If it''s every person''s right to love someone, hating someone is also their own right."


    Xiu was left in a dilemma. The way she said those things made sense to her but yet it didn''t make sense. Maybe her worries were solely based on the fear that was instilled in her heart for years. But it made sense when she said that all of them liked her because Darren was in love with her. So, it really didn''t matter to them what kind of a person she was. Because Darren''s happiness was the only thing they were thinking about.


    Since she was Darren''s happiness, the rest didn''t matter to any of them.


    This one thought helped in easing her up a lot.


    "Thanks for saying all that," Xiu was genuinely grateful for those words. "But you didn''t have to lie." Francesca frowned at her. "I know all of you are nice people. I don''t think you all can even hate someone."


    Francesca chuckled at her naivety. "Sweetheart, you''re the one mistaking here. I didn''t lie to you."


    Xiu''s smiled stiffened. "But I can''t really believe that someone like you can hate someone."


    "But I do," answered Francesca with a smile on her lips. "I hate my Regi''s parents."

 403 Beautiful People

    Xiu was caught off-guard emotionally to the point that the fork in her hand fell down with a clank. Her eyes went round in disbelief. To be very honest, she thought she heard wrongly but Francesca''s next words said otherwise.


    "From your reaction, I believe that Regi hasn''t told you anything about this." Francesca was looking thoughtfully at Xiu. She had thought about it before and knowing her son, she knew he''d never say it himself. She took a deep breath before continuing, "Since you''re a part of the family now, you should know a bit about the Salvay family."


    "Regan is not your son?" Xiu abruptly ended up asking.


    "He is my son. He is my only son," Francesca''s answer got Xiu in confusion. "But I didn''t give birth to him." Xiu''s body went rigid. "He is not Francesca Salvay''s son. He is Florence Salvay''s son."


    "Florence?" repeated Xiu in a daze.


    "Hm. Florence Salvay; my elder sister." The way she said that name made her bitterness very obvious. Xiu didn''t know how to comprehend it all. "I heard from Regi that you believe I look too young to be his mother." Xiu nodded her head since she had said that on several occasions. "That''s because when he was born, I was like 15 or 16?" France perched her elbows on the table as she went on, "Anyways, I remember I was in high school when he was born. But I got his custody when I was in college. Before that my dad took care of him."


    "What about his real mother? Is she...?" Xiu only quirked her brow but didn''t dare complete that sentence.


    "Is she dead or alive?" France filled in for her and when Xiu nodded, she went on, "Honestly, I have no clue." Xiu frowned at her. "She vanished right after giving birth to Regi. After that, nobody saw her. And at this point, I don''t want her to come back." Xiu was in astonishment. "My sister has no idea what she lost. Because let me tell you, there can''t be a better son than my Regi. He''s caring, loving, considerate, reliable, and most importantly a very good human."


    Xiu was still having difficulty believing this. She had seen the way Darren takes about his mother. The respect, love, and admiration in his eyes for his mother had always been overwhelming to her but now she found the same thing in Francesca''s eyes for him as well.


    "It must have been very difficult all on your own..."


    Francesca tilted her head slightly, "Not really. Because I wasn''t alone. I had my son with me all along." She smiled sadly to herself at the memories as she continued, "To be honest when dad died, I was really lost. The relatives tricked me since I was clueless and I lost everything. My family''s house, my family''s business, and my dad''s legacy. I lost it all because it was my first time being all on my own."


    "You''re right. This world is filled with cruel and judgmental people. I had been faced with that. Perhaps that''s why I lost that itch to always judge people. I''m no better than why should I question other''s choices? The only thing I can do is to better myself. And to care only about the ones who matter to me."


    No wonder Xiu found her very genuine. She had faced her own storms and she had seen the hypocrisy of this world as well. She was so real because she knew how the fake hurt in this world.


    "But you still managed to raise a beautiful son," Xiu remarked with sincerity in her voice.


    Francesca chuckled at her words. "This is where everyone is very wrong. I didn''t raise Regi. It''s actually the other way around." Before Xiu could question what she meant, she elaborated, "Regi had always been a very sensible kid. He never threw any tantrums and instead always tried to accommodate to whatever circumstances we''re going through. And let me tell you, we went through pretty bad times together. However, he never complained. He always tried to take care of me instead."


    She took a sip of the water and added, "I love him more than anything. But I hate the fact that he never asked me for anything. I hate it that he never complained. Not even once!"


    Xiu didn''t know why she felt like crying now. Tears were brimming in her clear eyes now. She didn''t know why but she felt like she could understand Darren a lot better now. He went through that suffocation of trying to be the best in his life. It hurts, even more, to know that he never even shared this part of his life with her.


    "I hate my sister for leaving him like that," said Francesca. "I hate her for abandoning Regi without a second thought. I tried being a better guardian for him. I really tried but I still lacked a lot. And I can never forgive my sister for this."


    Xiu placed her hand over hers and said, "I don''t think so. I think you''re the most beautiful person I''ve come across in my life. And most importantly, you are the best mother in the world. I truly learned today that some bonds really don''t require blood. Some of us just need a person like you."

 404 I Really Don

    Everything that Xiu learned from Francesca in the restaurant left her in deep thoughts. Francesca was not only respectful, admirable but also the most amazing person she had come across.


    Unlike her mother, Francesca made time for Darren even though they both were single working mothers. But the difference was huge. Here she was who never even got to have a proper conversation with her mother and then there were Francesca and Darren who had built a beautiful bond.


    ~~


    When Darren rushed back and unlocked the door of her apartment, he saw her in a daze staring blankly at the tv screen which was turned off. He frowned to himself while waving his hand before her eyes but she didn''t even flinch. She was really in her own world.


    He thought of something and smirked playfully.


    Xiu''s trance was only broken when she felt Darren''s weight on her body. "What are you doing?" She hit his arm trying to push him but he was acting as if he was too tired and lazy to even move. He had crushed her body into the sofa. "Baobei, you''re heavy!"


    "But I don''t wanna move," his breath hit straight at her neck before she felt him nuzzling up against her. "This is comforting."


    Xiu ran her fingers through his hair with a soft smile, "What is comforting?"


    "The way you smell, the way you feel, and everything about you."


    "If you''re using this cute boyfriend act so that I forget about my anger, then drop it."


    Darren supported his weight on his hands by her side and lifted his body up to look at her face, "But you said you''re not angry. I''m really sorry that I couldn''t come to pick you up."


    Xiu shook her head, "I''m not angry about that."


    "Then?"


    Xiu squinted her eyes and squished his cheeks saying, "When were you planning on telling me that you''re diabetic?" Darren pressed his lips together. "I like an idiot kept offering you cupcakes and you never even refused. Do you even think I''m important? How could you hide such a big thing from me?"


    Darren finally sat up and rubbed his nape, "Once in a while, I also deserve to eat cupcakes." Xiu glared at him. "Sweets, I didn''t intentionally hide it. I promise. It just... It just never came up."


    "Not even when I offered you cupcakes?" she was being sarcastic now. Earlier when she learned from Francesca about his diabetes, she was really mad at him. How could he not tell her? Weren''t they supposed to know everything about each other? Why wasn''t he telling her something so important about his health?


    "I wanted to but... Those cupcakes played as a cupid between you and me. How could I say anything?" He hugged her waist and leaned his body against her side. "I promise it wasn''t intentional." He rubbed his head against her shoulder.


    Xiu had to remind herself that she couldn''t fall for this. Not so soon. She had to hold her ground for just a little more. She just had to!


    "FUCK!" Xiu screamed in her head. He was really not making it easy for her to hold her ground now.


    "You know I''d never hide anything intentionally from you. I love you so much. Can''t you forgive me just this once?"


    Xiu''s expressions cracked as she sighed and tilted her head slightly to look at him. Looking into his eyes right beside hers, she was really lost for words. "You''re using my tactic now."


    "Well, two can play this game," he shrugged nonchalantly. Obviously, he learned this cutesie act from her. Since he always fell for her cute girlfriend act, he also tried the same with her. And it was working exceptionally well. Also, he was loving it.


    "I hate you," Xiu grumbled unhappily.


    "No, you love me."


    "I don''t," she denied childishly.


    "Yes, you do." He asserted.


    "I said I don''t," Xiu denied again as she turned her head away from him.


    Darren held the back of her head and forced her to look at him. "Oi! Don''t you ever dare say you don''t love me? That''s not an option anymore!" Xiu looked at that slight darkness in his eyes and felt amused. "Now, say you love me."


    "Are you forcing me to say that?" Xiu tried to hold back her smile when he nodded his head. When she stayed silent for a minute, it felt exceptionally long minute to Darren. His eyes were getting darker and darker. Xiu chuckled at his sulky reaction and ruffled his hair, "I love you! I love you! I love! Happy, you sulky baby?"


    Darren immediately flashed her a beautiful smile. "Yup. More than just happy now!"


    "I really can''t tell whether you''re trying to be funny or cute with me?"


    "Does it matter?"


    Xiu shook her head, "No. Because I love you anyway."


    "That''s more like it," Darren was really pleased with himself as he kept hugging her waist with his chin still perched on her shoulder. "And you don''t have to worry, I won''t ask for cupcakes now."


    "Really?" Xiu was surprised a little bit and had her suspicion about this sudden statement.


    "Yes, really."


    "Why? Don''t like my cupcakes now?" she raised her brow at her rhetoric question.


    "Nah. I love the baker even more now." He winked at her mischievously making her feel all shy again.


    She scoffed, "Trying to be cheeky, eh?"


    Darren shook his head and kissed her lips. "I''m not trying to be cheeky. I just said the fact."


    "Fact? What''s the fact?"


    Darren''s tongue licked the seam of her lips making her gasp in surprise while he inserted his tongue inside and when pulled away, nodded in satisfaction saying, "See? My Sweets is sweeter than any cupcake. Why bother with superficial things?"


    "Bloody son of a biscuit!" she cursed at him in her usual way.


    He pinched her nose, "Sweets, what really is this ''Son of a biscuit''?"


    "You don''t have to know," she grumbled while rubbing her nose that he pinched.


    "So, you''re not angry with me now, right?"


    "I''m not but I should be," said Xiu making him frown. "You didn''t tell me anything. There''s a lot you''re hiding from me."


    Darren straightened up and looked carefully at her, "You had a chat with mama?"

 405 Im Awesome!

    Darren thought he should have guessed this already that his mother had a conversation with Xiu. Now the question was how much did his mother tell Xiu? However, Xiu had no idea what he was thinking about as she answered,


    "Yes, I had dinner with mom, and she..."


    Darren cut her off as he abruptly kneeled down before her and stared up into her eyes. Xiu leaned back slightly in surprise while he said, "Mom? Did you just call her mom?"


    "Yeah," Xiu nodded her head. "She told me I can do it. Why? You don''t like it?"


    "Like it?" he chuckled to himself. "I feel like I''m floating on cloud nine or something."


    He kissed her cheek and Xiu was unable to understand his excitement. What was up with him? Why were his hands on her knees shaking so much? Was it really that important?


    "Are you that happy about such a simple thing?" she questioned looking into his eyes in wonder while her hands rested upon his to help his trembling self.


    "It''s not simple," said Darren. "Two most important women in my life have come together. Do you even know what kind of excitement that is?"


    "I really don''t," answered Xiu honestly.


    "It''s like you''re finally a part of my family."


    "Baobei, you''re really not making much sense now." Xiu laughed at him.


    He held her face in his hands and said, "Sweets, you''re the part of me that completes me. Are you willing to be a part of my life? Are you willing to be that piece of a puzzle that holds all the answers to my life?"


    "What is this?" She squinted her eyes at him. "Is this perhaps another random proposal?"


    Darren pursed his lips and looked at her thoughtfully, "And if it is? What''s your answer?"


    Xiu stroked her chin, "I wonder what are my options..."


    "It''s a yes or a yes," he replied with a cheeky smile.


    "Oh, that''s like you''re not even leaving a way out for me again. OW!"


    Xiu yelped when Darren held her arms and pulled her down. Now, she was sitting between his legs with her back against his chest while his arms held her body tightly. "That''s because I''m never letting you go."


    "I think you''re getting infected with my ''being random'' disease." Xiu snuggled back and added, "But I know you''re just trying to digress from the real point again."


    Darren placed his chin on the top of her head while playing with her hands as he questioned, "What do you want to know? And what did mama really tell you?"


    "She said, she''s not your real-"


    "Don''t say it," he interrupted her again. "I hate it when people say that she''s not my real mother. Because in all my memories, she is my mother. She is the only one I have had with me. And she is the only one I need in my life."


    Xiu was holding his index finger as if silently comforting him. She could hear the bitterness of those memories clearly. But she didn''t dare look at his face or his eyes. She knew she''d end up crying if she did so.


    "If I''m given another chance in life to choose. I''d choose her as my mother all over again. She never even once thought about her own life. She just kept doing everything for my future. I just hate the fact that she couldn''t find her own happiness while trying to shape mine for me." He exhaled heavily as he went on, "I told her so many times to stop working and stay at home now. But her reply had been, ''The only thing I''ve done in the past two decades is work. I really don''t know how to live without work in my life now.'' Those words truly made me feel guilty."


    His voice broke and Xiu couldn''t help holding his hand even more tightly. It was really not easy giving away your youth for a kid and the one who wasn''t even yours, to begin with. Francesca only had two things in life; Darren and her work. But she really never thought she was lacking anything. It was Darren who thought she needed her own happiness.


    "From what I saw, I believe she''s really happy in her life. She''s like the proudest mother in the world since she has you as a son. Instead of feeling guilty, why don''t you just let her decide whether she is happy in her life or not? It''s her life, and it''s her choice how she wants to spend it."


    Darren listened to Xiu''s words silently and thought about it.


    "It''s not your fault that she''s made her work her life. It''s her choice. She told me how much she loves her work and I think that''s the main reason why she doesn''t want to resign. She feels accomplished. What''s so wrong with that?" She patted his hands. "Stop thinking so much."


    Darren closed his eyes and smiled softly, "It''s so weird how everything makes sense with you around."


    "That''s because I''m awesome!"


    Darren chuckled at her, "Oh, I was wondering where your narcissistic self was these days."


    Xiu didn''t mind his remark at all. In fact, she never minds anything he said. It felt like they were now more comfortable to share anything with each other without caring about anything else. And yet these two fools always ended up keeping something from each other.


    They stayed like in that position for a long while in silence. It was comfortable since they both had something to think about now.


    "Regan..."


    "Hmm?"


    "What about your... I mean what about mom''s elder sister?" Darren''s expressions didn''t change. He was still calmly hugging her as she continued, "About Florence Salvay, did you never have the urge to know about her whereabouts?"

 406 Mrs. Salvay

    Sensing how Darren just went silent after hearing her question, Xiu felt like she must have said something she shouldn''t have. She knew his real mother''s topic must be a very sensitive and painful one but she couldn''t hold back her words. Her curiosity was gonna kill her otherwise. She just wanted to know whether he felt like he needed to know his real mother or not?


    "I''m sorry for bringing this up," she hurriedly tried to fix the mood. "If you don''t want to answer, that''s alright. I know it must be very hard." She was hesitatingly gonna compromise now.


    Darren placed his hand on her head gently and yet not so very gently as he shook her head saying, "Why would it be painful? I never even thought about her. Florence is mama''s sister, and if she doesn''t care where she is, I don''t either."


    "Did you never feel like trying to find her? Really?" Xiu was truly intrigued to know his reply. Was this his way of running from heartbreak? Because he didn''t want to know why she left him, he never bothered looking for her?


    "We find people who are lost, not the ones who leave by their own choice!" said Darren firmly. Xiu tilted her head to look up at him. "Sweets, people who are meant to leave eventually leave. Even if you cage a bird, it eventually finds a way to fly away. That''s life. Neither can we stop water from flowing nor can we hold sand in our hands."


    His words reminded Xiu of her own life. You can''t cage a bird forever. It eventually will find a way to fly away. She also found that way. It''s a pity her way of flying away was... Death! Argh! She was really recalling the wrong part of her life.


    "She chose to leave on her own. It was her choice to leave me behind. Now, it''s my choice to not care where or how she is. She had never been a part of my life and I''d like to keep it that way." He looked into her eyes as he questioned, "Got it?"


    Xiu nodded her head in reply. "What about your father?"


    Darren''s expressions turned complicated at that. He seemed indifferent when she mentioned his real mother but why did he suddenly seem restless?


    "You know your father, right?" she questioned strangely.


    "Of course, I do," Darren replied in a low voice. "But I prefer not talking about him."


    "Did he also leave you by choice?"


    Darren smiled a bit sadly as he shook his head, "It''s more complicated than that." Just as Xiu was about to open her mouth, he went on, "Sweets, I''d love to share my everything with you. But talking about my dad is a bit difficult. I''m not able to bring myself to either love him or hate him. So, I really don''t know what to say about him."


    "So, he didn''t leave you, right?" Xiu didn''t know why but she was feeling anxious to know his reply.


    "What cute? I''m trying to be angry here!"


    "But I find it super adorable!"


    "You find everything adorable these days," complained Xiu.


    "Oh, that''s because my Sweets is so adorable. So everything she does is also adorable to me."


    Seeing him smile at her again, Xiu was relaxed and decided not to pursue this topic anymore. He really avoided talking further about his dad and Xiu could tell that. And since he didn''t want to talk about it, she wasn''t gonna push it either. It was enough for her to know this much. For now, at least. Although she couldn''t grasp the reason why he didn''t want to talk about his dad, she still wasn''t gonna rush in.


    Besides, she was the most patient person now! She''d wait for him!


    "Oh, I suddenly remember something!" Xiu rushed out of his grasp but he didn''t let go. "Let me get my cellphone. I have to show you something."


    Darren sighed and let her go. She ran to her room to get her phone and when she came back, she saw him with open-arms beckoning her to get back down. Xiu could only shake her head at him. But still silently took her seat on the floor with his legs around her while his chest supporting her body.


    "See this," she showed the clip from this morning to him and complained, "I told that stupid boss of mine to remove this from the forum but he didn''t." Darren only smiled and didn''t react at all. "Why aren''t you saying anything? Have you seen it already? Did that stupid boss of mine sent it to you?"


    Darren shook his head and took her phone from her. Using the search engine he typed; R. D. Salvay public love confession.


    Xiu quirked her brows but her eyes went wide when the search result showed the top trending video on the internet. It was the same clip that was posted in her company''s forum. What the bloody hell! Xiu was staring in shock at the video; the views were increasing at a tremendous speed.


    "I''m not often seen in public and since the time I gave that interview, some nosy reporters had been way too curious about my other half. So, no wonder it just blew up."


    He talked as if it was the most natural thing to happen. Okay, she agrees! He wasn''t really an ordinary man just because he acted low-key. Either it was his previous status as a star sports racer or the current status of being the managing director of a multinational company; he was famous in both fields.


    "Why didn''t you do something about it?" she complained.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Your face is not even clear in it. Only I''m seen mostly. So, I just took this chance to prove that I do have someone in my life who is very important to me. You see, most people thought I was just kidding in that interview."


    Xiu nodded her head in understanding. She couldn''t possibly hide in shadows for life now. Just because she didn''t want to appear in news anymore didn''t mean her other half wouldn''t have to. Well, looks like she had to get used to the cameras once again. Being Mrs. Salvay wouldn''t be easy. Sigh!

 407 Need To Think It Over

    "99 roses?"


    Dylan''s eyes were glued to his desktop screen where beautiful bouquets of 99 roses were displayed. He had taken Xiu''s words very seriously. Now, he was really drawing up his perfect plan to get his girl.


    "It represents love forever," he read the caption underneath the pictures and nodded his head before shaking it. "Nah! Cali won''t like this grand gesture. Besides, she isn''t even very fond of roses." He was having a very thoughtful conversation with him about his next course of action.


    He ruffled in his hair in frustration and crossed everything he wrote on the notepad. Apparently, his brain really stopped working now. This was an even harder job than anything he had ever done! Why was it even more difficult than confessing to her?


    *Phone Ringing*


    Dylan looked at his phone screen and took the call while yawning, "What''s up, Dazi? How come you''re calling me at this time of the night?"


    Since Darren could hear the laziness in his voice, he replied, "Were you sleeping?"


    "Nope! I''m still at the office."


    "Office?" Darren looked at his wristwatch and frowned, "It''s quarter to 11 o''clock." He was really surprised to hear that Dylan was at his office ''till this time. That was rare. "When did you become so diligent?"


    "When you want to control your love life, you need to have two things; diligence and confidence!"


    Darren was kinda speechless as he asked, "And which wise person said that to you?"


    "Your girlfriend," answered Dylan with a burst of laughter. Darren rolled his eyes and shook his head with a smile. Okay! He got it! He had two dumbly adorkable people in his life. Hearing Darren sighing, Dylan continued, "By the way, bro, I have a question. May I?"


    "You can spout so much nonsense but need permission now to ask a question?"


    Dylan ignored his tone of voice as he continued, "I''ll take that as a yes then." He took a deep breath and spun his rotating chair in the dark office room as he questioned, "So, I''ve been wondering. When was the first time Xiu''s presence stirred your heart? Like when did you realize she was gonna be dangerous for your heart?"


    Darren reminisced back to every single moment he spent with Xiu and replied, "Honestly, I found her very interesting and intriguing from the very beginning."


    "I know that. Her weird personality is hard to forget," agreed Dylan without any hesitation. If she hadn''t had such kind of a personality why would he be so close to her now? "But I''m asking about that one moment when your heart skipped the beat for the very first time in her presence."


    "Is it some kind of a pattern with her?" wondered out Dylan. "Why does she always sing when she''s drunk?"


    "Not always," replied Darren. "And besides, she has a beautiful voice. I don''t mind her singing 24/7."


    "Are you bragging that your girlfriend is a multitalented person?" Dylan''s voice came out sour because of how he was talking about his girlfriend.


    "Why? Can''t I?" retorted Darren but before Dylan could say anything, he went on, "She''s extraordinary. And I have all the right to brag about that!"


    "Fuck you!" shouted Dylan. "Bro! You can make anyone feel like a single dog!"


    Darren only chuckled at his words.


    Although Dylan was annoyed a little bit, he still questioned, "Oh, I almost forgot. Why did you call me? Isn''t this your time to hug your wife?"


    "Don''t be so bitter now Didi just because you don''t have a wife to hug."


    "Dazi! Get to the point!" Dylan didn''t want that stupid idiot of a friend to shove it in his face that he was still single! When Darren stayed silent for a long while, Dylan sensed something odd. "You okay? What''s bothering you?"


    Darren leaned against the metal railing of the balcony as he looked at the sky and said, "Sweets asked me about dad today."


    "Oh..." began Dylan. "So? Just tell her. What''s the worry? In fact, you can even bring her to meet your dad. The Xia Capital is only an hour away from An City anyway."


    Darren sighed heavily as he continued, "If she was just my Sweets, I won''t hesitate. In fact, I''d love to introduce her to dad but..." While Dylan was frowning about this pause, Darren went on, "She''s my Ah-Xiu as well."


    Dylan''s eyes widened as he abruptly stood up and cursed out loud, "I totally forgot about that!"


    "So did I," answered Darren. "I had been so absorbed in loving the present her that I almost overlooked the fact that the past her wasn''t mine."


    "Dazi, what did you tell her then?"


    "Nothing for now," said Darren honestly. "I don''t know how to say anything to her without reminding her of the past she had been trying to grow out of."


    Dylan was lost for words. Was he in a position to give a bit of advice to his best friend? No! He was not! "Dazi, I think you''re calling the wrong person for advice. I''m not the wisest one. In fact, just as your girlfriend says, I''m often the dumb one. So..."


    "I''m not asking you for advice. I just needed to share this with someone who would understand me. And apart from me, only you know that Bai Xiu is Chen Xiu as well. That''s why I called you."


    Dylan nodded his head and sat back down looking anxious, "So, what are you gonna do then?" He looked serious as he continued, "You can''t probably hide it forever from her. She''ll eventually have to learn about your dad and from that, she''ll also learn about..." he didn''t complete his sentence since he knew his best friend was smart enough to understand his meaning.


    Darren thought about it and nodded to himself, "I know that. But currently, she''s already having a battle with her own self. I think I should wait at least until she is more stable. Emotionally!"


    "Aren''t you just running from facing the truth?"


    Darren frowned at Dylan''s words as he said, "Didi, you''re forgetting something... If she learned who my dad is, she''ll also learn who your ex-girlfriend is. And what role she played in Chen Xiu''s apparent ''suicide''!"


    Dylan''s heart shook at his words. How could he forget that? His hands clenched until his veins were visible. He was holding his emotions back as he replied, "Looks like you, and I both need to think this over."

 408 Go Easy

    Even after speaking to Dylan and sharing his worries, Darren wasn''t feeling any better. Hiding anything from Xiu wasn''t as simple for him as it seemed. He did want a transparent relationship but what was he supposed to do when knowing this truth was gonna... hurt her? Make her angry? Or maybe she''ll hate him as well?


    Darren didn''t know whether it was the cold early winter breeze or his own thoughts but he shuddered. Argh! He was really exasperated with his own thoughts.


    It was after an hour or so when he stepped back inside. He looked at Xiu whose even and gentle breathing made him believe she was asleep. He got under the comforter right beside her, rolled over, kissed her forehead with his cold lips, and whispered, "I love you. I love you so much. I''m never going to leave you. Never ever! I promise."


    His cold hand around her waist tightened when she snuggled up to him and hid her face in his chest. Because of standing in the cold breeze for so long, his whole body was cold but she was warm. Really warm.


    But what he didn''t know was that Xiu had not been sleeping. She had been waiting for him and only had her eyes closed. But when he came back, even though she wanted to open her eyes she couldn''t do so when he kissed her forehead as if she was the most precious thing in his life.


    As for the reason why she kept pretending to sleep and hid her face in his chest was because she was trying to hide the tear that betrayed her and fell down. It was such a precious moment for her. Hearing him say ''I love you'' wasn''t new but it meant so much more when he said it while assuming she was asleep. And how was she gonna hold her emotions when he said he wasn''t gonna let her go?


    Who wouldn''t feel overwhelmed and blessed with a person like him?


    She certainly wasn''t strong enough to handle these emotions!


    ...


    Darren was not the only person who was anxious on this beautiful night. His call had left Dylan equally restless now. Even after coming back home, he could only toss and turn in his bed. He didn''t feel like eating anything at all.


    He put his arm over his eyes as a distant memory replayed in his mind...


    *Flashback*


    "Hedi," the girl''s hoarse voice called his name pleadingly. "Please, hear me out!"


    "What should I hear about though?" he questioned calmly as his reddened eyes stared at her swollen eyes. "What can you really explain to me at this point?"


    The girl held his hand tightly as she looked up at his face, "I didn''t know anything. It really wasn''t my intention."


    "Is that supposed to be your excuse?" he retorted. "Because it isn''t very convincing. You''re young but not that naive. You knew exactly what was going around you."


    "I did. But I didn''t know I was being used in this cruel way. Please, forgive me."


    "It''s not because of me," she shouted as she fell down on her knees sobbing. "I really didn''t know she''d commit suicide. How was I even supposed to know that?"


    "That angel treated you like her little sister. You told me yourself how nice Chen Xiu is and how much she loves you. Then how did you betray her so easily? How did your heart allow you to drive her crazy?!"


    She shook her head back and forth frantically, "I loved Sister Xiu. I really did. But I didn''t betray her. I''m telling you I was used. I didn''t even realize I was used as a pawn in someone''s gameplay. Please, don''t hate me. I love you so much! You know how much I love you. Please, don''t turn your back on me!"


    "Even if it was someone else other than Chen Xiu, I''d still hate you this much. I can''t believe you turned your back on someone''s life and you expect me to not turn my back on you? Is human life that cheap for you people now? What did that girl even do to you all? All she ever did was being too kind to even monsters like you!"


    He didn''t even realize when his tears had started falling. He turned around and strode away from the girl who was shouting his name. Calling for him. Apologizing again and again. But how was he supposed to forgive her?


    *End of Flashback*


    Dylan abruptly sat up in his bed and rubbed his hand on his face. He blamed his condition on Darren who reminded him about that incident and his ex-girlfriend all over again. He had always been smug before Xiu but now that he thought about it; the thought that she Chen Xiu drove him crazy.


    How was he supposed to look her in the eyes again?


    How was he supposed to tell her that he was once associated with a person who had been involved in her death?


    He suddenly felt so much guilt that it suffocated him.


    Not being able to calm down or sleep, he left the room and came downstairs. While he was gonna enter the kitchen he bumped into his father.


    "Hedi, you haven''t gone to sleep?" Qiu Jiayi asked in a concerned voice.


    "I couldn''t sleep, dad," he answered softly.


    "Drink some milk or eat a banana, it will help with sleep." Dylan nodded his head trying to smile at his father. "But if something''s bothering you, you can always share it with me. I''m always here to listen."


    "I know, dad," he began. "But I really don''t know what or how to share anything with you."


    "Hmm... Is it that difficult?" Dylan nodded his head. "Then you don''t have to say anything. Just don''t be too hard on yourself." Qiu Jiayi patted his son''s shoulder in support. "No matter what, your dad is here for you."


    Dylan couldn''t help hugging his father who was taken aback a bit since Dylan was a clingy person but only with his mother. He would rarely hug his father. But if he was doing it, it meant he was really having a difficult time. "Hedi."


    "Hm."


    "It''s okay to cry if you feel like it but make sure the people or worries you''re shedding those tears for are actually worth it." He pulled away from his son and smiled gently at him. "Because I believe my son''s tears shouldn''t be wasted on just anyone."


    "You don''t even know what''s going on with me," grumbled Dylan.


    "I don''t have to. Your face is very easy to read. Besides I''m your dad, I know you well."


    Dylan could only shake his head at his father who left him after giving a few more words of encouragement. It was actually a good thing that he ran into his father. At least, it saved him from dwelling in his own guilt all over again after all those years.

 409 Balance

    "Are you hiding something from me?"


    Xiu had been noticing Darren''s expressions from the moment she woke up. He had constantly been avoiding her gaze for some reason. Even now at the breakfast table, he was focused on his phone screen while distractedly taking small sips of the fruit shake she made for him.


    Darren almost spurted the shake at her question. He lifted his eyes slowly to look at her. She was cupping her face in her hands while staring at him with her eyes squinting suspiciously.


    "What do you mean?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders as she poked the fork in the diced apple and brought it to her mouth saying, "I''m just asking. Since you hid about your diabetes from me, I had to take a crash source overnight to learn all about what you can or can''t eat. So, if there is anything else that I should know, timely let me know."


    Darren''s brows knitted up as he looked at the healthy breakfast at the table. She loved Chinese breakfast but today, she had made prepared everything according to his dietary needs. Darren was really touched by this gesture.


    "I can understand that this simple breakfast is for me, but why are you only eating fruits?"


    "Because I don''t want to make you feel bad." He lifted his brows at her as she continued, "On my way back, I''ll go grocery shopping today and get all the ingredients that are healthy. I already have the list." She showed him the note she made last night and Darren couldn''t help smiling at her.


    "Also, I read that you have to eat every 4 to 6 hours. So, I prepared a lunch box as well. Now, don''t make me come all the way to your office to feed you."


    "Sweets, my diabetes is not that bad. You don''t have to -"


    "But I want to," she cut him off as she went on, "You need to be healthy and fit. How else will you manage to take care of a mess like me? I know it takes a lot of effort to look over my crazy ass. So. you have to stay healthy."


    Darren chuckled at her response, "So, you''re taking care of me just so that I can take care of you in return? It''s like give and take?"


    "Nope, it''s called balance," retorted Xiu firmly. "Every relationship is not all about; give, and take. Some are all about balance."


    "I never thought about that..." he wondered out loud to himself. Indeed, he had never taken this perspective of life or relationships into consideration before.


    "I know and that''s why I''m telling you now," began Xiu. "If you like something tell me. If you dislike something tell me again. You can''t keep giving in to me just because I want it. I''ll do the same as well. That''s called balance and that''s how we can make this relationship strong. Besides, communication is the key to success."


    "You have a lot to say on this fine morning," said Darren seeing her munching on the fresh apples.


    Darren was lost for words. What she said made sense but was it really as easy as she made it seem? "I want to share everything with you. But somethings are a little too complicated to say."


    Xiu tilted her head slightly, "Huh? Telling me your dislike for dogs is complicated? How?"


    Darren was startled. Wait! She was referring to that? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It''s a known fact that when you''re guilty of something, your guilty conscious kicks in. Right now, Darren was feeling guilty of not telling her about his paternal family and when she said, he was hiding something, he definitely assumed she was referring to that.


    "Did mama told you that as well?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Nope. I suddenly was reminded last night how you insisted that you don''t want a dog while I was drunk and acting like a spoiled brat." Cringing at the memory of how she acted around him when she was drunk, she went on, "Any particular reason for this dislike with dogs? Allergy? Or trauma?"


    "Trauma," he voiced out simply.


    Xiu''s brows raised up, "Trauma? Really?" Seeing how he nodded, she added, "What happened? Now, that I recall Dylan also doesn''t like dogs."


    "Yes, we both hate dogs," said Darren and couldn''t look away from her inquiring gaze as he went on, "Long story short, a couple of dogs attacked us when we were young and since then we just keep our distance from dogs."


    "You got bitten?" she widened her eyes.


    "Something like that," was his answer.


    "Interesting," said Xiu out loud.


    "Really?"


    Xiu grinned at him. "I didn''t mean it like that. Forget it. You don''t have to worry, I don''t want a dog."


    "If you want I -"


    "It''s not because of you," Xiu chimed in. "Pets take a lot of attention and I can''t even look after my own self. That night I was momentarily lost because of that cute dog I saw and also because of how drunk I was. I really don''t want it now."


    Darren tried to stare her down to see whether she was telling the truth or not. And it turned out, she was very serious since she didn''t back off at all. Her eyes only lowered when her phone rang.


    "Hey, little brother! How come you''re missing me so early in the morning?"


    Xiu''s brows drew closer and closer as she listened to the other person on the call. Her expressions changed from ''smiley'' Xiu to ''deep in a thought'' Xiu. Darren was curious to know what happened that managed to change her mood so quickly. Not that it was a surprise. But still, he wanted to know what was bothering her now.


    "Umm... I''ll be there in a while," said Xiu and hung up the call.


    "Everything alright?" questioned Darren.


    "I''m not sure," replied Xiu staring at her phone screen. "I guess the only way to find out is to actually check myself."

 410 Cute, Adorable, Lovable!

    Xiu had been in a complicated mood since the time she talked to Jackie over the phone call. He sounded strange when he informed her, "Xiu baby, you have to come home. Only you can fix this stubborn family. No one is even talking to each other and it''s so silent that I feel uneasy now. Please, help Nono! She is not even eating anything now."


    First of all, how could she refuse that adorable kid? He was probably the only kid she had come to love since her trauma kicked in. Just as Dylan had remembered, she once loved kids. That''s why she always went to the orphanage to spend time with kids when she was Chen Xiu. But how could she forget it was also a kid that became the reason for her demise?


    She could only sigh heavily at that painful reminder from the past.


    But Jackie was an exception in this life. She loved him very dearly. Also, since her best friend was the one who needed her, how could Xiu say no to that either?


    Although she was gonna take a taxi to Jing''s house, Darren strongly protested against that. So, now she was sitting in his car with him right by her side. But why was it so silent?


    Xiu looked over in his direction and saw Darren typing away on his iPad. Well, he seemed busy and she couldn''t disturb him. Thinking for a while, she looked at his driver Ben and smiled to herself, "So Ben, who won last night?"


    Ben was a bit startled when she suddenly called his name. But he still answered, "The warlock team won."


    "Oh, poor you!" The way she said it made Ben''s lips twitch. She was certainly teasing him now. "Looks like someone is bound for that blind date. Hehe..." See? Her amusement was coming out now.


    During all the time Ben had come across Xiu, he had learned a bit about her personality. Especially last night when she kept chattering with him. Apparently, she can''t stand silence these days. And he ended up becoming the ''object'' of her attention. And during one of those conversations, his tongue slipped and he mentioned how his sister and he were having a bet.


    The bet was simple, there was a professional gaming competition last night and if his sister''s team won, he''d go on a blind date with her friend. But if his team won, he won''t have to go through this trouble. Well, needless to say, he lost the bet.


    "Are you really finding pleasure in my misfortune?" Ben spoke after she stopped laughing at him.


    "I''m not a masochist!" Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Also, how can you conclude it''s a misfortune? You haven''t even tried it yet. Besides, as long as you''re alive we should taste whatever the world has to offer. Bitter or sweet, knowing the taste is better than regretting it."


    Ben nodded his head thoughtfully at her words, agreeing. What she said made sense. Besides, he wasn''t gonna face any loss anyway.


    "Aren''t you both becoming rather chummy recently?"


    Ben decided to seal his lips before his boss while Xiu looked at him with her brows raised inquisitively.


    "Baobei, are you jelly?"


    "What if I am?"


    Xiu pointed at the iPad in his hands and said, "So am I." Darren was frowning when she added, "Of this stupid machine in your hand. A living, cute, adorable, and lovable person is right beside you but you seem to love that stupid machine."


    Darren rubbed his nape as he said, "I thought you needed some space to think over stuff."


    "Wow! My Baobei is becoming a fortune-teller now." The sarcasm in her voice was so thick that even Ben had to purse his lips. He was having trouble holding back his laughter while his boss was busy trying to come up with something to say. "Did I tell you I need space? I think I told you plenty of times that my time is my time. I don''t like sharing you with others when it''s my time! Not even with your work."


    Seeing her reaction Darren was really lost for words now. He just replied to one email. Yes, it wasn''t urgent. But he really thought she needed time to herself.


    "Do you know how much hard work it took to remove that mistress from our relationship?"


    "Mistress?" Darren repeated with knitted brows.


    "That Dylan. He is no better than a mistress to me. But now, you''re making your work a mistress between us." She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed, "I don''t like it."


    Hearing how Xiu referred to Dylan as a ''mistress'', Ben lost it. His stiff expression finally cracked and he couldn''t help laughing out while Darren''s face was left gaping at her in disbelief.


    Darren put his iPad at a side and hugged her waist while putting his face on her shoulder, "Sweets, you really make me speechless sometimes."


    "Did I say something wrong?"


    "No. How can my Sweets be wrong? Never!" he spoke with a smile playing on his lips. Gosh! Did he mention that he loved this girl? Even if he did, he wasn''t gonna get tired of saying this. He really loved her! He loved her more and more and more every single time.


    Xiu was pleased by that answer. She actually had no issue with his work. But she hated it when he was sitting right beside her but gave all his attention to something else. The feeling in her heart at that time wasn''t very delightful.


    "Sir, we''re here," announced Ben after clearing his throat to get their attention.


    Xiu immediately rushed out but seeing how Darren also got down from the car, she raised her brow at him. "What? I''m gonna come with you," he answered her unasked question.


    Xiu smiled at him weirdly before shaking her head. "No, you''re not."


    "What? Why?" Xiu still shook her head.


    "You''re gonna get late for work," she argued back.


    "It''s only half-past seven. I have plenty of time," said Darren but Xiu still refused. "I introduced you to every person I consider family. And yet, you''re not even gonna introduce me to everyone?"


    The way he pouted almost worked before Xiu her feet down firmly, "I''m gonna introduce you to everyone officially. But now is not the time."


    "When is gonna be the time?"


    Xiu sighed out before she covered her eyes and refused to look into his eyes, "Stop seducing me with that look. You know I''m a sucker for those eyes. There is no way I can refuse when you look at me like that."


    Darren shook her arm, "Then why are you not falling for this look now?"


    "Because today is really not the day. Nora''s issue has gotten both Clara mom and Uncle Jing in a bad mood. I really don''t want you to meet them right now." With her eyes still shut tight, she reached her hands out to touch his face saying, "Be a good Baobei and don''t do this today."


    "Fine," Darren grumbled and sat back in his car while Xiu turned around but ended up hitting the car. Darren chuckled at her. "Open your eyes now."


    Xiu opened her eyes and rubbed her forehead before looking back at him with a sheepish grin. "I''ll see you in the evening?" He nodded his head and she smiled brightly before running off.


    Darren''s eyes were glued to her back as he smiled.

 411 Spoiled, Naive, Attention-Seeker

    -Qiu Family House-


    Last night, Dylan had real trouble sleeping. Who knew that even he would be an overthinker? But since he slept almost at the break of dawn, he didn''t wake up at his usual time.


    "QIU HEDI!!!"


    His mother''s loud voice scared Dylan even in his sleep. And soon, his ear was being pulled by his mother as always. Seriously! Did she think he was still a teenager or something? Why was she always pulling his ear?!


    Dylan opened his eyes while trying to stop himself from shouting. "Ma, what is wrong with you? What have I done now?"


    "How dare you try to hide things from me now?" Zhao Wei was really furious. Mostly because she was used to her son sharing and complaining to her all the time. But since he hid something, she wasn''t very pleased with him.


    "Mother Empress! This unfilial son of yours beseeches you to let this poor son go!" Zhao Wei''s face twitched at his performance. "Bestow your mercy!"


    Zhao Wei let his ear go and poked his head, "You''re really unfilial!"


    Dylan rubbed his ear saying, "Would you mind telling me what have I done to empurple my Mother Empress?"


    Zhao Wei eyed him dangerously. Dylan cowered back hiding under his comforter. This spoiled kid was really not comfortable with his mother''s gaze. Why did she look so mad?


    "You have a girlfriend and you didn''t even bother telling your mother? Why am I the last person to know about this?"


    "I have a girlfriend?" Dylan stared at her dumbfounded. "How come I have a girlfriend and I''m clueless about it?"


    Zhao Wei almost shoved her phone screen on his face. "Then explain this!"


    Dylan looked at the pictures of him and Cali from yesterday. Momentarily, his guilt for Xiu was completely forgotten. He asked that little devil to send him the photos but no, she just had to send it to his mother instead! How delightful!


    "About that..." he tried to speak but didn''t know how to continue, "She''s not my girlfriend..." Zhao Wei''s unhappy frown suddenly shifted to sparkling eyes when he concluded his sentence with, "Yet!"


    She sat down beside him and eagerly looked at him, "So, I can expect some progress huh?"


    "I''m trying here," answered Dylan.


    "I don''t have faith in you though," was Zhao Wei''s straightforward reply. It sounded more like a dis. "Who is she? What''s her name? When can I meet her?"


    "Easy there now, mother Empress!" Dylan smiled at his mother awkwardly. She was more excited than he was. "Give me a break. I''ll tell you everything."


    Zhao Wei pouted in disappointment and got up to leave saying, "Whatever happens, you better keep me updated. If you hid anything, I won''t go easy on you."


    "Ma, you''re being nosy in your adult son''s love life, that''s not very nice."


    Dylan scratched the tip of his nose. "Ma, even if I need help I won''t come to you."


    "Why not?"


    "Because you''re only gonna tease me rather than helping me."


    Zhao Wei pursed her lips as she couldn''t argue with that. That was her original plan. She had always found pleasure in teasing him.


    "Besides, you know nothing about dating. It was dad who courted you and he is the only guy you ever dated. Technically, you''re dating life is even more miserable than mine."


    Zhao Wei glared at him and Dylan slapped his mouth trying to shut up. He really was courting death now! Why was he inciting his own mother?! But it was his tongue''s fault. He really was not the one to blame.


    "It''s not called miserable dating life, it''s called a fortunate one since I found my life partner at the very first try. Unlike you, who is still confused about how to go after a girl. What a disappointment!"


    "Ma, there is a vast contrast between your generation and mine. You can''t expect me to have the same experiences as you but that also means you can''t just assume that I didn''t learn any better than you. Perhaps, my life experience has taught me more than yours." Zhao Wei glanced at him carefully. "Now, I''m not saying that you''re not wise and experienced. It''s just that you can''t always help me."


    Zhao Wei''s brows quirked up as she craned her neck and looked around his room. Then she looked into the bathroom, his closet, under his bed, then opened the window to look outside and kept frowning all this time. Dylan was also perplexed to see her acting like this.


    "Ma, what are you doing now?"


    "Oh?" She looked back at him and came close to stare into his eyes saying, "I''m trying to look for my naive son. Have you seen him? He is a spoiled brat who likes to cling to me whenever he feels lost. He is adorable most of the time, but I hate it when he whines like a baby to get my attention. I''m missing him so much. I''m gonna go look for him now."


    Dylan gaped at her in disbelief and seeing how she was about to leave, he leaped over and hugged her waist saying, "Ma, your clingy boy is right here. Who else are you looking for?"


    Zhao Wei smiled to herself, "Huh? You? You can''t be my son."


    "Whyyyy?"


    "Because you''re talking like such a wise person. I really can''t believe you''re my son. No way!"


    "Maaaaa!"


    Zhao Wei chuckled while wincing at the way he whined again right beside her ear. She ruffled his hair and shook her head at him, "I thought you don''t need mom now since you can do everything on your own."


    Dylan kissed her cheek saying, "No matter what age I am at, I''ll still be you clingy, whining, attention seeker! I won''t have it any other way!"


    "Eew! You haven''t even brushed yet, get away from me."


    She tried to push him away but he refused to budge. Just last night, he had so many things bothering him, and now here he was feeling completely content with just hugging his mother. That''s why he was the attention seeker. He could mostly talk big but he''d always be his mother''s big baby!


    Hugging his mother could bring him peace at any time. No matter how badly he was hurt, just her presence had been enough to make him feel better. It was the charm of a mother and son''s relationship.

 412 Strong Reactions

    -Jing Family House-


    Xiu could already perceive the tense atmosphere in her surroundings as soon as she had stepped inside the house. The eerie silence was uncomfortable because she had never seen this house so quiet at breakfast time.


    "Xiu! Come, have some breakfast," Clara called out to her with her usual affectionate smile as soon as she saw Xiu. It wasn''t that difficult for Xiu to see that she was faking that smile.


    "Did you take a taxi here?" asked Jing Ge as he looked at her.


    Xiu shook her head, "No. Regan just dropped me off here."


    Jing Ge grunted, "How careless and irresponsible!" Xiu raised her brow at him as he went on complaining, "How can he leave from the door? That''s disrespectful! With this kind of attitude, I really don''t think I can accept him as my son-in-law."


    Clara rolled her eyes at her husband, "Stop being childish and petty, husband!" Clara brought Xiu to the dining table as she told her, "This uncle of yours had been trying to find faults in your boyfriend but since he couldn''t find a single flaw. He is actually being petty by calling him mannerless."


    Xiu couldn''t help laughing. "Uncle Jing, did you really tried to do that infamous ''background checking'' of aristocrat families?"


    Jing Ge put his newspaper down saying, "Of course I did. How can I not? My daughter''s life and happiness are at stake here." Xiu smiled widely as she hugged his neck.


    "Uncle doesn''t have to worry at all. Regan is amazing. I told you; he is the best."


    "I know you did, but I raised you like a father for seven years. I can''t just be careless now."


    Xiu was genuinely happy to hear him say that. The way he always tried to do everything like a father for her was really something she felt indebted to. And since this family gave her all the sincere love, their happiness mattered the most to her.


    "You''re just being overly possessive of your daughter now, husband," Clara spoke up as she sat down beside him. "Besides, I can assure you this daughter of yours didn''t let my son-in-law come inside. There is no way he''d leave without saying hi to me."


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief. How did she know that? Hold on, did she call Regan as her ''son-in-law''? What is going on here?


    "Clara mom, son-in-law? What''s going on?"


    "It''s a secret," Clara winked at her playfully and went back to eating her breakfast.


    "It''s a secret? Even from me?" Clara nodded her head in reply. "That''s not fair."


    Clara passed breakfast and said, "You eat something. You''re looking thinner."


    "How come you always say the same thing?" Xiu really couldn''t tell how she was getting thinner now? Wasn''t she eating more these days? Yes, she fell ill and lost a lot of energy but she really didn''t think her weight had gone down.


    Xiu saw how both of their expressions changed as soon as she mentioned Nora. However, she neither found anger nor found disappointment in their eyes. In fact, all Xiu saw in Clara and Jing Ge''s eyes; was sadness. It was as if they both were hurt and felt broken.


    "Jackie left early for school," replied Jing Ge after a short pause. "And..."


    "And?"


    "Your best friend is locked in her room," answered Clara in place of her husband. She had no intention of hiding anything from Xiu. Besides, she could tell that Xiu was here for Nora. She looked straight at Xiu and squinted her eyes suspiciously, "You knew?"


    Xiu smiled awkwardly, "In my defense, I only got to know on Saturday night when she came running to me as a crying mess."


    "Crying mess?" Both Clara and Jing Ge asked simultaneously.


    "Yeah. It was all Ah-Si''s fault for saying the wrong words. And she felt so broken that she kept crying and crying and crying. It was the same day she got to know that Ava is her daughter otherwise she was gonna assume her dead even now."


    Xiu only stopped talking when she saw Jing Ge standing up in fury. "Where is my bat? I''m gonna teach that boy a lesson for making my daughter cry!"


    Xiu almost burst out laughing at his reaction. Oh, so she developed that impulsion of violence from this family? No wonder it seemed so foreign to her previous self.


    She held his arm and pulled him back to the chair saying, "You don''t have to. I, Bai Xiu has already used my infamous bat on him."


    "You did what?" Xiu scratched her head sheepishly at Clara''s reaction.


    While Jing Ge patted her head proudly, "I feel proud of raising a daughter like you."


    "Oh, shut up, husband! This is serious!"


    "He deserved it though," retorted Xiu. "He made my Nora cry so much. I thought she was gonna die. So, I lost my sanity for a minute."


    "You do realize that he is not the only one to blame in this whole matter, right?"


    Xiu was slightly taken aback to hear that. Instead of carelessly blaming Ah-Si for everything, Clara was still insistent on thinking like a lawyer. She wouldn''t blame anyone until she knew the whole truth.


    "For making Nora cry, he deserved it," Xiu still insisted. She wasn''t gonna back off from this. "And don''t worry, I apologized to him later on. But if you''re at my place, you''d also beat him."


    Clara couldn''t argue with Xiu about this. As a mother, at first, she''d have really taken Nora''s side. It was after thinking for the whole day and night that she came to conclude how Nora and Ah-Si were both in the wrong. Their relationship began on a shaky start. They both just kept hurting each other.


    Xiu crossed her arms over her chest and went on, "And by the way, you both have such a strong reaction before me then why are you upset with Nora?"


    Clara and Jing Ge shared a look and frowned before they asked, "Who said we are upset with her?"

 413 Fortunate Families

    Xiu was equally amazed and dumbfounded when she finally learned what actually was going on in this family. From her perspective, everything seemed so simple and yet these people had made it seem so complicated.


    Standing outside Nora''s room, she knocked on the door and waited. Getting no response, she was getting impatient. "Nora! Open the door before I tear it down!"


    Still no response. Wow! This girly was really acting stubbornly.


    "If you didn''t open the door, I''m gonna take my bat to beat Ah-Si once again!"


    *Click!*


    Xiu smirked to herself. The threats always work. Why can''t people hear her out when she''s being nice and all? They just have to push her to use her threats.


    Xiu walked inside the room following the sullen-looking Nora who seemed like her soul had left her body. "Can you at least do something about your hair?" Nora pushed her hair from her face and looked at her.


    "Happy?"


    Xiu shook her head. "Not really." Nora was about to sit down when Xiu held her hand and dragged her out of the room.


    "Hey! Xiu''er! What are you doing?!"


    Although Nora seemed stronger than Xiu physically, Xiu was still able to drag her out and bring her downstairs without any trouble. No matter how Nora tried to hit her, slap her, kick her, squirm her way out, it didn''t work.


    Xiu dragged her before her parents and let her hand go saying, "I used to think that Dylan is the most immature person I''ve come across in my life but I have to disagree with myself now. You''re worse than him." She poked her head making Nora wince. "Instead of trying to find a way to make it up to your parents, you decided to lock yourself in the room? What are you? Four? What kind of tantrums are you throwing at this age?"


    Nora looked at Xiu with an aggrieved look on her face. "I wasn''t throwing any tantrums. They both didn''t want to see me so I just decided to stay out of their way!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes and sighed out, "Clara mom and Uncle Jing, you don''t want to see her now?"


    "We never said that," they both denied firmly.


    "But..." Nora turned her eyes towards her parents. "You both just turned away from me."


    Xiu smacked on her head without holding back, "And that''s why you got so moody? They needed time. Is it that wrong?"


    "Are you really trying to take their side now?"


    "Oh, shut up!" Nora immediately sealed her lips when she saw the look in Xiu''s eyes. "Have you ever thought about how lucky you are to have such parents? I''m willing to exchange everything for a chance to have parents like yours." Nora''s brows drew together. "They always loved you. And when you let them down, they are still not disappointed in you. Heck! They are not even angry with you. You really don''t know how lucky you are to have them."


    Nora again looked at her parents who didn''t try to talk between them. But she could see how her father held her mother in his arms as if to silently support her.


    "Instead of disappointment and anger, they both are sad. Not because you let them down, but because you chose to share your pain with your grandmother rather than them who stood by you at every step of the way!"


    "I know I wasn''t supposed to go to grandma but what could I do? I had seen how mom raised me all on her own. I had seen how much she went through as a single mother. She had finally found her happiness with dad. I didn''t want to come between them. I was truly lost. I didn''t know what to do..." Nora''s voice broke down as her tears fell down again.


    Clara came up to Nora and held her face up while wiping her tears. "If you felt lost, you should have come to mom. I was supposed to show you the way. How could you not even believe in me?"


    "I did believe in you, mom," Nora held Clara''s hand. "But I was scared that I''d become the reason for a fight between you and dad. I didn''t want to see you lonely again."


    "And here I thought I had done everything like a real father. I guess I failed somehow."


    Hearing Jing Ge''s words Nora was startled, "I didn''t mean it, dad. You know how much I love you." Xiu watched the tearful, heartfelt reunion of the family as they talked and tried to understand each other better. She stayed silent to let them talk it out and solve everything like adults instead of running away like kids.


    "Can we all just hug and get over this?" Everyone turned to look at Xiu who finally spoke up. "These tears are bothering me a lot now. Let''s just hug and forget everything. What''s done is really done. Nobody can change it now."


    "Is this your way of solving everything with your boyfriend?" Clara teased Xiu while wiping her own tears.


    Xiu slid close to her and hugged her saying, "Of course, it''s the best solution."


    Nora joined the hug saying, "Best solution? I''d say you have become shameless after falling in love."


    "If it''s for love, being shameless is not that bad," Jing Ge chimed in as he hugged these three ladies of his house. "Now, when am I seeing my granddaughter? It feels weird saying, granddaughter. I suddenly feel old."


    "Get used to it then, husband." Clara smiled softly. "Our Nora might be a baby girl to us but we can''t forget she also has a baby girl of her own now."


    "Eeehh... I can''t believe someone is about to call me aunt. Aiyo! I don''t want it."


    Clara and Jing Ge laughed at Xiu''s reaction while Nora was looking down with a flustered look.


    "Can you stop teasing me now?"


    Xiu pinched her cheeks saying, "We can''t at least until you stop locking yourself like a kid in the room. Can you imagine what your Ava would say once I tell her how her mother always locked herself up in her room over small things?"


    "Get over it already, I was upset!"


    "Excuses!"


    "Xiu''er!"


    "What?"


    "I''m gonna tell Darren all about your..."


    "My what?" Xiu cut her off.


    "All your bad habits."


    "Be my guest! My Regan would still love me anyway!"


    "Show-off!"


    Both Clara and Jing Ge were amused to see these two arguing again. The house seemed livelier with their banters. But they both only realized today how these girls were now grown-ups and eventually would have to leave this house and them as well. No matter how reluctant they''d be, they will have to leave.

 414 Warmth Of Strangers

    Xiu arrived at the office about thirty minutes late but Dylan was even late than her. She thought it was a good thing that Dylan was late otherwise he''d ask a million questions and she wasn''t in the mood to answer anything. She really had a rough morning.


    Why did she have so many things to do?


    It seemed like her life was filled with troubles of all kinds now.


    But as much as she found these troubles bothersome, she still enjoyed being part of these troubles.


    Weird, right?


    Like who would actually call troubles as enjoyment?


    But since her morning had already started on a troublesome note, she decided to face another bitter truth.


    Her hand dug inside the purse and pulled out the envelope which had the second letter written to her by Destiny. Instead of hesitating as she did with the first one, she just opened it and read...


    ''Dear Goddess Xiu,


    Today is the second time I had the urge to write a letter to you even though I still hadn''t sent the first one. I think I won''t post this one either. Then why am I writing again? I just feel like talking to someone and I don''t know why I want that someone to be you.


    Writing the first letter, I didn''t know where or how to begin. It seems easy this time though.


    How are you? Because I''m not feeling fine at all.


    Today I lost my mother...''


    Xiu''s hand trembled as she read that sentence. She lifted her hand to touch her neck. She was sweating. It was autumn right now and yet, she was sweating so much. Her body felt the cold shivers. Why did this sentence affect her so much?


    She placed the letter on her desk and drank water before continuing to read further...


    ''I''m not telling you this to make you pity me. I don''t want pity. Everyone in the hospital already gave me enough pitiful eyes. It''s getting on my nerves now.


    I might be sixteen but I''m stronger than most people think I am. And recently, I''ve come across a very interesting mentor, who taught me that, "The damage life can bring to one''s soul is far less than death can do."


    I''m not heartless as people are calling me just because I didn''t cry at my own mother''s funeral. But my question is, can my tears bring her back? Can my tears fill in the hole her death left in my heart? How can tears really help me in this situation?


    She had been in a coma for two years and to be honest, I knew from the very beginning that she was never gonna wake up. But like an idiot, I kept hoping that she might wake up one day. I''ve cried all alone by her side for way too many times but she never woke up. I think I had shed enough tears in those lonely nights I spent by her side.


    However, there was a moment when I felt like crying today and that was when my best friend''s mother hugged me. She was so warm and snuggly that I couldn''t help it. I felt so calm in her arms and it surprised me.


    Isn''t it strange when strangers make you feel something even your closest family couldn''t do so? I have been thinking about it often lately. Especially so when I feel very close to you when I write to you. It''s difficult to describe but I feel like my words are getting you.


    Even though that''s just me being weird, I''d like to keep feeling like this.


    I think that''s all I have to say for today. If I wrote anything else, I might end up really crying and I don''t want to. I promise I''ll be strong like you. I''ll keep wearing my smile no matter how much my heart is hurting.


    Destiny Novell.''


    Xiu closed her eyes trying to hold back her tears. It was getting difficult. She couldn''t tell why but whether it was the last time she read the first letter or now with this second letter, whenever she read it, she could feel Destiny''s emotions surging inside her own heart. As if she could feel all the sincerity or pain she went through while penning down these words.


    And what did she say? Strong like her?


    Xiu wanted to laugh at the irony.


    Chen Xiu was capricious. If she had to call someone strong that''d be Destiny who managed to face the world all alone. Xiu would never call herself strong. If she was strong, she wouldn''t have chosen to run from life rather than facing it.


    Xiu couldn''t tell whether these letters were a blessing or a curse to her. But they were certainly breaking her down. She had decided to read one letter at a time to let herself digest every single emotion. But who knew it''d still be so difficult?


    Who knew while reading those words, her mind, and her heart would hurt so much? How was she gonna face these overwhelmingly unfamiliar scenes flashing through her mind? Those scenes flashing in her mind might be unfamiliar but she could clearly tell what she saw.


    A teenage girl clad in black clothes sitting under a willow tree in the cemetery. The teenage girl was none other than Destiny. The cemetery was also familiar to Xiu, her second chance at life began at that very place.


    "Ms. Bai, come to my o -"


    Dylan stopped mid-sentence when he looked at Xiu''s face. He had just come to the office after taking his sweet time to calm down and think through some stuff. But what awaited him was this?


    Were those tears falling down her eyes?

 415 A Decision

    Anguish!


    It was certainly a sense of anguish because it felt worse than just pain. And this anguish was slowly starting to rule inside Xiu''s heart. Her head was pounding just a moment ago but now, she felt extremely light-headed.


    She felt stuck in a helix which was slowly turning as it unraveled the feelings and memories that didn''t belong to her. Her mind was slipping through the gap of emotions and she felt like drifting and drifting and drifting away. Or was she really drowning?


    She wanted to breathe and yet she couldn''t catch her breath. The darkness was threatening to swallow her whole. And just when she thought she''d lose herself to this overwhelming feeling, someone held her shoulder and shook her violently.


    "Oi! Look at me! Why are you scaring me?"


    Dylan''s voice was loud. At first, he had only seen her tears falling down but when he came close, he observed the abnormality. She was sweating profusely, her eyes weren''t focused at all and she didn''t respond to his voice. He had called her name several times but she didn''t react as if she was in her own world and she couldn''t even hear him.


    Meanwhile, Xiu felt like someone had poured a bucket of cold water all over her as her trance was broken. She was breathing heavily when a glass of water appeared before her eyes, she lifted her eyes to look at Dylan who seemed really worried.


    "Drink it. Don''t scare me with that look." Although he was grumbling, Xiu could still hear his concern in his voice. Xiu took the glass from his hand and tried to give him a small smile. "Are you okay? What happened?" Seeing how she calmed down after drinking some water, he questioned.


    Xiu leaned her head against the headrest and closed her eyes saying, "Nothing. I overestimated myself." Indeed, she thought she could read those letters anywhere without losing herself but she really overestimated herself. Just a moment ago, she had felt trapped in that sense of anguish when the snippets of Destiny''s memories flashed past her mind.


    "Do you need a hug?" asked Dylan and when Xiu opened her eyes and frowned at him. He smiled awkwardly saying, "Ma says a magical hug is enough to fix everything."


    "I do need a hug," nodded Xiu in agreement surprising even Dylan. "But not from you. I''d prefer my Baobei''s hug."


    Oh, there she goes again. Dylan should have expected something like that from her. Why was he even surprised? No, he was feeling more bitter now.


    "But seriously, what happened?" he again focused on the main point here which was her odd behavior. He couldn''t tell why or how but the look in her eyes was solemn even more so than ever. She took a handkerchief and languidly wiped her sweat off of her face. "Were you having a panic attack?"


    "Maybe," she sounded uncertain. "Maybe not."


    "Can you please answer me straightforwardly? I''m worried right now."


    "What''s with the perspiration? And those tears? Are these also the result of daydreaming?"


    Xiu nodded her head seriously. "You have way too many questions."


    "And you have not answered even one."


    Dylan noticed her chewing on her nails and furrowed his brows. She didn''t have this habit before. But since she was not answering him about anything and seemed like she was again in deep thoughts, he decided to change the topic, "I told you to send the pictures to me. Why did you send those pictures to my mom?"


    "My hand must have slipped," replied Xiu distractedly.


    "Are you for real?!" exclaimed Dylan. He knew she did it to mess with him and she wasn''t the kind of person to shy away from accepting it either. But even before he could say anything else, his phone rang. He pulled it out from his jacket and his eyes sparkled seeing the caller id. "Hi, Cali! I can''t believe you''re calling me."


    "Can you pass the phone to Xiu? Or give me her number," came Cali''s reply shattering Dylan''s excitement.


    His lips twitched as he glanced in Xiu''s direction and said, "You aren''t looking for me?" Sighing heavily, he passed the phone to Xiu saying, "It''s for you."


    Xiu looked confused but she took the phone from him, "Hello!"


    "Oh, hi! It''s Cali."


    Xiu glanced at Dylan who was trying to lean over as if wanting to eavesdrop. She rolled her eyes at him and replied to Cali, "You''re looking for me?"


    "Yes. I was wondering if we can go out on dinner some time," suggested Cali hesitantly. "I mean you''re Regan''s girlfriend and as one of his closest friends, I''d like to know you."


    Xiu didn''t think there was anything wrong with what she said, so she agreed immediately, "Sure. How about tonight?"


    "Really?" Cali sounded way too excited but had to tone down her excitement because she didn''t want to come off as any more creepy than she already was being.


    "Yeah. Let me send you my contact details. We''ll decide everything then."


    "Sounds good to me."


    They both shared a few more details before Xiu hung up the call and gave Dylan''s phone back to him. He looked pissed off. Or was he jealous?


    "Are you going out with Cali?"


    Xiu nodded her head.


    "I hate you!" he grumbled.


    "She''s the one who asked me out. It''s not my fault."


    "I still hate you!"


    "Suit yourself then." Xiu didn''t want to pay any heed to him or his tantrums. She had way more important things to think about and sort out in her head.


    Even when Dylan left, she was lost in her own world. She couldn''t understand why this letter hit her way differently than the first one? Even though the first letter had come as a closure. She finally learned what connection she shared with Destiny. But why this seemingly simple letter affected her to this point?


    For that day, Xiu had been distracted for the whole day. She couldn''t focus on anything. She even made several mistakes but Dylan overlooked it. And since he was overlooking it, she felt guilty.


    By the end of the day, she had come to a conclusion. It was a decision she had taken a while ago but was postponed for a long time now. It was time to take action. She couldn''t delay it any longer. As much as she was reluctant to do it, it was not the time to feel sentimental.


    In the evening, Dylan was focused on going through a file when she placed something on his desk. Dylan lifted his eyes to look at her and then at what she placed at his desk, his eyes widened in shock.

 416 The Beauty

    With his elbow propped on the desk, the man''s hand was supporting his face. His eyes were closed as the orange rays of the sun caressed his side profile ever so gently. His features were gentle and not even for a second one could guess how old he was.


    In fact, the years had only polished down his features and enhances his handsome face.


    *BANG!*


    A frown appeared between his beautiful brows when he heard the loud noise which disturbed his rest. He didn''t even open his eyes to see who dared to open the door of his office with such force. He already knew.


    "Ying''er, have some mercy on the door," he spoke softly while his eyes stayed shut even now.


    Yan Ying exhaled through her mouth and closed the door as calmly as she could. Not making any sound now. But after that, her voice was enough to give Xin Zimen another headache.


    "Zizi, how can you be resting here?" Ying''s voice was high-pitched which didn''t sound like her at all. "Throwing me in the pit of fire, you''re relaxing here? How could you?"


    Xin Zimen''s fingers tapped the side of his face as he opened his eyes slowly and looked at the girl who was pacing around his office as if it was the city park.


    "I threw you in the pit of fire? Ay, that sounds... Interesting."


    Seeing the way his lips curled up slightly in a smirk, she glared at him.


    "Zizi, don''t play jokes on me like this," she slammed her hands on his desk as she leaned over staring right into his eyes without any fear as she went on, "I''m a law-abiding citizen. I''m gentle like wind and soft like a flower. I''m good and honest. I''m a quite naive and guiltless good girl. How can you even bear to see me in pain?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyebrows raised then his expressions cracked as she kept stringing those words of praises to describe herself. Finally, he covered his mouth and laughed heartily at her face. Ying crossed her arms over her chest as she huffed at him.


    When he stopped laughing, he turned serious as he intertwined the fingers of both hands and looked at her with a lazy look, "Just because your face is that of a naive, innocent, harmless and adorable girl, you''re turning into a thick-skinned person." Ying avoided his eyes as he went on, "If I didn''t know you any better I might actually fall for this outrageous ''self-promotion'' of yours."


    Ying stomped her foot before thinking something. She sat down at the chair and started again, "Zizi, I need your help."


    "If I remember correctly when we are at work, you''re supposed to address me as..."


    "Sir!"


    "Good girl. Now, tell me how can I help you?"


    "Get me out of this punishment," she was pleading now trying to use every tactic she knew. "You know how much I despise books. I can''t deal with paperwork. I''m willing to do anything except for being glued to that desk for the whole day. That is so not me!"


    "But I certainly remember you as a bookworm," he began making her gape at him in disbelief. "You always stayed in the top 5 back in school."


    Ying facepalmed herself, "That''s your smart son''s fault. If only he wasn''t in the top 3, I wouldn''t have to study so hard to keep up. How could I stay in the same class if my grades dropped?"


    "It''s just as Yi always say, love can make you do foolish things." One could hear the disdain in Xin Zimen''s voice quite clearly.


    "Haven''t you done anything foolish for love?"


    "I have done plenty of foolish things but love had never been the reason," answered Xin Zimen calmly before sighing out. "I do have a job for you. Are you really willing to do anything?"


    Ying was in the alert mode as her eyes sparkled, "Yes, yes. Anything is good. I''m even willing to be a sweeper at this point." Xin Zimen brows raised at her and she laughed awkwardly, "Not that I want to be a sweeper. I was just trying to show you my desperation."


    Xin Zimen looked at her thoughtfully, "But I certainly find that idea very amusing."


    "Zizi!!!"


    Xin Zimen winced while rubbing his ear. "Stop shouting."


    "I won''t shout only if you stop teasing me now." She rubbed her hands together and asked eagerly, "So, what''s the job?"


    "The job is pretty simple," he said. "You just have to protect someone."


    "Like a bodyguard?"


    "Hmm... More like a shadow."


    "Like a guardian angel?" she sounded really excited while grinning at him.


    Xin Zimen was at a loss to see her behaving like this. Being a bodyguard was definitely the lowest of the ranks in their organization and yet she seemed like she won a lottery. "Whatever you wanna call it."


    "I always wanted to be a guardian angel. Protecting the beauty in secret, hiding, and loving in secret. Aiyo! I''m already thrilled."


    Xin Zimen coughed and when she looked at him worriedly he said, "You''re confusing the genders here."


    Ying replayed the words she just said and looked horrified, "I didn''t mean it like that. I mean that''s what I saw in those movies."


    "When did you start watching movies?"


    "I had a very interesting subordinate once. She was obsessed with movies. And she took me to watch some movies as well. So, I think I got this habit from her." Ying was babbling without caring that Xin Zimen had no interest in her reminiscing. "Although I no longer know where she is, I certainly am stuck with this habit of hers."


    "Ying''er!"


    "Yes?"


    "I don''t care."


    "Oh..." she felt wronged when he said he wasn''t interested in listening to her talking about good old memories. "So, who is the beauty I''m protecting?"


    "How are you certain that it''s a beauty?"


    "Just an intuition."


    "Your intuition is as scary as ever," said Xin Zimen before telling her the name of the ''beauty'' as she called it.

 417 Resignation

    //Resignation Letter


    Dylan''s eyes widened as he stared at it and then at Xiu who smiled at him. "Are you joking?" Xiu shook her head calmly. "Then what is this?"


    "This is what I want to do," said Xiu with a relaxed smile. In fact, she not only looked relaxed but also felt really relaxed. This was the decision she had been avoiding for a long time now. But she didn''t want to delay it now.


    "But why?" asked Dylan. He really couldn''t understand what was going on through that thick skull of hers. They were a perfect team then why was she suddenly doing this? He squinted his eyes at her, "Someone is trying to poach you, right? Tell me what they are offering? I''ll definitely double everything!"


    Xiu laughed at his reaction. She already knew he wasn''t gonna accept this easily but didn''t expect to see him acting like this. "No one is poaching me. I''m just leaving the job because I want to." She took a deep breath before continuing, "I just want to have some time for myself. I need a break."


    "Then take some days off. I don''t mind," said Dylan without any hesitation.


    Xiu smiled at him gratefully, "I''m going through a very strange phase of life and I need time for myself. I have to think through some things."


    Dylan was pouting at her reply. He wanted to say something but she didn''t give him a chance as she went on, "To be honest, I wanted to leave the job right when I knew that my boyfriend is your best friend." Dylan frowned at her words. "I had already faced the consequences of mixing professional and personal connections. I don''t wanna repeat that mistake."


    Dylan was left startled to hear her reason.


    "Xiu, you''re leaving me?"


    Xiu gave him a side-eye before saying, "I had fun working with you Dylan. You had been the best boss although very petty, I still came to like you very much. In fact, you have no idea how much working with you helped me."


    Xiu tapped her chin thoughtfully as she continued, "After this whole rebirth fiasco, I had become too bitter. I was trying to avoid being the same good girl that I once was but in reality, I was just trying to be a bitch. I wanted to see why people felt so happy tearing me down and that''s why I tried to tear others down in return only to realize that it never brought me any satisfaction."


    "Then I became your Executive Assistant and that''s when I learned the importance of teamwork all over again. I thought life would be easy if I kept to myself but I didn''t realize I was doing the same mistake I did in the previous life." She exhaled sharply before adding, "But now I have learned a lot more. I don''t feel like the same person anymore. I don''t even recognize myself anymore. The one who didn''t even want to be your E.A just because I thought you''re a spoiled young master and I''d have to act like a babysitter to you."


    "You would have never thought of resigning if you worked with Dazi," said Dylan making Xiu frown a little. "I should have accepted his exchange offer back then."


    "Exchange offer?" inquired Xiu curiously.


    "Yeah. Back when he selected you out of all other candidates, he even said I can take Paige and he''ll be happy to work with you." He was grumbling like a baby as he went on, "But it was I who refused."


    Xiu abruptly stood up and walked up to his side. Dylan had no idea what she was up to and leaned back. "What? Why are you coming here?"


    Xiu held his hand and smiled brightly, "Thank you for refusing that offer."


    "Huh?"


    "If I had really been Regan''s employee, I think I''d have never asked him out. No matter how bold and blatant I am."


    "Huh?"


    "I just told you, I learned from my mistake. Dating your boss never ends well."


    "Oh..." that''s all that came out of his mouth as he stared at her face.


    "Now you don''t have to worry about anything, I''ve already chosen the next candidate for you. And I even personally looked over that candidate''s performance. You won''t have to worry at all."


    "You came prepared, eh?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes. I did come prepared. I told you, it''s a well-planned decision. I''m a random person but I don''t take such a step just randomly." She patted his shoulder. "We''ll see each other often, comrade! But this time, I''ll be walking through that door as your sister-in-law and I''ll be the one bossing you around."


    Dylan couldn''t help laughing at her. "Now I get it. You want to boss me around and don''t wanna be bossed around by me."


    "Bingo!" chirped Xiu before rubbing his head. "I feel like love has made you smart."


    "On a serious note, what do you plan to do now?"


    Xiu thought about it before shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly, "I don''t know yet. I''ll figure it out when I feel like it. For now, I have way too many plans."


    "Plans?"


    "Yes," nodded Xiu. "I have a dinner plan with Cali, then I''m gonna take my mother-in-law for coffee tomorrow. I might have lunch with your mother. Then I''m thinking about calling Ying Jie out for fun or maybe I''ll stay with Nora. Who knows. I might do everything."


    Listening to her plans, Dylan was certain that she was really busy. How cute!


    "But Dylan the point here is that I''d like to do something for myself now." She was being completely honest with him. "I have spent two lifetimes just working. I don''t wanna do it anymore. I want to learn about what my dream is. What I really want to do."


    "I''ll miss you," said Dylan as he stood up to hug her.


    Xiu was taken aback by this gesture but she still patted his head saying, "Oi, don''t be so sentimental. We''d see each other almost every other day."


    "But I''ll still miss having you around," added Dylan sadly.


    "I''ll be coming to see you more often than you think."


    "I think I''d like that." Dylan smiled at her softly.

 418 In A Bliss

    Holding the cardboard box in her hands, when Xiu left the office building she drew in a lungful of oxygen only to cough up because of the gases that the traffic caused in the air. However, it wasn''t enough to dampen her mood. Not today!


    As Chen Xiu, she had worked all her life to achieve a bright future, because that''s what her mother wanted and even as Bai Xiu, she chose to run after a bright future again because that''s what Destiny wanted. However, never for once, she thought about what she wanted. And even if did, she never came to a conclusion.


    But today when she submitted her resignation, she felt like the cobwebs blew right out of her head. She did something for herself and it felt refreshing. Today, she took a decision as just Xiu.


    Seeing that Darren was already waiting for her outside, she trotted over and grinned widely. He looked at the cardboard box in her hand and then at her face. Without any question, he simply took the box from her and placed it on the front seat.


    "You look unusually happy," stated Darren when they were on their way back and she still was grinning like a fool.


    Xiu placed her one hand over another on his shoulder before placing her chin on the back of her hand and looked up at him sweetly. "I''m happy."


    "I can see that but why are you so happy?" he questioned.


    "Because today I feel free," began Xiu. "In the morning, I did feel like I was caged within my own feelings and those memories that aren''t mine but yet are trying to invade my brain. But when I placed my resignation on Dylan''s desk, everything cleared up. As if I suddenly found my way back up the water. I can breathe again. I think this is what freedom feels like."


    Darren listened to her attentively as always without disturbing. His one hand lifted to rub her head affectionately as he asked, "You resigned?"


    "No need to fake that surprised look. I know how much of a blabbermouth my boss. Oh, no. Wait! He is my ex-boss now!" Xiu straightened up as she clapped her hands together in excitement. "How amazing! Just in a moment, Dylan became my ex-boss. I can''t tell you how happy this makes me." She cracked her knuckles while laughing evilly, "Now, I can abuse him all I want."


    Darren smiled at her indulgently. Of course, that blabbermouth Dylan had already informed him about Xiu''s resignation. But he was still amused to hear Xiu talking about it. Especially her future plans involving his best friend.


    "Ben. stop the car at the supermarket."


    "Yes, Ms. Bai," Ben replied calmly as he changed lanes for convenience.


    "Why the supermarket?" asked Darren.


    "Baobei, do you even listen to me or just pretend like it?" Darren avoided her eyes not daring to tell her that no matter how attentive he seemed half of the time he didn''t know what she was talking about.


    Sighing out, Xiu decided to not pursue this matter for now as she informed him, "I told you in the morning that I have made a list of things that you can eat and not. I''m gonna buy ingredients according to that. Besides, I also have to get ingredients for steamboat as well."


    "You''re making steamboat tonight?"


    "Not for you," Xiu broke his smile almost instantly. "I have dinner plans with Cali but instead of taking her out, I thought having a homecooked dinner would be the best choice. And since she must have eaten a lot of western delicacies I thought some traditional old touch of cuisine would do her some good."


    Darren sighed out in disappointment, "And here I thought after resigning, you''d have more time for me."


    "Don''t try that on me," warned Xiu sternly. As Ben parked the car, she turned to ask, "Would you like to come with me or would you like to wait here?"


    "I''m a loyal person," said Darren making her frown before he concluded with, "I''ll follow my queen anywhere." Xiu was left gaping at him but she really had no words for him.


    Inside the supermarket, it didn''t take her long to collect everything on her list but when it came to ingredients for steamboat, she was in deep trouble, "Regan!"


    "Huh? What?"


    "Should I make a clear soup base or spicy soup base for Cali?" asked Xiu seriously. "Which one would she prefer?"


    "She can eat anything," answered Darren offhandedly before adding, "But I think spicy would do match her taste better."


    Xiu thought about it and nodded before saying, "Since I like a clear soup base, I''ll just make both. Good thing I have the special pot with the divider in the middle for just these occasions." Darren really wanted to ask why did she even ask for his suggestion then? But she wasn''t done yet as she went on with, "Does she prefer seafood or meat?"


    "She isn''t very fond of seafood but she can eat it," said Darren.


    "What kind of meat then?"


    "Huh?"


    Xiu pointed in front at the long aisle as she said, "Beef, mutton, lamb, chicken, duck?"


    "Sweets, why are you asking so much? Just take whatever you think is good."


    Xiu stretched her hand to pull his hair making him yelp slightly as she said, "Why did I bring you if you''re not even gonna help me? Be a good boy and help me with everything."


    Darren pouted at her sadly but she didn''t pay attention. However, he couldn''t help smiling when he saw her attentively picking everything. He was just following her around with the trolley. She did everything on her own.


    They really looked like a married couple out for grocery shopping. Aiyo, the thought was enough to leave Darren in bliss for another year or so.

 419 Like A Teenager

    "Give me the bags and go back to your place."


    Darren looked at the bags of grocery in his hands and then at her. They were standing at Xiu''s door when she demanded to take the bags from his hands.


    "Why? I''ll take it inside." He was ever so willing to help. How could he let her take these heavy bags on her own?


    Xiu snatched the bags from his hands saying, "And then you won''t come out." Darren looked around when she continued, "As if I can''t read through your schemes. I told you it''s a private dinner. You''re not allowed to join."


    Darren pouted trying to look adorably at her, "Sweets, Cali is my friend. Why can''t I join the dinner along with her?"


    "How will we talk about you right before you?" retorted Xiu. "That''s not how it works."


    "If you guys are eventually gonna talk about me then it''s even better if I''m right there," said Darren. He couldn''t understand why he had to leave. After all, the only person common between Cali and Xiu was him. Well, there was Dylan too but he purposely chose to ignore that point. "You can pretend like I''m not even there."


    Xiu looked him up and down before saying, "Baobei, you''re too hard to..."


    "Resist?" suggested Darren making her narrow her eyes at him. He poked her arm as he called out, "You can''t just kick your Baobei out like this. How will I spend this time without my Furen?"


    "What did you just call me?" Xiu stared at him wide-eyed.


    "Furen..." he answered softly making her heart beat wildly. (*Furen: Usually husbands would call their wives ''Furen'' in Chinese to show respect and affection. English translation would be ''lady''. Additional note: The author has learned from someone it means ''Honey'' as well but it''s not confirmed to me.)


    Xiu couldn''t talk for a good minute since she couldn''t wrap her mind around that title. Taking a deep breath, she placed the grocery bags down and pushed him towards his door. "You are dangerous for my sanity. Go away!"


    "Oh, now you''re literally pushing me away?" Darren was really amused at the expense of how flustered she looked. "I''m hurt now."


    "I don''t care," replied Xiu harshly.


    Darren placed his hand against her cheek. "I''ll miss you."


    Xiu furrowed her brows, "Why is everyone saying this today?"


    "Who else said it?" Darren was suddenly in his alpha male role.


    "Dylan. When he hugged me goodbye, he said the same thing," answered Xiu calmly.


    Darren''s face twitched in anger, "He really needs a good beating." He meant it. How could his dear best friend forget that he wasn''t supposed to be so casual with his wife? He not only said he''ll miss her, he even dared to hug her?! Oh, Dylan! You''re really looking for trouble now!


    Darren gave her a tight hug that almost made it difficult for her to breathe as he said, "Sweets, if you need a hug. Come to me. Don''t let anyone just hug you."


    "How come I act like a teenager?"


    Xiu pointed at his face, "See, you''re acting like one right now. Unreasonable and stubborn!"


    "No, that''s all because I love you."


    Xiu shook her head tiredly, "I think you''re getting infected with my random disease. Because these days, you just randomly announce your love."


    Darren touched her nose lightly, "It''s not random. I told you, if I could I''d say I love you all the time!" Xiu did a mistake again of looking into his eyes as he said those words to her. Now, how was she supposed to look away?


    "Ahem! Ahem!"


    Timely, someone cleared their throat and Xiu managed to take a step away from Darren. As she turned her head and saw Cali standing at the side trying to look anywhere but them, Xiu''s ears turned red.


    "Sorry, I wasn''t planning on disturbing," said Cali in her defense.


    "But you still disturbed," Darren shot back at her unhappily. "Couldn''t you come a little later? Or you could have stayed quiet!"


    Xiu slapped his shoulder, "That''s no way to talk to a guest."


    "Sweets, you can''t hit me for her now!" Darren looked at Xiu and went on, "Besides, she''s your guest. Not mine!"


    "I''m not your guest, but I''m your friend," reminded Cali to him.


    "Yeah, a friend who is trying to steal my wife from me."


    Xiu punched in the code to his apartment and opened the door before shoving him inside. "Regan, it''s just a dinner. Stop overreacting!" Before he could open his mouth, she had already closed the door and turned to Cali, "Sorry about that." Cali smiled in return to show it was alright. "But weren''t you gonna come after an hour?"


    "Since you said you''re gonna cook yourself, I thought I should help you," said Cali as she helped her with the grocery bags.


    "Don''t let her help. She just a disaster in the kitchen!" came Darren''s voice from behind the closed doors. Xiu rolled her eyes at him while Cali laughed.


    It was truly amusing for Cali to see how Xiu and Darren acted. It was entertaining and refreshing as well.


    "You don''t pay attention to him. I don''t need any help," said Xiu without hesitation as she opened the door and led her inside. Cali silently nodded and followed her in.


    Meanwhile, there was another person who was unexpectedly but thoroughly fed with Darren and Xiu''s domestic display of love. Who would have the thought that when Yan Ying came to just inspect the place where Xiu lives, she''d have to suffer through the torture of watching this loving couple spreading love in the middle of the hallway?


    Coming out from the place where she was hiding, Ying placed a hand over her head as if consoling herself as she whispered, "Being a guardian angel... This won''t be easy." Then she looked in the direction of their doors and added, "These two want me to contract diabetes now."

 420 He Was A...

    Ying was really having a hard time digesting what she just saw. If it continued, who knew how much she''ll be able to take in before wanting to strangle herself. Xiu and Darren had just acted normal a while ago but if they really started being romantic in her presence, she certainly won''t be surviving that.


    They really had no pity for a single soul like hers who was drowning in unrequited love and now had to face this show of lovey-dovey acts.


    "Now I know why Regi is diabetic," she whispered to herself as she nodded her head knowingly.


    "Why?" came a voice from right beside her. Ying didn''t even bother seeing who it was since she was in her own world.


    "Obviously because his girlfriend''s name is Sweets... Hahaha. Cough! Cough!" Ying was laughing to herself when she coughed seeing that the person who questioned was none other than Francesca. "Hi!" she waved her hand trying to act normal.


    Francesca looked at Ying suspiciously before voicing out, "Why are you here?"


    "Umm..." Ying tried to come up with an excuse. She really hated it when she had to lie to people close to her but she just had to now. Her eyes sparkled as she thought of something and said, "I heard from Regi that this residential building is actually very good. So, I was just checking for that unit."


    "You''re moving here?" asked Francesca with a frown.


    "Yes," answered Ying happily since she wasn''t lying this time around. She had indeed thought of moving close to Xiu''s place and luckily, the unit beside Xiu''s was empty and she just hadn''t checked it yet. It''d be easy for her to play her role as the guardian angel if she was this close to Xiu. And not only that, but she also needed a place to stay.


    She neither could go to Xin villa nor did she want to stay in Yan house in An City. And staying with her aunt was not her style and sleeping over at the break room was getting tiring. That was why this was a very convenient choice for her.


    Francesca stared at Ying''s face for a long while but didn''t find anything wrong. So, she believed her words.


    "So, when are you moving in?"


    "Right now," answered Ying with a polite smile. Seeing Francesca''s reaction she added, "You know me, I don''t need much stuff to move places. Just a pair of clothes and all the necessities."


    "You look suspicious," said Francesca without holding back.


    Ying scratched the side of her face and changed the topic, "Where are you coming from?"


    "I just went down for a walk and sitting in the cool breeze, I lost the track of time," stated Francesca and Ying nodded.


    "Good. I have to run now. Need to pack my bags and get to my new place."


    Ying wanted to run away but Francesca didn''t give her a chance as she said, "When am I getting the housewarming party?"


    "A what?"


    If she threw a party, everyone will come and everyone will know she''s staying here. How was she... Sigh! Forget it!


    "This weekend," replied Ying in defeat.


    "I''ll be waiting then." Francesca patted her head and walked away saying, "Have a good evening, Yan Ying!"


    Ying entered the elevator and thought to herself, how was she supposed to have a good evening exactly? But she was glad to know that someone was gonna have a good evening and that someone was Cali. She was happy that Cali herself took a chance to approach Xiu just like she said she''d.


    As for why Ying was happy about it because she believed it''d be helpful to Xiu''s amnesia. Right now, Ying was more anxious to know what Xiu had forgotten than Xiu was herself. Because if her intuition was right (as it usually is), nothing good was gonna come out of those forgotten memories.


    .....


    Staying true to her words, Xiu didn''t ask Cali to do anything. Like a good host, she was more than happy just cooking for someone. As always, she was a welcoming host who loved having guests over for a meal.


    Seeing Xiu setting the gas burner with the pot in the middle of the table as she placed all the ingredients around, Cali suddenly asked, "Hope you don''t mind me asking you out for dinner out of the blue."


    Xiu placed the tray of mutton rolls on the table and glanced at Cali, "Why would I mind that?"


    "Because it came out of nowhere," answered Cali honestly. "We''re not even familiar and yet I shamelessly contacted you."


    "I don''t find anything wrong with that." Xiu also spoke sincerely. "I know you don''t know many people here so you must be feeling homesick. Besides, you know Regan and that''s enough for me." Xiu took the dipping sauces from the kitchen isle as she went on, "But I do find it weird that you contacted me through Dylan instead of my boyfriend."


    "Do you really think Regi would have let me have dinner with you?" questioned Cali raising her brows. "You just saw his reaction outside. He''s so bloody possessive of you that he doesn''t even want anyone around you." She shook her head remembering Darren''s reaction, "I have never seen him acting so stubbornly before."


    "So, what was he like before?" asked Xiu curiously. "I mean I''ve heard one version from mom but I think your version of Regan''s youth would be different."


    "It''s true. We are all different versions of ourselves before different people depending on the relationship and feelings we share with them. For instance, since Regi has never been in love before you, we only get to see his possessiveness now."


    "That''s why I asked," began Xiu again. "How would you describe my boyfriend''s adolescence self?"


    Cali stared at Xiu strangely before asking, "You really wanna know?"


    "I do," answered Xiu firmly.


    "He was a... Jerk!"

 421 A Little Too Much

    Xiu only gave a smile as her response as she sat down and seeing that the broth was boiling, she added the meatballs which would take longer to cook.


    "You''re not surprised to hear me say that?" inquired Cali as she sat opposite of hers and looked at Xiu''s face through the steam that was emanating from the pot between them. "I mean, the current Regan Darren Salvay is anything but a jerk."


    "Right. Regan is a sweetheart," noted Xiu pleasantly. One could see hearts popping out of her eyes.


    "Exactly. Then why are you not even flinching at what he was like?"


    "I''ve heard most of it from Dylan." Cali raised her brow in confusion. When did Dylan start describing Darren as a jerk? Even if Darren had any bad habits, Dylan would never talk about it. He was way too loyal to do something like that. "You''re taken aback?" Cali nodded her head. "Dylan didn''t like me back then and thought that I''d actually stop going out with Regan if he said all that. But to be honest, I didn''t take him seriously most of the time. I thought he was just messing with me."


    Cali sighed out, she should have expected something like that from her dearest love. He was the only one dumb enough to use such schemes. She rubbed her forehead trying to figure out why or how did she even fell in love with that dumb creature! But she loved him way too much, there was no way out.


    "I can''t believe he went that far," said Cali. "But I do believe that whatever he told you must be the truth. Regi had a bad boy image because of how much famous he was and how bad his attitude was." Xiu looked at her curiously as she went on, "Actually, he doesn''t even seem like himself anymore. I guess he is the one who really evolved with time and circumstances."


    "Dylan said his playboy image before Regan''s is actually nothing. Even Regan said it was true."


    Cali pursed her lips before nodding hesitatingly. "Since he has already told you then you should believe it. He neither really believed in long term relationships nor true love because of how he saw his own family situation. I think he had only one serious relationship and that was in senior high."


    Xiu nodded not taking those words to heart at all. The Regan she was describing and the Regan in her life were two very different people. And as Regan once said, it was all because of Chen Xiu''s sudden appearance in his life that he started seeing things very differently.


    Xiu checked that the mutton rolls changed color, she took one with her chopstick and placed it on Cali''s bowl saying, "You should try it." Cali nodded and picked up her chopsticks but seeing the way she was holding her chopsticks and struggling with rice, Xiu laughed out, "Oh my, even my younger brother doesn''t hold chopsticks like that anymore."


    Cali looked up at Xiu who apologized for laughing, "You can use the spoon and fork if you want. No need to punish yourself like this."


    "Yes, he''s seven years old. His name is Jackie." There was affection in Xiu''s tone that surprised Cali. "Actually, he is Nora''s brother but since her parents are my foster parents, he is my brother as well. Besides, he had been attached to me since he was two. I taught him how to read, write, use chopsticks, and almost everything."


    Cali was glad to hear that Xiu hadn''t been alone like she had been worrying since she heard about her aunt''s death. She could see how much Xiu was attached to the foster family and since she had already seen the bond between Nora and Xiu, she was even more relaxed now.


    "What about you?" Cali looked up at her. "Do you have siblings?"


    Cali shook her head saying, "Nope, I''m all alone."


    After that, their conversation was very casual. Neither Cali mention anything about Destiny nor did Xiu tease Cali about Dylan. She could say anything to Dylan at this point but couldn''t do so with Cali with whom she was not that close yet.


    When Cali left, Xiu cleaned up everything and looked at the empty house. Wow, it was really empty. It didn''t seem this empty for a long time now.


    ....


    Darren had been staring at the ceiling with a blank expression for an hour now. And yet, he couldn''t sleep at all. Why was his Sweets doing this with him? He had gotten too used to holding her to sleep. How was he supposed to sleep alone now?!


    Sighing, he turned over and closed his eyes. It had been half an hour when the door of his room pushed open. He thought his mother was checking up on him like she usually did. So, he kept pretending to sleep.


    But suddenly the bed dipped beside him before a slender arm wrapped around his waist from behind.


    "I thought you forgot all about me," said Darren in a low voice.


    "You''re awake?" asked Xiu.


    "How can I sleep?" said Darren turned around to hug her. Kissing her head, he questioned, "But I thought you didn''t want to be with me tonight?"


    "It''s your fault," Xiu poked his cheek. "I''m too used to these arms now."


    Darren smiled contently and hugged her closer. All of his brooding for the past hours was all forgotten instantly.


    "Is it weird that I feel like since last night you had been showering me with excessive love."


    "There is no such thing as excessive love," said Darren calmly.


    "I know, but I still feel like you''re doing it."


    "You''re overthinking. Just go to sleep."


    Xiu didn''t question anything after that and closed her eyes snuggling into his body. Darren stroked her hair and frowned. He didn''t know why or how she picked it up so easily. He was indeed being sweeter and clingy than usual because since last night his guilt has been eating him up. He thought he could make up for it by loving her even more.


    There could never be anything wrong with a little too much of love.

 422 Bitterness

    What can come to your mind when you''re jobless?


    Considering Xiu''s nature, one would think that her to-do list will only consist of:


    1:Sleep.


    2:Sleep again.


    3:Just keep sleeping!


    In fact, that''s exactly what Darren even thought about her. Knowing her obsession with sleep, he was certain she''d like to catch up on her sleep now that she resigned from her job and didn''t have to wake up early. And that was the reason why he didn''t disturb her when he got up to get ready for the day.


    However, unlike what others expected, Xiu actually was more well-planned and prepared than any other jobless person. And sleeping wasn''t on her list of things to worry about at all! At least, not this time around.


    Waking up, she saw Darren standing before the mirror trying to set his hair. He looked at her reflection through the mirror when she sat up. "Why are you up? Go back to sleep. You don''t have to go to work."


    Xiu covered her mouth to yawn before beckoning him to come closer. He silently went to the bed while she stretched her hands to close the top buttons of his shirt as she said, "I have so much to do. How can I sleep?"


    "Hm? I thought you''d like to rest now that you resigned, why do you have so much to do even now?" He allowed her to even fix the cuffs of his shirt while he just stood there. She even tied his necktie for him.


    "I promised to take mom out for coffee. First and foremost, I''m gonna take her for that coffee," answered Xiu and frowned slightly as she looked him up and down. "Usually you don''t like wearing suits. What''s the occasion?"


    "I have an important meeting," he answered while Xiu nodded her head.


    "It gives you an intimidating look," she noted.


    "Oh, really?" His fingers drew in her hair and rubbed pleasingly as he went on, "So, I should try this look from now on?"


    Xiu shook her head, "No. I like my smiling Regan better than this one who is giving a cold and broody look."


    Darren chuckled at her reaction but didn''t continue the topic.


    "So, where are you taking mom for coffee?"


    "It''s an hour and a half drive from here, I think..."


    "That far? Just for coffee?"


    "It''s worth it," she replied back and added in a whisper, "At least, that''s what I heard."


    Darren kissed her forehead softly and whispered, "Just take care of yourself." Xiu nodded her head obediently. "I''ll see you at night."


    "Oh, wait! Let me make you breakfast," Xiu hurriedly stood up but he stopped her.


    "I''m getting late..."


    Xiu placed her finger on his lips saying, "No, no, and no. There is no such thing as skipping breakfast. It''s not allowed in our home."


    "Our home?" he repeated softly with a raise of his brow at her.


    "Yes, boss!"


    Xiu''s face twitched at his reaction but she didn''t say anything as she rushed to the bathroom to wash her face and get to making that breakfast for him.


    ....


    Xiu had only planned to take Francesca out; coffee was just an excuse because she didn''t know what else Francesca would like. But luckily, Francesca was such an active person that Xiu didn''t have to plan anything else. Instead of Xiu taking Francesca out, it seemed the other way around since it was Francesca dragging Xiu around for different activities.


    "The last time I moved to this city, coffee was very difficult to find," told Francesca to Xiu as she picked up a dress from the rack. They both were standing in the boutique which Francesca found very interesting. "Now there are cafes on every other street. Back then, I was really having trouble."


    "It''s a tea-drinking country, obviously coffee wasn''t that famous back then," said Xiu as she just accompanied France without any complaints.


    "Hmm... True." Francesca pushed a blue dress into Xiu''s hands and while Xiu looked perplexed, she said, "Go, try it on."


    Xiu pointed at herself, "Me?"


    "I came with you, obviously this is for you," said Francesca making Xiu even more dumbfounded. Uhh... This was quite a strange situation for Xiu. She thought Francesca was looking through these dresses for herself. "Try it on. Or you don''t like it? Should I pick another one? I think I should."


    "No, no. I... I love it. I''ll try it on right now," Xiu couldn''t even form her sentences correctly. So, she hurriedly ran off to the changing room. After locking the door, for a good while she just stared at her reflection in the mirror.


    ''Mom, should I try on this dress?'' A distant voice rang in her mind as a scene flashed through her mind.


    A sixteen-year-old girl standing in a famous clothing outlet trying to get her mother''s attention who was busy on her cell phone.


    ''Mom...'' the girl whined again while tugging at the woman''s sleeves.


    The woman excused herself and turned to face the young girl saying, ''Xiu if you like anything just take it. Mom doesn''t have time for this.''


    ''But you promised to go shopping with me,'' the girl grumbled unhappily.


    The woman placed her hand on her head and said, ''And I am here with you. But you should also understand mom doesn''t have much time. So, get whatever you like.'' After that, she got busy talking to the person on the phone again leaving the young girl whose eyes stared at her back longingly.


    ''But I just wanted to spend some time with you...''


    As Xiu looked up into the mirror again, she couldn''t find that sixteen-year-old girl. In fact, the face in the mirror was completely different and those eyes, those eyes that stared back at her didn''t have any longing for anything left.


    Xiu slapped her cheeks as she said, "I must be crazy thinking about that bitter past at this happy moment." She knocked on her head and agreed, "I''m definitely crazy."


    ''Let the bitterness of the previous life end with that life.'' She had decided that just a few days ago then why was she suddenly reminded of that bitterness once again?


    Drawing in a long and deep breath, she changed into the dress which Francesca chose for her. It was a printed midi dress with an asymmetric style. It wasn''t tight fitted and was loosely hanging on her body. She touched the fabric softly and nodded in satisfaction before opening the door of the changing room.


    However, her hand on the doorknob trembled slightly and so did her eyes while her body went stiff at what she saw. Or precisely, because of the person she saw talking to Francesca.


    One of the biggest nightmares of her past life was standing just right there smiling happily.

 423 Past Reunion

    Seeing that woman beside Francesca, Xiu''s heart went cold. She had decided to forget the bitterness of past life but how was she supposed to forget the pain of feeling wronged? The pain that people like her brought to her, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Even when she wasn''t the one in the wrong!


    That woman''s polite smile and elegant bearing reminded Xiu what was the difference between these two in the past life. One got the status of ''wife'' and the other was labeled as ''mistress''.


    "Child, don''t just stand there. Come," Francesca was the one who noticed Xiu just standing there and gestured her to come out while the woman beside her also turned to look in Xiu''s direction. "Oh, this looks good on you just as I had thought." While Francesca was assessing the dress Xiu wore, Xiu couldn''t help staring blankly at the woman beside her.


    "And who is this?" Xiu heard that familiar soft voice that she had come to hate at one point in her life. How sweet she sounded and yet how much poison she held in her heart only Xiu knew.


    Francesca placed her arm over Xiu''s shoulder saying proudly, "This is my daughter. Isn''t she beautiful?" She didn''t wait for a reply as she went on, "She is gorgeous." Francesca was like a mother flaunting her daughter around without any shame or hesitation.


    "Daughter?" The woman was startled a bit. "Auntie, when did you get married?"


    Francesca gave her a displeasing look as she replied, "Liu Nuan, I didn''t get married. She is my Regi''s bride, Xiu. Bai Xiu."


    The smile on Liu Nuan''s face stiffened as she heard the name and couldn''t help repeating, "Xiu?" Then her eyes shifted to glance at Xiu''s face who still wore a blank expression. But that look in her eyes shook Liu Nuan''s heart as if her consciousness was shaking her and reminding of someone she was desperately trying to forget.


    Francesca wasn''t really paying attention to the strange tension between the two people beside her as she went around to look for some other dresses for Xiu leaving only Xiu and Liu Nuan alone.


    Xiu was the first one to look away as she put on her indifferent look saying, "It seems like my name caught you off-guard, Ms. Liu."


    "Huh?" Liu Nuan was taken aback when Xiu''s voice broke her trance.


    "Well, you acted as if you heard about a ghost or something. Your face paled," stated Xiu as she pointed at her face.


    Liu Nuan touched her face while saying, "It''s nothing like that. Your name just reminded me of an old friend."


    "Old friend?" Xiu snickered in her mind at that reply.


    ~~


    [''Can''t you let him go Ms. Chen?'' Liu Nuan''s words were still fresh in her memory. ''You''re a superstar. Everyone loves you. Millions of people love you but all I have is him. Please, give Jinhai to me. I can''t live without him.''


    Liu Nuan fell on her knees as she pleaded, ''Please, I''m begging you. I really love him. I have loved him since childhood. This love is deep-rooted in my bones. I have only dreamed of marrying him for all my life. How can you be so cruel to break this dream of mine?''


    Xiu could only stare at her falling tears in bitterness as she replied, ''The one you''re begging for isn''t mine though.'' Liu Nuan looked up at her face. ''He already left me for you.''


    ''What?''


    ''Don''t act so surprised. Before the young lady of the Liu family, how could a stupid lovesick person like me stand a chance?'' Xiu took a pause to hold back her tears. She didn''t want to cry before this woman. She didn''t want to be the weak one before this woman. ''You can go back now. I don''t think I have anything else to give you.'']


    ~~


    Coming back to the present, Xiu stared at Liu Nuan''s face and wanted to blench at the hypocrisy of this woman. That innocent face actually fooled her once but this time around it wasn''t enough. Especially because Xiu wanted to keep her distance from Liu Nuan. After all, now she wasn''t Chen Xiu!


    "I guess, you really like that old friend." Her voice was strained and had a sarcastic undertone which Liu Nuan couldn''t catch.


    Liu Nuan''s eyes fell down as she whispered, "Or maybe I hated her the most."


    "Sister-in-law, what are you doing here? I told you to wait at the food court." Just as Xiu saw another familiar face entering the store calling out Liu Nuan, she cursed her luck. What was it? Blast from the past or something?!


    "Qiuqiu, I saw Auntie Francesca that''s why I came here," answered Liu Nuan to the exuberant girl before her.


    "Excuse me," saying that Xiu turned to join Francesca. She didn''t want to hear the conversation between her ex-boyfriend''s wife and sister. It wasn''t that she didn''t hear Liu Nuan''s last sentence, she pretended like she didn''t. Because it was no secret to her that Liu Nuan hated her the most.


    "Mom, let me change, and then let''s go to another place," Xiu suggested to Francesca as soon as she came up to her.


    "Why? You don''t like this dress?"


    "I love it but I''m hungry now," Xiu half-lied. She just wanted to get out of here now. Since it seemed like a reunion of her past, she didn''t want that ex-boyfriend to pop up from somewhere as well. She might really lose it otherwise and murder one of those people.


    "Okay," Francesca didn''t question Xiu''s decision at all. She just agreed. The only reason she was so excited about shopping today was because she had someone''s company and that company was none other than her daughter. Otherwise, Francesca as a working woman had rare chances to find time for herself how will she find time for hobbies like shopping?


    Just when both of them were about to leave the store, Xiu turned once again to look in Liu Nuan''s direction but her eyes weren''t on Liu Nuan. She was looking at her ex''s sister, Zhou Liqiu. That vibrant and buoyant girl whom she once considered as her own sister.


    She could only sigh at her poor eyesight for not being able to recognize anyone''s real face.

 424 Rare Animals

    Have you ever looked at someone and had the urge to take a peek inside their brain to see what''s going on inside?


    Yan Ying definitely had.


    She had been around Xiu like a shadow since morning and was really annoyed by the fact that Xiu and Francesca were acting like kids in an amusement park who just had to try on every ride. Why were they so eager to explore this mall? If she knew this was how her first day was gonna go, she''d have really gotten someone else to take her place for the day.


    She had no problem with shopping, but the problem was she wasn''t the one doing the shopping here!


    Seeing that both Francesca and Xiu had now entered a beauty salon after their long shopping spree, she decided to just wait outside. She couldn''t just randomly enter the soon like she did with the other stores.


    She was shifting her weight from one foot to another while waiting outside when she received the phone call informing her, "Team leader, we fixed everything in your new apartment according to your needs. You can move in anytime now."


    "Thanks," she showed her gratitude to her team members who for some strange reason had offered to help her in moving in and even took care of the interior. To be honest, she had no faith in any one of them but still, they all worked hard for her sake so she was gonna show her gratitude. "I''ll take you all out for dinner someday."


    "Really? When?" came an eager voice of Gigi from the other end.


    "Someday," replied Ying offhandedly.


    "Team leader, give us a date and time. You''re the one who says that somehow, somewhere, something always goes wrong. And since life is that unpredictable, you should give us a definite answer."


    "I''m throwing a housewarming party this weekend, you all are invited as well."


    "Wow, team leader, you''re awesome!" Ying rolled her eyes at the way this subordinate of hers was trying to flatter her now. Like that was totally unnecessary. "By the way, where are you, team leader?"


    "Before you called, I was thinking of visiting the zoo today," began Ying as she turned around and almost crashed into someone. Fortunately, she didn''t. She only looked up to glare at the person for a second who was about to knock against her while continuing, "But I changed my plan. Why waste my money when I''m seeing rare kinds of animals everywhere these days for free."


    The guy who had ''sorry'' at the tip of his tongue looked at Ying and pointed at himself. Apparently, her words implied that she was calling him a rare animal but that wasn''t in her mind since she wasn''t even gonna bother paying him any attention. Her words and her attention were solely on her bothersome subordinates. She intentionally hit his arm with her shoulder before walking away.


    "Team leader, who are you referring to?" came Gigi''s question from the other side of the phone.


    Behind her, the guy was still gaping at her back in disbelief. Someone just called him a rare animal right at his face. How was he supposed to process that?


    "Brother Han," a petite girl called out looking anxious. "I told you to wait for me. I know you have long legs but show some mercy for my sake. My short legs can''t keep up with you." Seeing how the guy wasn''t even reacting to her rambling, she waved her hand before his eyes asking, "Are you okay?"


    "Do I look like an animal?" he spoke in a daze while touching his face.


    The petite girl was taken aback by that sudden question. "Uhh... No way. What are you even saying, brother Han? You''re the most handsome in the whole industry." The girl was sweating worrying about what he was gonna say next. She was already in a tight spot since she became this eccentric man''s assistant. He loved asking weirdest questions and she was really having trouble answering every single time.


    "No need to flatter me," he said in a deep raspy voice before entering the salon with his assistant right behind him.


    Meanwhile...


    "Mom, the woman you met in that boutique..." Xiu began hesitantly while Francesca was getting a haircut. "Do you know her?"


    Francesca thought about it before asking, "You''re asking about Liu Nuan?" Xiu nodded her head. "Not really. I know her mother because of Sister Wei."


    "Oh..." Xiu again thought of something. "So how does Weiwei know Liu Nuan''s mother?"


    Francesca looked at Xiu through her peripheral vision saying, "Honey, apparently everyone knows everyone in that aristocrat circle. And since Sister Wei comes from that socialite circle, she knows a lot of people."


    "That makes sense," agreed Xiu and finally relaxed and stopped thinking about why Liu Nuan was talking happily with her mother-in-law.


    "Bring some tea for Brother Han."


    Xiu wasn''t gonna pay attention to the voices around her at all but...


    "There is no need for that. I''m in a hurry."


    Xiu abruptly stood up as she heard that raspy voice. Although it sounded a little different and mature, Xiu was certain it sounded familiar. She walked around looking for the person who spoke but by the time she arrived, the man was already led towards the VVIP section. She could only see his broad back wearing an expensive dark red jacket.


    Xiu slapped her own head as she laughed at herself, "I''m hearing things now. It really can''t be him." She was trying to convince herself that she was overthinking because of how she came across Liu Nuan and Zhou Liqiu earlier. She really thought since she had a reunion with her past, now she was being delusional.


    "That little one would never wear a red jacket," she again tried to convince herself and felt relaxed a bit with her own reasoning.

 425 Yellow - Friendzone

    Ying had thought about just falling on a comfortable bed and sleeping tonight but when she came back after her whole day of following Xiu around, she couldn''t help but curse her stupid team members. See? She knew those idiots had an agenda that''s why all of them so readily agreed to help her in organizing everything.


    She found a note at the kitchen isle with her credit card and on the note was written; "Team leader, we used your credit car well. Hehe... P.S. You can''t go back on your words. That dinner is still on you."


    Ying fished out her phone to call those idiots but none of them picked up. It was infuriating her. She picked up her blazer and opened the main door. She was gonna look for the people responsible for this mess!


    "Oh, Ying Jie?!" Xiu''s voice was quite loud and it almost startled Ying who was already lost in her own anger. "What are you doing here?" Xiu asked as she ran up to her. "Why are you coming out of this apartment?"


    Ying took a deep breath saying, "I just moved in here."


    "Here?" Ying nodded her head. "Really? Wow! Can I take a look?" Without even paying attention to what Ying had to say, Xiu had already invited herself inside. "Gorgeous!" Hearing Xiu''s compliment, Ying also followed back inside and looked at Xiu''s expressions. "Your place looks like it came out of an interior magazine."


    Ying rubbed her forehead. It wasn''t that she didn''t believe Xiu''s words. The problem was; she did believe her words. The reason why Ying chose this place was because of metal, concrete, and wood textures that were used to remodel this apartment. Not only that, but space was also opened up and glass walls were installed, so as to perceive the apartment as one whole undivided living area where zones had no solid boundary.


    She actually fell in love with the place at first sight.


    Now, what was the real problem?


    The problem was how her team used a yellow modern sofa boldly marking an area as the lounge. In fact, that ''yellow'' color was her real issue! They used yellow, white and grey tones to make up the interior. She had no problem with white and grey but yellow? Yellow was her nightmare! Well, let''s not forget the credit card report she just received from her bank as well.


    Xiu, not knowing Ying''s inner turmoil, rushed up to the contemporary swing chair suspended like a birds'' perch near the door of the balcony. She touched it with her hand and said, "Ying Jie, I didn''t know you have so much knowledge about interior designing."


    "I don''t," answered Ying without getting impatient. She was in a bad mood but she wasn''t gonna behave moodily with Xiu because of that. "If I had chosen this stuff. I''d never pick yellow."


    "What''s wrong with yellow? It''s such a bright color. I think it goes well with your personality, cheery and vibrant."


    "I''m a vibrant person and I love vibrant colors as well. But yellow is the only color I hate."


    "Every person has that one color they can''t stand. Mine is yellow. I can''t stand it." Ying finally shared her problem with Xiu.


    "Vincent Van Gogh wrote; ''How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun.'' How can anyone hate yellow? It brings a smile to my face. The only time I hate yellow is when the sunlight wakes me up."


    Ying chuckled at Xiu''s words as she replied, "Then have you heard; ''If you fall in a river there is a boat, if you fall in a well there is a rope but if you fall in love there is no hope.''" Xiu''s expressions turned complicated she listened. "I know you have already heard about my obsession with a certain Xin brother." Xiu pursed her lips and nodded her head. "He always gave me yellow roses. All my life. He gave it so many times that I have come to despise yellow color."


    Xiu finally understood why she was so against the yellow color. Yellow roses represented friendship and Ying had always been in that friend zone. How could she come to like anything that remotely reminded her of her status?


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "But in my opinion, yellow is actually complimenting the white interior very well. For instance, that yellow dining bench is adding a very unique element to the white set. I love it." She took a pause before carefully adding, "Besides, I know you hate the color because you can''t hate the person, it can work for now but for how long? How long can we fool ourselves?"


    Ying''s eyes wandered around the apartment once again. She found yellow at quite a lot of places but now that she noticed, everywhere the mellow yellow was used as if to complement the white texture. The way she perceived it was that since yellow found it''s own distinct place in all the shades surrounding it, she should also learn to find her own distinct place in that friend zone she was running from.


    "I guess I''ll have to deal with it then."


    "You don''t have to if you don''t want to. Don''t pay attention to me. I say a lot of nonsense." Xiu hurriedly tried to cut herself off of this convincing game. Not like she was in any position to say anything to Ying.


    Ying ruffled her hair saying, "Kid, it''s not because of you. I don''t really have the patience or time to go and change everything all over again. If I had, why would I let someone else decide the interior of my apartment?" Taking a pause to smile she added, "Besides, I really need to learn with somethings. If I''m not even able to stand the yellow color, how am I gonna stand my own feelings?"


    Xiu thought about what she said and nodded in understanding before saying, "Do you know?" Ying raised her brow inquisitively. "It''s weird whenever you call me kid."


    "I won''t say it if you don''t like it."


    Xiu shook her head as she went on, "No, that''s not my point. What I mean is that, whenever you call me kid, I kinda feel like it''s the right thing. You know like there is a strange feeling inside my heart that makes me feel close to you whenever you say it." Xiu got close to Ying asking, "Are you sure we have not met before?"


    Ying looked at Xiu up and down before nodding, "Positive! I have met you for the first time at Dylan''s house. Before that, I don''t think we ever met." Xiu reluctantly just went along and believed her words. But she wasn''t very convinced though. "You tell me, what''s with that new hair color?"


    Xiu touched her hair and smiled sheepishly, "This is practically-strawberry blonde. I kinda always wanted to try this shade but I always hesitated. This time though, I didn''t let my fear stop me, and as you can see it came out great. Didn''t it?" At first, she wasn''t planning on getting her hair done but once inside the salon, she couldn''t stop herself.


    "Hmm... It does look good on you," agreed Ying with a sincere smile.


    "Do you need help with that?" Xiu was pointing at the suitcases placed in the middle of the lounge which Ying hadn''t unpacked yet since she was more eager to run from this place.


    "No, thank you very much but I can manage."


    "I don''t mind though," began Xiu. "I have plenty of time on my hand after resigning. So, don''t mind me. Just tell me anything you want me to do. After all, we are now neighbors."


    "Why do you sound so excited saying that we are neighbors?"


    Xiu cleared her throat awkwardly as she replied, "I honestly don''t know why I''m so excited."

 426 Blue

    "By the way, aren''t you tired after the whole day of shopping? What were you doing in the hallway?"


    Xiu tied her hair back up into a messy bun as she answered, "I''m very tired. But when I left all the shopping bags in my room. I decided to go to Regan''s place but when I came out... I forgot what I was supposed to do since I saw you."


    Ying laughed at the way she said she forgot.


    "Hold up..." Xiu frowned as she realized something. "How do you know I was out shopping?"


    Ying''s eyes widened as she realized her mistake. Exactly, how did she know what Xiu was doing unless she was there? Yes, she was but that point was something to keep a secret from Xiu herself.


    "Ummm... I just guessed," answered Ying praying that Xiu would buy that lie. Considering her line of work, one could say that Ying was a really bad liar. Extremely bad! Luckily, she was saved by her phone which suddenly rang. Instead of putting it against her ear, she put it on speakerphone and placed it on the side table. "And what do you want now?"


    "Nothing. I just have something to share with you," came the voice which even Xiu could recognize.


    "Why? Why share it with me?" asked Ying.


    "Because you''re my close friend," answered Cali.


    "Who said that?" retorted Ying without even thinking about it.


    "I said that," was Cali''s reply which made Xiu laugh out. "Oh... That sounds familiar."


    "Hi, Cali!" said Xiu to announce that she was also listening to the call.


    "Hey, Xiu! What''s up? What are you doing with Ying?"


    "Ying Jie is my new neighbor so I came to say hi to her," replied Xiu.


    "She''s your neighbor?!" Cali''s voice was really loud. "When did that happen? How did that happen? Why did it happen?!" Taking a breath, she added, "Ying, you have a lot to explain here!"


    "Why should I?" was Ying''s reply. "It''s my life. I can do whatever I want. And who are you question me?" She took a pause to add, "I''m the kind of person who doesn''t even answer herself 90 percent of the time. What makes you think I''ll answer you?!"


    "I just said, your friend!" Cali was still insistent on her words. "And since I''m a friend I deserve an answer."


    "Just because you think we''re friends doesn''t mean we are actually friends. Stop calling me for everything," replied Ying without considering Cali''s feelings. After all, it was Cali who was trying to build a friendship between them. Ying would still like to keep her distance since she had already done her part of the job.


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at Ying before speaking, "Well, what did you want to share with Ying Jie though?"


    Cali''s mood suddenly lifted up again, "Dylan brought me a gift."


    "Good for you. Now let''s not continue," Ying was trying to cut off this conversation but apparently, others weren''t interested.


    "What did he bring to make you so happy?"


    Ying was the only person frowning while she listened and couldn''t help asking, "Why is everything so blue? If Dylan is in love now, he should be in that pink fever. Why is he acting like he got the blue fever or something?"


    Both Xiu and Cali facepalmed themselves at what Ying said. Of course, she didn''t get the point here. And seeing how Xiu was judging her with her eyes, Ying was taken aback as she said, "I''m just curious to know. I have only an unrequited love''s experience. Of course, I am clueless about what this gift is supposed to represent."


    "It doesn''t signify anything," answered Xiu plainly.


    "Actually, blue is my favorite color. The gift is really very simple. But it''s the thoughtfulness that just blew my mind up. Like, he went through so much just to put everything together. And that too, just for me. I just love it." Cali genuinely sounded really happy and it brought a smile on Xiu''s face.


    "Someone finally grew up," Xiu whispered to herself and wondered when did Dylan turn into such a thoughtful person? She really didn''t expect his way of wooing Cali would be something so strange and yet adorable.


    "I still don''t find it special though." Xiu glared at Ying who just poured a bucket of cold water over Cali''s head. "Sorry, but I really don''t find it cute."


    "I do," answered Xiu. "In fact, I love the way he''s thinking right now. Simple but yet thoughtful. He knows that Cali has everything. So, he''s trying to make the simple things count here. Isn''t that special?"


    Ying decided not to argue with this pair of cousins as she just nodded along, "I guess it''s very special then. Congratulations, Cali! Now, don''t call me again for sharing such things."


    "Hey..."


    Before Cali could even continue, Ying had hung up. Was it necessary for her to suffer through another one showing off how the person she loved also shared the same feelings? Well, no thanks! I''m really not interested!


    Xiu was looking at Ying strangely now. "What?"


    "I''m wondering how do you know Cali?" questioned Xiu.


    "I met her in Italy a few months ago," answered Ying hiding all the important details of that meeting.


    "Italy? Isn''t she from Norway?"


    "Her paternal family is from Italy. Her mother moved to Norway with Cali after her divorce."


    "So, Calista Novell is an Italian," Xiu''s voice was very soft. First, Cali''s last name bothered her but now the fact that Cali was also from Italy somehow told Xiu that she wasn''t thinking wrong. Destiny was from Italy, she was also a Novell. There had to be a connection here somewhere.


    "Where are you lost now?" questioned Ying breaking Xiu''s trance.


    "Huh? Nothing... I was just thinking about how everyone around me comes from a broken family." Xiu just changed the topic.


    "Dylan doesn''t though," stated Ying. "And neither do I." She took a moment to add, "In fact, your boyfriend doesn''t come from a broken family either. According to him, he has a complete family with him and his mother. So don''t ever do the mistake to say he comes from a broken family."


    Xiu understood Ying''s meaning. Darren, in fact, wouldn''t like those words since he felt a lot proud calling himself as Francesca Salvay''s son. But then again, if one had a mother like that, anyone would feel proud.

 427 An Award?

    ''Today, I took someone very special to see your movie with me. And that special someone just slept through the whole movie. Now, before you think anything let me clear up. I still am an understanding person. I knew my mentor was tired. However, being your die-hard fan, I still took revenge by making my mentor watch the same movie five times.


    No one should be allowed to disrespect my Goddess Xiu''s hard work. No one at all!


    Let me just add, after this day, my mentor would never do the mistake of sleeping in a movie theatre again. Not even in wildest of dreams.''


    Xiu couldn''t help smiling as she read the third letter. She didn''t know why but it really brought a genuine smile on her face. Well, this one seemed like a lighter one than the previous ones she read. Or so she thought...


    ''There is something else special about today. Yes, I didn''t decide to write this letter just to tell you that silly story of mine. I have another reason.


    While I took my mentor to the cinema for five days, coincidentally, I came across a father-daughter pair. The girl was only about five or six maybe. She was dressed as a princess while her dad dressed up as a prince matching the costumes to whatever movie they were about to watch together. The way he held her hand made me really envious.


    Before you wonder why? I''m gonna enlighten you that I haven''t met or seen my father. Like ever! I don''t even know anything about him. I do know that he''s in this country but nothing else.


    As for why I brought up that father-daughter pair is because they made me think. They made me wonder whether my father would have treated me the same way hers did? What do you think?


    I don''t like sharing these feelings with anyone but I still want you to know though.


    I''m close to finding out who my father is now. Actually, I''m very close. But... I''m scared.


    Because I don''t even know if my father wants me or not? What if he doesn''t want me and that''s why I had been all alone with mom? I really don''t know if I''m prepared to hear the answer or not.


    But my mentor said that the answer will always be no if you''ll never even ask. So, I think I''m gonna take my chance. I have nothing to lose because I have nothing, to begin with.


    Wish me luck!''


    Xiu could understand her feelings very well. She grew up with those feelings. Whenever she asked her mother about her father, she never got an answer. So, it made her wonder if her father actually wanted her or not. In fact, the feelings Destiny just described were very familiar to her. She was also scared of knowing the real truth. "I wonder if you found him or not?"


    "Find whom?"


    Xiu looked up at Darren who came to sit beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder like he usually did. It had become a habit of his and Xiu somehow found it very fulfilling.


    "Oh, so she found him?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders showing she didn''t know. "According to this letter, she was close to the answer. Should I try reading the next one?"


    Darren didn''t let her get up, "You promised only one letter a day. Don''t overdo it."


    Xiu sighed in defeat, "Fine. I won''t try to overdo it. Did you meet mom before coming over?"


    "She''s sleeping. I guess you really exhausted her."


    "I did no such thing. It was her... Forget it." Xiu wasn''t gonna continue this at all. Even if it was Francesca who wanted to see everything, she wasn''t going to say anything about it. Why bother? She also had fun. "By the way, do you notice something...?"


    Darren stared at her face with a clueless look, "What? What am I supposed to notice?"


    "Something changed..." Xiu tried to give him a hint by playing with the strand of her hair.


    Hiding his smile, he still acted carelessly, "I don''t see any change though."


    "Baobei!" Xiu squinted her eyes dangerously at him.


    Darren laughed at her reaction as he pinched her nose saying, "I don''t know why but I find you very adorable when you''re angry." Xiu puffed up her cheeks and looked away. Yes, we are doing the ignoring play now! "By the way, if you''re referring to how your hair color is different then I did notice that." Xiu didn''t react. "Also, your hair is shorter now."


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she turned back to look at him, "You even notice that?"


    Darren nodded his head, "I told you I know your body better than you." Xiu pushed the throw cushion at his face while laughed at her reaction. "I''m not lying though. I''m the one who loves playing with your hair. Of course, I can notice that you decided to get a hair cut."


    "So, when you say you only look at me. You actually aren''t lying eh?"


    "I''m definitely not lying about that."


    Xiu held his face in her hands and said, "Sometimes I wonder that you should get an award for putting up with me."


    Darren nodded his head agreeably, "That''s called a wedding, Sweets."


    "Huh?"


    Darren patted her head saying, "I mean the ceremony should be called the wedding and the award should be a wife."


    "And who''s the wife?" Xiu questioned trying to hide her smile at his overdose of sweet words which he never seems to get short of. Why did he always have something to say? And how did he always have something so sweet to say?


    Darren tapped his chin thoughtfully, "I don''t know. I''m still looking for her."


    Xiu hit his head with the same throw cushion again. "Dare say that again?!"


    Darren held her wrists as he pulled her over his lap said, "Sweets, when you know the answer don''t ask stupid questions." He kissed on the side of her neck before the kisses shifted towards her jawline then running on to her lips before he went on, "I''ve only dreamed of seeing you in a white dress waiting for me. There had always been you. Just you!"


    While Xiu was eager to kiss him again, a voice from behind her almost made her drop down to the floor.


    "Get married already!"

 428 Ring The Wedding Bells?

    Have you ever felt like murdering your best friend? Because that was the feeling Xiu was going through right now. How was it that Nora was always coming in at the wrong moment?! This was definitely not the first time for Nora to walk in on them like this.


    Standing at the side was indeed Nora who was using her hand to cover her eyes but just like any other curious child, she also didn''t forget to take peeks. As if she''d miss the show!


    "Why are you here?"


    Xiu was gritting her teeth threatening Nora to crush her with her... teeth? Maybe. But just Darren had said earlier, she looked rather adorable doing it like a rabbit. Hehe...


    Nora removed her hands from her eyes as Xiu got off Darren''s body and sat down at the sofa with an annoyed face. "My dear Xiu''er, I know you become a little dumb queen when you''re with Darren..." Xiu glared at her for calling her ''little dumb queen'' but Nora didn''t pay attention as she went on, "But you shouldn''t forget that I still live here."


    "I didn''t forget that," grumbled Xiu before asking, "But weren''t you gonna stay at home for a while?"


    "Wouldn''t you be happy about that?" Xiu ignored her teasing. She really didn''t want to argue about it. "But on a serious note, when are you both really getting married? Aren''t you tired of torturing people like me? Just ring those wedding bells already!"


    "You really need to stop," saying that Xiu got up and left the lounge.


    Seeing how Xiu went to her room, Nora sat down beside Darren and said with an amused, "Hi, Darren!" She could see his excitement when she mentioned those ''wedding bells''.


    "Hey!" Darren finally spoke after he was done enjoying the playful argument between Nora and Xiu. "How are you, Nora?"


    "I''m good. Very good actually," replied Nora with a sweet smile before adding, "I won''t ask you the same though because it''s written all over your face how good you''re feeling."


    "Indeed, I''m feeling great," said Darren with a sweet smile playing on his lips and didn''t bother commenting over how Nora''s brows were wiggling at him playfully. "But I''d like to know about you. How are you feeling? Now that you''ve met Ava and even cleared up everything with your family. How''s it going?"


    "Pretty good," answered Nora with an affectionate look on her face at the mentioning of Ava''s name. "I honestly still can''t believe that such an adorable little girl is actually mine."


    "I can''t either," replied Darren which earned him a hard stare from her.


    "Being savage are we now Darren?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe." He took a pause before asking, "Your parents met Ava?"


    "Not yet. Ah-Si promised to bring Ava tomorrow morning and since I didn''t want him to come to my family home, I came here instead."


    "Why don''t you want him to come to your parent''s place?"


    Darren also looked up at his girlfriend questioning, "Yes, when are you taking me to meet them?"


    "Soon," replied Xiu offhandedly.


    "I guess that soon is never coming for you Dazi."


    Xiu looked at Dylan who appeared out of nowhere and frowned, "I thought I finally got rid of you. Why are you here?"


    Dylan came to stand beside Xiu and even perched his elbow on Xiu''s shoulder saying, "Then I guess you''re never getting rid of me. I''m an annoying pest, I won''t leave you even in a grave! Hehe."


    Pushing Dylan away from his Sweets, Darren pulled her behind him. "I warned you to keep some distance from my Sweets."


    "Easy there, man! I was just joking," Dylan raised his hands in defense.


    "How did you come inside?" asked Xiu.


    "Oh, I met him downstairs. But he was busy on a call, so I left the door open for him," answered Nora to Xiu''s question.


    "Have you lost your mind? Nora, we don''t leave doors open for wild monkeys!"


    Darren and Nora were the only ones who laughed at Xiu''s words while Dylan was squinting his eyes at her. Meanwhile, Xiu wasn''t also backing off as she stared right into his eyes challengingly.


    "Whatever!" finally Dylan shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly surprising everyone around him.


    "You don''t mind Xiu''s words," questioned Nora in confusion. And when Dylan shook his head, she continued, "That''s a first."


    Xiu, however, knew this ex-boss very well. She wasn''t falling for it that easily. Not so easily at all. "Dylan, what do you want from me?"


    Dylan smiled at Xiu before saying, "Aye, my sister in law still knows me best."


    Xiu smiled at him mockingly as she said, "Now start talking before this very understanding sister-in-law starts digging your grave right here."


    "You can''t dig the grave. The promise is of when you have a back garden." Dylan laughed at that old joke of Xiu while she deadpanned.


    "Dude, that''s not funny anymore."


    Dylan''s laughter died down with just her words. Did she have to ruin it all for him? If she made the same joke, it''d be funny but since he''s the one doing it, it''s not considered funny any longer? What kind of logic is that? Where is the justice?!


    "I''m not gonna argue since I really do need your help," said Dylan and tried pushing Darren away from his way. "Bro, I''m not stealing your wife. At least, give me some access."


    "Keep your hands off of her and I''ll give the access," replied Darren plainly.


    Dylan sighed out, "Fine. Fine. I won''t touch her."


    Darren made that ''I''m watching you'' look before stepping away while Dylan took Xiu to a side since whatever he wanted to talk was supposed to be a secret from this best friend of his.


    When Darren looked at Nora, she found him starring at her with a judgmental look. "Boy, your possessiveness really knows no bound."


    Darren touched his ear saying, "I can''t help it."


    "And this is why I''m still asking, where is that bloody wedding ring?"


    Darren looked back to see Dylan and Xiu at quite a distance before he pulled something from his pocket and showed it Nora saying, "It''s here."


    Nora''s jaw almost dropped to the floor seeing the ring in his hand. She was joking. Why was he taking it so seriously?


    "Since when are you carrying this around?" The reason why Nora asked this question was that she had come to understand Darren at some level. He wasn''t someone impulsive. This ring had to be with him for a long time.


    "Do you remember the time when I went to Norway? We hadn''t been dating for that long at that time but I felt the void within my heart without her. That''s when I knew if there is someone I''d be willing to spend my life with, it''s definitely her." Nora gaped at him in disbelief. It had really been a long time. "I bought this from Norway. I just haven''t found the right moment to pop up the question yet."


    "Bloody hell! Even I''d be willing to say yes anywhere anytime if the one asking is you much less my sister who is head over heels in love with you."


    Darren chuckled at Nora''s response. "I know she''ll say yes. I just want that moment to be special for her."


    Nora patted his shoulder saying, "Bro, you''re already very special to her. I don''t think she''s looking for anything fancy." Taking a pause, she went on, "I really think you should go along with it."


    Darren also agreed with that but he still wanted to do something special and memorable for her. Teasing his Sweets was one thing but she was his other half, she deserved the best of everything!

 429 More & More

    Early in the morning when Ah-Si came to drop Ava off, he was left baffled seeing Dylan and Darren there. He could understand why Darren was there but what the hell was Dylan doing here?!


    Nora, however, didn''t pay attention to his expressions since she was busy hugging her little bun whom she missed so much in just couple of days. How was it that she felt so bloody attached to the girl whom she only met twice? Perhaps, that''s what being a mother was like. She loved the feeling of how Ava would snuggle up to her every single time as she if she found comfort against her chest.


    How come she never knew before that this motherly feeling could actually make you feel so full?


    "Wanna have breakfast, Si bro?" Xiu invited Ah-Si to join them for breakfast as she served the other two lads at the table and joined them.


    Ah-Si didn''t hear Xiu''s question since he was still engrossed in throwing daggers at Dylan with his eyes. He really wanted to ask him what he was doing at someone else''s home early in the morning?


    "Ah-Si, if you''re that hungry try this breakfast that my younger sister-in-law made. Trust me, I won''t taste half as good as her food." Dylan knew Ah-Si was really gonna gnash him under his teeth if he didn''t stop so he added, "Would you look at that... My elder sister-in-law is so happy seeing my cute niece who I apparently didn''t even know existed until a couple of days ago."


    Poor Dylan became the last person to even find out about Ava''s existence. Either he was too clueless or he was too engrossed in Cali that he didn''t bother about what was going on around him these days.


    "Dylan, what did you call Nora?" asked Xiu.


    "Elder sister-in-law," answered Dylan simply. "Since Nora came first she is technically elder sister-in-law while you''re the younger one."


    Darren patted Dylan''s shoulder saying, "Didi, you''re getting smarter."


    "I know," said Dylan and looked at Ah-Si whose murderous aura was finally replaced with something different.


    Xiu leaned close to Dylan and said, "I know what you did there. But come on! Those two have a child together and yet they are acting like bloody teenagers on a first date. At this rate, that niece of yours would be bringing home her first boyfriend before her parents could make any progress."


    Dylan laughed out. He gave Xiu a thumbs up saying, "I didn''t see you for a day and I almost forgot how savage you can get."


    "Keep in mind next time," said Xiu making him laugh even more.


    "Uh-oh, there goes another volcano," Dylan said pointing at Darren. "Relax. It''s just an inside joke between me and my sister-in-law."


    Darren didn''t say anything. It wasn''t worth it really because he knew the nature between Xiu and Dylan''s friendship. They were one of the weirdest pairs after all. Even their inside jokes were the weirdest ones like them.


    "I never left bro," answered Dylan. "I mean I slept at Dazi''s place. I was gonna have breakfast with my favorite aunt in the world but Francesca went out on a date with my mom."


    "Aw, poor Dylan was abandoned," teased Xiu making Dylan pout.


    "Xiu, you won''t like me when I''m angry!"


    "I don''t like you anyway," replied Xiu as she stuck out her tongue at him.


    Dylan pointed his finger at Xiu saying, "Someday you''ll have to answer God for your actions and trust me, God won''t be so merciful."


    Xiu patted his head to annoy him as she said, "And that''s why Dylan, you need to do better in life."


    "Xiu!"


    "Dylan!"


    "Kids, let me eat in peace."


    Ah-Si was left dumbstruck at the way this breakfast turned out. He didn''t know whether he was supposed to laugh or not.


    However, Darren''s words worked like charm since Xiu and Dylan decided to keep it down.


    "Does this happen often?" Ah-Si asked Nora. In some way, he knew this happened often since he had seen the way Xiu and Dylan bickered but he thought they''d keep some civility for a show before Darren. Who knew these kids were unrestrained.


    "This is very normal between Dylan and Xiu. In fact, you should be glad that they aren''t pulling each others hair."


    "You don''t mean it literally right?"


    Nora smiled at Ah-Si''s reaction as she nodded. "I do mean it literally though." She turned to her baby girl as she said, "Ava baby, you shouldn''t learn such bad things from your aunt and uncle. They both are psycho."


    "Hey! You can''t slander us like that!" Both Xiu and Dylan exclaimed simultaneously. "We are the most innocent ones here!"


    Nora rolled her eyes at both of them, "I wonder how your face doesn''t even hurt calling yourself innocent at this point."


    Darren got up since he was done with breakfast and looked at Dylan, "You coming?"


    "Nope," was Dylan''s reply.


    "Exactly when are you gonna leave?"


    "I haven''t decided yet," answered Dylan and took a sip of his soy milk not paying any heed to what Darren''s face looked like right now.


    Xiu helped Darren with his jacket and walked with him to the door which made Dylan shout from behind, "No wonder you resigned. You just wanted to be a good housewife!"


    "Dylan, don''t forget your fate is in my hands right now," Xiu threat worked as Dylan made the gesture of zipping his lips. He knew she wasn''t gonna help if he continued being a jerk like this. Then she turned to Darren and kissed him saying, "Have a good day, Regan!"


    "If you say it like that I wouldn''t want to leave you," he was hugging her waist refusing to let go.


    "But you have to," said Xiu.


    "Why?"


    "Because if you won''t earn money, how will I splurge it all?"


    Darren kissed her forehead saying, "Then I have to earn more and more."


    "Yes, you do."


    "What is he doing here really?" asked Darren as he pointed at Dylan.


    "I''ll tell you when you get back," answered Xiu mysteriously. "Something tells me, you''ll find it very interesting."

 430 Picnic? Or Date?

    "Where are we going?"


    Dylan had come to pick up Cali around 3 pm. Before that, he had informed her to dress casually but wear boots as well. She had no idea where he was planning on taking her but she obviously didn''t care about that either.


    Parking the car at the foot of the hill, he said, "We''re going for a hike." Cali gaped at him in disbelief. When did he become such an active person to actually ask her out for hiking? "You love hiking, right?"


    "I do, but you don''t," replied Cali matter-of-factly.


    "Something tells me, I''ll love this hike," said Dylan in a mysterious way as he led her out. He took out his backpack that he had already prepared for the day.


    They started the hike at about 4 and it took them an hour or so to reach the destination which Dylan had chosen for this picnic date of his. It wasn''t somewhere at the very top of the hill as Cali had imagined. There was a big boulder in an inconspicuous place looking over the city while the sun was setting on the horizon.


    The orange hues blending in with the darkness that was threatening to overtake the sky looked so beautiful that Cali couldn''t take her eyes away from the scene before her. But that gave Dylan enough time to spread out the picnic mat on the boulder with all the things he had already prepared.


    "Oh, what do we have here... Is that sushi?"


    "Mm... Kind of. It''s actually Korean rice rolls. It''s kinda like sushi rolls but it''s more of a snack," explained Dylan patiently.


    "Are those eggs rolled up like that?"


    "Yes. That''s rolled egg omelet," answered Dylan patiently. "Those are dumplings. As you can tell, the ugliest roll and weirdest looking dumpling are made by me." He looked at her face adding, "But you can''t complain because I tried my best. But my dear master chef said my food might poison you so I decided to leave it all on her."


    Cali laughed at him softly. Not at what he did but how much effort he was putting into all of this. Was this really the same guy she knew? Wasn''t having her heart enough? Why was he trying to take her breath away by being such a sweetheart?


    Aside from rice rolls, dumplings, and omelet, there were also seasonal fruits; beautifully cut. There was also mixed pickle and steamed rice cake.


    "Try it," he was putting everything before her and eagerly looked at her waiting for her reaction. He really looked like a puppy wagging its tail looking for some pats and praises from its master. "Is it delicious?"


    "Hmm... It''s delicious, but you didn''t make it," replied Cali making his smile vanish.


    Cali felt heartbroken seeing his wounds, "Who told you to do so much?" She touched his forehead softly as she asked, "Does it still hurt?"


    Dylan pursed his lips looking at her reaction and forgot that he was supposed to answer. What did she ask though? He didn''t even listen. He was lost in looking at her.


    ''Oh, crap! I''m getting Xiu''s disease now,'' he said in his head. Because around him, only Xiu was the one who would forget everything whenever she looked at Darren. He always made fun of her but how come now he was experiencing the same thing?


    "Dylan..." Cali shook him a little to get back his attention. "I asked if it hurts?"


    "Oh, no. Not at all," said Dylan in a reassuring way. "It doesn''t hurt anymore." He smiled handsomely at her saying, "Seeing your smile, I think it was all worth it. Just as I knew this hike will be worth my sweat."


    Cali looked at him strangely, "You already have my heart, what are you after now?"


    "You," said Dylan without any hesitation at all. "I''m after you now."


    "Smooth, Mr. Flower boy," said Cali while taking a bite of the egg rolls.


    "Do you know what ''flower boy'' means?" asked Dylan.


    Cali nodded her head as she replied, "Xiu told me it means playboy."


    "Of course, it''s Xiu as always," sighed Dylan out. "Why am I not even surprised?"


    After that Cali silently enjoyed her early dinner as she looked at the sun that had almost disappeared but since it was a full moon tonight, she could clearly see everything under the star-laden sky.


    She really had to give the props to Dylan for actually managing to find such a beautiful place. Instead of a fancy restaurant, she preferred this simple and yet meaningful date with him. That made her think how exactly did he find this place?


    "How did you find this place, Dylan?"


    Dylan pursed his lips and seeing the way she looked at him, he gave in, "I''ll tell you the truth only if you promise not to laugh at me."


    Just hearing that was enough to make Cali laugh but she stopped herself and nodded her head, "I won''t laugh."


    "You see that top?" Cali nodded following the track of his finger as he went on, "Dazi bought land over there. He even has a house built there." Cali was surprised to hear that but didn''t voice it out while he continued, "As you can already guess, I lost my way when I first came here. And I still have no idea which idiot told me there was no road leading up the hill which led me to actually walk and lose my way." Cali really wanted to laugh now at him but she continued to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself. "Well, that''s how I found this place."


    "How did you find the way back?"


    Dylan took a long pause before adding, "After I thoroughly meditated in this beautiful place, my phone rang and I realized that I had my phone with me all along. And the signals are perfect here."


    "Pfftt!" Cali couldn''t stop herself this time. How could she? It sounded so ridiculous and yet it sounded so much like something he would do. "I can''t believe I love you."


    "I also can''t believe," murmured Dylan as he stared at her face and she stopped laughing abruptly.

 431 Insult To Injury

    It had been years since Dylan had known about this place but he had never brought anywhere here. In fact, not even Darren knew about it. This could be considered Dylan''s personal space where he liked to come whenever he felt lost. He never felt like he needed to share this space with anyone. In fact, he never thought it''d be so comforting to have someone special''s company at such a place.


    Today, however, this lost boy had brought someone with him. For some reason, Dylan wanted Cali to know about this place. And feeling the comfort with her presence, he just knew how right his decision was.


    Cali wasn''t the kind of person who would lean on Dylan''s shoulder to enjoy this beautiful night breeze. But Dylan definitely was that kind of person. He pulled out a blanket from the bag and wrapped it around himself and her while sliding close to her. He even placed his head on her shoulder saying, "You won''t feel cold this way."


    Cali was speechless at his subtleness which was certainly not so very subtle. Or he wasn''t even trying to be subtle anymore.


    "Why did you bring me here?" she asked out of the blue. "I mean isn''t it, your secret place?"


    "It was my secret," he answered. His voice lowered a little as he added, "Now it''s ours."


    Cali didn''t know what to say to that. For a while, she was lost for words.


    "I feel like you''re taking special classes from Regi," she joked.


    "Na-ah! I took a class from Xiu but Dazi is definitely not on my list of teachers."


    "Earlier you talked about your master chef, you were talking about Xiu, right?"


    Dylan didn''t hide the most obvious thing, "Yes, Xiu made everything."


    "She also hit you with the spatula?"


    "About that..."


    *Flashback to earlier in the day*


    "I told you to add salt," Xiu was seething now.


    "And I did," trailed off Dylan because he was uncertain whether he really added the salt or not.


    Xiu lifted her hand to hit him and Dylan took a step back to avoid but since Xiu was holding a spatula, it still ended up hitting him. It wasn''t a hard hit. But since he could get bruises easily, he ended up getting one from that light blow as well.


    "Ah! How can you do that?" he rubbed his forehead and pouted at her.


    "Quit pouting. It won''t work on me," scolded Xiu as she looked at the omelet that was ruined now. Xiu pulled his ear saying, "Are you blind? How can you mistake sugar and salt? And this isn''t even the first time you did the same mistake!"


    "They both look alike and even the jars are same," argued Dylan in his defense. Even he remembered, last time he ruined her sweet soup by adding salt in it, this time he added sugar in an omelet. How messed up was his eyesight?!


    Xiu turned the jars and showed him, "It''s clearly written which one is salt and sugar. Unless you''re really dumb, you can''t mess this up! AGAIN!!!"


    Xiu smacked his head saying, "I think your mom also gave birth to the wrong thing. Because I''m not willing to believe you''re Zhao Wei''s son!"


    "About that, I''ll ask mom," replied Dylan in all seriousness.


    Xiu groaned as she looked at him.


    "What are we doing now?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, you''re the kitchen expert. You should know how to fix it," answered Dylan.


    "We''re starting again," said Xiu and got all the ingredients again.


    Dylan looked at her sheepishly and mumbled, "Sorry!" he was the one actually using her and he even messed up everything for her. He really felt bad about doing it.


    Xiu ruffled his hair saying, "Forget it. It won''t take that long anyway. We can fix it as you said, I''m the kitchen expert here." Dylan looked at her in surprise. "No need to frown so much. Keep that bright smile of yours on, we still have a girl to impress."


    Dylan couldn''t help chuckling at her response as he said, "Don''t they say girls dig those cold and arrogant looking guys?"


    "Whoever said that must have never met a man with a handsome smile," replied Xiu.


    "Are you saying that I have a handsome smile or you''re referring to your boyfriend?"


    "My boyfriend looks handsome in whatever expression he wears, as for you..." she trailed off while looking him up and down, "You look grumpy if you aren''t smiling."


    Dylan shook his head at her, "I really can''t tell whether you''re insulting me or complimenting me just like I can''t tell whether you''re rooting for me or not."


    Xiu patted his shoulder, "Don''t worry. I''m definitely rooting for you just like I''m definitely trying to add some insult on that injury you just received from me."


    *End of Flashback*


    "I really can''t tell whether you and Xiu are close or..."


    Dylan smiled, "Dazi thinks we''re closer than siblings." Cali was surprised to hear that as he went on, "To be honest, recently I think my own sister doesn''t get me as much as Xiu does. She is like a mind reader, she always knows what''s on my mind. She never push me for an answer, she first makes me laugh and let my guard down. Just like that, I end up pouring my heart before her."


    "That''s some real talent," said Cali.


    "The other day, she was giving me those weird pick up lines to impress you. Do you know what she said?" Cali raised her brow inquisitively. "She was like, ''Hey boy, are you my sleep? Because I really can''t get enough of you.''" Cali laughed out hearing that when he added, "Exactly that was Darren''s reaction because according to him, from a person whose hobby is sleeping, he expected that kind of a pickup line."


    "She sounds like someone who is full of life," remarked Cali which made Dylan quiet down.


    ''Full of life?'' he wondered to himself. "I really don''t know if she''s full of life or not but she definitely takes life very seriously now. So, I''m giving you a piece of advice, never get in an argument with her. Like ever! She can get brutal in a way you won''t even like."

 432 The Fourth Letter

    //The Fourth Letter


    ''I had never been fond of my name. Not ever.


    It always felt like someone was mocking me. Destiny...


    They say everything is controlled by destiny, and that''s why I hated my name even more because I couldn''t even control my own temper much less controlling my own life. I don''t know what kind of image you can paint of me by the letters I wrote to you but I can assure you, Destiny Novell is anything but a good person.


    But since a good person like you loves to believe in the goodness of others, I''m gonna break this shocking news to you; Every person is born with a touch of evilness. It''s a game of who has come to hide his nature well. Since we all are pretending anyway.


    Now you must be thinking that every letter of mine comes with a random context. And you might also feel like I''m treating these letters as my personal diary or something. The thing is, you aren''t wrong. I feel the same.


    These letters will stay as my personal diary until I decide to post the letters to you which doesn''t seem like it''ll happen any time soon.


    Coming back to the real point of why I brought up the topic of my name so suddenly. I have a reason for that. Today, I asked Clara for a favor. I have finally decided to change my name.


    Now, don''t get mad at me but I ended up choosing... Bai Xiu as my new name.


    Yes, indeed, Xiu is taken from your name and Bai because I''m the complete opposite of it''s meaning. Bai means pure or calmness and I, Destiny Novell has never been pure or calm. I still remember how my current best friend called me wicked when we first met.


    The other day I broke a glass bottle on someone''s head because I lost my temper AGAIN. Good thing my mentor handled the situation otherwise I... Forget it, you shouldn''t know the details. All I wanted to make clear here is that I''m not a calm or patient person. I like raising my fists before opening my mouth.


    I''ve also been a very careless and carefree person in life. Perhaps, that carelessness of mine is now coming back to bite me back.


    I told you about my dad in the last letter, right?


    I thought I was just being paranoid but now I''m certain someone is not letting me reach my dad. I have put my failure on fate as well but something in my heart kept telling me that this time, someone was really out to get me.


    My mentor always told me, ''Believe your intuition, it can create miracles.''


    I should have listened. My intuition wasn''t wrong at all. I just didn''t believe it.


    Do you know I got locked up in the elevator last week? The elevator dropped from the twentieth floor and kept going down after taking an abrupt break at every five floor down.''


    Xiu needed a break from this letter. She didn''t know how she was supposed to continue reading it. Because right now her mind was threatening to experience another mental breakdown. Even drinking a whole damn bottle of water didn''t help her much. She picked up her phone from the side and started pacing as she dialed a number.


    "How did your date go?"


    "Ah-mazing!" came the beaming voice of Dylan from the other end.


    Xiu finally smiled a little as she heard the happiness in his voice. "I believe the credit goes to my amazing culinary skills."


    "You already resigned from the job, can you please drop this attitude now?"


    "What attitude?"


    "Being the biggest jerk!" snapped Dylan. "No wonder they called you pompous demotivator, you really make my spirit go down. How can you take all the credit? I know your culinary skills are good but still..."


    "Mr. Whiny baby, if you got dispirited with just one sentence, that means you don''t have much faith in yourself."


    "What do you mean?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes which he couldn''t see though as she said, "Idiot! It''s the people that make a date special. Food or any other thing just works as a prop. You are the real deal on a date!"


    "That makes sense," agreed Dylan thoughtfully.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "It was my mistake to even call you. Hang up now!" Dylan opened his mouth to say something but she had already hung up on him.


    Xiu stared at her phone and then at the letter that was lying on the coffee table. She contemplated for a while, before just picking up the letter again.


    ''And since I''m writing this letter, you can tell that I didn''t die. It was scary, I got some minor injuries as well. But I survived. They said the elevator malfunctioned. And I believed it.


    But after today, I really don''t think that was just an accident.


    Someone is either after my life or someone is eager to make me give up looking for my dad. Whichever it is, I''m not letting go. I''m a very persistent person. So persistent that I can turn into anyone''s nightmare.


    Whoever is trying to play this game with me, they don''t know this player yet.


    In fact, this player just changed her name. Now, she''s gonna start this game all over again.


    Let''s see who wins this game of hide and seek.''


    For the very first time, Xiu felt like Destiny was a very scary person. As for why she had this feeling, she couldn''t tell. But something about Destiny was definitely bugging her.


    As for what she meant by someone, was after her life, Xiu didn''t know anything. But if what was written was true, then she had one more thing to think; Was Destiny''s death really simple?

 433 A Wedding Proposal

    Yan Ying was whistling and skipping her way towards the entrance of the Xin Villa with her car keys spinning around her index finger. She seemed to be in a very good mood for a reason which was unknown.


    Today, Xiu didn''t even step out of her house which meant that Ying also didn''t have to leave for anywhere at all. So, she had a very lazy day. It wasn''t her ideal deal but after how tired she was yesterday because of Xiu''s shopping spree, she thought she deserved a lazy day. Not only that, even though her stupid team members did her dirty by using her credit card however they liked, she still had to say that they chose a very comfortable bed for her.


    At the end of the day, that''s all that mattered. A comfy bed!


    "What do you think about this, Zimen?"


    Yan Ying''s feet came to an abrupt halt when she heard the voice from inside the lounge. Normally, she would have entered without care but this time, she could feel something strange in Zhao Wei''s voice that made her stop.


    "You know I''ve always wanted Meihui to marry Xiaoli. And today, she finally agreed. I couldn''t stop myself from running to you."


    Ying closed her eyes as she felt her heart drop. Her feelings could be described simply, she had felt like she had been hovering over the edge of a hill for a long time and tonight, Zhao Wei''s words finally worked as that push that threw her off that hill.


    Was she supposed to feel free now? After all, her first love was officially becoming someone else''s. She should feel free but all she felt was the feeling of falling down. And she didn''t even know where she was gonna stop or how.


    Inside the lounge, Xin Zimen had been silent. He didn''t say a word. He''d have loved to say yes, after all, Qiu Meihui was his very best friend''s daughter. But how could he forget that it was his wife, Wen Ai''s wish to see Xin Xiaoli and Yan Ying together? Wen Ai grew up in Ying''s maternal family, she was deeply attached to every single person in that family and Ying was no exception.


    "Zimen, why aren''t you saying anything? You don''t like the proposal?" Zhao Wei asked apprehensively. This was her last attempt to make things better between her and her daughter who had estranged herself for years. But today after so long Qiu Meihui asked her for something. She couldn''t help coming here. "Zimen, Xiaoli has always been in love with Meihui. Even I know she hurt him when she married someone else. We all thought Xiaoli will move on but he didn''t. He''s still waiting for her."


    Xin Zimen looked up at Zhao Wei thoughtfully. Indeed, how could he overlook the main point here, no matter how much he was fond of Yan Ying, Xiaoli didn''t love her? In fact, his very own son never even cared about all of her efforts to get his attention.


    "As you said, Weiwei since my son is already in love with your daughter. You or I can''t do anything." Xin Zimen finally said, with a level tone.


    "Sister Wei, you haven''t even decided a date yet," Francesca pointed out the main point.


    "Oh, right!" Zhao Wei touched her head as if reprimanding herself. "How about next month?"


    "That soon? Weiwei, aren''t you in a hurry?" Qiu Jiayi voiced out. Even though his question was directed towards his wife, his eyes were focused on Xin Zimen''s face.


    "Sooner the better," replied Zhao Wei in a way that her husband didn''t dare to argue again.


    "And here I thought my son would be the one getting married first," Francesca sounded slightly depressed to think about how her son was still not proposing her daughter-in-law. What was the hold up now?!


    At this point, one could say that Francesca was more eager than anyone else to get Darren and Xiu married. She even planned on taking a good class of that son of hers who always acted smart but was being a real loser when it came to proposing a girl.


    Standing against the wall of the door, Ying placed her hand over her mouth and kept repeating to herself, ''Don''t you dare cry! You can''t keep cry for someone who wasn''t yours! You knew it from the very beginning. You''re the one to blame for hoping for a different result.''


    "Miss..."


    Ying looked at the maid who was about to call her name and shushed her. "Keep it down, Miyabi. No need to tell everybody I''m here," she said in a hushed tone. "I''m just here to get... Something I left in the room. There is no need to disturb anyone for that."


    She smiled at the maid as she made an excuse before running up the stairs. Of course, she had nothing to get from the room. She only came to Xin Villa because she had something to discuss with Xin Zimen but she couldn''t do so now.


    She touched her face and took deep, calming breaths.


    Inhale...


    Exhale...


    "Everything is okay. Everything is really okay." Patting her own cheeks in a comforting manner, she opened the window and jumped over to the branch of the tree that was closest to the window. It wasn''t her first time doing it, so it didn''t take her long before she was sitting on the branch leaning against the tree in a very languid manner.


    She had only sat down to take a breather to look at the full moon finding it beautifully enchanting tonight. Or perhaps, the moistness in her eyes was making everything seem painfully dreamy tonight.


    Ying was lost in her own thoughts when a small pebble hit her shoulder all of a sudden. It didn''t hurt but it startled her to the point that...


    *CRASH*


    "Aiya, Ma! My buttock hurts! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"

 434 Its You

    What do you think hurts more?


    Physical pain?


    Or...


    Emotional pain?


    People often believe that physical pain can numb the emotional pain. But when your heart is being crushed into a million pieces, how are you supposed to feel anything else?


    Ying patted her clothes as she stood up from the ground and looked around to find the culprit who dared to give her a scare. Although falling from the tree was really hurting, the agony she felt within was far worse.


    "Why did you do it, Zizi?" she glowered.


    "Who told you to act like a monkey?" he questioned back.


    Ying fixed up her hair as she answered, "I was just looking at the beautiful full moon tonight. Is that a crime now?"


    Xin Zimen placed his hand on her head affectionately, "You heard everything, right?" It wasn''t a question, his tone suggested that it was a statement he was certain of and her silence only proved him right. "You really have the worst timing in the whole world."


    Ying took a deep breath and laughed mockingly, "Right. I indeed have the worst timing. But do you know what else is even worse than my timing?" Xin Zimen looked at her inquisitively as she went on, "It''s my stupid intuition. The moment I heard Weiwei''s voice, my intuition bellowed me to run. But I''m that idiot who stood there and let myself get hurt again."


    "Even though he''s my son, I''d like to say he doesn''t deserve you."


    Ying looked at his face in surprise and smiled, "Are you complimenting me or insulting your son?"


    "Both," he answered casually.


    "How come you still don''t understand, Zizi? It''s not about whether he deserves me or not, the point is that he is the one I loved since I learned the meaning of love."


    "I wonder whom should I take for an eye checkup, you or my son?" Ying furrowed her brows at him as he added, "I mean I think you both need to see an eye specialist. Xiaoli because he''s too blind to see you and you because you can''t even see anyone else other than him."


    "No wonder people call you weird," began Ying. "That''s no way to comfort someone."


    "But I wasn''t trying to comfort you," replied Xin Zimen calmly. Ying looked perplexed as he continued, "A person like you doesn''t need comforting. No matter what I say, I know I''m gonna make it worse for you."


    Ying didn''t know why she smiled at his words but she did.


    "I know you''re neither gonna run from this pain nor are you gonna share it with anyone. You can feel the pain and you can understand it, now the question is how long it''s gonna take before you accept it."


    "I''ve accepted it long ago that he wasn''t mine," said Ying making him frown as she turned to leave and whispered softly, "It''s just my heart that''s unwilling."


    She wasn''t fond of showing her tears that easily to anyone no matter how close she was to someone. But she found silence and loneliness quite comforting at this moment. Those burning tears were making her vision blurry to the point that she really didn''t know where she was driving off to now. It was almost midnight and the road was almost empty, it was good for her otherwise she would have definitely gotten into an accident.


    Her phone''s ringtone broke her daze and she shook her head before parking the car at a side. "What? Aren''t you off duty? Why are you calling me at this time, Mark?"


    "Team leader, can you come to the HQ?"


    "At this time?" she questioned.


    "Yes," came the reply.


    "Is everything okay? Why do you sound so tense?"


    "You''ll know when you get here," he replied and hanged up.


    Ying thought about it for a while before turning the car around and driving straight to the HQ. As soon as she entered, she was surprised to find every person of her team gathered around. Didn''t they all love running off to home after work hours, what were they doing here till now?


    "What''s going on?" Ying asked looking around at their faces.


    "Team leader, Destiny Novell''s case is very important to you, right?" asked Mark.


    "You can say that," replied Ying. "But why are you bringing it up now? You all did a good job and I already know where Destiny Novell is. Case closed."


    "But that''s where you are wrong," said Gigi as she stepped up from the group. "You looked really disturbed when you found out that Destiny Novell''s personal data had been stored in our server." Ying nodded thoughtfully. That was still a mystery to her and she was gonna get to it but she hadn''t found the right time to look into that matter yet. "We found the answer for you."


    "What? What do you mean?"


    "The only people to have access to our server are the ones inside this building. No outsider can breach in no matter how smart or a wicked of a hacker that person is."


    "Get to the point guys," said Ying, with impatience visible in her voice. Unlike the crying mess she had been for the past hour, now she looked rather calm and serious. She was totally focusing on their words and wasn''t allowing her mind to drift off at all. And under the complicated thoughts of hers, how could she even think of anything else right now?


    "To access the main server, every person needs to add in the unique code that had been assigned to them. That code is only known to the person himself. No other person can know it."


    "I know that Gigi. So, what?"


    "We tracked the code and we found the person who concealed Destiny Novell''s identity," added Mark.


    "Really?" Ying was surprised. "I didn''t know you all had the team spirit. You actually went out of your way to find that detail for me. That''s amazing. Now, tell me who is the person behind it?"


    The members of her team shared a strange look with each other before one of them asked, "Team leader, you really don''t know?"


    "How would I know?" Ying asked in confusion.


    "Because the unique code matched with your id," said Mark making Ying''s eyes widen. "It''s you."

 435 Nothing Could Go Wrong

    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    "Xiu!"


    As soon as the door was pulled open, the little guy who didn''t even reach Xiu''s waist clung to her body. Xiu tussled the little guy''s hair saying, "Baby brother, I feel like you''re missing me very much these days. How come you''re calling me every single day?"


    Jackie looked up at her with a sad expression, "I really do miss you very much." He held Xiu''s hand and dragged her inside. "As you can see no one cares about me in this house anymore."


    "Huh? How is that possible? Who dares to ignore my little-"


    Xiu didn''t have to continue as she looked at the scene before her.


    In the lounge, Nora, Clara, Jing Ge, and even the housemaid, Sister Qin were all gathered around the three-year-old princess Ava who was stuck between them.


    "Husband, isn''t she such a cutie?" Clara was gushing over her granddaughter.


    "I love her giggles," said Jing Ge as he teased the little bun who in turn started giggling again.


    Xiu looked down at the cold prince whose hand was tightening around the hem of her dress. Oh, he looked really mad.


    Xiu bent down to face him and asked, "Don''t tell me my little brother is actually jealous of his niece now? That''s not right. Besides, you don''t even like that kind of attention."


    Jackie looked into her eyes in a bored manner, "Attention? No thanks. She can gladly have all this attention, I don''t want any share of it. But what I do want is..." Xiu raised her brows at him in question when he abruptly stopped to look at the others again and shouted, "Mom, I''m hungry!"


    "Jackson, you''re old enough to get your own meals. Get something from the kitchen yourself, please."


    Xiu''s lips turned into the shape of an ''o'' as she gaped at Clara who didn''t even look in her son''s direction.


    "I came back from school two hours ago and yet, no one has asked me for a meal. Because apparently, that little devil needs more attention."


    Xiu pursed her lips to hold back her laugh. Even if he said he wasn''t jealous, Xiu couldn''t overlook the way he was behaving. That was some level of jealousy and it was rare for Jackie. Well, anybody would feel that way when their position is threatened. And right now, Ava had already taken over Jackie''s position as the youngest one in the house.


    "Xiu, it''s good you''re here. You decide whether my granddaughter looks more like me or her mother?"


    Xiu was about to walk over when Jackie held her hand and pulled her back, "Don''t you dare fall in the trap of that little devil. I won''t forgive you for that!"


    "Relax! I''m here for you," Xiu patted his head and walked up to Ava. She poked her cheeks saying, "Isn''t she still too young? I mean at least I can''t see any similarities between her and Nora or even you Clara mom." She scrunched up her face at the little girl making her laugh as she said, "But, Aww... She''s so adorable."


    "I''m not falling in any trap, little brother."


    "Yes, you are," he complained. "You can''t do this to me. You said I''m the only little one you love. How can you go back on your words now?"


    Xiu picked him up in her arms which he didn''t resist at all as he does with Nora every single time. She brought him to the kitchen and made him sit on the counter as she said, "And I still stand by my words, you''re the only little brother I love." Saying that she looked around and continued, "There is seafood porridge here, do you want to eat that or should I make something else?"


    "I want pasta," he answered and she nodded before getting busy.


    As she sat down with him watching him eat heartily, she said, "Clara mom is right though, you shouldn''t disturb her for everything. I know you''re not liking this new change that came so suddenly. But you have to accept that Ava is really young and needs attention, care, and love." Jackie didn''t respond but she knew he was listening to her. "You''ll get used to her presence. After all, as her uncle, you''ll have to take care of her."


    "I don''t mind her presence it''s the fact that everyone in this family since yesterday is acting like they have found a new toy. Everyone is busy playing with that toy now. Does that make sense?"


    "Someone once told me that kids have magical powers."


    "I might be seven, but you seriously can''t fool me with that."


    Xiu shook her head at his deadpanned expressions but didn''t waver, "But I''m telling the truth. The magical power is simple, they have the ability to melt anyone''s heart and attract that person towards themselves." She paused before adding, "Especially well-behaved kids like Ava."


    "Are you saying I''m not well-behaved?"


    "You are. You''re the best but... You have that serious look on your face that kind of doesn''t suit your age."


    Jackie didn''t mind her words as he questioned, "Your point here is?"


    Xiu cleared her throat before saying, "My point is that you should give this some time. Slowly, you''ll also get used to Ava''s presence and you''ll also understand why everyone is so obsessed with her. Because something tells me, you''re gonna be the best uncle in the whole world."


    Talking to kids has never been easy. It takes a lot of patience and energy. And Xiu exhausted all her energy as she spent all her time with Jackie. She was supposed to leave in the evening but was held back for dinner as well.


    After dinner, she decided to head back. But she didn''t tell anyone that she didn''t bring a car. She had taken a taxi and was planning on taking a taxi back as well. However, now it was past 9 and she''d have to walk to the main road to find a taxi. She could have asked anyone to drop her home or stay over but she neither wanted to disturb anyone nor did she plan on staying over.


    It was just a five-minute walk to the main road and she didn''t think anything could go wrong. Nothing could really go wrong, right?

 436 Jinx

    Author Donald G. Firesmith wrote; ''Nothing seems to tempt fate more than mentioning the possibility of something bad happening.''


    That''s exactly what Xiu did. She tempted fate when she thought that nothing could go wrong in five minutes. But one should never forget, even a minute is enough to change your whole life. Life and death are both only a blink apart. If the distance between life and death is so close, how can you expect that a minute is not enough to change a life?


    Click-Clack...


    The sound of her heels on the pavement could be heard as she carefreely scrolled through her phone. She honestly believed herself to be a jinx in her past life but she wasn''t gonna do it this time around. However, the silence in her surroundings was really eerie. It didn''t bother her until...


    That gut feeling came rushing back to her... The same one she had had for weeks now. Someone was following her.


    She could feel someone''s gaze on the back of her head which made her hair stand on alarm. She neither hurried nor did she slow down. Her pace was exactly the same as before because she wanted to make herself believe that she was just overthinking. It was just her being paranoid. That''s exactly what she thought.


    "I''m just overthinking again," she reassured herself.


    .....


    Yan Ying was going through a real struggle since last night she hadn''t even slept. First, she heard the news of Xiaoli and Meihui''s wedding then she was told that the person she was looking for was herself. Like, did that even make sense?


    Even when Xiu stayed at the Jing Family house, Ying had been constantly wondering what exactly happened? Did she also have amnesia? Because one had to know, the first time she heard Destiny Novell''s name was from Cali. Before that, she knew nothing about her. Absolutely nothing!


    So amnesia could only be a good answer to her questions. Because the rest didn''t make sense to her.


    After all, no one could use her access card other than herself. There was a possibility of her card being stolen but even that couldn''t be possible. Especially because only she knew the unique code associated with her card. Only having the access card was useless to anyone who got it. There was something missing somewhere which she couldn''t exactly pinpoint right now.


    Struggling to keep her brain from having a short circuit, she played games on her phone while waiting for Xiu. And silently followed after Xiu keeping a fair distance when Xiu decided to leave. Although she took the role of a guardian angel very seriously, it was getting boring now.


    According to Xin Zimen, he was certain that Xiu''s life was in danger but Ying hadn''t felt or seen any abnormality in the past three days. But then again, it was too early to say anything. She wasn''t that impatient anyway.


    Suddenly, someone called her, she would have gladly ignored the call if the name flashing on the screen wasn''t her grandmother''s. If there was one person who could scare Ying in this world, that would be her grandmother. So, she had to take this call and got distracted at the moment.


    During this time, she failed to notice the man that started walking right behind Xiu on the pavement. Earlier she wasn''t being paranoid, someone was indeed following her but she didn''t want to believe it this time as she had done previously.


    The man''s rough hand extended and came to Xiu''s shoulder.


    "Ah-!"


    The man put his hand over Xiu''s face to stop her from screaming from behind. "Don''t dare to scream!" The man hissed in a dangerous voice.


    Since Ying was keeping her distance from Xiu and since her scream was already muffled before it could come out, Ying didn''t really notice it.


    Xiu felt a familiar fear overtaking her senses but before it could overwhelm her senses, another strange rush of anger surged forth as Xiu''s elbow slammed into his stomach with full force making him gag.


    Xiu got out of his grip and glared at him while he did the same through his bloodshot eyes. "Wh*re!"


    Xiu who was thinking of running dropped the idea. She couldn''t run from a man anyway. He''d catch up. She knew that. She had the experience. But what got the blood to hum in her veins in determination and anger was what he called her.


    He rushed over and suddenly his fist was about to slam into her face. Xiu used her hairpin and pierced it right through his shoulder before he could touch her.


    "Wh*re?" She repeated as she held his shoulder which was bleeding now and pressed on it. Xiu tilted her head back a little before slamming it right against his.


    Stars burst into her vision which she tried to shake off and so did he while trying to kick her. It was sloppy. One could tell he was drunk when his shoe even came off because of his sloppy kick. Taking advantage of the situation, she easily evaded it before stepping her heel onto his foot and using all her weight to crush his feet.


    He pushed her away with much force which made her not only step back but also fall on the pavement harshly. While he was taking a step towards her, he heard a low grunt and then turned his head, his jaw came into contact with someone''s foot.


    The man fell on the ground and passed out.


    Ying was busy on her phone but when Xiu fell that''s when she noticed the commotion. She dropped her phone ran over to Xiu''s side. After dealing with the man, she saw Xiu sitting there on the cold ground with a blank look on her face. It kind of scared Ying.


    "Xiu! Xiu!" she tried to shake her awake but the later stayed unresponsive. "Say something, damn it!"


    Xiu turned her head a little when she finally felt the warmth of someone''s arms around her and looked up at Ying''s face.


    She clutched Ying''s collar into her fist as she spoke in a low voice, "You came like a knight but without the shining armor." Her words made Ying''s eyes-widen in shock while Xiu''s head fell to a side and she lost consciousness.

 437 Just Feel Like I

    [The blue sky above her was as clear as it could be. And the clarity in the sky brought a sense of freedom to the calming air around her. It was a pity that she didn''t feel free inside her heart. She was sitting on the actor''s chair with her one leg over the other as big black shades were covering half of her face.


    A script was lying in her lap but her eyes didn''t even glance at it once. All her attention was captured by the clear blue sky above her.


    "Sister Xiu, they haven''t prepared the set yet. You''ll have to wait for a bit longer."


    Even after hearing the voice of her assistant, she didn''t react. She was so still that Han Bohai felt scared for a moment as he touched her shoulder to check.


    "I''m alive, Xiao Han. You don''t have to confirm it every time," her voice was as soft as the wind around them but he could hear the perturbation hidden underneath that voice. She was a good actor but she wasn''t doing a good job of hiding her feelings from the assistant who had been with her for four or so years.


    "Stop scaring me then," he requested softly and offered her water saying, "They are being too much though. How can they ask a star like you to wait?"


    "Let it be," was her calm response which annoyed him.


    "Sister Xiu, I warned you a thousand times to stop being nice with everyone it''ll come to bite you one day but you still don''t listen to me. It''s because you act so understanding that those directors are eager to pamper those rich rookie actors who barely have any work."


    "Xiao Han, if you''ll get mad at everything in life how will you survive?" She pulled down her shades slightly and her black orbs looked at him squarely. "You have a very bright future, stop ruining it by being this impatient in life."


    "I''m not being impatient though," he began. "I''m being serious. You''re the A-lister actress here and yet, they are treating you like this. While that new actress comes from an influential family and that''s why she''s getting the treatment you deserve." It appeared like he was feeling bad for the injustice she was facing. However, she was really indifferent to it.


    "We live in a two-faced world," said Chen Xiu, and as he furrowed his brows on confusion. She showed him the trending topics of today on the internet, "What does the headline say?"


    "Zhou Jinhai announced his engagement with the young miss of Liu family, Liu Nuan." Han Bohai''s frown deepened as he read the news headline from today. It was a hot topic since their company''s CEO announced his marriage.


    Chen Xiu scrolled through the screenshots she had saved and showed the screen to him again saying, "Now read this one."


    "Actress Chen Xiu spotted with her boss, Zhou Jinhai on a night date. Are they announcing the relationship?" Han Bohai''s feelings were complicated as he read it and could guess what she was trying to tell him.


    ''Aww, they are made for each other.''


    ''Heaven! I love this couple!''


    ''They look like a real match made in heaven.''


    ''Congrats to you both.''


    And further blah blah blah..."


    "Sister Xiu," he wanted to say something but when she tilted her head sideways to face him, he stopped.


    "When that one picture was posted, I was categorized as a shameless person for seducing her own boss." Han Bohai pressed his lips together not knowing how or what to say. "What did they wrote?" She tapped her head thoughtfully. "Ah, yes I remember...


    ''Has she lost her brain? How can she betray her fans like this?''


    ''What is up with these actresses and their obsession to seduce a rich guy?''


    ''You also need security in life? What a shame that I thought you''re different than others.''


    ''Goddess Xiu, I didn''t expect this from you!''" She pushed her shades back on to hide her eyes from him as she went on, "How is it that when she is together with him, everything is right. But if I do it, it''s wrong. I''m also human. I also have feelings. Even my fans are allowed to build a future but I''m not? That''s the real injustice in my opinion!"


    "It''s just people''s opinion, you shouldn''t be comparing her with yourself," Han Bohai wanted to comfort her. He had been the only one who had seen her at her best and worst. He had seen her laughing, crying, and most importantly, being real.


    "Why shouldn''t I?" she retorted. "She said she loves him. So do I. Then how is her love different than mine? Why her love can get the blessing of the world but mine can''t? I really want to know what really is the difference between her love and mine. How can people judge that I''m after his money? Is it really that easy to judge someone?"


    "Sister Xiu, you promised to move forward," he reminded her.


    "I''m trying," she answered solemnly.


    "I can''t see it though. You need to stop letting these things get to you. It''s really not worth it," he got up from the chair beside her and added, "I''m gonna check up on everything again. You better stop thinking so much."


    Saying that he walked away leaving a girl sighing alone. She was standing up when she heard someone screaming. "Sister Xiu! Move!" Everything happened so suddenly that it didn''t make any sense to her. All she remembered was looking up to see the lighting equipment falling right towards where she was standing.]


    Right when it was about to hit her head, her eyes opened.


    "Oh, thank goodness you''re awake. You scared me," she heard that feminine voice and looked at Ying who was sitting on the hospital bed beside her holding her hand.


    For a moment, Xiu couldn''t remember anything. After that dream, she was feeling confused as she looked at her hands and touched her face anxiously. She really couldn''t tell whether she was still Bai Xiu, or she had gone back to being Chen Xiu.


    And if she was Bai Xiu, why did she remember that incident again? Why that particular memory? Was that because she met Liu Nuan the other day? Or was it because she felt like she heard Xiao Han''s voice the other day? Whichever it was, she certainly didn''t want those memories.


    She stared at Ying weirdly who in turn questioned, "What? What''s wrong? Is it hurting somewhere?"


    Xiu extended her arms and hugged her taking Ying by surprise. "What''s up? Why are you hugging me so tightly?"


    Xiu shook her head saying, "I just feel like it."

 438 With Her

    No visible symptoms.


    No fever.


    No fracture.


    But still...


    Feeling unstable.


    Feeling disassociate.


    Feeling like wanting to hide in a shell.


    Feeling broke.


    Feeling imperfect.


    And just a head full of darkness which you''re unable to explain to anyone.


    Mental health is often taken lightly and in most cases, ignored until it''s too late. Just because society considers it a stigma doesn''t mean you should be ashamed of it.


    For Xiu, it wasn''t just a stigma. She had gone through the struggle of bad memories consuming her in her previous life and now, she was suffering and struggling all over again. She didn''t just have to live through Destiny''s pain, she was reminded of her own at every step of the way which was making it very difficult for her to stay strong or lucid.


    When she felt Ying''s hand patting her back gently and affectionately, she didn''t know how but she felt really calm. Yes, she was the girl who struggled with mental health in her previous life and eventually let her thoughts consume her to the point of death. But that was the girl who was all alone.


    Now, it was different.


    She wasn''t that girl anymore!


    Even though she couldn''t completely share everything with Ying, just knowing that she was here for her was enough for Xiu. In fact, it was more comforting than she could even describe in words.


    "Kid, everything okay with you? Did that scare you?" Ying spoke in a soft voice. "I''m really sorry."


    Xiu pulled away and frowned at her, "Why are you sorry?"


    Ying scratched her head awkwardly. She had been blaming herself for being careless and losing her focus. But it was also her grandma''s fault for calling at the wrong time. If she hadn''t been distracted because of her nagging, she wouldn''t have let Xiu hurt even a little.


    "Sorry for being late," mumbled Ying in guilty.


    Xiu''s frown deepened, "Being late? My question is what were you even doing there?"


    "Oh... Ummm..." Ying had to rummage through her mind to come up with a better excuse this time but even after thinking for a while, she really didn''t know what to say to this girl who was looking at her eagerly.


    "Forget it," Xiu could see her internal struggle through her expressions and didn''t want to probe. "How about you tell me what happened to that attacker? Who was he? Why did he attack me?"


    Since the time she read Destiny''s letter that said that she felt like someone was after her. Xiu had been even more anxious than before. That''s why she was more curious about the attacker than knowing the reason why Ying was there, after all, she knew Ying would pop at odd places every single time.


    Xiu''s face twitched slightly as she said, "Why do I feel like you''re taunting me?"


    Ying lifted her hand as she was going to hit her head and Xiu closed her hand anticipating the pain which never came. Instead, Ying tussled her hair. "How can you be so careless? Don''t you read the newspaper? Don''t you know how many incidents like this happen these days?" Xiu shook her head back and forth in response. "Why are you shaking your head?"


    "I really don''t read the newspaper or check news channels. I think that can give us more depression."


    Xiu''s answer made Ying want to do something but she didn''t know what. "Whatever. I''ve already taken care of the attacker, so don''t worry. Yes, the police officers will need to record your statement but that can wait till tomorrow. For now, you just take rest. The doctor said you''re in shock and something else that I didn''t pay attention to."


    Xiu chuckled at the way how she said she wasn''t listening to the doctor however that was Ying''s way to make her ease up a bit. Of course, she listened to every single word the doctor said. She wouldn''t dare to be careless again.


    Xiu was lying back on the bed when she asked, "Did you tell anyone about this?"


    "If by anyone you mean your boyfriend then no. I still haven''t." Xiu breathed a sigh of relief. "But I''m eventually gonna tell him." Xiu looked at her with a worried look when she went on, "Earlier he called on your phone and I only told him that you''re staying with me. Later, you can tell him everything in detail yourself."


    "Thanks," said Xiu with sincerity. She knew Darren''s temper by now and didn''t want to cause any trouble for him. According to her, she was already a troublesome existence so it was better if her boyfriend didn''t have to deal with these minor troubles around her.


    "Ying Jie..."


    "Hm?"


    "Thank you!"


    "Huh? Again? What for?"


    Xiu held her hand and smiled at her gratefully, "Thanks not only for coming to my rescue but also for being here with me."


    Ying smiled back at her sincerely, "I''m more than happy to be here for you. Now, stop overthinking and go back to sleep."


    Xiu slowly closed her eyes as she thought about how feelings were just fleeting but these people around her were somehow becoming very dear to her. She shared no relationship with them and yet they felt like a family she could depend on.


    To be honest, whenever she had to live through the double dose of pain in the form of memories that belong to both Destiny and Chen Xiu, she''d feel like going crazy. She even thought this second chance at life was her retribution for not valuing her life previously.


    However, even if it was retribution, she was willing to go through it now. Because these people were around her to support her.

 439 No-One

    "If you can''t sleep, there is no need to pretend."


    Xiu pressed her lips together as she opened her eyes and looked at Ying whose attention had already been on her. It had been an hour since Ying told her to rest but Xiu couldn''t sleep. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to, it was just that her mind was refusing to embrace the unconsciousness that often dragged her back to some distant memories she didn''t want to visit.


    "Ying Jie, aren''t you bored of looking at me?" Ying raised her brows in question when Xiu continued, "You had been sitting here for hours and you''re only staring at me. You can just play games on your phone."


    "Lost my phone," replied Ying calmly but didn''t explain how she lost it. Well, technically, she didn''t lose it, she just threw it away when she found Xiu in trouble. It couldn''t be helped. Besides, she had never been attached to things in her life.


    Ying noticed the way Xiu nodded and chewed on her lips as if she was contemplating whether to say something or not. From what Ying understood about Xiu, she wasn''t the kind of person to have hesitation. She was blunt and everyone knew that. In fact, she would often say hurtful things and would only realize it afterward.


    "When did you become so reserved?" asked Ying. "If you have something to say then you should."


    "I..." Xiu hesitated again as she looked at Ying''s soft smile and took a deep breath. "Are you really that strong or you''re too good at hiding?" Ying frowned at her slightly. "You know about almost everything that means you know about Sister Meihui and Li bro''s wedding as well." Ying had a look of realization as if she finally understood why Xiu was hesitating for so long. "How are you so calm about it?"


    Ying chuckled at her and joked, "What else can I do? Should I be crying? Making a scene? Screaming? Breaking things? What really do you want me to do?"


    Xiu tried to sit up and Ying helped her with the pillows. "I don''t want you to do any of that. I just expected you to be honest with yourself."


    "You think I''m not honest enough?"


    Xiu held her hand and shook her head, "That smile of yours is the proof that you''re running away from your own pain. You might not believe it but I do know what you''re going through. I can assure you that I can understand your feelings better than anyone."


    Of course, she could understand her feelings. She had been through the same. She had also seen the one she loved marrying another right before her eyes. How could she not know what was Ying going through?


    Ying placed her hand on Xiu''s head and said, "My smile is not to hide my pain. It''s a reminder that a man''s choice can''t define my life." Xiu eyes widened as she stared back at her. "Yes, I loved him for years but he didn''t. One-sided love is just that; one-sided. We can''t do anything about it. I''ve had my fair share of crying nights pining over him. But so what? Did it bring me anything?"


    "Kid, I won''t get him with tears. If I couldn''t get him with my perfect smile why waste any more tears on him? Besides, I''m hitting 30 soon, I can''t afford to cry now." Ying''s behavior really took Xiu off-guard. "If I cried anymore, my eyebags are gonna sag. My skin will be affected."


    "You''re just trying to look strong by talking nonsense," muttered Xiu with a bit of annoyance in her voice.


    "I wasn''t talking nonsense though," replied Ying. "I''m very serious. Although it hurts knowing that my love is not returned, it''s still well and good. I knew from the very beginning that I had no chance. But since I never learned to give up, I decided to be a nuisance and insist on loving the same person."


    Xiu looked really distressed and it kind of amused Ying to see how Xiu was being mad for her sake. Aww, she looked so cute. Instead of worrying about her own self, she still had time to worry about Ying''s feelings, Ying definitely found it more than just amusing.


    "It''s still not fair with you," insisted Xiu.


    Ying patted her hand saying, "You don''t have to pity me. I''m not as nice as you think. In fact, when you heard Meihui saying that I''m the most cunning one, she wasn''t lying. I am cunning. I have also played a lot of tricks."


    "For instance?"


    "For instance, since the place in his heart was taken I decided to take the place in his life as his best friend." Xiu looked dumbfounded. "I also had a wish that his love wouldn''t succeed, so that I can find my way to his heart. Haiz! I just miscalculated his love for Meihui."


    "So, you became a backup?"


    Ying laughed at the term she used and nodded in reply. "Yes, I decided to be the backup he could look for once he''d be tired of running after his love." Her laughter was mocking her own self. She was indeed laughing at her own foolishness. "Now, you can say that I''m not worthy of that pity. Because I also played the tricks I could."


    "But I don''t see anything wrong with that though," said Xiu which surprised Ying. "You did what any normal person in love would do. In fact, most people would even try to tear down other''s love to make space for themselves. But you decided to stay silently beside him as a supporting pillar. There is nothing wrong with that. At least, I don''t find anything wrong with it."


    "Xiu, you do realize that I also had ulterior motives for staying beside him."


    "I do, but that doesn''t change the fact that that''s the most basic human nature. No one and I means, no one gets to call your love wrong. Not even yourself!"

 440 Way Too Much

    Ying didn''t know why but she could only smile at Xiu''s words. To be honest, she thought Xiu would call her pathetic but instead, she was arguing that everything she did was justified and reasonable.


    "Someone in my life once taught me, the essence of love is torture," she finally spoke after taking a long pause to stare at Xiu''s face.


    Xiu furrowed her brows at her, "I''ve finally understood you."


    "What do you mean?" questioned Ying in confusion.


    Xiu took a deep breath before speaking, "You''re just like a blank canvas."


    "A blank canvas?" Ying was even more perplexed.


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes, a blank canvas which has no color of its own. You let every person in your life paint you in the color they like and you become a beautiful painting. But at the end of the day, those colors don''t belong to you. You''re just hiding behind the colors people chose for you because you don''t even know what color can define you."


    Ying''s heart shook at the way Xiu described her. She felt like an open book before Xiu. Because Xiu had perfectly described her. She indeed was like a blank canvas. She had done everything in her life what others asked of her. And the only time she wanted to be herself was when she desired for love in her life. But in the end, even that wasn''t her own.


    "Isn''t it really tiring?" asked Xiu. "At this point, I feel like you''re just being unfair to yourself."


    Ying stood up and said, "The doctor said you shouldn''t talk so much. Now, I really think you should go to sleep."


    Xiu scoffed at her, "And now you''re even running from me." Xiu crossed her arms over her chest. "I let you off even when you act suspiciously but yet, you don''t trust me enough to share your feelings or worries with me."


    "I act suspiciously?"


    "Don''t you?" challenged Xiu. "No woman in the world is dumb. We just pretend to be dumb sometimes. It''s a matter of choice."


    "Huh?"


    "You really think you moving into the unit right beside mine is not suspicious? You popping out almost everywhere out of nowhere is not suspicious? You come to my house with food and my toothbrush disappearing right after you left wasn''t suspicious? You suddenly befriending Calista Novell and appearing at my office to see me is not suspicious?" Ying stared at her wide-eyed.


    "You..."


    "The moment she told me her name is Calista Novell, I was already suspicious. Then her trying to befriend me out of nowhere was also suspicious. But when you told me her paternal family is also from Italy, I was certain that she had a connection with Destiny Novell who happens to be me."


    "You can''t tell her this." Ying raised her brows at Xiu who continued, "I still have a lot to cope with. I really don''t want to add a relative in my list whom I don''t even have any impression of. I''m also tired. No, I''m drained now. You have no idea how twisted my life is becoming because of this amnesia."


    "Calm down, I won''t say anything," Ying rubbed her back to soothe her since Xiu''s face was contorted in pain. It wasn''t physical, Xiu was emotionally hurting to the point that it was becoming suffocating for her. "Relax! I''m right here."


    Xiu calmed down after a while and looked up at Ying as she questioned, "You know who I am, right? I mean you know all about Destiny Novell, right?" Ying nodded her head. She couldn''t bring herself to hide anything from her. "Then do you know about Destiny''s parents?" Ying found it weird that Xiu was referring to herself as a third-person but didn''t comment because Xiu added, "Do you know about Destiny''s father?"


    "I... Umm..."


    "Don''t try to lie to me. You''re really bad at it," said Xiu in a warning tone.


    Ying sighed out, "I don''t know him. I have a hunch but I''m not really sure about it yet. But I do know someone who knows about your father."


    "Who is he? Can you tell me?"


    Ying couldn''t help it. The way Xiu stared at her was really too much for her. However, the luck was on her side tonight because suddenly the door of the hospital room was pushed open and a team of over a dozen people in grey suits rushed in cramping up space.


    "What the..." Ying couldn''t even curse at the people who intruded as she stared at them.


    A woman stepped up and extended the phone towards Ying saying, "Young Miss, your Madam would like to have a word with you."


    Ying rolled her eyes and took the phone, "Old lady, can''t you wait?"


    "We were talking over the phone and the next second, I got no reply. Do you have any idea how scared I was?"


    Ying listened to the harsh voice which sounded way too worried for her safety. "I don''t even know what to do with you, old lady! I''m not a kid for whom you sent your people to look for. I can take care of myself very well."


    "But you''re the only granddaughter I have, can''t I worry about you?!"


    "Yes, you can. But do it like normal people. You don''t have to announce it to the whole world that I''m Yan family''s one and only young miss and my dearest grandmother loves me the most."


    "Of course, I love you the most. I only have you."


    Ying was silent when she heard that and looked at Xiu who was staring at her weirdly. "I''ll talk to you later, grandmother." She gave the phone back to the woman who listened to the instructions before hanging up. "What did she say?"


    The woman in gray suit took out a phone and offered to Ying saying, "When we were searching for you we found your phone. Madam has instructed that you don''t lose it again. Also, madam will pay you a visit in two weeks."


    "What?! Grandma is coming here?" Xiu found something weird in Ying''s tone but she couldn''t tell what it was. "Why?"


    "Of course, to meet young miss. She misses you a lot. Please, take care of yourself and feel free to contact me if you need anything."


    Ying waved her off in annoyance and waited till the whole parade of people left the room before breathing heavily and dropping on the chair, looking listless.


    "Ying Jie, that was?"


    "That''s my grandma''s love for me. I lost my phone, she got worried, she asked her people to track me down and one thing leading to another all of them just came here."


    "Your grandma did it all just because she wanted to hear your voice? She must really love you."


    Ying stared at Xiu with a complicated look. "That''s the biggest problem, she loves me way too much." She lowered her voice as she chewed on her nails while adding, "And I hope, she won''t create any more trouble for me."

 441 My Husband

    "You really are not gonna tell me anything?"


    Ying''s hand paused as she was about to press the elevator button. She knew what Xiu was asking but even she wasn''t certain herself about who Destiny''s father was. She couldn''t blindly shoot the arrow in the darkness. Even if she had her own hunch, she wasn''t gonna tell Xiu anything until she was certain about everything. She looked back at Xiu''s face and sighed heavily.


    "Sighing takes three seconds off your life," said Xiu innocently.


    Ying sighed again on purpose, "I''ll let you know when I''m certain myself."


    Xiu contemplated over Ying''s words. If she got to know about Destiny''s father now, she really didn''t know what she was supposed to feel. It wasn''t her father but it was someone Destiny wanted to find. The only problem was Xiu hadn''t read Destiny''s letters yet and didn''t know what exactly her feelings were about her father. So, after much thinking, she decided to nod her head.


    "You better not hide anything from me," warned Xiu.


    "I won''t," said Ying as she entered the elevator with Xiu.


    Since Xiu only received minor injuries from taking a fall, she was discharged after a night at the hospital. Ying brought her home but after taking a shower and getting dressed, she insisted on going to see Darren.


    "Why is your boyfriend working over the weekend?" questioned Ying when she parked the car in front of Darren''s workplace.


    "I don''t know," answered Xiu. "But I''ll find out once I''m inside. Would you like to come?"


    "No, thanks," was Ying''s reply.


    "You''re gonna follow me anyway. So, why not just join me instead?" Ying almost choked on air at Xiu''s words. She indeed was gonna follow her but when did this young lady even notice her presence?


    "I''ll just wait here," said Ying and Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly before getting off the car and running towards the office building.


    Well, honestly, Xiu didn''t notice her presence at all. It was Ying''s presence at unexpected places that made Xiu want to take a blind shot. She was only testing Ying with her words but since Ying didn''t answer, it proved that she had indeed been following her. Although Xiu didn''t know why Ying was following her like a stalker, she didn''t care.


    As long as the stalker was Ying Jie, Xiu would let her off for anything.


    As for why Ying was getting this biased treatment if only Xiu could tell herself.


    She also wasn''t sure about what Ying''s real work was. But she didn''t plan on asking her something she was hesitant to talk about. In fact, Xiu could tell that Ying had already shared way more with her than she was supposed to. Whether it was her feelings or her life, Ying really never got angry with Xiu''s questions. But that didn''t mean Xiu was ready to push her luck.


    ....


    "He didn''t ask me to come, I decided to join this overtime on my own," replied Paige as she got up from her chair and greeted Xiu with a hug.


    "Oh my my, such a good assistant you are," remarked Xiu. "If only I could have your passion."


    "I heard, you resigned?"


    "You heard that? So fast?"


    "News travels fast but Dylan''s mouth runs faster," replied Paige making Xiu laugh out at the truth in her words.


    "This is why I love you, pretty lady. If I didn''t know any better, I''d actually think you''re one of his ex-girlfriends badmouthing him." Xiu was still having difficulty in holding back her laughter.


    "What if I am one of his ex-girlfriends?" Paige''s words made Xiu''s face to stiffen as she stared at Paige in horror.


    "Don''t tell me!" Xiu covered her mouth with her hand.


    "Either you''re really that gullible or you love acting dumb," remarked Paige calmly. "If I had really been one of his ex-girlfriends, I assure you I wouldn''t be bisexual. I''d have come to despise men."


    "Hey! He''s not that bad though," Xiu couldn''t help defending her one and only brother-in-law with whom she had a very unique love-hate relationship and a siblings bond.


    "You aren''t one of his exes, that''s why you say that. He indeed is a good person but he''s the worst kind of boyfriend." Xiu couldn''t believe Paige''s words at all. "But that depends on if he''s serious about his feelings or not. Although I don''t know his first girlfriend, I''ve heard of rumors of how good of a boyfriend he was back then. So, I guess his good side only comes when he is being sincere."


    "That''s good to know," Xiu muttered to herself as she rubbed her chest in comfort. "I got a scare for a second thinking about Cali."


    "You look..."


    Xiu looked up at her as she noticed Paige''s eyes looking her up and down. "Pretty gorgeous, right?"


    "Haggard." Xiu''s face fell as she touched her face.


    "Is the blush not working or what?"


    "Are you sick?" Xiu shook her head. "Then what''s with that strange complexion?"


    "Lack of sleep," answered Xiu and decided to move over this topic. "Anyways, my boyfriend is inside?"


    "Yes, he is."


    "He is alone?"


    Paige pursed her lips when Xiu questioned that. Apparently, Xiu was really scared of entering Darren''s office like she did last time and ended up making a fool out of herself before his mother. It was fortunate that Francesca was an easygoing person otherwise, Xiu definitely thought she lost all her chances of currying favors with her mother-in-law.


    "Your ex-boss is also inside," replied Paige to give Xiu a heads up this time around. She really didn''t want this lady boss to storm out of here like last time.


    "What is my mistress doing here?" questioned Xiu to mostly herself but Paige heard her loud and clear. "It''s the weekend. Shouldn''t he be courting his girl? Why the hell is he bothering my husband?"

 442 Not Fair

    -Inside Darren''s room-


    Darren was typing on his computer while Dylan was leisurely playing games on his cell phone in a corner. Darren had no idea why Dylan was here. He neither talked to him nor did he disturb him, from the time he came, he just sat in one corner and played games.


    And apparently, Dylan''s silence was even more worrying to Darren than his nonsensical blabber. It was odd. Really odd!


    "Didi, if you have nothing to do just go home. Stop disturbing me," stated Darren with impatience.


    "Dazi, how did I disturb you? I''m just sitting here silently. I didn''t even call you once. I''m wearing earphones so that the game''s noise doesn''t disturb you. I''m being so thoughtful and yet you''re kicking me out? How could you?" Dylan felt wronged at the way his best friend was trying to get rid of him.


    "Your presence is enough to disturb me," retorted Darren.


    Dylan squinted his eyes at Darren and sit up from his weird position on the sofa as he said, "I''ll complain to my sister-in-law!"


    Darren''s face twitched at his response, "Didi, you do realize that your sister-in-law is my wife, right?"


    "Strictly speaking, she''s not your wife," replied Dylan, and when Darren threw his pen at him, he added, "Yet. I mean, she is definitely going to be but she isn''t yet."


    "I and my heart have already accepted her as my wife, there is no need for arguments."


    Dylan laughed weirdly, "Your tempo is messed up, bro! Instead of just saying it just take her as a wife already. Even my sister is getting married to Li bro which I never thought would happen and here you are being a slowpoke!"


    Darren''s expressions turned complicated when he heard Dylan''s response. He rubbed his forehead and said, "Don''t remind me of that. Mama had already said enough about that to me."


    Dylan jumped up to his feet and moved towards Darren''s desk. "What did she say? Did you finally get one of those infamous lectures of a mother?" He was like a curious kid eager to hear about this matter.


    "Of course she nagged me nonstop for three hours," replied Darren as he looked at Dylan''s face. "According to her, I''m being incompetent. She had finally got the chance to have a daughter like Xiu and I''m being an idiot by wasting my time." He took a deep breath and went on, "She also said that if I kept dragging it on, someone else might sweep her away from me. Because who wouldn''t love an adorable, kind, understanding, sensible girl like Xiu."


    Dylan held back his laughter but couldn''t do so, "Pfft!" Darren glared at his best friend. "I''m sorry but I can''t help it. I guess this must be the first time your mom reprimanded you."


    "Yeah. The very first. She had never done this before."


    Dylan clapped happily. "I must applaud my sister-in-law''s charming abilities. She even managed to steal your most loving mom from you. Haha!"


    "Huh? You aren''t upset?"


    "Why would I be? If my mom is thinking about Xiu that means she loves Xiu just like I love Xiu. And all I want is a loving family. That''s my biggest dream in life. Isn''t it enough?" Darren took a brief pause and added, "Leave my matter aside. My wife is my wife and that won''t change. You tell me about your progress. When are you getting a wife?"


    Dylan''s expression turned into a lovesick teenager. "I''m on the road to victory. You just wait and watch, I''ll get my girl and then you won''t be able to make me jealous."


    "Good luck!" Darren gave him a thumbs up and even smiled. "By the way, how did sister Meihui suddenly said yes to marrying Li bro? She had always been the one against this marriage."


    "Honestly, I have no idea what goes through my sister''s mind. She''s too cunning and I''m too dumb."


    "So, you accept that you''re dumb?"


    Dylan shrugged her shoulders, "I can''t disagree. Women are dangerous when they are up to something. And trust me, men really become dumb before scheming women."


    "So, you think your sister is scheming something?"


    "Who knows what she is up to? But I do know she is scheming, otherwise, why did she suddenly move back to our family house? After her divorce, she had been living at my house but now, she suddenly decided to go back home and even tried to reconcile with mom. Doesn''t it seem fishy?"


    Darren shook his head in response, "Maybe she really wants to reconcile with Wei Ma. Why are you thinking so much? Are you not happy with this?"


    "Bro, I''m more than happy to see my family together. But..."


    "There is still a but?"


    "Why are you not getting it, Dazi? You have not seen the way she had been treating Li bro. And now suddenly her attitude taking a 180-degree shift, why? How? What changed?"


    "Love is not rocket-science, Didi. It takes only a moment to fall in love."


    "And it takes a lifetime to fall out of love," retorted Dylan. "I agree, maybe she did finally see Li bro''s efforts and decided to give him a chance, But even if it is like that she should take it slow. Her fast pace is making everything more suspicious to me." He took a pause while Darren looked at him thoughtfully, "But, since it doesn''t concern me, I''m going to keep my distance."


    "You''re being too indifferent," remarked Darren.


    "As long as my dearest sister''s scheming doesn''t affect my life, I''m okay with anything she does." That was truly Dylan''s sole standpoint in this matter. He had never won from his sister even when they were young, and now the situation was entirely different.


    "Maybe it doesn''t affect your life but a lot of other people can get affected by this," reminded Darren. "If she''s really using Li bro''s love as a means to get close to Wei Ma, then it''s not fair to both of them."


    Even Dylan knew it wasn''t fair with anyone involved but he had no say in it. As always he was the last person to even find out that his sister agreed to marry Xiaoli.

 443 I Also Have A Life

    "Enough talking, you should really leave now. I have a lot of work to finish up," Darren got up from his chair and pushed his best friend trying to get him out of here.


    "Why are you in such a bad mood?" questioned Dylan and thinking of something, he went on, "Did you get into an argument with Xiu?"


    Seeing the excitement on Dylan''s face, Darren really wanted to smack his face but decided to drop the idea. He wasn''t gonna ruin this Saturday morning with Dylan''s antics. Not that it was going any better right now anyway since he hadn''t seen his Xiu for a long while now.


    "For an argument, you need to talk first. I haven''t heard from my girlfriend since yesterday."


    "Ohh..." Dylan drawled out on purpose to annoy Darren. "Did she already get bored of you?"


    While Dylan was gonna irritate his best friend some more because of this, his plan was ruined since the door was pushed open and arrived the bubbly typhoon herself.


    "Baobei!" Darren''s face perked up at Xiu''s sight. It was as if he finally found what he had been missing. The sparkle in his eyes came back almost instantly. And most of all, he couldn''t finally take a breath of relief.


    Xiu ran over to hug Darren but Dylan intercepted her way by standing between them. "Xiu, where have you been? I''ve been looking for you everywhere."


    Xiu squinted her eyes at Dylan, "That''s funny ''cause I''d been avoiding you everywhere." Saying that she pushed him away and hugged her boyfriend tightly. "I finally found the comfort that I''d been missing."


    Darren stroked her head as he spoke, "How are you?" Xiu looked up into his eyes and smiled softly. Instead of asking where she had been, his first question was how was she. Where else would you find a man like this? He was too good for her poor heart!


    Xiu rubbed her head against his chest in a spoiling manner, "Now, I''m feeling perfect!"


    "Ahem! Ahem!" Dylan coughed on purpose as he said, "I''m standing right here!"


    Xiu tried to keep her voice leveled as she retorted, "Learn to be a little aware of your surrounding. Can''t you see we are busy? Leave already!"


    "Why should I?" fumed Dylan. "You didn''t take my calls. I went to your place and you weren''t there. Then I asked Nora and she said you aren''t with her as well. My only choice was to stay close to your boyfriend because you''re like that annoying bee which will eventually come to find her favorite flower in the world."


    Xiu''s face twitched at the way he called her a ''bee'' and her dear boyfriend as a ''flower''. Like seriously?


    Dylan saw her twisted smile and his brain gave a warning signal.


    "Well, at least I''m not a useless housefly like you." Taking a pause, she added, "Whom I want to kill at every sight."


    "You!"


    "What?!"


    Seeing that they were on the verge of another fight, Darren decided to step in between them.


    "I''m sorry, dear friend but it was your wife who said that if you can''t be shameless in love, then you don''t deserve love!"


    Darren looked at Xiu who avoided his eyes and smiled sheepishly, "I was kidding. He took it way too seriously."


    Darren laughed at her reaction and shook his head before he rubbed her head and said, "You both continue to argue then ''cause I have a lot of work to do."


    "Baobei, you work. I won''t disturb you at all! I promise!"


    "Neither will I!" Dylan also chimed in with the same stance as hers.


    Darren, although had little faith in these two when they were together, still nodded his head and got back to work while Dylan dragged Xiu to the sitting area in a corner.


    "How can you go back on your words?" Dylan whisper yelled at her. "You promised to help me ''till Cali say yes. But now you''re avoiding me! You neither replied to my texts nor did you pick up calls. What are you up to?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry that I also have a LIFE!"


    Dylan stared at her face, not knowing what he was supposed to do with her. "You''re really... Something!"


    Xiu flipped her hair sassily as she stated, "Honey, I''m not something. I''m everything you ever wanted but can''t have."


    "Bloody hell! Did someone possess you overnight?"


    She simply shrugged her shoulders saying, "I don''t care what you think of me. Besides, it can''t be as worse as what I think of you."


    "XIU!" Dylan shouted her name in anger. "Ouch!" Something hit the back of his head and he turned to stare at his best friend who pretended like he wasn''t the one who just threw something at him. "Dazi, this is the second pen you threw at me today."


    "Raise your voice at her again, and next time I''ll throw you out as well!"


    *Clap! Clap! Clap!*


    Dylan looked at Xiu who was excitedly clapping around. "Isn''t my boyfriend amazing?" Oh, the way she gushed over her boyfriend was also enough to irk Dylan.


    Dylan sat down and buried his face in his hands as he grumbled, "You both are bullying me now. That''s so not fair!"


    Xiu stopped herself from laughing as she shook his shoulder, "Are you crying?"


    "What does that have to do with you?" retorted Dylan moodily. "Go and gang up with your husband. You both make a perfect bully team anyway!"


    Xiu tussled his hair as she sat beside him, "Okay, okay. I''m sorry. I won''t do it again."


    Dylan thought about it and took a peek at her expression as he questioned, "So, you''ll help me?"


    "Idiot! When did I say I won''t? Of course, I''m here to help whenever you want."


    "But you had been avoiding me."


    "I was not! I wasn''t being sarcastic when I said that I have a life. I was busy."


    "You resigned. What else are you busy with now?"


    Xiu really was getting tired of this stupid ex-boss who was insisting that she had been avoiding him. Come on! If she really was doing that he wouldn''t be able to find her so easily.

 444 Shifu

    "I can help you if you want me to," came Darren''s voice as he noticed the way both Xiu and Dylan had been going back and forth with their completely petty argument but weren''t coming to any conclusion.


    "Can you play the piano?" asked Dylan and Darren shook his head. "Then go back to your work. You''re of no help to me right now."


    Darren also wanted to concentrate on work but how was he supposed to do so with these two around? And oddly, both of them weren''t even stepping out to talk. Not like Darren wanted to leave his best friend alone with his girlfriend. That was usually a recipe of a disaster; Xiu and Dylan, alone.


    Even thinking about it made Darren shudder.


    "Wait, you want me to teach you how to play the piano?" Xiu looked at Dylan weirdly. "Why?"


    Dylan leaned close and whispered in her ear while Xiu nodded her head in understanding.


    "Good idea, right?"


    Xiu nodded her head again, "It''s good and romantic but isn''t it too troublesome?"


    Dylan shook his head in reply. "It''s not called trouble. It''s my way of showing sincerity."


    "Makes sense," agreed Xiu. "But why me? Shouldn''t you hire an expert as a teacher? You can''t afford me as your piano instructor."


    "I can''t afford to mess with you either," replied Dylan and went on, "But I still mess with you."


    "Indeed, you do." Xiu contemplated it silently while Dylan almost dropped on his knees pleading to her with his eyes. She was obviously gonna say yes, but it was amusing to see him doing this. So, she just enjoyed herself and took her sweet time before saying, "Fine. I''ll reluctantly take in a stupid student like you but I have a condition."


    "I agree with anything. Whatever you want I''m willing to give," was Dylan''s abrupt reply which got Xiu even more amused.


    She looked at Darren who was giving her an inquisitive look, she smiled brightly in reply and winked at her boyfriend before telling her one and only condition to Dylan, "I don''t want anything. I''ll help you because I''m a good person. But you''ll have to call me Shifu."


    *Important note: "Shifu" in Mandarin is written with different characters and it can mean, ''skilled person'', ''teacher'', ''tutor'', or even ''father''. The meaning depends on the strokes you used to write the characters. Additionally, there is a saying, ''A teacher for a day is father for life'', that''s why one of the meanings is ''father''.


    "Never!"


    Xiu got up shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly, "Then forget about it."


    Dylan held her wrist to stop her, "Can''t we come to another agreement?" Xiu shook her head in response, solemnly. Dylan hesitated for a long while before agreeing, "Fine! I accept you as my..." Xiu widened her eyes urging him to complete that sentence. Dylan''s reluctance was visible on his face as he muttered, "Shifu."


    "You''re really enjoying this, aren''t you?" inquired Dylan.


    "Oh, I''m loving it." Xiu didn''t even bother hiding her grin of victory. Poor Dylan was being played on her fingers and he had no idea at all. "So, where are we practicing? I don''t have a piano."


    "But I do," said Dylan in reply.


    "You don''t even know how to play then why do you have it?"


    "When I bought the house, my interior designer said it''d look classy."


    "So, just because it looked good, you wasted money on it? There really is no limit of dumbness."


    "Stop insulting me for once."


    "I try but you end up doing something so dumb that I can''t help it."


    *Ring*


    Both Xiu and Dylan stopped bickering when they heard Darren''s phone ringing and turn to look at him simultaneously.


    When Darren got busy on the phone, Dylan slid close to Xiu and whispered, "Did he tell you that he''s going on a business trip?"


    "What? When? For how long?" was Xiu''s reaction which Dylan had actually expected.


    "Keep your voice down!" Dylan shushed her and went on, "This was decided a week ago but he had been trying to avoid it. I guess he doesn''t want to leave you. But it''s an important exhibit and he needs to be there himself."


    "He''s been avoiding it because of me? Why?"


    "And then you say that I''m dumb. You''re no better," complained Dylan. "Of course because he doesn''t want to part from you. He didn''t see you for one day, and before you came, his face was like a wilted flower. But as soon as he saw you, he bloomed up again." He poked her head as he went on, "You have no idea how much you control not only his emotions but him as well."


    "But I never try to come between him and his work," mumbled Xiu.


    "I know silly but he already knows he isn''t able to give you more time because of his work. That bothers him a lot."


    Xiu shook her head as she looked at Darren''s back and sighed, "He really is..."


    "Strange? Weird? Crazy?" Dylan offered some words from his limited vocabulary which earned him a smack on his head from Xiu.


    "None of these. He''s the best life partner one can ask for."


    Dylan rubbed his head as he said, "Why do I feel like you just need excuses to praise your boyfriend?"


    "Why can''t I do that? If my boyfriend is the best, I''ll call him the best. Where''s the lie?" She took a pause before adding, "Besides if you have a boyfriend like mine, anybody would be showing him off all the time. I don''t think I''m doing anything wrong."


    "Well, to me it seems like you''re being a nuisance and you''re even making others feel self-conscious. Also, don''t forget with your praises will make girls'' expectations of ideal men go higher how will normal men like me survive after that?"


    "Don''t ask girls to lower their standard, you better raise your worth instead!"


    Dylan gaped at her for a minute in silence and finally sighed in defeat, "I''ll see you tomorrow for our piano lesson. You better be on time."


    "I''m always on time," said Xiu as she waved him goodbye.


    "Tomorrow is Sunday. I highly doubt that you''d be on time," retorted Dylan knowingly.


    "Wanna bet?"


    Dylan stuck his tongue at her and left the room.

 445 For Life

    When Darren turned around, he only found Xiu who was looking at him with a thoughtful look on her face.


    "Where is Didi?" he asked.


    "I got rid of him," replied Xiu as if she accomplished something.


    Darren beckoned her towards himself and she didn''t hesitate before going over to his side and taking a seat on his thighs with her arms wrapped around his neck. Darren hid his face in the crook of her neck and closed his eyes getting lost in the scent that only belonged to her. It felt like the most natural thing between them.


    "I have to..." he wanted to speak but couldn''t get the words out of his mouth. He didn''t want to see her sad.


    Xiu played with his hair saying, "You have a business trip, I know." Darren tilted his head to look at her as she stroked his hair. "I really don''t understand why you''re even avoiding it. If you''re worried about me then don''t be. I''m not alone. I have Dylan, Nora, Ying Jie, even mom is next door now."


    "But I''ll be alone," replied Darren making Xiu''s lips curl up slightly. "I know you can live without me, you''re a strong person. But I''m not strong. It''s me who can''t live without you."


    "Hmmm... Should I come with you then?"


    Darren stared into her eyes trying to look for something before he shook his head, "You won''t go with me, I know that already." Xiu pursed her lips to hold back her smile. He really knew her way too well.


    "Yes, that''s a bit difficult for me. Even if I join you, I''ll be stuck in the hotel while you''d be busy with work. And even if I really decided to see how you work, It will only add more stress to my life. Besides, I resigned from my job because stress is not healthy for the baby."


    Darren abruptly straightened up to stare at her in shock, "What baby? Which baby? Whose baby?"


    Xiu cupped her own face as she replied, "Your baby. This one. Me. I''m talking about me."


    Darren rubbed his forehead, "And I thought you''re gonna say..."


    Xiu grinned at him strangely, "Although condoms have only a 2 percent chance of failure, I believe I''m not that unlucky to be one of those 2 percent people." Darren certainly hoped to be one of those 2 percent people but he wasn''t gonna say it out loud to her. Seeing him silent, Xiu cupped his face and said, "What are you thinking about now?"


    "Nothing," he shook his head. "Just wondering what were you doing with Ying last night?"


    Xiu avoided his eyes and thought about whether to tell him about the incident or not. If she did, she knew he was gonna cancel his business trip. But she couldn''t lie to him either. So...


    "First, promise me that my answer won''t affect your business trip."


    Darren could tell something was wrong from the way she spoke. "No, you first tell me what happened."


    "Baobei, don''t be stubborn!"


    "But I can''t promise you without knowing what happened."


    "What?!" Darren exclaimed at her when he heard the whole incident. "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?" He was fuming now. "Who was he? How dare he touch my girl?"


    "Calm down!" Xiu patted his chest and tried to calm him down. "Your Sweets kicked his ass. I''m a fighter after all. So, you don''t have to worry at all."


    "You think that''s enough to calm me down?" He hugged her tightly. "Did you get hurt? How many times I told you to not go out alone. Why don''t you listen?"


    "I''m really fine. Ying Jie was there at the right time and she helped me out. I was just slightly shocked and ended up passing out. But nothing too serious. I promise."


    Darren still didn''t pull away from her. In fact, his arms around her tightened to the point that she was having trouble breathing. But Xiu didn''t complain about it. She kept rubbing his back to make him believe that she was alright and he didn''t have to worry so much.


    "I''m gonna ask Paige to cancel my..."


    Xiu placed her hand over his mouth to stop him from continuing. "You promised me."


    Darren pulled her hand down saying, "I never promised. You just assumed that I did."


    Xiu put her forehead against his and lowered her voice to an almost whisper, "Regan, if you keep doing this, I''ll really have trouble sharing what''s on my mind with you again. I only told the truth because I can''t lie to you and I don''t want to hide anything either. But if my words are gonna affect you in any way, I''m gonna stop sharing."


    "I just get worried," replied Darren. "What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to leave you knowing this?"


    Xiu held his face in her hands and said, "I just got unlucky that doesn''t mean it''ll keep happening." She pushed his hair away from his forehead and kissed him. "Good or bad things will keep happening in life. That''s what life is all about. We have nothing in control. But we can''t keep living in fear either. Just because you''ll stay beside me 24/7, it won''t guarantee that nothing will go wrong."


    "But..." he still wanted to argue but did he really think she was gonna let him win? She might have done it if the topic here didn''t involve something important which was his life. He couldn''t just revolve around her. She didn''t want that. She wanted him to have the freedom to choose just like she had it.


    "We can''t live in fear, Regan. And I can''t let you destroy your career just because of me." Taking a deep breath, she eased up her expressions and went on, "Besides, you have to work hard now. I''m jobless. How else will you support an unemployed girlfriend?"


    Darren smiled gently at her, "Say it once, I''m willing to support you for life."


    "Don''t go back on your words then."


    "Never."

 446 Twisted Games

    *Ding-Dong!*


    Yan Ying was drinking the soda water when she heard the doorbell and frowned. Who was here to disturb her on Saturday evening? Wasn''t she already disturbed enough in life? Not many people even knew that she moved here. She even canceled the housewarming party because she wasn''t in the mood after whatever was going on in her life.


    *Ding-Dong!*


    Ying groaned in annoyance as the doorbell rang once again before walking over to the door and pulled it open. But when the person at the door pulled down her shades and smiled slyly, Ying''s expressions changed completely. Her shoulders hunched over as she questioned herself, ''Why the hell did you open the door?''


    "Won''t you invite a guest inside?" asked the person standing before her.


    "I don''t think you''re here as a guest, Meihui," replied Ying plainly.


    "How rude! I heard so much about your exemplary manners and seeing it myself, I''m disappointed. As they say, seeing is believing." Ying knew she was trying to get under her skin. That mocking smile was enough for her to know it.


    She clenched the soda bottle tightly to stop herself from getting into another argument with Qiu Meihui. They have had plenty of those since they were young and to be honest, Ying thought now that they were almost 30, they really needed to grow out of these petty differences.


    "Why are you here? Or how can I be of help?" inquired Ying keeping her voice at a calming level.


    "I wanted to be the first one to tell you this news," began Qiu Meihui. "I''m getting married to Xiaoli." Seeing how Ying didn''t have any reaction to this news, she pouted, "What is it? Don''t make it boring for me. I especially drove all the way here to give you this news. And you''re not even reacting?"


    "I don''t know why people think it''s necessary for me to have a reaction," replied Ying calmly before taking another sip of her soda water to calm herself down. On normal days, Qiu Meihui''s face was enough to get Ying''s mood to go downward and today wasn''t any different.


    "You''re really pretentious," remarked Qiu Meihui which made Ying''s brow lift up slightly. "Aren''t you Xiaoli''s best friend? Oh, sorry! I mean that had been your cover to stay with him for years. So, as a best friend shouldn''t you be happy?"


    "I''m very happy. So delighted that I can''t express in words," was Ying''s reply. Qiu Meihui''s smile stiffened slightly as she noticed the calmness in Ying''s eyes.


    "Interesting... You''re not putting up a fight anymore?" Even Qiu Meihui knew Ying''s fighting nature. She wasn''t a quitter. At least, that''s the Ying Qiu Meihui knew of; the one who never gave up and insisted on having this battle with her. "Lost the fighting spirit? Or you finally realized that you can''t win from me?"


    "Ex-best friend?" repeated Qiu Meihui. "You''re not even gonna fix that bond then?"


    "It''s not my responsibility to fix a bond I didn''t break. Just like I can''t create a bond that''s not meant for me."


    Ying''s reply caught Qiu Meihui off guard. She really didn''t expect this kind of reaction from Ying.


    "This is really no fun anymore. I thought I''d get to see your face pale and you crumbling down after hearing about this. But since you''re pretending to be so strong, it''s not that fun." Ying rolled her eyes and seriously didn''t want to comment on this. "But it''s still quite entertaining to see you holding on to your pride."


    "If you have nothing better to say, I''m gonna head back inside."


    Ying was about to close the door but Qiu Meihui didn''t let her. "What''s the hurry? You haven''t even heard why I''m really here."


    "You might be a sadist who finds gratification in humiliating me every single time but I''m not a masochist. I really don''t enjoy this twisted game of yours."


    "But I haven''t even started the game yet."


    "There is more to it?" questioned Ying with sarcasm palpable in her voice.


    Qiu Meihui fished through her purse and extended the golden envelope towards her. "My wedding invitation. Wouldn''t you like to see it?" Ying stared at the invitation for a long moment without moving. "Scared to hold it?"


    Ying took it from her hand and even opened the envelope. "You seem to be in a hurry. The wedding is only three weeks away. Just how scared are you of me?"


    "Dream on! I''ve never been scared of you," retorted Qiu Meihui. "The date is decided by my mom. I have no say in it."


    Yan Ying laughed at her face. She kept laughing until she thoroughly irked Qiu Meihui and ruined her good mood with her laughter.


    "Is the news that depressing that you lost your brain?"


    Ying squinted her eyes at Qiu Meihui and replied, "I haven''t lost my brain. I''m just amused to see how much importance I hold in your life."


    "What?"


    "Not many people know about my new address since I just moved here which means, you actually asked around to find out about my address. Not only that, but you also came all the way here to give me the invitation in person. I think even friends don''t get such privileges that I''m getting as your ''worst enemy''."


    "Is it fun twisting everything in your own world? But then again, whatever makes you happy. After all, as I said, I''m already amused enough to see you trying to pretend to be strong in front of me."


    Ying shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "Why should I pretend? I am strong. I don''t need a certificate for it from you. Oh, wait! I don''t even need your acknowledgment."

 447 Suffocating

    Just when Qiu Meihui turned to leave, Ying''s voice stopped her.


    "The hardest thing I learned in my life is to accept that the person I love so much, can''t love me back and I can''t do anything about that either. But I tried my best to make peace with this fact because the one I loved was happy being in love with you."


    Qiu Meihui turned on her heels and stared at Ying''s face with a complicated look in her eyes, "Why are you telling me that?"


    "I''m telling you that so that you can understand that whatever I did in my life had been for love. But how come you always chose your pride?"


    Qiu Meihui''s gaze turned hostile, "What did you say?"


    Ying looked at her challenging, "Did I say anything wrong? Didn''t you always choose your pride over love?" Ying took a short pause to see Qiu Meihui''s expressions before she said, "You had been in love with Xiaoli since high school." Qiu Meihui''s eyes widened as she stared at Ying. "A little kid told me last night that women are not born dumb. They just pretend to be dumb. I completely agree with those words. Even though you think I''m dumb enough to not notice your love for him, I ain''t that dumb honey."


    "Don''t spout nonsense," fumed Qiu Meihui leaving her calm persona.


    The game was reversed. Now, it was Ying''s turn to crawl under her skin and Ying could do it better considering her line of work. In fact, she was very well-versed in that.


    "Did I say something wrong though?" Ying''s confident stance was getting to Qiu Meihui now. "I have seen the way you played that game of push and pull for years with Xiaoli and that poor soul still doesn''t realize that he had been played by you."


    "Ying, don''t go far!"


    "I haven''t even started yet though," said Ying with a wicked smile. "I came across your ex-husband recently and according to him, you only married him because you wanted to hurt your mother. After all, it was Weiwei''s wish to get you married to Xiaoli. But just to hurt her badly, you chose to marry the person you didn''t love. Even though you loved Xiaoli, you still chose to walk away because of your stupid ego."


    Qiu Meihui took a step towards Ying when she stopped her, "Don''t even think about hitting me. I''m like an injured tigress, I won''t hesitate before biting your head off." Qiu Meihui''s hands clenched by her sides tightly. "You''re doing the same thing again. You''re just want to satisfy your ego all over again."


    "You know nothing about me," hissed Qiu Meihui.


    Ying laughed at her words, "It''s actually the other way around. You know nothing about me. Back then, you wanted to hurt your mom so you chose to walk away from Xiaoli. Now, you want to hurt me so you chose to walk back into his life. How cute that you think so highly of me! But at the end of the day, you''re still just doing everything for your ego."


    The more agitated she was, the more Ying didn''t believe her words. "Oh, really? Then would you like to explain to me how and why did he keep hanging on to you even when you weren''t in his life?"


    "Because he loves me very much," argued Qiu Meihui.


    "Wow! I didn''t know that." One could hear sarcasm very clearly in her voice. "Then explain your hot and cold behavior with him?" Qiu Meihui frowned as she went on, "Men are weird. If you give them attention, they run away. But if you give them attitude, they run after you. I guess you knew Xiaoli''s nature very well. He was one of those idiots and you took advantage of it perfectly well."


    "Before trying to prove me as the bad guy, don''t forget you''re no better."


    Ying clicked her tongue, "Ay! When did I disagree? Of course, I''m no better. But if that''s the case, why are you even competing with me?" Qiu Meihui''s face contorted. "Why am I the one you''re so desperate to win from? If it''ll bring you personal satisfaction, I give it to you. I, Yan Ying promise you I won''t ever interfere in your life. But I have a request... Don''t use Xiaoli''s feelings for your personal agenda. That idiot really does love you more than anyone. Don''t hurt him in this game you''re trying to play. You''ll regret it otherwise."


    "I don''t need your lecture," said Qiu Meihui before storming off of there.


    Ying looked at her back and leaning against the door, she slid down on the ground. She sat there with a blank look as she whispered, "It wasn''t a lecture though. I really don''t want him to get hurt." She clutched her chest as she closed her eyes in pain. "Because it''s hurting me enough. I don''t want him to go through the same."


    Whenever people called Ying crazy and obsessive about running after Xiaoli even when she knew he was in love with another, she didn''t mind it. She knew it better than anyone what she was doing. She was indeed crazy, and obsessive but only because she didn''t want Xiaoli to get hurt. She was aware of Qiu Meihui''s nature and she knew Xiaoli was very simple compared to her.


    In conclusion, she knew it was a toxic relationship. Both Qiu Meihui and Xiaoli were gonna get each other hurt. After all, one always chose love in his life over everything while the other always chose her pride over love.


    This time, her tears didn''t fall. She didn''t feel like crying at all. Instead, she just felt suffocated. Perhaps, those feelings were finally becoming too much for her to keep. She had to let it all go.

 448 Sleep It Off

    "Ying Jie?"


    Hearing her name, Ying opened her eyes and looked up at Ah-Si who was baffled to see Ying Jie. Not only was she in this building, but she was also just lifelessly sitting in the doorstep.


    Clearing her throat, Ying stood up from the floor and straightened up.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Ying stared at Ah-Si with a cold stare, "Why can''t I be here? I''m pretty sure I''m a free person who is allowed to live wherever I want to!" Saying that she slammed the door shut leaving Ah-Si staring at the closed door with his mouth agape. He had never seen her acting like this before. He flinched when the door opened again and Ying''s neck craned out, "Sorry. I''m just not in the mood to entertain a guest. I''ll invite you inside some other day. For today, I''m sorry."


    With that, she closed the door again.


    Ah-Si scratched his head and walked over to the place he intended to visit in the first place. Seeing Ying here was a surprise but hearing her cold and harsh words were dumbfounding to him. She was always either calm or cheery. There had never been another impression he had gotten from her.


    *Ding-Dong!*


    He rang the bell and waited patiently. The door was opened after a moment and a sleepy Xiu came into his view. She was rubbing her eyes as she looked at Ah-Si in surprise, "Huh? Nono is not home."


    "Nono?" he repeated in confusion.


    "I mean Nora is not home," explained Xiu.


    "I know," replied Ah-Si.


    "Oh my! Are you here to see me then Si bro?"


    "Umm... Nora is gonna bring Ava here in a while. I''m here for that."


    Xiu''s face fell as she invited him in, "And here I thought you''re here to see me. What a waste of my excitement." She walked over to the kitchen as she asked, "What would you like to drink?"


    "I''m fine. There is no need for anything," Ah-Si refused her politely.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and said, "Then I''ll just help myself." She took a drink from the fridge and came to give some company to the guest. It''d be impolite if she went back to sleep even though Ah-Si wasn''t here for her, he was still a guest. "Oh, how''s weird uncle?"


    "Who?" Ah-Si raised his brows in confusion.


    "Your dad. How''s your dad?"


    "He''s fine. As always, he''s busy. More so now that bro is getting married. Too much stuff to do for him." He took a pause when he noticed the change in Xiu''s expression which he couldn''t understand. "I''m still amazed at how casually you speak to my dad. He had never been an easy person."


    "He really isn''t an easy person but he is actually a very simple person," stated Xiu without even thinking. Her perception of Xin Zimen was completely opposite to what others thought of him.


    "He went on a business trip, it''s been..." she looked at the clock to check the time before continuing, "Over two hours now."


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "So since he isn''t here you''re trying to catch up with sleep?"


    Xiu looked down at sleepwear and shook her head, "Nah! I''m afraid I''ll miss him too much so I''m trying to sleep it off."


    "But you said he''s only gone for over two hours," reminded Ah-Si.


    "That''s a long time for me," replied Xiu innocently. "I slept for half of that time and I still think it''s been way too long since he left."


    "Your relationship is really..."


    "Choose your words wisely," Xiu cut him off. "I take my relationship with Regan very seriously. Most of the time, I do sound like a desperate girlfriend but I don''t like hearing it from others."


    Ah-Si smiled softly, "I was gonna say, your relationship is really amazing."


    Xiu grinned brightly, "Well, thank you. I know that already."


    Xiu didn''t know how long Nora was gonna take but she was certainly not in the mood of talking right now. In fact, she just wanted to lay down quietly with an empty head. It would be perfect if her mind would stop working the overtime.


    "Xiu..."


    "Hm?"


    "How did Nora''s parents react? I mean after they met Ava? Is everything okay with her?"


    Xiu''s lips curled up slightly as she noticed his concerned look, "If you''re that worried why don''t you ask her yourself?"


    "I did. She just brushed it off saying everything is fine."


    Xiu shook her head, "She wasn''t brushing you off. Everything is really okay." Seeing Ah-Si''s confused look, she went on, "Clara mom and Uncle Jing love Nora very much. Even if she really committed a crime, they are the kind of parents who would be willing to take the blame for their child. They are also the most understanding parents I have ever met, what could possibly go wrong?"


    Ah-Si finally relaxed as he heard the confirmation from Xiu.


    "In fact, your daughter has also made her way to their hearts already. They are so obsessed with their granddaughter that my little brother is feeling insecure now."


    "Insecure?"


    Xiu nodded her head in response, "Jackie thinks his value is going down and no one loves him anymore. He was the youngest in the family but now Ava is. There was bound to be this clash."


    Ah-Si laughed along with Xiu and felt lighthearted as well. "Hopefully, he''ll also warm up to his niece soon."


    "Don''t worry about that. Although Jakie seems too cold and mature for his age, he is still a kid. Soon enough he''ll be the one pampering his niece." There was no way she''d get it wrong. It was just a matter of time. Once Jackie really opened up his heart to Ava, no one would be able to come between them.

 449 Selfish Hear

    "Xiu!"


    As always Jackie ran into Xiu''s arms with an exclaim as soon as he entered the house and spotted Xiu in the living area. Although Xiu didn''t know that he was gonna come with Nora, she didn''t mind it. In fact, she was delighted to see him. Besides, she also didn''t know that Nora was gonna come today.


    "Little brother, what a surprise!"


    "Are you happy to see me here?" asked Jackie with excitement.


    "I''m very happy!" replied Xiu with the same enthusiasm.


    "Ahem! Ahem!" Nora coughed from beside her brother. "I''m also here."


    "Yeah, whatever..."


    Nora was left gaping at Xiu with disbelief in her eyes. Did her best friend just brush her off? Again? What charm did Jackie really have that he always managed to become the apple of Xiu''s eye?


    "Your daughter''s father is here," informed Xiu as she pointed at Ah-Si who was staring at them.


    Nora hit Xiu''s shoulder saying, "You could just say Ah-Si is here."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention back to Jackie who was now frowning at the unfamiliar face in his sister''s apartment. This was his first time seeing Ah-Si but from what he heard, he could tell who this guy was which didn''t seem very pleasing to him.


    Nora was walking over to Ah-Si with Ava when Jackie beat her to it and his small leg lifted and he kicked Ah-Si''s leg. Ah-Si was taken aback since Jackie''s little figure just gave him a flashback of Xiu''s fierce image. Now, he finally understood why Nora said Jackie was turning into Xiu''s carbon copy. His temper and behavior were exactly similar to Xiu.


    "Jackie!" shouted Nora at her little brother as she dragged him away from Ah-Si before he could kick again. "Don''t be rude! How can you behave so impudently?"


    "Let me go! I need to kick him again, how dare he made my sister cry so much?" Hearing Jackie''s words, Nora was stunned. She looked at Xiu who was smiling knowingly to herself. "Only I can make my sister cry, no one else is allowed."


    "Haha! Good going, little brother!"


    Nora glared at Xiu, "Will you please teach him some nice things?"


    "What did he say wrong?" questioned Xiu as she took Jackie''s hand in her own and sat down at a side saying, "He said only he is allowed to make you cry because we are family. Ah-Si is not our family. So, as an outsider, we can''t overlook the fact that he made our sister cry. Right, little brother?"


    "Yes!" agreed Jackie.


    "He is not an outsider," retorted Nora firmly.


    "Oh, really? What exactly is your relationship with him then?" inquired Xiu.


    Nora pursed her lips and glanced at Ah-Si before saying, "He''s my..." Xiu''s brows wiggled urging her to complete her sentence. But Nora was having real trouble finding the right words. "He''s my daughter''s father."


    "She..." Ah-Si only spoke after Xiu left along with Jackie. "She really doesn''t think before speaking."


    "She does," replied Nora as she tussled her daughter''s hair and added, "It''s just that you can''t tell how her brain works."


    Ah-Si looked at Xiu''s closed door and nodded his head in understanding. Indeed, he had been having trouble understanding Xiu as well. It was just that whenever he thought she was simple, she would act in an unpredictable way and whenever he''d expect the unexpected from her, she''d turn into a very simple and straightforward person.


    Nora touched his shoulder gently when she saw him lost in deep thought and said, "Don''t think so much. The only person who can grasp the essence of her is her precious boyfriend."


    "Precious boyfriend..." Ah-Si repeated with a smile. "It''s weird how easily you described Darren. He indeed seems too precious to Xiu."


    "That''s because he is," agreed Nora. She had seen by Xiu''s side and had seen what others hadn''t. She knew more about the development of Xiu and Darren''s relationship. She even knew how they both came to feel attracted to each other. When or how they started dating. She had seen them at all those stages. So, she''s one of those people who could tell without hesitation that Xiu was as precious to Darren as he was to her.


    Ah-Si wasn''t gonna stay long with her. He wanted to but he still had to leave with Ava. So, after much contemplation, he finally asked Nora the question that he had been planning to, "Would you like to go out tomorrow?"


    Nora was taken aback but staring at Ah-Si, she definitely wasn''t gonna take a leap in her stupid delusions as she replied, "Tomorrow? Are we taking Ava somewhere? I think it''s a good idea."


    Ah-Si stared at her for a long while which made Nora feel jittery for some reason. Finally, he sighed and shook his head, "Forget it." Saying that he left with Ava while Nora was left staring dumbfoundedly at his back. Why did he look so mad at her? Or was that disappointment? Did she say something wrong again?


    In her own thoughts, Nora slowly closed the door and when it was about to shut, someone held the door, startling her. She looked wide-eyed at Ah-Si who was hunched over while he panted trying to catch his breath.


    "Why did you..."


    Ah-Si straightened up and put his finger on her lips. "Keep quiet and listen to me. Stop overthinking and stop assuming on your own all the time."


    "Huh?"


    He exhaled a long breath as he tried again, "Would you like to go out with me tomorrow? Alone? As in, on a date?"


    Nora''s eyes widened even more if that was even possible at this point because her big eyes were already like they were about to come out of the sockets.


    "Can you say yes?"


    "I..." Nora was a bit speechless at how straightforward he was being. Did he have to attack her heart out of nowhere? How was she supposed to process this? Especially to his eyes that had the same look as Xiu''s when she was trying to ask for something. How was she ever gonna say no? So, she just nodded.


    "Is that really a yes?" he asked with an excited look.


    Nora nodded her head again, not daring to trust her words at all. She had been holding the door with her hand which helped her in standing.


    Ah-Si kissed the top of her head shocking her again before he said, "I''ll see you tomorrow then. Bye!" With that, he ran over to the elevator where his security team had been waiting with his daughter. Earlier, he was gonna leave because of Nora''s stupid assumptions that he wanted to go on a family outing.


    He obviously wanted that. But they had already jumped over a lot of steps. He was gonna have to start all over again. And taking her out on a date was the first on his list. His daughter would understand. He was after all doing it all for her. Okay, partially for her. Mostly, it was his own selfish heart that could never forget Nora.

 450 Best Sister

    Meanwhile, getting into her room, Xiu and Jackie did exactly what they usually would together. They both got busy with playing games on her cellphone. Well, he was playing, she''d just cheer him on or say a thing or two as instructions which he usually wouldn''t need.


    After a while, Xiu asked, "Did you eat anything? Want a drink or something?" The question sounded like it was for him but he knew she was the one feeling hungry.


    Jackie shook his head as he rolled over on the bed and said, "Stop using me as an excuse. You can eat those snacks without my permission as well." Xiu pursed her lips sheepishly before she opened her cabinet and brought out her stash of snacks. Jackie only shook his head at her because he knew her very well. "Xiu, where is my brother-in-law?"


    Xiu jutted her bottom lip out as she grumbled sadly, "He went on a business trip."


    "Huh? Are you missing him?" Xiu nodded her head. "Then call him. Why aren''t you calling him?"


    Xiu looked at the time again and said, "His flight must have just landed. How can I disturb him at this time? Also, I''m the one who urged him to go. I can''t keep calling him." She munched on her snacks with a sad look as she went on, "He thinks I can live without him. How am I supposed to tell him that I feel like I''ve lost my heartbeat without him? It sounds so cringy but I''m not lying. The world seems to have lost color without him around me."


    Rrrrr...


    Jackie chuckled at her, "Since you''re missing him I guess his heart got the signal, he is calling you himself." Xiu raised her brows and looked at Jackie shaking her phone''s screen before her eyes. He accepted the video call and waved his hand, "Hi, brother-in-law!"


    Darren definitely wasn''t expecting to see Jackie''s face on the screen. "Oh, hey genius! What are you doing there?"


    Jackie leaned towards Xiu so that her face was also visible to Darren as he replied, "I''m here for the same reason you''re calling."


    "And that reason is?"


    "We both missed Xiu."


    Xiu rubbed his head while Darren laughed at his words. "I can''t possibly disagree with that." While his eyes were lingering on Xiu''s face, he was still talking to Jackie, "How lucky you are, little genius!"


    "How am I lucky?" questioned Jackie as his brows knitted together in confusion.


    "You''re where I''d love to be right now," retorted Darren with a straight face. Seeing how Jackie raised his brows at him, he elaborated, "In your sister''s arms."


    Xiu glared at him through the camera. How could he say that so calmly and that too before Jackie? However, more than her glare, Darren''s focus was on her lips that were turning upwards instinctively.


    "Are you seriously flirting before a seven-year-old?" Jackie''s voice brought Darren back to reality.


    "Regan!" Xiu raised her voice at Darren while Jackie just laughed.


    "I do understand you, brother-in-law," replied Jackie. "But in this situation, you can''t do anything."


    Darren ran his fingers through his hair saying, "Isn''t that why I said, you''re the lucky one?" Darren didn''t mind talking to Jackie at all. He had grown very close to this little brother of Xiu since the time he took him to the planetarium. They often would go out for ice-cream or whenever Jackie wanted to go to a library.


    But Xiu didn''t know about these rendezvous at all. Xiu knew that Jackie liked Darren a lot but she didn''t know how much effort Darren had put into pulling this little brother-in-law in his team. After all, he knew how much value Jackie had in her life.


    Xiu decided to cut off the conversation between these two who were talking about her for five minutes and acted like she wasn''t even there. Only now was she seeing how close these two were which was really suspicious to her. However, she''d inquire about this to Darren at some other time.


    "Did you reach your destination?"


    Darren looked at her and sighed, "How will I when my destination is you?" Xiu clenched her fists and squinted her eyes at him. "What? Why are you angry? Did I say something wrong?"


    "Regan! Why can''t you for once answer my question without that sweet-talking?"


    "When I see my Sweets, everything I say turns into a sweet-talk."


    "Regan!"


    Darren flinched back a little. Okay, he thoroughly got her mad now.


    "Relax, Sweets. Calm down! Take a deep breath... I''m just an hour away from the hotel. I''ll be there soon."


    Xiu nodded her head. "Okay. Then let me know when you get there."


    "Wait! Are you gonna hang up?"


    "Mm..."


    Darren looked at her agape, "Can''t you talk to me until I get to the hotel?"


    Xiu gave him a thoughtful look and seeing her smile, he got excited when she burst the bubble with, "No!"


    "Huh? What? Why?"


    "You''re there for work. Not for vacation! Get back to work. We''ll talk later. Bye-bye!"


    "Wait! No, don''t leave me ye-"


    The phone was cut off and Darren was left staring at the screen. When did his Sweets become so heartless? He just wanted to hear her voice some more. Just see her some more. Oh, crap! Now, he desperately wanted to touch her again.


    "Xiu, why did you hang up like that? Brother-in-law must be so upset."


    Xiu stared at her little brother advocating for her boyfriend and frowned a little. "Little brother, when did you become your brother-in-law''s little tail?"


    "I''m not his tail. I just like him."


    "You usually don''t like people this easily though," said Xiu.


    "But I like him. Like a lot. Because he loves you a lot." Xiu was startled to hear that. "Anyone can literally see how much he loves you."


    Xiu rubbed his head, "You''re so tiny. How do you even know what love is?"


    "I know," retorted Jackie. "Brother-in-law looks at you just like dad looks at mom." Xiu''s eyes widened a bit in surprise. "Dad said when you love someone seeing their face is enough to make you smile. Brother-in-law always ends up smiling whenever he talks about you or even looks at you."


    Xiu pinched his cheeks adorably, "You, my little genius bunny, are growing way too fast."


    Jackie pushed her hands away from his cheeks as he rubbed his cheeks and asked again, "But seriously, why did you hang up the call? You''re missing him as well."


    Xiu took his little hands in her own as he replied, "I do miss him. I also know that he misses me as well. But if he kept talking to me, he''ll only miss me more. How will he focus on work then? I want to be his strength, not his distraction."


    Jackie gave her two thumbs-up, "As always, my sister is still the best."


    "And what about me?"

 451 Love & Loved One

    Xiu and Jackie looked at Nora and shook their heads, "You have impeccable timing."


    "Are you both being sarcastic with me?" asked Nora as she stared at them behaving in the same manner. It could get creepy sometimes considering how much Jackie was taking after Xiu as he grew up. "Forget it. You, little brother, tell me if she''s the best what exactly am I?"


    "Why are you so hung up on that?" retorted Jackie. "You both are my sisters and you''re both the best to me." Nora finally felt relieved to hear that. "But, now you should put more effort into becoming the best mother like our mom. Because I know you''re awesome but your daughter doesn''t know."


    Nora was staring at him agape then she pointed at him and turned her attention towards Xiu, "Can you please enlighten me why every word of his feels like he''s taunting me?"


    "He isn''t though," replied Xiu while hugging her little brother. "Jackie is absolutely right. You need to grow out of this phase. Your daughter is young and she needs you. Besides, Ava might find that familiarity with you because you''re her mother but she still needs time to get comfortable with her."


    Nora was contemplating her words when she went on, "Also, don''t overlook the fact that you and Ah-Si have no clear definition of what''s going on between you two. We''re not trying to force you into anything. But it''s time for you to think. And by thinking, I definitely don''t mean overthinking. Thinking means, you need to sit down with Ah-Si and decide where you both want to head to from here on. And whether the two of you can take that route together or not. I feel like a parrot repeated my words again and again to you."


    "This is why I think Xiu is the smartest one," Jackie chimed in making Nora squint her eyes at him dangerously. But since Xiu''s arms were wrapped around him from behind, why would he care about Nora? Nora was like the paper tiger before the real tigress named Xiu.


    "I already am thinking about that," said Nora after a while. "I told you I still love him. And I''d love to spend my life with him as well. But..."


    "But? There is still a but in that statement?" argued Xiu.


    "There is always a but when it comes to Nono," added Jackie in disappointment.


    "Will you both shut up and listen?" Xiu and Jackie shared a look before nodding agreeably. "But I wasn''t certain about Ah-Si''s stance at all. I was hesitating to even ask him. However, today he asked me out on a date and I don''t wanna jump to conclusions but I think he has the same idea as me."


    Seeing the blissful smile on Nora''s face, Xiu was pleased. "Great! The problem solved right here then." Xiu got up from the bed and patted Nora''s head, "It''s time for you to finally start the journey then. Instead of running from the pain, it''s better if you focus on embracing everything life throws at you."


    "Never..." was Jackie''s nonchalant reply which Xiu completely agreed with.


    Xiu and Jackie got busy with laughing at her meanwhile the person being laughed at was still in a daze. Which only broke with a scream.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "What the bloody h-"


    "Bad words!"


    Xiu looked at Jackie with a guilty smile and changed her words, "I mean what the bloody fish! Why are you screaming?"


    Nora held Xiu''s shoulders and looked at her anxiously, "We have an emergency."


    "Huh?"


    "I have nothing to wear on the date!"


    Xiu''s face twitched before she facepalmed herself and smacked Nora''s head later on. "Is that an emergency? Stop overreacting!"


    "You also overreacted when you were supposed to go on your first date with Darren. Why can''t I? I had been waiting for this for years."


    Xiu found Nora''s reasoning very reasonable and replied, "I agree. But do you wanna go shopping at this time? It''s almost 9 o''clock now. Isn''t it better to pick something from your wardrobe?"


    "You don''t get it, my wardrobe is anything but first date material."


    "That doesn''t even make sense," said Xiu with a tired look. "How about checking my wardrobe then? I still have so many clothes that I never even tried on."


    "That''s because Xiu loves sleeping rather than going out for fun." Jackie''s words made Xiu smile at herself in pride. Just how smart was she! Her motto; ''Sleeping is better than fun.'' had not only saved her so much trouble, but she also saved up a lot of money.


    "Are you feeling very happy to hear that?" asked Nora and Xiu nodded her head without hesitation. "You''re lucky that your boyfriend is also just like you. He also loves to stay indoors. You both are such a homey couple that it makes me feel..."


    "Envious?"


    Nora stared at Xiu''s smirk and felt indignant. However, she still bobbed her head up and down honestly. She indeed found them very envious. Xiu and Darren were the only pair she saw who would rather have a homemade meal than going on adventurous dates.


    First, they both didn''t have time for that. Second, they both were homebodies.


    And yet, their small gestures like going to the office together, coming back together, sharing at least one meal together, going for grocery shopping together, having a walk in the park together, or just simply accompanying each other to sleep were enough to make anyone jealous.


    "You just made me realize that I still haven''t gone shopping with my Baobei. And I still have to take him to the beach and see fireworks together. He has to buy me balloons as well." Nora''s words finally enlightened Xiu who was already content with her dating experience. She never hoped for anything extravagant. This simple dating was enough for her. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "But whatever! We have our whole lives to do that stuff."


    Nora rolled her eyes at Xiu and said, "Sis, you really love rubbing it in that your love is superior."


    "There is no such thing as superior love," argued Xiu. "It''s all about how much you trust your love and your loved one."

 452 Some Regrets

    -Qiu Family House-


    "Meihui, you''re back!"


    Qiu Meihui looked up at her mother and Francesca who were having a discussion in the lounge and smiled softly while nodding her head.


    "Did you give the invitation card to your special friend?" asked Zhao Wei as she glanced at her daughter who seemed distracted. "I wonder what kind of a special friend is it that you ran off to deliver the very first invitation card on your own." She had been curious about it for whole day. After all, she knew her daughter didn''t have any contact with her old friends now. Then where did this special friend come from that Qiu Meihui decided to go personally for the invitation?


    Qiu Meihui didn''t reply but her mind wandered off to Ying''s indifferent face that had been bothering her even till now. And then Ying''s cutting words ran in her mind... ''You always chose pride over love and your loved ones.'' Those words were like sharp knives piercing through her heart but only because she had nothing to deny Ying''s words with.


    She always thought she''d win from her. At least now, she''d have the upper hand but seeing how Ying reacted, Qiu Meihui was left feeling defeated all over again. It was like her whole world spun by knowing the truth that the person she had taken as her biggest competitor in life had never even taken note of her. She had always been trying to either outdone Yan Ying or ruining everything for her but Yan Ying had never even looked her way.


    Even till the end, Yan Ying had just focused on loving a man even knowing he wouldn''t be hers. And what about her? Qiu Meihui just let her jealousy get the better of herself.


    She felt someone touching her shoulder and her trance was broken as she looked at Francesca with a raised brow. "Where are you lost? Your mom is saying something."


    Qiu Meihui looked at her mother, "I''m sorry. I was just thinking about something."


    "It''s alright. You must be tired. Just take rest. We can discuss the details in the morning." Zhao Wei didn''t mind at all. She could see that her daughter was looking troubled and she didn''t want to disturb her.


    Qiu Meihui stared at her mother for a long while. She never really thought that her mother was easygoing. In fact, in her personal opinion, her mother was the most difficult person to deal with. Then how come she couldn''t see it anymore? How come her mother was so understanding now? Was she always like this?


    She first went to her daughter''s room to check up on her. But since Asteria had already gone to sleep, she went to her own room and fell down on the bed just like that.


    As she rolled over, her eyes caught sight of a family photo hung on the wall. It was a photo of her 16th birthday party. She still remembered that night vividly...


    *Flashback*


    "Did you have to do it?" Zhao Wei was asking with a stern look on her face.


    "And you slapped her right in front of everyone..." said Zhao Wei keeping her voice as calm as she could.


    "It was my important day and she ruined it! How was I supposed to stay calm?!" Qiu Meihui''s voice raised an octave which made Zhao Wei frown at her.


    "Keep your voice down," she advised softly. "And don''t you dare think for a second that I didn''t see you pulling tricks on Yan Ying and making her fall down right at the birthday cake. Even when she knew you''re to blame, she calmly and maturely apologized to you repeatedly. Even when you slapped her, she still apologized!"


    Qiu Meihui snorted like a spoiled brat, "So what? She should be apologizing! I didn''t invite her to my birthday. Why did she come here?"


    "Meihui!" Zhao Wei was on the verge of losing her temper now. "Don''t you ever feel bad for insulting her before everyone? This isn''t even the first time. Because of you, no one even wants to befriend her."


    "How is that my fault now? She isn''t worth it. A white lotus like her deserves no friend," shrugged Qiu Meihui not losing her attitude at all. "Besides, she doesn''t need friends. She has Xiaoli wrapped around her fingers. In the pretense of friendship, she''s coveting him and thinks I can''t see it at all."


    Zhao Wei rubbed her forehead trying to ease the headache that was threatening to get worse by seeing Qiu Meihui''s attitude of no remorse at all. It worried her to death. "I can''t even understand what''s your problem with Ying is. She is such a sweet girl."


    "If you like her so much, you should take her in as your daughter because I can''t compare with her. I don''t wanna be like her at all!" Qiu Meihui gave her mother''s words another shape. Zhao Wei didn''t mean it this way.


    She could only helpless sigh as she said, "It''s such a shame that you''re never able to understand your own mother. And I feel like a failure for actually not being able to raise you any better." Zhao Wei turned to leave but stopped at the door, "You''re very proud of your friends who love pulling pranks on others and even help you in insulting and belittling others. But let me warn you, one day these friends would all leave you alone."


    Qiu Meihui rolled her eyes ignorantly, "Stop preaching, mom. I''ll prove you wrong. Because one day, you''ll also realize that what you think of Ying is absolutely wrong. She isn''t as sweet as she appears to be. And then you''ll regret it because you''ll end up losing your own daughter as well."


    *End of Flashback*


    Looking back now, Qiu Meihui didn''t know who won. Because she certainly felt lost. After all, her friends indeed started keeping their distance from her when she chose to marry an ordinary man out of their social circle. And she indeed married him just to spite her own mother.


    But did she regret doing all that?


    If she said yes, she knew her whole life would seem pitiful because all she had were regrets.

 453 Understanding

    *Knock! Knock!*


    Qiu Meihui sat up when she heard knocking at her door. Zhao Wei opened the door slightly and asked, "Are you hungry? I made your favorite beef noodles."


    She couldn''t look away from her mother who didn''t dare enter her room without her permission. She had always gotten mad at her mother for invading her privacy and now, Zhao Wei was just standing at the door. Qiu Meihui noticed the distance between her and her mother but only realized now that the distance between their hearts had grown even wider than this.


    "If you''re not hungry, it''s alright..." Zhao Wei took her daughter''s silence as her displeasure. She thought her daughter was mad at her for disturbing her again. So, she decided to retreat.


    "I..." Qiu Meihui''s stopped her as she turned with an inquisitive look. "I''m hungry."


    Zhao Wei''s face lit up as she nodded her head and pushed the door open wide. Qiu Meihui looked at the tray in her mother''s hands and waited for her to come inside but Zhao Wei stood right there at the door without moving. "Mom, you can come inside."


    Zhao Wei''s brows knitted up, "I can?" Qiu Meihui nodded her head and Zhao Wei hurried in as she placed the tray before her and said, "Eat up. I''m leaving now." Zhao Wei didn''t dare to stay in her room longer than it was necessary.


    Qiu Meihui went to do a quick clean up before she sat down and picked up the chopsticks. As she took the first bite, the nostalgic taste of those noodles brought tears to her eyes. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before taking her phone and dialing a number.


    "Sis, why are you calling me at this time?" came Dylan''s impatient voice from the other side. When Qiu Meihui didn''t reply for a good few minutes, he grew impatient and anxious, "Sis, is everything okay? Did you get into another argument with mom? Even if you did, please stay calm. Don''t raise your voice at mom. Even though she doesn''t show it, she is old now. She might not be able to handle your temper."


    Qiu Meihui frowned at his words, "Didi, what nonsense are you spouting? Why would I argue with mom?"


    "Because that''s your favorite hobby..." said Dylan softly afraid that she''ll get mad at him now.


    "That''s not funny," retorted Qiu Meihui.


    "I wasn''t trying to be funny though," replied Dylan calmly. "Anyways, if you didn''t get into an argument why are you calling me?"


    "Say, do you think it''s because of age that mom has turned into such an easygoing person? I mean she hadn''t talked to me since I married against her wishes but now when I said sorry, she not only forgive me but also, didn''t say anything to me."


    Dylan sighed heavily, "What the hell! Mom had always been an easygoing person."


    "No, she wasn''t," argued Qiu Meihui.


    When Dylan left his last words unsaid, Qiu Meihui was left in a dilemma. Indeed, Zhao Wei had treated Dylan like a real strict mother but with her, she had always been lenient.


    "You always take mom''s side but don''t forget she forced me out of the house," she still was insistent on putting the blame on others.


    "Reflect on yourself for once," said Dylan surprising Qiu Meihui since Dylan had never spoken so straightforwardly with her. "It takes two to tango. If mom was in the wrong for wanting you to become an exceptional person, you''re no better. You never let go of a single chance to make mom lose face before people. She hadn''t met any of her old friends because of what you did."


    "But..." Qiu Meihui wanted to argue but Dylan didn''t allow her.


    "It''s funny that mom didn''t want to see you get hurt but all you ever did was to hurt mom. You wanted her to feel the pain of losing her own daughter just because she set Ying Jie as the example of a good daughter. I honestly don''t know your issue with Ying Jie, but in your hatred for her, you dragged everyone." He took a pause before adding, "I just hope you aren''t dragging Li bro in your agenda. He doesn''t deserve that."


    Qiu Meihui was left feeling complicated now. She hated her mother for years just because she compared her with Ying. But the person who was doing the comparison wasn''t Zhao Wei, it was she; Qiu Meihui herself who always let her insecurities get the better of herself.


    "Hedi, are you drunk?"


    "How do you know that?" questioned Dylan while looking around. "Did you install cameras in my house?" He was really suspicious now. Otherwise, how did she know that he was drinking?


    "I don''t have to install cameras."


    "Then how do you know?"


    "Because in all these years even when you''d be defending mom before me, you''d sugarcoat your words to not hurt my feelings. Tonight, your mouth is spitting poison."


    Dylan slumped on the table saying, "How is it spitting poison? I only spoke the truth. And I never defended mom. I know she isn''t perfect because she cares too much about her image. But you''re no better. In fact, you both are just equally stubborn but you both won''t accept it."


    "Why are you drinking? Is something wrong?"


    Dylan snickered, "And when did you start caring about my life?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Sis, just because I don''t care doesn''t mean I don''t know why you chose to lower your head before mom. You''re not feeling any remorse. I know you. But trust me, if you hurt mom I won''t ever forgive you!"


    "Am I that evil in your eyes?"


    "Evil? I don''t know. But you love hurting mom and I can''t see that."


    "You think too highly of me," there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice.


    Dylan didn''t reply to her and hung up the call. Staring at the screen, he just mumbled, "I wish you and mom could actually understand each other."

 454 The Tables Turned

    -The Next Morning-


    In Xiu''s bedroom, she was lying down on bed wide awake at 9 in the morning. No, she wasn''t gonna sleep till noon since she had slept too much yesterday. Also, she had to send Jackie back home at 8 in the morning so later on, she lost the urge to sleep anymore.


    Instead, she picked up Destiny''s mystery box and took out the fifth letter.


    ''Today, I won''t talk about myself. This letter is about you... Not the Goddess Xiu that everyone knows of. Instead, today I want to talk about the innocent girl named Chen Xiu. A girl who is lost between her characters and herself. A girl who is slowly forgetting herself.


    This is my fifth letter and it''s all the more special because I can''t believe I''m writing it with you right before my eyes. I feels surreal that I can touch you right now. Like the real you in flesh is right here by my side.''


    Xiu sat up on the bed when she read the last sentence and her hand holding the envelope and the letter tightened but it only made her realize that something else was inside the envelope. Xiu dug through it and found a picture that shook her core.


    In the picture, she was there. She as in, Chen Xiu. And Destiny was there as well.


    Xiu kept staring at the photo for a long while. The Destiny in that picture was just as she remembered. Same vibrant blue hair, emo look, nose, and lips rings along with tattoos that she knew only now were actually fake. Back then, seeing her black studs and choker, Xiu had taken Destiny as just a rebellious teenager. All in all, she was unrecognizable.


    But Chen Xiu in that picture was also unrecognizable as she laid on the hospital bed looking like a dead person. While Destiny''s face was pale because of a lack of exposure to the sunshine, her own was pale because of sickness. The picture was taken in the hospital room when she was lying unconscious.


    Xiu rubbed her bottom lip as she stared at the picture for a moment longer and turned back to the letter in her hand.


    ''It''s funny how fate brought us to each other again. Once you saved my life by offering me your blood, today I helped you by beating those thugs. By the way, you looked doubtful so let me clear it up, I really am a professional kickboxer.


    But just as I wrote earlier, today we won''t talk about me. I want to talk to you. I honestly want to tell you to start learning to live.


    You''re right, sober Xiu is really dull but drunk Xiu really has the spunk. However, it won''t change the fact that drunk Xiu is careless and sober Xiu is way too careful with life. It''s like you have two different personalities. The doctor thinks that you''re losing your memory because of the alcohol and it can become dangerous with time if you didn''t quit.


    So, I think you need to give up on drunk Xiu.


    I know you won''t do it though. The time I spent talking to you made me learn a lot about you.


    You have a beautiful soul. How come you have no faith in yourself?


    I don''t know how to feel right now. I admired you for so long and just now, I got to know that you don''t even love yourself. You''re still the same kind person who wants to make the world happy. But now I know that you are not happy and you don''t try to put any effort into making yourself happy either.


    Sister Xiu, isn''t it funny that I thought all you want is happiness and that''s exactly what you''re running from?


    Seeing your wild side tonight made me finally realize that all you actually wish for is freedom. You want to be free from that screen. You don''t want to be the Goddess Xiu, you want to be a human. A person whom people would at least allow to breathe instead of trying to control every single thing you do.


    It must be tiring but I can assure you, better days are ahead. You just need to have faith in yourself. Don''t ever give up on yourself.''


    Xiu folded the letter and put it back just the way it was. "Don''t give up on yourself?" Xiu sniggered. "I wasn''t strong like you. I just had to give up."


    "Xiu!"


    Xiu slid the letter under the pillow and stared at Nora who suddenly barged into her room. "What''s up?"


    "Which one looks good?" asked Nora as she showed her two dresses. One was in red color and the other was black.


    "Where is he taking you?"


    "I don''t know," answered Nora.


    "If you don''t know why are you dressing up for a dinner date? Wear something casual, don''t be so obvious now."


    "Are you saying that I''m being way too obvious?" Nora''s face fell as she stared at the dresses in her hands.


    Xiu nodded her head, "You look like a predator who is gonna pounce on the prey at any chance given."


    "Xiu!"


    Xiu laughed at her, "Sorry. I won''t joke now. But you really need to change." Xiu got up to help her as she said, "Isn''t it ironic how you used to say that you''ll never need my help when it comes to dating and dressing up since you''re an expert? Now, look at how you''re running after me."


    "You''re actually enjoying this, aren''t you?"


    "Very much," replied Xiu without holding back her smile. "When is he picking you up?"


    "In an hour or so."


    "Wow! You''re still choosing the dress? What did you do last night?"


    "I was lost in..."


    "Daydreaming?"


    Nora pouted at Xiu while the latter just shook her head helplessly. Oh, it was fun to see Nora at the other end of teasing. When she started dating Darren, Nora had done her fair share of teasing. Now, the tables were turned.

 455 Respect, Abstinence & Curfew!

    "Now you look absolutely gorgeous," announced Xiu as she patted Nora''s head who looked at the simple jeans with an oversized knitted sweater she was wearing.


    Then turned to Xiu with an uncertain look, "Are you sure about this? I mean, what if he thinks I am taking this very first date very casually?"


    Xiu looked at her up and down before saying, "How is that so?" She fixed Nora''s hair as she went on, "Clothes don''t make a man. They can neither make a date special. The reason why I chose this set of clothes is; it''s simple and comfortable. Besides, formal clothes only make you feel restless. Casual clothes will give you enough comfort to breathe. Don''t worry at all."


    "Have I mentioned that your logics are completely logicless?"


    Xiu chuckled at her, "I know. But so what?"


    Nora shook her head at Xiu. Of course, it didn''t matter to Xiu at all. No matter how baseless her words were, as long as she was happy with it, who could deny her words?


    "Forget it. You tell me where are you going? Why did you get dressed up? Your boyfriend is not even around."


    "My life certainly doesn''t revolve around my boyfriend," retorted Xiu with a firm stance.


    "Yes, it does!" Nora''s words were clearly like a strike thrown her way which Xiu evaded with an awkward cough.


    "Okay, sometimes it does. But... I have a life apart from that as well."


    "Alright. Then tell me who are you seeing?"


    "Dylan."


    Nora raised her brows at Xiu and turned around. She rounded around Xiu with a thoughtful look.


    "Why are you circling around me?"


    "I''m trying to understand..."


    "What?"


    Nora stopped right in front of her and stared into her eyes straightly. "You used to find every chance to curse that boss of yours. And now you''re eager to see him on a Sunday? What happened?"


    Xiu finally understood why she was acting weird. She waved her hand offhandedly, "Nono, that was when he was my boss. Now he is my ex-boss. I''m more than eager to exploit my rights as HIS boss now. HA. HA. HA."


    Nora pursed her lips at Xiu''s weird evil laugh and decided to just stay quiet. Getting between Dylan and Xiu would not end well for her and she knew it very well.


    *Ding-Dong!*


    Xiu''s eyes lit up with mischief as she heard the doorbell and ran towards the door saying, "I guess your date is here."


    "Xiu, behave yourself! Don''t you dare scare him away!" Nora shouted from behind and Xiu only tilted her head to stuck her tongue at her in response.


    As Xiu opened the door, indeed it was Ah-Si standing before her. Xiu looked at him and nodded in appreciation at how he looked. In fact, he had tried to dress up as he usually did but his efforts to look good couldn''t be hidden from a girl''s eyes.


    "Hi to you too!" Xiu waved her hand calmly with a bright smile which seemed to be hiding scheming intentions of hers.


    "Where is Nora?" he asked.


    "I''m here," came Nora''s voice from behind Xiu but before Ah-Si could see her, Xiu stepped out and closed the door startling Ah-Si. Even when Nora tried to pull open the door from inside she couldn''t because Xiu was holding it tightly from outside. "Xiu, I told you to behave yourself!" Nora shouted from inside.


    Xiu completely ignored her and stared right at Ah-Si. Her height might not be intimidating but her aura certainly was. "I have some words of advice for you, Mr. junior Xin."


    Ah-Si nodded his head with a frown, "I wonder what Ms. Bai has to say to me."


    "First, give my sister the respect she deserves. Second, I believe you know the concept of abstinence." He almost choked on air but calmly handles the situation.


    "Anything else?" he asked.


    "I''m not done, bro!" replied Xiu with a sly smile. "Remember, I''m everywhere. So behave because my bat is also with me." Ah-Si''s face twitched at her threatening but he didn''t disturb her. "I''m an old-fashioned person, you hurt her, I hurt you worse."


    "Roger that, boss!"


    Xiu finally let Nora come out who was now glaring at her. "Xiu, what did you say to him?"


    "Nothing," replied Xiu innocently.


    Ah-Si could only hold back his smile at both of them. The way Xiu talked was like a father warning him about dating his daughter. "Shall we go now?" he asked while Nora nodded and gave Xiu a suspicious look before walking with him.


    "Oi!" Xiu shouted at their back and when Ah-Si turned around to look at her, she went on, "Bring my girl back by 10 pm. And when I say 10, I actually mean an hour earlier. I believe you know the drill."


    Ah-Si gave her a mock salute as he replied, "I''ll keep that in mind, Sir!"


    Xiu was satisfied with that answer, "Then have fun."


    When they got into the elevator, Nora turned to Ah-Si, "Don''t mind whatever Xiu said. She is a little bit crazy."


    Ah-Si smiled at her pleasantly which surprised Nora. "I find her rather cute though. She is like a rabbit baring its teeth but at the end of the day, its still a rabbit which is adorable."


    Nora thought about his words and couldn''t help nodding in agreement.


    At the entrance of the building, he opened the door for Nora before taking his own seat behind the wheel. Just as he buckled up, his phone chimed. He took it from the side and checked the message since it was from Xiu. It read...


    ''You both are passive kind of people. But I advise you to be a little active this time around. Otherwise, your daughter might reach the alter but you both will be stuck right where you are! You love her, she loves you. Stop wasting time. Life is already very short!


    P.S. If you both didn''t take this relationship anywhere by the end of the day, I''m gonna lock you both in a dungeon!''


    A smile spread on his lips as he read the message.


    "Is everything okay?" inquired Nora when she saw how silent he had been. Ah-Si turned to look at her and nodded his head firmly.


    "Everything is perfect," he said before driving out of there.

 456 Maybe...

    Xiu pocketed her phone and stared at the closed door of Darren''s apartment. Even Francesca wasn''t there since she had been helping Zhao Wei all this while.


    *Ding*


    As she heard the elevator''s ding, she turned her head and saw Ying coming out while yawning.


    "Ying Jie, where are you coming from?"


    Ying looked up at Xiu before turning to unlock the door of her own place as she replied, "I just went to get some banana milk for myself."


    "Where is it?" asked Xiu seeing how her hands were empty now.


    "I drank it," replied Ying nonchalantly leaving Xiu sigh. "Anyways, what are you doing out in the hallway?"


    "Oh," Xiu ran over to her side as she said, "I was just about to look for you. Get your car keys."


    "What for?" inquired Ying.


    "I just told you yesterday, if you''re gonna follow me just do it openly. I need to go somewhere."


    Ying looked at her face before nodding, "Give me a minute." She hurried inside and came out almost instantly with a jacket and keys in her hand. "Let''s go!"


    Xiu hummed in reply and went with her. As they both settled in the car, Ying asked, "Where are we going?"


    "Dylan''s place," replied Xiu. Ying''s hands paused a little before she tapped the steering wheel and nodded her head. "We are going to Dylan''s place. Not his parents'' place. Besides, his sister has moved in with his parents now." Xiu felt the need to clear this detail for Ying''s sake.


    Ying gave her a sideways glance. "Kid, you''re a lot more aware of your surrounding and the feelings of people around you than people give you credit for."


    "I can''t survive as a dense person," answered Xiu as she fastened her seatbelt and clapped her hands, "Let''s go now!"


    The drive was supposed to be silent but with Xiu around, it was not possible. "I love your car by the way. But why are driving so slow?"


    "Safety first," said Ying with her eyes on the road.


    "Woah! I never took you for the person who plays safe though."


    Ying chuckled her words, "I indeed don''t play safe but I''m supposed to keep you safe. Can''t neglect my duty just for my own thrill."


    While Xiu was nodding agreeably, Ying''s cell phone rang. Since it was connected with the car, Xiu could read the caller id on the screen at the front, "Ying Jie, who is Yi?"


    "Dylan''s father," said Ying with a wink at her before she pressed the button on the steering wheel to accept the call. "What''s up, Yi?"


    "It''s Yi''s wife speaking," came the reply making Ying frown and Xiu to look at her with wide eyes.


    "Oh, hello there, Weiwei!" Ying wasn''t really surprised. "How come you decided to call me today? And that too from your husband''s phone."


    "I don''t have another way to contact you," replied Zhao Wei. "Anyways, I need your help."


    "Meihui told me that you are acquainted with the famous wedding planner and I was hoping if you could arrange a meeting. I know it''s on very short notice but I didn''t like the other wedding planner that we met."


    Xiu opened her mouth to say something when Ying put a finger on her lips to signal her to stay quiet.


    "You could just ask Zizi to do this. His one phone call can do wonders," said Ying calmly.


    "And do you think that Xin Zimen would actually make a call to a wedding planner just because I''m asking? No way! Even if it''s for his own son''s wedding, he''d never use his connections or family name!"


    Ying smiled knowingly. Even she knew that but she still couldn''t help testing the waters.


    "I''ll arrange the meeting for today," said Ying as she stopped the car at the red light and saw Xiu glaring at her dangerously.


    "You should come as well," came Zhao Wei''s polite and exciting invitation.


    Ying laughed softly at Xiu''s angry look as she shook her head back and forth. It was loud and clear that Xiu wanted her to refuse. Fortunately, Ying was in sync with her. "Sorry, Weiwei! I have a prior commitment. I can''t spare time."


    "What are you saying? It''s your best friend''s wedding? Aren''t you gonna help?"


    Seeing how Ying pressed her lips together thoughtfully, Xiu pinched her shoulder and whispered, "Don''t you even dare think about saying yes!"


    "Ying? You there?"


    "Yes, I''m here. I''d love to help but you arranged everything so suddenly that I can''t spare time now. I have promised someone already. I can''t break the promise now. I''m really sorry. But you can tell me if you need help with anything else. I''d love to be of help."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Ying and looked at her helplessly. What was wrong with her brain? How could she even agree to help in arranging the wedding for the person she loved for decades? Was it a joke?


    And how come people were so oblivious to her feelings? Xiu could say that perhaps, Zhao Wei never noticed Ying''s one-sided love for Xiaoli but Qiu Meihui knew it. Then why did she ask her mother to ask for Ying''s help? Was it really on purpose? For what? Just to hurt her?


    Bloody hell! This was making her really mad as if the one hurting wasn''t Ying but she.


    "I know everything is happening really fast but you can''t just stay at sidelines now. Later you''d say you can''t even attend the wedding. How is that gonna work?" Zhao Wei sounded displeased.


    Ying scratched her head and held the steering wheel as she saw the green light before saying, "As I said, I''ll help with whatever I can. And don''t worry, I''ll be at the wedding. It''s my one and only friend''s wedding. I wouldn''t miss it for the world. But today, I really can''t come."


    "You sound really suspicious now, Ying," came Francesca''s voice. "Tell us honestly. Are you going on a date with someone?"


    "Maybe..." Ying didn''t want to lie so she ended up giving a suggestive reply instead who knew the two ladies on the other side would get over-excited to hear that?


    "Great! Then have a good time and we''ll catch you later for details. Bye!"


    As the phone hung up, Ying glanced at Xiu who was crossing her arms over her chest as she stared out the window moodily.

 457 Little Sister

    "Why are you sulking?" joked Yan Ying. Xiu harrumphed in response and refused to look at Ying. Since Xiu''s silence was bothering her, Ying stopped the car at the side and poked Xiu''s shoulder, "Hey, are you not gonna talk to me?"


    "NO!" glowered Xiu.


    "Why?"


    Xiu turned to face her and raged, "You don''t know?"


    "I don''t," answered Ying casually. She really couldn''t understand why Xiu''s mood was shifting like this. Although she found Xiu quite adorable acting like this, she still didn''t like it. "Please, do tell me what made you so mad?"


    "How could you agree just like that?" Ying raised her brow inquisitively and Xiu elaborated, "Doesn''t it already hurt enough? Now, you''re gonna arrange for the wedding planner as well. You might as well just go and arrange the whole wedding of your best friend."


    "Not a bad idea," said Ying thoughtfully and Xiu was left gaping at her in disbelief.


    "Are you for real?!" exclaimed Xiu. "How can you even think like that?"


    "Didn''t you hear the excitement in Weiwei''s voice? How could I just say no to that?"


    "Ying Jie! For someone else''s happiness, you can''t keep killing your own heart and wishes. It''s not fair!" Xiu was feeling really bad for her. The image of her previous self that she saw in Ying was getting clearer now. No wonder she always felt so close to Ying. She reminded Xiu of Chen Xiu; Her past!


    Ying patted her head, "Don''t get so worked up..." She took a pause before saying, "My parents had rarely been home." Xiu frowned as she stared at Ying. "Both my parents had always been busy with work. I was mostly left with Zizi and his wife. Perhaps, that''s how I came to find solace in Xiaoli which I named as love."


    She looked out the window as she went on, "You might assume that I''m not close to my parents but that''s wrong. I''m an only child and I''m very close to my parents. And since I''m very close to my own parents, I grew close to every other elder around me. I hate seeing people close to me getting hurt."


    She looked back at Xiu who had a complicated look in her eyes now. "If I had said no to Weiwei, she''d have been upset. She''s like my own mother. If I can''t even bring myself to hurt my mom, why should I hurt someone else''s mom? Everyone''s mother is special and precious. If I can respect my own, it won''t hurt me to respect anyone else''s mother."


    Xiu scoffed, "You remind me of someone I hated for years." Ying was confused to hear it. "She was so kind that her kindness ended up killing her. Oh, wait. She killed herself." Xiu was clenching her hands tightly. "Weiwei might be oblivious. But you know it that Qiu Meihui did this to hurt you. Why are you letting her tear you down like this?"


    "I know why Meihui did this. You don''t need to tell me that. But so what? Even if she had asked the same thing herself, I''d still agree to help."


    "But why?!"


    "If you''re gonna kill an enemy, do it with a smile. That''s my life goal!"


    Xiu was left staring at her speechlessly. She finally realized the difference between herself and Ying. While she drowned in self-pity, Ying was strong enough to learn to swim in that pool of self-pity. They both were broken by the ones they loved but Chen Xiu lost herself with that loved one and Ying wasn''t someone who was gonna let a man define her.


    "Besides, Xiu, I don''t believe in keeping my pride over loved ones. We can''t survive on pride. I''d rather choose to love than choose my ego over it. And if me bowing down before love can bring a smile to another person''s face, it''s enough for me."


    Xiu slumped down in her seat and closed her eyes. "As I said the other day, you''re really like a blank canvas. And since you love seeing others painting you in the color they like, I wish you find someone who could paint you in the color that only belongs to you."


    Ying tussled her hair softly, "I don''t get it though. Why do I feel like you''re more upset than me? It seems like you''re ready to pick a fight with the whole world for me."


    Xiu straightened up, "Because I really am ready to fight for you." Ying was surprised as Xiu rolled her sleeves saying, "Who dares to hurt you? I don''t just call you Ying Jie, I honestly respect you like an elder sister. That''s different, I love teasing you but I don''t do it with just anyone. I do it with you only. After Nora, you''re the only one I''m willing to call a sister. So what if we''re not blood-related? So what if we haven''t known each other for years? What matters is that I feel comfortable with you."


    Ying laughed out heartily before starting the car again to get back on road.


    "Why are you laughing? I''m serious!"


    "I''m not laughing at you. I''m just reminded of how I used to beg my mother to get me a little sister. I was only three but my mom says, I was always after her. I always just asked for a sister." Ying was happily reminiscing about the distant memories.


    "But you didn''t get one," replied Xiu.


    "I did," answered Ying shocking Xiu.


    "But you said you''re an only child!"


    "I am," said Ying making Xiu give her a dumbfounded look. "But the sister I got was from Zizi and aunt Wen. When she was born, she was so adorable. I saw the photos, I was the first one to even hold her in my arms. Even Xiaoli wasn''t allowed to get close to her."


    "Li bro doesn''t have a sister though."


    "She... died," said Ying heavily.

 458 Number One

    When Xiu heard Ying''s words that''s when she was reminded of the book she took from Xin Zimen''s study. The book was written by his wife and it was dedicated to their daughter. How did she forget about that?


    "How did she die? And why does no one even mention her name?"


    Ying darted her tongue out to lick her lips before speaking, "She was gonna turn six in a few days when she died. I don''t know how she died but I do know her death left a hole in everyone''s life. Xiaosi doesn''t remember her well since he was only four back then. But I and Xiaoli were already about nine. So, we still have some impression of her."


    Ying felt awfully strange talking about this. She had never shared this with everyone. Just as Xiu said, no one ever brought up Xin Zimen''s daughter and that''s why most people even forgot that he had a daughter. Ying was one of the people who didn''t forget her but she found it hard to talk about her either.


    "As for why no one ever mentions her name... My aunt says Zizi can never love anyone. But just like any father, he fell in love with his daughter. In fact, she was the only one he truly loved in his life." Tears started pooling up in Ying''s eyes which she tried to blink away. "Her death left him devastated. So, no one brings her up to avoid hurting him."


    "He is such a strong man. I didn''t think he''d be so attached to someone," said Xiu thinking about Xin Zimen.


    "Anyways, let''s get back to the original topic. As I was saying that I always wanted a little sister and that little one was the only sister I got. You''re the first after her who really feels like a younger sister I would want to protect from the world."


    Xiu pressed her lips together as Ying parked the car outside Dylan''s house. She didn''t get off the car even after she unfastened the seatbelt. Instead, she turned to Ying and asked, "Are you really willing to protect me from the world? I can be a handful, I''m warning you."


    Ying chuckled at her and shook her head, "Silly, if you''re willing to pick a fight with the world for me how can I step back? If my little sister is so eager to fight for me, I as her elder sister should do my job perfectly and protect her with my life."


    Xiu alighted from the car and came to Ying''s side to open the door for her. "Come down."


    "Why?"


    "Just come out already!" Ying sighed out before unbuckling her seatbelt and getting down.


    "Now what?" She asked as she stood before Xiu. "Hey!" She was taken aback when Xiu pulled her in for a hug but she didn''t push her away. Instead, she rubbed her head and said, "What are you up to now?"


    "I just wanted to hug you to remind you that you''re not alone. You can even adopt me as a sister, I promise I''ll be a good younger sister. Yes, I''ll be a little troublesome and crazy at times. But I''ll still be there when you need me wherever you need me and whatever you need me for."


    But with Xiu, she was finally inclined to believe it. Such special bonds were rare but they were equally precious.


    Ying patted her head and said, "Now go away. Aren''t you getting late?"


    Xiu pulled away slightly and said mischievously, "Boss can come late."


    Ying rolled her eyes, "I guess you and Dylan are up to no good again."


    "Hehehe..."


    "I''ll wait here for you," said Ying as she pushed Xiu towards the door.


    "Huh? Come inside," offered Xiu but Ying refused to do so. "Then go back home. Don''t waste your time here."


    "I''m gonna have to keep an eye on you. Somehow you love getting into trouble."


    Xiu smiled sheepishly at her. "I know that. But I promise when I decide to leave, I''ll call you. I can''t let you stay outside here waiting for me. Either come inside or leave."


    Ying looked around and thought about it before nodding, "You better call me. And don''t go out alone. Don''t you dare!"


    "Copy that!" Xiu turned to ring the doorbell and waited. She saw Ying getting into the car but she didn''t drive away. She was waiting for Xiu to go inside first. But stupid Dylan wasn''t opening the door. Xiu was getting impatient. She even kicked the door but nobody opened it. "Oi! Dumbo Dylan! Open the door already!"


    Ying was pursing her lips when she saw Xiu hopping around furiously. Then she saw Xiu picking up the flower pot from the side of the door and shouted, "If you didn''t open it now, I''m gonna smash your window!"


    Ying came out of the car again and ran after Xiu to hold her back. "Ying Jie, let me go. This dumbass is not gonna listen unless I do this!"


    "Calm down. Just calm down." Ying slowly took the flower pot from her hands and placed it back down. "We don''t have to get violent here. If you smashed the window, his security alarm is gonna go off. So, keep calm."


    "He''s not opening the door!"


    Ying patted her shoulder and said, "Be smart." Saying that she punched in the code and the door opened.


    "How do you know this?"


    "Dylan is forgetful and lazy. He can''t remember complicated codes. So, his house code is 1111 because he always wants to be number 1."


    "Huh?" Xiu clapped her hands in appreciation. "You really know him so well."


    Ying smiled back at Xiu, "I don''t know him well. It''s just that I heard about this from Weiwei once. I just got to try it now and it worked. Now, go inside. I''m leaving." Xiu nodded and waved her goodbye.

 459 Drunk Calls

    The house was pitch black when Xiu entered and it looked like someone robbed it. That''s how messy everything was. Cushions were lying around on the floor and the strong stench of alcohol in the air made her scrunch up her nose.


    Xiu walked over to open the blinds when her foot bumped into something and she fell over; face front.


    "Ouch!" The impact of the fall was great since Xiu felt like her whole body was shaken up violently. Groaning in pain, she rolled over and kicked whatever came in her way. But just as her foot hit that ''thing'', it started moving. "Ah!" Xiu screamed as she ran over and opened the blinds. As the sunlight poured in, Xiu finally saw that ''thing'' clearly.


    Scowling unhappily, she went over and kicked that stupid ''thing'' again!


    "Oomph!" The ''thing'' groaned but didn''t wake up.


    Xiu pinched her nose and shook the ''thing'', "Are you gonna wake up or should I bring cold water for you?"


    "Xiu? What are you doing here?" Our very own ''thing''... Ahem! I mean, Dylan finally spoke in a hoarse voice. His throat was parched, his lips were dry and he looked like a mess. "How did you even get inside?" he questioned while rubbing his forehead. He also felt some pain in his stomach but didn''t know the reason.


    Poor him didn''t even realize that the reason was standing right in front of him who kicked him without any mercy.


    "Leave the questions for later. For now, you tell me how much did you drink? And why the hell did you drink?" Xiu was really curious to know it. Everything had been fine with him yesterday. He was so happy. Then why did he suddenly get so trashed?


    "I was celebrating," replied Dylan as he sat up on the couch and rubbed his stomach before hugging the cushion.


    "Celebrating?" repeated Xiu.


    "Yes, celebrating because my sister finally left my house. Since the time I bought it, this is the first time I have my house all to myself."


    Xiu hit the cushion on his head saying, "Is this your way of celebrating? You passed out!"


    "Let me finish," said Dylan before yawning. He rubbed his eyes and went on, "Originally, I was gonna drink only a little but then my sister called and she said something which made my mood turn sour. So, I ended up drinking a lot more."


    "I can''t believe I thought you''re becoming sensible," said Xiu while shaking her head in disappointment. She neither asked him about what really he talked about with Qiu Meihui nor was she interested. But she was interested in something else... "Give me your phone."


    "Why?"


    "I want to see whether your drunk ass drunk dialed your ex or something like that."


    Dylan waved his hand saying, "Nah! I don''t have her number. Don''t worry about that."


    "You mean you''d call her if you had the number?"


    Dylan shook his head back and forth but stopped because of the headache. "I didn''t mean that."


    "What do you have to say about yourself?" retorted Dylan as he looked at her accusingly.


    "Exactly what I said, I don''t trust drunk people including myself. Have you ever seen me acting like a trustworthy person when I''m drunk?"


    "You''re not very trustworthy even when you''re sober," grumbled Dylan childishly which earned him another hit on his head. "Stop hitting me." Seeing how Xiu was squinting her eyes at him, he sighed and looked for his phone. When he scrolled through his call log, his mouth hung open, "When did I call Dazi?"


    Xiu was immediately in the alert mode as she snatched his phone and looked at it. "You not only called my boyfriend? You even talked for five hours? I''m right about you!" She pointed her trembling finger at him in rage. "Even I as the lawful wife didn''t disturb his work but you as the mistress ended up disturbing him for hours?! How dare you!"


    "Hear me out, first! I don''t even know anything about it!" Dylan got up and ran for his life. He knew Xiu was gonna murder him after seeing such a long call history with her husband. Why did he even call Darren? Had he gone insane?! This didn''t make any sense!


    Although her accusation sounded funny, he wasn''t gonna laugh because she didn''t look in the mood to laugh. Especially when she pulled his collar and questioned, "What did you talk about that it took five hours?"


    "Let me think," said Dylan and rubbed his temples trying to force himself to think. A scene from last night flashed through his mind and he burst out laughing like a fool.


    "What are you laughing at?"


    Dylan held back his laughter and said, "Follow me." He dragged her upstairs and opened the window of his bedroom before pushing her to the balcony as he joined her and pointed at the window of the house next door. "I used my laser pointer in my neighbor''s window while they were away last night. Their cat trashed the house trying to catch it. Hahaha! It was so fun. And they will never know I was the evil person behind it."


    Xiu placed her hands on her hips as she stared at him, "Evil? I''d call you childish as always. I wonder why Cali loves you."


    Dylan stopped laughing and scoffed, "As if you wouldn''t have done something like this. Don''t forget that Dazi thinks you and I are like a mirror image of each other when it comes to stupid, useless pranks."


    "I told you to think about what did you talk about with Regan! Don''t wander off from the point here."


    "Why are you worried? It''s not like I confessed my love for him."


    "I''m worried because you talked for hours which means something must be bothering you. I know you have a habit of looking for your best friend whenever you''re upset. So, I need you to think about why were you upset? Because when we met yesterday, you looked perfectly happy with me."


    Dylan was left staring at her speechlessly. So, this time she wasn''t angry because of his call with Darren. She was upset because she thought something was bothering him. Dylan didn''t know why but the thought brought a smile to his lips.

 460 Mine & Yours

    "I didn''t know you care about me this much..." Dylan was genuinely touched by Xiu''s words; who was taken aback to see Dylan''s reaction. Especially when he hugged her from the side.


    "Who cares about you?" Xiu cleared her throat to get back her composure. How could she easily let him see that she was indeed worried about him? That wasn''t the kind of relationship they shared! It was a love-hate relationship where they could only openly hate each other but loving openly was out of the picture. "I am worried about my boyfriend. Whatever you said must have made him worry for no reason. Can''t you look for me instead? Stop disturbing him when he''s working."


    Dylan smiled at her reaction. He couldn''t help it. She was being way too obvious with her intentions.


    Xiu slapped his arm saying, "Stop smiling like a fool and go take a shower. You stink!"


    Dylan refused to budge, "No. I don''t want to."


    "Dylan!" That low growl of hers got him. "Get off of me, right now!" Dylan instantly let her go and backed off. She pointed towards the bathroom door, "Shower!"


    "Yes, boss!" Xiu narrowed her eyes at him and he ended up rephrasing, "I mean, yes Shifu!"


    Xiu was pleased to hear this response as she shooed him away and came downstairs. Looking at the mess, she was frustrated. It seemed like she had to do something about it. But first...


    Xiu took out her phone to call Darren and asked, "Why did Dylan call you last night?"


    "And here I thought my Sweets was missing me," came Darren''s disappointed voice.


    "Regan, be serious."


    "I''m always serious."


    "Regan!"


    Darren heaved a long sigh, "He called to blabber about something but I didn''t hear it for long since he was drunk."


    "Not for long? The call lasted for five hours!" told Xiu while she picked up the cushions from the floor and placed the other things at their rightful places.


    "What? Five hours? He didn''t hang up?" Darren was shocked which confused Xiu. "I actually put the phone on speaker and went to sleep. I have no idea what he talked about or when did he hang up."


    Xiu pursed her lips before she burst out laughing, "So he really just blabbered to himself?" Saying that she saw something on the floor and picked it up, "Oh, why did he throw such beautiful orchids on the floor?" She even took a small gift box and wondered out, "There is even a gift."


    "Umm... Sweets," came Darren''s voice from the other side distracting her. "How is the piano lesson going?"


    "It didn''t even start yet. The idiot just woke up," grumbled Xiu while forgetting all about the bouquet of flowers in her hands and also the gift box. She got focused on complaining about Dylan''s tardiness.


    "Sweets, why do I feel like you feel more threatened by Dylan''s presence than the fact that I''m here all alone and there are plenty of beautiful ladies around me? Aren''t you worried that someone can seduce me here when you''re not around?"


    Xiu frowned slightly and ended up shrugging her shoulders which he couldn''t see as she said, "I''m not worried about that."


    "Why?"


    "Because you can''t find anyone who loves you more than I do," replied Xiu.


    "Conceited much?"


    "How is that conceitedness? I''m telling the truth. But even if it means I''m being too proudful than so what? If I won''t be proud of my love, who else will be?"


    Darren shook his head at her, "I wonder if I can ever win from you in an argument."


    "You just won though," replied Xiu. While Darren was confused, she elaborated, "I won that means you won as well."


    "Huh?"


    "Oh-ho! If you''re mine and I''m yours that means your victory is mine and mine is yours as well. Got it?"


    Darren chuckled at her response. "Got it." He couldn''t stop laughing at her words. The way she put it made it all the more special for some reason.


    "Dylan was right. This piano does look good with his interior." She opened the lid and her fingers slid over the keys as she went on, "Why does this piano look so familiar?"


    "Because it''s the same model as I have," answered Darren. "The one you played back then when I took you to that house."


    Xiu''s hands paused a little as he reminded her of the night she told him her truth. The truth that sounded even bizarre to her own ears and yet he was willing to believe in her. He believed her in a heartbeat.


    "You both bought it together?" asked Xiu.


    "Hmm..." Darren hummed in reply before adding, "How about you play something for me? Dylan''s lesson can wait. I have a lot on my mind and I want to relax."


    Xiu sat down and placed the phone at a side on speakerphone as she said, "Close your eyes then. Don''t just hear the music. Listen and feel it."


    As always she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she let her fingers dance over the black and white keys. The melody she played was something she was most familiar with. Because this was the same melody that would calm her down whenever she felt like drowning. It was like this music provided her solace and she knew it could help him relax as well.


    Only when she stopped did she hear Darren speak again, "It was beautiful."


    "I played some wrong notes though," she retorted when he praised her. "Just tell me honestly that I messed up."


    "But I didn''t feel like you messed up," answered Darren honestly.


    *Ding-Dong!*


    "Oh, someone''s at the door," said Xiu as she heard the doorbell. "Go back to work. I''ll call you later."


    "Don''t forget to call me," he emphasized his words making her laugh a bit before he hung up the call.


    With a wide grin plastered on her lips, Xiu went over to the main door and pulled it open. But when she looked at the person standing before her, her expressions stiffened a little.


    Her painful ''once-upon-a-time'' was standing right before her eyes...

 461 Rightful Owner

    -Xin Villa-


    "She''s a lot more clever than I thought."


    Yan Ying could only nod in agreement with that statement of Xin Zimen. She also agreed that Xiu was a lot more clever than she originally thought.


    "But being clever is one thing, she''s a lot more caring person," said Ying thoughtfully. "Although she often comes off as a rude person, in reality, she''s like a rambutan; spiky on the outside, but sweet inside."


    Xin Zimen lifted his eyes and gave her a look. "How come a foodie like you can only think of fruit to compare with a sweet girl?"


    Ying brushed away her hair from her face saying, "I''m not a foodie! I only eat more when I''m stressed out."


    He tapped the pen in his hand repeatedly on the tabletop as he was lost in deep thought. "How come she is allowing you to stay close to her? And she''s not even curious why you''re protecting her?"


    "I think the only thing she''s curious about is; One, who is her father. Two, who ordered me to follow her." Ying''s words were conclusive. She had already seen Xiu''s stance over this subject. Xiu was not even the least bit bothered by her presence. "It might be because of the little incident that happened the other night." Xin Zimen glared at her as she reminded him of that again. "I''m sorry but if my grandmother calls you even you can''t ignore her. So don''t glare at me for getting distracted for just a minute."


    Xin Zimen leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table as his face propped on his knuckles while his eyes stayed focused on her. Ying was feeling weird being scrutinized by his deep eyes. What was he looking for now?!


    "What? Why are you staring?"


    "I remember I told you that you don''t have to inform me about her situation every minute. If something happens, look for me or else, don''t bother. So, I wonder what is your real intention for coming all the way here?"


    Ying laughed ironically. Bloody hell! The more she was trying not to be obvious, the more she seemed obvious to his prying eyes. Her hands went around her neck as she took off the pendant and placed it on his table.


    "I came to give it back to you," said Ying as she looked at the pendant. It had two platinum rings interlocked dangling. "I was ten when Aunt Ai gave this to me. I believe it''s time for me to give it back so that you can give it to the rightful owner of it."


    "Rightful owner? Who is exactly that rightful owner?" asked Xin Zimen raising his brows at her inquiringly.


    "This was for her daughter-in-law which I am not. You should give it to Meihui." It took a lot of effort on her part to get those words out of her mouth but she still accepted it that she wasn''t the rightful owner. And she never took something that wasn''t hers.


    However, Xin Zimen thought otherwise...


    "Stop repeating yourself!" Xin Zimen tsked at her while he rubbed her head. "Silly lass, the rightful owner is right here. Why should I pass it to anyone else?"


    "I''m not the right-"


    Xin Zimen intercepted her words, "Wen Ai meant to pass down this pendant to our daughter." Ying''s eyes widened at him. "It''s a family heirloom of Wen Clan. All firstborn daughters received it. It wasn''t for her daughter-in-law. It was for her daughter. And since she always loved you like her own daughter, she passed it to you."


    "Why would she...?" Ying couldn''t understand it.


    "Wasn''t my wife your godmother?" questioned Xin Zimen and Ying could only nod in reply. "Then why couldn''t she pass it to you?" He took a pause before continuing, "Do you know what those two interlocked rings represent?"


    Ying shook her head back and forth.


    "Xiao Ai once told me the history of it... She said when her grandmother gave it to her mother, she said, the rings represent how our personal wishes overlap with our responsibilities. But it never means we need to give up on one."


    Ying had a look of appreciation and admiration as she heard those words. In other words, he meant that we can''t free the one ring from the other because if we did, one of the two would break. So, we need to learn to balance between those two.


    "But when her mother passed it down to her, she said, the rings were like a relationship of a husband and wife. There always comes a time when two clashes together."


    Ying could only agree again. If a husband and wife are a part of each other than the clashes are unavoidable. Nobody''s perfect but it''s the fact how your imperfect self is willing to accept another imperfect person to build a perfect life together.


    "Now my question is, what did Wen Ai tell you when she gave it to you?"


    Ying fell into deep thought. She was only ten, the memory wasn''t clear but she could vaguely remember something. "She said life and death are like these interlocked rings. Death brings us the fear of losing something as precious as life but at the same time, it allows us to value that precious life as well. She said, she never thought it''d take death to make her realize how precious life is." Ying took a pause before adding, "I think she was talking about..."


    "You don''t have to say the name. I know what she meant by that." He took the pendant and placed it back in her hands. "It''s yours. Don''t always give what is yours to others."


    "Xiaoli wasn''t mine," she replied.


    "That''s why I''m okay with you giving him up so easily. But this pendant connects you to my wife. Just for Xiaoli, you can''t forget what status you hold in this house. And you can''t give up that status just for anyone! It''s rightfully yours because your godmother gave it to you."

 462 Play So Well

    "I believe it''s time for you to put your foot down and get what you want."


    Yan Ying contemplated Xin Zimen''s words. She has indeed given up way too much for other''s sake. And that''s why she always ended up with the shorter end. It was just like what Xiu had told her; to stop living for others. For once, she needed to chase her own happiness.


    She put the pendant back on and touched the dangling rings as she said, "If holding on and letting go is in my hands than my happiness should also only be mine to decide."


    Xin Zimen noticed her look of determination and smiled to himself in amusement. This was the reason why he thought Ying was very special. She was emotionally and mentally a very strong person. She never shied away from her tears but she also never let those tears hinder her happiness.


    Also, she was the most patient person he had come across in his life. She spent decades loving his son patiently waiting for him to return her feelings. But when he didn''t, instead of getting mad at him, she silently stepped aside.


    But that was exactly what made her so different from other people. She wasn''t the kind of person who would say, ''If you can''t be mine, I won''t let you be anyone else''s as well.'' In fact, she was the kind of person who was more inclined to say, ''If your happiness is with her, I''d be more than happy to gift you that happiness.''


    "I heard you''re taking your team out for a meal," began Xin Zimen uncertainly. "When did you get so generous?"


    "I was born generous," replied Ying.


    "Oh, really? I didn''t know that."


    Seeing his expressions of sarcasm, Ying didn''t know what to say. "Anyways, since I canceled the housewarming party last night, every one of them is bugging me now. So, I can only open my wallet and swipe my card for them."


    Xin Zimen placed his black card on her hand saying, "Then swipe this one instead."


    Ying chuckled, "I have no problem in swiping your card but if I did so, my dad won''t like it."


    "If he doesn''t like it then he should unfreeze your cards," retorted Xin Zimen.


    "His condition is still the same. As long as I agree to take over his business as his only heir, he''ll unfreeze all my cards. But why can''t he understand that I don''t want to be stuck in an office for life? He never stopped mom from this job, but he''s always after me."


    "You''re his only daughter, of course, he has his own concerns."


    "Zizi, you can''t take my dad''s side. As my godfather, don''t ever choose him over me! I''m warning you!"


    Xin Zimen poked her head, "Just go out with your colleagues. Stop bothering me."


    "Zizi, I''m a bother to you as well? How can you even- Ouch!"


    Her head was flicked again before she could finish her sentence. "Don''t even try to play this game with me."


    While she was skipping her way down the stairs, she passed by Xin Xiaoli who was going up. However, she didn''t stop but he did.


    "Ying..."


    Hearing her name, she finally stopped and turned to look up at him with furrowed brows.


    "When did you come?" he asked softly.


    Ying thought about her answer before saying, "Does it matter?" Before he could say anything, she added, "Now, before you remind me how you asked me to stay away from here. Let me enlighten you... I''m Yan Ying. This is my godmother and godfather''s house, not yours! I can come here whenever I want to. Even you can''t stop me."


    "I wasn''t gonna stop you-"


    Ying didn''t let him complete his sentence as she again started, "Why? Aren''t you worried now that Meihui will misunderstand my presence here? Or now you don''t care because she is soon gonna be your wife? Or maybe now you want me to permanently cut off from this place. Let me tell you, that''s not happening. Ever! If your soon to be wife doesn''t wanna see me here, she can close her eyes when I''m around."


    Xin Xiaoli squinted his eyes at her. When did she get so difficult to talk to? She wasn''t even letting him say anything.


    "I know I can''t stop you from coming here. I''m not trying that either," said Xiaoli. "I just wanted to ask how are you?" Ying looked at him with a raised brow. "I wanted to tell you about my wedding with Meihui first but..."


    "Why would you?" retorted Ying. "When I first heard the news I was upset." Xiaoli clenched his hands tightly as he felt guilty when he heard her words but later, she completely shocked him. "But only because I thought as a best friend, I deserved to know about this first. Guess what, it took me just a while to realize that I had no right to be upset because we are not best friends anymore. We''re not even friends anymore. So, why should I be upset about it?"


    "I never said we are not friends anymore," he replied after a moment.


    "When you said that I''m the reason why Meihui doesn''t want to give you a chance, you made yourself loud and clear. It was my stubbornness that I wasn''t willing to accept the truth."


    "Ying, hear me out... What you said that time made me angry and that''s why I said somethings I didn''t mean to."


    Ying raised her hand to stop him. "Did I lie though? I''ll repeat myself again, Meihui is your stubbornness and that''s why you''re not willing to let her go. There is a huge difference in love and stubbornness. But you''re not willing to see it!"


    "That''s not true!"


    "Don''t bother explaining it to me. I guess I have never said this before but I did love you. You''re my first love which is why I''m willing to let you go for your happiness. If you''re also my stubbornness, trust me, Ms. Qiu Meihui wouldn''t have been able to play with your feelings so well."

 463 A Friendship Too Precious

    Have you ever been in a situation where your mind and heart stopped working and only your mouth worked on its own having a mind of its own? For instance, you finally said something that you had been holding in for way too long but almost instantly ended up regretting it?


    If your answer is no, you''re lying to yourself.


    Because we all at least once regretted saying something to someone.


    In Ying''s case, she felt invigorated, liberated, and unchained after she said her piece to Xin Xiaoli. But as soon as she walked out the door, she wanted to bang her head against the wall for having an outburst out of nowhere!


    Yes, she blamed it all on Xiu and Xin Zimen for filling her mind with stuff like she needed to free herself from the shackles of other''s happiness and look for her own instead. If those two had not enticed her so much, she would have never spoken like that to Xin Xiaoli.


    Argh! What the hell is wrong with you?!


    Ying was pulling her hair in exasperation. It was very rare for her to let her emotions drive her like this. She was way too sensible to actually pull a stunt like that. When did she get so petty?!


    "No, I wasn''t being petty! I was fighting for my self-respect!" She reminded herself in a loud and clear voice while her hand rubbed over her chest as if to soothe her heart. "Who is he to tell me I can''t come here? This is also my home! He doesn''t wanna be friends, that''s his problem." She shouted with arrogance and such swag while looking at the door before giving it an air kick and turning to leave.


    However, in her own world, she missed a step of the stairs and almost fell. Her reflexes kicked in and she was saved from the embarrassment as she did a flip over and landed on her feet. Standing straight up, she looked around and checked whether anyone saw that or not.


    Rubbing her nape, she mumbled, "No one saw me fall. No one at all."


    "Ying!"


    She was startled when she heard her name being called out again and turned around to see Xin Xiaoli walking out towards her.


    "Why are you following me? Don''t be so anxious, I''ll definitely bring a thick red-packet on your wedding."


    "Do you really think I''m running after you for that? Why would I need your so-called thick red-packet?"


    Ying crossed her arms and scoffed, "Of course. You don''t even need this best friend. Why would you want her red-packet now? Fine. Great! I won''t bring any!" Xin Xiaoli''s face twitched while she didn''t finish here. "You know what? Don''t send me an invitation as well. I won''t have to come either."


    She was about to leave when he held her wrist and pulled her back.


    "What? Left your brain at the food stall? Or perhaps you dropped it in a gutter?"


    "Hey!"


    "I think you''re saying that to the wrong person. Because the one who puts words into your mouth ain''t me."


    Xin Xiaoli smacked on the back of her head making her gape at him with wide eyes as she pounced on him like a cat with her claws out to get him.


    So the scene went something like this... They both fell on the ground. They both groaned in pain but still didn''t stop trying to outdo each other. While she was tickling him because that was his weakness, he was pulling her ear because that was her sensitive spot.


    "Let go!" said Xiaoli.


    "You let go first," retorted Ying in the same manner as she punched his stomach.


    He returned the favor with pinching her shoulder.


    "Hey! Don''t do that! No pinching! It''s against the rule!" screamed Ying at him.


    "Tickling is also against the rule," he reminded her kindly.


    "Okay. At the count of three, let''s stop."


    "Fine."


    Ying nodded and counted, "One. Two..." She didn''t count the three because both of them had already let go. Sitting on the ground, she tilted her head to look at him and he did the same. Was it weird that she felt like laughing? Even if it was, she laughed and so did he.


    He abruptly stopped and rubbed her hair, "Stop making me choose between you and her. I can''t give up on either of you." Ying stayed quiet in reply as she lowered her eyes. "Meihui never liked you. No matter what she always had her own reason to hate you."


    "I''m not afraid of her," replied Ying. "I don''t even care what she thinks of me. But it hurts to know that you chose to listen to her and asked me to stay away from you."


    "Because I don''t want you to get hurt. It''s not for her. It''s for you!" Ying stared into his eyes. "You know I can''t stop loving her. Okay, maybe you''re right. She is my stubbornness. But I can''t let go of it now. And seeing her with me, you''ll only get hurt. I can''t do that to you."


    "But did you even think that losing my best friend is far worse than losing my love?" He saw the helplessness in her eyes. "We grew up together. It hurts more to know that you''d rather push me away than explain to me why? Didn''t we promise not to ever lie to each other?"


    "You broke the promise first when you kept hiding your love for me."


    "Yes, I was being selfish. I didn''t want to lose you. So, I stayed quiet. So what? Is it a crime to love? Or is it a crime to hide my love? I don''t deserve the punishment that I''m going through." She held onto his hand as she said, "I can accept the fact that Meihui got the person I loved. But why am I losing my best friend to her as well? Why?"


    "What the hell are you talking about? Our friendship is far longer than anything else. We literally had been the best buddies. The duo that wreaked havoc and made everyone envious. I know I can get selfish when it comes to love but that doesn''t mean I''m willing to lose you. You''re like family. I can never even think of leaving you."


    They silently sat there looking at the sky. It had been two years since she had actually had created such a scene with him. Indeed, before anything, he was her best friend. One, that her heart wasn''t willing to lose. He meant way more than just her first love.


    "I''m sorry!" he broke the silence. "I''m really sorry for hurting you."


    She knew if she let her ego win, there would be no friendship left between them. If she also chose ego, there would be no difference between her and Meihui. Not only that, but the person asking for an apology was also none other than Xin Xiaoli. She was even willing to give up her life for him... Wait! No! She shook her head. Of course, he won''t ask for life. Because that was too precious to her.


    Ying pushed his arm playfully, "Whatever!" She took a deep breath seeing him smile as she added, "So I really don''t have to get that red-packet, right?" Xiaoli glared at her and she backed off. "Okay. I''ll bring it. I promise."


    Ying looked down at the pendant around her neck and her smile widened. She also learned her own meaning of those interlocked rings, "Love and Friendship have a distinct line. It''s often very thin. However, it''s not fair to choose one and give up on the other." So what if she had no chance with love, she wasn''t gonna lose her friendship for it either.

 464 A Gues

    "I heard you had a fight with Ah-Si?" questioned Ying as she slightly shifted to sit on the stairs now. He hummed in reply and she frowned. "Why? You both never even argue. What happened?" Xin Xiaoli kept staring at her with a look that made her point at herself, "Because of me?" He nodded. "Why? What did I do?"


    "He is angry because he thinks that I asked you to not come home and that''s why you''re not staying with us."


    "Aww... He stood up for me. How cute!" She looked really touched to hear that. "I''ll remember to treat him even better in the future." Xin Xiaoli rolled his eyes at her. "But how did he misunderstand it? You just asked me to keep my distance from Meihui."


    "If you can misinterpret my words as ''Don''t come to this house again.'' He''s no different." Ying scratched her head. How was it her fault? He was angry when he said it, she was also angry. So, she also thought differently. "Forget it. He will be fine in a few days. You should worry about yourself."


    "Me? What''s there to worry about me? I''m young, free, wild, and healthy." She cleared her throat as she went on. "Okay. Maybe I''m not young anymore but I''m still healthy and health is wealth and this wealth has no stealth."


    He pulled her ear again making her yelp. "This is the reason why everyone is so concerned about you. You''re taking your life and happiness way too casually. I know I hurt you but you simply let it go with a single sorry."


    "What else am I supposed to do?"


    "I don''t know. Maybe try yelling at me. Or beating me. Do something at least."


    "I don''t want to," retorted Ying. "If I did any of that, your guilt will be gone. But I want you to suffer in that guilt for a bit longer. You should also know how it hurts."


    "This is your idea of revenge?"


    "Of course!"


    Xin Xiaoli held his head with his hands. He could only laugh at her. Either she was too nice or she was too naive. It was still unknown to him.


    "I feel like your future boyfriend will be very... lucky."


    "That''s given. He is lucky to have a gem like me."


    "You''re talking as if you already found him."


    "Why do you think I didn''t find one?" Xin Xiaoli looked at her suspiciously and laughed it off. "Oi! Don''t just laugh. I do have a boyfriend!"


    "Really?"


    Ying pursed her lips. Why did she say that? Out of nowhere! But seeing his look of suspicion, she didn''t want to back off from this lie either.


    "Yes, really! We haven''t spoken in two years. Do you really think a charming lady like me can''t find a boyfriend in two years? It''s easy-peasy for me."


    "Like I''d believe your lie," said Xin Xiaoli straightforwardly.


    "You really underestimate your best friend, eh? Look at me, how am I not good enough?"


    He pinched her nose, "The problem is you are too good for this world."


    "I still don''t believe you," was his reply making her frustrated now. "If you had a boyfriend my dad would know."


    Ying shrugged her shoulders, "Believe it or not. It''s your choice." Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she fished it out to attend the call.


    "Team leader, you''re not ditching us again, are you?" came a not so happy voice from the other side.


    "Relax, Marky! I''m not ditching you guys. I promised you a meal and I''m on my way for that."


    "We''re waiting, get here fast."


    "Don''t worry, child! Seeing my generosity, you''ll shed tears today." With that, she hung up the call and saw Xin Xiaoli giving her an odd look. "What?"


    "You''re up to no good," he stated the obvious.


    "I''m a good person and I''m always up for the good." Saying that she stood up and dusted off her clothes before walking over to her car. "Bye! Call me if you need me!"


    .....


    On the other side of things...


    Xiu was stood frozen with her one hand on the doorknob and the other was still holding her phone. She kept staring at the person standing before her and the person before her, also did the same. He was rooted to the ground with a complicated gaze.


    The person before her was none other than Zhou Jinhai. Her... No, Chen Xiu''s ex-boyfriend.


    And anything belonging to Chen Xiu, she wasn''t gonna let it get to her. Not again. The other day, she let his wife affect her but he wasn''t gonna do the same. She won''t allow that!


    He looked different than she remembered him. But only because she had always seen him in prim and proper suits. Right now, he wasn''t wearing a suit. He was wearing a casual loose shirt and trousers. His hair was a mess and he looked like he just woke up. He was even wearing slippers.


    In fact, she would say his condition wasn''t any better than Dylan''s. The only difference was she couldn''t smell alcohol on him. But then again, she knew he wasn''t very fond of drinking.


    "Xiu, who is at the door?"


    Dylan asked as he came downstairs with a towel around his shoulders. When Xiu didn''t reply, he came to stand behind her, "I''m talking to you."


    Xiu suddenly awakened from a trance as she said, "You have a guest."


    Dylan looked up and his eyes widened. "Jinhai? What brought you here?" His eyes slowly shifted towards Xiu unconsciously but he didn''t find any expression on her face. She seemed way too indifferent. But he knew how good of an actress she was so he wasn''t gonna fall for it.


    "I''m going inside," she said as she turned around and went inside the house leaving Dylan and Zhou Jinhai at the door.


    ''She must be hurt to see him here,'' Dylan thought to himself but apparently he was thinking way too much.

 465 Ask The Ca

    "That girl..." Zhou Jinhai''s voice brought Dylan''s attention back to him. "Was she the one playing the piano?"


    Dylan looked around before saying, "No. I was the one playing it."


    Zhou Jinhai''s expressions said it loud and clear that he didn''t believe Dylan even for a second. "Do you take me for a fool? Qiu Hedi can''t play the piano. I think everyone knows this already."


    "Are you insulting me?" asked Dylan. "I can definitely learn it."


    "And who has the remarkable patience to teach you piano?"


    "Jinhai! Don''t play with fire!" exclaimed Dylan.


    "Fire? Where is fire? Who is this fire?"


    Dylan pointed at himself. "It''s me! I''m the fire you''re trying to play with."


    "Even a matchstick is better than you," scoffed Zhou Jinhai.


    "Dylan, get down!" Dylan didn''t know how or why but on instinct when he heard Xiu''s voice, he got down. The result? Well, a coin struck Zhou Jinhai''s forehead right in the middle with such precision that he not only felt pain, but it also got red.


    "OW!" Dylan looked up when he heard Zhou Jinhai''s groan and saw him rubbing his forehead.


    With his mouth agape, Dylan looked back at Xiu who shrugged her shoulders, "Only I can insult my disciple. No one else is allowed to do so!" Dylan''s lips curled up in a wide grin as he lifted both his hands to give her two thumbs up.


    "Shifu! You''re the best!" He couldn''t help saying it. He had suffered under her tyrant for months. And he knew, she might not win in close combat but she had the most precise aim. He could only imagine how much it must be hurting Zhou Jinhai. But who cares? He wasn''t gonna sympathize. He was way too happy to have his sister-in-law on his side.


    Especially because 99% of the time, she was the one standing against him. This was one of that rare 1 % when she was standing beside him, with him and for him. Oh, he was gonna cry happy tears. Yes, that''s how touched Dylan was.


    "Aiya, you''re girlfriend is mean," said Zhou Jinhai and Dylan jumped over to shut his mouth.


    "Don''t even for a second assume that she is my girlfriend. Her boyfriend might send a virtual dagger to chase me to death."


    Zhou Jinhai pushed his hand away from his mouth, "Are you really scared of someone? When did that happen?"


    Dylan stood aside and cleared his throat. "We are not gonna discuss that. Why are you here?"


    "I woke up because of the piano music. It sounded awfully familiar."


    Dylan''s eyes instinctively looked inside the house. He couldn''t see Xiu, but his mind was definitely wandering off to her. Did he even have to guess why the music sounded familiar to Zhou Jinhai? No, he did not! He already knew!


    "Are you here to complain about it?"


    "Serves you right," said Dylan without holding back. "Besides, when did you become my neighbor? No, what the hell are you even doing in my city? Are you following me now?"


    "You''re talking as if I''m your ex-girlfriend who is following you. Think before speaking, Didi."


    "Well, you''re not ex-girlfriend but you''re certainly ex-girlfriend''s..." Dylan leaned closer to him to whisper, "Brother." Zhou Jinahi rolled his eyes while Dylan continued, "And that ex-girlfriend is not doing any good job either."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Wait," saying that Dylan went inside the house and found the bouquet of orchids and the gift box lying on the table now. He took it and came out to push it into Zhou Jinhai''s hands. "Give it back to her. And tell her to stop interfering in my life."


    Zhou Jinhai looked at the things in his hands before saying, "Qiuqiu sent this to you?" Dylan nodded his head. "Why are you giving it to me? Throw it out."


    "I''m giving it to you so that you can pass it-"


    Zhou Jinhai didn''t give him a chance to finish as he threw the things in his hand away. "I''m not your messenger. Besides, I haven''t seen her in years and I don''t wish to see her face as well. So, deal with your own business." Dylan was taken aback by his reaction. "Anyhow, I only came here to ask you how you''re gonna compensate for the damages?"


    "Ask the cat to pay," retorted Dylan moodily.


    "Are you saving money for your sister''s wedding?"


    "How do you know my sister is getting married?"


    Zhou Jinhai knocked on his head, "Are you okay? Just because we haven''t been talking that doesn''t mean our parents are not good friends. Your mom is still my dad''s good friend. I obviously got the invitation to Sister Meihui''s wedding."


    "You''re coming?" Dylan didn''t argue because he knew what Zhou Jinhai said was true. He couldn''t deny it. He was just curious to know whether he was gonna come or not.


    "Of course," answered Zhou Jinhai. "Why would I not be there?"


    "Let me refresh your memory that Dazi is also gonna be there."


    "All the more reason for me to be there," replied Zhou Jinhai while tapping Dylan''s shocked face before he turned to leave. He stopped after a couple of steps and added, "And next time, before doing anything childish, learn who your neighbors are. Because I''m not following you, I have bought this house even before you moved here."


    "Looks like I need to look for a new place," shouted Dylan from behind.


    "Good! At least, I''ll get rid of a troublesome neighbor like you!"


    "What did you call me?!"


    "You heard it!"


    Dylan was fuming at the door as he saw Zhou Jinhai turning to his own yard before entering through the door but not before giving Dylan a smirk.


    "Are you planning on staying out?"


    Dylan looked at Xiu who came to him and kept blinking with a blank face. Even his brain was feeling empty. More than Darren, he was concerned that Xiu was also gonna be at his sister''s wedding, how could Zhou Jinhai be there?

 466 Feel Nothin

    "I..." Dylan struggled with words. As for why? He didn''t know. He silently followed her inside the house as he said, "I was just gonna come inside."


    "Didn''t seem like it," replied Xiu before beckoning him to lower his head. Dylan frowned in confusion but didn''t dare to argue as he silently lowered his head. Xiu took his towel from around his shoulders and started wiping his hair. "I thought you guys weren''t friends anymore."


    Because of the towel, Dylan couldn''t see her face. He thought for a minute before saying, "We are not."


    "Then why was he here?" questioned Xiu as she pulled off the towel from his head and walked away.


    "He was here as a neighbor to complain about the blunder I did last night." Xiu turned around with an inquisitive look. "The cat I played with was his." Xiu''s frown deepened and as if understanding her, he went on, "I also am surprised to know that he''s my neighbor. Shocking, right?"


    Xiu shook her head in reply, "No... The shocking part is that he has a cat? Isn''t he allergic to cats?"


    Dylan also noticed this and nodded his head, "Oh, that''s right. He does have a cat allergy. Then why is he keeping a cat?" All of a sudden, his eyes shifted to Xiu with a strange look.


    "What? Why are you looking at me?"


    "You didn''t even know that your boyfriend doesn''t like dogs but you do know that your ex-boyfriend is allergic to cats. That''s hurtful."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him, "My boyfriend didn''t tell me about his dislikes at that time. As for my so-called ex-boyfriend, he ended up in a hospital because of his cat allergy and I was the reason. I can''t possibly forget that."


    "Really?" Xiu nodded her head in reply. Dylan took a moment hesitating before he started, "About seeing your ex-boyfriend here... It must not be a good experience."


    "I don''t mind," was Xiu''s casual remark which left Dylan staring at her agape.


    "You don''t have to keep up this facade before me. I won''t judge. I promise."


    "But I''m not wearing any facade," retorted Xiu.


    "You can''t fool me."


    "I know I can''t fool you." Dylan felt smug when she said that but almost instantly wanted to choke her to death as she concluded with, "Fooling a fool is not my style."


    "Xiu!"


    "Lower your voice! I''m not your E.A anymore." Xiu''s voice was calm but he could hear the warning lying underneath that calmness. "Also, as I said earlier, I really don''t mind seeing Zhou Jinhai here."


    Dylan was perplexed. How was that possible? He really wasn''t willing to believe her words.


    "Then why did you just stood there? Seeing him at the door, you didn''t move."


    "I was a bit taken aback seeing him at the door and that too in his sleepwear. There is no other reason."


    "Can I trust you?" asked Dylan.


    "Nothing?" Dylan repeated softly before saying, "Sourab Souryavanshi wrote, ''The feeling of feeling nothing anymore is the worst feeling ever.''"


    Xiu smiled at him and replied, "When I said I feel nothing, I mean to say that I''m not reminded of the bad memories anymore. He doesn''t have the power to control my emotions anymore. As for my feelings, I feel everything but it depends on the person I''m willing to feel it with."


    Dylan stared at her face and said nothing.


    "Now, get up. You''ve already wasted so much time. Let''s get to that piano lesson."


    Dylan''s stomach grumbled in response. He rubbed his tummy saying, "But I''m hungry." Xiu raised her brow at him as he pleaded, "Can you make me something to eat?"


    "Why should I?"


    "Please! Shifu, you should be responsible for your disciple." Xiu raised her fist as if she was gonna hit him but ended up not doing it. Grumbling incoherently, she went over to the kitchen and looked through his fridge. "I just want some congee." Xiu glared at him and he changed his request, "I won''t be picky. Anything is fine with me."


    He looked so adorable doing it that Xiu couldn''t bring herself to say no. She ended up getting the ingredients for the congee as per his request. Now she was reminded of what Darren warned her about, ''It''s easy to fall into Dylan''s trap. He has a way to play with feelings. There is a reason why no one has ever been able to say no to him for anything.''


    Xiu understood those words completely now. The way Dylan looked at her was enough to make her feel guilty for even thinking of saying no. She really wondered why this big baby was so good at throwing his charms around!


    When Dylan finally got his bowl of congee, his face lit up so brightly that it could put a fluorescent bulb to shame. Wait! That was the wrong reference. But whatever!


    Anyways, big baby Dylan just happily dug into his bowl of congee and forgot about the rest of the world. Xiu watched him eating and suddenly questioned, "Where is the bouquet of orchids that I placed at the table?"


    Dylan choked and Xiu passed him the glass of water while rubbing his back. "I threw it out."


    "Why? Such pretty flowers, how can you just throw it out?"


    "If you want it, I''ll get you new flowers," retorted Dylan which earned him a smack on his head.


    "Give those flowers to your girl. I don''t need flowers from you. I have my boyfriend who can even write a love confession with flowers."


    Dylan sighed, "Then let''s not talk about the flowers I threw out."


    "But-"


    Dylan raised his hand to stop her. "And don''t ask why I did it."


    Xiu stared at him dumbfounded. Why was he getting so worked up? She just asked about the flowers! What was there to get mad about? Argh! It was really hard to understand him sometimes.

 467 Girls Date

    *SMACK!*


    "Aiya! Will you stop hitting me?" Dylan was rubbing the back of his head which had been hit repeatedly in the past hour.


    "What else am I supposed to do? This is the millionth time I told you everything and yet, you are not getting anything right!" Xiu was exasperated. When Darren warned her about Dylan being a musical fool, she really didn''t think he was hopeless! Rubbing her forehead, she sighed, "I''m gonna repeat again. Listen and remember!"


    Dylan nodded his head and gave her complete attention.


    She lifted both her hands and wiggled her fingers as she said, "Our fingers have names, no let''s just call it numbers. For instance, Our thumb is..."


    "One," said Dylan instantly and proudly. Xiu wanted to smack his head again for being so proud of getting it right after an hour. "I got this part. Thumbs are one, pointer fingers are two, middle fingers are three, ring fingers are four and my pinkie is five." He showed her his ten fingers as he counted and giggled, "See? I got it right."


    Xiu was amazed at his excitement. But she couldn''t do anything about it as she sighed out, "Moving on, we have seven notes. But on this grand piano, we have 88 keys. So, how do the seven notes fit?"


    "By repeating," answered Dylan excitedly again. His enthusiasm wasn''t dampened even after getting insulted repeatedly. Xiu had to give him that. He was really sincere about learning the piano but then why was he getting it wrong? Xiu vaguely felt like he was distracted but she didn''t know why.


    "Yes, the seven notes fit by repeating. Now, what are the notes? Because each key has a note associated with it. Our notes are, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. We have this clear now or not?" asked Xiu again and Dylan nodded his head vigorously.


    "Got it, Shifu! I''ll engrave it on my heart this time," he promised.


    "It''d be good if you do that," replied Xiu helplessly. "Next, on the very bottom of this 88 keyboard, we have the white key for note A." She pressed the key before continuing, "Just like that, we keep going left to right with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G." Each note produced a distinct sound. "Remember, in piano, we go left to right. Just like reading English we go left to right."


    "Left to right. Left to right. Okay!" He gave her an OK sign again and urged her to continue.


    "Now, our bottom note was A but here our very top note is a C."


    "How do you know that? Did you count it?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him, "No, silly. I know it because of the black keys. If you notice, you can see that black keys on this board are in the set of either two or three. That''s how I know which note is where on this big keyboard."


    "Wow, it''s fascinating," mumbled Dylan as he also noticed the black and white keys. "Oh, by the way, I found the sheet music for what I want to play."


    "How long will it take?"


    "If you focus, we''ll get to the goal soon enough."


    Dylan had a determined look on his face as he said, "I promise. I''ll focus with all my heart." His phone rang and he jumped over to take the call, "Hi, Cali! Am I dreaming? Or are you really calling me yourself?"


    Before Cali could say anything, she heard Xiu''s voice from Dylan''s side.


    "I thought you''re gonna focus with all your heart!"


    Dylan looked at Xiu sheepishly as he said, "But she controls the heartstrings. How am I supposed to focus when she''s pulling the strings?"


    Cali choked on her juice while Xiu was left gaping at him in disbelief. With a round of applaud, she said, "Bro, I finally know why you''re Regan''s best friend."


    Dylan gave her a toothy grin before turning back to his phone, "Cali? You there? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "I''m here," replied Cali after taking a moment to calm down. That attack of his words was way too sudden.


    "Great! Then say something, I''d like to hear your voice now." He walked to a corner and lowered his voice to a whisper as he went on, "Hearing the fierce voice of my sister-in-law is giving me a headache!"


    Cali chuckled while Xiu''s voice came, "I heard that Mr. Tattletale!" Dylan stuck his tongue out at her. He really couldn''t tell how her ears were so sensitive? How did she hear him? In all honesty, Xiu heard nothing. She just knew Dylan way to well so she knew he must have said something about her. "If you''re this ungrateful, I''m not helping anymore."


    "Oh, wait! Don''t go!" Dylan stopped her instantly. "I was kidding. I promise I won''t do it again."


    "What are you both up to exactly?" asked Cali curiously and Dylan looked at the phone which somehow turned to speakerphone. It must have happened when he rushed over to stop Xiu.


    "Should I tell her?" asked Xiu while wiggling her brows at Dylan who shook his head. Xiu shook her head at his reaction as she replied, "Nothing special. He needed help with some stuff so I came over for that."


    "Oh... So, you''re both busy?"


    "Why? What''s up?" questioned Xiu.


    "Actually, I was thinking we can go out to play. I have never been to those arcades. So, I really wanted to go there."


    "I''ll take you. I''ll be right there," said Dylan without even thinking.


    "Xiu, would you like to join?"


    Dylan looked at Xiu and shook his head. "Why does she have to join us?"


    Xiu patted his cheek as she said, "I wasn''t gonna be the big bad bulb between you two but you just said the wrong words. Now, I''m definitely going!"


    Dylan''s shoulders slumped down. "Sister-in-law, can''t you see your brother-in-law happy for once?"


    "I want you to be very happy, Dylan but I also want you to know how it feels to have a third wheel between you and your loved one."


    Dylan knew she was doing it for revenge now. If at first, it was because of his words, now it was revenge!


    "I''m not taking you with me," he said firmly.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Suit yourself. Cali, I''ll pick you up in a while. You definitely would enjoy the girls'' date more."


    "Okay!" Cali also agreed without hesitation because she also just needed a reason to get close to Xiu. Meanwhile, Dylan was feeling like he was being left out.


    He had to stomp on his own pride as he said, "Wait for me. I''m gonna change clothes." Saying that he passed the phone to Xiu and went upstairs.

 468 Simulation

    "Xiu! You''re coming or not?! Why do you girls take so long?!"


    Dylan was shouting from outside the house. He had gotten dressed within minutes and yet Xiu was taking her sweet time getting out to join him. He knew she was being intentional. She just wanted him to get late. Because she knew he was eager to see his Cali. Hateful behavior!


    "And can you boys be any less impatient?! The world is not ending. Give me a minute!" called out Xiu from inside the house. In fact, she was not intentionally taking long. She had been texting a couple of people about her whereabouts. And those people definitely involved, Darren and Ying. For once, she was trying to be responsible.


    While Dylan was impatiently pacing around, he heard someone calling his name, "Dylan!" He turned to his right and saw Liu Nuan in the front garden beside his own. He wasn''t surprised since he already got to know that Zhou Jinhai was the owner of that house than seeing Liu Nuan was no surprise at all. "How are you?"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "Just peachy."


    "Huihui called me over for wedding shopping. Luckily, I was already in town, or else I would have missed it all."


    Dylan looked at her in a bored manner as he replied, "Naunnuan, I really am not interested in knowing why my sister called you. She had been pretty close to you, it''s no big deal if she called you for her wedding or shopping or whatnot."


    "Actually, she asked me to be her bridesmaid," said Liu Nuan with a smile.


    "Good for you," retorted Dylan uninterested.


    She opened her mouth to say something but a voice from behind her stopped her, "You can take your cat." Liu Nuan turned to face her husband who wasn''t looking at her. Instead, his eyes were on Dylan. She hummed in reply before walking towards the door not before saying to Dylan, "I guess we''ll see each other often now."


    "Seems like it," grumbled Dylan to himself. He noticed Zhou Jinhai''s thoughtful gaze on him and asked, "The cat is hers?" Zhou Jinhai nodded his head and Dylan noticed his nose getting red and itchy. Indeed, he was still allergic to cats. "Why did you let her keep it? Aren''t you allergic to cats?"


    "She doesn''t live with me. I have no concern with what she keeps," replied Zhou Jinhai as he shoved his hands into his trouser pockets. He didn''t go into detail because he didn''t think Dylan would be interested in hearing him out.


    Dylan was a bit taken aback by his reply. What did he mean by they didn''t live together? But they were still married. He definitely didn''t hear anything about separation or divorce between them.


    "Anyways, you''re really gonna be thick-skinned? Pay me for the damage you did! That was a Tang Dynasty''s vase. It''s one of a kind!"


    Dylan looked away saying, "Ask for the compensation from the cat''s owner now. She didn''t train her cat well."


    Dylan whipped his head around, "How do you know that?"


    "I think we met before at the wedding a few months ago." As Zhou Jinhai reminded him, Dylan''s eyes widened in realization. They indeed met a few months ago when Darren had just begun dating Xiu. Of course, Dylan had forgotten about that because back then, he was certain that Xiu and Darren won''t work out for long.


    But now he was certain that he was stuck with Xiu for life. What a tragic change brought the wind of change!


    So technically, this wasn''t Xiu''s first time seeing Zhou Jinhai after her rebirth. This can be counted as second. Dylan nodded to himself.


    While Dylan was lost in his trance, his jacket''s collar was held from behind as Xiu dragged him away saying, "Aren''t we getting late now?" Not even for a second did she turn her eyes to Zhou Jinhai. As if he wasn''t even there at all. But she was certainly irked to see Dylan having a casual chat with his neighbor over the fence. How friendly! She extended her hand towards him, "Car keys?"


    Dylan showed her the car keys which she snatched from his hand and moved over to the driving seat while was left frowning to himself, "Oh, wait. Who is driving?"


    "I''m driving," said Xiu as she got inside the car.


    "What? But you never even drove when you''re working for me," reminded Dylan. He still remembered how he was the one driving everywhere while she sat with him like she was the boss and he was the driver. How was she changing the roles now?


    "That was when I worked for you. Now, I don''t." That''s all that Xiu said to make him gape at her in disbelief. Oh, how can he forget that she loved defying her boss''s orders!


    He silently got on the front seat and buckled his seatbelt as he said, "I remember you said you''re not a good driver."


    "I''m not," answered Xiu and his eyes widened. "But don''t worry, I have been practicing. I think I''ve gotten a lot better at driving now." Dylan heaved a sigh of relief but her next words made him choke on air. "In my mind."


    "What?" He held his seatbelt as he looked at her with a horror-stricken look.


    "I said, I have been doing simulations in my mind. Don''t worry, I won''t kill you. Even if we die, we''ll die together."


    "Who wants to die with you? I still haven''t even wooed my girl!"


    "Relax. I still haven''t gotten married, so I''ll try my best to keep us alive." Dylan looked like he was about to cry but before he could do anything, she stepped on the gas and whooshed away making him yelp and even pray for his poor soul.


    Poor him didn''t even know that she was messing with him. She was only bad at night driving or parking and even that she had been practicing lately. Her driving had improved a lot since Darren''s driver, Ben would often give her driving lessons. But that was a surprise for Darren. Because she only focused on him.

 469 Rubbing Sal

    Zhou Jinhai couldn''t help noticing the way Xiu treated Dylan and found it quite... refreshing? He had never seen anyone bully Dylan before. Mostly because either he or Darren had been there to protect him. But now, Dylan was willingly getting bullied. It was really amusing to see.


    As he saw their car drive away, he finally turned around and saw his wife standing at the porch with her cat. He was gonna walk past her when she informed, "Qiuqiu is back."


    "I didn''t ask," replied Zhou Jinhai.


    "At the end of the day, she''s your only sister. She misses you a lot. Can''t you meet her? For me?" she pleaded in her soft voice.


    However, the softer her voice was, the more it was infuriating him. He had come to despise the way she acted now.


    "Who are you?" Her question stunned her as she stared at him wide-eyed. "Stop being delusional already. Why would I go to meet my sister just because you''re asking? Just because you have the title of being my wife? Get over it!"


    "Jin, you... Can''t you move on? I can understand you don''t like me but Qiuqiu is your sister," she stressed. "How long are you gonna punish us? How long are you gonna punish yourself?" Tears fell down her eyes as she continued, "I already begged you to forgive me. What more can I do?"


    Zhou Jinhai glared at her, "Why should I forgive you? I''m not even able to forgive myself!" His voice raised an octave. "Forgiveness is not gonna bring her back to life!"


    Liu Nuan''s hand trembled as she wiped her tears and looked up at him saying, "I know it can''t bring her back. But for how long are we gonna let this hurt us? Can''t we forget it all now?"


    Zhou Jinhai laughed at her face ironically, "It''s funny how easy it is for you to forget her." He held her arm in a tight grip that made her face contort in pain. "Don''t forget you''re alive because of her kindness. And you repaid it marvelously... By pushing her to death."


    Liu Nuan covered her ears as her whole body was shaking now. His words were piercing her heart and overwhelming her thoughts. Especially, those words were reminding her of the guilt she had been trying to grow out of.


    He opened the door of the house and stopped to add, "Oh, and you said, I need to forget. How are you gonna forget your own guilt? It''s that guilt that''s making you take care of these stray animals. But let me clear this up for you, the one you''re trying to copy was genuinely kind. She wasn''t trying to wash her sins by doing some charity work."


    He was gonna step inside when she held his wrist and stopped him. "Jin, your mom is in the hospital. She fell off the stairs last week."


    Zhou Jinhai peeled her hand off his wrist as he replied, "She isn''t dead yet. I don''t think she needs me."


    "She is missing you a lot. You''re her son, obviously, she needs you."


    Liu Nuan was left staring at the closed door with a heavy heart. A distant voice rang in her mind, ''One day, your lies are gonna take the shape of a halter around your neck. It''ll neither let you live nor let you die. But it''ll keep tightening to the point that you''d suffocate in this web of lies you created yourself.''


    Taking a deep breath, she looked heavenward as she mumbled, "You''re right. It''s getting difficult to breathe now."


    ....


    "Wow! Cali is awesome! You''re doing great. Kill all the enemies!"


    Xiu leaned close to Dylan as she said, "Oi! Stop doing that. You sound like a bloody cheerleader and that''s annoying."


    "But I only trying to cheer my girl up," retorted Dylan as he looked at the screen as Cali shot down another enemy. "Oh, she''s marvelous!


    "She''s only playing a game. She isn''t in a war. Stop overreacting!"


    "I''m overreacting?" asked Dylan and Xiu nodded. "Okay." His eyes wandered around as he set his target and said, "Let''s have a round of basketball. Whoever scored more will get a wish. Don''t worry, my only wish is for you to get lost and let me spend some time with my girl!"


    Xiu cracked her knuckles and stretched her neck saying, "Bro, you''ll regret it!"


    Coming to the gaming arcade hall was Cali''s idea but apparently, Xiu and Dylan had been having their own battles. Dylan was trying to kick Xiu away while Xiu was trying to become the century''s best and biggest lightbulb!


    Soon, they started on their bet and played the basketball game. It was already great for Dylan to score 58 in 60 seconds but Xiu knocked him down with her 61 scores. Dylan''s shoulders slumped down while Xiu''s face brightened up, "Oh, poor you! I told you not to mess with me."


    "Let''s do it with that shooting game." Dylan wasn''t gonna take it lying down. And Xiu would happily comply.


    By the time, Cali noticed what was happening, Dylan had already lost three times in three different games from Xiu. Not only that, now Xiu had three wishes as well. And seeing the devilish smirk on her face, Dylan could tell he wasn''t gonna have it easy.


    "What are you both even trying to do?" Cali interrupted the staring battle between them. "How can you childishly fight over this? It''s just games. Take it easy! We are here for fun."


    Dylan held Cali''s arm as he provoked Xiu, "Yes, what good is it winning from me? If you have the guts, play with Cali. She''s a basketball pro. She''ll knock you down along with your arrogance!"


    "Bro, I''d love to play with her but you see, I don''t want to hurt her feelings. She''s already feeling bad for having an incompetent boyfriend like you. Oh, wait. You''re not even her boyfriend yet!"


    Xiu''s laughed got Dylan mad.


    "How can you rub salt on my wounds?"

 470 Sore Loser

    "Rubbing salt?" Xiu''s brow quirked up. "I''m just speaking the truth."


    Dylan pinched her arm as he whispered, "But your truth is hurtful."


    Xiu stared at his face for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "Okay." She patted his shoulder reassuring him. "I''ll zip my lips now. I won''t disturb you or Cali. You can pretend I''m not even here."


    "Your presence is brighter than my love life, I can''t help noticing you," replied Dylan and Xiu ended up laughing.


    She playfully hit his arm saying, "Aww, you don''t have to flatter me so much now."


    Dylan''s face twitched seeing her acting like this but he didn''t say anything. He turned to Cali instead to ask, "Let''s go to the food court?" Cali also nodded since they had been at the arcade for 2 hours now. It was past lunchtime and she was feeling hungry.


    But on their way out, she saw a claw machine and ended up clutching Dylan''s arm while pointing at it. "I want to play that."


    "You like stuffed animals?"


    The question came from both Xiu and Dylan simultaneously. And they both sounded surprised. Because those cute animals in the claw machine didn''t really go along with Cali''s personality.


    "What''s wrong with it?" Cali questioned seeing their faces and both of them shook their heads indicating that nothing was wrong.


    Dylan used the coin to play while Xiu scoffed at him once again, "Old school kid..." Saying that she used her phone to scan the QR code and started maneuvering the control. Xiu''s eyes were on that adorable little Pikachu but the claw machine wasn''t working with her. She played five times and didn''t get even one toy.


    "I didn''t know you''re so good at it," she heard Cali''s voice and looked over to see Cali holding four stuffed toys while Dylan was passing her another one. And this was the identical Pikachu that she was after.


    Dylan looked at Xiu''s empty hands and laughed out, "I finally saw a dumbass."


    Xiu scoffed, "Why? Did you finally look in the mirror?"


    Although Dylan was irked by her words, he decided to play it calmly. "Sore loser. Since you couldn''t even get one toy, you''re getting all worked up on me. How petty!"


    "Sore loser?" repeated Xiu. "Are you sure you aren''t talking about yourself?"


    Dylan squinted his eyes at her. He really wished he had bet over claw machine with her. If he knew she was so bad it, he would have definitely done it. Aiyo! He lost such a golden chance to win for once!


    But it was already satisfying enough to know that Xiu was bad at it. Very bad it!


    Seeing the smile on Cali''s face, Xiu added, "No wonder you love Dylan. Now, I get it. You like cute things like him."


    Dylan glared at her hateful, "I''m not cute. I''m handsome!"


    Xiu pointed at Cali, "Tell that to her. I know you''re anything but cute. She is delusional to think that you''re cute."


    Xiu feigned a cough, "Brown-noser!"


    "And you''re a busybody!" retorted Dylan.


    "Didi, did I tell you that I have a black belt?"


    Dylan stepped back as he asked, "In karate?" Xiu shook her head. "Taekwando?" She shook her head again. "Aikido?" She shook it again. "Jujutsu?"


    Xiu shook her head and glared at him. "No idiot! I have a black belt from Gucci." She pointed at her belt and Dylan''s face twitched while she went on, "I don''t mind beating you with it."


    "Thug!"


    Cali had been half amused and half worried about these two. She had heard from Darren about their bickering but seeing was truly believing. Every time she found them at the same place, they''d be arguing about something. It was like a never-ending saga.


    However, how was it so that she found this very special? Why did it seem like these two were a lot closer than they seemed? Perhaps, this bickering of theirs made their relationship very special. They weren''t afraid to say or share anything with each other. It was weird but the comfort level between Xiu and Dylan felt surreal.


    Later at the food court, the three of them sat down and ordered according to their own preferences. Xiu''s eyes were however still at the Pikachu in Cali''s possession.


    "How about you give me the Pikachu? You already have the other four," she tried to negotiate her terms.


    "Take your eyes off of my girlfriend''s stuff," warned Dylan.


    "Don''t be so stingy. I just like Pikachu. Can''t you give it to me?" Cali was more than willing to give it but Dylan wasn''t.


    "Not happening. If you want it, ask your own boyfriend."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "You think my Baobei can''t get it for me?"


    "If he can, you should ask him. Don''t covet other''s things."


    Xiu stared at him agape before nodding her head. She texted someone and within a minute, Dylan''s phone rang. Xiu gave him an evil smile when he looked at the caller id and stepped away to take the call.


    "What did you do?" asked Cali.


    Xiu slurped on her shake and replied innocently, "Nothing. I just told my Baobei that his best friend is bullying me behind his back."


    Cali shook her head at Xiu, "You mean Regan is busy scolding Dylan now?"


    "Maybe..." That was her reply but Xiu certainly knew what Dylan was going through. Who told him to deny one thing she asked for? And she would have let it go if he hadn''t incited her by talking about her boyfriend. Didn''t he know it was wrong to bring up her boyfriend''s name right now?


    Did he really think she was having a good time right now being a lightbulb between him and Cali? Yes, she acted like it but that didn''t mean she didn''t wish it was her and Darren instead. Especially because they had never come to play out like this.


    After fifteen minutes, Dylan came back to the table and looked at Xiu with a complicated gaze. He took a french fry from the tray and said, "Nora and Ah-Si are on a date?"


    "How do you know that?" asked Xiu.


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "I just saw them. They are a floor below us eating ice cream." Xiu jumped up to her feet and went over to take a look.

 471 For Nora Darling

    Just as Dylan had said, Ah-Si and Nora were indeed on the floor below them. As for what they were doing at the biggest mall-ish place in the city? Well...


    If it had been for Ah-Si, he would love to take Nora out on a walk, a book reading maybe to a botanic garden or something like that. But those were the things he loved to do. Nora was the complete opposite of that. She didn''t like any of that. Books were her biggest nightmare. She loved anything spontaneous.


    So, he took her to the one place she loved in the whole world; Mall!


    Nora was a shopaholic and that was a known fact. How could someone like her not like being at the mall? In fact, her face had lit up so brightly when she got to know that they were coming to the mall.


    Although Ah-Si had nothing he wanted to buy, he had still told her that he wanted to buy some new shirts and her opinion was needed. Guess what? Nora the fashion advisor was more than just happy to be of help! That was her forte!


    But Ah-Si didn''t think it''d get so tiring because of how she made him try on over twenty shirts. She was really invested in her job. And she loved every second of it. However, she was taken aback when the roles got switched and she was the one trying on clothes for herself. How did that happen?


    Hmm... It had something to do with a sneaky guy who said, "Since you helped me so much. I''d like to buy a dress for you as well."


    It was very easy for Nora to fall for his words no matter how simple those words were. So, she easily complied.


    After the shopping spree, he took her to the restaurant for lunch.


    "What do you want to do now?" he asked for her opinion.


    "Let''s look around for a while," replied Nora because she didn''t want this date to end just here. She loved this moment when she could easily talk to him without having to hide anything from him. It was like she was back to being that teenager who fell in love with him at first sight. "I want ice cream."


    "Okay," was all that Ah-Si said and took her to get the ice cream. Grabbing their own cones, they sat down at one of the benches and comfortably talked about anything or everything. That''s when Dylan''s hawk-like eyes caught their figures.


    "Who is with Ava?" asked Nora taking a bite of her cone.


    "She is with Miyabi," answered Ah-Si. "Don''t worry though. Miyabi came to our house with my mom when she was a teenager. So, she is more like a family member."


    "Can you bring Ava next week? I want to take her to mom and dad again. They fell in love with her." Nora was really happy thinking about how her parents got attached to Ava in just a couple of days. "Besides, I think Jackie needs more time to get used to her presence."


    "He is young but he has a wish to grow up fast."


    "Why?"


    "Because he wants to protect his sisters from everyone," Nora chuckled as she thought of Jackie''s sweet words. "You know people say he acts more like Xiu."


    "He does," agreed Ah-Si.


    Nora nodded her head, "That''s indeed true. He does. He was only three when I got pregnant and went away. While I was away, he only had Xiu to depend on. She was always around him. She even used to bring him to University and that''s why he got so attached to her since mom and dad were also working. Even when I came back, I didn''t try to bridge the gap between us. He reminded me of the child I thought I lost and it hurt me even more." Ah-Si held her hand and she smiled up at him. "It''s okay. I''m just happy that even though I never got the chance to bond with him, he still loves me very much."


    "He does love you a lot," Ah-Si couldn''t help seeing. He did see the closeness between Xiu and Jackie but it was also palpable that Nora was very dear to both Xiu and Jackie. They just had their own way of showing it.


    "I just hope he tries to get close to Ava. Because I know he''ll be the best little uncle."


    Ah-Si patted her head softly, "I know he will. Don''t think so much about it." Nora was happily nodding her head when a voice from behind her made her body stiff.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiu, Dylan, and Cali had been looking over them from above. They were like those nosy friends who just had to know what was going on. Because let''s be honest, Xiu had no faith in Nora and Ah-Si. They both were equally dumb and they had proved it repeatedly.


    But when Xiu looked at the person who came to stand behind Nora, her eyes widened. She was about to rush over when Dylan held her hand, "What are you doing? Don''t blow our cover!"


    Xiu slapped his hand saying, "Idiot! That douchebag is Nora''s ex-boyfriend! I guess I didn''t puncture his crotch nicely last time that''s why he is here to disturb her again."


    In Dylan''s mind, only three words were ringing, ''Punctured his crotch?''


    "You''re brutal!" he exclaimed while Xiu rolled her eyes at him.


    "He deserved that," she replied. "Let me go. What if he ruined this date for Nora?"


    Dylan pointed towards Ah-Si as he said, "You don''t need to be her knight anymore. Her prince charming is sitting with her." Xiu pressed her lips together as she looked back in their direction. Dylan patted her shoulder saying, "Give him a chance as well." Xiu finally nodded and decided to watch.


    There was nothing wrong with seeing how this was gonna play out. Even if something happened, she was there to help. Anytime for her Nora darling.

 472 Just A Friend?

    "What a pleasant surprise seeing you here!"


    "La Madre Que te pari¨®!![1]" Nora couldn''t help cursing in Spanish when she turned her head to face that jackass of an ex-boyfriend who came out of nowhere. Didn''t Xiu teach him enough lesson last time? Why the hell was he looking for trouble now?


    Ah-Si looked at the boy behind Nora and then looked back at her. She lowered her head and tried to avoid his questioning eyes.


    "Found a new boyfriend?"


    "None of your business," retorted Nora in a fed-up voice.


    "How long are you gonna keep him?"


    Nora clutched her fists tightly as she gritted out, "Again, none of your fucking business!"


    "Still got that attitude huh?" The boy was definitely looking for trouble and Nora was holding herself back from saying anything. "Don''t think I forgot what you and that slutty friend of yours did to me."


    Nora was being very patient and civil with him but when he brought up Xiu, she was infuriated. How dare he called her sister names? He must be fed up of living!


    "It must be painful since you can''t fuck yourself anymore with that useless joystick of yours. Boo! Poor you!"


    "Pfft!" Ah-Si burst out laughing.


    "You!" The boy moved over but Ah-Si stood in his way immediately and held him back. "Bro, step away. Trust me, she isn''t worth it."


    "And a cheater like you is any better?" said Nora as she craned her head to look at him. "I think you forgot what my sister warned you about."


    "I''m not scared of you or her," he barked.


    Nora rubbed her ear saying, "Ah-Si, do you hear any dog barking around?"


    "You, bitch!" he was gonna pounce on her when Ah-Si clicked his finger and two men dressed casually came out and held him back.


    "You don''t have to be scared of her but you should be scared of me," said Ah-Si with a smile that didn''t look like a smile. He waved his hand and Nora was left gaping at those men dragging the annoying pest away. She looked at Ah-Si who shrugged his shoulder, "I don''t like people disturbing my date." Nora pressed her lips together. "But that ex-boyfriend..."


    "I can explain," she abruptly said.


    He chuckled at her and rubbed her head, "Nevermind. I don''t care as long as he is just an ex." Nora smiled at him gratefully but she was really thinking of ways to strangle that fucking bastard who came to mess up her happy time.


    ....


    "Where did those men come from?" questioned Xiu. Earlier when she saw Ah-Si stepping up, she was feeling scared for him. She knew Ah-Si wouldn''t be able to take him on. But then those men came out of nowhere and took her off-guard. But seeing how calm Dylan was, she added, "You knew they were around?"


    He nodded his head. "Either it''s Ah-Si or Li bro, there is always someone around them. There is no way Uncle Zi would let them be. He is a very protective father, I must say."


    "What are they looking at now?" asked Xiu because when she looked back at Nora and Ah-Si, both of them were staring at something intently.


    ....


    Back on Nora''s side...


    "Can you pretend like I didn''t speak nonsense just now?"


    "Which one? Where you cursed in Spanish or where you just..."


    Nora lowered her head again and stared at her feet as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. "Both."


    He nodded his head, "I can forget both. But it''s not something new to me. In fact, I still remember how I used to find it amusing when you cursed in Spanish at someone just because they couldn''t understand it and you''d get away with it easily."


    Nora covered her mouth in shock, "Where did you hear me curse?"


    "Quite a lot of places," he replied. Nora ended up covering her face hiding from him. He tried to pull her hands down but she refused. "If you think I fell in love with that innocent side of yours, then you''re wrong." Nora peeped through her fingers as he continued, "In our circle, every other girl is the epitome of innocence. It annoyed me a lot seeing them acting weak, well-mannered, and pretty. You on the other hand always made a blunder with your fiery personality."


    Nora kept staring at his face sweetly, "Did you just say you fell in love with me?"


    Ah-Si''s brows furrowed up, "Haven''t we already established that? I do love you. It didn''t change in all these years. And I don''t want it to change anymore."


    "Is it weird that I find it weird when you say something sweet? And when you''re being so straightforward?"


    Ah-si laughed at her and shook his head, "No, I don''t think so." He was still laughing when he leaned against the glass railing but paused when his eyes caught the sight of a familiar face.


    Nora came to stand beside him and followed his line of sight. "She''s beautiful." She couldn''t help saying it but felt indignant because of the way his attention was caught by that beautiful face.


    "I know Ying Jie is beautiful," he mumbled softly.


    Nora''s face lit up, "Oh, is that Ying Jie? I heard so much about her from Xiu. I was so eagerly waiting to meet her."


    "She indeed is Ying Jie. But the real question is... Who is that guy with her?"


    "Can be her boyfriend," replied Nora thoughtfully.


    "Boyfriend?" repeated Ah-Si and shook his head. "How is that possible? If she had a boyfriend, my dad might throw a party for the whole city on her behalf. It must be a friend or colleague. It must be."


    Nora pointed back in Ying''s direction and said, "That doesn''t look like just a friend to me though."


    Ah-Si turned his head and was dumbfounded by the scene before him.


    [1] ''La Madre Que te pari¨®!'': Spanish for ''Motherf**cker!''

 473 Impeccable Memory

    Earlier in the day, someone said she was gonna make people cry with her generosity. And that someone was none other than; Yan Ying herself!


    Right now, everyone in the private room was crying but whether it was tears of joy or not... It was hard to say though. But did it matter? Her mission was accomplished already!


    And that''s why Yan Ying was definitely satisfied with this result.


    All of her team members were more than happy when she brought them to an internet-famous restaurant. But who knew she would order the specialty of this place. And that happened to be; Super Spicy Hotpot!


    It was so spicy that tears were inevitable. But Ying personally loved that about this place. Her team members might disagree with her preferences though. Not like she cared about that. If they wanted her to spend money, it was gonna be on her terms. Or nobody was gonna get to eat anything today!


    "Team leader, are you taking revenge on all of us?" asked Mark when he noticed her smiling through her own tears.


    "What do you think?" she asked in return. "But you can''t deny that this is the best Hotpot ever!"


    Mark shook his head saying, "I''m not denying it. But..." He breathed through his mouth while wiping his tears. "You''re really cruel by placing the bet of whoever ate the hotpot without any drink, that person would get a week off of work."


    "Anything is fair in love and war," she retorted with a peal of evil laughter.


    "No wonder you''re still single," he replied making her face twitch. "By the way, did you recover your memories?"


    "I don''t have amnesia," said Ying.


    "Then how come you don''t remember Destiny Novell?"


    Ying rubbed her nape, "If only I knew that." She placed her chopsticks down and got up, "I''m gonna pay the bill now." Saying that she walked out of the private room and came out for some fresh air. She paid the bill but didn''t go back inside. Neither was she planning on doing it. Her nose and eyes were red from that spicy hotpot so she decided to wash her face with cold water.


    She sat down at one of the benches after she came out of the washroom but her nose was still itchy. She rubbed her nose, sniffling repeatedly. She was again gonna rub her nose when a napkin was suddenly extended towards her. She looked at the napkin and then at the person who offered it. He was sitting at the other end of the bench earlier but now had slid closer to her.


    "Wipe your tears with it," he said.


    Ying frowned at him, "Are you blind? I''m not crying!"


    "So, you''re done crying?" he asked.


    Ying glared at his face which was hidden behind those big shades and that baseball cap he wore. She took a deep breath, "Even if I was crying, what are you trying to do? Act nice? If you''re then don''t bother. I am not used to receiving kindness from a stranger."


    "What?" asked Ying since she didn''t hear him clearly.


    "I said kind strangers might be rare but not completely extinct."


    Ying didn''t know why but she asked, "Have you met one?"


    She was surprised when she saw him not only nodding but also flashing a pearly white smile as he said, "I knew the living example."


    Ying finally took the napkin from him and rubbed her nose again saying, "Living example? Did you meet an angel or something?"


    "Hmm... She was indeed an angel." He replied thoughtfully.


    "You''re a weird stranger," said Ying. "But looks oddly familiar. Have we met before?"


    He slid even closer and even lifted his cap while taking off his shades as he asked, "What do you think? Have we?"


    Ying squinted her eyes at him and suddenly had a realization, "There you are!" She pointed towards a stand that had different magazines and his face was on one of those magazines cover. "See? I knew you looked familiar."


    He looked really disappointed as he put his cap back on along with shades and shook his head at her, "I guess I expected way too much."


    "Why do you look like I snatched your candy?" She was only joking but when she turned her head, she saw him putting candy into his mouth. But hearing her words, even he was frozen still. "Are you kidding me? You really have candy?"


    He shrugged his shoulders and put the candy in his mouth before saying, "What''s wrong with that?"


    "I guess nothing is wrong with that," retorted Ying calmly. "Han Bohai, right?"


    He was taken aback as he looked at her and nodded, "So, you do know me."


    "Don''t flatter yourself. I''m not a fan of yours. I just have an impeccable memory."


    "Impeccable memory?" he scoffed. "It sounds funny since you don''t even remember me."


    "It''s funnier, that a celebrity like you still remembers bumping into a nobody like me."


    His eyes widened as he stared at the side of her face. "So, you do remember that incident?"


    "Who can forget having a live experience of seeing a celebrity?"


    He could hear the sarcasm in her voice but didn''t comment over it. He didn''t mind it at all. "I guess you calling me a rare animal was more memorable."


    Ying coughed, "You even remember that?"


    "Couldn''t help it," said Han Bohai and smiled at her. "Besides, aren''t you being very humble by calling yourself a nobody?" Ying quirked her brows at him. "Dr. Yan Ying." Her eyes widened and before she could question him, he went on, "Two months ago, you were invited as a special guest to the archeology convention in the Capital."


    "We met there?" asked Ying and he shook his head.


    "Not really. I just saw you there for the first time."


    "What was a celebrity doing there?" questioned Ying curiously. He was about to answer when she stopped him, "Don''t bother telling me that. I don''t want to know."

 474 Let Me Count!

    Just because Ying asked him not to say anything, he didn''t say a word. But his eyes didn''t leave her face. Ying could feel his gaze even if he was wearing those shades, she could tell where he was looking. However, how come she wasn''t able to understand the reason behind that silly smile he was passing her?


    She even touched her face to check whether there was something on it or not. Because his behavior was certainly odd. Fortunately, her phone''s ringtone distracted her.


    "How did the discussion go?" she asked the person on the line. After listening for a minute, she went on, "I don''t care about your schedule. The wedding better be perfect or I would be really mad. It''s a special day for everyone." She took a pause to hear the other person before saying, "Yes, it''s very special to me as well. Okay, bye! I''ll see you in a few days." When she hung up, she stood up to leave.


    "You''re getting married?" Ying was already at the door of the restaurant she came out of when his voice halted her steps and she turned to look at him with a raised brow. "But I just found you."


    "What?"


    "Aren''t you too young to marry?"


    Ying''s face twitched. She pointed at her face as she said, "I''m turning thirty."


    But his response shocked her, "Exactly. That''s too young."


    "Your definition of young is appalling," said Ying after she took a moment to speak. "Do you even know how dangerous it is for a single woman to be thirty in our society?"


    "Why?" He was staring at her in genuine curiosity now.


    "Because people like to talk in our society," she replied offhandedly.


    And he ended up wondering out loud, "Our society is weird. Someone was in a relationship at the age of 22 and was cursed for dating too young. Here you''re telling me not dating at 30 is even dangerous because people will still talk. When do the people stop talking exactly?"


    "I don''t know and I really don''t want to know either." With that, Ying was again on her way inside.


    But before she could enter she heard her team members'' loud chattering as they were leaving the restaurant.


    "Oi! Where did our magpie go?" said one of them making Ying''s face to scrunch up. He just referred to her as magpie? How outrageous!


    "Don''t tell me boss ditched us here because she didn''t want to pay?"


    Ying gaped as she heard them discussing her like that? She was the best they''d find in the whole syndicate and yet, she was being labeled like this? So much for being an heiress!


    "Boss already paid the bill." Ying smiled in satisfaction when Gigi spoke up for her.


    "It''s good she paid. At least we didn''t shed those tears for nothing."


    "I presume she is hiding because she knows we want to drag her to the karaoke with us."


    Ying wasn''t aware of that plan but she was alert when she heard it. As they came closer to the exit, she tried to hide behind a plant.


    Precisely this was the scene that made Nora say that they didn''t look like friends and even Ah-Si had no way to retort to that. This was more than just shocking for him as well.


    But Ying had no clue about any of it. Her goal at the moment was to just hide from her colleagues who wanted to drag her to karaoke. That was a big no-no for her!


    "Isn''t it odd though? She always finds excuses to avoid going to the karaoke?"


    Ying pulled his closer with his jacket. "Why are you even hiding?"


    "Shush!" she indicated with her eyes and he shut up seeing how her face was peaking out of his jacket.


    Not paying attention to him, she again eavesdropped on her colleagues who were having fun discussing her behind her back.


    "Why do you think she always runs though? Does she want to avoid paying for us all? Or maybe she is really bad at singing and doesn''t want to embarrass herself?"


    "Huh? Team leader Yan and scared of embarrassment? That sounds odd."


    "Let''s have a bet! I''m sure she just doesn''t want to pay for us."


    "Nah! I''d go with bad singing."


    Ying''s hands clenched into tight fists and she ended up hitting Han Bohai''s chest as she whispered, "Enjoy your bet. I''ll make you all pay for it!" Even though he felt the strength in her hit, he didn''t voice it out. He was still just staring at her face with a smile.


    Seeing that all her team members walked away, she heaved a sigh of relief. His head leaned close to her face as he asked, "So, which one is it? Bad singer or just a penny-pincher?"


    Ying frowned at him, "I don''t like singing. Besides, I barely know one or two songs." She shrugged her shoulders as she went on, "But it''s also true that I like saving money."


    His face leaned even closer. So close that she has to step back but she couldn''t. Because there was only a wall behind her. She couldn''t step sideways as well since his hands were on both sides.


    "Too..." She stuttered before her hand touched his chest and tried to push him back. "Too close."


    He laughed at her reaction and was about to step back when she pulled him back taking him off-guard again. Not just by pushing him but also the way her hand was on his abdomen muscles.


    "Ooohh... Wow! That''s right." He stared wide-eyed at her as her hand. "Let me count."


    "Huh?"

 475 Love Like Business

    The way her fingers poked his abdomen muscle left him feeling weird. Ying, however, didn''t realize. She was too engrossed in her ''research''. But this was his first time having someone so eager to look around.


    "What are you even doing?" he questioned her when she was done counting and even gave him a thumbs up in appreciation.


    "I''m wondering how come you''re hiding such a good body underneath this shirt? I could never tell you work out if I didn''t touch it accidentally."


    "I''m a celebrity. Keeping a good figure is one of the requirements."


    "Oh, right. It''s just for the good figure. What''s the point of having muscles if you can''t even fight?"


    "And who said I can''t fight?"


    "Can you?" asked Ying curiously.


    "As a matter of fact, I have a black belt in karate."


    "Oh, really?" Ying didn''t believe him even when he nodded she went on, "I don''t buy it though."


    "And how will you believe it?"


    "If only you can win from me."


    Before he could say anything, they both heard a voice, "Team leader..." Ying looked at the person standing behind him and smiled awkwardly. However, Gigi just extended her keys towards her, "You forgot your car keys inside." Ying instantly took back her keys and looked at her gratefully. Gigi looked at her and then at Han Bohai before winking at Ying, "Enjoy your date."


    "Date?" Ying was gaping at her back and called out, "I''m not on a date!" She pointed at Han Bohai saying, "He is not my date! No way!"


    But Gigi had already rushed away and even if she heard, she wasn''t gonna believe Ying''s words. The scene she saw clearly said otherwise.


    She squinted her eyes at Han Bohai who stepped away raising his hands in defense. "This is all your fault?"


    "How? What did I do?"


    "She misunderstood us and you''re just standing there like a statue! What if this creates a scandal?"


    "Are you worried about me?" his reply made her look at him dumbfounded. How exactly was his brain programmed? Why would she be worried about him? She just met him! "Relax! I''m not scared of scandals. And having one with you might be like a dream coming true."


    "I really think something is wrong with your brain," said Ying and shaking her head, walked away. But today something was definitely up with her luck because her shirt somehow got stuck in the door''s handle and a ''Chrrrr'' sound, the shirt got torn from the back. And this was ladies and gentlemen the reason she hated these fashionable shirts with strange patterns made of strings that could get stuck anywhere.


    Before she could think of anything, Han Bohai was already standing behind her. Now, her back was pressing against his chest as he held her shoulders and said, "Don''t move."


    "Shut up!" she replied.


    "I''m just saying..."


    "Just chillax!" he said.


    "There is no such word as chillax!" she gritted out in exasperation.


    "The point is, you need to take it positively."


    Ying tilted her head slightly as she asked, "How so? How is this going in a positive direction?! I left my jacket in the car! How is it good?"


    He pointed at himself, "I''m the positive part in all of this. Am I not here?" Saying that he took off his own jacket and even helped her in putting it on. Because of their body figure and because of the height, his jacket was very loose on her body. But as long as it was helpful, who was gonna complain?


    "You''re just trying to compliment yourself, aren''t you?" she asked after wearing the jacket and looking at him again.


    "Maybe..."


    "Why are you even helping me?"


    "Urm..." he looked around trying to think of something to say. "If I said I''m just being a kind and compassionate stranger, you won''t believe me, right?" Ying nodded her head solemnly. "Okay. Then I''ll go with... Since I helped you, now you owe me a meal."


    Ying contemplated for a while before saying, "But why do I think you''re just looking for an excuse to meet me again?"


    He stepped closer to her and replied, "Because I am doing exactly that."


    "Are you really flirting with me right now?" On normal occasions, he would have gotten a black eye by now from her punch but Ying found him way too interesting. She didn''t know much about celebrities but he definitely wasn''t doing a good job of acting like one.


    "I can''t help it, you look like a thief who''s stealing my heart."


    Ying made a face before saying, "And you look like a drum because I wish to beat you."


    "Hahaha..." He laughed out at her words and she also smiled.


    "But on a serious note, we just met. If we don''t consider our last meeting, this is like the very first time we are meeting. You can''t possibly fall for someone that easily."


    "Haven''t you heard that song?" he began. "Hey, I just met you and this is crazy. But here''s my number, so call me maybe..."


    Ying slapped his arm making him step back. "I didn''t even know there is such a song."


    "Well, now you know. See? I''m not only resourceful, kind, or funny but also knowledgable."


    "I feel like I''m sitting in business negotiation and you''re telling me your selling points."


    He stared at her face with a smile, "Isn''t love also like a business?"


    "Huh?"


    "There are pros and cons. There are profit and loss. We get something, we lose something. We give, we take. And most importantly, it only works if both parties are willing to invest an equal amount of time, feelings, understanding, and trust."


    Ying was at a loss for words now. There had never been a person around her who flirted in this way. Most importantly, he didn''t even deny it. He was so eager to say that he was indeed trying to flirt with her? But why though? What was in her that caught his eye? That soon as well?

 476 Out-Of-Date!

    Seeing how quiet Ying was, he asked, "You don''t agree?" Ying still didn''t reply and he ended up frowning, "But Sister Xi... Anyways, I guess she was just making fun of me back then." He was contradicting his own thoughts.


    In fact, the words he told Ying originally came from Chen Xiu. He just remembered it very well. How could he not? He had spent more than four years as her assistant just because he loved her personality and character. Perhaps, that''s why until now he believed in everything that his Sister Xiu used to tell him.


    "I should really go now," said Ying. She had no mood of arguing with him. Although she was having fun talking to him, she really needed to stop here.


    "I''m too shy to say but I hope you stay."


    Hearing him, Ying''s face was like a big question mark was painted on it. From her non-existence experience of flirting she could tell he was smooth. Real smooth. But who was she? She was Yan Ying! Was she really gonna back off that easily? Never!


    "I have met so many snakes, cakes, and fakes in my life. How come you''re so out-of-date?"


    Han Bohai''s face twitched at her remark. "And how come you''re so unromantic?" Ying opened her mouth to speak when he continued, "And don''t make the same argument that this is the first time we are even meeting. I find you interesting, that has nothing to do with time." Ying closed her mouth since she was about to say exactly that! "Let me tell you, it''s love. It''s often like instant noodles, ready in 2 minutes. And sometimes, it''s like wine that takes decades to become a fine wine. So, time has nothing to do with love."


    Ying looked down at the jacket he lent her and thought for a moment before replying, "I''ll offer you that meal."


    "Really? What''s the catch?" Ying quirked her brow amusingly when he asked that. How come he knew there was a catch?


    "You said you have a black belt in karate?" He nodded his head. "You really have to win in a match against me."


    "Okay." Saying that he extended his phone towards. She looked at the phone and then at him inquisitively. He sighed out, "Add my WeChat. How else are we gonna find each other?"


    "How about leaving it to luck?" suggested Ying.


    "Don''t try to play with me," he said and she resigned as she took her own phone and scanned his WeChat code.


    After adding him on WeChat, she giggled to herself, "This is my first time having a celebrity''s personal contact information." She searched for something on the internet and exclaimed, "Wow! You have millions of followers on Weibo. What if I sell your contact information to these fans of yours? How much do you think I''ll earn?"


    "Are you for real?"


    "Chillax! I won''t really do it..." He was stunned when she used the same term as his. She seemed to be enjoying herself very much at the moment.


    As he said, he was resourceful, funny, so-called knowledgeable, and compassionate. She had lived in a friendzone for years, having another friend won''t hurt. Besides, this friend was really peculiar. And as an archaeologist, she had always been fond of peculiar things.


    "Ying Jie!"


    Ying''s eyes went round as she heard her name again and looked at Ah-Si coming over to her side. Who would tell her why he was here? And why was he coming over to her? Wait! Why was she anxious to see him? She didn''t do anything wrong. Right?


    "What are you doing here?" asked Ying. "Shouldn''t you be taking care of your daughter? Be a responsible father!"


    Ah-Si''s lips pressed into a thin line. "I''m trying to take responsibility for my daughter''s mother. Is something wrong with that?" As he spoke, his arm also went around Nora''s waist pulling her towards himself.


    And that allowed Ying to finally notice Nora''s presence. "Oh, you''re Ava''s mother."


    "Nice to meet you," said Nora with a sweet smile.


    "Likewise," replied Ying and continued, "I heard a lot about you from your best friend. How come you''re nothing like she said?"


    "But you''re exactly like she described," said Nora looking at Ying''s face.


    "How did that kiddo describe me?" asked Ying curiously.


    "She said you''re beautiful."


    Ying''s brows went up. She didn''t think Xiu would describe her that way to her best friend. It sounded so not like something Xiu would say.


    "I can totally agree with that."


    Ying turned to Han Bohai and glared at him.


    "No one asked you."


    He shrugged his shoulders, "I felt like I should still speak out my mind."


    "Don''t bother."


    "Ahem!" Ying looked at Ah-Si who coughed to get her attention. "And he is?"


    "He is just a passer-by," replied Ying while pushing Han Bohai away. "A total stranger."


    Han Bohai gaped at her in disbelief, "Wow! You''re really something." Ying squinted her eyes at him dangerously and he got the hint, "Fine, fine. I''m leaving."


    "I''ll return the jacket after dry cleaning it," called out Ying from behind.


    "No need for that," he showed over his shoulder.


    When she looked back at Ah-Si and Nora, she smiled awkwardly since their expressions really made her feel guilty for something she didn''t do.


    "I thought he was just a passer-by..." Ah-Si''s words were insinuating something.


    "He is. But a very friendly and kind passer-by who just helped me."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, really!" was Ying''s firm reply.


    Ah-Si sighed in disappointment as he said, "Ying Jie, are you hiding your boyfriend? But why? I''d be more than just happy if you have someone in your life. There is no need to hide it. You don''t really have to lie like this. Right at my face too."

 477 Temporary Separation

    Over on Xiu''s side...


    She was holding her phone up and zooming in the camera on the person Ah-Si and Nora went to meet at the floor below theirs. She was still nosy enough to know what could catch their attention while they were on their own date.


    "Is that your idea of binoculars?" questioned Dylan.


    Xiu didn''t reply until she thought it over, "How much did you pray for me to leave you alone?" Dylan quirked his brow at her playing dumb. "Don''t try to fool me. I know you. I saw you earnestly praying earlier. Obviously, you wished for me to leave you alone with your girl." Dylan avoided her eyes since she was absolutely right. "How about you name a price and I''ll leave?"


    Dylan looked at her wiggling her brows at him and scoffed, "Are you serious? How come you always want me to name a price?"


    "Because you don''t have a price tag. If I won''t ask, how else I''d know how to bargain?" Dylan facepalmed himself in frustration because he couldn''t do anything to her. She was the opponent he couldn''t win from. And even if he did, he''d be the one suffering the loss. Seeing his reaction, Xiu added, "I''m kidding with you. I''m leaving."


    "Really?" Dylan was too eager but had to hide his excitement from her as he lowered his voice, "Really? How come?"


    Xiu laughed at him, "I found my ride back."


    "Huh?" Dylan stared at her for a minute before adding, "Why can''t you be simple?"


    "I am simple," replied Xiu calmly. "I''m as simple as quantum physics."


    Dylan nodded his head, "No wonder you and I don''t go along. Quantum physics was my nemesis that''s why I chose business as my major."


    "That''s strange. You studied business and yet you can''t mind your own business. Tsk. Tsk."


    Dylan''s expressions were worth noting. He was fuming but before he could burst out, Xiu had made a run for the escalator.


    While Ah-Si and Nora were waiting for Ying to say something, she felt a weight on her shoulder before she heard Xiu''s voice, "How come you missed me so much that you even followed me here?"


    Ying tilted her head to look at Xiu with a smile and said, "I guess I really missed you." She rubbed Xiu''s head asking, "Why are you here?"


    "I told you," replied Xiu, and Ying nodded her head since Xiu indeed texted her earlier but she didn''t tell where exactly she was going with Dylan. "Anyways, why are messing up their date?"


    Ying also looked at Ah-Si and Nora before shaking her head, "I did no such thing. They came to look trouble for me instead."


    "Ay! Ying Jie, I just wanted to meet your boyfriend," argued Ah-Si.


    Xiu stared at Ying with wide eyes, "Ying Jie, you got a boyfriend? How come you didn''t tell me? You''re keeping secrets from me?"


    "Will you all stop it?!" exclaimed Ying in exasperation. "I really don''t have a boyfriend!"


    "Then who was that boy you hugged? You''re even wearing his jacket!" inquired Ah-Si.


    "Xiu!" Ying gritted out in a low tone making Xiu step back in defense.


    But soon, she leaned close to Ying and whispered, "This is why they say, lies have a way to catch up to us. We should always think before speaking. In the morning, you lied to Weiwei and mom about having a boyfriend, God must have heard you."


    From Xiu''s words, Ying finally had a realization. She indeed had lied to three people about having a boyfriend today. Zhao Wei, Francesca, and Xin Xiaoli. Was it really her lies catching up to her? That soon?!


    Now everyone was misunderstanding that she had a boyfriend!


    Then Xiu turned her attention back to Ah-Si and Nora. "That''s enough. If Ying Jie said there is no boyfriend. Then there is no boyfriend. And even if there is one, Ah-Si you should focus more on the girl beside you." Ah-Si looked at Nora who shrugged her shoulders. "I mean you both are acting like you don''t even have a daughter already."


    Nora tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear while Ah-Si scratched his chin awkwardly.


    "There you go again acting like bloody teenagers in love."


    Ying smacked her head saying, "And when did you become a love expert? Not everyone has a relationship experience like yours. It varies from person to person."


    Xiu rubbed her head as she grumbled, "Ying Jie, you should stay out of this. You still haven''t told me who was the boy you just hugged? And whose jacket are you hugging on to?"


    Ying rolled her eyes at how Xiu was still stuck on that one point. Couldn''t she move over already?! However, Xiu was right. Ying was indeed hugging on to the jacket around her body.


    "Anyways, let''s go home," said Xiu while tugging at Ying''s sleeve who was left baffled at how quickly Xiu''s moods were swinging around. One minute, she''d be saying something to Ah-Si or Nora and the next minute, she''s dragging her to take her home.


    "Xiu, what are you doing here? Don''t tell me you''re keeping an eye on us?"


    Xiu scoffed at Nora''s insinuation, "Do I look like that kind of a person?" Nora nodded her head without hesitation shaking Xiu''s momentum. "Okay. I am that kind of person. But I didn''t follow you. I was bored so I became the third wheel on Dylan''s date. HA. HA. HA. It was fun!"


    Ying burst out laughing at Xiu''s idea of fun while Ah-Si was appalled at her evil laughter. Nora, however, didn''t have much of a reaction since she knew her Xiu''er very well. Her idea of fun was really one of a kind. But then again, she was also one of a kind person.


    Nora stepped up to pat Xiu''s shoulder as she said, "I can understand your condition. Long-distance relationships can be hard but you can''t lose your sanity because of this temporary separation. Get a grip on your emotions."


    A vein on Xiu''s temple twitched as she glared at Nora, "Are you calling me insane?"

 478 Strings To Pull

    "Yes, I am calling you insane," replied Nora.


    Unexpectedly, Xiu didn''t get mad at her. Instead, she smiled cheekily, "When did you find out my nickname?" Nora''s lips parted slightly but nothing came out. "Even though my Baobei not being with me makes me feel a bit lost but that has nothing to do with my insanity." Flipping her hair dramatically, she added, "Because I''m already insane."


    Three pairs of eyes just stared at her face. Xiu didn''t mind it but she was feeling fidgety with all of them staring her down like that. Did she say anything wrong? Okay, calling herself insane wasn''t one of her proudest moments but so what? Wasn''t it true? What was wrong with accepting the truth? In fact, even if she wasn''t insane now, she believed by the time she solved the puzzle of her memories, she''d become one.


    She looked at Ying and raised her brows inquisitively while pouting in confusion.


    Ying wrapped an arm around her neck as she pulled her closer and rubbed her head again saying. "Kiddo, you''re really good at feeding dog food."


    "But I wasn''t trying to make anyone jealous though. I just told the truth. I am feeling a little bit lost since Regan left which is weird considering it has only been a day. Do you think I''m overreacting?"


    Ying shook her head at her, "Nah! Who dares say that you''re overreacting? You have all the right to feel whatever you want and say whatever you want. If others have a problem, beat them up. I''ll deal with the aftermath."


    Xiu smiled mischievously, "Ying Jie, if you really gave me that ''clear ticket'' I might get really unrestrained."


    "I don''t mind..."


    Nora was taken aback when she noticed the way Xiu was behaving around Ying. When did her best friend get so close to someone other than her? But the real problem was the way she acted spoiled around Ying? Xiu was the one used to indulging her and Jackie, when did she become the one asking for attention?


    "What''s wrong?" asked Ah-Si when he noticed the way Nora had been looking at Xiu and Ying''s interaction.


    "I have never seen my best friend acting like a spoiled baby before. It''s really hard for me to take in."


    Ah-Si chuckled at her while patting her head, "Don''t think so much about that. As you can see, if she''s willing to act like a baby, the other one is willing to babying her." When Nora noticed the way Ying smiled indulgently at everything Xiu said, she could only nod. No wonder she heard Xiu talking so much about Ying.


    If Xiu wasn''t with Darren, she might really assume that Xiu had a crush on Ying.


    "Oh, right!" Xiu suddenly recalled something. "Nono, you want to come with us? We are going home."


    "I... Umm..." Nora was left in a dilemma as she looked at Xiu and then darted her eyes to Ah-Si. She definitely didn''t want to leave. She knew that Xiu knew that she didn''t want to leave. Then why was her best friend acting dumb now?


    "Xiu! What do you mean?" exclaimed Nora while glaring at her.


    "Let me tell you how this date is gonna end... He is gonna take you home, you both are gonna spend fifteen minutes waving bye to each. For instance, you''d be like, ''Bye! Take care of yourself.'' He''d be like, ''You too!'' Then you''d be like, ''Drive safely.'' And he''d smile at you and that''s it! Scene ended. There is gonna be no goodbye kiss or anything. So why waste time? Time is money, learn to cash it."


    "Are you cashing your time, Ms. Idle?" retorted Nora. She was truly irked to the point to even taunt Xiu for being unemployed these days but Xiu didn''t care.


    Xiu hugged Ying''s waist as she said, "I am cashing it." Nora quirked her brows inquisitively as she went on, "Friends are the most precious jewels in the world. And some bonds are even priceless. I''m spending time with my friend who is also a precious jewel. Is it not like cashing my time?"


    "Wh-What?!"


    "Aiyo! Your slow brain can''t catch up with me," said Xiu in disappointment.


    "No, honey! Your logics are too illogical for my brain!"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Whatever floats your boat. But at the end of the day, the truth won''t change."


    "And what is the truth?"


    "The truth is that you can''t even tell your feelings to Ah-Si. You. Are. A. Coward!"


    "Say that again!" challenged Nora.


    "Coward!" Xiu plainly repeated herself. "Aren''t you? You''re the kind of person who likes to take action first and talk later. But I don''t see you doing either. You''re on mute mode with no action list."


    "You think I can''t do anything?"


    "You can. But you can''t do what your heart has been yearning for. Coward!"


    "I''m not!"


    "Prove it," Xiu crossed her arms before her chest as she challenged her best friend. More like provoked her on purpose.


    Nora scoffed at her, "Watch and learn!" Xiu nodded while Nora turned around and grabbing Ah-Si''s neck she pulled him down for a kiss. His eyes went wide at the sudden contact of her lips with his.


    "Job is done," said Xiu as she looped her arm with Ying''s and walked away from them. "I also want some ice cream now."


    Ying finally spoke after some distance away, "You really know which strings to pull. Interesting."


    "I don''t want to involve in their matter. Trust me, I never thought to be this nosy in my best friend''s relationship. But it''s getting on my nerve that she is not being herself around Ah-Si. They both needed a push. I guess, she finally got hers."


    "I suddenly feel like I''m becoming a fan of yours."


    Meanwhile, when Nora pulled away she closed her eyes and lowered her head while hitting her head. When she tried to find Xiu, she was nowhere around her. Bloody hell! She ran after tricking her?!


    "It''s all Xiu''s fault. She tricked me."


    Ah-Si placed his hand against her face as he smiled at her, "Then I guess she knows what she is doing."

 479 No Way Ou

    "You still haven''t told me about this rumored boyfriend of yours," Xiu couldn''t help bringing it up again. And this time, she wasn''t just doing it to tease her, she was genuinely interested in hearing this story.


    "Are we still on that topic?" Ying wondered. "I told you I don''t have a boyfriend."


    "Not now," began Xiu while shrugging her shoulders, she concluded with, "But you can''t be certain about the future."


    "Please, spare me! I finally took a step to close the door of my unrequited love. I''m not looking for other trouble."


    Xiu stopped her in her steps and asked, "What do you mean? What did you do?" Although Ying wasn''t very used to sharing this kind of thing with anyone, she still felt inclined to speak the truth before Xiu. And when Xiu heard about what Ying had been doing, she was baffled, "What? Ying Jie, have you lost your mind?!"


    "Did I do anything wrong?" questioned Ying innocently.


    "Ying Jie, I can understand your standpoint. You''re willing to lose love but not a friend. But what about you? Don''t you think this kind of thing leaves a bitter after taste in your life? I get it Li bro is a very important friend to you but are you really gonna punish yourself like this? Seeing his happiness will only bring pain to you."


    Xiu couldn''t believe it that Ying had created another blunder during the time she wasn''t around her. What was wrong with this girl? Why was it so difficult for her to think about her own self first?


    "Between your own sanity and someone else''s happiness, how can you choose someone else''s happiness? I know you believe in ''If he''s happy, I''m happy'' but for how long? Seeing his happy family is gonna make your heart bleed repeatedly!"


    Seeing Xiu fume for the second time because of her made Ying feel even more amused. This little packet was tougher and stubborn than she appeared to be.


    "It might be easy for others to cut off from things or people they were once close to, but that ain''t me." Xiu looked at Ying who was leaning against her car and was looking heavenward intently. "I''m such a photo hoarder that I even hate to delete useless photos from my phone. If I feel that attached to some photos, what can I say about Xiaoli?"


    "But..."


    "Xiu, even if I want to I can''t cut off from him. Not because I have lingering feelings for him but because his family and mine have connections that can''t cut off. Whether I want to or not, I''ll have to see him for the rest of my life. Then why can''t I do it with a smile on my face? If I can''t run, why bother running? Even if I try to run, I''m only gonna end up as tired and nothing else."


    Xiu took a step closer to her and leaned against the car beside Ying as she said, "I''m not asking you to run away. But what about the knots that have formed between your relationship? As long as Sister Meihui is in his life, can you both really stay as friend?"


    "Ying Jie!" Xiu was frustrated now. "I know you''re the big person who loves forgiveness. But... Forgiveness is one thing, can you forget? Can you forget how you got hurt? It''d be like scratching at your old wounds."


    "Good idea. Then I''ll poke these old wounds until I become numb to it."


    "Instead of doing that. How about looking at a better future?" Ying looked at Xiu who was pointing at the jacket she wore and frowned.


    "Don''t assume things. My shirt got torn, so he offered his jacket to help. There is no other context behind it."


    "Really?" challenged Xiu with her yes and Ying resigned.


    "Okay, he was flirting as well. But..."


    "There you have it!" Xiu didn''t let her finish at all. "I love straightforward people. If he can so boldly say that he is interested in you, why are you not willing to take a chance?"


    "But I don''t even know him," argued Ying.


    "That''s the whole point of dating. But if you''ll keep hesitating, how are you gonna get to know him?" Placing her hand on Ying''s shoulder, she went on, "If you really want me to believe that you are trying to move on, then make an effort. You can close the door to your heart but at least leave a window open. Or else, you''ll suffocate yourself."


    "So, you really think that I should take him out for a meal to extend my gratitude for his help?"


    "That''s a good idea. But how will you contact him?"


    "He gave me his WeChat id," answered Ying.


    Xiu lightly teased Ying with her shoulder as she said, "Oh, he''s not coming slow. So, when are you taking him out?"


    "I haven''t decided yet."


    "What''s there to think about? Don''t waste your time thinking. It''s time for action. Didn''t you hear me say, time is money? You also need to cash it. And you particularly need to cash it double since you wasted so much of your time on a hopeless love."


    "I feel like you''re forcing me to go on a date," voiced out Ying and went on, "Even my grandmother doesn''t come as strong as you are. And why are insisting on this particular person? Can''t I look for anyone else?"


    Xiu shook her head. "You said everyone misunderstood your relationship with him even when you''re just talking. That means you both must have hot chemistry going on."


    "So, you''re hell-bent on this, eh?"


    "There is no way out for you!"

 480 Ill Be Waiting

    "I didn''t know my Sweets is actually a cupid."


    Xiu yawned lazily as she fell down on her bed with her phone in her hand. Even though she was on a video call and he could see her rolling herself up like sushi, she didn''t care. It wasn''t like Darren didn''t know what or how she was.


    "Cupid? When did I play the role of a cupid?" asked Xiu before she placed the phone on the stand and stared at his face through the screen.


    "First, you made Dylan realize his feelings. Then you pushed Ah-Si and Nora both towards each other. And now, you''re trying to be a matchmaker for Ying. Is anybody left?"


    Xiu closed her eyes briefly before saying, "Yup! We still have to find someone for mom."


    Darren was left gaping at her. She still remembered how he told her about finding a partner for his mother. It wasn''t her responsibility, it was his. But she was willing to share it with him. Just how many times was she planning on making him fall in love with her? He badly wanted to hug her now.


    "I presume you''re becoming addicted to creating love stories," said Darren shaking his head at her.


    "Even if I create a million, ours is still my most favorite one. You and I."


    He smiled back at her, "Mine too."


    Xiu grinned at him happily. Seeing how she was stretching her limbs, he questioned, "Tired?" Xiu yawned again and nodded her head. "Then go to sleep."


    Xiu shook her head at him. "No. I still have a lot to tell you. I wasn''t gonna get this tired if it wasn''t for Dylan. He made me mentally tired because of how slow he is. I barely scratched the basics of the piano and he still didn''t get it."


    "I told you, teaching Dylan piano won''t be an easy job. Although I trust in your ability, I can still say that he''s difficult."


    Xiu hugged her pillow, "He''s not just difficult. He is dumb as well!"


    "Okay. You don''t have to rush it."


    Xiu nodded her head and stared at his face. He looked tired but his smile for her was still as bright and lively as it had been. Xiu could tell he was still working and that''s why she hesitated before asking, "Do you have time?"


    "I still have 30 minutes... Why?"


    "I need to tell you something," began Xiu and he gave a nod in acknowledgment and as a gesture for her to continue. "I just found out that Dylan''s neighbor is... Zhou Jinhai."


    The pen in Darren''s hand dropped on the floor as he heard that name. "Did... Did you meet him?" He asked while picking up his pen from the floor. Xiu nodded her head. "How? Why? No, are you okay?"


    "Why wouldn''t I be okay?" retorted Xiu. "As for why I met him, as I said, he''s Dylan''s neighbor. So, he came to find him." Noticing Darren''s silence, she went on, "I''m gonna tell you what I said to Dylan. I felt nothing after seeing him."


    "Are you sure? It doesn''t affect you anymore?"


    Darren stared at her face long and hard as if trying to understand her emotions. Did she really feel it that way? Or was she just trying to comfort him this way?


    "Even after seeing him with his wife, I felt no bitterness. I guess you filled my life with so much sweetness that I can''t even remember what bitterness tasted like."


    Darren chuckled at her remark. "How is that possible? Sweets is your name. Not mine."


    "Yes, but the one who named me Sweets is you. Only you! It''s something that you have a copyright for. It belongs to just you."


    "Just like my Sweets only belong to me?" he wondered out and she nodded her head fervently.


    "Since I promised to never hide anything from you, I decided to tell you this as well. Because I know Dylan, he''s gonna inform you as well. But it''s something I feel like you should hear from me."


    When Xiu said those words, Darren pressed his lips together. His hand around the pen tightened on instinct. He truly felt like her words made a lot more sense. Even though his secrets might hurt her, he still needed to be the one to share those secrets with her. She deserved to hear it from him.


    "Sweets, what if I''m hiding something very important from you."


    "Huh?" Xiu''s brows quirked up. "Hiding something?" He blinked in reply. "If it''s important why are you hiding it from me?"


    "Because I don''t want you to get hurt." His answer was straightforward. He cared about her feelings more than anything.


    Xiu contemplated for a while before saying, "But can you keep this secret for life?" He shook his head in reply. "If not, then I believe today is better than tomorrow. Even if I know it tomorrow, it''s gonna hurt as much as it would hurt today. So, I prefer today. It''ll give me more time to gather myself."


    "That makes sense," replied Darren.


    "But are you really hiding something from me?" His silence was a clear answer to her as she went on, "What is it? Are you having an affair?"


    "What?"


    "No? Then maybe you''re losing your love for me?"


    "What the hell!"


    "That ain''t it as well. Then I''m sure about this one. Being apart from me, you finally realized that you can live without me."


    "Will you shut up?" Xiu closed her mouth. "Stop thinking nonsense. Being apart from you can only make me realize that leaving you alone is dangerous. Your mind can wander off to places people can''t even imagine. You should write fantasy stories with that stupid imagination of yours."


    "Do you think that''ll be a good career path for me?" She asked seriously.


    "You have got to be kidding with me!"


    Xiu giggled at his reaction and closed her eyes as she kept talking and talking about her day. Before she finally fell asleep, she hadn''t forgotten to say, "Don''t forget to tell me that secret when you get back. I''ll be waiting for you."

 481 A Dinner Invitation

    *Knock! Knock!*


    Darren was so lost in staring at Xiu''s sleeping face that he didn''t even realize that someone was knocking at his door. Since Xiu fell asleep while talking, the video call was still going on. And was Darren ever the person who was gonna hang up on his own? When it came to his Sweets, he certainly wasn''t that person.


    His trance was only broken when a hand appeared before his eyes. He lifted his eyes to see his secretary giving him a look that said all about her feelings.


    "Don''t you know how to knock?"


    "I did," replied Paige calmly. "But someone was too busy being a desperate and creepy boyfriend that he didn''t hear me."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "I honestly never thought you''d be one of those people who stare at their girlfriend''s face while they are asleep."


    "Okay, I am that creepy boyfriend who loves to wake up in the middle of the night just to see my girlfriend''s face. What''s wrong with that? Is it my fault that I find her absolutely gorgeous? Or is it my fault that seeing her face puts me in a good mood? Or is it my fault that I can''t believe I have someone like her in my life? Which one is my fault?"


    Paige closed her eyes trying to hold back her temper. Show-off! "Stay a creepy boyfriend then." Saying that she extended a phone towards him.


    "Why are you giving it to me?" he asked.


    "Your dad''s been calling for the whole day," she informed him.


    Darren''s brows quirked up, "What for?"


    "He said he''s also in the city and would like to have dinner with you."


    Darren waved his hand saying, "I don''t want to have that dinner with him."


    "He knew your answer maybe that''s why he asked me to inform you that if you didn''t come to this address..." she pointed at the phone screen which she had been waving before his eyes and went on, "Then he''d have to come here. And as we all know, you wouldn''t like the media learning about who your father is."


    "Is he threatening me?"


    Paige shook her head, "No. I believe he is just stating the obvious. And if you ask me, I still don''t understand why you''re so scared of letting the media know about your father. I mean, do you realize how much your father wants to tell the world you''re his son?"


    "Are you working for me or him?"


    Paige cleared her throat before she began, "I work for you but I just wanted to say my piece. The rest is up to you. But I do hope you go for that dinner tomorrow. You and I both know how much your father loves you. He''d be heartbroken if you didn''t go."


    "Get out!" was Darren''s reply as he pointed towards the door.


    Paige sighed out, "It''s so difficult to speak up your mind in this corporate world."


    "Paige!"


    "I''m going," with that, she left his room not before sending him the address for the dinner place.


    ....


    Ying was gulping down the juice straight from the carton when her phone rang. She looked at the called id and ignored it. When the phone rang again, she groaned before taking the call, "What do you want?"


    "I heard you''re getting a boyfriend," teased Darren making her curse at him.


    "If you''re calling to irritate me, I''m gonna hang up."


    "Wait!" Ying brought the phone back to her ear and he continued, "I actually have a very serious question to ask."


    "Go ahead."


    "You had been following my Sweets for a few days now. Did you notice anything odd? Around her or maybe about her?"


    Ying tapped her chin thoughtfully before replying, "The only odd thing I noticed is that Xiu is outlandishly adorable and loyal. No wonder you fell in love with her. She is so random and unexpected that she keeps you on your toes. It''s fun being around her."


    Darren shook his head with a smile playing on his lips at the way Ying described his Sweets before saying, "I think I know about that already. Anything else you noticed?"


    "Yes."


    "What?"


    "She is a very caring person as well."


    "Ying!"


    "What?"


    "I''m asking if she''s okay or not?" asked Darren in frustration.


    "Oh, that. She is absolutely fine except that I think she misses you a lot. According to her, she''s overreacting but I can tell that it might be her first time getting attached to someone to the point that she finds the distance between you and her a little too overwhelming."


    Darren was quiet for a while when he heard her. "Ying, did uncle Zi ask you to follow her?" Ying hummed in reply. She had no point hiding it from him. "Why?"


    "That''s something even I don''t know about," replied Ying honestly.


    "There is something that Yan Ying doesn''t know about?"


    "I might act like it all the time but I''m not Ms. Know-It-All. I also have limits to what I can or can''t do." She took a pause before adding, "But it has something to do with her your girlfriend''s father."


    Darren straightened up, "Do you know who he is?"


    "Nope. But I have a hunch."


    "And what is your hunch?"


    Ying dropped the empty carton of her juice in the bin and said, "I think instead of focusing on her father, you should be worried about yours."


    "Mine? What is wrong with mine?"


    "You don''t know?"


    Darren frowned at her words, "What do you mean? What is it I don''t know?"


    "Just how estranged are you trying to be from your own father that you don''t even know he had a heart attack last month?"


    "What?!" Darren stood up. "But... I just heard from Paige he wants to have dinner with me. Are you lying to me?"


    "Why would I do that? I have no reason to lie to you at all! I''m just informing you something I heard from my grandmother." She took a moment to add, "I think you should go to that dinner then. Don''t push him into dead corner again."


    "I''ll talk to you later," with that, Darren hung up the call and fell down on the couch, closing his eyes.

 482 Bun In The Oven?

    -The Next Morning-


    Nora heard some fumbling noises from outside that woke her up. She looked at the clock. It was only 5:50 in the morning. This was not the time Xiu would wake up. She was certain of that. Even if the world would be ending, her best friend would like to sleep through it.


    Then who was outside? A thief? At this time?


    Nora got down from the bed and tiptoed her way to the door. She slowly and carefully opened the door and almost got a heart attack at how suddenly and out of nowhere, Xiu''s face appeared before her eyes.


    "Ahhh!" She shouted in shock while hitting Xiu with her eyes closed.


    "Stop hitting me!" said Xiu and recognizing her voice, Nora finally stopped her attack.


    She placed her hand over her heart which was beating really fast now as she said, "Xiu''er! What the hell are you doing at this time? You scared me!"


    Xiu pouted, "I''m just cleaning the apartment. What''s wrong with that?"


    "At this time?" questioned Nora while pointing at the clock. "Aren''t you sleepy?"


    "I am," said Xiu and even yawned showing that she was indeed sleepy. "I woke up at 4 o''clock and wasn''t able to fall back asleep. So, I decided to do something useful. I didn''t get the time to clean our place over the weekend, so I''m doing it now."


    Nora stared at her face helplessly. She''d really be doing anything at any time without a care in the world.


    "Oh, I have to hang the laundry. You can go back to sleep," said Xiu as she placed the mop at the side and ran over towards the laundry room.


    Looking at her back, Nora mumbled, "How am I supposed to sleep now?" She went back inside the room and freshened up. She came out and called Xiu, "Wanna have some coffee?"


    Xiu craned her neck to look at her and nodded. She hung the laundry while Nora made coffee for both of them and brought it out in the fresh air on the balcony and waited for Xiu.


    "When did you come back last night?" questioned Xiu as she sat beside her.


    "At 9 but you''re already asleep."


    "I was exhausted," replied Xiu. "So, what did you guys do after I left?"


    Nora smiled mysteriously as she replied, "We went for a walk beside the lake. It was nothing really special but everything felt special. Even holding his hand felt special. Surprisingly, someone proposed so we got to even enjoy a firework show. It was really fun. Now, you can''t tease me for this but I honestly feel like I became a lot closer to Ah-Si. And I have never felt this closer to him before."


    "Good for you both," said Xiu while yawning again.


    "At least say it like you mean it."


    "I might not seem like it but I truly mean it."


    Nora shook her head at Xiu before asking, "What''s your plan for the day? How about coming with me to the hotel? Then we''ll go to see Ava in the evening."


    "What plans?"


    "Well, I have to meet Dylan in a while then I have to pick up Jackie for school then I''m..." Nora''s head started feeling dizzy with Xiu''s itinerary. How come a jobless person seemed busier than her? How was that possible?


    "Are you trying to keep yourself busy so that you won''t miss your boyfriend?" Nora teased her playfully poking her cheeks.


    Xiu opened her mouth and acted as if she was gonna bite her finger off. "Don''t tease me. I also bite back sometimes then you don''t like it."


    "Oh, please! I still haven''t forgiven you for how you tricked me yesterday."


    "I didn''t ask for forgiveness either. It''s not needed because I know you loved kissing him."


    "Xiu!" Xiu picked up her coffee mug and shrugged her shoulders in response. Nora shook her head at Xiu while sighing. "By the way, how come you''re seeing Dylan every day now? You don''t even work for him anymore."


    "Didn''t I tell you I''m teaching him piano?"


    "So, the lesson is every single day? Just how dedicated are you to this task?"


    Xiu sighed tiredly, "I''d feel accomplished if he really managed to learn anything."


    Xiu was seemingly lost in staring at the birds flying in the sky when Nora tapped on the table to get her attention. Xiu looked down at her and she asked, "Ah-Si told me his elder brother is getting married. Do you know about that?" Xiu nodded her head in reply. "It''s odd but when he told me that he was really happy. But suddenly he looked at that Ying Jie of yours and his smile vanished. That''s when he chose to greet her as well."


    "Do you really wanna know what''s going on?" Nora straightened up and nodded her head eagerly. "I''m not telling."


    "Xiu, why are you becoming so... Infuriating?"


    "Thanks for the compliment." Xiu smiled at her before adding, "I don''t mind telling you but it doesn''t concern you. Right now, your main focus should be your daughter and your daughter''s father. Stop getting distracted. And leave your old ways behind you."


    Nora suddenly clicked her fingers, "That just reminded me, that stupid bastard of an ex-boyfriend almost ruined my first date with Ah-Si. I was so angry that I wanted to kick him where the sun doesn''t shine. But a pity that Ah-Si was there."


    Xiu patted her shoulder, "It''s okay. Sometimes, even supergirls like us love a knight in shining armor."


    "Are you kidding with me?"


    "I''m not. Weren''t you happy seeing how a snap of your man''s finger was enough to kick that douchebag out of your sight?" Nora couldn''t help nodding in agreement. How could she not like that? That was the moment she was reminded that Ah-Si might be simple but his background wasn''t simple at all. "That''s exactly what I mean. Although we are way too used to dealing with our problems on our own, there is nothing wrong with leaning a little on your significant other. What''s the harm in having a sense of security?"


    Nora perched her face on the heel of her hand as she said, "Xiu''er, is it just me or the way you talk is becoming a lot sweeter?"


    "I was always sweet," replied Xiu.


    Nora scoffed, "Honey, you had been acting like a block of cold ice."


    "No way. If I was like that why does my Baobei call me Sweets? It''s because I''m sweet."


    "I never thought you''d be delusional one day. But it can''t be helped. It''s not your fault. Love does that to everyone. You''re just another victim of it."


    Xiu slapped her hands on the table startling her as she got up. "I forgot. There are buns in the oven."


    Nora looked at her up and down before tilting her head. Soon, her eyes went round and she covered her mouth as she gasped. "You... You have buns in the oven?"


    "Yeah!" Saying that Xiu ran inside to check up on the buns she was baking and when Nora followed her inside she was again shocked.


    "You''re talking about these buns?" she asked.


    Xiu looked up at her face as she placed the bun on the serving plate and nodded her head. "Yes. What were you thinking?" Nora pursed her lips and her eyes instinctively went to Xiu''s flat tummy. Xiu followed her gaze and when she realized her meaning, her face twisted. "NORA!"


    Nora ran away while Xiu followed her. "It''s not my fault. You said it like that!"


    "I''m not gonna let you go today!" said Xiu as she threw a cushion at Nora which she dodged.


    "How can you be so mad at me? It''s good if there is really no bun in the oven for now. But you never know about the future."


    Xiu threw whatever she could find at her best friend who was running to dodge. She brought it upon herself.

 483 Pre-Wedding Jitters?

    "Thank goodness I called Ying and she arranged the wedding planner so fast and efficiently. Or else, I''d been really worried."


    Qiu Meihui was coming down the stairs with Asteria when she heard her mother talking. Everyone was gathered for the breakfast and she silently came to sit beside her dad while her daughter, Asteria went to sit beside her grandmother.


    Francesca smiled at Meihui as she replied to Zhao Wei, "I honestly never thought Yan Ying would know a wedding planner. I was really surprised seeing the top wedding planner, Suzy standing before me yesterday."


    "As Zizi always say, Ying, knows all sorts of people." Qiu Jiayi also joined the conversation before adding, "But did anyone ask Xiao Mei?" Qiu Meihui looked up at her father who went on, "You met the wedding planner yesterday, are you okay with it? Or should we keep looking?"


    Qiu Meihui smiled bitterly, "It''s fine. How can Ying''s choice ever be wrong?"


    "But it''s not Yan Ying''s wedding. It''s yours. So, your own opinion matters the most," said Francesca.


    "Grandma, is mom going to be a bride?" Asteria asked as she looked up at her grandmother and blinked her curious eyes.


    Zhao Wei rubbed her granddaughter''s head lovingly and nodded, "Yes, your mom is gonna be a bride."


    "She''s gonna wear the princess dress?"


    Everyone chuckled at her innocence and Zhao Wei replied, "Yes, she is gonna wear the princess dress."


    Asteria clapped her hands excitedly, "Mom will be the prettiest bride."


    Qiu Meihui smiled at her daughter while Zhao Wei agreed, "Yes. She is gonna be the prettiest bride." Qiu Meihui''s smiled stiffened when she met her mother''s eyes. Seeing the love and sincerity in her mother''s eyes, she felt strange inside.


    Asteria jumped down her chair and came to Qiu Meihui. "Mom, who is the groom?"


    Qiu Meihui pinched her small nose saying, "Didn''t I tell you? It''s your favorite Xiaoli."


    Asteria jumped up in joy as she exclaimed, "So, now I can call him dad? He is gonna be my dad, right? I''m finally getting a dad, right?" Qiu Meihui''s heart clenched when she saw her daughter''s expressions. She knew how much Asteria was attached to Xiaoli. And she also knew how much her daughter longed for a father.


    She hugged her daughter tightly and answered, "Yes. Now, you can call him dad."


    "Yay! Asteria now has a dad. No one can bully me now!" She skipped over to her grandfather and tugged at his shirt, "Grandpa, hurry up! I''m getting late for school. I need to tell everyone that now Asteria has a father as well. Get up!"


    "Calm down, my little star..." Qiu Jiayi didn''t know whether to laugh at her excitement or cry over the fact that she wasn''t even letting him finish his breakfast? But then again, he couldn''t turn down his one and only granddaughter. So, he left his breakfast halfway and got up saying, "Let''s go. I''ll drop you off to school."


    "It''s okay. I''m done. You take your time and concentrate on your wedding stuff. Leave the rest to me." Qiu Jiayi patted his daughter''s head before picking his granddaughter up in his arms.


    Seeing them leave, Francesca remarked, "It''s a blessing that Asteria loves Xiaoli."


    "She sure loves him," agreed Zhao Wei.


    "Oh, Meihui..." Qiu Meihui looked up at Francesca who continued, "What about your wedding dress?"


    "I called Nuannuan, she arranged an appointment for today. I''ll be leaving in a while," informed Qiu Meihui.


    Francesca nodded her head. "Hmm... She is in the city so she can obviously help."


    "Liu Nuan is in An City?" questioned Zhao Wei in surprise. "I didn''t know that."


    Francesca nodded her head, "I met her at a boutique when I went out with Xiu. But I didn''t know she was staying here or not."


    "Since the time she got married, I rarely see her. Before that, she''d often come to meet Xiao Mei. But I think I haven''t met her in years now." Zhao Wei was speaking her mind while Meihui was lost in her own thoughts. Her brother''s words from two nights were haunting her.


    Suddenly she felt a cold hand touching her forehead and was startled. She lifted her eyes to see her mother and was frozen still. "Xiao Mei, you don''t have a fever."


    "I know that mom."


    "Then why is your complexion so dull? And you look tired as well?" Seeing her concern Qiu Meihui was left in a dilemma. She had already seen how close her own mother was to her daughter. But then how come she wasn''t close to her? Was it really like Dylan had said that she never understood mom? "Xiao Mei? Are you really okay? Should I call a doctor?"


    Qiu Meihui placed her hand over hers and shook her head, "No, mom. I''m really fine. You''re just overthinking."


    "Sister Wei, I also think you''re overthinking. It must be just some pre-wedding jitters. Don''t overreact." Francesca took a pause before adding, "You come back here and finish your breakfast." Then she shifted her eyes to Qiu Meihui and went on, "Xiao Mei, what about your bachelorette party?"


    "I haven''t thought about it yet," replied Qiu Meihui. "Besides, Nuannuan is the only friend I have contact with after all these years. So, I don''t think the bachelorette party would be a good idea."


    "Why not? That''s a must!" Zhao Wei and Francesca exclaimed simultaneously.


    "Liu Nuan is your bridesmaid, she can call her own friends."


    "We have mutual friends," replied Qiu Meihui.


    "Then just call my daughter-in-law. I assure you, she''ll bring the party with herself."


    Zhao Wei laughed at the way Francesca talked about Xiu but couldn''t help nodding. "I totally agree with her. She can even pour life into the dullest moments."


    Qiu Meihui frowned a bit seeing these two ladies gushing over Xiu as she replied, "She isn''t that close to me."


    "How is that possible?!" Both the ladies again were shocked.


    "You must haven''t tried otherwise, I don''t think there is anyone who can escape the charms of my silly but adorable daughter-in-law."


    Qiu Meihui laughed at Francesca''s words, "Aunt, I feel like you are already in love with your daughter-in-law."


    "I sure am," agreed Francesca without hesitation.

 484 Regrets

    Qiu Meihui was supposed to meet Liu Nuan at a cafe and when she arrived there, her hands clenched at the sight of the person sitting with Liu Nuan.


    "Huihui! Here!" Liu Nuan called out to Qiu Meihui who walked over with a not so pleased look on her face.


    "Is she leaving or should I leave?" were Qiu Meihui''s first words to Liu Nuan as she pointed at the other person.


    Liu Nuan''s expressions turned awkward when she glanced at her best friend, Qiu Meihui, and her sister-in-law, Zhou Liqiu. "Huihui, can she stay?"


    "Then I should leave," said Liu Nuan as she turned to leave.


    "Sister Meihui," Zhou Liqiu stood up and called out to Qiu Meihui. "You don''t have to ruin your plans just because of me. I''ll leave, you stay."


    "Then please," Qiu Meihui indicated clearly for her to get away from her sight.


    "I''ll see you later, Sister Nuan," said Zhou Liqiu and Liu Nuan nodded her head.


    When she left the cafe, Liu Nuan turned to Qiu Meihui, "Did you have to do that? Whatever happened back then was between Dylan and her. Why are you reacting so harshly with her?"


    "I don''t care about what happened. But I do care about the fact that my brother cried for the first time on the day they broke up."


    Liu Nuan''s brows quirked up in shock, "Are you serious? Dylan can also cry?"


    "Shocking, right?" began Qiu Meihui as she took a seat beside her and went on, "I think you are more than aware of how my brother is. Hedi was called the lucky boy, the moment he was born. He had always been carefree and happy because everyone pampered him like a kid. And they still do even though he is so old now. The boy who never cried was actually broken by her. How am I supposed to forgive her that easily?"


    Liu Nuan shook her head as she called for the waiter and said, "You are still very protective of your brother."


    "I might be the worst sister but I still love him very much," replied Qiu Meihui sincerely. Indeed, Dylan was just as dear to her as he was to everyone around him. She just never let him see that. She ordered a Latte for herself and looked around aimlessly.


    "By the way, I was really surprised and happy to hear that you are finally listening to your heart and marrying Brother Xiaoli." Qiu Meihui could literally see Liu Nuan''s excitement on her face. But seeing how Qiu Meihui was silent, she frowned, "Please tell me that you''re marrying him because of your love for him and not for another reason!"


    "What if I have another reason?" retorted Qiu Meihui making Liu Nuan''s eyes widen.


    "You have got to be kidding with me!" Liu Nuan was frustrated now. "I''m warning you! If you hurt him this time, I''m not letting you go that easily even if you''re my best friend. I will take a stand for my cousin brother this time around."


    "Hey, just because Uncle Zimen hates my mother doesn''t mean we are not blood-related. Even if Uncle Zimen denies the relationship, how can he deny the blood we share? At the end of the day, mom is still his sister. Real sister!"


    Qiu Meihui shook her head at Liu Nuan''s explanation. She really didn''t know why Liu Nuan cared so much about her Uncle Zimen''s family even though their families have bad blood for decades. Even more amusing was seeing how Liu Nuan would always speak in favor of Xin Xiaoli no matter what occasion it was.


    "But on a serious note, can you please stop this? Don''t be stubborn again. You have already suffered enough because of your stubbornness. If you had chosen to follow your heart back then, Brother Xiaoli and you''d have had a very happy married life right now," said Liu Nuan as she looked at Qiu Meihui worriedly. "I don''t want you to hurt yourself again."


    "Just like you have a happy married life?" questioned Qiu Meihui as she stared right into her eyes.


    Liu Nuan avoided her eyes as she replied with a fake smile, "Even though my married life is very happy, I believe yours would have been even better."


    Qiu Meihui squinted her eyes at her, "Can you stop lying to me? I''m not that dumb to not realize that you''re not happy." Liu Nuan bit her lip while Qiu Meihui went on, "Back then, I also warned you. Don''t insist on marrying Jinhai, he doesn''t love you. But you said, your love would be enough for the both of you. And you''ll make him fall for you."


    Liu Nuan''s shoulders slumped down as her smile vanished, "I was at the delusional stage of love. I thought my love could conquer anything. Do you know his ex-girlfriend said to me at my wedding, ''Your tricks can catch him in this cage you called marriage but love is transparent? Tricks can get you a person, not his heart.''" She laughed in irony. "I so hated her back then and knowing that she never hated me, makes me even madder. I took everything she had and yet she said to my face, that she doesn''t hate me."


    Qiu Meihui''s expressions changed as she was reminded of Ying. She also said she doesn''t hate her. She never did. How? Why? After everything she did to her, just how could she not hate her? Was that really just a pretense as she always thought or was that the real Yan Ying as everyone claimed?


    Just what was this mystery named Yan Ying that made her feel insecure for life. She always felt threatened by her presence. Whether it was with her family or love, the threat named Yan Ying was present everywhere. But now if she thinks about it, in fact, Yan Ying was never between her and her relations. It was her own insecurities that she blamed on Yan Ying and made her suffer in every way possible.

 485 Im Ou

    Qiu Meihui placed her hand over Liu Nuan''s as she said, "You can let go of your resentment now. She is no more."


    Liu Nuan scoffed, "And that''s the worst part. Even though she died, she is standing as a wall between me and Jinhai which I''m unable to tear down."


    "Back then everyone said, she was just a phase in Jinhai''s life. He''d get over her. Hundreds of celebrities come and go. People tend to forget easily, he''d too. How come Jinhai is not willing to get over that phase? How can he destroy his present for a past?"


    Liu Nuan took a pause before replying, "She was kind, compassionate, humble, and a genuinely beautiful person. That kind of people can die but they leave their kindness behind as a reminder of their presence." She looked at Qiu Meihui with a strange look in her eyes as she went on, "She didn''t even hesitate to be a donor for me. I still feel like she slapped me in the face with her kindness while I was trying to snatch everything from her."


    Qiu Meihui thoughtlessly traced the seam of the cup in her hand as she said, "And that kindness of hers is not letting you breathe in peace. Every breath you take is a reminder that she gave you life. She gave you a chance to live while she chose to take her own chance of living."


    Liu Nuan laughed ironically, "Exactly, the more she didn''t resist, the more I wanted to win over her." She touched Qiu Meihui''s shoulder as she added, "That''s why I don''t want you to push your luck with Ying as I did with Chen Xiu. Or else, you''ll also be left with mere regret."


    Qiu Meihui calmly took a sip of her coffee before saying, "Wanna know the difference between Yan Ying and Chen Xiu?" Liu Nuan frowned while she went on, "From what you told me about Chen Xiu, she was like a little girl who yearned love and acceptance. As for Yan Ying, she is the strongest person I have come across in my life. She can put anyone to shame with how mentally strong she is."


    "But you can''t forget that she had been fighting her own battles. If you loved Xiaoli, she did as well. The only difference was your love was always reciprocated and she was left yearning for it."


    Qiu Meihui quirked her brow at Liu Nuan as she wondered, "Are you taking her side because of how similar your unrequited love is?"


    Liu Nuan shook her head at Qiu Meihui and got up saying, "Let''s get to Bridal Boutique. I can''t argue with you."


    Qiu Meihui shrugged her shoulders carelessly and also stood up to follow her.


    ....


    "Yo, little brother!"


    Jackie wanted to bury himself in embarrassment at the way Xiu was jumping at his school gate making everyone around him to look at only him. What a sight! When he was told in the morning that she''d be dropping him off to school, he was very happy but he was disappointed when she canceled her plan at the last minute. Now, how come, she was here to pick him up from school?


    "You didn''t come in the morning," he grumbled like a kid. Oh, wait! He was a kid.


    "Sorry, I got distracted with some stuff. But I''m here now," answered Xiu cheerfully as she took his bag and put it in the backseat of the car, also helped him up and followed him as well.


    Seeing how both Xiu and Jackie occupied the backseat, Ying tired her head to say, "So, you literally are treating me like a driver, huh?"


    While Xiu grinned sheepishly, Jackie stared at her face for a long while before asking, "Xiu''er, who is she?"


    "She?" Xiu thought about how to describe her relationship with Ying and the longer she took the more irked Ying was being. What was really hard to explain here? "She is my sworn sister."


    Ying coughed before saying, "Kid, when did I become your sworn sister?"


    "Yesterday," said Xiu without any hesitation. "Didn''t I tell you that you can even adopt me?"


    Jackie instantly hugged his Xiu and claimed, "No way! You can''t take her! Xiu is only mine!"


    Ying laughed at his reaction, "Little young man, you should say that before Regan. He''d love to hear this." Xiu could hear her sarcasm very clearly and apparently, Jackie could as well.


    "I can only share my Xiu with brother-in-law."


    Ying stared at Jackie''s face while nodding, "I suddenly have a newfound respect for you and Regan."


    "Ying Jie, we are getting late!"


    "No, we are not," was Ying''s response. Because she genuinely thought they had nothing to do. Even though Xiu had been dragging her around for the whole day, she still didn''t get the gist of how Xiu''s plans worked. So, she was still in the mood to claim that they were absolutely not getting late for anything!


    "Ying Jie, you have a date to go to!" informed Xiu.


    Ying squinted her eyes at Xiu, "Who said that? Whose date? I''m going on a date and even I don''t know it?"


    "Don''t tell me you''re not gonna return the favor from yesterday? Don''t be so rude now. Drop us off at Xin Villa and then go for your date. No need to think so much."


    Ying was in awe at how thoroughly Xiu had already planned for her. Apparently, arguing wasn''t gonna help her at all. So, she started the car and asked something else, "Why are you going to the Xin Villa?"


    "We are going to meet Jackie''s one and only niece!" announced Xiu.


    "Xiu, I''m not going to see that little devil," was Jackie''s firm reply. Xiu patted his head but he didn''t fall for it, "Don''t try to coax me."


    "I''m not coaxing you. I just want to remind you that she is your only niece. And she is young and vulnerable. Poor girl can''t even talk yet. Can you imagine how much she must be feeling lonely? She has no friends."


    "Do I look like a baby? Do you really think I''ll fall for that?"


    Ying was being amused by whatever she was hearing. And she also was curious to know how Xiu was gonna convince Jackie to spend time with Ava since he seemed against it.


    "Little brother, in a year or so she''s gonna enter school. Can you imagine how she will be bullied just because she can''t talk yet?" Jackie''s face looked like he was seriously thinking about it as Xiu went on, "I really think she needs a little but brave uncle like you to protect her."


    Jackie seemed hesitant but he still nodded, "I''ll try to interact with her. But if she annoyed me, I''m out!"


    "Okay!" Xiu immediately agreed and smirked at Ying through the mirror who shook her head the way she was playing with a little kid now. This was another way of Xiu to prove how much Nora''s happiness mattered to her. She''d do anything to fix her best friend''s life.

 486 Digital Devil

    "Little brother, be a good boy when you''re inside. No arguments with anyone," Xiu warned Jackie in a stern voice but she sounded more like a concerned sister. She already could see this little brother arguing over plenty of things. "I know you dislike Ah-Si because he made Nora cry but we are open-minded people. We shouldn''t hold only one person accountable."


    "Even if he is right, I can''t just like him. No matter what he made my sister cry." Jackie was also firm on his stance which could become a headache for others. But Xiu already had a plan set up. Even this smart kid couldn''t escape from her.


    "But Nora also made him cry. What about that?" she argued back. "He must have been also hurt. Especially when he thought that Nora wanted to abandon their daughter."


    Jackie thought about before saying, "But Nono didn''t know about it."


    "Just like that he also didn''t know it," she replied.


    "Isn''t he too young to understand all that? Don''t be so hard on him. He is just a kid after all," stated Ying when she noticed how Xiu was giving advice to Jackie standing outside the Xin Villa. Why was she even trying so hard?


    Jackie looked up at Ying as he replied on behalf of his sister, "I''m Jackson Jing. My intelligence is higher than my height. I might be seven but my mom says, I''m very smart for my age. I can understand a lot more than most of my age."


    Ying''s brows quirked up at his reply, "You sound like someone I know..." While saying that her eyes were looking at Xiu who seemed proud to hear him talk. But she couldn''t deny she loved seeing Xiu with this little kid. It made her wish for a little brother as well. But her parents were too cruel! Everyone had a sibling except for her! How unfair!


    She was about to follow them inside carelessly when Xiu stopped her. "What?"


    "Where do you think you''re going?"


    "Inside. Isn''t it obvious?"


    "No! You have to go on that date!"


    Ying rolled her eyes and sighed, "Xiu, let me just say hi to everyone.I''ll be scolded if Zizi got to know that I left from the door."


    "Ying Jie, even if you think it''s not a date, you still have to go."


    "But why?"


    "Because he helped you. It''s common courtesy to return a favor. What''s wrong with taking him for a meal?"


    "I will take him for a meal. I also know these things that gratitude should be timely set forth to show your sincerity. But we can''t be hasty. What if he is busy?"


    Xiu placed her hands on her hips as she asked, "And how would you know he is busy when you didn''t even try asking?" Ying stared at her face while she went on, "Take out your phone and text him. If he says, he is busy. I''ll let you off the hook for now."


    "You aren''t any different," retorted Xiu which made Ying look around sheepishly. "I know something is wrong with the way my brain circuit works but then again, what''s wrong with that? Besides, I only want to gift happiness to the ones I love. It makes me feel accomplished like it makes you feel content seeing everyone being proud of you. If you think I''m nosy and annoying so be it! I don''t really care!"


    Ying contemplated her words for a long while before she took out her phone and texted Han Bohai asking, "Do you have time?"


    It hadn''t been a minute when she replied to Xiu, "See? He isn''t replying. He must really be busy. Let''s go inside now." Xiu frowned at her in displeasure but still followed her inside. Apparently, they both had stubborn personalities.


    ....


    Meanwhile.


    "Brother Han, your skin is flawless. You''re making me feel self-conscious and I''m a girl! God is being unfair!"


    Han Bohai opened his eyes to stare at his assistant who was his personal makeup artist as well and said, "Xiao Qing, I have a headache. Please, don''t talk."


    "Is it serious? Do you want to go to the hospital?" Wen Qing, his assistant was immediately worried to hear that. "I think we should cancel the shoot for today."


    He rubbed his temples and shook his head, "It''s okay. I can manage. I can''t let everyone waste time just because of my headache." She hesitated but nodded in understanding. His phone chimed and she literally saw his eyes sparkling in hope but after checking his phone, his eyes dimmed in disappointment yet again and he closed his eyes.


    "Brother Han, are you expecting a call? A text from someone maybe?" she voiced out her curiosity in a small voice.


    "What? No way!" He denied immediately.


    "Then how come you have been looking at your phone every five minutes? It''s been going on since yesterday." Now, she was suspicious of seeing him like this.


    "I was just checking social media..." he answered which made her suspicion solidify.


    "But you had never liked using your phone. Even your Weibo handle is managed by me and you only agreed to make an account because the company asked for it." He rubbed his chin awkwardly as she went on, "And you often describe social media as a digital devil that can take someone''s life. You frequently voiced out how you despise social media."


    "Brother Han! It''s time for your shoot!"


    Hearing that voice, Han Bohai jumped up to run from his suspicious assistant. Why was she asking so much? But it was also true that he had been looking at his phone way too much. He couldn''t help it. He was indeed waiting for Ying to contact him but she didn''t. He left his phone in his van and went out for the shoot.


    That''s why he missed seeing that the moment he walked out, he got the most awaited text of his life.

 487 Worrisome

    Although the ones visiting the Xin Villa were Xiu and Jackie, the person who entered first was Ying. Since she was the person who frequently came here, every single person knew her. But surprisingly, everyone remembered Xiu as well. After all, she was the only one who dared to enter this villa and beat up their second young master right before the master of this house.


    It could be said that Xiu beating Ah-Si in the presence of Xin Zimen had left a strong impression of hers. But Xiu wasn''t fazed by those strange gazes. As long as none of them voiced out their ''opinion'' she''d be willing to overlook as always.


    "Young miss," Ying was greeted by the maid which Ying returned with a polite smile.


    "Where is Zizi?"


    "Master has not returned yet," answered the maid, and Ying''s face fell. Even though Ying didn''t ask, she went on with, "Young master Li is also not home."


    "I didn''t ask. I know where he is," said Ying while Xiu wanted to smack her for how indifferent she appeared right now. Suddenly recalling something, she asked, "Where is Ava? Her little uncle is here to see her."


    Jackie tugged at Ying''s shirt as he said, "Can you not address me as little uncle? It makes me sound old."


    Ying smiled at him as she turned back to the maid and rephrased herself, "This handsomely adorable little gentleman would like to see his niece."


    Xiu pressed her lips together at the way Ying phrased it while Jackie looked displeased at the way he was called adorable! How can handsome and adorable be used in the same sentence for the same person?


    The maid looked awkward but she still pointed towards the living room saying, "You can find her there."


    Ying didn''t notice her expressions as she languidly walked over towards the living room. But seeing the scene before her, she was left wide-eyed.


    "Aiyo, my little princess, dad is really sorry. At least look at me," Ah-Si could be seen pleading to his three years old who refused to even look at him. Normally, Ava was always smiling but right now, her chubby cheeks were puffed up like a balloon. Ah-Si was sitting on the floor while his daughter was sitting on the couch refusing to even hear him out.


    "What''s going on here?" asked Ying while laughing at Ah-Si. "Don''t tell me even your daughter doesn''t listen to you."


    "Ying Jie, you can''t laugh at me!" Ah-Si glared at Ying who shrugged her shoulders but still kept laughing.


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to Ying while she asked Ah-Si, "What happened?"


    Ah-Si sighed tiredly, "She is mad at me because I wasn''t there for her yesterday." He shook his head as he went on, "I promised her that I''ll be always beside her whenever she gets hurt. But yesterday she fell down while playing around and cried for an hour. No one told me she was hurt, so now I''m supposed to not talk to her."


    "Huh?"


    "I mean, she doesn''t even say anything. How do you get what she means?"


    Ah-Si smiled at Xiu''s question. "She is my daughter. I can read every expression of hers."


    Ying patted Xiu''s shoulder as she said, "When you become a parent, you''ll get what he means." Xiu furrowed her brows at Ying who elaborated, "That''s what my mom said. I have no clue what she meant."


    Xiu sat beside Ava and said, "Me? And a parent? No, thank you! I''m very much fine." While she wanted to say something else, Jackie held her hand and tried to pull her.


    "Xiu, you sit over there." Xiu furrowed her brows at him as he went on, "I''ll deal with this little devil."


    Seeing the determination in his eyes, Xiu nodded her head, "Okay!" With that, she dragged both Ying and Ah-Si with her. She didn''t want to disturb him so she took them out of the room.


    Ah-Si still hadn''t gotten any idea why Xiu was here or why Jackie was here. But he didn''t question either since both of them had a relation with his daughter which he couldn''t question.


    "Stop worrying about your daughter. My brother only looks like he is angry all the time but he is a very sensible kid. I believe he''ll be able to handle that daughter of yours." Xiu felt like she needed to say it since Ah-Si looked really concerned.


    "Can he really handle her? She might not talk but she has a bit of a temper like her mother."


    Hearing Ah-Si, Xiu chuckled, "Then that''s worrisome. Because if she''s like Nora, she must also be fond of throwing things." Ah-Si nodded his head in reply. "It''s still okay. He can manage."


    "How are you so sure? He doesn''t even like her!" Ah-Si pointed out.


    "Aiyo! He doesn''t like you either. But so what?" Xiu was so calm but Ah-Si could digest it. "If you don''t have faith in him, have faith in me. I raised him well."


    Ying concealed her laughter with a cough at how Xiu sounded like a proud mother and just a moment ago, she voiced out how she didn''t want to be a parent. Her words were really contradicting.


    Ah-Si became even more tensed as he said, "That''s the most worrisome part that you raised him. And he shares the same temper as yours."


    Xiu smacked his back playfully as she said, "You worry too much brother. Take it easy."


    Ah-Si was left speechless at her actions but Ying spoke up, "Worrying is part of being a parent." Xiu again looked at Ying who added, "That''s also what my mom said."


    "Seems like you''re really fond of your mother," said Xiu.


    "Who isn''t? Doesn''t everyone love their mom? I never forgot what my mom told me."


    Xiu looked down with furrowed brows as she mumbled, "I also never forgot what my mom used to tell me. But I wish I could."


    *Message Alert*


    Xiu''s ears perked up as she looked at Ying immediately who in turn looked at her phone and tried to hide it from Xiu.


    "He replied, didn''t he?"


    "It''s not him..." Ying replied while stepping away from Xiu.


    "I won''t read your boyfriend''s message but you don''t have to hide it from me."


    "Xiu-" Ying wanted to continue but her back hit someone and she went quiet.

 488 JJ

    Ying didn''t even have to look up to see who was behind her because that deep distinct voice was enough for her to know.


    "Boyfriend? How come I never heard that our Ying''er has a boyfriend?"


    Ying scratched her temple and turned around to wave, "Long time no see, Zizi!"


    Xin Zimen''s frown deepened as he said, "We met just yesterday though." Ying pursed her lips and refused to talk actually she wanted to deny this allegation of having a boyfriend but the person beside Xin Zimen held her back. Xin Xiaoli was standing beside Xin Zimen and his eyes were also trained on her as if waiting for her reply.


    Just yesterday she had claimed before him that she had a boyfriend. How was she supposed to deny it now? Wouldn''t that be like biting her own tongue?! She really brought trouble to herself because of this tongue.


    "Actually..." she began after much hesitation. "About this boyfriend..."


    "So, you weren''t lying to me yesterday?" Xin Xiaoli cut her off before she could even continue. She stared at his face with a blank look.


    "Yingying!" Her trance was broken when Xin Zimen called her again. "Mind explaining yourself?"


    "Why does Ying Jie have to explain herself? Having a boyfriend is not a crime," Xiu spoke up and Ying glared at her. She was the one who used the wrong words why was she suffering? Oh, right! She lied! That''s why she was suffering. Her lies really caught her soon.


    Xin Zimen noticed Xiu''s presence and couldn''t help smiling in amusement as he said, "Little lass, I never said having a boyfriend is a crime."


    "Then what explanation weird uncle is looking for?"


    "As her closest family right now, I deserve to know who is her boyfriend and why is she keeping it from me?" He looked at Ying again as he continued, "I thought our Yingying doesn''t hide anything from me."


    "I never hid anything from you, I swear!" Ying raised her three fingers to show her solemn stance.


    "Ying Jie, is it the same guy I saw you hugging yesterday?" Ying wanted to puke blood when even Ah-Si went on to disclose that information. Was it really necessary?


    "It''s definitely the same guy!" Ying closed her eyes in resignation. There goes Xiu, the fire starter making it worse! No matter how much she loved Xiu, right now she was really not happy at the way Xiu was enjoying this trap.


    She slowly looked up at Xin Zimen who raised his brow at her. "Zizi, I really never hid anything from you."


    Xin Zimen stared into her eyes for a moment before smiling at her. He placed his hand on her head and said, "Have fun on your date." Ying''s eyes went round as he went on, "Don''t forget to bring him home sometime."


    "Ying Jie, what are you doing? Go already!"


    However, she was just at the main door when Xiu shouted from behind her, "Don''t forget to give his clothes back to him!" Ying''s feet came to an abrupt halt as she tilted her head to glare at Xiu while Xiu smiled mischievously at her. Weren''t her words insinuating something?


    With a huff, Ying left.


    Behind her, Ah-Si looked at Xiu to ask, "Is it the jacket she was wearing yesterday?" Xiu nodded her head. "Oh... No wonder she looked so weird when I caught her on a date."


    "Is she really dating?" The question came from Xiaoli and was directed at Xiu.


    Xiu could never go wrong with acting as she replied, "Yes. Why?"


    Xiaoli shook his head, "Nothing. As long as she is happy." He smiled slightly before he turned to go to his room.


    Xiu watched him leaving but when she turned she found Xin Zimen''s eyes looking at her constantly. She quirked her brow at him and asked, "Yes? What are you looking at uncle weird?"


    "What are you doing here, little lass?"


    "Didn''t you say I am allowed to come whenever I want to?"


    "I did," replied Xin Zimen. "And I stand by my words even now. I''m just unwilling to believe that you came here for a simple visit."


    Xiu smirked at him. Indeed, he could see through a lot. And it was proven even more when he leaned closed to her to whisper, "You''re indeed good at trapping people. Even I could never manage to send Ying''er on a date but you accomplished this. I don''t know whether should I call you smart or cunning?"


    "Call me whatever you want to," retorted Xiu. "But I would like to know how can you say I trapped Ying Jie? Don''t you really believe she has a boyfriend?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "As I said earlier, our Ying''er has a bad habit. She can hide nothing from her elders. If she had a boyfriend, I''d be the first one to know about it. I know her. I still remember the day she realized she had feelings for my son, the first person she looked for was me." Xiu''s eyes widened to hear that. She never thought Ying was that close to Xin Zimen. "Besides, last night she called just to tell me how she came across an annoying man who helped her when she needed it, and now she owes him a meal."


    "She even told you that?" Xiu was shocked.


    "That''s because she doesn''t have a habit of asking for help from others. This rumored ''boyfriend'' of hers is the first person who helped her perhaps in her whole life. After all, it has always been she who was helping others. It''d be odd if she didn''t mention him to me."


    "So when Ah-Si brought up the guy from yesterday, you already understood what was happening?" inquired Xiu just for confirmation.


    He nodded his head without any hesitation.


    "No wonder they say you''re dangerous," mumbled Xiu to herself. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Let''s check up on my brother and my niece."


    Ah-Si was more than ready to check up on that. He had been worried sick for the past fifteen minutes. Even though it was just fifteen minutes but he felt it was longer.


    Just as Xiu, Ah-Si, and Xin Zimen came to the entrance of the living room, they heard.


    "Now, call me JJ like a good niece..." Xiu was amused at the way Jackie was coaxing the little girl who was blinking her eyes at him.


    But the next minute everyone was left speechless when that little girl slowly and brokenly said out, "J... J..."

 489 Love Doesnt Wai

    On the other side...


    "Brother Han, I think we should visit the hospital. Your headache is getting worse," Wen Qing immediately put his long coat over his shoulders after the scene ended.


    He still refused, "It''s my headache. How do you know if it''s getting worse or not?"


    "I can see it on your face," replied Wen Qing. "Don''t bear the pain. Your scenes are over for the day anyway, let''s go."


    "Brother Han, the director is saying if it''s okay with you can we do another shot?" Wen Qing glared at the director''s assistant who came to them. "He just thinks it''s good to stay ahead of schedule."


    "It''s fine with me," replied Han Bohai.


    "Great! I''ll call you once we are ready," saying that he went away.


    "Brother Han, would you please look at your condition?"


    Han Bohai waved off her worry offhandedly and leaned his head back to rest. He had promised himself earlier that he won''t check his phone repeatedly like a lovesick teenager but failed miserably when the first thing that came to his mind after sitting in his vanity was, ''Did she text me?''


    And that''s how he ended up taking his phone and when he really saw the text of Ying, his eyes went wide in disbelief. He kept staring at the screen for a while before he lifted his hand slowly and even slapped himself hard. Apparently, he really was in disbelief. So, as a way to confirm that it wasn''t a dream, he ended up slapping himself.


    Good thing that Wen Qing had gone out to arrange coffee for him. Otherwise, he would have been asked a million questions for this dumb reaction of his that came out of nowhere.


    Without wasting time, he texted back, ''Always free for you.''


    His eyes were glued to his phone screen while he anxiously waited for her reply but to no avail. Growing impatient, he texted again...


    ''Hey! You there?''


    He still got no response.


    ''You''re not planning on going back on your words, right?''


    When Ying didn''t reply, his anxiousness grew and so did his headache. He rubbed his temples to ease his growing headache while staring at the phone without even blinking.


    ''You can''t leave me hanging like this after that one text!''


    He thought he might have lost his chance for that meal because he was late in replying to her. Now, he was blaming himself for being careless. But there was more to it. He was worried.


    ''Oi! Are you okay?''


    ''Say something!''


    ''Can you please say something? I''m getting worried now.''


    ''????''


    A million possibilities were running through his mind when Ying didn''t reply to him. It was like every single negative thought of his was coming out all at once to attack his brain.


    He certainly was one impatient guy. Ying shook her head and was about to type when another message was received. It read, ''Don''t scare me like this. We can forget about that meal but can you please let me know that you''re okay?''


    The corner of her lips curled up on instinct when she read the last text. It wasn''t a surprise that she was unable to understand why he was so insistent on having this meal with her. They only had one proper meeting and even that couldn''t be counted as something very special. Then why would a person like him flirt with her?


    In her opinion, he was just playing around. And since he was playing around, there was no harm in playing along. After all, she had nothing better to do at the moment anyway.


    Han Bohai was biting his lips when he saw that she was ''typing''. He opened his eyes wide to wait for that message to be received. And when he did, he jumped up in excitement.


    ''Stop bombarding me with texts. Take a break. I didn''t die.''


    He grinned at her reply. It sounded so like her that he could literally picture her expressions right now. "Cute..." He muttered to himself. Well, someone really needed to fix his definition of cute. Because, to a normal person, Ying didn''t sound cute at all. In that text, definitely not!


    ''So as you said, should we really forget about that meal then?''


    He frowned at her next message and rolled his eyes. ''You''d do anything to avoid seeing me huh? What? Scared?''


    ''Me? Scared? And that too of you? Why?'' Her reply was faster this time around.


    ''Well, maybe you''re scared you''ll fall in love with me.''


    Ying could scoff only as she read his narcissistic reply. Oh, he really was something.


    ''Dream on! If you want that meal, meet me at the same place where we met yesterday in twenty minutes. If you''re late. The deal''s really off!''


    "What?!" Han Bohai was left speechless at her domineering and threatening reply. That was a threat. She was going too far. How was he supposed to get there in twenty minutes?


    "Brother Han, what happened?" Wen Qing came back with his coffee but seeing him holding his head with both his hands, she was worried yet again. "Is it hurting too much?"


    Hearing her voice, something clicked in his brain as he said, "Yeah. My head is going to burst any minute. I really need to see a doctor now."


    "Oh, let''s go then." Wen Qing held his arm to support him as she took him out while grumbling, "I told you not to overwork yourself. You never listen to me."


    "Xiao Qing, you''re increasing the pain." It wasn''t that he was annoyed to hear her complaints. He was feeling guilty for partially lying to her. He indeed had a headache but he was just exaggerating it now to get out of the shooting set.


    Wen Qing didn''t take long before she brought him to the car and drove away with him. She was a good driver but she didn''t know much about the An City. So, Han Bohai easily misled her to the mall he was at yesterday. But when she parked the car, she was like, "Bro, that''s not a hospital."


    He unbuckled his seatbelt while saying, "I know."


    "Then?" Seeing how he smiled at her, she frowned, "Did you fool me again? Why?" Apparently, it wasn''t the first time he did something like misleading her directions because she wasn''t very surprised at the outcome.


    He put on a cap and a mask as he replied, "Because I have someone very important to meet here."


    "It couldn''t wait? How important was it that you had to lie?"


    He opened the door as he got out saying, "Love doesn''t wait for people."

 490 Up

    Do you know that feeling of euphoria one feels when your baby recognizes you and smiles back at you? It''s one of the most precious moments of being a parent. Right now, Ah-Si was feeling those euphoric feelings all over again. Even though Ava''s first word wasn''t ''Dada'', it was still a proud moment for him. How could it not be? His daughter finally said something which meant there was nothing wrong with her.


    Even though she called her uncle first, it didn''t make this moment any less special to him.


    However, Ah-Si was having trouble believing what he heard or saw. His trembling finger pointed in the direction of his daughter as he questioned, "Did... Did she really talk?"


    "What do you think?" retorted Xiu who seemed too proud of herself right now. After all, it was she who brought Jackie here. See? She knew her little brother was just simply amazing! And Jackie definitely didn''t let her expectations down.


    "I thought I''m hearing things..."


    Although Ah-Si''s face showed all his feelings of happiness, excitement, and a touch of tears, she was still interested in seeing Xin Zimen''s reaction. However, she was disappointed when she didn''t find any visible change in his emotions. He still stood as calmly as he did before.


    Xiu had to mention this, he must be the person with the best poker face that came across her. How was he so good at it that she didn''t even find a flicker of change in his eyes?


    Jackie, on the other hand, pinched Ava''s cheek saying, "That''s like a good niece. Now, don''t babble again. If you want to call me, say my name. I''m not your father who can understand your silence."


    Xiu couldn''t believe this little brother was actually looking for an argument with his own niece now. Now, what was wrong with him?! That''s no way to bond with a baby!


    As she walked over, so did Ah-Si and Xin Zimen. While Xin Zimen stood at the side with a thoughtful look, Ah-Si went to his daughter. "Baby, you just talked. I still can''t believe it. That''s your first word. Can you try calling dad?"


    Xiu disregarded Ah-Si''s eagerness as she pulled her own little brother aside and asked, "What did you do?"


    "Nothing," he replied in a low voice just like her.


    Xiu squinted her eyes at him. "Did you threaten her to speak?"


    "I might have," said Jackie indifferently.


    Xiu pressed her lips together before patting his head, "You''re definitely my brother." She asked after a pause, "Wanna tell me the details?"


    "It''s a secret," he shrugged.


    "And when did we start keeping secrets from each other?" she wiggled her brows at him and he leaned in to say something in her ear. She nodded after listening to him. "Okay. I''ll wait for it."


    "You want me to pick you up?" Jackie asked her and seeing her nod, he shook his head. "Not happening. You''re heavy." Ava pouted at him adorably and Xiu poked Jackie''s head from beside him. When he saw Xiu''s eyes telling him to pick her up, he couldn''t do anything.


    How exactly were they expecting him to pick her up though? Were they forgetting he was also a kid? However, he could only resign to this situation as he gathered all his strength to pick that three-year-old who was actually smaller for her age.


    "How did he do it?" Xin Zimen finally spoke up as he looked at Xiu who knew what he was referring to.


    "He said it''s a secret he''d be telling me at home," Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she answered honestly. That''s exactly what Jackie said in her ear earlier.


    "Why did you bring him here?" he asked further. When Xiu gave him an inquisitive look, he went on, "You brought him to have some bonding with his niece?" Xiu nodded her head firmly. "You don''t have any other scheme behind it all?"


    "Weird uncle! What do you mean? Do I look like a schemer to you?" Xiu sounded like she was being wronged but when she saw Xin Zimen nodding his head without any hesitation, even she was taken aback. Why was he so honest about what he felt? I wasn''t necessary you know.


    Xiu sighed out.


    "Fine. I do have a scheme behind it. But it''s nothing harmful. I only use my brain for good deeds. I assure you my scheme is very beneficial especially to your son."


    "Me?" Ah-Si pointed at himself.


    "Yes, you. Who do you think I''m doing all this for? Obviously, it''s for you and Nora. Why else would I take up this much trouble for? Do you know how much I hate using my brain? And yet here I am making plans to clear your path."


    Xin Zimen took a seat at the couch and said, "Keep going. I''m intrigued to hear more of it."


    Xiu rolled up her sleeves as if she was going on a fight while she sat beside Xin Zimen and patted his shoulder as if she was seeing her old buddy after a long time. "Then hear me out, Xiao Zi. I assure you, you''ll love it."


    Ah-Si coughed at the way Xiu not only patted his father''s shoulder but also called him ''Xiao Zi''? Just how many people were there who called his father that way? He could count on only one hand! Even more shocking was the way Xin Zimen didn''t mind it at all. Instead, he still had an intrigued and amusing smile playing on his lips.


    Although he was aware of how his father was, he had still grown up seeing people being scared of his father. So, seeing someone as carefree as Ying had been with his father was something that he found difficult to take in.

 491 The Key

    Xiu rubbed her hands together as she said, "Let''s begin then..."


    Xin Zimen perched his elbow at the side to support his face while he listened to her attentively.


    "I''m gonna ask a question. How do you enter in a house?"


    "Through the door," answered Ah-Si.


    "What do you need to open the door?"


    Ah-Si''s brows furrowed up as he replied, "A key."


    "Exactly." Ah-Si''s frown deepened but she didn''t care as she went on, "Your goal right now is my sister, Nora Cartwright. Let''s assume that she as the house, you''re trying to get in. My uncle Jing and Clara mom are the door standing tall between you and her." She looked in the direction of Jackie who had already put down Ava and was holding her finger to take a walk around. "Meanwhile, he is the key to that door."


    "Huh?" Ah-Si was dumbfounded.


    Xiu placed her elbow on Xin Zimen''s shoulder as she said, "Your son is very slow."


    "I know," he replied plainly.


    Xiu shook her head at Ah-Si and went about the whole situation in a different way. "Ah-Si, do you even know how many lovers get separated in our country because of parents'' disagreement?" He shook his head back and forth. "Well, just know that the ratio is high. And I assume you don''t want to become the part of that ratio. Am I right?" He nodded his head solemnly.


    Xiu took a deep breath.


    "Then how to avoid the situation?" wondered Xiu.


    "How?" he inquired.


    "Of course, your job is to impress your future in-laws. And no offense but right now they hate your guts! Literally hate you very much. It''s nothing personal it''s just that you dared to hurt Nora and that''s an unacceptable crime." Ah-Si''s brows raised up as she went on, "You see, my Clara mom is a very rational woman. She for a second can think from your perspective but my dear uncle Jing doesn''t give a damn about your ''perspective''. The only thing he can see is that you hurt his precious daughter."


    Ah-Si didn''t dare doubt Xiu''s words.


    "Actually, it''s not just for Nora. Even if it''s me or Jackie, he''d react the same way. He is a very simple person, if you hurt his kids, he won''t let you live in peace."


    "Interesting..." Xiu looked at Xin Zimen who suddenly remarked with a chuckle. "So I guess when I heard rumors that Jing Ge is very protective of his kids, it wasn''t wrong?"


    "Definitely not," replied Xiu confidently. That family was one of her pride in this life. Because she knew she had her own place in that family and in everyone''s heart there.


    "So, you''re telling me I''m doomed?" voiced out Ah-Si.


    "Now, that''s where you''re wrong!" Xiu rubbed her nose. "You are overlooking one very important point." She pointed at Ava as she went on, "I even said to you before. You and Nora have a daughter. And that''s a game-changer!"


    Ah-Si finally was getting to what she was trying to say.


    "Once he gets close to Ava, he''ll, in turn, look at Ah-Si in a different way which will give Ah-Si access to the door which in this case are his in-laws. And with the key''s help, it won''t be difficult to open the door." Xiu looked at Xin Zimen and gave him a round of applause.


    "As expected, Xiao Zi, you''re amazing!"


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head gently as he said, "I''d say, little lass, you''re tricky."


    "Everything is fair in love," she said. "And I, Bai Xiu, am willing to do that everything for my sisterly love. I feel like she suffered enough. I should give her an emotional break now and let her only enjoy the good moments. So, I''m clearing up her path to make everything smooth and peaceful for her."


    "Emotional break?" Ah-Si repeated her words.


    Xiu squinted her eyes at him as she said, "Do you think only you suffered? Come to my place, I''ll show you her room which is filled with stuffed toys. I never understood why she suddenly got obsessed with toys but I understand it now. When she thought she lost her child, she was left devastated and she tried to fill that void with anything she could think of. So, yes. I do want to give her an emotional break."


    What Xiu didn''t say out loud was, ''She has done so much for me in the past five years that I can never repay. She gave me a family I yearned for. A sister I always wished for. A loving home that I could come back to.'' It was a debt, Xiu thought she couldn''t repay even if she wanted to. But what she could do was to make everything perfect in Nora''s life.


    Xiu felt someone caressing her head and looked at Xin Zimen. "Little lass... Why do you make it so difficult to dislike you?"


    Xiu pouted a little, "Why do you want to dislike me?"


    "To keep my distance from you," said Xin Zimen.


    "Why?"


    He pinched her nose saying, "Because it''s very easy to fall in your trap." Xiu was having trouble understanding his meaning but she didn''t get a chance to contemplate either because...


    "Oh, wow! I didn''t know my daughter-in-law is also here!"


    Xiu looked and jumped up excitedly at seeing Francesca but soon crossed her arms and sat back down. "Xiao Zi, you tell this mother of mine that I''m very upset with her. So, no talking!"


    "What did I do?" Francesca was suddenly left in a shock.


    "Oho! How can you make such an adorable bunny upset?"


    "Bunny? How do I even look like a bunny?" Xiu looked at Xin Zimen indignantly when he called her a bunny.


    "But I called you an adorable bunny," he retorted.


    "How is that any different?" Xiu grumbled unhappily.


    "It''s very different." He pinched her cheeks that she puffed up like a kid and went on, "See? Since it''s an adorable bunny, it makes me want to pinch her cheeks like this."


    "Someone really needs to tell me first what did I do wrong?" Francesca had to speak up since she had been sidelined even when she didn''t know what she did wrong!

 492 What About My Wedding?

    "Well, I would also like to know the answer to that," Xin Zimen looked at Xiu inquiringly.


    "To arrange the wedding of someone else''s daughter, she is abandoning her own daughter!" Xiu pointed at Francesca accusingly. "She should be worried about her cute daughter but no. She is busy having fun buying the wedding dress for someone else! What about my wedding?!"


    "Xiu..." Francesca wanted to say something but Xiu refused to listen.


    "Mom, I''m not falling for it. You said you''re here for me. Well, guess what? You just ran off at the first chance you got. Shouldn''t you be worried about my wedding instead?"


    "I''m doing it all for practice," said Francesca while Xiu frowned. "I''m an inexperienced person. I don''t go to weddings and I really know nothing about weddings. But I want my Xiu and Regi''s wedding to be perfect. So, I''m trying to gather some experience."


    Xiu scoffed, "Excuses!" She looked at Xin Zimen as if to complain, "Do you know Xiao Zi? I didn''t even see her in days. Apparently everything else is more important."


    "Okay, my dear daughter. I will only focus on you now. Give me a way out this one time, okay?" Francesca sat beside her and hugged her shoulder trying to coax her like a kid. She indeed didn''t get a chance to meet Xiu in days and she also knew Darren wasn''t around as well. No wonder this adorable daughter was acting so broody.


    Xiu thought about it for a while before saying, "I was kidding though. I''m not that petty to hold something this against you."


    "What? You scared me." Francesca pulled her ear.


    "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! That hurts!" Xiu rubbed her ear when Francesca loosened her hold on Xiu''s ear. "By the way, why are you here? Did you already knew that I''d be here?"


    Francesca pinched her small nose like Xin Zimen did earlier and shook her head, "No, I didn''t know it. It came as a pleasant surprise to me as well." Xiu nodded her head. "And I''m actually here to see Brother Zimen."


    "Oh..." Xiu again nodded and got up saying, "Then you talk to Xiao Zi, I''m gonna look for some food."


    When she left, Francesca took her tablet from the table and passed it to Xin Zimen. "Sister Wei said you asked for the guest list. So, here it is."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes looked at her face and then at the tablet in her head. Even though he took it with a shake of his head, he couldn''t help saying, "If it was a digital copy, you could have just mailed it to me."


    Francesca''s face stiffened. How come she forgot that? She knocked on her own head saying, "Aiyo! It''s all Sister Wei''s fault. She told me to come here and give it to you. And I had been so busy with other stuff that it didn''t even cross my mind that I could just mail it to you."


    Francesca read the names he pointed at and replied, "I think it''s Xiaoli. He asked Sister Wei to add these names on the list."


    "My son?" She nodded her head. He took a deep breath to calm himself before asking, "What about this one? Are you really gonna invite Regan''s father? Did you ask Regan?"


    "What''s there to ask? It''s not like he and his dad are arch enemies or something. As long as he doesn''t bring his wife along, Regan will be fine."


    "He and his dad might not be arch enemies but Regan and Zhou Jinhai hadn''t been on good terms lately. Even Dylan is not on good terms with Zhou Jinhai. Why is he also invited then?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    Francesca sighed out, "Can you not ask me about these generations fights? I only know that Zhou Jinhai is Liu Nuan''s husband and Liu Nuan is Meihui''s best friend. It''d be weird if we just invited the wife and left out the husband, right?"


    "I guess you all are looking for a battlefield rather than a wedding," said Xin Zimen as he got up and left not before adding, "Don''t leave without having dinner."


    "I wouldn''t," answered Francesca.


    Xin Zimen went straight to his eldest son''s room and knocked at the door. As soon as he opened the door, Xiaoli was surprised to see his father standing at the door. That was not a common occurrence.


    "Dad, is everything okay?"


    "The guests you''re inviting to your wedding. Are they necessary?" Xin Zimen didn''t dilly-dally and straight got to the point. He only came to know the answer to this question.


    Xin Xiaoli frowned a bit in confusion before saying, "I just called grandmother and grandfather."


    "And I am asking about them. Are they necessary?"


    "Dad, they are your parents."


    "So? If I''m not inviting them why are you?"


    Xin Xiaoli found it difficult to talk to his father. Why would he always turn into a strange person whenever his parents'' name was brought up? Even as his son, Xiaoli knew nothing about why his father hated his own family so much.


    "Dad, I think these are the occasions to reconnect with family."


    Xin Zimen snickered, "I don''t want to reconnect or reconcile with them. Why is it so difficult for my own sons to understand that I can''t stand anyone of them?"


    He turned to leave when Xiaoli spoke up from behind, "But why?"


    "What did you say?"


    "I''m just asking why? You always leave leeway for elder uncle. You have a good relation with aunt Huan as well. But then why your own parents are an exception? Why your sister is an exception? Why can''t you talk to them nicely? Do you even realize how much grandmother and grandfather misses you?"


    Xin Zimen touched his chin as he said, "It''s a pity that my own son doesn''t want to stand by my side. Do whatever you want. It''s not like you ever listened to me." Saying that he walked away without turning back.


    However, Xiaoli felt like he could see the disappointment in his father''s eyes.

 493 Lets Begin

    -Golden Star Mall-


    Han Bohai had gotten here as fast as he could. He even had to lie to get here fast. However, when he saw Ying standing there before him, he knew he was doomed.


    When he stood before her, he was panting because of all the running he did in this huge mall just to find her. But Ying simply lifted her wrist to tap at her watch saying, "You''re exactly three minutes late. Should we call the deal off?"


    Han Bohai''s arm went around her neck as he pulled her towards himself and said, "Sweetheart, you can''t look for trouble over three minutes. I don''t have wings. It''s peak hour, there is traffic as well."


    "Take your hand off," she retorted in a stern voice.


    "I need some support. I can''t stand on my own," he replied while pretending to weak and feeble.


    Ying held his arm and pushed him over to the bench where they actually met yesterday as she said, "Then sit down. Who asked you to stand?"


    "Stingy!" he grumbled at the way she literally threw him off. "Oh, by the way, how did you recognize me? Even like this?"


    His clothes were hanging loosely on his stature while he wore a cap, glasses, and a mask to hide. In fact, he looked nothing like he did yesterday if one didn''t focus on his cap and the glasses.


    "It must be a connection between us."


    "Aren''t you cheeky?" said Ying with a fake smile and went on, "In this attire, you can either be a thief or a celebrity."


    "Why do I feel like you just insulted me?" he asked.


    "Maybe because I did," she answered matter-of-factly. His face was completely hidden from her eyes and yet, she could feel that he was smiling underneath that mask. "Why are you smiling?"


    "Huh? How do you know I''m smiling?"


    "So, I''m right?"


    He nodded his head and went on, "I don''t know whatever you say just make me want to smile."


    "What? What kind of logic is that?" She waved her hands trying to stop herself from arguing over these small things. "Forget it. Let''s focus on why we are here."


    "Why are we here?" He took off his shades and showed her those eager eyes that stared right at her face.


    "Of course, for that meal. Why else?"


    "You want to be done with that meal to end our association right here?"


    Ying didn''t think before she nodded honestly.


    "How cruel!" He stood up and said, "Then let''s take a raincheck. I''m busy today."


    Ying held his hand before he could move. "Oi! Do you think I have all the time in the world? It''s either today or never!"


    Han Bohai turned around and said, "But didn''t you say you''ll only treat me to a meal if I won in a fight with you?"


    "You''re a celebrity. What if I accidentally broke something? What will I do then?"


    He leaned closer to her saying, "Then you''ll have to take responsibility for me. I don''t mind. I''m more than willing to give myself to you."


    In fact, Ying didn''t even realize that she had never left his hand since the time she held it to stop him from leaving. Even while talking, his hand was in hers and now that she was dragging him around on will, he didn''t mind at all.


    But when she brought him to the bowling alley, he was surprised. That was not the place he expected to end up at. He looked at her inquisitively. "Why are we here?"


    "For the battle..."


    "Battle?" she nodded her head. "What kind of battle are we having?"


    "Bowling!" she answered while smirking at him. "Fewer chances of getting injured and no excuses will work either."


    "Excuses?" he repeated.


    "Yeah. If we go to ring for a fight, and you end up losing, you''d say, ''I went easy on you because you''re a girl and I don''t hit girls and blah blah blah.'' Here you can''t have any excuses."


    Han Bohai couldn''t stop laughing at the way her brain was working. Perhaps, she really believed him when he said he would ask her to take responsibility for him. If she did, then she was really gullible.


    However, Ying had something else on her mind as well. If by any chance, he really got hurt, she wouldn''t be able to forgive herself. He was an actor and she couldn''t just ruin someone''s dream like that. She was the person who valued these things very much.


    Getting inside the private bowling room, she said, "You can take off your mask here. Isn''t it uncomfortable?"


    He chuckled at her saying, "I used to ask the same question and whenever my sister said that she got used to it. I never understood her meaning. Now that I have done it for years, I can completely understand her. We get used to things even if we don''t like it. Just like we get used to someone''s presence or absence. It''s just a matter of time."


    Ying stared at his face for a long time when he took off his cap and mask while his shades were already in his hands. "Am I that handsome that you''re already falling for the looks?"


    Ying rolled her eyes at him. "I don''t fall for looks. If I did, I have seen better."


    "Ouch!" he grabbed his chest as if it was hurting, "Do you have to hurt me so brutally?"


    "I was just telling the truth though," she shrugged as she threw aside her blazer and tied her shoes up. "Shall we begin?"


    He who had been lost in staring at her all this while was taken aback when she asked that and looked at him inquisitively since he was just sitting there and dumbly looking at her face. What was wrong with him?


    With a cough to hide his embarrassment at being caught, he stood up and said, "Yes, we shall begin."

 494 A Fire

    "You lost!"


    Ying''s hand clenched tight as she looked at the score on the screen above. She could only stare at the way she lost. How did it happen? He was really having the time of his life when he played. Why was he a pro at bowling? And why did she pick it of all things?!


    Han Bohai could see her unwillingness to accept the defeat but he couldn''t do anything about it. He had only two choices, either win and have that dinner with her or lose and never see her again. He knew his priorities well. Although seeing her victory smile was also on his list of priorities, at the moment he just wanted to stay beside her!


    After all, to see her smile he first needed to be beside her!


    But seeing how stiff her body had been, he went up and placed his hand on her shoulder, "You okay?" She didn''t respond at all. "Don''t tell me this is your first time losing?" He laughed it off but seeing her death glare he was shocked. "It was really your first time losing? Wow!"


    He could only be surprised at it. But when it came to Ying, it was her first time losing in anything from her peer or someone younger than her. Losing from her seniors didn''t count. She never competed with her seniors due to her respectful manners but this was shameful. He was younger than her and he won!


    In despair, she fell on her knees and mumbled, "How can I lose? Such a disappointment I am!"


    Han Bohai crouched down beside her and patted her back consoling her, "You know, this victory can be yours."


    She squinted her eyes at him, "How?"


    He grinned widely, "Be my girlfriend, and then whatever is mine is yours. Even my victory is yours." If Xiu or Darren had been around, his words would have definitely reminded them of someone. But it was Ying and she wasn''t a very romantic person.


    "Do you have a death wish? How can you so brazenly ask someone to be your girlfriend? We just met!"


    "Will you stop saying that we just met? I get it already. You had been repeating it since yesterday!" He was really upset when she brought it up again. "And why are you refusing to even give me a chance? Let''s clear up everything... Are you taken?"


    Ying nodded her head and his heart fell but when she spoke, "Taken for granted for sure."


    He facepalmed himself as he spoke in a reprimanding tone, "Don''t scare me like that! I almost got a heart attack."


    "Do all actors love to exaggerate everything like you?" she questioned curiously as she got up from the floor and sat down at the couch.


    "When did I exaggerate anything?" he wondered out.


    "You can''t get a heart attack so easily," she replied.


    Ying placed her hands on his chest asking, "Wha- What are you trying to do? I''m telling you don''t try anything funny."


    The back of his index finger slid down the bridge of her nose as if caressing it as he said, "Has anyone ever told you?"


    "What?"


    "You have the most gorgeous eyes."


    "Huh?" She took one hand off of his chest and touched her eyes as she mumbled, "Nothings special. I don''t even know what you''re talking about."


    He tapped her nose and she had to swat his hand away but he still said, "There is a fire in your eyes. It feels like if I tried getting close, you''ll burn me."


    "I might do it," said Ying carelessly twirling a strand of her hair.


    "Call me crazy but I still find those flames in your eyes so fascinating that I might not back off."


    "Even though there is a big danger sign looming over it? You''d still willingly walk into those flames?"


    He straightened up as he said, "The point is the fire in you has already burnt you." She stood up and stared at his face wide eyed as he went on, "Now, it''s my turn to remind you that the same fire can warm your heart as well."


    Ying snickered at his words, "What if instead of warming my heart, you also ended up burning with me?"


    "Then that''ll be like a dream come true." He stated happily. "Don''t they say love is like a fire. Then I don''t mind burning along with you."


    "Do you always flirt like this or...?"


    "No, you''re a special case."


    "Oh, really?"


    He nodded his head, "Yes, really."


    "I guess acting gave you enough experience." Ying shook her head at him and picked up her blazer saying, "What do you want to eat? Tell me!" She cracked her knuckles as she warned, "And if your answer is gonna be ''You'' then better stay quiet or I might kill you."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together. He was truly speechless at the way her brain worked. Even if he wanted to say that, why would he choose to say it right now? That''ll be like looking for death!


    "I can eat anything as long as you like it," he replied.


    "Don''t be so modest now."


    "I''m not being modest. I''m just being honest."


    Ying frowned at him. "You''ll eat anything I like to eat?"


    "Yes."


    "Don''t regret it later on," she warned before asking him to put on his cap and mask. She dragged him again like a kid and brought him to her car, "Get in. What I want to eat is not sold here."


    "Okay!" Without even thinking twice, he was already inside the car and Ying was really surprised to see how eager he was.


    As she got in and was buckling her seatbelt, she looked at him who was just sitting there looking at the interior of the car with curious eyes. What was he? A kid? Even when she started the car, he still just sat there.


    "Oi! You don''t expect me to get over there to fasten your seatbelt, do you?"


    "That''s a good idea!" he replied.


    "Don''t blame me later on," with that, her car got out of the parking and as soon as she hit the highway, the car was wooshing away leaving him no other choice but to fasten his seatbelt on his own.

 495 Sunflowers

    When Ying drove the car towards the outskirts of the town, he finally decided to ask, "Where exactly are we going?" He clutched the seatbelt tightly. "Don''t tell me you have some indecent idea running through that brain of yours."


    Ying gave him a sideways glance as she smirked, "Why? Do you think I''ll really kill you here?" He looked at the side of her face as she went on, "It''s not a bad idea though. Even if I kill you here, no one will ever know. He. He. He."


    "Your idea of indecent is really phenomenal."


    "I know!"


    "Even if you murder me, you''ll also suffer."


    "Poor you! Don''t you know how many unsolved murder cases there are in our country? I don''t mind making you part of it."


    "Evil!" muttered Han Bohai and looked out the window.


    Soon, Ying parked the car and he followed her out. She entered a small street restaurant and he followed along.


    "Auntie, two bowls of beef noodles!" Ying called out right after entering and taking a seat at one of the tables as if it was the most natural thing to do. And he also sat down while looking around. Ying was a little perplexed to see his reaction.


    She thought he''d be disgusted here but he looked like he frequented places like these. Since there were only a few people here, he took off his mask and said, "You like this place?"


    "I like the authentic and homey taste of beef noodles here," she replied. While he nodded in understanding, she asked, "Have you ever ate at a shabby place like this before?"


    "I have," he blinked. "My sister loved to eat at these places."


    "Really? Interesting..." Ying didn''t ask him to explain himself further. She was tapping the chopsticks on the glass on the table when she noticed how his eyes were glued on her face yet again. "Do you realize that you come off as a creep for staring at me like that?"


    "Huh? Do I?" he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "But I can''t help it. It''s all your fault."


    "My fault? How is it my fault?"


    "Do you know that sunflowers usually follow the sun?"


    "Don''t be cheesy with me and say that I''m your sun," warned Ying and he laughed it off.


    "Nah, that''s not what I mean. Actually, there was a post I read a few years back where they claimed that when sunflowers can''t find the sun they turn to each other and share energy. Or perhaps, have a chat?"


    "That''s not scientifically proven," argued Ying.


    "I know." He replied. "My point here, while the post was factually wrong, it''s sentiment when applied to a human being is worth noticing." Ying furrowed her brows at him. "Is it wrong that I want to look at you because I feel like that way we''d be closer? Leaving all my nonsense aside, I can''t seem to look away."


    Ying rolled her eyes at him and after some thinking, she started laughing.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Huh?"


    "Like sunflower one be like, ''Yo! Bro, there is no sun!'' And the second one be like, ''Yeah! I know.'' The first one is like, ''Then why are you looking at me?'' And the second one be like, ''Let me be the sun for you, bro.''" She was chopsticks as imaginary sunflowers as she literally performed her skit before him. He was speechless. "Can you imagine how touched the first sunflower would be?"


    "I can''t..."


    When the food was served, she again stopped paying him any attention as she continued to slurp on her piping hot noodles. He smiled at the way she chewed the hot noodles while breathing through her mouth.


    "What''s the hurry? Take it slow..."


    "I like it this way," she retorted. She ate in silence for a while but broke the silence with, "Why do you remind me of a lovesick puppy wagging its tail?"


    "Do I look cute doing it?" She raised her brow at him as he went on, "I mean as this lovesick puppy do I look cute?"


    "Does it matter what I think?" He nodded in reply. "Why?"


    "Are you really that clueless or just trying to act like one? Isn''t it already obvious that I''m interested in you? Do you need me to spell it out for you again?"


    Ying sighed out heavily, "How can you be so brazen? I have never come across someone like you."


    "So, it''s your first time being pursued like this?" When she didn''t answer, he added, "It''s good to know that I am the first one." He took a pause as his chopsticks played with the noodles before he voiced out, "I''m not impudent or cheeky. The only reason I''m so straightforward is that I know waiting can get us nowhere."


    "What do you mean?"


    "If I keep hiding my feelings, it''s not gonna help me in any way. And since I''m sure about my feelings, I should just act on those feelings, why should I hide it? Is it a crime to fall in love with someone at first sight? Even if it is, I don''t mind being the criminal."


    "I don''t get it-"


    He cut her off as he said, "Look, you''re single so am I. I have feelings for you, yours will develop over time. You never know." She opened her mouth to retort but he didn''t give her a chance as he went on, "But it won''t happen if you keep trying to push me away like this. Don''t try to get rid of me, because you can''t. I''m a very clingy kind of person. No matter how annoyed you feel, I''ll still keep being that clingy and annoying person."


    Ying was left staring at his face before she burst out laughing. "You are certainly a different kind of species I met. And oddly, you coming so fast forward and strongly is making me intrigued to know what you''re up to."


    She felt like she needed to say it and she did. The thing about him was that he was being way too honest and sincere. Even if this new experience was kinda different than what she was used to, was it really necessary for her to live with the love of yesterday when a bright tomorrow was literally banging at her door?

 496 One Of A Kind

    "I''m glad you finally decided to have this dinner with your father. From your reaction yesterday, I thought you would reject it."


    Darren only glanced at Paige but said nothing. He might have thought of not having this dinner but last night after talking to Ying, he didn''t have any other choice. It wasn''t that he was estranged from his father but he still would be the last one to find out anything related to his health. And the blame was on his father who would share everything else with him except for his worries.


    As he stood at the entrance of the private room, two men standing guard at the door bowed to him respectfully and opened the door for him to enter. While Paige stood outside, he entered the room.


    The man inside was standing close to the window looking out but turned around when he heard the sound of the door. Darren hadn''t seen him in a year or so, and now he seemed to have aged a lot more. Dylan''s father and his own had almost the same age but why was it that his father was looking older?


    "I hope you''re not planning on just standing there," he heard that gentle voice and his trance broke. His father walked over to him and hugged him. When he pulled away, he looked at his son up and down and nodded, "You look good. I wonder if it has something to do with love."


    "You heard that?"


    His father smiled at him, "You announced it to the whole world. It does feel bad to realize that I was the last person to hear about it but yeah, I''m really happy for you."


    "It''s not like I wanted to hide it from you," said Darren as he followed his father to sit down. "But you seem to be hiding a lot from me."


    "Me?" His father frowned slightly. "What did I hide from you?"


    "You had a heart attack," stated Darren keeping his voice leveled. "And you didn''t even bother telling me about it."


    Darren''s father stared at his face carefully. Although Darren''s physical features were all inherited from his maternal family, his temperament and nature were just like his father''s.


    "It wasn''t something big and even if I informed, would you come to see me?"


    "Of course, I..." Darren stopped mid-sentence with his internal struggle visible on his face.


    His father smiled slightly as he said, "I know you wouldn''t. I didn''t want to put you in any difficult situation. I know if you knew about my condition you''d certainly want to come to see me but..." He shook his head and sighed, "Anyways, I''m absolutely fine now. It doesn''t matter."


    "Shouldn''t you be resting? Why are you here?"


    "As I just said, I''m absolutely fine now. Besides, I wanted to meet my son. He might not miss his father but I can''t help missing him."


    Darren rolled his eyes as he said, "There is no need to be so emotional about it."


    "By the way, I do know you''re dating someone but I still don''t know who she is or what she looks like or what she does or what kind of a person she is."


    "But you aren''t curious about any of that," stated Darren straightforwardly.


    His father shook his head at his son and said, "Yes, I''m not curious about any of that. I have no doubt about your choices. If she''s your choice, she''d definitely be one of a kind."


    "That she certainly is..." His father raised his brow and he went on, "I mean she is one of a kind. Period!"


    His father was a bit surprised to hear that. "And you seem to be really in love with her. Interesting. Very interesting indeed."


    "I indeed am in love with her. I mean literally everyone around her adores her. It''s hard to resist when it comes to her. She is just that kind of person who just makes you fall you in love without even trying too hard. She just has to act like her usual crazy self and that''s it." His eyes were sparkling as it always did whenever Xiu''s name was brought in any conversation. It was always like he was under some kind of spell.


    His father stayed quiet for a long time reading his expressions before he questioned, "So, when is the wedding?"


    Darren turned to him with an inquisitive gaze, "Why is everyone asking me that question lately? It seems everyone is more eager for my wedding than me."


    "I think it has something to do with the way you talk about your girlfriend." Darren''s brows furrowed up. "It''s almost like you are charmed. The way your eyes lit up talking about her is enough indication of your strong feelings for her."


    Darren lowered his head and concentrated on eating. He could never help talking about his Sweets like that. Her name was enough to not only make him smile but to make his whole world light up. She was that existence in his life which actually made him believe in fairytale love. Being charmed? He had fallen under her spell so deep that even he couldn''t find a way out.


    "I think the wedding will be soon."


    His father was surprised to hear him say that suddenly but he was still happy to hear it. "Hopefully, I''ll be invited?"


    Darren looked up at his face, "Yes, of course. Why wouldn''t I invite you?"


    "Just saying..."


    Darren frowned but didn''t say anything. Even though he still had been in a lot of stress about this, he couldn''t deny that he had to tell Xiu about his father. He couldn''t run from it and as much as he knew about his Sweets, she''d rather face it all than to run from it either.

 497 Looking Forward

    If one had to describe Darren''s relationship with his father, it would be worded as amiable, peaceful, close, and yet a little strained. Although Darren respected his father, this respect was completely different than the one he had for Francesca. And there was no need to say that even his father was aware of this fact.


    "Did you meet your brother?" His father began making Darren''s brows twitch slightly. "Xiao Jin had been in the same city for a while now. Didn''t he across you? Or you both had been avoiding each other again?"


    Darren took a moment to reply, "I didn''t know he had been in the An City. And why would I avoid him?"


    His father, Zhou Xichen took a deep breath as he said, "Are you both really going to play this game?"


    "Who said we are playing a game?" wondered Darren. "We just don''t talk anymore Like we used to do. I guess we grew up and grew apart as well."


    "I can''t believe both of my sons take me for a fool. Do you really think that I''d believe this ''we grew apart'' crap? Something definitely happened between you both but neither of you is willing to say anything about it." Zhou Xichen was frustrated. He had heard this reply from both his sons for so long that it had gotten on his nerve now!


    Either it was Zhou Jinhai as an elder brother or Darren as a younger brother, they always had been as close as real brothers even though they didn''t share the same mother. They never even argued. Never had any squabbles about inheritance. After all, Darren never wanted to take anything from his father and Zhou Jinhai wanted to present the whole world to his brother even at the cost of angering his own mother.


    This was the reason why Zhou Xichen was unable to understand why they both were unwilling to talk about each other much less talk to each other now. What created this rift between them?


    "If we don''t want to talk about it, why are you insisting on making us talk?"


    "Because as a father, I deserve to know what''s going on between my own sons."


    "I really don''t think it concerns you though," said Darren soberly. "It''s between him and me."


    "But it does concern me!" Zhou Xichen''s voice turned sharp and he ended up coughing. Darren sprang up to his feet and offered him water while rubbing his back soothingly. After his coughing seized did he continue, "You both are the reason my health is deteriorating."


    "Me included? What did I do?" Darren grumbled unhappily.


    "Did you hear that Xiao Jin refused to inherit the family business?" Darren''s brows quirked up perplexingly.


    "Huh? But a few months ago, I heard that he was officially the new chairman of the Zhou Empires."


    Darren stayed quiet for a long while before he muttered, "No wonder, he is living in An City now." He took a brief pause to add, "But why are you blaming me? I have no hand in all this."


    "And what do you have to say about how you''re hell-bent on destroying PassionArts Entertainment?"


    Darren cleared his throat saying, "Well, that I can''t deny." Before Zhou Xichen could say anything, he went on, "But in my defense, PassionArts Entertainment is not yours. It doesn''t fall under the businesses of Zhou Empires. It''s something started by your wife and I have all the right to destroy it if I feel like it. Besides, I have the capability to take over it so why should I hesitate?"


    "I never knew my son could be so tyrannical," stated Zhou Xichen, a bit gruffly.


    Darren contemplated what he had told him and frowned as if something clicked in his mind. "Dad, you aren''t expecting me to convince him, right? If he''s playing the rebel, it''s not my fault. He had been an ideal son for way too long already. Maybe he is also tired of walking on the road that all of you paved for him."


    Zhou Xichen squinted his eyes at his son as he said, "But I don''t want you to convince him. Instead, I want you to take over-"


    Darren raised his hand to interrupt him. He forgot all his manners as he dared to cut off his father''s speech. "That''s never happening. I still stand by what I said, I''ll never take anything from you."


    "Darren..." Zhou Xichen called out his name helplessly.


    "Sorry, dad! But I don''t have a habit of going back on my words. Besides, to maintain peace and happiness in my life, it''s better for me to keep my distance from your wife. I don''t want to give her another reason to attack me. Losing my dream once is enough for me. But what I have now is the most precious to me and I''m not gonna give her a chance to take that from me."


    "And if both of my sons keep being this stubborn, then my family''s legacy is gonna fall into that wife of mine''s hands. The wife whom both my sons despise. What am I supposed to do here?"


    Darren took a sip of water and said, "Dad, I can understand you. But seriously, I can''t do this. You better look for your elder son. Even if he is angry with your wife, he can''t be angry with you."


    "I think he knows what I want to talk about so he''s been avoiding me at all costs."


    Darren nodded his head. "Then don''t forget to attend Sister Meihui''s wedding. He''d certainly be there."


    "I was looking forward to meeting your girlfriend at that wedding. Looks like I have more to look forward to now."

 498 All About I

    -Xin Villa-


    After talking to his son, Xin Zimen had locked himself in his study. When it was close to the dinner time, he heard a light knock at his door before the door was pushed open and a dainty neck poked inside.


    "May I?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Xiu''s eyes that were sparkling strangely as he nodded and allowed her to enter. After entering the study, Xiu walked around languidly without a care in the world. It was only natural that she had remembered this place from her last visit.


    Neither Xin Zimen said anything to stop her from touching his things, nor did Xiu held herself back. If the owner himself didn''t mind her presence, she certainly was gonna do anything to curb her curiosity about a few certain things.


    However, all this while, Xin Zimen''s eyes followed her figure with narrowed eyes while his fingers tapped at his handrest rhythmically.


    "Xiao Zi, did I mention that you have a beautiful house?"


    His fingers halted as he pursed his lips before voicing out, "Little lass, say what you really have to say. There is no point in dragging this anymore."


    Xiu stopped pacing around and looked at him with a smirk on her lips. "Don''t you get tired?" His brows shot up inquisitively and she added, "I mean, you''re always reading between the lines. Reading every expression and figuring people out. Isn''t it tiring?"


    Xin Zimen placed his elbows on the desk and the fingers of his both hands intertwined with each other as he said, "I grew up trying to distinguish between a friend and a foe. Reading people has become a..."


    "A habit?" Xiu offered a word from her vocabulary and frowned when he shook his head.


    "Instead of calling it a habit, I''d call it instinct." He paused briefly before adding, "So, tell me what is it? What do you have to say? Or what do you have to ask?"


    Xiu pulled a chair and sat down before him. "If you''re being this frank then I guess I have no need to hold back either." He stayed silent as if allowing her to talk. He really was curious to know what she had to say. And somehow, he already knew why she was here. And his inkling proved to be right when she went on, "Why did you ask Ying Jie to follow me?"


    Xiu had expected to see his face shocked. After all, Ying never told her who was behind her. She indeed wanted to see an expression but the one she received went against her imagination again because instead of staring at her with wide eyes, he was looking at her with a gentle gaze and a slight curve to his lips.


    Xiu furrowed her brows a bit unpleasantly, "You''re the one who asked her to follow me, right?"


    "Yes," he replied straightforwardly, and seeing how she nodded believing him, he questioned, "You believed it so easily?"


    "I''ve finally managed to understand you a bit. If you aren''t willing to tell the truth you''d rather stay quiet instead. I guess you don''t like lying."


    "You know most often people assume that I don''t set my priorities straight but it''s not true. Not completely."


    "Oh? How is that so?" he wondered.


    "I have so much going on in my life that it''s becoming difficult for me to keep my mind sane. Perhaps, my idea of solving one thing at a time isn''t favored by many but that''s my way to cope with this reality of mine." Xiu didn''t know why she told this truth to him. Even though she didn''t explain her situation, her eyes were enough to express her struggle. Having to fight with her own bad memories and the one that belonged to a completely different person, wasn''t something anyone could take lightly.


    Until now, Xiu had used up all her means to distract herself to keep herself sane. But she really didn''t know for how long she was gonna able to hold on now. With each letter, the overwhelming feelings of Destiny and her emotions were getting to her. Even if she tried to keep up the pretense of a strong and cold person, in reality, she was still that pure and kind-hearted Chen Xiu at heart. She wasn''t immune to the emotions of Destiny. In fact, Destiny''s reminder was making her feel guilty.


    The deeper she understood Destiny, the deeper her own heart was being scared for having this second chance at life. Her biggest question was, why her? Destiny wanted to live while Chen Xiu wanted to die, then why this twist of fate?


    "So, Xiao Zi, please tell me what connection do you share with Destiny Novell''s father?"


    Now, with that question, Xiu finally caught a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Her conjecture was actually straightforward. Even when she showed herself as ignorant, there was a lot that she couldn''t overlook.


    Xin Zimen pondered over her words while his eyes didn''t waver as he stared straight into her eyes. Xiu didn''t back off either. She was willing to look challengingly and urgingly back at his eyes. There were too many unanswered things in her life.


    "You don''t know who your father is?" he questioned after a moment of silence.


    "If I did, I wouldn''t be standing here. In fact, even if I do know who he is, I can''t recollect that memory of mine. I believe you already know about my amnesia."


    He sighed out heavily, "So, tell me... Which one do you want me to answer? Should I tell how I know your father or should I tell you who your father is?"


    "Both," she replied firmly.


    "What are you gonna do with this knowledge? Because if you''re planning to go look for him, I won''t allow it. Until and unless you have recovered your memories to tell me why you suddenly lost your memories in the first place."


    Xiu frowned at his words slightly, "Do you have some suspicions?" He nodded his head without hesitation. "Are you worried about me?"


    Xin Zimen chuckled ever so softly as he said, "It might sound weird but I am worried."


    "Then don''t worry. I don''t plan on finding him just yet. I just feel like this is something I should know now."


    "Alright then... I''ll tell you all about it."

 499 A Journal?

    Xin Zimen''s revelations left Xiu in deep thought. He told her everything she asked without hiding anything. For some reason, he couldn''t stop himself from telling the truth. The earnest look in her eyes was enough for him to reveal everything he knew at this point.


    But even he knew that what he was aware of wasn''t enough at all. However, if it could help her, then what was the point of keeping it to himself. It wasn''t like he was gonna hide it forever. No matter what, somethings couldn''t stay hidden for good.


    "Now, would you like to tell me how you connected everything to me? Why did you assume that I''m related to your father?" he might not have been surprised with other things but he was certainly curious to know how she knew that he was related to her father? If she had no memories, then how did she come to that conclusion?


    Xiu rubbed her chin in silence before she rummaged out an envelope from her pocket and placed it before him. Xin Zimen eyed the envelope for a while before he looked at the content. It had a piece and it read:


    ''I feel like my mind is gonna burst with everything that''s been going on in my life lately. I think I''m stuck in a storm or perhaps, I chose to jump in this storm voluntarily. However, whichever it is, I''m stuck for sure.


    Let''s go over the things I learned in the last few days...


    Carina Novell was looking for her good friend; Wen Ai.


    Madam Wen Ai died years ago.


    So, Carina Novell tried to reach out to her family.


    However...


    Wen Ai''s living relatives are Xin Zimen; her husband and her two sons; Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi.


    If Carina Novell was looking for Wen Ai''s family, why didn''t she look for her husband?


    Why did she try to reach out to that family?


    The Xin family...


    .


    .


    .''


    Even on the paper, there were several scattered dots. As if someone was thoughtlessly just tapping the nib of the pen over the blank sheet of paper.


    ''But just when she tried to reach out to the Xin family, she got into an accident.


    Coincidence?


    I think not!


    Planned murder?


    I hate this gut feeling but it''s possible.


    But if it was a planned murder, then why?


    What did my mother do to anyone?


    Just who was she looking for?!''


    "Turn it over."


    Xin Zimen was startled by Xiu''s voice and turned the paper over. There was only a single line written there, ''Carina Novell wasn''t looking for Wen Ai''s family. She was looking for someone in the Xin family... She was looking for Xin Zemin!''


    "What is this? And who wrote it?" he asked after a moment of silence.


    Xin Zimen finally understood why she came to look for him.


    Suddenly she stood up and turned to leave, "Let''s go. I''m hungry. You aren''t planning on starving a guest, are you?"


    Xin Zimen gave the envelope back to her as he stood up saying, "I wouldn''t dare."


    "Oh, you aren''t expecting me to call you uncle, right?" Xiu questioned out of nowhere. "I mean I can call you weird uncle to tease you but I personally find, Xiao Zi more amusing. So, don''t think I''ll call you uncle just because my birth father happens to be your brother."


    Xin Zimen pinched her nose lightly. "You really think about all sorts of things."


    "I can''t help it," she shrugged her shoulders. "It just reminded me. Although the question is gonna sound really lame, I still can''t help asking."


    "Go ahead," he replied while walking side by side with her towards the dining room.


    "Your name is Zimen which is from Spanish while your brother''s name is Zemin which is from Mandarin. Any special reason behind it? Because both sound very similar."


    Xin Zimen gave her a sideways glance and shook his head lightly, "There is no special reason. As you just said, both are just slightly different in sound. That''s it. I guess that was the reason why we were named like this."


    Xiu wasn''t really amused to hear that answer as she muttered, "How boring!" Xin Zimen didn''t give any reaction but he listened to her silently as she went on, "Zimen means ''Obedient'' while Zemin means ''Favor to the people.'' Although both sound similar slightly, but the meaning is completely different. And I don''t think your name has any effect on you."


    "Little lass, are you saying that I''m not ''obedient'' kind of a person?"


    "That''s exactly what I''m saying. I can''t say anything about your brother yet since I haven''t met him."


    Xin Zimen patted her head softly as he informed her, "Congratulations then... You''ll be meeting him soon." Xiu''s brows furrowed together in confusion. "He is also invited to my son''s wedding. I guess you''d love this father-daughter reunion."


    "You''re wrong. I don''t look forward to this reunion but I certainly am curious to know what he is like."


    Xin Zimen shook his head but didn''t bother telling her that whether his name''s meaning was obedient, he had never been one. Instead, it was his brother who was called the obedient one.


    It was strange but he was also curious to see Xiu''s reaction. As he had said to Francesca, this wedding was really gonna be one hell of a show. Now, this allowed him to look forward to something. He also needed to find out his brother''s standpoint in all this. After all, even until now, he was uncertain whether he knew that Xiu is his daughter or not.

 500 You Hurt Me

    After seeing Ying having two bowls of beef noodles, Han Bohai was certain that it was time to leave. But he was wrong. But did he mention that this was the first time he was more than glad to be wrong about something?


    If she was willing to stay with him, he''d gladly forget that he had a schedule for early morning as well. And he couldn''t run from everything with the excuse of having a headache. Although the excuse was convenient, it''d really become a real headache if the media got the whiff of it.


    "Wait here!" Ying said to him as she brought him out of the place they dined at and ran away.


    For a moment he''d assume that she was gonna ditch him here but her car was still in his sight so, he knew she wouldn''t be able to run away even if she wanted to. But then where did she go?


    He walked over to her car and leaned against it as he looked around. As his feet stepped on the rocky path, it made a crunch sound occasionally which he could hear in this silence of the night. It truly looked like she brought him far away from the boisterous city life.


    It was really calming here.


    Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him and turned to look. There she stood with her cheeks and nose red from running in this cold autumn wind. Yet, she extended her hand towards him and when he looked at what she was offering him, he frowned.


    "Ice cream? Really?"


    Ying shoved the ice cream in his hand and shrugged nonchalantly, "In this season, ice cream is the best."


    "But you just had a piping hot bowl of noodles. Wouldn''t it make you sick?" That was actually what he worried about. Having this hot and cold combination wasn''t good for her health.


    Ying hopped on the car to sit down and said, "I rarely get sick though. But I can understand your worry. You don''t have to eat it. I won''t mind it." Of course, she rarely got sick because mostly, she''d just get injured and that didn''t count as being sick. At least, not to her.


    He also jumped on the roof of the car to sit beside her as he mumbled, "How can I refuse to eat this? You gave it to me after all." He took a bite before adding, "But where did you get it from? I don''t see any shop here?"


    Ying quirked her brow at him. "There is a convenience store over there." She pointed in a direction in which his eyes followed while nodding his head. "We are just out of the city, not of the planet. It''s not like there are only two of us here."


    "I didn''t say we''re on another planet," he grumbled. "Although I won''t mind if there are really only two of us." He grinned at her. "Even on another planet."


    But she still loved these serene places. There weren''t many people around since it was already nighttime and people in these small towns tend to sleep early. Besides, the residential area of this small town was further ahead.


    A gush of cold breeze made them both shiver especially because of the cold ice cream but the one to open his mouth to say something was Han Bohai. "I think-"


    "Shh..." Ying, however, didn''t give him an opportunity to say anything.


    "You know-" He tried again.


    Ying glared at him under the moonlight and he backed off.


    "Stay quiet and listen..." said Ying after a moment of silence.


    His brows knitted together and he closed his eyes to listen. He was also curious to know what exactly was she trying to listen to here with such concentration.


    "What do you hear?" she questioned.


    After listening for a while he spoke again, "I can hear the wind gusting through the branches of the trees. There is a stream nearby. Although the sound is soft, it''s definitely the sound of water." Ying''s curled up slightly as he went on, "Oh, I can hear the crickets as well. But I think anybody can hear that. Other than that, I don''t hear anything." He opened his eyes and Ying was startled but she didn''t look away. So what if she was caught staring at his face. She had no reason to be embarrassed about it.


    "That''s all?"


    He smirked as he added, "I heard another sound... It was my favorite." She furrowed her brows and he went on, "It was the sound of your breath. Ouch!"


    That remark earned him a jab at his arm with her elbow. Bloody hell! She really wasn''t easy to flirt with.


    He rubbed his arm saying, "How cruel!"


    "Stop your act! I didn''t hit that hard. But if you didn''t stop with these stupid flirting of yours, I might really break this arm of yours."


    In all honesty, he wasn''t putting on an act. He had just recovered from an injury and this sudden hit really wasn''t light. His face was contorted in pain but he still smiled at her, hiding the fact that he was hurt.


    However, his expression made her suspicious. She had done this plenty of times in her life. Who knew more than herself how to smile through her pain?


    She held his shoulder and tried to move it.


    "OW!"


    He involuntarily let out the sound that indicated that he was hurt.


    "How did your shoulder got hurt?"


    "Isn''t it all your fault?" he retorted.


    "Stop messing around and answer my question like a normal person for once. Who hurt you?" She was a bit impatient now and wasn''t gonna tolerate him fooling around.


    He looked into her eyes as he replied, "As I said, you did. You hurt me."

 501 Somewhere In Your Hear

    Ying was flabbergasted by his accusation. The way he said that she hurt him almost made her believe for a second that she did it. But then she reminded herself that it wasn''t possible at all.


    "Don''t throw accusations at me," she stated roughly.


    "But you did hurt me and said you''d take responsibility as well..." he mumbled to himself and crossed his arms against his chest as if he was wronged.


    "What are you muttering to yourself?"


    Han Bohai looked at her and changed his words, "I was wondering if you have alcohol amnesia."


    "I don''t drink alcohol though," replied Ying. She was not fond of alcohol and she was a bad drinker on top of that. So, she usually avoided alcohol at any cost. "But why are you asking that?"


    He blankly stared into the distance as he replied, "Forget it. You don''t even remember. It''s pointless bringing it up now."


    They both sat in silence and both of them didn''t feel the need to talk either. Somehow the silence was growing comfortable between them. However, Ying found it quite strange since she was not such a silent person. She always had the urge to talk. But with Han Bohai, she felt like it wasn''t needed. Words weren''t needed at all.


    But why was she feeling like this?


    Ying finally broke this tranquil silence as she said, "I hope I returned the favor I owed." He glanced at her as she went on, "I know the food wasn''t comparable to the delicacies you have tasted before but..."


    "You''re still trying to get rid of me?" He interrupted her words and snickered, "Do you hate the sight of me that much?"


    "Hate is a strong word and a very strong emotion. I don''t fancy it that much." retorted Ying blankly. "As for why I''m trying to shake you off, isn''t it obvious?"


    "It''s not obvious to me. Care to enlighten me?"


    "I don''t want you to waste your time on me. You''re a celebrity with countless admirers."


    "Just because I have countless admirers, I don''t have the right to admire someone?"


    His words left her speechless and she closed her mouth. Of course, that''s not what she meant to say. Every person has the right to like whoever they want. Who was she to deny that? She wasn''t even able to refuse the love Xiaoli had for Meihui.


    "That''s not what I meant. Even if you have feelings for me, it can''t be that strong that you can''t let go of it. It''s still time, think about it. You shouldn''t be wasting your time or your feelings on me."


    "Isn''t that up to me?" inquired Han Bohai while his brows raised slightly. "It''s my time, my feelings."


    Ying was exasperated by not just his words but also by the look in his eyes. "Why are you so insistent on it?"


    "Because I don''t like taking anything for granted in my life anymore."


    "What?"


    "Why are you being so serious about it?" Ying tried to laugh it off playfully but she couldn''t deny that his words hit a spot she even didn''t know existed.


    "Did I say anything wrong though? You have no guarantee of your next breath, so why are you wasting it in thinking?" He took a pause as he continued, "Don''t try to joke about it as I did. Because by the time I understood the meaning of her words, she was long gone." His hands clenched instinctively as he closed his eyes.


    That was something his Sister Xiu had said to him when he met her for the last time. If he knew that was the last time he was gonna see her smiling, he would have done anything to stop her. But she ended up teaching him one thing for certain, life was too short to mull over past or future. If the present was all he had, why was he not shaping that present how his heart desired?


    "It''s not that I want to force you or anything," he began again. "I''m not even trying to be a nuisance even if I say I am. It''s just that I''m listening to my heart. It''s not my fault that my heart wants to keep following you."


    "You know nothing about me," said Ying with a heavy tone.


    He smiled at her, "Indeed. I don''t know much but... Who said love had such prerequisites? You know, the heart doesn''t believe in thinking as our mind does. Heart believes in giving us signals."


    "Signals?" she repeated with knitted brows.


    He took her hand in his own and brought it to his own chest. She tried to take it back but he didn''t let her. It was undeniable that his muscle strength wasn''t just an exaggeration. He could really put up a fight with her. And Ying might have gotten into a fight if she wasn''t startled.


    The moment her hand laid flat on his chest, she could feel it...


    Thump! Thump!


    Her eyes lifted to his face as he said, "Do you see what you do to me?"


    "I''m the reason your heart is beating so fast?" she asked in amusement and seeing him nod, she ended up laughing at his face.


    Seeing her laughing, he was starstruck and his heartbeat fastened even more. Ying''s smile vanished since her hand was still over his heart, she could feel it all too well. She pulled her hand back and avoided his eyes.


    While him being his usual self, he clutched his chest and said, "Don''t attack me with that smile so suddenly. At least, give me a warning."


    Ying rolled her eyes at his reaction and pushed him. She almost pushed him off the car''s roof but held his collar to push him back saying, "Don''t play around or I''ll stuff you somewhere no one will ever find you."


    "If that somewhere is your heart, I don''t mind being stuffed."


    "You!"


    "Hahahaha!"

 502 Like A Star

    It was close to midnight when Ying had dropped off Han Bohai at the hotel he was staying at. Looking at the hotel, her brows drew together as she asked, "You''re staying here?"


    He hummed in reply and added, "Why?"


    Ying shook her head as if it was nothing but she couldn''t help marvel at the coincidence. The hotel belonged to Nora''s father and Ying had often come here in the past month because Cali was also staying here.


    She sat waiting for him to get off of her car for five minutes but he still didn''t move at all. It was like he didn''t even plan on leaving.


    "What are you waiting for now?" she asked impatiently.


    "I''m waiting for you to stop me," he replied with a pout.


    "HA! That''s not happening!" stated Ying without considering his feelings. "Off you go now! Shoo!"


    "Since yesterday, you''ve only been pushing me away. When are you gonna pull instead?"


    Ying rolled her eyes at him and extended her hand towards him.


    "OW!" He yelped when she pulled his ear like he was a kid being scolded for stealing candy. "Why do you turn into a ferocious cat all of a sudden?"


    Ying unbuckled her own seatbelt and with a hand behind his seat, she leaned over to unfasten his seatbelt as he replied, "It''s not all of a sudden, I was born a ferocious one!"


    As her face was so close to her, he leaned back as if he wanted to become one with the seat. The scent was hitting his senses dangerously and he knew if he didn''t lean back, his desire to be closer to her was only gonna increase.


    After the seatbelt, she even opened the door for him and sat back at her seat saying, "Now, leave!"


    Han Bohai took a moment to calm his agitated heart and breathed through his mouth. He even held the collar of his shirt and tugged at it slightly as if he was feeling hot and it was making him feel uncomfortable.


    Even though Ying had been saying that he was flirting with her, he''d very much like to tell her that she was being too naive if she thought her actions weren''t provocative. Why was she testing him? And why was he so easily ruffled by her?


    He would love to ask himself this; why was she able to evoke these strange feelings within him? As she said, they only once or twice and yet he was so deeply affected by her presence. It was hardly believable to himself and yet he couldn''t deny that magnetic pull of attraction he felt towards Ying was by no means simple.


    Putting on his cap and mask like before, he stepped out of the car and walked towards the entrance of the hotel. Behind him, Ying rolled down the windowpane and shouted, "Oi!" Han Bohai who had been dejected that she didn''t stop him, abruptly stopped and turned around to face her with sparkling eyes. Ying took a paper bag from the backseat and said, "You forgot to take your jacket."


    "I don''t care. I just had to give it back," replied Ying solemnly. "Also, once again, thank you very much."


    "That''s also not necessary between us," he added.


    "What?"


    "I mean ''thank you'' is not needed," he rephrased his words. "Besides, helping you didn''t cost me anything instead I seem to have found a girlfriend like you."


    "Who''s your girlfriend?" she sounded gruff but there was no anger in her voice.


    And because he couldn''t feel any hostility in her voice or in her eyes, he dared to be complacent as he said, "You."


    "And when did I agree to that?" she retorted staring at him in disbelief.


    "Well, not today. But you never know about tomorrow," his grin was wide and she was supposed to be infuriated then why was he looking so adorable? Wait! Did she just call him adorable? Where did that come from? Ying immediately shook her head. He however not knowing her inner monologue thought that she refused his words so he went on, "Don''t be so eager to turn me down. Tomorrow is still a better day to say yes."


    Ying took a deep calming breath before saying, "Aren''t you like a frivolous sea trying to swallow the jade?[1] I honestly never thought I''d come across someone like you."


    Han Bohai smiled at her choice of words before he leaned on her car''s window and said, "No, I''m the turbulent sea looking for the jade to calm the storm within me.[2]"


    "You''re good with words," she muttered but she couldn''t refuse she was intrigued and amused by him.


    "I''m also good at plenty of other things. But you won''t know if you abandon me like this."


    "Abandon you? When did I do that?"


    His eyes literally showed the way his emotions were stirred as he excitedly asked, "So, we are meeting again? When? Where? How?"


    Ying placed her finger at his forehead and pushed him away saying, "I haven''t decided on that yet."


    While he was left dumbstruck, she started the car but didn''t drive away. Instead, she turned to look at him and said, "Now, I know why you became a star." He furrowed his brows as she added, "Your eyes shine like little stars when you smile."


    He was flabbergasted at the way she complimented him before driving away leaving him to smile like an idiot on his own.


    [1] ''Sea trying to swallow the jade'': So, to clear this up, Ying means ''Jade'' while Bohai means ''Sea''. I hope it''s understandable why she said it.


    [2] ''Jade stone is believed to balance the emotions, calm the mind, and release negativity.'' ~Culcheth Healing... So in this phrase, Han Bohai is seemingly trying to say that she is that ''jade'' which can calm his turbulent storm of emotions.


    P.S. If you still don''t get it, let''s keep it simple... The boy is straight-up flirting with her without holding back!

 503 Xiao Bobo

    While Han Bohai made his way inside the hotel and towards his room, he was still lost in his thoughts. For some reason, Ying''s parting words were ringing in his mind and it was making the deeply buried sorrow start a riot within him. It wasn''t easy to keep his face calm right now.


    Even when he entered his room, he couldn''t shake off the melancholy that had suddenly engulfed him. It was like someone suddenly jabbed at the wound that had barely scabbed after years.


    He fell back on his bed without changing his clothes. Just as he came from outside, he fell back on his bed staring blankly at the ceiling.


    "Just like a star..." he whispered to himself as he closed his eyes letting a distant memory replay in his mind bringing a sweet smile to linger on his face...


    *Flashback*


    "Xiao Han!"


    Hearing that soft but sweet voice, he pretended to ignore it.


    "Oi, little brother!"


    He still refused to look at her as he kept going through the contract that she is supposed to sign but he is given the task of reading through it thoroughly since she was too ''lazy'' for that.


    "Han Bohai!"


    Her voice texture was changing but he knew she wasn''t mad at her. In fact, it was impossible for her to be mad at him or anyone for that matter. He just couldn''t believe that the person who claimed to be too ''lazy'' was actually dancing gracefully to the beautiful melody of zither and flute.


    If she was tired, wasn''t she supposed to rest? What was up with this sudden dance practice in the middle of the night? And why was he dragged into this?


    "Xiao Bobo! Aren''t you like a big celebrity throwing your weight around?!"


    He finally took a deep breath and looked up at her, "Sister Xiu, I told you not to call me Xiao Bobo. I don''t like that nickname." He took a brief pause to add, "And I''ve said it a thousand times, stop saying that I''m like a celebrity. I don''t have any desire to be a star."


    Chen Xiu who had been cheerfully dancing stopped to look at him. "But I love that nickname. As long as I''m here, I''ll call you Xiao Bobo whenever I feel like it. You can''t stop me." Seeing how she crossed her arms over her chest, he furrowed his brows while she went on, "As for being a star... You never wanted to be a star''s assistant as well. But see, here you are after four years still sticking to me like glue."


    He bit his lip and refused to comment over it. How could he? What she said was true. Originally, he was supposed to be just a substitute assistant for Chen Xiu, and even that he found a big hassle but now, even after four years when he was close to graduating university, he still had no desire to leave her side.


    From a celebrity Chen Xiu, she had become Sister Xiu in his life. She was like an elder sister that he never had.


    He shifted his eyes back to the documents in his hand as he replied offhandedly, "Did that last role of a fortune teller got to your head, Sister Xiu? Why are you predicting my future all of a sudden?"


    She squinted her eyes at him and came to his side saying, "Silly Bobo! That''s not a prediction. Mm... Maybe it''s a sister''s wish that she believes is gonna come true."


    "If you''re really wishing for something, wish for your own self. Not for me!"


    She completely disregarded his words as she said, "Your eyes shine brighter than the stars. There is no way you won''t become one."


    Seeing her feeling content with her own conjectures, he didn''t try to dampen her mood. In any way, he had no plans of becoming an actor. He wanted to be an artist director, not the artist.


    Chen Xiu hurriedly crouched down beside him and blinked her charming eyes at him as she said, "Xiao Bobo, will you forget me after reaching that height of fame?" She pouted adorably as she continued, "Please remember this big sister, eh? At least we had some good old days to brag about. So, don''t you dare forget me."


    "You underestimate yourself a lot, Sister Xiu." Xiu frowned at his words as he went on, "It''s not easy to forget a person like you. In fact, you have a way to carve yourself so deeply in one''s memory and heart that it might become painful."


    "Aww..." She propped her elbow on his desk as she added, "How adorable you are! Now, I''m certain that you''ll miss me once I''m gone." She suddenly jumped over and started the music again to practice the dance move she had learned during the day.


    He didn''t understand the meaning behind her words but he could clearly see the happiness in her eyes and even on her face. It wasn''t very often when he saw her in such a good mood.


    "Sister Xiu, are you that excited to get this part? Isn''t it just a cameo? You''re barely gonna be in five scenes and one of those is this dance routine. Why do you like you have accomplished some huge feet?"


    "Aiyo, my silly Bobo! It''s not about that the character is big or small. In all of the script, I loved this character. An unrestrained beauty, wild, passionate, knew exactly what she desired in life." She laughed out beautifully before adding, "Also, don''t forget, she is the only character who was willing to die in a battle rather than being a prisoner of war."


    As she described the character she was gonna play in the next show, she couldn''t help beaming about it. Indeed, he was surprised to see it.


    *End of Flashback*

 504 Ship Names?

    The following few days had been quite similar and uninteresting for Ying. Especially because Xiu''s daily schedule only involved taking a trip to Dylan''s house early in the morning for two hours. Other than that, Xiu had been spending her time locked up in her own house.


    Ying was unable to understand this. Although she knew Xiu was a homebody, she had also seen Xiu hopping about everywhere for no reason.


    But what really surprised her was the way Xiu had been acting. Somehow, she could perceive a little change in Xiu''s aura. There was no visible change but her keen senses had picked up on small details. For instance, Xiu was often lost in daydreaming these past days.


    Well, she could indeed link this behavior with Xiu''s yearning for Darren. But intuition said the matter was not that simple.


    Even right now, Xiu had been staring out the window with a blank look. Ying often passed a sideways glance to her and turned her attention back to driving.


    Finally, with a heavy breath, she decided to break this stifling silence. "I bought some meat buns for you."


    Xiu turned her eyes to Ying.


    Ying continued, "Take it from the backseat."


    Xiu nodded and stretched her hand out to take the paper bag from the backseat. However, while doing so, she ended up dropping something. She placed the paper bag on her lap and looked around on the floor to find what she dropped. As she picked it up and looked at it, her body stiffened slightly.


    "I didn''t know you like reading magazines," remarked Xiu softly. In her hand was a magazine and on the cover of the magazine was a very familiar face. Although his young features had matured a lot, Xiu still could see that innocent and moody temperament. "Han Bohai..." That familiar name rolled off her tongue so effortlessly that it seemed so very natural.


    Not only that, but even the feeling it brought to her was also so familiar that she couldn''t help smiling.


    Even though her voice was low, Ying had heard it as she questioned, "You know him?" Shaking her head at her own idiotic question, she added, "Silly me. He is a huge star. Of course, you''d know him."


    Xiu couldn''t help smiling even brighter as she replied, "He was always meant to shine brighter." She took a pause and asked, "But why did you buy the magazine? I thought you''d read books, not magazines?" Being mischievous as always, she went on, "Don''t tell me you have a crush on a celebrity and that''s why you collect these."


    "Instead of being curious about these useless things, how about developing some curiosity for that little date of yours?" Xiu wiggled her brows at her suggestively. There hasn''t been much that Ying said about Han Bohai to Xiu. That''s why the only thing Xiu knew about him from Ying was that he was younger than her and also that he was an extremely clingy person.


    Apart from that, Xiu knew nothing. But that was enough for Xiu to start calling him as Ying''s little date.


    "No thanks," said Ying calmly. If only Xiu knew that Ying was already very curious about the creature named ''Han Bohai'' and where was this curiosity coming from even she was unable to say.


    "At least tell me his name," insisted Xiu once again. She really couldn''t tell why Ying was being so mysterious about this. Even if she knew the name, it wasn''t like she could find the guy.


    But that was exactly in Ying''s mind. After all, Han Bohai was a public figure.


    "Why are you so curious about his name?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders saying, "I need to think of a ship name for you guys."


    "What?!" Ying was shocked. No, she was more like horrified to hear it.


    But Xiu didn''t pay attention to her reaction as she went on, "Oh, come on! You see, Xiu and Darren make ''XiuRen''. Then Nora and XiaoSi make ''SiNo'' ship. Then we have Dylan and Calista. I thought about this one for long and hard. Then I chose Dylan''s real name Hedi and the ship name came to be, ''HeLista''. Cute? Right?"


    Ying''s head was reeling from this new information as she said, "Kid, you really be out there thinking anything and everything, huh!"


    "As long as it keeps me happy, then yes. I''ll be thinking of anything and everything. He. He. He."


    Ying shook her head at her and decided to stay quiet. Meanwhile, Xiu also didn''t speak. Her attention was captured by that magazine in her hand that she wasn''t able to let go of even now. She even forgot about the meat buns.


    Her fingers slowly caressed the photo of Han Bohai as she smiled in nostalgia. She still remembered how before her suicide, she''d often ask him whether he''ll her once she''s gone or not. And he''d also avoid answering her with the words, ''You''re not going anywhere, Sister Xiu. I won''t let you.''


    Her smile had a sad touch to it as she thought, ''Xiao Bobo, I don''t know whether you miss me or not but your Sister Xiu really misses you.''


    ''Stop calling me Xiao Bobo! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it very much!''


    She could still hear him screaming about his dislike for that particular nickname. But she really didn''t know why he hated it so much. Even when she explained that ''Bo'' means ''Precious'' and she just wants to call him as her little precious assistant, he still refused to take that nickname. But that never stopped her from teasing him on purpose.


    She suddenly giggled thinking about it and Ying was taken aback when she noticed it.

 505 Concerned About You

    Yan Ying couldn''t tell what or why Xiu''s mood suddenly turned from straight face to a blooming smile. But she couldn''t deny that smiling Xiu looked the best. Whenever she had a straight face, Ying would vaguely get the feeling as if something was troubling her.


    As she parked the car before Dylan''s house, she asked, "How''s Dylan''s progress?"


    Xiu''s smiled vanished as she replied, "He is a hopeless case."


    Ying chuckled softly, "No wonder I often hear something breaking. I hope, you''re not planning on breaking his head one day."


    "If he kept this attitude, I might really end up cracking his head like a walnut!" She really was pissed off. How could she not be? Dylan had been giving her a really hard time lately. His progress was still nowhere to be seen. She really didn''t know why but his fingers would just not coordinate. She told him to do some exercises, and even then, it felt like his fingers had a mind of their own.


    Dylan was already known as her headache. And now, he truly was testing her patience. The only good thing was that Xiu could use her right as his ''Shifu'' to use him as her personal worker. That was the only thing that could calm her down.


    "Are you still gonna wait for me here?" Xiu asked as she was alighting from the car.


    "Mhmm..."


    "Why don''t you just come inside?"


    "I''m fine here," said Ying. "It''s no big deal anyway."


    Xiu once again hesitated before nodding her head and went to the entrance of Dylan''s house.


    Honestly speaking, Ying had no issue with going to Dylan''s house. But she was certain if Meihui found out, she''d have an argument with Dylan as well. She already found herself as guilty for coming between a mother and daughter. Now, she didn''t want to come between a brother and sister. So, she would just keep her distance when it was necessary.


    Her phone chimed and she looked at the screen. She received a WeChat message.


    Seeing who sent it, she stared at it for a long while before clicking to open it.


    *insert a photo of a picturesque beach while the sun was rising*


    Ying couldn''t help looking at the photo a bit longer. Truly, it was beautiful. How strange that she had traveled around the globe and seen so many historic places and yet, she had never been to a beach just to see a sunrise or sunset. She always thought her life was adventurous. But come to think of it now, it seemed while chasing the adventures she really forgot to enjoy the simple things.


    How strange!


    While she was lost in her own thoughts, the phone buzzed again. This time it was a text message.


    Han Bohai: [I thought it was a beautiful sunrise, so I should share it with you. After all beautiful things are meant to be shared.]


    For some reason, it felt good when every message of his started by asking ''How are you?'' or ''How was your day?'' And even when she didn''t reply, he''d not give up and start talking about how his day was.


    While she was still in deep thought, another message was received.


    Han Bohai: [But guess what? I suddenly realize that this sunrise is nothing before you. I still think when you smile, everything loses its splendor.]


    Ying rolled her eyes at the way he again started that flirting. Just where did he come up with this all? Was it that fun to tease her?


    Yan Ying: [Can you be original for once?]


    Han Bohai almost jumped out of his seat when he received Ying''s reply. He stared at his screen for a long while before he tugged at his assistant, Wen Qing''s sleeve and asked, "Tell me I''m not seeing things. She really replied."


    "Brother Han, you''re not seeing things," she kindly replied. She had been tired of him grumbling how this particular girl was not willing to even reply to him. Meanwhile, he was being a nuisance by insisting on texting her again and again. Even when she advised that girls would lose interest if you''re so pushy, he refused to listen.


    His argument?


    ''If I don''t run after her persistently, she''d be long gone. I have to catch up.''


    Wen Qing couldn''t tell what was going through his mind or what he meant but she was already very happy to see him being so cheerful lately. Especially now, when he looked like he had reached cloud nine.


    However, she didn''t know that what Han Bohai said was true. If he really didn''t run after Ying or reminded her of his existence, she might really forget all about him. It was his persistence that even forced Ying to develop some curiosity about him and buy that magazine out of her own accord.


    Han Bohai: [I might not be original but it brought a smile to your face. Didn''t it?]


    Ying forced her lips into a thin line and replied to him.


    Yan Ying: [No!]


    Han Bohai: [You can lie to me. But don''t lie to yourself. As I said, you look beautiful when you smile. So, keep smiling.]


    Yan Ying: [Aren''t you a little too concerned about my smile?]


    Han Bohai: [I''m concerned about you as well.]


    Ying stared at the string of words but didn''t reply. She didn''t know which retort she was supposed to throw. It was such a simple sentence and yet, it made her feel so strange. What was this guy doing?


    While she didn''t reply. He sent another message.


    Han Bohai: [I have to get to the scene. I''ll look for you later. Bye! Take care!]


    Ying placed her phone aside; face down. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes to distract herself. Suddenly, someone knocked at her window.

 506 A Child, A Teenager & An Old Woman

    Yan Ying turned her head to see who knocked at the window before her eyes slightly narrowed down. Unlocking the door, she alighted and came to stand before the person whose eyes were trained on him all this while.


    "Hey, Jini! What a pleasant surprise!"


    The person before her scowled at the nickname before his hand lifted to smack her hand but she skillfully dodged it while laughing, "Aiyo, our Jini still has a temper." Seeing how the tips of his eyebrows twitched she stopped herself from teasing him further. "But on a serious note, Zhou Jinhai, what are you doing here?"


    Zhou Jinhai''s brows quirked up slightly as he questioned, "Ms. Know-it-all doesn''t know that I live here?" Ying shook her head. "That''s a little hard to believe."


    "Now, you can''t say that. I know a lot of things but I really didn''t know you had been living here, right beside Dylan."


    Zhou Jinhai smiled at her knowingly, "But I didn''t even mention that I live beside Dylan. How did you come to that conclusion?"


    Ying coughed since she was caught now. She smiled sheepishly at him, "Ok, I might have heard a thing or two." She leaned against the side of her car and he also came to stand beside her as he offered a cup to her. "I''m not in the mood for coffee."


    "It''s milk tea," he replied and Ying didn''t even take a second before grabbing it. He shook his head at her eagerness before he voiced out, "Xiaoli is getting married."


    Ying''s hand paused slightly before she went back to sipping on her favorite milk tea. "You''re talking as if I don''t know that."


    "I know that you also are aware of it. My purpose for bringing it up is to ask whether you''re okay with it or not?"


    "Will anything changes if I''m not okay with it?" retorted Ying as her eyes glanced at him.


    "No, I guess nothing will change," he mumbled softly. He was silent for a minute before he spoke again, "Are you gonna attend the wedding?"


    "How can I not?"


    He glared at her, "Have you lost your mind? Why do you want to hurt yourself like this?"


    "Ha!" Ying rolled her eyes at him as she went on, "The pot is calling the kettle black?" Zhou Jinhai''s expressions shifted as she added, "Are you forgetting that once upon a time, you also hurt someone like that on purpose? You also called a girl to your wedding when you knew she was madly in love with you. Didn''t you also do it to hurt her?"


    His hands clenched as he closed his eyes and breathed out, "I did. I hurt her so that she could move on. I pushed her as far as I could possibly do at that time. But that''s the reason why I don''t want you to suffer as she did. Because it took me a while to realize that while I was trying to push her away, I broke her." He took a pause before adding, "I don''t want you to break in this process as well."


    "Even if I cut-off from Xiaoli, don''t forget that I can''t walk away from Zizi. He is like a father. No, he is my second father. He practically raised me. I can''t bring myself to walk away from him." Zhou Jinhai''s gaze was complicated. "But you can relax. I''m strong. I''m not that easy to break. It''s just a wedding, it won''t hurt me."


    "Liar!" he didn''t hide his thoughts making her face twitch.


    Ying suddenly chuckled out of nowhere. "Isn''t it weird that after growing up, all of us drifted apart?" Zhou Jinhai furrowed his brows as she went on, "There was a time when Dylan, Darren, and you were unwilling to even stay apart. There was also a time when I was always hovering around Xiaoli who was, in turn, hovering around Meihui. It''s strange how none of us even turn to each other anymore."


    "Wrong! Dylan and Darren are still stuck together, I''m the one pushed aside. Meanwhile, Meihui and Xiaoli are getting married, and you''re the one who is pushed aside."


    "Wow! Such a coincidence that both of us are pushed aside."


    Zhou Jinhai squinted his eyes at Ying who still had the mood of joking around. He looked deep in thought.


    "Do you have something to say?" asked Ying as she noticed his expression.


    "I need your help but something tells me you won''t be helping me."


    "I could do it considering the fact that we grew up together but I won''t."


    Zhou Jinhai laughed at her, "I know. You don''t want to help because of Darren. It''s alright."


    "Actually, it has nothing to do with your younger brother," stated Ying making him puzzled. "As I said, we grew up together. I only met Darren when he was struggling mentally. By just that fact, I''m more inclined to help you than him."


    "But you still don''t want to?" Zhou Jinhai knew how loyal Ying was. If she fixed her heart on someone, she''d stay devoted. No matter the nature of the relationship. Love, friendship, cordiality, or respect, she never shied away from paying her devotion where it was due.


    "Actually, your younger brother has a girlfriend. And I have taken a liking to her."


    Zhou Jinhai almost choked on air as he hit her shoulder, "Choose your words wisely. Or you''ll bring trouble to yourself."


    "What are you thinking about?" Ying scowled at him. "I mean to say that she has managed to invoke those elder sisterly feelings inside of me. I didn''t even know I had those feelings within me. I just want to squish her, she is so adorable."


    "You''re talking as if you''re talking about a kid."


    "Well, you''re not wrong," began Ying suggestively. "Her personality is a basically a mix between a needy 5-year-old child who can''t control her emotions whenever she is around the person she loves, a teenage rebel who makes poor life decisions by trying to bring happiness in everyone''s life and an 80-year-old woman who''s tired and needs a nap all the bloody time."


    Zhou Jinhai laughed at her description as he said, "No wonder, she managed to enthrall my younger brother."

 507 Mini Version

    Xiu had eyes closed as she listened to Dylan playing the piano. Her eyes twitched when he made a mistake yet again and the throw pillow in her hand went straight towards Dylan''s head. Having been accustomed to this, he instinctively dodged but before he could laugh at his victory, the second pillow hit straight at his face.


    "Even my little brother is better than you," stated Xiu keeping her voice calm but he could feel a gloomy and dangerous undertone to it which made him gulp with his prominent Adam''s Apple bobbing up and down.


    Dylan tried to laugh which came out weird as he said, "But I heard that your little brother is a genius. It''s no wonder that he is better than me. I was always an average student; Not too good, not too bad. The only reason I caught the attention of people was because of how it was famous in our circle that my parents pamper me like a kid." He had a strange smile as he reminisced about those times and sighed, "Anyways, I also heard how your little brother even managed to make our Princess Ava talk. Isn''t that a proof that he is a genius? He accomplished something no other could do."


    Xiu''s lips curled up in a proud smile. She always felt like a proud mother-hen whenever anyone would compliment Jackie. It might be because he was like a kid to her after how she had looked after him for years.


    "It didn''t require a genius to make her talk though," she began making Dylan frown. "The reason why she was being stubborn and quiet was that everyone gave into her. Especially, Ah-Si. Since he could always get her everything she wanted without having to say a word, she became too dependent on her father."


    Dylan scurried over to Xiu''s side asking, "Then how did your little brother do it?"


    Xiu''s smile had a hidden meaning as she said, "He... He just threatened her."


    Dylan''s eyes went round while he gaped at her in disbelief. "He... He did what?" He stammered around not knowing whether he heard it wrong or not.


    "You didn''t hear wrong. Jackie indeed threatened her."


    "How?" After his initial shock, he was curious now.


    Xiu gave him a look, "Simple. He told her if she didn''t open that little mouth of hers like a good girl, he is gonna steal her mother that she finally found after years." Dylan''s jaw almost hit the floor. "Ava is young but as soon as Nora walked into her life, she grew very close to her. Natural instincts of a child I''d say. So, you can imagine how such a small child would be scared of losing her mother again."


    Dylan was quiet for a long time and couldn''t help looking at Xiu as if he was seeing a criminal. It was all written on his face, ''You are to blame for this!'' Xiu however, chose to disregard the accusation in his eyes.


    "Now I know why Ah-Si told me that Jackson Jing is a mini version of Xiu. You raised him really well, eh?"


    "How could you teach a kid all your cunningness? Isn''t he too young to play tricks like this?"


    "Hey! If one kid can play a trick, others can do it too. How was my brother wrong? It''s because of how protective you all are over Ava that she grew too comfortable in her silence. Someone like Jackie had to remind her that the world doesn''t work that way. If you want something, voice it out. If you still can''t get it, raise your voice louder!"


    "I really hope that your and Dazi''s kids inherit his personality and not yours. They can have your looks, but I don''t want to face your personality''s carbon copies."


    Xiu squinted her eyes at him dangerously, "Even if there''d be kids in the future, I want them to inherit their father''s eyes. Personality has to be like mine. The rest I don''t care about." She didn''t wait for Dylan to speak as she got up and said, "Get back to practice. I''m gonna take a look at Ying Jie."


    Saying that she ran towards the door and opened it. However, she didn''t move. She could see Ying leaning against the car with a very familiar face. Her brows slightly knitted up when she noticed Ying laughing along with Zhou Jinhai. They seemed rather close.


    Thinking it over for a while, she stepped up and called out, "Ying Jie, do you need anything?"


    Both Ying and Zhou Jinhai looked up at once. While Zhou Jinhai had a complicated look in his eyes when he looked at Xiu, Ying was delighted. "I told you I''m fine. Don''t stand in the cold without your coat, go back inside."


    Zhou Jinhai''s brows quirked up when he heard Ying''s reproachful voice that clearly showed her concern.


    Xiu came up to her as she asked, "Then why are you standing in the cold?"


    Ying smiled at her softly before tussling her hair as she said, "Because I love cold weather. It''s my favorite time of the year."


    "Liar!" Zhou Jinhai muttered.


    "Cut it, Jini!" Ying glowered making him scowl as well. Noticing the look on Xiu''s face, she added, "Oh, this is my old friend. A very old friend. If he hadn''t come across me, I might have totally forgotten his existence even."


    "Of course, you would," he wasn''t the least bit surprised by the way Ying chose to introduce him. "After all, our Young Miss Ying''s memory is limited to Xin Xiaoli. How can someone like me enter your eyes?"


    Ying had to jump a little to wrap her arm around his neck as she dragged him down painfully, "You learned to talk, huh? No wonder I heard the obedient Young Master Jinhai is nowhere to be found. Aren''t you being a rebel now?"


    Trying to escape her grasp, he said, "I am just following your path. After all, the first rebel had been you."


    Ying narrowed her eyes at him dangerously before turning to Xiu to say, "Kid, you go inside. I need to teach this rebel a lesson." Xiu nodded in her daze and turned around to leave. But she still couldn''t help throwing a complicated glance towards Ying and Zhou Jinhai.

 508 Do It For Yourself

    Even after Xiu left, Zhou Jinhai was being beaten up by Ying without any mercy. If she didn''t let go, he believed he was soon gonna have a hole in his head where she had been smacking. She was treating him like a kid whom she could bully easily. And if he resisted, she''d beat him even harder!


    "Will you talk back to me again, Jini?"


    Zhou Jinhai bared his teeth at her dangerously. "Did I say anything wrong? I''m really just following your path! Being a rebel is something I learned from you."


    "And exactly how am I a rebel?" voiced out Ying in a strained voice.


    "Aren''t you still refusing to take over your position as an heiress? Instead of sitting in an office, you''d prefer wandering around all over the world doing God knows what!"


    Ying now pulled his ear like he was a kid as she said, "Doing God knows what?! I think Jini, you know very well what I had been doing!" He scoffed while rolling his eyes at her. But she didn''t stop at that. "And besides, what''s the point of being a rebel now? If you had been like this before, perhaps you could have saved her. Perhaps, today Regan wouldn''t have been so distant from you. And perhaps, you won''t be looking like a dead person!"


    He suddenly stopped resisting as he sighed out with his head hanging low, "I tried..."


    "What?" she was startled as she let him go and looked at his despondent expression.


    "I tried being a rebel for her sake as well..." Ying frowned as she saw how he closed his eyes painfully as he breathed out. "She had to pay the consequences for that too."


    "What do you mean?" asked Ying.


    He looked away from her as if to hide something but Ying had already seen something shining at the corner of his eyes while he shook his head and said, "Forget about that. I just figured you truly meant it when you said you''ve taken a liking to my brother''s girlfriend. I have never seen that look of doting on your face. Or maybe I have... But that''s a very distant memory."


    Ying instantly grinned at the mention of Xiu all over again as she nodded, "Didn''t I say that I couldn''t resist it? She feels so familiar that I just want to hide her from the world and protect her from everything. Xiu is just so lovable!"


    She immediately held herself back when she noticed the shift in his expressions. As she placed her hand on his shoulder he smiled sadly, "Her name is also Xiu..."


    She nodded before saying, "Indeed, her name is also Xiu. Maybe that''s why I want to protect her so badly."


    They both stayed silent for a long while before he said, "Do you really not want to come inside?"


    "If I went to your place, Dylan will be upset that I refused to enter his place but went with you. It won''t be fair."


    "Stop pleasing others! When are planning on thinking about yourself?"


    "Then you really need someone who only thinks about you."


    Just as Zhou Jinhai''s words fell, Ying''s mind instinctively played the memory of Han Bohai whose eyes only found her in the crowd. Who had been staring at her so intently when he was around that she started feeling something itching in her heart. She shook her head immediately. She must be insane to think of him at this time.


    "That just reminds me," he started again. "Are you planning on attending the wedding alone?"


    "Why? Should I bring comrades?" Her retort earned her a glare. "Bad idea, I guess. But what do you mean?"


    "Bring a date."


    "What?" Ying was baffled at his suggestion. "Why?"


    He knocked on her head as he questioned, "Is this floor empty? Why are you so slow? Do you wish to become the laughingstock in front of your rival?"


    "People can laugh all they want at my failed love," replied Ying offhandedly.


    "I''m not asking you to do it for others. Do this for yourself." She narrowed her eyes at him but refused to continue this topic and it seemed like he wasn''t intending to continue either as he began to complain, "In the year I didn''t see you, I finally grew out some hair. But here you''re at it again. Can''t you leave my hair alone? You''re definitely gonna pull all my hair out one day."


    "I can also pull your tongue out if it''s such a burden inside your mouth."


    He immediately sealed his mouth and refused to talk. He definitely wasn''t someone who would take Ying''s words lightly. If she said it, it won''t take long for her to actually do it.


    Meanwhile...


    From the time Xiu had walked back inside, she had silently been staring into space. She was again lost in her own thoughts which Dylan definitely couldn''t read. In fact, he barely even noticed that something was odd about her.


    "Dylan!" she called out and when he looked at her, she beckoned him with her finger.


    He scurried over to her side. "Yes, Shifu!"


    "Is Ying Jie very close with Zhou Jinhai?" Dylan was startled by her question as he slightly zoned out. "Dylan! Dylan!" she had to shake him up. "Be honest with me."


    He nodded his head after a long and deep breath. "I think they were close."


    "You think?"


    "As you might have noticed, I barely know anything about Ying Jie and Dazi only got familiar with her when he got into that accident. She was the one who helped him stand back up on his feet." Xiu silently listened and didn''t interrupt him. "As for who sent Ying Jie to Dazi for help... I don''t think I need to say his name out loud now."


    Seeing how silent Xiu was, he was apprehensive a little.


    "I think you should ask Dazi for details on that matter."


    Xiu also nodded her head as she whispered, "I indeed need to ask him."

 509 All On My Own

    "I still think it''s better if I come with you," Ying couldn''t help saying for the umpteenth time in the past 2 hours.


    Right now, she was at the airport with Xiu who listened to her with a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. No matter what others say, she found Ying''s concern quite cute. She really felt like she was a kid whom Ying was unwilling to leave alone.


    She held Ying''s hand and said, "Ying Jie, don''t you have trust in this junior of yours?"


    Ying turned her eyes to the ''junior'' whom Xiu was referring to and squinted her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Give me a minute." She turned to that particular ''junior'' who stood aloof and lofty at the side without any expression on her face. "Follow me!"


    "I never knew Investigator Yan was actually such a worrywart..."


    Ying chose to turn a deaf ear to those remarks that were definitely meant to taunt her.


    "Gigi cut the crap!" Ying didn''t plan to dawdle at all. "I''m warning you again... You better take care of her or else, you might really face my ''Grim Reaper'' version!"


    The ''junior'' from her team, Gigi was quite amused by her threat. Last time she saw this senior of hers was when Ying took them out for a meal last weekend. And since Ying''s stupid bet over the hotpot was won by Gigi, she was given a week off from work as promised. She was just reporting back to duty when Ying dragged her here to follow Xiu like a shadow.


    Well, Ying put it like she was Xiu''s shadow, but in truth, she was just a bodyguard. But this task wasn''t the issue for her. It was just as Ying had once said, the easiest rank in their syndicate. What really surprised her was Ying''s behavior.


    "Investigator Yan, stop worrying. You look like a mother who is sending off her daughter to the world full of wolves for the first time. And to be very honest, it''s quite frightening for me."


    Ying cleared her throat and walked back to Xiu. From all the time she spent with Xiu lately, it was inevitable that she was feeling so worried.


    "Xiu, if I didn''t have a prior commitment, I''d have followed you myself. But... Anyways, Gigi is very good at her job so you really have nothing to worry about at all."


    "Ying Jie, I''m not worried though." Xiu was truly amused by this woman who was turning thirty but worried like an eighty-year-old. "It''s you and Xiao Zi who think something is gonna happen to me. I honestly don''t think I have such kind of enemies looking for me."


    Ying patted her head as she said, "Zizi and I have the most accurate intuition. So, I won''t say that our worries are unfounded."


    Xiu smiled back at her and said, "Even if it is like that, I promise you I''ll take care of myself. Now, I''m gonna catch my flight. You should go."


    For some reason, she wasn''t feeling happy. It was barely two weeks that she spent around Xiu but it felt like she got too used to her presence. It was just like Darren once told her, ''She grows on you very easily.'' And Ying couldn''t deny it. Xiu really had a way to grow on people without any difficulty.


    While she was walking out of the airport, she saw a commotion on the side. The loud noises of fangirls were clear evidence that a celebrity must be here. However, it didn''t concern her at all.


    What concerned her was a pair of arms that wrapped around her shoulders from behind suddenly and a magnetic but slightly hoarse voice said, "Don''t scream. If you blew my cover those fans are gonna..." He didn''t complete his words and he didn''t have to either.


    Ying looked towards the fans who were following a figure who was wearing a hat and black glasses along with a mask. If Han Bohai hadn''t been stuck so close to her, she would have also thought it was him. The only reason she wasn''t slamming him on the ground was that she had also used him as a cover before. It was like returning a favor.


    "Who''s that?" she asked.


    "My cover to escape from this commotion," he replied easily while his hands shifted from her shoulders to her waist. "It''s really a headache how these fans managed to dig up my flight schedule."


    Ying''s eyes darkened as she pinched his arm making him yelp. She didn''t care about his worries, she cared about his wantonly moving hands. As she escaped from his grasp, she looked at him. For a moment, she was stunned. He was handsome, his popularity could prove that enough. But what stunned Ying was the fact that right now, he was dressed in a pilot''s uniform. And with his physique, it looked damn good on him.


    Taking advantage of her trance, he wrapped an arm around her waist from the side and pulled her along saying, "People around us think you''re a normal girlfriend picking up her boyfriend who came from a long flight. Don''t blow the cover. Let''s continue the act."


    Ying had a lot of curses at the tip of her tongue but none came out when she noticed his grin.


    "You''re being handsy..." she pointed out.


    He lowered his head to whisper, "I can''t help it. The idea that you came to see me at the airport is too much for my poor heart."


    "Aren''t you thinking too much all on your own?" Ying was baffled by the way his brain was working again. She clearly had no idea that she''d run into him here. Was this the infamous ''trouble would follow everywhere''?


    Han Bohai wasn''t at all fazed by her words. Instead, his arm around her waist tightened as he said, "I''m also loving you all on my own. Why can''t I think all on my own?"


    Ying, "..."

 510 My Woman

    "There is no one here, let go of me now."


    Ying''s stern voice made Han Bohai''s lips to curl downward. He looked like an aggrieved kid who was refused to get any candy. Obviously, he wasn''t pleased with this statement. Wasn''t it really early to let go? He was having fun having her in his arms.


    "Maybe someone is hiding in some corner," he tried to make an excuse.


    Ying was exasperated but she still managed to keep her tone calm as she said, "Didn''t anyone teach you that touching a woman''s waist is against the virtue of nobles?"


    Han Bohai really had an inkling to inquire about why she was quoting something so ancient? However, it really wasn''t enough to dampen his mood at the very least.


    His hand on her waist tightened as he lowered his head to whisper, "But there is nothing wrong with holding your own woman''s waist."


    Ying tilted her head and was a bit taken aback. His face was too close for comfort. Too close for comfort. I repeat it''s too close for comfort!


    If it''s too close for comfort, she was supposed to step back, right? RIGHT? Why was she frozen like a statue? And why did she seem so engrossed in observing his features from this close proximity? And what the hell was this itch in her heart? Also, why was she having trouble breathing?


    When he flashed her a wide grin, it was like her trance was broken.


    She lifted her fist to punch him squarely on the face but he immediately leaned back to avoid it. Good thing, he had become very clear about her temper. Obviously, if he talked like this he was definitely looking for some beating. However, he loved it when she gets mad like this.


    "Who-Who is your woman?!"


    "You!" He tapped her nose making her almost flare-up.


    Her trembling finger pointed at his face as she gritted out, "I have never met a more audacious person than you! Don''t you feel any shame?"


    "You have to be shameless to be in love..."


    Ying facepalmed herself. They were now standing before her car and she was having difficulty keeping in her anger.


    "How did you even find me in that huge crowd?" she asked.


    "I can find you anywhere because my eyes are always looking for only you." Ying''s anger level dropped so damn low with that one sentence. No, she didn''t find his words too pretentious. He wasn''t doing the lip service. He was being very sincere and she could see it in his eyes. "Besides, I think the universe is pushing me towards you."


    "You talk too much," said Ying not wanting to hear these words. "I already helped you get out of there. Now, get lost!"


    He held her sleeve not letting her go. "It seems you''ll have to drive me back to the hotel as well. My assistant abandoned me here."


    "That''s not possible," she retorted.


    Now, someone really needed to ask Ying why she agreed to it so readily.


    And that was enough to make Han Bohai float on cloud nine. Getting back in that familiar car of hers, his eyes wandered around curiously just like last time.


    "Where did you come from? And what''s up with that uniform?"


    Ying was finding the silence between them so comfortable that it stifled her. Because that comfort was quite scary to her. That''s why she chose to question him.


    "Didn''t I send you that sunrise photo? It was taken on Linlan beach."


    "Oh... Then why are you back?"


    "Because my shoot here is not done yet." She nodded. "As for the uniform, I got this from the pilot. His physique matched mine and I needed someone to cover for me. Otherwise, that crowd of fans was gonna crush me."


    "You asked a pilot to take his clothes off for you?"


    Han Bohai frowned slightly. "Why does it sound so weird when you say it like that?" Shaking his head, he went on, "By the way, did you miss me?"


    "Get lost!" was Ying''s reply.


    He smiled again, "Aiyo! I missed you too!"


    Ying gaped at him in disbelief and shook his head while tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. She really needed to keep her distance from him to keep her sanity. Annoying! Annoying pest! She really needed to kick him out of her life. But no! She even invited him inside her car!


    How outrageous!


    "What were you doing at the airport though?" he questioned looking at the way her expressions were changing every second.


    Recalling Xiu, Ying''s face turned sad. He was startled to see her like this as if she was heartbroken. And this expression shook his heart violently.


    "I was seeing someone off and I already miss her,[1]" Ying''s voice was enough to show how unwilling she had been to part with Xiu.


    Han Bohai''s eyes darkened, "And who is this special person whom you miss already?"


    "My sister," Ying didn''t even hesitate to call Xiu as her sister. Clearly, as Xiu had said that Ying was allowed to adopt her as a sister, Ying truly did. Who knew she''d turn out to be an overprotective sister at that.


    Han Bohai''s smile came back as he learned that it was her sister she was talking about and not some guy as he had assumed. "Oh, you have a sister. What''s her name?"


    "Bai Xiu," answered Ying and Han Bohai''s face stiffened a little. It took a moment for Ying to notice his silence. "What''s wrong?"


    He shook his head as he smiled, "I think I already like your sister."


    [1] In Mandarin, there is no specific gender distinction when you say ''him/his'' or ''her''. So, Han Bohai''s mood changed because he thought, she was saying, ''I already miss him.''

 511 Perfect Match

    There was a part of Ying that desperately wanted to get rid of Han Bohai as soon as possible. And yet there was another part which wanted to hold him back a little longer.


    No, she won''t describe it as having feelings for him.


    That was impossible!


    However, since Xiu was not around and she had nothing to do, she was feeling really down. Han Bohai''s presence helped her calm down. Actually, he not only calmed her down, with his antics he even managed to distract her.


    There was only one thing she could say about this; She was feeling peaceful in his company.


    Although she knew she was floating towards dangerous waters when she felt peaceful in his presence, she couldn''t help admitting it. Even if his presence was gonna shake all her life, she somehow was willing to take that chance now. Yes, he was the one who could change everything she knew, but she still felt like that was exactly what she needed now; Someone who could pull her out of things that had been trying to drown her in the past.


    When she parked the car and Han Bohai noticed that they weren''t at the hotel he was staying at, his brows quirked up. "Why are we here?"


    Ying pointed towards the cafe at the side and answer, "To get something to drink."


    Han Bohai nodded his head and was about to get off when she stopped him. "You can tell me what you want. I can''t take the risk of someone recognizing you. And even if nobody recognized you..." She pointed at his face as she went on, "Your face is enough to make some heads turn. And I don''t like that kind of attention."


    He grinned as he told her, "I want a chocolate milkshake."


    "Chocolate milkshake?" She repeated for confirmation and he nodded his head. Ying frowned at him a little before shaking her head and alighting from the car.


    Inside the cafe, Ying gave the order and was waiting patiently when someone childishly covered her eyes from behind.


    "I told you to wait for me in the car. Why are you so impatient?" Ying touched the hand and frowned. It was a feminine hand while she though it Han Bohai being his clingy self again. She hurriedly turned around and looked at Cali who was eyeing her strangely. "Oh, it''s you."


    "Who were you expecting?" inquired Cali. "And why do you look so disappointed to see me? That''s no way to greet a friend."


    "Oh, you mean the friend who had been too busy going on dates that she didn''t even bother calling to look for this humble one? Hmmm..." Stroking her chin thoughtfully Ying added, "I think I don''t need such a friend."


    "How is that my concern?" questioned Ying. "You have time for Dylan but not for Xiu, that''s your problem."


    "What problem are we discussing?" Ying looked up to see Dylan coming to stand beside Cali and placed his arm around her shoulder naturally. It didn''t go unnoticed by Ying but she chose not to point it out.


    "Dylan, don''t you have work to do? Why are you always around her?"


    Dylan cleared his throat and smiled at Ying saying, "Ying Jie, it''s weekend. Spare me that I wish to spend it with my girlfriend." He furrowed his brows and looked around as he asked, "Where is Xiu?"


    "Why are you looking for her here?"


    "Because lately you both had been stuck together like glue," Dylan stated the obvious making Ying roll her eyes tiredly.


    But since she couldn''t tell him where Xiu was, she chose an offhanded reply, "She isn''t with me. I''m here alone."


    "Your order," the attendant chose this very moment to pass Ying''s order, and seeing how there were two cups, both Dylan and Cali raised their brows at her as if accusing her of lying.


    Ying noticed their eyes and replied, "It''s not for Xiu."


    "Really?" Dylan obviously didn''t believe her since lately he found Xiu everywhere Ying was. It was really hard to believe that Xiu wasn''t with Ying right now. "How about you let us see who is with you right now then?"


    "Not happening," was Ying''s clear cut reply as she decided to just leave. These nosy people were not gonna let her off otherwise. Her only shot was to run from here as fast as possible!


    But before she could, Dylan spoke again, "Or is it your rumored boyfriend?" Ying''s steps halted as she looked at him. "It''s a very famous discussion these days. Especially how Xiu likes to point out that you both are a perfect match."


    Ying really was getting a headache. She honestly didn''t know why Xiu thought that Han Bohai would make a perfect match with her. Especially when Xiu had not even met him yet!


    But what she didn''t know was that Xiu''s opinion was solely based on the way she described Han Bohai and from that Xiu could deduce Han Bohai was a good match. After all, Han Bohai liked to express his love openly while Ying was a silent lover.


    Taking a deep breath, she replied, "If I''m not trying to ruin your date, don''t try to ruin mine either." With that, she left. Dylan and Cali were left gaping at the way she just openly declared that she was on a DATE!


    When she settled back in the car, Han Bohai could see that her mood was really different than how she left. But he didn''t question it, instead, he took his drink from her hand and took a sip happily only to almost spurt it out because of how hot it was.


    After coughing a little he grumbled, "That''s not my chocolate milkshake!"


    "It''s fresh ginger tea, you have a cold. It''s good for that."


    Han Bohai looked at the ginger tea in his hand and then at Ying who seemed like she hadn''t said anything out of the ordinary. But the way Han Bohai''s expressions softened was telling a different story.

 512 Only Her Heart Was The Guide

    It was around 7 in the evening when Xiu''s flight landed and she walked out of the airport with Gigi in tow, she looked around curiously as she asked, "Are you not allowed to talk?"


    "Pardon?" Gigi was confused to hear Xiu''s question. She didn''t know what Xiu meant.


    Xiu pointed at her as she said, "You are very stingy with words. I almost can''t believe that you work with Ying Jie. After all, my Ying Jie likes to talk a lot." She had a reason for saying it. They spend the past four hours together and yet, the number of times Gigi said something could be counted on one hand.


    Gigi''s lips curled up slightly as she replied, "It''s Team Leader Yan who advised me to be clear and concise with words. Talking too much wastes time."


    Xiu almost couldn''t believe it since she had never seen Ying being clear and concise. In fact, Ying was sometimes just like Xiu randomly talking about anything. But Xiu didn''t know that Ying was only like that with her. In her profession, she was indeed very clear and concise about everything.


    Gigi got a cab for the both of them and Xiu gave the address of the hotel before turning to Gigi again.


    "How long have you been working with Ying Jie?"


    "Three years ago, she was appointed as the team leader. And I have been with her since then." Gigi didn''t think of hiding anything. She had already seen how close Ying was to Xiu. So, she didn''t feel like hiding anything would do her any good. Especially when she knew that her team leader Yan liked to hold some serious grudges.


    "So, you started working with Ying Jie three years ago..." Xiu repeated to herself thoughtfully.


    "Yes, before that she was a wandering soul. Almost like an aimless person." Xiu gave her an inquisitive look as she elaborated, "Team Leader Yan has a lot going on in her life. But to be honest, she herself doesn''t know what she is doing in her life." Xiu furrowed her brows. "She wants to make the world a happy place for everyone. But she doesn''t even realize it that she is doing it at her own expense. It''s almost like she never even thought about her own happiness. That''s the reason everyone''s first impression of hers is pretentious. They think she is faking it. And I wish she was really faking it."


    Xiu couldn''t agree more with her words. Indeed, she had also seen the way Ying came off as a white lotus to people. Not in a good way either. And her only fault was that she was too real for her own good.


    She arrived at her destination after an hour-long ride, she texted someone and waited patiently at the hotel lobby.


    "Lady Boss!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at the way she was called before looking over at the person who addressed her as ''Lady Boss.''


    "Can you stop being annoying, Paige?"


    Xiu being Xiu couldn''t help giving a wolfish whistle as she remarked, "I just noticed... You''re really beautiful."


    Paige smiled at her in a crafty manner as she said, "Lady Boss, now you''re just making my unrequited love a little hard to bear."


    "I was being honest," Xiu shook her head at the way Paige still would find a way to flirt with her. But she knew Paige only did it to tease her. And she happily complied, "Besides, if you didn''t forget your designs against me, my Baobei might really run out of his patience."


    "If I didn''t love my life dearly, I''d have taken my chances against that boss of mine." Paige laughed pleasantly before adding, "Come, I''ll take you to your Baobei. He might ascend to heaven after getting this surprise."


    Paige could already imagine the look on Darren''s face. He was working hard to go back to his Sweets to give her a surprise and here was his Sweets coming to give him a surprise. They both really made one envious.


    While Paige led the way, she brought Xiu to a hall where a banquet was going on. Xiu furrowed her brows at the scene before and decided not to enter.


    "Huh? Why did you stop?"


    "He is busy?" Although it sounded like she was asking, it wasn''t really a question. "I won''t disturb him here then."


    Paige took her hand and tried to drag her in saying, "It''s just a party."


    "No, he''ll get distracted if I went inside," Xiu still stubbornly argued. She knew if she entered, Darren would leave everything and linger around her.


    "If you didn''t go inside, he might get eaten by those ladies."


    Xiu followed where Paige was pointing and looked at the crowd of ladies eyeing her man. Her brows twitched. But before Paige could drag her completely inside, another hand shot up to pull Xiu back.


    Paige looked behind Xiu and finally noticed Gigi''s presence. Her eyes widened considerably but her expressions didn''t falter as she said, "Let go of her."


    "If she doesn''t want to go inside, no one can force her to," was Gigi''s clear reply. In her opinion, she was just doing her job.


    Xiu looked at both of them and sighed, "Actually, forget it."


    Both of them loosened their grip on Xiu''s wrist and looked at her. Xiu seemed like she was thinking about something very serious.


    Her eyes darted around in the big hall and when her gaze fell on that familiar back of Darren. It seemed like she neither needed to think nor did she need to hesitate. As always, when it came to Darren, only her heart was allowed to guide.


    And as she had a habit of letting herself flow with the moment, she cleared every single thought from her head and sprinted over towards Darren''s side.

 513 Deeply, Terribly, & Senselessly

    Since this morning, Darren wasn''t able to contact Xiu. Usually, they''d talk in the morning and in the evening as well. But today, when he called in the morning, she didn''t pick up. Later, he got busy with work. During lunch, he tried calling again but it turned out, her phone was off. It left him feeling jittery.


    She''d always call him back but today she didn''t.


    It was a real mood dampener for him. It was like his whole person was engulfed in dark clouds that were even making it hard for people to relax in his presence.


    And although this banquet was very important, he still looked like he was moping around. He wasn''t known as a cold person, but tonight he was emanating a cold and dark aura. He was always known for his good personality, but right now, only a few were willing to approach him.


    "Boss, stop frowning," said Paige impatiently.


    "She didn''t call me," he looked like he was complaining and it made Paige almost laugh at him. If they were alone, she''d have done so. But considering his image, she refrained from doing so.


    "Take it easy. She might be busy," Paige tried to placate him.


    "No matter how busy, she never forgets to call me. Unless something happened to her." His heart shook violently at the thought while his eyes widened. His already uneasy heart was left in shambles. He wanted to escape from here and look for his Sweets as soon as possible.


    Paige took a deep breath as she observed his expressions and said, "It''s also possible that she has gotten used to your absence. Maybe that''s why she isn''t calling you because she isn''t missing you."


    "Impossible!" Darren''s voice raised considerably attracting the attention of a few people around them. He smiled sheepishly while nodding at those people and turned back to Paige. "My Sweets can''t get used to my absence. There is no way she isn''t missing me!" His tone showed his determination and faith in his own words.


    Paige shook her head at him, "Aren''t you a little too confident in yourself?" She took a pause and added, "You never know when an ex can enter the picture to sweep her off her feet again."


    Darren''s expressions darkened even more. Indeed, he knew Zhou Jinhai was once again standing before Xiu but he was also certain about one thing. "My Sweets isn''t that easy!"


    "I was just saying. Why are you getting so worked up?"


    Paige was unable to understand Darren''s mood. He was lovesick and it was too hard to ignore. It was good that soon a couple of old men came to circle around Darren to distract him with business talk. While she stood calmly and patiently behind him, her phone buzzed. She rummaged through her purse and looked at the text. It was from Xiu which read; [Paige, how about you come down to the lobby to guide me in the direction of my Baobei. P.S. Don''t let him know!]


    That''s how she escaped from there to get Xiu from the lobby. And the reason why she insisted on dragging Xiu inside was that she was done with seeing those black lines covering Darren''s handsome face. Although she had read about how girls loved those cold, moody, tsundere type guys, she could really say that her boss looked a lot more human with his normal mien.


    And she was certain that Xiu would also agree with her.


    What she didn''t expect was the way Xiu just ran over to Darren. Neither did Xiu cared about how she looked disheveled and worn out from her journey nor did she care about how anyone looked at her appearance at this high-class banquet where she stood out way too much in her attire. Right now, Xiu''s ''I-only-see-my-Baobei'' persona had already taken over. So, how could anyone else catch her attention?


    As soon as her arms wrapped around Darren''s waist from behind and she was assaulted by his ever so familiar presence and scent, Xiu let herself close her eyes as she leaned her head against his back.


    Darren was taken aback at first when someone suddenly hugged him but then his heartbeat gotten fast. He looked down at her arms and it suddenly felt like the sun had risen after a long rainy day because his face lit up so bright with that smile as he closed his eyes in content while whispering, "My Sweets is here..."


    Forgetting that he had been in the middle of a discussion, he held her hands and turned around to face her. Xiu lifted her head and grinned, "Surprise!"


    Darren almost stopped breathing seeing that smile on her face while her eyes looked like she was about to cry. And it scared him. He hugged her tightly as he said, "This has to be the best surprise of my life."


    Xiu really didn''t know why her eyes were brimming with tears when he was so close to her. He was within her reach. She was safe and sound in his arms. She could hear his heart beating wildly in his chest. And it was her effect. And she knew it as well! But she still couldn''t help those tears.


    The only thing she could do was reciprocate his passion by hugging him even tighter while holding back her tears. She spent almost two weeks without him and she was certainly at her limit when she booked her flight without even thinking. She just felt like seeing him and here she was.


    Yes, she was willful, but who could blame her?


    Just as Ying had thought, last week she was very enthusiastic about running around doing all kinds of things. But this week, she couldn''t even bring herself to step outside the house. Even though being at home made her miss him even more, she still couldn''t find anything to do. Because at home, she felt close to him.


    "Sweets..." he called out while kissing the top of her head and caressing her back gently. "I missed you senselessly, terribly, and deeply."


    "Ahem! Ahem!"


    When someone cleared their throat, only then Darren realized that he had become the center of attention for every single person around him.

 514 My Father

    But even when Darren noticed that everyone was looking at them, he wasn''t fazed. Embarrassment? No way! Why would he be ashamed of hugging his Sweets? He barely managed to hold her in his arms after two weeks. It was torture all along. And now that she came all the way here to see him, and was in his reach, how was he supposed to keep his hands to himself?


    "Mr. Salvay, how about introducing this young lady?" Someone from the group around him suggested.


    Darren pulled Xiu in his embrace before he pointed at the group of people and one by one introduced them to Xiu. Because of seniority, he had to introduce those old people first before he presented, "And this is my Airen[1]."


    Xiu couldn''t help looking up into his eyes while he lowered his head slightly to look back reassuringly. Xiu felt like her heart was gonna burst up. This man really knew how to melt her heart, no, even her soul with his simple words.


    Although introducing her as his ''Airen'' seemed very normal at this point, they were still surrounded by business moguls, not by family. So, it had an even better effect at touching her heart. Her mouth felt like it was filled with sweets and ironically, he was the one talking sweet here. So, did it mean he was feeding her sweet words?


    The group of people around Darren grew large considerably as everyone was curious to find out the identity of this young lady who ran inside without even caring about the place or occasion.


    "When did you get married?"


    "Why haven''t we heard about it?"


    "Mr. Salvay is really low-key even when it comes to hiding his gorgeous wife."


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to any of these words. And she really wasn''t all that interested until...


    "Oh, I didn''t know Mr. Salvay is already married. I was about to introduce you to my granddaughter."


    Xiu''s eyes darkened as she heard that woman talking nonsense while she stared at Xiu with visible disdain. Xiu could understand the meaning of her look. She had faced many of those in her previous. The only difference was back then, she wanted to fit into that circle, this time, she didn''t even give a damn about their opinions.


    What mattered was that Darren''s hand had been wantonly rubbing her waist while he smiled at her and said, "I appreciate your concern, Mrs. Yin but fate brings people together from afar." He really used that proverb to high-key emphasize that he was just meant for his Sweets. And no other person was allowed between them.


    Smart people could hear the dark tone of Darren''s even though he sounded very polite. And only a blind won''t be able to see the doting look on his face when he looked at Xiu.


    Another person laughed softly as he said, "No wonder, Mr. Salvay was looking out of sort all this evening. It seems you''re missing your wife."


    The old man was not bothered at all as he said, "Yes, it''s young love. Enjoy while it lasts. Soon, she''ll be nagging like my wife."


    Everyone joined the happy atmosphere as Darren replied, "She already nags a lot though."


    Xiu gasped while hitting his chest softly, "When did I nag?"


    Darren pinched her nose as he exposed her, "Wasn''t you just about to say, ''Baobei you look thin? Did you eat well? Did you sleep well? Why do not care about your health?''" Xiu closed her eyes and hid her face in his chest. He was definitely exposing her thoughts before so many people on purpose. And Darren was indeed doing it on purpose, he loved seeing that flustered look of hers. She looked too adorable.


    Even if she had all those questions at the tip of her tongue, he shouldn''t just say it like that.


    "How adorable!"


    Someone gushed looking at the way these love-birds were acting. While the husband was teasing, wife definitely had the look of ''I''ll deal with you later in our room.''


    The woman who earlier reprimanded her husband couldn''t help saying, "You both remind me of that proverb..." She tapped her finger impatiently at her temple before continuing, "Birds flying in the sky as one; Branches growing on the Earth as one.[2]"


    Darren''s smile broadened even more as he replied, "CEO Shang is really wise and insightful." It was obvious why Darren was so pleased to hear that. Even he knew that the harmony between his and his Sweets'' souls was exemplary. How could he not be happy to hear someone pointing it out?


    It took Darren a while to get out of the circle of people who were way too curious about his love life. It really made him wonder how these gossipy people were actually managing their businesses all this while. After a while when he found a quiet corner, he thought he finally had his Xiu to himself. But...


    "I was wondering what caught everyone''s attention here."


    Hearing that voice Darren''s face stiffened. Xiu also looked up and when she saw that familiar face, she was a bit surprised. However, her surprise was only palpable through her brows that knitted up ever so slightly. The rest of her expressions didn''t even shift.


    Seeing Zhou Xichen standing before him, Darren could only curse inwardly. Looking at Xiu, he completely forgot that his father was also around.


    Zhou Xichen first looked at Darren and then at Xiu who was still held in Darren''s arms. He smiled gently as he said, "Won''t you introduce us?"


    Darren pursed his lips together hesitating while Xiu noticed his internal struggle. However, Darren had already decided to come clean and felt like right now was good enough. So, he held Xiu''s hand tightly before he bit out, "Sweets, this is Zhou Xichen... My father."


    [1] (¨¤iren): (¨¤i)" means "love," and "(r¨¦n)" means "person." The combination of " (¨¤i)" and "(r¨¦n)" literally means "the person you love." And it can also refer to "wife/husband." So the introduction "(Zh¨¨ sh¨¬ w? de ¨¤iren) This is my husband/wife" can be used both by wives and husbands.


    [2] (Birds flying in the sky as one; Branches growing on the Earth as one.) It means... The birds signify kindred and lively spirits, united by love and peace. Branches signify stability, growth, and perseverance. Each element is described in its plural form, but as they move closer together they become one in a way that describes conjugal bliss. This Chinese proverb about love, then, becomes a perfect symbolic metaphor to describe the harmony of souls in a relationship.

 515 Equally Crazy

    Darren didn''t know what reaction he was expecting from Xiu. He honestly had no idea. Because first of all, Xiu never followed the norms. Secondly, this situation wasn''t exactly something he could predict.


    However, he still expected to see some reaction from Xiu.


    In the end, he was left disappointed since the only reaction he got from Xiu was nonchalance. In fact, her face didn''t even have a slight change in expressions. Her mood wasn''t dampened. She didn''t look like she was struggling to digest this new information either. It almost seemed like she was a normal girl who was just meeting a stranger.


    She just politely bowed her head and greeted Zhou Xichen, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhou."


    While Darren was left gaping at her, Zhou Xichen replied, "Likewise." Xiu''s smile didn''t falter at all as she continued to exchange a few words with Zhou Xichen leaving Darren in shock. "It''s good that you came all the way here to see my son. I was getting tired of seeing him sulking all alone."


    Xiu giggled softly as she looked up at Darren and said, "I knew he''d be sulking that''s why I am here."


    Darren''s trance finally broke as he smiled back at her and rubbed her head saying, "Well, thank you so much for thinking about me."


    *Bzzzz*


    Xiu fished out her phone from her jacket and excused herself to a side. Looking at her back, Darren was still in disbelief that she didn''t react. What was this sudden progress? What was exactly going on? How was he supposed to read his Sweets'' mind now? She wasn''t letting him see what was going through her mind.


    He really couldn''t process the fact that seeing Zhou Xichen had no effect on her. And then, she wasn''t even fazed by learning the truth about their relationship. As if it was all within her expectations. As if, she already knew the truth. Thinking this far, Darren''s eyes widened. Did she really know it? How?


    "Stop looking at her, she''s already here. She certainly won''t vanish in a minute."


    Darren looked up at his father and realized that he had been constantly staring at Xiu.


    "I think I finally know why you''re so crazy about her."


    "Really?" Darren quirked his brows at his father inquisitively.


    Zhou Xichen nodded his head as he replied, "Isn''t it obvious? She''s equally crazy about you." Darren''s lips curled up. He couldn''t deny that. "You''re missing her and here she came to surprise you. What a lucky guy you are!"


    "Don''t drink so much vinegar, dad."


    "You!" Zhou Xichen raised his head and Darren took a step back. In the end, Zhou Xichen pinched his cheek like he was a kid as he said, "Stop taunting your father at every chance you get."


    Darren shrugged his shoulders and didn''t reply. His eyes still darted around to find that one person.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiu heaved a long sigh, "Ying Jie, give me a break. How am I supposed to answer when you''re not even giving me a chance to reply?"


    "Oh..." Ying finally realized that she had asked all the questions in a single breath. But she had been really worried for some reason so she couldn''t help herself.


    Xiu could only shake her head at Ying''s worries but she didn''t mind it at all. It was heartwarming anyway.


    "Ok, so to answer you... Yes, I''ve arrived safely. I''ve also found Regan so you can stop worrying because you know he''ll take care of me."


    "If he didn''t take care of you, I''m willing to break his neck!"


    Xiu laughed at Ying''s reaction and went on, "Now, you can''t always talk about hurting my Baobei. How will I live without him?"


    Ying thought about it before saying, "Then I''ll just break his legs so he can''t run from you ever."


    Xiu laughed even more, "Ying Jie, I think there is no need for that. He has no desire to run away from me. In fact, I believe if he could, he''d glue us together."


    Ying finally stopped talking nonsense. She just wanted to hear Xiu''s laugh which had been lost in the past days. That was the most worrisome thing to Ying because she thought something was bothering Xiu and she wasn''t willing to share it with Ying. The reason why she readily agreed to send Xiu to Darren was also that.


    She knew even if there was something bothering Xiu, Xiu would definitely share it with Darren. And as long as Darren knew about it, that love fool would do anything to make his Sweets happy again.


    See? She was right. Xiu just reached her Regan and she was laughing happily again.


    Recalling something, Ying grumbled, "You didn''t even call to inform me that you''ve reached."


    Xiu smiled sheepishly, "I forgot."


    Ying scoffed, "Of course, you forgot. Seeing your Baobei, you seem to forget a lot of things."


    "Ying Jie, stop teasing-"


    "Stop teasing your sister."


    Xiu abruptly stopped when she heard that masculine voice from Ying''s side. It sounded a bit hoarse but Xiu was certain she heard it!


    "You stay out of it."


    Then she heard Ying''s reply and her suspicion was confirmed. A wide grin plastered on her face immediately as she questioned, "Ying Jie... Sending me away, you''re already on a date, eh?"


    "What date? Don''t spout nonsense!" Ying hurriedly spoke to clear it up. "It was just a coincidence." Ying didn''t know who she was trying to convince at this point, Xiu or herself?


    "Coincidence?" Xiu repeated and Ying could feel that Xiu was really amused now. "I hope you run into these coincidences even more from now."


    "Are you cursing me?"


    "Nope! I''m praying for your happy future."


    Ying rolled her eyes, "Stop talking nonsense and go back to your boyfriend before he starts sulking again. I''ll call you later."


    Xiu smiled looking at the phone screen. She was certain that the person with Ying was the same guy who had constantly been trying to woo Ying. But hearing his voice, Xiu couldn''t help thinking that she heard the same voice somewhere very recently.

 516 Pampered One

    On Ying''s side...


    After she hung up the call, she glared at Han Bohai resentfully. "Did you have to open that mouth of yours?"


    "What did I do wrong?" Han Bohai pouted innocently trying to emphasize that he didn''t do anything wrong. While she talked to her sister, Ying was treating him like thin air, he couldn''t help himself and opened his mouth.


    Ying instantly fumed as she lifted her hand and flicked his lips making his eyes widen as she said, "Put your mouth to some good use!"


    Han Bohai held the hand that flicked his lips and leaned over. He was only inches away from her lips. As their breathing mixed together, Ying tried to push him back. "I do want to put my mouth to good use." His eyes instinctively lowered to her lips as he licked his lips and continued, "Don''t push it. I''m barely able to abstain at this point."


    "Presumptuous!"


    Han Bohai let her hand go as he laughed, "Aren''t you tired of saying that? It definitely has no effect on me. The more brazen you''ll call me, the more shameless I''ll be acting."


    "I don''t like you!"


    "It''s okay. I''ll make you like me," he answered cheekily.


    Ying decided to look away and not pay him any attention. What was she supposed to do? She had been with him for over four hours, and honestly, she didn''t feel like time was moving slowly. Nothing would seem boring with him around.


    After the cafe, he demanded to go to a park because he felt like sitting in nature''s company and Ying just aimlessly agreed to his request. However, she didn''t bring him to a park. It was a private garden with a beautiful lake where she took him. Obviously, the property belonged to her family but she didn''t need to tell him that.


    The flowers looked beautiful surrounding the lake. There were also apple, pear, and jujube trees in the huge garden. It was late autumn, and all the trees looked surreal. With those orange-ish yellow-ish hues of the leaves, everything seemed to have enhanced in beauty.


    All in all, Han Bohai felt like this was a perfect place for a picnic date. He couldn''t be in public places anyway. And seeing how thoughtful she was, he was again feeling touched.


    "It''s a weird feeling," he muttered.


    "What do you mean?" Ying questioned.


    He shifted closer to her as his arms went around her waist to hug her while his chin perched on her shoulder. "I am supposed to be the one pampering you. But it seems like you''re pampering me. It feels weird."


    Ying''s brows furrowed at his words and she even forgot about his arms around her waist as she said, "When did I pamper you?"


    Ying poked his forehead, "There is definitely something wrong with you. I got the ginger tea because I didn''t want you to transfer your germs to me. It has nothing to do with the fact that I was worried about you which I wasn''t by the way. Also, I don''t like public parks that''s why we are here. Again, nothing to do with you. Don''t think too highly of yourself."


    Han Bohai didn''t mind any of her words as he kept smiling. "I believe you."


    Obviously, he didn''t sound like he believed her.


    Ying tilted her head slightly and found him still clinging to her as she began, "You''re not coming slow."


    "Huh?" he was dumbfounded.


    "It''s like you suddenly crashed into my life at full speed," her voice was low but he could clearly hear her feelings. "You''re incessantly trying to tear down the walls around my heart without any break. And the worst part is, I can''t help it." His smile broadened as she continued, "But your speed is scaring me now. I don''t even know if I can match this pace of yours. What if I can''t?"


    "You don''t have to," he replied honestly with a rare seriousness seen on his face. "Since you can''t match up to my pace, I''ll just slow down to follow your pace."


    "That is not what I mean," she groaned in exasperation.


    Han Bohai cupped her face in his hands as he said, "Falling in love is as easy as catching a cold. And both are very difficult to hide as well." His lips lightly brushed against her forehead leaving her dumbstruck as he added, "Didn''t I say that you don''t have to do anything! As long as you don''t find a way to push me away, I''ll find a way to squirm in your heart one way or another."


    "Squirm your way in?" she repeated his words and giggled. "You really know how to use your vocabulary."


    Han Bohai rubbed her head as he replied, "As long as this limited vocabulary of mines can make you laugh. It''s all worth it."


    Ying closed her eyes briefly and then looked heavenwards. The sky had darkened now. Slowly, the stars were getting visible. Since it was a private garden, it was lit up perfectly right now. So, Ying couldn''t see the stars that clearly. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful but cold night. It wasn''t good for him to sit outside for this long.


    She stood up and dusted off her clothes as she held her hand out to him saying, "Come, I''ll take you out for dinner and then I''ll drop you off to your hotel."


    Han Bohai instantly held her hand got up happily. But soon frowned as he said, "But I''m supposed to take you out on dinner. Why are you doing it again? Although it feels good to be pampered like this, I still want to be the one to pamper you instead."


    Ying felt weird inside her heart as she listened to him. She had always been the one pampering others. Yes, her elders always doted on her but when had anyone from her generation ever said something like this to her? Never!


    She shook her head to shake off this feeling as she said, "Shut up or else the deal''s off."


    He circled her arm as he announced, "I''m willing to be pampered. Let''s go!"


    She smirked knowing this threat always worked. And she suddenly realized, she was picking some bad habits from Xiu. Nevertheless, whether this threatening was a bad habit or not could be up for debate.

 517 Its Necessary

    When Xiu went back to Darren''s side, he was standing alone. Zhou Xichen wasn''t with him which made Xiu look at Darren with an inquisitive look. As if he understood her meaning, he replied, "He went over to talk with his friends." Xiu nodded her head and didn''t say anything.


    Her silence made it even worse for Darren to bring it up. He really had to ask her why she was so indifferent? He needed to know whether she knew about his father or not? And if she did, then how? Because at this point, the only culprit in his mind was Dylan. But when he thought again, he denied his own idea, Dylan would rather lose his head than open his mouth.


    But if it wasn''t Dylan than how did his Sweets learn about it all?


    "Sweets, about my dad..."


    Xiu stared into his eyes and his words got stuck in his throat. He really didn''t know what to say or how to say it. Xiu extended her hand towards him. And as he looked at her stretching out a palm, he was even more confused.


    "Give me your room key card," she curled up her fingers urging him to hurry up.


    "Paige has it," he replied plainly.


    She nodded her head and turned to leave. But stopped after a couple of steps and said, "We''ll talk about your dad later. For now, pay attention to your work."


    Darren followed her up saying, "I can talk right now."


    Xiu placed her hand on his chest and stopped him. "Stay here and do what you''re supposed to. I''m not running anywhere. I''m just tired." She tip-toed to leave a chaste kiss at the corner of his jaw before adding, "So, hurry up with your work because I''ll be waiting in the room for you."


    Leaving him there, Xiu left the hall and found Gigi who was still waiting for her. That wasn''t unexpected though. Unexpected was the fact that Paige and Gigi were still locked in a staring competition. Paige hadn''t moved and neither had Gigi. It almost felt stifling to Xiu who thought these ladies seemed like they were arguing with their eyes. Strange!


    Shaking off this weird feeling, she started, "Paige, give me the key card for Regan''s room."


    Paige finally turned her attention to Xiu and smiled slightly, "I''ll take you there myself. Follow me."


    And since Xiu was following Paige then Gigi had to follow Xiu as well with their luggage. Even inside the elevator, Xiu could feel the tense atmosphere since nobody was talking. However, Gigi''s eyes on Paige''s face was way too eye-catching for Xiu who loved noticing even the smaller details. So, how could she not see that Paige seemed like she was avoiding Gigi''s gaze?


    A possibility suddenly popped up in her mind and the way she looked at both the ladies around here changed dramatically. However, she decided to just stay silent. No matter how curious she was, she was gonna stay out of it. She had to!


    "Paige, get a room for her as well. It''s better if it''s close by."


    Paige looked at Gigi again and nodded to Xiu without any question. Seeing both of them leaving, Xiu finally breathed. Both of them together was really putting some pressure on her poor soul. Gigi''s personality was rather stand-offish, lofty, and a bit cold. While Paige was like a typical domineering, cunning, and sharp corporate woman.


    Since both Gigi and Paige had strong auras, it left Xiu feeling a bit stuffy between them.


    Outside of the suite, Paige was about to go to the lobby to settle the room for Gigi when she held her wrist and stopped her. Paige first looked at her rough hands didn''t seem like a woman''s before lifting her eyes to face Gigi with an unfazed expression.


    "How long are you gonna keep this up?" asked Gigi in a detached voice while her eyes bore into Paige''s soul.


    Paige gave her most professional smile as she answered, "I don''t understand what you''re intending to say."


    Gigi sneered as her voice darkened, "You owe me an apology!"


    Paige used her other hand to uncurl Gigi''s fingers from her wrist as she replied plainly, "I don''t think so."


    Gigi''s hands curled up into fists as she glared at Paige hatefully and yet a bit helplessly. Her anger was palpable on her face. It was hard not to notice how slowly she was losing her temper along with her patience and Paige''s words weren''t really helping it either. In fact, her words were adding fuel to the fire now.


    "So you think what you did wasn''t wrong?" Gigi tried to sound monotone but she couldn''t remove the tinge of darkness from escaping through her tone.


    Paige shrugged her shoulders, "Absolutely not."


    With that, she walked away leaving Gigi standing right there. Seeing her leave, Gigi ended up punching the wall beside her and heard a yelp. She turned her bloodshot eyes and looked at Xiu who was staring at her with wide eyes.


    "Pretend like I can''t see," stated Xiu hurriedly. She didn''t know why she said it but somehow, right now, Gigi looked really dangerous. And Xiu was startled by her expressions.


    Taking a deep breath, Gigi got back her professional look as she asked, "Do you need anything, Ms. Bai?"


    "Not really," answered Xiu before nodding with some hesitation. "Actually I was wondering if you could get me a couple of things."


    "Team Leader said I''m supposed to follow your instructions. So whatever you say, I''ll do it."


    "That''s good..." Xiu smiled to herself before passing a note to Gigi. "I need these as fast as possible."


    Gigi took the note and unfolded it to look at the content written inside. Even her stone face couldn''t help twitching as she read the things written on the note. She lifted her eyes to look at Xiu for confirmation. "Are you sure about this?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Sometimes it''s necessary."


    Gigi didn''t question further as she said, "Okay. I''ll be right back then."

 518 A Long Nigh

    While Xiu was waiting for Gigi to bring her desired things, she also hoped that Darren wouldn''t come before her. After looking around the suite room, she went to take a bath. Wearing a bathrobe, she looked through her luggage and cursed when she saw how Nora had swapped her clothes.


    This was definitely Nora''s way of revenge for what Xiu did during Nora''s date. But Xiu had already learned how to take advantage of any situation. In fact, this unforeseen situation just became more pleasing as it perfectly fits with what she had in mind for this night.


    So she took that special piece of clothing and wore it without any hesitation. Looking at herself in the mirror, she praised herself without feeling ashamed, "Drop dead gorgeous!"


    She was busy laughing all on her own when her phone rang again. It was like her phone had been ringing since a while ago. First, Ying called her then later Francesca called to ask where she was and why her phone was off. Then even Dylan called for the same purpose. And since Clara mom and Uncle Jing already knew she went to meet Darren, they only called to ask whether she reached safely or not.


    Xiu had to say, once she barely had one person who cared about where she was or how she was but now, she had so many people that it left her feeling overwhelmed at times.


    As she looked at the caller id, she picked the call.


    "Xiu''er!" Nora''s crying voice came from the other end.


    "What happened?" Xiu asked calmly.


    "Jackie stole my daughter!" Nora whined from the other end making Xiu almost laugh out loud. But she controlled her laughter with great difficulty.


    "Oh, how so?"


    Nora looked at the way Ava was following her little Uncle all around and felt even more indignant as she said, "Ah-Si said Ava never liked walking since someone was always carrying her. And now, she holds Jackie''s sleeve and runs around the house."


    "Hmmm... Isn''t that a good thing?"


    "I don''t know. I just know that Jackie is stealing my daughter''s attention. She is still only willing to say his name. And she does everything he says."


    Nora didn''t believe it at first when Ah-Si told her that Jackie had charmed their daughter. But seeing was believing. She brought Ava home over the weekend to spend time with her. Who knew that this princess only had eyes for her little uncle?


    "Now don''t distort things like that," stated Xiu. "If she is following Jackie''s orders. Then Jackie is obviously giving in to her."


    Nora frowned at her words and looked over at the two small figures sitting on lounge chairs in the balcony now where Jackie read books to Ava while she listened attentively. In fact, she had to agree that Jackie had never allowed anyone to disturb him when he was reading. But now, he not only let Ava sit with him, he read it to her and also shared his snacks with her.


    This progress was really unreal!


    Xiu chuckled, "Nothing. I just cleared your path so that you can enjoy your time with your love."


    "I..." Nora felt helpless as she continued, "There are so many layers of you that I''m scared now. Just how does that brain of yours work?"


    Xiu was gonna smack her head if she was standing before her. But for now, she could smack with her words as she said, "Don''t question my brain. Look at what you''re up to. Who told you to put these stupid things in my bag?"


    "Why? Isn''t it good to spice things up?" Nora giggled making Xiu''s mouth twitch.


    "You know that I don''t like it," retorted Xiu impatiently.


    Nora shrugged her shoulders which Xiu couldn''t see as she continued, "So what if you don''t like it? It''s not for you."


    "Huh?" Xiu was perplexed.


    "Dumbo! The question is not that you like to wear it or not. The real question is whether Darren would like to peel it off of you or not."


    "NORA CARTWRIGHT!"


    Nora instantly hung up the call when she heard Xiu''s fuming voice. She looked at the phone screen and laughed. "You''ll thank me later."


    However, it didn''t seem like Xiu had any plan on thanking her. Instead, Nora just called some trouble for herself. Xiu was definitely not gonna let this one go.


    *Knock! Knock!*


    Xiu threw her phone aside carelessly and walked up to the door. She opened the door while she hid behind the door and only craned her head out.


    Gigi didn''t care about her weird reaction as she passed the paper bag saying, "You can check everything."


    Xiu smiled at her sweetly, "There is no need for that. Thank you! You can go to take a rest now. Paige must have arranged for the room. I''ll call you if I need anything."


    Gigi nodded her head and hesitated before saying, "Have a good time."


    Xiu choked on her words and the way she said it with that stoic face. It sounded so weird. What did she think she was going to do? No thank you but she didn''t have such a taste. As for the things she asked for, there was a very special reason for it.


    Fifteen minutes later Darren also walked inside the room and looked around at the darkroom with a complex look.


    "Sweets..." he called out and felt himself relaxing when she hugged him from behind just like earlier. "You didn''t sleep?" he asked softly.


    "No, I was waiting for you," said Xiu as she held his one hand brought it to his back, and did the same with the other. Darren didn''t know what she was planning but he complied with whatever she did as always.


    "Swe-"


    His words died down in his throat when he heard a ''clink'' sound along with something cold binding around his wrists. Wait! Was he just handcuffed? What the fuck!


    His vision was already really dark but he could vaguely make out the silhouette of things but soon something wrapped around his eyes as he was left completely blind. Oh great! Now he was even blindfolded!


    A very soft but alluring voice whispered close to his ear, "It seems we have a long night ahead of ourselves."

 519 Rewards & Punishments

    Although Darren was caught off-guard, he was really amused by this wife of his. You see, people always said that she''s an unexpected person. Wasn''t it true? She was the most random person!


    Even now, he really had no idea where these handcuffs or blindfolds came from but did he really care? In all honesty, he didn''t give a damn about it!


    As long as the one ''binding'' him was this woman he loved the most, then the rest didn''t matter. However, he really thought this ''binding'' wasn''t necessary. He was already ensnared by her charms.


    Xiu who didn''t have any idea what was running through his mind simply focused on what she had planned already. She guided him through the lounge and brought him to the bedroom. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she pressed him down.


    Darren obediently sat down on the bed and asked, "What exactly are you up to?"


    "What do you think?" Xiu''s voice low, almost like a whisper with a seductive touch to it. And the way her each breath fanned his earlobe was not making it any easier for him at all.


    Soon, he felt like she walked away and was fiddling with something because he could vaguely hear something. Waiting patiently, he decided to resign himself to his fate. And he had named Xiu as his ''fate'' which meant, he was just handing himself to her to do what she pleased.


    Meanwhile, Xiu was looking at that black whip in her hand with a complicated look in her eyes. The bedroom was lit with candles that she specially asked for from Gigi earlier. And even the whip was one of the things she asked for in a moment of haste. But now when she looked at his Baobei''s smooth unblemished skin and looked at this crude whip in her hand, she threw it away as if it burned her hands.


    There was no way she was able to hurt him physically. No matter how it was written on the internet, she really didn''t think such a thing could ''please'' anyone. In the end, one shouldn''t blindly trust the internet!


    With this thought, she nodded her head firmly and came to Darren''s side. Slowly, she sat down on his legs and circled her arms around his neck as she stated, "Baobei, do you know what am I about to do?"


    "I honestly have no idea," replied Darren calmly.


    Xiu frowned, "Then why are you so calm?"


    He leaned close to her body finding that comforting scent and warmth of hers as he replied, "Because you''re here."


    Xiu stared at his face for a long time. One might think that the blindfold and handcuffs were some sort of a game she was playing but in all honesty, Xiu''s only thought was that if she looked into his eyes, she''ll lose her resolve. And if his hands touched her skin, she''ll really forget why she came all the way here.


    After all, she was obsessed with her gray eyes and those hands of his.


    So, to keep herself on the right track, she had to take some measurements. Because what she had to say or ask was really important.


    Darren''s lips tugged into a smile but as he was aware of her questions, he couldn''t bring himself to smile broadly. However, he couldn''t run from this situation either.


    "I''ll answer honestly," replied Darren.


    Xiu took a moment to gather her thoughts before she asked, "The reason you had been avoiding to talk about your father... Was it because you don''t like talking about him? Or was it because your father is Zhou Xichen?"


    "Although I don''t talk about my dad very often, it doesn''t mean I don''t like talking about it. Yes, I was avoiding it before you because my dad is Zhou Xichen."


    Xiu had expected that reply. She knew it in her heart. This idiot had been doing everything keeping her happiness in view. How was it possible that he''d bring up something so closely related to her past life?


    Xiu kissed his forehead and said, "Thanks for thinking about me!"


    "That''s it for the reward? Aren''t you being stingy?" he grumbled unhappily with a bit of disappointment visible in his tone.


    Xiu giggled softly, "But I didn''t say I liked the answer." Darren''s lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something but Xiu beat him to it, "Just because I didn''t dislike the answer doesn''t mean I liked it either." She patted his head gently as she added, "Don''t be greedy now."


    Darren pouted but didn''t complain about it. As she said, he shouldn''t be greedy.


    "Since Zhou Xichen is your father that makes Zhou Jinhai your..."


    "Half-brother," Darren finished the sentence for Xiu who kept nodding without a word but because of this blindfold, he couldn''t see it.


    "And were you planning on hiding your father for good?" she asked another question.


    Darren shook his head back and forth, "No, of course not. Hiding it for this long had already been gnawing at my consciousness. I don''t think I can ever hide anything from you. In fact, I was about to tell you the truth right after coming back." He pursed his lips before adding, "I just never thought that you''d come here so suddenly."


    "So, you didn''t want me here?" questioned Xiu while raising her brow.


    Darren wanted to embrace her tightly but realized his hands were tied. He couldn''t hug her. What the hell! Wasn''t this the real punishment right now?!

 520 Shake Me; Cant Break Me

    Darren''s head shook like a rattle denying her words instantly. "Why would I not want you here? You''re the one who forced me here. Otherwise, why would I come to this place where I won''t be able to see you or touch you?"


    Xiu smiled in amusement, feeling content as she went on, "So, you''re actually blaming me for sending you here?"


    Darren, however, couldn''t see her expressions and could only judge her mood from her voice which sounded like she was really getting mad at him. With a panicked voice, he said, "Sweets, why are you trying to dig my grave? I didn''t mean it like that! I can never blame you for anything. In fact, you should put all the blame on me. I''m the one to blame."


    "For what?"


    "For everything," replied Darren. "I shouldn''t have lied about my dad. I''m sorry!"


    Xiu pinched his chin and tilted his face up as she said, "You didn''t lie. You concealed it from me on purpose." Darren bit his bottom lip. "Now, let''s hear the reason why you concealed it." She took a deep breath to gather her emotions. Talking about her previous life had never been easy. Especially about the people that somehow played bitter roles in that life. "Did you think if I knew about your dad, I''ll leave you?"


    Darren didn''t even need to think about it. He shook his head on instinct. He knew Xiu wasn''t someone who would leave him over such a thing. "I thought if I said anything, it''ll bring that bitterness back into your life. I wanted to keep my distance from my dad because I didn''t want that bitterness to follow you and hurt you all over again."


    "But your dad plays no role in that bitterness," replied Xiu calmly and rationally. "The number of times I even met him can be counted on one hand."


    "I know," stated Darren. "But even if dad didn''t play any role, he would still remind you of Jin-g..." He coughed to rephrase, "I mean he''d remind you of Zhou Jinhai. I don''t think you''d want that."


    "If seeing Zhou Jinhai himself had no effect on me, why would anything else hurt?" Her hands played with the buttons of his shirt, slowly revealing his clavicle, chest, and then the abdomen muscles.


    Whatever Darren had in mind got stuck in his throat. Since he couldn''t see anything, the sensation her hands brought to him was dangerously playing with his senses. He felt a soft touch of her lips on his neck and instinctively arched his head giving her access. How was he supposed to think anything with her beautiful lips teasing him so treacherously?


    She pushed his body back on the mattress making him fall on his back. It was uncomfortable with his hands tied behind his back which was now under him. But he couldn''t do anything about it neither did he want to as her lips came up to snatch his. He could only settle his head to receive her kiss.


    He loved seeing her expressions because she loved changing her expression every second. He wanted his hands to run around her skin. He wanted to touch even if it was just to confirm that she was here with him. Now, he truly felt like this was turning into a punishment. The only good part about this was that being not able to see and touch made every other sense of his to enhance ten-folds. And he felt that kiss like no other.


    She had crushed their faces together, squeezing them together. It took a long time before she pulled away suddenly making him groan in exasperation. It was too short for him! But they were playing by Xiu''s rules tonight so no one was gonna listen to what he wanted. At least for the time being.


    The tip of her nose was touching his cheek and he could feel her hot breath making it a lot worse for him to stay calm. "I really want to beat you right now," she said in a soft voice.


    "I don''t mind. You can beat me all you want," he replied.


    Xiu slapped his face. Well, it wasn''t a real slap. It was more like a very tender slap. "I hate it when you so easily accept that you''re at fault."


    "Am I not supposed to?"


    "No, that''s not what I mean..." she laid her head on his chest as she said, "I don''t know. I just don''t feel right. Why are you always considering my feelings? Your relationship with your dad is pretty good. Why do you insist on putting a wall between you guys just so that I''m not hurt?"


    "Pat! Pat!"


    "What?" Xiu looked at him strangely.


    "My hands are not free. I can''t pat your head. Consider me doing it like this." Xiu laughed at his words and he grumbled, "Isn''t it all your fault? I don''t know what other punishment you have in stores but this one is worst. I want to hug you!"


    Xiu couldn''t stop laughing at him acting like that. He looked really adorable and that was not so often. After she calmed down, she sighed, "Baobei, you don''t have to do it for me. I know Chen Xiu''s life left a dark spot in your memory but now, I''m Bai Xiu. I''m not as weak as I had been. Trust me, waking up in a new body with no memories is not only bizarre but also scary. However, that experience has taught me a lot. My past can shake me but it can''t break me like before."


    "Are you sure?" he couldn''t help asking.


    "Yes, I am sure!"

 521 Jealous Of Ying Jie?

    Even if Darren couldn''t see her face, he was certain she was lying. To some extent she indeed was lying. The past always brought some unpleasant memories and she couldn''t help feeling down. It was inevitable. She couldn''t just pretend like it never happened.


    But she was not lying that it could only shake her. She had experienced it herself. From the time she saw Liu Nuan or Zhou Jinhai, both only came as a surprise to her. She didn''t feel anything prickling her heart. And talking or thinking about Han Bohai could only bring a smile to her face.


    Also, she knew the reason why Liu Nuan''s face or Zhou Jinhai''s presence didn''t hurt was this man right before her. Darren had given her everything she lacked previously. Attention, care, tenderness, kindness, time, trust, and most importantly love. The things that can hurt us are the things we lack or can''t achieve, but Xiu already felt like her life was complete with Darren''s presence. And it was honestly enough to her.


    Even when Darren knew she was lying, he didn''t comment. Instead, he questioned, "If you''re done with your Q\u0026A session, can you free me now?"


    Xiu scratched her head as she said, "I think I had something else to ask as well. I can''t remember what it was. Argh! How am I so dumb around you?!"


    Darren chuckled at her as he added, "There is no doubt that you act a little silly sometimes. Anyways, you can ask it whenever you remember it. For now, please free my hands or at least remove this blindfold!"


    "Not happening. If you can, do it yourself," challenged Xiu with a bit of a temper because of the way he agreed on calling her silly. If she was calling herself dumb, he should deny it!


    "Okay."


    Xiu was dumbfounded because she didn''t expect this reaction. Before she could make sense of what he meant, he lifted his upper body up and within seconds his hands were free before taking off his blindfold. Since the room was dim-lit with candles, it didn''t take long for him to adjust his vision.


    As he dangled the handcuffs before her eyes, she was left gaping at him in disbelief. "How did you do that? Ah!"


    Darren rolled her over making her yelp. With his knees on either side of her body, he pinned her hands above her head and used the same handcuffs on her. Xiu''s eyes widened even more in shock. Wasn''t she the one playing? How did the game change? What happened?!


    "If you could free yourself why didn''t you?" fumed Xiu at him.


    Darren slid the shirt off his shoulders easily because she had already unbuttoned it. His face leaned down to tease her as he replied, "I could do it but you wanted to play. How can I deny you of anything?"


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks unhappily. she was only pretending to be unhappy. Inwardly, she was delighted to hear that he had been playing along until she told him to take it off himself. He really had a way to attack her heart out of nowhere.


    "Eeeehh..."


    "Stop it!" she bit out holding back her moan.


    "Why? You started it yourself," he replied innocently as he lifted his face to look into her eyes. Can you guess what Xiu''s response was? She was left in a daze looking into his eyes. See? She knew those eyes had a spellbinding ability. She couldn''t even feel anything except for the heating intensity in his eyes.


    When she earlier said it was gonna be a long night, she never thought she''d face this reversal. And the girl who found solutions in all situations was helpless before this man. Her man!


    She noticed how his eyes looked her up and down before a smirk appeared on his face. "Sweets, did you wear this lingerie for me? Were you planning on seducing me?"


    Xiu''s face heated up and to hide it she went on hurriedly to deny, "No! Definitely not! This was Nora''s little revenge. It has nothing to do with seducing you."


    "Oh..." his lips curled downward and seeing that she felt uncomfortable.


    "Well, it''s not like I need to seduce you. My Baobei is already mine. Do I even have to try to lure him with tricks?"


    Darren smiled and happily kissed her cheeks saying, "That''s true. You don''t need any tricks."


    "Now, let me free," urged Xiu. "And you still haven''t answered where you learned this skill."


    Darren kissed her wrist and came slowly towards her shoulders where the barely reaching her thighs, white silk kimono of hers had already slipped down slightly. When his kisses reached the crook of his neck, he answered, "Sorry, I am not opening this handcuffs that easily. Do you even know how torturous it is to have you in front and not being able to see you or touch you? You should experience it for yourself." Xiu smiled hearing how frustrated he was. She couldn''t help it. He looked so adorable as he complained about it. "As for the skill, isn''t that Ying Jie your favorite. Go ask her. She taught it to me."


    Xiu''s eyes sparkled when he said Ying''s name. "Wow! Ying Jie is really so cool! I knew she is awesome but I didn''t know she would be even more surprising. Seriously, whoever gets her as a life partner must have saved the whole universe in his past life."


    Darren bit her bottom lip showing his anger and frustration, "Can you stop admiring your Ying Jie before me? These days, you''re either focused on how awesome she is or how you''re gonna fix a date for her. Do you even have time for this lonely husband? I feel like you''re abandoning me."


    "Pfft!" Xiu laughed at his face. "Are you jealous of Ying Jie?" Darren solemnly nodded his head which took Xiu off guard. "You''re really jealous of her? Baobei..."


    Darren didn''t give her a chance to continue as he kissed her harshly.

 522 Were Doing I

    The kiss was enough to deliver Darren''s heartfelt feelings to Xiu and she felt amused at the thought of him being this jealous. But she wasn''t amused for a long time. After all, the kiss delivered his aching longing which had been evoked by her presence. His mouth moved fiercely and yet it felt so tender.


    He kissed her as if he was gonna breathe her in. The teasingly articulated kisses lit up a bonfire within her soul. When he reluctantly pulled away, Xiu was left gasping for air.


    "Sweets, I want you," he breathed and Xiu was so dazed that it took her a while to vaguely understand his words.


    She smiled at him as she said, "Then take what is already yours."


    He smirked at her as he shifted a little. Xiu''s eyes followed his actions as his hand held her ankle and his lips pressed right on her ankle. The soft kisses slowly moved up her fair leg making her feel a little ticklish. As he kissed the inside of her thigh, Xiu couldn''t help closing her eyes shut tightly and biting her bottom lips to hold back her moan.


    However, he didn''t linger at that place for long. He took the belt of the kimono between his teeth and pulled it ever so slowly.


    "Aren''t you very eager?" she joked looking at the way he was teasing her belly button with his wet tongue making her squirm.


    Darren peppered kisses all over her stomach as he said, "I''ve been wanting to tear your clothes since the moment I laid my eyes on you in that hall."


    Xiu was taken aback, "When did my Baobei become so honest about his dirty thoughts?"


    "I had always been honest about it!" he replied while kissing his way through the valley between her breasts.


    "And yet you''re taking your sweet time?" Xiu couldn''t understand how he was still being so patient in kissing every inch of her body?


    Darren sucked on her collarbone making her moan while his hand found their way down to drown her in pleasure. This act of intimacy had always been like he was admiring and cherishing her whole. But tonight, she could feel the passion enhancing.


    Perhaps, it was because of how long it had been since they had been together. Or maybe, it was because he was still telling her through his actions that he was jealous whenever she talked about others before him. Indeed, his jealousy never saw gender. As long as Xiu found someone interesting, he''d do anything to catch her attention back. He''d do anything to make her look back at him and only him!


    Darren had always believed that sex was all about pleasure. At least until this woman came into his life. Only with her presence did he realize that it was much more than just pleasure. Now, more than pleasure, he seemed to cherish the closeness and comfort that she brought to him. It had become a breathtaking thing that he couldn''t help falling for more and more with each time he found himself buried inside of her. This was proof that she was a part of him.


    But after he was done ravishing her, she wasn''t only feeling hollow. She was feeling drained out as well. She could barely keep her eyes open as she mumbled softly, "Free my hands now."


    Darren didn''t object this time. Because from his eyes he could tell that she finally understood why he reciprocated this punishment. He wanted her to know how it felt to have him this close and not being able to touch him. But he couldn''t bring himself to blindfold her because he wanted her to see. He wanted her to see the way he was gonna worship her body tonight.


    Xiu''s body was flushed red and was dotted with red marks which he left behind as a reminder. He rubbed her wrists and kissed it softly. Xiu snuggled into his body and grumbled, "I feel sticky!"


    "Doesn''t matter," he replied while kissing the top of her head.


    "But I want to wash up," she added.


    "Hmm..." he hummed softly.


    She hit his shoulder with no strength in her hands as she complained, "What hmm? I can''t even get up because of you! I can''t even feel my legs."


    Darren smiled at her as he replied, "Isn''t that good? You won''t be able to run from me now."


    "When did I run?" she retorted unhappily. "Anyways, I still want to wash up."


    Darren got off the bed and picked her naked body wrapped in silk sheets saying, "Okay then let''s continue in the bath."


    "Don''t you dare!" she screamed at him. "I really am tired. Aren''t you done already?"


    Darren made her sit on the marble shelf as he replied, "I definitely am not done. I never can get enough of you."


    Xiu glared at him, "We aren''t doing it again. There is no way its happening. I still have plans for tomorrow. I don''t want to sleep it off in bed." Although she''d love to sleep it off, she still wanted to make up for the time she had been away from him.


    Darren nodded his head, "Okay. I''ll just help you with washing up." She eyed him doubtfully and he raised his three fingers to swear on his words. "So, a bath or a shower?"


    "Shower," she answered hurriedly. After all, she knew how that bath would end up if he got in.


    But she really underestimated her own boyfriend. Because she chose the even more dangerous territory. He adjusted the water temperature before placing her under the showerhead. She thought he''d leave but instead, he took the shower gel and started cleaning her body attentively. The worst part was, he seemed like he was innocently helping her out.


    But the way his hands touched her body was enough to ignite another fire within her. Xiu finally understood why he was being so accommodating. He was certain about his own charms and he knew she''d end up asking for more.


    Even if she knew what was running through his head, she couldn''t stop herself from wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him again passionately. "I think we''re really doing it."


    Darren smirked against her lips, "I know, Sweets."

 523 On Her Stakes

    It was midnight and Ying was finally able to fall asleep. From the moment she came back, her mind had been involuntarily thinking about Han Bohai and she couldn''t understand why. Perhaps, it was because he was paying so much attention to her. Or was it because he was so open, sincere, and real about his feelings. He never talked in a roundabout way.


    She couldn''t even believe that now she had no problem with his eyes constantly staring at her. It bothered her at first but now, she somehow came to like the way his eyes followed her around and looked for only her in a crowd.


    Ying wasn''t the kind of person to jump to conclusions. So, she wasn''t willing to name these feelings for now. Since his presence allowed her to be herself. She didn''t have to think of ways to impress at all. Because the idiot was already impressed to the point that he made it really difficult for her. He might be the first person she didn''t even try to impress in her life.


    While thinking about how unhealthy it was for her to keep thinking about him, she finally managed to sleep. Who knew it won''t be for long.


    She hadn''t been asleep even for an hour when she felt like someone sat beside her on the bed. She had always been vigilant, this much of motion around her was enough to wake her up. She abruptly sat up and locked the arm of the intruder behind.


    "Where is my cane?!"


    Ying bit her tongue and instantly let go before turning the lights on. Sure enough! There was her grandmother staring her down furiously.


    Ying grinned awkwardly and waved, "Hi, gummy bear! What''s up!"


    She was gonna hug her when she heard her grandmother''s loud voice, "I asked for my cane!"


    Let us clear something for you. Yan Ying''s grandmother, Shania Chuan didn''t need a cane to walk. She could walk perfectly without a cane at this age. What she needed the cane for was...


    "Gummy bear, you can''t possibly beat me at this age. I''m turning 30 now," Ying sounded aggrieved when she saw one of her grandmother''s people passing her cane to her. Crawling backward, she added, "I was wrong. Please, don''t!"


    Seeing her expressions, her grandmother squinted her eyes, "So, you do realize that you''re turning 30? And yet you have time to play around?" Ying lowered her head as she kneeled on the bed obediently like a kid who had really done something wrong. This was the woman Ying wouldn''t dare to argue with. Yan Ying had never been scared of anyone except for her grandmother.


    Although her grandmother loved her and pampered her a lot, it never really stopped her from disciplining Ying as well. The only person who would dare to beat Ying was her grandmother, Shania.


    "You almost broke my old bones."


    "It''s not like you missed me," replied grandmother Shania.


    Cautiously, Ying slipped close to her and rubbed her face against her shoulder saying, "Of course, I missed my gummy bear. How can I possibly not?"


    Her grandmother''s expressions softened as she saw her granddaughter acting cute which was very rare. She stroked Ying''s head as she said, "How are you?"


    "I''m as awesome as always," replied Ying.


    Her grandmother shook her head, "Did you think about what I said over the phone last time?"


    Ying tried to replay the conversation in her head before her eyes widened, "I thought you''re kidding with me. Ah!"


    Ying couldn''t help shouting when her ear was being pulled brutally by her grandmother, "Do you think it''s my age to joke around with you? I was very serious but you certainly don''t like taking me seriously. You''re my only granddaughter and I''m tired of trying to talk some sense into this brain of yours. When are you gonna grow up?!"


    "I''m already a grown-up," replied Ying innocently.


    "If you''re a grown-up, then how come you''re avoiding your responsibilities? Is it that hard to take your position as the heiress of the Yan family? Why do you have to run from it as if it''s a plague?"


    Ying could only sigh heavily. This was the reason why she avoided talking with anyone from her family. See? She was seeing her grandmother after a year and the first thing she was talking about was how Ying was running from her responsibilities. How typical!


    "Gummy bear..." Ying whined. "Can we not talk about that? I''m seeing you after such a long time."


    "Can''t you see that I''m worried about you?" Her grandmother''s voice sounded very soft and Ying was startled by it. She had never seen her grandmother talking like this. As if she was almost feeling helpless. "You''re turning 30. It''s high time that you start thinking about yourself. When are you gonna get married? Or are you planning on wandering around the world all alone?"


    Ying was actually thinking exactly that. She didn''t think she needed another person in life.


    "Grandmother, about that..."


    Before she could continue, her grandmother cut her off, "I''ve arranged a blind date for you. Tomorrow at 6 in the evening, Royale Cafe. Don''t be late!"


    Ying''s eyes widened before she shook her head again and again, "I can''t go."


    "You better have a good reason for that," said Shania Chuan leaving Ying stunned. "You either take the blind date or take your position in the family business. The choice is yours."


    "You''re forcing me now," Ying felt wronged.


    "You left me with no other choice," replied Shan Chuan.


    "But I can''t take both," said Ying.


    "Why not?" came the reply.


    "Because I already have a boyfriend!" blurted out Ying. Her grandmother wasn''t giving her a way out and she hated being trapped. If she had to be trapped, she''d even do that on her own stakes!

 524 Secret Boyfriend

    Ying had to give it to herself. She really knew how to dig her own grave. It was fine to use the excuse of having a boyfriend with anyone but with her grandmother? Knowing how amazing her grandmother was, it wouldn''t even take her a day before Han Bohai''s life history would be placed before her.


    Wait! Why the hell is she thinking about Han Bohai? She only mentioned having a boyfriend but why was it that the boyfriend in her mind was Han Bohai? Bloody hell! She just realized a bigger problem. She actually thought of Han Bohai as her BOYFRIEND!


    She must have lost some screws or perhaps, she lost her brain!


    "Then I''ll be looking forward to seeing this boyfriend of yours."


    Those were her grandmother''s parting words and those words had been ringing in Ying''s mind all night. She couldn''t even sleep thinking about this mess. Her grandmother always came like a storm and left after wreaking havoc in her life.


    Early in the morning, she got ready and drove towards the destination she had in mind. At this time, she needed someone to hear her out and there was only one person who would never complain about her nonstop chattering. However, when she reached her destination, she was told, "Young miss, Master has gone out already."


    Ying almost banged her head against the wall. Why didn''t she think of calling before coming here? She couldn''t blame Zizi for not being home but she really needed him here. Now, who was gonna listen to her troubles?


    "Ying Jie!"


    Ying turned her head to look at Dylan and furrowed her brows at him.


    "I feel like we are running into each other quite often," said Dylan as he smiled at Ying who looked really not like her usual self. In fact, she looked haggard and quite disinterested.


    "What brought you here so early in the morning?" asked Ying.


    Dylan led her towards the dining hall while saying, "My mother dearest sent some special breakfast for her son-in-law. I''m the delivery man for today. You should also eat something."


    Ying was feeling hungry so she didn''t refuse and silently entered the dining hall. Seeing how Ah-Si and Xiaoli had already been eating their breakfast. Dylan moved up to their side.


    "Oh, Ying Jie, it''s been a long time," said Ah-Si as he smiled at Ying who smiled politely in reply. "Where have you been busy?"


    "She is busy dating these days," answered Dylan in place of Ying. "Even yesterday she was on a date with her boyfriend." Both Ah-Si and Xiaoli looked at Ying with raised brows but the person in question was busy trying to see what suited her palate to eat. Deciding on fried dough sticks and soy milk, she munched on without a care in the world. Seeing how she was behaving, Dylan added, "Look at her. Even now she''s pretending like we aren''t talking about her. I''m telling you, she''s keeping her boyfriend a secret as if he is a big celebrity."


    "Huh?"


    "Are you for real?"


    "Don''t joke about it!"


    The three men at the table had different reactions but all of them didn''t really believe Ying''s words. But did she really have to explain herself? Not really!


    Seeing how she wasn''t planning on answering, the rest continued to eat their breakfast in silence. However, all this while Ying''s phone that had been placed right beside her soy milk cup kept vibrating.


    "Ying Jie, why is your boyfriend so impatient?" Dylan was just thinking of teasing her again.


    Ying however, replied, "How would I know why he is so impatient?" Saying that, she didn''t pay attention to Dylan gaping at her as she looked at her phone. Even without looking, she knew it was Han Bohai. And it was indeed him who had been sending her pictures on WeChat.


    Since she was too lazy to type a reply, without thinking much, she recorded a voice message, "Why are you sending me the pictures of men suits?"


    It didn''t even take a second before she got a voice message in reply, "Which one would look good on me?"


    She scrolled through the photos again before replying, "With your body, anything will look good on you."


    "I know," Han Bohai replied with a chuckle and added, "But I want to know which one you like."


    "You''ll wear whichever I like?" she questioned.


    "Yes," he replied without any hesitation.


    "Dark maroon one then," replied Ying after taking some time to think it through.


    "Aiyo, you really know my heart so well." Ying rolled her eyes as she heard his voice message but she wasn''t done when he sent another one. "But that''s not a surprise since you live in this heart only you''d know it best."


    "Excessive PDA!"


    Ying finally looked up and noticed that the rest had been giving her odd looks. She really didn''t realize that she wasn''t using headphones and all of them could literally hear the conversation between her and Han Bohai. And if one was not the inside party, it was easy to deduce that Ying and Han Bohai were actually dating.


    Although everyone around her had been teasing her about this rumored boyfriend lately, no one really took it seriously. But thinking about it now, it seems like they really need to take it seriously.


    "It''s not like any of you is single here," replied Ying calmly. "You shouldn''t be talking about excessive PDA with me Dylan."


    Dylan smiled sheepishly before asking, "But is your boyfriend really a celebrity?"


    "He is," answered Ying honestly. "Why?"


    "No, nothing. I just found it weird when you said with his body anything will look good on him."


    "I wasn''t lying though," Ying looked really serious as she went on, "He has all the right muscles at all the right places."


    "...And I really didn''t need to hear that much detail."


    Dylan really couldn''t tell why he even brought this thing up. Maybe he really doubted Ying''s straightforward personality. Seeing how awkward Dylan was feeling, Ah-Si decided to chime in...


    "Are you here to see dad?"


    Ying was about to nod but then shook her head as she replied, "Nope. I''m here to plan my best friend''s bachelor party."

 525 Tiger Inside Of Her

    It was close to noon by the time Xiu managed to open her eyes. It had nothing to do with her sleep addiction. She was bullied last night to the point that she couldn''t even move. In fact, she still wasn''t willing to open her eyes. But thinking of all the plans she had made for the day, she had to push herself up.


    She sat in a daze for a few minutes before she rubbed her eyes sluggishly. Her eyes caught sight of the clothes she was wearing and a smile bloomed on her face. Her body was snuggled up in an oversized sweatshirt which definitely didn''t belong to her. But the comfort it brought was enough to tell her who it belonged to.


    Instinctively, she lifted the sweatshirt and rubbed her face against the soft fabric.


    "Isn''t it better to hug me?"


    Xiu looked up to see Darren leaning against the doorframe with a mischievous smile playing on his lips. But the way his eyes bore into her made her want to cower back. She really had no tofu left for him to eat now!


    "Why would I hug you?" she retorted while avoiding his gaze.


    Darren shook his head and came to sit beside her. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close as he placed his chin on her shoulder as per his habit. "Because I think hugging my shirt won''t be enough for you."


    "Aren''t you getting too full of yourself?"


    He kissed her cheek and answered, "Absolutely not my Sweets."


    Xiu leaned into him as she questioned, "How are you so energetic?"


    "Because you''re my energy booster, the more I have you, the more I become energetic."


    Xiu hit his chest playfully, "You and your words... I can''t win at all!"


    "But there is something I can''t win at from you as well," said Darren making Xiu furrow her brows in perplexion. "I''m amazed at how your brain actually works."


    "What do you mean?" Xiu had a bad feeling about this question but she still had to ask. However, seeing his eyes, she was again having doubts now.


    He pointed towards something and Xiu hesitantly looked over only to bury her face in his chest. Did he really have to remind her of what foolishness she did last night?


    Darren indeed had to remind her at all costs. How else he was gonna see her flustered look? And seeing what she had bought last night, Xiu was left more than just flustered. She was embarrassed. Why the hell did she buy those handcuffs out of nowhere?


    Caressing her head softly, he questioned, "I''m very curious... Do my Sweets even know what these things are used for? After all, blindfolds, handcuffs, and whips don''t suit in the hands of a kid."


    "Are you calling me a kid?" she glared at him.


    "Not at all," he answered. "I mean to say that those risqu¨¦ things don''t suit in your soft, delicate, and beautiful hands."


    Xiu nodded her head and accepted, "I read about it somewhere."


    Darren''s eyes widened, "You actually read through it?"


    Darren pressed his lips together to hold back his laughter. He had expected that kind of answer from her. From his experience with Xiu, he could tell everything about her personality. She was bold and confident but she had her own reservations. There are a lot of things she still felt uncomfortable with.


    In fact, the reason why she had a habit of blurring the world and focusing only on Darren had also been that she knew if she focused on the world, she''d never been able to behave like she always did.


    Darren kissed her forehead as he cupped her face and said, "Sweets, I believe your innocent soul would also be tainted. So, never ever try something like that again." Xiu had no issue agreeing with that. What she saw or read was enough to haunt her for a while. She had no plans on continuing that experience. "By the way, you didn''t use that whip. Why did you buy it?"


    "Originally, that was the real punishment," said Xiu in all honesty. Darren quirked his brow at her. "But I couldn''t bring myself to let that crude thing touch my Baobei''s skin. It''d be a sin to let anything scar this body!"


    Darren couldn''t help smiling even more as he said, "Aiyo, why are you so cute?"


    "I''d been wondering the same thing lately," said Xiu surprising Darren. "But I still don''t know why I''m so cute." Darren''s smile widened at her reply and especially at that soft tone she used to reply to him. She turned around to hug his neck as she said, "But I know that I''m only this cute with my Baobei."


    "I feel honored," replied Darren with a gentle and doting look in his eyes. Bloody hell! He really loved this woman. Looking at her animatedly talking about something, he could only think of one thing, ''I have to make her mine. There is no way I''m waiting any longer.''


    Xiu shook his shoulder, "Baobei, why aren''t you listening to me?"


    "I''m listening," Darren hurriedly replied.


    "Then do something. I can''t even feel my legs, how am I gonna go out with you? I have so much planned for the day!"


    Seeing her whining, his heart melted faster than butter. "I''ll just pick you up."


    Xiu tapped her chin thoughtfully, "People will look at as weirdly."


    "That''s their problem. How is it our concern? If I want to hold my Sweets in my arms how can anyone stop me from doing so?"


    Xiu thought about his words and nodded. But before she could say anything, her stomach growled loudly. Xiu placed her hands on the stomach and said, "First, I need to fill this up. Or else the hungry tiger inside of me is gonna keep roaring."


    Darren laughed at her baby voice and rubbed her head saying, "My Sweets is amazing. She even keeps a tiger caged inside of her. How remarkable!"

 526 Remove Your Hands

    "Didn''t you feel really tired? How come now you want to drive yourself?"


    Seeing him doubtfully looking at her while she was buckling up her seatbelt, Xiu felt at a loss for words. She was honestly tired. She didn''t lie. But how could she bring a third wheel with them on a date? No, no way! She had been that ''third wheel'' in someone else''s date and honestly found her own self too annoying.


    "After eating, I''m feeling revitalized. It''s like I''ve been reborn..." she stopped abruptly and laughed at herself, "I really forget that I had been reborn. I can''t even use that word as a joke!"


    Darren shook his head seeing her antics and decided to stay quiet about this topic. She usually didn''t like talking about this whole ''rebirth''. So, he never liked bringing it up himself.


    "Do you even know where to go?" asked Darren when she stepped on the accelerator and whooshed away. He wasn''t doubting her driving skills since he had already learned from Ben that she had been taking her driving lessons quite diligently. He also knew why she didn''t want a third person between them. But he was still worried because she was super bad with directions.


    "Are you doubting my driving skills?" she asked while looking at him from the corner of her eye.


    "No, but I don''t trust your sense of directions," answered Darren in all honesty.


    Xiu wasn''t upset to hear that. She was, in fact, smiling softly. She loved it when he didn''t sugar coat his words even for her. If she was in the wrong, he won''t hesitate at all before telling her.


    "By now, you should really have strong faith in my sense of direction."


    "Oh? And why is that?" Darren was really curious to hear her answer and he propped his face on his hand and stared at the side of her face.


    "Because it''s my bad sense of direction that led me to you."


    Darren was left stunned by her reply. He had no way to retort. How could he? She was right! If she hadn''t run to men''s bathroom or lost her way to his private hot springs, how were they gonna meet?


    He laughed out thinking about that and said, "I guess I need to thank God for your bad driving skills along with your bad sense of direction."


    Xiu smiled proudly as she heard that. Yes, she was indeed proud of being so bad at directions. Who could say anything to that?


    "But where are we really going?" After a moment of silence, he asked again. "And don''t say it''s a surprise. I''m not in the mood for those vague answers."


    "It''s not really a surprise," said Xiu. "I just want to have a proper date with you. Like other couples do."


    "And what exactly do other couples do?" questioned Darren.


    "Wouldn''t you know better than me? After all, my Baobei has a history of dating all kinds of girls."


    Darren almost choked on his own saliva. He had never heard his Sweets bringing that dark history up. Why was she doing it today?


    Darren was left gaping in disbelief. Where was all this coming from? Why did he feel like he was being attacked? And why so suddenly at that too? He wasn''t prepared for all this!


    "Sweets, what scenarios have you created in that head of yours?"


    Xiu exhaled through her mouth as she strained out, "Nothing much."


    Darren looked at her face and pressed his lips together. Could he say she looked really cute? Even though she was actually trying to roast him!


    "Sweets, are you drinking vinegar?"


    "Hmph!" Xiu stopped at the red light and turned her head to him saying, "Why would I?"


    "So, you''re not drinking vinegar?"


    Xiu shook her head adamantly.


    "You''re still wearing my sweatshirt," pointed out Darren making Xiu look anywhere but at him. "Isn''t it to announce to everyone that I''m with you?"


    Xiu rubbed the side of her jaw with the back of her hand. "Fine! I''m not drinking vinegar, but I''m drowning in the sea of that vinegar thinking about all those ex-girlfriends of yours. Even if I don''t know them, I''ve already cursed their seven generations! Happy? There, I said it!"


    Darren placed his hand over hers and intertwined their fingers together. He lifted her hand and dropped a kiss on her knuckles as he said, "I can''t believe you''re jealous over such old news. And why are you even thinking about it now? My history of ex-girlfriends never bothered you before."


    Xiu shut up and refused to say a word. She silently bit her lips as she also wondered the same thing. Why was she so pissed off now? It never even crossed her mind before today.


    But...


    When earlier he brought up the matter about her ''toys'', she suddenly felt weird. What if he had tried those ''toys'' with someone else? She wasn''t insecure. She never felt insecure with Darren. But why was she feeling so complicated?


    Xiu took a deep breath before she stepped on the accelerator again and said, "I know you want to say I''m an idiot. You don''t have to. I know I''m an idiot for thinking this nonsense."


    Darren raised his other hand to touch her head and said, "Didn''t I say it, even if you''re an idiot, you''re my idiot. And I love my idiot! I love my idiot the most!"


    "Stop talking so sweetly, I can''t concentrate on driving."


    "But I didn''t even do anything," he replied innocently.


    "Remove your hands off of me," said Xiu sternly. But inwardly, she was going crazy with the way his thumb had been rubbing circles on the back of her hand. While his other hand was puffing up her hair. Did he not realize that it was dangerous?!


    "How cruel!" pouted Darren and took his hand off of her head. But his other hand was still intertwined with hers. Instead, he just stopped teasing her.

 527 *Crunch!*

    "Bachelor''s party?" Dylan was surprised when Yan Ying brought this topic up. Not to mention Dylan, even Ah-Si was left in disbelief. Meanwhile, Xiaoli seemed like he had expected this from his best friend.


    As for Dylan and Ah-Si, they both thought that Yan Ying would be too heartbroken because of Meihui and Xiaoli''s wedding. Even though everyone around her teased her about this rumored boyfriend, no one had still taken it seriously. After all, forgetting your childhood love wasn''t a joke. Both Dylan and Ah-Si knew how difficult it was to move on.


    And they both knew the intensity of Yan Ying''s feelings. That''s why it really surprised them that she was so eagerly bringing up this topic of bachelor''s party.


    Yan Ying who had been focused on her meal really didn''t pay attention to what kind of ''looks'' were being exchanged between Dylan and Ah-Si. At this moment, she was solely occupied by the food before her. That is why she nonchalantly went on, "Of course, bachelor''s party. As a best friend, it''s my job." She looked up at Xiaoli who was eating gracefully and elegantly as she added, "Ah-Li, you don''t worry at all. This best friend of yours will make it memorable for you." She even patted her chest to show her resolve. "You just make a grand entrance, leave the rest to me."


    "I suddenly have no faith in you," said Xin Xiaoli making Ying pout at him.


    "How can you doubt my sincerity?"


    Xin Xiaoli took a deep breath and gritted out, "Because I haven''t forgotten my twenty-second birthday."


    "Pff!" Ying couldn''t stop herself from spurting the soymilk in her mouth out. Taking a paper towel, she hurried wiped her mouth, and seeing Xiaoli''s glare, she pursed her lips. She wanted to laugh more but she held herself back. "I''m sorry for acting so rudely. But you shouldn''t bring up my dark history like that."


    "Your dark history? Why do I feel like I''m the one stuck with it?"


    Seeing the staring competition between them, Dylan chimed in, "Am I missing something here?"


    Ah-Si laughed beside him and said, "Back then, Ying Jie and bro argued about something. To appease her anger, bro agreed to let her organize his large scale birthday."


    Dylan frowned at that, "But Li bro doesn''t like celebrating his birthdays in a showy manner."


    Ah-Si nodded his head in agreement, "Yes, he doesn''t and how can Ying Jie not know about his preference? She did it to irk him and she thoroughly succeeded when she held that ''princess-themed'' birthday party for him."


    "What?!" exclaimed Dylan while looking at Ying who smiled innocently in reply as if she didn''t do anything wrong.


    Taking another sip of her soymilk, Ying added, "Ah-Si, how can you forget? That beautiful diamond-encrusted tiara looked gorgeous on our Ah-Li."


    Dylan was still trying to process this information and lamented in his heart how he missed this incident. Seeing it live would have been... Awesome! But now that he thought about it, where was he at Li bro''s twenty-second birthday? Suddenly, his brows creased up as he thought, ''Wasn''t it the birthday right after Sister Meihui''s wedding?'' He looked up and stared at Xiaoli and Ying''s indifferent faces. Indeed, the reason for the argument between these best friends had always been his sister.


    He couldn''t deny it that Qiu Meihui really found her way between Xiaoli and Ying every single time. Whether she was there or not, she was able to sow discord between them. It was truly surprising how they were still best friends. But thinking about it again, it truly wasn''t that surprising since at a glance one could see that these best friends never had a shallow friendship.


    "I must say though, it''s one of my favorite memories. I don''t know why you call it a dark history." Ying was still very casual as she reminisced. "You should be glad that even though it was a Princess-themed party, I still chose blue as the main color. Imagine wearing pink and cutting a pink cake. It''d have been truly hilarious."


    "You really know how to hold grudges and that''s why I don''t trust you with my bachelor''s party," stated Xin Xiaoli without flinching.


    Ying shrugged her shoulders, "Who cares? You can''t do anything about it since I''m the only one who is willing to throw that bachelor''s party for you."


    Xin Xiaoli looked at his brother and Dylan. Both of them received a warning glare from Ying and immediately shook their heads trying to cower back. They weren''t crazy to go and find trouble with Yan Ying. As simple and cordial as she looked, every single person knew she was a twisted case.


    Xin Xiaoli opened his mouth to reproach these two traitors when Ying''s cellphone rang again. But this time, it was an incoming call. He stayed quiet in the end and let Ying take the call.


    At first, Ying had no plan of leaving her food to check the phone again but when she saw the caller id, she sprinted off her chair and hurriedly greeted, "Aiyo, my grandma has such a long life. I was just thinking about you."


    "If you don''t even know how to lie, why do you even bother?" came the reply which instantly shut Ying''s mouth.


    Coughing slightly, Ying didn''t let the embarrassment of being seen so accurately sink in. "Then may I know why is my reverent grandma looking for me so early in the morning?"


    "Around 11, see me at Snow Blossom Tea House."


    Ying''s lips parted to say something but...


    "Don''t be late or you won''t like the consequences."


    With that, the call was hung up leaving Ying to clench the porcelain cup filled with soymilk in her hand. She didn''t even realize how much strength she used until...


    *Crunch!*


    Ying looked at the soymilk that spilled on the back of her hand along with the broken pieces of porcelain. She lifted her eyes to see three pairs of eyes looking weirdly at her and laughed it off saying, "This old cutlery is really weak. I''ll buy you a new and sturdy set later. For now, I''ll take my leave."

 528 Willing To Help

    While driving towards the meeting place, Ying couldn''t help thinking about the reason behind this sudden appointment. Since her grandmother just met her last night, it was really difficult for her to process why she called her early in the morning again. As much as she knew about her grandmother, she wasn''t someone who would like to chit-chat in a tea house.


    There had to be a reason why she called Ying. But it was impossible for Ying to process it now since she had to leave her breakfast in midway. Most importantly, she had yet to tease Dylan.


    Thinking about a horror-themed party for Dylan was enough to make Ying''s lips curl up in mischief. But as she soon approached her destination, she changed her direction of thinking towards, ''I should give this idea to Xiu. That little sister of mine will definitely love to scare Dylan.''


    Just thinking about Xiu''s reaction brought a big smile on her face and she calmed down. It was just meeting her grandmother, how bad could it really be?


    -Snow Blossom Tea House-


    Passing through the Japanese style stone garden, Ying could describe this place exactly like she described her grandmother; old but magnificent.


    Indeed, the tea house was old but it still hadn''t lost its charm. Walking through the stone garden, it seemed to have transported a person to ancient times. This feeling... Of course, she knew her old grandmother must have an affinity with such a place.


    The attendant led her to the private room and as soon as Ying slid the door open, she found her grandmother sitting upright and unperturbed on the cushion. But soon her eyes caught sight of another figure and she blurted out, "Aiyo! Isn''t this our family''s Jini? What you''re doing here, Jini?"


    Sitting opposite from grandmother Shania was Zhou Jinhai who was leisurely sipping on his tea gracefully. Hearing Ying''s form of address, his movements faltered a little but he didn''t let his emotion show too obviously on his face. He simply decided to smile at her.


    "Have you fed your manners to dogs?" The domineering voice of her grandmother almost made Ying jump. Not because she was scared but because it was too sudden.


    Ying closed the door behind her as she politely replied, "Yes, the dogs were very hungry for my manners."


    Zhou Jinhai pursed his lips while grandmother Shania glared at Ying''s retort. Not backing down, she added, "Feed some to yourself as well. You''re apparently famished as well."


    Ying''s lips twitched as she said, "Gummy bear, did you just indirectly called me a dog?"


    "What do you think?"


    Looking at her grandmother''s expressions, Ying was at a loss. "Are you sure that I''m your granddaughter? While insulting me at every single chance, how can you claim that you love me the most?"


    With that statement, she went out of the private room leaving Ying gaping in disbelief. She looked at Zhou Jinhai and said, "You really know how to ask for a favor, eh?"


    "Last time, you said that if I asked for it, you won''t be able to help. But I believe you can''t refuse your grandmother."


    Ying sighed before taking the seat which was originally occupied by her grandmother and faced Zhou Jinhai. "It''s weird that when you have the favor of my grandmother, you''re still looking for me? Don''t you think Shania Chuan is more resourceful than her rebellious and useless granddaughter?"


    "The world might not know but I certainly know how resourceful you are."


    Ying poured herself a cup of tea and drank it one go as if she was drinking water. As she eased her parched throat, she looked at Zhou Jinhai and asked, "Alright then Jini, what''s up? How is it that I''m more useful than my own grandmother. I''m very curious to hear this favor of yours."


    As Ying listened to his request, her brows couldn''t help knitting up. Her fingers were tapping on the tabletop while her eyes looked at him with a complicated expression.


    "Do you have to go this far?" questioned Ying after she heard him clearly. "She is already dead. Why are you..." She hadn''t yet completed her sentence when Zhou Jinhai placed a velvet pouch on the table. Ying eyed it before she took it and spilled out the content. But as soon as she looked at the content, her eyes widened. "This... Is this a coincidence?"


    Zhou Jinhai turned the bracelet and showed her the carving saying, "Can this also be just a coincidence?"


    Ying''s whole world view suddenly shook violently. Looking at that very familiar bracelet, Ying was left speechless for a long while. Zhou Jinhai didn''t disturb her since he had expected this reaction. He could tell she needed time to accept this situation.


    "Jini..." she started in a low voice. "Are you sure this belongs to Chen Xiu?"


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head, "I''m not sure. But the only way to be sure is to find her mother. I can''t find her, that''s why I need your help. Because, if this really leads to what I have in mind, then..." He didn''t complete his sentence and Ying didn''t want him to either.


    "You should have gone to Zizi," said Ying.


    "I don''t want to poke Uncle Zimen right where it hurts him the most." Ying nodded in reply and stayed quiet. "So? Are you willing to help now?"


    Ying lifted her eyes and said, "Now, this is something related to me very closely. There is no way I''m gonna back off."


    "That''s what I thought," stated Zhou Jinhai before taking another sip of his tea.

 529 Cheating On Me

    Noticing the way Ying had been staring him down, Zhou Jinhai felt strange as he inquired, "Do you have something to say?" Ying nodded her head. "Then say it."


    Ying propped her elbows on the table and said, "Jini, since you''re such a meticulous person, it''s hard to believe a person like you failed in love. How did you become so dumb back then?"


    Zhou Jinhai''s face stiffened at her remark. "Didn''t you also become dumb in love?" Ying squinted her eyes at him as he went on, "And stop calling me Jini."


    Shrugging her shoulders indifferently, Ying played with the bracelet he gave her and said, "You don''t mind when my grandma calls you Jin Jin, what''s wrong with Jini?"


    "Grandmother Shania is an elder. She can call me however she likes."


    "I''m also older than you," replied Ying proudly. "Show some respect to this elder as well."


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head her saying, "I suddenly doubt your credibility. I think I really should have looked for Uncle Zimen."


    Ying became serious at she heard him and said, "Don''t! You can''t say anything to Zizi until I''m sure about what''s going on." She genuinely didn''t want Xin Zimen to get involved in this matter. Whether what she and Zhou Jinhai had in mind was true or not, it was inevitable that Xin Zimen would be hurt. And she was the last person who wanted to hurt Xin Zimen in any way.


    Standing up to take her leave, she said, "Send me the details and I''ll get back to you as soon as I find any clues." Zhou Jinhai nodded his head without arguing with her. "Also, I''m taking your advice very seriously." Zhou Jinhai''s brows quirked up. "I''ll bring a date to the wedding."


    Zhou Jinhai gaped at her as she left the private room with her head held high. However, as soon as she walked out, her heart was in turmoil with the information she received. The mystery of Destiny... *Cough* she means the mystery of Bai Xiu was still not solved and another mystery of Chen Xiu was added to her list.


    Just as she was planning on leaving, a hand grasped her arm and she looked up, "Gummy bear, I''m done talking. I''ll do my best. Now, I''ll be leaving."


    "Not so fast," said her grandmother with a smile which really disturbed Ying as a premonition rose in her heart.


    Seeing how she was being dragged towards the other side of the tea house, Ying was not sure what was going on now. "What''s wrong now? Didn''t you call me here to meet Jinhai? I already met him. stoop dragging me along."


    "I still have something special planned for you." The way her grandmother emphasized on ''special'' made Ying shudder. It was official, she was in trouble. But what was the trouble? Opening the door of another private room, Ying was shoved in as her grandmother said, "Be good to your blind date."


    Banging on the door, Ying shouted, "Gummy bear! How can you do this to your granddaughter? I told you I have a boyfriend!"


    "I don''t believe you," came the calm reply from outside the door.


    "Do you really think I''d lie about something like this just to escape a blind date?"


    "Yes, I do believe you can!"


    Ying was lost for words. Yes, she indeed was someone who could lie about having a boyfriend just to escape a blind date. But this was unacceptable!


    "Gummy bear! Don''t do this to me! I really like my boyfriend! Although he is silly, very clingy, and sometimes acts like a child, I still like him a lot! Let me out!"


    "You have a boyfriend?"


    Ying''s brows knitted up when she heard this very familiar voice from behind her. She slowly turned her head and was startled when she saw the person standing before her eyes.


    "Han Bohai?" Ying muttered looking in those familiar eyes that seemed to be raging right now.


    ....


    Before she entered the private room, Han Bohai was sitting alone fidgeting with a phone against his ear as he screamed, "Uncle, this is really unfair! You said I''m meeting you. How come it''s suddenly a blind date? And I a celebrity, do you really think I need a blind date to get a girlfriend?"


    "With your previous history of being a monk, I do think you need a blind date to get a girlfriend."


    Han Bohai was in disbelief when he heard this reply from his uncle. "Are you for real? I already like someone!"


    "Yeah, I don''t believe you."


    "Such distrust in your nephew?"


    "You have fooled me enough already."


    Han Bohai could retort since he indeed had fooled his uncle enough. But it seriously wasn''t his fault that he never dated after high school. In his senior year, he became Chen Xiu''s personal assistant, and for the next four or so years, his life completely revolved around her. After her death, he did everything to reach the pinnacle of stardom to fulfill her wish. How could he have time to date?


    "Xiao Han, don''t ruin this blind date. You and I both can''t afford to upset the other party. Be polite and stay there. Or else, don''t call me uncle ever again."


    "Now, you''re emotional blackmailing me."


    "You left me with no other choice." With that, the phone was hung up leaving Han Bohai frustrated.


    Argh! I''d rather be chasing my mulish Ying''er than deal with a pampered princess! This is so unfair!


    While he was complaining in his heart, he heard the door opening but didn''t look up. He just heard some voices but decided to not pay any attention. He was gonna act like this until he heard those banging sounds and looked up to see a very familiar back.


    Seeing Ying, he was so pleasantly surprised that he forgot to breathe or move. He could only stare at her back with a loving gaze. If this wasn''t destiny then what was it? Even at a blind date, he was meant for her. How romantic!


    But hold on a minute...


    What did she mean by she had a boyfriend?


    Is she cheating on me?!


    How could she?!

 530 Trial Boyfriend

    Ying was dumbfounded to see Han Bohai before her. Was this some kind of a joke that the universe was playing with her? Why was he everywhere?! And why did he look so mad?


    Ying waved her hand saying, "Hi!"


    Han Bohai''s expressions didn''t change. But his chin was trembling as if he was about to cry and it startled Ying once again.


    "You really have a boyfriend?" His voice was so strained and it felt like he was choking up on his emotions. "And you like him very much?"


    Bloody hell!


    Ying suddenly was alarmed. He was wearing a very rare serious expression on his face. And most of all, she could actually read all his emotions through his watery eyes. Once again, Ying was reminded that this idiot wasn''t joking around with her. He really loved her with all his heart.


    Even if she still had no clue how or why he loved her so much. She couldn''t deny that he did. And she also couldn''t deny that he made her heart race every single time with his cheesy way of flirting. But right now, looking at his expressions, she was feeling a dull ache in her heart. She was certain she didn''t like this expression on his face at all.


    Jutting her chin out, she retorted, "Yes, I have a boyfriend and I like him very much."


    Han Bohai''s lips curled downward showing how upset he was to hear it.


    "You''re lying to me," he stated. "You''re just trying to find another way to push me away!"


    "Why would I do that? I''m serious. I do have a boyfriend," answered Ying. "Why is everyone doubting my words today?"


    Rubbing his face in exasperation, he walked up to her and held her shoulders asking, "If you aren''t lying than show me your boyfriend. Where is he? I''d also like to see."


    "He is here," said Ying with a slight smile playing on her lips.


    "Here?" Han Bohai was taken aback but he didn''t back off, "Oh really? Where is this here? Show me?"


    "Here means here," retorted Ying.


    "Don''t play with words," warned Han Bohai. "If there is a boyfriend, show me!"


    "Look into my eyes, you''ll see only him."


    Han Bohai clenched his fists trying to hold himself back. "I don''t want to play this game!"


    He was about to turn to leave when his hand was held by Ying who said, "If you won''t look into my eyes how else will you see your reflection?" Han Bohai whipped around and stared at her in disbelief. "And if you won''t see the reflection how will see my boyfriend?"


    It took a while for Han Bohai to gulp down the bile that he had been choking on. He was foolishly staring at her as he asked, "Me? Did you call me your boyfriend?" He knocked on his head as he questioned, "Am I dreaming? Or am I dead? Is this heaven? Because I''m seeing my angel."


    Ying rolled her eyes at his reaction and hit his head without any restraint. "Don''t act or else, I''ll really send you to heaven."


    Ying pinched him making him yelp. "Do you think this is a dream?"


    "I don''t know," he replied honestly and hugged her waist tightly while placing his head on her shoulder as he added, "I don''t care either. Because I like it. I like it a lot."


    Ying wanted to push his weight off of herself but couldn''t do so. Not because her strength was weaker than his but because she couldn''t bring herself to ruin his moment. He seemed to be floating on cloud nine and she couldn''t just pull him down from there. So, she let him be.


    He suddenly lifted his head to look at her as he asked, "Was I hearing things, or did you really say that you like me?"


    Ying''s eyes widened and she tried to avoid looking at him. However, he didn''t give her a chance as he cupped her face and stared right into her eyes. "You really said it, right? You do like me, right?"


    "There are so many people who like you. What if I like you? It''s no big deal."


    Han Bohai shook his head, "No! It''s not the same. It''s definitely not the same!"


    Ying sighed at his reaction and said, "Fine, I said I like you. So what? If I didn''t like you why would I have a trial boyfriend like you?"


    "Trial, what?"


    "Trial boyfriend," repeated Ying.


    "Who is that?"


    Ying pointed at his face and smiled, "You!"


    "Me?" He pointed at himself as he went on, "What exactly is this trial boyfriend?"


    "Aiyo! It''s so simple. Just like before buying a car, we go for a trial run. It''s the same concept!"


    "Are you comparing me to a car now?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders, "I couldn''t find any better explanation at the moment. The other example was of clothes and I really didn''t think I should compare you to clothes."


    Han Bohai was quiet for a minute before he said, "Is it weird that I love every word you just said?" Ying nodded honestly because she thought he would mind it. Any sane person would mind this stupid ''trial boyfriend'' bullshit she came up with. Han Bohai kissed her cheek as he said, "But I don''t mind at all. Your words sound very different in my mind."


    "How?" Ying was very curious that''s why she didn''t even reproach him for kissing out of nowhere.


    "Because in my mind, it sounds like..." He tapped her nose. "You like me and that''s why you''re taking me in as a trial boyfriend to see whether you can fall in love or not. If you can, then this trial boyfriend will become your husband. How amazing!"


    "You think too much," said Ying. "And if I didn''t fall in love then?"


    "Then I''ll take you in as a wife," he answered.


    Ying scratched her head, "There is something fishy in this."


    But before she could contemplate more on this, her lips were captured and her breath was taken away.

 531 Hate To Lie But Love This Lie

    At first, when his lips lightly touched hers, Ying''s mind went blank. It''s important to mention that even though Ying had lived an adventurous and somewhat dangerous life but she had faithfully and solely loved one man in her life. That''s the reason this happened to be her very first kiss.


    That very first kiss that is either capable of igniting a fire in her bones or pouring a bucket of cold water on her. As for what opinion she had of this kiss...


    Well, she could only say that she felt like she had come up to take a breath of air finally after spending a lifetime underwater. She didn''t know many things about Han Bohai but at this moment, she was certain that she wouldn''t mind learning.


    Against all reasons, they were kissing and she let him kiss without putting up any resistance. In fact, she closed her eyes and just let the world around drift away into oblivion. She wanted to let this moment sink deep within her memory to overshadow every single thing that had been bothering her.


    The intensity of emotions and feelings he tried to convey with that kiss left Ying in a spellbinding. The kiss was so slow that it felt like he had all the time in the world to just do this; kissing her. The curious childish delight with which he had been kissing her was making her mind go dizzy and she felt giddy inside as well.


    His one hand was running through her hair while the other cupped her face. He was really taking his sweet time. And Ying could feel like there were a million things running through her mind and yet she had nothing in her mind at all. Because all she could concentrate on was the way his lips kissed hers. Lovingly, longingly, cautiously, and carefully. It made her want to smile.


    His lips slowly drew away but his eyes didn''t look away. His hand was still right by the side of her face while his thumbpad caressed her cheek gently.


    It wasn''t a passionate kiss. It didn''t even feel like he was looking for something more. And yet it left Ying speechlessly staring into his eyes smiling at her.


    "Trial boyfriend is still a boyfriend," said Han Bohai in a slightly hoarse voice. Ying just stupidly nodded her head at him and said nothing making him laugh at her reaction.


    He was honestly very surprised at her reaction because he had expected her to kick him or punch him. With her ever so feisty personality, he was even ready to be buried right here. But who knew that she won''t resist. So, the original plan of just stealing a small kiss was thrown out the window and he took his time cherishing this rare moment when she wasn''t trying to fight her way against him.


    "I wished for three things early in the morning today," started Han Bohai and Ying quirked her brows at him. "One, to see you. Two, to hug you. Three, to kiss you. I feel blessed today. Do you think I should take my chance and propose you for marriage as well?"


    As if recalling something, she whipped around and glared at him, "You! You didn''t know I was your blind date but you still came on a blind date?!"


    "Uh-oh!" was the only thing Han Bohai could utter right now.


    He didn''t get beaten up for kissing her but unexpectedly he was definitely gonna get beaten up for doing this. Why did he come to this stupid blind date? Wait! If he didn''t come how would he have this wonderful moment with her? Now, he was in a dilemma whether to curse this blind date setting or not?


    Dropping to his knees, he hugged her leg making her almost fall as he said, "Trust me, it''s against my will. I was tricked and forced. How else would I come here? I can''t even think about going behind your back even in my wildest dreams! You have to believe me. But I''m still willing to apologize and do anything to make it up to you."


    Ying was truly amused by his way of admitting his fault without missing a beat. But it was rare seeing him panic, so she continued, "Why should I believe you? I don''t even know you that well."


    He tilted his head up with an aggrieved look on his face said, "But you do believe that I love you, right?" Ying was taken aback by that question. Did she believe him? He had repeated it every single time they met. It would be wrong to say that it didn''t affect her especially when she never felt like he was lying. Taking her silence as her answer, he went on, "So, have faith in my love. I really was tricked. My uncle said I''m having tea with him. I only got to know that it''s a blind date after I came here."


    "Then why didn''t you leave after learning the truth?" she questioned.


    "Because my uncle said that we can''t afford to slight the other party." Saying this he paused and thought about it before adding, "Now that I see it''s you, I totally agree with him. I can''t afford to upset you. I''m sorry!"


    "First, get up," said Ying and he looked at her ruefully. "I said get up or I''ll really be upset now."


    "Oh!" He hurriedly stood up to see Ying rubbing her forehead. "Is everything okay?"


    Ying laughed which sounded really scary as she answered, "I''m just amazed at how fast my grandmother''s network is. In just a few hours, she figured out I was talking about you and even tricked me into this blind date..."


    Even if Ying at first thought that this was a coincidence, now she didn''t think so. Definitely it was her grandmother''s plan to shackle her in the lie she concocted herself. This was why she hated lying because it was eventually gonna make her suffer.


    But looking at Han Bohai looking at her gently, she couldn''t help thinking, ''Damn! I hate to admit but I really like this lie.''

 532 More

    As Darren had expected, Xiu indeed got the directions wrong but he kept quiet about it. First of all, he didn''t want to point out her mistakes. Secondly, her concentration on driving was aspiring. He couldn''t just let her down. So what if she had taken an hour to reach the place they could have gone to in fifteen with the shortcut? It didn''t matter.


    He loved any journey with her.


    So, the longer, the better!


    But when they finally arrived at the destination, he was even more surprised. When did she get interested in these things?


    "I want that!" Xiu pointed at the plushies inside the crane machine and blinked her naive and innocent eyes. No, don''t get it wrong. After all, she wasn''t all that naive and innocent but she was good at acting it out. Especially to get what she wanted right now.


    Darren''s brows furrowed up until only a minuscule space was left between them. "Sweets, you don''t like stuffed toys." He pointed out very confidently.


    Xiu pressed her lips together. Of course, she didn''t like stuffed toys. She wasn''t like Nora either who would suddenly develop an obsession with stuffed toys. But this time was an exception. And this was necessary!


    Xiu squished his cheeks saying, "Although I love it that my family''s husband knows me so well, you still need to stop questioning and get me those plushies. Because..."


    Darren placed a hand on her head and she stopped speaking. "I know. My family''s wife loves to win." Xiu''s lips curled up instinctively. See? He already knew why she was so eager to get here. "Don''t worry. I''ll get all of those plushies for you. Okay?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I don''t want all. Dylan won 8, I''ll be fine with 9."


    Darren laughed at her and nodded his head. Rolling his sleeves up, he went up to the claw machine and exchanged money for the coins. Seeing how tense she looked while giving all her concentration to him, he decided to distract her a little.


    "Sweets, you still haven''t told me why you came all the way here."


    Xiu''s brows knitted up slightly, "I came because I missed you. Is that even a question? You should know the answer already."


    "I believe that you missed me. I also believe that you can be impulsive sometimes doing random things. But I still think there is something else that brought you here." Xiu decided to stay quiet in reply. And Darren figured that he had hit the mark this time. "Did you read all the letters?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she looked up at him. He also pressed the controller and tilted his head to look at her. Crouching halfway, he picked up the plushie he won and pushed it into her arms saying, "I''m not asking you what''s written in the letters. But if something is really disturbing you, share it."


    Seeing her eyes filled with grief and indignation, he questioned, "What''s wrong?"


    "Baobei, I''m gonna become a mental patient all over again. So, don''t stop loving me. I''m trying my very best to cope up with everything but it''s a little devastating."


    Darren stopped playing and hugged her tightly as he said, "Sweets, I know it''s difficult for you. And why would I stop loving you? Stop assuming things."


    Xiu took a deep breath as she said, "I can''t help it. Since the time I finished reading the letter, a lot of memory snippets had been invading into my brain. Those memories aren''t mine but the feelings they evoked are real. I can''t help feeling like I''ll lose myself to Destiny. What if I really lost my own identity while trying to find Destiny''s identity?"


    Darren patted her head lovingly. "I won''t let that happen. I won''t lose you once again. There is no way I''m letting that happen."


    "At first, I also thought I''d be fine. But I can''t stay indifferent anymore. For the past week, I''d been having nightmares. I ran to you to escape that. I felt like even if those nightmares followed me, at least I''d have you by my side."


    Darren''s heart clenched as he heard the pain and fear in her voice. He couldn''t even imagine what she was going through. He hated seeing her like this. As if she was gonna break at any minute now. And he knew she wasn''t that weak. This wasn''t her. It was the fear of carrying such a burden. And she wasn''t able to overcome it just yet.


    She looked up from his chest and said, "My plushies. There is still 8 more to go."


    Darren poked her head and shook his head at her. How did she even do this every single time? She was just about to cry from how wronged she was feeling and now, she was demanding her plushies again. Really, there wasn''t another like her.


    When Darren got focused on winning those plushies for her. She kept looking at the side of his face. She didn''t want to tell him that Destiny''s memories were scary. Whatever she learned was dangerous and there were several things that weren''t clear to her yet. But there was one thing she was certain about; She and Destiny shared a dangerously close connection. However, she didn''t know what connection it was that bound them together even at the door of death.


    "Here you go," said Darren as he pushed the 10th plushie to her.


    "I asked for only 9," retorted Xiu.


    "The last one is a gift from me. I spent so much effort on getting this for you. I should be rewarded, right?"


    Xiu nodded her head and held his collar to pull him down. Dropping a chaste kiss on his lips she said, "Let''s go. We have more activities to get to."

 533 Not Cute?

    If Ying had the chance to hear what Xiu had told Darren, she would have at least understood the reason why Xiu had been acting out of sort in the last week. Xiu''s hyper nature had gone a lot down in the last days and it was both shocking and concerning to the people who noticed.


    Unfortunately, during that period of time, Xiu only showed her face to either Ying or Dylan. Apart from that, she had shut herself up in her house.


    That''s why Darren always felt really worried about her. She had a habit of keeping her worries to herself. When she was supposed to seek someone''s support, she actually decided to lock everything inside of her. She wanted to be brave enough to deal with everything on her own and he knew that as well. However, he couldn''t just forget that this habit of hers was the reason, in the end, she wasn''t able to hold on and ended up taking her own life.


    Just the reminder was enough to make him pull her closer to his body. This time, he felt lucky that she ran over to him. He''d never let her face anything all alone ever again.


    Since Xiu couldn''t just walk around with so many plushies, they had come to their car. But before she could place everything inside, she said, "Baobei, you hold it all."


    Darren was suddenly given so many cute plushies but he didn''t question her. Instead, he waited until she rummaged out her phone and clicked a few photos before saying, "You can put it all in the car now. I''ll give it all to my niece."


    Darren nodded and did as she said. Then he questioned, "Now what?"


    Xiu stretched her hand towards him which he held without hesitation. "Let''s walk around."


    There were several stalls on this street and one could see many couples walking around hand in hand. Suddenly, Xiu found something interested and pulled him along. She took a cute car ears headband and put it on her head.


    She turned to face him and did the most unexpected as always. She curled her fingers just like a cat rubbing its face and did, "Meow!" Seeing Darren looking at her stunned, she shook him a little, "Say something. Is it not cute?"


    Scratching her head she looked around and picked up another headband. This one had tiger cat ears. Putting it on, she tried to adjust her expressions to aggression and curled her fingers in a claw shape as she did, "Rawr!" Tilting her head to a side, she asked, "Is this one better?"


    Darren opened the front of his coat and hid her face into his chest saying, "Let me hide you first. What if you seduced unnecessary bees with this act of yours?"


    "Huh? But I was trying to be cute?"


    Darren leaned his head as his nose brushed lightly against her, "Sweets, you really have no idea about what you''re capable of." He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "And don''t do this again or else, I really can''t promise you abstinence."


    But it wasn''t Darren''s fault either. When she tried on those headbands, he could only picture the image from last night when her hands were cuffed, with her body writhing under his touch. As she said, she was certainly acting cute and she definitely looked adorable as always. But it was his own mind that couldn''t stop thinking about those censored shots. He really lost his mind around her.


    After taking the cotton candy, she took him to the nearby public park and sat down at the wooden bench. She fed some to him and distractedly ate some herself. In fact, she was just talking animatedly but he could still make out the abnormality in her behavior.


    So, he followed her gaze to see what she was distracted by and asked, "Do you also want to go cycling?"


    Xiu pouted at him in grief, "How can I?"


    "Why not? I can get a bicycle for you." As always he was more than willing to do what she wanted. How would he dare say no to her? He''d do anything to make her happy.


    "That''s not the problem," said Xiu.


    "Then?"


    "I can''t ride a bike," answered Xiu honestly. "I never had a bike since no one was there to teach me as well. Neither a father nor a brother."


    Darren inexplicably couldn''t help thinking about the young Xiu who would have looked longingly at other families. Biting his lips, he stood up and said, "Wait here."


    "Huh? Where are you going now?" called out Xiu but he was already gone.


    Thankfully, Xiu didn''t have to wait for long since in five minutes he stood before her with a bicycle. Xiu knitted her brows at him saying, "Baobei, I just said I can''t ride it. Do you want me to fall down before all these people and make a joke out of myself? Even children will laugh at me."


    Darren patted her head saying, "No my dearest wife. Since you can''t ride it, I''ll give you a ride myself."


    Xiu looked at the bicycle and pointed out, "There is no backseat, my dearest husband!"


    Darren patted at the crossbar saying, "But we have this."


    Xiu eyed him for a while before happily jumped up saying, "Okay!"


    When Xiu sat on the crossbar, she felt a little uncomfortable but then Darren''s arms went around her body to hold the handlebars and she felt safe. Now that he was keeping her safe from both sides what was there to fear?


    "Sweets..."


    Xiu had just turned around to hear what he had to say but her lips were immediately captured. After kissing her for a good few seconds, he pulled away and whispered, "Hold tight."


    "You!" Xiu didn''t know what to say. He was definitely taking advantage right now. Something suddenly clicked in her mind, "You got the bicycle without the backseat on purpose, right?"


    "Absolutely!" Darren replied shamelessly leaving Xiu speechless. "It''s more romantic."


    If you''re going to agree to my conjectures so easily, how am I suppose to be mad at you!

 534 Is It Too Late?

    The photos that Xiu clicked of the plushies were conveniently sent to her friends'' circle but she specifically tagged one person; Dylan Qiu!


    And our dearest Dylan Qiu who was currently sitting in the waiting area before the fitting rooms scrunched up his face when he saw Xiu''s post that had the caption: ''Cute plushies or my Baobei? Of course, my Boabei is what I choose anywhere anytime! However, he comes with all those plushies... That''s just a bonus.


    P.S. My family''s husband is still better than a greenhorn boyfriend surnamed Qiu.''


    Dylan really wanted to get inside the phone screen to beat Xiu for dragging him into this. Seriously, he wanted to know how her mind actually worked. How come she always made him so angry without even trying?! Was plushies something to fight over?! How could she not get over it even after two weeks?!


    However, this time around he was feeling more helpless than angry when he saw this post.


    "What are you looking at?"


    Dylan turned his head to look at the smiling face of Francesca beside him and tilted his phone''s screen towards her. Her brows quirked up and when she saw the photo a surprise flashed through her eyes, "Oh! When did my son start liking these toys?" Before Dylan could add anything she gushed, "He looks so adorable. I never knew my son could actually look so cute."


    "Really?" Dylan gave her a disbelieving gaze.


    Francesca hit his arm saying, "I mean my son always looked so handsome. He never gave off a cute vibe. He''s the cuter even when he is holding those cute toys. I want to squish him right now."


    Dylan''s face twitched as he said, "Can you stop flaunting your love for your son? It''s making me jealous for no reason!"


    Francesca pinched his cheek. "Baby boy, I love you as well! But you always look cute. It''s different for Regi."


    "Let me tell you, being called cute is actually an insult to me." Dylan couldn''t help pointing out.


    "But for mothers, their sons are always cute," Francesca also pointed out. Dylan could only sigh. "Did my daughter-in-law posted it?" She read the caption all over again. "Eh? Is she calling you a greenhorn boyfriend?"


    Dylan''s face darkened. "Who else is surnamed Qiu here?"


    Francesca giggled, "That means she is insulting you?"


    "Aren''t you very happy about this?" Dylan asked.


    "I''m sorry, baby boy but I love whatever she does or say. Whatever she does makes me want to cuddle her."


    Dylan snorted, "I thought only my best friend was madly in love with her but it seems my best friend''s mother is even more madly in love with her."


    Francesca grinned at him not refusing anything he said.


    "How does this one look?"


    Both Francesca and Dylan turned their faces to look at Cali who came out of the changing room in a royal blue lace dress.


    "Is this one better or the previous one?" questioned Cali in a distressed manner. It was giving her a serious headache since she couldn''t decide what to buy. She had specifically called both Dylan and Francesca out to ask for their opinions. After all, Dylan''s sister''s wedding was the first time she was gonna meet Dylan''s family. She didn''t want to slip up in any way.


    "Everything looks gorgeous on you," replied Dylan.


    However, looking at the current situation she was even more distressed. How come these two people were of no help at all? Whatever she wore, they both would say it looks amazing. Although they looked sincere, it wasn''t very convincing for her since it wasn''t helping at all!


    "I really should have asked Xiu out for this shopping spree," she sounded bitter and regretful.


    Dylan laughed at that saying, "Sorry to disappoint you honey but Xiu has flown away to her Baobei. You can''t find her."


    "What? Wasn''t she just here yesterday?" inquired Cali in surprise. How come she didn''t hear anything about this?


    Francesca immediately chimed in happily, "Isn''t it amazing? This makes me love her even more. She missed my son and ran to him. How romantic! I really can''t stop loving this girl."


    To prove his words, Dylan even showed her Xiu''s post as he added, "Expect the unexpected from this girl. Even if she says she won''t be rash, when it comes to her Baobei, she loses her brain."


    This remark earned him a slap on head from Franscasa who frowned unhappily as she said, "Stop badmouthing my daughter. Also, stop calling my son, Baobei. It only feels good when Xiu says it. You''re creeping me."


    "How biased you are, eh?" Dylan muttered to himself. More like, complained to himself since he couldn''t do anything else now. Since he wasn''t allowed to badmouth, he turned to gush over his own girlfriend saying, "This really looks good on you. Why don''t you just buy all the dresses you tried on? Your boyfriend is rich. Just take it all."


    "Are you forgetting that she is also rich?" asked Francesca making Dylan''s face stiff.


    Of course, he didn''t forget it. He just didn''t think someone would even point that out. What else could he show off before his own girlfriend now?!


    "You both are the worst shopping partners ever!" said Cali as she squinted her eyes at Dylan and Francesca. Since Francesca never looked like she was from the older generation, no one ever treated Francesca like it either. So, the relationship she shared with Dylan and even Cali was just like a friend. She definitely didn''t mind any of Cali''s words.


    "I know someone who can be the best shopping partner," said Dylan.


    "Who?" Both Cali and Francesca were curious to know the answer.


    "Of course, the shopping queen Nora Cartwright! Nothing can ever go wrong on shopping with her by your side!"


    Both Cali and Francesca looked into each other''s eyes and shared the same opinion as him. They both had heard about Nora''s shopaholic nature from Xiu. And let''s not forget how Xiu boasted that her best friend was the best when it came to shopping. And these women trusted Xiu''s words wholeheartedly!


    "Is it too late to call her here?" asked Cali looking at Dylan expectantly. Because she knew if she stayed with these two, she''ll get nowhere!

 535 The One Who Rejected You

    "What?! You sent my niece on a blind date with your nephew?! Have you asked me about this?!"


    "Feifei, will you calm down a little?"


    The one fuming was Yan Ying''s aunt, Su Feifei who just learned that her beloved niece was sent on a blind date without her knowledge. And the guy was actually the nephew of her own classmate. What was going on in this world?!


    "Yiheng! How can you expect me to calm down? My Yingying is very dear to me. Even I never forced her to date, anyone! How can that old crafty lady even do this? That old lady always goes against me!"


    "That crafty old lady is Yan Ying''s paternal grandmother. While you''re her maternal aunt!" Said the man named Yiheng smiling perfunctorily at this high school classmate of his. "Besides, you never forced her for a blind date because you''re still single yourself. Madam Chuan doesn''t go against you. I believe she just doesn''t like the way you live that''s why she tried to keep her granddaughter away from you."


    Su Feifei snorted, "What''s the use? My niece still follows the Su Family''s traditions."


    "Don''t drag your niece''s happiness in this. Besides, I told you already I can''t possibly go against Madam Chuan''s wishes. She asked for this blind date, I arranged it. Don''t vent your anger on me!"


    Su Feifei''s brows knitted up. However, after thinking about it some more, she asked, "Is your nephew handsome?"


    Han Yiheng pointed towards a big banner hanging from the ceiling of the mall and asked, "You tell me. Is he handsome?"


    Su Feifei looked at the advertisement banner of a boy who looked rather young with his gorgeous smile for a long time before saying, "Not bad!" She bit her nail anxiously and questioned, "Is he in showbiz?" Han Yiheng nodded his head. "Why? Didn''t your brother leave his company for him?" She narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Or you turned into an evil uncle and snatched everything from your innocent nephew?"


    Han Yiheng wanted to smack her head. But considering that they were now sitting at the food court in a bustling mall, he didn''t do so. Besides, they weren''t high school students anymore. He had to keep his hands in control.


    "Why would I take everything from him?" His tone was sharper than he intended it to be. "Besides, Bohai suddenly decided to join the showbiz on his own. I still have no idea why he wanted to become an actor."


    "Looks like you and I are gonna become relatives from old friends now," remarked Han Yiheng while his eyes were stuck on the phone screen.


    "What do you mean?" asked Su Feifei frowning at him.


    Han Yiheng showed her the phone where Han Bohai''s WeChat Moments were opened. It was a photo of Ying with Han Bohai standing right next to each other. Actually, with their heads turned, one was looking upward and one was looking downward. However, the pair of eyes were looking into each other lovingly.


    This photo baffled Su Feifei. She knew her niece''s hatred towards photos. But if she agreed to take this photo, it meant there was no joke in this at all. Her niece was really gonna date. She was finally ready to leave her unrequited love behind her!


    "Is this that shocking to you?" Han Yiheng shook her shoulder to get her attention.


    Su Feifei shook her head and looked up at Han Yiheng. Her eyelashes trembled and soon her eyes watered. Han Yiheng was taken aback. He rushed to her side while patting her shoulder, "How can you cry over this? I have known you since high school and I have never seen you cry. Why are you crying over this?"


    Su Feifei couldn''t hold her tears back as it fell she said, "I feel so happy for her."


    Han Yiheng finally let out a sigh of relief and shook his head at her. Since the time Yan Ying was born, he had heard about her. He never met Yan Ying but Su Feifei never stopped talking about her niece. He always felt like Yan Ying was Su Feifei''s own daughter. My Yingying did this, my Yingying did that. Ever since Ying was born, Su Feifei''s life was all about ''My Yingying''.


    He patted her head saying, "Relax! She isn''t getting married just yet. Save some tears for later."


    His words didn''t work since she cried even louder making everyone look in their direction. Han Yiheng was feeling exasperated now. This friend of his definitely knew how to put him in most awkward situations. And he also didn''t know why he was still friends with her after so many years.


    "Why are you crying even more now?"


    Su Feifei took the tissue he passed and wiped her runny nose in a very unladylike manner proving herself to be rightfully Ying''s aunt. Leaning into his touch, she went on, "She is my one and only niece. I have poured my heart and soul in loving her. You better tell your nephew to cherish her. I''m not a good person and you know it very well."


    Han Yiheng couldn''t help laughing as he looked down at her. "Wipe your tears. Even your threats aren''t working with this look."


    Su Feifei glared at him with those tears hanging at the ends of her eyes. She looked harmless for the very first time since the time he knew her. Because Su Feifei had such a domineering presence that everyone would cower away in fear. It was no joke that she became the Director of such a big Syndicate. That''s why it was even more surprising to know this strong woman''s weakness was her only niece.


    "For the very first time, you look awfully cute," said Han Yiheng.


    Su Feifei punched his stomach making him curl up as she stood up from her chair saying, "You really know how to get my worst side to come out."


    Instead of being mad at her, he laughed even louder at her reaction. He knew she was embarrassed at being called cute. Seriously, this forty-something woman was really an emotional mess even at this age!


    "Aunt Fei!"


    Su Feifei rubbed her nose and turned around. Seeing Dylan standing before her, she smiled widely, "Oh! It''s the Qiu family''s little master!" As she noticed the two ladies behind him, her smile stiffened as she leaned towards Han Yiheng and whispered, "Isn''t that the woman who rejected you back then?"


    Han Yiheng glared at Su Feifei but soon his eyes couldn''t help wandering back to that ever so familiar face of... Francesca Salvay.

 536 Looking For A Beating

    Even though it had been so many years since he last saw her, Han Yiheng could still say that Francesca looked exactly like she did in her early twenties. It was like time had frozen for her. However, it wasn''t frozen for him because he had to face a lot of things. So, he averted his eyes away from her.


    "Cali, this is Ying Jie''s aunt, Su Feifei." Dylan enthusiastically introduced his girlfriend to Yan Ying''s aunt. "And this Calista Novell, my girlfriend."


    Su Feifei greeted Cali politely. Her manners and even her smile involuntarily reminded Cali of Yan Ying and she blurted out, "I can see the similarities between you and Ying."


    Su Feifei was certainly pleased to hear it as she replied, "That''s a given! After all, my niece inherited her good looks from me."


    Hearing that ''someone'' snorting beside her, she glared at Han Yiheng who innocently said, "What? I''m just amused at how thick your face is. Obviously your niece got her looks from her mother. It has nothing to do with you. Stop trying to claim the credit for things you had no contribution in!"


    Su Feifei narrowed her eyes at him and bared her teeth saying, "Yes, the credit goes to Su Family''s ancestors for passing on such high-grade genes. It''s a pity that your Han Family''s ancestors forgot to pass on some sense to you!"


    Seeing how these two were busy in a staring competition, Dylan felt awkward. With a cough, he tried to divert their attention as he added, "Aunt Fei, did you cry? Why are your eyes so red?"


    "It''s all his fault," Su Feifei dumped all the blame on Han Yiheng.


    "Me? Don''t just run that mouth of yours just because you can. People might misunderstand your words."


    "How can anyone misunderstand? What''s there to misunderstand? Didn''t you tell me that we are gonna be relatives now?" Han Yiheng nodded at her words as she went on, "Didn''t you also said that my Yingying is gonna leave me one day?" He hesitated because that''s not how he said it but eventually chose to nod. "Didn''t all this give me a fright?"


    Han Yiheng rolled his eyes at her and said, "I only informed you about the current affairs. Don''t blame me for your tears."


    "Xiao Heng..." she had yet to continue when she was interrupted.


    "Aunt Fei!" Dylan suddenly spoke up. "Why is Ying Jie gonna leave you?"


    Su Feifei''s mood dropped another low at the reminder as she replied, "Because she has started dating. Eventually, she''ll marry off and leave me behind. How cruel this world is!" Rubbing her eye, she looked at Han Yiheng and suggested, "Xiao Heng, how about this? Instead of our family''s Yingying, you send your family''s Bohai to us. I promise I''ll treat him well!"


    Han Yiheng gaped at her in disbelief. "So, you want my family''s Bohai to marry into your family?" Su Feifei nodded her head agreeably. "Not happening! Stop daydreaming!"


    "Excuse me! But who is Ying Jie''s boyfriend?" asked Dylan once again.


    Dylan finally scrutinized Han Yiheng and frowned, "Mr. Han? Han Yiheng, right?"


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Qiu Hedi!"


    Dylan also smiled politely as he said, "I''m sorry I didn''t notice it was you. I just never thought you''d be acquainted with Aunt Fei."


    Han Yiheng laughed it off saying, "It''s my bad luck that this uncultured woman was once my classmate. Now, I''m stuck with a friend like her."


    "If you''re so against this friendship..."


    Han Yiheng gave her a challenging look as if urging her to finish that sentence.


    With a humph, she completed her sentence, "Then I''m gonna stick to you till death! Let''s see how you get rid of me."


    Francesca who had silently been watching this exchange with a furrowed brows mumbled, "Han Yiheng? Why does this sound so familiar? And you even look very familiar. Have we met before?"


    Han Yiheng''s smile froze while Su Feifei''s eyes widened. She leaned close to her friend and whispered, "Poor you! Xiao Heng, the woman you kept in your heart doesn''t even have you in her mind. Tsk. Tsk. Such a pitiful thing you are!"


    "Feifei, shut up!" gritted out Han Yiheng in low voice.


    "I''m just trying to offer some consolation," said Su Feifei.


    "You''re making it worse!" he replied so Su Feifei tacitly decided not to pour salt on his wounds.


    Instead, she turned to Francesca and said, "Ms. Salvay doesn''t remember that you worked with Xiao Heng back when you first settled in China?"


    As if a lightbulb lit up, Francesca''s expressions changed, "Oh, that''s right! We were colleagues back then. I have such bad memory. I''m really sorry for not recognizing you instantly."


    "It''s okay," said Han Yiheng with a forced smile. "It''s been a long time. I can''t blame you for not recalling it."


    They exchanged a few words before settling around the same table. Getting curious about why Francesca was here, Su Feifei strikes up a conversation with the person she was familiar with. "So, Hedi, what are you doing here?"


    "My girlfriend wanted to buy a dress for my sister''s wedding. So, she called me and France out for our opinions. But since she didn''t like our opinions, we called for help. Now, we decided to eat while waiting for that help to arrive." Dylan didn''t hesitate at all before explaining everything in detail to her.


    He took a small pause before saying, "But Aunt Fei, I never thought I''d meet you here."


    "Huh? Why not?"


    "I don''t know. It doesn''t sit well with your image," shrugged Dylan casually.


    "What image do you have of me in your mind?" asked Su Feifei curiously.


    "Workaholic," answered Dylan without even thinking. "From a young age, I always heard the eccentric taste of Su sisters. While the elder sister loves to travel to far off places, the younger one loves to work until she loses the sense of time and place."


    Han Yiheng gave Dylan a thumbs up as he said, "Whoever said it, wasn''t kidding at all. That''s the best way to describe both Su sisters."


    Su Feifei didn''t mind these words as she said, "I do love my work. But now I''m getting old. So, I specifically try to find some time for myself. Self-healing..."


    Han Yiheng snickered beside her making her purse her lips in annoyance. He was really looking for a beating before these young people!

 537 Mourning Clothes

    "Self-healing?" repeated Han Yiheng in an odd way. "If I didn''t call to tell you that your niece is on a date with my nephew, you''d still be buried in work on a Sunday!"


    Su Feifei coughed awkwardly. "Stop exposing me so blatantly!"


    "That''s what friends are for," replied Han Yiheng while giving her a sidelong glance.


    Seeing their interaction Cali was again reminded of Ying as she told, "I believe Ying is heavily influenced by her aunt."


    Although her voice was low, Su Feifei heard it clearly. She even smiled at Cali saying, "Yes, she is. After all, my Yingying spent most of her time around me."


    "No wonder, I see an image of you in hers," said Cali honestly.


    "I agree with that statement," Francesca also chimed in. Even though she had met Su Feifei only a handful of times but right now even she couldn''t help agreeing that Ying seemed to have a strong resemblance with her aunt''s personality.


    "I''m gonna go order," Dylan silently stood up and even pulled Cali with him.


    Meanwhile, Su Feifei gave her friend a meaningful glance before excusing herself.


    Noticing Han Yiheng''s gaze on herself, Francesca raised her head and asked, "Is something wrong?"


    He shook his head, "You... Looks like you haven''t aged at all."


    Francesca laughed softly in reply, "Of course, I aged. I''m even getting grey hair. How can anyone stay young forever? That''s just wishful thinking."


    "That''s indeed wishful thinking," he sighed out heavily.


    Not liking the silence, she asked, "So, how have you been?"


    "I think I''ve been doing great," he replied plainly.


    "That''s good," said Francesca and somehow felt weird about the way he talked. Now that she could recall where they had met before, she clearly could remember how friendly and talkative he used to be. In fact, she used to get really annoyed with his chatterbox habits. But now, he looked different.


    Then again, she wasn''t that shocked since it had been such a long time. Perhaps, over a dozen or so years? Now, he didn''t just look mature, he acted mature as well. Even his eyes and face gave off a different vibe than before.


    "I didn''t really expect you to be acquainted with Su Feifei," she remarked out of nowhere.


    "Do you know Feifei?"


    Francesca shook her head, "Not really but I''ve heard enough from people around me. She has a reputation."


    Han Yiheng laughed knowingly, "I assume it''s not a good reputation?"


    Francesca pressed her lips together not really knowing how to answer but she still said, "Actually, to elders she is considered a curse because of how rebellious she had been all her life. And to everyone from our generation, she is too carefree. As if she doesn''t like taking life seriously. For younger ones, she is an idol!"


    "You really know her well," said Francesca thoughtlessly.


    "As it was earlier mentioned, we have known each other since high school. It''s inevitable that I won''t know a thing or two about her."


    Francesca nodded her head.


    "Daddy!"


    Han Yiheng instantly stood up while Francesca looked over to find where that soft voice came from. Her eyes locked on a pretty teenager with two pigtails. The young girl had a small face that held a striking semblance to Han Yiheng.


    "Are you done with the movie?" Han Yiheng asked the young girl as she came close and hugged him.


    "No, I got bored so I came out to find you," said the young girl in her soft voice before her doe eyes locked on Francesca''s face.


    "Oh, that''s daddy''s old co-worker, Francesca Salvay," said Han Yiheng before continuing, "And this is my daughter, Han Yirou."


    "Daughter?" Francesca was surprised a little but didn''t let it show on her face as she smiled with her usual gentleness while greeting the young girl. "Hello, young lady! You look absolutely adorable."


    "Hi!" Han Yirou didn''t shy away either. Although she still was clinging to her father, she politely and gently greeted Francesca like a very well mannered kid. It really warmed Francesca''s heart to find such a sweet young girl.


    "Looks like you met the pearl of Xiao Heng''s eyes," came Su Feifei''s voice who came back with a drink in her hand. As she sipped on her drink, she ruffled Han Yirou''s hair saying, "How come you grow taller each time I see you?"


    "Perhaps because Feifei only sees me once in a blue moon," replied Han Yirou in a gentle voice but her underlying point was delivered with a blow.


    "I''m busy," stated Su Feifei as always.


    "As always," replied Han Yirou.


    "Young lady, your mother was such a gentle and soft-spoken person. Where did you get the habit of sarcasm from?"


    "From my dad," answered Han Yirou.


    "I agree with that. Only this kind of a father can teach such bad habits."


    "You really can''t leave a single chance of bashing me, can''t you?" questioned Han Yiheng seriously.


    "Where else will I get my fun from?" While Han Yiheng was glaring at her, she turned her attention to Francesca and asked, "I''m assuming that you haven''t decided what to wear on Qiu Meihui''s wedding as well?" Francesca nodded her head. "Great! How about we go together. You see, I''m very bad at this. I really need some company or else I''ll again wear a white dress at the wedding."


    "What''s wrong with wearing white?" asked Francesca.


    "Exactly my question, sister!" Su Feifei held Francesca''s hand as she went on, "Last time I wore that white dress to someone''s wedding and people bashed me for it. They said I was wearing mourning clothes. As if!"


    "It actually makes sense though," said Francesca. "Anyways, you''re also coming to the wedding?"


    "I''m invited," pointed out Su Feifei as if it was necessary to get that across. "Besides, now even he will also come." She pointed at Han Yiheng and added, "After all, he is also becoming our relative!"


    Francesca couldn''t tell why Su Feifei sounded so bitter whenever she called Han Yiheng a ''relative'' but she wasn''t gonna question either. Instead, she silently agreed to help Su Feifei for two reasons. One, Han Yiheng''s gaze was really making her feel guilty. Second, Su Feifei seemed like a very interesting person and she wanted to learn just how much she matched with Ying.

 538 Miracles

    "I still think there is something wrong with this picture."


    Ying had been staring at the photo of her with Han Bohai. No matter how she looked at it, she couldn''t tell what was wrong. But in her heart, she knew something was wrong for sure!


    In fact, there was nothing wrong with the photo. Han Bohai had asked to click a photo but Ying refused to cooperate with him. So, they stood side by side as if taking an official photo or something. Finding this wrong, Han Bohai suddenly called her name and Ying turned her head to look up at him. But what she found was him looked down at her with a smile that even was reflected in his eyes.


    Ying didn''t even realize that she felt dazed when she found him staring at her with such an expression. Han Bohai took this dazed moment of hers as his opportunity to click the photo. Needless to say, he was very pleased with it as well.


    After all, the photo gave a very warm and pleasant feeling to anyone who saw it. More importantly, he couldn''t get over the unconscious gentleness that flashed through Ying''s eyes.


    Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he said, "You''re overthinking again. There is nothing wrong with it!"


    Ying swatted his hand away and made some distance between them which clearly wasn''t appreciated. "Why are you hanging around me?"


    "Because I like it," answered Han Bohai.


    "Don''t you have work?"


    Han Bohai shook his head, "Nope. Today, I''m absolutely free!"


    "Even if you''re free, I am not."


    "I won''t disturb you," Han Bohai hurriedly said.


    "But I can''t work with you around," replied Ying with a bit of annoyance in her tone.


    Han Bohai pouted, "How will you get used to it if you didn''t try it?"


    "Do I have to get used to it?" inquired Ying.


    Han Bohai hugged her arm and leaned against her saying, "Yes, you have to. Don''t you remember? I told you I''m clingy!"


    Ying stared at him for a long time before deciding to take him back to her place. It was already obvious she couldn''t shake him for this day so she could only take him back to a place where she won''t have to be vigilant about his fans!


    ....


    When she got out of the elevator at her floor, she was greeted by Nora, "Hi, Ying Jie!"


    Ying gave her a glance before asking, "Xiu is not around. I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Nora laughed softly, "I came to get something. Now, I have to rush out since Young Master Dylan is whining over the phone."


    "Best of luck for that," said Ying before turning to open the door.


    Nora only gave her a nod and turned to leave. However, she couldn''t help giving another curious glance to the person standing behind Ying. Although he wore a mask and glasses, Nora could tell that he was a dashing man.


    She dropped the envelope in her hand on the coffee table carelessly.


    "You can sit anywhere you like," said Ying before she stepped over to find a change of clothes for herself. "Oh, and you can drink whatever you like from the fridge."


    Han Bohai comfortably took off his jacket along with his mask and shades. As he placed the shades at the coffee table, he noticed plenty of documents scattered on the table. However, he didn''t pay attention to it.


    Ying''s apartment gave him a very cold feeling for some reason. Perhaps, it was because he couldn''t find a single family photo. Or maybe it was because it gave off a very lonely vibe. Whichever it was, he didn''t feel good about it.


    Moving over to the fridge when he opened it, he was shocked. Except for water bottles, the only drink he found was; Banana milk! He couldn''t help looking over at Ying who came out in a loose t-shirt and trousers. She really didn''t seem like someone who would love banana milk so much.


    His eyes followed her as she came to sit on the couch and pulled up her legs to sit cross-legged before taking the envelope from the coffee table and checking it''s content. Seeing her sighing for a long time, he couldn''t help asking, "What''s wrong?"


    "Do you believe in miracles?"


    Han Bohai was stunned to hear her question and didn''t know how he should answer this. Or why she was even asking it out of nowhere. "Why? You don''t believe in miracles?"


    "I''m an archaeologist. I believe in every possibility even the ones science can''t prove."


    "Then why are you asking me about this? Whether I believe in miracles or not, should not affect your belief."


    "I''m just casually asking. Can''t you casually answer?"


    Seeing her getting impatient, he decided to be honest, "No. I stopped believing in miracles."


    "Why?"


    He averted his eyes and said, "Someone I knew believed in miracles passionately. However, she never met that miracle. Instead, she was greeted with tragedy. Once my belief in miracles came from her and later, it went with her departing soul as well."


    As if getting the crux of his words, she questioned, "Is she dead?" His eyes dimmed but he still nodded his head. "I''m sorry to hear that. I can''t even imagine your pain of losing your first love like that."


    Han Bohai''s face twitched as he repeated, "First love?"


    Ying patted his shoulder with an understanding look, "I understand you."


    He poked her head saying, "Stop twisting my words. The one who made me believe in miracles was my Sister Xiu. Although I did love her, it was just brotherly love. Nothing more."


    "Sister... Xiu?" Ying''s couldn''t help picking out the name in everything he said.


    "Yes, my Sister Xiu. Chen Xiu."

 539 Imprudent!

    After Han Bohai finished his sentence, he felt like silence had descended around him. Because Ying stayed quiet for a long while with a perplexed look.


    "Is this the same Chen Xiu I have in mind?" she suddenly spoke up and while Han Bohai furrowed his brows, she continued, "Superstar Chen Xiu? Queen of the entertainment industry who had a bitter end?"


    Han Bohai''s closed his eyes as if he was trying to hold back his emotions. His hands clenched into fists while his throat constricted. Not trusting his own voice, he only nodded his head.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Han Bohai opened his eyes to stare at Ying who was rolling on the couch, laughing. However, he couldn''t understand why she laughed so unrestrainedly. And why did he feel like it was a burst of mocking laughter?


    When Ying calmed down, she sat up straight and took a deep breath saying, "This name is haunting me for a while lately." Han Bohai didn''t understand his meaning but he didn''t ask because of how strange her expressions were. She seemed to be contemplating deeply. How could she not?


    She pulled Han Bohai''s hand and made him sit beside herself. Then she turned her attention to him as she asked, "You also knew Chen Xiu personally?" He nodded again. "You said that she is the one who made you believe in miracles once?" His head again bobbed up and down in reply. "How is that possible? A timid person like her who actually embraced death so easily could actually make anyone believe in miracles? Why is it so hard to believe?"


    Han Bohai''s expressions darkened almost instantly when he heard her talking like that about his Sister Xiu. "Ah Ying, I love you a lot but please refrain from calling my Sister a weak or timid person."


    "Wasn''t she one?" asked Ying curiously.


    "No, she wasn''t." His voice was resolute.


    "Then why did she gave up on life so easily?"


    Han Bohai looked into her eyes with a complicated look as he replied, "Just because it was a suicide doesn''t mean there was no killer. And just because she chose death didn''t mean she gave up on life easily. If she chose death, it only means she felt like life was scarier than death."


    Ying was startled to hear his reply. In fact, his words forced her to think deeply about it. What he said made a lot more sense. How come she never thought from this angle?


    Suddenly she had a strange desire, so she asked, "Then you tell me, what kind of a person was this Chen Xiu?"


    She wanted to hear the answer not because she was interested in learning about Chen Xiu. More like, she was curious about his answer. She wanted to know how he would describe her. Because she already had four different versions in her memory from four different people.


    The question she asked those four people was the same, "Why do you like Chen Xiu?" But the answers she received were strikingly different.


    The second person was Zhou Jinhai who said, "She is honest, funny, and most of all reassuring. She can make anyone feel comfortable."


    The third person happened to be her own disciple who was obsessed with movies and somehow even knew Chen Xiu personally. And that disciple once described Chen Xiu as "She is a strong woman but she doesn''t even know it. She can literally make everyone dance on her fingers but she is too kind to do that."


    The last person was obviously Darren, who simply said, "She is like a rose, beautiful. But unless you touch, you won''t know how fragile she is."


    Now, she met another person who seemed quite close to Chen Xiu as he called her Sister Xiu intimately with ease. So, it made her very curious to know the answer.


    Han Bohai took a minute before he replied, "Sister Xiu was... imprudent!"


    "Huh?" Ying was dumbfounded. She didn''t expect this reply. She had only heard people praising Chen Xiu. It was her first time hearing something so absurd. So, it took her a moment to react. "Are you sure we are talking about the same person? That Goddess Xiu known as the graceful and peerless beauty was actually imprudent? Have you lost your mind?"


    Han Bohai chuckled and shook his head, "I''m being very honest. No one knew Sister Xiu better than me. I stayed with her for over four years. And I really can''t find another way to best describe her."


    "What about her smile lighting up the dark night?"


    Han Bohai gave her a sad smile as he answered, "What''s the point when she never felt happy in her heart?"


    "What about her being honest, funny, and reassuring?"


    Han Bohai sighed, "I don''t where you heard that but it''s all true in some way. However, what''s the point when she was never honest with herself? She couldn''t even reassure herself!"


    "Then what about her being a strong and kind woman?"


    Seeing her agitation, he held her hand and patted it saying, "That''s also true. She was the strongest, kindest, and the purest person I ever knew. But what''s the point when people used that same kindness against her?"


    Ying was really feeling disturbed as she murmured the last sentence, "Then was she really like a rose? Beautiful to see but fragile to touch?"


    Han Bohai thought about this sentence for a moment before nodding, "I believe that''s another way to describe her."


    "Then why did you call her imprudent?"


    "What else should I call her? If she wasn''t foolish, she wouldn''t have blindly trusted others'' facade of goodwill."


    "Is that foolishness of hers that killed her?"


    Han Bohai licked his dry lips as he started again, "Yes!" He took a pause before adding, "Sister Xiu was in fact just a very simple girl. Even her dreams were very simple. The only problem of hers was that she was naive enough to believe in the goodness of this world." He looked at Ying and smiled as he went on, "But I can''t blame her for that foolishness either. Because it was her naivety in the first place that made me want to know her better. I also wanted to stay close to see whether she was an angel or a devil in the skin of an angel."


    "What did you find?" Ying was hugging a throw pillow as she listened to him attentively. Oddly, she felt like she was listening to a story that was getting her emotions to stir up.


    Han Bohai placed his hand on her head as he answered, "In the end, she was neither an angel nor a devil. She was just a normal human. Someone who grew up in the darkness of this world but was left untainted from that darkness because of how brightly she shined. However, just like any other human, she was also eventually hurt by this world."


    His eyes felt hot and turned his eyes away from her to look around as he mumbled, "If miracles do happen, I only wish for her to come back."

 540 Show Your Sincerity

    This was one of those moments where Ying''s whole view about Han Bohai changed in a split second. She thought of him as a carefree, shameless, and a very lively person. But seeing the sadness in his eyes now, her heart was pricked once again. It was different than before. She could clearly tell that Han Bohai was no different than Darren, Dylan, or even Zhou Jinhai.


    He was also someone who was deeply affected by Chen Xiu''s death.


    It''s be wrong if Ying said that she didn''t feel jealous. For the first time in her life, she wanted to learn about this girl who managed to capture the hearts of others in a way that they were still connected to her. Even after her death, she was not only remembered but she was also missed.


    Her hand instinctively lifted to rub Han Bohai''s head. It startled him as he lifted his eyes to look at her with strange emotions surging in his eyes. Touching a man''s head was considered a very intimate action. So, it was really surprising for Han Bohai when she took the initiative to do it on her own. However, how could he help himself from leaning into her touch? He just couldn''t resist it.


    "You can''t expect dead to come back to life," she whispered softly as if coaxing him gently.


    Han Bohai smiled slightly which seemed forced as he said, "Then I really can''t have faith in miracles."


    "Is it weird?"


    "Huh?"


    She suddenly pressed down his frown as she added, "I don''t like that frown on your face."


    This time Han Bohai''s smile widened before he pulled her in his arm taking advantage of the moment when she was distracted. Placing his chin on her shoulder but didn''t say anything.


    Perhaps Ying was waiting to hear something, anything. But when he didn''t she could only speak ip herself, "You said you stayed with Chen Xiu for four years. Why? Just what kind of a relationship did you have with her?"


    "Originally, I was supposed to be just a temporary assistant. But later on, I was so intrigued by her that I stayed with her as her assistant. But saying that we had a boss and employee relationship would be wrong."


    "Why?"


    "Because she often chided me like a father. Then she''d be like a protective elder sister. Sometimes, she''d even act like a doting mother. And other times, she would be like partner-in-crime kind of a brother." He chuckled at the memory and went on, "In fact, the moments when she actually bossed me around were so rare that I can count it on only one hand."


    "It seems like a very special connection," Ying couldn''t hide her envious feelings.


    "I lost my parents when I was 13, so when she acted like that she really became a very special existence to me."


    Ying squirmed her way out of his arms and stood up. As she paced around thoughtfully, his eyes didn''t leave her movements even for a minute.


    "If you stayed with her, then you definitely knew her mother? I mean her manager?"


    Ying''s eyes brightened as she abruptly asked, "Do you know where I can find her?"


    "No one has seen her since Sister Xiu''s funeral. So, I don''t know where you can find her." Ying''s eyes drooped. She thought she might get to her easily but from the looks of it, she needed to exert some more effort on this one. "But why are you looking for her?"


    Ying coughed awkwardly trying to bury her guilty conscious as she lied, "Because I wish to see the woman who gave birth to such an amazing person like Chen Xiu."


    Although Han Bohai didn''t believe a single word she said, he still went along with it. And even thoughtfully stated, "There is no use then." Ying furrowed her brows in confusion at him. "Sister Xiu had nothing in common with her mother. Neither their personality nor their temperament. Even their looks didn''t have any resemblance."


    Ying only focused on the last sentence. And it made her perturbed heart to get even more violent.


    "By the way, why do I feel like you seem oddly interested in Sister Xiu?"


    Ying cleared her throat trying to walk away from his probing eyes as she answered, "It''s because I''m also a fan of hers. Just wanted to learn a little more about the real Chen Xiu from someone like you who spent so much time with her."


    Han Bohai didn''t even miss a beat when he said, "You''re not her fan."


    Ying turned to look at him, "How can you say that? It''s not it''s written on my face that I''m not her fan."


    "Sister Xiu''s fans only knew that she was an orphan."


    Ying''s eyes widened.


    "There are very few people even in the entertainment industry who knew that Sister Xiu''s own manager was her mother."


    Seeing that she was caught up so easily again, Ying really wanted to reflect on her bahavior. She knew she was bad at lying but when did she get so easy to get caught? Lately everyone was able to see through her lie! Except for when she said that she had a boyfriend. Why nobody doubted that?!


    Seeing how he was walking up to her, she tried to find a way out. So, she hurriedly said, "I brought you to my house. Shouldn''t you show some gratitude that I''m saving your reputation here?"


    "What should I do?" he knew she was trying to escape his questioning but honestly, he wasn''t that close to Chen Xiu''s mother to care about why Ying was asking about her. So, it was very easy for him to be distracted by this girlfriend of his.


    "Pay me!"


    "How about I pay with my body?"


    Ying pushed him off her body and glared, "Don''t try to take a mile when I''m only offering an inch." He pouted showing his grievance which Ying conveniently decided to overlook. "I''m hungry."


    "We can call for takeouts," he suggested.


    "I don''t like takeouts. I like homemade food." She pushed his body towards the kitchenette. "So, you show your sincerity and cook something yourself."


    "To prove my sincerity, I have to do it myself?" Han Bohai''s gaze clearly said ''what kind of logic is this'' but he didn''t voice it out. Thinking of something, he said, "Will I be rewarded?"


    Ying off handedly replied, "Yes, yes. I''ll reward you well."


    Han Bohai smiled in amusement so brightly that making her have some suspicions. However, she didn''t dwell over it and ran back to clear up the documents from the coffee table.

 541 Domestic Wife

    Originally Ying just wanted to make things difficult for Han Bohai. In her opinion, a star like him won''t be able to have any culinary skills. However, when she watched his practised and calm knife skills from the sitting area, she had her suspicions about her own assumptions.


    But her suspicion was confirmed when he placed three dishes and soup on the table while calling her over. Ying blinked at the food then at him. Why was he surprising her more and more?


    Taking a seat, she voiced out her doubts, "I didn''t think you''d be good at this."


    Han Bohai instantly crouched down beside her chair and cupped his own face trying to act cute as he said, "Am I awesome? Don''t I feel like a perfect husband material? Now, you have no reason to kick me out of your life."


    Seeing his expressions, Ying was even more amused but held back her smile. Why was it that this big man could act cute without looking cringe at all? She was truly baffled!


    "Well, I don''t judge things from looks. I need to taste it first," Ying tried to avoid answering his stupid question. Because she knew unless she said ''Yes'' according to his wishes, he won''t be satisfied at all. And she wasn''t in the mood to be pestered by him.


    Han Bohai didn''t push it as well. Instead, he picked the serving chopsticks to help Ying with food while constantly seeing her face. He needed to see her reaction.


    Ying was actually pleasantly surprised when she tasted the food. It tasted better than her expectation and she couldn''t help giving him another glance while taking another bite. How was she supposed to say it... Well, it didn''t taste like a five-star hotel''s meal. But it gave a really homey feeling which Ying actually lacked in life.


    In fact, since her parents were always travelling, she never really had a meal that reminded her of home. So, it was really surprising how his simple homemade dishes were so easily able to capture her attention. Maybe it was just as Xiu had said to her last time when she brought the food over, ''Food is delicious even at a roadside stall and even at a five-star hotel. It''s the feelings it can evoke that matters.''


    "How is it? Delicious, right? Do I get the perfect husband material badge?"


    Ying rolled her eyes at his eagerness before shoving a piece of carrot into his mouth to shut him up.


    "At most, it only proves that you''re the perfect domestic wife material. I don''t think I''ll mind raising such a wife."


    Han Bohai chewed on and swallowed before shamelessly saying, "Then, is husband willing to raise this adorable wife?"


    Ying was beyond herself now. She wasn''t angry, she looked helpless as she said, "Your brazenness really know no limits, eh?"


    "Cough! Cough!"


    Ying choked on her food so badly that tears brimmed up in her eyes. Han Bohai hurriedly stroked her back and passed her some water. After she was done coughing for a minute, she pointed a trembling finger at his face and raged, "You!"


    Han Bohai took her hand in his hand and with a face full of worry said, "Husband, seize this temper. It''s not good for your health. How will this wife survive if something happens to you?"


    "HAN. BO. HAI!"


    Han Bohai instantly sealed his lips and stepped back cautiously. "Sorry! I was just trying to lighten up your mood. Don''t take it that seriously!"


    Seeing his guilty look, Ying felt her anger deflating very easily. And she focused on eating since she couldn''t even finish her breakfast when her grandmother had called her. So, right now she was feeling really hungry.


    "However, I really don''t mind being your little wife. At least, I''ll be able to stick to you."


    Ying looked at his face making him fidget for some reason. She was really amused seeing him acting so cautiously and burst out laughing. Hearing her laughter, he smiled again instantly and felt his heart easing up. He really didn''t mean to upset her. That could never be his intention. He honestly just wanted to make her laugh and he accomplished his goal.


    "You''re really amusing," remarked Ying.


    "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" inquired Han Bohai worriedly.


    "I don''t know," answered Ying honestly. "But I do know that you certainly have a way to capture my attention."


    Han Bohai eased up again, "Then it''s okay. As long as it works on you."


    "Were you always like this?" Ying couldn''t stop herself from asking this question she had been meaning to ask from a while now.


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before shaking his head. "I actually had a very bad temper. I think this friskiness is because of Sister Xiu''s influence."


    Ying raised her brows as she inquired, "Was she also this exuberant?"


    "She seemed like a cautious person but in fact, she was a very reckless person. Where no one could see, she was really just a carefree little girl bouncing around."


    "So, she passed it on to you?"


    Han Bohai rubbed his nape as he answered sheepishly, "It seems like it." He took a pause before adding, "My uncle says her death brought a lot of change in me."


    "Death really leaves a bitter mark in one''s life. I understand that very well."


    "Did you also lost someone?"


    Ying didn''t know what to say. She had lost quite a few people. Whether it was losing someone to death or seeing friends turning to strangers. She had gone through all of that. So, it was hard to say in the end what or who did she really lose? Because in her heart, she knew that the only person she lost was herself.


    Han Bohai took her silence as a silent agreement but didn''t probe. He placed his hand over hers on the table and smiled, "You don''t have to recall that. Now, you can just focus on me. Because I won''t be going anywhere. How will I survive without my Ah Ying?"


    Ying was suddenly startled as she looked at him incredulously. "What did you just call me?"


    "Ah Ying..." His voice was low, deep and it struck something within her heart.


    While Ying was trying to settle her thoughts, her phone''s ringtone saved her from her inner turmoil of emotions. However, when she looked at the called id, her eyes flashed with a deeply buried sadness mixed with sourness.

 542 Protagonis

    At first, Han Bohai didn''t notice the abnormality of her expressions. But his brows drew together when she continued to let the phone ring with no intention of taking the call. In fact, Ying was too focused on eating and didn''t even want to pay any attention to the person calling.


    Since he was still standing, his eyes could clearly read the called id which read, ''Protagonist''.


    This strange name flashing on the screen was the reason Han Bohai was so intrigued to know who was calling. But Ying didn''t even spare her phone a second glance. After eating to her fill, she stood up and said, "Be a little more useful, little wife and take care of washing the dishes as well."


    Han Bohai nodded his head obediently. Her phone was still ringing incessantly as if the person was not ready to give up until she picked up the call. But Ying was also insisting on ignoring it. She was already stuck in a quagmire, she didn''t need this caller to bring any other displeasure in her life.


    The phone stopped ringing for a minute and the room receded to its previous silence. Just as Ying was about to heave a sigh of relief, the phone rang again.


    "Are you planning on ignoring it again?" Han Bohai had to bring this up because even if he got hold of his curiosity, he was really getting annoyed by this constant ringing now.


    "If it''s bothering you so much, you can take the call and say that I''m not available!" Although Ying''s voice was low, he could hear the bitterness.


    Han Bohai didn''t mind as he picked up the call. "Hello, you''ve reached Ms Yan Ying''s phone. How may I help you?"


    Ying turned her head and raised her brow inquisitively at him.


    Han Bohai didn''t pay attention to Ying''s questioning since he didn''t hear any reply from the other side, he said again, "Excuse me? I can''t hear you."


    "Who are you?" came a feminine voice that sounded a little surprised.


    "That''s the wrong question. Since you''re calling, you should be telling me who you are?" Han Bohai wasn''t that easy as well. How could he just say who was he before anyone? Even if Ying said he was her boyfriend... Okay, okay. Trial boyfriend, he still couldn''t just announce it to whoever asked. He shared it so easily on his WeChat Moments because he wanted the news to reach his uncle.


    "Is Yan Ying there?"


    "She is not available!" was Han Bohai reply just as he was instructed.


    "I know she is there. You don''t have to make any excuse for her. You know what, just put the phone on speaker."


    Han Bohai hesitated as he glanced at Ying who smiled as if she could already tell what the other person said. So, she nodded her head. Seeing that she agreed, he replied, "Okay." And then turned the speakerphone on.


    "Speak!"


    Ying smiled brightly even though the caller couldn''t see but Han Bohai who could see felt a chill run down his spine seeing that smile of hers. "Meihui darling, how can I not be scared of you? Isn''t that what you always desired? I''m keeping my distance from you."


    "Then how come I heard that you went to Xin Villa early in the morning today?"


    Ying took the phone from Han Bohai''s hand and walked to a side as she turned off the speakerphone and replied, "Are you seriously looking for me over this? How many times I have to tell you that even if I stay away from Ah Li, I can''t keep my distance from Zizi. He is like my second father. You already have what you wanted or should I say, what was yours is still yours. So, get over it already!"


    Qiu Meihui took her time before she replied, "I didn''t know it was this easy to irk you. Aren''t you famous for having a mild personality? How come today you seem like you want to cut me into pieces?"


    "I''m on my periods, can''t help it much!" Ying lazily replied.


    Qiu Meihui laughed at her reply, "That''s a good excuse." Ying didn''t argue. "Actually, that''s not why I called you."


    "Then how come Ms Qiu is looking for me?"


    "Dylan told me that you''re gonna arrange for Xiao Li''s bachelor party."


    "Why? I''m not allowed to do that as well?"


    "Will you stop attacking me for a minute?"


    Ying took a deep breath before saying, "I guess I got possessed by your ghost for a while."


    "Maybe you''re right," answered Qiu Meihui mildly making Ying frown. She had expected to hear something cutting from Qiu Meihui in reply like it always happened. Why did she act so out of character?


    Seeing that the other party was actually trying to talk normally without attacking her for once, Ying lowered her voice and asked, "What is it? If you''re calling me incessantly it must be important."


    Qiu Meihui was silent for a long while before she said, "What if I say I want to meet you?"


    "Sorry, I''m a very busy person."


    "Ying..."


    "I''m not lying."


    "You can just say you don''t want to see me."


    "How can I?" Ying gasped or at least feigned a gasp as she continued, "I''m afraid if I ended up offending you, you might kill me right there."


    "And here I thought you''d like to find an opportunity to punch me right in the face."


    Ying was once again taken aback by her reply. "I''d love to punch that beautiful face of yours and make it blue or black. However, I don''t think people will appreciate an ugly bride."


    Qiu Meihui chuckled at Ying''s attempt of dark humour as she said, "Makeup can do wonders."


    "So you really want to get punched?" Ying didn''t wait for her response as she said, "Forget it. I don''t want to scare my best friend to death. I''ll just consider that punching bag is your face and it''d be enough."


    "You really don''t hide your animosity anymore huh?"


    Ying didn''t answer to that question as she said, "Meihui if you have nothing important, I''m hanging up. Besides, I don''t think you and I have a relationship where we should sit in a coffee shop to reminisce the old times. It''ll do no good to both of us."


    Ying hung up the call and turned around to see Han Bohai strange expression.


    He raised his hands in defence as he said, "I wasn''t trying to eavesdrop. It was just that, you''re loud."


    "I know," said Ying as she walked past him. "It''s not like I was trying to hide anything."

 543 A Villain In Someones Story

    After the phone call, Ying''s mood was even more complicated. Today''s Qiu Meihui didn''t call to hurl insults at her face. Even her temperament was different. It really took Ying by surprise because it must be the first time she heard such a calm voice of Qiu Meihui. She had no trepidations but she was really interested in learning about the reason behind this sudden invitation. Why would Qiu Meihui want to meet her out of nowhere?


    As Ying had said, they had nothing to reminisce about. The past they shared was already filled with only bitterness. It''d really do no good to any of them.


    Shaking her head, she turned her head and flinched in surprise. How did she forget that Han Bohai had been in her apartment all the while? With his face supported on the heel of his hand, he was constantly staring at the side of her face. With the sun setting in the background, it gave a surreal halation effect making him appear as a beautiful portrait.


    There was no doubt that he was already handsome. But Ying found this silent version of his to be even more pleasing to the eyes. However, his silence was dangerous because she really didn''t realize he was here and she had been lost in her own world for hours. The sun had already said its goodbye to the earth allowing the moon to make its way.


    "Do you have something to say?" He shook his head in reply. "Then why are you looking at me?" As he opened his mouth, she interrupted, "And don''t say it''s because I''m beautiful. You don''t need to flirt anymore."


    "First of all, I never complimented you to flirt with you. That''s all the words straight from my sincere heart. Please, don''t doubt it." Ying''s brows wrinkled slightly but she didn''t say anything to allow him to continue. "Secondly, I don''t have anything to say but I do want to ask something." He hesitated before adding, "But I''m afraid I''d be stepping into your personal space if I asked my question."


    Ying was baffled as she said, "So, you do know that I have personal space? Then how come from our first meeting, you had been stepping into that space without permission?"


    "I was invading the physical space, that''s different. My question might end up touching the emotional space that can hurt you."


    "If you think it might hurt me, don''t ask." This was Ying''s straightforward reply.


    Han Bohai bit his bottom lip and hesitated before saying, "But if I didn''t ask, I might not be able to sleep. It''s not that I''m trying to be nosy. It''s just that my sister used to say if something makes you restless, solve it before it makes your wounds relentless."


    Ying exhaled a sigh and leaned back in her seat. Finding a comfortable position, she spoke again, "Then ask away already."


    Ying closed her eyes and smirked, "Protagonist is my best friend, Xin Xiaoli." He acknowledged with a nod of his head and anticipated for her to continue. "And Protoanist''s Lover is my best friend''s would-be wife, Qiu Meihui. They are getting married next weekend."


    "Wait! Actually I didn''t want to know the identity of those people. I mean I don''t even know them in person. What I''m curious about is... Why did you save their contacts like this? It''s a very unique way."


    Ying leisurely scrolled through her phone liked the photo from Xiu''s Moments which she had posted hours ago and smiled contentedly before she answered distractedly to Han Bohai, "Since Meihui always called me the ''Villain'' of her story. I truly believed I was the villain. And if I''m the villain in their love story, that only makes them the protagonists, right? You should understand it better, you must have played a lot of those lead roles." She lifted her eyes to watch an unusual expression of his but didn''t point it out. Instead, she added, "In fact, I have never been the lead. I''ve either played the side roles or cameos in other''s stories. And the story I thought was mine..." She chortled bitterly, "I became the villainess of it."


    Han Bohai sat up straight as he gazed at her continuously and said, "Sometimes we have to make peace with the fact that we are the villain in someone else''s story. It''s not our fault. Sometimes, we just end up playing the role of the villain without realizing it."


    "Wow! I never thought you''d be this sensible." Ying was honestly surprised to hear him talking so knowledgeably.


    Hearing the praise, he was naturally happy but still took the initiative to clear something, "It''s not my words. I just thought you should hear these words. It fits the situation."


    In her heart, Ying had already figured who said those words to him. But she didn''t say the name out loud. In fact, she snickered softly as she said, "Isn''t it odd? I knew he wasn''t mine from the beginning but losing him still broke my heart."


    Han Bohai came up to her side and sat down on the floor while hugging her waist. Ying was wide-eyed when he rubbed his head against her stomach making her feel ticklish.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    He looked up slightly to mumbled, "Can''t you see? I''m trying to show I''m upset to hear that someone broke your heart."


    Ying looked at his eyes and was speechless. Then with a slow and lazy smile, she patted his head saying, "If you didn''t say it, I actually thought you''re acting spoiled."


    "What if I want to act spoiled? Not now. But we never know about the future."


    Ying gave him an ambiguous smile as she answered, "Then I don''t mind beating you into a pulp."


    Han Bohai scrunched up his face but soon continued to hug her like before as he kept saying, "It''s okay. I''m enough to spoil you. You don''t have to spoil me as well."


    Ying was really feeling helpless before this childlike person who only knew how to make her heart beat in a newfangled manner.

 544 Self-Improving Session

    It was hard to say whether Xiu had a long day or a short one. She woke up at noon, strolled around for hours, and finally came back around 7. After she had dinner with Darren, he left for some business leaving her to ponder over what foolishness she had been doing. Although she felt odd that he was suddenly leaving, she didn''t comment. She had already told him everything that had been bothering her instead of keeping it to herself.


    She was done with burdening herself. So, she really didn''t hesitate when she reiterated the content of the rest of the letters and whatever else she found out about. Keeping anything from him was never her intention. She couldn''t trouble Dylan but she didn''t mind troubling her family''s Baobei.


    Right now, her legs were dangling from the armrest of the couch while she was laying down with her one hand rubbing her tummy. She had eaten way too much for dinner and now, wasn''t very comfortable. However, she didn''t feel like taking another walk. Unexpectedly, she was really tired and also a little sleepy. Again!


    Feeling bored, she was blankly staring at the ceiling with only one thought in her mind; Something is wrong with me.


    As for what brought this to her mind, she could only say one thing she had never been a sticky person. But lately, she had been really trying hard to stick to Darren. It might not seem weird to others but it seemed way out of place to her.


    Acting spoiled? She could accept this since she yearned to be spoiled by someone from her previous life. But what''s with those honey-dipped words she''d been spouting? What happened to independent, strong, and yet calm Xiu?


    Being jealous? She really couldn''t accept this one! Darren had been the most honest person she met in life, and yet her brain actually made her give birth to a despicable thing like jealousy?! How unacceptable! She might not trust her own feelings as much as she trusted Darren''s. And yet something like jealousy rose within her?


    But let''s not forget that a little jealousy in a relationship is not harmful. It actually means that the relationship is really important to her and she cares a lot about it. So, she ended up justifying her jealousy.


    Then there is another matter of how she suddenly had the urge to win over Dylan. Well, she always wanted to win from Dylan. But with plushies? Where is the logic? She never even liked this stuff! Was she originally this petty and whiny?


    Strolling around on the busy street hand in hand, riding a bike together, trying out different snacks, and the stuff that normal couples did. Xiu had never had a chance to do it in her previous life because of her status of being a celebrity. And in this life, she was met with Darren who really didn''t care about the place since his eyes, mind, heart or soul could only see her!


    Most important of all, she had been acting like a stupid kid asking for attention! This was really troubling to her, she had never been this annoyed even with herself before. Now when she recalled how sweet, mushy, and sticky she had been acting, she felt pity for Darren who had to deal with her mood swings. Just thinking about her own words made her cringe. Eeeeh!


    While she was still absorbed in wondering what was wrong with these strange mood swings she had been having, she sat up and ruffled her hair in exasperation. What a mess she was! It was really a wonder how someone like Darren actually liked a psycho like her in the first place!


    Stupid!


    She knocked her head against the side of the couch and kept reproaching herself.


    How could you be so muddle-headed?! Where are your senses?! Stop acting so foolishly. It doesn''t suit you! This is so not you!


    *Knock! Knock!*


    Xiu stopped her self-rebuking session when someone knocked at the door. This self-improving session ended abruptly because Xiu had to drag her heavy body all the way to the door. She really didn''t know who would knock at her door at this time. Although it was not even 9 o''clock yet, she still thought no one should be here disturbing her.


    With an exhausted look on her face, she pulled open the door and immediately straightened up her posture.


    "Mr. Zhou!" she called out in a slightly sharp voice than she truly intended. Realizing her mistake, she continued, "Regan is not here."


    "I''m not looking for my son," said Zhou Xichen who was looking at Xiu''s face with an amiable, soft, and gentle smile.


    "Then..." Xiu''s thoughts faltered. It took her a minute to process as she said, "So, you''re here to see me?"


    "Can''t I?"


    "That''s not what I meant." Xiu smiled awkwardly at him.


    Although Xiu had nothing against Zhou Xichen, his face had way too much resemblance with Zhou Jinhai. Unlike Darren whose face wasn''t that similar to his father. In fact, it seemed like Darren had inherited most of his mother''s genes.


    "So, can this father-in-law invite this daughter-in-law for a cup of tea?"


    Xiu''s lips parted slightly in disbelief and she nodded in a daze. She was about to step out of the room when he reminded her, "It''s cold outside. You should wear a coat."


    "Are we going out of the hotel?" asked Xiu.


    "Yes," answered Zhou Xichen and Xiu nodded.


    "Then let me grab my coat." She turned around and ran over to take her phone, keycard, and the coat before she went back. "Okay. Let''s go!"


    Looking at her spirited self, Zhou Xichen was amused as he said, "Being young is definitely good." They had just entered the elevator when he said, "I didn''t expect you to agree so easily to accompany me."


    "Huh? Why not?"


    "Don''t you have to ask for my son''s permission?"


    Xiu waved her hand saying, "Not really. I just informed him and that''s enough."


    While they both were walking out of the lobby, he suddenly noticed something as he said, "Someone is following us."

 545 Forced Relationships

    Listening to Zhou Xichen''s apprehensive voice, Xiu also looked around and smiled. Raising her hand, she shouted, "Gigi, you can just walk with us."


    The person following them had indeed been Gigi who at once came to stand right behind Xiu with neither a humble look nor an overbearing one.


    "I''m sorry! She is my personal guardian," informed Xiu.


    Zhou Xichen looked at Xiu''s face before his eyes did a thorough evaluation of Gigi who looked like a statue with no expression on her face. Not resisting his urge to ask, he eventually asked, "NBIR?"


    The question was directed to Gigi and for once, Xiu actually noticed a slight flinch on her face as if she was surprised by this question. However, she didn''t hide as she nodded.


    "National Security Branch?" Zhou Xichen further questioned.


    "Division of Criminal Intelligence Analysis," answered Gigi with a straight face.


    "Rank?"


    Gigi pursed her lips not wanting to disclose any further but since the other person was someone she had seen plenty of times in the office, she still answered, "Supervisory Special Agent."


    Xiu was completely out of this conversation because her understanding was limited at the moment. Besides, she had no clue what they were talking about. However, she was startled when Zhou Xichen turned his eyes back to her face and smiled mysteriously.


    "Now, you''re making me curious about your identity," said Zhou Xichen with a hint of intrigue in his voice. At first, in his opinion, Xiu was just a girl his son loved dearly. He honestly wasn''t that interested in knowing her background since he never had the habit of prying into his children''s love lives. But now, he was really curious about Xiu''s identity.


    Xiu hurriedly followed after him as she questioned, "What do you mean? I''m just a simple person with a not so simple life. There is really nothing special about me."


    "I might have believed your words before but not anymore," retorted Zhou Xichen straightforwardly. "You have someone from the NBIR''s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch right by your side acting as your personal bodyguard. And the field agent''s rank is even more impressive. If you''re capable of keeping such a person beside you, you can''t possibly be a simple person."


    Xiu''s face showed her confusion quite obviously as she leaned back and asked Gigi, "What is NBIR?"


    Gigi was equally astonished to see Xiu''s reaction. But she still didn''t show it on her face as she replied, "National Bureau of Investigation and Research."


    "Oooh..." Xiu unknowingly dragged her little reaction and gave Gigi a thumbs up saying, "I knew my Ying Jie was amazing but I really didn''t know she was this amazing." After showing her silly smile, Xiu was left to contemplate what she learned. No wonder Ying always came across as a very special person. She was indeed extraordinary to have such achievements at this age.


    "You seem to like sweet things," remarked Zhou Xichen when he noticed how many things Xiu ordered with just a cup of tea to go along.


    Xiu laughed awkwardly as she replied, "It''s not all for me." Of course, she was lying. It was all for her own self. How was she supposed to know that just earlier she felt so full and yet now, looking at these cakes her mouth watered. It was like her stomach protesting that there was a special space available for sweets. She, being the weak person gave in to her stomach''s desires.


    "Well, I appreciate the thought but I''m diabetic."


    Xiu''s mouth opened but nothing came out. Oh, so Darren inherited this from his father? How... unfair? Couldn''t you give something good to my Boabei? He must have suffered so much with life without sweetness. It was a good thing that he had her now. His Sweets to fill his life with sweetness. Xiu immediately shook her head to shoo away these narcissistic thoughts.


    Where was this narcissism coming from?!


    She''s really losing her mind now!


    "Why did you suddenly invite me for tea?" Xiu finally decided to ask.


    "I just thought to know a little about the girl my son wants to marry."


    "If you didn''t like me, will you ask Regan to leave me?"


    Zhou Xichen furrowed his brows at her sudden question, "Where did that come from? And why would I do something like that?"


    "You''re his father. Don''t you want your son''s life partner to be..." Xiu was trying to find the right words. She really couldn''t believe there was no appropriate word she could recall from her limited vocabulary. Just when she needed it! She was definitely gonna seem unrefined before her father-in-law for having no words.


    Zhou Xichen sighed out, "I''m his father, not a dictator. I can''t possibly control who he loves. If he is satisfied with you, why would I have any issue?"


    "So, you''re not the kind of father who would control his kids'' lives?" Xiu knew the answer to this question very well. She had seen it with her own eyes in her previous life. But she still wanted to hear about it from him.


    "As a father, I just want both my sons to find their love and happiness. Nothing more. I''d never ask for anything as long as they are happy with the decisions they made."


    "When I said I''m a simple a person, I meant it. Yes, a lot of people seem to care about me but at the end of the day, I''m an orphan with no background."


    "You''re the only one who is going to spend her life with Regan. Nothing else should matter. I''ll never force my son to do anything he doesn''t want to."


    Xiu smiled softly expecting that answer. It was exactly as she thought.


    "I know how it feels to get stuck in a relationship by force. I''d never wish for the same for my sons. It''s a pity that I couldn''t protect my eldest son. Now, I only hope that the youngest son gets who he loves."


    Xiu''s smile faltered when she noticed his look of loss.

 546 Leave A Good Impression

    In her previous life, Xiu had no clue that Zhou Xichen had another son apart from Zhou Jinhai neither did she know the history between these people. But she was well aware of one thing, Zhou Xichen never stayed at his home with his wife. All year round he was working. Even Zhou Jinhai had mentioned how his father only cared about the business and only came home once or twice in a year.


    At that time, Xiu really believed that Zhou Xichen was very dedicated to his work. But now... Her mind had some other theories.


    "I''ve been curious to know something but I never dared to ask Regan. I didn''t want to upset him. But I still don''t know whether I should ask you or not?"


    Zhou Xichen opened his mouth but stopped when the waiter brought everything they ordered. With a polite smile, the waiter left. Only then did Zhou Xichen spoke up, "Go ahead. I don''t mind you asking anything."


    "I''ve been trying to understand Regan''s family situation. Although I do understand his stance with his maternal family, I''m not much clear about his paternal family. Especially about your relationship with Regan''s birth mother."


    Zhou Xichen had expected this question sooner or later. He picked up his cup of tea languidly blew on it before taking a small sip. As he looked up at her, he answered, "Florence was my legal wife." Xiu''s eyes widened a little. Since Zhou Jinhai was older than Darren, she thought...


    Before her thoughts could wander off anywhere else, he went on, "It was a love marriage against all odds. Since it was a love marriage, I had to take all the burn from my family. You see, Zhou Family was not ready to accept a daughter-in-law that didn''t match their merits." He snickered at his own words as he continued, "Although Florence came from a good family, my family was still not ready to accept a western daughter-in-law who knew nothing about their values." He shook his head at the memory. "I agree, that there was a language barrier, culture barrier, and a lot of other things. But no one can claim that my wife never tried her best. Because she did. She did everything she could to be accepted by my family."


    Xiu couldn''t help thinking back to her own situation. She neither had a language barrier or a cultural barrier and yet she was rejected. Why? She wanted to laugh at this because she now finally understood, those who never had any intention to accept you will always find something to nitpick about. And those who already opened their heart for you would accept you with any flaw just like Francesca did.


    "These pressures stressed Florence so much that she couldn''t conceive." Xiu was now vaguely able to see where this was going. "Even after four years of our marriage, we had no child. I don''t think I need to tell you what that represents in our Asian culture?"


    "She was completely shunned by your family?" Xiu voiced out.


    "They sent a mistress to your bed? How typical!"


    Zhou Xichen was really surprised by Xiu''s blunt remark but didn''t mind it at all. After all, it was the truth. "I still can''t recall how or when it happened. I only got to know when that woman brought my one-year-old son at my door." He closed his eyes as if he could clearly see that moment replaying in his mind and it was hurting him. "I can''t forget the way Florence looked at me when we confirmed that the baby boy was indeed my blood. She didn''t even ask me anything else and left me."


    The more she heard, the angrier she was getting. She wanted to stab someone or something. So, she chose to stab the piece of cheesecake she ordered with her small fork. She filled her mouth with cake to not allow herself to hurl some profanities in her temper. It won''t leave a good impression!


    But at this moment, she thoroughly despised Zhou Jinhai''s mother. That vicious woman! No wonder she was no good of a mother. How could she be? When she never even was a good woman! Destroyed a family?! How despicable!


    However, suddenly she realized something...


    "Then Regan?"


    Zhou Xichen tried to pass her a smile which was obviously forced and it seemed distorted. "Florence perhaps herself didn''t know that when she left me she was already pregnant." ''Or maybe she did but didn''t want to tell me. Maybe that was her way of punishing me.'' He didn''t say the last sentence to Xiu. He didn''t know why but he couldn''t say it out loud as if afraid that if he did, his words would turn out to be true.


    "Oh!" That''s all Xiu could say.


    "In fact, until Francesca brought Regan to the country when he was young, I had no idea I had another son. But by that time, Regan was already very sensible. Most importantly, he considered Francesca as his everything. So, I never forced him. Besides, even if I did, I knew he won''t be able to have his freedom."


    "Then your current wife is really a poisonous snake. Sorry for offending you, but I just really couldn''t keep it in any longer!"


    Zhou Xichen didn''t hide his amusement at the way Xiu was wolfing down the cake. Also, her words really made him feel at ease. He really wasn''t offended. Not even a little. But he needed to clear one more thing to her.


    "My only wife had been Florence Salvay. Are you sure you want to call her a poisonous snake?"


    Xiu coughed profusely when she heard his words and had a look of disbelief flash all over her being. How was that possible? Was he kidding with her? But what would he get out of this?


    "Wait!" She wiped her mouth and even her clothes where she ended up coughing some bits and pieces of the cake that had been in her mouth. Yes, it was very dirty but she was hardly thinking about her image anymore. There were more pressing matters at the hand! "What about Zhou Jinhai''s mother? I mean the lady of Zhou Family? Isn''t she now your second wife?"

 547 Once Bitten, Twice Shy

    Xiu didn''t know why but after her words left her mouth, Zhou Xichen looked very satisfied. In fact, his smile didn''t even feel forced any longer. And when he spoke, Xiu finally understood why he looked so pleased.


    "Since she did everything just to get the status of my wife, that''s exactly what I won''t give her!"


    "You mean..." Xiu didn''t know what to say or how to continue her on conjectures. Darren''s father apparently wasn''t that different from Darren. How naive of her to think Darren had no resemblance to him!


    "I mean exactly what I said! Even though she likes to flaunt around as my eldest son''s mother, she can never claim to be my wife because I never married her. My wife from the beginning was Florence and I won''t ever change that!"


    No wonder her Regan loved her so devotedly, passionately and whole-heartedly. He got it in his genes. Even his father still loved his wife and wasn''t willing to give her place to anyone. But now, Xiu also understood why that woman was so desperate to control Zhou Jinhai since she never was able to win over her Zhou Xichen she didn''t want to lose her son.


    "Then where did Zhou Liqiu come from? Did she drop from the sky?" Xiu immediately slapped her mouth for spouting that nonsense. She needed a lock for her tongue, a filter might also do the charm because right now, she certainly had no control over her own tongue.


    She could overlook it when Zhou Jinhai''s mother humiliated her or tore her life apart. But right now, the fury she was feeling couldn''t be extinguished at all. After all, the same woman ruined her Regan''s childhood and his chance to have a complete family. She could take it but she''d never let it go when it involved the person she loved beyond her own capabilities now.


    "Do you really think I''d let the same wolf devour me twice? I''m not that out of my mind to fall for tricks repeatedly. Even though my whole family urged me to marry that woman who gave me my son, I still resolutely refused. Besides, after Florence left, I had nothing else to lose. And without Florence, they couldn''t tame me like before." He took a pause before adding, "You can really say that Zhou Liqiu dropped from the sky."


    Xiu took her time sipping on her tea while digesting everything she just heard. It''d be odd if she said that she was alright. Because she certainly wasn''t. She felt so many emotions but in the end, she only felt sad. Sad for her Regan who couldn''t have a happy family because of others. Clearly, Darren loved his father but...


    Although Xiu didn''t know anything about Darren''s birth mother, Florence she couldn''t say much. But she was certain that if that third party hadn''t conspired, they would have had a very happy family.


    That thought brought her next question...


    Zhou Xichen looked at the tea leaves floating in his cup as he answered, "Florence was a very beautiful person. But unlike Francesca, Florence was a very simple person. She was soft-spoken, kind, compassionate, and also a bit timid. Even though she was from a big family, she was very shy. Like an introvert."


    "No wonder your family easily pressurized her. Her personality had a big tag on her face, ''Easy to bully''. Who won''t take advantage of that?"


    "You really don''t think before speaking, do you?"


    Xiu pressed her lips together before answering, "I''ve been better lately but your story just made me too excited. My mind is slow and my tongue is working fast. They both are not in sync. I apologize for that."


    Zhou Xichen shook his head at her.


    "Don''t mind me saying this, I still am not able to control my tongue so I''ll just say it. The way you described your wife... It''s hard to believe that such a person actually left her newborn son behind and never looked back." Zhou Xichen was startled by her words and it gave way to the sadness he had been burying in his heart. "Don''t you hate her for that? After all, I can accept that she punished you by leaving you. She convicted you as a criminal in her own mind. Whether you did it intentionally or not, in the end, Zhou Jinhai was still your blood. But punishing her newborn baby? What was Regan''s fault?"


    "Hate her?" He repeated softly seemingly lost in his own thoughts. "I never really thought about this. I know I still love her but hate? Am I allowed to hate her? After all, she left our son behind because of me. She didn''t want our son to become a reminder of my betrayal. How am I supposed to hate her?"


    Xiu was staring at his face in a daze when she heard, "Sir, your flight is in an hour. We should be leaving now." Only then did Xiu notice that an assistant had come to stand beside Zhou Xichen who nodded after hearing his assistant''s words.


    Then he turned to Xiu and pulled out a small rectangular box which he stretched out to Xiu. "This is for you. It''s the only thing I have of Regan''s mother. I don''t know whether it''s appropriate to give it to you or not. But I think it''s better if you keep it." He stood up and turned to leave saying, "I hope you invite me to your wedding soon. For now, take care of yourself."


    Xiu blankly saw him leaving and didn''t know what she was doing because her thoughts were elsewhere. "Are you trying to get fat?" It was Gigi''s kind reminder that made Xiu look down and see that she had already eaten all four flavors of the cake that she ordered. And she still felt like eating something sweet.


    "I don''t think getting fat is that bad," muttered Xiu before she stood up to leave herself.

 548 a

    While Xiu walked back towards the hotel, she had her head lowered. Her eyes were boring into the ground as if she could see the most interesting thing down there. But she was too silent, not because there were things in her mind but because her mind was mostly blank.


    When she heard Zhou Xichen mention that Zhou Jinhai''s mother wasn''t his legal wife and not even his mistress but merely a one night stand. Xiu couldn''t help feeling satisfied. it finally felt like she was liberated from every single insult that woman thrown at her face.


    Did it make her the bad person for feeling good about this information?


    Even if did, she didn''t give a damn! So what if she was finding pleasure in other''s misery? That person didn''t deserve her sympathy. She was truly very satisfied.


    But she couldn''t help it. That woman had questioned Xiu''s birth so many times and even condemned her for not having a background. But so what?! Her own son was still an illegitimate son of the Zhou family! Because her Regan was still the son of the legal wife.


    Although Zhou Jinhai had the status of the eldest son, he still had nothing! But that didn''t make her happy. Because her Regan never needed shallow titles. He had his own identity and nothing else could define him!


    As the elevator stopped at her designated floor, she laughed out to herself startling Gigi who had been noticing the change in her. Because of the nature of her work, Gigi had been a very sensitive person. She could perceive things accurately from other''s expressions. After all, reading a person''s mind was also an art of her job.


    Unlike Ying whose specialties lied in the investigation, Gigi as a field agent was more suited to protect Xiu. Ying indeed had a tendency to get sidetracked like she once did with Xiu which had resulted in Xiu''s visit to the hospital but that only happened because Ying had no prior experience of being security personnel. In this case, Gigi could be considered a lot more professional.


    But even though she was professional and her profession asked for her to keep her silence, she still couldn''t help asking, "Are you alright? Why do you seem strange all of a sudden?" She had seen Xiu''s lively personality yesterday and had also seen her somber personality. But this sudden chill around her was something new.


    "I''ve got a happy ass personalty with a bloody sad soul. Sorry if I''d be acting weird. You should get used to it because I go from 0 to 100 real quick. There is hardly an in-between for me. In other words, I''m just weird. Pay me no attention!"


    Looking at Xiu grinning widely, Gigi finally nodded with a bit of hesitation.


    "Tell me if you need anything," said Gigi as she watched Xiu entering her room.


    With her hand still holding the doorknob, Xiu replied, "I''ll let you know. But I don''t plan on going anywhere now. So, you can just get some rest."


    "What did you do?" came a voice from behind and Gigi turned around to see Paige glaring at her with hostility.


    "Oh, so now you''re ready to talk to me?" retorted Gigi with a not so amused tone.


    "I don''t want to but you definitely did something to upset my Lady Boss. I have to get some answers."


    "I didn''t do anything," answered Gigi in a tired voice. She was really tired because she had spent her day being vigilant for no reason. She even spent her afternoon following Xiu''s excessively sweet date that left her in a depressing mood. Even though Xiu asked that wasn''t necessary, she couldn''t forget the reason why she was sent here. She couldn''t be as lax as Ying around Xiu.


    "You''re the only one who came back with her. You definitely did something otherwise how come the happy go lucky person like her had such a depressing aura just now?" Paige stared at Gigi, fuming.


    Gigi rubbed her temples as she said, "I still haven''t questioned you about the game you played with me. Don''t try to test my patience! Because this time, I do know your name, Ms. Paige Turner!"


    The warning tone of Gigi made Paige take a step back on instinct. Although Paige considered herself as a strong woman, she knew she was no match for this person before her.


    "This isn''t about what happened between us. If something happens to my Lady Boss, I''ve to give an account to my Boss."


    Gigi grabbed her wrist and Paige''s face scrunched up in pain because of how strong her hold was.


    "When was it about us? I think Ms. Paige Turner had always taken me as a joke."


    While Paige was trying to wiggle her way out of her grip, she could clearly see the pain and sadness in Gigi''s eyes. However, she chose to disregard it.


    "Let me go," said Paige while still struggling.


    Gigi''s hand suddenly let go and Paige almost stumbled. She looked up at Gigi with a bit of doubt when the latter said, "It''s not like I can hold you against your will. Why are you so impatient?" Slowly, she leaned close to Paige''s ear as she whispered, "Or are you finally feeling guilty?"


    Paige opened her mouth to retort but before she could, the other woman had already turned around to walk towards her own suite which was right beside Xiu''s.


    Behind her, Paige couldn''t help chewing on her lips. She indeed had a guilty conscience but she wasn''t willing to lay it bare before a dangerous person like Gigi.


    Inside Xiu''s room...


    After coming back, whatever strength she had to hold herself up finally drained out and Xiu just sprawled on her bed without caring about the fact that she still hadn''t changed her clothes or taken a bath. Nothing else mattered as her sleep came unannounced.


    Especially after eating those sweet delicacies, her eyes were drooping down. It felt like her eyes weighed several pounds since she couldn''t keep it open any longer.


    As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was lost in her dreamland.

 548 Guilty Conscience

    While Xiu walked back towards the hotel, she had her head lowered. Her eyes were boring into the ground as if she could see the most interesting thing down there. But she was too silent, not because there were things in her mind but because her mind was mostly blank.


    When she heard Zhou Xichen mention that Zhou Jinhai''s mother wasn''t his legal wife and not even his mistress but merely a one night stand. Xiu couldn''t help feeling satisfied. it finally felt like she was liberated from every single insult that woman thrown at her face.


    Did it make her the bad person for feeling good about this information?


    Even if did, she didn''t give a damn! So what if she was finding pleasure in other''s misery? That person didn''t deserve her sympathy. She was truly very satisfied.


    But she couldn''t help it. That woman had questioned Xiu''s birth so many times and even condemned her for not having a background. But so what?! Her own son was still an illegitimate son of the Zhou family! Because her Regan was still the son of the legal wife.


    Although Zhou Jinhai had the status of the eldest son, he still had nothing! But that didn''t make her happy. Because her Regan never needed shallow titles. He had his own identity and nothing else could define him!


    As the elevator stopped at her designated floor, she laughed out to herself startling Gigi who had been noticing the change in her. Because of the nature of her work, Gigi had been a very sensitive person. She could perceive things accurately from other''s expressions. After all, reading a person''s mind was also an art of her job.


    Unlike Ying whose specialties lied in the investigation, Gigi as a field agent was more suited to protect Xiu. Ying indeed had a tendency to get sidetracked like she once did with Xiu which had resulted in Xiu''s visit to the hospital but that only happened because Ying had no prior experience of being security personnel. In this case, Gigi could be considered a lot more professional.


    But even though she was professional and her profession asked for her to keep her silence, she still couldn''t help asking, "Are you alright? Why do you seem strange all of a sudden?" She had seen Xiu''s lively personality yesterday and had also seen her somber personality. But this sudden chill around her was something new.


    "I''ve got a happy ass personalty with a bloody sad soul. Sorry if I''d be acting weird. You should get used to it because I go from 0 to 100 real quick. There is hardly an in-between for me. In other words, I''m just weird. Pay me no attention!"


    Looking at Xiu grinning widely, Gigi finally nodded with a bit of hesitation.


    "Tell me if you need anything," said Gigi as she watched Xiu entering her room.


    With her hand still holding the doorknob, Xiu replied, "I''ll let you know. But I don''t plan on going anywhere now. So, you can just get some rest."


    "What did you do?" came a voice from behind and Gigi turned around to see Paige glaring at her with hostility.


    "Oh, so now you''re ready to talk to me?" retorted Gigi with a not so amused tone.


    "I don''t want to but you definitely did something to upset my Lady Boss. I have to get some answers."


    "I didn''t do anything," answered Gigi in a tired voice. She was really tired because she had spent her day being vigilant for no reason. She even spent her afternoon following Xiu''s excessively sweet date that left her in a depressing mood. Even though Xiu asked that wasn''t necessary, she couldn''t forget the reason why she was sent here. She couldn''t be as lax as Ying around Xiu.


    "You''re the only one who came back with her. You definitely did something otherwise how come the happy go lucky person like her had such a depressing aura just now?" Paige stared at Gigi, fuming.


    Gigi rubbed her temples as she said, "I still haven''t questioned you about the game you played with me. Don''t try to test my patience! Because this time, I do know your name, Ms. Paige Turner!"


    The warning tone of Gigi made Paige take a step back on instinct. Although Paige considered herself as a strong woman, she knew she was no match for this person before her.


    "This isn''t about what happened between us. If something happens to my Lady Boss, I''ve to give an account to my Boss."


    Gigi grabbed her wrist and Paige''s face scrunched up in pain because of how strong her hold was.


    "When was it about us? I think Ms. Paige Turner had always taken me as a joke."


    While Paige was trying to wiggle her way out of her grip, she could clearly see the pain and sadness in Gigi''s eyes. However, she chose to disregard it.


    "Let me go," said Paige while still struggling.


    Gigi''s hand suddenly let go and Paige almost stumbled. She looked up at Gigi with a bit of doubt when the latter said, "It''s not like I can hold you against your will. Why are you so impatient?" Slowly, she leaned close to Paige''s ear as she whispered, "Or are you finally feeling guilty?"


    Paige opened her mouth to retort but before she could, the other woman had already turned around to walk towards her own suite which was right beside Xiu''s.


    Behind her, Paige couldn''t help chewing on her lips. She indeed had a guilty conscience but she wasn''t willing to lay it bare before a dangerous person like Gigi.


    Inside Xiu''s room...


    After coming back, whatever strength she had to hold herself up finally drained out and Xiu just sprawled on her bed without caring about the fact that she still hadn''t changed her clothes or taken a bath. Nothing else mattered as her sleep came unannounced.


    Especially after eating those sweet delicacies, her eyes were drooping down. It felt like her eyes weighed several pounds since she couldn''t keep it open any longer.


    As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was lost in her dreamland.

 549 Will You Marry Me?

    The sleep that came quickly also went back quickly.


    It was around midnight when her eyes opened on its own. However, the bright lights in the room made her squint her eyes.


    Did she forget to turn off the lights before sleeping?


    While she kept staring at the ceiling with a strange look, the bed dipped down and she instinctively smiled when she saw her Regan sitting beside her. She didn''t even know when he came back?


    "Did I wake you up?" He caressed his hair softly as he asked.


    "No," answered Xiu honestly since she really didn''t wake up because of any noise. She just woke up without knowing why. "When did you come back?"


    "About an hour ago," said Darren.


    "Huh? Why aren''t going to bed then?"


    Darren pursed his lips as if contemplating before he said, "I was gonna wake you up after setting things up but since you''re already up..."


    "What do you mean?" Xiu''s brows knitted up as she watched him getting up from her side and going over towards the glass windows. As he drew the curtains, it confused Xiu even more. And her confusion reached the peak when he turned the lights off as well leaving the room in pitch-black darkness. "Regan? What are you doing? I can''t see any..."


    Her words got stuck in her mouth as something floating around caught her attention. Those tiny glimmers of light... Was it an illusion or was she really able to see fireflies around her? But how was it possible?


    However, whether she could believe her eyes or not, there were indeed hundreds of fireflies dancing around her. As if possessed, Xiu also sat up and looked around as a wide smile spread on her lips. One thing that hadn''t changed in her life was her fondness with these small glimmers of lights that lit up like fire and seemed to burn down the darkness of the night.


    "You know I have thought about it for way too long."


    Hearing Darren''s voice, Xiu tilted her head and gasped with her eyes wide open. In the dim glowing lights of the hundreds of fireflies, she could see him on his knee right by her side of the bed.


    "I always wanted to do something grand for you. Something unforgettable. I wanted you to remember this moment. But even after thinking for months, I couldn''t think of anything." He smiled softly as he held her hand and went on, "Although you''re really easy to please, that''s the worst thing about you as well. It left me in a lot of dilemmas. How was I supposed to make this moment special when you don''t even like anything grand or flashy?"


    Xiu felt her hands trembling. No, it was better to say that her whole body was trembling as she stared down into his eyes looking at her with those very familiar feelings. The same feelings that made her feel safe, content, and most importantly, loved.


    "What for?" Even though Xiu could feel her throat tightening for some reason, she still asked in a small voice.


    Darren took something from his pocket and held that circular thing towards her saying, "To ask you this question... Will you be my wife?"


    Xiu felt like her heart stopped beating for a second as she heard that very simple and straightforward question. He neither delayed it nor did he try to add in any suspense. But his straightforward words were enough to cause a storm in her heart. She couldn''t help clutching the sheets tightly as she looked into his eyes. Those most beautiful eyes that she could spend a lifetime staring at.


    "I can''t imagine my life without you anymore. When I lost you once, I thought I saw the worst of life but trust me, I believe if it happened again, I won''t even be able to breathe."


    Xiu didn''t know what to say to him since she was having difficulty in breathing even at this moment. Her eyes were stinging with warm tears that were threatening to spill out.


    "These fireflies can twinkle in the night to make it bright but trust me, you''re the only light I crave for. My life only brightens with your presence. Whenever I''m around you, I become a very different person. It''s just like you say, I can''t keep my hands to myself. Your smile is the most precious to me. It''s like a magical thing because seeing your smile I end up smiling without knowing it. I become restless when you''re not around. And I become sad when I see the sadness and a struggle in your eyes."


    Xiu bit down on her bottom lip so hard that she could even taste her blood at this point. But she wasn''t willing to open her mouth because she knew if she did, she was gonna end up bawling like an idiot right now.


    "I hate to see you suffer on your own. So, allow me to be your other half. Let me face everything with you. I can promise to make the whole world yours, but in return, just give yourself to me. I just want you to be mine." His hand reached up to rub circles on her cheek as he went on softly, "People say love is like a dream. But my dream had been you. And perhaps it''s called destiny because my love had also been you. You once said that our story is like a fairytale. Because we found each other against all odds even beyond the barriers of life and death."


    He slowly licked his lips as he added, "Even if it''s a fairytale, then let''s strive together to find our happily ever after."


    He looked into her eyes expectantly and a bit anxiously as he asked again, "Since you''re like the sweetness that was lacking in my life, I want to become like the warmth of the sunshine you always chased after. I love you! I love you very much. Please accept my proposal and let''s create the most beautiful life together. So, I''m asking again... Will you marry me? Are you willing to say yes and spend this lifetime with me? You''re already my life, how about becoming my wife now?"

 550 The Ring Of Your Name

    One might argue that Darren''s proposal came too abrupt. Of course, it came out of nowhere for Xiu as well. She never would have thought that one day she''d feel this kind of indescribable feeling. As Darren had said, the place or things never really mattered to her. Since she wanted to be a simple-minded person, she really loved simple things.


    But calling this proposal simple would be wrong. Considering how it was close to fall and how difficult it was to find fireflies in this weather. And let''s not forget how she believed that he caught all these fireflies himself. Looking around the room, it looked so beautiful and romantic. It was as if they had a tiny milky way of their own inside the room.


    However, to Xiu, it wasn''t those lightening bugs that lit up the room. It was those gray eyes boring into hers that seemed to be brightening everything. Just as she said, she would be content just looking into this pair of eyes for a lifetime then how could she say no to him?


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Darren shook her knees a little to get back her attention since she seemed to be in a daze.


    Xiu licked the blood off of her lip as she said, "Why aren''t you putting the ring on?"


    "Huh?" Darren was dumbfounded by her reaction.


    She took his hand and guided it to put the ring on while saying, "Are you seriously waiting for a yes?" He nodded his head. Xiu extended her arms to hug his neck and jumped on him. His body fell back on the thick carpet along with her laying on him. "Why is there even a need to ask that stupid question? Wasn''t it clear that it''s a yes? You should have just put the ring on my finger. Why waste so much time talking so much nonsense."


    "Do you think I was talking nonsense?"


    Xiu buried her face into his neck and only then did Darren felt something wet on his skin. That''s when he realized that she was crying. His arms around her waist that were originally there to support her body, now tightened. "If it isn''t nonsense how come it made me cry?"


    Darren chuckled softly as he lifted one hand to caress her head saying, "Sweets, I''m sorry for making you cry but I felt like I needed to say it." He took a deep breath and added, "Today when you mentioned how you''re scared I might dislike the way you''re changing, I couldn''t help thinking over. I love you and there is no way this love would change in any condition. And when I''m certain about this love of mine than the only thing left to do is getting married to you. I know I want to make you my forever and I know I want to cherish you in each day of that forever!"


    How was one supposed to get over that deep shadow?


    She knew that Darren was different but so what? It''s in human nature. Everyone''s feelings end up changing. There was nothing certain in this world and she knew that reality very well.


    The biggest problem with her was that she was too realistic. Perhaps, this was the reason that even after so many years, this out of body experience of transmigration seemed bizarre to her. Her realistic nature was the reason she had been hurt so many times in her past life.


    "Now do you believe that I''d never leave you?" he asked gently.


    Xiu rolled over and sat beside him as she said, "I never had any doubt. It''s just that the more I trusted you, the bigger my fear was getting without my knowledge. Even when I pressed it down, it''ll eventually subconsciously try to come out." She took his hand in her own and added, "I truly never doubted your feelings. If I did, I wouldn''t be carrying this with me."


    Darren furrowed his brows when she showed him a ring saying, "Originally, I didn''t just run to you because I was missing you." Darren''s heart thumped loudly as she continued, "I came here because I wanted to pop this question. Since I was the one who first suggested that we should date, I was the first to say I like you. I was also the one who fell in love first. Then I wanted to be the first to ask this question as well. But who knew you''re thinking about the same thing."


    Darren was just staring at the ring that she put on his finger calmly before wiping her tears and smiling brightly once again. "I suddenly realized that it was never a competition. You proposing first or me doing it, either way the conclusion is that we both want to spend this lifetime with each other." She giggled to herself as she went on, "I don''t mind giving you a shelter in my heart but you better make your arms my home. My only home. Although we have some beautiful and unforgettable memories, we still have a long way to go. And I want to fill this long journey with the memories of us. You and me. There is no one else allowed."


    Darren was feeling at a loss now. What was he supposed to say to this stubborn girl? Even if one knew that her train of thoughts didn''t take the normal route, it was hard to process this. She really liked doing everything on her own.


    "Won''t you ask whether I want to marry you or not?" he questioned while kissing her hands.


    "I won''t," she answered. "Call me whatever but I already know that my Regan won''t say no. I never intended to ask that question. As I said, if I''m willing to put the ring of your name on my finger, what''s there to explain?"


    Darren ended up laughing at her reply while he kissed her face.

 551 Simply Happiness

    Hung Ko once wrote, ''The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.''


    Xiu certainly was that content person who was happy with just simple gestures that held overwhelming emotions and feelings. This must be the first time in her life that she was reluctant to open the windows to let the fireflies free.


    In the past whenever Han Bohai got these lightning bugs for her, she''d immediately set them free. And she would do it with the biggest smile as well. However, it never stopped Han Bohai from getting fireflies for her repeatedly. If she was a fool who set them free, he was the fool who loved seeing the expression of pure joy whenever she opened the jar to let those fireflies fly away.


    But tonight these fireflies represented something entirely different to her. That''s why she was hesitating. But no matter how reluctant she was, she still opened the French windows and watched as the little balls of light flew away.


    Her sadness of parting with those balls of light didn''t last that long since she soon jumped back on the bed and snuggled up against her human heater while constantly playing with the ring on her hand.


    "Do you like it?" Darren asked when he noticed how lovingly she kept looking at the ring. "Don''t you find it too simple?"


    "Not at all," replied Xiu happily. "I love it." Although the ring was indeed quite simple since it''s preciousness was in the intricate design. But Xiu never paid attention to any of that. It looked good on her hand and that''s all she could think about.


    "Will you stop looking at the ring? Why do I feel like the ring has become more important than me?"


    Xiu giggled at his words, "It''s indeed very important."


    Darren pushed her slightly to look at her face as he asked with knitted brows, "Then who is more important? Me or the ring?"


    "Can I say both?" retorted Xiu while blinking at him innocently. He didn''t seem happy to hear that answer, so she poked his chest saying, "Oh, come on! The ring is important because you gave it. Why else would I look at it for so long?"


    Darren''s expressions eased up and even a hint of a smile could be seen on his lips as he said, "Then pay attention to me."


    "That I always do," answered Xiu without hesitation. Then she held Darren''s left hand and placed her own beside his. Looking at the rings that somehow matched perfectly she grinned. "No matter how I look at it, this seems to be the most perfect dual proposal ever."


    "You really don''t think it was too simple?" asked Darren.


    Darren shook his head at her saying, "Only you would call it the perfect proposal." He pinched her nose making her scrunch up her face as he added, "You''re really very easy to please."


    Not letting the bitterness of her past get to her, she hurriedly shifted the topic. "I want to tell someone about this. Who should I tell?"


    "Is it that hard to contain your happiness?"


    Xiu firmly nodded her head, "Of course! I just want to scream it to the whole world!" She nudged him saying, "Give me your phone!"


    "I lost my phone. I''ll get a new one in the morning. But why do you need it?"


    "I want to take a picture of our hands together," smiling happily she continued, "I want to show off how perfectly in sync we are." Suddenly her smile turned sinister as she added, "Something tells me Dylan will end up jumping in the sea of vinegar."


    "You and Dylan can never let go of these petty fights, can you?"


    "How else will I have fun? Don''t forget, I''m still jobless. Finding trouble with Dylan is the only thing that brings me peace of mind. It makes my day!"


    "I suddenly feel pity for my best friend," said Darren.


    Xiu didn''t say anything regarding this anymore. After all, the ring in her hand was a lot more interesting than the talk about how pitiful Dylan was. No matter from which angle she looked at it, she seemed to like the view. And yes, we are still talking about the view of the ring that had become a new addition on her body. Looking at it, Xiu seemed to have fallen in love with this sweet, blissful feeling that was surging within her heart.


    Seeing her grinning again, he hugged her even more tightly as if wanting her to merge with his own body. "Sometimes you act so simple-minded that it''s impossible to see how deep this mind of yours is. But it really doesn''t matter how simple or how deep you are. I still feel so blessed to have you here with me."


    "I really can''t believe that you feel blessed to have a lazy person like me."


    "Stop talking nonsense!"


    "Okay!"


    Maybe she was so happy that she didn''t wish to close her eyes but when Darren kept stroking her back, she felt her eyes getting heavier. And it didn''t take long before she easily fell back asleep.


    At peace; that''s the only way Darren could describe his feelings at this moment. Even though it wasn''t the first time he was holding her in his arms as she slept, he still found a newly discovered joy and pleasure in this feeling.


    Even now, Xiu had not changed out of her clothes. In fact, she didn''t even bother washing her face. She had literally been acting as the epitome of laziness. Her shirt was still stained from her little ''incident'' in the cafe earlier and yet she didn''t care about it. Why would she? She had long thrown her image out the window before Darren.


    And she honestly believed that Darren had seen her in even worse conditions so he wouldn''t mind it at all.


    "Nom... Nom..."


    He thought he heard something and asked, "What did you say?"


    "Sweet soup balls... Almond jelly... Dim sums... Yummy!"


    Darren rolled his eyes when he clearly heard what she was mumbling. Poking her head, he said, "I can''t believe you''re thinking about eating even in your sleep." However, his gaze held no frustration. Instead, his gaze had softened as he added, "I''ll buy it all for you in the morning."


    After a moment of silence, he smiled helplessly. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered, "You really are a weirdo."

 552 Compliment Yourself

    While this night was a peaceful one for Xiu and Darren, it wasn''t so peaceful for someone else. And that someone was none other than Ying.


    Currently, it was midnight and she was stuck in an argument with a certain clingy ''Trial boyfriend'' who was insisting on staying here with her.


    "I''m telling you to scram already!"


    Ying''s voice was fierce. Although she often slept at dorms where other people would occupy the same room, it was different right now. She didn''t know why but she couldn''t treat Han Bohai as just any other male subordinate of hers. It was different and she could feel it. As for why she had no answer to that.


    "I said I''ll sleep on the sofa," Han Bohai was also insisting on sleeping right here.


    "That doesn''t matter. What matters is why do you want to stay here? Why?!"


    "What if you cried after I leave? I can''t let that happen. So, I''ll be benevolent and stay here to accompany you. Even if you end up crying, I''ll be here to lend you my shoulder."


    Ying rubbed her throbbing temple as she gritted out in frustration, "Why would I cry?"


    "I don''t know who broke your heart but I''m sure you''ll think about it once I leave and that can make you cry. I won''t be able to handle that."


    He was talking honestly. He really believed that she wasn''t as strong as she appeared. And he was most scared of seeing her crying for someone else. Knowing her pride, she''d never let her tears fall before him. To distract her even if he had to add some more shameless points on his head, he didn''t mind. After all, he was already shameless enough in her eyes. A little more won''t hurt him.


    "Do you really think I''m that weak? I don''t cry that easily!"


    Han Bohai cushioned his face with his hands saying, "Who said tears are weakness? Tears don''t define a person. But tears are just an expression of love, care, and pain. We don''t cry unless there are some feelings. It just makes us human. It has nothing to do with strength or weakness."


    Ying crossed her arms over her chest as she said, "Did I mention how annoying you are?"


    "I already know that I''m very annoying. But I can''t help it. I really don''t want to leave you alone at this time."


    Ying was quiet when she noticed the truth in his words that was reflected in the sincerity of his eyes. "Don''t you think you''re moving way too fast, Mr. Trial Boyfriend? We just became kind of official and you''re already trying to stay at my place? That''s frowned upon in our society."


    Han Bohai gaped at her. "I''m sleeping on the sofa. How is that moving fast? If you say, I can even sleep on the floor. Just futon is needed. The rest I don''t mind."


    "You!" Ying clenched her fists tightly before she added, "You''re really looking for a good beating."


    "I''ll gladly let you beat me," said Han Bohai while unbuttoning his shirt slowly.


    Han Bohai chuckled at her reaction while walking towards the bathroom as he said, "Then I can''t do anything. At most, I can present myself to you so that you can beat me. If that can make you feel any better, I don''t mind. But since you don''t want to then I''m gonna take a shower. Sorry for intruding!"


    "You already intruded! What else are you apologizing for now?" Ying muttered as she watched him entering her bathroom. "Wait... It''s not even his fault that I dragged him here on my own. But how would I know that he''d just decide to live here!" Ruffling her hair Ying laid back in her bed and covered her head with the blanket.


    Even when she heard him coming out, she didn''t move pretending to sleep like there was no tomorrow. Staying true to his words, Han Bohai silently went over to the sofa and laid down. She looked over in her direction and said, "There are reporters at my hotel. I just don''t want to deal with all that right now."


    Ying pushed the blanket off of her face as she asked, "You could have said that earlier. Why did you insist that you want to stay here with me to provide emotional support."


    "I wasn''t lying though," answered Han Bohai. "I do want to provide you any kind of support you need."


    After thinking about it, she added, "Can''t you go to your uncle''s place? There won''t be any reporters there."


    Han Bohai was quiet for a long time. So long that Ying thought he fell asleep. But after complete silence, he opened his mouth to answer, "It''s not like I don''t want to go over to my uncle''s place. But I don''t want to drag him into this life that I chose myself. I could have easily inherited my family business but I chose to be an actor going against my uncle''s wishes." He took a brief pause before adding, "At that time, I promised uncle that I''d never drag my family''s name into this mess I plunged into myself. In fact, I just don''t want my celebrity life to impact my little cousin''s life in any way."


    "You''re a thoughtful cousin," remarked Ying. "I wish I had one as well."


    "You don''t have a cousin?"


    "My dad is an only son. And I''m his only daughter. As for mom, even though she has a sister, aunt Fei never married. So, technically, for both Su family and Yan family, I''m the only one in the youngest generation."


    "It must be very lonely growing up," said Han Bohai thoughtfully.


    "Not really," answered Ying. "In fact, I had the liveliest childhood. That''s the reason why I''m such a lively person."


    "I didn''t know you could compliment yourself."


    "There is a lot you don''t know about me."


    "Then give me a chance to learn it all."


    Hearing his words, Ying didn''t reply and pretended to sleep.

 553 Surprise!

    -Next Morning-


    "I finally got rid of him! Hurray!"


    "Ying, are you alright?"


    Yan Ying immediately put her hands down at her sides and stiffened when she heard that voice. She had just waved goodbye to Han Bohai with a bright smile. In her excitement, she completely forgot that she was still standing before the elevator.


    When she looked back to see Francesca, she smiled awkwardly. "Morning!"


    "Morning to you too," said Francesca as she stepped up to her side. "But what''s with this excitement? Won a lottery or something?"


    "It''s nothing like that." Ying rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Oh, what are you doing here? Aren''t you staying at Qiu Family house? Your son and daughter-in-law are not even here."


    "I know," answered Francesca. "After shopping with Nora and your aunt, I was super tired so I came here with Nora. I can understand Nora''s passion for shopping but I didn''t know your aunt could be so passionate about it as well."


    "You went out shopping with my aunt?" Francesca nodded her head in reply. "My aunt Feifei?" She nodded again. "Are you sure? That woman only knows how to work."


    "Yes, I''ve been told," answered Francesca. "I originally went out with Dylan but we just ran into each other. And when your aunt asked for help, I just joined her. But it was very tiring."


    "HA!" Ying laughed strangely before saying, "Aunt Feifei doesn''t just look young, she really is more energetic than people in their twenties."


    "I can tell." Francesca shook her head. "We are the same age but she seems a lot more active for some reason. Even though we are both working women."


    "You shouldn''t think about it," said Ying while patting Francesca''s shoulder. "My aunt loves two things; work and exercise. I guess that''s why she is so active." Looking at the things in Francesca''s hands, Ying asked, "Are you going back to the Qiu Family?"


    Francesca nodded, "Yes, I promised Sister Wei that I''d stay until the wedding."


    "Let me help you," said Ying as she took the things from Francesca''s hands and pressed the elevator''s button.


    "Don''t you think something is missing." Francesca suddenly spoke up when the elevator arrived.


    Ying paused to turn as she asked, "Did you forget something?"


    Francesca shook her head as she followed Ying and entered the elevator saying, "It''s not that I forgot something I just feel like, without my son and daughter-in-law, something is missing. It''s strange though. I''m used to living alone. It must be because today is..."


    "Today? Is something special today? Am I missing something?"


    Francesca looked at Ying, "Today is Regi''s... Forget it. Even if he said he''ll be back on this day, I shouldn''t think about it."


    "You shouldn''t be feeling so down. He has spent this day with you for over twenty years, now it''s time to let him enjoy with the person he is going to spend this day with for the rest of his life."


    Francesca smiled slightly at Ying as she said, "I''m not upset about that. He just said he''d come today so I was looking forward to it."


    Bzzzz...


    Francesca looked down at her phone and when she read the message of Xiu, her face bloomed into a huge smile. "I think I have more to look forward to now."


    ....


    Xiu woke up early because of their flight. As Darren had promised his mother, he''d never go back on his words. When their flight landed, Xiu was still hopping around, humming a tune with a sweet smile.


    Seeing her excitement, Darren was also in a good mood. He even asked his driver to stop at a restaurant and ordered, ''Sweet soup balls, Almond jelly, Dim sums and some other dishes that Xiu loved.''


    Seeing the dishes before her, Xiu''s smile brightened even more as she said, "Regan, do you wanna hear something weird?"


    "If you''re the one talking, how is it possible for it to not be weird?"


    Xiu didn''t mind his words as she happily told him, "Last night, I had a dream. I don''t often dream about such things but last night, I was actually eating all the things that on the table right now."


    "How amazing!" Darren feigned his surprise while holding back his laughter. He wasn''t gonna tell her that she announced her dream last night to him while sleeping. How would he not know that she wanted to eat all this? Seeing how heartily she was wolfing down her food, he said, "When did you turn into a foodie?"


    With her mouth full of Dim sums, she shook her head and chewed hurriedly before swallowing to answer, "I don''t know. I feel like my hunger has gotten bigger lately." She took a pause to think before adding, "Do you think at this rate, I''ll turn into a fat ball?"


    "Do you care?" he questioned.


    "Not really," she answered offhandedly.


    "Then eat all you want."


    With his words, Xiu had nothing holding her back. She again focused on eating.


    While Darren was paying the bill, she asked his driver to leave the car and go. Since Ben was on vacation, the substitute driver wasn''t very familiar with Xiu. However, he still listened to her order since he had been instructed by Ben to not go against the Lady Boss.


    When Darren came out to see Xiu behind the steering wheel, he frowned in confusion. Without any question, he sat on the passenger seat and asked, "What are you planning now?"


    "What comes after putting this ring on?" retorted Xiu.


    "What?" he asked, not having any clue about which way her mind was working now.


    Xiu smiled mysteriously as she answered, "Let''s call it a surprise then."


    As she stepped on the accelerator, she seemed more confident than yesterday. In fact, her posture even exuded a different air. Something was different about her but Darren couldn''t tell what.


    As far as her surprise went, Darren was speechless when she parked the car and offered her hand to him. "Why..." Darren felt like he lost his voice. It took him a moment to form his words, "Why are we at the Civil Affairs Bureau?"


    "Surprise!"

 554 Mr. Salvays Mrs. Salvay

    "Surprise?" questioned Darren in shock.


    Xiu held his hand and tiptoed to lean close to his ear as she said, "Happy Birthday, Mr. Salvay!"


    "You remembered?"


    "I''m dense but not to that point," said Xiu. "Besides, it''s my fiance''s birthday, how can I not remember it? Just because you didn''t talk about it last night, do you think I forgot as well? Not at all!" She hugged him tightly as she went on, "I was very confused about what gift to give you. But last night when you proposed, everything cleared up in my mind."


    She pulled away slightly to look at his disbelieving expressions as she added, "So, my gift to Mr. Salvay is Mrs. Salvay. How''s that?" She wiggled her brows at him. "My Mr. Salvay lacks nothing except for his Mrs. Salvay. But fear not! Here I am!"


    "You''re gifting yourself to me?" Darren''s voice was soft but one could clearly see his excitement in his eyes that never left her face.


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes, yes! I''m gifting myself to you. Now, no need to thank me though."


    Darren chuckled while rubbing her head affectionately. He looked at the ''Civil Affairs Bureau'' and pursed his lips before asking, "But are you sure you want..."


    He hadn''t even completed his words when Xiu placed her hand over his mouth saying, "Regan, my Baobei, stop doubting your Sweets."


    "But I want to give you a grand wedding like a fairytale," said Darren.


    "I won''t say anything about that. Because we are just getting our wedding certificates today. You can organize the wedding however you like, I won''t say anything about it." She held his hands in her own as she added, "But I do wish to get the wedding certificates today. I don''t think there is any better day than today or any better time than now."


    "You chose this day because it''s my birthday?" asked Darren.


    "Yes," answered Xiu.


    "I am not very fond of this day," said Darren honestly. "This is the same day I was abandoned by my own..."


    Xiu caressed the side of his face as she said, "Since this is the day she chose to leave this hand." Xiu intertwined her fingers with his as she went on, "I want to hold this hand on this very same day."


    Darren had indescribable feelings whirling through his eyes as he looked at her face beaming.


    "Are you really hesitating?" Xiu felt anxious seeing him so quiet. "You really don''t want to marry me."


    "Silly! When did I say that?" He poked her head.


    "Then why are you not walking ahead. Let''s get the marriage certificates already. I can''t wait any longer!"


    "Are you really that excited?"


    "Is there still some doubt?" questioned Xiu disapprovingly.


    "No, I''m just not able to process this sudden happiness. Maybe I''m not able to contain it. Or I think I''m having some difficulty in believing it."


    "Once we walk inside, there is no backing out," he reminded her.


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him, "I know."


    "My nationality is different, the process won''t be easy."


    Xiu was still calm as she said, "I have already arranged for it. You don''t have to do anything, I promise this process will be a smooth sailing one."


    For some reason, Darren didn''t doubt her words even a little. He took a deep breath before saying, "Then are you ready, Mrs. Salvay?"


    "Always for you, Mr. Salvay," replied Xiu naturally as if she was accustomed to that title.


    Just as Xiu had reassured, the marriage process was so smooth sailing that even it even baffled Darren. Within half an hour, they were sitting inside their car with the red marriage booklets in hands. Darren was still in disbelief at what just happened.


    Meanwhile, Xiu was busy admiring their photo. "Aiyo! We look so good together. Even the employee inside said we look like a match made in heaven."


    Darren looked at the side of her face and asked, "I really didn''t think it was this easy to get married." Xiu didn''t comment over this. One; she was busy admiring the marriage booklets that she finally got in her second life. Two; she didn''t hear anything he said. "Who did you ask for help? How was the process so easy and fast? If we both had the same nationality, it was believable but..."


    Xiu leaned over to kiss him. It was her way to shut him up. As she pulled away, she said, "Why so many questions? Do you not have any faith in your wife''s capabilities?"


    Darren just stared at her mouth in silence.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything? Do you really have no faith?"


    Darren shook his head saying, "No, I was just thinking how good it sounds when you say, ''Your wife''."


    Xiu shook her head at him and was about to go back to her seat when he held her waist and said, "This day had never been special to me. But you just made it the most special one for me."


    Xiu dropped another kiss at the side of his lips as she said, "But to me, this day has become double special." She finally receded to her seat and buckled up saying, "Now, we have two reasons to celebrate this day."


    "I don''t like..."


    "I know, I know. You don''t want a big party. Who is giving a big party? I''m just gonna have a meal with Mama. Are we not supposed to continue this tradition of having dinner together on your birthday?"


    "You even know about that?"


    Xiu winked at him. "Perks of being the most amazing daughter-in-law. And also perks of having a doting mother-in-law."


    Darren smiled seeing how happy she looked and turned his eyes down to see the marriage booklet. His smile widened even more. Even though he was still in disbelief, this booklet was proof that it wasn''t just a dream. He really married his Sweets!


    He finally made his biggest dream come true. Bloody hell! Why was his heart bouncing around so strangely?!

 555 Dont Leave Dad

    Xin Villa...


    "Where is Xiao Zi?"


    "Mrs. Xin, Master is sleeping. It''s better if you don''t disturb him."


    Zhao Huan stared at Xin Kuan and asked, "Is he sick? Why is he sleeping till now?"


    Xin Kuan was silent for a moment before replying, "I won''t be answering any of your queries. Please, leave."


    "I''m his sister-in-law! Let me see who dares to stop me from seeing him." Since Zhao Huan was a doctor, she was a very soft and gentle person. So, it really took Xin Kuan by surprise when he watched her imposing manner.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Zhao Huan turned around and complained, "Husband, this man is not letting me see my brother-in-law."


    The man standing behind Zhao Huan looked almost identical to Xin Zimen at first glance. But if one noticed, only then one would be able to see the small difference in their features. But it was the gentle personality of the person that made him seem very different from Xin Zimen''s cold personality.


    "Mr. Xin Zemin," greeted Xin Kuan politely. "Don''t you think you shouldn''t be here?"


    "I just came to see my little brother. Is that a crime?" Even when Xin Zemin was being sarcastic, his voice was very gentle and pleasing to hear.


    "That''s not a crime but Master won''t..."


    "Husband! Come inside! Xiao Zi is burning up!"


    Only now Xin Kuan noticed that while he was startled by Xin Zemin''s sudden appearance, Zhao Huan had already run inside to Xin Ximen''s bedroom. Hearing her anxious voice, Xin Zemin sprinted inside to see his brother.


    He got on the bed and touched Xin Zimen''s forehead which was burning up. "He has such a high fever. What were you doing?"


    The question was directed towards Xin Kuan who answered humbly, "Master doesn''t allow anyone in his room. Feeling something amiss when I entered his room, he was already burning up. I''ve called the doctor, he''ll be here soon."


    "No need for the doctor, I''m here," said Zhao Huan. "Get my medical box from the car." Xin Kuan hesitated when he noticed Xin Zemin sitting beside his master. "Kuan! Are you really gonna delay this urgent matter?"


    Xin Kuan finally walked out to follow the orders leaving only Zhao Huan and Xin Zemin with Xin Zimen who was lying unconscious without knowing what was going around him.


    "Should we take him to the hospital? It doesn''t seem like a simple fever."


    Zhao Huan pressed her lips together as she checked his pulse and said, "Let me do a thorough checkup first." Looking at Xin Zimen knitting his brows even in his sleep, she could tell he was feeling uncomfortable. "He doesn''t easily get sick though. Something must have happened. What do you think, husband?"


    When Zhao Huan saw the photo, she was stunned. She looked at Xin Zimen''s face again as she said, "He really loved his daughter."


    Xin Zemin hummed in reply while he held his brother''s hand. As if feeling a familiar presence, Xin Zimen''s frown eased up.


    When Xin Kuan came back, he watched how with one hand Xin Zemin was holding his brother''s hand and with a towel in his other hand wiped his brother''s sweat calmly and gently. There was no rush in his movements. And it seemed like he was very used to this movement.


    While Zhao Huan was writing down the prescription, Ah-Si entered the room with a worried look.


    "What happened to dad? Uncle Ze? Aunt? What are you guys doing here?"


    "Xin Kuan, get the medicine fast. Xiao Zi''s temperature needs to lower or else it''ll be dangerous." Zhao Huan was instructing Xin Kuan at the side.


    So, Ah-Si could only move to his father and uncle''s side. "Uncle Ze, when did you come back? And what''s wrong with dad?"


    Xin Zemin smiled at his nephew gently, "Your dad has a bit of a fever. Don''t worry though. With your aunt here, it''ll be fine."


    Ah-Si looked at his father''s face and hesitated before nodding his head. However, he was still worried. So, he didn''t dare to leave his father''s side. It was very rare for his father to get sick and even rarer to show such a vulnerable side of his.


    Looking at how his uncle was taking care of his father, he couldn''t help sighing. If his father was awake right now, he knew there''d be a huge argument going on. Although he didn''t know why his father avoided his own elder brother, he was still perceptive enough to figure out that his father didn''t hate him. But the same could not be said for his grandparents. Because Ah-Si was certain that his father hated his own parents.


    After two hours when Xin Zimen''s temperature went a little down did Xin Zemin breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at his little brother he was truly worried.


    "Uncle, why did you come? Dad won''t..."


    Xin Zemin didn''t let Ah-Si finish as he said, "What? At most, he''ll throw me out of his house. It''s okay." Seeing Xin Zemin''s smile as he caressed his little brother''s head, Ah-Si was feeling complicated. "I''d rather see our Ah-Zi yelling at me than like this."


    "Uncle..." Ah-Si didn''t know how to continue. He really didn''t know what to say to this uncle of his who really loved his little brother. But how come his smart father wasn''t able to see that his uncle''s love was genuine?


    "Lin''er..."


    Ah-Si looked over at his father who suddenly mumbled something that he couldn''t hear from his position.


    But since Xin Zemin was very close to him, he could hear what his little brother said. He knew who he was calling in this state.


    "Lin''er, don''t leave dad..."


    A tear slid down Xin Zimen''s eyes that his brother wiped while softly murmuring, "Ah-Zi, she didn''t leave. She is still with you. Stop thinking about it."

 556 Grand-Niece

    It was the second time Xin Zemin had seen his brother in such a powerless condition. Usually, Xin Zimen was a very guarded person. He had always been an inscrutable person. The first time when Xin Zemin saw his brother crumbling down like this was the night he lost his daughter.


    But after that, he went back to his previous self rejecting any help from anyone. Only Xin Zemin knew that his brother had never gotten over that incident. Even if he had two sons, they never were able to fill the place of that one precious daughter.


    "What is he saying?" asked Ah-Si.


    "Forget it." Xin Zemin didn''t answer Ah-Si. "Oh, I came to meet my granddaughter. Where is she? Bring her out."


    Ah-Si smiled seeing his uncle''s excitement. "You should have told me you''re coming. Ava went to her mother''s place. If you told me, I wouldn''t have sent her there."


    "Oh," Xin Zemin was visibly disappointed to hear that. "Right after landing, I came running over to see my granddaughter. How was I suppose to inform you first?"


    "Then let me call Nora, she''ll bring Ava in a moment."


    "There is no hurry," said Zhao Huan.


    "Why is there no hurry? I came all the way just to see that grand-niece of mine." Xin Zemin retorted to his wife.


    "Husband, don''t argue with me over this."


    "Huanhuan, I wasn''t arguing though."


    Ah-Si was amused seeing how his uncle sealed his lips when his aunt gave him a side-eye look. Even though he was very young when his mother died, he could still recall that his own parents never shared this kind of a relationship.


    "Ah-Si..."


    "Yes, aunt?"


    "What''s going on between you and your daughter''s mother? Are you guys together? Or not? What''s really the deal?"


    Ah-Si was quiet when he heard his aunt''s straightforward question.


    "We are currently together," he answered in a small voice.


    "Is it serious? I mean are you both thinking about marrying?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "I want to."


    "And what about her?"


    "Nora also thinks the same way."


    Zhao Huan nodded her head. "Don''t take me wrong. I just don''t want you to compromise because of your daughter. I know you want to give her a complete family but don''t compromise on your own happiness for that."


    Ah-Si smiled at her gratefully, "You don''t have to worry at all. I do love her. It has nothing to with Ava. Or it does but not so much."


    "It''s good as long as you love her," said Zhao Huan.


    "You both are coming to bro''s wedding, right?"


    Zhao Huan looked over at her husband who was looking at her.


    "We will come," answered Xin Zemin. "I have to meet my grand-niece."


    "Aren''t you very excited about meeting Ava?" asked Ah-Si.


    "Why wouldn''t I be? My favorite nephew didn''t even tell me that he became a father. I just heard after coming back. I feel so proud."


    "Dad is waking up," said Ah-Si as he saw Xin Zimen''s eyes opening slowly.


    Meanwhile, Xin Zemin was stunned. He hurriedly left his brother''s hand and got off his bed. Almost as if running for his life, he went out of the room but didn''t leave. He was still leaning against the wall. "Close call!" He said to himself while rubbing his chest.


    Inside the room, Ah-Si was dumbfounded at his uncle''s reaction. But he didn''t think about it as he leaned over to help his father sit up. He used the pillows to support the back and asked, "Dad, how are you feeling now?"


    Xin Zimen was still slightly drowsy. He had a strange look in his eyes when he looked at his hand. He could feel the warmth that was still lingering. He looked at the concerned faces of his son, his sister-in-law, and Xin Kuan. But his eyes didn''t stop moving as he looked all around the room to find someone else.


    When he didn''t, his eyes drooped down. That''s when he looked at the extra pair of shoes beside his bed. His lips curled up slightly as he shook his head.


    "Sister-in-law, when did you come?"


    Zhao Huan huffed, "You scared me, idiot! Is it your age to give me so much stress? I''ve gotten a dozen more wrinkles in the last couple of hours because of you."


    "You still love to exaggerate, huh? Doesn''t your husband say anything?"


    "Ha! He can say anything if he dares to bear the consequences."


    Xin Zimen smiled at his sister-in-law''s words and said, "Did Brother Kuan called you here because of me?"


    "Of course not!" Zhao Huan glared at Xin Kuan as she went on, "This brother Kuan of yours wasn''t even letting me see you. I still haven''t settled our accounts for that." Then she squinted her eyes at Xin Zimen, "Xiao Zi, don''t tell me, you instructed him to not let me in?"


    "How can I dare disrespect you like that?" Xin Zimen was amused to see his sister-in-law''s worry. It was her strange way of showing her worry by acting like she was angry. "It''s just that nobody is allowed to enter my bedroom. That''s why he must have stopped you."


    "Since you''re the one saying it, I''ll reluctantly let it go."


    Xin Zimen smiled at her and said, "You can leave now. I''m really fine. Sorry for worrying you all."


    "Xiao Zi, if wedding preparations are stressing you out, you can ask me for help. We are a family. Don''t always hold back."


    "Sister Huan, it''s nothing like that. I''m truly sorry for worrying you but it has nothing to do with Xiao Li''s wedding."


    "Then how come you suddenly got sick?"


    Xin Zimen stayed quiet in reply. Zhao Huan turned to look at Ah-Si as she said, "Ah-Si, can you go down and ask someone to prepare soup for your father?"


    "Okay," with that Ah-Si left because he knew his aunt was just using an excuse to talk to his father. Taking the hint, even Xin Kuan stepped out of the room.


    Zhao Huan took the photo frame from the drawer where she placed it earlier and said, "You think I didn''t see you hugging it?"

 557 An Unexpected Reminder

    Xin Zimen''s eyes shook violently when he looked at the photo of the adorable little girl in Zhao Huan''s hands. She had two ponytails and a big bright smile on her face while playing with soap bubbles. He didn''t even think before taking the photo from her and saying deliberately, "You shouldn''t be touching my stuff."


    Zhao Huan took a deep breath when she saw his expression of melancholy mixed with longing. She placed her hand on his shoulder as she said, "Xiao Zi, what''s wrong? I know you got this sudden fever because of this photo but the question is what reminded you of your little daughter? You have always been very good at concealing your emotions. But you aren''t doing a very good job right now."


    Xin Zimen slid the photo frame under his pillow as he said, "I just miss her. Am I not even allowed to miss my own daughter now?"


    "You miss her every single day," said Zhao Huan sincerely. "Can''t you tell me what really happened?"


    Xin Zimen had an expression of struggle. He was troubled by his own thoughts. What Zhao Huan said was indeed true. His fever didn''t come out of anywhere. There had not been a single second off his life when he forgot about his daughter. But it was rare for someone to remind him of her existence in a way that it slashed right through his heart.


    *Flashback*


    Early in the morning that very same day, he received a call.


    "Little lass, how come you''re calling me so early in the morning?" he asked with a faint smile lingering on his lips which would instinctively appear whenever this little lass was mentioned.


    "Xiao Zi!" Xiu''s voice was very soft as if she was trying to sneak around. He could even hear the sound of water running from her side.


    "What''s up? And where are you?"


    "I came to see Regan," she answered in a small voice.


    "And with Regan around, you still remember the world. What a marvelous feet you have accomplished!"


    Xiu could tell he was taunting her for having a one-track mind. It was no secret that she would forget the world around Darren. Of course, he was also one of those people who knew about this habit of hers. But he didn''t have to be so sarcastic about it.


    "You can''t tease me like that!" Xiu''s voice raised a little without her realizing it.


    "Sweets, you okay inside?"


    Xin Zimen heard Darren''s voice from her side and stayed silent.


    "I''m fine!" Xiu had replied to Darren.


    "Who are you talking to?" Darren queried since he clearly heard her voice earlier.


    "Myself! I''m talking to myself!" Darren chuckled at her response and didn''t ask any further. Xiu exhaled the breath she was holding and turned her attention back to the phone saying, "Xiao Zi, I need your help. It''s a very teeny-tiny favor that I''m asking for."


    "You''re an astute person, indeed," praised Xiu. "I really am hiding something from Regan but only because the favor I want to ask you is a surprise for him. He can''t know right now."


    "Then go ahead," urged Xin Zimen. He was intrigued to know what surprise she had in stores for Darren that needed his help.


    That''s when Xiu shared the news of how she wants to take Darren to the Civil Affairs Bureau and get the marriage certificate. But to have smooth sailing, she needed someone with an affluent and powerful background. After all, she didn''t want to spend days going over just to get her marriage certificate. The sooner, the better.


    After hearing her request, Xin Zimen was really amused, "You really are a very decisive person, eh?"


    "Can''t help it," replied Xiu with a small smile that didn''t hide how proud she was of her own self right now. "I just have one motto now, if I want it I won''t wait for it to come, I''ll go and drag it to myself."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her words and agreed, "Consider it done. Anything else?"


    "Oh? That''s it?"


    "What else?"


    "No, nothing." Xiu was just taken aback because he so readily agreed to her request. Not that she had any doubt that he would reject her, but still... It felt too smooth sailing that it made her feel weird in her heart.


    "You still there, little one?" When he didn''t hear her speak for a minute, he spoke up.


    "I... I''m here," Xiu replied.


    "Why so quiet then?" he questioned.


    Xiu pursed her lips before saying, "I''m just trying to think of a way to show my gratitude."


    "Are you happy?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "I''m very happy," answered Xiu honestly. "I feel like floating on cloud nine that''s how happy I am."


    Xin Zimen smiled at her response as he said, "Then that''s enough. You don''t have to worry. I''ll take care of everything at the Civil Affairs Bureau. You just need to show up, take a photo and sign a few documents. Your marriage is my responsibility."


    When he said it like that Xiu felt so warm inside. He had repeatedly said that he''d allow her to cause trouble however she liked it because he''d be there to take care of the aftermath. And now when he said that her marriage was his responsibility, it seemed to have worked like a charm because she suddenly realized how she also had people who had her back.


    She thought about it before she chirped, "Thank you so much, Ah-Xin! You''re the best!"


    Xin Zimen''s body stiffened when he heard the way she called him. "What did you just call me?" he choked out with difficulty.


    "Ah-Xin!" replied Xiu without thinking. "I''ve been thinking about it lately. Calling you Xiao Zi is good but I still think Ah-Xin seems more natural. I like it. Do you mind?"


    Xin Zimen didn''t know what to say to her. It had been so many years since he last heard someone calling him Ah-Xin. It overwhelmed him to the point that he blurted out, "I don''t mind. I don''t mind at all. You can call me however you like."


    "I knew you''d say that," said Xiu happily. "Okay, I''ll call you after coming back. Thanks once again! Bye!"


    "Bye!" With a heavy heart, he hung up the call.


    *End of Flashback*

 558 Twisted Relationship

    Earlier when Xin Zimen was unconscious, he was indeed feeling uncomfortable. But it wasn''t the discomfort that the fever brought, it was a very familiar aching he felt in his own heart. This ache was the reason, he so suddenly got sick.


    He could still recall every little detail about that little daughter of his. With her big black doe eyes, she used to look up at him ardently. Her smile was always the brightest with a hint of mischief and rebelliousness that mirrored her mother perfectly.


    Even now, he could hear her cute naive voice calling out to him, "Ah-Xinxin!"


    He would always kneel down before her obediently to say, "Lin''er, call me dad."


    She would shake her head like a rattle, "No!"


    "Then you can call me Daddy? Papa? Pa? Father? Pick anything I won''t mind."


    The little tapped her chin with a thoughtful expression. She looked adorable with this expression. But her answer was still firm, "Then I pick, Ah-Xin."


    Xin Zimen closed his eyes helplessly as he said, "Why? Why can''t you just call me dad like you used to do?"


    The little girl pouted, "Mommy also calls you Ah-Xin."


    "You''re mommy is crazy. Do you want to be like her?"


    The little girl looked over where her mother was watering the plants with a calm expression and eyes brightened as she nodded, "Yes! I want to be just like mommy!"


    Xin Zimen appeared to be sad as he held her small hands and asked, "Lin''er, who do you love more? Mommy or Daddy?"


    Her big black eyes blinked repeatedly before she answered, "I love Ah-Xin. I only love Ah-Xin."


    Xin Zimen was indeed happy to hear that as he said, "Then if you love me more, why do you want to be like mommy?"


    The little girl lifted her hands to touch his face as if consoling him as she smiled and said, "Because if I''ll be like mommy, daddy will always love me just like he loves mommy."


    Hearing her innocent words both Xin Zimen and Wen Ai, who was keeping away from their conversation, were startled. They both shared a look before looking at their four-year-old daughter.


    He couldn''t help pinching her meaty cheeks as he said, "Daddy will always love you no matter what."


    He didn''t know whether the young girl really understood his sincerity back then or not but he still could feel the sensation of her arms wrapping around his neck to hug him. Uncontrollably, the memory made his nose feel sour.


    He felt a hand on his shoulder as his sister-in-law''s voice brought him back from his daze. "Xiao Zi, did you cry?"


    Xin Zimen lowered his head to hide his eyes from her as he replied, "No, I did not. Do you think I''m that weak?"


    Zhao Huan shook her head before pinching his arm in anger as she said, "Your brother is right about you. Whenever you''re embarrassed you get angry. What''s the use? If you want to act strong do it before the world. There is no need to put this act before me."


    "Why? Can''t I just come to see you?" she retorted.


    Xin Zimen squinted his eyes at her and didn''t say anything for a while. And when he opened his mouth, he asked, "Sister Huan, do you remember my Lin''er?"


    Zhao Huan couldn''t answer immediately. Even if she knew he was disturbed and looked so vulnerable because of his daughter. It was still difficult to accept that Xin Zimen was the one questioning about this matter so directly.


    "Who doesn''t remember her? She was the cutest little thing. I don''t think there is anyone who could forget the radiance that she emitted." She chuckled softly at the memory as she added, "In fact, she had such a bright personality that it seemed like she''d shine brightest in the world. She could easily overshadow anyone."


    "Then why was she in such a hurry to leave this world?"


    Zhao Huan''s words got stuck in her throat as she had no answer for that question. Xin Zimen wasn''t really looking for an answer either.


    He waved his hand saying, "You should leave now. I''m fine."


    "Are you kicking me out?"


    "Never!" replied Xin Zimen. "I just want to be alone for now."


    Understanding his meaning, she stood up to leave but his voice stopped her, "Don''t forget your husband''s shoes. If he stayed barefoot any longer, the one on the rest bed would be him and not me."


    When those words entered Xin Zemin''s mind who had been eavesdropping fervently, his eyes looked down to see that he was indeed not wearing his shoes. No wonder he felt like his feet were getting cold.


    Inside the room. Zhao Huan pursed her lips and looked at Xin Zimen''s knowing gaze before sighing and picking up the shoes to leave. "He didn''t come to make you angry. He just wanted to see his little brother." As a wife, she didn''t forget to speak up in favor of her own husband.


    Xin Zimen nodded his head slightly as he said, "I know."


    Since he didn''t look angry, Zhao Huan took this chance to leave the room. After she closed the door of his room, she looked at her own husband who was scratching his head sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn''t realize that I forgot my shoes."


    Zhao Huan shook her head and placed his shoes down saying, "Even if you didn''t forget these, he''d still know you''re here." She looked at her husband and added, "Just because you call him little brother, doesn''t mean he is little. In fact, he is a very furtive person."


    "Does it matter? Even if he is smarter than me, he is still my little brother." That was the simple reply of Xin Zemin as he descended the stairs with his wife.


    "If that''s the case then why didn''t you stay inside the room when he woke up? Just accept it that you''re scared of your own little brother."


    Zhao Huan poked right where it hurt. But unexpectedly, he wasn''t angry to hear that. In fact, he looked quite proud as he said, "Doesn''t that prove that my Ah-Zi is actually a great person? Everyone is cautious around him. That shows the intensity of his might."


    "Why are you boasting?"


    Xin Zemin smiled widely as he answered, "As an elder brother, why wouldn''t I feel proud? And if I''m feeling proud of my little brother then it''s my right to boast about it as well."


    Zhao Huan rubbed her forehead saying, "It''s really a wonder why you both have such a twisted relationship."

 559 A Complete Family

    Birthdays had never been Darren''s favorite. Especially his own that seemed to have become a reminder that he was abandoned by the same person who was supposed to bring warmth to him.


    No, he never pitied himself for that.


    The reason was the woman before him; Francesca Salvay. He really didn''t know what he had done to deserve a mother like her. God was really not unfair to him. If he was abandoned by one mother than he was gifted with an even better one. No, he was gifted with the best mom in the world.


    With a big smile, Francesca hugged her son who was a lot taller than her. "Happy Birthday, my bestest boy! Also, congratulations!"


    When she sniffled, he shook his head, "Mama, you promised not to cry."


    Francesca pulled away cheerfully as she said, "I''m not crying. Who said I''m crying?"


    Darren squinted his eyes at her but didn''t continue this topic. "How do you know about our marriage? I was just about to tell you."


    Francesca smiled cheekily as she glanced at Xiu and pinched her daughter-in-law''s nose saying, "This adorable daughter of mine had already asked for my permission. How else would I know?"


    Darren''s eyes turned to Xiu as he said, "You really are quick to take actions."


    Xiu rubbed the side of her neck saying, "I couldn''t possibly marry you without her permission. Even if I knew she won''t have any issue, I still thought it''s best to ask again. After all, she is our elder."


    Francesca clapped her hands saying, "I feel blessed to have such a sensible daughter." Then she held the hands of both of them and pulled them towards the sitting area.


    Earlier, she was indeed going to Qiu Family House but with Xiu''s message, she forgot all about it. She took the same elevator back up and troubled Ying to deliver the stuff to Qiu Family House. As for herself, she decided to wait for the newlyweds.


    As she made them sit down, she looked at her hand as she started, "I have prepared some words." Both Darren and Xiu were curious about what she was doing as she began, "May you have a harmonious union that lasts one hundred years." Xiu pursed her lips while Francesca continued, "May you live together until your hair turns white with old age brimming with mutual love and respect for each other." She turned her hand and added joyfully, "Also, may you soon give birth to a son. Oh, wait! I don''t mind a daughter as well. Just a handful of grandchildren are all that''s missing for now."


    Xiu who was trying to hide behind Darren''s body buried her head in Darren''s chest in embarrassment. Darren laughed at her reaction while giving his mother a thumbs-up. "I wish all you said comes true as soon as possible." Xiu hit his chest. "But mama, did you looked up your words from the internet?"


    Francesca scratched her chin as she asking, "Was it that obvious?"


    After a change of clothes when Darren and Xiu sat down for dinner with Francesca, Darren couldn''t help asking, "Mama, you didn''t try to cook in your happiness, did you?"


    "I wanted to," said Francesca honestly. Darren''s expressions shifted visibly. "But I didn''t want both of you to end up on a hospital bed on your wedding night. So, I discarded that plan."


    Darren heaved a sigh of relief while Xiu pointed at the dishes on the table asking, "Then all of this..."


    "Oh, these..." Francesca drawled her words mysteriously before patting Xiu''s head as she went on, "Isn''t this all because of you?"


    "Me?" Xiu was confused. She certainly had done nothing then why?


    Francesca chuckled at Xiu''s adorable look of confusion as she said, "Brother Zimen asked his personal chef to come here to prepare this feast for you and Darren. I assume he already knows about your marriage."


    Xiu had a look of realization before her lips curled up. "He knows. But I didn''t know he''d do something like this as well." Xiu really had no idea what was she feeling right now. She already knew that Xin Zimen was exceptionally good to her but now it seemed like she really couldn''t fathom just how good he was to her. Was it all because he now knew that she was his niece?


    "As long as you''re not the one who cooked this all, then all is well."


    Darren earned himself a smack on his head from his mother for that remark and glare from his wife. He already knew that his wife was gonna take his mother''s side in the future but did she have to start so soon?


    As they ate with gusto, Xiu was lost in the taste of the delicious food. She didn''t know how Xin Zimen got to know what she liked to eat but everything on the table was exactly the way she liked it. His thoughtfulness was really touching which urged Xiu to eat without any care. And just as Darren had noticed before, there was a very clear increase in her appetite.


    "Xiu, who else knows about your marriage?" questioned Francesca since Xiu had clearly told her to keep it a secret from everyone else for now.


    "Apart from you and Ah-Xin, only my Clara mom and Uncle Jing knows. Since they both had been very caring and loving, I had to ask for their permission as well." Xiu knew what she owed or to whom she owed. If Clara and Jing Ge had treated her like their own daughter, it''d be wrong to go behind their back when taking such a big step in her life. That''s why she chose to inform them beforehand.


    Even though Jing Ge was clearly a bit reluctant to let her marry just like that. Her persistence eventually bore fruit.


    Francesca nodded in agreement, "That reminded me, I have to meet them as well. Let''s visit them tomorrow. You both have to pay your respect as well."


    Xiu pressed her lips together before nodding her head, "Clara mom invited us over tomorrow."


    Darren silently listened to the mother and daughter pair talking without any intention of interrupting. He really liked this comfortable atmosphere. Finally, his family was complete.

 560 Heated Argumen

    -Qiu Family House-


    Just when Ying entered the house, she was faced with the last person she expected to see; Liu Nuan. Seeing her here, Ying wasn''t that surprised since she was Qiu Meihui''s best friend but she wasn''t pleased to see her either. She greeted her desultory before asking, "Where is Weiwei?"


    "She went out with Meihui," answered Liu Nuan.


    "Damn it!" Ying cursed under her breath. Francesca clearly instructed her to deliver these bags to Zhao Wei. How was she supposed to do it when the receiver was not even home? Don''t tell me I''ll have to wait here? She couldn''t help eyeing Liu Nuan for a minute. Clearly, she didn''t like this company. "When will she be back?"


    "They are about to come back soon," said Liu Nuan as she fidgeted under her gaze. She couldn''t believe it even now how Meihui was able to stand so tall and mighty before Ying''s dominant presence. "You can just wait inside."


    Ying didn''t need to be told as she just perched down on the sofa with a bad mood. The maid brought a cup of milk tea for Ying and retreated silently when she noticed the awful atmosphere between Ying and Liu Nuan.


    Liu Nuan was biting her lips as she played with her nails anxiously. Several times she opened her mouth to say something but closed it. This moment of hers wasn''t really concealed from Ying who seemed to be looking everywhere. However, she didn''t open her mouth as well. If she had to say something, Liu Nuan had to be the one to talk first.


    "I heard you met with Jinhai?"


    Ying took a sip of her milk tea as she hummed in agreement. "I met him. But how do you know that?" Liu Nuan was startled by that question. "Don''t say you know because he is your husband. The relationship between you two is most clear to me. There is no way he''d tell you about his daily ongoings. Unless..." she purposely took a pause to observe her expressions of unease. "You have someone keeping an eye on him. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."


    Ying was really blunt because of her disdain for such suspicious women. Even after snatching him from someone, she was still suspicious of her husband. What a joke!


    "How audacious of you!" remarked Ying calmly. "You do realize that the woman you called mistress in your relationship is already dead, right?"


    Liu Nuan''s face paled under Ying''s gaze. She didn''t know why but she wasn''t able to look up. For some reason, today Ying''s presence was very hostile. Although Ying always appeared like a white lotus, she had often felt that Ying''s aura was different. But today, it was especially different.


    Liu Nuan''s lips trembled as she said, "I didn''t ask anyone to follow him. It''s his own mother. And it''s his mother who wanted me to find you to ask what he met you for."


    Ying snorted, "That controlling mother of his is no better. What else can I expect from her?" Shaking her head, she added, "Do you really think I''ll tell you why he met me?" Liu Nuan lowered her head, knowing Ying won''t ever answer that. "Besides, what''s wrong with Jini meeting me? We had known each other since we were young kids, is it wrong for old friends to meet up for a catch-up? You women are really suspicious huh? He doesn''t even have the right to freedom?"


    Liu Nuan shook her head like a rattle, "That''s not what I mean."


    "Oh, then you think that I''ll snatch him away from you? Sorry, I have my own boyfriend. I''ve stopped looking at boys who don''t have me in their hearts." Smiling provocatively she added, "I think you already know what it feels like to live with someone whose heart belongs to another. I won''t need to explain this feeling to you."


    Liu Nuan felt her blood turning cold. Ying had always been so polite and good-natured before the elders that Liu Nuan really forgot how poisonous her tongue could be.


    Clenching her fists, she stood up and yelled, "Will you stop attacking me? You don''t even know what I go through every single day!"


    "Didn''t you brought it upon yourself?" retorted Ying while sipping on her tea as calmly as before. There wasn''t a single change in her expression. She really seemed like she was talking about the weather. "You wanted Jini, you got him. What are you crying for now?"


    Liu Nuan wiped her tears that had fallen as she shouted, "I know I brought it upon myself but you don''t have to rub it in like this. So what if I got him, he still isn''t mine! I could push Chen Xiu out of his life, but I''m still stuck with her lingering ghost that tortures me."


    Ying''s lips curled up slightly as she said, "And who''s the one who turned her into a ghost?"


    "I didn''t kill her," sobbed Liu Nuan as she fell down on the sofa like a deflated balloon.


    "No, you just left her with no dignity to survive."


    Liu Nuan had no words to argue with Ying. She was defeated because no matter what she said won''t wash her clean of her sins. If she really hadn''t lied back then, Chen Xiu wouldn''t have such a bitter end. At least, she''d still be the pure and pristine Goddess Xiu in her fans'' eyes. And not the one who was scorned by everyone.


    "What is going on here?"


    Liu Nuan immediately wiped her tears when she heard the voice of her best friend and looked over to see Qiu Meihui walking in with a heavy expression.

 561 Putting Me To Shame

    Ying''s expression didn''t even change when she saw Qiu Meihui. She wasn''t guilty of anything, why would she feel scared.


    Qiu Meihui rushed up to Liu Nuan''s side and looking at her, she frowned. She turned her eyes to Ying with an accusing look, "Why did you make her cry?"


    "I have no reasons to make her cry," answered Ying in an artless manner.


    "Exactly! You have no reason because you have nothing to do with Nuannuan. Your anger and hatred are justified when it''s for me. Why are you trying to hurt Nuannuan?"


    "I''m trying to hurt her?" repeated Ying as she pointed at herself. With a snort, she added, "Don''t flatter yourself. I didn''t do anything. I merely repeated some truths of her life and she is already a sobbing mess. It''s all because of her own guilty conscious. It has nothing to do with me."


    Qiu Meihui rubbed Liu Nuan''s back who was trying to hold back her tears. "Mei, you tell her that I didn''t mean to kill Chen Xiu. That was never my intention."


    Qiu Meihui wiped her tears and hugged her while trying to soothe her. "You don''t have to prove anything to anyone."


    Liu Nuan sniffled as she said in a pitiful voice, "Ying also thinks I snatched Jinhai from Chen Xiu."


    Qiu Meihui glared at Ying who was still sitting unperturbed from this act of friendly support. She really wondered how these two best friends were so similar in nature? Why was it that they always thought the others are wrong but would never reflect on their own actions? What? Did they receive a ''forever right'' cheat pass from God or something?


    Leaving Qiu Meihui to accompany her best friend, Ying walked out of the living room and went upstairs to find Zhao Wei after learning from the maid that Zhao Wei went to her room after coming back. Ying wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. That''s why she only delivered what she had to and made a beeline for the exit.


    However, just as she was about to open the door of her car, another hand held her wrist and stopped her. Ying looked up at Qiu Meihui''s face and furrowed her brows.


    "Anything I can help you with?"


    Qiu Meihui took a deep breath as she said, "Yesterday, I called to bury the hatchet between us. Today, you showed up here and hurt my best friend. Are you trying to provoke me?"


    Ying rolled her eyes and leaned against the side of her car. "I didn''t provoke anyone."


    "You insulting my best friend is indirectly slapping my face. You are trying to offend me."


    "The world doesn''t revolve around you. Certainly, not mine!" said Ying with simple directness. "I was sitting silently. It was your best friend who provoked me to say everything I did."


    "Ying, Nuannuan is a very sensitive girl. You hurt her feelings. Do you have any idea how much she is suffering right now? It was just a simple mistake on her part and you all want to condemn her for life?"


    "You''d say that. After all, you were never able to steal Xiao Li''s love. If you had been successful in doing so, you wouldn''t be preaching here to me."


    Ying''s face darkened at that remark of hers. "I couldn''t steal his love? How naive of you! I, Yan Ying never tried stealing his love from you. I was very happy being secretly in love with him. It was you who two years ago told him that I had always been in love with him. Otherwise, he wouldn''t know that fact even till my deathbed. Because I never intended on stealing him from you."


    Qiu Meihui was startled by the intense fury in Ying''s eyes. But she still went on, "Why is it that you all think Nuannuan stole Jinhai from Chen Xiu and not the other way around? Don''t forget that Nuannuan was engaged to Jinhai from a young age, it was Chen Xiu who stole Jinhai from Nuannuan. She just tried to get back what originally belonged to her."


    "It was just a verbal engagement," reminded Ying. "And let''s not forget that such kind of verbal engagement also existed between me and Xiao Li as well. In fact, my godmother''s last wish was also to make me her daughter-in-law." Qiu Meihui''s eyes shifted. She never thought Ying would bring this up in their argument. She always thought Ying had an upper hand over her because of this one thing; She had the approval of Xiao Li''s dead mother. But in all these years, Ying had never brought this up. Everyone knew there was a verbal engagement but she never let anyone talk about it.


    However, today she really said it. She said it so outrightly at her face.


    "The reason why I never tried to steal Xiao Li from you had been only one; He loved you from the bottom of his heart! I never had a chance, to begin with. I knew that." Ying took a brief pause before saying, "Your best friend knew very well that Jinhai was in love with Chen Xiu. He really loved her. But she still overlooked that fact just to satisfy her own ego. In a way, you both aren''t that different."


    "I can''t believe that you''re trying to speak up for Chen Xiu right now. That actress who has no place in our circle. An actress''s love is just like their roles, it changes overnight. Who knew just how many beds she climbed before catching Jinhai''s attention. These actresses know very well how to use their beautiful faces to seduce men like Jinhai. But Nuannuan''s love for Jinhai had always been real!"


    "PA!"


    Qiu Meihui held the side of her face and looked at Ying with a baffled look. She never expected Ying to slap her. She had slapped Ying plenty of times but the latter had never tried to attack back. But now?


    "You! You actually slapped me?"


    Ying clenched her hand that she had used to hit Qiu Meihui''s face as she said, "You really know the art of belittling someone''s feelings. As long as it''s your or your best friend''s feelings, anything is justified. And every feeling is real. But when it comes to people like me and Chen Xiu, our feelings are meant to be trampled on. I''m a hypocrite, I knew that. But you both are really putting me to shame now."


    With that, she got in her car and drove away without so much as sparing Qiu Meihui a single glance.

 562 To Have That...

    "Brother Kuan, stop being babysitter. Do your job," Xin Zimen was really annoyed to see how Xin Kuan was standing right beside him without any inclination to leave. In his presence, Xin Zimen wasn''t even able to heave a sigh of relief.


    "Your wife left me with you to take care of you. I honestly don''t mind being a babysitter." Xin Kuan''s words were precise without any change in his expressions. Seeing him, Xin Zimen really wanted to question people who thought he was the real poker face. Because to Xin Zimen, this Brother Kuan was the real poker face with no expressions at all.


    Xin Zimen rolled her eyes at that answer. Wasn''t he tired of repeating the same words? He really made Xin Zimen wish to find his dead wife to ask what really was she thinking when she left this man on his side?!


    "Dad!" Ah-Si came back to see his father with a worried expression.


    "You didn''t go get my granddaughter? Where is my granddaughter?"


    "I didn''t go to pick up Ava. With your condition, I couldn''t think of anything else."


    Xin Zimen shook his head saying, "It''s just a fever. Why are you all acting as if I got some incurable disease?"


    "DAD!" exclaimed Ah-Si. "Can you please watch your words?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes softened as he patted his son''s hands, "But I''m really fine. It really is just a fever. The weather is changing, it must be because of that."


    Ah-Si looked down as he said, "But you don''t even get a fever that easily."


    "I''m not omnipotent, son! And as a human, these things are unavoidable." He took a pause and added, "Now, go and ask someone to make me some congee with chicken shreds. I''m hungry."


    "You just drank the soup an hour or so ago," reminded Ah-Si.


    "I couldn''t taste that bland thing," answered Xin Zimen. "Now, go and get me something." Ah-Si nodded hesitantly. "You also leave the room, Brother Kuan," he turned to Xin Kuan. "I want to take some rest."


    When the two people left one after the other, the familiar silence engulfed his surroundings. He pulled the photo frame from under the pillow and continued to look at it for who knew how long.


    Bzzz...


    It was his cellphone''s ringtone that broke his train of thoughts. He didn''t see who was calling as he spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "Hello!"


    There was silence at the other end before a small voice came, "Ah-Xin, are you sick?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes widened as he pulled away the cellphone to look at the caller id before replying, "No. Not at all."


    "But your voice," said Xiu thoughtfully.


    Xin Zimen cleared his throat as he answered, "I was sleeping. That''s why my voice sounds so different."


    "Why are you sleeping at this time?" asked Xiu.


    "Oh, I called to say thanks to you," Xiu''s attention was successfully diverted.


    "Thanks for what?"


    Xiu facepalmed herself saying, "Obviously for everything you did for me. I had no problem getting my marriage certificate. It was such an easy process."


    "Congratulations on getting married!" said Xin Zimen with a genuine smile on his face. "May you forever be of one mind and have a harmonious union that lasts one hundred years."


    "Why only a hundred years?" grumbled Xiu unhappily. "I want it to continue even in the next life."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her response and said, "Then I wish you both find each other in each life with the same love and respect for each other."


    "That sounds better," she sounded pleased to hear this. "Thank you so much for your kind words!" Taking a pause, she added, "Oh, and thank you so much for the big feast. I enjoyed every dish. But I couldn''t finish it all. I feel so bad for not being able to eat it all."


    "It''s alright. We can get you more whenever you want to eat it. No need to feel bad about it."


    "Hmm..." Xiu hummed in reply. She waited for a minute as she hesitated before asking, "Ah-Xin, can I ask you something?"


    "Sure," replied Xin Zimen in a casual tone.


    "Why are you so good to me?" After asking this, she felt like she said something wrong so she rephrased her words, "I mean, you are a good person. But I feel like you''re especially good to me. However, I''m not able to understand why?"


    Xin Zimen looked at the photo in his hand and his lips curled up slightly as he said, "Who told you to have that..."


    "That? What? What do I have?" she was baffled and very curious to hear what he had to say.


    Xin Zimen took a deep breath as he said, "I mean who told you to have that kind of charm? Who can possibly resist that?"


    Xiu chewed on her bottom lip. She could feel that he wasn''t telling her the truth. "So, it''s not because I''m your niece?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes widened. It only struck him now that she was indeed his niece. How strange that he had completely overlooked this fact.


    "Little lass, even if I''m especially good to you because of this, what''s wrong with that? In fact, I only have one niece. So, it''s not wrong that I want to take good care of her."


    Xiu smiled at his reply and said, "Then I am very grateful to have Ah-Xin. Thank you so much again! I''ll talk to you later. Bye!"


    Even when the phone was hung up, he couldn''t help staring at the screen for a long while. He felt bitter at the reminder that she wasn''t his own daughter. But the only satisfaction was that she was at least his niece. At the end of the day, she was still a family member.

 563 Sound Of My Hear

    "Have a good day, Mr. Salvay!"


    "Mrs. Salvay, don''t you want me to stay? I mean we just got married yesterday," Darren was trying all his best to avoid going to work for today. But apparently, just because he married a lazy wife, didn''t mean she''d let him be lazy as well.


    Xiu poked his nose saying, "No! I don''t want you to stay."


    "Heartless," he muttered under his breath.


    Xiu pushed him towards the door, "Don''t act spoiled, Mr. Salvay. If you won''t earn, how will you raise this lazy wife? You didn''t go to work yesterday as well."


    Darren was baffled, "Wifey, who goes to work on their wedding day?"


    "That is why I didn''t insist. But today, no more excuses."


    Darren exhaled a heavy breath before he put on his shoes and looked at her with a reluctant expression. He really didn''t want to leave. But with this strict wife, he couldn''t do much in retaliation.


    Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her in and kissed her lips. As he parted away, he said, "Take care of yourself. I''ll miss you so you miss me as well."


    Xiu placed her index finger right between his brows and pushed his head away saying, "Stop trying to be romantic. It''s completely unnecessary so early in the morning."


    Darren opened the door to leave and yet again looked back at her saying, "Sweets, you changed after becoming my wife."


    Xiu pressed her lips together to hold back her laughter as she said, "I know. That''s why they say there is a huge difference in a lover and a wife."


    Darren waved her goodbye and took heavy steps away down the hallway.


    "Don''t forget we have to visit Clara mom in the evening. So, come back a little early."


    Hearing the reminder from behind, he raised his hand to acknowledge that he heard her.


    Just as she came back inside, Xiu found Francesca having a fit of laughter on her own. Seeing Xiu''s expression, she stopped laughing, "Sorry! I couldn''t help it. I have never seen my son acting like this." She burst out laughing again while clutching her stomach. "He acted like a kid who would make any excuse to avoid school."


    Xiu sat down beside Francesca as she asked, "He never did these antics back in school?"


    Francesca shook her head saying, "Never! I told you he was a very sensible kid. He never made a fuss about school."


    Xiu couldn''t help imagining the younger version of Darren and ended up smiling to herself. Originally, she planned on moving her stuff from her apartment to Darren''s but seeing how everything was already available at his place, Xiu really had no idea what else to do.


    Later, Francesca was about to leave as well to meet Zhao Wei so Xiu suggested, "Why don''t I go with you?"


    Isn''t that because of your son who didn''t let me sleep at all last night? Apparently, the midnight ''workout'' was a lot more important than sleeping. But she couldn''t just tell this to Francesca no matter how blunt she always had been.


    After Francesca also left, Xiu was the only person in the whole apartment. Since she had nothing else to do, she decided to clean up the apartment just to pass some time. She was feeling bored anyway. So, for the next three hours, she cleaned so hard that everything was sparkling.


    In her personal opinion, everything now seemed to ''Bling Bling''.


    And this satisfied her very much. A clean place gives room for new ideas. That''s why Xiu thought this cleaning might help her in sorting out her thoughts and future plans.


    Oh, wait!


    She didn''t have a future plan at the moment. How delightful!


    Being an utterly useless person was really no joke, eh? She was getting tired of not having anything to do as well. And she never thought there would come a day when she''d want to go back to her routine of working.


    Since there was still some small stuff that she needed from her place, she stood up to enter her own place. Sorting out everything in a bag, she took it out of the apartment but abruptly stopped when she heard familiar voices...


    ....


    "Hi!"


    Ying rubbed her forehead as she said, "I feel like I did a big mistake by showing you the way to my place."


    Han Bohai smiled at her remark and said, "I''m not here to bother you. Just came to say goodbye."


    "Goodbye?" Ying repeated his words. "Why? Are you going somewhere?"


    Han Bohai nodded his head, "I have to attend an event in the Capital. So, I''ll be leaving for a couple of days."


    Ying pursed her lips as she asked, "When will you be back? I mean will you be back by Saturday?"


    Han Bohai frowned slightly at her question but still answered, "Hopefully. Why? Do you need me for something?"


    Ying really wanted to say yes. She wanted to take him to Xiao Li and Meihui''s wedding. But she didn''t know how to bring it up. Even though she accepted him as a boyfriend, she really didn''t know if she could ask him this question out of nowhere. Wouldn''t it be like, she was using him? Somehow it felt wrong to her.


    "Say something," his voice broke her trance and she looked at him again. Even now, she hadn''t invited him inside. He was still standing at her doorstep looking at her with an earnest look.


    "It''s nothing," said Ying. "Anyways, if you came for a goodbye, you''ve already said it. Bye-bye!"


    Han Bohai gaped at her and placed his hand on the door which she was about to close. "How can you be so heartless? I thought you''d at least have lunch with me before I leave. After all, we won''t be seeing each other for the next few days."


    "I don''t think there is any need for that," said Ying straightforwardly.


    "Crunch!"


    "What was that?" she questioned seeing him making a weird noise.


    "That''s the sound of my heart breaking into a million pieces."

 564 For A Good Cause

    Ying facepalmed herself as she said, "Your profession really suits you, Mr. Dramatic!"


    Han Bohai smiled until his eyes turned into crescents.


    "I''m not being dramatic though, my heart is really breaking." Inching close to her, he added, "It''s just a meal. Do you have to be so brutal? Think of it as a charity, eh? For a good cause, have lunch with me. Please?"


    Ying rubbed her chin as she asked, "What''s the good cause?"


    He held her hand which she tried to pull away but he still led it to his chest saying, "To heal this broken heart. Isn''t this cause good enough?"


    "Pfft!"


    Ying was startled by that laughter as she pulled her hand away from his grasp and looked behind Han Bohai. Xiu was laughing without any restraint. At first, she was only curious to know who was here to see Ying but when she heard his way of flirting, she couldn''t stop herself from laughing.


    Seeing that she was found out by Ying, she raised her hands in defense saying, "Don''t mind me. Please, continue!"


    "Xiu, why are you laughing? It isn''t what it looks like?"


    Han Bohai''s expressions changed when he heard the name Ying called out. He wanted to turn around and see this person who shared the same name as his Sister Xiu and yet, he didn''t want to because it wasn''t his Sister Xiu. He was stuck in his own dilemma not knowing what to do. So, he just stood there without moving.


    "Ying Jie, it doesn''t really matter," said Xiu. "You shouldn''t worry about what I think. Go for that meal. It''s necessary to heal a broken heart. I ensure you, this is really a good cause."


    Ying squinted her eyes at Xiu who was teasing her. She knew this would happen. Xiu had been teasing her even when she hadn''t met Han Bohai, and now he was standing right here, how could she not tease her Ying Jie at this moment?


    "Xiu!" Ying really didn''t know what to say. She knew she was stuck now. Xiu would never let her out of this unless she agreed for that lunch. "We can''t go to a restaurant for lunch. His profession doesn''t allow it."


    "We can call for takeout," suggested Han Bohai. "I don''t mind it at all. Besides, it''s the company that matters. If you''d eat with me, I think even a plain bread will turn into a delicacy."


    Xiu whistled at his words saying, "He can talk! Me, likey!"


    Ying rolled her eyes at these two, saying, "Of course, you likey. He is just another shameless version of you!"


    Xiu took that as a compliment as she rubbed the side of her neck sheepishly, "You''re flattering me now, Ying Jie. But no need for that." Taking a pause she added, "Actually, there is no need for takeout as well. I''ll cook for you guys. I have nothing else to do anyway. When Xiu, The SuperChef is here, what''s to fear?"


    Han Bohai''s pupils dilated as he whipped his head around to look at Xiu''s face. Her last sentence had struck a mark and stirred up a distant memory.


    ''When it comes to food, your Sister Xiu is unrivaled. Just like a superhero has a way to save the sinking ship, I have my own way to add flavor to bland food. Don''t ever doubt my skills. I''m also a superhero, just in the kitchen though.''


    And he was the one who retorted with, ''Okay Ms. Superhero. I''d just call you SuperChef from now on.''


    ''Oh, I like it. Xiu, The SuperChef to the rescue!''


    He used to laugh so heartily whenever she called herself, ''Xiu The SuperChef''. But today, he didn''t feel like laughing at that. Because this time it wasn''t his Sister Xiu who said it. The face before him held no resemblance to the girl in his memory. And yet, his heart was left unsettled.


    As for Xiu, her mischievous look immediately faded when Han Bohai turned around. Her eyes couldn''t help widening when she looked at his familiar face. No wonder the voice sounded so familiar to her. It was none other than her Xiao Bobo. It was really him standing right before her eyes.


    "I don''t think you should do anything of that sort. If it''s a meal, I can cook myself."


    It was only after Ying spoke up that Xiu''s eyes turned away from Han Bohai''s face. In fact, she was very close to shedding some tears but Ying''s voice helped her in distracting herself from those emotions that surged up within her.


    If it had been before, Xiu would have agreed to let Ying cook by herself. But now the other person was her Xiao Bobo, how was she supposed to let this chance go? How could she just back out? It had been such a long time she had looked at him in such close proximity. She wanted to hear his voice, wanted to talk to him, wanted to know how he had been all these years.


    Xiu held Ying''s hand as she insisted, "No! I insist! I would love to cook for you both."


    Ying was reluctant as she said, "Xiu, I don''t want to impose on you."


    "Yes. Ah-Ying is right. We shouldn''t be disturbing you," Han Bohai also agreed with Ying instantly.


    Xiu glanced at Han Bohai and said, "I can see that whatever Ying Jie says is right to you but right now, I''m not in the mood to hear a no." She turned to Ying as she tugged her sleeve. "Ying Jie, come on! It''s just a meal. I have to cook for myself as well. Adding two more people''s portions won''t hurt me."


    Looking at Xiu''s pleading look, Ying couldn''t say no at all. No matter how strong-willed she was, she wasn''t immune to Xiu at all. Call it her bad luck that she really liked to see this girl''s smile. So, if this would let her smile, how can she deny her of that?

 565 Cultivating Feelings

    Once again, Xiu had her way and managed to drag Ying to her own place along with Han Bohai who trailed behind.


    "Sorry for intruding," he said as he entered through the door.


    Right now, Xiu was very thankful to Nora who hadn''t neglected her duties behind her back and had actually bought the groceries over the weekend. Xiu asked them to make themselves at home as she rushed over to find all the ingredients she needed to make Han Bohai''s favorite dishes.


    "Unlike you, your sister is quite lively," remarked Han Bohai as he looked around the apartment.


    "I already know that," replied Ying calmly.


    "I''m feeling bad right now. We shouldn''t be imposing on her," stated Han Bohai. No matter how he looked at it, he wasn''t comfortable with letting Xiu cook for them.


    "Isn''t it all your fault?" retorted Ying. "If you hadn''t insisted on having a meal with me, she wouldn''t have done this."


    "I also suggested takeouts. She is the one who didn''t let us argue at all."


    Ying snorted, "You''d need another lifetime to win an argument with her. And even then you might end up just giving in to her. She knows how to have her way."


    Han Bohai nodded his head as he said, "No wonder you gave in so easily."


    Ying stood up to go over to Xiu''s side saying, "Let me help you with that."


    Xiu pointed at Ying with the knife in her hand saying, "Ying Jie, do you have a doubt in my skills? I can do it myself. Don''t look down on me."


    "I''m not looking down on you. I just want to help you out a little."


    "No need for that," Xiu plainly refused to take any help at all. "Lately, I have spent some time in the kitchen with Dylan. That has truly made me repulsive of having any assistant. Although your skills are not as bad as his, I still don''t want any kitchen assistant."


    "You just had to drag Dylan into this, didn''t you?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and didn''t reply. Instead, she said, "You should go over and cultivate some feelings."


    "Cultivate feelings?" repeated Ying as she gaped at Xiu disbelievingly.


    "Yes," nodded Xiu. "The best way to cultivate feelings is to spend time together. Didn''t he say, he''s gonna leave for a few days? You won''t be able to see him then. So, take this precious time and go, talk to him."


    Ying looked over at Han Bohai and said, "I really don''t see any need to cultivate any feelings here." Seeing how Xiu squinted her eyes, Ying turned to the fridge and said, "I''ll just offer him something to drink then."


    Xiu looked at the drink in her hand and said, "Don''t! He had lactose intolerance. He can''t drink that flavored milk. Just give him salt soda water."


    "Yes! Yes, I''m his fan. I read it in an interview of his." Xiu heaved of sigh of relief when Ying gave her a way out herself. Otherwise, she really didn''t know how to explain how she knew about his lactose intolerance when this was supposed to be their very first meeting.


    Ying brought the salt soda water to Bohai who happily chugged it down. "You aren''t gonna help her?" he asked looking over to Xiu''s side and realized that she had been looking at him. As he frowned, Xiu was startled and smiled sheepishly before paying attention to her work.


    "She doesn''t need help," said Ying. "That''s what she said to me."


    "She said and you agreed to not help? What kind of a sister are you?" He was talking righteously when... "Ouch! Why did you hit me?"


    "Don''t preach!"


    "Oh."


    Ying had just taken out her phone when it rang, "What is it? Did you find what I asked for?" Listening for a moment, she abruptly stood up and said, "Alright! I''ll be right there then!"


    Han Bohai also stood up as he asked, "Are you leaving? Where are you going? What about my lunch?"


    Ying patted his head saying, "Be a good boy! I have some important matters to attend. As for your lunch, Xiu will do her best."


    Han Bohai shook his head, "You''re not getting the point here. I''m not even familiar with your sister. Isn''t it weird to stay here without you?"


    Ying called out to Xiu, "Xiu! I have to get to an important meeting. Is it weird that he''d be staying for the meal without me?"


    Xiu smiled at her and shook her head, "It''s not weird at all."


    "See? She doesn''t mind at all. Besides, she loves feeding people."


    Han Bohai was still not okay with this turn of events. He could see that Xiu didn''t mind but he did! He was feeling awkward for some reason. How was he supposed to stay without Ying here?


    "Also, as my Trial Boyfriend, you should be working hard to impress the people involved in my life. I call her my little sister, shouldn''t you be putting some effort into this?"


    These words worked like a charm since Han Bohai''s anxiousness was gone. She was right. To get close to Ying, he had to be close to the people she cared about. And where else will he find a chance like this?


    "So, I''ll see you after you come back," said Ying. "Have a safe journey." With that, she left in a hurry. A part of her wanted to have this lunch with Han Bohai but she couldn''t run from her work either. She had always prioritized her work over everything. She couldn''t just change instantly.

 566 Brought Him Before Her

    Precisely after 40 minutes, Xiu served the food. And that possibly be the most awkward 40 minutes of Han Bohai''s life. He really had no way out. And he didn''t know how or what to talk to Xiu either. For some reason, he couldn''t even call her name. Even though he was very used to saying, Sister Xiu. But she wasn''t his Sister Xiu and he couldn''t bring himself to even say Xiu.


    Xiu, on the other hand, didn''t notice how fidgety he had been since she was too engrossed in preparing everything with the best of her abilities just for him. She couldn''t neglect it at all. It was the first time in five years he was gonna eat something made by her, how could she do it half-heartedly?


    When Han Bohai looked at the dishes, he was taken aback slightly. Everything on the table was his favorite. This left a complicated feeling in his heart but he didn''t voice it out.


    Xiu sat at the dining table as well and continued to put different things in his bowl saying, "Try it! Hurry up! Don''t be shy."


    Nodding his head, he picked up his chopsticks and took the first bite. His expressions shifted visibly. He took the spoon and scooped up some soup to take a sip. And the reaction was still the same. This taste... It was so familiar. Even the feeling of warmth it brought within him was very familiar to him.


    *Flashback*


    ''I''m telling you, little assistant, you''ll miss me once I''m gone! Don''t say I didn''t warn you!'' Chen Xiu was used to warn him that way which he never took seriously.


    ''I don''t know whether I''ll miss you or not but I''ll certainly miss the food you make.'' He used to answer with graceful simplicity.


    She would laugh at his reply and say, ''Idiot! That''s just another way of saying you''ll really miss me.''


    ''How so?''


    ''Because you can''t find this taste anywhere else.'' One could hear the hint of pride and self-satisfaction in her voice.


    ''Aren''t you being narcissistic?''


    She shook her head at him, ''Not at all! Can you find the taste of your mother''s meals anywhere?''


    ''Not really.''


    ''That''s exactly why my food is also special. I don''t just add the ingredients, I add in all my love, sincerity, and magic that only belongs to me.''


    ''I can''t believe an award-winning actress is actually being proudful of her cooking skills instead of her acting skills. Sister Xiu, you''re truly one of a kind, eh!''


    She would unhappily glare at him and grumble, ''One day you''ll look for this taste everywhere but won''t be able to find it.''


    ''Then I''ll just find you,'' he answered.


    ''As if I''m that easy to find. Once I decided to hide, you won''t even be able to see my shadow! Then you''ll regret talking so rudely to me all the time. And looking down at my skills.''


    *End of Flashback*


    But the one thing he loved about the things she made was that it brought a very homey feeling. It reminded him of those summer days in his childhood where he would run home just to eat the food made by his mother. And he loved that feeling.


    "Is it that spicy?"


    Xiu''s question brought Han Bohai back to the present and he realized that this meal was made by the girl sitting before him. Who had the same name as his Sister Xiu.


    "Is it really spicy?" Xiu repeated her question and he shook his head in reply. "Then is it that bad?" He shook his head again. He seemed to have not eaten this good of a meal in years. How could it be bad? "Then why are you crying?"


    Only now did Han Bohai lifted his hand to touch the cheek where a tear was rolling down. He didn''t even realize when his tears had fallen. It was truly a wonder to himself how he could cry so easily and that too before a stranger. Perhaps, the taste of the food touched him so deeply that he couldn''t hold back his emotions.


    "Why are you really crying?" Xiu asked in a soft voice again.


    Shaking his head, he answered, "The taste just reminded me of someone."


    Xiu''s expressions also softened as she asked, "And who is that person?"


    "Someone very special," said Han Bohai.


    Xiu didn''t even notice how her lips curled up into a wide smile when she heard that. Even if he wasn''t talking about her, she''d just assume he was. That thought was enough to keep her happy for the whole day. Actually, no! Seeing him in person today was also enough to keep her in a good mood for the whole week.


    Wiping his tears, he said, "I''m sorry for spoiling the mood. I couldn''t help it."


    "It''s fine as long as you are enjoying the food." Xiu obviously didn''t mind anything right now. In fact, right now she was in such a good mood that even if someone slapped her she''d still be grinning like an idiot. "Eat more. Don''t hold back just because of me."


    Han Bohai didn''t need to be told twice. He was already enjoying this meal very much. How was he supposed to shy away now?


    Xiu couldn''t express in words just how much she was pleased to see the way Han Bohai enjoyed his food. It reminded her of old times when he would do anything to eat at her place. At every chance, he would avoid the takeout food saying, ''It''s not healthy. Homemade food is still the best.''


    Seeing him like this, Xiu thought he hadn''t changed at all. He was still that Xiao Bobo who heartily enjoyed eating everything she cooked no matter how simple it was. Even if she made instant noodles, he would say it tastes better when she made it.


    There was a bit of sadness in her eyes as she watched him eat. But mostly it was just pure happiness of seeing him so close. God really knew how to play this game. In the end, he was still brought right before her.

 567 That I Know

    "This has to be one of the most delicious meals I have had in years. Thank you so much! Thank you for having me here and for all your effort as well." Han Bohai felt like he had to express his gratitude from the bottom of his hearts. But he didn''t think words would do justice at all. Because this was more than just a meal for him. It was a trip down a memory lane that brought out so many feelings. However, for now, he only had words to offer. "I honestly don''t think words can do justice to how much I enjoyed it."


    Xiu was really happy to hear that. She had always been happy when someone complimented her food. But him saying it, mattered all the more to her at this moment. One could literally see her imaginary tail sticking up to the sky in a proudful manner and it even swayed from one side to another. Yes, that''s how pleased she was!


    "Since you''ve enjoyed it so much, how about washing the dishes then?" Han Bohai''s words got stuck in his throat and Xiu laughed at his reaction saying, "I''m just messing with you. How can I let my guest do that? I might be very shameless but I won''t let you do it at your first visit. Next time, you better come prepared."


    Han Bohai also ended up laughing along with her. "No wonder Ah-Ying said I remind her of you." It was strange how after just one meal, he felt a lot more comfortable with her. The previous fidgety feeling was all gone now. He didn''t even feel awkward with her. Instead, he felt quite close to Xiu now for some strange reason.


    Xiu giggled, "Ying Jie is a bit reserved. But she is very easy going. The only thing I don''t like about her is that she had always tried to accommodate people at the cost of her own wishes and feelings. That''s really disturbing to me. However, I''ll definitely change that about her."


    Shaking her head, she went on, "Let''s leave Ying Jie aside. I know her well and if you love her, you must also know her well by now."


    "I think I already got what kind of person she is," stated Han Bohai.


    "I thought so," agreed Xiu. "But we don''t know anything about you yet. So, let''s talk about you."


    "Me?" Han Bohai was startled. "What is there to talk about me? I thought my life was already an open book to people."


    Xiu however didn''t agree or disagree with his words. Instead, she asked, "Do you love Ying Jie? Do you really love Ying Jie?"


    As she mentioned Ying, Han Bohai smiled widely, "I do. I really do love her."


    "Why?" asked Xiu. "I mean she said it''s love at first sight. Sorry, but I don''t believe in that thing. So, what really made you fall for her at first sight?"


    Xiu listened to his words attentively without interrupting at all. She still remembered how he used to only think about work and found love to be very troublesome. So, it''s true. When your heart is not in it even the most perfect person can''t catch your attention. But when your heart is in it, even the most flawed person can become the center of your attention.


    "I can see how you really managed to move Ying Jie''s heart," stated Xiu in a soft voice with affection. "Although she is an easygoing person, she can be really stubborn about her feelings."


    "She says she is only accepting me as her Trial Boyfriend."


    "Trial Boyfriend is still a boyfriend," answered Xiu that took Han Bohai off guard since that was exactly what he said to Ying. "Besides, you can just assume that on the road to being the official boyfriend, Trial boyfriend is just another checkpoint. It really doesn''t matter much."


    Han Bohai laughed at her reply and nodded, "I agree completely."


    "Of course you agree. Xiu is never wrong anyway."


    Han Bohai looked at her expressions with amusement but didn''t say anything about her ''I''m always right'' comment. He didn''t know why but he couldn''t bring himself to refute her words. Ah! No wonder Ying said he''d never win an argument with her. And even might just give in early. He finally realized that she wasn''t wrong about it.


    "I just suddenly realized that we haven''t been properly introduced yet," said Xiu as she extended her hand toward him. "Hi! I''m Bai Xiu. Although I have no blood relation with Ying Jie, I still love and respect her as my own elder sister. Currently, I''m unemployed so I''m just wandering around like a poor ghost. So, don''t feel bad that I wasted my time cooking a meal for you because I actually had nothing better to do. So might as well just make someone happy."


    "Hello!" He took her hand in his own as he continued, "Han Bohai. Although I haven''t known Ah-Ying for long, I believe love isn''t something to be measured on the basis of time. So, I can assure you my feelings aren''t that fickle." He took a pause and added, "And I''m an actor."


    "That I know," said Xiu with a huge smile.


    "You do?" he questioned amusingly.


    "Of course, I do!"

 568 Match Made In Heaven

    Han Bohai pursed his lips when she said, ''I know.''


    "So, you do know that I''m an actor?" he asked in feigned astonishment.


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him as she said, "Who doesn''t know that? Who dares say they don''t know my br... I mean that Han Bohai is an actor. Everyone knows that already. Don''t you know how popular you are? Millions of fans look up to you."


    He suddenly felt like he really liked listening to her, so he on purpose asked, "So, are you one of those fans?"


    Xiu didn''t even hesitate before nodding her head.


    "I don''t believe that," said Han Bohai with a certain tone.


    "Why not?" Xiu was baffled. "I''m your biggest fan. In fact, I promise you that I''m your very first fan as well."


    Han Bohai shook his head saying, "Sorry! The title of my biggest fan and the very first fan, both belong to someone else." He lowered his eyes as he completed his words in his head with, ''But that''s different that person is no longer with us.''


    Xiu didn''t want to argue with him. She got up and went to her bedroom. Soon she came back hugging a scrapbook. The size was bigger than a normal-sized scrapbook and one could clearly see that it was handmade. She placed it right before him and said, "See? I might not be the biggest fan but I ain''t a joke either."


    He looked at her face before he untied the ribbon and looked through the scrapbook. It had everything related to him. From his very first debut to his latest achievements. It was like a memory album she had kept very preciously.


    Xiu had never planned on going back to look for Han Bohai after rebirth but after he debuted, it was inevitable for her to see him here and there. That''s when she felt really proud of him. So, since she couldn''t tell him about her condition, she chose to keep memories of him with herself to accompany her.


    If one asked Xiu, who knew Chen Xiu the best, the answer would always be Han Bohai. This little brother had accompanied her for long enough to know what kind of a person she really was. And she was the closest to him as well. That''s why this little brother held a very special place in her life. Just because she was willing to forget the bad people in her previous life doesn''t mean she wasn''t willing to forget the good ones. Especially when the good ones were very rare to her previously.


    Han Bohai didn''t see how pleased she looked right now with herself. His attention was stuck on the content of this book. Especially...


    //Xiao Bobo finally chose to debut. I already feel proud.


    //Xiao Bobo got his first award today!


    //Xiao Bobo is gonna work with a Hollywood Director! I''m feeling nervous for him. But I know he''d do his best!


    //I''m mad at the staff of the show. How could they mix up his drinks? Poor baby ended up in a hospital.


    //Xiao Bobo looks really good in purple. It''s still his color!


    When he looked up, his eyes were bleary. He couldn''t seem to focus. He blinked several times before he was able to see her face clearly. "Now, tell me? Aren''t I fan?"


    "Why did you write, ''Xiao Bobo''?"


    Xiu was stunned to her place and bit her tongue. Stupid! Idiot! Just to prove that she was a die-hard fan, she actually placed the scrapbook before him? She totally forgot that she had written her own comments as well. But wasn''t it the way fans would do? What was there to be afraid of? A bizarre idea like transmigration or reincarnation won''t come to his science proof brain.


    "Oh, that''s because I liked that nickname," she answered without hesitation. Technically, she wasn''t lying so it wasn''t hard to appear this calm.


    Han Bohai thought about it before nodding, "So, you really are a fan. No wonder you knew what I liked to eat."


    "Yes, that''s the perfect explanation."


    "But..." Xiu looked up at him as he continued, "Usually when I meet fans they would scream, jump, cry, some might even faint. They either ask for a photo or an autograph. You didn''t behave like that so I couldn''t really believe that you really are a fan."


    Xiu waved her hand offhandedly, "Of course, I won''t act like that. It''s not my age to chase idols."


    "You look very young to me though," retorted Han Bohai.


    Xiu coughed slightly before saying, "It''s my soul that''s old."


    "Oh."


    She took her scrapbook back and pressed her lips together before speaking, "But I do have a request."


    "Really?" His brows quirked up. "Just tell me."


    "I want to hug you," said Xiu making his brows scrunched up. "Don''t get me wrong. I''m just trying to gather some good energy from my idol. That''s all. Since I''m currently jobless, I''m looking for good luck."


    "I don''t mind it," he replied simply. During fan meetings, he had been through many outlandish requests. Hers seemed very simple actually.


    But she looked very happy to have gotten his permission. So, without even thinking Xiu hugged him tightly. Han Bohai froze on his spot again. Why did she affect him so much?


    "You grew up really well, little brother," she mumbled against his chest but he didn''t hear her. Pulling away, she lifted her hand to touch his face as she said, "You are really tall."


    "Did you just realize that?" he asked in amusement.


    "Nope! I knew it even before this. Today, you just seem extra tall." She smiled affectionately at him. ''You are standing at the top now, of course, you''d be tall.''


    Han Bohai didn''t know what to say. Fortunately, his phone rang and saved him from another awkward silence. Reading the message from his assistant, he turned to Xiu, "I have to leave now. My flight is in an hour."


    "Oh," Xiu was visibly disappointed to hear that but she still said, "Have a safe journey and take care of yourself."


    As he was about to exit through the door, she called, "Actually I have one more request."


    He turned around to ask, "What is it?"


    "Promise to love my Ying Jie always like the way you do right now."


    "I can''t promise that." Xiu frowned at his reply. "Because I''m certain I''ll only love her even more." Xiu''s eyes couldn''t help brightening up at his response. He really got cheekier, eh?


    With that, she watched him leave and dropped down on her sofa with a blank expression. Meeting him felt almost like a dream to her. She had never expected to meet him in such a situation.


    Also, Ying Jie and Xiao Bobo... Hmmm...


    This really seems like a match made in heaven!

 569 Pigeon!

    Han Bohai had no idea what he had been feeling as he came out of the residential building to get inside the car that had been waiting for him.


    "Brother Han, why are getting so unruly these days?" As soon as he got inside the car, his assistant, Wen Qing started nagging. "You don''t even tell me and vanish on your own. What am I supposed to do if others ask me where you are? You have never been this irresponsible before."


    Han Bohai leaned his head against the back of his seat and closed his eyes. For some reason, he couldn''t get that taste of the food, or even the way Xiu kept looking at him out of his mind. He felt there was something different in the way she looked at him. It didn''t seem like a fan''s love and admiration. It looked more like a proud mother''s look who looked at him gently, and affectionately. The thought even startled him as well.


    "Qingqing..."


    "Hm? What is it?"


    "Can I hug you?"


    Wen Qing gaped at him in disbelief before cowering back a little as she replied, "What for?"


    "I need to check something," replied Han Bohai. "Just let me hug you."


    "Oh-okay!" she agreed but rather reluctantly.


    Han Bohai hugged her not very tightly like how Xiu did but he didn''t feel anything. It was just a hug and he honestly felt nothing about it. Then why did the hug with Xiu felt such a complicated impression in his mind? Technically speaking, he knew Wen Qing for four years and he only met Xiu today. But why was there such a huge disparity in the feelings he got from both of them?


    Was it really because Xiu''s name and her food reminded him of Sister Xiu?


    "Can you let go Brother Han? It''s getting awkward now?"


    "Oh." Han Bohai pulled away and leaned back in his seat again. Closing his eyes, he decided not to overthink about it for now.


    ....


    Meanwhile, Xiu was still wondering how to help her Xiao Bobo. He already managed to become Ying Jie''s trial boyfriend, now she just had to add fuel to fire and ignite Ying Jie''s feelings for him. She smirked to herself. Even the idea was wickedly delicious to her.


    Ah! Xiu, you''re so awesome!


    While she was busy praising herself, the doorbell rang. Whistling happily, she skipped over to the door and pulled it open. "Hello, dear guest!"


    But when the guest turned his head, her smile stiffened. "How do you always show up when I don''t feel like seeing your face?"


    "Hello to you too, Xiu!" greeted Dylan while pushing her shoulder to make way for himself as he just barged in like he owned the place. He certainly learned some things from Xiu. "Do you have something to eat? I''m famished!"


    Xiu looked at the time and said, "Dylan, did you just use your lunch break to come here just to annoy me?"


    "What do you want?" was Xiu''s straightforward question. She didn''t want him to dilly-dally when it was obvious that he chose this precious hour of his lunch to come over, just to find her. "If it''s about your piano lessons, I made it clear to you already; you''re hopeless."


    "Are you giving up so easily? What happened to the mighty Shifu?" reported Dylan while scooping a bowl of rice for himself and sitting down at the dining table.


    "It''s not that I''m accepting defeat, I can teach you piano but with your speed, it might take a year. Are you willing to wait that long just to ask Cali to be your girlfriend? I believe you can even have a child by then." Xiu also sat down with him and perched her face on her hand as she stared at him.


    Dylan swallowed the food before saying, "No, I can''t wait that long. Even if the idea of having a child with her is very enticing, I still can''t wait that long. By the way, why did you cook this much?"


    Xiu completely overlooked his last question and continued to say, "Then if you can''t wait, what are you up to?"


    "Glad that you asked," said Dylan as he placed his chopsticks down and smiled at Xiu. "Now, I''m gonna use my trump card."


    "What''s your trump card?" she retorted.


    "It''s not what. Ask who?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him and asked, "Okay then Mr. Dylan Qiu, do tell me WHO is the trump card?"


    "Ladies and gentlemen," Dylan made an exaggerating manner of using his spoon as his mic as he went on, "Give a big round of applause for my trump card, my one and only sister-in-law, Bai Xiu! Yay!!" With that, he even dared to clap right before her face.


    "I''m gonna smack your face, do you believe me?"


    "I do," he answered honestly. "I know you won''t hesitate but I also know that you want me to be happy. So, you''d definitely do what I say."


    Xiu held her forehead as she said, "You''ve gotten sharp."


    Dylan grinned at her saying, "So, are you up for it?"


    Hearing his plan, she nodded. "I''m okay. But tonight is not an option. Let''s do it tomorrow instead. I''ve something important planned for tonight."


    "Great minds think alike," stated Dylan happily. "I have already planned everything for tomorrow. You just have to show up and see if everything is fine."


    Xiu was really surprised seeing him acting like this. So, she didn''t even want to make a cutting remark for him. "You''re truly taking advantage of a jobless person now."


    "My company is still waiting for you. Do you want to come back to work?"


    Xiu shook her head. "No, thanks! I''m looking for a job."


    "What kind of job are you looking for?"


    "I have no idea!" replied Xiu plainly. "I mean, I still don''t want to do that 9 to 5 job. I''m not an early bird. It''s not my cup of tea."


    "You''re neither a night owl, buddy!" Dylan pointed out knowingly.


    Xiu sighed out, "Yes, yes. I''m neither an early bird nor a night owl. I''m just some sort of permanently exhausted pigeon!"

 570 Ill Be There, Boss!

    "Pfft!"


    Dylan couldn''t help laughing at Xiu making her lips twitch along with an itch to beat him getting stronger within her. Control! She reminded herself. Self-restraint is necessary! He is officially my brother-in-law, I can''t just beat him up. Not just yet! Let''s hold back for a while longer.


    "That''s like the most accurate description of yourself. Permanently exhausted pigeon! Haha!"


    Xiu gripped the hem of her shirt tightly in her fist. However, Dylan really wasn''t getting the hint!


    "From now on, I''ll call you, Piggy! What''s up Piggy? OMG! It''s so funny! Haha!"


    *Smack!*


    Finally unable to hold back, Xiu kicked his leg from under the table.


    "OW!" he yelled as he looked at her with a look of grievance.


    Xiu smiled as if nothing happened and calmly reminded him, "Just because I don''t have a job, doesn''t mean I''ve lost my temper. If anything, it''s gotten worse in the previous week. So, don''t push your luck with me."


    Dylan rubbed the sore spot as he observed her expressions and pointed out, "Why does it seem like you''re really in a good mood today?"


    "Oh? What gave that away?" asked Xiu with feigned astonishment.


    Dylan tapped his chin before saying, "I don''t know. Normally, if I teased you like this, you''d have already beaten me to a pulp. Also, usually, it takes a lot of begging, pleading, and bribing before you agree to help me. Today, none of that happened. You actually readily agreed to help me." He took a brief pause before adding thoughtfully, "Unless you''re possessed, the only reasonable reason could be that you''re in a good mood. Now, since you''ve already possessed this body, I already can cancel the first option. So, that brings me to ask, why are you in a good mood? Did something good happen?"


    "Dylan, take my advice and spend even more time with Cali."


    "Why?"


    "Her intelligence is rubbing off on you. How great is that!"


    Dylan stared at her face with a blank look.


    Seeing how she didnn''t manage to get the reaction she was hoping for, she went on, "Anyway, you''re right. I am indeed in a very good mood today. Something really good happened."


    "What is it?" Dylan was immediately like a curious cat.


    "That..." Xiu drawled her words with a sweet smile before finishing with, "I won''t tell you."


    Dylan leaned back in his seat in annoyance. "Why hype it up if you aren''t even gonna share it with me?"


    "It''s fun to burst your bubble," she replied simply.


    Dylan happily ate in silence and even when he asked for a second bowl, Xiu didn''t refuse him. She indeed enjoyed seeing people eat with gusto. And in this busy life, homemade food was a luxury for most people. Not to forget, it had become a form of happiness and comfort to some people. So, how could she refuse anyone?


    After Dylan was done eating, he sprawled on his seat in a very bad posture.


    "What are you doing?" she questioned seeing him sighing to himself.


    "I''m thinking," he replied.


    "About?"


    Dylan took a moment before he spoke in a small voice, "What if Cali didn''t accept my feelings? What if she rejected me?"


    Xiu placed the dishes in the sink and looked over in his direction with a strange look. "Are you nuts? There is still a doubt that she''d reject your feelings? You guys have literally been stuck to each other from the time you started courting her."


    Dylan sat up straight and said, "That''s only because I didn''t give her a way out. I literally stuck to her on my own. Maybe I was being nuisance. She had feelings for me, but you never know about feelings. They change faster than weather. There is a possibility that she met some handsome guy on this trip and her heart swayed? You never really know."


    Xiu smacked the back of his head, "When did you get so self-conscious? Besides, you tell me did you fall for Cali because of her looks?"


    Dylan hurriedly shook his head, "I like her maturity, stability, loyalty and the peace she brings to my heart."


    "There you go! You answered your own worries." Dylan looked at her in perplexion. "Cali isn''t the kind of person to be swayed by just looks. It''s the sincerity that matters." She took a pause and patted his shoulder saying, "And don''t forget rejecting someone''s feelings isn''t a crime. It doesn''t make you a bad person. But if you are playing with someone''s feelings that does make you a bad person. Every person has the right to accept or reject someone''s feelings."


    "So, you think she''ll reject me?"


    Xiu again rolled her eyes at this dumbo! "No! Focus, Dylan! I just told you a fact. I didn''t mean she will reject you. Stop overthinking about it."


    Dylan thought about her words and nodded his head saying, "I guess I''lll just have faith in my own sincerity and believe that it has moved her heart."


    Xiu gave him a thumbs up. "Good for you. Now, get out! Your lunch hour is already over."


    "I still have ten minutes," he said cheekily.


    "And you also have to ride back," she reminded.


    "Oh." With that he turned to the door. But stopped for a moment to say, "Don''t forget to be on time tomorrow. I specially came to invite you."


    Xiu grinned at him saying, "Bro, I love getting invited to places. But it''s the showing up part that bothers me."


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her. She waved him off saying, "Fine, fine. I''ll be there, boss!"


    Satisfied with her response, Dylan left the apartment leaving Xiu to curse at him behind his back.

 571 Tea Talk

    -NBIR Headquarters-


    Intelligence Division...


    Yan Ying''s eyes were stuck to the screen of the computer while she held her head in both of her hands. The information before her was very detailed. Chen Xiu''s mother slash manager; Chen Hana''s life history was displayed before her. The only problem was that it lacked exactly what she had been looking for; Chen Hana''s current location!


    "You''re telling me we are not able to track a civilian?" Ying''s voice was low, dangerously low as her eyes lifted up and moved over every face in the room. "We are one of the best intelligence teams in all of Asia! Bloody hell! You''re making us lose face here!"


    "Team Leader, it''s not that we can''t locate the normal civilian. The issue is that the civilian isn''t in our country for the past three years. Chen Hana took a flight to Thailand three years ago and she never returned."


    Ying took a deep breath to calm herself and said, "Isn''t her maternal family from Thailand? That makes it very easy to find her!"


    "Actually, we have already checked. There is no living person in her maternal family."


    "Then why did she go to Thailand?" questioned Ying.


    "How would we know that? But since she never took any flight back that means, she is still in Thailand."


    "Great! That makes it easy for us to find her." Ying jumped up to her feet with a newfound vigor and a lead.


    "Investigator Yan, are you purposely forgetting that there are many islands in Thailand that don''t even have the access to electricity. That means no internet as well. We can''t get any information unless..."


    "Dispatch the field agents," instructed Ying without hesitation. Seeing them hesitating, she asked, "What now? Can''t I even depend on field agents now?"


    "Team Leader, we can''t dispatch any member of the team unless there is an official order from the higher-ups. For now, this mission had been assigned by you. All we did had already gone against the rules."


    "Oh, that''s the problem..." Thinking about it, she turned around to head towards the door saying, "You guys decide who is taking on this mission. I''m gonna go get that permission letter."


    "Roger that!"


    Yan Ying was about to head towards Xin Zimen''s office but halfway through changed her direction and went over to Director Su''s office instead. Knocking twice, she headed in and saw her aunt sipping on her tea languidly.


    "Having fun, Feifei?" teased Ying.


    "Did you lost your way, dear niece? Your godfather''s office is on the other side of the hallway."


    Ying didn''t mind her remark as she sat down without waiting to be asked to sit down and even poured herself some tea saying, "I originally wanted to see my godfather but I thought my aunt is also resourceful."


    "Lonely? Don''t you always say you married your work?"


    Su Feifei narrowed her eyes at her dearest niece as she said, "You always have an answer for everything, eh?"


    "Thank you! I believe you taught me well."


    Shaking her head Su Feifei put her cup down elegantly and asked, "What is it? How can this aunt be of help?"


    "I want to dispatch some field agents for a personal mission. Can you sign the permission letter?"


    Su Feifei hummed softly before asking, "Give me the details of the mission and let me see what I can do?"


    "It''s top secret. Can''t you just sign the permission letter?"


    "Then how about trading something for that permission letter?"


    Ying''s brows furrowed up. "What is it?"


    Placing her phone before Ying''s eyes, she went on, "Tell me where did this boyfriend come from? Not that I mind though, he is pretty cute and most importantly have a very clean record."


    "Did you actually looked through his background?" Ying was feeling irritated suddenly.


    "Hold your horses! He is my best friend''s nephew. I''ve been hearing about him since he was a young kid. His uncle is his background. I didn''t need to do anything."


    Ying finally relaxed and leaned back in her chair.


    "So? He is really the boyfriend?"


    "Do you have any doubt?" retorted Ying knowingly.


    "No, I don''t. But I do wonder if you really like him or not?"


    Ying snickered, "If I didn''t like him, why would I even date him?"


    "I just don''t want you to rush up with this stuff just because your grandmother had been pushing you incessantly. It''s about your life. It''s about your happiness. And don''t forget, for this aunt of yours, your happiness is all that matters. I would never want my niece to take a decision against her wishes."


    Ying couldn''t help smiling at her. There was a rare kind of expression on Su Feifei''s face. Although Ying always knew that her aunt loved her dearly, today she just felt it even more greatly. Unlike her grandmother, this woman would never force her to do anything she never wanted to. In fact, she knew that if she said it once, Su Feifei wouldn''t hesitate before going against Shania Chuan.


    Ying extended her hand and placed it on top of Su Feifei''s as she said honestly, "Aunt, I didn''t decide to date him because I was under some pressure. I''m raised by you, how can I give in so easily? I''m pretty stubborn like you." Su Feifei''s smiled gently at her but didn''t speak, letting Ying continue, "This is all that idiot''s fault who came like a storm in my life started wreaking havoc in my heart. I don''t know what is it about it, I''m supposed to push him away but he somehow kept sneaking in. There is something about the way he says he loves me that I''m not able to reject his advances."


    Taking a deep breath, she added, "Maybe I''m fickle. Or maybe for once, I want to be loved and not to be the one who loves. Does that make sense?"


    Su Feifei stood up from her leather chair and came around the desk to rub her niece''s head. "It makes a lot more sense to me now." She kissed her forehead and asked, "Tell me honestly, does he make you happy?"


    "He does," answered Ying.


    Su Feifei ruffled her hair. "Then that''s enough for this aunt of yours." Saying that she went back to her seat and added, "I''m gonna sign that permission letter."


    "Thanks!"


    Su Feifei waved her off but didn''t forget to mention, "Oh, by the way, you should check up on your godfather. I heard he had been absent for two days. Someone even mentioned that he is sick."


    Ying''s expressions changed as she hurriedly stood up and said, "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Seeing how her niece ran off without even getting her permission letter that she came for, Su Feifei shook her head as she muttered, "I was being selfish. Because I wanted my niece to sit down with me for a while as well. If I told you earlier, you wouldn''t have stuck around for tea talk."

 572 Chopped Into A Million Pieces

    On her way to the Xin Villa, Ying had constantly been cursing herself. She was trying to avoid seeing Xin Zimen because she knew she''d give away some hints to him. He was just that kind of a person who could read her like an open book. And especially since she had never hidden anything from him, she''d seem even more suspicious. However, she couldn''t just go and tell everything to Xin Zimen as well. At least not until she was certain about everything herself.


    Ying''s car had just swerved through the iron gates of the villa when her eyes caught sight of a figure pacing around anxiously. Ying didn''t stop to look around more as she drove past that person.


    Alighting from the car, she rushed over towards the entrance with a furious look.


    Seeing that her expressions weren''t very friendly, the maid instinctively pointed towards the back garden saying, "Master is having tea in the pavilion."


    So, she came to the back garden to see Xin Zimen happily chatting with Ah-Si who seemed to be talking nonstop which was very unlike him.


    "Oh, Ying Jie! What''s up? You didn''t even give me any details about your date."


    "Let''s talk about that later," said Ying to Ah-Si and sat down on the stone seat beside Xin Zimen as she looked him up and down. "What''s wrong with you? How did you fall ill?"


    "I''m fine," said Xin Zimen while pushing her hand away from his forehead.


    "Then why didn''t you go to work for these two days?" asked Ying.


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "Yesterday, I did have a simple fever." Ying''s eyes widened but he continued, "But today, I''m okay. It was really a very trivial matter. As for today, this son of mine kept hugging my leg and didn''t let me leave for work. I couldn''t refuse him."


    Ah-Si grinned as if proud of his actions as he even announced, "Yes, yes. I literally held his leg to stop him."


    Ying gave Ah-Si a thumbs up saying, "There are indeed some privileges of being the youngest."


    Ah-Si was very happy because Ying''s remark sounded like a compliment to him. "Ying Jie, there are some rose pastries I saved for you. Let me get it now."


    As he ran inside the house, Ying''s eyes couldn''t help looking at his back as she commented, "Why do I feel like his youthful spirit is back?" Shaking her head, she added, "No, that''d be wrong since he wasn''t this cheerful even in his youth."


    Xin Zimen glanced at Ying''s face saying, "When a man becomes a father, he starts living his youth all over again. As the child reaches different milestones of life, the parents feel like they are living through those moments all over again. It''s actually a very fascinating feeling." He took a pause before adding, "And let''s not forget that if the child is a girl, then the fathers would do anything to become their superheroes. I guess Ah-Si is just trying to do his best to become the best human being for his daughter."


    "You''re really missing Linlin, eh?"


    "It''s odd but right now, your feelings are written all over your face."


    Xin Zimen didn''t say anything to deny her words and gave his tacit reply making Ying feel like the most guilty person all over again. But even if her research led to the answer she was hoping for... What''d be the point? Because one way or another, Chen Xiu was dead already.


    Ying had just opened her mouth to say something when...


    "Ying''er!"


    Ying hurriedly hid behind Xin Zimen''s chair like a rabbit as she said, "Ah-Li, listen to me first. You can''t judge a situation from one perspective. She had touched my bottom-line. So, I ended up slapping her."


    Xin Zimen''s brows quirked up as he tilted his head to glance at Ying, questioning, "You actually slapped Qiu Meihui?"


    Ying rubbed her neck sheepishly, "I did. But..."


    "I don''t believe it!" Xin Zimen honestly couldn''t believe this fact. He knew Ying best. He knew this girl had a lot of patience. Otherwise, she''d have long smacked some sense into Qiu Meihui''s brain. But she always lived with restraint. No matter what, it wasn''t that easy to make Ying act on impulse.


    "I think you should believe it, dad," said Xin Xiaoli as he came up to both of them. "She really slapped Meihui."


    "You can''t yell at me for that," warned Ying. "She was truly in the wrong this time around."


    "I''m not here to yell at you," stated Xiao Li while rubbing his forehead. "But will you tell me what really happened?"


    "Didn''t she tell you?" Ying widened her eyes in shock since she had expected Qiu Meihui to have exaggerated everything by now like she always did.


    "Meihui didn''t tell me anything. She was just crying badly. It was Liu Nuan who told me about what you did. However, I don''t trust her version of the story. So, will you tell me what really happened?"


    "Oh," Ying finally understood. These best friends truly knew how to stage a show. One cried pitiful tears to gather sympathy and the other complained about the grievance her best friend suffered at the hands of a brutal villain; Ying who should be chopped up into a million pieces by now to repay for such crime! Pei!


    Xin Zimen shook Ying''s body saying, "Stop playing the monologue in your head. Just answer it already, even I''m curious why you became so impulsive all of a sudden."


    Ying shuddered at the way Xin Zimen read her mind at a glance and answered honestly, "Actually I was already very stressed about something. Then that stupid Liu Nuan said somethings that made me even angrier. The rest of the patience I had was kicked away by Meihui herself. Who told her to insult someone''s feelings? I couldn''t take it when she actually pulled a dead person out of its grave to condemn her feelings."


    Ying pouted at Xin Zimen as she asked, "Did I do something wrong? I never spoke when it was me. But what right does she have to question someone''s feelings?" She took a pause and added, "And let''s be honest, she had it coming for years."


    Xiao Li took a deep breath and said, "Let''s have some private talk."


    Ying held on to Xin Zimen''s arm shaking her head like a rattle, "No! You''re angry! I don''t want to hear anything from you."


    "Are you kidding me?! I just have something to talk with you," Xiao Li was really didn''t know whether to laugh or be angry at this stubborn girl who acted like he was gonna beat her.


    "Let''s just talk here. Right before Zizi!"


    "Dad, say something to her."


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I was asked to never interfere between two best friends. I''ll keep my distance from this."


    Ying grinned happily while Xiao Li was left speechless at this biasedness of his father. His family truly was one of a kind.

 573 Cute Brother

    "For once, can you be a little less biased between us?"


    Hearing his son''s question, Xin Zimen turned his head to look at Ying who blinked innocently then looked back at Xiao Li and deadpanned, "No. I think I''d like to stay biased in this way."


    "Dad! I''m your son!"


    "Thanks for reminding me," retorted Xin Zimen making Ying laugh at Xiao Li''s frustration. "On another note, there is no point trying to convince me that Ying is in the wrong. Even if she is, I still won''t say anything to her. She''s someone''s daughter, you or I have no right to shout at her."


    "I knew it! You''ll just find a way to side with her," said Xiao Li and looked at Ying who was making faces at him, standing behind his father. And whenever his father looked back, she would turn into an innocent girl.


    "If you think I''ll say sorry to her, forget it." Ying certainly wasn''t gonna say sorry to Meihui. Not this time around. Till today, Meihui had never said sorry for everything she did to Ying. Whether it was insulting, embarrassing, or even slapping Ying, Meihui had done it all. And even did it before many people. Yet, Ying never asked her to apologize for that. But just because she could take it down and move on for the greater cause didn''t mean she was willing to apologize. This time, for Ying, Meihui went too far when she insulted a dead person. In her opinion, she could say anything to her since Ying was alive to defend herself. But how was Chen Xiu''s soul gonna come back to prove her feelings and innocence?


    Whether good or bad, once a person is dead, one shouldn''t taint their names in any way. That had been Ying''s belief for life. And she wasn''t willing to change it.


    While Xiao Li was fuming more and more because of Ying''s incitement, Ah-Si ran back to them with a plate full of rose cakes. "Ying Jie, try it out. I asked the maids to make your favorite milk tea as well. I''m telling you these cakes are absolutely chef''s kiss. You''d love it."


    "If you''re the one saying it, I''m already sold!" Ying finally walked out of Xin Zimen''s protection zone and went up to Ah-Si to taste the rose cakes that Ah-Si had been so excited about. "Mmm..." Ying really liked the taste and even turned around to ask, "Ah-Li, would you like a bite? It''s really good."


    Xiao Li ground his teeth but still walked over to take a bite. However, Ying snatched the plate from Ah-Si and ran away while sticking her tongue at him she said, "You just yelled at me. Do you really think I''ll share it with you? Dream on!"


    Xin Zimen laughed at Ying''s childish antics and continued to scroll through his iPad. Meanwhile, Ah-Si turned to his brother to question, "Why did you yell at Ying Jie?"


    "I didn''t yell at her. My voice might have gotten a bit harsh because of my emotions. But she is the reason. Why did she have to slap Meihui out of nowhere?"


    Ying was already walking backward while eating her cakes happily, she nodded her head honestly and questioned, "Why is everyone''s reaction so weird? Is it that hard to believe that I slapped her?" Ah-Si''s head bobbed up and down implying that it was truly hard to believe that she could do it. "Why is that so?"


    "Because you''re a very nice person," answered Ah-Si sincerely.


    Ying frowned, "Don''t they call me the white lotus? Don''t they say, I only act nice in reality, I''m the real bitch?" Tilting her head slightly she went on, "And since I''m the white lotus, it shouldn''t be that difficult to believe."


    Ying waited a minute for them to reply but both Ah-Si and Xiao Li just kept staring at her in silence. She lifted her hand to touch her face as she asked, "Is something on my face? Why are you both staring at me like that?" Seeing how they still didn''t reply, her confusion intensified. "Zizi!" Since these two brothers of no use, she called out to Xin Zimen.


    Just as Xin Zimen looked up from his iPad screen, saw Ying, he abruptly stood up with his eyes narrowing into slits. "Zizi, what''s up with that dangerous expression? Is it directed at me?"


    "No, I believe that''s directed at me."


    Ying heard a deep voice from behind her and turned around. She was so shocked that she almost lost her footing. But before she could fall into the pond, her wrist was held by the newcomer who even asked in concern, "Are you okay?"


    Ying nodded her head, "I am absolutely fine. It''s just that I suddenly feel worried about you, Mr. Xin Zemin."


    Xin Zemin smiled at Ying''s expressions and shook his head, "Don''t be. I''m quite used to it."


    Both Ah-Si and Xiao Li once looked at their father''s clouded expressions before walking over to greet Xin Zemin. "Uncle Min, what a pleasant surprise!"


    Ying taking her chance ran over to Xin Zimen and placed the plate of rose cakes down on the table. She leaned closer to Xin Zimen and said, "Zizi, I thought I was wrong but now that he is here, I think I wasn''t."


    "What do you mean?"


    "When I turned through the driveway, I saw him pacing around looking in a dilemma. Seems like his worry for you won the battle. Otherwise, he wouldn''t dare to walk in the tiger''s den on his own."


    Xin Zimen''s expressions softened without realizing it as he looked at Ying and said, "Is it just me or you''ve been talking weird lately? Did you caught the bug?"


    "What bug?"


    "The bug people only catch called the season of new love and change."


    Ying eyes him strangely and hits his arm saying, "Stop trying to joke around. Your brother is here to meet you."


    "So?" Seeing his nonchalant behavior, Ying was startled.


    "Didn''t you always disliked him?"


    Xin Zimen patted her head saying, "It''s not... dislike. It''s more of anger I''m not able to let go of."


    Meanwhile...


    "Uncle Min, why are you here? Yesterday, dad was unconscious so you were able to leave unscathed but today, he is awake."


    Xin Zemin looked over at his brother''s face before turning to Ah-Si, "I just wanted to check up on him. Even if he is sick, he won''t tell anyone. So, I just had to made sure."


    "His fever is unpredictable like him. It comes and goes on its own," replied Ah-Si.


    Xin Zemin chuckled, "That''s true. His fever had always been like that, it''d go away just as fast as it came."


    Seeing how he was about to walk over to their father, both brothers again stopped him, "Are you sure you want to meet him?"


    "Dad is in a good mood today but I don''t think it''s good enough," reminded Ah-Si worriedly.


    "Relax, boys! I don''t see the hostility in his eyes today. So, that''s progress. Isn''t it?" With that, he left them behind and entered the pavilion with a straight face. "You''re Yan family''s only young miss, Yan Ying, right?"


    Ying laughed out awkwardly as she said, "I guess I''m famous. Even the person who doesn''t live in the country knows me. How great!" Smiling sheepishly she added, "It''s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Xin Zemin. Last time I saw you it was..." Ying bit her tongue and stayed quiet as her eyes instinctively shifted to Xin Zimen''s poker face.


    "Won''t you welcome me, little brother?" questioned Xin Zemin.


    Xin Zimen sat back down in his seat and said, "I don''t have a habit of welcoming uninvited guests."


    "Ouch! You''re still..." Xin Zimen lifted his brows as if waiting for him to finish that sentence. "Cute."


    "Pfft!"


    Ying couldn''t help laughing out and slapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself. "I''m sorry. I''m just not used to people calling Zizi, cute."


    Xin Zemin looked at Ying''s amused face and said, "Why? Little Miss Yan doesn''t think that my brother is cute? Even when he is brooding, I still find him quite adorable."


    Ying noticed how Zizi''s face was twitching and she couldn''t help pursing her lips before saying, "I do think Zizi is cute but that''s just me." Xin Zimen glared at Ying who in turn hurriedly made a run for her life saying, "I''ll leave you two to catch up. Have fun!"


    She had just run a few steps away when she came back and took her rose cakes saying, "Sorry! But I''m hungry. Hope you don''t mind."


    When she entered the house through the back door, she peeked out and muttered, "I pray for your safety, Mr. Xin Zemin. Hope Zizi goes easy on you with his piercing words."

 574 To Aim High!

    Ying had taken her spot at the windowsill with her rose cakes and milk tea. Not even for a minute did she stop eating just like how she never stopped looking in the direction of Zizi and his brother. From her angle, she could clearly see them sitting in silence as they sipped on tea. While Zizi was busy not paying his brother any attention, his brother''s eyes were stuck on Zizi''s face.


    While one brother''s face was expressionless, the other''s held a gentle expression. They looked so similar and yet so different. It was equally hard and easy to believe that these two were brothers.


    Somehow, even from her position, Ying felt awkward for those two who were sitting so close and yet were not saying anything to each other. She couldn''t even imagine how they were feeling. Was this the feeling of being so close and having hearts far apart? Tsk. Tsk. She didn''t find it amusing at all.


    "Ying Jie, what are you doing?"


    "Feeling very anxious," replied Ying in a daze. "The silent tension between them is so thick that even I''m getting affected from here. I really wonder why your uncle came today."


    "I think uncle only came to check up on dad." Ah-Si didn''t think much about his uncle''s visit since he had been here yesterday as well when his father was unconscious. Seeing how Ying''s face was getting pale from anxiousness, he patted her shoulder saying, "Relax! Dad is in a good mood today. I don''t think he''d have an argument with uncle."


    "Good mood?" repeated Ying and snorted, "As if that can stop him from doing whatever he wants."


    Bzzzz...


    Ying distractedly picked up her call, "What? Who is it?"


    "Why is it that as soon as I''m out of your vision, I become a non-existing person to you?" came a very hurt voice. "Is it like... Out of sight, out of mind? Aiyo..." Han Bohai sighed sadly as he added, "I''m hurt now."


    "When are you not hurt? Anyway, what do you want?" Ying got straight to point as she stretched her legs on the windowsill while leaning her back on the wall.


    "Why? Can''t I just call to ask how is my girlfriend?" came a prompt reply.


    "We practically met just five hours ago. How can anything go wrong with me in those five hours?"


    "Anything that can possibly go wrong will eventually go wrong in the blink of an eye without you or I realize it. How can five hours be short when I feel like it''s been five decades since I last saw you."


    "Eee... Can you stop with those crappy dialogues? It''s giving me goosebumps all over."


    Han Bohai chuckled at the response that he had been expecting from her. He was waiting for her to say something and when she didn''t he went on, "Don''t you have something to ask me?"


    "No, not really..." was Ying''s offhanded reply.


    "Oh." Han Bohai felt disappointed but wasn''t surprised by that response.


    "I already landed," replied Han Bohai feeling so sweet inside. She finally asked.


    "That''s good. Did you have a safe journey?"


    Now, Han Bohai felt like pink bubbles were floating in the air as not only sweetness but a warmth spread within him as well. "Yes. I arrived safely." He bit his bottom lip before adding, "Thanks for your concern."


    Ying waved her hand even though he couldn''t see it as she answered, "No need to mention that. As your girlfriend shouldn''t I be concerned about my boyfriend?"


    Han Bohai almost fell off his chair meanwhile Ah-Si who had been sitting beside Ying actually fell down on his buttock. Not because of how surprised he was to hear something like that from Ying but because he dared to laugh at Ying''s words and that earned him a kick from his Ying Jie. However, not learning his lesson at all, he still dared to laugh out loud.


    "What is that sound?" inquired Han Bohai after he managed to calm down his ''Ba-dum! Ba-dum!'' heart a little.


    Ying glared at Ah-Si as she replied, "Nothing, it''s a silly cat who can''t mind his own business."


    Ah-Si gaped at her in disbelief. He stood up from the ground and shouted so that Han Bohai could clearly hear him as well, "Ying Jie, if you called me a cat again, I''m gonna tell your boyfriend about your embarrassing childhood moments. I even have proof. Don''t mess with me!"


    "Ooohh... I''m so scared!" Ying feigned her reaction as she continued, "My little cat, don''t forget I also have some very interesting photos of yours. Do you want me to show it to your girlfriend or your daughter first? Which one would you like?"


    "Ying Jie!" Ah-Si exclaimed. "You said you deleted all those photos."


    Ying flipped her hair dramatically as she said, "I never said I won''t keep a backup."


    "No wonder dad loves you so much. You''re just like him, extremely calculative!"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders with a proud look as she answered, "There is nothing wrong with being calculative. After all, it''s survival of the fittest in this jungle of life. We should never let all our cards bare for others to see. That''s why it''s necessary to keep some cards up your sleeve. One should know what to pay back and when or how to do it!"


    "It''s useless arguing with you, isn''t it?" Ah-Si huffed. "Your boyfriend is still on the call?" Ying nodded her head. Ah-Si moved closer and said, "Hey, you! I don''t know yet who you are but you better cherish my Ying Jie. She might be a little psycho but she is a very nice person. Oomph!"


    Ying put her hand on his mouth and pushed his face away saying, "Stop it! And shoo!"


    "I know I know you want to have a personal talk with your boyfriend, I''ll just leave you alone then," grinned Ah-Si and left her side.


    Ying was shaking her head when she heard Han Bohai''s voice, "I suddenly really want to meet this little cat of yours."


    "Why?" asked Ying in amusement.


    "Didn''t he say he knows all your embarrassing moments? I really want to hear that!"


    "If you dared to even think about this, I''m gonna put a curse on you!"


    "Huh? A curse?" Han Bohai was quite curious. "What curse?"


    Ying thought about it for a while before saying, "Well, I''ll curse that you get mosquito bites right between your toes."


    "What?!" Han Bohai was dumbfounded before he laughed out loud. "That''s some cursing skill."


    "Are you laughing at me?" she questioned with a dangerous undertone.


    Han Bohai pursed his lips and shook his head but realizing that she couldn''t see it, he opened his mouth to say, "How can I even dare to laugh at you? Never! I can never do that."


    "Hmph!" Obviously Ying didn''t believe his words at all.


    "Ying!" he called out her name making his tone softer and gentler. Ying didn''t respond even though she didn''t hang up she wasn''t planning on answering either. "Dear girlfriend!" he called out again, this time in a loving tone. But Ying didn''t move, even though it made her heart itch a little. "Oh! My forever kind of love! Are you listening?! Don''t be angry with this boyfriend. I really wasn''t laughing at you." Ying''s lips curled up when she heard him. She wanted to say something but the way he called her made her want to be spoiled. "Urm... How about I tell you a joke to make you laugh?" His voice was getting panicky. He really wasn''t liking her silence.


    Since she still didn''t say a word, he just continued, "Next time, I want to take you on the plane with me. High up in the air. Do you wanna know why?" Ying furrowed her brows and really wanted to ask why but he answered his own question with, "Of course, to aim high! Hehe!"


    Ying facepalmed herself at this stupid joke. It was really stupid but it still made her smile like an idiot as well. What was wrong with her? Why did everything he said make her feel happy? Nothing really made any sense to her these days!


    She really didn''t believe that the color of an old love could wear off so easily and so soon. If it was really possible, how was she still dyed in the color that didn''t even suit her? However, she certainly knew one thing that Han Bohai was desperately trying to rub his own color on her. The thing was that Han Bohai never tried to remove her previous love from her heart. He was just doing everything to make his own place in that heart of hers.


    As her silence prolonged, his heartbeat got violent. He really didn''t know why but he was scared. Very scared as he called out in a voice that portrayed his current condition quite well, "Ah-Ying!"


    Ying''s heart shook as her eyes widened. But why?

 575 Double Wedding

    On her way to Jing House, Xiu was worried about Darren''s first meeting with her Uncle Jing. She already knew how Clara mom loved him but Uncle Jing was different. Even though he agreed to let her get the marriage certificate without as much reluctance as she had expected, but she didn''t know how he would react to meeting Darren.


    That''s why right now Xiu''s jaw almost hit the floor because right before her...


    "Son-in-law!" Uncle Jing not only looked happy, but he was also even hugging Darren like a real father-in-law. He even patted his shoulder saying, "Why did you bring presents? It''s not like we''re meeting for the first time."


    "But it''s my first time meeting you as your official son-in-law. Mama said I can''t come empty-handed." Darren was still as well-mannered before elders as Xiu remembered. But...


    "When did you guys meet? And why do I not know that?"


    Both Darren and Uncle Jing looked at Xiu''s frown and cleared it up that they knew each other even before Darren started dating Xiu. Since every time Xiu brought up her boyfriend''s name, she never described him in detail so Uncle Jing didn''t realize it was Darren until he and Clara met Darren with Francesca in a restaurant a few weeks ago.


    Only now Xiu understood why Uncle Jing''s reaction to her dating changed so dramatically lately.


    "France, it''s so great to see you again!" Clara greeted Francesca as if they were long time friends meeting after a long time. "But you didn''t have to bring presents. That''s totally unnecessary since we are a family now."


    Xiu''s brows knitted up even more. Just last night over the dinner weren''t they talking about their first meeting to Clara mom and Uncle Jing? Oh, wait! The exact words of Francesca were, ''I have to meet them as well. Let''s visit them tomorrow. You both have to pay your respect as well.''


    She snorted to herself. So, it turned out this is just their first visit to this house as in-laws. Otherwise, they have had their introductions done already. How stupid of her to be worried over nothing!


    "Mama, I thought you didn''t know Clara mom and Uncle Jing since you said you want to meet them." Xiu was pouting adorably at this turn of events. So, it turned out even she could be pretty clueless about some things.


    "Of course, I had to meet them how else we will decide the wedding details? You aren''t expecting to be done with it with just these marriage certificates, do you?"


    Hearing that reply, Xiu pursed her lips and shook her head, "Obviously not. That''s all up to you guys." With that, she lowered her head and stopped talking. With how excited these people were, she couldn''t just dampen their moods by saying that she was very much content with these certificates, that''s all!


    Tugging at Darren''s sleeve, she complained, "You didn''t even tell me that you met Uncle Jing as well."


    Xiu felt touched to hear that. She was very happy to see that Darren respected and admired her Clara mom and Uncle Jing just like she did. But she was not happy about the fact right now Clara mom was busy with Francesca while Uncle Jing was talking to Darren. She however was left to sidelines to stare at them.


    Excuse me? Is no one even gonna talk to her here?


    Since no one actually paying her any attention, she decided to help the maid in the kitchen but she was about to enter the kitchen when an arm slung around her neck in a tight grip and came a raging voice.


    "Xiu, the viper!"


    "Ow! Nora, that hurts!" Xiu tried slapping her arm away but Nora wasn''t willing to.


    "Oh, I''m doing it to hurt you, bloody turncoat!" Nora was still not done as she went on, "You have any idea when I heard from mom and dad that you got married without even inviting me how hurt I was? Bloody traitor! What kind of best friend are you?!"


    Xiu finally understood why Nora was so mad. Well, she couldn''t just say that she hadn''t expected it. And she also couldn''t deny that she hurt her.


    "I''m sorry! I was in a rush."


    Nora let her grip loosened up but her hand still lingered on her shoulder as she asked, "Why? Tell me, are you pregnant?"


    "WHAT?!" Xiu exclaimed so loudly that even the elders in the other room heard her voice.


    Darren even came running over as he asked, "Is everything okay?"


    Nora who had her hand over Xiu''s mouth smiled at Darren with hostility and said, "Everything is abso-bloody-lutely peachy! Don''t worry, brother-in-law!" Darren felt fidgety when she addressed him like that and added, "You should get back to the room. I have things to discuss with my sister."


    Darren looked at Xiu who could only nod at him to let him know that she was fine and he didn''t have to worry. After he reluctantly left, Nora dragged Xiu to her room and locked the door. Then turned around to face Xiu as she questioned again, "So? Are you really pregnant? You can tell me anything."


    "What nonsense are you spouting? There is nothing like that. This is my time to enjoy a honeymoon period. Why would I want a kid to intervene in this time? At least, for five or ten years, I hope there is none!"


    Nora squinted her eyes at Xiu and placed her hands on her hips. "Other than that reason I can''t think of a reason why you guys would opt for a shotgun wedding. I mean it''s not like your parents don''t agree and you had to elope."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Nora as she said, "Don''t be ridiculous. It''s nothing like that. I don''t consider it a shotgun wedding since we didn''t hold the ceremony. We just got our certificates legally."


    "So, should I call it a flash marriage then?"


    "How is that a flash marriage? I have been dating him for months and didn''t I repeatedly told you that I want to marry him? Let''s think it like this, one day I opened my eyes and looked at the beautiful sky only to realize that there won''t be a better day than today to become Mrs. Salvay. And that led me to the Civil Affairs Bureau."


    Nora sat down beside Xiu on the bed and said, "You really know how to do everything that comes to your mind."


    "Well, I don''t like wasting time when I''m certain of what I want."


    Nora smiled at Xiu and nodded, "You certainly don''t waste any time at all." She took a pause to add, "But I had so much planned for my sister''s wedding. I thought I''d be your maid of honor. I used to tell you all about that. How can you do this to me? But then again, now you don''t need me since you have your husband. How can I compare to him? Poor me!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Nora and punched her arm. "Stop it, eh! I didn''t forget any of your stupid wedding dreams. And the wedding ceremony is still gonna happen. You can still be my maid of honor if you want to be."


    "What do you mean if I want to be? Aren''t you gonna ask me to be your maid of honor? If not me, who else are you gonna ask?"


    Xiu smacked her head and said, "I thought you wanted to have a double wedding. How will you play the role of maid of honor at your own wedding? Unless you don''t want that double wedding to happen anymore. I believe that the planner must be hidden under your bed even now."


    Nora''s eyes widened as she pointed at Xiu and gasped, "You! You got your memories back?"


    Xiu smiled at Nora''s reaction and nodded her head.


    Nora clapped her hands, "You really remember everything?"


    "Not everything but I remember a lot now. Like how you wanted us to wear the same wedding dresses. Also, what was the theme you chose?"


    Nora hugged Xiu tightly as she said, "Forget it all. I''m so happy to know that you remember it." Pulling away, she wiped her eyes and said, "Today must be a good day! Not only sister is married, she even got her memories back. I''m so happy. This calls for a celebration!"


    Xiu really didn''t know how Nora was so excited over this. So, to tease her she said, "But you do realize I don''t need a memory manual to stick to me now, right?" Nora''s excitement vanished in a moment as she stared at Xiu. She just realized that before the memory loss, Xiu was a very mysterious person. But after the memory loss, she had gotten even closer to Xiu. Since after the memory loss, Xiu loved to talk to her about everything.


    Seeing her face Xiu shook her head and pinched Nora''s cheek saying, "But I still need my sister. So, you better not get any ideas of estranging."


    "Never ever! I only have one sister, after all."

 576 Have Her Head For Dinner!

    "I heard you went out shopping with Cali."


    Since downstairs no one was interested in talking to her, she''d just have her long-overdue heart-to-heart with Nora. It truly had been a while since these two sat down to talk it out. Especially since Nora learned about Ava, she was either focused on bonding with her daughter or rekindling her love with Ah-Si.


    "Yeah! She said she needed an expert''s opinion."


    Xiu smirked, "You must be proud of being an expert in this field."


    Nora scratched her head sheepishly, "I actually felt awesome that someone actually called me out for shopping and even said that I was helpful. Otherwise you and mom always just go on and on about how useless hobbies I have. I mean shopping is a women''s right and passion. How can it be a useless hobby?"


    Xiu looked like she was really bored to hear Nora saying all that about shopping. Actually, she was bored since it wasn''t her first time hearing it. And she even knew that Nora wasn''t done yet.


    Indeed, with a swooning expression, Nora clasped her hands together saying, "Let me tell you... Whenever that ''Swish!'' sound of swiping the card is heard, I feel like I found a new freedom. You guys just don''t understand the feeling... As if you own the whole world."


    Xiu exhaled a long and heavy breath before she sat up on her knees to smack Nora''s head, "Can you let go of this obsession? You''re supposed to teach good things to your daughter, are you planning on teaching Ava how to shop like you?"


    "Why? Is something wrong with that?" Nora didn''t get Xiu''s point. "I''ll teach her whatever I''m best at. And as you know I''m best at sh..."


    "Squandering money over useless things," Xiu finished her sentence for her making Nora glare.


    "How can you even say that about your best friend?" Nora wasn''t pleased to hear that remark.


    But Xiu didn''t really care as she said, "Why? Did I say something wrong? There are over a hundred clothes in your wardrobe that you have never even touched. And yet when you go to the closet to see what to wear, you always end up saying, ''I don''t have anything to wear.''"


    "I''m not the only one like that. All normal girls do that," argued Nora firmly.


    "I don''t though," retorted Xiu.


    "Then you must be not normal." Seeing how Xiu''s eyes were narrowing, Nora grinned and tried to distract her with, "Anyways, let me just tell you this. We girls only need an excuse to shop. Whatsoever the occasion. And if we can''t find any occasion, we''d still make one just to justify why we are going shopping."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead and wondered if Nora was really gonna make her daughter just like her? She honestly hasn''t found the fun in shopping that Nora always talked about. It was still just words to her with no basis.


    She laid back on Nora''s bed and covered her eyes with her arm.


    "What''s up? Are you tired?" asked Nora when she looked at Xiu.


    "What?" exclaimed Nora as she hurried up the bed and shook Xiu''s body asking, "What do you mean? Are you sure about that?"


    Xiu lifted her arm from her eyes but didn''t open her eyes as she went on, "Her name is Calista Novell. She is from Italy. I hope you haven''t forgotten that my name is Destiny Novell." It felt weird to address herself as Destiny Novell since she wasn''t used to it at all. But she felt like this was something that Nora needed to know.


    When Xiu briefed in on whatever she knew about Cali and her relationship, Nora was stunned for a while before she voiced out carefully, "But she doesn''t have any resemblance to you." Xiu''s brows quirked up. "I mean she is a typical western beauty. As for you... I have never said it but let''s face it you don''t have any feature that brings out that Italian side of your blood. Isn''t it weird?" Nora tapped her chin and added, "But then again, you had no resemblance to your mother as well. I shouldn''t be surprised that you look nothing like your cousin."


    "Nora... My dear Dora, the explorer..." Nora glared at Xiu for using that nickname but Xiu disregarded her expressions as she went on, "Stop putting things into my head. My life isn''t that easy, to begin with. Don''t try to complicate it further."


    Nora pressed her lips together and nodded but couldn''t help asking, "So, did you find anything else? For instance, anything about your father?"


    "I know who is he now but I haven''t met him yet in person."


    They both lied down in silence as Nora could feel the complicated mood of Xiu and didn''t want to probe any further. She knew ''this father'' topic was very sensitive to Xiu, she wouldn''t was to push it. It was already a very huge accomplishment for her that Xiu had opened up to her this much on her own.


    *Knock! Knock!*


    The silence in the room was broken by the knocking sound. Nora got up and pulled open the door. Seeing Darren at the door, she turned around to Xiu as she said, "Your husband really can''t live without you. It''s just been fifteen minutes and here he comes looking for her."


    Darren didn''t mind Nora''s teasing as he answered, "I can''t help. If I don''t see my wife for just a few minutes, I get anxious."


    "Of course, you do. Mister Thief!"


    "Thief?" repeated Darren. "What did I steal?"


    "My sister!" roared Nora. "Without even telling me, you stole my sister."


    "First of all, I think I had told you that I wanted to propose her like a month ago. So, it can''t come as a surprise to you." He took a pause before adding, "Secondly, blame it on your sister. She attacked me first with her charms and stole my heart. So, the real thief here is my wife."


    Nora was baffled, "I''m trying to be angry at you for marrying so abruptly. And here you are shoving your bloody love right at my face. Don''t you have any shame?!"


    Darren walked inside the room and sat beside Xiu who was silently watching these two argue. He held her hand and kissed her knuckles softly as he said, "Let''s not forget that while I was not here, you all made my wife depressed with your extreme display of affections as well. I have to get back at you for that."


    Nora rolled her eyes at Darren, "So, you''re really one of those husbands who will do anything to get back at everyone who wronged their dear wife, eh?"


    "Was there ever a doubt about that?" wondered out Darren. "I think it''s pretty obvious that I won''t let anyone go whoever dares to hurt my wife in the slightest."


    Nora''s brows knitted up as she suddenly realized something, "OMG! You are totally taking advantage of this argument to casually just call her, ''My wife! My wife!'' You''re enjoying it, aren''t you?"


    Darren smiled at his wife and kissed her forehead before saying to Nora, "I''m definitely loving it. It''s sounds so natural."


    Nora held her head in her hands. "Bloody hell! I don''t even have words for your shamelessness at this point."


    Darren hugged Xiu who was still silent but now her eyes were twinkling as she heard more and more. Placing his chin at the top of her head, he went on, "If showing my love for my wife publicly makes me a shameless person, I don''t mind being one." He tucked a strand of Xiu''s hair behind her ear as he said, "As long as I can see her smile."


    "I can''t believe you both are still able to make me feel jealous even when I''m no longer single. It''s truly appalling." No matter how she worded it, inside, she was feeling really happy seeing these two together. It was just like she felt proud of herself. Her vision was great. She always knew these two would make the best pair. And see? They are indeed the best! "Darren!"


    "Yes?" Darren looked up at Nora.


    "You better take care of my sister. Don''t even think about leaving her alone! Never! Ever! She needs you."


    "Just like humans can''t function without oxygen, I can''t function without my wife." Xiu pulled away slightly to look into his eyes as his eyes found hers, his smile softened, "It''s not her who needs me. It''s me. I need you more, Mrs. Salvay."


    Seeing the loving looks they were sharing, Nora''s heart felt stuffy. It felt like some cotton candy was stuck inside. These two lovebirds were really something else!


    "Ahem!" Nora cleared her throat sensing the heated stare between them and added, "Xiu''s room is down the hall, you both can take this sexual tension there and leave my lonely room."


    Xiu whipped her head around to glare at Nora who stepped back a little and laughed awkwardly, "What? You looked like you''re gonna eat him up here. So, I was just being helpful."


    "As much as I appreciate your help, it''d be good if you shut your mouth for now."


    Xiu''s one warning and Nora already zipped her lips and locked it before even throwing the key far away. It was enough to tease this much for today. If she continued, Xiu was certainly gonna have her head for dinner!

 577 Hate

    -Xin Villa-


    Xin Zimen was tired of pretending to look through his iPad but apparently, his elder brother wasn''t tired of staring at his face. It had been over an hour in this silence and yet both brothers had not shared a single sentence with each other.


    "Did you come here to stare at me?"


    Finally, Xin Zimen couldn''t take it anymore as he put his iPad down and turned his attention to his elder brother who in turn smirked. It was as if Xin Zemin felt accomplished over the fact that the first to talk in this tense atmosphere was his little brother.


    "I didn''t think you''d like to talk to me, so I really came just to look at you," answered Xin Zemin calmly. "You rarely get sick. So, I was worried that''s why I just came to see you."


    Zizi rubbed his temples as he said, "Your wife said you still hate me, why aren''t you acting like that? If you hate me, just keep on hating. There is really no need to show how much you care about me."


    "Why not? Even though you gave me a hundred reasons to hate you, at the end of the day, you''re still my little brother. My only little brother."


    Hearing Xin Zemin''s words, Zizi ended up snickering. They both had openly hated each other for so long that he was finding it weird that his elder brother actually wanted to show some brotherly care after all these years.


    "You know, I hate the fact that you grew up," began Xin Zemin with a sad grimace. "When you were little, you''re such a cute brother. Whenever you''d get sick you''d hold my hand and not let me leave. You always followed me around like a shadow but now, you don''t even wish to see my shadow."


    "It was my fault for following you like a shadow. It was indeed my fault otherwise I wouldn''t have been left as just your shadow," Zizi''s voice sounded slightly brittle.


    "Little brother..." Xin Zemin''s voice was very low as he continued, "Do you know how envious I had been of you?" Zizi''s brows knitted up. "You have always lived your life at your own conditions. You broke every rule and every stereotype that our parents had expected from us. You did everything that you wanted; Always following your heart." He took a brief pause as he added, "Even now I''m quite envious of you... You not only have two sons but also a granddaughter now."


    "What is there to be envious of? Don''t you already have everything? You have the parents who love you the most. The whole Xin Clan that admires you, respects you."


    "The respect you as well."


    Zizi laughed at that bitterly, "Respect? That''s fear. They are scared of me. The respect that comes from the heart and the one that comes from fear are two very different things. Not that it matters to me."


    Xin Zimen stayed quiet in response. He had a lot to say but he felt like it was pointless. No matter how he said it, he''d still stay as the black sheep of the family. After all, he wasn''t as great as his elder brother. He neither was as smart as his elder brother nor was he as well-mannered as his elder brother. In fact, he was just never as good as his elder brother.


    Xin Zemin stood up to leave as he said, "It''s good to see that you''re feeling better now. Take care of your health." He had turned around but paused to add, "I know no matter how many times I say it, it won''t bring back your daughter. But I''m still very sorry about what happened back then."


    Zizi slammed his hand on the table as his teeth clenched tightly. He was furious. "I told you never to bring her up! Do you really think I''ll forgive you for that?!"


    "I''m not asking for forgiveness. I know that''s not possible since I can''t bring her back to life but I just want to make it clear that it was never my intention to hurt you, or your family. Why would I ever want to hurt my little brother?"


    His hands balled into fists as he roared, "Leave! Before I really forget my manners, please leave!"


    Xin Zemin wanted to say something but he noticed the blood veins getting prominent in his little brother''s eyes, he held himself back. His words would only make it worse. He wasn''t scared of his brother''s anger, he was just scared of being the reason for a painful reminder. But he still ended up reminding him of those painful memories.


    Watching his elder brother''s receding back, Xin Zimen ended up breaking down. Yes, he hated his elder brother for a lot of other things but the worst was the reason that in one way or another if it wasn''t for Xin Zemin, his daughter would be alive now. And if his daughter would have been alive, then his wife wouldn''t have died an untimely death as well. Because of his brother''s one moment of selfishness, he lost two most important people in his life. How was he supposed to forget it all?


    If he didn''t blame anyone for that incident, he''d go crazy. He needed a person to blame, to hate and that person became his brother.


    "Dad..."


    Taking a deep breath, he looked over at his son and tried to smile but it looked quite forced.


    "Did you fight with Uncle Min again?" asked Ah-Si as he came to his father''s side.


    "We don''t always fight," replied Xin Zimen. He patted Ah-Si''s back as he added, "Don''t worry about it."


    "I don''t really care whether you fight with him or not. If you get angry, you must have your own reasons for that." Xin Zimen was taken aback to hear those words from his youngest son. "I''m just worried about your health. Yesterday, your fever was also because of stress. I don''t want to see you suffer as mom did."


    Ah-Si''s emotions were quite palpable on his face. One could see he was hurting inside seeing his father like this. Since Xin Zimen had always been the strongest person for him, it was really painful for him to see his father struggling on his own with his emotions and feelings. Especially when he had seen it all with his mother back then as well. He was quite young but kids had always been sensitive to emotions, he could still remember how his mother''s health slowly deteriorated right before his eyes. He didn''t want to go through the same pain all over again with his father.


    Xin Zimen''s face softened up as he rubbed his head gently saying, "Do you miss mom that much?"


    "Of course, I do. Bro is getting married. If mom was alive, our house would be so lively right now."


    "Hmmm... That''s true." Xin Zimen nodded his head. "If she was alive, our house would be really..." Shaking his head, he left his words unsaid. "Where is your daughter? I haven''t seen her in days, are you even planning on getting her back or not?"


    As his father suddenly changed the topic, Ah-Si didn''t continue it either. "I want to but Nora said she''d like to spend a little more time with her. I''ll bring her tomorrow."


    "I don''t mind my daughter-in-law wanting to spend time with my granddaughter but I also want to play with that little bun," said Xin Zimen and smiled at Ah-Si. "Did Ying leave?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "Yes. Ying Jie''s boyfriend called. She talked for a while with him then she left, instructing me to take care of you. Actually she threatened me to be a filial son and take care of my father blah blah blah. It was a long lecture, I lost her halfway around."


    Xin Zimen chuckled, "That is so like you, dear son."


    Ah-Si wasn''t even embarrassed to hear that as he held his father''s arm and said, "Come, I''ll take you inside. It''s so cold outside in the evening and yet you''re still here. How will you get better at this rate?"


    "But I''m all better now... Cough!" As if on cue, he coughed making Ah-Si''s eyes squint at him


    "See! How is this all better? You''re just looking for trouble!"


    "It''s not because of cold though. I was just a little agitated earlier."


    "All the more reason for you to come inside and rest. If you can''t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for me. If that is also not possible, then do it for your granddaughter. You still have to spoil your granddaughter for years."


    Xin Zimen laughed out, "You as a father would do a better job."


    Ah-Si shook his head saying, "Nope. Since I was never spoiled by my grandparents, I don''t want my daughter to go through the same thing. So, you better pay attention to your health."


    Xin Zimen looked at his son with a complicated look in eyes before nodding, "I''d do that."

 578 Only Mr. Salvay For Mrs. Salvay

    Although Xiu spent her day working around trying to keep herself busy, she hadn''t felt tired. But now that she laid down on the bed, her tiredness was finally catching up to her. Right beside her, Darren was leaning against the bedpost as he worked on the laptop while Xiu was stretching her body. She didn''t even know where were the sore spots but she certainly knew everything was hurting now. Or maybe it was an illusion.


    Although this body was almost in mid-twenties, wasn''t it relatively young? Was it because of her old soul that affected her mindset and that''s why she felt like an old lady having this body ache? But even if that was true, her soul was at most in the late twenties. Even people in their forties wouldn''t be suffering from joint pains as she was right now.


    "Sweets, what''s going on?"


    Darren had seen her rolling around, stretching, and now even massaging her calves through his peripheral vision.


    "Nothing," replied Xiu with a straight face.


    "Did you sleep after I left in the morning?" Xiu shook her head in response. "Didn''t you say you''re really tired and wanted to laze around for the whole day?"


    Xiu scratched the tip of her nose. She had indeed planned that. "And whose fault was it that I was that tired in the first place?" Seeing her eyes brimming with the accusation, he felt like laughing but he knew if he did, she was gonna smack his head real good.


    Darren pressed his lips together, shut his laptop, and placed it at the side table before pulling her in his arms. "Okay, it was my fault that I didn''t let you sleep all night. But I wasn''t here for the whole day, why didn''t you just rest?"


    "I tried but I couldn''t do it," answered Xiu. "I was so bored that I just decided to clean up and move my stuff here. Then I cooked lunch and was left in such a good mood that my sleep all vanished."


    "Hmm... That even I could tell that you had been in a very good mood. The real question is what excited you so much while I was not here?" Xiu had opened her mouth to speak when Darren added, "Oh, Dylan came to see you at lunch. Didn''t he?"


    Xiu made a strange face as she said, "Do you really think that ex-boss of mine can put me in a good mood?"


    Darren nodded his head, "You love bullying him. In fact, after bullying him you end up having a really good mood."


    Xiu hid her face in his neck as she mumbled, "That''s true but today, I didn''t bully him. I was already feeling terrific when he showed up that''s why I even decided to go a little easy on him."


    "Oh." Darren made a sound of acknowledgment before frowning, "Then what else made your day so peachy?" He looked down at her face as he added, "Won''t you share it with me?"


    "Baobei, today I met someone very special. Very very very special."


    "Such emphasis on ''special'' is making me more curious now. Who did you meet?"


    Xiu grinned widely but didn''t reply.


    Xiu thought about it for a minute before replying, "If this question was asked in my previous life, I''d say yes. A definite, yes! He was the most special back then to me. But now, who can be more special to me than my husband? There is only Mr. Salvay for Mrs. Salvay."


    Darren''s lips curled up into a faint smile. "Then? Who is this special person from the past?" Xiu was about to answer when he continued, "Don''t tell me you''re talking about Han Bohai?"


    Xiu''s jaw dropped to the floor as she sat up and jabbed at his chest, "How do you know that?"


    Darren shook his head as he touched her head with his hand saying, "Is there anything I don''t know about you? Either it was the previous you or the present you, don''t you think I know you the best? How is it possible that something or someone is associated with you and I wouldn''t know about it?"


    Xiu was feeling speechless when she heard him say that. It was indeed true that he seemed to know a lot more about her and the people associated with her than she knew herself. He paid attention to everything. Even if she mentioned it only once, he would still remember it.


    Xiu wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest saying, "It''s really difficult to hide anything from you. Maybe that''s why everyone says that you''re not as simple as you try to appear before me."


    Darren chuckled and Xiu could even feel his chest reverberating as he asked, "So? What do you think about me? After listening to all the opinions about me, what kind of conclusion did you come to? What kind of a person Regan Darren Salvay is to you?"


    Xiu didn''t take any time before answering sincerely, "To me, Regan is a very sweet person but he lacks sweetness in his life. Regan is also very smart and lively but often comes off very lonely. Also, Regan is tricky and wicked. But I love it." She placed her chin on his chest as she looked up and said, "As I often say, you lack sweetness that''s why heaven gifted you with such a sweet wife. You should be thankful."


    "I totally agree with that. I''m even more thankful," Darren squished her cheeks lovingly as he questioned, "Anyways, how did you meet Bohai? Isn''t he supposed to be in Capital today for an event?"


    "Oh, he met me before leaving for Capital but how do you know his schedule?" she looked at him suspiciously.


    He pinched her nose saying, "Because he is signed under your company."


    "My company?" Xiu frowned. "Isn''t he an artist under RX Studios?" Her frown deepened as she added, "Oh, right! RX Studios is yours. You''re the real boss behind it!"


    Darren shook his head as he flicked her forehead lightly, "No, Madam! RX Studios'' real boss is you."


    "What?" Xiu again was about to sit up but his arm around her waist held her down against his chest.


    "RX... Regan \u0026 Xiu... See? I even put the name of the real boss in the company''s name." Xiu was gaping at him. "Aren''t you now Xiu Regan Salvay? That company was always meant to be your betrothal gift."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead before hitting his chest. "Have you lost your mind? Where did this betrothal gift come from?"


    "Isn''t that a tradition here?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes, "It is a tradition that should extinct now. Besides, if you give me a betrothal gift, I''ll also have to add something in the dowry."


    Darren hugged her tightly, "But I already got the dowry."


    "When did I give you any dowry? Don''t make things up."


    "But I''m very serious." Xiu was looking confused since he looked really sincere. "In the dowry, I received my wife''s overflowing love, charms, and talent. What else can I ask for?"


    Xiu snorted, "You certainly are good with words."


    "Did you just realize it?"


    Xiu shook her head, "No, I knew it from the beginning. I just never thought I''d fall for this good speech of yours as well."


    Seeing how she was silently contemplating something, Darren said with a controlled smile, "So? Do you like the betrothal gift?"


    "Stay quiet, Regan! Let me think..." Darren decided to stay quiet when he heard the conviction in her voice. Perhaps, this was really not a good time to talk about this betrothal gift. But since it was hers, to begin with, he didn''t want to wait any longer. At first, he planned to give the company to her after proposing to her. But unexpectedly, she brought him to get the marriage certificates right after. So, he didn''t get a chance to bring this up at all.


    Caressing her hair fondly, he said, "Sweets, don''t think so much about it. We can discuss it later. For now, mama said that we should look for a house."


    "A house? Why? What''s wrong with this place?"


    "Aiyo! She said we should start looking for houses because it''ll take time to get the interiors done as well. Besides, it''d be even more hectic if we left it for now. She wants us to move into the house after the real wedding ceremony."


    "Right. That''s also a tradition. What a drag!"


    "Shouldn''t you be excited over this?"


    Xiu pouted, "But I feel like this place is already very good. Big houses only push people apart. It''ll be too lonely."


    "Yes, but mama thinks once we have a child then that big house won''t be lonely. Besides, mama would be living with us."


    "Children..." Xiu''s body stiffened again instinctively. Although what he said wasn''t wrong but it triggered something inside her that made her palms sweaty. Even her face slowly changed colors without her realizing it.

 579 A Gut Feeling

    Darren had noticed it on plenty of occasions and right now, it was way too obvious that Xiu wasn''t really enthusiastic to discuss kids. Even earlier at the Jing House, when Francesca was playing with little Ava, she kept mentioning how she wanted Xiu and Darren to have a cute child like Ava, Xiu''s behavior was odd. She kept avoiding this discussion at all costs.


    No matter what, she''d always find a way to digress from this topic. As if she just didn''t want to even mention it. In fact, Darren had never heard her say that she was looking forward to starting a family with him. Her idea of a family never involved a child. But why? Or was it just his own assumptions? At first, he thought she just wasn''t ready but now...


    "Sweets? You really don''t plan on having a kid?"


    Xiu bit her bottom lip before she softly replied, "Is it necessary to have a child? Can''t we be enough for each other?" She took a brief pause before adding, "To be honest, I really never thought about having a kid. The idea is already very scary for me."


    Darren didn''t think she would say it so straightforwardly. "So, you don''t want to have a kid with me?"


    Xiu hugged him even tighter to hold back her anxiousness as she replied, "I can do anything for you. Even if it''s having a kid, I won''t hesitate. But..." she licked her dry lips before continuing, "I need some time. I''d need a lot of willpower to accept a kid between us. So, you need to give me some time for this. Right now, I''m not in the best of my condition to think of planning a family." She kissed the side of his jaw as she went on, "Besides, we just got married. Isn''t there a whole lot of years ahead of us to think about kids?"


    Darren could tell she was holding back on something. The idea of a kid really scared her. He could still feel her slightly trembling. This wasn''t just fear, it felt more like she was panicking.


    Since Darren say anything else, it allowed Xiu to just close her eyes and not dwell over it. However, her brain had some other plans...


    *Flashback*


    "Sister Xiu, you shouldn''t have come to this party," Han Bohai had been constantly saying the same thing from the time they entered this party. The party was thrown by a famous designer at her home in celebration of her engagement. Chen Xiu being the designer''s muse was also invited. "Your health is more important."


    Taking a flute from the waiter, Chen Xiu looked at Han Bohai who was anxious over nothing and said, "Xiao Han, my only chronic illness is that I''m tested positive for infinite depression. It''s not like if I rest at home, this will get better. So, why not let me enjoy it while I can?"


    Chen Xiu patted her assistant''s head saying, "Aiyo, Xiao Bobo! At this age, everything is changing. Day by day we don''t even notice. Sometimes we are strong, sometimes we are weak. Sometimes we are the life of a party, other times we become introvert hiding in a corner. Sometimes we feel like laughing and other times, we feel like crying. Sometimes we act like we don''t care but we actually do care, a lot! Sometimes, we are simple and sometimes we are really complicated."


    Han Bohai rubbed his forehead as he asked, "And your point is?"


    Chen Xiu cleared her throat as she said, "My point is, if everything is changing, it won''t be fair if our feelings stayed the same, right?" Han Bohai''s eyes widened as he looked at her. "I''m not saying that my feelings will change overnight but if I won''t learn to see him with his wife, I won''t be able to walk on. It''s better to get the reins of my feelings in my own hands." She ruffled his hair gently as she added, "Didn''t you say, ''Your self-respect has to be stronger than your feelings''? I''m just following your advice now. It''s time I value my self-respect more than my feelings. There are millions who love me, why should I care about only one who walked away?"


    Han Bohai was feeling really happy to hear that she had decided to think about herself for once. He genuinely believed that she was strong enough to get through this phase. If she could fight with her depression for years on her own, she could do anything. But...


    "Sister Xiu, as much as I''m happy to hear that... I still don''t feel good. I don''t why but I feel like something is about to happen tonight. It''s a gut feeling I can''t get rid of."


    Chen Xiu didn''t really take his words seriously as she said, "I read somewhere that ''A gut feeling is actually every cell in your body making a decision(~Deepak Chopra).'' Don''t overthink it."


    Han Bohai rolled his eyes, "Between the two of us, you should be the one who should give up on overthinking."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Dear sister, it''s you who loves to overthink, overlove, overfeel, and even overstress."


    Chen Xiu couldn''t find a way to argue with that statement. "Stop insulting me." With that, she whipped around to leave but her heel got stuck with the carpet and trying to find the balance she bumped into a server.


    "Sister Xiu!" Han Bohai hurried up to support her but the wine had already stained her white gown. "This is why I tell you to stop wearing white so much. It looks like mourning clothes. And now it even got stained. Again!"


    Chen Xiu gaped at Han Bohai, "Xiao Han, can you stop rebuking me for a minute?"


    "Ms. Chen, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"


    Chen Xiu looked up and smiled at the hostess of this party and replied, "It''s alright. I didn''t get hurt at all."


    "But your dress is..." the hostess looked troubled but before Chen Xiu could say anything she went on, "How about you change into one of my gowns?"


    "That won''t be necessary though," said Chen Xiu.


    "I insist."


    Due to the insistence, Chen Xiu decided to just take the offer. She changed into a champagne color gown upstairs in a guest room.


    "You always look gorgeous in all of my designs."


    Chen Xiu blushed faintly, "You''re flattering me."


    "I''ll be waiting downstairs. You should join us after you get ready."


    "Okay."


    After looking herself up and down in the mirror, Chen patted her own cheeks in encouragement and took a deep breath before she walked out of the room.


    "I didn''t think you''d dare to come here?" Hearing the voice, she didn''t wish to hear, Chen Xiu was feeling frustrated. She looked up to see Liu Nuan leaning against the railing. And when Chen Xiu tried to walk past her, she stopped her way as she said, "Just how shameless are you? After those rumors of you trying to be my husband''s mistress, you still have the face to show up at the same party as us? I knew you actresses had no shame but you nauseate me."


    Chen Xiu wasn''t irked by her nonsense chattering but something did catch her attention. "Are you the one who released those rumors?"


    "Those are not just rumors though. Aren''t you trying to tear apart my marriage?"


    "Don''t be delusional. Why would I go after a married man?"


    Liu Nuan pushed Xiu''s shoulder as she went on, "Huh! As if people like you care whether the other person is married or not. You just want their money and status. And if Zhou Jinhai is willing to offer all that with that status of a mistress, you won''t hesitate in taking it."


    "Watch what you say! Just because I''m being polite doesn''t mean I''ll take whatever bullshit you throw my way. I might be a nice person but every nice person also has a limit. Don''t try to challenge that limit of mine." Chen Xiu was infuriated now. "Maybe your life is revolving around your husband but mine certainly ain''t going to revolve around a man. And I, Chen Xiu would not take this insult of being someone''s mistress! Get that through your thick skull! I even terminated my contract with his company to keep my distance from him."


    Liu Nuan was raging now that Chen Xiu dared to talk back to her. This never happened before. Just as Chen Xiu was about to leave again, she spoke up, "I hate you. I hate you so much that I can''t even describe it in words. It''s because of you that I always feel fear. I feel uncertain even though I''m married to him. I can''t even tell where I stand in his life."


    "If you are uncertain about where you stand in someone''s life, have a seat; you don''t."


    "You!" Liu Nuan raised her hand to slap Chen Xiu but her wrist was caught by Chen Xiu who smirked in reply.


    "Did I say something wrong? If someone makes you feel uncertain, that only means they don''t have feelings for you. Besides, stolen goods are just stolen in the end."


    Seeing how she wasn''t able to argue with Chen Xiu, Liu Nuan huffed, stomped, and turned to descend the stairs. But just as she was about to take a step down, she felt a wave of vertigo come over. Losing her footing, she screamed. Chen Xiu just heard her scream and stepped up to hold her hand but before she could, Liu Nuan had already fallen from the stairs.


    Chen Xiu was stunned to her place. A pool of blood started gathering under Liu Nuan which made Chen Xiu feel frozen at her spot.


    *End of Flashback*

 580 Cheap Humanity

    Oftentimes, if a lie is screamed loudly and repeatedly, it manages to wear the cloak of the truth. Xiu had experienced it first hand. Even though she didn''t push Liu Nuan back than, even though all she did was stretch her hand to catch Liu Nuan instead but no matter what she said, couldn''t compete with what people saw.


    People tend to believe in what they see rather than what they hear. Her situation wasn''t any different since everyone just wanted to find someone to blame and she was the easiest target.


    Till this day, Xiu''s body would turn cold at the reminder of how she saw Liu Nuan laying in the pool of blood, and everyone pointing fingers at her. At that very moment, she had already been declared a criminal whether guilty or not, who cared? Apparently, no one cared!


    Liu Nuan spent a week in the hospital in a coma and during that one week, Xiu watched her world collapsing right before her eyes. The fans that claimed to love her turned their backs on her without even thinking. News of her being a mistress had reignited and this time, it exploded like a volcano because according to the general public, a mistress wouldn''t want the legal wife to give birth to the heir before her.


    Sometimes, she couldn''t help laughing reading all the speculations that people came up with. Those people all talked and accused her as if they had seen the whole scene unfold right before their eyes. It was truly funny how easy it was to manipulate public opinion and at the same time, she found it really sad as well.


    "The biggest problem with kind people is that they think everyone else has a good heart like theirs. But you''re mistaken, Sister Xiu!"


    Xiu would always ignore Han Bohai''s words but she truly couldn''t believe it when she faced it herself. She had donated her bone marrow to save Liu Nuan''s life once, so when Liu Nuan woke up after a week, she visited her first.


    She wanted to ask her to tell everyone that she didn''t push her. However, she was really delusional to have such thoughts back then because...


    ....


    When Chen Xiu entered the hospital room taking a chance, Liu Nuan had her eyes closed. Hearing the sound of the door, she opened her eyes expectantly but seeing Chen Xiu, her face darkened.


    "What are you doing here?" Even though her voice was frail, Liu Nuan''s sharp tone and disdain couldn''t be overlooked.


    Placing the bouquet and fruit basket at the table, Chen Xiu came to stand beside Liu Nuan''s bed as she spoke up, "How are you feeling now?"


    "As if you care!"


    "I do care," said Chen Xiu surprising her own self and not just Liu Nuan. "I mean I never wished for you to get hurt in the first place." Those were her sincere words. She''d never wish for anything bad for anyone. That wasn''t her character at all. She took a moment hesitating before she voiced out, "I''m very sorry for your loss."


    "I didn''t know you''re... Pregnant. I genuinely am sorry for your loss." Xiu''s nails were digging into her palms sharply now as she continued, "But we need to make one thing clear... You and I both know that I didn''t push you down the stairs. I don''t know how you fell down but it wasn''t my fault."


    Liu Nuan didn''t say anything in response making Xiu even more anxious.


    "Please, only you and I know the truth. But no one believes my word. But since you''re the victim here, if you tell everyone that I didn''t push you everything will clear up."


    After a long moment of silence, Liu Nuan finally spoke up, "Why should I do that?"


    Chen Xiu felt a strange ache in her heart as if she couldn''t breathe. "Because as a human being, you should be helping another human being."


    "Did you help me?" questioned Liu Nuan. "When I was falling, did you help me?" Chen Xiu felt choked up. "Even though you didn''t push me, you didn''t save me either. So, why should I clear this up for you? And who are you to me? It''s not my job to help every person in need."


    Chen Xiu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. This was the girl she helped back then without even thinking and now, she wanted a reason, to tell the truth? Did truth become that expensive these days or lies were way too cheap? No, it was the humanity that had become cheap now!


    "No matter what, if someone is wrongly being convicted, you should be standing on the side of justice."


    "I''m not a law enforcer. Why should I care about justice?"


    "Are you even serious?" Chen Xiu couldn''t believe what she heard.


    "If you think that I''ll let your heart get free of guilt, then you''re wrong! You''ll have to live with this guilt for life that I lost my child because of you. You''ll have to live with the fact that even though you could help me, you didn''t! Finally, you should be able to see the real face of yourself in the mirror! A selfish person, that''s what you really are! No matter how many times you wear the gown of an angel, you''re just a selfish person and nothing else!"


    Chen Xiu clutched her chest trying to ease the ache that was rising continuously. She didn''t know how she found her way out of there but somehow she was photographed in the hospital which led to another series of assumptions and accusations. However, this time no one heard anything from Chen Xiu''s side.


    Why?


    When lies become too loud that they could distort the truth, even the person himself would end up believing in the lies. Eventually, that''s exactly what happened to Chen Xiu whose mental health was already questionable. When people threw those lies at her face for so long, she actually ended up believing that she killed Liu Nuan''s unborn child.


    ....


    It had been years since then. In fact, it had been a lifetime in her case since she had gone through this bizarre phenomenon of rebirth. But what was the point when the trauma of that incident was so deep-rooted that no one could help it?


    This trauma was the reason that she always felt cold at the mentioning of a kid. It gave birth to an anxiety disorder. Technically, she didn''t hate kids, but perhaps, she had come to fear them instead. At that time, whatever lies her unstable mind absorbed, it had stuck with her even now. Even if she had a much better mental condition now, it wasn''t enough to overcome something like that.


    PTSD is no joke, to begin with, and when someone with depression and anxiety disorder has to go through it, it can play a deadly combination.


    Just as Xiu had said to Darren, he was the only one keeping her sane in this life. Although this life seemed a lot better than the previous one, it was still filled with so many mysteries that played with her emotions and feelings. For now, she was doing her best to hold on to Darren like her anchor. In her opinion, that was the best she could do.


    Since Xiu had spent her night tossing and turning because of these memories, she had prominent dark circles under her eyes. It was the third night, she couldn''t sleep well. First, it happened when Darren proposed and she was so excited that she could hardly sleep. Then on their supposed, ''wedding night'' Darren didn''t let her sleep. And now, she tortured herself with painful memories.


    "Sweets, you didn''t sleep again?"


    Xiu smiled sheepishly as she replied, "I felt some discomfort in my body."


    "Why? What''s wrong? Should we go to the hospital?"


    Shrugging her shoulders, she answered, "How would I know what''s wrong? But I don''t think it''s a big deal though. I plan on going to a spa today. I think having a massage will cure everything."


    "If you''re going to the spa, why are you baking a cake?"


    "I have to stop by somewhere else before that." Taking a moment to think, she added, "In fact, today I have a very busy day. And you might not even find me when you get back home."


    "Of course, my wife had always been very diligent."


    "That I sure am," replied Xiu proudly. She wasn''t lying though, she indeed had plans for the whole day. The first stop was to drop off this cake at a very unusual place and then she planned on going to the spa, later she had to catch up with Dylan as well. A promise was a promise after all. So, she wouldn''t forget Dylan at all.


    Seeing her pleased even though she looked tired as well, Darren kissed the top of her head and said, "You better take care of yourself first. There is no need to do stuff that you don''t want to. Don''t push yourself."


    "I won''t," promised Xiu as she kissed his cheek and saw him off at the door.

 581 Two Extremes

    "Where do you want to go?" Gigi who had been assigned to Xiu''s security was still stuck around here since Ying was busy with something else, lately and had no time. But Gigi didn''t mind since it was quite a relaxing job at times. After all, Xiu would rarely go out.


    Xiu had Nora''s car at her disposal and she leisurely threw the car keys towards Gigi in the parking lot and smiled as she replied, "To the place you work at."


    Gigi was taken aback by that response. "Umm..." She licked her lips hesitating before stating, "It''s not that I can''t take you there but you won''t be able to enter. Civilians are not allowed in the HQ." In her opinion, even if Xiu had an unusual connection to her team leader Ying, it won''t be enough to give entry to the HQ.


    "Your job is only to lead the way, how to find my way inside is my job," winked Xiu playfully as she alighted the car. She didn''t want to explain the details to Gigi since she didn''t think it was necessary for now. Besides, since seeing was believing, she would opt for only showing her how she would find her way inside the HQ where the civilians were not allowed.


    Gigi was still reluctant but since Xiu didn''t seem like she was kidding, she couldn''t back off either. From what she had already seen it didn''t seem like Xiu was a simple person so she didn''t want to take her chances. And Xiu''s confidence told her that she shouldn''t be questioning it.


    The drive to their destination wasn''t as smooth as Xiu had imagined since they passed by different security checks. It was worse than the military base. It was only because of Gigi''s identity that they didn''t encounter much of hindrance. But when Gigi parked the car before her workplace, she said, "This is as far as my authority can take you along. Passing through these metal gates is up to you. My identity won''t work for you from here on."


    "Are you sure this is it? I can''t even see any building." Xiu was craning her neck trying to look through the gaps between the metal gates but couldn''t see a single building.


    "The main buildings are about a mile ahead from here. It''s hidden behind those tall trees." What she didn''t explain Xiu was that the HQ was mainly underground. The facility above the ground was mostly just a cover.


    "Oh... Ecological style. I like it."


    Gigi eyed Xiu who was nodding in appreciation and said, "Shouldn''t you be thinking about how to get inside?" She was really curious to know the reason behind Xiu''s carefree mood. Shouldn''t she be stressing here? This wasn''t a normal place.


    Xiu grinned at her and alighted from the car with her. While Gigi proved her identity, everyone''s eyes stuck to her figure. Xiu was still grinning widely as she pulled out a card and said, "Will this work?"


    Xiu was scratching her chin as she muttered, "Why? Something wrong? It won''t work? How is that possible though? Everyone said this is like a free pass to anywhere in this country."


    The same card was given to her by Xin Zimen himself and at that time, Dylan had even mentioned how lucky she was to get this free pass. She was quite certain that she''ll be able to enter this place.


    "Where did you get this?" asked Gigi.


    "Ah? Ah-Xin gave it to me. I mean Xin Zimen."


    "Chief Director gave it to you himself?"


    Xiu nodded her head innocently not knowing why everyone looked at her with such strange eyes now. It looked like there was admiration, jealousy, and caution mixed in their expressions.


    Someone hurriedly connected to the main building and after a few short sentences asked Xiu, "Miss, what is your name?"


    "Xiu. It''s Bai Xiu."


    With a nod, the person in-charge got back to work and within a minute instructed, "Open the gates. Let them in." He smiled complicatedly at Xiu and then turned to Gigi saying, "It''s your job to get her to the main building."


    "Got it!"


    It took Xiu another fifteen minutes to reach the cluster of building connected in a unique way. But the one she was directed to was located right in the middle. After Gigi handed her over to another agent, she gave Xiu a nod and stood aside.


    "You won''t join me?" Xiu inquired.


    "My rank is not high enough to enter this building on will. I''ll wait for you here."


    After another series of winding paths, Xiu finally reached the office of the person she was looking for. And as soon as she entered, she slumped her shoulders complaining, "Ah-Xin, it''s really not easy to meet you. I got tried even getting here."


    Xin Zimen looked up at her who directly found her way to the sitting area at the corner and slumped down on the sofa. She looked like her energy was drained out.


    He stood up and came to her side. "Who told you to come to look for me here? You could easily see me at home."


    Xiu opened her eyes and replied, "Yes, but I wanted to see just what kind of magic trick this card is capable of..."


    Xin Zimen eyed the card twisting around her fingers and said, "This is the first time you''re using this card since the time I gave it to you and you ended up using to see me? Couldn''t find any more useless thing to do with it?"


    "I used it to see Ah-Xin, how is that useless?" pouted Xiu unhappily.


    Xin Zimen sat beside her as he said, "You could have simply given me a call and that would do."


    "Oh, that could also work. Why didn''t I think of that?" Xiu knocked on her head.


    Xin Zimen shook his head at her and asked, "Anyway, why did you come to see me here? What''s the hurry?"


    Xiu hurriedly gave the box in her hands to Xin Zimen saying, "This is for you. I couldn''t wait because of this."


    Xin Zimen took the box and peeled off the ribbon before opening it. Seeing the dark chocolate cake, his brows lifted up slightly. "This is...?"


    "This is to show my gratitude for what you did for me," answered Xiu.


    "Oh, you don''t see me like family."


    "Huh?"


    "Otherwise you wouldn''t be setting clear boundaries like this."


    "That''s not what I''m trying to do," retorted Xiu abruptly. "I would never think of that. If I didn''t think of you as a family then why would I call you first? I didn''t even think of anyone else but you."


    "Then..."


    Xiu lifted her hand to stop him from saying any further, "I just wanted to bake a cake for you. What''s wrong with that? Didn''t you also send your personal chef to cook such a hearty meal for me?"


    "That was in celebration of your marriage," replied Xin Zimen.


    "This is also in celebration of my marriage," Xiu argued back. "Now, stop with the talking already. Won''t you even taste it?"


    Xin Zimen squinted his eyes at her and contemplated for a while before saying, "I''ll taste it but not before you tell me why you came all the way here?"


    "Can''t you just believe my words as it is?"


    "Little lass, stop dilly-dallying around."


    Xiu stared at Xin Zimen''s face as she wondered, "Ah-Xin, with this personality how did you manage to get married? Didn''t your wife mind this personality of yours?"


    Xin Zimen''s lips curled up slightly as he answered, "Hmm... If you''d have met my wife you''d also ask the same question to her."


    "What do you mean?"


    "If my personality is unbearable, she wasn''t any better either. How they say it, like two peas in a pod but in a different way. That''s the best way to describe us."


    "Really?"


    "Really!" stressed Xin Zimen. "If I''m too stiff, she was too lively. We both were like two extremes at two different ends."


    Xiu pursed her lips thoughtfully, "Then how did the two extremes meet?"


    Xin Zimen pinched her nose saying, "The two extremes found their own exclusive core."


    "That sounds... beautiful."


    "Is it?" Xiu nodded her head. "That''s strange people often find it strange."


    "Why? I really think it''s beautiful. If two people who are the complete opposite of each other are willing to find a common and exclusive middle just for each other, that only proves how much they both loved each other." Xin Zimen''s eyes widened at Xiu''s words. "It''s not only beautiful, but it''s also heartwarming."


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head, "Only beautiful people find everything else beautiful. And you happen to have a very beautiful heart."

 582 Ill Be There For You

    Xin Zimen was genuinely really pleased to see Xiu here but that was no surprise because he always felt a calmness around her that no one else brought him in a long time. Seemingly she was a very simple girl with a complicated life but she had a strange attraction in her that could make people feel at ease around her. In fact, she always brought out that doting side of his out that even he didn''t know existed in him till now.


    Whenever she smiled, it made her eyes sparkle and her own face would lit up. He was one of those people who loved seeing her smile. The day she came to beat Ah-Si was the first time he saw her solemn expression and at that time, the pain, loneliness, yearning reflecting in her eyes had somehow pricked his heart too deeply.


    He really didn''t want to see that look in her eyes again. He never wanted her to feel lonely ever again. He didn''t know why he was so protective of her. He couldn''t tell why he wanted to give the whole world to her. Was this what they called, the calling of the blood? Since she was his only niece, perhaps that''s why he was so different around her.


    He had asked someone to bring coffee for Xiu and even shared the cake she brought for him.


    "Ah-Xin, how can you share my own cake with me?" Although Xiu was grumbling like she wasn''t happy, inwardly she was very pleased seeing how he served her with his own hands and even accompanied her while she ate. She knew he was a busy person and yet he was here spending his time with her without any hesitation.


    You see, this was the exact same attention of his towards her that made her always want to look for him. She couldn''t help herself. She liked it when he paid so much attention to her and looked at her with such a gentle gaze that made her want to pour her heart out to him. She didn''t know why but her heart was certain that she could always lean on him and he would always be there to protect her.


    The girl like her who had been deprived of fatherly love for two lifetimes really seemed to want to get lost in his affection. It reassured her, made her feel protected, and even made her heart feel at ease.


    "I only wanted you to give me company. But if you want something else, I''d love to bring it to you."


    Xiu tsked at him, "You really take everything I say very seriously. I was just messing around." He nodded and took another bite of the cake while his lips curved upward.


    "You made this yourself?" he asked even though he could tell the answer. But somehow he thought he''d love to hear her response.


    "Of course! Who else can have such a magical taste? It''s only my magical hands that can bring this taste to you. Cherish it."


    Xin Zimen chuckled softly. See? He really knew he''d love to hear her bragging about her skills. "Then this humble one is honored to be graced with your excellency''s finest delicacy."


    Xin Zimen only smiled and said, "It''s my job''s requirement to know how to talk."


    That reminded Xiu... "Am I disturbing your work?"


    "Not at all," he hurriedly denied it. In fact, he was really busy. He had been absent for a couple of days and a lot of matters needed his approval. He hadn''t been able to even lift his head up from the piles of files at his table since morning. And was even feeling tired since he hadn''t recovered completely. But seeing Xiu had seemed to make him forget all about his tiredness. He was more than happy to stay with her.


    Xiu scowled, "How is that possible? You have such a big office, such a big position, it comes all with a cost. I''m certain you have loads of work. I''m really being a nuisance here."


    Xin Zimen patted her head saying, "You''re definitely not being a nuisance. Stop overthinking it."


    Xiu hesitated but still nodded her head. She walked all around his big office and admired the view outside before coming back to his side as she poked his arm softly. When he turned his head to look at her, she asked, "Ah-Xin, did your wife also worked here? You told me she was a criminal psychologist. So...?"


    He was a little surprised that she still remembered it but still nodded his head, "Yes, she also worked here. Actually, she was the reason why I joined as well."


    "Oh, really? So, she must have a higher position than you back then." Xiu was again like a curious child wondering about all sorts of things.


    "She had always been at a higher position than me," said Xin Zimen honestly. "We weren''t just two people who had two different personalities, we were also from a very different world."


    Xiu tilted her head slightly as she wondered, "How? I mean did you both have the same social circle?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head saying, "She came from a prestigious background. Although the Xin family is one of the elites in our country, it can never match up to the Wen family."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes, "Then how did you both cross paths and fell in love?"


    "Even though we were from different worlds, we ended up growing together. Because she lost her parents when she was young, she was raised by Ying''s maternal family. That''s how we ended up crossing paths..." he was silent for a while as if lost in his thoughts before he continued, "We both hated each other guts even though we had always been best of friends. She hated me for trying to be perfect in everything and I hated her for always looking for trouble, As for how we fell in love... I''m not sure about her but I can tell you what made me really look at her as more than just a friend."


    Xiu was even more curious as she leaned over and asked, "Tell me. What made you look at her differently?"


    Xin Zimen chuckled at the memory as he said, "We were in high school and one day she walked up to me and said, ''Dear Zi, I have decided.'' Knowing how she always caused a big ruckus, I wasn''t expecting anything good from her as I asked, ''What did you decide now? Don''t tell me you want to blow up the whole school like last week you set the principle''s wig on fire.''"


    Xiu laughed out as she heard that, Xin Zimen didn''t mind the interruption since it was the reaction he had expected. Anyway, he continued...


    "She wasn''t the least bit flustered or embarrassed at what she did as she went on, ''The idea of blowing up the whole school is pleasing but it''s a place for knowledge, I wouldn''t be so crude.'' I rolled my eyes at her as I asked, ''Then what else did you decide now?'' She grinned widely before she draped her arm around my shoulder and said, ''I have decided that I''m gonna marry you.''"


    "What? She said it just like that?"


    Xin Zimen nodded his head, "Yes, she indeed just said it like that. Without rhyme or a reason, she had come to tell me that she had decided me to marry me as if I was dying to marry her." He snorted as he shook his head and added, "I laughed at her face saying, ''Do you really think I''d actually take you as my wife?'' She looked like she had expected that reply from me and wasn''t surprised at all. Instead, her grip around my neck tightened as she added, ''Don''t worry my little Zi, I promise I''ll take good care of you.'' I still don''t know why but I asked, ''Why would be taking care of me? It should be the other way around.''"


    "What did she say?" Xiu was so engrossed in the story that she had played the whole scene in her mind and dying to know the rest now.


    Xin Zimen poked Xiu''s head as he went on, "She said, ''You''re biodegradable.'' I was baffled and didn''t know where did that come from but she went on before I could question. ''You break down easily. So, I''ll be there to take of you.''"


    Xiu placed her hand over her mouth. Those words sounded so simple but someone like could tell what kind of a promise that was. "She managed to touch your heart with that? How beautiful!"


    He nodded his head saying, "She was someone who instead of telling me to be strong and fight on told me that it was okay to break down because she''d be there with me."

 583 Not That Humble

    "It sounded simple but the sincerity must have left a deep impression?" Xiu was smiling to herself gently. She could clearly tell that he really loved his wife but then... She frowned as she recalled something and asked, "I can clearly see that you loved her but then why does everyone else say that your marriage was without any mutual love?"


    "I''ll answer the question only if you tell me why are you so interested in this matter? Even my sons have never asked me about how or why I married my wife. You, on the other hand, want to hear everything. Why?" He was genuinely curious to know why was that? It wasn''t just that she was deeply interested in his life but it was also that he wasn''t able to stop himself from being honest before her.


    "Because I''m a genuine believer of the fact that love stories don''t just exist in fairytales. And neither are they like fairytales with happy endings. Some are short-lived, some are angsty, some are full of fluffy romance. But each story has the uniqueness that sets it apart just like every person is special, each story of theirs is also special." She was grinning brightly as she answered enthusiastically. Xin Zimen could even see how sincere she was about each word that she uttered.


    "Even though my love story is not only short but also a tragedy, you still think it''s special?" his lips were curved in a sad smile.


    Xiu nodded her head saying, "That''s why Agatha Christie wrote, ''That is why most great love stories are tragedies.''" She patted his shoulder encouragingly as she went on, "Let me tell you Ah-Xin, true love stories don''t have endings. They live on. Now, in your case even though your wife is dead, you''re alive and your heart is still filled with love for her. Have you ever forgotten her?"


    Xin Zimen looked down at his hands as he shook his head, "Never."


    "Exactly! As long as one heart is beating, the story can''t possibly come to an end."


    Xin Zimen stared at her face for a while making her frown.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "It''s just as I said before, your way of looking at things is beyond your age."


    Xiu grinned sheepishly as she rubbed her earlobe and said, "I told you I''m an old soul. In fact, let me tell you a secret."


    "Secret?" His brows quirked up as she nodded. "What is it?"


    She held out her pinky finger saying, "You need to first promise that you won''t share this with anyone. It''s top secret!"


    Xin Zimen feigned excitement as he hooked his pinky finger with hers saying, "Don''t worry. It''s my job to juggle around with secrets. Hopefully, I can keep yours safe as well." Xiu looked around his room vigilantly and he reassured, "You can be at ease. This room is safer than you can possibly imagine."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at her, "You don''t even have the memories of this life."


    Xiu pouted showing her grievance, "Ah-Xin, you can''t taunt me for that. I''m telling you the truth." She took a brief pause to add, "Actually, let''s say it like this. When I lost my memories of this life, I ended up acquiring the memories of my previous life." She proudly tilted her chin up saying, "That''s why I always say that I''m an old soul." Xiu observed his expressions and waited to see a change. Any change but it never came. His face was still impassive as always. She couldn''t tell whether he believed her or not. In fact, she was just joking around with him just to see any reaction from him but gained nothing out of it. Her enthusiasm deflated as she went on, "You''re no fun, Ah-Xin. What a waste!"


    Xin Zimen lightly flicked her forehead, "You really have way too much time on your hand, eh?"


    Xiu rubbed her forehead, "An empty mind is a house of the devil. As an unemployed person, I really do have a lot of time to concoct all these ridiculous ideas in my mind."


    "Unemployed? You still aren''t looking for work?"


    "I am looking for work. I just don''t know where to look. Hahaha!"


    "Need help?" he offered.


    Xiu leaned up saying, "You''ll let me work here?"


    His brows shot up in surprise as he asked, "You want to work here?"


    "Why not? You think I can''t?"


    He shook his head saying, "The first and foremost requirement for an agent is to know how to put up a facade. I believe you''re really good at that."


    Xiu wasn''t that pleased to hear that, "You''re calling me two-faced?"


    "Not really. I''m calling you multi-faced." Xiu gaped at him in disbelief. "You''re like a chameleon. I don''t think I have met another person who knows when to change colors just to fit in with the situation and people."


    Xiu''s lips twitched. She couldn''t tell whether she was supposed to take that as a compliment or an insult. But it sounded nice so she let it be. Leaning back in her seat she added, "Forget it. If I joined this work, you''d have to put extra effort in cleaning up my mess."


    Xin Zimen neither agree nor disagree with that statement but his silence meant that he was also worried about that. But he still smiled at how honestly and proudly she declared herself as a troublemaker.


    "Now that I have made you smile, won''t you answer my question?" He looked at her in confusion. "I''m still waiting to hear that love story."


    "To be honest, there is really no love story."


    "How is that possible? There must be a reason why your wife suddenly decided to marry you."


    He thought about it before replying, "She was just like you in some ways."


    "Like me?"


    "Yes. She also believed in love stories. In fact, she loved fairytales even though she was the most realistic person." Xiu pulled her legs up and sat cross-legged without any care as she listened attentively. "From a young age, I used to tell her how unreal those stories are but she won''t believe me and instead get into fights with me. Once she asked, ''Why do you even hate these love stories?'' And I replied, ''Because I don''t believe in love. I''ll never fall in love. It''s the most useless thing in the world.''"


    Xiu cupped her hands in her hands as she looked at the side of his face. Well, from his demeanor he really didn''t look like someone who would value love. So, she didn''t think it was that big of a deal that he said that back then.


    "She was very angry with me and didn''t talk to me for a week. But when she came to talk again, she dropped the bomb of wanting to marry me out of nowhere."


    "Huh? Why did she do that?"


    "Because she wanted to prove me wrong. She wanted to prove that love was the most real thing in the world just as real as sadness, happiness, and other emotions that couldn''t be seen." He shook his head adding, "She loved challenges and I became the most intriguing challenge to her. How could she back off? Besides, she was the real arrogant person who truly believed that no one could escape her charms. So, she was certain that I''d fall for her eventually."


    Xiu finally understood most of it as she mused out, "But you had already fallen in love with her."


    "Well, she didn''t know that," answered Xin Zimen. "She thought I accepted her stupid proposal because I also wanted to take on this challenge to prove her wrong as I always did. And everyone else thought that I accepted her proposal because I wanted to use her background for my own advantage." He looked out the window in his office as he added, "Until now, the reason why people think that we were just in a loveless marriage is that neither she liked to proclaim her love nor did I. Actually, there was never a need of words between us."


    Xiu gave him two thumbs-up as she said, "No wonder you never thought of remarrying. You truly loved her."


    He contemplated for a while before asking, "How come you have been so certain from the beginning that I love my wife? I don''t even talk about her that much."


    "Your eyes are expressive enough." Xiu shrugged her shoulders as she added, "The reason why you don''t bring up her name is not that you don''t love her. It''s because you love her so much that it scares you. You''re afraid that if you talked about her, the hollowness she left in your heart might end up devouring you whole."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes shook violently before he snorted, "You not only have an old soul, you even have a sharp gaze. With your level of observation, its a shame that you''re not a member of our organization."


    Xiu was flattered as she scratched the side of her neck saying, "I also think I''m wasting so much talent of mine."


    "You''re really not that humble either," he tsked at her in amusement.

 584 Youre Floored

    As always Xiu was feeling a lot happier and relaxed after idly chatting with Xin Zimen. Even though it wasn''t like they talked about anything really important. But it still seemed really important to her because it was something very personal and yet he hadn''t hesitated at all before sharing it with her.


    As for Xin Zimen, as he had said, Xiu had the caliber to be a secret service agent with her skills of being able to make the people feel warm around her. She came off as such a trustworthy person and along with her way of putting up a facade, he had no doubt that she''d make a noteworthy talent. Because even he couldn''t help himself around her.


    *Click!*


    Xiu was animatedly chatting when the door of the room burst open and a tall woman entered the room saying, "Yo! Brother-in-law, I heard you got sick. When did you get so weak?" As the woman''s eyes fall on Xiu, her eyes widened before she retraced her steps and closed the door.


    Xiu was frowning in confusion when...


    *Knock! Knock!*


    This time the person on the other side knocked properly before opening the door to peer inside. Xiu''s brows jumped up when she noticed that at the door, it was still the same woman as before. Now, she was even more bewildered. If she wanted to come inside, why did she leave in the first place?


    "Sir! I have something important to report." The woman''s attitude had taken a complete 180-degree turn.


    Xiu looked at Xin Zimen who rolled his eyes at the woman and beckoned her inside saying, "There is no need for Directer Su to put up such an act. It doesn''t suit you."


    "Act?" repeated Su Feifei as she walked over with her eyes on Xiu. "How can you slander my name, Sir?"


    Xin Zimen didn''t say anything to her and instead told Xiu, "Little lass, that''s your Ying Jie''s youngest aunt."


    "What do you mean by youngest aunt? I''m Yingying''s only aunt! Who else dares to take my place?" Seeing Su Feifei''s spirit Xiu was amused. Her inquisitiveness was piqued when she heard that this woman was her Ying Jie''s aunt. The same could be said for Su Feifei as well who pointed at Xiu asking, "Your guest knows my niece?"


    "She not only knows your niece, she is quite close to her as well," corrected Xin Zimen. "I''m quite surprised that Ying''er didn''t mention her little soul sister, Bai Xiu to you."


    Su Feifei''s eyes bore into Xiu as she hurriedly came up her side. She bent over to come at Xiu''s eye level while Xiu could only lean back in her seat feeling discomfiting under her perceptive eyes.


    "Woooaaah!"


    Su Feifei was yanked back as Xin Zimen pulled her hand and warned, "Don''t try to intimidate her or else..."


    Su Feifei fixed her suit jacket as she said, "I wasn''t trying to frighten her. I had long been wanting to meet this young lady. I have heard so much that my anticipation was in high mode. Sorry, if I really startled you. That wasn''t my intention." The last sentence was directed at Xiu who waved it off nonchalantly.


    "I wasn''t scared. Just a little surprised," stated Xiu in a sweet voice.


    Su Feifei stared at Xiu''s face with an indistinct gaze before she shifted to Xin Zimen, "She is a civilian."


    "Indeed."


    Su Feifei gaped at him unbelievingly. Was he kidding her? Her statement clearly was trying to remind him that a civilian shouldn''t be in his office that contained not just national but international top secrets. In fact, a civilian shouldn''t even be in this facility. However, this brother-in-law was apparently more willful than her Sister Wen Ai. They both always did whatever came to their mind. Argh! It was meaningless saying anything to him. How frustrating!


    "What are you here to report?" questioned Xin Zimen precipitously.


    "Oh, that can wait," said Su Feifei as she sat beside Xiu with an affable smile gracing her face.


    "I thought that report couldn''t wait that''s why you barged into my office."


    Su Feifei didn''t pay attention to him as she asked Xiu, "Ms. Bai, I heard you''re very close to my Yingying."


    "Yes, I am."


    Su Feifei nodded, "She considers you her younger sister and even told me that she often looks for you when she isn''t feeling good because apparently you''re her energy booster. Spending time with you allows her to forget all about the worries of the world."


    Xiu laughed awkwardly, "I didn''t know about that but it''s true that I also respect her like my own elder sister. In fact, I believe there can''t be a better elder sister than Ying Jie in the whole world."


    Su Feifei was visibly pleased to hear that as she said, "Aiyo! I already like you."


    Xin Zimen snorted, "You''re still the same. It only takes a few compliments in favor of Ying and you''re floored. How typical!"


    Su Feifei turned her head and glared at Xin Zimen, "Don''t try to provoke me, brother-in-law!"


    Xin Zimen crossed his arms over his chest as he reminded her, "I''m your superior at work. Do you really want to keep using this tone with me?"


    "Stingy!" complained Su Feifei. "I can''t believe my sister chose you as her husband."


    "I also can''t believe she had you as a sister."


    Seeing their argument Xiu was amused. From what she could see they had a good relationship but then again if Su Feifei grew up Wen Ai, then Xiu had no doubt that Xin Zimen cared a lot about her. She was even more interested because she didn''t think Ying''s aunt would be so like her. How very delightful!

 585 Your Implication Is...?

    Su Feifei took a deep breath when she realized that she was just digging her own grave by arguing with Xin Zimen. She might not lose in a tongue lashing with anyone else but she knew he won''t let her escape unscathed. Besides, his tongue was sharper than a razor and he loved bloodbaths. It was better to just let it be and get to business.


    "Jokes apart, I really have something important to discuss with you."


    When she spoke, her eyes had shifted to Xiu as if to imply something. Getting the hint, Xiu said, "Oh, I should take my leave now."


    Xin Zimen placed his hand on Xiu''s shoulder and pushed her back on the couch saying, "You stay here. I have something to talk to you." Xiu obediently nodded her head while he turned to Su Feifei and went on, "You follow me."


    His office was actually quite spacious. It could be said that from the sitting area where Xiu was, she couldn''t possibly eavesdrop on their discussion all the way over at Xin Zimen''s desk. No matter how sensitive her ears were, she won''t be able to make out a single word since their voices were also hushed down.


    As Su Feifei followed him to his desk, she said, "Do you really have something to talk or you don''t just want her to leave yet?"


    "None of your concern," was his impatient reply since he didn''t think it was necessary to tell her why he asked Xiu to stay for a while. He obviously wasn''t willing to say that he just didn''t want Xiu to leave yet. That little girl helps him in coping with his overwhelming thoughts. He was being selfish but he really wanted her to just stick around a little longer.


    As long as Xiu was right before his eyes, he''d feel relaxed. That was enough.


    As he sat in his leather chair, he said, "What is the urgent matter?"


    "There are a couple of things," began Su Feifei in a professional manner completely shedding her earlier teasing manner. "The International Conference of Women Leadership is being hosted in An City this year and the state council..." She continued to deliver the report as she showed him all the data and asked, "What''s your opinion?"


    Xin Zimen''s brows knitted up thoughtfully. He wanted to say something but his eyes suddenly darted over towards Xiu. He raised his hand to stop Su Feifei from continuing as he stood up saying, "Wait a minute!" With that, he took a throw blanket from one of the cabins and walked up to Xiu.


    Earlier Xiu had been able to keep her eyes open because she was too engrossed and happy talking with Xin Zimen but as soon as silence engulfed her, her sleepiness caught up to her. Her eyes felt heavy and soon she just sprawled on the couch and fell into a deep slumber.


    In her sleep, Xiu smelled a comforting scent as she snuggled into the blanket comfortably. Her pout was soon replaced with a beautiful and content smile. Xin Zimen''s arm stretched towards her head as if wanting to caress her but before his fingers could touch her hair, his fingers balled into a fist as he held himself back and went back to Su Feifei who had been dumbstruck until now because of what she saw.


    "I''ll have to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs myself," he had composed himself and looked stoic as always leaving Su Feifei even more baffled.


    She couldn''t help sneaking a few curious glances at Xin Zimen wondering what was up with him? Was he perhaps possessed by something? Because that was the only logical explanation she could come with right now. There was no other way she could explain his earlier actions!


    Had he ever been this caring and attentive towards anyone? No way! Wasn''t he a very practical man who found feelings and relationships very burdensome? Why was he trying to suddenly destroy her whole world view?!


    Their discussion had lasted for the whole two hours but all this while Su Feifei was still quite confused.


    "If there is nothing else, you can leave," he was clearly telling her to get lost. But she didn''t move an inch. "Is there something else?"


    Su Feifei nodded her head in a daze as she pointed at Xiu asking, "Who is she?"


    Xin Zimen looked at her as if looking at an idiot. "Didn''t I already tell you she is Bai Xiu?"


    Su Feifei shook her head as she went on, "You know very well that''s not really my question." She bit her bottom lip hesitating a little before she asked, "I''m unable to understand her relationship with you." He quirked his brow at her dangerously. "Don''t get me wrong! I''m just curious why you''re so good to her?"


    "Why? Can''t I be nice to anyone?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    "I''m sorry to say but it doesn''t happen that often. So, I''m really unable to make head or tail of this situation. What''s so special about her that you seem so protective about her?"


    Xin Zimen took his time before answering, "She is my niece. Is something wrong with being protective of her? You''re also possessive about your only niece, she also happens to be my only niece."


    Su Feifei smiled strangely as she stated, "Is that so?"


    Noticing the look in her eyes, he asked, "What are you trying to imply here?"


    "Nothing."


    "If you have something to say, just say it."


    "Okay then. Tell me - is it because she is your niece that you''re so attentive towards her or is it because her name is Xiu?"

 586 Scared Of Him?

    Although Xin Zimen''s face looked indifferent, his back had stiffened. Su Feifei fixed her glasses, meticulously studying the changes in his expressions.


    His finger tapped against the desk as he said, "At the beginning, it was undoubtedly her name but now it''s different."


    "How is it different? Or should I say, how is she different?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes lowered as he replied, "She is a very dangerous person."


    "Dangerous?" Su Feifei''s brows knotted together. "She looks pretty innocuous to me."


    "And that''s exactly her biggest strength," said Xin Zimen knowingly. "She has the power to make you feel very happy and very sad at the very same time. That''s a pretty terrifying ability."


    Su Feifei didn''t understand his meaning as she asked, "Are you serious? I honestly think she is too simple. Except for her charming smile and beautiful face, I don''t see anything peculiar about her."


    He shook his head at her saying, "She once tole Ying, ''Sometimes you gotta play the fool to fool the fool who thinks they are fooling you.''" Su Feifei''s brows quirked up as he went on, "Don''t let her fool you, although I can''t blame you even if you fall for her act."


    "Act?"


    "That little lass is pretty good at fooling people. Even at such a young age, she is so good at veneer. She makes people think that she''s wearing her emotions on her sleeves but in reality, she keeps everything so deeply concealed within her that you won''t find a single flaw."


    "She is intriguing, is that why you''re so invested in this?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "Not really. Whenever I meet her, she makes me want to protect that smile of hers. Somehow, it feels like she has to fight an internal battle to put that smile on. And I don''t want her to lose that battle. I genuinely want to protect that smile of hers."


    He stood up and leaned against a window before he lit up a cigarette.


    "Brother-in-law, if you''re so interested in her. Why are you scared of her?"


    Xin Zimen took a puff before blowing out white smoke rings. "You think I''m scared of her?"


    "You are. Earlier, you didn''t even dare to touch her."


    He sighed out, "I''m indeed scared. Since I genuinely want to protect her, I can''t forget that I had never been able to protect the people I cared about. What if I get close to touch her and she vanished?" Su Feifei''s eyes widened in shock. "Everyone I got close to eventually vanished."


    Su Feifei wanted to pinch his arm but his muscles didn''t allow her to harm him. It only felt like an ant was trying to sting. He looked at her with amusement. Since she couldn''t do this, she ended up punching his arm saying, "You''re really clung on that? After all those years?! I can''t believe it!"


    "You won''t understand it, Feifei."


    "Feifei, have you ever felt the fear of losing something?"


    Su Feifei was stumped for words. She was blatantly arguing over a lost fight. Of course, she couldn''t understand his feelings. It was beyond her. After all, she was still clueless about why her precious niece would waste so many years loving a single man? Wasn''t that a waste of time and feelings?


    As if Xin Zimen had read her thoughts, he poked her head saying, "This is why you''re still alone at this age."


    Su Feifei was displeased as she argued back, "Brother-in-law, I''m not single because I''m witless. I''m single because I don''t want to be in a relationship. It takes a lot of emotional energy that I can''t bother to waste on understanding and compromising with another person. These kinds of emotions are unproductive and devastating at times."


    "I don''t know what else you learned from your Sister Ai but you definitely learned how to always talk back."


    Su Feifei was proudly standing as she said, "Actually, what I learned from my Sister Ai is to never back down! Even if it''s a lost fight, one can''t give up until the very end!"


    *Thump!*


    Before Xin Zimen could say anything to her, they both heard a muffled thump and whipped their head around.


    "Ah! Aiyo! My back!" Xiu was lying on the Egyptian rug as she had fallen from the couch in her sleep. She was rubbing her back as she sat up and leaned against the side of the couch. Looking up, she squinted her eyes trying to figure out where she was.


    Xin Zimen was the first one to run to her side as he asked in concern, "Are you alright?"


    The smell of tobacco brought her senses back and Xiu frowned. Without even thinking, she snatched the cigarette from his hand and crushed it on the coffee table saying, "That''s not good for health."


    Xin Zimen rubbed his forehead, "Silly! I''m asking you whether you''re okay or not?"


    Xiu looked like she was about to cry as she said, "I just fell down. Do you think I''m okay?"


    "Let''s get you a doctor then," suggested Xin Zimen hurriedly and Xiu held his hand to stop him.


    Laughing awkwardly, she said, "There is no need for that. Doctors are so busy saving lives, we shouldn''t disturb them over such a minor thing. This rug is a life savor. I definitely didn''t get hurt. But I think the poor rug got crushed under my weight."


    Xin Zimen found her reaction quite adorable right now. She was just trying to avoid seeing a doctor and it was written all over her face. He helped her in getting up from the floor as Su Feifei walked closer to her saying, "Little girl, I''m honestly impressed. How can you be bold enough to stub Xin Zimen''s cigarette? Aren''t you scared of him at all?"


    Xiu''s face scrunched up, "What''s there to be scared of? Ah-Xin has the most gentle eyes. Why would I be scared of him?"

 587 Long Gone

    "Pfft!"


    Su Feifei couldn''t help herself as she burst out laughing when she heard Xiu saying that Xin Zimen had the most gentle eyes. She thought she heard the biggest joke. Even she herself often got unnerved by Xin Zimen''s terrifying eyes. But when she saw the candid and earnest look on Xiu''s face, she couldn''t laugh any longer. Since she could see that Xiu meant what she said, this confounded her.


    She looked over at Xin Zimen and wondered...


    How could one describe those eyes as gentle? One could say that he had a pair of beautiful eyes but gentle? Not really! Those beautiful eyes of his stimulated some oppressing feelings in others'' hearts. Even though Ying was so close to Xin Zimen, even she''d not dare speak if he narrowed his eyes at her dangerously.


    However, this little girl thought nothing about it. Either she was really daring or really foolish. But since Su Feifei wasn''t that familiar with Xiu, she couldn''t say anything about Xiu.


    "You''re really serious?" she had to reconfirm this with Xiu.


    And Xiu didn''t hesitate before nodding her head in reply, "I swear! Ah-Xin really has the most gentle eyes but you might not see it since it''s all hidden behind the loneliness."


    "Who said I''m lonely?" Xin Zimen chimed in as he looked at Xiu in amusement.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Your whole aura is screaming, ''LONELY''!"


    Xin Zimen played her game with her as he argued back, "Didn''t you say that I have you? Then how can I be lonely?"


    Xiu opened her mouth to retort but nothing came out. She noticed the wicked glint in his eyes making her chuckle. "That''s true. How can anyone be lonely with me around?" She suddenly clutched her stomach and hissed as a sharp wave of pain caught her off guard. "Fuck!" she couldn''t help cursing out in pain.


    "You okay?" Both Su Feifei and Xin Zimen asked simultaneously.


    Xiu took a deep breath and exhaled through her mouth. She repeated the process several times before answering, "Yeah. I think my great aunt is visiting."


    Xin Zimen coughed and looked away while Su Feifei smiled at Xiu''s nonchalant way of declaring that she was about to have her periods. This young lady really had no filter, eh?


    Even though Xiu said it was her great aunt visiting, the cramps she felt were different from before. It was mild but very persistent. She laid back and shifted in her seat. Within a few minutes, she could finally feel better. But since it was a very normal thing for her to have cramps during periods, she didn''t think much about it.


    However, as soon as she noticed the sunlight outside the windows, her expressions shifted. "How long was I asleep?"


    "About two hours," answered Xin Zimen.


    She lifted her eyes to look at Xin Zimen and gave him a guileless and sparkling smile. It softened the look in Xin Zimen''s eyes as his lips curved slightly in response.


    "Did you forget something again?"


    Xiu nodded, "I am supposed to help out Dylan with something. If I don''t leave now, I''ll be late and then he will yap around which I don''t want to deal with."


    "Dylan as in Dylan Qiu?" asked Su Feifei and Xiu nodded again. "He is a friend of yours?"


    Xiu snorted, "Oh, he is a friend alright! In fact, he is a very precious friend of mine."


    Su Feifei gave a nod of acknowledgment as she said, "I also have a precious friend. He is so precious that I call him my treasure."


    "Huh?"


    Su Feifei looked at Xiu''s face as she added, "He is indeed like a treasure because all I want to do is bury him in the ground like a treasure!"


    Xiu pressed her lips together before she burst out laughing. "That''s a good one!"


    "Your sense of humor is aging with you," stated Xin Zimen. "Who looks for treasures in this age and day?"


    Su Feifei gave him a look of displeasure as she said, "Brother-in-law, don''t feel offended! You''re definitely not like a treasure I want to bury in the ground." Her expressions changed as she went on, "You''re more like a pearl I want to throw back to the ocean! That''s exactly where you belong."


    Xiu had to slap her hand on her mouth to stop herself before she could laugh out loud again. But she found Ying Jie''s aunt to be quite an interesting character. She could actually see the willful, wild, and passionate nature of Ying in her aunt which clearly told her where Ying inherited those traits.


    Extending her hand towards her, she said, "Ms. Su, it''s a pleasure meeting you today. I wish I could have a cup of tea with you. But it''s a shame that today I don''t have time. How about some other time?"


    "This workaholic doesn''t have time for even herself," interrupted Xin Zimen before Su Feifei could say anything.


    "Don''t listen to him. I''ll find some time for you."


    "Great! Let''s have Ying Jie join us as well since more the merrier."


    "I wouldn''t like anything more," stated Su Feifei in all honesty.


    Xiu gave Xin Zimen a friendly hug before waving her goodbye and running off. Looking at her retreating back, Su Feifei gazed at Xin Zimen and shook her head saying, "She looks nothing like Xin Xiulin."


    Xin Zimen''s head whipped around to Su Feifei. There was finally a crack on his stoic face. Even his hands clenched tightly.


    Su Feifei patted his shoulder saying, "Although she feels like Xiulin, don''t let your heart deceive you. Treat her like Xiu, don''t try to treat her like Xiulin."


    Xin Zimen swatted her hand away like she was an annoying pest as he said, "I''d never mistake her for my daughter. I also know that she can only be Xiu. Because my Xiulin is..." it took him a moment to complete his sentence, "Gone. She is long gone."


    He was really not deceiving his heart by treating Xiu like his daughter. He genuinely felt the bond of kinship with her. It had nothing to do with the fact that there was only one character difference between two names; Xiu and Xiulin. One was the young girl that he felt a strange affinity with and the other was his dead daughter who would never come back to him.


    He could never mistake between the two! Not ever!

 588 Cant Even Get Mad

    Happily oblivious to their discussion, Xiu had skipped her way out and found Gigi waiting for her exactly where she left her. Her posture, expressions, even the air around her seemed like she was facing an enemy and the situation was extremely dangerous. Xiu''s lips twitched seeing her expressions, did she have to act so stiff all the time? They weren''t in any grave danger.


    However, she had long decided to just go along with this arrangement. If Gigi wasn''t beside her, there''d be someone looking from behind the scene and she''d rather have someone right by her side than to feel like she was being monitored all the time. The feeling of being tracked like a stalker was behind her had always left a bitter taste in her mouth. She''d very much like to not come across such a situation ever again!


    "Are you done?" asked Gigi in a courteous way. The way she looked at Xiu had already taken another turn and she could only resort to showing even more respect to Xiu. She knew better than to mess around with someone like Xiu who had direct access to the President''s office even though she wasn''t even an employee here!


    "Yes, I''m done. We can leave now," replied Xiu while observing the way Gigi looked at her. But she didn''t bother asking about the change that she noticed.


    The buildings here were already like a maze but Xiu could tell that Gigi had purposely taken a different route to the exit. The layout of this place was already really complicated, did she have to confuse me more? Xiu was shaking her head as she sighed but suddenly her steps halted.


    When Gigi didn''t hear Xiu''s footsteps following her, she looked back and found Xiu standing a few steps back with her hand clutching her stomach. "What''s wrong?" Gigi hurriedly inquired.


    Xiu waved her hand as if trying to say it was no big deal but this cramping was getting on her nerves. What the hell! "Can I use a bathroom?"


    "Emm..." Gigi hesitated before pressing her lips together and nodded. "Okay. Follow me."


    Gigi directed Xiu to the restrooms that were close to the break rooms instead of going deeper into the working space. Although Xiu could walk around here with that single black card in her hand, Gigi didn''t want Xiu to come across any highly classified information that would get her in trouble later on. After all, sometimes ignorance is bliss!


    The less a normal person knew about their jobs, the better for their safety.


    Xiu took out a pad from her purse and entered the bathroom. However, she was baffled to realize that her great aunt had not really come. So what? Was it planning on knocking painfully before finally visiting in full force?! Xiu grimaced at her own poor humor and clutched her stomach that still had some mild cramps.


    Xiu had just been mulling over this false alarm when she heard voices from outside.


    "Did you see Ben flexing his Red Access Card around? Such a show-off!" Some woman was really feeling indignant as she spat her words out.


    There was a soft chuckle as the other woman said, "Don''t feel bad, Chichi. It''s just like how rich people like to flaunt their money, in our line of work everyone wants to flex around with the color of their access card. I don''t think I need to tell you that red isn''t just a color, it''s also a rank." The woman sighed out, "Having someone like Investigator Yan as a team leader must have been a blessing for Team 2. They recently completed a joint mission with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. But since Investigator Yan didn''t get her promotion, her team member got it."


    Xiu hadn''t been paying attention until two things clicked in her mind; Access Cards and Investigator Yan. She didn''t understand the rest of their conversation but she didn''t need to. Because those two things were enough to make her brain work overtime since it sounded awfully familiar.


    Where did she hear it? Xiu was scratching her head trying to recall when someone rapped on her cubical door. "Are you okay in there?"


    Since Xiu was taking long, Gigi had grown worried. She had seen Xiu''s pained expression before she entered the restroom so she couldn''t help coming to look.


    Xiu shook her head and stood up since the knock had already disturbed her thinking process, she''d try again later. For now, it was better to get out of there. Fixing her clothes, she stepped out.


    "Sorry for taking so long."


    Gigi looked at her, scrutinizing her from head to toe.


    "Are you feeling better?"


    Xiu was washing her hands when she looked at Gigi''s reflection through the mirror and nodded while looking around to find those women but those gossipy women had already left and Xiu didn''t even notice it.


    "Absolutely! I must have just eaten something wrong today," replied Xiu with a sincere smile as she lied perfectly right through her teeth without even blinking. This was why Xin Zimen had said earlier that she was way too good at fooling people because Gigi was easily convinced. Looking at Xiu now, she couldn''t tell this was the girl who was almost sweating in pain from stomachache in the hallway earlier.


    Still smiling, Xiu followed her out of the building and finally taken the seat in the comfort of the very familiar car. It was odd how she felt an invisible pressure inside that building as if the whole world''s affairs were weighing down on her shoulders. She really couldn''t tell how the people who worked inside that building were able to breathe in peace?


    "Where to?"


    Xiu was putting on her seatbelt as she replied distractedly, "Sun and Moon Bay."


    "That''s about 4 hours drive from the city!"


    Xiu nodded, "I know but we are already out of the city so it will take about 3 hours but it can be shorter if you know how to drive."


    "You''re really getting comfortable with the idea of having me as a personal driver, huh?"


    "Not really," replied Xiu honestly. "I think being around me is a waste of your talents. But I''m not the one calling the shots. So, you''ll have to bear with it for a while."


    Gigi shook her head as she cursed under breath saying, "I can''t even get mad at you. What a tragedy!"

 589 Risking It All

    Xiu propped her elbow and leaned against the window as she closed her eyes. The wheels in her brain were running as she desperately tried to remember. There was something threatening to spill out but at the same time, she wasn''t able to grasp it at all. She could tell that Investigator Yan and those access cards sounded really familiar.


    But it was definitely not the part of her own memory. Then it meant this familiar feeling was because of Destiny''s memories. But up until now, she couldn''t make much sense of those broken fragments that she recovered. And it was stressing her out. She was getting impatient because of all those missing puzzle pieces.


    "Stress kills brain cells."


    Xiu''s eyes snapped open as she turned her head slightly to look at Gigi who was still driving with her utmost attention. She was on the verge of breaking the speed limit. But her driving had been so smooth that Xiu didn''t even realize how fast they were going.


    "I''m not stressing," Xiu replied softly as she lowered her eyes. "I was just trying to remember something important."


    "Either way, you''re straining your brain cells. That can be harmful in the long run."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead saying, "I need to strain my brain cells to recall something urgently. How else will I be able to?"


    "A study found that chronic stress has a negative impact on what is known as spatial memory, or the ability to recall information." Gigi''s voice was smooth and calm as she went on, "Stress had been shown to impede memory retrieval. The more you''re stress over remembering something, the more you won''t be able to recall it. Because it''s proven already that stress can hurt our memory just as it has the ability to change our brain structure and cause mental illnesses."


    Xiu was quiet for a while because she couldn''t retort after listening to her. How could she? Who would know better than her know about how stress was able to give birth to mental illnesses? She had gone through it first hand. But her words made her curious about something...


    "You sound really confident in your words."


    "Just as Investigator Yan''s alias is being a renowned archaeologist, I''m a psychologist as well." Seeing Xiu''s raised brows she added, "It makes our job easy."


    Xiu thought about it before nodding as she said, "It''s just like instead of assuming a fake identity, you already have a second perfect cover to walk around without any difficulty." Gigi gave a silent agreement. Xiu stared at the side of her face for a minute before asking, "Since you''re experienced, I want to consult something."


    "Please, go ahead."


    "A person has retrograde amnesia but there is no head injury involved. I mean there is no traumatic injury or a serious illness or even degenerative brain diseases involved but somehow the person still can''t recall anything from the past. Why?"


    "Are you referring to your own condition, Ms. Bai?"


    "Don''t take it personally, Ms. Bai. It''s a standard procedure. But it''s different that your case had been very..." she looked at Xiu from her peripheral vision before adding, "Peculiar."


    Xiu suddenly chuckled surprising her. "I don''t mind your words at all. Everything happening around me is peculiar, it''d be strange if you didn''t find me very peculiar as well." Shaking her head she again asked, "So as a professional what''s your take on my memory loss?"


    "When we gathered your file, I had studied it in detail," revealed Gigi plainly. "From my experience, I would say there are three possibilities of your memory loss." Xiu listened attentively. "You either experienced a stroke, a seizure or maybe worst... Cardiac arrest."


    Xiu''s body suddenly tensed up but she couldn''t tell why. A seizure, stroke, or a cardiac arrest... All three could be deadly enough to kill Destiny that day in the cemetery that would explain how she suddenly died. But either of these things can''t come out of just anywhere.


    "But I don''t have any history of having any seizures," said Xiu.


    Gigi nodded her head, "I''m aware of that, Ms. Bai. But as I said stress is more deadly than people give it credit for." Xiu''s brows furrowed up. "It''s highly likely that your mind experienced a sudden trauma that you couldn''t emotionally cope with and your brain decided to lock that part of your memory away."


    "I also believed that but you see, if it was just one traumatic incident I couldn''t cope with than how come my 18 years'' worth of memories vanished?" Xiu had thought about it repeatedly. Even if Bai Xiu had a sudden trauma or a situation she couldn''t emotionally handle, only that memory should have been locked away. Why did Destiny''s brain decide to shut off 18 years of her life?


    Xiu licked her dry lips as she spoke again, "And let me add one more thing, lately, I''ve been seeing flashes of that memory. It''s not complete but it''s there."


    Gigi parked the car at the side and turned around to look straight at Xiu as she said, "Ms. Bai, the human body is already complicated but our nervous system is the most complicating part of us. Even today, no one can claim to know our brain perfectly because that''s not possible." She took a pause before adding, "But I can do tell you that our brain has a defense mechanism. That''s how people often develop Dissociative Identity Disorder. Your brain''s defense mechanism was to shut off the memories knowing that your body won''t be able to cope with it. However, it can be said that your brain is restoring those memories in small snippets to save you from an information overload that can send you through another stroke."


    Seeing how tensed Xiu looked, she tried to cheer her up saying, "I think you shouldn''t be disheartened. But I''d advise you to not force it. As I already said, if you stressed anymore, it''ll be dangerous for your health. You shouldn''t risk it."


    "I don''t plan on risking anything as well. I''m not willing to put my life at stake for the second time." Xiu''s voice was low but resolute. She had taken Gigi''s advice to heart. As she leaned back in her seat, Gigi started the car again.

 590 Strange Hobby

    Xiu had been silent when Gigi spoke up again, "In your case, I''d strongly recommend for you to take things slowly."


    "In my case?" Xiu''s brows quirked up. "Why is that?"


    "I''ve read about your fondness for alcohol." Xiu''s eyes widened significantly. "Also, it''s also said that you change into a depressed, mentally, and emotionally unstable wreck whenever you get drunk." They even knew that about her? Just what kind of background check they had done? At this point, she won''t be shocked if they said they knew about her rebirth as well.


    Okay! That as a bit far-fetched!


    "Wow!" Xiu couldn''t help exclaiming whether, in praise or shock, she couldn''t tell herself. "I didn''t know you guys take your job that seriously."


    Gigi gave her a small smile saying, "As I said, it''s a standard procedure. We can''t approach the target with a blindfold on." Xiu could only sigh as she heard that. "Anyways, as I said, since you always show symptoms of depression, straining your brain cells or pushing yourself to remember might push you even further down in an abyss. At this rate, you might end up suffering from a mental breakdown."


    Xiu''s body shuddered as something came to her mind when Gigi mentioned ''mental breakdown.'' She chose to silently chew at her lips, silently looking out the window.


    Suddenly the silent space buzzed alive with a very peculiar ringtone...


    ?Stop calling me I''m not your buddy


    And I don''t wanna be your pal,


    just like how I don''t wanna take this call


    Since you''re not my type of crow


    Don''t even try to be my foe?


    Gigi couldn''t help looking at Xiu strangely who in turn smiled sheepishly before taking the call.


    "Dylan, I''m on my way. What''s the rush?!"


    Yes, that particular ringtone had been only set for Dylan. Only he had the right to enjoy such a privilege. She had spent quite an effort recording that special ringtone when she was teaching Dylan how to play the piano but all he did was get on her nerves.


    "You aren''t there yet? We are about to leave here!"


    Sensing how tensed and anxious Dylan sounded, Xiu smiled to herself wickedly.


    "It''ll take you about three hours to get there. All I have to do is look over some preparation, it''s no big deal. I''ll be there at 5-ish. Heavy on the ish though."


    Dylan''s eyes squinted at her attempt of a joke that wasn''t even funny. He tried to restrain his temper as he said, "I''m borrowing my dad''s chopper. Do you really think it''ll take me three hours?"


    Xiu''s mouth turned into an ''O'' shape before she nodded her saying, "Rich people do know how to show off. Just for a proposal do you have to borrow a chopper? What an extravagant proposal are you planning?"


    Xiu was unfazed as she scratched her earlobe saying, "You know I think it''s a matter of feelings only, why do you rich people have to show your feelings by splurging money? If you have so much to waste, why don''t you throw some in my empty basket as well?"


    "You can say that its rich people''s way of showing their sincerity. Got it?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I don''t get it and I honestly don''t want to get it either. You are making me feel like we are leagues apart."


    "If you''re leagues apart from me then what about your Baobei? Let''s not forget that he is from the same league as me."


    "Hey! Don''t ever compare yourself to my Regan!" Xiu twirled a strand of her hair as she added, "My husband and you are leagues apart as well! Hmph!"


    Dylan only shook his head as he didn''t take Xiu''s outburst seriously. He also didn''t notice that when Xiu called Darren as her husband, she was being literal. But that was something he was still happily oblivious from.


    "The time when he was in your league is long gone. Now, he is not part of that league. So..." she took a deep breath to compose herself as she stated, "It is what it is now so fuck what it was before I came into the picture." After all, her Regan is now a married man how can he be in the same league as Dylan who had yet to even get a girlfriend, officially!


    "Do the job I gave you stop trying to ruin my day for me!" With that Dylan hung up the call and Xiu stuck her tongue childishly at the phone screen. He couldn''t see it anyway.


    Since the car resumed its previous silence, Xiu didn''t find it comforting anymore. After talking to Dylan, she was in a good mood and her usual smile had restored. Humming an unknown melody, she abruptly looked at Gigi saying, "It just clicked in my mind." Gigi was curious about what made her look so perky all of a sudden. "Since you''re a psychology major, you must never have to face depression, right?"


    Gigi opened her mouth to refute when Xiu cut her off with...


    "I mean, dude, how can you be depressed? You can just look at your own notes!" Gigi was left speechless. She really didn''t know what to say to this girl. Xiu was still laughing at her own joke as she added, "You think about it yourself, wouldn''t it sound weird if a psychologist when for a consultation to another psychologist?"


    "A doctor can''t give himself an injection, even a doctor would need another person to do it."


    Xiu got serious as she nodded her head, "That''s true. A doctor has no faith in himself when it comes to treating himself. What a pity!"


    Gigi pursed her lips really feeling helpless before her for some reason. "You really amaze me, Ms. Bai."


    Xiu smiled cheekily as she winked, "I know, right? Even I get amazed at how dazzling I am. How can someone be so great?" They both shared a look before they burst out laughing. "See! That laughter looks good on you. Don''t be so stiff all the time. I know your job requires it but without feelings one can only be a robot. Try smiling a little, it''s healthy. You should know it better."


    Gigi was stunned to hear her words. It suddenly struck her that she finally understood Xiu. She finally got it that Xiu had always been trying to just pass on a smile to others around her. Whether she did it by annoying or teasing others, acting coy, acting sweet and spoiled with others or any other way she could think of, but she would eventually find a way to pass on a smile.


    She shook her head to herself as she wondered what a strange hobby Xiu had.

 591 Farewell Kiss

    Finally reaching the destination, Xiu alighted the car and wanted to stretch her body but was greeted by such cold gust of wind that she ended up hugging her body.


    "Ssss... It''s cold. Cold. Very cold!!!"


    Gigi had also followed her out as she said, "It''s not that cold though."


    Xiu gave her a strange look as she said, "Cold people like you can''t feel it. I''m a warm person! I can''t deal with this much coldness!"


    "Oh." That was all Gigi could say in reply but it wasn''t like Xiu was looking for any argument right now since even her teeth had started chattering. When Gigi noticed Xiu rubbing her arms even though she was wearing a warm coat, she frowned. "Are you really that cold?"


    "Why would I joke about this?"


    Gigi looked at the sun that had yet to set in the horizon as she added, "But it''s gonna be a lot colder once the sunsets. How are you gonna survive then?"


    Xiu blew into her hands to warm them as she said, "Well, I''ll just have to steel myself for this battle with cold then!"


    With that, she had already walked ahead to the location which Dylan had chosen for his proposal. Dylan had picked the experienced individuals to do the work and most of it had already been done before Xiu arrived, all she had to do was look over the preparations and see if anything was missing or anything needed to be altered.


    Gigi was standing at her side silently as she noticed how Xiu''s whole persona changed when she ordered people around to move things around or set up everything according to her wishes. In fact, she couldn''t find her previous playful version anywhere.


    "You''re not cold anymore?"


    Xiu smiled at her slightly, "My blood is boiling with excitement. How can I feel cold now?"


    "Your mood swings are severe," said Gigi and didn''t continue as she let Xiu emerge in her role of bossing people around. She seemed to be very good at this role.


    After Xiu was satisfied with the preparations, she heaved a sigh of relief and walked over the sandy beach and stood right where the ocean waves were close to her reach and yet couldn''t touch her as she saw the sun setting leaving with orange hues. They say standing before an ocean gives way to a million dreams.


    Oddly, Xiu was only reminded of one thing... Or rather only one person.


    Rummaging out her phone, she sent a video call request and as soon as it connected, Darren''s eyes only saw the vast ocean along with the beautiful sun sending a farewell kiss. His smile softened as he heard Xiu''s voice, "Dear husband, can you guess what''s on my mind?"


    "That it''s a beautiful sunset," answered Darren gently.


    Xiu turned the camera angle and her face appeared on the screen. Her nose was adorably red from the cold wind and ever her cheeks had gotten a beautiful glow. Her eyes seemed moist as she sniffled before rubbing her nose.


    "Although the sunset is beautiful, you aren''t in my arms. How can it be complete?"


    Xiu gasped at his reply before her eyes looked at him with visible admiration and overflowing love. "My husband is indeed the best. He is in a league of his own for sure!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "Regan, do you know that''s the only thought that came to mind as well?" Darren smiled knowingly as he let her talk. "As soon as I stood here, I couldn''t even appreciate the beautiful view because all I thought about was how you aren''t here with me. That''s why I instantly called you to share this view with you. But now that you mention it, I do think your arms should be wrapped around me."


    "I didn''t know my wife misses me so much every day," teased Darren.


    "Who is missing you? Don''t think so much!" Xiu hastily chose to deny it. Although the denial was just her way of avoiding the embarrassment when it clicked that there is no such thing as embarrassment between husband and wife, she turned bold. "Actually, you know what... I am missing you. It''s weird, I just saw you in the morning. How can I miss you like I haven''t seen you in days?"


    Darren was amused to hear her words but was also very happy. "Now if you say it like that I''d want to rush to you immediately."


    "There is no need for that," said Xiu. "I''m still working."


    "Working?" Darren''s brows quirked up.


    Xiu rotated the camera and showed him the set up as she went on saying, "See all that? Your best friend has gone crazy in love. I never thought he''d be this romantic. There are fairy lights, candles, a perfect candlelight dinner on the beach, and roses scattered on the way. There is also a huge piano and he is also planning on serenading his would-be girlfriend."


    Darren listened attentively and even nodded his head in appreciation as he said, "Didi has grown up."


    "Oh, please! That''s not growing up! This is the cheesiest proposal in the history of proposals! I''m telling you, if he dared to pull the stunt of fireworks, I''m gonna beat him right then and there!"


    Darren pressed his lips together asking, "You still don''t like fireworks?"


    "What''s the point? It''ll only lit up for a couple of minutes and then? Poof! What''s the point?" She wasn''t feeling tired at all as she kept on talking. "Besides, we get to see fireworks every year on National Day. What''s so special about it?"


    "The ''special'' thing is the feelings of the person setting it up. Those on National Day doesn''t really count to this."


    "Husband, you really want to take your best friend''s side right now?"


    Darren chuckled in reply, "I wouldn''t dare do that before the Imperial Empress of my family and my heart." He took a pause seeing her satisfied smile before he said, "But you can stop finding faults with Didi''s arrangements already. It''s written all over your face how proud you''re to see him taking such a romantic initiative for his love."


    Xiu touched her face as she furrowed her brows, "Where is it written?" Pouting at him she added, "Sometimes I really don''t like it that you can read me so well."


    Darren felt like squishing her face. She looked extremely tempting today for some reason and he didn''t know how to control himself and wait for her silently here. He just wanted to run to her already. Coming to this empty apartment without her was already making him feel out of sort. Bloody hell! He was way too used to seeing her smiling face the first thing after coming home.

 592 Halo & Pretty Wings

    Xiu heard the loud sound of the propellors and said to Darren, "Your best friend is going overboard but only for today, I''m willing to overlook." Even though she thought the expenses for one proposal had gone over her stingy budget list, she was gonna overlook. It wasn''t her money but she still felt painful about wasting it like this.


    Darren laughed at her heartily before saying, "Then I should really reward my wife for having self-control over her temper for my best friend''s sake."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "It isn''t for his sake. It''s just that I don''t want to ruin this moment for him." She took a brief pause before adding, "But I will collect that reward of mine happily."


    Darren pressed his lips together before saying, "Aww... Such an angel you are."


    Xiu rolled her eyes before saying, "Dear hubby, your wife isn''t an angel! I''m a demon but with a big halo and pretty wings." She winked at him cheekily as she asked, "I''ll see you at home. Bye!"


    Darren couldn''t help shaking his head at her description. But he didn''t find any flaws with it either. She was indeed a demon who just happened to have a big halo that made people love her.


    Meanwhile, Xiu gathered her emotions and walked up to the big piano that had already been placed at the side. It wasn''t that close to the canopy decorated with sheer white cloth and fairy lights that gave it a dreamy feel. But the piano wasn''t that far either. Either way, it''s direction was set in a way that the person playing the piano couldn''t be seen from the dinner table.


    When Dylan led Cali towards the dinner table, she couldn''t help raising her brows in surprise. Until now, Dylan hadn''t been doing anything particularly romantic. He had been very subtle with each date but this one was exaggerated and even she could tell that something was special about it.


    "You prepared this all for me?" she asked as she stepped on the flowery path lined with candles that led to the dinner table.


    Dylan cleared his throat as he spoke dryly, "You''re not even impressed."


    Xiu who heard the grumpiness in his voice couldn''t help snickering but slapped her hand over her mouth. She already knew that Cali wasn''t someone who would get touched deeply with this romantic set up. She came from a very affluent family and must have seen such affairs all her life, was there really something unique about it. But she didn''t roll her eyes because she knew Dylan''s trump card, in other words, Xiu was the unique part of this proposal.


    On the side, Cali had also sensed that she said something she shouldn''t have and tried to salvage the situation by saying, "I mean to say that I really like this."


    Bringing her to the heart created with roses and candles, he took her hands in his own and took a deep breath before saying, "Actually, I think you''ve already noticed that something is different about this date." Cali nodded her head carefully observing his expressions. "It''s really a special date because I have something to tell you." Cali''s heart thudded in her chest violently and she had to use all her willpower to keep herself from having any wayward thought.


    Dylan turned his head and took a huge bouquet of white roses from an attendant who had been in the shadows. He held it and clicked his fingers. That was a signal but...


    "Try harder, I can''t hear you," Xiu was muttering to herself even though she knew it was her cue to start playing the piano. Knowing that Xiu was being intentional, Dylan clicked his fingers again. Deciding not to mess around anymore, Xiu placed her hands over the keyboard as a soft melody fleeted around in the air.


    Cali turned her head and only noticed the piano now but just then a very familiar, but slightly raspy voice entered her brain and set her heart ablaze...


    ?Blue ocean, yellow flickering candlelight


    I adorned this path with roses that are white


    Starlit night but it''s rather dark


    I lost my heart to your little spark


    When I look into those beautiful eyes,


    They always take me by surprise


    And I feel like losing a battle


    It brings the feelings I don''t dare to deny


    I must be going crazy but


    All I have to say is, I love you


    All I can ever say is, I need you


    And I need you more


    I left love in a hopeless place


    I hid my tears and feelings in a dark space


    Then you walked through an open door


    And the light you brought made my heart soar


    I heard love can often go to waste


    Some feelings can never be replaced


    But your love lit a flame to guide me home


    And I found the home in your heart that I have been looking for


    It''s feelings I can''t deny cause


    All I have to say is, I love you


    All I can say is, I mean it from the bottom of my heart


    Blue ocean, yellow flickering candlelights


    I hope to make the stars to bear witness of tonight


    You and me, our everlasting feelings like a dynamite?


    As he held the bouquet up for her, his eyes were sparkling but all she could see was her own reflection in his clear eyes. There was no guise, no impurity. All she saw was his feelings as clear as those white roses in his hands; unblemished, pure, and beautiful.

 593 Planning Big

    Cali was truly speechless as she gaped at him in disbelief. She had known Dylan for over a decade and she''d dare to say that she had seen many sides of him. But she never knew he was capable of this. She had never expected him to serenade to her and that too with his heartfelt feelings. Even though he sang a little off-tune at times but it was understandable as she could visibly see his nervousness.


    Why was he nervous though? She really couldn''t tell why he was so anxious? This was so not like him. Was he really self-conscious? When did that happen?


    Her eyes widened when it suddenly clicked in her mind, ''Love makes you question even the obvious sometimes.'' She had been through that herself.


    "This... All of this..." she tried to speak but was still uncertain how to form coherent words. Every thought in her head was jumbled up. And as for her emotions, they had already gone into a frenzy. She never knew there was a possibility of falling in love with this man even more.


    "These are for you," Dylan who had been observing every slight change in her expressions passed the bouquet of white roses into her hands with a broad smile and went on, "From your western point of view, white roses are called bridal roses since they represent young love and eternal loyalty. But they also symbolize new beginnings and everlasting love."


    Cali blinked at him uncertainly as she took the beautiful bouquet from his hands and caressed the roses gently.


    "I know you aren''t the biggest fan of flowers but I had a reason for bringing these..." he licked his dry lips as he added, "I want these to witness our new beginning because I wish to write our story of everlasting love together with you." Taking her one hand in his own he went on, "Cali, will you be my girlfriend? I know I have many shortcomings. I easily lose control of my emotions, I often end up acting petty and I''m not that capable when it comes to fixing everything. But I think you already know that I''m actually a very transparent person. If I love someone, it''s written on my face. If I dislike someone, that''d also be written on my face."


    He exhaled a breath through his mouth.


    "It''s true that I can''t claim to know you very well. Perhaps, Dazi knows you better than me. But that can''t change the fact that my feelings are true. I really want to learn all about you. I really really want to have you as my official girlfriend. Will you allow that?"


    Cali was quiet but as he stopped talking, she spoke up, "Dylan, you do realize that being with me won''t be easy, right? It''ll be a test for your patience. We come from two very different countries and although I have never looked back at my father''s wealth or status. I can''t really shirk off my responsibilities now that he is gone." She took a pause as she bit her lips, "Can you really deal with a long-distance relationship?"


    Placing the bouquet at the side, she jumped to wrap her arms around his neck as she whispered, "I''d love to be your girlfriend." Dylan''s lips curved up in a blooming smile as he hugged her back tightly. Before he pulled away slightly to capture her lips with his.


    On the side, Xiu was using her arms as her pillow as she kept looking over in the direction of Dylan and Cali with a thoughtful look and a small smile playing on her lips. She had to say that the scene before her was worthy to become an oil painting. It looked so beautiful.


    A man and the woman he loved stood underneath the starry sky immersed in a passionate kiss surrounded by beautiful candlelights as the moon hung lovingly in a far distance looking over the intense waves.


    But just as she was enjoying this silent union of two lovers, she was startled by the ''boom'' of the fireworks that suddenly lit up the entire sky. The fireworks painted the sky in different colors so beautifully that it looked so mesmerizing.


    However, a certain someone was not really all that impressed. Xiu was really feeling the itch to beat Dylan for planning a firework show as well! "Idiot! At least, care about the environment!" She was shaking her head when she noticed the sky lit up with Dylan and Cali''s names with a heart. She looked over in Dylan and Cali''s direction once more and seeing that Cali was pleasantly surprised by this, she decided to just let it be.


    If it helped Dylan in bringing a smile to his girlfriend''s face, she had no opinion whatsoever. Not like her opinion mattered at this point.


    "I didn''t know you liked planning so big," laughed Cali as they came over to sit on the dinner table.


    "It''s my first time proposing someone. I just decided to go all out." Dylan was being honest. He really didn''t know what to do, so he just chose what everyone on the internet suggested. Too little or too much is never good but when it comes to love, everything is fair.


    Soon their dinner was brought over and Xiu being the good partner started playing a very comforting melody. It gave a relaxing feeling as it mixed with the sound of waves hitting the shore.

 594 Really A SweetHear

    Since the melody that Xiu played for Dylan''s date was soft, comforting, and very relaxing, it actually made her yawn repeatedly. She didn''t know about others but she certainly was having a hard time opening her eyes. She was really confused even though she was sleep deprived for a couple of nights, was it necessary for her sleep to follow her at odd places today?


    First, she slept in Xin Zimen''s office and now, she wanted to close her eyes and doze off without any care in the world right in the middle of playing the piano. Seeing that Dylan had finally rapped the surface of the dinner table, Xiu took the cue and stopped playing the piano. Her fingers hurt from playing for so long. If it was a dinner date, couldn''t they just eat dinner in silence? Why did they have to talk so much to prolong the time of dinner? It needlessly exhausted her fingers.


    With a hand over her mouth, Xiu yawned and hunched her back to sneak away from there. She hadn''t even gotten to her car when Dylan caught up to her.


    "Where are you running off to?"


    Xiu looked at him pointedly as she replied, "Home. Where else am I gonna go?" She took a pause before adding, "By the way, you''re such a useless disciple! I taught you so many times and yet you sang off-tune? What is wrong with you?"


    "And what about you? I clearly snapped my fingers but you intentionally played dumb and almost ruined the moment."


    Xiu was enraged as she opened the door of her car, "Gigi, give me my phone." Gigi passed her phone to her and Xiu scrolled through it before showing the screen to Dylan. "At the very last moment, you sent me this text saying that you''ll snap your fingers twice and then I''ll start playing the music."


    Dylan looked at the message that he sent himself at the last moment and didn''t know what to say but that didn''t mean Xiu was gonna stay quiet. "Not only that, I really couldn''t hear you snapping your fingers. You''re so nervous that your hands were clammy." She snapped her finger before his eyes making him flinch. "That''s how you snap, crisply! If I hadn''t kept my eyes at you, I''d have really not known your real intention."


    Dylan bit his lip uncertainly, "You really weren''t trying to sabotage my proposal?"


    "What would I get out of it?" Saying that she pushed him aside and sat in her car before asking Gigi to drive away.


    Inside the car, Gigi set the heating temperature before saying, "Put your fingers here to heat up. Your nails have gone blue already." Only now Xiu noticed that her nails were really blue from the cold. No wonder she felt her fingers were sore, they were about to break from the cold.


    Xiu had mostly closed her eyes on the way back but she wasn''t able to sleep. Her brain was definitely drifting somewhere in between. Since the expressway wasn''t as busy as it had been when they came, Gigi intentionally broke the speed limit to get Xiu home faster.


    Xiu gave her a mock salute with her two fingers as she replied, "Roger that!"


    With that, she ran over to the elevator. In about five minutes, she stood outside Darren''s place as she intentionally rang the doorbell instead of just opening the door herself. And as soon as Darren opened the door, she jumped into his arms excitedly.


    "Woah!" Darren staggered a couple of steps backward because of how suddenly she just threw herself at him. Even her feet weren''t touching the ground. He wrapped his arms around her waist to support her while she further wrapped her legs around his waist and refused to budge. "Sweets, you''re so cold." When her face buried into his warm neck, he felt a chill run through his body. Her body was really cold.


    As he brought her to the living room, she pulled her face away to look at him saying, "I''m cold that''s why I''m hugging my human heater."


    Darren chuckled at her words as he sat down with her in his lap. She still didn''t pull away and tried to snuggle up even further as if trying to bury herself in his warmth. He didn''t refuse her and let her be as he silently stroked her head.


    Being like this, Xiu finally felt herself warming up. Earlier she couldn''t feel any sensation because of the cold even though she spent about 2 hours in the car that was completely heated up with a cozy temperature. Now that she was embracing him, she realized that it wasn''t her body that was lacking the warmth, it was her heart that was yearning for this warmth.


    This human heater of hers was really essential for her wellbeing!


    "Are you feeling better? Should I make you some tea?"


    Xiu got down from his lap and nodded her head, "Yes, please!"


    Darren rubbed her head and got up to make her some tea. As he turned on the electric stove, he looked over at Xiu. "What are you thinking about now?"


    Xiu lifted her eyes and pouted, "Husband, we didn''t have our wedding kiss!" Darren''s brows quirked up. "I''ve been wondering what''s missing and it only clicked in my mind when I saw Dylan and Cali kissing. We didn''t have our wedding kiss! How did we miss that?"


    Darren smiled at her adorable expression, "Sweets, don''t you think a lot of other things were also missing at our wedding?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Nope! I don''t care about the rest! I only care about my kiss!"


    Darren strode over to her as he held her waist and kissed her deeply even before she could retort or push him. Not like she was in any mood to push him away. She would welcome his lips anytime anywhere without holding back.


    "There you have it. The kiss!"


    Xiu hit his chest saying, "You know that''s not what I meant." She pressed her lips together before adding, "But I''m not satisfied. Please, continue!" Darren laughed heartily before he pinched her nose.


    "My Sweets really is a sweetheart!"


    "I taste sweet as well, you know," she said suggestively as she licked her lips while gazing at his lips.


    Darren pinched her chin as he said, "Oh, I think no one knows how sweet my Sweets taste." With that, he dipped his head to capture her lips once again but this time, he wasn''t as warm or soft as earlier. This time around, the kiss was passionate and searing enough to leave Xiu branded.

 595 Appointment In Dreamland

    Darren was really surprised to see that his dear wifey wasn''t really acting as hyper as she usually did. She was indeed as random as always but she wasn''t as energetic as always. But he thought it was because she was feeling tired and hadn''t been sleeping well. So, he didn''t probe her.


    Xiu took a quick hot shower before coming to drink her ginger tea.


    "Did you eat anything?"


    Xiu took a sip of ginger tea and shook her head, "No. But I''m not hungry either."


    "Lately, you''ve been so hungry that you could eat a whole cow, and now, you''re suddenly not hungry at all?" Darren''s brows knitted up. He lifted his hand to touch her forehead and confirmed that she didn''t have a fever.


    "I''m not sick," stated Xiu while patting his hand that had shifted from her forehead to her cheek and was still lingering there. Finding it comforting, she leaned into his touch and rubbed her soft cheek against his hand making him smile.


    "If you''re not sick then what''s up? Why the sudden mood shift?" He was perplexed that just yesterday she wanted to eat everything and today, she wasn''t even feeling like eating anything. It worried him a little for the reasons he couldn''t even tell himself. He just knew that everything associated with even the slightest shift in her moods had been enough to make him worried.


    Xiu scrunched up her face saying, "I think it''s my time of the month."


    "That can''t be right," he retorted before he took his cellphone and opened the calendar. "Nope. Definitely not. Your date already passed over two weeks ago."


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded by his reply.


    "It was supposed to be while I was away. Did you not get your periods during that time?"


    Xiu buried her head down, avoiding his eyes as she said, "I didn''t get it." Taking a moment, she grumbled, "I never thought I''d be having this discussion with my husband." Recalling something, she asked, "Wait! You know my date? Even I don''t know it!"


    Darren cleared his throat before saying, "I''m your husband. It concerns me as well now." Xiu squinted her eyes at him and he tried to avoid her heated gaze and used distraction as a way out. "Anyway, you really didn''t notice that your periods are late?" Xiu shook her head plainly. "Don''t you keep track of it?"


    Xiu''s shoulders slumped down, "I don''t like keeping track of things or people I hate."


    "I can''t believe this!" he exclaimed. "Sweets, this is serious. How can you be careless about it?" He pressed his lips together as he looked at her, "Sweets, do you think you are..."


    "Pregnant? No way!" Xiu laughed at him without even thinking.


    "It''s a possibility," said Darren.


    "Two months? And you didn''t bother going to a doctor?"


    "If my annoying great aunt is so reluctant to visit me, why would I run to beg her to come?"


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her, "Sweets, this is really not the time for joking."


    Xiu herself knew this was not a joking matter especially because the issue of irregular periods had been when she was Chen Xiu. In this body, her periods had always been punctual. However, she would never jump to conclusions since there had been way too many changes in her emotions lately and she knew how emotions would affect hormones as well. She honestly didn''t think it was such a big deal!


    "Regan, relax! I''m really not pregnant. I have been feeling cramps so I''m sure the great aunt is not so far." Darren relaxed but felt a little disappointed as well. However, he hid his disappointment quite well. "Besides, let''s just suppose that I am pregnant..." Darren''s ears perked up. "Are you not gonna take responsibility for us?"


    "How can that be?"


    Xiu patted his shoulder saying, "Exactly! We are already a family. So, stop worrying. Who cares why the great aunt is late?"


    Darren pursed his lips before saying, "But I still think you should..."


    He didn''t even finish when Xiu cut him off with, "I''ll go to see a doctor just for the ease of your mind. Now, can we please stop talking about this matter?"


    Darren nodded his head as he followed her to the bedroom. As they laid down on the bed, ready to retire for the day, Darren wanted to talk more to her and tell her how down he felt when he didn''t see her at home but Xiu was already asleep. It was literally like as soon as her head touched the pillow, she was out!


    As always he hugged her before closing his eyes. He didn''t mind whether she was pregnant or not. Although he had always dreamed of having a family only with her, he would never force it on her. He was just worried that this delay in her periods might affect her health in some way. Lately, she had been looking a lot tired anyway.


    ...


    The next morning, seeing that she was sleeping so peacefully, he didn''t dare disturb her. He quietly got dressed to leave and sat down beside her to kiss her forehead as he always did before leaving. But it was enough to stir her awake as she looked at him groggily and said, "You''re leaving?"


    "Mm..." he hummed in reply. "You rest well."


    "What about breakfast? Let me..."


    Darren held her shoulders and pushed her back down saying, "No need. I''ve already prepared breakfast and left yours in the microwave. Heat it before eating it."


    "Thank you," she mumbled still half-asleep. Darren looked at her lovingly before leaving.


    Xiu didn''t even know when he left or what he made for breakfast since she didn''t wake up even after he left. It was past lunchtime when her phone''s ringtone made her stir again. With her eyes closed, she looked for her phone and placing against her ear, she spoke, "The person you are calling is currently dead asleep. Kindly either make an appointment in dreamland or stop calling!"

 596 Dream-Like Momen

    Xiu didn''t even intend to get up. She even threw her phone carelessly at the side as she pulled up the comforter and snuggled in. Although she wasn''t that sleepy anymore, she was still feeling super lazy. So, she didn''t bother even getting out of the bed.


    She had just fallen asleep when she found herself in a strange place. It looked like a locker room, like the ones at the gym? Xiu couldn''t tell what place it was. As she slowly darted her eyes around, she couldn''t recognize anything. She found herself standing before the locker no 25 with a towel around her neck which made her even more perplexed.


    "Didn''t I tell you to stop coming here?"


    Xiu was startled by that slightly familiar tone of the voice and wanted to whip her head around but she couldn''t. Then slowly she saw the person speaking to her emerge from the darkness. However, that person''s face was blurry and Xiu couldn''t make out any features. She wanted to rub her eyes but she couldn''t even move her hands. Why?


    "If I won''t come here, how will I see my mentor?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she realized that the answer came from her own mouth but she definitely wasn''t talking. She wanted to shut her mouth but found out that she had no power to control her own body yet again!


    The person came close to rub her head, "That''s why I told you to apply to the Academy. With your skills, you''ll easily pass the physical test. The written test might not be that easy for you but with my recommendation, it won''t be a problem."


    Xiu heard herself chuckling, "Mentor, do you think I''m all about brawn and no brain?"


    "I didn''t say that," that familiar gentle, and affectionate tone replied as the person led her to the nearby bench. "It''s a brutal place. That''s why I don''t want you to keep coming here. Look, your hands must be bruised all over again."


    Only now Xiu noticed that she was wearing hand wraps that people often use in combat sports. The person before her slowly helped her in taking off the hand wraps and looked at the bruised hands.


    "It''s not that serious. Isn''t this much very common on the ring? Besides, my face is not hurt. That''s a big plus."


    "Are you planning on only giving up when your face gets hurt? You''re too young for this place."


    Xiu didn''t know what she was supposed to make of this situation. Was it a dream? If it was then how come she could feel the pain? Was it because she had awakened in a dream? But if it was a memory why was it so blurry? Why wasn''t she able to see everything clearly or make sense of this situation in a better way?


    While she was contemplating in her mind, she heard her own voice replying, "You can stop reminding me that I''m young. It really won''t help."


    "You''re underage, and this is illegal!" The person exclaimed in a hushed voice.


    "It''s really pointless. You never listen to me."


    The other person was feeling exasperated so they left leaving Xiu behind who just realized that she was looking into Destiny''s memories from Destiny''s eyes. How very delightful! Peh! Definitely not! It''s giving her goosebumps even while she was asleep!


    But this bizarre adventure didn''t come to an end just yet. Xiu noticed how Destiny turned around and opened her locker again, this time, she stared at the mirror and made Xiu come to a realization. Wearing an oversized hoody and covering her face completely, Destiny pulled out a card from her pocket that had a gray stripe.


    In the silence of the room, Xiu heard Destiny''s voice, "Sorry, mentor! But I had to steal this from you. It''s the only way I can think of surviving right now."


    Xiu''s heart thudded violently in her chest as her eyes flew open and she gasped for air. She looked for water from her side table and gulped it down in one go before calming down a little. This experience was just as bizarre as previous ones. The only difference would be that this time around Xiu was completely awake in her dream. She saw everything from Destiny''s perspective but she had no control over her actions.


    It was like she lived a moment of someone''s life through their eyes but without having any control over them.


    She was about to rub her temples when she realized how profusely she was perspiring. Feeling sticky all over, she threw away the comforter and ran to the bathroom. Instead of taking a normal shower, she decided to pamper herself with a bubble bath and ease up her nerves.


    Stripping over, as she laid back in the bathtub to relax her thoughts instinctively wandered off to the dream she just experienced. There were a few things she noticed...


    One; Destiny just had a fight and it was illegal as well. What kind of fights are illegal? Streetfights or the ones in the black market! But with how clean that locker room looked, she couldn''t decide which idea was more plausible.


    Two; The person came to see Destiny was someone she had mentioned as her mentor in her letters. Also, that person was a female dressed as a male. Even though the texture of the voice was different but the tone sounded oddly familiar!


    Three; When Destiny looked into the mirror, the face that reflected back was almost like that rebellious girl whom Chen Xiu met coincidently in a movie theatre. So, she could guess that Destiny was only about 15 or 16 at that time.


    Fourth and the most important part, the card she stole from her mentor played an important role in this mystery called Destiny Novell. Perhaps, the card could become the key!


    Xiu''s thoughts were running all over the place. Even she couldn''t tell what or why she was thinking or where all of this was coming from. But she had to act like a detective to question every single thing if she wanted to learn all about Destiny.


    It was all the more important now since she didn''t want Destiny''s life''s shadow to come and haunt hers now when she had Darren in her life. She wouldn''t be able to bear seeing him getting hurt for any reason.

 597 A Party!

    Wrapping herself in a bathrobe, Xiu stepped out after thoroughly enjoying her bath. It was time to eat something so that her brain could work properly again. After she stepped on her phone only then did she realize that she had thrown it away in her sleep. Good thing it didn''t break.


    Seeing that she had a few missed calls, she called back.


    "Xiu, where the hell are you?!" A roaring voice could be heard from the phone as soon as the call was connected.


    Xiu rubbed her ear before answering, "I was sleeping." She was telling the truth but just adding a bit of laziness to her voice for extra dramatic effect.


    "It''s 4 pm!" reminded Ying from the other side of the call. She couldn''t believe Xiu had been sleeping until now!


    "Ying Jie, what does time have to do with my sleep?"


    Ying rolled her eyes saying, "Forget it. You''ve already hurt my feelings."


    "I did? What did I do?" Xiu was immediately alert as she stood against the kitchen counter.


    "You asked me to get an appointment to talk to you," Ying sounded aggrieved as if Xiu''s words had really hurt her deeply.


    "I did what? How is that possible?" Xiu rubbed her temples trying to recall what nonsense did she say to Ying in her half-asleep state. "Ying Jie, I can''t even recall that I had talked to you much less than what I talked about. Just look over this matter."


    Ying chuckled at Xiu''s attempt to coax her and said, "I long forgotten that. Didn''t I make an appointment in your dreamland just as you asked for it?"


    "I asked you to make an appointment in dreamland?" She heard a grunt from Ying''s side making Xiu want to knock her head against the wall. "You must have thought I''m drunk."


    "Not really," replied Ying. "I actually thought how high you were! Hahaha!" Xiu wasn''t able to laugh at that joke as she stayed silent. When Ying realized that Xiu wasn''t giving any response, she went on, "Ok. I''ll forget about it. I actually called you to invite you."


    "Invite me? Where?"


    "I''m throwing a party!" exclaimed Ying excitedly making Xiu''s brows quirks up.


    "Really? You also have such hobbies?" Xiu didn''t think Ying would actually be throwing a party. It came out of nowhere and she wasn''t able to understand why she was suddenly throwing a party.


    "Aiyo! Don''t you know? I love boisterous places and I''ve always been famous for my parties."


    "Why am I not able to picture you and parties together?" Xiu was still confused. She never realized that with the nature of Ying''s work, she''d love to party out.


    "Are you gonna keep asking questions or come over? Bring your boyfriend as well. I''ll send you the address."


    Even after Ying hung up, Xiu was staring at the screen with a complicated look. She didn''t wish to go anywhere. But considering how it was Ying inviting her and how locking herself up in her room was unhealthy, she just decided to go.


    Since it was a party Ying was throwing, Xiu didn''t think wearing anything formal was necessary. So, she chose a casual but elegant ensemble for the night.


    Just as she sat before the vanity and looked into the mirror, her brows knitted up. That earlier dream had still been fresh in her mind and right after when she heard Ying''s voice, she really thought the two voices sounded really similar. But she shook her head thinking that she was confusing the two things since that dream was bothering her.


    Denying her own list of possibilities, she got dressed, and by the time Darren came back, she was all set to go. After a shower and a change of clothes, he followed her out as they set out for the party.


    ....


    "The guests will be here in about ten minutes and you all are still not done? Hurry up!" Ying was acting like an instructor ordering around people.


    As she had told Xiu, she was really famous for her parties. But it wasn''t every day that she''d throw one since she mostly wasn''t even in the country. However, whenever she did throw a party it''d turn into the talk of the town.


    While she was running around to check up on the preparations, her phone''s ringtone made her halt. She looked at the caller id and smiled wickedly before taking the call in a poised manner, "Hello, Mr. Xiao Li! You''re looking for me?"


    Xin Xiaoli took a pause before saying, "What play are you acting out now?"


    "The same one you''re not invited to," answered Ying straightforwardly.


    "There is a piece of hot news that Yan Ying is throwing a party. Is it just a rumor or..."


    Ying smiled to herself as she said, "It''s not a rumor. It''s true. I''m throwing a party."


    "Really? May I ask what for? Why all of a sudden you decided to throw a party?"


    "You can ask but I''m not obliged to answer," she retorted making him sigh out. "However, considering our past I''ll let you in on this insider news."


    "Oh, pray tell."


    "I''m throwing a bachelor''s party."


    "Huh?" Xiao Li was dumbfounded. "Whose bachelor''s party is it?"


    "My best friend, Xin Xiaoli''s!"


    Xiao Li''s mouth twitched as he asked, "I think I am that best friend of yours."


    "Oh, really?" Ying gasped as if in disbelief. "I didn''t even notice it."


    "Cut the crap, Ying! If it''s really my bachelor''s party, how come I''m not even invited to it?!"


    Ying''s grin widened as her eyes turned into crescents. "My parties always have a twist. This time the twist is... It''s the bachelor''s party without the would-be groom! Enjoy your stay at home!"

 598 Sacrifice Himself

    Ying was over the moon when she hung up the call with that cutting retort. What did people take her as? A Joke? It was time to remind everyone what she really was! It was never a good idea to take her kindness and goodheartedness for granted. She also knew how to collect paybacks!


    In her years that she spent under the tutelage of Xin Zimen, he had taught her the world''s most important truth. In the end, it all comes down to your upright nature. Because the person who can cry definitely knows how to make others cry. If people had a hundred ways to make her shed tears, she had a thousand ways to payback but she always ended up living with her honorable personality.


    She never really thought it was necessary to drop her standard low and fight back with people who had nothing better to do in life.


    "Ha! Now, you''ll get the taste of my ruthlessness!" Ying was pleased with herself.


    In the meantime, Xin Xiaoli was amused by her way of getting revenge. Ruthless? He''d rather call it cute! Holding a party for him and not inviting him? What exactly was this pettiness about? He sighed out, he really wasn''t even gonna comment or argue with her. Neither could he since she had hung up on him.


    "Was it Ying?"


    Xiao Li looked up at Zhao Wei and smiled while nodding his head. Zhao Wei placed the cup of tea before him and sat down diagonally from him.


    "Is she really throwing a party?"


    Xiao Li''s smile broadened, "Yes. She is throwing a bachelor''s party for me but I''m the only one who is not invited."


    Zhao Wei was about to take a sip of her own tea but thankfully she didn''t or else, she would have spurted everything out. She observed his expressions for a minute as she pressed her lips together before asking, "Are you two fighting again?"


    Xiao Li shook his head, "No way! Ying and I never fight. We only argue as friends do and then we''d stop talking for a day or two. But after a couple of days, one of us would end up calling the other and everything will be alright." He looked at the cup of tea in his hand before adding, "But you''d know this already, Aunt. You''ve seen us growing up."


    Zhao Wei''s grip on her cup tightened as she nodded her head while biting her bottom lip. It took her a minute before she said, "I''m really sorry."


    "Aunt!" exclaimed Xiao Li. "Will you please stop doing that? You always make me feel guilty."


    Zhao Wei shook her head as she looked up at him, "No, Xiao Li. It''s me who should be guilty. If it wasn''t because of the promise you gave me, your life would have been so easy right now." She took a pause before adding, "I know the arguments between Ying and you only began after that promise you gave me. Before that, you both never argued. Not even once. If it wasn''t for me, maybe you''d also have a family of your own by now."


    Zhao Wei brought a laptop and played a video before him. It was the scene from two days ago when Ying slapped Meihui right outside this house. Xiao Li had heard about what happened that day but it was his first time having the full knowledge of what really went down.


    He looked at Zhao Wei inquisitively who answered, "Ying had always been the one who gave in. Perhaps, that left a superiority complex within Meihui since Ying never wanted to fight back. It must be the reason why Meihui never stopped harassing Ying in one way or another. But I truly never thought one day Ying would fight back but it won''t be for her own self."


    Xiao Li''s lips curved up slightly, "You should know by now. Ying was raised personally by my father. His sense of justice rubbed off on her. As he always says, ''If you''re being wronged, you can think of turning the blind eye but if you see someone else getting wronged, don''t ever turn away!''"


    "It''s really selfish of me to ask you to stay by Meihui''s side," she muttered softly. She knew in her heart she had wronged him. If her daughter hurt him, she also did in her way. If at that time, she hadn''t forced Xiao Li to look for Meihui and take care of her... She shook her head not wanting to continue this thought. She suddenly couldn''t even look him in the eyes anymore.


    "Aunt Weiwei, you never forced me to do anything. Stop overthinking about it. What''s done is already done. At that time, you wanted to redeem yourself as a mother by doing something for her. You had your reason back then. Today, I have mine to marry her."


    "She''s my only daughter and I don''t want her to get hurt no matter how far she had gone. I know there is no one who can love her more than you. That''s why I''m already very glad that you''re still willing to walk by her side in this life."


    Xiao Li gave her a small reassuring smile. He couldn''t tell her the reason why he had stuck around Meihui for so long. But now, he was certain that he didn''t want another life to be ruined because of Meihui''s stubbornness and willfulness. If it meant to sacrifice himself, he''d do that.

 599 Hot Snacks

    The nightclub was lit up with rainbow lights and the music on loudspeakers kind of revved up the soul. The intoxicating vibe was making everyone want to move and experience the joy as one.


    Nonetheless, there was someone who blanched at the sight of such a vibrant and loud affair. Hugging Darren''s arm tightly, Xiu pouted in displeasure, "Why is the party at the nightclub?"


    Darren patted her hand that was holding his arm in a tight grip as he replied, "Ying might not seem like it but she has a thing for crowded and loud places. She hates alcohol but she is still known as the life of a party." He craned his neck to look around before pointing right at the bar section. "See, there she is."


    Xiu looked over and was left tranced with the way Ying''s hands moved to concoct different drinks. She seemed like quite an expert. And she truly felt like the life of the party as to how everyone was trying to strike up a conversation with her. Xiu didn''t think she''d see Ying laughing and having fun with people like this.


    From just a glance one could tell that it wasn''t a simple nightclub. Even though there were over 50 people, it wasn''t congested. In fact, it felt quite roomy with its elegant setting. And the people inside the club didn''t seem like they were simple as well. However, Xiu still felt disturbed as she rubbed her chest while mumbling, "I feel uncomfortable here."


    Yet, she couldn''t just leave since she was already here. At the very least, she had to say hello to Ying. So, she walked over to Ying''s side. "Ying Jie!"


    Ying, who was happily mingling with people she met once in a blue moon, turned her sparkling smile towards Xiu and almost jumped over the counter to hug her. "You''re finally here?"


    Xiu laughed at her excited look as she asked, "You look like a dog with two tails." Leaning close, she whispered, "Is it because your boyfriend is here?"


    Ying''s lips twitched as she pushed her a little saying, "My boyfriend is not here."


    Xiu gasped at her, "What? You didn''t invite him? How could you?"


    Ying''s brows furrowed up as she replied, "What do you mean? He isn''t in the city."


    "How do you know that he didn''t come back? Did you call him?" challenged Xiu with narrowed eyes.


    Ying gave her a side-eye look as she informed, "He hasn''t called me in the last 38 hours, why should I call him?"


    Xiu''s lips curved up in a wicked grin, "Oh... So, you''ve been keeping track." Bumping her shoulder Xiu added, "Why? Are you missing him?"


    Ying pushed Xiu''s head away again as she said, "Don''t assume things."


    "Well, if you won''t give me a clear answer than I can only let my imaginations run wild." Ying didn''t respond. "How about I give him a call in your place? Give me your phone."


    "I told you, he isn''t in town." Ying tried to stop Xiu.


    "Looks like I have to give him a call from my own phone."


    "I even have his address, do you want it?"


    Ying chuckled awkwardly as she saw Xiu''s eagerness, "Keep it to yourself." Finding it a bit interesting, she asked, "By the way, why are you so eager to call him over?"


    Xiu grinned at her cheekily, "Don''t you know? I''m trying to set you up together."


    "Being a busybody, are we now?"


    Xiu shook her finger before Ying''s eyes. "Nah, Nah! It''s called playing cupid. I love doing it!"


    A masculine arm draped over both of their shoulders as they both heard the voice, "Are you sure about that Xiu? Because I think you love being the third wheel."


    Xiu smacked Ah-Si''s head saying, "What do you mean? Don''t you know the joy of bringing two hearts together? And besides, if it wasn''t for me, you''d still be crying over your broken life!"


    "Oh, I should be thanking you," replied Ah-Si.


    Xiu proudly jutted her chin up at him as she said, "Of course, you should be! Even if you thank me for life, it won''t be enough!"


    Ah-Si rubbed her head, "Yes, yes! I''ll be forever grateful to you."


    Xiu laughed happily and proudly, "That sounds right." She looked down at her phone as she added, "Now, I should call Ying Jie''s boyfriend." But suddenly she recalled something and asked, "Oi! Where is Nora?"


    "She said she isn''t in the mood to come out tonight," replied Ah-Si.


    "Huh? What is she doing home all alone?"


    "She is alone at home?" Ah-Si inquired curiously.


    "Yeah." Scrolling all the way to Nora''s number, she called her first, "Yo, Nora, my dear Dora, whatcha doing?"


    "Lazing around," came Nora''s voice that literally sounded like she was really lazy.


    "I say, come out! Let''s drive this night to a party!"


    "No, bro! I''m out! Can''t move..." Nora yawned on her bed as she rolled over.


    "Sista! There are so many hot snacks you''re missing out on!" exclaimed Xiu exaggeratedly.


    "What snacks?" Nora''s attention was piqued.


    "Hot guys, you fat fuck! Get here already!"


    Nora rubbed her ears saying, "Stop exclaiming so much. I''ll be right there."


    Xiu smiled in delight as she looked at her phone but stiffened when she heard a cough from her back. She turned her head slowly and grinned sheepishly, "Regan, my eyes are only on you. I promise. These hot snacks can''t catch my attention."


    Darren shook his head at her and laughed at her. "I believe that sightseeing hobby is still there."


    Xiu pursed her lips, "Humans are all about their eyes. We can''t resist gorgeous creatures." She gave him googly eyes as she said, "Just like how my eyes always find your direction."


    Darren patted her head lovingly, "I didn''t even say anything. Why are you explaining it all? Don''t I know you best?"


    Xiu nodded, "That''s true!"


    "Wait a minute! You called my girlfriend over to stare at other men?" Ah-Si was feeling baffled now.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "No, silly! I called her over to ogle you!" Patting his shoulder, she added, "Make your time count."


    Ah-Si looked at Ying and Darren as he asked, "Has anyone ever won a battle of words with this girl?" Both Ying and Darren shook their head in reply and Ah-Si nodded as if he had expected it. "I see..."

 600 Pick Up Your Cinderella

    "Regi, come with me. I have something to talk to you." Ying dragged Darren away from Xiu to a secluded corner leaving behind Xiu who was rubbing her temples.


    Meanwhile, Ah-Si tapped her shoulder asking, "There is something different about you tonight."


    Xiu pointed at herself, "Me? How?"


    "I can''t explain but I feel like something is different," replied Ah-Si thoughtfully.


    Xiu rubbed her chin before saying, "Maybe, I''ve gotten fatter."


    "I''m serious."


    "So am I, Ah-Si" Xiu deadpanned.


    His brows knitted up as he said, "How come you started calling me Ah-Si? Didn''t you use to call me Si bro in a nice and sweet voice?"


    Xiu laughed to herself, "I did. My brain must have been seriously hurt back then."


    "What did you say?" his voice got deeper and dangerous.


    "What I mean is that I finally realized that your mental age is of a teenager meanwhile my own mental age is of a thirty-something person. So, technically, I''m older. Why should I call you Si bro then?"


    Ah-Si''s lips twitched as he stared at her speechlessly. Scratching his head he said, "Always have faith in your twisted words and logic. I''m not even surprised at this point."


    Xiu smiled sweetly in reply, "Aren''t I awesome?"


    "Having the ability to blacken the white and whiten the black is a real talent. You''re indeed awesome!" Xiu squinted her eyes at him giving him a pointed look. "I mean to say you''re so awesome that I believe I should be calling you Jiejie(elder sister) instead of Meimei(younger sister)."


    Xiu was quite pleased with that answer as she nodded agreeably, "I also think you should."


    "Oh, weren''t you gonna call Ying Jie''s boyfriend? Call him. Actually, ask him to come here. I also want to see this boyfriend now."


    "Didn''t you already see him at the mall last time?" questioned Xiu.


    "I couldn''t see clearly and after that, Ying Jie is not giving me any window of opportunity to see him."


    "Hold on," with that Xiu finally dialed Han Bohai''s number. "Hello, Xiao Bobo!"


    Han Bohai was momentarily at a loss for words. The way Xiu called out to him held the same mischievous gentleness and care he had been once very familiar with. It left his nerves shaken for a moment and he couldn''t come up with any words to say.


    Not getting any reply, Xiu looked at her phone and tried again, "Oi! You there? Is it too loud here? I should get out of here." Xiu made her way towards a silent corner before asking again, "Can you hear me now?" Han Bohai only managed to hum in reply to let her know that he was on the call. "Great! Now, hurry up and tell me, are you back?"


    Han Bohai''s brows furrowed up as he replied, "I''m about to catch my flight. Why?"


    "Wow! That''s awesome!" Xiu was getting extremely excited as she heard his reply. "So, by midnight you''d be here."


    "What Ms. Bai? Don''t be distant future brother-in-law. You can just call me Xiu."


    Han Bohai''s face stiffened as he replied, "Alright. Now, would you let me know why are you so curious to know about my whereabouts? Aren''t you my biggest fan? Shouldn''t you already know all about my whereabouts?"


    Xiu chuckled at his reply, "Well, time changes little superstar. These days, I''m the biggest fan of my husband. Sorry but setting your priorities straight is very necessary for life. And right now, my only priority is my husband."


    Han Bohai''s frown deepened, "You''re married?"


    Xiu nodded her head excitedly while jumping around in happiness, "You can''t believe it? I can''t either! I''ve always wanted to have a family of my own and now I do! I actually have someone I can rightfully call mine! And don''t get me started on how remarkable of a person he is."


    Hearing her gushing like that, Han Bohai didn''t realize when a smile set on his lips. It was like he was reminded of his Sister Xiu whose biggest dream was to have a place she could call home and people she could call hers. It''d be wrong if he said he didn''t feel himself getting closer to Xiu without her realizing it.


    "I wish my girlfriend also talk about me with such enthusiasm as you have right now," he couldn''t help sighing.


    Xiu stopped jumping around and sobered up as she said seriously, "Don''t be so down my little superstar. I told you I''ll be the cupid. I certainly am playing cupid here."


    "Did you call me to play cupid as well?" he asked in amusement.


    "Bingo! This is why I love talking to you, it''s very easy to have a smooth conversation." Xiu looked around the party scene. She had been really not into this party but now, she was feeling really happy since she was talking to her Xiao Bobo. "Let''s get to business... Since you''ll be here by midnight, don''t forget to pick up your Cinderella."


    Han Bohai''s interest was piqued as he asked, "My Cinderella isn''t even looking for her Prince Charming. Or maybe she thinks I''m not her Prince Charming."


    Xiu rolled her eyes, "If you had been here, I''d have smacked your butt by now." She took a deep breath before continuing, "Now, don''t waste time. Just get here before midnight."


    "Why does it have to be before midnight though?"


    "You don''t know?" Xiu gasped in disbelief. "If you didn''t manage to hold Cinderella in your arms before midnight, she''d run away!" Turning her voice into a whisper, she added, "And I''m warning you, there are plenty of gorgeous human beings at this party. Don''t say I didn''t give you a heads up."


    "Are you giving me a heads up or are you scaring me?"


    "Whichever works," replied Xiu cheekily.


    "Brother Han, it''s time to board the plane."


    Xiu heard a female voice from his end before he said, "I''ll call you after landing."


    "Got it."

 601 He Deserved I

    On the other side, for the past ten minutes, Darren was just staring at Ying waiting for her to speak up already. However, the girl who never hesitated before was now in such a deep contemplation that she wasn''t even uttering a word. She was either chewing on her lips or playing with her nails, it was apparent how uncertain and reluctant she was.


    Tapping his foot impatiently, Darren urged her, "Are you sure you have something to say? Or you''re just wasting my time? What''s up with dilly-dallying? That''s so not your style."


    "Give me a minute," said Ying, depressingly. She was depressed and now annoyed at how Darren was rushing her to talk.


    Darren folded his arms and leaned against the wall beside him in a bored manner.


    In the meantime, a million thoughts had already crossed Ying''s mind. Originally, she dragged Darren over because she wanted to ask him about Chen Xiu''s mother. But now that he stood in front of her, she wasn''t so certain anymore. It wasn''t a secret to her that Chen Xiu''s death had affected Darren''s life. Even if the impact wasn''t the greatest to him, he was still one of those people who suffered.


    She learned nothing about Chen Xiu''s childhood. Neither from Zhou Jinhai nor from Han Bohai. She could only think of Darren but bringing it up now didn''t feel right.


    She could see how Darren was so happy now with Xiu. If she brought up Chen Xiu''s name would it be like prickling on old wounds? She really couldn''t bring herself to hurt him intentionally. It wasn''t right and she knew that herself. In this confusion of whether to ask or not ask, she had wasted a lot of time.


    Darren covered his mouth as he yawned and said, "Whenever you think of what you really want to say, please call me again. For now, I''d like to leave."


    "Wait!" Ying exclaimed as she held him back. "What''s the hurry?"


    "My Sweets is waiting for me," he replied naturally.


    Ying shook her head, "She is not a kid. She''d be fine without you."


    "Whether she''d be fine or not, I can''t say but you are certainly not fine. What''s up with you? If you have something to say, just say it already. I really don''t have patience for this."


    Ying took a deep breath before saying, "I invited your brother to the party." She finally decided not to say Chen Xiu''s name at all before Darren. She would never want to see Xiu and Darren having any kind of hard feelings because of her. It was better to be safe than sorry.


    "So?"


    Ying''s veins twitched at his offhanded retort. Who was he kidding here? "You really don''t care?"


    "Should I be caring about this?" asked Darren irritably. "I can''t avoid him for life. And since he is your childhood acquaintance, it''s only right that you''d call him. I already had expected that. If I had any problem, I wouldn''t even be here."


    Ying was left stumped for words for a while.


    "What if I did?" inquired Ying, a bit doubtfully.


    "Go and have fun with your guests. Don''t let your brain work overtime over nothing."


    With that he left her side with a bemused expression gracing his face. Ying honestly didn''t know what to make of this situation. Even Dylan would show more of a reaction after hearing Zhou Jinhai''s name but the person concerned, in other words, Darren was completely unaffected.


    Ying''s brows knitted up as she looked at Darren''s retreated back with a complicated look. "What game is he playing? Is he okay with his brother or is something else is up that I can''t see?"


    No matter what is was, she was glad that there won''t be any problem at her party. It was still uncertain whether Zhou Jinhai would show up or not but even if he did, at least, she could relax that Darren won''t get into an argument with his elder brother.


    ....


    "Did you call Ying Jie''s boyfriend? Is he coming?" was Ah-Si''s very first question when he saw Xiu walking back to his side with a cheerful expression.


    "Of course, he is coming. Can''t you see who invited him?"


    Ah-Si decided to ignore Xiu''s complacent expression as he asked, "When will he be here?"


    "Before the party ends," answered Xiu plainly without disclosing any other information. "Shouldn''t you be paying attention to when your own girlfriend is coming? Why are you focused on someone else''s boyfriend?"


    "It''s the curious cat inside of me that''s making me restless. I have to see Ying Jie''s boyfriend at all costs. I need to know if he is a match for her or not."


    "Since you think so highly of him, I''m even more curious to learn about his identity," stated Ah-Si without sounding unduly curious.


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to his words as she looked around distractedly before asking, "By the way, those decorations says that it''s a bachelor''s party. Where is the said bachelor?"


    "He is not invited," answered Ah-Si with an amused expression. Seeing how Xiu looked at him with her mouth agape, he chuckled, "I''m serious. Ying Jie didn''t invite bro. You''ll find everyone at this party except for the would-be groom."


    Xiu looked over at Ying''s direction and gave her a big thumbs up, "She certainly is worthy of being my Jie. Marvelously done!" She shifted her eyes to Ah-Si as she inquired, "Why do you look so happy though? Your brother is not invited and you''re okay with that?"


    "He deserved it," answered Ah-Si.

 602 Overslep

    Xiu''s hands were slowly sneaking up to the glass of alcohol when a hand smacked hers making her yelp. She looked up to glare at the person but seeing that it was none other than her own husband, she could only smile innocently, "I wasn''t gonna drink it."


    "As if I don''t know what goes through this head of yours," stated Darren as he rubbed her head and pulled her into his arm.


    Xiu silently leaned into his embrace as she said, "You''d have to keep me locked up in your arms then. I really don''t trust my traitor hands."


    "Don''t worry my dearest darling, I won''t let you drink at all."


    "Ahem! Ahem!"


    Both husband and wife turned their heads to look at Ah-Si who grinned saying, "If you need any help, I also volunteer. The drunk Xiu is pretty dangerous, we should all contribute to keeping her sober."


    "What do you mean by I''m dangerous?" Xiu had squinted her eyes at Ah-Si dangerously making him want to cower back but seeing how Darren was also here, his courage recovered.


    "Let''s not forget how you ended up at police station," reminded Ah-Si making Xiu want to smack something on his head. Of course, she remembered it well enough on her own! He didn''t have to pitch in his own thoughts as well.


    Grumbling curses under her breath, Xiu smiled brightly at Ah-Si that gave him chills as she said, "Ah-Si, you can''t describe my drunk personality as dangerous. When I''m drunk, I only have two thoughts."


    "What two thoughts?" asked Ah-Si quite curiously.


    "Whether I should get my act together or should I just keep being cute with a touch of chaotic!" she winked at him as she added, "Normally, I go with being plain chaotic... Hahaha!"


    While she was happily immersed in making Ah-Si baffled, there was another voice behind her saying, "And here I thought the only two personalities you had when you''re drunk are; One, I''m so sensitive, don''t you fucking touch me. Two; Let''s be a dramatic bitch!"


    Xiu''s face stiffened and she didn''t even have to turn her head to know who dared to say this to her as she replied, "Well, at least I''m not like you who always end up crying like an idiot while hugging the wine bottle." Xiu flipped her hair as she turned to look at Nora with a smirk while adding, "Even when I''m drunk, I''m still sassy and as much classy. And you turn plain... brassy."


    Nora showed her fist as she said, "Good thing you didn''t say trashy or I''d have punched your face."


    Xiu stuck out her tongue at her as she hid behind Darren.


    "Nory, let Xiu be. Don''t let her ruin your mood," Ah-Si instantly hopped over to his girl''s side and gave her bear hug.


    Xiu laughed out loud at them, "Nory? That''s such a..." Nora squinted her eyes at Xiu from over Ah-Si''s shoulder and Xiu decided to seal her lips. "I mean it''s cute. Very cute."


    "I overslept," she replied.


    "Define overslept."


    Xiu pressed her lips together before answering, "I woke up only a couple of hours before you came."


    "Woah! You really know how to sleep."


    Xiu grinned widely, "Yes, only in this life I realized that I''m quite good at sleeping. If there was a championship of sleeping, I''d surely get the gold medal! How awesome would that be?"


    Darren had no words for this wife of his. She really made him question things a lot. But it also meant that there were no dull moments with her around. She''d bring the gentle breeze of a summer day even in the coldest of nights.


    "Why did Ying Jie drag you over?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "She didn''t tell me the real reason but she did tell me that Zhou Jinhai might attend the party." He was constantly observing her expressions as he spoke, "You''d be okay, right?"


    "Regan, if we don''t take a step forward, we''d be stuck in the same place forever. I definitely don''t want to go back to that feeling where all I felt was being stuck. So, I''m constantly moving forward in my own way." She took a breath before adding, "That''s why, as I already mentioned, my past can''t bring me down. I moved on to the next phase of life, previous ones don''t count anymore."


    Darren pinched her cheeks lovingly before saying, "Let''s go, I''ll introduce you to the guests of this party."


    "Do I have to?" Xiu was really reluctant to socialize. It never did her any good anyway. She just wanted to stay in her own corner with her husband. Was it too much to ask for?


    Darren tried to pull her up but she still refused, "Sweets, trust me, every person in this club right now is someone people yearn to meet."


    Xiu''s interest was piqued as she asked, "Oh, really? What is so special about them?"


    Darren pointed at a guy in the other corner as he introduced, "That is our Minister of Human Rights'' only son."


    "So?"


    Darren rolled his eyes and looked for someone and when he found that certain someone, he asked Xiu, "Don''t you think that girl looks familiar?"


    Xiu looked at the young girl in a gauze dress that made her look really gorgeous as she said, "She looks familiar but I don''t know her."


    "She is our Prime Minister''s daughter," informed Darren.


    "Still not interested," was Xiu''s answer. "They have nothing to do with me. Why should I try to know them? It''s a waste of my energy and my energy is on a low budget today."


    Darren facepalmed himself, "I really underestimated your anti-social personality."


    "Well, you shouldn''t have." Xiu slumped down in her seat. "But I''m curious to know how Ying Jie is friends with all these people."


    Darren sat back down with her and explained, "Ying never fit in with those aristrocatic ladies. So, her circle of friends took a turn to political and military families. Every person in this room is somehow related to the member of cabinet or sanate or military."


    Xiu chuckled to herself, "Ying Jie sure knows how to make connections."


    "She certainly does," agreed Darren.

 603 101 Ways To Start An Argumen

    As Xiu had insisted, she really didn''t bother getting up to make small talk with a bunch of strangers. It wasn''t her kind of thing and she wasn''t even gonna try being something she wasn''t. So what if all these people were influential? The only person who had any influence on her of any kind was her Regan and he was already with her. Her whole world was him and she was very content with that much. Having too many acquaintances also created unnecessary drama that she couldn''t handle.


    "Regan, do you know everyone here?" Xiu casually asked.


    "Not everyone but I''m acquainted with most of them," answered Darren.


    "Oh, then you should go and say hi to them," Xiu pushed him.


    "I''m not gonna leave you here alone," he replied.


    Xiu again nudged him, "Don''t be difficult. If you know them, then it''s wrong not to say hello. Besides, I''m a grown woman. I won''t get lost here. Just go already."


    Darren hesitated for a while but seeing how she wasn''t backing off, he decided to greet people. Behind him, Xiu had just decided to play a game on her phone when someone chirped beside her, "Xiu, are you alone? Where is your Baobei?"


    Xiu didn''t want to have any kind of argument with Dylan. So, she calmly replied, "He is greeting his acquaintances."


    "Oh, he left you here alone? For his acquaintances?"


    Xiu looked at him as she smirked, "Well, at least he has acquaintances."


    Dylan''s face darkened, "Why are you looking for a fight?"


    "You started it," said Xiu. "I was sitting here minding my own business. You popped out of nowhere to bother me."


    "I didn''t come to bother you," retorted Dylan and took a deep breath to stay level headed. "I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I shouldn''t have talked to you like that after all, you came all the way just to help me."


    "Took you long enough to realize that I was only trying to help," Xiu''s voice was cutting. "I took your apology, now shoo!"


    "What kind of behavior is this?"


    "In Xiu''s dictionary, that''s normal behavior."


    Dylan rolled his eyes at her and was about to say something when hearing another voice, he stopped. "Oh, Xiu is here as well." Cali rushed to sit beside Xiu and hugged her. "It''s been days I haven''t seen you. How come you''re so difficult to meet?"


    Xiu patted her back saying, "I''m not difficult to meet, your attention had only been on Dylan lately."


    Cali pursed her lips and didn''t say anything to her.


    "Why are you always late, Hedi?"


    The three of them looked over at Ying who was scowling at Dylan.


    "You''re the last one to arrive."


    Dylan rubbed his nape as he said, "That''s because my girlfriend was having difficulty in choosing her dress."


    Ying''s scowl shifted to Cali as she went on, "When did you start caring about your clothes? Isn''t all the same?"


    "I wouldn''t want to lose from the host," replied Cali.


    "You can''t blame her for that, Ying Jie," began Xiu calmly as she sipped on her orange juice. "If she didn''t have crazy quirks, how else would she have a crazy boyfriend?"


    Ying pressed her lips together to hold back her laughter while Dylan glared at Xiu, "You don''t even need a reason to drag me around." Xiu stuck her tongue at him childishly and he shook his head saying, "I wonder if Disney is still looking for Aladdin cast."


    "Don''t worry, you won''t make a good Aladdin," retorted Xiu.


    "I wasn''t going to audition for Aladdin," replied Dylan sarcastically.


    "So? Planning on becoming Jasmine then?" Xiu''s brows wiggled playfully making Dylan''s face twitch and his hand itching to beat someone.


    He tried to force a smile as he said, "No! I might not make a good Aladdin but I think I''d make the perfect carpet since everyone seems to love walking all over me."


    "Well, at least you know your own role very well."


    Before Dylan could jump over to hit Xiu or start another war, Ying decided to intervene between them. She smiled at Dylan as she draped her arm around his shoulder. "Hedi, it''s been a while. Where are you so busy these days?"


    Dylan''s mood instantly shifted, "I was busy courting my girl."


    "So, did your girl become your girlfriend yet or not?"


    Dylan smiled widely as he looked at Cali lovingly, "Of course, she did." He looked provocatively at Xiu as he said, "Now, even I have a girlfriend. Finally, someone can stop showing off."


    Xiu''s lips curved into a pleased smile as she took the glass of the orange juice in her hand again but this time she held it in her left hand on purpose as she brought it up to her lips while saying, "You''re still not in my league, bro."


    Dylan felt something glared into his eyes and soon realized it was that diamond on the ring in her hand that seemed to be glaring at him. His eyes widened and he couldn''t utter a word.


    "Oh my! Did Regi propose?" Cali was the first one to ask.


    Xiu smiled sweetly as she nooded, "Yes, he did. And he didn''t even made a show of it like a certain someone. It was very sweet and heart-warming."


    "When will you stop finding flaws with me?" inquired Dylan.


    "I don''t know. You and I have the typical tom and jerry relationship. We hate each other''s guts but we still won''t want it any other way."


    "I wish I could disagree with that statement," Dylan sighed out deeply.


    Ying ruffled his hair and then she patted Xiu''s head before saying, "You both should write a book on yourselves; 101 ways to start an argument. Trust me, it''d be a hit!"


    "I like the sound of that," both Dylan and Xiu spoke simultaneously making Ying laugh out.


    Her eyes fell on a person in a distance and she decided to leave them alone.

 604 Professional Help

    Darren had been greeting the guests when he noticed someone staring intently at his wife and frowned. He walked up to the person having drinks all on her own and said, "Gigi, you don''t have to stay so vigilant here."


    Gigi gave him a nod before saying, "I think this is the place where I should be more vigilant."


    Darren''s frown deepened, "What? But it''s a party and Xiu has so many people around her. There can''t be any danger to her here of all places."


    Gigi gulped her beer before rapping on the table, "Have a seat." Darren sat down and as she informed, "In my opinion, the danger isn''t out, it''s inside."


    "Huh? Can you please be clear? What are you trying to say here?"


    Gigi looked over at Xiu who was laughing with Ying, Dylan, and Cali at that moment and her gaze deepened, "Your wife is in danger but it''s not external." She took a brief pause before adding, "It''s herself. She is the only danger to herself right now."


    Darren was stunned to hear her reply. "Don''t joke around with me."


    Gigi shook her head, "I don''t have a habit of joking. Your wife needs help. Professional help. If you don''t want to lose her, provide her that timely help." Darren was silently contemplating her words ass he went on, "I''ve studied psychology and not only that, in our field of work we have to have the skills to read people''s facial expressions or their every movement. Your wife''s symptoms are severe. She is not only suffering from anxiety but she also is depressed. Something is eating her up inside. The more mentally disturbed she is, the more she tries to fake a smile. It must be her survival mechanism."


    Darren didn''t take Gigi''s words lightly because he knew she was very professional and won''t talk without evidence. And he didn''t even need evidence. Chen Xiu suffered from depression for years before taking her life and right now her soul was in Bai Xiu''s body. Technically, only the shell has changed, the person inside still was that same depressed, lonely, insecure girl.


    "If I have to take a guess," began Gigi again. "It must be because of her lost memories. Recently I had a discussion with her and she said that her memories are coming back. If I have to make an assumption, it must be that those memories are too overwhelming for her. When her brain locked those memories, there was a reason. But something must have triggered those memories again."


    Darren''s hands clenched tightly. He looked at Xiu who seemed like was having another argument with Dylan. His expressions were complicated as he asked, "She has a history of seeing a professional psychiatrist but it didn''t do her any good. Neither did her anti-depressants."


    Gigi thought about it before stating, "I''ve noticed a pattern with her."


    "What?"


    "A center?"


    "Yes. Like most people tend to take that fight-or-flight route. And when they choose to run away from their problems, they try every mean to distract themselves. And whichever way they choose to distract themselves become their center. And when they lose that center, they become restless.


    "But in her case, it''s different. She is not running away from situation, she is trying to face it. And to face that situation, she needs a center of support. You are that pillar of support for her at this moment."


    Darren nodded his head in understanding. He remembered how Xiu repeatedly told him that she was using him as her anchor to get through the insanity that life was throwing her way. He should have noticed that her condition wasn''t as simple as it seemed.


    "Mr. Salvay, do you realize what importance you have in her life?" Darren looked up at Gigi who continued, "You have the ability to crush her without even doing anything. She is literally at your mercy right now. That''s a pretty dangerous situation."


    "What can I do? I''ll do anything for her," he spoke sincerely and with a bit of fear. He didn''t have the heart to lose her.


    "From what you said, I don''t think she''d agree for therapy."


    "No, she won''t. Let''s just say some very bad memories are associated with her therapy sessions." He knew very well that therapy would only remind her of how lonely she had once been. And he would never want her to reminsce that past.


    "She has a lot of people who cares about her and that''s a very important thing. She needs people in life she can trust and depend on. You all can help her but you can''t let her know what you''re trying to do. She is quite sensitive these days, it''s better to let her subtly know that she doesn''t have to go through anything alone."


    "I never let her feel alone though," replied Darren. "She knows I''m always with her."


    "Perhaps that''s why her emotional stability is so dependant on you."


    "What are you both talking about?"


    Both Darren and Gigi stopped talking as they looked at Ying. Earlier Ying had seen Gigi and Darren talking and that''s why came up to them. She couldn''t think of any other reason than Xiu for these two to talk so seriously.


    "Regi, what information are you trying get from my subordinate?"


    Darren''s brain was so overwhelmed with what he heard that he couldn''t come up with an excuse instantly but Gigi was one step ahead of him as she answered, "Mr. Salvay wanted to know why Ben is taking so long to come back to work."


    Ying frowned at her reply, "Why is he asking you that?" She looked at Darren, "Isn''t Ben your employee?"


    "Team leader, Ben is my twin brother."


    Ying was stumped for words as she looked at Darren''s smirk and felt strange. How come she didn''t know that? How did something like that slipped out of her knowledge?

 605 Suspicious

    "I can finally say that there is something even Ying doesn''t know about."


    Ying glowered at Darren who still had his smirk on making her blood boil. But she couldn''t argue now since he was right. She honestly didn''t know about this.


    "It''s not like I have to know everything," replied Ying trying to seem nonchalant about it.


    Darren chuckled at her atttempt to look casual as he said, "Fool someone else. If you don''t know something, it leaves you restless. Even now, you''re trying to figure out how did you miss this news. After all, you must have done your research before becoming the team leader."


    Ying cleared her throat, trying to avoid this particular discussion. Of course, she always did her research but she really didn''t remember seeing a sibling in Gigi''s file.


    "You can relax, team leader. I know what''s bothering you. The reason why you didn''t see Ben''s name on my file is because at that time, he was also part of our organization. You might not have heard it because you spent most of your time as an undercover agent and you''re usually out of the country at that time. When you got promoted, he already resigned."


    Hearing the explaination from Gigi, Ying could finally heave a sigh of relief. No wonder she didn''t learn anything about Ben. If he was part of the organization, it''s quite normal for her to not find anything related to him.


    "Can''t you have a normal party?"


    Ying looked over her shoulder and grinned, "Jini, you really came!"


    Zhou Jinhai smiled slightly as he leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "If you didn''t blackmail me, I wouldn''t be here."


    Still grinning, Ying patted his shoulder, "It''s good that you came. We have a lot to catch up on."


    Seeing her knowing look, Zhou Jinhai didn''t argue. He noticed Darren and greeted him, "It''s nice to see you, little brother."


    Darren stood up and smiled politely at him before saying to Gigi, "Take good care of Ben! I''ll come to see him tomorrow."


    "I''ll let him know," Gigi replied before adding, "But Mr. Salvay, you should think about what I said. There is a huge difference between smiling and being happy. Don''t let a smile fool you." She bowed slightly to Ying and withdrew to another side.


    "What cryptic message was that?"


    "Not related to you," said Darren as he walked away.


    Ying looked at these two people and muttered, "Suspicious. Very suspicious."


    Zhou Jinhai hit her shoulder, "Let go of this suspicious nature already. Doesn''t your brain get tired of having so much to think about?"


    "Not really," replied Ying while she snapped her fingers to get the waiter to serve them drinks. "I''m only tired when I have no mystery to solve."


    Bouts of laughter from their group were infectious, he wasn''t able to peal his eyes away. Beside him Ying had been speaking for a while but heard no reply from him. She smakced his head to get his attention and said, "Pay attention! Where are you lost? Missing your wife that much now?"


    Zhou Jinhai glared at her, "Way to ruin someone''s mood, eh!"


    Ying shrugged in reply, "Not my fault. You look so lost. What''s on your mind?"


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head saying, "Nothing much. I just think your guest list is quite impressive as always. Even after years, only Yan Ying knows how to throw a party and gather a crowd like this. And that too on such a short notice."


    "Indeed."


    A couple of her guests came to talk to her and Zhou Jinhai''s attention went back to the boistorous group. He had nothing on his mind but he was unable to look away. The way he saw Darren laughing out as he side hugged Xiu, made him smile on reflex. He could practically see the love and gentless in his brother''s eyes from this far. It gave him a very content feeling, knowing that his brother was happy.


    "Feeling proud?"


    "Very," he replied in a daze and looked at Ying who laughed at him. He narrowed his eyes at her and shot back, "You leave my feelings and tell me about your own."


    "My feelings?" she played dumb.


    "What''s up with this new boyfriend of yours? And how or when did it even happen?"


    Yan Ying already knew this question was coming. For some reason, every person had been asking the very same question lately. Why is that difficult to accept that Yan Ying had a boyfriend? Why did they all act so surprised by it? Yes, it''s her very first boyfriend but so what? Is it that shocking to have a first boyfriend at the age of thirty?!


    "It just happened," she replied offhandedly.


    "It just happened?" he repeated doubtfully.


    Ying rolled her eyes at him, "Didn''t you once tell me that matters of heart have no specific answer? They are called feelings because you can neither see them nor can you describe them in words."


    "Oh, so now you even take my words seriously?" he acted surprised. "I said that to you back in high school when I learned about your feelings for Xiao Li. I never thought you''d remember it."


    "I have an impeccable memory," stated Ying, proudly. "Besides, I really don''t think I need to explain every single person about why I have a boyfriend."


    "But I only want to know who is he?"


    "That''s also something I won''t tell you all. What if you all scared him away?"


    Zhou Jinhai took a gulp of his drink as he said, "I think you''re enough to scare him away on your own." Ying raised her fist and he cowered back saying, "Sorry, sorry! What I mean is that if he has true feelings for you, he definitely won''t mind a few abnormal acquaintances like us."


    Ying stared at his face for a minute before sighing, "Something tells me, he really hates you already."


    Zhou Jinhai frowned, "And why is that?"


    "Because he loves Chen Xiu a lot."


    Zhou Jinhai''s whole body stiffened.

 606 Getting Sensitive

    Ying''s eyes were constantly observing Zhou Jinhai''s expression and she could see how he stiffened after hearing her remark. Trying to appear casual, however, he rubbed his earlobe and said, "Is he a fan of her?" But before she could say anything, he denied the possibility of his own statement, "No. If he is a fan, he wouldn''t even know about me. That won''t be right. Did he know her personally?"


    "Yes, it seems he knew her very personally," replied Ying calmly. "And when I say very, I mean very very personally."


    "But Chen Xiu didn''t have any friends. She was the most anti-social celebrity. How did your boyfriend come to know her personally? Why don''t I know about that?"


    "You didn''t even know that Chen Xiu had any kind of relationship with your own brother. How would you know about my boyfriend?"


    Zhou Jinhai opened his mouth but couldn''t retort. He indeed didn''t know anything about Chen Xiu and Darren. It was only after Chen Xiu''s death that he learned about how his own brother knew Chen Xiu. And boy, was that a shocker!


    "If we leave my brother out of this, I am certain that I knew everyone from Chen Xiu''s personal circle. Because it consisted of a limited number of people. Who are you talking about exactly?" Somehow, Chen Xiu''s name had piqued his interest to learn about Ying''s boyfriend even more.


    Ying smiled slyly as she said, "He says he was the closest person to Chen Xiu. He also claims that no one knew Chen Xiu better than him."


    "You''re talking about Han Bohai?"


    Ying''s brows quirked up, "How did you guess that?"


    "It''s really no rocket science. Especially because there is only one person who can claim to know Chen Xiu and that would be her assistant/brother, Han Bohai. I didn''t even have to think hard, it''s that obvious." He took a pause before adding, "And let me add that Chen Xiu always announced on her sets that Han Bohai is brother, not her assistant. She did it so that no one goes to find trouble with him thinking that he is just an assistant."


    Ying nodded her head as she confirmed one thing that Han Bohai was right; he certainly was the closest one to his Sister Xiu. So, he wasn''t bragging. He indeed had a very special brotherly affection for Chen Xiu.


    "No wonder he gets so sentimental," remarked Ying.


    "I''ll be surprised if he didn''t get sentimental."


    "Jini..."


    "Hm?"


    "My boyfriend says, just because it''s suicide doesn''t mean there was no killer." He noticed the way his jaw tensed up at her words. "That made me think a lot... The way you, Regi, or Hedi react to Chen Xiu''s death, it really makes me wonder if there is a killer."


    "Not every murderer likes to get his hands dirty with blood," was the only reply Zhou Jinhai gave in a bitter way.


    "I know," answered Zhou Jinhai in a calm voice.


    "You know? I think you don''t know!" Ying''s voice turned sharp but because of the music, no one could hear them in this secluded corner. "Zizi isn''t some nice guy. He''ll shred the culprits into tiny pieces!"


    Zhou Jinhai took a deep breath, "I know that as well."


    Ying was baffled by his reaction but she suddenly had an epiphany, "That''s exactly what you want. Isn''t that it? You want to borrow someone else''s hand to use the blade."


    "Well, at least I won''t be using trickery like those people." He looked right into Ying''s eyes as he added, "I just want to use the right person to deliver the justice that she deserved."


    "If I''m not wrong, the people involved in her death are related to you in one way or another."


    "That''s exactly what makes me a culprit as well."


    "Jini, do you have a death wish?"


    "Why are you asking?"


    "Zizi''s reverse scale had always been his daughter. Her name is enough to get him to rile up. Do you think once he learns of everything he will let you off the hook? No way! Anyone remotely related to hurting his daughter will have to suffer from his wrath. You won''t be able to leave unscathed as well." She gulped down a glass of water as she added, "But that is only if Chen Xiu is proved to be his daughter."


    "I know Uncle Zimen as well, Ying. You don''t have to keep reminding me of what kind of person he is. I also know that he won''t let me off the hook either but the truth is, I don''t want him to."


    Ying rubbed her temples feeling depressed and annoyed at the same time. "Boy, either you''ve lost the desire to live or you''re really underestimating Xin Zimen!" She shook her head and added, "I''m already very stressed because of Chen Xiu''s supposed mother and now, you''re annoying me even more."


    "You don''t have any leads?"


    "Not really," she replied honestly. "I actually wanted to ask Regi since he also knew a lot about Chen Xiu. I wondered if he''d of help."


    "Did you ask him then?"


    "I couldn''t bring myself to do so. Lately, everywhere I turn I end up towards Chen Xiu. Soon, I''m gonna have nightmares!"


    "You''re getting sensitive," he remarked.


    "Every person around me is way too sensitive to the name, ''Xiu''. Including myself who had come to love a little sister who is also named, ''Xiu.'' See the irony!"


    "Poor you..."


    Ying smacked his head for teasing her over this. She was very serious. Somehow she wasn''t just sensitive to Xiu''s name, she was feeling complicated every time Chen Xiu''s name was brought up as well. It was truly a test for her patience.

 607 The Charmer

    Earlier when Darren had come to his wife''s side, he was able to hear the constant banter between Dylan and Xiu from quite a distance. He really had to give it to these two. Although these banters had become a norm to everyone surrounding Dylan and Xiu, it was still a sight to behold each time.


    "Xiu, you''re annoying!"


    "No, dear Dylan! I told you already, I''m not annoying, I''m Xiu!"


    "I''m very serious!"


    "When did I say your name is nonserious?"


    "Don''t kid around with me!"


    "There is no kid around here, Dylan." Dylan was gnashing his teeth at this point at how Xiu kept on twisting his words repeatedly. It was truly getting on his nerves. No, no! It got on his nerve pretty early, now he was just hanging by a thread. As soon as that thread broke, he might end up tackling her down right here and right now! "Actually, the only kid I see here is you!"


    "XIU!"


    "Don''t scream! My ears are perfectly fine. Just because you''re deaf doesn''t mean everyone is!"


    "I don''t even know why I started this knowing very well that I was the one who was gonna suffer in the end?"


    "That''s a question you should be asking yourself."


    "I hate you!"


    Xiu laughed at him, "Why is that whenever you have no other way to retort, you resort to saying you hate me? I already know you hate me. I have said it repeatedly that the feeling is very mutual. Don''t bother wasting your breath!"


    Dylan took a deep calming breath before his sight fell on his best friend as if finding his life savor, he started, "Dazi, your girl is bullying me."


    Darren took a seat beside Xiu and looked at her who in turn smiled innocently. "Come on, Didi! My wife looks so innocent. How can she bully a bully like you?"


    Dylan gaped at his best friend in disbelief, "You certainly know how or when to change sides. Don''t forget it''s pals before gals!"


    "Ah-Si, did my wife bully him?" Darren completely ignored Dylan and shifted to ask Ah-Si who had been silently watching the drama unfold between Dylan and Xiu for a while now.


    Ah-Si looked at Xiu and smiled before shaking his head, "How can she? She is such a cutie pie!"


    "Wow! You all are turning your backs on me. Fantastic!" Dylan was out of breath now that he was done whining around. "Hey, Xiu! Pass me the water. I''m thirty."


    Xiu tried to hold back but still ended up saying, "Hi, thirsty. I''m Xiu." She passed the water bottle as she adding, "And this is water. We are both pleased to meet you."


    While Dylan''s lips twitched, the rest of the group started laughing out. Dylan was left lamenting, "My bad! I thought it would be my day but apparently with you in my life, no day can be my day."


    Xiu patted his shoulder, "It''s good that you finally know that."


    "Xiu, aren''t you the drinking queen? Why aren''t you drinking tonight?"


    Hearing the question from Cali, Xiu touched the tip of her nose as she answered, "We should learn from our mistakes and move on."


    "Wait! But you love to repeat your mistakes," Nora chimed in making Xiu scowl.


    "Oh, no wonder I''m still friends with you."


    "Did you just call me a mistake?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "When did I? Don''t put words into my mouth. Even if you think you''re a mistake, that''s all your own thinking. I have no say in that."


    "It''s not me who loves to put words in others'' mouth, it''s you! You''re really good at it!"


    Xiu twirled a strand of her hair with her finger as she said, "That''s also a talent only a few can have."


    "That is so like you, my best friend," said Nora before they shared a cheeky smile with a meaningful look that only those two best friends could understand.


    "I''d like to give props to you both for being so dramatically weird best friends who loved to act more like lovers than best friends."


    Xiu and Nora narrowed their eyes at Dylan and smirked, "They hate us ''cause they ain''t us." With that, they both shared a high-five just to annoy him before Nora added, "Bro, we are best friends. If we won''t treat each other like lovers, what''s the point of such a deep bond?!"


    "I never acted like that with my best friend," pointed out Dylan.


    Xiu snorted, "Yeah, because you loved acting more like a mistress than a lover."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Dazi, are you really gonna marry her?"


    Darren looked calmly at his best friend and nodded, "Yes. I''m sure, she''s the only wife for me."


    "Can''t you rethink this?"


    "No, I can''t," answered Darren solemnly.


    He pointed between himself and Xiu as he exclaimed, "This is gonna be difficult."


    "Oh, that''s why Xiu calls you the mistress," remarked Ah-Si as he tapped Dylan''s shoulder.


    "Why are you of all people on her side?"


    Ah-Si leaned closer to his ear as he whispered, "Bro, first of all, I really like her. Secondly, if I dared to even say a word against her, my father might have my head on a platter."


    "Huh? When did Uncle Zi get so protective of someone?" He scowled at Xiu as he asked, "What sorcery did she use on him?"


    "That I don''t know but I only know that dad loves her a lot. He even specifically called me to his room to say that I have to take care of her."


    "Aiyo, I should give her a new title... Xiu, The charmer!"

 608 Thats The Spirit!

    Although Dylan was giving Xiu some dirty looks, inwardly he was quite amused. Even though he often asked her what was so special about her that everyone would just fall in love with her instantly, he never forgot the reason why once upon a time he fell in love with her. He would never deny that he loved her candid nature and he knew that was the reason why everyone felt so comfortable in her presence.


    Once he told Darren that Chen Xiu was born to be a star because her presence had always demanded attention and it had the ability to ensnare people. He was one of those people. And now that the same Chen Xiu was before him in another shell, he couldn''t deny that she never really lost her halo. It was still there. Perhaps, it was her inner wickedness that had been suppressed in a previous life that was new but the rest of her was still as genuine as always.


    But just as any other day, he still loved to annoy her because the way she fought back had always left him speechless. Even though he was always on the losing end. No matter what he wasn''t willing to give up on this bickering.


    "Stop staring at my wife or I''ll really poke your eyes out."


    Dylan''s daze broke as he cleared his throat and scowled at his best friend, "She is rubbing off on you now." Darren''s brows knit up while Dylan added, "You''re also becoming violent like her."


    Darren raised his fist asking, "Would you like to taste my violence?"


    Dylan cowered back smiling sheepishly, "No, thank you. I''m alright." Darren wanted to roll his eyes at this best friend of his but ended up smacking his head lightly. Dylan rubbed the side of his head and said, "Dazi, you didn''t even invite me to your birthday party."


    "When have I ever thrown a birthday party?" inquired Darren.


    "Are you forgetting, Dylan? Regan doesn''t like celebrating his birthday," Cali also chimed in since she was also very familiar with this matter. She had been in Darren''s life for years but had never seen him celebrating his birthday, not even once.


    "Of course, I know that you only have dinner with Francesca on your birthday and that''s your birthday tradition. But..." Dylan pointed at Xiu and added, "This time should be different since she is around."


    Darren''s hand around his wife''s shoulder tightened as he pulled her closer and kissed her temple saying, "The tradition is still the same. But now I just have all the more reason to look forward to my birthday."


    "Huh?" Dylan was dumbfounded. "What are you even saying? Did she actually manage to make you look forward to your birthday? The one day you hated the most?!"


    "Are you still underestimating my skills, Hedi?"


    Dylan noticed Xiu''s proud look and felt at a loss for words. "So, is it really true that if you love someone enough you''d want to bring a change in yourself?"


    "Can you both stop referring to each other as husband and wife? I get it that you put the ring on, but the marriage is yet to be done. Stop giving me second-hand embarrassment!"


    "Just the ring? Interesting..."


    Dylan looked at Nora who was eyeing her best friend but didn''t understand what it was. He did notice the shared wink between Nora and Xiu along with the affectionate smile that Darren passed to Xiu. But was he ever able to understand these gestures? No, definitely no!


    "It''s our way of practicing for the future, any problem?"


    Dylan laughed awkwardly as he said, "As always, my dearest sister-in-law is ready to throw me out."


    "If I really wanted to throw you out, you wouldn''t be here dancing on my head!"


    "Dancing on your head? What? You have a dancefloor on your head? I don''t think it''s big enough for me."


    Dylan smiled provocatively at her and she smiled sweetly in reply as she said, "Then you should go on a diet. At this rate, you won''t fit anywhere."


    "I think you should stop teasing Dylan already."


    Xiu''s brows quirked up at Cali''s remark meanwhile Dylan''s eyes lit up.


    "Oh my gosh! My girlfriend is taking a stand for me."


    Xiu stared at Dylan''s lovestruck look and smiled to herself. He looked so excited just because his girlfriend spoke up for him. Sigh! Xiu really was questioning his mental age all over again. Why was he always like a kid who would be happy with a single candy?


    "Since Cali has spoken, I''ll stop teasing you, Hedi."


    Dylan gaped at Xiu, "Hey! You don''t listen to me but you instantly agreed with my girlfriend?"


    "Sorry, Hedi! But you''re the only one I love to mess around with apart from Nora, my dear Dora."


    "Keep me out of this," Nora instantly shot back. She definitely didn''t want any part of their banter. She was happily enjoying her time with Ah-Si that wasn''t very often.


    Xiu stuck her tongue at Nora saying, "Sis, I''m not dragging you in. I''m merely announcing my love for you."


    Nora laughed at Xiu as she said, "Well, keep that for your dear husband."


    Xiu clutched her chest with a pained expression, "I can''t believe you''re doing this to me after everything I''ve done for you."


    "Xiu darling, don''t..."


    Xiu took the warning seriously as she nodded her head and agreed to keep her out of this. But she still turned to Cali and said, "Cali, just a reminder that in your relationship, you''re gonna have to be the man."


    "What nonsense are you spouting?!"


    Xiu ignored Dylan and continued, "It''s true and you know it. Dylan is such a baby and you need to protect him at all costs." Dylan wanted to argue that he wasn''t a baby but hearing the rest of her words, he was stumped. "He is such a baby that he is still scared of ghosts."


    Dylan fired up, "Oi! I''m not scared of ghosts anymore. I''ve conquered my fear!"


    "Woah!" exclaimed Xiu exaggeratingly. "That''s the spirit!"


    Dylan''s body tensed up, "Where is the spirit?"


    Xiu pressed her lips together before pointing at herself, "Here! Right in front of you! I''m the spirit!"


    Dylan exhaled the breath he was holding and smiled, "Great! If it''s you, then I''m not scared."


    "What? Don''t want to conquer your fear?"


    Dylan waved his hand as he slouched back, "Let it win. I don''t even care anymore." He even hid behind Cali as he added, "I don''t mind hiding behind my girlfriend for life. She is pretty strong. I have full faith in her."


    Xiu suddenly laughed so hard that tears leaked from her eyes as she said, "I''m sorry. I just realized... This is Dylan''s way of sweet-talking." Hearing Xiu''s words, even Nora started laughing. "I can''t believe that you''re infuriating all the time and yet I find you so adorable."


    Dylan proudly pushed his chest out saying, "That''s my talent. I was born a lovely baby. You can never hate me."


    "Yup, that''d be a challenge indeed."


    "By the way, Ah-Si, why are you stuck to your girlfriend?" Since Dylan''s attention shifted to Ah-Si, everyone else also looked at him.


    "I haven''t seen her in days," replied Ah-Si.


    "Why?"


    "Dad was sick and I was taking care of him at home. He just got a bit better yesterday and went to work straight away. He truly is worrying me now. He really doesn''t care about himself."


    Xiu suddenly was alert as she jumped to her feet and went up to Ah-Si, "What happened to Ah-Xin? I just met him yesterday and he seemed fine. Yes, he looked tired but that''s all."


    Ah-Si''s brows knitted up, "You met dad yesterday?" Xiu nodded her head. "Where? You didn''t come home."


    "I went to see him at work," replied Xiu which left Ah-Si choking on air.


    "You actually managed to go see my dad at work?" Xiu nodded her head. He held her hand and went on, "Sister, help me out then."


    "What? What do you mean?"


    "Now, I''m very clear about where you stand in my dad''s priority list. So, please help me and ask him to take care of himself. He is really careless about his health and I''m afraid that... I''m afraid that I''d only know about someone irreversible when it''d be too late just like how it happened with mom."


    Xiu took a deep breath as she asked, "What happened to Ah-Xin?"


    That''s when Ah-Si detailed her about how Xin Zimen suddenly fell ill on Monday morning and left Xiu perplexed. That was the day she called Xin Zimen twice because of her marriage certificates and she didn''t think anything was wrong. She really didn''t notice anything at all.


    How did she not even notice yesterday? Oh, it must be because Xin Zimen always looked at her with such gentleness that she''d never been able to notice anything else about him.


    She closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them, she looked at Darren saying, "Regan, I need to leave. Right now!"

 609 Punishments

    -Xin Villa-


    With a book in his hands, Xin Zimen was half-lying on the chaise sofa in the living area. However, his mind wasn''t on the words of the books, his thoughts had long been wandering off to places, he couldn''t even understand.


    "Xiao Zi, go to bed."


    Xin Zimen didn''t even lift his eyes as he replied, "Brother Kuan, even if I go to bed now, I won''t be able to sleep." He closed his book and looked up, "You should stop worrying about me and go up to rest."


    Xin Kuan rubbed his temples as he said, "How am I supposed to face my mistress in the afterlife? She asked me to take care of you."


    "I''m not a kid, I can take care of myself. Besides, I''m absolutely fine."


    "I don''t know why but I think you''re getting difficult these days," said Xin Kuan in a temper as he strode off leaving Xin Zimen alone in the living room.


    He had just opened the book again when the maid called out, "Sir, Mr. Xin Zemin is here to see you."


    Xin Zimen frowned at looked at the time on the wall clock before saying, "Send him away. It''s no time to visit someone''s home!"


    Before the maid could take back his reply, another voice rang from behind her. "But it''s the only time I can find you home." Xin Zemin walked over without any hesitation and sat opposite his brother. "Ah-Zi, how are you?"


    "What is wrong with you?" Xin Zimen''s face was passive but one could hear the sharpness in his voice. "You know I don''t like seeing you, then why are you constantly coming back here?"


    "I haven''t seen my brother in two years and it reminded me how much I really missed you. So, instead of following your advice and staying away from you, I''m gonna come here again and again to see you."


    Hearing his elder brother''s response, Xin Zimen was at a loss. This was his third visit in the past four days! He really wasn''t used to seeing his elder brother this often. It brought up some complicated feelings that he''d like to stay away from. Moreover, he''d always get agitated seeing his brother.


    "Are you sure that you''re not just trying to annoy me?"


    His elder brother gave him a light and vague smile before turning towards the maid as he said, "I''d like to have some Longjing tea. Thank you!"


    The maid was at a loss as she stared at her boss for some kind of response. Xin Zimen, seeing that his brother had already decided to stick around, looked at the maid, and nodded. The maid finally bowed her head and left the two brothers.


    During the time the tea was being prepared, both brothers were as always sitting in silence. Even when the maid came back to serve the tea, she could feel the tension in the air. They both had such a strong presence that it was frightening her. Especially, the underlying dangers behind their silence. They were like in a silent argument.


    However, Zizi wasn''t very interested in saying anything. So, he continued to stare at his brother''s face this time around. He didn''t even bother to pretend that he was reading. Because this time around, he was solely focused on his elder brother. He wanted to see what he was up to and why he was coming back to see him again and again. There was no way he''d believe that his elder brother''s so often visits had no hidden agenda.


    "Little brother, do you have facial paralysis?" Xin Zimen quirked his brow up as his elder brother went on, "How come there is not a single expression on your face? Are you afraid to get wrinkles?"


    "Can you get to business? I hate people who waste my time." Xin Zimen''s reply was cutting and on point as always.


    "Didn''t I teach you, value people, not time?"


    Xin Zimen sat up as he answered, "Since you taught it, I''ve all the more reason to not follow that advice!"


    Before his elder brother could say anything to him, there was a bang at the door...


    "Ah-Xin!"


    That voice almost startled Xin Zimen. He turned his head and stared at the girl who was fuming in the doorway. Xiu''s eyes were like fire was coming out of them as she glared at Xin Zimen. He was really taken aback by this. Why did he have a deja vu feeling? He craned his head and looked her up and down, after confirming that she wasn''t holding her baseball bat, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Xiu walked up to his side and with her hands over her hips, glared at him. "You!" She lifted her hand as if wanted to pull his ear and Xin Zimen ended up flinching back in surprise. "I didn''t even touch it yet."


    "Oh." He sat up straight and pressed his lips together. "What''s up, little lass? Why do you look so scary right now?"


    "Because I''m angry," she shot back!


    "Why?" he asked instinctively.


    "You!" Xiu really didn''t know what to do. It''s not as if he was a kid whom she could beat up. She respected him a lot and couldn''t bring herself to do anything. "Hold your ears."


    "Huh?" Xin Zimen was dumbfounded.


    "Do it!"


    "Oh... Okay."


    He obediently held his ears. It reminded him of those days when he would laugh at his wife for getting this punishment in school. Who knew he''d be getting it one day and that too, in this sort of way. However, it brought a nostalgic feeling to him and he couldn''t help smiling softly.


    "Aiyo! You''re still happy? I''m very serious about this punishment!?


    "I can tell," replied Xin Zimen in all seriousness. "But I''m wondering why I''m getting punished? What did I do?"


    "You don''t know?!"


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "If I did, I wouldn''t be asking you this. I really don''t know what I did."


    "Then why did you accept the punishment?"


    "Because of you," he answered straightforwardly.


    Xiu''s fiery temper was suddenly extinguished with cold water. She sighed out, "Ah-Xin, I brought you a cake yesterday to say thanks and you said it''s not necessary. You also said, there is no need for thank yous in the family. I believe that means you accept me like family."


    "I genuinely do take you as a family," he was very sincere with his words and even Xiu couldn''t deny that she could see his sincerity. All the more reason that she felt so upset for being oblivious.


    "Then why didn''t you tell me that you had been sick?" she questioned with a pained look.


    Her question caught him off-guard as he stared at her face for a long time before saying, "I didn''t think it was important."


    "How is it not important, Ah-Xin?!" exclaimed Xiu helplessly. "I called you twice on Monday and yet you hid the fact that you had a fever."


    "But it was merely a fever," he argued back. "It wasn''t even anything major. Why would I ruin your big day just because of such a minor thing?"


    "I can''t believe you take your health that unseriously," Xiu was furious again. "Just a fever? Would you only care if it''s something serious? Won''t you pay attention to yourself before that happens?"


    "Little lass, calm down. Your face is turning red. Take a deep breath."


    "I don''t want to!"


    "Okay, okay. I''m sorry, I was wrong. Take a seat." He poured her a glass of water and added, "Drink it all. And relax. I accept. I was really really wrong."


    "You don''t mean it at all!"


    "Of course I mean it," Xin Zimen didn''t know what to say or do in this situation. He was truly feeling at a loss. He always felt helpless before this girl and it was truly showing how helpless he was before this pouting expression of hers. She truly was hurt knowing that he didn''t tell her anything about his fever.


    After drinking the water, she again started, "Even when we met yesterday, you didn''t bother telling me about it. Is this what your sincerity is like? Why didn''t you say anything?"


    "Because I didn''t want to see you frowning like this. Didn''t anyone tell you that smile suits you the best? How can I bring myself to hurt you?" He took a pause before adding, "And let''s face it. If this all happened again, I''d still choose to hide it from you. Monday was the biggest day of your life, even if I get countless chances, I''d still not spoil it for you. Not at any cost!"


    Xiu was left so confused with his answer that she didn''t know what to say now. He was thinking about her happiness and she was thinking about him. As for why it affected her so much, who knew? She definitely didn''t need a definite answer for this question.

 610 Ginger

    "Ah-Xin!"


    "Yes, boss!"


    "Why are you making it difficult for me to stay angry?" Xiu stomped her foot to show her frustration.


    How was this fair? She really wanted to be upset with him. But she couldn''t do so when he so straightforwardly said that he''d do the same if it meant he could protect her happiness. How was one supposed to argue with that? She definitely didn''t know how to argue with that. But did that mean she''d lose this battle?


    Ha!


    In your dreams!


    "If you had told me about your illness, I would have come to make you some delicious congee."


    "Oh, I missed out big time, huh?"


    Xiu proudly pointed her chin up as she answered, "Of course, you missed out. And it''s all your own fault!"


    "Tsk. Tsk. How unfortunate of me!" Xin Zimen went along with her with an amused expression. His hands had been on his lap since he offered her water but when Xiu finally noticed it...


    "Your punishment is not up yet. Keep holding your ears!"


    "What kind of punishment is this?"


    "Why? Would you like to do sit-ups instead?"


    Xin Zimen cleared his throat and shook his head, "My old bones won''t be able to take that. I''m fine with this as long as you''re happy."


    In the meantime, a certain someone who had completely been ignored had his gaze stuck on this eccentric pair. When Xiu first entered, he was startled by her intimidating aura but then it shifted to shock at the way she continued to talk and his brother continued to appear obedient before her. Then it turned into amusement since it had been years since he last saw his brother bowing down his head before someone.


    The last person who made him do that was... His eyes flashed at the reminder of his brother''s only daughter and he felt complicated. Not knowing how to take this scene before him.


    He wanted to know the identity of this little girl but he didn''t want to intervene as well. After all, he could finally see his brother''s relaxed expressions. How could he dare to intervene and ruin this moment? He wanted to know what identity this girl had to actually be courageous enough to reprimand his brother.


    In all these years, he knew what power and authority his brother had and how people didn''t even dare look into his eyes out of fear. But seeing how fearlessly Xiu was standing before Xin Zimen, he was astonished.


    Over on Xin Zimen''s side, he could see Xiu talking animatedly but he had no clue what she was saying. After all, he was too busy staring at her expressions. Her voice was floating into his mind but he couldn''t understand anything with his distracting thoughts.


    "Why are you smiling?"


    "I don''t know either," replied Xin Zimen honestly.


    "Ah-Xin, I''m very serious right now."


    "Just take a seat already," Xin Zimen pulled her to sit beside him and patted her head. "This much anger is not good for health."


    Xin Zimen stroked her head gently, "Yes, yes. You''re just upset. After all, if you''re angry, you''d bring your baseball bat. You have no idea how glad I am that you didn''t bring your baseball bat."


    Xiu pouted, "Ah-Xin, I''d never dare to hit you."


    "Why not? You didn''t hesitate before beating my son."


    Xiu touched the tip of her nose sheepishly, "That''s different. Ah-Si is Ah-Si. Ah-Xin is Ah-Xin. Xiu likes Ah-Xin and Xiu would never want to hurt Ah-Xin. Besides, you are someone I respect." While Xin Zimen was smiling softly at her reply, Xiu''s eyes finally caught sight of Xin Zemin. Her eyes widened a little as she pointed at Xin Zemin before pointing back at Xin Zimen who was sitting beside her.


    After several rounds of looking back and forth, she rapped her own head, "I swear I didn''t touch alcohol today but I''m still seeing double!"


    While Xin Zemin''s lips curved up at her words, his younger brother shook his head, "Maybe you''re drunk on love."


    "That I always am," Xiu didn''t even hesitate before agreeing on that. "But..." she looked back at Xin Zemin and frowned, "Wait! Your double''s features are slightly different than yours." Her eyes went round as she clapped her hands together, "Ah-Xin, you have a doppelganger!"


    Both brother''s whole person stiffened at her words. Both shifted their eyes to look at each other''s expressions and found the same look of shock.


    ***


    A little girl''s face flashed before Xin Zemin''s eyes as he was reminded of that adorable voice calling out, ''Ah-Xin! Your dop... dobby... ginger is here!''


    ''Huh? What are you trying to say, baby?'' Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin were curious to know what that little one was trying to say. She couldn''t form the world right but whatever she said sounded too adorable.


    The little pouted as she replied, ''Mommy said he is your dobbyginger and that''s why he looks so much like Ah-Xin.''


    Both brothers shared a look before Xin Zimen voiced out, ''Baby, are you trying to say doppelganger?''


    ''Ah! Yes! Yes!'' The little girl jumped around before clutching her father''s leg, ''That''s the word mommy taught me.''


    ''Little niece, you can just call me uncle. I''m your father''s elder brother.'' Xin Zemin intervened seeing her excitement.


    The little girl shook her head, ''No. I like that fancy word better!''


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head, ''Lin''er, you can''t even say that fancy word, right.'' Seeing how his daughter''s face wilted, he immediately pacified her, ''But if you like it so much, instead of saying doppelganger, you can say ginger! You can say that, right?'' The little girl nodded her head. ''Good girl.''


    The little girl smiled widely before adding, ''Ah-Xin, your ginger looks upset.''


    Xin Zimen looked at his brother and looked provocatively, ''Let him be. His face is like that.''


    ***


    "Ah-Xin, is that your brother?"


    It was Xiu''s voice that stopped Xin Zemin''s daydreaming. His gaze on Xiu turned even more complicated.

 611 Indirect Proposals

    Since the question was asked to Xin Zimen, he was the one who had to answer as well. But he merely gave a nod of his head in response. It had been a long time since he stopped calling Xin Zemin as his brother. He didn''t know why but when Xiu asked this question, something stirred within him.


    Xiu''s eyes lingered on his elder brother''s face who had been sitting opposite them and Xin Zimen thought she must be feeling strange at meeting her father for the very first time in this way. However, her next question left him baffled, "Are you both twins?"


    "No, he is three years older than me," answered Xin Zimen and Xiu gave a doubtful look.


    From the way she stared at Xin Zemin, it appeared as if she was looking at a stranger that had nothing to do with her. Well, even if this was her first time meeting her father, he really couldn''t understand how she could keep up this nonchalance. He knew about her perfectly perfected facades but this time around, he wasn''t certain whether this was her real reaction or she was trying to suppress some feelings.


    However, he was overthinking it all. Except for the curiosity of how these two brothers looked very alike, Xiu''s mind had completely forgotten to recall that he was actually this body''s original host''s real father!


    Staying true to her nature, Xiu''s mind was exactly on the track of one thing at a time. That''s why whether Xin Zemin was here or not had nothing to do with her. She wasn''t particularly pleased to him but she wasn''t feeling displeased either. Her feelings were actually somewhere between curiosity and amusement.


    "Didn''t Ying''er invite you to the bachelor''s party?" He knew about Ying''s party. In fact, he knew about every person on her guest list or the lack of a certain someone on that guest list. According to his understanding, she should be at the party right now. Didn''t he hear somewhere she loved alcohol? Then how come she left free drinks to come here.


    Xiu immediately shifted her eyes back to Xin Zimen and grinned, "Of course, I was invited. But you already know that. I came right after I learned about your fever."


    "And who told you about it?"


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "If I told you, you''ll definitely stop that person from speaking again."


    "It''s my own son, isn''t it?"


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief, "How did you guess?"


    "Between Ying and Ah-Si, it''s definitely my son who forgets what to say or not to say."


    Xiu wanted to say something but stayed quiet. She couldn''t argue since Ah-Si really was like that. He''d often lose track of what he wanted to say or not. In fact, it was right to say that he left his emotions to speak for him. Otherwise, why would he hurt Nora back then? He definitely didn''t intend to but his emotions got the best of him.


    "You really know your son," muttered Xiu before adding, "But that doesn''t mean I''ll allow you to reproach him for that. Since you won''t say it yourself, I need someone in this house to be my informer until my best friend enters this family rightfully."


    Xin Zimen''s lips twitched before he couldn''t help laughing softly which surprised his elder brother who was still in shock and was staring at these two in silence. He rubbed Xiu''s head saying, "Are you indirectly reminding that it''s about time for me to bring my second daughter-in-law home?"


    "Why indirectly? I''m saying it very directly!" Xiu didn''t shy away from the topic since it involved the best interests of her best friend. She''d do anything to help Nora in any way possible and right now, she was in a position where she could help! So, why not? "In two days, your elder son is getting married. It''s time to think about your plan ahead and bring the mother of your own granddaughter home already."


    "Little lass, don''t you get tired thinking about others? Why do you needlessly push yourself to take care of everyone? It''s not your responsibility."


    Xiu felt unhappy to hear that as she argued back, "But I can help so why not? What''s the harm?"


    "The harm is that you''d neglect yourself in the process," reminded Xin Zimen, and Xiu was stumped for words. That''s what happened in her previous life. She kept thinking about others to the point that her own self got neglected.


    "That won''t happen again," she answered certainly this time.


    "Oh? Really? And how do you know that?"


    Xiu pointed towards him saying, "This time I have you. Don''t I?" Xin Zimen stared at her clear eyes and felt lost for words. "I even have my husband." She pointed towards the doorway from where Darren had just entered, "You all would never let me neglect myself again."


    "Regan, your wife truly knows how to talk."


    Darren laughed out as he walked over and agreed, "She is my wife, after all."


    "Who are you praising here?"


    "Both of us," he replied happily. then he turned to look Xin Zemin and walked up to greet him politely and professionally. Xiu didn''t bother with him for now as she poked Xin Zimen''s arm.


    "Ah-Xin..."


    "Yes..."


    "Do you have something to eat?"


    "You didn''t eat anything at the party?"


    Xiu shook her head pitifully, "I had only one meal today and after that used up a lot of energy into teasing Dylan. Then I came here to yell at you and lost even more energy. Now, I''m famished."


    "Let me ask someone to make you something."


    Xiu pushed him back on the sofa saying, "I know the way. I''ll do it myself." With that, she ran off to find something to eat.

 612 Reasons?

    After Xiu had run off to find something to curb her hunger craving, Xin Zimen''s attention finally shifted to his brother who seemed to be having a discussion with Darren.


    "Regi, you''re acquainted with him?"


    Darren looked towards Xin Zimen and nodded his head, "Uncle Zi, if one has to do business in the Capital, one has to know Mr. Xin Zemin. Don''t you agree?"


    "Oh, how can I forget that..." Xin Zimen''s voice was dripping with bitterness and anger that he was trying to suppress.


    "I didn''t know Mr. Salvay is so close to my brother."


    Darren smiled politely at Xin Zemin before speaking, "I''d have mentioned it if only Uncle Zi wasn''t so..."


    "Regan..." That low voice of Xin Zimen left Darren''s words unsaid.


    "Where did Sweets go?"


    "You wife is looking for food," was the only reply he received, and immediately got up to find her.


    Just as he was about to leave, Xin Zemin questioned, "Wait! Mr. Salvay, you''re married?"


    Not only Darren''s lips curved up, even his eyes curved up showing his brimming happiness as he replied, "Yes, I am."


    Xin Zemin couldn''t help but raise his brows a little in surprise as he said, "I didn''t know that."


    "Why do you sound so disappointed?" Hearing his elder brother''s words, Xin Zimen was feeling displeased. So, he couldn''t help saying, "It''s not like you have a daughter that you wanted to set him up with."


    "You don''t need to remind me of that," his elder brother''s tone wasn''t as gentle as it always had been. Only then Xin Zimen realized that he had touched a very sore spot.


    Meanwhile, Darren pressed his lips together and while passing beside Xin Zimen, he patted his shoulder saying, "Uncle Zi, choose your words wisely. You''re stepping on your own foot."


    Xin Zimen furrowed his brows as he watched Darren''s retreating back and it suddenly dawned on him that he had actually said something really ironic. Because Darren''s wife was indeed his elder brother''s daughter! Was it what they called slapping your own face?


    But who cared? It''s not like his elder brother knew that.


    *Snap*


    Xin Zimen''s monologue ended when his elder brother snapped his fingers right before his eyes. "What are you thinking about?" Before Xin Zimen could say anything, he added, "So you feel good hurting your brother?"


    "Are you playing the sympathy card?"


    "No... I''m just reminding you that it''s okay to say this to me but make sure that Huanhuan doesn''t hear the same words."


    "Why would I hurt my sister-in-law? I know how much it bothers her that she doesn''t have a child."


    His elder brother sighed out, "Glad to know that you at least care about someone''s feelings."


    Zizi looked at his brother for a moment before asking, "Why are you here? And don''t say it''s to inquire about my health. I don''t buy that."


    "You either have too much time on your hand or maybe you just love wasting my time." Zizi didn''t feel like he needed to talk about his expressions with his brother. But he needed to hear the reason why he had been coming to see him lately which was something his brother wasn''t willing to say.


    Xin Zemin had grown accustomed to this behavior of his brother as he conveniently chose to ignore him words and went on, "Who is she?"


    Zizi''s eyes narrowed as he replied cuttingly, "She is my daughter. You have a problem with that?"


    Xin Zemin''s brows quirked up in surprise. "Daughter? When did that happen?" He pretended to think about it deeply before adding, "She can''t be born out of wedlock since she definitely has that image of your wife''s personality."


    "Why do you even care?" Zizi was annoyed now. And he wanted to shot back that Xiu was born out of wedlock but the person involved was you. However, he would never call Xiu an illegitimate child. No matter what! She was still someone from the Xin family. Even if he despised his direct family, he had always felt proud of being someone from the Xin bloodline. So, he wanted Xiu to feel proud of that as well!


    "I care because she seems like someone who has your reins in her hands."


    Zizi''s face twitched at the word ''reins'' and he snorted, "I don''t mind."


    "That''s exactly what''s unsettling with me," said Xin Zemin in reply. "You never even let your wife control you but now a little girl managed to hold you in the palm of her hands. How surprising!"


    "I feel like you really have nothing better to do these days," was the only reply Zizi gave him elder brother. He knew how much influence Xiu had on him but it was something he didn''t mind.


    Xin Zemin wanted to add that the last person who managed to play him like that was his daughter but he didn''t do so. He knew if he brought up Zizi''s daughter''s name, his brother was gonna lose his patience again.


    "I''m gonna take my leave now," said Xin Zemin surprising his brother.


    "What did you come here for then?"


    "To see my brother," he replied simply.


    "I am not falling for that. I know you have a reason for being here."


    Xin Zemin lifted his hand trying to touch his younger brother''s head but Zizi ducked away. As his hand was left lingering in the air, he shook his head saying, "Stop doubting your brother''s goodwill. As a brother, I don''t need a reason to see you."


    With those words, he left the Xin Villa leaving Zizi with a complicated feeling.

 613 Health Check-Up

    "Here is a hot bowl of tomato egg drop noodle soup."


    "Why am I only seeing spring onions?"


    "Hehe. That''s my bowl. This one is yours."


    "That''s a lot of spring onions," he stated as he looked at the bowl she slid before her.


    Xiu grinned in reply. She could also see there were a lot of spring onions in her bowl. In fact, the top of the soup was covered with the green part of the spring onions. Scratching her head, she answered, "I... I added a little at first but then... I felt like something was missing so I just added a little more."


    "A little?" Darren raised his brow at her.


    "A lot. I added a lot more. I mean poison is poison, no matter how much you eat it."


    Before Darren could say anything, there was another voice from behind him, "Why are you questioning her so much? If she likes spring onion then let her be."


    Darren looked over at Xin Zimen and replied, "But Uncle Zi, the prerequisite is that she likes to eat spring onion. Although she doesn''t hate it, she hadn''t been the biggest fan of it either."


    Xin Zimen''s brows jumped up in surprise. His elder brother liked eating scallions so he thought Xiu might have inherited it but it seems that her taste buds were also on a random road like her brain. Not that it was surprising to him.


    "Ah-Xin, would you like to eat as well?"


    Xin Zimen''s train of thoughts broke as he gazed at Xiu and asked, "I also have a portion?"


    "Of course, it''s your house. Everything is yours. I''m just acting like a shameless person who can''t hold back her hunger. So, I should also do something in return."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her response and said, "I''d love to eat then."


    Xiu nodded happily before she went around the counter and fixed up another bowl for Xin Zimen as well. Finally, she sat down to enjoy her own bowl of noodles. She slurped on her noodles casually and no one even bothered to say anything at her way of eating. In fact, both the men at the table had the same thought; if she was enjoying it, why bother?


    After she finished drinking the soup in her bowl, only then did she look up and noticed that she was the only one who ate this fast. The other two people at the small dining table were eating elegantly and slowly. What''s up with so much prim and properness over just a meal? And that too over a bowl of tomato egg drop noodles that took merely 10 minutes to make. It wasn''t even a lavish meal that they had to savor for so long.


    However, she did prop her elbow on the table and supported her chin on the heel of her hand as she observed the way both of them ate in silence. She was familiar with Darren''s clean image and perfect table manners but it was her first time noticing that Xin Zimen''s table manners were even more impeccable. She couldn''t hear a single sound as he chewed his noodles. It made her wonder whether he was chewing or just swallowing?


    Xin Zimen wiped his mouth with the napkin and asked, "We have a business to discuss?"


    "Of course!" Xiu slapped the table but ended up rubbing her own hand that hurt. "I came just for that business."


    "And here I thought you came because you''re worried about my health."


    Seeing his hurtful look, Xiu wasn''t convinced as she extended her hand over the table to reach over and pinch his cheek saying, "I''m still talking about your health!"


    Xin Zimen who wasn''t very familiar with this strange feeling of having his cheeks pinched was staring at her wide-eyed. He looked at Darren while rubbing his cheek as he asked, "When she can''t show her anger in any other way, is this what she does to you as well?"


    Darren shook his head and holding back his laughter he replied, "She bites me."


    Xin Zimen''s face twitched at that reply. "So, you''re saying... She is really like a kitten; one who only knows how to scratch and bite. How cute!"


    Darren laughed along with Xin Zimen but stopped as soon as he heard the ''thud'' sound. They both looked over and noticed the way Xiu had placed the glass down on the table loudly and now was leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes dangerously moved from one person to the other.


    "This kitten has sharp claws as well, don''t test her."


    They both decided to stop laughing and gave her enough time to calm down.


    "Moving on... Ah-Xin, you''re going for a full body checkup tomorrow. Add that to your schedule. Don''t say I didn''t tell you beforehand. No excuses will work."


    Xin Zimen stayed quiet for a moment. "But I have to go to work tomorrow."


    "It''s alright. We can go early in the morning." She immediately shook her head. "No, scratch that! We''ll go in the evening. I have to sleep in the morning."


    "I thought people sleep at night."


    "I sleep at night and I sleep in the morning, any issue with that?"


    Xin Zimen pressed his lips together, "Nope. How can I?" Then he took a pause and added, "But I''m really fine. I don''t need that check-up. I know you''re worried about me and I''m very happy to know that as well. But I''m completely healthy now."


    Xiu fixed her eyes on his face and when he didn''t waver, she smirked, "Then let me rephrase it. I have to go for a full-body check-up and since I don''t really fancy hospitals, I''d like to have some company."

 614 Its Settled!

    "Why? What''s wrong with you? Are you not feeling well these days? Why didn''t you say so earlier? We''ll go to the hospital right now! Let me arrange the doctors. No, we can just call everyone at home as well."


    Xiu pressed her lips together with a complicated feeling as she saw Xin Zimen''s frantic state of mind. He was so reluctant to visit the doctor just a minute ago but now, he was even willing to call the best team of doctors at home! She really thought he was overreacting but she loved it.


    "It''s almost midnight!" Xiu pointed out.


    "So? Do you think I can''t arrange the best treatment at this time?"


    Xiu patted his hand saying, "I don''t doubt it. But right now, I''m very sleepy. Besides, nothing is wrong with me. It''s just a regular health check-up." Xiu had to lie right through her teeth. What regular check-up? She couldn''t even remember when was the last time she visited a doctor on her own will! If she could, she''d maintain a good distance between herself and hospitals.


    Xin Zimen wasn''t convinced as he frowned at her, "If it''s just a regular check-up, then how come you are insisting on taking me with you?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she gathered the empty bowls and stood up saying, "That''s because I don''t want to go for the check-up alone. If you''re there as well, I''ll feel better."


    "How will that make you feel better?" Xin Zimen was perplexed.


    Xiu grinned slyly, "That way, I''ll have someone to share my grievance with. It''s just like sharing is caring. When you share your happiness, it doubles. When you share your pain, it lessens!"


    Xin Zimen eyed Darren who pretended to not listen to their conversation at all. At the moment, his main concern was convincing Xiu for a check-up and if she was willing to go on her own with Xin Zimen, he had no say in it. The end result he wanted was that she goes to the hospital. How or with who didn''t really matter.


    Xin Zimen contemplated his options and seeing her back as she busied herself with washing the dishes, he was left even more confused. But in the end, he couldn''t help taking out his phone to dial a number. "Brother Kuan, help me out a little."


    "It''s midnight, Xiao Zi," Brother Kuan who was sleeping in the same house was really pissed off at being woken up at this time of the night. But he couldn''t do or say anything excessive. "Whatever. Tell me what''s wrong?"


    "Contact the hospital and ask them to get their best team on standby tomorrow morning."


    Brother Kuan was immediately on alert mode, "What for?"


    "I''m going for a health check-up!"


    Brother Kuan was stumped for words as his eyes widened, "I just met you two hours ago... How did your mind change so soon?"


    "None of your concern, please just do as I said." With that, Xin Zimen hung up the call and looked up at Xiu who was wiping her hands.


    "Didn''t I say I can''t go in the morning?"


    "But I won''t be able to wake up!" protested Xiu.


    "No worries, we''ll just take your sleeping self with us." Xiu was baffled at his words as he went on, "It''s not like you''re heavy. It''d be like carrying a feather."


    Finally, Darren nodded his head, "Exactly! It''s like carrying a little baby."


    While Xiu was staring at Darren for calling out to her for being scrawny, Xin Zimen stared at Darren in displeasure as he said, "Regi, you should be feeling guilty."


    "Why?" Darren was surprised. What did he do now?


    "She is your wife. You should be taking care of her diet! It''s your fault that she weighs like a little baby."


    Darren gaped at Xin Zimen''s reproachful words and said with a look of grievance, "How is it my fault? I always bring her the most delicious food. She even eats a lot. Trust me, she does. But I don''t know which beast is in her stomach, it''s like a bottomless pit!"


    Xiu''s lips moved before she smacked him saying, "Regan! You can''t say that!" She grumbled later on, "Even if it''s true." Then she turned to Xin Zimen, "Actually, my husband is right. I eat a lot. It''s almost like I eat like a pig but I don''t look like one."


    Xin Zimen shook his head at her and sighed out, "The room you stayed in last time... You can sleep there tonight."


    "I have to stay here?"


    "Yes!" was the only answer Xin Zimen gave her before turning to Darren, "Do you have any opinion, young man?"


    Darren smiled helplessly as he looked between his wife and Xin Zimen before saying, "Between you two, it seems like I''m not allowed to have any opinions. Besides, I gave the power of attorney to my wife. She can take all decisions on my behalf."


    Xiu yawned again lazily as she rubbed her hands together and said, "If it''s already like this then I''m gonna go for a good rest. I''ll see you both in the morning. Good night!" She naturally kissed Darren''s cheek and even moved to pat Xin Zimen''s shoulder like an old buddy before humming an unknown tune while skipping her way out. She remembered the room very well, so it didn''t take long for her to find her way.


    As only Darren and Xin Zimen were left behind, Darren stared at his Uncle Zi''s face before saying, "Aren''t you a little overprotective when it comes to her?"


    Xin Zimen didn''t think anything of his own behavior as he replied casually, "Isn''t she, my niece? I should be taking care of her."


    "Niece?" repeated Darren thoughtfully. He stayed quiet for a minute. "She isn''t the only niece you have though." Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed at Darren slightly. "How come I''ve never seen you treating your other niece like this?"

 615 Trained Her Brain

    As Xin Zimen''s other niece was suddenly mentioned, he couldn''t help frowning as he said, "And how do you know that I don''t treat my other niece the same way? It''s not like you have seen me with her."


    Darren smirked, "I heard she is scared of you."


    Xin Zimen''s frown deepened, "Scared? What am I a monster?" He was suddenly feeling irritated as he added, "Last time I met her was at her wedding. How did I scare her?"


    Darren chuckled softly, "It''s been six years since she got married that means you haven''t seen her in six years. As for my wife, if you don''t see her in two days, you''d end up calling her. But Uncle Zi, that only proves that you''re biased towards my wife."


    Xin Zimen rubbed his face as he said, "We can''t clap with one hand. If I''m biased towards your wife that''s also because of the way she treats me. I can''t show care to someone who is always running from me."


    "That''s true..." Darren had to agree with that. And he knew it wasn''t Xin Zimen''s fault that he wasn''t close to his other niece. After all, there were only a few people like his Sweets who would persistently try to break the walls Xin Zimen had built around himself. In that department, his wife was a lot more stubborn than most people!


    "I just realized something." Darren looked at Xin Zimen who had an amused look in his eyes as he said, "One of my nieces is married to your brother, and the other is married to you. That''s such a strange coincidence that both my nieces married into the same family."


    Darren''s face turned somber as he replied, "It''s not the same family."


    "Oh? But no matter how you say it, Zhou Xichen will still be your father and Zhou Jinhai will still be your brother."


    Darren looked calmly at him, "I''m not disagreeing with that. I never refused to accept him or respect him as my father. But..." he took a brief pause, "We are still not the same family."


    "Really?"


    Darren nodded his head, "As you said, they are ''Zhou''. I''ll always be Salvay! It''s not the same."


    Xin Zimen looked at Darren''s expressions before chuckling out gently, "This is why I like you so much. You always know where to draw the line."


    "One should one''s place," was the only reply Darren gave.


    "If we talk about rightful places then shouldn''t you be the heir of Zhou family?" He propped his face on his head as he added, "That''s your place after all."


    Darren quirked his brows at Xin Zimen, "Uncle Zi, shouldn''t you also take your place in the Xin family?"


    "I have my own identity in this world. I don''t need their status!"


    Darren smiled at him, "Uncle Zi, same goes for me..."


    Xin Zimen couldn''t say anything now. They both had such a similar character that it was inevitable that it''d be difficult to outwit each other. It was always like that and somehow this was the reason why Xin Zimen had actually liked Darren when they first met.


    "Yes?"


    "I''m a little confused..."


    While Xin Zimen was still thinking how to ask when Darren spoke up himself, "You''re wondering why wife didn''t say or ask or even notice your brother."


    Xin Zimen''s lips parted and his brows raised up in surprise, "You could see it as well."


    "Uncle, I could not only see it but I already knew she''d be acting like that as well."


    "Huh? How? It was her first time seeing her father. I mean, I know she has no impression of him but still... Don''t they say blood has a certain attraction?" He took a pause. "I''m not able to understand her behavior. She looked at him like he was a stranger. Although I can try to understand it, I''m still feeling complicated about it. I can''t tell what she had in her mind. I know it''s difficult to read her intentions but this time she seemed so transparent with her emotions that it left me baffled."


    Darren laughed when he noticed Xin Zimen''s rare expression of confusion and enlightened, "Uncle Zi, you''re just overthinking. She wasn''t pretending to be transparent. She was completely transparent. While you''re were wondering what''s on her mind, her brain was only focused on only two things; how to convince you for the health check-up or what to eat tonight. Except for that, she had nothing on her mind."


    "This..."


    "It sounds bizarre but trusts me, my wife''s brain might be complicated but her emotions are very simple. She is a simple girl. It''s just like you... She cares about you because you care about her." He had a sad smile lingering on his lips as he went on, "In fact, her biggest weakness is love. It''s something that hurt her the most in life and yet it''s something she won''t shy away from. If someone is willing to offer her the love she yearned for, she won''t hesitate before opening her heart. Take yourself or even Ying as an example. It''s pretty easy to capture her heart."


    "The reason why she paid no attention to your brother was also you. At that time, her brain only processed one information; Ah-Xin is sick. Beyond that, she didn''t bother thinking about it. That''s why, all that while, her attention was on you. She noticed your brother but it was a fleeting moment and her inner concern didn''t allow her focus on him. Because you''re the target for her at that time."


    Xin Zimen didn''t find anything wrong with his words. In fact, he could agree as well. He had seen her one-track mind and he knew how she had the ability to blur out everything apart from her focus. It was very fascinating and at the same time, he felt sad for her. Exactly what was she running from that she trained her brain in this way?


    "Will she continue to run from it then?" he asked.


    Darren shook his head, "She had prepared her mind to see your elder brother at the wedding, two days from now. Seeing him here earlier was something she didn''t program into her brain and she won''t let her emotions turn into a turmoil because of this unexpected meeting. That''s why she completely chose to ignore his existence for now!"

 616 Celebrity Of The Nigh

    The people Xiu left behind at the party without thinking twice had been so used to her unusual behavior that no-one even bothered questioning anything. But there was one person who had been in a dilemma since she left.


    "Ah-Si, what are thinking about?"


    Ah-Si looked at Dylan who asked the question and sighed out helplessly, "Have you ever had a moment where you wished to be at two places at the same time?"


    Dylan contemplated it but ended up shaking his head, "Not really."


    "Then you won''t understand my feelings right now," was Ah-Si''s reply.


    "But why do you wanna be at two places? And what are these two places exactly?" Dylan''s interest was a little piqued.


    "I really wanted to follow Xiu. She''s going to meet my dad for sure!"


    Dylan furrowed his brows, "So?"


    Ah-Si gave him a look, "Dylan, have you ever seen my dad being passive?"


    Dylan snorted, "Uncle Zi? And passive? What dream are you living in bro? People tend to lower their heads before him, he doesn''t do that!" Dylan had a look admiration as he went on, "That''s why I like him so much. He has that aura I always wanted to capture but couldn''t do so. There is no one like Uncle Zi."


    Ah-Si wasn''t even surprised to hear those praises about his father. Dylan neither was the first person who said it all to him nor the last one. Ah-Si had been way too used to hearing people''s praises for his father. He always felt proud of his father as well. Even though he often felt slightly scared of his father but it won''t change the fact that his father was indeed a great man.


    "You can stop repeating all that. I already heard enough about my dad''s merits," replied Ah-Si. "However, my main point here was that you and I both know that my dad never bows down before anyone!" Dylan nodded his head agreeably. "That''s why if one day you see my dad being tamed before someone, what''d be your reaction?"


    "That can''t happen," Dylan laughed it off not taking his words seriously.


    "I said, what if?" repeated Ah-Si solemnly.


    Dylan licked his lips and looked around before answering, "It''d something really unbelievable. But it''d also be something I would like to see with my own eyes."


    "Exactly!" Ah-Si exclaimed excitedly. "That''s why I wanted to follow Xiu. I wanted to be there to see my dad''s obedient version that only comes out when Xiu is around. It''s something I was looking forward to."


    Cali put down her wine glass as she said, "You should have followed her then."


    Ah-Si looked at Dylan''s girlfriend and smiled, "And that brings us to the main point... I don''t want to leave here just yet."


    "You want to be here but you want to be there as well?"


    "Correct!"


    Nora rolled up her sleeves adding, "Punch his face? Why don''t you try!"


    Dylan leaned back in his seat and replied, "Relax, Nora! It''s not like I can punch him."


    "You better not even think about trying!"


    "Woah! So much protective girlfriends!" Dylan was grumbling under his breath when Ah-Si laughed out while he hugged his girlfriend close and leaned against her shoulder.


    "Start choosing your words wisely, Dylan..."


    "I should," agreed Dylan.


    "Anyways, the reason why I want to stay here is that I want to meet Ying Jie''s boyfriend."


    Dylan hurriedly was in the alert mode as he stood up and wandered his eyes around to find Ying but seeing that Ying was chatting with her group of friends, he pouted, "Her boyfriend is not here. I don''t even think she invited her boyfriend."


    "She didn''t but Xiu invited him," answered Ah-Si.


    Dylan looked at Ah-Si for a long moment before sighing, "Why is Xiu involved in everything? How come she has something to do with each of our relationships?"


    "Each of our relationships?" repeated Cali as she looked at Dylan inquisitively.


    Dylan nodded and continued to explain to his girlfriend, "Ah-Si and Nora would still be crying separately if Xiu hadn''t beaten Ah-Si with her bat."


    "Hey!"


    Dylan ignored Ah-Si''s protest and went on, "You and I wouldn''t be taking this step if she hadn''t made me realize my feelings for you. In fact, she helped me a lot." He took a pause before adding, "And now, she is after Ying Jie''s love life. This girl really knows how to be nosy."


    Nora threw a couple of roasted chestnuts at Dylan''s face as she added, "If my sister wasn''t nosy, none of us would be laughing here."


    Dylan picked up the chestnuts that fell in his lap after hitting his handsome face and threw it into his mouth as he agreed, "That I totally agree with but I wish she stops this habit of hers. Thinking about others is good but she had already been hurt because of this."


    Nora squinted her eyes at Dylan thoughtfully, "Sometimes you really make me wonder Dylan. You make me feel like you know my best friend''s nature more than me."


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "Because I have understood her very well."


    "If you''ve understood her why are you always looking for trouble with her?"


    "Because it''s fun. Didn''t I already say it? Her comebacks are always one of a kind. Besides, arguing with me helps her in destressing, so why not?"


    "When did she need destressing?" asked Cali.


    Dylan smiled at his girlfriend as he patiently explained, "The reason why she is so nosy lies with the fact that she is stressed. So, to distract herself, she ends up finding other people''s problems to solve. Her theory is that if she can make one person smile, her own problem will eventually vanish."


    Nora patted Dylan''s shoulder as she added, "Bro, I really underestimated you. Since the time she lost her memory, she became a totally different person and it took me years to realize what made her happy. But you figured it out so easily?"


    Dylan wickedly smiled at Nora. He obviously wasn''t gonna tell her that it took him years to figure out Xiu as well. The only difference was that the Xiu he figured out was Chen Xiu who happened to be the Xiu they all knew now.


    But listening to them Cali was the person who was getting more and more confused. Although she wasn''t that close to Destiny, she still knew about her nature. And the Xiu she met didn''t seem like the cousin she knew. Even if Nora said that she changed completely after the memory loss, it was even more confusing to her since memory loss wouldn''t change a person''s nature.


    It was close to midnight when the four of them noticed a commotion at the entrance and looked over.


    "Why is it getting crowded?"


    "Is there a celebrity here?"


    "With the status of each person in this room, a celebrity is not enough to cause a commotion like that."


    "Then who is it?"


    When they were looking over, Nora caught the glimpse of the side profile of the person and gasped, "Oh! It''s really a celebrity though!"


    She hurried stood up but on the couch as she tried to see clearly. Ah-Si tried to hold her down, "Nora, what are you doing?"


    "Ah-Si, it''s my Xiu''s favorite actor. I need to get an autograph for her. She''d be so happy to get it!"


    Dylan''s expressions shifted, "Xiu has a favorite actor?"


    Nora nodded her head, "Of course, she has one! She has a scrapbook specially dedicated to his life achievements. She treasures it like her own baby. I always thought she had a crush on him or something since she won''t even let me touch that scrapbook."


    Now Dylan was oddly very intrigued to find out who this person was. An actress like Chen Xiu also fancied an actor? It was hard for him to digest this but he still stood up to look over.


    "Oh, isn''t that Han Bohai?"


    Nora looked at her boyfriend with questioning eyes, "You also know him? But then again, he is very famous."


    Ah-Si shook his head saying, "I don''t know him as a celebrity but I do know him as the Eldest Young Master of Han family. His family is one of the aviation giants in our country. No wonder his arrival caused such a commotion even at this party." He frowned slightly as he added, "But I didn''t know that he was acquainted with Ying Jie. He rarely even shows up at any social gatherings."


    Dylan was constantly trying to think about where he heard this name but was stunned when his eyes caught a glimpse of Han Bohai''s face. "Bloody hell!" he cursed out. He could finally understand why Xiu fancied this celebrity. He could only shake his head as he thought about how loyal Xiu was.


    "Oi! If he isn''t acquainted with Ying Jie, why is walking towards her? And what is that in his hands?"

 617 Lovers Quarrel

    The commotion that Han Bohai''s visit created was obviously seen by Ying as well. However, if she could she would like to keep herself out of this particular situation. It wasn''t because she wanted to hide her relationship with Han Bohai. Those kinds of things never crossed her mind. If she once said Han Bohai was her boyfriend, then in her heart or mind, there was no doubt left about this truth. She was just that straightforward about her decisions!


    But, seeing him here made one thing very certain to her; he was very familiar with her circle of friends. Because almost everyone was eager to say hi to him. That brought her to the fact that once he even mentioned that she is his girlfriend, these people were going to chew her alive for hiding it. Although each of them came from an elite and intellectual background, they were way too gossipy as well!


    And right now, Han Bohai was stuck between these people trying to find a way out.


    Nonetheless, Han Bohai''s attention was solely on her and that meant he was definitely gonna come straight to her. And he did! He finally found a way out of those people after saying his greetings and came up to her. With that beautiful toothy grin of his, he came to stand right before her.


    "Hi, girlfriend!"


    Ying''s expressions were a sight to behold as she kept staring at him in disbelief. First, she was staring at his face but then the thing in his hand caught her attention and she just couldn''t look away. Instead, she lifted her finger to point at that thing he was carrying and asked, "Is that really a pumpkin you''re holding?"


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together and extended the pumpkin towards her saying, "Yes, indeed it''s a pumpkin. And I brought it just for you."


    "Just for me?" repeated Ying strangely.


    "Just for you," he replied, holding back his laughter.


    "And why do I need it?"


    "Your sister called me and said, I should pick up my cinderella before midnight."


    "How is the pumpkin involved in this?"


    "Doesn''t Cinderella needs her pumpkin carriage?"


    Ying''s face twisted as she pointed out, "But this is the pumpkin, not the pumpkin carriage."


    Han Bohai placed his elbow on her shoulder with familiarity as he said, "But baby, once the clock strikes 12, even Cinderalla''s carriage turns into a pumpkin. So, I just brought the pumpkin for convenience."


    Ying was baffled by his words and it made her want to beat him up but she held herself back considering that his stupid words made sense in a very nonsensical way.


    "You''re an idiot," she tsked at him.


    "Hehe..."


    Ying rolled her eyes and shook her head, not wanting to say anything else to him anymore.


    "Are you both dating?" Someone else questioned curiously.


    Han Bohai leaned his head down and kissed her cheek and draped his hand around her shoulder naturally as he announced, "What else does it look like? Of course, we are dating!"


    Ying tried to push him away as she added, "You don''t have to spell it out for the..." Her words were left in her throat as he kissed her right on the lips and right before everyone''s eyes. Sound of gasps surrounded them as Ying''s eyes widened at his audacity to kiss her before everyone!


    "Now, I don''t have to spell it out for anyone," said Han Bohai cheekily. "I made it very obvious."


    Ying gritted her teeth, "Was that necessary?"


    "Your sister said, this party is filled with people who have their eyes on you. She wasn''t wrong. So, how can I let their minds even have the slightest doubt? I need to claim what''s mine and I would do it anywhere!"


    "I''m not your territory that you''re claiming!"


    "But you''re my girlfriend," he replied plainly.


    "No wonder you both had been single for suspiciously long time. You both were having a secret affair!"


    Before Ying could refute those words, Han Bohai stopped her saying, "Well, there is a thrill in secret affairs as well."


    "Who was the one courting?"


    Han Bohai grinned as he simply replied, "Of course, me! I am that dumb person who fell in love at first sight and just couldn''t let go."


    "Didn''t Ying beat you?"


    Han Bohai laughed out and realized that everyone at this party seemed to know Ying''s nature quite well. "She loves me so much. How can she bring herself to beat me? My charms are irresistible!"


    "Aiyo, Bohai has become even more shameless after entering the entertainment circle."


    "And here we thought Young Master Han joined the entertainment circle because of his love for a girl."


    Han Bohai listened to every word but he wasn''t inclined on answering especially when Ying had started to wipe his forehead that had beads of sweat because of how he almost ran over to her side from the airport. Seeing the frown on her face, he smiled and pinched her nose saying, "Ah-Ying, are you worried about me?"


    "Get lost!" was Ying''s reply making him scrunch up his face.


    "Sometimes, you''re really heartless."


    "I''m heartless? I think Mr. Superstar you''re forgetting that you hadn''t called me since the day you left."


    Han Bohai''s eyes widened expectantly as he questioned, "Were you waiting for my call?"


    "Why would I?" retorted Ying defensively. "I definitely didn''t even notice that you didn''t call in the last 46 hours. I was definitely enjoying my life to the fullest. Can''t you see? I''m enjoying the party!"


    "Adorable!" he said making her narrow her eyes at him.


    "Can you both stop looking at each other with those eyes? Even I''ve started sweating! That''s how much heated it is getting here."


    "Let them be... They are having the lover''s quarrel!"


    "Haha!"

 618 A Love For Thorns

    Ying was dumbfounded to hear everyone around her. What lover''s quarrel? That word didn''t even exist in her dictionary! But only because she never had a lover before.


    Han Bohai found her expressions so amusing that he grew a little more brazen as he slyly moved behind her and his arms wrapped around her waist. Ying only felt his presence when his chin was propped on her shoulder and his hot breath hit directly at her ear making her body stiffen.


    "If it''s a lover''s quarrel, I gladly bow my head before you," his whispering made her breath harsher.


    But the surprising thing was how she wasn''t trying to escape his touch at all. In fact, her back slowly eased up and leaned into his embrace.


    "It''s not a lover''s quarrel. I''m still not over the fact that you didn''t call me."


    The side of his face brushed against her ear as he said, "My dear tsundere girlfriend, don''t forget you didn''t call either." He exhaled a heavy breath as he said in disappointment, "While I was yearning to hear your voice, you''re actually planning a party. How cruel of you!" His voice got deeper as he added, "I believe you''re turning me into a masochist. Because even if you hurt me, I feel like I can''t stop myself from loving you."


    Ying bit her bottom lip. She completely didn''t think of the fact that while she was waiting for his call, she could have called herself. It was safe to say that whatever urgent matter he had to solve in the Capital, he had done his best to finish it as soon as possible just so he could fly back to her side to pester her again.


    From the teasing voices to laughter, the surrounding people decided to leave the pair alone. Besides, it was obvious that this pair wasn''t looking for third-wheelers. Or more like, they were blatantly disregarding the third-wheelers'' presence as they were in their own world.


    "By the way, why did you throw this party?"


    Ying didn''t hesitate before answering, "It''s for my best friend. His one and only bachelor party."


    "Where is your best friend? I should say hi."


    "I didn''t invite him."


    Once again, there was another person who was left dumbstruck to hear that.


    "Are you serious?" Han Bohai couldn''t help asking.


    "Ying Jie is very serious," came the reply, and Han Bohai had to look up. He saw Ah-Si walking over with Nora. "As my Ying Jie said, she didn''t invite the man of the night."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together and Ying tilted her head to look at him as she asked, "You have anything to say?"


    He immediately shook his head saying, "Nope! I''m just suddenly very happy to know that I was not the only person who wasn''t invited." Then he shifted his eyes to Ah-Si and smiled politely, "It''s been a while since we last met Xiao Si. I thought you wouldn''t come back from New York."


    "Ah-Si, how do you know him?" Ying asked as she heard the exchange of words between them.


    "We studied together from kindergarten to Junior High," answered Ah-Si. "Although we can''t be called the best of friends, we still are pretty familiar."


    "And here I thought you''re just a good assistant," came the voice of Dylan who also followed Ah-Si. His eyes shifted to Han Bohai as he went on, "You hid your identity well. Deceiving people."


    Han Bohai frowned, "When did I deceive you? How can Hedi not know who I am when we studied in the same school?"


    "I wasn''t talking about myself. I''m talking about your favorite employer."


    Han Bohai''s smiled lost the original playfulness as he answered, "My favorite employer... And how can you say she didn''t know my identity?"


    This time Dylan was surprised as he asked, "She knows?"


    "She knew," corrected Han Bohai. "Let''s not forget she is no more."


    Dylan blinked as he suddenly realized his own slip of the tongue. Of course, Xiu was dead for Han Bohai but Dylan had stopped thinking it like that. He shook his head saying, "Aren''t you someone who repeatedly said, she is alive in your heart?" Dylan had met Han Bohai in recent years on several occasions but they both kept their distance from each other usually. But it seemed, they were bound to stand before each other.


    "That''s different," replied Han Bohai and narrowed his eyes at Dylan clearly indicating that he didn''t want to continue this topic. Of course, Dylan wasn''t going to either. After all, there was something even more interesting around here.


    "By the way, I never thought I''d see the day when you''d become my Ying Jie''s boyfriend? What trick did you use?"


    Han Bohai glared at Ah-Si, "Why would I use tricks?"


    "Because you can''t get someone as slippery as Ying Jie without using some underhanded method," was Ah-Si honest opinion. And he wasn''t even wrong about it.


    His words reminded Ying of how Han Bohai clung to her like an annoying pest and her face twitched. Ah-Si wasn''t wrong, it wasn''t that easy to get her. But she had underestimated Han Bohai''s shamelessness and persistence, which eventually resulted in this situation where she couldn''t bring herself to say no to him.


    "Xiao Si, don''t say it like that. Even though my Ah-Ying is a little stubborn, she is a very beautiful person."


    "When did I say she isn''t a beautiful person? But beware, she hides a lot of thorns under her petals."


    That earned Ah-Si a kick on his shin from Ying who said, "Your girlfriend is right here. Should I bring out those photos?"


    Ah-Si laughed strangely as he said, "Ying Jie, I was kidding. No hard feelings."


    Dylan laughed out saying, "And right here you can see her thorns standing out. See? She is ready to strike."


    While Ying was glaring at these two younger brothers, Han Bohai''s arms around her waist tightened as he said, "But the funny thing, I fell in love with this porcupine''s thorns." His other hand rubbed her head as he added, "If she hadn''t been pointing her thorns at me, how would I be so enthralled by her?"


    Dylan: "..."


    Ah-Si: "..."


    That had to be the strangest reason for falling in love in love with someone.

 619 Seasons Of Feelings

    Seeing the look of pure indulgence and love on Han Bohai''s face, Ying was really stumped for words. Even if she wanted to argue that she wasn''t a porcupine, she couldn''t bring herself to do so. Because she had indeed acted like a porcupine with him. Whenever he was around, she would make every thorn on her body stand tall and point right at him. Now it was different that Han Bohai seemed to be made of cotton, who never really bothered caring about her thorns.


    "At the way, you''re looking at our Ying Jie, I''m wondering whether you''re planning on getting married tomorrow."


    Han Bohai pretended to be surprised, "That''s a very good idea. Ah-Ying, what do you say? Let''s get married tomorrow!"


    "Have you lost your brain!" Ying exclaimed strangely. "Coming to someone''s bachelor party, you''re thinking about your own wedding?"


    "Seeing that others are planning ahead, I think we should too. What''s wrong with that?"


    "It''s exactly like we just met and you want to get married. How ridiculous does that sound!"


    Han Bohai didn''t agree as he replied, "How is it ridiculous? Flash marriage is a thing these days."


    "I don''t care! No matter how trendy flash marriages are it can''t change the fact that you can''t get married on a whim!"


    Han Bohai sighed out as he poked her head saying, "Ah-Ying, stop thinking from your head and focus on your heart."


    "Bohai, you''re trying to convince Ying Jie as if you''re really planning to get married tomorrow."


    Han Bohai smiled at Ah-Si as he went on, "It''s the wedding season. So, why not?"


    "Wedding season?" repeated Dylan.


    "Yeah!" answered Han Bohai. "Don''t you know that feelings also have seasons?"


    "What?"


    Han Bohai was very serious as he patiently explained, "As we all know, Spring is the season of love. Just like cherry blossoms bloom in spring, love tends to also bloom beautifully in that season. Just like that Summer is the season of memories and mistakes. I think everyone has at least once read the story of Midsummer night dreams. It''s exactly like the main idea of that story. Stories of summer are mostly just like a dream that you lived, experienced but yet it seems far out of reach once you get back to your mainstream life."


    Everyone was giving him a strange look but Han Bohai wasn''t fazed at all as he continued, "Moving on, Autumn is like the season of breakups and divorces! Just like leaves change their color, everyone''s feelings also change colors. And relationships fall like the broken leaves. And lastly, winter is either the season of loneliness or togetherness. Winter nights are long and lonely, it brings about a yearning for love in everyone''s hearts and that''s how I believe winter is the wedding season where people tend to find their life partners."


    "Wait! If Spring is the season of love and winter is the season of the wedding, isn''t it kinda the same?"


    "Where did you even hear all this?" It was Ying who asked the question while everyone had the same thought.


    "It comes from my own knowledgable mind," replied Han Bohai earning a glare from Ying.


    "That''s some ridiculous reasoning!"


    "And yet I find it very logical," said Nora, and noticing how everyone looked at her, she laughed slightly. "It must be because I''m too used to the illogical reasoning of my best friend. It greatly influenced my mind."


    Han Bohai didn''t mind that they didn''t believe his words. He simply declared, "Who cares if the reasoning is bad? Do I need a reason to just ask my girlfriend to marry me? I don''t think so. If I feel like doing it, I''d just do it. In fact, if I felt like doing it, I''ll just drag her to the Civil Affairs Bureau."


    Ying snorted at his guts, "And do you think I''ll be that easy to drag?"


    Han Bohai shrugged his shoulders, "It''s alright. I can just carry you over my shoulder."


    In the meantime, Dylan''s eyes shifted to Ah-Si and the latter was already looking at him. They both kinda had the same thought; they wasted years just to ask the person they like to go out. But here was another eccentric piece who was already planning to just get married. They both couldn''t tell whether they were too slow or the other party was too fast? But one thing was certain, they could finally see how Han Bohai managed to get Ying and it brought a sense of admiration for him.


    "Even if you carry me, you won''t be able to make me say yes for the wedding." Ying was resolute.


    Han Bohai''s smiled widened as he said, "Ah-Ying, don''t forget that I''m very good at orchestrating your emotions."


    "It won''t be that easy again!" Ying couldn''t even deny that he had really managed to steer her emotions and made her say yes for dating him. Who knew if he won''t be able to do the same with marriage?


    However, she didn''t know that this time around as well, Han Bohai had full confidence that she''d be the one talking about marriage. They say the thing you hate is bound to you. Then how could she run from her own fate?


    "Ha! Now, I get it!"


    Everyone was started as they looked at Nora''s face full of excitement and incredulity as she walked over to Han Bohai''s side and circled around his figure with a thoughtful look.


    "I''ve been getting some familiar vibes from you and now, I know!" She stared right into Han Bohai''s eyes as she smirked and whispered that only he could hear, "You''re really the male version of Xiu!"


    Han Bohai''s expressions didn''t change but his heart was shaken violently.

 620 Seduction Or Shamelessness

    Han Bohai didn''t know what to say, he just stood still staring at Nora''s face with a sad smile. The male version of Xiu? He didn''t mind that at all. If that could make people remember his sister Xiu, he really didn''t mind. But he knew Nora wasn''t talking about his sister Xiu, and yet it made him feel happy.


    "If I didn''t know better, I''d think you''re somehow related to my best friend." Nora was still very excited. "This level of shamelessness and illogical logics are completely in sync with her character. And even the ambition and resolve to do whatever comes to mind without thinking twice. Along with that single-minded love line. Everything matched perfectly!" She leaned closer as she asked, "Don''t tell me she gave you private lessons."


    "Private lessons?" repeated Han Bohai doubtfully.


    "Yes! Because I always thought my Xiu is one of a kind. There can''t possibly be another girl out there like her. Well, I was right to some extent since you''re not a girl." Nora tapped her chin, "My best bet is that she gave you private lessons."


    "Ah! Now I get it," Dylan also chimed in. "No wonder you easily hoodwinked our Ying Jie, you learned from the best."


    Nora glared at Dylan, "Are you calling my girlfriend, hoodwink?"


    "Isn''t she one? She tricked my best friend into dating her, just like he tricked Ying Jie."


    "It takes two to tango bro. It''s not like Xiu tied Darren up to make him date her. It was completely mutual and the same goes for these two. If they are willing to give dating another chance, it means that they found something in the other person that''s worthy of their time and effort."


    "Wow! My girlfriend is getting smarter," praised Ah-Si and Nora smiled gratefully at him.


    "Well, she is the mother of a baby girl, it''s about time for her to get smarter."


    "Xiu is absolutely right about you Dylan. You''re always itching for a beating!"


    Dylan stuck his tongue out at her and didn''t bother saying anything. While they were busy arguing, Han Bohai''s mind had long drifted off to another place.


    ***


    ''Xiao... Xiao... Xiao... Xiao Han!'' The silky smooth but soft voice was still gentle as always but now, it had a certain allure to it as the words came out slightly slurred.


    ''Yes?'' Very accustomed to this situation, he calmly replied while cleaning the mess of wine bottles that were lying at her feet.


    ''If you ever fall in love, remember to hold that person tight. Don''t ever think twice. If your heart says so, just do it! No question and no doubts. Because once you let the questions and doubt get to you, everything slips away from your hands.'' Even though she was tipsy, her words showed her firm stance.


    He frowned, ''Are you still thinking about Zhou Jinhai? Didn''t you say you won''t ever think about him?''


    He was shocked but he didn''t want to say anything. He was that one person who had heard about this first love. Although he didn''t know that person, he wasn''t blind. He had also known that some peculiar gifts like that huge billboard birthday ad were done by that man. He also knew that even his sister Xiu wasn''t sure about this person''s identity and for some reason, she tried not to find his identity either. He was like her safe haven in a virtual world, she didn''t want to bring him into the chaos of her reality.


    ''And how would I know if I''m in love?'' he retorted impatiently trying to sound like he didn''t even hear her lamenting.


    ''That''s simple.''


    ''Don''t say my heart will start beating loudly because my heart feels like it''s about burst whenever you get into your character to practice the lines with me. So, I certainly don''t believe in that logic.''


    ''Good brother, we are on the same page. I also don''t believe in that logic. But I do believe that when you love someone, they bring a strange peace to your mind, heart, and soul. A single smile that reminds you of a warm summer day. A simple hug that makes you feel safe and at home. Love isn''t the name of turbulent feelings, love is the name of inner peace and joy.''


    ''Sister Xiu, people don''t find such love these days.''


    ''Hehe. That''s why you need to learn the art of seduction.''


    ''Seduction? Do you think I can seduce anyone?''


    ''Aiyo, dear brother! Seduction is an art based on your skills, not on your beauty. You can definitely learn.''


    ''You''re just indirectly telling me that my face value is too low.''


    ''Hahaha!'' Chen Xiu''s face has a look of indulgence as her hand touched the crown of his head as she added, ''How can my brother''s looks be questioned? But that''s exactly why I don''t want his skills to be questioned as well. So, learn well from the master.''


    ''Okay. Teach me then.''


    Chen Xiu was more than happy to pass on her knowledge as she placed her hand on his shoulder and said, ''There is only one thing you have to do to seduce someone.''


    ''And what is that?''


    ''Be shameless!''


    Han Bohai gaped at her in disbelief as she laughed out, ''Trust me! Become a koala and get stuck to that person.''


    ''I''d scare them away or they''d get irritated of me. Those are the only possibilities.''


    She firmly shook her head, ''Nah! There is another possibility... That person will get used to your presence.''


    ''Huh?''


    ''Baby brother, habits are dangerous than love.''


    His brain suddenly buzzed with her words as he looked at her eyes and said, ''Sister Xiu, your drunk version is sinister.''


    The girl who was already intoxicated grinned happily, ''No, no, no! My drunk version is actually very honest.''


    ''But you''re wrong this time. Love and seduction are two different things. I can''t achieve love through seduction.''


    ''Oh, poor soul! How are you so naive?'' Han Bohai looked at her as she stood up clad in her silk nightgown that was trailing down. The way it hung loosely on her frame it looked gorgeous. She leaned against the railing as she looked at the bright moon as she usually did and added, ''Love and seduction... I can''t find a way to separate the two. Do you think people fall in love out of nowhere? No darling! Even if it''s love at first sight, it began with the way someone''s eyes or looks seduced your senses. No matter what kind of love you choose, it begins with seduction.''


    ''Are you done with the valuable lesson of the day?''


    She turned around but almost tripped. However, she was holding the railing, so she didn''t fell. His face was getting blurry in her vision but she still asked, ''What valuable lesson? I''m just passing on my heart and soul to you. It''s precious, cherish it!''


    He stood up and followed her saying, ''I really cherish it. That''s why my phone is now filled with your voice.''


    ''Bobo has gone crazy...'' she started humming while he was left shaking his head at her but then threw her head back and laughed heartily.

 621 Thats A Secre

    Han Bohai didn''t know how it happened but while he was reeling from the impact of memories, the party had shifted locations. As much as he wanted to spend time with Ying alone, he couldn''t just drag her away. So, he was stuck with Dylan, Ah-Si, Nora, and Cali who had suddenly decided to have a midnight rendezvous to the nearest food stall.


    He really wanted to ask these people what the hell were they thinking? Because they were just at a party, with plenty of food and yet they were now sitting around a plastic table with the sky as their only roof. Also, who would tell him why this food stall was still open after midnight? This was ridiculous but did he care? No, because he got another chance to stick close to his Ah-Ying. How could he complain?


    "I don''t recall seeing your sister? She is the one who called me and she is the only one I didn''t meet. Where is she?" Han Bohai finally decided to ask the question that was bothering him. When he met with Dylan and Ah-Si along with their counterparts, he had expected to see Xiu but he didn''t get to see her.


    That made Ying''s brow quirk up as well, "Oi! Where did Xiu go? And where is her sticky husband? Did they leave? And that too without telling me?"


    Seeing Ying''s temper, Ah-Si started, "Relax! Xiu went to see dad."


    "Zizi? What for?"


    "I believe that she went to pull his ears but I''d be okay even if she just managed to put some sense into his brain."


    Ying''s eyes narrowed at his words and Ah-Si put a fist before his mouth to cough.


    "I mean that she heard about dad''s fever and rushed out."


    Ying finally calmed down saying, "She seems very close to Zizi, so I can understand her concern."


    "Ying Jie, you aren''t feeling threatened?" This stupid question obviously came from Dylan.


    Ying frowned at him, "Why would I be feeling threatened?"


    "Ying Jie, everyone knows that for Uncle Zi, you''re his most favorite daughter. But now someone has eyes on your position in Uncle Zi''s heart. Shouldn''t you do something about this?"


    "The only thing I want to do is zip your lips." Dylan pressed his lips together immediately. "I have no reason to feel threatened. I can tell Xiu is becoming very dear to Zizi and I don''t blame him for that either. In fact, my Xiu is awesome so it''s only right that everyone loves her. Those who don''t like her have a hole in their head."


    Dylan''s lips twitched, "I don''t have a hole in my brain."


    "I didn''t say your name," replied Ying calmly.


    Dylan was frustrated but he couldn''t show his frustration. So, he chose to order a lot of food just to vent.


    "Doesn''t it feel weird?" Everyone''s eyes moved to Cali who continued, "We all are wearing branded clothes and yet, we are sitting on a roadside stall just for a barbeque?"


    Nora, "Xiu loves to eat at such places. So, I''m used to it."


    Ah-Si, "Back in school, dad had a rule in the family. The three of us often ate such places to learn family bonding and lose our superiority complex."


    Han Bohai, "It''s been a while since I had such a relaxing atmosphere to eat. So, I''m very comfortable."


    Dylan, "I only care about the food."


    As always Dylan''s reply was very Dylan like but it made Cali understand every person at this table. For instance, she could tell that Ying was an adaptable kind of person who could adapt to any situation. Xiu''s influence on Nora was very big just like how Ah-Si''s family teaching''s had a big hold on him. As for Han Bohai, he seemed like someone who wasn''t very sociable and lacked real friends. And Dylan... Well, he was just Dylan. As long as he found his source of happiness, it was enough.


    "Dylan, I heard you planned a grand proposal for Cali?"


    Dylan looked up at Nora and nodded his head proudly, "It was very grand and very beautiful. The beach was the perfect location."


    Nora snorted, "No wonder Xiu cursed you for an hour."


    "She cursed me behind my back? Again?"


    Ying interjected, "You should be glad, she only cursed you. If I was there, I''d even throw you into the sea."


    Dylan felt wrong, "What did I do so wrong?"


    "She almost got sick because of you," replied Ying. "My subordinate told me that her nails were purple by the time she came to sit in the car. She was so cold that she kept shivering. And instead of saying thank you, you even shouted at her!"


    Dylan lowered his head guiltily, "My observation skills are very lacking."


    That one sentence was enough to quieten everyone. Because no one could find faults with that statement. Indeed, everyone knew how much Dylan lacked perception skills. So, they couldn''t find faults with him. Besides, if Xiu herself didn''t pursue it, they won''t either.


    "Hold on, how is Xiu involved with your proposal last night?"


    Hearing Cali''s question, Nora gasped, "Don''t tell me you didn''t even realize that the one playing the piano was Xiu?"


    "What? I didn''t see her!"


    Ying had expected that reaction as she said, "That''s natural. Xiu didn''t want you to see her."


    "But I really wanted to be there. I love listening to Xiu playing the piano."


    "Then you''re in luck," said Ying as she pulled out her phone and passed it to Nora. "Xiu had passed her phone to my subordinate and even asked to record the whole scene. I received the full video in the morning."


    Nora hurriedly played it and everyone craned their necks to see the screen. From the video angle, one could see the beautiful recording skills but soon, it could also be seen that the person who was recording was biased because when Xiu played the piano, Gigi''s shots couldn''t help moving in her direction to capture her trance-like state where she played the piano as if she had lost herself.


    They could see Xiu''s lips moving as the tune changed and again her expressions changing when the fireworks lit up the sky. The curiosity in Nora got the best of her as she quipped, "I think she is cursing you again."


    "That''s so on point," Ying chimed in as she laughed heartily. "When the fireworks lit up her exact words were, ''I so want to beat him. Idiot! Think about the environment. What a waste of money!''"


    Nora also laughed along, "That sounds exactly like her. She is as stingy as always."


    "Xiu is really stingy?"


    Nora shook her head, "No really. She is only stingy with herself. But I like something or Jackie wants anything, she can splurge more money than me. Also, when it comes to her self-respect. Actually, I won''t even call her stingy. She is just someone who thinks if you don''t need something, you shouldn''t buy it."


    Han Bohai had silently been listening to them with a complicated expression. When he saw Xiu''s figure playing the piano, he couldn''t peel his eyes away from her. The way her fingers skimmed over the keys, made his heart feel itchy. It was a very familiar feeling. Then he heard about her dislike for fireworks and his heart shook again. But it got worse when Nora said that Xiu didn''t like using money on herself.


    He knew he was overthinking. He knew his heart was just trying to find an excuse but why was he so inclined to indulge this bizarre thought? In fact, it gave him an urge to see Xiu again.


    "Ying Jie, you''re bringing your date to the wedding, right?"


    Ah-Si''s voice broke his train of thoughts as he stared at Ying who nodded, "Of course, I''ll be bringing my date."


    He held her hand under the table as he looked surprised, "Who are you taking as your date?"


    Ying pointed at his face, "You."


    "I''m your date and I''m only learning about it now?" Ying shrugged her shoulders and Han Bohai knew he shouldn''t ask anymore. She wasn''t the kind to actually ask him out, so she directly decided he''d be her date without even consulting him.


    "Mr. Superstar, the impression I had of you is changing drastically," Nora commented when she the look of helplessness and indulgence in Han Bohai''s eyes. He looked at Nora with raised brows as she went on, "Since my best friend has been a huge fan of yours, I learned that you''re a very cold person. But my best friend insisted that you''re a very warm person. I never believed her but now, I have to re-evaluate."


    "Please, do enlighten me with your re-evaluation when you''re done with it."


    Nora smiled at him as she questioned, "It''s making me really curious. How did you exactly fall in love with the woman beside you?"


    Han Bohai turned his head to look at Ying who also quirked her brows inquisitively, he smirked, "That''s a secret."

 622 Things You Cant Buy

    ''I don''t want to talk to you. You only love that little devil in your arms. Don''t ever talk to me again!''


    Xin Zimen had just entered through the main door when he heard his little princess''s aggrieved voice as her small feet ran down the stairs. She was so distracted that he thought she''d fall. And she did...


    His heart lurched as he ran over to hold her. Thankfully, she didn''t fell but it didn''t decrease the intensity of the scare he just got. Kneeling on the floor, his arms hugged his baby girl in his arms, pressing her tightly against his chest. The little girl didn''t even struggle in his arms and even tried to wrap her small arms around his neck as she sobbed.


    As her hot tears fell on his neck, he felt like he was burned. He pushed her slightly to see her face that had scrunched up and big tears were hanging on her eyelashes. She looked really pitiful as she sniffled.


    His heart broke at the sight. Wiping her tears, he asked, ''What happened to my baby? Who hurt my baby?'' He picked her off the ground as he went on, ''Did my baby get scared from the fall?''


    The little girl shook her head as she pointed her tiny finger towards the top of the stairs and complained, ''She made me cry.''


    Xin Zimen followed the direction of her finger and found his wife standing there, with Ah-Si held close to her bosom. He frowned as he asked, ''What did mommy do to baby? Tell daddy, I''ll solve everything.''


    ''You promise you''ll punish her?'' asked the little girl in her aggrieved tone.


    Xin Zimen pressed his lips together. He neither had the heart to say anything to his wife nor did he had the heart to lie to his daughter. He was really stuck. So, he chose the safest route, ''First, tell daddy what happened?''


    ''Yesterday, baby wanted to take something from the dressing table and mommy said I can''t have it because I might lose it.'' Her big black eyes looked accusingly at her mother who had descended the stairs with a subtle smile on her face. ''Today, that little devil in her arms actually broke everything on her dressing table and she didn''t even care!'' Her eyes squinted at her little brother in her mother''s arms as she added, ''This only proves one thing... Li bro said that once I was born, he no longer was mommy daddy''s favorite and now, I know... since this little devil''s birth, mommy daddy don''t care about the baby.''


    ''Aiyo... How is that possible? Baby is always mommy daddy''s favorite.'' Xin Zimen tried to coax his daughter who refused to listen.


    ''Then why did mommy treat me and Ah-Si differently? I only wanted to try on her jewelry and she didn''t let me. And this little one actually broke such expensive things and she didn''t say anything. This is so not right!''


    Xin Zimen turned his eyes towards his wife as he said, ''Why didn''t you just let her use your jewelry?''


    Xin Zimen frowned at his wife, ''So? Even if she lost it, we can buy again.''


    ''Exactly!'' added his daughter who was yet not over her tantrum.


    Wen Ai narrowed her eyes at her husband making him take a step back as she said, ''Don''t tell me you don''t recognize these earrings?'' Before he could answer, she looked at her daughter and very patiently spoke, ''Baby, there are two types of things in life. One you can buy with money and one that you can''t buy with money.''


    When she said those words, Xin Zimen bit his tongue. He only recalled now why his wife didn''t want to let their daughter play with those earrings. He had bought those for her as a very first gift with his very first salary. He seriously wanted to smack his own head. But it also filled his heart with warmth. This was the relationship between them. They never needed to proclaim their love to each other. Because they both knew very well about their position in other''s life and heart.


    ''What can''t be bought with money? The nanny said that money can buy everything.''


    Both Xin Zimen and Wen Ai''s eyes hardened at that remark from their daughter. Xin Zimen gave a snort, ''Looks like we need to change the nanny.''


    Wen Ai didn''t pay attention to her husband as she said to her daughter, ''Baby, do you love mommy and daddy?'' The little girl nodded her head vigorously. ''You can''t buy mommy and daddy with money. Just like that, there are some feelings in this world that we can''t buy with money. Because love is not a bargain. Love is unconditional and love is priceless.''


    The little girl pursed her lips and asked, ''So is mommy and daddy''s love for baby is priceless? No one can take it from mommy? Not even this little devil?''


    Xin Zimen kissed her face saying, ''No. No one can take this love. Mommy and daddy only love their baby.''


    ''If baby can''t have mommy''s, baby wants her own earrings.''


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her innocence as he reminded, ''But baby can''t wear it.''


    The little girl stubbornly insisted, ''Mommy''s ear has a hole so she can wear it. Baby will also get it.'' Then she placed her hands on her father''s face as she usually did and went on, ''Ah-Xin, get those for baby as well.''


    Wen Ai tried to dissuade her saying, ''No. It''s painful.''


    The little girl jutted her bottom lip out and pouted pitifully before blinking her eyes at Xin Zimen. Even at this age, she knew how to break her father''s defenses. Well, not like he had any defenses against her. ''Okay. But isn''t baby scared of pain?''


    The little girl nodded her head but her sudden impulse got the best of her as she said, ''Then Ah-Xin needs to get one as well.''


    ''Huh? Why me?'' Xin Zimen didn''t know how he got stuck in this.


    ''If Ah-Xin will get one, baby won''t feel pain.''


    Seeing the smile brightening the little girl''s face, Xin Zimen was so fascinated that he couldn''t help nodding in agreement. It was just piercing his ears. No big deal at all! He could even pierce his heart for this apple of his eyes!


    As Xin Zimen''s eyes opened in his bedroom, he was left staring at the ceiling blankly. His hand lifted to touch his pierced ears. He usually didn''t take off the pair of earrings that his daughter chose for him personally but it had been a couple of months he was avoiding it for some reason.

 623 Best Man

    It was only 6 in the morning but Darren had already woken Xiu up. But being the epitome of sluggishness, she kept falling back on the bed. She couldn''t help it. She just couldn''t keep her eyes open no matter how she tried to do so.


    Darren looked back at her, "Sweets, get up already."


    "I''m trying," came the reply and soon he found her actually crawling her way towards the bathroom.


    He pressed his lips tightly as he rubbed his forehead before going over to pick her up and take her inside the bathroom. "Should I help you wash up as well?"


    Seeing the glint in his eyes, she shook her head, "No, not necessary! I can do it myself." She pushed him out of the bathroom and sighed in relief. She obviously didn''t take his words as a joke even if he was just joking because she knew him and she knew herself as well. The jokes between them would never end with a laugh, it often ended with her pressed under his body moaning shamelessly until she lost all her strength to even lift a finger.


    Although she didn''t mind that, this was still someone else''s house and she had already promised to go to the doctor. There was no way around it.


    After she was done cleaning up, Xiu found a set of fresh clothes and dressed up hurriedly before going down. The maid told her that Xin Zimen and Darren were having a chat in the garden and they asked her to have breakfast first. So, she could only move towards the dining room where she found another person.


    The other person put his iPad down and quirked his brows at Xiu inquisitively. Meanwhile, Xiu waved at him, "Morning, Li bro!"


    "Morning!" Xiao Li greeted back before asking, "How come you''re here so early in the morning?"


    "I never left," was Xiu''s answer as she took a seat on his right-hand side.


    Xiao Li''s brows furrowed slightly, "You stayed overnight?" Xiu nodded her head. "I didn''t know that."


    "You must have come back late last night because I went to sleep early."


    Xiao Li had indeed come back around 3 in the morning so he nodded his head agreeably. He snapped his fingers as he called out, "Miyabi, bring something for Xiu first."


    Xiu supported her face on her hand as she tried to doze off again while mumbling, "I can wait. No big deal."


    However, Xiao Li didn''t listen to her as he got up to instruct the kitchen staff. But seeing how the kitchen staff was already instructed by his father, he relaxed and came back to his seat.


    "If you''re sleepy, go back to bed."


    Xiu opened her eyes slightly as she replied, "Can''t do. I promised Ah-Xin."


    "Ah-Xin?" Xiao Li was surprised to hear such an endearing name for his father. "And what did you promise my dad?"


    Xiu placed her hand over her mouth as she yawned ''till the point the drops of tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes. "I won''t tell you. We''re keeping this a secret between us."


    "Of course, I did," replied Xiu. "But I''m not that fond of parties. So, I left early."


    "Please tell me my bachelor party was fun."


    Xiu couldn''t hold back her laughter. She burst out laughing as she looked at Xiao Li, "I''m sorry." He waved it off and she said, "But I can assure you, no one will forget this bachelor party in their lives."


    Xiao Li smiled seeing her cheerful manner and nodded his head saying, "That''s understandable. My best friend is quite reputable. No one can ever forget a party if she is the host."


    Xiu silently observed his expressions and felt strange. He was neither upset nor angry. She thought he''d a little upset that Ying Jie did such a stint but he was really not affected. Or was he good at hiding like his father?


    When the breakfast was placed before her, she hurriedly shifted her attention and solely focused on replenishing her health. She knew those white-coated monsters were gonna draw blood from her vein later on in the hospital. She had to make up for the blood loss earlier.


    "Li bro, who is your best man?"


    Xiao Li frowned at her sudden question, "Why are you curious?"


    "I want to know because I don''t think I heard Nora mentioning anything about Ah-Si being your best man."


    "That''s because my brother is not gonna play the role of my best man."


    Xiu was curious now even more than before, "Then who is it?"


    "Take a guess..." he replied with a mysterious smile on his lips.


    "How can I guess?" she retorted unhappily. "You have so many friends."


    "But my best man is someone very close to you," hinted Xiao Li.


    "Huh? The closest to me is my Regan and I know he is not your best man. He won''t hide such a thing from me."


    Xiao Li laughed out heartily, "Think out of the box, kiddo!"


    "I''m gonna eat first then. Maybe my brain engines start working again." She hurriedly finished her bowl of congee and rubbed her tummy in satisfaction.


    "So?"


    She looked up at him and said, "It seems like the food wasn''t that helpful. My brain is still in deep slumber."


    Xiao Li touched her head saying, "Don''t think so much then. All that energy you gained from food will be lost otherwise."


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking," she agreed without shifting her expression. "So, how about you save my brain the trouble of thinking and tell me who your best man is? It can''t be a secret that you can''t share with me."


    "It''s not really a secret but it''s a surprise," replied Xiao Li solemnly.


    "Ah? Why?"


    "Because my best man wants to keep some mystery surrounding him till the wedding."


    "This is so not fun," grumbled Xiu before picking up the glass of milk and silently gulping it down.

 624 Kitten

    To Xiao Li, her actions were nothing but cute. She looked so harmless even when she puffed up her cheeks. But the way she drank the milk made her look like a kitten. Xin Zimen had described her perfectly last night, she was truly a kitten. Because after she took the glass of milk, she darted the tip of her tongue out to check the temperature of the milk before chugging it down.


    But while she drank, her eyes were wandering over to the steamed dumplings that had been placed before him. Taking the hint, he took the new set of chopsticks and brought a steamed dumpling to her mouth. Without even hesitating, she opened her mouth wide to receive it.


    Xiao Li looked at her full cheeks as she chewed and shook his head in amusement. It was truly hard for him to match this girl with the one who thrashed his brother right before his eyes. Maybe she really was good at concealing herself but he couldn''t help liking her even more. This personality of hers strongly reminded him of his mother who was so good at acting hoodlum before the world but would become the world''s best person before the ones she cared about.


    "Little one, you''re done eating?"


    Xiu looked over at Xin Zimen and nodded but then looked at the second steamed dumpling that Xiao Li for her and immediately shook her head.


    Xin Zimen''s brows raised subtly as he noticed his elder brother''s attentiveness but didn''t point it out as he silently took the seat of the head of the family.


    "Li Ge, don''t make her lazy. Let her eat herself."


    Xiu squinted her eyes at her husband who came to sit beside her and when he noticed her eyes, he added, "I mean to say I''m enough to spoil my wife. Let me feed you myself."


    "I don''t mind though," replied Xiao Li but still pushed the basket of steamed dumpling before Darren.


    Xiu didn''t care who was feeding her, all that mattered was that she got to eat those dumplings. She was very satisfied with her own bowl of congee but somehow couldn''t resist the aroma of dumplings from enticing her. She only had one thing in her defense; the food was seducing her these days. Yes, that''s the most logical answer she can come up with!


    "Ah-Xin, didn''t you say you''d carry me even in my sleep? Why did you wake me up?"


    "I was all prepared to take you when you''re sleeping but your husband had other ideas."


    Xiu looked at Darren inquisitively who shrugged his shoulders and fed her another dumpling.


    "He said, you need to replenish your energy or might end up fainting from giving blood."


    "I''m clearly not that weak," retorted Xiu unhappily. "I neither have Trypanophobia (fear of needles) nor do I have Hemophobia (fear of blood). I have the strongest mental power."


    "Yes, my Sweets only has a strange but extreme hospital fear."


    While Xiu glared at Darren for saying that out loud in such a way, she heard two anxious voices...


    "Why does she have to go to the hospital?"


    It was very obvious who asked which question but in reply, Xiu just gave a smile to both of them as she answered calmly, "My mother stayed in the hospital for two years before dying. So, I developed a dislike for hospitals. I won''t call it a fear though." Then she turned her eyes towards Xiao Li as she went on, "Nothing is wrong with me. It''s just one of those regular checkups."


    It wasn''t difficult for Xiu to see that both father and son had their own doubts about her answer. Obviously, both the answers were complete lies! Firstly, yes she didn''t have a fear of hospitals as people would say but she hated hospitals. Either it was her previous life or present one, she was extremely reluctant to visit hospitals because they reminded her of how helpless she always felt every time she was there.


    To distract everyone, she suddenly asked, "Ah-Xin, do you know who is Li bro''s best man for the wedding?"


    Xin Zimen glanced at his son before saying, "I don''t know. It''s supposed to be a surprise."


    "Ah-Xin, there is something even you don''t know?" gasped Xiu earning a pointed look from Xin Zimen. "And here I thought, you''re in control of everything."


    She heard Xiao Li''s snicker as he said in a soft voice, "Even I thought he had everything in his control."


    Although she didn''t know what his words meant, she could see how Xin Zimen''s eyes dimmed at that remark from his son. But he didn''t say anything in reply.


    "Do you want to eat anything else?" asked Darren breaking her train of thoughts.


    "No, I think the roaring tiger in my belly is satiated for a while," replied Xiu with a serious face.


    Darren rubbed her head lovingly and asked her to leave for the hospital but she strongly resisted that she''d only go with Xin Zimen. Darren was feeling at a loss.


    "As your husband, I should be there," argued Darren.


    She made a strange face, "Don''t argue with me, Regan. I''m not going with you."


    "But why?"


    Xiu gave him a look as if trying to convey her meaning. She didn''t want him to see her in a hospital ever again. Even if it was just for a check-up. She always felt helpless and pressured in hospitals and she didn''t wish for him to see her like that. If he really thought she couldn''t see how he had been extra attentive towards her lately, then he was gravely mistaken. She could see it and she could even tell it was because he was worried about her.


    "Regan, it was originally decided that I''d go with Ah-Xin. You just have to go to work. Didn''t you say last night you plan on solving something very important urgently?"


    At her reminder, Darren was left silent. He indeed had planned up a lot last night and he did think about settling everything today so that he could wholeheartedly focus on caring about his wife. Gigi''s words had strongly affected him and he wasn''t strong enough to watch her crumble once again before his eyes.

 625 Bunch Of Kids

    -Shangri-La KTV-


    In a spacious and luxurious room, five people were settled on the dark purple sofas while the sixth person was pouring his heart out in the song. The silver chandeliers made the ceiling look fascinating along with the dim lights decorating the room.


    The five people weren''t actually paying much attention to the one singing because they were busy in their card game.


    And these six people were none other than Dylan, Cali, Xin Xiaosi, Nora, Ying, and even Han Bohai. It was truly a sight since these people had spent their whole night frolicking and yet they didn''t seem tired. In fact, they seemed to be getting more and more excited.


    It was around six in the morning when someone''s phone rang. They were planning on ignoring it but when Xin Xiaosi noticed that the person calling was his brother, he couldn''t ignore any longer.


    "Ah-Si! Where the hell are you?!" Xiao Li''s voice was loud and it seemed like he was angry but as his younger brother, Ah-Si could easily hear the worry in his brother''s voice.


    He wanted to shake his head. He was in his mid-twenties and his elder brother treated him like a little kid. Although he enjoyed his attention on normal days, he still felt that it was time for his brother to stop being so apprehensive.


    "I''m at the KTV," replied Ah-Si as he stepped aside from others.


    Even Xiao Li could hear Dylan''s singing from the other side that made him sigh in relief a little.


    "Who else is there apart from you and Dylan?"


    "My girlfriend, Dylan''s girlfriend, and Ying Jie with her partner."


    "Ying and her partner? You mean her boyfriend?"


    "Uh-huh..."


    Xiao Li was silent for a moment before he replied, "Didn''t I tell you to call me? If you weren''t gonna come home, at least inform me. I just learned from the maid that you didn''t come home."


    "Bro, my old now. I can take care of myself. Besides, with Ying Jie around, what can possibly happen to me? Don''t you always say that Ying Jie is like dad''s replica? I can always have faith in her."


    Xiao Li exhaled a long and tired breath, "I know you''re old and I know with my best friend around, nothing can ever go wrong. But... Since you''re my only brother, I can''t help getting worried about you."


    Ah-Si didn''t have to think twice to know what his brother was implying. He didn''t know why his brother took their sister''s death as a burden. But he did know after that incident, his brother would always get anxious not knowing about his whereabouts. That was another reason why he depended on his elder brother so much.


    Xiao Li was amused to hear his brother talking big and rolled his eyes saying, "So, what is your impression of him now? Is he worthy of your Ying Jie?"


    "Bro, you already know who it is. Obviously, you also know he has no flaw for us to nitpick about."


    Xiao Li raised his brow, "When did I say I know about her boyfriend?"


    Ah-Si looked over and saw Han Bohai still trying to snuggle up with Ying and smiled softly as he replied, "If you didn''t know who he is, you won''t be this calm right now. It took me years to understand dad, do you really think you''re that difficult to read?"


    Xiao Li nodded his head before saying, "It seems like my brother is really growing up. I can finally be at ease." He took a pause before adding, "And as for my best friend''s boyfriend... No matter how brilliant Bohai is, I still don''t know how sincere he is to her."


    Ah-Si''s lips curved up knowing that he had guessed right. How could he be wrong about his brother? "Then you have nothing to worry about. Apparently, Han Bohai is crazy about Ying Jie. He is so good at manipulating Ying Jie''s strong resolves that I''m amazed. I have never seen Ying Jie giving in to someone this easily ever in my life."


    Xiao Li finally smiled contently as he said, "She needs someone like that." He took a brief pause and added, "Okay. I''m hanging up now. Have fun but not too much."


    "If you''re talking about drinking then you can relax, Ying Jie didn''t let anyone touch alcohol."


    "I knew I can trust my sensible best friend with you bunch of kids."


    Ah-Si gaped at his words and wanted to retort when his brother hung up directly. Staring wide-eyed at the phone screen, Ah-Si harshly shouted, "Who are you a bunch of kids?!"


    "What''s wrong with Xiao Si?" asked Cali as she looked at his furious face.


    Ying chuckled, "His brother called him a kid again. So, he is throwing a tantrum like a kid now."


    "Ying Jie! It''s not funny!" Ah-Si unhappily came back to his seat.


    Ying pressed her lips trying to hold back laughter but she always found it funny. Ah-Si''s ticking point was being called a kid. He had been treated as a kid for so long that his father and his brother often overlooked the fact that he had a daughter of his own now. Because for them, he was still a kid. And his Uncle Zemin and his wife''s treatment of him wasn''t any different.


    Now, even if Ah-Si wanted to prove that he was not a kid, he couldn''t do much. That image was hard to shirk off now.


    "Don''t get cranky over this. It''s not the first time he called you a kid."


    "I don''t care how many times he calls me a kid but he is still treating me like a kid as well. And apparently, he thinks you''re here to supervise a bunch of kids here."


    Ying''s smile widened as she answered, "It''s my privilege to be the supervisor!"


    Ah-Si gaped at her in disbelief before asking Han Bohai, "What do you see in this fool?"


    Ying also turned her eyes towards him inquisitively. Han Bohai''s eyes softened as he replied, "Maybe all I see is the fool."


    "Huh?"


    Ying smacked his head while he laughed out heartily in reply. What he saw in her? If only he could answer that...

 626 A Fool

    Han Bohai wasn''t trying to be mysterious when he said such vague words with a laugh. He literally meant those words. Because the Ying that caught his attention seemed nothing more than just a fool! Oh, wait! There was another way to define her... A drunk and violent but still an adorable fool!


    *Flashback*


    "Don''t forget you have shooting at 8 in the morning," he heard his assistant''s reminder and looked at the number changing as he stood in the elevator.


    "It''s 4 already. Why did you even send me back for rest?" His voice came out sharper than he was intending.


    "Brother Han, it''s not like I can control everything."


    "Whatever!" he hurriedly hung up while rubbing his forehead to ease up the headache. He had just come back to An City on this very day and had been so busy since then. He knew his assistant couldn''t control everything but tiredness was getting to his mood.


    *Ding!*


    He massaged his shoulder as he stepped out of the elevator and looked at room numbers to find his own. While doing so, a very unusual scene caught his attention.


    *Thud!*


    "Fool!"


    *Thud!*


    "Why didn''t you pour that hot tea back at her face?"


    *Thud!*


    "Why did you walk away like a fool?!"


    He saw a girl standing before the wall as she was busy knocking her head against the wall and kept mumbling complaints. Although she said a lot of things, he could barely hear a couple of things.


    ''Mind your own business!'' Han Bohai kept repeating in his mind as he found his room and rummaged out the key card.


    *Thud!*


    From right behind him, he still heard the same sound. The hotel had a very good reputation and he knew that this specific floor only had guests of certain status. That''s why it was highly secure and private. He didn''t have to care about some crazy fans coming here. But that meant the person behind him was actually a guest here.


    His hand had just reached over to open the door of his room when he stopped to look behind at the girl who was still mumbling something incoherently.


    ''Bohai! You can''t have this nosy nature of Sister Xiu! No! Not happening!'' Even if he kept reminding himself that he didn''t want to develop his Sister Xiu''s kindness that could be poured on any passing being. He was still failing miserably.


    "Just this once!" he told himself and turned around. As he walked up to the girl''s side, he noticed a bandage around her hand and frowned. Cautiously poking her shoulder with his finger, he asked with a touch of concern that he himself didn''t notice, "Excuse me, Miss! Are you alright?"


    "Nice and dandy, just like stupid cotton candy!"


    Han Bohai heard a crystal clear voice but there seemed to be a tinge of melancholic undertone to it. With her disheveled look, he''d like to disagree with that answer. Her hair wasn''t tied, her clothes had creases as if she had just rolled out of bed.


    "I''m looking for a way," came the reply that made him frown. He could tell that she had something to drink. Staying with an alcoholic like his Sister Xiu, his nose had become super sensitive to alcohol. So even though the girl before him didn''t have much to drink, he could still smell it clearly. However, her speech wasn''t slurred, neither did she seem tipsy and if he didn''t smell alcohol, he''d truly believe that she was sober.


    Shaking his head, he said, "The door is over there. Why are you looking for a way here?"


    The girl stopped and leaned her forehead on the wall as she said, "Who said I am I''m looking for a door?"


    As she was about to bang her head against the wall again, he placed his palm on the wall to cushion her hit. Not feeling the desired impact, she whipped her head around to glare at him.


    Han Bohai was stunned for a moment. No, not because she was beautiful or anything which she was by the way. That had definitely nothing to do with his flustered look. There were two things that made him stunned; one, he could recognize her. Two, her eyes were just as clear and glossy as her voice had been. There was no red blush on her face or a bleary look in her eyes. In fact, he was questioning whether she was drunk or not? Because earlier, he had come to the conclusion that this was just a drunk act. Now, he was in doubt.


    As for how he recognized her... He had gone to a convention with his Uncle and had seen her there. Dr. Yan Ying... Since his uncle had made the trip just for her, he was quite interested in knowing about her identity as well. After all, his uncle had kept saying how amazing she was. He was also wondering what was great about her. And when she stood at the stage, he finally knew what was so amazing about her. She had that presence that made one feel mystified. Her scholar like elegance was all it took for him to actually notice her.


    But now that he met her for the second time, he couldn''t find the same person. Although the person was the same, the aura around her was gloomy.


    "If you aren''t looking for the door, then what are you looking for?" he finally found his voice.


    She slowly slid down against the wall and sat down on the carpet in the hallway. Leaning her head against the wall, she answered, "As I said earlier, I''m looking for a way. Is it that difficult to understand?"


    Han Bohai sighed tiredly as he looked around the hallway but found not a single soul in sight. Just as he expected. First, it was so damn late, and second, the floor couldn''t have unauthorized personnel roaming around; not even the hotel staff was allowed unless they were called by the guests. He didn''t even know which room was hers or if she was here alone or not.


    Feeling his headache getting worse, he crouched down beside her and asked curiously, "Dr. Yan, can''t you tell me what kind of way are you looking for? Or at least tell me which room is yours?"


    Since he called her name, Ying''s mind instantly associated him with someone she was familiar with. Don''t get the wrong idea, she was still very drunk. She had no prior experience of getting drunk.


    It was her first time she drank such strong alcohol. Why did she ask Cali for a recommendation? That was a very bad idea! A regular drinker like Cali would have her heavy taste in drinking. But she had to choose such a person as her drinking partner.


    This was the same day when she had first met Xiu at the Qiu family house. The same day, Qiu Meihui had scalded her hand with hot tea. The same day, she felt so lonely for the first time in a long time that she chose to visit a bar which wasn''t very much like her. After taking those three shots, she had no idea what happened. She obviously fainted and was brought to Cali''s suite. But somehow when she woke up, she crawled out of the suite and started rebuking herself.


    She could do it inside the suite but she didn''t want to disturb Cali. Even in her drunken stupor, she could clearly hold on to her sanity which was remarkable because, from her mannerism, she definitely didn''t seem like a drunk person.


    The real reason she was beating herself up like this was not that she was upset about not being able to beat Qiu Meihui up when she poured the hot tea on her hand, the real reason was that she was angry at herself for actually resorting to drinking to look for some peace of mind. She couldn''t accept the fact that she had actually turned into such a weak person who needed the support of alcohol to get over her gloom.


    This wasn''t the real her. She was a strong person and she would never choose to escape her worries. She liked to face everything head-on, not hide behind the haze of alcohol. That was something only a weak person would do.


    "I''m looking for a way to ease the pain," she mumbled in a soft voice. Han Bohai didn''t think she''d speak after such a long silence. "I''m looking for a way to delete some memories to ease that pain. I''m looking for a way to free myself."


    *Flashback, to be Continued*

 627 To Replace Feelings

    *Flashback Continued*


    Han Bohai''s eyes shifted to the way her hand was raised to rub her chest as if she felt uncomfortable. Or maybe, she was hurt? As a very familiar face flashed past his eyes, his eyes widened up. Now, Ying''s expressions made a lot more sense to him. Not only that, he could even understand what she was feeling and it made him feel bitter.


    Taking a deep breath, he also sat down beside her. "In other words, you''re just looking for a way to escape your heartbreak."


    Ying''s shoulders slumped down as she closed her eyes briefly, "Does it matter? It''s not like there is anyone who can escape from a heartbreak." She heaved a long and tired sigh, "In fact, I''ve seen it coming from the day I recognized my feelings that I''d end up with this pain. But I kept running from it, even when it caught up to me I still refused to budge. Now, I''m at the point where I can''t seem to shake it off any longer."


    Han Bohai was so immersed in her words that he felt like his head was about to burst. Every word of hers resembled someone he used to know. And the more familiarity grew in her words, the more he felt like he wanted to get close to her, emotionally. As her support! As someone, she could lean on and doesn''t choose the same path as someone else did.


    "Actually, I just want to remove some feelings from within me," she spoke again in a lazy voice. Han Bohai lifted his hand to touch her forehead and she flinched back, "Sss..." Banging her forehead against the wall definitely injured her forehead. It wasn''t that bad but his cold fingers stung for some reason.


    "Feelings have nothing to do with your brain. Why did you hurt it?" he shook his head at her. "Feelings come from the heart. And there is no concept of removing feelings."


    Ying held her head in her hands as she grumbled, "So, I have no escape route? I''ve always left an escape route for myself in life. How come I forgot this time?"


    "Love doesn''t have an escape route..." he stated with a nostalgic tone. "You can''t remove feelings but you can replace them. If only you really have the will to do so."


    She pulled her head up and looked straight into his eyes. She pointed her index finger at his nose as she started, "You..." Soon, that index finger ended up touching the tip of his nose as she giggled, "You''re pretty cute." Han Bohai was left bewildered as her naughty hand went to feel him up. Yes! She felt him up as in, her hand moved from his face to his shoulders and then to his abdominal muscles as her eyes brightened up, "You''re ripped. I couldn''t tell at all!"


    "What are you trying to do?" he choked out with difficulty.


    She slowly stood up and pouted, "I know my flirting skills are rusty but you can''t run away like this."


    "Rusty? I think your flirting skills are non-existent!" He said while trying to get his hand out of her grip but he seemed to have stepped on her tail as she refused to loosen her grip and smirked at him.


    "You must have some guts to tell me... Yan Ying that I''m bad at something!" She showed him a fist adding, "Want to die?!"


    There was no doubt that she looked scary with that look but he wasn''t startled. Instead, he found it really interesting.


    "How much did you drink?" he questioned in a soft voice while his eyes were still trained on her face.


    Ying thought about it before raising three fingers. Han Bohai''s brows raised up as he noticed how her intelligence hadn''t been affected by the alcohol. She was still very firm on her feet. He had seen many drunken acts but this was something new to him.


    After thinking about it, he asked, "How about you tell me your room number?"


    Ying''s smirk turned into a wicked grin as she replied, "We just met. What''s the hurry?" He frowned first not understanding what she was implying but soon, his eyes almost came out of the sockets that''s how shocked he was. Patting his shoulder calmly, she went on, "Let''s get to know each other first."


    Han Bohai''s mouth opened and closed several times like a fish as he was trying to form some words but it seemed to be a task too difficult for him. "Dr. Yan, I''m asking about your room so that I can bring you there to rest."


    Ying''s mood dropped, "What the...! How boring!"


    "Boring?" he repeated in agitation.


    While nodding, she looked around to see her surroundings and frowned, "How did I come here?" She scratched her head as she added, "When did I shift to this place?"


    "You can''t even remember your room number?" His voice was sharper than he was intending it to be.


    Ying shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the floor all over again saying, "It''s not like I need room to sleep. I can sleep anywhere."


    "If you continued this, I''m gonna leave you right here," said Han Bohai in frustration. And even walked over to open the door of his room. When he was done, he looked back, and seeing that Ying had her eyes closed, he repeated, "I''m really leaving. Don''t blame me for not having any kindness to help a stranger."


    Not getting a reply, he huffed and entered his room. He took a shower and changed his clothes. He was about to go to bed when he couldn''t help thinking about whether Ying was still outside or not. It had only been 20 minutes but he believed, she would have left by now.


    Right?


    *Flashback, to be Continued*

 628 Base Zero

    *Flashback Continued*


    Han Bohai spent another five minutes r=trying to convince himself that Ying had left but when he couldn''t convince himself very much, he opened the door of his room and found Ying right where he left her. Her head was still leaning against the wall and her eyes were closed. She definitely looked like she was sleeping.


    Clenching his hands into tight fists, his mind screamed, ''This is all your fault! Sister Xiu! Why did you even make me this nosy?!'' If this incident had happened before meeting his Sister Xiu, he could say that he''d have walked away without feeling bad about it. But now, he couldn''t do so. Even if he hated this situation, he couldn''t run from it. He didn''t want to let his Sister Xiu down.


    "Hey!" She didn''t move. He tried to shake her but she kept sleeping.


    He picked up Ying and walked inside his room. He had just laid her down on the couch when she slightly opened her eyes and smiled lazily, "Oh hi, handsome!" Her eyes brightened as she added, "I never thought a handsome guy like you would princess-carry me one day. Ah! What a day!"


    "It''s not what you think," he retorted.


    "No need to be shy. I like open people who know what they want and how to get what they want. Although I''d prefer starting from zero-base, if you want to straight go for a home-run, I don''t mind."


    Han Bohai choked on air as he stepped away from her, "You''re wasted!" He ran his fingers through his damp hair and added, "I can''t believe someone let you drink. Your drunk version is something like an eye-opener for me."


    Ying yawned and grumbled to herself, "This is my first time getting drunk."


    As he saw her slowly enveloping into her slumber, he asked, "Oi! What''s the zero-base? I get what that ''home-run'' implied but what''s the zero-base? How come I''ve never heard of it?"


    "Zero-baseee..." she drawled out. "It means getting to know each other. Hehehe..."


    With those words, she was knocked out. Once again!


    Knowing that it was inappropriate for her to spend the night here, he went to take the phone and connected with the reception asking for the room information of Yan Ying. The answer he received was something he had expected, "Sorry, Sir... We can''t disclose our guest''s information. It''s against our policy."


    Even when he said he found her in the hallway, drunk. No one was really helping him out. For the first time, he thought this hotel''s policies were too rigid. He needed someone''s help. Someone who could get some answers. Thinking about his uncle, he dialed his number and asked him for help.


    Within 30 minutes, he received a call from the reception, "Sir, my apologies for disturbing you but we don''t have any guest named Yan Ying in our system."


    The receptionist was quiet for a minute before replying, "I can''t give you a definite answer for that."


    He rubbed his forehead as he added, "I found her on my floor. Maybe you can inquire with other guests on the same floor?"


    "Sir," the other side sounded really nervous. "It''s really inappropriate time for this."


    Han Bohai also realized that he was making it difficult for her. So, he didn''t press it and hung up. While he was pacing in exasperation, his voice woke up Ying who had been completely knocked out.


    When her eyes opened, she could only see his back as he talked over the phone. Her eyes wandered around and not recognizing the place where she was, she was immediately in an alert mode.


    Han Bohai noticed her movement and started, "You''re awake? Thank goodness I brought you to my room or else I don''t know what you''d do... Argh!"


    Before he could even continue, Ying''s body moved faster than her mind as she tackled him and twisted his arm in a painful way.


    "What is this place? How dare you try to play games with me?"


    He slapped her hand that was on his shoulder and shouted, "Let go first! I was only trying to help!"


    Ying let him go as he kept groaning in pain. He was completely defenseless against her because he didn''t expect her to attack him suddenly. Where did that cute fool go? When did she turn into a violent fool?


    Seeing her face, he asked, "Are you sober now?"


    Ying squinted her eyes at him before walking away without any reply. Her foot hit the table and she kept mumbling, "Sorry, I didn''t see you there. I''m sorry!" Only then Han Bohai realized that she was still drunk. But how come she forgot him so soon? And even attacked him for no reason.


    He was still kneeling on the floor, holding his shoulder that had a crushing pain. His forehead was sweating because of the pain and yet, he ran off behind her to see where did she go. But poor him, couldn''t even find her shadow outside.


    How could he? Ying had just stepped out of his room and entered Cali''s room with the keycard she had in her pocket. And dropped down on the bed like Cali had left her last night. No one could even tell that she had an adventurous last 2 hours rushing around.


    *End of Flashback*


    However, that adventure of hers was the reason that Han Bohai''s original shooting schedule was messed up and he had to recuperate in the city. But he knew staying in the same city would eventually bring him before this girl and he was over the moon when it happened.


    Honestly speaking, his initial interest in her was only because of how her emotional breakdown resembled Chen Xiu. Later, she injured him and he was intrigued. Much later, in the mall, when she repeated the action of wantonly feeling his body up, he couldn''t help feeling himself drawing close to her.


    Although she had no recollection of that night, it was obvious that there was no disparity between her drunk self or real self. The only thing was that the real self was too good at not letting herself act willfully. And since she wished to start from the ''zero-base'' how could he say no?

 629 Ripped & Whipped

    "Would you stop looking at her already?"


    Han Bohai looked up to see Nora''s brows raised up with a slight smile on her lips.


    "You might make a hole in her skull at the rate you''ve been staring at her face."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together and scratched the tip of his nose. No, he wasn''t feeling embarrassed or awkward at being caught. It was far from that. In fact, he could even say it out loud that he was just here for Ying. So, if he came only for her, why won''t he look at her?


    "There is no need to point it out because he won''t change. In fact, you''ll have to get used to him, he won''t change his ways." This unexpectedly was stated by Ying.


    Han Bohai grinned at her as he asked, "So, that means you already are very used to me."


    Ying gritted her teeth at him.


    "Ying Jie, it seems like Bohai loves to get on your nerves," Dylan said as he came to finally sit down to drink some water that was parched after he sang for so long.


    "Get on my nerves? I think he is always testing my limit!" answered Ying looking annoyed at him but didn''t sound like that at all.


    "If he is really testing your patience, why are you with him?"


    Ying squinted his eyes at Ah-Si who cowered back while Nora cut in to smooth out the situation, "Ah-Si means to ask, why do you like him?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders and chewed the melon seeds as she answered, "He is ripped."


    While everyone was gaping at her in disbelief, they heard a bout of laughter from Han Bohai and their dumbfounded expressions became even more distorted. They really couldn''t tell what was funny about that statement.


    Cali shook her head at Ying as she went on, "I don''t know whether he is ripped or not but you''re definitely whipped."


    Ying chose to ignore her words and suggestive tone as she rushed them, "Look at the time already. Let''s leave now."


    "How about breakfast?" asked Dylan.


    "Hedi, how much are you gonna eat? Don''t you want to look dashing at your sister''s wedding tomorrow? Stop eating like a pig!" rebuked Ying which made Dylan pout in response.


    "Ying Jie, I always look dashing. I don''t need to go on a diet."


    Nora snorted at him saying, "Bro, I so wish Xiu was here to give you a reply."


    Hearing Xiu''s name, Dylan''s face scrunched up, "Even if she was here, she couldn''t stop me from eating."


    Nora nodded her head as she stood up to pat his head like he was pet as she said, "I know she won''t stop you from eating. Instead, she''d shove so much food in your stomach that you''d either become a real pig or choke to death."


    Dylan''s face was unsightly as he snickered, "Rest assured. I''m always choking from the doses of dog food that she loves to shove down my throat."


    While Ying laughed out, Nora''s face twisted, "I hate to admit it but I strongly agree with that statement."


    "Ying Jie, are you that impatient to spend some alone time with your boyfriend?"


    Ah-Si''s words stumped Ying up while Han Bohai asked her, "Are you really?"


    Pushing Han Bohai''s face away, she glared at Ah-Si saying, "Little Si, aren''t you worried that you''ll have to spend an hour explaining to Zizi why you stayed out last night?"


    "That''s why I''m not planning on going home just yet. I''ll wait until dad leaves for work and only then I''ll go home."


    "And you think that''d be enough to escape from Zizi?"


    Ah-Si shook his head solemnly, "Of course, not! It''s almost impossible to escape from my dad but I can delay it for a while."


    Ying''s eyes narrowed at him as she stated, "You''re an exemplary father. You spent the whole night frolicking with the mother of your child and the child is left home to wait alone. How pitiful!"


    Ah-Si''s face stiffened, "Ava is not alone."


    "But a child only seeks the comfort and love of their parents."


    Feeling helpless, Ah-Si stood up saying, "I''m gonna go to my daughter." He held Nora''s hand and took her with him.


    "Ying Jie, how can you play with his weak spot like that?"


    Ying played dumb, "What did I do wrong? Did I say anything wrong?"


    "Yes, you did. Ah-Si only wanted to spend some time with Nora."


    Ying rolled her eyes at him, "I guess you''re not familiar with Ava Xin''s temper. Although she is little, she can wreak havoc all too well. She needs her father by her side every morning at all costs. Even when she spends her nights at Nora''s place, she has to have a video call with her father or else..."


    Ying didn''t have to complete her sentences, Dylan got the picture all too well. He had heard from someone that Ava was really attached to her father but he didn''t think it was to that extent.


    "Cali," started Ying again. "I hope you enjoyed this experience of famous KTV''s of the mainland."


    "It''s quite interesting," answered Cali vaguely.


    Ying smiled at her politely as she stood up while holding Han Bohai''s wrist tight in her grip. Han Bohai was surprised but he let himself get pulled up as she continued to say, "Alright then. I''ll see you guys at the wedding tomorrow. For now, Ciaos!"


    Watching her leave with Han Bohai, Dylan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "She really is in a hurry to spend her time with her boyfriend."


    Cali waved her hand before his eyes to get his attention, "But your girlfriend is right here. Why are you looking for others?"


    Dylan''s eyes focused on her face as she raised her face to push it towards his face. As her breath hit his face, Dylan couldn''t help licking his lips. Her hand found it''s way inside his shirt as she dropped a kiss at the side of his jaw saying, "How about... We have some fun?"


    Dylan''s eyes darkened as he pulled her closer and claimed her lips with his own.

 630 Problem Is The Solution

    -Xin Villa-


    "If you anything happens, call me," instructed Darren in a tight voice.


    Xiu had been nodding her head like a hen pecking at grains for the past five minutes as he constantly filled her brain with instructions.


    "Baobei, who else can I call? If something really happens, I''ll just run to you."


    Darren knew she was serious so he calmed down a little before leaving for work while Xiu stood at the doorway to see him off. Now that she thought about it, having a house didn''t seem that bad of an idea after all. Back at their apartment, she always said bye at the door but now, she could come out to stand beside his car and personally delivered him to the car.


    This setting seemed a lot more pleasant now that she thought about it this way. If this was the case, she could really go for house hunting with him soon. In fact, sooner the better!


    She went inside to collect her phone from the dining table and looked at Xiao Li who was still busy with his iPad. The wheels of her brain spun and her eyes widened. She ran over to his side and asked, "Li bro, you didn''t ask Ying Jie to be your best man, did you?"


    Xiao Li slowly looked up at her peering eyes and answered, "Why not?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she said, "Let me warn you... That''s not acceptable!"


    Xiao Li leaned his back against the chair as he said, "Isn''t it common to ask your best friend to be your best man? I only have one best friend, why can''t I ask her to become my best man?"


    Xiu placed her hands on his shoulders and shook him with all her strength, "Li bro, my baseball bat is itching for another show. Don''t give me a reason to bring it to your wedding!"


    Her warning tone and her glaring eyes amused him as he went on, "Hmmm... Xiu with her infamous baseball bat... That combination might raise the worth of my wedding day."


    Xiu''s lips twitched at his reply, "I''m very serious right now. How can you even joke about this matter?" She took a deep breath and added, "If it was a normal wedding, I''d have loved to see Ying Jie as your best man but it isn''t. Let''s not forget that Ying Jie had spent years loving you. And now, you want her to stand there and be a witness of you happily taking another woman as your wife? Isn''t it already cruel enough that she is invited to your wedding?"


    Xiao Li pressed his lips together while nodding his head slowly, "But isn''t she already embarking on a journey of new love?" He took a pause before adding, "Don''t get so agitated."


    "How can I not?" Xiu was feeling exasperated. "Even though Ying Jie is trying to step out of shadows of her old love, she still needs time to completely get over it."


    "I know she is strong. But do you plan on testing strength or are you trying to see how long would it take to break her apart?"


    "I''d never want her to break. Never!" He closed his eyes to take a long breath before adding, "And don''t worry, Ying is not my best man. Although she whined a lot about it, I''d never ask her to play that role."


    Xiu suddenly didn''t know what to say. If that was the case, why was she getting so worked up? Couldn''t he say it earlier that Ying was not his best man? Why drag it for so long?!


    Seeing her lips opening and closing, he shook his head before patting her head gently, "I know you''re heart is very pure. But you really need to stop bringing so much stress to yourself. The more you''ll care about others, the more you''ll find yourself drowning in an emotional whirlpool that''d be unhealthy and would eventually harm only you."


    Xiu was quiet in reply. He was about to leave when she spoke up again, "Li bro, don''t you regret it?" Xiao Li looked back at her with a raised brow as she continued, "You''ve waited for years. And even though you finally got your love, is it worth it?"


    "Are you expecting me to say that love is worth it all?" he retorted calmly.


    "I honestly don''t. I might look like a lovesick fool but trust me, I know that there is more to life than just love. And if a person makes love as the driving force, it consumes everything else in our life... Along with our life as well." Xiu''s eyes lost the usual playfulness as she met his gaze unfazed. "So, for me, love is not really worth it."


    Xiao Li''s pupils shook a little as he tried to see through her. He wished to see the person hidden behind this smiling facade and he wanted to shook that real persona to know why it seemed so lonely? And why did it seem so cold?


    But he couldn''t do it. He couldn''t even bring himself to ask her. Somehow, he felt like he won''t like the answer. So, he sighed out, "Whether it''s worth it or not, who cares? We have come too far now."


    Xiu''s pupils dilated, "Li bro, is it because you''ve come too far that you can''t find a way back now?" He stayed quiet in reply. "Now I''m wondering whether this love has become your obsession or stubbornness." She looked at his expressions as she went on, "So, Li bro, are you marrying because of this obsession or stubbornness?"


    He smiled bitterly as he answered, "There is an old saying... ''If you can''t find the solution to the problem, make that problem your solution then.''" With that, he left her alone frowning by herself.

 631 Just A Hoax

    Xiu was left mulling over Xiao Li''s words. There was a certain feeling stirring inside of her and it made her believe that everything wasn''t as simple as it seemed.


    When Xin Zimen noticed her looking so down, he frowned. "Did Xiao Li said something to you?"


    Xiu looked up and seeing the concern in his eyes, her lips curved up slightly, "Nope. As everyone says, I just have a habit of bringing stress to myself."


    Xin Zimen shook his head but didn''t refute her words. He had also seen the way she acted. So, it was obvious to him what she was referring to. "Let''s go... Everything''s been arranged."


    Xiu nodded her head and followed him only to be gobsmacked at seeing his entourage. Well, she knew he was an important figure. It could be seen from all those guards at his place but was this entourage necessary? They were just visiting a hospital!


    This made her feel uncomfortable but she didn''t voice it. She silently alighted the car and placing her hands in her lap, she stayed silent.


    She was so silent that at one Xin Zimen thought he was alone in the car. So, he lifted his eyes to look at her, and seeing her lost in her own world, he frowned.


    "The more I look at you, the more I''m unable to make a connection between you and my brother." Xiu finally lifted her eyes as he continued, "Even your habits don''t match with him."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe I''m like my mother."


    "That''s also possible," replied Xin Zimen. "Stop frowning. It doesn''t suit you."


    Xiu smiled at him asking, "Then what suits me?"


    "That smile you''re wearing right now," he said sincerely.


    "Ah-Xin..."


    "Hm?"


    "You make me envious of your sons."


    "Huh? Why is that?"


    Xiu looked out the window as she smiled sadly, "Because you aren''t my father."


    "And here I always treat you as my daughter," said Xin Zimen with a hint of disappointment.


    Xiu shook her head saying, "That''s not what I mean."


    Xin Zimen patted her shoulder gently as he said, "No matter what you mean, don''t forget that you have the blood of Xin''s. That makes us blood-related and I''d always be here for you."


    Xiu tilted her head to look at his face and thought bitterly, ''If only I had met you in my previous life... If only... Even as a stranger... I think Chen Xiu wouldn''t have ended so pitifully.'' Her eyes stung with hot tears and she tilted her head up to stop those tears that had brimmed up in her eyes from falling.


    Even if there was no blood relation between them, Xiu knew that he''d still be there for her. And that thought alone meant a lot to her.


    ....


    In the meantime, Ying had dragged Han Bohai all the way to her car. Yes, she didn''t let his hand go even for a second. It certainly pleased the one who was being dragged around but the one dragging had no idea about his feelings.


    He lifted his arm to show her that she was holding his wrist as he said, "How can leave when you are holding this so tightly?"


    Realizing that Ying''s eyes widened but if you thought she would be embarrassed enough to shirk his hand away. Then you definitely are on the wrong page. Instead of getting awkward about it, she maintained her original composure and said, "I have to hold it tight or else, you might run away."


    Han Bohai''s face came closer to hers as he said, "If only I could run now. But my dear Ah-Ying, you''ve captured me in the maze of your heart. And since I hate solving puzzles, I have decided to just camp in that maze."


    Ying''s lips twitched at his words that sounded so like him. "So, you''re just giving up? Shouldn''t you be looking for a way out of this maze?"


    Han Bohai''s face came even closer as the tip of his nose brushed against hers and he replied in a slightly husky voice, "I''ve left myself at your mercy. Now, it''s all up to you what you want to do."


    Ying frowned slightly, "With the strong approach you took to get me, I thought you''d be the dominant type. When did you turn into the submissive one?"


    Han Bohai shrugged his shoulders, "Call it submission or whatever, but I''m just waiting for the time when you''d also give into this submission we call love."


    "That is only possible if peach tree blooms in winter[1]," she replied haughtily and loosened her grip.


    Han Bohai grinned as he walked over to sit at the passenger seat.


    "Fasten your seatbelt," she said but he again didn''t move. "Are you waiting for me to buckle your seatbelt?" He nodded without hesitation. "This isn''t the plot of your movie! I''d rather kick you out then buckle your seatbelt." He pouted adorably and she rolled her eyes before starting the car. As the got on the highway, she asked, "Where to?"


    "Huh?"


    "Where should I drop you off?" she asked again.


    "To the same hotel," he answered.


    Ying frowned at him, "Don''t you want to go home?" Before he could open his mouth to say anything, she added, "And don''t give me the crap about how you don''t have a house in An City. If you really think I know nothing about the Han family, then you''re certainly mistaken."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together to control his laughter as he said, "I don''t know what you''re saying."


    "Don''t play dumb with me," she warned.


    "But I''m not playing dumb," as she gave him a sideways glance, he went on, "I am dumb."


    Ying snorted at his reply, "It''s good that you already know that you''re dumb."


    Han Bohai smiled at her, "Whenever I''m around you, my IQ and EQ turns into negative, so it''s very obvious that I''m dumb around you."


    "Why is it so difficult to talk to you?" wondered Ying.


    "I''m very easy to talk to. It''s just that you make it difficult yourself."


    "You really have a way to turn all the blame to me. As if you aren''t the one who trapped me into dating you."


    Han Bohai shook his finger saying, "No, no. I didn''t trap anyone. I sincerely pursued you with my shamelessness. You just happen to fall for it." He sighed heavily as he added, "But I just learned that in the end, you didn''t fell for my sincerity but for my body. How cruel!"


    "Babe, I have a huge crush on your heart and on your mind... But, your sexy body is just a huge bonus!" While Han Bohai was staring at her wide-eyed she went on, "Peh! If you think I''d be someone who would say something like this to please you then get the hell out."


    Han Bohai laughed at her response and said, "Your little tsundere act is amusing. I love that about you."


    "But seriously, why don''t you go home? Doesn''t your uncle live in An City?"


    As the conversation steered back to this point which he had been avoiding, he sighed again, "My uncle does live here but I only visit his place during holidays."


    "Why? Aren''t you guys on good terms?"


    "We are on very good terms. More than an uncle, he is like a friend I can share everything with."


    "Then why?"


    "When I first stepped into this show-biz, someone took a photo of me with my cousin. It was a photo taken outside her school and it was painted in a way that..." he took a deep breath and went on, "Anyways, before the news could be published, my uncle''s resources got rid of it. But the incident gave me a lesson that I don''t want to drag my young cousin into this mess."


    "And here I thought the entertainment circle is all about glamor."


    Han Bohai looked at the side of her face intently as he said in a soft, "Behind the glamor is a lot of darkness. Just like gangsters try to wash their crimes with money, the entertainment industry tries to hide its filthiness behind the glamor. It''s all just a hoax. Don''t fall for it."


    "What about you?"


    "Huh?"


    "Did you fall for the hoax? Is that why you''re a celebrity now?"


    "As I have said before, the glamor can''t catch my attention. It''s something else or rather someone else who propelled me on this path."


    [1] ''peach tree blooms in winter'': This metaphor is deep and quite meaningful. A peach tree blooming in winter is very rare but bears the most beautiful blossoms of them all. I find this meaning particularly beautiful. And from this, we can all see Ying''s tsundere personality when it comes to him. In other words, she isn''t exactly denying the fact that she''d submit to love. Hehe...

 632 Steal A Momen

    "There you go," said Ying as she parked the car at the front of the hotel. "Time for you and I to part our ways."


    Han Bohai was displeased with her words as he looked around at the entrance and said, "Can''t you take the car to the underground parking?"


    Ying stared at him long and hard before sighing in defeat. Without any word, she drove to the underground parking and found a good spot to park the car saying, "Now, are you happy, little superstar?"


    Han Bohai unbuckled his seatbelt saying, "Even if I''m not happy, what can I do about that?"


    "And why are you not happy exactly?" asked Ying as she propped her elbows on the steering wheel and cupped her face in her hands.


    "You''re trying to get rid of me, how can I be happy about that?" he grumbled unhappily.


    Ying was amused by his reaction as she leaned back in her seat saying, "You have so many complaints like a little wife who is being wronged all the time by her evil husband."


    Han Bohai''s lips twitched but he didn''t back off as he replied, "Then dear evil husband, take responsibility for wronging your little wife."


    Ying gaped at him in disbelief, "It''s still hard for me to believe that you''re able to say all of this with such a straight face. Doesn''t it hurt your male ego?"


    Han Bohai shook his head, "If my male ego can become the hindrance between me and my love, I''d rather throw away such male ego."


    Ying chuckled out, "Smooth! Real smooth! I don''t think I can outwit you, little devil."


    "Calling me a devil might really offend the devil himself," he retorted cheekily.


    Ying shook her head, "Don''t worry at all. My Xiu is quite understanding, she won''t be offended that easily."


    "Did you just call your sister a devil?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. Seeing her reaction, Han Bohai couldn''t control his urges as he cursed under his breath. Ying didn''t even get to notice it before he had unbuckled her seatbelt and his hands had gone under her knees and the back of her neck as he pulled her all the way over to his lap.


    "You!" Ying was startled by this sudden turn of events and glared at him.


    However, seeing her eyes so close, he was all the more relaxed as he hugged her waist to stop her from squirming. His lips brushed against her earlobes so softly, so gently that Ying''s whole body went limp. He didn''t do anything else. He only let his hot breath graze her earlobe again and again. But that was enough to itch Ying''s heart.


    "What are you trying to do now?" her voice came out a little breathy.


    "I''m taking advantage of the moment," he answered honestly and calmly. "Since you''re trying to run away, I''m trying to hold you in my arms to steal this moment for us."


    Taking the advantage of her silence, he pushed the seat all the way back.


    "Hey!" yelped Ying as half of her body was now laying on his sturdy chest. She could hear his heartbeat. It wasn''t erratic. In fact, his heartbeat was so steady that it calmed her nerves making her want to relax.


    "Even though my girlfriend is a superwoman, I''m still an ordinary man. I definitely need some sleep to properly function. So, be good and let me take a short nap." He caressed her back making her completely set her defenses down.


    "Go to your room to sleep then," she said.


    "If I do, will you come with me?"


    "No," she answered.


    His arm on her waist tightened as he said, "Then I''m fine right here."


    "Don''t be stubborn. What are you five?"


    "Yes, five inches taller than you," he replied.


    "You!" she hit his shoulder making his chuckle. Even she felt the reverberation from his chest that made her smile instinctively.


    He kissed the top of her head as he said, "Since I''m five inches taller, that makes our height a perfect match."


    Ying was really at a loss for words. Right now, her condition could be described perfectly as; she was extremely busy doing not very much while feeling very overwhelmed. Being with him wasn''t like a rollercoaster ride where she''d feel up and down all the time, being with him was a constant dizzying and euphoric feeling that came after the rollercoaster ride. It was like, he could make her world spin in a minute but she wouldn''t be scared because he was there to hold her tight as well.


    He wasn''t just dangerous for her health, he was dangerous for her heart. Sigh... But what to do when she loved dangers so much?!


    "Are you asleep?" she asked softly.


    "Hmm..." he hummed in reply seemingly half-asleep.


    "You''d go to my best friend''s wedding with me, right?"


    Han Bohai''s lips curved up slightly, "Wasn''t it an order? How can I say no to that?"


    "I''m serious."


    "So am I," he replied. "Since you need a date, that has to be me. Don''t even think about taking anyone else." He took a brief pause before adding, "Will your parents be there?"


    "No, but my grandmother will be there."


    "Sh*t!" he cursed making her frown. "She is again gonna ask whether I proposed to you or not."


    "What? Why is my grandmother in such a hurry?"


    He stroked her head saying, "That''s her way of showing her love."


    "I find it quite troublesome."


    Han Bohai decided not to continue this topic as he asked, "So, what is my girlfriend wearing tomorrow?"


    "Why?"


    "Because I have to perfectly match with my girlfriend," replied Han Bohai.


    "I don''t even know what I''m wearing," she answered.


    "Seems like we''ll have to go shopping then..."

 633 Perfect Momen

    The hospital was just as Xiu remembered it; clean, quiet, and unbearable! As always it smelled like bleach and antiseptics. The good thing was that Xin Zimen had arranged everything in order which meant she didn''t have to wait in the waiting room and bear through the sight of blood, cuts, bruises, casts, and arm slings.


    In fact, the entrance they used to enter the hospital saved Xiu from a lot of trouble. They were directly brought to the examination room. Changing into the hospital gown, Xiu looked down at herself and felt her mood worsening for some reason. These loose clothes in boring colors really made one feel sicker than they were. In her opinion, hospitals always had such a depressing mood that it''d affect even the healthiest and cheeriest person in the world.


    Just like herself! Even though she could be called the happiest depressed person one would ever meet. She was feeling her mood getting from the happiest depressed to simply depressed. These shadows of death surrounding a hospital really weighed down on her shoulders.


    A full-body health checkup was certainly lengthy and strenuous. It took hours to go through so many procedures of being pricked with needles. Going through all kinds of tests, Xiu felt like her energy was drained. So, when the doctor said she had to wait a while to get the results, the first thought that came to Xiu''s mind was that she needed something to drink. Anything would be fine!


    Xin Zimen was in a separate room and when he came to look for Xiu, he was told that she went out. He rounded around the corridor and found Xiu before a vending machine. Her brows were knotted together and her eyes were glaring at the stupid machine. She was sitting in a wheelchair as she kept kicking the vending machine while grumbling, "You bloody money-grubber! Give me my drink! Or give me back my coins! How dare you swindle me?! I won''t take it lying down!"


    Xin Zimen shook his head at her as he walked over and only hit a specific side of the vending machine with his fist, making her drink come out. Xiu''s eyes sparkled as she took it out and smiled at Xin Zimen, "Ah-Xin, thanks!"


    He sighed before asking, "Why are you in a wheelchair? What happened? What did the doctor say?"


    With a pop, Xiu opened the can and took a swig of her cold drink as she said, "Nothing is wrong. My lazy bum just didn''t want to walk around, so I borrowed a wheelchair. But steering it around is also quite troublesome."


    Seeing how nonchalant she was being about it, he rubbed his forehead in worry.


    "Do you want one? I have some more coins with me," Xiu rummaged out coins from the pocket of her hospital gown.


    "No, I''m fine."


    "What did the doctor say?" asked Xiu.


    "How about we go together to find out?" he suggested.


    While she was still thinking, Xin Zimen had already gone behind her back to push the wheelchair for her. Xiu grinned and continued to drink at ease. As the bubbly drink soothed her throat, she said, "Ah-Xin, have you ever thought that maybe the life we''re living is actually just a dream?"


    "A dream?"


    "Yes. Just a dream. Like everything you have experienced till now was just a dream. All the pain, suffering, happiness, all kinds of feelings were just a part of a dream."


    Xin Zimen frowned at her words. "Where is this all coming from? What''s with this strange talk?"


    Xiu tilted her head up to look at him as she said, "When I come to hospitals, my brain starts thinking about all sorts of things." She rubbed her nose as she went on, "But I''m quite serious right now. Let''s just imagine that one day you wake up to realize that everything had been a dream. So, which moment would you choose to open your eyes?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes dimmed as he replied, "Any moment would be fine as long as that moment have my complete family with me."


    "Your complete family? You mean your wife and your kids right?"


    "Yes," he answered.


    "Why am I not even surprised?" muttered Xiu to herself before she threw the empty can into the in and went on, "Do you know, Aunt Wei told me that your relationship with your wife didn''t make much sense to people."


    "Our relationship had to make sense to only us; me and my partner. The rest doesn''t matter because it''s a relationship between me and her, not a community project that everyone has to get the proper understanding of it."


    Xiu chuckled at his reply, "That''s quite an explanation."


    "What about you?" he asked.


    "What about me?" she frowned.


    "What if this was a dream for you as well? Which moment would you choose to wake up?"


    Xiu rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I think I''d like to be 14 again."


    "Why?"


    "I have new ways to ruin my life," she giggled and earned a light smack on her head.


    "Be serious."


    "Okay. So... If I have to choose a moment then it''d be..." she dragged the silence a bit longer than necessary before continuing, "This very moment. Yup! I think I''d still like to wake up at this moment when Ah-Xin is right by my side and I have the world''s best husband. This is the perfect moment for me."


    "Wow! You really know how to flatter someone."


    Xiu grinned at him, "I wasn''t flattering you though. I''m just being very honest."


    Xin Zimen didn''t say anything in reply. He silently pushed her wheelchair back to the doctor''s office and heard her saying, "Here goes nothing..."


    "Please take a seat, Mr. Xin," said the doctor when he saw them.


    "You have the test results?" asked Xiu.


    "Yes," answered the doctor.

 634 The Test Results

    The doctor looked between Xiu and Xin Zimen making Xiu impatient. She was already very impatient, the doctor was just making it worse.


    "Doctor, is something wrong with Ah-Xin?" her voice came out very softly as if she was scared to hear the answer to this particular question.


    "No, his reports are normal."


    "Really?" Xiu was in disbelief but was also genuinely happy to hear that.


    "However..." her smile vanished when the doctor continued, "I believe Mr. Xin has been disregarding his health lately. Overwork and stress can do serious damage to his mental health in the long run. This is also dangerous for his heart muscles." The doctor spent ten minutes briefing them about Xin Zimen''s health and Xiu listened attentively.


    Xiu straightened up to ask, "Then? What can we do?"


    "Proper rest and diet is the basic priority right now."


    Xiu patted her chest saying, "You don''t worry doctor. I''ll keep an eye on him."


    While Xin Zimen pursed his lips, the doctor said, "Right now, someone needs more attention than him."


    "Huh?"


    "And that''s you Mrs. Salvay."


    Xiu frowned at him, "Me? What''s wrong with me?"


    "Let me call your doctor."


    Xiu looked over at Xin Zimen and found him staring at her with worry. Xiu patted his hand in reassurance, "The doctor knows nothing. You don''t worry about it at all."


    "That''s not very convincing, little lass," replied Xin Zimen feeling fidgety. He hadn''t felt this anxious in a long time.


    Soon a female doctor walked in and greeted both of them. She placed Xiu''s reports before them she detailed them about her condition. While Xin Zimen''s brows quirked up, Xiu''s face was impassive. There was not a single crack in her expressions. One look and one might think the person they were talking about had nothing to do with her.


    "We can leave now, right?" that was the first sentence that Xin Zimen heard from her in the last thirty minutes.


    The female doctor nodded her head saying, "Yes, you can. But you''ll have to come back for regular checkups. You have to take your condition seriously."


    "Oh, don''t worry at all. I''m taking it very seriously," replied Xiu with a forced tug at her lips.


    "Wait for me in the car, I''ll be right back," said Xin Zimen and she nodded in reply. While she went to change back into her clothes, he went back to the female doctor to discuss Xiu''s condition.


    Xiu was leaning against the car when Xin Zimen came out. She was looking particularly at nothing. She just seemed lost.


    He came up to her side and hugged her tightly. Xiu was taken aback but didn''t push him away. Instead, she let his warmth comfort her.


    "How are you taking it?" he asked.


    "Should we call Regan?" he asked as he pushed her slightly to look at her face. Xiu shook her head in reply. "Why? This is something he should know."


    "When did I say, he shouldn''t know about this?" Her eyes looked straight into his eyes as she went on, "Obviously, he is the first person I want to talk to about this. But let''s wait till he comes back in the evening."


    "And here I thought you didn''t want to tell him about this," stated Xin Zimen suspiciously.


    Xiu chuckled softly in reply, "That''s true. If I could, I''d want to keep it a secret for a little longer."


    "Why is that?"


    "Because I know my husband very well. He is gonna start treating me as a paper doll who is too fragile. I don''t think I''d be able to let go of my freedom that soon."


    "You value your freedom over your health?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Isn''t it obvious? I value my freedom more than anything."


    "More than your husband?"


    Xiu was stumped for words and Xin Zimen smirked.


    "Ah-Xin, don''t play this game with me. Anything would lose before my husband. Even my freedom can''t be more important than him."


    "That''s exactly what I thought. So, little lass, you have to take care of yourself not for you but for that husband of yours whom you seem to love beyond your own capabilities."


    Xiu pouted at him, "Is it that obvious that I love Regan very much?"


    Xin Zimen poked her head, "The way you''re always flaunting your love, it''d be a surprise if people didn''t know how much you love him."


    Xiu grinned awkwardly, "It''s not that I don''t care about other''s feelings while proclaiming my love everywhere. It''s just that I know life is very short and I don''t think this short life is enough for me to show him how much I love him. So, I just try my best before I run out of time to try anything."


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "No wonder Francesca said that your love for Regan even makes her feel envious." He took a brief pause before adding, "Shall we leave now?"


    "Hmm..." she hummed in reply and got inside the car.


    "When is the next appointment?" asked Xin Zimen as they settled in the backseat.


    "In two days," she replied plainly. "And I have to bring my husband with me." Then she snickered, "Well, it''s not like he''d let me come all on my own."


    "How are you gonna tell him?"


    "That''s what I''m thinking about right now. I don''t want to freak him out or anything. So, I need to do it very subtly."


    "Instead of doing it subtly, just do it simply," said Xin Zimen.


    Xiu had thought that this diagnosis would leave her shattered but strangely, she was feeling really calm and peaceful inside her heart. How strange that her own feelings were something she wasn''t able to grasp at this moment. Except for one feeling... Her longing to see her husband.

 635 Honeymoon?

    Darren''s day had pretty much been ridiculously hectic. And that inkling surging within his heart that something wasn''t right made his day a lot worse. It was during lunch break when his mother came to see him.


    "Dear son, you''re looking for mama?"


    Darren gave her a hug and took her hand to take her towards the sitting area. He asked Paige to bring coffee for his mother while he continued to look anywhere but at her.


    "Regi, what''s wrong?"


    Darren pursed his lips, "I have a favor to ask."


    Francesca''s brows quirked up in surprise. This had to be one of those moments that should be recorded in history. Her son was actually gonna ask for something from her.


    Darren was feeling really strange and troubled. He didn''t know how to say it but he had to voice it out. "I know I''m the one who asked you to leave your job and rest at home but now..." she frowned at him as he went on, "Mama, can you take my position in the company?"


    "Huh?" she was dumbfounded.


    "You''re already the chairwoman," he reminded her.


    Francesca smiled strangely, "Son, you tricked me into taking the huge responsibility like that. Besides, I''ve never done anything for your business. I''m the chairwoman only in name. If you think without you, I mean the CEO I can actually run this business, then you''re mistaken."


    "I''m not mistaken at all. I know my mama very well. I know what you''re capable of." Francesca felt good to hear that her son actually had such trust in her but that didn''t change her perspective at all.


    "Regi..."


    Before she could argue, he went on, "Mama! Please! For me, just this once." Looking at his pleading eyes, how was she supposed to say no? This boy really put her in a difficult spot. "Besides, Paige will be here to help you out. She''ll be personally accompanying you and I''ll also help out with whatever I can."


    Francesca was mostly convinced. It wasn''t every day her son would ask for something and she didn''t want to say no to him. But she was still curious about something. "Are you planning on going to the honeymoon?" Darren stared at her. "I can''t think of any other reason why you''d need me to take the responsibility of the business you created from scratch."


    "It''s not permanent. I''d definitely give you the leisure I promised you. It''s only for a couple of months."


    "So, it''s really about the honeymoon?"


    Seeing her eyes glimmering, Darren shook his head, "No, mama! It''s not about the honeymoon."


    "Then?" she was perplexed once again. She noticed his expressions and voiced out, "Is everything okay with Xiu?"


    Darren bit his bottom lip contemplating something seriously before he said, "I don''t know whether everything is okay with her or not. But I want to make sure that everything is alright."


    Darren placed his head on her shoulder saying, "I honestly don''t know what''s going on but I''m very scared. And to overcome this fear, I have to stay as close to her as possible. I can''t let her disappear once again. So, this time I have to be there for her at any cost."


    Francesca caressed his head. "Regi, your mother is really dumb. I can''t understand anything you said except for the fact that you want to spend your time with your wife. And guess what? That reason alone is enough for your mother to board this ship." She grinned to herself before adding, "But I have a condition."


    "What?" he asked.


    "You better work hard."


    "Huh?"


    She slapped the back of his head, "Idiot! I want a grandchild! Don''t make me wait anymore. I''m getting old."


    Darren snorted, "Who said that? You''re still very young."


    "Stop flattering your mother and start working."


    Darren took a deep breath and as he exhaled, he said, "I have no problem with that but..."


    "But?"


    "Sweets doesn''t seem to like the idea of having kids so soon."


    "Oh." Francesca''s face fell. "Well, if it''s my daughter who wants to enjoy the newlywed''s life then I won''t insist."


    "Mama, aren''t you being biased right now?"


    Francesca held his face in her hands and instructed, "You better take care of my daughter. If I saw her even frowning because of you, I''ll be really mad at you."


    Darren could only smile helplessly in reply. After she drank her coffee, he called Paige inside to let her know about the new arrangement. He had already announced in the board meeting that he''d be partially taking a leave from his position. Obviously, the company''s decisions were still up to him but he wouldn''t be participating in meetings physically.


    After sorting out his work, it was already 7 o''clock. It was later than his usual time. So, he hurried down to reach home. He just wanted to see his wife now.


    Just when he reached the door of his apartment, the door opened and Xin Zimen came out surprising Darren. "Uncle Zi, you didn''t go to work?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Darren with a complicated gaze before nodding, "No, I decided to give your wife some company."


    Darren''s brows knotted together. "Why? What''s wrong with Sweets? Did the doctor say something? His heart was thumping loudly in his chest. It seemed like it was just about to burst out now. His breathing was getting harsh and he was having trouble standing.


    Xin Zimen looked back inside the apartment before looking back at Darren as he patted his shoulder and walked past him saying, "Go inside. Your wife needs you right now."


    Those words scared the hell out of Darren. It felt like the whole world was coming to crash down on his head and he wasn''t able to take that. He felt like he''d crumble down but before he could, Xin Zimen turned around to add, "Don''t just stand there. It''s important to go inside, idiot!"


    Darren scowled at his sudden temper but still nodded slowly before he stepped inside the apartment.

 636 Too Normal

    Darren didn''t know what he was expecting when he entered the apartment but what he saw was definitely not in his plausible scenarios. He thought if something was wrong then Xiu would be blankly staring into space in the dark room and if everything was fine, then she''d be bouncing around as usual.


    But...


    Today, the Xiu before him neither looked upset nor happy. She just seemed too calm as she worked around in the kitchen. Even when he stood there just looking at her, she didn''t notice his presence. She was extremely focused. The trepidation in his heart didn''t ease up instead it made him feel slightly queasy.


    Her eyes lifted up and she smiled at his sight. "You''re back."


    "Hmmm..." Darren hummed in reply as he couldn''t look away from that smile of hers. It felt different for some reason. Her eyes were clear as she looked back at him maintaining her smile.


    Walking over to him, she hugged him as she kissed his cheek and said, "Busy day?"


    "How do you know?"


    "You''re late," she replied in matter-of-factly.


    "Oh." That was all he could utter in reply.


    But as always Xiu didn''t inquire about his business as she always maintained her distance from his professional life. Instead, she urged him, "Go on and freshen up. Dinner is ready. I''m gonna serve it now."


    Darren was hesitant as he turned to look at her but she urged him again with her hand. Pursing his lips together, Darren put a hand over his heart and decided to follow what she said. He couldn''t just bring himself to ask her question right after coming back. Especially when she looked normal. Then why was he feeling so peculiar?


    By the time Darren changed his clothes and came back, Xiu was done serving the dinner. She sat down at her usual place, right beside him as she served him the soup and continued to eat in silence.


    Only now Darren realized why he was feeling so strange. She was indeed acting normal but wasn''t it too normal for someone as hyperactive as her? And what''s up with this silence?


    Noticing that he wasn''t eating, she frowned, "You don''t like the food?"


    "Huh? Oh," he shook his head. "No, no. I love it."


    "Then eat it," she was still frowning as she went on, "Already Ah-Xin left without eating."


    "Uncle Zi was with you for the whole day?" he asked the question he knew the answer of already. Sure enough, she nodded in reply. "What did you guys do?"


    "We went to the hospital then we went to the City Plaza."


    "City Plaza?" repeated Darren with a quirk of his brow.


    "Yup. I had to buy something then we had our lunch there as well."


    "And then?"


    "Then nothing. He just dropped me off here."


    "So, you spent the whole day shopping?"


    Xiu thought about it before nodding, "Yes, you can say that."


    "That doesn''t sound like something you''d do," he pointed out.


    Darren''s head bobbed up and down slowly as he said, "I do say that... Is that why you''re acting so random right now?"


    Xiu''s brows knotted up in displeasure. "Random? I thought I was being very normal right now."


    "Then please be random, because I''m not feeling comfortable."


    Xiu chuckled softly at his words, "So, how do you want me to act?"


    Darren took a deep breath before saying, "How about you first tell me the details about your visit to the doctor? Is everything okay? What did the doctor say exactly?"


    "Doctor said a lot of things but I didn''t listen to 90% of the things," replied Xiu very honestly.


    "What about the remaining 10%?" he wondered as his heart clenched in his chest.


    "The remaining 10%... Mmm..." she looked at his bowl of rice before saying, "First, you finish your meal. Then I''ll tell you the story of that 10% that actually made some sense to me."


    "But I want to know right now."


    "Something tells me if I said anything right now, you''d too full to eat anything else. So, food first."


    Before Darren could retort again, she squinted her eyes at him.


    "Eat in silence. It''s disrespectful to talk while eating."


    Darren rubbed his forehead and sighed out. He could only eat in silence because he knew better than to argue with her stubbornness.


    "I''m done. Now, let''s talk."


    Xiu looked at him again and clasped her hands together saying, "How about washing the dishes?"


    "Sweets, you''re trying to annoy me now," his voice came out quite strained.


    Xiu feigned a gasp as she said, "So, there are times when my husband gets annoyed with me. How unexpected!"


    "No, I mean..." His voice cracked but she smiled at him and patted his hand.


    "I really like it though." He stared wide-eyed at her as she went on, "You should get angry with me and you should also argue with me. Didn''t I tell you it makes love grow?"


    Darren held her hands in his own and looked into her eyes. He was using the tactic that worked on her. Didn''t she say his eyes made her resolves crumble? Then he was gonna use these eyes on her now.


    "Sweets, you know that I''m here for you, right?" Xiu nodded her head without hesitation. "Then please tell me what the doctor said? Whatever it is, we can deal with it together."


    "Hell ya! You better be on board because I won''t be dealing with it all alone."


    "Huh?" he was dumbfounded by her sudden outburst.


    Xiu took a deep breath and stood up. She went towards the living area and picked up a diary from the coffee table. Turning around, she shoved it into his hands and sat down on the couch.


    Darren was still lost.


    Rolling her eyes, she pointed at the diary saying, "Open that. Read it. Your answers are in there."


    Darren''s heartbeat sped up as he slowly opened the diary and the first thing that caught his eye left him breathless.

 637 Husband, You Win

    What greeted Darren was an ultrasound picture and right beside it, a chibi baby was drawn who had a text bubble over his head saying, ''Hi! I''m Little Tiger and this is my very first picture.''


    Darren''s eyes looked over at Xiu who was constantly observing the changes in his expressions. She looked so relaxed and tranquil.


    ''I''m a healthy fetal of five weeks. But mommy says I''m tinier than a rice grain. But that''s only because I haven''t grown up yet. As the doctor said, I''m growing up well. I won''t be this size for long.''


    With trembling hands, he turned the page and found a cutout of his own picture pasted along with Xiu''s, and the words written underneath was, ''This is my mom and dad. They look good together, right?'' Darren couldn''t help chuckling when he read that sentence. ''Mommy said dad was crying after seeing my first picture. I don''t believe her but dad says mommy is never wrong. So, you never know...''


    At that moment a teardrop fell on the page as if to prove that said ''Mommy'' was never wrong indeed. ''I''ll continue to share my journey with you. Look forward to it.''


    Darren closed the diary and looked at Xiu who sat up straight. "Is there something unclear?"


    "It-It''s our baby, right?" Darren''s voice was hoarse for some reason as he stepped closer to her.


    "Or else? Did it fell from the sky?" retorted Xiu.


    Xiu stood up and patted his shoulder saying, "Although it looks ugly... But it''s still ours."


    Darren laughed at her while she wiped his tears and he said, "How can you say it''s ugly? You can''t even make out a shape yet."


    "Since I can''t make out a shape, I''ll call it ugly," replied Xiu nonchalantly. As Xiu held his hands, she realized that his whole body was shaking. Maybe it was her illusion but she could even hear his heartbeat. That has to be her illusion! "Will you stop crying? Your baby will call you a crybaby in the future."


    Darren couldn''t stop himself from looking at her face. As if she was the most beautiful in the world and he didn''t dare peel his eyes off of her. "Who told you to write that in the diary?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders saying, "I don''t know I just knew you''d tear up and I wanted our baby to know that his father is a softie."


    Darren pulled her in his arms and embraced her tightly. "It sounds surreal."


    "What?" she asked in a muffled voice.


    "The way you said ''our baby''," replied Darren making Xiu''s lips curve up. "And why did you name it, little tiger?"


    "Didn''t I tell you there is a hungry little tiger in my tummy always asking for food? See? I wasn''t wrong! This little devil sure knows how to eat."


    The more she grumbled over this, the more Darren''s heart felt sweet inside. This feeling bubbling inside of him was not only new but it was completely overwhelming as well. He didn''t know what to say or what to do. So, he chose to silently embrace her in his arms.


    Darren suddenly helped her sit down and said, "Sweets, you stay here. There is no need to even move. I''ll wash the dishes. And..." he frantically looked around while she rolled her eyes. "From now, you don''t have to cook. No, you shouldn''t even be in the kitchen. It''s dangerous."


    "How is it dangerous?" she wondered as she held her forehead in her hand.


    "There are knives, there is fire and... Well, it''s dangerous. So, leave it all to me."


    Xiu held his hand and pulled him down to sit beside her. "Dear husband, I accept that I''m lazy. Yes, I can be called the queen of laziness but there are still somethings I like to do myself. Cooking happens to be one of those things. Because I love to eat now."


    "But I can make anything you want," he replied.


    "I don''t want you to."


    "Why not?"


    "Because you like making western cuisine. I''m a patriotic person. I love my local cuisine. It''s my pride!"


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her stupid reason and she cleared her throat.


    "If you won''t let me do anything, I''ll start rusting."


    "Who said you won''t do anything?" Xiu looked at him suspiciously. "We''ll go for doctor''s appointments. We also have to attend parents'' classes. Also, we have to go for walks. There is so much to do for you."


    Xiu laughed in a way that didn''t sound like laughter. She felt mortified.


    "I knew you''d do this. Can you please remember that I''m not a paper-doll? I''m not as fragile as you think I am." Xiu felt like she needed to remind him that since he seemed to be forgetting it right now.


    Darren hugged her side saying, "I know how strong my wife is. But I''m your husband. I can''t help worrying about you. Besides, I know how you take care of yourself. If you did the same with the baby then we''d be in trouble. Serious trouble. And I don''t want that."


    "Who said I don''t take care of myself? Do you know how much I''ve gained in the last two weeks?" she jutted her chin out proudly but decided to hide the fact that the doctor still said she was underweight. If she even let a peep out, she''d be seriously in trouble. But it wasn''t something she could hide because eventually, Darren was gonna meet the doctor and know the truth.


    "You gained weight? Why can''t I see it?" was Darren''s reply which made Xiu feel like it was no point even lying to him.


    "Maybe you need glasses," said Xiu.


    "Oh, or maybe I need a magnifying glass."


    Xiu was stumped for words. Okay, husband! You win!

 638 Babys Momma

    "I had to give you this surprise that''s why I went shopping with Ah-Xin to buy the diary and color pencils. Also, I bought a new dress for myself because apparently, I can''t fit in the old one now. I''ve had been wearing loose clothes and didn''t realize that I won''t fit in any of my body fitted clothes anymore."


    Xiu happily detailed him about her day and what she did, what she ate, where she went, and so on. And as always he listened patiently. See? This was the wife that he had been missing. The one who could talk for hours. That earlier silent version of hers was too freaky for him.


    Xiu was snuggled up against Darren''s bosom as she thoroughly told him about the doctor''s instructions. "I was in total disbelief when the doctor told me the news. I even stubbornly kept on saying that I had no pregnancy symptoms. When I mentioned my cramps, she looked worried before taking me for the ultrasound."


    "Then what did she say?"


    Xiu waved her hand offhandedly, "She said it must be because the uterus is expanding because the fetal is healthy. There is no problem."


    Darren breathed a sigh of relief as his fingers trailed through her hair gently.


    "Also, Ah-Xin said I''m very lucky that I haven''t had any morning sickness yet. Because his wife had to suffer a lot during her first pregnancy." Xiu involuntarily shuddered before adding, "Anyway, apart from fatigue, sleepiness, excessive hunger and cramping, I haven''t felt anything."


    "Sweets..."


    "Hm?"


    "How are you feeling?" With his overwhelmed emotions he completely forgot to ask her the most important question. He knew about her resistance towards kids but now...


    "I''m great as always," she replied happily.


    Darren looked down into her eyes with a serious look, "You know what I''m asking. Don''t try to joke your way through it."


    Xiu sighed out, "Can you guess what was the first thought that came to my mind after my pregnancy was confirmed?"


    "...That you don''t want to be a mother?" His eyes didn''t dare look straight at her as he stated his own guess. Xiu held his face in her hands and made him look up while shaking her head.


    "Nope, the first thought in my mind was... I want to eat a brownie."


    "What?!"


    Xiu chuckled at him, "I''m sorry but it seems like this little tiger in my stomach is too fond of food. Because I even forgot my resolve and actually thought that I should name this kid, ''Brownie''."


    Darren was still staring at her face in complete disbelief. Xiu had expected that reaction. After all, she was surprised herself that she''d have such a reaction to the news of her own pregnancy. She completely shocked herself when her heart didn''t feel restless after knowing the news. But instead felt like it found a missing warmth.


    "I think it''s not the baby who is hungry all the time, it''s baby''s momma who is looking for excuses to eat."


    Xiu hit his chest with a scowl, "I don''t need excuses to eat. I just need anything to eat." She took a brief pause before adding, "Oh and I''ve decided to finally get a house."


    "Yes, I agree. We should get a house before the baby comes to this world."


    Xiu rolled her eyes, "Not because of the baby. It''s baby''s momma who wants a house now." While Darren raised his brow, she scrunched up her face saying, "Aiyo! Until today, I was just an old soul, and now calling myself baby''s momma makes me feel plain old."


    Darren laughed at her words and pinched her nose adorably.


    "We should tell mama about this. She''d be over the moon."


    Xiu nodded her head agreeably, "Yes, she''d over the moon and that''s why we should personally go to see her. Telling her over the phone won''t be a good idea."


    "That''s true," agreed Darren.


    "Actually, we should surprise her," suggested Xiu.


    "Hm? What do you have in mind?" asked Darren as he looked at her expressions. It was quite obvious that something was going on in that head of hers. She was definitely up to something again. But he didn''t dissuade as always. After all, if she made him cry so easily, he''d love to see his mother''s reaction as well. "Should we just give the diary to her as well?"


    "I don''t reuse my surprises," replied Xiu haughtily. "Besides, this diary is not even for you. This is truly a journal meant for the baby. Also, with my brain, I can concoct a lot of ideas."


    "Of course, you can. So, what''s the plan?"


    Xiu smiled at him mysteriously as she said, "Next week, I''ve another doctor''s appointment. I''d tell you the plan after that."


    "Why so mysterious?" inquired Darren.


    "Because my husband can''t keep any secrets from his mama."


    "Oh." That was all he could say in reply because he couldn''t refute her words. He indeed was really bad at keeping secrets from his mother. But this time, he had to hold it in at any cost because he wanted to surprise his mother in a way that''d leave her speechless.


    After a moment of silence, Xiu suddenly asked, "Regan, you''re happy right?"


    "Is there a doubt?" he retorted.


    Xiu shook her head, "No."


    He caressed her head, "For me, it''s more important to know whether you''re happy or not?"


    "Honestly speaking, I wasn''t at first," she replied very honestly and it didn''t even surprise Darren. "But now I am."


    "What changed?" asked Darren with a frown.


    Xiu''s lips curved up slightly as her eyes softened.

 639 Trap

    Earlier in the day...


    Seeing Xiu''s unusual nonchalance, Xin Zimen couldn''t help re-evaluating what he knew about her. Because earlier he could tell that the sudden news of pregnancy evoked some emotional changes in her but now she was back to being the happy go, lucky person.


    "You don''t look like someone who was just upset about losing her freedom."


    Xiu could hear the undertone implication of his sentence and could even tell why he emphasized on ''freedom''. But she was the person who was easily able to follow the flow of life. At least, that''s something she learned from her experiences. Being headstrong or denying the truth won''t get her anywhere.


    "What else am I supposed to act like?" she wondered. "It''s not I can do anything about this. Denial is useless. So, acceptance is the best route for me."


    He chuckled heartily, "I wish my wife had this kind of acceptance as well."


    "Huh? Why did you say that?"


    Xin Zimen contemplated for a minute before he said, "You know the news of first pregnancy was a huge shock to not just to my wife but to me as well. We were both in college at that time. And it happened just after a year of our marriage."


    Xiu curiously asked, "How did she take the news?"


    He pursed his lips before replying, "She fainted."


    "Huh?" she stared at him dumbfoundedly.


    He nodded his head as he said, "She literally just fainted after learning about it."


    *Flashback*


    He could still recall it very clearly. He had just come out of a lecture when his friend told him that Wen Ai suddenly fainted and was taken to the infirmary. He ran over to see her and found her lying down on the bed with her eyes closed.


    "What happened?" he tried to shake her awake and noticed that she was holding a paper in her hand tightly. He tried to take it out of her hand but even in her unconscious state, she refused to let go. He narrowed his eyes and looked at the people gathered around. Since his wife was quite famous, she had so many friends that it was hard to keep track of and now, everyone was gathered here.


    He had pushed them all out before he locked the door and said, "They are gone. Stop pretending now."


    It didn''t even take a minute before she sat up and glared at him. Finding her gaze strange he asked, "Why did you fake it?"


    "I didn''t fake it, at first. But when they brought me here, I was already awake. Just didn''t want to open my eyes."


    "Why not?" he wondered. "Embarrassed? But that can''t be right." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "A person like you know nothing about embarrassment."


    She took a deep breath and shoved the report in her hand at his face, "If it isn''t because of you why would I want to faint and escape the reality?!"


    "Is this real?" his voice was very soft as if like a whisper.


    Wen Ai crooked her head saying, "Oh, no no. It''s my new fetish to pretend to be pregnant!"


    "That''s alright then," he pretended to go along with her sarcasm.


    She gnashed her teeth and threw the pillow at his face which he avoided easily. "Is this something to joke about?!" She exclaimed.


    "You started it," he replied calmly and came to sit beside her.


    "But this is all your fault!" she still stubbornly put the blame on him.


    Shaking his head he muttered, "Pot calling the kettle black."


    "What did you say?"


    "Nothing at all."


    "I heard you."


    "Then why are you even asking what I said?"


    He looked at the side of her face carefully before voicing out, "I know this is not something we both expected but we can''t do anything about it now."


    "I know that," she replied.


    "If you know that then what''s the problem?" he asked patiently. With her as his wife, he had to have patience because dealing with her was not as easy as it seemed. Although she was very easy-going, only he knew how difficult she''d become at times. And let''s not forget her temper that was completely beyond anyone''s understanding.


    "The problem is that..." she sighed helplessly, "I didn''t want to lose my freedom so soon."


    His lips twitched at her reply as he said, "You really make me question your sanity."


    "It''s good that I have no questions about your sanity because I know it doesn''t even exist. Hehe..." Seeing how silent he was in reply, she didn''t feel like joking. She slid closer to him and held his arm saying, "Zi, what are we gonna do?"


    He shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing. We are just gonna be parents. What else?"


    She scratched her ear before saying, "But my freedom..."


    Her pitiful eyes made him soften up as he patted her head and said, "You''d still be as free as you''re now."


    Her eyes brightened as she asked, "Then my only job is giving birth, right? Because you''d be raising the kid, right?"


    Xin Zimen squinted his eyes at her. "You just wanted to trap me. Didn''t you?" As she grinned in reply, he was left helplessly sighing at her. "I can''t believe I always end up saying exactly what you want to hear."


    "That''s also a talent. You can''t have that talent."


    "I don''t want it either."


    *End of Flashback*


    At that time, they both really didn''t take the news as casually as Xiu was doing. But they both were trying to be each other''s support so neither of them showed it. It was different for Xiu who was all on her own and acted so maturely. The more he saw this side of hers, the more he found her admirable.

 640 Well-Prepared

    Although Xin Zimen thought of Xiu''s maturity as admirable, he still felt sad about it as well. Because it just solidified his initial evaluation of hers; she grew up too soon. For someone of her age, this kind of maturity was really rare. It made his heart feel itchy. He wanted to probe her heart and learn about what made her grow up so fast.


    But he couldn''t bring himself to ask straightforwardly. Because he was scared to touch a wound she was desperately trying to cover up. He''d never want to intentionally hurt her. Just like that the eyes looking at her face softened even more than before.


    And while Xin Zimen was dying to learn about her, Xiu wasn''t much different. She didn''t know why but every time she learned something about Wen Ai, she''d find herself getting more curious. As if she wanted to know more. This kind of curiosity was different. It wasn''t because she wanted to be in control of everything, it was because she found herself getting more and more attached to that name; Wen Ai.


    With a silly smile on her face, she said, "As always she sounds very... Interesting." That was the only appropriate word she could think of right now. But seeing Xin Zimen laugh at her words, she was confused. "What? Did I say something wrong?"


    "Little lass, you don''t have to hold yourself back like this. I know the best way to describe my wife is a drama queen."


    "Pfftt!"


    Xiu couldn''t help herself as she laughed out. But Xin Zimen didn''t seem to mind as he smiled softly at her reaction and said, "I''m not kidding though. She was really a drama queen."


    "If she was here you wouldn''t be saying that," stated Xiu with a bit of melancholy and disappointment.


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "If she was here, she''d not only tell you that she''s a drama queen. She''d even get up to give one hell of a performance for you." Xiu''s lips parted slightly but nothing came out. "You must have heard that Wen Ai grew up with Ying''s mother?"


    Xiu bobbed her head up and down, "Yes, I remember that."


    "Su Xixi had a catchphrase for Wen Ai, ''She knows how to put on a show but to entertain herself.''" Xiu frowned at his words and he went on, "My wife was indeed like that. She loved putting on a show and she wasn''t a shy person to back off easily either. But she''d never put on a show for others. She''d always do it to entertain or benefit herself."


    Xiu didn''t realize it but her lips had curved up into a sweet smile as she listened not only attentively but also longingly.


    "The word low-key didn''t exist in her life. No matter what it was, she''d do it ostentatiously." He had a reminiscing look on his face as he spoke fondly about his wife. Everyone around him thought that bringing up Wen Ai''s name would hurt him but the truth was that he even cherished the pain of those distant memories. After all, those memories were proof that she was once with him.


    "No wonder her absence left you so dispirited," said Xiu thoughtfully. "She was the spirited person between the two of you. But she was also tricky and cunning."


    "Oh, she was very cunning." Xin Zimen agreed without hesitation.


    "During her first pregnancy, she told me, ''Zi, you should learn how to cook.'' I was confused as I asked why and she answered, ''Because the meal cooked by parents always have a touch of love.'' I really didn''t get her point as I told her that she could also learn it. Why was she forcing me but she didn''t back off as she argued that, ''Both of us should do something for the kid. Since I''m actually taking the responsibility of nourishing the baby in my womb, you should also take some responsibility and learn to cook.''"


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded to hear that and Xin Zimen chuckled at her response.


    "It doesn''t make sense, right?"


    Xiu shook her head, "No, that''s not the problem. The problem is... Those words sound like something I would say."


    Xin Zimen pursed his lips but didn''t say anything to her in reply.


    "Actually, since she had to suffer from nausea and morning sickness, then saw me eating as usual. She was irked and wanted to get back at me. That''s why she suggested all sorts of bizarre things to bother me."


    "Did it work?" questioned Xiu.


    "It didn''t really work," replied Xin Zimen honestly. "But she thought it worked because I''d always end up doing as she wished me to. As long as it made her gloat, I didn''t mind giving in."


    Even this time, Xiu''s impression of their relationship didn''t really change. In fact, now she was all the more convinced that their relationship was one of a kind. It was unique but heartwarming in its own way. And it was something only the two involved were able to perceive. Because they never let the opinion of any third person get between them.


    ....


    Coming back to the present...


    Darren was listening to Xiu''s recount of what she talked about with Xin Zimen and asked, "Just because of this conversation you changed your mind?"


    Xiu nodded her head but then shook it, "Yes and no as well. It wasn''t exactly because of this conversation. It was more of because after I heard everything it brought me new enlightenment."


    "What kind of enlightenment?" wondered Darren.


    "I finally realized that no matter the age, no one is ever ready to be a parent. It''s not something we can control and neither it is something we can get a trial of and choose whether we want to continue the subscription or cancel it. I mean you can''t possibly shove the baby back where he came from."


    Darren poked her head while shaking his own at the way she verbalized her thoughts.


    Xiu scrunched up her nose but continued, "I mean to say that whether it''s a year later or a year earlier, it really doesn''t make a difference. Freedom isn''t found in the world, it already exists in our hearts. The point is whether we can find freedom within us or not."


    Darren rubbed the side of his face against her hair as he asked, "And did my Sweets manage to find that freedom?"


    Xiu laid her head on his shoulder as she answered, "I''ve already found it when I met you. I feel free when I''m with you. I feel my heart soaring to a new height whenever you''re around. Then why should I look for my freedom elsewhere? I have it right here, at this very moment, with you. Since I''m the happiest at this moment, why bother spoiling the moment by conjectures of the future?"


    Darren felt his heart rate spiking. But before he could say anything, she went on, "But that doesn''t mean you can treat me like a paper doll. I''d still be doing what I want. As the doctor said to me, ''A child isn''t a hindrance between you and your goals, a child is your biggest strength.''"


    "And here I thought you didn''t listen to the doctor."


    "Well, it''s something she repeated three times on purpose. Even if I wanted to, I couldn''t ignore it." Xiu sounded a bit bitter as she responded but covered it up.


    "I won''t treat you like a paper doll but... I still have to take care of you." He paused before adding, "You want to cook yourself, I won''t stop you. But I can play the role of your kitchen assistant, right?"


    Xiu furrowed her brows, "Are you gonna stick to me like glue now?"


    Darren nodded his head without hesitation, "Of course! I already settled everything. From today onwards, all of my time is yours. All of me is also yours."


    "All of you are already mine but all of your time as well? Aren''t you too well-prepared?"


    Sensing her suspiciousness, Darren cleared his throat and said, "I originally wanted to take some time off of work so that we can have a long honeymoon. See? It all worked for the better now. I can stay with you at ease now."


    "Honeymoon? Why can''t I remember this discussion?"


    "Because it never happened. I wanted to surprise you. Although you''re pregnant, we can still go anywhere you like. You just have to choose a location."


    Xiu was still suspicious of Darren. In fact, she was certain he wasn''t telling her the truth but she didn''t want to probe him. She knew Darren wouldn''t hide anything from her on purpose. If he wasn''t coming clean it meant he was worried about her. Since it was like that even she was helpless about it.

 641 Blessing & Curse

    "Recently, I read on the internet that there is a resort in Finland where you sleep in a heated glass Igloo to watch the Nothern Lights."


    Xiu was styling her hair in wavy curls as she looked at Darren''s reflection in the mirror and shared the information she learned from the internet.


    "Sounds interesting," was his casual reply as he buttoned up his shirt.


    Xiu made a face while staring intently at his body through the mirror. After sighing, she added, "There is an exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers known as wisteria tunnel in Japan. I saw its photos, it looked ethereal. I believe a walkthrough that tunnel would feel like a fairytale."


    "Oh, really?"


    Xiu narrowed her eyes and her brows knotted up. "There is a flower name chocolate cosmos that actually smells like chocolate."


    Darren opened his mouth but before he could say anything, she shot back, "If you said interesting one more time, I''m gonna snap." Darren instinctively pressed his lips together and looked in her direction. As their gazes met through the mirror, he felt uneasy with her eyes. "You''re not paying attention to me."


    "Of course, I am paying attention. I heard everything you said. But although I can understand the reason why you want to go to Finland, I can''t understand why you''re interested in that wisteria tunnel."


    "Why not?"


    "Because I know your fascination with northern lights but you aren''t fond of flowers. So..."


    Xiu turned around to face him as she made her loose curls bounce while saying, "As much as I''m fascinated with northern lights, I''m as much fascinated with nature. Besides, that tunnel looks like a pathway to Narnia. I think my childhood fantasy might come true. I might really find the door to Narnia."


    Darren smiled at her and came close to her. He lifted his hand but before he could touch her head, she ducked away, "No touching. I spent 2 hours on my hair. You can''t ruin it that soon. At least let me, show-off, my hard work for a little while."


    Darren facepalmed himself and looked at her dotingly, "So, you''re finally planning our honeymoon?"


    "I never said I don''t want to go. I mean which idiot wouldn''t want to enjoy this precious time of being newlyweds." Then her face turned down as she added, "But even if I want to go, I can''t. The doctor told me to be extra careful during my first trimester. I don''t know why but she stressed heavily on ''being careful''. Although I don''t like following doctor''s instructions, this involves another life. So, I promised myself to be careful."


    "Why didn''t you tell me that last night?" he suddenly got tensed as he asked, "Is there any complication? Is the pregnancy dangerous to you in any way? Don''t lie to me at all."


    "Huh?"


    Xiu walked over to her gown for the evening and untied her bathrobe saying, "That doctor gave a list of dos and don''ts but since all, I could see was how I have to have her approval for everything I actually asked her whether I can breathe and she gave me her permission that I can rest assured about breathing, she won''t restrict it."


    Darren''s lips twitched at her game of sarcasm that she even played with the doctor but before he could say anything he saw her bathrobe sliding down her shoulders and falling on her feet. She was standing before him in only panties but since her back was towards her, he couldn''t get a good view. But all he saw was enough for him to appreciate.


    After she wore her gown and turned around, his eyes darkened even more. Her gown was diaphanous sleeveless formal with cutout detail in navy blue color. The elegant look of the lace in this diaphanous formal embraces her curves perfectly enhancing every curve. The sleeveless bodice boasted the plunging V neckline with a sheer inset that secured the center front.


    Darren''s tongue darted out to lick his lips before he gulped, feeling parched. The curved cutouts of her formal bared the sides of the midriff with daring details showing her snowy white skin. Xiu ran her hand over the slender self-fabric band that encircled her waist with appreciating eyes. That svelte lines sluice along the hips and the sensual slit accentuated the flutes full-length.


    Xiu was in love with her dress and so was her husband who couldn''t take his eyes off her figure. Although everything looked good on her because the aura around always shined, this very formal however was making the aura around her turn back to that cold ice beauty she had been in her corporate life. And that added another layer of charm to her beauty.


    With a snap before his eyes, Darren was brought back to reality and he looked at Xiu who was raising her brows inquisitively. "Husband, where are you lost today? Such a beautiful wife is right before your eyes and you''re actually daydreaming? What a shame!"


    Darren''s arms went around her waist and his hand wantonly ran all over her bare back as he forced out a smile, "Dear wifey, your husband is very fickle. Why are you enticing him so much?"


    "When did I?" Xiu played the innocent card that she was best at. Although she bought this gown on purpose. There were two reasons for it. First, she wanted to see him struggling with his desires. Almost like you can watch it but you can''t take a bite. Second, she knew she won''t be able to proudly show-off her slender figure for long so she wanted to take advantage of this time as much as possible.


    Darren wanted to dip his head to capture her lips but she placed a finger on his lips, "Baobei, that''s not allowed. My lipstick will be smeared. Too much trouble."


    "Argh!" groaned Darren as he placed his head on her shoulder and acted spoiled, "Sweets, don''t do this. How will I breathe without my dose of oxygen?"


    "Awww..." Xiu patted his head. "My poor Baobei, you can work with the air for a while."


    His shoulders slumped down as his act didn''t work on her. He tried again, "Sweets, I''ll get you those chocolate cosmic. All the way from Mexico. They do smell like chocolate, you''d love it."


    "Are you trying to bribe me?" He innocently shook his head. "Then is this a negotiation?"


    He pursed his lips before nodding, "Something like that."


    Xiu thoughtfully looked at him and smirked, "I heard sunsets on Mars are blue. More than chocolate cosmic, I want to see that blue sunset. If that''s on the table, I''m up for this negotiation."


    Darren took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, "Why don''t you simply say that you''re not in the mood for negotiation?" He shook his head and added, "But I have to say, my wife is looking gorgeous."


    Xiu didn''t try to act proud before him as she smiled brightly and said, "Just gorgeous?"


    It was quite obvious that like any wife, she was trying to fish for more compliments. Who didn''t like compliments?


    Xiu''s eyes focused on his as his face came closer to hers again but this time, he shifted down and his lips captured the skin behind her ear. Xiu felt tingly at the touch of his soft lips sucking, nibbling, and making her go crazy!


    With his lips against her skin, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Not just gorgeous, beautiful, pretty, enchanting, ethereal... In fact, I don''t think only words can describe how beautiful you''re looking."


    "Eeeh... That was corny," stated Xiu. "But I loved it anyway."


    Before he could break her resolve, Xiu pushed him back saying, "We''re gonna be late."


    "So? It''s not our wedding," said Darren as he continued to lick her earlobe.


    Xiu held the back of his neck and added, "No, it''s not but... We can''t be the last one to show up."


    "Why not?"


    Xiu had no reply to that question. Indeed, it wasn''t necessary for her to show up early. But she didn''t want to be late. Besides... "If you continued, we''d be going nowhere!"


    Darren breathed out heavily in disappointment. Even he knew if he continued, they''d be going nowhere. Already the doctor had put a lot of restrictions on their interactions. Why did it seem like the world was going against him?! This isn''t fair!


    "Fine, let''s go now."


    With reluctance, he just had to pull himself away from her. He put a coat over her shoulders and said, "Don''t catch a cold."


    Xiu smiled sweetly at him and kissed the side of his jaw, "With my personal human heater, I can never catch a cold."


    Although Darren found her words amusing, he still rolled his eyes at her cheekiness. Having a wife like her was equally a blessing and a curse.

 642 The Wedding Begins

    -Crown Plaza-


    Entering the wedding venue, one could already feel the luxurious and elegant vibe. The way white and red dominated the decoration. It looked like something that came out of a magazine cover. It wouldn''t take a genius to know at first sight that this was one high-class wedding.


    The highly attentive and professional ushers were guiding the guests to their respective seats.


    Xin Zimen and Xiao Si stood on the left side of the entrance to greet their guests while Zhao Wei and Qiu Jiayi stood on the right side. The wedding ceremony of the Xin family''s eldest son and the Qiu family''s eldest daughter was already the talk of the elite circle. There was no one who wasn''t familiar with these two families'' names but only a handful was fortunate enough to receive the invites.


    The media also had a keen interest in this event but since it was Xin Zimen''s side of the family, no one had the guts to even probe around. The security was top-notch and no unrelated personnel could even think about entering this place without being caught. And once caught red-handed, who could escape the wrath of Xin Zimen?


    "Zi, stand straight!"


    Xin Zimen looked over at his best friend who was hissing with displeasure, he sighed out, "I''m tired already."


    "We just started," reminded Qiu Jiayi patiently.


    "My cheekbones are already hurting though," said Xin Zimen with a frown. It was his first time welcoming guests! Even though he had a very perfunctory smile on his face, even that was enough to tire him out.


    "And this is why I always tell you to exercise your face muscles and smile a little!"


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at his best friend and was about to snap back when...


    "Well, little brother, you should listen to Jiayi. Now that I already know you don''t have facial paralysis, you should really stop being so stiff all the time."


    Xin Zimen turned his head to look at his elder brother but his gaze didn''t linger on him as it shifted smoothly to the woman beside him. Zhao Huan gave him a huge smile before rushing over to hug her little brother-in-law. "Congratulations, Xiao Zi!" Xin Zimen immediately thought to move out of her way to avoid her hug but she narrowed her eyes and warned, "Don''t even think about it!"


    Cursing under his breath, Xin Zimen let her hug him like he was a little kid. This over-enthusiastic sister-in-law of his was quite a troublesome personality. He had no dislike towards her except for the fact that she was his elder brother''s wife. In fact, before she married his elder brother, he actually liked her naive personality. But after marrying his brother, her naiveness had been long taken away from her.


    Zhao Huan was obviously very pleased as she pinched his cheek saying, "You''re finally going to become a father-in-law, smile a little."


    Xin Zimen snorted, "Why should I smile about it?"


    "Oh, really?" Xin Zimen was amused to hear her words since he really couldn''t even argue.


    "Isn''t it?" retorted Zhao Huan. "People propose first and get married later. You''re proposed to first, got married later and lastly, you''re the one who proposed to your wife. And even now, the order is all wrong." Then her attention shifted to Xiao Si, as she walked over to hug her nephew excitedly.


    "Little brother, it''s really unfair." Xin Zimen looked up at his elder brother. "You don''t even let me touch your head and you let my wife even hug you? Such discrimination!"


    "Why? Does it hurt your feelings?" asked Xin Zimen calmly.


    "Very much," nodded Xin Zemin affirmatively.


    Xin Zimen smirked coldly, "That''s nice to hear."


    "Tsk. Tsk. Heartless!"


    "My dear nephew, you''re next in line," Zhao Huan was teasing Xiao Si happily. "I honestly thought you''d be the first one to get married but you''re fast in everything else except for this."


    Xiao Si frowned at his aunt''s words, "I''m fast at what?"


    "At being a father," replied Zhao Huan making Xiao Si press his lips together.


    He acted spoiled around his aunt as he replied, "But wasn''t it, my Huanhuan who always said she would like to see a little baby in the house?"


    Zhao Huan smacked his head, "You brat! You''re blaming me now?"


    "Oi, nephew! You can''t call my Huanhuan as yours."


    Xiao Si raised his hands in defense as he stepped back saying, "Of course, I can''t and I won''t. She is all yours."


    At the side, Xin Zimen looked at his brother and sister-in-law with a complicated look in his eyes. It wasn''t really new for him to see the closeness, mutual love between his brother and sister-in-law, but since the time he learned about Destiny''s existence, he had a very strange feeling in his heart.


    "Xiao Zi!" Xin Zimen was startled by the whisper-call right beside his ear. "If you kept looking at us this way, you''d make your brother suspicious! Let''s not forget that he has as acute senses as you."


    Xin Zimen narrowed his eyes at his sister-in-law saying, "You''re still not gonna confront him?"


    Zhao Huan patted his shoulder, "It''s a happy occasion. Don''t ruin it." She smiled at his brother-in-law before she turned around to greet the family of the bride, "Hello, Jiayi! Congratulations to you as well."


    "Thanks, Sister Haun!" Qiu Jiayi was taken aback by her greeting. Don''t get him wrong, it''s just that she''d usually keep her distance from him whenever wherever possible. Although Zhao Huan didn''t look young like his own wife, she had still maintained herself gracefully. In fact, if one put Zhao Wei and Zhao Huan side by side, Zhao Huan''s elegant aura and well-mannered speech might outshine his dear wife.


    "Congratulations to you too, Weiwei!"


    Seeing how his wife wasn''t replying, Qiu Jiayi tugged at her sleeve but she still didn''t pay attention. Zhao Huan smiled knowingly before shrugging her shoulders, "It was worth a try." With that, she entered the hall with her husband.


    Looking at her back, Zhao Wei''s eyes squinted, "What is she so proud of even now? Just being the mistress of the Xin Clan? Is it something to be proud of?" Her husband was poking her to shut up but she didn''t listen.


    "It is indeed something to be proud of," came Xin Zimen''s voice. He looked at Zhao Wei with a serious gaze as he added, "I hope you''re not thinking about going back on your promise."


    Zhao Wei bit her bottom lip as she smiled at Xin Zimen, "Zimen, I''m sorry. I just don''t like her gloating look." Even though she was displeased, she didn''t show it. She momentarily forgot her promise but she couldn''t continue it.


    Xin Zimen didn''t want to continue this discussion. One was his best friend''s wife and the other was his sister-in-law. Although people might think he''d lean towards his best friend''s side, it wasn''t true. He treated his brother and sister-in-law very differently. They both held different places in his life and it was certain that he didn''t like anyone saying anything about his sister-in-law.


    "Nonno!"


    Xin Zimen felt someone hugging his leg and looked down. Seeing his granddaughter grinning at him, he was so shocked. He crouched down and looked at Ava. "Granddaughter, what did you just call me?"


    "Nonno..." she replied adorably and giggled, surprising him even more.


    Xin Zimen put his hands under her arms and lifted her up. "Wow! My granddaughter is growing up." He looked over at his son who looked proud. "Don''t be so proud, you didn''t teach her this." Xiao Si''s face immediately fell. "Isn''t all the credit goes to this gentleman?" Xin Zimen had instantly noticed Jackie standing aloof with Nora at the side.


    Being greeted like this, Jackie extended his hand to take Xin Zimen''s hand and said politely, "I can''t possibly take all the credit. I was just lucky."


    Xin Zimen looked at Jackie with appreciation, "And this gentleman even knows how to talk." He was already very impressed by Jackie when he met him for the first time. But seeing him again, he was even more pleased. Even at this young age, he was a very sensible kid. Looking at his second daughter-in-law, he asked, "Nora, your parents?"


    Hearing that her parents were unable to come because they had to leave for America urgently, Xin Zimen nodded in understanding and asked Xiao Si to take her inside. And watching her JJ leave, little Ava got restless.


    "Nonno! JJ!" she hit her grandfather''s shoulder to let him know whom she wanted.


    Xin Zimen smiled at her and put her down saying, "Go and catch up with your JJ." Obviously, the little baby was more than happy to follow these instructions as she ran behind Jackie but heard her grandfather''s voice, "Be careful!"

 643 Father-In-Law

    Xin Zimen looked around and seeing that everyone was standing in pairs, felt bitter inside. Even his son abandoned him here for his girlfriend. What rotten luck I have! He had promised himself that he won''t think about it today but he still couldn''t help playing with the wedding rings in his hand. Since he couldn''t bring his wife with him, he brought the only things she left behind.


    Although the wedding ring was supposed to ease his mind and make him believe that Wen Ai was with him, it wasn''t working. Instead, he was even more strongly hit with the emptiness. His hand clenched tightly as he thought to himself, ''It''s difficult than I thought it''d be.''


    "Ah-Xin!"


    Xin Zimen''s head immediately lifted up and he was greeted by Xiu waving at him cheerfully. She was quite a distance away from him and yet, she had shouted his name in excitement catching everyone''s attention. As always, she didn''t pay any heed to anyone and tried to run over.


    But her arm was held back as Darren reminded her, "No running around."


    Xiu made a face at her husband but she couldn''t say anything except... "Ah-Xin, Regan is bullying me."


    "Sweets!"


    Xiu stuck her tongue at him and hugged Xin Zimen''s arm naturally as she said, "He says, don''t do this. Don''t do that. It''s already very annoying."


    Xin Zimen patted her head and looked at Darren, "Didn''t I tell you not to give her any grievance?"


    Darren gaped at his wife who openly changed sides whenever it involved this person. Shaking his head, he replied, "Uncle Zi, you shouldn''t even talk to me right now. You scared the hell out of me last night."


    Xin Zimen pressed his lips together before saying, "That''s different."


    Not wanting to argue here, Darren moved aside to greet Dylan''s parents while Xiu asked, "Ah-Xin, why are you standing alone?"


    Xin Zimen sighed out exaggeratedly, "What can I do? Both my sons are unreliable. Both ran off to their wives. Since my wife is not around, I''m left all alone."


    Xiu frowned unhappily, "Now I''m here. We don''t need those unreliable sons." Xin Zimen smiled at her as she continued, "I''ll stay here with you."


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "As much as I appreciate it, I don''t want you to stand for too long. Go inside and stop running around."


    Xiu''s shoulders slumped down, "Ah-Xin..."


    "Wow! Aren''t you both looking cozy!"


    Both Xiu and Xin Zimen looked up to see Darren''s father standing with an amused smile. It was obvious that his eyes held surprise but more than that he was indeed amused.


    "Hi, Father-in-law!" Xiu greeted without missing a beat. She didn''t look like someone who was meeting her father-in-law only for the third time.


    "Oh hello, Daughter-in-law!" replied Zhou Xichen with equal enthusiasm as he added, "You''re shimmering today. What''s the secret?"


    "My daughter-in-law is savvy."


    "Stop flattering her dad."


    Zhou Xichen looked at his son and before he could say anything, Xin Zimen chimed in, "Yes, Xichen, stop flattering her your son is getting jealous."


    "No, I''m not!" retorted Darren.


    Even Zhou Xichen knew his son wasn''t jealous. In his opinion, his son didn''t have such petty emotions like jealousy.


    "Regi, take your wife inside," said Xin Zimen while urging Xiu to just go inside. Xiu was rather reluctant but she couldn''t argue with him right now. So, she obediently walked inside.


    "My elder daughter-in-law always ends up stuttering at your sight and my second daughter-in-law looks quite chummy around you."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at Zhou Xichen, "And your point is?"


    Zhou Xichen shrugged his shoulders, "I don''t know. I just find it quite ironic."


    "Get lost already!"


    Zhou Xichen gaped at Xin Zimen, "You sent me the invitation!"


    Xin Zimen shook his head and turned him towards Qiu Jiayi, "He sent you the invitation."


    Zhou Xichen clicked his tongue in disappointment, "Zimen, you really know how to cut someone off cleanly. No wonder your brother doesn''t dare to talk to you. He always trudges carefully around you."


    Xin Zimen held his head before adding, "Xichen, your friend is inside. Even your son is inside. Why are you wasting time here with me? Is irritating me a hobby of you and your best friend?"


    Zhou Xichen''s lips curved up slightly as he asked, "Zemin is here?" Xin Zimen didn''t reply. "That''s surprising."


    Qiu Jiayi moved up and whispered to Zhou Xichen, "Xichen, don''t test Zi. If he blew up."


    "But I didn''t even say anything... yet..." Seeing how Qiu Jiayi''s eyes narrowed, he sighed out, "Fine, fine. I''ll go inside and say hello to my..." he looked at Xin Zimen and emphasized, "Dear friend."


    As he walked inside, Qiu Jiayi shifted close to Xin Zimen and reminded him, "Don''t lose your temper today. I know there are a lot of faces you don''t want to see. But you have to be strong. Besides, you know Xichen is only joking around."


    "Yi, you''re stressing over nothing. I''m actually fine. There is nothing in this place that I''m not used to already." Qiu Jiayi looked at his best friend quite suspiciously but Xin Zimen didn''t react. He wasn''t lying anyway. It was true that he didn''t really care about anything right now. There was really nothing new about this wedding. There were some faces he didn''t want to see but so what? He won''t let it show on his face easily.


    "Actually, I''m more worried about my wife," said Qiu Jiayi in a low voice. "The way she has been glaring at Zhao Huan is quite dangerous."


    Xin Zimen snickered, "Then you have nothing to worry about since Weiwei isn''t bold enough to cause trouble in the presence of Xin Zemin. Besides, she won''t do anything to ruin her daughter''s wedding. She had done so much planning to achieve this day."


    Although Qiu Jiayi didn''t want to agree, he had no other option either. His best friend was right. The way Zhao Wei had waited for this wedding, there was no way she''d do anything to ruin it. Even if it meant smiling politely before Zhao Huan.

 644 Miscalculation

    While Qiu Jiayi and Xin Zimen were busy talking in a low voice, they heard Zhao Wei''s voice, "Hedi! What are you running for?"


    Both best friends also noticed how Dylan was rushing out. Well, he was practically running.


    "This son of mine is really... Impossible!"


    Both Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi shared a look and shrugged, completely agreeing with Zhao Wei''s remark. It wasn''t the first day that Dylan was acting weird. He had always been a weird creature since birth. And since everyone loved him dearly, he had become more and more willful.


    Not paying any attention to Dylan, Qiu Jiayi turned to ask his best friend, "I just noticed... You are getting closer and closer to Xiu."


    "Anything wrong with that?" retorted Xin Zimen calmly.


    Qiu Jiayi shook his head, "It''s not that it''s wrong. I just find it difficult to accept since..." Qiu Jiayi hesitated to find the right words before he went on, "Since you''ve kept your distance from people for a long while now. Didn''t you believe in the fact that if you kept your distance, you won''t have expectations from people and you won''t get hurt again?"


    "Why are you so chatty today?" This was Xin Zimen''s response and Qiu Jiayi could see he was just looking for a way to avoid answering to him. He couldn''t even push him for answers at this moment.


    "What secret meeting is this? Can I join?"


    Both of them took a step back as a certain nosy person''s head appeared right by their side. They glared at the newcomer unhappily.


    "Feifei!" Xin Zimen wanted to pull her ear for appearing out of nowhere like this.


    "Yo, brothers! What''s up?!"


    Seeing her giggling, Qiu Jiayi''s lips twitched. "Feifei, stop these antics! You''re really too old for this!"


    "Why is everyone after my age? Or relationship status? It''s bloody my life! Can you all stop trying to control it!"


    Seeing her fuming, Xin Zimen patted her shoulder to placate her, "Relax, Feifei. Yi only means to say that stop scaring him like this. His poor old heart can''t take these sudden shocks."


    Qiu Jiayi looked at his best friend in disbelief but he couldn''t even argue with him. After all, Feifei was the dearest sister to his wife, Wen Ai. How can Xin Zimen see her getting wronged? This is ridiculous!


    Su Feifei was quite pleased with those words as she agreed, "My brother-in-law is right. Yi bro is indeed getting old now. Today is even his daughter''s wedding and that too se-oomfff!"


    Before she could complete her sentence, Xin Zimen placed his hand on her mouth to shut her mouth. This woman really had no filter. Never did she notice the occasion or mood before spouting all kinds of nonsense!


    "And as always Feifei knows best where to find trouble."


    Su Feifei turned her head around and narrowed her eyes at her friend, "Oh, it seems trouble knows his way to me."


    Su Feifei shrugged her shoulders before walking past everyone to enter. Han Yiheng also greeted Xin Zimen and Qiu Jiayi politely before following her.


    "These two haven''t changed at all," commented Qiu Jiayi and shook his head.


    "But your son definitely changed," replied Xin Zimen and when Qiu Jiayi frowned at him, he pointed towards Dylan who was coming back with a huge smile plastered on his face and those loving eyes gazing at Cali.


    "What''s wrong with him?" questioned Zhao Wei as she also was as baffled as her husband seeing this strange scene.


    It was hard to believe that their son was also capable of such a look. Dylan was holding Cali''s waist as he guided her towards the entrance of the banquet hall while he continued to whisper sweet-nothings to make the girl in his arms laugh.


    As he was engrossed in talking to Cali, he completely forgot that his parents were also around. He was about to pass by them when his ear was pulled by his mother making him yelp. "Ma!"


    "So you do remember I''m standing here, eh?"


    Seeing Dylan''s parents, Cali immediately greeted them in a well-mannered way. Both Zhao Wei and Qiu Jiayi greeted her with a smile but they both had a curious look directed at their son who hugged her closer saying, "This is my girlfriend, Cali. Didn''t you both want to meet her?"


    Hearing her name, everyone had a look of understanding, "So, she is Calista Novell?"


    Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed as he finally looked at Cali with interest. Her full name finally caught his attention and he had a strange look on his face now.


    Saying a few words, Dylan dragged his girlfriend away from his parents'' questioning eyes. "He is really eager for a beating," said Zhao Wei.


    "Wife, it''s better not to beat him now that he has a girlfriend."


    Zhao Wei squinted at her husband, "So? I''m still his mother! If he thinks he can ignore me just because he has a girlfriend, then he really needs to think twice." Her expressions softened a little as she added, "We weren''t gonna bite his girlfriend. At most, I wanted to thank her for everything she did for him previously and here he is showing me attitude."


    "Children have grown up now, after all."


    Zhao Wei turned around and hugged the old lady tightly. "Auntie, thank you so much for coming!"


    Ying''s grandmother patted her back and said, "Since your family invited me, I''ve to come. It''s Xiao Li''s wedding, I wouldn''t miss it for anything."


    "Shania, didn''t you say you''d be the first one to come? How come you''re so late?"


    Shania Chaun looked at Xin Zimen, "I heard your parents are invited to the wedding. So, I was waiting to see whether they''d show up or not."


    "They won''t," replied Xin Zimen.


    Shania smirked at him as she pointed behind her, "This is one of those rare moments when you''ve miscalculated, Xiao Zi."


    Xin Zimen looked behind her and visibly froze.

 645 Naughty?

    Originally, Xin Zimen really thought that his parents would attend the wedding. But when his elder brother came alone, he could only assume that his parents won''t be attending the wedding. Either way, he didn''t feel good about it.


    However, now seeing his parents right before his eyes, he was a little taken aback. He neither was upset with their presence nor was he excited. It was a strange feeling. he couldn''t describe.


    He was standing stiff as he saw his parents walking up to him and yet greet everyone around him except... Him. And this didn''t even surprise him anymore when they walked right past him.


    "They haven''t changed," remarked Shania as she looked at Xin Zimen''s expressions.


    He shook his head saying, "I''m not even surprised."


    It seemed she wanted to say something else but stopped herself. So, to distract him, she asked, "Is my granddaughter here?" Xin Zimen shook his head and her brow quirked up, "When is she coming?"


    Xin Zimen''s response was a smirk as he said, "She won''t be coming."


    "That''s impossible!" No matter what she would never believe that her granddaughter would actually not attend her best friend''s wedding. There was no way! She looked suspiciously at Xin Zimen, "What did you do?"


    "Nothing... I''m just saving her from something," replied Xin Zimen. But seeing her reaction, he added, "Relax, she''d be here."


    "I suddenly don''t want to trust your words," said Shania before she walked away.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the banquet hall, the first person Xiu found was...


    "Jackie!"


    Seeing her opened arms, little Jackie didn''t even hesitate before running into her arms. If it wasn''t for seeing his Xiu, why would he even bother to come to this wedding where he barely knew anyone?


    As soon as he hugged her, he wrapped his arms around her neck. "Xiu, you didn''t come to see me."


    Xiu rubbed his head, "I met you at the start of the week. Did you forget, little brother?"


    "It''s been too long," grumbled Jackie making Xiu chuckle.


    "Oh, then how about going with me after this wedding ends?" asked Xiu and he didn''t even think before nodding his head.


    "Little brother, aren''t you abandoning me way too soon?"


    Jackie made a face at Nora saying, "You''re the one who said you''d send me to live with Xiu while mom and dad are not here."


    Nora choked on her words and cleared her throat awkwardly before clarifying, "That''s because I have to go to work and I can''t take care of you all the time. But Xiu has all the time in the world for you."


    Xiu looked at her best friend before pinching her little brother''s nose, "Of course, Xiu has all the time in the world for Jackie."


    "Then should I also leave Ava with you when I''m busy," Ah-Si also chimed in the fun.


    "Not a bad idea. You''ll get some practice for future," said Ah-Si thoughtfully as if he was purely thinking about her.


    Xiu snorted at him and fixed Jackie''s hair as she said, "Bro, I have enough practice with this little brother of mine."


    Ah-Si shook his head, "Jackie doesn''t count."


    "Why not?"


    Nora also joined back, "Because Jackie has always been a sensible child. You didn''t have to do much in his case. He only needed you to silently accompany him and he''d behave. Not all kids are like that." She took a pause and added, "We never know what the future might bring. Who knows your future kids might be difficult... They can definitely inherit your naughty nature instead of Darren''s calmness. It''s a possibility, you shouldn''t overlook."


    Xiu''s brows knotted up as she thought whether these people already knew about her pregnancy. Why were they suddenly insisting on this? But she removed this thought from her mind immediately because it wasn''t possible.


    "What naughty nature? I was always a very quiet kid!" In Xiu''s memories, she was indeed a very quiet kid. She always stuck to her mother''s side as she followed her to film sets. She''d silently stick to her like glue. No one ever even complained about her. Not even once!


    "How do you know that?" Nora shot back as well and Xiu was lost for words. Because the childhood she remembered was of Chen Xiu. But right now, she was...


    "Why are you bothering my daughter?"


    Xiu gave a toothy grin as soon as she saw Francesca and hugged her saying, "Mama, you''re looking gorgeous."


    "Not more than my daughter," replied Francesca lovingly before turning to Ah-Si and Nora as she went on, "Whether the kids would be naughty or sensible, why is it our Xiu''s concern? It''s my concern since I''ll be the one to raise my grandchildren."


    Darren placed his elbow on her shoulder as he asked, "Mama, aren''t you tired of raising only one child?"


    "Who?" retorted Francesca with a straight face. Darren pointed at himself and she snickered, "You? Didn''t I say it enough that between you and me, who raised who is still very unclear. Let''s not start this argument today."


    "Francesca, you shouldn''t indulge Xiu this much. If you took the responsibility of Xiu''s future kid, she might really forget that she has a child."


    Xiu glared at Nora before saying, "I''m not that forgetful."


    Nora bobbed her head up and down saying, "Yes, you are. Ask Darren!"


    Xiu looked at her husband who smiled strangely before nodding his head slowly, "Sorry Sweets. But you''re really forgetful."


    Xiu made a face at them since she couldn''t bring herself to retort again. Her memory was indeed the worst. Even if one overlooked Destiny''s memories, even as Chen Xiu she forgot a lot of things. For instance, she''d always forget the good moments. But the bad ones would get stuck with her. That was the mental disorder that didn''t leave her side even in this life.


    While she was lamenting to herself, she felt a tug at her gown and looked down. Her eyes widened at the scene before her.

 646 Sounds Cool

    Since the time, Xiu had come, Jackie had been standing by her side. He even held her gown tightly as he usually did around her at a party. Actually, he usually would hold her sleeve but today she was wearing a sleeveless gown, so he couldn''t help it.


    But the one who tugged at her gown wasn''t Jackie. It was little Ava who was trying to loosen Jackie''s grip on the fabric of her gown. But when Jackie refused to let go, she stomped her foot.


    She made a crying face, as she called out to him pitifully, "JJ..."


    Out of all the people here, Jackie was definitely one who would fall for her drama. He patted her head and lightly pushed her towards her parents saying, "Enjoy with your parents. Mine are not around anyway."


    Ava looked back at his with tears in her eyes and he warned, "Start crying and forget that I''d even talk to you again."


    Xiu gaped at him and lightly pulled his ear. It was more for show than anything because he couldn''t even feel the pain. "Jackie, how can you threaten your own niece all the time?"


    Jackie looked up at Xiu and pointed at Ah-Si, "It''s his fault!"


    "What did I do?" Ah-Si who was suddenly dragged in got confused.


    "He spoiled her rotten. She still has the illusion that a tear can solve everything."


    "Because she is very young," replied Xiu in a very patient tone. "That''s why she is a little possessive. She doesn''t want to share her JJ with anyone. How cute is that?"


    "That''s not cute," replied Jackie with a straight face.


    Xiu had to take this little one to a side as she tried to talk to him. Seeing Xiu and Jackie talking at the side, Francesca asked Nora, "How old is he?"


    "He is turning eight soon," answered Nora.


    "He''s clever for his age," Francesca pointed out.


    "I don''t know if I should blame mom for that or Xiu," replied Nora helplessly. "When he was young Xiu often took him to college and mom had always been taking him to her law firm. In a way, he got introduced to the adult world quite sooner than it was necessary. So, his understanding of things is different than others of his age." She pressed her lips together thought about it before saying, "Usually he isn''t this stubborn. He even treats Ava very well. But today... It must be because Ava tried to separate him from Xiu that he got angry."


    "He really loves Xiu, eh?" Francesca had a smile on her face. An understanding and loving smile. She could definitely see that her daughter-in-law had the potential of becoming a good mother. But then why was she so reluctant?


    Soon, Xiu joined them back and urged Jackie saying, "Little brother..."


    Jackie looked at her face before turning back towards Ava and holding out his hand to that little devil who was acting pitiful in her father''s arms. But as soon as she saw Jackie''s hand, she jumped down to take his hand. Jackie rolled his eyes at her reaction before taking her away.


    "That''s called Xiu''s magic, you won''t get it." This answer didn''t come from Xiu herself. Instead, it was Nora who patted her boyfriend as she said these words.


    "Did you girls meet the bride?"


    Hearing Francesca''s question both Xiu and Nora looked at each other.


    "Let''s go then. I''ll take you to her."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and Nora couldn''t just say that she wasn''t familiar with the bride. So, she followed along as well.


    "Only today I realized that I have never even met the bride before," whispered Nora to Xiu as they both walked behind Francesca.


    "Tsk. Tsk." Xiu clicked her tongue on purpose as she said, "What kind of a sister-in-law are you? You never bothered saying hi to your elder sister-in-law?"


    Nora squinted her eyes at her best friend, "I never thought it was necessary."


    "And why is that?" asked Xiu. "You should know that you both are gonna become part of the same family. If you''re going to marry the second son, she''s marrying the elder son. Eventually, you both are gonna be a family."


    Nora nodded her head before saying, "I agree but let''s not forget that I don''t have a charming personality like yours. It''s better if I keep my distance from this sister-in-law because eventually we''d be clashing."


    Xiu snorted, "Aren''t you very hopeful for the future?"


    Nora shrugged her shoulders, "Can''t help it, sis."


    Xiu hooked her arm with hers intimately as she said, "Sis, let me rub some of my charm-ness on you."


    "Eeeh! Go away!"


    "No, I don''t want to," said Xiu in a cutesy voice while snuggling up to her.


    Nora laughed at her antics and said, "You''re really one hell of a sister."


    Xiu gave her a flying kiss, "I love you too."


    Nora cringed at that. "That''s my dialogue." She checked her temperature before asking, "Did my clinginess rubbed off on you too much? Or a ghost possessed you?"


    "Mmm... I''ll go with the ghost possession."


    Nora shook her head at her. "Why is your answer always about ghosts?"


    "It sounds cooler!" winked Xiu playfully.


    "What are you girls doing?"


    Both of them looked up to see Francesca who was watching them with amusement for a while now. These two were lost in their own best friend bubble that they didn''t even realize when they reached the destination.


    Both Xiu and Nora weren''t embarrassed at all. Instead, they laughed it off together.


    "Let''s go inside," with those words Francesca opened the door of the room.


    However, the voices coming from inside made Xiu''s body stiff. She could hear the voices clearly and she could clearly distinguish the people as well. But that momentary stiffness was immediately gone when Nora bumped her shoulder with hers and wiggled her brows inquisitively. Xiu shook her head while smiling back at her and entered the room, taking a long, deep, and relaxing breath.

 647 I Stole I

    Seeing the bride, Nora suddenly raised her brows saying, "I''ve met her before."


    "Huh?"


    Nora nodded thoughtfully, "That''s right. It was only once but I did meet her. She has a cafe, right?" Xiu also nodded in reply. "That''s where Dylan took me once."


    "Then how did you forget it?" asked Xiu.


    "We barely exchanged any words. It''s normal that I''d forget someone like..." Nora pressed her lips together, not completing her words. But Xiu didn''t push her to continue either since even she could tell why Nora didn''t remember meeting Qiu Meihui.


    While Francesca introduced Nora to Meihui, the latter smiled at Nora saying, "We''ve already met." Then she looked over at Xiu as she added, "Xiu, it''s so nice to see you here."


    Nora''s brows furrowed up as she noticed Meihui''s expressions but Xiu''s smile didn''t falter as she replied, "There is no way I''d miss your wedding, Sister Meihui."


    Qiu Meihui smiled again as she went on, "That''s my bridesmaid and my best friend, Liu Nuan. And that''s her husband''s sister, Zhou Liqiu."


    Xiu gave them both a nod in a perfunctory manner. She had expected to see Liu Nuan here but she really didn''t think she''d have to see Zhou Liqiu as well. What a mood spoiler!


    "Is this Darren''s girlfriend?" asked Zhou Liqiu. And as she saw Qiu Meihui nodding, she snorted, "It seems both my brothers are obsessed with the name, Xiu."


    Xiu''s expressions subtly changed but she pretended to not get the hidden meaning behind those words.


    "Qiuqiu!" Liu Nuan warned her in a low voice.


    Xiu snickered inwardly as she thought, ''They still know how to put on a show. They are not even being subtle about it.''


    "Xiao Qiu, don''t say that. Our Xiu is everyone''s favorite." Hearing Qiu Meihui''s words, Xiu couldn''t help frowning as she stared at Qiu Meihui for a minute with a strange expression. Although Qiu Meihui''s smile didn''t falter, Xiu could tell there was a meaning behind that smile.


    Soon, there were other people coming over to see Qiu Meihui and in this distraction, Nora pulled her best friend out saying, "Is it just I or those three girls looked at you strangely? Don''t tell me you''ve beaten one of them before."


    Xiu threw her hands up saying, "Although I wish to beat at least one of them, I still haven''t. So, I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Nora had always been perceptive when it came to her best friend and she had observed the situation inside closely. It was very obvious to her that either it was Qiu Meihui or her best friend, they all looked at Xiu with bitterness. But Xiu looked at each of them with indifference.


    Nora pulled Xiu to a quiet corner and placed her hands on her shoulders, "Sis, I have only one question for you."


    "What is it?"


    "Friends or foes?"


    "Huh?"


    Nora shook her a little, "I''m asking whether are those girls our friends or foes?"


    "The hostility in their eyes said otherwise," retorted Nora plainly. "Anyways, if you say so, I''ll believe it. But... if any of them do or say anything, you come to me. I''ll deal with them."


    Xiu shook her head saying, "Nora, my dear Dora, I can handle on my own. You focus on making your relationship better with your future sister-in-law."


    Nora smirked slyly, "Hon, don''t you think I can deal with a couple of Qiu Meihui''s easily? I''m Nora Cartwright. I don''t need to flatter anyone just to make my life easier."


    "Why are you getting so worked up even before trying to make peace?"


    "Because she seemed to not like you. And whoever doesn''t like my sister doesn''t deserve my good side."


    Xiu smacked her head and walked away. She didn''t have a way to explain to Nora that even though she didn''t know anyone as Bai Xiu, she indeed was acquainted with those girls. However, she was confused about what she did to cause displeasure to Qiu Meihui?


    She could understand why both Zhou Liqiu or Liu Nuan would not like her. After all, her name was enough to bring some hostility. But what did she do to Qiu Meihui? She hardly even knows her personally.


    But then she mentally shrugged, reminding herself that she couldn''t please everyone. Even if she did something to cause trouble to Qiu Meihui, she wasn''t gonna go back to apologize. If you have a problem, keep it. It can''t possibly hurt her in any way.


    Xiu came back and sat down beside Darren at their table. "Why did you come back so early?" he asked. When Xiu didn''t reply, he placed his hand on her shoulder. Xiu looked at him inquisitively. "Where are you lost?"


    "I was just wondering... Dylan is so cute, why is his sister so not cute?"


    Darren frowned at her words, "Did Sister Meihui say anything to you?"


    Xiu shook her head saying, "No, she didn''t. I''m just questioning her choice of friends but then again, I have no right to do so. I''ll just shut up and sit back now."


    Darren could tell that she wasn''t saying what really was in her heart. Probably because she didn''t think it was the occasion for that. But it was obvious that she wasn''t looking very happy right now.


    Suddenly a chocolate bar dangled before her eyes and she looked up to see Nora grinning at her. "I got this especially for you. It is the perfect cure for bitterness."


    Xiu chuckled at her and took the chocolate bar asking, "Where did you get it?"


    Nora looked around before replying in a low voice, "I stole it from Jackie."


    Xiu hit her arm with the same chocolate bar but had no plans of giving it back to her. She really felt like eating something and this chocolate bar was really the perfect remedy for her.

 648 Cozy Picture

    "Are you looking for someone?"


    Since the time they came, Xin Zemin could see his wife''s eyes wandering around as if in search of someone. Although he knew that Zhao Huan was indeed familiar with 90% of the people here, he still was curious to know who made his wife so restless.


    Zhao Huan didn''t turn her head but answered, "I''m seeing whether your parents are here yet."


    "Liar!"


    Zhao Huan turned her head and looked at her husband. "How am I a liar?"


    "I can see it on your face that you don''t care whether my parents come or not. That''s something very common between you and my brother."


    She smiled, not even refusing his words. "Can''t help it much."


    "But seriously, who are you looking for?" asked Xin Zemin.


    Right at this moment, Zhao Huan finally saw Xiu''s figure and she relaxed. Indeed, she had been wanting to see whether Xiu would be at this wedding or not. Knowing Xin Zimen''s fondness for Xiu, it wasn''t really a question whether Xiu would be here or not. But if she was wondering about something else... She had already heard from Xin Zimen that Xiu already knew about her birth father but then why was she not keen on confronting him?


    "I''m not looking for anyone. I''m just watching the youngsters having fun. It brings back a lot of memories."


    Xin Zemin''s brows furrowed up, "Don''t say the memory is of our own wedding."


    Zhao Huan scowled slightly at the memory. She still found it quite strange. But managing her expressions she said, "Unless absolutely necessary, I won''t think about that day." She grumbled incoherently before adding, "If Wen Ai was alive, I''d have definitely punched her face on this very day to take my revenge!"


    Xin Zemin pressed his lips together, holding back his laughter and his wife''s brow raised slightly.


    "You still think it was funny?"


    He shrugged his shoulders helplessly, "I''m really sorry, Huanhuan. But I honestly think Wen Ai made our wedding day more memorable. Not just for us, but for everyone."


    Zhao Huan gritted her teeth, "Let me remind you, dear husband. I was the bride! But she stole my stage!"


    "She apologized to you later on," reminded Xin Zemin.


    "Like that makes any difference," grumbled Zhao Huan and took a deep breath. "But I can''t even curse her anymore. She already left the world way too soon."


    Xin Zemin frowned as it suddenly clicked in his mind, "Huanhuan, you''re actually missing her, aren''t you?" He shook his head as he added, "And to hide that, you''re grumbling so much. How childish!"


    "I''m getting old and don''t they say as you grow older, you start behaving like a kid? Maybe that''s why I''m also being so childish."


    "So, you do accept that you''re missing Wen Ai?"


    Feeling someone''s gaze, Xiao Li looked back at his aunt and smiled happily before excusing himself and weaving his way through to them. He was close to their table when he got intercepted by someone.


    "Yo, Li bro! Who is the best man?!"


    Xiu had run from her table to get him as soon as she saw him. The chocolate that Nora offered her was in her hand; half-eaten. She took another bite as she poked his chest, "Go on!"


    "We are still on that page?" asked Xiao Li in surprise.


    "Yes!" exclaimed Xiu. "I won''t turn the page unless you fill in the blanks that you left for me! I don''t do well with mysteries. In fact, I have come to hate mysteries. So, don''t play the mind game and give me an answer."


    "Won''t you know it in a bit?"


    Xiu was exasperated, "Are you trying to be difficult with me? I''m gonna go and get Ah-Xin."


    "Are you threatening me with my own dad''s name?"


    "Of course," was Xiu''s response and she didn''t even feel embarrassed doing it. In fact, she was solemn with her decision.


    Xiao Li tried to touch her head but she ducked away saying, "Watch it! I spent quite a while on my hair."


    "Aren''t you very touchy right now? Who spoiled your mood?" Xiao Li could perceive the change in her. It was actually quite obvious. She wasn''t smiling like her usual self.


    "If I tell you who spoiled my mood, what would you do?" Xiu threw the ball in his court.


    "What do you want me to do?" Xiao Li also shot back by passing the hot potato back to her. "I''d do exactly as you say."


    Xiu rubbed her hands saying, "My ideas are always evil, do you really think you can follow my evil ideas on your big day?"


    "For this little sister, I''d follow any evil idea on any given day."


    Xiu finally smiled softly at his response and said, "Li bro, you... Forget it! I''ll wait for your mystery ''best man''." She even air quoted for emphasis. "But if I didn''t like this mystery guy, I''m throwing my hands down!"


    Xiao Li lovingly hugged her shoulders saying, "My dear sister, you''d love him. I promise. Have some faith in your brother."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him as she stared suspiciously at his face but chose to believe him. She had given benefit of the doubt to way too many people. Besides, she didn''t doubt Xiao Li even for a second. So, she''d definitely choose to believe him.


    "This cozy picture of brother and sister is looking beautiful!"


    Xiu lifted her eyes and paused.

 649 Mother

    Xiu''s slight pause was neither because of the words spoken nor because of the person who said those words. Instead, her eyes had fallen on the man behind Zhao Huan before she looked back at Zhao Huan. But that momentary shift of hers was noticed by Zhao Huan easily.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Li was actually happy to hear his aunt''s words as he said, "We do look like siblings, right?"


    Zhao Haun took a step towards them saying, "Indeed, you guys do."


    Xiu also waved her hand at her, "Hi, doctor!"


    Zhao Huan smiled at Xiu brightly as she greeted back before even pulling Xiu in for a hug. Xiu''s brows quirked up in surprise but she relaxed when Zhao Huan whispered, "Let me hug my daughter."


    "Should I start calling you mother?" retorted Xiu in a voice that only these two could hear.


    Zhao Huan straightened up as she said, "I don''t mind. Not at all."


    Xiu was speechless at her response. She had already learned that Zhao Huan knew about her identity as Destiny Novell and also about the relationship between Destiny and her husband. But here she was casually greeting her step-mother. Xiu had to give it to this family. No matter what they''d always react in a calm way.


    Xiu looked at this supposed step-mother and shook her head.


    "What secrets are you discussing?" wondered Xiao Li.


    "You didn''t tell me your secrets, I won''t tell you mine," replied Xiu. "Isn''t that right, doctor?"


    Zhao Haun agreed with Xiu, "Yes, that sounds fair."


    Seeing his wife talking animatedly with Xiu, Xin Zemin also stepped up and joined them. And seeing her husband, Zhao Huan introduced, "Min, meet Bai Xiu."


    Xin Zemin gave a nod saying, "We''ve met."


    Xiu looked confused, "Have we?"


    Xin Zemin gaped at her in disbelief, "We literally met just a day ago at Xiao Zi''s place."


    Xiu''s brows knitted up close as she said, "Did we? I don''t remember. Sorry, I have a fish memory."


    Xiao Li chuckled at her response, "It''s not that she has fish memory, this little sister has a selective memory."


    Xiu nodded agreeably, "Or you can say it like that."


    Honestly, Xiu did remember seeing him at Ah-Xin''s place. But that''s it. She had barely talked to him so she didn''t think it was important to remember that short meeting. At that time, she had only looked at Xin Zemin and thought that he looked similar to Ah-Xin. That was the only thing that clicked in her brain.


    But now, her brain was completely clear about the fact that he was also Destiny''s father. She couldn''t deny it. Even if she wanted to, facts couldn''t be changed.


    "But you have a good memory," started Xiu. "You even remember me after just that short hello. How surprising."


    "Zemin!"


    Xin Zemin turned around and was surprised to see his parents. He hurriedly walked up to them and Xiao Li also followed him. Only Zhao Huan was left behind with Xiu.


    "Won''t you say hi to your in-laws?" asked Xiu.


    Zhao Huan looked at her husband smiling and hugging his parents as she replied, "Do you know why Xiao Zi doesn''t like his parents?" Xiu shook her head and she continued, "Seeing their eldest son, my in-laws forget the whole world. Their world literally revolves around their son."


    Xiu found this really odd as she asked, "But Ah-Xin is also their son."


    Zhao Haun snorted, "Of course, he is." She looked at Xiu as she went on, "But his only fault is that he was exceptionally smart and was born as the second son." She sighed out, "His exceptional talent was only a threat to his elder brother. How could the parents whose whole world was their elder son could love the second son?"


    "It doesn''t make sense," replied Xiu. "As I said, they both are their sons. Why does it even matter?"


    "It''s the absurdly feudal mindset." She took a pause before adding, "And a daughter-in-law who couldn''t give their son an heir is also as extraneous as their second son."


    Xiu still couldn''t get her mind around this whole thing. She didn''t believe it was that simple but she didn''t want to discuss it with her. Instead, she asked what she had been curious about, "Doctor, you know that technically speaking, I''m your step-daughter, right?"


    "I''m very well aware," answered Zhao Huan. "I''ve finally made peace with your existence as my step-daughter."


    Xiu chuckled softly, "That means you also have made peace with the fact that your husband cheated on you?"


    Zhao Huan''s face stiffened. She played with her fingers as if trying to stop her hands from shaking before she said bitterly, "You really know where it hurts."


    "I have no intention of hurting you. I was merely stating a fact," replied Xiu.


    Zhao Huan took Xiu''s hand and took her to another side. She tried to look calm as she said, "Xiu, I thought you''d want to confront your father. I mean don''t you want the answer for why he abandoned you? Or why your mother was not in his life?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Even if I want some answers, I want them on my conditions. The confrontation is inevitable but I need time for that. I need to clear a lot of things before taking that step."


    Zhao Huan''s lips curved up slightly, "You''re just like Xiao Zi bragged about you." Xiu looked at her inquisitively as she answered, "You''re just like a sea. Calm but dangerous."


    "I didn''t know Ah-Xin thinks so highly of me," said Xiu quite pleased with herself.


    Zhao Huan patted her shoulder and said, "Take better care of yourself from now."


    Xiu frowned, "Where did this come from? So suddenly? Out of nowhere?"


    "You went to the hospital yesterday." Xiu''s lips parted. "I heard it''s very good news. And that''s why I want you to take care of yourself." Then she looked around and carefully repeated, "I''m again telling you, take care of yourself. Don''t take this lightly. In fact, don''t tell anyone about this."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes, "Why do you look scared?"


    Zhao Huan''s eyes softened as she said, "Xiu, I once thought the world is a simple place. But later, people made me realize that I was too naive. I don''t want you to go through that as well."


    "Ah-Xin said I should be attentive and take care of myself. You''re repeating his words. But none of you is telling me who am I taking these precautions for? Who exactly is the villain?"


    "Whoever it is, that person is hiding in shadows. That''s what makes that person more dangerous."


    Xiu took a moment before asking, "Did that person in the shadows hurt you?"


    Zhao Huan gave her a sad smile, "Hurt me? No... That person killed a part of me."


    "Xiu!"


    Xiu looked over at Nora before turning back to Zhao Huan, "It seems like my mysteries are even more dangerous than I thought they were."


    Zhao Huan gave her a reassuring smile, "Although dangers are lurking everywhere, I promise you that Xiao Zi will not let you get hurt."


    "For some reason, my heart also says so." Xiu''s smile was not only confident, it was bright and lively. Genuinely from her heart, she knew that she could trust her Ah-Xin. Around him, she''d always feel protected. Around him, she''d be herself.


    Did it matter who was going to hurt her? Did it matter who had been trying to kill Destiny? It had to be the same person but Xiu wasn''t scared. Neither was she scared of dying nor was she scared of getting hurt. She had been through it all. But more than that, she now believed that she could get through this all.


    Xiu turned to walk over to Nora who was looking for her before she paused and tilted her head saying, "Hey, doctor! I think if I have a step-mother like you, I won''t mind having one."


    Zhao Huan looked at her in shock as she smiled again and added, "The word mother holds quite a strange meaning to me. But you... You make me want to explore this relationship all over again."

 650 Dì Mèi

    Those were the first words that came out of Nora''s mouth as soon as her best friend, Xiu walked up to her side.


    Xiu looked behind her at Zhao Huan and smiled softly, "She is... Your future aunt-in-law."


    "What?!"


    Xiu chuckled at Nora''s response before patting her shoulder, "Listen girly, do a better job at greeting your elders. You''re eventually gonna be a part of the Xin family." She took a moment before adding, "And besides, why are you looking for me? Shouldn''t you be clinging to your boyfriend?"


    Nora''s brows furrowed up and Xiu could perceive the change in her mood as well. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Nora wanted to pull her hair out in exasperation but couldn''t do it since she had done her beautiful braid with much difficulty. So, she resorted to shaking her best friend''s shoulders as she told her, "Bestie, I''m in big trouble! My future seems bleak at the moment. My parents strongly dislike Ah-Si. And they haven''t even met him yet. I just met Ah-Si''s grandparents and they seem to hate me as well. I''m afraid if I try to go and say hi to this aunt-in-law, I''ll further get in trouble." Her shoulders slumped as she went on, "I don''t have your charms. People always feel at ease around you. Why can''t I seem to impress anyone?"


    Xiu''s brows knitted up in displeasure before she smacked her head saying, "Do you also need a beating like your boyfriend?" Nora instinctively took a step away from her. "Let me clear this up for you, Ah-Si''s grandparents have no say in Ah-Si''s life. I don''t think Ah-Xin would let that happen. The only person you should care about is Ah-Xin. And he already likes you. Isn''t that enough that you''re getting another amazing father in the form of your father-in-law? I don''t think there is anyone luckier in this room than you."


    The corner of Nora''s lips curved up a little before she said, "Isn''t Qiu Meihui luckier? I mean Mr. Xin Zimen is yet to be my father-in-law but he is already Qiu Meihui''s father-in-law."


    Xiu gave her a sideways glance. "From what I''ve been seeing, I''m not certain about Qiu Meihui. Whether she is luckier or not is something still very difficult to say."


    "What do you mean?" inquired Nora uncertainly.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "If only I knew the details myself. But I''m just as clueless as you are." She twirled her hair and went on, "But I think you''d be able to impress Zhao Huan. She is a very nice person."


    Nora''s brows raised up slightly, "From your interaction with her, I can certainly tell that she is a nice person."


    "What do you mean?" Xiu looked perplexed by her words.


    "Dear bestie, if I didn''t know better I might actually think she is your mother." Xiu''s eyes widened as Nora continued, "No, you don''t look like her. It''s just... I don''t know how to describe it. But you guys looked quite harmonious."


    Nora was left gaping at her outburst as she watched Xiu walking away from her. She scratched her neck awkwardly as she whispered, "It''s not like I called her your mother. Why are you getting so worked up?"


    Truth be told, Xiu also didn''t know why she reacted this way. What Nora had said was something she had felt herself. But the problem was that no matter how familiar she felt with Zhao Huan, it didn''t change the fact that her heart always got sad around her. Last time, she didn''t notice this feeling but this time around, she felt it. It seemed strange how a part of her wanted to get close to Zhao Huan but another part felt extremely... Sad?


    However, as always if she needed answers she would choose to follow that part of herself that wanted to get close to Zhao Huan. That was the only way she could figure out what she was feeling.


    While walking distractedly, she was about to bump into someone but the person before her saved her before she could. Xiu looked up and her eyes narrowed.


    "Watch where you''re going d¨¬ m¨¨i. If my brother saw you getting hurt because of me, he might turn this white wedding into a red one."


    "Strange... I can''t tell whether you''re being funny or serious." Looking straight at Zhou Jinhai''s face, Xiu''s face didn''t give anything away. Not like she was feeling much that she could give away through her expressions.


    "I don''t have a habit of joking when it comes to my brother," was his reply.


    "Oh?" Xiu raised her brows at him. "Why is that so? Is it because you''re guilty?"


    "And why should I be guilty?" he retorted.


    Xiu smirked at him, "Because in your heart, you know very well that everything you have belongs to him. Rightfully!"


    Xiu was surprised to see that Zhou Jinhai''s expressions didn''t change. Not even a little. He neither looked shocked nor offended. In fact, he looked very calm about it as he nodded, "Indeed, everything I have, never really belonged to me." He looked up a Xiu as he asked, "Did he tell you all of this?"


    Xiu snorted, "Do you really think he would say something like that?"


    "No..." he paused before he pressed the bridge of his nose. "He would never bring this topic up. I''ve waited to hear him ask for everything I took from him but he never did. Darren is actually a lot prouder than people might think."


    "I think I know him very well already. Yes, he is proud. So what? He has the right to be. He can accomplish everything on his own. He never needed a family name to back him up. Besides, if you really had wanted to give him what belonged to him, you wouldn''t have waited for him to ask for it. You would have given it already!"


    [1] "d¨¬ m¨¨i": The wife of your younger brothe

 651 Sick In Your Head

    Xiu didn''t even realize just how greatly she shook Zhou Jinhai with just a few words. She wasn''t really trying to get back at him for anything by doing this. In fact, in her opinion, she merely stated the facts. As a wife, it was all the more necessary for her to make it clear what she thought of her husband.


    "No wonder you make such a perfect pair with my brother," stated Zhou Jinhai in a soft voice. "You both have a sharp tongue. And you both know how to hurt."


    "It wasn''t my intention," replied Xiu. "I just said what I thought."


    Zhou Jinhai nodded, "Exactly my point. You both don''t care what these straightforward words'' of yours might do to the other person." He exhaled a breath heavily as he continued, "By the way, do you think if I ever went to Darren, he''d take anything from me?"


    Xiu didn''t even have to think about this to answer, "No. My Regan doesn''t like taking anything that doesn''t belong to him. He''d rather not have anything at all than take what isn''t his."


    Zhou Jinhai was a little surprised to see the subtle smile that reflected in her eyes as she talked about Darren. It was so obvious that it could make one feel envious. But he felt really relaxed knowing that Xiu knew his brother so well. But a part of him felt empty as well seeing that pure endearment in Xiu''s eyes.


    "I also used to think he''d never ask for anything," said Zhou Jinhai in a very low voice, heavy with emotion. "It''s a pity that he asked for something even I couldn''t give him." He looked at the ceiling as a distant memory flashed past his eyes...


    ''You said you''d give me anything I want. Whatever I ask for, as my elder brother, you''d give that to me. Didn''t you?'' Darren''s eyes were bloodshot and swollen. It was easy to see how much he had cried.


    ''Of course, I''d do anything for you. Tell me what you want?'' Zhou Jinhai had asked.


    ''Bring Chen Xiu back to life.'' Zhou Jinhai''s whole person was shook listening to his younger brother''s request. ''That''s all I want. Can you do that? Can you bring back her smile that gave hope to millions? Can you?''


    ''Darren...''


    He tried to hold Darren''s shoulder but the latter threw him off and shoved him saying, ''No, you can''t! You can''t bring back the person that brought a new light of hope in my life. You can''t bring back that girl who shined brighter than any star in the sky. Because you''re the reason, that star is no longer between us.''


    After all, the only truth remained was that... Chen Xiu was no longer alive.


    Xiu frowned at his words but didn''t question what he was referring to. Neither did she try to disturb his daydreaming. The matters between Zhou Jinhai and Darren weren''t something Xiu wanted to probe in. Although probing into others'' matters was becoming a habit she needed to get rid of. But she couldn''t really help it. She still wanted to help everyone she could.


    If that really made her a bad person all over again than so be it! But the last thing she wanted was to see a person close to her getting hurt.


    "I think I should take my leav-"


    "Congratulations on getting married!"


    Xiu''s words were left hanging as Zhou Jinhai all of a sudden congratulated her. She stared right at his face with her eyes wide open in shock.


    "Although I''m a little hurt knowing that you both didn''t invite me, the only consolation is that you guys didn''t invite anyone else either."


    "How do you know we got married?" Xiu really wanted to know why everyone was giving her surprises today. First, Zhao Huan knowing about her pregnancy and now Zhou Jinhai knowing about her marriage. Both were equally unexpected coming from these two people. That really forced Xiu to work her brain.


    Was she not paying attention lately? Just what really was up around here?


    "Hubby!"


    Before Xiu could force some answers out of Zhou Jinhai, a sickly sweet voice made her cringe inwardly. She looked over at Liu Nuan coming their way and sighed, "It seems you''re in trouble, Mr. Zhou."


    Zhou Jinhai didn''t even bother looking over at Liu Nuan as he replied, "You should go back to your husband''s side."


    Xiu raised her brow at him while Liu Nuan came to hold Zhou Jinhai''s arm which he threw off, not so very gently as he gave her a warning look. Of course, Liu Nuan covered up her hurt look like a professional white lotus.


    Plastering a smile on her face, she spoke, "I was just wondering what Ms. Bai was talking about with my husband all alone."


    Xiu snorted, "Are you sick in your head?" Liu Nuan''s smile stiffened at Xiu''s blunt words. "If we wanted you to know, you wouldn''t have been excluded from this conversation in the first place." Xiu didn''t know why but her heart really didn''t feel like keeping up the pretense of being nice around Liu Nuan. Maybe it was the so called mood swings during pregnancy but she felt really repulsed around Liu Nuan.


    "Are you being rude here?" retorted Liu Nuan trying to keep her composure. "But I can''t really blame you. I heard you''re an orphan. No one must have taught you the manners of how to talk to someone older than you."

 652 We Made One

    "Mind your words, Liu Nuan!" Zhou Jinhai warned his wife with a glare but perhaps, the latter was also feeling rebellious today because she didn''t back down.


    Instead, she further provoked, "Why? Did I say something wrong? An orphan is an orphan. What''s wrong with me calling her one?"


    Xiu laughed out at her and Liu Nuan was left frowning at Xiu''s reaction. As soon as Xiu''s laughter died down, her smile turned sinister as she stepped closer to Liu Nuan with such aura that Liu Nuan felt like cowering away in fear. Xiu, however, didn''t give her a chance as she placed her hand on her shoulder. Her grip on her shoulder was so tight that Liu Nuan felt the pressure.


    "I really have no manners. You''re right. No one really taught me. But..." her voice got low as she added, "At least, I have an excuse for having no manners. What''s your excuse?"


    "What?"


    Xiu patted her cheek lightly before walking away leaving a baffled Liu Nuan staring at her back. However, while she was passing by her side, Liu Nuan clearly heard Xiu saying, "Delusional!"


    She looked at her husband and questioned, "She insulted me?"


    "So?" was Zhou Jinhai''s response.


    "As my husband, you should be defending me."


    Zhou Jinhai smiled which didn''t look like a smile as he said, "Di mei seems to be right about you. You''re indeed delusional."


    "Jinhai!"


    "I already signed the divorce papers," gritted out Zhou Jinhai. "You''re the delusional one, who is dragging this non-existent relationship unnecessarily! I have no obligations for this relationship which you all tricked me into. Get that through your head already!"


    In annoyance, he turned to leave but heard Liu Nuan''s words, "Is it because of her name?" Zhou Jinhai halted and tilted his head to look back at her. "Why is it always a ''Xiu'' between us? Are you taking her side just because her name reminds you of someone? Or is it because just like before, you''ve come to be fond of another Xiu? Don''t forget she is your brother''s girlfriend."


    Zhou Jinhai''s clenched his hands before he said, "Just as di mei said, you''re sick in your head. And I don''t feel like wasting my time on a sick person!"


    ...


    Xiu finally found her way back to her table and sat down beside Darren with a huff. Oddly enough, her dearest husband was right where she left him. Whether he didn''t leave or he just came back earlier than her, was something she wasn''t certain about. But she cared about neither of that.


    "Did you see my Ying Jie?" asked Xiu as she leaned back and crossed her right leg over the left making the slit of her dress to get even more obvious.


    "Huh? But isn''t the wedding about to start?" She looked towards the doors and saw that the doors were closed, her frown deepened. "Why is she not here yet? Do you think this whole wedding affected her and that''s why she doesn''t want to see it?" She tilted her hand thoughtfully as she added, "But doesn''t that mean that my Xiao Bobo''s charm is not enough to capture her heart? That''s not good."


    Darren looked at the side of her face in amusement and shook his head saying, "Or maybe, your Xiao Bobo''s charm has captured her to the point that she totally forgot about this wedding."


    Xiu flashed him a brilliant smile as she said, "It''s definitely as you said. Ha! Great!"


    "I''m just making an assumption here," Darren pointed out.


    Xiu scooted to his side saying, "But as your obedient wife, I''d always believe what my husband says."


    Darren chuckled at her response and said, "But I don''t want an obedient wife."


    "Oh?"


    Darren tapped her adorable nose saying, "I already love my crazy wife."


    Xiu''s lips twitched and she pursed her lips to hold back her smile. "As always, my husband doesn''t even need an occasion to tell me that he loves me."


    "I believe I should keep reminding you," said Darren.


    Xiu placed her hand on the side of his face and said, "It''s not I need these reminders."


    "You might not need these reminders but that doesn''t mean I''ll stop saying it." His expression shifted slightly as he asked, "On a serious note, what''s up with that look in your eyes?"


    "What look?" Xiu played dumb.


    "Sweets..."


    Xiu groaned at the way he called her and sighed, "Is it that I''m too easy to read or what? How are you able to see right through me? It''s not like I can hide anything from you anyway."


    Darren smiled helplessly at her and patted her head carefully. "That''s because we are one, both in body and soul."


    Xiu gave him a look as she asked, "And how can you say we are one both in body and soul?"


    "Because..." his hand wandered around her body before it stopped on her abdomen as he whispered, "Because we made one. It''s a part of us. Growing slowly inside of you."


    Xiu slapped his hand saying, "What is exactly running through that head of yours all the time?"


    "With such a beautiful wife, I think it''d be a shame if my thoughts didn''t wander off."


    Xiu shook her head helplessly and hit his arm playfully. "Dear husband, you should really change this habit of having wandering thoughts. You''re gonna be a father soon enough."


    "Just because I''m gonna be a father, it doesn''t mean I have to stop loving baby''s mama. In fact, that means I should love her even more."


    Xiu touched her cheeks with the back of her hands saying, "It''s a good thing I''m wearing blush. Or else, people might see me boiling here like an egg." While Darren chuckled at her remark, she hit him again for doing this. Knowing very well, what his words could do to her, she still loved playing around at such places.

 653 Self-Absorbed?

    "Regan, before I tell you what''s on my mind, can you answer one of my questions honestly?"


    "I have always been honest with you, Sweets."


    Xiu had no words to refuse that. Indeed, he had always been too honest with her. Perhaps that''s why she earlier told Zhou Jinhai that her husband was a straightforward person. He would never hide anything from her.


    "Do you think Chen Xiu was self-absorbed?"


    Darren''s brows furrowed up. He was too used to her addressing herself in third-person but calling herself, self-absorbed? Where did that come from? He had never met someone as selfless as her. And to be very honest, he kinda hated that about her. How she always would be thinking about others instead of herself. It really gave him a headache.


    He shook his head in all honesty, "I have never thought of Chen Xiu as self-absorbed. Where is this even coming from? You have always put others'' feelings before your own."


    What he didn''t say out loud to her was that instead of being self-absorbed, as Chen Xiu she had let her depression rule her emotions and life to the point that even today, she could only remember the bitter parts of her life. It wasn''t that there weren''t any good memories, it was just her brain that remembered only the bitter ones.


    "But I still wasn''t able to know people," she said in a soft voice. Looking into his grey eyes, she went on, "Take your brother, for instance, I suddenly feel like I never really knew him."


    Darren''s eyes darkened a little as his hand tightened around hers. "Sweets, just because I don''t say it doesn''t mean I''m not jealous."


    "Fine, fine. I won''t say anything about him but..." her eyes wandered around the hall as she continued, "I''m a little taken aback right now. When Zhao Huan said she knew about my pregnancy, I was surprised but considering how she was a part of the Xin family, I wasn''t really shocked as such. But when Zhou Jinhai congratulated me on our marriage, it was shocking. I don''t know why but I don''t remember him being so... Well-informed."


    Unlike Xiu, Darren''s reaction was rather unexpected. He didn''t even flinch when he heard about this as he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Sweets, you only need to know one thing. Every person in this hall is not a normal person. They all are as sinister as amiable they appear to be. This is a circle where people love to hide behind masks of perfection but every single one of them has skeletons hidden deep in their closets. Apart from that, every person in this hall has his or her way to know what they want to know. For instance, you must have seen Xiao Li''s grandparents?"


    "I did," replied Xiu.


    "Be careful. By the end of this wedding, they''d find you."


    Darren shook his head in reply, "It''s not because of that. If they knew that, you''d have already been taken to the Xin Mansion in the Capital." Xiu wasn''t happy to hear that. Not even a little. Neither did she want to go to the Capital, nor did she want to be ''taken away'' against her will. Darren''s thumb rubbed the back of her hand reassuringly as he continued, "Not like I''d let them take my wife. But anyway, the reason they''d be finding you isn''t that. It''s because right now, you are a very intriguing person to them."


    "How so?" questioned Xiu.


    "Dear wife, who told you to enchant Xin Zimen? That cold man hasn''t even smiled at his parents in decades much less speaking to them. But Uncle Zi seems too human around you. It''d be a surprise if the Elder Patriarch of Xin Clan hasn''t heard about this abnormality in his second son''s life."


    Xiu scrunched up her nose saying, "But I don''t want to talk to them."


    Darren chuckled at her softly, "Sweets, do you know how many people desire to even get a glimpse of Elder Patriarch and Matriarch of Xin Clan?"


    "Well, I ain''t one of them," was Xiu''s plain reply. "It''d be too hard for me to appear polite around such parents who have the nerve to ostracize their own son."


    Darren looked at her face for a while before sighed heavily. "I don''t know what to do with this habit of yours. I guess I just have to make peace with the fact that my wife loves to fight others'' battles for them or with them. But please, can you stop getting hurt in the process?"


    "Is it wrong that I want to protect everyone I care about?"


    "No. But it''s wrong to do it at your own expense."


    Xiu continued to look into his eyes and the intensity of his gaze made her nod her head. It''s not like she wanted to get hurt again. This time around she had way too many people to protect.


    "Even at a wedding, you both are busy in your own world."


    Darren got up to hug Cali while Xiu just waved her hand to greet her before asking, "What are you doing at this table? Shouldn''t you be sitting with Dylan?"


    Cali took a seat opposite Xiu and smiled at her saying, "Dylan is sitting with his family. I don''t have an official title to sit with him."


    Xiu gaped at her, "Being a girlfriend is not an official title? Tsk. Tsk. This society really knows how to separate love birds."


    "If you''re trying to get a reaction from me, don''t bother," said Cali, and Xiu decided not to continue. Meanwhile, Nora also came back to her seat right beside Xiu.


    "Now, why are you back? Didn''t I tell you to go find your boyfriend?"


    "Ah-Si is sitting with his grandparents, uncle, and aunt. I can''t just go and sit there."


    Xiu looked at Darren and asked, "What''s wrong with these girls?"


    "Sorry, Xiu darling but no one is as shameless as you are." Xiu glared at Nora in return for that remark which was conveniently ignored. "Just concentrate on your husband. Stop focusing on others."


    Xiu crossed her arms over her chest saying, "If this attitude of yours continues, I really won''t be focusing on you ever again."

 654 Really Just A Fool

    "What do you want Jackie?"


    Nora looked at her little brother who didn''t look very happy. But then again, she was way too used to this expression of his. She thought it''d be weird if she saw him laughing and playing around like normal kids of his age.


    "Change your seat," was all Jackie said with a straight face.


    "Why?" retorted Nora even though she knew the answer herself.


    "Because I want to sit between both my sisters."


    Nora''s lips rose a little and she wanted to squish this brother of hers but she knew if she tried to do that here, he''d definitely create a scene. So, she held back her urges. Besides, she could squish him at home since their parents weren''t home and he won''t have anyone to run to. Even the thought was very pleasing.


    So, as she was feeling very pleasant inside with her daydreaming, Nora obediently shifted her seat and allowed Jackie to sit between herself and Xiu. The little man looked very happy with this arrangement.


    "Where is your tail?" asked Xiu which earned a glare from Nora. So, she rephrased, "I mean where is your dearest niece?"


    "Her dad took her," was the only answer Jackie gave. He never liked talking much so his lack of explanation was very much aligned with his character.


    "Your brother is really adorable," Cali chimed in as she smiled at Jackie.


    Nora looked at her brother then looked at Cali before asking, "You need an eye doctor."


    "Don''t pay attention to Nora," Xiu also joined in. "She is just jealous of our Jackie. He is so perfect after all."


    "Me and jealous of him? Never!" retorted Nora but Xiu definitely wasn''t gonna believe her.


    "Xiu, isn''t Ying coming?" asked Cali when she noticed how the ceremony was about to start. "I haven''t seen her around."


    "I''m wondering the same thing," said Xiu as she looked towards the stage, and seeing Xin Zimen beside Xiao Li, she frowned. "Hold on!" she turned her head towards her husband asking, "Don''t tell me that foolish brother Li actually chose Ah-Xin as his best man?"


    Darren nodded his head saying, "If it comes to honor the most important person in your life, don''t you think Uncle Zi rightfully should be there?"


    Xiu thought about something and smiled softly. "Ah-Xin didn''t even tell me anything."


    "He didn''t know," answered Darren for her. "He was just told that he is playing the role of the best man."


    "Huh?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Li bro sure loves to play the hide and seek game."


    "That he sure does," Darren agreed.


    ...


    "You should have told me earlier," said Xin Zimen in a low voice.


    "Dad, why are you so nervous?" Xiao Li wanted to laugh seeing how his father was all fidgety. It looked rather strange but yet funny. His ever-mighty father was actually having stage fright. How amusing! "Were you this nervous at your own wedding?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head in reply, "Of course, not! At that time, your mother was with me. How could I be nervous about anything?"


    Xiao Li''s expressions changed slightly as he stared at his father''s face saying, "It''s rare for you to talk about mom."


    "No, son. I talk about her all the time. It''s you who never asks about her."


    Xiao Li was quiet for a moment before his eyes tried to find a certain someone but couldn''t do so. "Dad, where is Ying?"


    "How would I know?"


    "You don''t sound very trustworthy right now," replied Xiao Li.


    Xin Zimen fixed his sleeves saying, "Do you really think I''d let her witness your wedding ceremony? She might have lost her mind, I haven''t."


    "Dad!"


    "Don''t dad me. She''ll be here but she''d be a little late. Besides, I don''t think she''d be missing you right now."


    "And why is that?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "Because she has good company," answered Xin Zimen with a playful smile.


    As the music started playing and they waited for the bride to enter the hall with her father, Xin Zimen shifted closer to his son to ask, "This is your last chance. I''m asking again. Are you sure about this? I can solve everything without you having to go through this wedding."


    Xiao Li smiled back at his father, "Dad, aren''t you worried that it might ruin your friendship with Uncle Yi?"


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes, "My friend isn''t that unreasonable. Besides, it''s only right that I''d be taking my son''s side."


    Xiao Li felt grateful to hear that and said, "It''s enough to know that you''ve got my back. This is something I have to go through."


    "You''re just a fool!" complained Xin Zimen and took his place, not wanting to continue this conversation.


    Soon, Xiao Li''s eyes focused on Qiu Meihui''s figure clad in the white gown as she walked down the aisle. He didn''t feel entranced. But rather found it very funny. Once upon a time, he dreamed of this very scene with so many feelings and now that it was a reality, all he felt was a disappointment.


    Oh, she was still as beautiful as she once was. But somehow, she wasn''t that person anymore whom he loved with all his heart. Or maybe he did love her even now. But this love didn''t feel anything like he remembered.


    It was just as he had been hearing around; He was really a fool!

 655 Something We

    Ying tried to walk over but was stopped yet again by these stone-cold bodyguards which happened to be her own colleagues from the very same organization. What the bloody hell! How could they stop her from entering her own best friend''s wedding?!!!


    "We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience, Ms. Yan but the boss ordered to not let you enter until he says so."


    Ying was super pissed to hear this answer. She really wanted to know what Zizi was even thinking! She was already late because of a certain someone and now, she wasn''t allowed to enter the venue! As she glared pointedly at Han Bohai, he pouted in such an innocent manner as if the earlier devil had nothing to do with him.


    She snorted in disbelief. Han Bohai held her wrist and pulled her back before she could beat those people who stood before her like a fortress. Taking her hand in his own, he patiently, calmly, and also gently caressed the back of her hand saying, "Let''s calm down first."


    "This is all your fault!" she spat out in anger. "You''re the reason we are late."


    Han Bohai pursed his lips to hold back his pleased smile as he looked back a couple of hours...


    *Ding Dong!*


    Ying was staring at the dress that Han Bohai gave her yesterday when the doorbell rang. With slumped shoulders, she went to open the door, and seeing Han Bohai, she raised her brows, "It''s not the time yet."


    Han Bohai looked at her up and down before shaking his head in disapproval saying, "I know. But I also had a feeling you''d look like this. That''s why I''m here to help you."


    Ying crossed her arms over her chest. "And what can you do to help me?"


    "May I?" Even before Ying could nod, he entered her apartment with a suitcase?


    "Are you moving here?" she asked in confusion.


    "Will you let me?" he asked.


    "Definitely not," answered Ying.


    "Thought so," said Han Bohai before he turned to put a chair before the mirror and opened the suitcase which turned out to be a makeup box with different tiers. Seeing this Ying was baffled.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"


    "Helping you," was his answer before he took her wrist, pulled her, and made her sit down on the chair. As she tried to get up, he pressed on her shoulders to push her back. "Be a good girl and stay there."


    "Do you even know what you''re doing?"


    Han Bohai helplessly caressed her head as he answered, "I had spent four years with a female celebrity as her assistant."


    "Yes, assistant. Not her make-up artist," reminded Ying.


    "But you don''t know that Sister Xiu was actually no worse than a professional make-up artist. In fact, the way she did was so damn good that even if she walked down the street full of people, no one would recognize her."


    "So, she taught you this?"


    Ying was still a bit apprehensive but she let him do whatever he wanted to. After all, it was not like she could do a better job. Even if she knew the basics, that''s all she knew at the end of the day. But since she hated sitting down at the same place for too long, she kept fidgeting around giving Han Bohai a headache.


    When he was done with her make-up, Ying was in shock to see herself in the mirror. She looked different. She tilted her head and saw Han Bohai''s expression that was screaming, ''Go on! Shower me with compliments.'' But what came out of her mouth was, "On how many people did you practice on?"


    Han Bohai''s smile vanished as he replied, "I have only done this for my Sister Xiu and my cousin. You''re the third person who knows about this talent of mine."


    "Should I feel honored?" retorted Ying.


    Han Bohai shook his head and pulled her towards the changing room as he picked up her dress and said, "There is no need to feel honored. Just do me a favor and get dressed."


    "Go out then," said Ying when she noticed that he wasn''t leaving.


    "I''ll help you with the zipper," he said with such an innocent expression that if Ying didn''t know about his shamelessness, she might actually fall for it.


    "Get out!" was all she said.


    "Oh..." his expressions fell as he turned to leave.


    He was fixing his necktie when Ying came out in her dress asking, "What am I supposed to do with this?" He turned around to look at her and momentarily forgot what to say. "Oi!" Ying called out again to get his attention.


    Han Bohai shook his head and walked over, "That''s the overskirt. What do you think you''re supposed to do with it?"


    "I know what it is. I''m just asking whether I should wear it or not?"


    He took the detachable overskirt from her hand and said, "We''re definitely wearing it." After that, he meticulously helped her in fixing the overskirt and then looked at her from head to toe with appreciation.


    Ying''s dress was a strapless beaded embroidered cocktail dress with an overskirt. The gorgeous gown had a fitted strapless bodice with a sweetheart neckline and wrapped around to the mid-open back with zippered-closure. The beaded and appliqued sheath silhouette cocktail dress was complemented by an organza overskirt with bead detailing.


    Ying looked at her own reflection in the mirror and had to say that Han Bohai''s choice wasn''t bad. But then again, he had been in the entertainment circle for long enough to be familiar with the know-how of fashion.


    Standing behind her, he softly said, "I knew this dress was made for you but bloody hell! You''re looking gorgeous." His lips pressed against the side of her neck and left a soft kiss. Ying felt tingly at first but when that soft brush of his lips turned into something wet, a shiver ran down her spine which left her immobile.

 656 Kidnapping

    Only when his tongue was about to lick the same spot, Ying''s brain came alive with a buzz and instinctively her hand lifted to smack his head.


    "Damn it!" he rubbed where she hit him. "You really need to get rid of this habit."


    "Or maybe, you just need to get used to it," retorted Ying and tilted her neck to see before gasping, "What the hell did you do?"


    Han Bohai lifted her hair and looked at his masterpiece with a grin, "That... I got carried away when you didn''t push me away."


    Ying glared at him but didn''t want to hit him. She once again looked at her neck which had a red glowing mark. Looked like she didn''t have to be too curious about those love bites any longer.


    "I''ll hide it for you," said Han Bohai when he looked at her strange expressions.


    Ying fixed her hair and shrugged her shoulders, "I''m Yan Ying. I don''t hide anything."


    Han Bohai''s brows raised up as he asked, "Oh, really? And what are you gonna tell people if they asked about it?"


    "Weren''t you listening? I''m Yan Ying! Who dares to ask me unnecessary questions?!" She looked at the time and shouted, "We are late!"


    ....


    Coming back to the present, Ying could feel Han Bohai''s burning gaze on her neck and gritted out, "Stop reminiscing."


    "I was not," he promptly denied.


    "I can see it all over your face!"


    He touched his face but didn''t really care. So what if he got caught? That one memory was enough to keep him happy for the next week. Argh! But that one memory was making it really hard for him to pay attention to anything else aside from this girlfriend of his.


    He had to say though, this golden champagne-colored gown with a shimmery touch of beads was really meant for her. This color was definitely hers!


    Ying had been trying to call every person at the wedding but she wasn''t able to do so. "It''s not like I''m gatecrashing, why is no one letting me in?!"


    "I''m also curious why we are not allowed to go in?"


    Ying looked at this boyfriend of hers... Ahem! Trial boyfriend of hers with a complicated look. She honestly had no clue why she wasn''t being let in. But since the one ordering from above was Zizi, she couldn''t even bring herself to question anything either. In her personal opinion, Zizi was always right. If he said, she was supposed to stay out for the meantime then there was no need to resist it. He must have his reasons.


    Ying unbuckled her high heels and stepped on the floor, barefoot. Taking a seat at the couch which was placed in a corner, she looked outside at the garden that was a beauty on its own as the winter was slowly engulfing everything.


    "I think waiting is not that bad," said Han Bohai as he sat beside her.


    "How?"


    "My Ah-Ying''s beauty might overshadow the bride that''s why they are scared of letting you in. But it''s good for us since we have all this time to ourselves. Besides, you won''t have to smile at people just to be polite."


    "You really have a disease," said Ying with a hint of amusement in her eyes.


    "Yes, I know," replied Han Bohai seriously. "I''ve caught the love virus and it doesn''t even have a cure."


    Ying pinched his thigh. "Idiot! Your disease is that you always try to find positiveness in everything."


    Han Bohai conveniently placed his arm around her shoulder as he replied, "Because to me, your presence is enough to make everything alright."


    Ying stayed silent and didn''t even look at him. She was constantly staring outside the window when her cellphone rang.


    "It better be good, Marky."


    The person on the other end heard the impatience in Ying''s voice and chose his words very carefully, "Team leader, it seems we found the woman you''re looking for."


    "It seems?" repeated Ying.


    "Well, I''m not really sure if it''s her but..."


    Before he could finish his words, Ying lashed out, "If you''re not certain, don''t waste my time! This might not be an important task to you but you have no idea how important this is to me. Don''t try to play with me."


    Her subordinate silently listened to her before saying, "The reason I called is to take your permission to fly over to Thailand. I think I have to look through this on my own."


    "You have my permission. But you better bring me good news!"


    As she hung up, she was fuming. She felt a headache coming. As she said, finding Chen Xiu''s mother had become really important to her. She couldn''t even tell how she was passing through each day. It was a good thing that Han Bohai always had a way to distract her otherwise, she might have really lost her mind.


    "Your sister is asking where we are," informed Han Bohai as he waved his phone before her eyes.


    Ying read the text that came from Xiu. It read: ''Don''t tell me you''ve kidnapped my Ying Jie.''


    Ying chuckled, "She really has an imaginative mind."


    Han Bohai sighed, "Or maybe she just knows me too well." Seeing how Ying looked at him, he raised his hands in defense, "It''s not like I really kidnapped you." ''Although the thought crossed my mind a lot of times.'' He tactfully left his last sentence unsaid.


    Ying nodded her head, not knowing his original ideas as she said, "Xiu does know you very well. She said she is a huge fan of yours so I guess that how fans are."


    Han Bohai''s mind instantly recalled the hug she shared with Xiu on their first meeting and wondered to himself, "Are the fans really like that?"

 657 Not Another Lifetime

    It was very easy to tell that Xiu''s attention wasn''t on the wedding ceremony. She was solely focused on her cellphone. It''s not like she was interested in wedding vows and stuff. She didn''t even need to pay attention just for the sake of reference.


    From Darren''s position, he had the perfect view of Xiu''s phone screen and that''s why he could actually read the conversation going on between Xiu and Han Bohai through texting.


    The very first message she sent was, ''Don''t tell me you kidnapped my Ying Jie.'' And soon followed another message followed with, ''And if you really did. Use this opportunity wisely.''


    Darren almost choked as he looked at his wife who was having way too much fun in her own world of making assumptions. Or perhaps, that smile had something to do with the fact that she was talking to her Xiao Bobo. Now, this thought left a sour taste in his mouth. He had to say that he didn''t even feel jealous when Xiu was around his own brother but he really felt envious whenever Han Bohai was in the picture.


    And if he felt this way when he hadn''t even seen Xiu interacting with Han Bohai personally, then one could easily tell how worse it was gonna be for him later on.


    Within a minute, Han Bohai''s reply also came, ''How to use this opportunity wisely? Any suggestions? I''m open to anything.''


    Xiu: ''Aren''t you the one trying to seduce her? Why are you asking me for suggestions?''


    Han Bohai: ''You said you''ll help me.''


    Xiu: ''I did say that. But... Today, I want her here.''


    Han Bohai: ''We are here.''


    Xiu: ''Where?''


    She even craned her neck to look around but didn''t even catch a glimpse of either Ying or Han Bohai. In fact, she knew very well that these two were supposed to share the same table as her own. But she still looked around just in case but was disappointed.


    Xiu: ''I can''t see you.''


    Han Bohai: ''We are outside the hall. Apparently, we are not allowed inside until the higher-ups say so.''


    Xiu: ''Who the bloody hell is this higher up?''


    Xiu was fuming in anger when she read his words but when his next reply came, her anger deflated like a balloon.


    Han Bohai: ''I''m not sure but Ah-Ying said Zizi doesn''t want her to enter yet.''


    Xiu stared at ''Zizi'' for a long while before she looked up towards the stage at Xin Zimen. As if feeling the intensity of her gaze, Xin Zimen''s eyes shifted momentarily towards Xiu. As their eyes met, Xiu''s eyes narrowed while Xin Zimen''s brows raised in question. They were sitting rather close to the stage so it wasn''t difficult for Xin Zimen to tell that Xiu looked like she wanted to say something.


    Taking a deep breath, she typed her reply, ''If Ah-Xin says so, we should respect his wishes.''


    Han Bohai: ''Oh...''


    That was a weird thought.


    So, he ended up asking Ying, "Ah-Ying, who is Zizi?"


    "My godfather," answered Ying with a straight face.


    "You mean you''re talking about Mr. Xin Zimen?" Seeing Ying nodding her head, he took a deep breath. "Isn''t it enough that you''re the last descendant of the Su and Yan family? Why do you have to be related to Xin Clan in such a way?"


    Ying''s lips curled up, "My superstar boyfriend, I''m not related to Xin Clan. I''m only related to Xin Zimen and he had long stopped being a part of the clan."


    "So, it''s just as my uncle says, big shot clans, all have internal trifles."


    Ying shook her head at him, "It''s more like, every family has its own scars."


    He stayed quiet for a long while before saying, "I wonder why is that so..."


    On Xiu''s side...


    Xiu was trying to contemplate over the possibilities of why Ah-Xin wasn''t letting Ying Jie in. She didn''t know whom she was eager to see though. Whether it was Ying or Han Bohai. It was a question worth discussing but she''d rather not do so for now.


    "You know, dear wifey, even if you tell him to kidnap Ying, he won''t be able to do so," whispered Darren near Xiu''s ear as his hot breath hit her earlobe. Xiu raised her brow at him, challengingly. "I''m telling the truth. Ying isn''t that simple. He might even get hurt in the process."


    Xiu smirked at him in reply as she said, "I guess you really underestimate my Xiao Bobo."


    "What do you mean?"


    Xiu''s eyes flashed with a cunning light as she went on, "Ying Jie is awesome, no doubt. But Ying Jie is very straightforward. In fact, you can call her very simple."


    "Simple? I''ve never heard anyone define Ying as simple," said Darren.


    "I have a reason to call her simple. She is very obvious. You can easily tell that she''d be either playing a mind game or a violent game but Xiao Bobo isn''t like that. He is very tricky. He can easily capture Ying Jie in his web of words in a way that even Ying Jie would be left confused about what happened with her." She took a pause to add, "And that I can bet on with my life."


    "Okay. Let''s not bet on life. Your life is very precious to me." He frowned before rephrasing, "I mean to say my life is very dear to me. And as you should know that you''re my life."


    "You never get tired of saying this, do you?" retorted Xiu.


    "Wouldn''t wanna waste another lifetime," replied Darren leaving Xiu speechless.

 658 All The Blessings

    Xiu had also noticed that the ring bearer''s role was given to Asteria while the flower girl was none other than, little Ava. This was a surprise to her. But then again, there were no other kids in this family for some reason.


    After that when the efficient said, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." Xiu simply blanked out after that. She hadn''t attended many weddings in both of her lives but she had to say as much as she was once fond of getting married, now she found all these proceedings to be rather unnecessary.


    However, every girl once had a dream of a perfect wedding. She once did as well. But a certain wedding left such a bitter aftertaste in her life that she found this gathering to be a headache. Or maybe it had something to do with her raging hormones. These mood swings were rather strange.


    "You may exchange the rings..."


    As these words rang out, only then did Xiu''s attention went back to the ceremony. It was a good thing that the recessional was in the same hall and they didn''t have to get up or anything. At least, Xiu found it very helpful.


    "This wedding ceremony went without a hitch," remarked Xiu. "I don''t know whether to feel happy about it or..."


    Darren gave her a look as he said, "You should be giving them your blessings."


    Xiu nodded her head in agreement, "They would need all the blessings."


    "What do you mean?"


    Xiu shrugged in reply, "Even I don''t know what I mean."


    And just as the recessional was about to begin, only then was Ying allowed to enter the hall.


    "Ms. Yan, you can go inside now." Ying looked at the stern-looking man who added, "You know I was just following the orders."


    "Relax! I won''t bite you," said Ying as she passed by his side and entered the hall with a complicated mood.


    With heavy steps, she brought Han Bohai to Xiu''s table.


    "You finally made it!" Xiu was very excited as she hugged Ying.


    "Take care of him. I need to get some answers!" with that Ying walked off leaving a baffled Han Bohai and Xiu, who was shaking her head.


    She patted his shoulder saying, "Don''t worry. She''ll be fine."


    "Oh, that I know. I just wonder if the others would be fine."


    Xiu laughed at Han Bohai''s reply. "You''ve really read her like an open book."


    Han Bohai gave her a sad smile as he thought to himself, ''I only couldn''t read one person and it cost me her life. It''d be a pity if I still couldn''t read people.''


    Meanwhile, Han Bohai''s expressions were twisted as he pointed at Darren and Xiu as he asked, "Mr. Salvay, she''s your wife?"


    Xiu could hear some disbelief in his voice and it made her frown. "Why? Is it that difficult to believe?"


    Han Bohai nodded honestly, "I always thought Mr. Salvay''s life partner would be rather..."


    "What?" Xiu''s eyes narrowed as she challenged him to finish that sentence on a bad note. She was about to beat him right here, right now!


    Han Bohai shook his head as he said, "I mean to say with his personality I never thought he''d have such a lively wife."


    Darren wounded his arm around Xiu''s waist as he said, "I guess my sad life needed a happy virus like her."


    Han Bohai smiled in understanding, "That I can agree with." Then he looked at Xiu and added, "Seems like I''ll have to call you lady boss from now on."


    "No, you''ll have to call her boss because the RX Studios'' real boss is my wife."


    "I never agreed to that," retorted Xiu unhappily.


    "You never said no as well," said Darren cheekily.


    "That''s only because I can''t bring myself to say no to you."


    Darren''s smile widened, "And that is exactly the point I''m going to take advantage of."


    "Regan!"


    "Yes, my Sweets?"


    Looking at these two, Han Bohai felt like he was third-wheel. How strange that there were so many people around here and yet he felt like that. And if he had any doubts about their relationship before it was all gone seeing this argument (if one could call it that.)


    "Get used to it." Han Bohai turned around and gave a nod to Nora who suddenly spoke. Pointing at Xiu and Darren with her eyes, she added, "This is something you can''t escape. Even if you have a girlfriend, these two can make you feel lonely. So, protect your heart and feelings around them."


    Han Bohai was about to say something when Cali also joined in saying, "Nora is right. These two live in their own world. So they don''t care about hurting the feelings of people in this world."


    "Strangely I don''t feel lonely," said Han Bohai. "In fact, I feel like I want to have what they have." He looked back at the girls before flashing them a grin, "I need to work hard, I guess."


    Nora shook her head at him, "This is why I called you the male version of Xiu."


    "There is no one like Xiu," came a soft baby voice and the three of them looked at Jackie who was glaring at his sister. "There is only one Xiu. There can''t be anyone like my sisters."


    Nora squished her brother''s cheeks saying, "Little brother, I want to cuddle you so much today."


    "Keep your distance," retorted Jackie while looking for a way to get away from Nora.


    Seeing his reaction, Cali and Han Bohai couldn''t help laughing at this pair of siblings.

 659 On Your Wedding Day

    "Oh, hello, Ying''er!"


    Ying''s lips twitched as she looked at Xin Zimen''s smile and only got one thing out of her mouth and that too in a whining tone, "Ziziiii..."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her. "My Ying''er looks wow. Just wow!"


    Ying snorted, "That''s not helpful."


    "Why not?" he questioned.


    "You locked me out! And that too from my own best friend''s wedding!" She was willing to understand his reasons but still.


    "Aren''t you here now?"


    Ying opened her mouth and closed it, she opened it again and finally said, "That''s different. The ceremony ended already."


    Xin Zimen placed his hand on her head very gently as he said, "You might like to inflict pain on yourself but I don''t want to see you get hurt."


    "But..."


    "Silly girl. The fun is just starting. Wedding ceremonies are just super boring anyway. The fun part is recessionals. And you''re just on time for that."


    "As if you left me any other choice," grumbled Ying in dissatisfaction.


    Ying wanted to continue but before she could Xin Zimen excused himself saying, "Bring your boyfriend to see me before leaving."


    "Why?"


    "Because I said so," with that being said he walked away to whoever was looking for him.


    "Took you long enough to get here."


    Ying looked to her right and looked at the bride who had come especially to greet her. How honoring! With a perfect smile and friendly gesture, Qiu Meihui even took the initiative to hug Ying before all those guests.


    "And here I thought you got too scared to even show up here," whispered Qiu Meihui keeping her perfect smile on. "Or was it too painful, so you decided to cry in a corner before joining us?"


    "Scared? Of whom? You?" snickered Ying in response. "I told you I''m done playing nice, stop trying to urge me to tear you apart before all these people. This white wedding of yours might become a bloody night."


    Qiu Meihui narrowed her eyes at Ying and smirked, "That''s exactly what I want. I also want all these people to see your true face. I want them to see that you aren''t as perfect as you seem. You''re nothing but a fake."


    "I don''t know why you think I''m perfect to people," started Ying. "Every person in this room knows how dangerous I am. After all, I come from the Yan family. My maternal family has never been too normal. The only reason everyone likes me here because I do my best to give them the respect they deserve. And the only reason you''ve been getting my respect and patience is your parents."


    "White lotus? Oh! You''re talking about your maid of honor?"


    "Ying! Watch your words!"


    Ying shook her head, "Yo! Do you really want to have this conversation on your wedding day? Just what the hell are you even thinking?" Taking a step forward, Ying held her wrist but her expressions didn''t change as she enunciated on each word, "I warned you before. You can hurt me all you want but I won''t take it lying down if the one getting hurt is Ah-Li."


    "Ah! Such love, how heartwarming!" Ying felt herself getting another headache because of how Qiu Meihui sounded. "But such a pity that the same love is not returned. Aww... Poor you!"


    Ying''s hand clenched into a fist. She so wanted to punch her face right now.


    "Your boyfriend seemed to have kept you very busy, eh?"


    Both Ying and Qiu Meihui looked up at Xiao Li who was staring at Ying.


    "I can''t believe you missed the wedding ceremony with your best friend. But then again, love before friends, eh." He took a pause before adding, "But shouldn''t you cover it up?"


    Ying who had been frowning at his words, suddenly had an epiphany as her hand instinctively went up to cover the mark on her neck. What the fudge! She actually forgot all about it! And she even flipped her hair back dramatically. What an idiot!


    Seeing her reaction, Xiao Li laughed at her, "I think everyone already saw it."


    Ying shrugged her shoulders as she did before Han Bohai and casually repeated herself, "I''ve got nothing to hide."


    Her response made Xiao Li roll his eyes as he said, "Of course, you don''t. How can the might Yan Ying have anything to hide? She''d rather make everyone blind than hiding anything herself."


    Ying felt proud as she replied, "Thanks for the compliment, Ah-Li. And congratulations!" She looked at Qiu Meihui who was fuming for some reason. "You finally married the person you always wanted to."


    Qiu Meihui wrapped her hands around Xiao Li''s arm as she looked at Ying provokingly, "He did. That''s called destiny."


    Ying burst out laughing. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You really have no idea about destiny at all."


    "What are you implying?"


    Before Ying could open her mouth, Xiao Li threw her a warning look, "Ying! Go and say hi to your grandmother."


    Ying exhaled a long breath, "Fine."


    Only when she walked away, Qiu Meihui let go of Xiao Li''s arm and said, "Don''t get the wrong idea."


    "I''ve stopped getting the wrong ideas," replied Xiao Li calmly.


    Qiu Meihui looked at the side of his face with a complicated gaze. She was pretty sure that Xiao Li didn''t react like he used to do. In fact, even when she ignored him, cursed him, or did whatever else, his behavior never changed with her. But lately, he had been very distant and polite around her like a stranger. Perhaps, it was the anxiousness that his behavior caused within her that urged her to propose this marriage.


    And when Xiao Li agreed to the marriage without any hesitation, she was certain that she was overthinking. She still mattered just the same to him. Or so she thought.

 660 Stubborn Ones

    "Hi, Shania! You''re looking hot today!" Ying''s grandmother gaped and glared at her granddaughter but the said granddaughter had already shifted her gaze to others at the table. "Hello, elder master Xin and elder mistress Xin! I haven''t seen you both in a long while."


    Surprisingly enough, even the patriarch and matriarch of the Xin family greeted her with a friendly smile. It wasn''t difficult to see how fond these elders were of Ying. But then again, as Ying has said earlier, she always gave respect where it was due. It was indeed one of the factors why everyone around her pleasing to the eyes.


    "Where is Bohai?"


    Ying looked at her grandmother and smiled, "Didn''t you say you''d stay out of my relationship? Why so curious now?"


    "I just want to say hi to him," retorted Shania.


    "I don''t want him around you," answered Ying straightforwardly. "You''re not a good influence."


    "I''m your grandmother!"


    Ying nodded her head, "Indeed. That''s why I know better about your influence."


    "Yingying!"


    "I told you there was a good show here," Su Feifei hit Han Yiheng''s shoulder as she wiggled her brows. "This is my favorite kind of show."


    Seeing how Feifei hugged Ying, Shania was pissed off as she gritted out, "If my influence is no good, do you think hers is better?"


    Ying shook her head, "No, gummy! She is worse than you but at least she makes everything seem fun."


    "I''d take that as a compliment," said Feifei not getting offended at all.


    "How is it possible that Su Feifei won''t find everything a compliment to herself?" Su Feifei looked at Zhao Huan and smirked. "How come you never change?"


    "Do I have to?" questioned Su Feifei.


    "I think you''re at the age to change a little," said Elder Mistress Xin.


    "I agree with that," Shania also chimed in.


    Su Feifei frowned as she replied, "You old ladies are just jealous of my freedom."


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone finally noticed Xin Zemin who had been silently listening to the ladies around him. He had to say it, he loved every person from Su and Wen clan. The kind of confidence these two clans had was indeed remarkable. He could easily say that apart from Wen Ai, only Su Feifei was capable of challenging his mother and being so nonchalant about it.


    But then again, who would dare go to complain about a Su family descendant? Even his own Xin clan wasn''t enough to take that risk.


    "I''m sorry," he hurriedly apologized. "I''m just amused to see how Feifei still has no-filter on her mouth."


    "Feifei would rather stop breathing," chimed in Han Yiheng knowingly.


    "Gentlemen, this is who I am. Why should I try to betray who I am? If I can''t even be loyal to myself, I can''t possibly be loyal to anyone in this world."


    "Wait! You''re still not dating Yiheng?" questioned Elder Mistress Xin with surprise in her voice.


    "Eeehh..." Feifei pushed Han Yiheng away from herself. "Who wants to have him as a life partner? Please, say something that makes sense. I don''t want a loner like him in my life."


    "As if you''ve millions of friends. You also have only me!" reminded Han Yiheng. "Besides, I don''t want to reduce my life by even thinking of dating you."


    "At least, I''m fun. Unlike you, Mr. Boring. You can even bore the boredom to death!"


    "Yiheng, isn''t your daughter in high school now?" asked Xin Zemin.


    "Yes, she is," answered Han Yiheng.


    "And you still get in petty fights with Feifei?"


    Han Yiheng cleared his throat and said, "She starts it. Always."


    Su Feifei hugged her niece''s shoulders, "Dear Ying, do you hear the sound?"


    "What sound?" asked Ying in amusement.


    "That''s the sound of betrayal!"


    "Hahaha!" Ying laughed at her aunt before saying, "You all really need to find another hobby."


    "But I like this one," said Feifei.


    "I believe only an oddball like you enjoys these arguments," said Han Yiheng.


    Feifei huffed at him, "It''d be better if I just go and find my brother-in-law. He is better than you all."


    "Haven''t you always been dissatisfied with Zimen?" inquired Elder Mistress Xin.


    Feifei smiled at her in reply saying, "Oh, no! I think you''re talking about yourself."


    While Elder Mistress Xin''s eyes narrowed at her, Feifei''s free spirit had already sprinted away to find her said, brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Han Yiheng also pulled Ying aside to find his nephew.


    "I hate the fact that her stubbornness reminds me of Wen Ai."


    Zhao Huan sneered, "No, you hate the fact that there is someone like Wen Ai who dares to defy you." She took a pause before adding, "In fact, you hate Wen Ai because she was the reason Xiao Zi learned to stand for himself. In the end, you never wanted anyone to challenge your authority."


    "Zhao Huan! Have you forgotten your manners? Don''t forget I''m still your mother-in-law."


    "Sorry!" Zhao Huan raised her hands in defense. "I forgot how much you hate the truth. My bad. It''s really my bad." With that being said, Zhao Huan also made her distance from their table. She had already been drifted apart from this family since she couldn''t have a child. It was only her husband who had been stubbornly holding on to her till now. Otherwise, this relationship might have long been broken.


    However, this was something she had made peace with already. What she really wanted to know now was why her husband kept holding on to her. She had deluded herself for a long time with the thought that Xin Zemin held her back because he loved her. But she couldn''t do any longer. Especially with the existence of Destiny Novell, she really couldn''t bring herself to stay in her delusions.

 661 Just Okay

    Those were the first words that came out Su Feifei''s mouth when she came to Xin Zimen''s side. The latter stared at her face for a full minute in silence.


    "She said something to you?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Just the usual why I''m not acting my age, why I''m still single and blah blah blah. Like what the hell, bro! It''s fucking my life. What I do with it is my concern!" She was breathing heavily as she said, "I wish my Sister Ai was here, that old woman wouldn''t even dare open her mouth!"


    Xin Zimen cleared his throat before saying, "The main reason she always finds faults with you is that she could never say those things to Wen Ai."


    Su Feifei laughed heartily, "If she did, wouldn''t my sister have set her hair on fire."


    "She''d already done that though," reminded Zhao Huan who came to join them. "That sister-in-law of mine was indeed fearless. I really can''t forget the ways she used to pick fights with our mother-in-law."


    "I still can''t get over the face your mother used to make whenever Sister Ai used to come before her."


    Xin Zimen was shaking his head listening to these two women reminiscing about his wife. He wasn''t even surprised that the things people remembered about Wen Ai had all to do with her troublesome nature.


    She was like a walking time bomb and it was never pretty whenever she exploded.


    "If she had been alive, this wedding would have become a memorable event," said Zhao Huan with a slight smile playing on her lips.


    "Like she made your wedding an unforgettable experience?"


    Zhao Huan narrowed her eyes at Su Feifei dangerously, "Don''t remind me of that day. No matter how much I loved Wen Ai, I''d always hate her for what she did on my wedding day."


    Su Feifei shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "I think she just made your wedding more relevant."


    "What did you say?!"


    Su Feifei took a step towards Xin Zimen to hide behind him as she answered, "Sister Huan, let''s face it. Because of Sister Ai, everyone in your circle remembers your wedding. It became a historic event."


    Zhao Huan snorted at that. "Historic? I only wanted a bloody simple wedding!"


    "She is already gone, can we get over it now?"


    Xin Zimen couldn''t help but breaking up their argument. As much as he loved hearing about his wife, he wasn''t enjoying it today. In fact, it was making it difficult for him to keep a strong front. After all, the one who gave him the strength to stand tall before the world was no longer standing by his side.


    He actually believed that he lost his strength along with his wife. Now, he was just a shell keeping up a facade every day and every night before this world.


    "But she would never force him to marry Ying either," added Zhao Huan knowingly.


    Su Feifei nodded her head, "Yes, she wouldn''t but I don''t think I need to tell you that Xiao Li doesn''t look happy."


    "I think you both have too much time on your hands," said Xin Zimen as he didn''t feel like discussing his son''s happiness. Even he could see his son wasn''t happy but that son was stubbornly trudging on this path of unhappiness for some unknown reason.


    "Xiao Zi, when I asked Xiao Li if he is happy with this, do you know what he said?" Xin Zimen looked at his sister in law and stayed quiet. "He said..."


    ***


    ''I''m okay, aunt!'' That was the reply Zhao Huan received from Xiao Li which left her baffled.


    ''Ah-Li, there is a huge difference between being happy and being okay. How can you compromise on your happiness with an okay relationship?'' She retorted unhappily.


    ''Aunt, look around you for once. How many people do you think are settling for okay? People tend to choose an okay job, okay friends, and even an okay life. Why can''t I just go for an okay relationship? Isn''t okay the most comfortable and easy choice of our life? It''s okay to feel okay with just okay.''


    That long speech earned him a beating from Zhao Huan who was even more furious.


    ''Alright, people are fine with okay and that''s okay! But... Okay can never make you happy. It''ll only leave a void in your heart and in your life. Just okay eats up the thrill, excitement, and passion from your life. And that''s not okay!''


    Xiao Li took her hands in his own as he said, ''Auntie, after my mom, I respect you the most. And you know me very well. Yes, okay is not life-changing or unforgettable but the desire I once had for that life-changing, and unforgettable love is gone now. That was my wishful thinking.''


    ''Silly boy, life gives everyone a second chance. Why can''t you wait for yours? Don''t make this okay relationship a reason to risk your absolutely everything. Even if there is the smallest chance that something could change, why not take that chance?''


    ''If I didn''t do this, I''d lose someone precious.''


    ***


    Zhao Huan wasn''t able to get this conversation out of her mind even now. At that time, she had thought he was calling Qiu Meihui as someone precious but now she had doubts in her own thinking. Was she missing something? But then again, it seemed like everyone was missing out on something here.


    "Do you know what he is thinking?" she asked Xin Zimen who gave her a helpless look.


    "Sister-in-law, even though he is my son and he says he is not able to understand me. I have to say that I can''t understand him either."


    "Seems like he inherited something from his mother," said Zhao Huan and sighed heavily.


    These elders were completely clueless about what was cooking in Xin Xiao Li''s brain. And even if they knew, it didn''t seem like they''d be able to do anything about it.

 662 Peaceful

    Since Han Yiheng had dragged Ying towards his nephew, now he stood before the Xiu, Darren, Cali, Nora, Jackie, and of course, Han Bohai.


    "She''s an interesting girl," said Han Yiheng to his nephew.


    "Was there ever a doubt about that?" retorted Han Bohai proudly.


    Han Yiheng pulled his nephew''s ear saying, "Stop showing off before your uncle, you brat!"


    Han Bohai tried to get out of his grasp as he said, "But I always treated you as a friend. Can''t I just be honest with you?"


    "Regi, Xiu, what are you both doing here?"


    Han Yiheng was frozen in his place when he heard Francesca''s voice coming closer.


    "Where else are we supposed to go?" inquired Xiu.


    "Both of you should also go and congratulate the bride and groom."


    Xiu gave her a strained smile and leaned against Darren''s body saying, "I feel like my energy drained just hearing that."


    Darren chuckled at her and looked at his mother, "We''ll be right there, Mama."


    "Okay, I''m gonna go ahead." She was about to leave when she looked at Han Yiheng and smiled at him, "Hey, Yiheng! I didn''t know you''re here."


    Han Bohai was startled to see the speed at which his uncle''s expressions and posture and even aura shifted. Just like a lovestruck teenager, Han Yiheng grinned and greeted her back, "Yeah, well... I couldn''t just say no Mr. Xin Zimen."


    "Oh, that''s true. I believe not just anyone can say no to Xin Zimen," she agreed without any hesitation.


    As she was looking at Han Bohai, he hurriedly introduced him as well, "Oh, this is my nephew, Han Bohai."


    Ying pushed herself into the picture with, "And he is my boyfriend as well."


    "Oh!" Now, with that statement, Francesca paid even more attention to Han Bohai as she greeted him, "I''m Francesca Salvay, Regan''s mother."


    Han Bohai had to do a double-take as he looked at Darren and at Francesca. "Aren''t you too young to be a mother of him?"


    "Oi! She is my mother whether she is young or not has nothing to do with you," Darren finally spoke up.


    "He was just saying the obvious, Regan. Don''t get so worked up."


    "Sweets, are you taking his side?"


    "But I didn''t even do anything," replied Xiu innocently.


    "All of you stop it. Hurry up and come to the stage already." With that Francesca walked away, not without saying, "I''ll see you around Yiheng."


    "Yeah. Sure!"


    Han Bohai stared at his uncle''s smile with a suspicious look before voicing out, "You look very suspicious right now."


    Han Yiheng cleared his throat to cover up his feelings before he turned to ask Ying, "Such a bright person you are, why did you choose an idiot like him?"


    "I have no idea as well," replied Ying.


    "Seriously, I take one step away from you and you always forget me," complained Han Bohai unhappily.


    "What''s going on here?"


    Seeing Dylan, Ying turned Bohai around saying, "Here comes the bride''s brother."


    Han Bohai''s face twitched, "I met him already the other day. You''re right there."


    "Yes, you did. But you didn''t know that he is the bride''s brother at that time. That''s why I''m doing this introduction again."


    "I don''t think it''s needed, Ying Jie," said Dylan before he looked at Xiu and grinned mischievously, "How is my ghosty sister-in-law? Couldn''t find a better color?"


    Unlike her usual self, Xiu calmly replied, "Ah-Xin chose this color for me. I don''t think there is anything wrong with it."


    Dylan was stumped for words while Ying laughed out, "Now, dear Didi! How about repeating yourself now? I bet you won''t wanna question Zizi''s choices."


    Dylan took a deep breath and replied, "So what? Uncle Zi''s choice is the best but it also depends on who is wearing it."


    "Didi! Are you looking for a beating?!" Both Darren and Ying said simultaneously.


    These two protective people wouldn''t let him say anything to Xiu. However, usually, these two didn''t have to speak up in her defense. Xiu was enough for herself. Today, for some reason, these two people caught the window to defend her which meant that Xiu wasn''t trying to defend herself.


    Actually, Dylan was waiting for a reaction from Xiu. He wanted to hear her strike back like she always did but for some reason, Xiu was too calm. That was really not like her. At least, that''s not how she acted around him. Didn''t she always say he was capable of irking her at any moment and at any time? Then how come it wasn''t working today?


    "Oi, Xiu! You''re sick?" That''s the only reason he could think of for now. For what other reason would she be this quiet?


    "Thanks for worrying, dear brother-in-law but I''m absolutely fine. However, I''m happy to learn that you''re concerned about me. It means a lot to me." Xiu''s voice was very calm, sweet, and relaxing.


    Dylan shuddered because of how goosebumps rose up on his body because of Xiu''s tone. There was no hidden meaning behind her words. He could see her sincerity in her eyes. But he was really not used to this politeness from her. What got into her?


    "Regan, shall we go to Li bro?"


    Darren nodded his head and left with Xiu.


    Staring at their back, Dylan suddenly muttered, "There is definitely something wrong with her today."


    "You think so too?" asked Nora. "I''ve had the same feeling since I laid my eyes on her today. I don''t know what it is but she seems..."


    "Peaceful?" Ying suggested a word from her vocabulary and both Dylan and Nora nodded their heads without hesitation. Ying tapped her chin thoughtfully as she said, "She indeed has a different aura around her today. Almost like a whole new person."


    Now that she thought about it she realized that since she left Gigi around Xiu, her own encounters with Xiu had reduced. And lately, she had been working to find Chen Hana and had even lesser time to have a proper conversation with Xiu. What was she missing out on? It seemed like she needed to sit down and have a chat with this little sister.

 663 Anywhere & Anytime

    Cali had had the least interactions with Xiu which was strange considering how she came to the country for Xiu. But along the way, she realized how distant Xiu was from her. Even now, Xiu kept a very polite distance from her. Yes, she treated her like a friend but she wasn''t like Xiu''s close friend. Her interactions with Xiu had a vast difference from Nora and Ying''s.


    As they said, the comparison would always hurt and it hurt her as well. After all, she thought Destiny was her cousin and she should be closest to her. But it wasn''t like that.


    "Xiu already said she''d turn a new leaf in life and that lasted for only five minutes around me," said Dylan as if he was proud of his accomplishment of being the most annoying person to Xiu. But then again, he indeed was very proud of that. "She can never be a nice person. Period!"


    "But I think she is a very person already," said Han Bohai. He didn''t know why but he felt like he needed to defend her?


    Dylan looked at Han Bohai and sighed, "Of course, she is nice to you and it''s making me feel jealous."


    "Huh?" Han Bohai was dumbfounded by that reply.


    "Hedi, are you trying to drag my boyfriend into this?"


    Dylan raised his hands and stepped away, "No way. Ying Jie, how can I even dare say anything to your boyfriend." He took a pause to sound calm as he added, "In fact, what I meant was that Han Bohai is such an amazing person that even someone like Xiu can''t help being nice to him."


    "Dylan, I just think you are always finding faults with Xiu for your own amusement," said Cali.


    Dylan pouted at his girlfriend as he said, "That''s true but believe me it''s not my fault. Xiu is indeed an unreasonable person. She loves to bully me as well. Around me, her sarcasm level goes off the charts and it''s unbelievable." Before anyone could say anything, he went on, "But that''s also true that whenever I need her, she''s the first to show up. I have said it plenty of times before, the relationship between her and me is just like this. We are always at each other''s throat but we always have each other''s back as well." He rubbed his nape as he added, "But today, she looked at me rather differently, it took me off guard. It was as if she was trying to distance herself from me. And I really don''t like this feeling."


    "I don''t think it''s just you though," chimed in Nora. "Xiu had been acting different today. I think something is on her mind."


    "Instead of assuming, why don''t you all just go and ask her?" suggested Han Bohai. He didn''t think it was that big of a deal.


    "And who is that?"


    "Regan Darren Salvay!"


    Ying, Dylan, and Nora had said that name all at once. These people are all close to Xiu and knew the influence Darren had on Xiu.


    "Then what are you all worried about?" started Han Bohai. "If the one who can help her is right by her side, what''s there to worry about?" He looked at his own girlfriend pointedly as he added, "Shouldn''t you all be more focused on your own lives?"


    He felt a tug at his jacket and looked down at the kid who didn''t even reach his waist. Jackie had to tilt back his head to look at Han Bohai as he stretched out the napkin in his hand saying, "I''d like to take an autograph."


    "I didn''t know I have such a handsome fan," said Han Bohai with a bright smile.


    Jackie smiled back, in a friendly manner as he said, "Of course, I''m a huge fan. If Xiu likes you then Jackie likes you. No question asked."


    "Eh?"


    While Han Bohai was surprised, Nora shook her head and explained to him, "My little brother is a Xiu fan. If his sister Xiu likes something, he''d dearly love that thing. But sister Xiu hates something, he''d never even look at that thing. She has a lot of influence on him."


    Jackie tried to push Nora''s hand from his head saying, "Stop treating me like a kid."


    "Okay, young master. I won''t treat you like a kid anymore."


    Han Bohai crouched down before Jackie as he asked, "So what''s my little fan''s name?" He had his pen in hand as he waited for Jackie''s reply.


    "Don''t write my name. Write Xiu''s name. I want to give her the autograph."


    Han Bohai couldn''t help smiling with even more warmth as he said, "But your sister Xiu already has my autograph."


    "That''s different," replied Jackie. "You and I are two different people, even if we give her the same gift, the feeling, and meaning behind it would be different."


    Han Bohai blinked at him as he asked, "Where did you learn that?"


    "Xiu said it on my birthday last year when I received the same gift from two of my friends."


    "Don''t mind him, Mr. Han. My brother has an obsession with his sister Xiu. He''d repeat her words anywhere and anytime," told Nora helplessly.


    Han Bohai signed the napkin and gave it back to Jackie saying, "It seems like you and I''d make very good friends, little master."


    "Oh? Why is that?" inquired Jackie curiously.


    Han Bohai patted his shoulder saying, "I also had an obsession with my sister Xiu. And I also love to repeat her words anywhere and anytime."

 664 Youre Scaring me

    "Sweets..."


    "Hm?"


    "Why are you shaking?"


    Darren hurriedly held her hand and his eyes widened, "And why are you so cold? What''s wrong?" He tried to unclench her hands and when he did, his eyes almost popped out, "Sweets, what the hell! Stop it! Your hands are bleeding."


    Xiu hadn''t heard a word. Not one thing went through her brain which was buzzing right now. She couldn''t help the trembling whether it was because of anger or cold, she couldn''t tell. What she did know was the reason behind this buzzing in her brain.


    Her eyes were constantly focused on the woman who now was congratulating the newlyweds with a big smile. Seeing that woman''s face was enough to make her remember the helplessness, betrayal, and every other emotion she went through before she decided to take her own life.


    It was none other than Liu Nuan''s mother, Xin Suyin.


    Xiu didn''t have many encounters with this woman and yet, she became her life''s nightmare without her realizing it...


    ***


    ''I''ve seen plenty of cheap celebrities like you,'' was what that woman said to her as her hand pinched Xiu''s face painfully. ''Just like your mother tried to snatch my husband, do you think you can snatch my daughter''s husband? Like mother, like daughter indeed. You both are nothing but cheap whores!''


    ''Please, talk about my mother with respect. You have no right to talk about her like this.''


    No matter what kind of a relationship Xiu had with her mother, she never could bear hearing anything against her. If anything, she respected her. At the end of the day, she was her mother.


    The woman ruthlessly shoved Xiu aside making her fall on her knees. A pain shot through Xiu''s knees making tears brim in her eyes.


    ''Respect? Does she even deserve it?'' sneered the woman.


    ''I never thought of doing it. I''ve told your daughter already that we broke up, what else do you all want from me? Stop dragging me and my mother into this.'' Xiu''s tears were trickling down her face. There was a bruise on her face from how much force Xin Suyin had used.


    Pulling Xiu''s hair to make her look up, the woman snarled, ''Do you think that''s enough?''


    ''Ahh!'' Xiu couldn''t help exclaiming in pain.


    ''Your mother is still a pain in my ass after all these years, do you expect me to believe that you won''t be like her? I don''t believe it! Not even for a minute.'' She pulled her hair even more as her face came closer to Xiu''s and added, ''You''re just an eyesore like your mother. I hate you beyond your imaginations. So, get lost from my daughter''s life. You better get lost before I make you disappear.''


    Xin Suyin sneered, ''Cheap people like you don''t deserve the luxury of love. If you wanted to be a small-time actress, you should have stuck with that. Who told you to go and seduce my daughter''s life partner?''


    ''I don''t know why you hate my mom but I promise you that I''m not trying to snatch anyone. That relationship ended for me already. Besides, I never seduced anyone.''


    ''Listen up, little girl! You better disappear or I promise you, I''ll make you regret ever been born.''


    ***


    Those were the last words she said to her. Who knew she would really end up regretting been born? And now seeing her again, affected her. Seeing Zhou Jinhai, Liu Nuan, Zhou Liqiu, none of them brought such resentment and helplessness. But this woman literally pushed her to death, how could she not get affected by her sight?


    Darren held her shoulders and shook her body to get her attention. Xiu''s eyes slowly focused on his face. She only realized that she had tears in her eyes when Darren''s warm hands touched her face.


    "Sweets, you''re scaring me now."


    Xiu clenched her chest saying with difficulty, "Regan, I can''t breathe. Can we go out for a while?"


    "Of course!" replied Darren without any hesitation as he rushed her out of the hall. He brought her to the garden and wanted to put her coat on her shoulders but she refused to take it. "Your body is cold already. And don''t forget you have to take care of another life now."


    That reminder made Xiu take the coat from him. She was breathing heavily. In cold winter, she was sweating as well. She turned around and looked up at Darren as she asked, "Can you hug me? I need you."


    Darren frowned slightly but gladly embraced her. Even when he hugged her, he could feel how tense her body was. Seeing her like this really startled him. Especially because it reminded him of Gigi''s warning, ''Your wife needs you, Mr. Salvay. Something is eating her inside and making her hollow. You''re the only warmth that is filling that hollowness. You''re the only one who can save her.''


    Darren suddenly felt regret that he completely looked over Xiu''s mental state when he heard about her pregnancy. He should have remembered, how difficult it was for her to take this new responsibility in her condition.


    He wanted to ask her why she reacted this way but he didn''t want to push her either. That''s why he was silently hugging her while caressing her head.


    "Xin Suyin." She suddenly said out that woman''s name.


    "Huh?"


    "I didn''t think I''d see her here," said Xiu.


    "She is not only Liu Nuan''s mother but she is also Uncle Zi''s cousin sister."


    Xiu looked up at Darren as she snickered, "Never thought that an angel like Ah-Xin would actually have a monster like her as a sister."

 665 Her Nightmare

    Xin Suyin? As in Uncle Zi''s cousin-sister? As in the person who is widely known for her manners and politeness? In fact, Xin Suyin was actually used as a perfect example for the younger generation since that''s how perfect a woman she was. That''s how perfect of a sister she was and even that''s how perfect of a wife and mother she was.


    He didn''t think there was even a single person in this circle who have not heard about Xin Suyin''s perfection. She was a philanthropist who always worked for the betterment of society and the less fortunate people. That''s why she was a darling of common folks.


    So don''t mind his disbelief. Because he had never heard anyone call her a devil before.


    "Sweets, are you really talking about Xin Suyin?" Seeing Xiu nod in reply, his frown deepened, "Isn''t calling her a devil a little much?" Xiu''s brow quirked up at him in surprise, "She is the dearest cousin sister of Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin. She is the only person between those two brothers whom they love equally. In fact, Xin Suyin is quite respected around here."


    "Are you trying to say that I''m wrong about her?"


    Darren shook his head without hesitation, "I have never doubted you. Not even when you made no sense. I still have no doubts about this. I just..." He sighed out, "I just always thought that the person you hated the most is Jinhai''s mother. Wasn''t she the mastermind behind everything that happened back then?"


    Xiu laughed out in a strange way. "So, even my dear husband has been fooled by that woman?" She shook her head, "But how can I blame you. If I had not met the real her, even I''d be like you. No, I was indeed like you. I''ve heard so many good things about her that I actually took her as my inspiration in life once. I wanted to be as generous and kind as she was. Peh!" Her expressions twisted as she went on, "It''s my fault for not telling you what really happened back then. There is no doubt that I hate Zhou Jinhai''s mother, Niu Peizhi! But it was my naiveness to think she had done everything on her own because the real game planner never even showed up."


    Darren held Xiu''s trembling hands in his own as he looked into her eyes and questioned, "Then are you willing to tell me what really happened?" Xiu opened her mouth but nothing came out. "If I knew coming here would affect you this much, I''d have never brought you here. The last thing I want to see is seeing you suffering on your own. But you made me believe that you could face Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan. Even Zhou Liqiu."


    "Scared?" repeated Darren with shock.


    Xiu held his arms saying, "You don''t know her. You don''t know anything about her. She is crazy. No, she is a psychopath!"


    "What are you trying to say?" asked Darren as he felt both helpless and conflicted. Holding her shoulders tightly, Darren added, "Sweets, I''m right here with you. Just tell me what she did to you?"


    "She has done so much, which one should I tell you about?" retorted Xiu. "Even I don''t know how far she had gone. But I can tell you what I experienced first hand. You won''t like it though."


    "I still want to know," he said with determination.


    Xiu nodded her head, "Okay. It happened after Zhou Jinhai''s wedding with Liu Nuan..."


    *Flashback*


    "Sister Xiu, is everything okay? You did a lot of NG today which is so not like you."


    Xiu who had been looking around the set didn''t hear Han Bohai''s question. Physically she was there, but perhaps her mind was elsewhere.


    "Earth to Sister Xiu!" Han Bohai waved his hand before her face.


    "Huh?" Xiu flinched a little as her eyes focused on Han Bohai, she relaxed and asked, "What''s up?"


    "Is everything okay with you?" He repeated his question.


    Xiu wanted to tell him that she felt like something wasn''t right but before she could say anything, she was reminded of how earlier in the day Han Bohai told her that he wanted to leave early since it was his little cousin''s birthday. She didn''t think it was right to worry him over just because she had a stupid feeling.


    "I''m alright. But why are you still here? Don''t you have to catch a flight or something?"


    Han Bohai looked at his wristwatch and cursed, "I didn''t even realize it was this late. But I still have to drop off at your place."


    Xiu waved her hand saying, "That''s alright. I''m not a kid, I can manage."


    "But you''re a kid who doesn''t even know how to drive a car," reminded Han Bohai.


    "But there is a thing called a taxi and it''s for people like me. So, I can really manage," said Xiu and gave him a light shove adding, "Now, off to go! Don''t ruin your little cousin''s special day."


    "You''ll be fine, right?" asked Han Bohai once again before leaving.


    "Yes!" exclaimed Xiu in exasperation.


    It took a while but Han Bohai eventually left. It was only noon, so he didn''t think there''d be a problem for Xiu to get home on her own. At least, he didn''t think something like this would happen in broad daylight.


    *Flashback, to be Continued*

 666 Kidnapping

    It wasn''t the first time that Han Bohai had gone earlier than Xiu and she had to find her way home on her own. As she said, she wasn''t a kid. She could find her way home like she always did. So just like before, she wrapped her coat around her body and flagged herself a cab.


    With a mask covering her face, a hat on her head, and big glasses, it was hard to tell who it was. As she had made plenty of mistakes during the shoot, her mind was distracted even now. Thinking about what was wrong with her. She had leaned her head against the headrest. A very pleasant and calming scent in the air made her eyes heavy.


    Xiu tried to shake her head to keep herself awake but it didn''t work. Soon, she lost consciousness just like that. There was no struggle, no putting up a fight, no screaming for help. Just in silence, she was kidnapped in broad daylight.


    The next time she opened her eyes, she saw nothing except darkness. She was sitting on a hard wooden chair. Or more like tied to it. She could feel the biting of the rope on her wrists. This very moment scared the hell out of her. The cold and damp air surrounding her seemed to be wanting to freeze her bones.


    She could tell she wasn''t wearing her coat any longer. Because of the blindfold, she couldn''t see anything. But she could feel it. She could feel that her body was drained of energy. Her first instinct was to scream and she did. But...


    She felt fingers digging deeper into her cheeks. Just like that, the scream was stifled. Although she still wanted to scream at the top of her lungs, she couldn''t bring herself to do so. She was scared. That panting she heard made her body stiff, she could feel pleasure in that breath as if an animal in the heat was eyeing his prey.


    The oppressor didn''t say a word, he didn''t have to. His fingers did all the work for him. Cling, hook, crush, threatening to dislocate her jaw if she even tried to make a tiny sound. She was to remain silent. Completely silent!


    "Take a step back."


    Xiu heard a woman''s voice that sounded very familiar.


    "But boss I just want to have a taste," said the man.


    "We are sophisticated people. Don''t ruin your appetite by tasting such a cheap person."


    Xiu''s mind buzzed at those words. ''Cheap person.'' That clicked something in her brain and she was left in disbelief. She never thought the person to kidnap her would be Xin Suyin?


    The man took a step away from Xiu and stood aside respectfully. "Remove her blindfold," ordered the woman.


    As soon as the blindfold was opened, Xiu instinctively closed her eyes. The blaring light was too much for her eyes. As she tried to adjust her vision, Xin Suyin stepped closer to her. How did she know that? Because her high heels made a tic-toc sound on the marble floor as she came to Xiu''s side.


    "I think you shouldn''t be this surprised," began Xin Suyin as she crossed her arms over her chest and stood proudly before her eyes. "Weren''t you dying to see me?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Why would I?"


    Xin Suyin sneered as her hands came to rest beside Xiu''s sides. "Little girl, didn''t I warn you to disappear? Well, you didn''t take my words seriously. So, I thought you''re really dying to see me."


    "I didn''t hurt Liu Nuan," Xiu blurted out.


    "I know that," replied Xin Suyin. "I know my daughter well. I can tell when she''s lying. And let''s face it, you''re not a very good liar." Her hand stroked Xiu''s face and Xiu was so scared that she couldn''t even cower back. "But what you don''t know is that this whole scandal is fabricated by Niu Peizhi. She just hates you that much. Odd, isn''t it?"


    Xiu''s eyes widened. She knew Zhou Jinhai''s mother hated her but she never thought she''d go as far as this. But apparently, she had never been a good judge of a character. If she was, she would have seen even Xin Suyin for what she really was.


    "You both have a common goal. You both want me to disappear. So, wouldn''t it be right to say that you both planned this whole thing," said Xiu as her pent up emotions surged out in the form of tears.


    Xin Suyin snorted at that, "I don''t play such dirty tricks. I have a standard. I come from a very elite family, playing such stupid games is not my style." Her voice lowered dangerously as she added, "This is more like my style. Simple, straightforward, and clean."


    "What?"


    Xiu didn''t know how or where she found the wire that was soon strangling her neck. Her eyes bulged out, Xiu felt like her breath would stop any second now. Every inch of her body felt like it was losing power. There was a helplessness in her eyes mixed with resentment. But she could do nothing in her condition.


    Suddenly, Xin Suyin let go. Xiu coughed and continued to cough as she tried to fill her lungs with some oxygen. The wire had cut through her skin, she could feel blood trickling down her neck.


    She looked at Xin Suyin with horror in her eyes. If the last time she thought this woman was dangerous, this time she really felt it. This woman was a psychopath. She was sick in her head!


    "Don''t give me that look. You brought it upon yourself. I''m actually a very nice person. If you had disappeared when I asked you to, none of this would be happening right now." She stood straight while looking towards her men as she ordered, "Take her away and show our celebrity what really happens when you disobey Xin Suyin."


    *Flashback, to be Continued*

 667 Torture

    Chen Xiu never thought there would come a day when she''d feel like death was a lot easier than what she was currently going through. Because of Xin Suyin''s orders, two men had taken to a small room and threw her inside.


    Her hands and feet were still tied. The room wasn''t just small, it was colder than the place she had been in. There were bright lights in the room that hurt her eyes but whenever she tried to close her eyes, someone would splash her with water.


    She was already feeling cold and the water made it worse. Because of that, she didn''t even dare close her eyes for an extended period of time. She didn''t know how long she spent in this solitary. But she knew that she hadn''t seen anyone in a long time and neither had she slept in a long time. Food or water was just as much out of the picture.


    Her body had already given up on her but now, even her senses were about to be lost. This psychological torture was worse than anything she had gone through in life. She had heard about this, confinement, debilitation, sensory assault, and desperation. Who knew one day she''d have to experience it first hand as well. And for what? Why would no one even tell her what she had done wrong?


    It was at this point that Chen Xiu had found herself breaking apart literally in every sense. Her senses were in shambles and so was her mind. A person like her who was already depressed was literally thrown into an abyss now. She had always been trying to give hope to others but her own hope was leaving her side now.


    Before her desperation could turn her numb, the door that had been closed for who knew how long finally opened and Xin Suyin walked inside in good spirit.


    The finger marks on Xiu''s face from the other day had made her appearance unsightly. Lack of sleep and food made her look pale. No, she looked like she was about to breathe her last breath any minute now.


    "How are you, Chen Xiu?"


    Xiu didn''t even have the energy to glare at this woman. But she still looked at Xin Suyin with a blank look in her eyes.


    "Did my people treat you well?" As Xiu saw her stepping closer, her whole body quivered on instinct. "You look better than I thought. Even after four days, you''re in good spirits. How remarkable!" She placed her index finger under Xiu''s chin and looked into her eyes, "And here I thought of you as a weak girl. You''re stronger than you look, huh."


    Because of the cold temperature in the room, Xiu couldn''t really feel any sense in her body. Everything was numb. But Xin Suyin''s finger had a warmth to it and when it touched Xiu''s skin, it made her feel strange. She wanted to reject it and yet couldn''t help craving for that warmth as well.


    "Why?" Xiu''s voice came out in a whisper. She had long lost her voice from screaming for help when it wasn''t even heard by anyone. All she did was tiring herself by screaming for so long.


    Looking like a lifeless doll, Xiu said softly, "It isn''t for your daughter."


    Xin Suyin laughed out and continued to do so for a while before she patted Xiu''s face, "Smart! Finally, you''re using your brain. It really isn''t for my daughter." She took a deep breath before elaborating, "If the first time warning you was for my daughter, this time around is my personal vendetta."


    "I''ve never done anything to you," said Xiu. She wanted to cry again but all her tears had already dried up by now. She was really just a shell that was held up by the ropes that tied her to the chair.


    "The vendetta is with your mother. You''re just in the crossfire," replied Xin Suyin in such a calm tone that it really made Xiu feel like the person before wasn''t a human but a monster in the skin of a human.


    "My mother?" repeated Xiu.


    "Originally I thought you''re just acting but now, I honestly think that you''re as naive as you look," began Xin Suyin in a strange tone. "Did your mother really never told you who your father is?"


    That caught Xiu''s attention as she tried to gather all her energy left to look at Xin Suyin.


    Xin Suyin clicked her tongue in disappointment, "And here I had been thinking that your mother had planned everything. Just so she could revenge on me by snatching my daughter''s love from her as I snatched hers." The eyes that Xiu was keeping open with great difficulty, opened wide in shock. "Yes, my husband was originally your mother''s boyfriend. But I took a liking to him and I always get I want. So I did everything I could to get him."


    She shook her head as she went on, "If you hadn''t given the bone marrow to my daughter I''d have never doubted your existence. But when you turned out to be a perfect match for Nuannuan, I had an inkling. What a shame that I was right. You actually turned out to be my husband''s illegitimate daughter."


    Xiu felt her breath stuck in her throat. She couldn''t believe what she heard. What did she mean? Was Liu Nuan her own sister? How was that possible? Xiu wasn''t willing to believe it. Not even for a second!


    Xin Suyin took a chair and sat down right before Xiu as she continued, "Nothing ever slips out from my hands but your existence just became something I never even knew about. It makes me hate you even more. I hate it when the situation isn''t in my control. If I knew about you, I''d have killed you a long time ago."


    "Flashback, to be Continued*

 668 Flesh & Blood

    Xin Suyin didn''t know what reaction she had expected to see but Chen Xiu''s reaction didn''t bring any satisfaction to her. Xiu''s brain had completely stopped working at this point. She always thought she was an illegitimate daughter but to know that Liu Nuan was her sister, broke something within her.


    While Xiu''s brain was lost between reality and unconsciousness, Xin Suyin''s phone rang. Changing her tone, she picked up the call, "Hello, elder brother, is everything alright?" She was silent as she listened to the other side before gasping in shock, "What? How did this happen to sister Huan? Which hospital is she in? I''ll be right there."


    As she hung up the call, her expressions changed again as she laughed out. "Bloody hell! You young girls really are fun to play with. Here you are who easily got herself kidnapped and then there is another naive little girl who took my bait and drove her mother to death. Hahaha! This is exciting!"


    Chen Xiu had no idea what she was saying. She neither had the energy nor did her brain had the awareness of anything else.


    Getting no reaction from Xiu, Xin Suyin tapped the armrest of her chair for a minute before waving at her subordinates, "She is not as fun as I thought she''d be. How about you bring the other one?"


    Soon someone brought a table and a laptop. There was a call going on when it got connected, Xin Suyin smiled brightly at the woman on the screen, "Who are you this fine day, Chen Hana?"


    Yes, the woman on the screen was Chen Xiu''s mother and manager, Chen Hana.


    "You seem really bored," was Chen Hana''s indifferent response.


    But it amused Xin Suyin who had her legs over the table and leaned back in her chair in a relaxed posture as she said, "As expected, you still know me the best."


    "One should know one''s enemies," responded Chen Hana. "Now, get to the point. Don''t waste my time."


    "I should really not waste your time, you must be really busy looking for your daughter right now," said Xin Suyin, suggestively.


    Chen Hana''s brows raised slightly, "And why would I be doing that?"


    Xin Suyin frowned at Chen Hana''s calm and indifferent reaction, "You don''t even know that your daughter had not been home for the past four days?"


    Chen Hana shrugged her shoulders, "She always had the habit of running away without a word. It''s no big deal."


    Xin Suyin''s eyes narrowed as she sat up and turned the screen around, allowing Chen Hana to get the perfect view of Chen Xiu''s state. She came before the screen to see the desperation and helplessness in Chen Hana''s eyes that she had seen decades ago but to her dismay, the other woman was too nonchalant as she said, "Oh. She''s with you."


    "That''s it? Don''t you have anything else to say?"


    "Well, I was hoping one of those reactions. But aren''t you giving too bland of a reaction for your own flesh and blood?" Xin Suyin was feeling uneasy about Chen Hana''s reaction. She didn''t know why but she could feel it. Something was wrong in this situation.


    Chen Xiu had gotten her consciousness when she heard her mother''s voice but she couldn''t bring herself to even call for help. She couldn''t do anything except for listening.


    "I should feel something for my flesh and blood but..." Chen Hana took a pause before adding, "Who said she is my flesh and blood?"


    "What?"


    Now it was Chen Hana''s turn to laugh out hysterically. "I have waited for this day since the day you killed everyone close to me. I planned for years to get to this very day."


    "Have you lost your mind?" sneered Xin Suyin.


    Chen Hana gave her a sympathetic look, "No, my esteemed Ms. Xin, I lost my mind the day you took everything from me. Today, I''m gonna take everything from you."


    Xin Suyin snorted at her, "That day would never come."


    "But it came," replied Chen Hana calmly. "The girl behind you, she isn''t my daughter."


    "Liar!" shouted Xin Suyin. "I''ve done the DNA tests. She is definitely Liu''s daughter."


    Chen Hana smiled at her words, "Of course, she is. I never said she isn''t Liu''s daughter. I just said she isn''t my daughter."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Since the day you destroyed me, I''d vowed to do the same to you. But your family is Xin. I can''t touch them. However, there were other easier ways." She took a sip of her tea as she continued, "I just had to be at the right place at the right time to exchange my daughter with yours."


    Not just Xin Suyin, even Chen Xiu''s mind blanked at that statement.


    "That day, I took your daughter with me and left mine with you. No doubt, you raised my daughter with love and care as a cherished and pampered princess. That''s all I wished for." While Xin Suyin was glaring at Chen Hana, Chen Xiu''s last rays of hope were diminishing, leaving her cold, numb, and lifeless. "But my revenge would never be completed unless you ruined your own daughter with your own hands. And you did exactly that." Chen Hana''s laughter was like a knife twisting in Chen Xiu''s heart. "It''s funny how easy it is to predict your nature. In the end, you used your own hands to bring your own flesh and blood to this condition."


    Xin Suyin''s blood ran cold at that statement as she shook her head repeatedly, "No! I don''t believe you. You''re just lying to me! You''re lying! You''re playing tricks with me." Her eyes looked over at Xiu''s lifeless figure as she repeatedly said, "You''re lying. She can''t be my daughter."


    "I don''t really care whether you believe my words or not. I''m just gonna go and have a lavish party in celebration of this day I''ve waited for so long." With that the call disconnected, leaving Xin Suyin in a daze.


    *End of Flashback*

 669 A Breakdown

    It wasn''t like Xin Suyin believed Chen Hana''s words instantly. She wasn''t that naive. She did get a sample and did a DNA test again. But when she held the reports after a few hours in her hands, her face said it all. It was like someone pulled the ground right underneath her feet. Xiu''s brain had imprinted that look of horror on Xin Suyin''s face.


    But instead of pain, she felt like laughing. What a joke her life had become!


    Only after learning the truth, Xin Suyin had let Xiu go. But she didn''t dare look at Xiu, not like the latter wanted to see her either. In fact, this one truth was traumatic to Xin Suyin but it was something that allowed Xiu to feel liberated. She finally felt like her last attachment to this world ended right here. Now, there was nothing holding back. So, it was time to let go.


    And that''s exactly what she did.


    Coming back to the present, Xiu''s face was looking blankly into a distance. She found it funny that as Chen Xiu, she was called an illegitimate daughter and as for Bai Xiu, she was still an illegitimate daughter. This fate really didn''t like playing nice with her.


    Darren''s hands that held hers were holding her so tightly that Xiu felt pain but she didn''t say it. She knew he was scared to learn about this side of the story that only the people involved knew about. If she could, she would never want to repeat it. She kept a fair distance from this specific memory because even the reminder of it brought her right where she lost everything. She didn''t want to start all over again.


    She could see tears brimming in his eyes but he was holding it back with all his willpower. "I thought you chose to give up because of all those scandals and rumors about you."


    "It hurt. Of course, every word that people said pierced right through my heart. I devoted my youth to please my fans and at the time when I needed them the most, they gave up on me. They gave up completely! So, I was really hurt but it wasn''t enough to break me. I was a foolish person back then, you should remember that I could be crying all day but could become the happiest as soon as someone offered a candy. Life was truly that simple to me back then."


    Darren couldn''t even refute her words. Chen Xiu was certainly the person who knew how to find something to hold on to. Even if there was the smallest hope, she won''t give up.


    "That I actually lost my mind and that''s why I committed suicide?" He was quiet in reply while Xiu sighed loudly, "I won''t say that''s wrong. Because those meds really messed up my crumbling brain. Even at this moment, I am not certain that the memories I have are the real ones or just a part of my hallucinations." Darren''s body stiffened. "After the kidnapping incident, the hallucinations got worse to the point that it was already beyond me."


    *Flashback*


    When Chen Xiu came back to her condo, she was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. Her body ached. The first thing she did after coming back was sleeping after taking her pills. But she kept tossing and turning in her sleep. She kept feeling like she was drowning repeatedly in her sleep. The nightmare was so realistic that when she woke up, she found herself in an even worse condition.


    She crawled her way to the bathroom and tried to puke but there had been nothing in her stomach for days. All that came out was acid. Holding the side of the marble basin, she stood up and looked at her own reflection in the mirror. The girl before her eyes was completely unrecognizable. Huge eyebags, red eyes, blue bruises littered on the face.


    Instead of feeling pity for herself, she felt repulsed by herself.


    "Oh, look! Goddess Xiu looks worse than a beggar now!"


    "Aww... Poor her! Nobody wants her. Not even her own mother! Hahaha!"


    "How does it feel to know that you''ve lived your whole life built on a lie?"


    "Aiyo! It''s not just her life. She is herself become a lie. Or more like a joke!"


    "Are you gonna cry now? Come on! Go ahead and cry all you want. No mommy is gonna come to wipe your tears. The fake one is busy partying over her victory and the real one? Hahaha! The real one is a masterpiece!"


    Xiu covered her ears trying to block all these voices but nothing stopped. She could still hear the sneering, the mocking. Because the voices never came from around her. It was made up in her brain. Her own unconsciousness was tearing her apart!


    Xiu slid down to the floor and sobbed hysterically. No, she wailed, loudly!


    "What have I done? What have I ever done to deserve any of it? What have I done?!!! Answer me!! Why am I being punished?!"


    But who was there to hear her screams? No one!


    Who was there to comfort her? No one!


    Who was there just for her? No one! Not a single soul!


    She was all alone! And she had to face this mental breakdown all on her own!


    *To be Continued*

 670 Best Version Of Yourself

    After crying her heart out, she lost her voice even further. Since her heart had come to a decision, she felt relatively calm now. Chen Xiu had no intention of seeing a doctor for this. She didn''t think she needed it now. She got up and cleaned herself up. Dressed up in clean clothes before she put on ointment on her wrists and ankles that had the bruises from the rope.


    "Ah!"


    Even when she screamed in pain, she still had to do it all on her own. And she did.


    For the next couple of days, whatever she ate, she puked out. Her stomach couldn''t hold it in. That further weakened her body. And every night, she would think up of a new way to die.


    For instance...


    Holding the kitchen knife in her hand, she continued to stare at it for a long time. As if some whispered in her ear, "Just do it. There is nothing left for you here. This is the only way."


    In the end, she slammed the knife down and stepped back saying, "No. What if the cut is not deep enough and I survived? It''d be too much of a trouble."


    It happened again, the next day...


    She tied the rope and stood up on the stool. She even wore the rope around her neck when the same voice whispered again, "There is no way you''ll survive this. It''s very simple. Just let the stool go and it''d done. Easy, isn''t it?"


    Taking a deep breath with her eyes closed, she came down saying, "I have always been a fan of my swan-like neck. How can I leave such a hideous mark around it? No, no! It''s not acceptable."


    Just like that, she let another day passed. Even though she had wholeheartedly decided to take her own life, she still couldn''t bring herself to do so. Every day she looked for an excuse. And every time she found a ridiculous excuse to step back.


    Just like that, a week passed. The bruises on her skin healed sooner than she had expected. And she thought it was fortunate because that day Han Bohai came back from An City after spending a long time with his cousin.


    Obviously, the first person he sought after coming back to the Capital was Chen Xiu.


    "What is the occasion?" he inquired as he looked at the table full of delicacies. Every dish on the table was his favorite.


    Chen Xiu''s smile towards him was softer than usual. It was brimming with warmth. Her heart finally answered why she had been hesitating for the past week. She wanted to meet this idiot just one last time.


    "I missed you, Xiao Bobo."


    "Huh? What''s wrong with you Sister Xiu? I was only gone for two weeks."


    "I know but I missed you a lot. I realized how deeply you''re connected to my life."


    Han Bohai felt proud, "Now you know my importance."


    "Am I especially handsome tonight? Why do you keep looking at me?" he joked.


    "You had always been handsome." Her answer wasn''t out of the norm but it gave him an uneasy feeling.


    "Sister Xiu, have you been well when I was gone?" Xiu nodded her head. "Then why didn''t you take any of my calls?"


    "I lost my phone and without you, I''m useless. I couldn''t even find a new phone for myself."


    Han Bohai frowned but didn''t say anything to her.


    Propping her face on her hands, she said, "Bobo, if there really is the next life, I really want to have you as my brother."


    Han Bohai''s eyes widened, "Oh? And why is that?"


    Xiu stretched her hands over and pinched his cheeks saying, "Because I really love you."


    Han Bohai blushed at her response, "Sister Xiu, you really know how to flatter me."


    "But all I said is the truth," she replied. Xiu stood up and played music. It was a famous cello piece.


    Han Bohai frowned as he said, "Don''t you always avoid such music? I remember you told me how listening to cello makes you feel lonely and suffocates you."


    Xiu smiled sadly at him as she replied, "I still don''t know why I always get a lonely feeling whenever I hear a cello playing around. But today, I just feel like admiring this beautiful art of music."


    Han Bohai didn''t find her melancholic expression strange at all. She liked talking nonsense anyway. On normal days, she''d in fact choose to listen to piano rather than cello but today must be something special that she wanted to change her taste, so he didn''t question further.


    It was pretty late when he decided to leave after talking and laughing around with her. Even when he was leaving, she had a bright smile on her face. But before he could leave, she held him back and hugged him saying, "Thank you, Xiao Bobo."


    "Huh? For what?" he was dumbfounded.


    She pulled away and replied, "For everything." She ruffled his hair and said, "Take care of yourself, and don''t forget to be the best version of yourself. Dazzle the world with your charms."


    "Sister Xiu, stop talking nonsense."


    She chuckled, "Okay. I won''t talk nonsense ever again. I promise." She even gave him a pinky promise which he was skeptical about but if he knew that she was planning on keeping that promise in that way, he''d have never agreed to it.


    She waved him goodbye and finally breathed calmly. A heavy weight lifted off her heart. Later on, she cleaned up the kitchen, took a shower, changed into a maroon silk sleeping gown. Habitually, she opened Weibo and read all the profanities directed towards herself.


    However, at this moment her mindset had already changed a lot from what it had been two weeks ago. She took deep breaths repeatedly before she began to walk towards the balcony.


    Suddenly, a loud ringtone rang in the condo...


    *To be Continued*

 671 The Coldness Thats Left In Me

    The ringtone didn''t belong to Chen Xiu''s phone. It was the landline that was ringing incessantly. She who had been watching the grey blanket of wool enshrouding the sky slowly stepped back and pressed the button to attend the call.


    However, she didn''t speak but the person on the other end also didn''t speak. There was a long silence and it stretched out for far too long. If it was a normal person he''d hang up by now but neither of the sides intended on doing it. Oddly, one could feel a strange atmosphere.


    Chen Xiu sat down at the edge of her soft bed as she finally heaved a sigh and said, "Do you really think you can reverse the damage you have done?"


    "Xiu~" A very soft cry was heard from the other side.


    Chen Xiu shook her head as she spoke desolately, "Please, don''t say my name. I''ve always loved my name. You''re just making me hate it now."


    "I didn''t know you''re my daughter," the woman said.


    Xiu laughed at that but without any emotions, "And that is supposed to make it alright? If you know I''m your daughter then none of this would have happened? But let me ask you one thing, if it''s your daughter''s wish then it''s acceptable no matter how unreasonable it is but if it''s a common person''s wish to simply breathe in peace, they are not even entitled to do so just because they could become a hindrance to your daughter? What kind of thinking is that?"


    Xin Suyin was silent for a moment before she said, "I''ll make it alright. I''ll fix everything for you. You love Zhou Jinhai, I''ll get him for you. I''ll give you anything you want. Let''s just have a talk, eh?"


    "Talk?" repeated Xiu. "Isn''t it too late for this? You said you can fix everything, maybe you really are powerful enough to do so. But can you bring back my soul?" She stayed silent for a moment before continuing, "You said you can give me Zhou Jinhai but let me ask this when have I ever asked for him?"


    "Don''t you love him?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes to herself, "Love? That''s not enough. I''d never beg a man to come back to me who left me for another. I might be your blood but I am not you! I''ll never think about snatching someone."


    "I never snatched anyone. Liu Mingfan was meant to be mine!"


    Xiu could hear no remorse in her tone and it really made her laugh at herself who always looked for the good in others. What a joke! She really was too naive for this tricky world.


    "I can still feel a cold chill running through my bones," started Xiu and instantly shut Xin Suyin up. "It''s like the cold has crawled up to my heart and now, it''s eroding every single part of me."


    "I... I..." Xin Suyin couldn''t bring herself to say anything. Xiu''s words were a clear reminder of how she locked her up in cold temperature for days. "I''m sorry."


    Xiu looked at her hands and in a daze continued, "You know someone once called me a porcelain doll. He said I look too beautiful to be real. So beautiful that he''s scared I might break if he even touched me carelessly." Xiu exhaled a breath, "I refuted his words strongly by saying that I might look like a porcelain doll but I ain''t that weak. I''m stronger. I strongly believed that I''d survive this bitter life of mine. I never thought the person to break me, in the end, would be the person who was supposed to protect me from the world."


    "This is all of Chen Hana''s fault. Listen to me, I won''t let her live in peace. I''ll destroy her!"


    Xiu wasn''t affected by her temperament rather she found it funny as she said, "It''s funny how you can see what she did to you but you can''t seem to see what you actually did to her."


    "Did she tell you?" Xiu could hear the fear in her voice when she inquired. "Don''t believe anything she says."


    "She didn''t say anything to me. Even if she did, I''m not willing to listen. Besides, I don''t think I can believe in either of you." Xiu''s reply was firm and resolute. "If she did something in retaliation it only means you definitely did something to her. As you said, I just got caught in the crossfire."


    Xiu looked out the window at the darkened sky and mumbled, "Mrs. Liu, do you believe in karma?"


    "What?"


    "At this point, you should really believe in karma. It''s a very strange reality of life. Every sky that darkens will light up, either to bright up the dark night or to strike the thunder down."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "Oh, nothing. I just have a habit of talking nonsense." Xiu tapped her fingers at the side table as she continued, "You have painted your sky with blood rather than darkness. I''ll help you paint it with darkness now. And trust me, you''ll never find any brightness in the darkness I''ll leave for you. That''s a promise."


    "What are you intending on doing?" she questioned feeling a premonition in her heart.


    "Before I tell you that, can I ask you something?" Taking her silence as a yes, Xiu asked, "Did you know that Niu Peizhi had my meds mixed up?"


    "That..."


    Xiu chuckled, "I got my answer. Thank you for letting me know."


    Before Xin Suyin could make sense of her words, Xiu had hung up the call and stood up. She slowly walked up to the balcony again. By this time, the raindrops had started falling.


    ''I wonder if you''ll miss me if I''m gone. I wonder if you''ll believe in me once I''m no more.'' Wondering this to herself, her bare feet touched the surface of the wicker chair as she stood on it looking down.


    She looked on in fascination before she heard another whisper in her ear, "If you can''t get the warmth in this life, you shouldn''t leave the warmth in their life either. So what if they don''t believe you? You should teach them a lesson!"


    Just with that thought, the bright girl had stopped struggling with that inner demon and smiled saying, "That''s right. The coldness I''m feeling, others should learn to get used to it as well."


    She had always been scared of pain. But the coldness she felt last week really made her feel like she had turned numb. She believed it wouldn''t hurt as much as it hurt to struggle. The constant struggle of breathing every second. This struggle was far worse. So why not just give up all for once? This was the final struggle. One-step and eternal sleep.


    It seemed a lot easier and bearable than life right now.


    Closing her eyes gently, she smiled in satisfaction. She slumped her body ahead and...


    *End of Flashback*

 672 Believer

    Xiu could perceive the change in his emotions. She had come to know her Baobei way too well by now. She leaned her head on his shoulder as she stated, "That was really not one of my proudest moments. In fact, it still isn''t. But you see, I had long lost control over my own self. At that moment, I was truly helpless. That was the only escape route my brain created for me and I blindly accepted it as the last escape."


    Darren stayed quiet in reply. He was so emotionally devasted that he couldn''t even bring himself to say anything to her.


    After saying it all for the first time ever, Xiu felt liberated? It was like she found a way to breathe again. And it calmed her down as well. That initial fear she felt towards Xin Suyin seemed to have vanished since the person sitting with her was her husband, Regan Darren Salvay. It was strange but she truly believed in him to the point that she was certain she''d be safe with him around.


    And that thought didn''t even surprise her at all. Because it was true.


    "You know, I never thought I''d regret that moment," started Xiu and Darren turned his face to look at her face. "I regret taking that last step very much."


    "How come?" he questioned.


    Xiu smiled bitterly, "If I had waited for just a little longer, you''d have been there." Darren was stunned by her reply. "I have imagined it a million times. How would it be like if you came to knock on my door that night and I opened it for you?" She shook her head in disappointment, "I don''t know the rest but I''m certain Chen Xiu wouldn''t have died all alone."


    "Didn''t you come to hate the very existence of yourself?" he wondered.


    Xiu nodded without hesitation, "I did. I hate it all. But somehow you make everything alright. This whole rebirth phenomenon didn''t make sense to me either and I never accepted it until you came around. Only then did I realize that the fate I used to curse at had planned to bring you to me. And for some bizarre reason, that made me feel special and precious." She snorted, "I''m crazy, random, can get super rude at times as well, and can get cold as well. But the thing is none of it had been in my control since my rebirth. My emotions had been a mess since I woke up in this body of a stranger with no memories to guide me. I guess everything my brain experienced as Chen Xiu, left a after shadow. Or more like a trauma. That''s why I''m weird. I wish I could control it though."


    Darren cupped her face as he said, "You''re special and you''re precious. I have said that plenty of times but every time, I meant it."


    "Sweets, I promise you. I''ll not let Xin Suyin go easily for everything she did to you. And this time, I won''t let Niu Peizhi off as well!"


    Xiu leaned her face over and kissed his forehead. "Aiyo, dear husband, do you really think I told you all of that for revenge?"


    "Sweets, you might be kindhearted but I am not! They snatched you from me. I won''t let that go."


    Seeing the fury in his eyes, Xiu was silent for a moment. "Who said I''m kindhearted?" Darren frowned at her. "Yes, Chen Xiu was indeed kindhearted. She was also foolish who thought just her death would solve everything. But don''t forget now, I''m Bai Xiu." She lowered her voice before adding, "And let me tell you, Destiny Novell''s hands weren''t as clean as her image."


    "You had been silent for years. Even after getting a second chance at life, you chose to forgive everyone!" reminded Darren with rage bursting through his eyes.


    Xiu hugged his waist as she placed her chin on his shoulder, "That''s only because I didn''t even know why I got reincarnated. Besides, I''m a strong believer in karma. I truly believed that everyone will get their just treatment in due time."


    "If you won''t do anything, how will that happen?" he asked.


    "That''s also true," nodded Xiu gently. "I always wondered why would I get a new lease at life in this way. Was it really for revenge though?"


    "No! This is the chance for you to face everything you ran from! This is the chance to show those people that even in death, you can still make them miserable! This is your only chance to prove that you did nothing wrong!"


    Xiu chuckled softly, "Sorry! It''s just that you look angrier than me."


    "It''s not really funny."


    "I know that," she said before pouting. "But I told you so many times, something is wrong with my brain. I''ll be crying in one minute and the next, I''d be over the moon. That''s the aftereffects of depression. I lost some screws of my brain."


    Darren shook his head at her saying, "No my darling wife, that''s all on you. You have always been like this."


    "Was I?" Xiu stared at him foolishly.


    "Yes, you were always like this." While she was incredulously staring nowhere, he asked, "Shall we go home?"


    "Why? What for? The wedding didn''t end though," said Xiu hurriedly.


    "Sweets, I don''t want you to hurt yourself in any way."


    Xiu stood up and offered her hand to him, he took his without hesitation, "You keep holding onto this hand. The rest... I''ll handle on my own. But you don''t let this hand go."


    Darren intertwine their fingers and brought their joined hands up to drop a kiss on the back of her hand as he said, "Never! I can''t even imagine living without holding this hand."


    Xiu smiled brightly at him as she said, "Then the rest I can really go through." Of course, she was bluffing most of it. Except for the fact that she needed him by his side. But she also didn''t want to run away. She had done that as Chen Xiu. If she ran away again, she might never be able to face her own self ever again.


    "Let''s go inside," said Xiu and pulled Darren along.


    What both of them didn''t notice was that a lone figure had been standing around a pillar and heard everything they talked about. From the moment Xiu started talking, that person had heard every word of hers and now had a darkened expression along with disbelief and incredulity.

 673 Things We Do For Love

    And this time around, he would make sure she takes revenge. He''d hate to let any one of those people get away with what they did to her. Xiu''s kindness was not placed in the right place or on the right people. These people broke her in a way that they didn''t deserve any of her kindness. Even if she could forget all that, he knew she won''t be able to set herself free from it.


    "Sweets, are you really sure about this?" He asked one last time before they entered back inside.


    Xiu patted his hand saying, "I know you think I''m weak but trust me, I''ll try my best to be strong."


    "That''s not what I meant," retorted Darren with a frown.


    Xiu passed him a smile as she went on, "Okay, okay. What I really want to say is that now I don''t just have you." Darren raised his brows at her inquisitively. She lowered her voice as she added, "Now I have a little tiger inside of me. I''ll have to be better than this."


    Darren''s brows eased up.


    "Things we do for love," said Xiu as she looked around at the people mingling in this banquet.


    If someone had told her a few days ago that she''d be daring enough to walk up to Xin Suyin and pretend like everything was alright, Xiu might slap that person. But today, after that initial shock, she felt rather relaxed. It was as if an inner force was urging her to not step back. And the magnetic pull of that inner force was so strong that Xiu couldn''t hold back.


    .....


    Earlier, the very first person to notice Xiu''s absence was Xin Zimen. He was talking to people around him but his attention never left Xiu. But the moment he got a little distracted because of Su Feifei''s antics, Xiu was gone.


    His eyes wandered around the hall but he didn''t find her.


    "Little brother, who are you looking for?"


    "I''m looking for..." In his frantic state of mind, he didn''t even realize who was the one asking the question and almost blurted out that he was looking for Xiu. As for why he felt this frantic, only he could tell.


    He looked up at his brother and replied, "None of your business."


    Xin Zemin laughed at him saying, "How come your answer is always the same? I believe I taught you more than just a few words."


    "With a teacher like you, no wonder I forgot everything," retorted Xin Zimen.


    "You really have come to hate playing nice, eh?" Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders but stayed silent. "Why don''t you go over and say hello to mom and dad?"


    "All the more reason for you to go over," said Xin Zemin with a smile gracing his face. "Have you ever done anything to please our parents? Isn''t your main goal to annoy them? So, go ahead and say hello."


    "Is it just me or you''ve changed?" Asked Zizi with a perplexed look on his face.


    His elder brother smiled and raised his hand to touch his head but as usual, Zizi stepped away. His brother looked discouraged but be still said, "You haven''t met me in years. Obviously, I have changed." He took a pause before adding, "And relax, I won''t touch you."


    "Oh." There was uncertainty in his tone.


    But contrary to what he said, Xin Zemin taking advantage of his distraction, still ended up touching his head as he said, "Sorry, I lied. But I couldn''t help it."


    While Zizi was glaring at his brother he saw Xiu walking back with Darren. Leaving his brother, he ran up to these two with a worried look. Well, at least, he wanted to run up with Xin Zemin stepped in his way as he raised his brows to ask, "That girl... Why are you so concerned about her?"


    "I''m not obliged to answer," replied Xin Zimen and tried to leave again.


    "Be careful, little brother." His elder brother''s words halted Xin Zimen''s steps. "Don''t look so eager. Let''s not forget, every person in this room is trying to find that one weakness they could use against you. And our parents are also one of those people. So, take your steps wisely." He patted his brother''s shoulder before leaving.


    Xin Zimen was frozen on his spot. Because for once, he didn''t have a way to refute his elder brother''s words. It seemed funny but he couldn''t deny that indeed he had way too many people around him who were looking for a way to tear him down. None of them would dare touch his sons but he couldn''t say whether they''d think of using Xiu or not.


    His heart chilled at the thought and so did his eyes. One could feel the cold aura emitting from his body.


    "Why are you standing frozen here, Ah-Xin?"


    Instead of Xin Zimen finding Xiu, it was the latter who came to find him. Well, he just happened to be in her way and she couldn''t resist asking him why he was just standing there. But when he turned to look at her, she said, "Or you''re trying to freeze others with that look."


    His eyes instantly calmed down when he saw her. But soon, his brows knitted up as he looked at her face closely.

 674 Pretty Close

    "Did you cry?" he asked straightforwardly taking Xiu by surprise.


    She grinned at him, "Why would I cry?"


    "That''s what I''m thinking," he replied. He frowned and looked at Darren, "What did you do?"


    Darren gaped at him in disbelief, "Uncle Zi, can you stop playing favorites and think for once whether I can even do anything to hurt her?"


    Xin Zimen couldn''t disagree but he still said, "But love is painful in itself. We often can''t tell how it''ll mess with us or the others around us."


    Before Darren could say anything, Xiu interrupted their stare down with, "Ah-Xin, don''t intimidate my husband. He is like a puppy, very harmless."


    "And you''re like a cat, very lazy!" said Xin Zimen as she pinched her nose making her scrunch it up adorably. "Now don''t try to distract me with your cute face. Tell me what''s wrong."


    "But there is nothing wrong," Xiu stressed on her words while Darren stayed quiet beside her with a subtle smile on his face.


    "I might really come off as gullible to you but trust me, I''m not. I can see it all over your face." When Xiu didn''t open her mouth to reply, he added, "Are you feeling okay? Not feeling any nausea or any headaches?"


    Xiu chuckled as she shook her head, "No, I was just feeling a little suffocated and that''s why we went out for a walk. That''s all."


    Xin Zimen''s expressions changed as he pursed his lips before saying, "Then how about you go back home to rest? It''s not healthy for the baby to be at such a boisterous place anyway."


    "How is this a boisterous scene? Isn''t it too elegant around here?"


    "Maybe that''s why you''re feeling suffocated," reasoned Xin Zimen.


    Xiu tried to reassure him, "It''s alright. At the bachelor party, I had the same feeling. But it was alright later on."


    "You didn''t even stick around for long," reminded Xin Zimen. He looked back at Darren and said, "Be a little responsible. Take her back home. Or maybe, let''s take her to the hospital."


    Xiu hid behind Darren saying in a small voice, "Why are you doing this to me, Ah-Xin? I just want to have some fun?"


    "There is nothing fun here," said Xin Zimen.


    Xiu gasped at him, "Are you saying that your own son''s wedding banquet is not fun? How mean!"


    "Little lass, there are way too many eyesores in this banquet that are enough to eat up my fun."


    "Oh," was Xiu''s reply. She still pouted, "But I want to stay a bit longer. Nothing is wrong with me."


    Darren hurriedly agreed with Xin Zimen as he said, "That''s exactly what I said. We should leave but she isn''t listening." He was still adamant about taking her out of here. This psychological condition of hers would definitely affect their baby as well. He didn''t want to risk anything here.


    "What did you say?" Xiu narrowed her eyes at him dangerously and he smiled back.


    "I mean I''ll be where my wife is."


    Xiu was satisfied with that reply. Xin Zimen''s lips twitched as he said, "You really are a puppy, so obedient."


    "Hehe..." was Darren''s response which got him a roll of eyes from Xin Zimen.


    "Regi, come here for a minute!"


    Darren looked over at his mother and looked back at his wife. He didn''t want to even step away from her at this time but...


    Xiu patted his arm saying, "Go on! I''m fine. Ah-Xin is here." Seeing his reluctance, Xiu shook her head and leaned in to say, "Mama is with your father, don''t you think you should be there?"


    Only then did Darren noticed his father standing beside Francesca and a frown etched between his brows. "Don''t go anywhere, I''ll be right back." As if not trusting her at all, he turned to Xin Zimen, "Uncle Zi, I''m troubling you but keep an eye on her for me."


    "I''m not a kid," grumbled Xiu.


    "But you''re with a kid," said Xin Zimen knowingly and Xiu could only curse under her breath as she had no retort for that.


    Only seeing this did Darren walk away from them. And when he did, Xin Zimen got back to his suspicion, "You''re hiding something from me, right?"


    "Why would I do that? And what do I even have to hide from you?" responded Xiu calmly.


    "I don''t know all that but I can tell you''re hiding something from me."


    Xiu was quiet for a minute as she looked at his face in silence and asked, "It must really be tiring, eh?"


    "What?"


    "Having this acute senses," replied Xiu.


    "It''s a survival skill," answered Xin Zimen. "Without these skills, I wouldn''t have lived till now."


    Xiu''s face darkened as she asked, "I didn''t know about your sister." She took a pause and added, "I heard you''re pretty close to her."


    Xin Zimen neither agreed nor disagreed as he said, "She is my elder uncle''s daughter. He died right after her birth so she grew up with me and my brother. That''s why..." He thought for a moment before asking, "But why are you suddenly curious about Suyin?"


    "As I just said, just a little curious that''s all." She looked around and asked, "So, you must also be close to your niece?"


    "Yes, I think we are pretty close."


    Xiu''s face soured at that remark as she said, "Oh, really?"


    Xin Zimen placed his hand around her shoulders saying, "Don''t you think we are pretty close? Or it''s just me?"


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded.


    Xin Zimen poked her forehead with his index finger and said, "Silly, aren''t you, my niece?"

 675 Xin Brothers Wedding

    Soon her laughter turned strange as Xiu realized that whether it was her previous life or the present one, this man still was her uncle. It meant whether she was the daughter of Xin Suyin, Chen Xiu, or the daughter of Xin Zemin, Destiny Novell, either way, this middle Xin brother was her uncle. Now whether that was a good thing or bad, that was hard to say.


    "What did Xiao Zi say to make this little one so happy?"


    Both Xin Zimen and Xiu looked up at Zhao Huan.


    "I don''t think I said anything special," said Xin Zimen. "But I''m glad to see her laughing like this."


    When Zhao Huan gave Xiu an inquisitive, she replied, "It was nothing."


    "If you say so," said Zhao Huan.


    Looking at Zhao Huan again, Xiu recalled something, and her brows knitted up. So, she ended up shaking her head at her own thought. It seemed ridiculous but then again, everything around her had been ridiculous lately. Even her existence was pretty ridiculous.


    "So he is the remedy you needed?" Xiu looked over at Ying and raised her brow in question. "Well, you''ve been looking pretty strange earlier but now that you''re standing with Zizi, I can see that sparkling laughter. How beautiful!" Taking a pause, she added, "You should have let me know earlier, I''d have dragged Zizi to you."


    "You don''t have to drag me, Ying''er!"


    Ying made a face at Xin Zimen and replied, "Yes, I just have to call and he''d come. Are you trying to make me jealous, sister? Because this one has never been this doting towards even me." The last statement was directed at Xiu.


    "I don''t play favorites," said Xin Zimen.


    Ying snorted, "Of course, you don''t."


    Before Xin Zimen could speak, Zhao Huan asked her, "Xiao Ying, where is your boyfriend?"


    Ying frowned slightly, "He went out to the garden with that little brother of Xiu."


    "Jackie?" questioned Xiu in surprise. And when Ying nodded, she went on, "What''s he doing with Jackie?"


    Ying shrugged her shoulders saying, "They seem to have grown pretty tight in just one meeting and the credit goes to you."


    "Me?"


    Ying bobbed her head up and down saying, "Yes, you! After all, they both have one thing in common."


    "And what''s that?"


    "Their sister Xiu," was Ying reply that made Xiu stunned to her place.


    While Xiu was pondering over this Zhao Huan further asked, "I haven''t been able to say this yet but Xiao Ying looked exceptionally beautiful tonight."


    "Wasn''t I always beautiful?" retorted Ying. "I get it that I loved to eat clay and play in mud but I was always gorgeous."


    Zhao Huan chuckled at her remark, "Yes, yes, you have always been gorgeous. But tonight, you''re sparkling in a different way."


    While Ying was thinking about what was different, Xiu spoke up, "It must be the make-up. Someone has put all his love into it."


    Ying''s eyes went round, "How do you know Han Bohai did my makeup?"


    Xiu smiled at Ying saying, "Intuition."


    Although Ying didn''t buy that answer, she still said, "Sis, stop wasting such precious intuition on useless things."


    "Ah-Xin, Ying Jie said I''m useless," whined Xiu.


    Xin Zimen stared at Ying, "Seriously?"


    Ying gaped at them, "You both are like father and daughter duo. More like Bullying Duo!"


    Both Xin Zimen and Xiu were stunned by her words. Especially Xiu, whose mood was already swaying around went really low. Because in her heart, she had already questioned, ''Why in both lifetimes was he just her uncle? Didn''t she deserve a father like him?''


    "Xiu have you seen Ah-Si?"


    Now that Nora was also here, Xiu had to put on her smile as she shook her head saying, "Why? Is he lost? What is he, four?"


    Nora glared at her, "No! He went after his brother but haven''t come back yet."


    Ying looked over at the stage and said, "But Ah-Li is right there."


    "He just came back but Ah-Si didn''t, that''s why I''m asking guys."


    "Relax, he won''t lose his way."


    "He is a very sensible kid, he really won''t lose his way," Xin Zimen also agreed with Xiu words.


    "Forget about that, let''s have some serious discussion." As Xiu slid close to Nora, the latter felt like something was up and indeed... "Ah-Xin, I still think you should do something."


    "About?"


    Xiu pinched Nora''s chin as she said, "Look, my best friend''s youth is slipping away. Don''t do this and let her get married to your son."


    "When did I hinder them?" retorted Xin Zimen.


    Xiu grinned slyly, "So you don''t mind if I push them both on this same stage to get married?"


    "I do!" was Xin Zimen''s reply which caught Xiu''s off guard as he continued, "I don''t want the history to repeat itself."


    "What?"


    Zhao Huan patted Xiu''s shoulder as she answered it for her, "He means he wants to end the tradition of ''Xin Brothers Wedding''."


    Xiu was staring at them with a lost expression, even Nora was no different. It was the only Ying who had a knowing look on her face as she shook her head.


    "What exactly does that mean?" asked Xiu.


    "It means Zizi neither wants his sons to have the same wedding as his parents nor does he want them to have the same wedding as his own."


    To clear up her confusion, Zhao Huan further explained it to her, "The day of my wedding and Xin Zimen and Wen Ai''s wedding is exactly the same."


    "You married on the same day as your brother?" questioned Xiu to Xin Zimen.


    "Not just the same day, it was at the same place as well," added Zhao Huan with a strange look in her eyes directed towards Xin Zimen who didn''t dare look up before her.

 676 Dead Mother-In-Law

    The wedding scene made one''s mind blown. It was claimed by the media that people would remember this wedding for years to come. It was the union between Xin Clan and Zhao Clan. It was meant to be a grand affair. And it deserved all the attention it got as well.


    However, no one expected the turn of events that would actually make this wedding one of the most historic ones.


    23-year-old bride and groom said their wedding vows and exchanged the rings. As the officiant declared them husband and wife, a loud bang was heard as the doors of the grand banquet hall opened to reveal the striking face of Ms. Wen Ai.


    Let''s not forget, even though she was known as the close friend of the youngest son of Xin''s, she was still not invited to the wedding. After all, who would care about the youngest son''s wishes or who he wanted to invite? But then again, who was capable of stopping the tyrant princess, Wen Ai?


    With her bright red skirt swaying lightly, Wen Ai walked up to the stage towards the bride and groom but before she could ascend the steps, Mother Xin stood up and held her arm to hold her back.


    "Wen Ai, what are you doing here?"


    Wen Ai''s eyes shifted as she replied, "I don''t feel obliged to answer that, Mrs. Xin."


    Mother Xin gnashed her teeth, "I don''t remember inviting you here."


    Wen Ai tilted her head and laughed at Mother Xin as she said, "And who dares to stop me? Even if you forget my status, let''s not forget what kind of a person I am. Do you really want me to tear down your facade of being Madam Xin before all these esteemed guests?" Mother Xin had a horrified expression as she continued, "Then let''s be civil. Don''t create a scene unnecessarily. It''s my big day."


    Mother Xin had no other option but to step away in her fury. It had to be said that the reason she hated Wen Ai was that whenever this woman came before her, Mother Xin would always feel inferior before her. After all, Mother Xin originally came from a simple family and wouldn''t have been at the position she was today without Father Xin.


    Thus whenever she faced Wen Ai, she was reminded of the difference between them. Although Wen Ai had a very casual bearing, she still seemed to carry a royal aura around her. Perhaps, it was really as people said, somethings we do inherit in blood.


    Moving up to the bride and groom, Wen Ai enthusiastically congratulated, "I wish you both a very happy married life. May your garden bloom with the prettiest flowers.[1]"


    Zhao Huan''s mood was a little strange as she asked, "Wen Ai, what are you trying to do?"


    Wen Ai gave her a sly smile as she answered honestly, "Sorry, Sister Huan, but it seems like I''m trying to steal your stage."


    "What?" Zhao Huan was perplexed.


    "But the wedding ceremony is done," replied the officiant.


    "Not quite yet," said Wen Ai. "You still have another wedding to officiate."


    "Whose wedding?" the question came from Zhao Huan who had a bad feeling about this. It had to be said Wen Ai would never attend any function unless she wanted to create some trouble. And it seemed this Ms. Wen definitely came with her own agenda once again.


    "My wedding," answered Wen Ai with a bright smile.


    "What?" Zhao Huan was baffled at that reply. The lady before her was only 19 but that wasn''t the biggest concern, the main concern of hers was, "Who is the groom?"


    "Are you coming up or should I drag you here?" Zhao Huan followed Wen Ai''s line of sight and her eyes went round when she found Xin Zimen. Seeing him stand up, Wen Ai announced, "That''s the groom."


    "What nonsense are you spouting?!" shouted Mother Xin anger. She looked at her younger son and said, "Zimen, what is she talking about?"


    "Madam Xin, don''t yell. You''re hurting my ears. As I said already, I''m getting married to Xin Zimen today, right now, and right here!"


    "I won''t let that happen!" shrieked Mother Xin. "Zimen, she''s crazy. But you''re a sensible one, don''t encourage her."


    Xin Zimen was quite indifferent to it all as he tried to step towards Wen Ai but his mother stood in his way saying, "You''ll have to walk over my dead body if you want to marry such a girl!"


    The guests in the hall were baffled by this scene. Not because of what Wen Ai intended to do but because of Mother Xin''s resistance. Everyone in this circle yearned to even share a single word with Wen Ai; the last direct descendant of Wen Clan. She was like royalty!


    Only a fool wouldn''t want her as their daughter-in-law. Wen Ai was practically like a golden phoenix, that nobody could even dream to achieve. Xin family was getting that golden phoenix without even trying and yet they were not happy with it? What kind of mental illness did they have?


    It wasn''t wrong to say that if Xin Clan got connected to Wen Clan, it''d be a blessing for them. But they were refusing this blessing solely because Mother Xin was afraid of Wen Ai and the power behind her. She knew once Wen Ai became a part of the family, she''d lose her standing and she''d never want to lose her power. Along with that, she knew Wen Ai would become her youngest son''s supporter and help him in achieving the position of the Head of the clan which she couldn''t allow at all.


    According to Mother Xin''s beliefs, the Head of the Clan had to be her eldest son, Xin Zemin. The Youngest should just be happy with the fact to be alive and breathing.


    But Mother Xin would have never thought that this thinking of hers was practically the reason why she had to face this kind of situation today.


    Without blinking, Wen Ai held up a gun to her forehead and said, "You do know I don''t mind a dead mother-in-law, right?"


    *To be Continued*


    [1] She''s just trying to say that may they have a lot of kids.

 677 Little Eager To Get Married

    "Wen Ai!" Only now did Xin Zemin spoke up when he saw the serious expression on Wen Ai''s face while she held the gun pointing at his mother''s head. "There is no need to go this far."


    "But it''s your mother who is trying to become the villain in my love story, what can I do about that?" Wen Ai had such an aggrieved expression on her face that even Xin Zimen had to applaud her for that. If he didn''t know her well, he''d also fall for it as everyone else did. "I repeatedly asked her to allow me to marry Ah-Xin. But she kept on refusing. What have I done wrong? She is the one who pushed me to take this step today."


    People found her nonsense so heart touching that several voices rose up saying...


    "Aiyo, if Young Miss Wen and Second Young Master Xin love each other then there is nothing wrong with them getting married."


    "Exactly! And who doesn''t know how virtuous our Young Miss Wen is? Who wouldn''t want a daughter-in-law like her?"


    "Madam Xin, don''t refuse God''s will. This is a blessing for the Xin Clan."


    When more and more voices came up, Mother Xin was flustered but she didn''t back off as she stared down her son and said, "If you move, forget about being my son."


    Wen Ai laughed at her words saying, "Oh my! So, Ah-Xin is really your son? And here I had the misconception that he had been adopted."


    "Wen Ai! Don''t go far!" Father Xin also joined the conversation if one could call it that.


    Wen Ai shrugged her shoulders and said, "I''ve already gone far." Saying that she snapped her fingers and several armed men gathered around the hall. The main target of their guns had been the Xin family as Wen Ai smiled sweetly and said, "Now, my dearest mother-in-law, would you like to give your son''s hand in my hand on your own or should I cut off your hand that''s stopping him? I don''t mind either."


    Mother Xin was so agitated that she almost felt like puking blood. Thinking of something, she clutched her heart and started feigning the pain. Slowly, she dropped on the floor like a dead fish.


    Zhao Huan, Xin Zemin, Father Xin, and even Xin Suyin ran up to her with worry. Meanwhile, Wen Ai sighed saying, "Why is she so dramatic at this age?"


    "Call an ambulance!" shouted Father Xin.


    The doors of the hall closed at Wen Ai''s signal as she said, "No one is walking out of here until you all give me and my husband blessings."


    "Wen Ai! Mother can die here," reminded Xin Zemin which made Wen Ai snort in contempt.


    "Even better. I never liked to deal with her."


    Xin Zimen couldn''t hold back his laughter at this remark and his brother stared at him. "Xiao Zi, how can you just stand there? Won''t you say anything to persuade her? It''s our mother, damn it!"


    As he said that, as if to prove his words right, Wen Ai moved up and pinched Mother Xin''s waist harshly making the middle-aged lady scream in pain.


    "Oh, look at this miracle! I even have the power of resurrecting people now. How amazing!"


    Xin Zimen had a fond smile on his face when he heard her words. Wen Ai loved to say whatever came to her mind. She was a person with no filter and everyone knew it already.


    When Mother Xin sat up in embarrassment, she glared at Wen Ai but then turned to her son saying, "I always knew you''d never be filial. You always coveted your brother''s position. It is all the more clear now."


    While Xin Zimen''s face showed his disappointment slightly, Wen Ai perceived it very well and spoke up, "What position? Merely being the Head of Xin Clan? How laughable!" Wen Ai crouched down beside Mother Xin and added, "Madam Xin. are you really that forgetful or just pretending to be? How can you not recall that I''m willing to offer him my whole world, why should he care about such an unimportant title?"


    Mother Xin''s expressions twisted.


    "Wen Ai, you..." Zhao Huan was looking really furious at Wen Ai. Not because of her intention of marrying Xin Zimen, but because of how she chose this day to achieve her goal.


    Wen Ai placed her hands together and bowed her head before her saying, "You''re the only person I''m sorry to right now, Sister Huan. But trust me, I had to do it."


    Zhao Huan had no words to say to her, so she turned and sat down in the guests. Looking at her, Wen Ai gave a small smile.


    "Madam Xin, if you''re done with your theatricals, please take your seat. I''m a little eager to get married."


    As she extended her hand towards Xin Zimen, Mother Xin said to her son, "Is this how much you respect me? Is this the respect you claimed to have for me? She said so many things to your mother and you didn''t even stop her once!"


    Xin Zimen held Wen Ai''s hand without any hesitation as he said, "What can I say, maybe I just love it when she talks. Who cares what she is talking about?"


    And just like that, the wedding of Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan turned into a grand gossip of Xin Zimen and Wen Ai''s wedding. It won''t be wrong saying that Wen Ai really stole the limelight from Zhao Huan on her wedding day. Her presence was already enough to catch more attention than the bride and groom but then she went on to create that huge scene as well.


    Why wouldn''t Zhao Huan hate Wen Ai? The only satisfaction she had after all these years was the fact that she got to see Mother Xin''s total defeat before so many people. Since Mother Xin cared most about her face, that''s exactly what Wen Ai blatantly tore away!


    *End of Flashback*

 678 Tyrant Or Gangster?

    "Your wife was a..." Xiu didn''t know which words to use or which words would seem appropriate right now. She was rarely tongue-tied but right now, she didn''t want to say anything about the person who had already left this world, besides, she would never want to hurt Xin Zimen''s feelings.


    "She was a tyrant, a gangster?" Xin Zimen offered some words from his own vocabulary and seeing Xiu''s twisted expression, he shook his head saying, "It''s alright. I know I married a gangster. She was the most unreasonable person in this world. She always did the right things but she always chose the wrong ways to do it. Often people were left confused about whether to hate her or love her!"


    Even Xiu was uncertain about this. She looked at Zhao Huan and mumbled, "You must be really upset, right? I believe a wedding day is very important for a bride and she ruined it for you."


    Zhao Huan gave her a small smile and said, "I was actually really upset until she really gave me the reason why she chose that day to do it." Zhao Huan still vividly remembered the time when Wen Ai actually disclosed the reason behind that tyrannical behavior. She was so shocked that she didn''t even know what to say to her.


    She looked at Xin Zimen as she asked, "Be honest with me, Xiao Zi, you also didn''t know she was gonna do it, right?"


    Xin Zimen nodded helplessly, "No, I didn''t. It was as much of a surprise to me as it was to every other person there."


    "But you still didn''t question her?" asked Xiu in bewilderment.


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders, "She asked me to hold her hand, how could I refuse that?"


    Zhao Huan rolled her eyes saying, "And this is the reason that made my wedding day worst."


    "Huh?"


    "I was going through an arranged marriage and these two came to flaunt their love right in front of my eyes! Who wouldn''t be mad at that?!"


    Xin Zimen sighed, "But we didn''t even do anything."


    "Oh, and I thought you had a love marriage. Isn''t that why you had been with your husband even after everything?" Xiu was left baffled once again.


    Zhao Huan shook her head, "No. It wasn''t a love marriage."


    "But it didn''t take long for my sister-in-law to fall in love either," added Xin Zimen.


    Xiu wanted to say something when she noticed Nora''s strange expressions. Her best friend looked scared for some reason. Xiu held her hand as she asked, "What''s up?"


    "Nothing," replied Nora in as calm a voice as she could muster right now.


    Xiu eyed her strangely before urging, "Come on!"


    Nora looked between the two elders before said in a flustered state, "I was just imagining how much Ah-Si''s grandmother is going to resist my marriage with Ah-Si."


    "But Ah-Si seems to respect his grandparents a lot," said Nora when she remembered how she had heard so much about Ah-Si''s grandparents from him.


    "Your sons are really peculiar," said Zhao Huan. "Wen Ai never even had a civil conversation with your mother and then there are your sons. Always running around their grandparents."


    "As long as those old people don''t mistreat my sons as they did with me, I don''t mind my sons respecting them like elders. After all, their mother strongly advised them to always respect the elders and never let one generation''s problems break the ties of the next generation."


    Xiu suddenly snorted when she heard those words and said, "It''s strange but I wish your wife was alive. I''d also like to know why you fell to a strange person."


    "Didn''t Darren also fall for a crazy person like you?" said Nora making Xiu nod her in agreement.


    "That makes a lot more sense."


    During all this exchange, there was someone who had been exceptionally silent for some reason. Ying was so quiet that it felt like she wasn''t even there. But she had been standing right beside them all this time.


    "Ying''er, why so quiet?"


    Ying flinched, looked up at Xin Zimen, and said, "Zizi, I was just wondering... Why did Aunt Ai choose that specific day to marry you?" She scratched her chin thoughtfully, "She was an impulsive person but she always had a reason behind every action of hers."


    "And who said that?" asked Zhao Huan.


    "My mom," answered Ying. "And also my aunt Feifei. They always said that no matter how impulsive Aunt Ai was, she''d never do anything without a motive." She took a brief pause before adding, "That makes me wonder what really happened for her to act on her impulse?" She looked at Zhao Huan and further asked, "You must know. You said that Aunt Ai told you the reason. What was it?"


    It wasn''t every day that Ying would ask anything from Zhao Huan but still, the latter was unable to answer. "It''s something I can''t share with you."


    Ying''s eyes narrowed she said, "Now, you just got me a whole lot suspicious."


    This remark earned her a smack on the back of her head from Xin Zimen. "Ying''er, it''s good to be curious but don''t involve yourself in this."


    Ying shrugged her shoulders saying, "But I''m already very involved. She was my godmother. She grew up with my mother. That''s enough for me to get involved."

 679 Fearful

    "Where did you run off to leaving your bride alone?"


    Xin Xiaoli looked up from his phone screen and seeing his aunt, his expressions froze for half a second. He quickly regained his composure before replying, "I just had an important call to take."


    Xin Suyin narrowed her eyes at him, "Today, your bride should be the most important one."


    Xin Xiaoli laughed awkwardly before saying, "I''ll keep that in mind."


    "Auntie, how come you''re so busy these days?" Xin Suyin raised her brow at Qiu Meihui inquisitively as the latter continued, "Make some time for my best friend as well. Liu Nuan misses you a lot."


    Xin Suyin''s eyes darkened as she heard Qiu Meihui''s words and her eyes shifted towards Liu Nuan who was standing behind Qiu Meihui silently. But noticing her mother''s gaze, Liu Nuan''s whole body shivered and she cowered back wanting to hide far away.


    Liu Nuan tugged at Qiu Meihui''s dress whispering, "Stop it, Meihui. Mom is busy."


    Qiu Meihui didn''t pay any heed to her as she went on, "Look, she''s still thinking about you. I agree that you''re busy but I think you can make a little time for your daughter."


    Xin Suyin smiled at Qiu Meihui saying, "I should indeed make some time for my dear daughter." The way she emphasized her last words made Liu Nuan tremble in fear.


    Liu Nuan had grown up in love and care. She had never faced any difficulty in her life because her mother solved everything for her. That''s why she had always been closest to her mother. And truly believed that her mother loved her more than anything. However, it all suddenly changed...


    *Flashback*


    Liu Nuan was sleeping on the hospital bed. It had been over two weeks since she staged the show of ''miscarriage''. She had heard how torrents of abuse and slander had been thrown towards Chen Xiu. She''d be lying if she said it didn''t give her satisfaction or happiness. Because it did. In fact, she hoped this matter to blew up even more so that Chen Xiu would disappear from her life for good!


    Then Zhou Jinhai would be just hers. Only hers!


    In the middle of the night, she suddenly woke up feeling thirsty. It was pitch black in the room. She pressed a button to turn on the light and shrieked when she noticed someone sitting still on the couch before her. Realizing who it was, she breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her chest saying, "Mom, when did you come? And why are you just sitting there like this?"


    Xin Suyin looked up and stared at Liu Nuan''s face. Liu Nuan didn''t know what she was trying to do but she found her mother''s gaze a little strange. In truth, the way Xin Suyin looked at her made her scared. She could see her mother''s bloodshot eyes and clenched jaw as if she was holding herself back from something.


    As if something broke, Xin Suyin''s hand lifted and clutched around her neck, strangling her. Liu Nuan was startled as she tried to struggle but before Xin Suyin, she was just like an ant that was powerless. Even her struggles were fruitless and slowly the struggle was dying down along with her breath as her face turned pale.


    Xin Suyin didn''t seem like she was gonna let go. Only when Liu Nuan''s consciousness was almost lost, did someone rushed inside and threw Xin Suyin off. She looked up and seeing her husband hugging Liu Nuan, her anger flared up.


    "Have you lost your mind, Suyin? Are you trying to kill our daughter?" Hearing Liu Mingfan''s voice, she picked up a vase and threw it at Liu Nuan but the latter was shielded by her husband. "Suyin!!"


    Xin Suyin had already lost all her reason. The moment Liu Nuan called her ''mom'', she was reminded of how Chen Xiu looked at her with hatred, disgust, and fear. She couldn''t shake off that memory. It had been haunting her for hours. And the more she looked at Liu Nuan, the more she was reminded of how this girl took everything that belonged to her rightful daughter.


    She hated the fact that she did everything to Chen Xiu with her own hands and that too just to make this fake daughter happy.


    "You knew it already, didn''t you?"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "You knew she is not my daughter! You knew she doesn''t have my blood!" Seeing Liu Mingfan''s eyes widening in surprise as if he didn''t expect her to know this, she sneered, "You made a fool out of me? For that cheap woman, you cheated me like this?"


    Liu Mingfan slowly helped Liu Nuan and put her back on the bed to rest. Seeing that she was breathing fine, he relaxed enough to retort, "So what? Every action has a retribution, when you took everything from Chen Hana, you should have remembered that she''d retaliate."


    "I should have killed her back then as well!"


    Liu Mingfan nodded his head, "Indeed, you should have. If you did, maybe you''d have gotten away with everything you did."


    "It''s alright. If I didn''t do it back then, I can do it now. I''ll not only kill Chen Hana, I''ll kill this daughter of yours right before your eyes!"


    Liu Mingfan had a small smile playing on his lips as he said, "You can try. But let me remind you, for now, Liu Nuan is your daughter. Your biggest aim in life had been to take over the Xin Clan, do you think that the clan like that would want a mistress like you who couldn''t even protect her own child? Also, it''s you who did everything in your power to make Liu Nuan the daughter-in-law of Zhou family, how are you gonna explain yourself?"


    *End of Flashback*

 680 Pathetic

    That night, she had almost lost her life. And the shortage of oxygen made her brain processing slower that''s why the only dialogue she heard between Liu Mingfan and Xin Suyin was when the latter said, she''d kill her right before Liu Mingfan.


    Describing it as fear would be an understatement. Because the fear slowly crawled into her bones. The day Chen Xiu committed suicide, she didn''t know what went wrong with her mother but Xin Suyin was hysterical as she screamed and broke everything in the house. Later, she slapped Liu Nuan until her face swollen up like a pig. But even when she bled, Xin Suyin wasn''t willing to let go.


    If it wasn''t for her father... She could hardly imagine what would have happened.


    After that incident, her mother became totally indifferent. At her in-laws'' home, she was abandoned by her husband. And at her own parent''s home, she was hated by her mother. She really felt like Chen Xiu''s death put a noose around her neck and slowly, it was tightening, trying to suffocate her. But the suffocation wasn''t enough to kill her, but it was neither enough to let her breathe in peace as well.


    She had hidden all of this from Qiu Meihui. In fact, she had never spoken a word about any of it with anyone else. She had always felt proud whenever Qiu Meihui talked about her dissatisfaction with her own mother. But now she couldn''t do the same at all. Because at least, Qiu Meihui''s mother didn''t wish to kill her.


    "Now that we do have time, how about spending some time with your mother, dear daughter?"


    Liu Nuan''s eyes widened as her body shuddered once again. She could clearly hear the killing intent in those simple words.


    "Mom, don''t you have to meet the guests here?" she could even go on her knees if she could find a way out of spending time alone with her mother.


    Xin Suyin walked up and held her arm saying, "My daughter is my priority."


    Qiu Meihui laughed at this, completely oblivious to the real situation, she said, "Go on, Nuannuan. I''ll call you if I need you. Spend some time with auntie."


    Liu Nuan looked at her best friend helplessly before she was dragged away by Xin Suyin. The grip around her arm was so tight that she felt like the flow of blood had stopped already however, she still didn''t dare make a sound.


    Xin Suyin brought her to a corner and flung her arm away making Liu Nuan crash into the wall. Her head bumped into the wall but she didn''t even hiss loudly.


    "Mom--"


    Her words were still in her throat when Xin Suyin pinched her face saying, "I''ve warned you several times, don''t call me that. I''m not your mother!"


    Liu Nuan''s tears fell down, both from the physical pain and the emotional one.


    "And here you go on..." Xin Suyin loosened her group and stepped back. "Can you do anything other than crying?" She paused, "I can''t believe that I raised a useless person like you. Without me, you''re nothing. Since the time, I walked away from you, you got nowhere. But do you really think that those tears will solve everything for you? You''re clearly mistaken!"


    Even though Xin Suyin tried to appear as she usually was, one with deep perception could actually see the change in her. The change wasn''t intentional. It was like vicissitudes of life really broke her.


    And it was true as well.


    When she learned about Chen Xiu''s death only then did she found out what the real meaning of crushing defeat meant. Every time she looked at Liu Nuan, it was like someone roared in her ear, ''Look! For this girl, you drove your daughter to death! You killed Chen Xiu! You did!!'' The worst part was that she could never refute those words.


    Taking a deep breath, she said, "I warned you before, I''m doing it for the last time, don''t show me your face. Whenever I look at your face, I want to strangle you to death!"


    "But you''re already killing me," retorted Liu Nuan. "Every time you talk to me like this, it breaks my heart. What have I done wrong to deserve this? What crime have I committed? Why do you hate me so much?"


    The memory of Chen Xiu shouting the same words flashed past her mind making Xin Suyin feel like her brain was about to split open. In her rage, she clutched the hair of Liu Nuan. "Your crime? Even if I tell you, how will you wash it clean? You can''t do anything about it. You can''t do anything other than crying and that won''t fix anything! So, don''t make me say it either. Because once I repeated it out loud, I won''t be able to watch you breathe again!"


    With those words, she harrumphed and walked away leaving Liu Nuan crying in the corner on her own. It took a while to compose herself. She opened her pouch to take out the mirror to fix her makeup but the face reflected in the mirror made her stunned.


    She whipped her head around and looked at her husband, Zhou Jinhai. She didn''t know since when he had been there. But it didn''t seem like he just came over. With his back leaning against the wall, he was languidly drinking his flute with a smile playing on his lips.


    "Jin-hai!" her voice broke as she called out to him in despair.


    Zhou Jinhai however shook his head and with a click of his tongue turned around to leave her pathetic self to suffer alone.

 681 Keep Your Promise

    It almost felt like yesterday when...


    *Flashback*


    It hadn''t been just a week that he decided to stand against his mother. He wanted to protect what he loved, he wanted to stand with Chen Xiu but he never thought his mother would actually give him such a surprise...


    Although he could see the scene before his eyes, he was in disbelief. It was not just unbelievable but rather shocking really. His mind was reeling, unable to comprehend anything. It was like he was standing there but he was feeling like he was floating afar. He could see the screen before him but he couldn''t process anything. Every voice around him seemed distant as if it was coming from afar.


    On the screen was a video call going on, and from the other side, he could clearly see Chen Xiu''s delirious state as she was led inside a hotel room. She seemed to not know what was happening. As the drug in her system started taking effect, she felt hot and started tugging at her gauze gown wanting to peel it off.


    She didn''t even realize that there were three men in the room looking at her with those creepy eyes.


    Zhou Jinhai slammed his hand on the table in anger and looked up at his mother with bloodshot eyes. "MOM!" His breathing was harsh as his heart was being torn apart slowly. "Don''t you dare touch her!"


    His mother, Niu Peizhi shrugged her shoulders saying, "Don''t blame me, son. It''s your own fault. You left me with no other choice."


    Zhou Jinhai''s hands clenched into fists as he roared, "How can you even think of doing it? I''m the one standing against you. It''s me who wants to marry her. Why are you trying to harm her? What did she do wrong?"


    Niu Peizhi snorted in contempt, "That cheap actress actually dared to seduce my son. How dare she? She even dreamed to snatch my son from me?"


    Zhou Jinhai was losing his senses when he saw his mother like this. "She is not cheap! You are! You snatched someone''s husband! It''s me who loves her. She didn''t seduce me!"


    Niu Peizhi slapped his face and made a signal with her hand, Zhou Jinhai saw in horror as those men took a step closer to Chen Xiu making his heart drop. "It''s because of her that you raised your voice at me. Now, I''m definitely not letting her off the hook so easily."


    "Dear son, I love you very much. But you see, it''s you who brought this upon her. As you said, you love her. You want to marry her. If it wasn''t for you, she''d be living her carefree life as the Goddess Xiu. But it''s you who is bringing all these difficulties into her life."


    Zhou Jinhai''s face stiffened. He actually felt like his mother was right. If it wasn''t for her, would she be here? All her sufferings were related to him.


    "You still have a chance to save her," Niu Peizhi spoke up. "Break up with her and announce your wedding to Liu Nuan. Only then I''ll let her go."


    Zhou Jinhai looked at his mother in a strange manner as he said, "Do you know, you''re actually hurting your son by doing this?"


    Niu Peizhi caressed his face saying, "It''s for you. All I''m doing is for you."


    "How is it for me when I''m not even happy with it?" He shot back.


    "But it''s best for you. Mom knows it better." Zhou Jinhai humphed and looked away, not even wanting to look at her face. "Be a good boy and choose what''s best for you."


    Zhou Jinhai''s eyes were moistened and he laughed in self-contempt. "Mom, I''ve never asked for anything from you. She is the only one I want. How come you can''t even let me have her?" He took a pause before adding, "If you continued this, you''d lose your son."


    Niu Peizhi obviously didn''t take his words seriously. One; she knew how much he loved her. Two; she thought it was his momentary anger that''d be gone once he''d know that what she did for him was actually for the best.


    However, she''d really not thought this through because this very moment when she tried to break her son''s limit was the moment, she broke him as well. This was the moment he decided to walk away from his mother, both physically and emotionally. Because this mother of his was the one who made him realize that he wasn''t capable of protecting that one person he loved dearly. He was weak and weak people didn''t deserve to love.


    He finally sighed in defeat when he looked up and saw that a filthy hand was approaching Chen Xiu. He wished to hack everyone down to pieces. In his mind, she was the purest. Just like an angel. This was blasphemous and he couldn''t see it any longer.


    "You let her go. I''ll do everything as you say. Just don''t touch her."


    Watching him giving in, Niu Peizhi was pleased but still very vigilant. "And if you go back on your words?" He opened his mouth but nothing came out. "Then remember, I have far worse ways to make that cheap girl''s life a living hell!"


    His tears finally fell down as he said, "You keep your promise to not hurt her, I''ll keep my promise."


    *To be Continued*

 682 Taste Of Jealousy

    Zhou Jinhai was still kneeling on the floor with his eyes blankly staring ahead. Niu Peizhi closed the lid of the laptop and patted his head like he was a dog as she said, "If you had agreed like this from the very beginning, we wouldn''t have come to this point."


    "You won''t touch her now, right?" he didn''t forget to confirm. Niu Peizhi shrugged her shoulders and walked off with a burst of light laughter that froze his heart.


    Rushing to his feet, he ran out of the house. His brain was buzzing. He felt clammy and there was cold sweat glistening on his face. It felt like a nightmare to him. He truly didn''t believe a word his mother said. Until today he might have lived with the misconception that he knew his mother but no more.


    With trembling hands, he started the car and drove off in a hurry. He didn''t know how many signals he broke, he didn''t even care about the speed as he tried to reach for help as soon as possible. While parking the car before a manor, his whole body jolted ahead and he even hit his forehead against the steering wheel. But none of that mattered as he unbuckled his seatbelt and ran inside.


    "Slow down, young man!"


    As he bumped into someone, he apologized and tried to pass but the person held his arm and stopped him.


    "What''s the rush, Jinhai? Who are you looking for?"


    "Ying... I want to see Ying. She can help me. She can definitely save her."


    "Ying is out of the country though," came the reply.


    "What?" his whole body shrouded in despair. Suddenly recalling something, he looked up at Xin Xiaoli''s face and held his hand begging, "Li Ge, help me. Please! Please, save her!"


    "Speak human and stop crying," said Xin Xiaoli as he patted his back to soothe him. Only then did Zhou Jinhai reiterated everything to him without hiding a word.


    "Although mom said she''ll let her, I don''t trust her. Not anymore. She won''t let her go unscathed."


    Xin Xiaoli''s face hardened and his eyes darkened. He took his phone and made a phone call. Zhou Jinhai didn''t hear the content of the call but he did remember how Xiao Li dragged him along to his own car and drove towards a hotel. While Zhou Jinhai might not have the power to know where his mother took Chen Xiu, Xin Xiaoli was different. It didn''t even take him long to learn about the location.


    He could vividly recall the moment when Xin Xiaoli''s bodyguards had already burst through the hotel door and took down those three men hired by his mother. He stood frozen at the door staring at Xiu''s lifeless body. The only consolation he got was that her inner clothes were still intact.


    Xin Xiaoli moved up, took off his coat, and wrapped Chen Xiu''s frail body in it before picking her up like a baby. He looked at his people and said, "I believe I don''t need to remind you what my dad always says... What people give you, return it tenfolds."


    With those stern words, he left those three men at the mercy of his own people. Zhou Jinhai ran after him and asked what he was doing. He received no response. Xin Xiaoli touched Chen Xiu''s face that was burning like fire and scowled. He saw a tear at the shoulder and his eyes darkened even further.


    When he brought Chen Xiu to the hospital, her condition wasn''t very optimistic. "I''m sorry to say this but Young Master Li, we might not be able to save her." This was what the doctors said.


    "Isn''t it just aphrodisiac, why can''t you save her?"


    The doctor shook his head saying, "It''s not that simple. She must have taken some other medicine before this which is why the aphrodisiac is now acting like poison after reacting."


    "Doctor, please do your best and save her," said Zhou Jinhai.


    "We''ll try our best."


    When the doctors left, Xin Xiaoli looked at Zhou Jinhai and said, "You... You do realize that she is in this condition because of you, right?" Zhou Jinhai stiffened. "An innocent girl is fighting between life and death just because she did the mistake of believing in your love and believing in you. Isn''t that unfair to her? It''s your mother''s crazy obsession of controlling your life, why is she suffering for it?"


    Zhou Jinhai had no answer to that. But he did ask one thing, "Li Ge, why are you so worried about her? Isn''t this your first time seeing her?"


    Xin Xiaoli took a deep breath. It was indeed his first time meeting Chen Xiu then why did he feel so agitated when he saw that state of hers? Why did he feel like he wanted to kill someone? No, he felt like he could burn the whole world down. But why? Such strong emotions. He had never felt such strong emotions ever in his life.


    He didn''t even feel like this when he learned the real reason behind his mother''s death. This situation was strange. He couldn''t even understand himself.


    However, that was all Zhou Jinhai asked. He didn''t want to upset Xin Xiaoli. Especially when he was the one who helped him in this situation. That day, for the very first time, Zhou Jinhai felt the taste of jealousy. He was jealous of Xin Xiaoli, only because the latter had the power, influence, connections, authority to achieve anything he wanted and protect whomever he wanted.


    Zhou Jinhai had never felt this helpless in his entire life. Maybe because all his life had been paved for him and this was the first time he decided to walk off to another path. But in the end, he was thrown on his face as a reminder that he was worthless on his own.


    *To be Continued*

 683 Bite You To Death

    Just as Niu Peizhi had expected, Chen Xiu didn''t remember a single detail about this incident. She found herself in her bedroom when she woke up and because of her headache, she blamed her condition on alcohol. As for what had conspired when she was unconscious, she didn''t know anything.


    What she did got to know later that day was that Zhou Jinhai broke up with her cruelly without giving her any reason. It''s not like he could bring himself to tell her the truth. He thought if he chose to break her heart like this, maybe it''ll help her in moving on. So he did it even more cruelly by accusing her of being a shameless and presumptuous woman.


    He really thought this would be the end of her misery but he was really naive. He never thought his mother didn''t intend on stopping. Him saving her with the help of Xin Xiaoli ended up enraging her even more. It was like that incident fueled her hatred and she was hell-bent on destroying Chen Xiu in the worst way possible.


    Every scandal that broke out about her was done by the grace of his mother. And he was asked to not interfere or the consequences would be even worse. He was just meant to be a puppet and why not, after all, he had someone he was scared of losing. And this fear of his became his mother''s weapon that cut right through Chen Xiu''s heart.


    .....


    When Liu Nuan was sent to the hospital and it was claimed that Chen Xiu pushed her down, he was put on house arrest. In his own house, he was kept as a prisoner just so that he won''t be able to help Chen Xiu. Even Niu Peizhi knew that her son won''t be backing off this time around, so she blocked every way for him.


    Staying locked up for over two weeks, he had gone half crazy. That''s why when Liu Nuan came back from the hospital, his hostility reached a new level. He threw a newspaper at her face and sneered, "Goddess Xiu is a killer? She murdered a child who never even got to see the light of the day, eh?" He walked close to her making her step back. Liu Nuan''s mind had already taken a blow from her mother''s reaction the other day, now Zhou Jinhai''s look was scaring her even more. "Would you like to tell me whose child was it?"


    "What are you trying to say, Jinhai? Are you accusing me of infidelity?" she spoke, trying to hide her inner trepidation.


    "Oh, why not? Because I can''t recall when have I even touched you."


    "It happened when you were drunk," she stuttered.


    Liu Nuan whimpered at his words, "Jinhai, how is it my fault? I was unconscious for days when I woke up all those news had already been spread. I fell down the stairs and something sharp cut my artery, people assumed that it was a miscarriage, how can you blame me for that? If anything, you should go and talk to your mother, she fueled the fire and made this worse. I''m innocent."


    Zhou Jinhai laughed out loud. He laughed until tears came out of his eyes, "I really should applaud you. How easy it is for you to play this innocent victim''s card. And it never gets old for you either!"


    "Jinhai..."


    "Do you think I''m a fool? The innocent victim and you? Haha! What a joke!" He stared her down as he continued, "Just like everyone else, I also thought my mother did everything. But only now I understood, behind everything, you''re the mastermind. Everything that Chen Xiu suffered had to do with you." Her eyes went round as he went on, "You''re such an innocent victim that using your tears you plant the ideas into others'' heads and then use their hands to do your dirty deeds. You can blame it all on others but it won''t whitewash you. Just because you didn''t pull the trigger doesn''t mean you didn''t give the gun in other''s hands."


    Liu Nuan bit her lips but said nothing; neither to agree nor to disagree with his accusations.


    "You could have easily cleared up the misunderstanding by telling people that you''re not pregnant but you did nothing. You wanted my mother to start her play and she followed suit." He threw his head back as he stared at the ceiling blankly and said, "But if you think this is how you''re gonna get me then let me tell you something... Once Chen Xiu disappears, I''ll have nothing to lose anymore. That means I''ll have no reason to see your deceitful face every day!"


    Liu Nuan''s heart dropped as she hurriedly said, "I won''t be giving you divorce. There is no way I''m leaving you."


    Zhou Jinhai smiled at her strangely as he replied, "I don''t care. You want to keep this bullshit marriage, be my guest! But I''ll make this marriage your worst nightmare. You all locked me up here and made me realize one thing, I''m not even better than the dogs who have their own freedom." He closed his eyes because he didn''t want to look at her face anymore. "Just like my mother, you also want to put a leash around my neck and train me into your loyal dog. But this dog had now gone crazy! Now, watch me bite you all to death!"


    *End of Flashback*

 684 Leads Me To Her

    Then he really became the mad dog who wanted to bite off everyone and everything!


    He had had a sheltered life and was truly not that familiar with the darkness of the world. At least, he was unaware of how far a human''s greed, jealousy, or ego could go. All these lessons were given to him by his own mother, his sister, and his wife.


    Since they all didn''t hold back, none of them could blame him for being cruel. Until now Zhou Liqiu had no idea that the person who disclosed all of her dirty deeds to Dylan was Zhou Jinhai. Since Dylan was supposedly most precious to her, he struck right where it was meant to hurt like hell.


    As for his mother, since she loved to boast about her status, he became the dearest son who disclosed it to the whole world that the supposed Madam Zhou was not even married to Zhou Xichen. Also, when the news broke out that all high and mighty Madam Zhou actually stole someone''s husband through underhanded means, she truly became the evilest of the society.


    Even after years, Niu Peizhi still couldn''t face people like she used to do. Because the scandal about her being the other woman was still the gossip of the circle especially when the supposed other woman was not even favored by the master of the house. She was nothing but a joke now to everyone.


    ''Isn''t this revenge a little too plain?'' A distant voice rang in his mind.


    ''Plain? I''m just getting started,'' he had replied to that person.


    ''Oh? So, what do you plan on doing?'' questioned that person.


    ''I''m gonna follow your advice and let them all gnaw at each other''s flesh,'' he replied.


    ''That''d be fun to watch but I won''t be here to see.''


    ''You''re leaving?''


    ''Chen Xiu... I can''t distance myself from this crime. One way or another, I also became the reason for her death. I don''t think I''ll be able to live in this city anymore.'' After a pause, that person continued, ''But rest assured, I''ve got a lot of debt to collect from each and every one of them and they will have to pay. You choose your way, I''ll choose mine.''


    Back then Zhou Jinhai hadn''t stopped that person at all. He didn''t even know what that person was intending to do. In fact, he still didn''t know what that person''s real intention was, what he did know was that he had seen every person involved in Chen Xiu''s death suffering over the years. While he tried to hurt them through external means, the other person was using some serious devious means to ruin their mental state.


    Zhou Jinhai looked up at Xin Suyin and narrowed his eyes at her cigarette as if mocking her. She shrugged in reply, "I''m old enough to lose the will to live. You''re still young." As if suddenly enlightened, she added, "Or, is it that you hate the limited days you have?"


    "Mother-in-law, how can you joke about your son-in-law''s life?" he showed an aggrieved look which she rolled her eyes at.


    "I heard your mother is in hospital. How is she?"


    Zhou Jinahi''s lips curled up, "Shouldn''t you know it better?" She raised her brows at him as he went on, "After all, you pushed her where she is. Although it''s being said that she only has a sprained ankle, I think you and I both know what you did to her."


    Xin Suyin blew out clouds of smoke and chuckled, "Ahh... Once upon a time, you''re such a naive little boy. When did you grow up?"


    "When you all pushed her to death," he replied with a smile and without any fluctuation in his expressions.


    Xin Suyin''s face sank as she threw the cigarette butt away and said, "Don''t say it like you''re innocent. If you had been a little stronger, she would have been saved."


    "Yes, I know that," he didn''t refute her words at all. "If only I had a bit of strength, I''d even love to exchange my own life for hers." He took a deep breath saying, "But you all caged me like a dog on a leash. Even my bark was harmless to you all. So, I learned to bite."


    "Just so you know, I won''t let your mother go for playing her cheap methods on her back then," said Xin Suyin. As she had said once, she never played those cheap games but Niu Peizhi was different and she got to know later on how that woman tried to get Chen Xiu raped. That was enough for Xin Suyin to shower wrath on Niu Peizhi in a way that made people''s heart freeze in fear. "I''ll make purgatory on earth for her!"


    Although he didn''t know the details, he did know that Xin Suyin had already kept her words. She had indeed made purgatory on earth for his mother. Just as he had said back then, he''d make each of them gnaw at each other. Right now, each of them was trying to kill each other and this game was becoming even more fun day by day. How amusing!


    "It''s strange to see you trying to avenge Chen Xiu, what is she to you? Or who is she to you?" questioned Zhou Jinhai in curiosity as if he knew nothing.


    "That''s none of your business," replied the latter. As she turned to leave, she didn''t forget to say, "Don''t think I''m letting you go. It''s just that your karma has already gotten to you. I don''t think I''d need to do anything."


    Zhou Jinhai crushed the cigarette that he didn''t even lit up as he sneered, "Indeed. My karma has already found me." He looked towards the sky and breathed out, "Now, I just wish it leads me to her."

 685 Best Mother

    Darren placed his hands on Francesca''s shoulders as he came behind her and scowled at his father, "How many times I have to tell you to stop bothering my mama?"


    "I''m bothering her?" repeated Zhou Xichen. "She came here to brag about your marriage! It''s not me who looks for fights, it''s her!"


    Francesca glared at him saying, "So? My son did get married, am I not even supposed to brag about it? I found the world''s best daughter-in-law. It''s my right to boast all I want. Bite me!!"


    Darren was feeling helpless between them as he said, "Can you both lower down your voices? This is someone else''s wedding!" Then he looked at his father and said, "And why are you even here arguing with my mama? Didn''t you come to convince your elder son to take over the family business? Go do your job."


    "I''ve already tried that," said Zhou Xichen. "That one is just as stubborn as you are. He plainly refused to be a part of anything relating to the Zhou family. The crazy bastard is rebelling on another level now! I get it that he is angry with his mother but why is he punishing me?"


    Francesca raised her hand to stop him saying, "Mr. Zhou, keep your family matters to yourself. Don''t try to involve my son into this."


    "Little Miss Salvay, I can''t share my worries with my son. I can''t go and find my daughter-in-law to congratulate her either. Would you please enlighten me on what I can exactly do?" He took a pause before adding, "Once upon a time, you used to try your very best to cultivate feelings between me and my son. But nowadays, you seem to be trying to snatch him away from me."


    "Blame it on your Madam Zhou! If she hadn''t tried to hurt my darling son, I won''t this ruthless with you."


    "Why my life''s all miseries start with this so-called ''Madam Zhou''? She is not even my wife!"


    Darren turned and stood between them like a wall. "Stop it both of you! How old are you both? What''s the point of this argument exactly?"


    Both Zhou Xichen and Francesca glared at each other and humphed.


    "On one hand, you both are eager to have grandchildren. On other hand, you both are acting like children yourselves." Darren didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. They really made him feel tired for some reason. "Please, behave like elders. Can''t you both just let bygones be bygones?"


    "I can," replied Zhou Xichen. "It''s this woman who always starts this."


    "Oh, look how innocent you are," retorted Francesca.


    Darren rubbed his forehead and stepped away saying, "Fine! Go on! Let me even pass you baseball bats to officially have this war for once and all."


    He took a deep breath before saying, "You''re my mother, you raised me. You''re my birth father, your blood is in my veins. You both have your own place in my life. Please, stop with your childish nonsense already. It puts me in a very awkward situation."


    "Fine, I won''t argue with her again," Zhou Xichen agreed readily.


    "Alright. I won''t do it either," said Francesca.


    Darren sighed in relief and hugged them both saying, "Thank you very much because I''d like to give a peaceful family to my kid."


    "Speaking of kids..."


    Before Zhou Xichen could continue this topic, Darren hurriedly shifted the topic as he asked, "And you dad, why did you give my wife that pendant?"


    "It''s the only thing your mother left," said Zhou Xichen in a small voice.


    Darren rolled his eyes, "My mother is standing right here. That''s something your wife left behind and my wife certainly doesn''t need it."


    Zhou Xichen''s expressions shifted as he said, "I just wanted to pass on something of Florence as her blessings to you both."


    "Her blessings are not even the last thing I need in my life," retorted Darren sternly. "I have made myself clear plenty of times. Florence Salvay has no meaning in my life. She is just a name I heard plenty of times. She is nothing else to me." He took a pause before adding, "Now, I''m going back to my wife. Can''t leave her alone for long. You both better not start another agenda behind me. I''m watching you."


    Seeing his receding back, Francesca sighed heavily as she said, "Do you have to bring up Florence''s name before him?"


    "As if you never bring up her name before him," retorted Zhou Xichen.


    "I do," agreed Francesca. "And that''s why I know very well how disturbed he gets after hearing that name. Even if Florence is just a name to him, you can''t possibly expect him to forget what she did to him. She abandoned a newborn baby. It''s too cruel!"


    Zhou Xichen looked at the side of her face as he said, "That''s why it''s even harder to believe that you both are sisters." Francesca raised her brows at him inquisitively as he went on, "One ran from her responsibility, and the other has been fulfilling the responsibility that was never hers."


    "What nonsense! He is my son. And I''m the proudest mother in the whole world for having him as my son. I wouldn''t want to exchange anything for what I have now!"


    Zhou Xichen smiled softly, "When your sister and I married, you''re really a carefree, rebellious young miss. I didn''t even realize that you grew up very well."


    Francesca rubbed her nape saying, "With that smart son of mine, I had to grow up before he could start calling me dumb mama. And trust me, I have no doubt that he''d have called me that if I had not tried my very best to match his intelligence at some level."


    Zhou Xichen laughed out at her crying face and said, "Thank you once again."


    "For what?"


    "For being the best mother to him," he answered sincerely.

 686 MLady

    Han Bohai looked up at Xiu and his eyes flashed with indescribable emotions. It was hard to say what he was thinking about but a lot of emotions were swirling through his deep eyes. The way he looked at Xiu held some familiarity that made Xiu frown slightly. Then he suddenly smiled with such warmth that Xiu was stunned to her place.


    She believed it to be her illusion but the way he smiled at her held the same warmth that he always directed at Chen Xiu. She must be going crazy! How could he see Chen Xiu in her? It was really her own illusion.


    "This little gentleman is very interesting," said Han Bohai.


    Nora ruffled Jackie''s hair saying, "That makes one of us." She pinched his cheeks and added, "Because this old grandpa bores me to death."


    Jackie glared at Nora and Xiu did the same as they both said in unison, "Stop touching my/his hair!"


    Nora looked between Xiu and Jackie and laughed like a hooligan as she intentionally ran her hand through Jackie''s hair again. "Nora, be a good Dora and keep your hands to yourself." With that Xiu leaned over to fix Jackie''s hair and told him, "She is just jealous that our Jackie is the most handsome young man here."


    "It''s not good to lie," Nora chimed in.


    Xiu smiled at her which didn''t seem like a smile as she said, "No wonder I had been feeling an itch in my hand today. It seems like it was you who is yearning for a beating!"


    Nora gasped as she turned to Xin Zimen saying, "See, father-in-law, you think she is a good person. Now, do you see the real her?"


    Xin Zimen was being amused between them as he raised his hands in defense saying, "Can''t help, daughter-in-law. I''m the one who told her that she is allowed to act however she wants, I''ll take care of the consequences for her."


    Nora gaped at him in disbelief, "You also gave her the free pass? How come all fathers fall for the same trick of hers?"


    Meanwhile, Zhao Huan looked at Han Bohai and asked Ying, "So, no introductions?"


    Ying held Han Bohai''s arm and tugged him over saying, "Meet Dr. Zhao Huan. She is a real doctor unlike me." Han Bohai chuckled at that which she ignored and continued to say, "And this one is my godfather, Xin Zimen. I don''t think he needs any other introduction." Han Bohai bowed his head slightly to greet both of them. "And he is a small-time actor, Han Bohai. Now, he is my boyfriend. Don''t ask how it happened because even I''m unclear about the details."


    "It''s amusing how ticked off you get whenever I say something about him. Tell me, do you have a crush on him? Should I tell Regan about this?"


    "What do you want to tell me?" came Darren''s voice who joined them at this moment.


    Ying looked at Xiu''s nonchalant expression before telling Darren, "Your woman has a crush on my boyfriend. Keep an eye on her."


    Darren looked at Han Bohai and then at Xiu before shaking his head helplessly, "Instead of telling me to keep an eye on my wife, you better keep holding onto your boyfriend tightly. If you continued your indifference, someone might really snatch your eye-candy."


    Ying stared at Darren weirdly before asking, "Yo! You''re not even jealous?"


    Darren went around to hold Xiu''s waist as he replied, "Oh, I''m very jealous. If there is one person who I can be jealous of, it''s definitely your boyfriend. But that doesn''t mean I''ll let my jealousy rule my judgment."


    "Pei!" Ying made a disgusted face saying, "I feel like I was fed a mouthful of dog food and that too so blatantly."


    Nora patted her shoulder. "Comrade, I feel you."


    While others might not have taken Darren''s words seriously, Han Bohai did. He actually could tell that Darren was being honest when he said he was jealous of him. And for some reason, the thought made him smile slightly.


    "I''ve heard a lot about you, Bohai. It''s nice to finally meet you in person," said Xin Zimen.


    "You heard a lot about me?" repeated Han Bohai in disbelief.


    "Why is it hard to believe?" asked Xin Zimen. He leaned over to whisper, "Although our Ying''er might not seem like it, she loves to talk. Especially about you. From the moment you bumped into her at the mall, all I''ve been hearing is your name. That''s why I was very much looking forward to meeting you in person."


    Han Bohai opened his mouth but no words came out. He really couldn''t believe that Ying would have talked about him.


    "And I''ve been hearing about you from this brother-in-law of mine," added Zhao Huan. "And I can assure you, we both had been looking forward to meeting you."


    While these people were busy greeting each other, Nora and Ying were discussing how annoying Darren and Xiu were while Jackie was busy glaring at these two who were gossiping about his favorite pair. As for the said pair in discussion...


    "Regan, let''s go and congratulate Li bro."


    "We can do it later."


    Xiu shook her head, "No, let''s hurry up. I feel tired. I want to go home."


    "I''ve been telling you to leave for a while now," reminded Darren. "Where are you feeling uncomfortable?"


    "Oh, I just want to go home and wear my baggy Pjs to lie down and sleep. Yes! That''s the plan!"


    Darren nodded his head, "Alright. As you say, m''lady!"

 687 Be A Little Tough

    Just one glance at Xiu''s face and Xin Xiaoli''s eyes softened up. Xiu congratulated Qiu Meihui as well but the latter''s reaction was perfunctory and she continued to talk to the other guests. Xiu however didn''t react, she wasn''t even surprised at all. But it was Darren and Xin Xiaoli who frowned at Qiu Meihui''s response.


    Xiu didn''t notice their change as she continued with a wink, "Li bro, I prepared a thick red packet for you and lots of gifts as well."


    Xin Xiaoli chuckled softly at her, "Silly girl, why would I take your thick red packet?"


    "Oh? Why not?" Xiu pouted.


    He pinched her cheek saying, "As an elder brother, I should be giving you gifts, not the other way around."


    "Li bro, it''s your wedding. I should be giving you something. Besides, I have already given my red packet, you can''t do anything about it now."


    Xin Xiaoli looked at Darren helplessly, "Your wife is stubborn."


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "Now, what can we do about that? Don''t we all love this stubbornness?"


    Xin Xiaoli pursed his lips and stayed quiet. He had no way to retort.


    "Silly child, brother would be happy with just a hug."


    Xiu stepped up to give him a warm hug as she said, "Hugs are free. That I can give you anywhere."


    Xin Xiaoli wrapped his arm around her and his other hand stroked the back of her head. There was moisture in his eyes when she hugged him so enthusiastically. He couldn''t control it. Just like he couldn''t describe his feelings right now.


    "But there is always a condition," she added.


    "And what''s that?" He choked down his emotions before asking.


    "Your hugs should also be free for me. You also need to give me a hug whenever or wherever I need it. No excuses will work."


    Xin Xiaoli shook his head at her and rubbed her head saying, "If I call you a sister, I mean it. You''ll always find this brother whenever you need him. Even if you ask for this brother''s life, I''d be willing."


    Xiu pulled her head back slightly to look at his face as she said, "No need for that. Life is not what I need. I am very satisfied with my life right now."


    "That''s good to know," he mumbled softly.


    Xiu didn''t pull away from him. For some reason, this hug was longer than necessary. Xiu whispered near his ear, "Bro, I can still help you run. Give me a signal."


    Xin Xiaoli burst out laughing at her, "Aiyo, my silly sister, I don''t need help."


    Xiu made a face at him and grumbled, "You''re not happy. I can see it in your eyes."


    Xin Xiaoli tilted his head and smiled at her, "But I am very happy to see you. In fact, this hug made today the most special to me."


    He cupped her face and kissed her forehead saying, "And all I want is to see you happy as well."


    Xiu gaped at him before asking, "Did you get my disease?"


    "What disease do you have?" he asked in reply.


    "The disease of wanting to see everyone happy around me," replied Xiu honestly.


    Xin Xiaoli made a thoughtful face before shaking his head, "Nah. I definitely don''t have this disease. Because the only person I want to see happy right now is you."


    Xiu looked back at her husband and pointed at Xiao Li, "He is difficult to talk to."


    Darren agreed, "He sure is."


    Xiu sighed heavily before speaking again, "Li bro, can I ask you something?"


    "Go ahead," he replied.


    "If and I mean just if whatever reason you have for this marriage didn''t exist, would you choose Ying Jie as a life partner?" She didn''t know why she kept on having this question pop up in her head.


    Xin Xiaoli shook his head without hesitation, "No matter what changes in my life, this truth won''t change. Ying was always just a best friend, a very precious one. But that''s it." He took a pause and looked at her with a complicated gaze as he continued, "I lost my sister when she was very young. At that time, Ying''s presence helped me coping with that loss. In fact, Ying took the place of my sister without her even realizing it. Either it was in my life or my dad''s."


    Xiu''s expressions changed and she nodded, "And if you hadn''t lost your sister?"


    Xin Xiaoli blinked his eyes, "That''s the most beautiful ''if'' of my life. I don''t even dare think about it."


    "Okay. I got it!" Xiu nodded her head as if something became clear to her.


    "What did you get?"


    "Now I''m certain that Han Bohai is the best choice for Ying Jie."


    He also nodded along, "He indeed is the best choice for her." He suddenly held her hand and led her to the seat that had been prepared for bride and groom saying, "You sit down here. You had been standing for too long."


    Xiu was in shock when she was suddenly pushed down to sit and stared dumbfoundedly at Xin Xiaoli. "This is your seat."


    "It doesn''t matter," said the groom as he crouched down and pushed her gown aside saying, "See, your feet are swelling up as well." He narrowed his eyes at Darren, "How careless!"


    Darren pointed at himself, "How is it my fault when she doesn''t even listen to me?"


    "Then be a little tough and make her obey. If you kept on obliging with her, the one to suffer would be both of you."


    While Xin Xiaoli was helping her take off her shoes, Xiu could feel the piercing gazes of every single person in the banquet. She placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Bro, you don''t have to do it. I''ll do it. Or let Regan do it."


    "You stay quiet," said Xin Xiaoli sternly. Xiu hurriedly pressed her lips together and showed an aggrieved look towards her husband who was pushed to the sideline.

 688 Mad With Rage

    "I don''t mind doing it," Xiao Li replied with a satisfied smile.


    "Li bro, you''re making me the center of attention and I hate this feeling of having everyone looking my way or pointing at me." Xiu really felt uncomfortable with those gazes trained on her.


    "Don''t look at them. They don''t matter," said Xiao Li softly. "And why shouldn''t you be at the center of attention. You''re born to be the center."


    Xiu chuckled strangely, "Why are you talking like my husband?"


    Before Xiao Li could say anything, a voice repressed with emotions came from behind, "Xiao Li, what do you think you''re doing?"


    Xiao Li didn''t even give Meihui a glance as he replied, "Xiu is feeling uncomfortable, I''m helping her."


    "If she is feeling uncomfortable, she can leave. Besides, she is old enough to help herself."


    Xiao Li''s face hardened as he turned his head to stare at her face and said in a low voice, "I didn''t ask for your opinion."


    Qiu Meihui was shocked by his behavior and his words. When has Xin Xiaoli ever shunned her like this before anyone? She narrowed her eyes at Xiu and the fire in her heart grew even more.


    She turned to Darren and said, "Darren, I didn''t know your girlfriend is an attention seeker."


    "Sister Meihui?" Darren was taken aback by Qiu Meihui''s tone.


    "Did I say anything wrong? It''s my wedding day. Why is she trying so hard for attention?"


    Xiu''s face sank when she heard it. Whatever respect she had in her heart for Qiu Meihui evaporated at this moment. Who was trying to get attention here? If she could, she''d rather bury a hole right here to escape! But Xiu didn''t say anything, she didn''t want to create a scene here. It wasn''t worth it.


    So, she picked up her sandals and stood up barefoot saying, "Let''s go, Regan."


    Qiu Meihui snorted at her, "And now you want to leave? What are you trying to prove here? Do you want to act like the victim whom I pushed out of here? Of course, you''d want people to see me as a bad person."


    Xiu looked back at her, stepped closer to her, and said in a hard tone, "I didn''t even say a word. Why are you staging the whole show on your own? It''s your wedding day and that''s the only reason, I was gonna walk out in silence. Otherwise, do you think I''m Ying Jie? You''d abuse and I''d suffer? I''m Bai Xiu! I don''t have anything to lose here, sis! Think again!"


    "Finally, I tore this facade of yours," said Qiu Meihui as if she accomplished something. "Everyone thought of you as a charmer. And you indeed know how to charm people with your words. But so what? Your heart is truly black indeed."


    "Black? Oh, no! Don''t be mistaken! When it comes to dealing with people like you, I don''t carry burdens like heart or consciousness."


    Xiu looked at Xin Xiaoli''s face and seeing that he had no intention to step in, she waved at Darren to not take part either. "Why are you so difficult? And what are you even trying to do here? What did I even do to you? Why are you so hell-bent on trying to hurt me?"


    "I''m just fed up with girls like you," retorted Qiu Meihui.


    "And I''m fed up of jealousy queens like you. Even on your wedding day, you''re turning out to be a bitch!"


    "What did you call me?" Qiu Meihui''s voice raised up.


    Since they were the only people on the stage, no one could see the abnormality going on here. The orchestra playing in the background helped to hush down their voices for the audience.


    Xiu didn''t back off at all. She in fact dared to provoke her further as she repeated, "Bitch! I called you a bitch who doesn''t deserve my brother at all!"


    "Just because uncle Zimen and his sons treat you like family, don''t forget your place. You''re still just an orphan!"


    "Sister Meihui!"


    "Meihui!"


    Both Darren and Xin Xiaoli raised their voices in unison at her.


    "Don''t go far," gritted out Xin Xiaoli. "You''ll regret it."


    "She called me a bitch. I just called her what she is. Isn''t she an orphan. What did I say wrong?"


    Hearing Qiu Meihui''s words, Xiu finally understood the meaning of birds of feather flocks together. No wonder Liu Nuan and Qiu Meihui were best friends. They both had the same mentality and the same words. It really made Xiu feel pity for both of them.


    But poor them. She wasn''t a kind person anymore.


    "Aiya! I really want someone to do a DNA test for you as well. I highly doubt that you''re a Qiu. How can Weiwei have a daughter like you? She must be really ashamed to even call you her daughter."


    Xiu had hit the mark. Qiu Meihui''s Achilles heel had always been her mother. And Xiu chose exactly that point to strike. After all, being called an orphan was Xiu''s Achilles heel as well. How could she not strike back at the same pace?


    Qiu Meihui raised her hand and slapped Xiu without hesitation. This finally attracted the attention of everyone once again. Even though Xiu had taken a step back, Qiu Meihui''s perfectly manicured hands still scratched the side of her face.


    While Darren held Xiu''s body to support her, Xin Xiaoli had taken a step towards Qiu Meihui with a furious gaze directed at her. Qiu Meihui was taken aback. She had never seen him this angry ever before. As for Xiao Li, he was not just furious. He looked like he had gone mad with rage!

 689 Thirsty For Blood

    He held Qiu Meihui''s wrist who was staggering back because of fear. His grasp was like claws that held on tightly with no escape. He stared into her eyes, no he seemed to be intimidating her soul as he said in a dangerously low voice, "Apologize to her!"


    Although Qiu Meihui felt apprehensive, she still steeled her heart, "No way! I''d never lower myself before a low born like her!" She still had the delusion that no matter what, Xin Xiaoli loved her. He had waited for her for years. How could the girl he met a few months ago could be more important than her in his heart?


    But she truly had overestimated her importance this time around.


    Xin Xiaoli''s grip tightened even more as he said, "I said, apologize! Say another word to insult her and trust me I''ll make sure you''re never able to say another word in this life."


    Qiu Meihui''s heart shook at his words. She didn''t think it was a threat.


    ....


    When Qiu Meihui raised her hand to slap Xiu, Nora had clutched Xin Zimen''s arm tightly in shock. She didn''t even see who was beside her as she mumbled out, "Fuck it! This wedding is definitely going down the road of the funeral now."


    She had seen two versions of Xiu. One before the memory loss, the other after the memory loss. But both had two things in common; one, both Xius were possessive about who they cared about. Two, both Xius would lose their sanity once someone offended them in any way.


    Right now, Nora had already lit a candle in her heart for Qiu Meihui. How pitiful these people were! Just because Xiu had been trying to act cute lately, they really forgot this kitten hid her claws well.


    "What?" Xin Zimen questioned and Nora looked up to see not only Xin Zimen but even the other staring at her inquisitively.


    Nora shook her head in a conflicted manner as she said, "Do you remember the crazed Xiu?" She paused seeing his confusion before adding, "I mean, remember the way she beat Ah-Si?"


    "I don''t think I''ll be able to forget that," said Xin Zimen.


    "Well, you''re about to see crazed Xiu version 2.0."


    "Huh?"


    "My dear best friend has issues with her brain. She gets ticked off easily. Your daughter-in-law dared to touch her, trust me, Xiu will really make this day a nightmare for her."


    Oddly, none of the people around her doubted even a single word she said. And that''s why all of them rushed up towards her side.


    ....


    Back on the stage...


    Xin Xiaoli was still restraining himself from doing anything excessive before all these guests. But Qiu Meihui had really broken past all of his patience already!


    Qiu Meihui jutted her chin out in defiance and refused, "No! I won''t say sorry to her! She isn''t worth it!"


    Xiu had not heard any of this. From the moment she stepped back to avoid that slap, she actually stepped on her gown and stumbled and almost fell down. If it wasn''t that Darren who was moving towards Qiu Meihui with rage, saw this, she would have fallen down. It gave her a scare remembering how she had another life inside her now.


    Until now, the only reason Darren had been overlooking Qiu Meihui''s behavior was for her parents'' sake and for Dylan''s sake. Dylan and his parents'' meant a lot to Darren. He couldn''t bring himself to hurt Qiu Meihui just because he felt it would be like returning kindness with heartlessness. He owed a lot to Qiu Meihui''s family but right now, she tried to hurt his family. It was a mistake if anyone thought he''d let this go. Both his wife and his child''s life was in danger just now.


    After he helped her in standing firm on her feet, he tried to walk away and get back at Qiu Meihui but Xiu had clutched his hand tightly. No, she wasn''t trying to hold him back, she was trying to hold herself back.


    The memory of Liu Nuan falling and her supposed ''miscarriage'' that started her worst nightmare came back to haunt her at this moment. Xiu closed her eyes to stop herself from doing anything. She was constantly repeating in her head, ''Stop! Xiu, you can''t do this! It''s her wedding day. Let''s give her one last chance. Walk away!''


    However, even after repeating this mantra, she wasn''t able to push herself to walk away. Just how many times had she walked away already? If she walked away today, she''d be really like an easy target to these bitches. Just like she once was!


    "Sweets..." Darren could perceive the change in Xiu because of how her body was trembling. This time because of anger instead of fear.


    "For someone''s bastard child, you''re actually asking me to say sorry? Just what the hell are you even thinking? Don''t tell me you also have some other thoughts about her."


    These words of Qiu Meihui snapped something in Xiu''s mind and she whipped around. Pushing Xin Xiaoli away, she pulled Qiu Meihui''s hair and slapped her face. The crisp sound of the slap was so loud that everything stilled. A sudden hush fell down.


    It was so quiet that someone''s gasp of shock seemed to even echo around.


    Qiu Meihui''s eyes moistened up from the pain. She stared at Xiu with red eyes and tried to struggle but the latter was stronger and had better techniques to subdue. Xiu hit her shin to make her stumble until her back hit the wall behind. Then she clutched her neck in her grip and gave a backhanded slap on the other side of her face.


    She didn''t stop there, she continued to slap until someone finally came out of shock and pulled her back. Xiu tried to struggle out and seeing it was Dylan who held her, she glared at him, "Let me go! She is tired of living then let me send her on her way to hell!"


    "Xiu, stop it! Have you gone crazy?!"


    Xiu laughed maniacally at Dylan and nodded her head, "Of course! I have lost my mind. So what? Let me tell your sister what a bastard like me learned on the streets."


    Everyone around Xiu was in shock to see her state. She didn''t look like her usual self. Instead, she looked like a vengeful spirit that was thirsty for blood.

 690 It Wont End Well

    Xiu snorted disdainfully at her, "Are you trying to show off that you have mom and dad to protect you? If you started this mess, be a man and continue. Stop acting out this pitiful victim show, it''s making me feel sick inside."


    "Xiu?" Zhao Wei looked at Xiu with a strange look while she stroked her daughter''s head.


    Qiu Meihui''s face was red from the slaps and one could even see how it was slowly swelling up.


    Xiu didn''t care about how anyone looked at her right now, she had completely lost her reason and rhyme. All she wanted to see right now was blood. Staying loyal to her one-track mind, she was solely focused on making Qiu Meihui pay for slapping and for saying those words to her.


    "I''m sorry, Weiwei. But I feel really a pity for you that you have a daughter like her."


    "Xiu, don''t go far!" Dylan tried to warn her but that earned him a hit from her in his stomach. Since he was trying to stop her, Xiu didn''t hesitate before elbowing him right in his abdomen.


    As he curled up in pain because of her sharp elbow hit, she straightened up and pointed at him, "Touch me again and I''ll break your hands off. And that''s not a joke!"


    Dylan was taken aback by the look in her eyes. He had never seen this strange bloodthirsty look in her eyes before. While Xiu took a step towards Qiu Meihui, she hid behind her father.


    Xiu scoffed, "What are you hiding for now? Didn''t you call me a low born? Aren''t I an orphan? What? Can''t even fight with an ophan like me?"


    "My parents raised me better than this. Unlike you I have manners. I wouldn''t resort to such cheap catfights."


    Xiu laughed out at her, "And who was the one who slapped me first? I''m definitely not the one who started this!"


    "That''s because you called me a bitch."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Did I say anything wrong though? Haven''t you been barking around like a bitch? You might only know how to bark, I know how to bite as well. You should have known this before barking off without thinking."


    "You!"


    Even though Qiu Meihui was raising her voice at Xiu, she still hadn''t dared to come out of the protection of her parents.


    "Girls... Stop it! Whatever it is we can solve it at a later time and we can do it civilly."


    Xiu looked at Qiu Jiayi and narrowed her eyes, "Civilly? Hmph! I''d rather break some bones of hers. It might help in teaching her how to live like a human."


    "Xiu! Don''t go overboard!"


    "Even if Meihui said something, you should let it go for today. It''s her wedding day."


    Xiu sneered at Zhao Wei, "Why? Who is she to me that I should be considerate of her?"


    Zhao Wei was choked for words before she said, "She might be no one but don''t you consider Xiao Li your brother? It''s his wedding day as well."


    "The problem is your daughter dared to insult my brother as well. Who told her to run that mouth of her without thinking?"


    Xin Xiaoli''s heart felt weird when he heard that. He suddenly recalled that Xiu was holding back until Qiu Meihui said that maybe he also had some other thoughts about Xiu. No wonder she went into a frenzy like this. It was just as Nora said last time, if Xiu loves you, she''d go to hell for you. You hurt her, she might go easy but you hurt someone she cares about, then you''re a goner.


    "Regi, won''t you say something?"


    Darren even held his own mother aside saying, "Sister Meihui insulted my family and even tried to hurt my family. I don''t have it in me to overlook it. I''m already being kind enough by not pressing criminal charges on her."


    While Qiu Meihui''s parents were trying to get others to stop Xiu, Xiu had already squirmed her way through them and found Qiu Meihui who was hiding behind. "Hello, stranger!" Xiu covered her mouth with her hand and smiled evilly.


    Right under their noses, Xiu slammed Qiu Meihui''s head against the wall without any restraint. It was a pity that it was a wooden wall and the impact wasn''t as good as Xiu desired.


    Qiu Meihui''s scream escaped and only then did the frenzied discussion stop to look over at Qiu Meihui''s pitiful state. Xiu touched the side of her face which was scratched by her nails and showed Qiu Meihui the blood saying, "It''s a debt of blood between you and me. Do you really think I''d let you go this easy?"


    "Xiu, get off of her!" Dylan tried again to get Xiu away from his sister but Xiu''s strength seemed to have gone way up because he couldn''t even budge her.


    Meanwhile, his parents were also trying to save their daughter. Before Xiu''s hold loosened on Qiu Meihui''s hair, she whispered lowly, "You have awoken a sleeping tiger, this won''t end well for you."


    While Xiu was pulled away, Zhao Wei tried to slap her to bring her senses back but before she could, Zhao Huan held her wrist and said, "Aren''t you eager to raise that hand of yours?"


    "You stay out of it," Zhao Wei gritted out hatefully.


    "You dare to raise your hand at my daughter and I''m not even allowed to step in? If you''re here to protect your daughter, so am I!"

 691 Filthy Blood

    However, today was the matter of protecting her step-daughter. So what if she''s a step-daughter? A daughter is still a daughter! Yours or mine, why would that matter? This was Zhao Huan''s pure and innocent thoughts.


    But obviously, other people won''t agree with this. For them, if she''s my daughter then she''s precious. If she isn''t my daughter, why bother caring?


    Xiu who was protected behind Zhao Huan felt like someone wrapped a warm blanket around her body. Because of her mental state and her pregnancy, her emotions were in disarray already. But she suddenly felt so calm when she heard Zhao Huan''s words.


    For the first time, she also had a mother to hide behind. Without realizing it, Xiu''s tears slid down her cheeks. Only when she tasted the saltiness did she realize that she was crying like an idiot. How absurd was it that she was touched by such a simple act?


    Zhao Huan turned around and seeing Xiu''s tears, her eyes widened. She wiped Xiu''s tears and caressed her face saying, "Silly one! Why are you crying?"


    Like a little kid, Xiu lifted her finger and pointed at her bloody cheek saying, "It hurts."


    Zhao Huan felt her clenching as she held her in her embrace and stroked her back soothingly. "It''s okay. I''m here now. Should I blow on it? It won''t hurt again."


    Xiu snorted, "I''m not a kid."


    "Yes, yes. You''re not a kid." Zhao Huan agreed before she beckoned Darren over and passed her over saying, "You take care of her. Let me take care of the rest." She turned around to face Zhao Wei as she said, "Dear little sister, your daughter has made my daughter cry. How are you gonna fix this?"


    Zhao Wei was completely confused as to why Zhao Huan would be so protective over Xiu. Oh, and let''s not forget that Zhao Wei was very familiar with Zhao Huan''s nature since the latter was her elder sister. Even though they now weren''t on good terms, once they were also like a pair of adjoined twins.


    "Auntie Huan, you can''t be this unreasonable as well," Qiu Meihui couldn''t speak for herself but her best friend Liu Nuan could. "You can clearly see what this wild girl did to Meihui. How can you take her side?"


    "Meihui took the first step, how can you blame it on Xiu?" retorted Zhao Huan without any hesitation. She looked at Xin Xiaoli as she asked, "Xiao Li, who started the verbal abuse first?"


    Xin Xiaoli looked over at Qiu Meihui coldly as he answered, "She did."


    Liu Nuan stared at Xin Xiaoli, "Cousin, how can you also do this? Meihui is now your wife. You can''t take sides with an outsider!"


    "Exactly my point!" agreed Zhao Huan. "If she can be called an outsider, you have even lesser right to talk right now, Liu Nuan."


    Liu Nuan was stunned to her spot. She looked over at Xiu and tried to think of why everyone was defending her? Even Xin Zimen would actually defend her? And Zhao Huan who usually kept her distance from these things actually spoke up for a nobody? Why? What was she missing here?


    Xin Zimen looked at his best friend, Qiu Jiayi, and said, "Sorry, Yi. But your daughter insulted my family. Unless she apologizes to Xiu, I won''t let this go."


    Qiu Meihui was hopping mad now. Even with her painful face, she stepped up and shrieked, "Why are you all standing on her side? Who is she? Isn''t she just important because she is Regan Darren Salvay''s girlfriend? So what? What else is her identity? She is a nobody! How can you all insult me for her?!"


    Instead of raising his voice like her, Xin Xiaoli calmly said, "As dad just said, Xiu is family. You have no right to insult her."


    "Family?" snorted Qiu Meihui. "Just because you all consider her family, doesn''t mean she is! At the end of the day, she is an orphan! She is nothing but a bastard child of someone! So what if I called her a low born? Did I say anything wrong? I''ll say it again! She is a low born! She has someone''s filthy blood running-"


    *Ptak!*


    Her words were left hanging as another resounding slap landed on her already swollen face. This time, the slap came from a very unexpected person. Because the one to raise her hand was Francesca Salvay.


    Darren looked at his mother who said, "I didn''t teach my son to raise his hand on women or else, you''d be in a worse condition right now. I always thought of you as a spoiled and a bit willful person. I never thought you had such an evil heart."


    Qiu Meihui was even more unwilling to back off now, "You all want to shut me up by using force. Guess what! It''s not happening!" She rushed over to claw at Xiu who held her wrists and twisted it behind her back.


    "As I said, you seem very eager to die," spoke Xiu as she sniffled and dragged Qiu Meihui off of the stage under everyone''s watchful eyes. "Since you want to know whose filthy blood is running through my veins, I''ll let you know today."


    Dylan was about to move but was held back by Darren just like his father was held back by Xin Zimen who shook his head. He knew what Xiu was doing and he didn''t feel like stopping her. In fact, he felt like this could be the best time for this revelation.

 692 Blame Me

    Zhao Wei had just taken a step ahead when Darren stood before. His expressions weren''t right. He really was in a dilemma but he still said, "I respect you a lot. Please, don''t make me do something I don''t want to."


    He really wanted to stop Xiu and didn''t want to do it either. His heart was conflicted. He wanted to stop Xiu because of her health but he also wanted her to continue because he wanted her to stand for herself. But it was true torture for him to see Xiu''s behavior. She didn''t just lose her reason, he could see she was pouring all the grievance she had in her heart for two lifetimes.


    When Dylan stared at him, he added, "Don''t make me choose between my friend and her."


    Dylan turned his head around when he heard his sister''s scream. Xiu was now pulling her hair again as she brought her before the table where the Xin Family''s elders were sitting. While the Father and Mother Xin were looking at this drama with grave expressions, one person was too leisurely.


    Xin Zemin!


    He had a plate full of bite-sized snacks and was truly looking like someone who had taken the front row seat to enjoy the show. Seeing him, even Xiu''s lips twitched but she closed her eyes briefly to calm down. Right now, her anger was directed at Qiu Meihui, she''d change the target to Xin Zemin some other time.


    Xiu tugged at Qiu Meihui''s hair making her yelp again as she asked, "Weren''t you so curious about my filthy blood? Won''t you like to know whose bastard child I am?" She looked at Xin Zemin, who frowned as he finally stood up under her furious gaze while Xiu continued, "Since you called me a low born, why don''t you meet this low born''s father!"


    She pushed Qiu Meihui''s face towards Xin Zemin. Every single person in the hall gasped out as Xiu added, "Here, meet this bastard''s father, Xin Zemin!" Qiu Meihui''s eyes widened in shock. She even forgot to cry. Xiu came close to her face as she sneered, "I don''t think he needs an introduction, does he? The current head of Xin Clan has his own reputation after all. But you need to ask him if he has filthy blood in his veins because it''s his blood running through my veins as well!"


    Xin Zemin was in an even bigger shock than Qiu Meihui or any other person in this hall. He was totally lost and blanket out. He even forgot to chew the snack in his mouth and swallowed it whole. Did he believe Xiu''s words? No, definitely not! But when he looked at the conviction in Xiu''s eyes, he doubted himself. Was he missing something here?


    His trance was only broken when Qiu Meihui shook her head vigorously, "No way! Uncle Zemin doesn''t have any kids. You''re not a Xin. There is no way!"


    "You! This girl! Don''t spout nonsense carelessly!"


    Xiu looked up at Mother Xin who seemed to have woken up from a dream and walked over to Xiu''s side. Seeing this, everyone on the stage tensed up a little.


    "Just because a tiny ant-like you want to crawl her way into the big tree like Xin Clan, don''t use such despicable means. My son has never had any affairs in his life. He is an honest man." She took a look at her younger son and continued, "And the way you''re acting, I''m more willing to believe that you''re Zimen''s bastard child. Both have foul mouths and both only know how to create trouble."


    While Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at his mother''s remark, Xin Zemin turned to her saying, "Mother, this doesn''t involve you. So, you better stay out of this." As Mother Xin opened her mouth to retort, he added in a decisive tone, "Even if this girl is my daughter or not, I don''t want you to insult her. You''re getting on age. Better take a seat and relax."


    Mother Xin was hopping mad but Xin Zimen was surprised to see his brother standing up against their mother. When did this change happen? Had he been distant from the family for far too long or what? How come he didn''t hear anything about this?


    One had to know that to Xin Zimen, this was nothing less than a miracle. His ever so obedient brother had shut their mother down. He felt like he was reeling in disbelief now.


    Once he was done settling his mother, Xin Zemin looked at Xiu with a complicated gaze.


    As if holding on to her last straw, Qiu Meihui called out to Xin Zemin, "Uncle, she is trying to blemish your good name in the society with her nonsense. Don''t listen to her. Orphans like her would do anything to crawl their way into families like us. Otherwise, why would she have seduced Regan?"


    Before Xin Zemin could open his mouth, Darren held Qiu Meihui''s wrist and turned her around saying, "You are hell-bent on breaking off every shred of cordiality. If you said another word against my wife, I''ll really forget what relationship I have with your family. Don''t blame me for being ruthless then."

 693 Regan!!!

    Darren glared back at Qiu Meihui saying, "But she..."


    Xiu placed her finger over his lips and shook her head repeatedly. For the very first time, even she was unable to calm him down. He had been standing by for far too long and the credit for that went to his dearest wife who even before going on the stage had warned him, ''No matter what happens, you won''t step in. Even if it gets bloody, you won''t take part in it. You''re gonna get very angry but I only want you to stand by my side and do nothing.'' She even went as far as asking him to promise her that he won''t interfere with anything. No matter what the circumstances.


    At that time, he was confused as to what could possibly happen? Weren''t they just going to congratulate the newlyweds? It didn''t seem like a big deal. But apparently, he hadn''t seen what Xiu had. Time proved that her intuition was very accurate. She had seen through Qiu Meihui''s jealousy and dislike for her clearly. And someone like Xiu who had lived surrounded by jealousy in her previous life knew exactly how far a woman''s jealous heart could go.


    None of Qiu Meihui''s words or actions were out of her imagination. Xiu had seen through her too well. In fact, if Xiu had a calm mind right now, she''d even laugh at how predictable Qiu Meihui was. But fortunately or unfortunately, currently, Xiu''s mental state was anything but calm right now.


    Under the vigilant eyes of the crowd, Xiu and Darren were having an argument. But just like their love, even their argument was very unique because no word was exchanged. None! They both just stared into each other''s eyes and continued their silent exchange of words.


    Meanwhile, Xin Zemin was now looking at his wife. Seeing the sadness in Zhao Huan''s eyes, his heart clenched and he shook his head. "Huanhuan, hear me out! She..."


    "If you''re gonna say she isn''t your daughter, save it. We have a DNA test report," Xin Zimen chimed in for his dear elder brother.


    Xin Zemin was stumped for words as he said in confusion, "What?"


    "And it''s a perfect match as well," added Xin Zimen with a smile. "She indeed is your daughter."


    He looked back at his wife again who seemed to be holding back her tears. He could clearly see it in her eyes; betrayal, heartbreak. But how was he supposed to explain this?


    "Maybe the DNA test is forged," said Xin Zemin.


    Zhao Huan glared at him through the sheen of tears in her eyes as she said, "Min, her birth mother''s name is Carina Novell." Xin Zemin''s eyes went round as he froze for a second. "Do you still want to say that she isn''t your daughter?"


    Although Zhao Huan wanted to see him happy, she even wanted him to accept Xiu... But she''d be lying if she said it didn''t hurt a little seeing how happy he was. Indeed, a child was still the biggest happiness in a relationship. And she couldn''t provide him that. So what she gave all of her love to him, she couldn''t give him a child of their own.


    Seeing how her tears fell down, Xin Zemin''s joy evaporated suddenly. He just realized something was wrong. He helped her in taking a seat and crouched down before as he held her hands saying, "Huanhuan, why are you crying? This is supposed to be a happy moment."


    "Of course, it''s happier for you. You finally have a child of your own that I couldn''t give you."


    Xin Zimen tutted at his brother saying, "I have never seen someone so shameless. Even after hurting sister-in-law, you''re happy?"


    Xin Zemin glared at his younger brother, "I have never done anything to hurt her."


    Their banter attracted everyone''s attention towards them. After all, everyone was curious to know about Xiu''s real identity. From Xin Zemin''s expressions, it could already be seen that he acknowledged Xiu as his daughter. But if he was accepting it so readily, he was actually gambling on the power and position he had in the Xin Clan. Not to forget that this meant he cheated on his wife and she must be really hurting now.


    "How can you be this insensitive?" said Xin Zimen with a scowl. "Do you know how upset and conflicted sister-in-law had been since she learned you cheated on her?"


    "What? But I never cheated on her," retorted Xin Zemin. "I''d never do that! Not ever!"


    Zimen narrowed his eyes at his elder brother as he pointed towards Xiu, "Then are you still saying, she''s not your daughter?"


    "I''m not saying that either," replied Xin Zemin.


    "Uncle, you''re being very strange now. You said she is your daughter and you''re also saying that you didn''t cheat on aunt. But aunt never gave birth. So, how are you gonna explain Xiu''s existence?"


    Xin Zemin looked up at his nephew and sighed out, "If you all give me a chance then I''ll explain it! Stop cornering me already!"


    "Explain then!" said Zhao Huan in a firm voice.


    Xin Zemin took a deep breath and opened his mouth...


    "Regan!!!"


    A sudden cry of Xiu attracted everyone''s attention back towards the pair who had been lost in their own argument while they were busy trying to hear out the truth from Xin Zemin.

 694 Little Ancestor

    But was still unwilling to accept either her mistake or her defeat!


    The way she stared at the back of Xiu''s head was like she was ready to kill her. Only if this girl had never shown up in their lives, everything would have been alright. If only she didn''t exist. Just as this thought came to her mind, something flashed through her eyes.


    Taking advantage of everyone''s distraction, she picked up a wine bottle and aimed it right at Xiu''s head.


    But at the last moment, Darren noticed her act and hugged Xiu before turning around. So, the attack that was meant for Xiu, struck Darren instead.


    The glass bottle broke along with Xiu''s cry of alarm. Darren still smiled at her and caressed her back saying, "It''s okay. You''re safe."


    Xiu lifted her hand to touch the back of his head and when she felt something wet, her heart stopped beating. Fear started surging through her whole being. And a new fire ignited inside her.


    If she was looking crazy before, now she had gone berserk as she tried to rush towards Qiu Meihui but Darren hugged her from behind and held her back. Meanwhile, Qiu Meihui fell down after stumbling on the chair behind her in fear. She looked pathetic lying there but no one came to help her up.


    "I''m gonna tear her apart!" Xiu''s scream was ear piercing. "How dare she touched my husband?!"


    "Sweets, please calm down. It''s not good for your health." Darren kept whispering in her ear but Xiu was not even paying any attention.


    All her attention was on Qiu Meihui whom she wanted to bite off to death right now. That''s it! That''s exactly what she wanted to do! She was gonna kill her!


    Just as those thoughts came to her mind, she grew even more aggressive. All of a sudden, she felt a touch behind her ear and... She passed out in Darren''s arms.


    Due to the head injury, Darren''s vision was getting blurry but he still looked up gratefully at Su Feifei who had used her hand technique to put Xiu to sleep. She touched Xiu''s forehead and said, "She needs a doctor. So do you."


    Just as Darren nodded in agreement, Han Bohai offered, "You bring her out, I''ll get the car." Darren didn''t stop him as he ran out.


    Instead, he tried to pick up Xiu but staggered a bit. Xiao Li took her from his hands and said, "Let me help you with that." Then he turned to face the rest and added, "Ying, you help Darren out."


    Fuck! He left his wedding reception! He also left his injured wife behind!


    This had to be a dream.


    But whether it was a dream or not, she honestly had no time to ponder over it as she put Darren''s arm over her shoulder. Ah-Si also stepped up and took his other arm as they helped him out of here.


    Finally, Qiu Jiayi also signaled his son to take Qiu Meihui to the hospital to get timely treatment before she gets disfigured.


    Because of this commotion, whatever Xin Zemin had to say was left unsaid. Seeing Xiu fainting, he wanted to move up but his brother held him down saying, "Until you clear everything, I''m not letting you out of here. Before you face the little lass, you better clear what is going on!"


    "Don''t we have to follow them to the hospital first?"


    Xin Zimen narrowed his eyes, "For now, the little lass has everyone she needs with her. You stop trying to avoid the topic." From his observation, it seemed like his brother was uneasy. As if he wanted to say something but also didn''t want to say it here.


    "Jackie, let''s go. Don''t you want to see your Xiu?"


    Jackie''s body was emanating a strange aura that even Nora was cautious as she called out. But the little man didn''t budge. Nora thought this fight and blood must have traumatized the poor baby brother of hers. No matter how mature he seemed, he''s still a baby.


    She was glad Ava had been sleeping through this chaos. She didn''t want her daughter to see any of this. She was herself reeling from whatever happened. The only surprise she got was Xiu''s birth identity. The rest was all under her prediction from the moment she saw Xiu getting slapped by Qiu Meihui. Who told her to mess with her gangster best friend?


    If she hadn''t been holding Ava all this time, she''d like to smack that Qiu Meihui as well. How dare that bitch called her best friend a bastard child? If her parents got to know about this... Her mother is definitely gonna drag, someone, to court for this chaos. She closed her eyes to let off some steam.


    And while she did that, Jackie had already walked up to the elders and tugged at Xin Zemin''s coat. When the latter looked down at him, he asked in a solemn voice, "Are you really my Xiu baby''s father?"


    Xin Zemin was taken aback but he still mumbled, "It seems like it."


    The little Jackie rolled up his sleeves saying, "Then let''s have a talk. Man to man."


    "What?" Xin Zemin didn''t know how many times he had repeated ''What?'' in the past 30 minutes or so.


    "You dared to abandon my Xiu baby, I won''t let you snatch her from me now. That''s not happening!"


    Nora rolled her eyes at her brother and pulled him back saying, "I''m sorry. He is a little too possessive. I''m already surprised he had been quiet till now." Then she looked at her brother and added, "Jackie, this is not the time for all this. Let''s go and see Xiu first. Aren''t you worried?"


    "My Xiu baby is alright," said Jackie in a firm voice. "But I need to clear this up before anyone gets the wrong idea that they can snatch my sister from me."


    Nora almost cried at the spot, "My little ancestor, no one can dare snatch what''s yours. Let''s go now!"

 695 Jail Time

    As he buckled his seat, he took out his phone and dialed a number. Nora was settling Ava in the baby seat when she heard her mother''s voice that startled her.


    "My little prince! Are you missing mommy?"


    "Mom, where are you?" asked Jackie without acting cute like his mom.


    Clara frowned when she heard his voice and answered, "I''m currently in Boston. What''s wrong my baby boy?"


    "Come back home! Right now!"


    Clara''s eyes widened at her son''s tone. She felt apprehensive, "Did someone dare to bully my son? Who is it? Tell mommy, I''ll beat them all up!"


    "It''s not me. It''s Xiu," replied Jackie in an aggrieved way. Since everyone called him a kid, he was gonna act like a kid and complain to his mommy. After all, what was the best way to get your revenge? He just had to say a word to his mother and the rest would be done!


    "Xiu? What happened to Xiu?"


    Jackie sniffled as he told her, "Xiu is in a hospital right now. These people bullied her so much. It''s attempted murder, I''m telling you. You have to come back and get justice for her."


    Clara was immediately in an alert mode as she coaxed him a bit to calm down and asked, "Give the phone to Nora."


    "I''m right here," said Nora as she sat behind the steering wheel. She knew her brother had put the phone on speaker on purpose. How could this little ancestor not have his own evil ideas?


    "Tell me in detail what happened?"


    Nora took a deep breath and told her everything from start to finish without hiding anything from her mother. She knew if she omitted anything this little one would surely spill the beans.


    Clara was furious when she learned everything. Even the pen in her hand snapped because of her anger. "Someone called your sister a bastard child and you stood aside like a prop?! Aren''t you the elder sister? She always stands up for you even though she is younger than you and you just stood aside?!"


    Nora pouted, "It didn''t look like she needed my help. I''m always there whenever she needs me. Today, if I intervened, she might have beaten me up as well."


    "That''d be good," said Clara. "As an elder sister, you can''t even protect your younger siblings. Why did I leave you there if you can''t even do this much?"


    "Mommm!!!" Nora whined like a kid while her mother reprimanded her for being a prop. She looked at her brother who was amused and gnashed her teeth. "Whatever! You come home and do something. If I don''t see anyone behind the bars, I''m not gonna be satisfied."


    "That''s my dialogue," said Jackie but she disregarded it.


    When she hung up, Nora looked at Jackie and asked, "Are you satisfied now? Since mom said she won''t let it go then you and I both know someone is facing jail time."


    Jackie smirked evilly, "That''s good. Evil shouldn''t be running around on the streets."


    Whether Clara Cartwright''s love was for Xiu or Destiny, one thing was certain, she loved her very much. And she wasn''t someone to be trifled with. She wouldn''t be a top criminal lawyer otherwise. If someone touched her family, she didn''t mind returning the favor!


    ....


    Inside the hall, Francesca had almost fallen from shock when Darren was hurt. If it wasn''t for Han Yiheng who was keeping an eye on her, she would have also collapsed. He helped her to sit and gave her a glass of water.


    "I need to see my son," she said as she tried to get up but he didn''t let her.


    "First, calm down. Your son won''t like to see you in this condition," said Han Yiheng.


    Francesca shook her head, "No, I won''t feel calm unless I see him with my own eyes. Both my son and daughter are in the hospital." She held her head in her hands as she kept talking, "Why did I even care about Qiu Meihui? I always loved her and this is how she returned the love? By hurting both my daughter and son? I can''t believe it!" She shook her head, "I shouldn''t have urged them to congratulate the bride and groom. I must have lost my mind. It''s all my fault."


    Han Yiheng who was standing beside her hesitated but still held her shoulders and let her lean on his as he said, "Stop saying that. It''s not your fault. How would you know any of this?"


    "No, it''s really my fault," she was still lost in her self-blame. Whenever she thought of Darren and Xiu, she felt even more guilty. In fact, she wasn''t supposed to. She did nothing wrong. But her anxiousness and love for both of them far exceeded reason.


    "If you continue being like this, I won''t take you to see them." Francesca looked up at him as he added, "So, hurry up and stop crying. I am certain your son would go mad if he saw you crying because of him."


    Francesca couldn''t even find words to refute him. He was right. Her Regi would be really upset if he saw her like this. She needed to be strong and take care of her kids. It wasn''t time to be weak. She wiped her tears and stood up saying, "Alright. I won''t cry now. Let''s go now. I have to get to the hospital."


    How could Han Yiheng refuse her when she spoke like this? He immediately nodded his head and led her out of there.

 696 Drastic Measures

    Francesca''s brows furrowed up while Han Yiheng pursed his lips to hold back his laughter. "Feifei, you are married?"


    Su Feifei looked at Francesca and smiled sheepishly, "You didn''t know?"


    Francesca shook her head in response and Han Yiheng glared at his friend saying, "She is married to her work. Her ''husband'' is her work. Don''t listen to this crackhead."


    "As if you''re any smarter," retorted Su Feifei.


    "At least, I don''t coax my car," he shot back.


    "Grrr..."


    While Su Feifei growled at him Francesca finally let out a smile.


    "Oh, look. This lady has such a beautiful smile. No wonder it captured someone''s heart." Han Yiheng glared at Su Feifei for running off her mouth without thinking yet again. The latter didn''t even care as always and stepped over to Francesca''s side. She patted her shoulder and said, "Your son is tougher than you think. So, smile a little brighter. A smile can heal any wound."


    "Are you changing your profession to being a philosopher now?"


    Su Feifei made a face at Han Yiheng, "No, dumbo! I won''t change my profession until I get to beat you on national tv."


    "Dream on!" Han Yiheng turned to Francesca and added, "Ignore her. This chatterbox has nothing good to say. Let me bring you to the hospital."


    As Francesca took the passenger seat, she looked at Su Feifei and asked, "Fei, do you wanna come with us?"


    Han Yiheng stared at Su Feifei and gave her a signal. Su Feifei was amused by his reaction. She sighed out, "Nah. I can''t leave my dumb machine alone here. It gets lonely."


    "Let her be," said Han Yiheng and hurriedly stepped on the accelerator. He even left his driver behind. How could Su Feifei not see that he wanted to spend some alone time with Francesca?


    "Opportunist," she cursed out while shaking her head in disdain. Taking advantage of an emotionally weak woman, he really was an opportunist.


    But her opinion didn''t matter to Han Yiheng at all. He just wanted to be there for Francesca at this time. He didn''t think there was anything wrong with it.


    While Su Feifei was scratching her head, Ying''s grandmother came to her side. "That was chaos. Bloody chaos."


    Su Feifei shrugged her shoulders, "This is why I avoided marriage my whole life. It gets bloody! And you can never see a man''s, unscrupulous heart."


    "That''s because I am amused," she didn''t deny it but rather accepted it outrightly. "I have seen my pretty Yingying getting verbally abused by Qiu Meihui for far too long. If it wasn''t that Xin Zimen was Qiu Jiayi''s sworn brother, I''d have already shown that girl her place. She is far eviler than you think."


    Shania couldn''t disagree with those words. Although she wasn''t as clear about the dispute between Ying and Meihui, she was clear about one thing; her granddaughter didn''t like the other person.


    "Do you think that girl, Bai Xiu is really Xin Zemin''s daughter?"


    Su Feifei opened the bonnet of her car and tried to find out what was wrong with this dumb machine of hers as she replied, "You still have doubts?"


    "I... Don''t know really. Because I can swear that Zemin would never cheat on Huan."


    Su Feifei thought about it for a moment before nodding her head, "There are other ways to have kids. But then why would he hide something like this from Huan? How come she doesn''t even know anything?"


    Shania''s eyes fell on two figures not far away and her eyes flashed as she said, "I get it now... Zhao Huan had three miscarriages. Only an idiot would believe that any of it was a coincidence." She took a pause and added, "No wonder Zemin had to take drastic measures."


    "Even if I agree with your words, who would explain why Zemin himself had no clue about Xiu''s existence? Does it make sense?" Su Feifei thought her brain was gonna explode.


    She looked over at Xin Zimen who was also getting in his car and called out, "Brother in law, you''re going to the hospital?" Xin Zimen nodded his head. "Let me hitch a ride with you then." Xin Zimen looked back at her car and she hurriedly added, "This tin box is broken. Completely useless."


    "I''m coming with you two as well," said Shania.


    Su Feifei looked at her in displeasure, "Why are you inviting yourself?"


    "You did the same thing," the older woman retorted.


    "Can we hurry up?" Xin Zimen''s voice broke their argument as they promptly got in his car and the driver started the car.


    He was rubbing his forehead in worry when Su Feifei questioned, "Ge-Ge, is Xiu...?"


    She didn''t even finish her sentence when Xin Zimen sighed out heavily, "I don''t know. That elder brother of mine said he''ll tell the truth before Xiu. Because he wants to ask her something as well. I don''t even know what he is thinking but I honestly don''t care right now."


    "Then why do you look worried?"


    Xin Zimen pressed his forehead again as he said, "Isn''t it because of that little lass? I don''t know what her condition is. The doctor just said she needs a peaceful environment. What am I gonna do if anything happened to her or her..."


    Both Su Feifei and Shania shared a look of understanding and chose to not ask anything else. He looked really distressed.

 697 Wont Be Disappointing

    Xin Zemin was trying to calm down Zhao Huan who had been crying for a while now. She herself didn''t know why she was crying this much? Whether it was because of her worry for Xiu or was it because of her husband''s reaction? But she had already accepted the fact that her husband cheated on her. It took her years to do so but in the end, she did come to terms with the truth.


    Xin Zemin cupped her face and asked, "Huanhuan, do you really think I can cheat on you? Like ever?"


    She shook her head saying, "I didn''t but all the proofs..."


    He tightened his hold around her shoulders as he went on, "You forget all those proofs for a minute and tell me, do you really think I can ever do anything to hurt you?"


    Zhao Huan contemplated his words. She indeed had never been hurt by him. In fact, he did everything in his power to make her smile. Always! She bit her lip and shook her head.


    "Sister-in-law, he is trying to trick you. Don''t fall for it," warned Xin Zimen in a grave voice as he glared at his elder brother.


    Xin Zemin didn''t even turn to him as he continued, "I''ll answer all your questions as I said but I also need some answers." He finally turned to his younger brother and added, "I thought she was dead. I honestly had no idea about her. Why else would I keep it a secret from Huanhuan?"


    "But isn''t it you who tried to kill her and her mother, Carina Novell?"


    He glared at his brother in rage, "Why would I try to kill my own daughter?"


    "Maybe to hide the fact that you cheated on your wife? After all, this information can ruin your position."


    Xin Zemin gaped in disbelief, "Am I such a person in your mind? I''d choose power over my blood? Even if and I''m emphasizing on ''if'' I had really cheated on my wife, I''d still not choose such a cruel method and kill my own blood. I have that much consciousness." He took a deep breath and said, "Forget it. I really need to see that girl first. I need to make sure she is fine and then I have to ask her questions. Only then I can come clean before everyone."


    He held Zhao Huan''s hands again and enunciated, "Let me say it again, I had no relationship with Carina Novell. In fact, I only met her once and that too in the presence of Wen Ai. Other than that, the woman doesn''t even exist for me."


    "You''re making it a whole lot confusing," said Xin Zimen.


    "I don''t care. Let''s head out to the hospital."


    Xin Zimen opened his eyes and sighed again. He really believed his brother''s words for some reason. But something stuck in his mind. It was the name of his wife; Wen Ai.


    ....


    Xin Suyin had seen the whole drama from a distance when she entered the hall with Zhou Jinhai behind her. She stood aside and silently let everything unfold. At first, she was amused but later when Xiu claimed to be Xin Zemin''s daughter, she got a shock.


    Her eyes followed Xiu with a complicated look.


    After she watched everyone leaving, she also got out but someone dragged her aside and questioned, "Would you like to tell me how the dead rose up from the grave?"


    Xin Suyin looked at the other person with a bored look and flung the hand holding her away saying, "Maybe Heavens were being merciful."


    "Are you trying to be funny with me?" Xin Suyin shrugged her shoulders. "You''re supposed to finish off both mother and daughter!"


    "I confirmed her death, now how did she come alive all over again is something I don''t even wanna think about right now," said Xin Suyin. "I have my own problems to solve, you deal with yours!"


    "It was a deal between us," reminded the other person. "Back then, she was your trump card alive but right now, you can only win if she is dead."


    Xin Suyin sighed out and looked towards the sky as she said, "Do you know I heard her name is Xiu."


    "So?"


    Xin Suyin turned her head to face the person beside her smiled sadly, "I''m already being tortured after killing one Xiu, I can''t bring myself to do it all over again."


    "Have you gone soft?"


    "Maybe... Life played a twisted joke with me, how could I be like my previous self?" She still couldn''t get Chen Xiu''s last words out of her head. No matter how she tried, those words became a curse that continued to haunt her. Just like Chen Xiu became a ghost that haunted her every single moment.


    "If you won''t do it, I''ll have to dirty my own hands," said the mysterious person.


    Xin Suyin snorted, "It''s not like your hands are any cleaner than mine." She turned to leave but still didn''t forget to say, "Let me offer you advice since you''ve raised me, from what I can see, if you touched that girl named Xiu, you''re dead meat. Even your status won''t save you this time."


    The other person stayed quiet. Not like Xin Suyin expected to hear anything. She was just being honest. The people around Xiu showed her already, whoever tried to mess with her, definitely won''t see the sun of tomorrow.


    Now, it''d be amusing to see how far Qiu Meihui is gonna fall. She finally had something to look forward to in her boring life. Looks like I need to keep an eye on this matter. Something tells me, the result won''t disappoint me at all.

 698 Fragments...

    She found herself surrounded by mirrors. This room only had mirrors apart from her. And every single mirror reflected her current state. She didn''t wear that gown that she downed for the wedding. She was wearing the same maroon silk gown that she wore when she said goodbye to the world as Chen Xiu.


    Xiu''s whole body shook when she saw this. She lifted her hand and touched her face as she stared back at herself through the mirror. The face reflected in the mirror was definitely Bai Xiu''s but the things on her body were Chen Xiu''s.


    For instance, those signature earrings that she used to wear in her childhood that had ''Xiu'' carved on it beautifully. Also, the maroon silk gown that she loved. And even the charm bracelet on her wrist.


    She didn''t know for how long she stared at her own reflection but she knew that the longer she looked, the calmer she got. It was strange but she never thought one day she wouldn''t find looking in the mirror strange like she first did. Even the things on her body didn''t seem odd at all. It felt like a part of her now.


    If one combined Destiny and Chen Xiu, wouldn''t this be the picture? One''s soul and one''s skin?


    ''Shhh!''


    Xiu''s brows moved when she felt like she heard something. She turned her head and looked around. But except for her own reflections all around, she saw nothing else. Was she hallucinating?


    ''Shh!''


    Xiu looked again. This time she even tried to knock on each mirror as if trying to see if there was a door. Or maybe it was a two-way mirror and someone was able to see her from the other side.


    "Who is it?" she questioned when she couldn''t find an escape. She was calmer than any normal person who would find himself in a situation with no way out. In fact, Xiu was really very calm in her heart. The reason was simple, she had realized it wasn''t real.


    There was no way she was willing to believe that someone kidnapped her in the presence of her Regan. Her heart would never allow her to doubt him.


    With her clear mind, she even knew that she was supposed to open her eyes in a hospital room. She was very clear about her circumstances. But if she didn''t, that means she hadn''t woken up yet. That''s the only explanation she was willing to believe right now.


    ''Don''t you already know me?''


    Xiu''s eyed moved, trying to find out where that voice came from. She still didn''t find any abnormality. But the voice sounded familiar. As if she heard it every single day. How strange! "What are you? God? Deity or Demon? Angel or a Devil? Or maybe Grim Reaper?"


    ''None of the above.''


    Xiu rolled her eyes in a languid manner, "Then what technology is making you invisible?"


    ''I''m not invisible though. You can already see me.''


    Xiu frowned and moved in a circle, "I can''t."


    ''That means you''re looking at the wrong place for me.''


    "What?"


    ''Look here. I''m right here.''


    Xiu moved around again, "Where? Where is this here exactly?"


    ''Stop!'' Xiu stopped moving her eyes around frantically. ''Look.''


    "What am I supposed to be looking...?" Xiu stopped talking as soon as her eyes zoomed on her own reflection. She was definitely standing still, why was her reflection moving? Xiu lifted her hand and slapped herself on the face as she muttered, "I can''t believe I''m drunk even in my dreams now."


    ''Sister Xiu, aren''t you focusing on the wrong thing?''


    Xiu''s eyes widened. Only now, she figured where she heard the voice. She might be unfamiliar with this voice five years ago but now, she was most familiar with this voice. Wasn''t that her own voice? Xiu felt like something clicked in her brain as she called out softly, "Destiny..."


    She watched how her reflection smiled with an adoring gaze directed towards her. ''You don''t look very surprised. I guess you already noticed the inconsistency. Didn''t you?''


    Xiu lowered her eyes before nodding her head. She might have thought it to be a coincidence once or twice. But she had come to a conclusion a while ago. It''s just she didn''t want to believe in her own conclusion.


    "Your soul never left this body..." Xiu spoke in a very low voice.


    It sounded bizarre but so did her rebirth. In fact, the first time she was made aware of Destiny''s soul was back when she first opened her eyes in this body. Back then she spent day in day out suffering from a crushing pain while running in a mirror maze like the lost soul that she was. Until one day when she sat down tired, someone offered a hand.


    Wasn''t it that hand that led her to a new light? Or in other words, to this new life? She''d still be lost in that maze if it wasn''t for that hand.


    To be honest, Xiu never really thought too much about it. But the second time she felt another presence was when she was locked in the elevator. The feeling of soul crunching pain and the suffocation she felt was so real that she felt like she was experiencing it herself.


    Later on, this feeling of having another ''personality'' grew stronger. And many incidents just made that feeling more concrete.


    Xiu looked up at her reflection as she asked, "You want your life back?"


    The person reflected in the mirror had a complicated look in her eyes as she softly smiled and shook her head, ''I''m glad you''re aware of my presence but you''re wrong.''


    "What?" Xiu was feeling even more complicated in her heart. Even though she always felt indebted to Destiny, was she really ready to give up this life?


    ''The soul has long departed... It''s the unresolved fragments that are left behind.''

 699 To Her Death

    "Why me?"


    The reflection''s eyes softened, ''I also don''t know... Maybe it was because the person I wanted to see alive the most was you. Or maybe Heaven wanted you to return to your rightful place.''


    Xiu was even more confused now as she voiced out, "I don''t get any of it."


    Suddenly, she found a fair hand extended before her. Xiu thought she won''t be able to hold this hand. It seemed like if she tried her hand would pass right through the other. But it didn''t. Although the hand extended towards her had no physical form, she still felt warm.


    ''Before answering you anything, I''d like to show how we ended here.''


    Xiu didn''t know what was about to happen but suddenly, the reflection or Destiny''s soul or whatever you''d call it, pulled her right inside the mirror, and Xiu''s vision darkened.


    //The following flashback is from Destiny''s point of view.//


    *Flashback*


    Back when Destiny learned about her real father, she didn''t know what she felt. Just like any child, she definitely wanted to meet her father. This wish came from the deepest part of her heart. She couldn''t resist it.


    One day, she finally gathered the courage to give him a call. The phone rang for a while before it was picked up and she heard the deep but soothing voice of the man, "Hello!"


    Destiny felt a rush of emotions bubble up making it difficult for her to speak. She didn''t know what to say to him. She didn''t know if she told him she''s his daughter, what he''d do. Would he be happy? She definitely hoped for it.


    "Hello! Who is this?" After the other person didn''t hear any answer for a while, he asked.


    "I''m..." Destiny''s choked up voice had just rung when she heard another voice from behind Xin Zemin.


    "Min, did you cook the dinner?"


    Hearing that voice Destiny''s eyes darkened. It was Zhao Huan''s voice. Since she had every single piece of information about Xin Zemin in her hands, how could she be unfamiliar with his wife?


    "Huanhuan, take a seat. I''ll serve it to you in a bit," said Xin Zemin in a doting voice. He turned his attention back to the phone call, "Who is this really?"


    Destiny was feeling so frustrated after just hearing Zhao Huan''s voice that she directly hung up the call. Thinking that it was this woman that took her mother''s place made her angrier. And since her father had already abandoned her along with her mother, why did she have to yearn for him? It was not worth it.


    And she was very excited when she received his email in a very short while, but the content of it made her heart chill...


    ''I don''t have a daughter. Don''t try to contact me again. You''re nothing but a mistake.'' These words really tore Destiny in the worst way possible. She had already lost her mother and now, she lost her father as well. She truly felt abandoned now.


    But it was at this time, she noticed the abnormality in her life. Take the elevator incident for instance... It fell from such height and stopped so close to the ground, just in the nick of time. If it hadn''t she''d have died. But after it stopped, she heard a voice from the elevator speaker, "Little girl, know your place. Don''t dig a grave for yourself. This is just a warning!"


    She had never been given such a fright in her entire life. Not even when she had actually knocked on the door of death, she didn''t feel scared. She was never a coward. In fact, she loved dangers to the extreme. It was the feeling of being watched and controlled that instilled a fear in her heart.


    In her fear, she called Xin Zemin once again. And as soon as the phone was picked up, she started, "Dad! Please, save me. Someone is trying to kill me."


    The call was directly hung up leaving her in despair. That''s when she faced the incessant play of cat and mouse. She was standing on the sidewalk waiting for the signal to turn red when she felt someone standing behind her closing in. She frowned and then she heard a low voice, "You little girl don''t take warnings seriously."


    Before she could turn her head to see who it was, she was pushed with force onto the road where heavy traffic was rushing about. She closed her eyes as the car closed in on her but the driver stepped on the brakes on time and she was barely grazed.


    Instead of waiting for others'' help, she stood up and ran around trying to find the person who pushed her from behind. But how would she find anyone now?


    Realizing that her enemy was hiding in dark, she clenched her fists and came to a conclusion; she needed to wear the mask of darkness as well! Two could play this game. Right now, she was in the light and seemed like an easy target. And just because she didn''t know the identity of her enemy, she was at a disadvantage.


    Somethings needed to change, she needed to turn into a predator rather than prey. She''d also hide in darkness and lure her enemy out first before attacking. She thought she planned it well. But it was a pity, she was too young and hadn''t really seen how despicable the people could be.


    That''s why it was so easy for her to fall to her death.


    *To Be Continued*

 700 Detailed Traps

    From changing her identity to letting Jing Family adopting her, Destiny had thought it all over. She wanted to hide her tracks and let the enemy relax before attacking viciously. Since the identity of Destiny Novell completely vanished, her enemy in the dark had no way to continue the game of cat and mouse.


    As Bai Xiu, she could start anew. As Bai Xiu, she''d as inconspicuous as she could be.


    Her strategy was actually very good; letting loose the reins only to tighten it at the most unexpected of times. But what she didn''t know was that the enemy''s idea wasn''t much different from her.


    Destiny even underestimated the patience of her enemy. She didn''t know just how enticing this patient play was to this enemy of hers. And just how detailed the trap laid for her.


    Even though Destiny had already stopped looking for ways to get to Xin Zemin. She wasn''t completely distant from the Xin family as one would think. She found all the ways she could to find out the situation within the Xin family. She was very clear about the circumstances inside this family.


    And naturally, she was very clear about the affection between Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan. It wouldn''t be wrong to call them the most harmonious couple. Even though they never had a child of their own, that only increased the intensity of their love instead of decreasing it.


    Seeing the Head of Xin Clan coming to pick up his wife from the hospital wasn''t a rare scene. It was so common that it made onlookers envious. Not only that, Xin Zemin would do anything to please his wife. Years after their marriage, they still acted like newlyweds. He still brought flowers for her without any occasion. He''d still surprise her with dinners, gifts, and whatnot.


    The people said the only blemish in their relationship was the lack of a child. However, the husband and wife really didn''t think like that. They never really felt the need for that child. And oddly, it felt just right whenever they were together.


    Nonetheless, all of this was really painful for Destiny. A teenager who yearned for fatherly love... Her hatred for Zhao Huan was beyond words. And it only grew day by day. The more she learned about the love between Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan, the more she hated the woman who snatched her father. Recalling that email, she actually started believing that she was a mistake. Because from whatever she saw, it didn''t seem like Xin Zemin missed or even remembered Carina Novell. Then was her mother nothing but an insignificant person in his eyes?


    The more she thought, the more she couldn''t come to a conclusion. But that didn''t stop her from pursuing danger with even more eagerness. She needed to know who was behind Carina Novell''s death. At any cost, she had to find the real mastermind behind it.


    Destiny sneered in disdain. A wife trying to kill a mistress. It was really not a surprise.


    And since she learned the truth, she had all the more reason to not let Zhao Huan live in peace. She kept watching Zhao Huan''s movements for two months. It was actually pretty strange but the official wife of Clan Head had no bodyguards at her beck and call. In fact, she lived a rather simple life. She would dutifully come to the hospital in the morning whether with her husband or alone. The same went for the way back in the evening. She didn''t even have a driver for herself.


    She lived such a simple life that it was hard to believe she was the Mistress of a huge clan. But none of that made Destiny change her opinion. She only thought Zhao Huan was being pretentious by living such a humble life hiding her real deceitful nature behind that innocent face.


    After careful observation of two months, Destiny had come to a conclusion. Since Carina Novell died in a traffic accident, the culprit had to face the same fate!


    Destiny chose a specific day when Xin Zemin was out of town. His presence wouldn''t change her plan but she still chose this particular day. It wasn''t a big deal to mess with Zhao Huan''s car and so she did.


    She had trailed behind Zhao Huan''s car and watched how soon the latter struggled to control the speed but wasn''t able to do so. She was even there when Zhao Huan swerved the car around and drove right off the cliff just because she didn''t want to injure the pedestrians. Destiny watched her car dropping in the water along with her. She had a satisfied smile on her face.


    "I''ve finally avenged my mother," she smirked from the sideline.


    What she hadn''t expected was that instead of Xin Zemin, she needed to be wary of someone else. She didn''t know who it was or how it happened but as soon as Zhao Huan''s car fell from the cliff, two inconspicuous cars came to halt near the edge and several people rushed out.


    Two of them started making calls and the rest jumped into the water from this height without any hesitation. She was sure that Zhao Huan would die here but when she watched these experts pull her out of the water and saw a rescue helicopter, her facial expressions turned unsightly.


    This was definitely not how she expected this to go!


    No wonder this woman was able to parade around leisurely. Someone had been protecting her all this time. It was just that she wasn''t this someone''s opponent and didn''t even realize their presence!


    *To be Continued*

 701 Despair

    Destiny didn''t plan on giving up so easily. She had to see through this to the end. So, she followed them to the hospital. It was only after she got there did she learn about who protected Zhao Huan in the dark.


    A man with an oppressive aura came with a frosty expression. At his sight, even those stiff looking, organized people started trembling.


    "What happened?" Xin Zimen''s voice was low as he questioned his subordinates.


    "It''s just a conjecture but it seems someone messed with the brakes," said one of those people.


    The temperature dropped around them as Xin Zimen''s voice got lower, "Who did it?"


    "We don''t know."


    "Then what the hell are you doing here?!! My wife left only one job for you all! Protecting Sister Huan and you can''t even do that?!" Xin Zimen was furious just as much as he was anxious.


    Everyone kneeled before him as they bowed their heads, "Sir, we had been following Madam Huan for years. Nothing of this sort ever happened. So..."


    "So you all got lazy? Or is it that you all got rusty after all these years?" Xin Zimen was breathing heavily. "Get lost! Don''t let me see your face until you have a clear answer for everything!"


    None of them even delayed as they promptly rushed out. They truly were given amnesty. Who wasn''t familiar with Xin Zimen''s temper?


    In fact, surprisingly even Destiny was familiar with his temper. And knowing that he was behind saving Zhao Huan, she felt scared. She had covered her tracks well but she still didn''t feel at ease. From what she gathered, wasn''t the two Xin brothers at odds? Why would Xin Zimen be so detailed about protecting Zhao Huan? This matter was truly baffling to her.


    It didn''t take long for Xin Zemin to come as well. He looked at his brother with a complicated gaze before he asked, "You weren''t behind this, right?"


    Zimen''s temper blew up but he held himself back since it was a hospital, "If I want someone dead, that''d be you! Why would I try to kill my innocent sister-in-law?" He knew his elder brother was just talking nonsense because he was worried. He could literally see his fear all over his face no matter how much he tried to hide it.


    Seeing how he was shaking from head to toe, Zimen patted his shoulder saying, "Relax. She''ll be fine."


    Xin Zemin lifted his head and Zimen saw the moisture in his eyes. "The doctors don''t think so. They said there is so much water in her lungs and..."


    For the first time in years, Zimen felt the urge to hug his elder brother but he stopped in time as he said, "Nothing will happen to her."


    Xin Zemin contemplated his words before saying, "Why were you keeping an eye on my wife?" Although he knew that if he wasn''t doing it, Zhao Huan might have not even be breathing right now. But he still needed an answer from his brother.


    Xin Zemin furrowed his brows at his younger brother, "What? Wen Ai is dead! How can she give orders to anyone?"


    Zimen shrugged his shoulders saying, "But she did. Before dying she had already made plans. Maybe she could really see the future."


    Xin Zemin''s thoughts grew more complicated but he didn''t question his brother anymore. Zimen himself didn''t know why Wen Ai would leave such orders for her own people. Clearly Zhao Huan had nothing to do with Wen Ai and yet she wanted to protect her against everything. The only plausible reason in his mind was that till the very last breath, Wen Ai felt guilty towards Zhao Huan for taking her limelight on her wedding day.


    He got up and said, "Since you''re here. I''m leaving."


    Xin Zemin didn''t stop him. It''s not like his brother ever listened to him. So, he was left alone to wait outside the operating room. It was a brief meeting they had in years and yet it was so short.


    Destiny could see his desolate expression. He looked lost and completely like a weak person.


    Seeing his expression Destiny felt her heart stirring. Did she do something wrong? Why did she suddenly feel so bad?


    She suddenly had an impulsive thought; after learning about Carina Novell''s death, did he feel such despair for her as well? Or he didn''t even care at all?


    With this impulsive call, she dialed his number once again after months.


    Xin Zemin took the call with a dispirited look. There was silence on the other side before Destiny spoke softly, "Did you even feel a slight despair learning about Carina Novell''s death? Or was she really just a plaything? A mistake you wouldn''t even bother remembering?"


    Xin Zemin was annoyed as he said, "I think you''ve dialed the wrong number."


    Destiny chuckled darkly, "Wrong number? Now you don''t even wanna acknowledge Carina Novell as a mistake?"


    "Who are you?" he questioned impatiently. "And whatever happened between me and Carina has nothing to do with you."


    "Why not? Carina Novell was mother!" she shouted angrily. "How can it not matter to me when you abandoned her like this?"


    Xin Zemin''s voice softened up as he said, "Kid, I''m just learning now that Carina Novell is dead. I get it that you''ve upset but why are you dragging me into this? I have nothing to do with Carina Novell."


    "I just said I''m Carina Novell''s daughter. Does that not matter anything to you?" she asked incredulously.


    "Why would it matter to me?" retorted Xin Zemin.


    "It''s truly a pity that she had been loyal to you for years and you can''t even recall anything. I really must be just a mistake to you. I always imagined why would my father abandon me but only now I know, you never really cared about me. You neither cared about my mother nor about me." She was breathing heavily, "Say, does your wife know what kind of person you are? HA! If she knew she must not have taken the drastic measures to kill me and my mother. Because you don''t even care about us."


    Xin Zimen finally lost his patience when his wife was brought up, "Kid, I don''t know what lies you''ve been fed but don''t even try to sully my wife''s name. Not ever!" He heaved a long sigh, "Get one thing very clear, I had no relation with Carina Novell. Yes, once she did offer to become the surrogate for my family but that''s it!"


    *To be Continued*

 702 A Pawn

    Xin Zemin didn''t want to talk to whoever was on the other side of the phone, so he hung up in frustration. However, his words left Destiny in shock. She was reeling in disbelief from what she heard.


    "Carina... Surrogate..." These words kept repeating in her head like alarm bells. As an outlandish idea formed in her head, she instantly shook her head to deny it.


    She looked back at Xin Zemin and found him on another call as he was instructing someone, "Help me find the details about Wen Ai''s friend Carina Novell and her daughter." After he hung up, he looked even more distressed. Standing before the door of the operating room, he was saying, "Huanhuan, how nice it would have been if our daughter didn''t die... We never even got to see her."


    Destiny felt her body shaking. She leaned against the wall as Carina Novell''s last words rang in her mind, ''Family... Look... For... Your... Family...'' After that, she never spoke as she never woke up from the coma.


    At that time, Destiny might not have understood her words but now, everything seemed very clear to her. She waited in the hospital until the doctors said that Zhao Huan''s condition was stable but she was unconscious. But hearing them say that Zhao Huan might never wake up again, made her heart sink.


    Disguising herself as a nurse, she entered Zhao Huan''s room in the middle of the night. She found Xin Zemin sitting on the bedside with his hand holding Zhao Huan''s. He kissed her hand as he said, "Please wake up, okay? I only have you... Even though everyone says I have the world, only you know that I only have you. So don''t you dare leave me alone."


    Seeing him crying like this Destiny didn''t dare look up. She slowly took Zhao Huan''s blood without any hitch. First, her disguise was pretty good. Second, Xin Zemin wasn''t mentally in the state to notice anything odd. Especially when all she did was take a little blood.


    The next few hours that Destiny spent in the lab waiting for the paternity test result had to be the worst of her life. If her conjectures turned out to be true... She didn''t know how she''d be able to face anyone.


    And when she did receive the paternity test report, she finally felt like someone pulled the earth right from underneath her feet. Or maybe it was the sky crushing her down. Whatever it was, it didn''t feel good.


    She slumped down in the hospital corridor without any care. She had finally lost. She actually tried to kill her own mother. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed. It was painful and suffocating and yet she couldn''t scream out her pain. She brought it all on her own.


    She ran back toward Zhao Huan''s room. Since she was still wearing the nurse''s uniform, the bodyguards didn''t stop her. Xin Zemin wasn''t inside when she came. Walking up to her bedside, Destiny looked at Zhao Huan''s pale face. She lifted her hand to touch her face but her fingers trembled.


    Her biggest problem was that she never gave anyone the benefit of the doubt. Unlike Xiu. While Xiu would even look for goodness in the worst of people, Destiny would rather believe in evil. When everyone said that Zhao Huan was simple, but a good person. She only took it as her facade.


    It was just how she had seen the world. From a young age, Carina Novell had taught her to be strong. Fight for what''s yours. Don''t believe in people. Even the kindest of people have the evilest of hearts. All these things she had been taught from a young age. And she chose to let it all engrave deeply on her soul.


    "I''m sorry..." she choked out as she kneeled beside her bed. "I really am sorry. I know I don''t even deserve to say this because it won''t change anything but I still want to..."


    "What are you doing?"


    Hearing Xin Zemin''s voice from behind, Destiny was startled as she jumped to her feet and without thinking chose to run. She didn''t know if she could face him right now. She had seen with her own eyes how deeply hurt he was right now. If she came before his eyes, he might even not be able to take this blow.


    "Stop!" Xin Zemin tried to catch her but her movements were nimble as she was young. Taking advantage of both her age, speed, and lithe body, she jumped out the window. "What are you all doing?! Go and catch that person!"


    All the bodyguards rushed over to catch her. Destiny had only jumped a single floor and entered another room. The patient was sound asleep and taking advantage of that, she changed into whatever clothes she found there.


    As she came out of the room, she could see how much chaos she caused. Everywhere she was being searched. With ease, she made an exit from the hospital and looked up at the building as her eyes narrowed dangerously, "It seems like I had it all wrong from the very beginning. It was never my game. I was just a pawn on someone else''s gameplay."


    "Little girl, isn''t it too late to realize that?"


    Destiny turned her head to see who spoke but before she could, someone blindfolded her and bonded her hand. All her struggles were in naught. No matter how she tried to escape, she was just a 17-year-old girl before these experienced people. She was really like a helpless little lamb that was asking for a wolf to come and eat.


    *To be Continued*

 703 Unpardonable Crime

    Destiny didn''t know where she was brought, she only knew that she had to escape. And she did try with all her might! However, it was all useless and she had only drained her own energy. Nothing else. In the end, she was still the one at a disadvantage.


    She felt cold fingers touching her face and tried to turn her head but the person pinched her chin with those cold fingers and sneered, "Do you think this struggle is gonna get you anywhere?"


    The tape on her lips was removed and Destiny laughed out, "You finally decided to come out of your hole? It was you! You had been playing this game with me all this time."


    There was pin-drop silence around her and then she heard, "Open her blindfold."


    Destiny couldn''t instantly open her eyes but when she did, her eyes widened. "You? How could it be you?" The person before her was the last person she''d be doubting. Then how come this least expected person was right now before her? Her eyes sharpened, "Were you behind all of this? Ms. Xin Suyin?"


    Xin Suyin didn''t seem to have the same domineering aura around her as she did yesterday facing Chen Xiu. Currently, she was rather drained. She seemed really numb right now. She had just faced the worst defeat of her life. How could she still hold on to the same arrogance when every single cell in her body was in shambles?


    She didn''t even get angry at Destiny as she said, "This is not how you should be talking to your savior."


    "Savior?" repeated Destiny. She snorted, "And how did you save me?"


    Xin Suyin turned to look at her face and said, "I warned you. I warned you repeatedly not to dig your grave again." She shook her head, "The mastermind behind all of this had already considered you dead on the night you were born. Why did you have to turn up alive after 16 years? When people already accepted your death, why did you have to seek death all over again?"


    "What are you trying to say?" Destiny''s attention was now on solely Xin Suyin.


    "If you hadn''t reached out to Zemin, you''d have easily lived a simple life. But you chose, not to." Xin Suyin sighed out, "Your impulsiveness gave a reason to that mastermind to use you. You vanished into thin air and that intrigued us all. Clearly, you''re very young and yet you managed to destroy all the tracks of Destiny Novell''s existence. But you underestimated your opponent. Because just as eager you were to find the culprit behind Carina Novell''s death, just as eager that person was to trap you."


    Destiny''s eyes darkened. She gave away her own tracks.


    "If you had not called Zemin last night, we wouldn''t have found you," said Xin Suyin. "But you little girl are very eager for death."


    "You want to kill me? Will that solve everything? If yes, please kill me already. I don''t have any attachment to this life."


    Destiny scoffed, "Then what? You want to make my life a living hell like the typical villain?" She gave a self-abasing laugh as she added, "You''ve already done that though. I''ve to live with the guilt of trying to kill my mother every day for the rest of my life now!"


    "Trying? You''ve already killed her. I heard her condition isn''t very optimistic."


    Destiny''s heart sank even more, along with it dropped her desire for anything else.


    "Then do me a favor and please end this life of mine."


    Xin Suyin looked at Destiny and stayed quiet for a long moment before she opened her mouth to say, "Do you know for the longest time I actually thought you''re Zemin''s illegitimate child?" Destiny''s eyes widened. "The idea of Zemin cheating on Zhao Huan sounded so natural that I never questioned it. Or I just didn''t want to. Do you know why?"


    Obviously, she wasn''t getting an answer from Destiny.


    "I''ve never believed in love. Even the strongest of love breaks in the tides of life. I always believed in possession, if you can''t get it, snatch it. If it can''t be yours, end it. Maybe this is why I felt really happy knowing that Zemin cheated on his wife. It made my belief stronger that no relationship can be perfect." She closed her eyes and sat down at the windowsill. "But only recently I got to know that he never cheated on his wife. He really had been a loyal person. It really made me angry. I couldn''t help it. I couldn''t stop my jealousy from burning into anger. You''re just taking the burnt of it now."


    Destiny''s eyes were complicated before it turned frosty, "Your point is?"


    Xin Suyin looked at Destiny''s face. The girl before her had piercings, tattoos, disheveled hair that hid half of her face. It had always been like this. She really couldn''t see the image of either Xin Zemin or Zhao Huan in her. All she saw was a rebellious brat trying to claw anything or everything.


    She exhaled a long breath and said, "You won''t get it. You''re really young." Then she stood up and turned to leave before instructing her people, "Drop her off wherever she wants to go."


    Destiny was taken aback, "You''re not gonna kill me?"


    "I can''t kill someone who is already dead," started Xin Suyin. "You died the moment you realized what you did to your own mother. I don''t think there is another worse way to die."


    "Do you think if you let me go today, I won''t come back to take my revenge?"


    "You can try that little girl but I''d advise you against it. Your fight had never been with me. This time if you showed up, even I won''t be able to save you."


    Destiny watched her leave with a very calm face. After tossing and turning she had come to one realization, she had already done an unpardonable crime. Whether she stayed alive or died, it didn''t matter. Nothing could wash the blood off of her hands in this life. She''d be just a sinner.


    *End of Flashback*

 704 A Goddess & A Devil

    This time, she didn''t have to see the same mirror room. This time she was standing in a very familiar place. It was so familiar that it even made her heart feel at ease. The place she stood at was the cemetery she first opened her eyes as Bai Xiu.


    The image of Destiny''s soul had changed. Now, she looked exactly how even Xiu remembered it. The young rebellious teenager that tried to play the adult''s game but ended up falling all on her own.


    ''This is where I took my last breath.''


    Xiu''s heart shook violently. "Did you kill yourself?"


    Destiny looked up at Xiu and smiled as she shook her head, ''No. I just made a wish. I just wished that somehow someone saves my mother and I''d be willing to exchange my own life to atone for my crime.''


    "It wasn''t your fault," Xiu couldn''t help speaking up. She could feel Destiny''s pain right now. Her every emotion was piercing her heart as well. How could she not know it wasn''t her fault?


    Destiny sat down beside Carina Novell''s gravestone and looked towards the sky as she said, ''It wasn''t your fault either. Why did you think of taking your own life? You didn''t do anything wrong then why did the one to die was you?''


    Xiu chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I was just tired of living between sanctimonious hypocrites. Death to me was just a door to freedom. But no one knows how many times I had to kill myself before reaching that door."


    ''Do you know there is something very common between us?''


    Xiu quirked up her brow inquisitively, "What?"


    ''We both ran after the wrong things in life. You ran after love and acceptance, I continued to chase the revenge.''


    Xiu laughed out but rather sadly before she looked at Destiny and asked, "What happened? How did you die here?"


    Destiny looked lost as she continued...


    Back then, even knowing about Xin Suyin didn''t enrage Destiny. That vigorous fire in her seemed to have died down in the river that Zhao Huan fell into. For the first time in years, she took off her disguise out of school and continued to visit the hospital.


    However,   she never dared going inside the hospital. She was scared of hearing something she wouldn''t be able to take. So,  she continued to linger outside the hospital. No matter how the weather changed she didn''t move. Just like that,  she spent two weeks around the hospital. Lack of food, lack of sleep made her condition worse but she never cared about it.


    She didn''t know why she suddenly thought of going to the cemetery but she did. Since the time Carina Novell was buried there,  she had only come here a handful of times. This time she came and sat down beside her gravestone as she asked, "Why didn''t you tell me the truth? Why did you hide it for so long? None of this would have happened if you had told me the truth. But I can''t even hate you because you gave me the love I needed for all those years."


    She sobbed uncontrollably as she went on, "I wish someone could fix it all. I can''t see her dying. I can''t! I don''t want her to hate me either. But I don''t deserve love. I really don''t deserve it!"


    She knew she was burning with fever. She was exhausted,   hungry,  had a high fever. But she still didn''t move, neither could she. Her body had been drained of all energy. Even keeping her eyes open was a huge task for her now.


    Placing her head against the gravestone she slowly closed her eyes and said in a hoarse voice,   "I took an angel''s name,  and yet I stayed a devil. If sister Xiu had been in my place,  she''d have never thought of hurting someone. Perhaps, that idiot would have even gotten hurt herself but she''d never hurt anyone." She looked at the sky which had darkened long ago. There was a chill in the air and she could clearly see the clouds slowly engulfing the whole sky. "I think Chen Xiu would have had a way to fix it. She wouldn''t be a coward like me who can''t even accept her wrongdoings. My mother really needs a daughter like her. I''d just be disappointment to her."


    Xiu looked engrossed in her own thoughts as she said,  "No wonder I had a high fever when I woke up. You died because of exhaustion and high fever." Seeing the serene look on the other''s face, Xiu was baffled, "How can you be so calm? Isn''t this an unjust death? You could have tried harder. Zhao Huan or even Xin Zemin would have never blamed you for anything."


    ''I didn''t want to bring any more suffering into their lives,'' came the reply.


    Xiu snorted, "You really thought I''d be able to fix everything if I were you." Destiny nodded her head without any hesitation. "You''ve lost your mind! I was also just a human who couldn''t even fix anything in her own life. I never even asked for this second chance!"


    ''It''s Heaven''s will that you got here,'' said Destiny. ''I was also merely a human. How could I change your destiny just because my name was Destiny? I''m more willing to believe that it''s because Goddess Xiu is a real Goddess. It''s just that a Goddess like you and a devil-like me ended up taking our last breaths at the very same time.''


    Xiu felt like her head was about to burst open. She finally knew how Destiny died and it left her unsettled because she couldn''t even go and get revenge. This foolish girl died because of her own foolishness. If you''re sick, go to the hospital! Why leave the hospital and come to the cemetery to die!!!

 705 Balance

    They looked so civilized, even when the restlessness was quite palpable in their eyes.


    Nurse 1: "I feel blessed today. I have never seen so many beautiful people in one place."


    Nurse 2: "Aiyo! I can''t believe even my Film Emperor Han is here as well. Now, I can rest in peace."


    Nurse 3: "You all continue to focus on pretty faces and celebrities. Do you even realize what''s the identity of these people?"


    Nurse 1 with a confused look on her face: "No. Why?"


    Nurse 3 sighed out: "It''s useless talking to you both."


    Nurse 2: "By the way, who exactly are they all here for? Which diety brought these masters and mistresses to gather here?"


    Nurse 1: "Oh, I know. It''s a pregnant woman. She suffered some kind of mental breakdown because of some serious stimulation that''s why her vitals were quite crazy. It took hours to get her condition to normal. But, currently, she is sleeping peacefully."


    Meanwhile, the masters and mistresses all had their own thoughts running amok. But none of them seemed willing to show a slight crack in their expressions.


    Ying had long taken off her high heels and continued to pace around barefoot until the ever so ready Han Bohai put a pair of slippers before her feet and even helped her in wearing it. Ying also didn''t say anything to him and wore the slippers. Han Bohai was happy to see that she didn''t start any argument here.


    On the side, Ah-Si was holding Ava as she slept peacefully and Nora continued to pat Jackie who seemed very restless. Cali was silently staring into space with a blank look. Xiao Li, however, had a grave look on his face.


    "Mr. Salvay, you can''t leave like this!"


    "Let me go!"


    "But you just woke up. You shouldn''t be doing this."


    "I don''t care. I have to see my wife."


    Everyone''s eyes shifted when they heard that voice. Looking over they could see Darren rushing over with a bandage around his head. Behind him, a nurse and a doctor continued to try and pull him back but he didn''t listen.


    He even seemed to stagger,  there was even blood dripping down his hand; apparently, he had pulled out his IV without any care. He looked completely disoriented as he came to stand outside Xiu''s door.


    Xiao Li moved up to help him and said, "Can''t you rest? The doctors are even running after you."


    Darren looked up at the blurry image of Xiao Li and forced out a smile, "I''m good. I just need to see her. I need to know if she is fine."


    "I still have to see her," stressed Darren without paying heed to any of them.


    "Don''t be stubborn,  Regi! If Xiu saw you like this, she won''t be happy."


    Darren''s eyes dimmed, "Then she needs to get better and tell me herself to go and rest. I''d listen to anything she says."


    It was obvious he didn''t plan on listening to any of them. He really was being stubborn. How could he not? He knew nothing about how his wife was. He just needed to see a smile from his Happy Pill to get better.


    When the doctor came out of Xiu''s room,  everyone''s attention shifted to her. Even the doctor was taken aback with so many eyes on her. She took a deep breath and asked, "Which one of you is family?"


    "We all are," came the reply.


    The doctor cleared her throat and asked again, "I mean who is the husband?"


    "Me! That''s me!" Darren hurriedly raised his hand. "How''s my wife?"


    The doctor looked at Darren''s condition and her brows furrowed, "Who allowed you to roam around carelessly when you''ve hurt yourself? Where is your attending doctor?"


    Darren smiled sheepishly,  "It''s not their fault. I ran away myself. I needed to see how is my wife. So, please let me know."


    The doctor was quiet for a while before she said, "Come inside with me."


    Darren didn''t hesitate before hurriedly following her inside the room. The doctor made him sit and said in derision,  "I see you both husband and wife have something in common." Darren was confused as she added, "You both are very careless about your health."


    Darren could only lower his head and stay quiet. He usually would care about his health but right now, he couldn''t do that.


    "Your wife is pregnant, you know that?" Darren nodded his head. "And yet you let her get this stimulated? Do you know what effect this can have on the baby? Her mental condition is dangerous to both her and the baby."


    "I know," he said in a soft voice.


    "I think you don''t know. When she was brought here, her blood pressure was dangerously high. If this persists, it''s very easy for her to have a miscarriage."


    Darren''s heart trembled, "Is she okay?"


    "For now, she is fine," replied the doctor.


    Darren heaved a sigh of relief.


    "But you can not be this lucky again," warned the doctor.


    Darren bit his lips and nodded his head, "I agree. We can never be this lucky again." His hands clenched into tight fists. He really shouldn''t have listened to Xiu and stayed out of it all. It was just like how she once said, he always gave in to her. He really needed to learn to say no to her.


    It wasn''t his fault that he just wanted to give her everything he couldn''t in her previous life. But apparently, him always giving in was also as much hurting as him not giving anything. He really had to find a balance.

 706 A New Meaning

    Darren looked up at the doctor and nodded his head.


    "Stay here. She called for you in her sleep." Darren''s eyes shifted towards Xiu who was sleeping peacefully. "I''ll ask them to shift you here."


    "Thank you! Thank you so much!"


    The doctor waved her hand offhandedly saying, "Just take care of her."


    Before the doctor could leave he called out to her, "Doctor, can you do me a favor?" She nodded and he continued, "Don''t tell anyone outside that my wife is pregnant."


    "Why?"


    "She wants to keep it a secret. If this incident ruined her surprise, she''s gonna brood for a whole week. So..."


    The doctor rolled her eyes at him and said, "I won''t say anything."


    "Thanks!"


    Seeing the doctor leave, Darren moved to Xiu''s side. He stared at her face for a long time. He sat down beside her and held her hand in his own as he said, "You''re the most reckless person I''ve ever come across and yet I love you so much! You never let me help you in any way and yet I can''t bring myself to be angry with you. Why did you do it?"


    Obviously, he wasn''t gonna get an answer from her right now but he still couldn''t help asking. He placed her hand against his own face as he continued, "Is it necessary to gamble on your life? Why are you forgetting, this time you have another life within you? And what about me? What would I do if anything happened to you?"


    He felt her fingers moving and opened his eyes to see her staring right back at him. There was no rage or aggressiveness in her eyes. All he could see was tranquility he hadn''t seen before.


    "You''re awake? Let me call the doctor." Before he could leave, she held his hand and stopped him. Shaking her head, she tugged at his arm to sit back down. As soon as he did, her hand moved towards the bandage around his head and sadness flickered through her eyes. Darren kissed her wrist and said, "It''s nothing. It doesn''t even hurt. Really."


    Xiu tried to sit up but he didn''t let her, "Don''t move. You''re supposed to rest. And don''t even dare argue with me on this." Xiu pouted at him and silently scooted towards the edge before patting the space she made for him. Darren eyed her movements, "If I lay down here, you''ll stay in the hospital for treatment?" After much hesitation, she nodded her head. Only then Darren laid down beside her.


    Xiu instantly hugged him and smiled contentedly. Darren kissed the top of her head and said, "What are you smiling about? Scaring me to death, you still can smile?"


    Xiu rubbed her head against his chest but still stayed silent.


    How could Darren not understand what game she was playing here? No matter how good she was at it, in the end, he was her husband!


    "If you think being silent and acting cute is gonna make my anger any lesser than you''re completely mistaken this time around. I am very angry!"


    He gritted his teeth and didn''t let his resolve falter. "Do you know how dangerous it was for you and for the baby?" Xiu pursed her lips and nodded. "And I hate it that you kept me at the sidelines. I was nothing but a mere prop. It makes me hate myself that I couldn''t even help you. Every other person was allowed to step in but me."


    Xiu was again silent and Darren thought she''d stay like it but she suddenly said, "If you had stepped in, you''d have to choose between a brother-like friend and me." How could Darren not know this? Of course, he did. But it didn''t help the feeling of unease in his heart. "Besides, although I''m glad seeing so many people standing up for me, I never asked them to. In fact, I never wanted any of them to step in."


    Xiu rested her head on his chest and continued, "But it''s true that the person I wanted to stop interfering, was indeed you."


    "Why? I''m your husband! Don''t you get it?"


    Xiu touched the bandage on his head again and scowled, "Because you''re just as reckless as me. When it comes to me, you forget yourself." She closed her eyes and added in a soft voice, "This wound is the proof of what I said. Even now, you''re supposed to be taking care of yourself, and yet, you''re here." She hugged his neck as she added, "You know very well that wounds can cause complications for you since you''re diabetic and yet, you pushed yourself before me."


    Darren knew what she said was true that''s why he couldn''t refute it. He was just as reckless as she was. His arm around her tightened as Xiu heard his choked up voice, "I can''t lose you right before my eyes again." Xiu felt something wet on her neck and her whole body stiffened. She tried to look at him but he didn''t let her as he continued, "You might think death would set you free but do you realize that it trapped me in a cage of eternal torture? I''ve watched you breathing your last breath uncountable times in my nightmares. I can''t do it again."


    Xiu felt something squeezing her heart painfully.


    "Why don''t you understand that I''m nothing without you? If you''re not here, I don''t wanna be here either. You''re my world." He took a pause and said, "From now on, I''m not gonna listen to you. So what if my friendship would be at stake, I''d still not let you snatch the right of protecting my wife from me. It''s my right! Stop exploiting my love for you."


    Xiu wiped his tears with her hands and said gently, "I told you, I want to face everything on my own. If it''s my fight, why would I want you to fight it for me?"


    "But it''s dangerous! Don''t forget you have another life to protect now!"


    Xiu kissed his eyes as she nodded, "Yes. That I agree with. This time I miscalculated. It was indeed dangerous if I had fallen but I had you with me. I knew you''d never let me fall. It''s because you''re there that I can stand back for myself." She looked into his eyes, "Inwardly, I''m still that soft-hearted Chen Xiu. It''s the pretense that I''ve been dragging for too long. But I am really just me. Changing identity can''t change your essence. I still can''t bring myself to hate people."


    "Sweets!" Darren''s voice was harsh as he called out to her. He was bewildered to hear that she still couldn''t hate people after everything!


    "Regan, I know I''m supposed to hate them. I''m supposed to be mad at everything. But I am not. How people treated me has only shown me what kind of people they truly are. I should be thankful to them for making me see the real them. I needed that." She exhaled a long breath, "But at the end of the day, I still can''t become like them. If I really let my revenge rule my life, I''d lose all the beautiful things in my life. And I don''t want to lose any of it."


    "I don''t care if you hate them or not. But I don''t want you to forgive any of them this easily!"


    Xiu smiled softly at him, "I don''t have that in me anymore. That''s why I snapped today. I can''t forgive anymore. I also don''t want to turn my back even after getting insulted. Forgiveness is not that easy. I''ll have to kill myself all over again to bring myself to forgive anyone and I can''t do that."


    "You want to snap? Do it! Do it all you want! However, don''t ever forget that right now, your emotional stability is very important for your health and for our baby''s health. I don''t want you to regret it in the future just because of one reckless emotional moment." He caressed her head saying, "From now on, I''m gonna stick to you like glue. You''re gonna get tired of me but I still won''t take a step away. I''m gonna make sure that you take care of yourself."


    "I can never get tired of you," she chuckled and closed her eyes again happily. It felt like she found a new meaning in life. That one door that had been closed within her had finally opened. It finally lifted her out of her darkness. Now, she could finally say, she''s Bai Xiu and this time, she''d mean it.


    "I should call the doctor," said Darren.


    Xiu groaned, "I don''t wanna see a doctor."


    "As if I''m gonna listen to that again," he said before leaving her side.

 707 Giants

    "How is Xiu?"


    "Is she awake?"


    "Can we see her?"


    "She''s okay, right?"


    The doctor stared at every one of them and calmed them down saying, "The patient is stable now. She is resting. So, you can''t see her."


    "This won''t do. We have to at least see her," said Xiao Li sternly.


    "For once, my son is right." Their gazes shifted towards Xin Zimen who came from behind and went on, "We have to see for ourselves if she is fine."


    The doctor narrowed her eyes at Xin Zimen and seemed to flare up, "You came with her yesterday." Xin Zimen nodded his head. "I clearly gave you instructions that she needs extra attention in this condition because of her mental state. Why do people not care about the doctor''s words these days? I can understand that she is young and can be willful but you''re clearly older than her. It''s your responsibility to take care of her and guide her properly."


    For a long time, no one dared to speak as they watched a doctor admonishing Xin Zimen right in the middle of the hospital corridor and the latter was even listening with his head lowered. This was one sight one wouldn''t see every day.


    "It''s really my fault. When she said she was feeling down, I should have forcefully sent her home. I just didn''t think things would escalate in this direction," said Xin Zimen in a soft voice completely lacking his intimidating aura or stern tone. "I shouldn''t be blaming her for being stubborn. It''s my own weakness that I couldn''t force her. But rest assured, I won''t let this happen ever again."


    "Mr. Xin, you better make sure this doesn''t happen again because the next time, you''d only be left with regret!"


    Xin Zimen closed his eyes and took a deep breath before asking, "Yes. I understand. Now, can you please let me see her?"


    The doctor''s lips parted to say something but right at this moment, Darren opened the door and called out, "Doctor! She''s awake." The doctor didn''t bother saying anything and walked directly inside the room. Darren looked at the people outside the door and as if he just realized they had been here all along said, "You all should go home now. She is fine. She''s awake as well, just needs rest."


    Seeing how his body swayed, Xiao Li supported him once again and said, "You better sit down... No, it''s better if you lie down and let the doctors do their job."


    "I''m fine," replied Darren.


    Clearly, no one believed his words. "Look, Regan! Your life is directly related to my sister''s happiness. So, you better get your act together and let the doctors complete their treatment. Trust me, if my sister''s condition worsened because of you, I''m gonna be really pissed."


    "Regi!"


    Darren looked over at his mother and his smile stiffened when he noticed her tear-stained face. Bloody hell! He hated seeing his mother cry.


    Until now Han Yiheng had made Francesca rest inside the waiting room. He didn''t want her to get more agitated from seeing the depressing atmosphere of the hospital.


    She ran over to hug her son and slapped his arm saying, "Why are you out of bed? Are you trying to kill me? Can''t you obediently follow the doctor''s instructions?"


    Darren let her vent all she wanted and silently hugged her tightly. He would never disagree with her. Even if she decided to beat him here, he''d happily let her do so. Moreover, she was just reprimanding him because she was worried. All the more reason, he won''t try to argue with anything.


    "Aiyomaya! I''m really fine! See for yourself. Aren''t I standing before you?"


    "Don''t try to trick me!" Francesca pointed her finger at his face and went on, "And stop forcing yourself for my sake. It''s hurting me even more."


    "Why the women in my life are so alike?" muttered Darren and when Francesca glared at him, he smiled sheepishly, "I mean, I am so lucky to have the two most amazing women in my life. I''m blessed." ''It''d be a greater blessing if both of them stopped worrying me to death!'' Of course he kept the last sentence to himself.


    "Regan, is Xiu still angry?" the question came from Ying.


    Darren shook his head but before he could talk, Nora chimed in, "How is that possible? After wreaking havoc and having a good night''s sleep, her personality tends to flip over. Now, you''ll see a completely new and harmless Xiu. She''s gonna seem so harmless that you''d even question what the hell did you see earlier."


    Darren pressed his lips together and remembered the way Xiu behaved after waking up. He had to say, Nora really had enough experience to accurately describe Xiu''s state. It really seemed like Xiu''s personality flipped after snapping like that.


    Not only did she seem harmless and docile, she even looked genuinely happy for some reason. It was baffling but he wasn''t gonna question any of it right now.


    "Well, I guess Nora summed it all up. I have nothing more to add. So, all of you can now relax and go home."


    "You''re clearly not getting it, Regan!" Ah-Si suddenly spoke up. "None of us is moving until and unless we get to see her with our own eyes. So, stop wasting your breath."


    "Why are you all being so difficult? It''s a hospital, not a hotel. It''s not good to have so many people. It''s clearly disrupting other patients."


    "You don''t have to worry about that," said Ying and pointed at Xin Zimen. "Zizi has already cleared the whole floor for us."


    "Right. I should remember what giants are here," Darren shook his head and sat down. It was getting difficult to stay awake now. He should stop paying attention to all of these people. It''s not like they were any less stubborn!

 708 Stability

    At that time, the door opened and a new bed was placed right beside Xiu''s. Soon, Darren was brought inside and was instructed to rest. After giving instructions, both hers and Darren''s attending doctors left the room.


    Darren tried hard to keep his eyes open as he smiled at Xiu and said, "Don''t worry about me. I''m just gonna sleep for a while. Okay?"


    Xiu nodded her head obediently, "Go to sleep. I''ll take care of you."


    Darren chuckled quietly, "My dearest wife, you just take care of yourself."


    Xiu pursed her lips and didn''t say anything as she noticed him slowly succumbing to sleep. He was almost half asleep when she called out, "Regan!"


    Darren instantly opened his eyes and asked frantically, "What? What''s wrong?"


    Xiu shook her head and said, "Nothing... It''s just that... I love you."


    Darren rubbed his eyes and stared at her face, "Suddenly?"


    "Why? I can''t say it without a reason?" she retorted.


    "No, it''s not that. It''s just that it''s usually me who keeps repeating that."


    "Maybe that''s why I wanted to say it today," she replied. Looking into his grey eyes, she stressed on her words as she repeated, "I really really really love you."


    A smile bloomed on Darren''s face as he said, "I don''t know how to prove it but I love you more."


    There was a sheen of moisture in her eyes as she smiled even brightly and said, "You don''t have to prove it. I already know it."


    "That''s good..." his voice was very low. Xiu could tell that he was really asleep now.


    She continued to watch Darren''s face for a long while. She smiled affectionately as she mumbled, "I''m really an idiot that I never even noticed. Rebirth was never the second chance for me. It was always you. Fate brought you into my life all over again because you''re the second chance I needed. Because everything I wanted, you''d give it to me."


    In fact, Xiu even had a strange inkling. What if back then, Darren hadn''t been a step late? What if he came to knock on her door before she jumped down that balcony? What if he had held her back?


    What would life be like? She couldn''t help thinking back. If he had come, would she really have given up on life as she did? She really doubted it. For some reason, her heart was willing to believe that if that night Darren had really come early, she''d have held on.


    She wiped the corner of her eyes and smiled to herself. Any of that didn''t matter. As long as he was with her, so what if she was Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu? None of that mattered. At the end of the day, he was still the first love that came back to her even though rebirth brought them together.


    "Stop looking, he won''t disappear." Xiu was startled and as she looked up, she noticed Nora who was the first one to enter the room with Jackie. The little master ran over and pushed himself up on Xiu''s bed before hugging her. "Easy there, little brother! She is also not gonna run anywhere."


    Xiu laughed at Jackie and rubbed his head. But noticing how he was shaking, she cupped his face and looked at his face. She was dumbfounded. "My little Jack-Jack, why are you crying?"


    "I''m not!" he retorted resolutely and wiped his eyes saying, "There is so much fine dust in the air."


    "Oh..." Xiu obviously wasn''t gonna ruin his lie so she let him be. In fact, she hugged him even tighter to reassure him that she was fine.


    "Weren''t you being the strong one out there? You even disdained me for worrying about your strongest sister Xiu. What happened now, crybaby?"


    Jackie turned his head to glare at Nora.


    Xiu patted his back and glared at Nora saying, "If you''re here to spoil my little brother''s mood, get lost!"


    Nora raised her hands in defense as she came and sat down beside Xiu''s bed. She even ruffled Jackie''s hair to annoy him and said, "You okay?"


    "Absolutely!" replied Xiu while kissing Jackie''s face. "Look my brother''s handsome face got dirty because of stupid fine dust in the air. We should do something about it." Jackie didn''t reply as he continued to bury his head in the crook of her neck.


    "I''ve contacted your psychologist. He''ll be here in a couple of days. And don''t say you don''t need help."


    Xiu listened to Nora''s words and silently nodded her head. She stared at the face of Darren before turning to kiss the top of Jackie''s head as she replied, "Nah. I think I do need help this time."


    Nora was stunned to hear Xiu''s reply. Since when did it get so easy to convince her for this? It wasn''t the first time she was gonna meet a psychologist. In fact, when she lost her memories back then, Nora and her family were very stressed for her. There were many occasions when her personality would flip and she''d do something out of the ordinary.


    At that time, they only thought it was because it was hard for her to cope with the new world with no memories. But later on, they had to get professional help. It''s just a pity that Xiu was always strongly against professional help and would find any or every way to escape.


    "You''re not kidding, right?" asked Nora cautiously.


    "I''m not kidding, Nora! I need to find stability." She smiled to herself as she added, "That''s the only way I can give someone a stable home."

 709 Pinky Promise

    She turned her head to look at Darren and smiled, "I''m really jealous of him."


    "Hm? Why?" asked Xiu.


    "He managed to bring all that happiness in your life that I wanted to give you," said Nora feeling slightly bitter inside.


    Xiu chuckled softly, "You''re talking as if you''re my ex-boyfriend who didn''t cherish me when we were dating and is only realizing now what he lost me to another man who can love me better than you ever could."


    Nora''s heavy move instantly drowned in Xiu''s teasing tone and she glowered, "My Xiu darling, don''t forget, your best friend is your very first relationship! I''m that person with whom you can laugh, cry, act crazy, flirt, and even be your very real self. Because I''m that one person who would always be there for you."


    Xiu''s eyes had a complicated glint as she looked at Nora and said, "Thank you!"


    "Are you getting your periodic emotional stroke?"


    "My what?"


    "Darling, you have a bad habit of getting these periodic strokes where you continue to say ''thank you'' to me. I get it. You''re very thankful to me. I''m awesome, you should be thankful to God for blessing you with a friend like me."


    Xiu''s tears fell down as she laughed at Nora''s words and shook her head, "Silly Dora, I always mean it when I say thank you to you. You''re the world''s best-est best friend I can ever ask for. I''m thankful to God for bringing you into my life but I''m also equally thankful to you for accepting me in every way."


    Nora furrowed her brows, "Xiu, shut up! I really am feeling uneasy with your words now. It''s as if you''re saying goodbye to me. I don''t like this feeling."


    Xiu smiled at her, "I don''t want to say goodbye to you. Not now. Not ever! So, no matter what happens between us, you better not walk away."


    Jackie wiped Xiu''s tears with his small hands and pouted, "Why are you crying?"


    Xiu looked down at his concerned face and kissed the tip of his nose saying, "Because I love my baby brother so much that it hurts."


    Jackie looked at her thoughtfully and said, "If it hurts, Xiu doesn''t have to love Jackie." Xiu''s brows arched up as he continued, "I''ll do the loving part. Even if it''ll hurt, Jackie will continue to love his sisters."


    "Little master, did you even understand what she just said?" asked Nora as she stepped closer to them and looked at Xiu, "Why are you even telling him this? He is very young for this stuff."


    "I''m smarter than you," retorted Jackie. "Xiu just said, it''s okay to be hurt when you love. But it''s not okay to let pain dictate your life or love."


    "You really got it?" Nora was shocked.


    Jackie gave her a disdainful gaze saying, "Of course, I understood. I''m not dumb like you who would choose to run from love instead of facing it."


    "Bro, you really have something against me?"


    Jackie shook his head and replied, "No. I don''t have anything against you. I love you very much. It''s just that I feel bad for your daughter who had to grow up without you just because you had no courage to face your feelings."


    Xiu pressed her lips and looked at Nora who was still standing stunned. This little brother really knew how to talk. Suddenly, Nora''s face softened and she hugged both Xiu and Jackie saying, "You both are the devil siblings but I still won''t have it any other way. I love you both so much!"


    "Xiuxiu, Nora cried today," said Jackie.


    Nora rubbed his head in a way to silence him, "It''s not necessary to tell your sister Xiu everything." And seeing Xiu''s quirked up brows, she added, "It''s nothing. I just got a little emotional seeing Darren''s love for you. This jerk jumped right before you without even thinking, it made me equally happy and equally mad at him!"


    Xiu hugged these two with a content smile and said, "I know you''re worried about me. Don''t try to skirt around this topic. I know you. Don''t ever forget that!"


    Nora kissed Xiu''s forehead and said, "Sweet sister, I wish I knew you as well as you know me. If only you''d let me in once in a while. It''s not okay to carry so much on your own."


    "I promise I won''t do it ever again. I''ll share with you everything."


    "Promise?" Nora offered her pinky finger.


    Xiu hooked her pinky finger with hers and smiled, "Promise!"


    "Eww! How childish!"


    Both of them stared at Jackie''s reaction and burst out laughing, keeping their voice low so as not to disturb Darren''s rest. They both teased this little master who found everything childish.


    "Stop kissing me! It''s enough already!"


    Neither Xiu nor Nora let him escape though. The more he resisted, the more these two sisters squished him between them. Finally, he had to stop resisting in defeat, or else these two won''t let him be.


    Anyone who looked at them like this would feel their heart warming up. This trio really gave the feeling of the siblings who loved and cared about each other. And they had such a beautiful relationship that one would feel envious of them.

 710 Finally Freed

    Nora raised her brow at her inquisitively, "When did you become so sticky?"


    "I was always very sticky," retorted Xiu and Nora couldn''t really argue with that. She shrugged her shoulders and hugged the sleeping Jackie before turning to leave.


    However, she stopped and asked, "The truth of your father..."


    "Go home, Nora," Xiu didn''t let her continue. "I''ll tell you everything. I told you I would never hide anything from you." ''Except for the fact that the soul in this body had long been swapped.'' Xiu kept the last thought to herself. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to share this truth with Nora but she couldn''t bring herself to do so.


    Until this very day, it was inconceivable to Xiu that Darren had actually believed in her nonsense. A normal reaction she had expected was that she''d be sent to a mental health care facility. The reaction she received from Darren was completely not aligned with her expectations and yet she was happy. Because it made her realize how deeply she wanted someone to know that Chen Xiu was alive. One way or another, she was breathing.


    Right when Nora left with Jackie, Cali had entered the room and looked at Xiu with a strange look in her eyes. Xiu smiled at her and beckoned her close. Before Cali could say anything, she said, "You don''t have to feel guilty anymore." Cali''s eyes widened as she continued, "I was never your cousin, so it''s alright if you ended up neglecting me somehow."


    Cali closed her eyes and when she opened it, the look in her eyes had changed, "You got your memory?" She had heard the conversation between Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan but she was still holding on to a little hope that Xiu was her cousin. But now with the way Xiu looked at her or spoke to her, really forced her to accept the truth.


    Xiu nodded without hesitation, "Yes."


    "What happened back then?" was all Cali wanted to ask her. She was referring to the time Xiu lost her memory. She always wanted to know why Xiu would lose her memory without any accident.


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "Maybe the truth was too much for the young me. So, I chose to lock my memories to protect the life of a lie I had lived in."


    "So you figured out the truth years ago?" questioned Cali even though she knew the answer in her heart.


    "You''re sure you''re not Aunt Carina''s daughter?" Cali knew she was being an idiot for repeating this question but she couldn''t help it. She had looked for this cousin for a year and even after finding her, she wasn''t able to get too close because of the latter''s memory loss. However, she still didn''t want to lose her. How was she supposed to accept that she was the only Novell left now? It made her feel really lonely.


    Xiu again nodded, "It''s a pity that you and I have no blood relationship. Although Carina Novell gave birth to me, she was never my mother. She just raised me like her daughter. I just don''t know why she did such a bizarre thing. She was a part of a noble family, why choose to be a surrogate?"


    "I think now I know what happened between my dad and aunt. Dad must have learned the truth and that''s why they grew apart." Cali rubbed her forehead and added, "I never thought the truth would be something like this. Are you okay? It must be really difficult to accept this sudden change in your life."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "It was difficult that''s why I had avoided it for years. Now, it''s time I face it."


    Cali nodded and held Xiu''s hand, "Even though you''re not my cousin, you''d still be very important to me."


    Xiu smiled at her and said, "Thank you!" Seeing the hesitation in Cali''s eyes, Xiu patted her hand, "It''s alright! I''m not angry with Dylan."


    "Really?"


    Xiu gave a nod, "Really. I''ve worked with him. I know how much he hates taking sides. But I also know how much he hates getting in fights. He chose to stop me just because he didn''t want anyone to get hurt. That I can understand very well."


    Cali looked over at Darren and said, "I just don''t want to see their friendship falling apart."


    Xiu gave her a reassuring smile, "You don''t have to worry. I''ll never let that happen." Taking a pause, she added, "Now, you should stop wasting time here and go to see Dylan. He needs you right now. And you must know how his brain works, he must be beating himself over this." She looked into Cali''s eyes and went on, "Although I know he''d be feeling guilty and won''t want to show up here, you must drag him over to see my Regan when my Regan wakes up."


    Cali suddenly hugged Xiu and said, "I really don''t know how people can dislike someone like you."


    Xiu chuckled, "Right? That''s baffling to me as well!"


    Cali shook her head at Xiu and turned to leave, "You take care of yourself and him as well."


    It was strange but Xiu never had much to talk with Cali. She only realized now that to Destiny, Cali was just a cousin she knew for a brief period in her childhood. And it was such a distant memory that she couldn''t even recall it properly. But it was good this way. Since they weren''t as close, Xiu thought it''d be easier for Cali to accept that Destiny wasn''t her cousin.

 711 Kinds Of Failure

    She only muttered to herself, "Are they all taking turns? Just come all at once. It''s very difficult to keep my emotions in check with you all taking turns like this."


    "What are you mumbling to yourself?"


    Xiu looked up and shook her head, "I was just thinking how my Ying Jie''s aura is enough to light up this depressing hospital."


    Ying narrowed her eyes at Xiu, "There is no need to flirt. That''s his job." She was pointing at Han Bohai who stood beside her. "It''s already weird enough that both of you have the same flirting style."


    Han Bohai''s eyes flashed with an incomprehensible emotion but he lowered his eyes to hide it.


    "I feel like the most successful fan ever! The Superstar of my dreams has come to see me." Xiu clapped her hand, "Oh, now I know... It wasn''t Ying Jie''s aura. It was our brightest star overshadowing the moon on this beautiful night."


    Han Bohai finally looked up and seeing Xiu grinning, he smiled softly and said, "That was very impressive. You should become a screenwriter."


    "Right?" Xiu excitedly straightened up. "I also think I''ll write some good fluffy stories. But if I do write one, would you star in it?"


    "I wouldn''t dare refuse my lady boss," replied Han Bohai without any hesitation.


    Xiu scowled at him, "That''s no fun then. It''d be like I''m taking advantage of my position."


    "What''s wrong with taking advantage of your position?" questioned Han Bohai in amusement.


    Xiu fixed the pillows behind her and leaned back saying, "If I have to use my position then I should use it properly..." She took a pause and added, "And the proper way is to become the century''s biggest and accomplished good for nothing. That''s it! That''s my goal in life now! I''m gonna become good for nothing and only gonna laze around my days. Haha! Even just thinking about it, is exciting me."


    "That''s some goal you have set for yourself," said Ying while shaking her head at Xiu.


    "I don''t think my husband would mind though," replied Xiu. "I''ve been thinking of what to do for so long but yet I came up with nothing. I think being good for nothing suits me."


    "I don''t think there is anything your husband would mind as long as it makes you happy."


    "Couldn''t have said it better," agreed Xiu. "By the way, how many people are outside?"


    Ying pressed her lips together before replying, "There are quite a few." Seeing Xiu''s expressions, she added, "But don''t worry. The rest won''t come to see you right now."


    "Huh? Really? Why?"


    Xiu laughed heartily as she heard this and said, "Ah-Xin is really something." She suddenly felt something warm touching her face and flinched slightly. As she turned her eyes, she was stunned.


    While she had been busy talking to Ying, they both had not noticed when Han Bohai had gone to get a wet towel. Xiu stared at his face in confusion as he calmly said, "You have tear stains. Besides, it''s not good to leave your makeup on for the night."


    Xiu didn''t say anything, instead turned her face to let him wipe it for her. Han Bohai also didn''t take a step back and continued to gently do it.


    "You seem very experienced," said Ying as she noticed the way Han Bohai was carefully cleaning Xiu''s face.


    Han Bohai''s eyes didn''t move from Xiu''s face as he answered, "I had an idiot sister who seemed to love coming to hospitals. And then she also tried to act spoiled by not doing these tasks herself. It was the only time she''d be willful so I got a lot of practice."


    Xiu suddenly chuckled. She couldn''t help it. The way Han Bohai reminded her of the past made her realize that they both were thinking of the very same thing.


    "What are you laughing about?" asked Ying.


    "Nothing. Just thought of something funny," replied Xiu trying to hold back her laughter. When Han Bohai was done cleaning her face, she gave him a sincere smile and said, "Thank you! I think I''m gonna stop washing my face from now. It''s been touched by the Film Emperor Han''s jade hands. How would I dare wash away the feel of it?"


    "Wow! You''re more dramatic than I thought," said Han Bohai meaningfully.


    Xiu cleared her throat, "Jokes apart. I''m sincerely thankful. Even my idiot best friend didn''t think of doing this for me."


    Han Bohai smiled back at her, "As I just said, I have a lot of experience with taking care of patients."


    "That must have made you a very patient person," said Xiu.


    He shook his head saying, "Nah. It had the reverse effect on me. Now, I''m more impatient."


    "You seem about the same to me though," said Xiu in a low voice.


    "What?" asked Han Bohai and Xiu shook her head. However, Han Bohai had heard her words and even smiled imperceptibly.


    Now that Ying sat beside Xiu, she finally asked, "What happened? I know you''re impatient but how come you couldn''t wait for another day to deal with Meihui?"


    Xiu smiled devilishly as she retorted, "What if I say I wanted to do it on her wedding day?"


    "That''s not something you''d do. Of course, Meihui incited you but the question is, how?"


    Xiu thought back to Qiu Meihui''s words and her face turned dark. "She just said something that made me realize, no matter what I won''t be able to accept her as my Li bro''s wife. So, I let all my emotions run wild."


    "She''s already your Li bro''s wife," reminded Ying.


    Xiu''s smile twisted as she looked lovingly at Ying and said, "There are three kinds of failure in life. One; you wanted something but were never able to. Two; you gained what you wanted only to lose it later on. Three; you thought you got something, only to see it slip away from your grasp." She paused briefly and added, "Isn''t it more painful when you think you won but fall on your own face the very next moment?"

 712 Grey Is Your Color

    Ying on the other hand could only roll her eyes at Xiu, "It''s like giving someone a toy to make them smile, only to snatch it and tear it apart right before their eyes. How ruthless!"


    "How is that ruthless?" questioned Xiu. "I was being very lenient with her." Xiu''s eyes flashed with coldness as she went on, "If she can call me a bastard with her filthy mouth then she should be prepared for the consequences as well. I have only so much patience to spare for such people!"


    Ying tutted and sighed heavily.


    Xiu looked at Ying''s reaction and narrowed her eyes, "Oi! Don''t tell me you are feeling pity for her? I''m really gonna smack you as well. After everything she did to you, if you''re still feeling pity for her, then you''re hopeless! Being kind is good but we don''t always have to waste our kindness on people who don''t value it."


    "I''m the last person who would feel pity for her," retorted Ying. "I just can''t overlook the fact that this incident is gonna create a rift between many people. It''s gonna complicate a lot of relationships."


    Xiu pursed her lips and didn''t say anything in reply.


    "You''re pretty dangerous," said Han Bohai.


    Xiu raised her brows at him inquisitively and said, "If I''m dangerous, why do you look amused?"


    "Amused?" repeated Han Bohai. "I''m actually feeling proud." Xiu''s eyes widened as he went on, "I wish everyone fight back as you did for their dignity instead of always forgiving."


    How could Xiu not know what he was referring to? He clearly wished that back then Chen Xiu would have also struck back and fought for her dignity instead of always walking away in the name of kindness. That stupid kindness hurt herself. And she had no one to blame except for herself!


    "I can actually understand why you snapped at Meihui but..." Xiu turned her head and looked at Ying''s complicated expressions. "I didn''t expect you to disclose the secret of your birth just so casually."


    "How was that casual?" Xiu questioned in a strange tone. "I clearly did it just as dramatically as I am myself."


    "No, that''s not..."


    Xiu raised her hand to cut her off and went on, "Ying Jie, no matter what I did, Ms. Qiu Meihui''s arrogance wasn''t going down. At that time, I only wanted to see her in despair. So, I did exactly what would be despairing to her. You should have seen the helplessness in her eyes when she learned who my father is. That expression was refreshing for my sadist side."


    Ying facepalmed herself, "You exposed your identity just for a moment''s pleasure? What the hell is wrong with you?!"


    Ying had no way to reply to that. Although Xiu never showed it, it was obvious that she yearned for a mother. There was nothing wrong with that. How could she question her?


    All of a sudden, she asked, "Do you feel good?"


    "Huh?"


    "After saying it all, are you feeling good?"


    Xiu contemplated for a minute and nodded, "I am. I feel like I finally let down the burden that I''ve been carrying for too long. It definitely feels good."


    Ying stroked her head saying, "That I can tell. You look genuinely happy and relaxed. It''s rare seeing this happiness on your face even though you''re the person who is always smiling."


    Xiu held the hand that she used to caress her head and said, "Ying Jie, how about you co-operate with me and we can together burn Qiu Meihui to ashes!"


    "You still have something more to do?" questioned Ying in disbelief.


    "Of course, how is this much enough?" retorted Xiu. "Look, by revealing my identity I have already dashed all her hopes of having a comfortable life as Mistress Xin. Because as long as I''m Xin Family''s rightful daughter, she won''t have a place in that family." She took a pause to contain the coldness emitting from her eyes and said, "But we can do better. You and me together."


    "What? What more do you want to do?"


    Xiu grinned at Ying and said, "How about you get married to Xiao Bobo here? Cough! I mean, to my Film Emperor here."


    Both Ying and Han Bohai gave her a startled look.


    "How is that gonna help you?"


    Xiu looked excited, "Qiu Meihui have always found you an eyesore. She has a jealous personality and had always been jealous of you. Why else would she always pick a fight with you? Since she had always tried to act superior, imagine her mental breakdown if she got to know that you got married on the same day as her but while she cannot have a good end, you have a blissful life ahead!"


    "You''ve lost your mind completely," said Ying. "I think you should rest. Yes! You need complete rest."


    "Oh, I like this idea," chimed in Han Bohai.


    Ying gave him a look as she said, "You both sing the same tune. I''m not even gonna bother taking you both seriously from now!" Then she looked at Xiu and touched her head saying, "And you! Stop with these cunning and twisted plots. Stay the innocent baby that you are! Don''t let the darkness of people paint you grey!"


    "How can darkness paint me grey? Shouldn''t it be black?"


    "Oh, well... No matter what you do, I don''t think you can turn black. Grey is the color for you."


    Xiu suddenly smiled and looked over at Darren saying, "Indeed. Grey is my color. Most favorite one!"

 713 Good To Be Bad

    Xiu pouted her lips and gave her a disagreeing gaze.


    Ying pinched her cheek and said, "Silly girl! Even your idea of torture is so petty."


    "Did you just call me petty?" repeated Xiu and narrowed her eyes. "If I''m petty then so be it! I don''t give a damn!"


    "You''re adorable when you''re angry," said Ying with a chuckle and stood up while rubbing Xiu''s head.


    Xiu swatted her hand away saying, "Stop treating me like a kitten. This kitten can bite!"


    "Oh, I saw!" replied Ying. She rubbed her head again just to annoy her as she added, "And I feel like a proud mama after seeing this kitten biting." Ying smiled lovingly at Xiu and went on, "Let''s continue this when you''re okay. For now, rest. Your attending doctor might go crazy otherwise. She has strictly advised everyone to make you happy. You can only have happy thoughts."


    "You know your marriage to Han Bohai can make me very happy," Xiu didn''t forget to promote her Han Bohai again.


    Ying stared at her face and asked in a serious manner, "Does seeing me with this jerk makes you this happy?" Xiu bobbed her head up and down so hard that it spun a little but the bubbling happiness in her eyes was still seen by Ying who was startled by it. She took a moment and said in a soft voice, "Get better first. Then we''ll discuss this."


    Xiu stared at her wide-eyed. "You are not going to call my idea crazy again?"


    Ying looked back at her and smiled, "If it makes you happy, I might agree with any crazy idea of yours."


    While Xiu stared at her receding back with a disbelieving look, Han Bohai was staring at her. Xiu looked at him and he asked, "How are you feeling?"


    Xiu frowned at him, "Don''t I look great? I am even feeling great!" She took a pause and added, "It''s good to see you here. You didn''t have to wait here but you did. It really means a lot to me."


    Han Bohai shook his head, "No. I think I really needed to stay here." He looked around the room and said, "You''re very lucky."


    "Me?" repeated Xiu.


    He gave her a nod, "You have so many people worried for you. They are all even waiting anxiously to just get a glimpse of you but they are more afraid to disturb your rest. So, none of them is entering."


    Xiu closed her eyes and smiled contentedly, "I also didn''t know I was this fortunate."


    Seeing the expecting gaze of his, Xiu was a bit stunned. In a daze, she nodded and saw him approaching before he hugged her shoulders and sighed heavily.


    "Get well soon," he said. "So that I can take you out."


    "Take me out? Where are you gonna take me?"


    "Wherever you want," he replied without even thinking.


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "And if I want to go to your next movie''s shooting site?"


    "I''ll gladly take you," he again didn''t hesitate to agree. "But for that, you, my lady boss have to get better."


    Xiu frowned in displeasure at him, "Don''t call me lady boss. It sounds weird."


    "I have to get used to it and so do you! Because I actually like the sound of it," he laughed at her while she humphed. He was about to leave when he noticed the way Xiu''s eyes were stuck on her husband whose bed was a distance away from hers.


    Thinking of something, he went out. Soon, Xiu was surprised to see how the staff came and shifted Darren''s bed right beside hers.


    "Is this okay now?"


    Xiu looked over at Han Bohai. Scooting over, she held Darren''s hand and lifted up to caress her own face as she said, "It feels perfect now."


    Han Bohai nodded, "I also think it''s perfect now."


    "Good night!" waved Xiu as she happily laid down to rest now.


    As Han Bohai came out of the room, he was faced with Ying''s questioning gaze, "I didn''t think you''d notice such small details." Then she facepalmed herself, "I must be silly. If it wasn''t for this keen gaze of yours, how else would you have tricked me into becoming your girlfriend?"


    Han Bohai placed his arm over her shoulder and said, "Actually, she is easier to read than you. You''re a little tricky but she is very simple."


    "Simple? And Xiu?"


    "Believe it or not, she is very simple. She is like a cute sister one would want to pamper and love."


    "That I can totally agree with. I don''t know why is it like this but she sure knows how to evoke these tender feelings."


    "Why is the corridor suddenly so quiet?"


    Ying sighed heavily, "The waiting party got into a heavy discussion so they chose to take the room next door to talk."


    "I really didn''t think this day would end like this," said Han Bohai.


    "I don''t think anyone did!" was Ying''s response. "Does it make me evil if I say that I have no regrets for this day?"


    Han Bohai patted her head, "Nah! I think it''s good to be bad once in a while."

 714 Wed Be Fine

    The group of the Xin family was gathered in the room right beside Xiu''s.


    Unlike what Ying told Han Bohai, there was actually just a thick silence in the room. No one seemed to be in the mood to talk. Each and every one of them had something to think about. There was no discussion going on, just plain silence.


    All of a sudden, Zhao Huan stood up and walked to Xiao Li''s side who was sitting with his head in his hands. He seemed to have a headache and it was driving him crazy. Zhao Huan silently sat beside him on the sofa and placed her hand on his shoulder.


    Xin Xiaoli opened his eyes and flashed her a smile. Or at least tried to smile.


    "This was supposed to be a beautiful day for you, and it turned into a disaster. But don''t blame Xiu for it."


    Xin Xiaoli chuckled quietly at his aunt and held her hand saying, "I am not even thinking about it. I''m only worried about Xiu''s condition. She''s pre..."


    "Cough!"


    Since Xin Zimen coughed right at this moment as if signaling him, Xin Xiaoli decided to keep it to himself and went on, "Anyways, I heard that she isn''t in the best of her conditions. So, she needed a stable environment. In fact, the doctors asked her to stay positive and happy. I just hope this doesn''t affect her health."


    "You really care about her," said Zhao Huan.


    He was quiet for a minute before saying, "Whichever way it is, she is my cousin."


    "Meihui is in the same hospital."


    Xin Xiaoli''s acted as if she was completely unrelated to him as he said, "She should feel lucky that she is just in the hospital. If Xiu hadn''t reacted I''d have sent her straight to hell!"


    Seeing his reaction, Zhao Huan was all the more convinced that he had an ulterior motive behind marrying her. But before she could ask...


    "Baba!"


    Xin Xiaoli was a little taken aback when a small girl ran into his arms. He looked up at his brother who brought her. Ah-Si shrugged his shoulders, "She was wandering around. I just accidentally bumped into her. She insisted on seeing you. Not my fault that I can''t shake her off. She is very difficult to deal with."


    Xin Xiaoli didn''t say anything to his brother and instead picked up Asteria and made her sit on his lap as he asked, "Why are you running around at this time?"


    "I was looking for you," replied Asteria cutely. "Grandma said mom is sick that''s why she brought me here but I ran away when I heard that you''re also here."


    Xin Xiaoli''s lips curled up slightly as he spoke, "Isn''t it mom who is sick? Why were you looking for me then? Shouldn''t you be with mom?"


    Xin Xiaoli''s eyes were gentle as he looked at this little girl''s face and kissed her hand saying, "Little star, is this your age to worry about me? Worry about your future! Not me."


    Asteria shook her head in determination, "No! I have to protect you. Last time when mom hit you because of me, I promised to myself that I''ll protect you."


    The people listening around and seeing this scene all had a complicated look on their faces. Xin Zimen''s eyes darkened as he asked, "When did Qiu Meihui hit you?" Xin Xiaoli bit his lip and looked up at his father''s furious eyes. "When did this happen? Who really gave her the guts to touch not one but two people of the Xin family? This is outrageous!"


    "Dad, we can talk about it some other time." Xin Xiaoli didn''t want to discuss this right now.


    "Later? When? You''ve been hiding a lot of things from me lately."


    Xin Xiaoli pointed at Asteria with his eyes as he said, "Let''s talk later, please!"


    Xin Zimen didn''t continue and went to sit far away from him. He really regretted agreeing to this marriage between his son and his best friend''s daughter. What was he even thinking? Just for the sake of his friendship he really was gonna bring a snake into his own family.


    "Baba, what happened to mom?" asked Asteria innocently. It just so happens that the little girl had not been present when the hell broke loose between Xiu and Meihui. She had been excited for days and haven''t been sleeping well maybe that''s why she slept during the ceremony and missed the ''big show''.


    However, Xiao Li was happy that she didn''t get to see any of it. He rubbed her head and said, "She is just a little sick. Nothing to worry about."


    "I''m not worried," replied Asteria without hesitation. "Mom has her family with her, she''d be fine. And I have you. We''d be fine."


    Xin Xiaoli kissed the top of her head and cupped her face as he said, "I don''t know about the rest but I''ll make sure that you''re fine. I promise."


    Asteria gave him a toothy grin before hugging him and closing her eyes. Only now did she seem like she was willing to rest again in peace comfortably.


    Zhao Huan had been sitting closest to Xin Xiaoli and she had seen this interaction from a view which others couldn''t see. The emotions swirling in his eyes, the love and protectiveness towards this little girl... She felt like she had a whole new view of this situation.


    "You!" Xiao Li looked at his aunt who snorted in disbelief, "You''re just like your mother."


    Xiao Li smiled at her, "I suppose that''s a compliment."

 715 Trying To Talk Reason

    Zhou Liqiu was stuck to Dylan who had his eyes closed and jaw clenched. However, it didn''t faze the girl who continued to chatter. What Cali heard was, "Don''t be so down. Sister Hui will be fine. You should take care of yourself first."


    Dylan peeled her hands off of his body and stared at her hatefully, "Do you really think I''m concerned about her condition?" Zhou Liqiu was taken aback by the hatred in his eyes. "And even if I am, I don''t need you to console me. Get lost already!"


    Zhou Liqiu''s expressions changed slightly as she made a pitiful look to question, "Do you still blame me for what happened back then?" Dylan didn''t reply. "Dylan! Dead is gone. Do you really have to punish the living even now? You asked me to get lost back then and I did leave you. Just to give you some space. All these years are not enough to forget it?"


    Dylan gnashed his teeth, "Forget it?" He laughed mockingly, "Don''t make me repeat myself. It''s a hospital, I don''t want to deal with the likes of you." He sighed heavily, "And I clearly told you that I have a girlfriend now. Stop whatever delusions you have."


    "Dylan!" Cali called out to him.


    Dylan looked up and seeing Cali standing at the end of the hallway, he immediately rushed to her side and hugged her. He had been keeping all his emotions buried all this while but now that he hugged her, he wasn''t able to stay as calm. Cali patted his back gently and let him continue to hug her in silence.


    When he reluctantly pulled away, he asked, "How is Dazi? Is he okay? There is nothing serious, right?" He had been wanting to see Darren all this while but he couldn''t bring himself to do so. No matter how estranged he had been from his sister, in the end, it was his sister who hurt his best friend. He didn''t know if he''d be able to even face him ever again. Since he couldn''t distance himself from this crime.


    "He is... Fine," replied Cali. "Don''t worry about him. He has survived a lot more than this. This much won''t be able to break him."


    Dylan bit his lip and hesitated before saying, "And how is...?"


    Although he wasn''t able to put it in words, Cali understood him well as she replied, "Xiu is also fine. She has woken up. Although her attending doctor was really angry after seeing her condition, she is still doing better than I expected."


    "That''s good..." Dylan felt something finally settling in his heart.


    "Your sister is in pain right now and you''re worried about outsiders!" Dylan didn''t want to pay attention to the owner of this voice but the latter didn''t get the hint. "You''re really heartless!"


    When Dylan was pulled from his arm and had to turn around, he glared at Liu Nuan who was hopping mad. "You stay out of it! It doesn''t concern you at all."


    Dylan took a long breath as he clenched his fists, "You should be concerned about more important things right now. If you''ve forgotten, let me remind you, since Xiu is a Xin she is your cousin. Choose your side wisely because by standing on my sister''s side, you''d be standing against Xin Clan."


    Liu Nuan''s heart thumped wildly. For some reason, she had been feeling apprehensive from the moment she had learned this as well. She didn''t know why she felt this sense of crisis but something within her was warning her repeatedly.


    "From the fear of standing against Xin Clan, I won''t stop supporting the truth!" retorted Liu Nuan righteously. As if she believed every word she was saying. "That girl not only ruined Meihui''s big day but she also tried to kill her. That''s attempted murder! I''m surprised how none of you are even trying to file a complaint against it."


    "If you''re so capable, do it yourself!" spat out Dylan. "But first don''t forget that Xiu raised her hand only after my sister did it. And she only hit her, it wasn''t attempted murder. However, what my sister did is definitely counted as attempted murder." He looked over at his parents who had been sitting silently and added, "I don''t think there is anyone dumb enough like you to try turning black to white."


    Liu Nuan still didn''t want to talk reason as she insisted, "But that only happened because that girl provoked Meihui. If she hadn''t ruined her wedding day, why would Meihui lose all her reason?"


    "Does that justify her actions? No reason can justify someone''s murder! Just like you can''t justify what you did back then to Chen Xiu!" Dylan''s patience finally ran out. Liu Nuan was startled when Dylan talked about such an old incident. "You''re also a murderer and you know it! Maybe that''s why you think you can justify my sister''s actions. But you can''t! No one can justify it!"


    "Dylan, this is a hospital. Don''t create a scene."


    Dylan snorted at his mother, "Why don''t you say the same to her as well? I''m certainly not the one who is trying to create a scene here."


    Zhao Wei looked at Liu Nuan and said, "Nuannuan, you should go home now. And take Qiuqiu with you."


    "But aunt!"


    Zhao Wei didn''t let her talk, "There is nothing to talk about now. You can come to see Meihui when she is awake. For now, leave!"


    Seeing those two leave, Zhao Wei looked at Dylan with a complicated gaze, "Dylan, even if your sister is wrong you should..."


    Dylan raised his hand to stop her from continuing, "Don''t you dare say I should stand by her side. This is all on you! Whenever she did a mistake, you forgave her out of your own guilt! But it won''t change the fact that while trying to fix your mistake, you''ve brought her on the route to destruction!"


    Dylan held Cali''s hand and left the hospital. He didn''t want to stay there even for a minute now. He was done trying to reason with his parents who always could bend their morals for his sister!

 716 Shaken Relationships

    Perhaps there was no one who knew better than him about the love Darren had for Xiu. Either it was Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu, he had seen his best friend losing himself before her. Even though it was the same soul, he watched his best friend fall in love with the same person twice. And each time it was harder than before.


    And because he knew the dynamics between Darren and Xiu, he also knew how scared his best friend must have been seeing Xiu in danger. Darren would never be able to see Xiu getting hurt again. He would rather hurt himself than let her face any danger. If Xiu had gone through life and death, Darren hadn''t been much different. Sometimes, he even thought that Darren was even more pitiful because he neither got the chance to express his love nor did he manage to save her.


    In the end, he even had to suffer alone. And his suffering was to live. Live in a world where she didn''t exist anymore. People who die end their pain but the ones who are left behind have to suffer the endless torture of time. And he suffered through it all alone.


    Maybe that''s why he was feeling so angry right now with his sister. He already knew she was not any good but today, she really showed him just how low she could possibly go. It wasn''t like he never cared about his sister, but he was tired. He was tired of trying to understand her now. The more he tried to understand her the more he felt like a sinner. It had become an endless cycle for her to act willful and expect everyone to stand up for her. As if the world owed her something.


    Cali placed his coffee before him and sat down beside him as she placed her hand on his. They had come to a nearby cafe since Dylan didn''t want to go home.


    "Stop thinking already. Xiu sent me to you so that I can distract you. But it seems like my presence is not really helpful."


    Dylan looked at her as he asked, "Xiu sent you to me?" Cali nodded her head honestly. "Why?" he frowned. "Shouldn''t she be angry with me right now? I didn''t stand on her side."


    Cali shrugged her shoulders, "If she was so easy to read, she wouldn''t be Xiu." She took a sip of her coffee and went on, "Although you didn''t stand on her side, you didn''t stand against her either."


    "I tried to hold her back," reminded Dylan.


    Dylan listened to her words attentively and suddenly laughed out, "How can I forget? No matter how the outer shell changes, she is still the same Xiu in her heart who is indeed an angel. Too good for this world! I hate it that she doesn''t blame anyone for anything she went through. It''s making me hate myself that she doesn''t want to blame me for this either."


    Cali didn''t know what underlying meaning he had but she still agreed with his words. He indeed couldn''t understand Xiu.


    He suddenly heaved a long sigh and said, "It really blew my mind when I learned who her father is."


    Cali leaned back in her chair and spoke sadly, "My mind is still reeling from this information. In just a mere day, I''ve lost the last family member." Then she placed her hand on his arm and continued, "Now I only have you. So don''t think about getting cozy with your ex-girlfriend."


    Dylan''s expressions changed, "When did I get cozy with her?"


    "Right before I showed up," retorted Cali showing her displeasure.


    "Stop overthinking it. I''d never go back the same route in my life. She''s someone I left way behind." He ruffled her hair lovingly, "I''ve left that past a long time ago. Now, I have got nothing to do with her."


    "I heard she has tricks up her sleeves and she is persistent. How else would she have gotten you back then?" Cali didn''t even bother hiding her jealousy. Not even a little.


    It really pleased Dylan who was feeling down. "She indeed has a lot of tricks but it won''t work this time."


    Cali stayed silent and continued to drink her coffee. She was thinking of something on her own and couldn''t stop herself from asking, "Why is it that your mother is biased towards your sister so much?"


    Dylan tapped the table as he said, "Maybe because she thinks she is responsible for the twisted personality my sister has." He looked at the cup of coffee before him as his eyes narrowed, "And she isn''t wrong either. She is responsible for how Sister Meihui turned out to be. But it wasn''t because she neglected Sister Meihui, it started when she began to overlook Sister Meihui''s willful nature. If she had stopped her back then. None of this would have happened."


    He took a brief pause and continued, "But right now I''m more worried about dad. He is in a difficult position. He has always loved his daughter more than anything. However, the person standing opposite him is his sworn brother; Xin Zimen. Uncle Zi is more than just a friend to my dad. When my dad''s own family left him, he not only stood with him but also helped him reach where he is today." He let out a bitter laugh, "Because of my sister''s one action, a lot of people are about to suffer. The friendships that people envied for decades are finally shaken merely because of a crazy girl''s obsession."

 717 Loopholes

    Perhaps that''s why when she woke up, she was feeling refreshed and exceptionally cheery. Her eyes had the resolve to face anything boldly. She continued to stare at Darren''s face who was still sleeping and couldn''t help smiling like an idiot. Slowly, out of habit, her finger started touching his face. From his eyebrows to his nose, his cheekbones to his chin. Finally, it rested on his lips.


    She didn''t move it for a long time. She let her finger linger over his lips where she could even feel his hot breath fanning burning her skin.


    Feeling his arm that she had draped over herself tightening, she chuckled, "If you''re awake, why are you pretending to sleep? Being all sneaky, eh?"


    Darren didn''t open his eyes but he replied, "Sometimes I also like this attention. When my wife looks at me with those eyes sparkling with love."


    "How do you know I''m looking at you with love?"


    "I don''t need to see to know," he replied cheekily.


    She chose to not continue this discussion and abruptly changed the topic, "How are you feeling? Do you have a headache? Or do you feel dizzy? Or do you feel like throwing up?"


    Darren opened his eyes with furrowed brows, "Why are you questioning like a doctor?"


    "Because I''m worried," replied Xiu.


    "I''m feeling absolutely perfect. Stop worrying," was Darren''s response. Although it didn''t put her worries to rest, she didn''t question him again either.


    Soon the doctors had come to check up on their conditions and Xiu could finally put her worry to rest when the doctor said that Darren''s wound wasn''t really deep. If he cooperated with the treatment he''d be fine in no time. So, obviously, Xiu reassured the doctor that she''d keep an eye on him so that he''d cooperate like a good boy.


    In all of this Darren didn''t even get a chance to say anything. Before his wife, he wouldn''t say anything anyway. Considering how this involved his health, he knew she won''t be listening to anything he had to say so he might as well just go along with her.


    The doctors'' examination continued for a while and only then they were told they had nothing to worry about for now. But both of them were not allowed to leave the hospital.


    "I think being in hospital is not that bad," said Xiu. "Since you''re also here, we can manage."


    Darren didn''t disagree with her.


    Just then the door of the room opened and someone peered inside before flashing a grin to both of them. And following that, a bunch of people just walked right in.


    "How are you both?"


    "Yes, rest for a while. There is no need to worry about anything else."


    Things like these continued to be said, making Xiu''s lips twitch.


    "Stop it!" she suddenly exclaimed. Everyone hushed down instantly. "Are we collectively planning on forgetting that I haven''t eaten anything since yesterday?"


    As she mentioned it, a gasp was heard but before anyone could say anything, a nurse brought their breakfast. From just one glance, you could tell it wasn''t hospital food. Although it was all healthy food, it definitely didn''t come from the hospital.


    Xiu''s eyes squinted at her husband whom she had seen busy on his phone first thing after waking up and shook her head at him, "I feel scared of how easily you can read me."


    Xiu didn''t plan on paying any attention to the people in the room as she dug into her food with zeal. She had been hungry for too long already. But when she looked up, she was startled by how many gazes were stuck on her face.


    Everyone had a complicated look in their eyes, looked disheveled and tired because none of them caught a wink of sleep last night. But apart from that, they all had a tender look in their eyes when they looked at her. For some reason, Xiu''s body shuddered under their collective gazes.


    "I''m surprised you all managed to hold back for a whole night," said Darren as he looked at everyone''s faces. His eyes stopped at his mother as he added, "Didn''t I tell you to not worry? Why didn''t you go home to rest?"


    Francesca was displeased to hear that, "How can I go back home when both my kids are in the hospital? And to whom should I go back? I''d rather stay here than going to an empty and cold house."


    Darren sighed at his mother''s reply and looked over at the others, "Uncle Zi, I know you want to clear things up but can''t we wait for a while? The doctor said not to stress her."


    "Oh, I''m fine!" Xiu spoke up. She wiped her mouth and continued, "I personally think it''s time for us to settle the loopholes in my own theories. So, I''d be more than happy if someone is willing to clear up everything for me. Like right now!"


    "Sweets!"


    Xiu gave him a reassuring smile, "Oh, come on, husband! I need some answers. Although I''m a patient, I''m not patient enough to wait any longer. Let''s get this done with."


    Then she looked over at Xin Zemin who had been silently looking at her, "Now, who is gonna clear things up for me? I believe you have some answers for me."


    Xin Zemin''s eyes softened as he asked, "What answer do you want from me?"


    Xiu looked at him thoughtfully, "Let''s start with how Carina Novell became the surrogate, and how come you never knew about the existence of your own daughter?"

 718 A Life Exchange

    "S-Surrogate?" Zhao Huan stuttered as she looked at her husband with a confused look.


    "You didn''t tell her yet?" asked Xiu. She had expected this to be revealed by the time she woke up. How come these people love to drag things out for so long?


    Xin Zemin shook his head, "I was waiting for you to wake up first. I thought it''d be better to clear it up to you all at once."


    Zhao Huan held his hand as her heart thumped wildly, "What is going on?"


    Xin Zemin patted her hand and said, "I told you, I never had any relation with Carina Novell. And if this girl''s DNA matched with mine then there is only one possibility; Wen Ai lied to me back then!"


    Finally, Zimen''s steps faltered as he closed his eyes. He had long been suspecting that his wife was involved. How was it possible that such a big mess was created and his wife wasn''t even involved in it?! Her favorite hobby was to create troubles!


    Xin Zemin looked at Xiu and continued, "She is not Carina and my daughter, she''s ours. Yours and mine! She is our daughter!"


    Zhao Huan''s mind blanked out as her eyes slowly shifted towards Xiu. The latter however looked very calm after hearing this. It wasn''t as shocking or surprising to Xiu as it was to the rest of the people surrounding her.


    Zhao Huan rubbed her forehead as she said, "I don''t get it. If she is our daughter, how come I didn''t know anything about it?"


    "It''s Wen Ai we are talking about. If she wants she can conceal anything. She can make anything happen. It shouldn''t be a surprise to you that she managed to do such a thing behind your back."


    Zhao Huan couldn''t disagree with her husband''s words. How could she possibly forget what that sister-in-law of hers was like?


    Xin Zemin suddenly took a step back and picked up a briefcase he had asked his assistant to bring this morning. When he opened it, he showed all the reports of Carina Novell during her pregnancy. "I only met Carina Novell once and that was when Wen Ai told me about her plan. Because of the constant miscarriages, you''re already very down. But when the doctors said you will never be able to conceive again, I watched you break down completely. Obviously, Wen Ai saw your condition as well. I don''t know since when had she planned the whole process of IVF but when I met Carina Novell, Wen Ai already had everything laid out."


    He took a pause and went on, "I couldn''t refuse it. You only wanted a child. I knew we''d be alright without one but you insisted that it wasn''t alright. So, I really couldn''t refuse this tempting offer she laid out before me. The only condition she gave me was that I was not supposed to share it with you until the baby was born healthy. I''m not sure why she had that condition but I gave in."


    He looked up at Zimen whose nails had already dug through his palms, "It was the night Xiulin died... I thought our newborn baby also died in that accident. Because Wen Ai never told me if she was alive or dead."


    Zhao Huan covered her mouth, her eyes widened as she recalled something, "So... Xiulin died because Wen Ai was trying to save our daughter?"


    "Thump!"


    Everyone was startled as Zimen ended up punching the wall behind him.


    "Dad!"


    Both Xiao Li and Ah-Si rushed over to his side as they saw his hand bleeding. Xin Zimen didn''t even feel the pain in his hand, the pain he felt in his heart was overwhelming enough to overshadow such a superficial pain. He already knew that Wen Ai had chosen to save someone else that night instead of their own daughter but hearing it again in this way hurt even more.


    Xin Zemin looked at his younger brother and said regretfully, "Little brother, I really didn''t know it. For years I thought we both lost our daughters that night. Your wife never told me that she saved one."


    This was something even Xiu wasn''t very clear about but seeing Xin Zimen face, she felt her heart clenching. She had never seen him on the verge of breaking down.


    "Dad, let''s clean up your wound," said Xiao Li but Xin Zimen waved him off.


    "It doesn''t hurt," he replied in a hoarse voice.


    Suddenly his hand was held by a pair of soft hands and his eyes looked up at Xiu had come to his side and was looking at his hand bleeding with a frown between her brows.


    "Let''s clean it up, huh?" When Xin Zimen stayed there in silence, Xiu felt apprehensive, "Do you hate me now?"


    "What?"


    "Since your daughter''s life had to be exchanged for mine, you must hate me now?"


    Xin Zimen flicked her forehead saying, "Don''t run off that mouth without thinking. No matter how much it hurts, I''d never blame you for it." He placed his hand on her head and added, "And I can never hate you, little lass!"


    Xiu felt her eyes sting and hugged him tightly as she said, "I''m sorry!"


    "For what?"


    "For bringing so much trouble with me," replied Xiu.

 719 Not Alone

    Xiu sniffled as she said, "But I can''t bring back your daughter. I really can''t."


    Xin Zimen blinked his eyes and took a deep breath trying to hold back his tears as he said, "I''m just as happy to see you alive as your father. How can I not be happy? You''re my one and only niece!" Xiu looked up into his eyes and he smiled at her gently, "So what if I lost one daughter years ago?" He cupped her face, "I think Heaven is trying to compensate me with you after all this time."


    Xiu burst out in tears when he said it, she couldn''t help it. Every word of his touched her heart and she felt warm inside. She wrapped her arms around his frame and hugged him tightly saying, "I can''t bring her back and I can''t possibly take her place in your heart either but I''ll try my best to be the best niece."


    Xin Zimen chuckled as he stroked her head and said, "Aiyo! Who said you need to take someone''s place in my heart? You don''t need to take my Ah-Lin''s place in my heart. Because you have your own place in your Ah-Xin''s heart." Xiu''s shoulders were trembling as she couldn''t help crying even harder. "Oho! Stop crying already. It''s hurting me, seeing you cry so painfully. You''ll run out of tears at this rate."


    Xiu pulled away and wiped her face with the back of her hands. Her face was completely red from how hard she just cried. She took Xin Zimen''s hand in her own and said again, "I won''t cry but Ah-Xin has to get this looked at."


    Xin Zimen looked at his bleeding hand and then at her face, he nodded his head, "As you wish." He felt someone tapping on his shoulder and looked over at his brother, "What?"


    "That''s my daughter," said Xin Zemin.


    "So?" was his younger brother''s response.


    "This is my first time meeting my daughter and you won''t even let me hug her?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Xiu and then at his brother then he broodily agreed, "Sure, sure. Please, go ahead."


    Xin Zemin stood before Xiu who looked back at him with a complicated and conflicting look in her eyes. Although Xiu herself didn''t feel any closeness to him, this body had a yearning to be close to him. She knew why it was like that. Destiny had always wanted to meet her father, be loved by her father but she died without getting that wish. It wasn''t much different than Xiu''s original circumstances, she had also only wished to have a family of her own.


    Xiu took a step closer to Xin Zemin and smiled politely at him, "Hello, Dad!"


    With tears in his eyes, he kissed Xiu''s forehead and said, "No wonder my little brother used to say daughters are dangerous." Xiu''s brows furrowed up as he answered, "They''d call you ''Dad'' once and you''d want to bring the whole world to their feet."


    He pulled her beside Zhao Huan and excitedly said, "Huanhuan, won''t you say something?"


    Zhao Huan''s mind was still reeling from the truth she heard but still dazedly placed her hand against Xiu''s cheek and when Xiu leaned into her hand, she felt her heart explode. "I just accepted you as my daughter, I never thought you''d actually be my daughter."


    Xiu grinned at her with moistened eyes, "I guess now I can rightfully call you mom."


    Zhao Huan nodded her head repeatedly, "Yes, yes!" She kissed Xiu''s face like a depraved person as she kept saying, "Call me mom... I''m am your mom. This is so unbelievable."


    This teary, heartwarming family reunion was something very important to Xiu. Whether it was as Chen Xiu or now, this was her very first time meeting her real family. Oddly, she could feel their love and yearning for her just as much as she had missed all of this in her two lifetimes.


    Her heart felt happy but there was an underlying fear as well. What if it all changed once she said everything out loud? What if the mistake that led to Destiny''s death would make her lose all of this? They say once you taste it all, the fear of losing becomes intense. It did for her. And she had only gotten a tiny bit of a taste of this love.


    Because of Xiu''s words, Xin Zimen actually got his hand bandaged and gazed at Xiu who was talking happily with Zhao Huan. He could see the happiness in his sister-in-law''s eyes. It was something never seen before. She looked like she found the world''s most precious treasure. And he knew in his heart, that Xiu was now really Zhao Huan''s treasure.


    That woman had pined for a child all her life. How could she not treat this daughter as her treasure?


    He felt someone sitting on both sides but didn''t pay attention until he felt both his sons hugging him from each side. He was taken aback when his sons placed their heads on each of his shoulders.


    "What are you two doing?" he inquired.


    "We are reminding you that you''re not alone," said Ah-Si and Xiao Li simultaneously.

 720 Fathers-In-Law

    "Nah. I think bro and I are just trying to comfort ourselves," said Ah-Si. "You''re the strongest person we know, you don''t need comforting."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at these two sons of his, "I knew it!"


    Xiao Li looked at his father and said, "Dad, it''s because we can''t comfort you. We can only remind you that you have us. As for us, we definitely need you to comfort us because we also only have you."


    Xin Zimen scoffed, "When it comes to making life decisions, you both even tend to forget that I exist. And after messing up, you both want me to comfort you. I used to think you''re not like your mother but I was wrong. You both are exactly like her."


    Both Ah-Si and Xiao Li shared a look before shrugging their shoulders. They looked in the direction of Xiu who was still held in the arms of Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan, and Xiao Li sighed out in disappointment, "Dad, we can''t adopt her anymore."


    Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed up and he said, "Why do we have to? Now, she''s already your sister. If you dare let her be bullied again, I''m gonna tear you both apart."


    Both of them flinched at their father''s reaction and Ah-Si called out, "Yo, sis! Why is dad still biased towards you? No, it seems now he is even more biased than before."


    Xiu looked in their direction and giggled saying, "That''s because I''m so cute."


    Everyone burst out laughing at cheekiness and Xin Zimen couldn''t help agreeing, "Indeed. You''re the cutest! It''s still a mystery to me how such a cutie like you has such an uncute father."


    "Little brother, do you have to drag me into this?" retorted Xin Zemin.


    Zimen showed him a smile that wasn''t really a smile and replied, "I wasn''t lying and I wasn''t talking to you either."


    "But you''re talking about me," reminded Xin Zemin.


    "So?" was Zimen''s response. "It''s my mouth, I can talk about anything I want."


    "Why are you always in the mood of an argument with me?"


    Before they could continue, Xiu chimed in, "Do you both really hate each other?" Both Zemin and Zimen looked at her inquisitively. "It seems more like siblings are squabbling over nothing."


    "Of course, I hate him!" Zimen hurriedly put forth his stance.


    "Do you think my feelings changed? The more you act like it, the more I hate you," shot back Xin Zemin and both brothers ended up glaring at each other hatefully.


    While Xiu was looking at them with a baffling look, Zhao Huan whispered, "You can simply ignore them. This will continue. It''s very normal. They both really don''t hate each other as much as they claim to but none of them is ready to have that discussion."


    "Get used to it, sister! There''ll be days when they both be at each other''s throats. Just one piece of advice, don''t ever choose sides when they are fighting."


    Xiao Li''s eyes brightened up, "Xiu is gonna live with us now?"


    "Yes," replied Zimen.


    "And who said that?" questioned Xin Zemin unhappily.


    "I said that," was Zimen''s reply. "In this condition, I''m not letting her stay anywhere else. She is either gonna live close to me or live with us in the same house."


    "Just a reminder, she is my daughter!"


    "Can you guarantee that you can keep her safe?" retorted Zimen. "Besides, I know more about her condition than you do. The doctor said to give her a peaceful environment. Living in a villa will be better with a garden view, fresh air, tranquil environment."


    "Is he a mind reader?" questioned Xiu as she looked at her husband. "How does he know we were looking for a house?"


    "Uncle Zi is not a mind reader, he is just unwilling to send you away."


    Zimen didn''t even feel embarrassed at being caught. "Are you saying I''m wrong?"


    Darren hurriedly shook his head, "Definitely not. Uncle Zi is always right."


    "So, it''s settled."


    "You!" Xin Zemin opened his mouth to say something but Zhao Huan held him back and shook her head gesturing him to not say anything. In the end, he could only sigh, "Fine. Don''t think you won! It''s just that my daughter is not against this idea. So, I''ll reluctantly not say anything." He then looked at Darren and said, "It seems I got a son-in-law along with a daughter."


    Darren flashed him a smile, "Yes, we come in a package."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Is this a time for jokes?"


    Darren gave his mother a nod, "Yes, it is! Or else they''ll start arguing again."


    "Son-in-law, you should not be worried about our arguments," said Xin Zemin. "You should be more worried about yourself. Now, you have two fathers-in-law to keep you in check."


    "I think there is some miscalculation here," spoke up Darren.


    "Miscalculation? How so?" questioned Zimen.


    Darren looked at Xiu who was pursing her lips and added, "With the addition of you two, now I have three fathers-in-law. And all have the same agenda."


    "Three?"


    As soon as this question was asked, the door of the room was burst open. While everyone stared at the door in surprise, Darren reacted like it was the most obvious thing as he said, "Here comes the third one!"


    Seeing the man at the door, Xiu''s eyes brightened up, "Uncle Jing!" Yes, it was indeed Jing Ge who had come rushing here. He looked travel-worn, his hair was out of place but he didn''t pay attention to anything else. He came straight to Xiu''s side and hugged her.


    "I''m getting a lot of hugs today," giggled Xiu while hugging him back.

 721 Angry Parents

    Nora who had been following him instantly raised her hand, "Present, Sir!"


    Jing Ge squinted his eyes at her, "Don''t try to be funny! Is this how you protect your younger sister?"


    "I can explain though," Nora pouted as she showed how pitiful she was in this situation.


    "I don''t want it," retorted Jing Ge. Nora sealed her lips. It was rare for her father to be angry especially with her. But with how protective he had been of all three of them, Nora couldn''t possibly complain now. Because she also thought it was her fault!


    "I don''t think it''ll leave a scar though," Nora still couldn''t help speaking.


    Jing Ge gave her a look, "Is that what''s important?" Nora lowered her head. "Not only you didn''t protect your sister, you didn''t even bother calling me!"


    "But you still caught the first flight back."


    "No thanks to you!"


    "It''s all thanks to me," came a sweet voice as little Jackie jumped on Xiu''s bed and smiled at her sweetly, acting cute.


    Nora grumbled under her breath before saying, "Wasn''t it enough that you called mom? Did you have to tell dad as well?"


    "Why is he not supposed to tell me?"


    Xiu patted Jackie''s head saying, "I knew it! I can always count on my little bro."


    "Where does it hurt?"


    Xiu looked at Jing Ge''s worried face and smiled, "It doesn''t hurt anywhere though."


    He touched her face unhappily, "Then why have you been crying? Who made you cry?"


    Xiu smiled sheepishly, "I just felt like crying." Jing Ge eyed her. "Seriously!"


    "Fine, don''t tell me. Once Clara gets here, all your lies will be exposed anyway."


    Xiu almost fell from her bed, "Uncle Jing, don''t say it like that." She took a pause and asked, "By the way, on the scale of 1 to 10, how angry is Clara mom?"


    *BAM!*


    Xiu flinched slightly before she looked over at the seething woman who had rammed the door open so not politely.


    "Clara mom!"


    "Mum!"


    "M-Mom!"


    Three people called out the same person but each had different emotions. For instance, Xiu called out in surprise. Jackie called out excitedly while Nora called out in fear.


    It seemed like Clara''s whole being was emanating a deadly aura making people uncomfortable. Her expression only softened when she looked at Xiu and asked, "How''s our Xiu?"


    Xiu wrapped her arms around her neck and said, "Since you''re here, I''m absolutely fine!"


    "What are you doing?" asked Xin Zimen in amusement."


    "You don''t understand. My parents are a little too possessive about us three. Since the time they learned that Xiu is in hospital, they have lost reason. I''m in danger because they think I didn''t protect her well." She felt like crying but recalled something and said, "Mom! Dad! Shouldn''t the blame go to Darren? He as Xiu''s husband should be protecting her, not me."


    She looked apologetically towards Darren who didn''t even react. After all, he also thought the blame was on him. He shouldn''t have listened to Xiu.


    "Now, you''re even putting blame on others?" questioned Clara in a stern tone. "Can''t you see that he got hurt while saving her? What did you do? Watch the show for free?!"


    "Ouch!" uttered Nora. "She has a poisonous tongue. Even though she is my mother, she never goes easy."


    "You both are seriously..." Xiu didn''t know what to say. She shook her head, "Clara mom, Uncle Jing, it''s not Nora''s fault. Relax! She didn''t do anything."


    "Isn''t that the whole point?" retorted Clara. "She didn''t do anything!" She rubbed her forehead saying, "I had a feeling something was wrong. I really shouldn''t have ignored that feeling." She cupped Xiu''s face and asked, "Baby, are you okay? What did the doctor say?"


    "The doctor said, I''m peachy!"


    "Liar!" chimed in Darren.


    "Husband! Read the situation!"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly as he went on, "It''s you who is ignoring the situation again along with your condition. Didn''t the doctor clearly warn you to be extra careful these days? You''re not supposed to get agitated. You''re only allowed to rest and have happy thoughts. You need to keep track of your diet as well. There is so much the doctor said and how easily you''re lying to Clara here."


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief, "Whose side are you on?"


    "Yours," replied Darren.


    Before Xiu could say anything, Clara announced, "You don''t worry about anything. The doctor asked you to rest, then you should rest. As for the person behind this condition of yours, leave that to me. My team has already made preparation."


    Xiu''s heart thumped, "What preparation did you make?"


    "The first thing on Monday morning, we''re getting court orders. Whoever dared to touch my daughter needs to know what mistake they have committed."


    Xiu looked over at Xiao Li and Xin Zimen who stood without any reaction and laughed awkwardly. She really had nothing to say about this. This was something she had actually expected already. After all, lawsuits were so Clara Cartwright''s style. But... Why was she still so taken aback?


    Xiu opened her mouth to say something but Clara cut her off, "I know how kind you are. But I am not, sweetie! I''m not letting you go easy on someone after this. Do you consider what could have happened if something went wrong?"


    "Finally! Someone said it!" Darren exclaimed in agreement. "That''s what I''ve been telling you! If something would have gone wrong, you would have had a miscarriage!"


    "Excuse me, what?!"

 722 Might Of Your Ba

    Looking at everyone''s questioning gaze, he feigned ignorance, "What?"


    "What did you just say?" asked Clara and Francesca, both in unison.


    "Nothing." Darren shook his head. "I just said, how dangerous it could have been for her health. Ouch!" He turned his eyes towards Xiu who had thrown the pillow at him and seeing her glaring at him, he smiled sheepishly, "It was a slip of a tongue."


    Xiu growled like a tiger on the hunt, "I told you it was my surprise!"


    Darren smiled awkwardly at her before saying, "It was not really a surprise though. Most people in this room already know." He slowly pointed at each person who knew Xiu was pregnant, starting from Xin Zimen to Zhao Huan to Xin Xiaoli to Jackie.


    Yes, even Jackie knew about it. After all, Xiu being the best elder sister would never hide something like this from her little brother.


    Jackie raised his hand and pointed at his father saying, "Dad also knows."


    Xiu gaped at Jackie and said, "Little brother, it was supposed to be between us."


    Jackie looked at her innocently as he replied, "But you said there are no secrets in the family."


    Nora scoffed at that, "So does mom and I are not supposed to be in this family?"


    Jackie ignored her as he looked at his mother and replied, "We planned a big surprise for mom that''s why we wanted to wait for a little."


    "Hold on!"


    "Wait a minute!"


    Both Francesca and Clara were in a trance even now. They both were in disbelief as they looked at Xiu and cautiously asked, "Sweetie, you''re pregnant?"


    Xiu looked at these two stunned women and her earlier frustration towards having her surprise ruined poofed away. She smiled and nodded her head eagerly.


    Francesca covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming in joy while Clara Cartwright who usually had everything under her control, now seemed at a loss. For a moment, she even forgot how she was supposed to react to this news.


    Jing Ge had to nudge her as he said, "You''re gonna be a grandmother again."


    Clara''s hands were shaking as she held Xiu''s hands and looked into her eyes, "How long?"


    "5 weeks," replied Xiu.


    She took Darren''s hand in her other and didn''t know what to say at all. Her tears fell down and it shocked Xiu, "Clara mom, why are you crying?"


    "I''m so happy," replied Clara. "It just seems like yesterday when you came to our house and now, you''re gonna have a baby of your own. Oh my gosh! I can''t stop these tears!"


    "Mama, this is not something we''d joke about," said Xiu. "Oh, get a hold of your emotions. You promised to take care of our child. How will you do it if you''re not even able to handle your emotions?"


    Francesca hugged both Darren and Xiu saying, "Fuck my emotions! Right now, I only care about my babies who are gonna have a baby." She pushed Darren away while saying to Xiu, "I really hope my future grandchild is like you. I don''t want another broody kid like him."


    "Mama!"


    Francesca ignored Darren''s protest as she continued, "Trust me, it''s not a joke raising a kid who doesn''t act like a kid!"


    "Tell me about it," agreed Clara as she looked at her own son.


    Seeing his mom sighing like this, Jackie wrapped his arms around her waist trying to act cute. "You don''t have to be like this, my little ancestor."


    While there was a festive mood in this corner, the other corner was brooding in silence before the silence was broken by Xin Zemin who looked at his wife and then at his brother, "You both knew about it?" Seeing how they both stayed quiet, he was enraged, "I''m the last person to hear this news?"


    "Third Father-in-law!" called out Darren. "When I said we come in a package, I meant it''s a combo package."


    Xin Zemin sat down to gather his thoughts as he mumbled, "I just became a father and on the same day, I''m on the road to become a grandfather? It''s truly like Heaven is showering me with all the blessing on the same day."


    "Xiu, how could hide something like this from me? You even told Jackie but hid it from me? I''m supposed to be your best friend!"


    Xiu looked at Nora''s aggrieved look and said, "Should I remind you of what you did?"


    "Are you getting back at me for that?" grumbled Nora feeling even more annoyed now. That one dark spot on her flawless history was really becoming the bane of her life. Everyone loved to remind her of what she did back then. Although she agreed she was at fault for hiding something like that from Xiu, still how could she return the favor like this?


    "I''m not interested in getting back at you. I was just waiting for the right time to tell everyone. Besides, I only learned about it two days ago."


    "Then how come so many people already know while I''ve been kept in the dark?"


    Xiu sighed out, "Ah-Xin knows because he went to the doctor with me. How does Zhao Huan... Oh, I mean, how does mom or Li bro found out, I have no clue. I personally only told Jackie who supposedly told Uncle Jing. So, you see, not my fault here."


    Nora thought about it and felt it was right. She couldn''t be angry with Xiu. Well, she could never be angry with her anyway. So, running over, she squished Xiu in her arms saying, "I''m gonna be an aunt, I feel old!"


    Xiu hit her shoulder, "You''re already a mother, doesn''t that make you feel old?"


    Nora shook her head, "Being a mother is like being reborn. You don''t feel old, you become young."


    Xiu pretended to gag, "Where did this philosopher come from? Where is my dumb Nora?" Then she pushed her off herself saying, "Get off of me, I need to do some introductions here." Nora nodded her head and stepped back while, Xiu took Clara''s hand and pointed towards Zhao Huan and Xin Zemin, "Clara mom, that''s my real mother. And that''s my father."


    Clara was taken aback to hear that but since Xiu was talking, she would never question anything. So, she simply nodded at them.


    Then Xiu said to Zhao Huan and Xin Zemin, "And mom and dad, this is my Clara mom. She is not only the best criminal lawyer, she is also the best mother." Clara smiled gently at her while she continued, "And this is my Uncle Jing. He is the world''s best father!"


    "Agreed! Agreed!" Nora chimed in without hesitation. "After all, he is my dad. He needs to be as awesome as I am."


    "Get lost!" said Xiu and pushed her away. "He is not just yours."


    Nora made a face but couldn''t even claim her father as just her own. If she did, these two other siblings would eat her alive. It was better to stay quiet in this situation.


    Xiu tiredly leaned against Darren''s shoulder as she said, "I feel like the family just got bigger. I''m tired after greeting everyone."


    "If you''re tired, take some rest."


    "Yes, yes. You should take a nap."


    "We should all leave so that she can relax here."


    Xiu looked at their enthusiasm and was lost for words. Darren placed an arm around her shoulder and said, "Now, you''ll know that I wasn''t actually overreacting. They all are gonna treat you like a fragile doll from now on. Let''s see how you take a step down now."


    Xiu tilted her head to look at him, "Don''t tell me you revealed it on purpose?"


    "I did not," replied Darren.


    Nora tugged at her father''s jacket and said, "Dad, I just realized."


    "What?"


    "If Darren didn''t help Xiu, she could have fallen down from the stage and would definitely get injured. Or worse, might have even gotten a miscarriage. This is certainly attempted murder!"


    Jing Ge''s face hardened as he nodded, "That''s what exactly I thought so."


    Grinning widely, Nora offered, "So, should I bring your bat? I really think it''s very necessary to show the might of your bat right now."


    "Nora! Shut up!" said Xiu. "Stop cooking up crazy ideas!"


    "We are not letting this go! Now, we have all the more reason!"


    "It''s rare for my elder daughter to say something wise," agreed Clara. "But we don''t have to resort to violence. If we are gonna have a bloody war, I''d rather fight it in court!"

 723 Ah-Si Is Dead Mea

    He gave Xiu a reassuring smile and shook his head. He could tell what was running through her mind and it bothered him. He didn''t want her to think about any of it again.


    Xiu didn''t know why but it didn''t make her feel any good. She already knew that once her Clara mom got wind of this incident, things were gonna get complicated. And she was right because Clara won''t let this go without a fight. Even if she had to take someone down with her, Clara Cartwright would still fight till the end for her family.


    As Xiu pushed everyone out to take rest in peace, Xin Xiaoli was the only one left behind. Seeing Xiu''s pursed lips, he ruffled her hair lovingly as he said, "What are you worried about? You weren''t even worried when you attacked her."


    "At that time, I knew you won''t stop me," replied Xiu honestly. "But at that time, I really didn''t consider how this might affect your life. I''m so sorry!"


    Xiao Li''s eyes softened as he smiled at her, "Little sister!" Xiu looked into his eyes as he continued, "Now, I can rightfully call you little sister." Xiu pressed her lips together and nodded her head. "So as my little sister, let me teach you something my dad always said to us when we were young." Xiu''s brows knitted up inquisitively. "He said, don''t say sorry for things you feel are right. Until and unless your heart allows you, don''t ever say apologize."


    "Li bro," Xiu called out softly.


    Xiao Li chuckled at her, "This doesn''t affect my life in any way. Even if does, I won''t allow just anyone to insult my sister." He took a brief pause to caress her head, "So, don''t overthink it. I''m absolutely fine."


    Xiu thought about it before saying, "Bro, my Clara mom won''t let this go. She is definitely gonna take Meihui to court. I don''t wanna stop her and neither can I stop her."


    Xiao Li laughed at her quietly, "Silly! Who is asking you to stop it? And do you think my dad or my Uncle Min is gonna let this go? Dream on! Although they both hate each other, they both are very similar in one aspect. They are both exceptionally protective of their people!" He sighed out, "Meihui had dug her grave from the moment she dared to raise her hand at you or push you. Now, no one can help her."


    "Her dad is Ah-Xin''s best friend," reminded Xiu.


    Xiao Li shook his head at her, "So? My dad would never let someone wrong his family member. He doesn''t just see you as a niece but as a daughter. I think even Uncle Yi have realized by now that his friendship won''t be able to save his daughter this time around."


    "What about you?" asked Xiu curiously.


    "What is your goal? What are you trying to achieve? I still don''t get it," said Xiu.


    Xiao Li''s eyes lowered before he poked her cheek and said, "Even though you''ve come back safe, I still won''t let people go easily. Someone has to pay the price for hurting my sister."


    "What?"


    "Nothing," he pinched her nose. "You don''t think at all. Just take care of yourself. And you better take care of my niece/nephew."


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks, "Why do I feel like all of you are more worried about this kid than me?"


    "No, we are more worried about you." He rubbed her head and left the room.


    As soon as he came out, he could see the Jing family and Xin family engrossed in talking. Just because they had Xiu in common, they looked like they had known each other for years. But seeing his little brother hiding far away from Jing family, he laughed out.


    Just as Xiao Li placed a hand on Ah-Si''s shoulder who was hiding in a corner, Ah-Si flinched in shock. Seeing it was his brother, he heaved a sigh of relief, "Bro, stop scaring me. My heart is already in my throat."


    "Why?" asked Xiao Li in amusement and he leaned against the wall.


    "Why? Obviously, because my Nora''s parents are over there," replied Ah-Si. "Her dad is scary and I heard her mom hates me. I don''t know what to do? My future and my relationship are looking bleak."


    Xiao Li laughed at his brother, "Relax! I have a way to solve it."


    "How?"


    "Go and meet them," said Xiao Li.


    "So that they beat me right here? Didn''t you hear? Just like Xiu''s bat, even Mr. Jing has his own bat. I don''t think I''ll survive another beating." Xiao Li''s laughter was loud. "Bro, are you enjoying my misfortune?"


    "Little brother, don''t you think the misfortunate one here is me?" Ah-Si stopped and looked straight at his brother.


    "Bro, are you okay?"


    Before he could answer, an arm wrapped around Xiao Li''s neck and came to the excited voice of Ying, "Yo, what''s up bestie? Are you okay? How is your first day being married? Is it fun?"


    Xiao Li''s lips twitched as he knocked on her head, "Why don''t you try getting married? Maybe you''ll figure out whether it''s fun or not."


    "Hmm... Good idea," replied Ying taking Xiao Li by surprise.


    "Are you for real?"


    "Of course!" said Ying. "But right now, we are discussing you. How are you feeling?"


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Li rubbed her head and said, "I feel great! Today is one of the best days of my life."


    "Really?" Ying sounded skeptical.


    Xiao Li nodded as he looked at his brother, "Ask him, isn''t it the best day of our life?"


    Ah-Si instantly nodded along, "Yes, yes! It''s a historic day! Our family is finally complete. We got our sister back!"


    "Huh? Xiulin is alive?" Xiao Li smacked her head and she glared at him. "What? That''s the only sister you have."


    "No, we have another sister! Our Uncle Min''s daughter. Isn''t that our sister?"


    "Oh..." That was all Ying said. "Congrats then. Xiu is now a Xin."


    Ah-Si laughed, "Yes! She is Auntie Huan and Uncle Min''s daughter. Do you realize how big that is?"


    "I think I know how big this is," replied Ying. "She is not only the only daughter of the head of the Xin family, she is also the heiress of a fortune! It''s truly the case of the lost princess coming home!"


    "You sound creepy!" said Xiao Li.


    "And you both seem suspicious," replied Ying. "What were you both whispering here?"


    "Ah-Si is scared of saying hi to his future in-laws."


    "Bro!"


    "What? Did I say something wrong?"


    Ying tutted at Ah-Si, "What''s the point of this love that isn''t even making you courageous to stand before your future in-laws?"


    "You both are not helping it at all!" saying that Ah-Si huffed and distanced himself from them.


    "He is still cute. I can''t believe he has a daughter."


    Xiao Li also agreed, "I also can''t believe." He pressed his lips together and added, "I still haven''t become used to being an uncle and now, I''m the way to become an uncle again."


    "What? Nora is pregnant again? This time Ah-Si is sure dead meat!"


    Xiao Li hit her arm saying, "Idiot! I''m talking about Xiu. It''s Xiu who is pregnant."


    "She is what?!" exclaimed Ying getting everyone''s attention on herself. "I''m the last one to know this?!"


    Xiao Li put his hand over her mouth and gave the elders an apologetic smile saying, "She is a little too excited. You guys continue." With that, he pulled her aside and went on, "Stop screaming! Everyone just got to know it."


    "Oh... That makes me feel better," said Ying while Xiao Li conveniently hid the fact that he knew it even before everyone. If he spilled the beans, he knew Ying was gonna hop around like a monkey. It was better to not say it for now.


    "Where is your boyfriend?" he asked.


    "Where is your wife?" she retorted.


    Xiao Li glared at her, "You really wanna continue this discussion?" Ying looked at his expressions and instinctively shook her head. "Then shut up!"


    "I''m gonna shut up but..." she pointed behind him as she went on, "Your mother-in-law might not want to stay quiet."


    Xin Xiaoli turned his head with a frown and his frown deepened as soon as he saw Zhao Wei coming towards him.

 724 Who To Blame?

    Ying shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and stepped away giving them the privacy they needed. However, she hadn''t gone far. Since they were right around the corner, the other people didn''t know about Zhao Wei''s presence. And that''s why Ying had to keep watch because if others got to know, even she won''t be able to predict the consequences with so many possessive parents around here.


    Xin Xiaoli silently looked at Zhao Wei waiting for her to start talking. But Zhao Wei only felt fidgety under his gaze. She had so much to say but now that she stood before him, she really had nothing to say at all.


    Slowly, she gathered her courage and asked, "How is Xiu?"


    Xin Xiaoli''s eyes flashed with a strange light but he answered honestly, "She is doing well. She and her baby both are safe for now."


    "B-Baby?" Zhao Wei''s words faltered along with everything else she had come here for. She covered her mouth with a trembling hand as she questioned, "Xiu is pregnant?" Xiao Li looked at her changing expressions and nodded. "That is such wonderful news."


    Xiao Li''s eyes narrowed slightly as he reminded her, "Is it really wonderful news to you?"


    "Of course, it is," Zhao Wei didn''t hesitate to answer. "It''s Xiu and Regi''s first child. Why wouldn''t I be happy about it?" She wasn''t lying. Everything else apart, she was really happy to hear this news. She had always treated Darren as a family member, why wouldn''t she be happy to hear about this? As for Xiu, she had liked that girl from the moment she first heard about her. All her feelings towards both of them were genuine.


    At the wedding, she did go overboard when she raised her hand at Xiu but it was only because she momentarily lost her reason. Or perhaps, her love for her own daughter got the best of her. Whichever reason it was, she knew it in her heart that she was wrong.


    Xin Xiaoli was silent for a minute before saying, "First child who almost died even before coming to this world."


    Zhao Wei''s happiness suddenly vanished as fear took its place. How could she forget? Her daughter almost took an innocent life. The thought made her heart clench. Closing her eyes to calm down, she asked, "How is Regi?"


    "Alive," was Xin Xiaoli''s precise answer. He waited for a while before asking, "Aunt, why did you come here?"


    "I was worried about Xiu and Regi. So, I just wanted to know how they are doing."


    "Is that all?"


    "Huh?"


    "Is that the only reason for you coming here?"


    Zhao Wei nodded her head.


    "Aunt!"


    Zhao Wei closed her eyes briefly and sighed heavily, "Meihui wants to see you."


    Zhao Wei shook her head, "I know you won''t wanna see her right now. And I didn''t come to deliver her message. I just wanted to hear about Xiu and Darren." She turned to leave but stopped to say, "You don''t have to come and see her right now. I think it''s better that you take your time."


    "You don''t want me to see her?" questioned Xin Xiaoli. "Why? Do you think I won''t be nice to her?"


    Zhao Wei turned around and said, "Do you blame me?" Seeing Xin Xiaoli''s silence, she smiled self-abasingly, "I know you do. I deserve that. I asked you to fix something I broke. It was never your job to fill the void in Meihui''s life that was created by me." She took a brief pause before adding, "It''s just Dylan said, I''m the reason why my daughter ended up here. If I had stopped taking her side, she would have not gone overboard."


    "You don''t wanna remind me that she is my legal wife now?" asked Xiao Li with a complex emotion in his eyes.


    "Does it matter to you?" she retorted and when he didn''t reply, she went on, "I thought so. I feel like the person I''ve been most unfair to is you. I ended up exploiting your love for her and you continued to let me. I never realized how much I was hurting you because of my own selfishness. But trust me, I just wanted to be a good mother. But I ended up being the worst."


    "I''ll come to see her when I feel like it," said Xin Xiaoli and Zhao Wei nodded before walking away. While he watched her retreating back, Ying came around the corner and looked at him.


    "I thought you loved her," she said.


    "Don''t I?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "I can''t see the fire of this love in your eyes anymore," said Ying with a heavy mood.


    He put his arm around her shoulder and rubbed her head saying, "Maybe because fires are meant to burn everything. My love also burned down to ashes." He took a pause and said, "It''s not nice to eavesdrop."


    "You knew I''m listening in," replied Ying. "If you didn''t want me to hear anything, you''d have long said so." She looked at the side of his face, "I can''t believe you actually started lying to me. I never thought our friendship would come to this."


    "Stop being dramatic," said Xin Xiaoli. "It''s not like you just figured out everything."


    "I hate you," Ying shot back.


    Xin Xiaoli smiled at her and said, "What a surprise! I also hate you!"


    "You do?" Xin Xiaoli nodded his head. "You!"


    Ying raised her leg and tried to kick his abdomen. He timely stepped back but Ying raised her fist to punch him. He stopped that with his hand and pulled her hand behind her back saying, "Stop it!" Ying humphed and turned her head away.

 725 To The Hospital

    "Ah! Zizi, it''s hurting!"


    "Dad! We are not kids anymore!"


    Xin Zimen scoffed at them, "Then don''t behave like kids as well. How many times are you both gonna start a fight?"


    Ying tried to free her ear as she said, "We rarely even get into an argument."


    Xiao Li also agreed, "Exactly!"


    "Do you both think I''m an idiot? You both are as devious as a wolf luring in the red riding hood. Even when you both talk, you''re throwing jabs at each other." Both of them lowered their eyes and didn''t retaliate. "Now, you have started throwing some real punches. Don''t forget this is a hospital!"


    "Dad, why don''t you let us go first? We won''t even make a sound now," Xiao Li said solemnly.


    "Yes, yes. We won''t! I promise," Ying went along with his words.


    Xin Zimen exhaled a long breath and loosened his grip on their ears. "I better not see you both fooling around again." They both could hear the warning tone, so they both didn''t say anything else. Just glared at each other and looked away. Xin Zimen looked at other people staring at them and forced out a polite smile helplessly, "They just love acting like kids."


    "Mom, Dad, why don''t you both go home to rest for a while?" suggested Nora. "You both took long flights and didn''t even rest before rushing here. You should really take some rest or Xiu won''t be happy."


    Clara and Jing Ge looked at each other and saw the same reluctance to leave in each other''s eyes. However, Nora didn''t give up just yet, "I''m here with her. I am not going anywhere. I''ll take good care of her."


    "Fine. But you stay with her. We''ll be back soon," said Clara.


    "I''m here," replied Nora.


    Following her lead, Ying also said, "Zizi, you should also go home to rest. In fact, all of you should go now. None of you even changed clothes. Go home to get recharge and then you can all come back again. Or it''s even better if we take turns. For now, I''ll be staying here with Nora."


    "Oh, that''s good!" Nora also agreed with Ying.


    "Only you two would be staying?" said Xiao Li. "How about I stay as well?"


    Ying pushed him away saying, "The first person to leave should be you! Get lost already! And get some sleep!"


    "But..."


    Before anyone could continue, another voice came, "You can rest assured. I''ll give the girls company here."


    "What are you doing here?" Ying asked as she looked at Han Bohai with a frown.


    Han Bohai had yet to reply when Xiao Li pulled at father''s arm and said, "Let''s go! Now, we are not needed at all!"


    "It seems like it," agreed Xin Zimen.


    "Uncle and aunt, both of you should also come with us."


    "Why?" questioned Xin Zimen. "Why should they come with us? They can go to their home!"


    Before Xin Zimen could say anything, Xin Zemin smiled at his nephew, "How can I say no to my nephew''s invitation? Let''s go!"


    Zimen looked at his brother who intentionally agreed but stayed quiet this time. But before leaving, he pulled Ying to a side and instructed, "Don''t leave even for a minute until I come back."


    Ying frowned, "I won''t but what''s up?"


    Zimen looked towards Xiu''s door and said, "She revealed her identity in a high profile way. If there was a murder attempt when her identity wasn''t even clear, I''m all the more certain she is not safe now."


    "I also thought so," said Ying. She had been thinking about this.


    "I have people keeping watch but you need to be alert as well. Don''t let her get hurt again."


    "I''ll do my best," replied Ying. "You can relax and leave it to me. I''ll be sure to protect her well this time."


    "I hope this time you really protect her well and it won''t end up like last time."


    Ying pursed her lips as he reminded her of the time when she was supposed to follow Xiu in secret and ended up getting distracted in the process which led Xiu to the hospital. Now that she thinks about it, it seems Xiu really has some strange relationship with hospitals.


    Seeing off everyone, Nora slouched down on the seats in the corridor as she said, "These parents really exhausted me!"


    Ying who was trying to push Han Bohai said to Nora, "They are all possessive."


    Nora nodded her head, "Yes, they are!! And I can''t even say anything because I''m just like them." She looked at Han Bohai and said, "Didn''t you go home to rest?"


    "I did," replied Han Bohai.


    "Then why do you look so tired? You didn''t sleep?"


    Han Bohai was quiet as he pressed his lips together. He blinked his eyes and changing his expressions instantly, he slid close to Ying again, "I was missing my girlfriend so much that I couldn''t catch a wink of sleep without her in my arms."


    "As if every night you have me in your arms," snorted Ying.


    "I do want to have you in my arms every night," said Han Bohai cheekily.


    Ying knocked on his head, "Why is your brain always on the wrong track?"


    "It''s called love track. There is no such thing as right or wrong on this track."


    "If you said another word, I''m gonna beat you."


    "I''m always ready for that," was his eager reply.


    "Argh! Why are you like this?"


    "Stop it!" exclaimed Nora irritably. "I get it that you both are in love, but please, this is a hospital. I really can''t take this lover''s banter."


    "Who loves him?"


    "You do!" said both Nora and Han Bohai.


    "I don''t," denied Ying before she leaned her head against the wall behind her and closed her eyes.

 726 She Owed Her Nothing

    Since everyone was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted, they all slept peacefully after coming from the hospital except for one person; Xin Zimen. Yes, the house owner himself was feeling weird with just the thought that his elder brother was resting in the same house. How long had it been since they both had lived under the same roof?


    He didn''t remember the exact years but he knew it was long ago. Since he moved out of the Xin Family house back in high school. The school had dorms, so he preferred to live there even though the house wasn''t that far. And now after years, he was under the same roof as his elder brother once again.


    He was looking out the window when he heard someone knocking on the door of his room. He went over and opened the door. A steaming hot cup of tea appeared before his face. He looked up at Xin Kuan and said, "Come inside, Brother Kuan."


    Xin Kuan entered the room and closed the door behind him. He sat down with Xin Zimen and placed his tea down as well. Just as Xin Zimen picked up the cup of tea, he heard, "Are you angry with Wen Ai?"


    Xin Zimen scoffed, "Am I allowed to be angry with her?" He sipped on the tea and said, "I''m just a little surprised that she would hide so much from me."


    "Xiao Zi, I think she''d have her reasons," said Xin Kuan.


    Xin Zimen eyed him, "I get it. Your loyalty still lies with Wen Ai, but be reasonable right now."


    Xin Kuan lowered his eyes, "My loyalty lies with you as well. Wen Ai made me enter this house with a clear purpose. She wanted me to protect her sons and she didn''t want you to feel like you''d be left alone after she''s gone."


    Xin Zimen felt frustrated, "I don''t understand why she went so far? She had nothing to do with Sister Huan or my brother. Why would she take such a risk for them?"


    "Xiao Zi, it''s not for them. It''s always been for you," replied Xin Kuan, and Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed up. "Let''s face it, Xiao Zi. Your hatred for your brother had long waned. Now, you just have the unwillingness to accept that you actually never hated him. Because he never did anything wrong to you. At least, he didn''t intend to do so." Xin Zimen''s brows eased up as he looked down. "Madame Ai''s reason for going so far for them was one that they''re your family. And two, she thought she owed this much to Zhao Huan."


    "She owed her nothing!"


    Xin Kuan smiled sadly, "She didn''t think like that. Don''t forget that even though she barged into their wedding without any care, later she spent years saying sorry for ruining their beautiful day. It was her strange feeling of guilt that must have forced her to do that. She just wanted to do something for Zhao Huan to make it up to her."


    But how was he supposed to justify this one? How was he supposed to justify to his daughter? What should he tell that little one why her mother chose to save someone else? Whenever he thought of how his daughter must have felt, he couldn''t help feeling angry.


    Seeing his hands clenched into tight fists, Xin Kuan placed his hand on his shoulder and said softly, "Stop it! Neither Xiulin nor Wen Ai would have wanted to see you like this."


    Xin Zimen was quiet for a minute before his eyes showed a determined look. "Brother Kaun, keep an eye on everyone''s movements."


    "You mean everyone from the Xin family?"


    Xin Zimen nodded his head, "Yes. Everyone from that family. If even one of them tries anything suspicious, let me know. Especially, Suyin. Make sure she doesn''t try anything."


    Xin Kuan sighed out, "Suyin had been too quiet for the last couple of years."


    "Just because she had been dormant lately doesn''t mean I trust her even a little bit." He took a pause and added, "Also, cooperate with Clara Cartwright in any way needed. I have been too quiet and maybe that''s why people are forgetting how important my family is to me. They need a reminder that if anyone tries to hurt my family, I won''t let them off. No matter who they are!"


    "And if young master Li disagreed?"


    "He won''t," replied Xin Zimen. "He is my son. He won''t stand against me regarding this."


    *Knock! Knock!*


    Xin Zimen looked up when the door was pushed open from outside. Zhao Huan peeked inside and said, "Xiao Zi, come out for dinner. Everyone is waiting for you." She looked at Xin Kuan and added, "Brother Kuan, you should also join us."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed at his sister-in-law who didn''t care about his mood swings.


    "Don''t act like a kid! He is your elder brother. Eating together won''t hurt you both."


    "Sister Huan, I''m not hungry," said Xin Zimen.


    Zhao Huan came inside and dragged him out saying, "Don''t even think about using such a childish excuse with me. You haven''t touched food since yesterday. I don''t even know when you last ate anything."


    "But I really don''t feel like eating," replied Xin Zimen helplessly.


    "Do you want me to call my daughter?"


    Xin Zimen instantly stopped struggling, "I''ll eat. Let''s go!"


    Zhao Huan gaped at him in disbelief, "Wow! I can''t believe this. My daughter''s name works like a charm on you, eh?"


    "I have to listen to her," told Xin Zimen. "How else will I steal her from you?"


    Zhao Huan smacked his head, "You dare?!"


    "Doesn''t your husband always says that I can dare to do anything? So, why can''t I steal your daughter?"

 727 Fairy Godmother

    "Dad, I already had someone clean the villa. Should we renovate it as well?" Finally, Xiao Li paid attention to his brooding father.


    "I''d love to renovate it but forget it! It''ll take time and right now we don''t have time," replied Xin Zimen impatiently.


    "It won''t take long though," chimed in Ah-Si who was feeding his little girl.


    "It won''t take long but I need to bring the little lass home soon. She doesn''t like hospitals. Get the best doctors and nurses to take care of her at home."


    Xiao Li nodded his head, "Okay. When do you want to bring her home?"


    "As soon as possible!" came the prompt reply.


    Seeing his father''s worry, Xiao Li didn''t even finish his meal before leaving to get everything arranged. Zhao Huan glared at Xin Zimen, "Xiao Zi, you didn''t even let him finish!"


    "He has more important things to do," replied Xin Zimen.


    "Little brother, shouldn''t you be sitting with your son and comforting him? He needs you right now. Yesterday was his wedding and I think the person most affected by everything in him."


    Xin Zimen scowled at his elder brother and sighed out, "He is my son. He doesn''t need comforting. Everything is according to his own plans. Where did you see him worried?"


    Xin Zemin was perplexed, "Didn''t he love that Meihui girl for years? Of course, he''d be heartbroken right now."


    "A person can break your heart only once. If you allow the same person to break your heart repeatedly then you''re the idiot one!" said Xin Zimen in a calm voice. "And I didn''t raise an idiot son. He is fine. You worry about yourself!"


    "What do I have to worry about?" questioned Xin Zemin.


    "Your mother must be fuming right now since you haven''t given her a clear answer," informed Xin Zimen. "She would never have thought that one day she''d be given such a surprise."


    "It''s definitely a surprise for her. But a pleasant one! She''d be so happy to know that I have my own child now."


    "Hahaha!" Xin Zimen laughed at his brother''s face. "Happy? Pleasant surprise? You still haven''t changed at all! Your mother has always been an old fashioned person. Having a daughter is nothing to be happy about for her. She had always shown affection towards my sons but my daughter was never accepted. And you think, she''ll treat your daughter differently? Especially the one daughter whom she didn''t even watch growing up before her eyes? Wake up already!"


    Xin Zemin wanted to refute but nothing came out of his mouth. No matter how much he always wanted to stand up for their mother before his younger brother, he couldn''t deny that most of the time, his younger brother was right about their mother.


    "Stop shouting at me," said Xin Zimen in a straight voice. "If you really want to shout, go and shout the same words to your mom as well."


    "She is your mother as well," reminded Xin Zemin.


    "I''ve long stopped being her son," replied Xin Zimen and got up to leave.


    "He is still very rude," Xin Zemin said to his wife. "Why is he so difficult?"


    "Dad is not difficult though," Ah-Si spoke up. "Dad is just lonely."


    Xin Zemin fell silent when he heard these words.


    ....


    Back at the hospital...


    "I didn''t know your mom is so intimidating. She is a strong woman!"


    Nora smiled at Ying and agreed, "Yes, she is a very strong woman. And she''s a scary woman as well. I definitely would never want to stand against her in life or in court. She would butcher me alive!"


    Ying chuckled heartily. "She is also very protective of you and Xiu."


    "Because mom thinks since she can''t give us all of her time, she''d like to give us all her love. She''d go to any length to protect us."


    "That''s very nice," remarked Ying in a small voice. She rubbed her hands together and said, "It''s getting cold." Suddenly a hot cup of coffee appeared before her eyes and through the wisps of rising smoke, she saw the blurry image of Han Bohai who was holding up that coffee for her.


    "This is for you," he offered another cup to Nora who thanked him with a smile.


    As they both got their coffee, they watched his leaving again. "I never thought this superstar to have such a considerate personality. He is so warm and friendly."


    "I also didn''t think he''d be like this," replied Ying honestly. After all, he came across as a flirt to her at their very first meeting. And later on, he kept up that image. Even though he was always observant. She had to say he was also very warm and could melt anyone''s heart with his sweetness.


    Soon, Han Bohai came back and put a blanket on her legs saying, "Don''t catch a cold."


    He passed the other one to Nora who gaped at him and said, "What are you? Fairy godmother? Because if yes, I''d love to order one for myself!"


    Han Bohai laughed at her remark and said, "Sorry, I''m the only successful model."


    "Damn it! How unfortunate..." sighed Nora regretfully.


    Before he could run off again, Ying held his wrist and pulled him to the seat beside her saying, "Stop running around and just sit down. If you didn''t even rest last night, can''t you sleep now?"


    Han Bohai placed his head on her shoulder and said, "I think with this pillow, I can sleep peacefully."


    "Why didn''t you sleep last night?" Han Bohai opened his mouth but she went on, "And don''t give me the previous crap!"


    Han Bohai bit his lips and answered honestly, "I just had too much to think about. And by the time, I came to a conclusion, it was already time to wake up."

 728 Coincidence

    After hesitating for a while, she spoke up, "If something''s bothering you, you can share it with me. I''m a good listener. And I might be able to help you out as well." She didn''t know why but she wanted to know what was he thinking. He never shared anything with her.


    Han Bohai smiled at her and raised his head to kiss her forehead lovingly as he said, "Are you worried for me?" He was actually pleased to hear this from her. After all, it wasn''t every day that Ying showed this much interest in him.


    "No," said Ying as she took a sip of the coffee or more like used the cup to hide her expressions. Sometimes it was dangerous to have him around when he could read her so easily.


    He clung to her saying, "Damn it! If you say it like that, I''ll fall for you harder!"


    "That doesn''t even make sense!" What were they talking about and where was he going? Something was definitely wrong with his brain!


    "Have I ever made sense though?"


    Ying''s lips pressed into a thin line as she couldn''t refute that. He indeed never made sense. It was only her who was being trapped in his nonsense each and every time. But she still loved his nonsense. She didn''t know about falling head over heels in love with him but her feelings were definitely changing for him.


    Maybe that''s why she didn''t find the idea of spending her life with him, odd. In fact, she found it rather interesting. Because by now, she had come to a conclusion, with him around, life certainly had something to look forward to.


    "Nora!" he suddenly called out to Nora who had been trying to distance herself from this pair of lovebirds. She looked up at him inquisitively as he went on, "How long have you been friends with Xiu?"


    "I was fourteen or fifteen maybe," replied Nora uncertainly.


    "Jackie said her name wasn''t Xiu before."


    Nora raised her brow but still nodded her head, "Yeah! She was called Destiny at that time. You can say Xiu is her Chinese name which she came up with for herself."


    "Why Xiu?" he questioned.


    "What are you trying to do here?" inquired Ying who had been listening to his sudden round of questions regarding Xiu.


    "Didn''t you say Xiu is like your sister?" Ying narrowed her eyes but nodded agreeably. "You also said that she is very important to you. So I thought I should know about her."


    Although there was nothing wrong with his words, however, she didn''t know why she didn''t buy his words.


    "Chen Xiu," he suggested and Nora snapped her fingers.


    "That''s right! She had been a huge fan of that actress. That''s why she chose the name Xiu for herself."


    "That''s it?" he asked. "I mean, such a simple reason?"


    Nora contemplated for a while before she recalled something, "Now that you mentioned it, there actually is something else."


    "What?" he was trying his best to keep his expressions in check right now but his heart was in a frenzy for some reason even he couldn''t understand. What was he even trying to do right now? He didn''t know himself!


    "She once told me stupor that Chen Xiu gave her a new life. Something about saving her life and how selfless she was. I never understood what she meant."


    Han Bohai''s heartbeat quickened as he questioned, "Wait! Was her name Destiny Novell? And Carina Novell was her mother?"


    "That''s correct!" answered Nora. "But why do you ask?"


    Han Bohai laughed dryly, "I can''t believe this."


    "What''s wrong?" asked Ying when she noticed the way his hand was shaking.


    "I never knew such coincidences happen in life," he started. "That night... She really did save Destiny."


    "What are you talking about?" was Nora''s reaction.


    Han Bohai didn''t know how to reply. Even though the one who saved Destiny was Chen Xiu, but that idiot never even bothered asking the names of the people she helped. But he, as her assistant, had to deal with all the paperwork, and since he had been the one who processed the hospital bills and stuff, he clearly remembered the name of the person and her guardian. How could he forget it? It was his very first time seeing an idiot like Chen Xiu! And it was also on the very first day of him acting as her assistant!


    As if catching on to something, Ying asked, "Did Chen Xiu really saved Destiny''s life?"


    Han Bohai couldn''t like to her as he nodded, "Yes! It was her mother who came to ask for help and Sister Xiu being Sister Xiu, readily agreed to take them to the hospital! She even gave her blood to save her life."


    "Something like that actually happened?" Nora was in shock. She always thought her best friend was spouting all kinds of nonsense. And that''s why she never bothered paying much attention to this.


    "She didn''t tell you in detail?"


    "She lost her memory, so we never got to discuss anything of this sort," replied Nora.


    "Lost her memory?" repeated Han Bohai. "I heard about this from your brother. When did it happen? I mean do you remember the exact date?" Hearing the precise date from Nora, he sighed out, "Sister Xiu died during that time."


    "Your point is?" Ying caught on to his abnormal behavior.


    "Nothing," he tried to avoid talking about it. He would keep his conjectures to himself.


    "Ying!"


    Hearing someone called her, Ying looked over at Zhou Jinhai who was coming towards them. "What are you doing here?"


    "Why? I can''t come to see my brother?" retorted Zhou Jinhai. His eyes felt hostility and turned his head to look at Han Bohai whose face had hardened. "Oh, I didn''t know you''d be here."


    "I don''t think your brother would like to see you," replied Ying. "He already met his father in the day. I don''t think your visit is needed."


    "I know, but I still want to see him," said Zhou Jinhai.


    Seeing the interaction between Zhou Jinhai and Ying, Han Bohai''s eyes darkened. He felt infuriated just looking at his face. Every time he saw this man, he wanted to strangle him!


    "If your eyes could kill me I''d have been long dead," said Zhou Jinhai as he looked at Han Bohai.


    "You think I''d give you an easy death?" retorted Han Bohai.


    Zhou Jinhai smiled at him self-deprecatingly, "Right... I don''t deserve an easy death."


    "Both of you, stop it!" Ying stood between both of them and said to Han Bohai, "Sit down!" Then she shifted to Zhou Jinhai and went on, "And you, leave!"


    "I just want to see him."


    Ying glared at him, "Even if you stay, you can''t see him. The doctor said none of us can see them for now. So, leave! You can come at another time."


    "Why are you so angry?" he questioned when he noticed that Ying wasn''t talking to him like she usually did.


    Ying held his wrist and pulled him aside as she said in a low voice, "Because I am angry right now! Do you know how much it infuriates me, whenever I hear that Chen Xiu was a good person and that innocent girl didn''t deserve to die in such a way! It makes me want to beat you as well because it all started with you!"


    Zhou Jinhai''s eyes dimmed as his head lowered and he said, "Yes. It all started because of me. If I had kept my distance from her in the very beginning, none of this would have befallen upon her. She deserved so much better."


    "Indeed! She deserved the world! But what did she get?" She exhaled a long breath and said, "Now, please leave. My boyfriend is gonna lose his patience otherwise."


    "I never thought I''d hear you say the word, ''My boyfriend''."


    "You still want to talk?"


    "I''m leaving," Saying that Zhou Jinhai turned around and left.


    Ying came back to Han Bohai''s side who was still gnashing his teeth in hatred and sighed out, "He is gone. Stop brooding." Han Bohai hmphed but didn''t reply to her. Ying looked at the door and frowned as she asked, "Did someone go inside?"


    "Yeah. The doctor came for a routine checkup," Nora told her.


    Ying''s expressions changed, "But they just left!" With that, she ran inside the room and the scene before her eyes made her eyes widen.

 729 Under Attack

    "AHH!!"


    A painful groan was heard as the knife went right through the "doctor''s" hand. He clutched his hand with the other and turned his head to look at Ying. Feeling that the situation was not on his side, he tried to escape. Ying''s eyes darkened even more. Her intuition had never been wrong!


    Before he could escape, Ying had already rushed up to him. She held the ''doctor'' on his knees as she shouted at Han Bohai and Nora who had been frozen at the doorway. "Get the needle out of her! And call a doctor!"


    It was Han Bohai who ran over and pulled the needle out of Xiu''s hand. While Nora had run out to get a doctor. Even though her head couldn''t process anything that just happened, she had a gut feeling that she was supposed to follow Ying''s instructions and so she did.


    Ying had the ''doctor'' in a headlock as she strangled him saying, "Aren''t you very daring coming here?" Before she could question anything, the supposed ''doctor'' pulled a knife with his other hand and stabbed Ying''s knee. Ying growled in pain and her grip momentarily loosened.


    Taking advantage of that momentary opening, the ''doctor'' pushed her away making her stagger, and opened the window before jumping down without any hesitation.


    "Ah-Ying!" Han Bohai ran up to her to support her but she stopped him.


    "I''m fine!" She pulled out the knife and without wasting any time, she also followed suit and jumped down to give chase.


    Han Bohai was left staring dumbfounded at the window. She had just jumped from the fourth floor to the ground without any problem. Oh, there was a problem actually! Her injured leg wobbled as soon as she landed and almost fell down but with her hands, she pushed herself up and started running after the ''doctor''. No matter what it took, she knew she couldn''t let this person escape!


    Han Bohai also ran out of the hospital room and took the elevator to follow her.


    But as soon as he left, a couple of people entered Xiu''s room and locked the door from inside. "Plan A failed. Let''s process according to Plan B. Get rid of them both." The leader said.


    But just as one of them moved towards the peacefully sleeping Darren, another one moved towards Xiu''s side. Just as the man''s cold blade touched Darren''s throat, his eyes opened and in a blink of an eye, he held his hand and twisted it before putting his blanket over that man while his other hand picked up his phone and threw it at the head of the one that was close to Xiu.


    Since the phone was made of metals, it did quite some damage as the man''s head burst open and blood oozed out. Seeing this situation, the leader also rushed out. Darren was obviously outnumbered in this situation. But he wouldn''t let any of them hurt his wife.


    Like a vicious animal, he tried desperately to fight these three people. But they had weapons, while he was barehanded. He still had to use whatever he could!


    Because of his abrupt movements, his head injury started acting up. His vision blurred while he felt a rush of splitting headache. Even his feet were staggering but he didn''t give up. He couldn''t do it! This wasn''t about him! This was about his family! His wife and his child! How could he just give up so easily? Even if it costs his life, he wasn''t willing to let his steps falter!


    He managed to knock down two of them and even got his arm injured in the process. When the leader saw that his men were down, he grew vicious and tried to throw himself on Darren with his knife. Darren''s vision had already become obscure. He knew he couldn''t avoid this one.


    Right at this moment, the door was violently kicked open and a gunshot was heard. Soon, the leader of those attackers was lying on the ground with a bullet hole behind his head.


    "Well, what do we have here?" came Su Feifei''s voice.


    Even though Darren recognized her voice, he couldn''t see her.


    "Regan..." But when he heard the faint call of Xiu. His heart almost stopped beating. He staggered his way to her side even though he couldn''t see anything clearly. He scooped her up in his arms.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked in a soft voice as if nothing happened here.


    "I don''t feel good," she replied. "Something is crawling in my veins. It''s painful!"


    "Get her to an operation theatre! Right now!" Su Feifei gave the instructions and the doctors that Nora had called tried to take Xiu from Darren but he refused. "Darren, you have to let her go if you want to save her!"


    Only then did he let her go but pleaded, "Please, save her!"


    "We''ll try our best," came the reply and she was taken from his hands.


    Su Feifei looked at the mess in the room, and her eyes turned red in fury. She controlled her emotions and said to Nora, "Get him to a doctor as well."


    Nora was shaking all over but she nodded her head.


    When only she was left in the room, she pointed at her people, "Check which one is alive. And whoever is alive, make him taste life worse than death! I need an answer for this incident!" She stared down at all the people around her and added, "From all of you! Or else, I''ll have your heads on a platter!"


    Ruffling her hair in exasperation, she hesitated but still ended up dialing the number she was dreading to. As soon as the call connected, she informed, "There has been an attack. You should come here."


    "What did you say?" came Xin Zimen''s strained voice.


    Su Feifei bit her lip before repeating, "Xiu was just under attack."


    Xin Zimen felt like his breath stopped and with much difficulty, he asked, "How is she now?"


    "I don''t know. She is in the operation theatre. I can''t say anything for now."


    Finally, the phone slid down from Xin Zimen''s hand and fell down. He placed his hand over his chest as if something was clutching his heart and squeezing it painfully! It felt awful!

 730 In A Hurry

    "Xiao Zi," Zhao Huan also came over along with her husband. "Is everything alright?" She couldn''t help rushing over when she heard Ah-Si''s frantic voice calling out Xin Zimen. It gave her an unsettling feeling.


    Xin Zimen''s lips had parted but he couldn''t say a word before his sister-in-law''s soft and gentle eyes. How was he supposed to tell her that she might lose the daughter she just got back? Did he have it in himself to shatter her happiness? He didn''t!


    The more he thought like this, the more unsightly his expressions became. And the ache in his heart was growing wild as well. He really couldn''t breathe now.


    Zhao Huan stepped up, "Ah-Si, help him to the couch. He can''t breathe." As they laid him down, Zhao Huan tried to do the first aid and he finally breathed out with difficulty. "You''re scaring me now."


    Xin Zimen avoided her eyes and only said, "Hospital! Now!"


    "Ah-Si, get the cars out," Xin Zemin said when he noticed the look in his brother''s eyes. At the end of the day, the other was his younger brother. He could still tell something was up just from one look. He felt uneasy all over.


    Later Xin Zemin sent Zhao Huan with Ah-Si but took the same car as his brother. As they got on the road, Xin Zemin noticed his brother''s apprehensive look and trembling body.


    "What''s going on?" he questioned but Xin Zimen had no answer for him. "Tell me, damn it! What happened at the hospital?!"


    Hearing his brother''s loud voice, Xin Zimen closed his eyes and answered, "I don''t know. I just know that she is in the operation theatre right now."


    It was a good thing that the driver was the one driving right now or else, Xin Zemin might have gotten into an accident. His lips were shaking as he let out, "How is she?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head in reply and his elder brother closed his eyes in despair and helplessness!


    ....


    Meanwhile, Su Feifei watched all her subordinates that were on duty tonight were lying in her feet dead. It was no wonder those attackers found their way in so easily! They came prepared!


    Her hands were clenched tightly but her anger couldn''t be seen on her face as she professionally questioned, "Cause of death?"


    "Reporting to Director Su, they consumed something poisoned."


    "Of course, they did!" she took a deep breath and instructed, "Check the surveillance to see what they ate?"


    Suddenly someone ran inside and informed, "That won''t be necessary. They all only drank coffee from the vending machine."


    The subordinate lowered his head and replied, "We just confirmed it. A nurse also died after drinking the coffee from the same vending machine."


    "Director, the surveillance recording is damaged. We can''t retrieve it!"


    "Director, I just asked around. The vending machines in the whole hospital were restocked today."


    Su Feifei laughed in derision, "Twenty of my people are dead! And you''re telling me I don''t have a lead? If I had not come for just a visit, do you all know what would have happened?" Just the thought of what could have happened if she was a little late, made her body shudder! She clearly knew Xiu''s importance to Xin Zimen.


    After all, he put his elite team to keep watch here. And yet, every one of them died an unjust death! For people like them, deaths were common and they won''t shy away from it either but dying from something despicable like poison was dishonorable! They would rather die on a battlefield than such a death!


    "Team leader Yan!"


    Su Feifei raised her head and looked at Yan Ying who was walking with difficulty and had a strange look on her face when she noticed so many of her colleagues gathered inside Xiu''s room. She had a bad premonition but when she looked at her aunt and at all those dead bodies lying in her feet, her face ashen.


    Su Feifei noticed the blood oozing out of her knee and frowned in displeasure.


    "Where is Xiu? What happened to her?" was Ying''s first question. She had managed to catch that fake doctor with so much difficulty but that bastard ate the poison and died. Who knew when she''d come back everything would have already changed.


    "Someone get her to a doctor as well," ordered Su Feifei in exasperation.


    Ying refused to leave as she rushed up to Su Feifei and asked, "Aunt! I''m asking you something! Where is Xiu? What happened to her? And what about Regan? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "I don''t have an answer for you. Not right now! Go get yourself treated first."


    Ying was shunned out and it left her anxious. But no matter how she protested she was still taken away to get herself treated.


    Behind her, Su Feifei looked exhausted. This attack didn''t seem to be done on impulse. It was well thought out. Going as far as poisoning a public vending machine...


    She felt like she was gonna go crazy now.


    "Seal off this floor. I don''t want any unauthorized person on this floor. Neither a nurse nor a doctor! Collect the samples, send them to the lab. Take the bodies back to the HQ." She took a pause and added, "And make sure the ones we caught aren''t able to kill themselves! I won''t let them die unless they pay for killing my people!"


    Everyone took their orders and scattered around.


    They all had expected that something would happen during Xiu''s stay at the hospital but none of them even imagined it to be this soon. Someone was really in a hurry to get rid of Xiu. But why?

 731 Hearts Get Tired

    Xin Xiaoli had actually come to the hospital before this incident. But it just so happened that he decided to finally pay Qiu Meihui a visit. So, instead of going to Xiu''s floor, he got off on the floor Qiu Meihui was.


    Right outside her hospital room, he didn''t find anyone but soon he learned why that was the case. Because as he stepped closer, he could hear Meihui shouting from inside the room, "What are you both doing here? Get out of my room! I don''t want to see you!"


    "Meihui," he heard Qiu Jiayi''s soft coaxing voice.


    "Don''t even come close to me!" Meihui shouted at him as well. "Don''t try to act like you both love me. You both don''t care about me at all! But that''s also good, I''ve long stopped caring about you both as well!" She was acting deranged as she continued, "If I didn''t want you to willingly give your business to me, do you really think I''d have come to meet you both again? What have you both ever done for me? Nothing! You''re the worst parents! Worst! Get lost now!"


    Then he heard something breaking and Xin Xiaoli opened the door of the room. He saw how both Zhao Wei and Qiu Jiayi looked broken and had pained expressions.


    "Before asking them what they did for you, why don''t you question yourself?" his voice broke Meihui''s deranged act and she looked straight at him. "What exactly have you done for them?"


    Like she had lost her mind, Qiu Meihui ran over to Xin Xiaoli and held the lapels of his jacket as she demanded, "Why didn''t you take my side? Didn''t you always tell me that you''d always be there for me? Why did you step back? Why did you go back on your words like everyone else? Why?! Why did you do it?!"


    Xin Xiaoli looked at her parents who took the hint and left them alone. Now, that they were alone in the room, he held her wrists and pushed her away before dusting off his jacket.


    "You really wanna play this game? Then let''s play this game," he started. "I stepped back? No, I just gave you the same treatment you offered me." Qiu Meihui stilled as he continued in a stern voice. "Back then, I had also questioned you... When you say you love me, how could you run off to marry another man? How could do back on your words? Do you remember what you said?" Qiu Meihui looked into his cold eyes and felt fear as he went on, "You said, time changes, feelings also change with it. And words are as cheap as feelings. How could I really fall for your words?"


    He took a step closer to her and she cowered back, "So, later I asked myself... If your words were all a lie, how can your feelings be sincere?"


    Finding back her courage, she said, "How can you say that? My feelings were real. I said all that because I was in anger. Even that marriage was just my impulsiveness. You know I never had any feelings for him."


    "Oh..." was his dry response. "So, impulsiveness is the real devil... But does that wash your sins clean?"


    He bent at his waist and looked into her eyes coldly, "Why don''t you repeat that now?"


    "I... I..." Her steps faltered. She couldn''t say it. In her heart, she knew what she did. She knew it very well. But she always thought he didn''t know. After all, he had been treating her the same way as before. So, she really let herself forget what she had done. "At that time, we had already broken up." She managed to say.


    Xin Xiaoli clutched her arms in a tight grip and hissed, "Just because we broke up does that give you the right to murder an innocent?"


    Qiu Meihui groaned in pain and squirmed trying to escape his grasp but he didn''t let go. His hold was vice-like, he didn''t plan on letting her escape at all!


    "You could give birth to the child of a man you didn''t even love but for me? You claimed repeatedly that you loved me and yet, right after we broke up, you went for an abortion!"


    Qiu Meihui''s whole body shook like a paper would in strong wind. Her face was already bruised but now, it looked even more unsightly.


    "Why is it so easy for you to discard anything? Whether it''s someone''s sincere feelings or a life, you wouldn''t hesitate to throw it away and to trample on it whenever you see fit!"


    "We were young. You wouldn''t want a child at that time!"


    "We were not as young as Nora and Ah-Si. They weren''t even dating and yet, she tried her best to save their child. We were engaged and yet, you murdered our child without any hesitation."


    It pained him every time he thought about it. The worst part was that he didn''t even know for years that something like this even happened. If it wasn''t for her ex-husband disclosing it to Ying, he''d never have known any of it.


    This woman whom he loved with all his heart, even when he had to go against everyone, he did love her, but she didn''t even hesitate to throw him away or that innocent life that hadn''t even been born!


    Tears were running down her face, as she tried to hold him and said, "You said, our love could overcome anything. You can''t just throw me away because of that one thing. Was your love only worth this much?"


    He laughed at her sarcastically, "My mom once said, don''t ever make someone run after you for so long that before their feet, their hearts get tired. But you did exactly that to me. I loved you foolishly for years and you left me aside like a spare tire. I am also a human, eventually, my heart did grow tired of loving you. Yes, I couldn''t get rid of this love for you but I couldn''t bring myself to love you either."

 732 Attention & Jealousy

    "Because you were the one offering that straw, I held it without any hesitation! You continued to fool me with your hot and cold nature. Pulling me to give me some hope when you needed me and pushing me into an abyss when you didn''t need me. But I still loved you like an idiot. And I still didn''t leave you alone. But when I learned that you got an abortion in a fit of rage, I truly felt like an idiot at that time. You played with me and my feelings for so long that I don''t even think I''ll ever be able to have those feelings for anyone else. You must have had fun watching a fool like me who danced on your fingers. Just like you wanted!"


    He pushed her on the bed and stepped away feeling a headache coming on. He rubbed the corners of his eyes as he stared at her.


    Qiu Meihui wasn''t moving anymore. She just laid there lifeless as if she finally lost everything.


    "Why did you agree to marry me then?" she questioned in a soft voice. "When you learned the truth, why didn''t you step away from me? Why did you still persistently pursued me?"


    He scoffed, "Do you think I wanted to? If it wasn''t for the promise I gave your mother, I''d have long stopped following you."


    "That''s it?"


    He shook his head, "Of course, not! How can I let you go so easily? You have blood on your hands! My child''s blood! Do you really think I''d let it go?" He took a pause and smiled coldly at her as he went on, "Remember that slap? You gifted me that on my birthday." She looked at him strangely as he continued, "It wasn''t my fault that your daughter alone found her way to my place just because she wanted to wish me on my birthday and you refused to bring her over. It also wasn''t my fault that you were anxious when she went missing. Because I called you the moment, she appeared at my doorstep. But even though it wasn''t my fault, you slapped me."


    "Are you saying, I am an abusive mother?!" Qiu Meihui was enraged again.


    "No, but you''re no better either!" replied Xin Xiaoli calmly. "Do you even remember how many times you have fought with your own mother before her? How many times you have yelled at me? Or any other person around you? No matter how much you love her, she is young and sensitive. She sees everything and all of those things affect her mental health as well. Your aggressiveness and jealousy made pushed your daughter away. That''s the reason she doesn''t like spending time with you because she feels scared of you."


    Qiu Meihui''s whole body felt weak. She had a complicated feeling. She never even noticed her daughter''s abnormality. She only thought Asteria was distant to her because she liked Xiao Li more. But she never realized that she was the reason why her daughter was this way. When did it happen? How did it happen? How did she not even realize it?


    "Now, that you have your answers, I need mine! Why did you attack my sister? She didn''t do anything to you?"


    Qiu Meihui was dazed as she answered, "First it was that Ying whom my mother loved. Then this Xiu came out of nowhere. Without any relation, she not only became close to my parents, even my brother likes her. No... Everyone likes her. Why? Why does she get to have that attention? Without even doing anything, how can she obtain everyone''s love? Who is she? Which hole did she crawl up from?! Why does everyone have to pay her attention?"


    Xiao Li raised his hand and she flinched but his hand didn''t land. Clenching his fists, he looked exasperated. "It was always like this... All you wanted was attention! And when you didn''t get it, you''d get jealous. It''s not necessary that what others had you also need to have that! And who said, she didn''t do anything for that love? She did the most important thing! She had been most sincere with everyone. And she didn''t hesitate to offer her own love to receive theirs! What did you do to get it? You just know how to put others down but you don''t understand that problem always lied with yourself!"


    He turned to leave when she asked, "You''re gonna divorce me?"


    Xin Xiaoli chuckled at her, "No, absolutely not! Once you run away just because you didn''t want to be my wife, now I am gonna make you live with this title for life. But don''t have any other thoughts. It''s only because now, I can legally get the custody of Asteria."


    Qiu Meihui ran after him shouting, "No! No! You can''t take my daughter from me! I won''t let you do it!" Before she could run out of the room, the nurses came inside to hold her down and she was given a sedative.

 733 Shaping A Childs Future

    After all, she was still the woman he loved the most in his life. And even when she only used him, took advantage of his feelings, he allowed her to do it. Maybe he was just lying to himself that someday it''d change. But even when he felt tired, he didn''t give up on her or on loving her.


    But when suddenly learned that this woman didn''t even hesitate before killing their unborn child, he finally felt something breaking within him. She committed such a sin and yet, she had the audacity to stand before him as nothing happened. She was the one in the wrong and yet, she kept making him lower his head before her.


    And he was the real foolish who kept lowering his head before her even when she didn''t deserve it. She didn''t deserve any of it. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Actually, he was glad things turned out this way. This really made everything a lot easier for him and he wouldn''t have to look at her face and be reminded of what she did to him.


    His eyes fell on her parents who looked at him with sympathetic eyes and asked, "You heard everything?"


    Zhao Wei covered her mouth as she silently wept while Qiu Jiayi gave him a response with a nod of his head.


    Before he would turn to leave, he heard Zhao Wei''s voice, "Why didn''t you say anything? I should have never sent you to her after her divorce. I..."


    Xin Xiaoli chuckled and said, "Aunt, you think that''s your real fault?" Zhao Wei looked at him strangely as he went on, "Your real mistake began when you started comparing your daughter to someone else. Parents don''t realize the damage they can do to their children. It''s parents who shape their child''s future and their personality. While you wanted her to excel in everything like Ying, you made her believe that she was no good. That left a mark on her from a very early age and she did whatever she could to get your attention. However, she didn''t want your praise, at that time, she wanted to see just how far you could go."


    Zhao Wei was quiet in reply.


    "She is what she is because of you. You both did this to her. One of you continued to try to make her see the light by trying to scorn her and the other continued to indulge her. Either way, you both really pushed her to become this unrecognizable person she is today."


    He turned around and walked away. He stopped a few steps away and said, "I''d advise you both to think about your next move wisely. As parents, you must be hurting but you can''t save her. Not this time."


    As he took the elevator to Xiu''s floor, he was taken aback to see how his way was blocked.


    "Sir, you can''t enter without permission," said one of the men in the black suit.


    Xin Xiaoli scowled. He knew his father had security on this floor when he cleared the whole floor yesterday but did he really need permission to enter now? Why? What happened?


    He had a bad feeling crawling up in his heart. He said, "Call Yan Ying. She is your superior, isn''t she?"


    The men shared a look before replying, "Team leader Yan is injured. Currently, she also doesn''t have the authority to let you in."


    "Then whose commands are you following?"


    Before he could get a reply, he heard Su Feifei''s voice, "Let him come."


    Xin Xiaoli ran over to her side hurriedly and looked at her with concern, "What''s going on? What happened? Why is Ying injured? Is she okay? Where is she?"


    Su Feifei patted his shoulder and said, "Take it slow."


    Seeing her calm expressions, he didn''t feel good. He knew how calm Su Feifei could look in the worst of conditions. There was definitely something wrong!


    "Aunt Fei!"


    She sighed out, "There''s been an attack." His body stiffened as his eyes widened in shock. "The attack was on Xiu and Ying got injured while protecting her. But it''s nothing much. Just a knife stab on her knee. That won''t kill her. She''s been through worse. So don''t worry."


    Even Xin Xiaoli knew that Ying had been through worse but what really made his heart drop was, "And Xiu? What about her? Did she also get injured?"


    Su Feifei took a moment before replying, "She is currently in the operation theatre. I can''t say anything about her condition. You''ll have to check with the doctors for that."


    Xin Xiaoli tried hard to keep his composure as he questioned, "Where?"


    Su Feifei directed him towards the operation theatre and watched him leaving with a complicated look in her eyes. While Xiao Li was rushing off, his steps halted before the room where Xiu had been. He looked at the rows of dead bodies and blood scattered around. It chilled his heart.


    Seeing him frozen there, Su Feifei touched his shoulder, "Stop looking. None of this blood belongs to Xiu. So, you can relax."


    His lips quivered and pinched his thigh to hold back his emotions as he asked, "Does dad know?"


    "I called him already," informed Su Feifei. "He''d be here soon."


    Xiao Li nodded his head in a daze and ran off again. He needed to find out Xiu''s condition. Urgh! Why didn''t he come earlier? Why did he go to see Meihui? What if something again happened to his sister? Just the thought was enough to make him feel suffocated.

 734 Who To Blame?

    "Miss Yan, please, come with us. We need to take an x-ray to see how deep the wound is. We also need to confirm if the knife damaged the bone."


    Ying wasn''t sitting despondently and continued to pay no heed to the doctor''s advice. She couldn''t bring herself to move at all. She needed to know Xiu''s condition.


    "Ah-Ying, just go already! Listen to the doctor. You''ve had so much blood loss already. Don''t be stubborn." Han Bohai was also trying to convince her but she seemed to be not hearing anything at all. "Ah-Ying! Why are you being so careless? This can be very dangerous for your own health? Can''t you please take note of this?" His voice softened as he crouched down before her and went on, "Xiu is gonna be fine. I promise you, she''ll be fine. Stop blaming yourself!"


    Xin Xiaoli stepped up to her and knocked on her head, she looked up fiercely but instantly lost her momentum when she looked at Xin Xiaoli.


    "I tried my best," she choked out in a heavy voice.


    Xiao Li patted her head, "I know. You always give your best."


    "But my best wasn''t enough. I still couldn''t protect her," she could feel something warm trickling down the corner of her eyes but she didn''t care.


    "It''s not your fault," said Xin Xiaoli. "So, stop crying and get your wounds treated." Seeing her shaking her head, he looked at Han Bohai and said, "What are you waiting for? Just pick her up and take her!"


    Han Bohai was instantly enlightened as he moved ahead.


    Ying glared at him, "Don''t you dare!"


    "Dad is coming," informed Xiao Li and Ying''s body stiffened. "I''m pretty sure you wouldn''t want to appear before him like this." He gestured to Han Bohai with his eyes who took the hint and held Ying in his arms before taking her away.


    His eyes moved towards the light that was lit above the operation theatre and clasped his hands together.


    Soon, he heard the hurried footsteps approaching and didn''t even have to look up to know who was here. As expected, he soon heard his father''s voice, "What did the doctor say?"


    The question was directed towards Su Feifei who was following him, "For now, the doctors haven''t said anything."


    "Is she injured?" asked Zhao Huan with a shaky voice.


    Su Feifei shook her head, "No. The attackers tried to inject some drug into her body. Fortunately, Ying ruined their plan but unfortunately, a small amount of drug did enter Xiu''s body. So, it''s difficult to say anything regarding her condition."


    Zhao Huan''s knees felt weak and she almost fell down but Xin Zemin supported her body and continued to hug her to soothe her.


    "Where is Regan?" asked Xin Zimen trying to stay as calm as possible.


    Ah-Si held Su Feifei''s hand and asked, "What about Nora? Is she safe?"


    Su Feifei nodded at him, "Yes, she is safe. She is staying with Darren. But she is pretty shaken up from what she saw so it''s better if you take a look at her."


    Ah-Si didn''t even hesitate before running away. He knew everyone else was gonna stay here for Xiu, he needed to be there for Nora who was with Darren.


    "This went beyond my expectation," said Xin Zimen in a heavy voice. "I really underestimated this situation."


    Su Feifei didn''t say anything to agree or disagree.


    Leaving his brother and his wife here, Xin Zimen went to see inspect everything. First, he checked the vending machine with the poisonous coffee.


    "What kind of a poison did they use?" he inquired.


    "I''ve sent the samples to the lab, we''ll know soon," Su Feifei answered.


    Then he went to Xiu''s room and looked at the ''crime scene'' carefully. Seeing so much blood, he looked at Su Feifei again and asked, "Are you sure Xiu didn''t get physically injured?"


    "I''m certain," was Su Feifei''s response. "The blood is Darren''s, Ying''s, and those attackers."


    "Ying? She is injured?"


    Su Feifei told him in detail how Ying was lured out when their first plan failed. And taking advantage of her absence, those people didn''t even hesitate before walking into the room as if taking a stroll. She also mentioned Darren fought bravely despite his condition to protect Xiu.


    "Is she serious?"


    Su Feifei knew he was referring to Ying, so she answered, "Not really. I think she can manage this much."


    "Is she taking her treatment seriously? Or did she run away as always?"


    Su Feifei had a faint bitter smile on her lips seeing his reaction. He did know Ying''s habit of running from hospitals. She''d never take her own wounds seriously. Wasn''t that the reason, she was banned from field duty recently?


    "I think Han Bohai is keeping an eye on her," replied Su Feifei.


    Xin Zimen was silent for a long moment and it made Su Feifei feel anxious. His heavy mood was all too clear to her along with his raging emotions. His eyes were trained on the bed where Xiu had been just this morning when he met her. She was happily talking and enjoying the warmth of family.


    In this very room, he hugged her this morning. He so desperately wanted to protect that smile of hers but still, something would get out of his hands. Maybe he really wasn''t capable of anything just like his mother used to say.


    He silently closed his eyes and sighed out heavily. He knew he was letting his emotions get to him but he couldn''t help it either. It wasn''t in his own control right now. Just like how this whole situation wasn''t in his control. It felt like everything had turned into grains of sand, the more tightly he wanted to hold on to it, the faster everything was slipping away from his grasp.

 735 A Part Of Her

    The instruction she received was to stay close to Xiu and not leave for even a minute. And Xin Zimen had even stressed to not leave under any circumstances. But she actually went against her orders. In her impulsive state, she actually left Xiu''s side and let something like this happen.


    "How are you feeling?" he asked.


    "I won''t die," she replied.


    "That''s good," was his response. He could practically read her every thought right now and it distressed him even more. "Soldiers don''t lower their heads before others."


    Ying fisted the sheets under her, "But it was my negligence that brought this calamity."


    "Officer Yan, you did your job... Stop blaming yourself. That does no good for people in our field of work."


    She was silent for a while before asking, "Who do you think is behind this attack?"


    "It''s definitely not Suyin''s style of doing things," replied Xin Zimen. "She isn''t this impatient. She likes to plan her actions in detail and manipulation has been her strong suit. So, this is definitely not her doing."


    "Then who else can be behind this? Who else can benefit from Xiu''s death?" questioned Ying.


    "That was a million-dollar question. Now, it seems like a billion-dollar question."


    "Zizi! If they can attack her while she is in the hospital, they must be impatient to get rid of her."


    "Yes, they are. After all, once I took her home, no one can touch her. This was their last opportunity and they wanted to play do or die. And they did play it."


    Ying looked at him with a complex look, "Do you think it''s the same person behind Aunt''s death?"


    Xin Zimen''s face hardened but he didn''t show any other emotions on his face. Then he shook his head, "This is someone immature. Someone very eager to do this job." He took a brief pause before adding, "I can''t narrow down the enemies this time around. Xiu''s identity was revealed in a very high profile way. There is no way the news didn''t get out that the Xin family''s head has a daughter. Now, the list of enemies just got complicated."


    Ying had to agree with that. They couldn''t point their finger at anyone.


    Just then Su Feifei also entered and informed, "We found the identities of the attackers. They are just mercenaries who received the mission from the black web. They are just a part of a small faction. It''s just that they were too smart!"


    "She''ll get better, right?" Ying asked uncertainly and cautiously.


    Xin Zimen had difficulty saying it but he still said, "She will be. She has to be fine."


    As he was about to leave with Su Feifei, he heard Ying''s voice, "You are not gonna suspend me?"


    Xin Zimen took a moment to turn around to face her.


    "According to protocols, I disobeyed the orders of my superior. I was negligent and my negligence cost a disaster as well. Following the procedures, I should be suspended from my position."


    Xin Zimen didn''t reply to her but left silently. He walked towards Darren''s room while Su Feifei reported him about other things. "Ying is right though. She should be suspended."


    "We''ll talk about that during the committee meeting. For now, let her recuperate. It''s not like she can go to work for now."


    Su Feifei wasn''t convinced, "Are you purposely forgetting that she might really go to work tomorrow?"


    "If I suspended her right now, her condition might worsen. You and I both know what her job means to her."


    That remark shut Su Feifei up and she didn''t dare to question anything else.


    ....


    Meanwhile, Ying was still looking despondently at nothing in particular. Suddenly, her hand was held in a pair of warm ones and she looked up to meet the calmest eyes.


    "It really wasn''t your fault," said Han Bohai looking into her eyes.


    Ying tried to smile at him, "You don''t understand... Whether it was my fault or not, it doesn''t change the fact that I failed. I told you once, I don''t like losing. In my line of work, losing means someone''s death." She suddenly laughed derisively, "In fact, in my line of work, even winning means someone''s death. The only difference is, when it''s my loss, someone close to me has to die."


    Han Bohai held her hand tightly before sitting with her on the bed, "You know, my sister Xiu used to say that sometimes it''s good to understand what your faults are. Because once you know where you went wrong, only then you can work on fixing it all. A person who has the courage to accept the failure is actually the real winner."


    Ying sighed out, "You''re still preaching your sister Xiu''s words?"


    He chuckled sadly, "I can''t help it. For years, it''s her words that kept me going." He hugged her from the side and placed his head against hers as he went on, "For some reason, today I''m missing her a lot. And that''s why my heart is hurting. I feel like I''m gonna lose her all over again. But that''s just a bizarre thought, how can I lose someone who died long ago?"


    "Oh, didn''t you say she is alive?" Han Bohai pulled away to look at her face in confusion. She placed her hand on his heart and went on, "Didn''t you say as long as you remember her words, she''ll live on?" Han Bohai''s expressions shifted as she went on, "Isn''t that why you always preach her words? You feel like by doing that you can keep a part of her in this world. Isn''t that right?"


    Han Bohai kissed the top of her head and hugged her tighter. "How many more times do you want me to fall in love with you?"

 736 So Much To Do

    Zhao Huan had been crying non-stop since the time she came. She couldn''t help it anymore. No matter how hard she tried to keep herself strong, she couldn''t do it. She had stayed strong for years only because she had nothing to lose. But now that she had finally found another reason to live in the form of a daughter, how could she bear to lose her again?


    This was complete torture for her. Xin Zemin had been hugging her and continued to rub her back in a soothing manner but he knew he couldn''t help her right now. Nothing he said would make a difference. The importance of a child in his wife''s life, he knew it well. If he didn''t know why else would he agree with Wen Ai''s plan back then?


    He did it all for his wife. Just to make her happy. No matter how much love and care he gave her. No matter how much he devoted himself to her, she still had a void in her heart even after years. She always felt incomplete. And that void could only be filled with the presence of a child.


    Even if he just met his daughter, it didn''t mean he was willing to lose her as well. Which father would want to lose his daughter? For years, he had imagined what would be like if his daughter was alive whom he never even got to hold in his arms? But now that he finally had a chance to embrace that daughter through a miracle, he was sent back into the valley of despair and helplessness.


    Zhao Huan clutched his shirt as she choked out, "She''ll be fine, right?"


    It took Xin Zemin a lot of effort to nod his head as he said, "She''ll be fine. She won''t leave us again."


    "I can''t lose her again," said Zhao Huan. "I didn''t even get to hug her enough. I haven''t even cooked anything delicious for her yet. And I didn''t even go shopping with her as other mother-daughter pairs do. I still have to shower her with all the love I couldn''t give her in the past years. I still have so much to do..." she sobbed uncontrollably.


    "She knows," he blinked his eyes to not let his tears fall. He didn''t want to break down before his wife. She was only holding on because of him. So, he had to be strong for her sake. "She is our daughter. She is definitely strong. She won''t succumb to this. I believe in her. You should also believe in her. She knows her parents are waiting for her. She won''t disappoint us."


    Zhao Huan silently sobbed against his chest.


    When Xin Zimen came back, this was the scene he was met with. He had checked up on Darren before coming and after making sure that he wasn''t in danger, he made his way here. Actually, looking around was just an excuse he was using to stay away from this place. He didn''t want to let his emotions get the best of him. So, he was keeping himself busy.


    Xin Xiaoli who had been sitting in silence, noticed his father''s presence and asked, "Did you find the culprit?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "Not yet." He gathered up his courage to ask, "Did the doctors say anything about her condition?"


    Xin Xiaoli''s shoulders slumped down, "No one is even coming out. It''s been so long. I don''t know what''s going on. What''s taking so long?"


    When Zhao Huan heard Xin Zimen''s voice, she abruptly stood up and came to stand before him. She held his hand and pleaded, "Xiao Zi, please save my daughter, eh? You can do anything. So, please save her. I don''t want to lose her. I can''t! I have so much to tell her."


    Xin Zimen''s heart clenched when he saw his sister-in-law''s condition. She was after all a proud woman, who had never even bowed before anyone. But right now, she was pleading with him like this. It really made him feel indescribable pain.


    "Sister Huan, I''m not as omnipotent as you think," he said in a soft voice. "If I was I wouldn''t have lost my daughter and my wife."


    Zhao Huan shook her head in a daze, "No, no, no! I believe in you! If you want, you can do anything. So, please help me."


    Xin Zemin''s heart broke seeing her like this. He strode over to hold her in his arms as he said, "Haunhuan, relax! Xiao Zi is already doing his best. He can''t save her but I''m sure he won''t let the ones who hurt our daughter get away." When he said that, he looked at his younger brother with a meaningful gaze.


    Zimen pressed his lips into a thin line before he said with conviction, "That I can promise you, Sister Huan. Whoever dared to touch her, will have to suffer the pain worse than death!"


    Zhao Huan looked at his resolute and determined look, "That''s good. Whoever hurt my daughter doesn''t deserve any pity. Don''t let them get away. They should pay for it."


    During this conversation, only Xiao Li noticed that the light above the operation theatre had turned off. His heart drummed inside his chest and his eyes intently looked at the door, waiting for it to open. And as soon as it opened, he walked over and inquired, "Doctor, how is my sister?"


    The doctor looked at him with a complicated look in his eyes. He seemed to be having difficulty saying something and it further made Xiao Li''s heart drop down. It was almost like, he was losing all hope all of a sudden.

 737 Natures Course

    Looking at their grave expressions, the doctor slowly started, "Although the amount of drug that managed to enter the patient''s body was minute, it was quite harmful. Fortunately, the patient was brought to the operation theatre immediately so we managed to control the damage it could have done."


    "So, Xiu is alright now?" asked Zhao Huan cautiously.


    "The patient is out of danger," said the doctor and everyone heaved a collective sigh of relief. As if someone breathed life into their shells all over again.


    "And her baby?" It was Xin Zimen who questioned it with trepidation palpable in his eyes.


    "Call it a miracle or whatever but the baby is fine. For now, the vitals are stable and we don''t see anything wrong."


    Xin Zimen closed his eyes and exhaled a breath that even he didn''t know he was holding. He knew if anything happened to the baby, both Xiu and Darren would take a huge hit. He didn''t want them both to experience the pain of losing their child.


    "Can we see her?" asked Xin Zemin.


    The doctor shook her head, "We are gonna shift her to another room. Then you can see her. But..." the doctor''s sudden pause made their breath stop again. "As I said, the drug''s amount was small but it was still very effective. The patient might suffer some side effects we can''t predict."


    "But she is safe now?" asked Xin Xiaoli.


    "Yes, the condition is stable," replied the doctor.


    Soon Xiu was shifted to another room and during the whole process, Xin Zimen had kept an eye on everything. He was vigilant and didn''t allow any mistakes anymore. They couldn''t afford it.


    Now, they had to wait for Xiu to wake up. It was another torturous time but at least, they knew that she was safe. That much reassurance was enough for now.


    He repeatedly instructed his subordinates but he still wasn''t at ease. So, he decided to not move an inch away from Xiu''s side. He was gonna keep a watch on her himself this time.


    "Dad, I''ve arranged everything at the villa," informed Xin Xiaoli. He was already arranging the required equipment at the villa but now that this happened, he arranged everything even more meticulously. "When should we move them?"


    "Did you call the doctors, I asked you to?" asked Xin Zimen solemnly.


    "Yes. Dr. Philip will be arriving from the UK tomorrow. As for Dr. Ling, she is already on standby."


    Xin Zimen nodded his head, "Alright then. Arrange for the shift right now. It''s better to take them home. I don''t want them to open their eyes in this place and be reminded of any unpleasant things."


    Before he could finish, his father placed a hand on his head to stop him. "We all think it''d make a difference if we had made different choices. But trust me, it would change nothing. Your mother used to say, nature has its way to find its course. We''re powerless before it. So, instead of blaming yourself for the past, think about what you can do to bring the change."


    Xin Xiaoli suddenly hugged his father and said, "I know I don''t often say it, but I really love you."


    "I know," replied Xin Zimen.


    ....


    Ah-Si received a call from his brother telling him that Xiu was out of danger. He finally calmed down and held Nora''s shaking body again as he told her, "You can stop worrying now. Xiu is out of danger. Both the baby and Xiu are fine."


    Nora had been in utter shock from the time everything conspired right before her eyes. She had been in a daze since then. She didn''t know how she managed to run at that time to call the doctors. She could only remember that her only thought was to help Xiu and Darren. In any way possible.


    Even though she knew Xiu was in the operation theatre, she stayed with Darren. She knew someone would stay there for Xiu, she needed to be with Darren or else if Xiu knew, she''d be upset with her. She had been so scared all this while but she had no way of voicing out this fear.


    Even when Ah-Si came to accompany her, she stayed silent. She didn''t say a word since everything happened. That looming fear that what if Ying hadn''t realized something was wrong? She was so close and yet she didn''t know that something was wrong. She was of no help to her best friend. She couldn''t even protect her.


    Oddly, from the time everything happened, Nora had been more scared regarding Darren''s condition than Xiu. She couldn''t get the image of his bloody arm out of her mind. The slash across his arm was deep but the doctors said it was his head injury that was dangerous. Since he moved around despite being told not to do it, his condition was something to worry about.


    She slowly held his hand and said in a small voice, "Did you hear that? Xiu and your baby are fine. So, you also have to be fine. You can''t leave them alone in this situation. You better hurry up and wake up. Xiu will be really mad at you otherwise."


    Ah-Si patted her shoulder, "Stop worrying. He''ll be fine."


    "I really hope so," whispered Nora.


    "Did you inform at home?" asked Ah-Si and Nora''s whole body shook again.


    "I don''t dare," replied Nora. "Leave mom and dad aside, if Jackie found out that Xiu''s condition is not good, he''ll breakdown."


    "But you have to tell your parents," Ah-Si insisted. "Or else, they''ll be angry with you for hiding such a big thing from them."


    "I know they''ll be angry but..." she looked helpless. "But I don''t know what to say or how to say it. I can''t bring myself to say anything to them."


    Seeing her condition, Ah-Si sighed out, "It''s okay. I''ll call them for you. Give me your phone."


    Nora silently passed her phone to him and continued to look at Darren''s unconscious figure laying peacefully before her eyes.

 738 Head Injury

    "What''s going on?" she cried out.


    No one really paid attention to her and soon she was pushed out of the room. She looked at Ah-Si who came back after making the call and held his arms asking, "Ah-Si, something is wrong. Something is wrong with Darren. What to do? They are not saying anything..."


    Her voice was shaky and she was constantly talking without making much sense.


    Suddenly, a doctor in a white coat came out and asked, "Were you with the patient when he fainted?" Nora nodded her head in a daze. "By any chance, did you notice something strange? For instance, was his eyes focused?"


    Nora thought back to how Darren had actually held the bed to find his way around to Xiu''s side and promptly replied, "He was having trouble with vision. I''m sure he could see it clearly because he took the help of the hospital bed to navigate around the room."


    The doctor''s face was grave now. Ah-Si asked, "Doctor, is everything alright?"


    "When the patient originally came, he had an injury on his occipital lobe. It wasn''t major but it wasn''t minor either. Despite that injury, he continued to move around and that had aggravated his brain injury. Occipital love is responsible for our vision, either its color, light, or movements." He took a pause to observe Nora''s and Ah-Si''s faces that gone pale and slowly added, "We suspect there might be a blood clot that''s why he had a seizure. We''ll have to immediately perform a surgery."


    "But he''ll be alright? Right?" inquired Nora expectantly.


    The doctor gave her a small smile, "We''ll try our best."


    Nora held the doctor back saying, "No, don''t just say that. You have to make sure he is fine."


    Ah-Si pulled her back while the doctor left to arrange for the surgery. Nora who had been holding herself back, now finally cried as she asked, "Ah-Si, what am I gonna tell Xiu? What if she wakes up and asks me where is her husband? What will I tell her? What can I say to her? That I couldn''t even take care of her husband while she was unconscious? What to do?"


    Ah-Si held her tightly and wanted to say something but actually had no words to say. He didn''t know how to offer her support when he was himself on the verge of breaking down. His relationship with Xiu might be of blood but he got to know that recently. As for Darren, he knew him for years. Darren had always been there for him without any question.


    So, knowing that Darren''s condition wasn''t good, he was really lost.


    "Bro!" Ah-Si called out in a choked-up voice.


    Xin Xiaoli looked at Nora''s crying figure and asked again, this time a bit forcefully, "Tell me what is going on?!"


    Ah-Si immediately related everything that the doctor said and Xin Xiaoli was stunned to his place. Darren was just as important to him as he was to his younger brother. They had been friends for years. And now he was also his sister''s husband.


    But instead of breaking down like the two people before him, he rationally took out his phone and dialed a number. As soon as the call connected, he said, "Dr. Ling, I''m sorry to trouble you but it seems you''ll have to come to the hospital. Now!" After that, he went to a side and gave her the details about Darren''s condition that he learned from his younger brother.


    "Let me talk to the attending doctor there," came the voice from the other side.


    Xin Xiaoli nodded that she couldn''t see but he ran and the resounding impact of his soles against the tiles was clearly transmitted to the other side.


    He found the doctor and passed his phone to him. He stood silently at the side and waited for them to finish. He heard the doctor before him saying, "Don''t worry, Dr. Ling. I''ll prepare everything. And it''ll be my honor to assist you in this surgery. I''ll be waiting."


    He gave Xin Xiaoli''s phone back and smiled softly at him, "Relax, Mr. Xin. Since you already have called Dr. Ling, she won''t let anything happen to the patient. Have faith in us."


    But it wasn''t enough to calm Xiao Li. It was far beyond that. He had faith in the doctor he chose but he didn''t have much faith in the fate that loved to play with him and everyone around him. How could he set his heart to rest? Whenever he thought everything would be fine, something would go wrong. Now, he wasn''t even sure anymore about what could be defined as ''fine'' at this point.


    "Nora!"


    Nora''s whole body stiffened when she heard her mother''s voice from behind. How were they here so soon? Didn''t Ah-Si just call them? She slowly turned around with tears stained face but when she looked at Francesca who was also coming with her parents, she felt her knees go weak and her body actually limped and fell down.


    Ah-Si looked at her and supported her up as he asked, "Is this really the time to lose your strength?"


    Nora''s voice was strained as she whispered, "Then you tell me. How am I supposed to look into Francesca Salvay''s eyes and tell her that her son is fighting desperately for his life right now? I can''t do that!"


    "We just checked on Xiu, she seems to be fine," said Clara. "But how is Darren? Where is he?"


    "Yeah. Where is he?" Francesca also chimed in.


    Nora looked at their faces and couldn''t bring herself to face their eyes. She really couldn''t do it!


    Feeling that her silence was stretching, Francesca felt apprehensive, "Nora, say something. Where is my son? How is he?"


    "He..." Nora couldn''t continue as tears began to gush out once again. And seeing this, Francesca felt her own breath hitching.

 739 This Has You

    A moment''s value can only be told by the one who lost it. Because when one loses that moment, only then he realizes what he could have done differently.


    We all have that one moment in life we want to return to. To fix something, to love someone, to cherish something, or simply to live in the feelings of that moment all over again.


    All of us, at some point in our lives, wondered, how different their life would have been if they had done something differently.


    When Darren found himself standing underneath the same apartment complex where he once watched someone taking her last breath, he was confused. The place seemed familiar but his delirious mind couldn''t figure it out. Who was he? Where was he? Where did he come from? And where was he going?


    He felt a splitting headache coming on and held his head in his hands. What was he doing here? He felt like he knew the answer to each of his questions but something was stopping him from remembering any of them.


    He looked heavenward as the rain fell and was stunned. A lone figure stood at the balcony and that sight brought an indescribable pain to his heart. He pushed himself to run towards the entrance and took the elevator up without noticing anything. He was like a crazed person who could only see one thing and he felt only one thing; if he was one step late, he''d lose something very precious.


    Running up to the familiar condo, he pushed the door open and shouted, "No! Stop!"


    The beautiful melody of Bach''s ''Cello suite 1'' was lingering in the air with the pitter-patter of the rain in the background. When the two melodies mixed together, it soundly beautifully heart wrenching and oddly comforting.


    The condo was enshrouded in darkness. Only the light of the computer screen flickered. But he could still clearly see the figure clad in a maroon gown standing at the balcony as she gazed up at the sky and seemed to be savoring the rainfall.


    Hearing his voice, she didn''t immediately turn around. She waited for a moment before turning around slowly to face him. When the diffused grey light of the dark sky pushed light, Darren could see the desolate raven orbs of the girl brightening up with a tender light. Her fair skin had a rose charm because of the cold breeze and she shuddered instinctively before smiling back at him.


    Her lips parted slightly as she said, "You came..."


    Darren ran up to her side and hugged her frail figure in his arms tightly. As if he wanted to fuse their bodies together! When he felt the warmth of her body and the beating of her heart, her hot breath, it slowly reassured him that he didn''t lose her again. He wasn''t late this time. He was right on time and he would never let her leave him again.


    He reluctantly pulled away from her and took off his jacket before wrapping it around her body. Then he pulled her to his side and walked back inside the condo. He made her sit on the couch and choked out, "How can you leave me again? Aren''t you being very selfish? If it''s difficult that reach out to someone! Why do you have to endure all on your own? There are so many people willing to be there for you. If there are ones who don''t believe you then there are ones like me who only believe in you. How can you let the haters win? So what people like me are in small numbers? Hope no matter how small is still hope." He put her head against his chest and continued, "As long as one is alive, he can fight with any circumstances. Any situation can change when one is living and breathing. Death won''t solve anything. You can''t give excuses to the dead. I can''t do anything for the dead. But as long as you''re here, I''m willing to do anything!"


    The girl in his arms cocked her head up and looked into his grey eyes with a smile playing on her lips. That smile seemed to pierce through his heart so deeply that he was left breathless. He never thought he would see this smile ever again. The smile that felt like a charm that always put his heart at ease.


    But why was it that looking at that smile today, all he felt was pain? He longed to see this smile then why did this smile seem to break him down?


    She slowly placed her cold hand against his face and caressed his face lovingly. Her eyes held a burning passion and loving tenderness. The feeling was contradicting. But how come these emotions seemed so familiar?


    Had Chen Xiu ever looked at him? Why couldn''t he remember it? No, she didn''t! He had a feeling.


    She never looked at him this way, but he was all too familiar with this feeling. Someone looks at him with the exact same burning passion and loving tenderness. And it always makes his heart skip a beat.


    "Who are you to save?" he heard her soft melodic voice. "Or should I ask, what are you trying to save?"


    He held her even more tightly as he answered, "Of course, I want to save you."


    "Here?" she questioned. Her eyes wandered around the condo and her eyes turned melancholy, "There had never been anything to save here."


    "No, it has you!" he retorted.


    She placed her hand over his beating heart and smiled again, "This has me. As for this cold place, I left it long ago."

 740 Go Home

    Darren looked at her with a strange look in his eyes. What did she mean? Suddenly, everything around him spun and he found himself back where he started from. He was standing underneath the apartment complex once again. The only difference was that this time, she was standing with him.


    "Look there," she said and for some reason, Darren didn''t want to move. His heart knew what she wanted him to see but he refused to see it. He didn''t want to see it. No! Not again! "Open your eyes... Stop running from it." Darren slowly opened his eyes and looked over. As he had expected, he saw that lifeless body drenched in blood. The blood dripped down from her wounds as if it was blood rain. He felt someone clutching his hand and looked at that person. She was still standing beside him but she was also laying lifeless there.


    Which one was real? Which one was his own illusion? Or all of it was just his illusion?


    "Isn''t it a part of you?" she questioned. "This is one of those moments that made you who you are today. Then why do you always want to change this moment?"


    "Because... Because I wanted to save you," he said as something hot trickled down his face.


    Her cold hands wiped his tears as she said, "But you did save me." He looked at her wide-eyed. "The Chen Xiu in your memories is so beautiful that even the real could never compare. The love you had for her was so pure that it''d put people to shame." She held his hands and added, "Do you know why you''re here?" He shook his head. He didn''t know why he was suffering through the same pain and torture all over again. Why this place? Why? The looming shadows of this night would still haunt him and he''d get up in the middle of the night to hug his wife and would only calm down seeing her alive and breathing beside him.


    He suddenly froze, ''His wife?'' Who is his wife? Why did he think of her at this time? Why did just thinking about her made every pain he felt to vanish?


    The ''Chen Xiu'' beside him spoke again, "This is your deepest darkest desire. It''s that one part of your past, you''re still subconsciously holding on to. It''s that one regret that doesn''t let your heart be at ease. Because you think if you have been able to save her that night, everything would have been better."


    Even if he wanted to, he couldn''t deny those words. No matter how much he convinced himself that he had moved on, he was still living in the nightmare of this night. This nightmare where he watched her leaving this world. This nightmare became his prison. This nightmare that he couldn''t even hate at one point because it was the only place he was able to see her again.


    "Chen Xiu is nothing but a regret of your life," her voice drifted into his ears. "But what about her?" Darren blinked and looked up. Suddenly, he found himself in a park. There she was sitting on a swing with a kid of five or six years old in her lap.


    He stood there smiling foolishly as he gazed at her lovingly... Yes, that''s the one! That is his wife! How can he forget her? He''d rather forget himself than her.


    "Mommy, what are we doing here?" he heard that milky voice of the little boy asking her.


    She pinched his cheeks and said, "We are sightseeing!"


    "Sightseeing? What is that?" that adorable voice asked again.


    She rubbed his head, "Grow a little bit more, mommy will teach you the art of sightseeing."


    The little boy nodded his head in agreement, "Okay! I''ll grow up fast! Then mommy and I can do sightseeing together."


    He heard her laughing at that remark as she kissed that little one''s eyes and said, "That''s like my son!"


    Darren didn''t even know that he had been crying and laughing at the same time. How come she was exactly the same even in his dreams? What sightseeing? Bloody hell! How can you still check boys out when you have me?!!


    He wanted to touch her but he couldn''t and it made him feel frustrated. He wanted to hug her and that little one that had his grey eyes.


    "Mommy, why do you always kiss my eyes?"


    "Because grey had always been mommy''s color," as she said that her eyes lifted up and it seemed like she was looking right into Darren''s eyes. He felt his heart stop right there. "It''ll always be mommy''s color."


    Darren frantically turned towards ''Chen Xiu'' and said, "I want to go home."


    "Isn''t this home?" she questioned.


    He shook his head, "No! This is not my home! My Sweets is waiting for me at home. I can''t be here. She and our little tiger are waiting for me. I have to go back!"


    "Won''t you ask what this place is?" He looked into her eyes as she continued, "This is your deepest and most beautiful dream." Darren was silent as he heard her say, "You can''t live in the past forever. Especially when such a beautiful future is right in front of you."


    "But isn''t it ironic? My deepest regret and most beautiful dream, both have the same protagonist; My Xiu."


    She shook her head, "It''s not ironic. It''s symbolic. It means no matter where you start from, your destination will always be her. And only her."


    "That I know," he replied with a smile. "I just need to stop letting the past fears get to me."


    She gestured to him saying, "Then hop along and go home!"

 741 It Was Indeed You

    Actually, what surprised her was Francesca''s reaction. Only when she heard that Darren was in surgery did she show her fear. But later she looked calm and reassured that Nora felt like it was her illusion. How could the woman who loved Darren even more than her own life would be so calm when he was fighting with death? So, she ended up voicing out this question.


    The answer she received was, "My Regi is very strong. Stronger than you think. He will come back to me just like always do. I believe in my son. Why should I worried unnecessarily?"


    If she had shown how she was breaking down inside maybe it wouldn''t have hurt Nora as much as it did seeing her like this. She had no way to comfort her at all.


    ....


    Cali had just come to visit Xiu and Darren but she wasn''t allowed in. The security was so tight and no one recognized her. So, she had to call someone. She called Nora but the latter didn''t pick up. She even tried Darren''s number but it was turned off.


    She eventually called Ying and it was Han Bohai who took her call. "Oh, where is Ying?"


    "She is sleeping," answered Han Bohai. They had to give her sedatives to sleep. And during her sleep, Darren had gone to surgery. That''s why she knew nothing about Darren''s condition. "Is everything okay? Why are you looking for her?"


    Cali took a pause before replying, "I came to the hospital to see Xiu and Regan but there is so much security and they are not letting me in. I tried calling Nora but she didn''t take my call. As for Regan, his phone is off. I don''t know what''s going on."


    Han Bohai figured that she knew nothing about what conspired when she wasn''t here. Honestly, he didn''t know whether he was supposed to tell her or not but he still thought she would want to know. So, he told her everything.


    Cali was stunned to hear the details from Han Bohai and couldn''t even move from her place. "How is Regan now?"


    "I haven''t heard anything yet which means he must be in surgery right now," replied Han Bohai.


    "Thanks for letting me know!" With that being said, she was about to hang up but added, "One more thing, can you help me get in?"


    Soon, Han Bohai really got her in and directed her towards the operation theatre. After that, he was on his way to Ying''s room when his gaze fell on Xiu''s room. Both Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan was sitting outside her room even now. He figured Xin Zimen must have gone to check up on Darren. He had an impulse and walked over.


    It rather made one''s heart ache when they looked at her. Such a bright and lively person was laying so silent and dull in the hospital. He didn''t know why he felt so sad. Clearly, he didn''t know her too well. They had only met a couple of times. Then why was this emotional pull so strong?


    Were all his bizarre conjectures really true? Or was he really just deluding himself just because he was desperate?


    He walked to her side and spoke in a very soft voice, "I really don''t care who you are. You just be alright okay?" Out of his old habit, he held her hand and sat down saying, "Since the first time we met, I had a question in my mind... Can I call you sister? Even if it''s just to fool myself?" He bit his nail as he added, "There are so many things about you that remind me of her. Not just your name. Even though your eyes look different, the way you look at me exactly like her. Even the way you stand on my side is exactly the same."


    He looked towards the ceiling as he voiced, "Do you think she''d angry with me? It''s been years but I don''t even see her in my dreams. She doesn''t come to meet me. It breaks my heart. Even if she''s upset, she could at least come to see me once. I just want to ask her if she is happy now? I hope she is not lonely anymore."


    He turned his eyes back to Xiu and smiled melancholically, "But there is a big difference between you and her. You have so many people who love you, worry about you, care about you, and are waiting for you anxiously. So, for those who are waiting for you, don''t give up just yet."


    He was about to leave when he felt her hand twitch and stopped. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly but before he could call a doctor, she held his pinky finger and said in a raspy and very frail voice, "Xiao Bobo..." He stopped right where he was and stared at her with a complicated gaze. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t even tell you it was just a goodbye dinner."


    Han Bohai''s heart clenched as that soft, and weak voice fell into his ears. The tears he had been fighting finally came out like a stream. He watched how her eyes closed again and she fell asleep again.


    He touched her hair gently and said, "Because it wasn''t a goodbye dinner. It was never meant to be our goodbye! You said even if you have to break the doors of hell to stand with this brother, you''d do it. As my sister, how can you go back on your words." He sobbed silently as he added, "I knew it was you. I wasn''t going crazy. It was indeed you!"

 742 Complications

    Xiao Li didn''t even wait for the doctor to finish washing her hands before he showed up beside her. Dr. Ling was startled for a minute. Looking at his anxiety, she decided not to say anything about him sneaking up on her like this.


    "The surgery is successful." But before he could heave a sigh of relief she added, "However, the damage can''t be reversed."


    "What do you mean?" he inquired.


    "I''ve tried to reduce the damage as much as possible. But the patient is diabetic as well. Even a normal cut for diabetic patients can become deadly sometimes."


    Xiao Li knew that and he didn''t feel like listening to this anymore. "Answer me straightforwardly. How is his condition?"


    Dr. Ling was silent for a moment before coming clean, "Since he experienced the stroke, we believe he''d recommend compensatory visual therapy. There is a possibility that he might have difficulty in speech for a while. But there is nothing to worry about. His life is out of danger now. Yes, it might take him months to recover completely."


    "He''d be fine after the visual therapy, right?"


    She patted his shoulder saying, "It''s brain surgery. I can''t give you a hundred percent assurance in cases like these. Luckily, there wasn''t any swelling or clotting. And we managed to control the bleeding on time. So, the chances of his full recovery are quite high. So, don''t lose hope."


    Seeing how Xiao Li''s whole being was downcasted, she took a deep breath and added, "Let''s wait for the patient to wake up before coming to any more conclusions."


    Xiao Li also nodded his head and said, "Thanks for coming here all the way!"


    "I had to come. Who would want to offend you?"


    Xiao Li didn''t bother her anymore and went out in a complicated mood. He had to deliver this news to everyone as well. But looking at everyone''s already anxious faces, he had to re-think what to say and what to sugar-coat over.


    "Bro, what did the doctor say?" asked Ah-Si as soon as he saw his brother coming out.


    Soon, everyone''s eyes were trained on him. He could feel the pressure of the doctor when all of them looked at him with the same look. Clearing his throat, he said, "The surgery went well. Regan''s life is out of danger now." He took a moment and added, "But the recovery might take longer since the brain is a sensitive part of our body. So, you all need to be extra careful with him."


    "I feel like half of my life drained in the past three hours," said Francesca as her body slumped down on the chair. She patted her chest in reassurance, "It''s okay now. My son is fine. He is fine. My daughter is fine. And my grandchild is fine. As long as they are fine, I can finally relax."


    "Nora! Nora! What happened to you now?" Ah-Si was taken aback by this sudden turn of events.


    "She is exhausted from everything she saw and went through today. Just take her home and let her rest," said Xin Zimen calmly.


    And since Ah-Si would never doubt his father''s words, he hurriedly decided to take her home. During this time, he had been so worried that even his fear of Nora''s parents couldn''t be seen. Even now, he didn''t even bother looking at them before carrying her in his arms and turned to leave.


    Obviously, neither Clara nor Jing said anything regarding this. This was their first time seeing the interaction between Ah-Si and Nora. No matter how much they heard from Xiu that Ah-Si cared a lot about Nora, as parents they wouldn''t be reassured. But seeing is certainly believing and they could see how in this tough time, Ah-Si had been constantly standing beside Nora as her pillar of support.


    They also noticed how Nora depended on him. And they could also see the worry in Ah-Si''s eyes for Nora. How would they find faults with him? And besides, right now, no one had the time to find faults with anyone.


    "Can I see Regi?" asked Francesca.


    "Not yet," replied Xiao Li. "Let them shift him to another room first."


    Francesca nodded in understanding and said, "Then I should go and check up on Xiu."


    "Let''s go together," Clara also joined her and they went towards Xiu''s room.


    Now, that the ladies were gone, Xin Zimen eyed his son and asked, "Now, tell me in detail. What are you hiding? How is Regan''s condition?"


    Xiao Li pursed his lips and looked at his father. "It''s really as I said, he is fine. But he''d need some therapy. Might even experience some difficulty in a speech at first. But the doctor said the chances of his full recovery are high."


    "Why didn''t you tell this before?"


    "Because I want everyone to treat Regan as before. If anyone treated him differently, or he saw everyone so worried about him to the point of shedding tears, it might have an effect on his brain."


    "You have a good son," complimented Jing Ge as he looked at Xiao Li. "I agree with him. It''s better if Darren stays in a positive environment."


    As Jing Ge had something to discuss with Xin Zimen, they stepped aside leaving Xin Xiaoli alone in the corridor. He was about to sit down and when someone ran up to his side. He turned his head and faced Cali, who was trying to catch her breath but still asked, "Where is Regi? How is he?"


    Xin Xiaoli told her the same things he told everyone but unlike others, she wasn''t as easily convinced. So what if she was an orthopedic surgeon. As a doctor, she knew the complications involved with brain surgeries.


    "Can you please tell me everything clearly and honestly?"


    Xin Xiaoli hesitated but in the end, he had to tell her everything in detail. And the more she heard, the more her face turned unsightly.

 743 Fangirl

    "Dylan, come to the hospital!" she hurriedly said.


    "Why?" he questioned. "Didn''t you go to check up on Dazi and Xiu? Why are you calling me there? I told you I can''t face them right now."


    "Dylan!" she shouted. "Stop questioning me right now. And get here! Or you''ll regret it!"


    Dylan heard the tremble in her sharp voice and was alarmed, "What happened? What''s going on?" Feeling anxious, he asked, "How is Dazi? Or is it Xiu?"


    "It''s both!" she replied. "Come here and I''ll tell you everything."


    "No, you first tell me what''s going on? I won''t even be able to drive if you didn''t tell me anything?"


    Cali sighed heavily, "There had been an attack on Regi and Xiu."


    "What?!" she heard something breaking from his side.


    "What was that? Did you hurt yourself?" she questioned.


    "No, I''m fine," he replied as he stood with the spilled hot coffee underneath his feet. The broken shards of the cup had left a few cuts but he couldn''t feel anything right now. Everything was spinning around. He had to take the support of the kitchen counter to stand, "Are they okay? Or..." He couldn''t even bring himself to continue as his throat felt choked up.


    "They both had surgeries and their lives are out of danger. However, they both are unconscious." Cali tried to speak in a calm voice. "I think you should come. Okay?"


    "I''ll... I''ll be right there," he stammered out before he stepped on the broken shard and ran off towards his room to get dressed. All the way, his blood had left an imprint on the floor.


    Meanwhile, Cali clutched her phone in her hand tightly until her knuckles turned white. She was feeling really conflicted. And she knew Dylan would be in even more pain. After all, the one actually responsible for Darren''s condition was definitely his sister Meihui. Although it had nothing to do with him, however, he couldn''t separate himself from this sin.


    But she couldn''t hide something like this from him as well. With how much Darren mattered to Dylan, there was no way she would hide something so big from him.


    ....


    Xin Xiaoli was sitting with his head in his hands when someone patted his head and he heard a familiar voice, "Yo, Mr. Xin, what are you doing here?"


    He looked up at Dr. Ling who smiled at him. Unlike when she came out of surgery and looked exhausted, now she seemed very energetic and cheerful.


    "Dr. Ling, if you have time to hang around, why don''t you keep an eye on the patient I left in your care?"


    She made a face at him, "What''s with that stern look? And don''t call me Dr. Ling anymore. I''m tired of addressing you as Mr. Xin. It sounds weird." Seeing how he looked really disheartened, she questioned, "What''s your relationship with the patient?"


    Dr. Ling''s eyes widened. She knew what Ah-Si meant to Xiao Li. This guy was a bro-con through and through! And now he was telling her that the patient he called her for was also as much important as his own brother. This was indeed unexpected!


    With a serious look and comforting tone, she said, "I already told you that the patient is out of danger. Stop worrying about him. I''m here. I''ll do my best and make sure that he has a full recovery. As for the time, that''d depend on his will to live." She took a pause briefly and added, "And I think he really has a strong will to live."


    Xiao Li looked at her and sincerely said, "Thank you! I mean it! Thank you for coming!"


    She waved it off saying, "Let''s face it, Xiao Li, I didn''t come for you. Yes, we knew each other briefly from kindergarten to high school but I didn''t come because of that brief acquaintance between us."


    "Brief?" he repeated.


    She didn''t listen as her eyes caught sight of something and she slapped his arm, "Oh my god! Oh my god! How is he still so handsome? I knew I''d see him here but this soon? Aiyomaya! Is he aging backward or what?"


    Xiao Li covered his face in embarrassment and pretended he didn''t know her. he was suddenly reminded of why didn''t like her.


    "He''s coming here! I''m so nervous!"


    "Please, shut up!" Xiao Li gnashed his teeth. "The one you''re gushing at is my father!"


    She didn''t even listen to him as she continued to look at Xin Zimen with sparkly eyes. "What father? He can easily pass off as your elder brother! In fact, with how you''re frowning, I believe you look like the elder brother."


    "You came to fangirl over my dad again?" he asked and she nodded without hesitation. He closed his eyes and looked away. But suddenly he felt someone squeezing his arm and soon he knew why. His father was standing beside him as he said, "Xiao Li, go and take a look at Ying. If she''s awake. Shift her home."


    Xiao Li slowly stood up and nodded his head, "Yes, dad." Xiao Li wasn''t even surprised that Dr. Ling didn''t even let out a peep before his father. No matter how much she admired him, she''d never been able to talk before him. How come she didn''t change in so long? So much for being the country''s top neurosurgeon!


    When his dad went away, he heard her voice again, "Oi! Our Ying is here as well?"


    He nodded, "She is also injured."


    "What bloody game are you all playing here? Either someone is bleeding literally or metaphorically."


    "Who is bleeding metaphorically," he questioned as he strode towards Ying''s room.


    While she tagged along, she answered, "I was talking about you. It seemed like you were gonna cry."


    "They don''t teach manners in med school?" he asked.


    She shook her head, "They only teach us how to either cut people open or how to sew them back up."

 744 Mental Patien

    He looked at Han Bohai standing outside Ying''s room and called out, "Bohai, why aren''t you with her?"


    Han Bohai tried to hide his bloodshot eyes which he got from crying earlier and replied, "She woke up. The doctor is with her right now."


    While Xiao Li nodded, Dr. Ling stepped closer to Han Bohai and looked at his face closely. "Oh, oh, oh! You''re that Film Emperor! Right?"


    "Don''t you doctors not have time for movies?" questioned Xiao Li.


    Dr. Ling looked at him disdainfully, "We doctors are also human! We also have a life! After seeing all that blood and death around us, we also wish to see such pretty faces before our eyes." She looked at Han Bohai with a wide grin, "Just one glance is enough to cleanse my eyes. What a handsome man!"


    Han Bohai was looking at her strangely and looked at Xiao Li who replied, "She is a mental patient who escaped from the asylum. I''ve informed them, someone will definitely come to collect her soon."


    "Aiya! Such a rude mouth you have even after all these years!" She sighed out in disappointment. "I heard you''re getting married. Are you sure it''ll work out with this bloody tongue of yours?"


    Han Bohai looked at Xiao Li who didn''t even react as he calmly replied, "It doesn''t seem to be your concern."


    She scowled at him before asking curiously, "But on a serious note, where is your first love? Finally, after pining after her for years, you have managed to marry her. I truly have respect for you!" She looked at Han Bohai and continued, "Do you know superstar, how madly he had been in love all throughout our school life? It was torture seeing this lovestruck fool! Don''t ask how I managed those years."


    Xiao Li pressed his lips, "Dr. Ling, that''s enough!"


    She looked at him and agreed, "Okay. I also think it''s enough." Then she turned her attention back to Han Bohai and asked, "But you, beauty, why are you here? Are you with someone?"


    "He is here with Ying," answered Xiao Li for her.


    She looked at Xiao Li oddly, "Why? Why is he here with Ying?"


    "Because he is her boyfriend," said Xiao Li.


    Dr. Ling''s eyes went round. She pointed her finger at Han Bohai and asked, "You! You''re actually dating Ying? Yan Ying? The one who looks and acts like a white lotus but is a bloody demon crawled out of hell? It''s the same Yan Ying I know?"


    Han Bohai gaped at her at a loss of words before nodding slightly, "Most of the things you said fits with my Ah-Ying. So, yes! And she isn''t a demon crawled out of hell. She is the most beautiful fairy in my life."


    "Shocked?" asked Xiao Li feeling actually amused to see her reaction.


    "Of course, I''m shocked," she replied honestly. "My three world views just toppled! Even someone as slow as she managed to find a boyfriend."


    "Are you sure it''s just that? Isn''t your reaction like this because you lost the bet you made 13 years ago?"


    Dr. Ling gritted her teeth and cursed him under her breath. "Even you know about the bet?"


    "Do you think Ying can hide something from me? She can do it somewhat now but back then, she''d never hide anything from me."


    "And I repeatedly told her not to do that!" she sighed ruefully. "But technically, it''s not my fault that my relationships don''t last long."


    "Oh, are you gonna put the blame on your career?"


    She shook her head and cupped her face as she started daydreaming, "It''s all your dad''s fault. Who told him to be such an amazing man that I can''t even find a copy? He set the standard too high!" Xin Xiaoli''s veins twitched while Han Bohai stared at her wide-eyed in shock. Not paying attention to their reaction, she continued, "He''s like that sun, I can watch but can''t touch. But all I can find on this earth are lamps! I can buy as many lamps as I want but I don''t like any! Nothing can compare to the sun!"


    "If you continue, I''m gonna arrange for another doctor and send you back."


    Xiao Li''s threatening worked as she zipped her lips and stood aside. She looked at Han Bohai and spoke in a small voice, "Sometimes, he is very coarse."


    "You seem to know him well," said Han Bohai.


    "I know him but I know your girlfriend even better," replied Dr. Ling taking Han Bohai by surprise. "She and I had been pretty close back in the day." She stared into his eyes and added, "Since you''re her boyfriend now, I believe she finally let go of her stubbornness."


    "Stubbornness? Wasn''t it, her first love?"


    Dr. Ling shook her head, "If it''s just a secret first love, I''d rather name it as stubbornness."


    The door opened and the doctor allowed them to see Ying. And even said they could take her home. Since her knee stab wasn''t that dangerous, they could take care of her at home.


    Xiao Li and Han Bohai were the first ones to enter the room. They saw Ying who was sitting with a serene look on her face. She didn''t seem as disturbed as she was before sleeping. But as soon as her eyes fell on the third person who entered her room, her eyes darkened.


    Without even thinking, she picked up the glass at her bedside and aimed it at the guest''s head.


    Dr. Ling had expected that. So, she was prepared. She easily ducked down and avoided the hit before grinning roguishly at Ying and saying, "That is so not how you greet a girlfriend!"

 745 Repeat After Me

    Dr. Ling caught it with ease and came to her side. She put the pillow in her hand and said, "Why don''t you just hit until you feel satisfied? I won''t move even an inch. I promise!"


    With a clenched jaw, Ying looked at the pillow she gave back and continued to glare at it. And just when Dr. Ling thought she won''t hit her and was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Ying hit the pillow on her head. And when Dr. Ling staggered back a little because of the impact, Ying spoke up, "What? Who said you can move?"


    Dr. Ling straightened up and stood there with her head lowered as she allowed Ying to hit her until her breathing became rugged. Seeing how Ying was slowing down, Dr. Ling instantly took the water of bottle from the side and offered it to her saying, "Drink up! Then you can continue."


    Ying glared at her hatefully before gritting out, "Do you think this is enough to let me forgive you?"


    Dr. Ling shook her head, "I wouldn''t dare assume that my hotheaded girlfriend''s anger would be gone so easily. But right now, you look a little tired. I''m allowing you to take a break to replenish your strength. I won''t run anywhere."


    Ying snorted at her reply, "I won''t do the mistake of believing again that you won''t run away!"


    Dr. Ling chuckled at Ying''s reaction and pinched her cheeks saying, "Aiyo! Why are you still so cute?" Ying tried to push her away but she didn''t budge. "I missed you." Ying scoffed disdainfully. "Don''t scoff like that. I''m being serious."


    Ying looked over at Xiao Li and asked, "Why did you bring her here?"


    Xiao Li replied, "I didn''t bring her here, she just followed me here."


    "But what is she doing here?"


    "I came to save lives!" Dr. Ling stood right in front of Ying''s eyes. Obstructing her view of Xiao Li as she said, "If you have a question, just ask me! Why do you have to ask him? You can''t just give him importance over me like before!"


    Ying took a deep breath as she looked at that familiar expression on her face. As always she tried to cut between her and Xiao Li. Her excuse was that Ying should not be forgetting friendship for love.


    Seeing how Ying wasn''t saying anything, Dr. Ling added, "Oh, by the way, a little birdie told me that you have a boyfriend."


    Ying deadpanned, "Are you on drugs?"


    "No, why?" retorted Dr. Ling.


    "How else are you gonna explain talking to little birdies?"


    "You know I didn''t mean it literally," said Dr. Ling.


    Ying shrugged her shoulders, "When it comes to you, no one can be sure."


    "After all, you had a pet hamster you called Liz and even talked to it like it was a little baby," Xiao Li said from the other side. "I definitely won''t be surprised if you really started talking to birds now."


    "Or should I laugh at you?" asked Ying. "The person who calls fish ''meat without feet''?"


    "Pfft!" Han Bohai couldn''t help himself. He stared at both Dr. Ling and Ying and apologized, "Sorry! That was actually funny."


    Dr. Ling didn''t seem amused as she replied, "But I wasn''t trying to be funny back then. I meant it! Fishes really don''t have feet but they have meat to offer! So, why am I not allowed to call them ''meat without feet''?"


    Han Bohai listened to her and slid close to Xiao Li, "How did these two become friends?"


    "Oh, I can tell you that myself," said Dr. Ling who somehow heard his low voice. "Back in kindergarten, I had a seatmate. She always liked to hang around a guy." As she said it, her eyes squinted at Xiao Li. "She never talked to me but she''d do anything to share her toys with that guy. I got annoyed so every day, I stole her lunchbox! Eventually, she had to look at me."


    Han Bohai gaped at her and looked at Xiao Li for confirmation who nodded his head and even added, "And she became so used to stealing Ying''s lunchbox that it continued till high school."


    "Then how did you guys become friends?" Han Bohai really didn''t think stealing lunch box would actually work.


    Dr. Ling grinned, "After stealing her lunch box, I always shared my own food with her. Food strengthens your body but when it''s shared, it strengthens your friendship!"


    "Ling Wanwan," called out Ying and Dr. Ling looked at her. "Repeat after me."


    Dr. Ling nodded her head and waited but even after a full minute, Ying didn''t say a word. So, she asked, "But you aren''t saying anything."


    "Exactly!" was Ying''s reply telling her to shut up!


    Even Dr. Ling thought it was not good to push Ying so hard. Her anger won''t go down this way, but it might get worse. She knew her limits, after all, she knew Ying for all her childhood. So, she silently looked around. She found her record file and read through it. Even came to look at her knee which was wrapped in gauze.


    Ying didn''t pay any attention to her and asked Xiao Li, "How are Xiu and Regi?"


    "They are fine," replied Xiao Li. "Dad said you should go home. He doesn''t want anyone to stay in the hospital. I''ve arranged everything for Xiu. But I have to wait for a couple of hours before moving Regan."


    "Where is Zizi?" asked Ying.


    "Where do you think he is?" retorted Xiao Li. "Obviously, he is the one taking Xiu home. He doesn''t trust anyone right now."


    Ying pressed her lips together and lowered her head feeling guilty. Xiao Li shook his head at her, "Stop it! It''s not your fault. Just get well soon."

 746 Missing It All

    "Brother Kuan, is everything okay?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Let''s talk somewhere else," said Xin Kuan.


    Xin Zimen nodded his head and took him to the room where Su Feifei had been dealing with the mess created at the hospital. Since they had already scouted this place, it was the safest room for them to discuss.


    When Xin Kuan was eyeing Su Feifei, Xin Zimen spoke up, "Let her stay."


    Xin Kuan nodded his head and placed his phone on the table as he played a recording.


    The sound of a door slamming was heard before Xin Suyin''s voice rang out, "Are you that impatient? You couldn''t wait to attack her? Have you thought of the consequences?"


    She was silent for a while before speaking again, "What do you mean you didn''t do it? Who else would be so eager to end the life of that girl? It won''t be the first time anyway!"


    She seemed to be on a call and that''s why they could only hear their voice since the bug was placed in her bedroom.


    She again silenced to listen to the person on the other side of the phone before saying, "Do you think I''d believe you? Because I don''t! No one hates the Xin family''s daughters as much as you."


    This time the pause was brief before she sneered, "You and I both know why I am alive even though I also have the Xin blood in my veins. Don''t make me repeat it. You weren''t magnanimous when you spared my life. You had no other choice back then!"


    Next time when her voice came it sounded like she was slightly convinced, "You mean you really weren''t behind this attack?" She took a moment and added, "If you didn''t, who did then?"


    That''s where the recording stopped and Xin Kuan gazed at Xin Zimen''s heavy mood.


    "It seems neither Suyin nor the mystery man is behind this attack," voiced out Xin Kaun.


    Su Feifei also said, "Then your suspicions were true. It''s really someone immature looking for death."


    "I already said it, I don''t care who is behind this. Even if my own mother is the culprit, I won''t let her live!" Xin Zimen''s voice was dark and dangerous, so were his expressions. "I''ll eventually get to this person."


    "Fei, you stay here," he instructed.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    "Brother Kuan, you''re gonna come with my group. We are taking the little lass home. Go and re-check everything."


    Xin Kuan bowed his head slightly and walked out. Xin Zimen also went towards Xiu''s room.


    "As soon as Brother Kuan is done with the inspection, we''ll leave," replied Xin Zimen and Zhao Huan''s heart eased up considerably.


    As they were talking, Xin Zemin''s phone rang, and seeing the caller id, he picked up the call.


    "Zemin! What is wrong with you? Are you a kid? There is so much to do and you''re nowhere to be found!"


    Mother Xin was so loud that even Zhao Huan and Xin Zimen could hear her voice.


    "Mom, I don''t think there is anything more important than taking care of my daughter," replied Xin Zemin in a level tone.


    "What daughter? Don''t be fooled! I know that uncouth girl can''t be your daughter. All of them have planned to dupe you! I''m telling you! She is not your daughter!"


    Xin Zemin''s eyes darkened, "Mom, keep your opinions to yourself. I''ve repeatedly said it, I''m old enough to make my own decisions. And whether she is my daughter or not is something for me to worry about. It doesn''t concern you!"


    "How dare you! Spending only one day with that brother of yours, did you learn to talk back as well? Zemin, you''ve been my pride for years. Don''t disappoint me like this!"


    Xin Zemin scoffed, "You''ve tried all means to push another woman into my bed all these years just so you could get a grandchild. But now that I have a possibility of having a daughter which has my and Huanhuan''s blood, why do you see so against this idea?" He closed his eyes and sighed, "Maybe Xiao Zi had been right all those years. You''re indeed not worthy of my respect."


    "Zemin!" Mother Xin shrieked but Xin Zemin had already hung up.


    He looked up at his brother who seemed indifferent even now and grimaced sadly, "Maybe I should have listened to you long ago."


    "It''s your life," replied Xin Zimen. "I have no say in it. how you treat your mother is your concern. Not mine."


    "No matter what kind of a person she is... She is still your mother as well."


    "I don''t like repeating myself," began Xin Zimen. "But I''m gonna make an exception for you... That woman stopped being my mother long ago!"


    Xin Zimen ignored him and entered Xiu''s room. Looking at her sleeping figure, and hearing the sound of machines indicating that she was alive and breathing, his heart seemed to have relaxed instantly. He didn''t step too close to her but continued to look at her face from some distance with a content smile.


    "Wake up, okay?" he suddenly said out loud. "Seeing your smile makes me feel strong for some reason."


    Perhaps, no one had the real idea about how desperately he wanted to save Xiu. It was something he could put his on a line of stake for. All he wanted was to see her healthy and happy.


    Even though it hadn''t even been a day but he seemed to be missing her every expression. The way she called his name, the way she smiled at him, the way she looked at him, and even her most annoying random questions. He was missing it all.

 747 Ugly Tears

    On the way to his room, Cali had detailed him about everything that happened since her last visit and it left Dylan shaken. So much happened and he didn''t know any of it. Just because he was trying to gather his strength to face his friend, he actually didn''t even realize that his friend was in such grave danger.


    He so desperately wanted to see his best friend but he couldn''t bring himself to push this door open that had suddenly come up between them. There had never been anything standing between these two best friends. So, why did this door appear? Where did it come from? And why was it so difficult for him to actually tear down this door? Why couldn''t he bring himself to open it? All he had to do was give a push then how come even that was so difficult now?


    When did it become like this? How come he didn''t even realize it? How come he never knew there would come a day like this as well? Maybe because he strongly believed, nothing could actually separate him from his best friend. He took pride in this friendship and now, he couldn''t even bring himself to face his best friend. He couldn''t stand before him with that playful smile ever again. For the first time, Dylan felt like he was actually losing a part of himself. And the thought really scared the hell out of him.


    He loved playing jokes in his life. Now, life was trying to play on him.


    He was still standing at the door indecisively when the door was pulled open and Francesca stood before Dylan. Seeing her eyes, Dylan felt so much pain in his heart that he couldn''t even lift his head before her.


    Francesca had a complex look in her eyes as she stared at Dylan for a while and finally dragged him inside saying, "Why are you so late? Aren''t you usually the first one to come for your best friend? This time, you''re the last one! Let my Regi wake up, I''m gonna definitely tell on you! Let''s see how you explain yourself."


    The tears Dylan had been holding back fell down like a stream as he looked at Francesca, "France..."


    Francesca wiped his tears and sighed out, "Why are you crying? Is this your age to cry? Regi is right about you, only your body grew, otherwise you''re still a crybaby!" She tutted, "Such a shame! You''re making me lose face now." She turned to look at Clara and said, "Don''t mind him. He is a softie. He cries at everything. In fact, he still cries when he gets an injection."


    "Why don''t you hit me?" he choked out. "Curse me! Beat me! Tell me to get lost!"


    "Why would I do that?" she retorted.


    "Because I deserve it," he replied. "It''s all my fault. It''s all my fault. It''s all really my fault." He kept repeating his words.


    Francesca placed her hand against his face and said, "I do want to slap you." Dylan looked at her but because of his tears, he only saw a blurry image. "For crying ugly before me. Such a handsome man and yet you look so ugly when you cry. Ruined my appetite for the day." Seeing how his tears weren''t stopping, she went on, "Didi, none of it is your fault. None of it. If I blamed it all on you, my son would be angry with me once he wakes up."


    "How is it not my fault?" asked Dylan. "Even if I didn''t do it with my own hands, I still can''t separate myself from this crime. The one who hurt him is my own sister. I''m related to her. And it''s the relationship, I can''t even deny."


    "I''ll say it again, this is not your fault. Stop trying to take the blame that has nothing to do with you." She took a pause before adding, "Meihui might be your blood-related sister. But my Regi called you his brother. Not just called you one, he treated you like his younger brother. Right now, I only see you as my Regi''s closest friend and his dearest brother."


    Dylan continued to look at her as she forced out a smile on her face, "And I was serious earlier! Is this the time for you to show up? As a brother, you should be here! I''m definitely telling on you. With me, you can get away with your ugly tears but they won''t work on Regi. If you cried before him, he is gonna beat you more!"


    Dylan let out a chuckled mixed with his tears as he nodded, "He definitely would make me cry more."


    "It''s good that you know that," said Francesca. "Aiya! You made me forget. I was going somewhere. Now, get out of my way." She looked at Clara and called, "Clara, why don''t you come with me?"


    Clara noticed the peculiarity and nodded her head before joining Francesca to leave the room. But before leaving Dylan alone with Darren, Francesca said, "Don''t leave his side until I come back. If you dared move an inch, I won''t leet you off." Dylan nodded his head. "And get rid of those tears already. Don''t try to add more depression to this depressing place. Or I''m gonna throw you out as well. My son doesn''t need to see your ugly tears."


    Dylan pouted sadly at her and lowered his head without a word.

 748 Just Good Friends?

    Even though he was very touched by Francesca''s words, he still couldn''t look at his best friend. Biting his lip, he finally lifted his eyes to look at Darren. Darren''s head was wrapped up after the surgery, his face was wan. Then he noticed the gauze around his arm as well and felt even more pain in his heart.


    This wasn''t his first time seeing Darren like this. Years ago, when Darren had gotten into the accident, he had been with him all along. But he never thought he''d see the same scene again.


    "Dazi..." his voice sounded raspy. "I''m sorry!" Looking at his face, his tears couldn''t help falling again. "I''m sorry for coming so late."


    He chewed at the inside of his cheek before continuing, "I just didn''t know how to face you. It just hurt so much whenever I thought about how you got hurt because of my sister."


    He had a reminiscent look in his eyes as he went on, "Do you remember how we first met?" A sad chuckle left his mouth, "I had a dog after me and you tried to help me. Eventually, we both got injured by the dog and had to go to the hospital to get the injection." He closed his eyes as he could vividly recall that time, "I was very scared of the injection and you held my hand and said, ''It''s okay. I''m here. If you focus on me, it won''t hurt.'' We were the same age and yet, you were always braver and stronger than me. Even with your reclusive personality, you tried to help me and got yourself hurt as well."


    He rubbed his temples as he recalled how he had said to Darren back then, ''Why did you try to save me? Now, we both got hurt.''


    And Darren had smiled back at him saying, ''Shouldn''t friends be sharing everything?''


    Dylan was stunned by his words, ''But we are not friends.''


    Little Darren shrugged his shoulders, ''So what? Now that we have shared the same pain, we can be considered to be a bit more close? Soon, we''ll be friends.''


    Dylan had laughed at him saying, ''That''s not how you make friends.''


    ''Oh? So, you don''t want to be my friend?''


    Dylan had instantly shaken his head vigorously and repeated, ''I want! I want! I want!''


    Darren had laughed at him and ruffled his hair saying, ''You''re cute. I think we''ll good friends.''


    Dylan slung his arm around his shoulder, ''Just good friends? Let''s be the best of best friends! Bros for life!''


    Darren looked at Dylan''s face for a moment longer before nodding agreeably, ''Let''s do that.''


    Darren who was too matured for his age found someone to shower his protectiveness towards and Dylan who was too sheltered found someone to lean on. They were really an odd pair of best friends.


    Dylan''s lips parted slightly, "I promised you that no matter what pain, we''d go through it together. I feel like a sinner for being the only one fine right now while you''re in this condition. I really feel helpless and lost." He wiped his tears with the back of his hand and went on, "You always say I become a lost puppy without you. You''re absolutely right. I am a lost puppy without so please be alright. I still need you."


    He thought of something and paused...


    "Actually, I think you''d be very angry with me. So, you wouldn''t want to wake up for me. But don''t forget, I''m not the only one waiting for you. Xiu is also waiting for you."


    He wanted to hit him playfully but stopped, "And I''m also angry okay? You didn''t even tell me that you''re gonna be a father. Or that you got married. How can you hide this from me? This is really unfair. I always share everything with you but you hid something like this from me. And you didn''t even tell me I''m gonna be an uncle. Do you know how happy I was to hear this news but I couldn''t even come to hug you. I was really mad that I wasn''t the first person you shared this with. But..." he took a breath and went on, "But if you wake up, I won''t be angry with you, eh? So, please wake up. If you want, I''ll never appear before you or Xiu. However, let me at least see you alright? I can''t even walk away with you being like this."


    He continued to talk to Darren for a long time. In fact, it was just him talking because the other person was unconscious but he didn''t mind it. He could talk for a whole day without taking a break but he was having difficulty before his best friend for the first time. That''s why he said all the random things he could think of.


    It was funny how at this time, he wouldn''t even mind if his best friend ignored him for his wife. In fact, he didn''t mind any reaction right now. He just wanted to see any reaction. Anything that could set his heart at ease.


    Even if he was hesitant about choosing family or friendship yesterday, he wasn''t today. He had come to a conclusion already. It wasn''t a matter of family or friendship anymore. It was a matter of right and wrong. And he would never stand with wrong. Or else, wouldn''t his best friend look down on him?

 749 Yings Man

    "Did you cry?" asked Ying all of a sudden.


    "No, I didn''t," replied Han Bohai as he avoided her eyes and helped her wear her shoes. "Can you walk? How about I pick you up?"


    "Just lend me your hand, I can walk on my own," she retorted trying to show her tough side.


    "I''ve given all of myself to you and yet you''re only asking for my hand?" he pouted pitifully. "It''s no fun. It''s not like you''re asking for my hand in marriage!"


    Ying hit his arm, "Do you think about anything else?"


    Han Bohai shook his head and grinned, "Since you came into my life, only you live in my heart and on my mind. You should really start paying rent now."


    "Rent?"


    He nodded, "But actually, there is a way I can let you live in my heart, mind, soul, life for free!" She raised her brow at him as he shamelessly continued, "Just ask for my hand in marriage for real!"


    Ying tried to hold back her smile and covered it with a cough. "Don''t be cheeky. Just give me your hand or I''m gonna get a crutch for myself."


    "But I still think me carrying you is more convenient," he argued. "What if you accidentally put weight on this leg?"


    Han Bohai crouched down before her and said, "Don''t be stubborn and just let me carry you on my back. I know you''re very strong. But this is not the time to be tough."


    Ying thought about what he said and hesitated for a whole minute before she leaned over on his back. Han Bohai was pleased as he held supported her and stood up. "I think my back is broad and strong enough to carry you, don''t you think?"


    "Shut up!" said Ying and looked at the back of his head with a complicated look. As they walked out of the room, she said, "You''re just trying to change the topic, weren''t you?"


    "Huh?" Han Bohai feigned ignorance.


    "Don''t play this ignorance game with me," said Ying. "I can tell you cried."


    "I told you I didn''t," he retorted.


    "You''re not as good of a liar as you might think of yourself to be," was her response. "Tell me why you cried? If we''re officially dating, I have the right to know the truth."


    Han Bohai had a small smile on his lips but he really couldn''t tell her the truth. How was he supposed to explain it? It didn''t make sense. It only made sense to him because he was desperate to get another glimpse of his Sister Xiu in one way or another. So, even if it was false, he''d still be willing to delude himself.


    He heaved a heavy sigh, "Seeing you hurt, my heart bled for you. And along with that, I couldn''t hold back my tears."


    "Now, you''re insulting my love for you," retorted Han Bohai. "How can you always question my feelings for you?"


    "I''m not questioning your feelings," replied Ying honestly. "But I''m definitely displeased to see you lying to my face."


    "Technically, you can''t see my face," pointed out Han Bohai.


    Ying pulled his hair saying, "Don''t forget right now, I can make you bald! For the sake of your hair, come clean!"


    "Aiya! Was my girlfriend always a tyrant? How come I only realized it?"


    Ying rolled her eyes at his words, "Oh please! You fell in love with the tyrant in me!"


    "Well, at least, you believe that I did fell in love with you..." he sighed out.


    "Don''t dilly-dally around, and come clean already!" urged Ying. "Is it that difficult to say?"


    Han Bohai nodded his head in agreement, "It is indeed difficult to say."


    "Why?"


    "It''s complicated, Ah-Ying," his voice had turned gentle. He was actually not being playful at all right now and she could hear it clearly in his voice. "It''s actually a little difficult for me to explain it to you right now. Maybe I don''t have the right words or maybe I''m not feeling right. Whichever factor it is, I just know, I can''t say it right now."


    "It''s alright if you can''t say it," spoke out Ying. "If it''s difficult, I''ll stop asking." She took a pause briefly and added, "But I do hope you get out of the habit of crying so easily! Being Yan Ying''s man, how can you cry? It''s an insult to me!"


    "So, now I''m Yan Ying''s man?" he wondered in disbelief and amusement mixed in his voice.


    Ying held both his ears as she said, "Why? Have an issue?"


    Han Bohai shook his head, "Issue and me? How is that possible?"


    As he safely brought her out of the hospital, he led her towards his own car and put her in the passenger seat. Then he buckled her seatbelt for her and noticed how she was staring at the side of his face even when he settled behind the steering wheel.


    "What is it? Am I especially handsome today?" he joked but was stunned when she nodded her head.


    "It seems like being Ying''s man is working out for you. You''re sparkling brightly now!"


    Han Bohai stared at her face and threw his head back to laugh without any restraint. Ying finally relaxed seeing that laughter back on his face. It suited him. She couldn''t deny it at all. And she suddenly wished it''d be good if he kept laughing like this always. Sadness really didn''t suit him. Not at all.

 750 I Dont Like Loud People

    Apart from Dr. Ling Wanwan, Xin Zimen also arranged for two of the best neurologists for Darren. Dr. Philip had been called from the UK for Xiu only. He had even gone as far as arranging the top gynecologist and psychologist for Xiu. Everyone was given a room in the villa to stay in to make it convenient.


    Xin Zimen didn''t want to take any risk with either Xiu or Darren''s life. That''s why the security around the villa had been top-notch. Even his own house didn''t have as many security personnel as this one did. Everywhere you would see, you''d find people in black suits, wearing black shades, standing upright without even moving an inch.


    However, both Xiu and Darren had yet to wake up. And that was something Xin Zimen couldn''t control. The doctors said the longer they stayed unconscious, the higher chances of dire repercussions. It left him so restless that he had been just pacing around without knowing what else to do.


    While pacing around, he reached the second floor where Ying was. Since her injury wasn''t life-threatening, he could at least put his heart at ease a little. She was staring blankly out the window when Xin Zimen came to her room.


    "How are you feeling?" he asked.


    Ying slowly returned to the present and gave him a lazy smile, "Zizi, I''m the last person you should be worried about right now." She looked him up and down before scowling, "More than me, you look like you might faint any minute. Why don''t you just sit down? Take some rest? How will you carry on like this?"


    "I can''t see her smile," he said softly. "I can''t see them both scattering dogfood all around." He sat down beside her and went on, "I can''t see Regi''s eyes looking at her like his whole world was sitting before him. And I can''t see her brightest eyes smiling back at him as if trying to challenge his love with her own."


    Ying grumbled, "Who would miss that? Isn''t it good that we don''t have to see them being mushy all the time? They gave me cringes with their intensity of love. Even the way they look at each other from across the room is like they are flirting. It''s torturous!"


    He smiled gently, "But I never mind it. Looking at them like this really made me realize once again, how beautiful love felt. Since all I''m left with is the void it created in my heart."


    Ying couldn''t say anything to him now. She knew he was worried but she couldn''t help it. He patted her head and said, "Take a good rest."


    "Why? I''m gonna need it?" she asked in return.


    He looked at her and nodded, "Disciplinary committee is gonna sit next week. I''ll try my best to..."


    Xin Zimen pursed his lips but didn''t say anything to her.


    ....


    Meanwhile, the first thing on Monday morning that Clara Cartwright did was get court orders against Qiu Meihui. And after that, she came to the hospital with a group of police officers and her team of lawyers.


    Seeing the entourage, both Zhao Wei and Qiu Jiayi weren''t really surprised. What actually surprised them was how fast they came over. But unperturbed, Clara didn''t even give them a look before she directly barged into Meihui''s room where Liu Nuan was helping her with the breakfast.


    As soon as they saw the police officers, they were scared silly. "What... What are you doing? You can''t just barge in here like this!" Liu Nuan tried to stand up to stop them.


    A female officer pushed her aside and put handcuffs on Qiu Meihui''s wrists saying, "Ms. Qiu, you''re arrested for the attempted murder of Mr. and Mrs. Salvay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court."


    Qiu Meihui was still in a daze and only woke up when the cold metal of the handcuffs sent of shiver down her spine. She shouted, "Mom! Dad! Where are you?! Save me! You all can''t take me like this! I didn''t do anything! She... She provoked me first!"


    "Ms. Qiu, I advise you to stay silent. We have the court orders, no one can save you at this point." The officer kindly put forth her advice.


    While Liu Nuan tried to make a scene along with Qiu Meihui, Clara said in a cold voice, "Officer, don''t tell me you can''t manage a puny little girl? Get her out of her right now before I really lose my patience and become the judge of her life myself!"


    The officers dragged Qiu Meihui out where Zhao Wei and Qiu Jiayi were still frozen still watching blankly. Qiu Meihui tried to run up to her parents, "Mom, save me! I''ll do just as you say. I''ll forgive you for everything. Just save me this once, please!"


    Zhao Wei looked broken as she leaned against her husband and didn''t say anything.


    Not getting the reply, she wanted, Qiu Meihui''s eyes turned cold, "Of course, you won''t save me! You never loved me anyway! What kind of parents are you?!"


    Clara rolled up a piece of paper and put it straight into Qiu Meihui''s mouth, "You''re loud. I don''t like loud people!"


    She watched as they dragged Qiu Meihui away and looked at Zhao Wei and her husband. Stepping up, she said, "I know you''d hire a good lawyer for your daughter. Even if it''s futile. But let me give you a piece of advice free of charge, don''t try to submit the report of Recurrent insanity[1]. It won''t help her. Because if you did submit that report, I''ll make sure to send her to a mental asylum for her life! Either jail or asylum, the only choice she has is behind the bars! Let me see how she ever walks out of this!"


    [1] Recurrent insanity: A legal term, not a psychological term, used to classify someone in court as recurrently/intermittently criminally insane, which therefore lightens their sentence.

 751 Im Finally Home

    He kept pushing and pushing until he finally managed to find his way back home...


    His eyes fluttered, it took him a lot of effort to actually open his eyes but as soon as he, his vision was dark. Whether opening his eyes or closing, it was the same. He didn''t panic. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening his eyes again. This time, he could see some light around him. It was bleak but it was there.


    Slowly, the light brightened as he managed to see around with a blurry vision.


    "Mr. Salvay," he heard someone calling him. He didn''t move. "Can you hear me?"


    Dr. Ling had been checking up on him every hour. But hadn''t seen any change in his condition. He had already been subconscious for 38 hours. She thought if this continued, his condition might get worse after 48 hours. So, she had actually been anxious. She had already seen how important this patient was. Why else would she see two other doctors called for him apart from her?


    So, now that she saw Darren''s eyes opening slowly when she had just come to his side, she was pleasantly surprised. More like she could finally breathe again in peace. She had never been this nervous with any of her patients before.


    "Mr. Salvay," her voice was soft and soothing. "Tell me if you hear me."


    Darren tried to nod but his head was feeling heavy. He slowly focused his gaze on the person standing beside him and soon, the face before him cleared up. A female doctor''s dark black eyes stared back at him, patiently waiting for his response. When she noticed that his eyes were staring at him intently, she could vaguely tell that he could see her clearly and he could hear her as well.


    He opened his mouth but nothing came out. No sound. He frowned because of this.


    Dr. Ling pressed her lips and gave him a reassuring smile, "Is it difficult to talk? Take it easy. Do you want to drink some water? Just blink twice to let me know."


    Darren blinked twice slowly and she hurriedly put a straw in his mouth. As he felt the warm water flowing down his throat, he felt much better.


    Dr. Ling checked his vitals and after confirming everything was fine, she asked, "Can you see me clearly?" Darren blinked twice again. "That''s a relief," she sighed out.


    She saw him trying to move his lips and waited until she heard a very low whisper, "My wife?"


    Dr. Ling folded the screen beside his bed and pointed at the bed on the other side, "She is right there. Sleeping peacefully. Both your wife and your baby are safe. You don''t have to worry at all."


    Dr. Ling continued to ask his questions which he answered throw blinking. She didn''t take much of his time and said, "Take rest. I''ll check up on you again."


    He didn''t react, only saw her leaving. He and Xiu weren''t the only people in the room. Four nurses have been assigned to keep watch 24/7 taking turns in pairs. Darren''s eyes went back towards Xiu and he continued to gaze at her with a gentle look in his eyes.


    He could still recall everything he had dreamed about. And he still remembered the feelings that dream evoked within him as well. He had to say it, losing Chen Xiu was scary back then. But the idea of losing his Sweets was scarier to him. Even if they were the same person, he couldn''t help this feeling.


    He didn''t actually have to think to come to a conclusion regarding why he had such a dream. He knew the answer in his heart. Until now, he had not been able to come out of the guilt he felt regarding not being able to save Chen Xiu back then. He believed if he had been a little earlier she would have been saved.


    However, he knew that was just what he thought. Even if he had been earlier, there was no guarantee he''d have been able to save Chen Xiu. How can you save someone who had already killed themselves over and over again? Only the funeral of hers was held too late otherwise Chen Xiu had long died inside. It''s just a pity that we don''t hold the funeral for someone who has died inside.


    But the question that dreams brought to him was tricky. If he was given a chance to go back in time to save Chen Xiu, would he really want to leave everything he had now to make that exchange? Was he really willing to lose everything he had now, for some possibility of yesterday? Could he really give up on this beautiful present that had millions of possibilities for just one moment that had already passed?


    He didn''t know about the past but he definitely didn''t want to lose his present. Either it was his wife or their baby or their whole life before them. He couldn''t bring himself to give up on any of it.


    ''You''re not just my most beautiful present, you''re my most beautiful future as well.''


    He wanted to say those words to Xiu but she was sleeping and he could speak clearly yet. But he wasn''t worried now. Because now, his Sweets lying right there beside him. Within his reach. He didn''t have to worry at all. As long as she was there, he could get out of any setbacks.

 752 In The Jail

    Dr. Ling nodded her head repeatedly before all these people. To reassure them, she even added, "And don''t worry, he''s actually doing better than I had anticipated."


    "Where is Francesca?" asked Clara who had come after her whole day of running around because of the lawsuit. She was definitely going all out with her temper but she was also worried about Xiu and Darren. So, before going home, she had stopped by to check up on them.


    "She just went to sleep after much difficulty," informed Xiao Li.


    "Then let''s not disturb her," said Clara in understanding. She looked at Dr. Ling, "We can see him?"


    Dr. Ling pressed her lips together before voicing out, "The patient needs complete rest. Seeing you all right now might stimulate his emotions. That won''t be good."


    They agreed with that statement. As long as they knew that Darren had woken up, it was enough for now. They could see him later.


    "There is really nothing to worry about, right?" asked Xin Zemin carefully examining Dr. Ling''s expressions.


    "There really is nothing to worry about," repeated Dr. Ling. "He just needs some time to get back to normal."


    At this time Xin Zimen also joined them and inquired, "I heard Regi woke up?"


    Seeing him, Dr. Ling was like... Cat got her tongue. She couldn''t even say a word. No, she couldn''t even make a single sound before him.


    Xiao Li rolled his eyes at her in disdain before telling his father, "He is awake. And he is doing much better. The other specialists have also checked up on him. And they said there is no need to worry. He is already doing better than expected."


    Xin Zimen exhaled a heavy breath, "That''s good... That''s great actually."


    "But we can''t meet him just yet," added Xiao Li.


    "That''s fine," replied Xin Zimen. "As long as he is good well."


    Xin Zimen got busy with Clara discussing the case she had filed against Qiu Meihui and Xin Zemin''s attention was also listening attentively.


    Nora who had been sitting in the background felt her soul coming back to her body knowing that Darren was awake. She had come here right after she woke up. Although she wasn''t completely fine, she was still not willing to stay at home to rest.


    While she was staring blankly at the elders talking, she saw Dr. Ling dragging Xiao Li aside.


    "What? Is something wrong with Regan?" he asked in a heavy tone and this one sentence was enough for Nora to give them her complete attention. "Are you hiding something?"


    Dr. Ling squinted at him, "I''m not a liar! I already told you his condition honestly. Don''t doubt my words."


    "Doubt your words?" he retorted. "I doubt all of you!"


    "Because he is worried," retorted Xiao Li.


    "How can he look this handsome even when he is so worried? Is it even legal?"


    Xiao Li noticed Nora''s strange look towards them and tried to smile at her politely before he said to Ling Wanwan. "Stop it!" He took a pause and added, "Even my dad''s brother looks like him, why don''t you find him that handsome?"


    "How are the same?" she retorted. "Your Uncle looks gentle, your dad looks regal and cold. That''s not the same! Not at all!"


    He rubbed his temples and sat down on the couch opposite Nora as he said to her, "Since you know he is fine, why don''t you go back?" Nora shook her head. "The doctor said you were shocked because of everything. Take some care of yourself as well."


    "I''m fine," said Nora.


    "Woah!" was heard from Dr. Ling. "Icebox, when did you start taking care of others?"


    Xiao Li didn''t pay her attention as he continued to say to Nora, "Even if you''re fine, don''t take your health so lightly."


    Nora smiled at him, "Brother-in-law, worry about yourself! You haven''t slept since the day of your wedding."


    Being pointed out like this Xiao Li had no way to retort. So, he tried to change the topic, "Why don''t you take a trip next door? Spend some time with your daughter. And help me take care of Asteria as well."


    "And now, you''re just changing the topic," said Nora and shook her head at him.


    Hearing their conversation, Dr. Ling suddenly recalled something and asked, "By the way, why haven''t I seen your wife yet? Not that I''m interested in seeing her proud face, it''s still strange that she hasn''t come here. I think even her brother showed up. Why didn''t she?"


    Xiao Li stayed quiet in reply. He didn''t think it was necessary to answer her.


    "Xiao Li!" Dr. Ling shook his shoulder. "I asked you something. Didn''t you just got married two days ago? Where is your wife?"


    "She is the jail," the answer came from Nora whose smile had turned into a devious one now.


    Dr. Ling didn''t take her words seriously. How could she? Who were they talking about? Qiu Meihui! That girl was not only the love of Xiao Li but also the only daughter of the Qiu family. She really couldn''t believe Nora''s words especially because she didn''t know her.


    "That joke is not even funny," she said with a complicated look.


    "But she is not trying to entertain you," said Xiao Li. "Meihui is indeed in jail. And will stay for long enough."


    "Huh?" Dr. Ling was dumbfounded. She felt like she heard something inconceivable! This was utter rubbish! But Xiao Li won''t joke about something like this. That meant, it was indeed true. Goodness, gracious! Was she dreaming? How did the world change so much? Why did everything around her look different all of a sudden?

 753 Whole Different Level

    "Mr. Salvay, you should really close your eyes now and rest. It''s not convenient for you to tire your eyes like this. Your injury isn''t small. Please, pay attention to it," said one of the doctors that come to check on him. The other two doctors were silent including the female doctor who seemed awfully too quiet.


    "Yes, even if you don''t feel like sleeping, please close your eyes," said the other middle-aged doctor.


    But the young female doctor stayed quiet. She hadn''t said a word.


    As for why Dr. Ling was in a daze... She still couldn''t wrap her mind around what she heard hours ago from Nora and Xiao Li. She still didn''t know about the whole situation because she couldn''t ask just anyone. Xiao Li won''t tell her nicely and she didn''t want to bring up the name of Meihui before Ying. Even if Ying had moved on, she still didn''t think it was nice to bring up her ex-love rival.


    But her curiosity was eating her up now!


    Suddenly, they heard the nurse''s voice from the other side, "Miss, are you awake? Let me call Dr. Philip." The nurse pressed a buzzer while Darren stared at Xiu whose eyelashes moved slightly.


    Xiu had just opened her eyes but the light in the room made her close her eyes again instantly. She squinted her eyes and looked up at the ceiling. It was an unfamiliar place. It wasn''t a hospital but it looked like one from all the sounds she could hear from the machines around her.


    Almost instantly, Dr. Philip had come inside to check her condition. Xiu hadn''t moved her head, she could only see the people standing beside her bed. Dr. Philip slowly and carefully examined her. Then he asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"


    Xiu shook her head slowly. But before he could continue asking, her dry lips parted slowly and she asked in a hoarse voice, "My husband? My baby?"


    Dr. Philip smiled at her and pointed towards Darren, "Your husband right there."


    Xiu immediately turned her head around and looking at Darren''s face, her eyes softened and she lifted the corner of her lips to smile. Seeing that smile on her face, Darren paused for a moment before his own lips curved into a smile.


    "And your baby is also perfectly fine," she only looked away when she heard a female voice and looked at the unfamiliar doctor. She was the gynecologist especially brought here for Xiu. "You can relax now."


    Dr. Philip continued to ask her questions and even asked her to try moving around. "Now, can you lift your left hand for me?"


    Xiu nodded and tried to lift her arm. However, even after using all of her strength, she couldn''t lift it. Seeing how she was getting panicked, the doctor considerably said, "It''s okay. It must have gone numb. No need to worry at all."


    Xiu looked worriedly at Darren who had heard it but he offered a gentle smile and blinked his eyes. Xiu didn''t know why he wasn''t talking but she felt like his eyes were sending him a message. As if he was saying, ''It''s okay. I''m here with you.''


    That one look from him was enough to put her heart at ease. She didn''t think about it again. Since the doctor said it''d be fine, it''d be fine. She didn''t need to worry at all. Besides, her Regan was by her side. Nothing could go wrong.


    With those words, she managed to convince herself easily and calmed down.


    "You and the baby need a lot of rest right now," said the doctor to Xiu and instructed her strictly to not try to move around. Although Xiu wasn''t happy about it, she still agreed.


    She was lazy and she loved to sleep as well but she didn''t like sleeping in this condition. She couldn''t do it when someone was forcing her to rest. So unfair but she couldn''t voice it out.


    She pouted her lips and looked at her husband who lifted his arm and made a gesture of patting her head. As if he was patting her head, her pout vanished and it transformed into a content smile.


    When all the other doctors left after, only Dr. Ling was left behind who had long been focused on the interaction between this husband and wife. They didn''t even say a word to each other and yet they made her feel like she was intruding into something important. Something very personal.


    The way her patient looked at the other patient made her feel strange. Even after the doctors left, these two hadn''t exchanged a single word. They just continued to look at each other.


    Dr. Ling at first had been thinking that her patient was weird for insisting on seeing his wife for this long. But only now she realized the other patient was just as weird. Because all she was doing was also looking at her husband.


    When the feeling of being the lightbulb became too strong, Dr. Ling turned around in a daze and walked out but hesitated at the door before turned back to say, "Enjoy your date! I won''t be intruding any longer."


    That was definitely a feeling of a date. She could practically see pink bubbles in the air. Coming out of the room, she leaned against the door and patted her chest, "That made me feel like a single dog on a whole different level!"

 754 Never!

    Since he didn''t even look as he continued to scribble something on the notebook, tore the page, and asked the nurse to pass it to Xiu. The nurse did exactly as she was told and passed the paper to Xiu. Xiu took it with her right hand and looked at what he had written.


    It read, ''Are you okay? Is it hurting?''


    Xiu shook her in reply, "Didn''t I say it just now? It doesn''t hurt anywhere. I''m feeling perfectly fine."


    He wrote again, and the paper was passed again.


    - ''Liar.''


    That was all written on the paper.


    Xiu sighed out, "Okay, okay. I''m not perfectly fine. But it''s really not hurting. I promise." She frowned and hurriedly asked, "Why aren''t you talking? I haven''t heard your voice in years!"


    Darren chuckled silently and wrote something.


    - ''Years? It''s been a little over a day, Sweets.''


    Xiu read it and scowled, "Regan, haven''t you heard? One day feels like three seasons have passed." She looked really sad as she continued, "I truly feel like I slept for years. The only proof that I haven''t slept for that long is that our baby is bean-sized."


    Darren closed his eyes to give them the rest for a minute.


    "You didn''t tell me, why aren''t you talking? Did something happen?"


    Darren took a deep breath and answered with a string of words.


    - ''I''ve been calling you for so long but you didn''t even turn back to look at me. After that much screaming, I definitely would lose my voice, no?''


    Xiu''s brows jumped up, "Huh? When did you call for me? There is no way my Regan calls me and I don''t turn around. Tell me when and where it happened?"


    - ''In my dream.''


    Xiu''s eyes narrowed as she said, "How dare my dream self not turn around at your call? Is she looking for a beating?"


    Darren smiled widely at her reaction. He realized what he had been missing. It was her random remarks. And the look in her eyes that seemed to scream how much she loved him and what he meant to her. To be honest, the love in her eyes was beyond overwhelming but he would never want it any other way.


    "It''s okay to not talk for a while. In any way, I''m the only one who talks in this relationship. So, even if you stay quiet for some time, it''ll work."


    Darren couldn''t even argue with that statement. First, he would never argue with her. Second, she was indeed the one who mostly talked in this relationship.


    - ''Yes, that''s true. Only my Sweets can talk in this relationship. I''ll just listen obediently.''


    He gave the response.


    "There is no need to be so obedient. Otherwise, people will curse me for being a bad wife who is trying to control her husband. I definitely have no plan of trying to control you."


    - ''So, you don''t care about what I do?''


    She tried to shrug her shoulders but only one moved, her movement suddenly paused but she resumed it as if nothing happened. "As long as you''re with me. I really don''t care about what you do."


    That momentary pause of hers had already been noticed by him. He pursed his lips and continued to stare at her face intently.


    "Why do you keep looking at me?" she questioned.


    - ''Since you think you haven''t heard my voice in years, I also feel like it''s been too long I haven''t seen your face. So, I''m trying to make up for the time that I couldn''t see you.''


    Xiu tried to hold back her smile and said casually, "Then look. Look carefully. Don''t you dare forget a single detail."


    - ''Every single detail is already carved on my soul, how can I forget it? Even if I lose all of me, I won''t be able to forget even a single frown of yours.''


    Xiu looked at the nurses around them and lowered her head trying to hide her flustered look. She wanted to glare at Darren for writing something like this at a moment like this. Especially when the one who had been passing the notes to her had been a nurse.


    "Don''t say anymore," she said and turned her head away.


    - ''If you look away, how am I gonna look at you?''


    Xiu hesitated before saying, "Then don''t look. Close your eyes and go to sleep!"


    - ''You''re finally awake. How do I go to sleep now? Do you know for how many hours I had to suffer through the silence around you? I love it when you talk. So, keep talking. I don''t even care if your words make sense or not, just don''t stay quiet. Okay?''


    Xiu felt her heart beating painfully when she read those words. She could feel his despair in those words. It truly showed how much he had missed her. Even if she was right beside him, he wasn''t really reassured. He desperately longed to hear her voice.


    And oddly, when she looked into his eyes, she felt something different. The emotions swirling in his eyes were more prominent. She could feel herself losing in those distinct emotions. But then again, when had she ever not lost herself in his grey eyes?


    She smiled softly and said, "Then don''t close your eyes. I''ll keep talking, but you have to listen."


    - ''Don''t worry about your arm.''


    Xiu''s expressions didn''t change when she read it. She licked her lips and smiled at him, "Why would I worry? The doctor said everything will be fine. And since you''re here, everything will be fine." She took a pause briefly and went on, "And even if by any chance it doesn''t work ever again, what''s the harm? Will you stop loving me because of it?"


    He forced his voice out and said in a whisper, "Never!"

 755 Only One Lazy Bum

    Her laughter was a soft breeze tinkling the wind chimes on a warm sunny day. It made one want to lay back and just relax. It was soothing and he couldn''t help wanting her to continue laughing.


    When Xiu stopped laughing, she said to him, "Regan, do you know how obvious your answer was?" He blinked his eyes in response and she went on, "It''s weird but I think my heart is only willing to believe. Only when you say you''ll never leave me, this heart of mine becomes your advocate."


    - ''Where can I go? After all, I''m still meant to come back home. To you; my one and only home.''


    Reading his reply, Xiu held her chest with her right hand and said, "How many more arrows are you gonna throw? There is no space left!"


    - ''I already have my own space in that heart. Don''t I?''


    Xiu closed her eyes and licked her lips before chuckling, "Don''t try so hard. I already gave all of my heart to you. Do what you want to do with it."


    - ''Then I''ll protect this heart at the cost of anything. I promise.''


    Xiu looked at his face and saw how his eyes had turned misty and said, "Are you gonna cry? Don''t do it. If you cried, I''m gonna cry harder. And let''s accept it, between you and me, I''m the best crier!"


    Darren didn''t want to laugh but he still ended up laughing softly at her words. Which other fools would be so proud of being the ''best crier''? She was the only one!


    - ''I''m willing to give you the title of the best crier! Just don''t cry right now. I can''t go to you wipe your tears.''


    Xiu pouted at him, "I won''t cry..." She stayed silent for a minute before asking, "Does it hurt?" He raised his brows slightly. "I mean your head. Does it hurt? And why is it covered in gauze-like this? It wasn''t like this last time."


    He didn''t want to lie to her that''s he just chose to hide it as he replied with...


    - ''It does hurt a bit but it''s okay.''


    Xiu scowled, "How is that okay? What are the doctors doing? If it''s hurting they should be giving you some painkiller."


    - ''But it''s nothing much. It''ll be fine with some rest.''


    Xiu wasn''t convinced at all but she still said, "Then close your eyes and go to sleep."


    - ''I can''t.''


    "Why? If you won''t try how would you know whether you can sleep or not?" she argued.


    - ''When I close my eyes, something feels missing.''


    "Missing?" she frowned. "What''s missing? Why can''t I think of anything?"


    - ''You''re missing.''


    Xiu looked at his face and he sent another note.


    Xiu pressed her lips together and didn''t know what else to say to him. She wanted to convince him but how was she supposed to do it? She could tell clearly what void he was feeling.


    "Should I sing you a lullaby?" she suggested. "It might help you." Thinking about it, "No, forget it. I haven''t warmed up my vocals in a long time. So, I won''t sing. Then... How about I share my dreams with you?"


    - ''Do whatever you want.''


    Xiu happily tried to recall the details and said, "I had a weird dream. I have an intuition, this little tiger is actually a boy."


    Darren was stunned to hear that.


    - ''How did you come to that conclusion?''


    "Because I literally saw a little tiger in my dream. He was jumping on my tummy. It looked adorable. Now, that I think about it, can we adopt a baby tiger? They are very fluffy and cute."


    - ''Two tigers are enough for me.''


    Xiu''s brows furrowed, "You already have two tigers?"


    - ''Yes, I''m looking at one right now. And the other is slowing growing up in his mother''s tummy.''


    Xiu had a look of understanding, "Oh, you''re talking about me and my son. Took me a while to understand that."


    - ''What? Already came to the conclusion that it''s gonna be a son?''


    Xiu nodded her head, "I''m sticking with my intuition. I wish he has your eyes."


    - ''You''ve already told me about that.''


    "So what? I will repeat it again and again so that God can hear me clearly and make sure that my son has his dad''s eyes."


    Darren was suddenly reminded of what he saw in his dream and couldn''t help smiling. He looked at her intently.


    - ''Let''s assume, it''s a son. Then what? What are you gonna teach him?''


    Xiu thought about it, "First of all, I''ll teach him how to do his own work and how to cook his own meals."


    - ''What?''


    "What? His mother is super lazy! He needs to learn that."


    Darren wanted to facepalm himself but couldn''t do so in his condition.


    - ''We''ll just hire a nanny to do that stuff. No need to worry.''


    Xiu wasn''t pleased to hear that. "Why? Why can''t he do his own work? Does he want to become lazy like his mother? I won''t allow it! Only one lazy bum in enough in one family. I won''t give this status to anyone!"


    Darren was helpless before her stubbornness. What to do?


    "But don''t worry, I''ll compensate him well." Darren raised his brows as she went on, "I''ll help him with his homework. Also, I''ll teach him how to play basketball as well. Since it''s my own son, he has to inherit my musical talent as well." Darren kept listening as she listed out a lot of things and finally ended with, "Ah! I forgot the most important one! I''m definitely gonna teach him the art of sightseeing! Hehe!"


    Darren stilled at her words and didn''t know what to say. It was as if his dream was coming to life. She indeed planned on teaching such stuff to their kid as well. What kind of parenting was this?

 756 Looking For Someone

    "Can''t you peacefully rest?"


    Ying looked up at her aunt who had brought her laptop for her and replied, "I can''t. This is not the time to laze around. I need to find the culprit behind this attack."


    Su Feifei put the laptop by her side and said, "I''ve sent you an email with everything we have found out. But it''s not enough." She took a pause and added, "I''m just glad that your boyfriend actually went to get your coffee from outside of the hospital. Or else..." She didn''t dare to think of the consequences. If anything happened to her niece, how would she even face her sister?


    Ying recalled the coffee that Han Bohai got for her and Nora. She really had to agree that if he hadn''t gone to a coffee chain, she and Nora might also be on the list of deceased right now.


    "Where is your boyfriend?"


    Ying sighed out, "Sleeping in the room next door. He had been awake for too long. I had to force him to rest."


    Su Feifei''s eyes softened, "He really loves you." She tutted, "With how thoughtful he is, it''s hard to believe that he is my idiot friend''s nephew."


    "I can tell he loves me," replied Ying. She turned on the laptop and scrolled through the photos at the crime scene. Seeing the dead bodies, her blood boiled. She really wanted to hack someone to pieces. "It''s just that our lives are very different."


    "Why does that matter?" retorted Su Feifei. "As long as you both love each other, everything can work out. Now, the question is, are you in love with him?"


    "I''m not sure," responded Ying. "I do like him. I like it when he is around. He makes me feel happy. But I''m not sure how to describe the feelings I have for him. Whether it is love or not, is something I''m not sure about."


    "Well, I hope you figure out your true feelings. Because the way I see it, it seems you have already fallen for him."


    Ying gave her aunt a look, "You have never even dated anyone, how do you know what love is?"


    "You don''t have to fall in love to know about it," answered Su Feifei.


    Ying read through reports from the forensics department and asked, "The ones you caught, they really confessed nothing?"


    "They are normal mercenaries," told Su Feifei seriously. "Their confession is of no use. But that doesn''t mean I''ll let them go. I''ll make sure to keep them alive. But they neither be able to live nor die!"


    Ying gave her a thumbs up, "I have full faith in you!"


    "Did you tell your grandmother? About your injury?" asked Su Feifei after a long moment of silence. Ying shook her head in response. "Why?" Su Feifei''s brows arched in question.


    Su Feifei''s body stiffened thinking about her sister. "I''d love to hide it from her. But if I did hide it, she''s gonna be angrier. What to do?" She really didn''t want to suffer through the wrath of her sister. She was instructed to take care of Ying but Ying got injured on her watch. This was definitely a death sentence! How would she dare to face her sister? But she knew if she didn''t tell her sister, the situation will worsen. So will her consequences.


    "Just let it be for now," said Ying.


    "Let it be?" repeated Su Feifei. "You definitely want my sister to have my head on a platter!"


    "My mom is such a gentle woman," was what Ying said making Su Feifei''s face twitch.


    "Gentle and my sister?" scoffed Su Feifei. "Why can''t I remember that I had gentle sisters?"


    However, she didn''t think she had to argue regarding this with her niece. So, she chose to leave. She had to inform her sister on her own, that might get her some leniency. When Su Feifei left her room, Ying saw Xiao Li entering the room with a complicated look in his eyes.


    "Do they have any lead?" he asked. He was referring to the attack on Xiu and Darren. He could directly ask his father and yet, he had come to ask her about this.


    "Can''t share the details of the investigation," replied Ying calmly. And as always, she didn''t open her mouth. It was expected so he wasn''t surprised at all. She would never disclose confidential details.


    "As if you didn''t say a word, I won''t know anything." Even she knew he would find out about it. While she had been trying to climb ranks in the organization, she didn''t even realize when his network had spread so wide. He always knew things even she didn''t.


    "How are Xiu and Regan?" Ying questioned.


    "Both are awake," was all he said. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Some members of your team are in Thailand. What for?"


    Ying''s brows furrowed slightly and she looked at him, "How do you know that? And what does that have to do with you?"


    "Nothing," he replied. "I am just curious to know what or who they are looking for. After all, I don''t think your team had been assigned any mission recently." He took a pause as he looked at her carefully, "And yet someone from your team is desperately searching for something. It has to be a personal matter. And it seems suspicious. That''s why I was curious."


    Ying also carefully observed his expressions but wasn''t able to find anything out of place. He did seem genuinely curious. But the real point was the case she was following. With Xiao Li''s expressions, she couldn''t tell whether he knew something or not.

 757 Love Or Destruction?

    However, she later realized that while she was trying to climb ranks, he had already turned into a person that even she found it difficult to read. Not only he became difficult to read, but he also gave off a very dangerous vibe as well. Dangerous because he knew things even she didn''t. How far his reach was, she couldn''t even tell.


    "What exactly is your intention?" she questioned peering into his eyes. "Why do you care what I''m doing?"


    Xiao Li shrugged his shoulders, "It doesn''t concern me. As I said, I was just curious."


    "As much as I know you, you don''t get curious out of nowhere," she retorted.


    He stood up to leave but turned to look at her face as he asked, "And do you think you really know me?"


    Ying thought about it before shaking her head, "For some reason, I feel like you turned into someone even I can''t recognize. It''s like you drifted so far that even I can''t touch you now. But I''m not able to understand when or how it happened."


    "Having too many questions leads to disaster," he replied calmly.


    "You really surprised me," she said out of nowhere. "I am someone who had always seen Meihui as the winner and myself as the loser. I always thought she had what I want then why is she not content with it? She had your unconditional love. Love didn''t even waver when she tore away your heart and stomped on it ruthlessly. That kind of love really makes one envious."


    "And yet she threw it away," he said. "But why are you telling me this? Trying to poke the wounds that haven''t even scabbed yet?"


    Ying shook her head, "As I said, I''m just surprised to see that even that kind of love can change. I never thought you''d stop loving her."


    "Even after everything she did to me?" he questioned.


    "Yes, even after everything she did to you," she replied.


    Xiao Li stared at her face for a long moment in silence before sighing out, "Who said I stopped loving her?" Ying''s brows moved. "If I really had been able to stop this love, it wouldn''t have been hurting me even now."


    Ying''s hands clenched as she asked, "Ah-Li, why did you choose to marry her?"


    "Maybe because I wanted her to see how her love destroyed me," he replied. "I wanted to cage her with me in this relationship and make her see what she did to me. I wanted her to live with me under the same roof and know how much distance she created between us. In the end, I was still selfish. I wanted this love of mine to destroy both of us."


    She picked a pen by her side and threw it at him. It hit his forehead but he didn''t even flinch.


    "Twisted love?" He laughed out heartily. "But love had always been twisted, Ying. Mine just fell down the road of darkness and no happy ending."


    "You chose it yourself!"


    "But what makes you so sure that I had another choice? Maybe I could only see one road and it led to darkness. Yet, I didn''t hesitate walking through it."


    "I really hate you," she said with tears swimming in her eyes. "You destroyed my best friend and turned him into this person, I can''t recognize anymore."


    Xiao Li smiled at her melancholically, "It''s a little too late for you to say this." He took a pause and added, "You should turn off the laptop and rest properly. You won''t find anything in there anyway."


    "Are you trying to change the topic?" she retorted. "And how do you know I won''t anything."


    He didn''t reply to her, instead, he left the room just like that. Taking out his phone, he attended the call as his phone had been vibrating for a while. "What it is?"


    "Master Li, I''ve confirmed it according to your instructions. Those people are indeed from Investigator Yan''s team." He heard the reply from the other side.


    "Hmm... I also confirmed it," he said indifferently. "Keep an eye on them and let me know who they are after."


    "Yes, I''ll do it exactly you instructed."


    As he hung up the phone, he looked back at the closed door of Ying''s room and whispered, "Who are you looking for? And if you''re really looking for who I think... Then what did you find out? And how?" He raked his fingers through his hair in exasperation, "It''ll become really difficult for me to explain if you''re on to something!"


    As he had taken a step, one of his men came to his side and whispered in a low voice.


    "Are you sure, she contacted that person and no one else?" he asked.


    "We have confirmed it," was the reply he received.


    He took a pause and instructed, "Then keep an eye on that person. Whoever they contacted in the past 48 hours, it shouldn''t be difficult for you to find out. And since their plan failed, they''d be cautious. Do your best!"


    The man bowed his head and turned to leave but stopped and hesitated before voicing out, "Master Li, what about Miss...?"


    Xiao Li''s eyes darkened, "Let her be for now. I''ll deal with her myself!"


    The man shuddered and didn''t dare stick around.

 758 Intertwined Fates

    Nora turned her head and looked at Dylan who asked this question. She nodded in reply. Dylan took a seat beside her and asked, "Why is she sighing so much?"


    Nora shrugged her shoulders, "I don''t know. Since the time she came out of the room she''s been sighing here like this."


    "Why? Is everything alright with Dazi and Xiu?" He was suddenly anxious again. "But I heard they woke up and they''re doing better than expected."


    "Keep your voice down," said Nora. "I also heard both of them are fine. As for why she''s sighing is something only she can tell."


    Dylan finally eased up a little and slumped down in his seat.


    "Which lawyer are you getting for your sister?" asked Nora and Dylan''s brows moved. "I mean you''ll need someone to defend her in court. Although, it''d be quite pointless."


    "Do you really have to ask me that right now?" questioned Dylan.


    "Never mind..."


    Soon, a maid brought a cup of coffee for Nora which she had asked for earlier. "Do you need anything else, ma''am?"


    Nora shook her head and looked at the snacks that she brought along with coffee, "You brought more than enough. Just bring something for these two."


    The maid inquired both Dylan and Dr. Ling if they needed anything before leaving them alone.


    "Are you on night watch?" Dylan asked Nora.


    "Everyone is on night watch," replied Nora. "People seem to have forgotten how to sleep around here. You''ll see someone coming to check up every hour."


    "How''s Francesca? Is she still sleeping?"


    "Gave her some sleeping pills and forced her to sleep."


    On their side, Dr. Ling broke out of her daydreaming because of their voices. She looked at them intently. Or more like, she was looking at Dylan.


    "You''re Qiu Meihui''s brother, right?" she suddenly asked making both Dylan and Nora turn their attention to her. "Qiu Hedi, if I''m not wrong?"


    "You know my sister?"


    Dr. Ling made a complicated face, "High school classmate..."


    "Oh," was all Dylan said and didn''t continue.


    She hesitated for a long time before finally voicing out, "I''m really sorry for asking this. Really sorry. I know I shouldn''t be talking about it. But I really need confirmation right now."


    "Please, go ahead," said Dylan.


    Before she could ask, Nora helped her out, "Doctor here wants to know whether your sister is really in jail or not."


    Dr. Ling gaped at Nora''s face while Dylan answered it for her, "If that''s what you want to know then there is no need for confirmation. She is in the detention center for now."


    "Why?" was all that came out of Dr. Ling''s mouth.


    "The patient you''re here for... My sister is the reason he is in so much pain. She is the culprit behind his condition." Dylan''s jaw was clenched as he said all this.


    "Doctor, can we really not meet them?" Nora had been waiting here to get a single glance of both Xiu and Darren but didn''t manage to. "I promise, I''ll just see them and won''t even talk."


    Dr. Ling shrugged, "Actually, I don''t mind you seeing them. But I''d suggest you not to go inside right now."


    "Why?"


    "That pair of husband and wife were having a silent date inside. That''s why I came out," answered Dr. Ling honestly. "I felt like I was intruding into something very important and felt uncomfortable."


    Both Nora and Dylan shared a look and both of them chuckled. This must be their first time laughing since all of this began. But they couldn''t help it.


    "Now, I can be rest assured that they are absolutely fine," said Nora while shaking her head. "Even in this situation, they certainly know how to express their love."


    "Somethings really don''t change, eh?" was what Dylan said. He looked at Nora and continued, "But isn''t it strange that you and I don''t even feel surprised anymore?"


    "What''s there to be surprised about?" Nora sighed. "We''ve seen it from the very beginning. It''s always been like this."


    Dylan nodded his head, "It''s always been like this. It''s like there no space for a third person between them. It makes me feel a little bad for their unborn child. What will happen to that poor kid with parents like them?"


    Nora''s lips curved up slightly, "I still can''t believe that they are having a baby." She took a pause before adding, "But you''re right, their baby might have to fight for attention. Because both his parents'' only have each other in their eyes."


    "I''m actually looking forward to it," said Dylan.


    "Me too," added Nora.


    "You both seem pretty close to the patients," spoke Dr. Ling. She didn''t want to intrude but she was feeling bored sitting silently. "What''s your relationship with them?"


    "We are from the best friends'' department," answered Nora.


    "Huh?"


    "Don''t be so surprised, you have already seen pretty much everything. We have fathers department, mothers department, brothers department, and we just happen to be from best friends department."


    "Do you have to say it like that?" questioned Dylan. "What happened to your sense of humor?"


    "Something was bound to wilt with how much blood''s been shed last night. I guess it''s my sense of humor that took the deadly hit." She looked back at Dr. Ling and continued, "He is Darren''s best friend and I''m Xiu''s best friend."


    Dr. Ling nodded in understanding, "They both are really loved around here. Everyone is concerned about them. Even though I mostly spend time in the hospital saving lives, this kind of scene is still rare."


    "Oh, that must be because this is a very special family," said Nora. "The fates of everyone in this house are intertwined in such a way that we can only call it complicated. And yet, these complicated relationships are mere a twist of fate."

 Chapter 759 - Doting Mothers

    Last night, Darren listened to Xiu''s chatter until late at night. Since the time she woke up, she kept rambling about random things. It was as if she really felt like she had slept for years and only now got the chance to speak again.


    What Darren didn''t know was that Xiu indeed felt like it had been years. And her need to speak this much also had a reason. She had a dream that she was stuck underwater. Everything before her was dark and she couldn''t breathe. When she opened her mouth to call out for help, water gushed into her body and made her feel suffocated. She didn''t know how long she was stuck underwater but she knew she couldn''t call for help. It made her feel helpless.


    Even after waking up when she recalled that dream, it felt so real. As if she had really experienced it before. But she was certain she hadn''t. However, the dream still left her shaken.


    Last night, she had slept while talking as drowsiness came over her. Now, that she woke up, she was again feeling like she had a lot more to say. But before anything...


    She looked at Darren''s bed and whined, "Little tiger is hungry."


    Darren''s hoarse voice rang out, "Are you sure it''s the little tiger who is hungry?"


    Hearing his voice, she smiled, "I''m sure."


    "Regi!"


    Darren looked over and saw his mother who seemed to have aged a lot in just two days. Francesca ran over to his side but didn''t dare to touch him in fear that she might touch somewhere she wasn''t supposed to.


    "Mama, don''t start crying again. I''m absolutely fine," said Darren when she saw her eyes brimming with tears. It was really distressing to see her like this.


    Francesca still choked up, "How can I not cry? Do you even realize how scared I was?" She looked over at Xiu and went on, "You both are all I have. What if something happened to you both? How am I gonna survive?" With her trembling hands, she held Darren''s hand and added, "Every minute had been so stressful for me. I kept worrying about you both and here you''re telling me not to cry?"


    "But Mama, you can see yourself, we are fine now." Even though it was difficult for him to talk, he still did to dispel his mother''s worries.


    "It''s good that you''re both fine or else..." she stopped right there at a loss of words. She really didn''t know what to say.


    "Mum," Xiu called out. "You can hug me if you want. I''m offering hugs again."


    Francesca chuckled at Xiu''s words and walked to her side before she hugged her tightly, "Baby, you''re okay?"


    Xiu patted her stomach saying, "Baby is absolutely fine."


    Francesca poked her head, "I''m talking about you, silly!"


    "Oh... I''m also fine. Just a little bit hungry."


    Francesca rubbed her head lovingly, "Your dad is making breakfast for you." Xiu was stunned for a moment as she continued, "Don''t look so surprised, Xin Zemin had been asking your doctors the whole night about what you can or can''t eat. Then he even asked Nora about what you like to eat. And he even made a list of nutritious dishes that according to your liking."


    "Wow! My Sweets is getting special treatment. What about me?" Darren looked at his mother. "You didn''t even think about me, Mama."


    "Yes, I didn''t," replied Francesca honestly. "I didn''t want your condition to get worse with my cooking."


    While Darren was pouting like Xiu usually did, the door opened and Zhao Huan walked in with a tray of piping hot food. "Son-in-law, you don''t have to feel bad when your mother-in-law is here." Darren kept looking at the meal she placed before him on the table as she said, "I''m here to specially take care of your meals."


    Darren looked at Zhao Huan and said, "I always knew you''re very sweet but today, you just won my heart, mother-in-law."


    Xiu tugged at Francesca''s sleeve saying, "Mum, he''s is changing sides."


    Darren squinted his eyes at her, "If you can ask my mom to dote on you, I certainly can ask your mom to dote on me! Why?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "As long as it makes you happy."


    Both Zhao Huan and Francesca chuckled at their antics. It seemed like the clouds of darkness were dispersing. They had spent days in worry and only now, they could relax seeing their children like this. What these two mothers felt right now was something they both couldn''t describe in words.


    Soon, Xiu''s breakfast was also brought inside and her stomach grumbled right on cue. She didn''t even feel embarrassed about it as she said, "It smells good." She looked at Xin Zemin and added, "Thanks, dad!"


    Xin Zemin patted her head, "For now, I can only do this much for you."


    Xiu shook her head, "For me, this is the most important thing." She looked at every dish before her. Although it seemed bland, it smelled delicious. She couldn''t resist it. Her mouth was watering now.


    "Why aren''t you eating?" asked Xin Zemin in worry. "Is something not your liking?"


    "No, it''s not that..." she made a face and said, "I can''t eat. My arm can''t move."


    "Sweets, your right hand is working," reminded Darren.


    "So? I can''t eat with one hand," she argued. "So..." she looked at Xin Zimen who had just entered the room but was about to leave seeing everyone inside when she called out, "Ah-Xin!"


    His stepped halted and turned back, "Yes!"


    "Since my dad cooked such a delicious meal for me, how about you feed me?" Xin Zimen was stunned to his place. "What? You don''t want to?"


    Xin Zemin came to his side and dragged him over, "Can''t you hear what your niece said? Do it already!"


    Zimen stared at his brother, "I don''t need you to tell me what to do." He sat down beside Xiu and asked, "There are so many people here, do I have to be the one to do this?" Xiu nodded her head. "Why?"


    "Because Ah-Xin is Ah-Xin," was her reply.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/doting-mothers_50744495104383081 for visiting.

 Chapter 760 - Deception

    "It seems like my Sweets is very lucky. One father is willing to cook and the other is willing to feed her. Wow!"


    "Jealousy is not good for health, Regan!" retorted Xiu as she opened her mouth and Xin Zimen put a spoonful of porridge into her mouth. "Mmm... I didn''t know dad is such an amazing cook."


    Xin Zemin smiled at her contently, "Do you like it?" She nodded her head repeatedly. "Then dad will cook for you from now."


    "Aren''t you busy?" inquired Xiu.


    Xin Zemin placed his hand on her head, "I''ve been busy all my life. It''s about time I should take a break for something that matters."


    "If I get to eat such good food daily, I''ll be more than happy," announced Xiu.


    Xin Zimen pinched her nose, "Our silly lass really knows how to eat well."


    Xiu grinned at him as she replied, "I didn''t know it myself before but now I think eating is my talent."


    "I thought sleeping was your talent," said Darren.


    Xiu looked at her husband, "I''m evolving here, husband. Why are you looking back at this moment? One needs to evolve with time. Before I was only good at sleeping, now I''m good at eating as well. Who else has this talent?"


    "Right. Not everyone can have this talent," was Darren''s reply as he wanted to roll his eyes but ended up losing his focus and had to close his eyes for a moment.


    "Dad, Ah-Xin, you tell him do I need any other talent apart from eating and sleeping?" Xiu acted pitiful before both Xin brothers.


    "No, my daughter doesn''t need to have any other talent," said Xin Zemin without any hesitation.


    "Yes, our silly lass just has to eat and sleep well. The rest should not be her concern."


    While Darren lifted his spoon to eat, Francesca offered, "Son, do you want mom to feed you as well?"


    Darren looked at her, "When have I asked you to do that?"


    Francesca huffed, "This is why I say you''re not cute at all! I wish my grandchild is like Xiu."


    "You''ve already said that," reminded Darren.


    "Then I''ll keep repeating it," retorted Francesca. "You weren''t cute when you''re a kid and you still aren''t cute at all."


    Darren didn''t listen to her and continued to slowly eat as well. He paused and complimented, "My mother-in-law is a pretty good cook."


    "Do you like it?" asked Zhao Huan with a big smile.


    "Oh, I love it. It''s actually eatable, unlike my mother''s food." Francesca glared at him but couldn''t say anything to refute his words. She really sucked at it and there was no way around it. "But still, since I survived till the age of eight on her burnt food, I can''t really complain. It actually helped me a lot."


    Francesca perked up, "Right? Even though my food was burnt, it turned you into such an amazing person."


    Darren smiled at his mother as he replied, "No, it made me realize how desperately I needed to learn to cook. For the sake of my own survival."


    Francesca really wanted to hit him but couldn''t do so right now since he was already a patient. "You get better once, I''m gonna beat you."


    "Then I''m gonna stay right where I am," replied Darren.


    Xin Zemin watched how his brother was feeding his daughter and actually felt happy. It almost seemed like his younger brother was coming back to his side even if the reason was his daughter. He didn''t care. He knew a lot of things couldn''t go back to how they had been once but he still wished to have his brother stand by his side instead of being so estranged all the time.


    "I almost forgot to ask, did you all eat?"


    Hearing Xiu''s question, all the elders shared a look. And with that one look, Xiu could tell that none of them had anything. Perhaps since she had been unconscious. What a troublesome family!


    "You all are old enough to know that you need to care about your health. If you won''t be healthy, how will you take care of us?" She sounded really mad all of a sudden. "Go and eat something!"


    "We''ll watch you both eat then we..."


    Xiu looked at Zhao Huan and she stopped talking, "Mom, I act like a kid. I''m not really a kid. We can eat." She took the spoon from Xin Zimen''s hand. "See? My right hand is working very well." She even took a bite on her own to show them. "Now, all of you leave and have something to eat. Don''t show up again without replenishing your own energy."


    "Why are you sounding like a parent?" inquired Francesca in confusion.


    "Because you all are acting like kids," replied Xiu making Darren chuckle softly.


    "Little lass," Xin Zimen rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "I guess you didn''t hear, when one gets old, they turn into kids. So, we are definitely acting according to our age."


    Xiu squinted her eyes, "Ah-Xin, fool someone else with that age talk! None of you look old to me." She took a pause and added, "And don''t say it''s because you have good skin care products."


    "I wasn''t going to," he retorted. He sighed and got up to leave, "Fine, eat well. I''ll back later."


    Xiu nodded, "You''ll find me right here! It''s not like I''m allowed to move."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/deception_50749936559506454 for visiting.


    "Since you know you''re not allowed to move from your bed, don''t think about running around," instructed Zhao Huan and Xiu had to nod her head in agreement.


    Seeing them all leaving, Xiu looked at her husband and said, "I didn''t know it''s this tiring to deal with parents."


    Darren smiled at her, "You''ll get used to it."


    Xiu smiled awkwardly, "First, I''ll need to get used to the fact that I have my own parents. Even though they are not mine."


    "They are your parents," emphasized Darren. "No matter how it happened, they are your parents now. Don''t try to push them away."


    "When did you see me pushing them away? I''ve already accepted them. It''s just that one voice in my head repeatedly telling me that I''m deceiving them."


    "Even if you want to call it deception, continued with it... This deception has given everyone a new reason to live."

 Chapter 761 - Bets

    Both Darren and Xiu got to finish their breakfast in silence after everyone left. Well, actually it wasn''t that silent. Even food wasn''t able to stop Xiu from talking as before. She still had a lot to say. In fact, her words were endless. And her thoughts were as scattered as always. She was still very random.


    "I was thinking that you said we can go on a honeymoon since you took a break from work. But now that I have thought about it, it can''t be considered a honeymoon." She spoke in a thoughtful manner as if she had been thinking about this for a long time now and only now came to a conclusion.


    "Why not?" He asked in a very soft voice.


    "Because we are having a baby already. That means it''d be a babymoon! Hahaha!" She was laughing at her own joke to the point that her tears hung at the corner of her eyes now.


    Darren stared at her face and said, "Sweets, aren''t you tired?"


    Xiu pouted at him, "Why? You already got tired of listening to my voice? You said you''ll never get tired of it. How can you go back on your words so soon? Just last night you said you wanted to hear my voice."


    "I''m not tired of listening to your voice," replied Darren. "I just really think you need to rest now. Give some break to your throat."


    "I''m totally fine though," she retorted.


    His lips had just parted a little to say something when the door opened and Nora''s head peered inside. Seeing both the patients awake and well, she ran inside. Xiu opened her arm since the other one was not moving as she said, "Best friend, I missed you!"


    However, Nora had actually run to Darren''s side and started, "You! Do you even know how scared I was? I almost got a heart attack, damn it! It had to be the scariest moment of my life! I forgot to even breathe for a long time."


    Darren pursed his lips and said, "Sorry for worrying you like that!"


    "What? What am I supposed to do with that apology?"


    Xiu stared at Nora who was still not paying attention to her and put her arm down, "The world changed while I was asleep. No no. My best friend changed sides while I was asleep. What a tragedy. Why did I have to wake up to see this world that seems so unfamiliar now that my best friend isn''t on my side?"


    Nora''s lips twitched and she looked at Xiu saying, "Drop it already! I haven''t abandoned you yet!"


    "Yet?" repeated Xiu. "That means you''re definitely planning on doing so?" She narrowed her eyes at Nora, "Is this how you are supposed to treat your sick best friend?"


    "Honestly, I wish to beat you both up! You both worried me to death in the past 3 days! I''m on the verge of collapsing now!" exclaimed Nora letting out her pent frustration, helplessness, and pain.


    Xiu''s eyes softened as she extended her to her, "Come here! I''ll hold you. I''ll never let you collapse. Have some faith in me." Xiu even patted her own chest as she spoke making Nora smile slightly before her tears fell down.


    She went to Xiu''s side and hugged her tightly saying, "I was so scared. I truly was."


    Xiu continued to pat her shoulder soothingly, "I know. But it''s okay now. Aren''t we just fine now?" Nora didn''t immediately pull away, she continued to hug her as if to reassure herself that Xiu was real and not just a fiction of her imagination. "Nora, my Sweet Dora, I''m really fine. How can you cry like this at this age? What if your daughter saw it?"


    "Ava isn''t here," Nora replied in between her sobs.


    "Oh, but your nephew is here," said Xiu and Nora pulled away to look at her face in confusion.


    "Nephew?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/bets_50766479162919844 for visiting.


    Xiu rubbed her stomach, "This foodie inside of me! He can see you. The doctor said he can even hear you. Imagine what he''ll feel seeing his aunt crying like this?"


    Nora stared at Xiu''s face for a while before laughing out, "Silly, the baby is so small. He can''t hear you yet. And by the way, how do you know it''s a boy?"


    "Because I have an intuition," replied Xiu as if that was meant to explain everything. "It''s definitely a boy!"


    "What if it''s a girl?" questioned Nora.


    "But I''m saying it''s a boy!" Xiu seemed determined about this. "How about this, let''s have a bet? What do you say?"


    "Okay. What are we betting?" Nora agreed pretty readily as she wiped her tears.


    "If you win, I''ll give you anything you want. But if I win, you better start calling me elder sister!"


    Nora thought about it and nodded, "Okay. Deal!" As they shook their hands, Nora questioned, "However, why do you want it to be a boy?"


    "Ava needs a brother, silly!" Nora was stunned to hear that reply from Xiu. "Although Jackie is there to protect her, he is her uncle. We need a brother as well."


    Nora pinched Xiu''s cheek saying, "Then let me start calling you elder sister from today. I don''t even want to win this bet anymore."


    "I didn''t want to intrude," Darren suddenly interrupted them. "But I just couldn''t help it. Why are you both betting on my kid? Is it really time for that? The poor kid hasn''t even come to this world yet!"


    "Future planning is a thing," said both Nora and Xiu simultaneously before sharing a look and laughing out.


    Seeing Xiu laugh like that with Nora, he didn''t add anything else. It was good enough that she was feeling happy. In fact, he knew the perfect cure for Xiu had been Nora. This girl whom she met the moment she opened her eyes into the same world, same time and yet, in a different life.


    This friendship had become more than just precious to both of them now.

 Chapter 762 - Welcome Home Party

    Now, that Darren thought about their friendship, it made his mood dampen a little as well. Because he was reminded that his idiot of a best friend hadn''t shown his face even once! He really shouldn''t have been hoping to see that idiot but he did.


    "Nora..." he called out Nora. "Is my best friend planning on coming inside anytime soon?"


    Nora pursed her lips and asked, "How do you know he is outside?"


    "He is my best friend," replied Darren. "I know him better than he knows himself." He sighed out, "Right now, he must be sulking somewhere. With his indecisive personality, if I don''t drag him here he won''t dare appear before me thinking he is the one at fault." He took a pause briefly, "But that idiot doesn''t even realize that even if everything''s been his fault, I''d still like to meet my best friend."


    "Well..."Nora hesitated before telling him honestly, "He cried for hours after learning about your condition. He hadn''t gone back home since you both were shifted from the hospital. He is right outside but he is really scared to come inside."


    Darren closed his eyes as he thought about how easy it was to tell Dylan''s reaction but it made him smile a little as well.


    "So, he is really not planning on coming inside?" questioned Darren.


    "No," Nora shook her head. "He said he was waiting for you to wake up."


    "I woke up last night but isn''t he still here?" retorted Darren knowingly.


    Nora nodded, "He is here. But now he says, he''ll steal a glance at you and then he will leave."


    Xiu chuckled at that, "Isn''t he just finding excuses to linger here?"


    Nora agreed, "He is." She looked at Darren and asked, "Should I drag him here? I think I''m still stronger than him."


    Darren thought about it and said, "Nah! If he wants to see me, he has to take this step himself. I''d also like to see how much faith he has in our friendship."


    Nora wanted to say something but when she saw the doctor entering the room, she pursed her lips and decided to not say anything. Darren was right, they shouldn''t be forcing Dylan. He needed time to make up his mind.


    After examining Darren, Dr. Ling questioned, "How are you feeling today?"


    Darren took a moment to reply, "My head is a little heavy. But the rest is fine."


    She examined his vision before saying, "You will have to go through the compulsatory vision rehabilitation. We believe your vision will get better with that." Darren blinked his eyes in response. "Do you have any difficulty in speaking? Maybe some kind of restriction you feel when you''re trying to form words?"


    Darren looked at Xiu through the corner of his eyes who was listening to the doctor as well and sighed out softly, "It''s nothing big. Just a slight restriction I feel when I try to move my tongue."


    Dr. Ling noted it down seriously and nodded her head, "Don''t worry about it. With a bit of exercise, you won''t feel any restriction in speech."


    "Thank you!" said Darren politely.


    "It''s my job," she replied.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/welcome-home-party_50767811961748426 for visiting.


    "Dr. Ling," spoke out Nora. "Haven''t you been up all night? Why is it still you making rounds?"


    "The others will be here soon," replied Dr. Ling. "The three of us are asked to do our own thorough examination before coming up with the best treatment plan."


    "You''ve worked hard," said Nora.


    Dr. Ling shrugged her shoulders, "As I said, it''s my job. And I take my job a little too seriously."


    "Doctor, my husband is really fine, right?" questioned Xiu with concern.


    "He is fine," replied Dr. Ling. "Well, it''ll take some time for a full recovery but he will be absolutely fine."


    "As long as he is fine," sighed out Xiu. That was all that really mattered to her really.


    Nora rubbed Xiu''s said saying, "Stop worrying about him and think about your own self first!"


    "As a wife, my husband comes before my own life," said Xiu in all seriousness.


    Nora pinched her nose, "Stop saying such old fashioned dialogues to me. Right now, both of you need to worry about your own selves first and yet you''re both are looking at each other."


    "But Xiu is nothing without her Regan," was Xiu''s reply.


    Darren smiled at her and also joined in, "And Regan is nothing without his Sweets."


    "Argh!" Nora cringed at their words. "I thought I was used to it, how do you both manage to penetrate my steel walls? You both might not feel embarrassed with such cheesy words of confessions, but trust me, I do get the second-hand embarrassment. Stop doing it!"


    Xiu glared at Nora, "If you have a problem, you stop listening to us. Why should we try to accommodate you? My love doesn''t need to accommodate anyone other than my husband."


    "Xiu, my darling Xiu, if you continued, I''m gonna stop taking your sides."


    "Call me elder sister!" retorted Xiu. "Didn''t we just agree on that?"


    "Now, I''m not going to!" responded Nora.


    "You''re going back on your words?"


    "Yeah! What can you do?"


    "Hahaha!"


    Both Nora and Xiu stopped and looked at Dr. Ling who laughed. "I''m sorry. You both just reminded me of my own best friend. We used to have such petty fights on daily basis. It was a fun time."


    "Was?" questioned Xiu curiously.


    Dr. Ling nodded, "Yeah. We ended up walking on different paths in life. After all, we both had different destinations in mind." She got out of her daydreaming and added, "By the way, I heard about your condition from your doctor. I didn''t think you''d be so lively just after waking up. Usually, patients who come back from the door of death don''t act like it."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "The point is, I came back from the door of death. And when one comes back, he should not act like a mourner. It should be a welcome back home party, no?"


    Dr. Ling''s brows raised in surprise at her words.


    "I''m not throwing you a party," said Nora.


    "I didn''t ask for one!" retorted Xiu.

 Chapter 763 - A Bad Dream

    According to Xiu''s wishes, the elders indeed went to have their own breakfast. As they all settled around the dining table and breakfast was served, none of them moved for quite a while. Each seemed to be having their own thoughts.


    "Call the others for breakfast," said Xin Zimen and waited for the younger generation to show up for breakfast.


    Soon, Ying came to join them with her arm slung around Han Bohai''s neck as he supported her to the table saying, "I told you I could pick you up."


    "I''m not that useless yet," she retorted and insisted on walking or limping her way over.


    After them, Xiao Li came along with Dylan who was still refusing to eat anything and Xiao Li had to drag him over. "Do you want me to call dad? Would you listen to me or him?" That threat worked as Dylan obediently came for breakfast.


    "What about Nora?" questioned Zhao Huan.


    "She is with Xiu," replied Dylan.


    Initially, breakfast was a very quiet affair. But then, "Zimen, Xiu''s arm...?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Francesca and replied, "The doctor already said we don''t need to worry about it so much. Although that drug did some damage to her nerves, her arm''s movement can still go back to normal with therapy. Don''t think about it. Even she is not thinking about it."


    "The more she acts like it''s okay, the more worry I feel," said Francesca.


    "France," Xiao Li spoke up. "If Xiu says she is okay with it, trust me she is okay with it." He looked at the person who was coming their way and added, "If you don''t believe me, ask Nora."


    Nora felt everyone''s gaze on herself as she sat beside her father-in-law and asked, "Why is everyone staring at me like that?"


    "Did you meet with Xiu?" inquired Xin Zimen in return.


    "Yeah, I was with her. Why?"


    "Xiu''s dear mother-in-law is concerned about her arm."


    Nora snorted, "She isn''t even thinking about it herself though. Why are you worrying so much?"


    "See? I said so," were Xiao Li''s words.


    "Maybe she is just acting to be strong before us," said Zhao Huan. "It''s possible that she doesn''t want to worry us that''s why she is hiding her pain."


    Nora shook her thought, "I agree that my best friend is thoughtful but trust me, she isn''t acting. For one second, I''ll believe that she''s acting before you all but before Darren? No way! If she is in pain, she will whine before him. Even if she is not in pain she will still whine before him to get his attention."


    "His attention is already on her though," Dylan couldn''t help saying.


    Nora pointed her fork at Dylan saying, "Exactly!" She took a pause and added, "Right now, the only thing wrong with her is that she is talking more than she usually does. She''s been constantly talking."


    "She must have had a bad dream," Han Bohai''s voice rang out and everyone went quiet. When he realized what he said, he laughed awkwardly, "I mean, I tend to talk a lot when I have a bad dream. It makes me fight my fear." He cursed himself under his breath for such a bad excuse but since no one pushed him for another answer, he was relieved. Otherwise, how was he supposed to tell them that his Sister Xiu had a recurrent dream that''d always make her want to talk and talk and just talk?


    He was absentminded now. He didn''t expect that she''d still be having that dream. It seemed he needed to ask her about this.


    The only person who paid attention to Han Bohai''s words was Nora. She eyed Han Bohai strangely before saying, "It must be a coincidence because Xiu does like to talk a lot after having a nightmare."


    Han Bohai pursed his lips and stayed quiet. He really needed to watch what he said. He didn''t think there was anyone around here who knew about Xiu''s secret. So, he needed to be cautious with his words.


    "But apart from that everything else is fine," informed Nora. "She''s more than just fine. She''s even in the mood to bet with me over her baby''s gender!"


    "What?"


    That was everyone''s reaction.


    "I''m telling the truth. She is insisting that she is gonna have a boy." Nora thought back to what Xiu said and added, "She also said, she wants a boy because my Ava needs a brother. Idiot!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/a-bad-dream_50772953289259735 for visiting.


    Xiao Li chuckled at that, "You should be happy about it. She is thinking about you even in this situation."


    "Who wants her to think about me?" retorted Nora. "I''d be more than happy if she stops giving me second-hand embarrassment."


    "They did something again?" asked Dylan in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    Nora glared at him, "If you already know why are you asking?"


    She was yawning when Xin Zimen said, "Now that you have seen she is fine. Please, rest a little."


    Nora looked at her father-in-law, "Dear father-in-law, before saying that to me, do it yourself. And ask your son to do as well. Or your brother. You''ve all been awake for a long while now."


    "You worry about yourself," retorted Xin Zimen.


    Nora made a face, "I''ve noticed it before, you seem to always agree when Xiu''s name comes up. But you won''t give in to anyone else." She sighed out, "But then again, your dearest niece must be more important than us."


    "How come I haven''t noticed it before?"


    "What?" she inquired.


    Xin Zimen poked her head, "Your brain works in sync with that little lass. Both of you really can put up a performance."


    "But she''s right," added Ying. "Zizi, you''ve been working for a while now. Go and take some rest after eating." She looked over at Xiao Li and went on, "You too!"


    The way she looked at Xiao Li showed how she was feeling. She was actually very suspicious of this best friend of hers since last night. The thought of what he knew and she didn''t frustrated her to no end!

 Chapter 764 - Never Believed Her

    "If you worry about me this much, your boyfriend might get jealous," retorted Xiao Li on purpose.


    Ying looked at Han Bohai and said, "Although he doesn''t look like it, he is actually very understanding." Ying spoke so naturally as if she knew him for years now. And seeing this, Han Bohai was genuinely pleased.


    "Are you defending him right now?" Xiao Li''s voice had a touch of surprise palpable in it.


    "Obviously! That''s my job as his girlfriend!" was Ying''s response that made Xiao Li chuckle. He was amused to see that finally she actually said something like this. It showed how much Han Bohai was becoming important to her.


    He raised his hands and said, "I give you both my blessings!"


    Ying tried to stand up to smack his head from across the table but she forgot she was injured, so ended up falling back on her seat. Glaring at Xiao Li who was still laughing at her, she gritted out, "Who needs your blessings? Keep it to yourself! You are in need of it right now!"


    "Ying''er!" Xin Zimen''s voice rang out making Ying bit down on her own tongue. "I hope you don''t repeat it again."


    Ying lowered her head and nodded, "Sorry! I didn''t mean to say it."


    Xiao Li was still laughing at her as he said, "Dad, it''s okay. I don''t mind."


    "I didn''t ask you," said Xin Zimen and Xiao Li decided to stay quiet.


    "Nora, where is your Ah-Si?" questioned Dylan. "I haven''t seen him much."


    "He is taking care of Ava and Asteria," replied Nora. "And how is he mine? He is still his father''s."


    Dylan tutted at her, "You abandoned him that soon?"


    Nora glared at him, "What about you? Where is your girlfriend?"


    Dylan''s mood fell instantly as he replied, "Cali had to make a trip to Italy. She said she needs to find something. She''ll come back soon."


    Hearing the antics of the younger generation, the elders finally got to smile. And they felt their moods lifting up. Each of them had been shrouded in worry for days now. Only after spending time with these young people, they could relax.


    After breakfast, everyone didn''t immediately scatter around. Instead, they all sat down in the living room and each made a group of two or three to talk.


    "Ah-Li, why don''t you listen?" Ying''s tone was harsh. "Go and get some rest before you really collapse!" She rubbed her forehead, "Don''t play with your health!"


    "Ying, you''re really worrying unnecessarily," replied Xiao Li calmly. "I''ll go to rest after a while. I just ate. Give me some time to digest."


    "You just never listen to me," said Ying and looked at Han Bohai. "Don''t learn from him. If you didn''t listen to me, I''ll... stop talking to you!"


    Han Bohai nodded obediently, "I''d do as you say, Ah-Ying."


    "Wow, what an obedient boyfriend," said Xiao Li. He took a moment before asking, "Bohai, I heard you''ve worked as an assistant for a female superstar?"


    "I did," replied Han Bohai honestly.


    "Why are you asking?" inquired Ying.


    Xiao Li looked at her and said, "Aren''t you very suspicious of me these days? I can''t generally talk now?"


    Ying made a face at him doubtfully but didn''t say anything.


    Meanwhile...


    "Darren asked about you," informed Nora.


    "He did?" Nora nodded and Dylan went on, "What did you tell him?"


    "I told him the truth that you''re sulking outside," replied Nora.


    "What do you mean by sulking?"


    "Haven''t you been sulking?" questioned Nora. "If not, what else?" Dylan glared at her silently. She took a moment to ask, "By the way, you are really not gonna see him?"


    "Who said I won''t see him?" retorted Dylan. "I just need some time."


    "Why complicate things?" asked Nora. "Friendship isn''t that complicated, Dylan. In friendship and love, it''s not fair to run away. Because you can''t run from either. Stop doing it to yourself."


    "You think I want to?" He responded despondently. "I also don''t want to run away like this. But I''m scared."


    "Even when you know he won''t blame you for anything?"


    Dylan nodded his head, "Yes! Even if I know he won''t blame me. In fact, that''s what''s scaring me more. I want him to angry with me. I don''t want him to always hide me behind himself."


    "Whether you like it or not," stated Nora. "Friends don''t stand against each other."


    He contemplated her words before asking, "How is Xiu?"


    "Didn''t I already said that she''s fine?"


    "You did. I just wanted to hear it again," he replied.


    On the other side...


    "Did you find the culprit?" questioned Xin Zemin.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/never-believed-her_50789747701901053 for visiting.


    "No," answered Xin Zimen. "All our leads got nowhere."


    "Are you gonna give up?"


    Xin Zimen looked at his elder brother, "I won''t let this go."


    Xin Zemin was quiet for a moment in his own thoughts before asking, "You''re suspecting mom?"


    "I don''t trust that woman!" replied Zimen without any hesitation. "I have never believed her. And I never will! So, she is at the top of my suspect list!"


    Xin Zemin couldn''t bring himself to question him regarding this any longer. He already knew his brother''s strong dislike for their mother. He couldn''t change his views now.


    "My daughter likes you a lot," he remarked quietly.


    At the mention of Xiu, Zimen''s eyes softened instinctively. "I like her a lot too."


    Xin Zemin chuckled softly, "That''s really a surprise."


    "How?"


    "You don''t usually say your feelings so openly. I think even your wife never got to hear that you love her."


    "She did," retorted Zimen.


    "Yeah but you never said it before people," reminded Xin Zemin.


    "I didn''t need to declare my love to the whole world. Only she needed to know and she did know it."


    "It''s really a mystery to me how your marriage actually worked."


    Xin Zimen didn''t say anything. It wasn''t a mystery to him at all. He knew how much Wen Ai loved him. Just like she knew how much he loved her.

 Chapter 765 - Devil With An Innocent Face

    *Flashback*


    "Zimen! Zimen!"


    The young Xin Zimen was taken aback when a girl came calling his name around the campus. He stopped at looked at her. Although she looked familiar, he really couldn''t recall who she was.


    "How may I help?"


    She fell on her knees before him as she begged, "Please, save my boyfriend! Please!"


    "What? I don''t even know what..."


    Before" he could continue, she interrupted him, "Your wife is beating up my boyfriend. He''d die at this rate. Please, stop her!"


    "What? Where?!"


    He hurriedly followed her and she brought him in the alleyway behind the campus. Even from a distance, he could recognize his wife who looked like a hooligan right now with that group of boys laying around the ground groaning in pain.


    "So boys! What''s the lesson we learned today?" He heard her voice as he stepped closer.


    "We should mind our own business!" Even though those boys looked in pain, they all echoed in unison.


    Wen Ai held the collar of one of them as she pulled him up and slapped his face, but lightly as she continued, "Young Master Ye, next time remember who you can or can''t mess with! Or else, this pretty little face of yours... I''ll distort in a way that even your own mother won''t recognize you!"


    That young master Ye nodded his head like a hen pecking on the grain. She pulled his hair saying, "What? Forgot how to speak?"


    "No!" he spoke out in a pained voice. "I mean, yes! I''ll remember everything."


    "You better do," added Wen Ai with a smirk. "Otherwise, Wen Ai''s lectures are open 24/7. And the service is totally free!"


    "Wen Ai..." Xin Zimen gritted out in a low voice.


    Hearing his voice from behind, Wen Ai froze in her spot and threw young master Ye away. She flung him away as if he was a plague. How could she not recognize that voice? She''d been hearing it for years. She''d never mistake it for anyone. She slowly turned around and observed Xin Zimen''s expressions before smiled at Xin Zimen brightly. Behind her back, she continued to gesture those boys to run away. And they did sprint without looking back as soon as she gave them permission to leave. Even if they had to crawl, they just wanted to get away from her. Who would want to spend another moment with this devil with an innocent face?


    Wen Ai licked the blood off the corner of her lips and ran over to Xin Zimen''s side. "Husband, when did you come?" Then she looked at the girl who had called Xin Zimen and her eyes narrowed dangerously. Her chilled gaze scared the girl so much she started crying and ran away. Xin Zimen looked at her and she spoke in her defense, "I didn''t do anything. Girls just love to cry. Really!"


    He held her bloodied hands and closed his eyes in distress. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/devil-with-an-innocent-face_50796099153218898 for visiting.


    Seeing him like this, she spoke in a soft voice, "It''s not a big deal. I''m fine. You should have checked the others. They really needed a stretcher!"


    Xin Zimen lifted his hand and she flicnhed back. He touched her head and asked, "The question is, why would you beat them to the point of them needing a stretcher? What did they do to you? Why is it that whenever I turn around you get into a fight? Can''t you just sit down and relax?"


    Wen Ai pursed her lips and let him rebuke her like this. She wouldn''t allow anyone else to talk to her like this. After all, she was Wen Ai! Who dared talk to her like that? It was only him! He''d never talk nicely to her. Where every else tried to curry favors with her from a young age, he had been rebuking her for being rude, mannerless, and whatnot!


    But what to do? She won''t have him in any other way. She loved it when he reprimanded her like this. It meant he really loved her. This was his stupid way of showing his love. What a hassle!


    Seeing her smiling like an idiot, his anger flared, "Have you lost your mind? I''m angry right now!"


    "I know," she replied with a grin. "Keep going. I like it when you do it."


    "Am I singing a song here that you''re enjoying?" he retorted.


    "It''s even better than a love song," she said. "Go on. I''ll listen." She looked as if she was genuinely really happy to see him acting like this.


    Xin Zimen groaned in frustration and rubbed her head, "What am I to do with you?" She hugged him and said, "For now, you can hug me." He sighed out but still hugged her silently. "This is hurting." She pointed at her lips. "I heard saliva can heal wounds. So, why don''t you give me a kiss?"


    "Get lost!" was the reply she got.


    "Husbands are not supposed to say that to their wives! It can hurt my feelings!"


    He rubbed his forehead for a while before he held her hand and dragged her with him. Instead of going to find his car, he directly hailed a taxi and got her inside before following behind.


    "To the hospital," he said to the taxi driver.


    "Huh? Why hospital? These are all small scratches," she said. "If you don''t want to kiss, say it. Why drag me to the hospital just to avoid a kiss. How petty!"


    "If you kept this up, I''m gonna throw you out of the bedroom tonight."


    She gasped, "How could you?!"


    He looked at her shocked face and continued, "So, if you don''t want that. Be quiet. At least, until I ask you something stay quiet. I''m really mad right now. Don''t provoke me."


    Wen Ai licked her lips and decided to stay quiet for now. Even she could see he wasn''t kidding right now. This usually quiet husband of hers had a very bad temper. She needed to be mindful for now.


    "To be Continued*

 Chapter 766 - Physical Assualt?

    *Flashback Continued*


    Since the husband has asked her to stay quiet, Wen Ai didn''t dare to say another word even when they got to the hospital. Even the doctor cleaning up Wen Ai''s wounds was sighing helplessly. How could he not? She was a regular visitor to this place. It was a mystery how she managed to live up to this age. After all, she had been getting into fights since she was young. It was really in her nature!


    "How do you do this?" asked the doctor. "You''re just here last week. At this rate, you should start living here." He really thought it''d be better for her to just live here now.


    "Exactly!" said Xin Zimen gnashing his teeth.


    Wen Ai cleared her throat, "Doc, don''t say it like that. I might really buy your hospital. Would you dare talk to your boss like this?"


    The doctor shook his head and said, "I don''t think I need to repeat myself. You must have memorized everything by now. So, take care of your wounds." He stood up and looked at Xin Zimen. Patting his shoulder, he added, "I really admire your patience."


    Xin Zimen couldn''t even say anything to the doctor. When the doctor left, he looked at his wife who was staring at the gauze wrapped around her hand. Suddenly, her eyes brightened up, "Husband, I''m hungry! Let''s go have some beef noodles!"


    He took a step towards her and looked at her face. "We are not moving until you tell me why you fought again?"


    Wen Ai scratched her head sheepishly as she said, "Is it important? I just had an itch in my hand or maybe, I just didn''t like their faces." She shrugged her shoulders, "Whatever! They were meant to taste the might of my hands." She smiled at him as she continued, "And don''t you say that what''s meant to be can''t be changed?"


    Xin Zimen rubbed his forehead trying to ease up the headache she brought into his life! "Are you gonna speak the truth or not?"


    Wen Ai cursed under her breath before answering honestly, "That Young Master Ye and his minions were saying something about you. I couldn''t just let it go."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/physical-assualt_50812841455844546 for visiting.


    "What were they saying?" he questioned calmly.


    "They said you married me because you''re greedy for power and whatnot! You want to fight your elder brother for the Head of Xin clan''s position and you also want to devour the Wen clan. What rubbish!" she was grumbling with hostility in her eyes. She was really tired of listening to this. It''s been a month since they got married and she was still hearing such rumors flying around. It pissed her off! And she was never the one to hold back. Who cared about being civil and ladylike? The only civility she could show people were letting them escape with their life!


    Remembering it put her in a bad mood again. She was feeling refreshed after beating those jerks up. Did she have to beat someone else up again to get rid of this sour taste in her mouth? Her eyes moved to her husband and she instantly shook her head. He''s the one person she could never fight! She won''t win anyway, what was the point?


    Xin Zimen was silently observing her expressions. In fact, he could read all her thoughts right now. She was being too obvious about what was concocting in that brain of hers. He finally sighed out heavily, "Ai, it''s not the first time someone said it. It''s not even the last time they are gonna say it either. Everyone in our circle is saying the same things. Are you gonna beat all of them?"


    Wen Ai nodded her head repeatedly, "If I have to, why not? If they have the courage to speak like that about my husband, they should also be prepared about dealing with me. If one talks, I''ll beat one. If two talks, I''ll just beat two. If a hundred talks, I''ll still beat those hundred. And if someone does escape from my hands, I''ll make sure my bodyguards give them a lesson!" Before Xin Zimen could say anything, she stood up and touched his hands with her injured ones as she continued, "Ah-Xin, you can''t always ignore what people say and expect them to change because of your kindness. Kindness has a limit and so does my patience. In fact, I don''t have patience at all! I have to teach these people a lesson to set the record straight!"


    Xin Zimen placed his forehead against hers as he said, "But I really don''t care about any of it. What people say doesn''t concern me. I grew up in the shadow of my exceptional brother. I''m used to people telling me I''m trying so hard just to become better than him. It doesn''t have any effect on me. Not any longer!"


    "I''ve told you," began Wen Ai. "I don''t ever let my people get wronged. You''re my person! You might be used to it, I am not! And I''ll never be!"


    "Do you even realize how people will look at you if you continued this?" he said. "Your family has a name in the society. You''re like the last descendant of a Royal Bloodline. Does it suit you to act like this?"


    "It definitely goes with my image," she retorted while patting his chest. "Open any history book, all Royals were tyrants! Bloodshed is in my blood!" Xin Zimen pursed his lips at her response as she continued, "So what if I''m a modern tyrant? I''m still better. I didn''t ask for their lives... Yet!"


    Xin Zimen hit her head with his own making her groan in pain.


    "What was that for?"


    "To knock some sense into your head which seems to be missing!"


    Wen Ai rubbed her forehead and pouted at him, "I''m already hungry and you''re even physically assaulting me now?"


    "Physically assaulting?" he repeated with wide eyes. "You''re impossible!"


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 767 - Marriage Is a Grave

    *Flashback Continued*


    Since she said it was a physical assault, he hit her head on purpose with his hand. "Since it''s a physical assault, I should be doing it properly, no?"


    "Husband, I can file a case on you for domestic violence!"


    "Oh? Go ahead!" he responded as if challenging her.


    She stared at him for a long moment before she picked up a small piece of gauze and tied it around his pinky finger before tying the other end with her own pinky finger. Xin Zimen raised his hand and hers also lifted along, "What is this now?"


    "Handcuffs," she replied plainly.


    "What?"


    Wen Ai shook her head at him, "Husband don''t you already know? They say marriage is already a prison. And you''re already married to me. If I have to file a complaint about you, I''d do it to myself. And being the judge of my own destiny, I just sentenced to life imprisonment with me! Whether you like it or not, who cares?"


    "Do you ever have something nice to say?" he questioned.


    "I''m a nice person, do I have to add nice words as well? Wouldn''t that be too fake? I can only do one; either being a nice person or being the person who says nice words. There is no such thing as the best of both worlds!"


    Xin Zimen clutched his neck saying, "I feel like my blood pressure is shooting up!"


    She dragged him out saying, "Let''s eat something. Everything will get better!"


    "How can you even think about the food at this time?" he questioned in annoyance and yet he followed her to the restaurant.


    "Is there time to think about food? Isn''t it up to me when I want to eat or not? What does time have to do with it? Besides, I just did some heavy exercise. I''m famished after that."


    Xin Zimen decided to just stay silent and let her do whatever she wanted. That was the best solution. As they entered the restaurant, she ordered for both of them and asked, "Ah-Xin, is it true that Suyin is the first girl in the Xin family''s last three generations?"


    "Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?"


    "I''m just curious," she retorted. "Answer me!"


    He was cleaning the chopsticks with a napkin as he answered, "It''s not that she''s the first girl in the past three generations. It''s just that she''s the only living one in the past three generations."


    "What does that mean?"


    "Before her, everyone either was born dead or died at a young age. She''s the only one who managed to survive till a.d.u.l.thood."


    Wen Ai nodded her head and muttered, "And yet she is such a person?"


    "What kind of a person? I warned you before, don''t say anything about my sister."


    She raised her hands in defense, "I didn''t say anything." She smiled at him as she thought to herself, ''I''d never say anything until I have a shred of evidence of what kind of a monster Suyin really is.''


    As the food was served, she looked at her piping hot bowl of beef noodles and salivated at the sight. This was the real thing!


    As he mixed his noodles with his chopsticks, he noticed her eyes stuck to his face. "What? What do you want?"


    She opened her mouth wide, "My hands are hurt. I can''t eat on my own."


    "So?" he pretended like he couldn''t understand her meaning at all.


    She looked wronged, "I just said I can''t eat. Just feed me."


    "Why should I?" he responded.


    "Because I''m your one and only wife!"


    "Is it necessary to add ''one and only''? Obviously, you''re the only wife I have!"


    She shrugged her shoulders, "I''m just making it clear that no one can take my place!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/marriage-is-a-grave_50820358453903394 for visiting.


    He took a brief pause as he saw her giving him pleading looks. "It''s not that I can''t feed you, but I have a condition." Her brows raised up inquisitively. "You have to stop getting into these useless street fights."


    Her shoulders slumped, "Why are you so mean? You know I can''t do that."


    "Then forget about it."


    "Ah-Xin!" she called out to him. "You know that I''m the person who only thinks about today. Life isn''t that complicated to me. It''s neither about yesterday nor about tomorrow. It''s all about today! So, I need to make my today worthwhile. I don''t want to wake up tomorrow with a stupid regret. That''s not my style!"


    "Then eat yourself," he said calmly. "I think your hands are not that injured anyway. You can definitely hold the chopsticks."


    She moved her hand and because of the gauze that was tied to both their hands, his hand felt a tug and his noodles dropped back down into the bowl.


    When he turned his head to look at her, she started with a pitiful look, "How can you do this to me? We just got married about a month ago and this love is already faking? You can''t even feed your injured wife? You''re already finding me a burden?" She faked a sniffle as her voice got a little louder, "Everyone said marriage is a grave for love but I didn''t listen. But now... Aiyo! What should I do?"


    Seeing how everyone was now staring at them, Xin Zimen placed his hand over her loud mouth and gritted out, "Stop being dramatic! This pitiful look doesn''t even go with their gangster image!"


    Wen Ai happily flipped her hair saying, "Ah-Xin, no matter what kind of woman it is, the pitiful look always works!"


    Xin Zimen exhaled a long breath and put the noodles on the spoon before blowing on it and bringing it to her mouth. Wen Ai greedily opened her mouth and ate with a nom-nom sound. His eyes didn''t look away from her face as she ate with her eyes twinkling. Before others she would always have a dark look in those eyes of hers, how did her eyes always seem so bright around him?


    *To Be Continued*

 Chapter 768 - How Will It Work?

    *Flashback Continued*


    While Xin Zimen was feeding her, his phone rang. He looked at the called id and took the call. He silently listened to what the caller said before speaking, "Why don''t you say it to her yourself?"


    "I''ve been doing it all along but your WIFE is persistent!" said the other person on the phone. "Or more like stubborn! Tell her, none of this will work on me!"


    "Okay," he replied and hung up the phone. Seeing how Wen Ai''s eyes were glued to the side of his face, he said, "It was Sister Huan."


    "Oh?" Wen Ai''s ears perked up. "What did she say? Did she like my gift?"


    "She said to tell you to stop sending her gifts," answered Xin Zimen calmly. "How long has it been? Over a month and you''re still sending her flowers, chocolates, and gifts every single day!"


    "I''ll keep doing it until she forgives me for creating that scene on her wedding day." Recalling something, she added, "I mean now it''s our wedding day as well."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/how-will-it-work_50835911084146037 for visiting.


    "I heard something from the main house."


    "What?"


    "My dear mother got to see all the flowers, chocolates, and gifts you sent Sister Huan and created a scene."


    "Huh? What for? What is up with that old hag?" She smiled at Xin Zimen and said, "I mean what''s mother-in-law''s problem."


    Xin Zimen shook his head at her and answered, "My mother said to Sister Huan, ''Which old lover''s love has woken up again for you? If you already had someone in your life, why did you marry my son? Don''t think this is your Zhao family, it''s the Xin''s clan. Leave these cheap acts at your mother''s place.'' And a lot along the same line."


    Wen Ai''s eyes darkened as she listened to that and she scoffed, "I guess your mother is eager to see this lover."


    Xin Zimen placed his hand over hers and went on, "Can you stop doing it? Don''t create trouble for Sister Huan. She isn''t like you and me. I heard she cried for hours after hearing that. You know very well, she won''t talk back to my mother. Or to anyone for that matter. She is too nice for that."


    Wen Ai looked at him, "This is why people like Sister Huan shouldn''t marry in families like yours. She is too good for that family. At this rate, that typical monster like mother-in-law will chew her alive without any remorse!" She snorted, "But I shouldn''t expect anything else from her. She can ever treat her own sons as pawns. What else can''t she do?"


    "Mom only chose Sister Huan for my elder brother because she could strengthen his position. But now with the addition of you, she''s feeling another crisis. There is no way she''d treat Sister Huan well."


    "I think the first person to get a beating should be your mother!"


    Xin Zimen paid for the food and stood up as he said, "I don''t really care. I don''t even wanna go back to that family anymore!"


    Wen Ai followed him while grumbling, "Just because you want to let it all go doesn''t mean that I''d do it too. I won''t let the swallow what belongs to my husband!"


    Xin Zimen suddenly stopped walking and turned around to face her. He looked into her black eyes and said in low voice, "Ai... Let''s just live our own life, eh?"


    Wen Ai''s resolve immediately vanished looking at his face. How was she supposed to say no to this handsome face? She sighed out, "Fine fine. I won''t look for trouble but only as long as no one steps on my boundaries."


    He smiled at her and patted her head, "That''s like my Ai."


    She held his arm and said, "Do you know that I''ve come to fall in love with my name?"


    "Huh? Didn''t you always love your name? From a young age, you had a habit of saying your name everywhere. ''I''m Wen Ai, always remember that!'' Aren''t those your favorite words?" he questioned curiously.


    She shook her head, "Nope! Back then I was simply reminding people that they shouldn''t take me lightly and that they should always remember my name. Now, it''s different."


    "How is it different?"


    "Now I don''t want anyone to say my name," she said. "Except for you." His smile froze as she went on, "I suddenly want to thank my dad for naming me ''Ai''. At least, in this way, you say I''m your Love.[1]"


    "If you like it so much, why do you always stop me from saying your name?"


    "Because whenever you call my name, my heart starts beating wildly. I lose control over my own heart. At that time, my heart dance to the beat of your voice."


    Xin Zimen''s smile widened as he said, "For a violent tyrant, you sure can do some sweet-talking."


    "It comes naturally when you''re around," she retorted with a grin. She continued to hold his arm and leaned against his side. Even it was obvious that they loved each other, they had never said it to each other. Maybe because it was so obvious, they never felt the need to tell each other.


    No, actually, he did try to say it. But she ended up kissing him to stop him from continuing. Just hearing her own name would make her lose her mind, but if he heard her telling her how much he loved her, she really thought she''d forget to breathe.


    "Ah-Xin..."


    "Hm?"


    "Feifei asked me something."


    "What?"


    "She asked how will our relationship work?"


    "What did you say?"


    She laughed out saying, "I said, it''ll be a mystery you''ll never be able to solve"


    He rubbed her head and said, "It''s still a mystery to me as well. Just why on earth did I agree to marry you?"


    "Maybe because I''m so cute?"


    "Cute and you?" he shuddered and she hit his arm making him laugh at her reaction. "Only I''ll agree with this. So, don''t go around telling this to others. Because you''re only cute to me!"


    *End of Flashback*


    [1] If anyone forgot, let me remind you that ''Ai'' means ''Love''. So when he said, ''That''s like my Ai.'' She interpreted it in her own way.

 Chapter 769 - Strangely Acting Brother

    Coming back to the present...


    Seeing Xiu''s lost expression, Darren asked, "What''s wrong? What are you thinking about now?" He only asked this because this was the only time he saw her quiet today. Since the morning, she had been talking and now it was already nighttime. He didn''t believe that she was tired of talking and that''s why she stopped.


    Xiu took another bite of the food before and smiled, "It feels weird."


    "What?" he questioned with an arched brow.


    "This bland food seems extra delicious today," she replied. "Or maybe my taste buds are damaged now."


    "No, it must taste delicious," agreed Darren. "It''s made by a father for his daughter. How can it not be delicious?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Right. It has to be because of that." She grinned at Darren and added, "This is my first in both of my lives." She looked back at the food before her saying, "I should savor it some more."


    She was gobbling down the food when Jackie ran inside the room and waved at both of them, "Hi, patients! How are we doing today?"


    Xiu gaped at him, "Little brother, are you making fun of us?"


    Jackie shook his head, "Nah! I just wanted to do it once."


    "Where were you all day?" asked Darren. "I didn''t think you''d take this long to show up."


    "Brother-in-law, if I could I would camp in this room," replied Jackie. "But I have a mother who didn''t allow me to skip school. It''s a tragedy that even I have to suffer through places like schools."


    Darren couldn''t laugh out because it''d make his own head dizzy, so he bit his bottom lip to hold back his laughter. "It''s really a tragedy. Our smart Jackie is also a victim of schools."


    Xiu frowned at Jackie, "Since when did you start disliking schools?"


    "Since the time school is stopping me from staying beside my sister," replied Jackie without any hesitation.


    Xiu smiled drily and said, "Bro, stop spending time with Nora. Her head is filled with Dora cakes. Don''t let her rub off on you." She took a pause and added, "Where is Clara mom?"


    "Mom is being savage today," he retorted.


    "Savage?" repeated Xiu. "She was already pretty savage though." Sighing out, she asked, "Have you eaten something?"


    "I have," replied Jackie. "I ate before coming here."


    "Good."


    Then Jackie moved over to Darren''s side when the nurse cleared his table. He jumped on his bed and sat beside him with his legs dangling down. "Brother-in-law, does it hurt a lot?"


    Darren was surprised when he heard that. "It doesn''t hurt."


    Jackie placed his small hand lightly on top of his forehead that was wrapped in gauze. "I think it hurts. But you''re just not telling me. You don''t want my sister to worry, right?"


    Darren licked his lips and said, "No, I''m telling you the truth. It doesn''t hurt at all." He took a brief pause and added on purpose to convince him, "It''s a small wound. It''s nothing to worry about."


    Jackie made a displeased look before pulling out his phone and showed the screen to Darren, "I looked it up. And my research shows that no matter how small of a brain surgery it is, it''s never too small."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/strangely-acting-brother_50858674125591726 for visiting.


    Darren gaped at the little boy in disbelief, "Why would you even look it up?"


    "So that I know what I can do to help you," he replied. "You need to get better fast."


    "Little bro, you''re not worried about me?" questioned Xiu when she heard Jackie talking to Darren. She was actually very amused but sounded like she was being wronged by him.


    "I''m worried about you as well," said Jackie. "That''s why I think you should focus solely on taking rest. If you don''t jump around, I think you''d be fine, sister."


    "You''re upset with me?"


    Jackie didn''t refute her words, "Of course, I am. You don''t take care of yourself at all. Do a better job. I want a healthy niece or nephew."


    "It''s a nephew," corrected Xiu.


    "How do you know?" questioned Jackie.


    "I had a dream," she answered him honestly.


    Darren was amused to see how Jackie hurriedly even believed her words. Just because she had a dream about it, he''d believe it? Well, the facts proved that he would!


    "Okay, then take better care of my nephew! Don''t take your health as a joke."


    Xiu held her hand over her chest and said, "I''ve always seen you lecturing Nora and never realized how it felt. Now that I''m at the receiving end, it sure feels like something."


    Darren chuckled softly at her while Jackie said to him, "Brother-in-law when you get better, let''s go to the amus.e.m.e.nt park together."


    Xiu coughed out, "Wait! It''s not even a science fair or astronomy exhibition. Are you really asking to go to an amus.e.m.e.nt park? What the hell is wrong with today?"


    Jackie turned his head to give Xiu a look, "Why can''t I go to have fun?"


    "Baby brother, your definition of fun had never involved an amus.e.m.e.nt park," replied Xiu honestly. She was really having doubts whether this was really her brother or someone switched souls with him.


    Darren didn''t pay attention to their conversation, instead, he rubbed Jackie''s head and said, "Okay. We''ll go to the amus.e.m.e.nt park. Anything else?"


    Jackie shook his head, "Don''t get the wrong idea. You won''t be taking me. I''d be taking you to the amus.e.m.e.nt park."


    "There is a difference?" asked Xiu.


    "There is," he replied. He took a pause and added, "Let''s take that annoying niece of mine as well."


    Xiu giggled, "Call her by her name! Are you planning on calling my son this way as well?"


    "What do you plan on calling your son?" asked Jackie.


    "My little tiger," replied Xiu with a grin.


    "Then I''ll just call him that as well."


    Xiu looked at him for a moment before looking at Darren, "Regan, there is definitely something wrong with him today."


    Darren didn''t pay attention to her. Instead, he asked Jackie, "Is there anyone else you''d like to take to the amus.e.m.e.nt park?"


    Jackie cleared his throat and said, "I heard my annoying niece just got a new elder sister." He acted suspiciously as he added, "Although I don''t like her mother, we can''t hate her for her mother''s choices. After all, we can''t choose our parents." Darren nodded his head with his lips pressed into a thin line trying to hold back his laughter. "So, I think we can take her as well."


    Darren patted his head, "That''s a good idea. We should take Asteria. I like the way you think. Indeed, Jackie is a mature gentleman."


    Jackie smirked saying, "Oh, right. Her name is Asteria."

 Chapter 770 - Fish

    "My Yingying, what are you doing here?"


    Yan Ying looked at Dr. Ling who just came out of Xiu''s room and made a disgusted face.


    "If you''re planning on visiting my patient, I''d suggest not to," said Dr. Ling. "They are both are about to sleep. And I really want them to have a good night''s sleep. So, postpone this visit till tomorrow."


    Ying sighed and tried to limp her way back. Dr. Ling went to stand before her and held her arms before pulling her on her back saying, "Ask for help if you need it. I don''t mind helping."


    "Let go!" gritted out Ying.


    "Okay," said Dr. Ling, and dropped her. Ying fell on the sofa behind her and looked up at Ling Wanwan with furious eyes. "How come your eyes look so beautiful even when you''re so angry?"


    "Why do I feel like you became even more twisted after leaving the country for a few years?" questioned Ying as she settled down on the sofa.


    Dr. Ling didn''t reply to her but sat down beside Ying before draping her arm around Ying''s shoulder saying, "Actually, I dropped you here because I wanted you to sit down with me as well. It has nothing to do with my crooked self."


    "So, you do agree that you''re crooked?" asked Ying arching her brow.


    Dr. Ling smirked, "You and I always had a big problem, you had been compliant and I had always been crooked." Her eyes brightened as she added, "But the thing is, that''s exactly what made our friendship so special."


    "Friendship?" repeated Ying. "You threw away that friendship and ran away!"


    Dr. Ling shook her head, "No, I didn''t. I just for the first time chose myself over our friendship. I wanted to be selfish because you had been selfless."


    "I really hate you," retorted Ying and Dr. Ling laughed out.


    "I didn''t expect to see you here."


    "Is that why you agreed to come? If you knew I''d be here, you wouldn''t show up?"


    Dr. Ling shook her head, "I''d still come. I had to come."


    "Why?"


    Dr. Ling pursed her lips before whispering to Ying, "How else would I get the chance to see the sun of my life?"


    Ying''s lips twitched and she picked up the cushion from beside her and started hitting her. "You! How the hell does this brain of yours work? Even now, you''re after my Zizi? Dream on!"


    Dr. Ling let her hit her as she kept laughing, "I''m dreaming on. It''s not like I tried to do anything. And please, there is nothing wrong with what I said. Everyone has a reason to be here, I have one too. I came to find the warmth of my eyes."


    "Huh?"


    "Aiyo! Looking at that eye-candy brings warmth to my eyes!"


    This time Ying took off her slipper but Dr. Ling stood up and ran away. Hiding behind the sofa, she said, "Hey! You can''t change the weapon during the game. That''s the rule of 1-vs-1 fights. How can you come to a slipper from a cushion? This is cheating!"


    "I don''t care," retorted Ying. "Come out! Right now! If I came over, it won''t just be my slipper that''ll hit you."


    Dr. Ling held the cushion before her face and came out saying, "Why are you still so violent?"


    "It comes naturally when I see your face," retorted Ying but in the end didn''t really hit her with the slipper.


    Dr. Ling sat beside her again happily and smiled at her, "It''s good to see that your feelings for me haven''t changed at all over the years." Seeing someone, she added, "By the way, that''s some fish you caught."


    Ying followed the direction of her eyes and frowned seeing that she was referring to Han Bohai, "Fish? He isn''t a fish!"


    "I didn''t mean it literally," replied Dr. Ling. "He looked handsome on screen. How come he is even more handsome in real life?"


    "You''ve seen his work?" asked Ying curiously.


    "Of course!" replied Dr. Ling. "His acting is top class. Either he is born talented or his teacher must have been amazing."


    "I think it''s the latter." Ying took a moment and asked, "But is he really that good?"


    Dr. Ling looked at Ying''s expressions and asked, "Hey! You didn''t even see any of your boyfriend''s movies? Or shows?" Ying shook her head. "What kind of an insult is this? This is not how you''re supposed to treat your boyfriend."


    "Look who is talking," was Ying''s scornful response. "You don''t even have a boyfriend."


    "Just because I don''t have one now, doesn''t mean I haven''t dated at all. It''s just that none of them lasted long." She sighed ruefully, "Someone was too short in size for my taste and someone was too excited for my taste."


    Ying smacked her head, "What rubbish are you talking about here?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/fish_50860987233921423 for visiting.


    Dr. Ling rubbed her head, "What are you thinking about? Too short means in size as in height! Too excited means, excited to get married soon! What vulgarity are you thinking about? What do you even think of me as?"


    Ying cleared her throat saying, "Well, I don''t think of you as innocent and pure for sure."


    "And I am not," replied Dr. Ling. "You keep your precious title of being pure. I''m fine with what I am." She took a moment and asked, "By the way, what''s your boyfriend''s connection with the patients inside?"


    "Regan is his boss I think, nothing else," said Ying. "Why?"


    "He''s been really worried about them," told Dr. Ling to her. "And he keeps coming back to check upon them. So, I actually thought he was pretty close to them."


    "He is kinda close to Xiu," said Ying. "I think he is. But I''m not sure."


    Dr. Ling sighed out, "I''m tired."


    "Already?"


    "I''m not tired of my job. I''m tired of seeing everyone''s long faces around here. It''s as if someone died. Can''t you all smile a little? The patients need a better environment, not this depressing one. Even I''m getting affected by this mood."


    Ying was silent for a moment before saying, "It''s because you don''t know what really is going on around here."

 Chapter 771 - Put A Ring On It

    "Oi, fish! Come here!"


    Ying gaped at this ex-friend of hers while Dr. Ling had raised her hand and was currently calling out to Han Bohai. Hearing her voice, he was confused as he looked around trying to see whom she was calling. There was no one else there except for him. And he really thought she was calling him but ''fish''? When did he become a fish?


    "You! I''m talking to you!" Han Bohai pointed at himself and she nodded, "Yes, I''m definitely talking to you! Come here!" She beckoned him to come over.


    "No, don''t!" Ying hurriedly stopped him. "Just stay as far away from her as you possibly can." Obviously, he was more inclined to listen to his girlfriend and that''s why he didn''t move at all.


    Dr. Ling squinted her eyes at Ying before she stood up and trudged over to Han Bohai''s side. She had to drag him over to the couch saying, "Don''t always just listen to your girlfriend, spend some time with your girlfriend''s girlfriend as well."


    "Ex-girlfriend," corrected Ying.


    Dr. Ling smiled at Ying and said to Han Bohai, "Don''t mind her. She means I''m her extra lovely girlfriend."


    "I don''t think she meant that though," said Han Bohai.


    Dr. Ling sighed out, "You just have to side with your girlfriend. I get it." Taking a pause, she added, "But I''m a bit curious, how did you both even meet?"


    "How did you meet all the boys you dated?" Ying asked in return.


    "They were either my patients or my colleagues, why?"


    Ying cursed at her before saying, "Don''t you know ethics as a doctor? How could you date someone from your workplace?"


    "What does that have to do with you?" retorted Dr. Ling. "And I wasn''t even asking you. I''m asking him how he met you. After all, your fields of work are poles apart!"


    "We met because it was meant to be," replied Han Bohai frankly.


    "Fate?" asked Dr. Ling and he nodded his head. "So, you''re fate guy. Wow! That came as a surprise."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/put-a-ring-on-it_50881359622757011 for visiting.


    Ying squinted her eyes at Han Bohai and said, "You! Come here!"


    "Why can''t he sit with me?" questioned Dr. Ling. "Is he your property? Do you have the exclusive rights?"


    "Yes, I do!"


    "Show me the proof!" While Ying was gnashing her teeth at her, she continued, "If you really want to have the exclusive rights, put a ring on it!" She pointed at Ying''s hand, "No ring, no exclusivity."


    "If I don''t have a ring doesn''t mean he isn''t mine!"


    Dr. Ling laughed at Ying''s reaction, "Mr. Film Emperor, go over there before she eats me alive."


    Han Bohai silently moved to Ying''s side. Seeing them both together Dr. Ling had a beautiful smile playing on her lips.


    "It''s weird. Your personalities don''t match and yet I think you both look good together."


    Han Bohai smiled back at Dr. Ling and said, "Who said personalities have to match?"


    "That''s true," replied Dr. Ling. "You still haven''t told me, how did you both meet?" She took a pause before adding, "And don''t give me that fate crap."


    "We met at a hotel," answered Han Bohai.


    "Hotel? Didn''t we meet at the shopping mall?" questioned Ying.


    "Was she drunk?" Han Bohai nodded in reply to Dr. Ling''s question. "That explains it. She blacks out after getting drunk. I guess it didn''t change even after all these years."


    Ying looked up at him, "We really met at the hotel?"


    "Do you think I''m lying? You even beat me that night."


    While Ying pursed her lips, Dr. Ling burst out laughing. "That is also so like her. When we drank for the first time in high school, I was the first victim of that violent nature of hers. Even in her drunken stupor, she loves to show off her skills."


    "I don''t show off my skills," retorted Ying. "I don''t even remember anything neither from your incident back then nor from your incident from now." She was telling this to both of them. The reason she didn''t drink was also because of what Ling Wanwan told her back then. Although she knew Ling Wanwan must have exaggerated a little, she couldn''t help accepting the reality of her words. So, she usually kept away from alcohol, her nemesis.


    Covering her eyes, Ying said, "I''m definitely not going to drink ever again."


    "As if that''d help," said Dr. Ling. "You don''t even need liquid courage to do whatever you want."


    "Are you jealous that you aren''t that courageous?" retorted Ying.


    "You both seem to be very close," remarked Han Bohai.


    "We are," was what Dr. Ling said.


    "We were," was what Ying said. Then she stared at Dr. Ling and went on, "There are a lot of years between us now."


    "Years can''t possibly change our friendship," said Dr. Ling.


    "That''s what you think," replied Ying. "Let''s go back to my room. I came to see Xiu and Darren but I''ll just come again in the morning."


    Han Bohai silently helped her up while Dr. Ling continued to look at them with a smile.


    "Good night, Yingying! Have a good rest! I''ll see you in the morning!"


    "I hope I don''t see you in the morning," Ying shot up.


    "That''s harsh but it''s okay. I know you don''t mean it."


    "I mean every word of it," Ying''s voice came from the stairs.


    Dr. Ling stayed silent in reply. But wondered to herself, ''I would have been better if you meant those words.''


    "Why don''t you just tell her why you left back then?"


    Dr. Ling was startled and clutched her chest before looking at Xiao Li, "Can''t you make a sound? I almost got a heart attack!" She took a deep breath and added, "How long have you been standing there?"


    "I just came," replied Xiao Li. "And don''t try to change the topic. You should really tell her everything truthfully."


    Dr. Ling stood and shook her head, "I can''t do that."

 Chapter 772 - Who Is It?

    When Dr. Ling left, Xiao Li was left alone. He had already slept in the day so, he wasn''t feeling sleepy. He had just sat down when one of his men came, "Master Li, you should look at this."


    He took the doc.u.ment from his hands and read through it before frowning at it in confusion. "What does this mean?"


    The subordinate passed another doc.u.ment to him, "Check this one."


    Xiao Li read through it and sat up straight. He placed both the doc.u.ments placing them side by side. His eyes turned dark as his hands clenched.


    "Did you get the person who contacted the mercenary for her?" he asked.


    "We caught that person in Japan," answered the subordinate. "We''ll be bringing him here tomorrow." He gave a recording device to Xiao Li saying, "We received this recording from that person."


    Xiao Li put the headphones on before playing the recording. And as the recording went on, his eyes grew dangerously dark. A cold and dark emanated from his body.


    Xiao Li nodded to himself and asked, "Where is she now?"


    "She''d be taking a flight to the Capital in an hour."


    "Don''t let her leave," he instructed. "Catch and lock her up. I really have to deal with her myself now."


    "But Master Li..." His subordinate hesitated a little.


    "What is it?" Xiao Li sounded impatient and in a very bad mood.


    His voice scared the subordinate who hurriedly said, "If we catch her now, it might create trouble for you. After all, her parents are..."


    Xiao Li raised his hand to stop him from continuing, "Who asked you to do it openly? Just make her disappear on her way to the airport. Take her to the Wen House. Even if her disappearance gets known, no one would look for her there. And even if someone did catch on, who would dare trespass Wen''s territory?"


    The subordinate nodded his and bowed to him, "Yes, Master!"


    When his subordinate left, Xiao Li''s eyes were stuck to the doc.u.ment placed before him and the recorder. His mind wandered off as he was trying hard to figure out the motive this person would have to kill Xiu. No matter how he thought, he couldn''t think of anything. He didn''t even think the two of them even met more than once or twice. Then how could someone be this hostile that they''d try to take the life of someone?


    He couldn''t even believe that the person was this close to him.


    "What are you up to?"


    Xiao Li frantically hid the doc.u.ments and the recorder behind him when he heard his father''s voice. He didn''t know why he hid it though. It was something his father also needed to know about but he still hid it instinctively.


    Xin Zimen had already noticed Xiao Li''s movements and it made him squint slightly at his son.


    "Dad!" called out Xiao Li in surprise. "What are you doing here at this time?"


    Xin Zimen sat down across from him as he answered, "I came to check up on Regan and Xiu. I just met their doctors and wanted to see them before going to my room."


    "Oh," said Xiao Li. "Then you should go ahead. They must be sleeping now so be careful."


    Xin Zimen silently stared at his son for a while before asking directly, "What are you hiding behind your back?"


    Xiao Li stiffened for a moment before saying, "If I say it''s my report card, it won''t make sense now, would it?"


    Xin Zimen continued to stare him down, "Are you trying to be funny right now? Xiao Li tried to avoid his eyes. "And since you''re trying to be funny that means you''re definitely hiding something. What is it?"


    Xiao Li closed his eyes and cursed under his breath, "It''s nothing, dad."


    "Xiao Li..." Xin Zimen''s voice was dangerously low. "Are you really gonna be like this?"


    Xiao Li was in a dilemma, "Dad, I do want to tell you everything. I promise I do. But there is always something I can''t bring myself to tell you."


    "I wonder why is that?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    "It''s because I don''t want to hurt you," answered Xiao Li matter-of-factly. "As your elder son, I also need to care about my father."


    "So just so don''t you hurt me, you''re willing to lie to me and deceive me? Don''t you think that''s more hurtful?"


    "Dad, you can''t say it like that," said Xiao Li.


    "Then show me what''s behind your back." Xin Zimen extended his hand urging him to give up whatever he was hiding.


    "Dad, not now," pleaded Xiao Li. "As soon as everything is under my control, I''ll show it to you. But not now."


    "If you just show it to me, I can help you," said Xin Zimen. "I don''t need my son to protect me from anything. Protecting is my job. I''m the father here. Don''t try to act like my father."


    "I wouldn''t dare," was Xiao Li''s response. He hesitated for a long moment before he put everything in front of his father. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/who-is-it_50883911084984792 for visiting.


    Xin Zimen picked up the doc.u.ments but didn''t understand what was he supposed to see in there. Then he picked up the recorder and pressed the play button. A feminine voice rang out, "I don''t care how much you need. Just hire me the best mercenaries. I want her dead at any cost! My uncle would have arranged for tight security. So, make a better plan and make sure she doesn''t come out of that hospital alive!"


    When the recording ended, Xin Zimen''s knuckles had turned white from how hard he held the edge of the table before him. "Is this whom I''m thinking of?"


    "Yes," answered Xiao Li.


    "Where is she?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    "She''d be taking a flight to Capital soon." Seeing how Xin Zimen stood up in a hurry, he added, "Dad, you don''t have to do anything. I won''t let her leave. My subordinates will not let her leave."


    "Make sure to bring me with you," said Xin Zimen in a stern tone. "And don''t try to deceive me again."


    "Yes, dad!"

 Chapter 773 - Prayers

    The next morning...


    "Mama, when are you going to work?"


    Francesca glared at Darren in return, "Son, even at this time you''re thinking about work? How am supposed to focus when you''re like this?"


    "I told you I''m fine," replied Darren. "If you continue to spend all your time around here, you''ll make me feel like I''m dying."


    Francesca hit his leg because she couldn''t hit his head and said, "Don''t talk about dying! How many times should I repeat myself?"


    Darren sighed out, "If you think I''m healthy enough to take your beating, why can''t you just focus on yourself?" He took a moment and held her hand saying, "There must be so many things pending at the office. Trust me, you''d so busy that you''d even forget there is a son waiting for you." He patted the back of her hand with his other as he went on, "So, stop wasting time around here. You can see me in the evening."


    Francesca grumbled, "More than your health, you''re worried about your company."


    "Why should I be worried about my health?" he retorted. "I''m absolutely fine."


    Francesca stood up rather reluctantly as she said, "Fine. I''ll go."


    The screen beside Darren''s bed was folded and Xiu asked, "Who is going? And where?"


    Darren looked at the doctors beside her who had just finished with their examination and told her, "Mama is going to work."


    Xiu nodded her head before saying, "Then Mama do something for me."


    "What?" asked Francesca.


    "On your way back, go to the cafe near the company."


    "Do you want me to get you something from there?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Let me finish... Buy a blueberry cheesecake and a black coffee." Francesca frowned in confusion and Xiu continued, "Take a seat near the window and enjoy it alone."


    Francesca''s lips pressed together before she asked, "And why should I do that?"


    "Because you need some ''me time''," replied Xiu. "Don''t worry at all. I''ll take care of Regan until you come back. You can have faith in me."


    Francesca smiled at her before walking to her side and rubbing her head, "Baby, you take care of your own self first." Seeing how Xiu was pouting at her, she added, "Okay, I''ll do exactly as you told me to. Happy?" Xiu nodded her head happily. "As long as you''re happy."


    While Francesca was about to leave, she heard Xiu''s voice calling her from behind, "Mama, I won''t mind if you brought me a piece of that blueberry cheesecake."


    Francesca chuckled at her, "I will bring you some."


    "If you wanted to eat it yourself, why did you go so roundabout it?" inquired Darren.


    Xiu frowned at her husband, "Originally I just wanted her to relax a bit out of this place. But suddenly, I felt like eating that blueberry cheesecake as well."


    "What did the doctor say?"


    Xiu suddenly grew excited, "The doctor said that after two days, we might be able to hear the baby''s heartbeat."


    Darren was visibly happy to hear that. "Why didn''t you say it earlier? We could have shared it with mama."


    Xiu glared at him in return, "You''ve already ruined my big surprise, husband. Let''s not do it again. Instead of telling her, wouldn''t it be more fun to see her reaction when she hears it on her own?"


    "You and your plans..." he sighed out.


    Xiu turned to the nurse beside her and said, "Can you call my best friend for me? Her name is Nora. Tell her I want to wash my hair."


    "I''ll do it for you," said the nurse but Xiu shook her head.


    "No, thank you!" was her response. "I''d like my best friend to do it instead."


    The nurse went to call for Nora while Darren looked at his wife saying, "Are you especially targetting her?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I''m giving her a chance to get the best friend of the year award."


    However, the person who came with the nurse wasn''t Nora but Zhao Huan instead.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/prayers_50905351846946407 for visiting.


    "Nora went to spend some time with Ava," told Zhao Huan and Xiu nodded in understanding. "So, I thought I should help my daughter instead."


    Xiu''s eyes widened and her lips parted slightly but nothing came out. She wanted to tell her she didn''t have to bother but then she couldn''t bring herself to do it. Seeing the look in Zhao Huan''s eyes, she couldn''t trust her words at all. So, she ended up nodding her head.


    Xiu didn''t have any physical injury but she had grown considerably weak over the last couple of days. That''s why she was helped onto the wheelchair before Zhao Huan took her to the bathroom.


    From her position, Zhao Huan''s face was upside down but she could clearly see the huge smile on her face. Xiu could feel how happy she was to do such a menial task for her. So, who was she to deny her of it?


    "Mom..." Zhao Huan''s movements paused slightly. She seemed just as unused to this word as Xiu was feeling herself.


    "Hm?" But she managed to overcome it soon.


    "I heard you went somewhere early in the morning." Xiu had heard it from Francesca earlier that Zhao Huan had gone somewhere even before the break of dawn. "Where did you go?"


    Zhao Huan didn''t hide it as she said, "I went to the Temple to pray for you, Darren, and your unborn child. I prayed for your good health and happiness."


    "Do you think praying works?" asked Xiu.


    Zhao Huan smiled at her and nodded, "I do believe it works. If it didn''t work, how would you come into my life like a miracle?" She tapped Xiu''s nose with her shampoo on her hand as she went on, "You''re the proof that my prayers were heard by someone. Someone did see my tears and my yearning. That''s why my daughter was brought to me."


    Xiu contemplated her words and smiled slightly to herself, "I guess those prayers really work then."

 Chapter 774 - At The Top

    After washing her hair, Zhao Huan wrapped them in a towel and asked, "Do you want to clean up? I can help you?"


    Xiu shook her head frantically, "One hand of mine is working. I can do it myself."


    Zhao Huan laughed at Xiu''s reaction and said, "Aiyo, is my daughter embarrassed right now?"


    Xiu didn''t even bother hiding it as she nodded, "Yes, I am. I''m very much embarrassed."


    Zhao Huan didn''t tease her and said, "I''m gonna stand outside. If you need help, just call me." Xiu nodded her head again. "Don''t forget to call me."


    After sending her out, Xiu tried to take off this stupid hospital gown and sighed, "Didn''t think it''d this difficult with only one hand." It took her a while but she still managed to do the rest herself. It didn''t matter how thoroughly she managed to clean up, she thought it was enough to just wash up for now. Something is better than nothing.


    While she was fighting to button up the shirt, she heard a knock at the door, "Xiu, is everything okay? Do you really not need any help?"


    "I''m fine," Xiu called out from inside. She held the side of the bathtub to get onto the wheelchair and then shouted, "Mom, you can come inside now."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/imperfect-desires_14488421705519105/at-the-top_50907746291204899 for visiting.


    When Zhao Huan came inside she found Xiu breathing in greedily. She looked exhausted just from taking a bath. It really hurt Zhao Huan''s heart but seeing Xiu made her want to laugh as well.


    "I never thought washing up was this exhausting," said Xiu.


    "This is why I told you to let me help."


    "I can''t let my mother do that for me."


    "If I''m not supposed to do it, who is?" asked Zhao Huan. "Would you let Nora do it for you?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Never!"


    ....


    In the room, Ying had come to see Xiu and Darren. But she only found Darren in the room and panicked, "Where is Xiu?"


    Darren looked at her reaction and said, "She is taking a bath. Relax! Where can she go from here?"


    Ying heaved a sigh of relief. Even she knew Xiu couldn''t go anywhere from here but she still couldn''t help the anxiety that brewed up when she didn''t see Xiu inside. It must have been because of the physiological shadow of the other day.


    Darren couldn''t blame her for this reaction, he would have been in a worse condition if he had been in her position right now. He looked at the way she limped and asked, "How''s your injury?"


    Ying waved her hand offhandedly, "It''s nothing special."


    "Injuries are never supposed to be special," retorted Darren.


    Ying gave him a look before continuing, "I meant that it''s no big deal. I can live."


    "What a shame!"


    Ying glared at him, "Oi! You want me dead?"


    "I didn''t say that," replied Darren.


    "Then what''s the meaning of that insensitive remark?"


    "I''ve always been an insensitive person, didn''t you know?" he retorted plainly.


    "Bastard!" she cursed.


    "Thank you," he replied. While she found herself a seat to sit, he asked, "How''s the investigation going?"


    "Don''t ask me," began Ying. "I''m out of it. Soon, I''ll be getting suspended as well. Twenty people died that night. I can''t shake off the responsibility."


    "It''s not your responsibility," said Darren with a frown.


    Ying smiled bitterly, "Someone has to take that responsibility. Or else, I''d feel even worse for the departed souls."


    Darren nodded his head. "Even if you''re out of the investigation, you must know something."


    "Why don''t you directly ask Zizi?"


    "Uncle Zi wants me to stay away from such things. He said I should solely focus on getting better."


    Ying also gave a nod of agreement, "I completely agree with him."


    "When have you ever disagreed with Uncle Zi''s words?" retorted Darren with derision.


    "Can''t argue with that either," said Ying. She took a moment and told him, "From what I know, there is no lead. Well, none that leads to someone. Everything is a dead end." Seeing Darren''s darkened expressions, she went on, "But don''t worry. My aunt is working hard to find the people behind this attack. We''ll soon catch them."


    As soon as they heard the bathroom door opening, both of them stopped talking.


    When Xiu came outside, she found Ying in the room as well.


    "Oh, Ying Jie! Haven''t seen you in a while. I thought you forgot all about me," said Xiu. "I didn''t think you''d forget me so soon. So, it hurt a little."


    "Did you even have time to think about me?" asked Ying as she heard Xiu''s dramatic words.


    "Ying Jie, you''re always on my mind," said Xiu with a sincere look in her eyes. "Just because you can''t see my love for you, doesn''t mean you get to question my feelings. This is unfair not just to me but to my sincere feelings as well."


    "If you kept talking like this, your husband might get jealous," told Ying.


    Xiu smiled turned her head to smile at Darren saying, "My Regan isn''t the jealous type. He already knows no one can take his place in my heart." She took a pause and added, "But we should worry about your boyfriend instead. He might really get a bit possessive." She looked around and asked, "Speaking of your boyfriend, where is he?"


    Ying eyed Xiu for a moment before saying, "You look like you''re more eager to see my boyfriend than me."


    "How can that be?" Xiu cleared her throat. "Ying Jie is like my elder sister. But your boyfriend is actually the superstar for me. The one I adore the most. Although the competition in my heart is tough, you both have your own positions. Trust me."


    "Then tell me who is at the top? Me or my boyfriend?" asked Ying curiously. "In that heart of yours."


    Xiu grinned like a devil, "Ying Jie, the one at the top is always my husband."


    Ying rolled her eyes at her.

 Chapter 775 - Favorite Star

    "I meant between me and my boyfriend, who is on the top? You didn''t even have to tell me that Regi is always at the top of your heart. I think the whole world knows by now!"


    While Zhao Huan wheeled her close to the window to get some sunlight, Xiu said, "The whole world has yet to know though."


    "Why don''t you broadcast it then?" suggested Ying.


    Xiu looked like she was really contemplating her suggestion seriously. "That''s not a bad idea."


    Ying facepalmed herself and turned to Zhao Huan for help, "Aunt, say something to your daughter."


    "What?" questioned Zhao Huan leaving Ying speechless.


    Ying rubbed her temples and said, "Actually, I shouldn''t even bother with this. With my experience, I can already say with certainty that every person in this family loves deeply. It''d be pointless to ask any one of them to be less flashy about their love. And since Xiu also has the Xin blood, how can I expect anything different from her?"


    Zhao Huan held a hairbrush in her hand as she said to Xiu, "Don''t listen to her nonsense."


    Xiu smiled in reply, "I wasn''t planning on doing it, mom." She took a pause and asked, "Ying Jie, you didn''t give me an answer."


    "Huh?"


    "Where is your boyfriend?" Xiu asked again. Xiu was actually waiting for her Xiao Bobo, she had a fuzzy memory but she couldn''t tell if it was her dream or was part of reality. Since he was part of the fuzzy memory, she thought if she saw him, something might clear up. However, if her memory was serving her right, then he knew who she was.


    The idea of Han Bohai knowing about her being Chen Xiu was scary and yet she anticipated it as well. A part of her wanted him to know but the other part wanted to let him stay in the dark. She couldn''t tell herself what she wanted. Without meeting him again in this life, she was certain she didn''t want him to know anything but now that he walked back into her life, she was getting greedy. She wanted her Xiao Bobo back.


    Ying looked at Darren and asked, "You really don''t mind her being this curious about someone else''s man?"


    Darren responded, "If she is asking where is he, why don''t you just tell her?"


    Ying let out a heavy breath before answering Xiu, "He had a press conference to attend. He''d be here in the evening. Do you want me to send him to meet you?"


    "Why not?" was Xiu''s reply. "I think I''ll feel better just looking at my favorite star''s face."


    While Ying sat there in silence, Zhao Huan blow-dried Xiu''s hair, brushed her hair, and then even braided her hair. And all this while, Ying''s eyes were on this pair of mother and daughter. Recalling something, she chuckled all by herself.


    "What''s so funny?" asked Xiu as she was appreciating her braid made by her mother. "Won''t you share it? We can laugh together."


    Ying looked at Zhao Huan and said, "Aunt, do you remember Aunt Ai''s attempt to braid Ah-Lin''s hair?" Zhao Huan couldn''t help laughing as well. "My mom made so much fun of her back then."


    Zhao Huan said, "Ah-Lin bugged her all day and insisted to have a braid like her Ying Jie. And she even wanted her mother to do it for her. Poor Ai was in a bind. But she tried her best."


    "Ying Jie, were you very close to Ah-Xin''s daughter?" questioned Xiu after listening to their conversation.


    "No," Ying shook her head. "Ah-Lin was only close to one person; her father! The rest couldn''t even enter her eyes. Even her own mother had to come up with all sorts of ideas to get her daughter''s attention."


    "I can''t even blame her for that," said Xiu. She thought even if it was herself, she would also only look at Ah-Xin. Like who wouldn''t? "By the way happened to your leg?"


    Ying looked down at her leg, she had been sitting all this while so how Xiu notice something was wrong with her leg? She couldn''t possibly see the bandage through her trousers.


    "Nothing. I wasn''t looking so I fell down the stairs," was Ying''s excuse.


    Xiu scoffed at her, "Just because I look like an idiot, you don''t have to actually treat me as one. Because I ain''t falling for that lame excuse of yours."


    "If you''re not gonna fall for my excuses, don''t ask me things I''d have to come with an excuse for," retorted Ying.


    After Xiu''s hair was done, Zhao Huan helped her back to her bed, and settled her in, covered her with a blanket, and asked, "Do you need anything else?"


    Xiu shook her head with a smile, "Nope. Thanks, mom!"


    Zhao Huan pinched her nose, "You don''t have to say thanks to mom."


    "No, we should say thanks where it''s needed. Even mothers need to be appreciated. Just because someone is a giver, we shouldn''t abuse that quality of theirs."


    "Look at you talking so big," said Zhao Huan. "When you talk like this, I feel like I''m talking to Xiao Zi."


    Xiu frowned at that, "Oh? My dad doesn''t talk like this?"


    Zhao Huan shook her head, "Your dad is a very simple man. While Xiao Zi is a serious man, my husband is a smiling person. He doesn''t even have a temper. He is too nice."


    "Isn''t that why you both compliment each other?" said Ying. "You both are so nice that people around you had been able to easily manipulate you both."


    Zhao Huan was silent for a moment before agreeing, "Maybe. But it''s not our loss. Being good doesn''t make us weak, it means we are strong enough to keep the real us in the cruel society."


    "This is why Zizi gets annoyed by both of you," said Ying.


    Zhao Huan smiled at her, "That''s because the way Xiao Zi looks at life is different than us."

 Chapter 776 - My First Love

    While Zhao Huan and Ying were busy talking about why Xin Zimen kept his distance from his brother, Xiu''s attention was completely lost. For some reason, she couldn''t move on from the moment they talked about Wen Ai. Although she always found Wen Ai to be an interesting person to know about, her desire to know the woman in person had increased by a hundredfold now.


    It wasn''t just because of how weird, fun, or intriguing person she seemed, it was more so because of how she knew now that she was someone who saved Destiny''s life at the expense of her own daughter''s life.


    She didn''t know why but from the moment she learned about that truth, she''d been wanting to meet this woman in person. She wanted to know if she regretted saving her life or more like Destiny''s life. She really wished to know what made her want to take that step. It must have made her hate herself later but did she regretted saving only one person? And that too who she wasn''t really obliged to protect?


    The more she thought about it, the more she wished for her to be alive. Suddenly, her eyes fell on Darren and she tried to smile at him. His eyes had been stuck on her as always. Even in a room full of people, his eyes would always be on her. And he was more than familiar with each of her expressions no matter how small. With one look, he could tell she was bothered by something.


    However, he would never ask her before anyone else. So, he just blinked at her with a reassuring smile on his face. That put brightness in her eyes. Those grey eyes were meant to be the charm she couldn''t set herself free from.


    Noticing that Xiu was extremely exhausted now, Zhao Huan fixed the pillow behind her back and said, "Baby, do you want something to drink? How about some fresh orange juice?"


    Xiu looked at her kind smile and replied, "How about some wine?"


    "Sweets!" Darren''s voice rang out while Zhao Huan''s eyes widened at her reply.


    Xiu looked at Darren and sighed out, "I was kidding. How can I drink wine in this condition. It''s not good for the child."


    "It''s not good for you either," reminded Darren. "And you promised me you will stop drinking."


    Xiu gave him a sheepish smile and grumbled, "It''s not like I broke my promise."


    Zhao Huan caressed her head and asked, "Does my daughter love wine that much?"


    Xiu couldn''t help nodded her head with a look of yearning in her eyes as she started, "Who doesn''t? I don''t even trust people who don''t like wine." She placed a hand over her heart and with a nostalgic look went on, "Wine... My first love..." She looked at Zhao Huan and continued, "You must know that one can never forget their first love, right?" Zhao Huan nodded her head in a daze and Xiu added, "How can I forget mine then? People want to separate me from my first love. This world is indeed really cruel. For centuries, it had been against love. The universe couldn''t accept my love either so it separated us. It''s that first love that you''re only allowed to look at from afar but you can never have. It''s forbidden!"


    Darren mentally rolled his eyes at her, "Sweets, are you calling me the villain who separated you from your first love?"


    Xiu cleared her throat and said, "No, no! How can I say that? All I''m saying is that one bite of that forbidden fruit once in a while won''t do any harm, right? Even I''m allowed to cheat once in a while, no?"


    Darren''s lips twitched her reply. "Sweets, one bite of poison is also enough to kill you. Are you sure you still want the taste of that forbidden fruit?"


    Xiu''s smile disappeared, "This is why I''m trying to let my first love go. But it takes time. Give me a break!"


    Zhao Huan had been pursing her lips around her but ended up laughing. She kissed Xiu''s forehead and asked, "Are you always like this?"


    "She is," said both Darren and Ying simultaneously.


    Zhao Huan nodded and added, "These antics remind me of someone."


    "You also think she is a mini version of Aunt Ai, right?" questioned Ying, and Zhao Huan ended up nodding in agreement.


    Zhao Huan pinched Xiu''s cheeks lightly as she said, "Wen Ai and her overly exaggerated performances had been the talk of the town once. Everybody had a strong hatred towards her but everyone secretly loved her as well. My daughter is really like her."


    Xiu''s smiled stiffened slightly when she heard that, "I''ve been hearing this a lot since I met Ah-Xin. Even Li bro said I remind him of his mother. Was she really that similar to me?"


    Zhao Huan thought about it before saying, "Yes and no. If we look at how you act, you''re 75% similar to her but both of your personalities are polar opposite."


    "As much as you believe in kindness, Aunt Ai believed in the evil. She said even the kindest hearts have the darkest souls. She didn''t believe in goodness. Especially the one she couldn''t see for herself."


    Zhao Huan agreed with Ying as she said, "Ai lost her blood-related family because of someone''s greed for power and money. She was very young at that time. That''s why she believed in evilness rather than goodness. If you slap her once, she won''t just turn around and leave. She''d return that slap with a punch and a few broken bones to remind you she wasn''t the one to be messed with."


    She took a pause and added, "But she was a totally different person around our Xiao Zi. When they got married, I really thought it was just one of her stunts she pulled off on a whim. But they both proved me wrong very soon."


    "How?" questioned Xiu. She was very curious to hear about Wen Ai and Ah-Xin from a third person point of view. What exactly was their relationship like to other people?

 Chapter 777 - Another Flavor

    *Flashback*


    Although Zhao Huan had been very upset with both Xin Zimen and Wen Ai for pulling on their stunt on her wedding day, she still couldn''t stay mad at them for long. She didn''t hold grudges. With her personality, it was impossible to have any of those malicious thoughts like taking revenge.


    That''s why Wen Ai used to call her foolishly naive.


    However, she still took a while to come around. She only came to meet both of them when she heard about Wen Ai''s pregnancy but that was only when Wen Ai was close to giving birth. Before that, no one had even heard anything about her pregnancy. The news was so closely guarded that even though they were supposedly part of the same family, she felt like she was the last one to learn about it.


    But surprisingly, she was the first person to even learn about it from the Xin family. Zhao Huan had very mixed feelings about it.


    When she arrived at their home, she could hear their voices from the door. That''s how loud this pair of husband and wife were.


    "Yuck! Yuck! I hate this strawberry flavor!" she heard Wen Ai''s voice. "I want chocolate. I want chocolate!"


    "You asked for the strawberry flavor," replied Xin Zimen exasperatedly. "And now you''re complaining."


    "Ah-Xin, I love strawberry. You know it already!" she said. "But it seems our son isn''t a fan of strawberries."


    Xin Zimen groaned in annoyance, "At this point, I think you''re just using our son to make me work for you."


    "I would never do that," said Wen Ai in a soft voice but from her position, even Zhao Huan could see the insincerity in her eyes. "Can''t you do this much for me and your son?"


    Xin Zimen gave her a look, "There is a thing called blackmailing. Then there is a thing called emotional blackmailing. What you just did now is called making someone dance on your fingers!"


    Wen Ai made an emotional face, "I never thought our relationship would come at this juncture just because of ice cream. Is it so difficult to get me another flavor?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head saying, "No, it''s not difficult at all. There are at most 20 people in this house who would run to get you that ice cream flavor. They just need to be given one order. But the problem is that you don''t want them to do it. You want your husband to do it instead."


    Wen Ai smiled at him innocently, "As the baby''s father, you should be showing how much you love our son. Put some effort into it. Don''t do things so halfheartedly. Would you love our son so halfheartedly as well?"


    Xin Zimen squinted his eyes at the woman who had been ordering him around for months now and clenched his hands into fists. "I''m doing my best here. I always run to get what you want and whenever you want it. What are you doing?"


    "I''m eating everything you bring," replied Wen Ai feeling wronged. "Without caring about my figure, I''m doing my best to eat healthy for our son. Isn''t that the best effort I can put? See? I haven''t even punched anyone in the last six months. That is a record-breaking time for me."


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "Why do I feel like you''ve been treating me like a worker all this while just because you didn''t get to beat someone in a long while?"


    Wen Ai avoided her eyes and cleared her throat saying, "That''s definitely not true. How can I do that to my lovely husband?"


    Xin Zimed pointed at her, "There! That''s exactly what you''re doing! You would never call me your lovely husband unless you''re guilty! Caught you!"


    Wen Ai grinned at him sheepishly, "It might have been my intention at first but right now, I''m telling you the truth. I really can''t eat the strawberry ice cream. I want chocolate. I want chocolate. I want a lot of chocolate with lots of chocolate ch.i.p.s!"


    Xin Zimen closed his eyes for a while before he stood up saying, "Promise me you won''t change the flavor again."


    "I won''t," Wen Ai swore as she raised her three fingers to show her conviction.


    To be honest, Xin Zimen didn''t believe her even for a minute. His wife''s personality had always been quirky but pregnancy enhanced that quirkiness to a whole new level. To the point that even he was getting overwhelmed by it now.


    "Take care of yourself," said Xin Zimen before turning to leave. "I''ll bring your ice cream as soon as possible."


    "There is no hurry," she called out from behind. "I can wait a bit so drive safely. Don''t go over the speed limit."


    Xin Zimen looked back at her and smiled, "Yes, boss!" Seeing her smile in satisfaction, he shook his head and looked up. When he noticed Zhao Huan leaning against the doorframe who knew since when, he scratched his head awkwardly, "Sister Huan, when did you come?"


    "Just a while ago," she replied with a smile she couldn''t control right now. She had heard a lot about their marriage in the past year. But seeing it was a completely different thing. Because they really surprised her. Even though they both had been arguing all this while, all she saw was their love for each other. Looking at Xin Zimen, she added, "I always thought our Xiao Zi is a very quiet person but a little cold. Who knew you''re such a warm family man?"


    Xin Zimen felt embarrassed to hear that and Zhao Huan found his reaction amusing. How could she not? He looked adorable right now. She didn''t even know he was capable of such cuteness. Today really changed her views about not just their relationship but also about them individually.


    "Since you''re here, spend some time with Wen Ai," said Xin Zimen trying to avoid the topic. "I''ll be right back. Don''t leave before I come back."


    "I''ll be waiting," said Zhao Huan and watched him leaving in a hurry.


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 778 - Princess Syndrome

    *Flashback Continued*


    "Sister Huan!" Wen Ai waved at Zhao Huan excitedly. As she came to her side, Wen Ai continued, "I''d have gotten up to hug you but as you can see, I''m not able to do so for now." Zhao Huan looked at the big baby bump that she was using as a table to hold her bowl of nuts, she nodded in understanding. "Why are you standing? Just take a seat."


    Zhao Huan sat down beside her. Right now, Wen Ai''s legs were placed on the table before her while she continued to look at the tv screen. However, since Zhao Huan was here, she considerably turned off the tv and gave all her attention to the guest.


    "Is anyone there?" she suddenly called out. "Bring something for my Sister Huan. My sister-in-law has come to my marital home for the very first time." Then she looked back at Zhao Huan and added, "By the way, Sister Huan when I sent you so many flowers, chocolates, gifts, letters of apology, and even threats, you didn''t come to see me. How come you''re here so soon just after learning that I''m pregnant?"


    "I was upset with you, why wouldn''t I come for my nephew? I should be the first one to be here for him," replied Zhao Huan, and hearing that Wen Ai smiled at her. "Don''t even think that I forgave you. I''m still very much upset with you."


    "I can tell," was Wen Ai''s reply with a mysterious smile playing on her lips.


    "Why didn''t you tell me earlier? How can you even hide your pregnancy for so long?"


    "Don''t be offended Sister Huan," said Wen Ai. "I had my reasons to do this."


    "What reasons?" asked Zhao Huan.


    "Aiyo, Sister Huan why do you always have to know about the reasons?"


    "I''ll keep asking until you give me an answer," replied Zhao Huan.


    "You''re indirectly asking me why I created that scene at your wedding, isn''t it?" Zhao Huan didn''t agree but she didn''t disagree either. "If I say I had to put some pressure on Ah-Xin, would you believe me?" Zhao Huan shook her head without hesitation. "Why?"


    "No one can corner Xiao Zi and make him do something he doesn''t want to do. He isn''t that gullible."


    Wen Ai smiled at her, "You seem to not know my husband well. I don''t blame you though. You''ve not really interacted with him for as long as I have."


    "You''re saying I''m wrong?" asked Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai nodded her head in response, "My Ah-Xin used to be very gullible. He was such an adorable little bean that it frustrated me!" Zhao Huan''s brows arched up in surprise. "Back in elementary school, I was in an accident. Well, I was about to be hit by a car but he pushed me and got hit instead. He had to spend 3 months in the hospital for that."


    Zhao Huan was shocked to hear that. She certainly didn''t know about it.


    "Back then, we didn''t know each other though," she added with a nostalgic look in her eyes. "I had just joined his school and we had only been classmates for a couple of days and yet, he risked his own life to save mine." Zhao Huan intently listened to her with a frown. "I was born with the Princess Syndrome. So, I obviously assumed he did it because he liked me."


    Zhao Huan pursed her lips, "So you agree that yoou have a Princess Syndrome, huh?"


    "My family is one of the last living royal bloodlines. Obviously, I was born a Princess and everyone treated me like one. Why wouldn''t I get that syndrome? It''d be shocking if I didn''t get it."


    "Where are you going with this?"


    Wen Ai sighed out, "I went to see that stupid boy who saved my life in the hospital for three months. Because I thought I should treat him well. And since it was the first time someone put his life on the line to save mine, I had decided to marry him. I had to have that boy as my husband. There was no way I was having it any other way."


    "But you have so many bodyguards who''d put their lives on the line for you," reminded Zhao Huan.


    "They get paid to do it," said Wen Ai. "Ah-Xin wasn''t obligated to save me and yet he did it."


    "Oh," responded Zhao Huan. "He must really be in love with you back then."


    Wen Ai shook her head, "My bubble was burst when he came back to school and I realized that I wasn''t special to him. He didn''t save me because he liked me. He did it because he was that kind of a person. He did it because his brother told him to be good to others." She burst out laughing as she recalled how badly she wanted to beat him when he said that. She spent three months feeling special and then he just went to destroy the castle she built in her imagination. How cruel!


    Zhao Huan''s smile stiffened as she said, "But Xiao Zi doesn''t even talk to his brother. How could he have followed his brother''s words?"


    Wen Ai looked at her, "I told you, he was gullible. He isn''t anymore. It happened around when we were in middle school. He slowly started changing. From the good boy, he turned into the cold, and distant boy. Unapproachable." She took a pause to add, "Do you know what happened to make him like that? Do you know what happened that changed the dynamics between two brothers?"


    Zhao Huan shook her head, "Zemin said he also doesn''t know what happened. Xiao Zi suddenly distanced himself from him. And somehow they just drifted apart."


    Wen Ai smiled bitterly, "Isn''t that unfair? Brother Ze didn''t even realize when or how the brother who worshipped him like a deity, drifted away... And by the time he noticed his absence, Ah-Xin had already gone too far."


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 779 - Power Struggle

    *Flashback Continued*


    "Are you saying it''s my husband''s fault?" questioned Zhao Huan after a moment of silence.


    Wen Ai shook her head in reply, "Not really." She took a moment to elaborate, "I''m just saying that Brother Ze took too long to notice his brother''s absence." With a hand on her baby bump, she continued, "Do you know that Ah-Xin had always admired his brother? He always looked up to him and he always wanted to be like him. Since Brother Ze was good at everything, Ah-Xin tried his best to be as good as him. But while following his brother''s footsteps, he forgot to leave his own footsteps behind. And that made people eventually forget that he was a completely different person. He wasn''t just a shadow of Xin Zemin. He had his own identity as well."


    Zhao Huan furrowed her brows at Wen Ai while the latter went on, "Actually, Ah-Xin had no problem with being his brother''s shadow. But others had a lot to say... ''Zimen is just like his elder brother''... ''Is Zimen trying to outdo his brother?''... ''He is the second son, why is he trying so hard? It''s not he''ll get a chance to fight with his brother just because he is more capable''... Do you even know how many times he had to hear such remarks just because he was the second son?"


    "But none of that was Zemin''s fault," said Zhao Huan. "He still thinks his brother is more capable than him."


    Wen Ai shook her head, "No matter who was at fault, the one to suffer was Ah-Xin. Especially when their own mother continued to blatantly pretend like Zimen was nothing. Brother Ze was sent abroad to study in high school, why? Because as the elder son he should get all the best resources. Why can''t the second son go? It''d be the waste of resources, it isn''t like he was gonna inherit the family business."


    She sighed out heavily, "However, no matter how people compared Ah-Xin with his brother, he didn''t mind it. He didn''t even mind his mother''s biased treatment towards Brother Ze, he had become used to it all."


    "Then why? Why doesn''t he talk to his brother?"


    "It''s because of the power struggle within the Xin Family," answered Wen Ai. "The different branches of the Xin Family had been fighting since the old patriarch died." She took a brief pause before adding, "There is a saying in my family, ''The thirst of power is only quenched with the blood of your own." Zhao Huan''s eyes widened significantly, "Just because it''s a modern world, people don''t forsake their own blood?" Wen Ai shook her head, "Now is the time when everyone''s blood has truly turned white."


    "Father Xin was not originally the one to inherit the Xin Family''s business," said Wen Ai.


    "I heard that," replied Zhao Huan. "It was his elder brother, Suyin''s father who was supposed to inherit the family. But he unexpectedly died in a car crash."


    Wen Ai laughed out, "Unexpectedly?" Her laughter grew wilder. "Sister Huan, you''re so cute. Do you really think that things happen unexpectedly?" Her smile suddenly vanished as a sinister look appeared on her face, "Every murder is disguised as an accident. Do you really think Father Xin is as innocent as he seems?"


    Zhao Huan''s heart shook, "What do you mean?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" retorted Wen Ai. "Father Xin killed his own brother to get where he is today. He descended the throne by walking on the path drenched with the blood of his elder brother and his sister in law. The only reason Suyin survived was because she was a girl. And no one would let a girl become the heir. So, he actually adopted his one and only niece to pretend like the saint who loved his brother so deeply that he is willing to raise his brother''s daughter as his own."


    Zhao Huan covered her mouth with trembling hand. She suddenly felt scared. Extremely scared. She didn''t know whether Wen Ai''s words were true or not but she couldn''t bring herself to doubt Wen Ai either. This Princess had a good or rather bad habit, she was brutally honest and she was never scared of telling the truth no matter how it might hurt someone or how it might get herself killed. So, she really couldn''t doubt her words right now.


    "I think you might have an idea now why Ah-Xin was always treated differently?" Zhao Huan looked up at her fear palpable in her eyes. "His father and mother were scared that he''d turn out to be exactly like them. Just as they didn''t hesitate before taking the life of someone for power, he might do it as well." She laughed in derision, "Ah-Xin said when he learned about this truth, he wasn''t sad. He actually thought someone had set him free because he finally had the answer why he was looked at like he was a monster. Even the evil fears the karma. Father Xin did too but he didn''t realize, it''d be his guilty conscious that would turn his son into his biggest nightmare."


    "Ah-Xin distanced himself from his elder brother because he started hating him for being the elder son. He found it unfair that just because he was born as a second child, he was labeled as a traitor. A traitor who might take his own brother''s life. He found it equally funny and decided to threw everything away."


    She held Zhao Huan''s hand and concluded, "The reason why I chose your wedding day to get married wasn''t that I wanted to create a scene. I just wanted to save my Ah-Xin. I wanted everyone to know that they shouldn''t even think about using my Ah-Xin in their power struggle. I truly don''t give a damn about the Xin family, but they tried to reach out to Ah-Xin to use him against your husband, if not his life would be in danger. Do you really think I''d let anyone threaten the life of my Ah-Xin?"


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 780 - Squishy

    *Flashback Continued*


    Zhao Huan was so shocked to hear all of this that she didn''t have any words to say. She already knew Xin Family wasn''t as simple as her own paternal family had been but who knew it''d be this dark. Hidden behind that lavish cover was only darkness and maliciousness.


    "I know my reason doesn''t justify what I did," said Wen Ai. "However, if I was given another chance, I''d still do the same. Because I don''t think I did anything wrong. But I''m still gonna keep apologizing to you for taking your big day. I know it meant a lot to you and people are still talking about it. I also know you became the laughingstock for those gossipy ladies because of me, so I''m really sorry about that."


    "You''re really something," said Zhao Huan. "I don''t care about who is saying what. I just couldn''t understand why would you do it."


    "I could have chosen to marry Ah-Xin on any other day but it wouldn''t have had the same impact. Since I wanted to drag Ah-Xin out of that power struggle, I had to do something to show my stance perfectly."


    Zhao Huan shook her head saying, "You''re really a single-minded person. I shouldn''t even be surprised that you''d only think about Xiao Zi and forget about the rest of the situation."


    Wen Ai smiled at her, "I only see the people I care about."


    "I know," responded Zhao Huan. "Forget it. It already happened anyway. I don''t care about any of it."


    Wen Ai continued to look at her before she opened her arms and Zhao Huan eyed her, "What? Can''t you give me a hug? I don''t have an elder sister! I really thought I''d find one in my sister-in-law. And here you are even refusing to give me a single hug."


    Zhao Huan glared at her, "You really are a headache!" Even though she said it, she still hugged her from the side saying, "How are you?"


    "Aren''t you asking that too early?"


    Zhao Huan could hear her sarcasm but didn''t mind it, "If you don''t want to tell me, it''s alright."


    "I''m fine," replied Wen Ai as she pulled away. "I''ve always been awesome. What can possibly go wrong with me?" She lowered her voice and added, "And since my plan succeeded to marry Ah-Xin, I''m feeling even better."


    "Plan?" repeated Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai nodded her head, "You don''t know, back in high school I just randomly asked him to marry me and he agreed. I never thought he would. But he agreed! Do you even know how shocked I was?!" Obviously, Zhao Huan didn''t know but she could see it on Wen Ai''s face now. "So, since he agreed I had to make sure he didn''t change his mind. So, I kept repeating it. Reminding him that going against one''s words is very wrong. Eventually, I trapped him."


    Zhao Huan chuckled at her, "Have you ever thought that maybe he never intended on going back on his words?" Wen Ai looked at her in confusion. "Xiao Zi would never say something he didn''t mean."


    "I know that," she replied. "But you see I was in disbelief for a long time. After all, I never thought he''d want to marry a girl like me. He could do so much better." She hurriedly added, "I''m not saying that I''m not one of the best. I just mean to say that my Ah-Xin is too good for anyone."


    Zhao Huan also nodded in agreement, "Indeed, our Xiao Zi is too good for anyone. Even for you." She placed her hand on Wen Ai''s head and went on, "So, you better take care of him. I hope you are able to give him the love he missed out on for years." She took a pause to think before adding, "And stop annoying him so much."


    Wen Ai shook her head, "That I can''t do. Our relationship is based on mutually frustrating each other. I cannot give up on that!"


    "Stop acting like a kid, you''re about to have your own kid now," said Zhao Huan.


    "Ow!"


    "What''s wrong?" asked Zhao Huan hurriedly.


    Wen Ai held her hand and placed it on her baby bump. Zhao Huan felt a strange sensation and her lips parted but nothing came out. She looked up at Wen Ai who was looking at her expressions.


    "He is already kicking," voiced out Zhao Huan in a choked-up voice. She didn''t know why she felt like crying over this.


    Wen Ai chuckled at her reaction and said, "He is my son. He is definitely gonna be like me."


    "I hope he is not," retorted Zhao Huan.


    "Why not?" questioned Wen Ai. "What''s wrong with being like me?"


    "What''s right with being like you?" retorted Zhao Huan. "Nothing! If he turned out like you, our poor Xiao Zi would really lose his mind."


    Wen Ai made a face at her, "I really don''t think Ah-Xin would mind it." She took a pause and smiled, "But it''s okay. I don''t mind if he''d like my Ah-Xin either."


    "Did you guys chose a name?" asked Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai nodded, "Yup! I''m naming him Xin Xiaoli."


    "Xin Xiaoli..." repeated Zhao Huan softly. "How did you choose this name?"


    Wen Ai shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "It randomly came to my mind."


    Zhao Huan stared at her, "It''s your son! How can you even name him just randomly?"


    "Because it''s me, I can," replied Wen Ai plainly.


    "What if after growing up he didn''t like his name?"


    Wen Ai smiled evilly, "With me as his mother, I don''t think he''d be in a position to complain."


    "Aiyo, you''re gonna be one evil mother," was Zhao Huan''s thought.


    "I don''t think my son would mind having an evil mother."


    "How do you know?"


    "Just a feeling..." Wen Ai thought about it before adding, "Besides, at first I planned on naming him squishy. He should be glad that I still fought against me and chose Xiao Li as his name."


    Zhao Huan facepalmed herself not knowing what to say to this.


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 781 - Beware

    *Flashback Continued*


    "Right now, I want to squish you, Idiot!" said Zhao Huan. She looked helpless and soon started laughing. "Who can come up with a name like ''squishy''? And too for their own kid?"


    "Anything is possible with me around," replied Wen Ai.


    "It sure is," replied Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai let Zhao Huan eat the snacks that the maids brought and drink the tea in silence. But all this while, she had been looking at her face.


    "Is there something on my face?" asked Zhao Huan. "Why do you keep staring?"


    Wen Ai rubbed the side of her neck and inquired, "Sister Huan, how have you been?" Zhao Huan''s brows furrowed up slightly in confusion. "I mean in Xin Manor. How have you been?"


    Zhao Huan smiled at her and said, "I''m doing great there. Everyone treats me like a family."


    Wen Ai laughed out, "You''re such a lousy liar." She sighed, "But I''m actually happy they don''t treat you like family. That family is crueler to their own." She took a pause and added, "Sister Huan, pay more attention to who around you is sincere and who isn''t."


    "Are you giving me a warning?" asked Zhao Huan.


    "Yes!" replied Wen Ai with a serious. "I want you to take my warning seriously and beware of everyone around you. No one in that family is what they appear to be. For their own interests, they can do anything." She licked her lips and went on, "And you were chosen to marry Brother Ze to strengthen his position, but that already shaken because of my marriage to Ah-Xin. If I say it bluntly, you have lost value to Mother Xin. And trust me, that woman can throw away anything and anyone as long as it is worthless to her."


    "I should be more scared of you," said Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai chuckled, "That''s true. I''m the evilest of them all. But the thing is, I don''t wear a smile to deceive people. If I''m gonna stab you, I''d do it in a way that you know I did it. I don''t hide from such things."


    "Say nice things," said Zhao Huan. "You''re pregnant. What if your son got affected by your words?"


    "That''s even better," was Wen Ai''s response. "He needs to get his mother''s evilness. How else will he survive in this world?" She took a pause and went on, "But don''t try to take my words as a joke. I''m very serious. Keep your distance from Suyin as well."


    Zhao Huan frowned, "Xin Suyin? She is such a cute girl. Why do I need to keep my distance from her? She is the favorite of both Zemin and Zimen. Don''t you know that they both love their sister?"


    "That''s because they don''t know what their cute sister is capable of," said Wen Ai. "She is a real bully out there."


    "She is young," argued Zhao Huan. "It''s her age to make mistakes. It''s alright."


    Wen Ai stared at Zhao Huan''s face, "Aiyo, Sister Huan is really so innocent it makes my heart hurt. When I said she''s a bully I didn''t mean it..." She sighed out helplessly. "Forget it. The less you know, the better."


    "Are you very well informed about everyone in the Xin Family? And here I thought you had no interest."


    "I''m well-informed because I did my research about them back when I was in middle school. I had to keep an eye on every person in that family to keep my Ah-Xin safe. He doesn''t know it though. I''m sharing this secret with you, don''t share it with anyone."


    "You still do it?" Zhao Huan asked in shock.


    Wen Ai waved her hand, "No way. My Ah-Xin is already out of that hell hole, why would I care about any of them now? They can do whatever they want, I don''t give a damn!"


    "Then why are you giving me so many instructions?"


    "Because Ah-Xin is out of that place, you''re still there. And you''re too nice for that kind of people."


    "Are you adding my husband in that category as well?"


    Wen Ai''s lips curved up, "No. You and Brother Ze actually compliment each other very well. You both are very good people. You both had grown up seeing the lavishness that the world has to offer. Unlike me and Ah-Xin, who has long been introduced to the darkness behind that."


    "After listening to you, I didn''t even know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult."


    Wen Ai hurriedly said, "Sister Huan, please don''t even for a second think that I''m insulting you or Brother Ze. I truly have a lot of respect for you both. It''s not easy to keep your goodness in this world. So, I do admire you both and I do hope you both won''t have to face the darkness ever in your lives."


    "People say you''re very unreasonable," Zhao Huan voiced out. "I also thought you''re a very unreasonable person. But I never knew you had so much on your mind."


    "It''s true that I''m quite careless and carefree. But I am not as casual as I might seem."


    While both of them were talking, they heard someone''s voice from the door.


    "Aiya, why is it so difficult to walk? I promise I''m never having another baby in my entire life!"


    Hearing that voice, Wen Ai chuckled, "It seems like my best friend is struggling."


    "You seem to be enjoying it though," Zhao Huan pointed out and Wen Ai didn''t even bother denying it. How could she not enjoy it? First, she needed to laugh at her best friend''s misery, later she''d comfort her.


    "Yo! Xixi! Need some help?!" Wen Ai called out.


    Su Xixi walked inside with her face drenched in sweat. She seemed to be having a real struggle right now as she took one step at a time and said, "Keep your help to yourself!"


    As she slumped down on the couch, Wen Ai called out, "Go easy there! You''re gonna hurt my Ying in there."


    Su Xixi glared at her in response.


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 782 - Having It Tough

    *Flashback Continued*


    "I told you I''m not naming her Ying," said Su Xixi to Wen Ai in a stern voice. "It''s my daughter, why are you the one selecting the name?"


    "Because she is gonna be my daughter-in-law," retorted Wen Ai with certainty.


    Su Xixi sighed out heavily, "Ai, I told you that''s not happening."


    "Why are you against it?"


    Su Xixi took a deep breath, "I''m not against it. I mean, if they really fell in love, I''d be over the moon. Trust me. But I am not gonna fix an arrange marriage between our kids when they are not even born yet."


    "If we fix the marriage early on, they''ll fall in love eventually," argued Wen Ai.


    Su Xixi didn''t look like she was having any of that nonsense as she sternly replied, "No means still no. What if they grow up and fall for someone else? Wouldn''t it be unfair to them? They deserve to choose their own life partners."


    Wen Ai scoffed, "I''m not making you my son''s godmother." She looked at Zhao Huan, "Sister Huan, you can be the godmother of my son. How is that?"


    "Petty!" was all that Su Xixi said.


    Zhao Huan didn''t want to come between these two best friends so she changed the topic saying, "I didn''t even know you both best friends are pregnant at the same time."


    "Not the same time," said Wen Ai. "I''m 8 months long. She is six. However, if you look at her, she looks like she is having it worse than me."


    Su Xixi didn''t even deny it as she said, "I''m truly having it worse than you. Your son is quite well-behaved. This devil inside of me is gonna be the death of me. I''m telling you, I''m never having another child."


    "It''s a daughter?" asked Zhao Huan and Su Xixi nodded in reply.


    "It''s a daughter and not a very good one."


    Zhao Huan chuckled softly, "It''s normal though. Not everyone''s pregnancies go smoothly." She took a pause and added, "Since both your kids are gonna be around the same age, they might become best friends like you two."


    Su Xixi smiled happily at that, "I''d love to see that."


    Wen Ai scowled, "I don''t want that."


    "Why not?" questioned Zhao Huan in confusion.


    "Sister Huan, our three generations had been best friends. Isn''t it about time that we move out of the best friend zone?"


    Zhao Huan frowned in confusion at Wen Ai''s words, "Three generations?"


    "My paternal grandmother and her grandfather had been best friends back in the day. Later on, our mothers also became the best of friends. And now, we are also best friends." Su Xixi elaborated it for Zhao Huan who was surprised to learn that.


    "Wow, you really have a deep history," said Zhao Huan.


    "That is why I don''t want this to continue," Wen Ai voiced out. "Why can''t our kids marry?" She looked at Su Xixi and asked, "What if one of them did fall in love with the other?"


    "I''d be the first one to drag that one away," replied Su Xixi. "If both don''t share the same feelings, it''s pointless." She looked at someone behind her and called out, "Oh Zizi, where are you coming from?"


    Xin Zimen waved at Su Xixi and placed the chocolate ice cream before his wife. "Happy now?"


    Wen Ai hurriedly opened the box and salivated, "Well, the choco ch.i.p.s are a little... Ah! Ah! Ah!" She glared at her best friend who was pinching her and shouted, "What?"


    "Complain again and I''m gonna smack your head right here!" Wen Ai pressed her lips together seeing Su Xixi''s anger. "He is your husband. Why are you still bullying him? Do you want me to call mom?"


    Wen Ai silently put a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth so that she didn''t have to speak now. Since she was raised by Su Xixi''s mother after her own parents'' death, she really respected her. And as for Su Xixi, she couldn''t possibly say anything to her either. Her temper was far worse than her own. Although they both were best friends, they had only one difference in their personalities. While Wen Ai took everything carefreely, Su Xixi was very cautious with everything.


    Su Xixi looked at Xin Zimen''s condition and said, "Zizi, you''re having it tough."


    Xin Zimen sat down and closed his eyes saying, "Then why don''t you stay for a couple of days? Your best friend can only be controlled by you."


    "Maybe I should," said Su Xixi, and Wen Ai was alarmed.


    "No, you can''t stay," Wen Ai hurriedly said. And when Su Xixi eyed her, she smiled awkwardly, "I mean to say that your husband would be lonely without you."


    "Maybe I should invite him to stay with us as well," suggested Xin Zimen on purpose.


    "That''s a good idea," even Su Xixi played along.


    Wen Ai looked at Su Xixi and said, "Best friend, we have spent 11 years in the same room. How about keeping our distance now?"


    Su Xixi pulled her cheek saying, "I''m not gonna stay. Relax! But stop bullying him. Look how tired he is."


    Wen Ai looked over at Xin Zimen and said, "He is still looking handsome to me."


    Su Xixi hit her head lightly, "You''re impossible!"


    Wen Ai rubbed her head saying, "Did I say something wrong though?" She puckered her lips, "You just need an excuse to hit me."


    Su Xixi smiled at her devilishly, "My dear friend, I don''t even need an excuse to hit you. I can just rightfully do it anytime and anywhere. You can''t do anything about that."


    Wen Ai grumbled under her breath feeling wronged for having a best friend like this. "I so wish your daughter doesn''t turn out to be like you."


    Xin Zimen suddenly ended up laughing with his eyes still closed, "Just imagine that if both your kids turned out to be like you too, rather than being best friends, they might fight like enemies all the time. It''d a sight to behold."


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 783 - Surprise Birthday

    *Flashback Continued*


    "Xiao Zi," Zhao Huan called out. "What''s your opinion regarding their argument? Do you want your son to marry Xixi''s daughter or just be a best friend?"


    He shrugged his shoulders in reply, "I''ll be happy as long as they are happy."


    "Ah-Xin, are you going against me?" questioned Wen Ai.


    "No, he is giving his unbiased opinion," answered Su Xixi for him.


    "By the way, Xixi, what are doing here? Did you come for a surprise visit?"


    Su Xixi facepalmed herself, "I almost forgot because of your wife''s nonsense. I''m here to give you both an invitation."


    "Invitation?" Xin Zimen opened his eyes and sat straight to look at her. "For what?"


    "For my best friend''s surprise birthday party," she replied.


    Wen Ai furrowed her brows, "I''m your best friend though."


    Su Xixi grinned, "Exactly!"


    Xin Zimen pressed his lips together as he saw them staring at each other and added, "Xixi, you and your best friend share the same birthday though. So, are you inviting us to your birthday or her birthday party?"


    "Both!" replied Su Xixi.


    "Wait," said Zhao Huan. She looked at Su Xixi and Wen Ai as she asked in surprise, "You both share the same birthday?"


    Wen Ai nodded her head in reply, "We were born on the same day. Only I was born in the morning, she came in the evening."


    Su Xixi snorted, "Our Ai was eager to come to the world that''s why she was born in the morning. After all, she had so many people to beat."


    "Are you making fun of me?"


    Su Xixi shook her head, "I''m being very honest. Don''t you remember? Mom even told us how you loved to kick everyone who held you in their arms."


    Xin Zimen laughed out loud, "That sure sounds like something my wife would do."


    Wen Ai was gonna say something to Su Xixi but stopped when she saw Xin Zimen laughing like that. Forget it! She''d just look over it this time around since this idiot best friend made her husband laugh even though it was at her own expense.


    "Jokes apart, every year we arrange the birthday party for each other but this time, I decided to just do it together." Su Xixi told Wen Ai. "Feifei is also coming. There won''t be many people."


    Wen Ai nodded, "Sister Huan, you should also come."


    Zhao Huan pressed her lips together in hesitation and Xin Zimen voiced out, "Sister-in-law, just come to the party. You''d be surprised to see what these two can do."


    "We can''t do anything, Zizi," said Su Xixi. "At least not in this condition."


    He stood up and said, "I have no trust in both of you. Anything can happen when you two are together. No, no. Anything is possible when any of you is around. But when both of are you around, then it becomes a whole different story of chaos."


    "We always have control of the chaos," argued Su Xixi.


    "Your husband would definitely disagree with that," said Xin Zimen and left them.


    Zhao Huan followed him out and called out, "Xiao Zi!"


    "Yes," Xin Zimen looked back at her.


    Zhao Huan hesitated a little before saying, "Your brother..."


    "Let''s not talk about him," said Xin Zimen.


    "If you talk to him, I believe that everything can be fixed," was Zhao Huan''s opinion.


    Xin Zimen looked at her face carefully before saying, "Sister-in-law, if we sat down to talk, a lot of things will change. Your husband will have to learn about everything that he had been kept away from. He had been given such a protected environment that he never realized that something was wrong around him."


    "And you want him to continue living in the deception?"


    "At least, he is living well," he replied. "I don''t know what Wen Ai said to you but please, don''t take it to heart. Whatever kind of relationship I or my brother have doesn''t matter at all. What matters is that we are both happy where we are."


    Zhao Huan was silent for a minute, "Do you really think that he can''t feel that something is wrong around him?"


    Xin Zimen smiled at her, "He is a smart person. Of course, he can see it. But the question is, whether he is ready to ruin what he has or not? I have nothing to lose because I never had anything, to begin with. He on the other hand has a lot he is scared to lose. And you just became a part of something he is scared to lose."


    While they were discussing, they were oblivious to the conversation between Wen Ai and Su Xixi. The playful aura about both of them was lost as soon as they were alone.


    "Xi, you have something for me?" asked Wen Ai. "You definitely didn''t come here for that birthday invitation. Even I know the birthday party is thrown by my godmother."


    Su Xixi gave her a small smile before taking out a stack of photos from her purse and passing it to Wen Ai. When Wen Ai looked at the photos before her, her eyes went wide in shock.


    "The whole clan has been wiped out within a night," told Su Xixi.


    "What?" Wen Ai blinked at the grotesque photos. "Who did it and why?"


    Su Xixi sighed out, "Mastermind: Xin Suyin. The motive for the crime: Love." Wen Ai stared at her best friend as the latter went on, "As always, it''s always for love."


    Wen Ai covered her mouth and didn''t speak for a long while, "No one survived?"


    "The one she desperately wanted dead actually survived," said Su Xixi. "I had people send her to the hospital. She was in a critical condition but her will to live was stronger. She managed to live." She took a brief pause and added, "You better keep your husband away from that psychopath. If she can go this far for love, you and I both know what she can do for revenge."


    Wen Ai closed her eyes and groaned, "I really don''t want to ruin her cute image that Ah-Xin seems to believe."


    Su Xixi patted her shoulder, "It''s about time you make him wake up from his dream."


    *End of Flashback*

 Chapter 784 - Get The Wrong Idea

    Xiu seemed to be so intently lost in listening to Zhao Huan, that it took her a moment to extract herself from the storytelling. And the first thing that came out of her mouth was, "Ying Jie, you almost got married to Li bro."


    Ying scowled at her, "From all that, you had to just pick up only one thing?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "If Li bro''s mother had been alive, she''d have definitely forced you two together."


    Ying scoffed at that, "Aunt Ai only wished for us to get married. She''d never force anyone." She took a brief pause and went on, "However, if she''d been alive, she wouldn''t have let Ah-Li get married to Meihui."


    Xiu nodded her head and said, "I didn''t know your mothers were not only best friends but also shared the same birthday."


    Ying smiled bitterly, "It''s because of that that my mom doesn''t celebrate her birthday anymore. She doesn''t even like anyone bringing that up."


    "She must be feeling lonely without her best friend," said Xiu sympathetically. "I can''t even imagine my life without Nora now. She is not just a best friend or a sister to me, she has become a part of me. A very important part."


    Ying hummed in response, "Maybe that''s why my mom turned into such a cold person as well. She lost her crime partner, so she is always away from this country which reminds her of her best friend."


    "But she left you behind," said Xiu.


    "She did not."


    Xiu heard the voice and looked towards the door. It had been days since she last saw Xiao Li and right now, he looked very different for some reason.


    "Ying is the one who decided to stay behind when her parents moved," told Xiao Li as he walked over.


    "I was worried, you''d miss me," said Ying that earned her a snort from Xiao Li making her grumble under her breath.


    At this point, Xiu didn''t even need anyone to tell her why Ying had made that decision back then. And it gave her a very complex feeling.


    "Li bro," Xiu called out. "I just heard you''re almost named squishy. Hahaha. That''s so funny."


    Xiao Li''s lips twitched as he said, "Thanks for reminding me of that."


    "Oh, you knew?" asked Xiu with a bit of surprise.


    He nodded in reply, "Mom even used to call me that." He sighed out, "That''s why I hope you don''t randomly give your kid a name. It''s gonna get stuck with them for life."


    Xiu pouted at him, "I wasn''t going to." She looked at Darren as she asked, "Right?" But seeing how Darren''s eyes were closed, she frowned, "When did he fall asleep?" Thinking that he must be tired, she lowered her voice and said, "Li bro, why did you come so late to see me?"


    "Because I didn''t want to disturb you," he replied. Then he looked at Ying and said, "You also go back to your room to rest. Stop disturbing her."


    "Why should I?" retorted Ying. "I''m not disturbing her. I''m here to cheer her up."


    "Your face is even depressing," said Xiao Li.


    Ying cursed at him as she gnashed her teeth and said, "And what about you? You''re depressing everywhere!"


    Xiu held Zhao Huan''s hand and said, "Now that I see that I''m glad these two didn''t get married. It would have been a disaster."


    "They both are walking disasters," was Zhao Huan''s reply. She caressed Xiu''s hair and said, "You should also have some rest now. I''ll come to see you in the evening."


    Xiu nodded her head in reply.


    Zhao Huan addressed both Xiao Li and Ying, "Both of you should also leave now."


    "But I just got here," said Xiao Li.


    "You can come to see her later in the evening."


    Xiao Li sighed out, "But I might not be here in the evening."


    "Where are you going?" questioned Ying before Xiu could ask that.


    "I don''t feel obligated to tell you that," retorted Xiao Li. Then he walked to Xiu''s side and touched her head saying, "Take lots of rest. I''ll try to be back in the evening."


    "You should also take care of yourself," replied Xiu and he smiled at her while giving her a reassuring look.


    Xiu closed her eyes to rest when the three of them left the room.


    Outside the room, Ying looked suspiciously at Xiao Li as she asked in a low voice, "Where are you going?"


    "I already said I''m not answering you," replied Xiao Li.


    "If you say it like that, I might resort to following you like a shadow."


    Xiao Li looked at her and said, "I''m going with dad wherever I''m going. Do you still dare to follow me?"


    Ying''s eyebrows furrowed up, "Why would you go anywhere with Ah-Xin?"


    "He is my father, why can''t I go anywhere with him?"


    Ying shook her head, "No, it doesn''t make sense. Now, I''m even more suspicious of what you''re up to."


    Xiao Li poked her forehead saying, "Stay suspicious. I can''t help you with that." He turned to leave but stopped after a couple of steps. He looked back at her and added, "Go back to your room. If you can''t walk, don''t go hopping around. Are you planning on making it worse? I have enough on my plate right now. Don''t add more."


    Ying squinted her eyes at him, "Are you worried about me right now? That''s no way to show your concern. Be a little nicer!"


    "When I''m nicer, you get the wrong idea."


    Ying snorted, "I''m still getting the wrong idea!"


    Xiao Li exhaled a long breath and silently turned back to leave. It was really no use to show some concern for her. She''d never be happy with it. She just had to mess up with him.


    As he descended the stairs, he was met with his father who had been waiting there, "When are we leaving?"


    "Now," he replied and walked out of the house with Xin Zimen behind him.

 Chapter 785 - Bring Him

    After a long drive of three hours, both father and son arrived at a palace. It was literally like a palace. Since the Wen Clan were known as the royal descendants, even their family house was passed down from generations that looked like a big palace.


    Standing before this familiar and yet unfamiliar place, Xin Zimen turned his head to look at his son. Xiao Li could feel his father''s gaze but he chose to avoid it. There was really no need for his father to know what had he been up to.


    "Don''t just stand there, day," with those words he made a run for his life and created a bit of a distance between himself and his father. He knew if he stood closer, his father would definitely end up beating him right here.


    He wouldn''t even care about rows of people gathered around with their head bowed slightly showing their respect towards their master.


    Xin Zimen currently had too many questions for this son of his but he didn''t want to question him before all these people around them. He only looked at Xin Kuan who had followed him and asked, "Must be nostalgic for you, Brother Kuan." Xin Kuan gave him a questioning look. "You grew up here, didn''t you?"


    Xin Kuan took a moment to look around and nodded, "It brings back a lot of memories indeed."


    "You knew what my son had been up to?" he inquired in a stern voice.


    "I only knew that Wen Ai left her emblem of power with Xiao Li. Since I had been assigned to stay beside you, I never probed into the Wen Clan''s matters."


    Xin Zimen''s hands clenched tightly, "Why would she leave such a dangerous thing in our son''s hands?"


    Xin Kuan had a thoughtful look as he replied, "Because being surrounded by this danger was the only way for her to protect her sons." He gave Xin Zimen a look and went on, "Just because we don''t talk about it, doesn''t mean Xiao Li or Xiao Si had always been out of danger."


    Xin Zimen stayed quiet in reply. He knew why Wen Ai would pass on her Xiao Li. Technically, he was the rightful heir since he was Wen Ai''s eldest son. He just always wanted to keep his sons away from dangers.


    In front of him, Xiao Li stopped before a door and the men standing guard outside greeted him.


    "What''s the situation?" inquired Xiao Li.


    "She likes to scream," said one of the subordinates. "We had to tape her mouth. Apart from that, we didn''t hurt her at all." The subordinates looked behind him and immediately bowed their head humbly before Xin Zimen, "Master Zimen!"


    "Open the door," said Xiao Li.


    The door was opened for them.


    Xiao Li looked at his father and said, "Dad, why don''t you stay behind?"


    "Why?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "I mean, I''ll do the talking part. You can just watch from the side room?" suggested Xiao Li.


    Xin Zimen took a while to nod and stepped towards the side room. Xiao Li heaved a sigh of relief and entered the room. In the room, a frail look figure was huddled up in a corner.


    Hearing the sound of the door opening, the girl lifted her head from her knees and looked up. Seeing Xiao Li standing before her eyes, her eyes widened. Her hands were tied behind her, there was tape over her lips restricting her voice. Tears had stained her face and fear was very clear in those eyes of hers.


    And seeing Xiao Li, her fear didn''t diminish. It intensified to the point that she started shuddering uncontrollably. Seeing her like this, Xiao Li''s eyes didn''t show any emotion. His face was still as cold as before. In fact, right now, he looked very angry but was trying hard to restrain himself.


    As he walked closer to her, the girl wished to just merge into the wall behind her. However, she calmed herself down to meet his eyes when he crouched down before her to look at her face.


    Just as he lifted his hand, she closed her eyes as if afraid that he was gonna hit her. But instead, he pulled the tape off her lips.


    "Li Ge," she called out in a frail and pitiful voice. "Did... Are you the one who kidnapped me?" Her voice was shaking as she stuttered out her question. Even though the answer was obvious before her eyes. And Xiao Li didn''t even deny it as he nodded his head. "W-Why? Why would you do this? I''m your cousin. How can you treat me like this?"


    Xiao Li''s sneered, "Don''t you already know why you''re here?"


    She shook her head repeatedly, "I don''t. I don''t know anything. I don''t know why you''re doing this to me. I was just here for your wedding. And I was supposed to leave last night. But then your men kidnapped me on my way to the airport. Tell me why you''re doing this to me?"


    Xiao Li looked at her face for a while before he lowered his voice and asked, "Liu Nuan, I''m gonna ask again. Do you really not know why you''re here? Or why I''m treating you like this?"


    "How would I know?" she shot back. In the moment of despair, she had to hold onto all her strength. So, her voice got louder and harsher. "Is it because I stood beside Meihui? How can you hold that against me? She is my best friend, no matter if she right or wrong, I have to stay by her side."


    "I always thought of you as a spoiled girl. But it wasn''t your fault, since you''re an only child everyone did spoil you that made you become arrogant. However, I never thought you''d be vicious as well."


    Liu Nuan''s heart shook violently, "What are you trying to say?"


    Xiao Li stood up and called out, "Bring him inside."


    As soon as a badly beaten man was dragged inside the room, Liu Nuan''s face lost all color.

 Chapter 786 - Stop Deluding Yourself

    Looking at the sorry figure of the man before her eyes, Liu Nuan''s suspicion turned to reality. This time, she had no doubt that she was finished. However, she didn''t plan on going down just like that!


    "You know him?" questioned Xiao Li with no emotion in his voice.


    "I don''t," Liu Nuan denied it outright. "Who is he?"


    Xiao Li pinched her chin and looked into her eyes, "So you don''t know who he is?"


    She didn''t back off, "I don''t know. Why are you asking me? How would I know him?"


    "So you''re not the one who hired the mercenaries through this man?" Xiao Li''s voice was chilly, now tinged with a furious undertone. "To kill Xiu."


    Liu Nuan was scared out of her wits but she didn''t accept defeat. She knew if she did, it''d be the end of her.


    "W-Why would I hire someone to kill Xiu?" she retorted. "Don''t try to blame me for something I didn''t do. The attack on Xiu has nothing to do with me."


    Xiao Li glared at her, "If you didn''t do it, how do you know Xiu had been attacked? I don''t remember making the news public. The only people who know about the attack had been the ones close to Xiu. And you certainly don''t make that list."


    Liu Nuan frantically tried to look for excuses, "You! You said it yourself that someone hired mercenaries to kill her. How else would I know? Don''t try to turn me into the culprit."


    Xiao Li let her chin go and nodded his head. He turned to the man who was brought in and asked him, "You also don''t recognize her?" The man had been tortured badly and had no way to lie. So, he nodded his head. "Is she the one who ordered you?"


    The man looked at Liu Nuan who was glaring at him dangerously but he was more scared of the people who brought him here. If he knew that the person they were attacking had something to do with the Wen Clan, even if he was given the fortune of the world, he''d have not taken this mission. Who didn''t know about the Wen Clan''s ruthlessness?


    "She... She is the one who ordered me," he didn''t even take a minute before revealing everything. "Please, kill me. I beg you. I''ve told you what you wanted, so let me die now." The man was smart enough to know that asking for freedom was useless. Asking for a silent death was the greatest mercy he could receive from bloodthirsty demons of this Clan.


    "Shut him up!" said Xiao Li as he heard the man''s wailing. His subordinates immediately struck the back of the man''s neck with the side of his palm and made him unconscious. Only then did Xiao Li turned back to Liu Nuan as he asked, "What do you have to say now?"


    "You''re trying to frame me!" she shouted. "I didn''t do anything at all! You''re just trying to frame me! It''s all your doing! Just because I sided with Meihui, you''re taking revenge on me like this! I never did anything wrong!"


    He pinched the bridge of his nose between his brows as he felt annoyed to the extreme now. Pulling out the recorder, he played it for her.


    After it stopped playing, he went on, "Can you deny this?"


    "It''s not my voice." Obviously, he thought wrong because she really planned on denying it to the end.


    "What about your phone records?"


    "I lost my phone. I don''t know anything about it."


    Xiao Li stepped closer to her as he said, "Do you really think I don''t dare to hurt you? I have more than one way to make you open that mouth of yours. You''re clearly underestimating me right now."


    "You can''t hurt me," she retorted. "My... My mom will be looking for me right now. And my husband as well. You won''t be able to touch me. If I held on for a while, they''ll find me."


    "But no one even cares about you though," Xiao Li didn''t plan on being nice. He struck her right where it hurt her. "Neither your mom nor your husband even has a clue that you''ve gone missing. Why? Because they don''t care about you." He took a pause and sneered, "Your husband and you had been only married on the papers. He had long severed his ties with you. As for your mom, do you think I''m blind? I can''t tell that she had been keeping her distance from you? No matter what her reasons are, she definitely doesn''t give a damn about your life or death. Or else, how would your husband had been so audacious all this while to treat you like this?"


    Liu Nuan crawled back in the corner and hid her face in her knees. As if trying to hide from the reality he spoke of. She couldn''t deny any of it. And the more she heard, it hurt her. The truth was clear, neither his mom loved her nor did her husband loved her.


    "Just because you don''t wanna hear it, it won''t change the truth. How long do you think you can hide from it?"


    Liu Nuan kept shaking her body as she kept repeating to herself, "Mom loves me. Jinhai loves me. Mom loves me. Jinhai loves me. Mom loves me. Jinhai loves me. Mom loves me. Jinhai loves me."


    Xiao Li held her shoulders and shook her, "Wake up! They don''t love you! Stop deluding yourself!"


    Liu Nuan''s whole body spasmed at his words as she started shouting and her tears fell uncontrollably. She was experiencing a splitting headache right now. His words were hurting her. No, they were stabbing her heart making her bleed. But no one cared! No one cared!


    She hit her head against his head to escape from his grasp before she started hitting her head against the wall. The people around hurriedly held her back while she kept screaming before she fell unconscious.

 Chapter 787 - Crawled Out Of Her Grave

    Seeing this Xiao Li''s headache worsened and so did his anger. And noticing how he was emitting a dark aura, everyone around him took a step back.


    Xiao Li clenched his jaw and closed his eyes. He took three deep breaths before he opened his eyes again. As if nothing happened, he said, "Wake her up. I don''t have time for her tantrums."


    "Yes, Master!"


    Xiao Li left the room and was met with his father''s inquisitive gaze. Being under his father''s scrutinizing eyes was never a good experience.


    "What nonsense were you talking about?" asked Xin Zimen with a perplexed look in his eyes.


    "I didn''t talk any nonsense," replied Xiao Li and turned to someone. "Prepare tea for my dad."


    That person replied politely, "The tea is already served, Master Li. This way..."


    Xiao Li nodded his head and followed that person. He knew his father would eventually follow him as well so he didn''t say anything to him. Indeed, Xin Zimen silently followed him and came to a sitting area.


    Seeing how Xiao Li just sat down languidly without giving him the real answer, Xin Zimen was irked but he wasn''t an impatient person either. He masked his emotions and sat down. Taking a cup of tea, he even took a sip, feeling relaxed.


    "I know you want her to confess but don''t play with her emotions," said Xin Zimen. Xiao Li lifted his eyes to look at his father. "At this rate, she might have a mental breakdown."


    Xiao Li chuckled at his father''s words, "Dad, do you think I was lying to her?" Xin Zimen frowned slightly at his expressions. "I''d never lie about such a thing. When I said Jinhai and Aunt Suyin doesn''t love her, I was speaking the absolute truth."


    Xin Zimen straightened up, "What do you mean?" He was really confused now. "I know I have been staying away from any news regarding the Xin family, but I can''t be that oblivious. Haven''t Jinhai and Nuan loved each other since they were young?"


    Xin Xiaoli snorted, "No, they didn''t. Because of that stupid verbal engagement between them, she ended up forcing him to marry her. Even when he had been in love with someone else." He took a pause and went on, "As for Aunt Suyin, I haven''t been able to figure out what''s going on with her."


    "What do you mean?"


    Xiao Li leaned his head back as he went on, "Aunt Suyin went to extreme limits to make sure Nuan gets what she wants in her life. It had always been like that. But lately, she had become distant from Liu Nuan. Almost like a stranger." He shook his head and rephrased, "No, it''s right to say that Aunt Suyin treats Liu Nuan like a villain. She is so hostile whenever she looks at her own daughter. And just now, Liu Nuan confirmed my conjectures. Something did happen between this pair of mother-daughter. But the question is what?"


    Xin Zimen fell into deep thought. He really wasn''t familiar with the fact that something was wrong between Xin Suyin and Liu Nuan. Well, he had never been close to Liu Nuan and he had kept only kept his pretense of cordiality with Xin Suyin for years now.


    "If what Young Master is saying is right," began Xin Kuan who had been listening silently at a side. "How bad it has to be to make a mother and daughter''s relationship to end up like this? From what I gathered earlier, Liu Nuan is yearning for her mother''s love."


    Xiao Li''s eyes flashed with an unknown emotion as he said, "That''s what I''ve been trying to figure out. After all, she is a mother who even pushed someone to death for her own daughter''s happiness. Why would she suddenly turn against her own daughter then?"


    "Pushed someone to death?" repeated Xin Zimen in a stern voice. "Did she kill someone again? Who did she kill?" He was still not over the fact that the sister he used to love so dearly had actually made it rain blood just for her own selfish causes. But she still didn''t change?


    Xiao Li looked at his father for a long while in silence before he told him, "Her name was Chen Xiu."


    Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed tightly, "Why does that name so familiar?"


    Xiao Li didn''t focus on what he said as he continued, "She was the one Jinhai was in love with. She was the one Regan loved as well. To this day, both of them have an unrecoverable relationship because one gave her up to see her smile and the other couldn''t even protect that smile of hers. Neither could he protect her."


    "Why do you know so much about her?" inquired Xin Zimen. "And why does it concern us? Especially in this situation?"


    Xiao Li placed his hands behind his head as he said, "She had been the one trigger that turned Liu Nuan''s perfect world upside down. Her hatred for Chen Xiu is beyond your imagination."


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "Xiao Li, I''m asking you something! How does that have anything to do with what''s happening here? The person she tried to kill is Bai Xiu! Although they share the same name, they are a different person!"


    "Right..." Xiao Li mumbled. "They are different persons than why? Why?" He kept repeating it feeling uneasy.


    "You''re still hiding something from me?" asked Xin Zimen. He could see how bothered his son looked right now.


    Xiao Li took a moment before he put out another recorder before his father. Xin Zimen took it with a frown and pressed the play button.


    "What do you mean you couldn''t kill her?" Liu Nuan''s shrieking voice rang out. "How is she so bloody lucky? When people die they should stay dead! Why did she have to crawl back out of her grave? No, I can''t let her live. She can''t live! I won''t allow it! You have to die! You have to die, Chen Xiu! I''ll send you right back where you crawled out from!!"

 Chapter 788 - Hatred Needs No Reason

    The room instantly engulfed in such a dense silence that one could hear the ticking of the clock on the wall. Xin Zimen didn''t know what to think of this situation. Did he hear it wrong? If he didn''t hear wrong, why it sounded so wrong?


    He opened his mouth several times to say something but no sound managed to come out. He was truly at a loss for words right now.


    "I think she misspoke," said Xin Zimen finally with a nod. Whether he was telling it to Xiao Li or to himself was uncertain. But it sounded like he was convincing himself though. Or at least was trying to.


    "There is another possibility," Xin Kuan also voiced out attracting the attention of both father and son. "We all have seen her mental state just now. It''s very possible that her hatred for Chen Xiu incited her to act against Bai Xiu. Because she confused both of them."


    "Uncle Kuan," Xiao Li spoke. "Didn''t she sound too confident for someone who was just going through a confusing phase?"


    Before Xin Kuan could reply, Xin Zimen had to say it, "So what are you suggesting? Our Xiu is really Chen Xiu?" He gave his son a look. "Are we writing a script right now? Are you really believing in something bizarre like..." Xin Zimen took a moment to add, "Rebirth."


    Xiao Li lowered his eyes but didn''t reply. However, in his heart, he knew how much he wanted that bizarreness to turn into the truth right now. This was the first time he had such a thought and once it came to his mind, he wasn''t able to remove it.


    He took a deep breath and stood up saying, "I don''t whether I''m willing to believe in that bizarreness but I certainly refuse to believe that Liu Nuan tried to kill Xiu only because she confused our Xiu with Chen Xiu. So, I need her to open her mouth and tell me the truth herself."


    "She doesn''t seem very inclined on talking though," said Xin Kuan. "Although she had always looked weak to me, she is turning out to be quite a trouble."


    "It''s the weak people one should be more cautious about," replied Xiao Li. He looked at the men behind him and asked, "Did you wake her up?"


    "Yes, Master Li!"


    Xin Xiaoli cracked his knuckles and said, "Then let''s get some answers."


    Before he took another step, his arm was held by his father. He turned his head to give his father an inquisitive look. "Don''t use force."


    "Dad!" Xiao Li called out in surprise. "She killed 20 of your men. You don''t even want me to use force on her!"


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "Don''t get me wrong, son. That''s not what I meant. I only said don''t use force because I don''t want you to forget how I raised you. Besides, there are more than one ways to break someone fragile like Liu Nuan."


    Xiao Li sighed out, "Fine. I won''t touch her. It''s not like I was gonna do it myself anyway."


    Walking him leave, Xin Zimen was lost in his own thoughts as he muttered, "The shell belongs to someone else, the soul belongs to another. Does it make sense?" He looked at Xin Kuan in question.


    Xin Kuan stayed quiet for a long while before he said, "It makes sense." Xin Zimen''s whole body stiffened when he heard that reply. "There is a famous saying in Wen Clan when nothing makes sense, that''s the only thing that makes sense."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes, "That saying also made no sense to me!"


    Meanwhile, Xiao Li entered back the room to see Liu Nuan. This time, she was tied to the chair to restrict her movements. So, that even if she loses her mind, she doesn''t try to hurt herself.


    Xiao Li took another chair and sat right in front of her. He looked at her face. She didn''t have that deranged look in her eyes now that was there before she fell unconscious. Xiao Li didn''t rush it as he continued to stare at her in silence.


    After an unknown amount of time passed, Liu Nuan slowly lifted her eyes to look back at Xiao Li.


    "I am the one who tried to kill her, happy?"


    Xiao Li narrowed his eyes at her and said, "I already know that. I wasn''t looking for your confirmation."


    "Oh, then why are we here?" she questioned.


    "Why did you do it?" he asked. "If I''m not wrong, you only met Xiu about two or three times, and that too just in passing. You never had a long interaction. So, what''s with this hostility towards her? It doesn''t make sense."


    "I just hate her," replied Liu Nuan.


    "Why?"


    "I just do," she said. "Do I need a reason to hate someone?"


    Xiao Li continued to observe her expressions and to be honest, he didn''t think she was lying right now. She indeed hated Xiu but the question in his mind was still the same; why? Why would she hate someone she barely knew?


    But he knew if he insisted on asking this, she would dodge it even more. He had to use some other tactic to get to her.


    "If you don''t want to give me a reason, it''s alright," said Xiao Li that even surprised Liu Nuan a little. "I''m gonna ask you something else then." She looked at him wondering what was he up to. "Why are you scared of Aunt Suyin? She is your mother, then why do you seem to be afraid of her?"


    Just hearing the name of her mother, Liu Nuan lost her earlier calmness. Her whole body shuddered in fear. She was scared of her mother. She couldn''t deny it. Once upon a time, she loved her mother, now she only had fear in her heart. She couldn''t forget the hostility and killing intent in her mother''s eyes that kept her awake for several nights.

 Chapter 789 - Lets Not Force it

    Xin Xiaoli didn''t even need to observe her carefully to feel her fear. It was too obvious and Liu Nuan wasn''t even trying to hide it right now. Lately, whenever she met her mother, her fear only intensified. And now it reached a new limit after what she learned at Meihui''s wedding. Only now she understood why her mother had come to hate her so much.


    Only now she knew what made her mother hate her so much. Only now she understood why her mother tried to strangle her. Her hatred and hostility and the killing intent only made sense now to her. Everything made sense and yet nothing made sense at all to her right now.


    "Liu Nuan..." he called out seeing her lost in her own thoughts. "You don''t have an answer or you don''t want to answer me?"


    "I don''t have an answer for you," she replied.


    "I think you do," he reported. "But I''m wondering why you''re so scared to give me an answer?" He took a pause before saying, "Do you think if you won''t say a word, I won''t learn anything?"


    Liu Nuan looked up at him, "Go ahead. If you can find out, do it. Because I''m not gonna give you an answer."


    Xiao Li sneered at her, "Since you''re challenging me, I''ll make sure to get my answers from you!"


    He stood up and walked out leaving her baffled.


    "Master Li, why didn''t you continue?" asked one of his subordinates. "We have a lot of ways to make her talk."


    "Keep her locked up and make sure she stays awake," said Xiao Li making the subordinate beside him raise his brows at him. Xiao Li gave his men a look, "We don''t have to be so impatient. It''s not like she can keep her lips sealed before you all for long." He looked at the woman who had been silently at a side, "I don''t need to tell her how to make her talk."


    A smirk appeared on that woman''s lips as she bowed her head, "Master doesn''t need to worry. Girls like her are too easy to break."


    "Then make sure she doesn''t take long," instructed Xiao Li.


    Xin Zimen was surprised to see that his son was just leaving like that, "You won''t ask anymore?"


    "You said to not use force," replied Xiao Li.


    Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed up, "Son, I didn''t tell you just leave like this as well."


    Xiao Li turned to his father and said, "You might have not noticed it but if I pushed her right now, it might be counterproductive for us. She seemed very fragile right now. I don''t want to break her. I just want her to tell me what I need to know." He took a brief pause, "Although I can try to learn everything from external sources, I won''t be able to understand everything unless I hear it from her perspective."


    "How long?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    "Don''t worry, it will take only two days at most," said Xiao Li with certainty.


    "And if during that time, people figured out her absence?"


    Xiao Li sighed out, "Dad, I was lying when I said no one cares about her absence. The only person who could have looked for her is her father but he isn''t in the country for a while now. There is no one else who would look for her. Especially, Aunt Suyin."


    Seeing his son''s look, Xin Zimen didn''t question him. He felt someone patting his shoulder and looked up at his son inquisitively.


    "Dad, you should prepare yourself mentally," said Xiao Li.


    "What do you mean?" inquired Xin Zimen.


    "I mean to say that..." he looked for the right words before saying, "The answers we are looking for might really change a lot of things in our life."


    "Since meeting your mother, I had come to accept any kind of change life had to offer," replied Xin Zimen making Xiao Li smile slightly.


    "Let''s go home," said Xiao Li.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''s-not-force-it_51046099804280274 for visiting.


    "We are not going to wait here?" asked Xin Zimen.


    Xiao Li gave his father a look, "You don''t want to have dinner with your little lass?" Xin Zimen was frozen still at that question. "When I told Xiu that I might not be home for dinner, she looked sad about it." While saying that he continued to observe his father''s expressions. "I think she wanted to have dinner with us. So, I was thinking of giving her a surprise."


    Xin Zimen patted his back saying, "What are you waiting for then? Let''s hurry up!"


    Xiao Li chuckled silently as he saw his father rushing up towards the car to leave now. It was amusing to see how easy it was to convince his father using Xiu''s name.


    As they got inside the car, Xin Zimen especially instructed the driver, "Drive faster. I need to be home before dinner time."


    "Yes, Sir!" replied the driver and focused on driving according to the instructions he received.


    "Dad, why are you always so eager to see Xiu?"


    Xin Zimen was looking out the window when he heard his son''s question. He stopped for a minute before saying, "I don''t know. Maybe because she is so lovable that I can''t help it."


    "Lovable?" repeated Xiao Li. "Then how come everyone is trying to hurt her lately?"


    "I don''t know," answered Xin Zimen with a sigh. "At this point, I really think I should start believing in the rumored curse."


    "What curse?" asked Xiao Li.


    "There is a stupid rumor in our family," said Xin Zimen. "It says that every daughter in the Xin Family is bound to die."


    "Aunt Suyin is alive though," reminded Xiao Li with a frown.


    Xin Zimen nodded his head, "That''s why I never believed in that nonsense." He took a pause before adding, "But your mother believed in that nonsense."


    Xiao Li was surprised to hear that. How come his realistic mother would believe in a thing called a curse? It didn''t make sense.


    "Or rather than saying that she believed in the curse, she believed someone was trying to take advantage of that curse to do his own dirty deeds."


    Now, that was something Xiao Li was more willing to believe.

 Chapter 790 - Not Your Job

    Since the time Zhao Huan had come back after spending time with Xiu, her husband could tell that she looked distracted. As if something had been bothering her. But he couldn''t tell what could possibly be the reason behind it.


    "Huanhuan," he called out to her when he was preparing the dinner for Xiu. As he had said, he was planning on taking care of Xiu''s meals all on his own. He thought this was the least he could do to get close to his daughter.


    "Hm?" Zhao Huan hummed in reply, distractedly.


    "What''s on your mind?" he didn''t try to go around the real matter. He just asked straightforwardly.


    "Nothing," she replied. "Ah!"


    He turned out at her cry of pain and looked at her hand. While cutting the carrots, she cut her finger with the knife. He hurriedly held her hand and turned on the faucet before putting her hand under the cold water.


    "Are you still gonna say nothing''s on your mind?" His voice had a sharp edge to it. And he very rarely spoke to his wife in this voice.


    Zhao Huan looked at his worried face and smiled gently, "It''s just a simple cut. It can happen to anyone."


    "Yeah. It can happen to anyone," he said as he looked carefully at the tiny cut on her finger. It was really small and he knew he was overreacting but he couldn''t help it. Since the time he had almost lost her, he had become even more scared of seeing her getting hurt. He really couldn''t do anything about this fear. Looking into her eyes, he went on, "But you don''t have to be a part of that ''anyone.''"


    "Fine, I''ll be more careful," she replied.


    But he didn''t listen. After putting a bandaid on her finger, he pushed her out of the kitchen saying, "Stay out of here."


    Zhao Huan resisted, "Min, I can''t do that. Since you''re cooking for Xiu, I want to cook for the other people. There are other people in this house, you know."


    "I know that," he replied. "But we also have the kitchen staff to help prepare their meals. You don''t have to do it yourself!" Before she could argue, he put his finger on her lips and went on, "I''ll let you do whatever you want but you have to tell me what''s on your mind right now." Zhao Huan pursed her lips. "I was expecting to see you happy after getting to spend time with our daughter. Then why do you look so down instead?"


    Zhao Huan took his hand in her own, "Don''t get me wrong, I was truly happy to spend time with her. She is such an interesting person to be around. Unlike you and me, she loves to talk." Her eyes had a soft gentle touch as she went on, "And to be honest, I love to listen to her. Now, I can understand how she managed to charm so many people with her personality."


    Xin Zemin was happy to hear that. "Then what''s wrong?"


    She hesitated a little before saying, "While we were talking, somehow we got to talk about Wen Ai."


    Xin Zemin''s brows raised, "Are you upset with her?"


    "Why would I be?" she retorted.


    "Since she hid our daughter from us," he replied.


    Zhao Huan shook her head in reply, "I''m truly not upset about that. Even if she isn''t around to tell me why she did it, I still trust her. She was a selfish person but only when she wanted to protect something or someone." She took a pause and continued, "I do feel a little bad that I didn''t get to spend time with my daughter. But I''m more grateful towards her." She looked at her husband, "We wouldn''t have had a daughter if it wasn''t for her. And even if we were able to raise her, can you guarantee that she''d have safely grown up?"


    Xin Zemin had no answer to that question.


    Zhao Huan gave a bitter smile as she said, "Back then, Wen Ai used to say, Sister Huan you''re very naive. And surprisingly your husband is also very gullible." Xin Zemin furrowed his brows. "I didn''t use to take her seriously. But I should have." She sighed out, "Looking back, I wonder if I had taken her words seriously would anything have been different? She warned me repeatedly to be careful of everyone around me. To not trust anyone."


    "What did she say to you?" questioned Xin Zemin.


    Zhao Huan recalled...


    *Flashback*


    When Zhao Huan received her pregnancy report, she was over the moon. Her previous sadness completely vanished as her excitement could be seen on her face clearly.


    The only person beside her was Wen Ai who could feel her excitement. However, seeing her happiness, Wen Ai was only feeling apprehensive. This was Zhao Huan''s thrid pregnancy, no one was more clear about what happened the first two times than Wen Ai.


    That is why, she dragged Zhao Huan with her out of the hospital. Zhao Huan was taken aback as she asked, "What are you doing? Ai! Where are you taking me?"


    "I''m taking you to my home," was the only reply Wen Ai gave her.


    "Why would I go to your house?" questioned Zhao Huan.


    Wen Ai stopped to look back at her, "Obviously because I have to protect you and your child. You have to stay in my sight so that I can do my job properly."


    Zhao Huan tried to make her let go of her wrist as she said, "Protecting me isn''t your job. And besides, do I even need to be protected? It''s not like I have enemies trying to kill me at every corner."


    Wen Ai gave her a look, "Have you forgotten what happened the last two times?" Seeing how Zhao Huan''s face paled at the reminder, Wen Ai groaned, "I''m sorry. I don''t want to poke at your wounds but you''re not listening to me right now. Can''t you take the last two times as an example and believe in me?"


    "You were there when the doctor said that the last two miscarriages were because of my own carelessness. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I just have to be extra careful this time around. There is nothing else to worry about."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/not-your-job_%!d(string=51066778998064234) for visiting.


    Wen Ai groaned in exasperation as she said, "Sister Huan! Let''s just say that I''m being paranoid. Can''t you just listen to me? It''s not like I''m asking you spend a lifetime with me. Just until your delivery."


    Zhao Huan patted her hands saying, "I know you''re worried about me. I can understand that. But as a daughter-in-law and as a wife, I can''t just walk away from my responsibilities."


    "You really trust my words, eh?" said Wen Ai. "I can''t even blame you for that."


    Zhao Huan touched her head saying, "I do trust you. You''re just like Weiwei to me. So, I really trust you." She sighed out, "Even if my life is in danger, I can''t bring that danger to you. I''m the older one here, why would I ask you to carry my burden."


    "Because I can do it," replied Wen Ai.


    Zhao Huan didn''t listen to her as she insisted, "Ai, go back home and take care of your own family. You don''t have to care about everyone around you. It''s really not your responsibility."


    *End of Flashback*


    "When I lost our child for the third time, I thought she''d tell me, ''I told you so.'' But she didn''t do it," said Zhao Huan. "Although the third miscarriage had a culprit, she insisted that first two weren''t accidents either."


    Xin Zemin closed his eyes as she said, "You should have taken her warning seriously."


    Zhao Huan scoffed, "How could I? She wanted me to be beware of my mother-in-law and Suyin." Xin Zemin opened his eyes and looked at her. Zhao Huan nodded, "She did repeat herself a hundred time. Every single time, she asked me to be careful of them both. I couldn''t doubt both of them back then. My mother taught me to never doubt family. But when Weiwei did that..." Her voice faltered here. "I started doubting everyone. I didn''t even want to trust Wen Ai."


    Xin Zemin didn''t need an explanation for that. He remembered her condition from back then. If it wasn''t for her condition, why else would he have been so tempted by Wen Ai''s offer? He just wanted to bring happiness back into his wife''s life. Even if he had to keep a secret from her, he was willing to do it.


    "Maybe that''s why she reached out to me instead of you," said Xin Zemin. "It was really not her job and yet she wanted to bring happiness to everyone."


    Zhao Huan looked sad as she said, "Maybe that''s why I''m so bothered now. I''d have never expected Wen Ai to go that far. She even lost her own daughter just because she wanted to save ours. And I couldn''t even trust her completely."

 Chapter 791 - Sponge Bath

    "Regan!"


    "Hm?"


    "Don''t you think something suspicious is happening around here?"


    Darren eyed his wife who seemed to be analyzing the situation.


    "How?" he asked.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "That I don''t know. I just feel like something big is happening and only I don''t know about it."


    "Stop being paranoid," said Darren.


    Xiu pressed her lips together tightly and nodded her head in reply, "If you''re telling me to stop being suspicious, I''ll stop doing it gladly." She stared into space blankly as she said, "Hospital beds makes me think of all sorts of things."


    "I think you usually think about all sorts of things," said Darren.


    "That''s also true," she agreed. She spent another moment in silence before asking, "Regan, aren''t you feeling uncomfortable?"


    Darren looked at her doubtfully as he replied, "I am."


    Xiu grinned at him devilishly, "How about I give you a sponge bath?"


    Darren felt like something got stuck in his throat. He was right. Sitting here all sorts of things were running through her mind. "No thanks."


    "Huh? Why not?"


    "I don''t think you have any good intentions," he replied straightforwardly.


    "I obviously don''t have any good intentions," she agreed without hesitation. "With a beauty like you before my eyes, who can possibly have good intentions?"


    "What are you up to?" he raised his brow at her.


    "I''m gonna take advantage of you," she winked at him playfully making him cough.


    "Sweets, you''re my wife. Why do you sound like a seductress?"


    Xiu gave him a toothy grin, "It''s because you''re my husband that I am rightfully gonna take advantage of you."


    "Sweets, please stop it!"


    "Okay!" she replied rather reluctantly.


    She looked at the person who rushed inside their room and smiled brightly, "Ah-Xin! I thought you''re not coming home tonight."


    "Did you both have your dinner?" was the very first thing that came out of Xin Zimen''s mouth. He had even made his driver go over the speed limit just to arrive sooner.


    "Not yet," replied Xiu and he heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Let''s have dinner together then," said Xin Zimen.


    Xiu nodded her head repeatedly in excitement. "Let''s have dinner with everyone. I''m eager to get out of this room."


    "Sweets, we''ve been here only for two days," reminded Darren.


    "I know," replied Xiu. "But I''m already tired of this place. I can sleep for hours on usual days but I can''t do it when I''m forced to do it."


    Xin Zimen listened to her in silence and after contemplating some more, he said, "Let me talk to your doctors first."


    Xiu''s head drooped down as Xin Zimen left. "I feel like a bloody marionette right now."


    "Why?"


    Xiu looked at her husband and said with a pout, "I have to eat, sleep, and even breathe according to doctor''s orders."


    "It''s for your own good," said Darren.


    "I miss it," she sighed out.


    "What are you missing? Your freedom?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "I miss hugging you, kissing you, and having..."


    "That''s enough," Darren didn''t let her complete her sentence.


    Xiu cried out, "That''s what I''m saying! It''s enough! I can''t take this distance between us. It''s torturous." Darren nibbled on the inside of his cheek as she went on, "You''re this close, and yet I can''t touch you."


    "Who said you can''t touch me?"


    Xiu gave him a look, "Have you looked at your condition? I can''t even bring myself to touch you wantonly! And I''ve never been cautious."


    "Sweets, if you kept talking it''ll become torturous to me now."


    "I''m gonna shut up then," she said and placed her finger on her lips.


    Xin Zimen soon came back and told them, "Sorry kid, it seems we can''t go down for dinner just yet." Xiu''s face fell. "Regan is not supposed to move from his bed for now. And I believe you wouldn''t want to leave him here alone."


    "I guess this prison is in my fate now," sighed Xiu heavily.


    Seeing her disappointment, Xin Zimen was bothered so he suggested, "But just because you can''t go out, doesn''t mean the rest of them can''t come here to join you." Xiu looked up at him as he went on seeing that she looked interested. "That''s a good idea. Since you want to eat with everyone. Let''s bring everyone to you instead. Give me a minute!" He ran out again leaving Xiu to blink repeatedly.


    "You really know how to make Uncle Zi do your bidding," said Darren.


    "I didn''t even do anything," she replied innocently.


    "Do you have to?" he retorted. "At this point, you just have to give him a look and he''d be willing to offer you the whole world. I never thought I''d see this version of him ever in my life!" He took a pause and went on, "I never knew my wife is this talented."


    Darren thoughts she''d retort in her way but she didn''t. She was silent for a long while before she voiced out, "Ah-Xin must have loved his daughter a lot."


    Darren frowned at her words, "Where did that thought come from?"


    Xiu rubbed her hand over her face as she said, "I don''t know. I just thought since he treats me like this when I''m just his niece then his daughter must have been the luckiest girl in the world to have him as her father."


    "It worries me whenever you talk like this," Darren couldn''t help saying this to her.


    "That was not my intention," said Xiu and gave him a smile.


    Soon, the door was opened and people started arranging everything for the dinner. The first person that Xiu recognized was Jackie who ran over to her side and announced, "I''m having dinner with my sister tonight. Is that true?"


    Xiu looked around and nodded in a daze, "It seems like it."


    "It doesn''t just seem like it," said Nora who also followed Jackie in with Ava. "My dearest father-in-law is excited to gather everyone for dinner tonight because apparently, you wished to eat with everyone."


    "I was just talking randomly," said Xiu in her defense which sounded more like an excuse.


    "Next time, don''t talk randomly before my father-in-law, he seems to take your words very randomly. I guess he doesn''t know how random you are!"


    Xiu glared at her best friend saying, "If you don''t want to eat with me, go away! Who is forcing you?"


    Nora chuckled at her, "I''m not going anywhere. Mom and dad are also on their way. They''d be here in ten minutes."


    Xiu gaped at her, "Even they are coming?"


    "Of course! How can they miss it?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/sponge-bath_%!d(string=51088701299685221) for visiting.


    "I was just bored," Xiu scratched the back of her head. "That''s why I said it''d be good to eat with everyone. How would I know Ah-Xin would take me that seriously?"


    "Sweets, I told you, Uncle Zi takes your words very seriously."


    Xiu looked at Jackie as she asked, "Little brother, did I do something wrong?"


    "Absolutely not!" replied Jackie.


    Xiu patted his head and smiled, "I knew it. Only my little brother would understand me."


    Jackie was more than happy to hear that compliment from his sister.


    Xiu touched Ava saying, "Hi, my dear niece who never even talks to me!"


    "Xiu!" Nora glared at her.


    "What? Did I say anything wrong? As much as you love to cling to me, your daughter likes to run away from me."


    "That''s good. I don''t want her to also turn out like you." She touched Jackie''s head saying, "One mini version of you is already enough for me."


    Xiu ignored her as she looked at Ava and said, "Dear niece, call me Xiu. Say it!" Ava hid her face in her mother''s neck but didn''t say anything. "There she goes again! She doesn''t like me!"


    "She doesn''t talk to anyone," said Nora.


    Jackie lifted his hand to touch Ava''s hand and said, "Dear niece, didn''t you hear what my sister said? Call her name!" Ava pouted at this little uncle of hers. "Do you really not like my sister?"


    "X-Xiu..." A soft milky voice rang out stunning both Nora and Xiu who stared at Ava''s face and then looked at Jackie.


    Xiu gave Jackie a thumbs up, "My brother is awesome!"


    "He sure is!" agreed Nora as well.


    Xiu laughed out saying, "Our Jackie has his niece under his control. What an amazing talent!"


    "I learned it from the best," replied Jackie.


    "Cheeky!" Nora remarked. She put Ava down on the ground right beside Jackie and said, "Then take care of her."


    Jackie gaped at his sister in disbelief, "Aren''t you getting too comfortable with leaving your daughter with me?"


    Nora didn''t even deny it as she said, "Very comfortable."


    Jackie made a face at her but still held Ava''s hand tightly in his own. He was also getting too comfortable with this niece of his lately. Although she followed him like a tail, he was glad she didn''t disturb him at all. In fact, whenever he read his books, she''d sat close by and listen carefully even if she understood nothing.

 Chapter 792 - Practice For Future

    According to Xiu''s wish, Xin Zimen gathered everyone for dinner. Although the room didn''t look cramped even with all those people gathered around, Xiu thought it looked quite full now. Just as Nora had said, she really needed to think carefully before saying anything to Xin Zimen. He would do anything for her.


    "Why are you all staring at me?" questioned Xiu when she noticed everyone looking at her strangely.


    Hearing Xiu''s question, Xin Zimen said, "Stop staring at her. Let''s have dinner now."


    As everyone sat down to eat, Xiu''s eyes ran over every person in the room.


    "Oh, my Superstar is finally here!" As soon as Xiu''s voice fell, everyone''s eyes moved simultaneously towards the door. Han Bohai who had just entered through the door, also halted in his steps at Xiu''s voice and found himself under the scrutiny of everyone''s eyes. "Why are you just standing there?"


    "Yes, don''t just stand there, Bohai," said Xiao Li. "Your seat beside Yong is waiting for you. Ouch!" He glared at Ying who had kicked him from under the table. "Why did you hit me?"


    "When did I?" Ying played oblivious. "Don''t you know that I''m injured? How can I even hit you?"


    Xiao Li snorted in reply, "As if that small injury is enough for you to behave."


    Han Bohai came to sit beside Ying silently. He didn''t even look at Xiu for more than a minute in fear that he might not be able to control his emotions before her.


    Nora went to Darren''s side of bed to place a bowl of porridge before him and said in a low voice, "Dylan''s mom is in the hospital that''s why he isn''t here."


    Darren was stunned, "What happened?"


    Nora pointed towards her mom as she said, "Clara Cartwright happened."


    "Huh?" He was confused.


    Nora patted his shoulder saying, "My mom can be pretty dangerous. Since she isn''t going easy on Qiu Meihui, her mother''s health took a wrong turn." Seeing Darren''s worry, she went on, "But don''t worry, she is fine now."


    Darren blinked his eyes and told her, "Thank you for letting me know."


    Nora waved it off and went back to join everyone around the table. Looking at her little brother, she called out, "Jackie, help your niece with her food."


    Jackie wasn''t happy at being called out like this, "She has her own hands."


    "But she is little," said Nora. "Can''t you help her?"


    Jackie looked at his bowl of rice as he answered, "No, can''t do." Before Nora could argue with him, he went on, "If I won''t let her try on her own, how will she learn to do it?" He looked up at his sister and went on, "It''s not like you''re planning to feed her with your own hands for life."


    "She will spill everything," said Nora after listening to his lecture.


    "It''s okay. If she''ll spill it, I''ll clean it up for her. But she has to eat on her own." Jackie''s reply left no room for discussion of any kind.


    In fact, this discussion made everyone take turns to look at this little over seven years old who spoke too wisely for his age.


    "Your son is wise," remarked Zhao Huan as she looked at Clara who was sitting beside her.


    Clara smiled at her saying, "I know. My seven year old is wiser than my twenty four year."


    "Mom!" Called out Nora. "You can''t insult me. Not here."


    Looking at Nora''s face, Clara shook her head, "What''s wrong with saying the truth here? Your future father-in-law should also know what kind of daughter-in-law, he is planning to bring home."


    Both Nora and Ah-Si were stunned by her words and shared a look. They had chosen to sit far away from each other so as not to make her parents angry but what was this situation.


    Xin Zimen looked at Clara and said, "I like Nora just as she is."


    "That''s good to know," said Clara.


    Seeing this small exchange of words between her mom and Xin Zimen, Nora wasn''t sure about what to think right now.


    "Xiu, why aren''t you eating?" Asked Ying when she noticed that Xiu had only been looking at everyone in silence but hadn''t even touched her food yet.


    Xiu''s daydreaming broke short and she looked at Ying and grinned, "Because I have no one to feed me."


    As if on cue, Nora said, "Little brother, now you have no opinions?"


    "Xiu is sick," was his reply.


    Nora gnashed her teeth. "You''re just biased dear brother."


    "So what if I am?" Asked Jackie with a challenging gaze.


    "Mom, your son is being rude!"


    "Mom, your daughter is being petty!"


    Clara placed her spoon down on the table with a little force making both Nora and Jackie to lower their heads.


    "Both of you..." Clara''s voice was dangerously low. "Behave!"


    "Pfft!"


    Xiu burst out laughing seeing this.


    "I love this family," she said making Clara smile gently at her. "I missed this so much."


    "We are missing you more," said Jing Ge. "So get well soon."


    Xiao Li looked at Xiu and asked, "Should I help you eat?"


    "Nah. I''m fine. I was just messing around." Saying that she picked up the chopsticks with the hand that she could use. Luckily, her right hand was working so it wasn''t difficult to eat on her own.


    "Mama, how was your day?"


    Francesca looked at Xiu and sighed, "It was super tiring!" She took a pause and went on, "But since I listened to you and went to have a relaxing time with myself, I feel really good now."


    "So, where is blueberry cheesecake?"


    Francesca chuckled at her question, "I brought it but your Clara mom said we should give you the desert after the dinner."


    "Oh..." Xiu''s face fell but she didn''t complain.


    "But she won''t be able to sleep if she had something sweet after 9 o''clock."


    "How do you know that?" Questioned Nora as she looked at Han Bohai and he was lost for words.


    Seeing how Xiu was also staring at him waiting for him to reply, he bit his tongue. He was really being careless these days.


    "Sorry, I was talking randomly. I confused you with someone else."


    Nora eyed him suspiciously, "But what you said is true. That''s why I''m asking how do you know that? When did you get so familiar with Xiu?"


    "I wasn''t talking about her." Argued Han Bohai.


    "Nora, why are you giving my Superstar a hard time?" Xiu had to speak in. She didn''t know why Han Bohai said it, but she didn''t want him to fumble around for excuses. "Can''t you let me be happy knowing that my Superstar also knows me a little? Do you even know how privileged I feel right now?"


    Nora stared at Xiu, "He just said he isn''t talking about you."


    "I''ll just pretend like he is," replied Xiu as she stuck her tongue out at her. "Besides, stop focusing on others. Look at my Ah-Si, pay him some attention. Can''t you see he looks like he has been the one sick for years now." Ah-Si touched his sallow face as he was called out and looked at Xiu who went on, "What is up with you?"


    "I''ve been wondering that as well," said Ying as she turned to Ah-Si. "What is up with you? Haven''t you been sleeping well?"


    Ah-Si blinked his eyes avoided looking at everyone as he said, "How can I sleep well? Taking care of two girls isn''t that easy."


    That was a good excuse to hide what was bothering him lately. He had been the one to take care of both Asteria and Ava. Even Jackie would join them for a while. While Jackie didn''t need anyone to take care of him, the girls weren''t as mature as he was.


    "Then you should leave the girls with Xiu," said Ying. "She doesn''t have anything to do anyway."


    Xiu was startled, "No!" Her reaction was extreme but she didn''t care. "I''ll keep my distance from kids. Thank you very much!"


    "You don''t keep distance from Jackie though," reminded Ying.


    "He is not a kid," retorted Xiu without hesitation. "He is my loveliest brother."


    "That was me though," Han Bohai grumbled under his breath unhappily. But obviously no one heard his voice. However, Darren had noticed his expressions carefully. Since the time he mentioned how Xiu couldn''t sleep after eating sweets, Darren had been focused on him entirely.


    He felt like something felt out of place. However, he felt the same about everyone in this room right now. He could tell everyone had something going on that they couldn''t speak of. It really bothered him now. He felt like he was the only one unclear of the situation right now and that feeling didn''t sit well with him.


    "I''m actually trying to help you here," Ying continued. "If you spent some time with the girls, it''d be your practice for future."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/practice-for-future_%!d(string=51115907786789822) for visiting.

 Chapter 793 - No Comparison

    "I don''t need practice to raise my son!" Xiu shot back.


    Ying spurted out the water in her mouth and stared at Xiu, "Are you that sure it''s a boy?"


    "I am!" was Xiu''s reply.


    "So, now you''re a fortune-teller?"


    Xiu eyed Ying before saying, "It''s called mother''s instinct."


    "Who is gonna tell her that she''d way ahead of herself?" asked Ying to everyone around her but received no reply. "Looks like no one is gonna say it."


    Han Bohai placed his hand on her knee under the table and when Ying turned her head to look at him, he said in a low voice, "Focus on eating. If she''s happy thinking it''s a boy, let her be."


    Although Ying looked reluctant, she still listened to him and continued to eat in silence.


    To be honest, at first, Xiu herself didn''t know why she wanted to eat with everyone. But now that they all sat in her room playing their own antics, Xiu realized that she was actually missing it all. In the last few days, she felt like she lost these smiles but tonight, she was happy to find those smiles again.


    Seeing all these people around made her feel calm once again. The turbulence she had been feeling since she woke up was finally easing up because of everyone''s presence.


    And now that they all filled the room with their voices, she didn''t feel the need to speak. She didn''t speak a word even after she was done eating. However, almost everyone in the room noticed this change. After all, no one here was used to a silent Xiu.


    Oh, there was one... Han Bohai. He was very familiar with this silent Xiu, unlike the others. Also, he was the only one here who knew that when she was silent it didn''t mean something was on her mind, it rather meant, she was feeling at peace. There were only two times, she''d be talking non-stop. Either she had something on her mind or she didn''t want the conversation to end.


    "Xiu, you''re okay?" asked Zhao Huan.


    Xiu had her eyes closed, her head leaned back languidly when she heard this question, and replied in the same position, "I''m perfectly fine."


    "Are you tired?" asked Xin Zemin.


    "Nope," she replied.


    "Then are you sleepy?" asked Jing Ge.


    "Nope," she gave the same answer again.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/no-comparison_%!d(string=51129165528757182) for visiting.


    "They are asking because you''re so silent," said Clara. "I don''t think anyone is used to your silence."


    Xiu''s eyes opened immediately, "But I am a very silent person."


    Francesca chuckled at Xiu''s reply and said, "Trust me, Sweetie, you''re not a silent person." Xiu pouted at her and she went on, "But we love you anyway."


    "Regan, they don''t trust me," Xiu complained to her husband.


    Darren gave her a soft smile, "I believe you. Isn''t that enough?"


    Xiu continued to stare at his face and cursed under her breath as she closed her eyes again. The more she looked at him, the more she wanted to run over and hug him. But sadly, she neither could run over at the moment on her own nor could she hug him however she liked. This was really a test of her patience and she didn''t like it at all!


    As she said earlier, this was pure torture for her!


    However, she couldn''t help answering him either. "That''s enough. That''s more than enough."


    "Wow! You both are really something else," said Ying. "You really don''t get embarrassed."


    Xiu''s expressions shifted almost instantly as she said, "If love is a crime, then I''ll gladly become a criminal. If our love is real, is there really a need to conceal it? This love makes me squeal because I know how my feelings are raw and deep."


    Nora burst out laughing as she said, "I haven''t seen a performance from you in a long while. This one truly is refreshing. It''s making me believe that you will never change."


    Xiu''s expressions changed again as she smiled at Nora saying, "Don''t I deserve the Best Actress Award?"


    "Yes, you do!"


    "Yes, you do!"


    Two voices rang out at the same time. The first one belonged to Nora who was originally asked this question and the second one belonged to Han Bohai who just agreed very honestly. The way her expressions and tone shifted almost instantly earlier once again reminded him why Chen Xiu was known as a gem. She never had to try hard. This was very natural to her.


    Xiu blinked at Han Bohai who said, "I mean you really did it very well. It looked great."


    "That has to be the highest compliment for me tonight," replied Xiu. "The best actor of his generation just complimented me. How surreal!"


    "This is indeed a high praise," Xiao Li also agreed. He looked at Han Bohai and went on, "You''ve worked as an assistant for Chen Xiu, right?" Han Bohai nodded in reply. "Then it must be pretty difficult to impress you. I heard someone say that the actors like her are rare gems; very hard to come by."


    Han Bohai smiled at Xiao Li and didn''t hesitate to agree with him, "Indeed. There had been no one who can still challenge her. She didn''t act, she lived every character she was offered. But she paid a heavy price for getting so attached to those characters as well."


    "You just praised Xiu... Oh, what a surprise, both share the same name," said Xiao Li as if it suddenly occurred to him. But as soon as he said that, a crash was heard and he looked over at Ah-Si who had dropped his glass of water and fell on his clothes, drenching him.


    "Sorry, let me take care of this," said Ah-Si and rushed out of the room in a hurry.


    Xiao Li didn''t think much about his brother''s odd behavior, he just looked back at Han Bohai and continued, "So, since both of them share the same name. Do you think our Xiu is better or she was?"


    Han Bohai looked over at Xiu who was staring back at him blankly and he answered, "There is no comparison between the two."

 Chapter 794 - Another Chance

    "No comparison?" questioned Xiao Li as his brows arched up.


    Han Bohai nodded his head, his eyes were still on Xiu''s face. He took a deep breath before turning to Xiao Li as he said, "I don''t think there is any need to compare."


    Before Xiao Li could ask anything else, Francesca suddenly said, "It''s been a while I heard that name. I almost forgot all about her."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed as he looked at Francesca and asked, "Do you also know Chen Xiu?" Francesca nodded her head in reply. "How?" He further inquired in curiosity. After all, Francesca wasn''t from around here and she never had an interest in celebrities either. It was quite surprising to see that she also knew Chen Xiu.


    "Mama!" Darren called out to his mother in an attempt to stop her from saying anything but the latter didn''t get the hint.


    Francesca pointed at her son saying, "Isn''t it because she was my son''s, first love?"


    Darren closed his eyes as soon as she said that.


    "What?!"


    That was the reaction of almost everyone at that table. Except for Ying who already knew about that.


    "Are you serious?" questioned Nora.


    Francesca gave her a nod, "Of course, I''m serious. It''s not easy for me to forget the way my son suffered because of that girl."


    "Mama," Darren called out again. "Will you please stop?"


    "How can I?" retorted Francesca. "I almost lost my only son because of her. I''ll never forgive her for that."


    "But the dead doesn''t care whether you forgive her or not," Xiu suddenly voiced out. She smiled at Francesca softly as she went on, "Because the dead can''t ask for forgiveness either."


    Both Darren and Han Bohai stared at Xiu''s face. She really spoke as if she was talking about someone else. Her expressions didn''t show her feelings at all.


    Francesca also looked at Xiu gently and said, "But I''m indebted to her as well." Xiu arched her brow as she went on, "Because she was the one who gave my son a reason to live as well."


    Xiu chuckled, "You sure have a love-hate relationship with Chen Xiu."


    Darren knew how his mother thought of Chen Xiu. She usually would never bring it up. At least, not before him. But now it seemed she believed that he had moved on from her and that''s why she was so comfortably letting out her feelings.


    Actually, he couldn''t even blame his mother for having such contradicting feelings for Chen Xiu. He was the one to blame. He had done some pretty dumb stuff after Chen Xiu''s death.


    But Francesca didn''t know that the Chen Xiu she spoke was sitting right here with them. That''s why Darren had been observing Xiu''s expressions since the time Chen Xiu''s name had been brought up. Although it seemed like she felt nothing listening to it all, he knew better.


    Xiu noticed Darren''s gaze on her face and smiled at him, "Regan, next time don''t fall for a coward."


    "She wasn''t a coward!" Said both Darren and Han Bohai simultaneously.


    Xiu looked at their reaction and laughed out happily. It was a peal of genuine laughter. "You both don''t need to start a fight with me." She looked at Han Bohai and said, "My dear superstar, I called her a coward because she didn''t fight for herself. Instead, she chose to give up on everything including her life."


    "She had to fight a battle with herself daily," said Han Bohai through gritted teeth. "And we can''t possibly win all the fights in life. She didn''t give up on herself. She gave up on the people who didn''t try to understand her." He took a pause before saying, "But you should understand that. After all, I heard you''re her big fan. Isn''t that''s why you took her name?"


    Xiu stared into his eyes and shook her head, "I didn''t choose her name because I''m her fan. It was because I wanted to be like her." That''s what Destiny had written in her letters. She wasn''t lying at all as she told him, "She was the person who saved my life without even thinking once. I wanted to become as selfless as her."


    Han Bohai scoffed to himself, "Then I''m glad you didn''t become like her. Her selflessness took her life. I wouldn''t want you to go through that."


    Xiu smiled at him, "Actually, I''m even more thankful to her now. With her death, she made me realize how important it was to be selfish in this world."


    Han Bohai''s eyes seemed to be asking Xiu a million questions. He was wondering how or why it was so easy for her to pretend like she wasn''t talking about her own self? He was wondering whether she really hated that previous version of herself that much? Because he certainly loved the person she was. And it was her selflessness that made him believe in love and goodness. How could she question it all now?


    From all this conversation, someone picked an important clue, "What do you mean by Chen Xiu saved your life?" asked Xiao Li.


    It was Han Bohai who answered him, "Sister Xiu gave her blood to save her life. Just like she gave her bone marrow to save your other cousin''s life."


    Xiao Li''s eyes widened in shock, "My other cousin? Are you referring to Liu Nuan?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/another-chance_%!d(string=51139487425680192) for visiting.


    "Do you have another cousin?" retorted Han Bohai unhappily. "I still hate my sister Xiu for saving that backstabber''s life. No offense, but she was better off dead!"


    "Wishing for someone''s death doesn''t make you a better person," said Xiu in a stern voice while glaring at Han Bohai. Her eyes were rebuking him and he could tell. That''s how she looked at him back then. Even the words were still the same.


    "I don''t wish to be a better person," he retorted. "If Liu Nuan was given a chance, she''d be the first one to take my Sister Xiu''s life. But my sister was a bit cracked from her head, she couldn''t do the same to her!"


    "I think if Chen Xiu was given another chance, she''d still choose to save her life," was what Xiu said with conviction in her voice. "And you know that too."

 Chapter 795 - Why Protect Her?

    Han Bohai had no answer for her. Because he knew if she was given another chance, Chen Xiu would still choose to save Liu Nuan''s life. Even if she knew what the other would do to her, she''d still not go against her conscious.


    "Can you both stop it?"


    The intense staring session between Xiu and Han Bohai was only broken because of Darren''s voice. He looked at both of them and said clearly, "I don''t want either of you to repeat it!" He knew what kind of effect all of these reminders could do on Xiu and yet she was looking for an argument on purpose.


    However, what he didn''t realize was that even if he managed to notice something strange about Han Bohai, how could she miss out? She was someone who was most familiar with him. And she had already noticed that the way he looked at her was different. She knew it was a wild shot but she believed that Han Bohai knew she was Chen Xiu.


    There couldn''t have been another reason for him to be so vocal about all that. He was testing her just like she was trying to see what he figured out or how.


    Because of Darren, Han Bohai was silent for a while before he said, "I''m sorry for getting too emotional about. It''s a very personal topic for me."


    Xiao Li pinched the space between his brows and turned to Han Bohai, "You follow me out. I''ve something to ask you."


    Ying held Han Bohai''s hand even before he could stand up to follow, "You can talk to him right here."


    Xiao Li rolled his eyes at her saying, "I won''t eat him alive. If you''re so worried, you can just follow us."


    Ying nodded her head and stood up to follow them out. Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin also left the table. Outside of their room, Xiao Li looked at Han Bohai directly and asked, "How and when did Chen Xiu save Liu Nuan''s life? And what do you mean Liu Nuan backstabbed her?"


    "If it wasn''t for that Liu Nuan, why would my sister have to suffer for so long? She wasn''t a weak person. She was a soft person but not a weak one!" He took a brief pause before adding, "However her good-heartedness wasn''t appreciated. She was driven to her death because of that! And it was all because your cousin was insecure! No, she is still insecure!" He snorted, "Even after Chen Xiu''s death, her insecurity isn''t gone. It has only intensified. Everything that is wrong in her life is blamed on Chen Xiu."


    Xiao Li knew that Liu Nuan hated Chen Xiu because of Zhou Jinhai. But he didn''t know the inside story was even more complicated.


    He held Han Bohai''s hand and asked, "Did Chen Xiu really gave her bone marrow to Liu Nuan?"


    "Why would I lie about it? Although Liu Nuan didn''t know who was the donor at that time, Chen Xiu knew to whom she was doing that for," replied Han Bohai. He didn''t have to hide it.


    "Were they a match?" inquired Xiao Li with an earnest gaze.


    "Of course! Isn''t that a given? They were a perfect match!"


    Xiao Li squeezed his hand saying, "Thank you for answering me!" Han Bohai frowned at his words and watched him turning away to leave in a daze. He also heaved a long sigh and went in the other direction to get some fresh air.


    Xiao Li hadn''t gone far when he was stopped by his father and his uncle who stood in his way. Xiao Li looked up at them in question.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/why-protect-her_%!d(string=51161744214641458) for visiting.


    "What are you up to?" asked Xin Zimen. "And why do I feel like you''re still hiding something from me?"


    Xin Xiao Li didn''t lie as he answered, "Because I am hiding something from you. But don''t ask what is it. I don''t have an answer for you right now. Or maybe I do but I just don''t know how to say it to you."


    Xin Zimen furrowed his brows but didn''t probe. Instead, he asked, "Why did you question him regarding the matter between Liu Nuan and Chen Xiu? Do you really think that can solve the mystery of why Liu Nuan tried to kill Xiu?"


    "She tried what?!" Ying''s voice had gone up an octave and so did Xin Zemin''s. They both gave this father and son a look.


    "Xiao Zi the one behind Xiu''s attack had been Liu Nuan?" questioned Xin Zemin.


    "Yes," answered Xin Zimen. He couldn''t hide this from his elder brother. Their differences apart, he couldn''t possibly hide anything from his brother regarding Xiu.


    Ying held Xiao Li''s hand and dragged him away. "Stop it. Your wound is gonna reopen! Stop pulling me!"


    However, Ying didn''t listen to Xiao Li''s words and dragged him to another room before closing the door and staring at him furiously!


    "How much more are you gonna hide from me?"


    "I wasn''t planning on hiding this, I just confirmed it today. What made you think I''d hide something like this from you when I know that you''re desperate to find the person behind the attack?"


    Ying scoffed at him, "Oh, so you do care about the fact that I''m desperate to know something?" She hit his chest as she questioned, "Then how come you''re still hiding something from me? You already know I''m desperate to find Chen Hana and yet you''re hiding her from me!" Xiao Li''s face stiffened slightly. "You know it, right? I just heard that the people getting in my way of search for truth are from Wen Clan. That made me think, my dear godmother would definitely have left her legacy in your hands. You''re her eldest son and her dearest son as well." She glared at him in anger, "Why are you using your power to hold me back? Why are you getting in my way?"


    "I have my reasons," he replied.


    "That''s what I''m asking! What bloody reason do you have? And what does Chen Hana even have to do with you? Why would you even protect her like this?"


    Xiao Li held her shoulders and shot back, "If I have nothing to do with her, so do you! She is nothing to both of us. But we both have our reasons. If you have the reason to find her, I have the one to protect her!" He took a deep breath and looked at her, "You tell me why you''re looking for her, I''ll tell you why I''m protecting her."


    Ying swatted his hands away and limped her way back feeling exasperated. "I won''t say anything until I have a conversation with her. Only after her confirmation, I''d have something to say to you. For now, you should just bring me to her. Or bring her to me."


    "I can''t bring her here," he answered. "And taking you to her would be pointless."


    "Why don''t you let me decide whether it''d be pointless or not?" She held his sleeve and questioned, "You know something, right? No, I should be saying you know a lot more than me. To the point that it''s scary."


    "If it''s getting scary, then you should be taking a step back. Don''t try to probe into the truths that had long been lost in time." He took a pause and added, "Chen Hana has been in a coma for the past three years. No matter what answers you want from her, you won''t be getting any. I''ve tried everything already."


    His words made Ying''s belief to get stronger. He already knew why she was looking for Chen Hana. And the only way he''d know it was if he had the same questions as hers. But his questions weren''t answered? That''d be wrong to say though because she could see a conviction in his eyes. He had found the answer he was looking for and that''s why he had been so scared.


    The thought made her heart drop as she asked, "You''re scared of the same answer as me, right?" Xiao Li looked into her eyes as she went on, "You''re scared that if the death Chen Xiu turned out to be really Xin Xiulin, what would you do. You can''t even imagine telling your father that he didn''t lose his daughter once but twice!" She shook her head adding, "No, it''d be right to say that you already believe that Chen Xiu was Xin Xiulin."


    "Yes, I am scared," he replied truthfully. "Because all I have found until now proved that Chen Xiu was indeed my sister Xin Xiulin. It means that my mom wasn''t crazy when she used to say that her daughter is alive! How am I not supposed to be scared of it all? Dad won''t be able to take it!" He raked his fingers through his hair as he went on, "And now I''m being told that that supposed sister of mine was murdered. By someone related to me by blood! Liu Nuan paid a part in killing my sister."


    "Chen Xiu isn''t our sister! She couldn''t be!"

 Chapter 796 - The Truth Behind

    Both Ying and Xiao Li were stunned when suddenly Ah-Si''s voice rang out in the room. And only then they both noticed that the room wasn''t empty. Ah-Si had been sitting in a dark corner all this while. That meant he heard everything that they talked about. All of their confrontations were heard by Ah-Si and this realization made both of them share a look.


    They could see the apprehension in each other''s eyes.


    "Ah-Si..." Xiao Li called out softly but he took a step back.


    "Don''t try to convince me otherwise!" he shouted. "Can''t you see that I''m already having a difficult time right now? I can''t seem to see the world or people in the same way I used to do. And now, that I''m struggling to come to terms with everything, you are both ruining it for me."


    "Ah-Si, calm down!" said Ying in a very gentle voice. They knew that the most vulnerable around here had always been Ah-Si. He was very sensitive and that''s why he''d always get hurt easily. "Let''s talk calmly."


    Ah-Si stared at her through his bloodshot eyes, "No, we can''t talk calmly. At least, I can''t do it!" He shook his head repeatedly, "Whatever you just said is wrong. Chen Xiu can''t be our sister. She wasn''t Xin Xiulin. She was not!"


    Both Ying and Xiao Li grew worried about seeing him like that. His reaction was too extreme. Although Xiao Li had expected everyone to be skeptical about this truth since he didn''t have a concert proof anyway. But he never thought Ah-Si''s reaction would be something like this.


    Xiao Li walked over and hugged his brother whose body finally eased up in his brother''s cypress scent that was calming him now. He leaned into his embrace and closed his eyes. He hadn''t been able to sleep or eat well since the day of that eventful wedding.


    Xiao Li kept stroking his head affectionately that helped Ah-Si a lot. "Ah-Si..." Xiao Li''s voice was softer and gentler than ever. "Why are acting like this? Do you hate Chen Xiu like the whole world?"


    Ah-Si shook his head and his muffled voice rang out, "I can''t possibly hate her. I have no reason to hate her. If I started hating a good person like her, I''d end up hating myself as well."


    Xiao Li helped him in sitting down and held his hand as he continued to look at his face, "Then tell me what''s bothering you?"


    Ah-Si really couldn''t hide anything from his brother and he never had tried to do it before in his life either. In fact, he had tried to talk about this with his brother a lot of times but whatever''s been happening lately made him shut his mouth. And the longer he kept it in, the longer he was suffering all on his own.


    Whatever he heard back at the wedding, he didn''t know what was true or what was not. Although the phenomenon of reincarnation could be bizarre, however, the rest of what he heard... He couldn''t doubt it at all.


    Ah-Si took a deep breath and told his brother, "Liu Nuan isn''t Aunt Suyin''s daughter."


    "Huh?" Both Xiao Li and Ying were stumped for words.


    "Chen Hana exchanged her own daughter with Aunt Suyin''s daughter. That means Liu Nuan is Chen Hana''s daughter while Chen Xiu... She was Aunt Suyin''s daughter."


    Xiao Li and Ying were quiet for a long time before Ying asked, "How do you know this? You do realize that everything can change with that statement of yours, right?"


    "I know that," replied Ah-Si. "But I''m not lying. That is what I found out from a credible source. The rest... You both can check for yourself." He looked at his brother and went on, "That''s why I said, bro, Chen Xiu can''t be Xiulin. There is no way!" He observed his brother''s expressions and asked cautiously, "Bro, you do believe me right?"


    Xiao Li gave him a smile and nodded, "I''d always choose to believe in my Ah-Si. Of course, I believe you." He took a deep breath and went on, "Whether Chen Xiu was Aunt Suyin''s daughter or she was our sister Xiulin, either way, she was a part of this family. But we can discuss that some other time. For now..." he looked at Ying and went on, "It seems we now know why Aunt Suyin''s been so distant and malicious towards Liu Nuan."


    Ying narrowed her eyes at Xiao Li''s words and asked, "But her hatred is with Chen Xiu, we still don''t know why she tried to kill Xiu. Is it really because they share the same name? Since Chen Xiu was no longer around, Liu Nuan decided to take her anger and hatred out on another person who just shared the same name? Is she that crazy?"


    Xiao Li snorted, "With her acting crazy like this, it''s hard for me to believe that she isn''t Aunt Suyin''s daughter. Both have a lot more in common. They would make the perfect example of mother-daughter."


    "Bro, Aunt Suyin had done a DNA test and it proved that Chen Xiu was her daughter."


    Xiao Li smiled at his brother masking the coldness in his eyes and the rage burning in his heart as he said, "But did Aunt Suyin checked her DNA with Liu Nuan?"


    "Are you suggesting that someone manipulated the DNA test results?" questioned Ying. "But the only one who would want to do it was Chen Hana. Was she really capable of doing such a thing? I mean did she even have the means to do it? And let''s not forget that Xin Suyin had been a suspicious person. She''s cautious in everything she does. I don''t think she''d have taken a step out during that DNA testing."


    "Sometimes when you''re overly cautious about something, you tend to lose focus of other things happening around you. Aunt Suyin is no different," said Xiao Li.


    Actually, Ah-Si wanted to tell his brother that he knew why Liu Nuan wanted to kill their Xiu. But he wasn''t sure either about what to say right now.


    However, as he was mentally preparing himself to reveal the whole truth, he was stopped short when Xiao Li stood up in a hurry. "Ah-Si, go home and have a good rest. Don''t let any of this get to you. I''m right here for you. Leave such heavy thoughts to me."


    "I have something more to tell you," said Ah-Si.


    "I''m in a hurry," said Xiao Li. "I''ll hear it all later. For now, you should focus on yourself. Whatever you want to say, I''ll hear it all but only when you''re not looking like you''re about to die."


    Ah-Si pursed his lips and nodded. But before Xiao Li turned to leave, he held his wrist and said, "Bro..."


    "What is it?"


    "I might not know about whether that DNA test was real or fake, but I do know that Aunt Suyin was the one who made Chen Xiu lose her desire to live. She is the one who killed her entirely."


    Xiao Li stared at his brother for a moment longer and ruffled his hair before he turned back to leave. Ying ran after him as she could with her injury.


    "I told you to stop running!" Xiao Li shouted at this stubborn best friend. "And stop following me!"


    "You''re going to Liu Nuan, I''m coming with you," she placed forth her stance which had no room for any discussion at all. Since Ying wanted to go how could Xiao Li stop her?Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/the-truth-behind_%!d(string=51185516036547467) for visiting.


    "Who said anything about going to Liu Nuan?" he feigned ignorance.


    Ying gave him a look, "I can tell by just looking at your face. Don''t try to play with me. I''m going to means I''m going! I have a lot to discuss with her."


    Xiao Li groaned in annoyance and raised his hand to wave as he called out, "Bohai, hold your girlfriend tighter!"


    Han Bohai looked at Ying, "I was looking for you. Where were you? Don''t you know you''re supposed to rest right now?"


    Xiao Li gave Ying an evil smirk as he said, "Now take care of your girlfriend, I''m leaving."


    Ying tried to follow him as well but Han Bohai circled his arms around her waist to bind her to his side. "Earlier you''re eager to stick around me, now you''re trying to run away? What is this cold and hot attitude?"


    "Bohai, let me go!"


    "But your doctor said you can''t run around," he reminded her. Ying rolled her eyes that he couldn''t see from behind her. His head dipped down and he pressed his lips softly against the back of her neck making her stop squirming around. "Can''t you take care of yourself for me?"


    Ying leaned back into his touch. She was really feeling cornered now. She wanted to follow Xiao Li but she also didn''t want to leave Han Bohai. She cursed Xiao Li in her heart for causing her trouble like this!

 Chapter 797 - Have Good Dreams

    However, even if she felt cornered, Ying couldn''t let Xiao Li win like that. And as soon as she Xin Zimen, her eyes lit up or more like the bulb in her mind lit up.


    "Zizi!" she called out. She squirmed a little and said to Han Bohai in a low voice, "I''m not going anywhere. Would you please let go?"


    Han Bohai thought about it before nodding his hand and let her out of his embrace. Ying went up to Xin Zimen and said something in his ear. Xin Zimen''s brows furrowed up before he nodded his head and called Xiao Li.


    "Come back home, right this instant!" was all that Xin Zimen said to Xiao Li as soon as the call was connected. He touched Ying''s head and went on, "Thanks for letting me know!" Ying smiled at him feeling proud of herself.


    Since she was not allowed to follow Xiao Li, how could she let him leave? Especially now when Xiao Li was not only furious but looked rather impatient. Xin Zimen would never let his son act rashly. And she was right about that. The condition Xin Zimen had seen of Liu Nuan... He''d not want his son to go around acting thoughtlessly.


    Since now Ying was satisfied, she went back to Han Bohai''s side and said, "Let''s go to my room. I''m tired."


    Han Bohai didn''t say anything and held her arm to support her as they left.


    Meanwhile, Xin Zimen went back to Xiu''s room where the servants were clearing up the table now. Everyone had left already. He was met with only the doctors who were doing the routine checkup. He stood aside silently and only after having a discussion with the doctors did he moved to Xiu''s side.


    He sat silently with his head lowered as if he was feeling conflicted about what to say to her right now. His thoughts were all over the place. Knowing who was behind the attack on Xiu was already a shocker for him. Now that he heard from Ying that Liu Nuan was apparently not even Suyin''s daughter, it left him even more conflicted. He actually wasn''t worried about any of that. His worry was how Xiu fit into any of that.


    Even if Chen Xiu was Suyin''s daughter, Liu Nuan''s hatred should be directed towards Chen Xiu. Why was their Xiu involved in any of that? Why was her life in danger? Just because she shared the same name with someone? How did any of that make sense?


    Xiu could feel his complex mood, she placed her hand over his and when he looked up, she asked, "Ah-Xin, are you okay?"


    Xin Zimen nodded his head, "I should be asking you that."


    "What can possibly go wrong with me?" she retorted.


    "I didn''t want this dinner to end up like that," he told her. "I thought you''d feel better with everyone around. I didn''t think they would start talking about nonsense around you."


    Xiu smiled at him, "But I didn''t mind it at all. In fact, I actually enjoyed it a lot. It had been a while since I got to eat with everyone. So, it was really fun."


    "You''re not bothered by their argument?" questioned Xin Zimen as his brows raised up slightly.


    Xiu shook her head in reply, "Nope! Why would I be bothered by any of it?" She gave him a big smile as she went on, "Let me tell you something, all of the people here have a special place in my heart. I don''t feel bothered by any of the things they say."


    Xin Zimen thought about her words before nodding. "But is it really true?" Xiu''s brows raised up inquisitively and he went on, "Did Chen Xiu really saved your life?"


    Xiu bit the inside of her cheek before reply, "Yeah. That is something I can''t deny." She took a pause and added, "Why? Is it bothering you?"


    Xin Zimen rubbed his forehead, "Not really. I''m just wondering how unexpected life is."


    "Life is indeed unexpected, that we can''t deny," said Xiu.


    Xin Zimen patted her head and told her, "From tomorrow, you''ll have to spend a couple of hours with a psychologist." He watched Xiu scrunching up her face and chuckled, "It''s for your own good."


    "I know," she replied.


    "And your doctor said, within a week they''d be starting the rehabilitation therapy. Your physiotherapist would be here soon to work on improving the movement of your arm. So, don''t think too much about it."


    Xiu laughed softly, "Ah-Xin, I think you look more worried than me. Because trust me, I''ve never felt as calm as I''m feeling right now. My left arm can''t move right now but that''s not even bothering me a little bit. Why would it?" She lowered her voice as if telling him a secret as she went on, "This way, I''m getting more pampered. Whatever I want, my mom is ready to do it for me. So, I feel like I''m in the most ideal situation right now."


    Xin Zimen flicked her forehead gently, "You don''t have to try to make me feel good by saying that."


    Xiu rubbed the place he hit and pouted, "I''ll do my best during the therapy. I promise. So, stop worrying about me."


    "I can''t seem to stop worrying about you," said Xin Zimen softly. He stood up to leave and said, "Take care of yourself. I''ll come to see you in the morning."


    "Good night, Ah-Xin!" Xiu waved at him and watched him leave. She looked at the screen between her bed and Darren''s before frowning in displeasure. She beckoned the nurse over and asked, "Is my husband''s doctor still here?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/have-good-dreams_%!d(string=51208268911009766) for visiting.


    "No, the doctor just left," told the nurse.


    Xiu was happy to hear that. "Then can you help me over to his bed?"


    The nurse nodded her head and helped Xiu down from her bed. She supported her body and brought her to Darren''s bed who was surprised to find her there.


    "What are you doing out of bed?" he questioned.


    Xiu sat down on his bed and told the nurse, "I''m okay here. Thank you for your help!" The nurse smiled at her politely and went to stand aside. Xiu lifted Darren''s blanket and laid down beside him very carefully. She made sure to not touch anywhere she wasn''t supposed to.


    Hugging his waist gently, she finally gave him an answer, "I don''t want to have any nightmares tonight. So, let me sleep here." She closed her eyes as she went on, "Whenever I''m beside you, I only have good dreams."


    Darren held her head against his chest as he asked, "Have you been having nightmares?"


    "I haven''t had them in a long while, I wonder why it''s all coming back now." She snuggled up against him saying, "But now it''s fine." She took a pause before asking, "Are you upset with me?"


    "Why would I be?"


    "Because of what I said earlier," began Xiu. "About Chen Xiu."


    "I know you don''t like talking about your past self, so I was a little surprised that you''d say so much all of a sudden to Han Bohai."


    Xiu was silent for a while before she said, "I just felt like doing it. I don''t know why but I felt like he needed to hear it."


    Darren caressed the back of her head as he said, "Or maybe you''re just trying to prove to him that you aren''t Chen Xiu."


    Xiu tilted her head to look at his face, "Did you also notice it?"


    "How can I not?" he retorted. "He is being quite obvious. He definitely has some doubts or maybe he is already certain about it all." He took a brief pause before adding, "Isn''t that why you talked about Chen Xiu in such a way? You wanted him to believe that you and she are two different people."


    Xiu sighed out, "Do you think it worked?"


    "Honestly, I don''t think so," replied Darren. "In fact, I think he is even more certain of whatever conjectures he has."


    Xiu groaned, "Maybe I should listen to you and keep my mouth shut all the time."


    "No, you can''t do that," he said.


    "Are you challenging me?" she asked.


    "Not at all. I just can''t seem to live without your voice. So, keep talking."


    "Earlier you are the one who told me to shut up," she reminded him.


    "You''re testing my patience at that time," he answered honestly. He took a moment to think before saying, "But I agree with what you said earlier. Everyone is indeed acting suspiciously in their own way. It''s really me wonder what is going on."


    "You focus on getting better," she told him. "We''ll think about what''s happening after we get out of these hideous hospital clothes."


    Darren smiled at her and told her, "I think you''re thinking more than me. That''s worrying me more. So, you stop thinking and let me do it instead."


    Xiu lifted her body up slightly and placed a kiss on his neck because that was her only reach right now. "Let''s both not think about what''s happening outside of this room. You focus on me and I''ll focus only on you. I promise I won''t think about useless things, so you better do the same."

 Chapter 798 - Who To Tell?

    Although Xiu was familiar with her brain''s capability to roam from one place to another, she genuinely wished to not do it in the coming days. Not only for the peace of her own mind but also for Darren. In his condition, she didn''t want him to worry about anything.


    Even if staying in this room was pretty boring, she just had to bear with it. Because even if she was allowed to go outside, she didn''t want to leave with Darren.


    Darren continued to stroke her head and it made her easily drift to a peaceful sleep.


    Meanwhile, when Xin Zimen came out of their room, he was met with his son''s inquiring gaze, "Dad, why did you call me back?"


    "Follow me," said Xin Zimen and took him to a private space where no one else could hear the conversation between them. "Leave Liu Nuan for now."


    "Huh?" Xiao Li was confused. "Did Ying tell you something?" Xin Zimen nodded and he went on, "And you still want me to leave it?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head saying, "I didn''t say you should leave it entirely. First, you need to figure out whether Ah-Si is right or not."


    "You''re doubting his words?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "No, I just want you to be certain. I trust my son but Ah-Si doesn''t have any proof whether what he learned is correct or not. So, first, find evidence to prove that Liu Nuan is really not Suyin''s daughter. Only then we can do the confrontation."


    "Are you planning on confronting Aunt Suyin directly?" Xiao Li further inquired.


    "For now, we''ll start with Liu Nuan. We can get to Suyin when I feel like it."


    Xiao Li nodded his head and went to act according to his father''s wishes.


    On the other hand, Ah-Si was still not able to relax at all even after sharing his worries with his elder brother. Although he didn''t tell him the whole truth, he had expected it to let him breathe in ease but it didn''t happen. In fact, his anxiety had grown to a new level because of what he learned from the conversation between his brother and Ying.


    If Liu Nuan was really the one who tried to kill Xiu then the question was why did she do it?


    *Flashback*


    At the wedding, he had only come out of the banquet hall because his daughter was feeling uncomfortable with so many strangers trying to touch her. To make her feel better, he had thoughtfully taken her out to the garden to get some fresh air.


    Ava was more than glad to be out in the open. She hurriedly squirmed out of her father''s embrace as she wanted to get down. Ah-Si put her down and watched as she ran out happily. Finding her too adorable in her pretty dress, he had taken out his phone to made a video to share this excited version of their daughter with Nora.


    However, who would have thought that he''d hear something that''d change his whole life? It was purely accidental. He definitely didn''t want to eavesdrop on Xiu and Darren. However, when he saw Xiu''s pale face, he was stunned to his place. He couldn''t bring himself to move. Especially when they started talking.


    Ah-Si felt like he was under some kind of a spell because no matter how hard he tried to force himself to leave, he couldn''t do it. He knew it was something he wasn''t to know and yet he heard it all. And he even forgot about his daughter who had run off to another site already.


    Even after Xiu and Darren left, he was not able to move. He only jerked back to reality when Xiao Li had come looking for him. He shook his shoulder and asked, "Ah-Si, what are you doing here?"


    Ah-Si looked at his brother in a daze as he answered, "I don''t know. I''m also wondering what am I even doing here?"


    Xiao Li flicked his forehead, "You''re supposed to stay inside with me. Why are you wasting time here?"


    Ah-Si blinked at his brother blankly before questioning, "Bro, do you believe in reincarnation?"


    Xiao Li rolled his eyes at his younger brother, "Is this really time to discuss fantasy? Have you been reading too many light novels on the web these days?"


    Ah-Si nodded to himself, "Indeed, it does seem like a fantasy, no?" Xiao Li shook his head at his brother and looked over at Ava who was about to get into the water fountain in this cold weather. He ran off while Ah-Si was left staring dazedly at the pillar before his eyes as he continued, "However, why does whatever she said sound so believable? She said Liu Nuan isn''t Aunt Suyin''s daughter. She said Aunt Suyin''s daughter was Chen Xiu. She said Aunt Suyin tortured Chen Xiu and made her kill herself. Aunt Suyin killed her own daughter without knowing it. And how did she know it all? Because Chen Xiu got reincarnated as Bai Xiu. Does it even make sense?"


    When he turned his head, only then did he found out that his brother was nowhere to be found. Then who the hell was he telling all of this to? But thinking about it again, he thought it was actually better this way if his brother didn''t know about it. None of it made sense to him, how could he worry his brother along with himself. Besides, he already knew his brother''s condition on this wedding day, he didn''t want to add unnecessary trouble.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/who-to-tell_%!d(string=51231638348156817) for visiting.


    "Why are you still standing there?"


    Ah-Si took his daughter from his brother saying, "Nothing. I was just contemplating life."


    "Stop doing it. That doesn''t suit you," said Xiao Li as he tried to ruffle his brother''s hair but he ducked down. Xiao Li chuckled but didn''t try to do it again.


    But while they went back inside, they didn''t realize that there had been another person passing by.


    Liu Nuan had been crying all alone since her confrontation with her husband and her mother earlier. And she didn''t want to go back inside either. She didn''t feel like there was any need to do so. That''s why she decided to use the back door to just leave the venue.


    Who knew that while passing by, she''d end up hearing Ah-Si talking to himself in a daze? And the content of his nonsense made her blood boil. It really sounded like he was spewing nonsense but all of this nonsense made sense to Liu Nuan.


    Her mother''s contempt towards her made sense. No wonder her mother wanted her dead so badly! All of it made sense to her. Even though Ah-Si''s words had no evidence, in her already broken down state, Liu Nuan had already lost all reason. If Ah-Si said Bai Xiu was Chen Xiu, then no matter how ridiculous it sounded, she was gonna treat her like Chen Xiu!


    And since everyone hated her because of that Chen Xiu. Then she was gonna kill that Chen Xiu at any cost! She won''t have it any other way!


    Also, so what if it was really just some nonsense? She''d still rather kill Xiu then to take any chances! That vile person had to die!


    *End of Flashback*


    Even now, Ah-Si was unable to understand anything. Although it sounded reasonable to say that Liu Nuan tried to kill Xiu because she learned that Xiu was the Chen Xiu whom she hated, then the question was how did she learn it?


    He strained his brain trying to think whether there was anyone else around when Xiu and Darren were talking but honestly, he didn''t know it. Because he was so bewildered he couldn''t even focus on half of the details they had talked about. He had only caught on to the main points.


    As for the details... He only learned it from his phone recording! Yes, since he was filming Ava, the recording was still going on when he was dazedly eavesdropping on Xiu and Darren. He hadn''t shown the recording to anyone and he didn''t dare to do so either. He actually wanted to delete it but didn''t know why he kept it till now.


    Maybe because it was the only evidence he had that proved that he hadn''t gone crazy. That proved that whatever he said was not just his imagination or hallucination. He heard it all. More than proving to anyone else, he had kept this recording to keep reminding himself that he wasn''t going crazy.


    But still, he felt like it won''t be too long before he''d really lose his mind completely. How could he not lose it? He wanted to talk to someone about the whole thing but whom?


    The only person he could think of was his brother or Nora. But after learning how his brother believed that Chen Xiu was actually their sister Xin Xiulin, he didn''t think it was right to tell him about this. As for Nora... Was he really ready to tell her that the best friend she cherished actually had someone else''s soul in her body?

 Chapter 799 - Right For Her

    During breakfast, Ying and Xiao Li were involved in an intense staring competition. Both tried to burn the other through the fire burning in their eyes. Both were eager to find answers to their questions and both were stuck because of each other.


    "Both of you," began Xin Zimen. "Stop glaring at each other."


    "We are not glaring," said both Ying and Xiao Li simultaneously.


    "Oh?" responded Xin Zimen. "It feels to me like you both are this close to strangling each other."


    "I would never do that to her."


    "I would never do that to him."


    No matter what their differences were, they''d never actually try to harm each other. They could only bark at each other, there was no real bite!


    Meanwhile, after another restless night, Ah-Si was on the verge of collapsing. Both mentally and physically. Even after thinking for a whole night, he hadn''t been able to come to a real solution. The only conclusion he came to was that he neither could disclose the whole truth to Xiao Li nor could he tell it to Nora.


    As much as he loved both of these people, he didn''t wish to see them struggling like he was currently doing. But just because he came to a conclusion didn''t mean that he could rest in peace. It meant he had to suffer through this situation on his own!


    However, it wasn''t as easy as he thought. He was neither able to stop thinking about it, nor was he able to ignore any of it. Since he really needed to have this conversation with someone. He wanted to have this conversation with Xiu herself! The person who was most involved with his restless nights. Since she made him restless, she was the only one who could bring him peace again.


    Now that he had realized this part, he only had to think of an appropriate time to talk to her as well. After all, he didn''t know whether it''d be right to talk to her right now or not.


    Today, only a few people were at the breakfast. Francesca had left early. Nora had gone home for a while. Dylan hadn''t come back. Xin Zemin had gone to give company to his daughter while Zhao Huan joined him because she wanted to help Xiu with eating.


    So, apart from Xiao Li, Ying, Ah-Si, and Xin Zimen, only Han Bohai was there.


    Suddenly, rushed footsteps sounded from outside and Su Feifei''s anxious face appeared at the doorway.


    "Feifei, join us for breakfast," offered Xin Zimen.


    Su Feifei made a crying face as she said, "Brother-in-law, my appetite is all gone."


    "Why?" he questioned.


    She moved up to Ying and forced a smile, "Yingying, don''t be upset with me."


    Ying frowned at her aunt, "What is up?"


    Su Feifei licked her lips and said, "Actually, your mom heard about everything that happened."


    "WHAT?!" Ying stood up so abruptly that her chair fell backward.


    Su Feifei had expected that reaction, "But trust me, I didn''t tell her anything! I swear I didn''t!"


    "Aunt!" exclaimed Ying.


    Su Feifei took a step back before saying, "Although I wanted to tell her, I didn''t do it. Or more like I called her to inform her everything but apparently, she already knew everything. She gave me a lecture for half an hour. I''m sure she wanted to continue for longer but I smartly hung up the call."


    "Smartly hanging up on your elder sister?" echoed Xin Zimen. "Are you that eager to die, Feifei?"


    Su Feifei smiled at him, "Oh, she won''t be able to kill me that easily."


    "Are you doubting your sister''s capabilities?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    Su Feifei shook her head, "Nope. I''ll just hide behind you. I''m sure you won''t let me die so young."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at her but didn''t say anything to her. Since his wife cherished Su Feifei like a younger sister, how could he let her get wronged? But then again, he also knew that even Su Xixi would not have the heart to say anything to Su Feifei. After Wen Ai''s death, although it seemed Su Xixi grew colder and strict, it was only because she didn''t want to lose Su Feifei as well.


    Ying also looked at Xin Zimen, "Zizi, you have to help me!"


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders, "I told you I can only protect you from your mother as long as you don''t get hurt. You''re the only daughter she has and you''re always running away from her. Even then, she only wants to see you safe."


    "It''s not the first time I got hurt though," retorted Ying. "But I''ve been doing a good job at hiding it from her for years. I failed this time around."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/right-for-her_%!d(string=51254481400161733) for visiting.


    Su Feifei snorted, "Dear niece, I love you a lot but seriously, wake up."


    "What do you mean?"


    "What Aunt Feifei means is that you''ve never been able to fool your mother," told Xiao Li. He looked at Su Feifei and questioned, "Aunt Xixi is coming?"


    "She is," the answer came from his own father. Xin Zimen was reading something on his cellphone and as he lifted his eyes, he went on, "She''ll be here in two hours."


    The one who looked most excited to hear this news was Xiao Li, the rest had complicated looks. For instance, Ying felt like a boulder was weighing down on her heart. Su Feifei''s face was already pale. As for Xin Zimen, he also didn''t look happy. How could he be? Handling Su Feifei was a lot easier than handling Su Xixi. Although Wen Ai and Su Xixi had nothing in common, they''re still the most difficult people he had ever met!


    Su Xixi never even got intimidated by Wen Ai''s presence which screamed trouble. And even if Wen Ai was the real trouble, Su Xixi could handle her very easily. So, one could expect what kind of person could she be.


    As for why Xiao Li looked so excited, he had two reasons. Just like Ying was close to her godmother, he was super close to his godmother which happened to be Ying''s mother; Su Xixi. How could he be not excited about seeing her? As for the second reason...


    "Bohai, get ready!" he patted Han Bohai''s shoulder. "My godmother is the most difficult person to impress in this whole wide world. And if you aren''t able to impress her, forget about marrying Ying, she wouldn''t even let you see a glimpse of her."


    Han Bohai''s brows jumped up in surprise, "No matter what she is still a mother. I''m sure she won''t go against her daughter''s wishes."


    Ah-Si who had been keeping silent looked at him and said, "The question is not whether she''d go against her daughter''s wishes or not. The question is whether Ying Jie can go against her mother or not."


    Han Bohai turned his eyes towards Ying who pursed her lips and lowered her eyes in response. In fact, it wasn''t that Ying had never gone against her mother''s wishes. The point was that all her life, she had only been against her mother. Everything she did, had been against her mother''s wishes.


    "This will be interesting," said Xiao Li with a rarely seen smile on his face. He looked genuinely happy for once in a long while.


    "Aren''t you really happy?" asked Ying with a furious look.


    "It''s your mother, why aren''t you excited to meet her? I''m genuinely very excited to meet her. I haven''t seen her in the past four months."


    Ying''s lips twitched, "I haven''t seen my mother in a year now!"


    "And yet you don''t look happy hearing about her," retorted Xiao Li.


    Before their argument could continue, Xin Zimen interrupted, "Xiao Li! Follow me."


    Xiao Li frowned at his father but silently followed him out leaving Ying to glare at her aunt.


    "It''s really not my fault," insisted Su Feifei. "I''m really not the one who told her anything."


    "But you didn''t stop her from coming either," said Ying.


    "Why do I feel like you''re really not happy?"


    "I''m obviously happy about seeing my mom. But how can I be happy about the reason why she is coming?"


    "Actually," began Su Feifei. "From how she yelled at me for half an hour, it sounded like she was upset about why I didn''t tell her that you have a boyfriend."


    "What?" Ying was stunned.


    Su Feifei had a thoughtful look on her face as she went on, "It really felt that way."


    Ying looked at Han Bohai and groaned, not knowing what to do. There was only one person who left her at a loss and that was her own mother. She actually was worried about whether her mother would like Han Bohai or not. Well, there was nothing to dislike about him. She didn''t think there was.


    But...


    Her mother''s taste was out of her own understanding. After all, even though her mother loved Xiao Li, she always said he wasn''t right for her. Now, she wondered if Han Bohai would be the right one in her mother''s eyes or not.

 Chapter 800 - Who Is Scary?

    For the next two hours, every time the door opened, Ying''s heart seemed to have skipped a beat. She''d anxiously look at the door and only after learning that her mom was not here yet would she be able to relax.


    And the one who noticed this was the only one who had been accompanying her; Han Bohai. To be honest, he knew nothing about Ying''s mother. Even Ying had never talked about her mother before. It made him wonder if something was wrong between them and now seeing Ying like this seemed to have increased his doubts somewhat.


    "Ah-Ying," began Han Bohai. "Are you scared of your mom?"


    Ying looked at him and took a moment before saying, "Not... Really."


    "Then why do you so jittery right now?" asked Han Bohai. "Shouldn''t you be happy that your mom is coming?"


    "I am happy," she answered sincerely. "I''m really happy. But I''m also worried."


    "Worried?" he scowled. "About what?"


    "I''m worried about whether she''ll approve of our marriage or not."


    Han Bohai was left gaping at her in disbelief, "We are getting married?"


    Ying avoided his eyes as she continued, "Well, something like that."


    Han Bohai smiled at her and didn''t push her to elaborate herself. He just continued to hold her hand and wait alongside her. It was enough to know that at least she was thinking about the future seriously. And that future seemed to have him as well.


    Ying was quiet for a while before she went on, "Actually, people say my mom is indeed scary. You might also think so as well. But trust me, she only looks scary." Han Bohai raised a brow at her and she hesitated before saying, "I mean sometimes she does act scary as well but that''s not the point. The point is that she loves me a lot. And I know that mostly she''d happy to just see me happy. However, I''ve been rebellious all my life. And I''ve let her down way too many times because of my own selfishness. I''m not as perfect as people think of me."


    "No one is perfect," he told her.


    Ying smiled softly at him, "I know no one is perfect but the point is, I''ve never even tried to be a perfect daughter. I''ve tried my best to make everyone happy but I can''t think of anything that I''d done in life just to make my mom happy. However, she never looked disappointed in me. She not only always gave in to me, she always supported me as well." She sighed out heavily, "Maybe that''s why I''m so scared right now. I don''t want to let her down this time. I genuinely want her to like you for me. And I don''t want her to do it just because she wants to see me happy."


    Han Bohai actually understood her meaning and her fear. He tightened his hold on her hand as he said, "Relax. I''ll do my best to make her like me."


    "You don''t have to do anything," said Ying. "Just be yourself. My mom can see right through people at a glance. If you tried to be extra, she''d know it right away."


    "Oh, she does sound scary now," said Han Bohai.


    Ying gave him a look, "I told you, she is scary." She lowered her voice and went on, "Let me tell you a secret... In this house, no one dares to go against Zizi but even Zizi can''t go against my mom. For two reasons, one that my mom was like an elder sister to his wife. Two, because he really doesn''t stand a chance against my mom."


    "Are you like your mom then?" he questioned.


    Ying shook her head, "Nope! I''m more like my godmother."


    The main door opened again and Ying almost jumped out of her seat. Seeing who was at the door, she frowned, "What are you doing here?"


    "Dad called her" answered Xiao Li. "Come inside, Gigi."


    Gigi gave Ying a nod as she greeted her, "Good to see you, Team Leader Yan. How is your injury now?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/who-is-scary_%!d(string=51277960644192643) for visiting.


    Ying waved her hand offhandedly, "It''s nothing big."


    Gigi nodded her head, "Take care of yourself. Everyone is worried about you." She came over and passed a bouquet of flowers in her hands to Ying saying, "Each flower is sent by a member of your team. We all wish you a fast recovery."


    Ying was taken aback by this sudden action. She felt so touched that she didn''t know what to say right now. "Thank you!" That was all she could utter right now.


    Xiao Li knocked on Ying''s head saying, "See? Even your subordinates are worried about you! So could you please focus on getting better rather than jumping around like a monkey?"


    Ying glared at him, "Aren''t I doing it now?"


    Xiao Li gave her a look, "You''re supposed to be on your bed, resting!"


    "I''m waiting for my mom," she replied. But then she pointed at Gigi and asked, "Why did Zizi call her here?"


    "She is going to be a part of Xiu''s psychologist team," answered Xiao Li casually.


    "Why?" questioned Ying in confusion. "I mean she is my subordinate and I know how good she is. But why did Zizi choose her specifically?"


    Xiao Li sighed out, "Because Regan requested it." That was the only answer he had and that was the only answer he could give her right now. After doing so, he turned to Gigi and said, "Follow me."


    Gigi gave a nod to Ying and followed Xiao Li out of there.


    Ying was left with confusing thoughts. Why would Darren ask for Gigi specifically? Were they even that close? She really couldn''t come to a real answer. But she shrugged it off when she thought that it was enough as long as Gigi was able to help Xiu.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Li didn''t directly bring Gigi to Xiu. Instead, he took her to his father first. Before Xin Zimen, she was extremely respectful. And this respect didn''t just come from the difference in their ranks, it was something that came from her heart. She genuinely respected Xin Zimen a lot.


    "I believe, you already know why I called you here," said Xin Zimen.


    "Yes, sir!" replied Gigi.


    "Although I don''t know why Regan wanted you to join Xiu''s psychologist''s team, I believe in his judgment. There is no one who knows Xiu better than he does. And if he thinks you''d of great help, I trust in his words."


    "I''ll do my best," said Gigi.


    "I''d appreciate that," said Xin Zimen. "This isn''t an official mission and yet you chose to help us. I''m truly grateful for that."


    "Sir, you don''t have to say it like that. It''d be my honor to help you or help Mr. and Mrs. Salvay."


    "Thank you!" Xin Zimen was truly thankful. He really didn''t think Gigi was obliged to help them in this personal matter but she was still willing to do it. It meant a lot to him. "Xiao Li, you can take her to Xiu now."


    Xiao Li took Gigi to Xiu. The room wasn''t the same one where Darren had been. It was the room beside it. The room looked refreshing with warm tones. It gave it a cozy and homey feel. Xiu was reclining on the lounge chair as she looked out the window. It was a gloomy winter day and yet she found it quite beautiful as she continued to stare out the window.


    Xiao Li had silently left after directing Gigi to this room.


    Xiu only turned her head when Gigi pushed a chair closer to her to sit down. Seeing a familiar face, Xiu smiled at her, "Hi, Gigi! I haven''t seen you in days now."


    "It''s good to see you too, Mrs. Salvay," she replied.


    "Woah! What''s up with this formality?" Xiu acted surprised at being called Mrs. Salvay out of nowhere.


    Gigi noticed the beads of perspiration on her forehead and took a paper towel to wipe it as she questioned, "Why are you sweating? Is it too hot for you?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Nah. We were just doing some exercises to make my arm work again. It tired me out. I never thought it''d be so difficult and..."


    Gigi waited for her to continue but when she didn''t she finished her sentence for her, "Painful?"


    Xiu pursed her lips but ended up nodding her head, "It is painful for some reason."


    Gigi waited for another minute before asking, "Do you know why I am here? Or what role am I here to play?" Xiu frowned at her words and she explained, "I''m here as your therapist."


    "Really?" questioned Xiu in surprise.


    "Yes," answered Gigi. "It seems your husband thinks you''d be more comfortable with me than any stranger. That''s why he requested me to come here."


    Xiu smiled to herself, "If he thinks so, then he must be right." She smiled even brighter at Gigi as she added, "Then I''m in your care from now on."

 Chapter 801 - Handmade Poison

    "Si... Sister!"


    Ying''s whole body stiffened when she saw her aunt staring at someone behind her.


    "Hello to you too, Feifei!"


    Hearing her mom''s voice from behind, Ying couldn''t even move her neck. It was Han Bohai who looked behind eagerly. And seeing the face of Ying''s mother, he was stunned. Only because the woman before his eyes looked like the exact replica of the one sitting right beside him. The only difference would be the age. The rest of their features had such striking resemblance that for a second, he was blown away.


    However, it didn''t take him long to realize the difference between Ying and her mother. Ying had a wild domineering aura about her, while her mother had a cold and yet dark dominant presence.


    Su Feifei ran over to her sister''s side, "Sister, I''m so happy to see you."


    While Su Feifei hugged her elder sister, the latter didn''t hug her back. Instead, Su Xixi said, "Why can''t I see the happiness on your face then?"


    Su Feifei pulled back and cleared her throat trying to come up with something to say and in the meantime, she was suddenly pushed aside and another figure hugged Su Xixi tightly, "Godmother, I missed you so much!"


    Su Xixi hugged back Ah-Si and smiled brightly, "I missed you very much as well." Then she looked at her sister and added without a hint of that previous smile, "This is what genuine happiness looks like, little sister."


    Su Feifei gulped down and took a step back. Even if she was happy to see her sister, it was hard to show that happiness. Even breathing calmly in her sister''s presence was a huge task for her.


    Su Xixi suddenly frowned and pushed Ah-Si away slightly before touching his forehead. "Ah-Si, why are you burning up? Do you have a fever?"


    Ah-Si shook his head but looking carefully at his face, Su Xixi obviously didn''t believe his words. "I''m fine."


    "Don''t try to lie to me," she said. "You''re looking like this and still saying that you are fine? As if I''d believe that." She helped him inside saying, "How is that father of yours taking care of you? Where is he? Call him out! Let me ask him if he even knows how to take care of his son or not!"


    Xin Zimen who had been on the stairs coming down with Zhao Huan and his elder brother actually heard those words and stopped right where he was.


    "Xiao Zi, what''s wrong?" asked Zhao Huan.


    Xin Zimen took a moment to say, "I suddenly don''t wish to go down."


    "Xin Zimen!" Su Xixi''s voice rang out. "Show yourself, right now!!!"


    "I''m not a genie that you''d call and I''ll show up!" Xin Zimen roared back from the stairs.


    "Do you wanna try my magical hands?" came Su Xixi''s voice. "Or are you gonna show up yourself?"


    Xin Zimen facepalmed himself and descended the stairs. When he came down, he found Su Xixi crouched down before Ah-Si as he sat dazedly on a chair.


    Seeing that Xin Zimen was here, Su Xixi stood up and turned to glare at him, "Is this how you take care of your son?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Ah-Si and furrowed his brows, "He was fine just a while ago. What happened, Ah-Si?"


    "I''m fine, Dad," answered Ah-Si to his father in the same way as he did to Su Xixi earlier.


    "See? He just said he is fine."


    Su Xixi''s face darkened and Xin Zimen took a step forward to touch Ah-Si''s forehead. Feeling his temperature, even his brows furrowed up deeper, "Call the doctor. There are so many doctors in this house, can''t they spare some time for my son?"


    "Step aside, Xiao Zi," said Zhao Huan and decided to check Ah-Si on her own. "Oh my! Ah-Si, why didn''t you say anything? Come with me."


    As Zhao Huan took Ah-Si with her, Xin Zimen was left under the scrutinizing gaze of Su Xixi. "What? What''s wrong? How is it my fault? He is not a kid anymore! He even has a kid of his own now!"


    Su Xixi scoffed at him, "How can it be your fault?"


    "Of course, how can it be my fault? I''m very innocent!"


    Su Xixi rolled her eyes at Xin Zimen and said, "Something is wrong with your definition of innocent."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/handmade-poison_%!d(string=51301563653743192) for visiting.


    "Blame it on your best friend," retorted Xin Zimen.


    "She is already dead, can you please stop blaming her now?"


    Xin Zimen made a face at her but didn''t reply.


    "Mom, am I invisible to you?" questioned Ying.


    "Last time we met, you said you''re invincible. I thought maybe you upgraded to being invisible as well."


    Ying''s face twitched at her mother''s words and made a wronged expression. "Mom! I''m hurt. Won''t you hug me?"


    Su Xixi looked at her straight before saying, "Isn''t it just a small wound for an invincible person like you?"


    Ying was really cursing her past self who actually did the mistake of calling herself ''invincible'' before her mother. How could she forget that her mom would never let this go? This one sentence was gonna haunt her for life now. After all, her mom would never let any chance go without jabbing at her.


    "Sister, don''t do that to our Yingying," Su Feifei the ever so protective aunt of Ying just had to speak up for her niece. How could she stay silent? She was a fool when it came to her one and only niece. She''d blindly take her side whenever and wherever!


    "Is it your day off?" asked Su Xixi to her sister in a flat tone.


    Su Feifei was taken aback but she replied honestly, "No."


    "Then what the hell are you doing here?"


    "I came to check up on my niece," said Su Feifei in her defense.


    "No, you came to inform her that I''m coming," Su Xixi didn''t hesitate before ripping Su Feifei''s excuse off of her face. "And now that you''ve already done your job, get lost!"


    "But I want to spend time with my sister," said Su Feifei.


    Su Xixi stared at her, "Do you? Do you really want to spend some time with me?"


    Su Feifei took a step back and said, "Have a good day! Since you''re back, I''m sure you''d have a couple of days. So, I''ll see you later!" Saying that she ran out as fast as she could.


    "Hey! Can''t you be nice?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Those words don''t really suit you," said Su Xixi. "There is nothing nice about you as well."


    "I agree," Xin Zemin couldn''t help agreeing with her.


    Xin Zimen turned to his elder brother as he questioned, "Do you know her?"


    "Not that well," he replied honestly.


    "Then why are you taking her side?" Xin Zimen didn''t wait for his brother''s reply as he said to Su Xixi, "Since you''re in my house, you''re my guest. And I''ll treat you like a good host."


    Su Xixi looked at Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin before shaking her head at them. Even after years, they had the same kind of relationship as it once did.


    "Have a seat. What would you like to drink? Water? Cold drink? Tea? Maybe coffee as bitter as you are?"


    Su Xixi gave Xin Zimen a perfunctory smile as she said, "I''m glad you still remember that I love my coffee as bitter as I am personally. But for now, I''ll just have some tea." Xin Zimen had just opened his mouth to call someone when she added, "As the good host, shouldn''t you be making that tea yourself?"


    Xin Zimen looked at her face, "Why? Are you that eager to die from my handmade poison?"


    "Maybe, I am that eager," she responded without hesitation.


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "You and I really can''t be friends."


    "Likewise," she replied as she watched him leave. He was certainly gonna make that tea himself now. How could he not? There was no way Xin Zimen would be disrespectful to her.


    Surprisingly, Xin Zemin also followed his brother out of there.


    "Mom, you really can''t see me?!"


    Ying had to shout to get her mother''s attention but it was really not working. It was quite obvious at this point that Su Xixi was purposely ignoring her own willful daughter. And it made Ying realize that her mom was really upset with her. Oh, that was not a good sign for her.


    "I can''t see you but I can see the young man standing beside you," said Su Xixi as her eyes settled on Han Bohai. She slowly came close to where Han Bohai and Ying were standing.


    Seeing the look in her mom''s eyes, Ying stood before Han Bohai and said, "Mom, I''m right here. Talk to me first! I''m your daughter! Give me some attention as well!"


    Su Xixi placed her hand at the side of Ying''s head and pushed her out of her way as she looked closely at Han Bohai''s face. She seemed just as curious about him as he was about her.

 Chapter 802 - Come Clean

    "Han Yiheng''s nephew..." said Su Xixi as her eyes were trained on Han Bohai''s face. "You don''t look like his nephew."


    "Mom! I was talking!"


    "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever!" was Su Xixi''s offhandedly reply as she didn''t even move her eyes away from Han Bohai''s face to spare her own daughter a single glance. Her eyes narrowed slightly when she noticed how Han Bohai looked back at her with a blank gaze. He didn''t seem intimidated by her aura. How amusing! Her lips curled up ever so slightly as she said, "Interesting. You''re more interesting than I heard about you."


    "Mom, did you do a background check on him?" asked Ying unhappily.


    Su Xixi took a step back as she said, "Do I have to?" She finally looked at her daughter''s face as she added, "Your boyfriend is a public figure. Apparently, most of his life is like an open book already."


    "So what? You believe everything you see on the internet?"


    Su Xixi mentally rolled her eyes at her daughter, "I''m not like you. I neither believe what the internet has to say nor do I believe what people have to say. I only believe in what I learn myself. Others opinions can''t mess up with my own understanding."


    ....


    "You have a lot to say to your brother, how come you have nothing to say before Su Xixi?" questioned Xin Zemin as he followed his brother to the kitchen. "And here you are even making tea for her. Personally! Why is she getting this privileged treatment when you can''t even talk to your own brother straight?"


    "There is a huge difference between her and my brother," replied Xin Zimen. "Although she is irritating, I respect her."


    "What about me?" questioned Xin Zemin. "You can''t even offer me some respect? I don''t even deserve that from my brother?"


    "Then you should have done a better job at being a brother," shot back Xin Zimen. "Instead of trying to become the best son, you should have tried to be a good brother as well!"


    Xin Zemin was left with no way to refute. He indeed tried to be the best son all his life. But he thought if he''d be the best, his brother would be able to live a carefree life. He thought if he took all the responsibilities, his brother would be able to live however he wanted. He let himself be caged in responsibilities to give freedom to his brother.


    How was he supposed to know that his brother would drift apart from him in this way? If he knew it, he''d have never taken left his brother alone.


    "I''m indeed not a good brother," said Xin Zemin. "But can''t you forgive me for not being a good brother?"


    Xin Zimen took a deep breath and said, "I can''t. You and I can''t be the brothers you want us to be." He took a pause and added, "But I''ll try to be cordial with you."


    ....


    "Why do I feel like you just called me dumb?" questioned Ying to her mother.


    "Did you just realize it?" her mother shot back leaving Ying gapping at her in disbelief.


    "Mom, no one insults their own kid," said Ying. "I''ll rebel against you if you continued to treat me like this. I''m warning you!"


    Su Xixi tutted at her, "My dear daughter is so dumb that she still hadn''t realized that she had lived her whole life as a rebel. Do you really think these warnings of yours are gonna work on me?"


    "Stop preaching the kids and sit down already!"


    Su Xixi turned her head to look at Xin Zimen and frowned, "Were you already waiting for me with freshly brewed tea? How come you came back so soon?"


    "None of your concern," retorted Xin Zimen. "Just drink it already."


    Su Xixi shook her head and sat down as she took the cup of tea. She looked around and questioned, "Where is my Ah-Li?"


    "He went to get something," replied Xin Zimen. "He''ll be back soon."


    Ying laughed out, "See? Your Ah-Li didn''t even wait for you. Unlike me! I''ve been waiting at the door for you!"


    "He doesn''t waste time like you," retorted Su Xixi. Then she looked at Han Bohai and asked, "Is your girlfriend allowed to jump around like this?"


    "No," replied Han Bohai plainly. "The doctors asked her to rest as much as possible."


    Su Xixi pointed at her daughter, "Is she resting?"


    Ying held Han Bohai''s hand as she said, "You can simply tell me that you have something to talk to Zizi. I''d gladly leave. I have no interest in eavesdropping on you both."


    After she left, only then did Xin Zimen point out, "Aren''t you acting strange with Ying?"


    Su Xixi shrugged her shoulders, "When I tried to be a good mother, she always ran away from me. From the time, I''ve started acting like the bad mother, she''s been the one running after me."


    Xin Zimen''s lips twitched, "You''re scary! Who plays such games with their own kids?"


    "If she can play games with me, she''d know that I brought her to this world. I''m even better at this game than she can ever be." She looked at someone and called out, "Xin Zemin!"


    Xin Zemin turned his head to look at her in question.


    "Congratulations! I heard you have a daughter now!"


    Xin Zemin''s eyes narrowed at her words and instead of leaving, he came to her side. He sat down with them as he continued to look at Su Xixi suspiciously, "You knew about my daughter?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=14488421705519105)/come-clean_%!d(string=51324199456790278) for visiting.


    Taking a sip of her tea, Su Xixi lifted her brows, "And why would you think like that?"


    Xin Zemin looked at his brother, "Wasn''t she Wen Ai''s best friend?" his brother nodded in reply. "And didn''t Wen Ai share everything with her?" His brother nodded once again. Xin Zemin looked back at Su Xixi as he went on, "Since she shared everything with you, how am I supposed to believe that you''re oblivious to it all?"


    "And if I still insist that Wen Ai didn''t share anything regarding this with me?"


    "I don''t believe it," said Xin Zemin with conviction.


    Xin Zimen was silent for a moment as he looked at his brother and then he looked at the calmness on Su Xixi''s face. He frowned a little before voicing out, "Xixi, you really didn''t know, right?"


    "You also don''t want to trust my words?" asked Su Xixi.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to trust you. Lately, I can''t even seem to trust my own shadow," said Xin Zimen very honestly. "As for this matter, I also think Wen Ai wouldn''t hide such a big matter from you."


    "It''s true that Ai would share everything with me," sighed out Su Xixi. "But that doesn''t mean I knew about any of this. She didn''t hide anything from me as long as it concerned her own self."


    "So, you really didn''t know about Xiu''s existence?" asked Xin Zimen.


    Su Xixi heaved a long sigh before saying, "I knew about the whole surrogacy thing." Xin Zimen''s brows jumped up. "But only after everything had been done." She thought about something before adding, "But she never told me that in that accident, only Xiulin died. She told me that Xin Zemin''s daughter was also gone. By that ''gone'', I thought she meant she was dead. But it seems she didn''t mean it like that."


    "Why would she hide such a thing from even you?" asked Xin Zemin. "Did she really not want me to meet my daughter ever again?" Xin Zemin didn''t continue when he saw his wife coming to join them.


    "Xiao Zi, tell someone to keep checking on Ah-Si," said Zhao Huan as she sat down. "He seems to have stomach spasms as well. It seems he is under a lot of stress."


    "Stress?" Xin Zimen frowned. "Why is he in stress?"


    "That is something you should ask him," said Zhao Huan. "He didn''t tell me anything. And I don''t think he will."


    Su Xixi''s eyes were following Zhao Huan from the moment she came. She crossed her legs and leaned back as she asked, "What about you, Zhao Huan?"


    "Huh? What do you mean?"


    "Why don''t you tell me what I''m curious about?"


    Zhao Huan frowned at her, "And what are you curious about?"


    Su Xixi exhaled a long breath as she placed the cup down and leaned back in the chair, "How or why did you suddenly think of looking for Carina Novell? How did you know Carina Novell had a daughter of your husband?"


    "I''ve already said it," began Zhao Huan. "It was because of the message I saw in Zemin''s phone that made me suspicious. That''s why I looked for her."


    Su Xixi smiled at her strangely, "Someone like you so easily became suspicious of her husband''s loyalty? Why does it not sound believable?"


    "What are you trying to do here?" asked Xin Zimen.


    Su Xixi looked carefully at Zhao Huan and said straightforwardly, "I want her to tell the whole truth. I want her to come clean!"

 Chapter 803 - Clan Of Hyenas

    "What kind of a whole truth you''re looking for?" asked Zhao Huan. "And that too, from me?"


    "You''re the only person who met Wen Ai before she died," began Su Xixi in a calm voice but just as she mentioned Wen Ai, Xin Zimen tensed up. "Do you really want me to believe that she really didn''t tell you anything about your daughter even when she was dying?"


    Zhao Huan recalled that last meeting she had with Wen Ai. Her hands clenched up. "She didn''t give me the details."


    "But she did say something, didn''t she?" Su Xixi pressed on.


    Zhao Huan nodded her head as she told honestly, "The only thing I could understand from her broken sentence was... ''Find Carina Novell. Daughter. Xin Zemin. Alive.'' I didn''t know what to make out of those broken words that I couldn''t understand myself."


    "Really?" Su Xixi still didn''t let her off the hook.


    Zhao Huan closed her eyes and took a deep breath before saying, "A week after Wen Ai''s death, I received a parcel. It had the photos of a woman my husband as they both came out of a gynecologist''s office with a big smile on their faces." Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin were stunned by her confession. "I didn''t know that woman was Carina Novell."


    Xin Zemin looked at his wife and asked, "Was that enough to make you doubt me?"


    Zhao Huan shook her head, "The parcel didn''t only have the photos. It had the pregnancy record and the name of the father written on the doc.u.ments was Xin Zemin while the name of the mother was Carina Novell." She looked at Xin Zemin and continued, "It''s not that it made me doubt you. It made me scared. Scared because of all those warnings I received from Wen Ai to be careful. Someone had come up with such a detailed plan to ruin our relationship, it scared me. I thought if I looked any further, it might get our lives in danger."


    Su Xixi sighed out as she stood up, "But if you had listened to Wen Ai''s words and looked for Carina Novell, maybe she''d have been able to live this day as well. And let''s not forget, you both could have found your daughter sooner."


    "You made me say all this for what?" asked Zhao Huan.


    "Of course, because I don''t want any of you to blame my sister. She isn''t here to defend herself but I am. And I will never stop defending her even till the day I day. Don''t ever blame her for keeping you away from your daughter. If anything, you should be thankful to her. Your daughter is alive only because of her. And to protect that daughter of yours, she paid the price with her own life!"


    She was about to leave the room but stopped and said, "I''m feeling generous so I''ll tell you who is behind that parcel you received back then."


    "You know who tried to kill our daughter?" Both Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan stood up in shock.


    Su Xixi shook her head, "The one who tried to kill your daughter and the one who tried to separate you two, are two different people. In fact, the person behind your miscarriage is also different."


    "What?" Zhao Huan''s voice trembled as she asked, "You know who was behind my miscarriages? There was someone else involved other than my sister?"


    Su Xixi tutted at her, "I didn''t think you''d still blame your sister for all that when she is actually very innocent in all of this." She laughed out mockingly, "The problem was never with your sister. The problem had always been with this Xin Clan. This is why I was so against Wen Ai marrying into a clan of hyenas."


    "Xixi..."


    Su Xixi glared at Xin Zimen, "Don''t try to shut me up! I hated your whole family back then and I still do. It''s because of your Xin Clan that I lost my sister! I will never forgive any of them." She took a deep breath and looked at Zhao Huan, "The one who sent you that parcel was your mother-in-law. I''m not sure how she got her hands on those photos or doc.u.ments but she was the one who sent it all to you."


    Zhao Huan held her husband''s hand tightly as she inquired, "And the one behind my miscarriages?"


    Su Xixi looked at her carefully before saying, "Since you already believe that your sister is behind it, why bother trying to clear it after all these years? The relationship between you and Zhao Wei is already broken. Even if you know who the real culprit is now, it won''t change anything."


    Saying that she strode out of there. Xin Zimen was silent for a while before he said, "I knew that mother of yours was no good. But I didn''t think she was even against your own happiness. What an eye-opener!" After saying this much, he followed behind Su Xixi.


    He found her standing on the first floor''s balcony with a slim cigarette perched between her lips. She took out the lighter from her pocket. Just as she was about to light up the cigarette, Xin Zimen came to stand beside her.


    "When did you start smoking?" asked Xin Zimen.


    She rubbed her thumb on the lighter in her hand as she replied, "Since the time, this lighter''s owner left this world."


    Xin Zimen looked at the lighter carefully and his lips parted but nothing came out. The lighter originally belonged to his wife who had gotten it from her father. The silver lighter had accompanied Wen Ai all her life. Whenever she missed her father, she''d take it out. Now, it seemed like Su Xixi did the same.


    "I used to ask her how can a lighter make her feel close to her father," began Su Xixi in a reminiscent tone. "She used to say when you have nothing to hold on to even a straw seems like a gold thread." She looked heavenwards as she went on, "I never thought I''d understand what she meant only after losing her."


    Xin Zimen leaned against the metal railing and said, "I also learned after losing her that I loved her more than I was capable of doing so. And I learned how much more I still had to learn about her. But she left too soon."


    Su Xixi tilted her head as she said, "You and I can only have a peaceful conversation when it involves Wen Ai."


    "Our love for her is the only thing common between us," said Xin Zimen. "And we both miss her very much."


    "It''s rare for you to say out your feelings like this," said Su Xixi in surprise.


    "What? You don''t like to hear it?" he questioned.


    Su Xixi shook her head, "No, it''s refreshing actually." She took a pause as she opened and closed the lighter a couple of times and said, "But I still wish you had been this vocal about your feelings when she was around."


    "She can still hear me," retorted Xin Zimen. "I know she can." They stood there silently, each with their own thoughts for a while before he said, "You didn''t come here just for Ying, did you?"


    Su Xixi''s eyes flashed with an indescribable emotion before she said, "She is indeed a reason for me to be here. But I do have more reasons to be here."


    "Dad! I got the results!"


    Both of them turned around to look at Xiao Li who was rushing over. His face showed his urgency but as soon as he saw Su Xixi, his expressions changed completely.


    "Auntie!" He ran over to hug her. "I missed you so much!"


    Su Xixi patted Xiao Li''s back with a soft expression on her cold face which really looked foreign on her face. "Even my daughter didn''t bother telling me that she missed me."


    "Your daughter is no good," said Xiao Li without hesitation. "You shouldn''t take her words to heart."


    "Xiao Li!" Xin Zimen glared at his son. "Talk nicely about your best friend."


    "Dad, as if she talks nicely about me now," retorted Xiao Li. "Anyways, why are we even talking about her? My favorite aunt in the whole world is here, is this time to bring up the name of that useless best friend?"


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at his son. "Forget about that and tell me why did you run here? What results did you get?"


    Xiao Li looked at Su Xixi who said, "What? Is there something you have to hide even from me?"


    Xiao Li smiled at her and shook his head, "How can I hide anything from you? You''re like my own mother to me. I can never even think of hiding anything from you."


    "I think she already knows that," Xin Zimen chimed. "Now, ignore her and tell me what did you find out?"


    Xiao Li passed the test results to his father saying, "This is Liu Nuan''s paternity test results."

 Chapter 804 - About That...

    Xin Zimen took the test result from Xiao Li and skimmed through it. When he looked at the test result, he looked rather calm.


    "Great! It just proves that Liu Nuan is really not Suyin''s daughter."


    "Yes, it does prove that," said Xiao Li with a strange expression on his face.


    "That means whatever Ah-Si heard is true. Chen Hana indeed changed the babies. That means Chen Xiu was Suyin''s daughter." Xiao Li opened his mouth to retort but his father cut him off saying, "I don''t know why both you and Ying are trying to prove that Chen Xiu wasn''t Suyin''s daughter, but learn to accept the facts that are before you."


    "Dad, let me say something," said Xiao Li.


    "What else is there to say?" asked Xin Zimen.


    Xiao Li took out another report from his coat and gave it to his father. Xin Zimen took it and his eyes widened as he read through it. He looked up at Xiao Li with confusion visible in his eyes.


    "Exactly!" said Xiao Li. "Liu Nuan''s DNA doesn''t even match with her supposed ''father'', Liu Mingfan!"


    Xin Zimen was quiet for a minute before he said, "Chen Hana said that she changed her daughter with Suyin''s daughter. Who said both of their daughters have to share the same father?"


    Xiao Li smiled at his father which didn''t look like a smile as he gave another report to his father, "Liu Nuan''s DNA doesn''t match with Chen Hana either."


    "What the fu...!" Xin Zimen glared at his son. "You''ve come prepared, huh?" Xiao Li shrugged his shoulders. "However, how did you get Chen Hana''s DNA sample?"


    ''Why do you think I took such a long time to get these reports? Wasn''t it because I was waiting for her blood sample to arrive?'' Obviously, he only thought these words to himself in his head. He didn''t dare say it out loud. He didn''t think it was time for him to tell his father that he had Chen Hana under his strict watch. Because if his father asked for the reason, he wouldn''t be able to give one.


    "Is that important right now?" retorted Xiao Li. "Why are you not willing to believe that Chen Xiu was not Aunt Suyin''s daughter?"


    "Why would Chen Hana lie to Suyin if her lie could be caught so easily?" Xin Zimen shot back.


    "That..." Xiao Li pursed his lips not knowing what to say. "I also don''t know about that."


    "Why don''t you just ask Chen Hana to solve this mystery for you?" suggested Su Xixi who had been listening to their argument silently. "Wouldn''t that save you all this trouble?"


    "I hate to say it but Xixi is right," agreed Xin Zimen. "Since you know where Chen Hana is, let''s just solve this mystery."


    Xiao Li''s shoulders slumped down, "You think I don''t want to ask her? But I can''t do it!"


    "Why not? Why can''t you ask her?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    Xiao Li struggled for a moment before saying, "Because she is in a coma for the past three years."


    "What? How did that happen?"


    "Someone tried to kill her," answered Xiao Li.


    "Who?"


    "Aunt Suyin," replied Xiao Li. "She tried to kill her and almost succeeded as well."


    "That''s not possible," Su Xixi chimed in getting the attention of both Xin Zimen and Xiao Li. Su Xixi didn''t feel intimidated by their questioning gazes as she calmly told them, "For the past five years, Suyin hasn''t done anything out of the ordinary which is the most out of the ordinary thing."


    "What do you mean?" Xin Zimen asked her in confusion.


    "It''s just as I said, Suyin''s hostility has allowed down for the past five years. She indeed turned into that philanthropist that everyone thought of her to be. In fact, for these years she has even dissolved all of the dark forces that she built with such effort." Su Xixi had a thoughtful look on her face as she said, "I always wondered how the devil in her became so tamed all of sudden. But now I think I can understand." She suddenly laughed out, "Chen Hana... That woman really played her well."


    "Played her well?" echoed Xiao Li. "Auntie, what do you know?"


    "It''s true that Suyin tried to kill Chen Hana," began Su Xixi. "But that was when Chen Hana was known as Davika Campen. Her whole family was murdered in their home in Thailand overnight. By the time, we got there, only Davika had been holding on to her last breath. She was held in the embrace of her mother who shielded her with her own body. And that''s how she became the sole survivor of the Campen family. It was later on that we gave her the new identity of Chen Hana as she asked for it."


    Both Xin Zimen and Xiao Li were more than shocked to hear this from her. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #..._51371063472356482 for visiting.


    "Back then, Davika was an actress in Thailand and that''s how Liu Mingfan met her in Bangkok. Fell in love at first sight and wanted to break off his engagement with Xin Suyin. However, Suyin always had the personality of a woman who would never let you have what she thinks belongs to her. How could she let that actress take her fiance from her? Did it matter that Liu Mingfan didn''t love her anymore? No, it didn''t! she just wanted what she wanted and at any cost!"


    Su Xixi thought it had been a long time since this incident but now that she talked about it, she actually felt like it just felt like yesterday when Wen Ai had asked her to keep a track of Suyin''s movements because she didn''t want an innocent to suffer because of Suyin''s hostility. But they had still underestimated Suyin.


    Su Xixi chuckled darkly as she said, "I never thought I''d get to hear the name Chen Hana once again in my life. She clearly wanted nothing to do with Suyin or Liu Mingfan then why would she get embroiled with them again?"


    That''s when Xiao Li stepped in to tell her, "That''s because Chen Hana''s daughter Chen Xiu was kidnapped by Aunt Suyin. The history seemed to have repeated and maybe aunt Suyin wanted to shed some blood again. However, she was told by Chen Hana that Chen Xiu was actually her daughter. Apparently, Aunt Suyin did a test and it proved that Chen Xiu was her daughter."


    "None of that is possible though," claimed Su Xixi.


    "How are you certain that none of that is possible?" questioned Xin Zimen with a complicated expression.


    Su Xixi rolled her eyes at him, "Because when Suyin gave birth, Chen Hana was still not able to leave her hospital bed. She spent four years fighting to live again. How would she exchange anyone''s kids?"


    Xin Zimen and Xiao Li looked at each other.


    "What if someone else changed the kids and Chen Hana knew about it?" suggested Xin Zimen.


    "Zimen, don''t do the blind guessing. Let me finish," said Su Xixi. "It''s true that Suyin''s daughter was exchanged at birth. However, that was because Suyin gave birth to a stillborn child." She exhaled a long breath, "That''s why Liu Nuan was exchanged with that stillborn."


    "Who did it?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Don''t look at me," warned Su Xixi. "Neither I nor Wen Ai had a hand in it. We only got to know that the baby was exchanged because we already knew that Suyin lost her child during delivery. Well, karma is surely a bitch. Who told her to sow poison for herself." She looked at Xin Zimen as she continued, "The real culprit behind your sister-in-law''s miscarriages had always been Suyin."


    "Why would she do it?"


    "Because she needed to give your mother a reason to sow discord between your brother and his wife. You had already separated yourself from the Xin Clan, so the only person standing between her and her goals was your elder brother. Her plan was actually really good, once Zhao Huan won''t be able to give birth, Mother Xin would definitely want to kick her out of her son''s life. And once Xin Zemin got stuck between his mother and his wife, no matter whom he chose, he''d be the one to suffer. It''s easy to tear apart someone who is already crumbling down."


    Xiao Li felt really strange listening to all these conspiracies that had been going on for years.


    "However, she had really underestimated Xin Zemin''s devotion to his wife. No matter how hard things got, he didn''t let his mother come between him and his wife. Even if he had always been easily manipulated, I''d still give him that he really loves his wife."


    Xiao Li exhaled a long breath before he said, "So, Liu Nuan isn''t Aunt Suyin''s daughter. Neither was Chen Xiu. That means Aunt Suyin never had her own child. Then how did Chen Xiu''s DNA matched with Aunt Suyin''s?"


    "About that..."

 Chapter 805 - Hear Me Out

    Both Xiao Li and Xin Zimen stared at Su Xixi''s face earnestly and anxiously waiting for some kind of explanation. Everything they had just learned changed the course of whatever they already knew. It was like someone was suddenly questioning their beliefs.


    While Xin Zimen was solely focused on such deep-rooted conspiracies, Xiao Li''s focus was only on one thing; Suyin never had a child of her own. That meant Chen Xiu wasn''t her daughter. That also meant that his initial suspicions were right all along. Chen Xiu was indeed Xin Xiulin! However, he didn''t know what to feel about this realization either.


    Whether to be happy that Chen Xiu was his sister or be sad that she was dead. And she died such an unjust death as well.


    "Xixi, what else do you know?" Seeing Su Xixi''s silence, Xin Zimen had to urge her to continue.


    Su Xixi hesitated a little before saying, "I think I don''t have any hand in doing that."


    "Are you sure?!"


    Su Xixi looked awkward as she stated, "Hear me out first..."


    *Flashback*


    Su Xixi had been drinking all night and had only come back home to rest when she received a phone call from an unknown number. She didn''t take the call but the caller was quite persistent. Eventually, she just picked up the call, "Hello! Who is it?"


    "Am I speaking to Su Xixi?" asked the caller.


    "Yes," answered Su Xixi as she poured herself a glass of water. "And who is this?"


    "It''s me... Chen Hana," came the reply.


    Su Xixi frowned to herself in confusion, "Chen Hana? I don''t know any Chen Hana."


    "Davika Campen... Thailand... The massacre night."


    Su Xixi had a look of enlightenment as she rubbed her eyes and said, "Woah! It''s been such a long time. But since you''re looking for me after such a long time... What can I help you with?"


    "Suyin," that was all that Su Xixi heard before she felt like the person at the call was crying.


    "Didn''t you want to keep your distance from Suyin? Why are you in trouble with her again?" inquired Su Xixi rubbing her forehead. "Tell me what she did now."


    Chen Hana didn''t give her the details but instead just said, "She is trying to repeat history for her own daughter. She is torturing another innocent soul just because of her own selfish reasons. Please, help me!"


    "What can I help you with?" asked Su Xixi.


    "I know you have someone infiltrate Suyin''s forces. So, I know you can help me with this. Please save my daughter!"


    "Huh?"


    "This is the only request I have. That''s the only way I can save that innocent girl right now. Please! If Suyin got the test results before I could save Xiu, everything would be over!"


    Su Xixi was quite tired as she asked, "What test results?"


    "Is that really important?"


    "Let me see what I can do about that," replied Su Xixi before she hung up the call and immediately called someone else.


    She neither knew who she was trying to save nor did she have any interest in knowing at that time. She was already feeling tired and only wanted to get this over with.


    *End of Flashback*


    "You!" Xin Zimen stared at her wide-eyed not knowing what to say to her.


    Su Xixi raised her hand in a stop sign as she continued, "Before you continue bashing me for no reason, let me clear one thing for you. I never got to the point of saving that girl. And when I tried to reach Chen Hana to tell her that I wasn''t able to help her, I couldn''t reach her either."


    "That means Auntie, you wanted to help her but wasn''t able to do so? Only because Aunt Suyin had already let go of Chen Xiu, right?" asked Xiao Li and Su Xixi nodded her head. "Aunt Suyin let go of Chen Xiu because of those test results. Then how did Chen Xiu''s test result turn out to be positive? And why did you say that Chen Hana played Aunt Suyin well?"


    Su Xixi didn''t even have to think to answer that, "Chen Hana already knew that Suyin''s child was dead. She had heard it from me and Wen Ai. She played that card again Suyin. Everyone knew how Suyin loved Liu Nuan. Chen Hana made her realize that she had used up her love and care on someone who was not even related to her. Instead, she invoked a pang of guilt for Chen Xiu." She suddenly scoffed, "I never thought it was so easy to destroy someone like Suyin. Chen Hana''s one lie really crumbled Suyin''s strong sense of pride."


    "But that lie took someone''s life!" reminded Xiao Li trying to restrain his anger.


    "I''m not sure what to say about that. Because I know she lied to save that girl''s life. She must have panicked knowing that Chen Xiu was with Suyin. She had suffered under the hands of Suyin and she knew how far she could do. Maybe that''s why in her panicked state, she chose to gamble with that lie. I''d have gladly helped her if only I could. But by the time, my people got there Chen Xiu was already released. I never learned about the details though." She took a pause and went on, "But now that you have pointed out, it''s really a good question. How, why, and who was able to change those test results?"


    "So the question still remains the same!"


    "I have one theory for you though," Su Xixi added.


    "Now what?" Xin Zimen looked exasperated after hearing all of this. His mind was still reeling from everything. And he really couldn''t tell what to say.


    "What if the person who originally brought Liu Nuan to Suyin was the one who changed those test results?" Su Xixi laid out her theory before them calmly.


    "Why would that person do it? If that person brought Liu Nuan to Suyin, that means they didn''t want Suyin to be hurt."


    Su Xixi shook her head at Xin Zimen, "Zimen, shut up!" She took a deep breath and went on, "Who is gonna guarantee that the person who brought Liu Nuan to Suyin had good intentions? Who is to know that that person always planned to use Liu Nuan''s identity against Suyin? And Liu Nuan was, just placed a pawn on a chessboard that could be used whenever one needed it?"


    "If what you''re saying is true," began Xiao Li. "Then Auntie, why would that person mess around with Chen Xiu''s DNA test results?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" asked Su Xixi. "Suyin lost her value and that person wanted to throw her off. What better way than to use the guilt that Chen Hana invoked within Suyin''s heart. It''s already clear that Chen Hana''s words managed to make Suyin suspicious. And once one has a slight suspicion in their heart, anyone can manipulate it easily. That person did exactly that! And it worked as well."


    Xin Zimen looked at his son while Xiao Li looked at his father. They both had the same thought that her words made perfect sense. However, they had no way to prove this theory for now.


    "Can''t you see it for yourself? Since what happened with Chen Xiu, Suyin had been like a tamed bird that suddenly lost the will to fly again in the sky."


    "I have another question," said Xin Zimen. "Who was Chen Xiu to Chen Hana? Was she really her daughter?"


    "That''s not possible," replied Su Xixi. "I just told you that Chen Hana had spent four years in a hospital. If she gave birth, we''d know. Don''t you think?"


    "Then why was Chen Xiu called Chen Hana''s daughter?"


    "How would I know? Maybe she adopted her later on?" retorted Su Xixi. "I never contacted her after that. We left her at a scarcely populated private island in Thailand. And she had said that she never planned on leaving from there. I still don''t even know why would she come to this country. As much as I figured her out, she honestly didn''t want to have anything to do with Suyin ever again." She tutted to herself, "But poor her! She still couldn''t escape from her fate. This ill-fate between her and Suyin took an innocent life once again."


    No one was more upset about that than Xiao Li right now who was fuming. That innocent life was most likely his own sister! How was he supposed to make peace with any of this?


    While they had been talking on the balcony, they hadn''t known that someone had been sitting on the balcony of the room beside them. That person not only heard all of these conjectures but it also left a deep impact on that person. The person was in a wheelchair and her pale face had a rose complexion due to the cold breeze outside.


    The person in the wheelchair felt her whole world spun once again. She looked up at the sky with her light brown eyes that seemed to hold such deep tranquility at this moment.

 Chapter 806 - Fix One Thing

    Xiu''s session with Gigi has ended over half an hour ago but she didn''t want to go back and lie down on her bed especially when Darren was sleeping. So, she chose to maneuver her wheelchair towards the balcony to get some fresh air. Wrapped up in a knit blanket, she let the cold air numb her brain so that everything that ran through her mind would stop for a while.


    Earlier Gigi had asked her a question, "If you could choose to fix one thing in your past, what would it be?"


    Xiu hadn''t answered her at that time. It wasn''t because she was unwilling to answer. She had been very cooperative during their session, why wouldn''t she continue to do it? It was just that she genuinely had no answer to that question.


    Surprisingly, she had been asking the same question to herself lately...


    If she could really choose one moment to return back to, what would it be?


    Did she want to return back to the time she decided to give back on her life?


    The answer was no! She didn''t think she wanted to go back to that time of despair and loneliness all over again.


    Then she asked herself again. What if she returned back to the time she saved Liu Nuan''s life? Would she still want to save her life?


    The answer was very obvious. Just as she had told Bohai last night, she''d indeed choose to save Liu Nuan''s life. Because she''d never want someone to die as long as she could save them, she''d do it. Without thinking about the consequences at all!


    There was one moment she did feel like she wanted to change though. What if she chose to reveal her infatuation to Darren back when they were just phone buddies? What would have been different? She didn''t know about the rest but she was certain that she''d be able to love him for longer and she''d able to save him from the suffering that her death brought to him.


    However, the reality was she couldn''t return back to anywhere. No matter how bad she wanted to change something in her past, she couldn''t deny that she was more afraid of losing what she had now. The warmth of a family that she always desired. The only thing she desperately wished for.


    So even if she was given another chance, she''d still like to choose the present that was familiar to her. She shook her head and tried her hardest to focus solely on filtering out her thoughts.


    To her surprise, she soon heard a familiar voice from around. Hearing the voice of Xin Zimen, she decided to just stay there. However, who knew she would be able to hear some shocking revelations. And even after the people from the other side were already gone, she was left staring blankly into space.


    For a long moment, her brain didn''t register anything. Nothing made sense to her. It was almost like once again someone was trying to shake up everything she believed in. And this time, the impact was stronger!


    She continued to blink as some words echoed in her mind...


    ~Chen Xiu was neither Chen Hana nor Xin Suyin''s daughter.


    ~Chen Hana had lied to Xin Suyin to bade for time to save Chen Xiu.


    That''s it!


    Those two things were the only things running through her mind at that moment. And it continued to run amok in her mind. These words jumbled up and wreaked havoc in her mind. For a moment, those words made sense, and then they didn''t.


    Xiu stared at her empty hands intently for a while before lifting her warm hands to touch her cold face.


    "To save Chen Xiu..." she muttered to herself. "To save Chen Xiu. To save Chen Xiu." She continued to repeat those words in a small voice for a while as she recalled something...


    *Flashback*


    "As my mother, shouldn''t you be standing on my side?!" Chen Xiu questioned the woman standing before her with her back towards her. "How can you ask me to give up my happiness for someone else?"


    The woman turned her head and looked at Chen Xiu. She stepped closer to her and held her shoulders saying, "I''m always standing on your side. That is why I am asking you to give up this pursuit that would only lead you to destruction."


    "Destruction?" snorted Chen Xiu. "Mother, I love him!"


    "And that love is gonna become your destruction," said Chen Hana with a stern look. "Why are you not understanding it already? That guy is already engaged."


    "He is not," argued Chen Xiu. "There had been no official engagement!"


    Chen Hana glared at her saying, "The one he belongs is the daughter of a twisted woman! A madwoman can only raise a mad daughter! Don''t court your own death! What are you lacking in life that you want to run after him so desperately?"


    "I''m running after the love that you didn''t give me. I''m running after the care and attention that I wanted from you. I''m running after a normal family that you could never provide!"


    Hearing Chen Xiu''s words, Chen Hana was quiet for a long time. Soon her shoulders slackened as if all her strength left her body. She looked defeated as she said, "Although I was never able to become the family you wanted, I''ve been trying my best." Her hands held Chen Xiu''s as she said, "I''m begging you. Please, give up on him! I don''t want you to go through..." She left her words unsaid as she had no way to explain anything to her.


    "You''ve never shown so concern about me before," stated Chen Xiu. "Then why now?"


    Chen Hana placed her hand against her cheek as she said, "Because I''ve raised you. And I don''t want to see you ruining yourself over love."


    Chen Xiu scoffed as she threw her hand off herself, "You''re still thinking about how you can exploit my value. You just don''t want me to lose the status of a superstar. How can you be so selfish?"


    "No, you''re not understanding..." Chen Hana tried to explain herself but Chen Xiu had already walked out of there.


    *End of Flashback*


    Now that she thought about it, Xiu felt like she could understand the strong resistance of Chen Hana towards her relationship with Zhou Jinhai. From the beginning, she kept warning her to stay away from him but she stubbornly didn''t listen.


    She always wondered why her mother didn''t want her to love or be happy. But now she realized that it was actually the opposite, Chen Hana had to resort to even harsh means just to try and stop her from having any kind of relationship with Zhou Jinhai. Because Chen Hana knew what would be the consequences of it all.


    But till the very end, she kept thinking that she didn''t care about her.


    However, one of the reasons why she had become so stubborn regarding her relationship with Zhou Jinhai was Chen Hana herself. For the first time, Chen Xiu received her mother''s attention and it was all because of how she was in a relationship with Zhou Jinhai. And to keep that attention, she decided to not listen to Chen Hana''s warnings until it was already too late for her to even realize that Chen Hana had been right all along.


    Xiu chuckled to herself as she thought that Chen Hana was right, ''A madwoman could only raise a mad daughter!'' Now that it was clear that Liu Nuan wasn''t even Suyin''s daughter, Xiu believed those words even more. Even if they didn''t share the same blood, just because Suyin raised Liu Nuan, the latter had inherited every single bad thing from her.


    Xiu felt like someone played a joke on her all over again.


    The woman that really broke her, in the end, was actually never her mother. Xin Suyin was never Chen Xiu''s mother. She felt like that was one of the most beautiful things she had heard in her two lifetimes! That feeling of disgust that Chen Xiu felt when she learned that she was Xin Suyin''s daughter seemed to have washed away now.


    Someone was not liberating her, she felt like someone was cleansing her soul. She wasn''t the daughter of a wicked person who didn''t even deserve to be called a human any longer!


    No one knew how much guilt she felt from the time she learned that Destiny had also suffered under the schemes of Xin Suyin. She felt guilty that the girl who admired her had to suffer at the hands of her own birth mother. This guilt made her feel foreign in this skin.


    But not anymore! She was truly cleansed now. From all the guilt as well.


    Although the facts still remained that Xin Suyin had a hand in destroying both Chen Xiu and Destiny, the truth that Xin Suyin wasn''t related to Chen Xiu was enough to make Xiu feel free.

 Chapter 807 - Keep Your Promise

    Meanwhile, after having a discussion with his father and his godmother, Xiao Li had actually gone to check up on Xiu and Darren. He knew that Xiu''s session must have been over by now but was surprised when he saw that she had not come back to her bed yet. For a moment, he was scared but then realized that nothing could happen within this house, and only then did he relax again.


    Apparently, the shadow of this attack was left on his mind as well. Even though he hadn''t been there in person to witness it himself.


    When he was about to go look for her, Darren stopped him, "Li bro, don''t."


    "I don''t feel comfortable with her not being here with you," said Xiao Li.


    Darren offered him a small smile. He had already noticed Xiu''s absence when he woke up just a while ago. And he had also learned that Xiu''s session with Gigi had finished over thirty minutes ago. But she hadn''t come back. And he knew his wife well enough to know why. That''s why he didn''t rush anyone to bring her back. He also knew nothing could happen to her here. So, he was calm about it.


    He''d just let her relax on her own for a while. She''d come back when she felt like it.


    "Give her some time," Darren said to Xiao Li. "She needs some space to clear her head."


    "Wouldn''t she be overthinking all alone?"


    "Even if she does it, neither you can do anything about it nor can I. There are certain things in her life she needs to overcome on her own. You and I can''t do anything about that."


    Xiao Li listened to Darren''s words and frowned. Although he agreed with Darren''s words, he somewhat didn''t agree either. He didn''t like the idea of leaving Xiu to deal with everything on her own. Even if she was fighting her inner demons, he wanted to be of help. But when he looked at Darren, he couldn''t bring himself to say anything.


    Since Darren knew Xiu better than him, he really couldn''t question Darren. There were a lot of things regarding Xiu that he wasn''t able to understand. Especially, he couldn''t understand what bothered Xiu. No matter how hard he tried to understand her, he wasn''t able to. That seemingly lively and bright person hid too many things behind her smile that he wasn''t capable of reading.


    But he wanted to. He really wanted to understand Xiu''s worries. Only then could he help her in any way. However, he knew that although Xiu was nice to everyone, she was guarding against everyone as well. The way she let Darren in her heart, no one would ever be able to do so.


    Xiao Li decided to stay there to wait for Xiu. He sat beside Darren''s bed and asked, "How are you feeling?"


    "It isn''t as bad as I thought it''d be," replied Darren. "Besides, you have gathered such brilliant doctors for me. They are doing their very best to reduce any kind of complications." He was silent for a moment before he inquired, "Did you find the one behind this attack?"


    Xin Xiaoli thought about it before shaking his head, "Not yet." He didn''t want Darren to think over it that''s why he chose to lie to him.


    "But my father thinks you have found the culprit," stated Darren calmly. Although his father didn''t come to see him, it was only because Francesca would never allow him. When it came to Darren''s life, Francesca didn''t trust many people. Even if Zhou Xichen was his father, she''d still not trust him.


    Also, Darren didn''t allow his father to come and see him either. He really didn''t think there was a need for that. It was enough that he could talk to his father over the phone daily to reassure him.


    "And why would he think like that?" questioned Xiao Li as his brows furrowed. He knew he hid his tracks very well. There was no way for Zhou Xichen to find Wen Clan''s movements solely on his own.


    "Li bro, did you really think no one would notice Liu Nuan''s absence?" Xiao Li''s eyes widened while Darren continued, "Although my father''s power can''t compare to the one behind you, he is still a very smart person. He had concluded that since the attack happened right after the wedding, the perpetrator was within the guests. And most importantly, someone close. Very close." Xiao Li''s expressions stiffened. "Because of his assumption, he managed to notice that Liu Nuan was supposed to take her flight to Capital but she never managed to do so. There was no way to contact her either. He found it quite suspicious and I think you''re the reason why it''s suspicious."


    "Liu Nuan has nothing to do with Xiu, why would you so easily believe that she vanished because of that reason? Maybe she offended someone else."


    Darren silently looked at his face for a moment before saying, "I''d have loved to believe your words. In fact, I really wish those words were true. I really don''t want to hate Liu Nuan anymore than I already do."


    Xiao Li contemplated his words and asked, "Do you hate her because of what happened with Chen Xiu?" Seeing Darren''s silence, Xiao Li''s eyes had a complicated look, "Are you still not able to forget her?"


    Darren chuckled at that, "It''s not about whether I can forget her or not. It''s about how she was wronged. Do you really expect me to forgive everyone who hurt her so badly?"


    "She is the reason your relationship with Jinhai got strained, right?"


    Darren lowered his eyes as he said, "He should have never gotten into a relationship with her when he knew he couldn''t protect her. Even if his feelings for her true, he didn''t deserve someone like her." He took a deep breath and asked again, "It''s really Liu Nuan, right?"


    Xiao Li finally nodded his head, "Yes. She is the one."


    "And what''s her excuse this time around?" He snorted, "Last time her excuse was a miscarriage, what is this time?"


    "Miscarriage?" questioned Xiao Li. "What miscarriage?"


    Darren stared at him, "Li bro, it was such a high profile miscarriage that destroyed someone''s reputation and life as well. How could you not know about it? Especially when one of the people involved had been your own cousin?"


    Xiao Li actually looked confused. He couldn''t remember anything regarding this. Strange.


    "Anyway, I don''t know why she tried to kill Xiu. She is not telling the truth. She claims that she tried to kill Xiu because of her hatred for Chen Xiu. She just needed someone to vent her anger and she chose to do it with Xiu."


    Darren''s eyes darkened as soon as he heard that. Xiao Li noticed how his hands clenched and he was trying hard to restrain his anger. He cared about nothing at the moment, he only wanted to strangle her right now!


    *Beep! Beep! Beep!*


    Xiao Li was startled as he stood up and held Darren down saying, "Have you gone insane? Don''t try to get up!"


    "I want to kill her with my own hands!" exclaimed Darren.


    "Stay down!" shouted Xiao Li sternly. "This is why I didn''t want to tell you anything. Your emotions are all over the place right now."


    Darren looked at him, "I almost lost my wife and my child, do you really think I can be calm about this?"


    Xiao Li fell silent for a while. "I know you can''t. I know how serious it is. But I''ll deal with it. I promise."


    "She is your cousin, what would you possibly do?" questioned Darren doubtfully.


    Xiao Li didn''t mind his doubtful look. It was expected. "You should know that for my dad, justice is always above relationsh.i.p.s. I''d never do anything to disappoint him. Whether she is my cousin or not has nothing to do with this incident. I''d deal with it accordingly."


    "You better do as you said," warned Darren. as he lied back down and closed his eyes for a moment.


    Xiao Li patted his shoulder, "I will do it. If she dared to take a life, she''d be prepared to give her own life as well. As they say, while digging an enemy''s grave, one should dig for oneself as well." He watched Darren slowly calming down and relaxed as well. He hesitated a little before asking, "Were you really close to Chen Xiu?"


    Darren frowned at that question that came out of nowhere but still answered, "I was a stranger who was very familiar with her."


    "Huh?" Xiao Li didn''t understand his meaning at all.


    Darren used simple words to say, "I think we were close. In fact, very close."


    Xiao Li nodded his head before asking, "What kind of a person was she?"


    "Why are you asking that?" questioned Darren. "Besides, does it matter? She is already dead. You shouldn''t be so curious about a dead person."


    "And if I am," retorted Xiao Li.


    "Nothing good will come out of this curiosity," replied Darren.

 Chapter 808 - Foolishly Good Person

    Xiao Li carefully observed Darren''s face before he said, "You know if you won''t answer me, I can simply go and ask Han Bohai."


    Darren''s lips curved up slightly, "And do you think he''d give you the answers you want?"


    "He gave me answers last night," said Xiao Li.


    Darren scoffed, "Only because he wanted to tell everyone that his Sister Xiu was innocent. And he also wanted to tell everyone that she was wronged. But if you want to know something personal regarding Chen Xiu, forget about it! He is even more stubborn than I am."


    Xiao Li frowned at his words, "And why is that?"


    "Maybe because he doesn''t trust people," replied Darren calmly.


    Xiao Li contemplated over his words before saying, "Then why don''t you stop being stubborn and tell me what I want to know."


    "It''s not that I can''t tell you anything," began Darren. "But I would like to know why? Why are you so interested in someone who is gone? You never even met her. If your curiosity is building just because of Liu Nuan''s hatred, then let it be."


    Xiao Li shook his head, "It''s not because of Liu Nuan..." He stopped talking after those words. He was wondering what could he tell Darren? After carefully thinking about it, he told him, "I actually met Chen Xiu when she was alive."


    Darren was taken aback by that. "When did that happen? How come she didn''t tell me anything about this?" From the way Xiu interacted with Xiao Li, he was certain that she couldn''t recall him. Even if she met Xiao Li as Chen Xiu, she definitely had no memory of that.


    "Did she tell you everything back then?" asked Xiao Li curiously and with a bit of surprise.


    Darren pressed his lips together. Although Chen Xiu told him a lot of things, she wasn''t as honest and talkative as his Xiu was now. So, the real sharing part came in this life. Then how should he answer Xiao Li now?


    "Let''s just say she did," retorted Darren vaguely. "And that''s why I can''t recall her telling me about you."


    Xiao Li nodded his head and said, "Obviously, she wouldn''t know." He remembered the time he found her in that hotel room. That day seemed too vivid in his memory even now. "She was unconscious when we met."


    "Huh?" Darren''s curiosity was piqued. "What happened?"


    Xiao Li reiterated the whole incident of how Zhou Jinhai had asked him for help back then and he had gone to save Chen Xiu. Even when he didn''t know anything about her, just one look made him want to protect her. She looked so defenseless, so vulnerable, and so broken. His hands clenched up as he thought about if he could have been able to save her if he knew what she was going through.


    He had put a guard against Zhou Jinhai''s mother so that she won''t be able to trap that girl again. But how would he know that someone from his own family would end up taking that girl''s life?


    Hearing about this incident that Darren didn''t know about, he didn''t know what to feel. Even his hatred had a limit but people''s maliciousness had no end.


    "If you knew about her," began Darren. "How come you didn''t know about her downfall?"


    "I had just taken over the Wen Clan," replied Xiao Li. "I had too many things to sort out within the clan. And I had to go through vigorous training daily to actually achieve the respect of the Wen Clan masters. It''s needless to say that Wen Clan had all been about the strong one. There had never been a hierarchy except for one. You''re either strong, or you''re not. I had to do a lot to be accepted. Even if my mother was the previous Clan leader, no one would accept me if I have no talent or skills."


    "That''s understandable," replied Darren.


    "And during that time, I missed out on a lot," said Xiao Li. "I had no access to the internet. I barely even got to make a phone call to anyone in those six months. But by the time, I got my freedom... Chen Xiu was already dead."


    "So you really didn''t know about Liu Nuan''s miscarriage," Darren''s voice was soft. Actually, he also didn''t know about it. He was also busy with his mother back then and that''s why he missed out on so many things.


    "I''m still not able to come around the fact that Liu Nuan was pregnant," told Xiao Li without hesitation. Seeing the confusion in Darren''s eyes, he added, "I clearly remember Ying telling me how Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan are only married on a paper. They have no other relation." Xiao Li really felt like there was more to this story than he knew. He needed to ask Ying about this. Perhaps, she''d know something that he didn''t know.


    "Forget about that," said Darren. He neither wanted to hear about Zhou Jinhai nor about Liu Nuan. Both names made him feel a rage that seemed to be burning him inside now. To distract himself from all these emotions, he asked, "Tell me what you want to know about Chen Xiu."


    Xiao Li was surprised that he agreed to tell him something. "Anything... Like what kind of a person she was."


    "Haven''t you already heard from Han Bohai last night though?" retorted Darren. "She was a foolishly good person."


    "That''s it?" questioned Xiao Li with a frown.


    Darren''s eyes softened as he added, "She was a lonely person who desperately yearned for love in her life. And she was foolish because she thought by spreading love, she might be able to receive love in return. For some reason, she wanted to be accepted. That''s why she worked so hard every minute of her life. The acting was her passion, not just because it helped her in spreading happiness and love, but also because as her fan following grew, she thought she was being accepted."


    Xiao Li listened to him intently. He could clearly feel sadness and bitterness in Darren''s words. He could also feel Chen Xiu''s loneliness even without seeing it.


    "She was a beautiful person. But she was equally broken. Maybe because she was broken that''s what made her so beautiful as well." He looked at Xiao Li and smiled sadly, "To be honest, I always say it and I''d do it again. I don''t think my words would ever be able to do justice to what or who Chen Xiu was. Words can''t possibly describe someone like her."


    Xiao Li could tell that Darren didn''t just say those words. He meant everything he just said. And hearing it all made him want to meet her once. Even if it seemed impossible. He really wished, he had met her.


    *Thuk!*


    Xiao Li held the back of his head where someone hit him and glared at the perpetrator. Dr. Ling was glaring back at him as she held a pen in her hand that she had smacked on the back of his head. "I clearly warned you not to agitate my patient!"


    "When did I do that?" retorted Xiao Li.


    Dr. Ling looked at the nurse who had been standing at the side. The same nurse had called for her earlier when Darren was about to leave in a rage.


    "I didn''t agitate him, he was just a little happy," said Xiao Li.


    "Do you take me for a fool?" Dr. Ling shot back at him. She looked at Darren''s vitals and her eyes narrowed again. "His heartbeat is still faster than it should be."


    "His heartbeat always goes out of control when his wife is around?"


    Dr. Ling placed her hands on her h.i.p.s, "Are you trying to be funny right now? His wife is not even here right now!"


    Xiao Li rolled his eyes at her and said, "Why don''t you give your lecture to your patient? He is the one eager to get out of this bed!"


    "Mr. Salvay," Dr. Ling turned her attention to Darren. "I already told you not to be in such a hurry. This involves your whole life. A moment''s carelessness can really destroy everything. So, have some patience. You''ll be able to get out of this bed eventually."


    "I have a lot to do out there, Dr. Ling," replied Darren.


    Dr. Ling pointed at Xiao Li, "Use him!" Xiao Li raised his brows at her as she went on, "He is pretty useless around here anyway. Isn''t it better to make him do your bidding? Put him to some use!"


    Xiao Li glared at her, "You''re really something, Wanwan."


    "Thank you for your compliment!" replied Dr. Ling with a smile. Before Xiao Li could say anything, she looked back at Darren and instructed, "Mr. Salvay, please don''t let your emotions get out of control. Even if it''s happiness, keep it a bit down. Although your surgery had been successful, the brain is a sensitive and complicated part of the body. Even as doctors, we can''t be certain about anything when it comes to brain injuries."


    "I''ll try my best," replied Darren. "Also, can you just call me Darren? I feel odd being called Mr. Slavay while I''m stuck here like a patient."

 Chapter 809 - Directly Propotional

    Dr. Ling didn''t linger around for long but before leaving, she didn''t forget to warn, "Xiao Li, don''t tell him anything that could worsen his condition. We barely managed to save him."


    "I won''t," replied Xiao Li.


    When she left the room, Darren said, "I had been wondering why she looked familiar. Seeing her talking to you so casually reminded me that I have seen her photo with Ying and you."


    Xiao Li wasn''t surprised to hear that as he replied, "That''s expected." He took a pause and said, "Anyway, can you tell me how Chen Xiu was before dying? I mean I heard she received a lot of backlash from people online. She must her suffered a lot."


    "You could have just looked up her name to know how she suffered," said Darren.


    "Nothing comes up," replied Xiao Li. "You said that Liu Nuan''s miscarriage had been all over the news and Chen Xiu was labeled as the jealous mistress. But by the time, I heard about her death, there was no such news left on the internet. In fact, every post slandering her had been taken down." He looked at Darren thoughtfully before asking, "Were you behind it all?"


    Darren snorted, "I wasn''t that capable back then." He thought about it before saying, "But I did want to. I wanted people to stop talking about her or defaming her after her death. So, I did think about wiping every negative thing about her from the internet. However, someone else was faster than me."


    "Someone else?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "From what I learned, it was Xin Suyin," told Darren making Xiao Li''s eyes widen slightly. "Back then, I truly wondered how a malicious person like Liu Nuan could be Xin Suyin''s daughter. I actually thought your aunt was a good person just like everyone else. I just got to know that she was never the good type."


    If Xiao Li had heard about it before, he''d have wondered why his aunt would go to such lengths for Chen Xiu but not anymore. Now, he already knew that his aunt seemed to truly believe that Chen Xiu was her daughter. But after what she did to her, it left her with no way to apologize to the supposed ''daughter.'' And maybe that''s why she tried to make herself feel better by wiping anything negative about Chen Xiu from the internet.


    No wonder, he heard nothing about it all. Because if the one to wipe the data was Xin Suyin, then it''d be difficult for one to dig deeper.


    "And how did you figure out that my aunt is not a good person?"


    "Because she killed Chen Xiu," answered Darren straightforwardly. Xiao Li''s brows furrowed up as he wondered how Darren knew about so much. Clearly, he also hadn''t been around at that time.


    "Wait! You weren''t able to contact Chen Xiu for months before her death," began Xiao Li. "You also weren''t in the country. Neither did you browse about her on the internet. By the time you came back, obviously, all the articles about her were already gone. Then how do you know about any of it? Whether it''s Liu Nuan''s miscarriage or aunt Suyin kidnapping Chen Xiu. How do you know about it?"


    Darren was left silent momentarily. Obviously, he heard about it all from Xiu herself. How was he supposed to tell that to Xiao Li?


    In fact, he also didn''t know that Liu Nuan had a miscarriage. He also only learned it because of the trauma that incident left on Xiu''s mind. And if Xiu hadn''t talked about it herself, he might have never got to know about any of it. Just like he didn''t know anything about Xin Suyin kidnapping Chen Xiu. After all, Xin Suyin was a veteran in crimes. She always knew how to hide her tracks. It was very difficult to link anything to her.


    "Does it matter?" retorted Darren when he couldn''t find any other way to answer.


    Xiao Li''s eyes squinted at him doubtfully. He could see that Darren was hiding something from him. But he wondered why would Darren need to hide anything from him? Was there really a need to hide something from him?


    ....


    On the other side...


    After spending over an hour with herself, Xiu finally emerged from the room. Her face held a serenity that was different from the brightness she always had in her eyes. This serenity came directly from her heart and it made her feel peaceful.


    "Oh, Mrs. Slavay!" Dr. Ling called out when she noticed Xiu. "What have you been doing here? Don''t you know your husband is missing you?"


    Xiu looked at Dr. Ling and asked, "Regan is awake?"


    Dr. Ling nodded in reply, "Yes, he is." Seeing how Xiu had to tilt her neck to look up at her from the wheelchair, she thoughtfully crouched down beside her and asked, "How are you feeling?"


    Xiu looked into her eyes, "You''re my husband''s doctor, not mine."


    "I know," said Dr. Ling. "But I learned a very interesting fact recently. Would you like to hear it?"


    "What is it?" Xiu asked curiously.


    "Apparently, your husband''s health is directly proportional to yours," answered Dr. Ling. "As long as you''re healthy and happy, he''d be healthy and happy as well."


    Xiu frowned at her, "Doesn''t his health depend on your treatment?"


    Dr. Ling shook her head, "There is only so much we as doctors can do." She smiled at Xiu as she went on, "Oftentimes, it''s the patients'' will to live that works better than any medicine." She patted Xiu''s hand as she said, "Your husband''s will to live is you. That''s why to make sure that my patient is recovering well, I need to also keep a note of how you''re recovering."


    Xiu tilted her head sideways and said, "I have never found anyone weirder than myself." Dr. Ling''s brows raised in surprise as she went on, "But now that I have met you, I feel like you''re a threat to my exclusive title of being the weirdest one."


    Dr. Ling laughed out at her words, "But I find you rather cute, not weird at all."


    Xiu snorted at her, "That''s because you don''t know me yet."


    Dr. Ling shrugged her shoulders, "That could be the case... But you also don''t know me yet." She looked at Xiu''s arm that didn''t move and asked, "I heard you had therapy today."


    "Yes," answered Xiu.


    "That''s good. I wish you a speedy recovery," Dr. Ling was still smiling at Xiu. She had seen so many people''s concern for this girl that it instinctively made her want to know her. And now that she talked to her, it seemed to her that Xiu was actually pretty cute. "But I heard you''re not very bothered by the lack of movement in your arm."


    "It was fine till last night," said Xiu. "I thought it''d not bother me at all. But now it does."


    Dr. Ling pursed her lips together. She could imagine how she must be feeling because of this disability. "Right. It must be very difficult to manage day to day things with only one hand."


    "That doesn''t bother me at all," said Xiu. "What bothered me is that I can''t embrace my husband with only one arm. He doesn''t fit in."


    Dr. Ling was choked for words. She really didn''t know what to say to that. It had to be a first for her to hear something like this from a patient.


    "No wonder everyone loves you so much," Dr. Ling couldn''t help saying.


    Xiu didn''t say anything about that. Instead, she asked, "Doctor, can you tell me how my husband is doing?"


    "Huh?"


    "I mean what''s his real condition?" asked Xiu further. "He doesn''t seem to want to tell me. I know something happened while I was unconscious and I know everyone is hiding it from me. I won''t try to probe into that but as a wife, I deserve to know how my husband''s doing. Can you honestly tell me about his condition?"


    Dr. Ling looked into her eyes and couldn''t bring herself to say no to her. How can anyone say no to those eyes? She definitely wasn''t able to do so.


    Taking a deep breath, she decided to tell her honestly, "His condition was critical when I was called. But currently, he is doing better than we had actually expected. If he takes proper rest, follows our instructions, and doesn''t let his emotions get in the way, we believe that he''d recover soon."


    Xiu listened to all of her instructions and noted them down mentally. She wasn''t in the condition to take care of him but she could work on making sure that he takes proper rest and follow every instruction. As for his emotions, that''d be a little difficult. Because if she wanted to control his emotions, she''d have to hide all that she learned from him.


    No! She shook her head. She couldn''t hide anything from him. She had to think of some other way to make sure his emotions don''t mess up with his health.

 Chapter 810 - Just Her Moment

    Dr. Ling looked at the complicated expression of Xiu and reassured her, "You don''t have to worry so much. He is really fine."


    Xiu smiled at her in reply and nodded her head.


    "Now, you should go back to rest," said Dr. Ling. "Even Xiao Li is waiting for you inside."


    "Li bro is inside?" asked Xiu with furrowed brows and Dr. Ling nodded in reply. Xiu squinted her eyes at Dr. Ling before questioning, "Are you personally familiar with Li bro? The way you say his name has some familiarity to it."


    Dr. Ling was surprised to hear that. "Is it okay for you to notice such a small detail?"


    "When you''ve been cautious for too long, it becomes a habit," replied Xiu.


    Dr. Ling stared at Xiu''s smiling face and told her, "Well, I do know your Li bro personally."


    "Oh? How?"


    "We had a mutual friend since kindergarten," answered Dr. Ling.


    Xiu thought about it before her eyes widened, "You''re Ying Jie''s friend?"


    Dr. Ling gave her a surprised look, "You even got that? Wow! You''re indeed smart."


    "Nah. I''m pretty dumb," said Xiu. "But I have my moments."


    Dr. Ling laughed out because of what she said and how she said it so boldly and feeling proud of herself. Dr. Ling laughed so much that she even fell on her butt.


    "Are you alright?" Xiu asked when she saw her falling back. She was crouching beside her one moment and the next, she fell back from her uncontrollable laughter.


    Dr. Ling wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and said, "I''m fine. I just..." Before she could say anything, her eyes caught sight of someone and she forgot what she was about to say.


    Xiu looked at her face before she turned her head and saw Xin Zimen coming over. Xiu''s eyes moved back to Dr. Ling and she pressed her lips together.


    "Little lass, what are you doing here?" asked Xin Zimen as soon as he came near Xiu.


    "I''m just having a chat with the doctor," replied Xiu.


    Only now Xin Zimen''s eyes moved towards Dr. Ling who was still sitting on the floor. Xiu also looked at Dr. Ling. She noticed how earlier Dr. Ling''s eyes were stuck on Xin Zimen''s face but now that he was looking at her straight, she apparently didn''t know where to look.


    "Why is she on the floor?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Don''t look at me like that," warned Xiu when she noticed how he looked at her. "I definitely didn''t do anything. She fell on her own."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed suspiciously.


    "Ah-Xin, are you doubting my words?" She controlled her expressions and blinked at him, "Look at my face. Doesn''t it look like the epitome of sincerity right now?"


    Xin Zimen crossed his arms over his chest, "You''re a pretty good actress. It''s hard to say whether that sincerity is real or fake."


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief. "How can you doubt me?"


    Dr. Ling finally got off the floor and said, "Actually, I did fall on my own. It has nothing to do with her."


    "See?" Xiu pointed at her.


    "Maybe she is lying," said Xin Zimen.


    "And why would she lie for my sake?" retorted Xiu.


    "Maybe because you threatened her and she is scared of you?"


    Xiu snorted at that, "Who can possibly be scared of a cute and harmless person like me?"


    Xin Zimen bent at his waist as he placed his hand on her head and said, "The cute and harmless person recently sent someone to the hospital."


    Xiu cleared her throat, "That wasn''t me."


    "Oh?"


    "That really wasn''t me," argued Xiu. "Let me tell you a secret... A wandering and vengeful ghost possessed me. Trust me, I''m very harmless."


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head and smiled at her, "As if I''d fall for that ghost story of yours." He took a pause and added, "This story is just like the one when you said you''re an actress in your past life. Both are lies."


    Xiu looked aggrieved. At least one of those was the truth. She was an actress in her past life! Why won''t you believe it?! She shook her head to herself. It was actually good if he didn''t believe her. What was the point in learning about her past? It all seemed rather funny to her now!


    Xin Zimen turned to Dr. Ling who had been looking at their interaction with a stunned look. She had known Xin Zimen since she was a kid. But it had to be the very first time she had actually seen him smiling so casually. That serious look of his that she was used to was suddenly shaken. His whole person seemed so different with just a simple smile.


    She was so lost in her own world of admiring his looks that she didn''t notice when he called her. Xiu chuckled to herself seeing this and pinched Dr. Ling''s hand.


    "Ah!" Dr. Ling looked down at her hand that was pinched while Xiu grinned at her.


    "Ah Xin is calling you," said Xiu.


    Dr. Ling looked fl.u.s.tered as she said, "Oh, I''m so sorry." She bowed to apologize sincerely. "I zoned out for a while."


    "I don''t blame you," Xiu voiced out and Dr. Ling looked at her. Xiu beckoned her down and when Dr. Ling leaned down, she whispered, "With such a handsome man before your eyes, it''d be wrong not to daydream, no?"


    Dr. Ling''s eyes went round while Xiu continued to grin at her in amus.e.m.e.nt. She found Dr. Ling''s reaction very amusing. She had interacted with Dr. Ling for the past couple of days and she had seen how serious she''d seem whenever she was focused on her work but currently, before Xin Zimen, she seemed like a whole different person.


    "I hope my little lass didn''t bother you," said Xin Zimen.


    Dr. Ling waved her hands immediately, "No, not at all. She is very cute. I wanted to talk to her myself."


    Xin Zimen rubbed Xiu''s head lovingly as he agreed, "Yes, she is indeed very cute." Xiu gladly let him do it and even leaned into his touch. "And I would like it if you take care of her in the future."


    "She isn''t my doctor," Xiu pointed out.


    "You don''t need to worry about that," said Xin Zimen to Xiu.


    "It''s about me, why am I not allowed to worry about it?"


    "Because your health is our priority, your priority is clearly your husband''s health."


    Xiu coughed softly, "Isn''t that how it should be?"


    "No," retorted Xin Zimen. "Only if you get better can you help Regan."


    Xiu pouted, "I''m trying my best."


    "What''s up with that look?"


    "Since the time I woke everyone is telling me to concentrate on getting better. It''s not like I don''t want to. But why are you all rushing me so much? I need my time as well."


    Before Xin Zimen could say anything, Dr. Ling spoke up, "I think she is right." Xin Zimen looked at her and she went on, "You all should let her take her time. If you continued to repeat the same thing, it might do more harm than good."


    Xin Zimen contemplated her words and looked back at Xiu, "I''m not trying to rush you. It''s just that I really miss seeing you jump around. Obviously, I want to see you get back on your feet again but I''ll try to be more patient about it."


    "You think I don''t miss it?" retorted Xiu. "It''s only been a few days and I''m already missing the time when sleeping all day was a choice and not an obligation."


    Xin Zimen pressed his lips before saying, "Why is it still about sleep?"


    "It''s not just about sleep. The food is too bland and too nutritious," added Xiu. "I''ve never even been a health-conscious person. It suddenly reminds me of the days I had to go through dieting."


    Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at her, "Indeed. Your mind is filled with either eating or sleeping. And whatever space is left, you''ve already given it to your husband. There really is nothing else, is there?"


    "Apart from these three things, my life has no meaning," said Xiu in a dramatic tone. "Now, I''m missing all three. I can''t sleep how I want. I can''t eat how I want. I can''t even be with my husband how I want. See? How miserable my life is right now?"


    "Little lass, you''re really..." Xin Zimen didn''t know what to say. Was there even a point in saying anything to her?


    "Let me give you the word you''re looking for, it''s crazy!"


    Xin Zimen pointed at her as he looked at Dr. Ling, "Do you think she is on drugs right now?"


    Dr. Ling shook her head in reply, "I don''t think so."


    "Ah-Xin, that''s the real me. Did you forget so soon?"


    While Xiu was starting at Xin Zimen, she heard an unfamiliar voice call out, "And here I was wondering who is the one calling you Ah-Xin again."

 Chapter 811 - Same Energy

    Xiu was immediately attracted by that unfamiliar and looked at the woman who appeared from behind Xin Zimen. Xiu continued to look at Su Xixi''s face while the latter did the same.


    "She''s Xiu," Xin Zimen told Su Xixi. "And little lass, this is..."


    "Oh!" Xiu pointed at Su Xixi''s face. "You''re Ying Jie''s mother!"


    Both Su Xixi and Xin Zimen were surprised to hear that. Xin Zimen asked, "Did Ying tell you about her?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Nope. She doesn''t talk about her parents." She smiled at Su Xixi as she said, "But is it that surprising that I recognized her? Ying Jie has inherited all of her features. I''d be blind if I didn''t notice that."


    Su Xixi gave Xiu a look before saying, "She''s perceptive." She looked at Xin Zimen and added, "Unlike her parents." Her eyes caught sight of a third person, "Oh, Wanwan, I didn''t know you''re here as well."


    "Really?" questioned Dr. Ling. "You really didn''t know I was here?"


    "Why would I?" retorted Su Xixi.


    Dr. Ling stared at her a moment longer before saying, "I''ll reluctantly believe you." She smiled at her politely and added, "It''s good to see you again, Mrs. Yan."


    "Same here," said Su Xixi.


    "I should take my leave now," saying that Dr. Ling gave her a bow and left.


    While Dr. Ling stepped aside, Su Xixi turned her head towards Xiu and her brows jumped up slightly when she noticed Xiu''s hand holding Xin Zimen''s pinky finger as she seemed to be tugging at it with a pout.


    "What? What do you want?" inquired Xin Zimen as he held her hand in his own.


    "Let''s keep it a secret between us..." said Xiu.


    "I''m not bringing you any take-out food," answered Xin Zimen.


    "Ah-Xin!" exclaimed Xiu with her lips curved downward. "Just a bite. Just one bite! I promise!"


    "I don''t believe you," retorted Xin Zimen.


    Xiu made a face at him, "How come you''re not believing anything I''m saying today?" She swayed his hand that held hers and went on, "Aren''t you, my most favorite person in the whole world? How can you do this to me?"


    Xin Zimen''s heart softened and he was about to fall for her tricks but he held back, "No!" He had to stay firm in his resolve. "Either it''s one bite or two, it''s all the same. One bite of poison is enough to take one''s life."


    "Is that the same thing?" questioned Xiu.


    "It is the same thing," retorted Xin Zimen.


    Xiu puffed up her cheeks and glared at him, looking super adorable to him. After a deep sigh, she said, "How about letting me take a sniff of it? I promise I won''t taste it! Not at all!"


    "The answer is no," said Xiu Zimen.


    "Why is it still a no?" Xiu felt really wronged now. She was giving in so much. How can he do this to her?


    "Because if I brought it for you take a sniff, you''re gonna charm me into letting you eat it as well. I can''t fall at the first step or else I''ll keep falling later on."


    Xiu gaped at him. He had never been this difficult with her before.


    Meanwhile, Su Xixi was amazed by this scene. Was she dreaming? Or did someone really possessed Xin Zimen''s body? When did he become so patient? And what''s with that doting tone? Is he refusing her or placating her like a kid?


    This scene... How long had it been since she last saw it? Way too long!


    "I can bring you a cupcake," suggested Xin Zimen. "Eating something sweet will definitely make you feel better."


    "But I was hoping for something spicy," said Xiu. She thought about it before saying, "But I''ll take this offer. Something is better than nothing. I want that cupcake with lots and lots of cream on top!"


    Seeing her big smile, Xin Zimen finally relaxed. Seeing that longing gaze of hers really made his heart feel itchy. He pinched her cheeks saying, "Are you happy now?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yup! Much better than I was a moment ago."


    Xin Zimen smiled at her lovingly before he shook his head at her, "How is it so easy to satisfy you?"


    "Because I am a simple person," said Xiu with a bright smile.


    Su Xixi''s eyes were stuck on them even now. However, now she was more focused on Xiu''s smiling face. She didn''t know why but she found Xiu''s smile very attractive. It had the power to make her feel calm. How strange!


    Xin Zimen pushed her wheelchair and brought her to the sitting area. He stopped before a couch and sat down right in front of her. He touched her hand that couldn''t move yet and his eyes flickered with some sadness as he asked, "Did it hurt during the therapy?"


    Xiu shook her head instantly, "Not at all."


    "Liar," said Xin Zimen and Xiu pressed her lips together. "Don''t you dare lie to me again."


    Xiu nodded her head but added, "I won''t but it was really not that painful. It was bearable. Besides, I''m a strong girl. I could handle it."


    "You sure are a strong girl," agreed Xin Zimen. "Why are you sitting here?" The question was directed towards Su Xixi who was now sitting on the couch opposite of them.


    "Why can''t I sit here?" asked Su Xixi.


    "Because I want to spend some time with my little lass," said Xin Zimen without hesitation.


    Su Xixi was taken aback a little but it didn''t show on her face as she said, "Then keep going. What did I say to you?"


    "Alone!" added Xin Zimen.


    "Well, sorry! I''m not going anywhere," said Su Xixi as she refused to move. "I''d also like to learn about your niece."


    "You better keep a distance from my little lass," Xin Zimen said possessively. "You''re a bad influence, to begin with."


    Su Xixi smiled at him that didn''t look like a smile as she said, "Aren''t you mistaken? It was your wife who was a bad influence. I had been the one who had to keep her behind the line."


    "Not like you succeeded though," Xin Zimen shot back. "Because Wen Ai had always been found across that line where she was not supposed to be." He felt a tap on his hand and looked at Xiu, "What is it, little lass?"


    "I heard your wife was best friends with Ying Jie''s mom," said Xiu.


    "Not just best friends, we grew up together in the same house, in the same room! We were more than just best friends." Su Xixi told her.


    Xin Zimen patted her head saying, "They were just like how you and Nora are. Loved each other the most and hated each other the most."


    Xiu giggled at that, "Now I can picture their relationship perfectly well."


    Xin Zimen looked at her giggling and his smile also broadened on instinct, "It seems you''re very happy today."


    Xiu nodded her head excitedly, "I am. I am truly very very happy. I actually feel like I''m perfectly fine as well. Should I stand up to show you?" She tried to get up but her legs didn''t support her willpower and gave up as she fell back. "Oh, it seems like my body doesn''t agree with my statement."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her, "There is no need to prove anything to me. It''s good enough that you''re feeling happy." He took a pause before rebuking her gently, "And don''t be so impulsive again. If you can''t get up there is no need to try so hard. What if you fell? Do you realize what would happen to your son if you fell?"


    Xiu placed her hand over her stomach as she said, "My little tiger is stronger than his mother. He is even making me feel stronger. Nothing will happen to him." Xin Zimen nodded his head and she suddenly said, "Oh, Ah-Xin, you believe me?"


    "Huh?"


    "You believe that it''s a boy?"


    Seeing her excitement, Xin Zimen nodded his head again, "Of course, I believe it! If my little lass is saying it''s a son, I''d believe it without any hesitation."


    Xiu grinned at him, "Awesome! As long as you believe it, I don''t care if others don''t!"


    "I believe Regan also believed you," Xin Zimen pointed out.


    "When did he not believe me?" Xiu retorted. "Even if I say I can fly, he''d still believe it. People say love is blind but his trust in me also blind. I don''t know whether to feel good about it or distressed."


    "Excuse me! Sorry to interrupt you both..." Xin Zimen and Xiu looked at Su Xixi who looked confused. "But I was wondering who is the little tiger?"


    "My son!" replied Xiu as she patted her stomach. "He is here. He can hear. Would you like to say hi to him?"


    Su Xixi went silent for a while. Xiu''s ''little tiger'' held the same energy as the ''squishy'' she once heard about from Wen Ai. It made her feel nostalgic and left a bitter taste in her mouth.

 Chapter 812 - League Of Their Own

    When Su Xixi''s initial shock was over, she looked at Xiu strangely and asked, "How far along are you?" Xiu held up her hand showing her five fingers. "Five weeks?" questioned Su Xixi.


    Xiu looked at Xin Zimen, "Ah-Xin, add a finger." Xin Zimen rolled his eyes at her but still held up a finger to make it 6 as she added, "It''s 6 weeks almost."


    Su Xixi looked at their teamwork for a moment in a daze before pointing out, "Isn''t it too early to tell the gender? The embryo is barely about 4-5mm long at this stage. A very basic beating heart and the circulatory system develop during this week. You really can''t figure out the gender."


    "Are you a doctor?" asked Xiu.


    Su Xixi shook her head, "No, but I also gave birth to a daughter." She took a pause before adding, "That''s why I know that the earliest you can find the gender of the baby is around week 14 and mostly that''s not very accurate. That''s why doctors schedule an ultrasound at week 18 to week 21."


    Xiu stared at her for a long while before saying, "She knows it all."


    "Yeah. Because she''d miss know-it-all," replied Xin Zimen. "Xixi, you don''t have to go so deep into it. My little lass just believes that it''s gonna be a boy because she dreamed about it. You have a problem with that?" Su Xixi opened her mouth but he cut her off by adding, "Keep it to yourself. Your opinion is not needed here."


    Su Xixi squinted her eyes at him before saying, "I have no opinion, Zimen. And you know that as well." She turned to Xiu and added, "If you really believe it''s a boy, don''t let anyone tell you otherwise."


    Xiu smirked at her in reply saying, "I have my ways to convince everyone." Su Xixi''s brows raised slightly as Xiu added, "I have learned my deadly charm in this life. Apparently, I can make anyone agree to whatever I want."


    "That sounds like a very deadly charm indeed," said Su Xixi as she looked at Xiu in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    Xin Zimen told Xiu to wait there as he was going to get something. But before going he warned Su Xixi to not speak any kind of nonsense before Xiu.


    "How long are you staying for?" asked Xiu. Su Xixi frowned in confusion and Xiu elaborated, "Hopefully, you''re staying for a while. Ying Jie would like that a lot."


    "And how do you know she''d like that?" questioned Su Xixi with interest.


    "Because I know Ying Jie," answered Xiu.


    "I don''t think you''ve known her for that long to know her that well," Su Xixi remarked.


    "People say it takes a moment to fall in love," began Xiu. "Then how is the same moment not enough to know someone?"


    Su Xixi''s lips curved up slightly, "That brings me to the conclusion that you''re nothing like your parents." She could see it almost instantly that Xiu''s demeanor was nothing like either Xin Zemin or Zhao Huan. One could say it was because she didn''t grow up with them but she couldn''t find any similarity between the girl before her and the Carina Novell she was familiar with.


    "Huh?" Xiu looked confused.


    "Nevermind," Su Xixi waved it off offhandedly. "You''re pretty close to Zimen."


    "Yes, I am!" Xiu didn''t bother denying it. There was no point in doing so anyway. "Why wouldn''t I be? He is the best!"


    "I haven''t heard someone calling him ''the best'' in a very long time now," said Su Xixi as she sighed out.


    Xiu looked at her curiously, "Who used to call him ''the best''? His wife?"


    Su Xixi shook her head, "His daughter did. I believe you''ve heard about her?"


    "Xiulin," said Xiu, and Su Xixi nodded. "I''ve heard a little."


    "The very first sentence, she ever said was... ''Ah-Xin is the best.'' As for where she learned it from, no one could figure it out. But once she learned it, she used to run around the house, shouting the same thing over and over again." Su Xixi chuckled at the memory.


    "She used to call him ''Ah-Xin'' as well?" questioned Xiu feeling a strange discomfort in her heart all of a sudden.


    "Hmm..." Su Xixi hummed in reply. "Just like her mother, she also learned to call him ''Ah-Xin.''"


    "You must have really loved her as well," Xiu commented looking at her. "Since the moment you started talking about her, you had been smiling unconsciously."


    Su Xixi touched her face before saying, "Who didn''t love her? She was the most hyperactive kid I came across in my life. When she learned to walk, she despised people picking her up like a kid but whenever her Ah-Xin was around, our princess wouldn''t even want to step foot on the ground. Not like her father would ever let her."


    "What was she like?" asked Xiu.


    "She was..." Su Xixi thought about it for a long while as her eyes lingered on Xiu''s face and eventually, she said, "She was just like you."


    "What?" Xiu was taken aback.


    "The way you held Zimen''s little finger earlier, she also used to do whenever she wanted him to get her something." Xiu''s face stiffened as she heard her. "And just like how he seems to fall for whatever you say, he used to fall for whatever she said as well. And just like before he warned me not to say any weird thing to you, he used to warn me back then to not teach anything weird to his precious daughter. So, I must say... I just had a deja vu moment seeing you with him."


    Xiu was silent even now. She didn''t know what to say or what to think at that time.


    "What did she look like?"


    Su Xixi frowned at her, "You haven''t seen her photo?" Xiu shook her head. "That''s strange. If Zimen is close to someone, the first thing he''d do is bring out the picture of his daughter to brag. Even if she is gone, his habit is still the same."


    "I really haven''t seen it though," told Xiu honestly.


    "Just take Zimen''s wallet, you''d instantly find her picture," said Su Xixi.


    "What are you telling her?" came Xin Zimen''s voice who came back with a tray full of cupcakes. There were at least, 12 different flavors.


    Xiu stared at him, "How did you get it so fast?"


    "As if it was a difficult task for Xin Zimen," Su Xixi chimed in before she extended her hand to take a cupcake but her hand was swatted away by Xin Zimen who glared at her.


    "It isn''t for you," he said sternly.


    Su Xixi gaped at him, "Zimen, I''m the guest here. You shouldn''t be treating me like this."


    Xin Zimen snorted, "Your status of being a guest ended the day your best friend married me. Now, you''re just a family member and I don''t have a habit of giving preferential treatment to family members."


    Su Xixi pointed at Xiu, "What about her? Isn''t she a family member as well?"


    "She is a daughter and daughters are in a league of their own. Don''t you ever dare to compare!" He looked at Xiu and said, "Little lass, there is no need to share it with anyone. Eat as much as you like."


    "Oh, can I take to my room?" asked Xiu with a smile.


    "Let me take you there," offered Xin Zimen.


    "No, there is no need. Don''t make me feel useless now," said Xiu. "I can at least use the controller to get back to the room."


    "But how will you take the cupcakes?" he asked.


    Xiu patted her lap, "Just place it here."


    Xin Zimen nodded and placed the tray on her lap. She smiled at him and said, "Thank you, Ah-Xin! As always, you''re simply awesome! Now, I''m gonna go." She maneuvered her wheelchair and steadily went towards her room.


    Watching her leave, Su Xixi said, "You''re very close to her."


    "I am," agreed Xin Zimen. "Don''t ask why like everyone else did."


    Su Xixi smiled at him, "Oh, I don''t have to ask to know. I can already tell she crawled her way into your heart before you could even notice it."


    Xin Zimen looked at her strangely, "I still hate you for being able to see through people like that."


    Su Xixi took a deep breath, "She doesn''t know who attacked her or why?"


    Xin Zimen paused because of how abruptly she changed the direction of the conversation. "No, she doesn''t know anything about the attack either."


    Su Xixi smirked at him, "I like it when you''re wrong."


    "What do you mean?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "That girl is very insightful," said Su Xixi. "Those clear eyes of hers aren''t like someone who is confused. She seems very clear about what is going on around her. However, the mask of a smile on her face is making it very easy for her to hide her true self."

 Chapter 813 - Parenting Classes

    When Xiu entered the room, she found Xiao Li sitting beside Darren''s bed. Seeing her, Xiao Li stood up and tried to help her, "Why didn''t you ask someone to help you?"


    Xiu immediately raised her hand to stop him, "Let me do something on my own. Do you want me to sit around and catch rust all over? I''m already rusty enough!"


    Darren smiled at her words and said, "Li bro, let her be."


    Xiao Li nodded and watched as she moved her wheelchair close to Darren''s bed and said, "Regan, see I brought you cupcakes."


    Darren moved his head slightly to see her tray full of colorful cupcakes and said, "Are you sure it''s for me and not for you?"


    Xiu grinned at him before she pointed at the cupcakes before her saying, "All of these cupcakes are definitely for me." Then she placed a hand under her chin and added, "This cupcake is for you."


    Xiao Li coughed at her words while Darren''s smile widened, "Wow! I love this cupcake!"


    "I knew you''d like it," said Xiu happily before picking up a cupcake and taking a bite of it. "Yummy... This is good."


    "I bet it''s not as good as you make," said Darren.


    Xiu retorted, "Of course, not! The ones I make are in a league of their own."


    "You both make me feel like I''m gonna get diabetes," remarked Xiao Li. "Don''t you both get tired of being so sweet?"


    Xiu stared at Xiao Li, "Li bro, my life had been too salty for way too long. Is it too wrong that I want it to be too sweet now?"


    Xiao Li shook his head, "No. That''s not what I meant. You want to be sweet, stay sweet. I won''t say a word again."


    Xiu ignored and went back to eating her cupcake with gusto as he asked, "What took you so long outside?"


    "I was talking to Ah-Xin," replied Xiu.


    "And of course, you''d lose track of time once you are with my dad," said Xiao Li.


    "Why? Did you miss me?"


    "Yes!" Xiao Li rubbed her head. "I was waiting here for you."


    "What for?" she questioned.


    "Just because I wanted to see you," replied Xiao Li. "Is there a need for me to come here with a reason? Isn''t it good enough that I wanted to see you?"


    Xiu thought about it and nodded her head, "It''s a good enough reason." She suddenly recalled something and added, "Ah, I just recalled... Can you make those two disappear?"


    Xiao Li looked where she pointed and found the two nurses sitting in a corner. He frowned, "Why?"


    "Am I a prisoner?" retorted Xiu. "It makes me feel uncomfortable having someone watch me all the time."


    "But they are here to make sure that nothing goes wrong," stated Xiao Li.


    "They can wait outside the room," said Xiu. "I don''t want a stranger looking at me. It''s kinda annoying."


    "Fine," sighed out Xiao Li and told the two nurses to leave the room. "Is it okay now?"


    "Much better," replied Xiu. "By the way, Li bro, how''s your newly wedded wife? Is my Clara mom treating her well? I mean she isn''t being too harsh with her, is she?"


    Xiao Li didn''t reply to her immediately. Instead, he continued to stare at her face for a while trying to figure out something.


    "What are you looking at?" asked Xiu.


    "I''m wondering whether you''re concerned about her or being sarcastic?"


    Xiu snorted, "It''s so hard to show your genuine concern in this society. No one is willing to believe you."


    Xiao Li patted her head, "You''re the last person who should be concerned about her right now." He leaned down to come at her level as he added, "What goes on outside of his room is none of your concern. You shouldn''t be wasting time on that either."


    "It''s about me but I shouldn''t be concerned about it?" retorted Xiu in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Yes," replied Xiao Li straightforwardly. "We can handle everything for you. No one wants you to get involved in it."


    "Okay, I won''t ask about that," agreed Xiu.


    "Good," said Xiao Li. "Enjoy your cupcakes, I''m gonna take my leave now. Press that button if you need anything."


    "Okay."


    Xiu waved at him and watched him leave before she continued to eat her cupcakes.


    "What have you been up to now?" questioned Darren as he continued to look at her face. Seeing her eating messily, he shook his head and chuckled softly before he lifted his hand and wiped the cream off of her lips. "Eat slowly. No one is gonna steal it from you."


    Before he could take his hand back, she held it and licked the cream off of his thumb saying, "I''ve been up to a lot of things." After licking his thumb, she licked her lips and winked at him playfully.


    "Sweets, my hands weren''t even clean."


    "Oh, you mean I ate the germs that dared to stick with your body?" she laughed out. "Good thing. Only I can stick to you. If anyone else dares to do the same, I''d just eat it!"


    "Sweets, are you alright?"


    Xiu eyed him, "You''re wondering if I''m mentally alright. After all this time? Isn''t it a little too late for that question, my dear husband?" She patted his shoulder as she added, "Because even if I am bonkers, you can''t do anything about that now. It''s already too late. Now, you''re stuck with me for life."


    "I don''t mind a crazy wife," replied Darren. "I''m just worried about our kid. What would you do if he also thought you''re crazy?"


    "It''s alright," replied Xiu. "He won''t do it."


    "You''re so certain because?"


    Xiu grinned at him, "Because I''ll definitely make him as crazy as I am. Then he won''t be able to know the difference."


    Darren closed his eyes and bit his lips before saying, "Sweets, once I am able to move, let''s take some parenting classes. You really need it."


    "I''ll do as you say," agreed Xiu readily. "Although I don''t think I need to take those classes, I would still go for the fun."


    "People don''t go to parenting classes for fun," he pointed out.


    "That''s people''s problem, certainly not mine."

 Chapter 814 - Cold Bodies

    After finishing her cupcakes all in go, Xiu placed the tray aside before she tried to stand up.


    "Sweets," called out Darren as he held her arm. "Don''t force yourself."


    Xiu shook her head at him, "I have to force myself though." Saying that she sat on the side of his bed with much difficulty and breathed out, "How can I be tired so easily? I just replenished my energy with so much sugar."


    Darren touched her hair lovingly as he looked worried about her, "I''m still thinking how did you even manage to eat a dozen cupcake all on your own?"


    "I shared," she retorted. Seeing Darren''s frown, she patted her stomach, "I shared with our son. Don''t just look at me. I''m eating for two people now."


    "That''s a very good excuse to hide the fact that you are a foodie," said Darren.


    Xiu didn''t argue with him and silently laid down beside him with her head placed on his chest. Listening to his rhythmic heartbeat, Xiu closed her eyes. Darren continued to run his fingers through her hair which she found soothing.


    "Sweets, do you have something to say to me?"


    "Why do you think I have something to say?"


    "Because you''re my Sweets," he replied making her lips curve up slightly. "But the question is why are you thinking so much? Is there anything that''s hard to say to me?"


    Xiu was silent for a minute before saying, "No. On normal days, I won''t hesitate to share it all with you. But now..."


    "Are you worried about me?"


    "Shouldn''t I be?" retorted Xiu.


    Darren''s fingers didn''t stop as he said, "You can worry about me, but don''t worry too much. I can handle anything you have to say. So, don''t take it all alone. Share it with me. You''ll feel better."


    Xiu moved a little. Now her chin rested on his chest as she gazed up at him and said, "Regan, I''m finally free." She smiled brightly at him but he could see tears in her eyes that she was holding back. "I''m free from every shackle of my past or present. I don''t have to feel disgusted with my existence anymore."


    "What''s going on?" he questioned apprehensively.


    Xiu didn''t hold herself back anymore as she told him everything that she learned today. Every single detail.


    "That means, Xin Suyin wasn''t your mother?" Xiu shook her head immediately. "And Chen Hana was also not your real mother?" She shook her head again. "Then who were your parents?"


    "Who cares?" she retorted. "I''d prefer being a no-name orphan than having either of them as my real mother. Although Chen Hana gave me everything I needed in my life, she could never give me the family I wanted. She made me question just how exactly was I lacking that my own mother would not pay attention to me?" She took a deep breath and added, "As for Xin Suyin, I don''t know whether I felt worse when I was told that she was my real mother or when I learned that she was also the woman who repeatedly tortured Destiny. While thinking that I was Xin Suyin''s daughter, I felt like a criminal taking over Destiny''s body and life."


    She moved up and kissed his chin saying, "Now I don''t have to live with any of these guilts. Now I can proudly say that I wasn''t wrong! I never stole anyone''s life."


    Darren wrapped his arm around her waist tightly. He didn''t know what he was feeling right now. He felt happy seeing her genuine smile but those tears couldn''t hide the bitterness mixed in that happiness. Once again, she lost her identity. Just who exactly was Chen Xiu? And when she didn''t have anything to do with all these people, why did she have to suffer in the end?


    She drew circles on his chest with her finger as she said, "Although I hate Chen Hana as a mother, I can''t say the same about her as a person. I did see her trying hard to earn money so that she could provide me with me everything. But since all I wanted was her time, I only focused on what she didn''t give me; her time." She sighed out heavily, "I don''t know if I should hate her for lying about who my mother was or not. Because she did it to save Chen Xiu. And from what I can remember, I''d have really died in that room if she hadn''t lied. But her lie still took Chen Xiu''s life."


    "So, you really don''t blame her?" asked Darren.


    "Can I? retorted Xiu. "And even if I do blame her, would it change anything?" She scoffed to herself, "I never even realized that the woman I wanted to provide me with warmth had risen from under the cold bodies of her whole family. What do you think she''d have felt at that time?" Darren pressed his lips together since he had no answer for that. "I think she lost all her warmth with all the blood that she lost that night. She was already a broken person, how could she raise me as a whole?"


    Xiu closed her eyes gently as she said, "Maybe she was also trying her best. While I was focused on myself, she must have also been fighting a battle of her own. It''s such a shame that we both couldn''t save each other. She didn''t bring me close in fear of how she might also lose me as well one day and I never tried to learn what scared her so much."


    Darren placed his hand on her head and asked, "Do you want me to find her? Maybe she''d be able to tell you something about your parents."


    "It won''t help," replied Xiu. "I don''t think she knows anything."


    "Why do you think so?"


    "If she knew about them, she''d have long sent me to them." She exhaled a breath as she added, "And even if I find those parents, it''d be of no use now. It''s already too late."

 Chapter 815 - Taking Sides

    Xiu placed her palm over Darren''s heart as she said, "Who her parents were or why they left her or how did she end up with Chen Hana. None of that really matters." She licked her dry lips before sighing out, "Chen Xiu is dead. Stop forgetting that."


    Darren''s hand in her hair paused for a moment as he said, "Trust me, I''ve never forgotten that."


    Xiu was silent before she lifted her hand and held his hand that was in her hair. She intertwined their fingers as she said, "I''m sorry."


    "What? What for?" Darren was taken aback. He wanted to look at her face but she kept her head down.


    "I''m sorry you had to watch that. I''m sorry, for scarring your life like that."


    Darren could tell she was talking about the night he watched Chen Xiu die right before his eyes. He bit his lips before he lifted their intertwined hands to his lips and kissed her hand saying, "Since you''re the one who left those scars, you should be the one to heal them as well." He kissed her hand again and added, "Don''t ever say sorry to me. I''ve long felt sorry for not being able to save you back then. Now, that I have finally come to terms with that, I don''t want you to feel sorry now. We don''t owe each other anything."


    "I do owe you something," said Xiu.


    "Oh? What is it?" he questioned curiously.


    "I owe you the love I didn''t reciprocate back then," replied Xiu.


    "That''s right!" agreed Darren instantly. "So, you better give back that love with interest!"


    Xiu chuckled silently but Darren could feel her shoulders shaking. "How much is the interest?"


    "You figure it out yourself," retorted Darren. "But don''t you dare be stingy. My unrequited love was filled with pain. The interest should at least make me feel like that pain was worth it!"


    Darren was actually very surprised and very happy to see that Xiu had managed to face this truth so bravely. And he could see she wasn''t pretending to be strong.


    His other arm around her waist tightened as he said, "My wife is turning mentally stronger."


    "Oh?" responded Xiu. "Actually, I heard someone say, women are strong but mothers are stronger. Do you think it''s my little tiger''s magic?"


    "He had still not come into this world he is being favored? What about little tiger''s father?"


    "Regan, are you really gonna fight over this? Already? He still isn''t here."


    Darren eyed her, "That''s what I am saying. He is not even here and he is already taking credits. I''m telling you, whether he is here or not, you''re gonna always take my side!"


    "If I do that, who will be on our son''s side?" she retorted.


    "We''ll both stand by his side," said Darren making her chuckle.


    "There is still a long while before he comes into this world," said Xiu. "So, before he comes I''m all yours."


    "I''m gonna repeat myself, whether he is here or not, you''re mine! That''s not changing! Because I''m not sharing!"


    They continued to argue over the same thing over and over again. Xiu really didn''t know what was gonna happen once their child really came into this world. Baby''s father was already possessive. It''d really be a sight to see Darren being jealous of his own son. Especially because he didn''t get jealous of anyone else around her. He was always sure that she loved him and only him, that''s why it was very rare to see him getting so jealous.


    And finding it amusing, she continued to tease him. It was really entertaining.


    After a long while, as they laid together in silence, Xiu brought it up, "My laptop is at home. How should I get it?"


    "What do you want to do with it?" asked Darren.


    "I''m bored here," said Xiu. "I''m gonna do some work."


    Darren was stunned. "My Sweets who love to run from work, is actually looking for work? How did that happen?"


    "Who said I run from work?" Xiu retorted. "I was a very diligent actress once. Do you know why? Because I liked what I did! The only work I''d run from is the one I don''t like doing."


    "So what do you have in mind?" asked Darren.


    Xiu grinned at him, "I''m gonna make an interior plan for our home. After we get better, let''s move into our home."


    Darren hummed in agreement, "As you wish. I''ll get someone to deliver our laptops."


    "Not ours!" Xiu glared at him. "Only mine. You''re not working. Not until I say so!"


    "Sweets, do you want to leave this country?" asked Darren all of a sudden.


    "Huh? Why?" questioned Xiu. "Why would I want to leave this country?"


    "This place holds the most painful memories of yours," said Darren.


    "And also my most beautiful ones," added Xiu. "Besides, everyone I love is here. You said since I gave you the scars, I should be the one to heal them for you. Since I got all my scars here, this place needs to heal all those scars for me as well. Running away won''t get me anywhere." She took a pause and added, "When I first opened my eyes in this city, I thought if I didn''t go to the Capital, I won''t have to face my painful past. But as you can see, everything came around back to me. I didn''t go to find my past, but it found me instead. That''s why no matter where I go, those bitter memories will follow. So, why should I leave the people who love me?"


    "As long as you''re okay with this, I''ll stay anywhere with you," said Darren. "By the way, we didn''t buy a house yet. So, which one are you gonna make the interior plan for?"


    "We don''t have to buy a house," replied Xiu. "We already have one."


    "We do?"


    Xiu nodded, "The one at the mountain. The one you built for me."


    Darren''s eyes widened, "You really want to move in there?"


    Xiu nodded again, "Yes! Even after all this time, it''s still my dream place. Far away from the crowd! But the interior is not my type."


    "I picked it out just as you described it to me," said Darren with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.


    "Regan, that bland taste was Chen Xiu''s! I''m a colorful person, I want to make my house bright like your smile brightens up my life!"


    "At every chance, you just have to flirt."


    "It has become a habit now," replied Xiu sheepishly.

 Chapter 816 - Changed

    ''Ah-Si, listen to mom. No matter what you hear, don''t come out.''


    ''Where is mommy going?''


    ''I''m not going anywhere, I''m right here with you. I won''t leave you. Ever!''


    ''Promise?''


    ''Promise!''


    ~~~


    Nora watched how a tear slid down Ah-Si''s face and his body shook as if he was in pain. She touched his face in worry, "Ah-Si? Are you having a bad dream? Wake up!" She tried shaking him awake.


    He opened his eyes and breathed harshly. His body was trembling and Nora could see cold sweat on his face. She hugged him tightly and silently patted his back.


    It took him a while to calm down. Although his breathing evened out, Nora could see that he was still not feeling well. He looked troubled by something.


    "What were you dreaming about?" she asked.


    "My mom," he answered.


    Nora had heard about how when Ah-Si''s mother was sent to the hospital in her last moments, he was the only one around her. And she also knew that he had psychological trauma because of that as well. However, she never really heard him say all of that himself. It was as if Ah-Si didn''t even want to repeat it.


    She never asked either because she didn''t want to scratch at his wounds. She got in bed with him and hugged his body.


    "I''m sweating," he said, however, didn''t try to push her away.


    "It doesn''t matter," she replied.


    "Where is Ava?" inquired Ah-Si.


    "Stop worrying about her," replied Nora. "She is with her most favorite person. Even she is biased."


    Ah-Si chuckled softly, "It''s okay. You have me."


    Nora smiled happily and said, "When I heard you have a fever, I wanted to bring Xiu''s baseball bat to beat you! I mean if you aren''t feeling well, shouldn''t you say something? Why wait for it to get worse?"


    Ah-Si touched her hair saying, "I didn''t realize something was wrong."


    "Forget it, it''s my fault. I have been so busy with the kids lately that I couldn''t see something was wrong with you."


    "It''s alright. It''s not like anything bad happened."


    Nora didn''t argue with him. She continued to hold him in silence for a while. "Ah-Si..."


    "Hm?"


    "I''ve never heard you talk about your mother," said Nora.


    "What is there to talk about someone who left too early?"


    Nora was surprised to hear that, "Don''t you remember her?"


    Ah-Si smiled at her, "The problem is I remember her all too well."


    "I heard she was a very interesting person," said Nora.


    "Interesting?" repeated Ah-Si as his eyes flashed with an indescribable emotion. "It''s strange but I don''t remember my mother as others do. The mother in my memory is very different from the one in others'' memory."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I''ve heard my mother was a troublemaker, she loved to smile, she loved to make others smile, but she equally loved to make others cry as well. She was bright, energetic, always looking for a thrill in life. She wasn''t scared of anything. She lived in the moment forgetting about the past or future." He took a pause and added, "But I''ve seen a very different version of hers. I''ve seen her crying. I''ve seen her vulnerable. I''ve seen her fear. I''ve seen her losing herself." He looked at Nora and went on, "She changed after my sister died."


    "Sister?" asked Nora.


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "After her death, she really lost her smile." He patted her head as he saw the look on her face and added, "Don''t get me wrong, she was still the best mother. She always tried to take care of me and bro as best as she could. But in the middle of the night, she''d cry herself to sleep. She cried until she couldn''t cry at all. I was too young to understand what was wrong with her."


    "I can understand that," said Nora. "I''ve done the same when I didn''t know that Ava is alive. I felt cold at night and tried to bring warmth to myself by hugging a human-sized teddy bear. And I did cry myself to sleep as well. It''s really not easy for a mother to lose a child. If I felt that way when I didn''t even get to see my baby girl, then it must be worse for your mother who raised her daughter with so much love."


    Ah-Si pursed his lips as his eyes brimmed with tears again, "Nora..."


    "Hm?"


    "What did you feel when you learned about Ava?" He took a pause and went on, "I mean the daughter you thought died, came back alive to you. How did it feel?"


    Nora took a deep breath and with a thoughtful look, she answered, "I won''t be able to describe that feeling in words. I was in disbelief, I was excited and happy. I felt like it was a dream but it was a dream I wanted to hold onto desperately. The feeling of euphoria seeped into my soul and I felt drunk on it. And I also felt scared. It was a strange experience but one I would always remember and cherish."


    Ah-Si went silent as he heard her. He was still thinking about the conversation between his brother and Ying. If they were really telling the truth that Chen Xiu was really his sister, then why did his family had to suffer so much? And how much did his sister had to suffer outside in this cruel world?


    Nora felt something wet and looked at his face to see him crying silently. She was stunned. "Ah-Si, what''s wrong? Why are you crying? Tell me, what''s going on?"


    He shook his head as he let her wipe his tears and said, "Nothing. Today, I just seem to miss my mom and my sister very much." He tried to laugh but it sounded sadder to her as he continued, "I know I''m acting like a kid. But I can''t help it. Even at this age, I''m missing my mom."


    Nora kissed his forehead as she said, "Who said you can''t miss her at this age? Although I fight with my mom like we are enemies, I still miss her when she is not around. Growing up doesn''t mean we don''t need our parents anymore."

 Chapter 817 - Payback

    When Xiao Li came to check up on Ah-Si, the latter was drinking soup. Nora was keeping an eye on him or more like looking expectantly at Ah-Si''s face.


    "How does it taste?" she asked.


    Ah-Si smiled at her, "It''s very good."


    "That''s a relief," said Nora as she heaved a sigh of relief. "It''s my first time making chicken soup, so I was a bit nervous."


    Ah-Si didn''t say anything and continued to drink the soup. Seeing Xiao Li, Nora stood up and said, "Can you stay with Ah-Si? I have to go check up on my best friend."


    Xiao Li nodded his head and let her leave. He sat beside his brother and crossed his arms against his chest as his eyes continued to stare at his brother''s face. Although one couldn''t see a single frown on Ah-Si''s face, how could Ah-Si hide anything from his brother?


    "If it''s not to your taste, why are you forcing yourself to drink it?"


    Ah-Si''s spoon paused as he looked up at his brother, "It''s her first time making it." Xiao Li rolled his eyes at his brother. "She spent two hours stewing it, I can''t just leave it just because it''s a little salty. At least, she tried her best."


    "How can I forget my brother is very thoughtful," said Xiao Li. He let Ah-Si finish the soup before he asked, "How are you feeling now?"


    "I''m good," replied Ah-Si.


    Xiao Li eyed him, "I''ve clearly warned you not to ever feel alone. If something is bothering you, you can always come to me. I''m here for you. Why did you take so much stress and get yourself sick? It''s not like you''re familiar with your own condition."


    Everyone said Xiao Li was very protective of his younger brother. And it wasn''t a lie either. It wasn''t only because he loved Ah-Si, it was also because to him, Ah-Si was still the same sensitive kid who took years to get normal after their mother''s death. Wen Ai''s death left Ah-Si with a psychological trauma that everyone was aware of.


    Xiao Li knew his brother well. Ah-Si would become vulnerable in situations he didn''t understand. If he was mentally prepared, something serious could also happen to him. Back when Nora left him, he had faced the same situation. He had almost gone into shock and that''s why both Xiao Li and Xin Zimen didn''t stop him from leaving the country. They both thought it was best for him.


    He touched his brother''s head and said, "Why did you cry?"


    Ah-Si lowered his head saying, "I didn''t."


    "You think you can lie to me?"


    Ah-Si went silent. He took a while before replying in a small voice, "I dreamed about mom."


    Xiao Li''s body stiffened as soon as he heard that. He held Ah-Si''s face and made him look at him, "You''re okay?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "I''m fine. Don''t worry!"


    "How am I supposed to not worry?" said Xiao Li. "I thought you stopped dreaming about that incident. Why didn''t you tell me anything?"


    "It''s not that I didn''t tell you," replied Ah-Si. "It''s just been too long since I last had that dream."


    Xiao Li rubbed his forehead before asking, "Then why did you dream about it again?"


    Ah-Si shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe because I was missing her." He held his brother''s hand to reassure him, "But it''s alright now. Except for crying, nothing else happened. Really!"


    "You think crying is nothing?" retorted Xiao Li.


    "That''s not what I meant," said Ah-Si in a soft voice. He took a brief pause and asked, "Bro, did you find out the truth?"


    "What truth?"


    "About Chen Xiu and Liu Nuan?"


    Xiao Li looked at his brother carefully, "Why are you so curious?"


    "It concerns me as well," said Ah-Si.


    "Chen Xiu and Liu Nuan both aren''t Aunt Suyin''s daughters," answered Xiao Li calmly making Ah-Si''s eyes widen in shock. "Aunt Xi said, Aunt Suyin never had a child of her own."


    Ah-Si''s expressions changed as his mind reeled again. "Do you mean your suspicions that Chen Xiu was our sister can be true?"


    Xiao Li pressed his lips together before nodding his head, "The things I''ve found clearly prove that Chen Xiu was our sister."


    "But is there anything that can prove it otherwise?" questioned Ah-Si.


    "I can only be certain once Chen Hana wakes up and tell me where she found Chen Xiu. There is no other way for me to confirm what I have."


    Ah-Si bit his lip before asking, "But why do you want to confirm it?"


    "What?"


    "I mean, even if it''s proven that she was our sister, what''s the point? She is no longer here." Xiao Li could tell that Ah-Si sounded like he was on the verge of crying again.


    "Even if she isn''t around anymore," began Xiao Li. "I still want to know the truth. I want to know it so that I can destroy everyone and everything that destroyed our sister. If mom was alive, she''d want to do the very same."


    Ah-Si nodded his head at him, "Right. Mom would want to do the very same."


    Xiao Li ruffled his hair playfully, "That''s why I have to get to the truth as well. I can''t let my sister''s soul suffer like she did when she was alive." He stood up to leave as he said, "Take care of yourself and take plenty of rest. I''ll come to see you after I come back."


    "You''re going to see Liu Nuan?" asked Ah-Si. Xiao Li thought for a minute before nodding. "Don''t let her off easily. She is anything but innocent. Even if Chen Xiu wasn''t our sister, Liu Nuan had made her suffer. She deserves to get payback for what she did."


    Xiao Li''s eyes flashed with surprise. He leaned down as he asked, "What do you have in mind?" Ah-Si whispered something in his ear making his brows jump up in shock. He looked at his brother in disbelief, "Stay here. I''ll handle it myself."

 Chapter 818 - Salty Person

    After leaving Ah-Si''s room, Nora had brought a bowl of soup for Xiu and Darren. Obviously, she wished to brag a little about her cooking skills.


    "Xiu, I brought some soup for you."


    Xiu looked at Nora who had her eyes covered as she stepped inside the room. "Why are you covering your eyes?"


    Nora slowly peeked through the gap in her eyes and put her hand down as she sighed, "Because I don''t trust you both."


    "Excuse me?"


    "You even kicked the nurses out of the room. I was afraid the blinding light of your love might blind me. Or the pink bubbles emitting around you too might get into my eyes."


    "Regan, can I throw a slipper at her?" asked Xiu as she looked at her husband.


    Darren ran his head through her hair to calm her down, "There is no need for that. See? She is so thoughtful, she even brought you soup."


    Nora put the table on the bed and placed the two bowls of soup before them saying, "You both should try it."


    Xiu eyed the soup that looked just alright in an appearance before she took a sniff of it. However, her eyes still held doubt as she eyed this bowl of soup intently.


    "Why are you being so cautious?" asked Nora. "I made it with so much love."


    "I have to be cautious," replied Xiu. "I don''t trust the - you who would want to cook."


    Nora glared at her, "I made it for my sick boyfriend and he had it as well. He said it''s delicious. Don''t you dare slander me!"


    Xiu frowned at her words, "Ah-Si is sick? What happened to him?"


    "He has a fever," replied Nora looking worried.


    "Fever? How did he get a fever out of nowhere?"


    "Do you have the trademark to get sick out of nowhere? No one else can do the same?" Nora shot back.


    "You!" Xiu huffed and decided not to say anything when she felt Darren''s hand on her back. She calmed down instantly. She took the spoon and drank the soup, only to want to spurt it all out. She choked it down with much difficulty and seeing how Darren was about to take a sip as well, she held his hand, "Don''t!"


    "Why are you stopping him?" inquired Nora and Darren had the inquisitive look on his face as well.


    Xiu looked at her best friend and said, "Nora, if you want to kill me just give me a tiny bit of poison. Don''t feed me such things in an attempt to make me hate one of the things I cherish in my life; eating. Food is sacred!"


    "What does that supposed to mean?"


    "Is it raining salt these days?" retorted Xiu. "How can you even feed a patient with this kind of a thing? Isn''t it torture enough for me to eat bland food that now you''re throwing this salty food at my face?"


    Nora stepped up and took a sip from her bowl, she also wanted to spit it out. She coughed a little before saying, "How come it''s so salty?"


    "You tell me, food goddess! How is it this salty? Did the salt god overwhelm your food with blessings?"


    Darren pursed his lips while Nora glared at Xiu, "I have been wondering where did this habit of sarcasm had been lately. You''ve been so sweet lately that I almost forgot that you have a poisonous tongue. My food is salty but you! Your whole being is salty! Idiot!"


    "Do you expect me to be nice?" questioned Xiu. "You and I both know that I don''t compromise on food! Anything but food!"


    Nora grumbled, "But Ah-Si said it''s good. So, I didn''t taste it myself."


    "Who told you to believe in the words of a man who is head over heels in love with you?" questioned Xiu. "Nora darling, love is not only blind. Love is a liar as well. Even if you fed him poison, he''d say it''s delicious. Why? Because he is not eating the food you made, he is eating the love you put into that food. He wasn''t tasting your food, he was tasting your love and he found that delicious, and you fell for his words." She took a pause and added, "However, I''m your best friend and I can be your worst enemy as well. Because if I won''t be honest with you, how will you learn? I''m doing it for your own good!"


    "Keep your goodness to yourself!" exclaimed Nora unhappily. "You ruined my mood!"


    "Nora, I''m sorry on behalf of my wife," said Darren. "You should know food is very dear to her. That''s why she said all that." Xiu was about to say something when he held his hand over her mouth to stop her and continued, "Don''t pay attention to her."


    "I don''t mind her words, Darren!" said Nora. She held her hair saying, "I can''t believe I fed this to Ah-Si! Argh!"


    Xiu scoffed and pulled Darren''s hand off her face saying, "Next time, ask Clara mom for help."


    "You won''t help if I ask?"


    "I can do it but Clara mom makes the best chicken soup in the whole world," said Xiu. "And now, I''m craving it badly."


    Nora took out her phone, "Should I tell mom you''re craving her soup?"


    "Put that phone down and take this soup before I throw it at your head!"


    Nora immediately took the bowls from the table and stepped back. She could see Xiu was angry now. And she found it quite petty. A person would slap her and she might not feel this wrong as she was feeling over getting a salty soup. Just how deep was this love of hers for food?


    "I have a long way before I reach your level," said Nora in disappointment.


    "Aim higher!" said Xiu. "Don''t set me as a goal! You should be aiming to surpass me! Not turn into me!"


    Nora pointed at Xiu and looked at Darren saying, "Sometimes I hate her but at the same time, I can''t help falling deeper for her."


    "I can understand," replied Darren.


    "I''m gonna take my leave now," said Nora and turned around to leave.


    As she left, Darren looked at Xiu and said, "It''s been a while I haven''t seen your feisty side."


    "I can show it more often if you want," replied Xiu.


    "I''d like that," said Darren.


    *Knock! Knock!*


    Both Xiu and Darren turned towards the door when someone pushed it open.

 Chapter 819 - Blind Trust

    After Xiao Li had left, Ah-Si thought about it long and hard before deciding to go and look for Xiu herself. The things that had been on her mind involved Xiu, so he had to go and look for her. He couldn''t talk to anyone else about his troubles but the best person to talk to would be the one who troubled him in the first place.


    That''s why when Nora left Xiu''s room, he knocked on the door and stepped inside.


    Seeing Ah-Si at the door, both Darren and Xiu shared a look. "Oh, I just heard you''re sick. What are you doing here?" Ah-Si had just opened his mouth to say something when Xiu continued, "Did they shift you the patient''s ward as well? How unfair!"


    "Patient''s ward?" repeated Ah-Si as he stared at her strangely.


    Xiu pointed at Darren and said, "He is a patient." Then she pointed at herself, "I am a patient." Then she pointed at the room they were in as she went on, "That makes it a patient''s ward or the room or whatever." Finally, her finger stopped at Ah-Si''s figure as she continued, "And now you''re here as well, my fellow patient! I warmly welcome you to my sick abode!"


    Ah-Si couldn''t help but chuckle at her warm welcome. He instantly forgot what had been bothering him for days now.


    "Don''t just stand there," said Xiu as she beckoned him over. "Come inside already."


    Ah-Si nodded his head and came to sit on the chair placed beside Darren''s bed. He looked at Xiu and Darren''s intertwined fingers as they laid together.


    "How are you feeling now?" asked Darren.


    "Oh, I''m much better," replied Ah-Si.


    "It doesn''t seem so," said Darren as he looked at Ah-Si''s sallow and pale look. He had clearly seen Ah-Si but it seemed to him like Ah-Si lost a whole lot of weight in just one night. He didn''t just look weak but also very sick. "Are you sure it''s just fever and nothing serious? Maybe you should get a complete health checkup."


    "I''m fine," said Ah-Si.


    Xiu tutted, "Such a healthy man... My best friend''s cruel soup did you dirty! Even a healthy person would fall sick after eating it. Comrade! You have my respect!" Ah-Si pursed his lips as soon as Nora''s chicken soup was mentioned. "By the way, how did you manage to drink it all? Was it delicious?"


    "If you look over the saltiness, it was delicious," said Ah-Si.


    Xiu made a face, "But who can look over the saltiness? Salt is enough to overwhelm my taste buds. I can''t possibly taste anything else." She took a deep breath, "But clearly, you could do it! That''s why I said, you have my respect! I finally believe how much you love my best friend."


    "You didn''t believe it before today?" questioned Ah-Si.


    "I had my doubts," replied Xiu. "So, now that I believe you. Let me tell you the benefits of convincing me of your love. From now on, there''d be no curfews on your dates. You can bring her home as late as you want and it doesn''t even matter if you didn''t bring her home at all!"


    "Wow!" Ah-Si acted surprised. "What a tempting benefit! I should have tried to make you believe in my love earlier."


    "You should have," agreed Xiu. Seeing him smiling, Xiu spoke again, "Now that I''m done making you smile again, tell me. What brought you to us?"


    Ah-Si paused as he looked at her face. "Why? I can''t come to see how you both are doing?"


    "You left your sickbed to come and check up on us, I don''t know whether to be grateful for that or call you dumb!" Xiu didn''t beat around the bush as she added, "You are not in the condition to be worried about us. So, tell me what really brought you here? You didn''t come just for chitchat, did you?"


    "Actually," began Ah-Si. "I do want to have a chitchat with you both. And it''s an important matter as well." He took a deep breath and went on, "I spent my days thinking about this repeatedly. I''ve thought about it all for so long but I am not able to understand it at all. No matter how hard I try, I can''t seem to come to terms with something."


    "What is it?" questioned Darren in a serious tone. "What really is bothering you?"


    Ah-Si pointed at Xiu and said, "If I say she is the one bothering me, what would you say about that?"


    Xiu frowned in confusion and Darren rubbed her head saying, "If it''s her then I can solve anything. Tell me, what about her is bothering you. I''ll fix it. Whatever it is, I''ll fix it."


    Ah-Si looked at Darren carefully as he asked, "Do you believe in everything she says? Even if makes no sense?"


    "Love begins with trust," replied Darren. "Or should I say, love is trust? So, I do believe in everything she says. Whether it makes sense or not, isn''t my concern."


    "Where does this blind trust come from?" asked Ah-Si.


    Darren looked at Xiu who smiled at him and said, "He asked you a question. Give him an answer."


    "Earlier, my wife just told your girlfriend that love is blind. And I just told you love is trust. So, that means if love and trust are all the same, both are blind equally. If I can love her blindly, I can trust her blindly as well. Because I don''t believe in doing things half-heartedly." Darren took a pause and looked at Xiu lovingly, "That is why I''m willing to believe everything she has to say. Because if I can''t even believe in her, how can I believe in anything else?"


    Xiu tsked at him, "Sweet talker!" She rolled her eyes and sighed, "Ah-Si, you''re clearly not here to discuss why he believes in me. Why don''t you just say what you really came here for?"

 Chapter 820 - I Am Chen Xiu

    Ah-Si didn''t take long before stating honestly, "Actually I heard you both talking at the wedding. And since then I had been bothered by a lot of things. As for what those things are, I don''t think I need to tell you both."


    Hearing his words, Xiu looked at Darren and smiled sheepishly, "I should have checked the surroundings before babbling so much nonsense."


    "Were you in the condition to check your surroundings?" retorted Darren. He still couldn''t get the image of her trembling in his arms out of his mind. He had never seen her looking so vulnerable before. And seeing her in that condition, even he forgot that they were not home. He should have been attentive. He looked at Ah-Si and asked, "You heard all of it?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "I heard all of it."


    "How much of it did you believe?" asked Darren.


    "That''s the tricky part here," said Ah-Si. "I''m not sure what to believe and what not to believe. And that dilemma is currently bothering me."


    Darren pressed his lips together and looked at Xiu. She thought about it before saying, "I''m sorry!"


    "For what?" Ah-Si raised his brows in question.


    "For what you heard," replied Xiu. "And how it''s affecting you as well." She tried to laugh it off by saying, "But you''re really overthinking things. I was just talking nonsense."


    "Which part?" questioned Ah-Si. "The part about how Chen Xiu died or the part about how you''re Chen Xiu."


    Xiu thoughtfully said, "Both?"


    "How strange though what you said about Chen Xiu''s death had already been confirmed," said Ah-Si. "Now I wonder if I should believe the other bizarre occurrence as well or not."


    "Definitely not," stressed Xiu. "There is no reason to believe in that. How can things like reincarnation be real? Be practical, Ah-Si!"


    "Oh?" responded Ah-Si while Darren stayed quiet. "Then what were you talking about back then?"


    "Actually," Xiu tried to look for the right words before saying, "Oh, yes! It was a script I''m writing."


    "When did you turn into a scriptwriter?" asked Ah-Si.


    "Why can''t I be a scriptwriter? I''m a film maniac! I love watching movies. That''s how I developed the passion for writing as well."


    Ah-Si silently stared at her face for a long while before asking, "Why are you lying to me?"


    "Hey! Why do you think I''m lying?" retorted Xiu. "Isn''t script writing more believable than reincarnation stuff?"


    "It depends on who is saying it," said Ah-Si. "You don''t sound very believable right now."


    "Ah-Si," Darren called out. "Stay out of this matter."


    "Why?"


    "Because it doesn''t concern you," replied Darren.


    Ah-Si chuckled at him, "Do you what her identity is right now? She is Bai Xiu. Apparently, the long lost daughter of my uncle and aunt. That identity makes her my cousin. And you''re telling me it doesn''t concern me?" He licked his lips saying, "I deserve to know who is occupying the body of my cousin. Don''t you think so?"


    "It''s not like I took it by force," Xiu chimed in. "Do you think I wanted to have this body or this identity? No, of course not! When I decided to jump down from that balcony, I indeed was willing to die! I never asked for this weird second chance. Although I''ve come to love this second chance, however, I never asked for it!"


    "So, you''re accepting that you''re Chen Xiu?" asked Ah-Si.


    "When did I accept it? Do you have any evidence to prove your words?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head slightly before he took his phone out and played the video he had accidentally recorded that day. Seeing the video both Darren and Xiu again gave him a look.


    "It was purely an accident that I ended up recording it that day. Ava was playing around, I wanted to record her moments to show it to Nora but you both ended up getting recorded instead because I was so lost after listening to you both that I forgot to turn the camera off."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead as she felt a headache coming up. What a weird day she was having today! Everything was going in the direction she never thought it would!


    She looked at Darren and silently asked through her eyes, ''Can we keep up with our lie?''


    ''What do you think?'' was his silent response.


    Xiu sighed out before she deleted the video and threw the phone back at Ah-Si saying, "Kiddo, keeping such videos can be dangerous. Don''t you know how many people wanted Chen Xiu dead? What if you got involved in this mess?" She kept rubbing her temple before adding, "You didn''t make a copy of it, did you?"


    Ah-Si shook his head, "I didn''t."


    Seeing how he was still staring at her, she asked, "What are you waiting for now?"


    "To hear what I came to hear," replied Ah-Si.


    Xiu placed her hand under her chin as said, "You already have the answer to your own question though."


    "I do," replied Ah-Si in a rather calm tone now. "But I would like to hear it from you."


    Xiu breathed out and looked straight at him as she said, "I am Chen Xiu." Ah-Si nodded his head as he heard her telling it straight to him. "Whether you call it a miracle or my mental illness, it doesn''t matter. But it won''t change the truth that I am indeed Chen Xiu. Now, it''s up to you what you''re gonna do with this fact." She took a pause and added, "But I''d suggest you make peace with it as soon as possible. It''s a fact you won''t be able to confront."


    "Who else knows about it?" asked Ah-Si. "Apart from Darren?"


    "Dylan knows," replied Darren.


    "And he believed it?" questioned Ah-Si strangely.


    "It''s not like he had any other choice," said Xiu.


    "If you can''t come to terms with this truth," said Darren. "I suggest you forget whatever you heard, Ah-Si. As I said earlier, it really doesn''t concern you. Because whoever is inside the shell, it won''t change anything around here."

 Chapter 821 - An Old Lady

    Ah-Si thought about Darren''s words and said, "Can you also tell me how to forget it all? Is there an easy way to forget it? Because I can''t seem to forget it." He looked at Xiu and added, "In the future, whenever I''ll look at her, I''ll remember it all over again. So, I don''t think I''ll be able to forget it."


    Xiu frowned at him, "Are you telling me to disappear?"


    "Why are you twisting my words?" retorted Ah-Si. "I''m just saying I won''t be able to forget it."


    "Then accept it," suggested Xiu. "The best way for you is to just accept it all. Let''s see it this way... You don''t know anything about Bai Xiu. You don''t know what she was like. From the beginning, you have met me. And only me. Then you shouldn''t find it difficult to accept it. You can just treat me as you''ve been doing so far."


    "You''re right. It shouldn''t change much for me since I''ve only met you," said Ah-Si. "But what about Nora?" Xiu covered her eyes with her own hand as he went on, "She met both you and Bai Xiu. She doesn''t know that someone else''s soul is now living inside the body of her best friend."


    "And I don''t wish for her to know either," replied Xiu.


    "You want to keep lying to her?" questioned Ah-Si.


    Xiu exhaled, "If this lie can save her from pain, then yes! I''m very willing to keep up this lie." Ah-Si''s brows furrowed up slightly, "Telling her that her best friend is actually dead won''t do her any good. Maybe my heart would feel better once I tell her everything honestly but have you thought about what it would do to her? Even without knowing either Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu, you''re looking so conflicted and bothered. What about her?"


    "Ah-Si, the fewer people know, the better," said Darren. "No one wants to deceive anyone here. Especially my Sweets. But when the truth seems inconceivable, it''s better to let the lies go on."


    "Right!" agreed Xiu. "Besides, you never know people. What if someone put me in a mental asylum? Although I do think I belong there, I don''t want to go there."


    Darren knocked on her head lightly, "Stop talking nonsense."


    "Oh..." responded Xiu and didn''t speak again.


    "I learned something from my brother," said Ah-Si and hesitated for a long time. "Chen Xiu... I mean you are not related to Aunt Suyin."


    Xiu hummed softly, "I just learned that as well."


    Ah-Si brows raised up, "Aren''t you surprised? Or aren''t you feeling bad after learning about this?"


    "Why should I?" retorted Xiu.


    "Because from what I heard, you chose to die after learning that you''re Aunt Suyin''s daughter."


    Xiu had a look of enlightenment as she told him, "I''m over that now. Since knowing that I''m her daughter made me hate my existence, now knowing that I''m not her daughter has given me a new purpose in life." She smiled at him, "You really won''t be able to understand my feelings."


    "At the moment, I''m even struggling to understand you and not just your feelings," replied Ah-Si. "Anyway, I also learned that Chen Hana wasn''t your mother either."


    Xiu hummed again, "Yeah. Got to know that as well."


    Ah-Si continued to keep an eye on her expressions as he went on, "Then aren''t you curious about yourself?" Xiu raised her brows inquisitively. "Aren''t you curious to know about Chen Xiu''s identity? Her parents? Her family? Or who she really was? Where she came from? How she ended up with Chen Hana? And if Chen Xiu was really her name?"


    "Are you trying to make me feel miserable by reminding me of that?" asked Xiu.


    "Huh? What do you mean?"


    "You''re reminding me that Chen Xiu wasn''t my real name. Just like Bai Xiu isn''t my name as well. So, that makes me a no-name soul who lived two lifetimes on borrowed names. Isn''t that miserable?"


    Ah-Si was stunned by her words and hurriedly said, "That wasn''t my intention. I only pointed it out because I wanted to know whether you thought about who you really were. I had really no other intention."


    "Forget it," Xiu stopped him from continuing. "It really doesn''t matter. It won''t change anything. As I said to Regan earlier, whoever Chen Xiu was, she is dead."


    "But you''re here," Ah-Si blurted out.


    "That changes nothing," said Xiu firmly. "Even if Chen Xiu had a family, they must know that she is dead. And if they have already accepted her death, what''s the point in going back to hurt them? It''ll only hurt them more. Besides, I''ll have no way to prove my identity as Chen Xiu either."


    "What if I have a clue about Chen Xiu''s family?" questioned Ah-Si.


    Xiu stared into his eyes without blinking as she said, "Then you better keep that clue to yourself. I don''t wish to complicate my life more than it already is."


    "You really don''t wish to meet your family?"


    Xiu continued, "I consider this my family now which includes you. Are you telling me you don''t want me to be a part of this family?"


    Ah-Si went quiet at that. He really wanted to tell her about the speculations that his brother and Ying Jie had but how was he supposed to say it when she seemed too firm about her decision. He wanted to tell her that there was a chance that they were not just cousins but actually siblings. But he didn''t have any definite proof of that for now.


    He couldn''t speak anything just based on speculations. He had to wait for his brother to find evidence first. Once he had the answer to whether Chen Xiu was really their sister Xin Xiulin, then he wouldn''t even have to care about whether she wanted to know about her family or not.


    However, just as he thought about what Xiu said, he couldn''t help frowning. She was right, a lot of things were complicating her life already and once their speculations turned out to be true, it''ll only get worse. He couldn''t even imagine how it''d be once everything got cleared up.


    Of course, he knew his father would accept his daughter in any way. He''d be over the moon just to have his daughter with him again. But what about his uncle who just got the chance to have a daughter? It was beyond complicated and someone was bound to get hurt in this complication.


    "Don''t think so much, you''ll go bald otherwise." Ah-Si''s train of thoughts broke as he heard Xiu''s word and his eyes focused on her face again. He couldn''t find a hint of worry or anxiousness on her face. It seemed strange to see a peaceful look in her eyes now since he knew what she was going through. "Instead of thinking about my life, focus on yourself."


    "And how am I supposed to do that?" questioned Ah-Si.


    "Look at yourself," said Xiu. "You got sick so easily. How will my Uncle Jing feel safe handing over his precious daughter to you?"


    "I''ll bring you as my advocate," replied Ah-Si.


    "Me?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head, "I''m your brother now, won''t you help me?"


    "Not like I can''t do that," Xiu made a face at him. "But you need to take better care of yourself. If something bothers you again, talk it out. Keeping it in is like feeding on poison. And trust me, it might be a slow poison but it''s the most toxic and painful one. No one knows that better than me."


    "How about I come to talk to you then?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulder, "Why not? You can count on me, little brother!"


    "I''m the older one between us," Ah-Si pointed out.


    Xiu grinned at him, "Aiyo! I told you, I''m Chen Xiu. My body might be 24, I''m already over 28 now." And that''s how she concluded, "That makes me the older one. Don''t expect me to call you Ge. That''s not happening. Ever!"


    "How stingy!" complained Ah-Si. "I can''t even hear Ge from my younger cousin since an old lady is living in her body."


    "Hey! Who are you calling old here?"


    Ah-Si laughed at her reaction and said, "I shouldn''t be calling you old. You act like a kid after all. But then again, old people do tend to act like kids."


    "Ah-Si!"


    "Stop teasing my wife," warned Darren.


    "Darren, your wife is now my sister," retorted Ah-Si. "I have all the right to tease her. Didn''t she just say I''m younger than her. Then as the younger one, I have all the right to annoy my elder sister."


    "He is a fast learner," said Xiu.


    "Thank you for the compliment," said Ah-Si as he stood up. "Now, I''m gonna take my leave. You both have a good rest. I''ll come to see you both again."


    "You better take a good rest yourself and stop overthinking!"


    "Got it, Sister Xiu!"

 Chapter 822 - Walls Have Ears

    Right after Ah-Si left the room, Darren heard Xiu groaning. She buried her face in his chest and continued to groan. It was equally funny and cute to him.


    "I thought I''ll never have to say it ever again."


    "Say what?"


    "That I am..." she lowered her voice and whispered, "That I am Chen Xiu."


    "Why so secretive?" questioned Darren.


    "Because I just realized when wise people of the past said that walls have ears, they weren''t joking around." She hit her head as she went on, "One should always lower the voice and be careful of one''s words."


    "Sweets, it took you so long to realize it?"


    Xiu glared at him, "Are you also looking down on me now? Don''t you think I''m enough to do that?"


    Darren patted her head, "I''m not looking down on you. It wasn''t just you who didn''t notice, I also didn''t realize that it was an inappropriate place to talk about all that."


    "It seems I can''t hide it forever," said Xiu.


    "Nothing can stay hidden forever," replied Darren.


    "Do you think Ah-Si will someone about it?" asked Xiu.


    "The person Ah-Si is mostly likely to tell is Xiao Li but since he didn''t do it till now, he is less likely to do it now. He came to talk to you directly which shows how much unwilling he was to share it with anyone else. So, you can relax. I''m sure, he won''t tell anyone."


    Xiu nodded her head feeling a little assured to hear him say that. "Do you think anyone else was there apart from Ah-Si? Or someone saw the video he recorded without him realizing it? There is always a possibility."


    Darren poked her forehead, "Now, you''re just being paranoid."


    "How is it my fault?" retorted Xiu. "So much happened today. My paranoia is justified." She pulled the blanket over her head and said, "If anyone else comes, tell them I''m not available. I''ve had enough for today. There is only so much I can take in one day."


    "That''s true," agreed Darren. "You should give your mind some rest now. Go to sleep. I won''t let anyone disturb you."


    Xiu yawned tiredly and closed her eyes, "I really need to catch some sleep before my mind explodes from so many shocks."


    It didn''t take long for her to fall asleep. Darren looked at her sleeping figure lovingly. He turned his head slightly to kiss the top of her head. Soon, his eyes darkened with rage.


    Just as Xiu had said, he also thought there was a possibility that someone else other than Ah-Si heard their conversation. And that person had to be Liu Nuan. That would explain why she caused such a mess. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. Since Liu Nuan was already with Xiao Li, he could set his mind at ease.


    ....


    On the other hand, after Xiao Li met with his brother, he sorted out a couple of things before he decided to leave. He had to go and check up on Liu Nuan now.


    However, before he could leave the house, someone held his arm.


    "Take me with you."


    Xiao Li looked at Ying and rolled his eyes, "We are not having this conversation again!"


    "Yes, we are!" retorted Ying. "No, in fact, if you don''t want to have this conversation, it''s alright. We don''t have to talk at all. I just want to go with you."


    "Where is your brother? Why isn''t he keeping you tied up to the bed?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "Ahem! Ahem!"


    Both Xiao Li and Ying turned their heads to look at Su Xixi who had coughed as she said, "Choose your words wisely, Xiao Li."


    Xiao Li recalled what he just said and groaned, "That sounded wrong."


    "It did and it didn''t at the same time," said Su Xixi. She looked at her daughter and asked, "Where do you think you''re going, young lady?"


    "Mom, it''s important that I go with him," said Ying. "You can''t stop me."


    "You''re right," agreed Su Xixi. "I can''t stop you. After all, I have never been able to stop you from anything in your life. You wanted to chase after Xiao Li, I couldn''t stop you. You wanted to stay behind in this country, I couldn''t stop you. You wanted to become a part of the syndicate, I couldn''t stop you. You didn''t want to marry anyone else, I couldn''t stop you. If I never had a say in your life before this day, how can I have a say today?"


    Ying''s face fell. Although her mother only stated facts, all those things made Ying once again reminded Ying just how much she had gone against her mother in her life. As she had said, she was perfect for everyone except for her mother but she couldn''t even blame her mother for saying that because she never tried to make it up to her.


    "Li, where are you going?" asked Su Xixi ignoring Ying.


    "I''ve something to ask Liu Nuan," stated Xiao Li honestly. "Do you want to come with me?"


    "You can take her but not me?" questioned Ying.


    "Auntie is not impulsive like you," replied Xiao Li. "Besides, auntie is very good at making people speak the truth."


    "I''m also very good!" Ying shot back.


    "The more you''re insisting to join me, the more I don''t want to take you with me."


    Before Ying could say anything, the three of them heard a whistling sound and looked towards the stairs. All of them looked surprised to see Ah-Si whistling as he skipped down the stairs happily. Although he still had a pale complexion, his aura seemed to have lit up now.


    "Little son, aren''t you supposed to be on your bed right now?" Su Xixi was the first one to question.


    Ah-Si looked at the three of them and grinned, "I''m going back to the room to rest now."


    "How are you feeling now?"


    "Godmother, I''m perfectly fine now. Don''t worry about me," said Ah-Si as he hugged Su Xixi and acted cutely. Seeing that Ying''s face twitched.


    "Why do you look so happy? Did something good happen? Won''t you share it with all of us?" asked Ying.


    "I can''t be happy alone?" retorted Ah-Si.


    "I don''t think Nora''s salty soup was this magical to make you turn into an entirely different person all of a sudden," remarked Xiao Li.


    Ah-Si tutted at him, "Bro, are you doubting the power of love?"


    "I don''t think it''s the power of love though," said Ying. She looked towards the stairs as she added, "You came from upstairs that means you went to up see Xiu. She must have done something to put you in such a good mood."


    Ah-Si thought about his words before he said, "Godmother, do you know my Sister Xiu?" Su Xixi nodded her head. "Then you should also know that my Sister Xiu has a strange magic. She can make everything alright."


    "What nonsense are you spouting now?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "Bro, you''re the one who used to say that whenever she is around, you instantly feel happy. She is like an energizer that makes everything seem easy. Didn''t you say it to me?"


    Xiao Li recalled his own words and nodded, "Yes, I did. So what?"


    "Then how can you question her magic?" retorted Ah-Si. "Now, I totally believe you. She indeed is magical."


    "Now, I''m all the more interested in knowing what she said to you to make you look so happy," said Ying.


    Su Xixi pushed Ah-Si''s hair away from his forehead as she said, "It doesn''t matter what made you so happy. I''m just happy to see that our family''s little one is happy. Earlier, I was really concerned about your condition. I even lectured your father. What a poor job he is doing at taking care of you!"


    Ah-Si pressed his lips together as he imagined the scene of his father getting lectured. It made him want to laugh out.


    "And since your Sister Xiu managed to fix whatever was bothering you, then I also should say she has some magic in her hands. And I should personally thank her as well."


    Ying scoffed, "You only know how to shower all your love on him." She made a face as she went on, "But why are you forgetting that he is no more the little one of our family. The youngest in the house is Ava! And soon, even her spot will be snatched!"


    "How?"


    Ying have both Xin brothers a look before she said, "Are you both forgetting that Xiu is expecting? Once she gave birth, her child will take the place of the youngest one in this family."


    "That''s true," agreed Ah-Si.


    "I''m getting late," said Xiao Li. "I''m gonna take my leave now."


    Thinking of something, Ying turned to her mom and said, "Mom, you haven''t met Xiu yet, right? You should go with Ah-Si and meet her. She is super amazing. You''ll love spending time with her. You go to her, I''m going out with Ah-Li."


    Su Xixi held the back of Ying''s hair and pulled her back saying, "Ah-Li, you can leave." Xiao Li smiled at Su Xixi and gave Ying a teasing wink before he ran off. "And you young lady go to your room. So do you, young one!"


    Both Ying and Ah-Si shared a look before they turned towards their rooms.


    Meanwhile, Su Xixi kept watching them as she wondered, ''Even my daughter is praising you highly... It''ll be interesting to know you more, Bai Xiu.''

 Chapter 823 - Solid Proof

    Su Xixi thought for a while before she followed her daughter and stepped into her room. Ying had just laid down when she saw her mother at the door and instantly sat up. "Mom, what are you doing here?"


    Su Xixi didn''t reply to her as she locked the door of the room. Ying''s gulped at the sight.


    "Mom, why did you lock the door? Are you gonna beat me now?"


    Su Xixi gave her a disdainful look before she moved to the french windows and checked the balcony before locking the windows. Then she even checked the bathroom. Seeing her mother moving around in her room so cautiously, Ying felt apprehensive.


    "Is she really planning on beating me? Is that why she is making sure there is no one around?"


    Su Xixi rolled her eyes at her daughter saying, "If I had ever touched you in your life, you wouldn''t have been so willful today. Besides, I don''t dare beat an old lady like you. What if you cracked a few bones? The only guy who likes you might also run away."


    "Mom, how can you call your own daughter an old lady?" retorted Ying unhappily.


    "You''re the one who complained to me last time that you were having back pain and your joints hurt. Doesn''t that mean you''re an old lady now?" Su Xixi shot back.


    "If I am an old lady, what does that make you?"


    "Oh, sorry! I neither have back pain nor joint pain. I''m a very healthy person."


    Ying couldn''t find anything to retort to that. When she complained about that back pain, it was the time when she was put on desk work. She wasn''t used to sitting down in one place, obviously, her back would hurt from so much sitting. Who knew she gave her mother another reason to taunt her? She really dug her own grave by sharing it with her mother.


    Clearing her throat, she said, "It doesn''t matter. Even if I have a few cracked bones, my boyfriend will still be with me."


    Su Xixi squinted her eyes at her daughter before she pulled a chair to the side of her bed and sat down. She crossed her legs as she leaned back languidly in the chair with her eyes on Ying''s face.


    "Anyway, why did you lock the door?" asked Ying changing the subject.


    "Because I don''t want to disturb us and I don''t want anyone to listen to us," replied Su Xixi straightforwardly.


    "That''s why you''re doing the thorough inspection?" questioned Ying. "But did you really think someone would tap my room? And that too in Zizi''s villa?"


    Su Xixi shrugged her shoulders, "I have always been a cautious person. Just because your think it''s a safe place, doesn''t mean it is. I guess you haven''t learned anything on the field in all these years."


    "Mom, would you stop trying to tell me what is wrong with me?"


    "If I won''t say it, how else will you fix it?" retorted Su Xixi making Ying''s eyes widen in surprise. "Magically? I don''t think you''re that magical enough to figure out what''s wrong with your conduct. That''s why I have to keep reminding you from time to time." She took a pause before adding, "That''s the only thing I can do because of the distance you put between us."


    Ying pursed her lips and stayed quiet in reply. Her mother would never let a chance go to remind her that it was her own choice to stay behind. It wasn''t her parents who left her behind, it was her who chose to stay. Usually, it''s parents who abandon their children, she was the child who abandoned her own parents.


    "How''s dad?" asked Ying trying to change the topic yet again. "I heard he bought an island and was busy with redevelopment plans. How is it going?"


    "Isn''t that old news now?" retorted Su Xixi. "The construction is almost done now."


    "Oh," was all Ying could say. "Did you have something to say to me?"


    "No," replied Su Xixi and Ying heaved a sigh of relief or at least tried to but before she could completely relax, Su Xixi added, "But I have something to ask you."


    Ying coughed slightly before saying, "What do you have to ask me?"


    "You have been looking for Chen Hana," stated Su Xixi making Ying avoid looking at her face.


    "How do you know that?" she asked.


    "Is that something you should be concerned about right now?" retorted Su Xixi. "Your concern should be on explaining why you''re looking for her."


    Ying was weighing the pros and cons of lying to her mother. She had to say cons were a lot more than pros. And it''d be a disaster if her mom figured out her lie which was highly likely.


    "I have my reasons," said Ying.


    "Don''t give me that crap!" was Su Xixi''s reply. "You have ten seconds. Come clean or..." She didn''t finish her sentence but Ying could feel her impending doom from that incomplete sentence. "10... 9... 8... 7..."


    "Mom, stop counting! Let me think!" Ying tried to negotiate but it was all futile.


    "4... 3... 2..." She took a pause to stare at her daughter. "And..."


    Ying her hand and said, "Stop! I''ll tell you everything. How can there be secrets in the family? Right? You always said I can share anything with you, so how can I hide anything from you?"


    "That''s ironic considering how much you had been hiding from me," said Su Xixi. "However, I never forced you for anything."


    "That''s also ironic since you''re forcing me right now," replied Ying.


    "Let me finish," said Su Xixi. "I never forced you about your personal decisions. Currently, we are not discussing your personal matters. We''ll get to that later on."


    Ying struggled internally before taking a deep breath, "Mom, do you believe in miracles?"


    "I do," replied Su Xixi plainly.


    "You do?" Ying was taken aback slightly. "I didn''t think you''d believe in miracles."


    "Which miracle is the one you want me to believe?" asked Su Xixi.


    Ying opened the drawer of the bedside table and took out the same velvet pouch that Zhou Jinhai had passed to her. She extended it towards her mother saying, "The miracle is inside. See it for yourself."


    "I never thought miracles came it velvet pouches, what a surprise!" remarked Su Xixi. She opened the pouch and spilled the content onto her hand. Something cold touched her skin and when her eyes fell on it, she paused for a split second. She hurriedly turned the bracelet in her hand around.


    The back side had a very familiar carving on it. She would never mistake it. The character ''Xiu'' was engraved in a somewhat clumsy way. According to the one who engraved it, it was perfection while she had said it looked ugly.


    She exhaled a long breath before asking, "Where did you find it?"


    "It belongs to someone really unexpected and yet, it doesn''t surprise me anymore," replied Ying in a vague manner.


    "What do you mean by that?" questioned Su Xixi.


    "Mom, since the time I came back everything I touched seemed to lead to the very same person. Do you think it''s a coincidence? Or fate?"


    "Every path you take in life is planned. Every person you meet is already planned. As for whether the planner is a human or a higher power, that''s a different discussion." Su Xixi leaned over and asked again, "Now tell me, where that planner is leading you?"


    "Chen Xiu," replied Ying. Su Xixi frowned at her reply. "I don''t think that name is unfamiliar to you as well." She took a pause before she went on, "It''s already been confirmed that Chen Xiu wasn''t Chen Hana''s daughter. But she was raised by Chen Hana. And Chen Xiu had this bracelet on her. Also, I heard how she adored this particular piece of jewelry. No matter the occasion, she''d always wear it. Her fans even used to say it seemed like it was a part of her."


    Su Xixi looked very calm even after hearing all of this. And Ying was wondering how her mother was still able to maintain her calmness. Was it because she wasn''t believing her speculations at the moment?


    "Mom, you do realize what I am implying right?" she asked.


    "You''re implying that Chen Xiu was Xin Xiulin," replied Su Xixi in a leveled tone. "But is this proof enough for you to come to that conclusion? It''s highly likely that she found this bracelet somewhere. Although I won''t deny the fact that this is bracelet belongs to Xiulin, I would like you to bring me solid proof to make me believe that Chen Xiu was Xiulin."


    "As Ah-Li for that proof then," said Ying. "I''ve been looking for Chen Hana to find that solid proof. But apparently, Ah-Li has something more convincing than this."


    "He also believes in this?" asked Su Xixi.


    Ying nodded her head in reply, "He does. He believes in it more than I do."

 Chapter 824 - I Cant Breathe

    Su Xixi was actually surprised to hear that. She knew Xiao Li very well. Just like Wen Ai never differentiated between Xiao Li and Ying, she never did as well. To her, Xiao Li was like her own son. And she was all too well familiar with what kind of person he was or what he had become over the years.


    Now, one would wonder if she cared about Xiao Li so much, why she didn''t show up to his wedding. The answer was simple, she knew that marriage was a part of Xiao Li''s elaborated plan. However, she didn''t agree with him sacrificing himself just because he wanted to teach Qiu Meihui a lesson. And that''s why she refused to attend the wedding that wasn''t even for his happiness.


    If someone told her years ago that Xiao Li believed in Chen Xiu being his sister because of hearsay, she might have believed it but now... It was impossible for him to strongly believe something he didn''t have a proof of.


    "And what''s the reason behind his belief?" asked Su Xixi.


    "Maybe because he has an evidence stronger than mine," replied Ying. "However, he refused to disclose it to me. So, I can''t be sure about that. But last night, he strongly stressed on the fact that Chen Xiu was Xin Xiulin."


    "And if he is certain, why is he quiet about it?" asked Su Xixi. "Shouldn''t he be telling this to his father?"


    "Although he is certain, he wants to hear it all from Chen Hana herself. He wants to know why or how Chen Hana had his sister in the first place. And he also wants to know why she didn''t protect Xiulin better." Ying observed her mother''s expressions before adding, "I think you must have already heard that Chen Xiu didn''t live an easy life." She cleared her throat and continued, "Also, telling Zizi is out of the picture for now. Not just because Chen Xiu didn''t love an easy life but also because her death wasn''t simple either."


    "You both better continue to keep quiet about it," warned Su Xixi. "Even if Chen Xiu was Xiulin, you both need to watch your words around him. Losing his daughter once had done enough damage to him. I don''t want him to go through it all over again."


    "Mom, why do you look so nervous all of a sudden?" inquired Ying in confusion. "You have never been nervous about anything."


    "You were young back then so you definitely don''t know what happened to Zimen when his daughter died." Just the reminder made Su Xixi clench her fists.


    *Flashback*


    Su Xixi was in a remote country and by the time she received the news of Xiulin''s death, it had been over two weeks since the incident. She tried to come back as soon as she could. And when she walked into the house, even the air in that house was stifling.


    "Ai!" she rushed over to her best friend who was staring blankly into space. Seeing Wen Ai''s swollen, bloodshot eyes along with her pale complexion, she could tell what kind of days she must have passed. She had to shake her shoulder to get her attention and finally when Wen Ai''s eyes focused on Su Xixi''s figure, she wrapped her arms around her waist and buried her face in her stomach as her tears fell again.


    Just seeing her best friend like that, Su Xixi felt her heart-stopping. Her best friend didn''t have a habit of crying. She barely even cried when all of her family members were killed right before her eyes even though she was very young at that time.


    Su Xixi patted her back to soothe her and as she asked, "What happened? Tell me clearly what happened?"


    "She is gone," said Wen Ai. "I couldn''t save her...." Her words were broken and barely made sense to Su Xixi. She only understood parts of it. "I went back for her but she was gone. She is no more!"


    "Shhh... Stop crying first. Don''t you say that crying doesn''t fix anything?" She looked around the silent house and asked, "Where is Zimen? Why isn''t he with you?"


    "He is in his room," replied Wen Ai. "I can''t bring myself to look at him."


    Before Su Xixi could continue, she heard someone coming down the stairs and looked up. "Oh, Xixi, when did you come?" It was Xin Zimen who stood at the stairs. He offered a smile which shocked Su Xixi. That''s not what she was expecting to see. "You must be tired after the long journey. You should have gone to rest first. Why are you so eager to come and see your best friend?"


    Su Xixi looked at Wen Ai with an inquisitive look and the latter just sighed out.


    Su Xixi walked over to him and asked, "Zimen, are you okay?"


    "What could possibly go wrong with me?" retorted Xin Zimen. He pointed at Wen Ai and said, "You should be worrying about your best friend. She is the one who has been crying for days now. No matter what I say, she doesn''t even listen. She''s been acting weird lately."


    Wen Ai stared at him with tears in her eyes and shouted, "It''s not me! You''re acting weird, Ah-Xin!"


    "How am I acting weird?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Zimen, where is Xiulin?" Su Xixi stared at Xin Zimen and asked straightforwardly. She could visibly see his whole body trembling at just the mention of her name.


    "Why are you asking about my daughter?" he retorted and tried to walk away but Su Xixi held his arm to stop him.


    Wen Ai also went up to his side and held his hand as she said, "Ah-Xin if you kept holding it in, it''ll destroy you. If it''s hurting, can''t you at least tell me about it? If you won''t even share your pain with me, how am I supposed to help you?"


    Xin Zimen stepped back from both of them as he said, "What? You both want me to cry?"


    "That''d be better than what you''re doing now," said Su Xixi.


    Xin Zimen''s lips trembled before he bit his bottom lip and closed his eyes. "Why are you both not understanding that if I cried, I''ll have to accept that my daughter is gone! I''ll have to accept that I''ll never be able to hear her voice. Or hear her silvery laugh. Or her calling out to me." He held the railing of the staircase to support himself before adding, "And if I accepted that, I won''t be able to breathe." He clutched his chest as he crouched down and went on, "Why don''t you understand that I can''t breathe without her. It hurts knowing that while I''m taking a breath, my precious daughter isn''t capable of taking a breath anymore."


    Su Xixi clenched her hands as she watched his condition. He really seemed to be having trouble breathing. She kneeled down beside him as she looked at his face and said, "Ai, call the ambulance! Now!"


    *End of Flashback*


    Even to this day, Su Xixi wasn''t able to forget any of it. She had never seen Xin Zimen breaking like that. He stayed in denial for way too long but when he really accepted the death of his daughter, he lost his will to do anything else. If it wasn''t for Xiao Li and Ah-Si, he might have never even pushed himself to get back on his feet again.


    "Mom, you''re worried about Zizi?" asked Ying.


    "There is hardly anyone who worries about him," said Su Xixi. "He learned to put up a strong front so maybe people forgot what he went through. Perhaps people really forgot the pain for him was twice as intense as was his love for his daughter. That was my first time believing that heartbreak could really push someone to the door of death."


    "Is that why you don''t want him to learn any of it?"


    "Nothing good will come out of it. Let the dead stay where they belong. Don''t hurt him more than he already is," said Su Xixi. She thought about something and added, "Especially now, when he finally found his smile back."


    "Huh?" Ying was confused.


    "Although I don''t know how she did it, I have to say that Bai Xiu is really magical. Her presence seems to be healing Zimen. And I would like to let it stay that way."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''t-breathe_51742063804341107 for visiting.


    Ying felt her nose sting for some reason. She looked at her mother and said, "I''ll talk to Ah-Li. I''m sure he won''t say anything he isn''t supposed to. Besides, he has been hiding it because he didn''t want to hurt Zizi."


    Su Xixi stood up to leave and placed her hand on her daughter''s head as she said, "You don''t have to stress yourself. Why or how Chen Hana got to Xiao Li, I''ll find it myself. You concentrate on resting. If I saw you wandering around uselessly, I''ll make sure to break your other leg as well!"

 Chapter 825 - White-Eyed Wolf

    Staring at the photo of his wife and his daughter, Xin Zimen seemed to be lost. He had come back to rest for a while in his room but ended up taking out their photo and then, he lost track of time completely.


    He looked at the beaming face of the little girl in the photo and his eyes softened. "How is my little angel? Did you miss Ah-Xin?" His hand caressed the girl in the photo and he smiled, "Ah-Xin is really sorry for not giving you time these days. I had been busy with stuff. I know, it''s no excuse. I should have made time for you. I''m really sorry! It won''t happen again. I''ll try my best that it won''t happen again."


    Seeing that smiling face made his heart ache all over again. He was torturing himself for years like this but he couldn''t help it now. It had become a habit to talk to their photo. He was obviously talking to just a photo but it still made him feel connected to the two people he lost.


    "Do you know, now you have a little cousin? If you had been around, she''d be like your little sister. And I believe you would have loved her. She is just like you and yet she is not like you."


    "Xiao Zi, you''re okay?"


    Xin Zimen pinched the space between his eyes when he heard that question from Xin Kuan. He hurriedly put the photo down but Xin Kuan had already seen it. In fact, he didn''t even have to hide it from Xin Kuan who already knew about his habit of talking to a photo. But he still always hid the photo as if it was something very private.


    "I''m fine," replied Xin Zimen. "Just a little tired." He looked at Xin Kuan and asked, "Brother Kuan, where had you been?"


    "As you told me to, I have been gathering the details of Xin Xiaoli''s movements in the Wen Clan in the past years," replied Xin Kuan.


    "Oh," responded Xin Zimen. "Find anything interesting there?"


    Xin Kuan nodded his head and said, "Something very interesting."


    "What is it?" inquired Xin Zimen.


    "Give me some time, I''ll provide you a detailed report," said Xin Kuan. "Also, the movements within the Xin family are big right now. Everyone is feeling a crisis since the Head of the clan finally has an heir. The shares are being manipulated and power is being distributed."


    "That is not my concern," replied Xin Zimen. "Anyway, can you call Xiao Li for me?"


    "He is not at home," answered Xin Kuan.


    "Where did he go?"


    Before he could say that he didn''t know, he received a call and excused himself. After he disconnected the call, he came back to Xin Zimen''s side, "Xin Xiaoli went back to check up on Liu Nuan."


    Xin Zimen frowned at that, "Why didn''t he take me with him?"


    "Maybe because he something to talk to her that he doesn''t want you to know," said Xin Kuan.


    "That makes sense," agreed Xin Zimen before he stood up. "Let''s go then. Let me find out what is he up to right now."


    "We don''t have to go," said Xin Kuan. "If we went, Xin Xiaoli would be cautious again."


    "Then?" Xin Zimen looked at Xin Kuan. "What do you have in mind?"


    Xin Kuan turned on Xin Zimen''s laptop and after moving his fingers around for a while, he shifted the screen towards Xin Zimen, "We can just breach into their security system."


    Xin Zimen looked at the security footage before him and looked at Xin Kuan, "You! Was it child''s play?"


    "Don''t forget, I grew up in Wen Clan. No one knows how they work better than me."


    Xin Zimen nodded his head in agreement. He shouldn''t be surprised that Xin Kuan managed to hack into Wen Clan''s security system so easily.


    Just as Xiao Li appeared on the screen before him, Xin Zimen quietened up and attentively looked at the screen.


    On the other side of the screen...


    When Xiao Li entered the room where Liu Nuan was held, he looked at her dispirited appearance. She had been kept awake for all this time. No matter how she tried to sleep, she was awoken every single time. Although it had been only two days, she seemed to be in worse condition than someone who hadn''t slept in a week or so.


    "Did she try anything funny?" asked Xiao Li.


    "Answering Master Li, except for crying and screaming, she hasn''t tried anything else."


    "Why didn''t you block her mouth?"


    "How else will she tire herself out?" retorted the person standing beside him.


    Xiao Li looked up at the woman who answered him and shook his head. It was because of people like her that made him believe that his mother indeed came from a ruthless bloodline. Every single person in this clan loved to talk with their fists.


    Now, he could understand why Liu Nuan''s condition seemed so bad just within a day. They all let her scream and cry all night and didn''t even let her sleep, she must be going crazy by now.


    "Untie her," he ordered and soon Liu Nuan''s hands and feet were freed.


    However, she didn''t try to run. Instead, she looked at Xin Xiaoli and her eyes teared up. She fell on her knees and held his leg as she pleaded, "Li bro, please let me! I didn''t do anything."


    "Just yesterday, you confessed your crimes," replied Xin Xiaoli.


    Liu Nuan cried out, "Li bro, I wasn''t wrong. She really deserves to die!"


    Xin Xiaoli''s eyes darkened as the aura around him chilled, "You''re still not repentant?"


    Liu Nuan hugged his leg even tighter as she said, "Hear me out! I''m not lying! You''re angry because I tried to kill your cousin... I mean, Uncle Ze''s daughter. But you''re not understanding it. She is not Uncle Ze''s daughter. She isn''t! His daughter is dead! That''s an imposter before you. She is fooling you all!"


    "Liu Nuan!" Xiao Li held her shoulders and shook her body violently. She looked so frail at the moment, that he thought she''d break but surprisingly, that made him want to break her! "Stop talking nonsense!"


    "I''m not lying! I''m not lying!" she kept repeating. "She isn''t Bai Xiu. She is not! You have to believe me! She is not Bai Xiu!"


    "What difference does that make?" questioned Xin Xiaoli. "You aren''t related to the Xin family as well. And yet, you''ve been enjoying all the privileges that came with being the Xin family''s daughter."


    Liu Nuan''s body stiffened as he said it straight to her face.


    "What? You don''t have anything to say now?" snickered Xin Xiaoli. "You aren''t even Aunt Suyin''s daughter and yet, you demanded your inheritance shamelessly? Now, I know why Aunt Suyin hates you so much. You aren''t even her daughter and yet she foolishly showered you with all her love. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."


    Liu Nuan''s body swayed as cloth would sway in wind. She held her head and tried to block his voice. But Xin Xiaoli wasn''t planning on letting her go crazy just yet. She had to suffer from each and every mental torture that she gave to Chen Xiu. And he''d make sure of it!


    He crouched down before her and added, "Wanna hear something even more interesting?" Liu Nuan didn''t lift her head. She pretended like she couldn''t hear him but that didn''t stop him from continuing, "Even Chen Hana isn''t your mother." Liu Nuan lifted her head and looked at him now with wide eyes. "That means, you were never Liu Mingfan''s daughter. You neither have a blood relation to Liu Mingfan nor Xin Suyin."


    "That... That''s not possible!" Liu Nuan stuttered in horror. She had been already going through an identity crisis from the moment she learned that Xin Suyin wasn''t her mother. But now that she learned that she wasn''t even related to Liu Mingfan as well, that made her truly realize what sky falling on one''s head felt like.


    "Oh, you don''t want to believe me? That''s up to you," said Xin Xiaoli leisurely.


    "But... Chen Xiu gave me her bone marrow. If she was Liu Mingfan and Xin Suyin''s daughter that means we are related and that''s why we were a perfect match."


    "Chen Xiu was your match was purely a coincidence. And an ill-fated one as well," said Xiao Li. "She was just that stranger who turned out to be your match. It was her misfortune that she ended up saving a white-eyed wolf[1] like you." He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "One should be careful of karma. It always comes to bite you. When you insulted Chen Xiu for being a low-born, did you realize that one day you''d end up becoming a low-born as well? That''s why they say, the way you call others is the best way to describe yourself."


    [1] ''white-eyed wolf'': a cruel person

 Chapter 826 - Obsession With Dead People

    Xin Zimen squinted his eyes at the screen when he couldn''t hear what Xiao Li said to Liu Nuan that left her so devastated. Even through the screen, he could see Liu Nuan''s emotional breakdown. Her condition didn''t make him feel softhearted for her but it did make him curious to know what his son said to her.


    "Brother Kuan," he called out. "What do you think he said to Liu Nuan?"


    "From this angle, I can''t see his lips otherwise I''d have been able to tell you what he said," replied Xin Kuan.


    Xin Zimen continued to observe the situation in silence as he finally came to a conclusion. "Why does it feel like my son''s anger gets out of control whenever he is around Liu Nuan? Am I missing something here?"


    "What do you mean?" asked Xin Kuan. "Shouldn''t Xiao Li be angry? Liu Nuan tried to kill your niece. His anger is justified."


    Xin Zimen''s fingers tapped the tabletop as he said, "If he is trained in Wen Clan, he definitely learned how to control his anger. Those who can hide their anger are always the ones who have the upper hand in a fight. That''s what my wife used to say."


    "So?"


    "But my son had constantly been losing his temper," stated Xin Zimen doubtfully. "And I feel like his anger and hatred for Liu Nuan has more than one reason. He isn''t just trying to make her confess what she did to Xiu. He is trying to break her for some reason."


    Xin Kuan agreed with a statement in his heart silently before saying, "Xiao Zi, if your son is really trying to break Liu Nuan. Then she is very pitiful since once you end up in the hands of Wen Clan, they''d never let you escape with a sane mind. Your niece... Wait, she is not your niece. I mean, Liu Nuan''s end won''t be pretty."


    "Are you feeling pity for her?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "I definitely don''t," replied Xin Kuan.


    "That''s good. Because I don''t seem to feel pity for her either." Xin Zimen''s lips curved up in a sinister smile as he said, "I don''t mind treating her like my niece even if she isn''t related to us. But who told her to go and try to kill my little lass? I''m a fair person. Every injustice has a perpetrator, just like every debt has a debtor. It''s her debt, she should pay it herself." He looked at Xin Kuan as he went on, "Since she wanted my little lass'' life, she should pay that debt with her life."


    ....


    However, Xiao Li''s ideas were completely different than his father''s. He didn''t just want Liu Nuan''s life, he wanted everything from her. She made his sister suffer all alone, now it was her turn to suffer all on her own!


    After Liu Nuan came out of her initial shock, she said with a trembling body and a hateful gaze, "So what if I used to call her an orphan?! So what if I stole her identity?! She isn''t a saint either! She has also stolen someone else''s identity. She has also taken over someone else''s life!"


    "I really think you''ve gone completely mad," said Xiao Li. "The person in question is already dead! She died because of you! You killed her! Just like you tried to kill Bai Xiu!"


    Liu Nuan shook her head, "I have only wanted to kill one person in my life. Whether it was five years ago or now! It''d always be her whom I want dead! It''d always be Chen Xiu!"


    "Master Li!"


    Xiao Li turned around and looked at the person who called him.


    "You should check this report."


    Xiao Li took the iPad from the person beside him and looked through the report carefully before his brows furrowed up in confusion. "Are you certain it''s not tampered with?"


    "Absolutely!" replied the person before looking at Liu Nuan. "Miss Liu here was never pregnant. The only reason for her hospitalization years ago was because she had cut her artery which led to excessive bleeding. However, it wasn''t even life-threatening."


    Xiao Li exhaled a long breath as he closed his eyes momentarily. As he opened his eyes, he motioned with her head and the woman beside him pulled up Liu Nuan from the ground by her hair. Liu Nuan screamed in pain but the other person''s grip didn''t loosen at all.


    "You actually fooled the whole world?" Xiao Li glared at her with clenched fists. He so wished to beat her to death but he couldn''t bring himself to do so. He wasn''t being kind to her, he just didn''t want to touch a person like her. "You cornered an innocent person, making her carrying the blame of a murder when she didn''t even do anything wrong?!"


    Liu Nuan shuddered under his chilling aura as she tried to resist saying, "Who said she was innocent? She pushed me down the stairs. If I had been a minute late to get to the hospital, I could have died."


    "Oh, I so wish you had died right then and there!" shouted Xiao Li. "Not even for a second, I''m willing to believe that Chen Xiu pushed you down the stairs!"


    "You''re willing to believe in the innocence of a dead person? Just because she killed herself, it doesn''t make her any less guilty! She can''t wash her dirty soul even with her blood! She can''t!"


    *Slap!*


    A resounding slap was heard and Liu Nuan was left staring dumbfoundedly at the ground. She couldn''t believe that Xiao Li actually slapped her.


    "The dead are already gone. She can''t even fight for her innocence anymore. But I can!" said Xiao Li. "I''ll make sure you get right where you pushed Chen Xiu."


    "There were so many eye-witnesses there that night," said Liu Nuan. "You didn''t even know Chen Xiu. Why are you willing to believe in her innocence then?"


    "Because she was a fool," replied Xiao Li. "When she saved lives behind the scenes, why would she try to take a life before an audience?" He turned around to leave as he said, "Take good care of her."


    As he was about to leave, Liu Nuan again called out, "Xin Xiaoli! Don''t be fooled by her just because she is playing the role of a fool! By acting like a fool, she is currently making you all a fool. She is right beside you and yet you can''t see what kind of a monster she is!"


    Xin Xiaoli didn''t stop as he left the room and slammed the door close.


    "Master Li, what are you planning to do with her?"


    "Prepare a good treatment plan for her," replied Xiao Li. "She should be prepared for what''s to come to her."


    "Noted."


    As much as the said ''treatment plan'' sounded nice, it was anything but. In fact, one should be rather scared of the treatment plan he had in mind. He originally didn''t plan on following Ah-Si''s plan but now, he was at his limits. There was no way he was just gonna kill Liu Nuan. That''d be going way too easy on her.


    ....


    After watching the confrontation between Liu Nuan and his son, Xin Zimen was left in a complicated mood. Now, he was certain that Xiao Li''s anger had another agenda. And that agenda seemed to have something to do with Chen Xiu.


    This person... Just who was Chen Xiu? And what did she have to do with his son?


    "Why is my son obsessed with a dead person?" he wondered out loud.


    "Maybe because he is just like his father," replied Xin Kuan. When Xin Zimen gave him a look, he went on, "Aren''t you also obsessed with dead people?"


    "That''s my wife and my daughter you''re referring to," retorted Xin Zimen.


    "Dead wife and dead daughter," corrected Xin Kuan.


    Xin Zimen slammed his hand on the table, "Brother Kuan, you don''t have to remind me of that!"


    "I think I do," said Xin Kuan. "Occasionally I have to pull you back to reality otherwise, you''d really lose yourself to delusions."


    "I don''t have any delusions," argued Xin Zimen.


    "You can''t be the judge of that," Xin Kuan shot back. "Especially when I have seen you losing yourself to your delusions."


    Xin Zimen took a deep breath as he fell back on his chair and said, "Then let me be. At least, in my delusions, I can spend some time with both of them."


    "Do you want me to look into Chen Xiu now?" asked Xin Kuan.


    "No," replied Xin Zimen. "With how intricately she had been involved with almost everyone around me, I''m scared of what I''ll find out if I tried to look deeper."


    "Where did you get this fear from?" inquired Xin Kuan in surprise.


    "Fear is good for health. It makes one realize that not everything is under his control." He took a pause and went on, "For now, just keep an eye on Xiao Li. I want to see what my son is up to."

 Chapter 827 - Cabbage Eaten By A Lamb

    Xiu slept for the rest of the day. Darren didn''t allow anyone to disturb her. Even when someone wanted to wake her up for dinner, he didn''t allow it. It wasn''t that he didn''t know she needed to eat on time but it was mostly because Xiu slept with such a peaceful smile on her face that he couldn''t bear to let anyone disturb her.


    Today, he was feeling very proud of his Sweets. She had finally didn''t cower away from the truth but rather accepted it bravely. And to his surprise, it seemed the credit didn''t belong to him for that. The credit all went to that unborn child that was nurturing within her.


    He had thought she won''t be able to grow out of the trauma that made her keep her distance from kids. But he was proven wrong. Not only didn''t she manage to face her trauma, she actually conquered it as well beautifully. In fact, he could say that since she conquered that trauma of hers, it made her mentally stronger.


    Since she could let something that scared her, into her life. Now, she was able to face anything bravely.


    His mother always said, a woman can be weak but a mother is always strong.


    He had seen this becoming true for his mother and now, the same went for his wife as well. These both women proved to him that mothers really were strong.


    He caressed his wife''s hair as he sighed out, "This little tiger is making me super jealous even before he came into the world. What''s gonna happen once he really becomes a part of our life?" He kissed Xiu''s forehead and added, "Sweets, you better not forget me once he comes around. I''ll be really mad otherwise!"


    Xiu''s lips curved up as she slowly opened her eyes and said, "Are you really gonna be petty enough to be jealous of your own son?"


    "Yes!" replied Darren without any hesitation. "I am that petty!"


    Xiu shook her head at him before she elevated her body to kiss him on the forehead as well as she said, "No one can take my husband''s place in my life. It''s reserved just for you."


    "It better stay that way," warned Darren. "Did you have a good sleep?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Very good! I feel so refreshed that I feel like I can fly now."


    "Don''t really go around trying to fly," said Darren.


    "I can just look into your eyes and soar," replied Xiu.


    Darren''s lips twitched before he pressed his lips together tightly. "Sweets, where do you come up with all of this?"


    "From my personal collection of cheesy lines for my husband," Xiu wiggled her brows at him playfully making him flick on her forehead lightly.


    "You should really become a screenwriter," suggested Darren.


    "How do you know what I was planning to do?" Xiu feigned surprise.


    "You''re really considering it?" asked Darren with raised brows. "Didn''t you say being a housewife is a full-time job?"


    "I stand by my words," said Xiu firmly. "It''s just that I might pick up writing as a hobby. With how my life had been surrounded by mysteries and planning, I think I might be able to write a super hit morning opera."


    Darren chuckled softly at her and said, "Fine. Do what makes you happy. I''ll always support you."


    Xiu sat up saying, "I know. It''s because I know you''ll support me in anything that I''m willing to let myself indulge in these fantasies."


    Darren pressed the button by his bed to call the nurse and told her to bring their dinner. Xiu looked at the time and asked, "It''s almost 10 o''clock. You didn''t have dinner as well?" She stared at Darren as she went on, "Don''t tell me you were waiting for me to wake up?"


    "Isn''t that obvious?" he retorted.


    Xiu facepalmed herself, "Baobei, you could have just woken me up. You need to take your medicine on time. How will you take it on an empty stomach?"


    "I couldn''t bring myself to wake you up," he replied and realized something. "It''s been a while since you called me that."


    "What? Baobei?"


    "Hmm..." he hummed in reply.


    "Now you''re my husband," began Xiu. "I thought I should change the way I call you."


    "Then shouldn''t you be calling me honey?" Darren smirked at her mischievously.


    Xiu eyed him before saying, "I don''t mind..." She took an unnecessary pause to add, "Honey."


    Darren ruffled her hair, "No matter how you call me, the attack level is still 110! So, that means it doesn''t matter how you call me. What matters is that you''re the one calling me."


    "That''s true," agreed Xiu.


    Soon, the nurse brought their dinner. The table was put on the bed and dinner was served. Xiu looked at the bland nutritious food and rubbed her stomach saying, "Sorry, my little tiger! I know you would like to taste the spices of this world. And as a good mother, I should be introducing you to all the flavors of life but the world is cruel. Sometimes, it takes all the flavor from us and leaves us with a strange blandness."


    Darren rubbed her head, "Sweets, what are you even teaching him?"


    "The cruelty of this word," replied Xiu.


    Darren touched his forehead, "Do you have to teach him all that now?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "He has to be prepared for a fight before I let him come to this world. How else is he gonna protect his mother?"


    Darren sighed out, "Sweets, it''s our job to provide him protection." Xiu made a face at him and he went on, "And it''s my job to protect you."


    "Then what is he gonna do?"


    Darren thought about it before saying, "One day, he''ll also find a beautiful woman like his mother, and then his responsibility would be to protect her with his life just like his father is willing to protect his mother with his life."


    "So, I''m gonna raise a cabbage only for it to be swallowed by a wild lamb?"


    Darren honestly didn''t know what to say to that comment. As always, his wife said all sorts of things.


    "Sweets, concentrate on eating," he only said that and brought up a spoonful of soup to her mouth. Xiu happily drank the soup from his hands.


    Xiu decided not to say anything else. She was only cheering up the mood for Darren. Since the time they had been stuck to these beds, she could only see his smile when she did something foolish. So, she kept trying to make him happy with stupid talks.


    "By the way, did you demote our son from little tiger to a cabbage now?"


    Xiu wanted to laugh out but tried her best to control her expressions as she said, "Oh, did I demote him? Poor thing!" Darren gave her a look and she went on, "Fine, let me rephrase it. I''m gonna raise my little tiger only for it to run away with a little lamb. Happy?"


    "Sounds better," said Darren making Xiu chuckled at him. "I just realized I am not the only fool in our family. You''re no better."


    Darren brushed his nose with hers saying, "Sweets, only a fool could fall in love with a fool like you."


    "That''s also true," she agreed without feeling embarrassed at being called a fool by her husband. Instead, she proudly announced, "We are just a pair of fools. But we complement each other well."


    "Yes, we do!" he echoed her words. "Oh, I asked someone to bring the laptop. It''s here."


    "Where is it?" asked Xiu excitedly.


    Darren eyed her suspiciously, "Sweets, the way you''re acting tells me you''re up to something."


    Xiu cleared her throat and smiled at him, "It''s not like I''ll hide anything from you. I''ll share every trouble I get into. After all, I''d need you to get me out of that trouble, right?" Darren rolled his head at her as she tugged at his sleeve, "Where is the laptop?"


    "I won''t give it to you right now. Let''s talk about it in the morning again," said Darren firmly.


    "But I just woke up," reminded Xiu.


    "And now, you''re going to talk to me," replied Darren.


    "Oh, that''s also a good idea..." She took a pause and added, "I really wanna go out for a walk with you."


    "In a few days," promised Darren. "Just wait for me till then."


    "Of course, I will wait. Who else am I gonna wait for?"


    Xiu fixed her attention on her bowl of soup and drank it slowly as she let Darren eat his own meal as well. But her attention wasn''t just on her soup, her mind had already concocted a plan. Now, that she had her laptop, she felt like her restriction of moving about was lifted. The whole world was at her fingertips, who said she won''t be able to take back what belonged to her?

 Chapter 828 - Just A Favor

    Since Xiu found it a hassle to keep moving from her bed to Darren''s, she directly had someone put their beds together. Although Darren''s bed was big enough for both of them, it was small for someone like Xiu who liked to roll all over the place. If it wasn''t for Darren holding her to sleep, she would have most likely fallen off the bed.


    That''s why he also found it convenient to put their beds together to give her more room to stretch like a lazy cat.


    The next morning, after the regular meeting with the doctor and after having her breakfast, Xiu kept looking at Darren eagerly.


    "Sweets, don''t look at me so passionately," said Darren. "It''s making me feel shy."


    Xiu squinted her eyes at him, "Baobei, don''t try to distract me with words."


    Darren chuckled softly and said, "Okay, I won''t do it. But first, give me an answer."


    "What?"


    "You already know why your arm can''t move?" Xiu''s eyes darkened slightly and she nodded honestly. "And you also know who was behind that attack?"


    "No matter how good you all are at hiding, I''m still very sensitive to my surrounding," replied Xiu. "The moment Ah-Si told me he heard us talking in the garden, I already came to a conclusion. The reason why Liu Nuan acted on impulse was also that she also learned that I''m CX. She wasn''t attacking Bai Xiu. She was venting the hatred that had acc.u.mulated over the years."


    "CX?" repeated Darren with a raised brow. "Now, we are talking in codes?"


    "Once bitten, twice shy," replied Xiu. "Give me the laptop now."


    Darren pulled out the laptop from under her pillow and gave it out. Xiu was left gaping at him in disbelief.


    "It had been under my pillow?" she asked and seeing Darren nod, she cursed out. "Sweets, no cursing! What you''ll say, your little tiger will learn it from you."


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to him as she put one of the pillows on her lap and placed the laptop on it. She turned on the laptop while scooting away from Darren slightly. Although he stared at her suspiciously, he didn''t question her anything. He just silently closed his eyes to let himself rest as his doctor has been instructing him repeatedly to do.


    For the first time, Xiu realized that using her laptop with one hand wasn''t an easy job. In fact, it wasn''t difficult but her typing speed was greatly affected. However, that didn''t stop her from moving along with her plan.


    She first found the person she wanted to contact on her friends'' list and sent a message.


    XX: You there?


    Even though it showed that the person on the other end was offline, but it didn''t even take a minute before she received the reply.


    IAmMochi: Am I dreaming?


    Xiu rolled her eyes as she read the reply.


    XX: Why don''t you bang your head against the wall beside you to check whether it is a dream or not?


    IAmMochi: Now, I am certain I''m not dreaming. Only one person would suggest me to bang my head against the wall.


    Before Xiu could type another reply, she received another message.


    IAmMochi: But I am still in disbelief that Xiuxiu would look for me on her own accord.


    Xiu frowned unhappily as she read that.


    XX: Don''t try to get chummy with me! Who said you can call me Xiuxiu?


    IAmMochi: Why can''t I? You''re not my superior anymore. And considering how we are close in age as well, I don''t think there is anything wrong with trying to worm my way in.


    XX: Are you looking for a beating?


    IAmMochi: Certainly not.


    XX: Let''s get to business then. I need your help.


    IAmMochi: The ever so mighty Bai Xiu needs help from the humble me? Should I feel flattered or scared?


    XX: Don''t make me angry! I''m certainly not in a good mood to play jokes with you.


    IAmMochi: *Sigh* Since the first day I met you, you have been emitting a cold aura. When have you ever played along with my jokes?


    XX: Before you didn''t dare to play jokes with me but now your courage seems to have grown since I am no longer around.


    IAmMochi: That''s true. My courage has certainly reached a new height.


    IAmMochi: Anyway, tell me what I can help you with? I am very curious about what made Miss Bai Xiu look for me.


    IAmMochi: Oh, I am sorry! I should be calling Mrs. Salvay now, right?


    Xiu tried to restrain her anger and typed her reply.


    XX: Be serious for a minute! I need you to utilize your special skill set to help me with something.


    IAmMochi: Didn''t you say I should avoid using my unethical skill set?


    XX: No! I said to stop using your skillset for unethical purposes.


    IAmMochi: Your purpose isn''t unethical?


    XX: Nope! It''s a right cause. Are you gonna help or not?


    IAmMochi: I called you my teacher. There is no way I''d disrespect the title I gave you. Tell me whatever it is, I''ll help you.


    Xiu was satisfied to see that response.


    XX: I''m gonna give you some names. Help me find details about each and every person.


    IAmMochi: What kind of details are we talking about? The one in light, or the one in the dark?


    XX: Both!


    With that Xiu sent the names over and after seeing those names, even the person at the other end was alarmed.


    IAmMochi: What are you up to, Senior Xiu? Not even one person on this list is an ordinary person.


    XX: When did I say you''d be dealing with ordinary people?


    Xiu didn''t receive any reply from the other side for a whole minute.


    XX: What? Are you scared of getting into trouble?


    IAmMochi: Oh, please! You are the person who scares me until this day. As for this matter, it''s no big deal.


    XX: Then why so quiet?


    IAmMochi: I am eating my cup noodles.


    Xiu swallowed her saliva as soon as she read that ''cup noodles.''


    XX: Which flavor is it?


    She really couldn''t help asking.


    IAmMochi: Extra spicy!


    Xiu cursed under her breath. Even this person was torturing her now with food. Why was everyone bullying her lately?


    IAmMochi: Give me some time, I''ll give you all the details you need.


    XX: There is another matter.


    IAmMochi: What is it?


    XX: Don''t talk about this to anyone.


    IAmMochi: I''m not crazy.


    XX: And don''t worry, I''ll pay you for your services.


    IAmMochi: Are you insulting me by saying that?


    XX: No. I''m being realistic here.


    IAmMochi: Keep your money to yourself. It''ll help you in raising your future child.


    XX: How do you know I am pregnant?


    IAmMochi: You''re pregnant? What the hell? Why don''t I know this?


    XX: Forget I said that!


    IAmMochi: No, wait!


    XX: Concentrate on the task I gave you. It''s important.


    IAmMochi: No problem with that but I am curious about what you''re trying to do.


    XX: I''m trying to give justice to a dead person. Would that explanation be enough?


    IAmMochi: Why didn''t you say earlier? It''s more than enough! I''ll contact you as soon as I have all the information.


    XX: Thank you!


    IAmMochi: Don''t even mention it!


    After Xiu was done with one of the tasks, she turned to login into personal cloud storage. The account didn''t belong to her. This specific account belonged to Destiny. But she had only gotten to know about it once all of Destiny''s memories flooded into her mind. But it took her days to sort out such an overwhelming amount of memories.


    It was to be expected. She finally had 17 years'' worth of memories that solely belonged to Destiny but now, it had become a part of herself as well. And within those memories, something caught her attention. Destiny had started looking into the Xin Family''s matter since the time she learned who her father was. And even though she seemed like a harmless teenager, she was anything but a harmless teenager in the end.


    She was far more dangerous than one actually took her to be. In fact, when Xiu thoroughly went through each of her memories, she could say that if Destiny was still alive, she''d be a nightmare for countless people.


    Even if she got played by someone, she was still exceptionally talented. And especially, she had built a network of connections with all sorts of people who were actually willing to help her anywhere and anytime. She might have been young but she definitely knew more about the dark society around her than Xiu ever did.


    Maybe that''s why Destiny had managed to gather so much information on the Xin family''s matters that it took Xiu by surprise. Each and everything in the cloud storage was enough to take down each and every person in the Xin family. Well, except for Xin Zimen''s side of the family since it seemed even Destiny couldn''t approach him.


    But whatever Xiu saw really made her hands itch. She had nothing against the Xin family per se. But the person who destroyed her and Destiny came from that bloodline. Obviously, she couldn''t blame everyone for that crime but she had an inkling that there was someone else involved in all of this.


    And that person was definitely a part of the Xin family!

 Chapter 829 - Its For You

    To be honest, there was too much content in the cloud storage. It was as if Destiny spent all her time trying to gather all of this information. Extremely sensitive information as well! Xiu didn''t get to see everything but she got the gist of the situation.


    With just one of these pieces of information, she could really make the whole Xin family fall. However, it seemed that was never Destiny''s intention. Although she had too much information in her hands, she had rarely made use of any of it.


    Xiu could easily say that if someone knew what Destiny had in her hands, forget about the animosity that had been going on for years, Destiny would still have become the target of someone.


    Soon, Xiu had to go to her session with the physiotherapist, and only then did she turn off the laptop. After that, she had her meeting with Gigi as well. After spending over an hour with Gigi, she came back almost immediately unlike yesterday when she spent way too much time dawdling around.


    Darren was reading a book when he saw Xiu entering the room. Xiu frowned at him, "Shouldn''t you be resting your eyes?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''s-for-you_51857589851447797 for visiting.


    Darren sighed out, "I''m bored of doing that."


    "There is indeed nothing entertaining around here," agreed Xiu as she supported her body up slowly and got on the bed on her own. Her weak body had more or less recovered some strength. She couldn''t walk normally yet but she could move around for a while with a bit of effort.


    Darren looked at her as he said, "There is someone entertaining."


    "Huh? Who?" she wondered in confusion.


    "You!" he replied and laughed out at her. Seeing how she narrowed her eyes at him, he went on, "The best actress of her times is around me, how can it ever be boring for me? It''s only boring when you''re not around."


    "For someone who has diabetes, you surely have a sweet mouth," retorted Xiu making Darren smile at her. "What were you reading though?"


    Darren passed her the book and she looked at the title, ''Good Parenting.'' Then she raised her brows at him as he shrugged his shoulders, "My father was absent most of my life, so I have a lot to learn about good parenting."


    Xiu looked amused as she said, "Are you suggesting me to read it as well? After all, I never had a very active mother as well."


    Darren''s eyes softened as he said, "No. Your job will be to become a friend of our little tiger. Leave the parenting to me. I''ll be the villain, you be the angel in his life."


    "How is that fair?" she retorted. "We should equally share everything."


    "How?" he questioned.


    "When it comes to his study, you be the devil for him. When it comes to his manners, I''ll be the devil for him. In this way, he will always have someone to run to."


    "You and your ideas..." Darren had no words for her. Really, no words at all.


    As Xiu settled down beside him, she turned on her laptop again.


    "You are again gonna pay all your attention to this?" questioned Darren.


    "No, I''m just gonna look for a movie that we can enjoy together," said Xiu.


    "Oh," responded Darren and waited for her to browse around to look for a movie.


    She placed her head on his shoulder while his hand kept running in her hair. His eyes could clearly see what she was doing on the screen as he asked, "Sweets, what kind of trouble are you looking for?"


    "I''m looking for justice, I told you," said Xiu. "More than that, I want what belongs to me."


    "And what is that?" he inquired curiously.


    "My self-respect!" she answered clearly. "Even a dead person deserves self-respect! If people have not forgotten what a vile person Chen Xiu was, I''ll gladly remind them what she really was! Liu Nuan lost her child but why should I let my dead self carry the blame for something I never did? Isn''t that too unfair to me? I am done forgiving people, it''s time to fight back!"


    Darren had a proud smile on his face as he kissed her head and said, "Don''t forget to tell me if you need my help."


    Xiu giggled in reply before she stopped on a movie to her liking, "Oh, I''ve been waiting for this movie to release. And I was hoping to go to the cinema to watch it with you."


    Darren''s lips were still pressed against her scalp as he said, "Once we get out of here, I''ll take you wherever you want."


    Xiu chuckled at him, "Baobei, I don''t care where we watch it. The point wasn''t that I wanted to watch it at a cinema. The point is that I want to watch it with you."


    "Oh, really?" Darren retorted.


    Xiu nodded, "Who else will offer me a tissue? And I need a shoulder for support as well."


    Darren frowned at her words and looked at the details of the movie on the screen. Seeing the ''tragedy'' tag, he paused and understood her words.


    "We are not watching it," he immediately refused.


    Xiu was taken aback as she tilted her head to look at him, "What did you say?"


    "I said we are not watching it," he repeated his words clearly.


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief for a while before she voiced out, "Regan, are you seriously refusing me right now?"


    Darren''s heart jumped slightly but he struggled within before firmly replied, "Yes! I am refusing you right now! There is a tragedy tag. Watching anything depressing isn''t good for your health. Crying won''t be good for our little tiger as well. So, let''s watch something fun." Seeing how she kept staring at him, he added, "Also, I don''t want to see you cry."


    Xiu burst out laughing at his cute expressions before she pinched his cheek and said, "Today, I feel so happy to hear you say no to me. I must be crazy but I really feel good seeing that you can actually say no to me." She patted his cheek, "My husband is learning well. I''m proud of you! Keep going!"


    Darren didn''t know how to feel at being praised like this. But the smile and satisfaction on her face were infectious as he couldn''t help smiling along with her.


    "Since my husband''s order is to watch something fun..." she scrolled to other genres and looked for something else to watch. "How about this?"


    Darren''s lips twitched as looked at the animated poster of the movie and then looked at his wife.


    Noticing his expressions, she said, "Don''t think it''s childish. I''m training you right now. Although we are already a.d.u.l.ts, we''ll have to turn into kids to raise a kid." Darren was startled by her words as she went on, "So, I suggest that we should train ahead of time. Since we are gonna have to watch all of this with our little tiger, we should have some practice beforehand."


    "I suddenly like this training plan," said Darren.


    Xiu gave him a smirk, "I told you earlier, we both need to learn a lot. Let''s face it, neither you nor I have ever gotten to watch such lighthearted things in our childhood. Most of my childhood is blank to me, and most of your childhood is filled with trying to be better. Do better! Now, it''s our time to just lay back and enjoy what we didn''t get to enjoy." She kissed Darren''s jaw as she added, "That''s why I think we should live another childhood with our little tiger."


    Darren''s nose stung because of her words. He had no words for her. So, he grabbed her face and kissed her lips deeply. The kiss was laced with emotions and longing that had acc.u.mulated of days now. And once her lips fit perfectly together with his, he really didn''t want to let go again. It was strange but this feeling still persisted with him. Whenever he kissed her, he didn''t want to let go. Not ever!


    As he pulled away, he kissed the tip of her nose and said, "No wonder you suddenly became so excited for our son. You want to take advantage of his presence to act like a kid."


    Xiu stuck out her tongue at him and said, "Do I really need an excuse to act like a kid? I can do it whenever I feel like it!"


    "That''s also true," he agreed readily.


    "So, should we watch it or not?" she asked.


    Darren rubbed her head, "Yes, we are watching it now."


    "But what''s the fun without snacks? Can''t they give us plain popcorn? That can''t be restricted, right?"


    "Let''s see what I can do about that," said Darren before he pressed the button to call the nurse inside. And after Darren''s instructions, a bowl of fruit was brought inside the room for Xiu.


    She stared at it for a long while before saying, "Can you eat it with me? Everything is sweet here."


    "It''s for you," he said before he took the laptop from her and clicked play.

 Chapter 830 - The First Heartbeat

    *One Week Later*


    Within the previous week, Xiu had obediently followed all of the doctor''s instructions. She was focused on physiotherapy and her sessions with Gigi. She didn''t make a fuss about any of it. In fact, the bland food was slowly becoming a part of her life. Nonetheless, that bland food did affect her lively temperament as well.


    The physiotherapy finally bore fruit since Xiu was finally able to move the little finger of her hand. Although the progress was slow, it did make her feel relaxed. After all, she was really prepared to lose the movement in her one arm completely. And now that there was hope that she''d be fine, she could breathe in relief.


    During this week, she had also learned a lot from the person whom she had given the task of investigation. And from that, she had managed to gather up all the necessary material she needed to strike back.


    However, today, none of that was important. Today, the most important task in her life was her appointment with the gynecologist. And to say that she was scared would be an understatement.


    Actually, she was fine. She was absolutely calm about it. To her, it was just a regular check-up but it was her husband''s trembling body that shook her heart. Darren was sweating profusely as he accompanied Xiu while holding her hand.


    "Regan, stop shaking," she said.


    Darren touched his face and said, "Sorry. I can''t seem to stop."


    Xiu held his hand tightly to assure him that she was fine. But she really couldn''t understand why he was feeling so scared. And his nerves had seeped into her heart slowly as well. Now even she was restless.


    The doctor lifted her shirt and applied the gel on her abdomen carefully.


    Darren''s eyes were stuck on the ultrasound screen as he tried to calm his heart. But soon...


    "Thump-bump... Thump-bump... Thump-bump..."


    Darren''s breath got stuck in his throat. Xiu''s head instantly turned towards the screen as well. There was a smile on the doctor''s face as she informed them, "That''s your baby''s heartbeat. It''s strong and steady."


    Xiu felt like her world stopped right there. When she heard the heartbeat that wasn''t hers and yet it was a part of herself, it evoked an indescribable feeling within her. Suddenly, she felt like her ''little tiger'' became so real. It wasn''t just real, her baby was now safe and warm inside her.


    Her eyes teared up without her realizing it at all. That tiny heartbeat reminded her that she wasn''t alone now. It also made her realize where her strength had been coming from. This life that was being nurtured within her was like a miracle that she never thought she''d be able to face in her life.


    But now... This miracle... This baby... This happiness... All of it belonged to her.


    With tears shining in her eyes, she looked up at Darren who was smiling at her softly and contently all this while. "Did you hear it?" He nodded his head in reply because he really didn''t trust his voice right now. He was so overwhelmed with emotions that he couldn''t find the right words. What he felt when Xiu first told her about her pregnancy, and what he was feeling right now... The two feelings were so beautifully entangled and all of it was really making him breathless.


    "That''s our baby," he finally choked out.


    Xiu nodded her head vigorously, "Yes!" And then she chuckled out pleasantly. Both of them listened to the doctor attentively. After a lot of instructions, the doctor finally left the room leaving both of them to share their joy together.


    Darren kissed her forehead and said, "Thank you!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him. "Don''t you get tired of saying that? You can''t give me all the credit again. I told you, the credit is equally yours."


    "Is it?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and made her lean against his side.


    "Of course," she replied firmly. "You worked very hard. Why else would our son be so eager to become a part of our life?"


    Darren knocked on her head, "Say something that makes sense."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulder and went on, "I say, our son is so tiny. Only the size of rice. What if he gets bullied for his size in school?"


    Darren''s lips twitched at her words as he hit her head lightly again, "Silly! He is only this size because he is still young. There is still time for him to grow."


    "That also makes sense," agreed Xiu.


    "But if you really don''t want him to be bullied, you better start eating more and more. Eat healthily. Eat more. Take care of yourself."


    "I''m doing all of that!" said Xiu. "I have even stopped complaining about the taste of the food."


    Darren rubbed her head, "I know. I''m just saying you should maintain this lifestyle."


    "You want me to leave my flavorful food?" Xiu was in disbelief right now. How can someone even ask her to do that? Isn''t it a sin to even mention that? How can someone be so cruel to her?


    Seeing her face, Darren hurriedly said, "Aiya, no... I didn''t mean that. You can eat whatever you want just moderately."


    Xiu sniffled before she rubbed her hand on her stomach and said, "Baobei, don''t make me suffer. Okay? Mom will bring you delicious food. Daddy will cook after all. It has to be delicious."


    Darren''s brows furrowed up as he said, "Sweets, I''m the ''Baobei'' in this family."


    Xiu gave him a look, "Not anymore."


    "Huh?"


    "Now, our son is the ''Baobei'' of this family."


    Darren pouted at her, "No! I still want to be the ''Baobei''!"


    Xiu sighed out, "Regan, what is wrong with you?"


    "Look, I can''t give in to everything!" said Darren. "If I gave up the name you have for me today, tomorrow your little tiger might snatch you as well. I have to step on my ground from early on!"


    Xiu facepalmed herself, "I see my future quite entertaining."


    "What do you mean?" he questioned.


    Xiu pinched his cheek, "Nothing!"


    For a while, Darren stared at her face and asked, "What are you thinking about?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I''m just in disbelief. I still can''t process the fact that I just heard another heartbeat within myself. I don''t think I''ll be able to forget this sound ever in my life."


    Darren kissed her temple as he agreed, "So do I." He took a pause before adding, "Do you wanna hear another good news?"


    "What is it?" asked Xiu eagerly. Darren didn''t answer immediately making her feel restless, "Say it already! Hurry up! Don''t try to build up the suspense here."


    Darren smiled at her and said, "My doctor said I can go out for a walk."


    Xiu''s eyes widen in surprise, "Really?"


    Darren saw her excitement and his smile deepened, "Yes, really. Although I can move around too much, they said it''s alright to use a wheelchair."


    "Should we go right now then?" proposed Xiu.


    "Wait for the sun to get brighter," said Darren. "It''s cold outside. It''s not good for you and our baby to be in cold for too long. So, let''s wait for the sun to shine brightly."


    Xiu reluctantly nodded. She hadn''t stepped out of this house for over a week now and it was really not good for her. But she was still feeling more hurt for her husband. At least, she could leave the room to go out for her physiotherapy but Darren had been locked up in this room since the beginning.


    While Darren and Xiu were blissfully leaning against each other, the door was pushed open and Nora ran inside.


    "Explosive news!"


    Both Darren and Xiu didn''t even flinch at her over-enthusiastic look.


    "Today, a news channel reported that Liu Nuan had faked her miscarriage and framed Chen Xiu! There is even a medical report as evidence that clearly stated that Liu Nuan wasn''t even pregnant! Because she could never get pregnant, to begin with!" Nora had spoken everything in one breath but the two people before her looked too indifferent right now.


    "Are you listening to me?" she inquired.


    "Yes," replied Xiu and Darren simultaneously.


    "Then what''s with this bland reaction?" Nora was taken aback by their reaction as she went on, "I thought you two would be very interested in this news. After all, Chen Xiu was your first love and your idol!" She pointed her finger at Darren and Xiu one by one as she completed her sentence. "Don''t you both feel something right now? Heck! Even I am agitated! That poor girl suffered so much because of a spoiled brat''s obsession! If I was Chen Xiu, I''d be cursing Liu Nuan in the grave right now!"


    Xiu coughed out at Nora''s words. After all, she was cursing Liu Nuan but she definitely wasn''t in the grave. However, she couldn''t say that out loud right now.

 Chapter 831 - Never Made Sense

    Nora found Xiu''s cough to be quite suspicious as she eyed this pair of husband and wife.


    "You both are hiding something from me?" she questioned with squinted eyes.


    "What can we possibly hide from you?" retorted Darren.


    He had really learned to act from his wife. One couldn''t possibly find a single clue from his expressions unless he wanted to give some clue. And currently, he was inclined on playing out the act with his dearest wife. In fact, today Darren was willing to do anything for her. The happiness that she had brought into his life couldn''t be described in words. So, he thought no matter what he did, it''d never be enough to show how thankful he was for having her in his life.


    But if anyone else heard his words, they''d be like, ''Bro, when were you not willing to do as she said?''


    He already knew how the news or evidence got reported in such high profile way. Obviously, he had a hand in it as well. When Xiu got the medical report, she had almost broken her laptop in rage. She spent years in trauma and guilt over something that never even happened. Even when she knew she wasn''t at fault, she ended up blaming herself!


    And in the end, she was told that someone was bloody messing with her already f.u.c.k.i.e.d up mind? Just what kind of psychotic person had the leisure to play around with her like that?


    However, none of that mattered now! She wanted revenge, she would take it from the first person before her eyes! And that was indeed Liu Nuan. The first to burn under her rage had to be that woman whom she once saved without even thinking once!


    And that''s why she provided the evidence to Darren who in turn used his contacts to release the news in a way that no power would be able to suppress it. But he didn''t think that no one would be willing to put out this fire for Liu Nuan from the beginning. He didn''t have to exert any energy at all.


    At this point, no one cared about Liu Nuan''s existence. If someone did, then someone would have noticed her absence for over a week and yet, not a single soul cared about her disappearance.


    She had isolated Chen Xiu from the world but she had to swallow the same medicine herself now. Just a little more bitter. After all, what Chen Xiu lost was other''s trust but the people who left Liu Nuan were all she once called her family.


    Nora sat down beside Xiu and continued to rage, "I''m really feeling pissed off. People really did that poor girl dirty. I never thought Liu Nuan was such a snake. She bit the hand that fed her. Didn''t Han Bohai say that Chen Xiu saved her life, and yet she did something so horrendous to her? What a f.u.c.k.i.e.d up woman!"


    Xiu was amused by Nora''s reaction. And yet she felt kind of, touched as well. She already knew that her best friend loved to fight for justice. But she didn''t think she would have such kind of a reaction for someone she didn''t even know at all.


    Xiu patted Nora''s head saying, "Calm down. There is nothing you can do now."


    Instead of feeling better, Nora felt worse, "Xiu, I''m mad like super-duper mad! I wish to take your bat and crush every single bone in Liu Nuan''s body right now. I can''t imagine what kind of a monster is she. And I''m even more unwilling to believe that she is Ah-Si''s cousin."


    Xiu looked at Darren before saying softly, "Stop being so angry now. It''s not good for you. If you went to see your daughter with this look on your face, you are gonna scare the little girl. So, calm down for a minute. You won''t achieve anything from this anger and sense of justice."


    Nora''s shoulders slackened as she heard her words and lamented, "That''s true. Even if I crush Liu Nuan to death, it won''t bring that person back. She is already dead." Then she looked up at Xiu resolutely, "But just because she is dead doesn''t mean she deserves to carry this blame! She deserves justice! And I''ll do anything in my power to add fuel to this fire that has broken out now."


    "And why would you wanna do that?" questioned Xiu as she stared at Nora. "You had nothing to do with Chen Xiu. Why is it riling you up so much?"


    Nora stared back at Xiu''s face for a long while before saying, "Isn''t it because of you?"


    Xiu was startled and her heart thumped wildly as she asked, "What do you mean by that?"


    Nora turned her eyes away as she went on, "Chen Xiu saved your life. She gave me my best friend back. How can I not feel anything right now? Just the fact that she saved your life is enough for me to tell that she was a beautiful soul. And I don''t think I can stand aside doing nothing for her. Since she is no longer here to fight for herself, someone else has to do it for her." She took a brief pause as she added, "And I''m sure whoever revealed those medical reports had the same thought as me. The death of one person doesn''t end the battle. It only rages it!"


    Xiu''s eyes softened as she continued to look at the side of Nora''s face. She touched Nora''s head before she lifted her body to kiss her forehead saying, "I didn''t know I am that important to you."


    "Well, now you know," replied Nora. "And by the way, I thought your kisses were now reserved for your husband?"


    "I can make you an exception once in a while," retorted Xiu making Nora''s lips curve up slightly.


    After fuming for so long, Nora finally managed to vent her frustration. Even if she had nothing to do with Chen Xiu, she still felt sick to her stomach thinking about how Liu Nuan played with Chen Xiu.


    "How about I make you happy now?" inquired Darren.


    "You?" Nora stared at Darren doubtfully.


    "You''re trying to spoil my wife''s mood, I have to make sure you''re happy. How else would my wife feel happy now?"


    "In the end, it''s still for your wife?" Nora snickered.


    Darren pulled out his phone and placed it right beside Nora''s ear as he played a recording. Nora heard the sound of the clear heartbeat and frowned.


    "Why are you making me hear a heartbe..." Before she could even finish her words, she saw Xiu''s hand on her abdomen while both Darren and Xiu passed her a smile that made her breath hitch. For a long while, she wasn''t able to say anything. Finally, she choked out, "It''s the baby''s first heartbeat?"


    "Yes, it is! Aunt Nono!" said Xiu happily making Nora''s lips tremble before her tears poured down her face. Xiu was startled to see this. What just happened? Was this enough to make her best friend cry? And soon, she found Nora crying hysterically right before her. Xiu was left speechlessly staring at her.


    "I thought you''d be happy to hear your nephew''s first heartbeat. Why did you start crying instead?" asked Darren in shock as well.


    "I am happy," Nora managed to say. "I am so happy that I can''t stop my tears anymore."


    She pulled Xiu in a hug and didn''t let her go for a long time. Xiu continued to pat her back soothingly while Nora continued to shed tears. In fact, Nora would usually not cry so badly. But since the time, she had experienced the loss of a child, she had become very sensitive about kids.


    Although she found her daughter back now, it didn''t change her nature. It only made her even more emotional now.


    And even though Xiu couldn''t tell why Nora was crying, it was already obvious to her that she cared a lot about her unborn kid. And that''s why she couldn''t help smiling to herself as she thought, ''My son is gonna have the best aunt in the whole world. How lucky!''


    "Nora, if you cried like this, I might end up crying as well," said Xiu.


    "And I won''t be happy seeing my wife cry because of you," Darren chimed in supposedly in a bad mood. But it was clear he was only faking it.


    Nora finally stopped crying like a baby and wiped her face as she said, "Xiu, you better take care of yourself. I don''t want my nephew to suffer at all."


    "I thought you didn''t believe me when I said it''s a son," Xiu couldn''t help reminding her.


    "Such a strong heartbeat it is," said Nora. "It''s definitely my strong nephew!"


    "That logic makes no sense," retorted Xiu.


    "You never made sense, did I ever complain?" Nora shot back, in the same manner, making Xiu grumble at her.

 Chapter 832 - Started A Fire

    After over 10 days of resting, Ying could actually manage to walk around without a limp. Well, it wasn''t that obvious any longer. However, everyone around her was still very strict regarding her rest. But after persuading for so long, Ying finally managed to tag along with Xiao Li.


    When she came to Wen Clan''s residence, she was left staring at the scene before her eyes. Through the screen, she could see Liu Nuan''s frail figure sitting alone in a dark room. The room wasn''t just dark, it was very spacious and very silent as well.


    She looked at Xiao Li with a strange look as she asked, "She has been locked in that room for over 8 days now?"


    Xiao Li nodded his head.


    "Are you trying to play a psychological game with her? You''re trying to numb her senses?"


    "Are you feeling bad for her?" retorted Xiao Li.


    Ying''s words got stuck in her throat. She took a while to say, "I don''t know. I just never thought you could be this cruel to someone. This is one of the worst types of psychological torture. Depriving one''s senses. I''m certain you haven''t let her sleep for all this while as well. Can she even carry on like this? And even if she did? Wouldn''t she become just a paper doll?"


    "Every time she sleeps, she is given an electric shock to keep her awake. I think rather than her need to sleep, she is more scared of the fear of that electric shock right now. And I don''t think it''s cruel at all. Aren''t I giving her a proper meal and a roof on her head?"


    Ying really felt like she couldn''t recognize her best friend at all right now. "Food? What kind of food are you giving her? The one that doesn''t taste like anything?"


    "If you''re worried about her, get lost!" shouted Xiao Li angrily. "This isn''t my idea. It''s my brother''s request. He wants to break Liu Nuan mentally just like she did with our sister."


    Although the word ''get lost'' had been very common between them, it was the first time, Ying felt like Xiao Li actually meant it. Her words were making him angry and she didn''t want to push her luck anymore.


    "You mean Ah-Si suggested this all?" she was taken aback. "He... He is our sweet little brother. How can he suggest this?" She scowled to herself before adding, "And let''s not forget that it''s not confirmed that Chen Xiu was your sister."


    "Whether she was or not, doesn''t concern you," retorted Xiao Li. "And what I do with Liu Nuan doesn''t concern you either. As I said, get lost!"


    While Ying was grumbling unhappily, someone came to tap on Xiao Li''s shoulder.


    "Master Li, take a look," said the person who appeared.


    Xiao Li took the iPad and scrolled through the news article before frowning at it. "When did this got uploaded?"


    "First thing in the morning," replied his subordinate. "Currently, it''s the most talked-about topic on the internet."


    "Who is behind it?" he asked while Ying snatched the iPad from his hand to take a look.


    "That is currently unknown but whoever it is, that person is well informed."


    Xiao Li''s frown deepened, "Not just well-informed, that person is very eager as well."


    "What do you think is the purpose behind it?"


    Xiao Li smirked, "The purpose is the same here. Someone wants to watch Liu Nuan''s destruction."


    "Oi! Who did it?" asked Ying after she thoroughly went through the article and felt like slapping herself for even thinking about pitying Liu Nuan for a split second. She must have gone nuts to feel some humanity for a monster like her. "Do you have any clue?"


    "I have a clue," replied Xiao Li.


    "Really?" Ying was surprised to hear that. "Who is it?"


    Xiao Li gave Ying a look before replying calmly, "Someone who thinks Chen Xiu needs justice."


    Ying felt like smacking Xiao Li''s head for that smug response. Even an idiot could tell that!


    "It could also be someone who hates Liu Nuan," Ying shot back at him.


    "It''s the same thing," shrugged Xiao Li.


    "Won''t you investigate it?" questioned Ying.


    "There is nothing to investigate here," replied Xiao Li. "Whoever that person is, he only helped me. My plan has gotten a lot easier now. And the next move has to begin now." He looked at his subordinate with a strange glint in his eyes, "Let''s start the play now."


    "Yes, Sir!"


    Ying was extremely confused in this situation as she stared at Xiao Li.


    "My grandmother used to say there are only sinister people in the Wen clan," said Ying making Xiao Li''s brows raise up slightly. "Now that you have become a complete part of this clan, you have also turned into one of them. It''s hard to tell what you''re up to."


    Xiao Li smiled at her that didn''t look like a smile at all as he said, "Then you should run from here before the dark and sinister aura of this place enter your system and mess you up."


    Ying took a deep breath to calm herself down before she asked, "One last question... Did my mom talk to you about Chen Xiu''s identity?"


    "No," replied Xiao Li.


    "Really?" Ying gave him a puzzling look.


    "Why would I lie to you?" retorted Xiao Li.


    "Because you have gotten a bad habit of lying to me," she shot back before walking past him and left.


    Xiao Li waited for a long while in silence after she left. Then, he walked out to the garden and dialed a number. As the call connected, he said, "Can you give me a heads up next time?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," came the precise reply from the other side.


    Xiao Li rolled his eyes at that and said, "Regan, don''t play dumb with me. Do you really think I''m a fool? I know this whole charade is, your doing."


    Darren''s lips curved up slightly as he rubbed Xiu''s hair and replied, "Actually, I can''t take the whole credit for this."


    "Your wife is also involved?" questioned Xiao Li in surprise. "What is she up to?"


    Darren leaned his head with Xiu and said, "My Sweets can''t take it when someone hurts her husband. Right, Sweets?"


    Xiu nodded her head vigorously, "I''ll tear apart whoever tried to hurt my family. And I can tear them apart with my bare hands!"


    Xiao Li heard Xiu''s words and was startled for a minute. He shouldn''t have been startled after seeing her raging version on his wedding day but he was still surprised. He actually thought back then she was acting on impulse but now, he was coming to realize that behind Xiu''s lively persona, she had an ever so feisty personality.


    He sighed out, "And you''re helping her out?"


    "Actually, we are helping you out," replied Darren knowingly. "I think you have taken care of Liu Nuan until now. How about letting her go now?"


    "You are up to no good," commented Xiao Li.


    Darren snorted at him, "As if you had any other idea. Currently, I have started the fire. It''s your turn to add fuel to it till it becomes uncontrollable. I''d like to see everyone burn in this fire. Don''t disappoint me. And even if you dare to disappoint me, you better now try to disappoint my dear wife. She won''t let you live in peace otherwise."


    "Am I hearing things so you''re threatening me?" inquired Xiao Li.


    Darren chuckled at his question. "Li bro, I''m just giving you a piece of friendly advice. It''s for your own good."


    "I hate such friendly advice," said Xiao Li. "But for the first time, I''m gonna take it seriously."


    "Oh? Really? Why is that so?"


    Xiao Li breathed into the cold weather and saw his own breath dispersing before his eyes before he said, "Because I don''t really want to disappoint our Xiu. If it''s for her, I''ll make sure everything and everyone burns in the fire she started."


    "Such a wise decision," said Darren.


    "Li bro, when you get the time, come to see me!" Hearing Xiu''s voice calling him, Xiao Li''s ears perked up. "I have a surprise for you."


    "Why am I suddenly scared of her surprise?" muttered Xiao Li making Darren laugh at his reaction.


    "My Sweets is pretty much unpredictable, you should feel scared of her surprises," said Darren that earned him a hit on his chest from Xiu.


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" came Xiu''s voice. "My surprise is as harmless as I am."


    "That statement is as contradictory and it is scary," Xiao Li couldn''t help saying before his lips curved up in a wide smile. He was really pissed off earlier because of Ying''s sudden attack of compassion towards Liu Nuan. But now, hearing Xiu''s voice, everything seemed to be alright again.


    This wasn''t just a fight for his sister; Chen Xiu, it was for his cousin; Bai Xiu. And he had to make sure that Liu Nuan pays for it all! With interest!

 Chapter 833 - Big Show

    When the phone call with Xiao Li ended, Darren looked at Xiu and asked, "Do you want me to do anything else?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Let''s give Li bro a chance to shine now."


    "You really have faith in him?" inquired Darren curiously.


    "I should trust my brother," came Xiu''s plain reply.


    After that Darren didn''t bring this topic up at all. They had done their part and now the rest was left on Xiao Li. In fact, Xiao Li didn''t have much left to do at this point. He had already managed to crumble Liu Nuan. Now, it was time to leave this crumbled Liu Nuan in the cold weather under the eyes of the whole world!


    "Hi, Xixi!" greeted Xiu as soon as Su Xixi walked inside the room.


    Lately, Xiu had noticed how Su Xixi liked to visit her almost every day. She''d come and spend just 15 minutes with her before leaving. However, in those fifteen minutes, she usually didn''t talk much. She had only come to spend time around Xiu and observe her intently.


    In fact, Su Xixi didn''t even know why she did something so out of character. But the more she saw Xiu, the more she wished to spend time with her. There was something eyecatching about Xiu''s personality and something extremely familiar as well.


    During this whole week, not even once did Xiu called her ''Aunt''. She always called her, ''Xixi''. It was as if they belonged to the same age group. But to be honest, Su Xixi often didn''t feel like Xiu was young except for when she acted cute with the ones she loved. On other occasions, she could bet that Xiu was like a wise soul that was stuck in a young body.


    "How are you feeling today?" asked Su Xixi. This was the same question Xiu had been hearing for a week now. It was always the same question.


    "Today, I''m feeling beyond joy. Do you have a right word for it?" retorted Xiu as she looked at Su Xixi.


    "Exuberant?" suggested Su Xixi.


    "Oh, I like that one," said Xiu before offering her a bright smile in return.


    "Why do I feel like you''ve become fond of my wife?" asked Darren.


    "Isn''t everyone fond of your wife around here?" questioned Su Xixi. "Is it surprising that I''m becoming fond of her as well?"


    "Actually, it''s not surprising at all," said Darren. "My Sweets have her ways to find her way into someone''s heart."


    "Is that how she found her way to your heart?"


    Darren smiled at her, "More like, she kicked open the door of my heart forcefully."


    Xiu pinched Darren''s stomach before she said, "How did I force my way in?"


    "Aren''t you the tyrannical one here?" questioned Darren with a smirk. "You forced a kiss on me when you''re drunk!"


    "I asked you out in a proper way!" Xiu shot back. "If I had waited for you, I''d still be getting drunk and wreaking havoc!" She looked at him with contempt, "You''re drowning in sorrow, it''s me who pulled you out!"


    "The who pushed me under the water was also you, darling!" he said knowingly.


    "When did I say it wasn''t me?" she pouted at him. "But I also did my part by saving you as well. So, don''t blame me again."


    Looking at their banter, Su Xixi couldn''t help laughing out in an unrestrained way. Hearing that laughter, Xin Zimen couldn''t help stepping inside the room. He was so taken aback by seeing Su Xixi laughing before his eyes.


    "What made this block of ice laugh like that?" he asked out loud.


    Su Xixi looked at him and went up to him, placing her hand on his shoulder, she said, "Zimen, these two... They are just like you and Ai. It''s so funny."


    Hearing just this much, Xin Zimen figured out why Su Xixi was laughing like that. There were quite a few similarities between his relationship with Wen Ai and Xiu''s relationship with Darren. In both cases, the ones who took the initiative to start the relationship were the female counterparts.


    Both Su Xixi and Xin Zimen shared a look while Xiu whispered to Darren, "Why do I feel like we did something wrong?"


    Darren patted her head saying, "No, we didn''t! We just sent them down memory lane."


    Su Xixi sighed out as she said, "Now, I finally figured out why you seem to give in to Xiu so much."


    "What do you mean?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "She is like the younger version of Ai," said Su Xixi. "I can''t find a difference."


    Xin Zimen gave her a sad smile before he moved to Xiu''s side and said, "Nah! My little lass is a wilder version of Ai. And yet a bit tamed."


    "Ah-Xin, what are you saying?" said Xiu. "I''m clearly very tamed."


    "Although you both give the impression that you''re the cute one in this relationship. I can bet my fortune that your husband doesn''t agree with that statement." He looked at Darren and asked, "Do you, Regan? Do you think she is purely cute?"


    Darren coughed a little before saying, "Uncle Zi, don''t do this to my wife. She is cute. Very cute. But..." Xiu raised her brows at him as he went on in a small voice, "She''s equally treacherous."


    "See?" Xin Zimen looked at Su Xixi. "Isn''t their relationship different than mine?"


    "How?" questioned Su Xixi curiously.


    Xin Zimen looked at Darren and Xiu as he asked, "Let''s assume, you are angry with Regan. Would you kick him out of the room?"


    Xiu frowned at that, "Ah-Xin if he is at fault, he better stay inside the room and make it up to me! Besides, what if he caught a cold from sleeping alone? Who will take responsibility for that?"


    Xin Zimen shook his head at her before looking at Darren, "What about you? If she is hungry in the middle of the night and wants to eat ice-cream. But there is no ice-cream at home, would you leave her alone at home to get the ice-cream for her?"


    Darren gave him a smile, "She will never ask me to get her an ice-cream in the middle of the night."


    "How are you so sure?" inquired Su Xixi.


    "Because if she wants an ice-cream, she is definitely gonna make a trip to the ice-cream parlor for it. There is no fun in eating ice-cream at home alone. That''s her motto."


    Xiu patted Darren''s head proudly, "My husband knows me so well."


    Xin Zimen looked back at Su Xixi, who sighed out inwardly. It seemed there was some difference there. Because in Xin Zimen and Wen Ai''s relationship, if Xin Zimen said he''d make Wen Ai sleep on the couch in the living room, he''d do that for sure! But in their relationship, if Wen Ai said she wanted ice-cream in the middle of the night, Xin Zimen would get that for her as well. Even if they''d be mad at each other!


    However, in Xiu and Darren''s relationship, there didn''t seem to be anything like conflicts. They both were way too comfortable with each other to cause misunderstandings.


    Xiu looked at Su Xixi and asked, "Xixi, are you missing your best friend?" Su Xixi was taken aback by her blunt question. "Is that why you have been coming to me because I remind you of her?"


    "You don''t look surprised," remarked Su Xixi.


    "There is rarely something that surprises me now," said Xiu with a smile as she thought about her two lives were so messed up that even surprise was a luxury now. Everything was only shocking around her and even that stopped fazing her now. She sighed out, "Also, Ah-Xin usually said I remind him of his wife. Since she was your best friend, it''s obvious that you''d have the same impression of me as well."


    "You talk like Ai," said Su Xixi honestly. "She was equally an eccentric character like you if not an even wilder version. But somehow, you both seem very close in nature. She had a fiery temper, she never bothered to hide. You on the other hand have learned to hide that temper behind that stupid smile. And that makes you more treacherous than Wen Ai. Because at least in her case, one knew she was angry. One can''t say the same about you."


    "I can''t say a lot about me," said Xiu. "I''m just that awesome!"


    Su Xixi nodded her head, "Clearly very narcissistic like Ai as well. If I didn''t know any better, I might think Wen Ai is reborn."


    Suddenly, the door of the room was pushed open again and Ah-Si''s panting figure was seen. There seemed to be excitement on his face which he was trying to hide behind the mask of concern as he said, "Dad! Turn on the tv!"


    "Why?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "There is a big show going on," shouted Ah-Si before he took the remote of the tv that had been placed in this room just last week because Xiu wanted an even bigger screen to enjoy her leisure time.

 Chapter 834 - Back To Hell

    As soon as the huge tv screen lit up, Ah-Si put on a news channel. He didn''t choose anyone in particular since he didn''t have to. Currently, every news channel was covering the same news.


    Every news channel''s reporters had been crowding around Liu Nuan who was being bombarded with questions from left and right.


    In the past half an hour, Liu Nuan had experienced what it felt like to dream of heaven while being in hell, only to be thrown deeper into hell. She was dropped off right where she was picked up from with her suitcase and doc.u.ments.


    In Liu Nuan''s current mental state, she couldn''t make sense of the situation as she had just stared at Xiao Li with doubt in her cautious eyes. She was really scared of what she had to go through in the past week. She was tired, hungry, and only wanted to sleep in the comfort of her room.


    "You''re free now," that''s what Xiao Li had told her. Seeing the fear and suspicion in her eyes, Xiao Li offered her a smile as he went on, "If you managed to get out of this city in the next 30 minutes, you''re free! I won''t bother you again. I give you my word." While Liu Nuan was still trying to make sense of his words with her disoriented brain, he tapped on his watch, "Time is quite precious for you. Don''t waste it."


    And then he watched her running off to hail a cab hurriedly. As she noticed that no one was following her, she let her guard down slowly. And as the cab neared the airport, she finally heaved a sigh. While she was in the process of getting her boarding pass, that''s when she dreamt of getting out of the hell she experienced in the last week.


    And just the thought of escaping from that hell made her feel like she was on the way to heaven. Even when her joints were stiff from the lack of moment, even when she was on the verge of collapsing, even when the sunlight made her eyes sting, she didn''t give up. She knew it was her only shot of escape and she had to hold on till the end!


    She wanted to reach out to her father as soon as possible. She knew only he could protect her now!


    But who knew she''d soon be caught in between all the reporters that shoved their microphones at her face and bombarded her with questions.


    "Mrs. Zhou, is it true that you hid your real medical report just to target late Chen Xiu?"


    "Mrs. Zhou, did Chen Xiu really push you down the stairs or not?"


    "You played the victim and sentenced her to death, aren''t you ashamed of what you did?"


    "Don''t you remorse for what Chen Xiu had to go through just because of your lie and jealousy?"


    "Give us a statement!"


    "Mrs. Zhou, Chen Xiu was said to be suffering from severe mental depression. It''s being said that you manipulated her vulnerability because you''re jealous of her? What do you have to say about that?"


    "You''re never pregnant than why did you claim that Chen Xiu caused your miscarriage?"


    "Your husband has already given a statement that he and Chen Xiu broke up before your marriage and had no relationship after that. Then what made you despise Chen Xiu to the point of killing her?"


    The reporters were aggressive and sharp with their words and demeanor. Each question made Liu Nuan feel like the earth was shattering. And the camera flashes made not only her eyes sting but her brain malfunction as well. She hadn''t seen light in over 10 days and now that so many blaring eyes were being shoved into her eyes, it made her feel like a splitting headache was trying to tear her brain apart.


    Her stiff joints finally gave up as she fell on the floor, covered her ears, and kept shaking her head. Her body was trembling and she looked pitiful. But no one around her felt pity for her. Even if any of them had the slightest thought of showing compassion, they couldn''t do it. Because the person who asked them to be here would never let any of them escape if they didn''t accomplish their task.


    "I didn''t kill her! I didn''t kill her!" Liu Nuan shouted at the top of her lungs before she lunged at the reporter nearest to her. "Yes, I was jealous of her! So what?!" she roared out. "I loved Jinhai first. I came into his life first. Who told her to put her eyes on what belonged to me? Who told her to act so kind and high and mighty? She was nothing but the dust under my feet and yet, she tried to dance all over my head!" She snorted in contempt, "A street rat like her deserved what she got! Just because she saved my life by donating her bone marrow, did I have to become her servant? Why should I? Did she even deserve to have gratitude from me? It was only right for someone like her to donate her bone marrow and save my life!"


    She suddenly laughed hysterically, "What did she say to me? She would never ask for the guy who left her? Hmph!" She grabbed the reporter''s collar and shouted, "Why did she have to act like if she hadn''t given up, I wouldn''t have gotten Jinhai? Who told her to be so proud? Who asked her to flaunt her kindness? Did anyone ask her to do so? She was only asking for people''s hatred by trying to act like she was better than others!"


    On the other side of the screen, Darren held Xiu''s hand tightly. Xiu offered him a smile and whispered in a low voice, "Do you really think this bitch''s words would get to me again? She hurt me once, it was because of my naivety. But if I let her do the same again, wouldn''t that made me a fool?" She blinked at Darren in reassurance as she added, "Besides, I''m only a fool for you."


    Darren shook his head slightly at her and smiled at her. He really thought Liu Nuan''s words might hurt Xiu but the effect was completely different.


    "She really learned something from Suyin," said Su Xixi. "Even after all she went through, she''d still call others wrong. Only her logic is correct! I don''t even have words for people like her."


    "I watched her grow up, never thought she''d have such a cruel heart," remarked Xin Zimen.


    "Dad, you even watched Sister Meihui grow up. How did that turn out?" retorted Ah-Si.


    "Why do you look so pleased?" questioned Xin Zimen as he noticed the gleeful look in his son''s eyes.


    Ah-Si showed an even brighter smile to his father, "Pleased? I''m not just pleased. I''m extremely happy right now." He looked towards Xiu''s as he added, "And this is only the beginning."


    Xiu raised her brow at him as he winked back at her cheerfully.


    Just as Ah-Si had said, it was truly just the beginning. Soon, the airport ushered in rows and rows of people who claimed to be from Chen Xiu''s fan clubs and threw rotten eggs, rotten tomatoes, and whatnot at Liu Nuan while they cursed at her.


    This scene was so eye-catching that the news reporters made way for these people to have their fun. And no matter how much Liu Nuan called for security, no one stepped up to maintain order around here.


    "This might get Suyin out of her hole," said Xin Zimen.


    "Nah," replied Su Xixi. "She is not even gonna bat an eye regarding this. In fact, the moment these news reporters got to her, she is gonna..."


    Su Xixi hadn''t even finished her words when breaking news appeared on the tv screen. Xin Suyin had finally made a statement and declared that Liu Nuan had no relationship with her.


    Su Xixi laughed out at that, "See? She just shook her hands off of this trouble! That''s so like what she would do!"


    "Aunt Suyin is fast," said Ah-Si.


    Su Xixi rubbed his head saying, "My dear Si, she is not fast. She is too cunning. She would never let anyone taint her own name. If anyone dares to do it, she''d gladly cut off that piece of hers."


    "Scared of a taint on her name?" mumbled Xiu as she heard Su Xixi''s words and a devilish smirk appeared on her lips.


    "Got an idea, Sweets?" asked Darren in a hushed voice.


    Xiu wiggled her brows, "If she can cut her own flesh just to keep her name, I''d gladly force her to cut her own heart out! Let''s see for how long she can be proud of her name."


    Xiu''s eyes didn''t show any happiness as she saw the scenes playing out on the tv screen. The so-called fans love? She was all too well familiar with it! These are the fans who turned their backs on her at the very first chance they got! What reporters seeking justice? Weren''t they the ones having fun coming up with headlines with her name just to get noticed by their superiors?


    She had become numb to all of it. She was too indifferent to what was happening with Liu Nuan. The only satisfaction in her heart was the fact that she could see that look in Liu Nuan''s eyes. That look of desperation that she once found in her own eyes. That look of abandonment that she once had to go through. That look of isolation!

 Chapter 835 - Ill Make It Fun

    Xin Zimen turned off the tv and looked at his son as he tried to sound a little angry, "Ah-Si, don''t you know we have two patients in this room? How can you make them watch such stressful things?"


    Ah-Si looked at Xiu and Darren as he thought, ''But I only came to specifically show it to these two.'' However, he couldn''t say that to his father because then he would have to face a series of questions that he didn''t want to answer for now. That''s why he chose to obediently lower his head and listened to his father''s admonishing words.


    "Don''t do this again," said Xin Zimen. "We have to keep such negative things away from these two. How else will they get back on their feet?"


    "I can stand on my feet," Xiu hurriedly announced.


    "Is that something to celebrate?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "I celebrate everything in my life. And today I have more than one thing to celebrate. How about you open a bottle of w..."


    *Cough! Cough!*


    Darren''s cough instantly made Xiu change her words to, "A bottle of orange juice! That''s what I was saying!" Xiu laughed out, "So, let''s celebrate!"


    "More than one reason?" inquired Xin Zimen.


    Xiu grinned at him, "I''ll tell you about it when Mama comes back."


    "Okay," Xin Zimen didn''t push her to answer it. "Ah-Si, let''s leave them alone now. Come with me."


    Ah-Si looked at his father and hesitated, "Dad, how about you leave first? I want to spend some time with my sister."


    As Su Xixi and Xin Zimen left the room, Su Xixi asked, "Do you think Liu Mingfan would do something to help Liu Nuan?"


    "I doubt that," replied Xin Zimen. "If even Suyin stepped back, I don''t think Mingfan would like to help her." He took a pause and went on, "But then again, he doesn''t know the birth secret of Liu Nuan. So, he still loves her like his own daughter. He might think that she really is his and Chen Hana''s daughter."


    "I find you cute when you assume this nonsense," said Su Xixi. "Liu Mingfan isn''t as naive as you take him to be."


    "What do you mean?"


    Su Xixi shrugged her shoulders, "You''ll see."


    Back inside the room, Ah-Si grinned at Xiu and said, "Did that make you feel good?"


    Xiu gave a nonchalant look, "It wasn''t that bad. But it wasn''t enough."


    Ah-Si gave her a smile, "Who said we are done with her? We started a chain reaction. Now, we just have to sit back and watch her destroy herself. This pathetic life of hers had only taken one step into the hell."


    Xiu stared at Ah-Si with an amused glint in her eyes. How come she didn''t realize this little lamb had a wolfish side to him as well? It is indeed amusing to see.


    "And what if she got tired of this living hell and decided to take her own life?" questioned Xiu.


    Ah-Si gave her a look, "Sister Xiu, she is a coward. She will never be able to kill herself."


    Xiu pinched his nose and said, "You! Stay as my little lamb! I have enough wolves in my pack."


    Ah-Si scrunched up his nose as he said, "And you''re the Alpha of the pack?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes, I am. And this Alpha is quite fond of little lambs like you. So, stop messing around. Just stick to being my adorable little lamb."


    Ah-Si chuckled at her, "Yes, boss!"


    Xiu looked at Darren saying, "I like this obedient lamb. The more I look, the more pleasing he looks."


    Ah-Si tugged at her sleeve as he asked, "So, next time you won''t beat this little lamb with your bat, right?"


    Xiu didn''t reply immediately. She took her sweet time before saying, "Well, that depends on this little lamb''s future performance."


    Ah-Si shook his head at her and said to Darren, "Your wife is very hard to please."


    Darren narrowed his eyes at her, "What nonsense! My wife is the easiest to please around here."


    "How so?" questioned Ah-Si.


    "Just bring her a bowl of spicy beef noodles for her, she is set for life," said Darren, and Xiu''s eyes sparkled at just the mentioning of food.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''ll-make-it-fun_51996970398566460 for visiting.


    "Okay!" Ah-Si hurriedly agreed and ran towards the door.


    Xiu gave her husband a look, "Why are you messing with my little lamb?"


    "I have nothing entertaining around here," replied Darren with a smirk. "Just like you, I am also looking for something fun. Besides, he didn''t even give me a chance to finish before he ran out on his own."


    "This is not fun," said Xiu. "That''s bullying."


    Darren nodded his head, "Of course, you''d know better about that since you''re quite a veteran when it comes to bullying."


    "Are you throwing shade at your own wife?" inquired Xiu with a dangerous look in her eyes.


    "I wouldn''t dare," said Darren. He rubbed her head, "I just stated a fact!"


    "Xiu is a bully, that''s the fact?" she retorted.


    Darren didn''t look at her as he said, "I definitely didn''t say it. Those are your own words."


    Xiu shook her head at him and chose not to say anything.


    Over half an hour later, Ah-Si ran back to their room empty-handed and glared at this pair of sly lovebirds! Pointing his finger at them, he roared feeling wronged, "You both are mean! How can you do this to me?!"


    "What happened?" Both Darren and Xiu pretended to not know what was going on with him.


    "Don''t give me that innocent look, you both know what happened!" Ah-Si shot back as he sat down with puffed-up cheeks. He was really angry right now and didn''t even know where to vent this anger!


    Earlier, he had driven to the best noodle shop in the area to get spicy beef noodles for Xiu. He even drove without caring about the speed limit. He was so excited to finally have something that could make Xiu happy but who knew his way would be intercepted by his own father?


    "Who is having the noodles?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "It''s for Xiu," Ah-Si replied enthusiastically. "She is asking for it."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes narrowed dangerously at his son, "Don''t you know that the doctor strictly instructed her to stay away from spices? It''s not good for her health and for her baby? How can you be so thoughtless?" Then he frowned and went on, "I just met you about 30 minutes ago. Did you drive out to get this yourself?" Ah-Si nodded his head honestly and then another lecture began on how careless he was about his own safety.


    The beef noodles were confiscated along with his car keys. Now, he was left huffing and puffing with no other way to show his frustration.


    Xiu ruffled his hair as she chuckled, "Little lamb, how are you so cute? At least, allow my husband to finish his words before acting on it."


    Ah-Si glared at Darren, "Dazi, I thought we are good friends! How could you?"


    Darren sighed out, "I was gonna tell you that you should get that bowl of noodles only after my Sweets is allowed to have it. But you''re so eager to make her happy that you didn''t even listen to me before you ran out on your own. So, you really can''t blame me for your enthusiasm."


    Ah-Si contemplated his words. He had to agree that he was really too eager to do something for Xiu. Since she said Liu Nuan''s drama didn''t bring her much satisfaction, he wanted to do something to make her happy and that''s why he didn''t wait for Darren to add anything and ran away to get those noodles for her.


    Xiu pinched his chin and made him look at her, "Did Ah-Xin scold you because of me?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head with a pout, "He really scolded me! Right on the stairs! He even took my car keys!"


    Looking at him complaining like that, Xiu felt her heart turning to mush. He really was a little lamb. Too adorable for her heart!


    "Okay, then I''ll scold Ah-Xin for you," said Xiu making Ah-Si''s eyes brighten up instantly. Lost was the feeling of being wronged. Lost was the feeling of frustration! Now, only excitement was left in his heart.


    "You will?" he asked to confirm.


    "Of course!" replied Xiu. "Let me see how he scolds you again. Just because he is the father, he can''t just scold my little brother. I''ll teach him a good lesson!"


    Ah-Si grinned at her and nodded his head, "Okay! I''ll be waiting!" Surprisingly, he truly believed that only Xiu could scold his father and it wouldn''t be weird at all. He also felt like he just complained to his sister and she was taking a stand for him before his father. And no matter how fearsome his father was, only this sister could stand before him without fear!


    "Does it make you this happy?" inquired Xiu as she noticed the look on his face.


    Ah-Si smiled sheepishly, "I have never seen anyone scolding dad. So, it''d be fun for sure."


    Xiu laughed at him, "Sure! I''ll make it fun for you."

 Chapter 836 - Buried Under Responsibilities

    "How''s my mother''s condition?" Dylan''s tired voice as soon as he stepped through the door of the house.


    "Today, she seems to be doing better than before," replied the nurse by his side.


    "You can take a rest, I want to spend some time with her alone," said Dylan and made his way towards his mother''s room.


    As he entered the dimly lit room, he found his father sitting beside his mother as he held her hand tightly. His eyes were closed which showed he was sleeping in that sitting position. But Dylan knew he wasn''t sleeping. He had hardly been sleeping because of Zhao Wei''s condition. Even now, he was just resting his eyes. Dylan placed his hand on his father''s shoulder gently and he immediately opened his eyes to look at him.


    "Dad, you should eat something now," said Dylan. "I''m here with mom for an hour."


    His father looked at his son who appeared not only tired or haggard but also dispirited. It was obvious from just one look that Dylan hadn''t been sleeping well these days. Since he had been spending time with his wife lately, all of the responsibilities had fallen on Dylan''s shoulders.


    The guy with the cheery aura was suddenly buried under a lot of unforeseen circ.u.mstances that forced him to grow up. With his declining appetite, his health was also declining but Dylan would never say any of that out to anyone. He didn''t want anyone to worry about him.


    "Don''t force yourself and close your eyes for a moment as well," his father told him before leaving the room.


    Dylan sat beside his mother and touched her face. He didn''t say anything, he just continued to accompany her in silence with his mind wandering off. He didn''t even know what in particular he was thinking about. He was completely out of focus.


    He suddenly felt a tug at his shirt and looked at his mother. Zhao Wei''s eyes were slightly open as she tried to make out her son''s face in this dim light.


    "Ma," he called out. "You''re awake?"


    She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. Her throat was parched and her lips were dry. Dylan helped her up a little before he took the water from the nightstand and put the straw between her lips. After taking a sip, Zhao Wei finally felt better.


    "Is it nighttime?" she asked in a weak voice.


    "No," replied Dylan. He got off her bed and walked over to the windows, as he opened the dr.a.p.es, sunlight poured inside. Clearly, it was still day but think dr.a.p.es had made the room shroud in the darkness just like this house had been shrouded in darkness for days now.


    Zhao Wei squinted her eyes because of the sudden exposure to such bright light. But she slowly got adjusted to it but ended up gasping when she looked at her son''s face. Her heart ached to look at him right now.


    When he came back to sit with her, Zhao Wei forced herself to lift her hand to caress his non-shaven face. She had never seen her son in this condition before. Dylan had always been particular about his looks. The way he looked or the way he dressed, it all mattered to him way too much. But now, he didn''t even care that his suit was wrinkled and it seemed like he hadn''t changed out of these clothes for a couple of days now. There was a beard on his face that he didn''t bother to take care of.


    Dylan held her hand as he saw the distress and worry in her eyes. "Ma, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? I''ll ask someone to bring it for you."


    "Have you eaten anything?" inquired Zhao Wei in return making Dylan press his lips together.


    He avoided looking at her as he lied through his teeth, "I have. I already ate." He couldn''t bring himself to tell her that he had been skipping lunch because he used that hour to come and visit her every day, just like he used his dinner time to check up on his best friend. While running back and forth, he would occasionally eat a steamed bun just so his body could function properly.


    "Lying is not a good habit," said Zhao Wei. "See what is for lunch. We''ll eat together."


    Dylan looked at his mother and nodded his head before he left the room. He first ordered someone to make something for lunch and then he went to call his father. But when he found his father asleep on the sofa, he didn''t wake him up. He knew if he woke him now, he won''t sleep again.


    Then he went back to his mother''s room and saw her looking out the window in a daze. Feeling his presence, she turned around and smiled at him softly. She beckoned him close and Dylan went up to her side. He put his head on her stomach while she ran her hand through his hair.


    Dylan felt relaxed with her hand on his head. He didn''t know he had been missing it for days now. Since the day, Zhao Wei had a heart stroke due to stress, she had been comatose. While he did get to see her, he didn''t get to feel her warmth like this. And now that she placed her hand on his head, he finally felt like he could breathe again.


    He had been scared just because of the idea of losing his mother.


    "How are Regi and Xiu?" she asked making Dylan''s body stiffen slightly.


    "They are doing well now," replied Dylan and even gave her all the details regarding Darren and Xiu''s health.


    "That''s good," she replied and heaved a sigh of relief. "Did you meet him?"


    "I..." Dylan was gonna lie but somehow he couldn''t do it. He felt stifled at the moment. He wasn''t scared of facing Darren anymore, now he just didn''t know how to do so. He could sneak up every night to check up on him while Darren was asleep but directly going to him when he was awake... He hadn''t been able to do so.

 Chapter 837 - Kid Is Troublesome

    "I''ll meet him in a few days," Dylan finally managed to say after a long silence.


    Zhao Wei pursed her lips for a while, "Silly boy! Why are you avoiding him? I''d hate to see you lose a friend like him because of your sister. So, stop making excuses with yourself and talk to him."


    "Ma, I missed you!" Dylan''s voice came out like a whine. A whining tone that Zhao Wei was most familiar with.


    "I''m right here, why are you missing me?" she retorted trying to sound playful.


    Dylan held her tightly, her heart clenched in her chest when she felt something wet on her stomach where his face was buried.


    "Is it hurting?" she asked and Dylan didn''t reply to her. "I''m sorry that you have to go through this. It isn''t even your fault."


    "It isn''t your fault either," said Dylan. "Every mother loves her kids."


    Zhao Wei gave a sad smile as she said, "But maybe my love wasn''t enough."


    "No," retorted Dylan as he lifted his tear-stained face. "Just because sis didn''t understand your love, it doesn''t make you a bad mother. You tried to stand by her side till the end! But she is the one who repeatedly pushed us to the point of no return."


    Zhao Wei wiped his face gently, "Then why are you letting her ruin something beautiful in your life? Haven''t you always been proud of your friendship with Regi? Why are you trying to put a strain on that friendship now? Is it really worth it? Is it worth it to ruin that friendship over a selfish person who always thought her own self?"


    Dylan was left staring at his mother''s face. No matter how strained the relationship between Zhao Wei and Qiu Meihui had been, it was the first time she called her own daughter, selfish. Dylan knew his sister was selfish, but it was his first time hearing the same from his mother who did everything just to cater to her selfishness all her life.


    In the end, his sister never really understood their mother. She repeatedly attacked their mother with the most brutal words. Even now, it was her words that brought their mother to the death''s door. He could never forgive his sister for that.


    "About her lawsuit," he began in a small voice but was cut off by Zhao Wei.


    "I don''t want to know," she replied making Dylan stunned for a minute. "Doesn''t she often says that she feels like an orphan whose parents doesn''t care about her? Then let her truly experience what it feels like to be an orphan. Don''t bother hiring a lawyer for her."


    "But dad..." Dylan wanted to say something but she gave him a look.


    "I''ll see how he goes against my decision," she said in a firm tone. Her words were like a silent spell that made Dylan shut up. He didn''t dare bring up the name of his sister again.


    It seemed his mother was really giving up on her daughter.


    Zhao Wei caressed his face, "I''ll never let her take away the happiness of your life. So, it''s better she stays far away from son. I''m done bowing my head before her stubbornness. I''m done ruining others'' life just to make her happy. Why does other have to suffer for her stubbornness? She doesn''t deserve that!"


    Dylan smiled softly at his mother before he held her hand and said, "Ma, you''re not a failed mother." Zhao Wei was startled by his sudden remark. "You''re anything but a failed mother. You might have your shortcomings but who doesn''t? At the end of the day, you''ll always stay as my favorite person. That fact can''t change. Just because sis couldn''t see your efforts, doesn''t mean I''ll follow her footsteps. For me, you had always been perfect and you will always be perfect."


    There were plenty of things Dylan didn''t like about his mother but it never stopped him from loving her. Because he knew she loved him unconditionally. She had proved it repeatedly. She was the mother who cared about him, who scolded him when he was wrong, who pulled and pinched his ear whenever he messed around, who stayed up all night just to lower his temperature, who was always there waiting at the gate of his school with opened arms. How could he even hate her?


    And because he loved her so much, he couldn''t understand why his sister couldn''t see any of her good traits? Why did she always have to nitpick over their mother''s shortcomings?


    "Find a good time to meet Regi," instructed Zhao Wei once again. "Don''t let him wait for you any longer."


    Dylan chuckled at her, "How do you know he is waiting?"


    "Because I know him," she pinched his cheek. "You both have been inseparable since childhood, there is no way he isn''t waiting for you. And he must be getting impatient now. So, you better go to see him before he comes to beat you up."


    Dylan pouted at her, "If he comes to beat me, I''ll just hide behind you. Won''t you save me?"


    "What do you think?" she asked rhetorically.


    Dylan made a face at her, "I''ll go to see him. I promise."


    "And do go in this hideous way," said Zhao Wei in displeasure.


    "What''s wrong with me?" he asked as if he didn''t know what was wrong with him.


    "Find a mirror for yourself, you might faint from the shock though," said Zhao Wei. "If something really happened to me, were you planning on looking like this on my funeral? Even my ghost friends would have gotten scared of seeing you."


    "MA!" exclaimed Dylan. "Would you stop saying nonsense to me?!"


    Zhao Wei cleared her throat, "I''m just joking."


    "Well, don''t joke around like this," he grumbled. "I don''t like it. I don''t want you to joke about your life. I still need you. Don''t you say I''m just a kid. How can you even think about leaving your kid?"


    Zhao Wei shook her head at him, "This grown ass kid is really troublesome!"


    Dylan humphed, "Even if this kid is troublesome, this kid is still yours!"

 Chapter 838 - I Dislike You

    Since Nora''s boyfriend was having lunch with Darren and Xiu, she also went to have lunch with them. But when she came, she found Ah-Si helping Darren sit on a wheelchair while Xiu was standing beside him.


    "What are you guys doing?" she asked in confusion.


    "We are going to have dinner outside of this room today," replied Xiu. "Or are you expecting us to stay locked up in here?"


    "That''s not what I meant," retorted Nora.


    "What are you doing here though?" asked Xiu. "To what did I do to have you visit me twice in the same day?"


    Nora narrowed her eyes at her, "It just shows how much I love you."


    Xiu snorted at her, "Oh, please! You''re here because I held your boyfriend hostage."


    "Then why did you do it?" Nora shot back.


    "As if you can stop me," was Xiu''s reply as she walked past her best friend.


    "I was gonna be nice to you today," said Nora. "I mean, I wasn''t planning on arguing with you about anything today."


    "How can that be acceptable?" asked Xiu and Nora shut up.


    During this time, both Darren and Ah-Si didn''t interrupt this pair of best friends. Ah-Si brought Darren to the dining area on the second floor. He had already asked the nurses to bring Darren and Xiu''s lunch there.


    As Xiu sat down beside the window, she asked, "Ah-Si, aren''t you gonna eat anything? Or the tragedy of spicy beef noodles is still haunting you, little brother?"


    Ah-Si gave her a look, "Sister Xiu, can you not bring that up?"


    Nora frowned at that, "Hold up! Xiu is even younger than me, why are you calling her Sister Xiu?"


    "Because she is wiser than me?" was Ah-Si''s reply making Nora snort.


    "She is childish and petty!"


    "What did you just call me?" asked Xiu in a dangerously low voice.


    Nora grinned at her sheepishly, "You misheard."


    "Did I now?" Nora nodded her head in reply. Xiu didn''t push it as she lifted the spoon to drink some congee. She took a moment and looked at Darren before asking, "Regan, now that I''m looking at my best friend, it reminded me... Isn''t your best friend taking way too long to show up?"


    "He shows up every night," said Nora.


    "Like a thief," retorted Xiu. "Do you really think I don''t know he comes around when he thinks we''re asleep? But that''s different! He isn''t coming in the daytime."


    "Maybe he is suddenly scared of sunlight?" suggested Nora.


    "Why? Did he become a vampire overnight?" Xiu shot back.


    Nora gasped at that, "Maybe? Who knows?"


    "Both of you really need to stop it," said Ah-Si. "You both don''t even know what he is going through. Give Dylan a little time."


    Darren finally looked up and said, "Who is not giving him time? In the past, whenever he felt pain, I''d be the first one to know. Now, he doesn''t even wanna tell me what he is going through."


    "Aren''t you going through enough on your own?" said Ah-Si.


    "I can handle it. I''m not alone. He is," said Darren, and Xiu held his hand underneath the table as she offered him a smile. Darren licked his lips before adding, "Even Cali is not around to take care of his. Wei Ma is also sick. Uncle must have been spending all of his time with his wife. He is hurting all on his own. Can''t he just come to me when he needs me?"


    "He will be here," said Xiu. "Don''t worry, if he doesn''t show up in the next two days, I''ll tie him up and bring him to you. How dare he make my husband upset?"


    Darren chuckled softly at her and rubbed her head, "I should always expect such a suggestion from you, eh?"


    "I don''t think she is joking though," Nora pointed. "I think my best friend is very capable of kidnapping your best friend if she wants to do it."


    Darren looked at Nora, "I know." He gave a knowing smile, "No one knows better than me just how capable my wife really is."


    Xiu was obviously pleased by that compliment from him as the bland congee even tasted extra good today. While four of them joking around and laughing, Su Xixi and Xin Zimen also came around.


    "Oh, no one told me we were having lunch together," said Xin Zimen.


    Xiu looked at both Su Xixi and Xin Zimen before saying, "Ah-Xin, don''t you dislike her? Then why am I seeing you Xixi these days?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes widened while Ah-Si choked on the food that he had decided to share with Darren and Xiu. Su Xixi looked at Xiu in amus.e.m.e.nt as she said, "Oh? Zimen, I didn''t know you dislike me."


    "I thought everybody knew that," said Xiu.


    Ah-Si held her arm and leaned close to her ear to whisper, "Sister Xiu, that''s the fact that everybody knows but nobody dares to say it out loud. So, don''t say another word. Dad will kill me otherwise for telling you about it."


    Xin Zimen looked at Su Xixi and took a step away from her as he said, "I never said I dislike you. I don''t know who started that rumor."


    "If you don''t want others to talk," Su Xixi patted his shoulder. "Then don''t be so obvious about it."


    "Isn''t it, your fault that I''m being so obvious about it?" retorted Xin Zimen with a strained smile on his face.


    Su Xixi tutted at him, "Poor you! You can''t even say out your dislike for me."


    "But I can," said Xiu as she put down her spoon and stood up.


    "You dislike me?" asked Su Xixi with a raised brow.


    Xiu shook her head, "Not you." She pointed at Xin Zimen who was left dumbfounded.


    "Little lass? Are you really pointing at me right now?" Xin Zimen was shocked, to say the least right now. Especially when Xiu nodded her head.

 Chapter 839 - Scold! Scold! Scold!

    Xin Zimen felt like someone just punched him in the stomach and he couldn''t find a way to breathe now. He didn''t know why but the idea that Xiu ''disliked'' him, just pierced his heart brutally. He was speechless. It wasn''t that he had nothing to say, it was because he couldn''t seem to form words.


    And his internal struggle might not be visible to anyone else but Su Xixi who was standing closest to him could feel it. She could even see his trembling hands. It momentarily shocked her. She suddenly realized that Xiu''s importance in Xin Zimen''s life was a lot more than what she had initially suspected. Just one frown of Xiu was enough to affect Xin Zimen.


    And this made her look at Xiu all over again in a whole new light. She was wondering why it was. In the week she had spent around, she could see the uncanny similarities between Wen Ai and even Xin Xiulin. It sounded bizarre, but she had to say Xiu was really like a grown version of Xin Xiulin.


    Xiu stepped over to Xin Zimen placed her hand on her hip saying, "Ah-Xin, I''m very displeased with what you did to my little brother." Xin Zimen looked at her in a daze as she continued, "Is he a kid you can scold? He is a father of a kid, why do you seem to forget that?"


    Xin Zimen took a deep breath and said, "You said you dislike me."


    "When did I say that?" retorted Xiu.


    "You just nodded," he reminded her.


    "I nodded because you if I''m pointing at you," replied Xiu. "Why would I dislike you? But I do dislike the way you''re trying to upset my little brother. He just recently got better, you shouldn''t scold him so harshly."


    "Is this about me confiscating that bowl of noodles?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "Not really," said Xiu. "But it''s related to that."


    Xin Zimen held her shoulders and asked her in a stern voice, "You don''t dislike me right?"


    Xiu frowned at him, "Why are you repeating that? I love you. I respect you. I admire you. Where did dislike fit in all of that?"


    Xin Zimen heaved a sigh of relief and closed his eyes. It was as if relief had washed down his senses and he could finally breathe again. She didn''t dislike him. It made him beyond happy.


    "That''s good," he muttered in a small voice with a smile.


    Xiu glared at him, "What''s good about it? I think you''re really not understanding what is happening here."


    Xin Zimen looked at her and asked, "What is happening here?"


    "I''m scolding you because you scolded my little brother!" said Xiu firmly.


    Xin Zimen gave her a smile as he nodded, "Okay. Go on!"


    Xiu felt like she was punching cotton, why was it so ineffective? And why was he smiling about being scolded? Was she losing her momentum? Was that it?


    Xiu shook her head, mentally and physically prepared herself before exuding a dangerous aura as she said, "Don''t think I''m joking around here! I''m serious! Treating my little brother like a kid is no small matter! How can you even confiscate his car keys? He only wanted to make me happy with that bowl of noodles. What was his fault? Why did you have to reprimand him so much that he was on the verge of crying?"


    While Xiu continued on, Xin Zimen lowered his head and obediently listened to everything she had to say. No matter how much nonsense she spouted, he didn''t utter a word in return. He didn''t feel like doing it. He was enjoying himself very much right now. Such a loving scolding, where else would he get to hear it?


    Seeing this scene Ah-Si was left feeling pursing his lips, he didn''t want to laugh out. He knew Xiu was daring enough to do what she said but watching it with his own eyes was indeed better than his expectations. It was beyond hilarious. Just who else in this world could make his father lower his head like this? No one!


    Even if Xin Zimen avoided Su Xixi, it was because he never wanted to bow before her and their equally intimidating personalities always clashed. That''s why Xin Zimen would keep his distance from Su Xixi just to save himself a headache.


    But Xiu was different. And her position in Xin Zimen''s heart was clear for anyone to see. She could walk all over Xin Zimen and the latter wouldn''t say a word. That showed how much he loved her. And this love didn''t need any reason. It came straight from the deepest part of his heart and spread in each and every nerve of his. This love came naturally now and it was beyond his own control now.


    And even Su Xixi could see the intensity of this love now. Although she wondered why it was like this, she really didn''t care. At the end of the day, she was just glad to see this lighthearted version of Xin Zimen that even Wen Ai couldn''t bring out. And seeing him being reprimanded by a girl half his age made her feel quite satisfied as well. It was amusing, to say the least, and she really wished to laugh out but she didn''t want to spoil the fun as well so she held back. No matter, now she had something to tease Xin Zimen with in the future. That was exciting!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #!-scold!-scold!_52039365752318256 for visiting.


    Xiu snapped her fingers to bring Xin Zimen out of his daze of happily being scolded and narrowed her eyes unhappily, "Give me the car keys."


    "Huh?"


    "Ah-Si''s car keys! Give it back now!" repeated Xiu.


    "Oh," responded Xin Zimen before he took out the keys from his pocket and placed them in Xiu''s hand. "Here it is." But before she could retract her hand, he said, "But won''t you ask why I confiscated the keys?"


    "Wasn''t it because of the noodles?" she questioned with raised brows.


    Xin Zimen shook his head, "How can I be so unreasonable to take the keys just because of that matter?"


    "Then what is it?" asked Xiu curiously.

 Chapter 840 - Didnt Break Enough

    Xiu also knew that Xin Zimen wasn''t an unreasonable person and that''s why she was all the more interested in knowing why took Ah-Si''s car keys. That was such an unnecessary move. After all, if he wanted to stop Ah-Si from stepping a foot out of this house, all he had to do was wave a hand and all of his people standing guard outside would never let Ah-Si see the daylight!


    Xin Zimen leaned close to her ear and whispered the details of why he took the car keys. Xiu''s eyes hardened as she shot Ah-Si a look after hearing about the details.


    Walking over to Ah-Si, she pulled his ear, "Is this your age to show-off? Who told you to drive recklessly? Don''t you know you have a daughter waiting at home?"


    "Ahh..." Ah-Si continued to scream in pain but Xiu didn''t let him off. He looked at his father resentfully, "How can you do this to me?"


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders, "Who told you to go and tattletale on me? Serves you right!"


    "Sister Xiu, I won''t do it again!" said Ah-Si loudly. "I promise I won''t drive recklessly again."


    "I''m not giving these car keys back to you until you''ve thoroughly reflected on your behavior," said Xiu.


    "How am I supposed to do that?" questioned Ah-Si.


    "How about facing the wall and reflecting on yourself?" suggested Xin Zimen.


    "Or you can kneel in the ancestral room," Su Xixi also chimed in.


    "Or like what my mom made me do, you can try living without your credit cards for a month," Nora also added.


    Ah-Si gave her a look, "I thought you''re on my side."


    "I am," stressed Nora.


    "It doesn''t seem like it."


    Xiu cleared her throat and said, "I have the best idea around here... How about you let me beat you once again?"


    Ah-Si''s body shuddered as he ran off and hid behind Su Xixi, "No! Never! I still get nightmares from that night! I''ll run even at the sight of that stupid bat of yours!"


    Xiu pressed her lips and bit back her laughter at his reaction before saying, "I was gonna let you off easy this time around."


    "No! No! No!" shouted Ah-Si. "You just said earlier you won''t bring that bat out!"


    "Who said anything about the bat? I can just smack your butt with my hand!"


    Ah-Si peaked from behind Su Xixi''s body as he said, "Let''s not trouble your delicate hands, Sister Xiu. It''s not worth it! I promise I''ll never drive recklessly! F.u.c.k! I''ll never even drive myself! I''ll always take a driver!"


    Su Xixi rubbed Ah-Si''s head as she tilted her body towards him and asked, "Why do you look so scared? Is there trauma?"


    Ah-Si nodded his head vigorously, "She left a deep impression last time."


    "You beat my Si?" asked Su Xixi as she stared at Xiu.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Who told him to hurt my best friend and make her cry? I love collecting debts. I had to collect what he owed my best friend."


    Su Xixi''s body paused as she heard Xiu''s words. Wen Ai''s voice flashed past in her mind, ''One should pay me what they owe me! If they don''t, I''ll collect my payment myself. But if I did it, then I''ll also collect some interest.''


    Su Xixi took a deep breath and looked at Xin Zimen, "Even Zimen has never raised his hand on Ah-Si."


    "I know," replied Xiu. "But he didn''t stop me from doing it."


    "Really?" Su Xixi gave Xin Zimen a look.


    He cleared his throat saying, "He deserved the beating at that time. I couldn''t do it myself so I let her do it. And what''s wrong with that? As a sister, she deserves to teach him a lesson if she feels like doing it."


    Ah-Si tutted at his father, "You really are a good father. How do you always have something to justify her actions?"


    "I honestly don''t know," replied Xin Zimen. "I just can''t resist speaking up for her."


    Xiu scoffed at Ah-Si, "Little brother, you should be glad my best friend held me back. I''d have broken you otherwise."


    "You broke a lot that night though," reminded Ah-Si. It definitely wasn''t a good experience for him. Xiu''s hits were already painful but then she rubbed salt on those wounds with her cutting words. It left him tremendously injured. Both emotionally and physically.


    "If you can still stand and reminisce about that night," began Xiu. "Then I definitely didn''t break enough."


    Nora had to come and hold Xiu back as she soothed, "My tigress, stop it. Don''t let your anger out on him."


    "I don''t misplace my anger," retorted Xiu.


    "I don''t trust you when you lose your mind," said Nora.


    Before Xiu could say anything, someone came running up the stairs. He placed his hands on both of his knees and panted. His breathless voice rang out, "Where is the show?"


    "What show are you talking about, bro?" asked Ah-Si as he looked at Xiao Li''s face. It was apparent his brother rushed over here for some reason.


    Xiao Li looked at his brother, "Wasn''t there a show of Xiu scolding our dad? Did it end? Did I miss it?" He cursed when he saw his brother nodding. "F.u.c.k! I''m still late!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''t-break-enough_52042157481055307 for visiting.


    Xin Zimen coughed as he asked, "How do you know about that?"


    "Does it matter?" retorted Xiao Li. "I really tried my best to come as soon as possible!"


    Ah-Si instantly pointed at his brother, "Sister Xiu, take his car keys as well. He also rushed her and must have driven recklessly!"


    Xiao Li didn''t know what was happening but he explained himself, "I didn''t drive here. I was just around the block when I got the text that Xiu is scolding dad and it''s a sight to behold. Since I was stuck in traffic, I just abandoned my car and ran here."


    Ah-Si almost bit his tongue. How was his brother''s luck so good?!

 Chapter 841 - Mission Accomplished!

    After he was listening to his son, Xin Zimen frowned, "Who texted you?" Then he ran his eyes around the room doubtfully, "That person has to be here."


    As his suspicious eyes settled on Darren, the latter raised his hands in defense, "Uncle Zi, my phone is even in the room. How can I text him? I just came out to eat in a different atmosphere!"


    Xin Zimen moved his eyes at looked at Ah-Si, "Dad, don''t look at me! I was too busy enjoying the show. I had no other thought at that time than to engrave that memory into my mind!" Xin Zimen narrowed his eyes at him but didn''t say anything.


    Then he glared at Su Xixi who raised her brow calmly, "Just like Si, I was also getting my long due dose of entertainment. Rather than texting, I''d have taken the time to record that moment instead, it''s a pity that my phone''s battery died."


    The only suspicious person left was Nora who slowly slipped behind Xiu. Xin Zimen sighed out, "Daughter-in-law, I didn''t expect this from you."


    Nora gave him a sheepish grin, "Sorry! I just couldn''t help it."


    Even Ah-Si was baffled at this development as he looked at his girlfriend and asked, "Did you really contact my brother?" Nora nodded her head in reply honestly. "When did you both get so chummy?"


    "He is your brother," reminded Nora. "Aren''t I supposed to be close to him?"


    Ah-Si shook his head, "No, no and no! Stay far away from him. He is a dangerous man. Keep your distance. Ah!" He wanted to glare at the person who hit his head but seeing Xiu, he zipped his lips immediately.


    "Are you really talking bad about my Li bro? I think you''re really looking for a beating!"


    Seeing this lively scene and the happiness on Xiu''s face, Xiao Li felt the knots in his heart easing up slowly. Just seeing Xiu being carefree was enough to make him forget about all his exhaustion. All of his efforts and cruelty was all worth it as long as he could see his family happy and safe.


    "I can''t even remember when was the last time I heard such loud laughter in this family," stated Su Xixi as she stood close to Xin Zimen.


    He was looking at the kids talking animatedly as they ate their lunch and joked around. His heart felt at ease as he nodded, "It sure seems like it''s been way too long." He looked at Su Xixi, "But now that I have seen this scene, I seem to be intoxicated by these vibes. And I never want to sober up again."


    .....


    Later at night...Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #!_52048427864873821 for visiting.


    "Are you sure he comes around at this time?" asked Xiu in a low voice as she was crouched down behind a plant.


    "I''m telling you," came Nora''s voice from behind the other plant. "He always comes at this time."


    "You are really not trustworthy when it comes to keeping track of time," Xiu couldn''t help saying.


    "Have some patience!" answered Nora. "I might not be as precise as you are but I''m not that bad either!"


    "If you both didn''t stop talking, we''ll be found out soon," came Ah-Si''s voice from behind Nora. "There is no point of sneaking around if you both can''t keep silence for a minute."


    "Shut up, Ah-Si!" The same sentence Ah-Si heard from both best friends and decided to not say anything. Why did he even agree to be a part of this plan? And why were they even planning like thieves?


    Then he looked at both Xiu and Nora in the dim lights and sighed out. These two had been away from the excitement for a while now, that''s why they just wanted to do something to have fun. No matter how silly it was!


    "He is here!" said Xiu and further hid behind the leaves.


    The trio was currently watching Dylan''s lone shadow walking up to the room that Darren and Xiu lived in these days. His shoulders were slumped and even in this dim lighting, one could clearly see his weary look. He really exuded the aura of depression. It was so suffocating that Xiu could even feel it from this much distance.


    She frowned at his condition and said, "What the hell! Seeing him like this, I don''t even feel like bullying him. And that has never happened before!"


    Dylan waited out of the room for five minutes and during this time, he had extended his hand repeatedly trying to open the door but eventually dropped the idea. He just couldn''t bring himself to open it for some reason. Maybe the last 10 or so days had put a distance between him and his friend that he couldn''t cover now. Seemingly it was just a door and yet, he wasn''t able to cross over the threshold.


    How pathetic!


    "Go inside!" Nora urged in a quiet voice but obviously, Dylan couldn''t hear her voice. After waiting long enough, she looked at Xiu, "He isn''t gonna make a move on his own."


    "I can see that," replied Xiu and shook her head. Then she sighed out, "Let''s give him the necessary push."


    Ah-Si was left watching as the Xiu and Nora gave Dylan the necessary push. And the so-called necessary ''push'' was literally just a push! They both tip-toed to his side while he was in a daze. One of them tapped his shoulder and while he turned around, the other opened the door giving the first one the chance to push him inside the room catching him off guard.


    And even before Dylan could react, the door was locked from outside. After locking the door, Xiu played with the key by spinning it around her finger with a triumphant smile. Her husband might be patient enough to wait for Dylan to come around but she had only so much patience now when she could clearly see how Darren''s eyes would dim seeing Nora and her chattering around.


    "Mission accomplished!" Both best friends fist-bumped and laughed out happily.

 Chapter 842 - Should Reconcile

    Ah-Si was shaking his head at Dylan''s poor luck. Of all people, he had to test the patience of these two. Even he could say it would never end well to test Xiu and Nora''s patience. These two had the weirdest ideas cooking their heads all the time. It''d be a surprise if these two weren''t up to something.


    After laughing in victory, Nora patted Xiu''s shoulder, "I commend your courage!"


    Xiu frowned at her, "What do you mean?"


    "You locked your own husband in the room with another man! That takes some courage!" Xiu gritted her teeth as she glared at Nora who in turn stifled her laughter to add, "They are even all alone!"


    "NORA!" roared Xiu as she ran after Nora while the latter ran away from her.


    Ah-Si was baffled at the scene playing out before his eyes. These two acted more like kids than the kids in their house. He had looked after three kids recently and he could say that all three of those kids were more sensible than these two a.d.u.l.ts! Take Jackie for instance, he would always be quietly reading a book at the side while his adorable sister stayed by his side listening to him. As for Asteria, she liked to wait all day for Xiao Li. But none of them made a fuss.


    Between those quiet kids, these a.d.u.l.ts were the cause of noise!


    Xiu picked up a vase from the side and aimed it at Nora. "Xiu, put that done! It looks expensive."


    "Do you think I care?" retorted Xiu. "Who told you to talk nonsense about my Baobei?"


    "Okay, don''t run! It''s not good for the baby!" Nora tried to use another tactic.


    "Then stop running away from me!" Xiu shouted back at her. And didn''t stop chasing her, just like Nora didn''t stop running away from her.


    "Am I a fool? If I don''t run, you''d kill me," said Nora as she threw a cushion at her which Xiu dodged easily.


    "That''s bound to happen!" Xiu didn''t even deny it as picked the same cushion and smashed it on Nora''s head.


    "Think about it this way, when we first met Dylan, didn''t he also assumed us to be a pair of lesbians?" It had been a long while and yet, Nora could still remember Dylan''s stupid remark.


    "That''s different!" shouted Xiu. "You better come here or else, it''ll get troublesome for your health!"


    Nora weighed the pros and cons in her head before obediently coming to Xiu''s side. With only one hand, just how much damage could Xiu do to her? But she clearly underestimated her best friend. Because instead of using violence, she resorted to tickling her. Nora''s body squirmed like jelly and she was soon sprawled on the floor half-laughing and half-crying.


    "I won''t say it again! Stop it!" she kept trying to plead for mercy but Xiu didn''t let her escape. Even when Nora tried to roll her body over, Xiu held her ankle and dragged her back.


    Ah-Si was in dilemma about whether to laugh or cry at this sight. Because one thing was clear, he couldn''t get involved even if he wanted to help his girlfriend, he couldn''t. A boyfriend should always keep a distance from the matters of two girlfriends. Otherwise, the one to suffer would be him.


    Nora finally held Xiu''s hand. Transparent tears were hanging from the corner of her eyes. Her face had turned slightly red from rolling around and laughing so much. "Let''s stop having fun. Don''t we have better things to do?"


    Hearing Nora''s words, Xiu finally stopped messing around and both of them went back to the door which they had locked. Both of them put their ears against the door to try to make out the voices from inside.


    "Eavesdropping is not a good habit," said Ah-Si from behind.


    "Shhh..."


    Ah-Si had to shut up again.


    "Can you hear anything?" asked Nora.


    "Nope," replied Xiu and focused as if by doing so she''d be able to hear something.


    To be honest, she wasn''t really interested in eavesdropping. She didn''t need to know why Dylan had to say to Darren but she still did so. After all, she had nothing better to do for now. So, she thought she might as well just listen to how they reconcile. Because that mattered to her a lot.


    "What are they doing?" Ah-Si almost jumped when he heard someone''s voice from right beside him. He clutched his hand over his chest as he looked at the person who appeared.


    "They are having fun," replied Ah-Si. "By eavesdropping on people."


    "Oh..." responded the other person.


    "Actually, they just push Dylan inside the room to reconcile with Darren," Ah-Si kept talking and didn''t even notice the way the other person''s face was twitching repeatedly. Whether it was because of his words or seeing Xiu''s eagerness, that couldn''t be said for now.


    "Best friends should reconcile," said the other person in a heavy voice.


    "That''s why my Sister Xiu thinks as well," replied Ah-Si and the other person''s face darkened instantly.


    "Sister Xiu..." he drawled his words. "Really has a lot to say now, eh?"


    "I think the soundproofing is too good," said Nora.


    "Or maybe they hadn''t said a single word yet," was Xiu''s response.


    However, which one of them was right couldn''t be confirmed for now since they couldn''t see what was exactly happening inside. But it was needless to say that both Nora and Xiu were itching to know about it all.


    Suddenly, someone''s fingers wrapped around Xiu''s wrist, and before she could even look, she was dragged away to the room where she had been coming for therapy sessions. The door was locked and the lights turned around when she heard a familiar voice saying, "Instead of waiting for others to come clean, shouldn''t you be focusing on coming clean yourself. Sister XIU!"


    That emphasis on ''Sister Xiu'' made Xiu stare at Han Bohai who was glaring at her right now.

 Chapter 843 - Empty Head

    When Dylan was pushed inside the room, he blanked out for a while. He really blanked out. The room was pitch black and just looking at the figure on the bed, Dylan had the urge to run. And he did turn around but no matter how hard he tried, he again couldn''t bring himself to touch that doorknob.


    He was already inside, did he have to run again? Honestly, he didn''t want to run.


    The kind of emptiness he experienced during his first breakup was nothing compared to the one he had to go through during the last week. Indeed, a friend''s absence and a lover''s absence were two very different things. He had found another lover but would life really give him another friend like Darren? No way! He knew it himself. No one could take the place that Darren had in his life.


    What Nora and Xiu had said was true, the insulation in the room was too good and they couldn''t possibly hear much but the point was, there was nothing to hear as well. The room had been engulfed in silence since the moment Dylan stepped inside and Darren had continued to pretend to be asleep. He had been from the moment Xiu had left the room and he also knew what she was up to. And he had been waiting for her to take action all along!


    Because he knew if he continued to put his hopes on his best friend, they might not even face each other for another year or so!


    While Dylan was struggling, the room''s lights lit up and he heard the voice he had been missing for days now. "Are you planning on running again?" Dylan''s back stiffened and he didn''t turn around. Darren pushed himself to sit up as he continued to stare at Dylan''s back in silence before he said, "How long are you planning on running? For how long do I have to wait for you to stop running and turn around?"


    Dylan closed his eyes and licked his lips slowly before he took a deep breath and turned around. It took him a while to lift his eyes to look at Darren''s face. His breath hitched at the sight. Darren''s head was wrapped up and that was a constant reminder to Dylan that he almost lost his best friend.


    Even though after over a week, Darren''s complexion looked a lot healthier, it still couldn''t hide the fact that he was a patient who needed to be careful.


    "How..." Dylan opened his mouth but found it difficult to string his words together. Clenching his fists, he continued, "How are you?"


    "Do you care?" retorted Darren as he continued to stare at Dylan''s face without a single expression on his face.


    Dylan immediately became agitated, "Of course, I care! Why do you think I kept my distance from you?"


    "You did it for me?" asked Darren with derision dripping from his words.


    "I knew seeing me would make you recall that incident and it wouldn''t be good for your health. That''s why I didn''t show up before you," said Dylan. "But I have always been here. You can''t question me on that! I''ve always cared about you!"


    Seeing the tears that were brimming in Dylan''s eyes, Darren was getting mad now, "You only use your empty head for useless thinking!" Dylan stared at him as he continued, "If you had time to assume things why the hell didn''t you bother using that time to show up before my eyes? Where you trying to act like my secret admirer by watching over me from afar. Do you think I need a bloody secret admirer like you?!"


    A lone tear fell down Dylan''s face, "Do you think I didn''t want to?"


    "That''s exactly what it seemed to me!" Darren shot back angrily. "Every day, I waited for you. I waited and waited but you never bothered to come inside."


    "I didn''t know how to face you!" Dylan shouted. "It''s not the first time you almost lost your life because of me!"


    Darren''s heart dropped as he heard his words. He softened his voice as he looked at Dylan in silence. "Just as I said, your empty brain can only cook up nonsense!" Dylan''s bloodshot eyes were fixed on Darren''s face as the latter went on, "It was never your fault. Neither was it back then nor is it now. Both of the incidents have nothing to do with you!"


    Dylan repeatedly shook his head, "You can''t fool me again. It''s my sister who became the reason for you being in this condition. How does it not concern me? If it doesn''t concern me, then whose concern is it?!" He rubbed the back of his hand on his face to wipe the tears as he added, "And even back then if I hadn''t come unannounced to see you and you didn''t have to drive your car to come to pick me up from the airport, how would you have gotten into the accident?"


    Darren had the urge to beat Dylan to unconsciousness! Xiu was right about him! He was the real fool around here! Loved to take blames for things that weren''t even his doing! And then he would continue to beat himself inwardly for those imaginary crimes!


    Argh!


    Darren felt tired from just this much. Not physically but emotionally tired.


    He leaned back and took a deep breath as he patiently said, "Back then, whether I went to pick you up or not, I''d have ended in an accident and I don''t need to tell you why." Dylan looked up into his eyes and pursed his lips. "My car was messed around with. You and I both know it! It doesn''t have anything to do with you." He closed his eyes to calm his breathing as he added, "Just like now, this incident has nothing to do with you. The preparator is your sister, I''d never blame you for it. I can''t do it!"

 Chapter 844 - Face Of Yours

    "But what if I want you to blame me?" came Dylan''s low voice.


    Darren stared at him and snorted, "What''s the point? Will it turn back the time or will it solve everything magically? Do you really think just because you decided to hide, everything will solve on its own? Aren''t you just being a coward again?"


    Dylan sneered at himself, "Haven''t I always been a coward?"


    "No!" answered Darren. Dylan was left in shock at the tone of his voice. "To me, you''ve never been a coward. You''re always there when I needed you! But this time, you chose to disappoint me!"


    Dylan felt something twisting inside his heart, what could he say to him? He had disappointed himself as well. He didn''t plan to drag this for so long but it eventually turned out in this way. He took one step back and suddenly found himself a mile away from Darren. With each passing day, the distance only grew bigger and he was tired of running already.


    There was so much going on in his life. But even when he was sleep-deprived, he still chose to come every night to check up on Darren. Caring about him and being with him were two different things. He knew that too! But what could he do?! He had been feeling helpless all this while!


    "For the first time in my life, I do want to blame you for something," said Darren. "The brotherhood, the friendship I was so proud of all my life... I didn''t know you would forget it so easily and choose to hide from me. Even if you love to play hide and seek, do you have to play it with me? It''s not like you didn''t know I''d to wait for you here."


    "I didn''t wish to do it," replied Dylan in a heavy tone. "You have no idea how much I missed you. You have no idea how lonely I have been feeling!"


    "And even then you didn''t come to me?"


    "How long can I run to you, Dazi?" he questioned. "Whenever things got hard, I''ve been running to you. I always did that. No matter what bothered me, I always ran to you. Even if I had an argument with mom, I''d still run to complain to you."


    "So this time, you decided to try something different by running away from me. Splendid decision! How smart! Why am I feeling such pride?" One could hear Darren''s sarcasm loud and clear. "Right now, I should call my wife inside to teach you a good lesson! Maybe she might be able to knock some sense into your empty brain!"


    "You want her to unleash the might of her bat on me?"


    "Oh, I''d love to see that," retorted Darren.


    Dylan lowered his head, "I can''t even face her right now."


    "DYLAN!" shouted Darren making Dylan flinch. "Come here! I promise I won''t kill you!"


    "You don''t sound very sincere right now," said Dylan cautiously.


    Darren glared at him, "Don''t make me angry! You of all people should know what will happen if I really got angry right now."


    Dylan gulped down his saliva. It felt difficult to do so with Darren''s gaze on him. Of course, he was familiar with Darren''s anger. His ever so gentle best friend rarely got angry but when he did, it was never a pretty sight. However, he had never feared his anger before because he knew no matter how much angry Darren would be, he''d never do anything to him.


    Today, however, as he walked towards Darren, his heart was beating furiously. He was scared to put it simply. There was no way around it. The tense atmosphere in the room was suffocating. The aura emanating from Darren''s body was even more stifling. The look in Darren''s eyes was plain scary.


    In the end, he lowered his head and stood beside Darren''s bed obediently. He had nothing to say. Even if Darren really unleashed his anger, he wouldn''t complain. He deserved it! He hated himself for not being there for Darren. So, he really deserved it now!


    Darren looked at Dylan''s closed eyes and his trembling hands that he had clasped before him in a respectful posture. He couldn''t help shaking his head. Lifting his hand, it landed right on Dylan''s head. But rather than calling it a hit, it was more like a pat.


    Dylan was taken aback when Darren messed up his hair saying, "I really wished to pummel you to death for betraying me but I still can''t bring myself to do it!"


    Dylan''s tears pour down his eyes like a stream as he said, "When did I betray you?"


    "This is the biggest betrayal of my life!" retorted Darren. "I expected my best friend to be here with me. I trusted in you and you let me down! Isn''t it betrayal?!"


    Dylan could only nod, "I''m sorry! I thought if I showed up I''d only make the matters worse."


    "Of course, you''d think that way!" Darren shot back. "You never considered my feelings."


    Dylan leaned down and hugged Darren, "I''m so happy to see that you''re fine now."


    "Who said I''m fine?"


    "If you have the energy to shout at me, you''re definitely fine now!" said Dylan.


    Darren rubbed his head saying, "My anger is fueling my strength." He smacked the back of Dylan''s hand making him groan as he added, "Since you feel guilty for putting me here, I''m gonna use this guilt of yours to squeeze your life from now!"


    "Is this Xiu''s effect? Why are you turning evil?"


    "When was I nice?"


    Dylan nodded his head, "That''s also true. You have never been nice." He sighed out, "And yet everyone just assumes you''re a nice person."


    Darren pushed Dylan away slightly and looked at his face saying, "Ugly! I''m ashamed to call you my friend with such an ugly face. Even I look better than you and I''m a patient right now!"


    Dylan touched his face, "I just shaved my beard. How is it still ugly?"


    "Maybe the fault lies with this face of yours."


    Dylan glared at Darren for that remark while the latter didn''t even spare a glance to that look on his face.

 Chapter 845 - Cant Hide

    Meanwhile, in the other room, Han Bohai was silently staring at Xiu. He waiting for her to speak first. On the other hand, Xiu didn''t plan on speaking first. It wasn''t because she didn''t want to say something, it was simply because she didn''t know where to begin or what to say.


    It wasn''t like she hadn''t thought about Han Bohai learning about her real identity but none of that fit in with what was happening here. Because Han Bohai figured out on his own. As for how he did, she was actually curious about that.


    "You seriously have nothing to say to me? You''ve been hiding for so long and now that you''re caught, you still have nothing to say?" Han Bohai''s voice was low and it sounded like he was holding back a lot of emotions. Emotions that he was slowly losing control of. And if he did lose control... Then even he didn''t know what he would do.


    Xiu rubbed her forehead before she walked towards the door. Han Bohai placed his hand on the door, not letting her leave.


    "Are you running from me now? Now that you can''t hide, you want to run?"


    Xiu pinched his stomach at his weakest point, catching him off guard before she unlocked the door and craned her neck out. Outside, both Nora and Ah-Si were staring at two closed doors with confusion and curiosity because they couldn''t hear anything from behind closed doors.


    "You both wait here for me," said Xiu. "Mr. Superstar wants me to provide him advice. Relationship advise. And it''s urgent!"


    "Why does he want relationship advice from you?" questioned Nora rather suspiciously.


    "Maybe because I am in an ideal relationship," retorted Xiu without missing a beat. "Besides, you also run to me whenever you want some advice. You''re definitely not in the position to question why he is looking for me." Then she winked at Ah-Si, "Take care of her. I''ll be right back." Then she turned back and locked the door.


    Seeing how Han Bohai was frowning at her with a complicated gaze, she said, "You need to learn to be a little low-key. Dragging me here before Nora and Ah-Si, you''re creating too much unnecessary trouble for me. I don''t have time to answer everyone''s questions. So, next time, think before you act!"


    Han Bohai''s temper flared up, "Isn''t it all your own fault?" Xiu raised a brow at him as he went on, "You''re worried about everyone''s problems. Except for me, everyone is on your mind! You want everyone to fix their issues and be happy. Did it ever cross your mind that you owe me the truth?! For once, did you even think about me?" He was trembling all over because of the surge of emotions. Slowly, his voice got weaker as he said, "Don''t you think, more than anyone, I deserve the truth? And that too, from you!"


    "Do you know how dangerous truths can be? Lies are sweeter, people had always been fond of it. Why do you want to swallow the bitter pill of truth?" Xiu''s back was leaning against the door.


    Han Bohai scoffed, "From the beginning, you never wanted to tell me the truth. It never even crossed your mind."


    Xiu pushed herself off the door and went around to take a seat at the chaise lounge. Seeing her relaxed and composed demeanor, Han Bohai was feeling itchy. And the more she kept this silence, the heavier it became.


    "Don''t just stand there," he heard Xiu''s voice. "Have a seat."


    Han Bohai hesitated for a split second before he did found a seat for himself but it was a little far from Xiu''s position. She looked at his face with a subtle smile that irked Han Bohai even more.


    Sighing, she said, "Tell me... What do you want to know?"


    "You don''t know?" he retorted.


    "Am I a mind reader?" Xiu shot back. "How would I know what you want to know?"


    "Don''t try to play with me!" warned Han Bohai in a leveled tone.


    "If you won''t tell, how will I know what to say to you?"


    Han Bohai glared at her, "You know what everyone else wants to hear from you. How come you don''t know what I want to hear from you?" He snorted, "Oh, right! How can I compare with your brothers, your best friend, your relatives? I''m just an insignificant person!"


    "Insignificant?" repeated Xiu in amus.e.m.e.nt. "When did our Film Emperor turned into an insignificant person? Who dares to slight him like this?" Han Bohai was gnashing his teeth and Xiu could see his jaw ticking. "Are you jealous?"


    Instead of denying it, Han Bohai stared into her eyes and replied, "Yes, I am jealous!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''t-hide_52088284892947659 for visiting.


    Xiu''s eyes widened slightly. To make Han Bohai admit he was jealous, it wasn''t simple. Xiu was genuinely taken aback by his straightforwardness. He had always hidden his care for Chen Xiu behind his criticizing words.


    "But do you care?" he added. "You don''t care whether I''m jealous or I''m hurting. You''re happy in your own world. And why wouldn''t you be? You have loving parents. You have little brothers whom you can bully. You have best friends to share everything with. And..."


    "But I don''t have my Xiao Bobo," Xiu''s one sentence cut off Han Bohai. "The Xiao Bobo who could read the emotions behind my smiles. Xiao Bobo, who was always there when I felt lonely. Xiao Bobo, who always added extra salt in food just to annoy me. Xiao Bobo, who always criticized my kindness. Xiao Bobo, who didn''t leave my hand till the very end."


    Han Bohai''s heart clenched tightly as he heard her words and looked into her eyes. The eyes were different. Very different but the emotions were all that he was familiar with. Those emotions tugged at his heart making his tears fall down without restraint.


    In the end, he said only one thing, "But you''re my Sister Xiu who chose to leave her Xiao Bobo''s hand ruthlessly."

 Chapter 846 - Cant Forgive

    Xiu''s body stiffened and her earlier relaxed and composed demeanor collapsed miserably. In fact, she wasn''t relaxed since the moment she had to face Han Bohai alone. In this situation!


    But now that she heard his words and that tone of his voice along with the tears that fell down his face, she really felt like cursing herself. Xiu had once thought she''d one day feel guilty for her previous self. However, no matter what she learned, she never felt guilty towards herself. For giving up on herself and her life. Then why was it that she couldn''t stop herself from feeling guilty towards this person?


    He was the only one who stood beside her from the beginning to the end.


    "Do you know how much hated you for leaving like that? When I said, I''ll stand with you, why did you not believe in me? I told you I''ll prove your innocence. Why didn''t you trust me? Were my words that insignificant to you? Or was I that insignificant in your life?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #''t-forgive_52089463307828967 for visiting.


    Xiu lowered her eyes and clasped her hands in her lap. She didn''t dare look into his eyes again. The eyes that made her feel really guilty!


    "And even after coming back through this bizarre miracle, you chose to hide from me. Why? Why don''t I deserve to know that you''re alive?"


    "I''m sorry!"


    Han Bohai heard her soft voice and went quiet. Xiu finally lifted her eyes to look at him.


    "If I owe someone an apology in my life, that person is you. Chen Xiu only owed you an apology! No one else!" Han Bohai bit his bottom lip as he didn''t even blink. "So, today, this Chen Xiu is apologizing to you. I''m sorry for leaving. And I''m sorry for not sharing my struggle with you."


    Han Bohai exhaled a breath that he had been holding. It was the first time, he heard her addressing herself as Chen Xiu. He didn''t know what he felt inside at that moment. Was he elated? Was he hurting? Did he feel like crying? He really didn''t know. All kinds of emotions were tangled up in his heart and he not words to describe any of those emotions.


    "Don''t even for a second assume that I didn''t believe in you. I knew you''d stay with me no matter what. I knew it very well. But I had to let go of your hand," Xiu''s voice choked up but she didn''t stop. "I wanted to set myself free and I wanted to set you free as well." Han Bohai''s placed his hand over his chest as if he was in pain as she went on, "I never wanted to bind you with myself for life. I always told you, Xiao Bobo, you''re meant for great things. You''re meant to shine brighter than I ever did. Staying as my assistant would never get you there. But you weren''t ready to leave. Even when all kinds of rumors began about me and I had no work, you still insisted on staying as my assistant. I had to push you to take a flight."


    Han Bohai laughed mockingly through his tears at her, "And to make me take the flight, you pushed yourself to a grave. How can you be this cruel to me? Do you even know what I went through? I had told you, I lost my parents. My cousin was too young. I usually stayed away from home and that''s why you''re closer to me than even my own family! Do you realize how I felt when I got to know that I couldn''t save my sister?" He rubbed his face harshly before continuing, "When I lost my parents, I found you. Your presence made it easier for me to feel less lonely. But what about the emptiness that your death brought in my life and my heart? How was I supposed to fill it?"


    Xiu stood up and walked over to his side, she hugged his head but didn''t say anything.


    Han Bohai wrapped his arms around her and cried even harder, "I can forgive you for anything but I can never forgive you for leaving me! I can''t do it! Because I can''t forget the pain you brought to me. I can''t forget that you didn''t trust me. I can''t forget that I missed you every single day since you left."


    Xiu was shedding silent tears as she continued to rub his hair in a soothing manner but it only made him cry ugly tears. He couldn''t stop it. It was as if all the pent-up pain that he had acc.u.mulated in those years was finally flowing out of his system in the form of tears. He really had no control over his own tears right now.


    "I don''t want you to forgive me," she said. "It''s not why I apologized. I said sorry because I owed it to you. As for you not wanting to forgive me, that''s your right. I''d never question it. You can continue to hate me for as long as you want."


    "If I could really hate you," said Han Bohai in between his sobbing. "I think my life would have been easier. It would have been simple if I really could hate you as much as I missed you." He sniffled as he went on, "When you''re gone, I kept adding extra salt in my food but there was no one to nag me for it. I continued to work hard but there was no one to say I did well. There was no one to show kindness to random people and give me a big lecture over. I purposely ate junk food in the hope that you''d show up and tell me how unhealthy that is then you''ll cook me a warm meal."


    Xiu couldn''t stop her own tears. She knew she''d lose control before him and she did. She couldn''t take the intensity of his emotions. She could feel his pain. She could feel the way he was tightening his hold on her with each word as if he was scared that she would disappear in the next minute.

 Chapter 847 - Keep You Close

    Han Bohai tilted his head up to look into her eyes as he continued, "You said goodbye on that dinner. I happily walked away thinking I''d see you in the morning. The morning did come, but I didn''t get to see you. I thought I''d see you, but I didn''t!"


    His hysterical crying was really tearing Xiu''s heart apart. Every single thing that came out of his mouth was like someone was punching her guts and tearing her heart apart slowly. The process was slow and torturous.


    He stood up and held her shoulders, "When I didn''t give up on you, how dare you gave up on yourself? How could you do it?! No matter how much people exploited your kind nature, you still continued to show your kindness. You never changed or ran away from your true self. Then how could run away when it was time to fight for yourself?"


    "I was tired," she spoke in a soft voice. "I wanted to rest. I really wanted to rest."


    Han Bohai just stared into her eyes as he could see the pain in those eyes clearly. How could he not know why she was tired? He knew it but he still didn''t want to accept it!


    "You let others destroy you but you couldn''t allow me to save you instead?" He closed his eyes briefly. "Even if you''re tired, I was always there to lend you my shoulder to rest. I never just called you my sister, I accepted you as one. In the end, you didn''t even let this little brother share your burdens." He lightly punched her shoulder and she let him dow it. He repeatedly did it but Xiu could hardly feel it because the sensation in that arm was slowly recovering. "When I received my New Actor Award, I wanted to show it off to you. I spent a night boasting before your grave about how awesome I was and how I was gonna soon surpass you. I was only greeted by cold breeze and silence!"


    "Stop it!" said Xiu. She didn''t want to hear anymore. No, she couldn''t hear it anymore.


    "Why? Why should I stop me? You left me to suffer and I''m not even allowed to repeat it? And do you think I''m just repeating it? It''s like I''m reliving all those hopeless moments all over again when I really wanted to see you!" His voice had turned hoarse from crying now. He looked her up and down as he said, "I don''t care how this unexplainable miracle came to be. I only care about the fact that you still left me to suffer all alone! If life gave you another chance, how could you hide from me? Why me of all people? What did I do? What crime did I commit to suffer through that punishment? Why did you leave and left deadly silence into my world? And if you''re gonna leave such haunting silence, why did you add your never-ending chatter into my silent world?"


    Because of his parents'' death, Han Bohai had turned into an eccentric person. He''d easily lose temper. And he loved silence as well. But when Chen Xiu became a part of his life, not only did his temper never flared up, he even grew used to hearing her talking nonsense. With him around, she was rarely quiet. She''d always have something to say to him and that''s why he became accustomed to hearing her voice. Even when he didn''t reply most of the time, it didn''t bother her since she would still talk.


    But when she was gone, the silence he was once accustomed to came back but this time, it was haunting him. He didn''t feel comfortable with it.


    Xiu held his hand and said, "When I chose to leave, I was really reluctant to part with you. Till the very end, you''re the thread that had been holding me back. I desperately wanted to hold onto that thread but someone had to cut it and I found myself falling into a bottomless abyss. I couldn''t pull you with me, so I pushed you away. Even with this miracle, I wanted to let Chen Xiu rest in peace. I didn''t want to bring her back to life. Not even once did I think about bringing her back." She snickered, "Even if I wanted to, I couldn''t do it. When I found myself in this bizarre situation, it took me a long while to even accept it. Not only that, it was a struggle to live in the body of someone you knew nothing about. I was lost with no identity, no home, and no one to hold onto. Do you know why I care about Nora so much? She gave me the identity, a home, and warmth of a family."


    She placed her hand on his face to wipe his tears as she went on, "People who choose to let go, have no right to look back. I wanted you to let me go. I just didn''t realize you''d be stubborn enough to hold on even till now when there was no hope at all." His eyes were swelling up from crying and it tugged at her heart painfully, "Xiao Bobo, the first person I wanted to tell about this miracle was you. But I couldn''t bring myself to chain you with myself again. It''s only after you came before me that I realized that I was never able to set you free. Instead, I caged you in the past. That made me feel guiltier. And I couldn''t bring myself to say anything even more. When I found you so close to me, I didn''t want to let you go. I again became selfish. Why else do you think I insisted on making it work between you and Ying Jie? I was just finding excuses for my selfishness to keep you close to me."


    Han Bohai placed his hand on her head as he said, "And I wanted you to be this selfish when you''re Chen Xiu. I wanted you to be selfish and take what you wanted. But you never did."

 Chapter 848 - Slip Up

    "Chen Xiu was never selfish," said Xiu with a sad smile hanging on her lips. "Bai Xiu is selfish. I can crush anyone for my happiness. I can snatch anything and anyone as long as I want it. But Chen Xiu could never do it." She sighed out, "I am Chen Xiu and I am Bai Xiu. But Bai Xiu is like Chen Xiu''s alter ego. She is what Chen Xiu could never be and never dared to be."


    With his jaw clenched, he contemplated her words. She was right. He hated Chen Xiu for never fighting for herself. But she wasn''t like that now. And he had seen the proof of that on the wedding. Now, she''d never let anyone take what''s hers. Even if it''s just her dignity!


    To be honest, he actually felt relaxed and content to see that.


    Silence once again shrouded the room where they stood facing each other. Both had tears staining their faces. Both their eyes were red from crying. Both had mixed emotions surging within. Both had a million things to say and yet no words to say it.


    After Han Bohai got over his pent-up emotions, he finally felt at ease. He sat down with Xiu but said nothing. He was still just observing her expressions. The face before his eyes really had no resemblance with the one in his memories. Even the demeanor of the person before him had changed a lot. And yet, his heart firmly believed that she was his Chen Xiu. That familiarity between them could never be mistaken.


    Taking her hand in his own, he said, "You''re still hiding something from me." Xiu pursed her lips as he went on, "I believe you when you said you felt tired. I also believe you when you said you wanted to set yourself free. But I''m not willing to believe that just public opinion or scandals were able to crumble your willpower. My Sister Xiu might be innocent who believed in kindness, but she was a very rational person. A person like her chose to commit suicide just because something didn''t go right in her life? That''s utter bullshit and I never believed in it!"


    Xiu rubbed her face making it red like a tomato before she said, "Some people and some things caught me off-guard. I couldn''t process it all well and lost control of my emotions."


    "What happened?" Han Bohai urged her to tell him the truth. He wanted to hear about all of the things that happened back then. He wanted to know all of what he never got to know. And he wanted to know all about it from her!


    Xiu exhaled a long breath before she placed all the cards before him. From the incident of her meds getting swapped to how she got framed for a murder to how she got kidnapped that finally broke her entirely.


    Han Bohai''s fists were clenched tightly, his eyes were fuming. He really wanted to run someone down. He couldn''t help it. He knew she was struggling back then but he never realized just how vulnerable those people made her be and what kind of inhumane way they used to shatter her will to live. A person who was suffering from severe depression became a pawn in the hands of jealous and scheming bitches!


    He slammed his hand on the coffee table before him. He had used quite a force and it created quite some noise as well. Xiu held his hand in concern. Although there was no cut, his whole hand was red from the hit.


    "Have you lost your mind?" she rebuked him. "Why are you venting your anger on lifeless things? That''s only gonna hurt yourself, how is that satisfying?"


    Han Bohai looked at her concerned look and it prickled his heart just as much as he felt warmth.


    "Why didn''t tell me all of this back then?" questioned Han Bohai in a soft voice.


    Xiu sighed out, "I could hardly think straight at that time. How was I supposed to tell you? Wouldn''t that just make the matters worse?" She took a pause and stared into his eyes, "I couldn''t fight for myself back then because I genuinely felt like I did something wrong. My mind was so messed up that I did believe myself to be a criminal. And I felt disgusted with myself. But none of that matters to me now. I''m at the point in life where nothing can ever challenge me again. This time, I have the courage to fight for myself. And I''ll do it. Whether it''s a fight for Bai Xiu or the one for Chen Xiu''s dignity, I''ll fight each battle on my own. It had always been my battle. Only, I can win it!"


    Han Bohai''s lips finally curved up ever so slightly as he asked, "The big show that everyone''s been talking about today... You did it?"


    Xiu already knew he was referring to Liu Nuan. She appeared on national tv, it''d be a shocker if Han Bohai didn''t hear about it. In fact, if it just involved Liu Nuan, he wouldn''t have spared a single glance towards this matter but when he learned that it involved his Sister Xiu, he couldn''t possibly sit still.


    Xiu gave him a smirk, "Let''s say it''s half and half." He raised his brow inquisitively as she went on, "What I mean is, I just started the fire. The one who led it towards total destruction is someone else."


    "But that someone else is still close to you," stated Han Bohai. He sounded certain of himself.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders saying, "He is close but he had his own bone to pick with her. You can''t entirely make me carry this pot." Waiting for a few seconds, her gaze changed as she added, "Actually, you let these messy matters aside. I''m more curious to know how did you figure out my identity? I don''t think my acting can slip up. I might have stopped appearing before the camera, I haven''t lost my talent."

 Chapter 849 - Favorite Little Brother

    Xiu was certain that she didn''t give herself away in any way! She could clearly remember this incident, he had looked at her just like a stranger who shared the same name with someone he knew but after this incident, his gaze changed. He was certain about her identity. That meant, something happened that she wasn''t aware of.


    And it was needless to say that these days, Xiu had the urge to know each and every secret. She even wanted to dig up whatever secrets there were that had been hidden from her. She wanted to be in control of everything around her. And the unknown factor only brought uncertainty. That''s why she was trying to find out any secrets.


    "Tell me how or when did you figure it out?" she questioned again with a resolute look.


    Han Bohai was actually amused to see her expression as he said, "It''s true that you''re still the best actor I''ve ever come across in my life. But let''s not forget that I''m also your apprentice. Today, whatever I am, it''s because of what I''ve learned from you. Then how can I not tell when you''re acting?"


    "You''re bluffing!" stated Xiu without missing a beat.


    Han Bohai''s eyes were burning from crying so much earlier. He chuckled softly at her as he said, "Then I should I ask you why do you think I''m bluffing?"


    "Because I know you," retorted Xiu. "I''ve never forgotten what my little brother is like. How can I not tell what''s on your mind?"


    Han Bohai smiled at her as he said, "These years changed me a lot. Can you still claim to know me the best?"


    "I can," replied Xiu firmly and Han Bohai was a little surprised to hear that. "The only change in you is the resentment you''ve been carrying in your heart for these years. There is nothing else that changed about you."


    "And if I say the same about you?" Han Bohai retorted making Xiu''s brows raise up in question. "There are times when you look exactly the same as you did back then."


    "Even with this face?" questioned Xiu and he nodded in reply.


    "Yes, even with this face," was his response. "Do you remember, I''ve spent hours trying to read your feelings through your eyes? How can I forget the way you used to look at me?" He sighed out nostalgically. "Indeed, you''ve changed a lot but your essence didn''t change that much. Take the first meal you cooked for me," he reminded her. "Just with one bite, I felt like my sister Xiu was back but looking at your face, I shook that thought away. I thought I just missed you so much and that''s why I was being delusional."


    Xiu didn''t interrupt him, she could also remember that meal. She was feeling as emotional as she was feeling happy to see him there. And she had also seen the way his eyes had teared up after that first bite that felt so familiar to him.


    "Later, you asked for a hug," he went on. "Even though it was a completely different person before me, I could smell the ever so familiar scent of my sister Xiu. I could feel her protectiveness, longing, love, and warmth through that one hug and it stunned me. I even asked stupid questions to my assistant just to figure out whether I was going crazy."


    Xiu rubbed her forehead, she had only asked for that hug because she really did miss him. And seeing him so close, she really couldn''t hold back.


    "You said you''re my fan, I didn''t believe you. Not even for a second," he told her. As she opened her mouth to say something, he cut her off, "Even with all your evidence, I couldn''t believe your statement. That ''evidence'' looked more like a mother was showing off her son''s achievements to a stranger. If anything, I found it amusing but I was also touched by the gesture."


    Xiu was feeling amused by his words. Those were very small details. Such minor details, one might even overlook. He couldn''t possibly deduce the truth from all that.


    "Then the more I interacted with you, I found you familiar," said Han Bohai. "Whether it was how you looked at me, how you talked to me, or how you acted around me. Every single thing felt familiar to me. And right before the wedding, I saw a video of you playing the piano."


    Xiu was stunned to hear that. She didn''t know where he saw the video or how he got the hands-on it but she could finally understand why his belief got stronger.


    "I''ve seen you playing piano countless times. I might have lost count of that but I could never forget the way your fingers glide over the keys."


    "Don''t tell me just a piano performance gave me away completely," said Xiu. "I''ll feel bad for myself. I put so much effort into hiding and you''re telling me, that I lost because of my piano skills?"


    Han Bohai shook his head, "No, that was the first time I actually had that bizarre thought in my mind that you''re my sister Xiu. Even if the face is different, the identity is different but you''re my sister Xiu. I actually didn''t understand where that thought came from but once it sunk into my heart, I couldn''t pull it out."


    "But then the seed of suspicion that was buried into my heart finally sprouted on the wedding day."


    "F.u.c.k!" Xiu cursed out loud. "Did you also eavesdrop on my conversation? How many of you were actually there? And don''t you realize that it''s a bad habit to eavesdrop on others?"


    Han Bohai looked at her reaction and looked puzzled. And seeing his reaction, Xiu was also puzzled.


    "You didn''t hear anything?" she asked cautiously and he shook his head in reply. Xiu sighed out, "Finally, someone didn''t eavesdrop." Patting her chest, she frowned, "Then how did your suspicion got stronger?"


    "Why don''t you go and ask your favorite little brother?"


    Honestly, Han Bohai didn''t want to sound like a jealous person and he didn''t want to be petty either. But when he talked about this, he just couldn''t help himself!

 Chapter 850 - Same Feeling

    Hearing his words, Xiu was in deep thought as she mumbled out, "My favorite little brother?" Then she frowned at him, "Are you talking about my Jackie?"


    Han Bohai felt like something snapped in his brain and yet, he didn''t flare out. Not because he didn''t want to but because he didn''t want her to see how much her words affected her.


    She not only just accepted that ''Jackie'' was her favorite brother, but she also called out, ''My Jackie''.


    What happened to ''my Xiao Bobo'' this and that? Bloody Xiao Bobo was even kicked out of the favorites list now? He was THE ONLY person on that list and now the tables had turned!


    Xiu didn''t perceive the change in his breathing as she was focused on his words. "Are you serious? Did Jackie really expose my secret?"


    Inhale. Exhale. Han Bohai repeated the process silently before nodding his head, "Indeed, that little guy exposed you."


    Xiu''s frown deepened, "That''s not possible. He doesn''t know anything."


    Han Bohai shook his head at her, "But surprisingly he knows you better than anyone around you." Even though there was some bitterness in his tone, he was still feeling admirable towards that tiny bomb called Jackie!


    He was a whole lot of trouble packed in that tiny body.


    Xiu had to agree with that. Jackie indeed knew her better than anyone. She raised him, it was inevitable that he won''t learn about her deeply. He even inherited a lot of her troublesome nature. Even though he was not as hyper as she was, his inside was exactly like hers. It was just that Xiu was hasty while Jackie had always been patient and calm.


    Xiu didn''t realize that a smile had crept the way on her lips which Han Bohai had noticed. He knew she was thinking about that little guy again but said nothing. Just decided to silently silk again. He just couldn''t come to terms with the fact that his Sister Xiu had someone more important than him now.


    "So, how did he expose me?" Asked Xiu as she looked into Han Bohai''s eyes. "I''m curious now."


    Han Bohai took a deep breath and honestly told her the course of events that led to his suspicion turning into reality...


    *Flashback*


    It was at the wedding where Jackie and Han Bohai had unexpectedly found a topic that was not only common between them but it happened to be their favorite topic as well. And the name of this topic was; Their Sister Xiu!


    That''s right, both of them had the same favorite person and they both loved to brag about their sister Xiu as well.


    Normally, Jackie wouldn''t even spare others a second glance. He never even cared about Ah-Si who was even dating his sister. But he was extremely cordial towards Han Bohai since the time he learned that the latter also had a Sister Xiu who was supposedly awesome.


    However, how could Jackie just let anyone claim that their sister Xiu was better than his? Wouldn''t that be an insult to him?


    That''s why these two who were fanatics of their own sister, found a silent place to talk. Originally, Han Bohai had the same thought that he wanted to prove that his sister Xiu was better but the more he heard, the more his heart hurt at the possibility.


    "My sister Xiu was a master-level chef!" Claimed Han Bohai clearly boasting without any restriction.


    "But my sister Xiu is grandmaster level chef!" Was Jackie''s response


    "My sister Xiu loved to drink and she would then cause a scene," said Han Bohai in a nostalgic way.


    "Mine also loved to drink and then she''d do all sorts of things. She''d be dancing, singing, playing piano, beat some random person, bake cupcakes for hours, then cry before passing out on her own."


    Han Bohai''s chest constricted when he heard that. Chen Xiu had a habit of doing all sorts of things in her drunken stupor as well. The liquid courage always made her turn into a bold person. Even he wished she''d be that bold and carefree on usual days as well.


    From bragging to each other, both had turned into talking about their memories related to their sister Xiu.


    "She used to talk about random things. Always lecturing me to be happy but I never found her happy." Said Han Bohai.


    "I also never saw her happy," replied Jackie. "At least, not before brother-in-law came into her life. Although there was always a smile on her face, I just couldn''t find her happiness behind that smile."


    "You know 75% of the times, I didn''t even know what she meant. Her words were too deep for me. So, I started recording her voice. It was only after she was gone that her words started making sense to me and I realized, how painful her words were behind that playful smile." Han Bohai''s eyes dimmed down as he recalled all of that.


    Jackie patted his arm saying, "My sister doesn''t make sense 90% of the time. She has all the weirdest logic to justify her actions but she will never find an excuse for her cold-heartedness. Even though she is not cold at all."


    Han Bohai had unconsciously started thinking that they both were talking about the same person. Even though there were significant differences between those two people.


    Jackie took a deep breath and told him, "My sister says, losing someone is a part of life. It''s painful only because that''s just how love is. But the person is already lost, you can only let go now. The longer you hold on to a dead person, the longer it will take to heal. You have to let them go to set yourself free."


    Han Bohai felt like his breath hitched and he couldn''t breathe anymore. Those words reverberated in his mind. The same exact words he had heard from Chen Xiu when she was consoling him on his parents'' death anniversary. He had never forgotten those words. But now, he was hearing those words again from a different person. And yet, the feeling was still the same.


    *Flashback, to be continued*

 Chapter 851 - Sandcastles

    *Flashback Continued*


    It took a long while for Han Bohai to come around from the turmoil of his own thoughts. He so desperately wanted to believe that they were indeed talking about the same person but every time voice in his head would throw a bucket of cold water on him saying, ''It was merely a coincidence.''


    However, just how many coincidences can one really have?


    Jackie was oblivious to the changes that he was internally going through as he continued, "I''m just telling you this because I can tell you''re hurting. And I can also tell you miss your sister Xiu. And I believe wherever she is, she won''t like to see you like this."


    "Little gentleman," began Han Bohai with a heavy tone laced with sadness. "How are you so good with words at this age?"


    Jackie shrugged his shoulders as he told her, "I have superior genes." Han Bohai couldn''t help chuckling at his reply. "Also, I have two eccentric sisters. I can''t be dull if I want to win in the battle of wits with those two sisters. Trust me, being a little brother is not easy."


    Han Bohai sighed out, "You''re right. It''s really not easy. You want to become strong to protect your sister but find yourself helpless most of the time. You want your sister to share all her worries with you but she doesn''t want to burden you."


    The reason why Jackie grew even closer to Han Bohai after this was because he felt like Han Bohai shared a lot of his feelings. He could understand him even though they had decades of the age difference between them. But currently, age wasn''t involved. They were just two little brothers who shared the same feelings towards their sisters. And that alone was enough to bring them close.


    "Do you know my Sister Xiu loves to sleep?" said Jackie. "But actually, it''s just her way to hide from things. She says, she didn''t get enough sleep in her previous life because she suffered from insomnia, so now, she was planning on getting all the sleep she missed out on. However, I know she wants to sleep just to avoid thinking about things."


    Han Bohai found it difficult to question but he still asked, "What is she avoiding?"


    "That I don''t know," replied Jackie honestly.


    "There is something that you don''t know?" Han Bohai wasn''t faking his surprise, he was genuinely taken aback.


    "Sister Xiu said if you don''t know something, you should accept that you don''t know it. There is nothing wrong with showing your flaws once in a while. Not everyone''s goal should be to achieve perfection because it''s the imperfections that make us beautiful and real."


    Han Bohai had long lost the count of times he found an image of Chen Xiu in Jackie''s Sister Xiu. In fact, the two faces of Chen Xiu and Bai Xiu were clashing within his mind. Even if they were two different people, his heart really couldn''t come to terms to believe that they were really two different people.


    *End of Flashback*


    In this way, talking for an hour with Jackie had made Han Bohai''s suspicion grow stronger and stronger until he only needed a single nudge to believe in unbelievable!


    And that single nudge was given by Xiu herself when she called out to him in her unconscious state. He had been left with no other choice but to believe in the impossible. In fact, from the very beginning, he wanted to believe in the impossible. Even without Xiu''s confession, he was willing to whole-heartedly believe in the impossible. After all, he finally found a ray of light in his dark world where he thought the light would never be able to shine again.


    Xiu felt complicated hearing the course of events that Han Bohai described to her in detail. "I can''t believe it was Jackie who gave me away," she said with a sigh. "But how come you even believed his words so easily?"


    "Maybe because my heart wanted to believe in it," replied Han Bohai without hesitation. "I couldn''t help it. The things he said had an uncanny resemblance to what I knew about you. There was no way, my mind would wander about recklessly."


    Xiu found it difficult to believe herself as she pushed her hair back saying, "It took me years to come to term with this reincarnation stuff. And you came up with this bizarre idea on your own? I don''t know who is more ridiculous now. Me who went through all this and yet took years to accept it or you, who didn''t even take a moment before accepting it so easily."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together for a minute before he said, "Your husband knows this truth as well." Xiu looked at him wondering if that was a question or a statement. But she figured it out when he continued, "If he can believe in this, why can''t I?"


    "And how can you be sure that my husband knows the truth about me?" inquired Xiu.


    "Because I know," he replied. "You''ll never start a relationship based on a lie. Even if the truth would break everything, you''d still choose the truth. Didn''t you use to say that relationsh.i.p.s based on lies and deceptions are like sandcastles? Just one turbulent wave of the sea is enough to raze everything in its wake."


    Xiu closed her eyes and pinched the space between her brows, "Okay. I accept he knows. I also accept that he believes me but that''s because I confessed everything on my own. And I did it in a way that he couldn''t contradict my words. He had no other choice than to believe me."


    "I also had no other choice," said Han Bohai. "Even if someone said, there is a ghost of you around me, I''d still believe it. As long as something or someone gave me a reason to believe that you''re not gone, I''d believe it."

 Chapter 852 - No One Else

    Xiu held her forehead in her hand before Han Bohai her shoulders shaking. He placed his hand on her face to make her look up because he was scared that she was crying again. But instead, he found her silently laughing. And soon, that silent laughter turned into a peal of roaring laughter.


    He was confused by her reaction. He didn''t know what made her laugh like this. He really didn''t know what he said that she found so amusing. But he didn''t care. Because he was lost in the sound of her laughter. It was unrestrained and gave a comforting feeling that eased up his mind. So, he leaned back and let her continue to laugh.


    By the time she was done, transparent tears were hanging at the corners of her eyes. She wiped the tears and tried to compose herself again.


    "What''s so funny?" he finally asked when he saw her getting down from the peak of hysterical laughter.


    "I don''t know," she replied honestly. "Do you remember, I used to tell you no one will remember me once I''m gone?"


    Han Bohai''s facial expressions metamorphosed as he said, "Of course, I remember that. After that Liu Nuan wrongly accused you, you even used to say how people won''t forget you now. That one incident will always come up every time your name would be spoken out loud."


    Xiu nodded her head, "I truly believed that Chen Xiu''s name would only get limited to being a vicious woman who took the life of someone''s child." Shaking her head, she smiled, "But it was after meeting Regan that I realize that people didn''t just remember me as a vicious person. Someone still cherished and adored Chen Xiu. Someone still trusted in her innocence." She sighed out, "It''s ironic that the person who trusted me this much, really didn''t even know me that well."


    "I know how much he loved Chen Xiu," said Han Bohai. "I only signed with his company because of that. He never even tried to hide his feelings for a person who was already gone."


    Xiu looked proudly at him, "I have an awesome husband, don''t I?"


    Han Bohai looked at her face and felt amused as he nodded along, "Yeah. You sure have an awesome husband."


    "I know," she replied with a grin. "It''s because he is awesome that I have come this far. I''d have never had the courage to open the book that I closed with my own death. If it wasn''t for him, I''d have really let Chen Xiu stay dead."


    Han Bohai could feel her happiness. He could see it sparkling in her clear eyes. And he really couldn''t peel his eyes away from this contagious happiness. He could see how much she loved her husband. He had seen it before but now, it was different. Knowing that Darren was actually his Sister Xiu''s husband brought a different family.


    "I''m happy for you," he couldn''t help saying. Xiu gave him an inquisitive gaze and he went on, "I always wanted to see happy like this. Even though you had to go through death to reach this happiness, I''m still very happy for you."


    "I also didn''t think death would bring me to this happiness," she agreed. "I still find it surreal."


    "You finally have what you always yearned for," he said. "The only wish you always had was to have a warm family that belonged to you. Now, life has really gifted you with a warm family."


    Xiu chuckled at that, "It''s a crazy family! But it''s still mine! And I like that."


    "Of course, you''d like it," began Han Bohai. "You have parents. A husband who gives in to everything you say. He is literally a fool for you. Then there is an uncle, who is also an equal fool for you. There is even a sister-like best friend who likes to argue with you but still loves you the most. There are even brothers who would do anything to protect you."


    Xiu continued to listen attentively but even more attentive was her gaze that was fixed on his face. She touched the tip of his nose saying, "Why do I think you''re saying something but mean something else?"


    "I don''t," he denied. "I really am happy for you."


    Xiu shook her head at him, "That I already know. Of course, you happy to see my happiness. But..." She sat beside him and flung her arm over his shoulder as she pulled him closer. "Little brother, do you really think just because I have so many people I forgot about you?" Han Bohai''s heart shook as he turned his face to look into her eyes. "Do you really think there is anyone who can take your place?"


    "There are even more exceptional people around you," stated Han Bohai. "It wouldn''t be a surprise if someone took my place."


    Xiu knocked on his head, "But no one can do that! What you have, no one else has it!"


    "And what is that?" he inquired curiously but with a dull feeling.


    "You''re there when no one else was," she replied making his eyes widen. "Silly Xiao Bobo, no matter how good they are to me, they can''t be as good as you were to me. My little brother, who scolded me, let me cry on his shoulder, cleaned up my drunken mess, watched me broken, heard me complaining, saw me falling down, and yet he stood by my side. You stood with me when no one even wanted to see me. Tell me, just how can someone take your place?"


    Han Bohai felt choked up hearing her words. He was touched, to say the least.


    She poked his forehead as she continued, "You are someone more important to me than you think. You really have no idea just how much you mean to me. I might have more brothers now, but you''re always the first. And you''d always be the first for me. Nothing can change that. No one can change that fact."

 Chapter 853 - Embrace It

    Xiu even put his head on her shoulder as she caressed his head saying, "Xiao Bobo, some people are irreplaceable in our lives. You''re are the irreplaceable one for me. All of these people came into my only now, you have always been a part of my life." She chuckled at his puerile act and added, "And you don''t have to be jealous of anyone. Even if I call Jackie my favorite brother, he can''t be you. He is dear to me but you''d always have your own place in my life. Stop comparing yourself to others because the comparison isn''t fair for others. You''ll always have the advantage over others."


    Han Bohai let himself rest his head on her shoulder and felt relaxed hearing her words. It was his morose expression that didn''t escape her eyes. Even today, she knew him best. She could understand his mind with just one look. He didn''t have to voice out that he felt wronged, she''d always know it.


    She ruffled his hair, "Now, would you stop sulking? It really doesn''t suit you. Haven''t you always been cool and debonair? What changed while I was gone that you turned into a kid?"


    "I missed you," he said as he hugged her.


    "You already said that," she told him.


    "Well, I want to say it again," he said stubbornly. "I really missed you a lot!"


    "I know," she replied. "I missed you a lot as well."


    Han Bohai''s lips curved up slightly as he continued to enjoy this comfortable silence between them. Her hand on his head was really comforting. She had always been the one who could calm his raging emotions. She just had that control over him. Her one look was enough to make him get his act together.


    Even though there were years between them, the feelings didn''t change. He realized he still loved her intensely. He also realized her touch and her words had the same magical affect on him as his mother did. And since her gentleness and tenderness had always reminded him of his mother, he suddenly felt like he finally found a warm embrace again. The feeling was indescribable!


    "By the way, now that you''re jealous of little Jackie, I wonder if you''re planning on being jealous of your nephew as well," Xiu was the one who broke the spell of silence as this thought suddenly crossed her mind. Since her husband had been getting more and more jealous of their little tiger, she couldn''t help thinking about it now.


    Han Bohai lifted his head abruptly, "Oh, I suddenly remembered. You''re pregnant! I''m going to be an uncle soon!"


    "Not soon," replied Xiu seeing his excitement. "There are still over 8 months before that time comes. Don''t scare me by saying ''soon'' as if it''s gonna happen tomorrow."


    "Why are you scared?" he asked in confusion.


    Xiu stared at him squarely, "Why don''t you try giving birth in my place? Let''s see if get scared of it or not?"


    Han Bohai chuckled seeing her fuming like that, "Sister Xiu, even after everything, you''re merely being a coward before childbirth? I didn''t expect that from you! Even death couldn''t bring you down and you''re gonna let this little kid dance all over your will?"


    Xiu tucked her hair behind her ear saying, "Now, that you put it like this... I agree. How can I let myself get scared of this? I''ve been through worse." She looked at him and added, "But I''m still scared. Let me be!"


    Han Bohai laughed at her and told her, "Actually, I won''t be jealous of my nephew."


    "Really?"


    He nodded his head, "It''s my own nephew, what''s there to be jealous about? He is gonna be in a league of his own. Currently, I''m fighting with the brother''s league. Nephew... Brothers... Totally different category. So, no comparison there!"


    Xiu looked at him in amus.e.m.e.nt, "And if he ended up liking his other uncles better than you?"


    Han Bohai looked smug, "His mother loves me the most, he has to love me the most as well."


    Xiu laughed out at his logic and ruffled his hair, "You''re really my brother. Even our sense of logic is undefeatable!"


    Han Bohai dr.a.p.ed his arm around her shoulder as he said, "Of course! Even we are undefeatable. Our sense of logic should also be like us."


    "I have to say it, only you understand me truly!" She took a pause and happily told him, "Today, I heard his first heartbeat." Han Bohai''s eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she went on, "It really made me feel strange inside. It was the kind of feeling I never had before."


    "Have you thought of a name yet?" he inquired.


    "Won''t little tiger do?" retorted Xiu.


    Han Bohai narrowed his eyes at her, "Sister Xiu, please, don''t torture the kid. He hasn''t even been born yet."


    Xiu pouted at him, "How can you say that? I quite like that name. It makes me feel close to him."


    "You can keep it as his nickname," said Han Bohai. "But please, give him a good name. You can''t let my nephew get bullied for his name just because his mother''s mental health was questionable!"


    Xiu gave him a look but didn''t say anything. She couldn''t bring herself to be harsh with this idiot. It wasn''t that she didn''t have something to say, she was just unwilling to say those words out loud to him. It just didn''t sit well with him.


    "Since the time I woke up in this body, I never thought one day I''d be sitting here like this talking to you," said Xiu. "Looking at you reminds me of the past."


    "Is it painful?" he questioned.


    Xiu shook her head, "Not anymore. Now, the past is just a past. And I don''t want to live in that past anymore."


    "Are you still trying to escape from that past?" he inquired with a complicated gaze.


    Xiu gave him a smile, "No. Now, I''m finally trying to embrace it."

 Chapter 854 - Impact

    "It''s good," Han Bohai said with an earnest look. "I really don''t want to see you dwell in the past." He unconsciously touched his shirt''s pocket. It made him seem like a thief who was hiding something and Xiu''s eyes narrowed ever so slightly at that action, however, she didn''t voice it out for now. "It''s better if today''s happiness makes you forget the pain of yesterday."


    Xiu who had poured her heart out before him sincerely was feeling relaxed. She couldn''t stop smiling no matter how she tried. It definitely made her look silly but the person beside her didn''t mind. He could finally see her genuine feelings, how could he complain about her being silly right now?


    "It took me a while to realize that my happiness had always been in my own hands," said Xiu. "I just never noticed it. If I had noticed it before, maybe today would be different." She let her eyes wander around in the room as she went on, "In fact, I don''t mind the pain of yesterday as well. That pain introduced me to some of the most beautiful people. Either it''s you or my husband, I''m connected to you both because of that pain. So, I naturally don''t mind it at all."


    Han Bohai was surprised to hear that as he inquired, "You really don''t mind it at all?"


    Xiu shook her head immediately, "Not at all! I just think to get the blessings of today, I had to pay a price. They say love isn''t cheap. I''ll just consider that I had to pay with my life to achieve my true love. Although the price was hefty, however, trust me it was worth it."


    "You really love him that much?" Han Bohai couldn''t help asking.


    Xiu grinned at him, "I do! I really do! With him around, I don''t have to hide anything. I don''t have to fake a smile because my smile would always be real when he is around. I just can''t help myself falling deeper in love whenever I look at him. There is only one flaw with him."


    "What is it?" he was really interested in hearing about it.


    "He always gives in to what I say," she replied.


    "Isn''t that a good thing?" he retorted.


    "Not necessarily," she answered with a complicated look in her eyes. "Although I love him to death! I''d still like it if he said no to me more often. But it''s okay. I''m slowly training him well."


    "How did you even fall in love with him?"


    Xiu could practically see his curiosity burning through his eyes. But she was more than happy to go along with this discussion. She would never back off when it came to bragging about her husband.


    "I just did," she replied. "His grey eyes just sucked my soul in and now, it''s trapped with him."


    "Why do I feel like you''re showing off?"


    Xiu chuckled, "Because I am!" She didn''t try hiding her intention or concealing it before him. The Xiu, before him, was guileless. She was her very real self that didn''t have to put up a front. She was just herself. And her real self never needed reasons to justify her feelings. "Do you know I used to think I can justify my emotions but it turned out, I never needed a reason to fall in love. It just happened with the person it was bound to happen. And because I fell so deep that I had to tell him honestly. Being honest is the basic respect you can give your partner who is entrusting you with his heart. How could I be dishonest with him?"


    Han Bohai wasn''t even surprised to hear those words. He just naturally agreed with her words.


    "You''re making me envious again," he stated.


    Xiu ruffled his hair, "Xiao Bobo, do you know how many times I''ve heard that already?" Han Bohai raised his brows at her. "Everyone around me has at least once told me how they are envious of my relationship with Regan."


    "Well, you gave them enough reasons to be envious," said Han Bohai. "Have you ever looked at your face when you talk about your husband? It''s enough to make someone choke on sugar! That''s how sickening sweet it is!"


    "Wanna hear some ironic?"


    "What?"


    "There is someone my husband is envious of."


    "Huh? Who?" Han Bohai was intrigued.


    "You!" she replied leaving him dumbfounded.


    "Me?" He pointed at himself. "What do I have that he wants?"


    Xiu shook her head lightly, "He is envious of the relationship you have with me." Han Bohai went silent as she went on, "He really wishes to take your place and be with me at the time where I only had you to lean on. He also thinks you understand me better than anyone else." She gave him a sweet smile, "And I agree with him. I don''t think just anyone could handle a person like me whose mental health is questionable till this day!"


    Han Bohai narrowed his eyes at her, "Even though your mental health was questionable, you''re someone who managed to leave an impact on other''s lives including me. And I believe, you had the same impact on your husband''s life as well." His eyes dimmed down as he told her, "The first time I saw her was when I went to the hospital after hearing about..." He couldn''t bring himself to add, ''death.'' Licking his lips, he added, "He looked more lifeless than your cold body. He was sitting frozen on his chair without moving at all. His body and his clothes were stained with your blood. In fact, it looked like he was the one who was gravely injured."


    Xiu had never heard about this before so she was momentarily blank. She didn''t know what to say as she listened to him.


    "You know it was strange seeing such a big man trembling all over as if he lost his whole world and it didn''t take me to realize that he really considered Chen Xiu as his whole world."

 Chapter 855 - Stole It

    This was Xiu''s first time hearing about Darren''s condition after her death. And the picture that Han Bohai''s words painted in her mind was really not pretty. If anything, it made her feel his pain.


    "He didn''t talk to anyone," Han Bohai still continued. "He seemed like he was in a daze and he couldn''t make sense of everything that''s been happening around him. The way he looked was enough to break someone''s heart."


    Xiu''s breath hitched as she held his arm tightly and voiced out, "If you continue, you''re gonna crush my heart as well. So, I beg you not to say it. I might have turned myself stronger mentally but I won''t be able to bear hearing about Regan''s pain. He is the person who is behind my strength, do you really want to remind me how I''m the one who crumbled him?"


    Han Bohai instantly shut his mouth. He didn''t have that intention. He just couldn''t help recalling that scene even after all these years. He could remember the feeling of loss he felt with Chen Xiu''s death and he also knew what she meant to him. But he never figured how Darren''s love for her was so deep. In his case, he stayed with Chen Xiu for like five years. However, Darren didn''t have that advantage. And yet, he loved her beyond Han Bohai could even comprehend.


    "I might sound really dramatic and unrealistic," began Han Bohai. "But this thought is bugging me lately." Xiu raised her brow at him. "Maybe because I''m an actor and that''s why such a thought popped up in my head."


    "What is it?" she questioned impatiently.


    Han Bohai sighed, "I feel like this second chance that heaven gave you might be something that Darren''s love fought for you." Xiu raised her brows even higher as he continued, "It can be nonsense as well. But think about it, the way he had been loving you is remarkable. It''s something that people rarely find. Just how many people do you think can get a love like yours? Don''t tell me it never crossed your mind that maybe it was his desperation, agony, yearning, and love that defied death."


    "Maybe it''s because we come from the same profession and love to read fantasy stories, I actually have thought about that idea once," replied Xiu with much difficulty. Accepting it was really difficult that her brain was also wandering all over the place. Well, this phenomenon had no scientific solution, so she could only conjure up some strange ideas! The thought that Han Bohai put forth was one of her strange ideas.


    "You''re really my sister," he said while shaking his head at her.


    "And you''re certainly my brother," she replied proudly. She extended her hand and said, "Now, show me what''s in your pocket?"


    Han Bohai''s expressions shifted as he instantly covered his shirt''s pocket with his hand as he said, "It''s nothing. Nothing important!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at him, "Xiao Bobo, you had way too many chances to confront me in the past week but you didn''t do so. Today, you definitely came up to have a discussion. I''d like to see what really forced you to take this step." Seeing him hesitating, she turned her voice gently, "What are you worried about? Whatever it is, you can just tell me."


    "You just said you don''t want to remember the past," he said. "This will definitely bring up your past again."


    "And I also said, I''m not gonna run from that past either," she replied. "Just show it to me already. Don''t make me pull your hair until you''re bald!"


    Han Bohai covered his hair giving her resentful gaze before he took out a bracelet from his pocket and placed it into her hand, "I don''t think you can forget this."


    As Xiu held that bracelet, she felt like she went back in time. She had always worn it. For as long as her memory went, she could remember having this bracelet around her wrist. It had accompanied her far too long. There was no way she''d forget it. She never took off this bracelet unless her role demanded it, she''d always wear it.


    In fact, the media also stated that the bracelet was like a part of her skin. Because she was never found without wearing it.


    As for where she got it, how she got it, or since when did she had it, it was all blank in her mind. Those memories were too distant and she couldn''t seem to reach out to them.


    "Why do you have it?" she asked in a daze. Then she looked at him, "How did it get to you?"


    Han Bohai sighed out, "First, you should tell me where did you throw it? Or did you give it to someone? Because I found all of your stuff at your condo, except this. I never even saw the shadow of it. There is no way, it''d have been stolen."


    Xiu let her eyes caressed the beautiful bracelet in her hand as she replied, "I lost it."


    "Lost it?" questioned Han Bohai in confusion. "When? And where? And why didn''t you tell me about it?"


    "I don''t know," she replied. "I can''t remember how, or where I lost it. My mind was always all over the place, I couldn''t possibly focus on one thing. How would I know where I lost it?" She stared at him, "Now, you tell me where did you get it from? Where did you find it? Or who gave it to you?"


    "I stole it," he replied. "From my girlfriend''s room."


    Xiu''s eyes widened as she continued to stare at him, "Ying Jie?"


    "Do I have another girlfriend?" he retorted.


    "How would I know that?" she shot back.


    He glared at her, "Sister Xiu, don''t! You should focus on the main point here!"


    Xiu took a deep breath and asked, "Then you tell me what''s the main point? Because I''m certainly very curious about why or how my bracelet ended up with Ying Jie. I clearly never had anything to do with her."

 Chapter 856 - Burn To Exhaustion

    Today, when Ying had gone out to find Xiao Li, Han Bohai was just helping her in cleaning her room which she left in a mess. And while doing so, he accidentally came across the bracelet he was all too familiar with. For a moment, he could have doubted that it was just another bracelet with the same design but in the end, he couldn''t do so.


    He spent his whole day trying to think about this. And only at night, he decided to come and look for Xiu. Just as Xiu had said, he could have chosen any other moment to show up at her door but he didn''t. He also didn''t know why he couldn''t bring himself to do so. But once he was faced with something related to his Sister Xiu, he just couldn''t control his anxiousness and had to look for her.


    "Let''s confirm it first," began Han Bohai. "This is really yours and not just another bracelet like yours, right?"


    Xiu gave him a disdainful look, "Xiao Bobo, I can recognize my stuff." She rotated the bracelet and showed it to him, "For a moment, let''s ignore the fact that my name is carved here. But remember I fell down back then. And because the bracelet rubbed against the ground, these scratches were left behind. It really is mine! There is no doubt!"


    Han Bohai nodded his head. He just needed this confirmation from her. He already was clear about the truth but he still wanted to hear it from her.


    "Why would Ying Jie have it though?" Xiu muttered softly with perplexity trickling from her face. It was obvious from her face that she was feeling troubles about this turn of events. She held his shoulder and urged, "Go and ask her."


    "Huh?"


    "I said, go to Ying Jie and ask her why she has it? Who gave it to her?" said Xiu straightforwardly.


    "I''m assuming that..."


    Xiu flicked his forehead, "I don''t want assumptions! Do you know how much time we can save from direct confrontations? Why go around trying to find the truth when you can just ask the one who knows the truth?"


    Han Bohai squinted his eyes at her, "I know that already! But with what right I should question her?"


    "As her boyfriend!" retorted Xiu.


    "Is that enough?" questioned Han Bohai sternly. "She won''t tell me anything! She is simply gonna say I have nothing to do with this."


    "This is your sister''s property!" Xiu reminded him. "Of course, you have everything to do with this!" She stared at him intently, "I can''t go and question her because I as Bai Xiu have nothing to with Chen Xiu''s stuff. It will only complicate things. But you as Chen Xiu''s brother have all the right to know why your sister''s bracelet is with your girlfriend!"


    Han Bohai stayed quiet for a while before voicing out, "I think she is looking for Chen Hana."


    Xiu frowned at him, "Why would she be looking for Chen Hana?"


    "Maybe to learn about who you are," replied Han Bohai. "From the time she learned I was close to Chen Xiu, she had repeatedly tried to pry up some information regarding Chen Hana''s whereabouts. At first, I didn''t pay much attention to why she was so curious but now, I can''t help but think that this all connected." Xiu opened her mouth but he cut her off as he continued, "Hear me out first! You already know that Chen Hana isn''t your mother which left us with the question, who are your parents? Aren''t you curious in the least bit?"


    "Honestly, no!" was Xiu''s firm reply.


    "Stop lying to yourself," said Han Bohai. "Even if you aren''t curious, have you ever thought that there might be some desperately looking for you?" He took a deep breath and went on, "This bracelet might be your only clue. This can really lead you to your identity. And I have no doubt that ''Xiu'' is your name since it''s carved on it. But what if, ''Xiu'' is just one character from the full name?"


    "How does all of this connect to Ying Jie having this bracelet?" asked Xiu in exasperation.


    "What if she knows something?" said Han Bohai. "The way she has been keeping this safe shows it isn''t just a random bracelet to her. This isn''t even where she lives but she is carrying it with her. She definitely knows something!"


    Xiu sighed out, "If she knows then all the more reason for you to question her upfront! If you can come here to question me, you should go to her as well!"


    "Fine! I''ll go," he agreed readily. "But first, tell me, are you prepared to confront your real identity? Or are you willing to spend a lifetime with fake names?"


    Xiu''s heart trembled when he put it that way. Even though she resolutely told Darren that she was fine without knowing who her parents were but not having her own identity was different. Until now, she felt like she lives two lifetimes based on lies. She definitely owed herself one truth and that was; Who was she?


    Xiu calmed herself down and said, "We can''t be sure that Ying Jie knows anything about that. And until that is confirmed, let''s not talk about it. For now, you should just ask her why she is keeping my things with her."


    Han Bohai nodded his head, "I obviously am gonna ask her that. She just hasn''t come back yet." He took the bracelet back from Xiu as he went on, "She went out in the morning but I haven''t heard from her since then. Not sure if she is coming back for the night or not."


    Xiu groaned tiredly, "Why is talking getting so tiring these days? I feel exhausted now!" She pointed at Han Bohai and shouted, "This is all your fault! You made my brain cells burn from exhaustion!"


    "Then you should use those brain cells more often!" he shot back. "Maybe they''ll get used to working and won''t burn to exhaustion so soon!"

 Chapter 857 - Read Her Mind

    On the other side of the wall, Dylan was now sitting beside Darren with concern reflecting through his eyes. He had long been staring at his best friend''s face as if trying to find something from his expressions but couldn''t do so.


    "Does it hurt?"


    This was the nth time Dylan had asked the same question as his eyes lingered on the bandage around Darren''s head that made his heart tighten.


    Darren was exasperated after answering the same question repeatedly and yet, he still opted to patiently say, "No, it''s fine now! Stop worrying about me."


    Even though Darren was trying to comfort him, the other idiot was not getting any comfort at all. Even worse, every time Darren told him to now worry, Dylan''s eyes would lose the l.u.s.ter. As if someone was pushing him further into the darkness. He couldn''t help it, he just couldn''t look at his best friend like this. It was really painful!


    "I''m actually more worried about you," said Darren. "Instead of me, you need proper care right now! Have you looked at yourself? I feel like I''m seeing a homeless man! If you continue on this path, even Cali will not recognize you once she comes back."


    "I can even recognize myself anymore," retorted Dylan making Darren''s worry increase.


    He had been noticing the obvious changes in Dylan from the moment he stepped inside. It was hard not to notice. And these changes were actually making Darren feel uncomfortable. He could see how his best friend was suffering all alone and how it was affecting him. But his biggest worry was that, what if this incident took his best friend''s innocence?


    From the time they had been friends, Darren had always tried his best to keep Dylan away from trouble. He''d always make sure that Dylan won''t get tainted by the darkness around them. Because one of the reasons, he chose to befriend Dylan was his innocence and how he wished to protect it.


    He didn''t wish to see him losing that innocence now under all the pressure that he was going through.


    He touched Dylan''s head as he asked, "How are your parents?"


    Dylan lowered his head as he sighed out, "This is gonna make me sound like a bad son but they are reaping what they sowed."


    "Didi!"


    Hearing Darren''s reproaching voice, he looked at him, "Don''t you blame them?"


    "No," replied Darren firmly. "I''ve always respected them. And they have always treated me like a son. There is no way, I''d blame them for anything. What should I blame them for? For being parents? For loving their own children? For trying to protect their children?"


    Dylan groaned in exasperation, "But if it weren''t for how they always overlooked Sister Meihui''s behavior. This would have never happened!"


    "Didi, even if a child is a murderer, the parents would still love that child. That''s just how parents are! Not everyone can be cruel like my birth mother who would leave her own child without a look back." Darren took a deep breath, "Maybe both of them were wrong in the way they handled things but they can''t be blamed for what happened."


    "Do you think your wife thinks the same way?" he asked curiously.


    Darren gave him a smile, "I know my Sweets better than you. She only looks at the person who hurt her, as for the rest, she''d never care about them. Haven''t you still realized that she is a single-tracked mind person. If you''re in her direct sight, you''re on her radar of attack. If you took another, she''ll forget all about you."


    Dylan snorted, "Is that why she attacked me today because I was on her radar of attack?" He exhaled a breath, "She just directly pushed me inside just because I was in her direct sight!"


    Darren chuckled at that and shook his head, "No. She could have done that way sooner than today. As for why she chose to do it today, I know it."


    "Why?" asked Dylan as he set his eyes on Darren''s face.


    Darren played the same recording for Dylan that he had played for Nora in the day as he said, "Earlier when Nora heard this and shed tears of joy, I was upset. I was upset because my wife had her best friend to share the most beautiful moment of our lives but my brother, my best friend was nowhere to be found."


    Dylan felt like something got stuck in his throat as he heard the sound of a heartbeat along with Darren''s words. He couldn''t comprehend the meaning at all but it still made his heart throb.


    "Can you hear your nephew''s first heartbeat?"


    Hearing Darren''s words, Dylan''s eyes widened as he really forgot whether he was supposed to breathe in or breathe out. The thing that had stuck in his throat came rolling down in the form of tears as he stared up at Darren.


    "That..." He couldn''t form a single sentence. He couldn''t find the right words to string together.


    Darren smiled at his reaction as he said, "This is the reason why she chose today to push you inside. Not because she wanted you to meet me. But because she wanted me to meet you instead. She wanted me to share this happiness with you like I''ve been wanting to do."


    Needless to say, Darren really understood his wife''s thought better than she understood it herself. Did she really think he didn''t know what she was up to? He just merely pretended to not know.


    In fact, from the moment Nora had left their room, he could tell Xiu was cooking up a new plan in her brain. His expressions couldn''t be hidden from her. And she was also good at reading his thoughts. How could he not tell that she had already seen the yearning in his eyes?


    And since she had seen it, she would do anything to make him happy. Just like he always tried to make her happy.

 Chapter 858 - Bipolar

    "She really loves you," Dylan had said after a long pause. He was in a daze because of the heartbeat that he heard and then Darren''s words really made him unable to say anything else.


    Darren chuckled at that, "Was there ever a doubt about that?"


    Dylan gave him a helpless look as he said, "Even though I feel like I''m seeing after years, it still seems like nothing changed. You still love to show-off the relationship you have with your wife."


    "I can never stop talking about it," said Darren resolutely. "That''s something you just will have to get used to."


    Dylan shook his head and asked, "Then where is your wife now? After pushing me in, she isn''t planning on coming inside?"


    "She must be trying to eavesdrop on us from outside," said Darren.


    Dylan raised his brows as he walked towards the door slowly and placed his hand on the doorknob. However, as soon as he tried to twist it, he realized that the door was locked. Awesome! He wasn''t just pushed inside! He was practically locked inside with no way out! At least, unless he resolves everything with his best friend.


    "Your wife really knows how to plan stuff!" Dylan''s voice was dripping with sarcasm as he stared at Darren. The latter just smiled lovingly.


    "I know, isn''t she just awesome?"


    Dylan facepalmed himself before laughing out. For the past week, he had been so down that he practically forgot all about how shameless this couple could get. But now that he was faced with it all over again, he not only felt nostalgic but also a little sad. He really was no match for Darren and Xiu. In fact, he didn''t think there was anyone who could rival Xiu and Darren.


    Sighing out, he asked, "How am I supposed to leave now?"


    Darren pressed his lips together before he picked up his phone and dialed Nora''s number.


    Right outside the two closed doors...


    "AH! I won!" shouted Ah-Si in excitement.


    Nora''s face darkened as she looked at his cards and her own. She definitely lost this round of poker! What the f.u.c.k! How could her innocent-looking boyfriend be so good at poker? That was so wrong!


    "Don''t be so excited," said Nora in a bad mood.


    Ah-Si laughed out, "Oh, but I am excited. Now, show me the money! Take it all out!"


    Nora cleared her throat as she smiled at him, "Ah-Si, how can you talk about money here? We are not gambling. It was just a game to pass the time."


    Ah-Si squinted his eyes at her, "Dear Nory, don''t try to act with me. It was you who set the rules of the games and you clearly stated that money will be involved! Don''t go back on your words now!"


    Nora avoided his eyes and tried to act again, "I know I said that but when I thought about it, I felt ashamed of myself!" Ah-Si raised his brows at her as she continued, "I mean, by gambling what kind of example are we setting for our daughter? Our little Ava... Think about her! What will she think of us?"


    "I don''t know about the rest but she needs to learn what a bloody trickster her mother really is," retorted Ah-Si.


    Nora didn''t even feel bad to hear that remark as she grinned at him, "I love compliments. Especially from you. And for some reason, I feel like this is the most genuine compliment I''m hearing from you."


    "Unlike you, I''m a very genuine person," he said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I never deceive people."


    Nora pouted at him, "Ah-Si! Boyfriend! My daughter''s one and only father! Listen to me!"


    Ah-Si shot her a glare, "Honey, don''t even bother!"


    Nora''s face hardened as she said, "Are you listening or not?"


    Slightly taken aback by that tone of her voice, Ah-Si unwillingly decided to hear her out, "Fine. Say your piece."


    Nora smiled at him as she came to sit beside him and held his arm saying, "Whether you win or I win, what''s the point? We shouldn''t fight over little money. It''ll stay in the family anyways. If it''s your money, it''s definitely mine as well. Isn''t it?"


    Seeing through her trick, he asked, "And if it''s your money, it should be mine as well?"


    Nora shook her head, "No. That is also my money."


    "So, mine is also yours. And yours is still yours, eh?"


    Nora nodded her head without hesitation. Ah-Si was left staring at her with his mouth agape wondering whether to laugh or to get angry right now? Just where else would he get a girlfriend like her? Oh, how he wished their daughter didn''t inherit her mother''s deception.


    "What are you thinking about?" asked Nora.


    Ah-Si ruffled her hair saying, "Nothing." Hearing that, she extended her hand towards him, he raised his brow inquisitively, "What?"


    "Give me the money now!"


    "Huh? But I won the game," he shot back. Nora made a face at him and seeing that Ah-Si groaned in frustration. What was going on with him? He actually took out the money and placed it in her hand. Even though he was the one who won, he was still the one who had to empty his pocket as well. He sighed out, "Having a girlfriend is really not easy."


    Nora hit his arm saying, "I''m not just your girlfriend! We have a daughter together!"


    Ah-Si smiled at her and even tried to placate her like a kid. He had really brought it upon himself. His girlfriend''s mood was all over the place as always. Sometimes, she''d be running around like a gangster, and other times, she''d be crying like a baby! It even made him wonder if she had a Bipolar personality disorder!


    *Ring! Ring!*


    Nora took her phone that was placed near the cards and glanced at the caller id. Then she looked at one of the closed doors and mumbled out, "Why is he calling me?"

 Chapter 859 - Locked

    After taking a moment, Nora finally attended the call and asked, "Why are you looking for me?"


    "Where is my wife?" came Darren''s question making Nora''s face twitch.


    No wonder he called her! If it had nothing to do with his wife, why else would he call her?


    "She is not with me," replied Nora.


    "What?" Darren''s voice changed. "She went out of the room with you. Why isn''t she with you?"


    Nora snorted, "She isn''t a toy that I can fit in my pocket. She can go wherever she wants to."


    "Nora," Darren''s voice darkened even more. "Stop troubling me like this. Just tell me where is my Sweets?"


    "She really isn''t with me," said Nora. "I just told you. Why don''t you believe me?"


    "I get it," he said. "Even if she isn''t with you, you must know where she is."


    "I do," replied Nora with a cheeky smile. "But why should I tell you?"


    "Are you kidding me?!" exclaimed Darren. "Is this really time for joking around?"


    "There is no time for joking around in this busy life," sighed Nora ruefully. "We just have to make some time for fun on our own."


    Darren groaned in annoyance. "Open the door!"


    "Oh, I''d love to help you but it''s Xiu who locked the door. She is the one who has the key."


    "Then call her!"


    Nora wanted to tease him a little but in the end, decided not to do so. It was quite late and she really didn''t feel like annoying Darren. She would rather waste that energy on her best friend.


    She went up to the closed door and knocked on it, "Xiu! Come out already!"


    "Your best friend is growing impatient," said Han Bohai.


    Xiu looked at the wall clock and said, "It''s already been an hour! She had already crossed the border of patience long ago. This has to be her personal best."


    Han Bohai chuckled softly as he walked over and opened the door. Outside, Nora was about to knock on the door again but ended up hitting Han Bohai on his nose. Seeing that, she grinned at him, "Sorry! I was just gonna knock on the door again."


    Han Bohai rubbed his nose and shook his head saying, "It''s alright."


    Just as Xiu also stepped out, Nora passed her the phone, "Your husband is looking for you."


    Xiu raised a brow but took the phone from Nora. "What''s up?"


    "Aren''t you planning on opening the door?" came Darren''s question.


    "Are you already done talking?" inquired Xiu.


    "Yeah," replied Darren.


    Xiu sighed, "And here I thought you guys would like to talk till the break of dawn. After all, it''s been over 10 days since you both saw each other. Must have a lot to talk about as well."


    "We are not like you and Nora," she heard Dylan''s voice who could practically hear Xiu''s voice from the phone even though it was not on speaker.


    "Oh, this young master still knows how to talk," said Xiu. "And here I thought he only knew how to hide."


    Dylan''s face twitched at her obvious sarcasm but he decided not to say anything for Darren''s sake.


    "I''ll open the door," said Xiu and disconnected the call.


    Xiu sniffled and looked at Nora but before she could open her mouth, Nora gasped, "Did you cry?"


    Xiu''s expressions changed as she grinned at her, "Nope! Why would I cry?"


    Nora didn''t believe her words as she said, "Look, you''re eyes are all red and swollen. With such obvious evidence, you''re still gonna lie?" Then she glared at Han Bohai and poked his chest as she questioned, "You! What did you do to my best friend? Why did you make her cry? Don''t you know I hate seeing her tears? Do you want me to tear you apart to compensate for her tears now?"


    Xiu pushed Nora back saying, "Stop it! He didn''t do anything. You can back off now."


    Nora squinted her eyes at Xiu suspiciously, "Since you''re trying to protect him, I''m all the more certain that he made you cry! Why are you protecting him?!"


    "He didn''t do anything," said Xiu. "I just got emotional listening to his love for Ying Jie. It deeply touched my heart. I couldn''t help the tears from falling. How is it his fault?"


    "I don''t care!" was Nora''s response. But just as she stared at Han Bohai, her brows jumped again, "Why do I feel like you cried as well?"


    Xiu patted Nora''s head, "See? I told you! His story was touching. If you have heard it, you would have also cried buckets."


    Nora crossed her arms over her chest as she said, "Now, I really want to hear this ''touching'' love story!"


    "Sure," said Han Bohai but Xiu slapped his lips.


    "Stay quiet! Who asked you to interrupt?"


    Han Bohai made a face at Xiu and turned his face away.


    "Guys," Ah-Si called out. "The door is still locked." He gave them a kind reminder.


    Xiu looked at Nora and said, "Open the door."


    Nora frowned at her, "How am I supposed to do that?"


    "You have the key," said Xiu.


    Nora knocked on her head, "You locked the door. You had the key. I never even touched it."


    Xiu looked at her hand and said, "But I don''t have it now. Where is it?"


    "How would I know?" retorted Nora.


    "If you don''t know then look for it!"


    "Maybe you left it inside the room," Ah-Si again had to interrupt.


    Xiu nodded her head and ran back inside the room with the rest following her. They turned the room upside down but couldn''t find the key.


    "It''s not here!" groaned Xiu.


    "Maybe you lost it when you and Nora were joking around."


    Xiu gave Ah-Si a look, "You could have mentioned that earlier."


    Ah-Si shrugged his shoulders, "I am just making random guesses here."


    Then the four of them walked out and started looking on the floor where the two best friends had been rolling around earlier.


    "I''m tired," announced Nora as she fell back on the sofa. "I''m not looking anymore."


    "Nora!"


    Nora gave Xiu a look, "Don''t give me that look. You should have taken proper care of it from the beginning."


    "Actually, it''s not a big deal," said Ah-Si.


    Both Nora and Xiu gave him a hard glare, "It is a big deal! My husband is locked inside a room with my mistress! Do you think I should be relaxed?"


    Han Bohai and Ah-Si almost choked on air while Nora was unperturbed as she agreed, "Exactly! It is a very serious matter!"


    Xiu called Darren from Nora''s phone and told him, "Regan, don''t worry at all. I''ll open the door no matter how. Just don''t let this misteress seduce you again."


    Dylan actually laughed as he heard her voice while Darren stayed quiet. Although Dylan used to always feel irksome whenever she called him the ''mistress'', currently he was feeling happy hearing that familiar way Xiu called him.


    "If you''re late, I might be able to snatch your husband," he couldn''t help annoying Dylan.


    "Try it!" shouted Xiu. "My husband won''t fall for it. I believe in him. It''s still you whom I don''t trust at all!"


    Dylan smiled at that but didn''t say anything to her while Darren asked, "If you can''t find the key, how are you gonna open the door? Don''t tell me you can sleep without me."


    "No way!" was Xiu''s response. She looked around frantically, "If I can''t find the key, I''ll just knock the door down!"


    "Sweets, don''t do anything reckless," warned Darren with worry vivid in his voice.


    Xiu''s eyes locked on something as she pulled a pin off of Nora''s hair making her scream in pain. "What are you doing?"


    "Opening the door!" responded Xiu. Saying that she walked over to the closed door and tried to pick the lock with one hand. She was frustrated, "This is difficult with one hand!"


    "Sister Xiu, when did you learn to pick a lock?" asked Han Bohai.


    "Right! And who did you learn it from?" asked Nora.


    "Or are you just blindly trying your luck?" came Ah-Si''s voice.


    Xiu didn''t even give each of them a single glance as she concentrated on the task at hand as she said, "I learned it from my husband."


    Darren was still on the phone and could hear her proud voice. Dylan gave him a look, "You taught her how to pick a lock?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "She was eager to learn." He obviously wasn''t gonna tell him that when he had used his tricks to unlock the handcuffs that she had put on him, she had become fascinated with the skill of lockpicking. He had no other choice than to teach her about it.


    *Click*


    Xiu proudly faced them all, "Who said I was trying blindly?" As if looking for praises she grinned widely, "Aren''t I still the master of everything?"


    Ah-Si laughed at her as he said, "Actually, Sister Xiu, I could have just gotten the spare key for you from downstairs."


    Xiu''s smile instantly vanished as she glared at him, "Couldn''t you have said that earlier?!"

 Chapter 860 - Wife Is The Law

    Ah-Si shrugged his shoulders and acted innocent as he said, "But you didn''t even let me continue earlier."


    "Are you saying it''s my fault?" asked Xiu as her eyes narrowed dangerously.


    "Ye..." Before Ah-Si could complete his ''Yes'' Nora had already put her hand over his mouth and gave him a signal through her eyes.


    She actually thought her boyfriend was courting death. Didn''t he know that Xiu might bite him to death if he said it was really her fault? After all, who dared to tell Xiu that she was at fault?


    "Ignore him," Nora tried to smile at her best friend.


    "I think it''s good he didn''t get to finish his sentence earlier," said Han Bohai.


    "Oh, really?" questioned Xiu as she turned her attention to him.


    Han Bohai was completely unfazed as he said, "Otherwise, how else would we be able to see your impeccable lockpicking skills?"


    Xiu pursed her lips while Nora also got curious, "Right! When did you learn it?"


    Xiu was about to make an excuse when the door was pulled open and Dylan''s face appeared. Xiu turned her head and screamed making everyone flinch in shock.


    "What happened?" came Darren''s voice.


    Xiu cleared her throat as he replied, "Sorry, this uncle''s face was too scary." Dylan''s gritted his teeth while Xiu grasped his shirt and dragged him out of the room. After throwing him out, she stepped inside and looked around.


    "What are you looking for?"


    "I''m looking for your best friend," she replied. "Is he hiding?" She walked over to the curtains and checked, "Not behind the curtain though. Is he under the bed?" She tapped her chin thoughtfully but before she could check under the bed, Darren stopped her.


    "Sweets, you just threw him out," reminded Darren.


    Xiu''s brows furrowed up as she looked towards the door where the others were also looking at her. She pointed at Dylan''s face and asked, "Are you saying, that ugly uncle is your best friend?"


    Darren pressed his lips together and nodded slightly.


    Xiu clutched her stomach and went, "Pfft!"


    Dylan clenched his fists as he warned her, "Stop laughing!"


    Xiu gave him a look and sobered up but soon, she ended up laughing all over again. "I''m sorry, I can''t help it. Although I always called you ''Uncle'', today you have exceeded my expectations. Now, you''re looking more like a grandpa! HAHAHA!"


    "Dazi!" Dylan whined at his best friend. "Stop her already!"


    Darren shrugged his shoulder, "It''s between my wife and my mistress. And my wife clearly warned me that I''m supposed to never choose sides between the two. Not ever!"


    "Why do you always listen to her and not me?" retorted Dylan.


    "Because at home, the wife is the LAW!"


    "I hate you!" said Dylan and turned to Xiu who was still having fun.


    Walking over to him, she raised her hand and slapped his head; hard! That instantly made everyone look somber. She pinched his ear and rotated it making him shout in pain.


    "How dare you?! Who told you to disappear and make my husband sad? Have I been too nice to you lately that you forgot what I can do?"


    Dylan tried to escape her grasp and he would have been able to do it since Xiu could only use one hand but apparently taking the hint, both her little brothers held down Dylan and stopped him from struggling.


    "When have you been nice to me?" Dylan screamed at her. "And now, you even got sidekicks to bully me?"


    "Who are you calling sidekicks? Open your eyes and take a careful look! Those are my little brothers!"


    Both Ah-Si and Han Bohai had a subtle smile on their face when they heard Xiu''s words. They both were like two little brothers whipped for their sister. Forgetting all about right or wrong, they''d do anything for their sister.


    "Ah-Si! We have been so close for so long!" reminded Dylan.


    "But you''re going against my sister," was Ah-Si''s plain reply. "I told you already, my dad is strict when it comes to our sister. I can''t just randomly take sides."


    Dylan gave Xiu a look, "You''re really something!"


    Xiu smirked at him, "You already knew that! Now, are you gonna disappear again?"


    "I won''t!" gritted out Dylan.


    "And if you ever made my husband sad again?"


    "I''ll be at your mercy," was Dylan''s response.


    Xiu was satisfied with that reply as she patted his head and signaled for the others to let him go. Then she smiled at Dylan and said, "I told you before, I''ll keep our personal grudges aside as long as you cooperate with me in keeping my Regan happy. I will let this incident slide because it''s your first mistake. But if this repeated again, believe it or not, I''ll crush every single bone in your body!"


    Saying that she walked over to Darren and jumped on the bed in satisfaction as she waved them off, "Now, you can leave. Don''t show up looking like a grandpa again! Scary things would have a bad effect on my baby''s development."


    Dylan offered her a smile which didn''t look like a smile at all as he said, "Then I suggest you stop looking in the mirror as well, KIDDO!"


    "YOU!" Before Xiu''s anger could burst out, Dylan stuck his tongue at her made a run for his life. Only a fool would stick around after thoroughly provoking Xiu like that.


    "Tonight was fun," said Nora as she looked at Xiu. "Let''s do it again some time." Then she dragged Ah-Si with her and left.


    Han Bohai also looked at Xiu and gave her a smile, "I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Xiu nodded her head and waved at him happily, "Don''t forget what I said."


    Han Bohai nodded his head, "I won''t forget it. I''ll get back to you after talking to Ah-Ying."


    Xiu hummed in reply, "I''ll be waiting then." Even after the door closed, she continued to smile to herself with her eyes stuck on the closed door. As for what she was thinking, who knew?

 Chapter 861 - Sounds Convincing

    Darren had silently observed for a while before he voiced out, "So, you told him the truth?"


    "He already knew it," replied Xiu as she laid her head down on Darren''s chest. "He turned out to be more astute than I ever gave him credit for." And just like that Xiu ended up telling him all the details that she learned from Han Bohai. "I find it quite funny that it''s Jackie who actually let the cat out of the bag. Even though he is the one who doesn''t even know anything."


    "It''s because Han Bohai knew all the little details about you," said Darren. "And since he knew you so well, he could find the similarities easily. No matter how small, it won''t escape his eyes. Besides, once a person is suspicious, he pays extra attention to details. Han Bohai''s heart had already been suspicious, Jackie just ended up strengthening his suspicions."


    Xiu nodded her head, "That''s true."


    "So, is he the one who made you cry?" asked Darren as he ran his fingers through her hair.


    "More like we cried together," replied Xiu. "But it''s alright. Reunions are meant to have some tears. Tears bring value to some feelings."


    "I don''t like seeing you cry," reminded Darren. "Why do you forget that?"


    Xiu tilted her face to look at him, "Why? I cry beautifully though."


    "Is that the point?" retorted Darren. "Whether you shed beautiful tears or ugly tears, for me, tears are tears!"


    "Oh..." was all Xiu could say in reply. She noticed Darren''s expressions and asked, "Regan, do you not like Han Bohai?"


    "It''s complicated," replied Darren honestly. "He is the person who can influence your emotions. It''s obvious I won''t be at ease with him around."


    Xiu laughed out at him, "You men are... Sigh! I don''t even know what to say." She kissed his cheek saying, "You should stop worrying about him. It''s you who has the most control over my emotions, my heart, my life, and my everything."


    Darren didn''t reply to that but his lips curved up slightly.


    After a moment of silence, Xiu continued, "Regan, Xiao Bobo found my bracelet in Ying Jie''s drawer."


    "Huh?" Darren''s brows furrowed up in confusion. "Your bracelet?"


    "More like, Chen Xiu''s," replied Xiu. "But it''s a bracelet that I lost before. Even I didn''t know where it was and now, it ended up with Ying Jie. It''s not settling well with me."


    Darren also contemplated over this and found it odd. Why would Chen Xiu''s bracelet end up in Ying''s possession? It didn''t make sense. Yan Ying had nothing to even do with Chen Xiu.


    "What if she found it where you lost it?" questioned Darren. "Maybe she just accidentally picked it up and kept it with herself because she liked it or wanted to find the owner to return it?"


    "Can you even believe in your own words right now?" asked Xiu. "Because trust me, it doesn''t sound very convincing right now."


    Darren couldn''t refute her words, obviously, he was just randomly coming up with stuff. He also didn''t think it was that simple. It just didn''t seem that simple at all.


    "What''s on your mind then?" he inquired.


    "Nothing," replied Xiu. "I didn''t want to think so I asked Xiao Bobo to confront Ying Jie directly. Rather than going round and round, it''s better if we learn the truth from her."


    "And do you think Ying will tell the truth to Han Bohai?" That''s what he was worried about. He knew Ying for years now. And he also knew how secretive she could get when it involved her missions. She''d never disclose anything to just anyone.


    "Well, she''ll have to," retorted Xiu. "Xiao Bobo is the only person associated with Chen Xiu who has all the right to question her. She can''t just keep something that doesn''t belong to her. Unless she has a reason to do so. And she''ll have to give that reason to Xiao Bobo. Or else, he won''t let go."


    "So, you really think he can make her talk?"


    Xiu nodded her head resolutely, "He can."


    "Where is this trust coming from?"


    "From myself," she replied proudly. "My Xiao Bobo is equally shameless as I am. And he is as stubborn as I am as well. He learned from the very best and that very best is, yours truly; Myself!"


    Darren was amused to see her cheeky expressions, "Then let''s wait and see what he finds out."


    "Xiao Bobo thinks that bracelet can lead me to my real identity," said Xiu in a soft voice. "Not my identity of Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu, but my real identity. The one that only belongs to me." Her voice went softer as she continued, "He thinks I should look for the real me instead of being content with what I have now. Although what I have is beautiful, I should not overlook the fact that there is a possibility there is a family who is solely mine."


    Darren stayed silent for a moment before he nodded in agreement, "I agree with him. Since you have prepared yourself to face everything, it won''t be fair if you closed your eyes when it comes to your real identity. Even if there is a .1% chance for you to find your real self, I want you to take that chance. Not for anyone else, but for yourself. You really owe it to yourself."


    Xiu suddenly chuckled, "Although you both are jealous of each other, you both still have the same thing to say to me." Xiu shook her head at him, "I already understood that. I already know what I have to do. I won''t give up on this chance." She sighed out, "It''s not every day that something you lost would come back to your hands. But it happened to me. I''ll just take it as a reminder."


    "Good to hear that," said Darren as he rubbed her head and smiled at her. "My Sweets is definitely getting wiser, stronger, and optimistic."

 Chapter 862 - Director Of The Show

    From the moment Ying left Xiao Li, she had been wandering around on the streets aimlessly. She had so much running through her mind but when she tried to focus on what exactly was she thinking about, she couldn''t grasp it. She just didn''t feel good whenever she thought about how Xiao Li told her to get lost.


    That look in his eyes really got to her. It was as if he was accusing her that she didn''t understand him at all. She could see helplessness and pain in his eyes but she really couldn''t tell why he would be feeling that way. Maybe she was really forgetting just how much Xin Xiulin meant to her brother even after all these years.


    Since she had been locked up at home for a long time, now that she got the chance to wander around, she did exactly that. With no destination in mind, she just continued to drive around. Even when the night fell, she didn''t know where she wanted to go. And at that time, she received a phone call.


    Only after that call, she had a clear destination in mind and drove towards it. Parking her car before a house, she alighted, walked through the front yard, and pressed the doorbell.


    Soon, the door opened and a haggard-looking figure appeared before her eyes. Looking at him up and down, her brows knitted up, "Are you dying?"


    "Maybe I am," was the reply she received. "Come inside," he invited her inside and stood aside to make way for her to pass through.


    Ying walked over and fell on a sofa with her eyes closed, "Hey, Jini, get me something to eat."


    Zhou Jinhai gazed at her for a minute before he went to the kitchen. As he left, Ying opened her eyes slowly and looked at the tv that had been turned on. The news channel was still discussing Liu Nuan''s case. She couldn''t hear anything because the tv was on mute. But she could read all the headlines.


    "Here," Zhou Jinhai appeared with a plate of pasta and cola that he placed before her. "Enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All in one!"


    "How do you know it''s my first meal of the day?" she inquired curiously.


    "Your eyes don''t have the usual sparkle," he replied. "And it happens when you''re hungry."


    Ying only let out a chuckle before she paid attention to the pasta before her. After taking a few bites, she asked, "Did you enjoy the show for today?"


    "I enjoyed it very much," he said rubbing his temples. "But you weren''t the director of that show."


    Ying lifted her eyes to look at him, "How are you so certain that it''s not my doing?"


    "It''s not style," replied Zhou Jinhai. "You like to do everything according to the law. If it was Uncle Zimen, he would have silently put Liu Nuan in a dungeon for life. If it was my dear brother, he''d have made sure to shed some blood. Since it''s done in so high profile manner, I''m assuming it''s Xiao Li who is behind it all."


    Ying snorted, "Smart! Why weren''t you this smart back then?"


    Zhou Jinhai''s laughed mockingly at himself as he said, "Right. I learned my lesson too late." He took a pause and added, "So, is it really Xiao Li?" Ying nodded her head. "Why? Why is he after his own cousin?"


    "First of all, she isn''t his cousin," said Ying. "Secondly, she tried to kill Xiu. Thirdly, Xiao Li is certain that Chen Xiu was his sister. His grudges are deep now."


    Zhou Jinhai listened to all of this calmly as if he wasn''t surprised at the turn of events at all.


    "You don''t look surprised," she pointed out as she drank the cola before her.


    "She doesn''t surprise me anymore," said Zhou Jinhai. "I knew she was the lost cause from the moment she started blaming her unhappiness on a dead person. She never tried to reflect on why she was in that unhappiness. Instead, her sole focus was on blaming someone who left the world." After a moment, he asked, "But did you show that bracelet to Xiao Li?"


    Ying shook her head, "He already knew about Chen Xiu."


    Zhou Jinhai''s brows raised up slightly, "How?"


    "He doesn''t tell me that," she sighed out. "But I''ve been wondering where you got it from."


    "My sister gave it to me," he answered.


    "Liqiu?" she asked in surprise.


    He nodded his head, "She said she found it with our mother and thought that I should have it instead." He looked at Ying''s doubtful look and continued, "She still claims that she knew nothing about mom''s plan. She was genuinely good to Chen Xiu but it was our mom who used her good relationship with Chen Xiu to change the latter''s medicine. I don''t know how much of that is true but I really don''t care anymore either."


    "I don''t want you to care either," said Ying. "But you should know that it won''t just end with Liu Nuan. Whether your sister did it intentionally or not, it''d be difficult to prove that to Xiao Li."


    "I know," he replied. "When I passed that bracelet to you, I knew the consequences. You don''t need to repeatedly warn me."


    "Are you waiting for him to get to you?" inquired Ying. "He isn''t as gentle as he appears to be. Don''t let him fool you."


    Zhou Jinhai smiled softly, "Ying, are you worried about me now? Be careful, your boyfriend won''t like this worry of yours." Ying pressed her lips together as he added, "I honestly never thought someone like you would fall for Han Bohai."


    "I never thought as well," said Ying as she looked at the tv screen once again. She pointed at the tv with her fork and said, "Who do you think is gonna help her out of this?"


    Zhou Jinhai glanced at the screen and replied, "No one."

 Chapter 863 - No Help

    Just as Zhou Jinhai had said, there was indeed no one who was willing to help Liu Nuan. Even after she managed to escape from the reporters, she had nowhere to go. Her whole person was stinking because of eggs and rotten tomatoes that were thrown at her. She hid in the airport bathroom for hours because her mind repeatedly played Xiao Li''s last words to her.


    He had told her if she didn''t manage to escape then she''ll fall back into his hands. And just the thought of going back to that dark room scared her. She didn''t know what to do at all. Her brain had taken a toll from what she experienced in the last days. She couldn''t even think straight at all.


    It was around midnight when she cleaned herself in the bathroom and changed clothes before taking a flight to the capital. She was hoping that once she reached the capital, her father would save her. Or her mother-in-law would save her from all of this.


    But she didn''t know that every single person she had put her faith in had already decided to abandon her, including her ''father.''


    "You seem pleased with yourself," said Liu Mingfan as he looked at Xin Suyin''s gloating face.


    "I finally announced to the whole world that you have an illegitimate daughter, of course, I''m very pleased with myself," retorted Xin Suyin. "And I''m even happier just with the thought of how wretched you must be feeling right now. Your poor love child has nowhere to go. No one to lean on. Aren''t you gonna go and help your poor child?"


    "I don''t feel like doing it," was his response that stunned Xin Suyin. She looked straight at him and noticed that there wasn''t an ounce of sadness in his eyes. He looked rather calm as if none of it had anything to do with him. Was he just acting before her?


    "So, you really won''t help her out of this?" asked Xin Suyin doubtfully as she continued to observe his expressions for a change.


    "Who told her to mess with the wrong people?" retorted Liu Mingfan. "I have no plans of cleaning up her mess. That had been your job. You''re the reason she grew up to think that she could do anything without worrying about the consequences of her actions. Now, someone is just teaching her that every action has a consequence. Whether she likes it or not, she brought it all upon herself."


    Xin Suyin''s frown deepened, "You don''t look like a worried father. Didn''t you claim to love Chen Hana? How come you''re abandoning the daughter you had with her?"


    Liu Mingfan smirked at her but didn''t feel like answering her. Instead, he changed the topic and said, "You should worry about yourself for now."


    "What do you mean?" she retorted. "What do I have to worry about?"


    "With age, you are losing your mind," said Liu Mingfan and Xin Suyin glared at him. "You can stop trying to scare me. It doesn''t work on me anymore." He took a deep breath and went on, "But since you and I have been married for almost three decades, let me give you an advice." Xin Suyin knitted her brows as he added, "Think of a way to protect yourself. It won''t be long before you''ll have to stand where Nuan is standing today."


    "What do you mean by that?" She could tell he was hiding something from her and that made her feel slightly apprehensive.


    "The main point of today wasn''t Nuan''s downfall, it was the point that someone is eager to send those people to hell who participated in killing Chen Xiu. As a matter of fact, you played a big role in all of that," reminded Liu Mingfan. Lowering his voice, he added, "How are you gonna wash your hands off the crime of pushing your own daughter to death?"


    That topic was like poking at Xin Suyin''s sore spot, she picked up a vase beside her and threw it at him. He easily dodged it as he said, "With age, even your aim is getting worse."


    "Don''t you feel anything?" she screamed at him. "You were so worried for Liu Nuan back then because she was your love child. But what about Chen Xiu? Why didn''t you react to her death? No matter what, she was also your blood."


    "If I had a mother like you, I''d have also killed myself," he said and walked away. He didn''t plan on telling her that he already knew that Chen Xiu wasn''t their daughter. He had seen Xin Suyin suffering all on her own with that guilt. The woman who always seemed unbreakable was actually breaking herself for years now. And he was enjoying himself.


    How could he set her free of her guilt? He had suffered enough because of her obsession to marry him. She didn''t even hesitate before massacring someone''s family because of that obsession.


    As a matter of fact, he also knew that Liu Nuan wasn''t his daughter as well. But the reason he had been protecting her was just to provoke Xin Suyin. The more he protected Liu Nuan, the more Xin Suyin grew mad. She loved playing games, he had also learned to play those games from her.


    He turned to look at her darkened expressions and smirked in satisfaction. It was time for her to realize how it felt like to lose everything. She loved snatching things from others, now it was her time to lose.


    He walked over to the security and instructed, "If Liu Nuan shows up, don''t let her come in. I definitely don''t want to mess with the person behind all of this. It''s better if Liu Nuan stays far away from here. We have nothing to do with her."


    He actually didn''t plan on being heartless towards Liu Nuan. No matter what he had raised her like a daughter for years and loved her dearly as well. But in the end, Liu Nuan turned out to be exactly like Xin Suyin and even ended up offending someone she shouldn''t have. Now, even he couldn''t help her any longer.

 Chapter 864 - Fell For You

    This night was bound to be restless for some people but unexpectedly, it became torture for Han Bohai instead. He thought he''d be able to set free his restlessness after clearing up everything with Xiu. And he indeed felt great just thinking about his Sister Xiu.


    Whether it was her rebirth, her new family, her husband, or the unborn child. Everything made Han Bohai feel especially grateful towards the higher power who gave his sister Xiu another chance. He had always wished for her happiness and now that he could see her genuine happiness, he couldn''t be feeling more elated. No one knew just how much it meant to him.


    Everyone around him usually told him to forget about Chen Xiu. They told him to stop living in the regrets of the past but none of them understood that he just couldn''t bring himself to forget anything related to Chen Xiu. She was more than just a sister to him. She made him who he was. Forgetting her was like forgetting that part of himself which he wasn''t capable of doing.


    And only now, he could live in peace knowing that his Sister Xiu got what she deserved.


    However, Xiu had nothing to do with this torturous night he was experiencing currently. From the time, he came back to Ying''s room, he was going crazy. He had intended to ask her about the bracelet but the said person never even showed up.


    He tried calling her repeatedly but to no avail. It was as if Ying was hiding somewhere and he couldn''t find her. And he definitely didn''t like this feeling at all. He was pacing around in her room impatiently but even when the clock hit midnight, she was still nowhere to be seen.


    With Han Bohai''s overactive mind, he had come up with a thousand scenarios in his mind and not even one of those scenarios had a good ending. He was just that paranoid about his own luck.


    "What''s taking her so long?" he muttered to himself. "Come back already!"


    He had thought about asking other people in the house if anyone had any clue regarding Ying''s whereabouts but he decided not to step up. It was too late and rarely anyone in this house would have a good sleep. Now that it seemed like everyone was resting tonight, he couldn''t just go and ruin their peaceful night.


    He constantly calmed himself with different positive words but it had little to no effect on him. Once he got stuck in the spiral of his whirlwind thoughts, there was no way out unless Ying appeared before his eyes.


    He leaned his back on the headboard as he closed his eyes to rest his mind for a while. He was hoping that once he wakes up, she''d be right before his eyes.


    Finally, his prayers were answered when it was close to the break of dawn. The door opened and a lethargic person dragged her body''s weight inside. Coming close to the bed, Ying looked at Han Bohai''s tired look and couldn''t look away. She had been the one wandering around, why did he look like he was having a hard time?


    There were not only dark circles under his eyes, his eyes were obviously swollen as well. Did he cry? She thought to herself and frowned. But soon, her eyes fell on the bracelet that he held tightly in his hand and as if everything became clear to her. As clear as day.


    Han Bohai shifted slightly and while doing so, his eyes fell on Ying''s figure. Almost immediately he leaped to his feet and held her shoulders as he looked her up and down. Only after seeing that nothing seemed wrong with her did he felt relief wash down his senses. But almost instantly, his anger flared up, "Where the hell have you been? Do you even know what time it is? Is this the time you''re supposed to come home? Where is your sense of responsibility? If you had something important to do, you could have called me! If you didn''t want to bother, at least, you shouldn''t have turned your phone off! Half of my life is drained thinking about what could have gone wrong!"


    Seeing him acting like this, Ying''s lips curved up slightly.


    Han Bohai noticed that and his anger burned like a volcano now, "Is this funny to you? My worry seems funny? Am I a joke? Or maybe I am a joke to you since you don''t even want to take me seriously! You don''t even wanna realize someone is waiting for you at home. Someone might be worried about you!"


    Ying didn''t say a word to him in reply and let him vent all his pent-up frustration. She didn''t mind his harsh words. She found it actually quite touching. Because behind all his harsh words was his immense worry. And that really struck her heart right where it mattered.


    "Are you done?" she asked seeing when he quietened up for a minute. Han Bohai took deep breaths and nodded his head. "Good," was all she said before she wrapped her arms around his body, taking him by surprise.


    She pushed him a little and since he was standing right beside the edge of the bed, it was easier for her to push his body down. As his back pressed against the soft mattress, he instinctively embraced her body. In the silence of the room, her body laid on his hard one.


    Without any movement, she just continued to stay like that with no intention of moving as she said, "Hai, I''m tired."


    Han Bohai''s brain had a short circuit from the moment she called him ''Hai''. It was the very first time, she had called him with such intimacy. And this much was enough to make him breathless.


    Maybe he was used to giving all his love to her and that''s why even with her returning a very little affection, he was so deeply moved that he''d forget what he wanted to do.


    "Let''s just stay like this for now, hm?"


    How could he refuse her when she spoke with such obvious gentleness. There was a charm in her tired voice. They say a person is most honest when they are tired. And currently, Ying was definitely exhausted and maybe that''s why her body and her mouth were being so honest.


    He took a deep breath and placed his hand on the back of her head as he said, "Just go to sleep if you''re tired."


    She turned her head and put her chin on his chest as she tried to see his expressions, "Hai, why are you so good to me?"


    "Don''t you already know?" he retorted. She shook her head as if she really didn''t know. He sighed as he tucked her hair behind her ear and answered, "Because I love you. Don''t ask why because I also can''t tell how or why I fell so deeply in love with you."


    Ying was again silent for a while before she pressed her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. All of the things that had been running through her mind for the whole day suddenly disappeared from her mind. All that was left was his obvious scent that was overwhelming her senses slowly making it impossible for her to focus on anything besides him. It was like, not just his arms were embracing her, even his scent had engulfed her in a cocoon.


    And it was a warm place. So warm that she didn''t feel like getting up to face the coldness of the world. This was good. This was very good.


    "Where have you been?" he finally asked what he had been bothered about.


    "Can we not talk about all of that for now?" she pleaded. "I know all about your questions. And I know I have to answer them as well. But not today. Not right now. I really don''t want to talk about any of it for now. So, let me just forget about the rest for now."


    Han Bohai could hear the unwillingness in her voice clearly. He felt distressed for her. He was really upset with her but he couldn''t bring himself to maintain his temper when she acted like this. It was rare for her to let her guards down around him. Although she had been slowly accepting him, today it seemed like she had really allowed him into her heart.


    Just how was he supposed to stay cold with her being like this?


    As the exhaustion got to him, he also closed his eyes to rest. He didn''t know whether it was his dream or reality but he heard her soft voice saying, "Hai, I think I also fell for you." He tried to open his eyes to confirm but he just couldn''t seem to do so. It was as if a heavy boulder was weighing down on his eyes that didn''t allow him to open his eyes again.

 Chapter 865 - Snake Got Bitten

    IAmMochi: Xiuxiu, how did you do it?


    Xiu''s brows raised up at that question. What did she mean why how did she do it? What did she do? Instead of thinking all on her own, she decided to ask the person directly.


    XX: What did I do?


    IAmMochi: Yesterday''s show on national tv! Don''t tell me, you have nothing to do with it!


    Xiu''s lips curved up slightly into a devilish smirk.


    XX: Of course, I have a hand in all of that. But I''m not the only one involved.


    IAmMochi: That I could tell already. Anyway, I have all the information about Zhou Liqiu that you asked for. And guess what! She is not Zhou Xichen''s daughter!


    Xiu''s brows bunched together and then she suddenly recalled that when she met Darren''s father, he had told her honestly that Zhou Liqiu wasn''t his daughter. At that time, she really was confused but over time, she didn''t care about Zhou Liqiu''s identity.


    XX: Then who''s her father?


    IAmMochi: That is a little complicated. It''s the Zhou family''s internal stuff and I couldn''t delve deeper into it. Let me find an insider to do the job.


    XX: Forget it. I have an insider beside me. I''ll just do it myself.


    Xiu looked at Darren who reading a book at the side and contemplated whether to ask him or not.


    IAmMochi: That''s great. So, how are you planning on taking care of her?


    Xiu also wasn''t certain about that. Although she didn''t like Zhou Liqiu now, however, once upon a time she actually treated her like a little sister. But in the end, that little sister betrayed her. If it wasn''t for the wrong medicine, she might not have suffered from auditory hallucinations that eventually ended up convincing her to take her own life.


    That was one of the main factors that led to her suicide. However, she really wasn''t sure how she wanted Zhou Liqiu to pay for what she did to her.


    IAmMochi: Xiuxiu, you there?


    Xiu rubbed her temple and sighed out.


    XX: How many times I have to remind you that I''m older than you? Stop calling me Xiuxiu!


    IAmMochi: Xiuxiu, don''t be so distant.


    Xiu rolled her eyes and felt like smashing something. This person used to be so scared of her, and now. Sigh! People really know how to change with time.


    XX: Forget it. What else did you learn?


    IAmMochi: Zhou Jinhai is no longer a part of the Zhou family. And although he married Liu Nuan with grand fanfare, in the end, she was nothing but an abandoned wife. He''d put up a front for people but in reality, they both lived separately.


    XX: How do you know it? Isn''t this considered insider''s news as well?


    IAmMochi: Not really. Because Liu Nuan lived in the Capital at Zhou Family house while Zhou Jinhai had been living here. There had been plenty of rumors about their relationship but I never paid attention before this.


    IAmMochi: But the most interesting one is Niu Peizhi. She is in the most miserable state right now. I don''t know who is it but it''s like she provoked someone she wasn''t supposed to. For the past five years, she had repeatedly been to the hospital. And each time, it because of some broken bone! It''s as if someone is playing with her. Just as she gets off the bed, she is forced back on it.


    XX: You find it funny?


    IAmMochi: I find it satisfying. It''s called slow torture. Mental and physical. Now, she lives in fear even in her own house. I heard she had stopped even going out of the house to avoid getting sneak attacked like that. But in the end, she somehow ended up falling down the stairs in her own house and got her leg broken.


    XX: Who is behind it?


    IAmMochi: That might need a little bit of investigation. However, do you realize how miserable her life? Fear of the unknown is great but she is living in the fear of certainty. Because no matter what she does, she will have to go through the pain.


    XX: Do you think I''ll feel pity for such a woman?


    IAmMochi: Don''t waste your pity on her. Even her dearest son, Zhou Jinhai doesn''t pity her condition. But then again, he should be the one to receive some pity. Not the other way around.


    XX: Stop your nonsense and come up with a plan for Xin Suyin. I want her to lose everything dearest to her. Find her weakness!


    IAmMochi: I''m already working on it. Quick question, do you want a partner with the same goal?


    XX: What do you mean?


    IAmMochi: There is someone else who wants to watch Xin Suyin''s destruction as much as you do.


    XX: Who is it?


    IAmMochi: It''s better if you don''t know. Just think about it. He''s an insider, you''re an outsider. If you both work together, you can cause quite some damage.


    XX: I''ll let you know after thinking about it.


    IAmMochi: I''ll be waiting then.


    Even after Xiu closed the laptop, she was thinking about the discussion she just had. There were a lot of things that were running through her mind right now. Who had such animosity with Niu Peizhi? Not that she minds it. Even breaking every bone of her body won''t be enough to compensate for what she did to her.


    But it was certainly satisfying to know that she hadn''t been living a happy life. It seemed like all those who contributed to her death had been living a difficult life. That''s why they say karma is real. People really don''t understand that what goes around, definitely will come around.


    "Regan!"


    "Hm?"


    "Zhou Liqiu is not your sister?"


    Darren paused slightly and looked up at Xiu inquisitively.


    "Your dad said she wasn''t his daughter."


    Darren took a deep breath and nodded his head, "She really isn''t my dad''s daughter. However, both Jinhai and I treated her like a sister."


    "Then who is her father?"


    "I only know it was a servant of the Zhou family. It was said that he took a liking to Niu Peizhi and took advantage of her intoxicated state."


    Xiu snorted, "What? A snake got bitten by a snake?"


    Darren gave her a small smile, "Yeah. The trick she used on my dad was eventually used on her. However, it was all my dad''s plan." Xiu gaped at him in surprise and Darren chuckled softly at her reaction. "He used that servant to his advantage. Niu Peizhi had forced him to marry her but dad used her trick on her. After that, even his mother couldn''t bring herself to accept Niu Peizhi as her daughter-in-law. Especially because Niu Peizhi got pregnant."


    "But I thought Liqiu had a good relationship with Niu Peizhi," said Xiu in confusion.


    "That''s because Liqiu had tried every means to prove her loyalty and love for Niu Peizhi. She doesn''t even know why Niu Peizhi despises her so much. But even with that hatred, Niu Peizhi used Liqiu well."


    "No wonder she changed my medicine just for her so-called mother," scoffed Xiu.


    "Even though my dad''s mother had come to hate Niu Peizhi after Liqiu''s birth, she couldn''t throw her out of the family. At the end of the day, she was still Zhou Jinhai''s mother. So, the only reason she got to enjoy her life all these years had been because of Zhou Jinhai''s existence. If he wasn''t around, someone would have already trampled on her long ago."


    Xiu thought about it and agreed. Indeed, if it wasn''t for Zhou Jinhai''s existence Niu Peizhi wouldn''t have been so out of control. Xiu hated that woman who only knew how to trick people. She actually found it satisfying that Zhou Xichen beat her at her own game. Since she loved trickery so much, it served her right to be played in the web of her own games.


    "Regan, you really don''t want to take back what you lost? Originally whatever Zhou Jinhai had belonged to you only."


    Darren shook his head at her, "I''m fine with what I have. I''m more than fine. I have a simple family which has my mother, my beautiful wife, and our little son. Isn''t that enough? Why would I throw myself in the power struggle? Do you even know how dangerous these noble families get when it comes to money and power? I''d like to keep my distance from it all." He took a pause and went on, "Mama left Salvay family after giving up a fortune only because she wanted to keep me safe and keep me away from power struggles. She didn''t wish for me to grow up in constant fear."


    "Well, I think Mama took the right decision. You and I needed the same thing, a family. And now, we are a family. And I think that''s perfect!"


    Darren rubbed her head as he nodded his head, "Yes, it is perfect."

 Chapter 866 - Scary Mother-In-Law

    It was already close to noon and Ying had yet to wake up. Surprisingly, she hadn''t changed her sleeping position. She was still laying on top of Han Bohai''s body. He hadn''t been able to move even once as well because if he moved, she''d start whining in her sleep.


    And he was such a fool that he''d rather suffer himself than try to put her down on the mattress. He didn''t even know which part of his body was numb at this point. Maybe he was numb all over or maybe he was sore all over. Whichever it was he couldn''t tell.


    His eyes were glued to the ceiling as a lot of things ran through his mind. His daydreaming only broke when the door of the room was pushed open and Su Xixi''s voice came in, "Yan Ying! Is this time for you to sleep?! How-!" Her mouth opened but whatever words had been in her mind got stuck at the tip of her tongue.


    Han Bohai got a scare when she suddenly appeared while they were still in this position, he wanted to move Ying but the latter clung to him even more tightly as she grumbled, "Stop moving! It''s comfortable!"


    Han Bohai really didn''t know what was comfortable about his hard body. But it really made him feel happy inside so he instinctively rubbed her back to put her back to sleep.


    This small gesture or the look in his eyes as he gazed at Ying''s sleeping face, nothing escaped Su Xixi''s sharp eyes. She still hadn''t left the room. While Han Bohai was struggling with what to do in this embarrassing situation, she appeared unruffled with what she saw.


    Soon, she stepped inside the room and clutched Ying''s shirt before she yanked her off of Han Bohai''s body. Ying was startled and cursed out loud which earned her a slap on her head from her mother.


    "Try swearing on your mother''s face and watch me pull your tongue out!"


    Ying''s eyes immediately shot open as she looked at her mother in horror, "Mom, what are you doing here?" She rubbed the back of her head where she was slapped earlier and showed her grievance on her face, "And how can you hit your daughter at this age? You didn''t even hit me when I burned your hair."


    "Maybe I should have shaved your head off to teach you a lesson back then," said Su Xixi. She pinched Ying''s lips making it look like a duck beak. "I''m done indulging you. Get your ass over there and get dressed!"


    She let Ying go who was now rubbed her lips while Su Xixi looked at Han Bohai''s stunned face and narrowed her eyes at him, "And you! Come with me."


    Ying immediately ran to stand before him with her arms open as she looked at mother vigilantly, "What are you up to? Where are you taking him?"


    "That''s my matter," replied Su Xixi. "It doesn''t concern you."


    "Of course, it concerns me," retorted Ying. "That''s my boyfriend you''re trying to kidnap right now."


    Su Xixi gritted her teeth as she glared at her daughter. No one had ever tested her patience as much as her one and only daughter did. And she always found herself helpless before this daughter of hers.


    Su Xixi took a deep breath and smirked at her daughter as she responded, "That''s my son-in-law." She pushed him away and said, "Now, do your own thing. Try testing my patience again and trust me, I''m gonna beat you."


    Ying obviously didn''t take her words seriously but she still turned around to face Han Bohai had had just managed to sit upright. "If she says anything unreasonable, don''t just listen to her. Even if she is my mother, you can''t give in to her."


    Han Bohai smiled helplessly at her before he followed Su Xixi out of the room. She brought him to the back garden. "Can I go to freshen up a bit?" he asked after hesitating for a while.


    "It''s alright, I won''t take much of your time," said Su Xixi in a calm voice.


    From how much he had interacted with Su Xixi, Han Bohai could tell that she was a very sensible and calm woman. Her aura was intimidating and she sounded a bit harsh but there was hardly any fluctuation in her emotions. Only when it came to Ying, she''d end up being agitated. But he could blame it all on his own Ah-Ying who seemed to love provoking her own mother for some reason.


    Han Bohai was surprised when he saw her sitting down on the grass under the shade of a tree. She pulled out a cigarette and bit it between her lips. However, even though there was a lighter in her hand, she wasn''t lighting up the cigarette.


    "Are you scared of me?"


    Han Bohai was startled back to the reality with her voice. He looked at her cautiously and replied, "Ah-Ying says you''re a scary person."


    Su Xixi snorted at that remark, "My daughter really has some nice things to say about her mother."


    "Don''t get me wrong, she really respects you and admires you as well."


    Su Xixi squinted her eyes at him and he lowered his head even further. "I know my daughter well. She doesn''t admire me. The only person she genuinely admires in her life is Zimen. There has never been a second person."


    Han Bohai pursed his lips as he couldn''t refute that. He had seen how much Xin Zimen meant to Ying.


    "Why do you think I brought you out to talk?" asked Su Xixi. "Or more precisely, what do you think I have in my mind?"


    Han Bohai took a deep breath before he said, "I''m sure you won''t throw money at my face to get out of your daughter''s life."


    Su Xixi held the unlit cigarette between her fingers and end up laughing out loud. She stared at him and said, "Is it because you''re an actor? You sure have an imaginative mind."


    Han Bohai smiled at her as he scratched his head sheepishly, "It must be because I''ve seen it happen. But as I said, I know you won''t do it."


    "And why are you sure that I won''t do it?" asked Su Xixi.


    "Firstly, because I don''t need money," replied Han Bohai. "Secondly, it''s because you have even better ways to make me disappear from your daughter''s life."


    Su Xixi''s lips curved up as she looked at his face in amus.e.m.e.nt, "I think I like you."


    Han Bohai was started by her statement as he stared at her in confusion.


    "You are quite astute," she said. "You''re right. If I want, you''d never be able to stay in my daughter''s life. And I personally don''t think money is a solution. My best friend used to say if you can solve a problem by breaking a few bones, why bother wasting money?"


    Han Bohai''s eyes widened in shock and she chuckled at his reaction, "Relax! That was my best friend''s way of doing things. Although she would have to spend extra money for settlements, she always found it worthwhile. But that was just because she liked getting into fights. I on the other hand have always believed there are better ways to solve things."


    "I have no reason to not approve of you for my daughter," she said. "It''s her life, I usually don''t like dictating her life for her. If I had done it, she wouldn''t be so unrestrained today."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips together not knowing what to say.


    "Do you plan to get married?" she asked.


    "Of course," he replied.


    "Don''t be so hasty, I''m asking whether you can wait to marry her or not?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I think I don''t need to tell you anything about my daughter," she began. "Although you love her, the same can''t be said about her yet. She likes you but whether she has crossed the line of love or not, you''d be more clear about it."


    Han Bohai was actually taken aback to hear her. She didn''t even spend much time around Ying and yet she could tell her daughter''s feelings. And she might even be able to tell it better than Ying herself. A mother really knows best, eh!


    "If you plan on spending a lifetime with her, I hope you can give her some time," said Su Xixi.


    "You don''t have to worry," replied Han Bohai. "I can wait. I don''t want her to marry me just because of the pressure of age. After all, her grandmother is in a hurry to get her married."


    "Shania is impatient," said Su Xixi. "But I''m not. She might think marriage is important for a woman, I don''t. My father used to say that a woman should never be recognized by her marital status. A woman''s life is more than just a marriage. And I''ve always believed in my dad''s words."

 Chapter 867 - Who Suffered More

    Han Bohai was too used to people saying how a woman should get married early and how she is supposed to build her own family and blah blah blah. Maybe that''s why he was a bit surprised by Su Xixi''s words.


    "I heard you married early," said Han Bohai.


    "I did," replied Su Xixi. "That was my choice. Just like staying single is a choice of my sister, Feifei."


    Han Bohai nodded his head.


    "Do you know that you look like your mother?"


    Han Bohai''s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at her, "You... Know my mother?"


    "We come from the same circle," said Su Xixi. "I wasn''t close to your mother but I still knew her. There is some impression of her in my mind. That''s why I said that you look quite like her."


    Han Bohai pursed his lips tightly, not saying anything. Whenever someone talked about his parents, he had nothing to say. It always made him feel empty and that''s why he always avoided talking about them. The only person to whom he could show his vulnerability was Xiu. Other than her, he didn''t want anyone to see how vulnerable he felt at the lack of a family.


    "Can I ask you a question?" asked Hyson.


    "Go ahead," replied Su Xixi.


    "Why is your relationship so strange with Ah-Ying?"


    Su Xixi played with the unlit cigarette in her hand and said, "There is nothing strange about our relationship. We are just like any other mother and daughter."


    "Do you really believe what you''re saying?" inquired Han Bohai.


    "I do," she answered. "Just like any other daughter, she likes to see how much her mother loves her. And she does it by seeing how much I''d give in to her unreasonable requests. She is my daughter, I know how stubborn she is. I don''t mind it. Because at the end of the day, she is my one and only daughter whom I love the most in this world."


    "I am really not able to understand you both," said Han Bohai. "I know she loves you and I can see you love her. Why is there so much distance between you two then?"


    "Distance?" repeated Su Xixi. She sighed out, "Don''t worry. This distance is only between our physical bodies. Our hearts are still connected." She took a deep breath and said, "Anyway, it doesn''t matter. Our relationship won''t affect yours. All you have to do is stay by her side. She can''t tell herself how much she needs you."


    Han Bohai smiled at her, "I''ll stay by her side. I don''t have a habit of walking away."


    Su Xixi nodded her head, "That''s good. Now, you should leave before my daughter''s eyes really pierce through my face."


    Han Bohai turned around and found Ying''s gaze glued on Su Xixi''s face. It really looked like she was about to bore a hole in. He sighed while shaking his head and walked over to her side.


    Holding her hand, he pulled her inside and said, "Let me freshen up, and then, we have a lot to discuss."


    Ying silently followed him and waited for him. As he came out of the bathroom, he sat down on the bed beside her.


    "What was she saying to you?" asked Ying.


    "What do you think?" retorted Han Bohai.


    "She must have asked you to stay by my side and take care of me," replied Ying matter-of-factly.


    "If you already know, why are you asking me?"


    Ying looked at his face, "Because I wanted to hear it from you."


    Han Bohai held her gaze as he said, "Then you must also know what I want to hear as well."


    Ying''s body slightly stiffened before she lowered her eyes. Han Bohai pulled out the bracelet and placed it before her eyes.


    "I found this with you," he said. "And it certainly doesn''t belong to you."


    "You recognize it even though it''s been years?" she asked curiously.


    "This bracelet was like Sister Xiu''s second skin. I can''t even remember the time when I had not seen her wearing this. It had been like her lucky charm. She said it made her feel protected."


    Ying''s heart shook as she looked at him and said, "Do you when this bracelet was given to its owner the person who gave it also said something similar. He said it''s like protective gear. It''ll stay with you when I''m not there to protect you."


    Han Bohai''s face hardened as he asked, "Who are you talking about?" He observed her expressions as he went on, "And what do you know? Did you know my Sister Xiu? Did you really know Chen Xiu?"


    Ying shook her head at him, "I never met Chen Xiu, and neither did I know her personally. But I knew the real owner of this bracelet. I knew Xin Xiulin. The one for whom this bracelet was hand-carved by her father." She licked her lips and continued, "As for whether Xiulin and Chen Xiu were the same person, that''s something we can discuss. But the biggest possibility is that they were the same."


    Han Bohai paused momentarily. He didn''t know what else to ask. He knew he''d find an answer from Ying about Xiu''s birth parents but suddenly, he felt nervous.


    He rubbed his sweaty palms over his pants and asked, "Who is Xin Xiulin?"


    "Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi''s sister. Wen Ai and Xin Zimen''s dearest daughter. The girl who was proclaimed dead when she was just a month before her fifth birthday."


    "Proclaimed dead?" whispered Han Bohai more to himself than anyone else. He suddenly felt his head buzzing. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing and yet he had no reason not to believe. "Are you sure this bracelet is the same?"


    "I told you it''s hand-carved," said Ying. "My Aunt Ai designed it while Zizi was the one who hand-carved it for his dear daughter. As I said, he also told her it''d be like her protective shield. It''d accompany her on the path, he won''t be able to follow." She exhaled a long breath as she added, "It seems, this bracelet did follow her on the path he couldn''t do so."


    Han Bohai took a while to calm himself down but he couldn''t do so.


    "It''d have been such happy news if Chen Xiu was alive but she isn''t. And because she isn''t, it made this whole situation a lot worse. Even if we want to do something, we can''t do so. We can''t bring her back because it''s too late."


    Han Bohai held his forehead and thought about her words. He really didn''t know what to make of this situation right now. Although Xiu was alive, the situation was messed up. He had to tell Sister Xiu about it but what was he supposed to say to her? And how?


    He was the one who wanted her to find out about her real identity but now that the real identity was right before his eyes, he didn''t know what to do at all. If Xiu got to know that her Ah-Xin was actually her real father, what would be her reaction? He could see how much she loved him but will it really break her apart knowing that she had such a loving father in her previous life but the twist of fate had pulled them apart?


    Ying placed her hand on his shoulder when she saw his condition, "I know it''s difficult for you as well. Chen Xiu meant a lot to you. But you have no idea how much this family suffered because of her absence. They loved her dearly. No, I should say they still love her dearly. No one had ever forgotten her even for a minute."


    "You said she was loved, but do you know how much she yearned for that love?" Han Bohai''s voice was heavy. He felt so tired and spent at this moment that it was becoming difficult to even breathe. "Isn''t it ironic that she died yearning for love?"


    Ying felt something heavy weighing down on her heart as well. She knew what he meant. And she also agreed that it was ironic. But was there anything they could do? None of it was in their hands. They all had been tied by fate that played with them however it wanted to.


    But this game had hurt too many people. Whether it was Chen Xiu or Xin Zimen, they all had suffered in their own way. Who was supposed to decide who suffered more? And did it even matter now?


    "Hai, Zizi doesn''t know about this yet," said Ying. "He had been suffering from Xiulin''s loss for far too long and that''s why none of us want to see him go through it all over again. So, I hope you don''t say anything about this to anyone."


    Han Bohai suddenly stood up as he said, "I have to go somewhere." Ying was left staring at his back as he ran off without looking back.

 Chapter 868 - A Beautiful Daughter

    No matter how messed up Han Bohai''s thoughts were, he still knew there was only one person he had to find right now. It did seem difficult for him to tell this new information to Xiu which might change everything in her life but he''d never try to hide something like this from her. He couldn''t do it! He was bad at hiding things from her anyway.


    Just as he reached Xiu''s room, he didn''t her inside. Looking at him panting, Darren looked up from the book in his hands and asked, "Are you okay, Bohai?"


    Han Bohai stepped inside and breathed heavily before shaking his head, "I don''t think I''m alright."


    "What''s wrong?" inquired Darren in concern. Obviously, he was concerned for Han Bohai, this man was very dear to his wife. How could he not be concerned about his wellbeing? And currently, he was all the more concerned seeing Han Bohai''s pale face.


    "I don''t even know how to say what''s wrong," replied Han Bohai as he fell down on a chair and held his head with his hands. "Even I''m not able to make sense of everything yet. How am I gonna explain anything to her?"


    Darren frowned at his condition and held up a glass of water, "Want to drink some water to relax?"


    Han Bohai looked up and took the water from his hand saying, "Thanks." Then he drank the whole glass of water before he felt himself calming a little. Nothing changed in his head but at least, his body stopped shaking.


    "Do you have something to tell Xiu?" asked Darren. Han Bohai didn''t look up but nodded his head. Darren pressed his lips together and added, "Is it regarding her real identity?" Han Bohai''s abruptly looked up at him in shock and that was enough for Darren. "Oh..." responded Darren as he nodded to himself in understanding. "Is it difficult to say?"


    "It''s difficult," Han Bohai answered. "The fate played a huge joke on her. It''s so ironic and yet neither can I laugh nor can I cry." He ran a hand through his hair exasperatedly, "I don''t know how am I gonna tell this to her when even I''m not able to understand any of it."


    "You still need to tell her," said Darren resolutely. "My Sweets is stronger than you think. And you told her, she deserves to know the truth. Whether it''s painful or not, let her decide it."


    "I don''t want to hide it from her either," answered Han Bohai. "I won''t be able to hold back myself before her."


    "That''s good to know," replied Darren. "Since she isn''t here yet, you can take your time to calm down your emotions. Don''t look so stressed before her. She''d end up worrying about you more than worrying about the secret you have."


    Han Bohai let out a soft chuckle, "You really know her well."


    "I have fallen in love with her twice," said Darren. "So, you can say that I don''t only love her but also her soul. This love is deeper than it seems."


    Han Bohai stared at Darren''s face for a moment longer before he said, "I know."


    "Ah-Xin, where did you get these earrings?"


    Both Han Bohai and Darren looked towards the door. Xiu had come back from her daily sessions with Xin Zimen right beside her. Currently, Xiu was fascinated by the earrings that Xin Zimen wore. She had never seen him wearing the earrings before even though she had seen that he had ears pierced.


    And once she had even questioned him about that. At that time, he told her how he got his ears pierced for his daughter. She had felt quite envious of the girl who had a father like him who would get his ears pierced just because his daughter said so.


    "I hand carved them," Xin Zimen replied with a smile on his face. He was clearly recalling some good memory because one could see it through the look in his eyes.


    "Really?" asked Xiu in surprise. "Can I see it?"


    Seeing her excitement, Xin Zimen had to take off the earrings he had worn after so many months and put them in her hand.


    Xiu looked at the pair in her hand intently and frowned slightly as she asked, "The design is..." The last word, ''Familiar'' had gotten stuck in her throat. She didn''t know why she didn''t say it out loud but she found the design quite familiar.


    "It''s simple but my wife designed it with love," told Xin Zimen not realizing Xiu''s odd silence. "When she designed the bracelet for our daughter, she had designed this for me. And that''s because our daughter insisted that I should also wear something that would remind me of her."


    When he said, ''bracelet'' Xiu''s heart shook as it clicked in her head why it looked so familiar, and at the same time, Han Bohai''s body stiffened listening to their conversation. He had just managed to relax a little and now, he was staring at Xiu trying to read her expressions.


    Xiu looked up at Han Bohai and the look in his eyes startled her even more. She bit the inside of her cheek to not lose control of her emotions and to stop her brain from running amok. Taking a deep breath, she took a wild shot, "By any chance, that bracelet had character ''Xiu'' carved at the back?"


    Han Bohai felt his breath hitch at her question while Xin Zimen looked surprised, "How do you know that?"


    Xiu bit the inside of her cheek even harder before she replied, "I heard it from someone... About that bracelet."


    Xin Zimen nodded his head and his smile returned as he told her, "We named her Xiulin, a beautiful orchid. A beautiful flower that represents beauty and love because we both wanted her to be full of love and beauty that won''t just be reflected in her exterior but also in her heart and soul." He suddenly chuckled at the memory as he added, "I was originally gonna write Xiulin at the back of the bracelet but my Linlin was too eager and impatient. I only managed to write ''Xiu'' for beautiful before she started making trouble that she just had to wear it as soon as possible. It didn''t even fit on her small wrists and we had to twist it twice to make it fit on her wrist."


    The more he talked, the more blurry Xiu found the world before her eyes. And yet she held her ground and didn''t let her body shake even a little.


    "I heard you carry her picture in your wallet?" asked Xiu. "I''ve never seen her. Won''t you let me see if she was just as beautiful as her name or not?"


    "She was more beautiful than her name," said Xin Zimen before he pulled out his wallet.


    Meanwhile, Han Bohai sighed out and murmured, "She really was more beautiful than her name."


    "Here she is," Xin Zimen passed the wallet to Xiu. "This was taken a month before her fifth birthday. And it was our last family photo."


    Looking at the small girl who was holding the hands of both her parents with a big smile on her face made Xiu''s heart feel heavy. She felt like the little girl in that picture was mocking her for not having a beautiful family like hers. Was it alright for her to feel envious of herself though? Clearly, the face of that little girl before her couldn''t be more familiar to Xiu who grew up with that face.


    "Little lass, what''s wrong with you?" Xin Zimen was startled when he saw a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. She had bit her cheek so hard that it started bleeding but Xiu couldn''t feel it.


    Her heart was in so much pain that it overshadowed any other feeling in her body. It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! That was all that ran through her brain. As for where it hurts? She really didn''t know.


    "Sister Xiu!" Han Bohai ran up to Xiu''s side.


    "Sweets!" Darren also tried to get up from the bed but she looked at him shook her head.


    She wiped the blood off her mouth and tried to smile at Xin Zimen who looked worriedly at her. "I''m fine. I just accidentally bit my own cheek. It''s no big deal."


    "No, I should call the doctor," said Xin Zimen.


    "Ah-Xin, I''m fine," Xiu stressed on her words. She held his hands and gave his wallet back to him before she put the earrings back into his hands as well saying, "You had a beautiful daughter. Just like her name."


    Xin Zimen felt like she sounded weird but he couldn''t tell what was weird. Was it what she said? No, it didn''t sound wrong. Then what was this strange feeling of being stifled with the way she looked at him? And why did it make his heart ache all of a sudden?

 Chapter 869 - Dont Get Hurt

    No matter how Xiu said that she was alright, Xin Zimen didn''t believe her. He just couldn''t bring himself to do so. "Bohai, take her to the bed. I''m gonna call the doctor."


    Even before Xiu could stop him, Xin Zimen had run off to get the doctor himself!


    Just as Xin Zimen left the room, Xiu''s body finally gave away. Her legs could support her weight any longer and her knees buckled. But before she could fall, Han Bohai held her tightly in his arms. He already had expected such a reaction from her.


    As he led her to the bed and made her sit down, Xiu held his hands in her own and looked at him apprehensively, "Xiao Bobo, please tell me what I am thinking is not true. Just say that my mind is playing games with me. Tell me, all of this is just a coincidence. She just happens to look like my younger self. She just happened to have the same design of the bracelet as mine. She just had the same name as mine!"


    Looking at her frantically speaking, Han Bohai lowered his head because he couldn''t bring himself to say any of that. At least, not the way she wanted to hear it.


    Xiu shook him violently, "Don''t just stay quiet! Say something! Say something before my heart gives up on me."


    Darren wrapped his arms around her immediately. He was tightly holding on to her and caressed her head trying to calm her down, "Sweets, you need to calm down. This much excitement is not healthy for you."


    "Regan, do you know what is happening?"


    Darren wiped the blood off her mouth as he calmly said, "I can guess more or less." He rubbed her head as he added, "Stop biting your cheek."


    Xiu stared at him intently in silence. She couldn''t say no to him so she tried to calm her breathing and even stopped biting her cheek. Although there were no tears in her eyes, Darren found the look on her face tormenting. This time, she wasn''t shedding tears, it was her heart and soul screaming inside of her.


    "Xiao Bobo, you won''t say anything?" Xiu looked back at Han Bohai who had been silent.


    "I can''t lie to you," he told her. "He really is your father, Sister Xiu."


    That confirmation made Xiu close her eyes tightly.


    "But isn''t it a good thing?" Han Bohai added. "At least, now you know who you were."


    Xiu opened her eyes stared at Han Bohai blankly, "This was certainly good news if I had learned about it when I was Chen Xiu. What am I supposed to do with this information now?" She looked at Darren who had a complicated look in his head, "You tell me, Regan. Is it good news that the father I always dreamt about is standing before my eyes? He is in my reach and yet I can''t call him father. I''m a failure as a daughter who can''t even do anything for her father."


    She felt a headache growing as she added, "Who is gonna tell me if it''s good news or not?"


    Darren kissed her forehead as he said, "It is a good thing. Maybe not as a daughter, but you''re in his reach. You can take care of him. And more than anything, you know who he is. And you can also see how much he loves you."


    Xiu clutched his clothes as she said, "But isn''t that the worst? It''s because I can see how much he loves me that it''s hurting me so much. I can see his pain when he talks about his daughter. How am I supposed to face him? It hurt like hell seeing him like that when I didn''t even know he is my father, but now that I do, how am I gonna live?" Her lips trembled as she said in a shaky voice, "Just how am I supposed to live knowing that my father is hurting and I can''t do anything about it?"


    "Mr. Xin, stop dragging me," came a voice from outside the room and Xiu schooled her expressions to look normal.


    "I''m telling you something is wrong with my little lass and you''re still walking so slow. What else am I supposed to do? I can only drag you!" was Xin Zimen''s response.


    Soon, he stepped inside the house with Xiu''s doctor in tow. She looked really exasperated and didn''t know whether to laugh at this situation or cry. She looked at Xiu who didn''t look that different than the time she saw her just two hours ago.


    "Why are you just standing there?" questioned Xin Zimen when he looked at the doctor who was just standing at the door. "Aren''t you gonna do your job or should I look for another doctor?"


    "Ah-Xin, I''m really fine," Xiu had to force herself to say but while doing so she didn''t look into his eyes. She had always looked at his face whenever she talked but it was the first time, she seemed to have lowered her head before him. As if she just couldn''t bring herself to look at his face. It hurt!


    "Don''t listen to her," warned Xin Zimen. "We won''t take any risks when it comes to her health."


    Xiu stayed quiet and let the doctor do her job. Meanwhile, both Darren and Han Bohai had gone into a strange mood. It wasn''t like Xin Zimen wasn''t sensitive enough to the mood in this room. He frowned at both men in the room and questioned, "Is everything alright with you two?"


    "Yes," both Darren and Han Bohai replied simultaneously that left him even more perplexed and suspicious. However, he was currently just focused on Xiu''s condition so he didn''t bother probing the other two.


    "What happened to Xiu?" Xiao Li came running when he heard that his father had dragged Xiu''s doctor to her room. He was so shaken that he ran over immediately. "Wasn''t she fine during the breakfast?"


    Xin Zimen put his finger on his lips as he gazed at his son and instructed him to stay quiet. "Don''t distract the doctor."


    Xiao Li immediately shut his mouth and looked towards the doctor who was being thorough with her job.


    "Bro, did something happen to Sister Xiu?" came Ah-Si''s voice from behind and Xiao Li gave him the same look that his father had passed to him earlier.


    Ah-Si also quietened up and focused on the doctor who seemed to be sweating buckets with so many pairs of eyes focused on her now.


    "You all are making her nervous," said Xiu as she tried to laugh a little. However, her laughter wasn''t as bright as usual. It sounded rather choked up and dry. It seemed like she was struggling with some emotions within herself but not one thing could be seen on her face.


    And because Xin Zimen couldn''t read her expressions, it made him even more anxious. He didn''t know why he was feeling this strange even now.


    After the doctor was done, she told Xin Zimen, "Everything seems normal with her." Xin Zimen frowned at her words clearly suspicious of the credibility of her words. He had even come up with the idea of getting another doctor here. As if the doctor could read his thoughts, she said, "Mr. Xin, you''re just too worried about her. She did bit her cheek a little too hard but her vitals are fine. Her heartbeat seems a little fast but isn''t at an alarming rate. You don''t need to worry so much. And stop being so suspicious. I''m not sure about her but you might end up compromising your health in this way."


    Xin Zimen didn''t really care about the doctor''s words. Although he was still suspicious, he didn''t show it. He just asked the doctor to leave and walked over to Xiu. He placed his hand on her head and sighed, "Little lass, how can you do such a mistake? Biting your own cheek until it bleeds? Is it something normal?"


    Xiu tried to maintain her smile as she replied, "Well, don''t you know that I do all sorts of things? I''m just that crazy. There is nothing normal about my existence."


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head, "Stop talking nonsense. And stop worrying me so much as well."


    He leaned down to come face to face with her. He tried to hold her gaze which she kept avoiding as he implored, "Don''t get hurt, eh? It really doesn''t feel good when I see you hurt. I feel like tearing apart the person who hurt you. So, please, don''t get hurt. I love that beautiful smile on your face. Just keep smiling. I''ll do my best to protect that smile of yours. I promise."


    The tears and emotions that Xiu had been holding back suddenly broke her restraint and rushed up. She really lost all the control over her tears and emotions.

 Chapter 870 - Painful Cries

    Xiu had been trying her best to push back her tears. She really didn''t want to shed ugly tears before Xin Zimen. However, the moment Xin Zimen said, ''Don''t get hurt.'' Xiu lost herself to the grief that welled up inside her heart.


    And just like that, she surrendered herself to the grief that had entered her heart like a tsunami to wreak havoc and destroy her. The moment her tears rolled down her face, Xin Zimen was startled. He was frozen at his place as he watched her sob painfully. She had finally accepted the emotional pain that''s been knocking at the door of her heart trying to creep in and even Xin Zimen could see a heartbroken look in her eyes.


    Her silent sobbing suddenly turned into an earth-shattering cry that shook everyone''s heart in the room. Before Xin Zimen could even move, Xiu held his waist and hugged him tightly as her cries grew louder and louder.


    The sound of her wailing was making it difficult for Darren to breathe but he found himself helpless in this situation. He knew there was nothing he could say or do to make her feel better. Nothing was gonna help. But maybe just maybe hugging Xin Zimen would help her. Even if he hoped for that, he still couldn''t stop himself from shedding tears silently with her.


    Currently, only Darren and Han Bohai could understand Xiu''s crying. And it was painful to them.


    Xiu didn''t care about how she looked, she just buried her face in Xin Zimen''s body and continued to cry out. She hadn''t cried so painfully since the time of her rebirth. But now, she couldn''t stop herself. Today, she truly felt like crying her heart and soul out!


    She wanted to scream, ''Daddy, your daughter had been hurt already! This world hurt her so much that she gave up on her life! How can you tell me to not get hurt now? I''ve already destroyed myself once! How am I supposed to tell you how much it hurt? How am I supposed to tell how the world treated your daughter when you weren''t there to protect her?! How am I supposed to tell you that I lost the right to even complain to you because I killed myself? I killed your daughter! I lost the right to call you daddy! I lost it all because it hurt so much!''


    She really wanted to scream it all out but in the end, she had even lost the right to scream it out loud. Just how was she supposed to say it all out loud? What right did she have now?


    After being stunned for a long while, Xin Zimen hugged her head and said, "Little lass, why are you crying?" He didn''t even realize that his voice was shaking just like his body was shaking right now. He could feel his shirt getting wet because of her tears but all he felt was like each of her tears was burning him. Not his skin, it was burning something else inside of him.


    Whatever was burning inside of him, it was painful. It was making his heart ache. It was making his heart clench painfully. He didn''t know why but each of her cries was tearing his heart ruthlessly.


    He tried to push her away to look at her face but she refused to budge. In fact, when he tried to push her, Xiu grasped onto him even more tightly as if she was holding onto her last shred of life.


    From the moment he met Xiu, he had always seen her smiling. He had always seen her trying to look for something positive even in the worst of conditions. No matter how she got hurt, she didn''t cry out in pain.


    But today, seeing her so vulnerable made him feel displeased. They say crying washes away the inner clutter but for some reason, he didn''t want to see her crying. It hurt him to see her in tears. He didn''t even know why he felt like he was choking up with tears right now.


    "Dad!" Xiao Li shouted at his father as he came close. "Why are you just standing there? And why did you make her cry?"


    "I didn''t," replied Xin Zimen. "I didn''t do anything."


    "If you didn''t, why is she crying so much?" Xiao Li shot back in anger. Even he could feel the pain of Xiu from just the sound of her cries. And honestly, he knew his father didn''t do anything. But currently, his mind wasn''t working properly at all. To him, all he could see was Xiu''s tears and nothing else.


    "Regan!" Xiao Li turned to Darren but found him in tears and when he turned to Han Bohai, he was also silently trying to hide his tears. This made Xiao Li even more confused. He didn''t even know what was going on to make them all so emotional.


    Clenching his jaw, he moved over and patted Xiu''s back in a soothing manner as he said, "Xiu, why are you crying? Why don''t you tell me who made you cry? What made you so sad? Just say it one time, I promise, I''ll do anything to fix it, eh? Don''t you say I''m your brother, then just tell me what is wrong? Your brother will solve it for you."


    Hearing his words, Xiu cried even harder if that was even possible. Seeing that, Xin Zimen smacked his son saying, "What the hell are you doing? If you can''t fix it, don''t make it worse!"


    Ah-Si who had been standing at the door didn''t dare walk inside the room. From the moment, he had seen tears in Xiu''s eyes when she looked at Xin Zimen, something tugged at his heart. He could faintly tell what was up with her. But he also knew he was just as helpless as she was in the condition. And the way she cried so painfully, made him didn''t even dare to take another step.


    "My little lass, if you continued to cry so sadly, it''s gonna make me go crazy with fear. Please, say something. Your tears are hurting me now."


    "Xiu, at least tell us what is going on? How can we do anything if you continued to cry like this?"


    Both Xin Zimen and Xiao Li tried everything to make her stop crying but the more they said something, the louder and painfully her crying got. It only made them feel hurt. As for Xiu, she cried until her voice grew hoarser, she cried until no tears were left to shed. She cried until she lost her unconsciousness from crying.


    Ah-Si hurriedly called the doctor who asked them all to leave the room. Even Darren was moved out of the room. And just as they left the room, Xin Zimen stared at Darren and glared, "You know why she cried!"


    Darren rubbed his temples as he replied, "Uncle Zi, just because I know the reason behind her tears doesn''t mean I can do anything for her. This is the second time I''m feeling so helpless in my life. And I know she is feeling the same helplessness as well. We only cry when it gets too much. When we are not able to hold back our feelings any longer. It''s better to let her cry like this."


    Xiao Li looked at Han Bohai suspiciously, "Why are you here?"


    Han Bohai was about to say something when Darren said on his behalf, "Xiu wanted to see him. You don''t have to look at him so suspiciously. He isn''t the reason for her tears."


    "What the hell! If you won''t say anything how will we know why she lost control like this?" shouted Xiao Li. Usually, he could keep his temper in check but today, he couldn''t do it. Or more like, he didn''t want to do it at all. He could still hear the sound of crying in his head and it seemed to be attacking him repeatedly now. "Does it make sense that a lively person like her suddenly started crying? One minute she was smiling and the next, she broke down like this? Without any reason at all? What does this mean?"


    "It''s not the first time," muttered Han Bohai in a low voice which earned him a lot of stares from the men around him. He wasn''t fazed as he said, "Just because she is good at laughing, doesn''t mean everything is alright. It just means before today, she didn''t think of you as close enough to let you see her vulnerable side like this."


    "Should I feel happy about the fact that now she thinks of me as someone she can depend on?"


    Darren nodded to that, "Maybe you should. Sweets don''t cry before just anyone."


    "But I don''t want to see her cry!" shouted Xiao Li and turned to his father. "Dad, why are you not saying anything?"


    Xin Zimen''s eyes were glued to the closed door of the room as he replied, "Xiao Li, stop talking. Let her wake up. We''ll eventually know what''s wrong."

 Chapter 871 - Who Is At Fault?

    Early in the morning, Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan had left to visit the Qiu family house. It took days for Zhao Huan to gather the courage to face her sister. She had never thought she had done anything wrong that would make her lower her head before anyone but unexpectedly, the person she had wronged was her own sister.


    The relationship between these sisters had been strained for decades now. And for the first time, Zhao Huan realized that it was because of her. While she had always thought they drifted away because of what Zhao Wei did to her but only now she got to know that her sister was completely innocent. And it was she who had wrongly accused her own sister.


    Qiu Jiayi was surprised to see this pair at the door of his house but he soon invited them inside. After asking them to take a seat, he went to inform his wife. Soon, he came back and told them, "You can go and see her."


    Zhao Huan looked at him gratefully before she walked past him and went over to Zhao Wei''s room. This was her first time being here, so a maid had to direct her towards Zhao Wei''s bedroom. As she walked through the hallway, she actually smiled seeing how every inch of this house gave off a familiar feeling. And she knew it was Zhao Wei must have decorated every inch of this house with her own hands.


    Since her sister''s likes and dislikes were exactly like their mother''s, this strange familiarity gave her both a happy and sad feeling. Standing outside the bedroom door, she waited for a minute before knocking on the door. She took a deep breath and stepped inside with a heavy heart.


    Zhao Wei was leaning against the headboard with her eyes closed gently. Just one look and Zhao Huan''s heart clenched inside her chest. In just days, Zhao Wei seemed to have aged. Her skin looked pale and sallow. Her frame was boney, there was hardly any flesh on her bones. Her cheeks had squeezed in making her face slimmer. Even her head full of black hair seemed to have turned grey.


    She walked over and pulled a chair beside her bed.


    "Why are you here?" asked Zhao Wei without even opening her eyes.


    Zhao Huan pursed her lips before she softly said, "I came to apologize to you."


    Zhao Wei opened her eyes and tilted her slightly to look at her, "Come again? Mistress of the Xin family is here to apologize to me? Why?"


    "Back then, I shouldn''t have blamed my miscarriage on you without knowing the truth. Even if everything pointed at you, I should have trusted in you."


    Zhao Wei stared at her elder sister and snorted, "Do you think that''s why I hated you?"


    Zhao Huan looked up at her, "Didn''t you?"


    "No," replied Zhao Wei. "Even though what you said had hurt me, it wasn''t enough to make me hate you. I knew your mental condition was sensitive during that period of time. Having three miscarriages, anyone could breakdown and lose rationality. And it is a fact that the poison was inside the bird''s nest that I brought for you. That''s why I could never hate my own elder sister."


    Zhao Huan was startled to hear that. All these years, she thought it was because of her words that Zhao Wei hated her so much. But she never thought that the one who understood her condition at the time was none other than her own sister.


    "Then why?" she couldn''t help asking.


    "Because you took my parents from me," replied Zhao Wei. "When I went against our parents'' wishes and married Jiayi, you said you''d do anything to make them understand. You''d never let them cut ties with me. But it was you who in the end made my parents hate me. They didn''t even want to see my face because they thought I tried to harm you." She took a pause to swallow the bile that rose and said, "Do you even know what mom said to me? She said I was jealous of you. But why would I be jealous of my own sister? And why would I want to harm my sister? Exactly what did you have that could make me envious? I have a loving husband, an adorable son, and a daughter who let me down. But still, you had nothing that could make me envious of you. Was being the Mistress of the Xin family that big of a deal?"


    Zhao Huan''s heart hurt hearing all of that as she said, "I never said anything to them. Even if I blamed you at the time, trust me, I never said a word to mom and dad. I tried to make them understand repeatedly but they..." She broke down halfway through her sentence as her tears rolled down.


    "You know, I always thought that my daughter doesn''t listen to me it''s a kind of punishment for hurting my own mom. No matter how hard I tried, my daughter kept walking away from me again and again. Maybe it was to remind me that once upon a time, I also walked away from my mother."


    Zhao Huan held her hand and shook her hand, "It''s nothing like that. Listen to me, mom and dad really didn''t hate you. They could never do that. Maybe mom said some hurtful things to you but she didn''t mean any of it. Between the two of us, she had always loved you more. How could she bear to hurt you? In fact, her anger was only momentary. They both had planned to go and see you but life didn''t give them enough time. Their accident took their lives before they could reach you."


    Zhao Huan took a pause as she looked into her sister''s dull eyes and went down on her knees startling Zhao Wei, "If there is anyone who is at fault, that''s still me. I should have never doubted you. You''re my only sister, and even when I had all those doubts, I had never been able to hate you. I always asked about you whenever I met Xiao Zi. I just could never face you because I could neither hate you nor could I forget what happened back then. You can punish me however you want. I''m willing to take all of your curses. Because I deserve it." She sobbed as she continued, "In fact, Wen Ai used to say I''m naive. I always thought she was just being rude like she was. But she was right. I had always been too naive and that''s why people always took advantage of me. Whatever happened to me was my own fault. It was my own naive self that destroyed me. I should have never pointed my finger at you. So, please forgive me! I''m begging you please forgive me."


    ....


    "How is Xiao Zi doing?" asked Qiu Jiayi as he took a sip of the tea.


    Xin Zemin also drank the tea without hesitation and said, "He is like his usual self." He frowned a little and added, "Actually, no. He had been a lot restless, vulnerable, sometimes anxious, sometimes cheery. It''s hard to tell what kind of mood he is in. It''s rare for me to even see that many expressions on his face that had always been like a calm stream of water."


    Qiu Jiayi smiled at that, "And I believe that''s all because of your daughter."


    Xin Zemin looked at Qiu Jiayi and nodded his head, "It is indeed because of her." He took a pause and went on, "You haven''t been contacting him lately? Not planning on doing so?"


    Qiu Jiayi narrowed his eyes at Xin Zemin, "He is more of a brother to me than he had ever been to you." Xin Zemin felt like Qiu Jiayi just attacked him but he couldn''t even bring himself to retort. "There is nothing that can come between me and Zimen. We are just giving each other time to solve the matters at hand. Currently, my hands are full because of my wife''s health and Zimen is busy with his own stuff. There is no need for me to go and disturb him at this time."


    Xin Zemin sighed out, "Right. I almost forgot just what kind of relationship you both have."


    Qiu Jiayi smiled at him, "Our friendship had already gone through all kinds of tests over the years. This small matter between our kids won''t be enough to destroy what we have."


    "Your daughter is in jail," reminded Xin Zemin. "Is that really a small matter?"


    Qiu Jiayi had just opened his mouth to reply when Xin Zemin''s phone rang and he decided to not say anything at all. But just as Xin Zemin attended the call, his expressions changed.


    "How is she now?" asked Xin Zemin in an anxious tone and after hearing the reply from the other side, he went on, "We are coming back."


    "Is everything okay?" asked Qiu Jiayi when he looked at Xin Zemin''s anxious look.


    "It''s my daughter," replied Xin Zemin vaguely. "Can you call my wife? We''ll have to leave now."

 Chapter 872 - Defense Mechanism

    Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan had rushed back immediately after learning about Xiu''s condition. Well, technically, Xin Zemin wasn''t able to grasp the situation at all over the phone call. He only heard that his daughter cried and fainted. That was enough to put him in a frenzy.


    As soon as he came back, he asked his brother, "What happened?"


    Xin Zimen was rubbing his forehead as he replied, "If I knew what happened, I wouldn''t be so disturbed right now."


    That was the main point here. Zimen himself didn''t have a single clue about what went wrong. He clearly could see that Xiu was happily talking to him after her sessions. She even joked around making him laugh out. And he knew she wasn''t faking it at that time but then suddenly something went wrong.


    From the moment he saw the trace of blood at the corner of her mouth his heart had jolted and he felt uneasy. His intuition told him that something was wrong and that''s why he insisted on calling the doctor to check up on Xiu. But the doctor said nothing was wrong at all with Xiu. However, he knew in his heart that something was wrong.


    Even after thinking for the past hour, he couldn''t understand why Xiu cried. What exactly went wrong? He really wanted to tear apart whoever made Xiu cry so painfully. It sounded so painfully that it repeatedly broke his heart. He neither could understand the situation at hand nor could he understand the reason behind his own emotional turmoil.


    There was a voice in his heart that said he was the reason behind Xiu''s tears and that thought alone left his mind in a mess. He was gonna go crazy thinking about all this. He had never felt this conflicted in his life. At least, not since the time he lost the two most important women of his life. Since the time he lost his daughter and his wife, there was hardly a time when he had been so indecisive and conflicted.


    Xin Zemin sat down beside his brother and asked again, "I heard you''re with her at that time. You must know what exactly happened suddenly."


    "Are you saying I did something?" retorted Xin Zimen in annoyance.


    "Don''t twist my words," said Xin Zemin trying to keep himself calm. "Set aside our personal differences for a while. I know you care about my daughter just as much as I do. Or maybe you have come to care about her more than me." He took a pause and inhaled a deep breath before exhaling it and saying, "Did something make her upset?"


    Xin Zimen faced his brother as he replied, "I honestly don''t know. She was happy just like her usual self. I don''t know why she suddenly started crying and refused to stop. I''ve tried to calm her down. I''ve tried to talk to her but I wasn''t able to. She just kept crying."


    Xin Zemin fell into deep thought, "There has to be a stimulant behind all of this."


    "If you find out, please let me know as well," said Xin Zimen and stood up to leave.


    "Sit down," said Xin Zemin. "We are talking about Xiu''s health here. You better not try to walk out. You can walk out on me all you want but not when we are talking about Xiu."


    Xin Zimen didn''t argue with him and sat back down. "Let''s just wait for her to wake up and give us an answer herself. No matter what conclusion we come to, it won''t get us anywhere. Let''s not waste time on taking blind shots."


    "Is there anything particular you can think about?" asked Xin Zemin still trying to analyze the situation. He really couldn''t just wait for Xiu to get up and give him an answer.


    Zimen touched his earlobes where his earrings were and thought back to the look on Xiu''s face. It really bothered him all of a sudden. Now that he replayed the scene in his mind, he could pick out the smallest details that he had overlooked at that time. For instance, the slight tremble of Xiu''s hand when she gave his wallet back to him.


    Why did she react like this?


    ....


    "How did Xiu fell ill again? Wasn''t she doing well these days?" asked Nora as she looked at the faces of Xin brothers and Han Bohai who stood outside Xiu''s bedroom. "She even had the time to pull pranks on me. What happened then?"


    Xiao Li rubbed a hand over his face as he replied, "The doctor said she received a strong psychological shock. Something stimulated her emotions and that led to this situation."


    "Is she doing okay now?" Nora looked at him in worry.


    "Her blood pressure has come to normal and her heartbeat is also normal now. But she isn''t awake yet," answered Xiao Li.


    "What shock did she receive?" asked Nora. "She isn''t weak enough to cry over random things. She would never cry before people. That had always been her defense mechanism."


    "We are also currently trying to understand what really stimulated her," said Xiao Li.


    While Nora was talking to Xiao Li, she had noticed how quiet both Han Bohai and Ah-Si were. And they both seemed lost in their own thoughts. Also, the rims of their eyes were also red. How suspicious!


    "Do you both know something?" questioned Nora straightforwardly. Since she found their silence strange, she had to ask them outrightly.


    Both Ah-Si and Han Bohai were startled a little and both noticed a similar abnormality about the other. As if they had a tacit understanding, they replied, "How would we know anything?"


    "Han Bohai," Xiao Li called out. "You had been in the room even before we came. Do you really not know what made her cry like that?"


    Of course, he knew! He knew it better than anyone around him right now. How could he not know the emotional turmoil in Xiu''s head? How could he not understand her conflicting thoughts? And she must have been blaming herself for all sorts of things again as well. He knew just how much Xiu had yearned for a father. And surprisingly, the image of a father she had in her mind was exactly alike Xin Zimen.


    He didn''t even know what he was supposed to call this twist of fate.


    Back when he had first told Chen Xiu that he missed his father, she had said, ''Aiya! Can you take some pity on me? At least you have memories of your father. I don''t even know if I ever had one or not.''


    He had retorted with, ''Everyone has a father. You definitely didn''t pop out of an egg on your own.''


    She had given him a bright smile as she had said, ''You''re right. I must have had the most amazing father in the whole world.''


    ''And how did you come to that conclusion?''


    She proudly looked at him saying, ''Because I''m the most amazing one as well. How can my father be any less awesome than I am? I won''t accept it!''


    He chuckled at her and said, ''So, if your father really is a little less awesome than you, would you really just refuse to acknowledge him as a father?''


    Chen Xiu hesitated before saying, ''Well, even if less awesome, still my father. It''s alright. I''ll just rub off my awesomeness on him.''


    He knew she had said all that nonsense just to make him smile again and forget about the loss of his parents. Of course, it worked since he was lured into smiling like a fool along with her. However, behind that cheerful smile, he had always seen the most painful and desperate yearning for a father.


    Coming back to the present, he really didn''t know how to help his Sister Xiu. The one she yearned for was right before her eyes now but she couldn''t even call out to him. She couldn''t reach out to him. She couldn''t even tell him the truth that sounded inconceivable on its own and adding the twist of how she was occupying the body of her own father''s niece, this inconceivable truth became an even bigger mess.


    "I''m also not sure," replied Han Bohai after a long pause. "She seemed perfectly fine to me. But the next minute, she broke down."


    "That''s what I''m worried about," said Xiao Li. "It doesn''t make sense."


    "I think we all should take a break," suggested Nora. "Since Xiu had cried for so long, she won''t be waking up anytime soon. Let''s give her mind enough time to solve everything. Because only when she will be able to solve her own thoughts would she be able to wake up to face whatever is bothering her."


    "Are you a worm in her stomach? How do you know her so well?" questioned Xiao Li.


    Nora offered him a smile, "Because I''ve seen her doing that before. She would get drunk on purpose, crying her heart out, and sleep her days off. She is just like that."

 Chapter 873 - Sinking

    What does it feel like to be underwater?


    No matter how much you hold your breath, the desperation will make you inhale. And there, you won''t find the oxygen to fill your lungs but instead, it''d be briny water that''ll invade your body. The coolness invading your body would tire you out. The helpless struggle of trying to see the sky again will eventually run out as the body and heart would give up.


    Your hair would start rising upward like seaweed, rippling in the currents. The struggle to reach out your hand would also die down. No matter how the panic would hammer against your ribs, you would just sink... Sink... And sink deeper.


    That had been the feeling Xiu had experiences all too well, repeatedly in her dreams. The dream that had been following her for as long as she could remember. In fact, this dream was something she was all too familiar with.


    She had always been struggling, flapping her arms and legs around, trying to reach out. However, she never reached the shore. She never managed to see the sky above.


    Currently, she has again stuck in the same dream all over again. It had been a never-ending cycle after all. When she found herself in the same place, she wasn''t even surprised anymore. And neither did she try to struggle out of there.


    For the first time, she noticed how quiet it was around her. Ah, the world under the water had been eerily quiet. How come she never noticed it before? Oh, it must be because she was too focused on trying to reach out to the sky.


    Usually, she would always wake up with a start whenever her body started sinking. However, today even though she had given up on struggling, she wasn''t sinking. She wasn''t feeling suffocating at all. Could she breathe underwater? She really couldn''t tell at all.


    But she knew one thing at that moment, the sky that seemed murky and out of reach had become clear before her. She could see the twinkling stars in the sky. It looked beautiful as always.


    For the first time, she heard voices in this dream. Unfamiliar voices. The voices around her weren''t speaking Mandarin. But she could understand them calling for help.


    But before she could grasp what these voices were saying, the whole world around her spun and everything turned dark before her eyes. She felt someone shaking her softly. However, none of it scared her, instead, she let her body sink into the familiar embrace.


    Darren hugged her even closer to his chest and in a soft voice said, "You can wake up now. Don''t continue to sleep like this. I hate your silence." He kissed the space between her brows as he went on, "I know you''re scared of facing this reality. But you said it yourself you can''t run from things forever."


    Xiu snuggled up against him and mumbled blearily, "I can''t face him. Not like this. It hurts."


    Darren continued to drop soft kisses on her face as he added, "I know."


    Xiu''s eyes shot open and she looked into his eyes, "Regan, do you really understand?" Darren pressed his lips together when he saw the look in her eyes. Her voice was still hoarse to the point that it was barely audible to him. "I am his daughter and at the same time, I am not. I am neither Destiny as a whole nor am I Xiulin as a whole. Just what am I then? Who am I? Huh?"


    Darren caressed her face lovingly as he said, "You''re my Sweets. You''re my wife. You''re our little tiger''s most amazing mother."


    Xiu hid her face in the crook of his neck. She didn''t shed a single tear now. She didn''t feel like crying anymore. It wasn''t gonna solve anything anyway. She had learned to keep her emotions in check and yet, she couldn''t control it before Xin Zimen.


    He had offered something she had died yearning for. The love and care of the father.


    ''Don''t get hurt.''


    Those words were still ringing in her head. And those words became the stimulant that forced her to pour her heart out before him. She looked at her hands that had clasped his waist tightly. He was warm. Very warm.


    "Do you want to drink some water?" asked Darren when he noticed how quiet she was. She silently nodded her head and Darren helped her up with his arm. With her body leaning into his arm, he helped her in drinking some water to moisten up her throat. She had been sleeping for too long.


    After Xiu drank the water, she felt her throat easing up. Her eyes wandered off towards the window and she said, "Oh, it''s already nighttime."


    Darren pursed his lips before telling her, "Not the same day anymore."


    "Huh?" Xiu looked at him inquisitively.


    "You went to sleep three days ago," told Darren. "So whatever you remember, all of that happened three days ago."


    Xiu scratched the back of her head sheepishly, "You must have been worried. I''m sorry."


    Darren rubbed her head gently, "It''s alright. More than me, everyone else was a lot more worried. In fact, both Uncle Zi and Uncle Ze were so worried that I felt like I was under-worrying."


    Xiu didn''t react to his words at all. "I need a break."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I need a break so that I can give birth to my son in peace," said Xiu. "Every day something happens that I can''t handle. How am I so weak? No matter how hard I try, how come I always end up failing miserably?"


    Darren smiled at her, "Sweets, you''re not weak. You''re handling everything in your own way. The fact that even after learning about such crazy truths, you are still okay is saying something."


    "Who said I''m okay?" retorted Xiu. "I''m scared that I will lose whatever I have today. Because it doesn''t belong to me."


    "But I belong to only you," said Darren firmly. "I''ll always belong to only you. And you''ll never lose me. I won''t ever let that happen. I''ll do my best to protect you, our son, and our family. I promise you that."


    "But I can''t keep letting you protect me," said Xiu. She touched the badge on his head as she said, "You always get hurt because of me. And I don''t like that." She lowered her eyes and added, "It''s my punishment, I shouldn''t let you suffer with me."


    "What punishment?" asked Darren with a frown.


    "Isn''t it, my punishment?" retorted Xiu. "They say the one who gives up on his life, will have the worst end. Since I gave up on my life, life is playing all these jokes on me. I can''t even stand before my father and call him mine. I can''t even tell him that I''m his daughter. And if I really decide to tell him everything, do yoou think I have the courage to face him? How should I tell him that his daughter was a cowered who gave up on her own life? And what if he gets disappointed in me? No, he''ll definitely be disappointed. Also, what about the pain he''ll have to go through all over again? Am I really strong enough to watch him suffering again because of me?"


    Darren hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head, "Shh... Stop thinking. If you don''t want to face anything, we won''t go through it. Even if it''s your punishment, as your husband, I''m willing to suffer along with you. I just need you not to give up. Not ever again!"


    Xiu offered him a broken smile as she said, "Regan, even if I end up giving up on myself again, I can never give up on you. I''m not strong enough to leave you again."


    "Good," said Darren. "Now, stop thinking about all of this. We''ll slowly solve everything. Whatever it is, we can slowly go through it. There is no need to rush. It''s a complicated matter, we should take time. Let it all sink in slowly. The more your struggle, the more easily you''ll get tired. And more helpless you''ll feel."


    Xiu''s eyes widened at his words as his words made her recall the dream that had been following her. Indeed, when she struggled, she always tire herself out. But this time, when she allowed herself to sink, everything seemed easier. How strange...


    "It always gets better when you''re talking," said Xiu.


    "Oh? And here I thought it always gets better when you''re talking," replied Darren. "Isn''t that why I love hearing your voice? No matter how much nonsense you talk, I''m always listening attentively."


    "I talk nonsense?" retorted Xiu as she looked up at him.


    Darren chuckled softly, "No. You absolutely don''t."


    Today, however, even his smile didn''t make her smile like it usually did. Today, she just felt tired after only talking this much.

 Chapter 874 - Obsession

    Xiu took Darren''s words most seriously. Since he was the pillar she needed, she naturally knew she needed to listen to him to keep going. When it came to her inner strength, she depended on the little life that was slowly but certainly nurturing inside her body. But when it came to emotional strength, her husband was the only one who could provide.


    Xiu had realized how she needed to depend on others to keep herself going but she still found it amazing. After all, as Chen Xiu, she couldn''t find the strength to go on and neither was there anyone to provide it for her.


    And since Xiu listened to Darren''s words, she had stopped thinking about everything that bothered her. She seemed to have pulled the shields around herself higher than ever. It was her brain''s self-defense mechanism. She couldn''t let herself breakdown ever again.


    With this mindset, Xiu diligently focused on getting better. And in this process, a whole month passed.


    Now, she was able to move her arm. Although she''d get tired easily, it was still better than before. Even her sessions with Gigi seemed to be going better than before. She was more open to talking about her feelings. Whether it was her pain or happiness, she was willing to talk about it. She knew she had to speak out her grievance to learn to let go of it. And every time she said it out loud, something would feel light inside her.


    It was like her breaking off the shackles of pain.


    Even Darren''s condition had gotten a whole lot better. Even his team of doctors was appalled at his rate of recovery. Now, he could not only walk on his own, but he could also go out for walks with his wife in the garden. One would often find this husband and wife drinking tea in the pavilion just like they were doing right now.


    Xiu had stayed true to her words. She needed a break from everything. But the break she needed was just from her emotions. It didn''t involve her plans to ruin some people! While one might think this month had been peaceful but only Xiu knew how much trouble she had caused in this month silently.


    In all this development, some people were still unhappy. Although they could see Xiu and Darren recovering well, there was something that had been bothering the people around them.


    "Is it just me or she really doesn''t smile like she used to do?" asked Xiao Li as he looked at Xiu from inside the living room''s window.


    "She doesn''t talk as much either," added Ying as well. "For some reason, she is too quiet."


    "I''m really unfamiliar with this type of Xiu," said Dylan. "She hadn''t even been throwing shades at me lately. It feels weird."


    "She isn''t insulting you and instead of feeling good, you''re actually missing it?" retorted Nora as she looked at Dylan weirdly.


    Dylan scratched his head saying, "I can''t help it. I''m too used to the snarky Xiu. The one who wanted to bury me in her back garden." He suddenly sighed with a complicated look in his eyes, "As for this Xiu, she only smiles at me politely. And honestly speaking, her polite smile gives me creeps. It feels like she is planning something evil behind that goody-two-shoes smile. It gives me creeps." He rubbed his own arms as if trying to ease his goosebumps.


    "But I''m quite familiar with this Xiu," said Nora softly. Mostly to herself as she thought back to the time when Xiu lost her memory. She would always be quiet and acted cautiously and overly polite.


    Now, she didn''t look as cautious, as quiet, or overly polite, but Nora could still feel a familiar vibe.


    "And who is gonna tell me why is she insisting on leaving?" asked Xin Zimen as he looked at the younger generation gathered around in the living room of his house.


    If one had to ask who was feeling most troubled right now, it had to be Xin Zimen and his elder brother, Xin Zemin. Because since the crying episode of Xiu, the latter had become a little distant. Or maybe saying distant would be wrong. But just something about her was different.


    Her expressions were too wooden whenever these two were around. Even if she tried to smile, it always had the sad touch to it that actually both brothers. And oddly, this similar concern over the same person had brought these brothers closer than they ever had been. Now, they could sit together and talk civilly to each other.


    However, no matter how they tried to entice Xiu with spicy food or desserts, she would always only offer a small smile that actually hurt them instead of making them feel good about it. She looked like a lost puppy before them. Whenever she faced others, she had a clear look in her eyes but whenever she faced these two fathers, she''d become lost.


    But they really couldn''t understand what was going on in Xiu''s mind. The struggle in her head was a lot more complex than anyone could think. Adding on the fact that she was good at hiding her feelings, it was not possible to tell what she was up to these days.


    "Do you think Sister Xiu will tell the truth to dad?" asked Ah-Si in a low voice to Han Bohai. Both had been standing in a far corner away from everyone else. Because only these two knew the real reason behind the changes in Xiu''s condition.


    "She will," replied Han Bohai. "Once her obsession is over."


    "What is she obsessed with right now?" asked Ah-Si.


    "Revenge," answered Han Bohai. "Her two lives are losing meaning before her. She has to hold someone accountable for what she is going through right now."


    Ah-Si suddenly had a look of realization and nodded his head. Actually, he had asked Xiu this question after she woke up but she had only said one sentence to him back then, ''Give me some time to breathe, Ah-Si. Before I suffocate myself with this struggle, let my mind process everything slowly.''


    "Once her obsession is over," began Ah-Si. "What do you think is gonna happen?"


    Han Bohai stared at Ah-Si, "You never know. She only looks like you can predict her. In reality, she is the random-est person around. She used to laugh one moment and cry the next. As I always say, her mental health is questionable. You can''t ever predict her because normal people''s train of thoughts doesn''t match hers."


    Ah-Si suddenly had a sou expression, "I hate you."


    "What did I do?" retorted Han Bohai innocently.


    "I hate the fact that you understand my sister better than me. And I also hate the fact that you''re there to get all of her love when it belonged to me."


    Han Bohai chuckled softly, "It''s called fate. You didn''t get it not because I got in the way, it''s because it was never meant to be yours. It never belonged to you."


    "You really know how to make me angry," huffed Ah-Si. He sighed heavily and looked towards Xiu as he asked, "But tell me honestly, do you think she is okay?"


    Han Bohai nodded solemnly, "Although it might not seem like it, trust me, she is better than ever right now. She always had a knot in her heart to learn about her amazing father. That knot has been untied now. Not only she learned that her father is the most amazing person. She also found him so close to her. Although the situation is overwhelming to her, it''d be to anyone though but she definitely loves it. Knowing who her father is, means just as much to her as it did before. And trust me, she is very happy right now."


    "I hope you''re right about that," said Ah-Si.


    On the other hand, what Han Bohai said was very true. Once Xiu blocked all the twisted reality around and only focused on the fact that Xin Zimen was her father, she really felt like the proudest daughter. It not only made her heart swell in pride, it genuinely made her happy.


    There was no reason to not be happy about it, she loved everything about Xin Zimen. In fact, she had actually come to like Xin Zemin a lot as well. Although Xin Zemin was quite clumsy as a father, she found him heartwarming. He had been trying everything to act like a father. He went as far as taking lessons from his own younger brother. Xiu could see his dedication, how could she not feel touched?


    Maybe that''s where the conflict in her heart came from. Whenever these two fathers came before her, she only became like a lost puppy because she could decide what to do. She had come to love both these fathers and in a way, both belonged to her. While her soul yearned to be acknowledged by Xin Zimen, this body had a mind of its own.

 Chapter 875 - Cages Of Reality & Phantasm

    "Why is everyone so keen on keeping an eye on us?" questioned Darren helplessly.


    "Because I announced that we''d be moving out," replied Xiu.


    "We are really moving out?" asked Darren.


    Xiu nodded her head, "We are." She touched her stomach that had begun to protrude now. With a gentle look in her eyes, she said, "I want to give birth to my son at a quiet place."


    "But this house is filled with love and warmth of people who care about you," reminded Darren.


    Xiu gave him a small smile as she replied, "Right now, I don''t need that. I just need some space. A personal time that only belongs to me and my son."


    "Wait. Why am I not included?"


    Xiu gave him a look, "Since when do I have to specify things clearly? Isn''t it obvious that you''ll be where I am?"


    Darren nodded his head in agreement, "That makes sense." He took a pause before asking, "So, when do you want to move?"


    "I''m waiting for two things," said Xiu. "First, I want to watch the storm that I brewed destroy everything. Second, I''m waiting for our house to get renovated before moving."


    "And for how long this silent storm is gonna go on?" inquired Darren.


    Xiu gave him a meaningful look, "This silent storm has started to rage. Now, it''s only gonna engulf whatever and whoever comes in its way."


    Just as Xiu said, the silent storm of hers had really begun to pick up the pace now. She had used everything she had in her hands to start a power struggle within the Xin family. She had already come to a conclusion that whoever had been playing the role of the mastermind had been in the Xin family. And this person had an agenda. Either revenge or power!


    Well, whichever it was, she was gonna use her ways to make that mastermind crawl out of his hole!


    While Xin Zemin had been staying around his daughter and had completely neglected the Xin family''s business. The internal strife had reached a new peak under Xiu''s excitement behind the scene. But that wasn''t enough to alert Xin Zemin because each of those people would try to hide their claws whenever Xin Zemin was around.


    However, they won''t hesitate to use the same claws to tear each other apart. Xiu was currently playing the role of the fuel that turns the spark of fire into a raging flame. From Destiny''s investigation, she already knew that there was no one clean in the Xin family. Each person was worse than the other.


    Right now, Xiu only threw on the stone of suspicion in between that power struggle and all those people instantly turned their claws around and pointed at each other. Each one of them had been trying to tear the other by exposing the wrongdoings but while doing so, they were forgetting that just like you could throw the black water on others, someone could do the same to you.


    In this manner, Xiu had actually saved herself a lot of trouble. While each and everyone was fighting among themselves, Xiu had done her best to keep Xin Zemin away from all of this. Although she could destroy the image of the Xin family with what she had, she wasn''t keen on doing so.


    But that was just for the sake of the two fathers she had now. Since they both loved her so much, she couldn''t just hurt them knowing very well what their family''s name and honor meant to them. She actually felt pity for her two fathers who had managed to stay grow out of the mud to become so bright. The rest of the Xin family was nothing but muddy water.


    That''s why she had to do some cleaning before allowing these two fathers to restore their honor.


    *Ding!*


    Xiu took her cellphone and checked the message she received.


    IAmMochi: I can''t believe it but the plan worked!


    Xiu''s eyes sparkled but nothing could be seen on her face. She had been smiling lesser and lesser. Her words were also growing fewer and fewer. But instead of feeling bothered by it, Darren found it quite interesting. Because her silence had grown comfortable now. She wasn''t as restless as before. The restlessness that made her talk nonstop seemed to have vanished now.


    XX: That''s good to hear.


    IAmMochi: But Xiuxiu, I have a question.


    XX: What?


    IAmMochi: How do you know what Chen Xiu said to Xin Suyin before death?


    Xiu paused for a brief moment. She obviously couldn''t say that it was because she was Chen Xiu.


    XX: What do you think?


    IAmMochi: If I could guess, I wouldn''t be asking you. I''ve thought about it repeatedly, it just doesn''t make sense at all. But it seems Xin Suyin''s guilty conscience is truly eating her alive.


    XX: Let''s give her some final blows then.


    IAmMochi: *excited emoticon* I''m at your service! You just tell me how to shoot and I''ll do it!


    Xiu was pleased to hear that. Originally, she had a different something planned for Xin Suyin but after learning the truth about her real identity and her real father. Xiu changed her mind.


    Now, she wanted Xin Suyin to suffer in the agony of losing a child just like her father did! She wanted her to suffer in the living hell she created herself!


    With that plan in mind, for the past one month, Xin Suyin had repeatedly been seeing and hearing the voices of ''ghosts.'' Or more particularly, it was only one ''ghost''; Chen Xiu''s ghost.


    The plan started with Xiu sending Xin Suyin a letter that had all the details of her first encounter with Chen Xiu. It contained everything down to the last detail. Obviously, Xin Suyin didn''t take it.


    But then came a second letter... This time, it had the details of how Chen Xiu was kidnapped and taken to Xin Suyin. How she was locked up there for days and how she almost died there. It also included how Chen Xiu died inside in that cage that Xin Suyin built for her out of hatred.


    This letter made Xin Suyin a little uneasy. She tried to find out the source but couldn''t do so. It led her nowhere. But it didn''t end there, she thought the people involved in that kidnapping were just trying to scare her to get some money. So, she waited for someone to give her a call. She waited and waited. And finally, the call actually came after two weeks.


    But the words that she heard were, ''Mom, why did you kill me?''


    Xin Suyin who had never been scared of anything in her life, felt her blood running cold. The one thing that had taken a toll on her emotions had been the death of Chen Xiu. She believed she had killed her ''daughter.''


    And Xiu had planned to use that very thing against her. The third letter she sent to Xin Suyin was today and it was written with blood along with the pictures of Chen Xiu''s dead body. This time the letter had only a date and at the rightmost corner, ''three minutes'' written on it.


    Others won''t be able to make sense of such a letter but a guilty person would always think of what he did wrong. The date was the day Chen Xiu committed suicide. That ''three minutes'' represented the very last phone call that Chen Xiu had with Xin Suyin before dying.


    It was nothing but a reminder.


    And unsurprisingly, the letter served its purpose. Xin Suyin killed all those subordinates who had been involved in Chen Xiu''s kidnapping all those years ago. And for the very first time, she had done the killing with her own hands. The blood on her hands had derived her crazy and before she could make sense of anything, she started hearing the heart-wrenching cries of ''Chen Xiu'' calling for her mother.


    The same mother who killed her!


    But none of it was her illusion at all, because those heart-wrenching cries were indeed echoing around her. Why? Because Xiu''s accomplice had followed her plan to play a clip from Chen Xiu''s movie where her mother indeed killed her and she was still calling for that heartless mother.


    Since her life had been quite dramatic, Xiu chose the most childish way to way make Xin Suyin suffer but the woman who had been trying to hide her guilt for years finally brokedown under her pressure.


    Because just last night, she broke everything in her house and walked on glass shards running around looking for her daughter who was calling for her. Although everything seemed simple, Xiu had actually been using her experience of being a mentally unstable person quite well. She had spent enough time with psychologists to know how human emotions worked.


    The worst prison you can gift someone is the one inside their own head. Sometimes, illusions are far terrible than the reality you live in.


    After all, right now, Xin Suyin''s brain was somewhere in between. She couldn''t face the reality where her ''daughter'' didn''t exist and she couldn''t bring herself to enter her illusions where her ''daughter''s'' cries echoed every minute. And that was the cage, Xiu planned on gifting her. The one that was neither in reality and nor in any phantasm.

 Chapter 876 - It Started With Me

    "Are you going alone?" asked Darren as he looked at his wife all dressed up.


    "Nope," replied Xiu. "I have my own team to follow me."


    Darren frowned at her playful remark and showed an uneasy expression, "How about I go with you?"


    Xiu walked to his side and placed a hand against his cheek saying, "I''d love to take you with me but your doctor hasn''t allowed you to travel yet. You just take care of yourself and get better soon. I''ll be back before you know it."


    "How will I get better if I continued to worry about you?" retorted Darren.


    Xiu was going to the Capital. The city where Chen Xiu died. He knew what that place meant to Xiu and he also knew why she was going there but he still couldn''t help getting worried for his wife. He didn''t want to stop her from whatever she was up to but he really wanted to follow her around. However, because of his current condition, he was not able to do so. Even though his health had recovered a lot, he was still not allowed to travel yet.


    "But you don''t have to worry about me," said Xiu. "Believe in me. I''ll be fine."


    Darren held her hand and said, "How long?"


    "Just one week," replied Xiu.


    "Will that be enough?" inquired Darren and seeing Xiu nod in reply, he sighed out. "I thought your plan was on the right track. Then why do you want to go yourself?"


    Xiu pressed her lips together. She had indeed started her plan long ago and it was on the right track. Staying behind the curtain, she had been watching the show that she orchestrated with interest. But there was something she wanted to do herself.


    Xiu placed her forehead against Darren''s and said, "There is someone who I have to meet. Not for my sake, but for yours."


    Darren''s eyes widened slightly at her remark and he went silent for a while. "It''s been a long time."


    Xiu chuckled at him with no humor in her eyes as she said, "My darling husband, it might have been a long time but I won''t forgive her."


    Darren could really not find a way to say anything to her to convince her. He could only sigh and kiss her softly as he told her, "Take care of yourself out there. And don''t you dare get in trouble that you can''t solve!"


    "I know," replied Xiu.


    "But is it necessary to sneak out of here?" asked Darren as he looked at her again.


    "Do you really think my fathers would let me walk out of here alone?" retorted Xiu and Darren pursed his lips because he couldn''t retort. "And I don''t want them to know what I am up to."


    "Even if you somehow managed to sneak out, by tomorrow morning, there will be a search party," reminded Darren. It''s not like he didn''t see the over-protectiveness of her fathers.


    "That''s why you''re here," replied Xiu with a sweet smile. "Be a good husband and cover for your wife. Just give me a head start, I''ll manage the rest."


    "Manage the rest?" Darren raised his brows at her. "Sweets, you can''t hide from Uncle Zi."


    "I don''t want to hide from him any longer either," was Xiu''s response with a soft smile on her lips.


    Since Darren couldn''t argue with her, he hugged her and kissed her before letting her leave. Outside the room, Han Bohai was waiting for her.


    "Does it take an hour to say goodbye?" questioned Han Bohai as he stared at his sister who said she''ll join him in ten minutes after saying goodbye to her husband but it had been an hour since he had been waiting for her outside.


    "Do you want me to remind you of the time when it took you three hours to say goodbye to me even though you''re just going home to see your uncle?"


    Han Bohai''s lips twitched at the reminder and to hide his embarrassment, he hurriedly said, "Let''s go. We''re late already."


    "Did you prepare what I asked for?"


    "I did," replied Han Bohai as he looked around before pulling out a suitcase. Then he looked at Xiu and asked, "Sister Xiu, this body is different than your previous one. I never doubted your flexibility back then but are you sure you''ll be able to fit in this suitcase now? Besides, in your condition..."


    "Do you have a better plan?" Xiu interrupted him. "There are people outside everywhere. This is the best way for me to sneak out. I''m not a professional. I won''t be able to deceive the professionals around here. Besides, it''s only for a few minutes. I''ll come out as soon as we get inside the care."


    Han Bohai could only reluctantly nod as he watched her stretching her body before she really fixed herself into that suitcase he brought. He did as he was told and closed the suitcase before picking it up and walking out the door. He had his car parked right in front of the door and as soon as he placed the suitcase in the backseat, he unzipped it to let Xiu breathe before he got behind the steering wheel and drove away.


    Only after getting out of the residential block was he able to breathe a sigh of relief. He felt like a criminal while helping Xiu but there was no way, he would refuse to do what she told him to do.


    Xiu had also come out of the suitcase as soon as Han Bohai had unzipped the suitcase. But she had been hiding under the backseat and only came up to sit and relax after they were far away from the house.


    "You really didn''t have to go through this trouble," said Han Bohai.


    "Look, even if I am able to accept both of my fathers, it won''t change the fact that they have nothing to do with what I am up to. Why should I bother them when it''s my own agenda?"


    Han Bohai couldn''t say anything to her. He knew what troubles Xiu and he also knew he couldn''t push her. She had already used up all her willpower to accept the twisted fate that she had with her two fathers. And he believed, that was her limit now. Even he thought he won''t be able to take any more surprises much less her who had to go through all these twists and turns.


    "Have something to drink," he passed a water bottle to her and continued to drive attentively. "By the way, do you know that my uncle''s been courting your mother-in-law?"


    Xiu knew he was trying to distract her and she didn''t mind talking about this topic either as it brought a smile to her face. "I know. Mama told me everything your uncle''s been up to."


    "Wow! You have a good relationship with your mother-in-law," said Han Bohai.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders but he could see through the rearview mirror that she looked smug as she said, "Of course. Mama is the world''s best mother-in-law. And I''m her world''s best daughter-in-law."


    Han Bohai chuckled at her shamelessness and didn''t say anything. He soon pulled into the parking lot of the airport and helped her out. As they walked inside the airport, a person flew right into Xiu''s arms. "Xiuxiu! Xiuxiu! Xiuxiu!"


    Han Bohai was taken aback by this over-excited species while Xiu rolled her eyes at the enthusiasm of this person. "Have you forgotten how it felt to run errands? How come your enthusiasm is back so soon?"


    The person pulled away with a sheepish smile as she said, "I can be your errand girl for life. Just say the word, your highness!"


    "Shut up!" was Xiu''s response. "It''s been a few months since I last saw you, Bo Jiu. How come you haven''t changed a little?"


    The always enthusiastic Bo Jiu smiled at Xiu saying, "But you''ve changed a lot after resigning. I miss you a lot at work."


    "I highly doubt that you miss me," replied Xiu. "Shouldn''t you be glad that there is no one around to order you?"


    "I''d rather have you around to order me however you want," was Bo Jiu''s response.


    Xiu soon lost her playful smile and looked at Bo Jiu seriously, "Do you have everything ready?"


    "I have it all," replied Bo Jiu. "This Mochi is all ready to make a mice crawl out of its hole now."


    "Good," commented Xiu and looked at Han Bohai who had worn a baseball cap and pulled it low to hide his face while he also pulled his turtleneck up to cover his mouth. "Xiao Bobo, are you sure you want to come with me?"


    "I''m certain," said Han Bohai with conviction.


    Xiu nodded at him and gave a nod to Bo Jiu before saying, "Then let''s go. It''s time to put an end to everything. It started with me, I''ll end it myself."

 Chapter 877 - Old Places

    ''A teacher for a day, a teacher for life!''


    That''s the principle that led Bo Jiu to follow Xiu without any problem. Since Xiu played the role of her mentor when she first entered the corporate world, she had decided to respect and follow Xiu. Even though she had studied abroad, she had never forgotten her values.


    It was purely an accident for Xiu to find out about Bo Jiu''s hacking skills. But she was really against this unethical practice. And even strongly reprimanded Bo Jiu.


    However, when she really needed someone talented, she could only look for Bo Jiu. One; she knew Bo Jiu would blindly follow her and give her whole loyalty. Two; Xiu couldn''t trust anyone else.


    It was easier to trust someone whom she knew already. And Xiu had become really familiar with Bo Jiu since the first day they met. Xiu had to say that her vision was absolutely accurate. Because Bo Jiu really turned out to be exactly like Xiu had expected her to be.


    Within two hours, Xiu landed in the Capital with Han Bohai and Bo Jiu following her. It was the second time she had come to this city after her rebirth. The first time, she felt painfully nostalgic but this time around, she felt excited for some reason.


    This city or its people really couldn''t hurt her any longer. Now, it was her turn to hurt them back like she was hurt back then.


    "Jiu, you go to the hotel," instructed Xiu.


    "Huh?" Bo Jiu was taken aback by that. "You won''t come with me?"


    Xiu shook her head at her, "No, I have to go somewhere first." Seeing Bo Jiu''s conflicted look, she went on, "Don''t worry, I won''t start the plan without you. For now, I have to go somewhere personal. Besides, it''s still hours before the break of dawn. I''ll be back to join you for breakfast. Go to the hotel and sleep for a few hours."


    Bo Jiu pursed her lips but still nodded her head, "Okay. Take care of yourself. I''ll wait for you."


    Xiu hummed in reply and watched her hailing a cab before she left. Then she turned to Han Bohai and said, "Xiao Bobo, do I need to tell you where I want to go right now?"


    Han Bohai pressed his lips and shook his head. He knew very well where she wanted to go right now. Although he didn''t know why she wanted to go there, he''d still follow her anywhere.


    He had already asked his assistant to bring a car which had been waiting for them at the side. "Brother Han," called out the little assistant, Wen Qing. "Here are the keys."


    "Thanks, Wen Qing," said Han Bohai with a genuine and sincere smile.


    The little assistant smiled back at him and said, "Let me know if you need anything else." Her eyes did fall on Xiu''s figure but like a good assistant, she didn''t dare question Han Bohai. It wasn''t her place and she knew it.


    "I will," replied Han Bohai. "Get inside, I''ll drop you home first."


    Wen Qing shook her head, "Thank you but I already have a ride." Saying that she ran off towards another car that had been waiting at the side for her.


    "Your assistant is quite tactful," remarked Xiu as she got inside the car and buckled her seatbelt. "I wish I had one like her."


    Han Bohai glared at her, "Sister Xiu, you won''t ever find a better assistant than me!"


    "Oh?" was the only response Xiu gave him as the corner of her lips tugged up.


    Han Bohai grumbled something under his breath but she didn''t pay any attention to him. Currently, she was focused on the scenery outside. Even though it was past midnight, the Capital city was still bustling with life as always. It was still as she remembered it. This city always looked alive but the people in this city were definitely not as alive or vibrant.


    After half an hour, Han Bohai parked the car under a familiar residential building. Xiu didn''t immediately alight from the car. Instead, she rolled down the windowpane and leaned her head against the side as she continued staring intently at the building before her eyes. It seemed like a long time ago since she last came here.


    And it had indeed been a long time. It had been a lifetime since she last came to this place where she once took her last breath.


    Han Bohai patiently waited for her to alight from the car. And when he watched her stepping down, he frowned as he asked, "I still don''t understand why you wanted to come here. In fact, I thought you''d want to stay far away from this place as possible."


    Xiu didn''t answer him as she entered the building with him following her behind cautiously. "You didn''t try to sell this condo?"


    Han Bohai knitted his brows at her. He already was trying to hold himself back from shaking her and questioning her why the hell did she leave this condo in his name?! Was it to make him suffer? Because if that was the intention then she succeeded, after all, he suffered a lot!


    "Who will buy this unlucky place?" He was trying to show his anger by being snarky but seeing the look in her eyes, he sighed out, "Your husband once offered to buy this condo but I refused. Your ex-boyfriend also wanted to buy this place but I definitely refused. You left it to me. Why would I give it to others. Even if I don''t live here, it''s the only place that brings me close to you. I can''t possibly let it go."


    Xiu chuckled softly at him, "You''re really loyal, Xiao Bobo."


    "Did you just realize that?" retorted Han Bohai.


    Xiu didn''t reply to him and allowed him to open the door of the familiar condo for her. As the door opened before her, she took a minute to take deep breaths before she stepped inside the condo and turned on the lights in a familiar manner as she looked around.


    For a moment, her breath hitched. The scene before her eyes was exactly as she remembered it. Every single thing was exactly at the same place as she left it. Every single thing in this condo was chosen by her. She had selected everything with her own hands because she wanted to decorate this place with her own colors. Because she wanted this place to belong to her. And once upon a time, it did belong to her.


    As she wandered around, she came to her most favorite spot and opened the cabinet, looking at the rows of her collection, she couldn''t help laughing out, "I thought you''d throw it all out."


    Han Bohai''s face darkened when he saw her walking over to her most cherished wine collection as he said, "I really wanted to. But your wine collection is quite expensive. I just couldn''t bring myself to throw it."


    Xiu laughed at his answer, "Silly! If you really wanted to get rid of it, you could have sold it all at a high price. Don''t forget how I collected these babies."


    "Your real baby might get angry if you didn''t stop calling this wine collection as your babies," retorted Han Bohai.


    Xiu placed her hand over her stomach and her eyes softened, "He won''t mind. He is gonna always stand by his mother''s side. There is no way, he''d mind it."


    "Sister Xiu," called out Han Bohai when he saw her aimlessly wandering around. "You still haven''t told me why we are here."


    "I''m here to just look around," replied Xiu. "This might be the place where I have suffered the most bitterness in my life but this is also the place that was closest to being a home to me." She looked at him and smiled, "I have quite a few cherished moments that I spent here with you."


    Han Bohai''s heart shook at her words and bit his lips as his eyes stung. Wasn''t that the same reason why he wasn''t willing to part with this place? He couldn''t bring himself to sell this condo. It was the place he said goodbye to his Sister Xiu and now seeing her before him, made him feel surreal.


    "Did you come to the capital for the Xin family?" asked Han Bohai when he saw her sitting down on the sofa.


    Xiu leaned back in the seat and shook her head, "Nope! I''m here for a person who repeatedly made me feel like a worthless person."


    "How are you gonna meet her?" inquired Han Bohai.


    "I have my ways," replied Xiu. "You don''t worry about it. I only allowed you to come because you''re too worried about my health."


    "I can''t lose you twice," said Han Bohai. "That''s why I''m not going anywhere!"


    Xiu smiled at him before she felt under the sofa for something and soon pulled out a secret compartment making Han Bohai''s eyes widen. She pulled out a folder from inside and extended it towards him saying, "This is for you."

 Chapter 878 - Dont Scare Me

    Han Bohai had come to this place more than he had even gone to his own house and yet, he had never discovered that there was more to this place than meet the eyes. He really was startled by the hidden places that Xiu finally introduced to him.


    "What is all this and why are you giving it to me?" inquired Han Bohai as he frowned at her in confusion. "Besides, how come I never knew you had so many secrets?"


    "I never tried to hide anything from you," said Xiu. "It''s just you who never really paid attention before."


    Han Bohai was taken aback by her words and fell into deep thought. But Xiu didn''t let him think on his own for long as she explained to him the content of the folder she passed to him. And seeing it, he was even more startled.


    They spent hours in that condo discussing various topics. It was close to the break of the dawn when they decided to leave this place.


    "It really feels like I came back." Han Bohai heard Xiu''s voice and looked at her with a raised brow. So, Xiu elaborated for him, "It''s been years I''ve been trying to live as Bai Xiu and purposely kept myself distant from things or places related to Chen Xiu. Perhaps, that''s why today I feel like I''ve finally come back where I began from."


    "This place isn''t where it all began but it''s definitely the place where you decided to end everything."


    Xiu smiled at him in reply as she fastened the seatbelt. "Technically, nothing ended here. Instead, this became the starting point to the life I have right now."


    Han Bohai was stumped for words. He started the car and drove out of this place. It was early morning when they reached the hotel where Bo Jiu had booked the presidential suite.


    Xiu collected the key card from the reception before she took the elevator with Han Bohai.


    "Xiao Bobo, do you think Chen Hana will ever wake up?"


    Han Bohai paused a little before answering, "Do you want me to tell you the truth?"


    "Obviously," replied Xiu.


    Han Bohai licked his dry lips before telling her, "I don''t think she''ll ever wake up."


    Xiu''s expressions didn''t change at all when she heard that response from him. In fact, it was something she knew in her heart as well. And she had made peace with that fact since the time she learned about Chen Hana''s condition.


    "And why do you think like that?" asked Xiu.


    "Her relationship with you was really complicated, Sister Xiu." Xiu raised her brows at him inquisitively. "She always looked at you with a conflicting gaze. There is no doubt that she loved you but there was always something holding her back from showing that love."


    Xiu opened the door of the presidential suite and entered with Han Bohai following her even now. The very first thing she did was find a bottle of water and drank it. Her eyes wandered around aimlessly as she thought about something.


    "She lost her whole family. She must have loved all of them as well," she said in a small voice. "She was scared of loving me because she couldn''t forget the feeling of losing everyone she called family."


    "Did you forgive her for everything?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "I don''t even know what I''m supposed to forgive her for. Expect for love, she provided me with everything. I''m not sure whether I need to forgive her or I need to ask for her forgiveness."


    "She was lost after you''re gone," told Han Bohai. "I truly believe that she considered you a daughter. Maybe that''s why she lost her patience and got herself into such trouble. But as for why she won''t wake up... Isn''t it obvious? She thinks you died because of her lie. That''s why she doesn''t want to open her eyes in this world again where she can''t see you."


    "Maybe you''re right," said Xiu after a long moment of silence.


    Both Xiu and Han Bohai looked over when they heard the sound of the door opening. Bo Jiu walked out with disheveled hair as she gazed at them before falling on the sofa.


    "You came quite early," said Bo Jiu. "I thought you''ll come close to noon."


    "Are you done sleeping?"


    Bo Jiu yawned as she replied, "You and I have one thing in common, Xiuxiu. We both value our sleep way too much. Do you really think I''ll ever say that I''m done sleeping?"


    Xiu shook her head at her saying, "I thought people with your kind of skills didn''t value sleep that much."


    "Don''t prejudice against us hackers!" exclaimed Bo Jiu. "We might be night owls but we don''t scrimp on our sleep!"


    "Dress up," said Xiu. "Let''s have breakfast and then we''ll plan the course of action for the day."


    "Roger that, boss!" Bo Jiu gave her a mock salute.


    Xiu walked over to the other bedroom and found clothes for herself to change into. She used the hotel''s phone and called Darren who was also waiting for her call all this while. That''s why he hurriedly took the call and asked, "Sweets, how are you? Is everything okay? What are you doing?"


    "Why so impatient?" She sat down at the edge of the bed and answered him, "I''m absolutely fine. I told you I''ll take care of myself. Do you really think I won''t keep my promise?"


    "I''m still worried," replied Darren.


    "I just called to let you know that I''m fine," said Xiu. "I just went to check my condo. And I also heard that you actually wanted to buy that condo. Why didn''t you tell me that before?"


    Darren went silent for a moment before he asked, "Why did you go back there?"


    "I had to get some stuff from there," she replied. "And stop overthinking. I''m fine. That place is my home, it can''t hurt me. The thing is, that place can hurt you, so why did you still want to buy it? Doesn''t that place hold the painful memories of yours?"


    "You lived there," he said in a soft voice. "No matter how painful it is, it''s still a place that had your presence."


    "Aiya!" sighed out Xiu. "You''re really impossible." She smiled to herself. "Did anyone find out that I''m absent?"


    "Not yet. But it won''t be long before everyone learns about it. I''m quite nervous right now."


    "Why?"


    "Your fathers aren''t really easy to deal with. Uncle Zi is enough to make me nervous and now I have to face his elder brother as well. Although Uncle Ze feels like an easygoing person, don''t have any doubts. He isn''t a simple person any longer."


    Xiu chuckled at his words, "You should take a deep breath and keep calm. Also, take care of yourself. I''ll be back before you know it."


    They talked for a while before she hung up and went out to find both Han Bohai and Bo Jiu glaring at each other. She frowned at these two who seemed to be sizing up each other.


    "Yo! Let''s go!"


    Both Han Bohai and Bo Jiu stopped their glaring and followed her out. They went to the restaurant to have some breakfast and discussed some details before they decided to take action. However, who knew that the plan won''t work as they wished it to. Xiu wanted to stay lowkey but someone was eager to cause trouble for her.


    Because just as their car had moved to a relatively secluded area, around five black cars appeared out of nowhere and Han Bohai had to step on the breaks to avoid the collision.


    Han Bohai cursed out and looked at Xiu, "Sister Xiu, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine."


    "Stay inside. Let me check what''s up."


    "Don''t!" Xiu held his wrist to stop him.


    "They aren''t here for you."


    "You know who they are?" questioned Bo Jiu.


    "Have you ever seen someone believing a crazy person?"


    Bo Jiu knitted her brows at her question. "Only a crazy person would believe in another of his kind."


    Xiu smirked at her, "Smart! Now, let me show you an interesting play acted out by a crazy duo!"


    "Sister Xiu, you mean..."


    Before Han Bohai could even complete his sentence, Xiu had already alighted down from the car. Several men came out of those five black cars looking malicious and dangerous. However, Xiu wasn''t fazed at all as she stood before her own car with a straight back. She wasn''t scared of the scene before her eyes.


    "Oh, look! It''s the crazy pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law!" Xiu exclaimed in surprise as she looked at the two ladies who were hiding behind those dangerous-looking men.


    "It seems even death doesn''t want to keep a bitch like you!"


    Xiu smiled at that old woman and sighed out, "Oh, no wonder you''re still alive."


    "You!"


    Xiu raised her finger and put it on her lips as she indicated for her to stay quiet. "You don''t scare me any longer."

 Chapter 879 - Bang!

    Xiu had never noticed it before but now that she looked at Niu Peizhi and Liu Nuan standing side by side, she suddenly realized how well suited this pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were. Both were equally manipulative and both had gotten where they were through destructive means and scheming maliciously.


    She really didn''t know why she was so weak back in the days. Why was she so scared of these two women? Why did she never realize how braindead fools these women actually were? And yet she had let them ruin her life. What a pity!


    Noticing how Niu Peizhi looked at her hatefully and doubtfully, Xiu smirked at her, "What? Finding it hard to believe in your favorite daughter-in-law''s words?"


    Liu Nuan panicked by the tone of her voice as she tugged at Niu Peizhi''s arm saying, "Mother-in-law, I''m not lying. I''m not lying to you at all. She... She is Chen Xiu. I''m telling you. You have to believe me. She is the reason we both lost Zhou Jinhai. She is the reason why we are abandoned by him. She took everything from us. You have to believe in me."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at Liu Nuan. No, she wasn''t upset by her words at all. It didn''t matter to her what she said. But the way she looked right now and how she spoke, clearly showed she wasn''t very sane at the moment. It was just the way Xiu had said, these two were crazy. Mentally ill. The only difference was, before Liu Nuan''s mental illness had to do with her self-importance and now, it was the psychological shadow that Xin Xiaoli left on her.


    "Are you enjoying the feeling of being an orphan?" Xiu asked in a loud voice as she languidly jumped over the hood of the car and sat down in a relaxed manner. She didn''t look like someone who was confronting dangerous people and had her life at stake. She seemed too carefree. As if it was just any other day and they were just chatting about the weather.


    Liu Nuan glared at Xiu hatefully, "You! You took everything from me!"


    Xiu pouted at her as if she was wrongly being accused as she said, "But darling, that everything never belonged to you. You just got lucky for a few days. But started thinking that all that luxury belonged to you. In the end, it was all charity for me. Just like your life is also a charity from me."


    Han Bohai''s eyes widened when he heard Xiu talking like this. He never thought she would bring up this topic. And he genuinely didn''t think she was wrong to do so. It was because his Sister Xiu had been too nice that all these people forgot what they owed her. Just like this Liu Nuan forgot that her petty life was also just a charity from Chen Xiu who was a nice person and wanted to help others.


    Liu Nuan tried to run over to scratch at Xiu''s face like a wild cat but Niu Peizhi held her back.


    "It seems like you''ve learned to talk," said Niu Peizhi with a hateful look in her eyes. She didn''t try to hide her disdain towards Xiu at all. Even if she was reluctant to believe in Liu Nuan''s nonsense, she had still decided to take this chance. Her thoughts were perfectly aligned with Liu Nuan''s, even if it was just a lie, they would rather kill Xiu to vent their anger and frustration than let her live in peace.


    For both of them, Chen Xiu''s existence was a curse. They both had thought they won by killing her but their miseries had only begun after she was gone. Every single person had been shunning them out and making them feel miserable. And Niu Peizhi could never forget that her own son had abandoned her because of this woman. It was the hatred that she wasn''t willing to let go.


    Both Niu Peizhi and Liu Naun were just like two peas in a pod. They both never realized that their situations had never anything to do with Chen Xiu. It was all brought to them because of their own selfishness. Niu Peizhi could remember that her son had gone against her for Chen Xiu but she conveniently overlooked the fact that she had been the one who forced her son to take those drastic measures.


    Xiu snorted at her, "Death teaches you a lot more than just how to talk. In fact, I always knew how to talk. Just because I was raised to be a good person, you all took my goodness to be my weakness."


    "I''ll send you back right where you crawled out from," announced Niu Peizhi as she gestured for her men to move.


    Xiu laughed at her and raised her hand, soon, several dozen of cars drove over and elite bodyguards came out to stand before Xiu in a professional manner. Xiu offered Niu Peizhi a smile as she told her, "You see, I have a possessive husband."


    Niu Peizhi gnashed her teeth while Liu Nuan tried to hide behind her in a meek manner. She had been too scared of everything lately because of the psychological torture that she endured.


    "You should have brought that bastard with you, I really want to kill him with my own hands!"


    Xiu''s easygoing expression vanished as she glared at Niu Peizhi and warned her, "My husband is my reverse scale. Don''t try to touch it. Just because he allowed you to roam around freely doesn''t mean I''d be as nice any longer." She took a pause and went on, "December 6, 20XX... You''re the one behind Regan Darren Salvay''s accident. Don''t think just because there is no evidence, there is no crime on your head."


    Niu Peizhi was startled by her words for a moment but she soon composed herself and said, "So what? That bastard still escaped! I knew I should have killed him myself. If it wasn''t because later on his father started protected him too strongly, I''d have killed him long ago."


    Xiu tutted at her, "You''re the real sc.u.m on the name of a mother. Have you ever thought that all your deeds might become the bane of your son''s life?"


    "You don''t have to worry about my son," announced Niu Peizhi. "He is the elder son of the Zhou family. No matter what, he''ll inherit the Zhou family at any cost."


    "All of this just for a stupid status?" asked Xiu. "How do you even live with yourself? You spent years in the Zhou family but the only status you ever got was being the mother of a bastard child!"


    "Mind your words!" shouted Niu Peizhi.


    Xiu didn''t pay attention to her warning as she went on, "Did I say anything wrong? The real bastard is your son! Don''t forget you''re still not the wife of the Zhou Xichen. And you''ll never be! If anything, you''ll just be the other woman. And yet, with that kind of identity, you always looked down on me for being an orphan?" She looked at Liu Nuan and went on, "And you as well. You always called me inferior. What do you have to say about your superiority? I truly believe you''re superior. After all, you don''t even know whose blood is running through your veins. Quite the superiority you have got there."


    Both Niu Peizhi and Liu Naun had clenched their fists tightly and had the urge to strangle Xiu right there and then but they both were helpless. Xiu was actually going to see Niu Peizhi according to her plan but the latter was too impatient and had come to look for her on her own. More like she had come to her death on her own.


    Even if her sudden appearance had ruined Xiu''s main plan, it''d never change the general trajectory. This woman had to die at any cost. Every breath she took made Xiu angry. And it was not because of what she did to her, it had more to do with what Darren had to go through because of her. He was supposed to have a complete and happy family but this woman ruined it. And even then tried to kill him ruining his one dream in this life. Just how could she forgive such a woman?


    What she owed them was her life! And Xiu was definitely gonna collect it today!


    "Enough of your chatter!" screamed Niu Peizhi. "And what are you all standing there for? Did I pay you to just stand? Get this bitch to me. On her knees!"


    Xiu was still quite relaxed when the sudden fistfight began before her eyes. The bodyguards by her side were appointed by Darren and she already knew about their presence but had just chosen to ignore it. She knew Dareen wouldn''t be at ease without these people around her. And it was a good thing that only Darren knew about her actions otherwise, her dear fathers might have left an army around her.


    Just thinking about her fathers, Xiu''s eyes softened and while she was distracted, she didn''t notice when Niu Peizhi had gone to her car to retrieve a gun and pointed it at Xiu with a determined look in her eyes. While the fight was heated up around them, five of the bodyguards had been standing before Xiu like a wall to protect her.


    Without any hesitation, Niu Peizhi opened fire and shot those five people before she aimed the last bullet in her gun at Xiu.


    "Bang!"

 Chapter 880 - Stop Her

    Xiu was actually surprised when she saw a gun in Niu Peizhi''s hands. After all, guns had been illegal in the country for years. And it was a serious offense for civilians to carry guns. Even the professional bodyguards didn''t have the right to carry guns unless they were protecting a public figure.


    All the thugs that Niu Peizhi gathered were also not carrying any guns. Only Niu Peizhi had a gun which no one knew about until now. But it was already too late.


    Although five people were standing before Xiu to protect her, they had all been shot on their knees. No matter how strong they were, a bullet on the knee really hurt like hell and had made them drop on the floor in pain. However, when they saw Niu Peizhi aiming the gun at Xiu, they gritted their teeth and still jumped before Xiu to shield her with their bodies.


    Inside the car, Han Bohai''s blood had run cold when he had seen this scene play before his eyes and had run out of the car for Xiu. He couldn''t even think about losing Xiu once again.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye although it seemed like a long time had passed. Niu Peizhi had felt a rush of happiness bursting inside her heart when the last bullet let the gun but soon, her smile of accomplishment froze.


    Because before the bullet could even touch Xiu, out of nowhere someone jumped himself in front of Xiu and the bullet hit his chest and the blood spurted out.


    Everything turned silent for a moment. The people who had been involved in tearing each other apart, now stood rooted right where they were when they saw all of this.


    Xiu craned her neck to see who came to protect her and threw his life away for her. Her brows raised up slightly when she recognized the person before her eyes. However, her expressions didn''t show any sign of sadness. She wasn''t happy at this outcome but she wasn''t sad either.


    But she was quite curious to learn about Niu Peizhi and Liu Nuan''s state right now. Niu Peizhi stood rooted in her place with a paled face while Liu Nuan ran over towards the person who was shot and shouted, "Jinhai! Jinhai!"


    Yes, the person who had jumped to throw his life away was actually Niu Peizhi''s own son, Zhou Jinhai. How he appeared here, Xiu didn''t know. Why did he appear, she also didn''t know. As for why he chose to protect her... She actually had a faint idea in her mind.


    Liu Nuan ran up to Zhou Jinhai and kneeled down beside his body before she pulled him into her arms. "Jinhai! Wake up!" She kept calling him with tears falling down her face. Her state looked like someone who had officially let go of the last thread of the sanity. Now, she was just crazily trying to wake up the man she had loved her whole life but who never loved her back.


    "Don''t leave me! Please, don''t leave me! If you want to divorce me, I agree! I won''t say a word about that. Just don''t die. Please, don''t die!"


    Zhou Jinhai looked at her with a bleak look in his eyes as he said in a soft voice, "They say you only learn when it''s too late. It seems like they are right."


    Liu Nuan cried even harder, "Don''t talk." She pressed on his wound trying to stop the blood but nothing helped as she kept crying and shouting hysterically. "Nothing is too late."


    Niu Peizhi felt like her feet had turned of lead as she wasn''t able to even lift her feet at all. But she had to drag her old body over to her son''s side. She fell down beside him as she stared at him with a complicated look, "You threw away your mother for her, and now, you are even willing to throw away your life for her?"


    Zhou Jinhai coughed out blood and weakly turned his head to look at Xiu. His eyes held an indescribable emotion. He didn''t believe in the nonsense that Liu Nuan had told his mother. He had heard it all through his mother''s trusted aide but he didn''t believe a single thing about the so-called rebirth. However, that didn''t mean he wasn''t willing to help Xiu who was now his younger brother''s wife.


    And also just because Xiu shared the name with Chen Xiu, his first love, he felt obligated to save her. He owed too much to two people in his life, one was his younger brother, Darren and the other was, Chen Xiu. Since he got the chance to do something for them, how could he walk away?


    That''s why when he arrived and found that situation, he didn''t hesitate before throwing his body in to shield Xiu. This life had been feeling really heavy since the time Chen Xiu left, since he found a chance to throw this heavy burden away, how could he refuse to do so?


    "It isn''t for her," said Zhou Jinhai in a soft voice with much difficulty. "It''s because of you. I can''t breathe because of you. And since you have long planned to suffocate me to death, I just chose to let you end this life for me. You gave me this life, you definitely have the right to take it as well. I''m actually happy that you''ve set me free."


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" shouted Niu Peizhi. Her brain was completely blank from the moment she saw her son''s blood. Now, seeing him, she couldn''t process anything at all. It was too difficult for her. She had loved this son for years. She had done so much for him. "How could you do this to your mother? I did everything for you. I gave up so much to give you a good life. How could you punish me like this?"


    Zhou Jinhai snorted at her remark, "You never did anything for me. A selfish person like you never had me in your heart. If I had been, my happiness would have mattered to you. But you always kept your interests and your ego before your son."


    "A person like this really doesn''t deserve a son," said Xiu and it was heard by everyone clearly. "First, you used him as a tool to get a status, and then you used that so-called love to cage him in your hands. How can someone like you can be a mother? You really don''t deserve to be one. Isn''t it better to let your son go?"


    "You, shut up!" shouted Niu Peizhi. "It''s all because of you. It''s all your fault."


    Xiu shook her head at her in pity, "It''s such a pity that you still didn''t realize that I was never the reason behind your suffering. But you definitely can''t live without putting such crimes on my head. It doesn''t matter. I don''t really care." She looked at Han Bohai and said, "Call an ambulance."


    "Are you okay?" Finally, Han Bohai found his voice to question her. He had been too worried that he had forgotten to even inquire about her. That gunshot had almost taken his soul out of his body.


    "I''m perfectly fine," responded Xiu. "The ambulance is for the injured ones." Then she pointed at Zhou Jinhai who was slowly losing his consciousness because of the blood loss and the extreme pain in his chest. "And for him as well."


    "You want to save him?" asked Han Bohai.


    "I never wanted him dead," was Xiu''s reply to him.


    Niu Peizhi snatched her son from Liu Nuan''s hands as she scolded her, "You stay away from him. From the moment you came into his life, nothing had been right around him. I don''t even know why I liked you so much. I must be blind to have chosen someone like you for my son."


    Liu Nuan already couldn''t hear anything that Niu Peizhi said, she was only staring at her empty hands that were dyed in blood. She looked down at her clothes and found blood everywhere that made her heart suffocate. She tried to wipe off the blood from her hands but it didn''t help, it only made her clothes dirtier.


    She was frantically looking around to see what she could do. Her brain had long stopped functioning. Seeing the man she loved so much closing his eyes right in her arms had made her brain breakdown in the worst sense. And now, finding that her hands were empty, she was furious as well.


    Suddenly, her eyes fell on something and she moved her hand to pick it up with a vicious and determined look in her eyes. She could neither think nor understand anything right now. She only knew that no one, just no one could take her Zhou Jinhai from him. She would never let anyone take him from her. No one!


    With that thought in mind, she took the gun that Niu Peizhi had dropped and pointed it at Niu Peizhi''s head.


    "Stop her!" shouted Xiu but it was already too late.

 Chapter 881 - Not Feeling Bad

    In her crazed state, Liu Nuan really didn''t think about the consequences of her actions when she shot that bullet. She felt empty as long as she thought about how Zhou Jinhai was no longer with her. It was like she lost all her reason and all her purpose to live as well. So, she wanted to drag someone to death with her.


    But she didn''t expect that at the last moment, Zhou Jinhai would push his mother out of the way and the bullet would pierce through his shoulder. This time, his blood splattered all over his mother''s face who was fallen to a side.


    Seeing how he bit his lips to hold back his screams of pain, Liu Nuan''s hands shook. Even her soul trembled at the sight. She didn''t want to hurt him. She never had that idea in her mind. But now, she was the one who hurt Zhou Jinhai.


    On the side, Xiu was also looking at this scene with still an expressionless face. She didn''t think Zhou Jinhai would be able to save his mother. But then again, only he could do it since he was closest to his mother. And the reason why she didn''t expect him to save his mother wasn''t that she thought he hated her enough to let her die just like that but it was because she knew Zhou Jinhai.


    He believed that the best way to hurt his mother was by hurting himself. After all, didn''t his mother claim that she did everything for him? Then he wanted her to see how she destroyed him with her own hands.


    Also, it was surprising to her how Zhou Jinhai managed to find that burst of energy to save his mother even when his mind was already on the verge of the unconscious.


    "Why?" questioned Niu Peizhi as she looked at her son incredulously. "Didn''t you say I destroyed you? Then why did you save me?"


    Zhou Jinhai took heavy breaths trying to fill up his lungs with oxygen which was getting difficult and painful with each passing second.


    Catching his breath with much difficulty, he breathed out, "No matter what, you''re still my mother. I can''t treat you who you treated me."


    Niu Peizhi was left stunned by his answer as she watched his head falling back and his eyes closing slowly. Her whole world spun right before her eyes as she forgot what she wanted to do. She couldn''t think clearly and neither could she move her body. She didn''t dare touch her own son''s body as she was afraid of finding it cold.


    Liu Nuan stared at Zhou Jinhai and tried to shake him awake, "Jinhai? Jinhai? Can you hear me? I didn''t mean to do it. Please, open your eyes!" However, no matter how she shook him, he didn''t open his eyes again. She held the gun again and smiled at him, "Don''t worry! I won''t ever leave you alone. I''ll follow you anywhere." Keeping that smile on her lips, she placed the muzzle of the gun on her temple and pressed the trigger without any hesitation.


    As her body fell right by Zhou Jinhai''s side, Niu Peizhi was left even more stunned. She never thought Liu Nuan was crazy enough to commit suicide just to accompany her son to even afterlife.


    Han Bohai had been covering Xiu''s eyes, not allowing her to see any of this. Xiu was trying to move his hand away from her eyes. "Move it already. It''s already over!"


    "I still don''t want you to see such a bloody scene," said Han Bohai. "It''s not good for my nephew to see all of this."


    Xiu slapped his hand away saying, "Your nephew can''t see it for now. Stop overreacting. I''ll definitely not allow my son to see this side of the world." Her eyes were trained on Niu Peizhi who just sat there motionlessly as she went on, "I so wanted that bullet to go through her head. What a shame!"


    Han Bohai looked at Xiu with shock in his eyes.


    "Don''t give me that look," said Xiu. "I certainly don''t feel bad for any of them."


    Just then the ambulance arrived and the paramedics rushed up towards Zhou Jinhai and Liu Nuan in a hurry. After examining Liu Nuan, they shook heads. However, Zhou Jinhai still had a faint breath and he was hurried out of there.


    "I''ll have to give a police statement for all of this, don''t I?" asked Xiu with displeasure in her voice.


    "You don''t have to worry about that." Xiu looked at Bo Jiu who had also come out of the car and stood by her side since who knows when. "Someone will naturally take care of the police." She pointed at Niu Peizhi who still hadn''t gotten her moved from her place at all. "You should be thinking about how to deal with her instead."


    Xiu jumped down from the car''s hood and dusted off her hands before she pulled out a pair of leather gloves from her pockets and put them on. Then she moved towards the back of the car and rummaged through it before finding her precious weapon.


    Looking at the baseball bat in Xiu''s hand, both Bo Jie and Han Bohai frowned at her. Like the angel of death, she purposely dragged the baseball bat making a scarping sound. She stopped right in front of Niu Peizhi and smiled at her, "Losing your precious son, must be really painful?" Niu Peizhi looked up at her while Xiu continued, "But that pain isn''t enough for me." Xiu lifted the bat and slammed it straight on her knees making her scream in pain as she looked at Xiu in shock and disbelief. Xiu pushed her hair back saying, "My husband spent a year on a hospital bed because he couldn''t walk. All because of the accident you orchestrated. Let me tell you what it feels like."


    While Han Bohai put his hand over his mouth, Bo Jiu found some melon seeds from her bag and started munching on them as she watched Xiu raining down her bat on Niu Peizhi. Actually, Xiu hadn''t changed her location of the hit from the very beginning. Her aim was Niu Peizhi''s legs and she had struck it right there. Precisely!


    Each time the bat struck, one could hear Niu Peizhi''s blood-curling screams but Xiu seemed like a possessed person who only saw blood in her vengeance. She couldn''t see anything else and she didn''t wish to stop either. She knew if she became soft-hearted once again, she''d fall into the same circle that pushed her to her death. She didn''t want to walk on the same road of self-destruction all over again.


    Since this woman hurt her and her husband, it was only right that she paid her back with interest!


    When Xiu finally stopped, Niu Peizhi had already collapsed in the pool of her own blood. However, she hadn''t lost her consciousness. It was too painful that she couldn''t even lose her consciousness to escape this pain right now. Never in her wildest dreams, she had thought that someone like Xiu would actually act so cruelly. Even her sight could make anyone shudder in fear right now.


    Xiu closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she walked back towards her car. She placed her bat in Bo Jiu''s hand, "Wipe it clean for me."


    "You seemed to be enjoying yourself," commented Bo Jiu. "I never thought you could be so cold-hearted. I have a whole new respect for you. And a whole new admiration as well."


    "Is that something admiring?" asked Han Bohai with a complicated gaze.


    Bo Jiu shrugged her shoulders at him, "Everyone has their own idea of admiration. Mine is definitely different than yours."


    Han Bohai shook his head at her, "Are we leaving her here just like this?"


    Xiu had already sat down in her seat and fastened her seatbelt. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as she said, "Someone will come to deal with her. Let her be."


    "You don''t want her dead?" asked Han Bohai.


    "If she has to die, I definitely won''t be the one to give her a fast death. If she is so eager to die, she can kill herself."


    "Someone like her won''t give up on life so easily."


    "You never know," responded Xiu. "I always thought Liu Nuan was a weak girl. She would never take her own life because she was too afraid. But today, she made me realize that it all depended on who was the reason behind her motivation to live and die. It''s interesting how Zhou Jinhai was the reason she wanted to live and he became the reason why she killed herself."


    Han Bohai also found it quite strange. He also never thought Liu Nuan would do something like this. He looked back at Niu Peizhi''s condition and shook his head before getting in the car. That woman had hurt his Sister Xiu, he''d definitely not feel bad for her end.

 Chapter 882 - Let Me Protect Her

    As Xiu had closed her eyes, the scene from earlier replayed in her mind. It was out of her expectations. Especially because of Zhou Jinhai''s presence. She really didn''t expect he''d be willing to pay for the crimes that two women committed in the name of protecting him and loving him. Maybe he felt like he really owed it.


    As for what he owed Chen Xiu, even Xiu herself couldn''t understand it at this moment.


    She just sighed out as she caressed her stomach and whispered, "Little Tiger, do you think mommy is heartless?" She never thought there would come a day when she wouldn''t feel bad for others. She had always been a sympathetic person and always found that kindness was the grace. And yet, today, she was unable to show that kindness. "Death has left your mommy a little cold. I can''t bring myself to show warmth to those people who hurt your dad and me." She smiled softly as she went on, "But don''t worry. I''ll make sure to remove this coldness from this world so that I can give you a beautiful, warm, and kind world. You''ll never have to fear these people."


    Bo Jiu craned her neck over to the front seat and said, "Boss, you''re really awesome!"


    "You''ve said that already," replied Xiu.


    "I am not able to forget that scene. You''re too handsome when you raised your bat. I have fallen in love with your bat. I feel like it''s a mighty sight!"


    Han Bohai also looked at Xiu briefly before he turned his attention back towards the road. He finally could understand why Ah-Si seemed so traumatized by Xiu''s mighty bat. It was truly a sight that he won''t ever be able to forget ever in his life.


    "Xiao Bobo, keep an eye on Zhou Jinhai''s condition," said Xiu.


    "You want to know whether he survives or not?"


    "Of course," replied Xiu. "It''s not like I want him dead."


    "His condition isn''t very optimistic though. It''s hard to say if he''ll be able to survive or not. He got two bullets."


    "That''s why I said, just let me know about his condition."


    After that, Xiu didn''t say anything at all. She hadn''t been able to sleep for so long and now that she found sudden relaxation in her heart, she instantly fell asleep.


    "She fell asleep?" inquired Bo Jiu as she lifted her eyes from her laptop screen.


    "Hmm..." Han Bohai hummed in reply.


    "I heard that pregnant ladies like to sleep a lot but she hasn''t been sleeping at all. So, I was quite worried about her."


    "She was forcing herself," replied Han Bohai. "Let her sleep now."


    .....


    While Xiu had gone through this ordeal, Darren got the detailed report of the incident from the people he had left around Xiu. And the more he heard, the more his expressions turned ugly. He really regretted not being there with her. He couldn''t even imagine what would have happened if she had been the one to get shot there. That''s why he had been so against her decision to go there all alone.


    But he had no way to stop her either. For now, he could only relax over the fact that she was safe. As for Zhou Jinhai...


    "Keep an eye on his condition and keep me posted. Get the best doctors for him. No matter what, you better save him at any cost." He instructed his subordinates before he hung up the phone. He really didn''t think that his brother would get involved in this.


    But he truly felt thankful that Zhou Jinhai saved Xiu. Even if it was unnecessary, he was still thankful. No matter what kind of relationship he had with Zhou Jinhai, he couldn''t deny the fact that they were brothers. And he honestly never wanted to hurt Zhou Jinhai. It was because he never wanted to hurt his brother that he had never gone to confront Niu Peizhi for what she did to him.


    Now hearing that his brother was fighting for his life, he felt complicated in his heart. As for Liu Nuan''s death or Niu Peizhi''s end, he felt nothing. Not even a hint of sympathy!


    *Slam!*


    Suddenly the door of the room was slammed open and Darren''s daydreaming was broken by the sound. He looked towards the door and saw how Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin walked inside with furious looks on their faces.


    Darren gulped down as he saw their appearance. It seemed like he couldn''t hold these men back any longer.


    Actually, two hours ago he was asked where Xiu was. And he had responded with, she is somewhere in the house. And that was clearly a lie. But after that, every single person in this house looked for Xiu around the house for two hours and still didn''t find her anywhere.


    Even an idiot would understand at this point that Darren had lied to them.


    "Where is she?" questioned Xin Zimen trying to keep his voice as low as possible. He didn''t want to let out his anger. Not in front of Darren since he quite liked him. He was just unable to understand why he lied to him.


    "You didn''t find her? She clearly went down," answered Darren as he continued to pretend to be ignorant.


    "Regan!" Xin Zemin''s voice raised slightly. "Don''t try to play games with us. She isn''t at home. We have looked for her everywhere. No one has seen her. Not a single servant saw her since last night. And neither of the people on patrol outside saw her leaving the house. So, tell her clearly where she is?!"


    Darren rubbed his forehead as he watched the worry in those two men''s faces. They weren''t even trying to hide their worried expressions. One could see how scared these two were just with the idea of not seeing Xiu. He suddenly didn''t know how to lie to them.


    Clearly, these two were Xiu''s fathers. One way or another, they both were indeed her fathers. He couldn''t choose to offend either of them for her sake. And he couldn''t lie to them any longer because he was scared that they might end up losing their sanity from worry.


    "I can''t tell you both," he finally voiced out helplessly. "Just know that she is safe."


    "She left this house?" asked Xin Zimen and Darren nodded in reply. "How?" That''s what he had been curious about. With such strict surveillance, she still managed to get out of here without a single person noticing it? Just how did she manage to do it? He had to know it!


    "That... I don''t know," answered Darren while avoiding his gaze.


    "Regan, do you think I won''t be able to find her just because she left this house?"


    "No," said Darren. "I know you''ll find her sooner than the sun goes down today. But I have to tell you, she doesn''t want either of you to find her. If she did, she wouldn''t have sneaked out of here like this. It was because she wanted to leave alone that she took this risk. So, I hope you both don''t get involved in this."


    "She is my daughter!" said Xin Zemin. "How am I supposed to not get involved when I know that her life could be in danger outside? Do you know how many have found out that she is my daughter by now? And do you know how many enemies I have? How am I supposed to be at ease knowing that she is out there all alone?"


    "She isn''t all alone," said Darren. "I have already arranged people to keep her safe. You don''t have to worry about it. She is your daughter, I know. But don''t forget, she is my wife as well. Also, she is going to be the mother of my child. Do you really think I don''t care about her safety? You have no idea about how anxious I am here! But I can''t do anything. She wanted to go alone. That''s her decision. Because what she is up to, it''s something she has to do herself."


    Xin Zimen calmly sat down beside Darren as he asked, "Why don''t you tell me what she is up to? I have to know to understand why she has to take such a risk with her life in this condition. Clearly, you also know that she isn''t perfectly fine."


    "She is," said Darren. "Sweets is absolutely fine now. Her mind is clearer than ever. And she is courageous than ever. For the first time in her life, she knows what she wants." He held Xin Zimen''s gaze and went on, "Uncle Zi, just give her some days. Once she comes back to you, she''ll have a lot to say to you both. Something that might be life-changing for you both."


    Xin Zimen didn''t know why his heart felt so uneasy listening to his words but there was also a hint of expectation in his heart. He didn''t know what his heart was waiting for but he knew it was looking forward to what Xiu had to say.


    "I won''t get involved, just let me protect her," said Xin Zimen. "Please!"

 Chapter 883 - Xiu Wants To Sleep

    Seeing Xin Zimen actually begging him, Darren could only tell him where Xiu was at that moment. He was helpless before these fathers. Their feelings for the said daughter are too intense. Even Darren was startled to see it. After all, it''s not been long for these two Xin brothers to even be acquainted with Xiu and yet, they loved her deeply.


    It must be because of the same blood running through their veins that seemed to be boiling with feelings now.


    After learning about Xiu''s location, Xin Zimen instantly called his own men and Xin Zemin did the same. Seeing them frantically moving about, Darren had a headache.


    His phone rang and he sighed out, "Dad..."


    "Did you hear about Jinhai?" came Zhou Xichen''s voice. He sounded quite troubled at the moment. And Darren could understand his feelings. No matter what relationship his father had with Niu Peizhi, he had always treated Zhou Jinhai as his eldest son. It would be surprising if he wasn''t worried about Jinhai right now.


    "I know, dad," said Darren. "Don''t worry. He''ll get the best treatment. I''ve called for the best doctors for him."


    Zhou Xichen was quiet for a long while before he voiced, "There is some news about his mother as well. Have you heard?"


    "Yes," Darren didn''t try to hide it from his father at all.


    Zhou Xichen sighed out, "Forget it. I don''t care what happens to her. But I don''t want Jinhai to pay for his mother''s crimes. He doesn''t deserve that."


    "Let''s hope for the best," said Darren in an attempt to console him.


    "You don''t think about it so much. I''ll take care of it here. You focus on your own health. I really want to visit you but your mother is fierce. She might scratch me to death if I showed up."


    Darren actually smiled at his words, "Dad, you''re still very cautious around mama."


    "I''m indebted to her," was Zhou Xichen''s response. "That''s why I don''t want to upset her."


    Even Darren knew that the reason why his father always stayed so respectful towards Francesca was that she had raised him. Although Zhou Xichen didn''t know about Darren''s existence until he was a teenager, it didn''t change the fact that he had been missing from his son''s life. That''s why Zhou Xichen felt indebted to Francesca who wasted away her own youth to raise his son.


    And that''s why he always listened to what she said. Since currently, she refused to let him see Darren, he wouldn''t argue with her over it. He always believed that Francesca had more right on Darren than himself. After all, Darren only got some blood from him. But that woman gave him real life. He didn''t have the qualifications to fight with her.


    "Dad, since you can''t be here. Make sure you''re there for Jinhai."


    Zhou Xichen took a deep breath, "I''m here for him. As I just said, stop thinking about the matters of here. You have to take care of yourself and my daughter-in-law as well."


    When his father hung up the call, Darren stared at the screen as he muttered, "I hope you don''t see the said daughter-in-law in the Capital. Or else, you might really be shocked to see how she isn''t the one in need of protection. It''s the people around her who need protection from her for now at least."


    "What are you talking to yourself about?" questioned Xin Zimen.


    Darren was startled to see him. He thought they left but these two fathers were still in the room surrounding him. What did they want from him now? Didn''t he already give away his wife? What more did they want?


    "Nothing."


    Xin Zemin narrowed his eyes at Darren and said, "Someone told me, there had been some firing case reported. One died, one critically injured, and one brutally assaulted."


    "Oh..." Darren lowered his head as he responded.


    "Won''t you want to know who the people involved are?"


    "Do I have to?"


    "You should," this time Xin Zimen was the one talking. "After all, the critically injured one is your elder brother." He looked at his phone and added, "And since you had just been talking to your father, I believe you already know the details. In fact, I think you know better than the police."


    "Why would you assume that out of nowhere?"


    "I''m not assuming anything," replied Xin Zimen. "I''m certain about it. There were no video cameras on the road where this whole incident happened. But don''t think I''ll believe in just some statements given to the police." He stood up and rubbed his forehead, "Xiu is involved in this matter?"


    "If you already know, why are you interrogating me like a criminal?"


    Xin Zimen cursed under his breath, "I should have known she won''t sneak out of here in peace. She was up to no good!" Darren could only nod in agreement, his wife was certainly up to no good. "Leave the matter of the police up to me. I''ll handle it in my own way. You don''t have to worry at all."


    "I wasn''t worrying," replied Darren. Seeing how Xin Zimen stared at him, he grinned, "My Sweets is good at hiding her tracks. There was nothing to worry about from the beginning."


    The images that he just received from the Capital flashed through Xin Zimen''s head and he felt another headache coming up. Seeing that bloody scene, he was reminded of his wife.


    "How can I contact her?"


    "Why? You want to scold her?"


    "Do you really think I can scold her?" retorted Xin Zimen. "I can''t even raise my voice at her. I just want to hear her voice and make sure that she is okay. Now, give me her number."


    Darren begrudgingly gave him the contact number and saw how both brothers ran off immediately.


    "Dad," Xin Xiaoli called out to his father as he saw his father coming out of Darren''s room. "Did you find where Xiu is? How is she? How did she leave? When did she leave?"


    "Stop asking questions," said Xin Zimen impatiently. "Let me talk to her first."


    Xin Xiaoli instantly shut up. As long as there was a way to contact Xiu it meant she was somewhat fine. That was enough to know for now. He had been worried sick since the moment he heard how they couldn''t find Xiu anywhere.


    As Xin Zimen called the number that he got from Darren, he didn''t have to wait for long before the phone was picked up and a groggy and lazy voice said, "The caller is currently roaming in dreamland. Please, call another day! Thank you!"


    "Don''t you dare hang up on me," Xin Zimen said. Even though his voice sounded calm, one could hear the warning loud and clear.


    Since Xiu''s mind was still half-asleep, she didn''t respond for a moment. And when she did, it took Xin Zimen''s breath away. Because...


    "Daddy, Xiu wants to sleep."


    Not only Xin Zimen forgot to breathe, he even forgot to speak. That sweet voice calling him ''Daddy'' had left his heart and soul both shaken. His brain went into disarray for a moment and he didn''t even realize when she hung up the call and went back to sleep as if nothing happened.


    Xin Zemin shook his brother, "What happened? Why aren''t you saying anything? How is she?" He took the phone and frowned when he saw that the call had already ended. He was about to dial the number again when Xin Zimen stopped him.


    "She is sleeping," he said. "She seems really tired. Let her sleep for a while. We will call her later."


    Although Xin Zemin didn''t know what happened, he still agreed with his brother. Just knowing that his daughter was tired, he lost the urgency to talk to her. They will just let her sleep in peace for now. They already knew that she wasn''t hurt, that was enough for now.


    "Zizi," Ying''s voice rang out that broke Xin Zimen''s daze. "I think I know how she sneaked out of here."


    "How?" the question came from Xin Xiaoli.


    "It seems my boyfriend helped her," replied Ying with a strange tone. She was holding back her urge to beat Han Bohai right now. That boyfriend of hers had grown audacious. He actually sneaked around behind her back! And left her in the dark!


    If she had been let in on their plan, she would have obviously helped!


    Just thinking about it made her upset with Xiu as well who actually went to Han Bohai to ask for help but left her aside. She was just wondering when did these two people grow so close to each other that they were actually sneaking around together now?


    As she showed the surveillance video of Han Bohai dragging a suitcase out of the main gate, she paused it and said, "She is inside that."


    "What?!"


    "I''m certain! She is definitely inside of that. There is no other way for her to sneak out of here without anyone catching a glimpse of her."

 Chapter 884 - What Did I Say?

    When Xiu woke up, she had no idea that her sneak plan had been exposed, and not only her, even Han Bohai was also under the fire along with her. And the fire cannon was in the hands of Yan Ying who wanted to burn these two people who dared to trick everyone like that.


    And she also didn''t know that she had actually had a phone conversation with Xin Zimen since she seemed to have woken up from a dream that had Xin Zimen in it. With that dream and what happened in reality, it was hard for her to distinguish which one was real and which one was fake.


    Besides, she had slept for the whole day, it was already afternoon when she woke up, and now, her brain was quite disoriented.


    "Sister Xiu, you''re finally awake!" said Han Bohai when he saw her coming out of the bedroom while scratching her head like a crazy person. Her whole appearance was something that could give people a headache. But she didn''t care how bad she looked after she woke up, she only knew that her stomach was protesting.


    "Food," that was the only word she said as she sat down on the high stool that faced the counter and perched her face on her hands.


    "I knew you''d be hungry after waking up," said Bo Jiu as she hurried to arrange the dishes that she had been keeping warm all this while. "Eat a lot, Xiuxiu. You need a lot of energy to stay the coolest Xiu!"


    "Why is it that even after going through so many punishments, you still have the nerve to butter me up?" Xiu was really baffled that even after she had taught so many lessons to this girl, she was still the same girl who tried to curry favor by offering her coffee on her first day at work. She didn''t change even one bit!


    "I''m super shameless!" retorted Bo Jiu.


    Han Bohai spurted out the coffee that he had yet to swallow. He coughed a little and looked at Xiu saying, "Sister Xiu, she is really your apprentice."


    "What are you trying to imply here?"


    Han Bohai shrugged his shoulders carelessly, "You always attract people like yourself. Since you''re shameless, even the people surrounding you are shameless. There is no doubt."


    Xiu took a bite of the meat in her bowl and chewed patiently. "There is nothing wrong with my attraction energy. I think the problem is with the people being attracted to me."


    "Oh, so something is wrong with your husband as well? Is that why he is attracted to you so much?"


    Xiu turned her head to glare at him, "My Regan is a part of my soul. Soulmate! He isn''t attracted to me at all. He is in love with me."


    "Show-off!"


    "Jealous!"


    Bo Jiu silently observed these back and forth attacks of words and commented, "Xiuxiu, I never knew you had a childish side as well."


    Xiu didn''t want to continue this either, she chose to silently eat and replenish her energy before starting again. An empty stomach, she couldn''t even argue.


    After she was done eating, she leaned back in her chair and rubbed her stomach before letting out a burp in a completely unladylike manner. However, both the people around her didn''t have any reaction to what she was doing at all.


    Bo Jiu was focused on her laptop while Han Bohai was still immersed in the taste of his coffee. Xiu decided to take a walk on the open terrace of the presidential suite to digest the food.


    And while doing so, something came to her mind. "Xiao Bobo, did anyone come here when I was sleeping?"


    "No," replied Han Bohai. "Why are you asking?"


    "Are you sure?" Han Bohai nodded. "So, my father didn''t come, right?"


    "Which one?" questioned Han Bohai and saw how Xiu paused for a moment at that question.


    Bo Jiu also chose this moment to chime in, "Doesn''t everyone have only one father?"


    "No," replied Han Bohai. "Some people are fortunate enough to have more than one father."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "Or maybe they are so unfortunate that they can''t even say it."


    Bo Jiu observed these too keenly before pointing out, "When I was young, I was told that computer language is the most difficult language in the world. My inner competitiveness took over and today, I find even binary language a lot easier than the game of words that people play with each other. What kind of code language is this? And why am I not able to understand it?"


    "Maybe because you''ve spent too long trying to connect with the computers that you''ve forgotten how it felt to connect with humans," said Xiu without any change in her expression.


    Bo Jiu''s shoulders slumped down, "I think you''re right."


    Xiu shook her head at this eccentric piece and went back to her room before saying, "Get ready. We are leaving."


    "Where to?" questioned Han Bohai.


    Xiu halted in her steps as she replied, "Obviously, we are going to check up on Xin Suyin. Since she is already scared of the ghost of her guilt, let''s allow her to actually meet this ghost in real now."


    Han Bohai furrowed his brows at her but didn''t ask further.


    It didn''t take long for Xiu to come out of her room dressed up in a white dress. Her silky long hair fell over her shoulders. Her bare face looked hauntingly beautiful at the moment.


    "Are you gonna play the role of the ghost yourself?" questioned Bo Jiu when she looked at Xiu''s attire.


    Xiu was looking at the phone in her hand when she looked up and glanced at Bo Jiu, "I''m the real ghost around here."


    Han Bohai could only shake his head at Xiu''s remark of being a ghost. He didn''t know when she was gonna call herself a human again.


    "But you don''t even resemble Chen Xiu," pointed out Bo Jiu. "In this way, how are you gonna act this play? That''s why I sent you the pictures of four candidates who had an uncanny resemblance with Chen Xiu''s appearance."


    "But none of them was Chen Xiu," that sentence came from Han Bohai who stood up to follow Xiu without any question.


    Bo Jiu frowned at him, "What is that supposed to mean?"


    "Sometimes, you shouldn''t be so curious," replied Han Bohai.


    "Huh?" Both Bo Jiu and Han Bohai turned to look at Xiu who was just standing at her place with her eyes focused on the phone screen. "When did I get a call from this number? Why does this number seem familiar?" Xiu was mumbling to herself. "Oh, fish! That''s Daddy''s phone number! So, he actually called? And I actually answered the call?" Xiu looked up at Han Bohai with wide eyes, "What did I say to him?"


    Han Bohai was startled by her question and shook his head, "I don''t know."


    Xiu almost cried out in panic. She knocked on her head repeatedly, "Stupid head! Why can''t you recall it?!" Then she slapped her mouth, "And what did you spout?"


    "Sister Xiu, stop it. Maybe you didn''t talk about anything important," said Han Bohai when he saw her acting like this.


    "But I know myself!" exclaimed Xiu. "I always say something necessary even when I am awake. I''m sure I said something worse when I''m half-asleep! I hope I didn''t let out all the truth before him. I don''t want to come out before him in this manner."


    "Xiuxiu, you''re looking worried as if you''re coming out of the closet before your family." Bo Jiu laughed at her own joke but the other two gave her a hard stare! So, the poor girl decided to zip her lips and put a lock on it before throwing the key away.


    *Ring!*


    Suddenly the phone in her hand rang again and Xiu was so startled that she almost dropped the phone. But seeing who was calling, she didn''t want to pick up the call. If Xin Zimen had the number it meant that her husband had spoken the truth before others. Now, she couldn''t hide at all. So, she couldn''t escape this at all. She had to take this call now.


    Taking a deep breath, she picked up the call and tried to maintain her usual cheery persona, "Hey, Ah-Xin! What''s up?!"


    Xin Zimen paused for a minute when he heard her voice and didn''t say anything for a minute. He didn''t know what to say. He was wondering why he called. Because his mind had gone blank again once he heard her voice. And that voice had actually made him recall the way she called him ''Daddy'' earlier.


    Now, his whole body was trembling from the aftereffects of that. Even though it''s been so many hours since then.


    "Ah-Xin!" Xiu called out again. "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Xin Zimen took a deep breath, "I''m just surprised at how shameless you are, little lass. You actually dared to sneak away and yet, you''re speaking to me as if nothing happened!"

 Chapter 885 - Right Up My Alley

    "He-he!" Xiu gave an awkward laugh in response to Xin Zimen''s words.


    But that awkward laugh sounded more like a shameless laugh to Xin Zimen which made his lips twitch. However, he still wasn''t able to reprimand her at all. Although the words were at the tip of his tongue, he couldn''t spit them out.


    He sighed out heavily while rubbing his forehead, "Little lass, why are you so worrisome?"


    "I know I''m a problematic child," agreed Xiu without any scruples. "However, I think your worry has more to do with your worrywart personality."


    "So, the blame is on me?" Xin Zimen sounded quite amused.


    "No....~" Xiu drawled out her reply. "I can''t bring myself to blame you, Ah-Xin. In fact, the blame is on me. I shouldn''t have run away from home."


    "It''s good that you know!" Xiu heard her second father''s voice and realized that the phone had been on speakerphone until now.


    "Aiyoh, Father, this much anger and worry are not good for health. Take a deep breath!"


    "How am I suppose to take a deep breath?" retorted Xin Zemin. "You ran away that''s a different issue. But who the hell suggested you sneak out in such a manner? In this condition, how could you hide in a suitcase? What if something went wrong? What if you couldn''t breathe properly? Have you thought about it?"


    Han Bohai noticed the smile playing on Xiu''s lips as she continued to listen to a long lecture from the Xin brothers. In fact, he was the one frowning but one couldn''t find a single frown or sign of impatience on Xiu''s face. She looked relaxed as she silently listened to everything and even took a seat at the chair beside the window.


    "If I continued to focus on what if''s, wouldn''t life get too boring?" questioned Xiu. "Both of you should stop worrying so much. If I chose this method, I had my reasons to do so. It''s not like if I asked you both to let me go out alone, you''d allow it."


    "Of course, we won''t allow it," said Xin Zimen. "The world is a dangerous place. How can we be at ease with letting you wander out alone?" He took a pause and went on, "And don''t even assume that we don''t know what happened today. In broad daylight, someone tried to kill you."


    "Huh? Who told you that?"


    Xin Zimen almost blew up at that question, "So it did happen?! I was just taking a guess because your husband''s lips are sealed. I didn''t think I was right. You wait right there, I''m coming there myself!"


    Xiu facepalmed herself for letting it slip. No, she didn''t let it slip. She was tricked into this! ''Great! Marvelous! Dear Dad, you''re really something, eh! You actually made me spill out my own secret.'' Xiu took a deep breath and repeated in her mind that she needed to be cautious around this father. He paid attention to the smallest of things.


    "You really don''t have to come, though," Xiu tried to persuade him even though she knew it won''t work on these worrywarts. And she was also certain as long as they didn''t see her with their own eyes, they won''t be at ease. One could practically see their anxiousness spilling out from the phone!


    There was silence on the other as Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin shared a look before Xin Zemin cautiously said, "So is our guess right?"


    "Huh?"


    "Are you trying to avoid both of us?"


    "Where did that thought come from?"


    "Don''t think we didn''t notice," began Xin Zimen. "It''s been weeks since you''ve been keeping distance from both of us for some reason. Although we don''t what we did, we would still like to know about it. Do we make you uncomfortable? Or did we do something wrong? Whatever it is, you can say it with ease. We won''t mind."


    "Yes, we definitely won''t mind," Xin Zemin also echoed his younger brother''s words.


    Xiu was stunned to hear their words. She didn''t think their thoughts would be going in such a direction. It''s true, she''d been keeping a certain polite distance from them but it was only because she was struggling to come to terms with her own feelings. It had nothing to do with both of them. They were indeed the best fathers one could ask for. How could they be the reason to make her feel uncomfortable?


    "Have you both always had such a pessimistic personality?" questioned Xiu. "I was keeping a distance from you both but only because I''m hiding something from you. And I know once you both are around, I won''t be able to keep this secret."


    "What secret you can''t share with us?"


    "Well, there is something," said Xiu in reply, vaguely. "However, forget about it. You both want to come to see me, you''re most welcome. But please, stop assuming that I''m avoiding you." She took a pause and went on, "But no matter what, make sure someone stays with my Regan. I came here worry-free because you''re both there for him. Now that you both want to come, then I can only ask you to make sure my husband is not left alone."


    Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin''s lips twitched as they heard her say that.


    "Regi has Francesca," said Xin Zimen.


    "Leave Mama out of this," replied Xiu. "For the first time in years, she is actually willing to go on dates with someone. Let''s let her have some fun. She deserves it. She has taken care of Regan for long enough. Give her a break now."


    "I''ll call Zhao Huan to come back," said Xin Zemin indicating that they won''t bother Francesca and they''d do everything exactly as she wanted it.


    "Where is Mom?"


    "She''s staying with Zhao Wei," replied Xin Zemin. "Why else do you think it''s so quiet around here even though you had been missing for hours? It''s only because she doesn''t know about you running away."


    "Ohh..." responded Xiu. "That means you lied to her. Father, it''s not nice to lie to your wife."


    "You keep that advice to yourself!" Xin Zimen shot back. "You should be the first one to learn that it''s not nice to lie to your loved ones! Just because your husband knew about your whereabouts, it won''t wash off your lie."


    "Why so fierce, Ah-Xin?"


    "Am I not supposed to be? Liu Nuan is dead! Zhou Jinhai is fighting for his life in the hospital! Even Niu Peizhi is terribly injured. All of that happened right before your eyes and you expect me to be calm? And you even want me to believe that you didn''t get injured at all?!"


    Xiu scratched the tip of her nose, "How will you believe me that I''m fine?"


    "As long as we don''t see it with our own eyes, let''s not have this discussion."


    "Ah-Xin, you don''t believe in my words?"


    "No!" Xin Zimen didn''t even try to hide the real feelings of his. How could he hide it? He really couldn''t believe in her right now. His heart was still feeling anxious. And his hands had been clammy since the time he learned that she ran away from home. No one could understand what he was going through right now.


    Well, that''s what he thought. However, he didn''t know that Xiu could clearly perceive his mood even from so far away. It wasn''t difficult. She could feel the fear in his voice.


    "Okay, come fast then," she didn''t try to dissuade them any longer. It was pointless anyway.


    "Where are you staying?" When Xiu gave them the name of a hotel, Xin Zemin said, "Why didn''t you just go home?"


    "I don''t want to go to that Xin Manor. I might suffocate to death there."


    "Silly, your father has his own houses in the Capital," told Xin Zemin. "And if that''s also not where you want to go. You could have just gone to Xiao Zi''s house. Even your Ah-Xin has a house there."


    "Forget it," spoke Xin Zimen. "You just stay in the hotel. It''s relatively a safe place. I''ll strengthen your security instead."


    ''I knew it!'' Xiu said to herself. "Then am I suppose to stay inside the hotel until you come here?"


    "That''d be better."


    Xiu shook her head, "Do I look like a kid to you both?"


    "We didn''t get to stay with you when you''re a kid," said Xin Zemin. "It''s only right that we treat you like a kid."


    "I''m not a kid! But I am with a kid!"


    "Oh, so you do remember that you''re with a kid? I thought you completely forgot that detail."


    "You both are really my fathers," said Xiu. "Even the sarcasm is right up my alley. Anyway, I''m waiting for you both. Come soon if you''re going to come." With that, she hung up the phone not realizing that her words left both Xin brothers staring at each other incredulously.

 Chapter 886 - Despise Herself

    Xiu went back inside her room after the phone call and changed her clothes once again. She was tying her hair up in a loose updo when she came out of the room and found Han Bohai staring at her oddly.


    "Change of plans?" he inquired even though he knew the answer to the question he just asked.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders.


    "Your husband gave you away sooner than you thought he would," added Han Bohai.


    Xiu nodded her head, "But I can''t blame him for that. I sneaked out because I didn''t want my fathers to get involved in this mess. Besides, I knew from the beginning it''d be dangerous and they''d be worried. However, I never thought they''d be..."


    "What?" He urged her to continue.


    Xiu looked up at him and spoke with a tinge of sadness and hurt in her voice, "They seemed terrified just because they could see me for a few hours. Xiao Bobo, they are scared to lose me again." She took a deep breath, "And that''s why I couldn''t bring myself to refuse them. It doesn''t matter whether they''re here or not. I''ve already dealt with Niu Peizhi." She took a pause and asked, "By the way, did you hear anything about Jinhai?"


    Han Bohai didn''t look as sour to hear that name as he usually did, "The doctor has taken the bullets out successfully but his life isn''t out of danger. He has lost a lot of blood. The next 72 hours are pretty sensitive for him. He managed to hold on during this period, there is a chance of survival."


    Xiu didn''t know how to reply. So, she only gave a small sound in acknowledgment that she heard what he just said. And then she sat there with her face buried in her hands as her mind wandered off somewhere even she couldn''t tell. In fact, the things in her mind had been the same since a few weeks ago. She had been constantly fighting the urge to just spill out the truth to both her fathers.


    However, no matter how she thought about it, the end result was that both of them will get hurt. She just couldn''t bring herself to hurt them. They both not showed her care but also made her want to indulge in fatherly love. And she couldn''t just shatter it all with her own hands. But she didn''t want to lie any longer either.


    "Xiuxiu!" Bo Jiu''s voice brought her out of her thoughts.


    "What is it?"


    "Someone would like to speak to you," told Bo Jiu and went over to whisper something in her ear.


    After listening to her, Xiu stood up, "Just bring him here."


    Bo Jiu nodded her head and left to do what she was asked. Meanwhile, Xiu instructed Han Bohai, "You should also take a walk to relax. And you should also turn your phone on. Since my fathers know who helped me in escaping, certainly Ying Jie knows as well."


    Han Bohai almost collapsed right there and then.


    "So, before she calls upon you..." Xiu left her words hanging on purpose while Han Bohai gulped visibly.


    "I can''t bring myself to talk to her. Ah-Ying must be furious."


    "That''s a given," agreed Xiu. "However, you can just tell her that you''re threatened by me to help."


    "Huh?" Han Bohai was dumbfounded. "I can just tell her the truth."


    "And what is the truth?" she asked with raised brows.


    "That I helped you because I wanted to."


    "Oh? And why is that? Who are you to me? Do we know each other that well? How long have we known each other? And when did we get so close enough to help each other?"


    "You''re my Sister Xiu! Of course, we know each other well and we have known each other for years. Isn''t it a given that we''d be close?"


    "Can you say all that to her?"


    Han Bohai was stumped for words. Xiu shook her head at him.


    "Silly Bobo, I''m giving you a way out right now. You can''t tell Ying Jie that I''m Chen Xiu. So to save yourself from trouble, just dump the blame on me. And it''s not even a lie. I did threaten you a little to get you to help me. Don''t feel so bad about it."


    "But..." He was still hesitating even though her idea was the best to get him out of trouble.


    "No buts! I don''t want your relationship to have any rifts because of me. So, just show yourself as the innocent party."


    "Will she even believe me?"


    "That depends on how convincing of an actor you are."


    "You shouldn''t be teaching me this bad stuff."


    "As your sister, I should be teaching you all the good and bad stuff. After all, if I painted a picture too beautifully for you, how will you deal with the world''s darkness later on."


    "I suddenly feel bad for your son."


    Xiu slapped his shoulder, "Don''t bring my son into this."


    Han Bohai shook his head at her, "Sister Xiu, it''s really rare for you to take the blame for someone else."


    "I can do this much for my brother." She winked at her and even pushed him out of the Presidential Suite.


    She came back and started making some tea. And while she was pouring the tea, the door was opened and Bo Jiu brought a middle-aged man inside with her.


    "I''ve brought him here, the rest is up to you." With that Bo Jiu left the Suite and closed the door behind her.


    Xiu lifted her eyes languidly to look back at the middle-aged man who seemed to be observing her as well. She wasn''t unfamiliar with that face. She knew him. She knew him quite well even though they have never had a personal meeting.


    "Mr. Liu, you can take a seat first," said Xiu as she gestured for him to sit. Then she brought the tray with two teacups to the table and placed one before him and took the other to sit opposite him on the armchair. "Forgive me for being clueless, but I thought you''d busy arranging a funeral for your daughter."


    "You and I both know she wasn''t my daughter," replied Liu Mingfan with no visible change in his emotions. "However, I am not as cruel as her. After the police are done with the autopsy, I''ve asked my people to arrange everything for her burial. Even if she isn''t my daughter, I can''t abandon her cold body."


    "I honestly didn''t even think that the insider around Xiu Suyin would turn out to be you." Xiu calmly took a sip of the tea and felt refreshing.


    "My hatred for her is bone-deep," replied Liu Mingfan without hiding anything from her. "Even if I skin her alive, it won''t be enough. She destroyed the most beautiful part of my life. And she burned someone''s whole family. I''d never forgiven her for that. That''s a debt she has to pay."


    Xiu knew whom he was talking about. However, it was still surprising to her. Hearing that Chen Hana and Liu Mingfan had been once lovers, was one thing but hearing it from one of the parties involved was a whole different thing.


    "Why wait so long?" she asked in curiosity.


    "She is a controlling woman," replied Liu Mingfan. "You should have known that by now. The reason why she was able to brazenly do everything and yet become my wife was that she managed to control my family even before she became a part of it. Sometimes, we become helpless before family."


    "That I can agree with," said Xiu. "We do become helpless before family." Xiu not only said those words. For the first time in her life, she actually understood the meaning behind those words as well. She also was feeling really helpless before her fathers.


    "I''ve tried so many different ways to hurt her," began Liu Mingfan. "But she always managed to make me fall on my face. No matter what I did, I wasn''t her opponent. Especially since she had a whole Xin Clan as her backer. It made things difficult and complicated." He glanced at Xiu as he went on, "But I never thought it''d be so easy to crumble her down."


    "If you use strong ways to deal with a strong person, it''ll only evoke the competitive nature of that person. You''ll never be able to break the enemy in this way." Xiu leaned back in a careless manner and crossed her legs. "Let me elaborate for you why it turned out to be so easy to crumble her down in this way. In a way, Xin Suyin is a love-deprived person. She lost her parents at a young age. She had to live with the people who actually killed her parents. She loved you but you never reciprocated her feelings. Not that you''re obliged to do so. Anyway, since she couldn''t find that love anywhere. She put her hopes on her own child."


    Liu Mingfan''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "Have you never wondered why Xin Suyin''s love for Liu Nuan was so unconditional?" questioned Xiu. "It was not a mother''s unconditional love. It was her selfish love. The things she never had, she wanted to give to Liu Nuan at any cost. So imagine, such a person one day learns that her child isn''t her own. The Princess she cared for and loved for years is actually a fake. And the one she tortured is actually her real Princess. Can you imagine the stimulation?"


    "Imagine?" repeated Liu Mingfan. "I''ve seen it all with my own eyes. It drove her mad. She wanted to tear Liu Nuan apart even though she had loved her for so many years."


    "The idea of love is different for such a person, Mr. Liu. Since all her emotional investment was wasted on Liu Nuan, once the truth came out something snapped in her mind. Especially when she learned that her real daughter ''Chen Xiu'' actually killed herself just because she didn''t want a mother like that. How could she accept it? She had never gotten love from anyone. And now her own daughter not only didn''t love her but also despised her and she had all the right to do so."


    "You just manipulated those feelings to make her feel so guilty that she''d despise herself," said Liu Mingfan.


    Xiu gave him a very innocent smile however, this innocent smile made him feel cold.

 Chapter 887 - She Was Wrong

    "Manipulation?" Xiu seemed to be tasting that word as it rolled around her tongue. "Xin Suyin''s love for Liu Nuan was also a manipulation. She believed that if she gave her everything, then that daughter of hers would worship her. If she was giving love, she expected it in return as well. Perhaps that''s why Chen Xiu''s hatred managed to tear her so deeply."


    Liu Mingfan chuckled, "It''s interesting seeing her getting played like this. She loved to play with people''s lives and now that someone is playing with her, it''s a novel feeling. But I like it."


    "You seem to be enjoying yourself," Xiu pointed out.


    Liu Mingfan didn''t try to hide it, "I am enjoying myself. For the first time in years, I feel free. And it''s a good show, why won''t I enjoy it. However, I wonder how will she react once she learns that Chen Xiu also wasn''t her daughter."


    "But I don''t want her to know that," replied Xiu. "I want her to live with this reminder that she killed her daughter. She didn''t feel guilty when she ordered to kill other people''s families, now it''s time for her to learn how it feels."


    Liu Mingfan took a sip of the tea but his eyes were focused on Xiu. He was wondering how such an innocent-looking girl actually had such wicked ideas. But it was also a good thing. At least, she won''t be taken advantage of in this twisted world.


    "I have a question for you."


    "Please..."


    "What kind of grudge do you have with Suyin?"


    Xiu leaned over to place the teacup on the table before fixing the cushion behind her back to lean back comfortably. "Do you know who I am, Mr. Liu?"


    Liu Mingfan nodded his head, "Currently, there isn''t a single person in our circle who doesn''t know Bai Xiu, Xin Zemin''s daughter. It''s been weeks and yet, you''re still a hot topic."


    "Well, that''s a given. Until now people gloated over how Xin Zemin doesn''t have a child of his own and now, that he has me... I''ve become a gossip over tea time." She took a pause to look outside the window, "I believe you don''t know that your wife knew about my identity for a long time now. Why do you think it''s only now that I found my family?"


    Liu Mingfan straightened up as he gazed at her, "She... What did she do to you?"


    Xiu scoffed, "What she is best at. She manipulated me into killing my own mother." Liu Mingfan''s eyes widened in shock and anger. He had to hold the armrest of the sofa to control himself. "Then she continued to threaten me to stay away from my own father. She even kidnapped me to scare me off. All in all, she played me well. And I was young and hot blooded, I got played easily."


    Although all of that wasn''t something she had gone through, however, since the moment she regained Destiny''s memories, all of this became something she experiences herself. She could perfectly describe the emotions that Destiny went through at that time. Betrayal, disgust for herself, helplessness, vulnerability, and the pain in her chest that took her life. She could feel it all. All of those memories and experiences were embedded in this body. And all of it was now a part of her.


    It took a while for Liu Mingfan to grit out, "She is really impossible!"


    "Did you have any doubt?" inquired Xiu. "She believed after getting rid of me, she''ll be able to smoothly pressure Xin Zemin into giving up his rightful position to inherit the whole Xin family and business. Her goal had always been to snatch the Xin family. After all, her parents were killed for that power. How could she not want that power back?"


    "You''re right. She always wanted that so-called power."


    "Now, Mr. Liu, why don''t you tell me why you really wanted to see me?" She glanced at him, "It can''t possibly be just for some idle talk."


    Liu Mingfan pulled out a folder from the bag he was carrying and placed it on the table between them. However, he didn''t push it towards her. With his hand on the folder, he said, "There is something inside this folder that can be a great help to you."


    "And you want to make a deal here," Xiu completed his sentence for him.


    Seeing how she easily managed to guess his intention, he smiled a little, "It''s always a pleasure talking to smart people." He nodded his head, "I do want to make a deal."


    "But is there something I can give you? Why can''t I think of anything?"


    He shook his head, "No, there is really something you can give me."


    "Then let''s hear about what you can give me," Xiu straightened up and gave her full attention to him. "Let''s see if it''s enticing enough."


    "I believe you''re looking for the real mastermind behind everything," said Liu Mingfan. "The information I have can help you find that mastermind. Is it enticing enough?"


    Xiu tapped her chin, "What do you want in return?"


    "Where is Devi... I mean where is Chen Hana?"


    Xiu chuckled at his question. She had a vague guess in her mind that that''s what he wanted to know but she didn''t think she was right. That''s exactly what he wanted to know from her.


    "What makes you think I know where she is?"


    "Even if you don''t know the precise location, you can still find it out."


    Xiu fell into thought for a while as she continued to observe him in silence. There was nothing wrong with her probing gaze and yet it made people feel slightly uncomfortable. It couldn''t be helped, she seemed to want to see one''s soul.


    "Even if I give you her location, it''s of no use," she finally spoke up. "She is in vegetative state. It''s no different than death."


    "It''s different," claimed Liu Mingfan with his hands clenched in tight fists. "In death, you have no hope. At least, now, she is breathing. There is still hope."


    "I didn''t know you''re such a hopeful person," said Xiu.


    "When you have nothing else, you can only hold on to some hope. Without that little hope, wouldn''t life be a little too depressive?"


    Xiu thought about it for a while before nodding her head, "Alright. Let''s do it that way." She pointed at the folder with her chin and Liu Mingfan slid the folder towards her. As Xiu picked up the folder, she said, "I''ll inform you about the details of her location by tonight. Also, I''ll make sure you get the access to see her as well."


    She didn''t know how she was gonna ask Xiao Li about Chen Hana but that wasn''t that big of a difficulty. It''s not like Xiao Li would refuse her for anything. Her brother was easy to deal with. She didn''t know why people said he was difficult though.


    After a few more words. Liu Mingfan left. Behind him, Xiu opened the folder and looked through the content. There were a lot of audio recordings, photos and some doc.u.ments. Xiu''s brows were knitting together as she looked through everything before her.


    "Jiu!"


    "Yes?" Bo Jiu was startled as soon as she walked inside the Suite. She looked at Xiu in surprise and wondered what she had done to make Xiu look at her so strangely. "Did I do something?" she inquired. "If I did, I''m sorry. Just don''t look at me like that. It''s kinda scary."


    Xiu wanted to roll her eyes at her but held herself back. "I won''t eat you up."


    "I highly doubt that," muttered Bo Jiu to herself.


    "Stop cursing me and come here," instructed Xiu and Bo Jiu ran over.


    "Yes, boss! How can I help you?"


    "Look at this," Xiu placed the things before her. "It seems we overlooked something while investigating the Xin family." Bo Jiu picked up the doc.u.ments and her brows raised up. "Let''s look deeper and thoroughly. I don''t think the mastermind is hiding too deeply."


    Bo Jiu looked at Xiu, "By why would this person...?"


    Xiu looked back at her, "That is exactly what we have to find out. Why would this person of all people do it? It doesn''t make sense. It doesn''t make sense at all."


    Bo Jiu almost fell over and she grumbled, "I have to work overtime again."


    "Are you complaining right now?"


    "Never! Never ever!" announced Bo Jiu. "I''ll do just as you say. I don''t dare complain."


    "You better not," said Xiu. "I''ll also look through it."


    Xiu''s brows were still furrowed up even when she had instructed Bo Jiu to do her job. Right now, she was really confused. She had doubted every single person when she was investigating the Xin family but she never doubted this person. Only this person, she never doubted and it seems that''s where she was wrong all along.

 Chapter 888 - Lying & Hiding

    In Xiu''s mind, there was only a vague image of this person. He didn''t have a strong presence. In fact, it was like one could completely overlook his presence. And she did overlook him.


    During Xin Xiaoli and Qiu Meihui''s wedding, she did overlook him. Not even once did she think about him. But even the more unbelievable thing was that she couldn''t understand the motive behind this massive net he had cast for years.


    Bo Jiu could see that Xiu was again in deep thought and decided not to disturb her. She already had her orders, it was better to start working. She looked around as if searching for someone and when she didn''t find Han Bohai, she frowned. But it was better to stay away from that superstar. She didn''t like his company anyway. And she even wished that he didn''t come back.


    In the meantime, the one in question, Han Bohai was still pacing around with his phone in his hand. He had been trying to make a call for the past half an hour but he just couldn''t do so! Was it alright to accept that he was scared of his girlfriend? But could you blame him? He had a feisty girlfriend.


    And the worst part was that she would rather beat him up than yell at him.


    No matter how he thought about it, he couldn''t bring himself to shift the blame on his Sister Xiu. Even though the plan was hers, he was the one who eagerly accepted it and even offered to help.


    What to do? What to do? What to dooo???!


    He continued to hit his phone on his forehead and end up hurting himself.


    "Oh, forget it! I''ll just bite the bullet! It''s only a couple of punches and maybe a kick or uppercut. You''re a man! You can do it! You can take on this much." After he was done with his pep talk, he finally dialed the number he was dreading from.


    The call was picked up right before it was about to cut. However, he didn''t hear anything from the other side. There was only an eerie silence and he could even hear the ''swoosh'' sound of the air that sent a chill down his spine.


    Han Bohai rubbed his sweaty palm against his pants before fanning his face with his hand and in a meek voice called out, "Ah-Ying..."


    "Oh, look! The liar''s calling."


    "L-Liar?" Han Bohai stuttered. "I didn''t lie to you. I told you I''m going to the Capital."


    "But you didn''t tell me you''re taking someone with you," replied Ying trying so hard to control her temper.


    "Yes, I did hide that from you," he obediently decided to plead guilty before the matter gets out of hand. Arguments weren''t gonna get him anywhere.


    "And do you think there is a difference between lying and hiding things?"


    "Yes," replied Han Bohai. "Lying is done to hurt the other person and hiding is temporarily done to prevent the other person from hurting."


    "Don''t try to play with me here, Hai! I''m really mad right now!" exclaimed Ying as she finally lost control. "Do you think I would have stopped you? If anything, I''d have been a part of this escape mission! And that is why I''m unable to understand why did you not tell me?! Am I that unreliable? I know, I will spill the beans if Zizi asks anything but that still doesn''t give you the right to question my reliability."


    "I''d never dare question your reliability," told Han Bohai.


    "Then why didn''t you tell me? Do you know how stressed everyone had been since the time they learned Xiu wasn''t home? And I can''t understand this girl at all. Why did she suddenly think about running away like this? What is she up to?!"


    "She is up to no good," the words came out of his mouth before he could even stop it.


    "She had never been up to any good!" retorted Ying. "That I know very well. That''s why I''m not really that surprised that this escape plan that is one of a kind came out of her crazy brain!"


    And then Han Bohai spent the next hour listening to her venting all her anger. Strangely though he had felt relaxed in that moment. He even leaned against the wall just listening to her. And by doing so he came to know that his sweetheart wasn''t mad that he lied or hid things from her. She was mad because she felt left out.


    Such a awesome escape plan and she wasn''t a part of it. Such tragedy! How could she be okay with that? That was so not okay!


    And after she was done complaining about that, she took a whole 180 degree turn and lectured him over how to take care of Xiu. And not be lazy at all.


    When she finally got tired, she drank some water and asked, "Hai, I want to ask you something."


    "Hm?"


    "Are you seeing Xiu as a replacement for your Sister Xiu?"


    He really wondered how many people were asked the same question. It couldn''t be him alone. And he certainly wasn''t wrong either.


    "She isn''t anyone''s replacement," said Han Bohai calmly and solemnly. "No one can replace Sister Xiu in my life." But it''s different that she took her place back. However, that''s a story I can''t explain to you.


    "That''s good to know. I don''t want you to confuse things."


    "So... Am I forgiven?"


    "What nonsense? So easily? I''m not done with you yet!"


    Han Bohai grinned at her response, "So, when are you gonna be done with me?"


    Ying scoffed at him, "Not in this life!" Han Bohai''s face stiffened when he heard that while she continued unbeknownst to torrent of emotions she stirred up in his heart. "Don''t even think of escaping from me. You and I have a long way to go! I''ll make you slowly pay for this." She was surprised when she didn''t hear a single sound from him. "What''s wrong? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "If you say it like this..." His voice was so soft and right against her ear even through the phone, it made her ear tingle for some reason. "Forget this life, I''m even willing to pay with my next life."


    Ying scoffed trying to hide the way her lips titled upward inconspiciously.


    After another silent moment of just listening to her breath, he called out to her, "Ah-Ying~"


    "Hm? What is it?"


    "I love you!" His breathy voice struck her heart making it beat violently.


    She even had to place a hand over her chest to calm it down. This was so not like her. How could she lose her control over a confession like this?


    Ying-ah, Ying! You''re pathetic!


    She huffed, "What''s with that random confession? Who does it like this?"


    Han Bohai chuckled softly, "Someone said to me that most random confessions are the best one. They not only come as a surprise, they also serve to evoke the most unconscious emotions."


    "I believe this advce came from the random person of the century, Xiu! Right?" Han Bohai laughed and hummed in agreement making Ying shake her head. "I just knew it. That silly girl has no good advice."


    "If she didn''t have anything good to say, you and I wouldn''t be where we are today."


    Ying couldn''t argue with that. Indeed, Xiu played a big role in her relationship with Han Bohai. She''d have never realized her feelings without her and she''d have never been able to let go of that first love she cherished for years with no hope.


    "By the way, did my confession make your heart flutter?" asked Han Bohai cheekily trying to take a mile when he was only offered an inch barely.


    "What nonsense!" Ying flared up trying to hide her real emotions. "I''m old enough to have control over my heart."


    "Ah-Ying, when will you understand that age has nothing to do with what heart desires. We age, our heart always stays young. So, if your heart is fluttering, let it be. There is nothing wrong with accepting your own feelings."


    "Spend a little less time with Xiu."


    "But you just told me to take care of her," reminded Han Bohai in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Well, then you take care of her but don''t listen to her nonsense. I don''t even know how her brain works at all. I know it''s her influence that you''re talking like this."


    "Or maybe I''ve been like this from the beginning and you''ve only noticed now."


    "It took me so long to notice how you are? Unbelievable!"


    "Believe in the unbelievable. Life might get easier in the future."


    "What do you mean by that?" inquired Ying with furrowed brows.


    "You''ll know eventually."


    "Hai, you''re being really suspicious now. Don''t force me to come over there!"


    Han Bohai laughed at her, "I won''t talk nonsense but you don''t even think about rushing here. Even if you''re able to walk on your own now, you''re not completely fine yet. So, be a good girl and stay there. Rest well. I''ll come back before you know it."


    "Who wants you to come back soon? You can stay there for all I care!" With that she hung up the phone leaving Han Bohai to smile foolishly staring at the phone screen.


    "This tsundere is really cute. And she is mine as well."

 Chapter 889 - Need Your Help

    Although Xiu had a lot of things running through her mind, she still had to focus on the thing at hand. Since she changed her phone, she didn''t have Xiao Li''s number and she didn''t remember it by heart as she did with Xin Zimen. So, she texted her husband to get Xiao Li''s number.


    And only after explaining why she needed it did she manage to get the number from Darren.


    She punched in the number and waited for the other person to take the call. However, Xin Xiaoli didn''t answer the phone even till the call was disconnected on its own after ringing for so long. Xiu tried once again and again and it continued for another five minutes.


    Just as persistent Xiao Li was ignoring a call from an unknown number was just as persistent Xiu to get this call through. And in this battle of stubbornness between brother and sister, obviously, the sister''s stubbornness won as Xiao Li picked up the call and spoke in a really harsh tone, "Who the hell is it?"


    "Ouch! That hurt my feelings," Xiu''s voice was heard that made Xiao Li''s face color change dramatically. The change was so obvious that both Dr. Ling and Ying sitting around him noticed it clearly. "Li bro, why did you take so long to pick up?"


    Hearing from his father or from Darren about Xiu was one thing and hearing her voice on his own was an entirely different thing. There had been a knot in his heart since the time he couldn''t find Xiu which was now slowly untying when he heard her aggrieved voice.


    In a coaxing voice, he inquired, "Whose number is this?"


    "Mine," replied Xiu.


    "Okay," said Xiao Li in understanding. "Sorry for making you wait for so long. I didn''t want to deal with an unknown caller."


    "Oh..." responded Xiu and nodded to herself. Just as she expected that''s the reason why he wasn''t picking up the call. "Forget it. I have something important to discuss."


    Xin Xiaoli looked at the two girls around him before standing up and walking to a side, "Yes, what is it?"


    "I want to know where Chen Hana is and how can someone reach her," Xiu didn''t waste any time before getting to the straight question.


    Xin Xiaoli''s brows jumped in surprise before the calmness on his face returned slowly, "For a second, let''s look over the fact how you know that Chen Hana is with me. But would you like to tell me why you want to know about her whereabouts?"


    "Yes, I can tell you," replied Xiu. "I need to make sure Liu Mingfan is able to meet her."


    "Why?" questioned Xiao Li with furrowed. "Why do you want him to meet her?"


    "That''s the deal I made with him," answered Xiu frankly. "My end of the deal is to let him reach Chen Hana. Now that he has done his part, it''s my turn to hold my end of the deal. So, stop asking questions and help me out here. Do you want your sister to end up being a liar who can''t even keep her word?"


    "There is no need to play me emotionally," said Xiao Li. "Tell me when he wants to leave. I''ll arrange someone to take him there."


    "Awesome! Li bro, you''re the best!"


    "This flattery is not gonna get you out of this, my sweet sister. You still have to tell me how you know about Chen Hana."


    Xiu knew she wouldn''t be able to play him but she still tried it. It was an epic fail but whatever. "I might have eavesdropped on this information. But it was not intentional."


    "How come both my siblings are so good at eavesdropping?" One could hear the sarcasm in his tone but it didn''t affect Xiu at all. She didn''t even ask why he added Ah-Si in this as well. It didn''t matter for now.


    And of course, Xin Xiaoli was referring to the time when Ah-Si heard him talking to Ying and now, Xiu was telling him she must have heard him talking to Aunt Xixi. It was really troublesome but he couldn''t do anything about it for now.


    "Li bro..." Xiu called cautiously, "Are you angry with me?"


    "What? No, silly!" replied Xiao Li. "How can I be angry with you? Although I didn''t like the way you left the house, I know you must have had your reasons. So, I won''t ask for more. Just don''t let what happened this morning repeat."


    Xiu heard the concern in his voice and smiled sweetly to herself, "Li bro, the situation in the morning was unexpected. I didn''t take it into account. That''s my mistake, I accept. But I''m safe and sound."


    "I don''t trust you," Xiao Li said straightforwardly.


    "Huh? Such little faith in my words now?"


    "You don''t have an exemplary track record, sweetie!"


    Xiu cleared her throat while scratching the tip of her nose, "You''re right. Sorry again."


    "I don''t need you to apologize to me. In fact, the problem isn''t with you. The problem is with me. Since I know my sister likes to court trouble, I should have made preparations early on. But don''t worry, with my arrangements, this situation won''t happen again."


    Xiu''s brows went up, "What did you do?"


    "You don''t have to know," replied Xiao Li. "For now, just wait for Dad and Uncle to get there. Only after they confirm that you''re safe, you''ll be allowed to leave that hotel room."


    "You''re also treating me like a kid."


    "I have to make up for the years, my baby sister. Now, don''t be mad. I won''t restrict your freedom. In fact, I promise your freedom won''t be affected and you''ll also have a wider range to cause trouble."


    "Oh, I like this idea already."


    "Now, you take a rest and call me if you need anything."


    "I will do it. After all, if I won''t ask my favorite brother, who else will I ask?"


    "Oh, so now I''m the favorite brother? What happened to Ah-Si?" Although he spoke like this, anyone could see the happiness in Xiao Li''s eyes at being called the favorite brother. His emotions were so damn clear on his face that it made people blind.


    "Ah-Si is our little lamb."


    "And what are you?"


    "I''m your cute little sheep."


    Xiao Li snorted at that, "More like the big bad wolf wearing the skin of the cute little sheep."


    Xiu chuckled at his words, "My brother knows me best. This feeling is new and novel. But I like it."


    Xiao Li shook his head, "Enjoy on your playfield. Just don''t get hurt while playing."


    "Okay!" agreed Xiu before hanging up the phone with a big grin plastered on her face.


    In fact, Xiao Li''s eyes also had the same smile when he went back to sit. As he noticed two pairs of eyes observing him, he looked up and found Ying and Dr. Ling staring at him with a knowing look.


    At the same time, both of them said, "Bro-con!"


    Xiao Li didn''t pay attention to them, "I think everyone knows that already."


    "Your gentleness only comes out when you''re talking to your siblings. Before it was Ah-Si and now, Xiu also joined the chat."


    "How I treat my siblings is my problem! Why are you both being so nosy?"


    Dr. Ling leaned back saying, "I have to say though, you have a cute sister. But she is very dangerous as well."


    "You don''t even know her."


    "But I''ve seen the world. Her eyes aren''t like her personality. There is a certain degree of coldness in her eyes. It''s like a profound person who has gone through trials and tribulations of the world."


    Xiao Li didn''t react to that, as he said, "There is no innocent one in our family. It''s good that she is dangerous. People will think twice before trying to provoke her."


    "Who would dare to provoke her when her elder brother has asked the entire Wen Clan forces to provide her with protection and freedom?!" roared Ying. "Ah-Li, you''ve lost your mind! Just to protect one person, you actually are using every single resource in your hand? Don''t you know that Xiao Zi and your uncle will also bring their own people to protect her? Isn''t that enough?"


    "Dad didn''t allow me to follow him," replied Xiao Li calmly. "I can''t just sit here and do nothing. Besides, when I can provide her with what she needs, why should I bother holding back? As long as she doesn''t have to exert too much effort to achieve her goal and she is safe, that''s all that matters."


    "Ah-Li, you can make any bro-con feel pale before you."


    Xiao Li''s lips tugged up proudly, "I know. Because no one else can love their siblings as I do. You have a problem with that?"


    "Even if I do, it''s not like you''ll listen," retorted Ying and decided to shut up.


    If it was in Xiao Li''s hands, he''d make sure to personally solve everything for his sister. He didn''t want her hands to get dirty with these things and he didn''t want her to get tired as well. And that is why he made sure a team of doctors were also around Xiu at all times. He couldn''t take any chances with her health.

 Chapter 890 - Drop A Bomb

    That night, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin arrived to look for Xiu. First of all, they inspected her from head to toe to make sure she wasn''t injured at all. Then they made her sit on the sofa as they started lecturing her over how irresponsible her behavior had been. Xiu had no complaints about this, she even attentively listened to them.


    Usually, these two brothers would never even have a full sentence to say to each other but before her, they had a tacit understanding. They even allowed each other to take a breather. While one lectured, the other rested and vice versa. It was such a harmonious scene that Xiu had the urge to laugh.


    She was really enjoying this scene right now. There was no remorse on her face. If a third person saw it, they''d think she was being praised with how satisfied she appeared to be right now.


    Xin Zimen paused when he noticed her expressions and held his brother''s arm to stop him from continuing as well. He crouched down before Xiu as he asked, "My silly lass, are we that entertaining?"


    Xiu grinned foolishly and nodded her head.


    "The more you speak, the more I feel like you love me a lot," told Xiu honestly. "And it feels warm. You can continue to scold me, I don''t mind."


    Xin Zimen quietly looked at her face and really couldn''t find any words to continue. He just placed his hand on her head and rubbed it.


    "We really don''t want to restrict your freedom," said Xin Zemin as he sat beside Xiu.


    "I know," replied Xiu. She gave both of them a reassuring smile, "I understand everything. It was really irresponsible of me to run away from home like that. I worried you both. I''m sorry!"


    "As long as you understand that."


    "Then shall we have dinner now? You both must be hungry as well," suggested Xiu.


    "What should I make for you?" asked Xin Zemin with a soft look in his eyes.


    "Father, aren''t you tired? Let it be. Ah-Xin has already arranged for a private chef for me."


    "How do you know that?" inquired Xin Zimen in surprise.


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "Ah-Xin, I also know that you''ve already booked this entire floor. Not only this, you even cleared out the floor above and below this. Isn''t that going too far?"


    "I don''t think so," the answer actually came from Xin Zemin which not only surprised Xiu but also his younger brother, Xin Zimen. He couldn''t believe his brother was taking his side.


    However, it was still understandable. As long as it involved Xiu, they could really agree with each other and even interact peacefully. It was quite interesting how Xiu was becoming a bridge between the crack that had appeared between these brothers'' relationsh.i.p.s years ago.


    Han Bohai chose to avoid Xiu''s two fathers because he knew they won''t be as nice as his girlfriend to let him off the hook for aiding Xiu''s escape plan. And Bo Jiu had no time to even pay attention to anything. And that''s why Xiu had her dinner with her two fathers and talked animatedly with them.


    She hadn''t been talking to them in the past weeks and it worried both of them. But now seeing that she seemed to have gone back to her previous state of mind, they were naturally relieved. So, the dinner was a lively affair just because of Xiu''s presence.


    Xiu had truly settled the struggles in her mind now. She didn''t feel as difficult to approach these two fathers as she did a few weeks ago.


    These two fathers had already lost years that they could have spent with their daughters and now, she couldn''t take any more of that precious time. She was a daughter to both of them. Why was it so difficult to accept? Since she didn''t want to see either of them hurt, she had to make sure to protect them both from unnecessary pain.


    It wasn''t worth it.


    "You both are gonna stay?" asked Xiu after the dinner.


    "Yes," replied both brothers simultaneously.


    Xiu tapped her chin thoughtfully, "For how long?"


    "As long as you''re staying," came the prompt reply.


    Xiu had expected that and nodded. "But you won''t keep an eye on me all the time, right?"


    "No, you''re free to do whatever you want."


    Xiu nodded in satisfaction, "Got it!"


    Xin Zimen had a phone call and after taking the call he told her, "I''m going to the hospital."


    "Why?" inquired Xiu.


    "Xichen is alone at the hospital," replied Xin Zimen. "I should at least go over to check up on him and also, I need to see how Jinhai is doing as well."


    "I''ll go with you," Xin Zemin also stood up.


    They were not only acquainted with Zhou Jinhai, now they were kind of relatives as well. Not kind of since Darren was undoubtedly Zhou Xichen''s son. So they were relatives no matter how one looked at it. That''s why it wouldn''t be good if they didn''t go over to check up on the situation. Since their family''s daughter was also involved in this incident. All the more reason for these two fathers to go over.


    Xiu neither stopped them nor gave any opinion over that. It''s not she wanted Jinhai to die, so she obviously wanted them to go to see him. She wanted to become heartless but she couldn''t really be completely heartless. At least, not towards people who didn''t really deserve such ruthless treatment.


    They say children have to pay for the crimes of their parents. This fact seemed to have turned to reality for Zhou Jinhai. The crimes of his mother, he had to pay for it all. But she didn''t want him to pay it with his life. That was too much to ask for.


    Even though she had paid with her life, she still didn''t wish the same for him. It was unfair to him.


    "We''ll be back soon," said Xin Zimen.


    Xiu nodded at him and then thought of something, "Ah-Xin if I ask for something will you give it to me?"


    "Of course, he will," answered Xin Zemin for his brother. "You just tell him what you want. Let me see how he refuses you."


    Xin Zimen really wanted to question them, when did he ever say no to her? But he stopped himself in time and looked at Xiu calmly, "What do you want, little lass?"


    Xiu pointed at something behind him, "Him!"


    Xin Zimen''s brows knitted up when he heard this and turned his head. When he looked at the person standing behind him, his frown deepened.


    "You want Brother Kuan?"


    Xiu smiled at him and nodded her head. "I thought if I take him around, you wouldn''t worry at all. Am I right?"


    Xin Zimen looked at Xin Kuan and nodded in agreement, "That''s true. If you take Brother Kuan, I can rest assured."


    "Then can you let me borrow him for a few days?"


    "What do you say, Brother Kuan?"


    Xin Kuan was still in shock over why he was suddenly called out by this little devil of the Xin family. Don''t think he didn''t know anything about Xiu. This devil could entrap a soul without you even knowing it. However, he was also curious about why she pointed him out. And was really interested in knowing that as well.


    "As you say, Xiao Zi. I''ll follow the orders."


    Xin Zimen nodded satisfactorily, "Then you stay with her. And follow what she says. No matter how crazy it seems, just do it."


    "I''ll naturally follow any order given," answered Xin Kuan.


    "Since this is settled," began Xin Zimen. "Let''s leave now, Mr. Xin Zemin."


    "I''m your elder brother, talk nicely."


    "It''s as nice as I can ever be."


    Xiu watched them leave and silently smiled at Xin Kuan who felt like there was a hidden meaning behind that smile he wasn''t able to read at all. How strange! He had managed to live till now because he was good at reading people. How was he unable to read someone half his age?


    "So, why are just standing there, Uncle Kuan?" asked Xiu and paused. "I can call you Uncle Kuan, right?"


    "Young Miss can call me however you like," answered Xin Kuan.


    "Why so uptight? I''m a casual person. Just call me by my name. And I''ll call you Uncle Kuan. Do we have a deal?" She didn''t even wait for his reply before adding, "I already like this cooperation. Let''s get going now."


    Xin Kuan really wanted to ask her when did he agree to any part of that deal or was her original plan to just agree on her own? However, he didn''t mind it either. This kind of deal reminded him of the time his Mistress left him with Xin Zimen.


    She had also begun with, ''Brother Kuan, let''s make a deal? Ah-Xin doesn''t have anyone with him. So, you be his brother and stay by his side. I know my parents left you with me. But I want you to protect my husband. If you protect him, I''ll be at ease. If I''m at ease, I''ll be happy. And haven''t you always wanted to see me happy? It''s a win-win situation for both of us.'' She also hadn''t waited for his reply as she went on, ''So, our deal is final. Don''t go back on it.''


    He still wished to ask Wen Ai, how exactly was that a win-win situation? And when did he agree to any of it?


    And now looking at Xiu, the same feeling was back. It was just as he originally thought, this girl had an uncanny resemblance with Wen Ai''s personality.


    Right now standing before Xiu, he was certain of one thing from his previous experience with growing up with Wen Ai. Xiu was definitely gonna drop a bomb on his head sooner or later.

 Chapter 891 - Conspiracy

    It had to be said that Xin Kuan''s intuition was spot on! Xiu indeed had planned to drop a bomb but she wasn''t in a hurry either. She was being surprisingly patient or it seemed like she was patient.


    Xiu stood up and went inside her room to get her laptop and some doc.u.ments, she came back and sat down on the armchair placed near the glass wall. She hooked a finger and beckoned Xin Kuan to come over.


    "Don''t be shy, Uncle Kuan!" she smiled at him. "Just sit down and relax."


    Xin Kuan did as she told him to and came to sit opposite her. All this while, his eyes didn''t leave her face. He was a cautious person but he was being quite laid back around her. Even he couldn''t tell why he was so relaxed right now.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" inquired Xiu as she lifted her eyes from the laptop screen.


    "I''m wondering why you asked me to stay," answered Xin Kuan honestly. "You and I have nothing to do with each other and yet you specially asked me to stay behind. It''s quite suspicious."


    "Suspicious?" repeated Xiu with a frown. "Uncle Kuan, I have no hidden agenda here. I''m a simple person."


    Xin Kuan couldn''t help snorting, "You and a simple person? If that''s true, I would even agree to jump down from this floor."


    Xiu pursed her lips, "Then it''s a good thing I value your life so much."


    Xin Kuan rubbed his forehead. She clearly just accepted the fact that she was not a simple person. Not like there was ever a doubt. But he was still surprised to hear it straight from her and that too in such a cheeky way. He had to say, she was indeed amusing.


    "I have a reason for asking you to stay behind," began Xiu as the smile vanished from her face. Even the little mischief in her eyes was no longer seen. "You''re someone trusted by Ah-Xin. Ah-Si said, if there is anyone I can trust apart from family then it has to be you. Also, let''s not forget that you''re known to be a really capable man."


    "Then please do tell me what I can help you with," said Xin Kuan.


    Xiu tapped her finger on the tabletop before she turned the screen of her laptop towards him. "Do you recognize him?"


    Xin Kuan''s brows furrowed up before he looked up at her, "Don''t you know who he is?" Xiu didn''t reply to that. "That''s your grandfather, Xin Yuyang."


    Xiu pressed a button and the photo changed, "What about this one?"


    Xin Kuan''s frown deepened, "That''s your grandfather''s elder brother, Xin Zhao."


    "Where is he?" she questioned.


    "He is dead," came the obvious reply. "You should already know this story. Your grandfather was the one behind the accident that took the life of Xin Zhao and his wife."


    "What else do you know about this accident?"


    Xin Kuan shook his head, "Not much. I was really young at that time. Also, back then I had nothing to do with the Xin family. I grew up in the Wen Clan and as a matter of fact, Wen Clan didn''t have really friendly connections with other families. I only learned about the details of the Xin Family after I started following Xiao Zi." He took a pause before asking, "Why are you curious about an accident that happened even long before your birth?"


    "Because I''m a naturally curious person," replied Xiu offhandedly. Obviously, Xin Kuan didn''t buy that answer at all. Xiu fell into deep thought, "Can you describe the details of this accident? You said you learned about it after coming to the Xin Family. I believe you learned it in detail."


    Xin Kuan took a pause to think about it before telling her, "There wasn''t much to know. Xin Zhao and his wife burned to death is something everyone knows."


    "Burned?" Xiu''s brows quirked up. "That means no one really saw his dead body? Right?"


    "Well, it was burned beyond recognition," answered Xin Kuan. "What are you getting at?"


    "What if I say that he didn''t die in that accident?"


    Xin Kuan straightened up, "How is that possible? And even if that''s true, he wouldn''t be quiet about it? If the whole world knew that his own brother orchestrated the accident, how would he not know? And I don''t believe he was kindhearted enough to just the bygones be bygones. Just suppose he did it, then how come he left his own daughter with that same brother? It doesn''t make sense."


    "But I think it quite makes sense," muttered Xiu to herself. "Can you recall anything else odd about this accident? Anything related to this Xin Zhao? Any small detail would do."


    Xin Kuan took a long time to think about it. After all, this incident happened when he was very young and he only learned about it when he first started following Xin Zimen. He wasn''t that familiar with the Xin family before that. But he did dig up a lot of information for his Mistress so he certainly knew more than Xin Zimen himself.


    "Oh, there is something I recall," he suddenly spoke up.


    "What is it?"


    "I never really paid attention to it before but a week after this accident, Xin Zhao''s personal butler was found dead in his house. He had no family so no one knew what really happened. Some people speculated that he was killed by Xin Yuyang but I did look into it, after killing his brother, Xin Yuyang had no reason whatsoever to silence a mere butler just because he was known to be loyal to Xin Zhao."


    "That''s it!" Xiu stood up. "We have to find that butler."


    "I just told you, he is dead," reminded Xin Kuan.


    "He must have a relative," replied Xiu.


    "He was an orphan."


    "You''re also an orphan, don''t you still have friends?"


    Xin Kuan stared at Xiu in silence, "Why do you want to do this?"


    "Don''t you want to know who killed your Mistress?"


    Xin Kuan''s face darkened, "You know?"


    "If we are on the right track then I can give you an answer soon," replied Xiu.


    "What do you want me to do?"


    Xiu instructed him some things, "How long do you need?"


    "At least 24 hours," replied Xin Kuan.


    "That''s too long," said Xiu. "What if I ran out of patience and did something I''m not supposed to do?"


    "I''ll try to give you the details as soon as possible. But you''re not allowed to leave this room until I come back. Without me, don''t even think about taking a step out of this room."


    Xiu looked at him sullenly, "You don''t have to repeat that. I already told Ah-Xin, I''ll take you everywhere with me. I won''t go back on my words. You just focus on what I said."


    Xin Kuan nodded at her before stepping out of the room. And only after his departure, Bo Jiu came inside.


    "Xiuxiu, do you think it''ll work?"


    "There is only so much you can do, Jiu. This accident happened when the internet wasn''t really a thing. That''s why we need some external help and he is the best candidate. Trust me, he is quite resourceful."


    "I trust you," answered Bo Jiu. "However, as you can see, if our assumptions are true. This conspiracy is far bigger than we originally thought it to be."


    Xiu sighed out, "If it was a simple matter, so many people wouldn''t have fallen victims to this conspiracy. I just can''t understand the motive. Is it really for just power?"


    "I don''t so," said Bo Jiu. "Whoever is working behind the scene is already powerful enough. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to lay out this plan for decades. It''s more like that person''s dark twisted desires that became the drive behind these actions."


    Xiu patted her shoulder saying, "You can take a rest now. Leave the rest to me. I don''t think there is anything else you''d need to do. So, sit back and relax."


    Bo Jiu looked at Xiu''s face and nodded her head before walking over to the room where she was staying. Xiu also entered her bedroom and dialed Darren''s number, "Regan, it seems like..."


    "It''ll take you longer," Darren completed her sentence for her.


    "Huh? How do you know?"


    "It wasn''t hard to tell," replied Darren and didn''t go into details of how he already that she asked Xin Kuan to stay with her. As much as he knew his wife, he was certain there was a big change in her plans. "It''s okay. I can wait for a few more days. I waited for you for years, I certainly can wait a few more days. As long as you promise to come back to me."


    Xiu smiled at that, "Where else can I go? I can only come back home to you."

 Chapter 892 - Who Pulled Him Down

    "Ah-Xin!"


    "Hm?"


    "Did Jinhai woke up?"


    Xin Zimen paused in whatever he was about to do and gave his attention to Xiu before shaking his head with a heavy sigh. "His condition doesn''t seem very optimistic."


    Xiu pressed her lips together but didn''t continue asking about this. Besides, at this time, the door was pushed open and Xin Kuan came inside panting as if he ran over.


    "Brother Kuan, no one is after you. Stop running," said Xin Zimen oddly.


    Xin Kuan didn''t pay attention to his words and pushed a file into Xiu''s hands. Xiu looked at the file then she looked at Xin Kuan''s dark expressions. For some reason, she found it amusing that he seemed to be to blow up and they didn''t even touch the tip of the iceberg yet. Or in this case, this long-rooted conspiracy.


    While she skimmed through the content of the file, she said, "Didn''t Uncle Kuan say he will need some time?"


    Xin Kuan drank some water to calm himself before telling her, "You should say thanks to your brother. He provided with enough resources to get it done as soon as possible."


    Xiu smiled to herself and as she felt Xin Zimen coming to her side, she closed the file in her hand. Obviously, she was trying to hide this stuff from him and even he could see it.


    "Can''t you even let me see it?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Not for now."


    Xin Zimen sighed out, "Brother Kuan, what is she up to?"


    "You stay out of it for now," replied Xin Kuan startling Xin Zimen.


    "What did you do?" The question was directed to Xiu. "How did you pull my Brother Kuan into your camp in just one day?"


    "Don''t you say I have charms? I might have used some on him," Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. She drank the tea before her in one go and placed the cup down. Then collecting her stuff, she went up to Xin Kuan, "Let''s go, Uncle Kuan."


    "Where are you both going now?"


    "To have some fun," answered Xiu with a grin.


    "I want to have some fun as well."


    "It''s not time for you to join this fun yet."


    Xin Zimen watched them leaving and felt particularly distressed. For some reason, his heart was feeling uneasy now. Although he was reassured that Xiu''d be safe with Xin Kuan around, he still felt like something was about to happen. Because he could tell Xiu was on to something and it wasn''t a simple matter either.


    Not having the situation under his control really made him want to beat someone up!


    Meanwhile, as soon as Xiu stepped out the door of the Suite, the particularly eye-catching grin could no longer be seen. Seeing this, Xin Kuan commented, "People like you are really dangerous."


    "Why would you say that Uncle Kuan?"


    "Xiao Zi keeps a stern look on his face which makes people feel cautious and guarded against him. However, people like you always keep a smile on their faces. You know how to make someone let down their guard before striking. Behind the smile, one can''t even imagine what storm is brewing."


    Xiu''s lips tilted up slightly, "Let this storm rage like this. Because this storm is about to raze everything."


    Xin Kuan was actually taken aback when he first looked through the information provided by Xiu. But what shocked him, even more, was the fact that the closer they got to the truth, the more Xiu''s speculations turned out to be the truth. He didn''t know how she did it but she certainly seemed like someone who knew more than necessary.


    And this girl didn''t even want to sit down and watch everything. His job was to get the information she asked for and then, she''ll follow him around to confirm things. For the next whole week, Xiu had been really busy with Xin Kuan.


    And she also felt like she needed to say thanks to Xiao Li just as Xin Kuan had told her. After all, if it wasn''t for Wen Clan''s network, they couldn''t found the things that happened over 40 years ago. The matters were deeply hidden and couldn''t possibly find the truth easily.


    However, the people from the Wen Clan made everything seem really easy. They had such a deep-rooted and highly concealed network around the whole country that it was appalling. If it had been a piece of information over the internet, it would have been easier for Bo Jiu but since 40 years ago, technology wasn''t as developed, it was a tiring job.


    A lot of paper information could be lost in time. And yet, the Wen Clan managed to dig up everything she asked for. It was like as long as they had instructions, they would be able to collect anything for her.


    By the time everything started sorting out before her eyes, Xiu was left in a heavy mood. Staring at her face even Xin Kuan could tell that she was in a bad mood. But he couldn''t blame her either. He still couldn''t believe what they had found in the last week.


    The way he looked at Xiu had changed dramatically. Earlier, he only respected her for being dear to Xin Zimen and he also found her a little dangerous. But now, he seemed to have found admiration for her. She had managed to uncover the truth of the matter that had plagued the whole Xin Family for years.


    "Uncle Kuan, I heard the Xin Family members are gathering in the main house for dinner tonight?"


    "That''s the information I received as well," replied Xin Kuan. "What do you have in mind?"


    Xiu rubbed her temples, "Nothing much. I think it''s about time I go back to my husband."


    "You''re in a hurry to go back to your husband?"


    "Why else do you think I''ve been running around for days now? Obviously, it''s to go back home as soon as possible." Xin Kuan shook his head at her and she looked displeased seeing that. "Uncle, you don''t have a wife, right?"


    "No, I don''t have one."


    Xiu tsked, "No wonder you''re such a boring person."


    Xin Kuan stared at her in disbelief while she didn''t pay him any more attention. "Tonight is good. If we are gonna disclose everything, it''s better to tear everyone''s masks all at once!" She took a pause, "I''m a little nervous."


    "Why do you look a little too excited to me though?"


    Xiu tried to hide the twinkle in her eyes saying, "What are you saying? I''m really nervous."


    "I''ve come to understand something about you in the past week." Xiu looked at him waiting to hear what he had to say. "Your words can''t be trusted."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "Well, I never said I am a trustful person." She went to her bedroom saying, "Wait for me here! I''m gonna wear my armor for tonight''s battle."


    "Armor?" repeated Xin Kaun with a frown.


    However, when he saw her in that gorgeous white gown he really didn''t know what to say. Xiu had given him so many surprises recently that he didn''t even feel surprised anymore. How her brain worked was truly a mystery to him. But it was a mystery he wasn''t really keen on solving.


    "Uncle, how do I look in my battle gown?" she even twirled around for him to see.


    "Stop moving, you''re scaring me. Can you stop forgetting that you''re pregnant?" He took a pause and added, "And I still think you shouldn''t get involved in person. No matter how many countermeasures we take, it can''t be enough. Life is unpredictable. You shouldn''t take risk with your life."


    "Just because I''m calling it a battle gown, doesn''t mean I''m really joining the battle. Don''t worry. I know what I can or can''t do. For instance, if anything goes wrong, you solve it. I''ll just stand at the top and watch the show. That''s all."


    Xin Kaun was still feeling anxious. He couldn''t take her life as a joke like she was doing it. So, he made sure to go out and check out with the security teams all over again.


    "Sister Xiu, you''re looking gorgeous," complimented Han Bohai as soon as his eyes fell on Xiu''s figure.


    "Right?" repeated Xiu. "I also think white is still my color. I really like it."


    Han Bohai smiled a little at that. Indeed white used to be her color. She looked like an angel in it. A real angel that descended from heaven. But tonight, she was looking different. White was still as gorgeous on her as ever. But this time, the color white had its own charm on her.


    "Are you sure, you''ll be okay there?" he asked.


    "What can happen to me?" retorted Xiu. "I just want my dear fathers to know how badly they had been played all their lives. I feel bad for both of them. I need to do this."


    "You can do it differently as well," reminded Han Bohai.


    "But how would that be fun now? Besides, my dear grandfather should take a good look at who pulled him down from his high horse."

 Chapter 893 - It Was Comforting

    Whether it was as Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu, this was Xiu''s very first time to step a foot inside the Xin Family house. And just like any big clan, this manor was certainly a grand one. Since tonight the family members had gathered around for dinner, one could see the hustle and bustle in this cold manor.


    However, that had nothing to do with her. She was here with a purpose. And if it wasn''t for that, she''d have never even wanted to take a step inside this manor.


    *SLAM!*


    The big wooden door was pushed open with a slam making everyone inside the hall jump a little in surprise. Soon, two rows of bodyguards came to stand on each side in a row before Xiu walked through space between them.


    Looking at how everyone was staring at her, Xiu smiled widely, "Oh, did I startle you? My bad! I''m sorry." And then she sashayed over as if she was the owner of this place. "Oh my, no one even waited for me over dinner. This is so not fair."


    Xiu looked like she was grieving over the fact that no one really waited for her over dinner. The people inside were so shocked by her presence that they had forgotten what to say at this point. Suddenly, Mother Xin stood up and pointed a finger at her, "What the hell are you doing here? And who let you come inside? Is our Xin Family a place where someone like you can come and go as you please?"


    "If Xin Family can be cheap enough to let someone like you in the door, why can''t I come as well?" retorted Xiu making Mother Xin''s eyes widen in rage. Xiu paid no attention to her mood as she went on, "After all, I have a blood of the Xin family in my veins. What about you?" She took a pause as her eyes carefully looked at every single person present at this dinner and she snorted, "Or is it that since you have managed to insert so many Chi family members into this family that you''ve started thinking that this no longer the Xin Family?"


    "You!" Mother Xin, Chi Fan pointed her finger at Xiu in anger. She took a calming breath and went on, "I should not even waste my emotions on someone like you. People who grow up on streets have no manners."


    "Ah! No wonder you don''t have any," said Xiu like it was the most obvious thing. "You finally solved a mystery for me. I can finally understand how you became so trashy."


    "Is this how you''re supposed to talk to your elders?!"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at her, "It''s been a long time since it''s been announced that I''m Xin Zemin''s one and only daughter. How come I didn''t see an elder like you coming to check up on my condition?"


    Mother Xin yelled a lot but none of that manage to get to Xiu. In fact, Xiu even yawned at how boring it was arguing with an old lady who had half her foot into the grave. And who knew, perhaps after tonight, she might end up in the grave as a whole?


    Xiu chose the most conspicuous seat and sat down like the Queen of this place looking down at everyone. Her eyes again looked at everyone until it settled on a certain someone. She offered him a big smile as she asked, "Does it feel good to put your gun on someone else''s shoulder and fire?"


    That person''s eyes flickered slightly but he didn''t show any other change, making Xiu tut at him.


    "I don''t care what your relationship with Zemin is, you roll out of here for me!" roared Mother Xin. "Isn''t there someone outside? Come here and take this person out of here!"


    "Will you shut up?" Xiu stared at her with a hard gaze stunning Mother Xin to her place in an instant. "I''m really curious how come a woman like you actually gave birth to two amazing sons? Are you sure you''re their mother? Because I have doubts! Big doubts!"


    "What nonsense! I am their mother!"


    Xiu sighed out, "Who knows? Everything is possible in this family. If the father can be fake, then the mother can be a fake copy as well." She looked back at ''Father Xin'' as she questioned, "Right? Grandfather?" She covered her mouth as if she did a mistake and corrected herself, "Oh sorry, sorry! I think I should say, Granduncle."


    The subtle change in Father Xin''s face became obvious now. Or perhaps, Xiu was too focused on him so she could see it more clearly. However, it certainly made her want to snort.


    "Have you lost your mind?" Mother Xin looked at Xiu strangely. "Or are you blind? Seeing what you did at the wedding, I was certain that you''re a mentally challenged person. But now, you''re even turning out to be blind as well?"


    "Well, it''s all our genes fault," retorted Xiu. "If my grandmother is blind and senile, I must have inherited something from her."


    "What did you just say?"


    "How many times do I have to say that you talk too much?" Xiu waved a hand, "Someone shut her up. She is annoying me now. No wonder a mother like you couldn''t provide a family for her sons. I''d also lose my mind if I had to hear your voice every day."


    At Xiu''s order, someone indeed stepped out and pressed an acupuncture point on Mother Xin''s neck to make her lose her voice temporarily. Finally, Xiu could breathe. This woman''s voice was really making her lose her patience.


    She looked at Mother Xin who was struggling and all the people who stepped up to help her as well. But soon, her eyes shifted towards the man who didn''t move an inch from his spot. He was staring at Xiu like a predator.


    Xiu didn''t try to get close to him but she still said, "Although my grandmother is senile, she isn''t wrong. I am a mentally challenged person. What can we do about that? That''s just who I am."


    Xiu had no problem announcing that something was wrong with her brain. She knew it herself. Why couldn''t she tell others? Hasn''t she been calling herself crazy all this while? She wasn''t kidding at all.


    "Won''t you help her, Granduncle?" questioned Xiu. "After all, you laid out such a detailed plan to get her."


    Father Xin took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes before looking at Xiu, "It''s such a pity that Suyin didn''t manage to kill you."


    Xiu laughed out at his words, "Oh no! The fact is not that she didn''t manage to kill me, she didn''t want to kill me. How could she do it? She had already killed her own daughter, she had lost her will to do anything else. Am I right, Aunt Suyin?"


    Father Xin turned around to see Xin Suyin sitting in a far corner. He had no idea that she was even present at this dinner tonight. No one invited her here.


    "Oh, I specially invited her for today''s show," told Xiu. "After all, she should also see her father''s real face. Don''t you think?"


    Father Xin glared at Xiu hatefully but it didn''t have any effect on her. She had gone through a whole lot already. She not only had to face torture as Chen Xiu, she even had every single memory of Destiny. And combining the effect of what they both went through, Xiu didn''t think there was anything she was scared of anymore.


    Xin Suyin''s face was like someone who had lost their soul. She didn''t react to anything at all. She couldn''t even process much right now. Her constant nightmares made her scared of sleeping and the call for help from her ''daughter'' made her scared of staying awake. She had no way out of this.


    Xiu stared at her lifeless face as she continued, "Chen Xiu''s death ensured my life. I feel like that was a good bargain. What do you say, grandfather? Was it a good bargain to use your brother''s life to ensure yours? But at what expense? You couldn''t even keep your identity."


    Before she could speak anymore, Father Xin moved and picked up a knife from the table as he charged at her. However, before he could even touch her shadow, with a loud ''bang'' the knife was shot away from his hand.


    He held his wrist that suffered from the impact and looked towards the source of it.


    "Uncle Kuan, I told you he will try to kill me."


    Xin Kuan''s gaze at Father Xin was hostile as his gun''s muzzle was still hot and pointed at his face.


    "You think I have no way out?"


    Xiu grinned and nodded, "Yes, you have no way out. You can keep pressing that button on your watch. No one will come. Currently, the whole Xin Manor is under my control. Okay, it''s under Uncle Kuan''s control but it''s the same thing." She clapped her hands excitedly, "We are not going out of here tonight before I get tired of playing this game. So, it''s better people stop making noises. I don''t like it."


    The people who had been trying to held Mother Xin had all turned silent from the moment they heard the gunshot. None of them didn''t even dare breathe loudly in fear.


    And Xiu very much liked this silence. It was comforting.

 Chapter 894 - Useful For Something

    "Aiyo, Granduncle, we are civilized people," began Xiu carelessly, "Let''s just sit down and talk."


    Father Xin tried to move but a booming voice stopped him in his place.


    "Don''t even dare to touch her."


    Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin walked inside with an indescribable emotion in their eyes but a wave of obvious anger surrounded them. They both stared at ''Father Xin'' vigilantly and with hostility.


    Xiu stood up and patted their shoulders saying, "Both of you need to take a step back for now. I''m not done yet." Then she directed a gaze towards Xin Kuan who understood her meaning and invited ''Father Xin'' to take a seat. Staring at ''Father Xin'' Xiu raised her hands and clapped, "First of all, I should give you a round of applause for such a marvelous plan. It was so flawless that no one noticed anything." She tsked at that, "It''s a pity though that even flawless things tend to have flaws. I always thought why did you try to kill a harmless little girl like me but now I know, you must be scared of what I could do."


    Of course, Xiu was talking nonsense. She already knew his purpose but she just couldn''t help herself. She was the biggest dramatic person around here, if she didn''t act dramatic, who else would?


    Xin Zemin''s clenched his fists, "Yes, dad. Why did you try to kill my daughter?"


    That question made Xiu remember something, "Father, that''s the story for later times. For now, let''s clear up the fact that he isn''t your dad."


    "What?"


    Xiu looked at ''Father Xin'', "Granduncle, won''t you say something?" Father Xin refused to even look at her. It seemed he finally realized that she had come prepared and he had no way to escape out of here. Xiu didn''t mind his reaction, she calmly and patiently told, "It seems living with the identity of Xin Yuyang, Mr. Xin Zhao has even forgotten his own name now."


    "Little lass, what are you even saying?"


    Xiu tsked, "Aiyo, Ah-Xin, how can you not get it? He isn''t your father. He is your father''s elder brother, Xin Zhao. The elder brother who was supposedly killed by his own younger brother."


    Both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin shared the same look of disbelief. They wanted to refute it and they did, "There must be a misunderstanding here."


    "There isn''t," replied Xiu without any hesitation. "The things I say, 99% of the times are utter nonsense but 1% of the times I''m telling the absolute truth. Like this very moment." She patted their shoulders in a comforting manner, "I can understand your feelings. It''s hard to believe but if I dare to say it, I definitely can prove it as well."


    "You can''t prove it," sneered ''Father Xin'' or more like Xin Zhao as he stared at Xiu.


    "I told you granduncle, even flawless things have flaws," replied Xiu. "The simples way to explain your identity would be to get a DNA test. I also have it. But I won''t bring it out. I have a better way than that to prove who you are."


    "Oh?" responded Xin Zhao as he continued to stare at her. "Then let me see how you''re gonna prove my identity?"


    "First, it''s storytime!" announced Xiu. "So, let''s start from the start. Once upon a time, the Xin family had two sons, Xin Zhao and Xin Yuyang. Xin Zhao was an exceptional son and Xin Yuyang had to grow up in his brother''s shadow. And because of that Xin Yuyang grew up to be a scheming person who wanted to steal everything from his elder brother because he believed he had the right to those things. And because of those thoughts, Xin Yuyang actually planned to kill his brother along with his wife.


    But Xin Zhao wasn''t an idiot either. As soon as he sensed danger, he had already jumped out of the car leaving his wife to die alone in that car accident. But that jump injured him badly. Since he already knew who was behind the accident, he didn''t go back home but instead went to look for his most trusted butler.


    Isn''t it strange that just after a week of Xin Zhao''s death, his butler also committed suicide? And strangely, he did it by burning himself so no one could recognize his body just like his master''s body wasn''t recognized because it was burned beyond recognition." She looked carefully at Xin Zhao''s expression as she added, "But I say that burned body was just a cover. After all, master and servant both are alive."


    Xin Zhao snorted again, "But those are just your assumptions."


    Xiu snapped her fingers and soon an old man was dragged inside. Seeing his face Xin Zhao visibly stiffened. The old butler looked at his master and bowed his head, "Master, she has my family."


    "You''re using threats to extort confessions?" asked Xin Zhao. "How is it any different? Doesn''t it make us both the same kind of a person?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "It does. But then again, we both have the Xin family''s blood. There have to be some similarities. Didn''t I say I''m mentally challenged? I can do anything to get what I want. Thanks to what you made me go through, I''ve already lost compassion." She took a pause before continuing, "Now that we have the supposedly dead butler right here alive, let''s get back to the story... Since he is alive, I wonder who was burned to death back then? Oh I know, wasn''t it the real Xin Yuyang himself?"


    Xiu felt both her fathers getting stiffened beside her when they heard it. No matter how composed they looked, she could tell they were both were going through a struggle inside.


    Xiu took a deep breath and turned her gaze towards Mother Xin who had long stopped her struggled and now had her eyes widened in shock and disbelief.


    "Oh, grandmother, how does it feel to spend all your life with a man who isn''t even your husband? Is it worse that he isn''t your husband or is it worse that you never even noticed?" Noticing how Xin Zhao looked at Mother Xin, Xiu sneered, "You did it for her, didn''t you?" He stared into her eyes, "You could have gotten back the power you lost, after all, you''re the rightful heir of the family. But you still chose this deception. Why? Why would you willingly give up your own identity?"


    Xin Zhao took a look around before answering, "Because I fell in love with her."


    "And that''s why you chose to destroy everything?"


    "It was just a way to get my revenge on my dear brother. Who told him to covet what wasn''t his? If he could covet my position and even try to kill me, why can''t I do the same? And so I did. I burned him alive."


    With how casually he said it, Xin Zimen almost rushed up to beat him but Xiu held his arm to stop him. "You didn''t even leave him with the right to have an identity even as a corpse."


    "Did he deserve it?"


    "Did you?"


    "No," answered Xin Zhao. "When did I say I deserve it? We both weren''t good people. And we definitely weren''t good brothers. If we had been, I wouldn''t have fallen in love with his wife. But just killing him was not enough. It didn''t make my anger go away. I wanted to do more."


    "And that''s why you went through plastic surgery?"


    Xin Zhao shrugged his shoulders, "It just so happens that we already looked quite similar. It was easier to take his identity with just a little plastic surgery. Such a good chance to watch him suffering even in death, how could I let it go?"


    "I really can''t see what you saw in her that was worth loving though?" Xiu really couldn''t understand why anyone would even like Mother Xin? She was like a wild cat, always trying to scratch people.


    "Does it matter?" retorted Xin Zhao.


    "I think it doesn''t," replied Xiu. "After all, at the end of the day, she was also just a chess piece for you. Her presence was so loud and overwhelming that people never noticed your abnormalities. You made your presence so small that one might easily overlook that you even existed. And that is why people gossiped about how ''Xin Yuyang'' always let his wife run rampage. But they didn''t know that it was your plan all along. You never wanted people to notice your presence so you put her in the limelight."


    Xin Zhao''s lips curled up, "Well, at least, she was useful for something."

 Chapter 895 - Serves A Good Time

    Mother Xin looked like someone just sucked her soul away and Xin Suyin had a complicated look on her face. Her slow processing brain couldn''t even register this much information. But she still understood one thing, the man who raised her was her own father, and yet, she had no idea about it all along.


    Xiu could even read Xin Suyin''s emotions easily. "You''re really a selfish man. Even if you did it all for revenge, you never even accepted your own daughter."


    "When I never even liked her mother, why would I like her?" retorted Xin Zhao. "But she was useful. So, I had to keep her alive. And I was right, her impulsive and stubborn nature indeed helped me a lot. The only mistake of her life was letting you live."


    Xiu grinned at that, "In this case, we are very alike. We are both like c.o.c.kroaches. We don''t die easily."


    Xin Zhao laughed at her words, "It seems like it." He took a pause and wondered out loud, "I have a question though. Even people who were there couldn''t find flaws. How did you manage to catch these flaws so easily?"


    Xiu recalled back how when Liu Mingfan gave the information, something had caught her attention. It was a photo of Xin Zhao''s butler with Xin Zhao. She couldn''t think of why Xin Zhao would choose to do something like this to his own family. But all the information from Liu Mingfan pointed towards Xin Zhao.


    She spent hours trying to recall where she had seen the other man in the photo. And then it dawned on her. When she was traveling abroad as Chen Xiu, she had come across him. As for why she would remember such an insignificant passerby? It was because she had almost hit him with her car when she tried to learn how to drive. It was that incident because of which she never tried to learn to drive again as Chen Xiu.


    Usually, she wouldn''t really believe her own memories since there were way too many blank spaces in her own memory. However, even if there was a single chance that her memory served her right, she wanted to take that chance.


    Later Xin Kuan''s information proved that he was actually Xin Zhao''s supposedly dead butler, something clicked in her mind.


    "I should say thanks to Wen Ai for that," said Xiu with a smile.


    "What did you say?" asked Xin Zimen in confusion.


    Xiu repeated herself and added, "In fact, I should thank you as well, Ah-Xin. Back then if you hadn''t let me borrow that book. It wouldn''t have been easy to uncover this whole plan."


    "Book?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "The last book your wife wrote. ''Behind the Red Curtain.'' It wasn''t just psychological fiction, it was more than that. That was the story of two brothers. One killed the other and snatched his identity. Your wife had been too close to the truth." In fact, Xiu would have never thought much about that significant butler if she hadn''t read the book Wen Ai wrote.


    At first, it was just a story to her but later, it turned into something else. The more she concentrated on the content of the book, the more she felt like the author was trying to create a map that led to a huge discovery. In the end, the discovery was what laid before her now.


    "And that is why she had to die," added Xin Zhao.


    Xin Zimen glared at him with red eyes while Xiu held his hand and tried to calm him down. She could see that the other person was trying to incite Xin Zimen. And that''s not what she wanted.


    "You have a sick desire to watch your brother''s sons treat each other exactly like you brothers did with each other, didn''t you?" questioned Xiu even though she knew the answer herself. "However, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin went against your wishes. No matter how you tried to make them fight, they didn''t. They only drifted apart but they never held hostility for each other. Even when Xin Zimen was called the shadow of his brother, he didn''t try to replace his brother. He instead tried to find his own identity.


    "But you still wanted to continue trying. It''s such a shame that all of a sudden, Xin Zimen married Wen Ai. All of your plans went downhill especially when he broke his relationship with the Xin family. You knew Wen Ai was a threat, so you targeted her. But how did you know about my birth?"


    "I didn''t know," answered Xin Zhao. "The reason why we chose to attack that day was simple. It was rare for Wen Ai to go anywhere alone. On that distant island, she went alone with her daughter. How perfect was that moment to kill her? It was such a shame that she survived." Then he noticed the rage and helplessness reflected in Xin Zimen''s eyes and went on, "But I was still happy. So what if the mother survived? She lost her precious daughter. She lost her forever in the depth of the ocean. Imagine that little girl suffocating under that deep ocean with no way to breathe or see the light of the day again."


    Xin Zimen slammed his hand on the table and a crack appeared on its surface from how riled up he was. Wasn''t it enough that he had nightmares of that exact same scene? Watching helplessly as his daughter drifted in the current of the water? Now that this man said it out loud, it made him want to burn this whole place down.


    Xiu also couldn''t help recalling that feeling of suffocation she felt underwater. But it didn''t stop her from why she was here.


    "Then how did you know about me?"


    "It was a coincidence that we came across Carina Novell who was looking for Wen Ai. It was because of her carelessness that we managed to find out about your identity. She was trying to reach Xin Zemin since she learned that Wen Ai was dead. Since she gave away her identity along with yours, we couldn''t let you live either."


    "Why? Got scared of a little teenager?"


    Xin Zhao snorted, "No, it was because Xin Zemin was easier to control if he didn''t have an heir of his own. Your appearance disrupted our plans so we decided to get rid of you just like we got rid of Wen Ai."


    Xin Zimen rushed up and clutched his neck, "You, sick man! That was my wife! You killed my daughter! And then took the life of my wife as well!"


    Even though it was difficult for Xin Zhao to breathe, he still continued, "Your wife was gonna die anyway. She was under severe depression. You can think that I took pity on her and gave her an easy and quick death."


    Xin Zimen punched his old face without holding back his strength. He was mad. He was losing his mind after learning about all of this. He couldn''t help it. The one who lost the most in all of this sick game was him! He didn''t care whether he received love from his so-called parents or not. But just the thought of his wife and daughter drove him crazy!


    Xiu didn''t stop him this time, she could understand what he was going through right now. In the end, the mastermind of this whole game was just a crazy old bastard! And that crazy old bastard did everything just for fun.


    What did they say? If the world wronged me, I''m gonna retaliate against the whole world?


    That was exactly his mentality. Since his brother started this game, he did everything to make this exciting for himself. Whether it was to take his brother''s identity, take his brother''s wife, or even ruin his brother''s sons. It was all done because he wanted to play.


    Xiu didn''t care about how Xin Zimen treated Xin Zhao. It had nothing to do with her. She walked over to Xin Suyin who was staring in space in a daze and crouched down before her.


    "How does it feel to know that your own father didn''t care about you?" Xin Suyin didn''t react to those words. Xiu didn''t mind that as she added, "I guess now you can imagine how much despair Chen Xiu must have gone through knowing what kind of a mother she had."


    Finally, Xin Suyin''s eyes wavered and she stared at Xiu, "Who are you?"


    Xiu smiled at her, "What if I say I''m the grim reaper? And I''m here to take your life?"


    Xin Suyin looked into her clear eyes and felt shaken, "Last time we met, you weren''t like this."


    Xiu knew she was referring to the time she had tied up Destiny to threaten her up so she said, "Neither were you."


    Xin Suyin shook her head, "I always thought human life is cheap." Her eyes dimmed, "I wonder how she felt when her life slowly drained away."


    Xiu held her hand and placed a knife in it before saying, "Why don''t try to figure it out yourself? How did she feel, you''d know."


    After she said that, she stood up and didn''t turn back to look at Xin Suyin. Instead, she looked at Xin Kuan before walking out of this place. She never planned on dealing with Xin Zhao on her own. That wasn''t really revenge. That was something that she left for both Xin brothers.


    "Uncle Kuan," she called out.


    "Yes?"


    "It''s time you clean up my darling grandmother''s relatives from the Xin Manor. If my father is gonna be the head of the Xin family, then he definitely shouldn''t have to see the faces of unnecessary people around."


    "With everything you have in hands, even your grandmother can end up in jail for embezzling company funds," stated Xin Kaun.


    "Oh then make sure she serves a good time," said Xiu lightly before she got inside the car and closed her eyes.

 Chapter 896 - I Actually Dont Know

    Xiu''s life had so many twists and turns that she had long stopped believing in coincidences. That''s why she didn''t believe that it was a coincidence that she was able to meet Xin Zhao''s butler in a foreign land and that too as Chen Xiu. She also didn''t believe that it was just a coincidence that in Xin Zimen''s big study, her eyes only stopped on that one book.


    But she did believe that there was a higher power that guided her all throughout. Since the time she had come to terms with her rebirth, she had come to believe in a lot more things. Things that usually didn''t make sense to people. She didn''t take any of it as a joke any longer.


    The joke would be on her if she still didn''t believe in fate. They say a person''s life is three parts fate and seven parts the choices he makes. But she would like to argue that even with those seven parts choice, a person would still not be able to escape the three parts fate. That''s just how fate works.


    It''s complicated. It''s hard to explain. But it always has something planned for us.


    "Are you okay?" inquired Xin Kuan as he looked at her face through the rearview mirror.


    Xiu hummed in reply.


    "Then why didn''t stay longer for the show?"


    "The show?" repeated Xiu as she opened her eyes and looked out the window. "I couldn''t watch Ah-Xin crumbling down. And I couldn''t see my father struggling to come to terms with the facts."


    "And here I thought you''re a strong person."


    "Don''t we all strong people have something that makes us weak? Besides, my strength is back home. I''ve exhausted the strength I borrowed from him."


    "How come you never forget to bring your husband in any conversation?" Xin Kuan was amused at how easily Xiu always managed to bring up Darren''s name into any of their conversations. But it also proved that she really was missing him.


    Xiu smiled genuinely at him, "How can I forget him? Xiu is Xiu because of Regan. Without Regan, Xiu is nothing."


    "That''s some strong statement."


    "And I mean it." Her words were resolute and it showed that she really meant her words.


    "Do you want to catch a flight back home tonight?"


    Xiu thought about it carefully before shaking her head, "No... I''ll go back home tomorrow."


    "Aren''t you eager to see your husband?"


    "I still have something to do tomorrow."


    Xin Kuan didn''t ask what she had to do tomorrow. He silently drove her back to the hotel and only after seeing her enter the Suite, he turned around to leave. He had to go back to the Xin Manor since he was feeling uneasy about leaving Xin Zimen there.


    As Xiu entered, she saw Bo Jiu waiting with her suitcase. "You''re leaving?" she asked with a raise of her brow.


    Bo Jiu nodded her head, "Yes."


    Xiu went up to her and said, "Thank you for your help! You could refuse to get involved in this mess but you didn''t do it. If in the future, you need me for anything, don''t hesitate to ask. I owe you this time."


    Bo Jie laughed foolishly, "Xiuxiu, you don''t owe me anything. We might not have spent much time with you but I really do respect you a lot. I did everything, not for you, I did it because I was bored. So, don''t feel like you owe me anything."


    Xiu knew she was just saying it but she felt happy hearing that. She hugged her and talked about random things before she watched Han Bohai coming out of the room and recalled something she forgot to ask, "By the way, I''ve been meaning to ask you. Why do you hate my Xiao Bobo so much?"


    "Because he is a male actor with a handsome face," answered Bo Jiu.


    "What kind of an answer is that?" questioned Han Bohai who had also been wondering why he was despised by this tech genius.


    "My ex-boyfriend was an actor. He cheated on me with one of his fans," replied Bo Jiu. "So, I hate all handsome actors now!"


    "Bloody hell! Why am I taking the burnt for someone else''s crimes?!" exclaimed Han Bohai but Bo Jiu didn''t reply. She said goodbye to Xiu and left. She came like a wind and blew away like the wind as well. "Something is wrong with her brain."


    "Everything is wrong with my brain," said Xiu. "And yet you love me."


    "That''s different," argued Han Bohai.


    Xiu was about to walk back inside her bedroom when she stopped and said, "Xiao Bobo, tomorrow I''m going to West Lake Cemetry. Want to go with me?"


    Han Bohai''s body stiffened when he heard her say that. He stared at her for a long time before asking, "Why?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "I feel like going."


    Han Bohai felt strange inside but he still nodded his head. He couldn''t let her go there all alone. So, it was better to follow her there.


    After Xiu walked inside her bedroom, she fell on the bed. She didn''t even change out of her gown. She didn''t even want to move at all after everything.


    .....


    The next morning, Han Bohai got ready to go out with Xiu. What happened back at Xin Manor, Xiu had no idea. She neither try to inquire about it nor was she interested in it.


    As they came out, they were met with Xin Kuan who was waiting for them. He looked tired.


    "Uncle Kuan, I can go with Xiao Bobo. You can rest."


    Xin Kuan shook his head, "No way. I can''t let you go alone."


    Xiu nodded her head and got inside the car with Han Bohai.


    "The Xin Family has turned upside down within a night," informed Xin Kuan. Even if she didn''t ask, he was still gonna tell her everything, "Xin Zhao murdered the Wen Clan''s previous head, so he will be dealt with by the Wen Clan."


    "Ah-Xin didn''t say anything about that?"


    "Xiao Zi knows very well. Murdering a Wen Clan''s descendant is a huge crime. The punishment he will have to go through in Wen Clan is far worse than Xiao Zi can offer." He took a pause and explained, "You must have heard that Wen Clan are royal descendants?" Xiu nodded her head. "Wen Ai was like the previous Empress for the Clan people. So, now, Xin Zhao has to live in purgatory for the rest of his life. He is already old, killing him will not make any of satisfied with the outcome."


    "Well, I have nothing to say about that," replied Xiu offhandedly. He honestly thought it didn''t concern her now. She had done her part. She wanted to find her mother''s murderer, she had done it. How he was punished, others would definitely know it better than her.


    "This morning, the police have arrested Chi Family along with your grandmother and several other members of the Xin family that had been involved in embezzling the funds and other corporate crimes. Their properties are already confiscated. The media has covered everything. Even before the court hearing, they are finished."


    Xiu continued to hear as he Xin Kuan told her these things. One could see how disinterested she seemed right now.


    "Xin Suyin committed suicide last night."


    That last statement made Xiu pause a little.


    "She locked herself in a room and cut her veins. The entire night, she continued to bleed. The last of her breath was take this morning. It was a slow and painful death."


    Xiu''s jaw clenched as she closed her eyes but when she opened her eyes, everything was clear. Even the world seemed brighter than ever before. Did she feel bad for Xin Suyin? No! Did she regret giving her that knife? No! But did she expect Xin Suyin would dare take her own life? The answer was still a no!


    And that''s why she paused earlier. Because she never thought Xin Suyin would make the same choice as Liu Nuan. The two women who pushed Chen Xiu to commit suicide actually got the same end. The only difference was Liu Nuan gave herself an easy way out by shooting herself but Xin Suyin chose the worst of all. She chose to bleed slowly. She must have felt her life draining along with that blood.


    Xiu''s eyes darken for a moment before it cleared up again, "Uncle Kuan, can you stop at a flower shop?"


    When Xin Kaun parked the car outside a flower shop, Xiu went down to get a bouquet of roses. White roses.


    As they came to the cemetery, Xin Kuan was surprised at first and then he was curious to know why she was here. And that''s why he followed her. At a far corner, Han Bohai stopped and pointed at the gravestone, Xiu looked at the lonely grave and then at the picture of the smiling girl on it.


    "That''s one of my favorite photos," she said.


    Han Bohai looked away from her and from the grave, "I know. I took that photo of yours."


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes. You did." Xiu crouched down and cleaned up the gravestone before placing the bouquet of white roses beside it.


    On the gravestone was written, ''In the loving memory of an angel, Chen Xiu.''


    Xiu chuckled when she read that, "Who came up with that?"


    "Your husband arranged for your funeral, don''t you know that?"


    Xiu looked at him oddly before she looked back at the familiar face in the photo that seemed really unfamiliar now. "I didn''t know actually." She really didn''t know that Darren had been involved in that funeral. After all, all she heard about that funeral was from the tv when she woke up in the hospital as Bai Xiu.


    "Xiao Bobo, are you feeling weird coming here with me?"


    Han Bohai still didn''t turn around as he replied, "Yes. I am feeling weird. Even if you''re standing beside me right now, I won''t be able to hold back my tears before this grave. I''ve cried far too many times here." His nose felt itchy but he didn''t dare let his tears fall now. He didn''t want to cry when his Sister Xiu was standing right beside him.


    "I''m also feeling weird," she said. "But I had to come here. Since my rebirth, I have done everything to set myself apart from her. However, I wasn''t able to do so. At the end of the day, I''ll still be Chen Xiu."


    Han Bohai didn''t know what she wanted to do here. But when he looked at that bouquet of white roses, he felt complicated. White roses represented purity and innocence. It was the perfect flower for Chen Xiu''s image. But the same flower represented a sign of respect and remembrance. Maybe finally, she was willing to remember the part of her that made her Chen Xiu.


    "I finally realized that I can''t forget either Chen Xiu or Destiny Novell. Both are me. I am both of them. In the end, I''m Bai Xiu who has the body of Destiny and soul of Chen Xiu. I have a responsibility to keep them both alive in some way. And I am no longer gonna betray both of them."


    On the other side, Xin Kuan couldn''t hear their conversation but he was stunned when he saw whose grave it was that she came to. Lately, he also thought that the name Chen Xiu had been too involved with everyone around them. And now, even Xiu was here. He felt strange about it.


    She stayed there for an hour and after that, she came back to the car. "Uncle Kuan, I heard Jinhai is awake. Can you take me to the hospital to see him before leaving?"


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 897 - Got Some Answers

    When Xiu arrived at the hospital, she met with Zhou Xichen and after talking with him, she entered the hospital ward to see Zhou Jinhai. He didn''t seem to be in a good condition. Even though he had woken up, his condition wasn''t very good. After all, he had gotten shot twice.


    When he heard some noise, his eyes opened slightly and when he saw Xiu, he was left staring at her intently. His lips parted and a hoarse and weak voice said, "Thank god you''re okay."


    Xiu raised her brow, "Are you saying that to me as your brother''s wife or as Chen Xiu whom you owed a life?"


    "Both," he replied in an almost inaudible voice.


    Xiu sighed out heavily, "Do you know where I am coming from? I went to see Chen Xiu''s grave. I must be the first person in history to have gone to her own grave. It felt kind of weird and creepy. Maybe I should not go there again."


    "I could never visit your grave," he said. "I couldn''t even face you. I still can''t."


    Xiu''s lips curled up, "Then don''t. You and I only have bad memories of each other. So, let''s not see each other again. If you think it''s your life that you owe me, then make sure you don''t give up on this life. I was called a coward for taking my own life but you better not become one. Get better and let me see whether you have it in you to face the world or not."


    She wanted to leave but before she could she heard his feeble voice call out to her, "I still am skeptical about whether you''re Chen Xiu or not. However, I don''t care about it any longer. I''m sorry!" Xiu stared at his face as he continued, "I''ve always wanted to tell this to you. I really am sorry."


    Xiu didn''t stay around for long and left after staying for ten minutes. Now, she had nothing in this big Capital.


    "Uncle Kuan, can you send me back home now?"


    Xin Kuan felt uncomfortable with her smile but still arranged for everything according to her wishes.


    ....


    Since Xiu wanted to get home, she reached home before the sun could go down to hide behind the darkness. And the first thing she did was running to her husband.


    Seeing her, Darren smiled and opened his arms wide for her. Xiu ran into his arms and buried her face in the crook of his neck, "Baobei, I missed you so much."


    Darren caressed her head, "Me too. I missed you too." He pushed her a little away to see her face as he inquired, "Are you okay?"


    "Now that I have seen you, I''m perfectly fine," she replied with her signature cheeky grin.


    "Did you run around there like you just ran to me? Didn''t I tell you to be careful?"


    Xiu felt wronged, "I only ran now because I was impatient to see you."


    "I was wondering where this bloody sweet smell is coming from," came Nora''s voice from the door.


    "Aiyo, it was such a comfortable scene without this daily dose of dog food," added Ying.


    "Indeed!" agreed Ah-Si.


    Xiao Li threw them off and came to hug Xiu, "My sweet little sister, did you have fun? Don''t run off like that again. Brother missed you a lot."


    Xiu hugged him back and nodded her head sweetly, "I won''t do it. Thank you, Li bro. Everything went smoothly because of you."


    Xiao Li rubbed her head lovingly and in a spoiling manner, "There is no need for that. That''s the least I can do for my sister."


    "Hello! I also need a hug from my sister!" exclaimed Ah-Si and rushed over to hug Xiu even though she was still in Xiao Li''s arms.


    "Why am I standing here? That''s my best friend!" said Nora as she also joined this group hug.


    "You might be the best friend, I call her a sister!" said Ying as she also went in.


    "You all are squeezing me!" shouted Xiu who was stuck between these bears who came to hug.


    .....


    In the next few days, Darren was able to walk on his own better than before and without any help. The bandage on his head was also opened now.


    Xiu was very excited for him as always, she needed to celebrate it as well.


    "Oi!"


    "What?"


    "Cali is here."


    "Huh?" Xiu was ignoring Dylan when he suddenly told her about Cali. She looked behind him and really found Cali standing there with a smile on her face. "Oh my gosh! When did you come back?"


    "Just now," replied Cali as she hugged Xiu.


    "Where did you even go?"


    Cali touched her head, "To get some answers for you."


    "For me?" Cali nodded her head. "So you found the answers?"


    Cali again nodded her head. Xiu pulled her hand and took her to a side to sit down, "Then do tell me, what answers do you have for me?"


    "I have been wondering why Aunt Carina would become a surrogate for someone else. So, I did some digging and found out some things. Wen Ai met Aunt in Italy during a trip. At that time my Aunt was in trouble and Wen Ai saved her life. That''s how they became friends. Later on, when the Novell family was in trouble, Aunt asked for Wen Ai''s help. Wen Ai again helped her out but Aunt had no way to repay her."


    "So when she found out about Wen Ai looking for a surrogate, she decided to help?" Xiu finished her words for her.


    "It seems like that."


    Xiu nodded her head in understanding, "I thought so it''d be something important otherwise your aunt wouldn''t have kept quiet for so long."


    "It was the only way she could repay Wen Ai for what she did."


    "But she had to pay a bitter price for it," added Xiu.


    Cali shook her head, "I don''t think she minds it though. Aunt must have known about the dangers even from the beginning. But she still didn''t back out."


    Xiu waved her hand, "It doesn''t matter any longer. They both are not in this world anymore. Now, we are here. And I still want you to be my cousin. Or you can choose to be my cousin-in-law."


    "Cousin-in-law?" Cali was shocked and confused.


    Xiu pointed at Dylan who was trying to eavesdrop, "That uncle is actually my cousin. Our mothers are blood-related sisters."


    "What?!"


    Xiu tsked, "Even I haven''t come to terms with that. Don''t give me that horrified reaction."


    Dylan laughed out when he heard her talking like that, "No matter what you do now, you can''t deny our relationship."


    Xiu acted like she was gonna bite Dylan''s flesh off but he was still in the mood to tease her by sticking his tongue out.


    Xiu picked up the cushion and threw it at his head, "Get out of here. Can''t you see we are talking?"


    "That''s my girlfriend. You''re my sweet cousin. Why can''t I stay here, kiddo?"


    Xiu picked up her sandal this time and threw it at his head, "Try saying that kiddo again! I''m gonna bloody fry you, little fish! Oh, no! You''re not a little fish. You''re crab! Smelly crab!"


    Dylan''s laughter echoed throughout the house and anyone who heard it could tell that he must have done something to annoy Xiu again. They had gotten so used to it that they didn''t even bother paying attention to it.


    "These two are at it again," said Ying.


    Han Bohai pressed down her hair saying, "Let them be. As long as they are happy."


    "Well, it''s not like I can come between them. Even Regi avoids coming between them. Even though one is his wife and the other is his brother like best friend."


    "That''s also true," agreed Han Bohai.


    "You really are gonna be a henpecked husband."


    Both of them looked up at Su Xixi who gave them a dirty eye. Seeing how Han Bohai was styling Yan Ying''s hair, she really had nothing to say.


    "Ma, if your husband is not a henpecked one. Why are you jealous?"


    "Jealous? Do you want a beating?"


    Ying stuck her tongue out at her mother, "You can try beating me."


    "No, no!" Han Bohai tried to intervene. "No beating, please. Mother-in-law, even if you want to beat, let Ah-Ying go. I''ll get beaten in her place."


    Su Xixi facepalmed herself, "You really deserve a beating for even saying that." She huffed and left them alone.


    Ying watched her leaving and shrugged her shoulders, "She is missing my dad. There is no other explanation for her cranky mood."


    Han Bohai pressed on her head, "Don''t say it like that. If she is missing your dad, that''s quite romantic."


    "Mr. Superstar, why is everything so bright in your eyes?"


    "The star of this superstar''s life, it''s because I have the brightest star like you in my life." He tapped the tip of her nose.


    She wrinkled her nose, "You''re really something."

 Chapter 898 - These Two

    On one fine winter morning, Xiu dragged Zhao Huan and Xin Zemin inside a room and made them sit down before taking a seat before them feeling guilty inside. She has thought about it for a long time before she decided to come clean with these two people.


    Seeing her playing with her fingers uneasily, both of them surprised, "What''s wrong, darling? You said you have something to tell us. What is it?"


    Xiu looked up at them anxiously, "I do have something to tell you."


    Xin Zemin placed his hand on her hands and stopped her from breaking her nails, "Tell me. Whatever you have to say, you can say it. You don''t have to be scared. Don''t think of anything."


    "My words might end up hurting you both," she added.


    "It''s alright," said Zhao Huan. "But we do want to know what''s bothering our daughter."


    Xiu looked at their gentle and loving eyes before coming to a conclusion. She took a deep breath, "Do you remember you got into a fatal accident where your car even fell from the cliff in the water?"


    Zhao Huan was surprised to hear that from her, "How do you know about that accident?"


    "Because I did it," she said in a small voice.


    Even after thinking for a long time, Xiu had thought that since she was taking Destiny''s life, she was supposed to own up to her mistakes as well. She couldn''t distance herself from the bad part of Destiny''s life. All of it now belonged to her. Just like her parents belonged to her now.


    She couldn''t bring herself to make them lose their daughter all over again. Especially when she could feel their warmth and feel their love for her. She could see just how much they cherished her. How could she just walk away from them just because the soul inside their daughter''s body was different? They didn''t deserve that.


    If by not telling them about this soul swap bizarre, she could keep them happy, she was willing to do it for a lifetime. It didn''t hurt anyone. In fact, it''d only make them happy. And that was all Destiny wanted to see. How could she take that happiness from them?


    Hearing her words, the couple was silent for a good while.


    "What do you mean by that baby girl?" asked Xin Zemin.


    "Back then, I tried to find you. And while I tried to reach out to you, I came across some strange things. For instance, everything before me indicated that the one behind Carina Novell''s death was Zhao Huan. She did it in jealousy and all. I fell for those tricks and then I played my own trick in my impulsiveness." She held Zhao Huan''s hands, "I am so sorry. I''m really sorry, mother. It is true my intention was to kill but I..."


    When she couldn''t find any words to say, Zhao Huan pulled her in for a hug while Xin Zemin was still in shock from those words. He couldn''t believe anything he heard but he had no reason not to believe it either.


    Xiu didn''t know why she burst out crying when Zhao Huan pulled her in for a hug. Maybe it was the remnant emotions of Destiny that still lingered in this body but she felt like crying her heart out and screaming that she didn''t want to hurt her mother. She didn''t want to do it. But she still did it.


    "I''m really a bad daughter, aren''t I?"


    Zhao Huan caressed her head and shook her head, "No. Don''t say that at all. There is nothing wrong with my daughter."


    "But mother..."


    "Shh... I''m telling you, there is nothing wrong with you. Mom still loves you."


    "But I hurt you," she cried out.


    "Silly, am I not sitting before you right now? Am I not perfectly healthy? Nothing is wrong with me. No wonder you''ve been keeping a distance from me. You must have gotten your memories back and declared yourself the guilty party."


    "I am the guilty party."


    "I don''t care," said Zhao Huan. "Even if you can live at the cost of my own life, mom will happily give up her own life. I couldn''t give you anything in this life, if I can offer my own life to make up for it, I''d be more than happy to do it."


    Xiu felt like she couldn''t look into her eyes right now. She was really a mother who could forgive anything. Even if she was clearly the one in the wrong.


    Xin Zemin wiped Xiu''s tears and told her, "Your mom is right. Stop crying now. It''s hurting us even more. We couldn''t give you anything, but please, don''t make us feel like the only thing we offered was tears." He stroked her face, "Mom and dad love you. We love you a lot. And that is why we can forgive anything. But there is a condition that you''d never think of avoiding us again. And you won''t leave us."


    "I won''t," promised Xiu.


    "Then stop these tears, if my brother saw it, he is gonna kill me. Even though you''re my daughter, he is even more possessive about you," said Xin Zemin half-jokingly and half-seriously.


    Xiu laughed through her tears, "Ah-Xin gets a little extra when it comes to me."


    "Yes, he does," agreed Xin Zemin. "He loves you like a father, not like an uncle."


    "I also love him like a father."


    Zhao Huan patted her head, "That''s even better. See? My daughter is so lucky. She has two fathers who dote on her so much. I''m quite envious."


    Xiu hugged them both, "You both are really good parents. I thought I''d at least get a slap on my face."


    "Who dares to slap our daughter?"


    "Thank you!" she said.


    "Which child says thanks to their parents? Don''t be ridiculous."


    Xiu smiled and didn''t say anything else as she continued to hug these two silently. She seriously thought she would get into trouble after telling this truth but these two were really too good for that. They had gotten betrayed by the people for this kindness of theirs and yet, they didn''t forget to be kind-hearted.


    Aiyo! What to do? She really likes these two!

 Chapter 899 - Its Me

    "I''m getting fat!"


    "My silly little lass, you''re not getting fat," repeated Xin Zimen for the nth times already.


    For the past two hours, Xiu had been saying, ''I''m getting fat'' and he had been repeating, ''No, you''re not.'' It was like they were playing a game back and forth. Both of them were not even getting tired of saying the same thing over and over again.


    Xiu''s question was a test for someone''s patience but Xin Zimen was neither annoyed nor impatient.


    In fact, the people watching it not impatient. "Poor Xiao Zi," muttered Xin Zemin when he saw this scene.


    Zhao Huan hit his arm, "Let it be. Xiao Zi loves to spoil her the most anyway. Even if she asked till the end of time, he still won''t get tired of answering."


    "He really has patience for her," said Xin Zemin with an amusing smile. "Even though he is the most impatient person around here."


    "Those rules don''t apply to the daughter of the house," said Zhao Huan. "In this family, who isn''t willing to spoil her? Even the ones who annoy her only want to spoil her."


    Xin Zemin nodded his head in agreement. Then he pulled his wife and left these two alone.


    "Ah-Xin, aren''t you tired?" asked Xiu when they left.


    Xin Zimen gave her a loving look, "Nope. I''ll never get tired of my little lass."


    Xiu scoffed unhappily, "But I''m telling you. As much as this little tiger is growing, I''m getting fat!"


    "Yes, the blame is all on my grandson. How dare he made my daughter fat? Such a crime!"


    Xiu looked at his expression and burst out laughing. "You don''t even know how to act."


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head gently, "Oh, I have an amazing actress like you around. How can I steal your thunder by being a good actor? That I can''t do."


    "Ah-Xin..."


    "Hm?"


    "Do you love me?"


    "Is there a doubt?"


    "Then if I say something, will you believe it?"


    "Anything you say."


    "Even if it sounds like a lie?"


    "Yes, even if it sounds like a lie."


    "If I say I can fly in the sky."


    "Then I''ll make sure you''re able to fly."


    Xiu stared at him intently for a long while before she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "You really are the world''s best father."


    "Oh? Where did that come from?" Xin Zimen could still feel the touch of her lips on his cheek. It felt strangely comforting.


    Xiu put the lid of his laptop down and even snatched it from his hand before throwing it aside carelessly. "Ah-Xin, get up. We are going out."


    "Okay, let me call a driver."


    He didn''t even bother asking where they are going. He only followed what she said.


    "No driver. You have two sons. Make use of them."


    Xin Zimen looked at her in surprise before he shook his head and called his sons. Seeing how only Xiao Li came, she frowned, "Where is the other one? That little lamb?"


    "We only need one person to drive," reminded Xin Zimen.


    "Or maybe my sister doesn''t want me to be the driver." One could hear the sourness in Xiao Li''s voice.


    Xiu ignored that and called her little lamb who came running at full speed. As they got outside, Xin Zimen was surprised to find Darren waiting beside the car.


    "Regi is also going with us?"


    "I go where my wife goes," answered Darren.


    "As if we don''t know that," said Ah-Si before taking the seat behind the wheel.


    Xiu pushed Xiao Li into the passenger seat. "You sit at the front. I''m gonna sit with my Baobei and my Ah-Xin."


    "Today is really not my day," grumbled Xiao Li unhappily.


    "I''m not falling for that, Li bro."


    Xiao Li smiled and buckled his seatbelt. He saw how Xiu sat between Darren and Xin Zimen but strangely she was leaning towards Xin Zimen.


    "Drive carefully, Ah-Si!" instructed Xiao Li carefully. "Or it''s better if I drive myself."


    "No, you can''t do," answered Ah-Si. "You don''t know where we are going."


    "And you do?" asked Xiao Li.


    "Of course, I''m Sister Xiu''s little lamb. She shares everything with me."


    "You''re doing it intentionally, aren''t you?"


    Ah-Si smiled cheekily at his brother, "I am. Because it''s fun!"


    Xiao Li cursed under his breath but didn''t do anything. It''s not like he could do anything to either of them. He was a bro-con. These two were his biggest weaknesses.


    During the ride, Xiu talked about all sorts of things but not once did she mention where they were going. So, when Ah-Si parked the car at their destination, both Xiao Li and Xin Zimen were taken aback.


    "What are we doing here?" the question came from Xiao Li.


    "We are here to see mom," replied Xiu before she hurried Darren to get off the car so she could walk out.


    She said it so naturally that both Xiao Li and Xin Zimen were left in a daze. When they finally got off the car, Xiu was standing with Darren who was patting her shoulder and saying, "You can do it. Don''t hesitate. I''m here with you."


    "I''m also here with you," Ah-Si also jumped in to join to encourage his sister. He knew perfectly well why Xiu had decided to come here all of a sudden.


    Xiu nodded her head at them and tried to keep her spirit up. It''s alright. The worst that can happen was that they would call her crazy. But that''s okay. She already knows she is crazy. So, it really won''t matter much.


    She willed herself and offered her hand to Xin Zimen, "Shall we go inside?"


    Xin Zimen continued to look at her hand which seemed to be shaking for some reason. And so, he took her hand and led her inside.


    The place they had come to was the columbarium of the Wen Clan. Every single member of the Wen Clan was cremated here. As Xin Zimen led her inside and brought her to the place he was most familiar with, he couldn''t look up.


    Xiu, on the other hand, looked at the photo of the woman placed beside the funerary urn and asked, "Do you think she and I are alike?"


    Xin Zimen looked up at her and after thinking about it, he nodded. "From the moment I met you, I kept on thinking that you have a lot of things similar to her. I can''t even say which one of you is a bigger troublemaker."


    Xiu smiled at that, "I''m glad."


    "About what?" he asked.


    "That I still have something similar to her," she replied.


    Xin Zimen frowned at her words. "What are we doing here?"


    "Because what I have to say, I want her to hear it as well." Xin Zimen''s frown deepened. "Ah-Xin, do you believe in miracles?"


    "What kind of a miracle are we talking about?"


    "Any kind."


    He nodded his head, "Then I do believe in it. Wasn''t it a miracle that even though I and Ai had nothing in common, we still fell in love with each other? That''s the most beautiful miracle of my life."


    Xiu pursed her lips when she heard that, "Do you remember I often told you that I''m actually a ghost possessing this body?"


    "Is this time to joke?"


    Xiu shook her head, "I''m not joking. I''m quite serious with you. Well, yes, the ghost part is a joke. But the rest isn''t. I am really a soul that doesn''t originally belong to this body."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her words taking it as another joke. However, the look in her eyes made him stop. She didn''t look serious but her eyes looked desperate. As if begging him to believe in her words.


    "You must have heard that Destiny Novell was really different person from Xiu."


    "But that change only came because of the memory loss," he tried to argue.


    "How much do you think a person can change just because of a memory loss?"


    "Are you trying to say that Destiny and Xiu are two different people?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes." She took a pause when she noticed his expressions, "Well, you can drag me to a mental hospital but it won''t help. I''m not making things up."


    Xin Zimen didn''t know what to say at all. He couldn''t believe her but he couldn''t bring himself to not believe in her either. As he told her earlier, his heart truly was willing to believe any kind of nonsense she had to say. Because it came from her, his heart was willing to accept it all.


    "Then who are you?" he asked after a pause.


    "I am Xiu," she answered. "Just not the one you think."


    Xin Zimen frowned at her answer and heard Darren''s voice from behind, "She means she is Chen Xiu."


    Hearing that Xiao Li stared at Darren and Xiu with wide eyes. Then he moved his eyes towards his younger brother who nodded his head as if reassuring him that they were telling the truth.


    Xiu leaned into Darren''s arm but she didn''t leave Xin Zimen, "You asked me what I had against Xin Suyin, Liu Nuan, Niu Peizhi, or even Zhou Jinhai. They all have one person in common. That''s me. Chen Xiu. They all became the reason for why I chose to give up my life."


    When Xin Zimen heard the words, ''chose to give up my life.'' his heart constricted. He was having trouble breathing, he didn''t know why it hurt so much. He had nothing to do with Chen Xiu. So even if she was telling the truth, he couldn''t understand why it affected him so much. Why?


    Xiu bit her lip before adding, "It was easier to make Regan believe since he knew Chen Xiu. It was easier for Han Bohai to figure out my identity since he also knew Chen Xiu. But I''m not sure how to make you believe it since you never even met Chen Xiu. But..." She pulled out some photographs from her pocket and passed them to him.


    The photos were quite old but even then they couldn''t hide the brightness in the eyes of that little girl. Xin Zimen''s steps faltered when he saw that photo. He couldn''t believe his eyes. The girl in the photo was clearly his Xiulin but she was a bit older so her facial features were changing. However, he couldn''t be wrong, that was his daughter.


    "This..." he pointed at the photo. "My... My daughter... Is she alive? She is older here? When I lost her she was five. The girl in the photo... She is..."


    Xiu bit the inside of her cheek before replying, "She is 8 in the photo."


    Xin Zimen''s expression altered between happiness, sadness, and helplessness. He didn''t know what he was feeling but he knew everything inside of him was screaming to hold that girl in the photo.


    "Where-Where is she?" he asked again.


    Xiu kept her eyes lowered while Darren told him, "Uncle, see the other photos."


    Xin Zimen hurriedly checked all the photos. Each was clicked after approximately a year. The whole growth process of the little girl was recorded in these photos. Along with the very last one that was taken a month before she died.


    Xiu finally looked up and looked into his eyes, "She was the one you called, Ah-Lin. She was the one world knew as Chen Xiu. And she is the one you call your little lass." She took a step over with tears-filled eyes and held his hand as she added, "Daddy, it''s me."

 Chapter 900 - All Of Me, For All Of You

    Xin Zimen was stunned frozen after she was done talking. He was blankly staring at her and didn''t know how to respond to anything at all. He was still in the processing stage. He couldn''t understand anything at all. The daughter he thought was dead had been alive but she had been so far away from him.


    And he was completely unaware. He didn''t even know that his daughter was alive. Suddenly it struck him that Chen Xiu committed suicide. He heard that phrase so many times. His whole body shook. Xiu jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, "Daddy, I''m fine. Please, stop thinking about it."


    Xin Zimen''s eyes blurred with tears as his hands instinctively went up to stroke her head. He looked down at her face, "Yo-You''re really my Ah-Lin? My daughter?"


    Xiu nodded her head vigorously, "I am. I really am."


    Just seeing this scene, Ah-Si started crying as well. He went up to his father and said, "Dad, she is telling you the truth."


    "And you knew that?" asked Xiao Li in anger.


    Ah-Si instantly stepped back and tried to hide away from his brother.


    "Xiu, why didn''t you tell us this?"


    "Would you have believed me?" questioned Xiu. "You still don''t believe me."


    "I believe you," said Xiao Li.


    Xiu shook Xin Zimen, "Daddy, why aren''t you saying anything? You really don''t believe what I said, right?"


    Xin Zimen wiped his tears and shook his head, "It''s not that. I know you''d not lie to me just to make me happy. I just... You''re Xin Zemin''s daughter. I..." He again shook his head, "I can''t take you from my brother. He loves you so much. And he yearned to have a child for so long."


    Xiu''s shoulders slumped. Her worries and her father''s worries were surely on different wavelengths. Here she is worrying that he won''t believe her and here he is worrying about his brother. But she couldn''t even be angry at him. It even made her love him even more. Silly daddy!


    "Little lass, no, I mean Ah-Lin, you can''t tell him this. No matter what happens, you can never tell him that."


    Xiu held his hands, "I won''t tell him. I didn''t plan on telling anything to him. But I couldn''t hide it from you."


    He suddenly recalled something, "Back then you cried so much after seeing the photo in my wallet. That''s when you learned about our relationship?" Xiu nodded her head. "Your cries broke my soul that day. Silly, even if you had said it all to me back then I''d have believed you. Why did you wait for so long?"


    "It was complicated," she replied.


    Xin Zimen hugged her tightly. He had been traumatized from the day he saw her crying so desperately. And now that he learned why she cried so much, it was breaking his heart even more. Just thinking about what his daughter had to go through, it hurt even more.


    Everything was a mess in his mind but hugging her brought comfort to his heart that had been missing from his life for so long. He didn''t want to let go. It felt... surreal. Indeed, it was surreal. Even if all of it was a lie, he would willingly believe it. But his heart knew, he knew she''d never lie to him.


    After they were done crying, Xiu looked at the urn that was right before her eyes and said, "Sorry, mom! It took me too long to come to visit you."


    "I don''t think she minds," said Xiao Li.


    "Yeah, I also think she doesn''t mind," added Ah-Si.


    "No one asked you."


    Ah-Si pouted at stepped aside again feeling wronged. Was it his fault that he was the first one to learn about Xiu''s identity? Why were they upset with him? What did he do wrong?


    Xiu chuckled at Ah-Si''s condition as they left Xin Zimen alone to talk to his wife. As they came out, Ah-Si was still getting reprimanded by Xiao Li for hiding something like this from him. And on the side, Darren continued to gaze at her lovingly.


    "Happy?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "I''m over the moon."


    Darren placed his hand over her head, "Good."


    She looked up at him, "Thank you!"


    "For what now?"


    "You''re the first person who believed in me," she told him. "I thought if only you believed, I didn''t care about the world."


    "And now?"


    "Now I think if you believe in me, I can make anyone believe in me."


    Darren smiled at her, "That''s some progress."


    "Yes! And the credit goes to you, my Baobei!"


    "I should be thanking you, my Sweets. If you hadn''t shared this truth with me, we wouldn''t have been what we are today." He rubbed her head, "So thank you for believing in me that I''ll believe in you."


    "Does that sentence make sense?"


    "I''ve been dealing with all your no sense sentences, can''t you bear one of mine?"


    Xiu giggled, "I can. I can bear all of you."


    "Oh, then it''s a good thing that I''m all yours." He kissed her forehead softly, "All of me is for all of you."


    "You both can continue throwing this dog food at home," said Xiao Li. "Let''s go home for now. I''ll host a dinner tonight. And my sweet darling sister is allowed to eat whatever she wants."


    Xiu''s eyes brightened and her lips parted but before she could utter a sound, Xin Zimen threw a bucket of cold water, "Anything that isn''t spicy."


    Xiu''s eyes dimmed instantly.


    Xin Zimen patted her head, "Good girl. Daddy will cook for you himself once you give birth. Okay?"


    "But dad, you don''t know how to cook," reminded Ah-Si from the side.


    Xin Zimen glared at his son, "Then I''ll learn!"


    Ah-Si and Xiao Li shared a look, "If you say so."


    Xin Zimen didn''t pay attention to them, he held out his hand to Xiu, "Ah-Lin, let''s go home."


    Xiu gave him a toothy grin and Xin Zimen saw an image of her childhood in that very moment as she held his hand instantly and said, "Yes, Daddy!"

 Chapter 901 - A Genuine Smile

    "Something is twisting in my stomach."


    Xiu''s hands that were rubbing cocoa butter moisturizer on her body stopped right above her stomach. She could feel something twisting inside and usually, she would mistake it as having gas but now, she had been told by the doctor that the baby was growing and was starting to twist, turn, and kick in the w.o.m.b.


    She was after all in her 21st week of the pregnancy now. And these movements were becoming obvious. And along with these movements, something else was becoming obvious; her growing stomach. Now that she was officially ''fat'', there was no one who could fool her.


    Darren looked over at her and pursed his lips, "Sweets, our little tiger must be uncomfortable inside. So, he is turning around to find a comfortable position."


    Xiu looked at him and groaned. She tied the sleeping gown and placed an extra pillow behind her, "Yes, so he can find a comfortable position by making me uncomfortable."


    Darren stared at her, "Is your back hurting a lot?"


    "What do you think?" she retorted in a particularly bad mood.


    Even on normal days, Darren won''t mind her bad mood much less now when he knew what changes she was going through during this period of time. He really didn''t know what he could do to help.


    "Are you hungry, Sweets?" he asked knowing well why her mood must be taking a turn for the worst in the middle of the night again.


    "I am," groaned Xiu.


    "What do you want to eat?"


    Xiu crossed her arms over her chest and sighed out, "I don''t want to eat. Aren''t I fat enough already?" Darren opened his mouth to say something but she shut him up saying, "Don''t even dare say I''m not fat. Even a blind can see that I''m fat! Your reassurance is only gonna make me mad now!"


    Darren pressed his lips together and swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue just now. He really couldn''t say that she wasn''t fat. As she just said, even a blind could see it. It was not just her stomach that was growing, her whole body had fattened up. Before pregnancy, no matter how much she ate, nothing could take effect on her. But now, as if only taking a whiff of the food would add a layer of fat on her body.


    However, he particularly liked her like this. With a little meat on her bones, it was so comfy to hug her. He couldn''t stop himself from always smiling like a fool.


    Just like any husband, he was also stuck on a crossroad. He could neither call her fat nor call her not fat. Either way, she''d be in a bad mood.


    So, he decided to change the tactic, "Sweets, it''s not called being fat. It''s called being healthy. It''s pregnancy glow. Once the baby is here, you''ll get back in shape in no time."


    "Regan, I''m barely in my 21st week and I have gained so much weight. How much more will I gain till the baby comes out? Will I even be left with a way to get back in shape by that time?"


    Darren rubbed her head, "Don''t worry at all. Your weight is just right. We have discussed it with the doctor. Your diet is strictly planned. There is no way you''ll gain weight more than necessary." He eased into her side and hugged her side, "So, please don''t refuse to eat, eh? Not eating is not a solution. It won''t help you with the weight at all. But it can harm you and the baby."


    Xiu pouted her lips and thought about his words hard. She knew he was right. She even didn''t know why she had been caring about the weight so much. She had never been conscious about her body. But now...


    She lowered her head as Darren passed her the nuts, raisins, granola bars, and other healthy snacks that he kept near the bed for her untimely hunger cravings. He could never compromise on her health. And not on their baby''s health as well.


    Xiu picked the nuts and ate slowly, Darren could feel her low spirit and rubbed the back of her neck as he said, "Actually, you''re not really worried about the weight. Right?"


    Xiu looked up at him.


    "Tell me, what is it?" He urged patiently.


    Xiu shook her head, "I also don''t know. But I just don''t feel okay. Something is changing inside me. And it''s making me anxious."


    "I''m also feeling anxious," he told her. Interlacing her fingers with his own, he went on, "You''re feeling anxious because the reality of becoming a mother is finally hitting you. It''s our first time being parents. And we both are a little nervous. But it''s okay. We have each other. No, we also have so many people with us. It might be a little difficult at first but we''ll be fine."


    "Are you sure, we''ll be fine?" she questioned.


    "No," he answered. "I''m not sure about anything else. But I''m sure that I''ll be here with you throughout this. I know we can''t make some particularly great parents but we can try our best. We can try our best for our son. Can''t we?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes, we can."


    Darren smiled at her lovingly and kissed her temple, "That''s good. Because I also can''t do it alone. Just the idea of being a father is giving me goosebumps."


    "Can we give him the home and love we both didn''t get?" she questioned.


    "Who knows?" he shrugged his shoulders. "As I said, we can try our best. We both aren''t really good people. There is only so much we can do, Sweets."


    "Baobei, I hope we make good parents," she said.


    "I know," he hugged her close and continued to talk endlessly about the plans they had made.


    It was inevitable that they''d be feeling a little anxious in this period of time. Since the time to hold their own son was coming closer and closer, this thought was scary to both of them. They both could be considered strong people since they both had faced so much since a young age.


    However, no one is ever prepared to be a parent. And they weren''t prepared either.


    No, they were both genuinely happy. But it couldn''t stop the fear from creeping in. After all, they both didn''t have a good experience in their childhoods. It''d leave them with some apprehension that perhaps, they won''t be able to become good parents. However, that was something only time could tell.


    Their worry would definitely not help with much. But it was alright as long as they were together.


    "Do you want to tell everyone the gender of our baby?" asked Darren.


    They had gone to the doctor today and were finally able to find out the gender of the baby. It was no surprise to both of them it was indeed a little tiger. It was as if they had confirmed it from the beginning that it was gonna be a son so, they didn''t even react to this information.


    Even the doctor was surprised at how certain this couple had been about the gender of their baby.


    "It''ll be fun seeing their reaction." Darren finally saw the first smile from her tonight and felt a little relaxed. He really didn''t like seeing her low spirits. She was a cheerful person and that cheeriness suited her well. He couldn''t feel comfortable with her serious face. It made him feel like something was about to go wrong.


    "Indeed." He agreed. "The one who strongly argued that it''s not a boy was Nora. Let''s see how your best friend slash sister-in-law is gonna react to this news."


    "Are we gonna make it grand?" she asked excitedly.


    "We''ll plan it however you want. If you want it to be grand, it''ll be grand. If you want it to be simple, it''ll be simple. Your wish is my command. As always!"


    Xiu seriously started thinking about it whether to make it grand or not. And what way to use to reveal the gender of the baby. Although the whole family heard from her that it''s a boy from the first day, they never confirmed it before. So, she was excited to see their reactions.


    "Then leave it to me," said Xiu. "I want to plan it myself."


    Darren naturally agreed with that. As long as she had something to keep her busy, at least, she won''t think about nonsense. And she won''t feel depressed as well. As the doctor said, it was normal for mothers to feel depressed and anxious during this period of time. But he needed to be careful to control her mood swings.


    So, Regan Darren Salvay would do anything to make his wife happy. No matter what it cost. All he wished for was a smile on her face. A genuine smile that made her look beautiful.

 Chapter 902 - Competing With A Little Kid

    "Stop moving!" Xin Zimen was annoyed by the person pacing before him for the past hour. "I''m getting a headache now!"


    His elder brother stoped his back and forth parade to stare at his younger brother before he thought of something and went up to sit beside him.


    As he continued to stare intently at Xin Zimen''s face, the latter was infuriated now, "What do you want?"


    Xin Zemin straightened up when his brother paid him some attention, "Xiao Zi, why do you think Xiu invited us today?"


    "I don''t know and I don''t care," was Xin Zimen''s reply. "As long as she wants me here, I''ll be here."


    Xin Zemin rolled his eyes at his brother''s reply, "Obviously, I''d also come whenever or wherever she needs me. But I''m just a little anxious. I don''t know why. She sounded quite serious over the phone."


    "Keep your distance from me first," said Xin Zimen as he asked his to stay away from him. "Don''t try to get chummy with me. The only reason I''m willing to talk to you is my little lass. Don''t get any other ideas."


    Xin Zemin clearly didn''t like the way his younger brother spoke to him. "Xiao Zi, can''t you stop being so distant now? Everything is already out in the open. We both became part of a game that someone else played with us. You can''t keep this up."


    "You wouldn''t be able to talk to me right now if that game had worked," responded Xin Zimen. "I already repeated it again and again, I can''t go back. We can''t turn the time back. So our relationship can''t go back either. Now, you''re gonna have to do with what we have."


    Xin Zemin sighed out. He also knew it was the only concession he could get from his brother. That meant he had to work hard to get a little closer to his brother again. But as long as Xin Zimen didn''t push him away completely, it meant he still had a chance to get back his brother. And that hope alone was quite reassuring to him.


    Xin Zimen noticed his elder brother''s low spirits and spoke up, "I heard you''ve done a thorough cleaning within the Xin Family and the business."


    Xin Zemin''s eyes sparkled since his brother took the initiative to talk to him so he hurriedly told him, "Yes, that''s what''s been keeping me busy for the past months. Although it''s a little tiring and time-consuming, it''s not something I can''t do. You don''t worry at all, I''ll make the Xin Family a place you can call home again."


    "Who wants to call it a home?" snorted Xin Zimen unhappily. "I have no interest in the Xin Family. You can keep it to yourself."


    "Xiao Zi, I know you broke off all your ties with the Xin Family but now the situation is different."


    "I know it''s different," said Xin Zimen. "But I''d still like to keep my distance from it. As long as you''re there, I can be reassured. The rest doesn''t matter much."


    Xin Zemin pursed his lips but he couldn''t really persuade him.


    While these brothers were contemplating whether to continue talking or not, other people joined them. Ying walked in with her hand in Han Bohai''s hand.


    Seeing her, Xin Zimen commented, "You seem to be enjoying your suspension quite well."


    Ying faced Xin Zimen and smiled sheepishly.


    "I guess you didn''t get the notice that you''ll be joining back the team next month?"


    Ying''s face stiffened when she heard that. Xin Zimen was amused to see the reaction after he dropped this bomb. Ying, however, looked up at Han Bohai who had the same reluctance on his face as hers.


    "Xiao Zi, can''t you see them happy?" questioned Zhao Huan as she arrived after Ying and Han Bohai.


    "I do want to see them happy but I needed to give her a reality check as well."


    Zhao Huan shook her head at him and asked, "By the way, where is Xiu?"


    "In the kitchen," replied both Xin brothers simultaneously.


    "What?!" Zhao Huan hadn''t even sat down before she stood up again. "Why did you let her go to the kitchen in this condition?"


    "Calm down a little," said Xin Zemin to his wife. "We couldn''t stop her."


    "Of course you couldn''t do it," Zhao Huan sounded sarcastic. "You both would do anything she says. So, just how could you stop her?"


    "She is only baking," informed Xin Zimen. "She said it''s not dangerous and Regi said to let her do what she wants. Her doctor wants her to move around a little and do stuff that she enjoys."


    "Sister Xiu does love to bake," Han Bohai spoke out on instinct.


    Xin Zimen gave him a deep look before saying, "See? Even Bohai knows what she loves to do. So, let her bake now. She is clearly having fun."


    "But I should still help her a little," said Zhao Huan anxiously clearly not satisfied with leaving Xiu alone to do all the stuff.


    "If you went inside, she''s gonna be upset. Make your choice wisely."


    When Xin Zimen put it like that, no one would dare go after Xiu. They just sat down and waited patiently for her to finish up whatever she was up to.


    "Bohai, don''t you have any new projects? Why are you always stuck with Ying''er?"


    Han Bohai pursed his lips as he looked at Ying before answering Xin Zimen, "Uncle, I don''t want her to be bored."


    "But if you continued to be so clingy, she might get bored of you."


    "If I wasn''t so clingy, she wouldn''t be my girlfriend even now," he replied with a straight face in all honesty.


    Xin Zimen chuckled at him, "I love the way you talk, boy!"


    "Zizi, aren''t you a little too amused?"


    Xin Zimen shrugged his shoulders at Ying and didn''t reply to her.


    "It seems I won!" came Xiao Li''s voice from the door. "I told you all that dad would be the first one waiting here."


    Behind him, Ah-Si and Nora ?r??n?d in annoyance, "But dad said in the morning, he was going out of the city." Then Ah-Si looked at his father accusatory, "Dad, how can you lie to us?"


    "I didn''t lie," replied Xin Zimen. "I was out of the city when I received the call from my little lass."


    "Then how are you here before us?"


    "I have a chopper!" Xin Zimen''s tone was so matter-of-factly that even his own son was stumped for words.


    Currently, Ah-Si was questioning himself why did he even both to ask his father?


    Xiao Li laughed happily, "I still know my father best. How is it possible that Xiu calls and he isn''t the first one to run to her? That''s nearly impossible!"


    "Did you bet on your own father?"


    Xiao Li looked at his dad and smiled, "Of course, I did."


    "What did you win?"


    Xiao Li looked at his brother and his fiance in disdain, "These two are very alike. They both love shopping. So, they both can spend a fortune on shopping but they''d never take a penny out of their pockets for bets."


    "So what did you win?" asked Ying.


    "Nothing!"


    Ying gasped at that, "When did my best friend start taking a loss? That is so not like you." But then she looked at Ah-Si and shook her head, "But I shouldn''t expect anything else from a bro-con like you."


    Xiao Li stared at Ying as if he was about to bite her flesh but soon closed his eyes to calm himself down. There was no point in resorting to violence when it was not necessary. He was here to get treats from his sister. He should ignore the rest.


    "Since we all have been called here, it means, Xiu is up to something," stated Nora. "Does anyone know what is she up to?"


    "If you want the right answer, look for Regan Darren Salvay," came the answer from Ying.


    "But where is Mr. Salvay?" questioned Nora in return because she couldn''t see him anywhere. And she was told that Xiu was working alone in the kitchen. Since Darren wasn''t following her around like a tail, then she was really curious to know what he was up to as well.


    "Regi is upstairs," answered Xin Zimen. "Francesca had something to discuss with him so he had been with her."


    "Is anyone else left to come yet?"


    "How can you all forget me?" came Dylan''s voice from the door. "Even if you forget me, don''t forget Xiu''s favorite brother."


    As Jackie trotted inside with Dylan, the rest of Xiu''s brothers had a strange look on their faces. Whether it was Xiao Li, Ah-Si, or Han Bohai, all of them shared the same opinion about this little master. Jackie was a stealer! He always managed to drive their sister''s attention away from them!


    And all these grown-ups didn''t even realize that they should be ashamed of actually being jealous of a little kid. How could they even think about competing with a little kid?


    Dylan was having the time of his life right now. He was well familiar with what they had been going through. And it made him want to burst out laughing.


    This family was really something else!

 Chapter 903 - Where To Look

    While was fam was getting together downstairs, Darren had been trying to put his mother in a good mood. From the moment Francesca came over, she had been in low spirits.


    And when Darren finally managed to convince her to share what''s wrong, the answer was, "My future daughter hates me."


    Darren was so shocked to hear that he choked on air. He looked at his mother with a horrified expression and asked, "Mama, you''re having a daughter?"


    Francesca gave him a look, "Regi, my boyfriend has a daughter."


    "Ohh..." Darren finally understood what she meant. He did know that Han Yiheng had a teenage daughter but he never met her. And neither did he knew about the specifics. From the time he learned that Han Yiheng had managed to convince his mother to date him, he was already feeling relaxed and let go of all his worries.


    As long as it was someone who loved his mother, he''d be happy for her. And he knew that Han Yiheng loved her a lot. Because he felt satisfied with Han Yiheng, he never tried to probe his mother about their relationship. Of course, he''d listen what she had to say but he won''t do anything that could hurt her or made her feel like he was stepping out of his boundaries. It was her relationship. Just like she respected his relationship with Xiu without any issue, he''d do the same for her.


    After all, she was the first woman he loved.


    "Mama, tell me in detail what happened? Why do you think your future daughter hates you? Because I don''t think anyone can hate my Mama. She is the best in the world."


    Francesca looked at him lovingly and hugged him, "As I always say, it''s not that I''m the best. I got lucky to have the best son like you."


    After pausing to collect her thoughts, she told him everything in detail. Han Yiheng had taken her out on dinner last night to meet his daughter. Francesca had been nervous about meeting his daughter for the first time. In fact, during the dinner, she felt like she was sitting before a judge.


    She knew that Han Yiheng wanted to marry but the final decision lied with his one and only daughter. For some odd reason, she did want to give a good first impression. She knew she wasn''t as good of a mother as Darren claimed her to be. She knew her shortcomings better than him. And she also knew that her amazing son would always manage to hide all her shortcomings for her. That''s why even people thought she was an amazing mother.


    But it seems the universe was conspiring against her last night. When she wanted to help put a piece of chicken on Han Yiheng''s daughter, the chopsticks and her hand had a fight eventually the poor chicken fell on the teenage girl''s clothes.


    Han Yiheng consoled her that it was alright but she didn''t think so. She tried to find common things to talk with Ashley, Han Yiheng''s daughter but wasn''t succeeding at all. After all, she raised a son and his interests were different. Although she was woman herself, she had long started to pay attention to cars, sports, fights and stuff. Because she wanted to do something for her son. And now that she was asked to talk to a teen girl, she was at a loss.


    She thought it couldn''t get any worse but clearly, she had underestimated the schemes of the universe.


    At home, she continued to cry because of her own incompetence. She had been a successful career woman and yet, she made such silly mistakes. How? Just what was wrong with her?!


    Darren looked at the tears brimming in her eyes again and hugged her tightly, he rubbed her head saying, "Mama, why are you so cute?" He really didn''t think it was a big deal. If Han Yiheng''s daughter ended up hating her mother for such a thing, she''d be really petty. "You should calm down first. It''s such a small matter. No one can hate my mama for being real."


    Francesca looked up at him, "But I really wanted her to like me."


    Darren rubbed her back, "I know. And I''m sure she''ll understand it as well. As long as she is open to the idea of having a step-mother, she''ll be fine with you. Because let''s face it, she can''t find another mother like you." He took a pause and added, "Besides, she should be honored that I''m willing to share my mama. Aren''t I the most petty one around?"


    Francesca snorted at his words.


    Darren chuckled softly, "Stop worrying so much. If the first meeting was a disaster, we''ll aim for the second best impression. Let''s see it this way, since the first meeting was already the worst one. There is no way the second meeting can get any worse, right?" Francesca slowly nodded thoughtfully. "So, we''ll work hard for the second meeting."


    How was it possible that Darren was the one coaxing his mother and she won''t be able to forget what really bothered her? That was truly not possible.


    "By the way, you guys held a family meeting without me? I''m no longer a part of the family?" Francesca''s eyes widened slightly at his question. "Isn''t it usually that both parties bring their kids for the meeting? How come I didn''t even know anything?"


    "Silly, it''s nothing like that," said Francesca. "We thought we should let Ashley get a little comfortable around me before introducing to you. After all, you''re a lot older than her. It''ll be a little difficult for her to accept an older brother who is about to become a father himself."


    "Hey! What''s wrong with being a father? Is it a crime? How can you hold such prejudice?"


    Francesca knocked on his head, "Looks like Xiu is getting to you. You''re also getting dramatic."


    Darren smiled sheepishly at her, "Can''t help it."


    After Francesca sorted out her own feelings, she looked at Darren and asked, "By the way, where is my daughter-in-law?"


    "She is baking cookies," replied Darren.


    "Cookies? Why?"


    "Because today is a special day," he answered vaguely.


    "A special day? What is special about today?"


    "You''ll know once we go down."


    "Then what are we doing here?" retorted Francesca. "You talk too much. Wasted so much of my time. I should go down now."


    Watching her retreating figure, he pointed at his own nose as he muttered, "I talk too much? Who was the who came to talk to me?" He shook his head and scratched the tip of his nose.


    "Oh, Darren, it''s good I found you here."


    Darren turned his head to look at his doctor and smiled at her, "Dr. Ling, do you still have to do this?"


    Dr. Ling pointed at the sofa to ask him to sit down before she replied, "I''m sorry, I''m just doing my duty. I have strict orders to not be lax. I know you made a quick recovery but we still have to make sure everything is okay with you."


    "You''ve been working really hard," he said to her. "You have been stuck with me for months, your family must be missing you now. You team of doctors got the chance to leave but you are still here."


    "Don''t worry, no one misses me," replied Dr. Ling and did some check-up. "Okay, you''re good to go."


    "Dr. Ling, why don''t you come downstairs to join us? Everyone is gathered around for a happy event. You should become a part of it."


    "Isn''t the happy event that you''re having a boy?"


    Darren stared at her, "How do you know?"


    "Your wife''s gynacologist likes to talk a lot," replied Dr. Ling. "But anyway, doesn''t everyone already know that you guys are having a boy? I remember your wife had been claiming since the beginning that it''s a boy."


    "But that''s different," replied Darren. "This time, we have a confirmation. Besides, there is no harm is celebrating smaller things. If nothing else, it can bring a smile on my wife''s face."


    Dr. Ling patted his shoulder and sighed, "And here I thought after seeing Mr. Xin Zimen, my standard in men was high. After coming across you, I feel like I''m hopeless. There is no way I''m gonna find anyone remotely similar to you." She stared at him, "Let a single soul like me live! I don''t wanna die a single ghost and become vengeful ghost."


    Darren chuckled at her, "If you know where to look, you might find someone better than me."


    "Huh?" Dr. Ling was dumbfounded by his response. "What is that supposed to mean?"


    Darren shook his head and called back to her, "You should still join us. My wife bakes the best cookies and cakes. If it wasn''t for her cupcake, we would have never been where we are today."

 Chapter 904 - Its A Boy!

    When Darren came downstairs, he was met with an excited crowd. They hadn''t even announced the reason for gathering everyone but it seemed it didn''t really matter. Because to the people here, it was already enough that they gathered around today.


    For the past months, everyone had been busy with their own things and hardly found a time to gather like this. Now, that Xiu gave them a reason to find their ways back home, they were naturally really happy.


    "What is my cousin up to?" asked Dylan as he slid close to Darren.


    Darren gave him a look, "Didi, I can''t get used to you calling my wife your cousin."


    Dylan smirked at him, "But that''s the truth of the day. You''ll have to get used to it, Dazi."


    "I really don''t want to," retorted Darren.


    Dylan laughed out, "You''re acting like Xiu''s brothers. You have no idea how fun it is to see them competing with Jackie. He is a kid and these grown-ups can''t even defeat him."


    "Jackie is Jackie," said Darren. He also knew about this hidden competition between brothers. He found it truly entertaining.


    "But seriously, what is Xiu up to?"


    "Wait and see for yourself," replied Darren. "There! Your fiance is also here. Go and cling to her, stop bothering me already."


    Dylan looked towards the door in surprise, "Xiu even called Cali? Now I''m certain something big is about to happen." Even though he said that he didn''t actually stick around to probe about the rest as he ran over to his fiance''s side.


    Darren took this time to enter the kitchen and asked, "Sweets, need help?"


    "No," came the answer from his wife. "I''m almost done here." She pointed at the tray of cookies and tea saying, "Ask someone to take these out to serve."


    "Okay!" answered Darren and called the maid to take the tea out while he took the tray of cookies with him and even dragged Xiu out.


    Everyone''s chatter died down as soon as Xiu appeared. Xiu first hopped over to her fathers, "Father! Ah-Xin!" She hugged them both at the same time and both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin''s expressions softened. Even the things stressing them out or keeping them busy these days were all forgotten when they received a hug from their daughter.


    "Why is it that my daughter can''t see me?" Zhao Huan questioned as she turned to her sister.


    Zhao Wei looked at Xiu and said, "Perhaps because daughters always stay as daddy''s little girls."


    Although Zhao Huan looked displeased, she still hugged her daughter saying, "Aiyo, my baby, I missed you so much."


    Xiu had to greet everyone in the room and everyone had their own ways to meet her. For instance, Xiao Li rubbed her head lovingly while Ah-Si kissed her cheek. Han Bohai straight dived for a bear hug and Jackie acting like a gentleman chose to hold her hand and refused to let go.


    When it was time for Dylan, Xiu straight went past his opened arms. "HEY! Stop doing this already!"


    "Didi, there is a ghost behind you!"


    Dylan scoffed at her, "I''m not scared of ghosts anymore."


    Xiu raised her brow at him, "Oh? Then why are you holding Cali''s hand so tightly?"


    Dylan avoided her eyes while everyone laughed out their antics.


    "Little lass, why are we gathered here today?"


    "For the tea party," replied Xiu. "I made all these cookies and tea for everyone."


    "That''s it?" questioned Xin Zemin uncertainly. He really couldn''t believe that was all his daughter was up to right now. It was really hard to believe.


    "That is it," answered Xiu. "Now, come on! Help yourself..."


    Soon, everyone forgot what Xiu really called them here. Since their attention was caught by the special cookies she baked. The cookies were decorated with the theme of the ocean. One could see blue waves, starfishes, and other tiny elements that made the cookies seem like a work of art. No wonder Xiu spent so much time in the kitchen.


    She was working really hard to prepare these special cookies. She sat beside Darren and leaned into his side as she whispered, "Do you think anyone noticed?"


    "For now, they are only focused on eating," replied Darren with a smile. He also picked up a cookie but his hand was slapped by Xiu. He pouted at her, "Then why did you make it when I can''t even taste it?"


    Xiu turned to look at a maid and gestured to her to bring something. Soon, a plate of cookies appeared before Darren. "You can eat these. They have low sugar. It''s perfect for you."


    Darren looked at the cookies that were made just for him and gushed, "At times like these, I feel like I''ve gotten the best wife in the world."


    "Only at times like these?" repeated Xiu.


    Darren smiled at her and shook his head, "No. That''s my all-time feeling." He kissed her head, "My Sweets is the best after all."


    "You better not forget that," warned Xiu.


    "Is it because you''re getting old now, Xiu?" inquired Nora. "Is that why you''ve decided to host tea parties now?"


    Xiu glared at her best friend, "Nora darling, watch your words. You''re gonna be my sister in law in near future. I might really become an evil sister-in-law to you."


    Nora pursed her lips, "You''re already quite evil though."


    "Father! Ah-Xin! Uncle Jing!" Xiu wh?n?d.


    "Nora, stop it!" came Jing Ge''s voice. "Don''t irritate Xiu for no reason."


    "But dad!" Nora tried to defend herself but it didn''t work. Her shoulders slumped down, "I was just curious why she suddenly thought of doing this. Although she is a random person, she must still have a reason for working so hard."


    Xiu straightened up, "Okay, fine. I did have a purpose for today''s tea party."


    "What is it?" Everyone was eagerly waiting for it.


    Xiu looked at Darren and took his hand in her own, "We wanted to announce something."


    "Oh, tell us. We are ready."


    Xiu shook her head at them, "But we already announced it."


    "Huh?" Everyone was dumbfounded as they shared the same expressions and feelings of confusion.


    Darren looked over at Jackie and asked, "Little brother-in-law, didn''t we already announce it?"


    Jackie looked at Darren and Xiu before nodding his head, "Yes, you did."


    "Why didn''t we hear it but you did?" questioned Nora.


    "Because I''m smarter than you," Jackie didn''t forget to attack his sister''s intelligence.


    "Jackson, why don''t you tell mommy?" asked Clara. "It seems I''m not even as smart as my son as well."


    Jackie looked at Xiu and seeing him nod, he started, "The cookies are decorated with white and blue. There are special cookies at the bottom that are shaped like a little tiger cub. There is a confetti balloon above our heads. Do you guys still need me to spell it out for you?"


    Xiu laughed out at her little brother and rubbed his head, "Indeed, my Jackie knows how to make me proud." She straightened and stared at everyone''s face-changing expressions before she announced, "So ladies and gentlemen, if you still haven''t gotten it." She pulled Darren up from the sofa who continued, "We are having a boy!"


    *Boom!*


    The confetti balloon above their head exploded and everyone finally came out of their daze.


    And soon, the room was filled with voices as everyone wished them happiness.


    "It''s really a boy?" asked Nora in disbelief. She did go along with Xiu''s words before but now she was really surprised. Xiu''s words turned out to be true.


    "It is really a boy," answered Xiu. "You should have believed me when I said that."


    Nora scratched her head before she hugged Xiu, "Forget it, who cares?! It''s not even important anymore. What''s important is that I have to host a baby shower for my nephew!" Then she knocked on Xiu''s head, "And who reveals the gender like it''s a puzzle? Huh?"


    "I thought I had a smart family," replied Xiu. "But it seems only Jackie is on the same wavelength as me. We are the only genuine around here."


    "Oh, stop it already," said Ying. "Try to be humble sometimes. Your son might get tired of your narcissism in the future."


    "And how do you know he won''t be a narcissist himself?" retorted Xiu.


    "She has a point," Cali also chimed in. Then she looked at Nora and said, "Call me when you organize the baby shower. I''d love to help you out."


    "Of course, you should call us, Nora." Ying also said.


    "You can have me as well," Han Bohai spoke up.


    "Baby shower isn''t for men!" retorted Nora.


    "What do you mean by that? It''s not like only you women are happy about this. We also need to celebrate it." He looked at Xiu, "Sister Xiu if these women didn''t let us in, I''m gonna protest. How can they push me out of my sister''s celebration?"


    Xiu rubbed his head, "Yes, yes. No one can refuse my Xiao Bobo from entering. No one dares to do that."


    Han Bohai was pleased to hear that he even looked quite smug about it as well.

 Chapter 905 - Im Dumb

    "Ah-Xin, why are your hands sweating?" asked Xiu as she sat between her fathers. "Father, even you have beads of preparation on your forehead. Are you both alright?"


    "My little lass, I just realized, I''m gonna be a grandfather," replied Xin Zimen.


    "It''s not your first time," said Xin Zemin from the other side. "I''m the one who is feeling even more nervous. It''s my first grandchild."


    "What the hell?!" retorted Xin Zimen. "Just because I have grandchildren that I''m prepared to be a grandfather again. Besides, it''s my little lass''s, first baby. How can I not be nervous about this?"


    "You both have known it for months that you''re gonna be grandfathers. Why are you reacting like this now?" Xiu chuckled at their reaction. She couldn''t hold it, it was truly funny.


    "But it''s finally sinking in now," answered Xin Zemin in the same words that had been on the tip of Xin Zimen''s tongue.


    So just how Darren coaxed her last night, she had to do it with her fathers who were really anxious.


    On the other side, Dylan sat together with Darren. His eyes were focused on Xiu as she talked animatedly and made her fathers laugh at anything and everything she said.


    "She looks happy," he remarked.


    "Hm..." Darren hummed in reply with a gratified smile on his face.


    Dylan chuckled to himself, "It seems like just yesterday when I called you out to the police station to bail me out."


    Darren recalled that time and felt like it had been a long time since then. But surprisingly, it had been a little over a year since then. However, the number of memories he made in the past year was enough to make him believe that it had truly been a long time.


    "If you hadn''t annoyed her, you wouldn''t have ended up there," said Darren.


    "You''re still taking her side? I get it, she is your wife. But Dazi, be rational for a minute. It was her fault just as much as it was my fault. She pulled my hair as well and refused to let go." Dylan felt like pouring his grievance out.


    "You also pulled her hair and refused to let go. You both are no better than the other," retorted Darren. When Dylan shut up, Darren added, "I feel like you''re planning on even telling my son that Xiu did this and that to you."


    Dylan smirked at him, "Of course, I''ll do that. How else will my heart be at ease?"


    Darren gave him a look, "Be careful, if my son turned out to be a mini version of my wife, then the one to get bullied will again be you. And this time, you''ll have to go up against two bullies."


    Dylan looked horrified, "Don''t jinx me like that!"


    Darren laughed out at his reaction and then his eyes fell on Han Bohai who came to sit beside him and said, "Brother-in-law, you have the cutest mother in the world."


    "Oh, really?"


    Han Bohai nodded his head vigorously, "There is no doubt. She is so worried that Ash didn''t like her last night. However, let me tell you a secret, Ash usually doesn''t like strangers but she fell in love with your mother in just one meeting. Let me quote her words, ''Dad''s girlfriend was clumsy but a hell lot of cute.''" Han Bohai chuckled as he recalled the conversation he had with his cousin last night.


    "Mama has been fretting over the fact that she left a bad impression on her future daughter," told Darren.


    "Aiyah!" Han Bohai waved his hand, "She is worried for nothing though. She is an amazing person. I can see that. My cousin isn''t that difficult of a person. She just lacked the love of a mother in her life. And I truly believe that your mother can offer her that."


    "It''s funny since France has a lot of love to offer even to the strangers," Dylan chimed in from the side. Then he looked at Darren and asked, "But Dazi, are you okay with this change? You''ll have to share your mother. Usually, you don''t even like sharing her with me."


    "I''d have long thrown you out of my life if I couldn''t share her with you." Dylan laughed out but didn''t say anything. Darren looked serious as he continued, "Actually, I really don''t mind it." He looked at Han Bohai and added, "I''m really thankful to your uncle who persisted in courting her. I know he had been in love with her for years. I also know she was the one who forced him to marry someone else. But I also know he was never able to forget her." His eyes moved down as he went on, "And it was all because of me. Since she wanted to give me the best, she chose to cut off her own happiness. I don''t want her to continue like that. As long as Han Yiheng loves her and respects her, I''ll be more than happy to share her with him."


    While the atmosphere turned serious, Darren patted their shoulders, "But guys, I''m more concerned about sharing my wife with my son in the future. I feel like that little tiger is gonna rob me of my wife in the near future and just the thought of that is making me angry."


    Han Bohai and Dylan shared a look and burst out laughing, "As a father, at least spare your own son."


    "I can''t," Darren stressed on his words.


    "You''re impossible, Dazi!"


    Darren harrumphed at their reaction and said, "Once you both also get to taste what I''m tasting right now, I''ll be the one to laugh at you both in the same way!"


    Taking a chance when Xiu wasn''t paying attention Nora held Darren''s hand and dragged him out of the hall. Xiao Li and Ah-Si also followed along with Ying. As gathered around in a circle.


    "Am I being kidnapped?" questioned Darren as he looked at their expressions.


    "We won''t even get any benefits from kidnapping you," retorted Ying in disdain.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "So, why am I here? What are we planning here?"


    "We have an idea and we want your input," said Nora. "Well, the idea originally belongs to Li bro. I must tell you, my brother-in-law is a smart person."


    "I''m standing right here," said Ah-Si unhappily.


    Nora said sorry to him and told him the details of their plan to Darren. The more he listened the more he looked at Xiao Li in awe and admiration. Truly, this silent man certainly knew how to spoil his sister to heaven.


    "So, you want to arrange everything on the baby shower but Sweets won''t know anything?"


    Everyone nodded at him. "It''ll be a surprise for her. And a beautiful surprise at that too."


    Darren thought about how surprised and happy this plan would make Xiu and agreed with them, "It''ll really be a beautiful surprise. I''m sure, she''ll love it. And she''ll certainly be happy as well." Thinking up to here, he faced them and asked, "So, what do you want me to do it?"


    "Just keep your mouth shut," said Xiao Li seriously.


    Darren smiled awkwardly, "Yeah about that..."


    "Don''t make any excuses," warned Ying. "We know you can''t keep a secret from her but this one, you''ll have to keep it. There is no way around it."


    Darren was left in a dilemma, of course, he knew he couldn''t ruin the surprise but he couldn''t hide for long either.


    "How many days? I don''t think I''ll be able to keep a secret for long."


    "Just give me three days," replied Nora. "I''ll be able to manage everything in three days. I can arrange it in a day but the designer won''t be done within a day. So, just hold it in for three days. Okay?"


    Darren nodded his head, "Okay. I can do this much for Sweets'' happiness. You guys better not disappoint me. Or ruin her day, I''ll kill you all otherwise."


    "You don''t have to worry about that," said Xiao Li. "I''ll look over everything myself. There will be no room for mistakes."


    "What are you all planning secretly out here?" asked Dylan who came to look for Darren. But when he saw the circle around Darren, he knew they were up to something here. He checked everyone''s expressions and concluded, "Let me guess since Xiu gave you all a surprise today, you want to return the favor by surprising her."


    "How do you know that?" retorted Nora.


    "It''s written all over your faces," replied Dylan. "As Xiu often says, I''m dumb but not that much."


    "So, you agree with her that you''re dumb?"


    Dylan shrugged her shoulders, "I''ve long learned my lesson."


    "What''s the lesson?"


    "That there is no point in refuting Xiu''s words. If I want to live safe and sound, I should just agree with her peacefully. So, if she says I''m dumb then I''ll agree I am."


    Darren tsked at him, "If you had learned the lesson sooner, we could have saved so much trouble."


    "I know, right?" Dylan also shook his head.

 Chapter 906 - Still On The Call

    Xiu had asked the maids to take plenty of photos from today''s tea party and now, she was sitting down before her desk with all the photos. In her hand was a scissor that she used to make cut-outs then she placed the photos in the diary.


    Darren looked at her writing the diary for their unborn baby. She had been doing it since the beginning. She used the same diary to even tell him that he was gonna be a father. And then she never stopped. She wrote down every small detail in this diary with love and care.


    Darren couldn''t help smiling when he read her words. In fact, he seemed to be reading it in a baby voice. He couldn''t help it, Xiu set the tone of her words like that.


    For instance, the page before him had the words...


    ''Today, baby tiger''s gender was revealed. Mommy invited everyone from the family and organized a tea party. Mommy even baked special cookies herself. The cookies were beautiful and delicious.'' Underneath that, there was even a photo of the cookies to prove that they looked beautiful and delicious. And as always, Xiu didn''t mind calling the cookies that she baked as delicious. Her narcissism was at the peak right now.


    Darren placed his chin on the top of her head and hugged her shoulders from behind, "Are you planning on writing all the milestones?"


    "Yes," replied Xiu. "I''ll let our baby tiger know that he didn''t miss anything. I''ll make him feel like a part of it all."


    Darren was amused by her thought process. He kissed her head and went to bed, "When are you gonna give it to him?"


    Xiu tapped the back of the pen on her chin thoughtfully, "On his sweet sixteen party."


    Darren''s eyes widened at her reply, "Sweets, boys don''t usually celebrate their sweet sixteen."


    Xiu turned her head to give him a hard stare, "It''s my baby tiger. He is definitely gonna have his own sweet sixteen birthday party. There is no way I''m compromising over that."


    Darren chuckled at her reaction, "Okay. You do what you want to do." Then he took a momentary pause to add, "But don''t you think we should start thinking about his name now? You''re certainly not planning on calling him baby tiger forever, are you?"


    Xiu scrunched up her nose before grumbling, "I''ll think about his name."


    Darren was glad to hear that she was willing to think seriously about the name of their son. He certainly didn''t want his son to be bullied in school for his name. And neither did he want their son to feel like his parents didn''t love him enough to give him a good name.


    Xiu suddenly closed the diary and came to the bed as she asked, "Baobei, why did Nora drag you out in the middle of the tea party? What did she tell you? Spill it!"


    Darren''s face stiffened when she brought this up. He tried to avoid her eyes, "Oh, it was nothing much."


    "Baobei, you can''t even lie to me. Why are you even trying?"


    Darren sighed out, "Then don''t ask me. I promised her I won''t tell you anything. Please, don''t put me in a difficult position. I''m already having trouble keeping this secret."


    Xiu observed Darren''s expressions and nodded. Even she could see that he was having a hard time here. He certainly couldn''t keep anything from her.


    "Fine. I won''t push you," said Xiu while ??r?ssing his face. "But is it a surprise for me?"


    Darren''s face softened as he nodded and leaned into her hand, "Yes, it''s a big surprise for you. And you''ll certainly love it."


    "Since you say it like that, I''m quite looking forward to it now," said Xiu and settled in to get some sleep.


    "You should go to sleep now," said Darren. "We have to go for the parenting class tomorrow as well."


    Xiu nodded her head, "I know." She closed her eyes to sleep but suddenly opened her eyes again, "Regan, why did Mama look a little down? Did she want a granddaughter instead of a grandson?"


    Darren chuckled at her, "What? What kind of nonsense are you thinking about? Mama doesn''t care whether it''s a boy or a girl. She was over the moon to know that she is a grandson."


    "But I certainly felt like something was wrong with her today," said Xiu in a certain tone.


    Darren pinched her nose softly, "You and your observation skills are really dangerous." Xiu slapped his hand away and glared at him. Darren tapped her nose and went on, "You''re right. She was a little out of sort but definitely not because of what''s on your mind."


    "Then?"


    Darren briefed her about the situation from both Francesca''s point of view and from what he learned from Han Bohai. He looked happy as he told her, "I don''t know why she was upset. It wasn''t even a big deal."


    "It''s not a big deal to us but it is to her," replied Xiu. "She truly believes that she didn''t play much of a role in raising you. So, she really wants to be a good mother to Ashley. Besides, since she is caring about it so much, it shows how much she values her relationship with Han Yiheng. She is serious about spending her life with him." She took a pause and went on, "It''s just like when I was nervous about meeting your mother for the first time. It''s the same for her. The only difference is, I needed approval from my mother-in-law, she needs approval from a daughter. At the end of the day, it''s all the same."


    Darren hummed in reply and went on, "I told her not to worry at all. And I also reassured her that she just needs to be herself. But it seems my words aren''t as effective."


    Xiu thought about it and sat up, she picked up her phone and made a call to Francesca at this time.


    "Xiu? Why are you calling me so late? Is everything alright?" Francesca was worried to see her calling at this time.


    "Mama, I have something to talk to you about," said Xiu.


    "What is it?"


    "It''s about Ashley."


    Francesca sighed out as she shook her head, "Did Regi tell you everything? Why is he bothering you during this time? I''m gonna have a serious talk with him."


    "Forget about that," Xiu stopped her from continuing. "I just want you to know that you don''t need to worry at all. You''re really the best mother. Believe in my words. As for Ashley, we''ll work together to make her see how amazing you are."


    Francesca was smiling when she heard her words. She couldn''t help it, she found her daughter-in-law to be too cute for her health. Who wouldn''t love this girl?


    Recalling something she said, "I heard from Yiheng that Ashley likes to eat Asian food a lot. I was thinking maybe I should try cooking for her, what do you say?" Before Xiu could say anything she added, "But we all know I''m a disaster in the kitchen. So, I need your help to teach me something simple and delicious."


    "Leave it to me," replied Xiu. "Whatever it is, I''ll help you."


    "Mama, I can help you as well," Darren spoke from the side.


    "You can''t help me, you''re only good with western food. Xiu is the best with Asian cuisine. And besides, you always nitpick. I don''t want you to be my teacher. I want Xiu to help me."


    Darren tsked at that, "Everyone is changing parties now."


    "So what if I''m on Xiu''s side? You''re also on her side."


    Darren grinned at that, "That''s true. I''m also on Sweets'' side. Always and forever."


    Xiu pushed him away saying, "Stop being sappy in the middle of the night."


    "Sweets~~"


    Francesca laughed when she heard their voices over the phone. She felt so full in her heart and also felt a sudden pang of melancholy in her heart as well. The thought that her sister missed these beautiful moments in her son''s life really made her feel sad for Darren.


    "Mama, you should come over tomorrow. No, I''ll come over to your place after the class. We''ll spend the rest of the evening in the kitchen. With me around, you''ll definitely be able to become a MasterChef in no time. Besides, food is the way to a person''s heart."


    "Oh? Is that why my son is hovering around you all the time?"


    "Don''t you know I lured him in with a cupcake? The moment he took the first bite of that cupcake, he was already in the palm of my hand."


    Hearing her evil laugh, Darren gasped, "Sweets, I can''t believe you did that."


    "Oh really? You definitely love the fact that I did that."


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "That''s true. I do love it all. You, your cupcake, our baby tiger, I love everything right now."


    "Both of you, I''m still on the call!" Francesca exclaimed from the other side when she heard the flirting even when she was on the call.

 Chapter 907 - Renowned Matchmaker

    The next day when Xiu and Darren went to the parental class, Xiu was in a bad mood. Recently, her mood swings had gotten worse. And her temper was also getting worse. Right now, the fact that all the other ladies in the room were eyeing her husband left Xiu in a bad mood. She was annoyed by it all.


    But when she tilted her head to look up at Darren, her dear husband''s eyes were glued to her. The gentleness and love in his eyes made Xiu feel bad for feeling irritated. What was the point of being jealous? Why should she be jealous?


    She had the best husband in the world! All those ladies must be jealous that''s why they kept looking her way. But then again, her husband was handsome, anyone would want to look. It was alright, she could let them see him all they want.


    After all, he was just like a pastry they could only see but can''t eat. However, to her, he was the cake, she could not only see but touch and even eat it to her fill!


    With this thought, a strange smile made its way to her face. Darren chuckled at her expressions and ruffled her hair while shaking his head. He could practically read all her thoughts on her face right now. She was being too obvious about it. But he loved every minute of it. It felt like she was showing off now.


    And as always, he would comply with anything she wanted.


    On their way back, Xiu turned to Darren and said, "Baobei, I was thinking. Maybe we should start shopping for our son now. We haven''t even set up his room yet." Then she thought about it and added, "But I''m confused about where to make his room. Currently, we live in the villa beside Daddy''s place. Although he said it was built for me, I don''t know if we should continue to live there or not. Besides, our home at the hilltop is also almost completely renovated."


    "How about we keep the hilltop house as our vacation place?" suggested Darren.


    "Huh?"


    "During weekends, we can go there to live. But on weekdays, we can live in the villa where we are. It''ll be easier for me to get to the office from there. And in the future, it''ll be easier for our son''s schooling as well."


    Xiu contemplated his suggestion and nodded agreeably, "I didn''t think that way. Indeed, my husband is smarter." Darren smiled but didn''t respond to her random compliment. "Then what about the house you bought after our marriage?" Before he could say anything, she went on excitedly, "I know it! We can give it to Mama as her marriage house. Oh my gosh! I''m so smart as well. No wonder I found a smarter husband."


    Darren laughed out and pinched her nose, "Yes, yes, my Sweets is just simply amazing."


    Xiu was silent for a minute before saying, "It seems we''ll have to set up two rooms for our son. In both houses, he needs his own space. I think we should select different themes for both places."


    Darren was amused with her track of thoughts, "You''re finding excuses to buy more things for our son now. When did you come to love shopping? Didn''t you particularly not like shopping before?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "I still don''t like shopping. However, last time with Daddy and Father I saw some really adorable baby shoes. I didn''t know why but I felt like I wanted to rob the store off. Everything was so tiny and so cute. I wanted to buy it all. But I stopped myself from showing it otherwise, our house would have been filled with those shoes now."


    Darren also agreed with that, "Indeed. My fathers-in-law would have definitely bought the whole store if they had found out that you liked it."


    Xiu couldn''t even refute those words. She knew her fathers best. Both were possessive and both wanted to spoil her. Although she loved being pampered by them, she was worried about her son a little. Her little tiger was definitely gonna be smothered with love.


    The thought really amused her.


    Darren patted her head, "Just let me know when do you want to go shopping. I''ll go with you. But since you''re not supposed to walk for hours, it''ll take days to buy everything." He took a pause and added, "Or maybe I should talk to Xiao Li, he might arrange the whole shopping mall at home for you. It''ll save us the trouble."


    Xiu didn''t like the idea, "Don''t do that. Li bro will go overboard. It''s better if I just take some discomfort and go shopping myself."


    "I''ll follow whatever you say," responded Darren.


    Seeing the way these girls looked at her, Xiu stepped behind her husband and poked her head out to look at Francesca, "Mama, why did you let them in? I don''t think they are here with friendly intentions."


    Nora rolled her eyes at her best friend and dragged her over saying, "Don''t worry, even if my intentions are not purely friendly, I''ll still be your one and only best friend."


    "I don''t like you," muttered Xiu.


    Nora gasped at her, "Xiu darling, I didn''t think you''d change so much." She intentionally dropped her head on Xiu''s shoulder before hugging her tightly, "I don''t want to be abandoned. Don''t let me go!"


    Xiu tried to push her away, "AH! Get away from me!"


    Nora laughed out, "I''m sorry but you''re so cuddly now."


    Xiu glared at her and looked at Darren, "She called me fat."


    Nora knocked on her head, "No, silly! I called you cuddly. It''s so fun to cuddle you know."


    Xiu looked at her in displeasure, "You always loved to hug anyway."


    Nora shrugged her shoulders, "What can I say? I''m a cuddle person."


    "Go and cuddle with your fiance!"


    "How stingy!" retorted Nora.


    "Stop wasting time, Nora. We are here on a mission!" reminded Ying from behind.


    "Ying is right. You can continue this debate another time," added Cali as well.


    Nora looked at them both before sighing. She turned serious as she faced Xiu, "Darling, my baby, we are here on an important mission today and we need your cooperation."


    "What the heck are you up to now?" questioned Xiu as she eyed them all suspiciously.


    "It''s nothing much," began Cali since she didn''t want Nora to spill everything in detail in her excitement. "Since we are arranging a baby shower for you, we contacted a designer from Italy to specially design your dress for the big day."


    Following the lead, Ying went on, "And that''s why we are here to take your measurements."


    "But you have my size already," Xiu''s words were directed at Nora.


    "Those are old measurements. Your whole size is different now."


    Xiu took a deep breath and turned to Darren again, "She again called me fat."


    Nora held her hand and pulled her over saying, "Yes, you are fat. Get over it now!"


    Xiu looked at her with resentment shining in her eyes but didn''t say anything since she couldn''t refute her words. She knew she was fat.


    Nora made Xiu stand in a proper manner before taking her measurements herself. With how much experience she had with clothes, it was no big deal to take some measurements. After she was done, she patted Xiu''s shoulder, "I used to feed you so much but it never showed. I was always jealous of the fact that nothing made you fat. But now, I''m relieved." She pinched Xiu''s plump cheeks as she went on, "You look so round and cute with some fat on your bones."


    "Watch out! I''m hungry, I might bite your flesh off to curb my hunger!"


    Nora instantly stepped back and zipped her lips when she heard Xiu''s threat. It couldn''t be helped, her best friend didn''t look cute at all when she was angry.


    "Xiu, what color do you like?" asked Ying.


    "Why are you asking her?" Nora chimed in. "Ying Jie, the baby shower is a surprise for her. We can''t spoil it like this. We''ll pick the color ourselves."


    Xiu stared at Nora and nodded, "Just let this idiot decide it. She knows my taste best."


    Nora smirked proudly, "Of course, I know your taste well. Why else would I have pushed you to date, Darren? It was because I knew you too well."


    "Nora, the matchmaker of the decade," said Darren as he sat down while watching these girls bothering his wife.


    Nora blushed at that, "Don''t flatter me. Your wife is the renowned matchmaker around here."


    "We all know that," said Darren.

 Chapter 908 - Follow Your Lead

    "You''re late," said Darren as he looked at Dylan who was swaggering his way in. "Your girlfriend is already gone."


    Dylan plopped down beside Darren, "Girlfriend? Cali was here?"


    Darren put down the book in his hand to look at his best friend, "Didi, do you have any other girlfriend?" Before Dylan could say anything, Darren gasped dramatically, "Are you going back to your old ways? Tsk! Tsk! Indeed, a playboy can''t stop playing, eh? Poor Cali! But I''m warning you, before your girlfriend, Calista is a precious friend to me. You play with her, I''m gonna break your jaw!"


    Dylan continued to stare at Darren''s face before he shook his head, "Dazi, take my free advice. Stop spending so much time with your wife. She is rubbing off on you in a very bad way."


    Darren slapped the back of his head, "How many times do I have to warn you to stop talking about my wife in this way?"


    "I''m talking about my cousin, what can you do about it?" retorted Dylan proudly.


    Darren threw him a scornful look before he shook his head, "Anyway, I thought you won''t be coming today. Since you said you''d be here earlier than this. Didn''t you want to spend some time with Cali?"


    Dylan sighed out, "Girls are busy with the surprise. I am not allowed to join."


    "Aww! Poor you!"


    Dylan glared at his best friend, "You can stop teasing me."


    Darren chuckled at him and asked, "So, how is it going?"


    "What?"


    "This whole long-distance relationship," elaborated Darren. "How are you holding up?"


    Dylan took a moment before replying, "As much as I''d love to see her every day, I don''t think this long-distance relationship is that bad though. Although I can''t hold her every day, however, whenever we get to see each other after days, the passion is ignited to a new height."


    Darren put his hand on his mouth saying, "Didi, you better continue with the details. I really have no interest in learning about two of my great friends'' passion for each other."


    "How boring!" muttered Dylan. Then his eyes fell on the book that Darren was reading and he smirked, "Well, now I know why you''re so boring. You and I are in two different leagues now. You''re gonna be a father now. I''m still a bachelor who can enjoy his days with his girlfriend full of passion and love." He tsked at Darren as he continued, "But look at you now. Here you''re reading books on parenting. And just last year, you''re reading books on emotional developments. Just how fast the night changes, eh!"


    Darren rolled his eyes at Dylan, "You better pray I don''t catch you with a book on parenting. Or else, I''ll roast you for life!"


    Dylan stuck his tongue out at Darren, "Don''t worry. You won''t see me with a book like this."


    "We''ll see!" retorted Darren. Taking a pause he added, "By the way, you didn''t tell me, what took you so long to get here?"


    Dylan hesitated a little before answering honestly, "I went to see Sister Meihui."


    Darren paused a little but didn''t comment over this.


    Seeing his expression, Dylan pursed his lips and didn''t continue.


    Darren actually didn''t mind Dylan going to see Qiu Meihui. After all, both were siblings. He couldn''t possibly stop Dylan from keeping in contact with his sister just because of what she did to him. Just like how he couldn''t stop talking to Dylan just because of what his sister did. It was all the same. His relationship currently was with Dylan and it had always been precious. He wouldn''t compromise on this friendship for anything.


    What Dylan did with his personal time was completely up to him. He had no right to dictate his life for him.


    "Oh, I did the task you told me to," said Dylan after an awkward moment of silence. "And don''t worry, I''ll pick the parcel right on time."


    "Do you think she''ll like it?"


    Dylan gave him a look, "Dazi, your wife will like anything as long as it comes from you. Stop worrying about such a nonsensical thing. In fact, Xiu can fly up to heaven just knowing that you did something for her. She is so easy to please."


    Darren pursed his lips and nodded, "You''re right. She really gets satisfied easily. Even if it doesn''t seem like it. But I still want to give her the best of the best."


    "Isn''t it enough that she has the best of the best husband?" retorted Dylan.


    "Sometimes, it''s really difficult to have a proper conversation with you, Didi."


    "Blame it on your wife. She ruined me completely with her sarcasm." He took a pause and added, "Yesterday, I called her fat. Do you know what she said to me?"


    "What?"


    "She reminded me that now she has a back garden, I should be careful with my words!" Dylan looked exasperated. "Can you believe it? She still wants to bury me in her back garden! That''s a blatant threat!"


    "Who asked you to call her fat?" retorted Darren in displeasure.


    "Because she is fat now," answered Dylan in a matter-of-factly manner.


    "Try calling your girlfriend fat, then I''ll see how you survive," said Darren.


    *BANG*


    Both Darren and Dylan were startled by the loud bang and looked at each other.


    "What just happened?" questioned Dylan.


    Darren stood up saying, "Let''s see for ourselves."


    Dylan quietly followed Darren as he led the way towards the kitchen where Xiu had been trying to teach Francesca to cook. But just as Darren reached the kitchen door, he could tell that this teaching lesson was not going well.


    "Mama, it''s alright. We can try again. We have plenty of fresh ingredients here." He heard Xiu say to Francesca in a consoling voice.


    "But it''s already our second try," replied Francesca.


    "Third time''s the charm," said Xiu.


    Dylan poked his head from behind Darren and asked, "What was that loud bang earlier?"


    Francesca looked up at him and said, "I dropped the pot."


    "Oh? How?"


    "It was hot!"


    "Didn''t use the..." Darren had already put his hand to cover Dylan''s mouth before he could continue. He faced his mother with a smile.


    "Mama, Xiu is right. The third time''s the charm. You can do it. I believe in you."


    Dylan tsked at this husband and wife, before he glared at Xiu, "Back when I mixed up salt and sugar, you gave me a lecture for an hour. I was almost on the verge of crying at that time because of your words. But now, you turned into such a good teacher. This is clearly called being biased."


    "This time the student is my mother-in-law, who the hell are you!" Xiu shot back at him.


    Dylan grinned at her, "I''m your cousin, sweety!"


    Xiu took a deep breath and stomped her foot before pointing at him, "You! Come here and clean this up."


    "ME?" Dylan pointed at him. "Why should I?"


    "A teacher for a day, a teacher for life," retorted Xiu. "Didn''t I teach you for one day as a cooking teacher and a week as a piano teacher? Although you didn''t get better at anything, I still considered you my student. Don''t forget you even called me Shifu! Now, as your Shifu, I''m asking you to clean it up. Hurry it up now!"


    Dylan grumbled, "It''s not that I couldn''t better. It must be because I had a useless teacher."


    "What did you say?"


    Dylan innocently shook his head, "Nothing. I''m just asking where is the mop. I need to clean it up before you get hurt."


    Xiu eyed him but didn''t continue, she led Francesca to a side and started working on the dish again. Meanwhile, Dylan looked at his best friend who was leaning against the doorframe with a smile on his way.


    "You''re enjoying it?" asked Dylan.


    "I always enjoy it," replied Darren. "I can''t take sides anyway. So, the next best thing I can do is to enjoy the show."


    "Huh!" Dylan scoffed at him. "You clearly take side with your wife. Always!"


    "I don''t," refused Darren without any hesitation.


    Dylan ignored him and looked over at Francesca, "France, why are you learning to cook?"


    "I have to impress someone," replied Francesca.


    "Take my advice and just let Xiu cook for you. I used the same tactic to impress Cali."


    Francesca gave him a look, "Hedi, is it alright for you to be so shameless?"


    Dylan shrugged his shoulders, "What can I do? It must run in the blood. After all, my dear cousin Xiu is the queen of shamelessness."


    "Do you have to drag me into this?" asked Xiu.


    "I follow your lead always," said Dylan. "Since you love to drag me into everything, I''ve come to enjoy the same as well now. I must say though, it''s fun."


    Xiu really wished to smack his head right now but she held herself back. There was no point in doing so. Besides, she had been refraining from violence in the past months. It was not good for her little tiger.

 Chapter 909 - Like His Father

    "I thought we were having a baby shower," said Xiu when she was dragged to the salon with the ladies.


    "Xiu, this is also part of the baby shower," answered Nora. "I read somewhere that we should pamper the mom-to-be. So, here we are to give you a relaxing day."


    "It''s only noon," said Xiu. "Did we have to come here so early?"


    "YES!" said Nora and Cali simultaneously.


    Meanwhile, Ying was trying to find a corner to hide but in the end, Cali caught her and dragged her back, "Dear Ying''er, don''t run like that. You''re a woman! Learn to embrace it!"


    "Between you and I, the one who needs to really learn how to be a woman is you!" retorted Ying. "You''re the renowned tomboy. I just got used to playing with dirt and blood with time."


    "Both of you continue, I''m gonna bring Xiu baby for her massage."


    With that, Nora pulled Xiu along and got her inside to get changed before getting a relaxing massage. Xiu had to say that it was effective. Her muscles had been tense in recent weeks. But now she could lie down, close her eyes and enjoy herself to the fullest. This was truly a heavenly feeling.


    After the massage, Xiu got her manicure, pedicure, and facial. Xiu had no idea what Nora was planning but her job was to stay quiet and let her best friend work her magic. Whatever that magic was only time with tell.


    When Xiu was pushed into the chair again, she looked at Nora incredulously, "Why do I have to get makeup and all now?"


    "For the baby shower, duh!" replied Nora. "Doesn''t mom-to-be have to look awesome?"


    Xiu watched how she took the seat beside her and raised her brow, "Then why are you getting a glam up?"


    Nora smiled shyly, "Doesn''t this aunt-to-be also needs to look great for her baby nephew?"


    "Why do I feel like you''re lying to me?"


    "I am lying to you," answered Nora straightforwardly. "But what can you do about it?" Nora wiggled her brows provocatively. "You promised me that today I am allowed to do whatever. So, I''m just gonna take the reins of everything now."


    "Maybe I shouldn''t have promised you anything," muttered Xiu to herself.


    After the whole glam up, when Xiu looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn''t blink her eyes. The make-up look was quite natural and yet, it enhanced her beauty. Even she who had been annoyed with her chubby face came to find it quite adorable right now.


    Then she looked over at the three musketeers who had been following her since this morning and smiled proudly. She indeed had one hell of a gorgeous group of ladies in her life. Each one of them looked like they were ready to walk down the ramp. And they still had yet to change out of their casual clothes.


    Xiu got to see her gown for the baby shower when she reached home. She didn''t even know why these ladies actually as far as customizing this dress for her. But she loved it nonetheless. After all, it showed that they loved her very much.


    The gown wasn''t sparkly or something. It was a simple white gown but it looked elegant and refreshing on her. Nora put a slash over her shoulder that read, ''Mom-to-be.'' And they finally allowed her to enter the hall that had been prepared for the baby shower. It wasn''t actually at the villa she loved in. The baby shower was arranged in the villa where Xin Zimen lived with his sons.


    But since it was right beside this villa, it wasn''t much hassle.


    Balloon, flowers in white and blue dominated the decoration of the hall. There was a small camelia tree in the big pot placed in a corner that Xiu had never seen before. But everything else looked so gorgeous that she soon forgot about the tree.


    She was pushed to sit in the middle of the round sofa as Nora announced, "Since you can''t live without your husband, I decided to make this baby shower a co-ed affair. Traditionally, it''s just a girls'' affair. Isn''t that right, mom?"


    Clara shrugged her shoulders, "How would I know? No one ever threw me a baby shower."


    "More like you were excited to become a mother," retorted Nora.


    "Are you looking for a beating?"


    Nora instantly shut up when she heard her mother''s threat. It was better not to mess with her on this happy occasion or the memory of her getting a beating on the baby shower of her nephew would be added to her dark history.


    "Moving on, we have planned a lot of activities for today. So, you all better be prepared now!" Then she looked at Xiu and said, "Xiu, do you want to say anything?"


    Xiu looked at Darren who sat beside her and said, "I am just here for the gifts. The rest doesn''t matter to me."


    "How typical of you!" said Nora and rolled her eyes at her best friend.


    "Maybe we should just give her the gifts and send her away. We''d be able to enjoy more once she is gone," suggested Dylan.


    "Why don''t I throw you out first?" Nora shot back.


    "This baby shower is for her. How can you even think about having a baby shower without the mom-to-be?" Cali also shot her boyfriend a look.


    "Today is not my day," Dylan said ruefully.


    Xiu jutted her chin out proudly and stuck her tongue at him, "You''re right, Didi. Today is my day after all!"


    Dylan made a face at her words and didn''t continue.


    "Which game should we play first?" asked Nora.


    "How about we eat first?" suggested Xiu again.


    "And here we go again," Dylan couldn''t just shut up. "Xiu, are you here for anything else other than food and gifts?"


    "Those are the only things that matter," replied Xiu. "What do you think? I''d come here to spoil my mood by staring at your scary face? No Way!"


    "I''m scary?" questioned Dylan in shock. "You''re the scary one around here. Everyone knows it already. One minute, you''re crying like it''s the end of the world, and the next minute, you''d be laughing like it''s the time of your life. Tell me, isn''t that the scariest thing?"


    "I don''t think so," answered Xiu.


    "You''re just stubborn who doesn''t want to see reason!"


    "Then you''re the biggest dumbo who knows I''m stubborn and yet are trying to argue with me."


    Dylan pressed his lips together as he realized she was right. The one who was the biggest dumb around here was him. He knew he couldn''t see eye to eye with Xiu and yet starting this argument. No matter how hard he tries to not do it, she just always end up making him get worked up with her words. It wasn''t his fault!


    At least, that''s what he made himself believe all this time.


    "Xiu, we''ll open the gifts at the end and we''ll eat after playing a couple of games," Nora decided to interject before they start brawling out here.


    Xiu pouted at her, "But I''m hungry. You made me sit for three hours in that salon. I''m so hungry now."


    "Let me bring some snacks for you," said Zhao Huan and instantly went to get something for Xiu.


    Nora glared at Xiu, "There is no way you can change."


    "I know," retorted Xiu. "But it''s truly not my fault. This little tiger is always hungry. As his aunt, you should be mindful of his hunger."


    "And now you''re trying to guilt-trip me here," Nora''s shoulders slumped down as she fell on the sofa beside Ah-Si. "Look, your sister is playing with me."


    Darren finally voiced out, "Didn''t you say to her that she can only eat after playing a game?"


    Nora gaped at him, "I didn''t ask her to play with my emotions!"


    "But she is best at that game," replied Darren while rubbing Xiu''s head.


    Xiu pushed his hand away in annoyance, "Baobei, can''t you see that I just got a hairstyle? Don''t ruin it so soon. My whole effort of staying still in the chair for three hours would be wasted!"


    "Fine! I won''t ruin it!" Then he looked at Nora and asked, "By the what games did you plan? Maybe we can choose what to play?"


    Nora nodded her head and instantly told him, "I''m thinking about... First, I have written baby''s traits like IQ, eye color, hair color, personality and all on this board." Nora pulled out a whiteboard from somewhere and went on, "We are gonna let you both guess what the baby''s traits are gonna be like. Whether he''d be like Xiu or Darren?"


    "Oh, I like this game. But I want the baby to be like my Sweets.


    "No!" Xiu instantly rejected. "He has to be like his father! At any cost. Or I don''t want him at all!"

 Chapter 910 - Secret Blessings

    "Sweets, how can you say you don''t want our son?" argued Darren. "Parents should always accept their kids even with their flaws. After all, it''s not like we as parents are without any flaws. So, we should not expect our kids to be perfect either. We should just accept them as they are."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at her husband who seemed to be preaching words of wisdom at the moment. It seemed those parenting books were really getting to him.


    "The least I''m asking of him is to have the same eyes like my husband. Is it too much to ask for?" Xiu retorted.


    Darren looked at her helplessly, "But that''s something not in our control. And neither can our son control it. Besides, I think he''d look just as awesome with your eyes."


    Xiu shook her head, "No! He has to have grey eyes."


    While Darren rubbed his forehead, Nora was tired of watching them bicker over this.


    "You know what," began Nora. "Let''s not have the parents decide on baby''s traits. Allow baby''s favorite aunt to take this job." She grinned proudly, "And that''s me. Give me a round of applause everyone."


    Oddly enough, everyone did follow her lead to gave her a round of applause, allowing Nora to bask in this moment. But soon, Ying stopped Han Bohai and Xiao Li from clapping and stood up.


    "Hey! Why do you forget that I''m also gonna be baby''s aunt? What makes you think you''re gone be the favorite one?"


    "Because I''m gonna shop for him."


    Ying scoffed at Nora, "Boys don''t like shopping. If anything, he''d like me more. I''m the cool aunt around here."


    "What cool? You''re just an emotional mess!" retorted Nora.


    "As if you''re any better!" Ying shot back.


    And then this continued back and forth, Xiu munched on the snacks that Zhao Huan brought for her while she enjoyed this live show. This was certainly fun. She didn''t think this baby shower would be so entertaining from the beginning.


    Seeing her evil grin, Darren wiped the corners of her mouth that had the remnants of the food she was eating as he asked, "Are we having fun?"


    "Very much," answered Xiu.


    Darren shook his head at her and also leaned back to see who would come out victorious. His son wasn''t even born and there was a fight over who would be the favorite aunt, he wondered what would happen once this baby comes to this world. Will he even get a chance to spend time with his own son?


    Meanwhile, Dylan turned to Cali and nudged her, "Aren''t you gonna make a stand for yourself?"


    Cali gave him a glance, "I don''t have to. Once the baby is here, we''d all know who is the victorious one."


    Dylan gaped at her in disbelief. He thought she was m?tur? enough to stay out of this petty argument but it seemed he was being delusional.


    "Nora!" Clara called out Nora harshly and Nora instantly stopped bickering. "Is this really something to argue about?"


    Nora puffed up her cheeks and stepped back but her eyes showed that she didn''t accept defeat at all. She took a deep breath to calm her emotions and started again, "Let''s get back to the parents. Both of you better not start arguing now." Nora warned as she glared at Xiu and Darren. "And there is no need to play with my emotions. We have a lot of games planned for you. You really don''t have to play me like this."


    Xiu giggled at her words and agreed with a nod.


    "We won''t talk about baby''s eyes. Xiu already said she wants it to be grey. And we all know, Darren can''t win this argument."


    Everyone laughed at Nora''s words but also agreed with those words. Indeed, Darren could never win this argument especially since Xiu had already put her foot down.


    "Then let''s move on to his IQ!"


    "Why are you skipping the other features of him?" questioned Ying.


    "Because I want to," retorted Nora. "Now, let''s talk about the IQ." Seeing both of them quiet, Nora furrowed her brows, "Xiu? Darren? What? You both don''t want it to be like each other?"


    "I think it''d be to have Dazi''s IQ," suggested Dylan from the side. "He has always been the smart one."


    "What are you trying to say that my bestie isn''t smart? Are you forgetting that your own company actually sought after her?"


    Nora''s words shut up Dylan instantly.


    "I think Regi''s IQ is fine," said Xiu.


    Nora stared at her for a minute longer before adding, "What about temperament? Do you want the baby to be calm like Darren? Or a little volcano-like his mother, Xiu?"


    Darren wrapped his arm around Xiu''s shoulder and said, "Let''s meet in the middle. Having too much of my calmness won''t be good for him. And being a little volcano-like his mother would also not be that good."


    "I agree. No one would want to bear another version of you both."


    "Nora, stop being snarky!" warned Xiu.


    Nora stuck her tongue out at her playfully before they continued to talk about the baby''s smile, hair color, etc.


    After that, Nora passed cards to everyone in the room. Then she instructed, "Now, I have given everyone three cards each. I want you all to either write a blessing for the baby. A word of wisdom for the parents or you can write whatever''s on your mind. In fact, you can use all these cards so you can do whatever you want."


    "And after we are done with that?" asked Xin Zimen since the question was on everyone''s mind.


    Nora pointed at the camellia tree in the corner and explained, "Then we''ll hang those cards with a golden ribbon on that tree."


    "Why that tree?" questioned Xiu.


    "Because I''ll plant that tree filled with everyone''s blessings outside our little tiger''s window. It''ll grow along with the little tiger. Not only our little tiger will watch the tree grow, but even the tree will also our little tiger grow."


    Xiu was momentarily silent because of Nora''s idea. "But these cards filled with blessings won''t stay there forever."


    Nora smiled at her, "I know. That''s why we''ll save the cards in a special place. That way, our little tiger will be able to see how blessed he is once he finds it."


    "You''re just making trouble," said Xiu but still picked up the marker to write on the card.


    Not just her, everyone else did as well. They all wrote as they were told. When Xiu was done, she looked around and was actually a little taken aback to see how everyone was earnestly writing a blessing for her son. It felt so great that she didn''t even know how to describe this feeling.


    She touched her stomach and thought, ''Son, you''re really loved. I might get jealous of you.''


    The love she had yearned for, she was happy to see that these people were here to offer that love to her son. Of course, they all loved her as well. But it was different. She was past that age where she cried for love. However, her son''s life was yet to begin.


    "Are we supposed to read it out?" asked Zhao Huan.


    "No!" said Nora. "For now, we''ll keep that as a secret." She took out a rectangular box and asked everyone to put their cards in, "I hope you all signed your cards." She joked around as she collected the cards from everyone and closed the box before passing it to the maid.


    "Now, what are we supposed to do?"


    "Now, we eat!" answered Xiu. Nora gave her a look and Xiu added, "Didn''t you say we''ll eat after two activities. We''re already done. That means it''s food time!"


    "Xiu, you''ve already eaten," reminded Nora as she pointed at the two empty plates before her.


    Xiu looked aggrieved, "That didn''t even manage to cushion my stomach."


    "Alright, alright! I think we should really eat now," suggested Xin Zemin.


    Nora rolled her eyes when she heard that, "Don''t fall for her acting."


    "Even if she is acting, we''ll still happily become the fools," said Xin Zimen. "But we don''t want to see her sad. So, my future daughter-in-law, have some mercy on our daughter. We''ll continue once she is done eating."


    Nora ?r??n?d and fell down on the sofa, "Fine! Do whatever you want!"


    Ah-Si rubbed her head to soothe her but it had no effect on Nora.


    "If we continued at this pace, our surprise will go down the drain!"


    Xiao Li was sitting on her other side as he said, "It won''t. This day is for her. If she is happy with eating rather than doing activities, then let her be."


    Nora scoffed, "And then she says she is getting fat. Who wouldn''t be fat after eating so much?"


    Xiao Li coughed beside her, "For now, I''ll look over the fact that you called my sister fat. But I hope there is no next time."


    Nora gaped at him, "Awesome! I''m again at fault here!"

 Chapter 911 - A Practical Gift

    Only after they were done eating did Nora bring out the stuff for the next game she had planned. She put the baby photos of everyone on the table and made Xiu and Darren guess who was who.


    Xiu pulled out two pictures from the pile instantly as she excitedly said, "I know these two." She pointed at the picture with the baby who had grey eyes and grinned, "That''s my Baobei. I can never forget these eyes." Then she pointed at the other picture and looked over at Jackie, "And this is our Jackson Jing. How can I not recognize him? He grew up before my eyes."


    "Grew up before your eyes?" repeated Clara. "More like he grew up in your arms."


    Xiu smiled sheepishly while a few brothers around her felt sour when they heard that. Adding on the fact that she actually picked out Jackie''s picture first, every single brother had a complicated feeling.


    Xiu was happily oblivious to it all as she rummaged through the rest of the photos. Darren also picked one picture and put it beside his mother''s face, "This one is Mama''s picture."


    Francesca smiled at him, "Anyone can see that. Besides you, only I have that eye color around here."


    Darren grinned at her. Then Xiu took another two photos and placed them side by side with a complicated look in her eyes.


    "Got stuck, little lass?" inquired Xin Zimen.


    Xiu looked at him and answered, "I can tell that these pictures are of Ah-Xin and Father. But I can''t seem to tell who is who." She really couldn''t tell them apart. In their childhood, their faces held an even more striking resemblance than they did now. They really seemed like they were made from the same mold. Xiu was really confused.


    And for this sole reason, it took her a while before she concluded, "The one with a smile on his face is Ah-Xin and the one with the serious expression is Father."


    Both Xin Zemin and Xin Zimen were surprised when she got it wrong. After all, if one judged from how they acted now, they would definitely mix them up. Since now, it was Xin Zimen who always had a serious look on his face and it was Xin Zemin who liked to smile gently. But it was the other way around when they were young.


    Since Xin Zemin had the responsibility of being the eldest son of the Xin family, he was always serious. Meanwhile, Xin Zimen was a little carefree when he was young. He only knew how to smile while admiring his elder brother.


    Xin Zemin pinched Xiu''s cheek saying, "It seems my daughter is quite smart."


    Xiu gave them a proud look. No matter how similar they looked, she''d still be able to tell them apart. Just like this, Darren and Xiu guessed everyone''s baby pictures but when it came to the last one, Xiu was left staring at it for a long time. She couldn''t recognize it at all.


    "Who is this?" she finally voiced out and noticed how everyone was giving her some odd looks now. The baby girl in the photo was about 2 or 3 years old. She really couldn''t tell who she was.


    Darren knocked on her head lightly before saying, "Sweets, that''s you."


    Xiu''s mouth opened wide as she continued to stare at the picture. Oh, please! Just because she accepted the fact that she was Destiny and Xiu both, she couldn''t really recognize Destiny''s childhood pictures just because she occupied this body. Besides, who would even remember what they looked like when they were 3? Unless they had some childhood pictures.


    But Xiu had none of Destiny''s photos. Neither from her childhood nor from the later years. It was as if Destiny didn''t want to leave a mark of herself behind. All the more reason, Xiu didn''t expect to see this photo here.


    "I can''t believe you didn''t even recognize yourself," said Ying while shaking her head at Xiu.


    Xiu wasn''t even embarrassed as she asked, "I thought I had no childhood photos, where did this come from?"


    "Cali found it," replied Nora.


    Xiu looked over at Cali who nodded her head, "I found it at home. This was the only picture there but it''s still better than nothing."


    Xiu held the photo tightly as she asked, "Can I have it?"


    Cali shrugged her shoulders, "Of course, you can. It''s yours anyway."


    "Thanks!" said Xiu softly as she looked at the photo again. This was the only photo of Destiny. She wanted to keep it safe. This was the only photo where not only the body of Destiny was present but even the soul seen through those eyes was also Destiny''s. It was really a precious photo to her.


    "Shall we open gifts now?" suggested Cali.


    Xiu put the photo safely by her side and nodded her head, "Let''s do it." With sparkling eyes, Xiu opened the gifts. Looking at the knitted sweater in her hands, she looked at Clara.


    "Don''t look at me like that. I knit it myself."


    Jackie spoke on behalf of his mother as well, "Yes, mom even used all her break time in office to knit this sweater."


    Xiu hugged it as she smiled at Clara who was avoiding her gaze. It was so unlike something Clara would do after all. She was a capable lawyer. Knitting really didn''t go well with her image but she still did it for her.


    "Thank you, Clara mom!"


    Clara smiled at Xiu and got up to kiss her temple, "Do you like it?"


    "It''s so cute, how can I not like it?" Then Xiu opened the others'' gifts. Just like Clara, even Zhao Huan had knitted a hat for the baby.


    But when it came to Francesca, she raised her arms saying, "For sweetheart, I can''t knit. So, I just brought these shoes for my grandson."


    Xiu chuckled at her since that was something Francesca would do. There were all kinds of gifts, bath essentials, cleansing wipes, foam shampoos for the babies, gentle cleansing gels. Everything was for the baby. And quite practical as well. But there were things for her as well. For instance, those body firming gel bottles, stretch marks cream, maternity pajamas to stay cozy, and even compression socks.


    Xiu was amused by the wide range of gifts before her. Then she looked at the voucher that read, ''Lifetime free access to diapers!'' She glared at Dylan who raised his brows in question, "That''s a practical gift. You''ll thank me later for that. Do you even know how expensive diapers are?"


    "Oh, it seems you''ve quite some experience in the field of diapers. How long did you wear them?" retorted Xiu.


    Dylan huffed at her, "You''ll understand the value of my gift once the baby is born."


    Xiu stopped bothering him and looked at Xiao Li and Ah-Si, "How come I didn''t see a gift from Li bro and my little lamb?"


    "The gift is not done yet," answered Xiao Li.


    "Oh, what is it that it''s taking so long?" questioned Xiu.


    "Your brothers are making a crib for the baby with their own hands," answered Xin Zimen for her. "Of course, they are not done yet."


    Xiu gaped at the two of them in surprise. She felt so touched when she heard that she forgot what else to say. She moved her eyes towards Han Bohai and smiled at him, "Thank you Xiao Bobo for the recipe book for the baby''s meals and all those storybooks. Also, thank you for arranging a pre-baby date night for me and my husband."


    Han Bohai smiled at her in return, "You''re welcome!"


    "Stop feeling so proud and stop sending those candles," Darren added.


    "Why? Aren''t the candles helping in relaxing her nerves?" questioned Han Bohai.


    Darren rolled his eyes at him, "Yes, they are really helpful. But we are not planning on opening a shop. Stop sending bundles every other day."


    Han Bohai pouted at him but still nodded his head in agreement.


    Seeing how the sun was setting, Nora stood up and signaled the other, trying to be discreet while doing it. And slowly, everyone left the hall. Even Darren made an excuse to leave. Only Xiu was left with both her father sitting beside her.


    "Ah-Xin, Father, what is everyone up to?"


    "How would we know what young people are up to?" replied Xin Zemin.


    "Yes, we have no idea," agreed Xin Zimen.


    "Try something better than that to deceive me," said Xiu as she looked around thoughtfully.


    She knew everyone not only left the hall, but they also left this house. But where did they go? What exactly was this surprise that had them running around like this? She had to be lying if she said, she wasn''t curious to know what they had planned.


    Suddenly, Xin Zimen''s phone vibrated, and reading the text, he stood up saying, "Little lass, would you like to accompany us somewhere?"


    Xiu looked at the arms they both offered to her and without hesitation, she looped her arms around theirs. "Let''s go!"

 Chapter 912 - A Simple Vow

    "Do I have to cover my eyes for this surprise?" joked Xiu when she led out of the house by both her fathers.


    They didn''t take her far, in fact, she was brought back to the house she had been living in for the last few months now. However, when Xiu had just stepped inside the garden, she was stunned to her place.


    It was supposed to be a place she was really familiar with. She often took walks in this very garden with Darren. But today, the same garden looked so unfamiliar to her. She looked at the board that was placed by her side which read, ''Welcome to the wedding of Regan and Xiu. It''s never too late to live happily ever after.'' There were even small hearts doodled at the corner.


    Right before her eyes were the aisle decorated with floral petals. Shepherd hooks suspended flower arrangement was done on both sides of the walkway. White and peach-colored flowers and green leaves dominated the whole setting. It looked like a dreamy garden wedding but it had a very intimate feel to it.


    Xiu blinked the tears that welled up in her eyes as she looked at Darren in a suit standing right there waiting for her. She wanted to glare at her fathers for hiding this from her but when she looked at their smiles, she lost her momentum.


    Xiao Li ran over and put a flower crown on Xiu''s head. He tapped her nose saying, "You''re the most beautiful bride ever."


    Xiu scoffed at his words, "Liar!"


    Ah-Si also came over and gave her a loose bridal bouquet. The bouquet was made of light-colored blossoms, wildflowers, and ample foliage. "Sister Xiu, do you like the surprise?"


    "Shut up! Don''t talk to me right now!" said Xiu as she held the bouquet and glared at him.


    Ah-Si instantly shut his mouth. It wasn''t that she didn''t like this surprise. She was just taken aback a little. Adding on the fact that hormones were raging during this period, she was overwhelmed with emotions right now.


    She really wanted to cry out but she also wanted to smile at how touched she was because of the surprise. But in the end, she was so conflicted by her own emotions that she was left in a daze.


    She didn''t notice when Dylan and Nora walked down the aisle together as taking the responsibility of the best man and maid of honor respectfully. But when she did, she couldn''t help rolling her eyes at Nora''s cheeky smile.


    Soon after, the ring bearer carried the rings down the aisle to the altar. Xiu looked at Jackie and chuckled at how he looked like he didn''t want to be the one doing this job but he had no other way out. Besides, it was his Sister Xiu''s wedding, he had to take this big responsibility on his small shoulders.


    Right behind him, Ava and Asteria played the role of flower girls. For some reason, Jackie slowed his pace when the flower girls joined him on the aisle. Xiu couldn''t help laughing heartily at this scene.


    She only came back from the high of this surprise when her fathers brought her to Darren who had been waiting for her at the altar. While giving her hand to Darren, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin stared down Darren.


    "You, take care of her."


    "Don''t let her get hurt."


    "She is a little crazy but you must not complain."


    "She isn''t difficult though. Anything can make her happy."


    "So, you keep her happy."


    "Always!"


    Darren looked at both of them and nodded his head, "I''ll keep doing my best." Then he faced and whispered, "Oh, who is this? Isn''t this the most beautiful bride in the world?"


    Xiu''s lips twitched at Darren''s cheeky compliment.


    *Cough!*


    Both of them turned their head and Xiu smiled sheepishly at Jing Ge when he said, "Dear groom, don''t forget I''m standing here. Don''t flirt with my daughter right before my eyes."


    "But I''m flirting with my wife," responded Darren.


    "I don''t care," said Jing Ge and faced everyone with a serious look. He was playing the role of the officiator of this wedding. And he seemed to be taking it quite seriously. As everyone took their seats, he addressed everyone, "Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to witness the union of these two love-birds. As friends and family of the bride and groom, it must be no secret to you all how much these two love to spread dog food around."


    Okay, maybe Xiu was overthinking about it. He really wasn''t as serious as he looked.


    "Uncle Jing!" she called out. "What are you doing?"


    "You can make me sick of sweets and I can''t even talk about it?" retorted Jing Ge.


    Nora laughed out and gave her father a thumbs up, "Dad, I''m proud of you."


    Xiu made a face Jing Ge and complained, "I thought you want to make it a good day for me."


    Jing Ge touched her head and chuckled, "Aiyah! I can''t win when it comes to you." He took a pause and looked at Darren and Xiu, "I won''t waste anyone''s time here since I don''t think both of you need to know what significance marriage and love have. So, let''s exchange the vows."


    Darren pressed down on Xiu''s hand and looked into her eyes, "You know I''ve been trying to write the vows for the past three days, and even at this point, I haven''t been able to write more than three words. I love you!" Xiu bit her lip as he continued, "That''s all I have to say. I love you. I don''t think it sums up what I feel for you, but that''s all I can say." She looked at her sheepishly, "I have never been so bad with words, right? You always said I''m a sweet-talker but look at me now when I''m supposed to say something, I don''t even know what to say to you. But just know, I''m always here. Always with you."


    Xiu shook her head at him and smiled while holding back her tears. In fact, she didn''t need to hear anything from him. She had no doubt regarding how much he loved her. And he was telling the truth, except for that ''I love you'' he couldn''t tell her anything. But those three words were the only promise she needed.


    Yes, life will never be the same. Yes, they''ll fight, after all, she is crazy. There is no way they''d be able to live without arguing. Life can''t always be smooth sailing. But throughout it all, he''ll be there. And that was all that mattered.

 Chapter 913 - Increasing Chances

    Everyone around them was expecting a long speech from Darren but the man just summed it all up too soon giving everyone a complicated feeling. Then everyone''s eyes trained on Xiu, waiting for her to start speaking.


    Xiu just grinned at Darren and said, "Baobei, let''s grow ugly together!"


    "Pfft!"


    "What the fu?k?!"


    "What was that?"


    One could literally hear the burst of curses, laughter, or confusion around. But Xiu was completely unaffected as always. She knew her Baobei understood what she meant and that was all that mattered.


    Darren also closed his eyes briefly before looking and nodding his head, "Let''s do that." He knew she meant, let''s grow old together having the wrinkly face, frail bodies, but still the same strong heart that beats only for each other. "As long as you don''t leave this hand again, I won''t let it go."


    Xiu grinned foolishly, "Then you promise you''ll watch every sunset with me."


    "Only sunset?" he questioned. "What about sunrise?"


    Xiu sheepishly looked around, "I''m a lazy potato, you know I won''t be able to catch up with the sunrise. Even if you drag me out of bed, I''d still not be saying hi to the sun so early in the morning. But I don''t mind saying goodbye to the sun in the evening."


    Darren nodded in understanding, "Let''s do that then. We''ll watch every sunset."


    "What kind of aspirations is that?" came Nora''s voice from behind Xiu. "Watching the sunset every day? Won''t you both get bored of the repetitive pattern?"


    Xiu glared at her best friend before turning her head back and saying, "It won''t be boring. It''ll be just as special as it is today!" And then Xiu''s eyes followed the fading orange hues of the sun on the horizon. Today, the sunset was just too special to her.


    "Maybe I should have just gone with the traditional vows," they heard Jing Ge''s lamenting voice. "You both are so not following the script here.


    Both Darren and Xiu didn''t even look embarrassed as they faced him. Jing Ge shook his head at them and continued, "Let''s exchange the rings."


    Xiu looked at Jackie who stepped up with the rings. Xiu gave Jackie a once-over before passing him an appreciative gaze. Jackie was pleased to see that.


    Everyone stood up to clap when they exchanged the rings.


    "Okay, let''s end it here," said Jing Ge.


    Xiu gaped at him in disbelief, "Uncle Jing, you skipped the most important part."


    "Did I?" Jing Ge feigned ignorance. "I don''t think so."


    "You definitely did!" urged Xiu. "I didn''t kiss my husband yet!"


    Jing Ge laughed out, "You''re certainly one of a kind bride!" Xiu puffed up her cheeks and pouted with an aggrieved look. "Don''t give me that." He looked at Darren and waved his hand, "I pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride now."


    Darren wrapped a hand around Xiu''s waist and pulled her close before putting his lips against hers. However, the kiss didn''t continue for long. Although he was reluctant to part, he still managed to do so since he didn''t want to continue before all of their family members.


    Francesca''s face twitched when she saw that and slapped Zhou Xichen''s th??h, "I didn''t invite you here to embarrass me. Stop crying!"


    Zhou Xichen pointed at Zhao Huan, "She is also crying!"


    "She is the mother of the bride!"


    "Well, I''m the father of the groom!"


    "Aren''t you ashamed as a man to cry?"


    "No!" retorted Zhou Xichen as he continued to look affectionately at the newlyweds. This could be considered the very first time he got to be a part of something important in Darren''s life. Even though he was the father, he had only been a father in name. He never even got to spend a single special day with his son.


    So, today was indeed quite precious to him. And he really didn''t care if his image collapsed. He was feeling overjoyed.


    Francesca turned her face away and decided not to pay attention to him.


    On the other side, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin were also lamenting...


    "Why do daughters grow up so fast?"


    "I know, right? It just felt like yesterday I found her and today, I have to walk her down the aisle."


    "I would have never let her get married if it wasn''t Regan standing there as her life partner."


    "Well, we can be reassured with him there."


    "Daddy''s Princess can''t stay a Princess forever. She needs to become someone''s Queen."


    "Why are you getting so deep, Xiao Zi?"


    "Who is talking to you?"


    "You just had a conversation with me."


    "No, I didn''t. I was just talking to myself."


    Saying that Xin Zimen even walked farther away from his brother. While Xin Zemin was left staring at his back in disbelief.


    As soon as Xiu and Darren were done with taking blessings from the elders, Nora tugged Xiu away saying, "Let''s throw the bouquet! Let''s throw the bouquet!"


    "Are you that eager to be the next?" asked Xiu.


    Nora nodded her head without any hesitation, "Of course, I am!" She leaned closer and whispered, "You make a good throw later on. I must catch that bouquet today!"


    "You know even if you catch it, there is no guarantee that you''d be the next one to get married," reminded Xiu.


    "You keep your logic to yourself!" She took a pause and added, "I must have this today. I have to win."


    Xiu shook her head and took her place as she turned her head to look back at the crowd gathered behind her.


    "Xiao Bobo, what the hell are you doing there?"


    Han Bohai grinned at Xiu, "I''m increasing the chances of our win."


    Xiu laughed out and turned back saying, "Okay then. Take your position, here I come!" With those words, she launched the bouquet into the air.

 Chapter 914 - No Skips

    For some reason, Xiu''s angle changed when she threw the bouquet, and instead of making an arc backward, the arc was made at a 90-degree angle making the bouquet land perfectly in the ??p of Francesca Salvay.


    That not only shocked Francesca who suddenly got the bouquet but it made the people waiting behind Xiu groan and wh?n?.


    "Xiu!" yelled Nora. "You did it on purpose!"


    "Sister Xiu, how can you take my dream from me?!" Han Bohai also wh?n?d.


    "Xiu, you''re really something," said Cali.


    Xiu looked at Dr. Ling to see if she had anything to say and got the reply, "I was dragged here against my will. I don''t even care!"


    Xiu grinned at them, "I didn''t do it on purpose. The bouquet found its rightful owner on its own. I had nothing to do with it."


    "As if we believe you!" huffed Nora.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders and shouted, "Mama, hold the bouquet tight!"


    Francesca was still staring at the flowers in her ??p in a daze. Just how the hell did she get involved in this? She was just sitting here!


    "Congratulations, Mama!" said Darren.


    Francesca glanced at him, "Stop it, Regi."


    "Okay," Darren zipped his lips and held his wife''s hand to take her away from the pack of disappointed wolves who were ready to pounce on her to demand justice. Darren obviously wouldn''t give them such a chance at all.


    "Okay, gather everyone for photographs!" announced Clara to gather everyone around.


    The photographer made everyone take their positions. "3, 2..."


    "Wait for me!"


    A loud cry made everyone turn their heads. A young girl with a backpack was running over in a full denim attire. She put her hands on her knees and panted. She looked at Xiu and asked, "Am I late, Xiuxiu?"


    "If you had been any later, my son would have been born," replied Xiu.


    Bo Jiu scratched her head foolishly, "I still love your sarcasm, Xiuxiu."


    "As someone ?ssociated with Xiu, I should have never expected you to be on time," said Dylan and earned a slap on his arm from his mother.


    "Well, I have my reason to be late," replied Bo Jiu.


    "Let me guess, you''re stuck in the traffic," Nora offered an excuse for her.


    Bo Jiu shook her head, "I couldn''t find the bug."


    "Bug?"


    "She means she could find the bug in her code," elaborated Xiu for her. "Don''t just stand there, get here already. We are getting photographs."


    "I''m not part of the family," replied Bo Jiu. "Is it alright for me to be in the photo?"


    "You''re getting here or not?"


    "At your service, my queen!" Bo Jiu hurriedly took off her backpack and found a position to stand with everyone for the photo.


    After group photos, everyone got their individual photos with the bride and the groom. And since the others couldn''t just hover around like idiots, just as the garden lit up with bright lights, the rest of them found their way to the ???ktail table.


    As Nora sat down with Bo Jiu, the latter asked, "Didn''t you get the order wrong? The bouquet is thrown after dinner and the toast. Am I wrong? But I think that''s what happened at my sister''s wedding."


    "What does it matter? It''s not like caught it anyway!" said Nora in disappointment.


    Bo Jiu gulped down her drink and said, "Why do you look so down? I caught the bouquet at my sister''s wedding, I''m still as single as one can possibly be."


    "Thanks for saying that," replied Nora. "But you''re forgetting that I already know you''re not the one who caught the bouquet. Did you forget that you invited Xiu to the wedding?"


    Bo Jiu closed her eyes as she suddenly remembered she chose the wrong words. "Well, the one who caught it also didn''t get married yet. I promise!"


    While she left, someone else sat down at her seat but since Bo Jiu was busy choosing the drinks before her, she didn''t notice that. She happily slid the glass of drink over saying, "Drink it one go and wash down all the sadness in your heart."


    Xin Xiaoli was surprised but since he came to take a drink and he was being offered one, he didn''t refuse. He just took the glass and guzzled it down.


    "Feeling better?"


    "No, I''ll have another one," answered Xiao Li.


    Hearing the voice, Bo Jiu almost fell down her chair but Xiao Li instantly held her arm to support her. "Are you that drunk?" He questioned.


    Bo Jiu stared at his face in a daze, "I also want to know if I''m that drunk after taking a couple of ???ktails. When did you turn into a man?"


    "I was always a man," replied Xiao Li.


    Bo Jiu shook her head and rubbed her eyes but the face and the person didn''t change so she sat up and cleared her throat. Looking around when she saw Nora, she mumbled, "When did she leave?"


    Xiao Li took another ???ktail and replied, "When you weren''t paying attention." With that, he walked away.


    Suddenly, Dylan stood up from his chair and clicked the glass with his spoon to get everyone''s attention. "Being the best man, it''s my responsibility to offer this toast."


    "Dylan, just sit down," said Xiu. "If you all are skipping so many steps, let''s skip this one as well."


    Dylan glared at her, "You didn''t even skip a kiss, you have no right to talk about skipping here."

 Chapter 915 - All Out

    Since Xiu couldn''t convince him to give up, she just let Dylan do what he wanted. And seeing how Xiu silently gave him the way, Dylan smiled smugly.


    "Hello, everyone!" Dylan first greeted everyone. "Although you all know me, I''ll still introduce myself. I''m Dylan otherwise known as Qiu Hedi. And I am Dazi''s best friend. That''s why I''m the best man for the day!"


    "Why does he look so happy?" questioned Xiu as she leaned towards Darren.


    "Because he''d been waiting for this day for far too long," replied Darren in amusement. He was certainly familiar with Dylan''s excitement for being his best man. He had been nagging him for years that he had to be the one. So, right now, he was really looking forward to what Dylan had to say.


    Meanwhile, Dylan continued, "I''ve known Dazi since we were in elementary school. I although I hate dogs, I must thank one dog who attacked me and in the process gifted me with a friend who is more like a brother to me. No..." Dylan shook his head and rephrased his words, "I should say, he is a brother of mine. And someone I''m damn proud of."


    Darren''s eyes didn''t leave Dylan''s face while the latter continued to talk.


    "At first, I wanted to add some embarrassing moments of Dazi''s life to make you all laugh but I realized, he doesn''t have any embarrassing moments. He had always been too awesome that it made me angry!"


    Darren chuckled at his words.


    "However, I do have a lot of embarrassing moments of Xiu but I won''t share any of it. After all, I still love my life."


    This made everyone laugh out while Xiu''s lips twitched as she glanced at Dylan.


    Dylan took a moment to collect his thoughts and looked at both Darren and Xiu, "When I first learned that you both are dating, I was shook. Really! And let''s accept it, none of the three of us can forget that night. But I''m still not sure which one of us was more shocked that night. Me, who learned his best friend was dating his E.A. Or Xiu, who learned that the boss she was planning to kill was the best friend of her boyfriend. But then I think it was Dazi, who was the most shocked that night. After all, he got a call from both his girlfriend and best friend to ask him to bail them out of jail."


    "Definitely, me!" replied Darren. "It was one hell of an experience for me."


    "But it doesn''t matter, Dazi. At least, we added some fun into your boring life," joked Dylan.


    "That you sure did," agreed Darren.


    Dylan looked at Xiu and continued, "I''ve said it to you before, I can''t find any flaws in him."


    "What nonsense are you talking about? You clearly tried to pick out every single flaw of him to make me break up with him."


    Dylan coughed when Xiu reminded him of that, "I was joking. Just joking. But didn''t I also add that you won''t ever be able to find anyone like him? And see, I was right! Xiu, no matter how much I tease you, I have to say that you''re the perfect life partner for my Dazi. If he is the best, you''re no less." Xiu''s brows went up while he ignored her shock and continued, "Even though you love to bicker with me, when I need you, you''re always there. I''m honestly really happy that you found each other. The way your love story unfolded made me actually believe in love all over again. Even with everything that happened, you both still found each other like it was meant to be. Xiu, you gave me the courage to follow my heart. You made me face the feelings I was scared of for far too long."


    Xiu blinked her eyes to keep her tears from falling. His speech wasn''t particularly heart-touching but she and Darren knew what he meant when he said how they still found each other. He was keeping his words vague but they both knew what led them to each other.


    "Even with all your craziness, you''re still the kind of a sister one would feel blessed to have. And it can be considered my blessing as well that you''re my sister." Dylan raised a toast and said, "Congratulations to both of you. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together."


    While everyone raised their glasses to toast, Xiu could only raise her glass of orange juice but the good thing was Darren was also just drinking orange juice to accompany her.


    "I didn''t expect him to say any nice words," said Xiu.


    Just as Dylan was about to sit, he added, "Oh, I forgot to add. Xiu, let''s not pull each other''s hair again."


    Xiu gaped at him, "I''m so gonna murder you, Dylan!"


    Dylan laughed out, "Everybody heard that. If I die in the future, catch her first!"


    "And what makes you think we won''t help her in murdering you?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "Li bro is right. Rather than catching her, I might just help her in escaping," added Ah-Si.


    "There is no need for an escape plan," said Han Bohai. "Sister Xiu is the best at planning. She won''t leave any loopholes in her murder plan. No one will be able to find her."


    Dylan had no words for this group of brothers. They really went all out!


    He looked at Jackie who was silently and sensibly eating the dinner. Putting his faith in him, he called him out, "Jackie, you''re the most sensible one here. What do you say? It''s not good to help a criminal right?"


    Jackie looked up and shrugged his shoulders, "My mom is a criminal lawyer and she does say it''s not good to help a criminal." Before Dylan could smile smugly, Jackie added, "But who said my sister would waste her time on planning a murder of you?"

 Chapter 916 - The Dream That Belonged To Her

    "Pfft!"


    "Dylan, don''t you know no matter how sensible Jackie is, he still won''t go against Xiu?" Nora looked at Dylan as if she was looking at an idiot.


    "A bunch of bullies you all are," muttered Dylan.


    After Dylan, Nora also stood up to make a toast and started with, "Good evening everyone! I''m happy you all joined us on this special day. Unlike Dylan, I''ll be keeping it short." She faced Xiu and continued, "Xiu darling, becoming your friend I never thought you''d become my everything over time. But you did without me even realizing it. While trying to be your memory manual, I came to discover you all over again." Xiu''s face stiffened slightly while Nora added, "But I didn''t just re-discover you, I came to find a new meaning of our friendship as well." Xiu smiled softly at her. "I still remember the days I used to push you to hit on our new neighbor. But considering how stiff you had been becoming over years, I thought you needed a push. However, I was so wrong about that."


    Xiu chose to cover her face with her hands while Nora chuckled, "You weren''t becoming a nun. You''re just waiting for that one person who could evoke the craziness in you. And that person happened to be Darren. I was so shocked when you called him over in the park and you wanted to teach him the art of sightseeing."


    "Stop it!" gritted out Xiu.


    Nora laughed louder, "Even though you guys have been married for months, you''ve always acted more like lovers. Lovers who loved to make my days sour with their overload of sweetness." She raised a toast and continued, "May you remain the lovers for all your life. Here''s a toast to love, laughter, and happily ever after."


    While Xiu lifted her glass to take a sip of the juice, Nora also followed Dylan''s example and added, "Oh, I forgot to remind you. The right order of a relationship doesn''t start with a kiss."


    "Shut up, Nora!"


    Nora grinned at her before sticking her tongue out. There weren''t many people here who knew how Xiu and Darren started dating but Nora was clear about that drunk kiss that led to both of them asking each other out. She had loved to remind Xiu that she didn''t follow the right order.


    "Newlyweds, are you ready for your first dance?"


    Darren looked at Xiu and offered his hand, "Is it alright?" She nodded. "Then may I have the honor to dance with you milady?"


    Xiu slid her hand into his and replied, "Yes, you may."


    ??What would I do without your smart mouth?


    Drawin'' me in, and you kickin'' me out


    You''ve got my head spinnin'', no kiddin''


    I can''t pin you down


    What''s going on in that beautiful mind?


    I''m on your magical mystery ride


    And I''m so dizzy, don''t know what hit me


    But I''ll be alright


    My head''s underwater


    But I''m breathing fine


    You''re crazy and I''m out of my mind


    ''Cause all of me loves all of you


    Love your curves and all your edges


    All your perfect imperfections


    Give your all to me, I''ll give my all to you


    You''re my end and my beginnin''


    Even when I lose, I''m winnin''


    ''Cause I give you all of me


    And you give me all of you, oh-oh ??


    Following the rhythm of the slow music, both of them danced slowly. Completely lost in their whole world. A world where they could even see the people surrounding them. Xiu still couldn''t get rid of her habit of forgetting the world once her eyes held the sight of his grey orbs.


    As she always claimed, those grey orbs were the death of her. They made her forget her own existence.


    And Darren didn''t have to forget the world with her around. His whole world was her. With her, he felt alive. And she was the world, he didn''t wish to lose for anything. This world was far too precious to him.


    "What are you looking at?" she asked.


    "You!" he answered with a smile.


    "Why?" she inquired.


    "Because I love you. I can''t anything more beautiful than you here."


    Xiu made a sound in reply but one could see the way her eyes squinted while trying to suppress the smile that threatened to bloom on her lips.


    He touched her face and asked, "What are you looking at?"


    "Your eyes," she answered honestly.


    Darren made a face at her, "Sweets, do you love my eyes more or me?"


    "Both!" she replied cheekily.


    "That''s not the right answer," he grumbled.


    Xiu wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly as she said, "Baobei, I''m happy."


    Darren''s fingers dug into her hair moving in a comforting motion, "How happy?"


    Xiu looked up at him and answered, "So happy that I feel like my heart is having difficulty taking in this overwhelming happiness. In both lifetimes, I did see a dream of a day like today. But I also knew it''d always be just a dream. I never thought it''d become my reality."


    Xiu buried her face into his ?h?st as she let her tears fall. She really had no way to express her happiness right now. She never thought she won''t just get the chance to be the bride of the man whom she loved and he also loved her. Perhaps, even more, than she could ever love him.


    Xiu knew Darren''s love was silent. But he always let her feel it.


    She also never expected this wedding would be in the presence of a family that belonged to her. Friends who genuinely loved her. And loved to tease her as well. Brothers who were fighting for her attention and parents who would shed tears of happiness for her.


    This was truly a dream that she never dared to believe in before. But now that it was real, she didn''t know what to do. But since dream belonged to her, she''d just embrace it wholeheartedly.

 Chapter 917 - By Mistake?

    Xiu couldn''t dance for long in her condition so Darren made her sit down and asked others to continue with the dancing. Since it was the job of the best man and maid of honor to make sure the party must go on, both Dylan and Nora were hard at it.


    Xiao Li was standing with his father as they watched everyone else dance in pairs. Suddenly, Xiao Li felt a tug at his sleeve and looked down. He smiled at the young girl and crouched down before, "Yes, my dear Asteria."


    "Daddy, I want to dance too," Asteria made a request.


    Xiao Li touched her nose and nodded, "Sure! Do you want to dance with daddy?" Asteria nodded her head in excitement and Xiao Li offered his hand to her, "Then let''s go, my little princess."


    He pulled Asteria to the dancefloor and danced with her happily making the little girl giggle with every twirl and turn.


    On the other side, Jackie was also being pestered by his little niece who kept following him and even held his hand and pointed at the dance floor. Her meaning was all too clear. But Jackie was choosing to be ignorant.


    Getting tired of running around, he faced Ava and said, "Why are you so energetic today? And if you want to dance, go do it alone! Stop pulling me." Ava pouted adorably and tears brimmed up in her eyes, "Oh, keep your act to yourself!" Jackie knew her all too well. "Don''t even think I will fall for it. Besides, aren''t you too young? How old are you?"


    Ava lifted up four fingers just as he had taught her and Jackie smiled proudly, "Good girl. If you''re only four, do what four years old do."


    "JJ, what do they do?" she asked in a soft milky voice that could melt anyone''s heart. Such pity she was facing Jackson Jing, her cruel uncle whose heart was like an iceberg even at this age!


    "Four years old, go to sleep early! Go ahead and sleep now!"


    Usually, Ava would listen to everything he says but today, she wasn''t doing it. She still held his hand with her smaller ones and refused to let go.


    Jackie took a deep breath and said, "Fine! Just one time!" Ava''s face lit up brighter than the lights that surrounded them right now.


    And that''s how even Jackie was added to the list of people who were dancing happily. Everyone was following their own pace without any care for the world.


    Seeing her brother, Nora was amused to say the least. She didn''t expect Jackie would give in to her daughter. But she clearly underestimated her daughter''s stubbornness. However, with Jackie around she was usually reassured about her daughter. Even though Jackie bullied her little daughter but he also took care of her very well. So, she really couldn''t complain much regarding this.


    "Before she didn''t like to leave my side," grumbled Ah-Si.


    Nora patted his head, "Don''t worry. She still loves you. Now, she just chose a new target to stick to."


    Ah-Si smiled softly, "I don''t mind. It allows me to spend more time with you."


    Nora tsked at him, "Is that something you should say as a father?"


    "No, but this is something I should say as your fiance," he retorted.


    The dancefloor was quite lively now and Xiu was watching all this from the side.


    "Ava is gonna be something once she grows up," said Xiu. "She is already capable of making Jackie dance on her fingers. I wonder what will happen once they grow up."


    "I don''t know about other things but one thing is for sure," began Darren. "Ava won''t be able to date anyone easily with her JJ around."


    Xiu laughed out and gave him a nod, "True. That''s so true!" She was silent for a moment before saying, "Baobei, let''s go somewhere after we are done here."


    "Where do you want to go?" asked Darren.


    "I have a place in mind," replied Xiu vaguely. "You just follow my lead."


    "Oh, I''ll be following your lead for the rest of our life. But I should still get some clue, no?"


    Xiu put her head on his shoulder to rest, "No. You''ll know when we get there."


    "But why are we going? You can tell me that, right?"


    "I have to get something."


    "If you tell me what you want, I can just ask someone to bring it for you."


    "No, it''s something only I can get myself," replied Xiu resolutely.


    Darren didn''t continue to probe about it and agreed to take her out. But for now, they couldn''t possibly leave everyone here and disappear on their own.


    "By the way, I''ve been meaning to ask you. Did the bouquet really ended up on Mama''s ??p by mistake?"


    Xiu closed her eyes and smiled mysteriously, "Who knows which megnatic force was at play. Don''t ask me."


    Darren pinched her nose, "But I think it was my Sweets who was at play this time around."


    Xiu neither agreed nor refused his words. She continued to rest for a while, allowing the others to dance to their heart''s fill.


    Since Bo Jiu had no partner for dancing, she again found the drinks corner to keep her company. Besides, even if she had a partner, she''d still be here. After all, it was only at such events that allowed herself to drink. On normal days, she would always keep her distance from alcohol.


    All the ???ktails here were light and delicious. Bo Jiu just couldn''t stop once she started. But since she had found the seat that was a little far, she kept waving her hand to shoo away the mosquitoes that were trying to drink her blood.


    Since Bo Jiu was a persistent person, she just couldn''t sit still that she wasn''t able to kill that mosquitoes that drank her blood! She tried to catch it but ended up stumbling and...


    "Ptak!"


    Her hand just landed on someone''s face.

 Chapter 918 - Missing Piece

    Xiao Li had just come to get juice for Asteria who was feeling thirsty but he didn''t expect he would be attacked when he wasn''t even ready for it. This sneak attack caught him surprise but he didn''t know that this caught the attacker by surprise as well.


    Behind him, both Ying and Dr. Ling gasped when they saw this scene of him getting slapped but then they shared a look and burst out laughing happily. They were like typical friends who would laugh at you first and then come to ask, "Are you okay, Ah-Li?"


    Xiao Li''s attention was on his attacker and Bo Jiu had already taken a step back saying, "It wasn''t intentional. I was just trying to kill a mosquito."


    Ying tsked at Xiao Li, "Poor you, Ah-Li! Now, you''re even getting mistaken for mosquitoes."


    "With how he loves to suck up others'' blood with his bone-chilling gaze, it was about time someone would treat him like a mosquito!" Dr. Ling added salt to wounds.


    Xiao Li glared at both his friends before he looked at Bo Jiu who pointed at his face saying, "I''m not calling you a mosquito. I promise! And if you''re too handsome to be a mosquito, you should know that." She held his chin and turned her face showing the girls, "See? There was indeed a mosquito. And I killed it." Although it happened by chance, it was a fact that her slap had managed to kill a mosquito.


    Xiao Li was baffled at how proud she looked as if it was some sort of an achievement. He huffed and walked away to wash his face. Bo Jiu was left staring at his back with a frown.


    "He is handsome. But why the hell his eyes looks so scary?" she muttered to herself.


    Just then Ying and Dr. Ling placed their hands on Bo Jiu''s shoulders respectively, "Comrade, you''re awesome!"


    "It was an accident," Bo Jiu emphasized her words.


    Ying looked at Dr. Ling and said, "It doesn''t matter to us. Both of us enjoyed the show. So, thanks for that!"


    Han Bohai came to stand beside Bo Jiu when Ying and Dr. Ling left. He offered her hand sanitizer and said, "Of all people, you just have to mess up with the wrong ones, eh?"


    "He looked at me like he was gonna kill me," said Bo Jiu.


    "Well, I won''t dare to doubt that. So, be careful. He might really kill you."


    Bo Jiu glanced at Han Bohai, "You''re just trying to scare me."


    "Am I?" Han Bohai played the ignorance game which Bo Jiu didn''t buy.


    "The way he looks at that little girl," she pointed at Asteria. "Even I don''t feel right calling him scary."


    "That''s his daughter," replied Han Bohai. "Of course, he has to be gentle with her. But who are you? Why do you think he''d be nice to you?"


    In another corner, Xin Zimen had been sitting alone. Keeping himself away from the others. He looked at the happiness that surrounded him, "Ai, are you seeing this?" he asked in a soft voice to no one in particular. He seemed to be talking to just himself. "Doesn''t our daughter look happy? I know you can see it. You must be happy, right? Our daughter has found her home. Just like I found mine in you. I don''t wanna be sad today but I really miss you tonight."


    "Dad, what are you doing here?" asked Xiao Li who was passing by his side.


    "Nothing," replied Xin Zimen.


    "Then why are you sitting here alone?"


    "I like being alone," retorted Xin Zimen. "You go ahead and have fun. Just leave me here."


    Xiao Li couldn''t argue with him since he could see his father wasn''t in the mood to argue right now. So, he just chose to walk away. Since his father wanted to be alone, he''d just give him, his privacy.


    But soon, Xin Kuan came to sit beside him but said nothing. He just sat there in silence. However, this silence couldn''t last long because Su Feifei appeared before them, "Hi, brother-in-law. Hi, Brother Kuan."


    "Hello, Director Su," replied Xin Kuan but Xin Zimen didn''t even spare her a glance.


    Su Feifei rolled her eyes at Xin Zimen and said to Xin Kuan, "Brother Kuan, how about you have a dance with me? I''d have asked brother-in-law but he doesn''t dance with anyone except for his wife."


    Xin Kuan smiled at her and said, "NO!"


    "Why?"


    "Just thinking about dancing with you is hurting my feet. You''ve stepped on them way too many times in the past. Let''s not repeat history."


    "I practiced. I promise I''ll do better."


    Xin Zimen gave her a glance, "Who did you practice with?"


    "With myself," answered Su Feifei.


    "That''s it! I''m making a run for my life. Or more like, for the sake of my feet!"


    Su Feifei looked at Xin Kuan who ran away and glared at Xin Zimen, "Brother-in-law, how can you do this with me?"


    "What? It''s not like I could force Brother Kuan to dance with you? I''ve done that before and he still has trauma from how you pummeled his feet."


    Su Feifei plopped down on the seat beside him which Xin Kuan left and crossed her arms over her ?h?st, "I wish my Sister Ai was here. I''d have complained about you!"


    "I also wish she was here," he replied softly.


    Su Feifei paused and asked, "Are you missing her?"


    "No. How can I miss someone who lives in my heart?"


    Su Feifei grunted at that reply, "You''re really..." She had no words to say for now. Maybe the right word was that she was left speechless. Taking a deep breath, she added, "It''s alright to miss her. We all do." She took a pause and looked around, "And especially at a time like today. When you see everyone being happy, it''ll only remind you of what''s missing in your own life. You and I both know that the only missing piece of you is Wen Ai."


    Xin Zimen hated the fact that he couldn''t argue with her over this. But he really couldn''t. Wen Ai was really the missing piece of him.

 Chapter 919 - The Very First Gift

    While resting her head on Darren''s shoulder, Xiu didn''t even realize when she fell asleep. She hadn''t gotten a chance to rest today at all. She had been dragged around since the time she woke up in the morning. So, the exhaustion finally caught up to her.


    Even though there was music playing around as everyone was dancing happily, she was still able to sleep peacefully. Perhaps, it was because she was really happy. Or it was because she was leaning against her husband.


    Darren softly touched her face and whispered, "Sweets, wake up!" Xiu mumbled something under her breath and moved just to nuzzle further into the crook of his neck. Darren smiled at her, "If you want to sleep, let''s go inside. You can''t sleep here."


    Xiu rubbed her eyes and opened her eyes slowly, "Where are we?"


    Darren brushed her hair away from her face, "Look around."


    Xiu blinked her eyes and finally noticed where they were, "Ohhh... It''s our wedding."


    Darren nodded his head, "Yeah. It''s our wedding." He patted her head and said, "Let''s go and cut the cake. Then you can go inside and sleep. Or we can skip it as well." Xiu looked up at him with squinted eyes and Darren chuckled, "Not skipping. Not skipping for sure."


    He supported her body and brought her around towards the cake. Xiu laughed out when she looked at the cake. Only because there seemed to be three chibi characters placed on top. One was Xiu, the second was Darren and there was another one of a little tiger cub. Xiu was laughing at that little tiger.


    Her laughter was so infectious that everyone started smiling along as she cut the cake with Darren.


    Usually, at weddings, it''d be the bride and groom whom the guests would see off but in this wedding reception, the guests were seen off by the bride and groom.


    "Little lass, do you have to stand here? Just go inside already. There is no need to see everyone off."


    "Xiu, Xiao Zi is right. You should go inside and rest. You must be really tired."


    Although everyone told her to go inside, she still insisted on staying here to see everyone off.


    While saying goodbye, Bo Jiu placed a small giftbox in her hand and said, "Xiuxiu, can you say sorry to your brother for me?"


    "Which one?"


    "That cold one," she replied.


    Xiu chuckled, "Why? What did you do to Li bro?"


    "I accidentally hit him."


    Xiu''s lips parted and she looked surprised. "Don''t worry. Although he looks cold, he is really sweet. He won''t even remember that hit for long."


    Getting her reassurance, Bo Jiu nodded and left.


    After everyone was gone, Darren said to Xiu, "Now, shall we also go inside to rest?"


    Xiu shook her head, "Didn''t I tell you, we are going somewhere?"


    "But you''re clearly sleepy," Darren pointed out.


    "It doesn''t matter. I got my energy from my short nap. Get a car, we are going out!"


    Darren asked the driver to get the car out and Xiu told him the destination. Darren only found out about the destination when they got there. He looked at the apartment building before him and frowned, "What are you gonna get from here?"


    Xiu didn''t answer and pulled him along. They went to the floor they had their apartments and she opened the door of the apartment where she lived with Nora. It had been months since she last came here. However, this place was still as clean as she left it.


    It seemed someone came here to regularly clean it these days. She walked over to her own room and started going through the stuff in her closet while Darren plopped down on the bed and loosened his necktie. He had already thrown his suit jacket at the side and now, he was taking off his cufflinks.


    Xiu came out with a big box when Darren was rolling his sleeves. She placed it right by his side and opened the lid. She took out several random things from the box. Even Destiny''s letters and the mystery box were also inside this cardboard box.


    "Found it!" she pulled out the gift box and waved it in front of Darren''s eyes. "Remember this?"


    Darren looked at it and his brows raised up before he nodded his head. "You still haven''t opened it?"


    "Didn''t you tell me to open it on the day I feel really happy?" She grinned while unwrapping the gift. "I don''t think I can get happier than I am today. So, we are opening it today. This was the very first gift you gave me. I always reminded myself to open it when my heart really feels full."


    As she managed to unwrap it and looked inside, her smile froze. She pulled out the bottle of wine and glanced at him, "You gave me wine? But you said the gift will make me happy. And it''s something I asked for."


    Darren chuckled at her expression, "Sweets, this is exactly what you asked for that night. And it''s a proven fact that wine can make you happy."


    Xiu ?r??n?d, "But not today! Today getting wine as a gift is torture! I can''t even drink it!"


    Darren couldn''t help laughing even more, "Who told you to open it today then?"


    Seeing the name and year of the wine, her eyes brightened up. For a wine enthusiast like her, this bottle was a gem! Who would dare open it to drink? This must go into her collection! It''d be part of her precious collection.


    It was a good thing that Han Bohai never touched her wine collection which she had kept as Chen Xiu. Now, she could add one more bottle to it.


    "I''m still happy," she told him.


    Darren was amused at the way her mood changed instantly as always. Such simple things made her so happy. While shaking his head, he ruffled her hair. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of something in that box that made him frown.

 Chapter 920 - My Favorite Love Song

    Darren stretched out his hand and picked up the thing that caught his attention. His brows knitted up as he continued to stare at it for a while.


    "Sweets, why is this with you?"


    Xiu looked at the men''s suit jacket in his hands and paused before saying, "That... That''s the jacket of the dumbest person I''ve ever come across in my life."


    "Oh?" responded Darren as his lips stretched out in a forced smile.


    "I''m telling you the truth," she emphasized. "It was raining back then and he offered me a jacket. I mean, he had such a big car, he could have offered me a lift. There is also a possibility that he had an umbrella in that big car, he could have offered that as well. But no! He offered this jacket. You tell me, isn''t it dumb?"


    Darren nodded at her, "Sure! I must have lost my mind to even offer the jacket."


    "Huh?"


    "Then why are you keeping it even after all this time?"


    Xiu scratched her head, "I don''t know. I just liked the gesture even though it didn''t mean much. In this world, I''ve seen people walk away even when they can see you dying. I don''t even know why he even offered to put his jacket on me. We were just strangers. Neither he saw my face nor did I saw his. Yet, he was willing to help. I wanted to keep it as a reminder that the world hasn''t lost all the good people yet."


    Darren smiled at her before he softly started singing...


    ??I''ve been holding on too long


    I''ve been holding on too long


    But those promises of forever


    were never meant to be strong??


    Xiu''s eyes went round when she heard those lyrics come out of his mouth.


    ??I saw a notion in her eyes


    in the wake of my smile


    I wrote a story of our love


    I wonder if she heard the call


    of my yearning heart??


    Xiu placed a hand over her mouth and gasped in shock. That song! She sang it outside the cemetery that day when she was offered this jacket. She remembered it clearly.


    ??Oh, look I''m dreaming again


    With only my wishful thinking


    Even when I know,


    this is just another sad song??


    ??But I was holding onto it for too long


    I wonder if she finally saw me falling apart


    I wonder if she heard the melody of my heart


    singing just another sad song??


    Even though Darren''s singing voice wasn''t as exceptional as Xiu''s. He wasn''t trying to be a good singer. He was just refreshing her memory.


    "It was you..." she said out.


    "Yeah! That dumbest one was indeed me," replied Darren.


    Xiu facepalmed herself, "Baobei, that''s not what I meant."


    "No, Sweets. That''s exactly what you meant. I must be the only one in the world whose wife just called him dumb right after the wedding ceremony."


    Xiu shook his arm, "Baobei, I mean it. I didn''t know it was you. How did you know it just by looking at the jacket?"


    Darren showed her the inside of the collar that had three letters sewn, ''R.D.S.''


    "You know that I don''t usually wear suits," said Darren. Xiu nodded her head, she obviously knew that he didn''t like wearing suits, giving off a stiff look. "So, all my suits are actually gifted by my mother. And she always had my initials sewn on them for some bizarre reason." He picked up the jacket that he took off earlier and added, "Even the suit I was wearing have the same initials."


    "Oh my gosh! I can''t believe we met there."


    "I also never noticed. Even though I heard you singing plenty of times after that, but it never clicked that the girl whose voice evoked so many emotions in my heart was actually you."


    "So you gave me the jacket because of the song I sang?" she questioned.


    He nodded his head, "Hmm... It reminded me of someone. And yes, I could have offered you a lift but I didn''t want to come off as a kidnapper. And I really had no umbrella in the car. So, I could only offer what I had."


    Xiu smiled sheepishly at him. Suddenly thinking of something, she asked, "Baobei, what were you doing at the cemetery?"


    "One of my business partner''s father died. It was his funeral that day and I was there to attend that. However, I was the last one to leave because... Funerals really take a toll on me. Emotionally. I couldn''t extract myself from those emotions."


    "Oh..." Xiu nodded in understanding. "It''s weird. We have missed out on each other so many times."


    Darren hugged her waist and said, "But we still ended up finding each other in the end."


    "Yes, we did," agreed Xiu as she leaned into his embrace.


    "How about you sing that song to me again?" said Darren. "My voice is clearly really bad. But I''d love to hear you sing it again."


    "Nah!" refused Xiu.


    "Why?" questioned Darren.


    Xiu looked up at him and grinned, "I told you, I''m happy today. I don''t wanna sing another sad song in my life. If anything, I''ll only sing you a happy song."


    "Okay. Sing me the happy song then."


    "I haven''t written it yet," replied Xiu. "But don''t worry, I''ll write it now. From now on, Xiu will only write happy songs. There is no place for the sad songs in my life."


    "I''ll be waiting for you to write it," said Darren. "I''d love to hear you sing it to me." He lowered his voice and added, "Or maybe you can write a love song. Just for me."


    "Ohh... I like that idea. Maybe I should write one."


    "You should!" urged Darren.


    Xiu stood on her tippy toes and kissed him on the lips saying, "Baobei, you''re my love song. My favorite love song."


    Darren chuckled at her and pressed his lips against her forehead, "And my Sweets is my life''s sweetest melody."

 Chapter 921 - Scheming Like His Mother

    Xiu had smooth sailing in her first pregnancy but it ended when she entered her third trimester. The little tiger started making her realize his presence within her. She was always short of breath.


    The worst part was the frequent visits to the bathroom and just this short trip would leave her panting like an old woman trying to catch her breath for a long time. She even complained about it to Darren and said, "Why don''t I just live in the bathroom? I don''t want to move anymore!"


    Darren was also really helpless regarding this. He couldn''t do much to ease her pain either. But what he could do, he''d always do. For instance, he''d help her soak her feet in cold water and massage her ankles and feet to help with the swelling. He even started applying moisturizer on her body to help alleviate the itchiness that she felt because her skin had stretched and dried out.


    Leaving aside her usual tiredness, in the third trimester, she was really the epitome of tiredness. There was not a moment when she wasn''t feeling tired. So, apart from doing yoga, exercise, and a bit of walk, there was nothing else that Xiu did in the last few weeks before the birth.


    Whatever energy she was left with was gone once she went into labor. She thought the false contractions were the worst part of this pregnancy. But when she had to go through the long 38 hours of labor, she realized what really could be described as the worst.


    Holding Darren''s hand, she kept trying to breathe like she was taught in those paternal classes but it really didn''t help. However, she didn''t cry. No matter how much pain she felt, she refused to cry. When asked why, she answered, "I don''t want to welcome my son with tears into this world."


    But the same couldn''t be said for Darren since this mister couldn''t help feeling pained for his Sweets and even shed some tears. Xiu was truly amused by that. She even tried to coax him, "Baobei, if you cry, how am I gonna become strong? Stop doing this to me, eh?"


    Darren shook his tears away saying, "I can''t see you in pain. Don''t you know that?"


    "I know but this is nothing," she tried to reassure him but it wasn''t really believable with the way she was sweating, it was quite obvious for anyone to see how much pain she was bearing on her own.


    Although she said that, she truly didn''t think like that. She was someone who had even come back from death. But still, she had to say, this pain was truly something else. It hurt so much that she wanted to spew out all the profanities she knew of. However, her vocabulary was quite limited when it came to such things.


    After over 38 hours, her long wait was over and her dear son chose to make an appearance. Hearing the first cry of her son, Xiu felt relaxed and happy.


    Even though everyone knew that Xiu was about to give birth, only Darren was allowed to make an appearance at the hospital to stay with her. The rest were not allowed to show up. For some reason, Xiu wanted to follow the traditions.


    When she first held her son in her arms, she looked at that tiny round face that looked like a cooked shrimp and chuckled at her own thoughts as she poked her son''s cheek, "Look at you! Little devil! Thank you for coming to this world and not killing me in the process of doing so."


    Darren placed his arms around them and said, "Say something nice."


    "I''m a nice person, I only say nice things," argued Xiu and Darren couldn''t argue with her.


    For the next month, not a single person apart from Xiu and Darren had seen their son. Both mother and son rested at home for the full month. And during this confinement period, she continued to eat restorative foods to build up her health.


    After a full month of confinement, they organized a ''Full Moon Celebration'' Banquet for their son. And this was the chance for the whole family to finally see this new family member.


    One night before the full moon celebration banquet, Xiu was holding her little son''s soft and plump body in the baby tub that was filled for his bath. She washed him softly like she was ??r?ssing his skin with a feather. She couldn''t help it, she didn''t want her baby''s body to get any bruise.


    Darren also walked inside and sat on the opposite side, saying, "Mama said, she has arranged everything. All we have to do is appear at the banquet with our little tiger."


    Xiu hummed in reply and looked at her sleepy son. "I think he has inherited my laziness. He loves to sleep. Here, I''m washing him up and he is dozing off."


    Darren laughed at her, "He is still small. All he can do is eat and sleep for now."


    Xiu pinched his tiny nose saying, "That''s why he is my favorite. He loves all those things that I love. Eating and sleeping. I can already see how good of a friend we''ll make in the future."


    Darren could only laugh harder when he heard her say that.


    "Sweets, if he is your favorite, what am I?"


    "You?" Xiu pretended to think about it for a while before telling him, "You''re a part of me. How many times I have to tell you this?"


    "I like hearing it again and again," he replied cheekily as he held up their son in a towel and patted his dry softly. The little one was so obedient that he didn''t mind what his parents did to him. As much as he tortured Xiu during the third trimester, he was trying to gain brownie points now by being a good baby.


    And to this, Xiu had said, "He is scheming like his mother." She had no qualms in calling herself scheming.


    Darren took the baby out of the bathroom which gave Xiu enough space to take a bath and change her clothes. As she came out to the bedroom, she found her baby curled up on the ?h?st of his father. His diaper-clad bu?? was raised up while his small hands laid on top of his father''s ?h?st.


    This scene before her was so warm that it filled her soul to the brim with warmth. Her two precious babies were just too adorable. Handling one''s charm was deadly enough and now seeing them together, it was instant kill!


    Darren was lightly patting the little baby''s back with his eyes closed. Xiu took light steps over to their side and pushed Darren''s hair away from his forehead. Her husband had also chosen to lock himself in the house with her and their son for the whole month. And because of that, his hair had grown longer than she was used to seeing.


    With her touch, he opened his eyes and blinked at her.


    "Tired?" she asked.


    Darren shook his head, "Not really. I''m fine."


    Xiu picked up her son from his ?h?st who moved slightly but soon curled up in his mother''s arms. Babies do have some kind of affinity with their mothers since even though the one to always hold him was Darren, this little tiger still knew how to act spoilt with his mother and garner her attention and love.


    In the corner of the room was set up baby''s nursery. They hadn''t chosen to give him a room of his own yet. First, he was too small, and second, both of them were too overprotective of their son.


    Xiu put him in the crib which was made with love by the little tiger''s uncles. Xiu knew how many blisters and cuts both Xiao Li and Ah-Si had when they were learning to build a crib from scratch for their son. Even though she said there was no need, they had insisted on doing it this way.


    Although Xiu loved the gesture, she felt distressed seeing her brothers in pain.


    As she fixed the blanket for the baby, Darren came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her. They both gazed at the sleeping face of their baby and both of them had a soft and gentle smile on their faces. For some reason, that smile had become permanent since this little one had arrived. Just looking at his face, they both found their happiness.

 Chapter 922 - R.D. Salvay Jr.

    The full moon celebration banquet wasn''t really grand. The only people attending were also just the family members. Xiu neither had a wish to show off her son to the outsiders nor did she wish to interact with any outsider at all.


    She had always been someone who did things in her own ways. And even if she loved showing off her husband, she really didn''t want to show off her son who was b?r?ly a month old. What if her son ran into an evil-eyed one?


    Sounds superstitious?


    Don''t bother asking Xiu why she was being such a superstitious person at this age and time. She had her answer for that. Since she could experience a rebirth firsthand, how can she deny other bizarre things?


    Not everything can be explained with science after all. Her own situation had no solid answer.


    Well, anyway, one thing was certain that Xiu was super protective of her son. That''s why whether there was such a thing as an evil eye or not, she didn''t want to take a risk at all.


    As Xiu and Darren entered the banquet hall with their son, everyone''s attention went over. The little tiger was clad in pure white clothes making him look like a pure angel. But surprisingly everyone in the hall had the same thought going through their minds...


    ''He is Xiu''s son, just how much can he be like an angel?''


    But no one could possibly confirm this thought for now, since the little tiger was too young right now. Whether he would be an angel or a devil, only time would be able to tell. But for now, he was certainly like a cute bun that everyone wanted to pinch.


    "Everyone, say hi to our son," began Xiu as she smiled at everyone. "Rowan Derek Salvay!"


    Quite a few people breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that name as they thought, ''Thank God, she didn''t name him little tiger.''


    Xiu could practically read their thoughts right now but she didn''t mind it either for once. After all, she was a responsible mother. How could she name her son ''little tiger'' so half-heartedly? He was the apple of her eyes. And one''s name is the first impression that people get, how could she be so cruel to her own son?


    Everyone made their way over to give gifts and red envelopes as a form of blessing to the newborn as per tradition.


    "And this is a gift from the grandfather," Xin Zimen presented a rectangular wooden box to her. Xiu looked inside the box and found jade bangles that were too small for her.


    "Ah-Xin, they won''t fit me," said Xiu.


    Xin Zemin chuckled at her response while Xin Zimen shook his head. "Xiu, Xiao Zi gave the bangles for our grandson. Not for you."


    "Oh," Xiu pursed her lips but suddenly frowned. "But he is a boy. Why would you give him jade bangles?"


    "Jade bangles are more like a wrist guard for the baby," explained Zhao Huan for her daughter. "When the baby learns to walk, these jade bangles will protect him. If he fell down while walking, the bangle will break in place of any bones. This way, our baby will be safe and sound."


    "Ohhh~" This time Xiu''s ''Oh'' was drawled and exaggerated as she finally understood the purpose. It took her a while to feel dissatisfied about something else as well. "Wait for a second! Why are all the gifts for him again? What about me? I am the one who had to go through so much trouble to get him into this world and no one is even paying attention to me!"


    With a burst of laughter, Nora tapped her shoulders, "I knew you''d end up talking about this. How are you so shameless? It''s the day for your son. Why would you get gifts?"


    "He wouldn''t be here without me," retorted Xiu and Nora couldn''t really refute those words.


    "But now you''re a mother. Learn to give in," said Nora trying to act all profound and m?tur?.


    Xiu slapped the back of her head, "Who wants to act m?tur?? This is as m?tur? as I can get. Give in? Why should I? Just because I have a son, I have to change myself? Which book stated that rule?"


    "I really asked for it myself," muttered Nora.


    "Nora, stop bothering Sister Xiu," said Ah-Si. "Sister, we all have gifts for you as well. How can anyone forget you?"


    Xiu was rather pleased to hear that. "I just knew it. Only my brothers understand me." She put her son into Darren''s arms and opened her arms for her brother, "Come here my little lamb. I missed you so much!"


    "I just realized," came Dylan''s voice from beside Darren. "If his name is Rowan Derek Salvay, doesn''t that mean he is our R.D. Salvay Jr?"


    Xiu gave him a smile, "It seems your IQ is coming back online."


    Dylan smiled back, "Thank you for the compliment."


    Even before he could relish in this feeling, Xiu poured a bucket of cold water on his head with, "Don''t act so smug. Even an idiot could tell that."


    Dylan stared at her hatefully while she stared back in an equally provocative manner.


    Suddenly, the sound of soft giggles broke the staring competition between Xiu and Dylan. Because her precious son, Rowan had woken up and was excitedly laughing out. Perhaps, he found Xiu and Dylan to be as amusing as his father did.


    After all, currently, Darren also had the same expression of amusement as his son on his face. Seeing both father and son like this, someone gasped.


    "Bloody hell! Are you a future teller? Xiu! How come your son really ended up inheriting his father''s best features?"


    Xiu looked smug as she replied, "You can hardly even make out his features yet." Although she said it, she was really gloating inside. She told them all her son would be like his father but none believed her.


    "Even if it''s not that clear yet, I can already see an image of younger Regi in him," Francesca voiced out with a hint of melancholy in her voice. She couldn''t really believe her eyes right now.


    This grandson not only inherited their family''s signature grey eyes, he even inherited his father''s beautiful smile. This made an indescribable feeling burst out within her.

 Chapter 923 - Something Wrong

    Xiu felt a tug at her clothes and looked down at Asteria who was staring at her with her sparkly eyes. The little girl pointed at the little tiger in her arms and said, "I want to see him."


    Darren pulled a chair for Xiu and she sat down allowing the little ones to get a glimpse of the little tiger. Asteria hesitatingly lifted her finger and touched the soft and smooth cheek of the little bun. Her eyes sparkled even brighter as she asked, "Xiu, who is he?"


    "He is your little brother," answered Xiu.


    Asteria''s lips curled up into a big smile as she asked, "Really? He is my little brother?" When Xiu nodded in response, she jumped up and down happily. "Can I hold him?"


    "Yes, you can," said Xiu. She asked Asteria to sit down on a chair before she put her little baby into her small arms. Asteria carefully held on to the baby in her arms.


    While everyone else was surprised at the interaction between Xiu and Asteria, Darren was quite clear about it. Usually, Xiu would keep her distance from kids. She even kept her distance from Ava. But for the past few months, Asteria had managed to find her way into Xiu''s life somehow.


    Since they lived right next to each other, every morning, Asteria would bring a flower for Xiu and tell her to have a good day before going to school. It had become a norm. At first, Xiu was confused and that''s why she asked the little girl why she was doing it.


    Asteria had replied to her, "Daddy said, my mom, hurt you. Asteria wants to say sorry to you. Can you please forgive my mom?" Before Xiu could say anything to her, she went on, "Mom is already getting punished for doing bad things. I don''t want you to hate her."


    Since then Asteria had become close to Xiu. Perhaps, Xiu herself didn''t know why that was. Maybe it was her guilt. After all, because of her Asteria had to grow up without a mother. Xiu didn''t like this feeling at all. It made her feel like she had done something wrong. Even if Qiu Meihui deserved what she got, she still couldn''t stop thinking that Asteria didn''t deserve it.


    "How about you forgive me as well?" Xiu had asked in return back then. The little girl was confused by her words so Xiu elaborated. "I didn''t want to snatch your mother from you. I''m really sorry for that."


    Xiu knew she couldn''t be a mother to Asteria, neither did she want to become one. But she did become a good friend to her. The little girl didn''t lack love. Xiao Li loved her more than even a real father would. Even Xin Zimen loved her like a granddaughter. She was called Ava''s elder sister and everyone treated her like that as well.


    It was a given that now, she had become an elder sister to Rowan as well.


    On the side, seeing how her younger brother''s attention was on Asteria, Nora sighed out loud. Sitting beside him, she leaned over and whispered, "Little bro, can you please choose a different target?"


    Jackie glared at his elder sister''s choice of words. What did she mean by ''target?''


    "Don''t glare at me like that," said Nora. "Our relationships are already complicated enough. Imagine in the future if you really get together with her. How am I supposed to act? You''re my brother. She is my brother-in-law''s daughter! Does this relationship make sense?"


    "Sis, you better get your brain checked," suggested Jackie seriously. "I haven''t even said anything and you''ve already cooked up a whole story."


    Nora snorted at his words, "As if you''re being subtle about it. I can practically read all your thoughts on your face. Especially whenever she is around."


    Jackie took a deep breath and told her, "I won''t waste my breath on you. But let me tell you, you''re just overthinking about it."


    "So, you have no interest in her?" questioned Nora.


    "How old am I?" retorted Jackie. "You sure, you should be having this conversation with me?"


    Nora scoffed at him, "My darling brother, you''re more like an ancestor of mine. She is a little girl, you''re an old fox before her. I''m just scared she might get duped by you."


    "I''m glad to hear that you think so highly of me," said Jackie and picked up his juice to drink leisurely. He didn''t want to pay attention to his sister again. She was seriously thinking too much.


    Even if he paid extra attention to Asteria it was solely because the latter didn''t have a mother. Jackie just felt bad for her and paid some attention to her. Why did his sister have to jump to such conclusions?


    Since Jackie wasn''t willing to talk to her, Nora chose to strike up a conversation with Xiu instead. "Now that you''ve become a mother, please allow the rest of the people to call you an aunt."


    Xiu glared at Nora, "If you can''t say something nice, don''t speak at all!"


    "What do you mean by this? Are you gonna make Asteria and Ava call you Xiu for the rest of your life?"


    "Yes, of course!" retorted Xiu matter-of-factly. "What''s wrong with my name?" She took a brief pause and added, "Why would make them call me aunt? Especially when I don''t even like being called one?"


    "There is something wrong with your brain," said Nora.


    "Did you just figure it out?" asked Xiu in surprise. "How can you call yourself my best friend when it took you so long to realize that something is wrong with my brain?"


    Nora stared at her for a long while in silence and knocked her own head, "I must have really lost my mind to even start an argument with you." She took a moment before her attitude took a 180-degree turn and she said, "By the way, my nephew is really cute. I so want to take a bite of his chubby cheeks."


    "Keep your dirty hands off of my son," warned Xiu. "No one is allowed to bite his cheeks. Except for me."


    Nora thought she was protective of her son but her last sentence really ruined the mood. Indeed, she shouldn''t expect too much from her best friend.


    "What''s the story behind his name?" asked Nora.


    "No story at all," replied Xiu blankly. "I just wanted my son to be called R.D. Salvay Jr. so I looked for the names that matched the initials of my husband."


    Nora laughed dryly at her, "You certainly have put some special thought into this, eh..."

 Chapter 924 - Skin You Alive

    Whether Rowan Derek Salvay became elders'' favorite grandson or not is a discussion for another time. But that little tiger certainly became the instant favorite of the younger generation. Neither Asteria was willing to let him go nor was Ava. Both little girls had fallen in love with this little bun.


    Apparently, Jackie was also ignored by Ava since she found a cute, round baby with beautiful grey eyes blinking at her and giving her a toothless grin.


    Xiu was really surprised that her dear son who had been giving her a headache for a month was so well-behaved in this crowd. Rowan was like a fish in water, so comfortable that it felt like he had always been a part of this family.


    As she said, he was her scheming son. He certainly held back his bad habits to irritate her only while being the best baby before everyone else to gather all the love and praises. Oh, and it seems this little one was already fond of praises like his mother.


    "Regi," Francesca called out to Darren. "I have something to tell you both."


    Xiu also put down her chopsticks and looked at Francesca, "What is it, Mama?"


    Francesca bit her lips and took a while before she lifted her left hand. Xiu gasped at the big diamond ring perched on her ring finger while Darren blanked out for a second. "I''m getting married."


    While Darren was blanked out, Xiu jumped up and hugged Francesca tightly, "Congrats, Mama!" She held her hand to look at the ring in excitement. "This is beautiful."


    Francesca looked at Darren who still stood still and felt apprehensive. "Regi..." She called out again.


    Xiu slapped his shoulder, "What are you blanking out for?"


    Darren was pulled out of his daydreaming and he stepped up to engulf his mother in his arms, "Congratulations, Mama! I''m so happy for you."


    "Really?" asked Francesca.


    Darren nodded his head, "I am." He took a pause to ask, "Are you happy?"


    "Very."


    Darren kissed her head, "Then what''s the worry? Didn''t I tell you, your happiness is my happiness? I only blanked out because this came as a surprise so suddenly. But I really am happy for you."


    Francesca could finally put her heart at ease when she heard this from her son.


    "Mama, when is the wedding?" inquired Xiu. "Give me the date, I''ll arrange everything for the wedding. I''m already so excited."


    Francesca chuckled seeing Xiu''s excitement and asked, "Will you even have time now?"


    "Why not?" retorted Xiu.


    Francesca pointed at Rowan saying, "Babies can be a handful. You might not even be able to find some time for yourself with him around."


    Xiu waved her off, "Don''t worry about my son. He is just like me. He loves to eat and sleep. I won''t let him get in the way."


    "Mama, you should let Sweets accompany you." Darren also agreed with his wife.


    "But we aren''t planning a grand wedding," said Francesca.


    "But we are!" said both Xiu and Darren simultaneously.


    Francesca was surprised by their reaction. "It''s your wedding," said Xiu. "We have to make it a beautiful one." She smiled widely as she went on, "Consider it a gift from it."


    "A gift?" questioned Francesca.


    Xiu nodded her head, "You gave me Regan. I want to give you a grand, beautiful, and memorable wedding in return."


    "Did you tell them?" Han Yiheng came from behind and wrapped his arm around Francesca''s shoulder naturally. Francesca nodded in reply to his question. Then he looked at Darren and said, "We are planning to have the wedding this summer. Ashley would also be on vacations during that time."


    "If it''s a summer wedding, how about a beach ceremony?" suggested Xiu with sparkly eyes.


    As the most excited kid around here, Xiu continued to drop random suggestions for the wedding making everyone amused. Perhaps, she had stayed inside the house for way too long and now was itching to spread her wings and soar.


    By the end of the banquet, Xiu had almost convinced Francesca and Han Yiheng for everything. Thinking and planning was her job, the couple''s job was to nod their heads or shake their heads.


    When everyone was leaving, Darren walked up to Han Yiheng and shook his hand before saying, "You better take care of my mama. If she ever got hurt, sad, or upset because of you, I won''t be nice to you."


    "Regi!" Francesca glared at her son for this warning.


    Darren laughed it off saying, "Sorry! I just always wanted to say it to someone. You see, too many people gave me similar warnings since the time Sweets have come into my life. So, I always wanted to return the favor." He looked at Han Yiheng and added, "You should be glad, it''s only me in your case. Back in my time, I had three imposing fathers-in-law staring me down. And adding four brothers of my wife, I was seriously in a pitiful condition."


    Han Yiheng laughed at her words saying, "I don''t mind it. And don''t worry, I''ll take care of Francesca. You''ll never have to worry about anything."


    Darren could feel his sincerity and felt even more reassured leaving his mother with him.


    Han Yiheng took a moment and added, "By the way, I am glad you only gave a warning, unlike your wife who straight-up threatened me."


    Darren''s lips twitched as he asked, "What did she say?"


    Han Yiheng quoted Xiu''s words, "''If you dare hurt my mother-in-law, believe me, I''ll skin you alive.''"


    Darren''s lips curled up in a smile since that was so like something his wife would say. He wasn''t even surprised by it. How could he be? He was more than familiar with his Sweets.


    "Well, I''ll advise you to take her words seriously. She is capable of doing what she says." Darren patted Han Yiheng''s shoulder before waving them goodbye.


    Francesca had knitted brows as she questioned, "Yiheng, Xiu was talking to both of us all this time. How come I didn''t hear her saying this?"


    Han Yiheng pulled her in his arms as they walked out of the hall as he told her, "She purposely leaned over to show you her phone and that''s when she whispered it into my ear. And something in her voice told me, I should take her words seriously."


    Francesca shook her head, "I''m sorry for this. Both of them are a little..."


    "They love you very much," added Han Yiheng. "And there is nothing wrong with that."

 Chapter 925 - Laid Bare

    After both Xiu and Darren came back home, Xiu did things routinely. She washed up the little master of the house and passed him to baby''s father whose job was to dress him up as always. However, today something seemed different since baby''s father''s eyes couldn''t leave his wife.


    Well, there was nothing new about that but yet there was something new about it. The way he was looking at Xiu was different. It wasn''t like the usual adoration and love but there was something spicy added into it by Mr. McSpicy himself.


    Xiu was wondering what he was up to but she didn''t question him at all and let him do whatever he was up to. After taking a shower, clad in a red sleeping gown, she stepped out and took her baby from Darren''s arms saying, "You can take a shower now."


    Darren looked her up and down before nodding his head. When he was gone, Xiu softly swayed her son in her arms to put him to sleep. Perhaps, the little one was too tired after behaving too well before everyone and that''s why he ended up sleeping within minutes.


    Xiu kissed his forehead and placed him in the crib. She had just fixed the curtains when she placed two sneaky arms wrapped around her waist. And as her back was pulled to Darren''s ?h?st, she straightened up. She could already tell, her husband wasn''t wearing anything right now.


    As her feet left the ground and she was picked up, Xiu yelped, "Ah!"


    Darren dropped her on the bed where her body sank in. With only a towel wrapped around his torso, he got on the bed and put his hand over her mouth, and said softly, "Our son will wake up, try being quiet."


    Then he lifted off his hand and his lips closed in on her but Xiu turned her head away first making Darren''s lips land on her ear in a gentle kiss that made her whole body tremble because of the sensation. Perhaps, it had been way too long and that''s why her body reacted this way since she knew what was coming. And it''d be a lie if she said she wasn''t anticipating it at all.


    But she still said, "If you don''t want our son to wake up, why don''t you stop being a hooligan?"


    "Hooligan?" repeated Darren. Xiu raised her brows at him and a smirk appeared on his lips, "I don''t mind being a hooligan today." His lips pressed against her ear again and made a trail down her jawline. But when he reached her lips, he stopped an inch away. His hot breath hit her face making her body grow even more s?ns?t?v? for some reason.


    The tips of their noses rubbed against each other in a gentle ??r?ss and soon, Xiu wrapped her arms around his neck and let their lips mutually pull into each other. She allowed the kiss that had been restlessly teasing her heart to speak in this soft and comforting way.


    It wasn''t like they hadn''t kissed for a long time but it still felt like it had been a long time since they kissed in this way. This kiss held their raw emotions and they didn''t have to reign into the passion like they had been doing for months now. This time, they could speak their heart out without saying a single word through their mouth.


    Their lips mesh together and for the first time in a long time, they both didn''t want this moment to end. The way their lips rubbed against each other felt like they were trying to melt each other into one.


    Darren pushed her hair back as he spoke against her lips in a husky tone, "Sweets, I''ve missed you."


    Xiu smiled at her, "Oh? But I''ve always been here."


    Darren kissed her lips again saying, "You know what I mean by that."


    Xiu feigned ignorance, "But I really don''t know what you mean."


    Darren bit her chin making her gasp and taking that opening, his tongue raced into her mouth and licked every single corner trying to suck the life out of her. Xiu was losing breath because of his invasive and overbearing kiss and hit shoulder. Darren pulled away and buried his head into her neck to take in her scent.


    She didn''t smell like she used to do before. Now, she always gave off a faint smell of milk. But it was equally enticing to someone like him who was heavily drunk on her love. Xiu ran her fingers through his thick hair in a soft and gentle manner. When she finally caught her breath back, Darren lifted his head and looked into her eyes to take in her form.


    The passion, the d?s?r?s, and the way their hearts were intoxicated by each other could be reflected in their eyes. The way they both look at each other could tell someone just how much they loved each other.


    Darren kissed her forehead lovingly and then kissed the corner of her eyes.


    "I miss being inside you," he whispered close to her ear.


    Xiu pursed her lips to hold back her smile as she said, "Me too."


    She felt no shame in telling her husband that she was addicted to him like he was addicted to her. He was someone who had seen her b?r? body and not only that, he was also someone before him, even her soul was laid b?r?.


    The love they both felt for each other was indescribable. They said way too many sweet and cheesy things to annoy people around them but only they knew the real depth of the feelings they had for each other. Or perhaps, the depth was immeasurable at this point. Because certainly, Xiu and Darren couldn''t possibly tell the extent of feelings they had.


    But they knew for sure that those feelings had consumed them. They had become a part of their souls. And that''s why they couldn''t even imagine taking a step away from the other because those feelings ran deep and they could also shatter them like no other thing.

 Chapter 926 - Just Like Me

    While Darren''s naughty hand tugged at the belt of her nightgown, Xiu''s hands were also ??r?ssing his skin. The contours of his muscles were as exceptionally smooth and lean as always. There wasn''t a single trace of excess fat on his body anywhere. In fact, after the surgery, Darren didn''t get much chance to exercise but since he was able to run around like before he had actually sculpted his body even more.


    As her nightgown was pulled open, Darren stared at her b?r? ?h?st. He instantly captured her taut n?pp?? into his hungry mouth making Xiu clutch the bedsheet tightly and m??n out.


    Darren looked up at her and said, "Sweets, keep your voice down. You definitely won''t want to see our son witness this."


    "Even if he wakes up, he can''t see this," retorted Xiu.


    "But he will wake up," reminded Darren. "You sure you want to him disturb us right now?"


    "Baobei, you''re really acting like a gangster tonight," said Xiu.


    "I know," replied Darren. "I can''t help it. I''ve been holding back for too long." As he spoke, his hand slid inside her p?nt??s to massage her s?ns?t?v? area. Xiu bit her lips to muffle her m??ns.


    He pulled himself up along with her and slid off her nightgown completely before pulling off her p?nt??s completely leaving her stark n?k?d before his ravishing eyes. And this time, he could not only see her but he was also allowed to have his fill.


    He tucked a few strands of hair off her face before raining down kisses on her face. From her cheeks to her forehead, to her nose, and to her chin. There wasn''t a single place where his lips didn''t touch. He even moved to gently bite her earlobe before trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbones.


    Xiu placed her hand on the back of his head and pulled his face up to kiss his forehead and his eyes. Her lips were softly ??r?ssing his face making his insides tickle and a smile bloomed on his lips. He couldn''t help it, he just found this action too cute for her.


    As she placed her lips against his and nibbles softly, Darren couldn''t help groaning. Her hands on his ?h?st continued to ??r?ss the contours of his body. First, she was softly and gently su?k?n? on his lips but then the fight of dominance began. Both of them ravished each other like there was no tomorrow.


    Their gasps filled the room which they tried to control as much as possible. Xiu''s hand slowly went down his muscles to pull away the towel wrapped around his waist. She wasn''t gonna be the only one to stay n?k?d before him. He had to return the favor, no?


    Her hands held his manhood making Darren''s body go stiff for a moment. He was hard and she had already felt it from the beginning when something hard kept poking her stomach. How could be unfamiliar to it all? Her finger traced the tip of his manhood making Darren curse under his breath. He stared into her eyes and said in a breathless manner, "Sweets, don''t play with me."


    "Who said I''m playing?" Xiu was all the smugger after having his p???sur? tool in her hands.


    Her soft hands brushed against his length making him groan again, "Sweets..." He whispered hoarsely. He really was about to explode in her hands. Especially when her hands started moving up and down. He couldn''t help grunting and closing his eyes. As her pace quickened, Darren pushed her down again and began the kissing duel all over again.


    His hands held her s?ns?t?v? br??sts and played with them like he was playing an instrument. But it definitely made Xiu lose track of what she was up to. The sensation of his hands was delicious and it was all the more delicious when his mouth took place of his hands.


    But he didn''t stick around for long as he moved even further down to leave bu??erfly kisses on her stomach. Suddenly, he lifted her legs and put them over his shoulder making Xiu yelp again, "Bloody son of a biscuit! Are you really gonna live up to the image of a gangster now?"


    "I always do what my wife says," replied Darren. "Since you called me a gangster, I have to live up to that."


    With that, he started his ?ssault of p???sur? on her body making her writhe. Her hands tried to reach up to him but even she didn''t know at this point whether she wanted to push him away or pull him closer. Such a conflict.


    Her body was responding willingly to him so her hands went up to his head and her fingers ran through his hair. She even tugged at his hair but gently. She couldn''t bring herself to be harsh with him.


    Her head was turning side from the side because of this unexplainable p???sur? coursing through her body because of his tongue that was at work. The way his tongue entered her and attacked her made her want to... Forget it! All she could do was squirm under his touch and groan in p???sur?. She continued to bite her lips to stop herself from being too loud.


    "We are the worst parents ever!" said Xiu. "Our son is sleeping in our room and yet we are... Ah!" She couldn''t even finish her sentence because of the p???sur? he brought her.


    Inside her heart, she said, ''Sorry, son! Let mom enjoy herself tonight.''


    As if he could hear her thought, Darren chuckled before biting gently at her th??h, "Focus!" He could see her zoning out and was really amused at how fast her thoughts moved around.


    "My focus is only on you, Baobei," she said.


    Darren laughed at her before biting her hard this time on her th??h, "Then stop worrying about your son! Your husband is in desperate need of your attention."


    "My attention is all yours, just like me."


    Darren ?r??n?d before deciding to make her pay tonight on this bed!

 Chapter 927 - Quite Content

    "Regan!" Xiu screamed his name but instantly bit her own hand to stop herself from screaming any further. But since she couldn''t scream, she ended up tightening her legs around Darren''s neck while the latter didn''t faze at all and continued to lick her like there was no tomorrow making her quiver with his touch.


    Her body trembled like crazy as she reached her peak. She could feel her world blurring as she came undone with the touch of his tongue. She closed her eyes and breathed harshly to catch her breath which felt like she had just come back from a marathon. Her legs loosened and she slowly began to calm down.


    As Darren set her legs down and his face came up to hers, Xiu opened her eyes to see something really familiar on his lips. And he even darted his tongue out sensually to lick his lips clean before giving her a smirk, "My Sweets is sweeter than ever. Very delicious!"


    "Fuck off!"


    Darren laughed at swearing like that. He found it really adorable. His lips claimed hers once again in a deep kiss. And while doing so he positioned himself between her legs. Feeling the tip of his manhood brushing against her lady parts, her body almost jerked up.


    Darren placed his hands on her waist and massaged softly, "Just relax."


    However, when he tried to seek entrance, it was a bumpy ride. Feeling his hardness entering within her, Xiu really wanted to yell out some curses. By the time he entered her, Xiu could see him sweating.


    For a long while, he didn''t move at all. "Sweets, can you stop squeezing me so hard?" He grunted, "I feel like you''re gonna break me."


    "Serves you right for being impatient," retorted Xiu.


    "As if you had any more patience than I do," Darren shot back at her.


    Even if she was being snarky, Xiu still tried her best to calm down her body which had become unaccustomed to this feeling of invasion after all those months. She even felt some pain when he started moving inside her but it soon was washed up by the indescribable p???sur?.


    Darren kissed her to swallow down her m??ns that she couldn''t suppress any longer. Xiu wrapped her legs around him tightly making him reach even deeper within her. The p???sur? built up inside her once again in full force and left her breathless as she reached the peak once again. Darren had to move inside her a bit faster to come as well.


    He had his face buried in her neck and stayed still to allow himself to come down from the high as well.


    "Sweets, I love you," he whispered.


    "I know," she replied.


    He looked up at her, "That is not the right answer!"


    "Why are you being so petty today?" asked Xiu.


    Darren kissed her forehead and told her, "Didn''t I tell you already? I miss you."


    Xiu kissed his eyes as she said, "I love you too."


    Darren grinned when he heard that and looked at her with innocent doe eyes, "So, shall we continue with round 2?" He was really making full use of her weakness for his beautiful eyes right now.


    Xiu smiled at him, "Even if I say no, will you listen?"


    "I''ll willing to listen to you for all my life but not on the bed," he replied very honestly.


    Xiu laughed at him and ruffled his hair calling him, "Hooligan!"


    He proudly took the title once again and got back to work. How could only one time be enough? It''s been way too long for him. He wasn''t willing to continue going through the drought.


    Now Xiu had to suffer as he tossed her around all night. He really was like a starved person who finally found his most favorite meal and now he wasn''t willing to put it down. When he was finally done, Xiu didn''t even have it in her to lift her finger. She was damn too tired and just lifting her finger was a task on its own.


    "I''m gonna get back at you for this," said Xiu.


    Darren wrapped her in his arms and said, "Sure. I''m even willing to get beaten."


    "Had enough?" she questioned.


    "I don''t think I''ll ever have enough when it comes to you but for tonight, I''m feeling quite content."


    Xiu closed her eyes to sleep because she was too tired. Washing up could be left for tomorrow because currently, she didn''t have it in her to go and take another shower. But right when she was about to drift off to sleep, a sudden cry made her open her eyes again.


    Her dear son chose this very moment to wake up and even cried loudly to tell her that he was awake. Xiu elbowed Darren saying, "Go and check up on your son."


    "Yes, your highness," said Darren and pulled away from her.


    After getting off the bed, he wrapped himself in a robe and went to wash up his hands before walking over to his son''s crib whose loud cries had turned into adorable sobs.


    Meanwhile, Xiu still had to pull herself out of the bed since the sticky feeling was so uncomfortable that she couldn''t fall asleep. Her knees almost went weak when she tried to stand up. She had to take support of the bed to stabilize herself and threw a glare at Darren.


    By the time she came out after washing up, the little tiger had already gone back to sleep. She walked up to his side and kissed her son''s forehead before kissing her husband''s chin and telling him, "Go, wash up!"


    Darren nodded his head and went over to change the sheets before going to wash up himself. Behind him, even though the little tiger was asleep, Xiu didn''t put him in the crib. She sat down on the bed with her son in her arms and continued to look at his peaceful sleeping face. She tapped his tiny nose and smiled to herself.


    And just like this, she fell asleep with her son wrapped in her arms.

 Chapter 928 - Serious Conversations

    If one had to ask Darren what he enjoyed these days, he would say the time his wife spent dressing up their son. It was both hilarious and heartwarming. You must be wondering, why?


    Well...


    "Aiyo, little tiger, how about wearing a suit today, eh?"


    Xiu seemed to be asking the son who was b?r?ly two months old now but if you think that would stop her from holding a serious conversation with her son then you must think again!


    "Sweets, he isn''t going to an event. Is it necessary to make him wear a suit in this weather when he is only gonna stay at home?"


    Xiu gave her husband a look, "So what? Are you looking down on people like us who stay at home all day?"


    Darren raised his hands in defeat, "I would never!"


    Xiu took a deep breath and finally decided to change her option. And while she was dressing up the little master of the house, the super energetic baby flailed his legs and arms around and even ended up kicking Xiu''s chin in the process.


    It wouldn''t have been a big deal but Xiu had her tongue between her teeth and ended up biting her tongue because of that sudden kick. Placing a hand over her mouth, she looked at her giggling son and said, "Just because I call you little tiger doesn''t mean you should start kicking me already. Is this how you''re supposed to treat your mother? This is so unfair. Being a mother is certainly a thankless job. Kids don''t even care about the effort a mother put into raising them."


    Listening to her dramatic antics from the side, Darren just pursed his lips trying to hold back his laughter. He couldn''t help it. He had an entertaining wife. She really brought a new color into his life every single day. Yes, she was overly dramatic but that also had its own advantages.


    "Dazi!" Darren could hear Dylan''s voice from the moment the other entered through the door. Seeing his best friend at the breakfast table, Dylan also invited himself and sat beside him, "Can you pass me the toast?"


    "You really take my house as your own, eh?"


    Dylan gave him a look that said, ''Isn''t it my house?''


    Darren was helpless before that look and didn''t continue down this line. Instead he asked, "What brought you here so early in the morning on Sunday?"


    "I herad you''re joing the office from tomorrow?"


    Darren nodded his head, "Mama''s been helping me take care of everything for far too long. I don''t want to disturb her any longer. I wanted to join earlier but she insisted that I should spend more time with my son." He took a pause and added, "Although Paige had been helping out a lot, it still isn''t enough."


    "Oh, that just reminded me. Is Paige dating someone?"


    Darren gave him a strange look, "Why are you curious about her love life?"


    "I''m not curious. I saw her with Gigi the other day. The atmosphere between them seemed somewhat off."


    Darren sighed out, "Didi, stop looking for gossips. Even if there is something between them, it doesn''t concern us. There relationship is their personal matter. You and I or anyone for that matter has no say in that."


    "That''s true," agreed Dylan and focused on eating the breakfast.


    Seeing Xiu coming downstairs while yawning, Dylan shouted, "Yo, good morning, Xiu!"


    Xiu didn''t even look at him as she said, "Keep your voice down, I have a headache!"


    "Okay," agreed Dylan. "But where is my adorable nephew? I came to play with him."


    "He just went to sleep," answered Xiu while yawning again.


    "What? He went to sleep so early in the morning?"


    "He woke up at 3 am," Darren informed his best friend. "And even kept us awake all this time. But now that Xiu dressed him up neatly, our little master chose this moment to sleep."


    Dylan sighed, "I aspired to have such a life where I can sleep all I want without caring for anything."


    "Your aspirations are making me want to beat you up," said Darren.


    Dylan was surprised to see that it was his best friend who was arguing while Xiu was just silently drinking a glass of milk. He looked at her and asked, "Xiu, you okay? Why so quiet?"


    "Do you have a son?" asked Xiu as she looked up at him.


    Dylan shook his head while laughing awkwardly, "I am not even married yet."


    "Then you can''t understand what I''m going through," was Xiu''s response making him instantly shut his mouth.


    In fact, Dylan really couldn''t understand it at all. He could see the dark circles under Xiu''s eyes and Darren wasn''t any better either. From this he could tell they were having tough time because of their son. But both of them didn''t complain about it. If anything, Dylan only found a heartwarming feeling in this house.


    He could only sigh to himself. With how much these two loved each other, it couldn''t be a suprise that their house actually felt so warm and loving.


    "Xiu, want to come back to work?" offered Dylan.


    Xiu snickered, "Dylan, do you know my fathers are? Do you know who my husband is? And have you checked who my brothers are as well?" Dylan pressed his lips as she went on, "Even knowing all about my family, you expect me to come and work for bosses like you? Have I lost my brain or something?"


    "You don''t have to remind me that you''ve a background that can shake everyone," muttered Dylan.


    Xiu perched her elbow on the table and supported her face on the palm of her hand as she smiled sweetly at him, "By the way, my uncle Jiayi is also not someone to be messed with."


    Dylan gaped at her, "Hey! That''s my father!"


    "Want me call him right now?"


    Dylan instantly wilted. His father would obviously not take his side.

 Chapter 929 - A Hotel

    Before Xiu and Dylan could take their bickering to another level, Darren decided to interject.


    "Didi, you really came just to inquire about my future plans?"


    Dylan looked at him and sighed, "Not really. I came to eat here."


    "Is this a hotel?"


    Dylan made a face at him, "Don''t be like that. Cali took Ma and France to Italy because she has a designer friend there. Now, Ma isn''t home to cook for me. And my dear dad spends all this time at his best friend''s house. What am I supposed to do?"


    "Oh, whining king!" Xiu called out. "Focus on eating if you''re here to eat."


    Instead of making Dylan run for his life, Xiu gave him a glare to eat in silence. Dylan obediently went back to eating.


    Soon, another person chose to visit for breakfast. Just like Dylan, this newcomer also naturally took a seat at the dining table and looked at everything before her. Not finding something to her liking, she said, "I want pancakes."


    Xiu looked at her best friend and then looked at Dylan before saying, "Do you both always come here with mutual planning?"


    Dylan and Nora shared a look before they both asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Dylan was the first to ignore her as he said, "Xiu, I think your best friend is stalking me."


    "Get lost!" responded Nora. "Why would I stalk you of all people? I have better things to do in life."


    "If you have better things to do, then what the hell are you doing here?" asked Dylan.


    "Just wanted to have breakfast with my best friend," Nora smiled sweetly at Xiu.


    It was really amusing how lately both Nora and Dylan had been coming to see Xiu and Darren on the very same day. Every single time, they showed up on the same day. It''d seem suspicious to anyone. But it was indeed true that they never made any prior plans for such a coincidence.


    It was pure coincidence that their timings for visits had been clashing.


    Oddly enough, these two only came when they were hungry. And they always treated this place like their own home. Not like Xiu or Darren minded any of it.


    And because this was regular, even the kitchen help knew all about them. Soon, a plate of pancakes was laid before Nora. She rubbed her hands and poured lots of maple syrup and cream on her pancakes.


    Seeing the spread before her, Dylan''s eyes looked at her longingly. "I also want that."


    "You both are really treating my house as a hotel," remarked Darren.


    "Dazi, you''re awesome!"


    "Stop flattering me," said Darren.


    Because of these two, the breakfast was quite lively. And when it passed none of them even realized.


    "Xiu, where is my nephew?" asked Nora.


    "He is sleeping," answered Xiu.


    "Is someone with him? What if he woke up and started crying?"


    Xiu shook her head at Nora, "He won''t wake up at this time."


    "How do you know that?"


    "Because I know my son," retorted Xiu.


    Nora decided to not bother Xiu. "I heard you are planning to lose weight?"


    "Yes," replied Xiu.


    Nora laughed out, "I can''t believe the girl who once paid a third person to go and cancel her gym membership is actually gonna join a gym now. Seems like you''re finally getting over your laziness."


    Xiu smirked at her, "Not really. Regan built a gym in the basement. I don''t have to go to a gym. I''m still as lazy as I was."


    "It''s her laziness that she decided to become a housewife," added Dylan. "You''re really wasting your talent. You''re so good at your job."


    "It''s because I already know I was good at the job that I''m taking on a new challenge," said Xiu. "Do you think being a housewife is easy? Besides, even if I want to work, I''d not do it at this time when my son is only two months old."


    "You can hire a nanny," suggested Dylan.


    "There is no room for a nanny in my family. I''m gonna raise my son on my very own." Saying that Xiu went upstairs to check up on her son.


    Darren looked at Nora and Dylan, "Both of you, stop forcing my wife. Everyone has different aspirations in their life. Hers doesn''t match with yours. Besides, who said she is being lazy?" He took a pause and told them, "During my work from home, she had been helping me a lot. Since she wants Rowan to spend equal time with me and her, she takes over my work to give me enough time to spend with my son. Although most of the time he is only sleeping."


    "We were not forcing her," said Nora. "We all know what kind of a person she is. Although she is lazy, she can''t live without doing anything."


    "That''s why I thought being just a housewife isn''t suitable for someone like her," added Dylan.


    "Then please wait and see," said Darren with a smile. "My Sweets will give you a pleasant surprise in the future."


    "Mr. Whipped-for-his-wife, stop spreading sugar around here."


    Darren laughed at them but didn''t feel embarrassed. It''s not like there was anyone in their family who didn''t know how much whipped he was for his wife. But he still was amused to hear every single time from these two who had followed her and Xiu from the very beginning of their love story.


    Someone from the house help came and informed Darren, "Sir, you have a guest."


    "Guest?" Darren raised his brows.


    "Hey, aren''t we here already?" asked Dylan.


    "Yup! Guests are already sitting here," added Nora.


    The house help looked at them before saying, "But Madam said you''re family."


    Both Nora and Dylan pursed their lips when they heard that.


    "Who is it?" Darren asked.


    "He said his name is Zhou Jinhai and he is here to see you and Madam."


    "Zhou Jinhai?" repeated Darren.


    The help didn''t know what that reaction from Darren meant but she still nodded her head.

 Chapter 930 - How To Face You?

    "Bring him inside," came Xiu''s voice who was coming downstairs with her son in arms. She slowly came down while fixing the blanket around Rowan and took a seat beside Darren.


    "What is he doing here?" asked Darren.


    "We won''t know unless he comes inside," answered Xiu.


    Nora looked confused as she asked, "Darren, isn''t Zhou Jinhai your elder half-brother?"


    "Nora..." Dylan called out to her through gritted teeth but Nora didn''t pay attention to him.


    "He is my elder brother," answered Darren without any hesitation.


    Perhaps, he had built a wall between them because of what happened to Chen Xiu and also because of Zhou Jinhai''s mother but at the end of the day, he couldn''t refute the fact that they were brothers.


    The house help directed Zhou Jinhai and brought him to the lounge where all of them were seated. Finding everyone''s eyes on him, Zhou Jinhai paused. It''s been months for him to face people like this.


    He not only spent two months in the hospital but he also had to go through physiotherapy for months. Even now, he couldn''t move his arm like before. One could see from how frail he looked that he had been having a hard time. He had actually recovered now but even then the long illness left some marks on his body and deepened the marks on his soul as well.


    Now, his eyes were calmer and steadier than ever.


    He greeted everyone with a polite smile and sat down beside Dylan.


    "I wonder what brought you here, Jin?" asked Dylan.


    Zhou Jinhai placed a gift box on the table saying, "This is for my nephew. A small gift from his uncle."


    Darren was silent for a minute as he stared at the gift box before looking at Zhou Jinhai, "This uncle is very late." Zhou Jinhai smiled softly at his brother. "How are you now?"


    "I''m good," replied Zhou Jinhai. "And I''m sorry it took me so long to come here."


    Seeing his reserved attitude, Nora stood up and dragged Dylan along with her saying, "We are gonna take Rowan to play with." And that''s how she managed to even snatch the little tiger from Xiu''s hands.


    The help served tea for Zhou Jinhai and left as well.


    "Dad told me about your son and I''ve been meaning to come since the time I learned about it. But..." He looked at Xiu and didn''t continue.


    "Are you that scared of me?" asked Xiu.


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head, "Not really. I''m just not sure how to face you."


    Xiu didn''t say anything to that. Her attitude towards Zhou Jinhai was just as confusing and complicated as it had been months ago. She knew she couldn''t expect Zhou Jinhai to just disappear from her life. It was not possible since Zhou Jinhai was Darren''s brother.


    And if no external factors had gotten involved back then, today these two brothers would have been as close they had once been. She unknowingly had come between them as Chen Xiu, she didn''t want to repeat that now as Bai Xiu.


    Besides, now Zhou Jinhai only had this brother. Since the time of their last encounter, his mother had still laid in a hospital but he never went to see her even when he has discharged from the hospital himself. According to him, he paid back everything to his mother with the blood that he shed that day.


    He had already stopped talking to his sister and his mother a long time ago. But after that incident, he entirely cut himself off from them. Although his sister, Zhou Liqiu had nothing to do with it, he still didn''t want to get involved with her.


    She wanted to be their mother and he didn''t want to even hear her name any longer. So, now, Zhou Jinhai only had his father and this estranged brother in his life. It took him a while to decide whether he should come to see Darren or not but eventually, his feelings for his brother pulled him here.


    "And now you''ve got the courage to face me?" asked Xiu.


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head, "Not really. But I have decided to stop running." Xiu''s brows quirked up at him as he went on, "You said I''m a coward. You also said I''ve been running all my life from reality. You''re right. I indeed ran and now, I''m tired. I''m tired of running and I''m tired of being indecisive. In the environment I grew up in, my life''s decisions were always based on my mother''s feelings. I had no say in it and that''s why I never realized that something was wrong with this approach until I met you." He sighed out heavily, "Now, I want to take control of my life in my own hands." He looked at Darren and went on, "Your wife once said to me that I''m a hypocrite. On one side I say that I want to give back everything that belongs to you and on the other hand, I''ve never taken a step back for your sake."


    Darren was surprised to hear that and he even looked at Xiu who had a thoughtful expression on her face showing that his brother was right. She indeed said that to him but he didn''t know when she said it.


    "I know you''ve been repeatedly saying you don''t want anything..."


    Before he could continue, Darren interrupted him, "I still don''t want anything. I have everything I ever asked for."


    Zhou Jinhai smiled when he heard that, "I know. You are lucky to have what you wished for. And I''m not gonna force you for anything either. I just wanted to tell you that I''ve accepted dad''s offer. I''m gonna take over Zhou Family business."


    "Congratulations!" said Darren with a genuine smile on his face. He knew how much his father had been looking forward to this.


    "Thank you!" replied Zhou Jinhai. "Since I''m not gonna run away anymore from anything, I''m not gonna run from you either. I hope I can get my brother back."

 Chapter 931 - Best Of Luck

    "That..." Darren wasn''t sure about what to say.


    "Don''t worry. I''m not trying to force you," said Zhou Jinhai. "I just want you to give me a chance to be an elder brother again. There is nothing else I ask for." He pressed his lips together tightly as he looked at Darren with anticipation and nervousness. "I know I can''t fix our past. But I do want to write the wrongs."


    Darren sighed out as he gazed at him and nodded, "I have always respected you as my elder brother. And I never had anything against you either. I never blamed you for anything either. At first, I kept my distance from you because I didn''t want you to come to a point where you''d have to choose between me or your mother. No matter who was right or wrong, I didn''t want to put you in such a dilemma. Later with Chen Xiu..." His hands clenched and Xiu placed her hand over his clenched one as she offered him a gentle and reassuring smile, "Maybe I can''t forget all of it but I won''t let it come between us again as well."


    Zhou Jinhai finally smiled as he relaxed a little, "Thank you!"


    Later the three of them fell into silence as Zhou Jinhai continued to sneak a peek at Xiu with a complex emotion in his eyes. Noticing his eyes, Xiu couldn''t help asking, "Do you have something to say to me?"


    "I''m not certain whether I should be telling you this or not," said Zhou Jinhai.


    "Oh, is it because you still don''t believe in reincarnation and stuff?" questioned Xiu with a straight face. "Whatever you have to say, is it for Chen Xiu?"


    Zhou Jinhai didn''t hide it as he nodded his head, "Indeed, what I want to say has everything to do with Chen Xiu. And I believe she''d have desperately wanted these answers."


    From the moment Zhou Jinhai had come to rescue Xiu from his wife and his mother, he had heard about his wife''s absurd talk regarding how Chen Xiu is back. No matter how desperately he wanted to believe it, he just couldn''t bring himself to come to terms with the fact that the Xiu before him was actually the Chen Xiu he was once familiar with.


    That''s why every time he faced her, he had a complicated look in his eyes. He neither wanted to believe this absurdity nor did he want to deny it. A part of him wanted her to be Chen Xiu and another part didn''t want her to be Chen Xiu. And both reasons had his own selfishness.


    "Whatever it is, you can tell us," said Darren. As long as it was related to his wife in any way, he couldn''t stop himself from learning about it.


    "It''s about your mother... I mean Chen Hana," replied Zhou Jinhai as he gazed at Xiu who didn''t give him a visible reaction. However, she was really interested in hearing what he had to say about Chen Hana. "I think Chen Xiu would have loved to know how she became Chen Xiu from Xin Xiulin."


    Xiu straightened up as she looked at him, "You know the answer?"


    Zhou Jinhai nodded his head, "I do. I just recently learned about it from someone."


    "Someone?" repeated Xiu in confusion.


    "Liu Mingfan," answered Zhou Jinhai. "I believe you already know what kind of a relationship Liu Mingfan and Chen Hana had before everything went wrong."


    "I do," said Xiu. "But later Chen Hana never had any relation with Liu Mingfan even though she still loved him."


    "Yes, but after Chen Xiu''s death, she had told him about Chen Xiu. How she met the little girl and what happened later on."


    To say that Xiu wasn''t interested in learning about that would be a lie. No one had found the answer to these questions. After all, the one who was most clear about everything was Chen Hana who was still in a coma and had no hope of ever waking up again. But Xiu didn''t wish to live in darkness. She really wanted to know why his childhood memories were so chaotic. And why was her relationship so estranged with Chen Hana?


    What really happened back then?


    "Do you know the answers I need?" her voice was quite stiff when she asked that question with difficulty. She didn''t know why she felt nervous when she was clearly close to knowing the answers she was looking for.


    Zhou Jinhai nodded his head. He took a diary and placed it before her. "This belongs to Chen Hana and Uncle Liu had been keeping it for her. The reason why he never brought it out was that Chen Xiu was already dead and he didn''t know what to do with all this information. When he learned that Chen Xiu was originally the daughter of the Xin family, he wanted to give this diary to Xin Zimen. However, I took it from him. I thought you''d like to learn the truth first."


    Xiu''s eyes didn''t leave the diary that was placed before her. It was quite old and one could see it weathered quite a few storms. Xiu wanted to reach out to take it and read it but she also couldn''t bring herself to do so. It was a conflict she couldn''t seem to solve within her.


    Zhou Jinhai stood up to leave as he said, "I believe you''d want to be alone. So, I''m gonna leave now."


    "You can stay for lunch," offered Darren.


    Zhou Jinhai shook his head, "Another time. For now, I should leave. Tomorrow, I''m going back to work. I wouldn''t want to disappoint dad anymore."


    "Best of luck," said Darren as he saw him out the door. But when he came back, Xiu was still sitting right there with her eyes still glued to that old diary. He could understand the conflict she was going through but he also knew she wasn''t weak enough to back out.


    She had always faced everything head first without any fear. It''s not that she didn''t fear anything, but it was just that she had become good at hiding her fear. Just like now, she scared that the answers she was looking for might really change all her beliefs all over again.

 Chapter 932 - Where It All Began

    ''I feel cold inside... A cold heart...''


    Those were the words scribbled on the very first page of the old diary in Xiu''s hands. It took her a while to actually gather the courage to read it. She asked Darren to take care of their son while she sat down in the room to read this diary.


    *Flashback*


    Back then Chen Hana had lost everything that she held dear to her because of Xin Suyin''s jealousy. She lost her family, her identity, and she almost lost her life as well. In fact, she had actually lost her life. What was left was just a shell. A shell without a soul.


    She had chosen to stay on a remote island to recuperate where no one recognized her. The island was inhabited by simple fishermen families. She was like a lifeless person living in these lively people who were happy with what they have. Those people had no worries at all. Their only worry was what they were gonna eat that day and that''s all. Their lives were really simple and there were no fights and jealousies.


    Chen Hana liked these simple people and their simplicity. Although it wasn''t enough to bring her back to life, it was enough to make her believe that not everyone had ulterior motives in life. Her life was going on this manner until one day, a little girl was found on the shore.


    No one knew for how long the little girl had stayed in water or how did she reach an island that was far from civilization. Not only that, somehow, the little girl was desperately fighting to live as well because she was still breathing. Although her breath was faint, it was a sign that she was alive.


    Being simple people that they were, all of those fishermen''s families were worried about the little girl. They only had a traditional doctor who couldn''t help much. And the only person who was familiar with the outside world was Chen Hana. Seeing their worry for an unknown girl, Chen Hana decided to listen to them and took that little girl to the closest city from there.


    But the girl was very young and she had spent far too long struggling in the water so it was uncertain whether she would survive for long or not. Chen Hana knew nothing about the little girl and she only called her Xiu because of the bracelet she wore.


    The little girl''s life was saved by the doctors but she went into a coma. Just a five-year-old actually closed her eyes as if she was scared to open her eyes and see the boundless ocean again. Since the girl''s identity was unclear, Chen Hana tried to file a complaint at police stations.


    She thought someone must be looking for the girl and would reach out for her. Or there must be a missing complaint but she was disappointed. But she didn''t give up, she tried to make use of the mass media to find the little girl''s family. Back then the internet wasn''t a thing and mass media was also limited.


    The newspaper or news channels could only broadcast the news within Thailand. But Xiu wasn''t from that country, how would anyone recognize her there? So, Chen Hana was bound to be disappointed once again.


    It was just that she didn''t want to give up. She knew how it felt to be lonely in this world without a family or an identity that belonged to you. So, she tried everything she could to help Xiu but she was also powerless. Once she had the help of her family but now, she was just a normal person.


    She actually wanted to contact Su Xixi who saved her that night and even helped her get a new identity. Although she didn''t know why Su Xixi helped her, it didn''t matter to her. It was enough for her to know that Su Xixi or the people behind her were powerful enough. And she thought they''d be able to find Xiu''s family easily.


    It''s a pity that during that Wen Ai''s condition wasn''t good and that''s why it was impossible to reach Su Xixi as well. Thinking that Su Xixi must be busy, Chen Hana gave up on this lead as well.


    It took a year for the little girl to actually wake up from the coma. But she had become reticent. She looked at everything with caution in her eyes. The drowning incident left a huge trauma. The little girl ended up folding herself up in a shell. And whoever tried to peel a layer of that shell to sneak a peek at her, she''d lose her calm and start screaming in fear.


    Chen Hana had to look for several psychologists to help her. But even after two years, the little girl never opened up. She never even said a word. But in these two years, she had come to form a trust in Chen Hana. She''d become vigilant before others but she''d always hide behind Chen Hana as if she trusted her wholeheartedly.


    This behavior of the little girl left Chen Hana in a very complicated mood. She had become someone''s pillar of support and she couldn''t figure out what to feel about that.


    But helping Xiu also costs money. In fact, money flowing out of her wallet like flowing water. And Chen Hana wasn''t the Young Miss of a relatively rich family anymore either. She had to look for work to continue Xiu''s treatment and to make them survive as well.


    During that time, she ran into an old acquaintance who introduced her to work. The only difference was once she worked in front of the screen but now, she chose to work behind the screen to hide from Xin Suyin.


    And since she couldn''t leave the little Xiu alone at home, she took her to the set with her.


    But she''d have never thought that that one incident would change everything in both their lives.


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 933 - Born To Shine

    *Flashback Continued*


    On the filming set, the shooting for a movie was going on. Holding the hem of Chen Hana''s shirt, little Xiu followed her around. But her eyes followed everything that was happening around her. The beautiful setting, the gorgeous costumes, dazzling actors, everything there fascinated her young self.


    She looked at everything with interest and seemed absorbed in the scene. Chen Hana didn''t even realize that the little girl''s eyes had started sparkling from the moment this shooting set enchanted her. She had been like a lifeless doll. Beautiful but her eyes had always been blank. Without her memories, she was even more unsure of why she felt so scared of the world.


    But at this moment, she didn''t feel scared at all. If anything, she felt herself losing in this very moment. A scene with a young actor was repeatedly gone wrong because of the young boy''s stiff expressions and his habit of forgetting the lines. It felt unnatural and it annoyed the director so much that he wanted to yell at everyone.


    Chen Hana didn''t even realize when the little girl left her side and ran towards the young actor and recited all his lines perfectly. She was so enthusiastic that she even perfectly portrayed the emotions.


    By the time, Chen Hana noticed that she was stunned. Not because of her talent but because this was the first time she heard Xiu''s voice. Even though the little girl woke up from the coma for over two years now, she had never said a single word. She always ?ssumed that the trauma made her lose her ability to speak. But only now she learned that she didn''t lose the ability to speak. She just didn''t find anything interesting before.


    Even the director was captured by the little girl who seemed to be teaching the young actor. The little girl had short hair and looked almost the same age as the young actor. Suddenly an idea popped into his head.


    Chen Hana was still in a daze when Xiu was dragged to take the role of the young actor. And she was supposed to play the role of a boy at that. However, Xiu wasn''t fazed and found it quite interesting. She didn''t give anyone a headache and finished her part perfectly.


    And for the first time, Chen Hana saw a smile on her face. The smile was so pure and dazzling that it almost su?k?d her soul in. She couldn''t stop looking at that little girl who shined brighter than the renowned stars surrounding her.


    "This little girl is born to shine," someone commented close to her.


    "You''re right. She is like a bright star already," another one said.


    The friend who introduced Chen Hana to this job patted her shoulder and said, "It seems you have a raw talent by your side. Don''t let her waste this talent. She is meant to do bigger things."


    After leaving for home, Chen Hana asked Xiu, "Do you want to be a star?"


    The little girl shook her head.


    "Okay." She rubbed her head and was about to leave when the little girl held her shirt to stop her.


    When she looked back, she heard her say, "But I want to act."


    Chen Hana nodded her head with a smile on her face as she asked, "Why?"


    "It can make me forget who I am. And if I won''t remember that, I won''t be scared anymore."


    Chen Hana spent a long time staring at the nine-year-old before her. It seemed the little girl was also trying to run from herself. Or more like from her fears. But since she finally found something interesting, she didn''t want to let it go anymore.


    Later, as a child star, Xiu had acted in several commercials, movies, and tv series. And the more she acted, the more she seemed to brighten up.


    "If you help her reach a bigger stage, there is always a possibility that you''ll find her family," someone had suggested to Chen Hana who had never stopped looking for Xiu''s real family.


    But while trying to help Xiu, she never realized she also needed help. She also needed someone to pull her out of her darkest time. But she never got that help. And she never tried to get close to Xiu as well. She was scared. Scared that if she made Xiu her anchor and one day, she left, she won''t be able to stay afloat and might really drown in her own misery.


    However, just because she never tried to make Xiu her anchor, didn''t mean that Xiu did the same. For her, the person she had always depended on was Chen Hana. And because of that, she had ?ssumed Chen Hana to be her mother.


    Not once did Chen Hana introduced herself as Xiu''s mother. But the little girl was still little who believed that since everyone had a mother, she must have one too. And who could it be if not Chen Hana who always took care of her?


    "Mom!"


    The very first time Xiu had called her that, Chen Hana had cried all night. She tried to keep her distance from Xiu but no matter what, she couldn''t help loving that little girl. But she didn''t wish for this little girl to suffer with her.


    So, even though she didn''t want to ever go to China. She did bring Xiu with her there. Not for anything else but to give Xiu a chance to reach a bigger stage and to reach her family who might be looking for her. She wanted her to stand at a pinnacle where no one could help but look at her. At least, one of those people would be able to recognize that dazzling girl.


    "Xiu, remember, never take off this bracelet. It''s like your identity. You must never take it off unless it''s for shooting. But at every other event, you have to wear it." She had strictly advised Xiu to always take her bracelet with her. That one thing that linked her to her real identity.


    But she was really hoping for too much. Some people couldn''t be found just because we want to find them. Perhaps, Xiu''s fate was also like that.


    *To be Continued*

 Chapter 934 - That Belongs To You

    *Flashback Continued*


    Chen Hana thought that since Xiu was getting accustomed to society, her psychological condition will improve. Her childhood trauma, she''ll be able to overcome. However, Xiu''s psychological shadow wasn''t that easy to remove.


    If anything, it only deepened with time.


    They say a good actor is one that can become one with the character they are about to play.


    Xiu was known to be that kind of an actor. There was no wonder why she succeeded and why she was highly praised always. But it had its deadly drawbacks.


    The characters Xiu played, started to haunt her life. Her psychological condition had never recovered from the very beginning. She had just found a distraction for herself and while acting, she had learned to act normal. But at the end of the day, she was still the same person who had nightmares and whose personal life was filled with gloom.


    The first time Chen Hana noticed that something was seriously wrong was when Xiu was sixteen and suddenly insisted on becoming a golf player. At first, Chen Hana thought she was just momentarily interested in golf and didn''t take it seriously. Later, when she attended the premiere of Xiu''s film, her eyes widened in shock.


    The character she played as was a golf prodigy and she was obsessed with golf.


    Chen Hana''s heart shook when she realized the implication of this fact. She couldn''t help contacting a psychologist for her. And it was later confirmed that Xiu had started to take fictional characters too seriously and emotionally. She would lose herself in acting.


    And she wasn''t the first one to do so either. There were plenty of actors who once lost themselves in their roles to the point of committing suicide or going insane completely. It scared her so much that she tried to stop Xiu from acting.


    But that was the only thing that brought Xiu happiness, she couldn''t stop herself from loving what she did. Several times, Chen Hana blamed herself for her condition. She thought if she wasn''t obsessed with making Xiu reach the top, Xiu could have been saved but it was too late now.


    The entries on the diary had become scarce towards the end. But one thing was consistent, Chen Hana was constantly left disappointed when she couldn''t help Xiu.


    ''Her psychologist said she is losing the sense of reality. Her memories are all messed up. It''s like her mind is playing a joke on her. She can only recall bad memories of her life. As if nothing good ever happened around her.''


    Reading that, Xiu''s mind buzzed as her whole body trembled. Those words were not wrong. She agreed. It was only recently that she had started dreaming about the smallest details of her childhood. Before that, she always felt like her life was shrouded in darkness.


    She was mentally ill and she had known that for a long time now. She just never realized it had been so bad. No wonder people were able to manipulate her so easily. She was already an easy target for anyone.


    She continued to read further...


    ''I''ve tried to get close to her. But it only made me realize that I have forgotten how to get close to people. Even if I want to become family to her, I won''t be able to do so. She and I both need a family. But she and I both don''t know how to become family to each other.''


    Xiu couldn''t help laughing at that statement. It really was no surprise that Chen Hana couldn''t become a good mother. She didn''t even know how to be a good person anymore.


    The last entry on the diary was made on the day of her death...


    ''I killed her. I knew it. Whoever stayed close to me would die. That''s why I wanted her to find her family sooner. At least, her fate would have been different. I really am like demon spawn. First, I ate up my whole family, and now... She is also gone. I wonder what I am doing in this world even now when everyone is gone?''


    "Can we come inside?"


    Xiu opened her eyes and looked at Darren who stood at the door with their son in his arms. Xiu smiled at him and nodded her head.


    Darren hurriedly passed their son to her saying, "This one had been missing you a lot."


    "Are you sure, he was the one missing me?" questioned Xiu with a gentle smile. Darren sat down on the carpet right beside her feet and put his hands on her knees as he looked up at her. Noticing his eyes, she said, "Stop worrying about me."


    "I can''t stop it," he answered honestly.


    Xiu patted her son lovingly as she looked at his small face and told Darren, "Today I finally know why I shared the same birthday with Destiny. It''s because it was the day Chen Hana found me. So, she took that day as my birthday. For one lifetime, I celebrated the birthday of the girl whose body I''m currently occupying." She looked up at Darren and added, "And it seems, for this second lifetime, I''ll still celebrate Destiny''s birthday."


    Darren put his head on her leg as he said, "It''s okay. I''ll continue to celebrate your birthday. The one that only belongs to you."


    Xiu tried to hold herself back but her tears still fell down like a stream. She couldn''t stop herself or her tears. Her feelings for Chen Hana were already complicated enough.


    "Regan, your wife is insane!"


    Darren chuckled at her words, "It''s okay. I fell in love with her insanity from the very beginning." He looked up at her and wiped her tears saying, "I don''t mind it. And I never will. She''ll always be my Sweets. And as I always say, I''m equally insane. We compliment each other well."

 Chapter 935 - Clumsy

    "I always knew something was wrong in your relationship," said Han Bohai when he learned about Chen Hana from Xiu.


    He had been busy with shooting for the past month and only got the chance to come and meet his Sister Xiu now. But he didn''t expect to learn about such bitter things from Xiu.


    "You never thought something was wrong with me?" asked Xiu in turn as she sat down beside him with her son in her arms.


    Han Bohai first looked at the little baby wrapped up tightly in her arms before he lifted his eyes to her and said, "Nope. Not at all."


    Xiu raised her brow at him, "Really?"


    He succumbed under her gaze and told her honestly, "Yes, when we first met I did find you weird. Your regular visits to psychologists only confirmed it to me that something was wrong with you." He suddenly smiled and added, "But now it''s okay. Now, you''ve overcome it all."


    "Took me long enough," sighed Xiu bitterly.


    "Sister Xiu, things happen when they are bound to happen. Resisting the fate will only make everything seem depressed." He took a pause and went on, "Now take me and Ah-Ying, for instance. Before she came into my life, I never even took interest in love. But one look at her and BOOM! Everything fell right into place right before my eyes. And the same goes for Ah-Ying as well. She spent a decade trying to break the shackles of her first love but it was only possible after I came into her life."


    Xiu smiled at him strangely, "I feel like you have become fond of bringing up your girlfriend''s name into our conversations lately."


    Han Bohai pressed his lips and scratched his head sheepishly. Then he leaned over and poked the little tiger''s chubby cheek with his index finger. "He has such soft skin. I''m afraid I might break it."


    "Don''t worry, my baby isn''t that weak," said Xiu proudly as she rubbed the short hair of her son who was sleeping soundly in her arms.


    "Sister Xiu, whenever I call you, you always have him in your arms. Don''t you get tired of holding him? Why don''t you put him into a cot to sleep peacefully?"


    At first, Xiu didn''t answer him. She was so silent that Han Bohai thought she didn''t want to answer him at all. However, she did give him an answer after a prolonged silence, "I want to keep him where I can see him." She took another pause and added, "If one day, something happens to me, take care of my son. And don''t let him ever feel lonely, okay?"


    Han Bohai''s heart shook when he heard that and he held her hand, "Sister Xiu, don''t talk like that. Nothing will happen to you. Nothing at all."


    Xiu smiled at him softly, "Silly, I''m saying ''if.''"


    "There is no place for ''if'' as well."


    "I''m being realistic here, Xiao Bobo," said Xiu. "Life is the most unpredictable thing. You never know when things will take a different turn. Do you think my parents didn''t love me enough? Then how come I ended up so lonely in life." She took a deep breath and continued, "But that is just for if something happens. As long as I''m around, I''ll love my son the most."


    "Your husband might feel jealous if you loved your son the most," reminded Han Bohai.


    "It''s okay," Xiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Some jealousy is healthy."


    Han Bohai laughed out saying, "It seems you really plan on making your husband suffer a little."


    "No way," denied Xiu. "I want my Regan to be the happiest. There is no way I''d let him suffer. Not even at my own hands."


    Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps rang and Xiu looked up at the two little excited girls who had come running to her house right after school.


    "Xiu, can we play with our brother?" Both Asteria and Ava looked at Xiu with expectation.


    Xiu couldn''t even say no to their eager eyes. These two loved to come here to play with the little tiger. It was like these two found a new toy that was more exciting than anything else.


    "Did you both eat something before coming here?" asked Xiu.


    Both Asteria and Ava looked down and shook their heads.


    "I knew it," said Xiu. "Good thing I made cheesecake today."


    "Really?"


    Asteria and Ava looked at her with sparkling eyes.


    "Wash your hands, I''ll bring it out for you both." Then she looked at Han Bohai, "Hold my son carefully and keep an eye on the girls as well. They both are a little clumsy."


    Han Bohai chuckled to himself but didn''t take her words seriously. Soon, he learned why he called these girls clumsy. After washing their hands as they came out, one ended up bumping into the big vase that broke and the other bumped into her. Even though they had three year age difference, these girls were quite alike, eh!


    Han Bohai laughed to himself and went over saying, "Don''t step on it now."


    "Sorry!"


    Han Bohai smiled at them, "It''s okay. Breaking a vase is no big deal but if any of you got hurt, that will certainly become breaking news of the day. So, go around it and don''t let it even scratch you."


    The girls listened to him and went over the debris. Then the three of them gathered around little tiger and continued to tease the little guy who had just opened his eyes and was still finding his way back from the dreamland.


    Xiu had heard the noise of something breaking and already knew what happened. So, she took her time coming out. She knew Han Bohai would make sure the girls don''t get hurt. She brought cheesecake for all of them and set it down.


    Usually, her house would be quiet since Darren started going to work again. But when these girls came over, the house would brighten up. So, she loved having them over.

 Chapter 936 - Young People

    "Let''s buy this one," suggested Zhao Wei as she pointed at the heart pendant.


    "But I like this one better," added Zhao Huan as she pointed at another pendant.


    Meanwhile, Francesca was almost squashed between them because of the confusion these two sisters created for her. She was already a confused person but because of their different aesthetics, Francesca was left even more confused.


    On the other side, Cali yawned as she looked at the three ladies who had been in this shop for the last hour. She was tired but she had no courage to say it out loud. One of them was her future mother-in-law, the other was her best friend''s mother, and the last one was Xiu''s mother. She couldn''t run from any of them.


    Besides, it was her idea to bring them to Italy for shopping as well.


    She just didn''t expect that she''d suffer along as well. She who had only known how to run around the hospital was now out shopping. She was like a fish in the desert, unaware of how to survive in this new atmosphere.


    *Ring!*


    Taking out her phone, she connected the call and looked at the screen where she could see Xiu''s face. "What''s up, Cali?!"


    "It''s better if you don''t ask," answered Cali ruefully. She looked at Nora who passed from behind Xiu and called out, "Nora, since you love to shop. Give me some idea how to survive this?"


    "What happened?" asked Nora as she came over at the mention of ''shopping.''


    "These ladies have been shopping for the past five hours, I don''t know about them but I''m dead tired."


    "Say it to them," suggested Nora.


    "As if I dare to say that out loud," retorted Cali.


    Nora laughed at her condition. "It seems you really have it bad."


    "Don''t even mention it," ?r??n?d Cali. "I don''t mind shopping with them but why are they indecisive? If you like something just buy it. Why have a discussion for an hour when in the end, you''re gonna buy the same thing?"


    "Keep grumbling and soon, you''re gonna be beaten by someone."


    "Does your mom do the same thing?"


    Nora shook her head, "My mom is strongly against things that waste her time. She loves her work and her family. She would never compromise her time. Why waste time on shopping when she can spend it with her family or at work? That''s what she loves to say."


    Xiu also chimed, "Nora is right. Clara mom only goes to the supermarket and she always makes Uncle Jing accompany her. If he is not available one of the family members has to take his place."


    Cali already had learned that Clara Cartwright preferred her work and family over other things. But then again, the three ladies with her were also like that. Take her mother-in-law, for instance, she left her work because she didn''t want to neglect her family. As for Francesca, she wasted her youth working hard to make sure her son gets whatever he needs in his life. And even Zhao Huan had worked all her life and yet never neglected her time with her husband.


    She suddenly sighed out. No matter what she had to say, the Zhao sisters had the best luck when it came to their love lives. Both had doting husbands who even at this age didn''t forget to spoil their wives in every way possible. And both went against their families for the sake of their wives. This kind of love always seems enviable to the younger generation who always have insecurities in their hearts.


    After all, time and people never stay the same. One can never come over the insecurities completely.


    "Take care of my mothers," said Xiu suddenly as she looked at Cali seriously. "And make sure my Mama gets what she likes. If she is not happy with something, I''ll also make you unhappy, dear cousin!"


    "You don''t have to threaten me for that," replied Cali.


    "Sorry, I''ve gotten too used to threats," said Xiu sheepishly.


    Cali shook her head at Xiu and asked, "Where is my nephew? Let me take a look at him. I miss him so much."


    Nora jumped up from the side with the little tiger in her arms saying, "Good thing I refuse to take long trips. Wouldn''t want to miss my cute nephew."


    Cali''s lips twitched at Nora''s provocation, "I didn''t know you''re this childish."


    "Well, now you know," said Nora with a laugh.


    While the little tiger looked at Nora and Cali with his big eyes, Cali spoke up, "Baby can you see? Your aunt Nora is childish."


    Nora hugged the little tiger tightly, "He knows but he still loves me."


    "How do you know that? He can''t even talk yet."


    "I just know it. I have a connection with my baby nephew. You won''t understand distant relative who is quite a distance away right now."


    "I really want to get inside the screen to punch your face!"


    Nora doesn''t pay attention to her while Xiu tries to mediate the situation, "Cali, let''s talk later when you''re home. Take good care of yourself as well. And tell Mama to call me when she has time."


    "Alright," agreed Cali before the call hung up.


    On the other side, finally which pendant to buy was agreed on and they paid for it to leave. Cali followed them out as she heard her mother-in-law saying, "Cali, why are you so slow? Young people should be more active."


    "Sorry," Cali instantly lowered her head.


    Francesca hit Zhao Wei''s arm saying, "Weiwei, don''t mess with her." Then she looked at Cali and added, "Don''t worry about this one. She is just trying to scare you for her own entertainment."


    Zhao Wei looks at her sister for support, "Sis, did I say anything wrong? Shouldn''t young people be more active?"


    "Yes, they should be active but we are also quite young," replied Zhao Huan.


    "Oh, that''s also true," agreed Francesca and the three ladies made Cali laugh.

 Chapter 937 - Unimportant

    As the ladies were laughing, chatting, and enjoying themselves, Francesca suddenly bumped into someone and all of the shopping bags in the other person''s hands fell down.


    "Oh, I''m sorry! I''m so sorry for this!" Francesca hurriedly crouched down to help the other person.


    "It''s okay," said a gentle voice that made Francesca stiffen.


    She slowly looked up and when she looked at the face of the woman before her, her expressions shifted. How many years had it been since she last saw this face? 28? 29? She couldn''t recall it. In all those years the only time she had recalled this face was whenever she found Darren too lonely.


    She always believed that there was a lot of anger filled up inside her heart for this woman because she heartlessly left Darren behind. But now facing her sister, Florence, she didn''t even know why she felt nothing at all. She didn''t want to get angry with her or yell at her at this place because that was not like her. Besides, there was no point at all.


    Darren had made her realize one thing in life; Those who are meant to leave will leave. They don''t need excuses either.


    Taking a deep breath, she picked up the shopping bags and handed them to Florence with a calm face. She bowed her head silently and turned to leave.


    Suddenly she heard her name being called out, "Francesca!"


    Francesca stopped in her steps but didn''t turn around at all.


    "Are you just gonna turn away?"


    Francesca turned her head and sneered, "If you can turn away from everything, I can do it too."


    With that, she didn''t even look at her and left. Seeing the atmosphere between them the others didn''t say a word. However, whether it was the Zhao sisters or Cali, all of them were smart people. The uncanny resemblance between these two was a clear giveaway to the fact that the other woman was Francesca Salvay''s elder sister Florence Salvay. And also, Regan Darren Salvay''s birth mother.


    Cali was the only one who had taken an extra look at Florence before she followed the others out.


    "France, you''re okay?" inquired Zhao Wei when they came out of the shopping mall.


    "I''m perfectly fine," replied Francesca, looking especially fine. She didn''t look sad, happy, or angry to come face to face with her sister whom she hadn''t seen for decades. And she neither did lose her temper at her.


    No one could understand her mood right now. She had once looked for her sister but couldn''t find her. She even wondered if she was alive and well. Whether something happened to her and that''s why she never came back to see Darren. One could say that she had kept making excuses for Florence for years.


    But today when she saw her alive and well right before her eyes, her heart turned cold. Indeed, excuses are just excuses. No matter how she put it to herself, it''ll all be a lie in the end. And lies are like sandcastles, they eventually collapse.


    "Let''s go for dinner," said Francesca putting on a smile. "Didn''t Cali say she was gonna take us to someplace for dinner?"


    Cali happily agreed, saying, "Of course! My dad used to take me there when I was young. I used to love the food there. I heard from my butler that the food there is as exceptional as always. So, I''m gonna treat you, pretty ladies, tonight." She looked at Zhao Wei and added, "And since Auntie is not in good health, I''ve requested them to make something light for you."


    "Weiwei, your daughter-in-law is trying to flatter you," said Zhao Huan as she nudged Zhao Wei.


    It was true that Zhao Wei hadn''t fully recovered from her illness. But since it was Francesca who was getting married, she still insisted on following this good friend around to help her. But she wasn''t as fragile as Cali had been taking her since they came to Italy. Then again, she couldn''t blame her either.


    This daughter-in-law was quite attentive and never faked her feelings either. Zhao Wei could feel her sincerity and it made her like Cali even more for her son.


    Cali didn''t know about the others but during the dinner, her attention was still on Darren''s birth mother whom she saw at the shopping mall. She couldn''t help it either. She had known Darren for years. It was inevitable that the topic of his birth mother would have come up between such close friends.


    However, Darren never had a violent reaction towards the name of his birth mother. He seemed too indifferent. Whether that indifference was real or fake, none of them ever figured it out.


    But now that this absent mother has suddenly made an appearance, what difference could she bring? Cali didn''t dare to let her imaginations run wild.


    Although Darren was her best friend and she cared very much about him, she still had no right to interfere in his personal matters. Especially ones involving his mother. But she still had to let someone know to give some heads-up.


    So, she texted Xiu, ''Xiu! We just ran into Florence Salvay at the shopping mall!''


    Xiu: ''Who is Florence?''


    Cali rolled her eyes at Xiu''s reply, ''Regi''s birth mother!''


    Xiu: ''Oh? Sorry, my brain clears up the memory of unimportant things.''


    Cali almost choked when she read that, ''Unimportant? That''s your husband''s birth mother!!!''


    Xiu: ''Unimportant! Just as I said earlier!''


    While Cali was fuming over Xiu''s reply, she received another reply from Xiu.


    Xiu: ''A person who threw away my Regan is unimportant. She only gave birth to him. A surrogate mother can do that as well. It doesn''t make her any important.''


    While Cali was staring at Xiu''s message, another popped on the screen.


    Regan: ''My Sweets is always right.''


    Cali was shocked when she read that and almost dropped her phone, ''Why are you here?''


    Regan: ''Dumbo! First, check the group you''re texting in!''


    As Cali''s eyes zoomed in on the group name, the phone really dropped from her hand.

 Chapter 938 - Open Bet

    There were different chat groups for different people in this family. For instance, there was a family group where everyone was added regardless of their age. There was one with only the young age. Well, men had their secret chat groups while the ladies had their own.


    Just like Xiu, Nora and Dylan had their separate group chat where one could find all kinds of bickering, bantering, and nonsense. That chat group was a film on its own.


    But currently, Cali''s blunder was that she sent the text in the friends'' group where everyone from the younger generation saw it including Darren. While Xiu was the only one who replied and the rest chose to keep a mutual stance to being silent in this matter. It''s not like there was anyone unaware of the complications between Darren and his birth mother.


    Cali didn''t want to tell this to Darren but she wanted to give a heads-up to Xiu instead. Who knew she was so lost in her head that she made such a mistake?


    Due to the time difference, it was already past midnight when this exchange of messages took place. Xiu didn''t expect that Darren was still awake, she turned over and looked at him who placed his phone at his side again.


    Xiu held his hand and asked, "Why did you wake up?"


    "You sneaked out of my hands, how could I stay asleep?" he retorted making Xiu almost roll her eyes at his answer.


    "Don''t think about what Cali said."


    Darren laid on his side and placed his other hand on Xiu''s face as he said, "I wasn''t going to. Just as you said, I don''t have to think about unimportant people."


    "But you don''t look..."


    Before Xiu could continue, Darren cleared up for her, "I''m worried for my Mama. She is a sentimental person. I don''t want her to think about this and forget about the happiness that is knocking at her door."


    Xiu patted his hand reassuringly, "Mama is coming back in a few days. We''ll make sure she doesn''t let the past hinder the happiness of her present." She slid over to his side and allowed him to hug her again as she said, "Since you''re awake, let''s talk."


    "Aren''t you sleepy?" asked Darren.


    "Forget my sleep," answered Xiu. "Little tiger is gonna wake up in an hour. It''s better for me to stay awake. Besides, it''s the weekend. You can also sleep in tomorrow."


    Darren pinched her cheek, "No sleeping in. You have to follow your exercise plan."


    Xiu ?r??n?d when she heard about exercise, "I''ve lost enough weight. Let''s stop here."


    Darren was quiet for a minute before he agreed, "Okay."


    Xiu was stunned and looked at his face under the dim light, "You agreed? So easily? You''re supposed to push me to lose weight."


    "I''d never want you to do anything you don''t want to do," answered Darren in his usual manner of giving into her way too easily.


    Xiu sighed out, "But I do want to lose weight. It''s just that I don''t want to exercise!"


    Darren chuckled, "I believe there is no such way where you can lose weight without exercising. You can go on a strict diet but can you, Sweets?"


    Xiu looked horrified, "No way! I don''t want to eat salad all day long. Those green leaves are for rabbits. I am not a rabbit."


    Darren looked at her face saying, "Really? But you look like a cute bunny to me."


    "No way! I don''t," insisted Xiu. "If anything, I''m a cute kitten."


    Darren laughed out, "So my dear kitten, how did you give birth to a tiger then?"


    Xiu pinched his waist, "Don''t ask me questions. If I say I''m a kitten, I''m a kitten."


    "Yes, my queen!"


    Xiu rubbed her face on his ?h?st and told him, "Let''s go on a date tomorrow."


    "Tomorrow? What about our son?"


    "Our son is also going on a date with his grandfathers," said Xiu. "You stop worrying about our son. His grandfathers specially called me today to tell me to prepare everything because they are taking their little highness out on a date."


    Darren rubbed his forehead, "Are they gonna buy the whole city for him this time?" He still couldn''t forget how those dear grandfathers chose to buy an amusement park for their dear grandson just because they thought he''d love to play there. Bloody hell! That grandson is b?r?ly over two months old! "I feel like those grandfathers are out to smash my son with their money."


    Xiu laughed out, "I have already warned them not to go overboard. I strictly said no one is allowed to buy anything for my son. He is so young, he can''t even play with toys yet. All he does is punch and kick his mother."


    "Well, I hope they listen to you or else, I really don''t know what my son''s future is gonna look like," said Darren in worry.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t like it that his son was loved by so many people. But he really didn''t want his son to grow up feeling like he ruled the world. If he wanted something, he''d have to work for it.


    "I never thought you''d be a strict father," said Xiu.


    "I think Sweets, look at yourself. You''re gonna be even stricter than me."


    "No way!" argued Xiu. "I love my little tiger. I want to give him the whole world."


    Darren laughed strangely, "Wanna have a bet?"


    "What kind of bet?" she asked.


    "That you''d be stricter than me with our son in the future?"


    Xiu thought about it and nodded, "What will I get if I won?"


    "Who said you''re gonna win?"


    "I''m going to!" stressed Xiu. "But tell me the winning prize first."


    "Let''s keep it an open bet for now," answered Darren. "Whoever wins will get a prize from the losing party of his own choice. Is that alright?"


    "I agree," said Xiu. "What''s the time limit?"


    "Let''s talk on his sixteen birthday," suggested Darren.


    "Alright!" Xiu readily agreed and Darren looked like this bet was already in his pocket. And he truly believed that as well. After all, he knew his wife better than she knew herself.

 Chapter 939 - My Only Mother

    Francesca didn''t think she''d end up running into her sister again. And that too, the very next day. She had just stepped out to get her favorite bubble tea from the nearest cafe and ended up bumping into the person she didn''t wish to see at all.


    And before she could turn and leave, Florence had already held her hand to stop her. "Can''t we just sit down and talk?"


    "Do we have to?" retorted Francesca.


    "Just for five minutes," pleaded Florence. "I won''t take long."


    Francesca hesitated a little but seeing how everyone around them looked in their direction, she ended up sighing and sat down with her.


    As they both sat facing each other, Florence''s eyes didn''t leave Francesca even for a second while Francesca refused to even look at her. Although she had come to buy bubble tea, she ended up ordering black coffee instead. She needed something bitter to swallow this situation down.


    "I remember you used to love Latte," commented Florence.


    Francesca snorted at her, "The time you''re talking about is long gone. In all these years even people change, I only changed my drinking preferences. What''s odd about that?"


    Florence bit her lip. She could tell that her sister''s words held a sharp edge. It was like she hated her and she couldn''t even blame her for that either. Sighing out, she asked, "How''s our father?"


    Francesca paused before she stared at her face and answered, "He is dead. He died only a few years after you disappeared."


    The cup in Florence''s hand shook and she instantly put it down in fear that she might spill the tea. She took a moment to gather her emotions before saying, "I''m sorry."


    "For what?" retorted Francesca. "For dad''s death? He''s been gone for far too long now. You should be sorry to the living people instead. I believe there are a lot more people to whom you owe an apology. Not like it''ll change anything but still, they deserve an apology from a selfish person like you."


    "Francesca, back then I had to leave," said Florence.


    "Oh?" responded Francesca in derision. "Please, do tell me why you had to leave? Give me an excuse for this selfishness of yours. No matter what you say at this point, it''ll be an excuse. No reason can justify what you did."


    Florence placed her hands on her ??p and looked down as she said in a soft voice, "I wasn''t in the condition to face anything at that time."


    "Was that a good enough reason to abandon your newborn son?" asked Francesca. "What did he do wrong? Let''s forget about what Zhou Xichen did. But what about the newborn son who knew nothing? What about that boy who spent years questioning himself, what did he do wrong that his own mother left him?"


    "I told you back then as well. Zhou Xichen''s family had broken me. I was mentally exhausted. I was depressed and felt betrayed. I couldn''t look at the baby. He reminded me of what I had to go through."


    Francesca sneered at her, "I don''t even know why I expected better from you." She shook her head and slammed her hands on the table started Florence, "No matter what happened back then, it had nothing to do with an innocent kid who had b?r?ly opened his eyes into this world. You know, I can finally understand why it took you so many years to get pregnant back then. A woman like you didn''t deserve to be a mother. You put your own feelings above everyone else''s."


    She turned to leave but stopped and warned her, "I hope we don''t see each other again. My son is far better without you in his life." She took a deep breath and added, "And one more thing, my son was never a reminder of your bad luck. You left him because he reminded you of how weak your love was that one scheme tore you apart from your husband!"


    Saying that she left and didn''t look back at all. She didn''t know what she was expecting really. Maybe a small part of her really wanted a valid reason for her absence. But she was bound to be disappointed in the end.


    She didn''t go back home yet, instead, she wandered on the streets without any destination. She looked heavenwards and asked, "Dad, are you sure she is my sister? How can she do this?"


    While her heart felt heavy and she was close to shedding tears, her phone''s ringtone pulled her out of her sadness. Seeing the name of her son flashing on the screen, made her lips pull up. She took deep calming breaths before she accepted the call.


    "How''s my son doing?"


    Darren didn''t reply immediately when he heard her voice. He had always been a s?ns?t?v? person. It wasn''t difficult for him to read his mother''s mood.


    "I am not doing well," he replied to her.


    "What? Why?" Francesca was immediately worried when she heard him say that.


    "Because I miss my Mama," he answered making Francesca shake her head at him.


    "You scared me," she rebuked him gently. "And is this your age to miss your mother? You''re already a father of a son."


    "All the more reason for me to miss my Mama," said Darren. He took a pause and called out, "Mama!"


    "Hm?"


    "You do know that I only ever needed you, right?" Francesca was startled when she heard him say that. "You are my only mother. And you''ll always be. Even in my next life, I only want to be your son. Just yours!"


    Francesca''s tear fell down as she said, "Why are you saying this of all times?"


    "Because I felt like I needed to remind you that there had never been and there can never be a better mother to me than you." He heard her sniffling and added, "Okay, now I didn''t say it to make you cry. Stop crying already."


    "Aaa... Aow... Eee..."


    Hearing those incoherent noises from Darren''s side, Francesca paused as Darren told her, "See? Your grandson is also telling you to stop crying."


    "He can''t even talk yet," said Francesca through her tears.


    "But he can get the message across," answered Darren with a laugh.

 Chapter 940 - I Really Am Brave

    Since meeting Florence in Italy, Francesca was feeling ill at ease. Just mere the thought of having her sister around made her want to run away from there. And before this day, she had never thought that one day, she''d want to run away from her sister. Just thinking about Florence made her remember the warmth of her little family.


    Whether it was her ever so charming son, her adorkable daughter-in-law, or the newest addition of that, her grandson. She really missed them all. And adding on the fact that she was building a new family, she felt she really was homesick now. So, she took the flight back home as soon as possible.


    And when she held her little grandson in her arms after coming back, she was instantly gratified. The way that little version of her son looked at her made her smile involuntarily.


    "Our little Rowan looks just like his daddy," she said while teasing the little guy who was giggling even though he was being teased around.


    "Mama, you came back sooner than I thought you''d," said Xiu as she offered a drink to Francesca.


    "I missed my Rowan so much," said Francesca and placed a kiss on the little tiger''s cheek who in return laughed even harder. "Oh, it seems our Rowan likes kisses."


    "Yeah, he does like kisses a lot," remarked Xiu tiredly.


    Looking at Xiu, Francesca offered, "I can see you''re having it tough. How about I stay to help you with Rowan? It''ll give you enough time to rest."


    "Not happening," Xiu refused her almost instantly. "Your wedding is coming and your only focus should be on that. Don''t bother yourself with other things."


    Francesca frowned unhappily, "It''s not a bother at all. I can definitely take care of my grandson."


    "I have no doubt that you can''t," said Xiu. "But I don''t want you to tire yourself. Leave Rowan to me. Besides, he is only chummy with you for now. In another hour, he''d start looking for me."


    "Oh? Is he already that attached to you?"


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "It seems to be."


    "It must be because you''re always carrying him around. I heard from Regi that you even spend hours holding him even when he is asleep. Isn''t that too much?"


    Xiu rubbed her forehead, "Maybe it is too much but I can''t help it either. He can''t live without me and neither can I." Francesca chuckled at how Xiu put it and shook her head at Xiu. "Mama, what would you like to eat? Tell me, I''ll make it all myself tonight for you."


    "Why bother? Isn''t there a cook for that?"


    "I don''t get to cook that often anyway since I can''t take my little tiger to the kitchen. Today, you''re around so it''s a chance for me to work my magic before I get rusty."


    "You''d never get rusty when it comes to magic," said Francesca with a big smile.


    Xiu tsked at Francesca, "Mama, every daughter-in-law needs an encouraging mother-in-law like you. You''re the best!"


    "I am?" questioned Francesca.


    "There was never a doubt in that statement!" stressed Xiu. It was not like she couldn''t see the change in Francesca. And she wanted to remind Francesca why she was Darren''s mother and not Florence Salvay.


    "There is no need to flatter me now. My son is already under your control," said Francesca with a teasing smile.


    Xiu chuckled, "Your son isn''t that easy to control though."


    "Xiu..."


    "Yes?"


    "Did you learn about what happened in Italy?"


    "And what do you think about it?"


    "Nothing," answered Xiu. Francesca raised her brow at her and she went on, "Mama, I''m a family-oriented person. I only think about my family. You''re my family. Florence Salvay is just a name whether it''s to me or my husband. Obviously, I would not like to spend my time thinking about a name that doesn''t even concern us."


    Francesca was surprised at the way Xiu put it and smiled softly, "When you talk like this, it reminds me why my son loves you like a fool."


    "Love is for fools, Mama," said Xiu. "Would it really be called love if it doesn''t make you wanna be a fool?"


    "This eloquence of yours... No one can match it!"


    "That''s for sure," said Xiu smugly. "I''m one of a kind after all." Then she touched her son''s head saying, "And my son is gonna be just like his mom. One of a kind!"


    "I can already imagine that," Francesca couldn''t help saying.


    The little Rowan was staring at both Xiu and Francesca curiously with his eyes opened wide. Those grey eyes that looked like just his father, had the same twinkle as his father as well. He was so small and yet he liked to look at people carefully as if observing them and remembering them.


    And at other times, he''d laugh like a fool.


    "You didn''t tell Regan that you''re coming right?" inquired Xiu.


    "No, I just didn''t want to stay there so I left as soon as possible. I didn''t get a chance to tell anyone," told Francesca.


    "Great! Let''s surprise him then."


    "Seeing his old mother, he''d be surprised?"


    "You really underestimate your charm, Mama." Xiu put an arm around Francesca''s shoulder saying, "Let''s not forget that it was your charm that kept Han Yiheng captivated with you for over two decades."


    Francesca blushed when Xiu said it and to hide her flustered state, she glared at her, "Aren''t you really brave to tease your mother-in-law?"


    "Yeah, I really am brave," giggled Xiu happily and made Francesca laugh along with her. It was obviously the biggest charm of Xiu from the beginning. She could make anyone let loose before her and laugh heartily as long as she wanted to.


    Francesca rubbed Xiu''s head and hugged her grandson with the other hand saying, "Are you seeing this, little Rowan? Don''t learn mommy''s bad traits like teasing people."


    "Oh, I''m sorry. I''m sure he is gonna inherit that well."


    "He is gonna inherit it or you''re gonna teach him?" questioned Francesca making Xiu grin in response.

 Chapter 941 - A Lunatic

    *Ding-Dong!*


    Hearing the doorbell, Xiu was surprised, "Huh? It isn''t time for Regan to come back from work. And I''m not expecting anyone today either. Who might it be?"


    The maid opened the door and soon brought the guest inside.


    Seeing the man, Xiu raised her brows, "Father-in-law, what a surprise!"


    Zhou Xichen smiled at Xiu gently and told her, "I was in the city for a meeting and decided to meet my grandson. Is that alright?"


    Xiu nodded instantly, "Why wouldn''t it be alright?"


    Zhou Xichen looked at Francesca, "Weren''t you in Italy?"


    "I just came back," answered Francesca in a small voice. Usually, she kept a fierce appearance before Zhou Xichen but today, she was quite soft. She wasn''t fierce because she hated him or anything.


    But it was just her way to protect her son from the people that had surrounded Zhou Xichen''s life. The people who destroyed his marriage. She didn''t want any of them to affect her son''s life as well.


    Zhou Xichen at first didn''t notice the change in Francesca. He took his grandson from her hands and played with him. He looked so happy holding his grandson. He never got to hold both his sons. What a joke life played with him that he didn''t know about the birth of both his sons at first.


    Although he learned about Zhou Jinhai early on when he was a kid, because of who was the mother of Zhou Jinhai, he kept his distance from his own son. It was after Zhou Jinhai grew up a little that he started paying him attention and realized that he couldn''t blame a child for his mother''s deeds.


    As for Darren, he learned about him when he was old enough to understand way too much. By that time, he had already missed out on a whole lot of things. So, the feeling of holding a baby was really foreign to him but he loved it.


    And seeing him like that, Francesca was lost in her own thoughts. She was going through different inexplicable emotions right now. She was thinking if... If her sister had trusted in Zhou Xichen or her love was a little stronger, wouldn''t life had been different right now?


    Suddenly, the crying of the little baby pulled her out of her thoughts. Zhou Xichen was also surprised that his grandson who was just laughing, suddenly started crying for no reason. He looked at Xiu helplessly who smiled at his adorable expression.


    "Give him to me, he is hungry."


    Zhou Xichen hurriedly passed him to Xiu who cradled her son in her arms and said, "You both talk, I''ll come back in a while."


    "It''s alright, take your time," said both Zhou Xichen and Francesca almost simultaneously.


    Xiu instructed the maids to serve them some snacks while she went upstairs. After feeding her son, she had to put him to sleep. After all, this little master always loved his nap after his meals. And Xiu couldn''t blame him for that. The sleep was sweeter with a full stomach and she knew it best!


    Downstairs, Zhou Xichen and Francesca were sitting in silence for a while. Both didn''t know what to talk about. But Zhou Xichen had finally noticed the change in Francesca who had been sneaking glances at him.


    "Do you have something on your mind, France?" asked Zhou Xichen.


    Francesca bit her lips and hesitated for a minute before deciding to tell him, "I met Florence."


    Zhou Xichen froze for a second and the glass of water in his hand shook a little. He put it down in case he dropped it because of how shocked he was right now to hear that. That was really something he hadn''t expected to hear from Francesca and neither did he think she''d say it so straightforwardly.


    His old and weak heart needed some preparation to digest this information. How long had it been since he even last heard that name. Florence. Once upon a time, that name had been the closest to him and now, it was so distant and unfamiliar.


    Francesca was closely observing the changes in him. She had noted down all his expressions without missing anything at all.


    It took him a long while to come around and the only thing he asked was, "How was she?" Francesca was so shocked by his question. She always thought somewhere deep in his heart, he must have resented Florence. But she was really overthinking it. She finally could understand Xiu. Only fools could really love. And he was also one of those fools!


    "That''s all you want to know?" questioned Francesca.


    "What else?" retorted Zhou Xichen.


    "Did you really love her that much?" asked Francesca. "Even now? Even after she broke you apart? Left you and never looked back?"


    Zhou Xichen smiled self-deprecatingly, "Why should I blame her for anything? Maybe my love wasn''t strong enough to hold her back. I can''t blame her for that."


    Francesca looked at him strangely, "Even I''m mad at what she did, why are you so relaxed?"


    "Do you know how many years it has been?" asked Zhou Xichen. "30. It''s three decades, France. If I keep being mad for all these years, I''d really go crazy."


    "I''m so speechless that I don''t even know what to call you right now," said Francesca honestly.


    "You didn''t answer me. Is she okay? Is she healthy?"


    "Why are you so curious?"


    Zhou Xichen sighed out, "Do you know all these years not knowing where she was, I had a fear in my heart that perhaps, something untoward happened to her. Now, knowing that she is alive has put me at ease."


    Francesca was still frowning at him at him not knowing what to say to him. But she still told him, "She looked healthy to me. In fact, she looked quite happy with her life as well."


    "Thank goodness," he said. "That''s all I needed to know."


    Francesca looked at him as if she was seeing a lunatic before her eyes and it was really an eye-opener!

 Chapter 942 - Built Her Own Family

    When Darren came back in the evening, he was surprised to see Francesca and Zhou Xichen at his home. In fact, he was more so surprised by Zhou Xichen''s presence than Francesca''s. After all, Francesca often came over to his house to spend time with Xiu and Rowan but his father didn''t get that chance since he lived in the Capital.


    "I didn''t expect to see you both here," said Darren.


    He moved over to kiss Xiu''s head and as he tried to take his son into his arms, Xiu turned away. "No way! How many times do I have to remind you? If you want to hold him, wash your hands first. You just came from outside. Do you know how many germs you can transfer to our son?"


    Darren bowed his head before his wife, "Yes, my lady! I''ll wash my hands first."


    Both Francesca and Zhou Xichen laughed at him, "Your wife is really particular about this. She even placed a maid at the door to make sure to disinfect anyone who enters the house."


    Darren smiled at them, "Yeah. And in my case, just sanitizer isn''t enough."


    Xiu hid her son in her arms saying, "Why are you just standing here even now?"


    "I''m going, my lady!" Darren dragged himself upstairs to wash up because as always, his wife won''t let him touch his son unless she was certain it was safe to do so.


    When he came downstairs, he found that his son was in his father''s arms while Xiu was setting up the dining table for dinner. Then she called for everyone to take a seat.


    Darren held his son finally and kissed his cheek, "Little Tiger, did you have fun today? Did you miss daddy?"


    "No, he didn''t!" answered Xiu.


    Darren gave her a look, "Sweets, he is giggling because he is happy to see me. Of course, he missed me."


    "No, he really didn''t," insisted Xiu. "Can''t you see? Today he had no time to miss you since his grandmother and grandfather came to see him."


    He cradled his son his arm and used the other hand to eat. Xiu continued to put food in his bowl to make it easier for him. Just with one bite, he looked at Xiu, "You cooked yourself tonight?"


    "I did," answered Xiu. "Mama came after days. Besides, it isn''t every day that father-in-law also eats with us."


    "That''s true," said Darren and continued to eat.


    "Now, I might be able to come here a lot more," said Zhou Xichen. Darren looked up at his father who told him, "I told you I''m retiring. So, I''ve decided to move to An City. There is nothing particularly important in the Capital anyway."


    "Oh, that''s good, dad," said Darren.


    "France, since I''ll be in the city if you need any help with the wedding, let me know."


    Francesca shook her head, "There are already way too many people who are helping me. I don''t even know what''s the big deal. It''s just a wedding, does all of you have to make a scene of it?"


    "Dad, you ignore what she said," Darren chimed in. "If we need help, I''ll tell you."


    After the dinner, while Xiu and Darren were busy with their son, Zhou Xichen whispered to Francesca, "You didn''t tell him about Florence, did you?"


    "He knows," answered Francesca.


    Zhou Xichen was silent for a minute before he asked, "How did he react?"


    "Normally," told Francesca. "He reacted like it had nothing to do with him at all."


    Zhou Xichen bit his lips, "Still... She is his mother."


    "She isn''t," came Darren''s voice from behind them which startled them both. As they both looked at Darren, he added, "You both should really move on from it now."


    "It''s not that I don''t want to move on," said Francesca. "But son, I really think she owes you an apology for what she did. She owes an apology to even Zhou Xichen."


    "No, she doesn''t," Zhou Xichen interrupted her. "Yes, she owes an apology to my son. But she doesn''t owe me anything. I couldn''t protect her well enough, and that wasn''t her fault. Nothing was her fault back then. That is why I believe she doesn''t owe me anything."


    Xiu suddenly chuckled when she heard that from him. "Father-in-law, you really mean it?"


    "Yes," Zhou Xichen answered.


    Xiu opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope before passing it to him. "You should see this."


    "What is it?" questioned Francesca instead of Zhou Xichen.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Xichen opened the envelope and looked through the details inside. His body froze while Xiu explained it for him, "Florence Salvay has a son, just one year younger than Regan. She has two other kids as well. Do you still want to tell me she doesn''t owe you anything? After all, you both never really got divorced."


    Darren looked at Xiu in question who went on, "I didn''t want to do it at first. But seeing how Mama was so down after just meeting her sister, we needed something like this. I thought all of you needed a closure of this. Especially you both." She pointed at Francesca and Zhou Xichen as she spoke. "She doesn''t matter to Regan but she seems to still affect you both a lot."


    Darren shook his head at his wife. He pulled her away from both of them since he knew they needed some time to adjust. Dragging Xiu away, he asked, "Why do something unnecessary?"


    "Actually, I didn''t do it," answered Xiu. "Cali sent me this information today. She seems to have some hard feelings towards Florence."


    Darren wasn''t surprised to hear that, "She and I have been friends for so long. Of course, she''d have some hard feelings. But I didn''t think she''ll look into this stuff."


    Xiu held his hand and asked, "Regan, does it affect you that Florence built her own family?"


    "No," answered Darren. "I only care about our family." Saying that he pinched his son''s small nose who ended up sneezed cutely because of it making his parents laugh at his cute gesture.

 Chapter 943 - Family Of Crackheads

    "So, who knows why we are gathered here today?" Dylan''s voice rang out when he looked at everyone gathered in the garden.


    "Who cares?" retorted Nora. "As long as we get to eat a home-cooked meal. I really don''t care why are called here."


    Dylan gave him a disgusted look, "Have some dignity, Nory!"


    "What is that? Can you eat it?" Nora shot back. "And if you are so bothered by it, later don''t eat anything."


    Dylan''s expressions changed and he immediately sat down, "Why? I''m not giving up my portion of the food."


    Nora tsked at him and pointed at the ground, "Look, what is it?"


    "What?" Dylan looked down carefully.


    "That''s your dignity," said Nora as she stuck out her tongue at him making him rage.


    "NORA!"


    "Keep your voice down, my nephew is sleeping," Nora glared at Dylan as she looked down at Rowan sleeping peacefully.


    Dylan was instantly like a scared cat, as he whispered, "You''re becoming more and more like your best friend."


    "It''d be good if you both keep my wife out of this argument," said Darren.


    "Here comes the wife protector," commented Dylan.


    Darren shook his head at his best friend and looked at the new guest they had between them, "Ashley, hope you don''t mind this. They all are crackheads."


    Since Francesca was marrying Han Yiheng in another two weeks, Darren had wanted to become close to Han Yiheng''s daughter. After all, they were about to become a family. He would never leave her out. Although she was half his age, he didn''t care. He was happy to have a sister.


    "What about your wife?" asked Dylan. "Isn''t she the biggest crackhead around here?"


    Darren glared at his best friend, "No, if anything, she is the Queen of crackheads like you."


    "I can''t agree more," commented Xin Xiaoli. "If anything, my sister deserves the title of the Queen."


    "There you go! One wife-con was not enough, now we have sister-cons around us as well," said Dylan.


    "Aren''t you talking too much, Dylan?" asked Ah-Si. "It seems you have nothing better to do. Do you have too much time on your hand?"


    Darren refuted Ah-Si''s words, "Don''t say that, Ah-Si. Actually, my best friend is quite busy these days. He isn''t as idle as before."


    "That means before he used to be idle?" questioned Han Bohai.


    "That..." Darren seemed to be struggling with words that infuriated Dylan.


    "Dazi, you leave it be. You''re the worst supporter around here," remarked Dylan. "All of you only know how to bully me. And poor me is always at a disadvantage." Seeing that Xiu was coming out of the house, he ran over whining, "Xiu, look! They are bullying me."


    Xiu''s eyes sweep around everyone as she said, "Hey! Who dares to bully my Dylan? Only I can do that!"


    That one sentence made everyone laugh out. But Dylan didn''t mind it, he even cozied up to Xiu saying, "Exactly! Only Xiu is allowed to bully me. Why are you all trying to take part in it?"


    Seeing how Ashley was laughing, Han Bohai rubbed her head, "Ash, I told you it''d be fun here."


    "Ashley didn''t want to come with you?" asked Darren.


    "Yeah, she said what she''ll do here with us," told Han Bohai.


    "She wasn''t wrong though. She must be thinking we are too old for her to hang out with," said Nora. And then she sighed out, "Never thought there would come a day when I''d call myself too old." She cringed at the thought. "I''m still young!"


    "Nora is getting old. I wonder who would marry you now?" said Dylan.


    "I am still here," reminded Ah-Si.


    Dylan looked at him, "Oh, right I almost forgot we have another blind one here."


    Xiu pulled Dylan''s ear saying, "Dylan, you''re definitely looking for a beating now."


    Dylan grinned at her.


    "If all of you continued like this, Ashley is certainly gonna label you all as mental cases," said Ying who had been on a call all this while and wasn''t all that unaware of what was happening here.


    "No problem!" answered Xiao Li. "I''m pretty sure we are all mental cases."


    Ying looked at him in surprise, "Ah-Li, I never thought I''d hear it from you one day."


    "Things change, bestie!"


    "Certainly," Ying nodded her head in reply.


    Xiu moved over to Ashley''s side and said, "Actually, I was a little unsure about you."


    "Huh?"


    "You see, we either have young babies at home or people who are too old for you to hang out. There is literally not a single person who is close in age with you."


    "That''s true," agreed Han Bohai. "Jackie, Asteria, Ava, and even our Rowan are too young for you to play with."


    "But trust me, we old people are very young at heart," continued Xiu. "You might not come to love us but we''ll be very entertaining."


    "Wait! When did we start entertaining people?" questioned Dylan.


    "I always thought your sole purpose in my life was for my entertainment," said Xiu as she looked at him. "How come you didn''t know that?"


    Dylan snickered, "So, did I entertained you enough?"


    "Well, it was so-so," answered Xiu.


    "If you all continued like this, my sister is gonna run away," said Darren. "Didn''t I warn you all to restraint yourself a little in front of her? She isn''t used to your antics."


    "If not now, when will she get used to it?" questioned Dylan. He put a hand over Darren''s shoulder, "Eventually, she has to get used to us. Then why not now?"


    "I was really expecting too much from you all," commented Darren.


    "Then you should keep your expectations in check, Darren," suggested Nora. "We are free people. Even our parents never managed to tame us."


    "Oh?" Darren raised his brow at her. "Where is my phone? I should call Clara Ma to confirm this statement."


    Nora instantly pleaded, "Boss! I was sorry! Don''t call mom."


    Ashley put her hand over her mouth and couldn''t help laughing at these people who were actually older than her but none acted like it. To say they were entertaining would be an understatement here.

 Chapter 944 - Make You Mad

    "Hey, we made her laugh!" Nora pointed out. "It seems we are still quite useful." She patted her own shoulder as she went on, "Haven''t lost the charms yet."


    Han Bohai smiled seeing how Ashley was enjoying herself and said, "Didn''t I tell you it''d be entertaining?"


    "The conclusion of this family''s situation is," began Ying as she talked to Ashley. "We are all fancy people with not-so-fancy personalities."


    "Pfft!"


    There was a burst of laughter around her as everyone began to laugh because of the way Ying chose to describe them. Ying''s lips tugged up slightly before she went on, "Although we are really older than you, we can surpass you when it comes to pettiness. Each one in this room has an agenda with another. But we are still a harmonious family."


    "Harmonious?" repeated Dylan. "Have you started daydreaming Ying Jie?"


    Ying shot Dylan a dirty look, then turned back to Ashley, "In the future, you can ignore him altogether. In fact, you can ignore all of these here."


    "Ying Jie, are you trying to cozy up to Ashley because she is Xiao Bobo''s cousin?" questioned Xiu with a knowing and teasing look in her eyes.


    Ying cleared her throat, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    "I''m a no-nonsense person, how can you accuse me of talking nonsense," argued Xiu with an innocent look.


    "Ying, you better watch what you say about my sister," warned Xiao Li.


    "Exactly, Ying Jie!" Ah-Si also chimed in. "Sister Xiu''s nonsense talk always makes sense!"


    Seeing these brothers standing up for their sister, Ying almost rolled her eyes at them, "And this was a trailer for you, dear Ashley. I just wanted to let you know that you can ignore anyone but Xiu. You see, she is like the mascot of our family. We get quite possessive when people talk about her."


    "It includes you as well?" questioned Ashley.


    Ying sighed out, "Sadly, it includes me as well. I have no idea which spells she used on me but I''m spellbound now."


    Xiu shook her head at them saying, "Ashley, don''t take them seriously. Oftentimes, they don''t even take themselves seriously."


    "Although I love to argue with you Xiu, even I have to agree she is right this time," said Dylan.


    And no one dared to refute Xiu''s words at all. After all, they were true as she said. More often than not, she really didn''t take themselves seriously.


    "Aren''t you about sixteen?" asked Nora. "In the near future, if you need a relationship guru, look for my Xiu darling. She is the best at that. Almost all of the people around you have their other halves thanks to her."


    Ashley giggled, "Okay. I''ll look for her."


    "No way," said Xiu. "You''re too young to fall in love. Don''t get hurt by the sharp edges of love. Enjoy life first. You have your whole life to fall in love." She took a pause and said, "I should serve the lunch now. It''s time." Saying that she went back inside the house.


    While the others were talking to each other, Ashley tugged at Han Bohai''s sleeve to get his attention. "Ge, you were right. They all are really good people."


    Han Bohai smiled at her, "Yes, they are. You''ll fall in love with them eventually." He pinched her nose saying, "And they''ll never make you feel out of place. Although Ah-Ying said that Sister Xiu casts spells, I believe that all of them are spell casters. They can enchant you even before you''d know it and make you one of their own in no time." He gave her a reassuring smile, "You''re not just gonna get a mother. They are gonna offer you a big family."


    Ashley''s eyes sparkled when she heard that. She had always been alone with her father. And because Han Bohai was busy usually, she didn''t even get to see him often. So, the concept of a big family was quite unknown to her. Especially a family which was as lively as this one.


    Although they all argued like teenagers, even she could see how much they loved and cared about each other. It was rare for her to see. The stories she heard from her friends didn''t describe any family like this one. And something told her, it''d be an adventure to become a part of this family. Somehow, she was looking forward to it now.


    Soon, the food was served and everyone forgot to even talk. Now, it was a fight of chopsticks.


    Xiu picked up her son who was laying a cot beside them. And this young master was still sleeping like a log. Even though all of them made a scene beside him, he still slept through it all peacefully. Xiu considered it a talent of her son. Whenever he slept at this time of the day, he''d sleep so deeply that even if you played drums beside him, he wouldn''t wake up.


    But now that it was his time to wake up, she picked him in her arms. After all, he always started crying if she wasn''t the first person he saw after waking up.


    "Ashley, Xiao Bobo told me you like Korean food a lot. So, I prepared Bulgogi (marinated beef barbeque) for you. Eat it with ssamjang, you''ll like it better," said Xiu and as she finished talking, the juicy meat wrapped in lettuce leaves appeared before her mouth. She didn''t blink and naturally opened her mouth to eat. And after swallowing did she continue, "There is also kimchi and Bibimbap (mixed rice). Hope you enjoy it!"


    "Xiu, how mean of you," complained Dylan. "I''ve been asking you to bake a cupcake for me and you didn''t pay any attention to me. And now, you even tried new dishes for Ashley. I''m jealous."


    "Oh, you''ve always been a jealous person, there is nothing I can do about it," said Xiu.


    Dylan tsked at her, "Hope my nephew doesn''t learn all of this from you. I''d be sad otherwise."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll teach him well even if it''s to just make you mad!"

 Chapter 945 - Priorities

    The dinner was lively as it could get with these people gathered around. There wasn''t ever a dull moment when all the troublemakers were in one place. Even the sensible Xiao Li would let loose around his dear sister. What about the maintaining image? Was it edible?


    All of them happily ate and wholeheartedly praised Xiu''s cooking skills. None of them skimped when it came to flattering Xiu for this free meal.


    "I can do anything for this free meal!" stated Nora.


    Xiu shook her head at her while Han Bohai said, "Have you been starving? With how much money you all have, I can''t believe you''re always looking for a free meal from Sister Xiu."


    "You''re also one of us," reminded Dylan.


    Ying patted Han Bohai''s shoulder as she told Dylan, "He seems to keep forgetting that he is also one of us now."


    Han Bohai lowered his head saying, "Sister Xiu, they all are scary."


    "Your Sister Xiu is scarier," said Dylan.


    "Not for me," argued Han Bohai.


    With that statement, Dylan shot Xiu a look and muttered, "Double standards!"


    "Get over it Dylan," said Xiu.


    "I can''t," said Dylan helplessly. "I can let go of everything but when it comes to you, I just can''t!"


    "By the way, how come none of you even asked why I called you all?" asked Xiu. "Did you really come just for the free meal?"


    Dylan stood up, "I asked. No one knew the answer and even insulted me for thinking about anything other than food."


    "Oh, it seems our Dylan had been wronged today," said Xiu.


    "It isn''t the first time," came Ah-Si''s voice.


    "Definitely won''t be the last," added Nora.


    Now seeing how Dylan was fuming, Xiu instantly tried to soothe him, "We are gathered today to celebrate something."


    "Celebrate something?" All of them were curious to know what she meant.


    "Did you all notice a change?" asked Xiu with bright eyes but none of the people got her meaning.


    And before Xiu would lose her patience with them all, she heard Jackie''s voice from behind, "Sister Xiu lost the extra weight."


    Xiu''s eyes sparkled as she turned around and picked up her little brother. "As always, only my Jackie is the best."


    "Xiu, it''s not that we didn''t notice that," said Xiao Li. Of course, all of them could notice the weight loss. It was so obvious how could they even miss it out?


    "It''s just we didn''t think it''d be enough of a reason for you to celebrate it," said Ying.


    "If we don''t celebrate the smallest of things, how will happiness find us?" retorted Xiu. "If we value the small things, only then we can create bigger happiness."


    "And thank you all for coming to Xiu''s Ted Talk today! Yay!" Nora even clapped her hands for Xiu who threw her a dirty look. Nora disregarded the look and asked, "I''m still not even sure why you insisted on losing weight."


    "Regi, did you say something?" asked Xiao Li with a dangerous look in his eyes.


    Darren raised his hands in defense, "It''s not my fault. No one liked the fact that she put on weight more than me. After all, she was so cushiony and cuddly. How can I complain?"


    "Cushiony?"


    "Yeah!" Darren nodded his head.


    "It has nothing to do with Regan," Xiu chimed in. "I wanted to lose the extra weight. My doctor said it''s not good for me. Besides, don''t you know being healthy is what matters. I have to be healthy to live a long life for my son."


    "What about me?" Darren questioned.


    "And also for my Regan," added Xiu with a smile on her lips.


    "Xiu, can I take Rowan?" asked Jackie.


    "Of course," answered Xiu. She took her son from Darren and let Jackie carry him. Jackie carefully carried Rowan who was enjoying the ride from one person to another. Seeing him take Rowan to another side, Xiu had a sweet smile on her face.


    Dylan patted her shoulder to get her attention, "Since we are celebrating, how about something sweet?"


    "Why not?"


    "Really?"


    Xiu smiled at him and answered, "Of course, Sweets is right in front of you."


    Dylan''s smile stiffened as he snorted, "I am talking about the real sweetness that reminds you of heaven. Not the kind that reminds me of hell!"


    Darren slapped the back of Dylan''s head, "Aren''t you talking too much today?"


    "I always talk too much," said Dylan in his defense.


    "Then today you''re talking unnecessarily."


    "That''s also something very common for me," said Dylan without any embarrassment.


    "Guys, I think Dylan is missing Cali way too much today," Nora couldn''t help saying. "That''s why he is looking for a beating."


    Dylan sighed out sadly, "Don''t remind me. I haven''t met her in a month! And every day feels like a long and lonely year."


    "Dramatic!" commented Xiu.


    "Learned from you after all."


    "It seems you don''t want cupcakes anymore," threatened Xiu.


    Dylan was instantly floored, "I do! I do! I do! Shifu, your disciple had momentarily lost his mind. You''re the big person, let bygones be bygones and forgive this peasant for his mistake."


    "And I remember someone saying we are eager for a free meal, what about you?" questioned Nora.


    "We are talking about sweet heaven called cupcakes!" exclaimed Dylan. "Can food even compare with cupcakes?! Not even in a million years!"


    "Our Didi has his priorities clear," said Darren. "Also, his preferences!"


    Xiu ruffled Dylan''s hair, "I already made cupcakes. I knew you''d remind me of it today."


    Dylan didn''t even mind that she ruined her hairstyle as he said, "It just shows how good you know me."


    Xiu beckoned him to follow her, "Come with me and get your cupcakes."


    Dylan hurriedly followed her inside while Nora also ran after them shouting, "Hey, wait for me! Don''t let him eat my share!"


    Darren looked at Ashley and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry about this again. They really can''t maintain their image."


    Meanwhile, Ashley had only one thought in her mind, this was really a family of crackheads!

 Chapter 946 - Once In Blue Moon

    As Xiu presented the cupcakes, Dylan and Nora again got into a fight. Again!


    "Can''t you be content with what you have?" asked Nora. "Let me enjoy my portion!"


    "Enjoy!" said Dylan. "But stop eyeing mine!"


    Xiu shook her head and sighed out before she raised her voice and shouted, "Say another word and I''m not giving anything to both of you!"


    Dylan and Nora became meek just hearing that. They looked at Xiu before sitting down to enjoy their cupcakes. They didn''t even want to take them out to the garden in case someone would get the idea to snatch it. The fewer people to share, the better!


    Xiu had turned around to put the dishes into the dishwasher when her eyes moved outside the window. Right above the sink was a window that overlooked the garden. She could see everyone talking on one side but her eyes got stuck on to the other side where Jackie was sitting on the outdoor bed swing with her son.


    Obviously, with Rowan around, it caught the attention of Asteria and Ava who ran over to his side since neither of them could understand the ?du?t talk.


    Xiu''s frown deepened when she looked at Jackie''s eyes and said, "Is he using my son to flirt?"


    Hearing her comment, both Dylan and Nora shared a look. Holding a cupcake in hand they came behind her and followed her gaze. As they also saw the scene playing outside, they had a complicated look.


    "Is your brother interested in my niece?" asked Dylan. "I''m telling you, don''t even think about it! I won''t give my cutie niece to a playboy who is already harboring such thoughts about her."


    Nora punched his arm, "You can eat anything with that mouth of yours but don''t even think about saying anything you want!"


    Dylan cleared his throat watching the threat in Nora''s eyes, "Relax! I mean your brother is a genius. How can I not like him?"


    Nora smiled at him in agreement while Dylan just went back to sit down and eat in peace. As for Nora, she turned to Xiu and whispered, "Do you really think he is interested in Asteria?"


    "He is too young," reminded Xiu.


    "Yeah right!" scoffed Nora. "He is my brother, I know him best. He is anything but young. Only his height is little, he is not."


    "Even if he is m?tur? than people his age, he won''t have any designs for Asteria right now," said Xiu with certainty. "After all, Asteria is young and she can''t understand those feelings. As for Jackie, I believe he just wants to get close to Asteria."


    "Why?"


    "Because Asteria has closed off herself," said Xiu. "Besides, even if he is interested in her, what does have to do with you?"


    "I''m just saying, it''d be really complicated if he really gets together with Asteria in the future."


    "Oh? And how is that?" inquired Xiu.


    "The relationships in this family are already pretty complicated!"


    "How so?"


    "Xiu, what am I to you?"


    "You''re my best friend. You''re like a sister to me."


    "What is my husband to you?"


    "He is my brother!" answered Xiu without thinking. And noticing Nora''s gaze, she added, "He is my cousin."


    Nora nodded her head, "Exactly! My point! There is no one way to define even our relationship. I''m your sister, for now, soon I''ll be your cousin-in-law."


    "No, I''ll prefer to call you sister-in-law!" said Xiu.


    "That''s not the point right now," said Nora. "Think about it. How is Asteria related to us? She is my brother-in-law''s daughter."


    "I know."


    "Let''s see it this way," continued Nora. "What is Dylan to you?"


    "He is a fool!" answered Xiu without any hesitation.


    "I mean who is Dylan?"


    "A fool!" said Xiu again.


    Nora ?r??n?d at her, "I mean what is he to your family?"


    "A fool!" Xiu''s answer didn''t change at all.


    Dylan was so tired of listening to it that he stopped Nora from continuing as he said, "Nora, whatever you say, I''ll just be a fool to her. Don''t waste your breath, girl!"


    The way he didn''t even seem to mind it make Nora see him in another light for a minute. But it only lasted for one minute. Any longer than that and Dylan''s image might crumble in her mind which was unacceptable.


    Xiu placed her hand on Nora''s shoulder and said, "I don''t know what you''re worried about but let me tell you this. As you said, the relationships in this family are more than just complicated, so what? So what if another complicated relationship comes up? It really doesn''t matter at all. At least, not to me." She took a pause and went on, "Also, don''t forget, Jackie is our brother. He is just as stubborn as us. Do you really think if he likes Asteria, he''ll change his likes just because of you?"


    "Who said I want him to change his likes and dislikes? If he likes Asteria, I''m more than happy about it."


    "Then what''s the problem?"


    Nora lowered her voice and said, "The problem is her mother. What if she caused a mess after getting out of the prison? I don''t want my brother to deal with that!"


    Xiu slapped her head, "Just because of her mother, I won''t let Jackie miss out on such a nice girl."


    "Aren''t you both really thinking far ahead?" questioned Dylan. He didn''t hear what they were whispering at the end because they had lowered their voices but it didn''t stop him from chiming in. "They both are young. Let them live their lives. What the future holds, only future will tell!"


    Xiu patted Dylan''s head saying, "Once in blue moon, Dylan does say something sensible."


    Dylan allowed her to pat his head. In fact, he quite enjoyed it now. Even though sometimes, Xiu used it as an excuse to pull his hair. But when it reminded him how once upon a time they pulled each others'' hair on the highway, it''d bring a smile on his face.

 Chapter 947 - Daddy, Im Home!

    "Daddy, I''m home!"


    Xin Zimen was eating dinner when he heard the voice of his daughter. As soon as she entered through the door, she shouted so loud that he could hear it clearly. He smiled helplessly as he looked up at his sons who were both busy making sure their own daughters were eating well.


    Just a minute ago, he had been depressed seeing his sons but now, he gave them a gloating look. His daughter was also here now. He didn''t have to feel lonely between these father-daughter pairs anymore. Besides, just the name of Xiu was enough to make him smile much less when the whole Xiu had come to look for him. It just made him grin from ear to ear.


    Xiu rushed over to the dinner table when she learned that the family was having dinner right now. This must be Xiu''s first time coming to this house since the day she had that wedding ceremony. After that, she never got the chance to come here. Even though the house was right next door, she never managed to come here.


    After all, taking care of her son was a difficult task. She had only so much time in a day. And since everyone had their own lives to worry about, it took Xiu days to meet even her own best friend or her brothers who lived next door. The people she got to see most in the past months had to be Asteria, Ava, and Jackie. Other than these young ones, the ?du?ts were busy and couldn''t show up every day.


    Coming over, she slid a chair next to Xin Zimen and hugged him tightly, "Daddy, I miss you."


    Asteria giggled at the way Xiu acted, "Xiu is acting cute with grandfather."


    Xiu raised her brow at her, "So what? Don''t you also act cute with your dad? Why can''t I do it?"


    "Because you''re old," said Ava instead of Asteria. Lately, she had started talking a lot more than before. And she could hold a conversation with others.


    Xiu frowned at her and pointed at her, "Daddy, say something! Your granddaughters are calling me old!"


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head indulgently and looked at his granddaughters, "Both of you, stop teasing my daughter. She is not old. She is still my baby."


    "This baby has her own baby now," reminded Ah-Si.


    "I didn''t ask you," said Xin Zimen. Then he ignored everyone and turned to Xiu asking, "Did you have dinner?"


    "Yup!" answered Xiu. "I ate dinner an hour ago. I had to come here so I ate early."


    "Where is Rowan? You didn''t bring him?" asked Xin Zimen.


    Xiu shook her head, "Why would I bring him? I left him and his father!"


    "You and leave your son and husband? That''s hard to believe," commented Xiao Li.


    "Can''t I leave them for a couple of hours?"


    "I knew it!"


    Xiu decided not to pay attention to her brothers and just focus on her father, "Daddy, are you done eating? I made some flower pie for you. Keep some space in your tummy."


    Xin Zimen chuckled at her, "Even if there is no space in my tummy, I''ll still eat what my daughter made for me."


    Xiu grinned when she heard that, "I know. But I don''t want you to overeat. That won''t be good."


    "Let''s go to the lounge," suggested Xin Zimen.


    "Okay!" Xiu stood up immediately. "Make some tea for Daddy and bring it to the lounge. Also, serve the pie I brought as well."


    "Xiu, where is the pie for us?" asked both Asteria and Ava. "You didn''t forget us, did you?"


    Xiu gave them a look, "You both girls are gonna be a real trouble when you grow up." She shook her head and added, "I brought your share as well. Stop giving me those doe eyes. I don''t fall for it!"


    "I think you already fell for those eyes," said Ah-Si.


    Xiu glared at Ah-Si, "Daddy, get him married already. Once Nora comes here, let me see how you go against me."


    Xin Zimen coaxed Xiu out of there and warned his sons with his eyes. Although both brothers loved their sister, they still couldn''t help teasing her whenever their father was around. Because her reactions would get even cuter.


    "Xiu is loud," commented Ava.


    Ah-Si pinched his daughter''s nose saying, "Say that before her."


    Ava shook her head immediately, "She won''t give me the pie."


    Ah-Si laughed out, "You''re smart."


    Ava smiled at her father and said, "Even though she is loud. I like her! A lot!"


    "Really? And why is that?" asked Ah-Si curiously as if he didn''t know the answer to that question already.


    "That''s because Xiu makes a lot of snacks for us," answered Asteria since Ava was struggling with how to tell her father why she likes Xiu. "She tells us stories, takes us out on a walk with her, lets us play with Rowan as well. And she never rebukes us. When we broke her vase, she only said, ''Break another one. I finally have a reason to buy a new one.''"


    Both Xiao Li and Ah-Si laughed out when they heard that. Their sister was just like that and they already were familiar with her antics. It''s not like they didn''t know how much Xiu took care of both the little girls when they weren''t around.


    The girl who used to run from kids was now always surrounded by kids and she actually loved their company. After all, the world of kids was a lot simpler than ?du?ts and Xiu had long forgotten how it felt like to be surrounded by such purity and innocence. That''s why she came to enjoy spending time with the kids. Whether it was her own son or her nieces.


    "Come on, finish your meal. Only then Xiu will let you eat the pie," reminded Xiao Li. "You know how she is."


    "Yes, daddy," said Asteria and tried to finish her meal as soon as possible.

 Chapter 948 - Taste Tester

    Xiu had placed a cushion on Xin Zimen''s ??p and put her head on it. In this way, she could see Xin Zimen''s face without having to move around her head. Also, this allowed Xin Zimen to stroke her hair lovingly.


    As he ate the flower pies she brought with his favorite tea, he felt like all the tiredness he had accumulated in the day had been shed off instantly. And since Xiu was a chatterbox, how could she not tell him about all sorts of things?


    But as she continued to speak animatedly, he continued to listen attentively with a doting look in his eyes. He was neither impatient nor tired. He could listen to his daughter for hours, no, days! He''d definitely never get tired of her voice.


    "You know your grandson is so unruly. Whenever I''m trying to dress him up, he always kicks my jaw with his small feet. One day I''m gonna eat his cute paws that always try to hit me. Also, he laughs so loud after hurting me that it makes me want to pinch him hard!"


    "Don''t tell me you really pinched him?" asked Xiao Li who came to join them and even took a flower pie to taste, being a natural at sneaking.


    "Of course I did," answered Xiu and grinned. "But he kicked me harder in return so we are even."


    Xiao Li chuckled and Xin Zimen also couldn''t help smiling at her reply. He should have expected that from her.


    "Poor Rowan that he got a mother like you," said Ah-Si who also didn''t forget to pick up flower pies from his father''s share.


    "What about me?" retorted Xiu. She tucked out her bottom lip to show Xin Zimen, "Daddy, you can see for yourself. I bled because of him. All I did was squeeze his cheeks in return. Is that too much?"


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head affectionately, "No. My daughter is always right."


    Ava tugged at her father''s shirt, "Dad, I also want huggsies! Xiu is getting huggsies from grandpa. I also want. Want! Want! Want!"


    Ah-Si gave his sister a look, "You''re the reason my daughter is becoming wilful."


    "How is that my fault? I am getting huggies from my father. What does that have to do with you?" She took a pause and added, "By the way, isn''t it time for your daughters to get their beauty sleep? Why are you staring at me here?"


    "Why don''t you directly say that you want to disappear from here?"


    "Yes," agreed Xiu. "I do want you to disappear. You get to spend time with Daddy every day. I don''t. So, leave already!"


    Xiao Li and Ah-Si gave her a look before they took their daughters and left her alone with Xin Zimen.


    "My Ah-Lin must be really tired these days," said Xin Zimen.


    "Oh, I''m so tired that I''ve lost so much weight. Didn''t you notice?"


    "As if I don''t know you''ve been actively trying to lose weight."


    "Shh..." Xiu put a finger on her lips saying, "I know that you know that. But we can pretend like you don''t know the inside story."


    Xin Zimen laughed at her antics, "Okay. I''m gonna pretend like I don''t know." And with that, he started playing along with her, "Aiyo. My poor daughter has lost so much weight. What a devil grandson I have to tire my daughter like this."


    Xiu was happy to see him playing along and ended up laughing out. "Daddy, you''re not good at this."


    "I know," agreed Xin Zimen. "It seems I don''t have this talent."


    "Then how did I got this talent?" asked Xiu.


    "It must be that you inherited it from your mom," answered Xin Zimen. "She was quite an actress. Especially when she tried to act innocent after making a blunder. And let''s just say, there was never a day when she didn''t make a blunder."


    Xiu giggled happily hearing that. "Then Daddy, you must have had a hard time."


    "Well, I got used to it," he told her. "I''d have lost half of my life if I didn''t get used to it. She was a handful after all." He took another bite of the pie and said, "But I do wonder how you inherited these cooking skills. Because both Ai and I were a disaster in the kitchen."


    "I think this talent is exclusive to me," grinned Xiu.


    Xin Zimen pinched her nose gently, "Certainly, it''s exclusive to you. After all, my daughter is the best."


    "That I sure am," Xiu took that compliment as narcissistically as possible. How could she disagree that she wasn''t the best. If she didn''t believe it, how else would others believe in it? Of course, she was talented enough to make people believe in something that wasn''t even true. However, the ultimate truth was, she was the best and she won''t let anyone disagree with that one!


    "I wanted to make osmanthus cakes first but then I thought, I should try making flower pies. But if you want, I''ll make osmanthus cakes next time."


    "I''d eat anything that my daughters make for me," said Xin Zimen truthfully. "It doesn''t matter what you cook. No matter the taste, I''ll eat it all. So, if later on, you want to experiment with new recipes, let me know. I''ll be the taste tester for you."


    "Really?" Xiu seemed excited. "I was thinking of trying to make something original."


    "Good," said Xin Zimen. "Go on. Daddy will cheer for you."


    Xiu hugged him tightly, "My daddy is cool!"


    Xin Zimen didn''t say anything and let her hug him while he kissed her head. If he could eat the burnt food that tastes worst than poison made by his wife, he certainly could eat anything made by his daughter who was a much better cook than her mother. And he knew that even if Xiu experimented, the taste couldn''t get as bad as her mother''s food.


    But then again, making something taste like that was also a talent that only his wife possessed.

 Chapter 949 - Unreasonable

    "I should look to do something because I have nothing to do except to take care of Rowan. And since I enjoy cooking, I should start with that," said Xiu as if talking to herself.


    Xin Zimen looked at her who was now sitting by his side sipping tea.


    "Do you really think I don''t know what you''ve been up to these days?" he asked. Xiu looked up at him inquisitively and he went on, "I heard about your campaign."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him.


    "I''m not keeping an eye on you," said Xin Zimen to clear up. "But even if I don''t want to keep checking on you, some people would still let me know stuff. Since the time people learned you''re the precious daughter of the Xin family, they have been doing all sorts of things to please us. I don''t think you didn''t hear about it from my elder brother."


    Xiu nodded her head, "I''ve heard about it. Father told me how desperate they are to please him and kept using my name. How displeasing!"


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head, "Don''t worry about them. Your father and I can take care of such people so that they don''t trouble you. As for your campaign, I''m not against it. I definitely am not against it but why are you doing this?"


    "As if you don''t know that, Daddy," said Xiu. "People have taken it for granted how they keep bullying artists online. They don''t realize that words hurt. A knife is not the only thing that can pierce a heart. Words go deeper than a knife. I just want to protect those artists before those people drive them to their deaths. One word is enough to push someone to death. I''ve been there. I know that. And I know I''m not the only one as well. As sad as it is but it''s true. People don''t learn. A person loses his or her life but people don''t learn from it. Their so-called remorse, can''t help anyone." She took a deep breath and continued, "Today, they keep posting how bad they feel for Chen Xiu. How they want to apologize to her for everything they said to her. But what''s the point? She is gone! Dead doesn''t care about excuses that you make. Because they are long gone."


    "And that''s why you want to reach out a helping hand to others?"


    "Yes," answered Xiu. "If I can protect even one person through my actions, I''m willing to do it."


    Xin Zimen patted her head, "I''m proud of you."


    "Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded when she heard that.


    Xin Zimen smiled at her gently as he said, "I''m proud of my daughter. Even though the same thing destroyed her, she is still willing to face it. She is willing to use her power to help others. How can I not be prouder if my daughter''s actions can save another father''s daughter or son? Hm? I can''t be prouder right now."


    Xiu felt genuinely happy when she heard him say that. It meant a lot to her.


    "Thank you, Daddy!"


    "There is no need for thanks. If you need any help, let me know about it. I''ll do anything for my daughter. And don''t think you''re alone in this. Because I''m always here for you."


    Xiu nodded her head vigorously because she couldn''t find the right words.


    "If your father would be here, he''d say the same thing as well. Although he is traveling around with his wife as a late honeymoon, you can still count on him as well."


    Xiu chuckled, "Lately, you keep talking in support of your elder brother."


    Xin Zimen cleared his throat, "It''s not that we fixed everything. But we are getting somewhere since we have a common ground now and that is our love for you."


    "I know," said Xiu. "And I''m glad you both are willing to give each other a second chance. Even if it''s just for my sake."


    "By the way, when is your father coming back exactly?" asked Xin Zimen. "He has been gone for over a month now."


    "He will be back before Mama''s wedding," answered Xiu. "Also, he said he is moving to An City so that he is near me."


    "Yeah, I know. He even asked me to sell one of the houses in this society," said Xin Zimen bitterly.


    "Did you agree?" asked Xiu curiously. She already knew that all the villas in this society had been bought by Xin Zimen long ago. There were thirty villas and all were under his name. Only because he wanted privacy for his family and he wanted a quiet place for his family. That''s why even she got to live in the villa right next to him.


    "I did but I charged him twice the price of the market," said Xin Zimen evilly.


    Xiu laughed out, "I didn''t know you also liked such games."


    "It''s not that I like it," said Xin Zimen. "But if it''s my elder brother, I don''t mind playing such games."


    Xiu was laughing happily in amusement. She didn''t think Xin Zimen was just as petty as she was. But she loved it.


    "Daddy, let''s go on a date on your next holiday," suggested Xiu.


    "Anytime you want," agreed Xin Zimen readily. "And anywhere you want, my little lass!"


    "Great!" Xiu clapped her hands. "Also, let''s go to meet mom as well. It''s been a while."


    Xin Zimen smiled lovingly, "Okay. Ai would love to see you as well."


    "I also think she''d love to see me," said Xiu. "But I wonder what should I take for her. White lilies or white roses? Which one?" She tapped her chin thoughtfully before adding, "Oh, I know it! We''ll take both!"


    "As you like," said Xin Zimen indulgently. How could he go against her wishes? If she wanted to go east, he''d definitely not go west! It was just as it was. His love for her was just like that. Unreasonable!

 Chapter 950 - Tease Me

    "I''m your mom, not a punching bag!" said Xiu to the ever-energetic little bun before her. She ticked him making the little baby giggle non-stop. Darren looked up from the ??ptop and saw mother-son teasing each other. His eyes softened immediately at the sight.


    Little tiger made incoherent sounds making Xiu smile as she said, "I know I''m awesome. You don''t have to tell me, dear son."


    Darren pursed his lips, "Sweets, I don''t think that''s what he said."


    "But I think that''s exactly what he said," she retorted.


    The little tiger stared at his mother''s face as if amazed by how shameless his mother could get. But was he surprised? No way! Even the little baby was familiar with his mom''s shamelessness.


    As he played on the bed, Xiu was laying down beside him. Little Rowan crawled his way to his mother and laid down on her stomach with much effort. Xiu didn''t pay any attention to him and allowed him to play all he wanted.


    Finally, little Rowan managed to reach her neck and buried his face. He was tired and seemed to be taking some rest. After he was done resting, he starting putting his paws all over his mother''s face.


    Xiu smiled at her son and kissed the palms of his hands. "What is it? What does my son want to do now?" She kissed him all over the face but since she put him down from her body, the little baby seemed displeased.


    After all, he made so much effort to get there, and yet she easily brought him back to square one. But since mommy was kissing him all over the face, he felt like mommy was playing with him and started giggling happily.


    In the silent room apart from the sound of Darren''s fingers running over the keyboard, one could only hear Rowan''s laughter that was louder and instantly melted anyone''s heart.


    Finding the game fun, little Rowan tried to kiss his mother as well. But ended up leaving a whole lot of saliva on Xiu''s face. But Xiu didn''t mind it and let him do whatever he wanted. Seeing how mommy stopped playing with him, he opened his mouth and bit Xiu''s jaw. But his toothless jaw couldn''t possibly hurt her.


    If anything, Xiu felt like something was ticking her jaw.


    "It seems mommy tastes good to you," said Xiu as she left another kiss on her son''s face.


    Rowan''s cute little face was tender and soft. His cheeks looked so chewy that anyone would want to take a bite. Especially if that someone was Xiu. No one had anything idea how hard she tried to stop herself from biting his cheeks. They look so inviting after all.


    "Sweets, what are you even doing?" asked Darren.


    "Nothing," answered Xiu. "I''m just playing with my son."


    "But I feel like you''re purposely teasing him."


    "I''m not," refuted Xiu. "Right, little tiger?" Rowan babbled something in baby language and she nodded, "Yes. Just as she said. Mommy is not teasing him at all."


    "You''re a real talent," remarked Darren. "After all, no one else can understand what he said." Or more like no one was shameless enough to interpret Rowan''s babbling into whatever they felt like.


    "But I''m his mother," argued Xiu. "Of course, I can understand what he said."


    Darren shook his head at her, "By the way, what gift did you buy for Mama?"


    "I''m sending her on a cruise," said Xiu. "A whole three months cruise for honeymoon."


    "Even we have never gone on a honeymoon," reminded Darren. "Why is everyone else going? I can''t believe I''m suddenly jealous of my own Mama. Besides if your father recently came from his honeymoon."


    Xiu smiled at Darren helplessly, "Father and mother go on a honeymoon every year on their wedding anniversary. You shouldn''t be jealous of them." Even Xiu was surprised when she learned that Xin Zemin and Zhao Huan had such a tradition. No wonder they had been so content and happy as a couple for so long even without a child. They always had each other to depend on, why would they need another person between them?


    Darren also thought of something, "Then how about we also go on a honeymoon on our wedding anniversary? It can become our tradition as well. You know, one should inherit something from one''s parents. We can take their tradition."


    "We can''t go this year," said Xiu. "I''ve told Mama that Ashley will stay with us when they aren''t around. By the time Mama comes back, our wedding anniversary would have passed already. Besides, we can''t leave Ashley all alone here."


    "Then when should we go?" asked Darren.


    "Let''s go on Rowan''s second birthday," suggested Xiu. "By then, this little one would be bigger. And won''t be so much trouble as he is now."


    "Can''t we leave him behind altogether?"


    Xiu looked at him, "You''re already tired of your son?"


    "No, I''m tired of him coming between us," said Darren helplessly. How could he not be aggrieved? Their son had come to love sleeping between his mom and dad at night. Darren couldn''t even hug his wife at night because of this obstacle in between them.


    "He is young," said Xiu. "Bear with him for a while. Once he grows up, it''ll be better. Then we''ll be one running after him to come to us."


    Darren looked at his son thoughtfully as he muttered, "I highly doubt that." His intuition told him that his son was always gonna stay between him and his wife.


    Poor him didn''t know that it was absolute truth in the future!


    If he knew his intuition would come true, he''d have long distanced his son from his wife. This troublemaker only knew how to snatch his wife''s attention even at this age. One could only wonder what he''d be capable of doing once he grew up.


    Meanwhile, Rowan was oblivious to his father''s worries and even now, was busy playing the you-tease-me-I-tease-you game with his mother that he loved to play. As for what his father thought, he didn''t care at all!

 Chapter 951 - Delinquent-Looking Girl

    "What exactly is she doing inside?" inquired Ying as she looked at Darren impatiently. She had been called here because Xiu wanted her to meet someone. But now that she was here, she couldn''t even see Xiu much less the person she called her here for.


    However, she was really curious about this person for whom Xiu called her here so urgently.


    "I have no answer for you Ying," said Darren as he put his son in his ??p, facing Ying.


    Ying''s attention was caught by the little tiger who was blinking his big eyes as he stared at her attentively. He was chewing on his small fist and seemed to be enjoying it as well.


    "Stop staring at my son," Darren frowned at Ying and put his hand in front of his son''s face. Well, he intended to put his hand on his eyes but his big hand covered his son''s small face easily. "Don''t get any ideas about my son in that head of yours. I won''t let you live!"


    Ying snorted at him, "You''re really impossible, even as a father!"


    "Whatever," was Darren''s response.


    It was good that someone finally came downstairs to stop these two from getting into a fight. At first, Ying took a glance and turned back. But suddenly, she was stunned. She looked back at the person and continued to stare intently in disbelief.


    Even when the girl came to stand right in front of her, Ying was still in a daze. She felt like she had traveled back in time. Exactly the time when she first saw the girl in the underground fighting ring.


    "You..." Ying didn''t know what else to say. She couldn''t find the right words right now. No, she had no words. She never expected to see her here. Was she the one Xiu was talking about? But how did Xiu know about this? Ying frowned to herself. After all, her short encounter with this strange girl was unknown to everyone in her life.


    "Do you still recognize me?" asked the girl who stood in front of her.


    "Of course, I do!" answered Ying. "How can I forget the most stubborn girl I''ve ever come across?"


    Ying could still remember how she had repeatedly warned this girl to not continue with the fighting in the underground club but she refused to listen to her. She called her ''mentor'' because, in the short three months, Ying had ended up giving her a lot of advice on her fighting skills. She had offered to join the organization where she worked but she was refused again.


    She always felt like the girl was up to something. As if there was a bigger secret behind her but it was a shame she never figured it out.


    "I went back to the fighting club to look for you but everyone said, you never came after your last fight."


    "Ying Jie, it''s me."


    "Huh?"


    "You can''t even tell that it''s me. Xiu!"


    Ying was dumbstruck once again.


    "The reason why I appeared like this in front of you was in fact to make you recall the time we met. After all, you only met me in this attire," said Xiu with a small smile on her face. "I told you I had amnesia, and when I recovered my memories, I remembered you as well. The mentor whom I really liked. However, you''re also the person I''ve wronged."


    "What? What do you mean?"


    "Do you remember you lost your authorization card?" asked Xiu and Ying nodded her head in a daze. "I stole it," she continued. "You can also say, I used you. The moment you trusted me enough to tell me about your identity, I had it planned. I needed your help. So, I used your authorization card."


    "That''s why my lost authorization card miraculously came back as well?" asked Ying.


    Xiu nodded her head, "Yes. That''s how it happened. I only needed it to..."


    "To make Destiny Novell disappear!" Ying felt like a lightbulb lit up in her head. It finally made sense why her card was used back then. Even when the investigation proved that her card was used, she kept on not believing it. After all, she couldn''t recall it. She even suspected if she had a memory loss or something. But now, it was all clear before her.


    "Yes, I needed to hide from the ones who were trying to kill me," stated Xiu calmly. "So, I used this way. I know it wasn''t right but it was the best I could do at that time. I thought if I borrowed your card for a while and returned it safely, you''d never notice. After all, it''s not like I used it to disclose national secrets or anything."


    Darren silently listened at the side. He really didn''t know why Xiu was insisting on writing all the wrongs that Destiny did. But he also understood that Xiu had her own thoughts and he''d never go against her choices. Since she said it was the right thing to do, it must be the right thing to do.


    "Ying Jie, you can punish me however you like. Even though back then I didn''t think it was a serious matter, but now I understand it was indeed a serious matter. Losing your authorization card could have gotten you in big trouble."


    Ying waved her hand off, "Even if I want to punish you, my big boss aka your Uncle Xin Zimen will never let me do anything. Besides, as you said, it wasn''t really a big deal. Nothing serious happened and you didn''t harm anyone as well." Then she made a round around Xiu and said, "I still can''t believe I never noticed this before."


    "It''s because my disguise was too good," smirked Xiu.


    Ying could only nod along. Indeed, who would ?ssociate the elegant-looking Xiu with the delinquent-looking girl from years ago? But now she had no reason to deny it either.

 Chapter 952 - First Words

    "I heard Rowan said his first word?"


    Both Xiu and Darren shared a look. Rowan was about to celebrate his second birthday in another 2 months. This baby was growing up slowly. However, if one asked Xiu and Darren, they''d say that their son was growing too fast. He was already so difficult to manage by both Xiu and Darren combined!


    "Little lass, your brothers are asking something," said Xin Zimen with a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Ah-Xin, don''t make me say it," replied Xiu.


    Xin Zimen ended up laughing out loud. While his elder brother gave him a look that said, don''t-mess-with-my-daughter. But of course, as always, Xin Zimen didn''t pay heed to Xin Zemin''s expressions.


    "I think Rowan learned to call ''Dadda'' first instead of ''Mama,''" said Nora. "And that''s why Xiu is not telling us what Rowan said."


    Nora played with Rowan saying in a baby voice, "Tell me, baby, did you call ''Dadda''? Just tell me, I won''t tell anyone."


    "Talk like a human with my son," said Xiu. "Don''t use that baby voice again."


    Nora glared at Xiu, "I''m your sister-in-law now. Talk nicely."


    "Okay, my dearest sister-in-law, my son is a human. Talk to him like a human," said Xiu in a cheeky way making Nora want to slap her face. How was that any different than what she said earlier? It was all the same!


    "I am talking like a human," answered Nora.


    Nora and Ah-Si got married about two months ago. So these two have been traveling with their daughter for the past two months. And surprisingly, Ah-Si even managed to drag Xiao Li along with him. But all of that was possible because Ah-Si mentioned how Asteria needed some change in her life and environment. Xiao Li being Xiao Li, actually felt like his daughter needed a change. And since it was already summer vacation, he didn''t find it wrong to take his daughter out.


    But while they all were gone, Rowan actually said his word. It was such a coincidence that both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin had come over to see their grandson when Rowan spoke his first word. And they both became the lucky grandfathers who heard Rowan talk.


    "So what did he say exactly?" questioned Xiao Li. "Why is everyone''s reaction so weird?"


    Xin Zimen chuckled before saying, "It won''t be fun in this way." He raised his voice and called, "Serve the dinner."


    "Dad, I thought you''re gonna..." Xiao Li didn''t continue since he honestly didn''t know what to say what his father just did.


    Xin Zimen gave his son a mysterious smile as they all gathered for dinner. Xiu put Rowan on his baby seat and stared at her son long and hard before helplessly shaking her head.


    As soon as the meal was served, a milky voice was heard, "Meat! Meat! Meat!"


    Xiu''s lips twitched when she heard it and looked at Darren who pressed his lips together to stop himself from laughing. However, Nora wasn''t as reserved as him, since she instantly burst out laughing.


    "Oh my gosh! He actually is a meat fan!"


    Xiu facepalmed herself and turned to her son, "Have you been that hungry for meat in your last life?"


    "Actually, it''s your own fault sister Xiu," said Ah-Si.


    "How is it my fault?" questioned Xiu as her eyes trained on her brother.


    "Well, you''re the one who started calling him little tiger. Tigers love meat, they can''t possibly be herbivores!"


    Surprisingly, Xiu felt like her brother made a lot of sense. Maybe it was really her fault that her son turned into a meat fanatic. So much so that his very first words had been ''MEAT!'' Xiu didn''t know what to say to that. Her dear son didn''t even learn t call mama or papa but he certainly knew what he wanted to eat.


    Clapping his hands together, even now, Rowan was cheerfully calling, "Rice! Rice! Tomato soup! Tomato Soup!" He spoke in such a cute manner that no one could possibly even get mad at him. At least, no one else could apart from Xiu.


    "Xiu, he is a certified foodie like you," said Nora as she giggled happily. This was too amusing. She never thought she''d get to see something like this in her life.


    Which kid would learn the names of his favorite food first instead of his parents?


    Certainly, there could be only one kid like that, and that had to be Xiu''s kid. Since there was only one eccentric Xiu!


    Xiu poked her son''s cheek saying, "Your food is all yours! Stop yelling! I''ll give it all to you!"


    Only after saying that did she started feeding her son who happily ate his food. When in front of food, her son would forget all about the world. Just like her, his only focus was on the food before his eyes.


    "My grandson is such a sweetheart," said Xin Zimen. "Look at him. Look how he is eating heartily. Just looking at him makes me feel hungry."


    "Then eat more, Ah-Xin," said Xiu.


    "How many people heard Rowan talking?" asked Xiao Li.


    "All the ones who are here right now," answered Darren. "It was summer vacation and everyone had been out for fun."


    "Why didn''t you both go out?" asked Nora.


    Darren took a look at his wife and said, "Rowan is too young and he doesn''t seem to like this weather. So, we had to stay home."


    "Wow! Rowan doesn''t like summer? That''s just like Xiu," said Nora. "This mother-son duo is really alike already."


    "Why are you jealous?" asked Xiu.


    Nora made a face at Xiu, "Actually, I am jealous! My daughter missed you so much on our trip. Both Asteria and Ava kept talking about how fun it would have been if you had come along."


    "At least, someone is loyal," retorted Xiu clearly pointing out how Nora left her behind but at least, her nieces were loyal to her.


    "Oh, well... I can''t seem to be that loyal," Nora shot back as she stuck her tongue out at her.

 Chapter 953 - Cuteness Attack!

    "Yay! We''re going sightseeing! I love it!" Ava was jumping up and down in excitement as she followed Xiu towards their usual destination for ''sightseeing.''


    "Tone it down a little," warned Asteria in a serious tone but the glint in her eyes gave away her own excitement.  ??


    Xiu was carrying her son with the baby carrier which made Rowan press against her ?h?st. As she held the hands of the two girls following her, she asked, "Did you tell your mom where you''re going?"


    Ava pushed her tongue and giggled, "No. Mom doesn''t ask me anything if I tell her I''m going to see Xiu." And then she looked up at Xiu with admiration in her eyes. Usually, Nora would ask her about everything but as long as she said Xiu''s name, everything in the world was possible. How could she not admire this aunt of hers?


    Her aunt ruled the world!


    Xiu felt a little shy being under this hot and admiring gaze. Also felt a little guilty. She didn''t think she was that awesome. Okay, she usually did say she was awesome but let''s be real for a minute! She didn''t think there was anything awesome in her that was worthy of this admiration from these pure and innocent kids.


    But she couldn''t deny, she loved this feeling as well.


    Since the time Rowan was born, these two girls had become inseparable from Xiu. They followed her like a shadow. On usual weekdays they might not find the time to come and find her but on weekends, they had to spend time with her. Xiu actually didn''t mind their presence and quite enjoyed herself.


    "Momma!" Rowan called out and Xiu looked down at him. The little three years old was staring at her intently and instantly gave her a smile with his tiny teeth. How cute! Little Rowan held his mother''s hair and continued to play as he giggled.


    "Yes, your highness! Do you need something?" asked Xiu.


    Little Rowan nodded his head and said, "Kitty!" He pointed happily at the quite a fluffy cat with pure white fur that made her look majestic and quite conceited. Her tail was lazily swaying around as she laid on the ??p of her owner and didn''t even bother to open her eyes to see the world. As if the people around her were not even worthy of her gaze.


    "You have quite a taste, son!" said Xiu. "But you can''t have a kitty. Have you looked at it? She might be heavier than you are. You''ll get buried under her weight."


    Both Asteria and Ava laughed out at Xiu. They always ended up laughing because of Xiu. After all, this aunt of theirs always said things randomly and totally out of expectations! She had a unique talent.


    Little Rowan pouted at his mother, "Momma!"


    "Don''t play cute with me," said Xiu sternly. "I''m still not falling for it."


    Obviously, her son was as stubborn as her. He didn''t get discouraged at all. Instead, he rubbed her face against her ?h?st cutely and continued to say, "Momma is the best. Momma loves baby the best. Momma can''t do this to baby!"


    Xiu felt tickly and ended up chuckling at his antics. "Who did you learn it from?"


    Xiu "hehe''ed" in her heart before shaking her helplessly at her son.


    Walking over to where the cat owner was sitting, she called, "Excuse me. It seems my son likes your cat. If you don''t mind, can you let him pet her for a minute?"


    The cat owner was a young girl who had covered her face with her hat as she was dozing off in this park. She pulled down her hat and yawned so unladylike before turning her gaze to Xiu and then she was stunned!


    "My Almighty Boss!" called out Bo Jiu. "What are you being so polite for? My cat is your cat."


    "I don''t fall for that concept anymore," said Xiu after she got over her initial shock. She didn''t expect to run into Bo Jiu here of all places. But it was better this way. At least, now her son could easily play with the cat he liked.


    "Cato!" Rowan called out as he giggled.


    "Son, you''re ruining my almighty image here," said Xiu making Bo Jiu press her lips to hide her laughter.


    As always, her Xiu boss was definitely unique! No one can ever match this aura! I repeat! NO ONE!


    "Yes, no one can!" Both Asteria and Ava echoed her words with enthusiasm and only then Bo Jiu realized that she actually said that out loud. Oopsie!


    Bo Jiu stood up while hugging her plump and heavy cat. She extended a bit towards Rowan so that his hand could reach the cat to pet as she told him, "Little Boss, her name is Sweet Pea. And Sweet Pea, that''s our Little Boss. Say hi to him." She even held up the cat paw to wave at Rowan who laughed happily and waved back.


    "Hi, Sweet Pea! You''re so cute!" said Rowan in his baby voice that could melt anyone''s heart.


    Bo Jiu felt like she received a cuteness attack. It was fatal! Her HP was lowering at an astonishing rate! "Xiu boss, are you sure he is your son? How can he be so cute?"


    "What''s wrong with that?" retorted Xiu unhappily.

 Chapter 954 - Parenting 101

    Bo Jiu smiled at her cautiously as she said, "There is nothing wrong with that. But I always thought that my Tyrant Boss will have a little tyrant baby."


    Xiu frowned at her, "What little tyrant? He is too young for that." She leaned over to whisper, "I''ll train him well when he grows up. For now, let''s just indulge in his cuteness."??


    Bo Jiu instantly gave her a thumbs up in her heart since her hands were still holding her cat who was meowing arrogantly. The cat opened her eyes and looked at Rowan with her blue eyes since the little baby was happily rubbing its fur. Rowan found it so interesting that he didn''t wish to part.


    In the end, Bo Jiu also joined them. As she watched Xiu sitting down on the swing with both Ava and Asteria on each of her sides, she raised her brows. It almost felt like the queen was sitting in the middle with her two officials at the side. What a sight!


    She shook her head to remove these thoughts from her head and stood beside the swings. She put her cat on the bench while Xiu untied the baby carrier and put Rowan down. The little boy was dressed in a white shirt that gave him a lively and spirited look. He happy trotted over to the cat''s side to tease it some more.


    Meanwhile, Bo Jie looked back at Xiu and asked, "Boss, what are you doing here?"


    "Girls, what are we doing here?" asked Xiu.


    "Sightseeing," echoed Asteria and Ava simultaneously.


    Bo Jiu turned her head to look around curiously. What sightseeing? Wasn''t it just like any other park? Although there was indeed a beautiful lake where swans were swimming lazily, that still didn''t change the fact that it was just a park! What exactly was here worthy of sightseeing?


    "You need to have a discerning gaze for sightseeing," informed Xiu as she looked around. But to be honest, she felt bored. These ''sights'' didn''t please her anymore. Her family''s husband was still the best sight to her. Especially when he was without clothes. Hehehehe...


    Xiu licked her lips at the thought and swallowed down the saliva that almost drooled out of her mouth. That would ruin her image. Even if she was ?usting over her husband''s body rightfully, she needed to keep it all in check for now. She couldn''t let others know about it.


    It took Bo Jiu a while to realize which ''sight'' was worth ''seeing'' around here. And she was left gaping in shock. The lofty image of Raelle was suddenly turning loftier! What did you think it will collapse? No way! Isn''t this the best way to spend your lazy evening? Why did she never think of this? Indeed, the almighty boss is almighty for a reason! How can a peasant like her resonate with the taste of the queen?


    Xiu had no idea what was cooking in Bo Jiu''s head since she was lost in her daydreaming. Quite a few scenarios ran through her mind. And each of them involved, pouncing on her husband tonight! One should always have aspirations, no?


    "Momma," Rowan walked over to Xiu''s side with his small legs and tugged at her clothes.


    "Yes, my little tiger?" asked Xiu indulgently.


    "Kitty doesn''t like baby," he pouted adorably at his mother.


    Xiu''s heart almost broke at this sight. Note the word, ''Almost''.


    She picked him up saying, "Cats are heartbreakers, mommy''s darling little tiger. Their love doesn''t last long but their indifference also doesn''t last long."


    "Really?" asked Rowan in a small and innocent voice.


    "Really," agreed Xiu. She looked at Bo Jiu and asked, "Do you have any dried fish?"


    Bo Jiu immediately rummaged through her bag and pulled out a bag of dried fish. She put it all in front of Xiu who took a piece and gave it to her son. "Go and offer it to the lofty kitty. Let me see how long she can resist the temptation of food."


    "Will she like me after that?" asked Rowan with anticipation shining in his eyes.


    "Like you?" Xiu repeated strangely. "She''ll love you. History has proven that everyone is a slave for food. This is the world of foodies! No one can resist the temptation."


    "Got it," Rowan nodded his head as if he understood everything his mother said. And even if he didn''t, who cared? He''d just do as his mother said. Even his father didn''t disagree with his mommy, how could he go dare to go against her words?


    As Xiu put him down, he immediately ran over to Sweet Pea and offered the dried fish. And as if the universe was conspiring with Xiu or perhaps, Sweet Pea was her accomplice, the cat actually fell for this temptation and even rubbed her face against Rowan''s face making the little boy giggle happily.


    "Momma, look! Sweet Pea likes me now!" Rowan announced happily.


    Xiu was pleased to see this expected result. As if she could go wrong. Food can do wonders!


    "Wow! Xiu is awesome!" exclaimed Ava exaggeratedly.


    "Of course! Xiu is never wrong!" Asteria also went along with her cousin.


    But of them made Xiu blush who said, "I feel so great when they think so highly of me."


    Bo Jiu''s lips twitched when she saw all of this and she leaned over to whisper to Xiu, "Boss, aren''t you teaching these young kids the wrong things?"


    "I''m teaching them the survival tactics, what''s wrong with that?" retorted Xiu.


    Bo Jiu couldn''t really tell what was wrong with that but to be very honest, she really thought something was wrong with Xiu''s teaching and yet it sounded right. Temptation had always been the bane of human d?s?r?s. Whether the temptation was of food, money, power, or even love! Although Xiu only talked about food, Bo Jiu felt like the word temptation in itself was enough to speak out loud.


    Hell no!

 Chapter 955 - Little Followers

    Being the most thoughtful person out there, Xiu had even brought a picnic basket with loads of homemade healthy but yummy snacks for the kids. And with food, obviously, this little sightseeing became even more entertaining.


    In the past three years, it had become a little secret between the girls. Every month, they''d join Xiu out for sightseeing once. And to eat her handmade delicacies were just like the cherry on top. Who would resist it? As she said earlier, no one says no to good food. And it was especially true for these kids.  ??


    In their simple world, food was quite important at the moment.


    Xiu watched them eating with gusto and felt happy. She even invited Bo Jiu to join them. It''s not like she brought limited stuff. You never know about the appetite these little kids would have. Although Asteria was already 10 and Ava was also about 7, she still called them kids. These were the only kids in their families. How can they not be special?


    "Did you come back for the Spring Festival?" asked Xiu as she looked at Bo Jiu who was practically ???k?n? her fingers now.


    Wiping her mouth, Bo Jiu answered, "I did come for the Spring Festival but who knew I''d be duped by everyone." She could only sigh at her luck. She had been out of the country for a couple of years because she wanted to explore around the world. When she first joined Dylan''s company, she was just following her family''s wishes to gain some experience from outside. But there she met with Xiu. And she had to say, Xiu somehow changed her life.


    She not only changed her whole persona. She even made her evolve into the person she was today. And she had to say, she was more confident than ever now! She wouldn''t hesitate to give the credit to Xiu for all of this.


    After her encounter with the dramatics of Xiu''s life and viewpoint regarding everything, Bo Jiu felt like she got a new understanding of the world. She was quite complacent once since she studied in Ivy league and had always been a top scorer. But now she wasn''t complacent anymore. Now, she wanted to live the moment.


    Before leaving, she had told Xiu, ''Boss, I feel like I don''t know where I want to go in my life.''


    Xiu had asked her a question, ''If you''re told tomorrow is the day you''re gonna die, what will you do?''


    Bo Jiu spent a while thinking about that question. When she came to a conclusion, she called Xiu from the airport and told her, ''I know what I want to do. If tomorrow is the day I''m gonna die, then I want to live today to the fullest.''


    ''Good luck on your journey,'' was all Xiu said to her.


    In fact, from the time Xiu figured out Bo Jiu''s unusual talent in hacking, she knew that Bo Jiu had actually been suppressing and hiding her real wild side behind a proper persona that was built for others. Perhaps, it was because of how she was raised.


    Sighing out, Bo Jiu looked at Xiu and told her, "My parents are spending Spring Festival in Hawaii and they didn''t even bother telling me about it. I came all the way here to learn that they aren''t even here. And when I asked them about it, they said, ''We didn''t want to hold a New Year banquet so that all our relatives could repeatedly ask us when is your younger daughter getting married? Did she not find a boyfriend? What''s the point of all those top grades? Even my daughter who studied at a local university is engaged now.'' Can you believe it? They are my parents and they are taunting me for being single? Like what is this behavior?"


    "Actually I think they left because they didn''t want their relatives to harass you with the same question over and over again," said Xiu thoughtfully. She considered those words for a while before saying it.


    "No way," Bo Jiu didn''t believe her.


    "Oh, come on! If they were fed up with these questions, why did they still hold these banquets every year when you''re not here?" asked Xiu which shut Bo Jiu up instantly. She didn''t even consider this aspect before. "This year is different because they knew you''re coming back and they didn''t want you to face all that."


    "Boss, how did you understand it so easily?" asked Bo Jiu curiously.


    "Simple! I''m a parent now!" announced Xiu proudly before she rubbed her son''s head who had actually placed head on Sweet Pea''s stomach and was dozing off now after eating to his fill. It was such a lovely sight.


    Bo Jiu gave her a strange look, "Your son is only 3!"


    "So what? A parent is a parent!"


    "But..."


    Xiu raised her hand to interrupt her as she said, "Are you disagreeing with me?"


    Bo Jiu meekly slumped back as she shook her head, "No way. Boss is always right."


    Xiu looked pleased by that answer and seeing her like that, the other two little girls ended up sharing a look and giggling. As always, their aunt Xiu was an unreasonable tyrant. If she didn''t want to hear anything, how can you dare say it in front of her? She''ll just never agree with you!


    But she''ll never let you disagree either. Truly, the image of Xiu had become so lofty in these girls'' minds that they had practically started worshipping this unreasonable aunt of theirs.


    They had already seen way too many scenes like these where their own parents were left speechless by this aunt but could only give in helplessly. How could these girls feel sympathy for Bo Jiu? They only had admiring eyes set on Xiu''s figure! This was the woman they aspire to be!


    When Bo Jiu noticed these twinkling eyes set on Xiu, she was blown away!


    Aiyah! It seems her Boss didn''t even spare little innocent kids. She was just collecting followers everywhere! Tragic!

 Chapter 956 - Magical Fairy

    For some inexplicable reason, Bo Jiu felt a bit envious of Xiu right now. She couldn''t resist feeling this way. After all, the love and admiration in Asteria and Ava''s eyes were really blinding. Even though they counted as just little followers of Xiu, at least, she had some followers.


    Unlike people like Bo Jiu! She suddenly felt so useless because of this fact.  ??


    "You''re living around here?" asked Xiu.


    "Yeah," answered Bo Jiu dispiritedly. "There is a new apartment complex around here. I just bought an apartment there."


    "Oh," responded Xiu nonchalantly. "By the way, was Spring Festival the only reason for your visit back home this time?"


    Bo Jiu shook her head, "No. I got a job offer here."


    "A job offer?" asked Xiu. "That''s great. What kind of a job is it that you found interesting enough to come back?"


    Bo Jiu smiled as she told her, "The offer came from your father."


    "Which one?" asked Xiu in confusion and a bit of surprise as well.


    "Mr. Xin Zimen," answered Bo Jiu. "His organization scouted me to be a part of the cyber security department. It''s a thrilling place where I get to use my hacking for a great cause. How can I not agree?"


    "Wow! You''re amazing!" praised Xiu making Bo Jiu blush a little. Xiu patted her shoulder, "I knew you''re born for great things. How can a small enterprise hold back talent like you?"


    Bo Jiu was flustered, "I''m not all that great."


    "Tsk. How can you be still so unconfident in your own talent?" questioned Xiu. "I have golden eyes. If I said you''re amazing then you are! Stop always going against me."


    "Yes, no one goes against our Xiu," said Ava loudly.


    Xiu pinched her nose, "Xiu''s loyal supporter, wipe your mouth. You made a mess while eating."


    Ava smiled sheepishly before she let Xiu wipe her mouth with a handkerchief. She didn''t even think she was old enough to do it herself.


    Bo Jiu smiled at them as she said, "Aiyo, you are having fun even on a normal and boring day like today. I am sure you''ll have a blast at the Spring Festival." She sighed loudly as she kept her eyes on Xiu and continued, "And here I am. Poor me! My parents abandoned me. My sister is also happy with her husband and kids. I''m the pitiful one left alone on this festival of lights. Even my house will be cold on this warm festival. I''ll just make some instant noodles to soothe my heart."


    Xiu rolled her eyes at Bo Jiu, "You can stop your cheap acting. I was just about to invite you over for the Spring Festival. There is no need to add this drama for the spicy effect."


    "Really?" Bo Jiu became excited. She threw caution out the window and hugged Xiu''s shoulders saying, "Boss, you''re the best. There is no way around it!"


    Xiu shook her head at her, "Why do you still behave like a kid?"


    "I also don''t know why I become like this around you," stated Bo Jiu honestly.


    "I know," said Asteria from the side. "Papa says Xiu is a magical fairy. She can instantly make others feel relaxed enough to drop down their defenses and be the real self of them around her."


    Xiu didn''t know how to react. How can her serious brother, Xiao Li say something like that to Asteria? Does that even make sense?


    But then again she thought of her brother and smiled happily. It doesn''t matter. Even if her brother said she was the worst, she''ll still take it.


    She couldn''t even tell her niece that her father was lying to her. After all, she wasn''t a magical fairy. Definitely had no magic. The only magical thing in her life was actually this life in itself!


    Bo Jiu actually went along with Asteria as she said, "I think you''re Papa is really smart."


    "That''s for sure," agreed Asteria. "Papa is Asteria''s everything. Asteria love Papa the most in the world."


    Bo Jiu smiled at this little girl and found her quite relatable. She also used to say her father was her superhero. But then again, wasn''t it the same for every little girl?


    "How''s everything at home?" asked Bo Jiu to Xiu.


    "Great," said Xiu.


    "And how''s everyone been?"


    "Dylan''s been spending every single free time of his in Italy so we rarely meet. But he''ll be here at the Spring Festival since Cali has finally managed to take everything under control. Dylan might bring her with him. And at the latest, they will get married next year," said Xiu. "As for Ying Jie, she had been away for two years now. She had to go on a mission abroad but before leaving, she actually got the marriage certificate with Xiao Bobo."


    "What? Really?" Bo Jiu couldn''t believe it. "Did that actor got impatient?" She knew all about Han Bohai''s love for Yan Ying. So she ?ssumed it was him who wanted to get married.


    "No. It was Ying Jie who dragged him," said Xiu as she smiled at her. "She said she is scared that behind her back, her star will attract unnecessary attention from this dark world. And what if the dark people of this dark world tried to steal her star from her? Just so you know, the star here is referring to Xiao Bobo."


    Bo Jiu had no words to say now. When did the situation reverse? Wasn''t Han Bohai running after Yan Ying? How come, in the end, it was Yan Ying who got herself tied to Han Bohai before leaving?


    "When is she coming back?"


    "I did hear that she''ll be back soon," answered Xiu. "It involves confidential information so I didn''t probe further but Daddy did say that Ying Jie has accomplished her task already."


    "And here I thought everyone would stick to each other," stated Bo Jiu.


    "Everyone has their own lives and careers that they are passionate about. How can they sit around?" She looked at the little girls and said, "Always remember, to never give up your dream for anyone. It''s not worth it."


    Both of the girls nodded their heads.

 Chapter 957 - Cat Slippers

    They spent quite a while in the park enjoying themselves and only decided to go back home when the girls were tired of playing around. Along with Rowan, these two pretty much annoyed the hell out of Sweet Pea.


    Xiu silently lit a candle for this majestic cat.??


    Oh, sorry! She didn''t look majestic any longer. She looked like a fleeing prisoner. She was so scared of these kids annoying her but she couldn''t even run away since they kept her in their arms. Her fur was rubbed so much that its glossiness was nowhere to be seen. Xiu felt pity for the cat but it didn''t last long since she was more infected by the happiness of the kids.


    And that''s why when they decided to go back home, everyone was not willing to say goodbye to the cat. As Bo Jiu looked at her cat whom she put in the cat bag she carried around, she sighed out and told them, "I live nearby. Don''t worry, when I don''t have time to take care of her, I''ll leave Sweet Pea with you guys."


    "Yay!" They all perked up instantly.


    Right after that, Xiu brought the kids home. Usually, they''d be back by 6 o''clock. But today because of Sweet Pea, they only reached home around 7 o''clock. What surprised Xiu was that she didn''t receive any call to rush her back home.


    Strange!


    Did Baobei not miss her at all?


    See, how pitiful she is!


    Just a few hours and her Baobei forgot all about her!


    "Xiu, I want slippers with cat ears," said Ava.


    "Me too," added Asteria.


    "Momma, don''t forget me," Rowan also didn''t forget to add. Even though his eyes were drooping down but he would never forget to chime in. He''d agree with anything his elder sisters said. He was the typical little brother!


    "Okay," agreed Xiu without any hesitations. She''d never say no unless their wishes were excessive. And currently, they only asked for cat slippers. Was it that big of a deal? No way! "But why don''t we adopt a cat of our own?" suggested Xiu as she looked at them carefully. She knew they''ll not agree but she wanted to know what these kids had to say about this.


    "No," said Rowan. "Not getting one."


    "Why?" asked Xiu.


    "We are too young to take care of the kitty," said Asteria as the oldest one here.


    "Yes, we won''t be able to raise her well," added Ava.


    Xiu looked at her son who also added in his milky voice, "Momma will get tired if she has to take care of the kitty for us."


    "Aww. How thoughtful!" said Xiu. "But don''t think I''m an idiot. I know you don''t want to bring a cat home only because if we brought one, she might win in cuteness then what will you all use to against me?"


    As she expected, all of them lowered their heads. They were busted! Certainly, they didn''t want to lose their position in the family. Not even to a cat!


    Xiu was amused by that as she laughed out. But suddenly, she stopped. She just heard the sound of sobbing. Didn''t she?


    "Am I hearing things?" she asked out loud. "Why do I feel like someone is crying at home?"


    "Xiu, I also hear that," said Asteria as she tugged her clothes. "Someone is really crying."


    Xiu told them, "You all go and wash up. Change your clothes first. I''m gonna check who is crying."


    "Why don''t we come with you?"


    "No, my little darlings! Just go take care of yourself. I''ll take care of this matter on my own," said Xiu as she directed them to go upstairs. She called the house help and asked her to help her son in washing up and changing into new clothes. As for the girls, they were old enough. She didn''t have to worry at all about them.


    "Mama, will you please stop crying?" Xiu heard Darren''s voice as she came near the lounge area. She frowned and hurried over. There she found, Francesca burying her face in her hands as she bawled her eyes out. Darren was sitting beside her, rubbing her back to soothe her with a helpless look on his face.


    Even Francesca''s husband, Han Yiheng was also sitting on the opposite side with a distressed look on his face. Xiu''s heart dropped when she heard Francesca''s sobs. She stepped over and asked, "Mama, what''s wrong?"


    "Sweets, you''re back," said Darren. His expression took a turn for the better as if he found his emotional support.


    "En. I''m back but what''s wrong with Mama?" asked Xiu as she sat down with Francesca.


    "Xiu," Francesca called out in a hoarse voice and turned to hug Xiu tightly. She was crying like the sky was falling down and it really made Xiu unable to understand the situation at all. And the way she hugged her so tightly made Xiu''s heart clench. She felt like something really bad happened for Francesca to cry like this. She had never seen her cry like this before.


    She was really at a loss now. What was she supposed to do in this situation? She just continued to pat Francesca''s back gently and she soothed, "Mama, it''s okay. Stop crying." She looked at Darren and said, "Regan, go and get some water."


    Darren nodded his head and was about to leave when he found that the house help was already standing with water at the side. He took the glass and pass it to Xiu as he told her, "Mama''s been crying for an hour now but she won''t tell me what happened. Please, ask her what''s going on. My heart is about to stop."


    Xiu nodded her head. She could tell what condition he was in by just looking at him. She knew her husband best. And she knew what Francesca meant to him as well.

 Chapter 958 - Sweet Momma

    When Xiu didn''t manage to get an answer from Francesca, she offered her water, "Okay. Drink some water. Crying this badly is not worthy. You''ll ruin your health. So, moisten your throat a bit." Francesca sniffled and held the glass of water with both hands. She took a sip and felt a little better. Meanwhile, Xiu turned her dangerous gaze towards Han Yiheng, "Didn''t I warn you? If you made her upset, you''re so dead!"


    Han Yiheng swallowed when she saw her acting like this. Let him be honest, he was only scared of this girl before him. Even though her fathers were THE real powerful people, he still somehow felt like she was the real deal. Something about her was always making him feel uneasy.??


    "I didn''t do anything," he said in his defense. "Well, actually. I think I have a hand in this situation but I didn''t know she''d take it so badly!"


    "What did you do?!" glared Xiu angrily.


    "I..." Han Yiheng couldn''t find the right words right now. Really, what was he supposed to say in this situation? Can he really explain how was he involved in this situation? No way!


    Francesca pulled Xiu''s hand, "Don''t say anything to Heng. It''s not his fault."


    Xiu looked at Francesca, "Mama, don''t try to save him."


    "I''m not trying to," retorted Francesca. "I really am not trying to save him. It''s not even his fault. Really. Believe me."


    "If you won''t explain it clearly to me how will I believe what you say?" asked Raelle. "If it''s not clear, I can only call him the culprit, and what you say doesn''t count. After all, any wife would try to protect her husband."


    Francesca looked up at her husband before she turned to look at her son and daughter-in-law. She felt so frustrated. What the hell was this situation? How was she supposed to even say it out loud?


    She lowered her head and said in a small voice, "I''m expecting."


    "You''re what?" inquired Xiu cluelessly. She really didn''t understand what she said because she couldn''t hear that small voice. It felt like a bee was buzzing. How was she supposed to hear it?


    "She said she is expecting," Darren told Xiu with an odd expression on his face.


    "Oh? But what are you expecting?" asked Xiu once again in an oblivious manner.


    "Mama, I think Xiu really didn''t get what you''re saying," said Darren from the side trying to hold back his smile.


    Francesca looked at Xiu''s clueless eyes and sighed out. Right, how could her peerless daughter-in-law ever tease her? She was always so thoughtful. "I meant, I''m pregnant."


    As her words fell, Xiu''s brows raised up in surprise. It took a minute for that to digest. Her brain processed it slowly and while it was processing, her facial expressions kept changing. Francesca nervously rubbed her fingers.


    She knew it! How embarrassing it was to get pregnant at this age? Wasn''t it enough that she got married in her forties? Why did she have to get pregnant in her forties as well? Does that even make sense? How humiliating it was to tell her son and daughter-in-law who already had a three-year-old son that she was pregnant. And also that their son was about to get an uncle or aunt four years younger than him in near future!


    Xiu jumped to her feet and looked at Darren, "Did I hear that right?"


    "I think so," said Darren as he heaved a sigh of relief. He had been so worried since his mother came and started crying. He thought something unforeseen happened. His heart was about to come out of his ?h?st because of worry but in the end, it turned out to be like this. He was soon going to get a brother or a sister.


    Xiu clapped her hand and screamed in excitement, "Oh my gosh! That''s such happy news! Why are we sitting like someone is dying?" She patted her ?h?st, "I almost scared myself to death. Good thing, I have a good heart, or else, I''d have fainted with anxiety by now."


    Hearing her cheerful voice, the kids ran in and Ava''s voice rang in, "Xiu, what happened?"


    "Because we have happy news," answered Xiu with a big grin on her face.


    "Happy news? Should I pull out my emergency confetti stash?" asked Ava in excitement.


    "Yes, you should!" said Xiu.


    "Yay!" Ava hurriedly pulled out a handful of confetti from her pocket and threw it around.


    Francesca buried her head in her hands once again but this time she wasn''t crying. In fact, she didn''t know what she was feeling at all.


    "Should we celebrate it?" asked Asteria. "Since it''s happy news, we should share it, right?"


    "Of course!" agreed Xiu. This was such huge and explosive news. How could they not celebrate it? She was all ready to make a huge deal out of it! She looked at Han Yiheng and inquired, "What did the doctor say? Is something wrong?"


    "No, although her age is not that suitable, they still think with proper care it won''t be a problem at all."


    Xiu let out the last stroke of worry in her heart, "Then why was Mama crying about it? Even I didn''t cry when I found out I was pregnant. And I was someone who..." ''despised kids.'' was left unsaid as Xiu looked at the faces of the three kids lingering around her. Oh, right! She was no longer that old self.


    Now, her whole life actually revolved around kids. What progress!


    "Momma, can I get cake tonight?" asked Rowan as he happily tugged at Xiu''s leg. "Happy news is incomplete without cake."


    "Oh, and why is that?" asked Han Yiheng in amusement as he pulled this grandson over.


    "Baba said happy news is sweet like momma. So, we should always have something sweet when we are happy," told Rowan innocently.


    Darren who was being exposed by his son tried his best to control his expressions. He couldn''t let them find out that his words actually had a very different meaning. Because the only thing sweet in his life was actually his Sweets!


    And he was more than happy to ''eat'' his ''Sweets'' whether he was happy or sad. Did he really need an excuse?

 Chapter 959 - Tears Are Ugly

    Han Yiheng hugged his grandson and looked at Darren who was still pretending like there was no other meaning to his words. But did he really think Han Yiheng was that innocent as Rowan? Especially when he knew what kind of a relationship Darren and Xiu had?


    Han Yiheng shook his head and looked at Ava as he asked, "Do you always carry confetti around?"??


    "I do," answered Ava happily. "It''s for emergencies like today."


    "Oh?" responded Han Yiheng. "And if it''s sad news?"


    Ava pulled out a plastic flower from inside her inner pocket and said, "Then I''d offer the flower. It makes people feel good."


    "And who said that?" asked Han Yiheng.


    "Xiu said it," replied Ava innocently. "Xiu said happiness and sadness have no time. We should always be ready for everything that life throws at us. And we should always accept it with open arms as well."


    Han Yiheng was amused by this little girl talking so big and then he looked at Xiu who seemed to be the one teaching them all of this. Seriously, he didn''t know why Xiu took kids as ?du?ts and talked with them like she was talking with an old friend.


    As for Xiu, she obviously thought even if they were kids, they weren''t dumb. Somethings they might not understand now or it''s not suitable for them to understand now but it''s not right to keep treating them like dumb people. If not now, maybe one day in the future they might remember what she said. Wouldn''t it be good if her words helped them in any situation?


    One should prepare one''s kids for all sorts of situations? Only pampering and sheltering them won''t get them anywhere. Just like now, there was a rule in the family. They''d only get pocket money after they do ten good deeds in a month. And they''d be allowed to manage their finances as well. If you won''t teach your son how to spend and save money, what are you gonna make them? Spendthrifts?


    Although she had high demands when it came to kids, she never forced them to do anything. She only did what they allowed her to do.


    Francesca also calmed down with distraction and found Ava too adorable.


    "Mama, were you feeling embarrassed?" asked Darren. It was more of a statement than a question. He knew his mother. She must be thinking all over the place to end up with that many tears. He really didn''t know what to do with this mother of his? Why did she have to feel embarrassed about it? "Isn''t it the biggest happiness everyone wishes for? How can you welcome it with tears?"


    "Look at how old you are," said Francesca. "How can I... At this age?"


    "What''s wrong with this age?"


    "What will people say? How will you introduce this child in the future? And how will this child be able to face everything?"


    Darren shook his head, "Why do you care? People can say what they want. As for this child, I''ll proudly introduce him or her to the whole world. If given a chance, I''ll scream at the top of my lungs. Do you have any idea how happy I am? And since it''s my sibling, I definitely know how to protect him or her in the future. You don''t have to worry about it. Your only job is to give me a younger brother or sister."


    "Momma, Baba is getting a younger sister?" asked Rowan cutely to his mother.


    "It seems like it," answered Xiu honestly.


    "Momma, I have two older sisters. Can I get a younger sister?" asked Rowan.


    Xiu had just opened her mouth when Darren''s voice came, "No!"


    Rowan looked over at his father, "Why not?"


    "Weren''t you enough? You hurt my Sweets so much during birth. How can I allow another one to cause me such stress? One is already my limit!"


    Xiu pressed her lips together and picked up Rowan saying, "Does my little tiger really wants a younger sister?"


    Rowan thought about it, "Thinking again, it doesn''t sound like a good idea. What if she stole my Momma and Baba? I don''t want one. I can be the only baby in the house."


    Xiu facepalmed herself, "I guess it runs in our family. We all don''t want another member."


    "And here you''re giving me a lecture," said Francesca.


    "Mama, that''s different," argued Darren. "I am very scared for you as well. After all, childbirth is like a woman standing at the door of death. But I''m also happy. How can I not be looking forward to this child? You don''t overthink it, I''ll take good care of you."


    "That''s what I am best at," announced Xiu. "Taking good care of people. You can count on me. I''m the most trustworthy around here."


    Francesca chuckled as she said, "Our Xiu still likes to praise herself."


    Xiu didn''t even feel embarrassed at this comment. Rowan jumped happily up and down, "Grandma is laughing. Grandma is laughing." He went to her with his short legs and rubbed her face saying, "Grandma, don''t cry. Momma says tears make people ugly. Although I won''t call grandma ugly, I don''t want others to say it."


    Francesca pinched his nose, "You are certainly Xiu''s son. Definitely know how to talk even at this age."


    "Little tiger, say thank you to grandma. She just complimented you and me both."


    Following his mother''s lead, Rowan indeed said thank you to Francesca politely with his cute smile. That smile alone was enough to melt anyone and put them in a good mood. How could Francesca have any other thought in her mind with this kind of family around her?


    "No need for thank you, my grandson," said Francesca.


    "Grandma, will you stop loving me?" asked Rowan.


    "Never," said Francesca.


    "Then it''s okay to give Baba a younger sister," said Rowan looking like he was relieved. This three-year-old tiny man talked about all sorts of things just like his mother. As if he was scared people won''t know he was Xiu''s precious son.

 Chapter 960 - Hornets Nest

    Since the news of Francesca''s pregnancy started circulating, even before the Spring Festival, everyone was in the mood for the festival. But none get the chance to celebrate it. Since it was the end of the year, everyone''s workload had increased. And they hardly even had time to breathe.


    One would say Xiu was the most leisurely person but she was the busiest. She had been spinning like a top. She had so much planning to do. And since she was the only person at home, all the kids were also with her. How could she be free in these circumstances???


    To people, she was truly like a virtuous and loving wife and mother. No one could say otherwise.


    But when it came to people around her, they knew that those labels weren''t enough to describe what Xiu was. She was a whole lot more than what people said. Her biggest role in this family was, being the best support!


    No matter who it was, she would give them her whole support.


    This year''s Spring Festival was special to all. Everyone was gathering for this Spring Festival. Even Ying was back, how could it not be a big deal now?


    "You got tanned," said Xiu when she looked at Ying. And trust me, she was putting it lightly when she said Ying had ''tanned.''


    "You don''t need to be so polite, Xiu," said Ying as she hugged her. "And where is my nephew? Does he even remember me? Or my absence left a mark on his little heart?"


    Xiu laughed at her, "As if. He never had any impression of you. Well, he wasn''t supposed to. But my Xiao Bobo is your sole follower, how can he not let my son know about you?" Ying looked pleased when she heard that. What Xiu didn''t explain was how whenever Xiao Bobo came around to visit, he''d open the photos of Ying to show Rowan and tell him long stories about Ying Jie. So much that even Rowan was excited to meet this aunt he had never even seen!


    "Leave me aside but you look quite happy," stated Ying.


    "Don''t speak the obvious," came Dylan''s voice. "Hello, my archenemy!"


    "Hello, dear mistress!" replied Xiu. "It''s been a while, eh!"


    Dylan looked back and held the hand of the woman behind him before pulling her up to stand beside him and placed his arm around her waist as he said, "It takes a while to catch a wife."


    "First get married then try to show off," retorted Xiu. Then she turned to Cali and smiled happily, "It''s a surprise to see you! I thought you weren''t coming."


    "I asked Dylan not to let you know beforehand," said Cali. "But now that I''ve managed everything in Italy, I''ll be staying around."


    "What staying around? You already are joining the hospital as department head after the Spring Festival," grumbled Dylan unhappily.


    "Being a surgeon is still the passion, eh?"


    Cali nodded her head, "Can''t forget my roots. I can''t deal with business. It''s not my cup of tea. I''m happy Dylan helped and now I''ve put responsible people on respective fields. I can finally go back to the playground which I ruled once."


    Xiu chuckled, "That''s good for you."


    "You''re not inviting us in?" asked Dylan.


    "When did you need an invitation, mistress?" retorted Xiu.


    "That''s also true," agreed Dylan and walked in.


    "Ying Jie, you took a long time to come back," stated Dylan to Ying.


    "Dylan is right. Ying, you took way too long," Cali also chimed in. "By the way, you''re here. How come you''re little lover isn''t here with you?"


    "He is my husband now. Legally!" Ying said it so proudly that Xiu found it quite funny. Good thing she had the recording on and now, this clip would be sent to Xiao Bobo who was in the middle of an event. Just imagining the agony he''d be in after seeing the person he yearned for being so close and yet so out of his reach. Ah! Xiu was feeling jubilant!


    When did she start having such evil ideas for enjoyment? How come she even started enjoying her Xiao Bobo''s misery? Xiu shook her head! Let go of it. When it''s fun, what does it matter?


    "You really hit the ball out of the boundary at the first ball," said Cali sourly. She had been in love with Dylan for so long and they had been engaged for over three years now and yet, they were still unmarried. How did Ying take the victory in this case?


    "I have always been the MVP," said Ying.


    "Aren''t you scared your husband might get scared of you bein so tanned?" asked Cali.


    Ying threw a cushion at her, "Is this called friendship?"


    "I can tell you in all honesty that this is exactly what''s called friendship!" came Nora''s voice from the door.


    "Xiu, I''m here! Rowan, Jiejie is here!" Ava''s excited screams were ringing in the whole house just as she walked through the foyer.


    "Slow down a little!" Nora''s voice was heard again. "Why do you become like a fish who found her way back to the water whenever you step into this house?"


    "This is Xiu''s place," told Ava innocently.


    Nora rubbed her forehead, "Go and look for your little brother, Rowan. See, what is he up to."


    "Okay!" Ava didn''t even care who was sitting in the lounge since all her attention was on her little brother Rowan. How can anyone be more important than that cutie?


    "Nora!" Dylan stood up to meet her but she pushed him away.


    "I just met you last month, do you think I missed you that much?" Nora gave a displeased look to him. "I am more excited to meet these two pretty ladies I haven''t seen in a long while." As she looked at Ying, she was stunned, "Ying Jie, who beat you black and blue?"


    Xiu laughed out loud, "Ying Jie, give her an answer."


    Ying''s tanned face got even darker, "You''re looking for a beating in my opinion."


    Nora instantly jumped behind Xiu, "Save me."


    "Who asked you to touch the hornet''s nest?"

 Chapter 961 - Its Lively Tonight

    "Haven''t you become a bit unrestrained while I was absent?" asked Ying.


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "When was I ever restrained?"??


    "Exactly!" said Nora in agreement. She had never seen a restrained Xiu. Not even in her dreams! "By the way, I think Bohai is stuck at a Spring Gala. You''d definitely have to wait for like till morning for him to come to find you."


    Ying scratched her head, "Well, I have waited for two years. Just a few more hours don''t really matter."


    "Later on, don''t say we are making you drink vinegar," warned Nora. "You''re the one who wants to be here alone. It has nothing to do with us."


    Ying shot her a dirty look.


    "Ying!" Xiao Li''s voice rang out and Ying looked over.


    Instantly, a small figure shot over to Xiu''s side and grinned, "Happy New Year, Xiu! May this new year bring you loads and loads of happiness and bless you with health."


    Xiu pinched Asteria''s cheek, "Happy New Year''s, Ria darling! I wish you happiness and health as well." She patted her head and said, "Ava is already here. Do you want to go look for her?"


    "Okay!" Saying that Asteria also ran inside without any care. She was more than familiar with the layout of this house. Did she need to feel shy? No!


    "Li bro, why are you so late?" asked Xiu. "You and Nora came from the same house, why are you coming separately? And Ah-Si is still missing along with my Ah-Xin."


    "Dad and Ah-Si will come together," said Xiao Li as he came to hug his sister. "Where is Regan?"


    "He is inside," told Xiu. "I put him to some work."


    "Good! He is too lazy. You should make him work!" said Xiao Li. "Oh, right! I picked up another kid at the door." Xiu raised her brow in surprise and Xiao Li looked towards the door, "What are you waiting for?"


    With her head lowered, Bo Jiu stepped inside. Her clothes were so dirty as if she just got into a mud fight with someone. But clearly, it was winter and there was snow outside. How did she actually get into a mud fight in this season?


    "Bo Jiu, what''s wrong with you?"


    "About that..." Bo Jiu''s small voice got smaller and she didn''t know how to explain.


    "Miss Bo here got into a snow fight with the kids," told Xiao Li. "And in the end, she... Well, you can see the end yourself."


    Bo Jiu felt so embarrassed, "It wasn''t my fault. Their firecrackers scared my Sweet Pea. She was so scared, she even scratched me. She never scratched me before. Look!" She even showed them her neck where they could see scratches. They weren''t bloody since she trimmed Sweet Pea''s nails regularly but it was still a little painful, okay!


    Xiu tried to hold back but in the end, "Pfft!"


    Seeing her laughing so unrestrainedly, Xiao Li also smiled. Xiu walked over to Bo Jiu, "Come with me. I''ll give you some clothes to change into."


    "I''m sorry," said Bo Jiu with reddened eyes.


    "Aiya! There is no need for that. It''s no big deal," Xiu reassured her patiently as she took her upstairs and found brand new clothes for her to change into.


    "Xiu''s friends are really like Xiu," stated Ying.


    "Well, no wonder you''re here Ying Jie," added Dylan.


    "Dylan, are you taking her side right now?"


    "Why can''t I?"


    "Why don''t you do it when she is around?"


    "Where is the fun in that?" retorted Dylan. "When she is around, it''s only fair that we argue. That''s the real fun in my life."


    "Get a hobby!" said Nora. "Or get married already!"


    "Why are you so eager for my marriage?" asked Dylan.


    "Why should I tell you that?" retorted Nora. "Where is my nephew? Where is my little Derek? I need to hug him and kiss him to wash away the bitter taste Dylan left around me."


    "What do you think Rowan is?" asked Dylan.


    "My energy booster!" yelled Nora. "You got a problem with that?"


    Dylan rubbed his ear that she almost broke with her yell, "How can I ever dare to have a problem with that?"


    "My living room is quite lively this evening," said Darren as he looked at the crowded lounge. It had been a while he saw so many people gathered around. There were quite a few faces, he hadn''t seen in months. And Dylan''s face was also included in that. Because when Nora met him like a month ago, Darren wasn''t around.


    "Dazi!" Dylan opened his arms and hugged his best friend. "Why are you so fit? Shouldn''t dad''s be with a pot belly?"


    "Is your dad also with a pot belly?"


    Dylan stiffened when he heard that voice and looked behind, "Dad, when did you come?"


    "When you''re telling Darren how dads should be," said his father. "First, become a dad then give us a lecture!"


    "Uncle Yi, you''re my hero tonight!" said Darren.


    Qiu Jiayi gave his son a huff and looked at his future daughter-in-law, affectionately, "Cali, how are you? Is everything settled? Do you need me to help you with anything else?"


    "Uncle, you''ve already helped me a lot," said Cali. "I don''t dare ask for more."


    "Aiya, what uncle? We are family now. I''m also your dad now. There is no need for formalities between us. No one even knows the meaning of formality in this family anymore."


    Cali smiled at him, "Then I won''t be formal from now on."


    "That''s better," said Qiu Jiayi. Then he looked at his son and frowned, "If you''re here, help Regan with something. Don''t just stand there? Did you all come to freeload on Spring Festival?"


    Dylan was jolted as he pulled Darren away saying, "Bro, even if there is no work, you give me something to do. My dad is out for my life."


    "Who told you to run off in the middle of a huge project? You deserve it!" retorted Darren with no sympathy for his best friend.

 Chapter 962 - Some Real Kids

    Slowly, everyone arrived at Xiu and Darren''s place. The house was decorated with lanterns and red ribbons. It gave off a warm and welcoming feeling. Even though it was snowing outside, everyone felt cozy inside the house.


    Lively chatter went on inside the lounge. Everyone was having a fun time seeing each other after so long.??


    Suddenly, they heard the noises of the kids ringing in the house.


    "Xiu, isn''t that the Christmas tree?" asked Asteria as she looked at the familiar tree in the hall.


    "Yes, it is," answered Xiu. "I just decorated it for Spring Festival and turned it into a red pouches tree."


    "So, we can take one pouch just like we took a gift at Christmas?" asked Ava with bright eyes.


    "You can take one," said Xiu. "But only after the meal. No one is allowed to steal a red pouch before midnight."


    "Momma, I''ll go to sleep by then," Rowan played his cuteness card. "Can you let me take it beforehand?"


    "Baby, rules are rules. Your cuteness won''t work on me," said Xiu. "If you went to sleep, I''ll wake you up. Or you can take one in the morning. No one will steal it from you."


    "Momma, you''re so not cute when you don''t fall for my cuteness," said Rowan with a pout.


    "Stop acting like a little man!"


    "So, can we select our own red pouch?" came Jackie''s voice.


    Xiu looked at her little brother in surprise. When did he become interested in such things?


    "You can," answered Xiu.


    "Does all the pouches have the same thing?" asked Jackie.


    "No," said Xiu. "It''s your luck whether you find something really good or not."


    "Oh, so it''s all on luck now," said Jackie as he carefully studied the red pouches on the tree. Some had silver embroidery and some had golden embroidery. But each looked so pretty. "Sister Xiu, did you make these pouches yourself?"


    "How do you know?" asked Xiu in surprise.


    "Only you''d have such clumsy skills in embroidery," he said.


    "You little brat! You''re so not adorable now."


    Jackie laughed happily and hugged Xiu, "How can that be? My Sister Xiu is the best. She was, she is, and she will always be. At least, for me."


    "And me too!" added Rowan as he hugged Xiu''s leg.


    "Me three!" Asteria also jumped in and hugged Xiu from the other side.


    "Wait for me! Me four! But where should I hug?" Ava pouted at them.


    Jackie rolled his eyes at his niece, "Come here!" He opened his one arm for her.


    Ava happily jumped in to join the group hug as she said, "Little uncle is the best."


    "What did you say?"


    Hearing Jackie''s dangerous tone, she instantly changed her words, "I mean, JJ is awesome! He loves me very much! Haha!"


    Jackie rubbed her head saying, "You''re getting cheekier by the day."


    "Mom says I''m learning from the best," said Ava.


    "At least, Nora can agree that Xiu is the best," stated Jackie.


    "Mom is always praising Xiu," told Ava. Then she looked around to see if anyone was around before whispering, "But I think she only does it because she doesn''t have to take care of me with Xiu around. So it makes her life easier. Don''t tell her I said it."


    Xiu was amused by this little girl''s gossipy look. And also the gossip she just shared.


    "So, does our Ava thinks I don''t deserve those praises?" asked Xiu nonchalantly.


    Ava opened her eyes wide, "No, no! That''s not what I meant!"


    Every one of them laughed while Rowan was left confused. His little brain couldn''t process what they were happy about but since they laughed, he had to join with enthusiasm. Did he care why they were laughing? No, he didn''t!


    "Boss, can I also get a red pouch?" Bo Jiu asked as she came down in the new set of clothes.


    "Oh, it''s the Sister with the cat," said Ava. "When did you come?"


    "Cat sister got into a snow fight," told Asteria. "Papa saved her just now."


    Bo Jiu puffed up her cheeks, "It''s not like I needed his help." She so not felt good about it. She not only embarrassed herself in front of Xiao Li but also his daughter. How frustrating!


    "But since my brother offered help, he deserves a thank you," said Xiu. "Because..." She gazed at the kids who continued it for her.


    "Because thank you is the least we can offer to someone who is willing to offer us their care."


    "Good! I feel proud of raising such smart kids," said Xiu proudly.


    Seeing her indulgent gazes directed at them, Jackie also moved his head over, "I also learned from you. I am also smart. How about sharing some love here?"


    Xiu shook her head at him and looked at Bo Jiu, "You''ll only get the red pouch when you say thank you to my brother. We need to leave old things behind and walk on to the new things tomorrow with the start of the new year. So, today''s gratitude should be paid today!"


    Ava nodded her head making her pigtails move with her head as she told Bo Jiu sincerely, "Yes, Cat Sister, I also said sorry to the classmate of mine."


    "Why?" asked Bo Jiu.


    "Because I pulled her hair for using my pencil," told Ava. "Xiu said we should apologize when it''s needed. I was wrong so I said sorry to her. And then everything was okay. I can enter the new year with a big smile because I didn''t leave anything undone."


    "Boss, you''re raising some real kids," Bo Jiu didn''t know what else to say. She was again taken aback by the way Xiu actually treated these kids. They seemed to adore her a lot. It couldn''t be that Xiu actually used her food to tempt them right?


    But that''s also possible. After all, even she was a big fan of her food. These kids can''t really resist the taste of her hands.

 Chapter 963 - Gossips

    "What''s up with Xiu and the kids of this family?" asked Ying who just came after witnessing a sweet hugging scene. And that left her in bewilderment. After all, who didn''t know Xiu used to run from kids like the plague? But now, she seemed to have blend in with the kids. It really made people wonder what happened.


    "What happened?" inquired Dylan.??


    "They look... chummy," said Ying strangely.


    Dylan laughed at her, "Ying Jie, that''s old news now. Who doesn''t know that whichever generation it is, they are all Xiu''s fans? You should also get used to it by now."


    "It''s really like that?" asked Ying in surprise.


    "It is," agreed Darren. "They all are trying to steal my wife."


    "Oh, please, Darren!" said Nora. "You''re no different than your wife. If they don''t come to find Xiu, you''d come to find the kids instead."


    Darren rubbed the nape of his neck sheepishly. He couldn''t refute those words. He always thought he''d be annoyed because of his own son for taking the time of his wife but what he didn''t know was that he was more than happy to spend time with both of them together. Also, as Xiu said to him before. The world of children is fantastical and magical, he really couldn''t bring himself to hate any of it.


    So, eventually, he ended up loving these kids just as much Xiu.


    "Who asked you to give birth to a cute daughter?" retorted Darren.


    "So now it''s my fault?" asked Nora.


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "Yes, it is. You''re so not cute but your daughter is."


    "Ah-Si, look what he is saying," Nora complained to her husband.


    "Brother-in-law, please refrain from personal attacks. Our daughter is cute because of us," said Ah-Si. "But she is lively and energetic and mischievous because of Sister Xiu," added Ah-Si. He felt a headache coming on when he recalled how his reserved daughter ended up turning into a devil. And it was all thanks to his sister and Jackie. They both spent a lot of effort to pull Ava out of her shell. And now, no one could even tell it was the same girl who didn''t even bother saying her first word until she was already four.


    Because now, Ava''s voice would start echoing in their house from the moment she opened her eyes. And that voice would continue to ring in the house until she went back to bed. Ava just loved to talk.


    "Regi, isn''t Xiu planning on working again?" asked Cali to Darren.


    "And who said my wife isn''t working?" responded Darren. "Why do people ?ssume that she is free?"


    "No, I know being a housewife is a hectic job but..."


    Darren didn''t let her continue as he told her, "She is also a mother. Being a mother is a full-time job. And she takes it as a full-time job."


    "So, is she waiting for Rowan to start school?"


    Darren shook his head, "Nope. She is already working. She is busier than you think."


    He wasn''t just saying it. Xiu not only played the role of a full-time mother or a housewife. She helped him with his work when he was swamped with work. She also had the RX Studios under her supervision. All of the projects under RX Studios were approved by Xiu. Just because she rarely made a visit to the office didn''t mean she was just the boss in the name.


    Under her management, RX Studios had made so much progress within the last three years. And Darren wasn''t even surprised about it. After all, being an ex superstar, she was more than familiar with this line of work. How to achieve the best results. How to get the best resources for the artists, she knew everything like the back of her hand.


    She had just hired an ?ssistant to make sure everything was taken care of while she wasn''t there physically. But she''d still manage everything remotely.


    Dylan patted Cali''s shoulder as he told her, "Don''t ask about that devil. She has way too many things to do in a day but somehow she still manages to find the time for herself. I can hardly believe she is the girl who used to love being lazy."


    "She still loves being lazy though," said Darren. "Sleeping is still her most favorite hobby. That can never change. But now, she is just better at managing her time."


    "Aren''t you all enjoying way too much gossiping about my daughter?" asked Xin Zimen. "Let her be. What she is up to is her business. And even if she never lifts her finger again, I''m more than capable of taking care of my daughter."


    "That''s my dialogue," said Xin Zemin from behind.


    "Who are you?" asked Xin Zimen as he looked at his elder brother.


    "I''m her father!" retorted Xin Zemin.


    "Huh!" Xin Zimen scoffed. "She isn''t just yours."


    "Why are you still as annoying as ever?" asked Xin Zemin.


    "Because I have a brother as annoying as you," Xin Zimen argued back.


    Xin Zemin was pleased to hear that, "At least, now you accept me as a brother."


    Xin Zimen was baffled to see him pleased over such a thing. Was it really important?


    But even he knew that for Xin Zemin, it was actually important. The relationship between them might have not gone back to how it was when they were young but it wasn''t hostile either. Now they were pretty close to each other and could occasionally meet up to talk to each other.


    "I wonder who is gonna hold the wedding ceremony first," Nora spoke out from the other. "Whether it''s gonna be Ying Jie and Bohai or Cali and Dylan? Or perhaps, you both can choose the same day. It''ll save me the trouble."


    "You''re only thinking about yourself," Ying showed her disdain for that.


    "I''m thinking for everyone," said Nora. "It''s not like anyone here has the leisure to gather whenever they want."


    "What''s the point of being your own boss when you can''t even control that," sighed Dylan as he leaned back on the sofa lazily.

 Chapter 964 - Capable Helpers

    "Why are you following me around, Jackie?" asked Xiu when she noticed how Jackie had been hovering around her.


    "Why can''t I do that?" retorted Jackie. "The others also follow you all the time. You never complain about them."??


    "They do that because want treats from me. What about you?" Xiu looked at him playfully.


    "I also..." Jackie couldn''t bring himself to continue. Although he was only 11 years old now, he still couldn''t bring himself to act like others of his age. No matter how hard he tried to do so. He couldn''t act cute like the others at home either.


    Xiu laughed out at his reaction, "Even if you say you''re looking for treats, no one will believe you."


    "I''m so not cute, right?"


    Xiu frowned at him, "And who said that?"


    "No one has to say it," said Jackie who looked frustrated over something. "I just know it myself. I can''t bring myself to act cute."


    "That''s strange. My little brother has always been cute to me," said Xiu as she pinched his face lovingly. He was growing so fast that Xiu was scared within a couple of years, he might even grow taller than her. That''d be a blow to her.


    No matter which age was it, height was always the issue!


    "When I pinch your cheeks, don''t you like to say, ''Mom, I''m so old now. Stop treating me like a kid.'' What happened now?"


    Xiu looked at Clara and smiled, "Xiu has Xiu privilege, Clara mom!"


    Clara could only nod, "That''s so true. Xiu does have Xiu privilege. How can I compete with that."


    "Clara mom, what are you doing here? Do you need anything?"


    "No, I came to see if you need any help here," said Clara as she looked around the kitchen.


    "There is no need for that," said Xiu. "This year it''s my turn to host the New Year''s dinner. I can manage. Besides, I didn''t do much today. The kitchen staff cooked the dinner. I am only gonna make dumplings."


    "Oh, then I can help you with that," offered Clara.


    "Not happening," Xiu turned her around and pushed her out of the kitchen. "Last year, you didn''t let me help you as well. All of us went over for New Year''s dinner at your place but you didn''t even let me enter the kitchen to help you. This time, I''m also not letting you in."


    Clara felt helpless before her, "Can''t you forget that?"


    "No way," said Xiu.


    "Fine. Then I won''t disturb you. But if you need help, let me know," Clara said once again.


    Since none of them had big families, Spring Festival had always been unlively for them. But then Xiu suggested that they should take turns to host New Year''s dinner. That way, they would be able to enjoy the New Year with a big family. How could anyone resist that idea?


    So, now they all gathered at one house to celebrate the New Year every year. Last year, it was Jing House. This time, it''s Xiu''s place. And next year, it''ll definitely be Qiu Family''s turn.


    Xiu looked around and asked Jackie, "Have you seen Bo Jiu?"


    "She went to say thank you to your elder brother," said Jackie. "But she hasn''t come back yet."


    Xiu nodded her head and thinking of something, she said to him, "How come you always call Li bro ''your elder brother''? Can''t find the right title?"


    "I''ll eventually find one," said Jackie certainly.


    Xiu was amused by his confidence. "Then I wish you the best of luck."


    "Thank you."


    "Momma, what are you doing?" came Rowan''s voice.


    "I''m gonna make dumplings," answered Xiu.


    "I also want to help," said Rowan.


    "Oh?" Xiu looked at this tiny man. She was wondering how was he gonna help? But she''d never dampened his spirit. If he wanted to do it, she''d at least allow him to give it a try. If he did good, then okay. But even if he didn''t do good, at least he tried, right?


    "Let me prepare the fillings and roll the dumpling sheets. Then my little tiger can fill the dumplings," suggested Xiu. "Is that okay?"


    "Okay!" Rowan looked ready to face this battle. A dumpling might not even fit into his tiny hands but he still had to try.


    "Xiu, we also want to try." How was it possible that Rowan wanted to do something and his elder sisters wouldn''t give him a hand? That was really not possible!


    "Then we can all make dumplings together," agreed Xiu without any hesitation. "With my capable helpers here, my work will be done sooner."


    The girls blushed at being called the capable helpers.


    "We''ll try our best."


    "I know you will!" said Xiu. "I have all my faith in you. Now, I''m counting on you all. We have to feed everyone. So, let''s do our best."


    "Yes!"


    Jackie shook his head at Xiu and whispered, "I''ll also help you."


    "Really?" asked Xiu.


    "Yes, why? Can''t I?"


    "Of course, you can," said Xiu. "All of you go and sit down at the dining table. When I roll the sheets, I''ll teach you how to roll the dumplings."


    "Okay," three of them went to obediently wait at the side but one of them stood right beside Xiu.


    "Jackie, why are you still here?"


    "I''m gonna learn how to make dumplings from scratch," informed Jackie seriously.


    "And why would you want to do that?"


    "Do I need a reason?" asked Jackie as his eyes moved over where the other three were sitting.


    Xiu caught his gaze and smiled to herself, "Learning to cook already? Are you that eager to take a wife home?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," he refused to admit it.


    Xiu was amused by his reaction. It had been years but he was still the same. And his interest in her family''s Asteria was also the same. It was actually surprising. At this age, no matter how smart he was he couldn''t possibly understand the meaning of love. But that didn''t mean he forgot his intentions.

 Chapter 965 - Cute Young Love

    "And then you say you aren''t cute," muttered Xiu. "Anyway, let''s begin our preparations." She took out the filling prepared for the dumplings and told him, "Let''s start with fillings. Fillings can be of vegetables, chicken, meat or whatever you like. We have a little of everything here. Now, we are going to knead the dough."


    Jackie acted like a little ?ssistant and followed Xiu around as she kneads the dough and rolled the dumpling sheets.  ??


    Looking at the round dumpling sheet, Jackie marveled, "Wow! It looks like you measured it with a compass. How is it so thin and equally round?"


    "With practice," said Xiu. "This is something you can achieve with practice."


    "Early birds catch the prey, I should begin practicing from now on," said Jackie.


    "There is no need to be in such a hurry," said Xiu. "I''m still around. You still have loads of time to learn this."


    She brought the sheets and placed some in front of the kids. Taking one, she put the filling in and expertly rolled it into a cute-shaped dumpling. Then she did it slowly to show them how to do it.


    "We got it."


    Only then did Xiu went back to do her own stuff. Jackie had been marveling at the speed of Xiu. She so easily made so many dumpling sheets. "Jackie, you do something for me. Arrange them on the counter and placed a moderate amount of filling in. That way, it''ll be easier for me to roll them."


    "Got it," Jackie immediately got to work.


    Meanwhile, the other kids were having fun. Rowan could hardly make sense of what to do. But he wasn''t willing to give up. As for Asteria and Ava, they were also seriously doing the work. Well, Asteria was seriously doing the work. Although she was slow, her dumplings at least looked presentable.


    But Ava was filling the dumplings with loads of ingredients. And when she tried to close the dumpling, the fillings would spill out either from one side or another. She was distressed. She wanted to eat these fat dumplings where she could get to taste meat with every single bite.


    She also didn''t give up and managed to close her dumplings but they looked like they were about to burst out any minute. Xiu didn''t complain about any of them. She even appreciated them for their work and sincerely said thank you for helping her.


    Since boiling the dumplings they made would end in a disaster, she took out the steamer basket to steam these dumplings. As for the rest, she boiled them.


    Leaving the job of boiling to someone else, she took out the soy sauce to prepare the dipping sauce. Jackie was still seriously studying by her side.


    "Sister Xiu, how about going on a holiday this summer?" suggested Jackie.


    "Where do you want to do?" asked Xiu.


    "I''ll go anywhere you go," said Jackie seriously.


    "So, if only I go, it''ll be fine right?"


    Jackie pressed his lips together and Xiu chuckled at him.


    "I know what you''re scheming," said Xiu.


    "I''m not."


    "Don''t you think it''s useless?" asked Xiu. "As if I can''t see what you have been up to."


    "Do you mind it?" he asked cautiously.


    "Not really," answered Xiu. She looked at him seriously and said, "I just believe you''re too young to understand what your feelings are. Or what they represent. But I can ?ssure you if these feelings of yours didn''t change even after you graduated from college, I''d do anything in my power to help you."


    "Really?"


    "Have I ever lied to you?" Xiu tapped his nose. "But there is another condition."


    "And that is?"


    "She has to have the same feelings for you," answered Xiu. "I won''t be forcing anyone no matter how great you are. If she doesn''t like you, then forget about it."


    "You don''t have to worry about that," Jackie spoke smugly.


    "As always, you''re quite confident," said Xiu.


    "I learned it from you," told Jackie.


    Xiu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. She indeed was the one teaching this. How could she do it? But she had to say she actually liked this little couple a lot. She had seen the way Jackie brought changes to Asteria. That girl had been closed off since losing her mother but Jackie''s presence was quite a blessing for her.


    In all honesty, they weren''t as close as Asteria, Ava, and Rowan. Those three always hung out together. But even when Jackie wasn''t always there, his importance could be seen. The way he interacted with Asteria was subtle. They hardly talked to each other. But still had such cute interactions.


    Take today for instance, just when Xiu taught them how to make dumplings and went back. Asteria couldn''t really close her dumpling. So, our Jackie the master went to her side, made a dumpling right before her eyes slowly, and walked off. And after that, Asteria was able to catch what to do to make her dumplings look presentable.


    Wasn''t that cute?


    But her little brother''s tricks were already in place.


    She was definitely certain about this couple. As for what others had to say, did she care? If her little brother asked for it, what can''t she do for him? But this time it was a matter of the heart. She had to take Asteria into account as well. She would never force her if she didn''t have the same feelings for her brother.


    But she was actually quite aware of Asteria''s feelings as well. Haiz! This young love is so cute and makes her feel so envious as well. Why did she have to waste so many years and a lifetime before finding her love?

 Chapter 966 - Its All About Money

    At the dinner table when Xiu placed the steamed dumplings, she even told everyone, "These ones are made by our family''s little helpers. Aren''t they such sweethearts?"


    "Oh, this one is made by my grandkids," asked Xin Zimen as he looked enthusiastically at the strangely shaped dumplings. But his expressions didn''t change at all. In fact, he stared at them lovingly as he said, "I need to give these a try." He took one and ate it without any hesitation. "Mmm... This is delicious. It seems I need to add a reward with this year''s red envelopes."??


    Not only him, everyone gushed over those dumplings. For a moment it felt like the ones made by Xiu had lost favor but did she care? Hell no! She was more than pleased to see how these kids were happy just hearing all these compliments. And their ?h?sts puffed up in pride. How adorable!


    It was just this easy to please the kids. Who would have known that the kids were so simple?


    Xiu also sat down to enjoy dinner with everyone. For today, she didn''t have to pay attention to her son at all and could concentrate on eating her own meal. After all, today there were so many people who were more than eager to take care of Rowan.


    After the dinner, they all gathered in the lounge. Although the tv was turned on to watch the Spring Festival Gala, not a single person was paying attention. As they all gathered after so long, they had plenty to talk about.


    "Weiwei, since next year it''s your turn to host the new year''s dinner, make sure you bring home your daughter-in-law by then," said Zhao Huan.


    "Jie, you don''t need to remind me," said Zhao Wei. "If it''s in my hands, I''ll just take my daughter-in-law home right now."


    "So simple?" asked Xiu. "How can I let you take Cali so simply?" She looked at Dylan and she warned him, "You made a whole show when you''re proposing her. You better make it worth it for the wedding ceremony."


    "Don''t worry, boss! I''ll hire you to be my wedding planner!" said Dylan.


    "I''m quite expensive," said Xiu.


    "There is no problem with that," Dylan also joined her to play along.


    "Since Xiu is the wedding planner," started Nora. "How about I throw you a bachelor''s party? Want one?"


    Dylan found something odd with Nora''s expression and he really didn''t want to agree. He knew it was a trap. It had to be a trap. But he couldn''t say no on this occasion as well. Nora definitely brought up this topic at this time because she knew it''d be impossible for him to escape.


    "Sure. Let Nora do it. She is really good at throwing parties," said Zhao Wei. "Since you all are managing it. I can relax. My only job is to take my daughter-in-law shopping, right?"


    "Don''t forget Nora when it comes to shopping," reminded Ying.


    "Ying Jie, you don''t worry. Even if I missed the chance to shop for Cali, I won''t miss it for you. I''ll take you around shopping myself."


    Ying shuddered at the thought of going shopping with Nora. She didn''t know how much Nora changed while she was away but she didn''t believe her shopaholic nature changed. And if that didn''t change it meant that Nora would drag her around shops so much that she''d even lose the energy to walk down the aisle.


    She didn''t want to experience that. Not at all!


    "Mom, when are you giving me my red envelope?" asked Nora as she sat down close to her mom.


    "Even the kids didn''t ask that question yet," said Clara in disdain. "How can you be so shameless to bring it up?"


    Nora pouted at her, "Leave the kids aside. Focus on your baby girl instead."


    Clara knocked on her head, "My baby girl is already married and is also a mother of a baby girl."


    "So? That doesn''t change the fact that I''m your baby girl. And when you''re around, I''ll always be a kid," said Nora cheekily. "Right, dad?"


    How could Jing Ge not agree with his daughter? "Of course, my baby girl is right. She will always be my baby girl."


    Nora grinned at him and hugged his shoulder happily.


    "Zizi, since I didn''t get any red envelopes in the past years. Am I gonna get all of them now?" Ying also went to paster Xin Zimen for the red envelopes. Who would say no to money? And only an idiot would leave the chance to get more money! Especially, since it''s free!


    Xin Zimen touched her head, "Yes, I collected all your red envelopes. When Xixi was even here last year, I didn''t give the envelopes to her. I am keeping them all for you. You can take them whenever you want."


    "Zizi, you''re love!" said Ying.


    "Why is everyone so eager for money today?" asked Xiu. She turned to her father and said, "Father, you promised me something."


    Xin Zemin shook his head helplessly and indulgently before he took out a small box for her. "And how can I forget the promise I made to you."


    Xiu opened it and looked at the thing inside. Her eyes brightened. "This is so beautiful!"


    "As long as you like it," said Xin Zemin dotingly.


    "Momma, look! Look! Look at the tv!" Rowan''s voice made everyone look towards the tv screen.


    "What is there, little tiger?" asked Xiu.


    Rowan pouted, "There was Xiao Bobo. He is gone now." He looked so sad.


    Xiu went up to sit on the carpet beside her son and told him, "Xiao Bobo will be on stage soon. Then the cameraman won''t dare move the camera anywhere else." She figured that camera must have momentarily caught sight of Han Bohai sitting in the audience and that''s why her son was so excited but when the camera moved, he was sad.


    "Momma, when will Xiao Bobo come on stage?" asked Rowan.


    Xiu looked at the time and said, "Just in a while. Soon, it''s his turn to perform."

 Chapter 967 - A Bit Less

    Sitting down with Rowan, Xiu explained everything about the Spring Festival Gala to her son patiently.


    "Xiu, have you been to this show?" asked Asteria.??


    "Huh?"


    "You sound like you have experienced it all in person before," added Asteria.


    If even a kid could notice it, obviously, the elders could do so as well. And most had no possible way to understand it. But some were special entities who had known about Xiu''s original profession. And at that time, who didn''t know that Chen Xiu was invited to the Gala every single year?


    "I heard it all from Xiao Bobo," Xiu put the blame all on Xiao Bobo and secretly apologized to him in her heart. She had no other way to explain it without sounding like an idiot.


    "Ria Jie, don''t you know our Xiu? She is almighty!" said Ava. "She is well informed about everything."


    Asteria didn''t find anything wrong with Ava''s words, "That''s true."


    Dodging the bullet, Xiu gathered them around, "Since we still have some time before Xiao Bobo comes to perform, let me show you what I got for you." She picked up the box that she got from Xin Zemin and opened it for them. "See, if you like it."


    "Ah!" Ava picked out one of the keychains inside and shouted, "Isn''t this Sweet Pea?"


    Hearing her cat''s name, Bo Jiu ran over and looked at the keychain in their hands. The keychains had a small cat figure attached which looked so tiny and real. Bo Jiu was amazed at the skills of the artist who made this.


    In the box were three key chains for the three kids who were obsessed with Bo Jiu''s cat lately. And that is why Xiu had asked Xin Zemin to get these for her.


    "Isn''t it pretty? My father specially customized it from France for me," told Xiu proudly. Oh, how good it felt to show off like this! She loved this feeling for sure! She looked at the kids and asked, "Do you like it?"


    "Momma, I love it!" Rowan threw himself at Xiu.


    "Me too!" Ava also threw herself at Xiu.


    "I love it as well. Thank you, Xiu!" Asteria also joined them and in the end, Xiu was thrown back on the back. She was sitting crossed-legged on the carpet but now she was sprawled on the carpet with these kids burying her.


    "I don''t know about the kids but even I''d fall in love with Xiu all over if she did something like this for me," said Dylan.


    He earned a punch from Darren who said, "I''m more than enough to love her."


    "Possessive much?"


    "As if you didn''t know that already?"


    Dylan shook his head and looked at his best friend, "Don''t they say marriage is the grave for love? Why is your love not dying?"


    "Even before my love dies for her, I''d rather kill you!" said Darren. "Don''t curse my marriage or my love!"


    Dylan grumbled to himself but didn''t dare to make a sound to Darren.


    Soon, Han Bohai really came to the stage to perform. He was singing the OST of his new movie with the leading actress. The lights, the smoke, the costumes, their voices, everything made the performance seem magical.


    While Ying was focused on the performance, she suddenly frowned when Han Bohai held the hand of the leading actress towards the end. Her face was clouded with a dark aura. She looked like she was just about to jump in through the screen to peel their hands away from each other.


    She hadn''t even seen her husband for years and when she came back, she was thrown with this scene? Why so cruel?


    "Aye, they are well-matched," said Nora.


    "Hmm... That actress is gorgeous," added Cali.


    "Are you both looking for death?!" exclaimed Ying.


    Nora and Cali gave each other a high five and annoyed Ying even more. The way they were laughing even made Ying more frustrated now.


    "Okay, stop annoying Ying''er," said Xin Zimen. "Otherwise the one to suffer will be Bohai."


    "I think he is bound to suffer," added Han Yiheng.


    "He deserves it," even Ashley spoke up. "Who told him to hold that actress''s hand? When my pretty sister-in-law is here, he should be mindful!"


    Xiu gave Ashely a look and before offering a thumbs-up to her, "Girl, you''ve learned how to chance the direction of the whole conversation."


    "Learned it from you," said Ashley.


    Xiu''s face stiffened, "Why is everyone learning all this nonsense from me? Am I such a nonsense person?"


    "Yes, you are," said Dylan.


    "Dylan, don''t try me!"


    "How can I try you when you''re not a trial period?" retorted Dylan.


    "OHHH!!!"


    "Clever!" said Nora.


    Dylan blushed, "Thank you! Thank you! It was nothing much."


    "Don''t get carried away," said Xiao Li as he smacked his head. "I''ve warned you before not to mess with my sister."


    "Li bro, you''re so mean!" Dylan immediately sat aside to heal his wounds earned from Xiao Li. For once he was about to win from Xiu in a verbal ?ssault but in the end, he was really not allowed to do so!


    "Xiao Bobo looked like a prince," stated Rowan innocently not caring about the ?du?t''s world. His world could only contain a few things. And right now, his attention was solely on the performance.


    He was just like his mother in this aspect. When one thing caught his attention, he''d become stubborn enough to walk in a straight line and never even bother looking around.


    "Yes, Rowan is right. Uncle Hai looked really like a real prince," said Asteria. "But he is always so handsome anyway."


    "That auntie with his also pretty," added Ava adorably. "Just a bit less than my mom."


    "My daughter, I love you!" Nora came to hug her daughter from behind. She was pleased to know that she was still the most beautiful in her daughter''s mind. Was anything more pleasing than that? There couldn''t possibly be!

 Chapter 968 - Boss Baby

    When the kids were done watching Han Bohai''s performance, they had no interest in any other performance. They ran off to play among themselves. As Rowan was running around on his small legs, Ying came to stop him. She crouched down before him and asked, "Hi, little baby! Do you know me?"


    Rowan tilted his head and looked at her carefully, "I do!"??


    "Really?" Ying was pleasantly surprised. Even if she heard how Han Bohai had been telling Rowan about her, she didn''t think Rowan would really have an impression of her. But clearly, she was wrong.


    "You''re Xiao Bobo''s wife," Rowan told her in his milky and sticky sweet voice.


    Ying''s brows raised up as she smiled at him and kissed his cheeks, "Do you even know what a wife is?"


    Rowan nodded his head, "Momma is Baba''s wife. They stay together, eat together, work together and even sleep together."


    "Oh, wow! Rowan is so smart," said Ying.


    "I''m just okay," said Rowan like the little old man he was. But his smile was a clear indication of how happy he was to get compliments.


    "How are you so adorable?" asked Ying as she hugged his tiny body. She already loved him when he was born but now, she was even more in love with him. How was this cute body so hugable? He smelled like milk but she still loved it. Strange! She never even liked milk in her life before!


    "Where did you go?" asked Rowan cutely.


    "Me?"


    Rowan nodded, "Bobo said you went far away to work. And he was sad because he couldn''t even talk to you. Next time, don''t leave Bobo alone. Rowan doesn''t like to see Bobo sad."


    Ying''s heart was melting. Oh, no, it already melted and now it was causing a flood! Bloody hell! How was this kid so... She wants to take a bite of him.


    "I won''t go again if only Rowan lets me take a bite of him," said Ying. She really looked like those tricksters who tried to dupe the kids. She really didn''t look like someone with good intentions right now.


    Rowan cupped his own cheeks with both his small hands as he said, "If you take a bite of Rowan, it''ll hurt Rowan. Rowan doesn''t like pain. Rowan is a big baby but the pain is the same for everyone."


    "Who said that?"


    "Momma said it," answered Rowan. "And Baba said when it hurts we should just cry. There is nothing wrong with that." He seemed to be thinking a bit before he put down his hands and agreed rather reluctantly, "You can take a bite. Rowan won''t cry. But don''t make it hurt a lot."


    Ying was so amused by him that she felt like laughing. He was trying to act so bravely. Aww! This kid! How did this cutie was Xiu''s son? Oh, wait! There was no need to ask. Xiu was no different. He was definitely her son!


    "But give me a promise first that you won''t leave Bobo," Rowan still didn''t forget the reason why he agreed to let her take a bite. He''d never take a loss. So what if he was little? Would he let anyone take advantage just because his brain was small? If he wasn''t capable of understanding something, he''d just bring his parents to the field.


    Who cared if he was called the baby who hid behind his parents?


    Was everyone able to do that?


    That was clearly a talent as well!


    Ying bit his cheek but with her lips. Her teeth didn''t even graze against his soft skin. His baby skin was so tender that even her lips were able to make it red. How could she bear to leave teeth marks on such delicate skin?


    "Ha? It''s done?" asked Rowan in surprise and smiled brightly. "It didn''t hurt at all."


    Ying laughed along with him, "You''re so sweet. How can I hurt you?" She picked him up and said, "Let me introduce myself again, I''m Yan Ying. Yes, I''m your Bobo''s wife. That means, I''m your auntie. You can call me auntie Ying. Okay?"


    "Okay," Rowan obediently agreed.


    "When you''re little I loved to carry you around," told Ying as if was decades ago.


    "But Rowan is still little," said Rowan in reply.


    "Oh? And here I thought Rowan was a little big man now," said Ying.


    Rowan shook his head, "No, Rowan is still a baby. Rowan wants to be a baby for a little while longer. Rowan doesn''t want to grow up that soon."


    "Why?"


    "Grown-ups are not cute," Rowan whispered to her as if telling her a secret. "But Momma is cute. I learn it all from her."


    Ying really didn''t know what to say to him. Just now he said he didn''t want to grow up. And yet he already started talking so big. How should she say it? He was innocent but not naive. It seemed Xiu was really raising her son well.


    "Aunt Ying, since you''re back. When is your family getting a baby like Rowan?"


    Ying was stumped by his words. "Huh?"


    "Married couples have babies, no?" Rowan thought about it and added, "Momma said she filed an application to get me right after getting married. You shouldn''t take so long. What if babies are not in stock? Wouldn''t you have to wait for the next batch?"


    Ying really wanted to go and ask Xiu what the hell did she tell her son. And she did. The answer was simple. Xiu replied, "I showed his Boss Baby movie and told him. We also filed an application to get a baby and that''s how we got our Rowan."


    Ying gaped at Xiu in surprise, "I never thought you''d use such an excuse."


    "So what? Do you expect me to explain to him how anatomy works? At this age? Let him be sixteen! I''ll let Regan tell him everything. For now, he is my baby. Let him be a baby!"


    "I can''t find a flaw in what you just said," was Ying''s response. She really couldn''t find a flaw.

 Chapter 969 - Stories

    In fact, Rowan had loved Boss Baby so much that he requested his father to get him the exact same suit as he wore. And that''s why currently, in their wardrobe, along with Darren''s suits one would find an exact same replica for Rowan.


    Rowan looked so dashing in his suit that Xiu wanted to hide her baby away!??


    Usually, kids would go to sleep at this time but today was an exception in every household and their house was no different. On Spring Festival, they were allowed to stay awake till midnight.


    "Xiu! Storytime!"


    "Stories only on Friday night," reminded Xiu.


    "But today is New Year''s Eve!" argued Ava. "We can get a bonus tonight. Please!"


    "Please!" another voice rang out.


    "Yes, please!" Rowan also joined them.


    Even Jackie gave her a smile and said, "Please!"


    Xiu took a deep breath. What the hell! When did she lose all her defenses? She was such a strong-hearted person! How can she lose before these cute faces? Such a shame it is, Xiu! You''ve failed!


    After admonishing herself for a while, she finally decided to just cave in. As if she had any other choice.


    "Oi! Can I join?" asked Dylan. "My beautiful niece has so much to say about the amazing storytelling of Xiu. I also want to see just what is so amazing?"


    Darren sat beside him and warned, "You can join but only for once. You won''t get a chance ever again."


    "I''m not a kid," said Dylan. "Why would I want to join them again?"


    Darren gave him a look as if to say, ''We''ll see about that.''


    Since Darren allowed Dylan to stay, Xiu didn''t bother with him. She gathered the kids and started the story...


    "Where did we leave last week?"


    Ava raised her hand to tell her excitedly, "When the beautiful elf was running from the dark warrior and she entered the enchanted forest!"


    "Correct! Our Ava''s memory is as amazing as ever!" complimented Xiu wholeheartedly.


    "When the beautiful elf entered the enchanted forest, she had hope. Since elves have an affinity with the trees and nature. She believed she''d be able to survive here. Or at least find someone of her kind to help her. But she was crushed when she looked at the dark forest where night and day were hard to tell. Because inside the enchanted forest, there was only night.


    Enchanted forest hadn''t seen the ray of light for hundreds of years. It gave off a gloomy air. It felt so cold inside the enchanted forest that the beautiful elf felt her bones freezing. She tried to find her way out but she couldn''t do so. She couldn''t find the way around the forest since it was like wherever she went, there was no way out of here."


    Dylan was absorbed in listening to the story. He had to say, Xiu was really something. She was like an experienced storyteller who knew how to pitch her voice to create suspense. She even knew how to brighten the atmosphere or how to add melancholy to the atmosphere. Dylan''s whole attention was on her story.


    He was so absorbed in the story that when Xiu mentioned how the elf was betrayed by someone of her kind, he almost cried for her. What a poor elf!


    The worst part was that Xiu stopped the story at a cliffhanger which made him want to shake her and ask her to tell her what happened next! That''s so unfair! But he couldn''t do it. He was in his thirties now. It really didn''t suit him.


    Why did he insist on joining the kids? He dropped the brick on his own foot!


    "What story is this? Are kid''s stories this interesting and intriguing these days?" asked Dylan to Darren. He was thinking that if he could know the story''s name, he''d just go and buy the storybook to learn about the next part. It might not be as interesting as it was to hear it straight from Xiu but at least, his curiosity will be curbed, right?


    As if reading his thoughts, Darren told him, "You can''t find the story in stores. These stories come from my Sweets mind."


    "When did she start making stories?" asked Dylan in shock.


    "Her imagination has always been rich," responded Darren proudly. He didn''t want to explain anything else to Dylan. It was not needed.


    He looked up at Xiu who asked the kids, "Did you notice something in today''s episode?"


    "Yes," answered Asteria. "One can''t trust others just because they are of our kind. We can never know someone''s heart."


    "True!" agreed Xiu. "So, always remember. Trust is not something everyone deserves."


    "She talks big," said Dylan. "As always."


    "But she isn''t wrong either," said Darren.


    Dylan gave him a look, "You have never found anything wrong in her. You''ve been looking at her through tinted glasses for years now and it won''t change!"


    "What does that have to do with you?" asked Darren in displeasure. "My Sweets is sweet to me. I don''t need others to share the same opinion."


    When Xiu was done, Darren extended a glass of water towards her. Xiu took it and drank all of it in one go. She was thirsty. She didn''t think she''d have to continue the story today instead of Friday night. She was really caught unprepared.


    But as long as the kids were happy. Why did it matter that she was tired?


    Today was New Year''s Eve, she would just let them have their way. It wasn''t like they threw a tantrum every day. It was okay to indulge them once in a while.


    "When are we continuing the story?" asked Bo Jiu.


    "You''ve been listening?" asked Xiu.


    "I did, and now I''m hooked!" said Bo Jiu. "So, please tell me when can I join the next session?"


    "How old are you?" asked Xiu.


    "Does that matter?" retorted Bo Jiu. "Why is age involved in this as well?" She wanted to protest right now. How could she be swept away just like this just for kids? She wasn''t even as important as kids.

 Chapter 970 - Cant Reach

    "Kids, there are fireworks outside. Let''s go watch it together," Cali tried to take the kids out.


    But apparently, she didn''t read their unwilling expressions. She thought they''d be excited that''s why she took them out but who knew these kids had eccentric tastes. They didn''t bring any fireworks but there were other people around the society who did. In fact, the management of the residential area around here even hosted a firework show this year.  ??


    Colorful lights lit up the sky beautifully. It was a beautiful sight for sure.


    Ava made a face and clicked her tongue, "What a waste of money!"


    "And they are using all that money to harm the environment. It''s such a pity," added Asteria.


    "We humans are the ones making earth unlivable and are finding a place on Mars instead," even Jackie couldn''t help adding. "If only we used all that money to save our own planet."


    Cali was enjoying the fireworks when she was stumped by these words from kids. A bucket of cold water was thrown into her excitement. Fireworks held a very special meaning in her life. After all, Dylan used the fireworks on the night he proposed to her.


    Who knew these kids had such heavy opinions regarding this?


    "It''s just for one day," she said to them.


    "You lie for one day or two, does that make a difference? It won''t change your lie into the truth, right?" Asteria was the one who asked her in return.


    "How is that related?"


    "You might light up the fireworks one day but that day comes every year. One day makes a lot of difference."


    Cali had just opened her mouth to say something when Xiao Li stepped in and pulled his daughter away, "Ria, say sorry to auntie."


    "Oh," Asteria didn''t know why she had to apologize but she''d listen to whatever her Papa says. "I''m sorry, Cali Auntie."


    Then Xiao Li looked at Cali and smiled apologetically at her, "She is a bit s?ns?t?v? when it comes to our environment. I''m sorry for that!"


    "You don''t have to apologize to me," Cali waved it off. She didn''t mind what Asteria said. Since whatever she said was true. And she wasn''t even arguing with Cali. Asteria was talking very politely but was just stating facts. Cali couldn''t possibly get mad over that.


    Xiao Li dragged Asteria to Xiu''s side and looked at Xiu in fond exasperation. It was Xiu''s dislike for fireworks that got to the kids as well. But Xiu couldn''t be blamed. She never told them to dislike it. But these girls just love to follow her lead. As for Jackie, he was smart on his own and his likes and dislikes were already very clear to him.


    "Li bro, I didn''t do anything," said Xiu when she noticed her elder brother''s eyes set on her.


    Xiao Li hadn''t even said anything when Xin Zimen came to lecture him, "How dare you give a look to my daughter? Looking for a beating?"


    "Dad, I didn''t even say anything yet!"


    "Oh... Then don''t bother saying. You can''t say anything good anyway."


    After lecturing him, Xin Zimen stood beside Xiu and continued to fondly talk to her. He knew she didn''t like fireworks, so he suggested, "How about you let them enjoy and you come inside with me? I''ll give your red envelope to you."


    Xiu nodded her head fervently and followed him in. Seeing him going in, the kids also ran inside. Xiu pointed at the tree that had red pouched and told them, "Now, all of you can take the one you like. But remember only one chance. And you can only take one."


    "We can negotiate," suggested Jackie.


    "No way. No negotiations," Xiu firmly declined this offer. Like hell, she''d let them negotiate, wouldn''t she turn into the losing party then? What''s the point?


    "Oh," all of them obediently went over to take the one they liked.


    Xiu also blinked at Xin Zimen looking for her red envelope. Currently, she was no different than a kid. She was looking forward to it.


    Xin Zimen rubbed her head lovingly, "You look like a puppy and I can almost see a tail swaying behind you."


    Xiu wasn''t even embarrassed to hear that from him.


    "Momma, I can''t reach the one I like," Rowan came to tug at his mother''s clothes.


    "Who told you to be so short?" Xiu stuck out her tongue.


    Rowan looked unhappy to hear that, "Baba said I''ll grow taller. I''ll be taller than him."


    Xiu chuckled at him while Darren said from the side, "Will you at least let go of your own son?"


    "How can I do that? I''m a firm believer in treating everyone equally. So what if he is my son? I want to tease him, I will!"


    "That is something only you''d say," said Darren as he hugged her from behind. "By the way, don''t I get a red envelope from you?" Taking a pause he added, "After all, all my finances are in your hands. I should get something on new year?"


    "I didn''t ask you to give me all the finances. I never took charge of it either. Don''t throw dirty water at me."


    Darren laughed at how her feathers were ruffled by just one comment. It was so easy to tease her.


    "Can you both stop flirting? I still can''t reach the red pouch I want," Rowan couldn''t help talking from the side.


    "Who taught him that we are flirting?" asked Xiu as she looked at her son and her husband. "Isn''t he only three?"


    "He is already turning four," reminded Darren. "Besides, he is smart enough."


    Darren picked up his son and made him sit on his shoulders as he said, "Is this height good for you, your highness?"


    Rowan giggled, "Seems okay for now."


    "Dramatic!" remarked Darren. And then he gave his wife a look as if to say, their son inherited it from his mother! And there was no doubt about that either.

 Chapter 971 - Left Him Hanging

    Xiu was so tired today that when she went to bed, she had to force her eyes to stay open. She crawled her way towards Darren who came to lie down on the bed and placed her head on his ?h?st as she closed her eyes to sleep.


    Darren pushed her hair back as he asked, "Tired?"??


    "Very," she answered in a small voice.


    "Rowan went to sleep?"


    "He is also really sleepy," told Xiu and pointed towards the small bed in the room. "See, he went to sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow."


    "Why did he close the curtains?"


    Xiu snorted, "Even though he repeatedly says he is a baby but he argued with me that a baby also needs privacy. So he''ll be closing the curtains before sleeping."


    Darren chuckled at his son''s antics and asked, "Then why doesn''t he just move to his own room?"


    "As I just said, he is a baby who can''t sleep alone!"


    Just thinking about it gave her a headache. Clearly, Rowan was quite independent. He wasn''t scared of anything. At least, she had never seen him scared of anything. But this little baby still insisted on sleeping in the same room as his parents. But he will not sleep on the same bed as his parents because he is old enough for that. However, he isn''t old enough to move out!


    What kind of logic was that?


    Even the queen of nonsense logic, Xiu, couldn''t understand that.


    But anyway, as long as it made her son happy.


    "He is growing too fast," said Xiu as she sat up and forgot all about sleeping. "I feel like pulling him back. Can''t he slow down?"


    Darren smiled fondly at her as he sat up and leaned against the headboard before pulling her back into his arms. "You can''t pull him back."


    "I know," answered Xiu. "But I feel like it would be soon time for him to say goodbye to us and move out of the house."


    "Isn''t that better?" questioned Darren. His arms tightened around her, "Then I''ll have my Sweets all to myself all over again."


    "Stop trying to coax me," said Xiu. "Clearly, you can''t live without him either."


    "But we can''t be the selfish parents as well," said Darren. "Let time take its course. He is still too young. We have a few years. Let''s just enjoy it. Don''t you believe in living in the moment. Since when did you start worrying about the future?"


    "Since I had a son," answered Xiu tiredly. "I feel like I have become a nagging mom."


    "But you don''t nag him," Darren pointed out. He had at least never seen it.


    "I don''t?" Xiu thought about it and nodded, "Yeah, I really don''t nag. Then how come I feel like one?"


    Darren laughed out, "Because you''re used to feeling all sorts of things."


    "That''s also a point," agreed Xiu. "By the way, let me tell you something. I feel like Asteria and Ava are turning into bro-cons. They are definitely on the road of getting brother complex."


    Darren soothed her as he told her, "Sweets, it''s already too late. They have already gotten the brother complex."


    "You think?"


    "It''s way too obvious from the way they hang around Rowan," said Darren. "Also, Jackie is no better. Although he tries to hide it, I can clearly see how his attention is always on Rowan."


    "Well, half of his attention is always on Asteria though," Xiu couldn''t help saying.


    Darren had to nod along. Indeed, he had noticed that as well.


    "He even gave the red pouch he picked to her," told Darren.


    "Did you see it?"


    "I did. That''s why I''m letting you know," said Darren.


    Xiu smiled strangely, "My brother really knows how to court. At least, one of my brothers is good at it."


    "Other three will feel bad," reminded Darren.


    "So what? Did I lie? Do I need to remind you how Li bro has ended up with his courting? And let''s not even talk about Ah-Si. Even the reminder of that makes me want to pull out my baseball bat all over again. As for Xiao Bobo, he succeeds through pure shamelessness. That means I have taught him well."


    Darren continued to listen to her chattering. The way she even took credit for Han Bohai''s successful courting was so like her. But it was so pleasing in his eyes. All of this made his Sweets who she was. How can he not like that?


    He was still the fool for her!


    It didn''t change and he wasn''t willing to bring any change either!


    "Baobei, say something."


    "Hm?" reacted Darren. "I was just listening to you."


    "Don''t always just listen to me. You''ll get bored and soon become one of those husbands who say their wives talk too much," said Xiu unhappily.


    "Nah! I still think my Sweets doesn''t talk much."


    "Then there is something wrong with your brain," said Xiu seriously.


    "Oh? Really? No wonder I fell for you."


    "What did you say?"


    Darren kissed her ear and made a trail down to her neck and ended on her shoulder as he whispered, "I said I love you!"


    Xiu smiled sweetly as she replied, "Okay fine. I love you too."


    "That''s it?"


    "What else do you want?"


    Darren gave her a pitiful look, "Where is my reward?"


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself. One, I''m tired today. Two, Rowan is here."


    Darren sighed out, "My Sweets is bored of me now."


    "What nonsense!" reacted Xiu. "I still love my Baobei. And I especially love playing with him. On the bed! Under the sheets!" She even ran her hand over his ?h?st in a sensual manner as her voice got lower and lower.


    Darren smiled brightly at her word and received a kiss on his cheek, "Go to sleep now. I''m done talking." She added and left him hanging.


    As she lied back down, Darren touched the place she just kissed. He could never get bored of a wife like her. She always had something up her sleeve. And she even knew how to tease him even though they had been married for so long now. Yet, he always fell for it.

 Chapter 972 - Divorce

    "Mom!" Asteria ran up to Qiu Meihui''s side and hugged her. "Happy New Year!"


    Qiu Meihui hugged her back and smiled softly at her. Years that she spent in prison had left a mark on her. She looked quite not like herself. Recently, she had been moved to the hospital for mental health.  ??


    She knew she''d be meeting her daughter today. Asteria had grown up to be almost 11 now and looked more and more beautiful. Qiu Meihui didn''t know whether she felt happy to see her or not. She always had a mixed feeling in her heart when she met Asteria.


    In the last four years, not even once had it been when Xiao Li hadn''t brought Asteria to meet her every month right on time. It had always been like that. And Qiu Meihui always had nothing to say to her daughter.


    What could she say? She knew her daughter was more than happy where she was. She could hear it all from Asteria. After all, her daughter shared it with her. The strongest feeling in Qiu Meihui''s heart for her daughter was guilt. Now that she was slowly calming down with the medicine, she had come to realize her feelings for Asteria somewhat.


    She could never be a good mother. She couldn''t even be a good daughter, how was she to become a good mother? That''s why she felt really sorry for her daughter.


    With a knock, Xiao Li only entered half an hour later and reminded Asteria, "It''s about time to leave, Ria."


    "Yes, Papa!" Asteria called back. She looked back at her mother and hesitated before she put a box in which were some cupcakes. "I learned from Xiu how to bake cupcakes. I hope you try some. I''ll come to see you again."


    Asteria walked outside as she lowered her head. She was trying to hide her reddened eyes from Xiao Li and Xiao Li knew that as well. Asteria had learned a lot in these years. She even learned how to hide her tears from Xiao Li.


    She knew how much Xiao Li loved her. Even a real father might not have loved her as much as Xiao Li did. And everyone else in the family loved her. Even Xiu! She always believed that Xiu should have hated her for being Qiu Meihui''s daughter. But strangely, she realized that Xiu always looked at her as Xiao Li''s daughter. She loved her mother but she loved this family way too much more now.


    As Xiao Li was also about to leave, Qiu Meihui stopped him, "I have something to tell you."


    Xiao Li stopped for a minute and walked inside. He didn''t sit but waited patiently for her to talk. He''d always give her respect just because she was the one who gave birth to Asteria.


    "I have contacted my lawyer," she told him.


    "What for?"


    Qiu Meihui looked up at him, "To get a divorce." She sighed heavily, "In a bizarre way, we are still legally married. And I don''t wish to keep you locked up in this hopeless relationship." Xiao Li''s expressions changed a little. "Xiao Li, I know you''ve loved me a lot. But now, you should hate me even more. Our relationship is a dead-end."


    "I know that," said Xiao Li.


    "Then stop punishing yourself," she said to him with tears in her eyes. She held back her tears as she continued, "Just for loving the wrong person, you don''t deserve such a heavy punishment. Let''s get a divorce. And you should find your own happiness now."


    "You don''t need to tell me what I need to do," said Xiao Li.


    "I won''t take Asteria from you," she told him which actually relaxed Xiao Li. Even she could see that he was visibly relaxed now that she made that clear. She smiled sadly to herself as she continued, "Asteria needs a mother. You are a good father. But you can''t be a mother."


    "What are you trying to say?" asked Xiao Li with knitted brows.


    "I couldn''t be a good mother to her," said Qiu Meihui. "I don''t deserve a good daughter like her. So, please find her a mother who loves her wholeheartedly. But let me warn you, if you brought one of those evil and scheming stepmothers for her, I''ll rip you apart. Even if I have to go back to prison, I''ll do it!"


    Xiao Li didn''t know why he actually found it a little funny. Was it really something she should be saying in this situation?


    "The divorce will be done after the holidays, please cooperate with my lawyer," said Qiu Meihui.


    "You''re getting out of here once you recover," said Xiao Li. "Are you planning on leaving?"


    "I have nothing to stay for," she said. "If I stay, I''ll only become the reason on conflicting in my daughter''s heart. I don''t want her to be sad because of me anymore. So, take it as a request. When I''m gone, just take care of her as you already do."


    Xiao Li had already figured that she must be planning to leave the country but he didn''t expect her to tell him that. She wasn''t running anymore. She was calmly telling him her plans. If only she had talked like this with him back then instead of acting upon her rage, wouldn''t they have ended up in a different situation?


    "Asteria will always be daughter," he told her. "I don''t need you to tell me how to raise her. I''ll do everything in my power to make sure she grows up to be a happy child."


    "Then that''s a relief," said Qiu Meihui and watched him leave. She also went back to the room appointed to her and sat down on the chair placed near the window. Putting her elbow on the windowsill, she placed her head on her elbow and continued to see the mother of the little birds, feeding them with her mouth in the nest that was on the tree right outside her window.

 Chapter 973 - Divorce Candies

    "Yo, my brother, I brought you some candy!"


    Xiao Li looked up from the documents he was reading to see his sister skipping inside the house. Yes, Xiu was literally jumping around inside the house. And yes, she had a son who was four years old. Just who would believe this woman had a son when she still acted like a kid herself?


    However, Xiao Li had a smile on his face as he watched her running over to him. Sitting beside him, she offered him the colorful candies in her hands. "Look, I made so many. There are all the flavors. Take whichever one you like."


    "I heard people give wedding candies, when did the tradition of divorce candy come to be?"


    Xiu was stunned to hear his words, she asked cautiously, "Li bro, did your divorce finalize today?"


    Xiao Li nodded his head in response.


    Xiu hid the candies behind her and smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I didn''t know that. I just made extra candies and I wanted to share them with you. It really doesn''t mean that I''m happy about your divorce. Please, don''t think like that."


    Xiao Li raised his hand and rubbed her head lovingly, "My sweet, sweet sister, when did I blame you? In fact, there should be a tradition of having divorce candies as well. Divorce is bitter after all, one should eat sweet candy to feel better." Saying that, he snatched the candies from her hand and put the lime-flavored one in his mouth, "This is good."


    Xiu looked at his expressions carefully before she asked, "Bro, are you okay?"


    "I''m perfectly fine," he answered. "Silly, didn''t you know that this was gonna happen eventually? From the very beginning, she and I were not meant to be. We just dragged out entanglement for way too long and got so many people implicated."


    Xiu hugged him tightly, "Bro, you don''t worry about it. We are here for you."


    Xiao Li chuckled softly and patted her back, "I know. I know you''re here for me."


    "Xiu, what are you doing here?" came Asteria''s voice.


    "We were just going over for the piano lesson," added Ava from her side.


    "Today''s piano class is canceled," announced Xiu. "Here, have some candies and enjoy it."


    Ava ran over to take the candies and brought them back to share it all with her elder sister, Asteria. The elder one looked at Xiu and then at her father before asking, "Is something wrong? Why are we canceling the piano class?"


    "Because today I want to spend time with my brother," answered Xiu matter-of-factly. "Today, this piano teacher of yours is gonna play hooky. I heard it''s fun, hehehe."


    Xiao Li shook his head at his sister, "Don''t teach them bad things."


    "When did I?" argued Xiu. "I have never even played hooky in my entire life." She stood up and held Xiao Li''s hand, "Anyway, today I''m taking you out. Get up, we are going out!"


    Xiao Li let her drag him around as he asked, "But where are we going?"


    "Anywhere," she answered. "Well, I don''t care where we go. We can just drive around as well aimlessly. Sometimes it''s okay to not have a destination in mind. Because when there is no destination in mind only then we can see how many roads are opened in front of us."


    Xiao Li accepted her philosophy without any further argument.


    "Girls, you can go over to spend time with Rowan."


    "Okay!" Both the girls jumped and forgot everything else as they ran to find their favorite little brother.


    Xiu tsked at their behavior. "Just look at them. They weren''t even this excited when I brought candies for them. Such biasedness!"


    "It''s okay," said Xiao Li. "Let them be biased towards Rowans. I''m always here for my sister. And I''ll always be biased towards you as well."


    Taking him to the car, she drove out of there. As she said, she really drove around aimlessly with no clear destination. With the passing buildings, Xiao Li''s brain was also drifting away.


    "Bro, what are your plans for the future?" asked Xiu. "I mean you aren''t thinking about spending the rest of your life alone, are you?"


    "How am I alone?" he retorted. "Don''t I have you? I also have my Ria. There is dad and Ah-Si as well. In fact, there are a lot of people."


    "Don''t play this word game with me," she said. "I don''t want to hear about it. I''m serious right now."


    Xiao Li sighed out, "I haven''t thought that far yet." He took a pause and added, "Do you want to introduce someone to me?"


    Xiu pressed her lips together and said, "I don''t have anyone in mind. But I thought you''re interested in Dr. Ling."


    Xiao Li almost jumped on his seat when he heard that, "Please, spare me. That lunatic doctor is really not my cup of tea."


    "She is not that bad," said Xiu. "In fact, isn''t it good? She knows you since you guys were kids."


    "Even more reason that I don''t want to be with her," answered Xiao Li. "Xiu, my darling sister, the relationship between Wanwan and I had always been of enemies."


    "Aiyo! Enemies to friends is the favorite genre with netizens," said Xiu righteously.


    Xiao Li pinched her arm, "Don''t even think about it. Wanwan might look frivolous at times but she is dedicated to her work. She can only be with someone from her own career who shares the same passion as her."


    "Oh..." Xiu didn''t continue this topic anymore. In fact, she had already heard from Ying Jie that Dr. Ling and Li bro were no good match because these two were at two extremes. They could never be together. But she still wanted to probe around with Xiao Li to figure out his mind. Now, it was more than clear to her.


    It seemed the only candidate in her mind was crossed out. Now, she didn''t even know where to look or who to look for.

 Chapter 974 - A Peaceful Talk

    "Is Li bro really not planning on getting married?" inquired Darren from his wife.


    Xiu shook her head, "He didn''t say that he won''t get married in the future. He just said he has no right person for now. Although I know he is being cautious this time around, I still hope he doesn''t give up"


    Darren cuddled with his wife on the couch as he said, "I believe he won''t. He is a smart person. He doesn''t take decisions on a whim. So, you''re right, it''ll indeed take him a while to find a partner." He hesitated for a minute before telling her, "I learned from Li bro that Mr. Liu Mingfan is still staying by Chen Hana''s side."


    Xiu paused for a moment when she heard that, "But didn''t everyone say she''ll never wake up again?"


    "Yes," he answered. "There is indeed no hope that she''ll ever wake up again. However, Mr. Liu is not willing to give up. I believe that''s the only hope he is living for."


    Xiu thought about it before voicing out her opinion, "He believes he is responsible for everything that she went through. He can''t accept that. So, he''s punishing himself by staying by her side for as long as she is breathing."


    "I also think that''s the case," Darren also agreed with this point.


    "But we can only pray for better days," said Xiu. "I don''t think any one of them deserves to go through this torture. Neither can they face death nor are they able to live again. It''s actually really sad if you think about it."


    "Don''t tell me you''re thinking about writing a tear-jerking story from this."


    "No," Xiu denied almost instantly as if she was trying to hide anything.


    Darren laughed at her response but his laughter wasn''t really pleasing to hear right now. "Do you think I don''t know that you gave a script to Bohai?"


    "That..." Xiu pursed her lips. "That''s old stuff. I just edited it a little and gave it to Bohai to see if he wants to try it or not."


    "Sweets, how do you even find time to do so much?" he inquired curiously. He really wanted to know how she always found time to do so many things in a day. She couldn''t stay with only one thing since she''ll get bored of it.


    The only thing consistent in her life was her sleep. She was still deeply attached to her sleep and no one can tear her apart from her first love that belongs to sleep!


    "Ah! I forgot to tell you," Xiu suddenly recalled something. "Mama is moved to the hospital. Her delivery will be on one of these days. So, make sure you take some time for that."


    Darren gulped when he heard that, "How about I wait at home and prepare everything here?"


    Xiu gave him a look, "My Regan is traumatized? Who told you to insist on staying by my side during the delivery?"


    Darren scratched his head sheepishly, "I didn''t think it will leave such a deep mark in my memory." He still wasn''t able to forget the condition in which he saw Xiu. There was blood, there were her screams. There was also her sweaty and pale face that he could never forget. The moment he saw how difficult it was to bring a child into this world, he was horrified.


    It was truly a battle of life and death. In the process of giving birth to a new life, the life of the mother might not be guaranteed. Just how scary was that?


    He could never forget any of that.


    "You''ll still have to go to the hospital," said Xiu. "You won''t be staying by her side. For that, we have Uncle Han. We just have to wait outside patiently for your younger brother to come to this world." She poked his cheek and asked, "Baobei, are you happy? You''re gonna get a younger brother?"


    "I''m very happy," he said without any hesitation. "Even though my brother is gonna be even younger than my own son but it doesn''t matter. I''ll still love him all the same. Or perhaps, even more!"


    "Momma!"


    Darren rolled his eyes when he heard that baby voice calling out.


    "Here comes our trouble!"


    "Well, we brought this trouble to the world," reminded Xiu.


    "That''s why I said, it''s OUR trouble!"


    Xiu was laughing out loud when Rowan ran inside and seeing his parents cuddling, he used his small legs and arms to get onto the couch as he announced, "I also want huggies!"


    He fell on his parents and rolled over trying to hug them both at the same time. But how was that possible with his small arms? But he was also very persistent. No matter what, he had to give his best!


    "My little ancestor, don''t you want to sleep for a little longer?" asked Darren.


    "Baba just wants to spend more time with Momma," Rowan instantly revealed his father''s thoughts. "You don''t have to spoil little tiger by asking him to sleep in. Have you seen the sun? It''s already waving down people!"


    "What kind of a son are you? You don''t even want your father to spoil you?" Darren picked him up with his hands and lifted him up. Rowan giggled at being so high up. When he was put down, he wrapped his arms around his father''s neck and gave him kisses all over his face. "Oh, now you''re trying to bu??er me up."


    "No," Rowan flatly denied this accusation. "I just love Baba a lot."


    "More than you love your Momma?"


    Rowan stared at him, "Baba, you shouldn''t play this game. Momma says this is the worst game in the world. How can you ask a kid to pick between his parents? It''s inhumane! I love both of you the most."


    Darren gave his wife a look and smiled lovingly. She really said all sorts of things to Rowan. Whether he understood it or not didn''t matter. But Xiu would never baby talk with him. Perhaps, that''s why this kiddo was turning out to be so sharp.


    He kissed his son''s head and said, "Baba loves you and Momma the most as well."

 Chapter 975 - Youre Okay

    Ashley was pacing outside the delivery room restlessly. Francesca had gone inside for over an hour now and she was feeling a little scared now. In her worry, she ended up calling Xiu as well even though Francesca had asked her to not disturb anyone.


    However, she needed someone by her side right now and that''s why she had to call Xiu.


    "Ash?"


    Xiu came to her side hurriedly and asked, "Is everything okay? Why do you look so scared?"


    "Mom has been in there for over an hour," told Ashley trying to hold back her tears. "I don''t know what to do. I got scared so I called you. Sorry, sister-in-law for disturbing you."


    Xiu hugged her and patted her back soothingly, "What disturbing? I''m more than happy to be here. Also, there is nothing to worry about at all. Child labor is a battle, it takes time to win a battle."


    "But the doctor said because of mom''s age, there are things to be..." she couldn''t continue her words any longer.


    Xiu continued to console her, "Aiya, little girl, don''t be so negative about it. Mama is one of the strongest women I know. Only this much can''t possibly hurt her."


    Her words weren''t unique or anything but they had a calming effect that allowed Ashley to put down her worries. But she didn''t let Xiu go and continued to hug her as if she was holding her emotional pillar.


    Although Xiu was giving her courage, she was actually quite nervous herself. Even though Francesca had been well taken care of in the past months but life is an unpredictable cycle. You can''t possibly expect what''s to come next. And no one believed in this more than Xiu.


    However, no matter what mood she was in inside her heart, she won''t let it show to others. Especially, Ashley who was actually really worried about Francesca. Xiu knew Ashley was a good girl. Since the time Francesca married into the family, Ashley had accepted her as her own mother. And as Francesca happened to be a very good mother, how could Ashley not grow close to her?


    They waited for a while before the delivery room''s door was finally opened. They finally got to see the red and wrinkly little baby but Ashley didn''t find him ugly at all. Her eyes were sparkling like little stars as soon as she saw her little brother. She was already in high school, having a little brother at this age was strange but she had to be the most excited sister. She had been waiting for her little brother for so long. Knowing that Francesca was also fine, they relaxed.


    "I''m gonna inform your brother," said Xiu as she stepped out to call Darren. Just to make a phone call, she actually went out of the hospital door. Even after all this time, she was still not comfortable with hospitals. So, she wanted to find a place with some fresh air. Besides, Darren''s company was about ten minutes drive from here, so she thought she''d just wait for him there.


    Darren was dealing with the paperwork at hand. He wanted to clear up his schedule for the next two days since the doctor had said that Francesca''s delivery date was tomorrow. He didn''t even know that Francesca had been sent to the delivery room already.


    When he received a call from Xiu, he smiled, "It seems Sweets is missing me."


    "Who said that?" retorted Xiu. "I''m calling you because I want you to come to the City hospital."


    "Why?" Darren''s expressions tensed up when he heard her say ''hospital.''


    "I am here," answered Xiu. "Because..." Before she could continue, someone bumped into her shoulder so hard that she couldn''t help yelping, and along with that her cell phone fell down.


    On the other side, Darren only heard her panicked yelp and his heart dropped. "Sweets? Sweets!" He called her name but he didn''t hear anything. And then the call was disconnected. When he tried to call again, the call didn''t go through. Darren''s whole body trembled as a million things swirled through his mind.


    He ran out of the office immediately as an arrow shot out at full speed. His driver had taken half a day off which meant, he had to take a taxi but he didn''t want to. He grabbed the car keys and settled behind the steering wheel. As his hands touched the steering wheel, a long-buried scene flashed through his mind.


    That pain, helplessness, his vulnerability, his desperate yearning to live... All of it fell down like a heavy mountain on his heart but Darren forcefully pressed it all down. He had to find his wife. Those were the words he kept reminding himself when he started the car and drove out.


    He thought it''d be difficult to drive after all those years but when the purpose was to find his wife, nothing else really mattered.


    On the other hand, Xiu glared at the back of the person who ran off inside the hospital but didn''t even apologize for bumping into her. But thinking about how something urgent must be going on, she let this stranger be. She wasn''t hurt. Okay, that was a lie, her shoulder was still aching. She just didn''t wish to take it seriously.


    She bent down her waist to pick up her phone which had fallen into a puddle of water. The small puddle was left by the rain that had arrived unexpectedly a couple of hours ago.


    When Xiu tried to use the phone, she wasn''t able to. "What waterproof phone? This thing just gave up on me at this time!" She was cursing the phone makers but wasn''t gonna accept that whether it was waterproof or not, the phone had taken a strong hit. Even the screen had broken, it was obvious that it''d stop working.


    She was still lamenting over the death of her phone when she saw a car speeding over. And she was stunned when the one to walk out of it was her very own husband. He bolted to her side and hugged her tightly.


    "Thank God, you''re okay."

 Chapter 976 - Favorite Eyes

    Xiu was still shocked by his trembling body but she still lifted her hands to rub his back soothingly. Up and down, the gentle motion of her hand put Darren''s mind and heart to rest. Feeling her warm body he was rest ?ssured but she still pulled away to look at her up and down to confirm that she wasn''t hurt anywhere.


    "You didn''t get hurt, right?" he questioned anxiously.


    Xiu frowned at his question and suddenly realized what was happening here. The call was cut unexpectedly and he wasn''t able to reach her. And that''s what led to his current state.


    Xiu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry in this situation.


    "Baobei, I am absolutely fine," she told him as she rubbed the side of his face with her hand to reassure him. "My phone fell down and broke down. It''s nothing serious. I''m not hurt." She conveniently chose not to tell him that her shoulder was still aching a bit. She knew if she mentioned it, this situation would get worse. "What did you cook up in your head?"


    "But you said you''re at the hospital," he said in a distressed voice. "How could I not worry when you said that? My mind just ended up thinking of the worst scenario. I couldn''t help it."


    Xiu chuckled at his reaction, "There are other reasons for coming to the hospital."


    "Like what?"


    "Like Mama gave birth to your little brother."


    Darren was quiet for a moment before he asked foolishly, "But wasn''t the delivery date set to tomorrow?"


    Xiu knocked on his head, "Silly, did my delivery date was the same as the one doctor predicted?"


    Darren shook his head and finally understood how much of an idiot he looked when he asked that question. But he wasn''t ashamed at all. He couldn''t help it.


    As if struck by light, Xiu''s eyes suddenly widened, "Did you just get off that car?" Darren didn''t take her words seriously as he nodded in a daze. "And you''re the one driving it?" Darren again nodded and suddenly his ear was pinched by his wife who looked at him with those scary eyes that always made him submit before her.


    Fuck! It seemed he was in trouble!


    "You bloody son of a bachelor!" Xiu swore in her style as she glared at him. "I thought some idiot drunk was driving so rashly but it turned out, it was my own husband. Great! What were you trying to do? Cause an accident?"


    Darren realized what he had done wrong and his body stiffened. He actually didn''t notice how he drove over here since all his mind was on Xiu instead. But now that recalled it, it seemed that he really went overboard with the speed.


    "Sweets, I''m a professional," he said in a weak voice.


    "How many years had it been for you?" she roared. "Do you still think you''re omnipotent?"


    Darren hugged her waist and said, "Sweets, think of it this way, I finally got over my fear. And it''s all because I was so worried about you that nothing else mattered. Your love made me conquer my fears."


    "These dialogues aren''t gonna work!" she shot back. She was seriously angry and actually felt a lingering fear in her heart when she remembered the speed of the car. And that made her pull Darren''s ear even more fiercely. But he didn''t complain and let her be.


    He knew he was in the wrong this time. He was worried about her but that was no excuse since he ended up making her worry about him instead. What a cycle of worries!


    "I won''t do it again," he said in a small voice acting pitifully.


    Xiu snorted at him, "Park that car properly and come to see your little brother. I''m not gonna waste my time on you here anymore!"


    Darren followed her words and parked the car properly before he followed her in. When he came inside, Ashley came to hold his arm and dragged him over, "Brother, come here and look! Isn''t our little brother cute?"


    Darren''s expressions softened when he looked at the small baby. He couldn''t help teasing his little brother who was so small that he couldn''t even fight against his elder brother''s teasing. Suddenly noticing the atmosphere between Darren and Xiu, Ashley slipped close to Darren and asked, "Bro, did you do something wrong?"


    "It seems so," he sounded helpless.


    Ashley patted his shoulder, "If you''re wrong, better apologize on time."


    "Are you on my side or your sister-in-law''s?"


    "Yours," answered Ashley. "And it''s because I know you can''t stay without her that I''m telling you to apologize for your own sake."


    "I was going to anyway," said Darren. Thinking of something, he picked up his little brother and brought it to Xiu''s side saying, "Sweets, look at my little brother. Doesn''t he look adorable? Just like how our Rowan was."


    Xiu moved her eyes to the little baby and her eyes also softened instantly. Darren found the opening he needed and pressed, "Sweets, why isn''t he opening his eyes? I want to see what is his eyes color. Do you think he''ll inherit Mama''s grey eyes like me?"


    "The possibility isn''t that high to inherit it from the maternal side," said Xiu.


    "Well, didn''t I also inherit it from my maternal side?"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Then it''s also possible for him."


    "If he really does, then we''ll have three people with grey eyes in our family," said Darren. Xiu''s expressions turned gentle when she thought of it. "Sweets, whose grey eyes do you like the most?"


    "Little tiger''s," answered Xiu without any change in her expression but it turned Darren''s face black!


    This little tiger was really his nemesis! How come his own son was constantly coming between him and his wife? Did it make any sense?


    Darren pouted at her, "Sweets, you''ve changed. I''m no longer your favorite."


    Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "Who told you to act recklessly? So, I kicked you out of my favorite''s list."


    "Sweets, don''t do that," pleaded Darren. "I''m sorry for worrying you. I should have been rational. I know but when it comes to you, I''m also quite helpless before my heart."


    Xiu also understood his meaning and turned to face him. Her expressions weren''t as hard as before. She looked rather distressed now, "I know that as well. But I also worry about you. What am I supposed to do? You gave me a whole world. I can''t lose you."


    Darren kissed the top of her head, "I''m not going anywhere. I plan on annoying you till you get all old and wrinkly."


    Xiu hit his ?h?st while he laughed at her reaction. On the side, Ashley also chuckled to herself when she saw them interacting in this way.. It was sweet torture to see these two lovebirds but she happily put herself through it every single time.

 Chapter 977 - Grounded

    "Baba, save me!"


    Darren had just stepped inside the house when he heard the loud and piercing scream of his son. For a moment, it felt like someone was torturing that little guy but from his experience, Darren was already familiar with the fact that it wasn''t like that at all.


    Little tiger ran over to his father''s side and hide behind him. Hugging his father''s leg, he continued to whimper, "Baba, your wife is a monster!"


    Darren chuckled to himself before saying, "That''s your mom as well."


    "My mommy is best, it''s your wife who has a problem," his son argued in his sticky-sweet voice.


    "Whether it''s your mom or my wife, both are the same person," retorted Darren.


    Rowan continued to shake his head as he said, "That''s not true."


    Darren didn''t know what to do with his son just like he still hadn''t figured out what to do with his Sweets.. He was truly helpless before this mother and son pair.


    Darren picked up the young man in his arms and asked, "Now, tell me what did my Sweets do?"


    Rowan pursed his lips and acted out like he was suffering from an intense grievance as he told his father, "She said, I''m grounded for this month. I won''t get to play with my sisters. Isn''t that being too cruel to me?"


    Darren raised his brows slightly in surprise. Usually, Xiu would never stop Rowan from playing with his favorite sisters. Everyone knew how close these little ones were. Rowan was the favorite of Asteria and Ava, and even Jackie was in no position to win before Rowan. For Xiu to ground her 8-year-old son... That''s surprising.


    "What did you do this time?" asked Darren straightforwardly as he carried his son inside.


    "I didn''t do anything," Rowan answered with a pitiful look but Darren didn''t fall for it. After all, Rowan was the son of Xiu! Xiu - who once ruled the entertainment circle with her acting. Did you think her only son won''t inherit her dramatics? How was that possible?


    Clearly, this son of theirs inherited every single skill of his mother even at this young age.


    "You definitely did something to annoy your mother again," said Darren. As he looked at Xiu who was serving the dinner, he went up and kissed her cheek saying, "Sweets, I''m home."


    Xiu smiled at him but her smile vanished when she looked at her son in her husband''s arms.


    "Aren''t you old enough to walk?" she said sternly. "Get down."


    "Oh..." was all that Rowan managed to get out before he slid down from his father''s arms.


    Seeing this situation, Darren was even more certain that something was up. Something serious happened to make Xiu look like this.


    "Freshen up, Regan!" instructed Xiu in a serious tone. "Dinner is already done."


    Darren silently nodded and glanced at his son before going to change this clothes. Behind him, Xiu looked at Rowan and raised her brow, "Do you really think your father can save you from me?"


    Rowan looked down at his toes and shook his head dejectedly. He was old enough to understand that anything was possible in this house except for the fact that his mother would be on the losing end. For years, he had been seeing how even if his mother was on the losing end, not just his father but everyone else would give in to her.


    Well, only his Uncle Dylan was the one who headbutted with his mother all the time. And he was the only one who loved to go against Xiu as well.


    "Since you don''t even think you did anything wrong then let''s extend your punishment," said Xiu lightly.


    Rowan''s eyes widened as he stared at his mother with a horrified expression, "Mommy, I was wrong! Don''t do it!"


    "Too late for that my darling son," was Xiu''s response as she smiled sweetly at her son.


    However, Rowan didn''t think her smile was sweet at all. He wanted to cry out but if he did that, he''d be in even bigger trouble, so he chose to just stay quiet.


    When Darren came to the dinner table, he saw his son who looked like someone snatched his life from him. Darren actually found it quite funny but he held himself back from laughing out loud.


    Xiu put food in Darren''s bowl and even told him, "I made sour and sweet ribs have a taste."


    Darren nodded while he continued to eat whatever Xiu put in his bowl. But then he noticed that his son was actually eating a bowl of porridge mixed with shredded chicken, he frowned.


    "Rowan, why don''t you take something else?"


    Rowan''s eyes lit up but the light in his eyes went out when his mother spoke up, "He isn''t hungry, you don''t have to pay attention to him."


    "But all of these are his favorite dishes," said Darren.


    "I know," answered Xiu. "Why do you think I spent so much time making all of this?"


    "If you made Rowan''s favorite dishes, why is he not allowed to eat?"


    "So that he can learn a lesson," replied Xiu. "He had been feeding his lunch box to Bo Jiu''s cat all this while. Since he loves to waste food so much, I have to let him see the consequences of doing it, no?"


    Darren had a sudden realization. It seemed that his son was in some serious trouble. He could only see his favorite food but couldn''t get a taste of it. What a tragedy! But Xiu was not soft-hearted at all.


    Although he felt bad for his son, he still had to remind himself that his Sweets was right. Rowan was young but he had to understand that wasting food was not the way to go. If he indulged him now, things won''t end well in the future.


    "Until he learned the importance of food, he is going to eat only porridge!"


    Rowan felt like he was sentenced to death.

 Chapter 978 - Bullies

    There were only two things that could make Rowan feel miserable. One, he wasn''t allowed to play with his sisters. Two, he wasn''t allowed to eat all his favorite food made by his own mother! No one could possibly understand what he was going through right now.


    Darren could see the way Rowan''s face changed color and found it quite adorable actually. Although Rowan was good at acting, he was still too young. And because of his age, it was difficult for him to control his expressions. How could Darren not be able to see all his thoughts written all over his face?


    Darren could understand why his son had to eat just porridge but there was still something he couldn''t understand.


    "Sweets, did you ground Rowan?"


    "Yes," came the reply.


    "Why?" he asked..


    Xiu put her chopsticks down and looked at her son, "Young man, would you like to tell your father about your heroic deeds?" Rowan buried his head into his bowl and didn''t dare to look at his mother making Xiu sigh out. "You love to complain about me but can''t tell your father what you did wrong in the first place?"


    "Mommy, it wasn''t my fault," Rowan was still insisting on the fact that he wasn''t in the wrong that really irked Xiu.


    "What happened?" asked Darren. He felt weird since he was the only one who didn''t know anything here. This feeling wasn''t really good.


    "Since you think it''s not wrong to beat someone up, then there is no need for you to have this discussion with me," said Xiu sternly. "You can go back to your room when you''re done eating."


    Darren''s eyes widened, "Rowan beat someone up?"


    "I did not," said Rowan in a small voice.


    Darren looked at his wife in question. Xiu rubbed her temples to ease her headache. Today wasn''t really her day. She had a headache since this morning and because of that, she even felt like beating this son of hers who kept on insisting that he didn''t do anything wrong.


    Xiu didn''t even eat much because she was not feeling well.


    After Rowan went back to his room obediently, only then did Darren ask Xiu for details. Since Xiu wasn''t planning on hiding anything from her husband anyway, so she gave him all the details...


    *Earlier that day*


    Since the time Darren finally managed to drive again, his son loved to go to school with his father. Oftentimes, Xiu would be the one driving him to school as well if Darren was in a hurry. Today, she was supposed to send him to school but because of her headache, she asked Darren to do it.


    And because of this headache, she spent her whole day lying down and lazing around. She was taking a nap during the day when she received a call from Rowan''s school that he got into a fight. She dragged herself to the school worrying about her son but when she got there, the whole situation was something else.


    Xiu didn''t know who informed her two fathers but at that moment, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin were in the teacher''s office defending their grandson. And let''s just say, with the combined power of the Xin brothers, how can their grandson be wronged?


    It took her a while to understand the situation, it happened that the kids from another grade were trying to bully Rowan but he wasn''t a pushover as well. He went to find his sisters at the junior high school across from his primary school and told them that was being bullied. How could Asteria or Ava see their brother be in a disadvantageous situation? They both actually followed him and beat up the body that tried to bully Rowan.


    And all this while, Rowan was enjoying the fight while hiding behind his sisters.


    Then one thing led to another and teachers got involved, then the parents were called but Rowan knew he''d be in trouble if his mother came so he asked his sisters to inform grandfathers who loved him the most.


    After understanding the ins and outs of the situation, Darren was quiet for a long moment. He felt like his son really knew how to play his cards well even at this age. His bullies were older than him so he got someone who could protect him wholeheartedly. And even when he knew he''d be in trouble, he managed to find two big shields to protect himself.


    After all, neither Xin Zimen nor Xin Zemin would allow Xiu to rebuke Rowan for getting into a fight.


    "Sweets, are you upset that he got into a fight?" asked Darren. But then he frowned to himself because that wasn''t like Xiu at all.


    Xiu was still rubbing her forehead as she said, "Well, as much as I want him to stay out of fights that don''t mean I''m against it. If someone is bullying him, I can''t allow him to stand still and do nothing. Why am I sending him to those self-defense classes?"


    "Then what''s the problem," asked Darren.


    "The problem is that little ancestor of mine doesn''t think that he is wrong," answered Xiu. "He hid behind his sisters. Okay! I understand that he is too dependant on them. But does he have to let them take the blame for everything as well? That doesn''t make any sense! If he did something wrong, he should just accept it."


    Obviously, Xiu didn''t tell him that she might have let this matter go easily if it wasn''t for her headache messing with her temper today. She was in a bad mood, her son just got in the way. And since she couldn''t possibly vent at her only son, she was in an even worse mood right now.


    "You should tell Asteria and Ava to stop protecting him so much," suggested Darren.


    Xiu snorted at that, "As if those two bro-cons are gonna listen to me."


    "That''s also true," agreed Darren.

 Chapter 979 - Magic

    Since Xiu won''t allow those two bro-cons to come and see Rowan, that little ancestor had a video call with his two sisters in his bedroom.


    "Is Xiuxiu really angry?" asked Ava.


    "Is that even a question, Ava?" retorted Asteria. "Don''t you already know Xiuxiu?"


    "Mommy didn''t even let me eat my favorite food," Rowan complained to his sisters.


    "Aiyo, my poor brother," said Ava.


    "Rowan, don''t worry. Okay? You have us here," said Asteria like the big sister she was. "I''ll bring you snacks."


    "Mommy won''t let you come and see me," said Rowan with a pout.


    "You don''t worry about that," said Asteria. "I''ll get your snacks to you in any way possible."


    "Ria Jie, don''t do anything reckless again," advised Rowan. "Last time, you tried to climb up the tree for me and fell down. Mommy was super mad at me for that."


    "Relax, I won''t take any risk this time around. This time, I''ll be playing smart," ?ssured Asteria.


    "But what should we do about Xiuxiu''s anger?" inquired Ava in worry. "How will I eat those delicious food made by Xiuxiu if I''m not even allowed to come over? My mom can''t even make instant noodles right."


    "Nora is not that bad," argued Rowan. "She isn''t just used to cooking. But she is my fun-loving auntie, so no words against her."


    "She is a fun-loving auntie, she definitely isn''t a fun-loving mom," retorted Ava. She felt depressed even thinking about how different Nora''s treatment was towards her own daughter and her nephew, Rowan. Seriously, she looked like a whole different person.


    "Moms are never cool," said Rowan in his sticky-sweet voice.


    Both his sisters who always stood beside him, gave him a look right now, "Darling, you definitely don''t get to say that. You have the world''s coolest mom ever!"


    "What she is doing to me right now is so not cool," argued Rowan.


    "Of course, Xiuxiu has her own reason," Asteria spoke up for Xiu. "I don''t think Xiuxiu is upset that we got into a fight. If there is one person in our family who loves fights then that''s Xiuxiu. There is no way she is angry with us because we beat someone up."


    Ava also nodded her head in agreement, "I agree with that. There has to be another reason we aren''t able to see." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, "I got it!"


    "You did?" both Asteria and Rowan were surprised to hear that. Because usually, Ava was the last one to understand things. She was just that clueless in life but that also made her one of the happiest people around them.


    "Rowan, I think it''s because you didn''t take responsibility for your actions," said Ava. "I remember when I was young, I broke her phone but to hide it, I lied. Later on, she was really upset. I even got my dad to buy her a new phone but in the end, the problem was that I didn''t own up to my mistake. I just ended up avoiding it. All I had to do was say sorry to her."


    "Surprisingly, I actually agree with her," stated Asteria. "That can definitely be the reason behind Xiuxiu''s anger. Although we were the ones who beat those boys up, however, it doesn''t change the fact that it started because of you. But you ended up shirking the responsibility. There is a high possibility that''s what got on her nerve."


    Rowan supported his face on his small and soft hands, looking all serious. But even in seriousness, his lips were puckered up cutely that could melt anyone''s heart. He was already a sight that could turn one into a puddle. With that white, soft skin along with his big grey eyes that could blink into one''s heart and that head full of shaggy black hair, he was too cute for one''s health.


    And currently, this package of cuteness was acting all serious as he pondered over what had he done to make his mother angry with him? Even he knew that his mother was way too easy-going than his classmates'' mothers. But Xiu also had her own principles. She was willing to indulge him as long as it didn''t hurt anyone.


    However, when it came to serious things, she''d never indulged him. It wasn''t even his first time getting a lecture from his mother. When it came to who is scarier in his family, he''d always say it''s his mother. In fact, his father was the real laid-back person in life.


    "I don''t know what you''re gonna do," started Ava. "But please coax our Xiuixu or else we won''t be able to go camping this weekend. And I''ve been looking forward to that for so long."


    "Camping is the only thing in your head right now, right?" It was more of a statement from Asteria rather than a question.


    "I have priorities," answered Ava with a grin.


    "I also wanna go camping," said Rowan. "Baba said he''d teach me how to fish."


    "I''ll also try my best to see what I can do," said Asteria.


    "Should I try my flattering skills on Xiuxiu?" asked Ava. "It always works."


    "I''ll go and ask Baba," responded Rowan. "He is good at it. Mommy can''t stay upset with Baba even for a minute."


    "It''s Uncle Regan who gets restless if Xiuxiu doesn''t pay attention to him even for a minute."


    "Isn''t that weird though?" asked Ava. "Even my parents have cold wars."


    "I don''t think my parents can have cold wars. They only have wars in which they both scream at each other one minute and then enter their bedroom."


    Asteria coughed out loud at Rowan''s words and rebuked him, "Stop paying so much attention to them."


    "I''m not," he answered. "But it''s hard not to notice when their fights start from the living room and always end up in the bedroom.." He had been wondering what they had been doing in the bedroom though? They always got even stickier after each of their fights. What kind of a magic was that?

 Chapter 980 - The One Your Mind

    The very next day, Jackie showed up and made a beeline for Rowan''s room. He smuggled the box of snacks that he had been entrusted with saying, "These are from your Jie. Enjoy!" He ruffled his fluffy hair.


    Rowan slapped his hand away, "JJ, stop doing that. You always mess up my hair. I spent so much time pressing them down."


    Jackie chuckled at him, "I''m going now."


    "Already?"


    "I have to see my Jie since I''m already here," replied Jackie and walked out of the room.


    He found Xiu in the garden trimming the flowers as she continued to talk in her recorder. Although Jackie was being too quiet so as not to disturb her, she still noticed his presence. Placing the pruning scissor down, she took off the gloves and stopped recording. Looking at him, she asked, "So, what did you sneak in?"


    Jackie pressed his lips together, "Sister Xiu, my darling sister. Do you think I''m a moonshiner?"


    "Love does that to people," stated Xiu with certainty. "I''m not surprised that love turned you into a smuggler now."


    Jackie raked his fingers through his hair carelessly. He looked quite handsome at this age. He was already in high school and he grew up quite tall as well. Since in the past couple of years, he had gotten into playing basketball, it made his body quite athletic.


    Noticing his silence, Xiu raised her brow at him in question, "Wow! You didn''t deny this time."


    "What do you mean?" he asked.


    "In the past, whenever I said its love, you''d deny it," she told him. "But today, you''re quiet. Is it really love now?"


    Jackie scratched his head saying, "I don''t know. Don''t you and Nora always say I''m too young to understand that?"


    He wasn''t just saying it though, he really meant his words. He really didn''t know what his feelings were. Maybe it could really be defined as love, he wasn''t sure. And he was the kind of a person who was always certain in his life. From a young age, he acted m?tur? for his age. But his understanding of feelings like love was just like any other kid his age or maybe even worse since he spent most of his time with books.


    Xiu patted his head lovingly, "My little brother is growing up."


    "Huh? Did you just notice?"


    She shook her head, "Nah. It''s just that it isn''t every day that Jackson Jing would waste his time pondering about feelings." She took a moment and asked, "Asteria asked you to bring something for Rowan?"


    "Yeah," he didn''t lie to her. He just couldn''t lie to her.


    "What did she say?" asked Xiu.


    "Nothing much," replied Jackie as he recalled his conversation with Asteria earlier...


    He came since she texted him that she needed his help and he left everything to get here as soon as possible. When he faced her, she just gave him the box full of snacks and asked him to bring it to Rowan for her.


    "Didn''t you think about rejecting her?" asked Xiu. "You''re always running errands for her."


    Jackie frowned at that, "Why would I reject? Of all people, she reached out to me for help. Shouldn''t I be helping her? Don''t you say that helping others is good?"


    Xiu laughed out at his response and patted his shoulder, "Little brother, you''re quite amusing now."


    "What do you mean?" he asked in confusion.


    "Nothing," she responded.


    Jackie followed her inside silently and didn''t continue this topic. Instead, he brought something else up, "By the way, even if you''re grounding Rowan, can''t you let Ava and Asteria come over to see him for a while?"


    Xiu stared at him for a long minute. "Do you think what I did is wrong?"


    Jackie shook his head and flailed his hands almost immediately, "No way! My sis is never wrong."


    "Why do you think I''m doing it?"


    "Because you want Rowan to understand that he can''t always hide behind others even though others are willing to protect him. Also, he has to learn to own his mistakes and not try to run from them."


    "Impressive! My little brother does understand me," commented Xiu.


    "I would be ashamed of myself if I couldn''t even understand you of all people in my life," responded Jackie. "Do you wanna come home with me tonight?"


    "Why?" asked Xiu.


    "Oh, in that way, we''ll give Rowan a scare that you left him because he was being a bad kid."


    Xiu stared at Jackie wide-eyed and came over to check his temperature by touching his forehead with the back of her hand. "It seems normal to me." She cupped his face and looked into his eyes, "Did Ava''s soul enter your body?"


    Jackie laughed out loud at her question. "Why would you ?ssume that?"


    "Oh, because only she has such evil ideas in her head. She is always up for some mischief," answered Xiu. "And Ava loves you the most. So, I thought she might have rubbed off on you a little."


    "I was just kidding with you," stated Jackie. "My dearest niece can''t possibly rub off on me. Ever!"


    "But the one who had been on your mind for years is definitely getting influenced by your dearest niece," reminded Xiu.


    "Xiu!"


    Xiu looked over at Nora who came to her house at this time in surprise.


    "You aren''t at work?" questioned Xiu.


    "I had a terrible headache," answered Nora as she sprawled on the sofa. "So, I left early today. I was going home but then I thought I should come over to you instead."


    "Why? So I can worsen your headache?"


    Nora glared at Xiu, "I was hoping you''d fix it!"


    "I know I''m omnipotent but there are still things I can''t do," said Xiu with a big smile on her face.


    "It''s been years and I still get the urge to slap your face when you smile like that," told Nora.


    "Funny thing, you couldn''t slap me before and you certainly can''t do it now," Xiu looked at her smugly.

 Chapter 981 - Tide Of Time

    Jackie coughed a little to break the intense stare between his two sisters. Internally, he was actually rolling his eyes at them. They had been best friends for years and they both had kids but still, they argued like this. There was no end to their bickering. No end for sure!


    They were still the closest to each other. And they didn''t even need a reason to come and bother the other person. It was like they knew the other person always had their doors and hearts open for them 24/7! They didn''t need to think whether the other had the time or not.


    However, whenever they met, there would be a war of words.


    "Xiuuuu~" Nora dragged her voice. "I really do have a headache!"


    Xiu knocked on her head saying, "Maybe you''re finally about to grow a brain in this shell."


    "Pfft!" Jackie couldn''t help himself.


    Nora rested her head back and closed her eyes, looking for some peace of mind. Since Nora didn''t bother continuing, it showed that she really had a bad headache right now. Xiu placed her finger on her lips, indicating Jackie to stay silent while she went to the kitchen and brewed a cup of herbal tea for Nora.


    Although Darren had survived his surgery all those years ago, he still had to suffer from sequela. He''d often get headaches and he wasn''t able to do anything else when the headache came. It was because she was too distressed for him that she learned a lot of things to help him ease the pain a little.


    Making all sorts of herbal and medicinal teas was a part of that as well. She had full faith in her herbal tea which she brought to Nora and asked her to try some.


    Nora drank the hot tea and sighed out. But just like before, she still closed her eyes to rest right there. Xiu stood behind her and massaged her temples with the right pressure. It was so comfortable that Nora almost fell asleep. No, it''d be right to say that she did fall asleep and if it wasn''t for the sound of crying that she heard, she''d have continued to sleep some more.


    Nora opened her eyes and looked at Ashley who was hugging Xiu and crying hysterically. It was a heartbreaking kind of crying that even shook Nora''s heart and woke her up instantly.


    "What''s going on?" she asked in concern.


    Xiu was patting Ashley''s back trying to comfort her as she gave a clueless look to Nora in response and told her, "I''m also asking the same question."


    Ashley had recently started working and since her company was closer from here, Darren suggested she just stay with them. He also bought her an apartment near her company but he still insisted that she should come over for food when she isn''t feeling like eating out. Because of that, Ashley was a frequent visitor here.


    And just last night, Ashley had been looking so happy like she got the world but now, she was crying her heart out. Xiu was really confused by this turn of events.


    "Ash, if you won''t even tell me what''s wrong, how will I fix it?"


    "You can''t fix it," Ashley said through her hiccups.


    "But I still need to know what''s going on," stated Xiu. "Why don''t you just say it to me first? Maybe I really can fix it."


    "Yes, you should tell us what''s up," Nora also added as she sat up straight. "Crying won''t solve anything but talking might help. Trust me, we are very good at talking."


    "All you do is talk," Jackie pointed out to his sister.


    Nora glared at her brother, "Can''t you for once stand on my side?"


    "I''ve always been standing on your side," he replied. "You just never noticed."


    "That sounded very romantic," said Nora. "But it doesn''t work on me. Save it for your partner." Then she turned to Ashley and asked, "Did something happen at work? Did someone bully you? Or your boss screamed at you?" Seeing that she wasn''t reacting, Nora added, "Or did someone break your heart?"


    Ashley suddenly stopped crying as she stared at Nora.


    "Bingo! It seems I hit the bull''s eye," said Nora.


    Xiu looked at Ashley as she said, "Is it really a heartbreak? Weren''t you and your boyfriend going strong just until yesterday? You even told me you want to bring him home to meet Mama and Uncle Han."


    "It''s good that I didn''t bring him," said Ashley as she rubbed her eyes to wipe her tears.


    Jackie thoughtfully poured her a glass of water which she took and gulped down. She had been crying for a while now. She definitely needed that water. Especially when it was brought to her hands.


    "Take it slow," said Jackie. "You can take your time explaining. No one is that impatient here."


    "I am," said Nora.


    Jackie put his hand on his sister''s mouth, "No, you aren''t." Then he lowered his voice and whispered, "Be a little considerate."


    Xiu rubbed Ashley''s back to soothe her as she said, "You can take all the time you need. Are you hungry? Dinner is not ready yet but I have some snacks here."


    "I''d like to eat some," replied Ashley but she refused to let Xiu move away as she continued to hug her.


    "Jackie," Xiu called out to her brother who instantly took the hint and went over to get the snacks.


    Nora looked at how Ashley placed her head on Xiu''s shoulder looking like a crybaby. She couldn''t help smiling to herself at the thought of how Ashley seemed distant and formal when they first met her. And now, she had found her emotional pillar in Xiu. Time was an amusing thing and more so, the way it changed relationships.


    Some relationships are broken apart by the tide of time and some end up becoming stronger by surviving that tide together.

 Chapter 982 - Crime Story

    Ashley stuffed her face with ice cream because that was the only thing she craved right now. No one complained though. Just like how Nora liked to cope with her break-ups with liquor, Ashley liked to melt down her sorrow with a tub of ice cream.


    She actually found it strange how three pairs of eyes continued to watch her, waiting for her to say something. And one thing was the same in those eyes, they held concern for her that touched her heart. At this moment, Ashley really thought these three were siblings. All the same; eccentric but caring. Although they cared in their own ways, it didn''t change the fact that the three of them were really caring people.


    "I just found out my boyfriend had been cheating on me with my best friend," told Ashley.


    "Oh..."


    Ashley was taken aback by how calm these three acted after listening to that. As if that didn''t come as a surprise at all.


    "Aren''t you surprised? It''s my boyfriend! With my own best friend!"


    Nora waved her hand carelessly, "Darling, it''s always the best friend."


    "Why do you think so many people write about this plot in books, movies, and dramas? It''s not fiction. When it comes to real life, it always ends up happening," added Xiu.


    Even Jackie nodded along with his two sisters. Although it sounded cliche, even he knew that it wasn''t surprising.


    "Moving on from that," said Xiu. "Who he cheated with is not the concern here. The fact is he actually dared to cheat on our family''s daughter!"


    Nora instantly agreed, "True! He is looking for death, isn''t he? Motherfucker, actually went on to betray the trust of our family''s daughter?"


    "Let''s not forget to add that he broke her heart," reminded Jackie. "That''s the worst crime one can commit."


    "Absolutely!"


    Xiu rubbed her hands as she stared at Ashley, "Tell me, where can we find him?"


    "Huh?" Ashley was dumbfounded by that question. "Are you gonna ask him to explain himself?"


    "Who does that?" retorted Xiu. "Do I look like that reasonable to you?"


    "Because we really aren''t that reasonable people," added Nora.


    "Then what are you gonna do?" inquired Ashley as she looked at them.


    Xiu''s evil smile came out to play on her lips as she shared a look with Nora who understood her immediately. "We are gonna put a sack on his head," started Xiu.


    "And pull him into a dark alley," Nora continued Xiu''s statement.


    "And then the real fun will begin," concluded Jackie acting just like his sisters.


    "It''s been a while since my baseball bat hadn''t had any nuts to crack," said Xiu excitedly. "I''m looking forward to this."


    "Sister-in-law, what are you gonna do? Why does it sound scary?" asked Ashley as she felt a cold aura from the three of them.


    Xiu patted her head, "There is nothing to be scared of."


    "Maybe we can just sit down to talk," suggested Ashley.


    "What can you talk to a cheater?" retorted Xiu. "A cheater is not worth it. Trust me, he isn''t."


    "No reason can justify his cheating," added Nora. "Do you wanna get back together with him?"


    "No way!" Ashley almost shouted.


    "Then it''s better to teach that scum a lesson and move on," said Nora in a reassuring voice. "Have faith in us. We''ll do a clean job."


    "So clean that he''ll never be able to think with lower half again," said Xiu.


    "Ahem! Ahem!"


    Four people turned to look at Darren who had been leaning against the door listening to this crime plan. He really didn''t want to disturb but he really wanted to laugh out. In the end, he coughed to hide his laughter.


    Ashley looked at Darren and called out, "Bro, aren''t you gonna say something? They are about to commit a crime."


    "I definitely won''t sit back and let them do it," said Darren as he walked over to her side and placed his hand on her head. "I''ll definitely make sure they don''t get caught."


    "What?" Ashley didn''t think she''d be hearing something like this from him. She always thought her brother was dependable and responsible.


    Darren leaned down to look into her eyes as he said, "He dared to hurt my sister. How can I let it go? I have to get justice for my sister." Ashley''s eyes brimmed with tears instantly when she heard him say that. Darren wiped her tear as he went on, "I have to make someone pay for these precious tears of my sister, no?"


    Ashley hugged his waist as she cried out, "Bro, I love you so much! Thank you for being my brother!"


    "What a silly sister," commented Darren as he patted her shoulder. "Did you forget? I told you before, your brother is always here for you. So, don''t always try to fight things on your own. Give me a chance to protect my sister as well."


    While Darren was comforting Ashley, the other three talked out the detailed plan of their crime in hushed voices.


    "Your wife is a violent person," commented Ashley to Darren.


    Darren chuckled at that, "Did you just notice?" His shoulders shook with his laughter, "Just because I love to call her Sweets doesn''t mean she is actually sweet." He rubbed her head saying, "You should be honored she is willing to pull out her baseball bat for you. Not everyone gets the honor."


    "You really aren''t gonna stop her?" asked Ashley.


    "No," answered Darren in reply. "She is having fun. Why would I go over and ruin her fun? You stop worrying about it, she knows what she is doing. You don''t think about anything. Especially not about that douchebag." He pinched her cheek as he went on, "And you better not waste your tears on him again."


    Ashley nodded her head with a small smile on her face, "I won''t." She wasn''t faking her smile.. She suddenly realized that she had so many people worrying about her, why should she waste her tears on one scumbag? Even though it still hurt, she was gonna be strong now and not cry just because it hurt.

 Chapter 983 - Sucker For You

    "Mommy!"


    Rowan tugged at Xiu''s skirt trying to get her attention. He had been really depressed in the past two days. His mother really grounded him. And she didn''t even let him eat any of his favorite food. But the worst part was that she didn''t talk to him more than it was necessary to do so. She didn''t even play with him these days.


    It was only two days but it was way too long for him. He was just a kid after all and a day was way too long for him. Especially when he didn''t manage to do what he loved to do. He diidn''t even get any kisses from his mommy.


    "What is it?" inquired Xiu in a calm voice with no expression on her face.


    "Mommy, I''m sorry," said Rowan with his big eyes blinking at her trying to charm her. His father had said that his mother was a sucker for those eyes that resembled his father, he had to use them appropriately.


    Xiu raised her brows at him feeling amused at the way he continued to stare at her with his big grey eyes.


    "Oh? Then what are you sorry for?" asked Xiu.


    "I shouldn''t have gotten into a fight," answered Rowan. "And if I did, I shouldn''t have hidden behind my sisters. Also, I shouldn''t have let them take all the blame for me either."


    "Hmmm..." Xiu hummed in response. "Okay, I got it. You can go back to your room now."


    "Mommy!" He hugged Xiu''s legs as he refused to let her move. "Are you still angry with your little tiger? Don''t be. Please! Little tiger wants to cry now." Xiu''s lips curved into a smile but he couldn''t see it since he was still hugging her legs and continued to say, "I promise I won''t be a picky eater. I''ll finish all my lunch as well. And I''ll also stop bothering you."


    As his tear fell, Xiu crouched down before him and wiped his face, "What''s there to cry for? How old are you?"


    He hugged her neck and snuggled while acting like a baby, "I''m still mommy''s little tiger. Just a baby. So, mommy, don''t leave your baby. And don''t hate baby as well."


    "Who said I''m leaving you?" asked Xiu in amusement. "And when did I say I hate you?"


    Rowan pulled away a little to look at her face, "Mommy, you won''t leave me?"


    "Never," she answered. "You''re my little tiger. How can I ever leave you?"


    "You don''t hate me?"


    "Do you think a person can hate himself?" she questioned him in return. Rowan shook his small head from side to side. Xiu kissed his forehead saying, "You''re a very precious part of me. How can I hate you? I went through trials and tribulations of life to have you. There is no way I can hate you."


    Rowan finally smiled through his tears at her. His small teeth were showing at the way he smiled in happiness. He was really happy to know that his mother still loved him.


    Xiu knocked on his head, "This small brain of yours really is trying to carry the weight of the whole world. Stop overusing your brain otherwise, you might have to deal with a short circuit."


    Rowan puffed up his cheeks like his mother did all the time, "My brain is not small."


    "Okay," responded Xiu. "Even my little tiger is not small."


    "No, I''m definitely small," said Rowan. "So, you have to carry me."


    "You''re heavy," said Xiu.


    "Mommy!!!" wh?n?d Rowan and in the end, she had to carry his highness to his bed. Really, her family''s little ancestor was spoiled in his own way but there was no way around it. She just loved this small man too much. Perhaps, a little less than how much she loved her big man.


    It seemed Rowan was really tired as he fell asleep in Xiu''s arms and when she put him on his bed, he didn''t even move. Xiu''s heart softened at the sight. He was so comfortable in her arms that he fell asleep instantly without any fear.


    When she went back to her room, she looked at her husband, "What have you been teaching our son?"


    "What did I do?" asked Darren feigning ignorance.


    "Don''t pretend with me," Xiu hit his leg. "It''s you who told him to use his eyes on me. Didn''t you?"


    Darren couldn''t hold back his smile as he told her honestly, "He asked how to coax mommy and I just told him the way I coax mommy."


    "Oh? So you coax me with your eyes?" retorted Xiu in amusment.


    Darren moved over to hold her in his arms as he kissed the corner of her lips saying, "No, I just charm you with my eyes, and then..." As his hands became unruly, Xiu slapped his hands away.


    "Save it! We have to go camping tomorrow," reminded Xiu.


    "Did you tell Rowan?"


    "Wouldn''t he be happier if it came as a surprise?"


    "That''s also true," agreed Darren. "Did you prepare everything?"


    "What do you think?"


    Darren looked at her, "Well, my Sweets is always prepared." He laid down and asked, "By the way, who is going with us?"


    "Li bro, Ah-Si and Nora along with Asteria and Ava," answered Xiu. "Oh, and the last-minute addition is gonna be Jackie."


    "Did he say he is coming?" asked Darren. "No, that''s not right. He specially asked me for the astronomy convention''s ticket which is tomorrow."


    Xiu gave him a knowing look, "He''ll come. Wanna bet?"


    Darren shook his head, "From my experience of watching Didi lose way too many bets with you, I''m definitely not gonna take a chance."


    "How boring," commented Xiu.


    "Oh, why don''t we bring Dylan and Cali as well?"


    "I already asked," said Xiu.. "Dylan said he''ll tell me tomorrow."

 Chapter 984 - Stop It!

    Early in the morning when Rowan learned that they were still going on camping, he was overjoyed. He was so excited that he announced, "I''m gonna pack my stuff!"


    "I already did that for you," said Xiu.


    Rowan looked at his mother with loving eyes, "Mommy, didn''t you say I should do my own work?"


    Xiu smiled at him, "Well, mommy can help you once in a while." She took a pause and added, "Why don''t you pay for making mommy work for you?"


    "How should I pay?" asked Rowan.


    Xiu tapped her cheek, "How about a kiss?"


    Rowan rushed over to kiss her cheek and even added a bonus by kissing her other cheek. And then he wanted to continue doing that but Darren held the back of his jacket and pulled him away from his wife saying, "That''s enough."


    "Stingy!" Rowan puffed his cheeks at his father.


    Soon, Asteria and Ava ran over and Rowan forgot all about his parents. He finally got to see his sisters after so long, how could he see anything else? The three of them hugged each other and jumped in a circle excitedly.


    Their excitement was so intoxicating that even Nora opened her arms and tried to hug Xiu who lowered her head and escaped her arms before she could even catch her. Nora glared at Xiu, "It was just a hug."


    Xiu shrugged her shoulders at her.


    "All ready?" asked Xin Xiaoli. "Should we hit the road?"


    "Let''s wait a little longer," said Xiu.


    "Is anyone else joining us?" inquired Ah-Si.


    "Yes," answered Xiu.


    "Who?" asked Nora.


    "You''ll know soon enough," said Xiu.


    As she finished talking, Ashley came running inside with her backpack, "Thank God, you guys are still here."


    "Ash, you''re coming with us?" Darren was surprised to see her here since he didn''t know she''d be joining them.


    "Sister-in-law told me that you all are going camping, I felt like joining as well," said Ashley. She had been feeling a little down since her breakup. So, when she learned about camping, she decided to join them. First, she thought it''d be relaxing. Second, she knew she won''t be thinking nonsense between these people who always managed to brighten up her mood.


    In fact, her real purpose was to distract herself from the depressing thoughts she had.


    As they were getting in the cars, Asteria said to her father, "Daddy, I want to sit with Rowan."


    "Me too! Me too!" Ava also shouted.


    Xin Xiaoli looked at his daughter and his niece before he shook his head and looked at Xiu, "How about I take the kids while you couples can have some time to yourselves?"


    "Sounds good to me," replied Ah-Si. He was more than happy with this arrangement.


    "Can I also tag along?" asked Ashley to Xin Xiaoli.


    "Sure," agreed Xin Xiaoli.


    In this way, Xiao Li was the first one to get in the car. Ashley took the passenger seat while the kids sat in the back seat happily.


    "Seatbelts," reminded Xiao Li. "Ria, help your brother and sister with their seatbelts."


    "Yes, daddy!" Asteria was more than happy to help her brother and sister.


    And then their car took the lead and got on their way. Behind them, the others were also about to leave when another car entered the driveway and parked right before them. The window rolled down and Dylan''s haggard face appeared. He gave a finger salute to Xiu, "What''s up, Xiu?"


    Xiu pursed her lips when she noticed his appearance and asked, "You''re really coming with us?"


    "Why can''t I?" retorted Dylan tiredly.


    "Can you even drive?" asked Xiu.


    "I don''t think he can," came Cali''s voice from inside the car. She waved at Xiu saying, "I told him to get the driver but he refused."


    "How about you ride with us?" suggested Xiu.


    Dylan stared at her vigilantly, "You being nice is always suspicious. I don''t trust you enough to believe that you aren''t up to something."


    "You''re overthinking," said Xiu. "I''m just worried about you." Dylan was still not convinced and that made Xiu sigh, "Then let Cali drive instead. She still looks like she is in a better condition than you to drive."


    "I don''t want her to tire herself," said Dylan.


    "Is this time to act romantic?" Xiu was irked by his words. "Your life is more important here. What if you got into an accident? Or let me just call our driver instead."


    Cali also persuaded Dylan, "Let''s just get the driver. Don''t be stubborn."


    "Didi, get out of the car," was all that Darren said and Dylan obeyed his words instantly.


    "Dylan, you look like you''ve been at war," commented Nora as she looked at Dylan''s condition.


    Poor guy had lost so much weight in such a short time. He looked tired and beaten down. There were big dark circles under his eyes ruining the beauty of his otherwise handsome face. But the thing was, he was so unkempt. As if he cared nothing about his image right now.


    "It''s really a war right now," replied Dylan in a tired voice.


    "Maybe you should stay home and relax," suggested Nora.


    "No!" Dylan instantly refused. "We''re going camping to relax! Don''t try to change my mind. I don''t wanna go home. In fact, I want to run away from home these days."


    "Wow! You really have it that bad, eh?" Although Nora''s words seemed like she was feeling bad for him, inside she was actually laughing heartily at his condition. Poor Dylan.


    "Who would have thought this day would come for you, Mr. Playboy?"


    Dylan glared at Xiu, "I''ve left those days far behind me."


    "I wish I had left you far behind in my life as well. Idiot!"


    "I just got here," said Dylan. "Do you have to start with the insult?" He was really too tired to even bicker with her right now.. He looked at Darren and said, "Dazi, we are meeting after weeks. Can you please ask your wife to stop it?"

 Chapter 985 - Leave It To Me

    If Xiu and Dylan didn''t argue, would they really be Dylan and Xiu? Not really! It was just their unique way of bonding and no matter how many years pass, it seemed this tradition was going nowhere. Even the kids in the family had learned already what kind of a relationship Dylan and Xiu had. After Dylan and Xiu were done with their tradition of bickering like kids, everyone finally hit the road.


    All of the cars arrived at the camping site almost around the same time. Even though Xiao Li had started earlier than the others since he had kids with him, he was being a very responsible driver, unlike these kids'' parents who finally got the chance to be a bit reckless on the road.


    It took them over two hours to reach the camping site.


    Xiu jumped down the car and stretched as she was feeling tired after sitting for so long. It seemed she was not just an old soul now. Now, she was just OLD!


    She was in her thirties! Why did every single bone of her body ache like she was in her fifties or something? Maybe she needed to stop being so careless about exercising daily.


    As she stretched, her eyes wandered around to see the campground. And suddenly, her eyes fell on a sports car parked on the other parking lane. Her eyes narrowed a little before she smirked knowingly.


    Jogging up to the side of the sports car, she bent her waist and knocked on the window. As the windowpane was lowered, she got to see that familiar handsome face of her little brother.


    "How long have you been here for?" asked Xiu trying not to laugh out loud.


    Jackie put on his shades acting carelessly as he answered, "I just got here."


    "Hahaha!" Xiu laughed out at his reply. "As if I would believe that." She shook her head and ruffled his hair that he seemed to have spent quite some time on. But it didn''t even take her a minute to ruin it and she thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Jackie would definitely not complain about that to Xiu. If it had been Nora, then that would have been another story. "How old are you to drive out this car?"


    "I''m in high school," he answered. "Also, if I wasn''t allowed to drive it, why did dad even buy it for me on my birthday?"


    "Maybe because he was confused about what to buy for you," Xiu told him, her very honest thoughts. She opened the door and pulled him out, "Since you''re here then don''t just sit there. Help me with my tent."


    "Why are you being so lazy?" asked Jackie. "Shouldn''t you be a good example and teach your son how to set up a tent?"


    "Why should I?" retorted Xiu. "Why do I keep his father with me if I have to do that as well?"


    Jackie chuckled at her, "Sister Xiu, does brother-in-law know that you keep him around for this thing?"


    "He knows," said Xiu certainly. "He knows everything." She looked at Jackie and showed off, "There is no part of Xiu that her Baobei can''t read."


    Jackie grimaced as if he bit down on a sour lemon. "It''s a talent to become more shameless with time."


    "And only I have that talent, right?" Xiu finished his words for him and he nodded. Xiu shrugged at him, "At least, I can accept my feelings. You, my dear brother, are not even in my league yet. First, learn what to call what you''re doing these days and then come and point at me."


    "Ouch!" said Jackie showing her a baffled look.


    "Don''t look at me like that," warned Xiu. "You and both know that I''m right here."


    Jackie nodded his head, "How can my sister Xiu ever be wrong?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Jackie, what are you doing here?" questioned Nora when she saw her brother walking over with Xiu. "Didn''t you have some boring convention or something today?"


    "Why? I can''t come here?" asked Jackie in return.


    "You''re almost an ?du?t now, of course, you can do what you want," said Nora. "I was just asking."


    "But I won''t be answering questions that you already have answers for," said Jackie to her with a knowing look.


    Nora pursed her lips to stifle her laughter and nodded her head, "Got it! Pfft!"


    Xiu hit her arm saying, "Get over it already."


    Even Darren looked at Jackie for a moment before looking over at his wife. He realized that he still didn''t have as much understanding of Jackie as Xiu did. But then again, Jackie had spent most of his life around Xiu since the time he was born. It''d be a surprise if she didn''t know him well. Both his sisters could read him like an open book.


    It was kind of unfortunate that he had no way to keep secrets from his sisters. But it was also his blessing to have sisters who were willing to protect him even though he didn''t need their protection at all.


    "JJ!" Ava was the first one to rush up to Jackie''s side and hugged his waist saying, "I was missing you and you''re already here. Our hearts definitely have a connection."


    Jackie smiled softly at his niece''s foolishness but he was the one who was unknowingly indulging her foolishness for years now. He just had to go along with it now. He placed his hand on her head saying, "I just knew you''d be missing me."


    "Uncle J! Uncle J! Uncle J!" Rowan also excitedly jumped around him. "Let''s play football."


    Jackie pinched Rowan''s nose, "No. We are gonna help build the tents or else, we''ll have to sleep under the sky."


    "Oh," Rowan''s lips made an ''O'' letter cutely as he nodded his head. "Let''s build our home for tonight then."


    "Okay," agreed Jackie. "First, let''s help get the things out of the cars."


    Rowan ran over to his father saying, "Baba, give my bag to me. I''ll carry it."


    "But it''s heavy," stated Darren worriedly.


    Rowan patted his ?h?st to ?ssure him, "Leave it to me."

 Chapter 986 - On Your Side

    Darren had to give Rowan his backpack since the little one insisted on carrying it now. But his small figure was truly having difficulties carrying such a heavy bag. It actually wasn''t as heavy as the other bags. There were only his clothes and daily essentials in it. And although Darren knew his son was capable of carrying it, he was still worried.


    It seemed that was all part of being a father.


    He never had these unnecessary worries when he didn''t have a son.


    All of them worked together to set up the tents but it still took some time. Now, it was already about the time for lunch and everyone was feeling hungry. At this moment, Xiu was thankful that she had already asked the cook to make lunchboxes. She was certain they wouldn''t have the energy to cook right away after settling everything.


    While enjoying the delicious home-cooked meal, Ah-Si suddenly asked, "Sister Xiu, I heard your baseball bat made a comeback recently? Was it fun?"


    Xiu grinned, "How is it possible that my baseball bat makes an entry and it won''t be the instant hit? I made a home run! It was super fun!"


    "I''m pretty sure the one you had played with must have had a lot of fun as well," stated Ah-Si.


    "Did you have fun back then?" asked Xiu to Ah-Si who winced as if he just recalled the ache of his body. He''d never be able to get over that night.


    "It was... memorable," was all he could say which made everyone who knew the situation burst out laughing. Especially, Nora! She was the one having the most fun when she heard that. "My dear Dory! At least, you should stop making fun of me like that. It was all for your sake."


    "Well, don''t you think I was worth that much?" asked Nora rhetorically.


    "Evil!" commented Ah-Si under his breath. Then he looked at his elder brother and said, "But my biggest problem with that memory is actually my brother who just stood there and did nothing."


    Xiao Li''s lips curled up a little as he replied, "Oh, I''m sorry! Even at that time, I just couldn''t bring myself to go against Xiu. Look at her! How can anyone go against her? Only an idiot would do that."


    "It seems only Dylan is that idiot around here then," Ah-Si laughed at his own joke.


    Dylan yawned lazily as he replied, "You can say whatever you want. My brain is so slow that I can''t even process my anger out right now. Even that''d be tiring."


    "Mommy," Rowan turned to his mother. "When did you go to play baseball? Why didn''t you take me with you?"


    Xiu licked her lips before replying, "You grow up a little, and then I''ll take you to play my favorite game; baseball!"


    "Okay!" Rowan actually believed that they were gonna play baseball and that made Xiu slightly embarrassed. However, that embarrassment didn''t even last a minute. Then Rowan made Dylan his target and questioned, "Uncle Di, why didn''t you bring the babies with you?"


    Just the reminder gave Dylan a headache as he answered, "Baby Rowan if I brought babies here, I''d have gone completely mad."


    Rowan blinked at him innocently, not understanding what he really meant but he was keen enough to understand that those words had a deeper meaning.


    Darren made Rowan face him and explained to him, "Babies are too young. They easily get sick. If your Uncle Di brought them here, what if they got sick?"


    "No, that''d be painful," said Rowan.


    "Exactly," said Darren. "And that''s why babies are at home with their grandparents."


    "Oh..." Rowan finally understood it and nodded his head.


    Darren patted his head and urged him, "Go over and play now with your Uncle JJ." Rowan hurriedly ran away to play. Behind him, Darren glared at his best friend, "Do you have to talk nonsense in front of a kid?"


    "What nonsense? I was telling him the truth," said Dylan. "Didn''t you tell me that we should be honest with kids?"


    Darren facepalmed himself, "Some white lies won''t hurt them. Since they are too young to know the absolute truth of life."


    "It seems Dylan''s triplets are eating up his brain," commented Ah-Si.


    "Did he ever have a brain?" was Xiu''s response.


    Dylan glared at them unhappily, "Y''all are lucky that you only have one child. I have three! All at the same time! Do you even know what kind of mental situation I have right now? It''s tiring! If we hug one, the other starts crying. If we feed one, the next one would start throwing tantrums. They are only a year old and I''m already feeling like an old man!"


    Xiu nodded her head, "Oh, poor you, old man!"


    "It''s not funny!" insisted Dylan.


    "Who laughed?" questioned Xiu. She looked at everyone and told him, "No one really laughed here."


    "I think it''s Cali who is having it tougher than you," said Darren. "I don''t see her whining like you. You''re not the first parent of triplets in the world. Everyone manages. And you even have your parents to take care of them. You hired five nannies as well. Is it still that difficult?"


    "It is!" answered Dylan. "Because they sleep in our room at night and I am the one who can''t sleep because of their crying."


    "Why do I think, you''re just jealous that your thunder is lost?" questioned Nora.


    "Huh?" Dylan was confused by her words.


    "I mean you have been a baby of the house for way too long and now that someone else came to take your place, you''re just jealous."


    Ah-Si spurted the water he was drinking and stared at his wife.


    Nora tsked at him, "It''s partially Cali''s fault as well. Even she continued to treat you like her baby and that''s what spoiled you so much."


    "Y''all are just not ready to take my side, are you?" questioned Dylan.


    "I''m on your side," said Xiu as she raised her hand.. "I''m always on your side."

 Chapter 987 - Priorities

    "Xiu, did you really beat someone?" asked Xiao Li when they all stopped joking around or it should be said when they stopped teasing Dylan.


    "I did," answered Xiu. Even before he could ask why, she elaborated, "That bloody son of a bachelor actually dared to cheat on Ash with her best friend. How could I let him be? I had to teach him a lesson."


    Ah-Si clapped as he said, "Sister Xiu, that''s awesome! He definitely won''t be forgetting this lesson."


    Ashley looked at Ah-Si as she asked, "Brother Si, did you also taste the beating?"


    She had been wondering that for a while now. Since earlier they talked ambiguously she wasn''t certain about it so she had to ask now.


    Ah-Si grimaced but told her honestly, "I did. She beat the hell out of me."


    "I say, you had it better," commented Nora. "You didn''t see what she did this time around. That guy would be having nightmares every single time he felt turned on."


    Ah-Si breathed out, "I also think she somehow went easy on me back then."


    Ashley looked at Xiu and asked, "Sister-in-law, why did you beat your own brother?"


    "Because he made my best friend cry," replied Xiu matter-of-factly.


    "You did?" Ashley turned to Ah-Si.


    He rubbed the back of his neck saying, "Well, I''m guilty of that."


    Ashley couldn''t help laughing a little when she heard this. She didn''t expect that her sister-in-law would have been savage enough to beat even her own brother for her best friend. It only showed that Xiu would stand up for people she cared even before people who were family to her. She was really someone one could trust and depend on. At least, she found an emotional pillar in her.


    "But isn''t it unfair?" questioned Xiao Li as he put he crossed his arms behind his head and laid down the green grass lazily soaking the sun.


    "What''s unfair, Li bro?" asked Xiu in return.


    "One hand can''t clap, my sweetheart sister," reminded Xiao Li. "If he cheated, he didn''t do it alone. Ash''s best friend should hold the same amount of responsibility as he did."


    "I am with Li bro on this," added Darren.


    Xiu thought about it and punched Nora''s arm, "Why didn''t you remind me of that?"


    "Perhaps I was having too much fun," replied Nora. "So, I forgot about the other party involved."


    Xiu rubbed her hands together, "After going back, let''s tie up that bitch."


    "Xiu," called out Cali to Xiu. "Stop being violent. You already have an eight-year-old son. Do you have to think about beating people all the time?"


    "Why can''t I?" retorted Xiu. "I''m only thirty."


    "Just now you said you''re getting old," reminded Cali.


    "That''s different!" Xiu took a pause and added, "Besides, who said I was gonna beat that bitch up after tying her up? I have better ways to deal with a ''friend'' like her."


    "Still," insisted Cali. "Isn''t it tiring?"


    "Definitely not!"


    Cali shook her head at Xiu, not knowing what to say to her. "You''ve loved kickboxing since you''re young. I never thought it''d turn into such a passion of yours."


    Xiu grinned at her not saying anything to her in reply.


    "Does anyone know when Ying Jie is coming back?" asked Dylan. "Sometimes I feel really bad for Bohai. Although I also had a long-distance relationship with Cali, however, we could at least talk to each other daily. I''d even fly over to her whenever I had time. But those two don''t even get to talk for months because of Ying Jie''s job. How does he cope with that?"


    "By taking more jobs than needed," replied Xiu. "Can''t you see how he could be seen almost everywhere you look? It''s because he had been accepting way too many jobs offer to distract himself."


    "Poor him," Dylan genuinely felt bad for Han Bohai since he could somewhat relate to him.


    "Ying is coming back in two months," told Xiao Li. "And I also heard this is her last field operation. She''d be taking desk job after this."


    "Really?" everyone was surprised to hear that.


    "Isn''t her job her life?" asked Xiu.


    "Priorities changes," answered Xiao Li. "Now, she wants to build a family with Bohai. And she doesn''t want to repeat the situation of her own life where she had to separate from her parents."


    "It''s about time they start planning their family," commented Dylan. "They got married around the same time as me and Cali."


    "You should stop worrying about their family and focus on yourself," said Xiu.


    "Why does everything take a turn and end up at me?"


    "Not telling you," retorted Xiu. "Anyway, it''s enough to rest for now. Let''s gather ingredients for our dinner now."


    "I''m gonna take Rowan for fishing," said Darren. "Anyone else wants to join?"


    "Me!" Ashley jumped up and tagged along with Darren, "I want to join you, bro."


    "Okay," replied Darren.


    "I''m also coming," Xiao Li also went to get his fishing gear.


    "I''ll just stay here," announced Dylan. "I can''t move."


    "That''s what we expected from you," said Nora. "I''ll go with Ah-Si to see if we can find some meat around here."


    "I think you can buy it around here," said Xiu.


    "That''s what I''m going to look for," replied Nora.


    "I''m going to pick fresh vegetables," said Xiu. "I heard there is a greenhouse here and they have the freshest vegetables there."


    "Sweets, there is a fruit ranch as well where you can pick fruits," told Darren to his wife. "You can check that out as well if you want to."


    "Got it!"


    "Xiuxiu, I''ll go with you," Asteria announced as she came over and heard their words. "I''ll go to pick vegetables with you."


    "You can play here," said Xiu. "I can do it myself."


    Asteria shook her head, "I want to help."


    Xiu rubbed her head saying, "Okay, let''s go then.." She happily crossed her arm with Asteria and went to find the greenhouse.

 Chapter 988 - Cruelest

    "Baba, we are going to catch fish?" asked Rowan cutely to his father as he walked beside him with his own fishing gear which was smaller in size. He was looking forward to it. "Let''s catch a big one."


    "Okay," replied Darren to him.


    Behind them, Ava looked at Jackie and blinked sweetly at him as she asked, "JJ, where are you going?"


    "Why?" asked Jackie if though he knew the answer to that question all too well.


    "Because I''ll follow you," she really didn''t disappoint him with that question. He really knew her way too well already.


    "What if I''m also going fishing?" questioned Jackie.


    Ava''s face scrunched up as she shook his arm, "Can''t you rethink your decision? Let''s change to something else."


    "Why should we?"


    "Because fishing is boring," argued Ava. "Let''s go to the fruits ranch."


    Jackie sighed out, "Why do I always give in to you?"


    Ava giggled at him, "That''s because I''m your one and only niece. And I''m the most adorable one as well. I''m also very funny."


    "Stop it already," Jackie flicked her forehead lightly. "You aren''t that great either."


    Ava pouted at him, "JJ, how can you break my heart like this?"


    Jackie pinched her nose saying, "Silly girl. Why don''t you understand? Just because I follow your willfulness doesn''t mean everyone in your life will do so."


    Ava shrugged her shoulders, "I only want my favorite uncle. You''re the only one I''m willful with. The rest doesn''t matter that much."


    "So, do you love me more or Rowan?" asked Jackie feeling like teasing her on purpose.


    Ava''s face looked sad as she said, "JJ, don''t do that to me. How am I supposed to answer that?"


    Jackie chuckled at her reaction and pulled her along, "Let''s go and see what fruits they have here."


    "Yay!" Ava jumped up excitedly and followed his lead.


    Back on the fishing site, Darren thought Rowan would be impatient or get tired after a little while. He even thought Rowan would get disheartened after not catching any fish but it seemed he underestimated the level of positivity his son had.


    Even though he couldn''t catch any fish, he insisted on continuing and he would even cheer when he saw his father or his Uncle Li catching fish. His eyes would sparkle looking at the fishes they caught. Only Ashley was the one who had only caught one fish but she was still better than Rowan. But it wasn''t that encouraging for her since Rowan was so much younger than her!


    Ashley scooted over to her brother''s side to take some pointers and then suddenly questioned, "Bro, how did you meet sister-in-law?"


    Darren''s brows knitted up slightly when he heard that question out of nowhere.


    "We met at the men''s bathroom," answered Darren as he looked back on that memory. That was certainly how he met Bai Xiu. He didn''t bring up the first meeting with Chen Xiu since he believed it was a past now. A past that had nothing to do with his present.


    "Huh?" Ashley was dumbfounded.


    "She entered the wrong bathroom," he told her.


    Ashley scratched her chin as she said, "Why am I not surprised though? It sounds like something she''d do."


    Darren nodded along with her. "It''s indeed something she''d do." He chuckled at the thought on his own.


    Ashley looked at the side of his face and asked, "Bro, you love her very much, right?"


    Darren didn''t even have to think about that as he answered, "I do. I really do love her."


    Ashley sighed out heavily, "You''re lucky to meet someone like sister-in-law."


    Darren looked at her face and saw the sadness she had been trying to hide from them. But he wasn''t that blind. He could tell that what happened with her boyfriend and her best friend had hit her badly. Suddenly, she lost two people whom she trusted the most. Anyone would be shaken to the core.


    "You know there are all kinds of heartless people in this world," said Darren. "We have all met at least one of those kinds."


    "You did too?" she asked him.


    Darren nodded his head, "I did too..." He smiled sadly to himself as he added, "After becoming the reason for me to live again, she decided to give up on her own life. She was indeed the cruelest person I met in my life. She never even noticed that I had been in love with her." He was of course talking about Chen Xiu at this moment. She was the only heartless person in his life who broke his heart by giving up on her own life. And left him feeling empty.


    Sometimes he wondered what would have happened if life hadn''t given them a second chance? Would he really have grown out of his obsession for a dead person? Or he''d have let himself be consumed by that love to the point of no return?


    But perhaps, it was not Xiu''s second chance. It was a second chance for him to learn to live and love again. It was his chance to get rid of the guilt within him. It was his chance to tell her that he loved her. In the end, it was truly a second chance granted to him to rewrite his love, with her. To not hold back anything anymore.


    "When she left me, I felt like the world was ending," told Darren to Ashley. He hadn''t talked about this in years and the last person who had spoken about this would be Dylan. "My heart felt so empty knowing I''d never be able to see her again."


    "Then how did you manage to overcome that heartbreak?" she asked him. "Did you really try to look for love elsewhere to feel better?"


    Darren shook his head at her, "Nah. I thought I''ll become numb after a while but even after years, it kept hurting. And I couldn''t bring myself to love again.. Love in itself scared me at that time."

 Chapter 989 - Precious Feeling

    Ashley was listening to him attentively and she felt like she could even feel his pain as he recalled those memories. She had never seen Darren acting like this so it came as a surprise to her. Looking at him, one couldn''t possibly tell that he also had moments in his life where he wanted to give up on everything.


    "What happened then?" she asked.


    Darren looked at her as he answered, "Then... Then she came rushing into my life. First, she banged into me head-on, and then she banged into my car. But just like that, she became a part of my life." He chuckled to himself as he went on, "I have heard people say that love always knocks at your door when you least expected it to. I believe it''s true. Because the way Sweets entered my life, I wasn''t expecting to fall in love with her. I wasn''t even looking for love." He took a deep breath as he continued, "I didn''t even know what I needed at that time was love. But she made me realize that all I really needed was just love. And she was willing to offer that love."


    "Then you asked her out?"


    Darren shook his head, "It was her who asked me out."


    "Huh?" Ashley was surprised.


    "She was the one who suggested that we should first date and then eventually we''d know if we''re gonna work out or not. She was the one who pulled me in and kissed me catching me off guard. The thing is, she had always been very bold. But learned to be bold at the cost of a lifetime." His last sentence was spoken in a soft voice that she couldn''t hear.


    "Sister-in-law is really awesome," stated Ashley. "She really does what comes to her mind."


    "That''s because she doesn''t want to have any more regrets in her life," said Darren. He touched her head lovingly as he added, "The reason why I told you all this is to tell you that life isn''t a one-way street. It always takes some detours to reach your destination. Sweets wasn''t my first love, but she definitely is the last one."


    "It''s not easy to find a love like yours, bro," said Ashley sadly.


    "We didn''t find this love easily as well," he told her. "We both gave up way too much to find this love. But it was worth it. You''re still young. Don''t hang on to that one heartbreak. You never know what the future holds. All you have to do is believe in that future. Even when the future looks dark, just believe in the fact that someone along the way would turn on the light in that darkness and lead the way out for you."


    "Bro, why do you call sister-in-law Sweets?"


    Darren thought about it for a while. He had been calling her that since the beginning as for how it began... "The very first thing she offered me was a cupcake that she baked herself."


    "Is that why you call her that?"


    Darren shook his head, "Not really. It''s just that between that cupcake and her, I found her sweeter. So, the name Sweets just got stuck with me. And until today, it hasn''t changed at all. She will always be my favorite Sweets in the world."


    "You really know how to make someone feel jealous," commented Ashley.


    "That was not my intention," said Darren.


    "Baba!" Rowan called out excitedly. "I caught one. I caught it!"


    Darren rushed to his side and looked at that small fish his son caught. He rubbed his head proudly, "Wow, my son is really good. When I first started fishing, I couldn''t catch anything for days."


    Rowan was even more proud of himself when he heard his father say that. Although originally he felt like his fish was way too small, however, after listening to his father''s words he didn''t feel like that anymore. He felt like he was quite powerful to be able to catch a fish on his first try.


    "I''m gonna show it to mommy!" he announced.


    "We''ll go together," said Darren. "You won''t be able to find her yourself."


    "Then I''ll wait here for you," said Rowan. And although he said it, he was still too excited to wait patiently as he continued to jump around.


    "Baby tiger, be careful," said Xiao Li. "Don''t fall down."


    "I won''t," answered Rowan.


    "Don''t come close to the water," added Xiao Li.


    "Yes, Uncle Li!"


    "Bro, you have the cutest son in the world," said Ashley. She picked up Rowan as she kissed his face.


    "Cutest?" repeated Darren. "He is just as much of a devil as his mother. It''s just that they both are good at masking themselves as the cute little bunny."


    Ashley laughed out at her brother''s words, "You still fell for a devil."


    Darren tsked at that, "I sure did. But you see, devils are good at seducing people. I definitely fell in that trap."


    "Want to repeat that before Xiu?" questioned Xiao Li.


    "Li bro, don''t do that to me," said Darren.


    "Then stop talking nonsense," warned Xiao Li. "My sister definitely didn''t seduce you. And even if she did, you better not say it out loud again."


    Darren stared at him and said, "As if I have anything to complain about that."


    While they were walking back towards the tents, Xiao Li said to Ashley, "You shouldn''t waste your life because of a person who didn''t even respect you enough. It''s not really worth it."


    "Brother Li, you''re talking as if you''re quite experienced in this."


    "I am," answered Xiao Li. "That''s why I''m warning. It''s worth it to offer all of your heart to someone who had trampled on it like it meant nothing. It''s painful and I know it. I can completely understand what you''re going through right now. But I''ll advise you to not give up just yet."


    Ashley smiled at him, "With all of you here, I can''t possibly even think about giving up on myself." She felt like her eyes were stinging with tears again when she said it. Perhaps, this feeling of having so many people caring about her was far more precious than the pain that her breakup brought to her.. She wasn''t willing to lose this precious feeling.

 Chapter 990 - Devious Creatures

    While picking vegetables, Xiu just sat down on the ground cross-legged without a care for her image and munched on the fresh tomato she picked herself. It looked so red and appetizing. How could she resist it? She bit into the fresh tomato and the sweet and slightly sour taste made her tongue almost dance in joy.


    Seeing her grinning while eating a tomato, Asteria smiled at her, "Xiuxiu, you''re just eating a tomato. Why does it seem like you''re eating one of the best delicacies in the world?"


    "This is the best," answered Xiu. "It''s sweet. It''s sour. It''s fresh. It''s natural. Everything about it is good."


    "But isn''t it simply a tomato?" questioned Asteria.


    Xiu faced her and asked, "Ria, what do you like more? A hug from your father or when he buys you toys? If you could choose between one, which one would it be?"


    "Of course, I''d like a hug from him," answered Asteria.


    "It''s the same thing," said Xiu. Asteria had a confused look on her face since she couldn''t understand how it was the same thing. "What I mean is, it''s always the simple things that mean a lot more. You can buy the toys if you have money but you can''t buy a hug even if you have the money. My tomato is just like that. Although it''s simple and nothing really special, it''s the fact that it''s nothing that makes it so much more special."


    "Huh?" Asteria was dumbfounded and kind of lost.


    Xiu ruffled her hair, "When you grow up, you''ll understand it."


    "Xiuxiu, do you know that you''re very easily satisfied in life?"


    "I know," answered Xiu. "But what''s wrong with that? I don''t think there is anything wrong with it."


    Asteria nodded her head, "There really isn''t anything wrong with that."


    *Ring*


    Xiu took out her phone from her pocket and looked at the caller id before happily accepting the call, "Ah-Xin!"


    Xin Zimen had his phone placed a distance away from his ear since he knew she''d scream as soon as she picked up the phone. And she did exactly that. He had learned the lesson in a painful way but the good thing is, he did learn it on time because even after years, Xiu didn''t seem like she was planning on changing this habit of hers.


    "How is my little lass?" asked Xin Zimen.


    "I''m great! I''m awesome!"


    "Are you having fun at the camp?"


    "I think so," she replied.


    "You think so?"


    "Yeah."


    Xin Zimen shook his head at the answer that sounded so like her.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I''m picking vegetables," answered Xiu.


    "Why are you doing that?" asked Xin Zimen suddenly losing his easy-going persona. "Where are your brothers? Did I send those jerks to rest there? Why aren''t they helping you? How can they make my daughter work for them?"


    Xiu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at this. "Ah-Xin, I came here to enjoy, not to laze around. Although I was just lazing around when you called. Hehehe."


    "Good! You continue to laze around," said Xin Zimen. "Let the others work."


    "You really want me to act like a lazy bum?"


    "I don''t mind," said Xin Zimen. "If that''s what makes you happy, so be it."


    "Ah-Xin, why are you so cute?"


    "At this age, I really can''t take that compliment."


    "What''s wrong with your age?" retorted Xiu. "My Ah-Xin is still as handsome as ever. No arguments allowed on this."


    Xin Zimen chuckled, "My little lass is also the most beautiful one ever."


    "That I sure am," was Xiu''s reply.


    Xin Zimen''s laughter only grew with her words. He felt lighthearted just listening to her voice. It was quite relaxing. And that''s why he called her. He knew she''d be able to lift up his mood.


    "Daddy," she suddenly called out. "I miss you!" Xin Zimen''s smile stiffened. "When are you coming back?"


    "I''ll be back in a couple of days," he answered.


    "Give me the exact day!" she demanded unreasonably.


    "Hmm... On Monday, I''ll be with you," he told her.


    "Promise?"


    "Yes, it''s a promise!"


    Xiu relaxed when she heard that, "That sounds better." She took a pause and asked, "Have you met Father?"


    "I did," he replied. "Why?"


    "Nothing, he said he''ll come over this week but he didn''t."


    "My sister-in-law took him to the mountain village where they are building a school for kids," explained Xin Zimen. "So, it might be a while before they come back."


    "Oh..." She looked over at Asteria and asked, "Ria, do you want to talk to your grandfather?"


    Asteria nodded her head excitedly.


    "Asteria is with you?"


    "Yeah."


    "Give her the phone," said Xin Zimen.


    "Here," Xiu passed the phone to Asteria and finally stood up to pat the dust off her bu??. Being surrounded by such fresh vegetables, she was finding it difficult to get up. "Ahh!"


    "What''s wrong?" asked Asteria when she heard Xiu''s scream.


    Xiu pursed her lips and cleared her throat, "I thought it was an earthworm but it was just a leaf. He He He."


    Asteria laughed out at Xiu''s antics who rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment. "Xiuxiu, you aren''t scared of anything but of a worm? Really?"


    "Well, it''s tiny and slimy and slippery. I hate such a devious creature!" Xiu spoke in her defense.


    Asteria still laughed and said to Xin Zimen, "Grandpa, your daughter is a scaredy-cat."


    Xin Zimen shook his head when he heard that, "Well, she has her moments."


    Xiu felt like her momentum was losing because of this situation. Why did she have to scream so loud? What an embarrassment! And she even laughed in front of the girl who really admired her and adored her. That really ruined her image.


    But soon she dusted off this embarrassment along with the dirt on her body. It was just as simple as that.. How could she allow such a matter to stay on her mind for more than a minute? That''d be ruining her own mood.

 Chapter 991 - Smartest One

    "JJ!"


    "What?"


    "Do you like Ria Jie?"


    Jackie put the fruit basket in his hands on the ground and turned to look at his dearest niece.


    "Who told you that?"


    Ava narrowed her eyes at him and put her hands on her h?ps saying, "I know I''m a bit slow but I''m not dumb. And I''m definitely not blind."


    Jackie walked up to her and ruffled her hair, "It''s good to have self-awareness." He smiled a bit at how she easily stated that she was slow. It seems she also knew that she was slow.


    Ava slapped his hand away from her hair and fixed her hair while glaring at him in exasperation. "Don''t try to change the subject here. I''m serious. Are you in love with her?"


    "Love?" repeated Jackie thoughtfully. "I don''t know."


    "What? You don''t know?"


    Jackie nodded his head at her, "I do like her but love is an entirely different matter for now. Do you think it''s easy to find love?"


    "It isn''t easy," replied Ava. "But that doesn''t mean we shouldn''t try to find love."


    Jackie knitted his brows at her, "How old are you to even have this conversation with me? Don''t tell me you''re already looking for a boyfriend. Let me warn you! No boyfriends until you''re in college. And definitely no puppy love in high school!"


    Ava glanced at him strangely, "JJ, even my dad isn''t as strict about my dating life as you are."


    "It''s because that my brother-in-law is way too lenient when it comes to you that I have to take some charge here. I can''t let you stray away."


    "Isn''t this double standard though?" she retorted. "You also like Ria Jie and you''re also just in high school. Why is it different for me?"


    "It''s different," insisted Jackie stubbornly. "It''s not like I''m dating her. It''s just that I... like her. Or it''d be right to say that I don''t find her as annoying as others. So, it''s easier to like her."


    "JJ, don''t you think your criteria of liking someone is a bit... weird?"


    Jackie shook his head resolutely, "I don''t think so at all."


    Ava rubbed the apple she had picked from the tree on her clothes to clean it before taking a big bite from it. "JJ, do you mean you are not planning on going out with Ria Jie?"


    "I haven''t thought about it," replied Jackie.


    "Why are you like this?" Ava hit his arm. "If you''re not even taking it seriously, why are you being so nice to her?"


    "I feel like being nice to her," retorted Jackie. "What is wrong with that? Besides, my Sister Xiu taught me that being kind doesn''t cost you money. If you can be nice to someone, then be nice."


    Ava ?r??n?d at him, "What is this? JJ, I thought you''re the smartest one around me."


    "I still am the smartest one around here," said Jackie proudly. He had the highest IQ in the family, he was rightfully proud.


    "But I think you''re really dumb," Ava shot back. "If you''re being nice to a girl, you''re giving her hope. And if you''re not planning on dating her, then you''re just a scumbag!"


    Jackie slapped the back of her head, "I don''t need you to tell me what I am. You''re still 4 years younger than me. Also, I''m your uncle. Not your friend. Don''t just say whatever comes to your mouth."


    "It''s hard to see you as my uncle," she mumbled. "As you just said, we are b?r?ly 4 years apart. What kind of an uncle and niece have 4 years age difference?"


    "I have even met an uncle who is even younger than his nephew!"


    "Huh? Who?" questioned Ava curiously.


    "Ronan is younger than Rowan!" reminded Jackie.


    Ava''s lips twitched as she thought about her dear cousin Rowan''s uncle, Ronan Han. It was indeed as Jackie just said, Ronan was born even after Rowan. What a mess was this family? Everyone''s relationship is twisted around.


    Ava rubbed her forehead, "I keep forgetting that our family has everything one can ask for."


    "Be glad you have such an entertaining family," said Jackie as he took the fruit basket from her and picked his own to leave.


    "Who said I am not glad?" asked Ava as she skipped over to his side and held his arm. "I know I have the best family in the world. It''s a family that can make anyone feel envious." She grinned foolishly to herself as she continued, "I have the coolest and handsome-st grandfather. I have a loving dad and an annoying mom. I even have my Uncle Li who is so caring and loving. And let''s not forget my most awesome Xiuxiu! Even my grandma is a badass fighting criminal in court. Oh, and I also have you!"


    "That''s it?"


    "What?"


    "You added so much with everyone. Even Nora got ''annoying'' attached to her name. What about me? Why was it so bland? ''I also have you?'' That''s all?"


    Ava laughed out, "Why are you being so picky?" She shook his arm in a spoiled manner, "You are my best uncle. How can anyone compare to you? No way! You''re the most special to me."


    "Oh? Am I now?"


    "Yes!" She looked at him, "Don''t you remember that the first person I ever talked to was you? It shows how special you are to me."


    "You don''t even remember that," Jackie pointed out for her. "You''re only 4 back then. You definitely don''t remember that it was only after I threatened you that you started speaking."


    Ava gasped at him, "JJ, how can you do that to poor me?"


    "Poor you? You spoiled brat! You''re throwing your weight around just because your dad was willing to spoil you to heaven. I had to take extreme measures!"


    "Still, you''re still the first one I talked to," she argued in an aggrieved manner.


    "That''s indeed true," agreed Jackie. "And then you loved to cling to me like a piece of sticky gum. It was really annoying."


    "You found me annoying?"


    "I still do," he told her. "But now I have come to love the ''annoying'' you."


    Ava smiled proudly, "Then it doesn''t matter how annoying I am as long as you''re able to go along with me."


    Jackie kicked her leg gently as he said, "Also, stop calling my sister Nora as annoying. She is your mother."


    "Haha..." Ava laughed dryly.. "But it can''t be helped."

 Chapter 992 - Mom Or Dad?

    "Mommy!"


    Xiu looked over to see Rowan running to her side excitedly with a fish in his hands that he seemed to be treasured like a precious pearl.


    "Slow down!" she called out. "Don''t fall down and cry."


    Rowan rushed straight at her and presented her with his precious fish, "Mommy, I caught this for you."


    Xiu looked at the fish he placed in her hands and then looked at her son, "Oh, is it for me? Really?"


    Rowan nodded his head, "Your little tiger spent a lot of effort catching it for you. It''s my very first fish and I want you to have it."


    "Aiya! Our Rowan is really filial."


    "He really loves his mother."


    "What''s there not to love about my sister?"


    As Xiu heard these comments from around her, she glanced at her son who acted shy getting so many compliments. She rolled her eyes at him and said, "Rowan, is it that you want to give this fish to mommy or you want mommy to make this for you?"


    Rowan blinked at Xiu, "Isn''t it the same thing?"


    "Pfft!"


    Xiu sighed out and glared at Dylan who laughed out before saying to her son, "Next time, just tell me you want me to make it for me. There is no need to flatter me so much. I don''t even like people flattering me."


    "You like it when Baba does it," Rowan pointed.


    "What is your Baba''s name?" asked Xiu.


    "Regan Darren Salvay," answered Rowan.


    "And what is your name?"


    "Rowan Derek Salvay!"


    "Is it the same thing?"


    Rowan shook his head.


    "Of course, it''s not the same. You are you and he is he. Your flattering isn''t that fun."


    Darren walked over and placed his hand on Xiu''s mouth as he dragged her away from their son saying, "Sweets, stop doing that your own son."


    "What did I do?" Xiu acted completely innocent. "Isn''t what I said right? You can flatter me all you want. It definitely works. But it doesn''t work for our son. I have to make it clear to him as soon as possible."


    "You really love to say everything to him, eh?"


    "Who told you to spoil him so much?" retorted Xiu. "One has to play the bad cop in this family. I can definitely do the job well."


    "Do you even think it works?" asked Darren.


    "Doesn''t it?" she asked back.


    Darren pointed at Rowan and said, "Look at him. Do you really think he is scared of you?"


    Meanwhile, Rowan was happily jumping around showing off his fish to everyone and he also proudly showed off, "My mommy is gonna grill this fish for me. She is the best at it. It''s gonna taste so yummy!"


    "Little tiger, come here!" said Dylan as he called Rowan over.


    "Yes, Uncle Dylan?"


    "I have a question for you."


    "Okay. Ask away!"


    "Who do you love more? Mom or dad?"


    Rowan opened his eyes to glare at him saying, "Uncle Dylan, don''t you know that''s the most manipulative question in the whole world? How can you ask a kid to choose between his own parents? That is unfair. Both have their good parts and bad parts. But we can''t just give up on our parents. When we make mistakes, our parents don''t give up on us either."


    "Woah! This kid really learned to talk big, eh!" commented Dylan. "Who taught you all of this?"


    "Mommy!" answered Rowan proudly. Even though he wasn''t a genius like his Uncle JJ, he was emotionally immature than most kids his age. The credit obviously goes to his mother who never really treated him like a kid and baby talked with him. She said things as they were. Even if he understood one thing from the ten she said, it''d still be him learning something new.


    "I should have expected this nonsense coming from your mother," stated Dylan.


    Rowan placed his hands on his h?ps looking like a small ?du?t as he said, "Uncle Dylan, you can''t say that. My mommy might not be the best in the world but she is perfect to me. She never told me to be at the top of the class, she only said I need to enjoy my childhood to the fullest. But that doesn''t mean I''m allowed to goof around all the time. She''ll check my homework every single day."


    Even Rowan had come to understand his mother somewhat by now. To him, Xiu was all talk but no action. The most she''d do to punish him was either she won''t let him eat his favorite food or she''ll spank his bottom. But in all honesty, it didn''t even hurt all that much she spanked him. It''s not like he gave her many reasons to spank him either.


    He knew she loved him but he also knew that she seemed to love his dad a lot more than him. And half of her love for him came from the fact that he looked like his dad. It was truly tragic for a son to know that his mother loved his father more than him. What kind of a mother does that?


    He believed there was only one and he was stuck with that one and only piece in the whole world.


    Dylan stood up and walked over to Darren and Xiu. Looking at Xiu, he asked, "Is it okay to let your son understand things this soon in his life? Let him take his time to grow up."


    "Who said I''m not giving him time to grow up?" retorted Xiu. "He can take all his time but that doesn''t mean I''m allowing him to be fooled by people just because he is young."


    "He is young," said Dylan. "Does he have to be this cautious of people?"


    "Yes," said Xiu. "Who said he shouldn''t be?"


    Dylan shook his head at her, "Only you''d raise your son like that. Others tend to pamper their one and only sons."


    "Like your parents did to you?" retorted Xiu. "But I don''t want my little tiger to turn into a brat like you."


    Dylan gritted his teeth and glared at her while she gave him a smile.. Flipping her hair dramatically, she walked right past him.

 Chapter 993 - Proud Peacock

    "No matter how I think about it," started Dylan as he watched Xiu leaving. "I believe our stars just don''t align together."


    Darren bumped his shoulder with Dylan, "Your star doesn''t have to align with hers, it''s enough that mine fits perfectly well with her."


    "Yuck!" was Dylan''s response. "How long have you been even married for? Is it okay to sound so corny even now?"


    "You''re that one person who should never point out what kind of love is between Sweets and me," said Darren quite seriously. "I don''t think I have to remind you how long or what it took for us to be where we are today."


    Dylan became quiet instantly when he heard that. What was left there to say now? Of course, he knew everything about the love that actually managed to come back from death. How could he forget that? He usually did try to ignore this fact but for how long could he ignore it? Deep down in his heart, he knew all of it.


    "Don''t say anymore," said Dylan. "I can''t take it."


    On the other hand, Xiu walked back to her son who loved talking big, and said, "Give me the fish. I''ll prepare it for you."


    Rowan grinned at his mother and offered his fish to her but hesitated before placing the fish in her hand.


    Xiu tapped his small nose, "What now?"


    "Mommy, you teach me how to do it. I''ll do it myself," said Rowan.


    "You?"


    Rowan nodded his head.


    "Why?"


    "Baba says I''m a big boy. I should learn to do my own things now. Doesn''t Baba also cook? Why can''t I do that?" His small face showed his serious expressions as he added, "Besides, I don''t want to tire you out."


    Xiu ruffled his hair, "My little man, stop talking big. I''ll just do it myself. Have you looked at your small hands? How will you handle such a big fish?"


    "It''s not that big though," pointed out Rowan innocently. "Mommy, you tell me how to do it. I promise I''ll do it."


    "Aiyo, my baby, you''ll get hurt," said Xiu in distress. There was no denying it, it was really not easy to raise an emotionally m?tur? kid. But she liked her son this way.


    "That''s alright," said Rowan. "When I fell down the stairs last time, you said kids only grow after falling down a little. A little bit of pain can''t extinguish the fire inside of me."


    Xiu shook her head and held his hand, "Come then. Let''s do it together."


    "Yay!" Rowan jumped up and down excitedly. "Mommy, don''t worry! I''ll be a good ?ssistant."


    "I know," said Xiu. "After all, you''re my son."


    "Mommy, you''re bragging again," said Rowan.


    "How am I bragging?" retorted Xiu with a straight face feeling no shame at all. "Aren''t you, my son?"


    "I am," replied Rowan.


    "Then? Isn''t that what I just said?"


    "No, you''re clearly complimenting yourself by using me," said Rowan.


    "What did you say?" asked Xiu as she raised her brow at him.


    Rowan smiled at her, "I said, even if you fool me, I''ll willingly pretend as if I got fooled."


    Xiu smiled back at him and patted his head, "That''s more like it, my dear baby boy!" Feeling good, she added, "Let me tell you how to clean up the fish before grilling it."


    "Okay!"


    While helping and learning from his mother, Rowan was too happy so he decided to share something with his mother, "Mommy, I wanna be an actor."


    Xiu''s hand movements paused for half a second before she continued her work and nodded her head, "Okay. Best of luck to you, my son!"


    "You agree?" asked Rowan in surprise.


    Xiu looked at him, "What made my son think I won''t agree? It''s your life, baby boy. Not mine. I can''t tell you what to do in life. You''re gonna have to make that choice on your own. Mom can only show you the right way and mom will always accompany you as well."


    Rowan went over and hugged her neck from behind. "I knew it. You''ll agree."


    "Then why did you look so surprised earlier?"


    Rowan pouted, "When I said that to Uncle Bobo he said, the entertainment world is too chaotic. I''m too innocent for it. Also, he said you won''t allow me to be an actor."


    Xiu patted his arms around her neck saying, "Although the entertainment industry is indeed chaotic, that doesn''t mean I''m still as helpless as I once was. I have the power to protect what or whom I love. If that''s the path you really want to walk on, I''ll certainly help you as much as I can."


    "It''s just as I say, my mommy is perfect!"


    "Do you want to enter the industry now?" asked Xiu seriously. She didn''t know where this dream came from but she wasn''t gonna squish it just because she had a bad experience. Besides, she knew she was capable of protecting her son. So, there was nothing wrong with letting him do what he really wished to do.


    "No," replied Rowan. "I''m still too young. But it''s mostly not about age. I feel like I have a lot to learn. Give me two years. I''ll work hard and improve myself. I promise I''ll make you proud."


    "I don''t want my son to carry such a huge burden of making me feel proud. I''m already a proud peacock. You just do what you want and how you want to do it."


    "Then I''ll bring you a lot of awards in the future," promised Rowan.


    Xiu smiled at him, "I''ll be waiting then."


    Rowan gave her a toothy grin as he continued to wonder about his future plans while Xiu observed all the changes on his face. He genuinely looked excited and hopeful for the future. For a split second, Xiu saw herself in him. Back then, at the same age, she also fell in love with the world of acting.. And then it slowly became all of her world.

 Chapter 994 - First Love Is Inherited?

    Behind them, Darren walked over and picked his son off from his wife''s back saying, "How many times I have to tell you to stop hoarding my wife?"


    Rowan squirmed around in his arms, "Baba, I''m your son."


    "I know," said Darren. "Why are you reminding me that?"


    "Because you always need a reminder when my mommy pays a little bit extra attention to me. You always need a reminder!"


    "Then stop hanging around my wife," warned Darren.


    "That''s my mother!" reminded Rowan.


    "First, she is my wife. Then she is your mother," said Darren. "And according to this rule, I come first in her life. I should be the priority."


    "Aiyo, when are you both gonna end this?" questioned Xiu getting a bit impatient with these two. Was she supposed to cut herself into half and half between these two? Why did they always have to argue about this?


    "Sweets, what were you both talking about?" asked Darren.


    Xiu looked at her husband and said, "When we go back home, start building a rack for trophies dedicated to my son."


    "Huh? Why?"


    "Because our son is gonna bring a lot of acting awards in the future," said Xiu proudly and as a matter-of-factly as well. She had full faith in her son.


    Darren looked at his son, "Rowan, you want to be an actor?"


    Rowan nodded his head, "I do. Mommy also agreed that I can."


    "Who is becoming an actor?" asked Xiao Li as he came over to help Xiu with cooking.


    "My son," replied Darren.


    "Huh? Our little tiger wants to be an actor?" questioned Nora.


    "That came as a surprise," stated Dylan.


    "Why the sudden interest in being an actor though?" asked Cali.


    "It must be his Uncle Bobo who influenced him," said Ah-Si.


    "No, he didn''t," answered Rowan decisively. "I want to be an actor like Chen Xiu."


    Xiu was so shocked by his words that she lost her focus and almost got her hand burned. If it wasn''t for Darren whose attention was solely on her, she would have burned her hand for sure. But it couldn''t be blamed on her. She was honestly shocked beyond words when she heard her son say that he wanted to be an actor like Chen Xiu.


    But she wasn''t the only one with an odd expression there. Most of them knew about the link between Xiu and Chen Xiu. So, almost all of them looked surprised.


    Cali looked over at Darren, "Did you pass on your craze for Chen Xiu to your son?"


    Darren glared at her, "I have nothing to do with this."


    Xiu looked at her son and asked, "My baby tiger, Chen Xiu doesn''t appear on tv anymore. Where did you learn about her?"


    "Oh, doesn''t Baba have all of her works in his study room? I took the DVDs to watch," answered Rowan honestly. "There were movies, shows, even commercials, and variety shows. I watched it all. I am a huge fan. I''m gonna be an actor and meet her one day."


    "You can''t meet a dead person though," said Cali thoughtlessly.


    "Cali!" Dylan called her out under his breath.


    "Ha? What?" she questioned Dylan, not understanding what he meant. At least not until she saw the look on Rowan''s face.


    "What do you mean by that?" asked Rowan. He turned to his mother, "Mommy, my favorite actor is no more?"


    Xiu clenched her fists. She never thought bringing up this name again would hurt this much. She had become pretty immune to it. But telling her own son that his favorite actor was dead, was actually hurting her a lot more. It''s not like she could tell him the truth. She had no problem with saying it out loud but she didn''t think her son was ready to hear about her crazy story.


    Darren patted Xiu''s hands and offered her a comforting smile before he picked up his son and said, "Come with me. I''ll tell you all about it."


    Rowan nodded his head but his face still showed that he was extremely sad right now.


    "Did the father''s first love really get inherited by his own son?" asked Cali.


    "I think you should stop already, Cali," said Nora.


    Cali knocked on her own head, "You''re right. I shouldn''t have brought that topic up before Rowan. He must be feeling really sad, right? I remember when I first learned that my aunt was dead, right when I thought I found her, I was really sad as well." She was fretting now, "What should I do now?"


    "Do nothing," said Dylan. "Dazi can manage it on his own."


    "I hope so," said Cali. "I don''t want to scar Rowan''s childhood with my one moment of thoughtlessness."


    Xiu stood up to pat her shoulder, "You don''t have to overthink it. Rowan isn''t a baby. He is growing up. He can understand that nothing can last forever. He might be hurt now but he''ll be fine once he accepts it. Don''t beat yourself over this. You merely stated a truth."


    "You saying it like this is making me feel even guiltier," said Cali.


    "Are you okay?" asked Xiao Li as he silently came to stand behind Xiu.


    "I''m okay," answered Xiu with a smile to him. "It doesn''t even matter now." She patted his back saying, "Now, help me with these ingredients. I can''t depend on anyone else here. They all only know how to create disasters."


    "Hey! I''m not that bad at it," said Nora in her defense.


    "You aren''t that useful in the kitchen either," retorted Xiu playfully.


    Xiao Li could tell that Xiu was trying to distract herself by being playful but he didn''t try to say anything else to her. There was actually nothing to say. He knew that his sister had moved on. It was just that today she was caught off guard by her own son. And that left her shaken for a moment. There was nothing else to it.


    She didn''t even remember when was the last time she had recalled her past time in these years.. She hardly had any time for that.

 Chapter 995 - Dirty Tricks

    Darren his baby boy in his arms as he carried him away to their tent. He zipped it up and placed his son down. At least, he tried to do so but Rowan was hugging his neck tightly as he sniffled like a sad puppy.


    Darren felt his heart clenching seeing his son like this. If he had known this would happen, he''d have actually locked his collection. Of course, he couldn''t throw away his Chen Xiu collection at any cost. No matter what, she was still a part of his life. His Sweets could never escape from her past. And she didn''t have to either.


    He patted Rowan''s back soothingly as he tried to comfort his son. "Rowan..." he called out softly but Rowan didn''t reply. "Talk to me."


    Rowan pulled away from him a little and looked at his father with his teary eyes, "Baba, is she really gone?"


    For a moment, Darren felt like telling him the whole truth about his mother but he held himself back. He knew his son was too young to carry this truth. Even if he had to tell his son the truth, it wasn''t the right time for that. It just wasn''t.


    "She..." Darren hesitated before adding, "Isn''t really gone."


    Rowan looked at his father with a hopeful look in his eyes that had turned red from rubbing so much.


    "People often forget the ones who are gone for good," said Darren. "But someone like Chen Xiu is not really gone. She is still alive. Because..." he tapped his son''s nose as he went on, "Because her little fans like you are keeping her alive in their hearts."


    Rowan''s shoulders slumped down, "You don''t have to coax me like a kid. I can understand what death means. She is gone forever. I''m so sad. I was looking forward to meeting her one day."


    "I''m not coaxing you," said Darren. "I''m telling you the truth. She is alive. If you don''t believe me, ask your momma. Has she ever lied to you before?"


    Rowan shook his head instantly, "Mommy never lies to me about anything." He hesitated before adding, "But how is that even possible?"


    "You first tell me why and how Chen Xiu inspired you to become an actor?" asked Darren.


    Rowan thought about it again and told him, "I don''t know. Just seeing her acting, I felt like she pulled me into another world. And I wanted to become a part of that world. It''s almost like you''re living a different life with each character you play."


    Darren looked at his son and rubbed his head, "You''re truly your mother''s son."


    "What do you mean?"


    Darren shook his head and asked, "Do you still want to be an actor?"


    "Now, I want to become one even more," told Rowan. "Even if she isn''t around, I want to keep her love for acting alive."


    "How do you know she loved acting?"


    "I can see it," retorted Rowan. "I''m a kid and I still managed to see her love for acting. How can anyone miss that out?"


    "Then do your best and make her proud," said Darren.


    "Do you think she''ll be proud?" asked Rowan innocently. "But she isn''t even gonna be able to see me."


    "Trust me, she''ll be seeing you," said Darren. "And she''ll be the one proudest of you as well."


    "Baba..."


    "Hm?"


    "Did you know Chen Xiu?"


    Darren nodded his head.


    "You met her?" Rowan sounded excited when he questioned his father.


    Darren nodded again, "I did meet her."


    "What was she like in person?"


    "A little bit naive and a whole lot of crazy," said Darren and chuckled to himself.


    "I''m asking you about Chen Xiu, not mommy!"


    Darren glanced at him, "There isn''t much difference between the two though."


    "What are you saying?" Rowan frowned at his father. "Chen Xiu is Chen Xiu, mommy is mommy. Although mommy''s name is also Xiu, it isn''t the same thing."


    Darren ruffled his hair, "You don''t have to use your small brain on this. Focus on your present. It''s true that your Chen Xiu is gone but your life is only beginning. Life and death are inseparable. It''s a truth we can only accept, we can neither fight with it nor can we deny it."


    "I understand that," said Rowan as he hugged his knees. "I was just sad that I couldn''t see my idol. That''s a bit unfair. The person who made me fall in love with acting is no more. That''s a big blow."


    "Where do you even learn to talk big?"


    "Mommy," answered Rowan.


    "Right, I shouldn''t forget that."


    "Yes, Baba, you should not forget that." Rowan hesitated for a moment before asking his father, "Do you think I can become an actor like Chen Xiu?"


    "No," answered Darren making Rowan pout. "Chen Xiu was Chen Xiu. You are you. How can it be the same thing? It''s alright for you to look up to her but don''t try to become her."


    "Why?"


    "She was a mess. A complete mess," said Darren honestly. "The reason why she loved acting so much was because, it was her only way to escape the reality of her personal life. I don''t want you to be like that. You have me and your mother with you. It''s okay for you to love acting but don''t ever turn it into a necessity of your life."


    There were certain things that Rowan didn''t understand but that didn''t mean he didn''t not down his father''s words mentally. Even he knew that he was too young to understand everything but he was willing to do so. He didn''t mind putting in a little bit of effort.


    Rowan hugged his father tightly, "Thank you!"


    "For what?"


    "For always supporting me and also telling me that you''re here for me."


    "You''re my only son," said Darren. "If I won''t be there for you, what else am I gonna do?"


    "Still, you''re the best! I love you!"


    "Don''t get chummy with me," warned Darren. "I''m still not sharing my wife with you."


    "That''s my mother!"


    "I don''t care!"


    "I take back my words! You''re not the best!"


    Darren chuckled, "A man should never take back his words."


    "Good thing, I''m just a baby!"


    "Tsk. Such dirty tricks."


    Rowan stuck out his tongue at his father.

 Chapter 996 - Just A Lie

    "Rowan isn''t joining us for dinner?" asked Cali as she noticed that Rowan still hadn''t come out of the tent.


    "He''s gonna eat with his father," answered Xiu. "Don''t worry about him so much. He is fine. He is just using this to exploit his father."


    "He is such a cutie," stated Dylan. "Do you think he is like you?"


    Xiu snorted, "If you think he isn''t like me, then you should think again. He is after all my son. How far do you think an apple can fall from the tree?"


    Dylan narrowed his eyes at her, "I still believe in good. So, I''m just gonna keep believing that our little tiger is like his father and not like his mother who is a wild tiger!"


    "We''ll see about that," said Xiu with a small smile playing on her lips.


    "Xiuxiu, Ria Jie, and I''ll sleep with Rowan tonight," said Ava. "That way he won''t feel alone."


    Xiu looked up to find Ava''s bright eyes blinking at her and then she looked beside her to see Asteria who also nodded to show that she was with Ava on this.


    "If you want to," started Xiu. "Then why not? It''s not like have much control over you two bro-cons!"


    Ava and Asteria didn''t even blush a little at being called ''bro-cons''. They seemed to be quite proud of this title, in fact. Xiu couldn''t possibly understand these young girls. After all, she wasn''t young anymore, and even when she was their age, her thought process must have been vastly different. She neither had a brother to dote on nor did she have a brother who''d dote on her.


    "I''ll also join them," added Jackie from the side making both Xiu and Nora snort.


    "What?" he questioned uneasily. "I''m also worried about my dearest nephew."


    "If you had said that two minutes ago, it would have sounded believable," responded Nora as she shook her head at her brother and ruffled his hair. "And then you say, you don''t know what you''re doing."


    "I really have no idea what you''re saying," said Jackie while pushing her hand away from his hair. Seriously, he was already a high school student, did his sisters have to ruffle his hair like he was a kid? He didn''t need that kind of attention anymore.


    "You can just go and have your youngsters sleepover," stated Xiu. "I don''t think it''s time for you to understand anything."


    Since Xiu had cooked for everyone, she left the clean-up to everyone else. It was a fact that most of them could only create disaster in the kitchen and she had no mood for getting poisoned on this camping trip. That''s why she had taken over the job of cooking without any issue. Besides, she had two capable helpers like Xiao Li and Darren. Those two were enough to make sure she wouldn''t have to do everything on her own.


    The night breeze was a little chilly but it was perfect for this weather. She found herself a spot where she''d get the perfect view of the moon hanging up in the sky. Crossing her arms behind her head, she laid down on the slight slope as she gazed at the moon in silence.


    Since she had walked a little farther from their camping spot, she could only hear the faint sound of voices from the camps. But she could clearly hear the sound of the crickets.


    Suddenly, another figure came to sit beside her and Xiu turned her head to see the side silhouette of the person beside her.


    "Why did you follow me?" asked Xiu.


    "I know you have a lot on your mind," started Nora casually. "So, I came to give you some company."


    "Don''t you think if I have a lot on your mind what I need is silence and not the company?"


    Nora shrugged her shoulders, "I''ll give you silent company."


    "I doubt that," Xiu mumbled to herself and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.


    It didn''t pass two minutes before Nora spoke up, "Moon is quite bright here. You can hardly see it in the city."


    Xiu opened her eyes to glance at her, "Weren''t you gonna stay quiet?"


    "Oh, was I?" Nora scratched her own head.


    "Don''t tell me you became forgetful after becoming a mother."


    Nora clicked her fingers, "That''s right. Don''t they say a woman becomes a little dumb after giving birth?"


    Xiu rolled her eyes at her best friend which Nora couldn''t see because of the darkness surrounding them. "Even if that statement is true, it only happens for three years after giving birth. Your daughter is old enough to go out and buy soy sauce but also old enough to bring a boyfriend home."


    "Boyfriend? Are you kidding me? How old do you think she is?"


    "What? This new generation is fast-paced! They get boyfriend/girlfriend even in kindergarten!"


    "Damn it! I can disagree with those words."


    "People mostly can''t disagree with my nonsense," responded Xiu.


    "So, you do know that 90% of the things that come out of your mouth are nonsense?" Nora''s lips curled up in amusement as she turned her head towards Xiu. Even though she could b?r?ly see Xiu''s face.


    "I am such a nonsense person. What can be done about it?" responded Xiu as she smiled to herself.


    Nora hummed to herself as if in deep thought. She laid down beside Xiu, following her posture as she replied, "What else can be done now? You''re my best friend. I''ll just have to deal with your nonsense for the rest of my life."


    Xiu''s eyes lowered as she thought of something. The light in her eyes dimmed a little. She breathed out and asked, "What if I am not your best friend?"


    "There you go again," laughed Nora. "Talking nonsense!"


    Xiu stared right into her eyes, "But I am being very serious right now. What if I''m really not your best friend? What if I am just a lie?"

 Chapter 997 - A Necessary Lie

    Nora smiled widened as she looked at her, "You are my best friend." She took a pause and added, "You''re never a lie to me. And you can never be."


    "But I''m not Destiny whom you knew," said Xiu in a helpless voice.


    "I know," replied Nora. "You are Xiu, my best friend."


    Xiu sat up when she heard that and looked at Nora incredulously, "Do you understand what I am saying?"


    Nora lazily put one foot over the other as she said, "I do understand it. You''re saying, you''re not Destiny. You''re Xiu. But I already know that. I''m just surprised you''re willing to talk to me about it at this time."


    Xiu didn''t respond for a long while. She was too stunned to even form any words. She always thought she did a good job hiding from Nora but she seemed to have forgotten that Nora was the closest person to Destiny and she also became the closest person to her as well. So, how could she, being the closest person to both Destiny and Xiu, not even tell the difference? Or even notice that both were two different people?


    But even if Xiu understood this in her head, she couldn''t process it well.


    "How long have you known it for?" asked Xiu after a long silence.


    Nora thought about it carefully before answering, "Honestly, I don''t know. Initially, when you said you have amnesia, I accepted it without another thought. But slowly, I noticed how your habits changed. Again, I blamed it on amnesia. Then you became a whole different person and I still blamed it on amnesia." Nora almost wanted to smack her old self for being dense enough to blame everything on amnesia. But as a normal person, she couldn''t possibly make the connection with a soul exchange. "It actually happened after I met my daughter. One day I went home and our cooking lady was watching a tv series. The female lead was reincarnated into another person. And the female lead''s best friend noticed how she was acting differently. I don''t even know why my brain connected that with you."


    "What?" Xiu felt like laughing at how it sounded. Her best friend actually doubted everything after watching a drama? She really wanted to crack open Nora''s head to see what was inside it.


    "Anyway, after that I started paying attention to you like a hawk," confessed Nora. "And the more I noticed, the more I got chills. At that time, my brain was unwilling to believe that amnesia could bring that much change to a person."


    "And that''s when you knew I''m Xiu?"


    Nora shook her head, "Nope! I just figured out that you were not the Destiny I knew. I didn''t know whose soul lived within this body but I was certain it wasn''t Destiny."


    "Then why didn''t you confront me?"


    Nora sighed out, "It was already too late!" She sounded depressed as she stated, "How could I walk to you and ask what are you doing in my best friend''s body? Especially when I already accepted you as my best friend? No, I should say you had already become a sister to me. Destiny was a best friend. A very dear one. But you became a lot more than that. You became family. And I couldn''t bring myself to question my own family."


    Xiu felt her eyes stinging when she heard that.


    "Then now, do you know who I really am?" asked Xiu.


    "I have a nagging feeling that I do know but I never really dwelled over it," answered Nora sincerely. "Because to me, you''d still be the sister who is willing to offer her everything to me. And since you''re willing to offer me everything, do you think I would back out?"


    "Aren''t you mad at me?"


    "For what?"


    "I''ve been lying to you for years," said Xiu. "I''ve been deceiving you for so long."


    "But I don''t think it that way," replied Nora. "It hurt knowing that Destiny was no more. But it was easier to cope with that, knowing that you were still around. Not only that, you never deceived me. Perhaps, our beginning started with a lie but there is no lie about our relationship today."


    "You''ve become m?tur?," commented Xiu.


    "I had to," said Nora. "You always talked big making me sound like an idiot."


    Xiu sat up and rubbed her fingers as she told her, "I never wanted to lie to you. I didn''t even want to hide the truth from you. I thought once I got adjusted to being in a new body, I''ll just come clean with you and distance myself from you. However, you and your family offered me the warmth I really needed and wanted in my life. So, like a greedy person, I desperately tried to hold on to everything you offered. I''m sorry!"


    Nora also sat up and hugged Xiu, "Idiot! If we offered you a little warmth, you returned us with everything you had to offer. Do you really think this apology is needed? I don''t think so. Your lie was necessary. It''s still very necessary." She rubbed Xiu''s back as she went on, "Take Uncle Zemin and his wife, for instance. Do you think it''s okay to tell them that the daughter they found after decades is actually just a shell? Wouldn''t that break them?" She held Xiu''s face in her hands and continued, "I also needed you to be Destiny back then. It was easier for me. Maybe that''s why I took so long to even accept that Destiny was gone because I was not willing to let go. But that didn''t mean I didn''t accept you."


    Xiu rubbed her tears away from her face as she said, "Do you know I have been envious of Destiny for having a best friend like you? I thought if I had someone like you beside me in my previous life, I wouldn''t have ended up so lonely."


    "I don''t know about the previous life but I feel happy that God gifted me with a friend like you," was Nora''s response.

 Chapter 998 - Making Friends

    "Shall I introduce myself for real this time?"


    Nora chuckled and nodded her head, "Sure."


    Xiu held up her hand to her, "Hi, I''m Chen Xiu. Thank you for being the best-est best friend in the world."


    Nora gave her a knowing smile, "So, my nagging feeling was right! You are Chen Xiu!" She held her hand and shook it heavily, "I feel so happy right now. It''s my first time meeting a superstar. I feel surreal."


    Xiu''s brows furrowed up in helplessness, "Nora, are you okay? We''ve been together for over a decade now."


    "It''s different right now," argued Nora. "Right now, I''m meeting you as Chen Xiu, the superstar! It''s different!"


    Xiu shook her head as she asked, "Why did you think I was Chen Xiu?"


    Nora looked into her eyes and told her, "Because that name seemed to have been following you everywhere. It''s like no matter how you ran from this name, it followed you like a shadow. Just take today, for instance, even your son ended up somehow bringing this name back into your life."


    Xiu couldn''t deny those words. "I also thought this name followed me like a curse everywhere. But I realized that it followed me because I''ve been running from it for way too long. I have stopped running now though. I don''t know how or when my son fell in love with Chen Xiu but I am feeling proud. It''s a reminder that I didn''t live my life as Chen Xiu as a waste. I had something in me to inspire people. Even if the one person I managed to inspire was my only son, I still think my life as Chen Xiu was worthwhile."


    Nora took her hand in her own and patted it saying, "Everyone has a role to play in life. You played yours perfectly. Don''t ever think your life wasn''t worthwhile."


    Xiu smiled at her genuinely, "I have another identity though."


    "Huh? There is another one?" Nora was dumbfounded.


    Xiu nodded her head, "Hi, I''m Xin Xiulin. It''s nice to meet you my youngest sister-in-law."


    Nora gaped at her and almost cursed out loud. "No way!"


    "Yes, way!" responded Xiu. "I really am Xin Xiulin. I also got to know a few months before Rowan''s birth."


    Nora scratched her head, "No wonder, my husband is so respectful towards you. And loves you like crazy."


    "I think he loved his daughter more," argued Xiu.


    "That is hard to say," replied Nora.


    "Don''t say it like that. I don''t want to compete with my own niece. I''ll feel petty."


    "Aren''t you petty enough?"


    Xiu glared at Nora, "No, I am not to that level yet."


    Nora thought about something and asked, "Does Darren know? No, what am I even asking? I''m sure he knows."


    "Yes, he does," answered Xiu. "He was the very first person to whom I revealed this truth."


    Nora nodded her head, "Of course, he knows."


    Xiu hugged Nora again and said, "I wanted to tell you even before him. But I was scared that you''d leave me. I didn''t want to lose you."


    "Now, you''re just saying it," Nora pretended to be upset.


    "No, I mean it," insisted Xiu. "I really mean it."


    Nora knocked on her head, "Okay, I''m messing with you. Don''t you dare cry! It doesn''t suit you at all. You look ugly when you cry."


    "So do you!"


    Nora''s shoulder shook with her laughter as she said, "When did I say I shed pretty tears? I''m the ugliest crier around here. But you''re no better!"


    Xiu pouted at her.


    "Thank you for not pushing me away even after you realized the truth," said Xiu.


    Nora wiped her face saying, "How can I push you away? I can never bring myself to push you away, Xiu. Unknowingly, from the moment you entered my life, you were Xiu and not Destiny. Even I don''t know why I always kept the two apart. But I did. You''re always just Xiu to me. I never looked at you like Destiny. I just couldn''t do it."


    "You''re the best-est!"


    "I''m not that great now," Nora pretended to be a bit humble, facing this compliment again from Xiu.


    "No, you are," said Xiu. "At least, to me, you''re what I needed in my life. And that makes you perfect to me."


    Nora shook her head at Xiu, "I also didn''t know I needed a younger sister like you who actually bossed me around like my elder sister."


    "Well, actually, I am older than you," said Xiu.


    Nora straightened up, "Your body is younger than mine."


    "But my soul is older than yours," reminded Xiu.


    "We don''t follow things we can''t see!"


    Xiu laughed out, "Even if I stay as the younger one between us, I''ll still be the boss between us."


    "That''s different!" said Nora. "You can boss me around because I allowed you to do so."


    "That''s true," replied Xiu. "You really let me do all sorts of crazy things." She sighed out, "I suddenly feel like having some wine tonight."


    Nora''s face paled, "No way! Not having any wine!"


    Xiu looked at her horrified expression, "I''m not that bad of a drinker."


    Nora rolled her eyes at her words, "Darling, do you and I have some different kind of definition of a bad drinker? You''re not easy to handle even when you''re sober. Wine Xiu is a whole new level of disaster I am not ready to handle."


    Xiu tsked at her, "Spoilsport! Don''t you miss the fun Wine Xiu?"


    "I don''t!" was Nora''s response. "Even if I haven''t seen her in years, I did not miss her even once!"


    "Such a heartless person you are," said Xiu. "Do you know how many cupcakes Wine Xiu baked for you?"


    "Yeah, so many that I had to give a box to each resident of our building to get rid of the mess she created!"


    "It helped you in making friends," argued Xiu weakly.


    "Not like I needed that kind of help to make friends!"


    And just like that, these two best friends drifted away from the topic of conversation that had been going on.. But both of them didn''t really care since they didn''t think they needed to say anything else.

 Chapter 999 - Dawdling

    "I tried on a dress from last year and it didn''t fit me," lamented Nora as she walked back towards their camp with Xiu. She wasn''t even that old and she usually did maintain her figure, yet she couldn''t fit into the dress she bought just last year. It really was a huge blow to her.


    Xiu tsked at her, "Poor you! I tried on something five-year-old and it still fits perfectly!"


    Nora looked at Xiu''s bragging and narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Really?"


    "Really!"


    "What is it?"


    "A scarf!"


    Nora''s lips twitched her reply and she felt like beating Xiu a little. Seeing how Xiu had burst out laughing, her wish to beat her up intensified. She just couldn''t help it, she raised her hand to hit but Xiu ran away. She ran to her tent and zipped up the entrance. Soon, she pulled down the zipper to make a small opening for her mouth from where she stuck out her tongue at Nora.


    Nora sighed out and shook her head. See? These acts were the reason she couldn''t bring herself to believe that Xiu and Destiny were the same people. Xiu had a playful and wild personality while Destiny had a restrained but gloomy personality.


    Nora looked heavenwards as she muttered, "I hope you''re doing well wherever you are." It was a fact that she would never forget about Destiny in her heart. She was Nora''s first best friend. Xiu ended up becoming her only sister instead. They both had their own place in her heart and life.


    "Sweets, what are you doing so late at night?" questioned Darren in a lazy voice as he yawned.


    Xiu turned around to see that Darren was also inside the tent and she was surprised. She thought he''d still be with the kids but it seemed she was wrong. Soon, her lips stretched into a big smile and like a cat, she crawled over to Darren''s side.


    Throwing her body on his, she said, "It''s not that late."


    Darren had instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist to support her body and smiled when he noticed how her nose was rubbing against the side of his neck. Even her whole body was squirming above her, making it very dangerous. She was doing it on purpose and even an idiot could tell that.


    Darren pinched her waist making her yelp, "Stop seducing me."


    Xiu gave him an aggrieved look with her eyes turning glossy as if they had just been washed with tears. "How can you do that to me? Are you already tired of me?"


    Darren chuckled at her, "I can''t even get enough of you and you''re telling me, I''m tired of you? What nonsense!"


    Xiu pouted at him, "Then why did you stop me?"


    "Isn''t it because I had to remind you of where we are," Darren gestured around them with his eyes as if reminding her that were out camping and they were definitely not alone. The others were also nearby.


    "So? Aren''t we just out camping? What''s the big deal?"


    Darren nodded his head and flipped them over, pinning her body down. Dropping a wet kiss on the crook of her neck, he gazed into her eyes in the dim light and asked in a husky voice, "Then I believe you don''t mind everyone hearing your loud m??ns tonight?"


    Xiu had to bite her lips to stifle the m??n that was threatening the escape because of how Darren''s hands had dived under her shirt and were not rubbing her s?ns?t?v? spots.


    "I didn''t mean it," she managed to breathe out.


    "Oh?" Darren didn''t believe her words at all. "Then who told you to test my patience? Do I like someone with iron self-control?" He kissed her jaw as he went on, "Because I can ?ssure you my darling Sweets that when it comes to you, I don''t even know how to spell self-control."


    "Ah!"


    A needy m??n escaped Xiu''s lips as he pinched her hard n?pp??. She slapped her hands over her mouth to stop herself as she gave him a pleading look.


    "I won''t do it again, let me go now!"


    Darren smiled like a hooligan as he replied, "It''s already too late for that." He bent down and captured her lips with his own. His tongue moved inside her mouth with familiarity while his hands continued to work their magic on her body.


    Xiu slapped his arm, "Aren''t you afraid that someone would know?"


    Darren shrugged his shoulders, "If my adventurous wife isn''t scared, why should I be?" Xiu glared at him while his thumb rubbed her now swollen red lips as he continued, "Besides, I just want to have a good time with my wife. What does that have to do with everyone?" His face came closer to her again. Pressing his lips against her ear, he said, "And if you don''t want anyone to find out, keep your voice down."


    Xiu gritted her teeth and wanted to bite him but before she could do it, Darren''s finger entered her core making her body jerk from the intrusion. Whatever resistance she had was lost at this point. She only wanted to pull him even closer. She hugged his neck to pull him close as he entered the second finger and she bit his shoulder to stop herself from shouting.


    She''d be too embarrassed to face her son if he heard her shameful voice tonight. She only had to make sure the kids didn''t hear anything. As for the rest... They were ?du?ts, she didn''t care about them all that much.


    "Sweets, tell me what you want?"


    Xiu breathed inconsistently as his fingers continued to give her a p???sur? she was all too familiar with and yet she could never get enough of it.


    "You!" she answered without any hesitation. "Stop dawdling and come inside already!"


    Darren chuckled at her reaction, "Such impatience!"


    Although he joked with her, he was also at his limits already. There was only so much time he could spare to tease her. His whole body was aching for her, why else would he take this chance to just pull her into his trap? Even if her intention was just to find a comfortable position when she laid down on him, he had other plans.. And he certainly loved seeing how she fell for it.

 Chapter 1000 - Its Only The Beginning

    Early in the morning, a thief jumped into Xiu and Darren''s tent. He first looked at the sleeping faces of this couple before jumping on them to wake them up.


    "Mommy! Baba! Wake up!"


    Xiu ?r??n?d and hit Darren, "Let me sleep!"


    Darren opened his eyes to stare at his son, "Can''t you let your mom sleep? She is tired!" Darren ??r?ssed Xiu''s face, lovingly gazing at her. He was glad that they had cleaned up everything before sleeping last night. But just thinking about the last night''s affair, Darren''s whole being got excited again.


    In the end, he had to push his excitement down because of this third-wheeler. Oh, he means his son. But then again, his son was really a third-wheeler!


    "Mommy, everyone is already up!" announced Rowan innocently.


    Xiu sighed out, "Just because the world is up, doesn''t mean I have to as well!"


    "Rowan, don''t disturb your mother," said Darren as he sat up. He was already up and couldn''t go back to sleep, unlike his wife who had a special talent in the field of sleep.


    "Why is mommy not waking up?" questioned Rowan.


    Xiu sat up in frustration, "Because your mom is the laziest person alive. Got it?"


    "Got it!" replied Rowan.


    "Good! Now, let me sleep!" saying that, she laid back down but didn''t fall asleep. Instead, in just a minute, she sat up again, "Forget it. I can''t even sleep anymore."


    Rowan excitedly jumped to hug her and asked, "Then, can we play football?"


    "Just because I can''t sleep doesn''t mean I am awake," replied Xiu.


    Darren chuckled at her words while Rowan tilted his head in confusion, "What does that mean?"


    "Stop acting spoiled with your mother," said Darren as he rubbed his son''s head.


    "I want to," insisted Rowan, stubbornly as he buried his face in Xiu''s neck refusing to let go. "You also act spoiled with my mommy."


    "That''s because she is my wife," replied Darren proudly. "It''s my legal right." He took a pause and added with a smirk, "Go and find your own wife to act spoiled with."


    Rowan gave his father a look, "What kind of a father says this to his eight-year-old son?"


    Darren pointed at himself, "This kind of a father does it."


    "You just want to push me away from mommy."


    "If you understand that then why don''t you just leave her alone?" retorted Darren, not at all ashamed at being seen through by his own son.


    "I refuse!"


    Xiu looked at this exchange between father and son in amusement. She was too used to such scenes in their house. It was a fact known to everyone that Darren was the kind of a father who loved to spoil his son to heaven. He doted on Rowan way too much. But he''d become stubborn when it came to her.


    He was okay with giving his son everything but his wife.


    "Stop this pettiness already," interrupted Xiu and looked at the both of them. "If you continue this, I''m gonna get a headache. And you both know how it''ll end once I had a headache."


    Both Darren and Rowan turned into obedient little kids before her. They didn''t dare go against her.


    "Rowan, go and play with your sisters. I''m coming out soon."


    "Okay," Rowan lowered his head and left. But before leaving, he kissed his mother''s cheek saying, "I forgot, I came to give you a good morning kiss."


    Xiu smiled at him and kissed his forehead, "Now, go!"


    Rowan grinned and ran away leaving behind a sulky Darren who put his head on Xiu''s shoulder, "Sweets, I also want a good morning kiss."


    Xiu pinched his chin, "You had a whole feast last night. It wasn''t enough to satiate you?"


    Darren shamelessly shook his head, "I''m still starving."


    Xiu rubbed her waist and glared at him, "Don''t even think about it." She stood up to leave the tent or else she knew she''d fall into his trap again. It was better to escape while she had the chance to do so.


    Darren followed after her and stood behind her as she stretched and took a deep breath in the fresh air. He put his hands around her waist and started gently massaging it.


    It was so comforting that Xiu leaned back against his body and closed her eyes in relaxation. Hearing the sound of cheerful laughter, she opened her eyes and looked over at the kids playing together.


    The ?du?ts were sitting together watching the beautiful sunrise with content smiles on their faces. There was a strange peace in this morning air that had the ability to calm one''s nerves.


    "Everyone looks happy," remarked Xiu emotionally. "I wish this happiness always stays the same."


    "The happiness can''t stay the same," said Darren. "After all, time is always changing." He hugged her from behind and went on, "But I believe if we are all together, the happiness won''t be far from us."


    Xiu nodded her head as she closed her eyes again. With a smile playing on her lips, she said, "Baobei!"


    "Hmm?"


    "I love you!"


    Darren was taken aback by this sudden declaration of love. Of course, it wasn''t his first time hearing it but as always, it was so random coming from her.


    He smiled at her, "I love you too!"


    Xiu turned around to face him and told him, "Do you know, sometimes I think this second chance wasn''t given to me."


    "Huh?"


    "It was your second chance," she told him. "I feel like it''s your desperate cry that touched the heaven and I was sent back to you. Or else, a person like me who had no attachment to this world didn''t really have a reason to live another lifetime."


    Darren pressed his lips against her forehead, "You''re right. It really is my second chance. It was me who desperately needed you to come into my life and teach me how to love again. And also, how to live again."


    "But I think it''s you who taught me how to love," argued Xiu. "It''s you who gave me a warm home that belongs to us. Just us."


    Darren pinched her nose, "Silly, we both needed each other. And we both found each other. And it''s only the beginning. I don''t think I''ve managed to even tell you how much I really love you."


    "There is more to this love?"


    Darren nodded his head and smiled at her, "As I said, it''s only the beginning!"


    Xiu looked around her and leaned her head against his ?h?st. It was indeed just the beginning. They had a long life ahead of them. They had a beautiful family of their own. They still had a lot of good and bad days ahead of them. How could it be the end?


    "It''s only the beginning, indeed," she muttered to herself with a content smile.