《Love Me Again》


 Chapter 0 - Love Me Again Introduction

    Love Me Again Introduction


    That¡¯s right! She¡¯s just that high and mighty, holding no one in her sight


    With a sharp tongue and toxic mouth; vile and impossible to get along with


    Not to mention she changes boyfriends like she changes clothes, regularly gracing the headlines of gossip magazines


    It¡¯s best that he knows her true face now and leave, the further the better


    And stop acting like a fool, chasing after what he can never obtain¡ª¨C


    She and he, will never be together!


    This had been destined since the love-hate disputes of the previous generation


    Yet a shocking plane crash gave her another chance at life


    And let her discover an infatuation she never would have imagined¡ª¨C


    The man that she had always fought and competed against, who wanted to steal what was rightfully hers


    To think he was actually¡­ silently and secretly in love with her!


    His deep and immeasurable love, and the stupid things he had done in the name of love


    She didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry, yet her heart can¡¯t help but ache


    But she had already decided, no matter how many lifetimes she lives


    She would never be like her mother, a weakling controlled by love


    So over and over again, she can only push him away while hurting herself¡­.

 Chapter 1

    Luo An Hai didn¡¯t expect that one day she would witness her own funeral.


    The last thing she remembered was being on a plane to England for business negotiations. If she had succeeded then the majority of shareholders would vote her way, and she would become the CEO of Luo¡¯s company.


    But she didn¡¯t expect the plane crash.


    Her last thought was that ten years of hard work fell down the drain. She had endured ten years living at the Luo Mansion, and fought to keep the homewrecker and the homewrecker¡¯s son, Han Ting Hua taking Luo¡¯s company from her hands.


    She couldn¡¯t accept the moment her dream was within grasp, her life would end in a plane crash.


    A second after the plane crash, she was standing in front of her tombstone.


    Her father had aged since the last time she saw him.


    She froze. Unexpectedly her father was sobbing at her funeral. She hadn¡¯t called the aged man her father since their estrangement the day he brought home the homewrecker and Han Ting Hua.


    She resented her father for marrying her mother for money. Her mother loved her father deeply. But what did her mother receive? Her mother ended up dying of a lonely heart.


    Three months after her mother¡¯s death, her father had the audacity to marry the homewrecker. She didn¡¯t doubt her father would have divorced her mother if her mother didn¡¯t cling onto their loveless marriage.


    She didn¡¯t want her father to live a happy life with the homewrecker and Han Ting Hua if her mother had to live a miserable life of pain because of them.


    Even at the funeral the homewrecker was a good actress, but she wasn¡¯t fooled by the homewrecker¡¯s fake tears.


    She hated the three of them. Her father treated Han Ting Hua as if he was her father¡¯s biological son. Living at the Luo Mansion, she was the outsider while the three of them were a happy family. She was her father¡¯s biological daughter yet he had wanted to give Luo¡¯s company to Han Ting Hua.


    She scoffed at the young man¡¯s indifference. Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t need to attend her funeral if he just wanted to gloat at her downfall.


    She fisted her hands. She was powerless to do anything to change her fate. What could she do six feet under?


    Instinctively she followed the three of them back to the Luo Mansion. It was their home, not her home. Even if the Luo Mansion wasn¡¯t her home, it rightfully belonged to her after her mother¡¯s death.


    The dark empty spacious room at the Luo Mansion was her bedroom. Suddenly someone stepped into her bedroom.


    Why did Han Ting Hua enter her bedroom? He couldn¡¯t see her while he was stroking the photo of her on the bedside table. Did he want to tear her bedroom apart and renovate it? She waited for him to make his next move, but he only sat on her bed and stared at the photo of her.


    He didn¡¯t leave her bedroom until sunrise. She didn¡¯t understand his odd behavior. But she expected he was plotting to steal everything that belonged to her, including Luo¡¯s company.


    She didn¡¯t expect he would return to her bedroom after work, and that he would sit solemnly on her bed staring at the photo of her again.


    She didn¡¯t understand why he didn¡¯t break everything in her bedroom. Why did he keep everything in her bedroom at the same spots she left them before her plane crash? How could she get answers if he couldn¡¯t hear her? All she could do was watch events unfold in front of her eyes.


    A year later, on her birthday, Han Ting Hua brought a birthday cake into her bedroom. He stared at the photo of her until the candles waned.


    During that year, her confusion and suspicion turned to curiosity and acceptance. She silently watched Han Ting Hua¡¯s odd daily routines.


    Years later, her father and the homewrecker died. Han Ting Hua was living alone in the Luo Mansion. Why didn¡¯t Han Ting Hua get married? She didn¡¯t understand why Han Ting Hua turned down all the hot young women who chased after him because of his good looks and status.


    For years, Han Ting Han maintained her bedroom in its original condition, and he stared at the photo of her at night. She was frustrated she couldn¡¯t understand Han Ting Hua¡¯s odd behavior.


    The next year, Han Ting Hua adopted an orphaned boy, and raised the orphaned boy like a biological son.


    After Han Ting Hua¡¯s adoptive son grew up, Han Ting Hua fainted often. She heard Han Ting Hua¡¯s doctor say he had lung cancer. Despite the doctor¡¯s advice, he didn¡¯t undergo lung cancer treatments and his health rapidly deteriorated.


    She didn¡¯t understand why Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t fear death. It was as if he wanted to die sooner.


    Her frustrations grew as Han Ting Han¡¯s body withered away. What was wrong with him? Why didn¡¯t he undergo lung cancer treatments? Why did he skip meals? Why did he sit in her bedroom and stare at the photo of her after every time he fainted?


    Finally she witnessed Han Ting Hua¡¯s funeral. She ran to his tombstone, and didn¡¯t know why her hand instinctively touched tenderly the photo of him on his tombstone.


    She remembered Han Ting Hua¡¯s last day. He had held the photo of her, his usual solemn lips actually smiled, he whispered ¡®An Hai¡¯ and he died.


    ¡®Idiot,¡¯ she said and sobbed.


    She clutched her chest. Why did her heart hurt immensely when she was dead?


    ***


    In the midst of Luo An Hai¡¯s continuous sobbing, she heard someone calling her.


    ¡®Mistress,¡¯ Mrs. Chen called.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s eyes opened widely, and a blurry face of a younger Mrs. Chen appeared.


    ¡®Mrs. Chen?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    How did Mrs. Chen see her? She remembered Mrs. Chen left the Luo Mansion to live with Mrs. Chen¡¯s daughter-in-law and to take care of Mrs. Chen¡¯s grandchildren when she was a twelve-year-old.


    At her funeral, Mrs. Chen had sobbed as much as her father. She looked at her surroundings. Why wasn¡¯t she at the cemetery? What was she doing in her bedroom at the Luo Mansion?


    ¡®Mistress, did you dream about your mother?¡¯ Mrs. Chen asked, looking worried. ¡®Your mother was stubborn. What good did stubbornness do for your mother? I can¡¯t believe your mother hasn¡¯t been gone that long, and yet your father remarried. Your father told the household that he¡¯s bringing his new wife and her son here today.¡¯


    Mrs. Chen¡¯s heart hurt for Luo An Hai. How could Luo An Hai¡¯s father be that inconsiderate and bring home a step-mother for Luo An Hai so soon after Luo An Hai¡¯s mother¡¯s death? What if Luo An Hai¡¯s step-mother mistreats Luo An Hai?


    While Mrs. Chen worried about Luo An Hai¡¯s well-bring, Luo An Hai¡¯s heart was full of confusion and suspicion. She didn¡¯t understand what Mrs. Chen meant by her father¡¯s new wife.


    ¡®Mrs. Chen, did my mother pass away three months ago?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    ¡®Yes mistress,¡¯ Mrs. Chen said. ¡®Your father isn¡¯t a man. How can a man marry another woman just three months after your mother¡¯s passing?¡¯


    Mrs. Chen¡¯s reply confirmed Luo An Hai¡¯s chaotic suspicion.


    ¡®Mrs. Chen, can you go outside?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked. ¡®I want alone time to clear my head.¡¯


    ¡®Mistress, you look pale,¡¯ Mrs. Chen said. ¡®Do you want me to call a doctor?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m fine,¡¯ Luo An Hai said, smiling faintly. ¡®Mrs. Chen, I think I heard someone at the front door. Perhaps they¡¯re here. You should go greet them.¡¯


    ¡®Mistress, have you forgotten?¡¯ Mrs. Chen asked. ¡®Your father told you he wants you to greet them at the front door.¡¯


    Mrs. Chen was angry at Luo An Hai¡¯s father. What sort of a father demanded their grieving daughter to welcome a step-mother after losing their mother three months ago? But Mrs. Chen understood a servant like her had no right to lecture Luo An Hai¡¯s father.


    ¡®Mrs. Chen, I¡¯ll come downstairs soon,¡¯ Luo An Hai said calmly, but there were goosebumps on her legs. ¡®I just need to wash my face and brush my hair to look presentable.¡¯


    Luo An Hai jumped out of bed after Mrs. Chen left her bedroom. She rushed to the bathroom, and her younger self that was looking back at her made her body tremble.


    A familiar wrinkled blue nightgown was baggy on her younger lanky body, her hair was naturally black and sad autumn brown eyes reflected out of the mirror.


    Her fourteen-year-old self looked so naive, self-righteous and rebellious. Her heart couldn¡¯t believe what her eyes proved. She had heard of wormhole theories and time travel, but they belonged in movies and books. She didn¡¯t expect time traveling to the past would happen to her.


    For years her soul had roamed around the Luo Mansion after the plane crash. Yet when her soul was reborn, it entered her fourteen-year-old body on the same day her father brought home the homewrecker and Han Ting Hua.


    Memories of her resentment toward her father and the homewrecker flooded her mind. She had hated her heartless father who gave everything that belonged to her to the homewrecker and Han Ting Hua. She had caused tension in the Luo Mansion to make their lives miserable. Only her mother¡¯s servants were loyal to her, and everyone else had hated her.


    But memories of Han Ting Hua living like a foolish monk after her death also flooded her mind. She couldn¡¯t forget even on his last day, he had held the photo of her.


    ¡®What a foolish man,¡¯ Luo An Hai whispered.


    She fisted her hands. Even if she had travelled back to the past, she couldn¡¯t let go of her resentment. The difference was Han Ting Hua¡¯s foolish behavior softened her resentment.


    She heard her father¡¯s car, and the sounds of footsteps on the pavement. Without hesitation she ran barefoot downstairs, and met them at the front door.


    ¡®An Hai,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua called.


    Luo Cheng Hai couldn¡¯t believe his daughter would greet his new wife wearing a nightgown. But he was happy his daughter listened to him, and came downstairs so he let it slide.


    ¡®An Hai, come here and greet your step-mother,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said.


    Luo An Hai took a step closer to them.


    ¡®Hello An Hai,¡¯ Mai Fang greeted nervously.


    Luo An Hai wasn¡¯t dazzled by the forty-year-old gentle looking Mai Fang in a conservative dress. She never understood why her father loved a plain woman like Mai Fang compared to her beautiful mother.


    No matter how much Mai Fang tried to please her, she had always hated Mai Fang. But after her death, she didn¡¯t expect Mai Fang knew her favorite dishes and brought them often to her tombstone.


    Mai Fang felt self-conscious having Luo An Hai stare at her so she quickly introduced her son.


    ¡®An Hai, this is my ten-year-old son Ting Hua,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®He¡¯s your new younger brother. Ting Hua, greet your new big sister.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua stared rigidly at Luo An Hai.


    ¡®Ting Hua, don¡¯t be rude toward your big sister,¡¯ Mai Fang chastised.


    Han Ting Hua sealed his lips and turned his head away from Luo An Hai.


    ¡®Ting Hua!¡¯ Mai Fang called.


    Mai Fang couldn¡¯t believe her son who usually was well-mannered decided to choose the first day meeting Luo An Hai to be rude.


    ¡®Mai Fang, go easy on Ting Hua,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®Ting Hua¡¯s still young. He¡¯s not used to his new home yet.¡¯


    Luo An Hai watched her father pat Han Ting Hua¡¯s head and smiling endearingly, but her father¡¯s smile disappeared when he looked at her.


    ¡®An Hai, starting today you¡¯re Ting Hua¡¯s big sister,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®I want you to take good care of Ting Hua.¡¯


    Luo An Hai never understood why her father only reserved his affections for Mai Fang and Han Ting Hua, but her father was always cold toward her. Her father rarely made eye contact with her. He only spoke to her out of anger if she provoked him or voice his disappointments toward her. She used to believe her father hated her, and he wouldn¡¯t shed a single tear at her funeral. But at her funeral, he had aged tenfold and sobbed like a broken man.


    ¡®I will,¡¯ Luo An Hai said softly.


    Luo Cheng Hua didn¡¯t know how to react to his daughter¡¯s sudden obedience. He had prepared mentally to expect his daughter¡¯s anger. He didn¡¯t expect his daughter to behave like a mature adult.


    Luo An Hai wasn¡¯t surprised by her father¡¯s stunned reaction. Her rebellious younger self suddenly being obedient would make anyone stunned. But her death had opened her eyes, and she knew being rebellious led to nowhere. Her father, Mai Cheng and the foolish Han Ting Hua weren¡¯t truly her enemies.


    ¡®Hey little boy, follow me upstairs,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    She walked upstairs and didn¡¯t turn around to check if Han Ting Hua had followed her.


    Luo Cheng Hua and Mai Fang on the other hand were shocked Luo An Hai easily accepted Han Ting Hua as a little brother.


    ¡®Ting Hua, hurry up and follow your big sister upstairs,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Han Ting Hua was nudged toward the stairs by his mother. He looked up at Luo An Hai¡¯s back, and hesitated. He turned around, his mother nodded so he ran upstairs.


    ***


    Luo An Hai led Han Ting Hua to the third floor of the Luo Mansion. The third floor used to be her domain. Besides her bedroom there was a study room, a music room and a guest room on the third floor. But her father had contractors convert the guest room into Han Ting Hua¡¯s bedroom.


    Perhaps her father naively thought if she and Han Ting Hua lived together within close quarters then overtime she and Han Ting Hua would bond.


    In the past she didn¡¯t make an effort to get along with Han Ting Hua. No matter how much she provoked him, he would always act like a stone and not react to provocation, not even one facial flinch. Looking back she regretted how petty she acted toward him, and how much she undermined him to stop him from being CEO of Luo¡¯s company while she was alive. If she was in his shoes, she would think it wasn¡¯t worth fighting with a hot headed petty person.


    The young Han Ting Hua looked like a little school boy who didn¡¯t reach her shoulders in his plain white shirt and pants. Back then she didn¡¯t look closely at the expression in his eyes. If she had, she would have noticed a subtle vulnerableness in his eyes as if he feared rejection. It was her compulsive nature to capitalize on an opponent¡¯s weakness.


    ¡®Are you scared of me?¡¯ she asked, peering down at him.


    He was young, but he understood when someone tried to intimidate him. He took a step back, and put his guard up. If he showed a hint of fear, his opponent would break him down.


    His biological father died years ago, it was his adoptive mother who raised him. The uncertainty of his family life at a young age had forced him to mature sooner than children his age.


    When a group of boys ganged up on him, he didn¡¯t back down. He fought back to protect himself and won. He walked home with pride, cuts and bruises that broke his adoptive mother¡¯s heart while his adoptive mother tended to the cuts and bruises on his body.


    Later his adoptive mother met uncle Luo. Uncle Luo bought them clothes, sent him to a private school and gave them protection against people like the group of boys who picked on him because he came from a poor single parent family.


    He understood uncle Luo was a married man, and it was wrong for uncle Luo and his adoptive mother to have a love affair. His adoptive mother had broken in front of him, she apologized that she was in love with a married man. Uncle Luo¡¯s financial support lifted a heavy burden off her shoulders, and secured a good future for him.


    Last night his adoptive mother explained to him that Luo An Hai was going to be his new big sister, and no matter how much Luo An Hai was going to mistreat him, he couldn¡¯t retaliate because his adoptive mother had hurt Luo An Hai and Luo An Hai¡¯s mother deeply.


    He listened to his adoptive mother, and let Luo An Hai make the next move.


    Luo An Hai didn¡¯t get any pleasure tormenting Han Ting Hua who wasn¡¯t intimidated by her.


    She sat on the sofa and pointed at the tea set on the coffee table.


    ¡®This is your bedroom,¡¯ she said. ¡®Pour me a cup of tea.¡¯


    He silently poured her a cup of tea.


    ¡®What a good boy,¡¯ she said and accepted the cup of tea from him. ¡®Listen, I don¡¯t want to play mind games with you. The truth is I hate you.¡¯


    He didn¡¯t react to her direct cut.


    ¡®I hate your mother too,¡¯ she said. ¡®I don¡¯t want to play happy siblings with you. Never forget who you are. You¡¯re from the Han family, and I¡¯m from the Luo family. We¡¯re not siblings. You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m going to tolerate your presence in my home. Make sure you stay out of my way, and don¡¯t cause trouble for me. The most important thing is that you should hate me too.¡¯


    She put down the empty cup of tea on the coffee table and walked out of his bedroom.


    ¡®I¡¯ll never call you big sister,¡¯ he said.


    At the door she turned around. He looked directly into her eyes and spoke with an air of a man.


    ¡®You¡¯ll never be my big sister,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®You¡¯re right,¡¯ she said. ¡®I¡¯ll never be your big sister.¡¯


    She had flashbacks of her mother¡¯s family having no control over her father. Whatever her mother¡¯s family invested in her father, he made them richer by tenfold. So her mother¡¯s family had to turn a blind eye to her father¡¯s affair with Mai Fang. After her mother died, he parted ways with her mother¡¯s family who opposed him marrying Mai Fang. Her mother¡¯s family were powerless to stop him from marrying Mai Fang because their company relied heavily on Luo¡¯s company.


    She wasn¡¯t close to her mother¡¯s family except for her maternal grandfather. After her mother and maternal grandfather died, her father invested her trust fund and gave her full control of her trust fund after she turned twenty-one. So by the time she turned twenty-one, she was rich enough to never worry about money problems. But being rich wasn¡¯t enough for her. She had wanted to see her father, Mai Fang and Han Ting Hua be miserable and pay for hurting her mother.


    Looking back, she was naive in her past life. Although her resentment toward them lessened, she still couldn¡¯t forgive them.


    The next morning, she silently ate breakfast at the dining table opposite Han Ting Hua. Her father sat at the head of the dining table, and Mai Fang sat where her mother used to sit next to her father.


    ¡®Cheng Hua, you should cut back on coffee,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    ¡®Fine, I¡¯ll listen to you,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said, switching a cup of coffee for a glass of milk.


    She couldn¡¯t stand her lovesick father and lost her appetite. She put down her glass of milk and stood to leave for school.


    ¡®An Hai,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua called. ¡®Wait for Ting Hua to finish his breakfast. His school is near your school.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua quickly finish off his breakfast.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, this is your lunch box and pocket money,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®An Hai, I made you a lunch box too. Do you want to take it to school?¡¯


    Luo An Hai looked at the three tier lunch box Mai Fang always prepared for her. She used to knock it out of Mai Fang¡¯s hands. Her father would be angry at her, but Mai Fang always asked her father to calm down. Back then she couldn¡¯t stand Mai Fang¡¯s presence, and said she didn¡¯t want to eat lunch made by a prostitute. Her father raised his hand to slap her face, but Mai Fang protected her. She had looked contemptuously at them, called her father blind old man and walked to the car.


    She didn¡¯t want to repeat a foolish past so she accepted the lunch box from Mai Fang and walked to the car.


    Luo Cheng Hua and Mai Fang were surprised at how calmly Luo An Hai accepted the lunch box.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, listen to your big sister,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Han Ting Hua nodded, and followed Luo An Hai to the car.


    In the car, she looked out the window and ignored Han Ting Hua. He wasn¡¯t bothered and read a book.


    ¡®Hey, are you a dummy who only knows how to obey your mother and big sister?¡¯ she asked, turning her head to face him.


    He put the book on his lap and made eye contact with her.


    ¡®My mother asked me to get along with you,¡¯ he said. ¡®Besides, didn¡¯t we agree yesterday that you¡¯re not my big sister?¡¯


    Luo An Hai looked out the window again. It wasn¡¯t fun picking on a smart-ass little boy.


    ***

 Chapter 2

    Luo An Hai used to be obsessed with opposing her father and Mai Fang that she didn¡¯t care about having a school social life. In her first lifetime she didn¡¯t have close school friends. But she lived a healthy life, no drugs, alcohol, clubbing and she wasn¡¯t in a gang.


    She was always ranked first academically at school, because she thrived competition. Although she inherited her mother¡¯s beauty, boys were intimidated by her and they didn¡¯t pursue her.


    At school she didn¡¯t have friends, but being her father¡¯s daughter meant students feared offending her. She was a snob toward fake students who tried to befriend her because their families wanted business connections with Luo¡¯s company.


    Being a thirty-year-old woman trapped in her fourteen-year-old body was tedious during school lessons.


    At lunch time she considered going home, but Han Ting Hua appeared and he plonked his lunch box on her desk.


    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ she asked.


    The last time she checked, he wasn¡¯t a student at her school. Who let him into her school? It looked like he came to eat lunch with her.


    ¡®It¡¯s a half-day at my school,¡¯ he said. ¡®My mother asked me to eat lunch with you, and I¡¯ll be driven home after lunch.¡¯


    Half-day? She didn¡¯t remember anything about his school having half-days. But back then she used to knock lunch boxes out of Mai Fang¡¯s hands so Mai Fang wouldn¡¯t ask him to eat lunch with her in case she mistreated him.


    Her accepting Mai Fang¡¯s lunch box in the morning must have changed the sequence of life events.


    ¡®Why won¡¯t you this obedient in the car this morning?¡¯ she asked.


    She didn¡¯t know why the sight of him put her in a talkative mood.


    He opened his lunch box. On the top tier were fruit slices, the middle tier were ribs with vegetables and the bottom tier were rice and omelette.


    She salivated watching him eat the omelette.


    On the other hand, he had no choice when his mother asked uncle Luo¡¯s driver to take him directly to Luo An Hai¡¯s classroom for him to eat lunch with Luo An Hai.


    The sight of him eating made her hungry. She picked up the lunch box Mai Fang prepared for her and opened it. Her lunch box had fruit slices, a small milk carton, scrambled eggs with tofu vegetables and combination noodles. How did Mai Fang know her favorite dishes?


    ¡®Last night my mother asked Mrs. Chen what are your favorite dishes,¡¯ he said.


    His adoptive mother ignored Mrs. Chen¡¯s cold treatment, and pestered Mrs. Chen until Mrs. Chen divulged all of Luo An Hai¡¯s favorite dishes. His adoptive mother even bought a new blue lunch box for Luo An Hai because blue was Luo An Hai¡¯s favorite color.


    She stared at her opened lunch box and knew Mrs. Chen must have given Mai Fang a hard time, but she wasn¡¯t moved by Mai Fang¡¯s gesture.


    ¡®Does your mother think she can buy my approval with a lunch box?¡¯ she asked, chewing the combination noodles. ¡®Tell your mother to keep dreaming.¡¯


    Regardless how delicious Mai Fang¡¯s food was, she would always resent Mai Fang.


    He silently ate because whatever he said would only fuel her.


    Even though no one at school dared to pick on her, they naively saw him as easy prey.


    ¡®Am I seeing things?¡¯ Ly asked. ¡®Luo An Hai, are you eating a homemade packed lunch? And who is this little boy? I didn¡¯t know you had a relative at school.¡¯


    She wasn¡¯t interested in replying to a teen bimbo. But news travelled fast. Of course everyone in her school knew his mother was her father¡¯s new wife. Since the bimbo wanted to provoke her then she¡¯d play along.


    ¡®Miss Ly, this is my father¡¯s distant relative, Mr. Han,¡¯ she said. ¡®We don¡¯t share the same family name.¡¯


    The female student backed off after Luo An Hua¡¯s warning, and ran away.


    ¡®Little boy, what are you looking at?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®Looks like you have some classmates who are either scared of you or hates you,¡¯ he said.


    He wasn¡¯t blind. He noticed how her classmates kept their distance from her.


    ¡®You¡¯re wrong,¡¯ she said. ¡®I have many classmates who hates me.¡¯


    ¡®Do you like being a loner?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Yes, I rather be alone than be surrounded by people I hate,¡¯ she said. ¡®I especially hate anyone with a Han family name.¡¯


    She wanted no future with him.


    ¡®I heard my teacher say there is a thin line between love and hate,¡¯ he said. ¡®Do you think it¡¯s true?¡¯


    Her face turned red and she lost her appetite. She didn¡¯t understand why a thirty-year-old woman couldn¡¯t combat a smart-ass little boy.


    ¡®Little boy, have you heard of different degrees of hate?¡¯ she asked. ¡®My biggest pet hate is horrible people acting innocent. Especially gold diggers who act innocent to attract a rich prey.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t understand why he looked so pitiful after she died. He should have forgotten everything about her, including her name and moved on with his life. Why was he such an idiot? She couldn¡¯t stand being in the same room as him, and ran outside the classroom.


    At the school front gate she heard running footsteps behind her. She turned around and saw him running toward her.


    ¡®Why are you following me?¡¯ she asked. ¡®You should go home.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry if I said anything to upset you,¡¯ he apologized.


    He didn¡¯t know what he did to upset Luo An Hai. But his mother said he had to apologize if he upsets Luo An Hai.


    ¡®I don¡¯t need your fake apology,¡¯ she said.


    He didn¡¯t know how to comfort upset girls.


    ¡®What do you want me to do so you won¡¯t be upset anymore?¡¯ he asked.


    She was surprised by his question, and contemplated what he should do to forget her in the future.


    ¡®Never enter my bedroom,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Even if I¡¯m not in my bedroom, you¡¯re not allowed to enter my bedroom,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Oh,¡¯ he said.


    What he wanted to say was he had no interest in her bedroom. But if agreeing with her made her happy then he¡¯d play along.


    ¡®And you can¡¯t¡­¡¯ she said and noticed a gang of boys from a nearby public school. ¡®What are you brats looking at?¡¯


    ¡®Aren¡¯t you the ice beauty Miss Luo?¡¯ the gang leader asked. ¡®Do you want my friends and I to show you a good time?¡¯


    Han Ting Hua frowned and stood in front of Luo An Hai to protect her.


    The gang members laughed at a shortie like Han Ting Hua standing up to them.


    ¡®Little boy, do you want to play the hero?¡¯ the gang leader asked. ¡®Get out of my way now or I¡¯ll beat up.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua kicked the gang leader¡¯s leg.


    ¡®Ah! You little punk!¡¯ the gang leader said. ¡®Boys, bash him!¡¯


    Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t run away. He grabbed one of the gang members¡¯ raised arm and he bit the arm.


    ¡®Ah! Let go you little punk!¡¯ the bitten gang member said and pushed Han Ting Hua to the ground.


    ¡®Run!¡¯ Han Ting Hua said to Luo An Hai.


    Han Ting Hua got up from the ground and charged at the gang leader to buy time for Luo An Hai to escape.


    ¡®Little punk, I¡¯ll grant your death wish!¡¯ the gang leader said and pulled out a pocket knife.


    Luo An Hai grabbed the gang leader¡¯s arm and twisted his arm until he dropped the knife. She picked up the knife and held the knife against his neck.


    She wasn¡¯t a damsel that needed saving. She had martial arts training to vent her anger, and knew how to fight with weapons. Dealing with a school yard brat was no sweat for her.


    ¡®Little brats, back off or your bratty leader will be dead meat,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Boys, stop fighting!¡¯ the gang leader panicked.


    The boys listened to their gang leader and stopped fighting.


    ¡®Little brats, kneel on the ground,¡¯ she ordered.


    ¡®Miss Luo, please spare me,¡¯ the gang leader said. ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯


    ¡®Spare you?¡¯ she asked. ¡®I¡¯ll spare you if you break your right arm that you used to take out this knife.¡¯


    The gang leader was too scared to reply.


    ¡®Hey, the big brat over there,¡¯ she said. ¡®Fetch a rock and break your bratty leader¡¯s right arm.¡¯


    The gang members were wrong to lust after the scary ice beauty.


    ¡®Little hooligans, what are you doing loitering around private property?¡¯ a bodyguard asked from the distance.


    She dropped the knife on the ground before the bodyguard reached the school front gate.


    ¡®Little brat, if you and your bratty friends cause trouble for me again, I¡¯ll chop off your arms,¡¯ she said. ¡®Now scram.¡¯


    ¡®Yes Miss Luo,¡¯ the gang leader said.


    The gang members ran away like scared chickens.


    Han Ting Hua ignored the painful cuts and bruises on his face. He brushed dirt off his clothes and wiped blood off the corner of his mouth.


    ¡®Miss Luo, Mr. Han, are you two hurt?¡¯ the bodyguard asked.


    The bodyguard was relieved Mr. Luo¡¯s daughter didn¡¯t have a scratch on her face.¡¯


    ¡®Still alive,¡¯ she said and walked off with Han Ting Hua. ¡®Little boy, learn to measure your own strength.¡¯


    Later at the Luo Mansion, Luo Cheng Hua lectured his daughter because of Han Ting Hua¡¯s injuries. Luo Cheng Hua said it was his daughter¡¯s fault for skipping lessons. If she didn¡¯t skip lessons then she and Han Ting Hua wouldn¡¯t run into hooligans.


    Luo An Hai refused to admit she did anything wrong. Her father grounded her in her bedroom and made her fast until she apologized. If she chose to be stubborn, her father would hire a teacher to home school her.


    She wasn¡¯t fazed by her father¡¯s trivial threats. Instead of explaining what happened, she turned on music and had a relaxing bath.


    After taking a bath, she dried her hair and got ready to take a nap.


    Someone knocked on her bedroom door. The door opened, it was Han Ting Hua holding a platter of apple juice and bowls of herbal soups.


    She wasn¡¯t moved by the cuts and bruises on his face. It was the herbal scents that tickled her nostrils.


    ¡®My mother is stalling uncle Luo,¡¯ he said. ¡®She asked me to secretly bring you dinner.¡¯


    ¡®Your mother is good at sucking up to people,¡¯ she said. ¡®What are you doing standing at the door? Why aren¡¯t you coming into my bedroom?¡¯


    ¡®You said I¡¯m not allowed to enter your bedroom,¡¯ he said.


    She took a deep breath and exhaled. ¡®I¡¯m giving you permission to enter my bedroom on this occasion.¡¯


    He entered her bedroom and placed the platter on the coffee table.


    ¡®How does it feel to be a punching bag?¡¯ she asked, sipping apple juice.


    ¡®At least you¡¯re not injured,¡¯ he said.


    He didn¡¯t care if he was a punching bag because he was a boy. But he didn¡¯t want to see anyone hurt a girl.


    She gripped the glass of apple juice. ¡®Little smart-ass, I don¡¯t need you to play the hero to protect me.¡¯


    ¡®I would have done the same thing for a stranger,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®I see,¡¯ she said. ¡®If you want to act like an idiot, don¡¯t be one in front of me. Understand?¡¯


    He was confused. He didn¡¯t know what he did to upset her again.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re upset,¡¯ he said. ¡®It¡¯s obvious I saved you even though you didn¡¯t need help. But I wanted you to run to call for help because I didn¡¯t want you to be injured.¡¯


    ¡®Han Ting Hua, I don¡¯t need you to lecture me!¡¯ she said.


    She had enough lectures from her father. She didn¡¯t need lectures from a little boy.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want to lecture you,¡¯ he said. ¡®I only want you to be more careful and stay away form dangerous situations in the future.¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t need you to butt into my business,¡¯ she said. ¡®Little boy, do your best to learn to protect yourself. Even if I¡¯m in a dangerous situation, I don¡¯t need your help. Look at yourself, if I didn¡¯t help you then your injuries would have been more serious. Just don¡¯t act like an idiot in the future and stay out of my bedroom.¡¯


    He didn¡¯t want to reason with an unreasonable person and walked outside her bedroom. At the door he turned around.


    ¡®Now I know why many of your classmates hate you and keep their distance from you,¡¯ he said and closed the door.


    She didn¡¯t care about his insult. What appeared in her mind was the scary moment he charged into the gang of boys to protect her. How could he let himself get beaten up? Why didn¡¯t he protect himself? Why did he ask her to run? Why must he act like an idiot and deal with the boys double his size on his own? His idiot behavior made her frustrated like how she was powerless to stop him from wasting his life after her death. Why couldn¡¯t he hate her? If he hated her then he¡¯d lived a good life, and she wouldn¡¯t be frustrated watching him live a good life. What should she do for him to hate her?


    ***

 Chapter 3

    A Lamborghini swished along a road like wind passing pedestrians. It stopped in front of a college.


    Students admired the hot Luo An Hai stepping out of the Lamborghini in a designer dress and black heels.


    The students were envious Luo An Hai had the world in her hands at the age of twenty-one. She used her trust fund inherited from her mother and maternal grandfather to invest in IT startup companies, which grew into multi-million dollar businesses. Two years later, she bought private planes and luxury cruise ships for rich clients to travel the world. Her beauty and success attracted many suitors, but she would always break their hearts after a brief fling.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s patience was limited to three minutes.


    One minute later, the little boy Han Ting Hua who turned into a tall handsome man with a mysterious aura was walking toward the Lamborghini accompanied by a pageant queen beauty, Miss Angel.


    At the college it was rumored the aloof Han Ting Hua only reserved his charm and smiles for Angel. Even though the female students were jealous of Angel, they acknowledged Han Ting Hua and Angel made an attractive couple.


    The truth was Angel had confessed her love to Han Ting Hua, but he rejected her. She didn¡¯t give up hope because she believed he would fall in love with her later down the track.


    Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t dispel the rumor that he was dating Angel because it stopped his classmates from stalking him.


    ¡®Han, isn¡¯t that your big sister?¡¯ Angel asked, holding onto Han Ting Hua¡¯s arm.


    The students were curious about the relationship dynamics between Luo An Han and her step-mother¡¯s adoptive son, Han Ting Hua. Were they step-sibling rivals or did they have a close bond?


    Angel was pleasantly surprised when Han Ting Hua draped his arm around her shoulder for the first time, which made her blush.


    ¡®She¡¯s not my big sister,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Han Ting Hua let go of Angel, and he walked to the Lamborghini without a backward glance at Angel.


    Luo An Hai sped off the moment Han Ting Hua sat in her car. She glanced at Angel standing at the gate in the rear-view mirror, and knew Angel¡¯s pageant beauty wasn¡¯t enough to capture Han Ting Hua¡¯s attention.


    Han Ting Hua was disappointed Luo An Hai didn¡¯t react after seeing him standing close with Angel.


    At a red light Han Ting Hua frowned when Luo An Hai picked up a box of cigarettes.


    ¡®Little boy, your little girlfriend has a hot body,¡¯ Luo An Hai said, smiling coldly. ¡®Don¡¯t play with fire. I don¡¯t want the media to report a homewrecker¡¯s son knocked up an heiress. But if you want to follow in your mother¡¯s footsteps, go ahead and dig for gold.¡¯


    He grabbed her box of cigarettes and put it back in the center console glove box.


    ¡®Uncle Luo won¡¯t be happy if he smells smoke on your clothes,¡¯ he said.


    He dismissed her insults. Years of living with her made him realize if she couldn¡¯t get a rise out of someone she provoked then she would be the one who ended up frustrated. For years she never hid her hatred toward him and his adoptive mother.


    She was frustrated he didn¡¯t react to her insult.


    ¡®Stay out of my business,¡¯ she said, picking up the box of cigarettes again. ¡®You only need to worry about acting like a good person in front of my father.¡¯


    ¡®Today is uncle Luo¡¯s birthday,¡¯ he said. ¡®Do you want to upset uncle Luo on his birthday?¡¯


    Her father¡¯s birthday was the reason she agreed to have dinner with her father, Mai Fang and Han Ting Hua at the hotel restaurant she owned.


    Over the years her relationship with her father had been tolerable. She bit her tongue whenever she disagreed with her father because the image of her father sobbing uncontrollably after her death haunted her.


    She grudgingly put the packet of cigarettes down, and glanced at Han Ting Hua¡¯s indifferent smug face.


    ¡®Every time you open your mouth, uncle Luo is on the tip of your tongue,¡¯ she said. ¡®Too bad you were born a male. If you¡¯re a woman then you can jump into my father¡¯s bed, and the world will be your oyster. It¡¯ll make your mother proud that you followed her shining example.¡¯


    ¡®Green light,¡¯ he said, leaning back on his chair and closing his eyes.


    His calmness only fuelled her frustrations. She feared he would still turn into the frustrating man who held the photo of her on his last day.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ he asked.


    He opened his eyes because she didn¡¯t kick him like usual whenever she couldn¡¯t get a rise out of him. He was surprised there was a look of anxiety in her usually calm eyes. Anxiety? The Luo An Hai he knew was strong and independent, there was no room for anxiety in her life. He must have imagined the look of anxiety in her eyes.


    Later at the Luo¡¯s five star hotel, Luo An Hai and Han Ting Hua walked toward the VIP room in the hotel restaurant.


    Luo An Hai had designed the hotel and restaurant. It was her holistic research, attention to detail, and marketing strategies that made Luo¡¯s hotel a famous luxury hotel internationally. But her hard work wasn¡¯t acknowledged by her father. In her father¡¯s eyes she couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Han Ting Hua.


    In her second lifetime she didn¡¯t fight to be CEO of Luo¡¯s company. Instead she chose to live her own life because she knew how tiring it was to fight for everything that was her birthright. She remembered in her first lifetime at the age of twenty-four she had developed a chain of hotels around the world for Luo¡¯s company, but her father gave the twenty-year-old Han Ting Hua a higher position than hers at Luo¡¯s company. Even if she no longer fought for the CEO position in her second lifetime, she wanted to see how Han Ting Hua was going to get the board members and shareholders on his side.


    Han Ting Hua was in a sour mood like Luo An Hai. He remembered the magazine covers his classmates showed him. On the covers were photos of Luo An Hai smiling seductively in the arms of a rich heir, Mr. Hunter. Whereas the only smiles he received from Luo An Hai were smiles of contempt and condescending smiles.


    ¡®Why are you staring at me?¡¯ she asked.


    He was too absorbed about the countless magazines he threw in the college bins that he didn¡¯t realize he was staring at Luo An Hai.


    ¡®How do you know I¡¯m staring at you if you¡¯re not staring at me?¡¯ he asked.


    A waiter interrupted the tension between Luo An Hai and Han Ting Hua.


    ¡®Miss Luo, Mr. Han, welcome,¡¯ the waiter greeted. ¡®Mr. and Mrs. Luo are waiting at the table Miss Luo reserved.¡¯


    Luo Cheng Hua was happy to see his daughter, but his daughter¡¯s long face dampened his happy mood.


    ¡®An Hai-¡® Luo Cheng Hua said but Mai Fang pulled his shirt sleeve.


    Luo Cheng Hua held back his lecture.


    ¡®Mr. Luo, do you want me to bring out the main course?¡¯ the waiter asked.


    Luo Cheng Hua nodded, and the waiter walked to the kitchen.


    Luo An Hai and Han Ting Hua sat on the two empty seats while Mai Fang served the entr¨¦e.


    ¡®An Hai, you should eat the herbal soup to line your stomach,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Luo An Hai calmly accepted the bowl of herbal soup from Mai Fang.


    ¡®An Hai, where are your manners?¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua asked. ¡®Will it kill you to say thank you?¡¯


    Luo An Hai silently ate the bowl of herbal soup because she didn¡¯t want to fight with her father over something trivial.


    ¡®Cheng Hua, it¡¯s fine,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®We¡¯re family. Xiao Hua, you should eat the herbal soup too.¡¯


    ¡®Mother, don¡¯t worry about me, I can serve myself,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said, passing a gift to Luo Cheng Hua. ¡®Happy birthday uncle Luo. It¡¯s something small to add to uncle Luo¡¯s collection.¡¯


    ¡®You shouldn¡¯t have,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said, opening the chest. ¡®It¡¯s a beautiful pair of jade bracelets.¡¯


    ¡®Uncle Luo, the bracelets suit you and mother,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, where did you get the money to buy an extravagant gift?¡¯ Mai Fang asked.


    ¡®Work,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said evasively.


    Han Ting Hua knew his adoptive mother wouldn¡¯t approve of him trading shares.


    ¡®Work?¡¯ Mai Fang asked. ¡®Where are you working? You should focus on your studies.¡¯


    ¡®Mai Fang, let Xiao Hua be,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®He¡¯s a smart lad. Let him live his own life.¡¯


    Luo Cheng Hua approved of the listed companies Han Ting Hua bought shares from.


    ¡®Let me put the bracelets on you,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said.


    ¡®Cheng Hua, you only know how to encourage Xiao Hua¡¯s antics,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Luo Cheng Hua and Han Ting Hua¡¯s smiles mirrored each other.


    Luo An Hai felt like the fourth wheel. She wanted to quickly eat dinner and leave.


    ¡®An Hai, try the delicious steak,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Luo An Hai put back the pieces of cut steak Mai Fang put into her bowl, and she noticed her father¡¯s disapproving frown. Then she picked up steamed vegetables.


    ¡®Aren¡¯t I allowed to eat vegetables?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    Mai Fang held onto the Luo Cheng Hua¡¯s arm.


    ¡®An Hai, you should eat more,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®You lost too much weight.¡¯


    Luo Cheng Hua regretted he was busy setting up Luo¡¯s company that he didn¡¯t make time to spend with his daughter when she was younger. He hated the distance between him and his mature daughter, but he didn¡¯t know what to do to build a close relationship with his daughter. Although his daughter¡¯s disrespect toward Mai Fang and Han Ting Hua upset him, he was proud of his daughter¡¯s achievements, and boasted about his daughter to his friends and clients.


    ¡®An Hai, I heard you¡¯re dating Hunter,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said.


    Luo An Hai was surprised at her father¡¯s interest in her private life.


    ¡®Today I received a phone call from Hunter¡¯s father,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®He said Hunter wants to marry you. Do you want me to prepare an engagement banquet for you and Hunter?¡¯


    ¡®Engagement?¡¯ Mai Fang asked. ¡®An Hai is too young to get married. Cheng Hua, how do you know whether Hunter¡¯s feelings toward An Hai are genuine?¡¯


    ¡®I heard Hunter is head over heels in love with An Hai,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®An Hai, how do you feel about Hunter?¡¯


    Luo An Hai took out her phone and called Hunter. ¡®It¡¯s me. Hunter, let¡¯s breakup. You shouldn¡¯t have taken our relationship seriously. I thought you understood it was just a fling. Bye.¡¯ She put her phone back in her bag, and looked calmly at her father. ¡®What else are you curious about?¡¯


    ¡®An Hai!¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua called. ¡®How many men do you want to toy with? When are you going to start thinking about settling down?¡¯


    Luo An Hai shrugged her shoulders. ¡®Are you suggesting I should get married and have an affair like you?¡¯


    Luo An Hai bit her tongue. She regretted saying something to upset her father.


    ¡®I should go,¡¯ Luo An Hai said, standing up. ¡®I¡¯ll only ruin the atmosphere if I stay.¡¯


    Luo An Hai took out a gift box from her bag and passed it to her father. She bought a jade smoking pipe to add to her father¡¯s collection. Her father didn¡¯t smoke, but he loved collecting vintage art pieces and took pride in his smoking pipes collection most.


    ¡®Happy birthday,¡¯ Luo An Hai said and walked out of the VIP room.


    Luo Cheng Hua regretted losing his temper. He opened the gift box, and stared with a heavy heart at the jade smoking pipe his daughter gave him.


    ¡®Cheng Hua, don¡¯t be upset with An Hai,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®Look at the beautiful jade smoking pipe she gave you to add to your favorite smoking pipe collection.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua looked at Luo An Hai¡¯s fading back. He turned back to the table, his adoptive mother nodded and he quickly chased after Luo An Hai.


    ***

 Chapter 4

    Han Ting Hua jumped in front of Luo An Hai¡¯s car outside Luo¡¯s Hotel, and sat in her car.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua, are you crazy?¡¯ she asked. ¡®I¡¯ll kill you if you dented my car.¡¯


    He ignored her and buckled his seat belt.


    She would have kicked him out of her car if she didn¡¯t worry about causing a scene in front of guests.


    After suppressing her frustrations, she drove a block away from Luo¡¯s Hotel and parked her car on a side street.


    ¡®Get out,¡¯ she said.


    He got out of her car, but he grabbed her car key before she could press the accelerator.


    She was forced to get out of her car to retrieve her car key. Damnit, why couldn¡¯t he stay a short little boy?


    He tossed her car key in the direction of Luo¡¯s Hotel.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua!¡¯ she said. ¡®Hurry up and go get my car key back.¡¯


    ¡®Why?¡¯ he asked. ¡®Finding your car key is your business. Besides, I¡¯m not free to go look for your car key.¡¯


    ¡®Han Ting Hua-¡® she said.


    ¡®What?¡¯ he asked. ¡®Are you upset? What you said to uncle Luo upset him too. Today is uncle Luo¡¯s birthday. Even if you can¡¯t stand your father, at least be civil toward him in public.¡¯


    She admitted she hurt her father out of anger. But she didn¡¯t want to hear a lecture from Han Ting Hua.


    ¡®Have you said enough?¡¯ she asked. ¡®I don¡¯t need you to lecture me about my relationship with my father. If you love lecturing, why don¡¯t you lecture your own mother? All she knows is how to be a homewrecker.¡¯


    ¡®Luo An Hai!¡¯ he said. ¡®In the past my mother hurt you. But you should respect your elder-¡®


    ¡®My elder?¡¯ she asked. ¡®Does she deserve my respect?¡¯


    ¡®Fine,¡¯ he said. ¡®Continue your hate parade.¡¯


    She watched him walk away. When he was out of sight she put her guard down, and leaned against her car. Why was she so stubborn? Why couldn¡¯t she let go of her pride? It was tiring holding onto resentments. She didn¡¯t mean to hurt her father. Why was it hard for her to apologize to her father? She left to cool down, but didn¡¯t expect Han Ting Hua to chase after her.


    It was hard for her to pretend Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t exist. Every time they were in the same place she couldn¡¯t resist lashing out at him, because he was Mai Fang¡¯s son. She wanted him to hate her and for him to find a woman to love. His interest in Angel was a good step, because in her first lifetime he never let women stand close to him. It didn¡¯t matter who he chose to love as long as he forgot her existence, because she didn¡¯t want to be haunted by the image of him holding her photo.


    She walked over to the patch of grass where he tossed her car key. The street light didn¡¯t help her spot her car key. She had to crawl around the patch of grass to find her car key.


    When Han Ting Hua returned to where Luo An Hai parked her car, he was surprised to see her crawling on the grass. He had expected her to hail a taxi home.


    In his eyes Luo An Hai was the most beautiful woman in the world. It didn¡¯t hurt his eyes to see her firm bottom up close.


    ¡®Shit!¡¯ she cried out.


    He didn¡¯t need x-ray vision to see that she didn¡¯t step on her car key.


    She heard laughter and turned around to see Han Ting Hua laughing at her expense. His dog shit free hand dangled her car key in front of her.


    ***


    ¡®Han, this is the plan for our assignment,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®Han, are you listening?¡¯


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Han Ting Hua asked. ¡®Plan? You decide.¡¯


    It was the final year before graduation. Angel was surprised Han Ting Hua had been spacing out during the most important year.


    ¡®Han, lately you seem happy,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®Did you receive good news?¡¯


    Happy? The memory of Luo An Hai¡¯s face on the verge of exploding when he dangled her car key in front of her was priceless. He gave her a bottle of water to wash the dog shit off her hand.


    ¡®Your hand is dog shit free now,¡¯ he said and towel dried Luo An Hai¡¯s hand.


    ¡®My car key,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    He returned Luo An Hai¡¯s car key and she sped off like a lightning bolt disappearing.


    A week later, he couldn¡¯t wipe off the smile on his face thinking about the first time he witnessed Luo An Hai falling off her pedestal. It must be karma rewarding him for the years he put up with her sharp tongue.


    He forced himself to stop smiling. Angel was an outsider. He wouldn¡¯t divulge Luo An Hai¡¯s dignity lapse to outsiders.


    Angel was disappointed Han Ting Hua put up his guard again. Why didn¡¯t he want to share good news with her?


    ¡®Han, your big sister¡­ I mean Luo An Hai,¡¯ Angel said.


    ¡®What about her?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Have you heard about her scandal?¡¯ Angel asked.


    ¡®What scandal?¡¯ he asked.


    He hadn¡¯t seen Luo An Hai since she moved out of the Luo Mansion a week ago.


    ¡®I heard she dumped Hunter,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®She¡¯s been spotted on dates with the CEO of Hawke and hanging out at Queen with a model.¡¯


    Queen? He frowned. Why was Luo An Hai hanging out at a bar notorious for red light hosts and hostesses?


    ¡®Hunter followed her to Queen,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®He tried to drag her out of Queen, but ended up flat on his back after she kicked him. What a strong woman.¡¯


    ¡®What happened next?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Hunter had a melt down and cried like a baby,¡¯ Angel said.


    ¡®What?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®He got on his knees, crying and begging her to take him back,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®Here, take a look at the magazine photos of the incident.¡¯


    He glanced at the magazine headline, ¡®Hunter begs ice beauty for a second chance.¡¯ But it was the photo of Luo An Hai chatting happily with a man he didn¡¯t recognize at Queen that made his blood boil.


    ¡®Looks are deceiving,¡¯ Angel said. ¡®How can an ice beauty be this strong-¡®


    He picked up his ringing phone.


    ¡®Mother, what¡¯s wrong?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, you need to come home now,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®Hunter¡¯s parents came here for a visit. They told Cheng Hua about what happened to Hunter last night. Cheng Hua called An Hai to come home. I don¡¯t want Cheng Hua and An Hai to fight.¡¯


    ¡®Mother, I¡¯ll come home now,¡¯ he said.


    After he ended the phone call, he apologized to Angel. ¡®I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll leave the planning to you. I have an emergency.¡¯


    ¡®Wait,¡¯ Angel said and sighed. ¡®My magazine¡­¡¯


    Outside the classroom, Han Ting Hua chucked the magazine into a bin.


    ***


    Luo An Hai was fed up with the rumors about her. All she did was meet up with her friend Lily and Lily¡¯s boyfriend at Queen to celebrate Lily¡¯s birthday. But the paparazzi took photos of her sitting opposite Lily¡¯s boyfriend at a small table when Lily went to the bathroom.


    Later, she was caught in the middle of Lily and Lily¡¯s boyfriend fight. Then a drunk Hunter showed up, he tried to drag her out of Queen but she kicked him away from her. Hunter¡¯s crying and begging gave her a headache. But Lily was her first priority so she took Lily home and listened to Lily¡¯s heartbreak after a woman in the bathroom showed photos of Lily¡¯s boyfriend two-timing Lily.


    When she finally arrived home in the morning, she received a phone call from her father summoning her home, which was why she ended up driving to the Luo Mansion.


    At the front door of the Luo Mansion, she received a phone call from Lily informing her that last night¡¯s incident was reported on every online news site. She sighed and understood why her father summoned her home.


    She opened the front door and received her father¡¯s anger.


    ¡®Luo An Hai!¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said, throwing a hot teapot in Luo An Hai¡¯s direction. ¡®You finally decide to show your disgraceful face here!¡¯


    Han Ting Hua hugged Luo An Hai before she could move out of the way. The hot teapot smashed onto his right arm.


    ¡®Xiao Hua!¡¯ Mai Fang said, running toward Han Ting Hua. ¡®Are you hurt?¡¯


    ¡®Mother, I¡¯m fine,¡¯ Han Ting Hua lied and hid his bleeding right arm.


    ¡®It¡¯s good you¡¯re not hurt,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®Luo Cheng Hua, even if you¡¯re angry, you shouldn¡¯t throw a hot teapot at An Hai. If Xiao Hua didn¡¯t shield An Hai, she could have been injured.¡¯


    ¡®I¡­¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said.


    Luo Cheng Hua regretted throwing the hot teapot at his daughter¡¯s direction. He was grateful Han Ting Hua shielded his daughter.


    ¡®Stay away from me,¡¯ Luo An Hai said, pushing Han Ting Hua off her. ¡®I don¡¯t need you to butt into my business.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua lost his balance, and his injured right arm fell onto the shattered teapot pieces.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, you¡¯re bleeding,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    ¡®Luo An Hai, haven¡¯t you caused enough trouble in public?¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua asked. ¡®Do you want to injure your little brother at home too?¡¯


    Luo An Hai didn¡¯t mean for Han Ting Hua to fall, but she hid her concern.


    ¡®It¡¯s his fault for losing his balance,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    ¡®Luo An Hai, get out of my sight,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said. ¡®Starting today, never step foot here again.¡¯


    ¡®Luo Cheng Hua, have you lost your mind?¡¯ Mai Fang asked. ¡®An Hai, don¡¯t listen to your father¡¯s nonsense. Xiao Hua, wait here, I¡¯ll go get the first aid kit.¡¯


    Luo An Hai ran outside the Luo Mansion. She wasn¡¯t concern about her father¡¯s angry outburst. It was the sight of Han Ting Hua¡¯s right arm bleeding that traumatized her.


    When she reached her car, she didn¡¯t expect Han Ting Hua to appear, snatch her car key from her shaky hand and sit in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua, get out of my car,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Get in,¡¯ he said. ¡®I¡¯m giving you three seconds before I drive off.¡¯


    She glanced at his right arm bleeding and sat in the passenger seat.


    ***

 Chapter 5

    Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t know why he didn¡¯t want Luo An Hai to let go of him. He impulsively chased after her and took possession of her car. His mind was completely blank that he didn¡¯t have a destination in mind so he drove her to her penthouse.


    Inside her penthouse, he didn¡¯t expect homey furnishings and soft colors. It was too huge for just one person to live inside. An open living room, aquarium, bar and kitchen on the first floor. Upstairs had three bedrooms and bathrooms.


    ¡®Sit down already,¡¯ she said from the sofa and pointed at the first aid kit on the coffee table.


    First aid kit? He didn¡¯t know when she started growing sympathy. What if she wanted revenge because he drove her car? Revenge or no revenge, he sat on the sofa next to her.


    ¡®Arm,¡¯ she said.


    He felt like he was having a heart attack. She was actually treating his wound. It was the first time they sat side by side, and he could count her long eyelashes.


    She tightened the bandage around the wound she cleaned on his right arm when he stared at her for too long.


    ¡®Take off your shirt,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Why?¡¯ he asked. ¡®Where are you hiding the real Luo An Hai?¡¯


    ¡®Hurry up and take off your shirt,¡¯ she said.


    He took off his shirt while she went to bathroom. She returned with a wet towel.


    ¡®Show me your back,¡¯ she said.


    He showed his back to her, and she gently cleaned the wound on his back.


    ¡®Why are you an idiot?¡¯ she asked. ¡®I know how to dodge a hot teapot.¡¯


    ¡®What about hot water?¡¯ he asked. ¡®You¡¯re a woman. I didn¡¯t want you to receive burns on your skin.¡¯


    ¡®Idiot,¡¯ she whispered and dabbed the wet towel hard on his back.


    ¡®Ouch, that hurts,¡¯ he said.


    She did take revenge, his back stung.


    ¡®If you love playing the hero, pain is nothing to you,¡¯ she said.


    He didn¡¯t care if she was taking petty revenge on him. When he was ten, he got beaten up to save her, but she didn¡¯t bandage his injuries like how she was killing him with kindness on the sofa.


    ¡®Call a truce with uncle Luo,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t being a hero enough for you?¡¯ she asked. ¡®Now you want to be a meddler too?¡¯


    ¡®Luo An Hai, do you understand what it means to be reasonable?¡¯ he asked.


    She crossed her arms. ¡®Say what you want to say.¡¯


    ¡®Every birthday gift you gave uncle Luo, he keeps it in a locked chest,¡¯ he said. ¡®Every day uncle Luo takes out the ship models you gave him, and he checks for scratches.¡¯


    She was speechless at her father¡¯s habit.


    ¡®Since you¡¯ve been gone, uncle Luo eats dinner late,¡¯ he said. ¡®Uncle Luo sits in the living room staring at the front door. He doesn¡¯t need to open his mouth for us to know he¡¯s waiting for you to come home to eat dinner. Your father does care about you, he just doesn¡¯t know how to act around you to show that he cares about you. And you haven¡¯t given your father a chance-¡®


    ¡®Enough,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®Luo An Hai, you can hate me and my mother,¡¯ he said. ¡®But your father isn¡¯t your enemy. He¡¯s at an advanced age-¡®


    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ she said. ¡®What do you know? You know nothing. Just leave.¡¯


    She got off the sofa, walked upstairs to her bedroom and slammed the door shut.


    He looked up at her closed bedroom door and sighed.


    In her bedroom, she laid on her bed and memories of her mother scarred her. She remembered helplessly watching her mother self-destruct. Her mother broke everything her mother could pick up.


    ¡®Why is your father treating me like this?¡¯ her mother asked. ¡®An Hai, I only have you. Your father doesn¡¯t need us. I love your father so much. But why doesn¡¯t your father love me?¡¯


    Her mother held onto her tightly and cried for hours.


    Her father¡¯s servants pitied her mother too.


    ¡®I heard Mr. Luo has a mistress and wants to divorce Mrs. Luo,¡¯ a servant said. ¡®I feel sorry for Mrs. Luo.¡¯


    ¡®Their arranged marriage was to benefit their family businesses,¡¯ another servant said. ¡®No one expected Mrs. Luo would fall in love with Mr. Luo.¡¯


    She witnessed all of her parents¡¯ fights.


    ¡®Luo Cheng Hua, why are you treating me like this?¡¯ her mother asked. ¡®You¡¯re deluded if you think I¡¯ll divorce you so you can marry your tramp. I¡¯ll never divorce you.¡¯


    ¡®Sign the divorce papers,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said.


    ¡®Never,¡¯ her mother said. ¡®I love you. An Hai, beg your father to stay with us.¡¯


    She watched her parents¡¯ marriage breakdown. Her mother died of a lonely heart, and her father brought home Mai Fang and Han Ting Hua three months after her mother died. If her father chose to turn his back on her and her mother then she didn¡¯t need to care about her father either.


    Why did her father look broken after she died if her father hated her? Why did Han Ting Hua looked like his world shattered after she died? She didn¡¯t want to accept that Han Ting Hua loved her. Why did Han Ting Hua love her when she hated him the most for stealing everything that was her birthright? Why did Han Ting Hua love her deeply like how her mother loved her father deeply? Why did Han Ting Hua die of lonely heart like her mother? She never needed Han Ting Hua to love her. She didn¡¯t want to love Han Ting Hua and live in pain like her mother.


    She didn¡¯t know when she fell asleep or when she started mumbling Han Ting Hua¡¯s name in her sleep.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua¡­¡¯


    ¡®Luo An Hai, wake up,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua¡­¡¯


    ¡®You¡¯re dreaming,¡¯ he said. ¡®Wake up.¡¯


    He heard her talking in her sleep from the kitchen. When he entered her bedroom to check on her, he didn¡¯t expect her crying and calling his name in her sleep.


    She slowly opened her eyes, and her vulnerableness cut through his heart.


    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ she asked and sat upright on her bed.


    He sighed. The ice beauty returned. He walked to the bathroom, and came back to her bed with a wet face towel.


    ¡®Wipe your drool,¡¯ he said and tossed the towel on her lap.


    ¡®Get out,¡¯ she said. ¡®I don¡¯t need you.¡¯


    ¡®I made dinner,¡¯ he said. ¡®Come downstairs after wiping drool off your face.¡¯


    He walked out of her bedroom without gloating about her having nightmares and crying in her sleep. Why did he protect her and care about her even after their fights? She didn¡¯t understand him in her first lifetime or second lifetime. She felt like she lost her strength to continue fighting with him.


    She got out of bed, walked downstairs and sat at the bar near the kitchen.


    ¡®I¡¯m still here,¡¯ he said on the phone. ¡®Luo An Hai bandaged my right arm.¡¯


    From the kitchen he saw Luo An Hai at the bar so he put his phone on speaker.


    ¡®Xiao Hua, why are you being stubborn?¡¯ Mai Fang asked. ¡®You still refuse to call An Hai big sister. How is An Hai? Don¡¯t fight with An Hai.¡¯


    ¡®Mother, don¡¯t worry,¡¯ he said, carrying dinner bowls to the bar. ¡®An Hai is fine. We¡¯re not fighting.¡¯


    She stared at the bowls of sweet and sour fish soup and noodles he placed on the bar. How did he know she liked eating sweet and sour fish soup when she never ate it at the Luo Mansion? She hesitated and started eating since dinner was his fee for trespassing.


    ¡®Tell uncle Luo not to worry,¡¯ he said and sat next to her at the bar.


    She stopped eating when they mentioned her father.


    ¡®Yes mother, I¡¯ll take good care of her,¡¯ he said.


    She picked up the glass of apple juice and sipped.


    ¡®Mother, ask Paul to bring my luggage here,¡¯ he said. ¡®Bye.¡¯


    Luggage? She glared at him while he ate dinner.


    ¡®Why is Paul bringing luggage here?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®Uncle Luo is worried about your wild night life,¡¯ he said. ¡®He wants me to keep an eye on you.¡¯


    ¡®What?¡¯ she asked.


    She didn¡¯t need a younger man to babysit her.


    ¡®I want you to leave,¡¯ she said.


    ¡®I¡¯ll leave after you call your father,¡¯ he said and offered his phone to her.


    She didn¡¯t want to have another ugly fight with her father. She accepted Han Ting Hua¡¯s phone and broke it on the bar.


    ***


    Monday morning, Luo An Hai¡¯s executive assistant, Elle hesitated knocking on Luo An Hai¡¯s office door. But the employees under Luo An Hai begged Elle to soothe the ice beauty so they could stop walking on eggshells at work. No one knew why Luo An Hai scheduled a morning meeting to distribute a year¡¯s worth of work to everyone, and asked them to complete it by next month.


    Elle answered the ringing phone on her desk.


    ¡®Elle, there¡¯s a hot model waiting at reception,¡¯ Lily said.


    ¡®Escort the model here,¡¯ Elle said.


    Lily escorted Han Ting Hua to the executive floor.


    ¡®Do you have an appointment?¡¯ Elle asked.


    ¡®I¡¯m here to-¡® Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®Elle, bring me¡­¡¯ Luo An Hai said from her office door. ¡®Han Ting Hua, why are you here?¡¯


    Han Ting Hua raised a lunch box. ¡®I¡¯m here to bring your lunch box.¡¯


    ***

 Chapter 6

    Luo An Hai crossed her arms, and ordered the trespasser into her office to avoid a public scene.


    Han Ting Hua was impressed by Luo An Hai¡¯s art books collection.


    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®I told you, to bring your lunch box,¡¯ he said.


    He setup lunch on her desk. He brought her favorite desserts and a flask of hot tea.


    ¡®Uncle Luo asked the head chef to cook your favorite sweet dishes,¡¯ he said.


    She looked conflicted at the slice of chocolate cake.


    ¡®How is my father?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®He¡¯s good,¡¯ he said and sat on the chair in front of her desk.


    He felt Luo Cheng Hua and Luo An Hai were two of a kind, they didn¡¯t want to show their real feelings in public.


    She sat on her office swivel chair like sitting on a throne. ¡®When are you leaving my home?¡¯


    Her unwanted babysitter gave her no freedom. If she broke curfew he would threaten to report to her father.


    ¡®It¡¯s up to uncle Luo,¡¯ he said and sipped tea.


    ¡®Stop using my father to threaten me,¡¯ she said.


    She hit her desk and took a deep breath because she didn¡¯t want her employees to overhear her private life.


    It occurred to her that he enjoyed riling her since the day she stepped on dog shit. Why couldn¡¯t he stay the same little boy who didn¡¯t talk back to her because of Mai Fang¡¯s guilt toward her?


    He stood up and looked into her eyes. ¡®Luo An Hai, I¡¯ve made up my mind.¡¯


    She sat upright on her chair to distance herself from his body leaning over her desk.


    ¡®I¡¯m not going to concede to you anymore,¡¯ he said.


    She stood up, flinging her chair backward. The man in front of her had changed to the familiar man in her memories.


    ¡®I look forward to you losing the challenge,¡¯ she said. ¡®Now leave, I have work to do.¡¯


    Elle knocked on Luo An Hai¡¯s office door and interrupted the standoff.


    ¡®An, since when has your taste changed?¡¯ Elle asked, looking at Han Ting Hua. ¡®At least you¡¯re a cougar with good taste.¡¯


    ¡®Even if I¡¯m hungry, I wouldn¡¯t eat a little boy,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    ¡®An, are you and your lover boy having a love fight?¡¯ Elle asked.


    ¡®Elle, he¡¯s not my-¡® Luo An Hai said.


    ¡®I¡¯m Han Ting Hua, you can call me Han,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua¡­ An¡¯s little brother?¡¯ Elle asked.


    ¡®He¡¯s not my little brother,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    ¡®She¡¯s not my big sister,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Elle looked at Luo An Hai exchange a lover¡¯s glare with Han Ting Hua, and understood the root of Luo An Hai¡¯s rare foul mood at work.


    ¡®Elle, what do you need?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    ¡®Oh, a male model for the ads you wanted done by next month,¡¯ Elle said. ¡®I haven¡¯t found the right male model. But it looks like he¡¯s here today.¡¯


    Luo An Hai shook her head at Elle.


    ¡®Han, do you want to model for An¡¯s company?¡¯ Elle asked.


    ¡®He can¡¯t,¡¯ Luo An Hai said. ¡®Mr. Han¡¯s a busy student.¡¯


    ¡®What a coincidence, I¡¯m on a study break,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®Elle, I¡¯m the boss,¡¯ Luo An Hai said. ¡®I have the final say. Mr. Han isn¡¯t the right model.¡¯


    ¡®An, you need to set an example,¡¯ Elle said. ¡®You should separate business from private life. Mr. Han, do you want to sign the contract today?¡¯


    Han Ting Hua shook hands with Elle.


    ¡®My pleasure,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Luo An Hua suppressed her frustrations. It was clear Han Ting Hua accepted the model contract as declaration of war. He wanted to invade every aspect of her life.


    ***


    The ads featuring Han Ting Hua was a hit. Elle organized a work dinner at a VIP pub to celebrate the successful ad campaign.


    At the pub, Luo An Hai sat at the bar away from Han Ting Hua and his admirers.


    Han Ting Hua politely chatted with Luo An Hai¡¯s employees. But his eyes didn¡¯t stray from Luo An Hai sitting at the bar. She wore a red dress that showed off her fit body.


    Luo An Hai ignored the men hitting on her at the bar. She detested men who were only after one night stands.


    ¡®Hi An, drinks are on me,¡¯ Mark said.


    Han Ting Hua shot daggers at Mark¡¯s back.


    ¡®Mark¡¯s a persistent man,¡¯ Lily said. ¡®An rejected him many times, but he doesn¡¯t give up.¡¯


    ¡®Who is he?¡¯ Han Ting Hua asked.


    ¡®He¡¯s a rich player,¡¯ Lily said. ¡®I bet An¡¯s going to reject his drink again.¡¯


    Luo An Hai¡¯s employees were surprised Luo An Hai accepted a drink from Mark.


    ¡®I¡¯m seeing things,¡¯ Elle said.


    ¡®An lost her mind,¡¯ Lily said. ¡®There are plenty of better men than Mark here.¡¯


    Even Mark was shocked Luo An Hai accepted his drink. But he quickly recovered, it was his chance to strike gold.


    ¡®An, it¡¯s a beautiful night,¡¯ Mark said. ¡®Do you want to share this beautiful night with me?¡¯


    Luo An Hai smiled coldly at Mark, and walked off to the bathroom.


    Han Ting Hua followed Mark who followed Luo An Hai to the bathroom.


    ¡®You bastard, don¡¯t touch me,¡¯ Luo An Hai said to the battered Mark. ¡®If you touch me again, I¡¯ll kill you.¡¯


    Luo An Hai kicked Mark into a bathroom wall.


    Han Ting Hua couldn¡¯t believe how strong Luo An Hai was.


    ¡®An, I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ Mark said. ¡®Spare me.¡¯


    ¡®Bastard, you spiked my drink,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t stop Luo An Hai turning Mark into goo.


    Luo An Hai kicked Mark¡¯s stomach one last time. ¡®Get lost. Never let me see you again.¡¯


    Mark hobbled out of the bathroom.


    Luo An Han noticed Han Ting Hua leaning against the bathroom door.


    ¡®What are you looking at?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    ¡®Uncle Luo will be surprised his daughter has a potty mouth,¡¯ Han Thing Hua said.


    ¡®Go and report to my father,¡¯ Luo An Hua said. ¡®See if I care.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua helped the flushed face Luo An Hai stand.


    ¡®Are you drunk?¡¯ Han Ting Hua asked.


    ¡®You¡¯re drunk,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    It was Mark spiking her drink that made her body feverish.


    ¡®I don¡¯t need your help,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    ¡®I¡¯m taking you home,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Han Ting Hua didn¡¯t let go of Luo An Hai¡¯s waist. He figured her drunk state was the effect of Mark spiking her drink.


    ¡®Home?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked. ¡®Your home is with your family of three at the Luo Mansion. I have my own home.¡¯


    ¡®Luo An Hai, you¡¯re drunk,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®I¡¯m not drunk,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Luo An Hai held onto Han Ting Hua¡¯s shirt. Seeing Han Ting Hua¡¯s eyes up close reminded her of the same idiot man.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua¡­ do you love me?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    Han Ting Hua tightened his grip on Luo An Hai¡¯s waist.


    ¡®Idiot,¡¯ Luo An Hai said and poked Han Ting Hua¡¯s nose. ¡®Never fall in love with me. Love is crazy and painful. I¡¯ll never fall in love.¡¯


    ¡®Luo An Hai-¡® Han Ting Hua said.


    ¡®Do you want to kiss me?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked, cupping Han Ting Hua¡¯s face. ¡®Have you kissed your girlfriend?¡¯


    Girlfriend? Han Ting Hua guessed Luo An Hai mistook Angel as his girlfriend.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s heart hurt remembering Han Ting Hua embracing Angel.


    ¡®Do you want me to teach you how to kiss?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    Luo An Hai licked Han Ting Hua¡¯s lips.


    ¡®Too bad I¡¯m not attracted to you,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Not attracted? Han Ting Hua steadied Luo An Hai¡¯s body against a wall.


    ¡®Han Ting Hua, don¡¯t you dare,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Han Ting Hua smiled and caressed Luo An Hai¡¯s waist.


    ¡®I¡¯m only accepting your challenge,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Han Ting Hua played tongue twister with Luo An Hai. He kissed her lips to numbness. She held onto his shoulders and rubbed her abdomen against his erection. He bit her lips, turned her body around and pressed himself against her hot bottom. His hormones battled with common sense. His common sense won the battle, it wasn¡¯t the right opportunity to taste forbidden fruit. But he could tease his forbidden fruit. He pulled up her red dress to her waist, his fingers slid down her underwear, teased her wetness and his mouth swallowed her gasps.


    ¡®You¡¯re wet for me,¡¯ Han Ting Hua whispered and licked Luo An Hai¡¯s ear.


    Han Ting Hua turned Luo An Hai¡¯s body around, he unzipped his pants, pulled his underwear down and rubbed his erection against her wetness. He licked her cum off his fingers and kissed her lips.


    ***

 Chapter 7.1

    Luo An Hai felt like her vivid dream was real. She opened her heavy eyelids, someone was holding onto her waist on her bed. She looked down at her naked body. Sleeping nude was nothing new, it was a man¡¯s arm around her waist that was out of place. She couldn¡¯t see the man lying behind her back, but she could feel his naked body.


    She jumped out of bed, and wrapped the bedsheet around her body. The naked man on the bed was Han Ting Hua. She licked her lips while checking out his chiselled body. The fingernail scratch marks on his back gave her a headache. What happened last night? She touched her lips, recalled his burning kisses and caresses. Shit. How was she going to get out of this mess? What happened after he drove her home? Why did her body have the scent of her body wash? Did he bathe her? She didn¡¯t believe he would take advantage of her when she was unconscious. But why were there kiss marks on her body? Why did he sleep naked in bed with her?


    She had done everything to make him hate her. How did their hearts ended up like this? How deep would their hearts fall? How did the sequence of events happen out of her control? She couldn¡¯t say he took advantage of her last night, because she clearly remembered she egged him on.


    Han Ting Hua heard someone mumble and opened his eyes. The bedsheet covered Luo An Hai¡¯s body, but he could see her red cheeks.


    ¡®Morning Miss Bashful,¡¯ he teased.


    ¡®Who are you calling Miss Bashful?¡¯ she asked.


    She glanced at his morning glory and her throat dried up. ¡®Han Ting Hua, hurry up and put clothes on.¡¯


    ¡®What clothes?¡¯ he asked.


    She followed his gaze to the pile of clothes that stunk like vomit.


    ¡®Looks like your selective memory only includes what happened between us at the pub,¡¯ he said. ¡®I took you home. You vomited on me, and I kindly gave you a bath. I wanted to sleep in my bedroom, but you wouldn¡¯t let me leave your bed.¡¯


    He left out the part she called out his name in her sleep again. How could he leave her when she sounded sad calling his name? It was only in her sleep that she didn¡¯t mask her real feelings.


    When she was awake, her sharp tongue always insulted him. Why did she always distance herself from him? Why couldn¡¯t he keep his eyes off her? Why did seeing her surrounded by men made him impatient? Why did she derail his years of planning to get her to see him as a man? He didn¡¯t want to give her another chance to distance herself from him.


    She stepped back toward a window when he suddenly got out of bed and advanced toward her. She put her hand up between their lips, he twisted her wrist behind her back. Why couldn¡¯t he stay the same little boy who ran to Mai Fang whenever she used her martial arts moves on him? Their chests touched and he kissed her lips.


    ¡®Luo An Hai, last night you made the first move,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®What?¡¯ she denied.


    ¡®You were drunk last night,¡¯ he said. ¡®Other men wouldn¡¯t have just kindly given you a bath after you vomit on their clothes. In the future you should cut back on alcohol.¡¯ He let go of her wrist. ¡®I¡¯m going back my bedroom.¡¯


    Kind? What kindness? There wasn¡¯t a spot on her body that he didn¡¯t kiss last night. She wanted to pull out his hair.


    Outside her bedroom, he smiled after hearing frustrated sounds come out of her mouth.


    ***


    Photos of Mark hobbling out of a bathroom was splattered on magazine covers.


    Luo Cheng Hua summoned Luo An Hai home to talk about the incident with Mark.


    ¡®An Hai, your father is waiting in the living room,¡¯ Mai Fang said.


    Luo An Hai was suspicious why Mai Fang was smiling if her father was going to lecture her.


    Luo An Hai walked to the living room. Why was her father drinking tea with Han Ting Hua?


    ¡®Why are you standing?¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua asked. ¡®Have you seen the latest magazine articles?¡¯


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Luo An Hai said and sat on the sofa.


    ¡®Did Mark do anything to hurt you?¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua asked.


    Luo Cheng Hua wanted to kill Mark after he saw the magazine headlines.


    ¡®Did he touch you?¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua asked. ¡®If he did, I¡¯ll make him suffer. No one can save him.¡¯


    Luo An Hai was speechless. Her father was worried about her instead of lecturing her. It was an unfamiliar feeling to see her father worry about her.


    Luo Cheng Hua didn¡¯t know how to act seeing his daughter look surprised.


    ¡®In the future avoid going to seedy places,¡¯ Luo Cheng Hua said and cleared his throat. ¡®Stay for dinner. Mai Fang bought ingredients this morning to make your favorite dishes.¡¯


    ¡®An Hai, don¡¯t listen to your father,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®Your father woke me up early this morning and dragged me to buy ingredients to make your favorite dishes.¡¯


    Luo Cheng Hua escaped to his study room out of embarrassment.


    ¡®An Hai, look at your father¡¯s shy back,¡¯ Mai Fang teased.


    Luo An Hai saw her father¡¯s rigid back and legs running for the first time. It was a bitter sweet moment. She turned around and smiled at Mai Fang for the first time in two lifetimes.


    Mai Fang received Luo An Hai¡¯s smile after many years, and tears swelled up in her eyes.


    ¡®I¡­ I need to check on dinner,¡¯ Mai Fang said. ¡®An Hai, wait here with Xiao Hua. Dinner will be ready soon.¡¯


    Luo An Hai couldn¡¯t believe the woman she hated for many years was deeply moved after receiving a smile from her.


    ¡®A miracle happened,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said, watching Mai Fang run to the kitchen. ¡®Luo An Hai, you smiled at my mother. Did you forget to wear thorns today?¡¯


    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    Luo An Hai was planning to take revenge on Han Ting Hua, but seeing him again after avoiding him since that night, her revenge plans melted.


    ¡®My mother asked me to come home for dinner,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said.


    Han Ting Hua knew Luo An Hai was avoiding him. Dinner at the Luo Mansion was his chance to see her.


    Luo An Hai stood to hide in her bedroom, but Han Ting Hua followed her upstairs.


    ¡®Luo An Hai, what are you scared of?¡¯ Han Ting Hua asked.


    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Luo An Hai wanted to close her bedroom door, but Han Ting Hua¡¯s leg was in the way. She kicked his leg, he dodged her kick.


    ¡®What do you want?¡¯ Luo An Hai asked.


    ¡®You¡¯re tensed and scared,¡¯ Han Ting Hua said. ¡®You always avoid eye contact and fist your hands whenever you¡¯re tensed and scared.¡¯


    Han Ting Hua played with Luo An Hai¡¯s hair. ¡®Luo An Hai, what are you running from?¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t have time to listen to rubbish,¡¯ Luo An Hai said.


    Luo An Hai closed her bedroom door forcibly. She slumped against the door. Running? Of course she needed to run from Han Ting Hua.


    On the other side, Han Ting Hua wanted to understand why Luo An Hai declared she hated him and his adoptive mother the first day they met. But if Luo An Hai truly hated him and his adoptive mother, why didn¡¯t she do anything to break up his adoptive mother¡¯s marriage? Years of living with Luo An Hai, he realized she was all bark and no bite. He knew after Luo An Hai noticed he saw through her thorns, she avoided him. What was Luo An Hai scared of? Why did Luo An Hai give him the feeling of a scared lost child? Why did Luo An Hai deny the unspoken connection between them? He didn¡¯t have patience left to wait for Luo An Hai to acknowledge their connection.


    ***


    The pub incident was the last straw, with the intense passion within him finally breathing through its paper thin constraints. Han Ting Hua is determined not to wait any longer and not to let her continue to escape. But a woman like Luo An Hai is truly stubborn.


    Han Ting Hua glances at the table to see a newly published magazine with that same obstinate woman on the cover, intimately clinging to a man, while that man was the same one Luo An Hai had cruelly dumped and left begging for them not to break up.


    ¡°Eh, Han, when did you get to school?¡± Angel had just walked into the student council¡¯s office, and hadn¡¯t expected to run into Han Ting Hua since he hadn¡¯t attended school for several days. ¡°To think you¡¯d be here. That¡¯s great, there¡¯s something I ¡­.. Since when were you interested in gossip magazines?¡±


    Stunned, she stares at the magazine Han Ting Hua had placed on the table, as she just happens to have a similar one in her hands.


    Not waiting for Han Ting Hua to answer, Angel takes a risk and starts to discuss the gossip ¡°A woman¡¯s heart is like a needle in the bottom of the ocean, and a Queen¡¯s heart is even more so! At the time she had dumped Hunter so cruelly, who would¡¯ve expected they¡¯d be so sweet and intimate now? The magazine also mentions their relationship is so close they¡¯re even talking about getting engaged¡­ Han, is this true?¡±


    Is this real or fake, uncle Luo and his mother had also asked him the same thing.


    Having seen the tabloids, Luo Cheng Hai had also been kept in the dark, not knowing what his daughter is up to. Calling An Hai, he found that her phone had been turned off. Since Han Ting Hua was always around Luo An Hai¡¯s side recently, he had Mai Fang enquire, thinking he had a clearer understanding of the situation. He hadn¡¯t expected that he couldn¡¯t pry anything from Han Ting Hua.


    These past few days Luo An Hai didn¡¯t return to the family home, nor did she enter the company, while her phone was constantly off, and even the staff at the company couldn¡¯t locate her. Pretty much only the paparazzi knew her whereabouts.


    Han Ting Hua had expected Luo An Hai to hide from him, but he hadn¡¯t thought she¡¯d put on this kind of show. Looking at the embracing figures on the magazine, his eyes flash but he doesn¡¯t answer Angel¡¯s questions, instead asking her if it was her father¡¯s birthday.


    Hunter and Angel¡¯s families had business dealings, so Hunter would definitely be at the birthday party to congratulate him. While Luo An Hai would also attend as his companion. Angel is easily led towards a new topic by Han Ting Hua.


    ¡°Ah I almost forgot, I had wanted to speak to you about something¡± She places her hands together, pleading. ¡°Han, be my escort tonight! Otherwise my grandfather will definitely take the opportunity to introduce me to various men, so annoying! Han, I was your shield for so long, isn¡¯t it time to repay me?¡± Even if he doesn¡¯t agree, she¡¯ll nag him until he does.


    But contrary to Angel¡¯s expectations, not only does Han Ting Hua not refuse, he even reveals a rare smile.


    ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Angel¡¯s request just happened to fit right into his plans. As the magazine enters back into his sight, he dangerously eyes Angel. Let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll escape this time!


    ******


    Luo An Hai hadn¡¯t expected to see Han Ting Hua at the birthday banquet since that brat had always been low-key and never attends any banquets. But seeing the blonde haired girl on his arm, she suddenly understands. She had forgotten Han Ting Hua¡¯s little girlfriend was the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s only daughter. Han Ting Hua had also seen Luo An Hai. The moment she entered the room, she instantly drew everyone¡¯s attention.


    Elegantly and meticulously made up, with her light chestnut hair half pulled into a bun revealing her beautiful snow white neck, appearing sweet and sexy in a little silver strapless. Sapphire earrings gently swinging on the sides of her face, the straps around her lower back outlining her alluring curves, with two perfectly balanced legs peeking out from a blooming silk skirt, clad in her favourite Mary Jane heels. While her clothes weren¡¯t the most flamboyant, and she hadn¡¯t adorned herself with the most dazzling gems, wearing a necklace that matched her earrings on her snow white neck, yet that charming and elegant disposition caused all the other women at the banquet to pale in comparison.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Angel whispers in Han Ting Hua¡¯s ear, with a tone full of worship, ¡°A Queen¡¯s entrance is really something else. Come, let¡¯s greet her.¡±


    Han Ting Hua slightly smiles, lightly holding Angel¡¯s waist as he walks towards Luo An Hai.


    Realizing that he was approaching, Luo An Hai can¡¯t help but freeze, Immediately developing the urge to flee. But she endures, straightening her back and proudly lifting her chin as she coldly surveys the people approaching.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sensing her body stiffen, Hunter looks towards her, eyes tender and filled with his love towards Luo An Hai. So much that even though she had treated him cruelly before, he was still unable to relinquish her.


    Even though Luo An Hai had clearly told him it was impossible for her to love him, he still refused to stop sticking near her, thinking that as long as he doesn¡¯t give up, Luo An Hai would someday be moved by his affections. Already looking towards the front, Luo An Hai ignores Hunter¡¯s question.


    Feeling perplexed, Hunter follows her gaze, only to see the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s daughter and an Asian youth walking towards them.


    The youth has a handsome face and a cool disposition, wearing a tailor made black suit oozing with appeal. The moment the youth entered, several women at the banquet couldn¡¯t help but stare at him, speculating over the identity of the man escorting the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s daughter.


    Having never met Han Ting Hua, Hunter had assumed he was Angel¡¯s boyfriend from their intimate actions, only, the way he looked at Luo An Hai caused him to feel on edge, as his arm subconsciously wraps around Luo An Hai¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Hi Hunter.¡± Angel offers her greetings first.


    Han Ting Hua subtly pushes lightly at Angel¡¯s waist. Angel is slightly shocked, and although she doesn¡¯t understand Han Ting Hua¡¯s thoughts, she still smiles at Hunter, ¡°Hunter, are you willing to accompany me for this dance?¡±


    ¡°This¡­.¡± Hunter hesitates, glancing towards Han Ting Hua, then anxiously turning towards Luo An Hai. Angel impatiently snaps at him ¡°What are you anxious for? Han is Miss Luo¡¯s younger brother.¡±


    The moment the words are said, everyone stares in shock at Han Ting Hua. To think he was the legendary brother Luo An Hai was hostile towards. Hunter gawks but Angel had already pulled him to the dance floor before he could say anything.


    Once the two leave, Han Ting Hua immediately extends his hand to Luo An Hai ¡°Do you want to dance, sister?¡± Specifically adding the last word.


    Luo An Hai glares at him. She had wanted to turn and leave the banquet, but with so many spectators watching them, she didn¡¯t want to embarrass herself, and even less to make a fool of herself.


    Han Ting Hua slightly smiles, raising his brow at her.


    As Luo An Hai extends her hand, Han Ting Hua grabs it and suddenly pulls, almost causing her to awkwardly fall into his arms.


    ¡°Han Ting Hua!¡± She grits, glaring towards him as his arms wrap around her waist. Applying slight force, Luo An Hai¡¯s body sticks to his, as he lowers his head and whispers in her ear ¡°Caught you.¡±


    His warm breath near her ear caused Luo An Hai to tremble. As she struggled to escape, Han Ting Hua¡¯s hold tightened even more, preventing her from fleeing. ¡°Han Ting Hua, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh. There¡¯s a lot of people watching us, do you really want to continue struggling and make a fool of yourself?¡± Han Ting Hua knows how proud she is, Luo An Hai stills. Emitting a low laugh, Han Ting Hua takes a few strides while holding on to her waist, forcing Luo An Hai towards the dancefloor.


    The hand around her waist is overbearingly strong as the two remain ambiguously close she can almost feel the shocked stares around them¡­ in the end, what is he planning?


    Suppressing the fluster in her heart, Luo An Hai forces herself to raise her eyes and glower at him, reprimanding him in a hushed tone ¡°Exactly what are you planning to do?¡±


    ¡°What about you? How long do you plan on running?¡± Han Ting Hua immediately retorts.


    ¡°Who¡¯s running?¡±


    ¡°¡­.then who was it who refused to return home these last few days?¡±


    Luo An Hai stiffens, then arrogantly raising her chin. ¡°You can¡¯t control me, whether I return or not is my decision.¡±


    Han Ting Hua knows she¡¯s stubbornly trying to bluff her way out¡­..


    ¡°I know you¡¯re hiding from me, don¡¯t deny it.¡± He doesn¡¯t give her the opportunity to refute as his eyes lock onto hers.


    ¡°Luo An Hai, when will you be honest to yourself? What are you afraid of? You should know the more scared you are, the more obvious it is to me that you-¡±


    *Pa* A slap interrupts Han Ting Hua¡¯s sentence.


    The crowd is completely shocked, staring at the two in wonder.


    Luo An Hai clenches her fists, glaring at Han Ting Hua as her body shakes in anger. Ignoring the stunned audience, she turns and leaves the event.


    She walks quickly, as though she was fleeing from something, while her clenched fist swells with the pain from slapping him. She closes her eyes.


    The words Han Ting Hua wasn¡¯t able to say were exactly those that had been hidden in the depths of her heart. Almost causing the lock that she didn¡¯t dare think about, let alone touch, to burst open.


    She doesn¡¯t want to hear it, nor does she dare to, and only wants to escape. Suddenly a strong force appears behind her, causing her to look back.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Luo An Hai shrieks. ¡°Han Tin Hua, you¡ª-¡± Before she could even finish speaking, she was already brashly thrown into the car. Struggling to get off, she finds the doors already locked.


    ¡°Open the door! Let me out!¡± Han Ting Hua ignores her bellows, and steps on the accelerator.


    As Han Ting Hua drives back to her residence. Luo An Hai, who had been yelling the whole time, suddenly turns silent, when Han Ting Hua takes her hand, pulling her inside.


    Inside, the lights were off, aside from a faint glow coming from outside. The two of them stood silently in the dark.


    Han Ting Hua heads to the counter, pouring himself a glass of water, before returning to Luo An Hai, offering the water to her. ¡°Drink, you should be thirsty.¡±


    Luo An Hai takes the water from him, dumping it on him and throwing the glass at his face.


    The moment she hears the glass hitting his forehead, her heart tightens, soon followed by the sound of the glass smashing against the floor.


    Enduring the pain, Han Ting Hua asks ¡°Has your anger faded yet? If not, I¡¯ll let you hit this side as well.¡±


    He turns his right cheek towards her, as Luo An Hai slaps it, not even holding back a little, forming another handprint on his face. But it¡¯s still not enough, as she practically leaps towards Han Ting Hua, beating and kicking at him as he bears her hits, not even retreating or evading. Not even uttering a sound as his body receives her attacks.


    It was like Luo An Hai was venting out all her resentment, placing all her strength in her fists to express the rage and unspeakable grievances she¡¯s experienced! Why? Why would he? Why would he force her? Why would he say those things to her?


    ¡°Han Ting Hua you arsehole! Why are you treating me like this? You don¡¯t understand anything! You don¡¯t know anything! Why are you forcing me?¡± She rages at him, hollering until her voice is hoarse, wails, then starts to push him away. ¡°Leave, go away! Stay the hell away from me!¡±


    Han Ting Hua doesn¡¯t move, standing firmly in place as he locks his deep gaze onto her.


    That expression almost drives Luo An Hai mad. Those eyes were so familiar, just like the man in her memories. That fool had always worn this expression as he stared at her picture¡­..


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at me like that! Stop! Just don¡¯t!¡± Forcefully pulling his collar, she bites down firmly on his neck. She bites so hard her teeth had almost sunk down into his flesh, not even letting go as the taste of iron floods her mouth. As hot tears well up in her eyes, she tries to endure, preventing them from falling. As though crying would be like admitting something.


    She¡¯s always been resisting, always refused to admit¡­¡­


    Han Ting Hua remains silent throughout this exchange. Feeling her tremble, listening to her rapid breath, as though she was holding back her tears. She really is stubborn, for that stubborn person to know that there¡¯s someone willing to treasure her, that there¡¯s someone willing to give their all to protect her.


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here for you.¡± His voice is so soft and so tender, like a feather gently enveloping her. ¡°I won¡¯t leave. I won¡¯t abandon you. I¡¯m right here beside you.¡±


    Luo An Hai opens her eyes, lashes lightly fluttering. After a while¡­. A tear accidentally flows down, one drop followed by another, dripping onto Han Ting Hua¡¯s shoulder, causing his heart to tense.


    Han Ting Hua feels as though his heart had completely turned soft. Perhaps he had always been waiting for this moment, waiting for her to openly cry rather than suppressing her tears even in her dreams.


    She had hidden too many secrets in the depths of her heart, while he had wanted nothing more than to unravel those secrets, to lower her guard, so that when she¡¯s hurt, she can cry to her heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°I like you Luo An Hai.¡± The confession whispered into the dark strikes at Luo An Hai¡¯s heart.


    ¡°You told me not to love you, but it¡¯s already too late.¡± From a long, long time ago ¡­.. From when his gaze could no longer leave her, it was already too late. ¡°Luo An Hai, let me love you, okay?¡±


    Luo An Hai closes her eyes, letting the tears flow from her eyes. She never knew why she was given another chance at life. She wanted to treat her father better, unable to forget his grief as he stood before her grave, yet even with another chance, she never knew how to interact with him. Or maybe, she had never relinquished her grudge towards him.


    While towards Han Ting Hua¡­ she had always hated him, hated how he had taken all her father¡¯s love, hated how he and his mother had stolen her home. She had hated him so much she just assumed he would feel the same. There should only be hatred between them.


    Yet after she died, he had spent night after night pacing around her room, every night holding her picture alone, and on her birthday he would buy a small cake, sing happy birthday to her, lie on her bed by himself, gazing at her until dawn. Day after day, night after night¡­..


    She doesn¡¯t understand. Why would he love her? The hatred in her heart turns into ignorance, unknowingly developing into heartache. She doesn¡¯t want him to be like this, she doesn¡¯t like it!


    Love, she¡¯s never needed such a thing!


    Love makes people go mad. Recalling her love-crazed mother, who had spent her whole life madly in love, yet before she died, she had held her hand, crying as she told her never to believe in love, love will only cause people pain, just like her.


    She had remembered her mother¡¯s words, and never loved anyone. Look, wasn¡¯t what her mother said true, just look at Han Ting Hua.


    Isn¡¯t it because he¡¯s suffering from love that he¡¯d be so sad and pitiful, holding her picture even as he died. What¡¯s the use? It¡¯s not like she could respond, she wouldn¡¯t¡­..


    Even if she gets another lifetime she still won¡¯t love him, she only wants him to hate her!


    It should¡¯ve been like this¡­. He should¡¯ve hated her.


    Only, does she really want him to hate her? Does she really not want his love?


    Luo An Hai, what are you running from¡ª-that day, he had asked her, those eyes looking at her as though they could see right through her.


    What was she running from¡­ Luo An Hai recalls the tears he had shed at her grave, recalling that reluctance and heartache.


    She was sympathetic towards his stupidity, but wasn¡¯t willing ¡­ wasn¡¯t willing to respond to him. This whole time she wasn¡¯t willing to admit that what she felt for him already wasn¡¯t hate since the hatred in her heart was already worn away by his foolishness.


    She had called him stupid, yet those words weren¡¯t wholly without affection, yet her mother¡¯s legacy caused her to be afraid, too afraid to believe in love. So she pretended love didn¡¯t exist, forcing herself to deny the tension between them.


    He loves her, how could she not know? Their relationship had long developed an ambiguous one, only she had forced herself to remain ignorant.


    Just like how she could clearly ignore him, yet she deliberately chose to seek him out, to watch her, to never forget her existence.


    That man used his foolishness to cause her to engrave him within her heart, so that even with another chance at life, even with her fear of love, and even with all the hatred she¡¯s professed to have, she still can¡¯t forget his foolishness, secretly becoming attached to his love, yet unable to admit it.


    She fled, she hid, she guarded herself with all she had, yet she still feared that he would actually turn and walk away. Yet once he comes close, she can¡¯t help being terrified. Until now, as he steadily presses ahead, no longer allowing her to escape.


    While she was also tired of running. Maybe, in her heart she no longer wanted to run anymore, and had already wanted to love and be loved.


    They had tortured each other like an S and M see-saw, if one came forward, the other would retreat, yet still firmly holding on, neither of them willing to let go ¡ª- actually, she had always feared he¡¯d let go. She had thought, maybe the reason the Heavens had let her relive her life was because of him.


    Not wanting to let him down any longer, Luo An Hai loosens her jaw, as Han Ting Hua smiles, ¡°Not biting anymore?¡±


    Luo An Hai remains silent. Glancing down, her hands grip his collar, slightly shaking it, as the taste of blood in her mouth almost causes her to smile, her heart feeling sour. This guy, just passively allowing her to bite, really such a moron.


    ¡°What?¡± Han Ting Hua couldn¡¯t hear properly.


    Luo An Hai doesn¡¯t reply, and simply pulls him down towards her, before lifting her head to bite his lip, tears flowing from the corner of her eyes ¨C idiot, she won¡¯t run anymore.

 Chapter 7.2

    The pub incident was the last straw, with the intense passion within him finally breathing through its paper thin constraints. Han Ting Hua is determined not to wait any longer and not to let her continue to escape. But a woman like Luo An Hai is truly stubborn.


    Han Ting Hua glances at the table to see a newly published magazine with that same obstinate woman on the cover, intimately clinging to a man, while that man was the same one Luo An Hai had cruelly dumped and left begging for them not to break up.


    ¡°Eh, Han, when did you get to school?¡± Angel had just walked into the student council¡¯s office, and hadn¡¯t expected to run into Han Ting Hua since he hadn¡¯t attended school for several days. ¡°To think you¡¯d be here. That¡¯s great, there¡¯s something I ¡­.. Since when were you interested in gossip magazines?¡±


    Stunned, she stares at the magazine Han Ting Hua had placed on the table, as she just happens to have a similar one in her hands.


    Not waiting for Han Ting Hua to answer, Angel takes a risk and starts to discuss the gossip ¡°A woman¡¯s heart is like a needle in the bottom of the ocean, and a Queen¡¯s heart is even more so! At the time she had dumped Hunter so cruelly, who would¡¯ve expected they¡¯d be so sweet and intimate now? The magazine also mentions their relationship is so close they¡¯re even talking about getting engaged¡­ Han, is this true?¡±


    Is this real or fake, uncle Luo and his mother had also asked him the same thing.


    Having seen the tabloids, Luo Cheng Hai had also been kept in the dark, not knowing what his daughter is up to. Calling An Hai, he found that her phone had been turned off. Since Han Ting Hua was always around Luo An Hai¡¯s side recently, he had Mai Fang enquire, thinking he had a clearer understanding of the situation. He hadn¡¯t expected that he couldn¡¯t pry anything from Han Ting Hua.


    These past few days Luo An Hai didn¡¯t return to the family home, nor did she enter the company, while her phone was constantly off, and even the staff at the company couldn¡¯t locate her. Pretty much only the paparazzi knew her whereabouts.


    Han Ting Hua had expected Luo An Hai to hide from him, but he hadn¡¯t thought she¡¯d put on this kind of show. Looking at the embracing figures on the magazine, his eyes flash but he doesn¡¯t answer Angel¡¯s questions, instead asking her if it was her father¡¯s birthday.


    Hunter and Angel¡¯s families had business dealings, so Hunter would definitely be at the birthday party to congratulate him. While Luo An Hai would also attend as his companion. Angel is easily led towards a new topic by Han Ting Hua.


    ¡°Ah I almost forgot, I had wanted to speak to you about something¡± She places her hands together, pleading. ¡°Han, be my escort tonight! Otherwise my grandfather will definitely take the opportunity to introduce me to various men, so annoying! Han, I was your shield for so long, isn¡¯t it time to repay me?¡± Even if he doesn¡¯t agree, she¡¯ll nag him until he does.


    But contrary to Angel¡¯s expectations, not only does Han Ting Hua not refuse, he even reveals a rare smile.


    ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Angel¡¯s request just happened to fit right into his plans. As the magazine enters back into his sight, he dangerously eyes Angel. Let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll escape this time!


    ******


    Luo An Hai hadn¡¯t expected to see Han Ting Hua at the birthday banquet since that brat had always been low-key and never attends any banquets. But seeing the blonde haired girl on his arm, she suddenly understands. She had forgotten Han Ting Hua¡¯s little girlfriend was the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s only daughter. Han Ting Hua had also seen Luo An Hai. The moment she entered the room, she instantly drew everyone¡¯s attention.


    Elegantly and meticulously made up, with her light chestnut hair half pulled into a bun revealing her beautiful snow white neck, appearing sweet and sexy in a little silver strapless. Sapphire earrings gently swinging on the sides of her face, the straps around her lower back outlining her alluring curves, with two perfectly balanced legs peeking out from a blooming silk skirt, clad in her favourite Mary Jane heels. While her clothes weren¡¯t the most flamboyant, and she hadn¡¯t adorned herself with the most dazzling gems, wearing a necklace that matched her earrings on her snow white neck, yet that charming and elegant disposition caused all the other women at the banquet to pale in comparison.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Angel whispers in Han Ting Hua¡¯s ear, with a tone full of worship, ¡°A Queen¡¯s entrance is really something else. Come, let¡¯s greet her.¡±


    Han Ting Hua slightly smiles, lightly holding Angel¡¯s waist as he walks towards Luo An Hai.


    Realizing that he was approaching, Luo An Hai can¡¯t help but freeze, Immediately developing the urge to flee. But she endures, straightening her back and proudly lifting her chin as she coldly surveys the people approaching.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sensing her body stiffen, Hunter looks towards her, eyes tender and filled with his love towards Luo An Hai. So much that even though she had treated him cruelly before, he was still unable to relinquish her.


    Even though Luo An Hai had clearly told him it was impossible for her to love him, he still refused to stop sticking near her, thinking that as long as he doesn¡¯t give up, Luo An Hai would someday be moved by his affections. Already looking towards the front, Luo An Hai ignores Hunter¡¯s question.


    Feeling perplexed, Hunter follows her gaze, only to see the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s daughter and an Asian youth walking towards them.


    The youth has a handsome face and a cool disposition, wearing a tailor made black suit oozing with appeal. The moment the youth entered, several women at the banquet couldn¡¯t help but stare at him, speculating over the identity of the man escorting the Dai¡¯An family¡¯s daughter.


    Having never met Han Ting Hua, Hunter had assumed he was Angel¡¯s boyfriend from their intimate actions, only, the way he looked at Luo An Hai caused him to feel on edge, as his arm subconsciously wraps around Luo An Hai¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Hi Hunter.¡± Angel offers her greetings first.


    Han Ting Hua subtly pushes lightly at Angel¡¯s waist. Angel is slightly shocked, and although she doesn¡¯t understand Han Ting Hua¡¯s thoughts, she still smiles at Hunter, ¡°Hunter, are you willing to accompany me for this dance?¡±


    ¡°This¡­.¡± Hunter hesitates, glancing towards Han Ting Hua, then anxiously turning towards Luo An Hai. Angel impatiently snaps at him ¡°What are you anxious for? Han is Miss Luo¡¯s younger brother.¡±


    The moment the words are said, everyone stares in shock at Han Ting Hua. To think he was the legendary brother Luo An Hai was hostile towards. Hunter gawks but Angel had already pulled him to the dance floor before he could say anything.


    Once the two leave, Han Ting Hua immediately extends his hand to Luo An Hai ¡°Do you want to dance, sister?¡± Specifically adding the last word.


    Luo An Hai glares at him. She had wanted to turn and leave the banquet, but with so many spectators watching them, she didn¡¯t want to embarrass herself, and even less to make a fool of herself.


    Han Ting Hua slightly smiles, raising his brow at her.


    As Luo An Hai extends her hand, Han Ting Hua grabs it and suddenly pulls, almost causing her to awkwardly fall into his arms.


    ¡°Han Ting Hua!¡± She grits, glaring towards him as his arms wrap around her waist. Applying slight force, Luo An Hai¡¯s body sticks to his, as he lowers his head and whispers in her ear ¡°Caught you.¡±

 Chapter 7.3

    Credit: Edited by ttun65


    His warm breath near her ear caused Luo An Hai to tremble. As she struggled to escape, Han Ting Hua¡¯s hold tightened even more, preventing her from fleeing. ¡°Han Ting Hua, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh. There¡¯s a lot of people watching us, do you really want to continue struggling and make a fool of yourself?¡± Han Ting Hua knows how proud she is, Luo An Hai stills. Emitting a low laugh, Han Ting Hua takes a few strides while holding on to her waist, forcing Luo An Hai towards the dancefloor.


    The hand around her waist is overbearingly strong as the two remain ambiguously close she can almost feel the shocked stares around them¡­ in the end, what is he planning?


    Suppressing the fluster in her heart, Luo An Hai forces herself to raise her eyes and glower at him, reprimanding him in a hushed tone ¡°Exactly what are you planning to do?¡±


    ¡°What about you? How long do you plan on running?¡± Han Ting Hua immediately retorts.


    ¡°Who¡¯s running?¡±


    ¡°¡­.then who was it who refused to return home these last few days?¡±


    Luo An Hai stiffens, then arrogantly raising her chin. ¡°You can¡¯t control me, whether I return or not is my decision.¡±


    Han Ting Hua knows she¡¯s stubbornly trying to bluff her way out¡­..


    ¡°I know you¡¯re hiding from me, don¡¯t deny it.¡± He doesn¡¯t give her the opportunity to refute as his eyes lock onto hers.


    ¡°Luo An Hai, when will you be honest to yourself? What are you afraid of? You should know the more scared you are, the more obvious it is to me that you-¡±


    *Pa* A slap interrupts Han Ting Hua¡¯s sentence.


    The crowd is completely shocked, staring at the two in wonder.


    Luo An Hai clenches her fists, glaring at Han Ting Hua as her body shakes in anger. Ignoring the stunned audience, she turns and leaves the event.


    She walks quickly, as though she was fleeing from something, while her clenched fist swells with the pain from slapping him. She closes her eyes.


    The words Han Ting Hua wasn¡¯t able to say were exactly those that had been hidden in the depths of her heart. Almost causing the lock that she didn¡¯t dare think about, let alone touch, to burst open.


    She doesn¡¯t want to hear it, nor does she dare to, and only wants to escape. Suddenly a strong force appears behind her, causing her to look back.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Luo An Hai shrieks. ¡°Han Tin Hua, you¡ª-¡± Before she could even finish speaking, she was already brashly thrown into the car. Struggling to get off, she finds the doors already locked.


    ¡°Open the door! Let me out!¡± Han Ting Hua ignores her bellows, and steps on the accelerator.


    As Han Ting Hua drives back to her residence. Luo An Hai, who had been yelling the whole time, suddenly turns silent, when Han Ting Hua takes her hand, pulling her inside.


    Inside, the lights were off, aside from a faint glow coming from outside. The two of them stood silently in the dark.


    Han Ting Hua heads to the counter, pouring himself a glass of water, before returning to Luo An Hai, offering the water to her. ¡°Drink, you should be thirsty.¡±


    Luo An Hai takes the water from him, dumping it on him and throwing the glass at his face.


    The moment she hears the glass hitting his forehead, her heart tightens, soon followed by the sound of the glass smashing against the floor.


    Enduring the pain, Han Ting Hua asks ¡°Has your anger faded yet? If not, I¡¯ll let you hit this side as well.¡±


    He turns his right cheek towards her, as Luo An Hai slaps it, not even holding back a little, forming another handprint on his face. But it¡¯s still not enough, as she practically leaps towards Han Ting Hua, beating and kicking at him as he bears her hits, not even retreating or evading. Not even uttering a sound as his body receives her attacks.


    It was like Luo An Hai was venting out all her resentment, placing all her strength in her fists to express the rage and unspeakable grievances she¡¯s experienced! Why? Why would he? Why would he force her? Why would he say those things to her?


    ¡°Han Ting Hua you arsehole! Why are you treating me like this? You don¡¯t understand anything! You don¡¯t know anything! Why are you forcing me?¡± She rages at him, hollering until her voice is hoarse, wails, then starts to push him away. ¡°Leave, go away! Stay the hell away from me!¡±


    Han Ting Hua doesn¡¯t move, standing firmly in place as he locks his deep gaze onto her.


    That expression almost drives Luo An Hai mad. Those eyes were so familiar, just like the man in her memories. That fool had always worn this expression as he stared at her picture¡­..


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at me like that! Stop! Just don¡¯t!¡± Forcefully pulling his collar, she bites down firmly on his neck. She bites so hard her teeth had almost sunk down into his flesh, not even letting go as the taste of iron floods her mouth. As hot tears well up in her eyes, she tries to endure, preventing them from falling. As though crying would be like admitting something.


    She¡¯s always been resisting, always refused to admit¡­¡­


    Han Ting Hua remains silent throughout this exchange. Feeling her tremble, listening to her rapid breath, as though she was holding back her tears. She really is stubborn, for that stubborn person to know that there¡¯s someone willing to treasure her, that there¡¯s someone willing to give their all to protect her.


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here for you.¡± His voice is so soft and so tender, like a feather gently enveloping her. ¡°I won¡¯t leave. I won¡¯t abandon you. I¡¯m right here beside you.¡±


    Luo An Hai opens her eyes, lashes lightly fluttering. After a while¡­. A tear accidentally flows down, one drop followed by another, dripping onto Han Ting Hua¡¯s shoulder, causing his heart to tense.


    Han Ting Hua feels as though his heart had completely turned soft. Perhaps he had always been waiting for this moment, waiting for her to openly cry rather than suppressing her tears even in her dreams.


    She had hidden too many secrets in the depths of her heart, while he had wanted nothing more than to unravel those secrets, to lower her guard, so that when she¡¯s hurt, she can cry to her heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°I like you Luo An Hai.¡± The confession whispered into the dark strikes at Luo An Hai¡¯s heart.


    ¡°You told me not to love you, but it¡¯s already too late.¡± From a long, long time ago ¡­.. From when his gaze could no longer leave her, it was already too late. ¡°Luo An Hai, let me love you, okay?¡±


    Luo An Hai closes her eyes, letting the tears flow from her eyes. She never knew why she was given another chance at life. She wanted to treat her father better, unable to forget his grief as he stood before her grave, yet even with another chance, she never knew how to interact with him. Or maybe, she had never relinquished her grudge towards him.


    While towards Han Ting Hua¡­ she had always hated him, hated how he had taken all her father¡¯s love, hated how he and his mother had stolen her home. She had hated him so much she just assumed he would feel the same. There should only be hatred between them.


    Yet after she died, he had spent night after night pacing around her room, every night holding her picture alone, and on her birthday he would buy a small cake, sing happy birthday to her, lie on her bed by himself, gazing at her until dawn. Day after day, night after night¡­..


    She doesn¡¯t understand. Why would he love her? The hatred in her heart turns into ignorance, unknowingly developing into heartache. She doesn¡¯t want him to be like this, she doesn¡¯t like it!


    Love, she¡¯s never needed such a thing!


    Love makes people go mad. Recalling her love-crazed mother, who had spent her whole life madly in love, yet before she died, she had held her hand, crying as she told her never to believe in love, love will only cause people pain, just like her.


    She had remembered her mother¡¯s words, and never loved anyone. Look, wasn¡¯t what her mother said true, just look at Han Ting Hua.


    Isn¡¯t it because he¡¯s suffering from love that he¡¯d be so sad and pitiful, holding her picture even as he died. What¡¯s the use? It¡¯s not like she could respond, she wouldn¡¯t¡­..


    Even if she gets another lifetime she still won¡¯t love him, she only wants him to hate her!


    It should¡¯ve been like this¡­. He should¡¯ve hated her.


    Only, does she really want him to hate her? Does she really not want his love?


    Luo An Hai, what are you running from¡ª-that day, he had asked her, those eyes looking at her as though they could see right through her.


    What was she running from¡­ Luo An Hai recalls the tears he had shed at her grave, recalling that reluctance and heartache.


    She was sympathetic towards his stupidity, but wasn¡¯t willing ¡­ wasn¡¯t willing to respond to him. This whole time she wasn¡¯t willing to admit that what she felt for him already wasn¡¯t hate since the hatred in her heart was already worn away by his foolishness.


    She had called him stupid, yet those words weren¡¯t wholly without affection, yet her mother¡¯s legacy caused her to be afraid, too afraid to believe in love. So she pretended love didn¡¯t exist, forcing herself to deny the tension between them.


    He loves her, how could she not know? Their relationship had long developed into an ambiguous one, only she had forced herself to remain ignorant.


    Just like how she could clearly ignore him, yet she deliberately chose to seek him out, to watch her, to never forget her existence.


    That man used his foolishness to cause her to engrave him within her heart, so that even with another chance at life, even with her fear of love, and even with all the hatred she¡¯s professed to have, she still can¡¯t forget his foolishness, secretly becoming attached to his love, yet unable to admit it.


    She fled, she hid, she guarded herself with all she had, yet she still feared that he would actually turn and walk away. Yet once he comes close, she can¡¯t help being terrified. Until now, as he steadily presses ahead, no longer allowing her to escape.


    While she was also tired of running. Maybe, in her heart she no longer wanted to run anymore, and had already wanted to love and be loved.


    They had tortured each other like an S and M see-saw, if one came forward, the other would retreat, yet still firmly holding on, neither of them willing to let go ¡ª- actually, she had always feared he¡¯d let go. She had thought, maybe the reason the Heavens had let her relive her life was because of him.


    Not wanting to let him down any longer, Luo An Hai loosens her jaw, as Han Ting Hua smiles, ¡°Not biting anymore?¡±


    Luo An Hai remains silent. Glancing down, her hands grip his collar, slightly shaking it, as the taste of blood in her mouth almost causes her to smile, her heart feeling sour. This guy, just passively allowing her to bite, really such a moron.


    ¡°What?¡± Han Ting Hua couldn¡¯t hear properly.


    Luo An Hai doesn¡¯t reply, and simply pulls him down towards her, before lifting her head to bite his lip, tears flowing from the corner of her eyes ¨C idiot, she won¡¯t run anymore.

 Chapter 8.1

    Luo An Hai bites with such force that she breaks the skin on Han Ting Hua¡¯s lower lip, causing him to hiss from the pain.


    The sudden kiss leaves Han Ting Hua in shock, before immediately understanding her intentions, his heart filled with ecstasy. Gripping the back of her head, he returns her bite.


    But after all, how could he bear to bite her? As his fierce teeth meet her lips, they switch to nibbling and sucking, as his tongue explores her small mouth, plying her tongue as he sucks on it with vigour.


    ¡°Nnn¡­.¡± Luo An Hai emits a soft groan, her tongue had been sucked until it pricked, her mouth filled with his taste. All the air she exhaled had been swallowed by him, leaving her with no room to retreat, as her small tongue starts to fight back against his, until their breaths entwine, and a silver thread hangs between them.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s hands firmly grasp him, needing his warmth to give her courage, wanting him to hold her tight, to let her love boldly.


    Her initiative causes Han Ting Hua to pause slightly, before returning it with more strength.


    He had already waited so long for this moment, and thought it would still take him a few more years.


    After all, he knew better than anyone how obstinate this woman was. He had already prepared for a long term battle, and hadn¡¯t expected she¡¯d acknowledge the attraction between them so quickly, no longer wanting to escape, and would actually approach him.


    Recalling that glorious taste he had experienced earlier, Han Ting Hua almost madly presses her against the door, roughly holding her up by her round buttocks. Luo An Hai extends her legs around his waist, running her fingers through his thick black hair, as she lowers her head to deepen their kiss.


    Their breaths become ragged, as saliva overflows from their entangled tongues. Han Ting Hua licks it off as his scorching lips move down, sucking on her jade-like neck, leaving a trail of marks on her collarbone. His hands were unable to resist pulling her tiny cocktail dress down, instantly exposing her full breasts to the cold air.


    Under the faint light, the delicate tips stand erect, as though they were enticing someone¡¯s affection. Han Ting Hua grabs her right breast, gently rubbing his lips against her nipple, occasionally opening his lips to gently suck. He was like a little child who had just found a new toy, wilfully playing until she turns weak, but refusing to open his mouth and suck with vigour.


    Luo An Hai was teased until she lost herself, unable to resist grabbing his head, thrusting her chest towards him, taking the initiative to deliver her breasts to his mouth.


    It wasn¡¯t only him desiring her, she had wanted him as well.


    Shedding away all caution, she found she could no longer refuse him, as her mind and body unfolded before him, seeking to be occupied by him, wanting him to fully infiltrate her, while wanting to embrace him¡­.


    Her mind spins with the boy before her and millions of other men. Regardless of who, they were all him, all just as foolish.


    The foolish Han Ting Hua she had wanted to hold doesn¡¯t know her thoughts, but can feel her excitement through the delicate trembles in her body. Raising his gaze, he sees her bright eyes glittering like the surface of a lake in the darkness,


    He gently licks the tears from her eyes, the tip of his tongue flicking over her delicate lashes, scattering light kisses over her small face, as though he was kissing her fragility away.


    Yet those gently kisses soon turn scorching, as he cups her right breast with his palm, sucking on the delicate pink tip.


    As he sucks, his tongue twirls around, teasing her breasts. Like a bee greedily devouring honey, he refuses to let such a divine feast go, his tongue sucking and lapping, unwilling to leave them alone.


    Only after her right breast is wet and swollen, is he content to start his assault on the other, using the same techniques to savagely tease them, not knowing when his other hand had started exploring inside her dress, discovering the mysterious world hidden within.


    Wearing such a tight dress, she couldn¡¯t choose underwear that would stand out, so hidden inside was a flimsy little thong, the thin silk sticking to her fleshy petals. Inside, it was already flooded with droplets of pleasure. His fingers had only lightly spread those petals, and was almost drowned by the wetness inside.


    Han Ting Hua can already imagine how obscenely those fleshy walls would clamp down on him when he enters¡­..


    The excitement in his pants had risen so much it would explode, almost causing him to lose all sense, rip all her clothes off, and rudely thrust inside.


    But he endures, she¡¯s not wet enough. He doesn¡¯t want to hurt her, not to mention he knows how sweetly he¡¯ll be rewarded for his patience.


    Look, his fingers only needed to lightly graze her hole, and had already caused her to tremble, as that cute little mouth reveals a seductive moan, her fleshy petals greedily quivering as though they were begging him to enter.


    She has such a sensitive and alluring body. While once the locks on a woman¡¯s heart burst open, any expression with even the tiniest hint of passion would cause Luo An Hai to feel stabs of shame, as floods of nectar pour out.


    Holding his neck, Luo An Hai¡¯s body arches towards him, raising her shiny wet breasts to chase the sensation, feeling his fingers enter her soft, wet little hole. Her tight walls immediately clamp down, sucking in those invasive fingers, as a soft whimper escapes her mouth ¡°Nnnn¡­¡±


    Han Ting Hua loves the sound of her moans, like the entrancing songs of a siren, causing his desire to flare even stronger.


    He bites down on her nipple, enthusiastically sucking them, as the fingers buried deeply in her flower bud slowly start to stir, teasing those greedy walls, firmly pressing down on them as his fingers thrust inside, attempting to induce even more nectar.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Luo An Hai subconsciously wriggles her round buttocks to accommodate those long fingers as they invade her fleshy hole. His thumb straightens, fiendishly rubbing at the tiny bead at the tip of her slit, as his fingers continue to pump and thrash inside, wantonly caressing her jade white body.


    Her thin thong was practically soaked through, as his hand pulls at them, deliberately driving the flimsy silk inside her.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s body jolts, tears flooding her eyes as she almost reaches a climax, when Han Ting Hua suddenly retracts his fingers.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t¡­.¡± She cries in protest, her insatiable bud still starved for more when he promptly withdrew.


    Han Ting Hua licks at the honey dripping between his fingers. His desire blazing as he greedily devours her with his eyes. Her small, lustful face was so alluring, as enticing as the nectar that she gushed out.


    He delivers the nectar lingering on the tip of his tongue into her mouth.


    ¡°Try it, your taste is so sweet.¡± So sweet it made him want to lick her entire body, until every inch of her was covered in the juice she had released for him.


    Luo An Hai swallows, her small tongue wrapping around his. Unwilling to be left alone, her slit starts to rock against his lower half, her small hand caressing the bulge in his pants through the fabric, her fingers firmly kneading, causing Han Ting Hua to emit a husky groan.


    *Hngh* Grasping the hand that was stroking him, his enormous desire hardens through the cotton, hitting her softness


    ¡°Nnn¡­¡± Luo An Hai croons, her body eagerly rubbing against him, the friction fanning the flames of his desire even further, until he can no longer maintain his rationality. His lower half was so painful it almost drove him insane, wanting only to bury itself in that hot, wet little hole.


    He swiftly unbuckles his belt, pushing her dress up to towards her waist, roughly tearing off that thoroughly soaked thong and freeing those scorching hot petals. Lifting her up, he squeezes her fleshy bud open before ruthlessly entering.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Even though her hole was wet enough, he was simply too big. Luo An Hai feels as though she¡¯s being forcefully stretched out, her abdomen so warm and full that her body can¡¯t help but tense, only to tightly suck in his manhood even more.


    Han Ting Hua firmly grasps her small waist, sweat dripping from his chin. She was so wet and tight¡­ it almost drove him insane.


    Unleashing all his desire, he savagely pumps into her small hole, withdrawing before fiercely pumping inside, invading her tight, sweet cavern. The palm of his hand grabs her breasts as they tremble and bounce against him, swallowing those swollen red nipples.


    ¡°Wuuu, ah¡­¡± Luo An Hai arcs her head. The sound of slapping flesh and gushing liquid constantly entering her ear, causing her to feel ashamed, yet an uncontrollable frenzy rises in her body.


    Han Ting Hua suddenly lifts her up, startling Luo An Hai, causing her to clamp down even tighter. He groans before reaching up to tease her.


    ¡°Ah¡± She screams, tightly grasping his neck. Terrified of falling, her long legs wrap around his waist.


    Carrying her, Han Ting Hua walks towards the sofa, plunging deep into her small hole with each step, indulging in that small hole¡¯s wonderful suction.


    Luo An Hai bites her lip, as the continuous invasion causes her entire body to turn soft.


    Placed on the sofa, her legs were spread into a shameful position, as his manhood relentlessly penetrates her deepest parts, his hands wilfully toying with her sweaty breasts.


    Her body was covered in the traces of his lust, marking her like a sex doll, as he arranges her in so many lewd positions, not knowing how many times she¡¯s climaxed.


    Her body was filled with his burning hot essence, as he continues to pump, continually stirring inside her, until she was so full even the insides of her legs were covered by it.


    Luo An Hai kneels over the sofa, her eyes swollen red and misty, as the unstoppable passion causes her to cry until her voice turns hoarse, lips slightly parted, allowing her saliva to drip out.


    Han Ting Hua was like an insatiable beast, penetrating her from behind. Her fleshy petals were already swollen red, constantly overflowing with his white essence.


    ¡°No more¡­.¡± She begs for mercy. She had clearly exhausted herself, yet her lascivious body was still hungrily swallowing his enormous desire.


    His burning hot chest presses against her snow white back, as his hands clasp her breasts. Licking the beads of sweat from her cheeks, he softly whispers her name by her ear.


    ¡°An Ha¡­.¡± He had always wanted to call her like this, no longer using her surname.


    ¡°Nnn¡­¡± Luo An Hai could no longer hear what he said, and only instinctively responds to him.


    Han Ting Hua knows she¡¯s already too dazed, his eyes overflowing with tender affection ¡°An Hai¡­. I love you¡­.¡±


    His voice was soft yet firm, before entering deep within her, once again spraying his burning hot essence inside her.

 Chapter 8.2

    When Luo An Hai woke, it was already noon of the following day, while she was the only one in bed.


    The overindulgence causing her whole body to ache, yet it didn¡¯t have a sticky feeling¡­. She recalls how Han Ting Hua had placed her in the jade white bath tub last night and entered her again. She cried shamefully, begging him to stop, until she couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and passed out.


    Luo An Hai¡¯s face burns red at the memory. She hadn¡¯t thought Han Ting Hua¡¯s passion would be so terrifying. She had forgotten how many times she was done last night, that her private parts would ache even now. Not to mention her tormented waist.


    Luo An Hai covers her scalding face. Although she was a little disappointed at not seeing Han Ting Hua when she woke, she was also relieved.


    Even though she had decided not to escape, and to love someone, to love Han Ting Hua, but after all, she has never loved anyone before. Towards love, she still found it unfamiliar.


    While with Han Ting Hua¡­ yesterday they were clearly still bitter enemies, but after just one night, the situation changed. The change also made her feel helpless, making the proud and haughty Queen currently feel like a young girl in love for the first time.


    As Luo An Hai wracks her brain, her nose picks up a fragrant scent drifting from outside.


    Hesitating, she eventually leaves the bed, wrapping herself with bed sheets, as she walks out of the room with bare feet.


    Wearing only his pants, Han Ting Hua¡¯s bare chest is covered with scars, filled with the bruises from her beatings, and her claw marks in the throes of passion. Carrying a tray out of the kitchen, he breaks into a dazzling smile when he sees Luo An Hai. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°¡­Hey¡± Luo An Hai awkwardly moves her gaze away, feeling her face heat up¡­ she knows ¡ª she had blushed!


    Luo An Hai felt ashamed and embarrassed. She wasn¡¯t used to reacting like this, it made her want to turn back and run to her room.


    Han Ting Hua restrains his laughter, knowing that if he laughed, the woman before him would fly into a rage from the shame. He knows how proud she is, but the Luo An Hai before him was truly too enticing.


    Her tousled hair, with only a snow white bed sheet around her, while her exposed shoulder and collarbone were covered with his marks. Her face was slightly flushed, swollen red lips that had clearly been kissed, bashful eyes filled with a misty haze.


    From top to bottom, her whole body displayed just how fiercely she had been embraced.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± His undisguised stare irritates Luo An Hai, unable to restrain herself from glaring at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± Han Ting Hua praises her unreservedly.


    Luo An Hai pauses. People had always called her beautiful, and she was used to being complemented, but this was the first time she had heard Han Ting Hua call her beautiful¡­.


    The corner of her lips start twisting up, but she still attempts to appear unmoved. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll gain anything just from of a complement.¡±


    Han Ting Hua places her on the bar counter, before walking in front of her, lifting the hair before her chest as he lowers his head to kiss it. Watching her with dark eyes ¡°I don¡¯t need any benefit, I only want you.¡±


    Luo An Hai feels her heart beat faster, as her face flushes red. She helplessly pulls her hair back out of his hands.


    ¡°Han Ting Hua did you take the wrong medicine?¡± To think he¡¯d say these types of ingratiatingly sweet words. While she, what type of lover¡¯s talk hadn¡¯t she heard, yet it was the first time her face had turned red like this. Luo An Hai pushes him away, not wanting to give him a similar response, as she rushes away from the counter.


    Behind her, Han Ting Hua holds back his laughter, eyes flashing with amusement. It was rare to see such a proud woman so embarrassed, so he couldn¡¯t help but tease her.


    Walking forward, he wraps one arm around her waist, lifting her up.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Luo An Hai exclaims, instinctively reaching over to hug his neck.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± She glares at him, yet she doesn¡¯t struggle.


    Han Ting Hua carries her to the bar, sitting her on the stool. Placing his palm intimately on her waist, as the tip of his nose gently grazes her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, I know you¡¯re still not used to these changes¡­ actually it¡¯s the same for me as well.¡±


    The two of them had been adversaries for too long, always acting like enemies, yet now they had become lovers. No one could adjust so quickly, they would even subconsciously be alarmed.


    ¡°Take it slowly, it doesn¡¯t matter. We have a lot of time.¡± He softly whispers, causing the tension in Luo An Hai¡¯s heart to gradually subside, before lightly nodding.


    ¡°Mnn.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± Han Ting Hua lightly nibbles on her ear, ¡°you should recover your arrogant demeanour. The you who now resembles a timid daughter-in-law is something I¡¯m not used to.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s a daughter-in-law!¡± Luo An Hai glares at him resentfully, also thinking that the shy and coy woman wasn¡¯t like the normal her.


    She felt she had lost all her pride, ¡°Leave, don¡¯t hug me.¡± She pushes him away, wanting to escape his embrace.


    But how could Han Ting Hua bear to release her, knowing she didn¡¯t really want to push him. Otherwise, with her strength, she could easily beat him off the chair.


    ¡°Sure enough, I¡¯m more used to you being this fierce.¡± While the bashful her was very cute, he still likes the proud and stubborn Luo An Hai. She truly fits being so blatantly wilful, causing people¡¯s teeth to itch, but also drawing their obsession. While he, was also intoxicated by her poison.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± Luo An Hai can¡¯t help but suspect that he¡¯s a masochist. She glares at him, yet she doesn¡¯t resume pushing him, and arrogantly endures his embrace. However her the corner of her lips were slightly raised, and there was the feeling of being doted on.


    How could she not know that Han Ting Hua had deliberately said those words to help her relax, and to stop her from overthinking. They only need to maintain things as they are, its fine if they bicker or quarrel, there¡¯s no need to worry. It¡¯s fine if they slowly adapt to the changes in their relationship.


    Seeing the slight smile on Luo An Hai¡¯s face, the corner of Han Ting Hua¡¯s lips also rise. He realized that it was the proud Luo An Hai that he was captivated by, while her arrogance caused his desire to flare. Rather, seeing her walk out of the room wrapped only in a sheet, giving off the image of being thoroughly loved, his lower half started to painfully ache.


    He couldn¡¯t resist lowering his head to kiss her lips, seizing that slight smile. His tongue repeatedly traces her lip, invading her mouth when she slightly moans, as he seizes her sweet saliva. Ripping away her bed sheet, he grabs a snow white breast, wantonly kneading it.


    Luo An Hai wraps her arms around his neck, feeling him harden near her buttocks, so big and so hot¡­. Still sensitive from last night¡¯s passions, her small hole starts to moisten.


    Her hand wanders south, pulling down the zipper on his pants. Gripping his desire, her soft hands start to lightly caress.


    ¡°Wu¡­..¡± Han Ting Hua emits a low groan, his desire instantly rising further. Letting her straddle him, as his palms massage her plump buttocks, and his tongue runs across her lip, hoarsely demanding ¡°Harder.¡±


    Luo An Hai happily complies, rubbing her hands along his desire, as droplets of white liquid sticks to her palm, and each move of her hand is accompanied with an obscene cry.


    Their kisses were entangled with a hazy atmosphere, as their tongues explore each other¡¯s mouths, and their breaths mingle.


    Indulging themselves in the passion, the two of them hadn¡¯t noticed the elevator door in front of them opening. The person inside watches the scene in shock, before roaring.


    ¡°What are the two of you doing!?¡±

 Chapter 9.1

    Luo Cheng Hai had always felt guilty towards his only daughter, knowing he hadn¡¯t been a good father. He also knew that in Luo An Hai¡¯s heart, she actually hated this type of father due to his previous wife, the late Sally.


    Luo Cheng Hai admits he really owes Sally too much. Their marriage was one of convenience and he never felt any love towards Sally. Not to mention he had already known Mai Fang before marriage. At the time, he and Mai Fang had dated for several years, while he had planned to marry her.


    However the Luo family¡¯s company had made a bad investment and were experiencing cash flow problems at the time, almost risking bankruptcy. His father had forced him to marry Hank¡¯s daughter, while his mother cried, begging him¡­


    He was fine with being poor, with not being a young master, but he couldn¡¯t just watch as his aging parents lost everything. Helpless, he had no choice but to break up with Mai Fang, and follow his father¡¯s arrangements to marry Sally.


    He had wanted to treat Sally well, however, since he needed to save the Luo family¡¯s business, he had spent the first few years of his marriage busy at work every day, leaving no time for his wife. While Sally¡¯s personality was overly sensitive and prone to suspicion. Not knowing where she had heard that he was keeping another woman during their marriage, she started to nag him every day.


    He was already tired and busy from managing the company¡¯s affairs, while at home he faced Sally¡¯s unreasonable accusations, causing him to feel even more drained.


    Later, he encountered Mai Fang again, raising a child alone in the slums, earning money from washing dishes at a small food stall. He couldn¡¯t resist stepping forward to help her. After all, the two of them had past affections, while he was the one who betrayed her at the time.


    He and Mai Fang gradually started to reconnect. Mai Fang¡¯s warmth and consideration caused him to reminisce over their past love, while at home, he always faced his wife¡¯s rants, so his heart started to lean towards Mai Fang.


    Luo Cheng Hai admits that he¡¯s selfish. Arguing with Sally for so many years wore down his affections for her, so he asked Sally for a divorce.


    Of course she refused, and the two were trapped in a deadlock for years until her death, when he immediately married Mai Fang home.


    While Luo An Hai, the daughter he had neglected, was raised by his wife. He didn¡¯t know what his wife had told her, but from young, Luo An Hai was never close to him.


    He was exhausted coming home since he would have to face another struggle, so he avoided coming home for too long and their father and daughter relationship became estranged, caught up in the disputes of the previous generation.


    Luo An Hai had no idea, while Luo Cheng Hai never ventured to tell her. Luo Cheng Hai¡¯s personality was stubborn and oppressive, and valued his pride. He never felt that he needed to explain anything to his daughter, while he didn¡¯t want to bring up matters of the past before her.


    While Luo An Hai also caused him a lot of distress. The two of them fought often, and even if he wanted the change the situation, he wouldn¡¯t know how to proceed.


    Contrary to Luo An Hai, his stepson Han Ting Hua was sensible and obedient, while his actions were steady and coherent. He had always liked this stepson and raised him like his own. He had even thought how good it would be if Luo An Hai, this troublesome daughter, were half as sensible as Han Ting Hua.


    But Luo Cheng Hai couldn¡¯t have imagined that his ever obedient and sensible stepson would do such a thing! As he sees the two of them actually doing¡­.. Luo Cheng Hai faints.


    He wakes up at the hospital.


    ¡°Uncle Luo, you¡¯re awake. How do you feel?¡± Seeing Luo Cheng Hai wake, Han Ting Hua walks to his bedside.


    Seeing Han Ting Hua, Luo Cheng Hai immediately recalls what he had seen before he passed out and rapidly breathes as Han Ting Hua pats his chest, soothing him.


    ¡°Uncle Luo, you shouldn¡¯t get too excited. It will cause your blood pressure to rise and it¡¯s not good for you.¡± He knew the matter between him and Luo An Hai was too much of a shock for Luo Cheng Hai. While with Luo Cheng Hai¡¯s stubborn and conservative personality, he wouldn¡¯t easily accept it, not to mention he had seen that scene.


    Thinking back to that moment, Han Ting Hua also feels guilty, Seeing Luo Cheng Hai and Mai Feng at the door, he and Luo An Hai were stunned. Luo An Hai had hastily jumped away from him, wrapped the fallen bedsheet around herself. Just as she was about to say something, Luo Cheng Hai fainted.


    Terrified, they immediately rushed Luo Cheng Hai to the hospital.


    ¡°You, you, explain! When did you and An Hai start?¡± Luo Cheng Hai alternated between asking and gasping.


    Han Ting Hua thinks, if it¡¯s when he and Luo An Hai had confirmed their relationship, then ¡°To be accurate, yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday?¡± Luo Cheng Hai is stunned, ¡°Good, since it hasn¡¯t been long, I want you two to separate.¡±


    ¡°No! Sorry Uncle Luo, but I can¡¯t.¡± Han Ting Hua firmly refuses. Seeing the tenacity in Luo Cheng Hai¡¯s gaze, ¡°Uncle Luo, I won¡¯t separate from Luo An Hai. I want to be with her.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Luo Cheng Hai roars. ¡°The two of you are siblings.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t.¡± He had never seen Luo An Hai as his sister. ¡°Luo An Hai and I don¡¯t have any blood ties.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re siblings in name! Do you know what sort of joke you¡¯ve become? Your actions at last night¡¯s banquet are already in the news, now everyone suspects the nature of your relationship!¡±


    It was only after seeing the tabloids that Luo Cheng Hai and Mai Fang had come to Luo An Hai¡¯s residence.


    The picture in the magazine showed Luo An Hai and Han Ting Hua intimately embracing, sticking so closely they didn¡¯t appear like siblings but lovers.


    The same article had also vividly discussed Luo An Hai¡¯s past romances one by one, claiming that all those men were just shields used to cover up the fact that she and her younger brother were in love. Luo Cheng Hai couldn¡¯t afford to lose so much of his reputation. Even if the two of them weren¡¯t blood related, they¡¯re still siblings in name. He absolutely won¡¯t allow them to shame the Luo family!


    Han Ting Hua had already expected what happened at the banquet last night would be exposed, and had mentally prepared himself for Luo Cheng Hai¡¯s interrogation. No matter what Luo Cheng Hai says, he won¡¯t give up Luo An Hai. ¡°Uncle Luo, I don¡¯t see my relationship with An Hai as a joke. Our love is real, I don¡¯t care what others say.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Luo Cheng Hai trembles in anger. ¡°Little Hua, now even you¡¯re acting like An Hai and rebelling against me?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Luo, I¡­¡±


    ¡°To think your reputation is more important than me.¡± Luo An Hai had stood on the other side of the door for a while, until she couldn¡¯t resist bursting in. Mai Fang had anxiously stood beside her. She and Luo An Hai had both left to hear the doctor¡¯s report, and hadn¡¯t expected they would overhear Luo Cheng Hai and Han Ting Hua¡¯s conversation when they returned. As Luo An Hai¡¯s expression gradually darkens, Mai Fang feared the father-daughter pair would start to clash again.


    ¡°An Hai!¡± Han Ting Hua gently shakes his head, hinting for her not to act impulsively.


    Seeing Han Ting Hua¡¯s calm expression as he shakes, Luo An Hai tries to suppress her anger.


    When her father fainted, she felt her heart plummet, fearing something had happened. Only after hearing the doctor explain that it was his high blood pressure and that he would recover after getting some rest, does the grip on her heart loosen.


    Yet hearing what her father had said to Han Ting Hua at the other side of the door, discontent started rising in her heart. Almost opening her mouth to argue, she recalls that the doctor had warned her Luo Cheng Hai¡¯s heart shouldn¡¯t be placed under more stress.


    Schooling her expressions, her voice turns ice cold ¡°The doctor said your blood pressure is too high, and wants you to take care of your diet, and not to get too excited.¡±


    But the words she had said as she entered the room, and her current attitude infuriated Luo Cheng Hai. ¡°For my blood pressure to rise, isn¡¯t it all due to you! What are you playing at, causing trouble at the pub, breaking up with Hunter, and now you¡¯ve involved little Hua! Are you trying to anger me to death?¡±


    ¡°Seeing you¡¯re so good at yelling at the top of your lungs, you should be able to live long.¡± Luo An Hai couldn¡¯t resist retorting.


    ¡°What rubbish are you saying! You¡ª-¡± Luo Cheng Hai angrily gasps, scaring Mai Fang into rushing forward, patting her husband¡¯s back.


    ¡°Cheng Hai, you need to calm down, don¡¯t be so angry.¡±


    Luo An Hai purses her lips, remaining silent.


    How could Han Ting Hua miss the remorse in her eyes, grasping her hand to gently squeeze it, before turning to Luo Cheng Hai. ¡°Uncle Luo, you shouldn¡¯t get angry. An Hai didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    ¡°The way I see it, of course it¡¯s intentional! She just wants to anger this old man to death!¡± Luo Cheng Hai alternates between yelling and gasping.


    ¡°Uncle Luo¡­¡± Han Ting Hua had wanted to say something, yet Luo An Hai pulls him back, lifting her head as she stubbornly faces Luo Cheng Hai.


    ¡°In your heart, is everything I do wrong? No matter what I do, you¡¯re never pleased and only scold me. Dad, do you hate me this much?¡±

 Chapter 9.2

    Luo Cheng Hai is speechless. This is the first time Luo An Hai had ever mentioned this to him. Despite her stubborn demeanour, he can feel the pain in her words.


    Suddenly, he falls silent.


    His only daughter, how could he hate her? In front of other people, he was always proud of her but towards his daughter, he was already accustomed to acting stern.


    Just then, he had only said those things out of anger. How could his pride be more important than his daughter¡¯s happiness?


    But even if they weren¡¯t blood related, they¡¯re still siblings. They say love now, but what if they fall out of love someday? At that time, how would his children interact?


    Not to mention, An Hai had always hated little Hua, yet now she loves him? Although he didn¡¯t want to believe it, Luo Cheng Hai can¡¯t stop his train of thought from flowing in that direction.


    Realizing her husband¡¯s thoughts Mai Fang pats his hand, before turning to Luo An Hai. ¡°An Hai, I only have one thing to ask. Being with little Hua, are you taking your revenge on me?¡±


    Seeing their two children together, it wasn¡¯t that Mai Fang wasn¡¯t shocked, but she finally understood why her son had always refused to call An Hai his sister.


    Mai Fang understood her own son. Han Ting Hua was a stubborn person. Once he decides on someone, it will be for a lifetime. But what about An Hai? Mai Fang can¡¯t be sure, while her heart couldn¡¯t help but suspect An Hai was using her son to take her revenge.


    Luo An Hai is shocked, but once she sees her father¡¯s expression, she immediately understood.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t use someone¡¯s feelings for revenge.¡± She knows how deeply love can hurt people, and definitely wouldn¡¯t use her own feelings to hurt someone. Han Ting Hua smiles, rubbing her palm, causing Luo An Hai to glare. She tries to shrug his hand off, yet he grips even tighter, ignoring her struggle.


    Han Ting Hua glances at his mother, smiling. ¡°Mum, do you feel at ease now?¡±


    Seeing their small exchange, Mai Fang watches as Luo An Hai fails to shrug off Han Ting Hua¡¯s hand, then indignantly glaring at him, but no longer struggles, allowing him to grasp her hand. Such a simple action, but seeing her compromise, Mai Fang¡¯s heart is shocked. She had always thought this girl would never yield to anyone, she hadn¡¯t expected¡­¡­.


    Her heart is finally at ease, faintly smiling at her son with a tender expression. ¡°Do as you like. You¡¯re an adult now, you can take responsibility for your own actions.¡±


    Not expecting Mai Fang would react like this, Luo Cheng Hai stares at his wife in shock. ¡°Fang Fang, you¡¯re just going to respond like this?¡±


    ¡°Children can take care of themselves when they¡¯ve grown.¡± Mai Fang pats her husband¡¯s hand¡­..


    Luo Cheng Hai glares at the troublesome couple, finally waving his hand. ¡°Just do what you want, this old man won¡¯t meddle. But little Hua, you need to move out or I¡¯ll rage every time I see you.¡±


    Luo Chen Hai decides the less he knows the better, otherwise the two of them would infuriate him to death.


    Luo Cheng Hai had only grudgingly approved of their relationship, but he also commanded them not to appear in front of him before his rage died. Also, he ordered them to resolve the matter with the tabloids. If he sees them mess around in some trashy magazine, he definitely wouldn¡¯t be so easy to handle!


    Luo An Hai thought the old man was just looking for trouble. If the paparazzi want to write nonsense, what can she do about it? If he doesn¡¯t want to be angered to death, then just don¡¯t read.


    ¡°Uncle Luo is concerned about you.¡± Only, not wanting to appear openly concerned, he could only rely on the magazines for information.


    Luo An Hai humphs.


    Her relationship with her father continued being neither good nor bad, but after that fight at the hospital, Luo Cheng Hai no longer scolded his daughter at every turn. However, given his advanced age, he¡¯ll still occasionally ramble. While Mai Fang had sought her, explaining the matters of the past. Mai Fang had hoped she wouldn¡¯t hate her father since the real person at fault was her, and selfish person was also her.


    Not wanting her son to suffer, she willingly took up the role of the hated mistress. Mai Fang apologizes to her, telling her she really couldn¡¯t make it up to her.


    Luo An Hai didn¡¯t accept Mai Fang¡¯s apology, telling her she wouldn¡¯t forgive her, but she won¡¯t hate her either, since hating was too tiring. She had experienced that sort of exhaustion, so she never wanted to hate again.


    She couldn¡¯t say her father wasn¡¯t at fault. Yet his faults weren¡¯t something she should discuss since Luo Cheng Hai was still her father and she didn¡¯t want to hate him, and didn¡¯t want to repeat the matters from her past life.


    Father and daughter were both learning how to get along with each other. While the results weren¡¯t great, Han Ting Hua felt that at least they had made a start.


    ¡°What do you think we should do about the tabloids?¡± Han Ting Hua asks her.


    He and Luo An Hai had already been together for over 6 months, while the tabloids had tracked the latest developments every day, and were becoming even more absurd. They even started fabricating lover¡¯s disputes between them, for example; in order to get the Luo family¡¯s wealth, the stepson Han Ting Hua had used every possible means to win the Queen¡¯s heart, causing the always indifferent Queen to finally fall head over heels. It¡¯s rumoured that she¡¯s already decided to forfeit the Luo family¡¯s inheritance, and willingly offer the Luo enterprise to him.


    After she finishes reading, Luo An Hai immediately chucks the magazine in the bin. These paparazzi are really too creative!


    Only¡­. Looking at the man she¡¯s walking hand in hand with, the two of them currently on a date wearing matching clothes, Luo An Hai finds it really foolish. Luo An Hai had always scoffed when couples self-righteously claimed that lovers should wear matching clothes while dating. However Han Ting Hua had dismissed her disgust, so she could only wear it.


    ¡°Ah, do you really have no interest in becoming the Luo family¡¯s president?¡± Luo An Hai eyes him, twisting the corner of her lips into a faint smile. ¡°You¡¯re not just with me because you want the Luo family¡¯s inheritance, right?¡±


    Han Ting Hua gazes at her, raising his brow. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­.¡± Luo An Hai stops in her tracks, roughly pulling his collar as she knits her brows, ¡°you don¡¯t have the guts.¡±


    Han Ting Hua reaches his arm out, pulling her into his embrace, as he lowers his head. ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m with you then?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± he whispers softly into her ear ¡°I love you.¡±


    Luo An Hai scoffs in disdain. ¡°Do you only know one line?¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Han Ting Hua wraps both his arms around her, firmly clasping her. ¡°My love, how do you want to solve the trail of paparazzi following us?¡±


    Luo An Hai eyes the paparazzi sneakily hiding in the corner, then clasps Han Ting Hua¡¯s face, ¡°Like this,¡± and kisses him.


    Not surprisingly, this scene was photographed and enlarged for the cover of a magazine.


    Han Ting Hua¡¯s fingers lightly sweep over the magazine cover, his eyes filled with warmth as he stares at the woman on the cover, the corner of her lips raised into a slight smile.


    Thinking of what Luo An Hai had said after she released him, ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m allowing you to be with me?¡±


    Raising her chin, her expression proud and arrogant. ¡°Because I love you.¡±


    As for what rubbish is written in the tabloids, who cares? He only needs to know that he has her love. That¡¯s more than enough.

 Chapter 10(END) - Epilogue-Maybe

    Love Me Again Epilogue ¨C Maybe


    Han Ting Hua had once asked himself, why would he fall for that woman;


    That woman¡¯s character was clearly one that people loathed. Since he and his mother entered the Luo family, she had unceasingly sought to trouble them. Towards his mother, she had always scorned and ridiculed her, dismissing her attempts to reach out, and verbally humiliated her. Every sentence she spoke was toxic and foul.


    He hated her, to the point of wanting to stuff a dirty rag to block her foul mouth, to stop her from ever saying those harsh words. But his mother had always urged him to concede to her, and to endure since they were the ones who had wronged her.


    He understood what his mother meant, and didn¡¯t want her to worry, so he endured her insults and abuse, taking her as a crazy woman.


    But, sometimes looking at her proud profile, there was always the impression that her solitary figure seemed a little lonely.


    Lonely? How could that be? That arrogant and conceited woman, how could she possibly feel lonely?


    Yet, as he unknowingly starts to observe her, he realizes she doesn¡¯t have any friends and was always by herself. Even though many attended her birthday banquet and she became the centre of everyone¡¯s attention, but after the party, looking at her lone figure returning to her room, appearing so arrogant yet isolated, Han Ting Hua can¡¯t help but feel his loathing for her recede.


    But it was only for that moment.


    As she glances at him with contempt, he hatefully thinks, no wonder she has no friends. Someone who can¡¯t coexist with others, who would want to be friends with her!


    He still hated her, only, but he can¡¯t help but notice her, gradually turning into a habit. He doesn¡¯t know how, but he kept the habit for several years, unable to change it.


    He knew she had always thought he and his mother were after the Luo family¡¯s wealth, and found her delusions amusing. He wasn¡¯t interested in what didn¡¯t belong to him.


    Only, seeing her guarded expression, and those ever proud eyes fixed on him, he was hit with the desire for his reflection to always appear in her eyes. So he entered the company.


    Soon after, the competition between them became fierce. She always found trouble for him at the company, using all her energy to hinder him, and using any means necessary just so he could taste defeat.


    Seeing her completely focused on him gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.


    He never wanted the position of president, but he wanted her to look at him.


    There was an inkling in his heart, but he forced himself to ignore it, not letting himself admit to those preposterous feelings. Or maybe it was because he knew too clearly that the thoughts in his heart would never be realized, so he pretended they never existed, thinking it was fine just to maintain things are they were.


    But he never expected that the situation he had wanted to preserve would burst so easily.


    She had died. For the sake of the president¡¯s position.


    The moment she died, he was filled with remorse.


    He never wanted the position of president.


    He never wanted to fight her.


    He only, he only¡­..


    He only wanted her to look at him!


    Holding her picture frame, he trembles, his heart filled with remorse.


    He was just that cowardly and weak, scared of being rejected, scared that she would stop looking at him, so he indulged in his own selfishness and arranged all this, leading to her death. It was all him! He had killed her!


    Swallowed by his guilt, he came to her room every night, holding her photo, softly chanting her name in his heart.


    On her birthday, he bought a cake, hoarsely singing a birthday song to her, wishing she was right before him, making a wish, then blowing out the candles¡­.


    He really wanted to ask: What did you wish for? Could she please let him have one of her wishes, so he could see her once more?


    He counts the days since she left.


    As time goes by, Uncle Luo and his mother both passed away.


    He dismissed all the servants, so the huge mansion was left with only him. This was his punishment to himself.


    He couldn¡¯t sleep, and always laid on her bed with his eyes open until dawn.


    He became anorexic, the shadow of death looming larger.


    Later, when the doctor announced he had cancer, he didn¡¯t have a trace of fear. Perhaps he had already expected this day would arrive soon.


    An Hai ¡­ he only dared to call her like this in his heart.


    An Hai, are you well?


    An Hai, do you still hate me?


    An Hai, actually I¡­..


    He closes his eyes, holding her picture frame, feeling the pain fade. He didn¡¯t want to receive treatment, he had always waited for this moment.


    An Hai, do you know? I¡¯ve stolen a birthday wish from you every year, it¡¯s already been 20 years, what I¡¯ve wished for¡­..


    Please give me a chance to see her again.


    So that he wouldn¡¯t miss telling her ¡ª- An Hai, actually, I¡­..


    Han Ting Hua opens his eyes, slightly dazed.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake, how do you feel? Still uncomfortable?¡± Luo An Hai was sitting on a chair beside the bed reading, but her attention had always been on him.


    When he woke, she immediately placed the book down, and sat beside him on the bed, wrapping her arms around his waist. His fever had finally died down.


    Feeling relieved, she notices his gaze wandering over her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Han Ting Hua blinks, his arms circling her waist, as he buries his face in her soft belly, softly whispering ¡°I had a nightmare.¡±


    ¡°What nightmare?¡±


    His eyes turned dark and profound, as though hiding something, replying after a long time ¡°Forgot¡­.¡± as he holds her tight.


    Feeling a slight pain from his grasp, Luo An Hai runs her fingers through his damp hair, hesitantly glancing at him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Still uncomfortable?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Han Ting Hua pulls her onto the bed. ¡°Sleep beside me for a moment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sleepy.¡±


    ¡°Accompany me.¡± He firmly hugs her.


    Luo An Hai felt he was acting a little strange, but thinking people liked to act whimsical when sick, and rarely seeing him act so weak, her heart turns soft. Obediently lying on the bed, she lets him hug her from behind.


    Han Ting Hua holds her hands, intertwining their fingers.


    Originally, Luo An Hai hadn¡¯t planned on sleeping. But the moment she lies on the bed, all her drowsiness suddenly appeared. Rubbing against his chest, she moves around, before slowly closing her eyes.


    Listening to her softly breathing, Han Ting Hua gently calls ¡°An Hai?¡±


    ¡°Mnn?¡±


    He shifts his head towards her ear, his cheek rubbing against her face, whispering ¡°I love you.¡±


    While she was already asleep.


    Holding her tightly in his arms, his deep eyes slowly close. This time, he didn¡¯t miss his chance.