ă€ŠWords I was Afraid to Heară€‹


 1 Introduction

    Midori Xiu is the campus crush and it is not overrating to say so. With 2 Asian bloodlines mixed together, she is a petite young girl with fair skin, chinky eyes with short but full-volume lashes, cute nose, and pinkish lips. Puberty however let her have a pimple or two in a month, more when she gets stressed out with exams or school activities. Though stressed at times, she maintains the top rank among her batchmates as they enter their final year in high school. She is not too athletic, however she has a talent for dance and cheer captain title was passed on to her by her seniors before their graduation. Most of her batchmates address her as "Miss Xiu," and only her close friends and schoolmates belonging to the dance troupe call her by her given name. She is quite used to the fame and respect, especially from the boys, all would never dare court her. However, she keeps her humility and respect not only towards their teachers but also with her schoolmates. Lowerclassmenadmire her the most and always cheer for her during interschool competitions. She is the madonna of their high school, but no boy is brave enough, or maybe qualified enough, to try his luck with her.

    Until he came.

    On the third day from the start of their senior year, class 3-A is buzzing with rumors.

    "Hey, did you hear? There is a transfer student for the senior year..."

    "Really? Who would transfer at such a time in high school? It''s the year for university entrance examinations."

    "I even heard that he came from overseas..."

    Sfx: Clap, clap!

    "Alright. Enough chit-chat! Homeroom is about to start. Settle down, people." Midori as class president mode always gets her job done.

    A tall female in her mid-twenties entered the classroom. She is wearing a button-up blue collared blouse and knee-length off-white pencil skirt, with dark gray pointed-toe shoes. She touched up her full-rim square frame glasses and faced the students.

    As if on cue, students rose and exchanged greetings with her. "Good morning, Miss Huang." She greeted back and gestured for them to take their seats.

    "Today, another student will be joining your class. He just came from Country F and he will be staying in this country for good. Though he was away for a long time, he is a natural-born citizen so he can fully comprehend the language and more or less understands our culture. I hope you don''t give him a rough time during his stay in this institution, as this will be the last year ofhigh school for all of you." She paused, then gestured towards the door. "Please welcome, Mr. Verdan Zhou."

    Verdan is the typical adolescent in such a way that he is lanky with a yet-to-develop physique, pale skin, and average height. However, what is different about him is his above average facial features. He has naturally hazel eyes with long and thick lashes, tall nose, and thin pinkish lips. What is more remarkable is his dazzling smile with his pearly whites which could rival even the models for a toothpaste commercial.

    He walked into the room and stood beside the teacher.

    Clearing his throat and modulating his still-developing voice, he introduced himself.

    "Good morning, everyone. I am Verdan Zhou. You can call me ''Dan''. Hope we can get along well."

    Most of the girls tried their hardest to conceal their squeals as he flashed his nice set of teeth. Even some boys'' preferences were shaken.

    Miss Huang gestured to the empty seat beside the window on the front row.

    "You may take this seat. Just don''t let your eyes wander too far out the window."

    Giggles were heard as he sat down.

    "Miss Xiu. Please take Mr. Zhou for a tour of the grounds on your free time. He will be under your care as class president." Miss Huang remarked.

    Midori nodded and glanced at the stranger. Dan was already looking at her, flashing his smile. It only took two seconds and her eyes were off to the class board and everyone started paying attention to the lesson in class.

    Three hours later, the school bell rang, indicating lunch break. Everyone swarmed to the canteen.

    Midori always eats bento for lunch. As she was taking it out from the thermal bag, she noticed a familiar stare towards her.

    "What are you looking at? Don''t you have enough money to buy food at the canteen?" She sounded more suspicious than concerned.

    "I was waiting for my tour, Class President." Dan flashed his smile naturally.

    "Tch. It''s Midori. Midori Xiu." She almost swallowed her name when she spoke. She has always been so dominant in class, in this school, yet she felt intimidated by this new student.

    "Hey, can I call you ''Dori'' instead?" He swallowed, then continued, "Also...can we be friends?"

 2 Bento

    Midori could not help but frown. Then she thought, ''Hmmm, at least he is different.''

    No boy in school would dare address her in such a familiar way. She looked at him intently.

    "It''s lunchtime. You should eat. I''ll show you around after classes are over."

    He just kept staring at her.

    She then spread out her stackable bento box. Their cook back at their household is very good at her job. Also, she packs more than how much can Midori really consume.

    Midori offered him a spoon. Dan hesitated, but took it eventually.

    "That spoon is intended for the soup. If you don''t mind sharing the bento, you are welcome to eat with me." She raised her chopsticks and began eating.

    Her bento was enticing. From the traditional miso soup with soft tofu and seaweed, to the menchi katsu with special sauce, tamagoyaki and octopus wieners, with a side of grated cabbage with goma sauce, completed with rice and tea, together with caramelized fruits; this was a complete meal. She definitely needs the lunchbreak time if she needs to finish them.

    "Are you sure about this?" Dan wanted to be sure of the invitation.

    "You already took the spoon. No backsies." Midori let a faint smile appear on her face.

    "Did you make all these?" Dan''s delightful expression made Midori disappointed of herself.

    She had never held a knife in her life. She only goes to the kitchen to get drinks from the fridge. She did not know why, but she did not want this boy to find out about that.

    She made a white lie.

    "Our cook mainly makes my bento, but I help her from time-to-time." She said with a poker face.

    "Is that so? You''re amazing, Dori! You seem to have a lot on your plate in school, being president and all, yet you could still cook your lunch at home." Dan was so happy, he did not know he was killing a lot of girls with his smile.

    They began to eat. Dan had this smug face as he chewed happily.

    "This is so good!" He says in between chews.

    Midori ate as usual, glancing at him at times. She had a barely noticeable smile on her face.

    In no time, the bento box was clean of food. Dan tried his best not to lick its sides.

    "Have some tea..." Midori poured some on the makeshift cup-lid, but then hesitated as she was about to move it towards his side.

    Dan noticed the hesitation and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    She pursed her lips then softly said, "I don''t have an extra cup."

    He chuckled a little then looked at her intently.

    She looks shy, blinking at times, not looking back at him.

    He understood that eating from the same box with different utensils is a different matter as to drinking from the same cup. He smiled amused.

    "You can drink your fill then. I''ll accept whatever is left."

    She looked at him in an instant. "You don''t mind?"

    "It''s fine. I already ate most of your food. I cannot completely wipe the due modesty on this."

    He flashed his pearly whites once more. The girls around them were starting to get suspicious, squinting their eyes at the scene.

    Midori drank some tea, taking into consideration not to consume too many so that Dan can still have enough. When she saw that the tea was down to half of her flask, she shoved the cup towards him.

    Dan was surprised. "You''re okay?" He took the cup from her.

    She packed the box back into the thermal bag. Then stood up and started walking away.

    As she took two steps, he asked, "Where are you going?"

    She frowned slightly, irritated. "Do I need your permission to go to the restroom?"

    He laughed while she looked at him with her left brow raised.

    She continued walking out while he continued drinking tea like all their interactions were part of their everyday lives.

 3 Number 1

    In the succeeding weeks, Midori has been sharing her lunch with Dan. Their house cook cannot help but ask her how she suddenly had the appetite to finish her lunch.

    "Shobe*, I see you like your lunch more in the past weeks. What would you like today?"

    "Aunty Lan, to tell you the truth, I have been sharing my lunch with classmates. But rest assured that I have plenty for myself. Also, can you teach me how to make okonomiyaki*? I would like to have that for lunch today." She made puppy dog eyes with her request.

    Xiu Lan is actually a second cousin of her father. She was raised to be a good housewife and her cooking skills were exemplary, mastering two Asian countries'' dishes, one was innate in their family, while the other was for the Mistress'' taste. However, she was not originally their cook. She was married once. Though it was an arranged marriage, she loved her husband and he cared for her a lot. It was marriage of convenience for their companies, but they developed their friendship into a blissful relationship between husband and wife. However, she became a widow and had a miscarriage due to grief when her husband perished in a plane crash abroad. She never remarried.

    Midori''s father is her favorite cousin. She did not have siblings and she grew up with him. So when he married, she decided to help out in the house as their cook. They happily took her for she is basically family.

    Xiu Lan looked at her niece and smiled.

    "Of course, Shobe. What would you like to toss into your okonomiyaki?"

    "Uhm, do we have octopus?" She tapped her fingers together shyly.

    Xiu Lan was shocked for a bit. They don''t usually store such ingredient. However, since the mistress asked her to prepare spicy baby octopus for dinner mid-week, they luckily have some.

    "Shobe, you''re so lucky. Your Mama asked me to buy some yesterday. However, they are baby octopus, if you dont mind?"

    Midori''s face lit up. "Yes! Thank you, Aunty Lan! Maybe we can also make some takoyaki?"

    Her beaming smile made her aunt laugh.

    "Okay then, I''ll teach you how to make them as per tradition, so it will look and taste authentic."

    Her aunt was very pleased that she finally showed some interest in the kitchen.

    Midori felt satisfied and carried her bag and lunch towards their classroom.

    "Good morning, Miss Xiu." Classmates greeted her one after another.

    A cute girl in pigtails and blue-framed glasses approached her.

    "Midori! Good morning!" She looks so refreshing with her smile.

    "Mei!" Midori responded abruptly turning her body towards her.

    "Ready for practice later?"

    "Yeah. You brought knee support pads?"

    "Yep! I also got you a matching pair..teehee!"

    Midori''s eyes widened. She does not really use it, but she cannot turn this friend down.

    "Uhm..thank you!" She responded awkwardly after some delay.

    Classes went through. It is now apparent that Midori may not be the best student in class anymore.

    Competing with her and beating her in answering problems on the board was Verdan Zhou.

    Their classmates have mixed feelings towards this change.

    Some thought that Midori is still number 1 and that this newcomer should not be praised.

    Some had a new model student and understood that he is better than Midori, with a few females among this group secretly sneered towards her.

    And there is a group of people who thought they look good together and was silently shipping this tandem.

 4 Payback

    Come lunchtime, Midori made a full spread of okonomiyaki, takoyaki, soup and some yakisoba on her table. Dan, as usual made his way towards the food.

    He is really thinking hard how to repay this everyday kindness.

    "Wow! This looks different." He scanned the lunch spread.

    "My mom is not from this country. This is common food in her native land." She replied nonchalantly.

    The only thing that Dan brings for lunch nowadays are his own pair of chopsticks.

    The head butler back at home had asked him about it. He casually lied that he buys food at the canteen but refused to eat with the utensils provided, hence he packs his own. He does not want to alert anyone in their household of his involvement, well sort of, with a girl since this will garner unlimited teasing from his mother and older sister and ridiculous praises of being a man from his father. Besides, they are only eating lunch together. It''s not like she is his girlfriend anyway. Well that was his thought process to convince himself that the lie was for the greater good.

    As they were finishing their meal, Dan complimented the dish again.

    Midori smiled ever so slightly. "I missed having these flavors so I had our cook help me make these."

    "Oh! You''re cooking is pretty good!" He contemplated for a bit. "But didn''t you have to wake up really early for this? Is that why you were not on your game face a while ago in class?"

    Dan is actually quite sensitive when it comes to her.

    He could sense the different feelings from their classmates whenever the two of them goes through a friendly competition. He knows that he is good academically and that she is no match for him. However, he is also aware that she has built a reputation in class so he cannot help but be bothered by the sneers she was getting from some classmates.

    He would want to keep seeing her confidence. He admires her looks and personality. He does not want her to be discouraged, thus he tries to give her face.

    Midori was shocked by his statement. She shook her head.

    "No. It''s fine. I told you. I had some help. Also, back in class, you were just great. That''s all." She said honestly with a shy smile.

    Dan was not convinced though. He thought she is a little upset. He furrowed his brows and thought of how to make it up to her.

    "How about we go to the newly opened caf¨¦ two blocks away after class? It will be my treat." He again flashes his smile.

    Her eyes widened in disbelief. ''He''s asking me out?! No way! Maybe he just felt guilty beating me on a question in class..?" It was she that furrowed her brows then.

    "Unless, you already had plans? I actually would like to take this as an opportunity to pay back all the lunches I had for free. Well, not inan all out, one-time thing, but at least gradually. Let me make it up? Your food is always so great and I don''t know how to cook. It would be a shame if I just ask anyone to do it for me." He felt like he was ranting in the end.

    Midori pursed her lips then looked at him apologetically.

    "Sorry. Not this time. I have cheerdance practice today. Actually, it will go on through the following weeks. We need the 2-hour practice after class to master the routine. Maybe you can pay me back for the food some other time."

    "Oh, is that so..." Then he shot her a look, realizing something. "Then, you have to wake up early and go home late?" He frowned with a pout. "Sorry for eating your food."

    Midori let out a cheerful laugh. "It''s fine. They know that I have been sharing my lunch." She looked at him amusingly. "If it bothers you so much, I will not help in the kitchen anymore, at least for the time being." She giggled.

    He looked at her eyes. They were honest. He felt attracted to them.

    "Uhmm, do you also go for practices over the weekend?"

    "No. Why?" She was again taken aback by the question. It seemed he was not giving up on the caf¨¦ idea.

    Dan fell silent. He was debating with himself whether to ask her out or not.

    He was not sure of his feelings towards her. Sure, he admires her, but will going out on a weekend be taking it too far. He definitely would miss the lunch if they become awkward after this. But he is quite interested in her, but is it enough interest?

    He decided to take his chance.

    "Uhm, can I treat you this weekend instead?" He still used the payback card.

 5 Just the Two of Us

    Midori fell silent. Before she could answer, the bell rang, indicating the start of afternoon classes. The teacher went in and classes resumed, leaving Dan''s question hanging.

    In the interval between classes, just before Dan can ask her again, he saw Midori stand and immediately went out, thus hr was still kept hanging for the answer.

    Before the start of the last class for the day, Midori went back to her seat.

    "Where did you go?" Dan was being impatient for her answer.

    "Why are you always so nosy when I go to the restroom? I don''t recall having the obligation to tell you these things." Midori''s tone was annoyed, but deep within, she is also trying her best to avoid getting flustered in answering his invitation. She acted as if she forgot that he asked her out during lunchtime.

    He felt like he was stabbed. He definitely did not have the right to question where she has gone. It would also be too much to expect that she would voluntarily give this information to him especially since it was a trip to the restroom.

    Before he had the time to ask her again, the teacher came in and classes resumed.

    This teacher has the tendency to write all about the day''s topic on the board first before starting the discussion and everyone knows this.

    Dan took the opportunity to write his invitation into sa piece of paper as pass it nonchalantly to his seatmate.

    He wrote, "So, what do you say?" He tossed the paper to her.

    She glanced at the note, then furrowed her brows.

    "About what?" she wrote back then silently placed it on his desk.

    "About going out this weekend..." he wrote back.

    She pursed her lips as she wrote, "Just the two of us?" then tossed it back.

    The paper did not land properly and dropped in front of his shoes.

    Midori''s eyes widened on her mistake. She looked at him as if saying, "Don''t pick it up!"

    They both know that if he tries to pick it up, the movement of his chair will cause a noise loud enough to draw the attention of everyone in class, including the teacher.

    Just then, Dan deliberately dropped his pen near the piece of paper. He then proceeded to move his chair to pick it up.

    True enough, it caught everyone''s attention. The teacher turned around towards the noise.

    Dan was seen picking up his pen off the floor. He looked up to the teacher with an apologetic face.

    "Sorry. I just dropped my pen."

    The teacher turned his back and continued writing on the board.

    Dan excitedly opened the note as he was expecting her answer through the course of the conversation. His heart sank upon reading her clarification.

    He looked at her. She pretended to be focused on her note-taking.

    Truly, it would seem like a date. However, he was frightened of the implications if he does not handle this properly.

    He was afraid she would reject him...afraid to hear-well technically, see since it is in writing-that she would never go out with someone like him. She would be the first girl whom he would ask out. He was always asked out by girls around him, even abroad. He has never pursued a girl before.

    ''Wait, am I pursuing her?'' He asked himself.

    After some thought, he wrote back, "It''s just the two of us having lunch together. Why should I invite others too?"

    He carefully placed it back on her desk.

    She took a peek on the latest reply. She was flabbergasted.

    Before she could think of what to write, the teacher began the discussion.

    She immediately slipped the piece of paper in her pocket.

    Dan pursed his lips, hiding his victorious smile.

 6 Its Interesting

    "You are dismissed." The teacher pronounced as the bell rang.

    Mei swiftly came towards Midori, carrying her string bag.

    "Midori! Let''s go!" dragging her friend out of the classroom.

    Midori flashed her an amused smile and picked up her parcel.

    They were heading out to the changing rooms.

    Dan was taken aback by the sudden development. He has not yet received an answer!

    "Dori!" he yelped. Midori turned to look at him. However, he was too stunned to continue.

    "If it''s not important, you can tell me tomorrow." She casually started walking away.

    Dan froze to where he was standing. He felt dejected being left hanging for the answer.

    Suddenly, a weak-looking guy approached him.

    "Dan..." he almost whispered.

    Dan was startled as if a ghost brushed past him. He tried hard to regain his composure and looked at the guy behind him.

    Clutching the left breast pocket of his uniform, he steadied his breathing.

    "Shaoting!" he exclaimed, breathing heavily. "Don''t sneak up like that! You might kill someone!"

    The guy pouted. "I was being careful not to startle you with a sudden loud voice, so I opted to whisper..."

    "Dude, I''m telling you, it''s a horrible idea!" Dan still has chills running down his spine.

    "So-sorry dude. Anyway, would you like to watch?" His face suddenly lit up.

    Dan furrowed his brows. "Watch what?"

    "Just come. It''s interesting." He pulled Dan out the door.

    Lu Shaoting is the young heir of the famous entertainment tycoon in the country. However, he does not really like to bother about his appearance. He wore thick, full rim glasses, had his hair awkwardly parted, with upper dental retainers. He looks like a nerd and he is above average among his peers but certainly no match for Verdan Zhou. Even with great wealth, he is rather timid but friendly when one tries interact with him.

    He became friends with Dan when he was offered a ride home when his driver had a small accident and was not able to pick him up. His parents had then known Dan and was very pleased that their son has gained a friend. Since then, they would wait for their drivers after school, exchanging stories.

    Soon they arrived at the benches. Dan was initially confused as to why they were heading for the gym. However, when he sat down, he was delightfully enlightened.

    Midori was in front of the cheerdance squad. She was wearing a gray tight-fitting sports tank top under a black loose crop top, with top-dye tights just covering her knees, revealing her white firm legs. On her left knee was a pink support pad. Her white shoes had perfectly tied laces. She had a high ponytail and her wavy jet-black hair sways with her movements.

    Shaoting had a smug face on. He knows that Dan will be pleased at this sight. He was one of those who wants their ship to sail. Well, that and the other thing that he was obliged to do.

    "Hey, when is their performance?" Dan has sparkles in his eyes.

    Shaoting returned from his thoughts. "A month and a half from now. However, next week, they will also cheer for the schools basketball team at the opening game for the preliminaries.

    Shaoting looked at his friend, then he was confused. A while ago he was still happily watching the squad. After his statement, he is frowning as if he has been wronged.

    "What''s the matter?" he tried to pry.

    "When is the basketball try-out?" Dan blurted out suddenly.

    Shaoting did not know how to answer him. Even if Dan was not able to sign up for the try outs since it was done during the first 2 days of classes, he was scouted by the members of the team, but he casually declined.

    "Uhm, Dan, the try outs..." he carefully treaded. "They were over last week. You declined the invitation so you were not informed of the schedule." Shaoting was afraid he would upset him.

    Dan furrowed his brows more, if that was possible, then turned to his friend.

    "Where can I find the team captain?"

    "Uhm, I can introduce you guys tomorrow." Shaoting tried a natural smile but failed. He was too tensed.

    "Mhmm." Dan nodded his head and turned his focus on the squad as they jump for a pike.

    They then prepared for lifts. Midori was lifted from the front of one of the guys and she steadily stood on his shoulders. Back spots were there for support. Two girls on both sides were lifted from bases. They were doing the arabesque when one of them shrieked.

    "Waaaahhhh!" The right-side girl was falling forward from the lift. Members panicked to catch her.

    Midori hurriedly went down. The coach ran towards the commotion, shouting to the team manager to get the first aid kit.

    Dan stood from his seat to better look through the group of people.

    He turned towards Shaoting to mention something, but he was gone.

 7 Its a Date!

    It was the last class day of the week. Somehow, Dan and Midori eluded each other. For the past days, Dan had notify Midori that he cannot eat lunch with her. He was consistently pulled out from class on breaks. Midori was surprised at first, but made the necessary adjustment for the food. She was also busy with cheer practice. Of course, they would have their unspoken academic competition every now and then, but never really talked like before.

    Just when Midori was to go for practice, Dan stopped her, holding her wrist along the hallways. She turned to face him, closed in on their gap, then held her bag to cover the wrist being held. She scanned the surroundings for watchful eyes. When she was sure there was none, she turned to look at him.

    "What do you want?" She raised her left brow, looking straight through his hazel eyes.

    Dan pursed his lips then sighed. He took a card from his pocket and placed it on the hand he was grasping.

    "Inform me what time tomorrow. I will wait for it until midnight." His eyes were serious. Then he let go of her and walked away.

    There is a rule in their school prohibiting students to bring cellular phones. So students can only check and use their phones at home. This way, they can focus more on school activities. Any emergency notification will have to go through the staff and faculty.

    Midori stared down on the card on her palm. It was neatly printed with Dan''s full name and contact details. At the bottom was the fine print of ZFC.

    She looked up to his retreating figure and sighed.

    At home, Dan was turning his closet upside down. He raises one outfit towards his torso, frowning, then tossing it out for another.

    "Tch...too tacky! Why do I even have these things?!"

    A tall, fair girl in her early twenties was leaning on the door frame with a big grin.

    She coughed to call his attention. He turned to her with surprise in his eyes.

    She giggled. "Let''s go shopping!"

    He walked to follow her.

    She drives a red Audi RS7. While not looking away from the road, she interrogated him.

    "So, how old is she?"

    "What?!" Dan was startled. He was not prepared to answer questions.

    "It''s a SHE, RIIIGHT?" she said through gritted teeth while giving him a side eye.

    "Van-ji¨¨..." He furrowed his brows.

    "Why are you so annoyed? I''ll be paying for your clothes. Won''t you feed Jie-jie some gossip? Just this once..." her voice was jokingly pleading.

    Dan sighed heavily. "Of course it''s a she. I am 7 months, 12 days older than her."

    Vanessa Zhou is Dan''s only sibling. She is 5 years older than him, but they are very close. However, puberty made her brother a little shy towards certain topics such as girls. Still, she tries her best to gossip about his personal life every now and then. Don''t get her wrong though. Her concern towards her brother extends to his preference for her future sister-in-law. Unlike other elite ladies, she wanted him to find someone naturally, rather than succumb to an arranged marriage, just like her engagement.

    It was not long until they arrived at the mall.

    "So, where do you plan to take her on your first date?" Vanessa intently look at her brother.

    She is of the same height as him, well for now. He still has years to grow to his maximum height.

    "It''s not a date!" He blurted out, irritated. "Well, I think..." he mumbled.

    She laughed heartily. "You think?" She laughed more, amused. "It''s a date alright!"

 8 Madam Xiu

    That night, Dan was squirming in his bed. Shopping and dinner went well. However, anticipation on Midori''s set time was killing him.

    Meanwhile, in the Xiu household, mother and daughter were having after dinner tea.

    "Mom?" Midori set her teacup and its saucer back on the table. Then she remembered that they were not alone. She turned to the maid brushing her slightly damp hair from bathing. She nodded and smiled, and the maid immediately left.

    Her mom looked at her head maid and the latter swiftly walked away.

    "What is it?" Her mom was reading business reports.

    Madam Xiu has been the mistress of the household after she married Xiu Jin. She came from City O but her family had expanded their business in this country. Shemet her husband during a trip to survey their local office. Luckily, her father was not too traditional when it comes to marriage. However, Jin''s mother thoroughly opposed the union. Jin threatened to leave the country and be with her in Country N, giving up all rights to the company. However, Elder Xiu would not let that happen so he used his authority to make his wife agree to his son''s marriage.

    Igarashi Aoi, Madam Xiu''s maiden name, is a woman with great talent for business. This appeased her in-laws. She was one of the heirs of their company and she held a high position. However, it was not as vital as Jin''s role as XCG''s CEO. After marriage, her in-laws were impressed in her management skills. Not to mention, she was also able to give them a young master after 2 years of marriage. She however, named her children in her native language. It is enough for her that they have her husband''s surname. She raised Masaichi and Midori to be close to their parents, even though they are busy with the company. They also learnt of her language and cultire. She inculcated that family should always come first.

    "Mom, can I go out tomorrow..?" Midori waited for a change in expression on her mother.

    Madam Xiu maintained her icy expression and continued reading.

    "Where are you going?" She casually asked her daughter.

    Midori did not know how to respond. She does not know where Dan is taking her. She wanted to ask permission first before confirming her availability.

    With this dilemma, she was only able to answer in syllables, "Uhm...erhmm..."

    "Why are you babbling? You''re not an infant." She looked intently at Midori.

    "Mom, I..."

    Aoi understood her hesitation. She gave her daughter a knowing smile.

    "You can go." She paused. "Don''t forget to bring your phone. Call if needed...and make sure that boy will bring you back here. I will leave early. Tell him that I will be home at 9 in the evening. I would like to meet him."

    Midori''s eyes widened. She was just asking if she could go out with a classmate. How come it felt like she was permitted to go out on a date?

    She was stunned by the sudden change in her mother''s expression. From the icy poker face, she had the warmth of summer.

    "Is that even impossible? What kind of boy are you going out with?" Aoi was impatient for her answer.

    "Huh? Uhm..hai! Hai, wakarimashita*!"

    "Hmm..yokatta*." Aoi resumed reading.

    "Demo okaasan...*"

    "Hmmm, nani*?"

    "Honto ni...de-to janai*!" Midori felt helpless in explaining.

    "I never said it was." Aoi said smiling.

    Midori was flabbergasted. What did she just confirm?!

    "Hmm..wakatta*."

    "Go to bed now. Oyasumi*." She kissed her daughter on her temple.

    "Oyasuminasai, Okaasan*." Midori left for her room.

    Aoi laughed. "Hmmm...young love."

 9 Car Ride

    Next day...

    Aunty Lan was sizing a young man standing at the foyer. He was wearing a plain white shirt underneath a slim-fit dark gray blazer with black lining, paired with black chino pants. He was wearing a pair of taupe camp mocs with no sign of dirt, as if he did not walk on any form of soil. His dark brown hair was neatly parted and swept to the side with some strands reaching his forehead. Overall, he looks clean and carefree. He does not have flowers or any obvious gifts on him. He keeps his hands in his pockets and keeps a polite smile on his face.

    It was 0905H.

    Midori''s personal maid knocked on her bedroom door. Midori was sitting on a cushioned stool in front of her mirrored vanity table. She always had cosmetic products ready, but she seldom uses them. The last time was during an unexpected gathering for a business tycoon. That time, there was not enough time to get their makeup artist to come so she had to do her own. This time, she does not want to overdo it so she searched online how to do a natural look. Luckily, no pimple breakouts are evident on her face at this time. Still, she has a thin layer of foundation on, with little work on her brows, a bit of blush and barely discernable eyeshadow. She lastly applied a pinkish nude shade of lipstick on her lips, which she decided to keep in her small bag for possible retouch later.

    Upon hearing the knock, she stood up, walked and opened the door normally. Her maid made an ''o'' figure with her mouth upon seeing her young mistress.

    First of all, her mistress seldom go out on weekends, unless it was with family. Second, the little amount of time that she did with friends, she would dress casually, wearing a blouse and jeans. Lastly, she never went out on a date!

    Midori was wearing an off-white, boat-neck, A-line, knee-length, georgette dress, slimmed at the waist by a rose gold braided cord ribbon, with rose gold leaves and flowers seemingly blooming up from the hem of the skirt. She paired it with white modified mary janes with rose gold T-strap and buckle. Her hair was tied in a tight ponytail, her black wavy locks dangling with her movements. She secured her side fringe with 2 rose gold hair pins. Completing the look were rose gold climber earrings with vine leaves design and diamonds and a white wristwatch with rose gold framed face.

    She descended the stairs looking down on the neat-looking boy at the foyer.

    Seeing her, Dan felt like everything but her froze.

    ''Hey, this isn''t a date! Is it?!'' He was trying to ask himself.

    He can hear his own fast and loud heartbeat.

    He tried to breathe deeply to calm himself to no avail.

    He almost choked on his own saliva when Midori was then standing in front of him.

    She flashed him a natural smile. "Let''s go?"

    Dan coughed slightly and nodded. He saw a middle aged woman looking at them. He also nodded towards her as if to bid farewell.

    Midori noticed this and waved towards Aunty Lan. "Aunty Lan, we''ll be going now."

    Xiu Lan smiled and waved back to their retreating figure.

    Dan opened the back passenger door for her then he sat on the opposite side.

    "Let''s go." Dan told the driver.

    The moonlight blue metallic Porsche Cayenne pulled out of the residential area and moved towards the main road.

    It will take them about half an hour to arrive at their destination.

    Dan tried to break the icy silence in the car.

    He cleared his throat. "You look...different today." He had the urge to say ''beautiful'' but decided against it before it left his mouth. It might become too awkward if he suddenly say something shameless.

    Midori glanced at him. "You don''t look too shabby either." Her words were uttered nonchalantly. However, deep inside, she was suppressing her thoughts for it might reveal a smile ready to squeal.

    Dan let out a chuckle. He stared at Midori intently. He might deny it all he wants, but he is definitely falling for her. Actually, even if she was wearing a shirt and jeans with sneakers, he would have still fallen hard.

    Midori was looking out the window, then she turned to him. "So, where are we going?"

    Dan had the corners of his lips to curve upwards. "Hmm...you''ll see."

    Midori squinted her eyes at him and had a hint of a pout.

    Dan laughed a little. As he looks at her more, he was enticed by her lips.

    She had well-defined thin upper lip and plump lower lip, making them look kissable together.

    Dan leaned his body towards hers, not breaking their stares.

    Midori was scared. She did not know how to respond. Should she close her eyes? Wait, what?! Why would she close her eyes?! It would mean that she''s anticipating a kiss! She was frozen on her spot but she kept staring unto his hazel eyes.

    Dan''s lips were half an inch from hers when the car stopped. The driver did not make a sound. But the change in the car''s movement retrieved them from their little moment.

    Dan cleared his throat and moved away from Midori. "We''re here."

    He opened his side door and got out.

    As Midori was about to open her side door, Dan beat her to it with a polite smile.

 10 Ocean and Pearl

    Stepping outside, Midori noted the blue-green school of fish design on the building. As they went inside S Ocean, she was ready to be pushed by a lot of people, silently cursing her stupidity of wearing fancy heels for the day. However, she was utterly surprised.

    Dan walked alongside her, keeping one hand in his pocket and the other near her, swaying naturally as he walked. He has the urge to hold her hand, but he cannot reason out that she might get lost, since they are the only customers in the aquarium.

    That is right. He actually reserved the whole place for the both of them. He kind of want to swear now that he did.

    Midori was awed with the place. It was so much better to have the place to themselves. She can look at the fish, sting ray, turtles, and many more as much as she wants. No one will push her aside or compete with her on taking pictures.

    Dan was staring at her during their visit. He helped her to have her photos taken a few times.

    When they arrived at the penguin area, Midori was intently watching them move, some are swimming.

    Dan cleared his throat. "Did you know what''s remarkable about the emperor penguin?"

    Midori was startled as he suddenly spoke. She looked at him questioningly.

    "They are loyal to their mates and the male takes care of the young, rather than the female." Dan continued, lifting the sides of his lips.

    Midori turned to look back at the penguins.

    Dan looked at his watch. He broke the silence again.

    "Dori..."

    She looked into his eyes.

    Suddenly, he was tongue-tied. She has this tender look in her eyes. The heartbeat ringing in his ears for the past 3 hours might turn him deaf by banging louder.

    "What is it?" Midori casually asked.

    "Uh...uhmm..." He let his eyes fly for clues of what he was to say. Then he saw that he was still holding his arm up with his watch telling the time. "Right. Uhmm...would you like to have lunch now?"

    Midori flashed a sweet smile. "Sure. But before we leave..." she tapped on her phone. Then she handed it to him. "Let''s take a photo together."

    Her sweet smile melted him so much that he might have already liquefied, if possible.

    Dan managed to keep his cool somehow and took their selfie in front of the glass of the penguins. However, she noted that it had only half of his face.

    "Not good. Do it again." She pouted while giving back her phone.

    This time, she went closer to his side. Dan brought his arm towards her back. She scooched over more until she was almost leaning on his chest. This made her conscious, and lose her balance with her heels. Dan noticed this and supported her by wrapping his arm on her waist. This made the both of them blush. Midori recovered on time and flashed her brightest smile towards the camera as if it was nothing to her. Dan was jumping inside. He managed to take a few photos, including using his own phone, before they went out to lunch.

    They went to a nearby mall then into a restaurant with glass windows with a view of the Pearl Tower.

    Their lunch consisted of clam chowder,seafood lasagna, pasta puttanesca, iced lemonade and cake slices for dessert.

    Before leaving, they both excused themselves to go to the restroom.

    Midori patted some oil off her face with a tissue. Then she took out her lipstick for a retouch. She she looked at herself in the mirror and had a wide smile and blush on her cheeks. This was very romantic for her. She thought that even if she had dated someone else before, she will still be touched by the gesture.

    Dan was waiting for her outside. He flashed her a smile and held out his hand like it was the most natural thing to do. She reached out her hand, then was dragged into brisk walking.

    People in the mall were looking at them in awe. Some girls are jealous of the sight. They would want a boyfriend like Dan. Some are furious because their boyfriends are looking at the girl in tow.

    Finally, they were back to the parking space where the driver was waiting for them.

    Dan opened the door for her. She was about to enter when she saw a plushie doll on the seat. It was a young emperor penguin.

    Midori flashed a wide smile. She looked at Dan as if asking for confirmation.

    He nodded back. "It''s yours." He displayed his pearly whites.

    Midori entered the car and immediately hugged the plush toy. Dan sat beside her, coming from the other side.

    Shortly after, they arrived at their next destination.

    Midori was so excited as they rode one of the fastest elevators in the country. When they reached the 118th floor, she ran out to the viewing deck.

    Dan looked at his empty hand. He slowly shook his head while smiling. He went after her, hands in his pockets.

    He stood beside her, but angled his body so he can comfortably reach to her other side with her arm and keep her near against his torso. This is a bold move for him. He is taking a lot of risks.

    Midori noticed this but she was appreciating the view so she let it be.

    "Can we also have a photo here?" he carefully asked.

    "Mhmm..." she nodded thoroughly.

    Dan held his phone out with one hand.

    Midori was shocked. "Hey! Don''t do that! What if you drop it?! It will not survive a more than 2000-foot drop!" She tried to get the phone.

    Dan used his other arm to restrain her arms, and in doing so, embracing her unto hi chest. He immediately snapped a photo.

    Then he turned them around so that their background would be the view to the city.

    Midori composed herself and smiled as naturally as possible. Shecan hear her heartbeat.

    After some time, it was getting dark. Dan grabbed her hand.

    "Let''s go have dinner."

    "Okay." Midori nodded.

    They dined at the revolving restaurant in Pearl Tower.

    A waiter asked them if they would want some wine, however both of them declined. Again, is this a date? Even the two of them are not sure anymore.

    It was past 2000H when they went back to the car. There was a bit of traffic on their way back.

    Midori was still hugging the plushie as she looked out the window.

    "Did you have fun?" Dan finally asked.

    "Hai." Midori smiled, then realizing her mistake, swiftly said, "I mean, yes!"

    He chuckled.

    "Let''s do this again." He gave her a faint smile, staring at her tenderly.

    As they entered the residential area, Dan remembered Midori''s message the night before. He would meet her mom tonight as part of the permission for going out.

    As they walk to the front door, they were holding hands as they did throughout the day. However, Midori was the first to remember that it should not have been a date. She freed her hand as they stood at the door. Her personal maid opened it for them.

    As they enter the foyer, they were shocked to find Madam Xiu on the sofa, sipping tea, staring at them.

 11 Engaged

    It was the start of the week and classes resumed.

    Midori was early for class as usual. She was reading her notes leisurely to pass the time.

    She turned her head towards the door when she noted someone coming in.

    "Mei!" she exclaimed.

    She hurried to the side of the limping girl.

    "Good morning, Midori!" she replied, slightly wincing through her smile.

    "How''s your ankle?" Midori asked worriedly.

    Indeed, it was this girl who fell forward during their cheer practice. She incurred a sprain on her left ankle. She has been resting at home, being an heir to a jewelry company. She did not like to walk in crutches either, so she just waited for the swelling to subside before coming to class.

    "It''s better now. There''s not much swelling and pain anymore. Though I might need to still favor this over the right for weight bearing. But, the doctor said I might still be able to join the competition the following month." She faintly smiled. "Too bad I can''t be at the opening games with you guys."

    "That''s alright. Focus on your recovery." Midori replied reassuringly.

    She helped her friend towards her seat. Then she grabbed the chair next to her and sat.

    "Mei, can I ask you something?"

    "Hmm..what is it?"

    "Back at the gym...when you were injured..." Midori did not seem to know how to phrase her question.

    Ah, yes! Back at the gym, a week ago...

    "Waaahhh!"

    Jiang Mei Ling fell forward during cheer practice. Though the bases and the spots were able to keep her from hitting the ground, she still fell awkwardly from her arabesque that she twisted her ankle.

    They laid her on the gym floor as she was wincing in pain, with tears in her eyes.

    One boy from the squad reached out his hand to her. "Let me take you to the infirmary."

    Suddenly, the hand was shoved away by an arm.

    "Don''t touch her!" A glaring boy suddenly appeared before them.

    Midori, who just came down from the lift was shocked in seeing who it was.

    Everyone was even more shocked as to what happened next.

    The nerd, weak-looking Lu Shaoting carefully lifted Jiang Mei Ling as if it is the most natural thing to do. They were even bewildered as to how he was physically capable of such feat. He looked pale, lanky and weak from their previous perception, so how can he transform into a prince in their point of view.

    Dan chuckled then murmured on his own, "So this is your obligation. Interesting."

    Mei did not mind the look on everyone''s face when they went out of the gym. As they approach a black Audi S5, Mei turned her head to look at him.

    "Shao...uhmm..." she buried her face to his chest again.

    "It''s okay." Then he looked at his driver who had a shocked expression. "Call the Jiang household. We will bring Mei back. And, call the physician."

    "Yes, Young Master." The driver opened the door for them.

    As they drove out of the campus, Mei turned to Shaoting.

    "Shao, why did you do that? It will only be a matter of time for people to know..."

    Shaoting took off his glasses and was cleaning the lenses with cloth.

    "You don''t want people to know?" He gave her a stern look.

    "No...it''s just that, it would be tiresome to explain...even Midori does not know." Mei pouted.

    Shaoting reached out to her, wrapping his arm on her shoulder, then patted her head gently.

    "It''s fine. I''ll organize a press conference if need be." He lightly chuckled with her.

    And so, going back to the time before class starts...

    Mei smiled at Midori.

    "Midori...Shaoting and I..." she paused and pursed her lips.

    Midori''s eyes were full of anticipation.

    "We''re engaged." Mei said with a timid smile.

    "What?!" Midori tried to control her voice, but it has already gathered everyone''s attention.

    Luckily, the bell rang.

    Midori hesistantly went back on her seat. In doing so, she passed by Shaoting, who avoided her gaze.

    Midori was pouting as she sat down.

    Dan noticed this. "What''s up with you?"

    "They are engaged..." she murmured almost inaudibly.

    Dan chuckled. "So what? Are you jealous?" He smiled teasingly at her.

 12 Something You Need to Know

    Meanwhile, in the main office of XCG...

    Aoi Xiu was working on her desk in the afternoon when she heard her secretary''s knock.

    "Come in." she said, not lifting her head.

    "Vice President, the President has arrived in his office." declared the secretary.

    "And the Finance Director?"

    "Director Xiu has yet to return, Madam."

    Madam Xiu shot her secretary a look. Then she stood up and went out of her office.

    She stepped out of the elevator and walked briskly to the end of the hallway.

    Employees noticed her arrival.

    "Vice President." some greeted. "Madam Xiu." others bowed.

    She arrived at the door to the President''s Office.

    She shot the secretary a questioning look.

    "Madam, the President is waiting for you."

    She continued to briskly walk in.

    Xiu Jin was standing near the windows when she came in. He turned to her when he heard her clicking heels.

    "Have a seat." He motioned towards the sofa. There are two cups of tea on the coffee table.

    Aoi Xiu sat down. She took a sip from a teacup, then placed it back gently on the table.

    "Where is my son?" She looked at her husband sternly.

    Jin Xiu sat beside his wife with a smug face.

    He is in his early 50''s but he maintains the aura of a young, neat gentleman. He has graying locks and crowfeet near his eyes, but his clear dark eyes, tall nose and chiseled clean face make him remain attractive despite his age.

    She is turning 50 this year but even her skin over the extremities does not show any sign of aging at all. She maintains her dark hair at shoulder length, but keeps it in a low bun while in the office. She has delicate features-slim face, angled brows, dark eyes, with a small, petite nose with turned up tip, just like Midori''s, and soft hint of cheekbones-with thin pinkish lips which she paints dark nude shades. Her corporate attire complements her slim body.

    "Tadaima*." He leaned to kiss her gently.

    She moved one of her brows medially. "So, where is Masaichi?"

    "With his fianc¨¦e..." he casually said while taking his cup to drink tea.

    "I take it that the negotiations went well." She placed her elbow on the backrest of the sofa and started playing with his ear.

    He placed his cup on the table. "Hmmm...even better. The young ones hit it off immediately. That''s why Masaichi is spending more time with her."

    He left his son with the daughter of the CEO of the company wherein they had just sign collaboration. Even before the partnership, both parties had discussed their engagement and were just hoping that they would get along.

    "Hmmm...yokatta."

    "So, how''s my OIC?"

    "Same old...in the company at least."

    He looked at his wife full of interest.

    She smiled alluringly. "There is something you need to know."

    "You''re pregnant?" he teasingly asked.

    Aoi chuckled then hit him on the chest. "Grow up, old man!"

    He wrapped his arms on her waist. They both giggled like newlyweds.

    "Hey, but seriously. What is it?"

    Her face turned serious.

    "Midori is dating a boy from her class. His name is Verdan Zhou."

    She then recalled meeting the boy one weekend night. He was very polite, with impressive manners. With this, she even let her daughter send him off from the doorstep, not caring for possible goodbye kiss or what not. But of course, after getting the name, it is only natural for her to know his roots at least.

    "So? That''s not peculiar. She''s in high school." He tightened his embrace.

    "Jin, he''s the son of Su Linyu."

    Upon hearing the name, Jin Xiu straightened his back, then looked at his wife in bewilderment.

 13 Opening Game 1

    It was 2130H. Midori was done with her evening routine. She climbed unto her bed and tapped on her phone. She opened a messaging app and went to her conversation with Dan.

    [GreenGal: Hey!]

    Few seconds later, Dan was online and replied.

    [LeafLad: Hi (^_^)]

    [GreenGal: It''s opening game tomorrow at GT High School!]

    [LeafLad: I know. You''ll perform, right?]

    [GreenGal: Are you watching?]

    [LeafLad: Uhmmm...maybe...]

    [GreenGal: Hmmp. So that''s how it is...]

    [LeafLad: Hehe...I wouldn''t miss it for the world (^_^)]

    [LeafLad: Shall I fetch you tomorrow?]

    [GreenGal: No need. You''ll be there to watch. Our calltime is too early.]

    [LeafLad: But I want to... (-,-)]

    [GreenGal: Don''t be silly. Good night!]

    [LeafLad: Good night, MyDori (^_^)]

    It was 0600H.

    Midori is already in her cheerdance uniform with the varsity jacket on.

    "Good luck, Shobe!"

    "Thank you! Aunty Lan, I''ll be going now." She waved goodbye and walked out the front door.

    She was stunned to see that it was not their car waiting for her outside.

    She saw the familiar moonlight blue metallic Porsche Cayenne.

    Then Dan went out to open the car door for her, smiling.

    "Wha..." She looked at him questioningly.

    "Get in. You don''t want to be late, right?"

    Midori furrowed her brows, but complied.

    During the ride, she can''t help but ask, "How did you know what time..."

    "Shaoting." Dan lifted the corners of his lips.

    Midori had the sudden realization on her face. Of course, Shaoting would know through Mei. Even if she won''t perform, she will help on makeup and other stuff.

    Then she looked at Dan. He was wearing loose sweatshirt and pants. He also had high cut rubber shoes on.

    "Why do you look too sporty for a spectator? Your clothes look so baggy that it''s suffocating."

    Dan chuckled. "It''s comfy." he lied.

    Once at the venue, she waved him goodbye as she went to do blocking with her squad. Their performance would be at halftime break.

    Soon, the games began. The starting 5 from their school consisted of 2 freshmen, 2 juniors and a senior player. As they sat near the bench, Midori was looking around, trying to find Dan''s seat, yet she cannot locate him.

    She decided to just watch the game in frustration.

    Then her phone beeped for notification.

    She tapped on the message app.

    [LeafLad: Why are you pouting?]

    Midori looked around again. Still no sign of Dan.

    [GreenGal: Where are you?]

    [LeafLad: I''m nearby...]

    Midori looked around again.

    [LeafLad: Why are desperately looking for me? I''m close to where you are.]

    [GreenGal: I AM NOT! Hmp!] Then she kept her phone and watched the game.

    It was halftime and their team is trailing by 16 points.

    Despite this, the cheerdance squad performed their best, leaving people in awe of their pyramids and scorpions, with popcorn tosses. Midori was exceptional and attracted a lot of spectators. The uniform in itself consisted of designed tight-fitting leotard with matching skirt and inner shorts. Their pure white sneakers and pompoms flew on every pike, hurdle and herkie.Everyone loved the performance. One of their team''s benchwarmers in a hooded jacket, covering half of his face has a wide grin with pearly white teeth.

    The second half was starting. Since their team was trailing by a lot of points, they switched their lineup.

    This time, 4 senior players who competed throughout their 2 years in high school came up, including the team captain, Long Yun. However, the fifth player seemed to be a rookie who is playing for the first time.

    However, to Midori''s surprise, she is way too familiar with that face...and that smile!

 14 Opening Game 2

    Midori looked at the rookie. She cannot believe her eyes!

    He caught her stare and jogged towards her flashing his smile.

    "Won''t you cheer for me?"

    Midori was so stunned that she nodded while maintaining eye contact with him.

    "If we win, can I get a reward?"

    This time, she snapped out of her daze, but before she could react, the buzzer signaled the start of the third quarter.

    Initially, Dan was playing as forward, strengthening their defense at the periphery. Then when they switch to the offensive, he made 2 assists, earning 4 points.

    The opposing team then adjusted to defend against his teammates when their edge dwindled to 8 points at the end of the quarter.

    After discussing the coaching strategy and before the start of the last quarter of the game, Dan sneaked to Midori''s spot.

    "Dori..."

    She was still in her daze, taking in the whole situation about him playing with the other seniors.

    Well technically, he is also a senior, but a rookie for the team when it comes to executing the play with other players.

    "Hey...can I have some of my rewards in advance?" He stared at her intently.

    This snapped her from her thoughts a little. "Wha..?"

    Before she could agree, or more importantly, protest, he grabbed her waist with an arm and cupped her cheek with the other hand, then he kissed her.

    It was a warm, gentle kiss, lasting for a few seconds. Then Dan flashed his sweetest smile to her before going back to the game.

    Everything happened so fast that there was a delay in people''s responses, but loud cheers, teases, and whistles were heard afterwards.

    Midori''s face felt really warm, and she was pretty sure that she was blushing.

    She wanted to disappear from the scene, but at the same time, she would not dare to miss his game.

    The game intensified as both teams heightened their defenses both on the periphery and inside the ring. With not much basket points on himself, Dan was left with the defense of the small guard from the other team. Little did most people know that this will work on his team''s advantage.

    Soon, as he gets the ball, instead of playing for an assist like a while back, he stepped beyond the periphery and made a shot.

    Three points!

    The other team''s defense was adjusted late, letting him get 6 more points from the 3-point line.

    Ten seconds remaining and the ball is at the opponent''s court. Captain Long suddenly managed to get a rebound from a missed shot, and tossed the ball to their point guard for a winning fastbreak point. However, a member of the other team managed to intercept him. This paved way for a play that will drain the clock.

    Just before the other team could make a steal, they passed the ball to Dan.

    Learning from their defense mistake, the power forward of the other team tried to block his shot. However, Dan stepped back and made a fadeaway jumper way beyond the 3-point line!

    The basket was counted and the whistle was blown. They won the game!

    After exchanging gestures of camaraderie the two teams head out to their respective dugouts.

    Dan approached Midori before joining the team.

    "Hey..."

    Midori faintly smiled. The surprise was too much, though she somehow managed to speak.

    "Congratulations!" She tried to smile naturally.

    "Thanks! Oh, you can wait in the car. I''ll be there in a while..."

    "Mhm...okay." she managed, nodding her head.

    When Dan entered the dugout, the already loud cheers became wilder. They were all tapping on his shoulders, without minding how hard they were hitting.

    Captain Long spoke, "So that''s what made you desperate to join this game today..." He was grinning widely, teasingly tapping Dan''s back.

    "Yeah! We thought you''re just some d*****bag who wants to get in trouble by challenging the captain on a one-on-one!" teased another player.

    "No wonder you tried hard to win! You want it so badly! It''s the power of LOOOVE! Hahahahaha!" roared Long Yun.

    Dan took all of it with an embarrased smile on his face.

    Weeks ago, he challenged Long Yun to a one-on-one match, in the premise that if he wins, he will play with them during the opening games. They were reluctant at first, and thought he was arrogant. But he bowed sincerely to beg them to agree. Long Yun agreed, and he was beaten fair and square with shots coming from the 3-point line. He never anticipated that Dan''s accuracy and precision could be so good. Even though he lost, he took the advantage of having this ace on the team, which proved handy on today''s game.

    Dan was teased all over until he managed to get himself out of the dugout.

    When he arrived at the car, he noted that Midori is sleeping.

    He told the driver to take them to a hotel about 15 minutes away.

 15 Dating

    When they arrived at the hotel, Dan lightly tapped the shoulders of the sleeping beauty in his embrace.

    She slowly opened her eyes and tried to focus on the face before her.

    "Wake up. Let''s have lunch." He whispered to her ear softly.

    She blinked twice then she tried to get up and out of his embrace.

    He gently supported her up and they went out of the car.

    Dan took two parcels from his driver then they both made their way into the hotel. He handed her one of the parcels.

    "Let''s change first." He motioned to the restrooms before them.

    She looked at herself and understood what he meant. She was still in her cheerdance uniform and he was still wearing his baggy outfit. It would be more comfortable if they could change.

    She smiled upon realizing how simple yet fashionable her change of clothes is.

    What he prepared for her was a beige V-neck jumpsuit with white inner tube top. Luckily, she was wearing a nubra under her uniform so it was not a problem for unruly straps. The outfit also goes well with her white sneakers. She removed her makeup and exited the restroom fresh with a clean face.

    He was waiting for her outside. He wore a white polo shirt and beige pants with his own white sneakers, obviously giving away that he prepared a couple outfit for them.

    "Let''s go." He reached out his hand to her and she took it so casually.

    In fact, it had been common practice for them to do so whenever they go out, though they had not clearly demarcated their relationship through words.

    Indeed, it is a bit tricky when you take something for off-label use.

    It was a buffet lunch with both Western and Asian dishes.

    After eating their fill, Dan brought her to the hotel garden gazebo.

    "Dori..." he softly said as he looked at her intently while holding her hand.

    She looked back into his deep hazel eyes. She tilted her head to the side.

    "I...about the reward..." he took a deep breath.

    Midori smiled at him tenderly. She was not naive. At this point, she understands that they like each other and though they have yet to label what they have, they have this mutual understanding that it is something exclusive.

    Dan reached in his pocket and produced a light blue, small rectangular box.

    He opened it for her to see. "Will you officially be my girlfriend?" he asked with his puppy dog eyes.

    She looked at him first then looked down on the rose gold necklace with a cursive D pendant with small diamonds coursing through.

    She let out a breathy laugh and looked back at him teary eyed. "Yes!" she exclaimed.

    He suddenly hugged her, closing the box with his other hand before tightly wrapping her in a tight embrace. His face was filled with happiness, with his wide bright smile flashing his nice set of teeth.

    She was initially shocked and was buried in his chest, then she managed to free her arms and wrapped them on his waist. Then she looked up to him. She was not that tall, but was not short either. Her head is just reaching his lips.

    Dan met her gaze. He cupped one of her cheeks, then bent his head to kiss her.

    It was dinnertime at the Xiu Mansion...

    "I''ve been gone for a few weeks and you started dating a transfer student?"

    Midori glanced at her mother.

    Aoi kept eating while she shot her daughter a look, as if saying, ''What?''

    "Nii-san, so your definition of a few weeks escalated to almost 2 months."

    Their parents exchanged looks. She is not denying it!

    "Whatever. I want to meet this boy." Masaichi tried so hard to maintain a stern look and hide his sly smile.

    Midori replied indifferently, "Bring your fianc¨¦e home first."

    Xiu Jin chuckled and raised his eyebrows knowingly, sipping wine while looking at his wife.

 16 Take One from Her

    It was after school hours. Dan finally managed to take Midori to the nearby caf¨¦. However, she brought Mei and Mei brought Shaoting, but he did not mind. She is officially his after all.

    "So you''re officially together now! Oh my!" Mei seemed like a puppy wagging her tail in excitement.

    Midori had a wide smile while showing her necklace.

    "D for Dan?" Mei looked at the pendant interestingly.

    Dan cleared his throat. "For Dori."

    Shaoting snorted. His friend is too cheesy!

    Mei sneered at his reply and jokingly showed shivering disgust.

    Laughter came from their lovely table.

    Not too far from them at a corner of the caf¨¦, two girls seemed annoyed of the noise.

    "Rushi, she took another good one from you again!" The shorter girl was speaking in hushed tones.

    The girl called Rushi smirked. "It won''t be long when I''ll take one from her." Her eyes were glimmering but with a sly nature.

    These girls have attended the same school as Midori as far as they can remember.

    Ming Rushi is a madonna to every class she is in. Her skin is flawless and fair like porcelain. She has thin, straight brows, dark brown eyes, tall nose, and thin lips. Her beauty is sort of sophisticated and her aura is mature.

    However, even with such appearance, Midori somehow surpassed her in appeal throughout the years, gaining leading roles in school plays and the latest being cheer captain.

    In facf, she was the first to notice Dan in school during his first day. Unluckily for her, her grades can only land her on Class D.

    _____

    Meanwhile, in a classy restaurant outside the city, Xiu Jin was sipping tea in front of a woman.

    "So, to what do I owe the presence of XCG''s CEO?" the woman casually asked.

    "Su..." he cleared his throat. "Linyu."

    "Oh, so this is a casual conversation..? Fine. Speak up, Jin." She took her coffee and drank some.

    "It seems your boy took a liking on my girl." He looked at her with a faint smile.

    "I won''t mind. In any case, they won''t be the first generation to break an engagement between our families." Her lips curved into a smile but her eyes had a bit of disdain on them.

    "Linyu...I''m very sorry that it didn''t work out between us..."

    "Between us? There was nothing, right? Truthfully, Jin,I was not upset that you chose someone else over me. I was just disappointed because you did not even give me some face. Would it have killed you to tell us beforehand instead of announcing it during our engagement party?"

    "Linyu, I..."

    "Don''t worry. I will not take anything away from your daughter. I will act as I did with you and Aoi."

    "Thank you, Linyu. My daughter''s happiness means so much to me." He smiled sincerely.

    "I raised my son well, so rest assured that he won''t do what you did. I just hope you raised your daughter well." With that, Su Linyu stood up from her seat and exited the establishment.

    ______

    In the Zhou household...

    "Verdan Zhou, there is something we need to discuss." Madam Zhou stood up and walked out of the dining table.

    Dan looked at Vanessa and his father, but they were confused as well. His father motioned for him to follow his mother to the study.

    "Ma, what is it?" Dan took a seat in front of the desk, facing his mother.

    Su Linyu sighed, then looked at him sternly. "I heard that you are dating the Xiu family''s young mistress."

    "That''s true. Is there a problem, Mother?" Dan looked into her eyes truthfully.

    "Don''t get me wrong. It doesn''t bother me. It''s just that their family is very prominent in the industry. You cannot afford to offend them."

    "Ma, I''m serious about her. I am not playing around." He was a little offended by her words.

    "Good. Go and take some rest now." Her gaze followed her son''s back as he left the room, with eyes squinting while she submerged herself in deep thought.

 17 Will Take Responsibility

    The cheerdance squad resumed their practices for the interschool competition. The basketball team also did theirs.

    Dan and Midori were then used to coming home riding the same car for their after school practices coincide with one another.

    In the gymnasium, the squad were trying out their stunts.

    Clap-clap! "Okay! Let''s try it with music! Doings!" Midori was leading the routine.

    -Starships instrumental mixed with techno sounds to signal stunts started playing-

    Midori and 3 others made a shoulder stand, then shifted to steppers form. Then they formed 2 bases wherein each will take up a smaller flyer to do a thigh stand.

    After their dismount, jumps in different blockings were done. Roundoffs, front handspring, back handspring and cartwheels followed. Then 4 flyers made succeeding basket toss.

    Then three flyers were lifted into liberty, shifting to bow and arrow before dismounting.

    Finally, the pyramid was done safely. Afterwards, they gathered around the coach for evaluation.

    "It was good...just needing some polishing." The coach looked at Mei. "Your basket toss is delayed. You went up the same time as the next to you." Then she looked around. "Overall, it was okay, but can still improve. You can have a 5-minute break."

    The squad dispersed.

    Midori and Mei went to their belongings and grabbed their tumblers. Rushi and the smaller girl, Wang Fei, walked towards them.

    "How can you even trust someone who hesitates because of a petty injury to do a decent stunt?" Rushi said mockingly.

    Wang Fei sneered, then added, "Money can''t make us win."

    Midori stood to face them back.

    "If we lose because of Mei''s stunt, I will take full responsibility." Her stance was as sturdy as her words.

    "We''ll remember that, Captain." Rushi answered disdainfully.

    "Just make sure no foul play is involved, or some people will pay for the consequences." Midori dragged Mei away, making their way to the restrooms.

    The two girls'' eyes glared at them.

    "But Rushi, I want that flyer spot." Wang Fei complained like a spoiled brat.

    "You already had it in the opening games. You''re irritating!" Rushi stomped away from her.

    Meanwhile, in the restroom...

    "You didn''t have to do that, Midori..." Mei pouted feeling guilty.

    "It''s okay. I know I made the right decision." Midori smiled reassuringly.

    "But it''s true that my toss was delayed because I hesitated! Maybe I should step down and let someone else do it..." Mei was teary-eyed.

    "I will choke on my words then." Midori''s lips curved up.

    "Wha..?"

    "Mei, you are one of the most hardworking people that I know. Once you are given a stunt, you never back down, and you don''t step on the mat without knowing that you will have the perfect execution. I believe in you. Please don''t let me down this time."

    "Midori...whaaaaaaaaaaahhh!" Mei hugged her as she cried.

    When her crying was reduced to sniffles, Midori cupped her shoulders.

    "Feeling better?"

    Mei nodded, wiping the tears from her face.

    "Let''s go back then."

    ______

    In the indoor basketball court...

    The team just finished training. They were talking amongst themselves. Dan came from the restroom. He then tried to join the conversation.

    "Tch...you should not be here, pretty boy!" A senior told him jokingly.

    Dan flashed a shy grin. Here they go again.

    "We''re comparing beauties! Since you got together with the cheer captain, you don''t have any business here!" Long Yun chuckled.

    "Let him be." Another senior calmly said.

    "So, you were the goddess Rushi''s ex you say?!"

    Apparently, they were interrogating the junior.

    "I...I am...back in middle school." He was sweating buckets in front of them.

    "Fufufu...so did you do it?"

    "What?!"

    A senior hit him at the back of his head, hard enough to make him wince, but soft enough not to cause injury.

    "Why? Were you lacking shooting accuracy back then?"

    The seniors guffawed and everybody else laughed on it.

    "We...." he sighed. "Just once." He felt so embarassed that he wanted the earth to split and swallow him whole.

    "Oh!!! Just once? Then maybe you did not perform well! Hahahahaha!" Long Yun mocked.

    Laughter filled the court once again.

    Dan was laughing at them for show. He is not quite comfortable with the topic, lacking in experience himself.

    He messaged Midori, [You done with practice?]

    When he got a reply, he bid them farewell and went straight to the car.

 18 Permission

    Dan joined Midori in the car and instructed the driver to take them home.

    "Hey, will you be free the day after the cheerdance competition?" Dan asked.

    "I have no plans yet. Probably will be sleeping all day." Midori let out a giggle.

    "Won''t you come with me then?"

    "Where are we going?" This time, she wants to make sure she can provide her mom details when she asks for permission.

    "It''s a surprise." Dan curved his lips.

    Midori sighed. It would be difficult to ask for permission again. Then she remembered, it was the first day of their 2-week break before final exams and cram classes for university entrance exams.

    "Did you set it so it will coincide with our vacation?"

    "Nope. It just happened to coincide perfectly. I don''t even have control over the date."

    Midori looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

    "Well, for one, I cannot help it if I was born on the day."

    Midori''s eyes widened in surprise. "It''s your birthday?!"

    Dan chuckled. "And I would be very happy if I could spend it with you." He kissed her forehead.

    The car stopped at the Xiu mansion.

    They came at the doorstep.

    "Dan, I still need to ask for permission..." Midori looked down.

    Suddenly, the front door opened.

    "Where will you be taking her this time?" Madam Xiu appeared in front of them.

    Midori gasped. "Mom!"

    Madam Xiu turned to Dan. "Would you mind coming in for dinner?"

    Dan was dumbfounded for a few seconds then regained himself. "Uhm...certainly. I mean, no, I won''t mind, Mrs. Xiu. I just need to call home first." He then tapped on his phone.

    Madam Xiu motioned to her daughter. They walked in, leaving Dan to finish his call.

    "Go wash up and change. Lead him to the guest room and grab some of your brother''s clothes for him to change into. I will be in the kitchen fixing dinner."

    "Hai, Okaa-san." Midori nodded then headed upstairs.

    At the dinner table, Dan was awkwardly wearing Masaichi''s sweatshirt and lounge pants. He was not a short teenager. It was just that Midori''s brother towers at 183cm so the length of the clothes are off.

    Midori broke the silence. "Mom, where are Dad and Nii-san?"

    Madam Xiu swallowed her food. "Where else? Business trip. So tiring to be OIC..." her complaing face showed exaggeratedly.

    Dan cleared his throat. "Uhm...Mrs. Xiu..."

    "O-kay...we seriously need to fix that. Such honorifics! Dan, I appreciate your manners. However, you have been going out with my daughter for quite some time now, yet you still treat me like a stranger!"

    Dan did not know what to say.

    Madam Xiu was then irritated by how clueless he was.

    "It''s Aunty Aoi! AUNTY! You get that?!" She slammed her hand on the table, making utensils jump on the plates with clanking sounds.

    Dan swallowed hard. "A-Aunty Aoi..."

    "Good! Now, what did you want to say?" Aoi Xiu shifted to her gentle self with a smile.

    The scene made Midori rub her temples. "Mom..."

    "Hush!" Aoi Xiu pressed a finger on her lips. "Dan is about to say something."

    Taking his cue, Dan looked at Madam Xiu with honest eyes. "Aunty Aoi, on the 30th of the month is my birthday. I hereby ask your permission for us to spend sometime together on the day." He stood up, then bowed sincerely.

    "And you can''t tell the details of your trip?"

    "Not with her distance right now. I''m sorry. Rest assured that her security and well-being will be my utmost priority." Dan kept bowing.

    Aoi Xiu let out a laugh. "Go back to your seat."

    Dan complied. He stared back on the lady of the household, searching her face for the verdict.

    Madam Xiu stood up and started walking away. "It''s getting late. Don''t let people at home worry for you. I will show you out." Then she looked at Midori. "Upstairs you go." gesturing with her chin.

    At the front door, Dan was about to leave.

    "Three days." Madam Xiu blurted out.

    Dan turned around bewildered. He was already feeling down a while ago for not securing permission for Midori. He tried opening his mouth to clarify but was interrupted.

    "I will give you three days to go wherever you want, but you have to return her in one piece."

    Dan''s face lit up, smiling ear to ear. "Thank you, Aunty!" He deeply bowed to her. "I must go now. Thank you for the meal." he said smiling, then he turned to walk towards the car.

    He was striding happily when he heard a few more words from her.

    "Don''t forget to use protection!" Aoi Xiu barely shouted, then she went inside her house with a mischievous grin.

 19 Final Games 1

    It was the day for the final games. The cheerdance competition will be held in the afternoon.

    Dan was playing among the team for the basketball championship game. It was a close match and on the last 30 seconds of the game, they are trailing by 4 points.

    Captain Long was with the ball inside the ring. He tried to take a basket, failed but was granted 2 free throws from a defensive foul from the team who is on penalty. He missed the first free throw but got the second in.

    There was 13 seconds left on the clock when their team got the rebound from a missed basket.

    Midori was praying hard on the bleachers, even clasping her hands. She had the urge to tightly close her eyes but she must not take her eyes off of the game.

    In the last 4 seconds, his teammates managed to pass the ball to Dan who was standing at the perimeter.

    However, the other team''s captain tried to block his shot, with 2 seconds remaining.

    Dan just threw the ball with no projectile planning or good technique, the ball went in.

    But before he let go, the buzzer signaled the end of the game.

    They lost the championship game!

    In the dugout, most players were looking down on their shoes or on the floor. Captain Long and the other seniors were exchanging looks and bitter smiles.

    They were surprised to suddenly hear Dan take the initiative to speak.

    "Well guys, that''s it for high school basketball among us seniors! I am grateful that everyone welcomed me warmly in this team despite playing with you guys for only a few months. So, thank you very much to everyone! I enjoyed playing with you!" He made a deep bow.

    "That''s right! It was fun being with you guys! We will miss harassing the juniors and freshmen!" Captain Long guffawed.

    Merry cheers were ringing in their dugout afterwards. The juniors were sending off the graduating seniors and the seniors were tapping the shoulders of the new captain nonstop.

    After shower and changing, they dispersed to watch other games being played in the morning.

    Midori was waiting for Dan outside the covered court.

    She smiled brightly as he emerged from an exit door. When he finally stood next to her, she embraced him warmly.

    "Hey, I''m okay. We''re okay." He was talking how the team was holding up.

    "I know." she almost whispered. "But I still want to say..." she moved from the embrace to look at him. "You will always be my MVP." Then she flashed her sincere smile.

    Meanwhile in the pool area...

    Midori and Dan arrived hands together. Mei noticed them and waved for them to come to where she was seated.

    "Why do you look so excited?" Midori was looking at her friend, amused.

    Mei pouted. "It''s because you only watch his game so you don''t know anything about others." Mei eyed Dan then looked at Midori accusingly.

    Midori replaced some strands of her locks behind her ear and grinned guiltily.

    Dan started to move the neckline of his shirt to fan himself. "It''s too hot outside. I''ll go to the vending machine to buy some drinks. You girls want any?"

    "Apple-flavored tea for me!" Mei requested without hesitation.

    "What about you?" Dan looked at Midori.

    "Green tea latte." Midori faintly smiled.

    Dan went to the closest vending machine. He put bills into the machine for the purchase. Just when he was to press the corresponding button for the drink, a fair delicate hand pressed on the button for the iced americano.

    He immediately turned to the culprit. He saw a pair of dark brown eyes looking at him intently.

    "Sorry. I just need this right now." The soft voice explained in an instant while claiming the drink which was just dispensed. "Oh, here''s the money for the drink." Dan was handed some coins in exchange. "Again, sorry to bother you." The figure bowed. "I must go now. Thank you!"

    Dan remained shocked speechless throughout the interaction which occurred within 2 minutes. He looked at his hand full of coins, then looked back at the retreating figure.

    "Weird girl." He mumbled, then proceeded on buying drinks.

 20 Final Games 2

    "You knew that Shaoting will be competing in the 400-meter freestyle?!" Midori glared at Dan who was back from getting their drinks.

    "Yeah...of course." Dan had a smug face as he replied like it was obvious.

    "Hmmp. And you didn''t tell me..." Midori was pouting.

    "Here are your drinks." He handed Mei hers, then opened the screw cap for Midori before handing it out to her. Then he patted her head gently. "Sorry. I thought you knew." He faintly smiled.

    Amidst Mei''s loud cheering, Midori calmly surveys the area with her eyes while enjoying her drink. As she was about to look back on the participants in the pool, she noticed someone staring on the spot next to her. She couldn''t identify the person since the shadow of a cap blurred the face a little. She followed the stare and it landed on Dan.

    "Hey..." she tugged on the side of his shirt.

    He turned his head to look at her. "Yeah? What''s up?"

    "There''s a..." When she was about to move her hand to point at the person staring at Dan, she stopped.

    The person was gone.

    Dan followed her view. Seeing nothing remarkable, he asked, "Was something there?"

    "Just now..." Midori mumbled. She decided against telling Dan some trivial things. "It''s nothing."

    They turned back their attention on the competition.

    Mei was shouting her lungs out at the end of the event.

    Shaoting went to their area after drying himself with a towel and wearing the varsity jacket. Before he did, girls from different schools, including theirs, were drooling on the sight of him. He has broad shoulders, toned pectoralis muscles and six-pack abs. However, he walked straight towards Mei''s group.

    Mei stood from her seat and wrapped her arms on his neck. "Congratulations!"

    Shaoting patted her head while smiling. "Thanks. I''ll make sure to say it back later."

    It was 30 minutes before the start of the cheerdance competition. Squads from different schools gathered on their respective areas.

    Captains were asked to draw lots for the order of presentation.

    Midori got the last spot. She was not sure if getting to watch others before them will calm her group or will shatter their morale.

    Just when she was returning to her group, a curvy girl approached her.

    "Miss Xiu, we meet again." She snickered while playing with her braided hair.

    "Madeline Song." Midori eyed the girl sternly.

    Madeline Song is a half-Asian, half-European girl with light brown hair, angled brows, gray eyes, tall nose and full lips. Her mother was once mistress who eventually married her father after his divorce. Her father spoilt her since she is the only daughter he has after fathering 3 sons with the ex-wife. She and her mother have been living on his wealth for quite some time. Her team is the defending champion from last year''s competition and she is determined to keep it that way.

    "I see you still remember the team who beat you last year." She tried to rub it on Midori''s face.

    "Of course...and you know what? A tiger hurt is fiercer on its next attack. It will make sure its prey falls under its paws." Midori sneered at her and walked away.

    Meanwhile, in the corridors...

    Dan was walking around, coming from the restrooms. As he arrived at a corner, suddenly, a girl carrying a big box tripped and almost fell onto him. He managed to support her arms as she held the box, so she could steady herself.

    The girl looked up to him apologetically. "Sorry! So sor-..." she looked at him in bewildered eyes. "Oh, it''s you." She shyly smiled. "Thank you."

    Dan looked at the girl closely. She is wearing a cheerdance uniform similar to Midori''s. Her innocent-looking eyes were staring back at him.

    He furrowed his brows a little. Once she was back on her feet, she began to walk away. This time, Dan noticed that one of her shoelaces were untied. "Wait." he says, stopping her tracks.

    His mind was debating if he should do what he was thinking. He looked around to check if anyone could be watching. Seeing no one, he proceeded with the plan on his mind and went down to tie her laces. He was worried that this girl might trip again and hurt herself. After he was done, he got up and walked away.

    Without turning back, he waved his hand. "Be careful on your way." he casually said.

    The girl shyly smiled at first. Then as she looked at his retreating figure, her smile became wider then turned to a malicious grin.

 21 Watch and Learn

    The cheerdance competition started on time in the afternoon.

    Every participating school is required to use a pre-selected song from the judges, much like the contest piece in chorale competitions. They will then be judged according to their interpretation and execution of stunts. This way, the winner will be determined by creativity and holistic team performance.

    Being the last to perform, Midori''s team gets to see others perform first. Some sneered, others are disheartened when they see other teams perfectly execute difficult stunts.

    Midori can feel their different emotions around her. She clenched her hands into fists.

    ''This is not good. At this rate, it might affect their performance.'' she thought.

    Just then, the squad before them was about to perform.

    Madeline Song deliberately walked past them as she snickered, "Watch and learn!"

    They started with popcorn tosses, middle flyer first, followed by 2 flyers from both sides. They proceeded with their dance routine. Jumps and side tosses followed. Lifts of arabesque, scorpion, then bow and arrow come after the other. Another routine followed with tumbling and tosses. The pyramid was also flawless at the end. Overall, it was as expected of the defending champions.

    Midori knew she needed to do something about her squad, so she gathered them as organizers fix the mat for their performance.

    "Alright guys, listen up. At this point, we can do nothing about the routine. I know that some of their stunts were extremely difficult and different from ours. However, we cannot dwell on that at this point. Remember that we have been enduring body aches after every practice. Some even suffered injuries..." she looked at a few people including Mei. "Let us not waste each other''s efforts. We are sticking to our routine, so let us follow it completely and perfectly. I believe in everyone. Let us believe and hang on for each other. Let''s do this!"

    "Yeah!" Unanimous cheers were heard with the host introducing their school.

    They started with a mix of arabesque lifts at the back, with a front group, doing a cheerdance routine. The flyers at the back were twisting, changing into scorpion then needle, in sync with the splits on the ground. They then dismount and dispersed, followed by another set of bases with flyers. They made succeeding basket tosses ending in twists in sync with the double front handspring on the mat. A cartwheel proceeded from the opposite direction which was synchronous with the pretty girl tosses at the back. Another dance routine followed ending in jumps. Then 3 sets of bases and flyers gathered. Flyers went up for prep, made superman stunt, then thigh stand. They dismount, another set is up, forming their pyramid perfectly.

    Mei was hugging Midori tightly after their performance. She does not want to share her friend with other members exchanging ''we made it'' and ''good job'' while going back to their area. Their coach was smiling brightly, all giddy from their performance.

    "Great job guys! I believe we have a chance!" Their coach was not simply flattering them over some bias. She actually compared her squad''s performance with the others. She actually believed what she said based on her professional assessment. She was certain that her team would be in the top 3. She however cannot yet claim the championship since the defending champion also did a great job.

    The announcement for the cheerdance competition winners will come after the awarding ceremony for the games held within the entire interschool competition.

    Being consoled after the match, the basketball team was exceptionally looking happy receiving their silver trophy. Dan, being himself, was flashing his toothpaste commercial smile on the camera, every now and then glancing at Midori. This attracted girls from different schools, leaving them lovestruck. Some of them even had the courage to come close to the basketball team after the photo ops, wanting to at least know his name. However, before these kittens could even get their claws on Dan, the other members would pounce at them, striking conversations. These let Dan ''escape'' his ''predators'' to sit beside Midori.

    "Scared?" he asked her with a smile.

    Midori raised her left eyebrow as she turned to him. She sighed, then said, "No." Then revealing a faint smile.

    "Excited then." Dan concluded, wrapping an arm on her shoulders.

    Midori had a shy smile. "Maybe."

    Finally, the winners for the cheerdance competition will be revealed.

    Midori pursed her lips. All members of her squad did not want to hear their school to be called for 3rd place. When another team was called, they all had sighs, exhaling from the breaths they were holding.

    Madeline Song was confidently sitting with her arms crossed on her chest, her chin up and looking mockingly ar Midori''s team. ''Looks like history will repeat itself.'' she thought with a smug face.

    "This year''s second place is none other than..." the host paused for drum roll and dramatic effect.

    All eyes from Midori''s team widened. Mei hugged Midori, beginning to squeal.

    Madeline Song was flabbergasted. Her face twisted in rage as she was dragged by her squad towards the center for their photo.

    Finally, Midori''s squad rejoiced after they were officially announced as champions. Some even tossed other members in their delight.

    After having their photos taken, they went back to cheer happily in their area, endlessly chatting.

    Shaoting went up to Mei. Mei smiled back at him, but was taken aback when he suddenly embraced her tight. Then he looked into her eyes. "Congratulations!" he said with a smile.

    Mei was stunned, mouth gaping. She froze even more when he kissed her warmly.

    Cheers from other members echoed in their area.

    Then one member asked, "Where''s Captain Xiu?"

 22 Out of Town

    Midori who was missing from the celebrations was actually already in the familiar Cayenne being driven away from the competition venue.

    "Hey, what''s with the rush? I thought we will be leaving tomorrow?" Midori furrowed her brows in confusion.

    "I am taking this as travel time so that we can spend more time on other things. Besides, Aunty Aoi already agreed on this." Dan flashed his bright smile.

    "My mom agreed that we will go somewhere for 3 days starting tomorrow." she tried to remind him.

    "I called her today to ask permission regarding this and she agreed." He chuckled.

    "Ha-How did you get her number?" She looked at him suspiciously.

    "Relax. I called the home phone and they gave her contact details. I''m not that creepy to make people dig on the personal info of your mom...although I could..." He gave her a knowing smile while moving his brows up and down.

    Midori gaped and looked at him unbelievably. Then she changed her expression as if remembering something.

    "Hey! I haven''t packed my things yet!" She panicked.

    "Aunty Lan made sure your personal maid packed all your necessities. They''re in the trunk." Dan was proud of himself for making all arrangements.

    Just then, Midori looked out the window and realized that they have arrived at the airport.

    "Air travel? I knew we were going out of town, but...uhm, I don''t think Aunty Lan has my passport and visa." Midori was quite annoyed by how spontaneous things were going.

    Dan flashed his smile, amused of her reaction. "Domestic flight."

    The car stopped. The driver proceeded to empty the trunks of their baggage.

    Before getting out of the car, Dan handed her a paperbag. "Go and change." He motioned inside the airport.

    Midori complied. She went to one of the restrooms and started taking off her uniform in one of the cubicles. This time, Dan has given her casual clothes, a lilac ruffled chiffon blouse and white shorts, with a pair of white strappy flats. To her surprise, it came with a pair of seamless light gray underwear and white hairband. She reluctantly put everything on. She cleaned her face off from the makeup. Afterwhich, she assessed herself on the mirror and thought that the combination was pretty cute.

    ''This is too girly, even for his taste. I wonder if I''m just being his girlfriend for show.'' She laughed at her own thoughts.

    Before she went out, her phone beeped. She gently shook her head, thinking it must be Dan, impatiently waiting outside.

    Dan flashed his brightest smile as she walked out from the restroom. He thought she was stunning even with casual clothes on.

    She was still preoccupied with her phone, so he tried to get her attention.

    "Something wrong?" he casually asked, trying to take a peek on her phone.

    She immediately shoot up her gaze to him, and shoving her phone in her bag, shook her head smiling. "Nothing. They were just asking where I had gone to." Actually, this was partially true. Mei really sent her a message regarding her whereabouts, but it was not the notification which caught her attention.

    Dan was not fully convinced, but he decided to play along, respecting her privacy. "Mei?"

    "Mhm." She nodded, smiling and trying to pretend nothing was amiss. She brushed off her thoughts.

    "Shall we go then?" he asked, trying to get her uniform bag from her.

    She handed it to him and smiled. "Okay."

    Midori was asleep most of the plane ride due to exhaustion.

    Dan wrapped her in his arm, adjusting her blanket every now and then. He was still bothered by her facial expression a while back, but he knew that looking through her phone would just be too low.

    Night has fallen when they arrived at the hotel.

    The staff in black uniforms took their luggage into their room.

    "Hungry?" asked Dan while patting her head.

    "Mhm." she nodded while smiling. "I wonder how the restaurant looks like." She said this because the lobby has traditional dec¨®r.

    Dan just smiled and held her hand. He led her to the lake.

    Upon seeing the boat with a red lamp hanging on its side, Midori was astonished. Its table was also filled with traditional dishes with a steaming pot of tea.

    "You don''t mind eating like this, do you?" He lovingly looked at her delightful face.

 23 Are You Gay?

    After finishing their meal, they were enjoying tea while appreciating the dazzling reflection of the moon and other lights on the lake. The calming foliage also contributed on setting the mood.

    Midori was however still a bit dazed on recalling the message she received earlier.

    Dan, who was constantly staring at her, was itching to know the matter behind her expression, but he did not seem to know how to inquire about it.

    Just then, she snapped out of her thoughts and saw him staring at her.

    "What are you looking at? Is there food stain on my face?" She tried touching her cheeks and the corner of her mouth.

    Dan smiled. "Nan demonai*." Then he slowly shook his head.

    Midori was astonished. "You spoke in..."

    "You like to converse like that, right?"

    "It''s mom''s native tongue..." she replied, her thoughts replaced of the current situation. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Oh, I''ve been meaning to ask you something."

    Dan raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Really? What is it?"

    Midori took a deep breath. "Are you gay?" she asked carefully.

    Dan''s elbow which was holding the fortunately empty teacup dropped from the table edge.

    "What?!" Dan''s face showed how incredulous her question was. He tried to open his mouth but no words came out.

    Midori tried to justify her claim. "We-well, this blouse is too girly...uhm, actually all the clothes that you ask me to wear are very feminine..."

    "Because you''re a girl!" Dan''s voice seemed to disrupt the tranquility of the surroundings.

    The man handling the boat cannot help himself not to snicker.

    "Even so, it''s too girly for your taste unless...I am just a front!" Midori tried to drive her point home.

    "D-Do all of these seem gay to you?!" Dan gestured towards their surroundings, the boat, then to himself.

    Midori shrugged her shoulders then heartily laughed.

    "Why you..." Dan was pissed, but he calmed down seeing her laughing face. He eventually gave up and laughed with her.

    The boat ride coincidentally ended and they docked safely.

    As soon as they stepped foot on the ground, Dan grabbed Midori''s wrist and embraced her tightly.

    "Just so your weird brain knows, my sister picks out your clothes." he whispered through gritted teeth.

    Midori laughed even more. "I hope this sister of yours is not your alter ego."

    Dan held her shoulders at arms length then looked into her eyes. "Want me to prove to you that I AM NOT GAY?" His eyes predatory.

    She just laughed then twisted her body to turn away from him. "I wanna see my room. It''s so beautiful here."

    A uniformed personnel led them to the grand suite room. He handed Dan the keycard.

    Midori looked into the traditionally designed room with round mirror and a king size bed with a wooden cabinet which nestled an emerging television on remote control. There were also lounge chairs, a personal fridge and mini bar. She proceeded to the en suite bathroom.

    Before closing the bathroom door, she looked back at him. "You can go to your room now. Good night." She smiled brightly.

    Midori took her time in the bath. She took a warm shower first, then proceeded to the tub to soak in aromatic oils and bath salts. When she finally finished indulging herself, she brushed her teeth then blow dried her hair. She was in a soft robe when she went out.

    She was walking past the bed, going to the wardrobes when she saw someone sitting on the sofa.

    "Whaaaaah!" she screamed her lungs out, tightly hugging the robe as if wanting it to fuse with her skin.

    Dan, who was quietly reading a book on the sofa, gestured to plug his ears with his fingers.

    "Wha-why are you still here?!" She pointed towards him with her trembling fingers.

    After sizing her up with his gaze, he calmly replied, "This is also my room." Then he flipped the book page.

    Before Midori could retaliate, a knock was heard from the door.

    They shot each other looks. Seeing she was still in a robe, Dan sighed and went to open the door.

    A female employee appeared before him. "Please excuse my intrusion, Sir...but we heard a scream from this suite just now. Is there a problem?"

    Dan remembered that though this is a grand hotel, it was built near a lake and to fully experience nature, the rooms were not sound proof, plus their door to the veranda was left wide open for the evening breeze to flow.

    "Sorry. She just hallucinated a bit. Thought she saw something that wasn''t there. She''s calm now." He tried to sound reassuring.

    The employee tried to stick her neck more into the room. You will never be sure if this room will not be a murder scene in the morning.

    Midori was irritated as to why the personnel was still at the door. She cannot fully change when other people are lurking in the room. She wanted the person at the door to disappear so she could send Dan away herself. Sensing that they were still chatting, she calmly shout out from the bedroom, "Who''s there?"

    Dan was a bit surprised that she talked from there, but was internally thankful that she did. "Hear that? She''s okay now. Please rest assured that we will keep it down from now on." He then flashed his smile.

    The female employee was almost melted by his smile. She nodded, then blushingly excused herself.

    Dan walked back into the bedroom. He walked towards Midori until he had cornered her onto a wall.

    "So, who are you saying is gay?" He stared slyly into her shaking eyes.

 24 It was Wine!

    Dan chuckled while looking at the flustered Midori. He eased away from her before declaring, "It''s my turn to use the bath now." He leisurely walked to the bathroom whistling.

    Midori heaved a sigh of relief. She took a glass on the table and absent-mindedly filled it up with the carafe''s contents. She made succeeding gulps until she finished the contents of her glass.

    Then it dawned on her. It was wine! It was not her first time drinking wine. She is a year early for her age to do so, but her family thinks it would be a good training for her if she drank while they socialize on occasions.

    ''Stupid! Careless! Stupid!'' she scolded herself while tapping her temples with her knuckles. She was flushed. She just had her bath but she feels hot.

    Then she remembered that she was still only in a bathrobe. She went through her clothes, picked out a pair of jammies to wear, then arranged her belongings in the wardrobe. As she scooped up her folded clothes, a wrapped box emerged from the pile which made her smile.

    She did not have enough time to go shopping for a present due to practices, so she picked out something ordinary and wrote a cheesy message to go with it. One of the reasons why she panicked when she was told that her things were already packed by others was that her gift might be left behind. Then again, it was obviously sitting on her bedside table. Her reliable personal maid was truly efficient.

    She hid it at the back portion of a drawer, then she sat on the bed and browsed her phone.

    She looked at the message again, she closed her eyes and then she poured herself another glass.

    Dan deliberately took his time in the bathroom. He was contemplating how he can turn things around. She was frightened! He did not want that. He does not want her to be afraid, at least not of him. Make it pass as a joke? She will be mad at him. Look serious and just go with it? What if something goes wrong?

    He eventually gave up on the thought and decided to act according to her expressions. He slowly opened the door and peeked into the bedroom. He sighed, then slowly walked towards the bed. He chuckled a little. He put on his loungewear. Then he walked towards the bed. He moved his hand to caress her sleeping face ever so gently as not to wake her up. Satisfied after imprinting her face on his mind, he moved to sleep at the sofa.

    However, he saw her squirming, resulting to her leg hanging at the edge of the bed. He frowned and went back to drag her towards the center. When he let her wrists go, before he could take a step away, she stretched her arms and reached his waist, dragging him down back to the fluffy bed.

    He gulped. He tried to take her arms off of his waist, but she was clinging unto him like a koala to a tree. He was then the one squirming. Suddenly, she pulled him closer to her so that they are facing each other.

    "P-chan, stay!" she said, still half-asleep, while pouting.

    He froze. Her hug was too tight, it was difficult to breathe. Still trying hard, he adjusted his arms and torso so that she would have an arm as pillow.

    ''It''s only sleeping. Only sleeping!'' he convinced himself.

    However, his little buddy is definitely awake. He is flustered, internally panicking over the situation.

    ''This is not good! Why won''t you cooperate and back down?! Just this once!"

    As he was scolding himself and his little buddy, he heard Midori sob.

    "Am I really not enough? If so...then why...why are you...why are you so good to me? Clothes...boat rides...why..." A tear fell on her cheek. Then she went back to sleep.

    Dan was confused. ''What''s she saying? Who gave her the idea that she''s not good enough?''

 25 Morning

    Midori was awakened by chirping birds would be the ideal way to put it in this serene setting of a getaway, but they did not do so. She slowly opened her eyes, fluttering her short but voluminous lashes upon hearing noises coming from the wooden wardrobe and drawers.

    She suddenly bolted up into a sitting position, her cheerdance-trained core easing the movement for her.

    "What are you rummaging so early in the morning for?!" she shouted to the familiar figure amidst the stray clothes and opened cabinets.

    Dan nervously scratched the back of his head looking guilty. He still managed to utter a weird lie before Midori blurts out his true agenda. "I was looking for the pair for my socks." He moved again, pretending to search for it.

    "And you think it can be found among my belongings?! I don''t remember sharing personal maids with you! Why are you even--" She stopped mid-sentence as her eyes grew, maybe the widest they have ever been, when she saw pieces of her underwear on the floor.

    "Waaaaaahhh!" she screamed again. She grabbed Dan, who was kneeling by a drawer, on the neck and dragged him as far away from the wardrobe while picking her garments as they go.

    When they landed on the space, a hefty distance from the drawers, Midori grabbed him by the collar, glared, then while holding up her garments, interrogated him. "Why did you even touch these?!"

    Before any reply can be given, the door swung open, revealing the same female employee from the day before, with two other employees tumbling down from her back. As they take in the scene of confrontation with underwear being waved around like little flags, they did not know how to react.

    In actuality, even though Midori was scolding him, Dan had this irritatingly bright smile throughout. However, once the door opened, it was replaced by a gloomy atmosphere as he asked, "Why did you not knock?"

    A sudden chill ran along the napes of the employees. They knew that the occupants were a young couple, but the seemingly approachable guy from before felt like he was a powerful tyrant just then.

    They helped each other get up from their awkward sandwich stunt, straightened their uniforms and humbly bowed.

    The female employee from before was the first to speak. "Please excuse our sudden intrusion early this morning, Sir. We did not mean to...interrupt your activities, and we did knock a few times. We were prompted again by the scream of a woman, and because no one answered the door and loud noises were still heard, we opted to open it ourselves, thinking there might be an emergency." she explained almost all in a breath.

    The other employee quickly added, "We truly apologize sir! Uhm...carry on." They all bowed, turned, exited gracefully, locking the door behind them from the inside.

    Midori sighed heavily, retreating from Dan. As she did, he also moved his legs and their feet caught up in a tangle, rendering her balance off as she tried to stand. This made her fall backwards with flapping arms like in slapstick comedies. Dan hurriedly moved his torso and arms forward to catch her.

    Sfx: Thud!

    They fell on the floor in such a way that Dan was on top of Midori, their faces almost touching each other, as he was cradling her head and neck area with his hands and forearms, while her arms embracing his waist. Within this chaotic position, his little buddy was at it again. He was sweating and praying hard for her not to notice as the distance of the area were only the millimeters provided by their clothes.

    Midori opened her eyes again after shutting them as she braced for impact. Her brows furrowed and mouth slightly gaping, as she noticed that the distance between their lips can barely accommodate the width of an exam-grade pencil. If they move sideways, their noses will come in contact and a wrong move--or is it?--will end with a kiss. She cannot even breathe properly, afraid that the rising of her chest will also diminish this awkward distance.

    Dan managed to prop himself up with his knees, one flexed between her knees, safely providing distance for his little buddy. Then, leaving an arm for her head and neck, he also moved an elbow to prop up his face away from hers. As if on cue, he flashed his smile, teasing her blushing face.

    He thought, ''Will this be our every morning when we''re married?'' He chuckled, maintaining his stare on her face.

    "What else do you need before you get off of me?" Midori was annoyed as he was dazed looking at her.

    He raised his brows, then leaned in for a peck on the lips. As he was getting up, we said, "Done!"

    He walked away smiling as her replaced his clothes into the wardrobe.

 26 Empress

    The itinerary for the day consisted of tea picking and sight-seeing.

    Despite having an interesting morning, they managed to arrive on time to harvest Longjing tea leaves with the locals in the wide green plantation. Their guides were also kind enough to demonstrate roasting and brewing. They also packed tea leaves and buds for them to take home.

    Midori and Dan were drinking tea from a glass cup, sticking to tradition, while enjoying local fruits and pastries. Their first activity was accomplished in half a day.

    "So, you feel like the empress now?" Dan asked.

    Midori smiled faintly. She recalled how their guide told the legend wherein during the Qing dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited the West Lake, and he personally plucked a number of tea leaves and granted imperial status to 18 Longjing bushes in the Village. It is said that these bushes still exists in this century.

    "I will only be empress if I marry the emperor." she said, then took another sip on her tea.

    "I guess I need to be emperor then." He flashed his pearly whites.

    However, Midori''s smile was a bit forced as her mind still wanders off to the message she received from the unknown number.

    "You better watch out...better not cry.

    You think your guy is nice but he might be naughty inside...

    Or maybe because you give less than St. Nick and it was not enough?"

    The message came with 4 photos. In them were Dan and a familiar girl. The first one was near the vending machine, wherein he was holding out his hand to hers. The next was she was smiling towards him while holding an iced drink. The third photo was Dan kneeling to tie her shoe laces, and the last one was taken with them holding a box together, with his hand holding onto her arm.

    "Dori?" Dan can sense it but he cannot quite put his finger on it.

    Snapping from her trance, she glanced up at him. "Yes?"

    "Let''s go have lunch."

    In the afternoon, they went to the forest-like zoo, located south of the lake.

    First stop was the reptile house, having iguanas, turtles, alligators and snakes.

    As they went near the snakes enclosures, he noted that her hand holding his tightened her grip.

    "Are you perhaps...afraid of snakes?" He looked at her facial expression.

    Her furrowed brows and pursed lips says it all.

    Dan laughed and wrapped an arm over her shoulders, pulling her body towards his chest.

    "Let''s visit the large cat!" His smile became brighter as he pulled her out of the viewing corridor.

    The tiger hill lifted her spirits up as she found the animals there as fluffy.

    "Let''s take photos!" she initiated.

    Afterwhich, they headed for the giant panda house. On the way was the monkey hill wherein one can watch these creatures interact and play with one another.

    The couple was amused by them, resulting to bickering.

    "Hey, that one looks so much like you! Hahahahaha!" Midori teased Dan.

    "Then you look like that one!" He retaliated while pointing randomnly on another monkey.

    "How dare you?!" She pinched his nose hard while grinning.

    "Ah! Ow, ow, ow! Dori!" He rubbed his nose and tickled her on her sides.

    She squealed as she laughed. "Dan! Stop it! Hahahaha! Dan!" She was trying to pull his hands off her waist.

    She finally captured his wrists and placed them on this back using her arms. This made her embrace him, with their faces few inches away from each other.

    Dan used the opportunity to kiss her cute nose. "Gotcha!" he said, chuckled, then pulled her to continue their steps.

    Midori''s eyes shone brightly upon seeing the giant pandas. If the tiger seemed fluffy for her, this sight took her to cloud nine.

    "Picture! Take pictures!" she commanded Dan.

    Dan slowly shook his head, smiled, then complied using his camera.

    After much photos were taken, she was finally persuaded to head back before the zoo closes.

    After dinner, they decided to dip into the indoor pool. Midori found it amusing that aside from them, it was vacant. The staff served them some wine.

    Dan was in a black and blue swimming trunks, topless and revealing his firm chest and abdominal muscles with hints of being toned.

    She was in a retro-styled blue and white horizontal striped one piece, which she decided against the bandeau 2-piece suit her personal maid packed for her. Though her bosoms were not that large, her chest was not flat and were complemented by the attire, while highlighting her buttocks. The blue ribbon tied to her nape forms the halter neckline of the suit. She has a white shawl on her until the reached the pool area.

    Dan noticed that she was still clutching the white cloth when they were about to enter the pool.

    He frowned. "You are not swimming with this, are you?" He took the shawl from her grasp and threw it on the sofa by the wall. He held out his hand to her. "Let''s go."

    Midori was absolutely outside her comfort zone. She had never exposed herself as much as this to people aside from her family. She is also insecure when it comes to her breasts so she was covering them with the shawl which he took away. Nevertheless, she took his hand as he led her into the pool as she gulped.

    "Do you know how to swim?" Dan asked.

    She shrugged her shoulders. "A bit."

    "Okay." He let go of her hand as he went to swim away in backstrokes.

    She stared at her now empty hand. Then she looked back at him swimming away. Her eyes watered as she recalled the photos sent to her. She went towards the filled wine glasses and took a sip from one.

    He came back to her in butterfly strokes. "You okay?" he asked as he reached her spot.

    "Uhuhm..." she nodded as she forced a smile. "Why is Shaoting the only one in the swimming team?"

    Dan understood that she was asking why he did not join. "I can do it, but I''m not fast." He smiled.

    Midori took another sip of wine. Dan took his glass and drank.

    "You said you can swim. Why are you staying in the corner?"

    Before Midori could answer, she was splashed with water on the face, drenching away her brewing doubts.

    She retaliated the water splash and eventually chased him across the pool.

    After swimming for some time and laughing together, they eventually rested on a side of the pool.

    Dan looked at her intently. "Shall we head back to our room?"

    She froze and glanced at him. The statement ''our room'' was ringing in her ears.

 27 First Time

    They decided to head back to their room. Dan let Midori use the bathroom first.

    She came out with her loungewear on, drying her hair with a towel, looking down as she walked towards the bed.

    He glanced at her and blushed at the sight. He then stood up and proceeded to the bathroom.

    Midori lied on the bed nervously. Suddenly, her phone beeped for a message notification. She tapped on it and revealed her mom''s message.

    "How are you guys doing? I bet you''re having fun! Did he open his gift? Remember to always take care of yourself. Safe travels my dear!"

    Midori was touched at her mom''s thoughtful words. She replied accordingly. Then she shuffled towards the drawer containing the wrapped box.

    She then took it out, went back on the bed, hid it under the sheets and pretended to sleep.

    Dan came out of the bathroom and changed into his loungewear. He sighed on seeing her on the bed fast asleep. He carefully lifted the sheets on his side and lied next to her.

    Then he turned to his side to better look at her, propping up his head using his arm.

    He smiled while caressing her cheek. "So you just decided to sleep without even greeting me." he whispered and sighed. He slowly moved to give her a kiss on her forehead.

    Just when he was about to lie back, he felt her hand on his cheek. This abruptly opened his eyes.

    Looking back at him was her pretty face with a big smile.

    Much to his surprise, she kissed him tenderly on the lips!

    He was so shocked to utter a word or make a move. When he leaned to kiss her back, a gift box came between their faces and she chuckled.

    "Happy birthday, Verdan Zhou!" Her teeth sparkling and her eyes smiling at him.

    Dan chuckled and moved back and sat on the bed. Midori also pushed herself up on a sitting position and stretched her arm to offer her gift.

    He shook his head gently while chuckling. "What''s this?" He looked at her while taking the gift.

    "Open it." Midori pursed her lips shyly waiting for his reaction.

    Dan undid the ribbon then opened the lid. He lifted his gift with an amused look. It was a taupe tie with crazy diamonds design. It looked formal enough for someone who might precede an important meeting or attend an exclusive function. Then he noticed a note inside the box.

    He silently read it after shooting her a glance.

    "In the future, I wish to fix your tie every morning. I wish to take it off when you come home. I dream of tying the knot with you, but I will only do so if by then you still want me to."

    His eyes watered. He dropped the gift and the note on the bed and he bolted towards her.

    Cupping her cheek with one hand while holding her waist with the other arm, he kissed her lips passionately.

    Midori was initially shocked with eyes wide open, but his warm lips devouring hers, she closed her eyes and kissed him back.

    Feeling her surrender, he pried her lips open with his tongue and teased her mouth. He can already feel the reaction of his little buddy and his body felt like it is burning.

    He pushed her gently to lie on the bed while they continued to kiss. His kisses went from her mouth to her jaw, down to her neck, where he could smell her scent.

    His fingers roamed from her face to her neck and collarbones, finding the buttons of her shirt.

    Midori was gasping to the passionate kisses. When she felt that he was undoing her buttons, she felt scared. Is this going to be their first time? She mustered the voice to speak. "Dan..."

    He stopped and looked at her with expressive eyes, as if asking if he could continue. His chest heaving and mouth gaping.

    Midori was scared. She did not know what to do. However, she was more afraid that if she refuse him, he will be with someone else. She recalled the photos again as she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she cupped his cheeks and kissed him again, challenging the passion he just showed her.

    She did not show any signs of protest as she was stripped off of her clothes.

    He also removed his own clothes then stared at her delicate body.

    This is also his first time, but his friends abroad had made him watch some adult stuff before so he is not naive on what the situation requires.

    He moved his hands to caress her shoulders, then they went down to cup one of her breasts and the other touching her waist and hip.

    He kissed her neck again, sniffing her scent, then he went down to her breasts, teasing her nipples.

    She let out moans as she felt every sensation with eyes closed.

    He slowly parted her legs and positioned himself. His little buddy was teasing her entrance.

    He kissed her lips and he tried to enter. She let out a cry. He shifted and moved gently. It was tight and it was difficult for him to get inside. He stopped as he saw tears streaming down her cheeks.

    He kissed her again while he thrusts inside her, earning more of her cries.

    "It hurts!" she blurted out, still crying.

    "Please don''t cry." He wiped her tears with his fingers. He knew he was hurting her, but he thought that if he apologized, it would mean that he was considering this as a mistake.

    He wanted her. He wanted her to be his and only his.

    He moved gently, maintaining a steady pace.

    She eventually stopped crying. This was replaced by moans and gasps which made him hard even more.

    He increased his pace. Her moans became louder and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

    His body seemed to collapse onto hers as he came.

    They lied in bed with her head on his chest and his arm supporting her back.

    Before falling asleep, he whispered to her ear, "I will make all your wishes come true."

 28 Plans

    The sun was already shining brightly when they woke up.

    "Good morning!" Dan smiled at the girl in his arms as she slowly opened her eyes.

    She groaned with furrowed brows. "Mornin''..." she lazily yawned and stretched.

    He kissed her nose then he walked towards the bathroom.

    They went out and took a stroll along the streets lined by snacks. They tried all kinds of food--from conventional ones like bubble waffles and curly fries, with fried eggplant, to local delicacies like spicy river snails and soft shell crab kebab.

    After which, they visited a temple frequented by tourists.

    "They say that one should pray to the City God and to the Wife of the City God for a good and happy marriage." Dan suddenly blurted out.

    Midori turned to him then smiled. "Then, shall we pray?"

    He chuckled then handed her the incense sticks.

    They continued strolling until they reached a bridge overlooking the lake. Boats similar to where they had dinner on the first night of their stay were cruising along the waters.

    "Midori..." he called.

    She turned to him in confusion. The last time he called her like that was the first time they met. She always tolerated the nickname he gave her. She was a little bit confused, then she became worried as she saw his serious face.

    "Where do you plan to enroll?"

    "Huh?" She was taken aback by the sudden inquiry.

    "You will be taking up a business course, right?"

    "Ah..yes. I will be taking SAT even if H International Business School does not require it. They said that though it is not a requirement, if you submit your results, they will be part of your evaluation for admission."

    Dan''s face lifted up instantly. "I will also be applying for their undergraduate program!"

    Midori smiled. "After I finish the program, I will continue to their masters degree program..."

    "Me too!" He was so excited that he cut off her sentence.

    "Then I''ll come back in the country for electives. Which campus are you eying?" she continued.

    "The one in City B. Is it also your choice?"

    Midori just smiled. Then she took his wrist and dragged him away.

    Their dinner consisted of local dishes, which were made from local produce. Among these were fish in vinegar gravy, fried shrimp in Longjing tea, beggar''s chicken and braised pork. After these dishes came the sweet lotus root powder soup and double happiness.

    Midori blushed as the waitress explained that the dessert was served in tandems to symbolize love and happiness.

    _______

    In their room, Midori was tapping on her phone, asking Mei what kind of souvenir would she want, as she was lying on the bed.

    Dan had just finished his bedtime routine. He climbed on his side of the bed.

    "Woah, woah...wait a second!" Midori gestured for him to stop, frantically waving her hands at him.

    He looked up to her but continued to position himself on the bed.

    "Just what do you think you''re doing?!" There was annoyance in her voice.

    "Relax. I will not do anything to you. I only want to sleep..." he replied while closing his eyes. Then he partially opened them again and gave the nervous-looking her a side eye as he says, "Unless, you have other things in mind."

    "I do not!" She turned her body away from him and ended her conversation with Mei. She placed her phone on the bedside table and covered herself with the sheets.

    _______

    The following morning, they went out to buy souvenirs.

    She bought a pair of silk his-her pyjamas while smiling cunningly.

    "Is that for us?" She was startled as Dan sneaked up on her.

    "No way! These are for my folks." she giggled.

    "And here I thought it was sweet of you." he pretended to be hurt as he pouted.

    "Why would I buy you these when your maximum height is yet to be determined? On the other hand, my parents will not be growing any taller than they are now."

    "Okay. We''ll get a pair when we get married." Dan flashed his smile to her squinting eyes.

    Then her face lit up. "Why don''t you buy your folks a pair?"

    He snickered. "My dad seldom comes home. I also believe that even if he did, my mom will not be sleeping with him. It''s like the purpose of intimacy between them was only to have me."

    "Hey, it''s been bugging me a little. Why did you spend your birthday with me, instead of with your family? You have a sister, right?"

    "I usually spend it at home...only with Van-jie. However this year, she is busy with her fianc¨¦ abroad, so she sent me a ''birthday gift'' and told me to spend it however I want to." He had a rare bitter smile.

    "It''s okay. From now on, I''ll be with you on your birthday." She caressed his cheek.

    Dan tried to suppress his emotions as he felt tears were threatening to fall from his eyes.

    "Uhm...help me get a souvenir for my sister! After all, she gave me enough to travel with you." He held her hand. "Oh! You think she will like that?" Before she could answer, she was dragged onto another shop.

    She brushed off the negative emotions stemming from the photos sent to her. Right then, Midori promised herself that she will make him happy.

 29 Gifts

    Midori and Dan were sitting in the midnight blue Cayenne as they were fetched from the airport.

    Suddenly, he brought his phone out of his pockets to receive an incoming call.

    "Dan, are you back in City S yet?" There was a tone of urgency in the female voice.

    "I just arrived. I''ll be sending Midori home first. Van-jie, is something wrong?" he asked calmly.

    "Head home right away. I''ll tell you the details when you''re back." She hung up, not wanting to elicit worry from her brother.

    "Something the matter?" Midori saw the sudden change in Dan''s expression.

    Just then, they have arrived in the Xiu estate.

    "I''m not sure. I need to head back now." He kissed her forehead and went back in the car after the driver unloaded her baggage.

    He did not even notice her waving goodbye as he sternly instructed the driver to take him home immediately.

    Midori, though a bit worried, shrugged it off as she made her way inside the house.

    Aunty Lan welcomed her at the foyer. Her personal maid carried her luggage to her room.

    "Aunty Lan, where''s mom?" she asked, scanning the rooms with her eyes.

    "Shobe, the Madam, the Master and Young Master are in the family room. The..." her statement was cut off as the recipient ran, while carrying parcels, towards the other living room located in the west wing of the mansion.

    "Otousan! Okaasan! Niisan!" she cheerfully called.

    She saw her family and bolted towards her mom.

    "Midori...how was City H?" A warm smile on her mother''s face made her smile back delightfully.

    "It was beautiful, Mom!" Then she reached into her parcels. "I got you guys souvenirs!"

    She handed her mom the pair pyjamas. "These are for you and dad."

    "Oh! Anata*, it''s a pair." Aoi Xiu motioned for her husband to look at the silk items.

    Xiu Jin chuckled. "Silk is indeed a must-buy in that area."

    "Oh, I also got these for mom..." She took out a hand-painted fan and jade pendant. "...and for dad." She handed a calligraphy set.

    "How thoughtful." Her brother sarcastically slow clapped.

    Midori smiled back and rummaged through her bags.

    "For my baka oniisan*..." She stretched out her arm to hand over a silk-covered herbal amulet as she sneered.

    "Tch...not surprising. So, where is this boyfriend of yours?"

    "Didn''t I say that I will let you meet him if you bring your fianc¨¦e ho--"

    Just then, a petite brunette in her 20s appeared before them. She is about 170cm tall, with straight long hair reaching her waist, porcelain-like skin, heart-shaped face, with delicate features--straight brows, hazel eyes, tall nose and thin rosy lips. A pair of dimples appeared near her laugh line when she smiled.

    "Hello. Midori, isn''t it? I''m Agatha Yang. Nice to meet you." She bowed slowly.

    "Oh...uhm...hi!" She shot her brother an accusing look.

    Masaichi looked back at his sister. "What? She will be your sister-in-law." he declared nonchalantly.

    "I know that!" she glared back, then shifted to a gentle expression. "Onee-san*, you can address me with ''Imouto-chan*''." She flashed Agatha her brightest, sweetest smile.

    "Uhm...imouto...-chan?" Agatha tried awkwardly.

    "Hai! Hai!" Midori was delighted to finally gain a sister. "Ah! I also bought you something." She took out a gift box from one of her bags and happily handed it to Agatha.

    Everyone in the room was curious about her gift as the went over to take a peek.

    Agatha opened the box slowly. She had a surprised expression as it revealed a fine jade bracelet.

    "I hope you could wear it on your wedding." Midori smiled shyly.

    "Why of course! Thank you, Midori!" Agatha was overfilled with emotions so much that she suddenly hugged Midori.

    Aunty Lan smiled on this scene, then declared, "Dinner is ready."

    Midori recovered from the shock of the sudden intimacy. "Yey! I missed your cooking, Aunty Lan!"

    ______

    Meanwhile, in a tertiary private hospital, Dan was standing before a patient.

    Vanessa was holding his shoulders as she let out sniffles.

    "His chopper went down in a forest. It was out of luck that they managed to pull him out before it exploded...but..."

    Dan looked at his father in the hospital bed.

    Victor Zhou was conscious. He was looking back at them, blinking his eyes from time to time, but he does not move an inch.

    Vanessa took out a small box from her purse and handed it to Dan.

    "This was found in his suit pocket."

    Dan opened the box, revealing a set of keys. On the lid were words written in his father''s handwriting.

    "This will be your home when you enter H International Business School. Make us proud. Happy birthday, Son!"

    Dan''s eyes started to well with unshed tears. He is not very close to his father since he was always away, but they are not on bad terms either. He knew that his father is a good provider. He even prepared his place for business school even before he is accepted.

    "Dan, the doctors said that he could still hear and understand us. It''s just that he cannot move a muscle. They called it locked in syndrome."

    Tears fell down his cheeks. He bit his lower lip to suppress his emotions. In between sobs, he asked, "Where''s mom?"

 30 Decisions

    "Verdan Zhou." Attendance was being checked and there was no response.

    Midori barely saw him during the rest of their vacation days for he declined invitations to go out with their friends. If not for his occasional messages, Midori would think that there was a problem between them.

    As classmates began to whisper, Midori looked down on her desk, pondering what happened to Dan. Since phones were not allowed at school, she cannot contact him for the time being.

    When Miss Huang was about to start her class, Dan came rushing in.

    "Mr. Zhou, it''s a first for you to come in late." The teacher is not mad about this, rather curious as to the cause.

    "Sorry, Miss Huang. It won''t happen again." Dan bowed apologetically and took his seat next to Midori.

    Come lunchtime, Midori tried to ask him what was bothering him, to the point of being late, but Dan seemed to be dodging the question.

    "Hey, what''s for lunch?" He was flashing his brightest smile and he seemed like a puppy wagging its tail.

    Midori spread out the bento for them to eat. As they were having their meal, she tried to question him again.

    "Dan, what happened..."

    "Oh! This is so good! Did Aunty Lan help you prepare this? We should have it more often!" He cuts off her question with his enthusiasm over the food.

    Midori sensed that he does not want to discuss it so she shut her mouth and observed him.

    After classes, Dan was taking Midori home. Inside the car, she noted that they were going towards another route.

    She furrowed her brows and turned to him. "Where are we going?"

    Dan kept staring outside, not answering her.

    After almost an hour of silence, the car went to a stop. As they arrived, the air was noted to be cooler.

    Dan went out and opened the door for Midori. He held her hand and led her away.

    The view and cool mountain breeze greeted Midori in a while. This brushed away some of her anxiety.

    As she was appreciating the view, Dan moved to hug her from behind, burying his head between her neck and shoulder.

    She held his arms which were hugging her waist, but she did not speak. She was waiting for him to tell her, to tell her everything.

    "I will send my application to H International Business School. My choice of campus would be the one in City B. My father had already arranged accommodation. I will also work part-time in our company branch as additional training." He paused.

    Midori was still bringing together the pieces in her mind. She also wanted to enroll in that school but she preferred the campus in City C. Though still in the same country, traveling in between these cities will not be easy.

    "Midori..." he whispered to her ear.

    Her shoulders shuddered a bit. He turned her so that she will look into his eyes.

    "Come with me." Dan''s voice sounded like a declaration rather than a request. However, his eyes were pleading her to agree.

    She has already discussed with her mother regarding studying in City C. With this decision, Midori would have to negotiate with her all over again. ''But why does he look like he wants me to go with him so badly?'' she thought. ''I get that we are together now and that distance may affect the relationship, but he looks so desperate that there might be a bigger picture into this.''

    "Midori..." he repeated. This brought her back from her thoughts.

    She looked into his eyes, searching for answers, but could not find any.

    "Okay." she finally answered. She contemplated how she is going to tell her mom of this change of plans. "But you need to tell me what''s bothering you, okay?"

    Before she finished her sentence, he already embraced her tight. He nodded as he again buried his face on her shoulder.

    Midori smiled and hugged him back. She already decided that she will be with him no matter what.

 31 You like this, donst you?

    Midori ranked first in the final examinations. Dan had always beaten her until then, but even if his grades were still better, the ranking system would not honor him as top of the class come graduation.

    Midori was being strangled--or is it hugged?--by Mei Ling after the program has ended. It was their graduation day.

    "I can''t believe you are leaving me here all alone!" Mei was pouting and sobbing.

    Midori chuckled. "What are you saying? You will be entering a film and movie institute with your fianc¨¦." She glanced at the approaching Lu Shaoting.

    "I don''t want him! I want you! Waaahh!" Mei made her actions exaggerated purposely.

    Shaoting''s brow twitched in annoyance. "What do you mean you don''t want me?" He touched up his glasses, then he grabbed Mei by the shoulder and took her in his arms. "Don''t you realize how embarrassing your actions are?"

    "Midoriii! The big bad wolf will eat me!" She wailed while waving her arms at the chuckling Midori.

    "You guys take care of each other, okay?" she said smiling.

    "And you take care of him." Shaoting replied.

    After taking photos for some time, Midori was again with her family.

    Dan approached them, accompanied by a couple.

    "Mr. Xiu, Aunty Aoi." He bowed.

    "Hello, Dan." Aoi Xiu glanced at his companions. "Where are your parents?"

    Dan smiled back politely with a hint of bitterness. "This is my sister, Vanessa, and her fianc¨¦, Lin Shao Liang." He gestured in introduction.

    "It''s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my little brother." They shook hands.

    "I believe it is he who took good care of our Midori." Aoi Xiu replied.

    "Oh! Do you mind joining us for dinner?" Xiu Jin invited enthusiastically.

    They all went to the dinner reservation in a hotel branch owned by XCG.

    "So, I get that these two would enter the same business school?" Xiu Jin chuckled.

    "Yes. Our family has arranged their accommodation. Also, I will be in the area as I will be staying in City B to take care of business." Vanessa replied.

    Finishing dinner, they bid goodbye to each other''s family. Vanessa did not forget to extend her invitation for her wedding in City B. This way, they could all go and check the place they have arranged for Midori and Dan.

    _________

    In a month''s time, the two flew to City B to get their belongings settled in and to come to school for their admission.

    Dan was first to be done with his interview. He sat on a bench with his earphones on, peacefully listening to some pop music while waiting for Midori.

    He closed his eyes and was about to doze off when he felt a cold and moist sensation of his cheek. It made his eyes suddenly open, awakening all his senses. He heard a small giggle.

    He looked up and was shocked to see the weird girl he first met at the vending machine. He took out his earphones.

    She flashed him a bright smile. "You like this, don''t you?" She was holding up a bottle of green tea latt¨¦.

    Dan was a bit confused. Midori liked this drink, not him.

    Seeing his furrowed brows, she asked, "But isn''t this the one you''re buying last time?"

    "Oh, that..." he remembered that he was buying Midori''s drink first when this girl interrupted his purchase.

    "Ah, so shameful..." she showed a pitiful face, slightly blushing from being embarrassed.

    Dan felt bad for her and took the drink from her hand. "That''s okay. Thank you. So, you also enrolled here?"

    "Ah, yes! I will need it to help in my father''s company."

    Truth be told, she begged her parents to send her abroad to study. Though they have their own publishing company, it was an inheretance from her grandparents and her father was barely keeping it afloat from the time they left it in his hands.

    "Ming Rushi." suddenly, a voice rang to their ears.

    "Miss Xiu." The girl gave Midori a meaningful look. "Long time no see."

    "I didn''t expect to see you here." Midori had her poker face on, but her eyes had the intent to kill. This was the girl in the pictures! And here she is, handing Dan a drink!

    Dan was still absorbing the information. Even though he met this girl a few times before, he never got to introduce himself or get her name. So it was Ming Rushi...and it seems like Midori is familiar with her.

    As he did not sense the hostility between the ladies, he nonchalantly remarked, "So it was Ming Rushi? Finally got your name. I am Verdan Zhou." He held out his hand to shake.

    ''Finally?'' Midori''s mind was raging, but only the hint of her brow moving medially showed her emotions.

    Rushi timidly shook his hand, glancing at the irritated Midori. "Uhm...I have to go now. Nice meeting you again!" She smiled so sweetly, more on Dan, and squint her eyes for half a second towards Midori as she was turning to leave.

    Dan turned to his girl. "Where do you want to eat?" He flashed his smile like nothing happened, which made Midori even more irritated as she looked at the bottle he was holding.

    "Oh, you like this, don''t you?" He offered her the drink.

    She glared at him. "I''m not drinking something not intended for me." With that, she stomped her foot and began walking away, as he tried to catch up.

 32 Hesll be mine

    Classes started for the semester. The professor declared that their next assignment would be drafting a business proposal and that they will have to do it in pairs. However, before he did, he has asked the class to write their names on a piece of paper, and these were separated according to their seats. The aisle separating groups of chairs marked each box of names as east and west. The professor then picked out names, forming pairs from each group.

    Dan sighed as he cannot pair up with Midori on this.

    "Why are you sighing so hard? We will only be working with a stranger for a week." Midori was teasing him.

    "What if you get paired to a d*****bag? I need to protect you at all times." he replied with a serious look on his face.

    "Relax. It''ll be fine." She smiled.

    Suddenly, Dan''s name was called.

    "Verdan Zhou, and..." The professor picked out a piece of paper from the other box. "Ming Rushi."

    Midori''s smile collapsed. She scanned the other group of seats. Her eyes finally landed on a despicable sneer from that familiar face.

    They were given some time to plan out their assignments with their partners. Midori had a female caucasian partner. All the while, she was distractedly glancing towards Dan and Rushi, nodding to her own partner from time to time. The caucasian girl thought that she might have had difficulty understanding the language for Midori looked out of sorts.

    "Do I need to slow down and repeat my idea?" She was being considerate.

    Midori snapped out of her trance and tried to focus on the matter at hand.

    Eventually, classes ended for the day. Midori walked by herself back to her place as Dan reported to their company.

    At the entrance of the apartment complex, she was stopped by a familiar figure, slyly smiling at her.

    "Miss Xiu." she sneered.

    "What are you doing here?" Midori was quite irritated. How good of a stalker is this girl?

    "Nothing much. Just leaving a warning." Rushi walked towards her. She turned to whisper to Midori''s ear. "Take care of your sweet man or he''ll be mine." Then she laughed sinisterly as her heels clacked away.

    Midori was pissed off. She took some time to collect herself as she strode to her place.

    She decided to send Dan a message. "What time will you be back?"

    In the office, Dan just finished having a tour of another department. He was arranging files on his desk when the phone beeped for notification.

    "Miss me already?" he replied, chuckling by himself.

    "Time" Midori irritatingly replied back.

    Dan looked at the clock, it was half past six. "7pm. Let''s grab dinner when I get back."

    Midori did not send a message back. She went straight to the kitchen and took out a pan. She grabbed pasta, some meat, tomato sauce and cheeses.

    The food was almost cooked when she heard some noises next door. She knew he was back, but he knows the code to her unit, so no need to rush the food. He will come after changing in his place.

    The food was ready. Still no Dan. Midori, with her bright smile, decided to grab the pan and went next door.

    The door to Dan''s unit was ajar. She took a peep as she was to surprise him, but she was the one who was shocked.

    She saw Rushi sitting on the sofa sipping juice. She let out a faint gasp and pulled herself away.

    Midori walked back towards her place. If she was not holding the hot pan, she would have smacked herself on the face. Her door clicked shut when she went out, the automatic lock in place and she could not press the code to open it.

    Suddenly, Dan''s door was fully opened, and people were stepping out. She turned away, partially hiding herself by leaning against a pillar.

    After sending his visitor away, Dan noticed his girl hiding in vain. Despite being a little worried that she might get the wrong idea, he decided to brush it off as he chuckled.

    "What are you doing there?" He leaned to look at her face.

 33 Are you jealous?

    Midori harrumphed. "Didn''t know you need more time and decided to continue it at you place." she said mockingly.

    "Are you jealous?" He looked at her with a provocative smile.

    "Go away." She tried to turn her back on him.

    To her surprise, he lifted the lid from the pan.

    "Woah! You made lasagna! Let''s eat!" His bright smile was from ear to ear.

    "Didn''t you already have dinner with you date?" her annoyance was in her voice.

    "Okay then." Dan straightened his back and pretended to walk away.

    Midori became flustered. She needed him to open the door. "Uhm...hey!"

    "Yes? Do you need something?" his voice and face were teasing her.

    "Uhm...can you unlock my door first?"

    "Only if you let me have some lasagna." He flashed his pearly whites.

    "Fine." She glared at him, but her irritation dissipated a little.

    Dan''s smile widened as he pressed on the door code.

    As they were having dinner. Midori kept silent, no matter how animatedly Dan is appreciating the food.

    Dan stopped as his efforts to cheer her up were not working. He made a serious face.

    "Hey...are you still upset?" He leaned in to decrease the distance between their faces.

    "Why did you bring her to your place?" her voice was cracking. Rushi''s statement was resounding in her mind.

    Dan took a deep breath. "I happened to run into her as I was walking home. She mentioned not understanding some concepts on our draft so I decided to lend her my book. Since we''re close to our building, she went up with me, as it would be rude, and at the same time troublesome, to make her wait downstairs." He looked at her expression. Some of the irritation was melting away. "She didn''t stay for long. I didn''t even close the door. Anyone can walk in on us and it won''t matter."

    Midori was convinced, but she was still pouting.

    Dan stood up and bent to level with her face. "Dori, look at me..." he cupped her cheeks. "I will not cheat on you. Understand?"

    Her face crumpled, tears welled in her eyes.

    He pulled her towards his chest and hugged her tightly.

    Midori cried, soaking his shirt. She hugged him back.

    After she calmed down, he released his embrace, but suddenly wrapped his arms over her thighs, carrying her.

    "Dan!" she shouted in shock. "What are you doing?! Put me down!" she ordered, tapping his shoulders.

    He just smiled back to her as he continued towards her room. He finally brought her down to her bed, as he positioned himself on top of her.

    "Dan...it''s...it''s Vanessa''s wedding tomorrow." Midori was nervous.

    "So?" He raised his brows and looked into her eyes.

    "Uhm...I think..." Before she even blurt out excuses, her lips met with his.

    The passion in his kisses expressed his burning desire for her and the anxiety that she was doubting him. In a way, he was glad that she was jealous, but he was also bothered by it. To him, Rushi is just a friendly girl, but his instincts tell him that Midori is not too fond of her for a reason he cannot quite tell.

    When he let go of her lips, they both gasped for air. He moved his kisses to her earlobe, down to her neck, shoulders, then to her breasts. One hand cupped a breast, while his tongue played with the other. At the same time, his little buddy had showed its reaction.

    His tongue moved down to her abdomen, eliciting shudders and moans. His fingers played with her sensitive spot and teased her entrance. Feeling the warm liquid on his fingers, he thrusts her, as he kissed her lips again.

    She kissed back, then bit on his lips, complementing his thrusts. Her hands tried to grip his shoulders, resulting to her nails scratching his skin.

    As the intensity of their activity heightened, louder moans and grunting were let out, and would have been audible to the neighbors if it were not for the soundproof feature of the room.

    After he reached his climax, he lied on his back while flipping her over to rest on his chest.

    He kissed her temple as he whispered, "You will always be mine and I will always be yours."

    _______

    The following day, the alarm woke them up just in time for the call from Midori''s mom to come through.

    Midori squirmed from the embrace that held her through the night as she swiped her phone to answer the call.

    "Midori, we''re downstairs...at the lobby. Where''s your unit?"

    Just then, Dan was yawning and stretching next to her, loud enough to be heard through the call.

    She felt a cold sweat as she frantically tried to cover his mouth with her hand.

    "Midori? Is Dan at your place?" Aoi Xiu sounded skeptical, but she had her mischievous grin.

    "What? No! It''s me, Mom. I was yawning just now." She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip as she lied.

    "Okay. Tell us your unit so we could come up." Aoi was supressing her laughter. She knew she got Midori flustered and she was totally enjoying it.

    "No!" Midori almost shouted. She regained herself immediately though. "I...I''ll go and fetch you. You have luggage, right? I''ll help...just...uhm, give me a minute to fix my hair and my face. I need to at least look presentable when I go down. Okay, bye!" she finished in one breath then she immediately hung up. She did not let her mom blurt out an objection.

    Then, Midori turned to the sleeping flesh next to her. "Dan! Dan, wake up!" She was trying to push him, but he was rolling on the bed.

    Dan let out a grunt and hid his face under the sheet.

    Midori''s face flushed in irritation. "Dan, get up! My parents are here! You can''t be here!" Feeling helpless, she took all her stray clothes on the floor, tossing them into the hamper, and wearing a new set of loungewear. She tied her hair in a high, messy bun. She gathered all his clothes and used all her efforts to drag him out of her bed.

    She shoved his clothes to him. "Wear something! And go back to your unit! Now!"

    The zipper of his pants was yet to accomplish its purpose when he was pushed out of the room, towards his place, with his shoes flying towards him.

    He let out a chuckle as he glanced at her red face and walked towards his door.

    Seeing that her room looked acceptable, Midori rushed downstairs to meet her parents.

 34 Celebrating

    Aoi Xiu was staring at her daughter over breakfast. Midori was trying to appear oblivious of the looks her parents gave her.

    "Why don''t you ask Dan to come over and have breakfast with us?"

    Xiu Jin suppressed his laughter to drink his coffee.

    "Uhm...he must be in the middle of preparations. Let''s not bother him." Midori was cutting some dragonfruit.

    "It''s too early to prepare. The wedding will be in the late afternoon...unless, he''s sleeping in?" Aoi gave her daughter a meaningful look.

    "I...I''ll go ask him then." Midori placed the fruits on the table and hurriedly went out to walk next door.

    She also knows his passcode, but afraid that her parents may be secretly watching, she decided against it and pressed the doorbell.

    It took her 5 tries, a minute interval in between, before Dan finally opened the door.

    "What took you so long?" her irritation was apparent in her voice.

    Dan was wearing a towel wrapped around his waist to cover the area down from its attachment. His hair was still dripping wet and water drops on his shoulders and torso as he was moving.

    Midori gulped, blushed, and looked down.

    "Why are you still so shy?" Dan chuckled.

    She glared at him while pouting. "My parents want you to go over for breakfast."

    "Okay. I will just wear something." he emphasized the last two words. Then he leaned in to peck on her nose before closing the door to her face.

    She was stomping back to her apartment and her mom was grinning.

    "So, what did he say?" Xiu Jin was into it with his wife.

    "He had just finished his shower and will put on clothes first." Midori was gritting her teeth in irritation. The nerve of slamming the door on her face!

    "So you walked into him showering and saw him naked?" Aoi Xiu could not help herself from grinning even more.

    "What? No!" Realizing her vague words, she clarified in a panic. "He...he opened the door with wet hair...he...he said he will just put on clothes!"

    "Still, no clothes." Aoi was gobbling up the fruits.

    "What? Argh! You don''t get it!" She pulled her hair and went to her room slamming the door shut.

    "Of course we do." Xiu Jin exchanged knowing looks with his wife.

    _______

    That afternoon, Vanessa''s wedding went on without a glitch. The celebration party proceeded to a hotel''s grand ballroom.

    Drapes complemented the ceiling''s chandelier. Each table was covered by satin linen, with lilac table runners. In the center was a towering vase filled with calla lilies and twigs holding strings of crystals. The arch of white, red, and pink roses was stunningly located at the entrance for the entourage to pass through.

    Congratulations were resounding for the newlyweds. Midori''s family went up to the bride and groom to extend their best wishes.

    Vanessa suddenly embraced Midori. "Midori! It''s been long!"

    The bride was wearing a v-neck beaded lace A-line gown with tulle skirt. Her hair was cut in a bob, adorned with crystals with a side clip. Her face looked radiant, with mauve eyeshadow blended beautifully to complement her hazel eyes, with light blush and soft pink lips.

    She smiled brightly towards Midori and her parents. "Glad you could make it!"

    After the formalities, the party went on to open the dance floor.

    Guests started to dance. Midori''s parents went to dance as well.

    Watching their loving gazes towards each other was a pair of dark eyes glaring, while clutching a glass of cocktail.

    Dan was dancing with Midori. He looked at her lovingly.

    She was wearing a lavender silk qipao with hand-painted flowers on the skirt. She was wearing light makeup, and her hair was neatly tied in a low bun. He, on the other hand, was wearing a dust blue suit covering a light gray inner shirt, with a lavender bowtie, matched with gray oxfords.

    "Hey, do you like weddings?" he suddenly asked.

    Midori looked around. "Hmm..." she nodded. "...but not like this." She smiled shyly.

    "I''d also like weddings...as long as mine would be with you." The sincerity in his eyes trapped hers to stare back.

    Aoi Xiu went to the bar after dancing to get some cocktail. As she was waiting for her drink, a woman wearing a flaming red qipao with gold embroidery walked towards her.

    "Su Linyu." Aoi Xiu was respectful, but she will not let her guard down.

    "Madam Xiu. Thank you for gracing my daughter''s wedding with your presence." Su Linyu was arrogantly smiling.

    "I hope you will do the same and not interfere with my daughter''s in the future." Her meaningful words sounded like a warning.

    "I believe it is not in my family that betrayal is rampant."

    "I can''t force you to let go of the past, but I will not let anyone hurt my daughter." With that, Aoi Xiu lifted her glass and walked away.

    _________

    The following day, Dan and Midori went to bring her parents to the airport. As they were bidding goodbye, Xiu Jin brought out a platinum card.

    "Hime*, sorry we cannot come back for your birthday. Please spend as much as you like. We will celebrate once we get time off, okay? You also have to focus on your schoolwork."

    "Hai, otousan. Don''t worry about it. I''ll do my best!" Midori managed to flash her bright smile.

    Aoi Xiu embraced her daughter. "Always be vigilant. I''m a call away, okay!"

    "Thanks, mom. Have a safe trip!"

    They waved her parents goodbye and they rode back to their place.

    Midori''s birthday is in five days. Dan was planning to give her a surprise, but tried to conceal it by laying out obvious plans.

    "Let''s grab dinner somewhere nice after this week''s classes are over." He flashed his smile.

    Midori thought that it was some fancy birthday dinner. "Okay." she replied nonchalantly.

    ____________

    Meanwhile, back in City S.

    "Shao, did you book our tickets?" Mei was sitting on a sofa with a bowl of chips between her thighs. She looked at her fianc¨¦ who had just arrived.

    Lu Shaoting loosened his tie and hanged his coat. "I did. Did you buy a gift for her?"

    "Of course I did! It is much cuter than the jasmine-scented cream souvenir she got for me from City H." She looked proud but happy as she giggled.

    "Are you sure it''s a good idea to intrude? What if they were ''celebrating'' when we arrive?" Lu Shaoting patted her head gently as he put some chips in his mouth while he sat beside his fianc¨¦e.

 35 The Door was Ajar

    Midori was singing in the shower early that morning. It was her birthday!

    She had just finished dressing up when her phone rang and showed a video call. She tapped to answer. The screen showed Masaichi''s gorgeous face.

    To be frank, the resemblance between the siblings was too obvious. That was why they always get annoyed when people mistake them for lovers, especially when Midori hit puberty. She was especially irritated as her brother is 8 years older than her. Despite bickering every chance they get, they are really close and their love and concern for each other are never too much.

    "Hey, spoiled brat! Happy birthday!" Masaichi was grinning.

    "Masaichi! Quit teasing your sister." The screen moved to show their parents.

    "Hime! Otanjoubi omedetou!" Her parents greeted in chorus.

    Midori was smiling, teary eyed. It was her first birthday away from her family.

    "Hey, there''s more!" Masaichi panned the camera.

    It showed Aunty Lan and their maids.

    "Shobe, happy birthday! I hope you are eating well!" Xiu Lan was smiling warmly.

    "Young Mistress, please take care of yourself. If you need help, we can come." her personal maid had a concerned face.

    Then the camera went away again. This time it showed Masaichi with an arm on Agatha''s shoulder.

    "Happy birthday...uhm...Imouto-chan!" Agatha''s face had uncertainty and she looked shy.

    Midori was smiling, desperately fighting her tears.

    "Thank you so much, everyone! I miss you!"

    "We miss you too, sweetheart! Take care of yourself! Have fun on your big day!" Aoi turned to her son. "Masaichi, your sister will be late for class. We should hang up now."

    "Okay." He positioned the camera to capture their faces.

    "Happy birthday, Hime!" They said in chorus before the call ended.

    She finished her look with some makeup.

    Her phone beeped for a message notification. "Sorry, but I had to go out early today. I''ll see you in class." Dan sent.

    She snickered and shook her head. He was too obvious.

    Dan waited for the professor to arrive before taking his usual seat beside Midori. This way, he escaped casual conversations with her. Since they only had one class for the day, he made an excuse to report to the company.

    "I need to report much earlier so I could get off work earlier too. It was lucky that the other class was postponed. I will see you at seven tonight, okay?" His gentle smile appeared before he left.

    Her lips curved into a smile. She understood that he was making terrible excuses for his surprise so she let him be. She took out her wallet and stared at the platinum card.

    "Maybe it''s time to get you swiped."

    She went to a shopping center after having a quick lunch in the cafeteria.

    She bought a new dress, a pair of heels and a handbag. She got herself a cleansing facial and hair treatment. It was half past 5 when she got back to her place.

    _________

    While she was at the mall, Dan was busy preparing chicken galantina, following the online recipe seriously. The strawberry shortcake that he somehow managed to bake was already peacefully sitting in the fridge.

    It was 6pm when he was simmering the gravy for the chicken when the doorbell rang. He shook his head with a smile on his face. She''s early...and had to ring the bell again. For what did I give her the passcode then?

    He turned off the stove and walked to open the door. He was smiling like a weirdo imagining her face.

    Much to his surprise, he saw a familiar face with a bright smile while holding two cups of sundae.

    "Oh, it''s you." he blurted out.

    She pouted and said, "Were you expecting someone else?"

    "Uhm...I have plans." He will not lie.

    She tried to peek inside. "Right now?"

    "Ehrm...in an hour." He scratched the back of his head. He did not want to be rude, but Midori finding Rushi in his place again will spell trouble.

    "Spare me some time? I can''t finish these by myself." She motioned with the cups in hand. "I promise to go away after eating this. I just wanna celebrate a little and thank my partner for my good grades." She displayed an innocent pleading look.

    ________

    Meanwhile, on a flight to City B.

    Lu Shaoting was browsing over a script to pass the time. He was supposed to travel with Mei but her shoot ended late so she booked a later flight. She convinced him to take their original flight as she will be joining them in no time.

    "Because you will be there earlier, you can ''warn'' them not to do shameless things so they''ll be prepared before my arrival." He remembered how she playfully uttered her words.

    "Are you sure you can figure out how to get to their place alone? I can pick you up."

    "How dare you underestimate Jiang Mei Ling! Of course I can. No need to bother. I will arrive there before you know it." She waved her hands as she replied animatedly.

    "Okay then, don''t forget to bring your gift."

    Lu Shaoting was smiling in his seat as he recalled their conversation. If not for the script he was pretending to read, people will think he was crazy.

    ____________

    It was 10 minutes until 7pm. Midori was doing a final look on herself in the mirror.

    She was wearing a red neoprene dress, with a boat neck lined with crystal embellishment, low back and high-low skirt showing the pink inner side of the skirt. She had a new pair of pointed white pumps with a matching handbag. She pulled back her hair into a fishtail braid and her makeup was light on the eyeshadow and blush, but featured bloody red lips. A pair of silver climber earrings with crystals traced the helices of her ears. She smiled to her reflection.

    It was a quarter past seven and she was anxiously sitting on her sofa, staring at the door. Dan has never been late whenever they go out. She decided to send him a message.

    "You''re late. Are you still at your place? I''m coming over if you''re not here in 5 minutes."

    She got no reply, and seeing that time was up, she went out and walked towards his unit.

    She frowned after realizing the door was ajar. She continued her strides with a worried look on her face.

    When she entered, she found the living room and the kitchen empty. She proceeded towards the bedroom. The door was also ajar.

    Her face paled and she tightly clutched her handbag.

    Inside, she saw Dan''s naked chest, over which was Rushi with her exposed breasts. She was smiling happily at him, with her disheveled hair and flushed face.

    Dan''s eyes were closed. He seemed to be resting.

    Midori stood frozen. Tears began to well up in her eyes.

    Rushi suddenly opened her mouth. "So, was I better than Miss Xiu?"

    Midori''s tears streamed down her pale face as she heard him reply with a "Hmmn."

    Midori''s body wobbled a bit, but she found the strength to move her legs and dashed out the door. She ran as far as she can. Coincidentally, the elevator opened and a young man with a luggage stepped out.

    Lu Shaoting saw Midori rushing out of a room. As she went passed him, her tears fell on his cheek. He turned around, tried to stop her, but the elevator closed and went down before he could reach it. With his curiosity, he went to the room where she came from, leaving his luggage on the hallway. He quietly entered through the ajar door. He somewhat found the bedroom.

    His eyes shook upon the scene. Rushi was buttoning her blouse as she sat on the side of the bed. Dan was still asleep with the sheets barely covering his chest. She then moved to caress his cheek.

    When Rushi stood up, Shaoting hurriedly fled from the scene. He grabbed his luggage, went down through the elevator, and held a cab to the airport. He needed to spare Mei of all these.

    _________

    The sun was shining brightly outside when Dan woke up. He was still in the clothes he had on while cooking. He had a slight headache. As he sat up, it dawned on him.

    It is the next day! He slept through her birthday!

    He looked around. Nothing seemed out of place. Did Midori put him to bed?

    He grabbed his phone on the bedside table and tried to call her. It went straight to mailbox.

    With his messy hair and clothes, he jogged to her unit. He decided to ring the bell. He pressed the code in and entered as no one went for the door.

    She was nowhere to be found. He bed was neatly made. He looked into her closet with a worried expression. All her things were in place.

    He decided to wait for her. He waited for hours until the new day broke. He was panicking. He cannot go through her phone. To his shock, even her parents and friends were out of reach.

    Hours became days. He could not help himself but inquire with the staff. From them he was told thst she dropped out of school.

    He cannot believe it. She was gone.

 36 Mommy

    Midori stepped out of the elevator, her snake print heels clicking on each stride towards the conference room. She was wearing a maroon turtleneck knitted blouse paired with straight-cut black slacks. Her outfit was partially covered by her taupe trenchcoat, reaching her knees.

    She sat on her designated seat in the meeting with her pokerface on.

    The COO of the hotel chain was in the middle of his report when Midori''s personal phone rang. She squinted her eyes behind the dark framed glasses, but she was otherwise in the same position.

    Her assistant whispered that it was from the nanny. She shot him a cold look and took the phone from him.

    "What?! What am I paying you for?!" she shouted at the caller.

    Then she shot the COO a glare. "I will give all of you a day to redo your reports."

    She walked out of the room without saying anything else, her poker face was back.

    The elevator landed on the basement parking. Her assistant hurried to unlock the car and let her in.

    As soon as he buckled his seatbelt, Midori''s cold voice rang. "IC Mall."

    The assistant quickly drove out, not wasting a second.

    ____________

    Hours earlier...

    A man in a patterned shirt, jeans and casual jacket with a pair of sneakers was sighing in front of the feminine hygiene products aisle. With clenched fists, he gripped on the empty basket. He looked around, then looked down, sighing even more.

    With determined eyes, he picked out 5 packs of sanitary pads and tossed them into his basket.

    He was looking down as he walked past aisles, afraid someone might recognize him. Oh it would be shameful!

    So far, no one seemed to notice him. He slowly elevated his point of view. On the periphery, something caught his eyes. He turned and saw a little boy, about 4 or 5 years old, in an otherwise empty aisle, looking up intently. He looked around, trying to spot his parents nearby, but everyone seemed busy with their own stuff. With his curiosity, he slowly walked towards the boy.

    On closer inspection, the little guy was staring at the box of chocolate cereals at the topmost shelf.

    Dan reached for it with ease. His maximum height reached 185cm so it was easy for him.

    The little boy''s hazel eyes wavered, then followed the box he was intently staring at until it landed right in front of him. He finally noticed the tall man beside him who was then bending to be eye level with him, with a warm smile.

    The little boy looked back into those hazel eyes. His eyes became chinky as he smiled back to the stranger. On one of his chubby cheeks was a dimple enhancing his cuteness.

    "Thanks, Mister!" he blurted out.

    Dan was taken aback by the kid''s sudden words. He flashed his pearly whites into a bigger smile.

    "You''re welcome. Where are your parents?" he casually asked, while looking around.

    The little boy''s expression turned gloomy in an instant, disturbing Dan''s thoughts.

    "Are you lost?" He gently patted the little boy on the head.

    The little boy nodded, ending the movement with his head looking down.

    "Okay, little guy. I am Uncle Dan. What''s your name?" He was then squatting to maintain eye contact.

    "My name is Manta." the boy replied timidly.

    Dan was impressed by his clear articulation of words. It was good for his age.

    "Okay, Manta. Put your cereals in the basket. Let''s pay for it now." He motioned with his basket in hand.

    Manta hesitated, then looked up at the then standing tall man.

    "What''s the matter?" Dan''s brows furrowed a little.

    "Uncle Dan, I don''t have any money." He forgot all about money when he decided to lose his nanny to get his favorite cereals.

    Dan turned his head away. He was having difficulty suppressing a laugh. It took a few minutes before he finally composed himself. All those times, the little guy was staring at him with pitiful eyes. Good thing was he is tall so his expressions were not obvious.

    "It''s okay. I''ll pay for it. Then we could go to customer''s service to find your parents. Sounds good?"

    "Hai!" Manta cheerily put the box inside the basket. Then he noticed its contents. "Uncle Dan, what are you buying?"

    Dan recognized the language in an instant, but the question made him flustered. "Uhm...it''s something a lady would need." He scratched the back of his head.

    "Oh, you''re buying this for your lady?" Manta innocently asked.

    There was a pang of hurt in Dan''s whole being. My lady. Midori''s smiling face flashed in his mind. He smiled bitterly.

    Seeing this uncle changed expressions, Manta pulled on his sleeve. "Uncle, the cashier is over there." He was pointing at the end of the aisle.

    Dan was pulled out of his reverie. He smiled and nodded towards the little boy. Then they walked towards the cashier.

    Dan was holding the chubby little hand as they walked out of the supermarket.

    They were walking past a soft serve kiosk when Manta pulled his hand.

    "Uncle Dan! Ice cream! Can I have ice cream? Please!" The hazel eyes in puppy mode was hard to resist.

    Dan furrowed his brows but his eyes were yielding. "Okay, but we need to hurry and find your parents."

    He bought a single serving of soft serve in a cone. As they were walking away, he noticed the slower pace of the kid.

    "What''s wrong? Are you tired?" Dan silently scolded himself for walking his usual large strides.

    Manta gently nodded. Then he was surprised as this uncle lifted him into his arms with a swift movement. The little guy happily flashed his biggest smile, with his chinky eyes and milk teeth.

    Manta had finished his soft serve in no time. He was happily clinging on his new uncle when a voice called from behind.

    "Manta!" The familiar voice of a woman rang, full of concern.

    Dan turned around towards the voice. Manta squirmed in his arms.

    "Mommy!" he shouted back. His sudden movements to free himself caused some of the contents of Dan''s shopping bag to fall out. Manta hurriedly ran towards the woman.

    Midori bent down to embrace the little guy, swiftly lifting him in her embrace with ease, as if she was not in her heels.

    Then her eyes swept the surroundings and found a tall man staring back at them. She also noted the pack of maternity sanitary pads on the floor.

    She furrowed her brows, then looked back at the man through her glasses.

    Dan was frozen in shock, his mouth gaping. Then he saw her turn her back to him.

    "Riley. Compensate him for his trouble." Midori told her assistant with her usual poker face. Without looking back, she strode away.

    Manta, who was still in her arms, was waving back to the man. "Bye Uncle Dan! See you next time!"

    Dan somehow regained himself and absentmindedly drove to deliver his purchase to the hospital.

    He looked intently at the box of cereals he forgot to give to the little guy. Then he drove home.

    He went directly into his bedroom, throwing himself onto the bed.

    He closed his eyes. He recalled how he even went back to City S to look for her. He went to her house but was sent off. He can still clearly recall Aunty Lan''s disdainful look.

    Then he remembered looking into those round hazel eyes, becoming chinky as the little boy smiled. Then his little voice resounded in his head, "Mommy!" Midori''s expression was of shock, turning into hate, grief, and worry. He was looking at her and he felt hurt. For 2 years he was looking for her to the point that he thought he would go crazy. With great efforts, he stabilized himself for a few years. Then she appeared before him again.

    He remembered her flustered face as she picked up the little boy into her arms, and how the boy waved back to him with chubby cheeks and fingers.

    He bolted upright as he opened his eyes. Oh my God!

 37 Memories

    Midori took the sleeping Manta directly into his room. Aoi Xiu saw them coming in and had wanted to interrogate her daughter, but seeing her grandson asleep, she chose to wait for Midori to tuck him into bed.

    Midori went downstairs and into the kitchen to get herself a glass of cold water. Aoi Xiu followed her.

    "How did you find him?" she asked with a worried tone.

    Midori almost choke on the water. How could she tell her mom that the guy she was avoiding for years accidentally found Manta?

    "Did something strange happen?" Truth was, Aoi Xiu''s intel was fast enough to find out who found Manta. She was just testing waters by asking her own daughter.

    "An unknown man reported finding him through customer service." she lied.

    Before her mom could inquire further, she put down her glass and started walking.

    "Mom, I need to go back to the company. Please take care of Manta for me." She hurriedly went out of the house and in no time, her car sped away.

    Aoi Xiu looked into the spot she was standing in as if in a trance. ''Don''t even dare come near her again, Young Master Zhou...or I''ll make sure even your mother can''t do anything about it.'' she thought. She recalled how she picked up her daughter as Midori arrived from her private plane, with disheveled hair, teary face and trembling body. Her quick decision to send her daughter to Country N made it possible for Midori to escape from the hurt. As of now, she hopes that her daughter could handle meeting that terrible man again.

    Midori entered her office. After signing some documents, she went to the resting lounge and lied on the bed.

    As she closed her eyes, memories came flooding back. The scene wherein there were two people naked on top of each other...the question, "So, was I better than Miss Xiu?" resounded in her head. Recalling his response with a barely audible "Hmmm." from where she was standing made tears fall from her eyes. He cheated on her! And even did it on her birthday!

    She cried for a while. Another memory came. She was enrolled in a renowned business school in City T. It was fortunate for her that they accept students in different times of the year. A fair guy with slender body sat next to her as classes begin after politely asking if the seat was taken. She remembered his prominent canine teeth which made his smiling face more adorable. She could clearly recall how he confessed to her, but she hesitated, maintaining their status as friends.

    Then the memory shifted to the recent scene of Dan carrying Manta. She noted that he dropped the contents of his shopping bag onto the floor. It was a pack of maternity sanitary pads.

    Midori opened her eyes, sighing. Did his wife just give birth? Was it Rushi? She felt the hurt again. The pain was coming back. She wanted to run away again, but the responsibility kept her where she was.

    ________

    Dan called his assistant. He felt the need to know if Manta is his child. As the call went through, he paused.

    "Yes, CEO. What can I do for you?" An alert female voice was heard.

    "I...uhm...find out where a child named Manta...Xiu...Manta Xiu...uhm, that''s right. Find out the school where he goes." He thought Midori might not want him to see the kid again. He recalled her expressions when she saw him.

    "Only the school, Sir?" The assistant probed. Usually, the CEO would order thorough investigations on individuals.

    "Yes. That would be all." he hung up. He did not want an investigation. He wanted to know everything from Midori''s mouth. He was determined to one day find out everything he needs to know.

 38 Unfortunately

    Lu Shaoting was reviewing a scene they just took.

    "Okay, pass!" he announced. "Get some lunch. We will resume in the afternoon."

    The cast and crew voiced out their confirmation.

    "Director Lu." his assistant came hurriedly.

    "What is it?" he calmly replied.

    "The CEO of XCG is here to see you."

    After the assistant''s words fell, Midori Xiu appeared walking towards them.

    Lu Shaoting stood up. "Midori Xiu." He had a warm smile.

    "It''s been awhile." Midori had a reserved smile but warm eyes.

    They greeted each other in besos. They went to a nearby caf¨¦. It was convenient as it had little customers at lunchtime.

    Midori took out the contract after their food was served.

    "So, how was Mei holding up?"

    Lu Shaoting was reading, but his head bolted up to the inquiry.

    "The better question would be, ''How do I put up with it?''"

    Midori let out a laugh. "Hormones?"

    "She complains about everything! I get that she is having a hard time with the morning sickness, but she keeps pestering me about the little things." He let out a huge sigh.

    Midori kept on laughing. "Be more patient on her. Remember, the best actress took a leave from the business to marry you and carry your child."

    "Hey, this is an award-winning director you''re talking to." He replied like a spoiled child seeking gratitude.

    "Yeah, okay. Tell Mei I''ll come over when I get the time." she said smiling.

    Shaoting squinted his eyes on her in doubt. It would be a great feat if this busy woman would be there when his wife give birth.

    He continued reading while she began eating her pasta.

    Finally, he finished going through the contract. It was for her new line of luxury clothes to be worn and advertised in his company''s new television series. He signed without asking anything.

    Midori saw this and casually said, "Just inform us of any amendment."

    Shaoting nodded. Then his expression changed into a serious one. He looked into her eyes.

    While observing her expression, he said, "Did you know that he''s back?"

    Her eyes widened for a second, then her expression showed irritation. "Unfortunately, I did."

    After chatting for awhile, they bid each other goodbye. He gave her a consoling hug and went back to the location.

    ____________

    Mei was idly browsing her phone while the TV was on as she sat on the sofa. She giggled while browsing the news.

    After an hour, Shaoting arrived home.

    "Lu Shaoting, you cheater!" He was welcomed with a flying throw pillow on his face.

    He calmly picked it up and walked towards his seemingly angry wife.

    "I bought braised beef for dinner." He placed the bag on the coffee table.

    "Braised beef my foot! Look at this! What do you take me for?! You got me pregnant, then you cheat on me?!" She almost shoved her phone to his face, her face full of anger.

    "So you saw whom they photographed me with." His face remaining calm.

    "You cheater!" Mei kept on hitting his chest with her fists.

    "Alright." He swiftly carried her like a bride while she struggled in his arms. He carefully laid her on their bed.

    "Stop now. Don''t hurt yourself and the baby." He pecked on her lips. "Do you miss acting that much?"

    Mei laughed heartily then pouted. "But you''re no fun! You even had an irritatingly calm expression!"

    "You may be a great actress, but you need to remember whom you''re talking to." He caressed her hair.

    "But the article was so funny! They even photographed with excellent timing." She sat up, showing the malicious article about Director Lu having rendezvous with another woman while his wife is pregnant. "Maybe I should have a photoshoot when my bump becomes obvious so they could have a better photo to use." she giggled.

    He squinted his eyes then shook his head. "She said she will come see you when she gets the time."

    "When she gets the time..." she echoed.

    Then they both chuckled.

    "Shao, do you think...if he did not cheat on her...would they also be married like us by now?"

    "Unfortunately, he did."

 39 Is it a business meeting?

    Midori Xiu was walking along the production line of XCG''s brand of shoes. They have been into ladies shoes for some years and they just started on the production of mens shoes. The feedback from their launch was positive enough to earn their projected sales. She then decided to relaunch their ladies shoes for a new bridal line to match the formal mens shoes they recently advertised.

    She proceeded to meet the COO of the brand.

    "CEO Xiu, we plan to have Janice Chen and her fianc¨¦ Fa Zhang as our models for the advertisement." COO Huang politely reported.

    Midori readjusted her glasses which sat on her petite nose. "The actress Janice Chen and the Young Master Fa are getting married?" She still had her poker face.

    "Yes, CEO. It would also appeal to the consumers since it would be used in a real wedding."

    "You''ve already convince them to wear our products which are new in the market, to use at their wedding?" She was skeptical.

    "Uh...I am planning to offer them a free set as gratitude for taking the advertisement job." COO Huang felt cold sweat on his temples.

    "So COO Huang, if they wear another brand on their fully publicized wedding, what will happen to our bridal line?" She emphasized each word.

    The words were like swords stabbing COO Huang. "I...I will do something about it, CEO." If he could bury himself right then, he would.

    Midori glared at him then stood up. Her high heels clicking away as she exited the building.

    The assistant to the COO nervously asked, "Boss, is the CEO always this scary?"

    COO Huang glanced at her. "The previous CEO was strict but not like this. Also, he always flashes a refreshing smile when good things are happening in sales."

    "So, does this mean the new CEO is not happy with our sales?"

    "I don''t really know...but rumor has it that she never smiles to anyone in the company. Too bad the previous CEO had that accident."

    ___________

    Midori was looking through a few documents in her office when there was a knock on her door.

    "Come in." she said without looking up.

    Riley briskly walked and bowed in front of her desk. "CEO, the CEO of ZFC has requested a meeting with you."

    "Deputy CEO Lin Shao Liang?" she still maintained her position as she browsed documents.

    "No, CEO. It''s CEO Verdan Zhou. He just arrived and took over. He has been the CEO managing the company in City B for years but it seemed ZFC Headquarters pulled him out to take over."

    With that, she looked up. "Is it a business meeting?"

    Riley was shocked at the question. He just assumed that it was since the deputy CEO of ZFC had always requested business meetings with their CEO. However, given the question, he thought that CEO Xiu should not be lied to or given uncertain answers.

    "I apologize, CEO. I will verify and will get back to you on the matter."

    Midori looked into the documents on her desk again. "No need for that. If it''s about business, schedule it. If it''s a personal meeting, always decline." she paused. "You can go now."

    _____________

    Dan''s assistant is Michelle Park. She is half-Asian with beautiful features. She graduated from a prestigious school in Country K and had her internship in ZFC. When she was formally hired by the company, she was assigned to be Dan''s assistant. She learned several languages to keep up with the job. Dan decided to take her with him to City S since she was efficient with her job.

    Michelle is a beautiful woman. Her 4-inch heels allow her to tower most female employees at 178cm. Her dark brown eyes and long lashes can charm a number of men. She had a small face, petite nose and rosy lips. She keeps her makeup looking natural and neat. She was wearing a beige 3/4 sleeve chiffon blouse, meticulously tucked in her chocolate brown pencil skirt, highlighting her hips and buttocks.

    "CEO, the CEO of XCG has declined your invitation." she declared.

    "I thought so." he mumbled.

    "Pardon, CEO?" Michelle leaned in trying to hear him clearly.

    Dan furrowed his brows. He leaned back on his chair. "Did you find out where the kid goes?"

    "Yes, CEO." she replied politely.

    "Get the car ready."

 40 Ism Your Daddy

    It was still early to go off work, but Michelle would never question her boss. She quickly notified the driver and kept up with the CEO as he went down the basement parking.

    She sat shotgun inside the silver Porsche Panamera while the driver opened the door for the CEO. She swiftly set the navigation to the location of the preschool.

    The guard at the preschool was taken aback by the luxurious car. He has seen luxury cars since a lot of pupils would have well-off parents but he has never before a parent having this car.

    The driver opened the passenger door and a tall man in a black business suit elegantly stepped out. His eyes seemed to scan the area.

    Suddenly, a little voice rang, "Uncle Dan!"

    The guard was familiar with this Little Master. He is the heir to one of the largest international financial group. Before he could even do anything, the little guy happily dashed towards the tall man.

    Dan held Manta up in his arms. "Did you miss me?" he asked.

    If people would see their gestures, they would think they are father and son.

    Dan gently laid the little guy in the passenger seat and he sat beside him.

    Just as he was to shut his door, the guard went up to the car.

    "Excuse me, Sir. It''s just protocol. I need to get your name since you are not in our list of guardians.

    The guard felt that this man is either rich or powerful, or he can be both, so he dared not offend him. However, he might get fired for allowing a pupil to go with a stranger, even if the kid seemed to be familiar with him.

    Before Dan could say anything, Michelle was already next to the guard.

    "Sir, please don''t bother the CEO of ZFC."

    The guard''s eyes widened in shock. He stepped away from the car. He stared until it sped away.

    A few minutes later, Manta Xiu''s nanny came in the familiar white Lexus LX 450D.

    Hearing that the Little Master was taken away, the nanny quickly called Midori.

    _____________

    Dan took Manta to eat at the rooftop of one of their famous restaurants.

    Being a little boy, Manta was only requesting for ice cream. However, Dan coaxed him to eat, promising to serve a delicious ice cream for dessert if he finished his meal. This did the trick as the boy happily chowed down the food on his plate.

    Dan was staring at his chubby cheeks and little hands all the while. Despite his age, Manta did not create a mess as he eats, smiling back at the man across from him from time to time.

    Dan was lost in his thoughts. How much did he miss? Will Midori continue to conceal Manta from him if he did not meet him that day? How did this little boy lived without his father?

    Manta''s little voice took him back to reality. "Uncle Dan, why aren''t you eating?"

    Dan gave him the sweet smile he used to flash at Midori. "I''m already full. Don''t mind me. Finish your meal so we can ask them to bring your ice cream over."

    Manta was happily finishing his parfait when Midori''s scream was heard.

    "Manta!" Before she could reach them, she was stopped by two bodyguards.

    "Mommy!" He waved at Midori with a happy expression. Seeing Midori was stopped by the guards, he turned towards Dan. "Uncle Dan, what''s going on?"

    Midori''s face was full of hatred. "Verdan Zhou! I will sue you for kidnapping! How dare you take Manta away as you please?!"

    Dan bent down next to the little boy. "Manta, I''m your daddy." His face showed sadness, at the same time, his actions felt like he was begging the boy to believe him.

    To his surprise, Manta''s expression suddenly turned grave. The little boy started crying.

    "No! You''re not my daddy! Tousan is not you! I want tousan! Waaah!"

    Midori used all her strength to free herself when she saw Manta crying. She bolted towards the crying boy and swooped him up in her arms.

    "Shhh...Honey, don''t cry anymore. We''ll go see otousan, okay?" She gently rubbed his back.

    Manta replied in between sobs. "Really, mommy? We...we will...go...see tousan?"

    "Hai, hai!" Midori glared at Dan before walking away with Manta in her arms.

    Dan was dumbfounded. It took him some time to realize that Manta and Midori had left. As he came to his senses, he suddenly ran downstairs to chase after them.

    Midori had just carefully secured Manta in the car seat when Dan approached them. She swiftly closed the car door and briskly walked towards him.

    Dan''s strides ceased as he saw Midori walk towards him. He was about to say something but it was interrupted by a sudden hard slap to his cheek.

    "Stay away from us!" Midori spat through gritted teeth, then she went back into the car.

    Dan stood frozen in his spot as he stared at the car speeding away.

 41 Stop I

    Dan walked into a room painted with trees and forest animals. He walked towards the white crib and saw a sleeping newborn. He leaned in to stare at the baby more closely. As if sensing him, the baby woke up and started crying.

    He tried patting his knees gently while trying to coax him to sleep, with no success.

    Inexperienced as he was, Dan gently lifted the baby off the crib and into his arms, treating it carefully like some thin glass that could shatter at any moment.

    He was gently and slowly swaying the baby back to sleep, with he himself swaying.

    He thought about how he missed out on Manta''s milestones--as a newborn, an infant, a toddler. Then his mind asked how Midori endured the years raising the boy alone.

    Suddenly, a familiar female voice rang in his ears.

    "If you want your own, then you will have to buy more maternity pads in the future." Vanessa let out a chuckle. Her short hair waving as she moved towards her brother.

    She expertly took the baby from his arms and cradled it in her embrace.

    When the baby was sleeping again, she motioned for her brother to leave the nursery as she followed closely behind.

    Vanessa noted his gloomy expression as they descend the stairs.

    "What, you want a baby that badly?" she chuckled.

    Dan''s expression did not improve. "I had one. I just knew it, but she won''t let me see him." he said in a single breath.

    "What?! You had a baby?! When? With whom?" She adjusted her stance to intercept his gaze. "Don''t tell me you slept with someone while you were wasted in a bar!"

    She remembered how her brother had lost it when Midori left him without a word. He drank a lot, to the point that the bars owed him half their sales. He did not report back to the company and his absence in class almost caused him to drop out of school. He was so miserable that he was admitted to a hospital due to malnutrition and dehydration. They even hired a psychiatrist to help him recover. It took them 2 years to bring him back to his feet.

    Dan shook his head. "Mi...Midori." he finally said after his minutes of silence. "I had him with her."

    "What? No! Stop it! Don''t lose yourself again! Did she tell you that she had your baby?! That..." In the end, she could not insult the only woman her brother loved.

    "No. She tried really hard to hide it. I just...accidentally knew."

    "Are you sure that the child is yours?" Vanessa was trying to be realistic. It has been so long since the two were together. It was not impossible for Midori to be with another man.

    _____________

    The following day, Director Lu was continuing the taping as scheduled. Suddenly, his assistant whispered into his ear.

    "Director Lu, the CEO of ZFC is asking for you. He is at the resting lounge." He was amazed by the director''s influence. CEO after CEO were looking for him.

    "Mhm." Lu Shaoting nodded in confirmation.

    Coincidentally, the scene ended. "Cut!" he said. "Fifteen minutes!" he announced as he strode away with his poker face.

    The cast and crew looked at one another. It was peculiar for the director to suddenly give them a break when they had just almost began shooting.

    In the resting lounge, Shaoting saw Dan sitting with legs crossed on the sofa. His majestic aura was charming yet dominant. Director Lu nodded at his assistant and he was left alone with CEO Zhou.

    Shaoting sat on the opposite sofa. "What brings you here?" he casually asked.

    Dan shot him a stern look. "You''ve met with her recently, haven''t you?"

    Shaoting was about to reply but held back. Feigning ignorance on the topic would be useless now.

    "What does it have to do with you?" He adjusted his glasses and looked back at Dan.

    "Do you know why she left me?" The intonation did not let Shaoting figure out if this was a rhetorical question.

    "I just know that if was your fault." Shaoting replied bluntly.

    Suddenly, Dan''s aura became murderous. He bolted up and grabbed Shaoting''s collar.

    "I dare you say that again!" His gnashing teeth were full of hatred.

    "It''s your fault for cheating on her."

    This sentence earned Lu Shaoting a fist on his face.

    The assistant director heard the commotion. He hurriedly went in. He saw the director on the floor and the fuming mad CEO.

    "Stop it!" He tried his best to control CEO Zhou before he pounces on the director. "CEO Zhou, please calm down." However, it seemed like he was unheard.

    "What lie did you tell her?!" Dan was furious. Gone were his smiles and refreshing face, struggling to free himself.

    "I did not tell her anything." Shaoting wiped the oozing blood on his lower lip. "She saw it herself."

    Dan froze. What is he talking about?!

    Seeing his confusion, Shaoting continued, "On her birthday, I and Mei decided to visit. I saw her running from your room crying. When I checked, you were naked on your bed, and another woman was dressing herself up beside you." He pushed himself to stand up. "You cheated on her on her birthday! What nerve do you have to be mad?!"

    Dan stopped struggling as his whole world did.

 42 Caught Unawares

    Dan could not remember how he managed to bring himself home. He lied on his bed and blankly stared at the ceiling. Shaoting''s words echoed in his head.

    "...you were naked on your bed, and another woman was dressing herself up beside you."

    "Another woman...another woman..." Dan was racking his brain for memories.

    Years ago, when Midori left him, he stopped thinking rationally. All he wanted was to see her again.

    He pondered with difficulty. What did he miss? He has to remember! Midori left him because of it!

    He bolted up, as if an idea hit him. That day, Ming Rushi came by!

    _______________

    When Lu Shaoting came home, he was surprised that she was not eating chips on the sofa. After setting up food on the table, he went into the bedroom wherein he can hear the shower.

    Jiang Mei Ling grew into a beautiful woman, earning admirers from all walks of life. She stands at 165cm, with slender body, proportionate bust and hips, all covered with porcelain skin. She has angled brows, expressive brown eyes, tall nose and thin lips, with prominent cheekbones. Her popularity rose in a short amount of time after she entered the entertainment industry. From advertisement modeling and minor roles in television series when she was still in school, to supporting and lead roles in movies and dramas after graduating, she amazed producers and fans alike. It was a shock in the industry when she revealed her engagement to the newcomer director, Lu Shaoting, whose original film won awards and was shown internationally.

    The fans who were initially shocked saw the announcement in a new light as the cameras focused on the heir of Luxe Entertainment. Lu Shaoting was one of the most eligible bachelors in the industry. Though he is not an artist, his mother is the renowned actress Ning Xiu and his father is director and producer, Lu Ting. Thus his looks were made for the camera, with his dark eyes, full straight brows, tall nose and plump lips. He later on swapped his nerdy full-rim glasses with a pair of rectangular frameless glasses. He stands at 178cm and looks elegant with both casual and formal clothes. To add to the hype, paparazzi had also taken photos of his wide shoulders, toned chest, and 6-pack abs whenever he went swimming.

    Fans then supported this couple and their extravagant wedding was even broadcasted on national television. Now that they are expecting, the actress Mei Ling took a leave from showbiz while Director Lu continued with his projects.

    Shaoting was taking his shirt off when the door to the bathroom revealed Mei in a fluffy robe, with flushed skin and wet hair.

    She hugged him from behind and started to caress his chest and abdominal areas.

    Shaoting let out a grunt, then called in a low voice, "Mei..."

    "Hmmm?" She continued to press her body on his as she twirled her fingers on his upper body.

    Shaoting swifty turned around and kissed her passionately.

    Mei furrowed her brows as she tasted iron on his mouth. She broke the intimacy to look at his face.

    She raised her hand to caress his lip. "What happened to you?"

    Shaoting closed his eyes and embraced her tighter. "Verdan Zhou went to the set today."

    "So he hit you?!" Mei''s voice had a hint of anger.

    Shaoting lifted his wife and gently laid her on the bed. Then he lied down next to her, propping up her head and upper back with his arm.

    "He asked me if I know the reason why Midori left him." he paused so it could sink in.

    "He cheated! How could he not know why?!"

    Shaoting rubbed her back to calm her down. "It was actually strange. When I told him about what I saw, his reaction told me that he had no idea...as if, he just learned these things from me."

    Mei shot him a confused look.

    "He even thought that they were lies I told Midori."

    "Hey! But..." she began to get pissed again.

    "I think he was caught unawares."

 43 Isll Be Coming

    Michelle came into the CEO office after being given permission. She briefed the CEO for his schedule for the day, reminding him of important events of the week.

    "Hmmm...anything else?" He kept his fingers intertwined as his elbows were propped up on his desk.

    Michelle placed an envelope on his desk. "There is a temporary restraining order against you, Sir. You cannot come within 100m of Mantarou Xiu." Her tone and face was serious. She believed that the kid is special to the CEO.

    Contrary to her expectations, Dan smiled. Even though she has worked for him for years, he had never shown such a gentle smile to anybody--wait, he actually did! It was to that kid! The CEO had always been an aloof man. Even when in social functions, he maintains a neutral face, occasionally pursing his lips like it could substitute to a smile.

    She was so confused. Was it not bad news for him that he got a TRO to keep him away from the child whom he was fond of?

    "Michelle, I will give you until the end of the day to get me the schedule of CEO Midori Xiu for the week." His eyes were glistening.

    "Yes, CEO." She knew the boundaries of the order this time. She bowed and was about to leave when he stated another order.

    Then, he remembered how he called Rushi last night. He did not remember her previous explanation as to what happened years ago because he was dazed when Midori left. To clarify things, he made an overseas call which was picked up in two rings.

    "Hi Dan!" Although she is technically a subordinate, she keeps on addressing him intimately, to the point that employees in City B had the assumption that they are together.

    "Rushi, what really happened six years ago?" He went straight to the point.

    Luckily for Ming Rushi, he cannot see how her face transitioned from joy to shock then fury. She mustered her sweetest voice. "What are you talking about? Is everything fine at the headquarters? Do you need me to fly back to City S?"

    "No need." She was brushed off completely. "That day when Midori left, you came into my apartment. I told you I have plans in an hour."

    Ming Rushi knows exactly what day he was talking about, but she still played dumb as her face contorted into anger and disgust. "Hmmm...well, let me think..." she deliberately paused for a long time, hoping that Dan will not inquire further.

    "It was the day our grades were released. You came by with two cups of sundae." He was getting annoyed, but he knew he needed to be patient if he wanted answers.

    "Hmmm...ah! I remember!" She put a great effort to sound like she just had a eureka moment. "Yeah, after cooking, you suddenly felt ill. It must be due to exhaustion. I helped you into your bedroom, but since I had another appointment, I didn''t stay."

    "Did anyone else come in during that time?" A sense of urgency could be heard in his voice.

    "Hmmm...I don''t think so. I did not see anyone...however..." She deliberately kept him hanging.

    His patience was thinning significantly. "What? Do you remember anyone barging in?!"

    "Nope...but you always keep the door ajar when you have visitors, right? It''s possible that someone might have seen us..."

    Truth was, he only kept the door ajar when it was Rushi who was stopping by. This was the precaution he previously told Midori.

    "Mhmm. Okay." Before she could say anything, he hung up.

    As he was pulled back to the current situation, Dan looked at the back of his secretary.

    "Also, I want a thorough investigation on Ming Rushi."

    Michelle suddenly turned around with a confused look. "The general manager in City B?"

    "Yes, that one." He replied nonchalantly.

    As she walked out of the office, Dan had the gentle smile on his face again as he read again and again, "Mantarou Xiu." ''So that''s his full name.'' he thought.

    __________

    Meanwhile, in the CEO office of XCG...

    Riley handed Midori an envelope.

    She took out the contents with her poker face on. It was an invitation to the birthday celebration of the chairman of TM Bank, Tang Fang. It will be a 3-day event aboard a cruise ship.

    She turned the pages and saw the RSVP.

    "Inform them that I''ll be coming." She gave the invitation back. "Pack your bags."

    Riley was stunned. "CEO?"

    "You''re going with me. Do I need to spell out everything?" Her furrowed brows and irritated look sent fear to his system.

    "I...I''ll make the reservations." He bowed and hurriedly walked out of the office.

 44 Shopping

    Midori was in a red Aston Martin Rapide S as she called her mother.

    "Mom, could you pick up Manta today?"

    "Sure. Are you going somewhere?" Aoi Xiu was not shocked, just curious.

    "I received an invitation to the birthday celebration of Tang Fang."

    "It''s a 3-day cruise. So?" Indeed, Aoi Xiu''s intel was efficient.

    "I need clothes." Midori casually replied.

    "Okay. Do you have a date?"

    "I''ll bring Riley."

    "Oh...Do you want me to get you a date?" Aoi smiled mischievously.

    "No need, Mom. It''s just a social function to build connections. I don''t have to prove anything."

    "Suit yourself. Happy shopping!" The call ended.

    Upon arrival to the shopping mall, she handed Riley a platinum card.

    "Go get 3 sets each of formal wear, casual wear and swimwear. You don''t wanna look like a pet, do you?" She raised one of her brows.

    Riley was shocked, but quickly regained himself. He took the card.

    "I want the car at the mall exit after 4 hours." Then she walked away with her heels clicking.

    Riley stared at the card. ''A pet?'' He frowned then looked at himself. ''Do I look like a pet?''

    In reality, Riley is presentable enough to pass as the date for socialites. However, even with a hefty salary, his wardrobe was simple, mostly in earth colors and he has only a pair of swimming trunks which he had only used once. If he will be going on a luxury cruise, his clothes will look shabby compared to the other guests and he cannot use being an assistant as an excuse. After all, he will be going with the CEO of XCG.

    While Riley was contemplating about his taste in clothes, Midori has already entered a boutique of evening gowns. She took a black velvet trumpet gown off the racks and turned to ask for assistance.

    Suddenly, a female voice rang in the shop. "Midori Xiu! Is that really you?"

    _________

    Meanwhile, Michelle reported back to CEO Zhou.

    "CEO, we have started our investigation on Manager Ming." Seeing no change in his neutral expression, she continued. "As for the schedule of CEO Xiu..."

    Dan''s face suddenly lit up, but not enough to produce a smile. "Hmmm?" He looked up to her from his desk, seeming interested.

    For a moment, Michelle was curious by the sudden change in his expression, but she managed to continue her report. "She cancelled her previous engagement for the week. She will be joining the 3-day cruise for the birthday of Chairman Zhang."

    "Have you already replied on the RSVP?" His face turned serious.

    "I have sent an apology stating your absence to the event, Sir."

    "Send another notice. We will go." Dan leaned back on his chair with glint in his eyes.

    "W-we?" Michelle was stunned. She has never been in a cruise before.

    "Yes. You and I." Dan looked down on the documents on his desk. Seeing from his peripheral vision that she remained standing in front of him, he added, "Take the rest of the day off and shop for clothes. That''ll be all."

    __________

    Midori went home with shopping bags on both arms.

    "Mommy!" Manta ran towards her, then gave her a hug and kiss.

    She returned the gesture then asked, "Where''s obaachan?"

    "She''s having tea." His chubby finger pointed towards the family room.

    Midori looked in the direction of his finger and nodded.

    "Mommy, are you really going on a cruise for days?"

    "Hai, demo...sore wa taikutsu desu*." she playfully whispered to his ears.

    Manta giggled and nodded. Then he acted like a grown up, modulating his voice and knocking his fist on his chest. "Don''t worry, mommy. I''ll take care of Obaachan* and Ojiichan*!"

    Midori chuckled. The little guy is such a sweetheart.

    "Did you drink your milk?"

    "Hai!" He flashed a big smile.

    "Very good. Now go upstairs and brush your teeth. No more gadgets. Sleep early." She nodded on the nanny.

    "Good night, Mommy!" He kissed her on the cheek, then he skipped away.

    Midori handed her bags to her personal maid then she went to find her mother.

 45 Dance 1

    Before she stepped out of the car after they went shopping, CEO Xiu casually told him, "Remember your basics for Latin dance."

    Riley''s world shook. The basics that he knows were good enough for beginners. Even a granny would be better than him!

    He spent the night watching online tutorials of Latin dance. Luckily, he was given the day off since the party will start at 8pm. Otherwise, he will be too dazed to do anything properly.

    ___________

    Michelle was also given the time off to pack up her luggage. The clothes she would bring all had light material for easy storage. As she was putting her makeup kit in, she had the dilemma whether she should go to a salon or do her hair and makeup by herself for the ball tonight. After some thoughts, she locked her luggage and went out to a salon.

    As she was having her hair done, her phone beeped and there was a message notification.

    "Do you dance?" CEO Zhou messaged her! It was extremely rare for him to do so. He usually makes calls for he was too impatient to wait for a reply. What is happening? And the message, dance?

    Her face crumpled and she pouted. She knows a lot of languages but she definitely ain''t no dancer!

    ''CEO, I know it''s a ball, but can''t I remain as a mere spectator?'' She really wanted to reply like this but she really wanted to keep her job.

    Since it took her a lot of time to contemplate on how to reply, a new message was received.

    "It doesn''t matter." Her heart almost jumped. She swore on her mind. Would she lose the job?

    _______________

    "Put the mask on." Midori ordered then she stepped out of the car when the driver opened the door.

    Riley struggled to quickly put on the mask as the CEO was already walking towards the gangway.

    Though he was holding onto their invitation, the mere mention of her name will gain her access.

    He almost ran to walk a step behind her. They went in without a glitch.

    Dan was scanning the ballroom for any sign of Midori through his half-white, half-black mask. His assistant was already busy with the food and drinks as he let her be.

    Finally, he spotted a woman who had just arrived.

    Midori was wearing a midnight blue gown with a beaded illusion neckline, with sleeves which flare out at the elbow when she moves her forearm. The bust area down to the waist was heavily beaded with crystals and sequins, and the lower part was transitioned into a ballroom skirt with a high slit, reaching half her thigh. When she walks it reveals her 7.5-cm high silver strappy dancing heels. These complemented her silver satin mask covered by white lace.

    Men and women stared at her in awe. Though her eyes were mysteriously concealed by the mask, her other features, especially her bloody red lips were alluringly highlighted.

    After Chairman Tang was wished a happy birthday and his golden cake was blown, drinks were poured and the dance floor was opened.

    The chairman''s son, Tang Jinxuan, walked up to the stunning Midori Xiu.

    "Can I have this dance?" he politely bowed.

    Just then, Riley came up to them.

    Tang Jinxuan saw him approach Midori. "Oh, pardon me. I didn''t know you have a date."

    "Oh, he''s my assistant, Riley Adams." she said truthfully. "Please excuse us." She dragged Riley by the arm and walked away as fast as she could while maintaining her elegance.

    "Assistant, heh?" Tang Jinxuan had a sly smile as he stared at her retreating figure.

    "CEO, where are we going?" The flustered Riley who had little clue on what was happening was finally able to ask.

    This stopped Midori on her tracks. She did not know where to retreat right now.

    Then, percussion instruments started playing salsa music.

    Midori glanced at the dance floor and looked at her assistant. "Dancing." she replied and dragged him to the dance floor.

    Upon noticing these scenes, Dan had a mischievous smile. He took the drink that his assistant was about to put in her mouth and placed the glass on the table.

    Michelle panicked as she get dragged on the dance floor, but she needed to give face to the CEO so she cannot protest out loud.

    To her surprise, Dan led her beautifully on the dance floor, to the point that she looked dancing normally as her dress concealed the wrong footworks.

    Riley on the other hand, wished for the nth time that the sea will swallow him whole. His basic knowledge on salsa was too basic, just the mens steps and lead and follow.

    Midori somehow managed to do a left turn, with him stiffly clueless on what to do.

    Dan saw their dilemma. He transitioned with a lead and follow, then moved his partner to make an outside turn, releasing her in the end.

    Coincidentally--well, is it?--Midori also took an outside turn and Riley clumsily had let go of her hand.

    These events allowed them to exchanged partners.

    Through the mask, Midori stared onto those familiar hazel eyes. Then, the dazzling smile that Dan kept for a long time flashed on meeting her gorgeous face.

 46 Dance 2

    Riley Adams looked at the lady in his arms. She was wearing a black halter jersey dress with neckline beadworks and half-open back, in a mermaid silhouette. Her hair was done simply with a headband braid with the rest of the straight strands falling at the level of her scapula. She has a pretty face, with makeup just enough to highlight her features. Her black lace mask gently clings onto her face to give mystery to her dark eyes and long lashes. With heels on, she stood at the level of his eyes.

    "Uhmm...hi." he said awkwardly.

    Michelle Park landed hard on a stranger''s chest. Luckily, she managed to keep some distance using her hands. She looked up at the baritone voice.

    In order not to ''look like a pet,'' Riley is in a black tuxedo and pants with matching vest, white shirt and thin black tie, all going with a new pair of oxfords. His blonde hair was styled neatly without looking stiff and his face was shaved. His features consisted of gray eyes, full lashes, tall nose and thin lips, with cleft chin.

    Michelle was about to speak when the music changed. "Uhmmm...I can''t dance this." She looked up with pleading eyes.

    Riley was singing hallelujah in his mind. "Then let''s go get drinks." He helped her stand up steadily and led her away.

    On the dance floor, after catching her in his arms, Dan held onto their position for a while longer. The frozen Midori helped his case. As she regained herself and pushed away from him, the music played.

    Dan placed his hand against her back, the other holding up her hand. It was a paso doble stance.

    She frowned while he flashed his pearly whites. He seemed to be enjoying her reaction.

    He started leading her, so she had no choice but to go along with it. He peculiarly started with a la passe, then proceeded with a coup de pique then to the easier promenade and counter promenade. They continued with a set of travelling spins. By the time they were doing fregolina and farol steps, Midori''s frown had transformed to a smile. She was enjoying herself.

    They ended the dance with a classic pose of opposite legs parallel in an outstretch, as Midori''s slit revealed her flawless leg and thigh being held up by the partner. Their noses were touching each tip as warm breaths were wafting to their faces.

    It has been long since they danced. The applause from the audience snapped them out of their trance. They reverted back to a steady posture and bowed accordingly.

    To her surprise, Dan has never let go of her hand, dragging her out of the ballroom. They kept walking past the swimming pool until they reached the open-air terrace.

    Midori was still exhilarated, smiling as they catch their breaths. The salty sea breeze brushing hairstrands off of her face. Her braided low bun and silver drop earrings revealed and complemented her slightly sweaty neck.

    She stood looking out to the sea as she grasped the railing.

    Dan was looking at her back with a pained expression. All these years, he did not understand why she had to leave. He was at his most vulnerable moment when she suddenly disappeared. With his father''s accident, there was a huge pressure to take over the company as soon as possible. Midori''s absence greatly affected him, to the point that his family blamed and despised her. He himself questioned her feelings for him many times.

    Now, he does not even remember how he cheated on her, or if it was just a big misunderstanding. How could he explain himself if even he is uncertain of what actually happened?

    When he met her again with Manta, his world spun. He wanted to be with her again...to be with them. All his uncertainties were swept away. He just wanted his woman back. But with the new information, he then doubted if he''s even worthy.

    Midori, still elated, turned around to face him with her bright smile. "Hey, look! There''s a..."

    Before she could spill out her words, a thud sounded on the deck.

    Dan kneeled abruptly before her. "Dori...I''m sorry."

    Midori''s smile turned to a face of worry as she saw him pathetically cry in front of her.

 47 Tonigh

    Riley and Michelle had drunk a lot before they noticed that their bosses were missing. Since Michelle is half-Asian, she had less tolerance for alcohol. She started getting cozy with her new friend.

    "Hey...hick! Where did your CEO take my...hick! My CEO..?" She clung onto Riley''s neck while trying to walk and talk.

    "Tsk...where''s your cabin?" Riley tried to support her with much efforts as he was tipsy himself.

    "I...Ah dunno. The guy took...our bags..." she reached in her purse, which she miraculously kept on her person. "Then...they uh...gave uh...this!" She brought out a set of keys with a tag of the room number.

    He grabbed it from her hand before she could drop it. "Tsk, such a piece of work." He positioned himself in front of her, then gave her a piggy back ride.

    When they arrived at her cabin''s door, Riley squinted his eyes at the room number, not because he cannot read it, but it seemed to him that he was missing something. He looked around, and there it was! His cabin was right next to hers!

    He did not know whether to feel nervous or relieved. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted.

    "Are we there yet? Why...why''d you...stop?" She was wriggling on his back, making it harder for him to carry her.

    "We''re...we''re here, alright. Quit movin'' around!" He hurriedly unlocked the door. He had just taken off the key from the lock when she went down and stumbled into the room. He chased her before she could fall and hurt herself.

    He managed to grab her and turn his body against the wooden side of the bed before she hit her head on his chest. The stunt was so fast that he was not sure how the door was shut.

    While rubbing her forehead, she looked up at him. "Hmmmmm...Mis-tah Aaadaaamss...hmmm..." she giggled. "Thish...it''sh yah adaamsh apple." She was twirling her forefinger on his neck.

    Her drunken face and body were alluring enough for Riley. This gesture was tempting him to take her tonight. He turned his head away and closed his eyes.

    He was sober enough to resist but was also intoxicated enough to have more guts than usual.

    "Why...why are you shleeeepiing? Wake up!" She started to kiss his neck.

    Riley was fighting the sensation of her lips on his skin as he kept his eyes tightly shut.

    All restraint went down the drain when she started licking his skin from the neck up to his earlobe. He cupped her cheeks and gave her a passionate kiss. He started to get up from the floor, not breaking their kiss. She started to take off his clothes, throwing the coat and vest away, then snatching off the tie. Then she pushed him and her fell on the bed. Good thing it was of quality mattress because it was a pretty hard push.

    "Hey Riley..." she threw herself on top on him. "...just a disclaimer...I''m not..."

    Before she could finish saying what she wants, he flipped her over switching their positions.

    "I don''t care." Breathing heavily, he propped her up to a sitting position and blindly undo her back zipper. Then he locked their lips together again.

    While he was helping her out of her gown, she was also taking care of the buttons of his shirt. Dam* formal occasions! Why do people put layers of clothes on?!

    Riley looked at her porcelain skin and the seamless panties left on her. His body was burning with desire and the alcohol was fueling it.

    Seeing him staring at her, Michelle grabbed his buckle and took off his belt and removed his pants messily.

    Riley looked at his clothes scattered on the floor. So much for not looking like a pet! This kitten took off almost everything. He leaned in to kiss her again, prying her mouth open with his tongue.

    She was not new to such intimacy and kissed back, then licked his jaw and neck.

    He let out a grunt and threw away the only piece of clothing left on him. He squeezed her breasts then sucked on both, one after another.

    She let out moans as she grabbed onto the sheets surrounding her. As he went down to kiss her abdominal areas, her toes curled inward and her legs parted, inviting him.

    He moved his hands to caress her waist, snaking down her thighs and legs. He started kissing her leg upwards, eliciting louder moans, igniting his desire. As his kisses traveled along her thigh, she grabbed onto his hair. He glanced at her flushed face.

    "Ah!" Her loud moans as response to him licking her knob made him harder.

    His fingers had confirmed that she is ready for him. He adjusted himself and entered her.

    "Ah...ah!" She grabbed onto his arms as he thrusts, while he left hickeys on her neck and shoulder.

    They had another round in a different position before the exhaustion kicked in. It was a rather steamy night for new friends.

    _________

    Meanwhile, a man with a bulky built was taking off his coat. He was about to step into the shower when his phone rang.

    "Here." His tone was respectful.

    "You have the time starting tonight until tomorrow to prepare everything. I want the chairman alive. Kill everyone else as you please."

    "Got it." He hung up the call.

 48 Play

    The sun was up the following day when the ship was anchored at sea and tenders had transported guests to shore.

    Riley woke up to find missed calls on his phone from the CEO. Opening her single message, he blushed.

    "I don''t know what you did last night. You can sleep in all you want. You can find me at the shore excursion."

    He looked out from the porthole and saw a strip of white sand at the edge of a seemingly tropical island. However, the ship was not docked and there were smaller boats ashore instead.

    "Michelle!" He tapped on the sleeping beauty while hurriedly dressing himself.

    She opened one eye to look back at him. "Hmmm...why are you up so early, Riley?"

    Hmmm...at least she remembers him. "The bosses are off the boat."

    She pulled herself out of the sheets, exposing her upper body. "What?!"

    Riley cleared his throat and looked away.

    "What? You''re still shy after everything you did to me? Mr. Adams, we''re both adults here." Her playful tone made him more uncomfortable.

    "I...I better head back to my room." He picked up the rest of his clothes and briskly walked out, shutting the door behind him.

    Michelle had a sly smile on her face. Then it hit her. Boss!

    She rummaged in the room for some time before she found her phone. It had a single missed call and a message from the CEO.

    "I''ll be at the excursion." Dan did not mind if she was doing her own business, after all, he has his own matter.

    _________

    At the beachfront, the rich and powerful executives from different corporations released their fun side by deciding to play beach volleyball. Since it''s just for fun, they made the teams consist of six players each, just like in indoor volleyball.

    "CEO Xiu, won''t you be on my team? Tang Jinxuan, with an open shirt, held out his hand to make the offer more dramatic. Last night, he saw the side of this beautiful but aloof CEO when she genuinely smiled while dancing. He wanted to create an opportunity so she would also show him the smile or even more.

    Midori''s lips lifted a little, but it can barely pass for a smile. Then she shook her head saying, "Sorry. I don''t play."

    It was such a big rejection, not some ploy to look cute. She did not even say that she does not know how to play. If that was the case, it could be reinforced by an offer to teach her, but no! She clearly said that she does not play. It equates to ''I don''t want to play with you,'' making some people snicker and shoot the young heir a look of contempt.

    Consequently, female executives and socialites swarmed towards Dan''s seat.

    "CEO Zhou, would you like to play on our team?" A woman with curvy body barely covered by a two-piece string bikini asked while leaning down to offer him a view of the upper half her breasts.

    "CEO Zhou, please join us! It''ll be fun!" Another lady in a less revealing tankini and boyleg bottoms tried to reinforce the offer.

    Shooting Midori a glance as she was being convinced by the opposing team, he stood up.

    "Sure. Why not." It was a statement made in his poker face.

    If they think it was delightful enough to have him in the team, they were in for a bigger treat.

    Without breaking his stare on Midori, he unbuttoned his casual shirt and mindlessly threw it on his seat.

    Concurrently, Midori was getting pissed by the annoying bug that would not shut up. She stood from her seat to get herself a drink at the bar. As she elevated her gaze, her eyes feasted on the toned pile of muscles that is Verdan Zhou.

    Her mouth gaped just a little bit then she regained herself and walked to the bar. Her reaction was too subtle for others to notice, but since he kept staring at her, he had a slight smile on after seeing the change on her face.

    While Midori was aware, Dan looked indifferent in the game. His teammates were mostly girls so they were at a disadvantage both on spikes and blocks due to incomparable height and strength against the other team of mostly guys. He half-heartedly raised his arms when their rotation brought him to the front row, but he had really no intention to block attacks.

    These earned tauntings from the other team as they lead 15-5.

    "CEO Zhou, are those muscles just for show? Or are you too old to have reflexes?" Tang Jinxuan chuckled.

    Truth was, Dan did not build up his body. He just went on to tone his muscles, training in mixed martial arts on the side.

    He never bothered to reply. Just then, Midori went back with a mocktail in hand after sitting at the bar for some time.

    Let''s just say that she was just a bit curious as to why Dan was performing badly. He has always been athletic, excelling in sports when they were in high school...or maybe she had yet to appreciate those toned muscles.

    When he noticed that she is back, he had a glint in his eyes. It was his turn to serve.

    He walked back a few meters from the line, making the audience curious.

    "He does know how to serve, right?"

    "Why serve too far from the line? Could he even get it in?"

    Midori could not help but get annoyed of the murmurs people were exchanging. She clenched her glass.

    With the movement of melting ice in her drink, he tossed the ball up, moved a few steps, then made a jump serve. His topspin was too fast that he scored an ace while disturbing the sand on the opponent''s court.

    From then on, his team began to catch up. At 15-10, he decided to give them face after consecutive service aces so he gave them a floater to receive.

    This change boosted his team, revealing that even the ladies can get their spikes over the blockers. He also helped them by executing back row attack hits and off-speed spikes.

    Midori was so focused on the game that she did not notice finishing her drink until she made a sound while sipping on her straw.

    Just as she took her eyes off the court, a familiar voice shouted.

    "Watch out!"

    In a flash, she was tumbling down on the sand...in an embrace!

    Even the audience did not see how it happened.

    Actually, Tang Jinxuan tried to block off Dan''s spike, but the ball still made it through the net. A teammate hit it but it went out flying towards Midori''s face.

    Dan dashed from his place towards her, his motion pushed her off of the beach chair and the two of them tumbled and rolled on the sand while he tried to protect her in his arms.

    Dan brushed off hairstrands on her face with his hands as Midori opens her eyes.

    They stared to each other''s eyes like they were in a trance. They only snapped back someone tried to talk to them.

    "Hey, are you okay?" A lady went to check on them while others surround them as onlookers.

    Dan looked up to the lady and nodded. He propped himself up to sit, still keeping Midori in his arms.

    "They''re okay? Yey! We won! We won!" His teammates rejoiced on gaining the final point.

    As Midori got distracted over their voices, she did not notice him checking her whole body for bruises or scratches.

    She was wearing a white loosely knitted cover up dress over her olive green bustier bikini top with matching low-waist bottoms.

    It was so enticing, but he kept his mind on checking her for injuries.

    Seeing that there was none, he suddenly carried the unaware her like a bride away from all of them.

 49 Are You Sorry That You Cheat on Me?

    Dan carried Midori all the way to a woven rattan chair shaped onto a capsule, with white cushion and pillows. Before it was a table made of driftwood and glass top.

    He raised his hand to signal a waiter to come. Midori was expecting the menu, but waiters started bringing dishes until the table was full.

    Midori saw some fish soup with vegetables, crispy pork leg with sauce, stuffed grilled squid, crab in chili sauce, grilled oysters with diced green mangoes and onions, chicken barbecue, shrimp in coconut milk with chili, and a big bowl of fried rice.

    She turned to him with confusion. "Are we expecting others?"

    "Well, your assistant might have had his way with mine last night, so the answer to that is no." he said nonchalantly as he filled her plate with different kinds of food.

    She looked down on her plate in silence, remembering what happened last night.

    Dan was pathetically crying while kneeling in front of her, and it gave her quite the shock.

    She bent down and forced him to get up. She straightened his tuxedo and fixed his bowtie.

    "Don''t bring yourself down like this ever again. You are the CEO of ZFC. A lot of people depend on you to keep their livelihood existent. It might have not worked out between us, but I am still wishing you the best." She gave him a gentle smile and walked away.

    Her memories drifted to the only time they went out wherein she decided on their itinerary. They went to a dance studio and learned the paso doble routine. It was the one they performed on the ball.

    Going back to the present, she showed a gentle smile. They finally danced it in appropriate clothes and occasion.

    Dan pulled her back from her reverie as he said, "Eat up." while motioning towards her plate.

    He had peeled the shrimp, cut and deboned the meat and served the soup in a bowl for her. All she needed to do was eat.

    She looked up at him and opened her mouth, about to say something, but was interrupted.

    "I understand if you don''t want to go back to how we were before, but could you please not push me away?" His pleading eyes softened her resolve.

    She looked at her plate. "Okay." she replied, almost in a whisper.

    ____________

    Riley and Michelle finally got themselves back on track and they asked the crew for a boat to shore.

    "Sir, Madam. We are sorry. We thought all the guests had gone into the tenders. Unfortunately, we don''t have other boats for you to use." The crew member bowed politely.

    "What about a jetski?" Riley had a sudden epiphany.

    "We do have personal watercrafts, Sir. If you wish to use them, we could arrange two for you and Madam." He gestured to Michelle.

    "That would be great!" Riley was overjoyed. He needed to find out how pissed off his CEO is right now. The crew member bowed and went his way.

    Michelle suddenly tugged on his sleeve.

    Riley furrowed his brows, glanced at her hand pulling his clothes, then looked at her. "What now?"

    She looked dejected and pouted. "I...I don''t..."

    "What? Make yourself clear." He was getting irritated. He needed to report back to his boss and this kitten kept pestering him.

    "I dunno how to ride!" she exclaimed.

    They went over to the jetskis. Riley looked at the uncertainty on her face.

    He turned to the crew. "We''ll only take one. She''ll ride with me."

    _______________

    It took the assistants some time before they located their bosses whom surprisingly are together, well, physically.

    Dan and Midori were already finishing their dessert and drinks when the two arrived. However, since Dan ordered quite a lot, the hefty servings could still feed up to five persons.

    The bosses had indifferent expressions towards the assistants.

    "Let''s go." Dan wiped his mouth with a tissue and stood up, looking at Midori."

    She nodded at him and stood up as well, then turned to their assistants. She squinted her eyes at how sweaty they were. "You two look famished. Make sure you finish everything on this table. Don''t waste our money."

    When the bosses had left, Michelle complained, "But...it''s too much! Even for the two of us! My boss has a fair appetite. How little does your boss eat?"

    "She''s not on some diet. It''s not about how much they ate. The problem lies on how much they ordered." So I am demoted to a pet again? He sighed.

    ___________

    When they had distanced themselves from the assistants, Dan held Midori''s hand.

    "Hey!" she protested, trying to free her hand.

    "Just this once." He looked straight ahead.

    They walked for quite awhile until they reached a waterfall.

    Midori''s eyes glistened and she showed a bright smile.

    Without a word, Dan released her hand and dove into the cool waters.

    She had a look of worry when he did not appear right after. Were there rocks in the water? Did he hit his head? She took off her cover up dress and went closer to get a better look.

    When she was at the edge of the water, about to swim in, her arm was grabbed from the side and she fell into the water.

    "Waaah!" A splash was made after her scream.

    When she emerge on the surface, he was right in front of her, grinning from ear to ear, still holding onto her arm.

    She pushed him back in anger. Well she was angrily worried.

    He chuckled and pulled her arm. "There''s a cave behind the falls. Wanna take a look?"

    She looked over the falls and nodded. The surroundings were good distractions to dissipate her anger.

    They sat in the cave admiring the cool water flowing in front of them.

    "Dori...I''m sorry." He searched her face for a change in expression.

    "Are you sorry that you cheat on me?" she casually asked.

    "No." He replied, looking down. In his mind, he wanted to argue that he did not, but he cannot push her away right now.

    She frowned and was about to burst when he looked up to face her.

    While looking into her eyes, he continued, "I''m sorry that I hurt you."

 50 Warning

    Midori looked at him. She opened her mouth to say something, but she swallowed back her words as some cool water hit their faces.

    Parting the strongly flowing water was Riley''s head.

    "CEO! Thank goodness you''re safe!"

    Dan glared at him and he felt like it was hail rather than water that was stabbing his back.

    Midori stood up and also glared at him. "What are you talking about?"

    Riley squirmed to get out of the water. Panting, he replied, "We..." he shot Dan a look. "Ms. Park and I were looking for you...then I...I saw...I saw your dress on the ground. We can''t find you guys so we got worried." He was praying not to lose his job as two CEOs were now glaring at him. It seemed like his timing interrupted something important.

    "Very well. We might as well go back." Midori got her poker face back and started to head out.

    Riley had a huge sigh, relieved that his CEO was convinced of his explanation.

    However, the other CEO was still staring daggers at him, so he gulped and hurriedly found his way out.

    Michelle was panicking as the bosses were missing, and Riley, who went to look for them was also nowhere to be found.

    She was pacing back and forth, mumbling to herself when a familiar voice reached her ears.

    "What are you doing? Get us some refreshments."

    Michelle had never been this delighted to hear an order from the cold voice of her CEO.

    She turned to them with a bright smile, relieved to see that the three are safe. She noticed her CEO turned his body in such a way that half of it was on CEO Xiu''s side, keeping the rest of it behind her. It showed a protective stance. Michelle looked at Riley who seemed out of place.

    "Mr. Adams, won''t you come with me to get some drinks?"

    Riley understood her intention and was thankful for the save, for CEO Zhou might kill him anytime. He nodded back and strode away with her.

    ________

    The night festivities commenced after a few hours. There were a servings of food and drinks spread on small wodden tables surrounded by rattan chairs. There was a bonfire at the center, lighting the place together with torches spread everywhere. Locals were performing native dances, with some guests joining them while trying to learn the dance.

    Dan and Midori were sitting side by side behind a table. She was sipping her drinks while enjoying the show. Suddenly, he took her hand in his.

    She shot him a glare. He looked back with a gentle smile.

    "I only agreed not to push you away." Her frown was deepening.

    "Yeah, I know. We''re keeping it casual."

    Secretly holding her hand under the table does not coincide well with that!

    She tried to free herself with no avail, even trying to stand up.

    "Where are you going?" he sounded like he was begging.

    "Why do you always interfere when I want to visit the restroom?!" She forcefully freed her hand, taking advantage of his shock.

    As she walked away, he mumbled, "Just like old times." Then he had his rare gentle smile.

    The toilet was inside a makeshift hut with a thin wooden door. The flushing system consisted of a pail, a dipper and water flowing from the mountain. Even though it lacked technology, it was clean and smelled of scented candles. There was also a wash area just outside, complete with soap, hand towel and a mirror.

    Midori was washing her hands quietly after using the toilet. As she was done, she looked into the mirror to check her face when she was startled by an image of an old lady staring at her in the mirror.

    Instead of screaming, she gasped and stood there frightened.

    Midori turned around and found the old lady right in front of her. She had gray hair messily draping on her back and shoulders, colorful baggy clothes and a necklace made of what seemed like old teeth or bones.

    Midori found the distance between her and the lady too close for comfort. Before she finally lose it, the lady spoke in a raspy voice.

    "Young lady...you...you need to be careful...Many will come for you. Hold on to your treasure or you will lose it again." Then she backed away, after giving Midori another look of warning, she walked away, disappearing into the woods.

    Midori became more confused than frightened. She was more scared of the words right now.

    Dan suddenly emerged out of nowhere. Seeing her face, he got worried. "Hey, you alright?"

    She looked up at him with teary eyes, then looked away to hide her expression, then nodded.

    He looked around then held her shoulders with his arm, leading her back to the party.

    ____________

    A ringing phone was picked up. "Are you done with the preparations?"

    The bulky man sinisterly smiled. "Indeed."

    "We will commence as agreed. The transfer was done."

    The man hung up and looked out at the dancing lights through the porthole of his cabin.

 51 I Always Get It In

    The party on the island went on until dawn broke.Some guests stayed in the island, sleeping in nipa huts, with some in drunken stupor on open cottages. Other guests, for instance, Midori and Dan, and their assistants went back to the ship in the middle of the night. People were allowed to sleep in. In the morning, everyone was back in the cruise ship.

    After they had their lunch, the four of them walked along the deck, passing by the swimming poolwherein women wearing strips of cloth they call swimsuits googly eyed Dan.

    Dan was wearing a light blue casual shirt and dark blue chino shorts, with a pair of beige topsiders. His height and features, with his hazel eyes, despite the indifferent attitude, charmed the ladies.

    Midori, who was idly walking beside him scoffed at the scene. It will really be a piece of work if she gets back together with him.

    He noticed her expression and was amused. He was wondering if she felt jealous. He opened his mouth, about to say something, when a bug came jogging towards their group.

    "Midori! Hi!" He was sweating as he waved his hand excitedly.

    Midori''s mouth twitched. ''Why did this guy suddenly address me like that?''

    Dan''s face turned murderous. This bug kept on buzzing near his lady. The assistants behind them looked at each other as they felt a chill on such a fine whether.

    "We''re playing basketball." Tang Jinxuan declared.

    "So? What does it have to do with us?" Midori''s words stabbed him back.

    Dan smirked as he heard her say "us." He might let this bug live for now.

    Tang Jinxuan is suspicious of Midori''s relationship with CEO Zhou. To test the waters, he sent him the invitation. "CEO Zhou, I still can''t believe we lost to you in yesterday''s game. I hereby challenge you to a one-on-one!" His dramatic antics involved pointing towards Dan while cradling the ball in his other arm. "First to get 10 shots in wins."

    Midori shook her head gently. This bug does not know whom he is challenging. She waited for Dan to calmly decline.

    To her surprise, he replied, "What''s in it for me?"

    Tang Jinxuan sleazily smiled. "I''ll have Midori Xiu for three hours!" His forefinger pointed to her.

    Before Midori could protest, Dan calmly said, "Deal."

    The prize opened and moved her mouth but no comprehensible words came out. She sat on a bench as the two men positioned themselves on the half court. She turned to Riley. "Get me a cocktail!"

    A while ago, Midori was certain that Dan can beat this guy. After all, he was a good shot in high school. However, doubts and worries flooded her when she became the prize. It would be alright if Dan wins since she could control him, in a way...but what if by chance he loses? Who knows what will that sleazy heir do to her!

    And so the game began! Dan let Tang Jinxuan have the ball first. The latter drove into the basket, but his shot was easily blocked by the tall figure. Dan had his turn on the ball and swiftly evaded Tang Jinxuan''s defense to get a lay up in.

    After several easy baskets, Dan led with seven, while Tang Jinxuan could not even get a single shot in. This pissed off the heir, but he decided to be pathetic and secretly begged CEO Zhou to give him some face.

    They were making the turnover pass when he whispered, "CEO Zhou, won''t you give me some face? At least let me make a basket."

    Dan looked at him indifferently. "Alright. But you have to take the shot from here."

    They were at an area way beyond the 3-point line if this was a regular court.

    "Are you kidding me?!" Tang Jinxuan was mad at how inconsiderate this CEO was.

    "No." Dan passed him the ball. "Take your shot." he ordered.

    Tang Jinxuan had played some basketball in school before, and leisurely plays with his friends from time to time, but he is not good with long-range shots. Though hesitant, he still took the chance. With correct form, he made a jumpshot. The ball went, and ended as an air ball.

    Tang Jinxuan''s group of friends laughed aloud.

    Some had mocking remarks. "Tang Jinxuan, how much of an idiot are you? Why did you take a shot from that distance?!" Louder laughter was heard.

    Tang Jinxuan''s face was beet red. He knew it won''t get in! It was all Verdan Zhou''s fault! Of course, he cannot declare that he begged his opponent for a free shot!

    To save his face, he declared, "Hey! I bet even CEO Zhou could not get it in from this distance too!"

    People averted their gazes towards CEO Zhou. The taunting was from a pathethic loser, but they were also curious if could really get it in.

    Dan shot Riley a look. "Get two more balls." He pointed to a rack near one of the benches.

    Riley hurriedly went to take two balls and stood near Dan.

    Dan scanned the audience. He saw Midori sipping cocktail. "I need 3 more baskets to win. It''s getting boring. I shoot 3 from here to finish the game."

    Everyone initially fell silent with this declaration. Then murmurs came buzzing in, doubting his words.

    Not minding them, Dan took 3 consecutive shots from where he is. Each ball getting inside the basket. He glared at Tang Jinxuan. "I always get it in." Then he casually walked towards Midori. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her away.

 52 Come Ou

    Dan dragged Midori all the way to his suite, their assistants quickly following behind. As the reached the room, he turned to her. "Keycard." Then he held out his hand.

    "What?" Midori was confused by the sudden order.

    "Give me the card to your suite." he ordered with a domineering aura.

    For some reason, she did not hesitate to rummage through her bag and took off the keycard to her room and handed it to him.

    Dan looked at Michelle. "You have two minutes to bring all her clothes here."

    Michelle gasped, hurriedly took the car and ran out of the room.

    Riley was awkwardly left. He prayed to get orders too; however, CEO Zhou turned around and headed for the veranda.

    Midori still had a look of confusion. Then she realized that Riley was still standing there like an abandoned puppy. Well, she cannot tell him to help Michelle. No man shall touch her clothes. However, conversations with Dan were a bit tricky, plus she has not even explained anything about them to her assistant. She sighed. "After Ms. Park has accomplished her task, you are free to go. Just make sure you attend this evening''s dinner."

    Riley bowed in understanding. However, it was still vague whether or not he should go right now. The order depends on the time Michelle finishes the job.

    As he was contemplating, Michelle emerged by the door, panting. The rooms were located on the opposite ends of the hallway. She immediately dragged the luggage in, parked it near the bed, bowed then she went out.

    Riley was staring at her in bewilderment. Luckily, he regained himself and managed to walk out and shut the door before another set of eyes glares at him.

    After they left, Midori went out to the veranda as well, finding Dan who was about to light a cigarette.

    Dan was looking out into the ocean, memories and concerns swirling in his mind. He was going to light a cigarette by habit when a hand snatched the stick from his mouth.

    "Since when did you learn how to smoke?" She casually asked, while dumping the stick into the trash bin.

    "I started when you left." he replied nonchalantly.

    Midori''s face became solemn. She felt how hurt he was. Maybe he just made a mistake when he slept with Rushi. He might have been drunk or what not. She can feel the sincerity in his voice when he apologized. Her hesitation is because she is afraid to be hurt again.

    "But I''m here now. Stop smoking." she finally said, without looking at him.

    He looked at her then he went to embrace her from behind.

    "Didn''t we say we will be casual about this?" Her words had a lace of irritation but she was smiling.

    "But you took my cigarette...and dumped it in the bin." He was whining like a spoiled child as he buried his face on her shoulder.

    ______________

    For the final night of the cruise and Chairman Tang''s birthday celebration, there was a formal banquet held in the ballroom they had their first seating in.

    Midori was wearing an off-shoulder emerald green satin dress, in mermaid silhouette, with the skirt lined by layers of tulle. Dan was wearing a dark gray 3-piece suit, with a striped green tie.

    Unlike the ball during the first night, this is simply a dinner of seven courses, catered by a renowned chef from Country F.

    The guests were having dinner while performers such as opera singers, ballet dancers, aerial silk and pole dancers, and even illusionists were busy with their acts on stage.

    They were on the main course when Dan''s work phone rang. The caller was flashed as ''General Manager-City B.'' He excused himself as he took the call.

    Michelle had a look of confusion. She thought that CEO Xiu is very special to CEO Zhou. However, he still answers his phone hurriedly when Manager Ming calls. Were the rumors true? Therefore, is the CEO dating two women at a time? She contemplated more. ''Hmmm...are his relationships territorial, like different women in different countries? But he had stayed in other countries too. He remained aloof towards other women.''

    Her thoughts were brushed off by the sudden applause by the audience. The illusionist will be performing.

    Riley saw the changes in his expression. ''Her boss just took a business call? Why is she so bothered by it? Does she harbor feelings for him?''

    The illusionist was pretty bold to ask for the celebrant to come up on stage as his assistant for the illusion. Chairman Tang stepped into the tall box and the illusionist shot the door.

    At the same time, Midori excused herself to the powder room.

    To clean her thoughts Michelle stood up and walked towards the mobile bar. Riley went after her. The bar was near the entrance to the galley.

    The illusionist uttered some unknown words. When he opened the box again, the chairman was gone. Applause from the audience was heard. Then the performer announced that the chairman will come out again. He urged the audience to chant the ''magic words'' with him.

    After the words were uttered, he opened the box again. To everyone''s surprise, it was not the chairman, but another man came out.

    Before anyone can move, he started firing his guns on everyone in the hall.

    Riley quickly pulled Michelle down on the floor. They initially hid behind the bar. He covered her mouth with his hand before she screamed, as the bartender lied lifeless in front of them.

    Midori was walking back from the restrooms when she heard screams. She hurried her steps to find out what was happening. When she was near the door to the hall, people with bloody bodies pushed each other out the doors. A man who stumbled on the floor was shot in the head before her eyes.

    Midori gasped and stood frozen for a second. Then she moved to run away. As she was running, a door opened and she was snatched inside before it was locked.

 53 CEO is Gone!

    Soon, cries and screams were heard. Riley got up to check the situation. Seeing that the gunman has fled, he ran to the kitchen to get a paring knife. Then he helped Michelle stand up. They cautiously walked through the hall, evading corpses as they go. When they reached the door, there was a loud sound akin to an explosion, then ship stared to move as if it was toppling, throwing them against the wall.

    Riley''s back hit the wall hard, as he tried to protect Michelle in his arms. They could hear louder screams from the upper deck. When they reached the deck, clearer sentences can be heard.

    "The engine room exploded!"

    "Zhadan*!"

    "Nani?! Bakudan!*"

    Everyone had a look of panic. The crew tried to calm the passengers down and assembled them to the muster station. Then they set up a couple of life boats. To their surprise, the rest of the inflatable liferafts did not work as they hit the water. Someone might have tampered with them!

    Suddenly, Tang Jinxuan pushed through the crowd. "Let me through! Get out of the way!" To everyone''s surprise, he went to board one of the tenders and sped away. Some had jumped in before he escaped, but it was still spacious to accommodate more people. People left were swearing and cursing him. They can barely fit in the remaining lifeboats and he dared to get away with one.

    Michelle was scared to death, clinging onto Riley as they made their way to the stern.

    "Riley, why are we here?" she asked while sobbing. "This is not the way to the lifeboats!"

    "I know." He tried hard to sound calm but his heartbeat is banging in his ears. He remembered the CEO. "Sh*t! Michelle, have you contacted CEO Zhou yet?"

    She tried to call her boss again, but it went straight to voicemail. She shook her head.

    They had been calling the CEOs for over ten times already. It was even hard to make one call for the network signal was fluctuating.

    As they were running, another explosion was heard and the floor they were running in tilted downwards, sending them sliding towards the exit.

    Riley managed to hold onto a pillar and scooped Michelle with one arm before she fell straight into the ocean.

    He was bearing both their weights with the arm he used to hang on the pillar.

    "Can you climb onto my back?" he said while panting. It was not a question but a request.

    She gulped while looking down the water. She mustered all courage she had and used her arms to shift her body so she''ll be on his back.

    After making sure she will not fall from him, he started to reach to another pole, to a beam, railings and all sturdy things he could reach.

    "Let go!" he ordered her.

    She shook her head violently.

    "Michelle, listen to me. See that jetski down there? We will ride that. So we just need to fall in the water for a bit, okay?" He tried had to sound reassuring.

    "No!" she argued as her body trembled.

    "It''s gonna be fine. Trust me, okay?"

    "I...I don''t know how to swim!" She was in tears.

    Riley did not know whether to laugh or cry at this moment. They were actually wearing lifevests. In the end, he chose to be considerate of how scared she was.

    "Hey, it''s okay. The vest will keep you afloat, okay? Michelle, you have to jump now!"

    The ship was moving again, at this rate, he was afraid that the jetski might get toppled on. He used all his strength to free himself from her embrace.

    "Noooo!" she screamed while falling.

    He adjusted his position and jumped into the water as well.

    Michelle frantically waved her hands around, she thought that she was drowning.

    Riley pulled out the knife he took from the kitchen and started to cut the rope that was securing the jetski on the ship. It was hard for him to do so, for she kept splashing water on his view.

    "Michelle!" he finally snapped and shouted at her. "You''re not drowning! Climb up on the jetski! Now!"

    She finally stopped and realized that she was on the surface. She glanced at the jetski and looked back at him.

    Seeing her hesitation, he lowered his tone. "It''s okay. I will go with you."

    With that, she paddled herself and somehow managed to get on.

    Finally, the rope was cut! He hurriedly swam towards her and got on.

    Before parts of the shipwreck fall on them, the motor sounded, and they managed to escape.

    After some time, lightning flashed and thunder struck. Soon, heavy rain fell, with raging waves.

    Rescue boats had just arrived. The survivors were transferred to a larger vessel, which was still small enough for the waves to sway.

    The ship finally sank with its silhouette disappearing in the heavy rain.

    The assistants looked over each survivor rescued in the large vessel.

    "I can''t find CEO!" They said to each other in chorus.

    Michelle tried to look into the ocean. All she could see were rain and violent waves. She started crying. "I...I can''t believe CEO is gone!"

    Riley took her in his arms.

 54 You have to Believe Me

    Midori slowly opened her eyes, but once they were hit by the scorching sun''s light through a small slit, she shut them again. After some time, she had adapted and managed to look around her.

    Dan was still sleeping with her under the aluminized blanket inside the raft. The liferaft was miraculously in one piece and bound by the nylon rope to a nearby tree.

    She had done all she can to survive through the storm that night.

    Ah, indeed! That night when the ship sank...

    Midori hurriedly fled when she saw a man was shot before her. She even dropped her purse containing her phone.

    When Dan saw Midori running away from the shooter, he immediately grabbed her and locked the door. He instinctively covered her mouth while she was struggling from being held by an unknown person. He moved to bring them into an area of the room with better lighting, then he turned her abruptly and revealed himself.

    "Don''t shout. It''s me." he whispered.

    Midori paused, blinked, then her eyes welled with tears before she threw herself at him for a tight embrace.

    After she calmed down, they saw a motorboat fleeing away through the window. A yacht not far from it also started to move stealthily.

    Though Midori was still trembling due to fright, he was certain that the perpetrators have already abandoned ship.

    When they came out, they heard people arguing about not having enough lifeboats and that the liferafts do not function.

    Dan took Midori, to her dismay, into his suite.

    "Why did we go back here?! The ship will sink. We have to go to the muster station as in the drill!"

    "You heard them. They don''t have enough lifeboats." He calmly continued to open a huge chest in his closet.

    "So you just decided to just die?!" She was furious. If he wanted to die beside her, he should just die alone! Her current feelings do not go that far...yet. She still wants to live!

    He put a life vest on her then he wore his own, then replied, "Of course not." Then to her surprise, he easily carried a capsule-like object that looks heavy. She was trying to recall where she had seen it, but she decided to trust him on this. Then he went to the veranda. "Follow me."

    She jogged to catch up without even having the chance to state her question.

    He nonchalantly threw the object into the ocean. Soon, a liferaft inflated. He helped her along the railings of the veranda and they jumped into the ocean.

    They managed to get on the liferaft which could accommodate six persons. Finding the pocket knife along the supplies, he cut the rope that he tied to initially keep the raft near the ship.

    Their raft started to move along with the waves. Since they were at the other side of the ship, they could not see the rest of the liferafts or lifeboats. No matter how they tried to put up the distress signal, no one noticed them.

    Then, the storm sent heavy rain and violent waves. Dan secured themselves inside the raft, sealing it off from the outside.

    It was still raining heavily when they felt like they had drifted to a land area.

    Dan quickly checked, and after confirming, he used his strength to pull the raft away from the waves. He took a rope to secure it on a large tree, then he went back in.

    Midori saw how drenched he was and felt pity. She rummaged through the supply and found a blanket. "Remove your suit." she said, her voice full of concern.

    "I don''t think it''s a good time for that." He tried to tease her while flashing his smile.

    She smacked his left shoulder then pouted.

    He winced as if he was in pain. When she looked at her hand, she saw bright red blood. She forcefully tugged to take off his tuxedo and saw a large red stain on his slightly torn white shirt. She was mortified!

    She took off his shirt and saw a laceration on his left deltoid area. It looked like a bullet had grazed on his arm. "When did you..." She gasped when she realized that he must have gotten it when he grabbed her from the hallway.

    "Hey, don''t worry. It''s a small wound. Uhm...I think there''s a bandage among the supplies. Could you help me patch this up?" He tried to console her and make her less guilty.

    She nodded and looked for the first aid kit. After his wound was dressed, it stopped bleeding, but Midori still felt guilty.

    He embraced her using his other arm and rubbed her back to calm her. After some time, she stopped frowning and looked up at him.

    To her surprise, he was sweating. She placed her hand on his forehead and felt that he was having a fever. The wound might have been infected. She wiped his face and made him drink aspirin and some water.

    "Sleep now." Since they were technically stuck in the storm for the night, it was best to rest.

    As he was sick, Dan did not argue and lied on the blanket obediently after stripping his wet clothes off.

    She lied on another blanket beside him. She closed her eyes but sleep evaded her.

    In the middle of the night, she heard his voice. She thought he woke up, but as his eyes remained shut, she realized he must be having a dream.

    "Dori...no! Don''t leave! I swear, I didn''t sleep with her! I was drugged! I was sleeping through the whole time! You have to believe me! No! Don''t! I''ll do anything! Don''t leave me!"

    After hearing these words, her tears kept pouring down. She moved towards him and patted his shoulder.

    At this time, he had calmed down, as if the dream was over. He was still groggy when she tried to wake him up. He then let a barely audible "Hmmm..."

    Midori gasped, her eyes widened. So he was really just asleep! It was how he responds when people try to wake him up. How could she forget!

    She lied down with him while crying. He felt her body beside him and opened his eyes.

    "Dori..." He had a smile of relief. "You''re still...you stayed. I''m...Am I dreaming?"

    She cried even more. Then she caressed his face and looked into his eyes as she firmly replied, "No. This is real."

    He wiped her tears with his fingers, then he pulled her closer to him. "Don''t cry."

    She embraced him back as she forcefully fought back her tears.

    .

    So, this morning...

    Midori carefully stepped out of the raft so as not to wake Dan up.

    She walked around looking for anything useful. She found a river that flows into the ocean. After surveying the surroundings, she tore off a side of her skirt, clumsily forming a mesh bag. After an hour of trying, she somehow managed to catch some freshwater shrimp from the small river within the woods. She also found wild lemongrass and lime. She took the knife from the survival kit and filled the water bags available.

    Since she could not see any nearby land, these will prevent them from consuming all their supplies before help arrives. After all, it might take days for people to find them.

    She also set up the distress signal for the day, then using bamboo and pieces of wood, she set up a fire to cook with.

    She decided to cook a simplified tom yum goong* because soup would be good for his recovery. She patiently peeled the shrimp, preserving the end of its tail. Since she did not have much spices, she decided to leave the heads on the shrimp during the cooking process.

    It might have been due to the smell of cooked food or a mere coincidence, but Dan woke up when she was just transferring the soup to a cup she cut out of bamboo. He tried to speak, but his throat was dry. He then sat up and stared at her side profile.

 55 Stranded

    Midori walked towards him, carefully carrying the soup. He took the blanket out and laid it under the tree. He sat down slowly then motioned her to sit next to him.

    She slowly bent down then handed him the bamboo cup. She also had another cup with bamboo water in it.

    He took the soup and took a sip, but abruptly pulled his lips away.

    She worriedly looked at him. "Ah, sorry! Was it still too hot?" She exchanged the cup of soup with the one with water.

    Dan drank some water, then pursed his lips as to cool them.

    She patiently blew over the soup, at times stirring it with her makeshift chopsticks. Then she took a sip. Sensing that it had cooled down a bit, she offered it again.

    He tried to take a sip but frowned.

    "Is it still too hot?" She was confused. She thought the temperature was just fine. Then again, she can tolerate steaming hot ramen quite well.

    She took another sip on the soup. Before she could swallow it, he suddenly leaned in and kissed her, prying her mouth open to taste the soup.

    Her eyes widened in shock. When he pulled back from her face, she frowned and pouted.

    Dan smiled, amused by her reaction. "It''s delicious." he remarked, as his grin became wider.

    Irritated, she pushed the cup towards him, almost spilling its content on his shirt. Then, before he secured the cup in his hands, she had already stridden towards the area where she cooked the food.

    He chuckled. He kept staring at her, totally forgetting to drink the soup.

    She got back with her own cup of soup and sat beside him.

    He leaned in and saw that her cup was filled with more solid ingredients.

    "How come you get to have more shrimp?" He sounded like a child who had been tricked.

    Midori looked at him while raising her left brow. "I was not sure if you would have the appetite to eat solids since you''re sick, but if you are hungry, there are more soup left. Finish your cup first. I will refill it when you''re done." When she stopped speaking, she realized that she was talking to him like she did with Manta. She suddenly missed the boy.

    Dan noticed her change of expression. "What''s wrong?"

    "They must be worried sick about us now." She looked into the now calm ocean.

    He knew she misses her family, especially her son. He quietly sipped his soup to allow her thoughts to wander. In no time, he finished the contents of his cup.

    Midori noticed this and took it from him. "I''ll get you another serving." She smiled gently.

    He continued to stare as she poured the soup from her makeshift pot. He was really glad to be with her. ''If life would be like this, I don''t mind being stranded for a couple more days.'' He laughed at his own thoughts.

    However, this little request from his heart was shattered when afternoon came.

    While they were resting together on the blanket under the tree''s shade, a motorboat emerged from afar.

    Suddenly, familiar voices woke them up from their nap.

    "CEO!" Riley and Michelle shouted in chorus.

    Earlier that morning, a fisherman happened to notice a liferaft on the isolated island, with some people moving around. When he went back to shore, a couple were asking around, looking for missing persons. He immediately told then what he saw.

    The assistants hurriedly went to search where the fisherman saw the liferaft, hoping to find their bosses.

    As their boat came closer to shore, they could fairly see their CEOs. Riley and Michelle delightfully waved towards them.

    Dan grunted and squinted his eyes at them. ''These two get to ruin everything everytime.'' he thought, quite annoyed.

    Midori saw them and her face lit up. She waved back happily as she was glad to be rescued.

    "CEO, I''m so glad you''re alive!" Riley exclaimed. After being rescued, he managed to contact the Xiu household to relay what happened. He found out that search parties were sent out, others even coming from Country N.

    Midori nodded to her assistant. Then she turned to Michelle. "His wound needs its dressing changed. He might also need antibiotics. Make sure he goes to a hospital." She knows that Dan could be stubborn at times.

    Michelle gasped. "CEO, you''re injured?!" Her face filled with worry.

    "Hmmm. It''s not much." Dan''s face was indifferent, but his eyes were warm as he looked back at Midori who did not show any sign of protest when he held her hand.

    When the assistants noticed that the bosses were holding hands while sitting on the boat, they looked at each other, puzzled. Just what happened in the island?

 56 Yousre Back

    They had to cross towns by rental car and ride a boat before they could board a larger ship.

    The dawn of the new day was about to break when they docked at City S. Several cars were parkedat the port.

    As they arrive, Midori found the familiar white Lexus 450D. Filled with emotions, she finally let go of Dan''s hand and sprinted to hug her mother.

    Aoi Xiu embraced her daughter. Then she looked at Midori''s face with teary eyes.

    "I''m so glad you''re back with us."

    "It''s good to be back, Mom." To Madam Xiu''s surprise, the warm smile of her daughter was back.

    It was not that she did not smile towards her family. More like, even if she was trying to smile, they could sense the sadness in her eyes. But now, even her eyes were glistening.

    Suddenly, a little voice was heard. "Mommy!" Out of the car came Manta.

    Midori scooped him up to her embrace. The little boy hugged her with his chubby arms and gave her a peck on the cheek. She kissed his chubby cheeks back as they exchanged giggles.

    Dan subconsciously walked towards them but he was stopped by Madam Xiu.

    "CEO Zhou. Thank you for taking care of my daughter." She bowed.

    "Aunty..." He was flabbergasted on the gesture.

    "CEO Zhou, I hope you refrain from interacting with my family, unless it''s about business." Her domineering aura was greater than the tall man. She turned around and walked towards her family.

    Dan kept staring at the scene of what could have been his family.

    As Aoi was approaching, suddenly, a young man went out of the car. He went towards Midori in steady strides.

    Midori was still embracing Manta when they two of them were gathered in an embrace.

    When he let go of her, he said, "I knew you will be back safe."

    She was dumbfounded and was only able to call back his name. "Ryuuji..."

    Dan saw this scene and his face turned gloomy. He remembered how Manta cried when he told the boy that he is his daddy and went looking for his ''tousan'' immediately.

    ''Who is that man? Is he together with Midori? Does Manta recognize him as his father?'' Indeed, even in his thoughts, Dan never doubted that Manta is his.

    Suddenly, he was brought back to his senses as he heard someone calling his name.

    "Dan!" A familiar voice rang into his ears.

    His face turned murderous in an instant, but before he turned around, he managed to bring back his neutral face.

    "You''re back!" Ming Rushi suddenly embraced him with tears in her eyes.

    Dan stood still like a statue. "Why are you here?"

    "I...they said you were missing! I was so worried!" She tried to embrace him again, but Dan held her shoulders at arm''s length.

    "I told you not to go back to City S...or do you not want to continue being the general manager in City B?" His tone had some threat in it.

    Ming Rushi held back a smirk. Then she replied while pouting, "Then, let me work here. With my credentials, I can get into headquarters. I am more than qualified. Then, I would not be too worried about you!" She deliberately spoke in a loud, high-pitched voice so Midori could hear.

    "No. Go back to City B." he replied indifferently.

    "But..." from the loud voice, she was tuned down to almost a whisper.

    "Ms. Park, take Ms. Ming back to the airport." He went into his Porsche Panamera and drove off.

    "Ms. Ming..." Michelle gestured to a blue Audi A8.

    "You don''t get to order me around!" Ming Rushi took a cab and sped away.

    Michelle was shocked. ''Does this mean that Ms. Ming has been dumped?'' She looked at CEO Xiu''s family driving off. ''But CEO Xiu looked like she was married. Hmmm...but her concern towards CEO...even instructing to bring him to a hospital. Oh, sh*t! I totally forgot to bring him!"

    She hurriedly called her boss. It took some time for him to answer.

    "What now?" CEO Zhou sounded irritated.

    "Uhm...CEO, I promised CEO Xiu to bring you to the hospital." Michelle was silently pleading him to agree.

    "Tell her to bring me there herself." He hung up.

    Michelle did not know what to do. In the end, she decided to call Riley.

 57 Hes Running a Fever

    They just arrived in the Xiu estate when Riley received the phone call.

    "Hey, are you still with your boss?"

    Riley jogged away into the garden after glancing at his boss. "They just got home. What''s the matter?"

    Michelle was full of hesitation. She forgot the only thing that CEO Xiu entrusted her. Sure, she is not her boss, but she felt like it was more important to obey that CEO''s order than those from her boss. For some unknown reason, she felt the obligation to tell her that she failed to carry out her orders.

    "Tell her that my boss did not want to go to a hospital unless she brings him herself." she blurted out.

    "What? Is your boss a spoiled brat?" Riley was astonished of this revelation. He never expected such childish antics from an aloof executive, even more that the behavior was towards his equally aloof boss.

    "It might be one of his eccentricities. I''m not even sure myself. It''s the first time that he acted like this. Anyway, please, just relay it to CEO Xiu. It makes me feel like I let her down."

    "Alright...but I''m only relaying the message. Don''t expect me to comvince my boss or anything."

    As he hung up the call, Riley turned around, about to go back into the car.

    To his surprise, his boss was standing there, arms crossed on her chest.

    "Were you going to convince me to do something?" Her left brow went up.

    "Uhm...CEO, Ms. Park asked me to relay a message." He looked down on his shoes and the grass between them.

    "What is it? I know that it''s now early in the morning, but I will take a leave at the office today as I''m tired. If you still want to keep your job, spit it out, as I don''t have all day for your hesitation."

    Riley immediately bowed and reported, "Ms. Park said that CEO Zhou is not willing to go to a hospital unless you will be going with him." He could feel the cold sweat on his skin.

    "If that was it, you can go now." Before he could respond, she had gone inside the mansion.

    __________

    Dan cleaned his wound and placed a waterproof bandage over it. Then he stepped into the shower.

    As water fell on him, his mind wandered. With the adversity they just surpassed, he felt like he and Midori had become closer again. However, with the appearance of an unknown guy, he somehow doubted if she was someone else''s woman.

    But her look and stare, her touch and embrace, all made him think that there is still hope for the two of them. Seeing her with another man, with Manta in his arms, he felt deprived of the family he deserves.

    It took him 40 minutes to finish his shower, most of that time, the was staring blankly, deep in contemplation.

    In the afternoon, Michelle decided to check on her boss since Riley called back to say that CEO Xiu seemed indifferent on whatever may happen to CEO Zhou. This and because she was also worried about his injury, which she had no idea on how serious it really is.

    She rang the doorbell on his penthouse suit. She had confirmed through the guard that the CEO''s car drove into the garage earlier today, so she is sure that he did not come home to his other residences.

    Being his assistant for a few years had taught her a thing or two about him when he does not want people to meddle with him. He would not go back to their family home. For one, his family is not even there. Secondly, the maids might exaggerate this and force him to go to the hospital. It would be worse if they tell on him to the madam. His other two houses were located in the outskirts of nearby towns. Even though he is tough, he is not too irresponsible to place himself in danger by going alone beyond city limits. So the only place left was his penthouse.

    She stood there for 5 minutes before she pressed on the bell again. ''Is he still sleeping? Did he go out to the convenience store or somewhere else?'' Her mind soared from trivial things to worst-case scenarios. ''What if he was truly sick and could not get up from bed? Or he fell asleep in the bathtub and drowned? What if he got depressed because CEO Xiu already has a family and he hang himself?!''

    She was too engrossed in her imagination that she did not notice that the door was already ajar.

    Dan cleared his throat to pull her back to reality. "What do you want?" He brushed off her hand which in a blink of an eye landed on his forehead right after she snapped out of her daze.

    Feeling that he has a fever, she wanted to go in. "Ehrm...uhm, CEO, can I come in?"

    "You think it''s a good idea for a male CEO to let his female assistant into his penthouse suit where they could be alone?" His tone was not seductive, rather, it was challenging. He walked in and upstairs towards his bedroom without a care if she goes in or not.

    He was holding the knob to his bedroom when he paused and looked at his assistant.

    "I told you to tell her I won''t go to any hospital unless she comes with me." With that, he went in and shut the door.

    She could hear the door lock mechanism. Then silence. The whole unit was filled with deafening silence.

    She called Riley. "Tell CEO Xiu that my boss still won''t go to the hospital unless she''s with him." Before Riley could respond, she added, "Also, he''s running a fever."

    Riley immediately called his boss and relayed the message.

    When he finished, CEO Xiu fell silent. Seeing that the call was still connected, he prompted.

    "CEO, your orders?"

    Midori was back from her contemplation. "Send me his address. Then have Dr. Miyamura go over as well."

    "Right away, CEO." The call ended.

    Midori caressed the white gold pendant in the cursive D hanging daintily on her neck as she looked back into the mirror. After smiling at herself for a bit, she went to the closet to change her clothes.

 58 Where are You Going?

    Midori drove her red Aston Martin Rapide S in front of one of the twin condominiums and hurriedly presented her identification. She saw Dr. Miyamura who was wiping his sweat with a handkerchief panting in front of the elevator.

    Michelle had already called the reception regarding visits from XCG''s CEO, so Midori was given access in an instant.

    "Dr. Miyamura, thank you for coming over." She bowed then the elevator arrived.

    "CEO Xiu, I didn''t know you own a penthouse suite here. So, is it Manta again?" He was asking about who is sick.

    Midori only gave him a faint smile. Consequently, the lift arrived and they stepped out, burying the doctor''s inquiry, well, for now.

    Before they could press the doorbell, Michelle suddenly opened the door with a face full of relief.

    "CEO Xiu. Thank you for coming over. He won''t get out of his room." she reported the last sentence.

    "Hmmm." Midori nodded. "Where''s his room?"

    "Oh, it''s this way." Michelle excitedly led them upstairs. She knocked on the door but there was no response. She turned to CEO Xiu, clearly embarrassed. "Uhm...he might be asleep." she almost whispered.

    Midori slowly shook her head. Then to Michelle''s and the doctor''s surprise, instead of knocking, Midori began slamming her hand on the door. Her palms looked red but she continued.

    "Verdan Zhou! Open this door, right now! You know how I''m mad! Open the dam* door this instant!"

    Her hand was about to slam on the door again when it suddenly opened and a warm hand grabbed her wrist.

    "Stop hurting yourself." Dan uttered in a husky voice.

    Midori saw him looking pale, with dry cracked lips. His tall figure looked unstable. She pulled him towards his bed and it might be appropriate to say that she tossed him onto it.

    "Stay still and be quiet!" Her eyes were threatening.

    Then she turned to the doctor. "Miyamura-sensei."

    Dr. Miyamura cautiously entered the room. He looked at the man on the bed. He thought he was familiar but he could not recall where he had seen him. Anyway, judging by the look of this penthouse suite, he might be among the rich and powerful.

    "He sustained a lacerated wound on his left deltoid, grazed by a bullet. He went out in the rain while the wound was exposed. I disinfected it and secured an initial bandage upon discovery."

    "I replaced it with a waterproof one here." Dan interjected.

    Midori glared at him. Then walked out of the room, leaving Dr. Miyamura to examine the patient.

    Michelle was standing by outside the door, waiting for orders.

    "I''m sorry for this, but could you go and buy ingredients for an egg drop noodle soup? Here''s my card. Call me when you reach the store and if you have any problems." She paused, turning to the doctor. "Sensei, could your prescription be done now? I''ll be sending someone to buy them."

    Dr. Miyamura hurriedly took out his prescription pad and wrote haphazardly. Then she tore off the page and handed it to Midori.

    "Go buy these as well." Midori passed the prescription to Michelle. Midori took out some notes, clearly over how much was necesary, and handed them to her as well.

    "Yes, CEO." Michelle bowed and went her way.

    Midori returned to the side of the bed.

    "Sensei, does it need stitches?" A trace of worry can be heard from her.

    "No need. I disinfected the wound again. I''ll be using ste**strips to seal it. Then I will place a waterproof dressing over so it would be convenient. However, it needs to be replaced after three days or if the margins are starting to peel off. I also recommend a follow-up appointment to a doctor-of-choice after a week."

    Midori nodded to the doctor and glared at the patient.

    "As for the fever, the focus of infection would be the wound since based on my examination, he did not have any other significant signs. Additionally, his state of hydration is worsening the fever, so he needs to take in more fluids, or else I will recommend to start an IV drip on him." Dr. Miyamura had finished dressing the wound right after he finished his explanation.

    "I understand. Arigatou, Sensei." Midori bowed.

    After collecting his things into his medical bag, the doctor bid them farewell and showed himself out, full of questions on the relationship between the two.

    A few minutes after the doctor had gone, Michelle knocked on the bedroom door, disturbing the eerie silence in the room.

    Midori took the medicine from her.

    "CEO Xiu, the ingredients are all in the kitchen." she declared.

    Midori nodded. "Thank you. That would be all. You can go now."

    Michelle''s face lit up and immediately bid them goodbye before anyone could snatch her freedom.

    Midori walked towards the bedside and adjusted the sheets. Then she turned around and was about to leave.

    Her wrist was caught by a hand. "Where...where are you going?"

    Dan''s face had the expression between being scared and begging.

    Midori fought back incoming tears with a gentle smile. "I''ll cook something so you could eat. I''ll just be downstairs in the kitchen." With that, her hand was freed.

    It was not long until she went back upstairs with a tray of soup, water and fruit juice.

    She carefully placed it on a nearby table. Then she tapped on his right shoulder.

    "Hey, wake up. You have to eat and drink lots of fluid."

    "Hmmm." He tried to push himself up to sit.

    Midori supported his back and positioned his pillows for comfort.

    She took the bowl of soup, stirred it gently, scooped up some in a spoon, blowed on it, and finally placed it near his mouth.

    He obediently ate as she patiently did all the steps until he finished the contents of the bowl.

    Then she made him drink his medicines. He was so obedient that he even finished the glass of juice she brought up.

    "Good boy." She patted his head.

    Suddenly, he grabbed her arm and she fell on the side of the bed.

    He wrapped his arm around her while whispering, "Can I now have my reward for being a good boy?"

 59 Hes Not Yours

    Midori pinched his nose. "Quit messin'' around!" Then she freed herself from him, but remained seated on the bed, now facing him. "Have you always been such a spoiled brat?! Even Manta is easier to coax than you."

    As she mentioned the boy''s name, she could tell how quickly he became sad.

    "Would you lift the TRO against me now?" He looked into her eyes.

    She looked away. "Be thankful that we did not sue you for kidnapping."

    Dan suddenly remembered the guy who embraced them at the port.

    "That guy at the port, who was he?"

    "Takagi Ryuuji." she replied nonchalantly.

    Before he could ask further, she interrupted.

    "You didn''t tell me you''re still together with Rushi." She frowned.

    "She is just the general manager in the branch company in City B. There was nothing between us. Believe me. I..."

    "But you still keep her around." She turned and stood up, faced him, then crossed her arms on her chest. "Is she that irreplaceable for you?" Her voice was now shaking.

    "Dori...I just found out what really happened that day..."

    "Oh really? Who told you? How certain are you that it was accurate, huh?!"

    "I don''t even remember it myself. I''m still in the middle of investigation. Ming Rushi denied things and evaded questions. Believe me. For years, I had no idea why you suddenly left. Why did you not confront us? I don''t care if you slapped me awake back then. Why did you just go away when you saw us?"

    Midori was shaken by this confrontation. Indeed, if she had done it, would she have been able to stay by his side all these years? "I..."

    "I tried looking for you. I almost called the police when you went missing. Then the Xiu household informed the school that you had dropped out. I was so devastated. Back then, I only thought you were upset because I slept through your birthday. I did not know that you thought I cheated on you. Did you know? There was a strawberry shortcake chilling on the fridge and chicken galantina sitting on the oven on that day. It took me the whole afternoon to prepare everything. I''m not sure what happened nor what you saw, but I definitely did not cheat on you!" His face contorted to grief.

    Midori could not hold back the tears anymore, so she just wiped the tears on her cheeks with her hands. "I...walked into your unit..." It was too painful for her to recall the memory. "It was...past 7pm. The door was ajar. You were not in the living room, nor in the kitchen." She wailed. "You...I saw you...in the bedroom..." Her body trembled. "You were...naked under the sheets, she...was on top of you...and she..." Her crying state made her look like she would fall down anytime.

    Though bewildered by the information, Dan moved to sit on the side of the bed. He was waiting for her to tell him everything, to say it all out.

    At the same time, he prepared himself in case she collapses or what not.

    In sobs, she continued, "She asked you..." Her pitch got higher. "She asked you if...if she...if she was better than me!"

    At this point, Dan stood up and embraced her. She cried and cried while hitting his chest.

    "And you know what? You responded with your ''Hmmm'' you jerk!" She buried her face in his chest while he held her tighter.

    He managed to get them back to sitting on the bed as he felt a little dizzy. With the emotions and his sudden movements, it was expected. He was still sick after all.

    Right now, he had placed a lot of pieces into the puzzle that haunt him for years.

    He held her until she calmed down.

    When her crying reduced to sniffles, he asked, "But why didn''t you tell me that we had a son? It''s my responsibility too. I should have known sooner." He was still a bit mad about not knowing Manta sooner.

    "Are you talking about Manta?" She looked up at him, then she leaned on his chest again. "He''s not yours."

    "What?" He held her shoulder at arm''s length. "Then, that guy..."

    "Ryuuji is just a friend."

    "Friends with benefits?" He was skeptical.

    She smacked his right arm. "I''m not like that!"

    "If you didn''t sleep with anyone else, then he''s definitely mine! Stop trying to keep me away from him!"

    "No. You''re not his father." She was firm about it.

    "How could you tell me with a straight face that he''s not mine when you had only been with me and I witb you?!" He was getting impatient. ''I thought we''re okay now, why can''t my son still not recognize me as his father? Does she still hate me?''

    Midori got tired of the argument and blurted, "How could you claim that he''s yours when he''s not even mine!"

 60 Why Does He Call You Like That?

    Dan was frozen in shock. He kept staring at Midori with whirlwind of thoughts passing in his mind.

    Midori let out a deep sigh. She clenched her hands into fists.

    He reached out to hold her hand. "If he''s not yours, why does he call you like that?"

    She cleared her throat then began her recollection of events.

    "There are several reasons why I came back to City S. One of them was to take over the company even if I had little experience in management. A year ago, my brother, Masaichi was running the company as CEO. One night, he was driving with his wife, Agatha, towards an exclusive restaurant located several miles from the city. They..." her voice broke. "They were assassinated."

    Dan''s eyes shook. He knew that big companies tend to invite competition, but unless there would be deep hatred, people do not usually resort to violence. He remained silent so she could continue.

    "Accounts said that my brother avoided colliding with a fast moving car which was getting into their lane. After successfully stopping his car, bullets rained on him and his wife. Few witnesses saw him coming out of the car heavily wounded. He crawled on the pavement, using all his strength to get help. The witnesses were too scared of the perpetrators coming back so they did not dare to come close. However, they managed to call the police and an ambulance." She was teary eyed but she managed to go on.

    "Doctors did their best to save my brother. His wife was declared dead-on-arrival at the nearest hospital. When my brother became stable, my parents transferred him to a bigger hospital in the city, but he has been in a coma since then."

    "So Manta..." he interrupted. He felt pity over the tragedy but Manta being not his son continued to bug him.

    "Manta is their son." she declared.

    "But his eyes..." He is still in denial of the truth.

    "Don''t be so full of yourself. Agatha had hazel eyes." She pouted. The interruptions from him lightened the mood.

    "So, how when did he start to call you ''Mommy''?" He was really itching to know.

    Midori sighed on his impatience. "Manta was born and raised in City T. My brother decided that it would be safer for his family to be away from him. In the past, he had already been kidnapped. Security was heightened in the household for quite some time. Keeping his family in Country N would guarantee their safety, because Mom''s influence was greater than she tried to let on. Plus, I was there, studying and working at the Igarashi group." She paused, letting the information on where she had been all these years sink into him.

    "Hmmm. And then?" This was his signal for her to go on.

    "That night, Agatha decided to visit my brother, contrary to the agreement that he will always be the one to travel to be with them. For some reason, she didn''t bring Manta with her. The boy was devastated and was pouting all day. When the news came to us, Mom decided to tell Manta the truth. Yes, he had just turned 4 back then, but she said that keeping it from him or lying about it would hurt him more. So we told him. He suddenly stopped speaking. Even though he moved as usual, doing his routine activities, the preschool reported that he won''t talk to anyone. They advised us to give him a break."

    Dan furrowed his brows. He could not imagine a cheerful boy like Manta once had selective mutism.

    "We took him to a child psychiatrist. She said that it was part of his coping mechanism for the grief. We tried our best to nurture him in a loving environment. One day, I arrived in our home after a business trip. He was in his playroom, setting up train tracks. I went in to give him a new toy I bought him. Suddenly, he started speaking. We were all stunned, but I was even more shocked that it dawned on me that he was calling me ''Mommy.'' Actually, he called Agatha ''okaasan'' as per habit, so he had never called anyone ''mommy'' before. We had another consult with the psychiatrist immediately. She revealed that Manta knows that I''m his aunt. He just wanted to call me like that. It was still part of his coping mechanism. She advised us to let it be and treat it as progress as he started to speak again."

    Dan remembered how the kid wailed when he told him that he was his daddy. "On...on that rooftop, why did he feel so devastated when I assumed that I was his daddy?"

    Midori glared at him, remembering his mistake. "You jerk! He knows that his father is sick. He had seen him lie in a hospital bed with tubes connected to his body. He thought his father died so you were there to replace him."

    Dan was mortified. He did not know the impact of those irresponsible words of his had on the child. "I...I''m so sorry." He lowered his head.

    Midori smiled. "It''s fine now." She placed her hand over his hand which was holding her other hand.

    "Dori...I..."

    "O-kay...story time is over. Go sleep now." She stood up, leaned in and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Then she started to walk away.

    "Won''t you stay?" He begged.

    "I''ll just grab myself a bite. I won''t be long..." She walked out of the room, gently closing the door.

    Dan stared at the medicines and glass of water on his bedside table. A smile can be seen on his face.

 61 Alone?

    Midori was eating sweet n'' sour pork ribs with a bowl of rice in a nearby family restaurant. The food could not compare to her Aunty Lan''sn but it was not bad. Since it was past lunchtime, and was too early for dinner, only regulars could be found, occupying two other tables.

    When she was about to finish her meal, her personal phone rang.

    "Mom." she answered after talking a gulp of juice.

    "Midori, daijobu desu ka?* Doko imasu ka*?" Aoi Xiu had raised her brow though the other person cannot see it.

    "Hai, okaasan. Daijobu desu. Uhmmm...I''m at a restaurant in the city." She did not want to reveal the place since it is of walking distance from Dan''s place.

    "Alone?"

    "Uhm...hai." Midori is not sure on how her mom will react if she gets back together with Dan.

    "Why do you have to go out and eat alone? You should''ve just asked Aunty Lan to cook. Is the food there better than hers?" Aoi Xiu is not buying it. She believes Midori is with Dan.

    "Uhm...why are you home so early, Mom?" She tried to change the subject.

    "Ask your dam* father."

    Midori succesfully diverted the conversation but got worried about her mom''s reaction. Something is up. "Mom, I''ll call you back. Bye!" She hung up before any reaction could be heard from the other end.

    Midori decided to call her dad while walking towards the supermarket.

    "Midori? Are you okay? It''s fine if you want to take a leave. I''ll handle things here."

    "Dad, did something happen between you and Mom?" She went straight to the point.

    Xiu Jin was stunned. For a moment, he was silent, then he played the innocent card. "It''s nothing to be concerned about. You know your mom. She''s in a stage wherein a woman gets easily irritated." He chuckled.

    Midori was not convinced, but she decided to let her father off, for now. "Okay, Dad. Uhm...I''ll be at my friend''s place tonight. Could you tell mom for me please? You''re still taking, right?" She was being manipulative. She knew her mom would be suspiscious if she told her, so she asked her dad to relay the message. At the same time, this will open the opportunity for her parents to talk out whatever issue they may have. If her father refuses, he will be admitting that he is not talking to his wife. It''s killing two birds with one stone!

    "Yeah. Or course. I''ll tell her. Take care!" The chairman of XCG has just been played by his CEO daughter.

    After buying groceries, Midori went back to the penthouse suite. She stocked up the fridge and started cooking dinner.

    While she was chopping some shallots, she felt a stare towards her back. She furrowed her brows since Dan should be in the bedroom. She put down the knife.

    As she turned around, she was greeted by the toothpaste commercial smile that could close any deal at any day.

    She gasped. "Why are you here?"

    "It''s where I live." He maintains his smile.

    Her brows became nearer to each other. "You should be upstairs, resting." She has reached the doorway where he was leaning. She tried to turn him around. "Get back to your bedroom. I''ll bring dinner up in a moment, okay?"

    Dan fought off her efforts to move him. He was laughing. "But I want to watch you cook."

    "I''ll let you watch next time. Now let''s get you back to bed." She was then trying to drag him away from the kitchen.

    "So there will be a next time?" Dan had a teasing look on him.

    "Fine. Just go back to your room." Midori glared at him and only went back to the kitchen after he shut his bedroom door.

    After some time, she went up with a tray filled with food. She moved the table near the bed and placed the plates and bowls carefully. There were miso soup with soft tofu and wakame, sliced kazunoko, chicken teriyaki, gyudon, tamagoyaki, spinach with black sesame sauce, steamed rice, and on Dan''s side, grated daikon with honey.

    "Woah! Are you eating for two?" He jokingly remarked.

    Midori was irritated. "Just grab your chopsticks and eat."

    "Feed me and you won''t be just eating for one." His smile became seductive.

    Her face showed an ''are you kidding me?'' expression. ''Is this the aftermath of telling him that Manta is not his son?'' If there were not that much food on the table, her forehead might have been slammed not long ago.

 62 Its Been Awhile

    "Madam, Young Master Dan has not returned to the company after being found." A middle aged man in a suit reported.

    "It''s just been a couple of days. Let him be...for now." Her dark eyes squinted. "Arrange a meeting with Chairman Song. Tell him to bring his daughter." There was a glint in her eyes.

    ______________

    Midori walked past offices towards the conference room. All employees were shocked by the sudden change. Her long jet black hair which she usually ties in a high ponytail was replaced by an auburn dyed asymmetrical bob. She was wearing a white square-neckline bodycon dress, ending at midthigh, convered by a tan blazer. Her white lace peep-toe heels with the signature red sole complemented the handbag that the CEO secretary carries with her. Her makeup looks natural, with focus retaining on the eyes as her lips were painted light nude.

    The executives who had awaited their CEO in nervousness and fear gulped as they took in the sight. The CEO had never shown this much skin in one day. Even Riley''s mind was messed up when he saw her from the car. She looked like an ex out for revenge in the most classy way.

    However, she maintained the same poker face throughout the day, so they were sure that she is not some imposter. So this is what happens when you survive a ship wreck!

    "Secretary Ta, make sure Director Gu''s documents are on my desk by the time I arrive tomorrow."

    "Yes, CEO." Secretary Ta is a thin woman who looks like she can be swept away by strong winds. She wore half-rim glasses and keeps her hair on a high bun. She had been the secretary to the CEO since the time Masaichi assumed office.

    The difference between her job and Riley''s would be that hers is limited by the four walls of the company, while he is thepersonal assistant of Midori Xiu, who does anything under the sun as the CEO deems necessary.

    It was barely the end of the afternoon when CEO Xiu declared that she was off work.

    Midori drove her red Aston Martin into the underground parking space. She took the elevator and went staight to the penthouse.

    Dan opened the door with his shirt buttons still undone and his dark brown hair had just emerged from a towel. His khaki pants were complemented by brown oxfords.

    His flustered face from running towards the door morphed into a warm smile. "You''re early."

    "I thought maybe you need help." she said, smiling back.

    She came in, took off her coat and hung it on a rack and followed him in. She saw him continuing to dress up in his walk in closet. She walked in, passing by the drawer of ties under a glass table top. She scanned the colors and designs, trying to pick one out for him. Then she spotted a familiar taupe tie with crazy diamonds design. She took it out and stared at it.

    He had finished tucking his shirt and putting on his coat when he saw her staring at it with teary eyes.

    "Will you start fulfilling your wish tonight?" His voice was low and warm.

    A sniffle was heard before she turned to him, fighting back the tears. She wrapped the tie around his collar, and began tying.

    Dan looked at her like how a loving husband would on his wife.

    She replaced the collar down, patted his shirt gently and looked up at him.

    He was speechless as he saw her work in the mirror. She could have done a simple knot or a windsor, but she did a complicated eldredge knot adding diagonal lines to match the diamonds design.

    He looked back at her. "How did you...?"

    "I had several years of practice." she giggled. "Can you help me with this in return?" She held up the white gold necklace with the cursive D pendant.

    After clasping the necklace on, he moved his arms to wrap around her waist and buried his face on the crook of her neck, taking in her light scent. Then he looked back on their reflection on the full-length mirror.

    "I don''t mind doing this everyday."

    She giggled. "We need to go now. Didn''t you have a 7pm reservation? Based on your history of setting up dates, it could be as crazy as in the middle of nowhere."

    Dan nodded. Suddenly, his work phone rang. "Park."

    "I''m sorry to call when you are resting at home, Sir. The general manager of Zesty just called. He insists on meeting you at this moment."

    "Park, if I''ll handle every little thing like this personally, I would have dissolved your position long ago." He dropped the call, leaving Michelle Park speechless and scared as f*ck.

    "Something''s up?" Midori had heard about CEO Zhou being ruthless, but this is the first time he had bared his fangs for her to see. What happened to the amicable boy back then. Then again, she herself gives off an aloof atmosphere at the company.

    "Nothing that would concern us." He kissed her temple and led her out.

    When they arrived at the garage, he chose a silver SSC Ultimate Aero.

    Admiring the flip-up doors and leather interiors, she wondered if she could ask him whether she could drive it back.

    Soon, they arrived at the CF Restaurant. The wood planks d¨¦cor with sawn off bicycle seats at the bar set up a cozy atmosphere. The menu on an iPa* has placed technology in the warm place.

    They ordered foie gras sushi, goat cheese salad, cochon noir, la volaille chicken, and tarte au citron with a bottle of 1976 beaujolais nouveau.

    As they were dining, Dan remembered their first dinner together at the revolving restaurant. She was also wearing white, but her tastes had matured. She is now a powerful businesswoman, but she is still there, sitting at arm''s length.

    Midori noticed him staring, with utensils seemed to hang frozen over his plate.

    "CEO Zhou, you should eat." She flashed a bright smile.

    He came out of his trance and heaved a big sigh. "I''m sorry. It''s just that...it''s been awhile." He smiled back and continued his meal.

 63 Speed

    "Hey, since we can''t finish the bottle since one of us has to drive, can we keep it?"

    Dan chuckled and nodded. She sounded like a little girl asking her dad if they could take a puppy home. Aside from that, his ears were keen on the statement, ''one of us has to drive.'' It could have simply been ''you have to drive.'' Why did she phrase it vaguely? He became suspiscious.

    He held the wine bottle on one hand while his other arm was wrapped around her waist.

    When the doors were flipped up and they were about to board, Midori stepped and turned to face him.

    "Hey, can I drive? Just this once..." Hey puppy eyes shining on him.

    He pursed his lips. He had predicted this. "But it takes skill to maneuver this." he tried to object.

    "You think I don''t have the skills to drive this baby?" She frowned while looking at her shoes, like a spoiled kid who did not get what she wants.

    Just then, Dan moved his hand to hold her chin and took her lips in his.

    She kissed him back, clutching his tie, pulling him in as she then leaned on the car.

    When they broke the kiss, he looked at her amused, slowly shaking his head.

    She snickered. "You and your old tricks. We''re not kids anymore."

    He held up the key near her face while smiling. "Your reward."

    She let out a soft squeal, swiftly grabbed the key and went straight to the driver seat.

    Dan held on to his seat as she sped away into the night.

    "Hey, hey! We''re approaching city limits! Watch your speed!" He tried not to shout.

    "Oh..." She finally lowered her gear.

    With a bit of difficulty, she parked the shiny car back in his garage.

    When they got out of the car, she hooked her arm in his. "Hey, I wanna buy this baby from you."

    "You don''t like your Aston Martin anymore?" He looked back skeptically.

    She frowned. "You have a lot of cars. Why can''t I have more. Besides, I''m not asking you to give it for free. Name your price."

    They have arrived at the penthouse when he was about to reply.

    "I''ll name a price and a condition."

    "Say it." She was too eager and was sure that she has the money for whatever it may cost.

    He locked the door and turned to her eager face. "The condition would be that at the end of the day, it will still be parked in my garage."

    She took a deep breath. "Fine. How much?"

    A squeal was suddenly heard as he lifted her up by wrapping his arms around her thighs. The sudden vertical elevation made her unstable that she subconsciously grabbed his shoulders.

    He steadily went upstairs while carrying her, not saying a word.

    He laid her on the bed, tossing both of their slippers away. Then he started undressing himself.

    Soon a topless him went on top of her.

    She was nervous. "Dan...I...I think we should take it slow..."

    "After you sped away with your car, you suddenly want to slow things down?" he asked teasingly.

    "I..." she paused, realizing what she just heard. "My car?!"

    He gave her a peck and smiled. "Now, won''t you give me some consolation from losing my fastest car?"

    Her brows were furrowed. She is shaking her head. But she is brightly smiling.

    He chuckled, then pulled her up, the force making her fall onto him. Then he started undoing the zipper of her dress, while he took a good drag of her scent.

    "I missed you, my Dori." He whispered.

    As her dress slipped away, she looked back at him with longing feelings. Slowly and gently, she started kissing him.

    It has been six long years. They should have been together through all those years. They will start to catch up for lost time.

    She wrapped her legs on his waist as they came together.

    Then he lied down beside her under the sheets.

    "I''m sorry for leaving." she whispered as she cuddled with him.

    "As long as you don''t do it again." His breathing was still relatively faster than usual.

    She embraced him tighter, while his arm pulled her closer.

    "Dori...let''s get married." He looked at her.

    "But I don''t think my family..."

    "Neither will mine." He interrupted. "I have a hunch that my mother is scouting for a fianc¨¦e. I want to give you the security that I am only yours. That no matter what you see or hear, you would be sure that I will be faithful, because I''m your husband."

    "You''re saying we should register our marriage secretly." She started contemplating.

    She recalled how foolish she was for not confronting him that day. If she becomes his wife, she would have the right to keep flies away from him. This made her smile. She also recalled how he tried to reach out to Manta, in the belief that he was their son. He will make a great dad.

    Dan stared at her changing expressions. "Will you go to the registry with me tomorrow?"

    She leaned in closer. "Okay." She was elated and kind of nervous, thinking of what will come after their marriage.

 64 Confession

    Midori woke up in Dan''s arms as her phone was ringing early in the morning.

    She swiped it to answer.

    "Midori, are you still at the same friend''s place?" Aoi Xiu is too smart not to know her whereabouts. She just needed something to start the call. At the same time, she is still skeptical about Midori getting back together with the Zhou heir.

    "Mom!" Midori bolted up to a sitting position. "Uhm...yes. I''m still at my friend''s place." She looked at the clock. "It''s kind of early to be up on a weekend."

    "I''m going back to City T with Takagi-kun today. You will send us off, won''t you?"

    "What?! Your flying back today? What time?" She got up from the bed and hurriedly went to the closet.

    "Seven. We''re on our way to the airport. See you there." Aoi Xiu hung up. She laughed at the thought of how her daughter could mimic the flash in getting herself ready.

    Midori took out a pink sweater and black jeggings from the closet, tossed them onto the bed and bolted to take a shower.

    Before she could shut the door, Dan asked, "Where are you going?"

    "To the airport." She slammed the door.

    Though she tried to go alone, he insisted of driving her to the airport.

    "Stay here." She told him before she shut the door.

    She went jogging into the building. It did not take long for her to spot her family.

    "Mommy, you''re late!" Manta shouted, waving his hands for her to notice.

    She kissed him on the forehead and sheepishly said, "Sorry."

    "Midori." Aoi Xiu opened her arms to gesture for an embrace.

    Midori hugged her. "Have a safe trip, okaasan."

    Then she noticed the familiar figure standing near them.

    "Ryuuji." She also gave him a hug. "Sorry for being unable to give you a tour of the city."

    "Maybe next time." He smiled.

    "Okay. Send my regards to everyone in the office." Indeed, she kind of missing the employees of the Igarashi group.

    The paging system sounded. It was time for them to board the plane.

    Aoi Xiu kissed her grandson on the cheek. Then hugged her daughter again as she whispered, "I know you''re seeing him again. I don''t like it, but you''re not a kid anymore. I trust you, but I still don''t trust him, especially his mother." She backed away so Midori would be at arm''s length. "Call me often." She smiled gently.

    They boarded the plane. After finding their seats, Takagi Ryuuji put on his headphones and his iPo* Shuff** and closed his eyes.

    Aoi Xiu had not yet proven it but this young man seemed to harbor feelings for her daughter. However, she is not someone who bothers with such affairs so she let them be. But if she could choose, Takagi Ryuuji is a better choice than Verdan Zhou, for the fact that his background is less complicated and his contributions to the Igarashi group was exceptional. Also, he had been friends with Midori since she came to City T. It would be a good foundation for a relationship. Then again, it would be against her principles to force her onto someone.

    Takagi Ryuuji was listening to his playlist, but his mind wandered to his memories with Midori.

    He entered business school as a full scholar at the same time as Midori. He was also delayed for their family''s business, a ramen shop, faced a food poisoning scandal. Though it was a setup, they still paid a lot to the lawyer to win the case.

    On the first day of classes, students tend to sit next to their friends. Since he was not from a prominent family, he did not have much friends. His close friends in high school took up other courses. When he finally spotted a vacant seat, he saw a cute girl sitting quietly, the boy next to her was noisily chatting with another guy. He sat on the other side, next to her seat, after asking if anyone was occupying it and receiving a gentle shaking of her head.

    It did not take long for him to realize that she only opens her mouth when needed, as she was very attentive in class and had excellent grades.

    One day, he saw her sitting on a bench under the farthest cherry tree, eating from a bento box, with blossoms fluttering by. He clenched the anpan and canned coffee he was holding, one on each hand, and strode towards her. Even when she sat next to him, she ignored his presence as if she was in her own world.

    He mustered all courage to say "Hi."

    She did not respond with words. She stopped eating and looked at him for a few seconds, then resumed her meal.

    He just sat beside her, slowly eating his bread and drinking his coffee.

    After awhile, she replaced the lid on her bento and stood up. "It''s time for the next class."

    She did not even look at him. She started walking away. He was not sure whether the statement was for him or if she was talking to herself. It was kind of interesting.

    Little by little, with his small consistent friendly gestures and persistence of trying to talk to her, she began to reply normally, engaging in casual conversations.

    On their second year, they were close enough for him to be able to ask about her past relationships.

    "I strongly believe you would be lying if you deny having a boyfriend." This he said, but was secretly hoping that she would be one of those girls who had never fallen in love.

    "I did. He''s not here. We broke up." She nonchalantly said.

    On hearing the first sentence, he was a little disappointed of not being her possible first love. However, on further analysis, he was at least relieved that they had broken up.

    "Was it because of the distance?"

    "Nope." Her eyes became solemn. "He cheated."

    Takagi Ryuuji furrowed her brows. For him, this girl had a great personality once you get to know her. Her looks was not too exceptional, but was very charming. He wondered what kind of as***le would cheat on her.

    "Are you still mad at him?" Even he was not sure why he asked this. Maybe because she looked hurt and sad, but there was no sense of hatred in her eyes when she talked about her ex. Well, maybe.

    "I can''t stay mad for a long time. It''s not good for oneself. I really just felt sad that it wasn''t me whom he really wanted. I don''t know. Maybe I loved him too much, so that I am incapable of hating him."

    At that time, his desire to be the one she loves grew.

    On their final year, he took her out to a fine dining restaurant. She could not help but fix his tie that was sloppily done by him who lacked experience. The way she did it was in a loving manner that it boosted his morale to continue his confession.

    Ah, hai. His confession that was rejected. He could still remember her words.

    "Ryuuji, I want to stay as your friend. If we try when I am not sure about it, and we break up, not only will I lose a boyfriend, I will also lose my friend. I don''t want that to happen."

    When she had to come back to City S, he was devastated, but he could not object. After all, what right does he have?

 65 Baby

    After sending off her mother, Midori had a new dilemma. Shedid not expect Manta to be at the airport, and the clingy Dan is waiting for her at the parking area. At this point, it is only expected that she will come home with Manta. After all, she had not been coming home after work for several days now.

    She decided to send Dan a message.

    "I need to go with Manta today. Maybe I''ll see you tonight?"

    After her message was sent, a message from him popped up, as if he sent his at the same time that she sent hers.

    "My mother called. She requests my presence. Can you go back on your own?"

    Midori replied, "The previous message stands then. I might visit Mei today."

    "Then I''ll see you tonight."

    Manta was curious as he saw his aunt sighing then smiling.

    "Manta, let''s go visit Aunty Mei today!"

    __________

    Dan drove a silver Porsche Panamera into the black iron gates of the Zhou estate.

    "Young Master, the Madam and the visitors are in the Poseidon Room." The butler declared.

    The mansion had three rooms for receiving guests, depending on their number and on what occasion. The rooms were named after the three Greek gods and decorated accordingly. The darkest room wherein movie viewing would be suitable is Hades. The Poseidon was mainly decorated in blue, with an aquarium pillar, accommodating a small number of guests. Lastly, the Zeus hall is a lavishly decorated ballroom large enough to accommodate about 500 guests.

    "Hmmm." Dan nodded and made his way to the room.

    Su Linyu saw him pass along the aquarium pillar.

    She stood up. "Verdan, you''re back. Come sit." She motioned on a single sofa.

    Su Linyu sat across a young lady, who sat beside an elderly man. She made Dan sit on a sofa adjacent both to her seat and the lady''s.

    "Verdan, this is Chairman Song. He owns SG Enterprises." She motioned to the old man.

    Elder Song bowed in acknowledgment.

    "And this is his daughter, Madeline." Su Linyu had a bright smile as she introduced the curvy lady.

    ______________

    "Aunty Mei!" Manta exclaimed.

    Jiang Mei Ling was delighted on the sight as she opened the door. She immediately gave Manta hugs and kisses.

    "My, my! You''ve grown taller, my cute little prince!"

    Midori chuckled. "Sorry for not visiting more often."

    "It doesn''t matter. I know you." Mei giggled. "Come in, come in."

    Mei went to the open kitchen and boiled some water. Then she went to the living room and sat beside Midori.

    "So, how''s your pregnancy so far?"

    "Well, the morning sickness has been gone for weeks now, thank goodness! And, as you can see, I''m showing." She caressed her abdomen.

    "Mommy, what''s pregnancy?" Manta interrupted.

    Midori chuckled. "It means carrying a baby in her tummy. Your Aunty Mei will be having a cute baby soon."

    "That''s right. The baby is sleeping here." She took his chubby little hand and made him feel the baby bump.

    "Woah..." Manta''s eyes widened. Then he looked up at Midori. "Mommy, when will you have a baby?"

    The bestfriends looked at one another, then they laughed.

    "Manta, would you want your Mommy to give you a brother or a sister?" Mei was hinting at Midori with her eyes.

    The little guy gently shook his head. "Aunty Mei. That''s wrong. If mommy will have a baby, the baby will be my cousin, not my brother."

    Midori had a gentle smile. She looked at Mei. "He knows. He had always known."

    Mei had a look of realization. "Ah...so, would it be okay if your Mommy will have a baby?"

    Manta looked at Mei, then Midori. "It''s okay. I will have a cousin to play with." His chinky eyes and chubby cheeks had formed a cute smile.

    Mei nudged on Midori''s arm and raised her brows knowingly.

    To their surprise, Manta continued. "Okaasan left with the baby. She told me she would surprise Otousan so I needed to wait at home." Then his face turned sad.

 66 We Got Back Together

    "Mi-midori, did you..." Mei was stuttering with her question. Wells of tears were building up in her eyes.

    "No." Midori was shaking her head. She stared blankly at the coffee table.

    Just then, Lu Shaoting arrived. He processed the scene in the living room. His wife and her bestfriend looked like they were having a serious conversation. The little boy looked out of place.

    He walked towards them, kissed his wife on the temple and turned to the little boy.

    "Manta, Uncle Shao has new trains. You wanna see them?"

    The little boy''s face lit up and he nodded like a rattle.

    Soon, Lu Shaoting was walking away, holding the little chubby hand.

    The ladies, who were in a trance, finally snapped out of it, and the only thing they could do was to stare at the two who were heading to another room.

    ____________

    "Son, we have decided to announce your engagement next month." Su Linyu was declaring it, not bothering about her son''s opinion at all.

    "This is outrageous!" Dan became furious and stood up.

    "Verdan Zhou! You are not walking out of this conversation!" Su Linyu was mad.

    Chairman Song tried to appease the two. "Mr. Zhou, please give my daughter a chance. Though your mother and I agreed on your engagement, we will still let you young ones get to know each other first. Please give my daughter some face."

    Dan looked at Madeline Song, who was looking at her shoe, clearly embarrassed.

    He cleared his throat and sat back down. "You don''t have the right to decide on this!" He said, turning to his mother with gritted teeth.

    "I am your mother!" Su Linyu had a domineering tone.

    "You had never acted as one to me! Not even for a single day of my life!"

    Su Linyu could not help herself. She stood up and slapped him hard on the cheek. "You ingrate!"

    Then she walked out of the room. An awkward silence made the room feel suffocating.

    Luckily for Chairman Song, his phone rang. He made it sound like he was taking an urgent call.

    He excused himself. "I''m sorry, Mr. Zhou, but could you give Madeline a ride home? There is an emergency situation in my company." Before Dan could say anything, the elderly man seemed to have the vigor to jog out of the room.

    After the door was shot, thei nnocent look on Madeline Song was gone. She had an arrogant face with curved lips.

    "Mr. Zhou, I am not sure what kind of issues you have with your mother, but I would still be grateful that you gave me face in front of my father. Seems like the aloof CEO of ZFC is indeed a gentleman."

    "Don''t even get the illusion that I will marry you." His tone was indifferent, but his eyes were furious.

    "Yeah, yeah...rich boys have problems too. I get that. Say, I think, since we''re in your house, the walls have ears. And here I am, having great ideas in my head. Can we go somewhere more private?"

    Dan squinted his eyes. He stood up and walked towards the door.

    Madeline Song was up on her feet in no time, striding to catch up with him.

    _____________

    After they have calmed down from the sudden information, Mei stood up as the kettle whistled. She brewed some ceylon tea and brought it to the living room.

    "Oh yeah, how did you survive the ship wreck? We were so worried." She diverted the topic.

    Midori took a sip from her cup. "Uhm...I was with Dan."

    "What?! How unfortunate can you be? Did you know that that as***le punched Shao on set?"

    "What? How did that happen?" Midori could not believe that he would hurt his friend for no reason.

    "Well, he confronted Shao about what happened six years ago. When Shao recalled how he cheated, he accused Shao of telling lies to you! Can you believe it?!"

    "Uhm...well..." Midori did not know how to explain.

    "Shao went home with a bleeding lip. But you know what? Shao said that Dan looked shocked, as if he had no idea about what happened." Mei''s expression became confusion.

    Midori had a bitter smile. "Well, he didn''t."

    "What do you mean? Did he tell you that he was innocent? And you believed him?!"

    "He was drugged. He was sleeping the whole time. He did not know what was happening."

    Mei pouted and crossed her arms on her chest. "I don''t buy it."

    "He said it while he was delirious due to high fever."

    Mei gasped. "When was this?"

    "When the hijackers were firing inside the ship, he saved me. A bullet grazed his arm. When our liferaft drifted to an island, he pulled it and tied it securedly on a tree so we could stay on shore. It was raining. Hiswound became infected and he had a high fever."

    Mei raised her hand to cover her mouth. She could not believe how a lot of things can unfold in a single tragic event.

    Midori pursed her lips, then smiled bitterly. "If I had confronted them back then, I would have known that it was just a show by Ming Rushi.

    "That b**ch!" Mei was furious on recalling the sly face back in high school. Then she thought of something else. "So, how are you guys now? He was innocent, plus he saved you and kept you alive in that hijacking incident."

    Midori blushed. "Well, we..."

    Mei''s eyes widened in anticipation.

    "We got back together." Midori closed her eyes and hugged a throw pillow, praying that Mei would not make her repeat herself.

    _______________

    After having dinner with much discussion on recent events, Midori managed to go home with Manta. She tucked the little guy in bed and went out back to Dan''s place.

    She punched in the passcode and entered the unit naturally. She stopped on her tracks, mouth gaping, when she saw the scene.

    Madeline Song was clutching the collar of Dan, their faces almost touching each other.

    Midori''s figure took their attention. Dan was frozen. He did not want her to misunderstand!

    Madeline Song was surprised, then she snickered. "Midori Xiu."

 67 Plo

    Chairman Song had just gotten home.

    "Where is your Young Mistress?" He asked the housekeeper.

    "Master, the Young Miss had yet to come home."

    Chairman Song''s eyes lit up, his brows were raised. ''This might be a good development.'' he thought.

    To his excitement, he wanted to check how they are so he grabbed his phone. Just when he was to make the call, he hesitated. ''I might bother them.'' He turned to the housekeeper. "The Young Miss might not come home today. You need not wait for her."

    The housekeeper nodded, but was confused over the mischievous smile her Master had as he walked upstairs.

    Chairman Song is a cunning man. He outwitted investors and competitors alike, like how a spider lures a fly to its web. This engagement is beneficial to his company. SG Enterprises had been on the rocks for quite some time. He needed enough resources to make it to the top. Marrying his bast**d daughter off to the heir of ZFC would give him the power and money that anyone would desire. ''It sure was a good decision to let that low-life waitress in City L have this daughter. Not only is she timid and would obey all his commands, she also had a beautiful face and the curves in all the right places.'' He laughed with his perverted thoughts. Too bad the clueless guy who was rumored to be gay will be the one to benefit from all the goods.

    His smile became sinister as he mocked Chairman Zhou in his mind. ''Victor, how unfortunate you are. You let that naive wife of yours to take over and order your son around. Then again, you can''t even give me an expression when I take over your empire and your wife.'' He laughed again.

    _________________

    Ming Rushi rolled over from a man''s embrace and took her phone from the bedside table.

    "Manager Ming, bad news."

    "Isn''t it a rule that you need to pair a bad news with a good one when reporting?" Her brows furrowed.

    "CEO Zhou is to be engaged to Chairman Song''s legitimated daughter." The caller did not dwell on the sarcasm.

    "Oh really..." There was glint in her eyes and she had a smug face. "Arrange my documents for my transfer to the headquarters. Expect me in two days time." Ming Rushi hung up.

    A pair of arms wrapped around her waist. Their owner was still lying lazily on bed.

    "Why are you going so soon?" A lazy hoarse voice asked.

    Ming Rushi was irritated. "You should already be satisfied that I stayed a few weeks. Don''t push it."

    "But I just miss you too much."

    "Don''cha worry. After this, I will be staying at City S for good."

    "Why do you need to have a vague relationship with him anyway?"

    "What are you complaining about? I never cross the line. It was their imagination. People''s mouths made the rumors."

    "But you''re mine. You know I''m selfish." The man pulled her down back on the bed to lie in his embrace.

    ________________

    Madeline Song let go of Dan''s collar and she strode towards Midori until her presence made the stunned girl back up against the wall. She slammed the side of her fist on the wall and leaned near Midori''s face, making a perfect kabedon.

    "So you live here? It seems the rumor back in high school was true. Your school''s basketball ace and cheer captain are together." Madeline Song grin became wider.

    Dan got his senses back and hurried to them. Before he could pull Madeline Song away, her statement stopped him.

    "Touch me and she will misunderstand!" Her voice was commanding. Then she turned her head back to the confused face of Midori Xiu. "It''s been awhile. I missed you."

    To the shock of the two people who were there, Madeline Song kissed Midori Xiu.

 68 FiancĂ©

    "Too bad my fianc¨¦ is that loser." Madeline Song licked her lips and pointed towards Dan''s direction using her thumb.

    "Why you little..!" Dan was furious. He stomped his way towards them.

    Before he reached where they were, Madeline Song had strode towards the door.

    "Ciao!" She waved her hand without turning back and shot the door behind her.

    Midori had an expression that was difficult to describe. She recalled an event a few weeks ago when she was shopping for clothes.

    "Midori Xiu, is that really you?" A lady with a huge pair of breasts that could cause her a back injury came walking towards her before she could can an attendant for dress fitting.

    She pondered on the identity of this girl. Then as if recalling, her face lit up. "Madeline Song?"

    "Yes! I knew you won''t easily forget me."

    It was a bit awkward as huge masses of fat hit Midori''s chest as the curvy woman pulled her to an embrace. That and, aren''t they rivals? Well, it was several years back, and is the rivalry just made up as they were kids?

    "You''re gorgeous. Wanna go grab some coffee?" Madeline''s hand snaked from Midori''s shoulder, tracing her spine.

    Before the hand can reach her buttocks, she instinctively stepped away.

    "Uhm...maybe next time. I...I need to go now." Without looking back, she hurriedly went to another store.

    "Dori..." Dan''s voice snapped her from the memory. "Are you alright?"

    She nodded, but there were tears in her eyes.

    He stepped forward tp her, but her voice stopped him.

    "Don''t go near!" She was trembling. Then she ran to the bathroom.

    Dan went to the kitchen.

    After a while, he went into the bedroom carrying a bowl of hot n'' sour soup. He found Midori on the bed, clutching the sheets.

    He placed the tray on the bedside table. "Hey, look at me..." He tried to pull the sheets off of her.

    When he succeeded, her gloomy face appeared.

    He had a gentle smile on his face. Then he held the soup near her. "Have some soup."

    She complied, slowly taking in about two spoonfuls. Then she put down the spoon.

    Dan placed the bowl back on the table. Then he embraced her.

    "I...I was...I was kissed by someone else!" she cried.

    Indeed, it did not matter if it was a guy or a girl. She felt violated by being kissed by someone else. Though Dan has his tricks sometimes, because she had feelings for him, she never felt this way.

    "It''s fine. You''ve already washed your face, right?" He rubbed her back.

    "It''s not fine!" She was protesting like a spoiled kid.

    "Then let me wipe that memory."

    "Wha-" Before she could clarify, he had taken her lips into a passionate kiss.

    Midori was panting as she broke the kiss. "Hey...why...why did she...she said...you''re his fianc¨¦?"

    Dan frowned. "The handiwork of my mother." He sighed. "It''s just for show...for us both. As you can see, she likes girls. And of course, I will only marry you." His face was turned into a gentle smile.

    ________________

    In an intensive care room of a private hospital, the neurology team was doing their rounds.

    As they were assessing for response, a resident noted that the patient moved his finger when pain was elicited. "Dr. Chen, the patient withdraws to pain!"

    The one called Dr. Chen tried to elicit the response, and there was it. Movement. He tried to elicit movement by calling the patient''s name while tapping his shoulder, with no success. However, he now responds to pain. It was still aresponse nonetheless! He looked at the patient on tracheostomy tube. Finally, there is hope that he will wake up.

    Dr. Chen went out of the room as he tried to call Madam Xiu.

 69 Box

    Since the following day was still an off-work day, they Dan and Midori decided to go out.

    She was surprised with his suggestion though.

    "Why don''t we bring Manta today? He must miss his ''Mommy'' since I''ve been hoarding her for a while now." He flashed his dazzling smile.

    Midori squinted her eyes as she looked at him, then she smiled. "That''s actually a great idea! Where are you taking us? Is it the aquarium? Amusement park?" She tried guessing.

    "Hmmm...you''ll see." His had a gentle smile.

    _________

    "I see. It''s progress!" Aoi Xiu was tearing up when she received the call.

    "Vice Chairman, should I also call CEO Xiu?"

    "No. Not yet. She might have the urge to tell the little one. Manta would be too excited for so little response. You said that there is a chance that he will wake up, right? Until then, let us not give false hope to my grandson."

    "As you wish, Vice Chairman."

    "Thank you, Dr. Chen."

    After finishing the call, Aoi Xiu dialled another number. It was ongoing after two rings.

    "Madam."

    "Do you have any new leads on my son''s case?"

    "Gomenasai. We have yet to have any substantial lead, Madam."

    "Do you need more resources?"

    "Madam, the oyabun of Yamaguchi-gumi had already lend us a hand in the investigations; the regular fund is also adequate."

    "S? ka? Make sure to inform me when you dig up something. I need results as soon as possible."

    "Hai, wakarimashita."

    Aoi Xiu hung up. Her face was serious with a hint of danger.

    _________________

    It has always been a fun experience for Midori to guess which car they would be using everytime they go out.

    "So, what''s it gonna be?" Dan was hiding the key from her sight, prepared to unlock.

    "Hmmm...if we''re bringing Manta, the sportscars are eliminated. She scanned the garage. "Oh! That one looks like a nice family car!" She pointed towards a bombay blue Audi Q8.

    Dan laughed and unlocked the car she pointed at.

    "Yeah! Can I drive?" She tried the puppy eyes.

    He leaned in to kiss her temple. "Not this time." His mood had just shot up when she said ''family.'' Though Manta is not theirs, he is still elated that they would go out like a real family. It might be a good practice.

    As they pulled over in the Xiu estate, Manta was already standing at the front door, carrying his bear-shaped backpack.

    The little guy looks so cute wearing a collared plaid shirt with solid color shorts and a pair of sneakers.

    Once Midori stepped out of the car, he yelled "Mommy!"

    Dan also emerged from the driver seat.

    The little boy seemed to have forgotten their little incident as he also called out to him. "Uncle Dan!"

    Dan picked him up in his arms. He opened the back seat, and to Midori''s surprise, there was a car seat.

    "When did you..." She gave a hanging question.

    Dan smiled brightly at her after securing the little guy. Then he went back behind the wheel.

    "Uncle Dan, you have Cerealz?!" The little boy almost screamed after noticing a cereal box tucked in one of the compartments. It was the chocolate cereals he was staring at when he first met his Uncle Dan.

    Before the adults could reply, his voice turned sad. "Oh, it''s empty."

    "You can fill it up later." Dan replied while smiling.

    Midori looked at him in disbelief, as if saying ''Why would you make a kid excited then burst his bubble?''

    He laughed at her reaction. Then he added, "Manta, do you know how Cerealz is made?"

    The boy got curious. Indeed, how do they end up in a box. "I don''t know, Uncle Dan. Do you know how Cerealz are made?"

    "Of course. I own Cerealz." He chuckled.

    Manta''s face lit up. "Then, will you give me more Cerealz?"

    "I can show you how it''s made. How''s that?" Dan had a big grin.

    "Oh boy! Uncle Dan, you''re the best!" Manta hugged the box like it was a teddy.

    Dan winked at Midori, as she gave him an incredulous look.

 70 Secret Between Men

    Manta was hopping as they entered the manufacturing plant. They were made to wear hard hats, eyeshields, and laboratory coats.

    Midori gave Dan a grateful look as the little guy was sporting the attire as if every piece of it was made for his size.

    A man in his 30s wearing the same personal protective equipment walked towards them.

    "CEO Zhou, CEO Xiu, Little Man. Welcome to the world of Cerealz!" He declared smiling. "Little Man, I am Uncle Tony. Are you excited to see how Cerealz is made?"

    "Yeah!" Manta held out his empty box.

    "Oh, you already have a box! Let''s fill it up with Cerealz at the end of your tour. Okay?"

    "Yeah!" Manta jumped up. Then, he turned to Midori. "Mommy, can you hold onto this box for me?"

    Though confusedly reluctant, she took the box from him. "Sure."

    To their surprise, the little guy''s chubby hands held Midori''s hand in one, while taking Dan''s hand on the other. They would indeed be a picture of a happy family.

    They were first led to the revolving pressure cookers.

    "Why are the big drums spinning?" Manta asked.

    "They are cooking the wheat which will become Cerealz." Dan explained before Tony could recite his technically practiced speech.

    They went on inside the factory. Tony thought he would be like Willy Wonka, but it seemed that he was just demoted into an oompa loompa.

    "Hey! Mommy, look! They have big rolling pins!"

    "Yes, Honey." She gently patted his hat.

    "That''s for the frosted variant. The choco balls will come from there." Dan pointed towards a machine which extrudes beads of chocolate balls, which were a bit flat if one looks closer.

    "How come they are not round?" Manta has keen observation.

    "They need to be puffed out. Come, I''ll show you where the round cereals are." Dan started walking.

    Tony felt really lost. He knew how hands on the CEO is, visiting their factories every now and then. The supervisor assigned him to be the tour guide and made him memorize trivias about each machine since the CEO had informed them that he will bring visitors. However, it seemed that he really was not needed, looking like a dog following a happy family.

    "Woah!" Manta was delighted to see the cereals tumbling from the machine.

    "They would be coated here..." Dan was about to go to the next machine, but he noticed that Manta seemed tired. He and his long legs again.

    He picked the little guy up in his arms, then they went to look at the chocolate-coated cereals.

    Tony furrowed his brows. ''Is this boy the CEO''s son? But I heard him call him ''uncle'' so is it not the case?'' He skeptically looked for resemblance.

    Just then, Midori whispered to him. "Tony, is it?"

    "Yes, CEO Xiu?"

    "Can you tell me where the restroom is?" It seemed she did not want the two to notice her absence.

    Tony gave her a few directions and she nodded. She left him the cereal box.

    Dan noticed that she went away but pretended not to.

    As the employee looked at the tall man and the little man in his arms, he found very little resemblance. Then it hit him. The boy looks so much like CEO Xiu, except for the eyes! He had the same eye color as CEO Zhou! Oh my God!

    While Midori was away, Dan took his opportunity to talk to Manta.

    "Hey buddy. I need to tell you something. Can you keep a secret? You''re a little man now. It will be a secret between men, alright?"

    Manta nodded, totally interested. He was swearing his allegiance by tapping his chubby fist on his chest, his face serious.

    "Good. I''ll marry your aunt today, but dangerous people will put us into trouble if they know. So I''m only telling you. Are you okay with that?"

    Manta whispered, "Did Mommy agree to marry you?"

    "She did...but she did not know that we will have a secret ceremony today. She thought we will only register our marriage."

    "Register?"

    "It means to put it on paper. I want a small ceremony so I could give her a ring, okay?"

    "Okay. Do I need to do anything?"

    Dan smiled. "You shall hold our rings."

    "Okay." The little guy smiled back.

    Though he could not hear their conversation, Tony''s suspicions were building up due to the expression the two exchanged.

    Midori walked in to pull him back to really. "Thank you for holding this."

    She walked towards the two who had just picked up a sealed bag of cereals.

    "Mommy, look! I can now put this in the bag!" Manta had a big smile while holding the bag of chocolate cereals.

 71 Lunch

    The little family in the eyes of people went away after getting several boxes of cereals on their trunk.

    "Where are we going for lunch?" Midori asked as she noticed that they were driving way past the city limits.

    "It''s a place only a few people know. Privacy is their specialty." Dan smiled.

    "And you wanna eat that? Sounds great." Midori''s sarcasm made him laugh.

    They noticed that it was quiet at the back seat. They looked at each other, then Midori took a peek at the child seat. The little guy was sound asleep, hugging the cereal box. Dan also had a glimpse of him from the rearview mirror, making him express a gentle smile.

    Finally, they had arrived at a Spanish style villa. A uniformed attendant was at the door to greet them.

    "Mr. Zhou. This way please." She gestured for them to come in. She led them in a spacious room with chandeliers and a fireplace. This room housed a few wooden tables with a couple of chairs each. They were seated near the unlit fireplace with an additional high chair.

    Midori was again waiting for the menu but was disappointed.

    Several servers started filling up the table with food. Gazpacho and croquetas were served as appetizers. Then pisto, which is Spanish ratatouille, and thinly sliced jamon were served next. Next came the squid ink paella negra, prawns in spicy garlic sauce and pulpo a la gallega. For dessert, leche fritas were served together with fresh milk for the little boy. The adults had some red wine. While they were on dessert, a waiter passed by carrying a bowl of cold gazpacho. Suddenly, a woman on the next table suddenly stood up screaming.

    "Waaah! Spider! Kill it! Kill it!" She hurriedly turned around and bumped on the waiter, splashing the soup all over Midori.

    The female supervisor hurried to their table, almost breaking her neck in repeated apology.

    Dan calmly made a phone call, seemingly to his assistant, asking for a set of clothes.

    The supervisor flusteredly offered, "Madam, you could use one of the rooms upstairs to take a shower. We will also reserve the room for you for the night for free as apology."

    "Really, no need." She turned to Dan. "Let''s just head home."

    "No rush. I had called Park for a change of clothes. You need the shower." He said calmly.

    Manta remained indifferent, sipping his milk.

    Midori sighed and followed the supervisor out of pity. She was afraid that the server might get fired if this escalated.

    The room was bright with floor-to-ceiling framed windows, with a door opening to the balcony. The en-suite bathroom had beige marble walls and floors, with a large shower area surrounded by transparent glass walls and door. There was a corner bathtub with bubble bath features. The toilet was surrounded by gold fixtures and a bidet. There are fresh towels on the cabinet adjacent to the double vanity sink area. Aside from the wall lamps, most of the illumination comes from the tinted skyroof.

    The attendant left Midori after showing her the toiletries.

    After her refreshing shower, she put on the bathrobe provided and went out into the bedroom to find the clothes Dan had ordered for her.

    It was a sweetheart white satin dress with an illusion neckline. The dainty lace covering the bodice extends to the blush chiffon and tulle skirt, which gave the dress a retro look. Her short hair was fixed, with the help of an attendant, behind her ears with crystal decorated pins.

    Just then, she saw Jiang Mei Ling enter the room. "Oh my gosh!" It was really a look of awe. Then she shifted. "What happened to you?! Were you that drenched so much that you needed to change clothes?" She now had a look of concern.

    "I...I''m fine. Mei, why are you here?" She was getting suspicious.

    "I''m also dining here with Shao. I saw how you were splashed with the dish when I was on my way to the restroom. Peeing is troublesome when you are pregnant. Even when I wanted to help you immediately, I couldn''t hold it in." Mei pouted as she recalled her trip to the loo.

    "I''m okay now. They were kind enough to let me use this room for free. Don''t stress yourself over small matters. It''s not good for the baby." Midori had a gentle smile.

    Mei pouted. "At least let me help with your makeup. Good thing I brought mine today." She had a bright smile. She took out several items from her bag.

    Just by looking at them, Midori could tell that they were barely, if ever had been, used. Her suspicion was growing.

    Mei is better than her in applying makeup, because it is part of the former''s job. However, people who just happened to come by should not be troubled enough to redo her makeup. For all they know, she might be already heading home.

    "Mei, don''t put too much. We don''t have much left in our itinerary." Midori waved her hand.

    "Nonsense! You should always look good in front of everyone. You may not be an actress, but you''re pretty popular in business. You never know when paparazzi might appear." Mei was determined to finish the look no matter what.

    After bidding Mei goodbye, an attendant led her to the garden.

    "Madam, your companion awaits at the gazebo." She gestured towards the place.

    Midori was a bit confused. The man with his back on her, standing at the gazebo did not have the same clothes that Dan was wearing for the day.

    ''Did the attendant mistake me for someone else?'' she thought. Her curiosity still led her towards its steps. "Dan?" she tried to call out.

    Just then, the tall man turned around, wearing a taupe suit and a blush tie over a white shirt. He had the familiar dazzling smile that could fascinate women and men alike.

    "My Dori..." He looked at her with gentle eyes.

    Midori furrowed her brows. "Where''s Manta?"

 72 What Do You Mean Today?

    "Well, Mei found him. You know the rest."

    "Hmmm." Midori knew how fond the couple is of the little guy. "Did you also get your clothes dirty?" She was indirectly questioning his change.

    "Hmmm." He just nodded.

    Midori looked around them. The garden was vast, and there was a pool adjacent to the house that would be an infinity when viewed against the lake. The garden was filled with bushes of different flowers. "It''s so beautiful here." She had a bright smile as she took in the surroundings.

    She turned to him. "I wonder who owns..." She gasped on the sight.

    Right there, in front of her, he was down on one knee.

    "I know that we have talked about this, but I''ll ask again anyway. Midori Xiu, will you be my wife starting today?" He opened a red velvet box containing a ring.

    The ring had a pea-sized round cut diamond, with a pinkish center, and as she looked closer, she could see a sakura flower seemingly trapped among the prisms. It was held atop a rose gold twisted band adorned with smaller diamonds.

    She nodded her head as she cried, "Yes! It''s still a yes!"

    Dan took the ring from the box and put it on her left ring finger.

    Midori was teary as she admired the ring. Then she remembered something.

    "Did you just say today?" She looked at Dan skeptically.

    He stood up then kissed her forehead as he whispered, "See you there." Then he walked away.

    Before Midori could chase him, Michelle appeared out of nowhere.

    Midori was thinking if she was hiding in the bushes.

    "CEO Xiu, let''s go inside for a bit." Michelle led her to the room where she had previously changed clothes in.

    However, contrary to the quiet room that she saw earlier that day, it became a bridal suite, with makeup artist, her bestfriend, and several attendants.

    As she was already wearing the dress and the crystal embellished white satin Manolos on her feet, she will only need improvements on her hair and makeup. The attendants were there to cater to her other needs like a glass of water, some accessories and to take care of her bouquet.

    Her bouquet is a Carmen Rose or a composite flower type, with an ombre look, composed of red, pink, light pink, and white rose petals going outwards. It looks simple, like a single large flower, but it is relatively costly.

    The vintage look was completed with a short tulle veil, just covering half of her face, revealing the upgraded makeup of lighter eyeshadow but heavier eyeliner and the bloody red lips.

    Mei had gone to the garden ahead of her so she could also welcome the bride along with the small wedding party.

    Midori was escorted by several attendants further into the back garden, where she saw white tall curtains, hanging from an arch of flowers, obscuring the view beyond them.

    Then, a violin started playing Rest of My Life by the artist BM. As it hit the last note of the first line, two attendants simultaneously pulled to draw the curtains.

    Dan was staring at the curtain the whole time, waiting in anticipation.

    From looking down, Midori looked up straight into the tall man standing at the end of the short aisle when the curtains were drawn.

    He met her gaze. Dan''s eyes watered. As tears fell, he immediately took out a handkerchief to wipe them off his cheeks. He was crying, but his dazzling bright smile was there.

    It was a short trip towards the place where he was standing. The officiant was also there, standing under the shade of a large tree.

    There were only six guests, plus Manta. The Lu couple, their assistants, Long Yun, and as per agreement, Madeline Song.

    The tree was large enough to take them all under its shade, as they form a half circle, surrounding the bride and groom.

    When Midori had reached Dan''s spot, she instinctively reached to wipe the still flowing tears from his cheeks.

    "CEO Zhou, you''ve come this far. Please hold it in." She chuckled then had a gentle smile.

    He also chuckled, managed to reduce his tears to sobs, and took her arm in his.

    The marriage officiant started, "We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life''s greatest relationships ¨C the union between man and woman that we call marriage.As you, Verdan and Midori, are joined together in this marriage, I ask you both to search your hearts for the wisdom of this covenant, which has from ancient times been expressed with those ideas that come from the heart."

    It was a non-religious ceremony, so after a few words of advice, it continued with the declaration of intent.

    "Do you, Verdan, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife and will you be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

    "I do." Dan answered immediately, then stared back at Midori.

    "Do you, Midori, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband and will you be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

    Midori shot Dan a look and smiled gently before answering, "I do."

    The officiant looked at them both. "I believe you have prepared vows."

    "Yes." Dan answered back and looked at Midori.

    She glared at him with a questioning look. ''These are all surprises to me! How dare you put me on the spot?!''

 73 Vows

    Dan chuckled as he saw her reaction. Then he tilted his head a bit and gave her a warm smile.

    He cleared his throat and began speaking. "Midori Xiu, I once believed that the universe conspired for us to meet more than seven years ago. I could still remember the taste of the miso soup from your bento like it was yesterday. However, when I lost you six years ago, I wondered how I offended the universe because my world crumbled." He sniffed, fighting his tears as he tried to continue. "All the time I spend looking for you, longing for you...I was made to believe that they were all in vain. However, as I laid my eyes on you again several weeks back, I knew that every second I had to endure without you by my side is all worth it."

    Midori was smiling brightly, but tears start to well up in her eyes. Some guests were also affected.

    After breathing deeply, he continued, "I promise to love and cherish you. I promise to show you how I appreciate every moment, every second with you. I promise to stick with you through thick and thin, even if these will describe our bodies throughout the years. I promise to be always on your side, even if you will turn against me. I promise to do everything to make you happy and to keep what we have all the days of our lives. I loved you when we were young. I still love you today, and I probably will keep on loving you in the days to come. Right now...I thank you for agreeing to be with me again, and for agreeing to be my wife. I cannot assure you that our life will always be blissful, but I will be with you, even if you don''t want me to, so be prepared." His bright smile and tears were just at the tip of his iceberg happiness. It was so great that it was unfathomable.

    Midori helped him wipe his tears as she was crying herself.

    Since this was a surprise for her, Midori''s vow was spontaneous, but definitely coming from the heart.

    "Dan, you shook my world about seven or so years ago, when you took your first bite from my bento. My defenses shattered like glass when you drank from the same cup as I did. We were indeed silly as kids. As I think about it now, I am not to sure how we ended up eating my lunch together everyday back then, when you obviously have the resources to put up an exclusive restaurant on campus."

    She chuckled, then they both laughed. Some guests giggled, others were shocked on their history.

    "Verdan Zhou, even if our names mean the same thing, the grass may not always be greener on the other side. We had overcome a lot since then, and this time, it is still uncertain how we will go from here. However, I thank you for believing in us, for not giving up on me. I promise to be your wife for the rest of my life. I assure you that I don''t plan to become a divorcee in this lifetime. I promise to always be true to you, except when I need to surprise you."

    They both laughed.

    "I love you. I promise to support you as your partner. I promise to make and keep our house a home, whether with children or none. I promise that I will try my best to be patient, to be understanding, to all your needs and wants, whether they are reasonable or otherwise. Since I will have the right, be prepared that I will always claim you as mine and only mine."

    As the exchange of rings came, Manta stepped up to approach them looking like a dashing little man, with beige suit, thin blush tie, brown oxfords and a brown briefcase, all proportionate to his size. He adjusted his brown round sunglasses on the bridge of his nose, mimicking an adult.

    He keyed in a set of numbers, and the briefcase was opened. "Boss, here are the goods." he declared, looking at Dan.

    Midori laughed at the sight. Her nephew is so adorable and is so into it!

    The wedding bands were composed of a rose gold twisted vine band along half of which small diamonds were embedded, with a small marquise cut diamond, with one edge protruding out from the band at the center for Midori, while Dan''s is a simpler rose gold twisted band embedded between platinum matte bands to form an 8mm wedding band.

    The officiant made them repeat these words as they exchanged rings.

    "With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home."

    The officiant then said, "May you two find in each other the love for which all men and women long for.May you grow in understanding and compassion.And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in your hearts."

    Then, the moment they were all waiting for came.

    "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

    Dan took Midori''s waist with his right arm. Then he swept away the veil that was slightly covering her face as he cupped her cheek. He kissed her, gently and slowly for much longer than people expected.

    Applause from the small audience was heard and the ceremony was done.

 74 Vague Words

    Since it was a small wedding party, there was only dinner and a few toasts until the few guests bid goodbye.

    "We will bring Manta to our home for the night. You guys enjoy!" Mei had a knowing smile as she stood beside Lu Shaoting who was carrying the sleeping boy in his arms.

    "Oh...okay. Thank you so much Mei." Midori hugged her bestfriend as they sent the guests away.

    .

    Madeline Song started her engine. Just then, her phone beeped as a message notification appeared.

    "Madie, where are you now? Are you coming home tonight?" Her mom''s words were filled with worry.

    Knowing that her mom would tell on her to her dad, she casually replied, "I''m with CEO Zhou right now. I might not be home tonight."

    As she tapped ''Send,'' she thought to herself, ''Well, I''m not lying, am I?'' Then she chuckled. Technically she had yet to drive off from the wedding venue so she was still with the people there.

    Suddenly, there was a knock on her window. She pressed on a button to roll it down.

    Frowning at the sight, she asked, "What do you want?"

    Long Yun had been keeping his eyes on this curvy lady ever since she emerged at the garden. He really likes her. However, this lady interacted with the others very briefly and mostly talked to the bride. ''Is she Midori''s close friend?'' He decided to at least get her number before leaving.

    "Uhm...Hi...uh, I just want to give you this." He held out his business card.

    She took it suspiciously. It had his name and it had an airline company logo and name. It turns out he is a pilot. ''So what?''

    He stared at her face then continued, "Uhm...our family owns the company. Call me when you need to book a flight. I will sure give you upgrades and discounts."

    "Is that all?" Madeline Song held a brow up. Before he could reply, she stepped on the accelerator and sped away. She tossed the card at the backseat, caring no less if it gets stepped on or lost.

    She was disgusted at his gesture. Then again, it was not her first time to be hit on by the opposite sex. Definitely not her style.

    When she arrived at her hotel room. She remembered to check her phone. She had not replied to her mom''s message as she was distracted.

    "It''s good that you''re getting along with him. Don''t worry about not coming home. Take your time."

    Her vague answers seemed to work. Not only did she avoided suspicion, her mom even seemed elated.

    ___________

    As they were about to enter through the front door, Dan swiftly carried his bride in his arms.

    "Dan! What are you-" She was surprised by the sudden gesture.

    "I''m carrying my bride over the threshold." He smiled. He carried her like it was the easiest thing to do.

    She hit his shoulder. "But...there are still attendants..." She looked around and saw that the place was desserted. Even the tables in the room where they had their dinner had been kept.

    Dan had a smug face and continued to carry her upstairs. He took her to the farthest double door at the end of the hallway.

    "Hey, this is not the room reserved for..." she again halted her mouth.

    He looked at her, a bit disappointed. How could his wife think that he will reserve only one room for the wedding he carefully planned?

    He adjusted her in his arms to open the door. She instinctively clung to his neck in order not to fall.

    He walked across the room, through a curved doorway, into the bedroom.

    Then he gently laid her on the king size bed as if she was fragile. The bed had pure white sheets where flower petals were scattered, as if forming another layer of blanket. White curtains of soft fabric was draped on the posts, kept in place by red cords. The bed frame was made of varnished wood, looking like an antique piece, but as Midori lied down, it did not make a sound and felt sturdy. The mattress was so fluffy and the pillows were almost as soft. Scented candles were lit and placed at the bedside table.

    As she was admiring the room amenities, Dan whispered in her ear, "Would you like to take a bath first?" Before she could reply, he added, "Or would you like me to join you?"

 75 The Night is Still Young

    Midori backed away and hurriedly replied, "I...I''ll go first!" Then she bolted towards the ensuite bathroom.

    Dan chuckled and shook his head. After she slammed the door, he went out of the room.

    The bathroom was larger than the one from her bridal preparations. It housed a chandelier atop a seemingly small pool in the middle of the room. There was a shower at the corner with multiple showerheads throwing water from different directions. The toilet had a more advanced bidet while the sink was in a marble finish. There was also a vanity table with a large spotless mirror, complete with lights, equipped with various creams, makeup and other beauty products. The cushioned stool was kept under it.

    As she took her dress off, she admired its dainty laces. ''It would have been a shame if it got ripped out.'' She sighed in relief then snickered.

    She went to the shower first to thoroughly cleanse herself. Then she took a dip in the pool-like tub, pouring some of the provided aromatic oils in.

    She took her time in the bath as it was so relaxing that she almost fell asleep. She dried her hair after putting on a robe. Then she finally stepped into the bedroom.

    She saw him on the sofa, reading some documents. He was already in his robe, with his hair looking damp. "You''re done with your bath?"

    "Hmn." He replied, without looking up.

    She walked towards him, then leaned in to check what he was so busy about that he was ignoring his new wife.

    As her subtle scent wafted into his nostrils, he finally looked up to her.

    Midori looked backat him. "Why? Is this confidential?" She asked pouting.

    He was staring at her, mesmerized, when he heard her question. "Ah...no. It''s not much." He let go of the papers and arranged them on the coffee table.

    Dan stood up, then he cupped her cheeks.

    He was about to lean in for a kiss, when she blurted out, "The night is still young. I wanna explore the lake. Can we?"

    He flashed an amused smile. "Sure." he said, then he turned to the closet to put on clothes.

    ______________

    Black pumps were clicking with the strides on the floor of the meeting room. Aoi Xiu sat at the head of the table.

    "You may begin." Her voice was clear. She leaned back on her chair and crossed her fair and smooth legs as she listened intently to the report.

    "This is the design of the new model to bereleased in two months time." The director was showing the features of a new cellular phone through his presentation.

    Suddenly, a phone rang. "Igarashi-shachou, Chen sensei ga denwa ni imasu(1)." Her secretary whispered.

    Aoi Xiu''s face was filled with worry, and the people in the room halted whatever they were doing to look at her.

    She took the phone then she looked back at the executives before her. "Kaigi o enki suru(2)."

    Aoi Xiu, known in the Igarashi group still as Igarashi Aoi, the acting president for the headquarters, was known for her dedication and diligence on work. People also know that only one thing precedes over work for her. That was family.

    As Aoi Xiu walked briskly to the elevators after taking the call, she turned to her assistant. "Get my plane ready."

    "Hai, Sachou."

    They exited the building and rushed into a white Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which sped away to the surprise of the guards.

    Aoi Xiu was tremblingly clutching her phone as she boarded her private plane. She had hesitated to answer Dr. Chen''s call, afraid to hear that something might have happened to her son. However, at the moment, this was excitement.

    Masaichi Xiu is awake!

 76 Lanterns

    Dan led Midori along the walkway at the side of the lake, passing around the infinity pool, until they arrived at the wooden dock. At the end of it was a floating wooden boat, about the size of a dinghy, secured to the dock by a rope.

    "You wanna ride?" Dan asked her as she was fixated on the boat.

    "Based on my experience on marine vessels, what do you think?"

    He chuckled. "Hey, I saved you back then...managed to keep you alive. You don''t trust me on this one?"

    Midori suddenly pecked on his cheek. "Fine...if you say so." She then had a bashful smile as she blushed under the moonlight.

    He chuckled again and flashed his pearly whites. He gently tugged at her hand to guide her into the boat. He also rode with ease and untied the rope.

    He began paddling and soon they were in the middle of the lake. She watched him row the boat as she tried to calm herself from the trauma of the shipwreck. She kept on looking at him for a sense of security.

    Finally, Midori looked up to admire the moon and some stars. Since they were far from the city proper, there was a better view of the night sky.

    Suddenly, at the corner of her eye, she saw flickering lights.

    She gasped as a floating paper lamp approached their boat, as many others followed.

    Dan was again mesmerized by her smile, with her dark irides barely visible in those smiling chinky eyes, further obscured by her full-volume lashes. Her cute nose was atop her well-defined thin upper lip and plump lower lip, which framed her straight rows of teeth. Her smile is not comparable to his, but her charm was adequate to catch hearts.

    "Things on water aren''t so scary now, are they?" he asked, with a flashy smile.

    "Hmmn." she nodded, smiling gently at him.

    Just then, like a magician, he took out a lantern from behind.

    Midori furrowed her brows. "Where did you get that?"

    Dan laughed and took out his lighter to light up the paper lantern.

    Her eyes glowed in awe, highlighted by the flickering flame from the lamp.

    "Make a wish." He took her hand so she can hold the lamp.

    She smiled at him, then closed her eyes.

    When she opened her eyes again, he said, "Now, let go."

    They simultaneously let go and the sky lantern floated up into the sky.

    As if her smile was fixed on her face, Midori swept the view with her eyes again.

    "My wife, I think it''s time we go back." He started paddling again.

    .

    As the door closed, Dan was pushed against it hard, making a loud sound against the wooden door.

    It might have been the overflowing emotions that made her initiate the passionate kiss they shared.

    Dan grabbed her by the thighs without breaking the kiss, and carried her into the bedroom.

    Soon, clothes were scattered on the floor and there were rustling of the sheets.

    His kisses and touches were full of desire and longing as if they were pent up over years of separation. It might be because they were not kids anymore or because they could legally do it now, that he took out all his restraints.

    "Hah...hah...ah! Ah...hey, ah!" Midori was panting and squirming under him, with mixed emotions and arousal.

    His tongue was slithering through her skin, eliciting moans and shudders. When it arrived at her knob, her moans became louder and she started to pull onto his locks. His finger felt that she was ready so his tongue snaked back up her abdomen, her breasts, up to her neck as he began to thrust into her.

    "Ah, ah!" She was hurt by the sudden movement inside her. On the night they did the deed again after so long, she felt hurt because it has been years since they last did it. However, since at that time, they had just reconciled, he was really gentle on her. This time, as if a beast was released, she was taking in deeper and harsher thrusts.

    He took in her scent, which aroused him even more. He sped up his pace.

    She grabbed onto him, burying her nails on his back.

    He grunted and went all the way.

    He pulled away from her some time after his release.

    She became too exhausted and fell asleep in no time.

    As he watch her sleep soundly, he caressed her now auburn locks away from her face.

    Then he kissed her forehead and whispered, "I love you."

    ____________

    The couple was awakened by a ringing phone.

    Midori recognized that it was her personal phone.

    She lazily answered, "Hello?"

    "Midori, where are you?!" There was a sense of urgency in the voice.

    "Mom...I..." she looked at the sleeping flesh beside her.

    "It doesn''t matter. Come to SI Hospital right now!"

    Upon hearing the place, Midori shuddered, then she was filled with panic.

    "Wha-what happened?! Is Masa-nii okay?!"

    "It''s better for you to see for yourself." Aoi hung up.

 77 Got It Wrong

    After a series of tests and repeated examination of his neurologic and cognitive functions, Masaichi Xiu underwent decannulation.

    After the otorhinolaryngologist finished applying the dressing to cover the stoma and instructing how to speak and cough, the patient was left and the family was allowed to go in.

    Aoi Xiu began to cry again. "Masa-kun, oh my son..." she could not finish what she wants to say. She hugged him tight as her tears poured out.

    After being released from the embrace, Masaichi pressed on the gauze on his neck andspoke, "O-okaasan..." He then had a gentle smile.

    Suddenly, a little voice was heard. "Yes! I get to see Otousan wake up!"

    Manta was talking to his nanny as he walked into the room.

    Masaichi started crying as his little boy joyfully climbed onto him.

    "Tousan!" Manta gave his father a warm hug. "You''re awake, Tousan! Yey!"

    Masaichi looked back at those hazel eyes staring at him. He asked, but the question was directed more on his mother, "Where''s..."

    Aoi could not bare to look at him at this moment.

    "Oh yeah! Tousan, I have something for you!" Manta went down from the bed and ran towards his nanny who was carrying his bear-shaped bag.

    Masaichi concluded that Agatha did not survive the incident. He looked at his son as he cried. Manta still had his chubby cheeks and hands, but he had grown taller.

    As he was reminiscing about his wife, he suddenly heard his son blurt out, "Mommy!"

    ______________

    A man in an all black suit made steady steps towards the study of a mansion. Behind the desk sat a middle aged woman with thin, straight brows, dark brown eyes, tall nose, and thin rouged lips.

    "Ms. Wong, our hospital staff reported that Young Master Xiu has awaken."

    The dark eyes squinted subtly. "Can he walk?"

    "It would be some time before he could."

    "We''ll let them be happy for now." A sinister smile flashed on her fair face that was regularly treated with botox, so there was not much change in it.

    A knock on the door was heard. The woman nodded on the man, who opened the door.

    "Madam, Chairman Song is here to see you."

    The woman stood up from the swivel chair and strode all the way to the sitting room.

    Chairman Song stood up to greet her. "Madam Ming."

    __________________

    Midori sprinted along the hallways and bolted through the door to the intensive care private room despite being in heels.

    As her eyes landed on the patient''s bed, they were instantly filled with tears.

    "Niisan!" She ran to embrace him.

    Masaichi''s face which was initially filled with joy when his son called out ''Mommy'' to someone at the door turned into confusion. He is currently embracing his sister, not his wife. Was he having an illusion?

    When she pulled out from the embrace, he called her, "Midori..."

    She smiled brightly and laughed with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Yes!" Never had she been that happy that someone recognized her.

    On the other hand, Masaichi kept on looking towards the door, as if waiting for someone else to come in.

    Midori noticed this. "Niisan, are you looking for something?" She also stretched her neck, trying to follow his gaze.

    Aoi Xiu also had a look of concern and looked over at the same direction.

    He pressed on his gauze. "Just now, Manta called out ''Mommy'' so..."

    Aoi and her daughter exchanged painful looks.

    Manta innocently walked back to his father, holding a piece of paper. "Tousan, gomen ne (1)..." Then he turned and pulled on Midori''s blouse. "Mommy, I''m sorry. I think Otousan got it wrong." His little face became a frown which was threatening to cry.

 78 Confusion

    Dan drove to his office. He could still remember the words of rejection from his wife that morning.

    "No. Not now. My mother is quite emotional over the phone. I''m not even sure what will happen if we tell them now." She even tried to drive to the hospital by herself.

    Seeing her whole body trembling, he insisted on driving. She succumbed to his offer just to end the argument as she badly wanted to go to the hospital.

    Upon arriving at the 37th floor of ZFC, Dan was greeted by employees.

    Michelle Park arrived just in time to walk behind as he stepped out of the elevator. She stopped by her desk as the CEO was about to enter his office.

    Suddenly, she was surprised as her boss glanced at her, tilted his head a little, gesturing her to also come inside the office.

    Since Dan transferred to the head office, no woman has been alone in the office with the CEO. Even his assistant usually receives orders from her desk. Other women coming in for business would be accompanied by the assistant. Therefore, even if most of these rich and powerful ladies would want to get closer with the CEO, they could not be deliberate in doing so.

    With these in mind, people started to gossip on whether Assistant Park has a special relationship with their CEO. In fact, she was brought as his date in a cruise. Rumor has it that they were even stuck alone in an island after the hijacking incident.

    At this point, people started to wonder and murmur on what the two are doing behind the door of the CEO''s office.

    "It might not be far-fetched. Ms. Park is slim and has a pretty face. She is also very efficient in her job."

    "But doesn''t the rumor say that the CEO is gay?"

    "Then maybe she turned him straight..?"

    Michelle went out of the CEO office and heared buzzing of some flies.

    She took out her phone and began her task.

    .

    Riley had just coordinated with the COO of the shoe brand regarding the launch of the bridal line when his phone beeped.

    "Meet me downstairs in 10 minutes."

    He was confused. Indeed, his CEO is still on leave, but Michelle would have brains enough to assume and remember that he might be at work.

    Matching the business tone in her message, he sent back, "Assistant Park, may I ask the agenda for this sudden meeting?"

    He was still hesitating on pushing for the elevator button since this was not in his schedule, when his phone rang.

    "Where are you?" No hello or other pleasantries.

    "I''m at work." He was a bit annoyed. Why would she suddenly ask him to meet up during office hours.

    The truth is, they had been meeting each other a couple of times after the incident, discounting the wedding of their bosses. However, they keep it casual and each tries not to interfere much on the other''s work.

    "Did I not tell you to meet me outside within 10 minutes?! I''m at the entrance to the main lobby." Her voice sounded annoyed.

    "Tsk. Fine. But you have to explain yourself once I get there."

    .

    Riley looked at the woman beside him as the elevator ascends. Her words kept ringing in his ears.

    "CEO Zhou wants a dialogue with you."

    The gravity of the statement was inexplicable. Does that mean that CEO Zhou would like a meeting as ZFC''s CEO or as my boss''s husband? Either way, for Riley Adams, it is assumed that the matter is important because he had to personally take the order with a trip to ZFC.

    As a blonde handsome man stepped out of the elevator with Assistant Park, employees exchaged looks of confusion.

    "Is this Ms. Park''s boyfriend?"

    "He''s hot! But, I still like the CEO better."

    "Maybe he''s a foreign investor. After all, Ms. Park personally went to escort him into the office."

    Michelle can hear some of the murmurs and whispers. She glanced at Riley, without changing her strides. Finally, they came into the office.

    "You can go now, Park." Dan instructed in his usual neutral face.

    "CEO Zhou. What can I do for you?" As he uttered his words, his mind was a bit confused. ''Why does it sound like I work for him instead of his wife? Am I a conjugal property now?''

    .

    When Michelle went back to her desk, people''s gossips intensified.

    "Hey, it was rare for the CEO to be alone with a client, whatever the gender."

    "That''s right. He even sent Assistant Park away this time. That guy might be a big shot!"

    "And he''s so gorgeous!" A female employee let out a soft squeal.

    "I think he''s gay. Maybe he''s the CEO''s lover."

    "Woah...what about Ms. Park then?"

    "I think her position has been clear when she fetched the guy and left them alone inside."

    "No, no! I don''t think CEO Zhou is gay! He cannot be gay!"

    "Hey! How can he not be? Tsk. If that really is his lover, it would be a hard game to play. How I wish he would turn gay on me." A male employee exaggeratedly clutched the left side of his shirt.

    "You sly fox! Quit fantasizing about the CEO! The competition is tight enough for us girls!"

    Michelle could not take it anymore. Though some remarks made it hard for her not to laugh, as the conversations went on, people became annoying. "Alright, people. We are not being paid to gossip. Time to work."

    Silence ensued for only a couple of minutes before softer buzz resumed.

    "Hey, do you think Assistant Park is annoyed because she is jealous?"

    "I think so too."

    "But whom is she jealous of?" Giggles were heard.

    "If I were her, I''d prefer the CEO. That would also ensure that she could keep her job and could always be by his side."

    "I''ll take the blonde hottie. At least, if I had a fall out with the CEO, someone can take me away in another country."

    Michelle snickered at the last remark. She stared at the photo in her phone. The blonde man on the picture was sipping coffee and he looked at the camera as if he just caught the one who took the photo in the act.

 79 I Miss My Wife

    It did not take long for Masaichi Xiu to recover and remain stable for hospital discharge. Though he still needed physical therapy since he was bedridden for a long while, his brain function is the same as before, so they started to hand over to him the position of XCG''s CEO again as he worked from home.

    With this, Midori was tasked to still act as the company CEO while reporting back to her brother when she gets home, meaning that she had not come to Dan''s place for a few weeks.

    .

    Riley had a tinge of panic in his eyes as he saw CEO Zhou step out of the elevator and came striding towards CEO Xiu''s office.

    When Dan came to his desk, he asked, "Busy?"

    Riley knew that the question was not about him. It was asking if his boss is busy in her office.

    "Uhm...CEO Zhou, the meeting with the investors had been delayed so it is ongoing. Would you like to wait for CEO Xiu in her office?" Riley was eying people around him. All of them was skeptical about the executive who seemed to be important.

    Though attractive, Dan has kept a low profile to the limelights. Also, because he does not appear much on the news and in social gatherings, few people from the lower economic class can recognize his face. However, to company executives and their assistants, his face is a must-know as he is rich enough to have some business with, and powerful enough for one not to offend.

    Female employees exchanged looks and murmured really softly, that the words were hard to tell.

    Then, a male employee seemed to recognize him.

    "I think...that''s Verdan Zhou, the CEO of ZFC..." he muttered.

    "What?!" A female employee in a micromini skirt rose from her seat.

    Good thing that the man in question and their CEO''s assistant were already in the office, far from noticing their antics.

    "Yeah. My wife works at their yoghurt factory. One time, he visited the site and one of the managers took the chance to ask for a photo. He took one with them and all employees saved it on their phones."

    "Do we have a new project with ZFC?"

    "Who knows...maybe he is good friends with CEO Xiu?"

    "But during the last collaboration with them, the CEO was different."

    "That was their deputy CEO. I heard that they had a new CEO. I never expected him to be so hot!"

    "Hey, don''t you have a crush on Assistant Adams?"

    "Tsk. Forget about our CEO''s boytoy. CEO Zhou is so dreamy. I wonder if he needs an assistant."

    The murmurs turned to complete silence as CEO Xiu emerged from the meeting room. At the same time, Riley had returned to his desk after bringing coffee to CEO Zhou.

    As Midori bid farewell to the investors at the elevators, she noticed the odd expressions her employees were giving her.

    They were actually looking at her. Indeed, it was odd. For an aloof CEO, the usual behavior of her employees were greeting her politely then going back to their work. No one dared too look at her that long and this time, they were all doing it. Something is not right.

    She shot them stern glances as she made her way to her office.

    As she passed by Riley''s desk, he stood up abruptly, dropping some pens on the floor.

    "CEO, the CEO of ZFC has been waiting for you."

    This sentence made Midori''s poker face change into a shocked expression. She looked back on Secretary Ta, who was following her around. "You can have a break."

    Secretary Ta was surprised. This was a first! Before the CEO could take back her words, she thanked her and immediately left.

    Midori shot Riley a look. "How long?"

    "Twenty-five minutes." Riley answered without hesitation. He knew she was asking how long has CEO Zhou been waiting in the office.

    Midori entered the office and shut the door without saying anything else.

    Riley slumped down on her seat sighing. Why does this husband and wife tandem make things hard for him? He can keep up now, but do they expect that he can always be this good in reading them?

    Suddenly, his phone beeped. A message was received.

    "My boss is with your boss. I got the rest of the day off. What time will you be free?"

    As he read and replied to the message, the exhausted expression on his face turned into a bright smile.

    .

    Meanwhile, inside the office, Midori saw her husband nonchalantly sitting on the sofa reading newspapers while sipping coffee. His long legs were crossed elegantly and his suit jacket was laid neatly on the backrest of the sofa.

    Seeing that he had no reaction since her entrance, she cleared her throat. "Why are you here?"

    He folded the newspaper back and tossed in on the coffee table. "It''s to see my wife." He had a gentle smile.

    "It''s too early." Midori checked her watch.

    "You are free for the rest of the day though." He finished his cup of coffee.

    "How did you..." Before Midori finished stating her question, he stood up, walked towards her, took her in his arms and gave her a kiss.

    Midori pushed him back. "What are you doing?" She was irritated by the sudden gesture. "We''re in my office."

    "But I miss my wife." He pouted like a spoiled boy.

    "This is my office!" She glared at him.

    "So lock the door." He smiled proudly as if it was the most ingenious idea in the world.

 80 I Only Got You

    Midori pressed on her temple while sighing.

    "This won''t do."

    "What did you say?" Dan leaned in again to come closer to her face.

    "Too many people." Midori opened the door and walked out.

    Dan followed behind, catching up to her in no time.

    As his two bosses suddenly emerged from the office and continued towards the elevators, Riley was shocked and was not able to ask for instructions. The poor him really wanted to know if he could also take the rest of the day off.

    While they were in the elevator, Dan was composing a message to Michelle Park.

    "Tell your boyfriend he could also take the rest of the day off." He sent it upon stepping out of the elevator.

    When Michelle saw a message notification from her boss, she was in the restroom, reapplying her chocolate lipstick. Her brows furrowed and she had a pout. Her boss better not take back his words of letting her off.

    As she read the message, her frown became a smile. To her excitement, instead of sending Riley a message, she called him.

    "Did my boss kidnap yours just now?"

    ''Kidnap?'' Riley thought it was fumny. "Well, she stormed out of the office first. I don''t think he was bringing her somewhere."

    "Anyway, my boss just messaged me to tell you that you can also take the rest of the day off."

    Riley contemplated on it. ''Is CEO Zhou the one calling the shots now? He tamed the CEO of XCG?'' Then he replied, "Got it. Where do you wanna go?"

    _________

    Midori went all the way down the basement garage. Dan''s car was parked at the entrance of the company. This would mean that they were taking his former car.

    "Give me the keys." Dan ordered her.

    She clutched the keys to her chest. "Why?" she questioned him like a girl who was asking why a big man wanted her doll.

    "I get to drive when you''re with me. It''s enough that you got my favorite car." His expression was akin to a guy regretting his decision.

    Midori reluctantly handed him the keys, then she pouted until she had sat shotgun.

    Dan smiled at her and patted her head. "Good girl."

    To her surprise, they drove back to the Spanish mansion where they got married in secret.

    "We''re eating here again?" Her face lit up.

    "Hmmm." He nodded.

    This time, he parked the car not on the ramp near the garden, but inside the garage.

    "Do they even allow guests to park here? We''re not even checking in one of the rooms."

    Dan didn''t reply. As her door flipped up, he stood just outside, holding out his hand for her.

    They entered through a side door which opens into the kitchen.

    The kitchen was spacious and tidy. The cream-colored walls complemented the dark wooden window frames. The counters were of the same color as the walls. The bronze sink was shiny and was perpendicular to the suprisingly modern induction cooktop, which was under a large hood with delicate hand painted design. There was a large kitchen island in the middle, with the same wooden cabinets and drawers and a black granite top. A hanging lamp was just above the island.

    Midori''s face was filled with awe. "Nice kitchen!" Then she looked further into the house. "But where are the staff? Please don''t tell me they are close for today." She made her way to the hall where they had their small reception party.

    To her shock, the tables and chairs were nowhere to be seen. It had no trace of the restaurant they dined in before. It simply looked like a still-to-be-furnished living room.

    "Wha...Where are the tables?!" Midori looked back at Dan filled with worry. To her annoyance, he did not even follow her there.

    Thus, she returned to the kitchen. As she stepped into the curved doorway, she saw him preparing the chopping board and some ingredients atop the kitchen island.

    "Hey, hey...wha- what are you doing?! You can''t just use their kitchen as you please." She was panicking.

    Dan took the knife and chopped a tomato on the wooden board. Then he looked back at her in a challenging way. "Oh, can''t I?"

    "Why you..! Now you''ve done it! You better buy this restaurant to excuse your behavior." She rolled her eyes at him.

    "What if I did?" He resumed chopping ingredients.

    "What did you say?!"

    He sighed. "Sit down." He motioned towards the bar stool under the granite top.

    She complied. "So, how much is a Spanish restaurant?" She propped her elbow on the granite top and rested her chin on her hand. "Such a shame, I really like their dishes. Now I only got..." She eyed him from his face to his hands on the board and knife. "You." she said pouting.

    Dan chuckled. "Sorry for making you endure my cooking for tonight." Then he flashed his pearly whites.

 81 Really Worried

    "Why are we here?" Michelle eyed the sign for the waterpark.

    "You told me that you''re fine anywhere. Here we are." Riley was about to open his car door.

    "B-but...I...I can''t..."

    "Don''t worry. They also have swimwear for sale." He smiled at her and took a single step out to descend from the car.

    She grabbed his arm. "That''s not it. I...actually, I..."

    Riley patiently waited for her to finish what she was saying.

    "I have my period today." she whispered as she looked down.

    Riley had a hearty laugh. He stepped his foot back into the car and closed the door.

    "Why are you laughing so hard?! Argh! Guys will never understand!" She crossed her arms over her chest.

    After calming himself down, he said, "I''m glad it came."

    "Wha-what are you talking about? How could you be happy about something like this?"

    He chuckled. "After we did it, I was really worried because we didn''t use protection. I was actually contemplating on how to handle the new when you tell me."

    "So, have you thought of what you would have done?"

    ______________________

    As Midori watch Dan cook in the kitchen, her phone rang.

    "Niisan." She picked up immediately.

    "Doko imasu ka?" Masaichi''s voice was stern.

    Midori looked at Dan who also turned around when she answered the call.

    "I''m at my friend''s place. I''m sleeping over. Do you need my report for today? I can email them tonight."

    Masaichi did not reply for a while. Then he sighed. "I''ll expect the report tomorrow. Keep yourself safe."

    "Awww...the devil in you is worried about me." she teased.

    "Manta is really worried about you not coming home." he replied, then immediately hung up.

    Masaichi sent a message. "Mom, did Midori really got back together with him?" Then he stared at his teacup blankly.

    On the other hand, Dan had successfully concocted a spaghetti puttanesca with anchovies and olives. The sauce was freshly made with tomato chunks. He also made medium roasted lamb chopsand opened a bottle of sweet red wine.

    Midori did slow clapping movements with her hands. "Not bad. But this was a Spanish restaurant. Why Italian?"

    He smugly took the plates of food and strode away.

    She got up from her seat and went after him.

    As they reached a cozy dining area with red brick walls, he placed the food carefully on the table and began arranging plates and utensils from the cupboard.

    She shook her head in disbelief while smiling.

    Then he pulled out a wooden chair with floral cushion. "M''lady..." He flashed her a smile.

    Midori took the seat offered and observed as he poured out some wine into her glass. "Thank you." She had a teasing smile.

    "My pleasure." His toothpaste commercial smile appeared again.

    She started to enjoy the food as they ate.

    "Hmmm...CEO Zhou...this...is not bad. Not bad at all!" She was chewing.

    Dan laughed at her remark, then he saw some sauce at the edge of her lower lip. She has the tendency to have these stains near he lips when she eats foods with sauces. This was because her lower lip was plump in contrast to her thinner and more defined upper lip.

    Just then, he wiped the sauce off her face with his thumb, reaching across the table.

    Midori was surprised by the sudden gesture and she blushed. Her face contorted more into disbelief as he licked off the sauce from his thumb.

    "What are you doing?!"

    He looked at her with a straight face. "What? Should I have just licked it directly off of your face?"

    She glared at him but blushed even more. Then she sliced on her lamb chop in annoyance. She stuffed food in her mouth as if she needed an excuse not to talk back.

    He poured some more wine in his own glass and drank some as he looked at his amusing wife.

 82 It was Best Not to Lie

    After replying to Masaichi''s message from overseas, Aoi Xiu had a stern look on her face as she remained seated behind her desk.

    She took out some documents from the lower drawer and read them again.

    It contained the leads on the investigation regarding her son and daughter-in-law.

    She remembered how Midori told her how Manta implied that Agatha might have been pregnant at the time of assassination. The problem with confirming this was that her remains were cremated since it was the decision of her family.

    Aoi Xiu knew that her grandson does not lie, but he had been unstable for quite some time after the incident involving his parents. Plus his coping mechanisms were odd. Could the statement be a part of his adaptation? Maybe he was just led by the fact that his Aunty Mei was having a baby. Either way, Aoi Xiu and her daughter have kept it to her son to this day.

    She was immersed in her thoughts when suddenly, there was a knock on the door. She replaced the documents in the drawer and looked at the closed door.

    "Come in." She immediately turned her expression into indifference.

    Takagi Ryuuji came in. "Shachou, here are last quarter''s reports." He handed over some documents.

    "Hmn." Aoi Xiu nodded and took them.

    Takagi Ryuuji bowed and turned to take his leave when she spoke again.

    "Chotto matte(1)." She had a serious look on her face.

    He turned around to face her. "Shachou." He bowed, awaiting instructions.

    However, he got a question instead.

    "How much do you like my daughter?" Her tone was domineering. It was best not to lie.

    _________________

    Meanwhile, in the Song estate.

    "Madie, have you talked about picking dresses with your fianc¨¦?" Chairman Song was smoking a pipe in the living room.

    Madeline Song was just passing by towards the kitchen for some water when the question was asked.

    For the past few weeks, she had been lying about going out with Dan when she was busy flirting around.

    "We don''t do a lot of talking, so I forgot. I''ll tell him next time."

    ''So you were doing a lot of what?'' The sly face of Chairman Song was disgusting, even for his own daughter. "Is that so? Make sure you pick out at least three dresses."

    "Dad, it is only for a night. One dress is enough." She continued walking towards the kitchen, leaving her father slightly annoyed.

    It was not because she does not like wearing dresses. In fact, even with her sexual preference, she never wanted to look like a man. She liked wearing bodycon dresses which show off all her curves. She always puts on makeup, even when staying at home. She just won''t bother to select too many dresses for a fake engagement.

    After sighing heavily, she sent Dan a message. "Hey Romeo, can you stop cuddling with the girl of my dreams for an hour and help me pick out a dress for our little event?"

    It took about two minutes to get a reply. "What time?"

    "Tomorrow at 5." She had an amused smile.

    "Fine. Stay away from my wife."

    Madeline Song let out a laugh and headed back to her room.

    ______________

    At a hotel veranda in Country F, an afternoon tea was served.

    Xiu Jin took a sip of his earl grey then gently placed the cup back on the table.

    A pair of dark eyes were staring at him with alluring rouged lips fixed with a smile of pearly whites.

    "I''m glad you agreed on this partnership. It would be a great help on the expansion of our hotel chain."

    Thewoman opposite him kept her smile then drank her jasmine tea.

    Xiu Jin kept on talking. "We could have been in-laws. Such a shame that the children had a misunderstanding."

    Su Linyu wiped the corner of her mouth. "If you''d like, we could still be a family." Her smile was suggestive.

    "You have a plan to make them get back together?" Xiu Jin had excitement in his eyes.

    "How about we get back together?"

 83 Surprises

    At the international airport in Country F, Su Linyu was about to board her flight.

    She turned to Xiu Jin. "Such a shame. I thought we will go back together to City S."

    He forced a smile. "Sorry. If something did not come up with our branch here, I wouldn''t have changed my flight."

    "If I had known, I would''ve booked the same flight as yours." She smiled and waved him goodbye as the announcement for boarding was heard.

    He waved back, keeping his forced smile. After her plane had set off, he turned to his assistant.

    "Where''s my ticket?" He held out his hand.

    The assistant handed the ticket to him skeptically. "Boss, are you sure you will go there by yourself?"

    "Don''t worry, she may be tough, but she won''t kill me." Xiu Jin chuckled.

    .

    Aoi Xiu just came back from the company. She still resides in their old house which is a minka(1). When she took off her shoes at the genkan(2), she noticed a pair of oxfords neatly placed on the getabako(3).

    She furrowed her brows. Do they have a visitor?

    She went straight to her room and changed into loungewear. While she was changing, a voice was heard from behind her shouji door.

    "Aoi-san, you have a visitor." She recognized the voice as one of the servant''s.

    She frowned. She was not expecting anyone. "Hai." she answered nonetheless.

    She slid the shouji door to the sitting room where the servant was waiting. Her eyes widened as she saw the man sitting and enjoying a cup of tea.

    "Surprise." Xiu Jin had a bright smile when she appeared.

    ______________________

    As they were washing and drying dishes like how newlyweds would, Midori shot Dan a bunch of questions.

    "Hey, did you really buy this restaurant? But even if you did, did it really have to close? Ah! Is it only for today? Will they resume operations after we leave?"

    She was feeling guilty about the staff losing their jobs.

    After drying and putting away the dishes, Dan headed upstairs without answering her questions.

    Midori wiped her hands with a towel and hurriedly came after him, well more like run after him.

    He was at the bedroom door when she finally caught up. She tugged onto his sleeve, panting.

    "Wait...I..." she was catching her breath.

    Finally he looked back at her. As she practically ran to chase him, she was almost hanging onto him to keep her balance.

    Dan grabbed her by the waist to support her.

    "You idiot!" She slammed her fists on his sturdy chest.

    "Sorry." He said in a low voice. "I just wanna be chased, even just for once." He smiled.

    This ridiculous explanation made Midori feel irritated but it also made her laugh.

    "Why? Are you tired chasing after me?" She looked up at him, her eyes and lips alluring.

    "Even if you leave for over a million times, I will always look for you."

    Then, he changed his expression, as if he just recalled something. He dragged her to another room door. Then he paused just outside.

    He turned to her. "Remember when you were scolding me on our wedding night?"

    "Yeah. Because the ceremony was unplugged, but I didn''t find photo and video coverage either! I know it was a secret wedding, but I also want photos to look at when we get old."

    "So you''re ready to grow old with me?" His smile was gentle.

    She blushed and she moved her gaze towards the door.

    Seeing she was eying the door, his hand turned the knob and a room full of photos appeared before her eyes.

    The walls were covered not only of their wedding photos, but of their photos way back in high school--of their first date in the aquarium and atop the tower, of their visit in City H, of their interschool sports competition. It was as if he hired people to cover every moment they spent together, aside from the photos they took themselves.

    As Midori scanned the room of photos, her eyes started to well up.

    Dan stood beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

    "You..! Why... How..?" She could not even express herself properly. Her tears started to fall, but her smile remained bright.

    He embraced her and gave a kiss on her head as she poured her tears on his shirt. He led her to sit on a cushioned bench in the middle of the room. She leaned on him as she continued to admire the photos.

    "Dori..." he whispered to her who remained in his arms.

    She wiped her tears with the back of her hands. "Yeah?"

    "This house...was never a restaurant." His face was serious.

    "What do you mean?" She had a look of confusion.

    "It has always been a villa. And now, it''s our home."

 84 Invitation

    "Here are the rest of the reports from the COOs of the hotel chain and the shoe brand. We will launch our bridal line next month." Midori reported.

    "Hmmn. Good work." Masaichi tossed the papers on the desk with a thud.

    "Are you sure you can go back to the company next week?"

    "I have a doctor''s permit for it. What''s up with you? You don''t want to step down as CEO?"

    "Ah...no! I..." She pondered on it. Indeed, she does not know what will happen to her work when her brother comes back. However, it is true that she was fine for him to take over.

    "Don''t worry. After our transitions go smoothly, you can go back to your work at the Igarashi group."

    Midori was taken aback. She took a half step back, then her body shivered and her lips trembled.

    "What''s with that reaction? You don''t like to go back to your job?" He eyed his sister, waiting for how she will salvage the situation. She might be unwilling to go back to City T because of that guy.

    Since Midori did not say anything for awhile, Masaichi reinforced his statement.

    "Like before, you will take Manta back as well. It''s safer for you guys." Up until this day, he is blaming himself for what happened to his wife. He had always been cautious. That one time that she flew to see him, it had to happen. He looked at his sister. "Wakarimasu ka?(1)"

    She snapped out of her thoughts. "Hai, wakarimasu.(2)"

    Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes, but she managed to hold them back.

    "If...if there''s nothing else, I..." She looked like she will break down at any moment.

    Masaichi took out an envelope from the drawer. Then he gestured for her to take it.

    She opened it. It was the invitation to the engagement party of Dan and Madeline. It was addressed to the chairman and CEO of XCG.

    Before she could completely process it, he said, "Dad is in City T with Mom."

    She furrowed her brows in confusion. Their father is supposed to be back from Country F today. Why is he in Country N with their mother?

    As if reading her mind, he added, "It''s no big deal. They can handle it. However...I can''t go to that event alone."

    She began to put the pieces together. "So you want me to come with you." It was not a question, based on her intonation, but her left brow was raised.

    "You can pick out a dress from our new collection. You just need to tell me the color so I could complement it accordingly."

    She gulped. There was no way that she is getting out of this.

    "Your reaction tells me that you are hesitant to attend your ex''s engagement." he declared.

    As he hit the nail on the head, her eyes twitched. However, she recovered in no time. "No problem." Her face turned indifferent. "Is that all?"

    "Hai. Oyasumi." He went back on reading the reports.

    As his sister turned around to walk away, he thought, ''It''s better you stop this delusion. Whatever is going on between you two will be inappropriate after this announcement. No sister of mine will be a mistress.''

    Midori''s mind was wandering off to the possible situation. She hurriedly went back to her room and shut the door. She threw herself on the soft bed.

    She knew that they will have an engagement party. She even saw the dress Madeline had picked out. However, they agreed that she will not be invited. It was awkward enough to know that your husband will have a fake engagement to someone else. No need for her to actually watch how it happens. That is her husband for cryin'' out loud!

    After thinking for a bit, she took her phone.

    After two rings, the call was picked up.

    "Hey, Darling. Miss me already? Want me to kidnap you?" He chuckled.

    "Verdan Zhou." She furrowed her brows. It was not a good time to try to be funny.

    "Uh-oh...full name. Something wrong?"

    "My brother wants me to witness your engagement." her voice was serious.

 85 You Look Guilty

    "What are you doing here?" Aoi Xiu was not-so-happy to see her husband. They had ceased communicating for awhile now because they argued about the partnership with the Zhou luxury dining restaurant.

    "I miss my wife." He looked sincere.

    "You know that that stopped working ages ago. Also, you look guilty of something." She squinted her eyes at him.

    After she pointed out that he looked guilty, his expression continued to give it away. Though he had no intention of flirting with another woman, he still felt guilty that Su Linyu had the chance to suggest such a preposterous thing during their meeting, which in the first place, was the very reason why his wife had not talked to him for weeks.

    Her avoidance was so intense that he felt as if he was infectious, even during the time that their son had just awakened.

    "Well, what did you do now?" Her brow twitched up as her expression turned icy.

    "Sweetheart, I did not do anything wrong. In fact, I was wronged...well, in a way." He tried to walk towards her. However, she shot him a look which made him sit back with a lousy seiza (1).

    She continued to stare grimly at him as she sat down opposite him on the other side of the table. Her seiza was perfect. "So, how did you let someone wrong you?" Her tone was completely accusing him.

    Suddenly, he moved to her side and bent to a dogeza (2). "Sweetheart, I was wrong. You were right about how it would be awkward to have the partnership..."

    "What. Did. You. Do?!" She looked down on him like she might kill him depending on his answer.

    ___________________

    Dan picked up his wife after work, despite her protests inside her office. The argument ceased for awhile as they went down the garage. As they sat inside the silver SSC Ultimate Aero, she continued to nag him about appearing in her office.

    "My people are starting to recognize you! Even if my brother will take over in about a week, I am still their CEO right now! Your upcoming ''engagement is not helping my case either! Do you want people to think that I''m your mistress?!"

    "When will he take over?" Yes, that was the only thing that he picked up from what she said.

    Midori''s voice lowered to her normal tone. "The following week."

    "Where will you work then?" He was aware that she had a position in the Igarashi group in City T.

    "I..." She was guilty. She had yet to inform him of the possibility that she will be sent back, and now he was asking her. She felt that it was unfair to him.

    "You will go back to the Igarashi group." he concluded.

    "Dan, I..." Her previous angry expression totally turned to one of gulit and sadness.

    "I think it''s a good idea." he said nonchalantly.

    "What?!" She was confused. This clingy guy actually said that it was a good idea for her to return to City T!

    "Your brother has woken up. His assassination plot is still under investigation. If I were him, I would also send my family back to a safer environment." He looked at her gently. The words ''my family'' were emphasized in the sentence too much that the message was clear. Dan would also send her there if he would make a decision, just to keep her safe.

    "Darling, I don''t think..." She tried to reach out to caress his face.

    He took her hand and kissed it. "I also have too many issues that I need to resolve right now. Your return could confuse my family regarding my relationship with Madeline. They would think that you gave up because I got engaged. It would divert the attention of everyone away from you."

    He pulled her closer into an embrace. "Don''t worry. I will always find time to see you."

    She looked at him with furrowed brows and pouting lips.

    "You don''t believe me?" He smiled.

    "I might miss you too much." Her pout remained.

    He chuckled. "Even if I spend billions on fuel, my private plane will always be on stand by for a City T flight, okay?"

    After she nodded, they sat back on their chairs as he fastened her seatbelt for her.

    They drove back to their villa.

    Though reassured, Midori still remained quiet as she was cooking in the kitchen.

    This continued throughout dinner even with Dan''s effort to cheer her up.

    As they lie on their bed, she was still pouting and contemplating.

    Dan was at his limit on this. They cannot sleep with her being like this, ao he pulled out his trump card.

    "Darling, in order not to miss me that much while you''re away, why don''t we make a baby?" He flashed his perfect smile.

 86 How Could He Betray His Partner?

    Soon, it was the weekend. Though still on alert for sudden orders from their respective CEOs, Riley and Michelle decided to meet up for a morning jog.

    Michelle was stretching by a bench at 30 to 6 in the morning. She was wearing a yellow tank top underneath a light blue parka, matched by blue tights which reach her calves. Her running shoes were simply black knitted shoes with rubber soles, held tight by gray laces. She fixed her hair up on a tight ponytail.

    Riley smiled on the sight of her stretching her legs. He wore simple clothes--a plain white muscle shirt underneath a gray parka with matching gray sweatpants. His black running shoes had a tinge of green on the sides. On his hand was a red strap.

    She looked around, seeming impatient. Though they agreed to meet at 6am, she arrived way too early so she felt like she was waiting for ages.

    She took out her phone. Just as she was dialling his number, something soft and wet brushed over the back of her hand.

    She actually screamed on seeing what it was.

    _______________________

    At the ZFC office in City B.

    "What?! I don''t believe this! How dare the headquarters reject me! I made this branch company how it is right now! After Verdan Zhou left, the deputy CEO was useless! It is all me! Why did the headquarters not want me?!" Ming Rushi was fuming. She tossed piles of documents from her desk all around her office.

    Her poor assistant kept on picking them up as she did not know what to think or to say. She has been with the general manager ever since she was hired by ZFC. Also, since Manager Ming had been determined, and was later on sure, that she will be transferred to the headquarters, the assistant had also told her family for her possible transfer and everyone was excited.

    They never expected this rejection from the headquarters of ZFC.

    "Ma-manager Ming...they say that..." she was too afraid to finish her sentence.

    Ming Rushi glared at her. Her straight brows were furrowed and her dark eyes widened. It was scary. "What?! Spit it out!"

    The assistant gulped. "The report said that the rejection was the decision of...of the CEO at the headquarters." She closed one eye to brace for impact.

    Ming Rushi steadied herself. "So it was Dan..." She looked out the window. She furrowed her brows as she thought back when he asked her about the event about six years ago. ''Did he find anything? But if he did, why not directly fire me? Why does he keep me here in City B?'' Her thoughts were wandering. As her brows furrowed even deeper, she had her answer. ''Midori Xiu.''

    ________________________

    Manta just woke up. He knew why his aunt was not coming home so he never asked about it, to the surprise of his father. How could he betray his partner in crime who promised him a playmate soon?

    Indeed, Masaichi, who was taken aback when his child calls his sister ''Mommy," has been wondering why the boy never questioned his sister''s attitude of not coming home from work. It was as if it was a natural thing for him. Masaichi was thinking if they had always been like that when he was still in a coma.

    As the father was sipping his tea in the balcony of his room, he heard the door open without a knock. Then he heard movements as feet brushed onto his carpet. He smiled.

    Manta was trying to surprise his father. He thought he sneaked up to him.

    When Manta was about to jump to catch his father by the leg, strong arms pulled him up and held him tightly.

    "Just what do you think you''re doing?" Masaichi playfully tickled his son.

    Soon giggles were coming from the balcony. Manta squealed. "Tousan, heehee...eeek...shtaahhp! Heeheehee...Tousan...heehee...my...my tummy...tummy hurts!" He continued to laugh.

    Finally, his father''s mercy dawned on him and they went back into the room.

    Masaichi sat his son on his lap as he sat on the sofa. "Why are you not asking your ''Mommy'' where she had been sleeping these past few days?" It was straight to the point and out of the blue.

    Though Manta had some knowledge on this, he was still a kid after all. "Why would I ask?"

    Masaichi furrowed his brows. "Don''t you miss her?"

    "Tousan, she is my aunt...not really my mom."

    Masaichi was taken aback by the sudden maturity in his expression. "But she had always been..."

    Manta looked at his father. "Tousan, I miss Okaasan..."

 87 Calm Down

    Xiu Jin woke up on a futon laid out on the tatami mat. Even though his wife forgave him, he still slept in a separate room from her.

    As he walked further down the hall, he could hear a man''s wail coming from the lawn area. Out of curiosity, he went towards the sounds. When he opened the door to the living room, he saw his wife in a yukata, with her hair up in a low bun, pointing a gun at a wounded man who was kneeling at the lawn.

    He gasped in surprise. Igarashi Aoi heard this sound coming from him and slowly turned her head to glance at him.

    Xiu Jin wished he could evaporate right then! Afraid that the gun might get pointed towards him, he looked down and murmured a barely audible ''sorry.''

    "Tsk." Aoi Xiu felt annoyed. This husband of hers would truly ruin her reputation someday. She turned her head back to the kneeling man. "What else do you know?" She glared at him.

    "I-Igarashi-sama, there''s nothing else!" he replied in Aoi''s native tongue.

    "Do you know what happens to something I find useless?" Her hand seemed to be itching to pull the trigger.

    Other minions in different heights and builts, with tattoos or none, continued to witness the interrogation.

    As Xiu Jin saw the determination in his wife''s eye to pull the trigger heightened, he walked towards her.

    He bravely put a gentle hand on her arm with the gun and looked her in the eyes. "Sweetheart, calm down."

    _______________________

    Riley laughed heartily as Michelle jumped onto the bench.

    "Wha-why do you have a dog?!" She screamed.

    "This is Butter." He patted the full-grown golder retriever on the head, as it continued to gaze at Michelle while wagging its tail.

    "Bu-butter?" She was still stuttering in fright.

    He was still chuckling. "Yeah...I had two of them, but my ex kept Scotch." He scratched the back of his head, tussling his golden locks.

    Instead of registering the backstory in her head, Michelle was too frightened of the friendly dog.

    Seeing her expression, Riley sighed. "Butter, sit." The dog followed his order.

    Then he held out his hand to her. "Get down from there. Don''t hurt yourself." He had a gentle expression on his face.

    She reluctantly took his hand and sat down on the bench.

    He sat beside her. "Sorry. I didn''t know you were afraid of dogs." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

    "I...I was bitten..." Her expression turned gloomy, as if recalling the incident.

    "Was it your pet? What kind of dog was it?"

    "It...it was my brother''s... It...it was...a chihuahua."

    Riley snorted, then burst out laughing.

    Michelle glared at him. "It was very vicious, I tell you!"

    He tried hard to calm himself down. "I...I''m sorry..." He was still laughing. "It''s just that, it was such a small dog." He chuckled. "How can you not dodge...ow!"

    Michelle hit him hard on the arm. "I was not able to dodge the dog, so what?! I was five!"

    Riley was taken aback by the information. However, his smile remained as he asked, "What did you do to provoke a dog?"

    "Nothing! I was playing in the garden then it attacked me! Do you know how many shots I had to endure?! I was five for pity''s sake!" She was letting off steam.

    "Okay, okay. I get it now." He took her hand.

    She was mortified when he placed her hand on the dog''s head. "What are you doing?!"

    "Calm down." He continued to lead her hand on petting the dog.

    Butter responded with happy eyes, sticking its tongue out, and wagging its tail.

    "See, Butter likes you." Riley smiled at her.

    Michelle, who still had some tears in her eyes, chuckled. "Yeah...hello, Butter."

    The dog stood and came closer to her, propping its head on her lap.

    She laughed, then turned to Riley. "Can I keep it?"

    Riley''s expression was incredulous. A moment ago, she was screaming and doing stunts to get away from his dog. Now she wanted to keep it?

    He sighed. "I can''t give you Butter. However..."

    "What?" She can''t wait for the possible condition. She was determined to have the friendly dog which obviously likes her.

    "You can stay with me. Butter will be as good as yours." Riley had a bright smile with his bright idea.

 88 Bun in the Oven

    "How could you suggest that at such a time?!" Midori was irritated.

    "But we never used protection. From the way we''re going, it wouldn''t be a surprise if there''s already a bun in the oven." Dan flashed his smile even brighter.

    "No. These turnovers of jobs are too stressful. It would not be good to have a baby right now." She pushed his seductive face away and turned her back to him.

    "If a baby is already on the way, will you abort it then?" He showed a worried expression why he caressed her lower abdomen.

    She shot him a worried look. There was indeed a possibility. She had not had her period since the wedding. She really might be pregnant.

    He smiled on seeing her expression. "Shall we reinforce it then?" He turned his smile into a provocative one and moved his eyebrows suggestively.

    "Certainly not!" She moved her arms to protect her abdomen. "If there really is a bun in the oven, we cannot..."

    He chuckled. "Of course we can. Even though I take pride on my...you know...it''s not gonna reach the womb. The baby will be fine since it''s swimming around." He tucked stray locks behind her ear.

    Midori furrowed her brows. Even though they had done it several times, she sometimes still wondered how she can ''accommodate'' such length and circumference when he gets a hard-on.

    Then her thoughts went back to her possible pregnancy. The wedding made her so happy that she forgot all about it being a secret. If she goes back to City T soon, her mother will discover the pregnancy. She might get killed! ''Wait, wait, wait! Midori Xiu, don''t jump into conclusions yet. There is no confirmed pregnancy yet. Right, right..." she contemplated then consoled herself in her mind.

    Her expressions amused the smiling face just inches away from her. Dan did not dare interrupt her thoughts. He would not want to be the reason that she will make weird decisions if he breaks her thought chain.

    As she nodded and pursed her lips while staring at the ceiling, he also noticed her fist slightly up, as if she was cheering for herself. She snapped back to her senses and noticed her antics.

    She blushed as she realized that he was staring at her the whole time.

    When she turned her head to look at him, he asked, "So, what did your angel and devil decide to do now?" His smile was teasing.

    ____

    The following morning, Midori woke up finding the other side of the bed empty. As she reached for her phone at the bedside table, she grabbed hold of a thin rectangular box.

    "One-step pregnancy test" was clearly printed on the box.

    She chuckled. He was too excited to find out.

    Last night, she told him that she will need to find out first if she is pregnant or not. Then they will figure out how to disclose it to important people as necessary. Abortion will not be an option. After all, they are married, so the child will be legitimate. Worse case would be that they needed to hide her and the child for some time for their safety.

    She told him that she will get tested the next day, but it seems that CEO Zhou is too excited to become a father. ''Did he buy this himself?'' she thought. Then she giggled. ''The great CEO Zhou bought a pregnancy test kit at the convenience store?"

    As her thoughts flow, she frowned. ''Did he make Michelle buy this? If he did, she would really be pitiful. An unmarried girl buying this would have such a huge shame. I better go ask him!''

    Midori''s hand had reached the doorknob when she paused. Looking at the box in her hand, she decided to check her morning void urine. She went to the bathroom and shut the door.

    She read the instructions twice, carefully eying each word. When she felt that she can interpret it correctly based on the pictured results on the box, she took a deep breath and began the test.

    .

    Dan was busy frying some bacon and eggs in the kitchen. The blueberry pancakes were already done and were on the plates. He had a smile on his face like an idi*t.

    As he placed the rest of breakfast on the table, he saw his wife barefooted, jogging towards the dining area.

    She was holding the test stick with an inexplicable expression on her face.

    Dan furrowed his brows as she did not speak. He was impatient. "Well?"

 89 Young Mistress Xiu

    Masaichi Xiu was wearing a blue suit with light blue shirt and black tie to match Midori''s black low V-neck empire gown with laced back. She was studded with sapphire pieces of jewelry, revealed by her short asymmetric bob. They walked into the hall, mesmerizing everyone.

    Their resemblance was actually obvious, but people tend to see them as a couple looking good together. Since the news regarding Agatha''s death was suppressed, only a few would actually know that it was only Young Master Xiu who survived the accident. At this point, others thought that Young Master Xiu and his wife had just recovered and were making an appearance in public after doing so.

    A middle-aged man approached them. "Young Master Xiu." He bowed in greeting.

    "Director Si." Masaichi Xiu politely responded.

    The man eyed Midori and nodded as if in approval. "I believe this beauty is Young Mistress Xiu." He smiled.

    "Yes, she is." Before Midori could say anything, her brother immediately confirmed it.

    "You are so lucky to have such a beautiful wife." The man continued.

    Masaichi Xiu snickered. "She is indeed the Young Mistress of the household, but she is not my wife, but my sister." he corrected, slowly enunciating every word.

    "Oh, pardon me Miss Xiu." The man became flustered.

    "It''s fine." Midori had a subtle smile.

    Other gentlemen, some young masters of their own household, heard that they were not husband and wife. Because Masaichi Xiu confirmed that she is Young Mistress Xiu, they concluded that she is still single and up for grabs. Thus, they introduced themselves.

    Most of them were CEOs or directors of prestigious companies, and everyone wanted to leave a good impression on this bachelorette. Midori replied politely, giving them face but not hope.

    Just then, the lights were turned off. Then a spotlight revealed a couple at the entrance.

    The host spoke from the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Verdan and Madeline Zhou!"

    The chandeliers were lit and the couple walked on the red carpet and went up the stage.

    Madeline Song wore a red satin off-shoulder ballgown. Her hair was styled in a half updo, adorned with crystals, her ears and neck with pieces of jewelry made of diamonds set in white gold. Her 10-centimeter platform heels elevated her height for her to reach his chin. Her arm was holding onto the arm of the great CEO Zhou.

    Dan was wearing a black 3-piece suit with white shirt and black bowtie. His black oxfords were new. His dark locks were cut and styled to look sleek and clean. He had a subtle smile on his lips and a gentle expression on his eyes.

    ''Well rehearsed.'' Midori thought.

    People started to take their seats on their respective tables as the ceremony was about to start.

    Masaichi eyed his sister who looked calm, too calm. There was not even a tinge of jealously. Did they not go out after meeting again? Did they break up before this? If they did because of this, then all the more that she should have a look of resentment, at least in her eyes.

    Masaichi was bothered by it. The expression on Midori''s face was way too abnormal for an ex.

    ____

    During the ceremony, Dan kept secretly glancing at Midori''s spot which he found after scanning the hall once he made it up the stage. He wanted to know if she had gone to the doctor to verify the unruly results.

    In actuality, she had yet to do so since after that fateful morning, she was required to go back to the company immediately and had been too busy ever since. Not to mention that her brother''s people are keeping close tabs on her.

    .

    Ah, yes. The result of the pregnancy test kit left them dumbfounded.

    Back at their home, that morning,Midori repeated reading the instructions over and over again when she saw the line on the stick. She scratched her head as she was still unable to figure out what happened. She had followed the instructions carefully so there should not have been any mistake.

    With mixed emotions, she went to show it to Dan, but he had that stupid excited expression that she did not know how to ask.

    Since she was not speaking, he walked towards her and frowned at the test stick that she was holding.

    For a positive result, there should be two lines appearing on the stick, one for the control, then the next one for the test. The areas were actually marked outside with C and T respectively.

    The test stick that the couple were looking at showed a single dark line, on the test area.

 90 Illusion

    After the ceremony, dinner was served, and later on, it became an event for extending connections. The celebrated couple walked around greeting guests and participating in conversations.

    Midori was holding a glass of champagne when Madeline and Dan approached her. Her brother is nearby, talking about investments with colleagues.

    Dan took her glass at the moment it touched her lower lip. She was surprised by the sudden action and instinctively turned towards him.

    He looked angry, disappointed and anxious at the same time.

    Madeline inched towards Midori, blocking the sight of him drinking the champagne from another woman''s glass. The bride-to-be looked at the wife of the man next to her. The sapphire set in black gold complemented her fair skin gorgeously. Midori was alluring to her eyes. She bit her lower lip to suppress her desire to kiss her again.

    Madeline leaned in to whisper, "Mrs. Zhou, don''t drink if you''re not sure about being pregnant."

    Midori''s eyes widened. She looked at her husband as if saying, ''You told her?!''

    Dan shot her back a look, that would mean ''So what?''

    He was actually worried about her. That was why he hurriedly took her drink. He was mad that she even thought of drinking. She should not have been here. ''Dam**t, brother-in-law!''

    To the eyes of other guests, there was a certain tense feeling emanating from the three of them. Some began to speculate if it was a love triangle. Their illusion heightened when the three exchanged glares and the bride looked like she was teasing the deputy CEO of XCG.

    Midori talked back in a low voice. "Ms. Song, don''t test my patience. It''s enough that I''m here. No need to meddle in our matters as husband and wife." She emphasized the last three words.

    Madeline flashed a bright smile and backed away. She took her fianc¨¦''s arm and politely excused themselves.

    While being dragged away, Dan gave Midori a look of warning. Even if he gets drunk for drinking all her glasses of wine, he will do so to protect her.

    Midori shrugged it off and continued looking aloof. She pursed her lips as she was laughing inside. Her husband is already assuming that she''s pregnant, being overprotective.

    In another angle, Masaichi controlled himself and kept his feet grounded as he observed them while pretending to listen in another conversation. His sister looked like she was bullied!

    However, his observation skills were impeccable. Others may have the illusion of tension between the three, but he managed to observe three things.

    One, he saw that CEO Zhou took the champagne glass from his sister and drank all of its content. That was usually the gesture of a man trying to prevent his lady from drinking. What was more abnormal was that Ms. Song seemed to not mind at all.

    This was evident on the second observation. She deliberately shielded his action from the eyes of other guests as if she was his support in carrying out the action without raising suspicion. There was also no sense of hostility in her, even when talking to her future husband''s ex. Masaichi thought that he will need to investigate on this woman further.

    Lastly, he found Verdan Zhou''s expressions very weird. Usually, when a man encounters his ex when he is with his new girl, he would at least have some look of either hurt or regret, sometimes hostility, depending on how they broke up. Contrary to that, after he drank the wine, CEO Zhou looked anxious and mad, as if he was scolding his daughter. He also looked at Midori as if leaving a warning, but his eyes were gentle.

    Furthermore, Masaichi also observed his sister after the two left her. Though she still looked aloof, the way she pursed her lips looked like she was suppressing a smile, but there was not a hint of resentment in her eyes. It was as if she was well aware of what was happening and not minding the events at all.

    This is not good. His goal of bringing his sister here was to discourage her in continuing whatever she had with Verdan Zhou. He frowned. His sister looked victorious, as if everything is in the palm of her hand.

    _____________

    Not too far from Masaichi stood a middle-aged woman with thin, straight brows, dark brown eyes, tall nose, and thin lips covered with plum rouge. She eyed the young man intently.

    She never would have thought that he would survive the attack. She pulled out her best men to do it. They had left no traces but they failed to accomplish their task. This irritated her, but not enough to make her back down. She likes to burst their bubble so she would let them be happy for some time before she takes them down. After all, she was in her happiest when they took him from her.

    She was wearing a boatneck emerald green trumpet gown in duchess satin with laced long sleeves. Her jet-black hair was styled in a clean bun and her ears and neck were adorned with pieces of jade in gold.

    As the gentlemen dispersed, she walked towards the young man she was eying.

    Masaichi turned around to see the person he felt was approaching him.

    She had a smile on her face. "CEO Zhou, it''s good that you''re back."

    "Oh, Madam Ming." He bowed. "I didn''t think I''ll meet you here again."

    "Why? You think I''m too old to be in an event like this? Young man, I may not be part of your generation, but I believe I still qualify for an invitation." She had a challenging look.

    Masaichi is a clever man. He will do his homework on certain people before attending social events, just in case he needed some information. He nonchalantly replied, "I''m sorry for making you misunderstand. It was not my intention to offend you. It''s just that I heard that your daughter dated the groom before. Won''t it be awkward for you to attend the engagement party of the man who should''ve been your son in law?"

    The ''should''ve been'' were enunciated deeply, making Madam Ming''s expression turn sour.

 91 Your Mother

    "Midori, where are you going?" Masaichi was reading documents when she had just descended the stairs.

    "Going out with my friends." she answered nonchalantly.

    "Is it Mei?" He was testing how far she was willing to cover up.

    "Uh-huh..." She fixed her collar as she looked back at the large mirror.

    "Director Lu still allows her to go out with friends at night when she''s in her last trimester?" He raised a brow and observed her reaction.

    "We''re eating out, not bar hopping." She did not look back at her brother and hurriedly went out before she is forced to make up another lie.

    Masaichi glared and stared at her retreating back. Was it not enough? She is still going out with that guy, even telling lies now.

    She should know better. If she continued playing this game with a cheater, she will get hurt again. He cannot allow that!

    He tapped on his phone and made an overseas call.

    "Okaasan."

    "Hi, Sweetheart. Ready to take over?"

    "Until when will Dad stay there?" He wanted to tread carefully before revealing the bad news.

    "Tsk. Your old man is like a leech! What a pain in the as*! He interrupts even when I was doing business with the clan!" Aoi Xiu''s voice was raised, causing her son to distance the phone from his ear.

    "Send him back if you can''t deal with him." He nonchalantly replied.

    "Masa-kun...I''m your mother. I know you. You didn''t call just to listen to our bickerings. Say what you want to tell." Aoi Xiu reverted to her gentle voice.

    "Okaasan, it''s about Imouto-chan..."

    __________

    "Are you sure you don''t want me to send you to the airport?"

    The couple was cuddling on a woven rattan chair overlooking the backyard infinity pool with a view of the lake.

    "Nah...Niisan would probably be there."

    Dan held his wife tighter. "I will miss you so much."

    "It''s your idea." She looked at him, as if telling that it was his fault.

    "Also, we have yet to confirm your pregnancy." He caressed her lower abdomen.

    "Why did you not buy another kit then?"

    "You want another point-of-care test kit manufacturing company to go down in a day?" He looked serious and at the same time proud. He was really irritated of the inconclusive result that he ordered people to take down the manufacturer of the test kit. His people found out that it had other products which lack quality control. It was a piece of cake to shut it down.

    Midori frowned, then pouted. She knew that her husband is a powerful figure in business. When she read the kit, she did not put much attention to details other than the instructions. However, when she saw the news, she recognized the company logo and had the idea that it was too soon to be a coincidence.

    He knew she would figure it out even without directly telling her. This matter is very important to him. There should be no room for mistakes.

    As to why they had yet to visit the doctor? Well, for one, the engagement happened. It was difficult for them if people caught them together in an obstetrics clinic. Also, she had been really busy with the transition. Her brother is also a good observer. It was really hard to sneak out.

    Nevertheless, since she was going to Country N the following day, they made time to be with each other for the night.

    "Darling, should we..." Dan had a suggestive smile.

    She frowned. "What if there''s a..."

    Her lips were sealed with his and the words she was about to speak were flooded with other thoughts and sensations.

    "I''m really hoping that there is, but just in case..." He slid his arms to hold her and carried her like a princess into the house, straight to their room.

    "But I might get stressed in City T. If I''m pregnant, I..."

    "When you get pregnant, I''ll face your mother." He seriously cut her off. He also changed the ''if'' to a when, being certain that he could get her pregnant, and that it will only be a matter of time.

    "Are you sure? My mother is a bigger boss in City T." She giggled.

    "If I get killed, remember that I love you." He gave her a peck and he flashed his smile.

 92 Unexpected

    Though his sister''s reaction was not normal in the engagement ceremony, her next actions were consistent to what was expected. The day following Dan''s engagement ceremony, Midori had booked a flight to City T. Also, even though she sneaked to go out with him the night before, there was no hint of hesitation when Masaichi sent her and his son to the airport.

    Masaichi was in deep thoughts throughout the car ride to the company building. He remembered the words of Madam Ming.

    "How lucky you are to have survived a rain of bullets. Too bad your little wife was not so lucky."

    He clenched his fists. It took all the restraints he had in him not to kill her at that moment.

    The press release on their incident was that it was merely a traffic accident, no assassination plot involved.

    Speaking these words not only revealed Madam Ming''s involvement, they were also to challenge the Xiu household. It was like declaring that she indeed plotted against them. However, they cannot do anything without conclusive evidence.

    Masaichi had a hunch that since she failed on taking him out, she would plan another attack on his family. This is why he was prepared to send his sister and son away as soon as possible. He even planned to kidnap Midori into his private jet if she objects. Fortunately, though unexpectedly, she agreed to fly back to City T without a word of objection.

    __________________

    A lady in a woven red turtleneck sweater under a navy blue trenchcoat, with black tight pants and a pair of boots strode in the hallway of an apartment complex. Her mouth was moving as she was chewing some gum.

    She stopped at a familiar door and pressed the buzzer. She was sending a message on her phone while waiting for the door to open.

    On the other side of the door, two people were cuddling in the bedroom.

    "Hey, what would you have done if Ms. Xiu took me to Country N with her?"

    Michelle Park frowned. Before she could answer him, the buzzer sounded.

    Riley Adams furrowed his brows. He was not expecting anyone. When he got up, he had an uncomfortable feeling. "I need to use the bathroom." He told Michelle.

    "Okay. I''ll get it." She smiled and walked away to answer the door.

    The lady at the door spoke without looking up from her phone when she heard the door open. "Hey Riles, can I leave Scotch for you for awhile..." She was surprised to see someone else at the door. "Oh, hello..."

    Michelle was dumfounded on seeing the lady standing outside, a golden retriever about the size of Butter obediently sitting next to her.

    __________________

    Ming Rushi handed her resignation letter to the deputy CEO of ZFC in City B.

    "Manager Ming, are you really sure about this?"

    "I really appreciate the good treatment here, CEO Parsons. However, I think it''s time I go back home. Since the headquarters did not approve my transfer, this is my only option."

    To be fair, Ming Rushi is good at her job. Though her grades were not good back in high school, she persevered in her undergraduate education as to not waste the opportunity.

    She exited the company and went straight to the airport.

    The receptionist greeted her and led her to the human resources department.

    "So, Ms. Ming, you had just resigned from ZFC in City B. Why didn''t you just transfer to their main branch here?"

    Ming Rushi knows that she cannot explain why her transfer was not approved. She had a professional smile. "Mr. Lin, I had decided for a long time that I will give myself a fresh start on coming home. Being in the same industry felt like I let myself get trapped. I believe that though the different products could bring in a fresh air in my career, your company, being a business, operates similarly to ZFC. Therefore, I believe that my knowledge and skills could be of help, at the same time, they will be honed by competent supervision from my superiors."

    "Hmmm...indeed." Director Lin nodded and browsed through her file.

    Ming Rushi had a bright smile, her eyes had a hint of vengeance.

 93 Welcome

    Michelle stood motionless at the door. She stared at the lady who greeted her.

    Riley was done with his business and went to check on the visitor. He frowned when there was something amiss about Michelle.

    "Charlene..." he called out when he saw who was at the door.

    "Oh, hi Riles! I thought I got the wrong apartment...seems not." Charlene flashed a bright smile.

    Michelle snapped out of her daze. "Uhm...uh, welcome." she managed to spit out while moving to give way.

    Charlene looked into the interior of the unit. "Not much change eh, Riles?"

    "Charlene, why are you here?" Riley furrowed his brows and crossed his arms on his chest.

    It was pretty awkward to let your ex into your apartment when your current girlfriend had just moved in.

    "Oh, take care of Scotch for awhile. Mikey is allergic to animal dander. I''ll just drop by again to get him back." she replied casually, continuing to chew her gum.

    While they were having a conversation, Michelle was sizing her possible rival. Even in casual winter clothes, Charlene''s curves were highlighted really well. Her face was small, delicately framed by her dyed hair in layers. Her eyes were bright, brown irises framed with full lashes. She had a petite nose and her lips were plump and attractive even without lipstick.

    Michelle''s ego was crushed. This girl can attract men without even trying.

    "Fine. Is that all?" Riley was getting impatient. He needs to get rid of his ex before Michelle could think of absurd things.

    "Yep. Thanks, Riles!" Charlene suddenly gave him a peck on the cheek. Then she went away and out the door as if nothing happened.

    The awkward situation of the couple was reinforced by the cuddling of dogs which had just reunited.

    ___________________

    It took a whole hour for Midori to convince herself to get up and prepare for work. She was bothered as to why she felt like she has a jetlag when her travel was not several timezones away. Her fatigue, headache, and slight dizziness made her thought of skipping work. However, due to her diligent character, she would not miss work unless she is sick to the point of requiring hospital admission.

    Then she remembered, her period still had not come! Could she really be pregnant? She needed to confirm it as soon as possible.

    She sluggishly moved towards the bathroom to prepare. As the smell of disinfectants reached her nose, she felt nauseated. She bolted towards the toilet and was just in time to retch and vomit into the bowl.

    ''Sh*t! I might really be pregnant!'' she cursed inwardly.

    She decided to send Dan a message.

    Dan was in the shower when his phone received a message. As soon as he read it, he called his assistant.

    "CEO Zhou." Michelle Park answered after a single ring.

    "Park, tell Captain Ji to get the plane ready in half an hour."

    Michelle was taken aback by the sudden change in schedule. She frowned as she reorganized the schedule briefly in her mind. "Yes, CEO." she replied.

    "From the airport, immediately report back to the company. Cancel everything within the next three days. Deal with the small matters." He had a stern, at the same time anxious, look on his face.

    Michelle understood clearly. "Have a safe trip, Mr. Zhou." She heard him hung up. She took the hair drier and continued drying her hair.

    Suddenly, a furry fellow went into the bedroom.

    "Good morning, Butter!" she greeted in delight. Then she noticed that the dog''s collar was black and not red. "Oh...sorry, Scotch. I thought you were...Butter!" The other dog ran to her, happily wagging its tail.

    Riley came out of the bathroom in a towel wrapped around his waist, some water dripping from his blonde locks.

    Michelle was gawking at him. She was awakened from her trance by Butter, as the dog licked her hand.

    He chuckled. "Thanks, Girl." He patted Butter on the head.

    She continued brushing her hair. "When will she take Scotch back?" It was not that she disliked the dog, Michelle was just a bit cautious around Riley''s ex.

    Riley looked at the dogs. Scotch was licking Butter''s face and ear. "Was that CEO Zhou? What does he need early in the morning?"

    "He''s flying to City T." she nonchalantly replied as she put on her blouse.

    He laughed. "Already? It''s been what, three days?"

    _____________________

    A gentleman in a business suit had stepped out of a black BMW X5. As Dan descended from his plane, he bowed.

    "CEO Zhou, welcome to City T." He had a subtle smile.

    "Where is she?" His tone had some worry in it.

    "Director Xiu had started to travel to I prefecture. She will be waiting for you at MS General Hospital."

    Dan furrowed his brows. ''That careless woman! Why would she request my presence if she wanted to travel by herself?!''

    Even with this thoughts, he remained indifferent and got into the card without a word.

    When they reached the hospital, Midori''s blood sample was already drawn and she was patiently waiting for the results.

    Dan waved his hand to dismiss the people who came with him. He then approached his wife.

    "What happened?" His face had concern written all over it.

    Midori gave him a gentle smile. "I had vague symptoms, so I wanted to know for sure."

    He sat beside her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

    After some minutes, a female in white uniform called, "Mrs. Zhou...oh, Mr. Zhou?" She was a bit surprised by the good-looking guy beside the patient.

    Dan eyed Midori when he heard the words ''Mrs. Zhou'' as if it was incredible. When the nurse addressed him too, he nodded.

    "Sawada-sensei will see you now." She smiled, nodding to both of them.

    Dan gulped as he led his wife into the doctor''s clinic.

 94 Useless

    Su Linyu entered the hospital room and she was welcomed by dead silence.

    Staring back at her were the hazel eyes of Victor Zhou.

    "Hello, Victor." She had a smile on her face.

    Victor Zhou blinked once as acknowledgement. Though his expression is flat, his eyes were like bottomless pits. One might try but will never get to know what is beyond them.

    She suddenly chuckled. "You know, even though we both know that we never loved each other, I was happy for awhile. At least I married into a stable family. At least, I married a rich and capable man." She moved towards him, then leaned in to face him. "It was good enough, until you became useless."

    She paused, straightened her back, then looked down on him. "Would you blame me for chasing my one true love?" She chuckled. "If it weren''t for that foreign sl**, I would have married him. I have to commend you, though. You actually agreed to marry someone who had been humiliated in her engagement party." Tears started to well up in her eyes.

    She sat on a chair on his bedside. "I have to thank you. At least I had a capable son. You know what? I''ll have him marry for the company." She laughed. "Even if he doesn''t want to, he can''t object. Since you''re already useless, he can''t be incompetent too."

    Her monologue stopped as a nurse knocked on the door.

    "Excuse me, Sir, Madam. I am here to take the patient''s vital signs."

    Su Linyu smirked and stood up. She glanced back at her husband briefly before striding away.

    ___________________________

    Masaichi Xiu looked up from his desk. Riley just handed him some documents.

    "Still no lead huh..?" Masaichi''s face was cool, but his voice had impatience in it.

    "Unfortunately, our mole was not qualified for a higher position so his knowledge on the actual transactions were lacking."

    "Useless." His voice was monotonous, but still intimidating. "Make him quit. I don''t need someone who can be traced back to us. Send him overseas."

    "Yes, CEO." Riley bowed and took his leave.

    There was a knock on the door after Riley had left.

    Secretary Ta walked in after being given permission. She carried a folder with her.

    Masaichi browsed through the employee file and had a hint of smile. ''Such daring move. Madam Ming surely wanted too much, even throwing in her own daughter as collateral.''

    He stared back at the photo in the resum¨¦. Ming Rushi''s bright face was staring back at him.

    __________________

    Xiu Jin was finally allowed on the bed. He was planning on sleeping in with his wife on this weekend.

    However, as he hugged tighter, he noticed something wrong. He lazily opened his eyes. It was a pillow!

    "Sweetheart?" He called out as he got up from bed. He walked for a while until he heard the shower. In his shamelessness, he tried to open the door.

    At the other side, Aoi Xiu snickered as she heard the door was being opened in vain. She was putting her clothes on.

    "What are you doing?" She glared at her husband who was trying to sneak a peek from the frosted glass door.

    "Oh...good morning, Sweetheart! Why did you not wake me up when you took a shower?" His shamelessness was over-the-top.

    Aoi Xiu became a cold yuki-onna* on hearing his words. "You perverted old man! Why are you even still here?! Haven''t you had enough entertainment already?!" She pushed him back, out and back into the bedroom.

    "But Sweetheart, I..." He was not able to finish his words as he was shoved towards the closet.

    "Pack your bags." she ordered.

    Before words could come out of his mouth, she interrupted him.

    "Quit being useless here and help our son run the company! Due to your shamelessness, the daughter whom I miss so much had an excuse to live in her condo unit!"

    "But you said you forgive me..." he was pouting like a kid.

    "It does not excuse you for slacking off! Pack your bags!"

    She ordered him, but she actually took his suitcase and started packing his things.

 95 Little Bun

    Manta came into view while they were bickering. He was scratching his eye areas with his chubby hands and was yawning.

    "Baachan, Jiichan, ohayoo~*" his little voice was adorable.

    "Ohayo, Mantarou. My cute little bun, did Jiichan wake you up?" Aoi Xiu surely dotes on her grandson while blaming her husband with a glare.

    Xiu Jin cleared his throat. "Mantarou, you wanna play ball with Jiichan in the garden?"

    The boy''s face lit up in a smile and he nodded excitedly.

    Xiu Jin had a bright smile on his face as he led his grandson out of the room. This irritated his wife who was still packing his things.

    Suddenly, her phone rang. It was her daughter. She hurriedly picked up.

    "Midori." Her thoughts were wandering on possibilities for an early morning phone call.

    "Hello, Mom. Is Dad still with you?"

    "Unfortunately. What''s the matter?"

    "Can we meet at TU restaurant at lunch?" Midori glanced at the man next to her.

    "Sure. Do you need your father?" Aoi Xiu was still determined to send Xiu Jin back to City S as soon as possible.

    "Hai. Arigatou, Okaasan."

    "Hmmn." Aoi Xiu hung up. Then she went to find her husband.

    She saw him playing soccer with his grandson, well it was more like he was teaching Manta how to kick the ball.

    Aoi Xiu approached her grandson. "Mantarou, it''s time for you to wash up. Kudou-sensei should not wait long for you."

    Manta paused and realized that he indeed has lessons that day. "Hai, Obaachan." He followed his nanny into the house to take his bath.

    Xiu Jin looked at the serious expression on his wife. "Where are we going?"

    ____________________

    Though he had prepared himself for this, Dan was still nervous on meeting his in-laws for this purpose. He might really get himself killed.

    He threw several pieces of clothing onto the bed, still undecided on what to wear.

    Midori giggled as she looked at his flustered face. She could still remember his reaction the day before when the doctor handed them the result of her blood test.

    _

    "Mr. and Mrs. Zhou, here''s the result of the serum Beta-HCG." She looked at the patient. "Congratulations. Mrs. Zhou, we will now proceed on evaluating the status of your pregnancy."

    The doctor, who was fluent in Dan''s language, led them to the examining area.

    Midori lied on the bed as she held Dan''s hand. She squinted when the ultrasound probe was inserted for evaluation.

    They all stared at the monitor. After a while, the doctor pointed at a seemingly pulsating part of the image. "See here, that''s the baby''s heart."

    Dan kissed his wife''s hand, which he was tightly clutching, as tears fell down his cheeks.

    Midori was also crying while flashing a bright smile, still dazed on the image in the screen.

    The doctor made some measurements to date the pregnancy and nodded as it coincided within limits to the age of gestation based on the patient''s last menstrual period.

    After the sonogram images were printed, they were led back to the office and the rest of the results were given, along with a prescription of supplements to support the pregnancy.

    The couple intently listened to every advice and restriction the doctor gave. The husband flooded the doctor with a series of questions, from the diet to possible sexual activities. The understanding doctor answered all of it. Satisfied, they politely bid goodbye after making sure they understood very well.

    _

    Midori chuckled as her husband remained conflicted on clothes. She went through his luggage and found the taupe tie in crazy diamonds design which made her smile.

    "What have you got there?" Her husband suddenly appeared behind her.

    Her smile brightened as she showed the tie. She went over the clothes haphazardly laid out on the bed. She took a pair of black suit and a light gray shirt. "These will do." She held them up for him to see.

    He walked towards her, then he cupped her cheeks and kissed her passionately.

    When they were out of breath, he decided to let go of her lips. He caressed her lower abdomen. "Little Bun, wish Daddy good luck!" He took the clothes from his wife and started to get dressed.

 96 Meet the Parents

    Dan was sweating buckets as he looked over the menu. The tranquil ambiance of trees, plants and bonsai beyond the vermillion walls failed to calm him down.

    They took a private room overlooking the bridge outside. The cool wind was flowing freely, rustling the bamboo leaves. It was very relaxing, for a normal visitor.

    Well, Verdan Zhou did not actually come to appreciate the cultural design and landscape. He came to be grilled!

    Midori giggled as he continued to gulp down his cold water. His handkerchief had swept over his forehead and neck multiple times. The tie which she secured around his collar had already been loosened.

    She sipped her green tea in amusement. They had arrived at the meeting place half an hour early.

    ____________________

    Back in City S, Michelle and Riley were playing with the dogs in the park.

    After tossing frisbees for the two dogs to catch, they took a rest under the cool shade of a tree.

    Riley suddenly stood up. "I''m gonna get some coffee at Zesty. What will I get for you?" he casually asked Michelle.

    "Caramel macchiato. Drop the whip on top, honey intead of sugar." She kept on petting the ButterScotch duo. The dogs were actually more fond of her than their real owner.

    Riley squinted his eyes. His girlfriend would not even look at him. Dam* friendly dogs. He should''ve gotten hyenas!

    He stood up, defeated. As he made two steps, her voice interrupted him.

    "Get something for the dogs too!"

    He pouted, without looking back at her. "Got it."

    She was rolling on the grass laughing as the dogs played with her, licking her arms and face.

    Then, she heard a familiar voice. "Min-hee?"

    Her expression turned into shock, even prompting the dogs to stop playing and looked towards the approaching people.

    Michelle gasped as the couple came closer. "Eomma(1)"

    A middle-aged Asian looking couple slowly approached her.

    The lady gave a gentle smile while looking at the two fluff balls. "When did you get dogs?" Her accent was a bit thick. She knew her daughter''s aversion to dogs.

    "And you even got two! Two big dogs!" The man chuckled. Surprisingly, his accent is a lot better than his wife''s.

    "Appa(2)!" There was a hint of longing in her voice. A total daddy''s girl.

    If we will be strict about saying so, Michelle is not technically half-Asian, as her mom is only half-Caucasian and her dad is also Asian. The name that she heard is her original name. Michelle is her English name.

    "Min-hee, bogo sip-eo...(3)" the lady took Michelle into a warm hug.

    Just then, a voice rang. "What''s going on?"

    Riley was carrying a two paperbags with Zesty''s logo.

    Scotch made a friendly bark, running towards him.

    ___________________

    Xiu Jin held his wife''s hand as they walked towards the restaurant.

    The private room was lined with tatami mats and there were no chairs for the low table.

    Dan and Midori stood up and bowed as they greeted their elders.

    There was an eerie silence in the room. After a few minutes, it was broken by the attendants who brought the food in, setting up a full kaiseki ryoki.

    "Douzo(4)." Dan gestured for the elders to begin their meal.

    Aoi Xiu shot him a stern look without saying anything. After awhile, she picked up her chopsticks.

    The younger ones anticipated her verdict on the food, but to their surprise, she placed some meat and vegetables on Xiu Jin''s bowl.

    Midori had a suppressed smile on her face. Her dad was pleasantly surprised and was in a daze.

    "Why are you spacing out? The rice gods will get angry." Aoi Xiu snapped him from his daze.

    Xiu Jin chuckled. "I was just touched by how sweet you are lately."

    Midori snickered. Her parents had always been affectionate, even in public. However, they had some issues lately so her mother declared a cold war. It seems they had sorted things out.

    "I was letting you check for poison." Aoi Xiu had a serious face.

    Xiu Jin coughed hard, trying to expectorate the food that he almost aspirated. His woman is too cruel. He reached for the water and drank half of it.

    Seeing her parents were eating peacefully, Midori started eating as well, placing some food on her husband''s bowl.

    Aoi Xiu furrowed her brows as her daughter mimicks the actions of her father. She looked at Verdan Zhou. "CEO Zhou, we apologize for missing your engagement party. Are you here with your fianc¨¦e?"

    The mushroom Dan held between his chopsticks fell on the table. A cold sweat accumulated on his forehead and nape.

 97 What Did You Say?!

    "CEO Xiu." Ming Rushi bowed in greeting. "Here are the proposed design for the backdrop of the photoshoot." She handed some folders.

    Masaichi Xiu took a glance at her, then proceeded in browsing the files. Though he knew she had ulterior motives, he had to say that this person is good at her job.

    Ming Rushi stood there, quietly waiting for the verdict from her new boss. Being the marketing director in XCG does not deviate much from her previous responsibilities in ZFC. However, promotional events in XCG require more effort since most of them cater to the higher social classes because of their luxurious brands. She kept a neutral face even when facing the person holding onto the position that should have been hers.

    "This one." Masaichi raised a folder, then tossed it onto the pile of the other folders. "But..." he looked up at her reaction.

    Ming Rushi kept a professional expression, only slightly widening her eyes on the possible changes that he will impose. She patiently waited for him to continue.

    "Change the roses into hibiscus and frangipani with the same colors. Get them from State H." After giving the order, he took a stack of documents for signing.

    "Yes, CEO."

    Ming Rushi relayed the decision to the design team leader, including the changes the CEO told her.

    "What did you say?!" The team leader had an incredulous look on his face. "This is only a photoshoot and we need to import flowers?! No one can smell them from the pictures!"

    ____________________

    "Eomma, Appa, this is Riley Adams." Michelle gestured towards Riley. Then she introduced her parents. "These are my parents."

    "Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Park..." He awkwardly bowed and looked down, seemingly looking for somewhere to place his purchases. After putting them down on the grass, he held out his hand. "I''m Riley Adams."

    Her parents shook his hand skeptically.

    "Eomma, the dogs are Riley''s."

    "Oh...at least you don''t fear them anymore."

    The thick accent made Riley furrow his brows and bend his body to better hear her.

    "Ah, ye, Eomma." Michelle nodded.

    Seeing that the young fellow was having a hard time understanding their conversation, her father spoke clearly in what Riley could understand.

    "Nice meeting you, Mr. Adams." He had a gentle smile.

    Riley was taken aback and was embarrassed by the formal greeting. "Please, Sir, call me Riley."

    "I am Park Gyeong Cheol. My English name is Johnny. You can call me Uncle. My wife''s name is Min-ji. You can call her Aunt Margie."

    Riley had a bright smile. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Johnny."

    "Ah..." Johnny Park seemed to remember something. "Min-hee, why did your landlady tell us that you no longer live in your apartment? Did you move in a better area?"

    Michelle was flustered. She looked at Riley as if asking for answers.

    "Uhm...Michelle...I mean, Min-hee? Uhm, she lives with me." Riley confidently answered.

    Even with her thick accent, Margie Park''s raised voice made them understand. "What did you say?!"

    ____________________

    Though still nervous, Dan decided to tough it out. In silence, she gently placed his bowl and chopsticks back on the table. He stood up gracefully and walked elegantly until he was behind his in-laws.

    Xiu Jin and his wife turned around to face him. Eyes widened as the young man knelt down and continued to a dogeza.

    Without looking up, he spoke, "Uncle, Aunty, I am sorry for all the years of misunderstanding and hurt that I caused your family."

    Aoi Xiu became furious, but before she could lash out her anger, Xiu Jin gentle placed his hand on her clenched fist. Then, he shook his head gently, stopping her words and actions. She glared at him. ''This old man is meddling with how I handle things again!'' Though irritated, at the end of the day, her doting husband is still Midori''s father. She respects his authority as the head of their household.

    Xiu Jin cleared his throat. "Sit back up." he calmly ordered the young man.

    Dan slowly lifted his torso. His dogeza looked splendid actually. He was so tall that when he went down his knees, the impact was amazing. He also looked elegant despite the lowly gesture of asking for forgiveness.

    This actually made the two elders a bit uncomfortable. That is why Xiu Jin ordered him to get up immediately.

    "Mr. Zhou, can you elaborate on the so-called misunderstandings that you mentioned?" Xiu Jin is a very reasonable man, not only because of years of wisdom, but also of his experiences on trying to prove himself.

    Looking at his in-laws, Dan nodded. "More than six years ago, when your daughter and I were studying in City B, someone set me up to make it look like I cheated on your daughter, when in fact, I did not." He paused, letting it sink in. "I was not able to explain myself since I lost opportunities to clarify matters with you daughter, causing the misunderstanding to drag for years. However, when we met again, we had sorted things out. Midori and I are together now." He bravely declared.

    "You imbecile! You are engaged to someone else! How could you drag my daughter in a mess?! You really wanted people to know her as your mistress?! I did not raise my daughter to be second-best! Not in business and definitely not in terms of being with a man!" Aoi Xiu released her pent up anger.

    "Mom!" Midori held onto her mother''s arm, trying to drag her back down.

    Aoi Xiu forcefully took back her arm, causing her daughter to lose footing.

    "Dori!" Dan bolted to grab her before they fell on the springy mat.

    Midori held her abdomen in a protective manner. "My baby!"

    Aoi Xiu''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say?!"

 98 Explanation

    Riley felt like he had done the ice bucket challenge as the couple widened their eyes at him.

    Michelle''s parents, especially her mother, was quite conservative.

    "Min-hee...you...you''re living in the same roof?!" Margie Park''s legs wobbled and she almost fainted.

    Johnny Park hurriedly supported his wife. He seemed calm. "How long have you been together?"

    Michelle could not find the words to answer again.

    "Six months." Riley lied. Realizing that it was a big deal for them, he could not disclose that they had been dating for less than three months. "We''ve decided to live together just recently."

    However, this did not appease Michelle''s mother. "You''ve known each other for only six months and you decided to move in with him?" Her eyes were like accusing Michelle of a crime.

    Riley had run out of ideas. He thought that six months of being together would suffice and justify their living arrangements. It seems that her parents were more conservative than he thought.

    "Ah! Eomma, that''s not it. We''ve known each other for a few years now, but we just got together...like really together, six months ago!" Her tone was too eager to be a reality. However, this was partially true. They had met about two years ago, in a convention that their bosses attended with them. It was just meeting though, not even exchange of contacts happened.

    "So, when are you getting married?" Margie Park will not allow her daughter to live with a man unless he becomes her husband.

    "Uhm...soon! We''re already planning the wedding!" Michelle had cold sweat.

    Riley gulped while frowning. Never did they talk about getting married. It''s too soon!

    _________________________

    "How could you be so stupid!" Aoi Xiu glared at her daughter, who was still protecting her lower abdomen which still looks flat. She turned to Dan. "You! Is it not enough that you have a fianc¨¦e?! You got my daughter pregnant?! You just guaranteed her being labeled as a mistress!"

    Xiu Jin pulled back his wife before her fingers dig into the young man''s face. Though he was also upset, he is not into violence. "Aoi, calm down." he whispered.

    "You''re telling me to calm down?! Really now?!" It seemed like she diverted her anger.

    Without letting go of his wife, Xiu Jin looked at Dan and his daughter. "Explain yourselves." His tone was authoritative.

    Dan had a protective stance towards his wife. "Aunty, please don''t hurt Midori."

    Before he could continue, Aoi Xiu screamed, "I will kill you!"

    Xiu Jin tightened his hold on his wife. He strongly believed that she will do as she says.

    "Mom, Dad...we''re married!" Midori could not help but blurt out.

    The statement made her parents stand frozen, with mouths gaping.

    "What did you..." Xiu Jin was even amazed that he could utter words himself.

    "Midori is my wife." Dan declared. "The engagement was fake." he continued.

    His in-laws were still dumbfounded.

    "Midori will never be known as a mistress, because she is already my wife, and she is with my child." He looked at them intently, while securing his wife in his arms.

    "Why do you have a fake engagement?" Xiu Jin was still processing the new information.

    "It''s to protect my wife." Dan took a deep breath. "Uncle, it was to divert the attention of those who might harm her. I know that her security is better here in City T, so even if it pains me, I sent her back and agreed to my mother''s arranged marriage."

    "What about your fianc¨¦e? Are you using her?" Xiu Jin did not like the idea of sacrificing a person to gain anything. He had learned his hard lesson with Su Linyu.

    "She knows everything. She even attended our wedding." Dan was determined to face all their questions. Gone were his jitters in meeting them.

    "You had a wedding?" Somehow, like her thought bubble popped, Aoi Xiu picked up ''wedding'' from the statements.

    "Hai, Okaasan." Midori held her hand up, showing the engagement and wedding rings on her finger.

    As if not fully convinced, Aoi looked at Dan. "You married her..." It sounded like it was half a question, half a realization.

    Xiu Jin managed to make his wife sit back on the tatami mat, rubbing her back to calm her down. He looked at his daughter. "Why tell us now?"

    Dan answered for her. "Because we need your help. We just confirmed her pregnancy yesterday. Disclosing this to you will assure us that she and the baby will be well taken care of."

    "Does Masaichi know?"

    On hearing this, Aoi Xiu was almost back to normal, anticipating their answer.

    Midori shook her head and pursed her lips. It was hard to predict how Masaichi will react, considering he was so protective of her.

    "The less people with the secret, the better. It would be easier to keep it." Dan answered.

    "But he''s your brother!" Aoi tried to protest. Xiu Jin held her down.

    "Alright...but she can''t continue living in her condo unit." Xiu Jin turned to his daughter. "Midori, move back into the old house."

    "Yes, Dad. Thank you, Dad." She had a smile on her face.

    "You should frequently visit your wife." He looked at Dan sternly.

    "I will, Uncle." Dan bowed.

    "Why are you still calling me ''uncle''?"

    Dan was pleasantly surprised, shyly uttering, "Yes, Dad."

    Xiu Jin smiled and felt assured. Then he remembered. "What about Mantarou?"

    Midori giggled. "Dan had promised him a playmate and he was looking forward to it."

    "You told the kid but not his father?" Xiu Jin chuckled.

    "We needed a ring bearer." Dan flashed his smile.

    "Fine. You can send the dowry into our account within the day. Midori has the details."

    As Aoi Xiu''s voice rang with the demand, there was a second of silence, followed by a chorus of laughter.

 99 Unfaithful

    Xiu Jin finally went back to City S. Dan was there to provide him with a private transportation anyway.

    They went back to work in their own companies as soon as they arrived.

    Masaichi strode towads the Chairman''s office. After knocking on the door, he was allowed access.

    Xiu Jin saw his son, and immediately remembered the secret.

    "Chairman." Masaichi bowed.

    ''Oh, he''s here not as my son? Lucky.'' Xiu Jin had a smile. "CEO. Is something the matter?"

    "I had sent you the photos from the pictorial for the new collection. We will appreciate your opinion on it." Masaichi eyed his father. He seemed happy. Maybe his mother already forgave him.

    Xiu Jin took the folder and browsed through the photos. At the back was the report from the marketing director. "Ming...Rushi?"

    "She is the new marketing director." Masaichi reported.

    "Hmmm..." Xiu Jin nodded like it was nothing, but his mind wandered off to a distant memory.

    __________

    Xiu Jin was a handsome young man about 30 or so years ago. Being the heir to a then small company, he had spent his time socializing really well.

    That summer, he and his friends went to the beach, surfing all day and eating grilled seafood.

    One night, he was walking along the shore, white sand in between his toes, when he found a girl staring blankly into the ocean.

    She had delicate features, with thin, straight brows, dark brown eyes, tall nose, and thin lips. Her jet-black long wavy hair was gentle blown by the sea breeze. Her skin looked like it was sun-kissed. She seemed to be alone.

    Xiu Jin slowly walked towards her. Even when he was close enough to appreciate her long lashes, she still remained dazed, staring at the crashing waves.

    "Isn''t the sea loyal to the shore?" He suddenly spoke, then flashed a gentle smile.

    The girl was startled and looked up at him. She watched him sit beside her, still not saying anything.

    He continued, "No matter how far it goes, it still comes back to hug the shore."

    "If that was true, then the sea is unfaithful." The soft voice was just enough for him to hear." Though she seemed to be talking to him, she still kept her eyes on the waves.

    "Why do you say that?"

    "The sea hugs a lot of shores. You can never tell which one is home to the sea. Maybe none of them." There was melancholy in her voice.

    "Have you found your home?" He stared at the girl.

    "It doesn''t matter where I am. I can always decide to make any place my home." She finally looked back at him, subtly smiling.

    "You are beautiful." The young Xiu Jin blurted it out.

    ___

    His memory shifted to the day when he saw the girl in a white dress, holding a bouquet of red roses, her veil had been shifted off her face.

    "Why? Why did you not wait for me to come back?!"

    "I...Jin...I didn''t..."Her dark brown eyes were filled with tears. She clutched on her bouquet tightly.

    Suddenly, the groom found them. "Xiaoyu." He looked at the man who was talking to his wife. "Your friend?"

    Wong Xiaoyu did not speak, but gently nodded.

    "Hi. I''m Ming Rouguang. It''s good that you could make it to our wedding." He held out his hand.

    Xiu Jin shook his hand absentmindedly. He mustered all his strength to keep his posture and to bring out a smile. "Congratulations."

    "Why are you still at the garden, let''s go back in." Ming Rouguang politely offered.

    Xiu Jin shook his head, tears threatened to fall from his eyes. "I just dropped by. I actually needed to go on a business trip. I...uhm, congratulations again! I better go now!" He bowed and quickly left after glancing one last time at his first love.

    _____________

    Masaichi''s voice pulled him back to the present. "Otousan..."

    "Hmmm?" Xiu Jin almost let a tear fall.

    Masaichi was confused by his changes in expression. "How did it go with Mom?"

    Chairman Xiu flashed a bright smile. "Everything is under control."

    "That''s good to hear. If that''s all, I..."

    "Masa-kun..." Xiu Jin interrupted him. "Would you ever consider marrying someone else?"

    Masaichi was not sure if this question was theoretical or does his father want him to remarry.

    "I''m not sure of what you mean, Dad."

    Xiu Jin had a gentle smile. "Nevermind. You can go back now."

 100 Her Door

    In the Igarashi Group, Igarashi Aoi sat behind her desk, looking intently at the box of sakura mochi wrapped daintily on the table.

    She pulled the pink ribbon away, then she gently lifted the lid up to reveal six pink glutinous rice balls.

    She smiled, reminiscing her childhood.

    _

    Aoi, being a unisex name, provided her with a group of friends who thought she was a boy when she was just a kid. Along with the buzz cut she used to flaunt, to the dismay of her grandmother, Igarashi Aoi was thought of as the future boss of their clan.

    To the disappointment of their neighbors who had daughters,she was transformed into a beautiful young lady come high school.

    They started eying her elder brother instead, but despite being a young adult back then, they suspected that he was either asexual or gay.

    Due to multiple men trying to win her favor, she developed a snobbish attitude and would tend to converse straight-to-the-point, especially when it comes to business. She never liked small talks and would mercilessly cut off ties with anyone who had other intentions.

    When her father made her come for negotiations overseas, she was hesitant at first, but agreed immediately when it coincided with the scheduled miai* setup by her grandmother.

    Upon arrival to City S, they went to the hotel they booked. She had a separate room of her own.

    When she was walking to find her door, a seemingly drunk man was desperately opening a door but his keycard seemed like it does not work for some reason.

    She planned to walk past him. However, it turned out that she cannot do so, because the door he was trying to open was hers!

    Looking closely, the man with a red face turned out to be really handsome. His dark eyes, tall nose and chiseled clean face was very attractive from when she looked up to him who was leaning using his forehead on her door.

    "Uhm...excuse me..." she uttered, with a hint of irritation as the stench of alcohol went into her nostrils.

    The man turned around to face her. As he did, before she could say or do anything, he collapsed on her. Since he was much larger than she was, their bodies fell on the carpeted floor.

    Igarashi Aoi winced in pain. No matter how hard she tapped him or how loud her voice in getting his attention, he did not move to free her.

    She stopped struggling when he mumbled something that she had a hard time understanding.

    At that time, she had just learned a conversational version of the language in City S. It was hard for her to decipher mumblings of a local.

    Finally, his voice became louder, as if he was calling out to someone. "Xiaoyu...Xiaoyu!" He was sobbing.

    Igarashi Aoi felt bad for him, but due to her personality, being pinned down like that made her extremely mad. She gritted her teeth, and pushed him away with all her might.

    As she broke free from him, she hurriedly opened her door and locked it, not caring whether the man outside was dead or barely alive.

    She decided to let him be because she does not even know him. She put down her bag and decided to take a shower. She could still smell the alcohol stench on her which was transferred during the encounter. She showered for more than 30 minutes, vigorously scrubbing her skin then letting harsh flow of water on her body.

    She went out and dried her hair in front of the vanity. As she looked at herself, she wondered if the man was still at her doorstep.

    If he died and the family would suspect foul play, her fingerprints and maybe some DNA, including hair, could be found on him. She was a foreigner on her first day of visit in City S. Getting involved in such a scandal would definitely be ugly!

    After contemplating for some time, she went out to check.

    Alas, he was still there, looking dead!

    Igarashi Aoi tapped on his back vigorously. "Sir! Sir, wake up! Can''t you hear me?"

    Still no response. Though she told herself that it was an obviously bad idea, she mustered all her strength to help him up. She took his arm over her shoulders and supported his upper body with her arms. After struggling for some time, she managed to get him into the room and on the sofa.

    Panting and shaking her head, she frowned at him. She took an extra blanket and placed it over him.

    As she did, the close distance made her appreciate his features once more. If he was not a drunkard, she would have been totally interested. It was indeed an honor to pique her interest, because no person had done that. Even her spitz at home had better chances of getting her attention than most men.

    He opened his eyes and looked at her as if dazed. "Xiaoyu..."

    Before she could avoid him, he held the back of her head.

    Her eyes widened and her mouth was gaping. She froze there, few inches away from him.

    Feeling no resistance, he pulled her into a passionate kiss.

    The snobbish woman who was allergic to marriage topics had not kissed a guy, ever.

    Her eyes would have popped out if possible, her brows turning into unruly curves.

    She struggled to free her facr from his, but he used his other arm to grab her by the waist and kissed her deeply.

    As he pried her lips open and his tongue ventured into her senses, she lost her will to struggle, taking in all the sensations she felt.

    When his hand went up to cup her breast, she woke up from the fantasy that she never had before. She pushed him down and landed a hard slap on his cheek. Her expression was a mixture of hatred and disgust.

    She went into the bedroom and shut the door, heaving a sigh of relief while clutching her shirt around the chest area. Her heartbeats were banging her ears.

    She decided to lie in bed and closed her eyes. However, she was not sure whether it was the new environment or the kiss, but something kept her awake all night.

 101 No Idea

    The following day, she found the guy still lying on the sofa of her room. His hair disheveled, some drool was oozing from the side of his mouth. It was disgusting, but on closer inspection, he still looked handsome.

    She called room service, asking for Asian breakfast, since the man does not look Caucasian.

    Then she went to wake him up. She was about to tap his shoulder, but she stopped her actions. Her hand hung in midair as she admired his chiseled face and full brows. His upper lip had sharp, well-demarcated borders, while his lower lip looked juicy, going down like a spout of a teapot. It was very tempting.

    She shook her head remembering their encounter last night. She furrowed her brows and tapped his shoulder hard.

    Xiu Jin woke up with a splitting headache. He had drunk too much last night.

    Seeing a beautiful woman looking down on him, her hands propped by her hips, he bolted upright.

    "Who...who are you?" He asked. Did he bring a stranger into his room? Oh my God!

    "The occupant of this hotel room." she answered him, her voice was clear.

    "What?" He frowned.

    Before she could enlighten him, the door bell rang. The room service had come.

    She asked the attendant to place the dishes on the small dining table. After getting the tip, the attendant left.

    "You could eat first. I need to prepare for a meeting. Please close the door when you leave." She sounded cold. Then, she went into her bedroom, locking the door.

    Xiu Jin stared at the breakfast on the table, then he looked at the closed bedroom door. He sighed.

    If that girl had been violent, he would have been killed!

    As he hurriedly chomped on his meal, he had a hazy recollection of how he went back into his room. Scratching his head, his eyes fell on the sofa. They widened as he realized what he had done.

    He kissed her! He had the illusion that she was Wong Xiaoyu and he kissed her! Sh**!!!

    Hearing some noises in the bedroom, he hurriedly finished the food on his plate, almost choking as he drank the coffee, and bolted up to leave.

    Just then, he paused when he saw the stick-on notepad and pen beside the telephone in the living room area.

    He scribbled hastily as he thought about her being a sleeping tiger. He had to get away immediately!

    When she came from the shower, she took a peek outside her door while still in a bathrobe. Seeing that he was gone, she sighed. She walked to the table to have her meal.

    As she sat down, she saw his note on her coffee cup.

    "Please don''t be mad at me! If you need anything, you can bother me anytime. Xiu Jin."

    His number was also written at the bottom.

    So much for trying to be nice! Little did he know that she had no idea how to read what he wrote!

    Based on the turn of events, she deduced that he was waiting for her call him. In his dreams!

    Igarashi Aoi crumpled the paper immediately and tossed it somewhere. She started her meal and focused her thoughts on their upcoming meeting with their new clients.

    She put on a black collared button-down dress and covered herself with a tan trenchcoat. She had a simple black leather heels and small diamond stud earrings.

    Even though she rarely puts on makeup, she did that day since she needed to give a good impression for the sake of her father who went against her grandmother on bringing her.

    Her father was waiting for her in the hotel lobby. He had a warm smile on his face.

    "Aoi-chan, they invited us out into an exclusive restaurant." He said in their native language as he gestured to a black Volkswagen Santana parked just outside the hotel.

    She nodded silently and followed him outside.

    The driver pulled the door open for them and immediately started the car as soon as he sat on the driver seat.

    They were led to a restaurant''s private room, overlooking the mountains and valley. A sumptuous meal was served, with all kinds of protein, from the common pork to quail meat were served. The rice wine was reported to be home-made and the fruits were harvested from the nearby woods.

    The client was a middle-aged couple who specializes on visual arts. The woman has her own line of luxury dresses, the most expensive ones were either embroidered or hand-painted. The man was known for his workmanship in luggages and designer bags. They were now interested in venturing into shoes and leather production is one of the branches of the Igarashi group. They kept their words in conversational tone, making Aoi, who had just learned their language, more comfortable. They even praised her for being excellent in her job at such a young age.

    As they were enjoying the feast, a panting young man entered the private room without even knocking.

    Wiping his sweat with his handkerchief, he kept on bowing to the people in a meeting.

    "Sorry...sorry, my car broke!" It was the lamest excuse of the century!

    Mr. and Mrs. Xiu looked at their son in disappointment. He might have drowned himself in alcohol again last night.

    Aoi did not get to look at him properly before he bowed to apologize.

    She almost spat out her tea when he straightened up and the face that she first saw on waking up looked directly into her bewildered eyes.

 102 Slept in Her Room

    Xiu Jin''s expression mirrored the one on Igarashi Aoi''s face. They were both staring at each other, mouths gaping.

    "Y-you..." Xiu Jin cannot believe it. He is dead for sure!

    "You two know each other?" The Madam Xiu back then stated the obvious.

    Igarashi Aoi looked at Madam Xiu then turned to her dad. Her dad had a puzzled look, but he did not look mad.

    "La-last night, he mistook my room..." she said bluntly.

    "You slept in her room?!" Madam Xiu glared at her son. This can''t be happening! She had other plans for him! How could he sleep with the daughter of their foreign supplier?!

    ____________

    In the same time setting, there was a beautiful young lady in a boutique.

    "Linyu, you look so beautiful!" Madam Su exclaimed as tears welled in her eyes.

    Su Linyu gave a warm smile back. She cannot wait to appear beside Brother Jin in this laced qipao gown. She turned around to properly show the dress to her mother and aunts.

    She had been harboring her one-sided love for the son her mom''s friend for several years. When she heard that he met someone on his summer trip, she was discouraged. However, Madam Xiu kept the planned engagement, and soon the said someone married into another family, making her Brother Jin available again. She was hesitant to go through the engagement at first, for the fact that he calls the girl''s name whenever he drinks too much. Nevertheless, the fact that he agreed on their engagement cheered her up. Now, she was excited to tell everyone that she will soon be Mrs. Xiu.

    "Linyu, why didn''t you invite your fianc¨¦ to go dress shopping with you?" one of her aunts asked.

    Su Linyu gently shook her head and smiled. "He has an important meeting today. It will be good for the business."

    "Ah...yes, yes...as expected of the future Madam Xiu. You know too well that business is always the priority."

    Su Linyu nodded, but her eyes had a tinge on disappointment. Any girl would not want to be only next to any business as a man''s priority. In fact, she had asked him to come multiple times, to no avail.

    She thought about how she would change this attitude of his once they got married. As she thought about this, her smile became wider and brighter.

    ____________________

    Back to the restaurant.

    Xiu Jin looked at the lady whose name he is yet to get, as if saying, "How could you just tell them that?!"

    Igarashi-san tried to salvage the situation. "Uhm...there might be a misunderstanding. Aoi-chan can only converse in your language in the elementary level. She cannot explain things properly." He turned to his daughter and spoke in their own language. "Aoi-chan, what really happened? You can tell Otousan." he coaxed her.

    "He mistook my room for his while he was drunk. Since he was out of sorts, I helped him so that he won''t catch a cold for sleeping in the hallway. I helped him into the sofa where he slept for the night, then ordered breakfast for him in the morning. I think he was trying to get me to call him with this." She showed the crumpled paper with his note. "He left this after finishing his food." She was calm during the whole explanation.

    Igarashi-san was bewildered. He cannot believe that his tomboy of a daughter would help a man and let him sleep in her sofa. His mouth was gaping but he was silent due to shock.

    He had a peculiar reaction that Xiu Jin''s parents glared at him even more.

    "Mr. Igarashi, could you translate for us?" Master Xiu was eager to know what happened. He had the suspicion that his son may leave things out if he asked him.

    Igarashi-san snapped back from his daze and had a sly smile. "It''s not much. She said that she helped him while he was drunk, let him sleep in her sofa, then ordered him breakfast the next morning." He turned to the young man. "I''m sorry. It seems that she misunderstood your intentions when you left this note." He showed the paper with creases. "The thing is, she cannot read your language just yet."

    When Madam Xiu read the note, she started hitting Xiu Jin''s back. "You shameless son! How could you just leave her a note she cannot read! You should''ve apologized properly!"

    Master Xiu could not take the humiliation. He stood up and bowed towards them. "Igarashi-san, Aoi-chan, gomenasai!"

    Aoi became flustered. She cannot let the client apologize like this. "Ah! It''s not much, Mr. Xiu...really! It was not much trouble." she lied. She looked at Xiu Jin. "I would''ve helped others too." She still had a hard time expressing herself.

    "Master Xiu, we accept your apology, but it really is not necessary. My daughter is good-natured. Knowing what happened actually made me more proud of her." Igarashi-san explained.

    Hearing this, the Xiu couple was appeased, but they would definitely give their son appropriate punishment for getting himself drunk and causing trouble to a young lady.

    Xiu Jin straightened his back and had a serious face. He bowed. "I''m really sorry for the misunderstanding. Mr. Igarashi, Ms. Aoi, my name is Xiu Jin."

    Igarashi-san nodded and had a smile on his face. His eyes were telling that he thinks that this is a fine young man.

    Aoi kept silent while looking at him. His clean and behaved self is more attractive than his image the previous night. There was a hint of blush on her cheeks. As she thought of this, her arm was gently hit by an elbow.

    "Aoi-chan, introduce yourself properly." ordered Igarashi-san.

    Aoi sighed. She stood up. "Igarashi Aoi, Head of Finance." She held out her hand to Xiu Jin in a business-mode manner.

    Xiu Jin shook her hand firmly but briefly. It was soft and smooth, but his focus landed on her face. She is indeed a beauty.

 103 The Man Who Could Tame Her

    For some reason, after signing a contract with their companies, Xiu Jin had all the excuses to see Igarashi Aoi.

    First, he was invited to City T by an international corporation. He contacted her and asked if she could show him around since he will basically be a stranger roaming around the streets.

    Actually, Aoi did not feel disgust when he made this request since she had known that even though he could get drunk sometimes, his background was otherwise clean.

    "You went into this high school?" Xiu Jin said amusingly, while alternating looks on the building and on her.

    "Yes." she replied with a smile.

    "How many boyfriends did you have?" He chuckled.

    Aoi squinted her eyes on him.

    Just then, a pickup truck stopped by them. A man in casual clothes went down and bowed towards them.

    "Boss, your ride is here."

    Xiu Jin''s face lit up. They had been walking around and he was a bit tired. He was amused by the choice of car.

    However, his smile faded when the man brought a bicycle down. Then drove away.

    Aoi took the bicycle and sat on it. "Hop on." she offered.

    "No way!" Don''t get him wrong. He rides bicycles, but he would never ride a bike''s back seat, especially when a woman he is interested in is pedalling.

    Aoi frowned. "Keep up using your feet then."

    She was about to push on the pedal when he pulled on the back seat.

    "At least let me drive." Or pedal, if one would be technical about it.

    Being an attractive woman, countless men had invited Igarashi Aoi to ride in their car, but each one failed to get an acceptance. This man had not only agreed to not take a car while sight-seeing, he is now offering to pedal her bicycle.

    Seeing hesitation on her face, Xiu Jin spoke. "Don''t worry. I won''t be reckless." He had a gentle smile.

    Her hesitation was not for her safety. This is her favorite ride, including all her cars and off-road vehicles.

    "Hmmn. Okay." Surrendering to the attractive man, she nodded.

    That day, they went around City T, viewing some shrines and eating candied apples on the streets.

    Igarashi-san was shocked when he saw his daughter arriving in their courtyard, on a bicycle, behind Xiu Jin. He knew they had hit it off in City S, but he never would have thought that this young man will board a plane to see his daughter. On the other hand, his hardcore daughter seemed to have met the man who could tame her. Right then and there, he knew they would end up together.

    So much for a simple bike ride!

    "Xiu-san!" Igarashi-san greeted.

    "Ah! Igarashi-san, konbanwa." Xiu Jin greeted back.

    "Come in, come in..." Igarashi-san waved his hands, gesturing the young man to come inside the house. "Dinner is almost ready. My wife cooked today."

    Earlier that day, Xiu Jin went and fetched Aoi so that she could ''show him around.'' He had explained that he will be in City T for awhile. Thus, Igarashi-san planned to welcome him properly after their date-i.e. tour. Maybe he could welcome him into his family soon. The middle-aged man was delighted.

    When Xiu Jin was removing his shoes to place them on the getabako, the fair hand of Igarashi Aoi placed a pair of slippers before him for him to wear. He had a gentle smile. "Thank you."

    "Doo itashimashite*." Aoi quickly entered the house, concealing her smile that she had while biting her lower lip so her squeal would not come out. She felt like it was a date.

    That night, the dining table was set like one from a restaurant. Her mother could really prepare a proper kaiseki ryoki.

    Her father poured some sak¨¦ in his cup. "Xiu-san, welcome to Country N!" He toasted with him.

    Xiu Jin was very polite, even complimenting the Madam of the household for the good food.

    Aoi''s parents exchanged meaningful glances. Even though they lived in that decade wherein most people are conservative and arranged marriages were still the norm, they will support their daughter on whoever she will like for herself. However, their two sons may need to have a word or two with this man.

    ______________

    After spending quality time with the girl who makes him happy enough to forget the matters with his first love, Xiu Jin went back to City S.

    "Where have you been all this time?! Your engagement party is only a week away! How could you leave your fianc¨¦e just like that?!" Madam Xiu was furious. She really liked Su Linyu.

    When she found out that her son Jin fancied a girl that summer, she immediately sent him to their branch company abroad.

    "I told you you could prepare for it yourselves. Linyu is a good girl, but you knew that I had always seen her as a little sister." Xiu Jin looked indifferent. He knew about the engagement for a long time. If Xiaoyu did not marry someone else, he would have fought for her even if it means leaving his family.

    "Xiu Jin! Get back here!" Madam Xiu was really mad.

    However, he continued to climb upstairs and locked himself in his room, reminiscing his dates with Igarashi Aoi. She is a tough girl, but he knew he had a chance.

    "You useless son!" She glared at his back and continued to frown even when he had gone to his room. She told herself, ''If I can get the girl you fancy raped and married off to someone else, I can make you marry the woman who is suitable to you!'' A smirk appeared on her face.

 104 Sakura Mochi

    Two days before his engagement, Xiu Jin came to City T, despite the objections of his mother.

    "What are you doing here?" Aoi was confused and delighted at the same time. He had told her about his engagement during his previous visit. Now, he appears in her office.

    At first, Aoi was mad because she thought that he was only playing around with her. However, as he tried to explain his circumstances, she somehow believed him. She was just disappointed that they could not be together in the end.

    "Here." Xiu Jin brought out a pink box of sakura mochi.

    "Hey!" Aoi was delighted. Contrary to her tomboy antics, this is the part of her that proves she is still a girl.

    She excitedly untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. As she saw the paper covering the dessert balls, she frowned.

    "What''s wrong?" Xiu Jin thought there was something amiss from her expression.

    She looked up to him and smiled. Then she shook her head. "It''s just that, thepackage has changed."

    She reached into her bag for her wallet and took out a torn piece of baby pink paper with dark pink sakura petals design.

    Xiu Jin was confused.

    She chuckled. "When I was young, I got lost while roaming around the Old Capital. I was crying my heart out when a boy who had a box of sakura mochi approached me. He tore a part of the paper and used it to handle a piece of mochi, then handed it to me."

    He had bewildered eyes.

    She chuckled again. "He did not say anything. I thought he was deaf and mute, but when I said my thanks, he furrowed his brows as if not understanding what I just said. Before I could tell him my name, my mother found me and took me away." She giggled.

    Xiu Jin had his gaze stuck on the paper.

    "Jealous?" she laughed.

    He cleared his throat. "Coming to City T was not my first time coming to Country N." he declared.

    "Oh?" She tilted her head. "You lied to me then?"

    He shook his head. "My family visited City K. While sight-seeing, I saw a crying boy. He seemed lost so I gave him one of my glutinous rice cakes. Too bad it was a boy and not you." he chuckled.

    Aoi stood from her seat and came closer to him. "Did your first gay crush had a blue knitted vest and a buzz cut?" Her smile was teasing.

    "What gay crush?!" Then it dawned on him. "You know him?"

    Aoi laughed heartily. She walked to a bookcase, took a book, and opened a certain page to get an old photo.

    Xiu Jin''s eyes widened when he saw it. "It''s him! It''s him! Is he your brother?"

    She chuckled. "Flip it over."

    His expression was unimaginable as he read her name, beside which was the date the photo of the boy in ablue vest and a buzz cut was taken.

    He rushed towards her and enveloped her petite frame in his arms.

    "It''s you..." his voice full of realization.

    "Ji-jin...you-you''re suffo-...can''t breathe! Jin!" Aoi was trying to free herself.

    Before she was squished, he let go of her partially, his hands still securing her arms.

    She looked into his deep eyes. It was filled with longing.

    Just then, his hand cupped he cheek as he kissed her deeply, passionately.

    "Igarashi Aoi, marry me." He was serious.

    "Wha-at?!"

    ____________

    The current Aoi Xiu had a sweet smile on her face as she looked at the innocent pieces of pink mochi on the box.

    "Okaasan, daijoubu desu ka?" Midori had come in her office without her noticing.

    "Ah! Hai. How''s your morning?" Aoi smiled at her.

    "Terrible! I was retching until I came to work." Midori complained.

    Aoi chuckled. "I did it twice. You can do it."

    Midori squinted her eyes. "Here are the year-end reports you asked for." She placed several folders on the desk.

    "Hmmn." Aoi nodded. Then she pushed the box towards her daughter. "Want some?"

    Midori vigorously shook her head. "My sense of smell is abnormal right now. I don''t even like what I used to like."

    Aoi laughed. "Shall I call your husband to punish him?"

    Midori frowned. "I''ll do it myself." With that, she exited the office.

    Aoi Xiu had a bright smile towards the pink box. Her daughter is going to be a mother soon.

    When she had her daughter, Xiu Jin wanted to name her Sakura, but Aoi objected. Just like her, she wanted her daughter to be strong and outspoken, not some damsel in distress. Combining her name, which would mean ''blue or bluish'' and her husband''s which means ''gold," the fusion of colors came out with ''green'' in her mother tongue. Thus, Midori got her name.

 105 Nagging

    The curvy body of Madeline Song made her way into the CEO office on the top floor of ZFC.

    She gave a wink at Michelle Park who was shocked from her desk, then nonchalantly entered the office without even knocking.

    Michelle tried to contact the CEO from the intercom, "CEO, Ms. Song--"

    "Is here." CEO Zhou completed her sentence. He was already looking up to Madeline Song in a fitted dress.

    "Hello, Fianc¨¦." Her voice was seductive.

    "What brings you here." It was so monotonous that it did not sound like an inquiry. He looked doqn on his documents.

    "Well, I miss my huaband-to-be." She leaned in so the man behind the desk could get a fuller view of her gifts.

    Dan quickly gave her a glance then looked down again. "Cut the cr*p."

    Madeline Song snickered. "My parents are pestering me about spending time with you. I thought I could show myself here and leave when you do. Then I''ll leave the rest to the rumors."

    "I''m busy." He frowned.

    She chuckled. "With such a neutral face, you deprive yourself from being able to take your asset''s full advantage." She was talking about his smile.

    "You and I know that even if I wanted to, it will not work on you." He looked up at her. "Get out."

    "Oh please. Let me hang out a little. You have a sweet place here. Don''t worry, you could treat me as a pet."

    "If I would bring a pet into my office, I would''ve gotten a dog instead."

    Her face became furious. "Are you calling me a--"

    Michelle Park knocked on the door and came in after being given permission. She had brought tea.

    After the assistant left, Madeline Song continued her nagging.

    "You could take me out sometimes. It would give a better fa?ade for us."

    "Not a chance."

    "Why? Are you going out today? Tsk tsk tsk. When the cat is away, the mouse will play! Did Mrs. Xiu know what you''re doing?" She was teasing him.

    He looked at her sternly. "I''m flying to City T tonight."

    "Oh!!! Bring me! I''ve never been to Country N! Bring me please! Oh, it will be the greatest front! You will be going abroad alone with your fianc¨¦e!" She gestured with her hands in the air, as if flashing a headline, "I can already read the headlines, ''ZFC CEO flies privately with fianc¨¦e!'' Oh boy!"

    She was still full of excitement when the door was kicked open.

    Vanessa Zhou came barging in. "Verdan Zhou, when did you become a puppet?!"

    However, on seeing the frightened Madeline Song beside her brother, Vanessa calmed down.

    "Ah...I-I''m sorry. Were you in the middle of something?" She bit her lower lip in regret. "I''ll be on my way. Go on..."

    Dan''s voice rang. "No worries. We were just talking." He had a glint in his eyes.

    "Indeed, Sister-in-law. We were just making plans for later." Madeline giggled.

    Dan had got to give it to her shamelessness.

    "We''re going on a trip. Wanna come along?" Dan had a cunning smile.

    "No...uhm, I..." Vanessa stepped back. She had landed on a trap.

    "Oh come on, Sister-in-law...We''ll have lots of fun!" Madeline persuaded, grabbing Vanessa''s arm while rubbing her breasts on it.

    "I don''t have my luggage..." Because of the shock, Vanessa had a lame excuse.

    "Don''t worry. Dani Dearest will buy us clothes." Madeline Song had a mischievous grin.

    Dan squinted his eyes, then he sighed. "I will indeed. Come along with us, won''t you?"

    ______________

    Mrs. Park kept pestering Michelle and Riley to get married.

    Michelle was already bothered by the fact that her parents were living in a hotel room for a month now. Her mother was nagging her everyday while ''helping'' to prepare for her marriage, even picking out dresses without her.

    Well, to be truthful, Riley and Michelle are not keeping things casual. They were exclusively dating before they lived together. However, since they are still both busy and their relationship is still young, they had yet to take about marriage.

    Riley was tapping his fingers on his desk. He could not focus at work for a few days now because of this wedding dilemma.

    Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Michelle.

    Luckily, Masaichi Xiu had left ages ago and he was the only one doing overtime, otherwise, it is not really appropriate to take personal calls at work.

    "Hello?"

    "We need to talk."

    Riley gulped. He might really need to marry her at this rate.

 106 News

    News about Jiang Mei Ling were all over the internet and local televisions. Even so, she purposedly called Midori for a video chat.

    The blushing face of Mei with the baby in her arms came into view when Midori answered the call.

    "Midoriiiii! Look! My baby is so cute!" She focused the camera on the baby''s face.

    Midori chuckled. She had a wide smile. "She looks like Shaoting though!"

    "You traitor!" Mei pouted. "How could you do this to me?! She''s my baby girl! She definitely looks like me!" She jokingly complained.

    Midori laughed heartily.

    "So, when are you gonna visit?"

    Midori''s smile stiffened. "Mei, is there another person in the room?"

    Mei looked around to be sure. "Nuh-uh...just me and the baby. What''s up?" She knew the change in Midori''s tone signals a secret about to be revealed.

    "I''m pregnant!" Midori''s face lit up to a bright smile.

    "For real?! Oh my God!" Mei was literally jumping in joy, waking her baby up.

    The sound of the baby crying affected Midori as the whirpool of hormones circulate through her system. She would soon have one for herself.

    Mei stopped laughing as she pacified the baby into sleep. Then she placed the baby in the crib and went into the hallway to continue their video call.

    "Hey, does Aunty know?"

    Midori giggled. "Yes."

    Mei gasped. "How come ZFC had yet to announce that their CEO had become sashimi?"

    Midori laughed. "If my father wasn''t there when we told her, he would''ve been swimming with the fishes right now."

    Mei had a hearty laugh. She took a deep breath before asking, "So, how did your husband react when he heard the news? My Shao froze like a statue when he found out I was pregnant." She chuckled.

    Midori giggled. "He was crying at the doctor''s clinic. Actually, I was crying too."

    "Why did you go straight to the doctor? Didn''t you buy a test kit first?"

    "Have you heard of HP Inc.?"

    "Yeah...they were exposed of marketing poor quality test...oh..."

    Midori chuckled. "Dan was so furious when we had inconclusive result with their kit...he handled them in a day."

    "Tsk tsk tsk...the indifferent CEO could really lose his cool when it comes to you."

    "Well, he was certain he could knock me up." Midori chuckled.

    Mei laughed, then paused, after realizing something. "If you''re pregnant, why are you still staying in City T? Why didn''t your husband take you back here?"

    Midori''s face turned serious. "It''s for my protection and that of the baby. With his fake engagement, things are a bit complicated. At least, my mom''s here."

    "Oh, right. It''s Aunty Aoi''s turf. No one will actually lay his hand on you as long as you''re there. Hmmm...but it''s a pity. You can''t torture him." Mei laughed.

    "What?!" Midori was laughing with her.

    Jiang Mei Ling never laughed like this in public because of her image as an actress. However, when it is between her and her best gal, her laughter is in full blast that it was contagious.

    Mei wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Her face was beet-red from laughing. "When I was pregnant, Shao turned into a slave attending to my every whim. It was satisfying!" She was laughing again.

    When Midori saw the man behind her bestfriend, she pursed her lips to stop her laughter.

    "Who turned into a slave?" the smooth voice of Lu Shaoting drifted into Mei''s ears.

    She gasped, then turned around to kiss him. "Shao!" She had a bright smile and she looked like a puppy wagging its tail when its owner had just come home.

    "Hi, Shaoting!" Midori waved her hand to the camera.

    Lu Shaoting gently smiled and nodded silently to greet back.

    Mei hooked her arm in his. "Shao, Midori''s pregnant!" Her excited voice had a squeal tail.

    "Oh, congratulations."

    "Thanks. Did Dan not tell you anything?"

    Shaoting snickered. "If your husband even ask me out for a drink, it will already be a miracle."

    At Midori''s end, a servant called from her door.

    "Oh, I gotta go now."

    "Alright. Take care!" Mei waved goodbye and even sent flying kisses before ending the call.

    The servant led Midori to one of the sitting rooms. As the door opened, her eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Vanessa?"

 107 Another Baby?

    Vanessa Zhou kept her cool and silence after being persuaded to come with the ''engaged couple'' to City T.

    While in the plane, Dan asked the attendant for some chamomile tea. However, when it arrived, it was served before his sister.

    Vanessa''s hazel eyes looked up at him. "What are you trying to pull?"

    She was actually observing them from when they were at the company until the plane had ascended. They looked like a normal couple, with Madeline grabbing Dan''s arm from time -to-time, flashing a sweet smile on her face.

    Her aloof of a brother, which she started to have when his girl left him without an explanation, remained indifferent, occasionally nodding at his fianc¨¦e.

    ''Did Mom really made him succumb to her orders?''

    When he ordered relaxing tea for his sister, he was giving a prophylaxis for her reaction as he will be revealing their secrets on the plane.

    His crew had signed a special confidentiality agreement and it was a blessing that cameras will not roam around several thousand feet above the ground.

    He did not want to risk possible injuries for his wife if his sister reacts thoroughly if they tell her after they reached the Igarashi household.

    Vanessa was a bit surprised that her brother had a faint smile.

    "Just drink your tea." Dan eyed the cup before her.

    Her eyes roamed around the private plane as she sipped her tea.

    She almost spat it when she saw Madeline seductively winked at the female attendant.

    Dan followed her gaze and laughed at her reaction.

    Vanessa quickly took some tissues to wipe her lips. She glared at him. "What are you laughing about?"

    "Van-gie..." His tone suddenly turned serious.

    Madeline put on her eye mask and headphones and played some music.

    Vanessa glanced at her movements. This is something serious.

    Dan cleared his throat. "The engagement that you saw in the news...was fake."

    Her eyes widened, but she remained calm. She drank more tea. "And?"

    He pursed his lips and breathed in deeply. "Midori and I got back together."

    She gulped. She was actually expecting that they would. Even though everyone believed that what they had in high school was puppy love, when she saw her brother a few years after Midori left him, she believed that he was not simply playing around.

    When he met Midori again and told his sister of a child, Vanessa knew he will get his girl back whatever it takes.

    That is why she was shocked when the news of his engagement came. However, her infant son made it hard for her to immediately fly back to City S to stop the ceremony and put some sense into his head.

    When they invited her to go to City T, she was smart enough to believe that her brother has some tricksup his sleeve.

    "Okay." She remained calm.

    "Actually, she''s pregnant." Dan bit his lip, anticipating her reaction.

    One second, two seconds...

    Vanessa was dumbfounded for half a minute, clutching the cup, her mouth gaping, before shefinally snapped.

    "What?! Another baby?" She stood up from her seat and bolted to grab his collar.

    "Yes." Dan was calm.

    "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Madeline suddenly appeared before them. "Why do you need to skip theimportant part of the explanation? You make things complicated that way!"

    "What important explanation?" Vanessa was furious, almost choking her brother with his own clothes. She glared at Madeline.

    "Fake Sis-in-law, Midori is your legal sister-in-law." Madeline flashed her a teasing smile.

    "You...When did you get married?!" she screamed at her brother.

    Dan remained silent, or more like, the tight collar did not permit him to speak.

    "You knew that Mom especially hates broken engagements! How did you even think about setting a fake one!"

    Dan used some force to free his throat. He coughed for a bit. "I didn''t set it up, Mom did."

    Madeline chuckled on the side, but returned to her seat and put on the devices she had on a while back. She will not let herself be hit by a stray bullet!

    After glaring at the chuckling girl, Vanessa turned back to her brother.

    "You! How could you even joke around?! This is serious! And you even got her pregnant again!"

    That time, it hit Dan. He needed to clarify things about Manta.

    "The kid I thought was mine is her nephew." He immediately replied.

    Vanessa was a bit taken aback. She sat opposite him.

    She surprisingly turned calm. "What are your plans then?"

    "First, we see my wife." He had a warm smile.

 108 Problem

    Michelle met Riley at a secluded area of a nearby cafe.

    After their drinks were served, Riley cleared his throat.

    "So, what are we talking about?"

    Michelle traced the rim of the cup with her finger. "My mom and dad bought a house."

    "Oh...that''s good. At least they could finally check out of their hotel." Riley flashed her a smile.

    Understanding his confusion, Michelle shook her head. "No, no...they bought US A HOUSE!"

    "What?! Why would they do that?" His apartment actually has a sentimental value to him. He has a lot of memories in it, good and bad. However, now is not a time to tell that to his new girlfriend who is talking care of the couple dogs he had with his ex.

    Michelle began tapping her fingers against the porcelain cup.

    Before she could answer, he spoke. "Regarding your mother''s complaint about our marriage, I have a solution."

    The last four words in his sentence was masked by her synchronous interruption. "We have a problem."

    Riley furrowed his brows. "What problem?"

    "Uhm...it''s actually connected to the reason they bought us a house..." She bit her lower lip and looked down at her cup.

    "Hey, look at me." He took her hand in his. "You can tell me anything. In fact, I''m really hoping that there will come a time that you will be willing to tell me everything that''s going on in that head of yours." He flashed her a bright smile.

    Michelle looked back at him with a wry smile, then she frowned. She took a deep breath and had a serious lool on her face.

    "Mom and Dad bought the house so that we can have children as soon as possible. They said that they don''t like the idea of raising kids in an apartment." She finished her thoughts in a breath.

    Riley was too shocked to react. The two elders have been thinking way ahead of things. His solution was only to register their marriage to appease her parents. He did not predict that they will ask for grandkids immediately.

    "Uhm...I know our relationship isn''t like that so..." Her face became gloomier. She knew they had almost just started dating. Marriage is out of the question.

    "Yet." He got his senses back. "Our relationship is not at that point yet." He corrected.

    "But..." She had a worried look. She really liked how their thing was going before her parents arrived. She did not want to scare him off with marriage.

    "But, it doesn''t mean that I don''t see us getting there." He gave her a warm smile, while tightening his hold on her hand.

    "Riley...I''m sorry for all this... I...I never expected them to visit so soon..." She had excuses in her mind. What he meant has not yet dawned in her.

    He kept his smile and looked at her intently. He understands her insecurity. Even he had learned that people can go away because they were scared of a lifelong commitment. He even had to learn it the hard way.

    He raised the hand which was clutching hers and kissed her hand gently.

    Michelle snapped from her flustered self when she felt his warm lips on the back of her hand.

    "Michelle Park, I can''t afford the wedding your mom requires right now. I don''t even have the ring to propose. But Michelle Park, I want to marry you."

    Her eyes widened in disbelief, then they dimmed as her eyes welled up and she pursed her lips.

    Riley was bothered by her reaction. He might have expected some tears, but they way she looked right now told him that the tears which are about to fall are not out of joy.

    "Michelle..." He raised his other hand to caress her face but stopped midair when she spoke.

    "Don''t do this." Her dark eyes looked back at him.

    "But I really want to..."

    "I''d rather tell them the truth." She looked down, a tear fell in her cup, rippling the tea inside.

 109 Pregnancy

    "Midori!" Vanessa bolted to hug Midori who had just stepped into the room.

    The latter lost footing and was about to fall backward. Good thing that Vanessa was able to support her.

    "Van-jie!" Dan in his state of panic had a reaching out to them pose, stopping in midair. He was so scared for his wife.

    "Whaaat~ It''s been long since I last saw Midori! And it''s all your fault!"

    After finding out everything that had happened, his sister blamed him for being the reason that Midori went away from City B.

    Not minding him further, Vanessa turned to Midori, "How''s the little bun?"

    Midori was a bit shocked with the sudden touch on her barely-bump lower abdomen. She felt a little shy, but managed to answer, "Mornings are the worst!" Then she chuckled.

    Vanessa also laughed. "It was different between my two kids. During my first pregnancy, I had morning sickness. For the second one, the retching came at night!"

    Midori''s eyes widened. "You already have two?" She was astonished by how Vanessa toughed it out twice.

    Vanessa laughed. "Didn''t my brother tell you how he bought me maternity pads from thesupermarket when I had my son?"

    Midori remembered the day she saw him again after several years. A pack of sanitary pads came out of his shopping bag when Mantacame down from his embrace.

    "I think I saw him when he did." she laughed.

    Being left out, Madeline cleared her throat. "Mrs. Zhou." she interrupted them.

    Midori was surprised. "Miss Song. Why are you..."

    Madeline snickered. "I really just wanna go shopping at City T.I better go now."

    "Wait. Why don''t we all have dinner here? Haruko-baasan is a good cook." Midori offered.

    "I appreciate your hospitality but no need, Mrs. Zhou. I''d be roaming around for City T''s streetfood." She winked and continued to walk out.

    "Maiko." Midori called out.

    "Midori-san." Maiko respectfully bowed to await orders.

    "Please ask Haruko-san to prepare a feast." Midori told her in their language.

    "Hai, Midori-san."

    When the servant had gone, Vanessa sat beside Midori.

    "How are you that comfortable beside your husband''s fake fianc¨¦e?"

    Dan chuckled. "Madeline once kissed her."

    "What?!" Vanessa shuddered. She could not believe the lady would be that shameless.

    "She''s not a bad person." Midori had a gentle smile.

    Vanessa had a look that said she was not that convinced.

    "Van-jie..." Dan had a serious look.

    Vanessa turned to her brother.

    "You cannot make the mistake of letting Mom know."

    "I know. I know. I will soon have a nephew or niece. I need to protect Midori and the baby too." She had a warm smile as she wrapped an arm over Midori''s shoulders.

    "Oh...can you stay? How about your baby?" Midori was worried. They arrived in City T just in time for dinner.

    Vanessa chuckled. "When I came back to work, he was mix-fed with formula and my milk. He will be fine. I pumped out enough and froze the milk before coming to City S. Never knew I will be dragged here."

    "Oh, you got a breast pump?" Midori sounded excited.

    "Yep. But I only started using it when I had to go back to the company. Letting the baby latch on you actually boosts your connection. It''s a warm feeling, Midori."

    "Midori-san, I bought some tea." Maiko served them their cups then left.

    "Van-jie, when you gave birth, did it hurt?" Midori had a worried expression.

    "Like hell! It was excruciating! Imagine your skin being ripped apart..." Vanessa stopped.

    She looked at the first-time mom''s scared expression. Her brother was staring daggers at her for scaring his wife.

    She forced a laugh. "Midori...it will be tough, but when you finally see your little bun, everything will be worth it." She flashed an assuring smile.

    Dan came close and embraced his wife. "Don''t worry. I will be with you."

    "Oh, come on! Even your brother-in-law finished my ice chips when he saw what was happening!" Vanessa had a hearty laugh.

 110 Insecurities

    Both eyebrows rose when Aoi Xiu read the message update regarding the household. She knew Vanessa Zhou, but she did not expect her son-in-law to reveal everything to his sister this early.

    Suddenly, her phone rang. It appears that the caller is ''Dirty Old Man.''

    She chuckled at how silly the nickname is. "Speak." she picked up.

    "Hey, am I your subordinate in the clan?!" Xiu Jin''s voice was complaining like a brat.

    Aoi Xiu laughed. "What''s the matter?"

    "Have you seen our son-in-law yet?"

    "Nope." She shook her head subconsciously. "I only heard that he''s already at home."

    "Oh...tell them to be careful when going out. The press release here said that ZFC''s CEO took his fianc¨¦e abroad in his private plane."

    Aoi Xiu''s eyes widened. Verdan Zhou brought his fianc¨¦e? She furrowed her brows. "Got it."

    Before her husband could talk back, she had hung up.

    She tapped her fingers on her desk. Even though her daughter mentioned that she knows Madeline Song, the latter is still the fake fianc¨¦e of her son-in-law. How dare that stupid lad bring his fake fianc¨¦e home to his pregnant wife!

    She squinted her eyes as her thoughts deepen. At least, this time, the fianc¨¦e knew. She could still vividly recall the teary face of Su Linyu as she begged Xiu Jin to give her face on their engagement ceremony.

    The young Xiu Jin back then was bold enough to hold her, the young Igarashi Aoi, in his arms, and declared to everyone present that he already had a wife he loves. It was an impulsive and foolish move to marry that early. They had a traditional wedding in Country N, then he took her back to City S to brutally break off his engagement. His parents wanted to break their necks at that moment!

    The current Aoi Xiu pursed her lips as the memories jumped around.

    Then again, she had always known that she was just a substitute. On their first year of marriage, shecuriously browsed his wallet, wanting to put their wedding photo in it. However, she found the photo of the young lady whom he was head over heels with before everything went south. Xiu Jin saw his new wife staring at the photo teary-eyed. He grabbed it and glared at her, questioning why she breached his privacy. The young Aoi Xiu, stuttered her words. Feeling helpless, she dashed away from him, out of their bedroom. As she did, he noticed that she dropped another wallet-sized photo on the floor. The photo contained their smiles on their wedding day. He bolted to chase her, feeling guilty. From then on, he only kept the photo of Xiaoyu in his drawer. However, Aoi seemed to always find the photo being kept in his private spaces. She knew he would always have a thing for the girl. She just let it be and lived on.

    Now nearing 60, Aoi Xiu still thinks that she could never compare to Wong Xiaoyu. Sometimes, when her husband is too sweet, she still gets the feeling that it was because of guilt.

    A knock on the door shattered her thoughts. Her assistant came in.

    "Madam, it''s the partial investigation regarding Young Master and Ms. Agatha''s incident." He handed her a folder.

    Aoi Xiu''s eyes widened as her angled brows got together.

    She had know for quite a while that Madam Ming was the brains behind it, but she never imagined that her deceased daughter-in-law had something to do with it.

    ______________

    "No. You don''t have to marry me just because my parents said so. I''ll tell them the truth tomorrow...that we just started dating. I will ask my landlady if my old apartment is still vacant. I will move out as soon as possible."

    Riley was shocked to hear her words. She is leaving him just because he proposed? Is she not as serious about having this relationship as he is?

    His mouth was gaping but he did not utter a single word.

    Sniffing, Michelle looked at him. "Riley, you will always have a choice. You can always say no. Don''t go with the flow..."

    "I''m not." He interrupted her. His face had anxiety and disappointment in them. "Do you think I''m just playing games with you? Just because our relationship had yet to last a year, you think that my proposal is a joke?!"

    She could tell that he is mad. She gently shook her head. "I''m sorry. When we were at the cruise ship, I told you not to get your hopes up because..."

    "Whatever your past is, I cannot change it. I can only accept it...and I already did."

    She kept shaking her head, then she smiled at him with bitterness. "That guy and I had been together for two years. I had given him all my firsts. He was also pressured by my mom on marriage. He easily agreed, justifying that we had been together long enough...but in the end, he was scared of the commitment and left." She had tears welling her eyes up.

    He patiently waited for more explanation. He really appreciates how she was trying to open up to him.

    Sobbing, she continued. "That guy had been with me for more than a year, still he backed out of the wedding. How can you, who had known me for less than a year, truly desire to marry someone like me?"

    The last three words in her sentence stabbed him deep. This girl''s insecurities were huge! He had never seen her as someone inferior from other women or inadequate in any aspect.

    He did not say a word but pulled her into a long, warm embrace.

    Michelle cried as she was buried in his embrace, soaking his shirt with her tears.

    Finally, he spoke when she started to calm down. He pushed her back gently to look at her face.

    "Michelle Park, what I will say next might sound clich¨¦, but I mean it." he said, while wiping tears off her face.

    She sniffed, looking at him.

    "Michelle Park, I don''t wanna marry you..."

 111 Ism Yours

    "Michelle Park, I don''t wanna marry you..." he paused.

    She had a look of frozen in shock. Her expression twisted into dismay.

    "I don''t wanna marry you...just to please your parents. I don''t wanna marry you just so we could continue living together. I don''t wanna marry you just so that we could already have kids. I wanna marry you not because of those things." He smiled at her. "Well, the having kids part is highly negotiable."

    She finally laughed.

    He continued, "I want to marry you because I love you, and I would want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know that you highly doubt my words since we are still learning about each other, but Michelle Park, I never doubted that my feelings for you are true."

    She was crying, wiping her tears with her hands.

    "You knew I also had a past. I thought that what we had was enough to get things to the next phase. I never thought it would drive her away. Dam*, she even kept Scotch!"

    Michelle laughed, still teary-eyed.

    "Michelle, marry me. I may not beable to set up a surprise wedding like your boss, but I will always agree on what you would want for our wedding, no matter how weird it would be." He chuckled. "I''m not asking you to marry me for me to become yours, because on the first time I laid my eyes on you, when I saw you in that meeting behind your aloof boss, I knew that I''m yours." He flashed a warm smile. "Now, won''t you say yes?"

    ______________________

    Masaichi Xiu had a dangerous expression as he read through the report his mother emailed him.

    He could not believe it. His wife was the bait!

    From anger with possibly a hint of madness, his expression turned gloomy as his mind was filled with memories of his late wife.

    Agatha Wang was introduced to him and his father that year. Her father had come to terms with his father both in business and in strengthening ties. Masaichi was a rather wild teenager, not in the sense of being rebellious, but on changing girlfriends with the change of seasons. One friend of his back in high school even said that if he took photos with every girl he dated, he could use them for a calendar and you could see the fashion trends for the seasons throughout the year. Masaichi used to laugh it off.

    True, he played around, but those girls had always known that he was not serious. It has always been clear to him that being the heir to the company would mean marrying for business. It was inculcated to him by his paternal grandmother before she died. It might be because she was frustrated that his son did not marry the woman she chose that she decided to pour her remaining energy to make her grandson walk back into the right path.

    When he met his wife, they hit it off almost immediately. They went skiing and visiting tourist spots. His father even left him with her and went home like a doting husband would. Since he was unaware of the story with his parents, he has always viewed his father as a loyal and faithful husband, always pacifying his mother. Before he got married, he wondered if he will turn out to be like his father.

    He actually did not. Masaichi always failed to express his love for his wife in endearing gestures. However, Agatha was the total opposite of him. He could still remember her blushing face on their first night as newlyweds when she told him "I''m yours now." as she giggled.

    Right now, clutching the mouse as he read the report, Masaichi Xiu was not sure anymore if any of her words were true. He had always looked at her as the jolly, loving wife he had...the mother of his son. Now, he frowned as he thought that everything had been a lie.

 112 Isnst She Your Aunt?

    Though with a heavy heart, the foreign group left City T after two more days.

    Well, for one, Vanessa cannot stay too long because she still needs to get back to her son.

    Madeline shopped like crazy, putting the tab on Dan''s card as per agreement.

    Dan held his wife every minute possible. He was like a spoiled brat who asked his mother to leave work to be with him.

    Aoi Xiu was fine with having Vanessa over, talking about baby stuff and motherhood, sometimes scaring the sh** out of her daughter.

    It was another day, but Midori insisted on sending Manta to school. It might be her hormones or she just missed the little guy, but she somehow wanted to be near him all of a sudden.

    Mantarou Xiu had successfully transferred back to his school in City T. He was also enrolled back on his violin lessons on weekends.

    Since he knew most of his classmates, he did not need to find new friends. However, the problem lied on these so-called friends.

    "See you later, Mommy!" He waved excitedly towards Midori.

    She had a bright smile on her face. She looked intently on the changes in him. He looked less chubby, but in fact, he had just became taller.

    "I''ll pick you up later, okay,"

    "Hmnn." The little boy nodded, then turned around to hop towards his classroom.

    Kids who were being brought up spoiled laughed.

    "He could even get his own mother wrong!"

    Manta''s hazel eyes had a glint in them, but he did not bother to retort. He nonchalantly walked away and towards his classroom.

    When he arrived, he saw the familiar fair face of a friend.

    She smiled at him, her eyes turning into slits, her bilateral dimples were deep.

    "Ohayoo~ Manta-kun!" Her teeth were white but there were obvious missing ones. They were starting to fall off.

    "Ohayoo, Ayako-chan!" He had a warm smile.

    "Manta-kun, don''t mind them. I will always believe that you''re the smartest boy I know!" She was enthusiastic enough to wave her arms.

    "Ayako-chan, can I tell you a secret?"

    "Hmmn?" Her eyes transformed into larger round ones with dark pupils.

    "Actually, my ''Mommy''..."

    "Isn''t she your aunt?" The girl was tactful.

    Manta smiled. "I know."

    "If you knew, then I believe that you have a reason for calling her ''Mommy''." She flashed a bright smile despite the missing teeth.

    To her surprise, he suddenly gave her a bearhug.

    While burying his head on her small shoulder, he whispered, "Thank you...Ayako-chan."

    It did not long for her shock to turn into a warm feeling. Masking it with a bright smile and a tilt of her head, wobbling her pigtails, she gently pushed him away.

    "So, why do you still do it?" She flashed her smile to hide her reaction.

    "I made a pact with my uncle." He started recalling that day as he told her the story.

    Actually, after they got back to City T, Manta had started calling Midori ''Aunty'' again. However, to his confusion, during the latest visit of his uncle, he was told not to do it.

    When Dan heard Manta call his wife "Aunty Midori" he called the little boy and talked to him in private.

    "Since when did you start calling your aunt like that?" he asked with a look of concern.

    Manta was confused. Was it a bad thing? But his father specifically told him to lose his habit so as not to confuse people. That was why it reverted back to how he called his aunt when his mother was still alive.

    Dan sighed, not getting an explanation. "Anyway, I need you to do me a favor."

    The last promise that his Uncle Dan made with him was almost into completion. That is why, he could easily trust him and be at his command.

    "Hmmm?" His eyebrows raised and his dimple showed on his subtle smile.

    "I need you to protect your aunt."

    "I will, Uncle!" He declared almost immediately.

    "You can...by calling her ''Mommy'' again." Dan smiled.

    "Why?"

    "That way, you can keep bad people from getting close to her." Dan was grinning.

    Manta looked at him skeptically then nodded. "Okay."

    "That''s my boy!" He patted the little boy''s head, gently messing his hair.

    .

    Midori was initially glad that Manta improved the way he addressed her. However, he suddenly went back to calling her ''Mommy'' much to her surprise. However, thinking that he still needed it as a part of his coping mechanism for his mother''s loss, she let it be. She thought that coming back to City T brought him memories with his mother.

    She would never imagine that it was the idea of her husband who had secured himself from punishment miles away.

 113 Love is Contagious

    Madeline Song had just arrived at the airport and will be sent home by Dan''s driver. Just before she exited, she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

    "Miss Song! Madeline Song!" A man in a uniform jogged towards her.

    When she looked back, appearing before her was the towering figure of Long Yun.

    She squinted her eyes at him. "What do you want?"

    He chuckled. "I just arrived from a long flight. I saw that Dan left without you. Maybe we could grab some coffee?"

    "I don''t have time for this." Madeline Song was irritated. Something about this guy gets on her nerves everytime she sees him.

    "The caf¨¦ I know makes a mean cup of coffee. You should really try it. It''s rare for me to see you like this. Could you at least leave me some face this time?" He had a pleading look on his face.

    She looked around and found people murmuring around them. Their interaction and Captain Long''s uniform did not sit well with them.

    "Why not take a random flight attendant? They seem more like your type." She had sarcasm in her voice.

    "Why would I take out a stranger when I can bring someone I know?" He had a sly smile.

    Taking that the buzzing sounds of gossips were getting louder, Madeline Song sighed and started walking. As she did, she uttered without looking back at him, "Just this once."

    Something that people need to understand about her is that even if she splurges on shopping, even if she is a total spoiled brat, and even if her sexual preference is not common, she remains a good person. If she is not, she could have blackmailed Verdan Zhou ages ago.

    As they settled themselves on the farthest table, a smiling pretty waitress came immediately.

    "Young Master Long, should we serve your usual blueberry in oolong tea?"

    "Yes." He pursed his lips in a subtle smile.

    "And for the Miss?" The waitress eyed the curvy woman whom the captain brought for the first time.

    Madeline Song detected a bit of hostility in her eyes. She furrowed her brows and eyed the menu held by the waitress. "How can I order anything with you holding onto the menu?"

    Madeling Song would have found the woman attractive if she had not been glared at the moment she sat in their caf¨¦.

    The waitress was embarrassed and redeemed her professional self. She handed the menu and patiently waited for the customer to place her order.

    When the waitress left them, Madeline Song raised her right brow as she eyed him.

    "You took me here saying that the coffee is good, yet your regular order is tea?"

    Long Yun chuckled. "Alright. You got me there. Actually, I dislike drinking coffee."

    She frowned. "How do you survive long flights then?" She believes that busy people cannot live their lives without coffee.

    He had a bright smile. "Blueberry tea." His smile even widened thinking that this woman is starting to get interested in his work.

    "Oh...dam*, I should''ve tried it too." She had a bit of regret. She always liked trying new things.

    He laughed. "You can try mine." His eyes were seductive.

    "Ah...nah...If their coffee is good, I don''t mind coming back." She brought out her phone.

    As her face turned into a frown, Long Yun was bothered.

    "Something wrong?"

    She shook her head. "Just not a lucky day in the market."

    He knew she was talking about the stock market. However, instead of trading, he limited himself on being an investor.

    "Miss Song."

    "Hmmm?"

    Before he could continue, the waitress came with their drinks. She mustered every bit of her conscience not to poison the drink.

    Madeline Song eyed her suspiciously then took a sip of her mocha affogato. Surprisingly, it was good.

    "Dude! This is nice!"

    Long Yun was smiling at her expression but then frowned when she addressed him.

    "Miss Song." He repeated.

    "Hmm?" She was still sipping her drink.

    "I realized something at the Zhou''s wedding."

    "Oh yeah? What is it?" She wiped some foam off her face.

    "I never knew that love is contagious, until I proved it with you."

 114 Away to Another Country

    Ming Rushi dodged the kiss the man who had just lied next to her tried to give her.

    "Oh c''mon...it''s already rare for you to come home..." He resorted on giving her a peck on the cheek.

    "I''m tired." She reasoned out, her voice was exasperated.

    "What kind of company do the Xius run? Even when you held a much better position back in City B, whenever I visit, you could still find time for me." The man kept on complaining. "I thought it would be better if you transfer your work here, but I guess I''m wrong. This is worse than before! I..."

    He stopped as he heard her soft, whistly snore. He sighed in surrender.

    She was indeed dead tired.

    The following day, before Ming Rushi started her car, her phone rang.

    "Good morning, Director Ming." greeted her assistant.

    "Yes, Annie?"

    "Director, CEO Xiu ordered you to come along with the team for the launch of our men''s apparel in Country T."

    "What? Isn''t their flight today?" She was furiously panicking.

    "At 0800H, Director. The CEO extends his apology for the short notice. It seemed that Director Qiao had an emergency."

    Ming Rushi on the other side moved her phone away. She couldn''t help but murmur, "Bullsh**!"

    Heaving, she quickly ended the call after confirming her compliance.

    _________

    Masaichi Xiu snickered as Riley finished his report for the morning. He had successfully sent that woman to another country after making her work overtime for several days without pay, owing to her ''mistake'' at the launch of their bridal shoes brand.

    She did manage to get the actress Janice Chen and her new husband, Fa Zhang to be their brand ambassadors, but she somehow offended the actress during their photoshoot. Janice Chen was then irritable with raging hormones since she was in her first trimester of pregnancy. The actress requested another person to coordinate with her instead of Ming Rushi. This got into the nerves of XCG''s marketing director and she spat a word or two about her being irreplaceable. Little did she know that the basis of the request was because the pregnant endorser did not like her perfume.

    Because she argued with the endorser, she was given an additional load of work resulting to her overtime.

    Now, she was tossed away to another country in such a short notice. She is totally pissed off.

    All were done according to Masaichi Xiu''s plans.

    He is actually a dangerous man beneath the friendly surface. Most of his employees view him as a gentleman whose praise you could earn for hard work, in contrast to his sister who was hard to please. What they could not see is that he will never hesitate to torture anyone who threatens his business and/or family.

    "Riley." he called through the intercom.

    Riley came into his office after knocking."CEO, what can I do for you?"

    "Book us the earliest flight to City T tomorrow."

    Riley''s eyes widened for a moment. Michelle had told him the pregnancy news of his previous boss. Is it fine for the current CEO to see his sister?

    "Yes, CEO." He maintained his composure and left the office.

    As he was booking their flight, he tapped on his phone and sent Michelle a message, informing that he would be away for a couple of days.

    "You''re going to City T?"

    "Yes. Kindly tell your boss that if Ms. Midori is already showing, she might need to explain things to her brother."

    "Got it. Can you come home early then?"

    Riley paused and looked through the schedule on his desk.

    "I believe I can do that if nothing comes up."

    "Good! See ya later!" The kissing emoji ended the message.

    Riley had a warm smile and proceeded in carrying out the rest of his tasks.

 115 Marriage

    "Oh, good! You''re here!" Su Linyu''s face lit up when Dan walked into the Poseidon Hall.

    "Mother." He bowed. He turned to the old man sitting on the sofa. "Chairman Song."

    "Oh please, you can start calling me ''Father,'' ''Dad'' or however your generation calls their fathers." Chairman Song had a joyous spirit and victorious smile.

    Dan projected a subtle smile. Then he sat beside his ''fianc¨¦'' for show.

    "Now that everyone''s here, we would like to know if you had decided on a wedding date?" Su Linyu''s voice was full of excitement.

    Madeline had an indescribable expression while Dan kept his face indifferent.

    Chairman Song guffawed. "Well, we could always start the collaboration of our companies anytime we want. It''s just that, you young ones had travelled together already. We were thinking that it''s time for you to make things legal." His eyes were meaningful.

    "But Dad, Mom...she still..." Before Madeline could say ''doesn''t know,'' Dan answered for them.

    "I believe the elders still have the best decision in this area. We will respect whichever date you would pick out for us." Though he looked indifferent, he was already contemplating how he would get out of this mess.

    As for Madeline''s mother, even though Chairman Song married her after his wife died, she is still considered a mistress in the Song family so she was kept in the dark for most decisions. They did not even inform her of her daughter''s engagement. No one bothered to make her fly back from her home country when they held the ceremony.

    Madeline glared at Dan for speaking like that. What will they do if the elders decide to wed them the following day?!

    She also remembered the flirtatious words of Captain Long. Even the memory sent shivers down her spine. Since he knew about Dan''s marriage, she cannot use the excuse of having a fianc¨¦ to put out his feelings. She was truly at a disadvantage in all these.

    "However, Father, we would like to get to know each other better first." She will salvage the situation the best that she can.

    "What more is there to learn when you already went abroad?" Chairman Song is implying that they had done the deed since they were together for a few days. With his daughter''s figure, even he would take a second look.

    Dan noticed that his ''fianc¨¦e'' is losing her cool. "Mother. Uhmmm, Dad? I would like to have the wedding when it''s convenient for Madie. After all, it should be perfect for the lady." He gave a smile.

    Madeline Song took all her willpower to stop her eyes from rolling. Such an actor!

    Su Linyu was pleased. It seemed like her son was fond of the woman she chose.

    _______________

    Michelle had a bright smile as she walked hand-in-hand with her new husband. She and Riley had just registered their marriage.

    Riley successfully took the rest of the afternoon off that day and they made it in time before the registrar office closed for the day. He even surprised his wife by bringing wedding bands.

    Though it was a simple plain white gold wedding band with a matte finish, Michelle kept staring at it while they were driving back to their place.

    Riley kept looking at her while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. He turned his gaze towards the road when it signaled ''go.''

    However, as they went forward, a speeding car coming from Michelle''s side came crashing unto them.

    _

    Though the blood dripping from his forehead, Riley kept waking Michelle up. He was already in a state of panic seeing blood oozing from her everywhere.

    Despite everything, he still remained sane enough to contact her parents.

    The old couple arrived at once and saw the bandaged young man waiting outside the emergency department.

    Riley did not let doctors run thorough tests on him. He told them that he will undergo the tests once his wife is stable.

    "Riley, where''s Min-hee?" Margie Park was in the brink of wailing.

    Riley just stared at the door to the ED. His eyes seemed blank.

    Johnny Park consoled his wife as they all sat in waiting.

    After a quarter of an hour, a doctor came out. When he saw that there were more people outside, he needed to confirm who will make the decision for the patient.

    "Which one of you is Ms. Park''s next of kin?"

    Through her thick accent, Margie Park replied, "I''m her mom."

    "We''re her parents." Johnny Park added.

    To their surprise, Riley stood up and declared, "I''m her husband."

 116 Family

    That night, Midori noted that her husband did not make his usual evening call. The following morning, her brother arrived.

    Since she was informed that he will be coming, she wore loose-fitting clothes to hide her small bump.

    Aoi Xiu will not say anything about her daughter''s pregnancy. For her, it would be Midori''s decision. At the same time, it would also be her fault. After all, it is between siblings.

    Midori kept on dialling Dan when her brother excused himself to play with Manta at the lanai. When she finally got through, Dan''s voice was hoarse.

    "Hello?"

    "Hey, what''s wrong with you? Did you catch a cold?"

    On the other side, Dan realized that he had not called her the night before.

    "Sorry for not calling you last night, Darling. I''m still at the hospital."

    "Hospital?!" Midori''s voice was full of worry.

    "Hey, it''s not me. It''s..." he stopped himself. He deliberated for awhile how much to disclose.

    Midori sighed hearing that the patient is not her husband. However, since he could not continue, she became worried again. "Who is it? Hey, are you still there? Is something wrong with your dad?"

    "No, no. Dad is fine. It''s...my assistant. She had a vehicular accident." He finished his thoughts in a breath. He decided that it would be bad for her if she keeps worrying by speculating.

    "Oh my God! Is Michelle okay now? Is Riley with her?!"

    Just then, Masaichi Xiu came into the hallway to make his trip to the restroom.

    Midori turned and glared at him as if he was the most despicable person in the world.

    On the phone, Dan answered, "Riley was injured too, but it was less severe. He was driving when it happened. He refused to be thoroughly evaluated until Michelle becomes stable. She is still under operation."

    Midori confronted her brother, giving him a push with one hand. "You cold, heartless man! Did they remove your heart when they saved you?! How could you continue to travel when your assistant just figured a car accident?!"

    Masaichi did not say anything. For him, it would be better if she thought that way.

    "My son needs me. I went according to schedule. We were brought up to always prioritize family." He monotonously explained.

    "Riley has been with you since the beginning! Now, you won''t even put some effort to help him?!"

    "Secretary Ta is there."

    "Not the money, you idi*t!" Midori was fuming mad. She decided to walk away before shemakes the wrong move and hurt her baby.

    _______________

    At the hospital, the attending surgeon declared that the patient was stable. Afterwards, a group of doctors emerged from the operating room.

    Michelle needed several surgeries and was referred to orthopedics, thoracic surgery, urology, and gynecology. She had transfusions of a total of 5 units for red cells and 3 units of plasma. Her external blood loss was massive and the internal bleeding was also hard to contain.

    Riley subconsciously stood up, teary-eyed. The attending doctor asked him for a private discussion.

    Riley sat down facing the doctor in a small clinic. The kind surgeon offered him some water.

    He gulped and swallowed a sip as he became sullen for the possible bad news.

    The middle-aged doctor spoke. "Your wife had a fractured left hip, wherein the bones splintered into her abdomen, damaging parts of her bowels and one of her ovaries. We needed to repair the affected organs. However, we could not save the affected ovary. I saw from the information you provided that you don''t have kids yet. I believe that after recovery, it would be difficult for her to have children. Also, the recovery would take some time. We''re talking about years here. She will be needing rehabilitation. I would like you to be prepared on caring for her needs and understanding her limitations." His voice was certain but gentle.

    Riley nodded. He nodded way too much, as if contemplating than agreeing. He remembered her parents. They would want grandkids once they get married. They had just been shocked by the news of their marriage. Now, they will get the news that their daughter might not be able to bear a child.

    If it was just him, he would be fine even if they would not have kids. However, he knew Michelle would be devastated. She had told him that she would want a family of their own in the near future.

    "I will give you time to think things through." The doctor stood up and left him alone.

 117 Painful and Sad

    Dan was worried about his wife''s reaction on the matter so he wanted to see her.

    "Riley." he handed an envelope.

    "C-CEO Zhou." Riley was still a bit out of sorts.

    "Your previous boss had found out. I''m worried about how she''ll react. The baby..." Dan stopped. Riley had discussed with him the matter that the doctor had told him. Riley did not have anyone else, and he cannot tell Michelle''s parents just yet.

    "It''s okay, CEO Zhou. You should not hesitate to talk about your family just because..." he was saying this, but tears welled up in his eyes.

    "Riley, take this." Dan almost shoved the envelope into his hands.

    Riley opened the envelope and saw a cheque with a million written on it.

    "If you need more..."

    Riley lost all restraints and hugged Dan as if he was a friend and not his wife''s boss. He cried.

    Dan tapped his back in understanding.

    ___________

    In City T, Midori came to pick Manta up from school.

    Her eyes widened as she saw a girl in blue ribbon pigtails give him a peck on the cheeks.

    Midori chuckled at the scene.

    Manta came running towards his aunt, blushing.

    Midori had a wide grin fixed on her face. "So...how''s school today?" She eyed the girl who was hopping away.

    When they were about to board into the blue Toyota Aqua, an imperial umber Nissan Note stopped behind their car.

    "Ryuu-jichan!" Manta called out as he saw the man descent the vehicle.

    Midori was surprised to see Ryuuji. Though they work in the same company, he is in another department. Plus, he was sent to a week-long conference so their usual lunch outs were also compromised.

    Midori smiled as he approached them. "When did you get back?"

    Takagi Ryuuji timidly smiled. "About an hour ago..." He gulped. "Care for an early dinner?" He looked at his watch.

    "Oh...sure!" Midori was startled by the sudden offer but it would be rude of her to refuse.

    "Great!" He stooped down to face Manta. "Do you like pizza?"

    "Yey! Ryuu-jichan will buy us pizza!"

    _____________

    Masaichi Xiu walked from the arrival area as Verdan Zhou prepared to board his private plane.

    The CEO of XCG went straight to the office. Outside his door stood a thin woman in glasses who greeted him.

    "Welcome back, CEO."

    He furrowed his brows as he remembered that Riley filed a leave of absence.

    He nodded and opened his door.

    He was pondering over how his sister lectured him for leaving his assistant.

    It was not because he is numb. On the contrary, it was because he could feel it.

    He could not bare to look at a woman who was badly injured. It will take him back to the incident with his wife. With the new information on her involvement, everything just turned painful and sad again. However, he will never tell his sister about this.

    There was a knock on his door.

    Secretary Ta came in after getting permission, placing a cup of coffee on his desk.

    "Thank you." He managed to hide the feelings from his voice.

    "You''re welcome, CEO. Can I assist you with anything else?" She noticed that he was not his usual self.

    "I''m alright." He sipped his coffee as she left him alone in his office.

    _____________

    While they were dining, Midori''s phone rang.

    "Where are you?" Dan had just arrived at the house and found her still not home. The housekeeper was not informed of her dining out and was preparing dinner. His mother-in-law was away on a business trip.

    "Hey. Do you remember the tranquil place where you talked to my parents? We''re eating a full-course meal again." she giggled.

    Her statement came with recalling a memory because there was no intention of giving directions since she did not know that he just arrived to City T.

    Of course, Dan will never forget that place! If his father-in-law had been just a little bit weaker, Aoi Xiu would have skinned him alive!

    He immediately hung up and borrowed a motorcycle from one of the clan members. His speed was violating the rules and soon he arrived at the place.

    The waitress recognized him as a returning customer. She greeted him, but she had a wry smile. Earlier that afternoon, the woman whom this man went with before had just reserved a room with another man, even bringing a child that looked to be their son.

    Is this a gonna be a confrontation of a love affair?!

 118 Startled

    Captain Long Yun pursed his lips as he reached for his hankerchief in his pocket.

    Madeline Song had just showered him with her coffee-based drink, which was still dripping on his white uniform.

    The waitress who came with complimentary biscuits was startled at the scene. She rushed to offer him paper towels.

    Madeline Song smirked as she watched the waitress try to dry his clothes while caressing here and there. She hid the smirk through wiping her mouth.

    Long Yun was not numb and felt the waitress''s advances. Since he does not want his date to misunderstand, he dismissed the pretty waitress while looking into the meaningful eyes of Madeline Song.

    "Captain Long." She suddenly called out to him.

    He was startled, the hand holding his cup shook, that some of his tea poured onto his shirt, like adding paint to the soiled canvas that is his uniform.

    Madeline Song giggled at his clumsiness.

    He blushed while admiring her pretty face.

    Seeing that he is now focused on her, she continued, "Captain Long, I think you misunderstood me."

    He placed back his cup on the table to prevent more splashes. He calmly looked at her at full attention.

    "I...I''m not interested in men." She paused. "I only date women. Sorry." She had an adorable expression.

    However, his calm answer became a surprise to her.

    ______

    When he was approaching the restaurant, Dan already saw his wife dining with other people from the window.

    From there, he had estimated the room from walking through the hallway. The attendant could not help but follow him, afraid that there will be a commotion in the next minute.

    Without warning, he opened their door.

    Midori, who was chewing happily almost dropped her chopsticks.

    Manta gasped, while Ryuuji frowned.

    "CEO Zhou, what are you doing here?" Ryuuji''s voice was polite, but his face was grim. He believed that Midori had cut ties with this guy upon returning to City T, so why does she look like she had been caught cheating by her husband?

    On her end, Midori was surprised because her husband suddenly appeared out of nowhere. However, her guilty face was because of the sushi platter before her. Though she was only eating the katsudon, her husband might still believe that she had eaten raw fish.

    "Dan!" she exclaimed.

    Fact was, Dan did not even notice the food on the table. His eyes were furious to see his wife dining with another man. Worse thing was, she had told him that this man had confessed to her before.

    He eyed his minion disdainfully.

    Manta gulped, containing his reaction from almost choking. Though he is young, at the very least, he understands that his aunt and his Uncle Dan are married. Though he is also fond of his Ryuu-jichan, he is after all, still another man. He had a feeling that he betrayed someone.

    "Why are you still out at this hour?" Dan did not raise his voice but his aura was murderous.

    "I...We..." Midori did not know how to explain. This was a tight situation for her. She knew that Dan was only concerned about them so she cannot argue with him. At the same time, she had not told Ryuuji anything, including their wedding.

    Dan swiftly took her arm and dragged her, still taking care not to hurt her, to stand from her seat.

    "Let''s go." he was talking to Manta.

    The boy was initially dazed, but was startled. He bolted up and clumsily bowed goodbye to his Ryuu-jichan and hurriedly went after his aunt and her husband, who had exited the room.

    Ryuuji wanted to object, but since there was no word of protest from Midori, he felt that he had no right to do so.

 119 Not Effective

    Michelle was dazed as she took in the words of the OB-GYN who was a part of her surgery team.

    "If even the IVF is not effective, you could always consider adoption."

    The doctor had already left an hour ago, but she still had a hard time processing the information. She knew a lot of languages, and she understood each word the doctor uttered. Why can''t she comprehend the thought in those sentences?

    Tears started to well up in her eyes.

    Riley just came from a nearby family restaurant. The takeout in his hand almost crashed onto the floor when he saw her expression.

    She is hurt.

    He calmed himself and placed the food on the table, then he sat on the bed.

    He reached out to caress her cheek. He smiled, ever so gently at her.

    "Riles, would you be okay if we could only adopt a child?"

    He felt like an arrow had landed on his chest. He was also given the same explanation before she woke up.

    She was already thinking of the worst case on her fertility.

    He sighed. "I will want a child when you decide to have one." He smiled at her.

    Her tears fell and she hugged him like she will never let go.

    This man had always been understanding of her circumstances.

    They might have met not too long ago, bound initially by an irresponsible action, welded by a tragedy, and kept together by their choices, but she knew that no one could accept her and all her flaws as much as he did.

    "Riles..." she was sobbing.

    "Hmmm?" He was crying as well while he held her.

    "I love you." She looked into his eyes. "Please don''t leave me!"

    At this point, he had the urge to scold her for having such ridiculous idea. However, he chose to be the patient and understanding husband that he is.

    He embraced her tighter. "I will never leave you. Whatever happens, I''m here."

    _______________

    When he saw that Manta was enjoying the raw seafood, his mouth twitched. Looks like his weapon to keep flies away was not effective on a bee flying around his honey.

    Dan was irritated enough not to wait for the little guy. Good thing that Manta caught up to them.

    When Midori saw the motorcycle, she had a look of disbelief.

    "You came here using that?"

    Dan furrowed his brows. He does not appreciate her questioning his methods when she was caught red-handed.

    Midori recalled how he sucked in riding a bicycle back in high school. He had always ridden on a 4-wheeled vehicle. How did he survive coming to pick her up on a motorcycle?!

    But then again, he might have learned it when she left him.

    It might be her hormones but she got irritated with the thought that he might have ridden with Ming Rushi on a motorcycle.

    Dan saw the fury on her face, and his own anger vanished.

    He followed her gaze and it landed on the motorcycle. On his peripheral view was the little boy who should be in a 4-wheel vehicle. He therefore concluded that she was having the dilemma on how to bring everyone home. He did not know that he will also be bringing back the boy when he hastily went to pick up his wife.

    "Sorry. I didn''t know that Manta is..."

    "If your sorry can turn this junk into a decent car, I''ll take it!" Midori cut him off. "Why are you even here?!"

    Dan was guilty, but when her question landed, he felt dejected. It seemed like his wife did not want to see him. Then again, she was having dinner with someone else.

    "I was worried on how you took the news about Park. You never called home to tell Aunty that you''ll dine outside. People are busy preparing food right now." His tone was monotonous, but there was a hint of anger on his voice.

    Suddenly, Manta spoke. "Uncle Dan, can I ride on the big bike? Pretty please?" His puppy eyes were hard to resist.

 120 Argumen

    Manta was hiding in his uncle''s coat as he was secretly squeezed in between the two adults.

    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when they arrived at the house without alerting the police.

    The boy had a wide grin of satisfaction as he left his shoes in the getabako.

    Dan followed his wife into her room. Soon, their muffled argument was heard from the room.

    "What''s your problem?! I''m just eating with a friend! We even brought Manta along!"

    "You''re aware that to him, you''re not just a friend." Dan did not raise his voice. He knew it was best not to clash with his hormonal wife. Though he is still upset about seeing her with Takagi Ryuuji, he did not want to aggravate her emotions.

    "I''m not doing anything wrong!" She glared at him.

    "I know. I''m not accusing you."

    "Oh really...then why are you telling me not to do it again?!"

    "Because it hurts to see you with him." He played the pity card.

    Midori''s fuming head cooled like it was drenched with water. She forgot to consider how he felt. She thought the action was harmless because it was just eating. She became quiet. She thought about how she could have revealed her pregnancy if Ryuuji insisted that she eats the sushi.

    Dan''s arrival had good timing actually.

    "Sorry." she whispered.

    Dan pursed his lips into a subtle smile. His arm snaked around her waist as he pulled her closer.

    "Hey! Why you..!" Her next words were drowned by a warm kiss.

    Just when they were starting to react with each other, a voice sounded behind the door.

    "Midori-san, dinner is ready."

    Dan let out a huge sigh as he looked down on his little buddy who was ready for action.

    Midori cleared her throat and inched away from him.

    "Let''s eat. I''m starving."

    Dan eyed her with a disappointed expression.

    She chuckled. "I need to eat for two now. Let''s go."

    He looked down on her little bump and smiled. He took her hand and they walked towards the kitchen.

    ______________

    Aoi Xiu was reading the report regarding her son''s incident at home while waiting for dinner to be ready.

    As she pondered on Ming Xiaoyu''s name again, memories rushed through her head.

    .

    Weeks before Midori was born, an unknown lady came into their house, a newborn in her arms, requesting for a dialogue with her husband.

    It was in the middle of the day. Her son was in school and Xiu Jin is at work. She was sent for rest due to her delivery drawing near.

    Aoi Xiu looked at the lady sitting on the sofa from upstairs.

    Ming Xiaoyu lovingly cuddled her sleeping daughter while waiting for Xiu Jin to arrive.

    The lady of the house was afraid. Afraid to hear the words from this suspicious woman.

    Aoi Xiu held her large abdomen, her eyes beginning to water, but she held it in.

    Usually, she could not tolerate standing for too long because of the weight she was bearing. However, she stood behind the railing, dazed, figuring out other explanations in her head as to why a lady with a child was looking for her husband.

    She was already standing there for an hour when a maid noticed her.

    "Madam, why are you still standing there? You should be resting in your room." The maid noted that before she ran an errand, the lady was already standing there. When she came back, she was surprised to find her in the same position.

    Aoi Xiu turned to her with watery eyes.

    The maid was frightened. Something is wrong with the madam!

    The maid rushed downstairs to get Xiu Lan.

    Xiu Lan was almost tripping on the steps as she went to find the lady of the house.

    Aoi Xiu was found still standing there, gazing below towards the lady sitting on the sofa.

    "Aoi..." Before Xiu Lan''s words could register into Aoi''s mind, the opening of the front door startled everyone.

    Everyone from the household had widened eyes as the woman who had a baby in her arms bolted towards the man at the foyer.

    "Jin!"

 121 Rightfully Ours

    "Aoi-san, dinner is ready."

    The words brought Aoi back to the present time.

    She noticed that her hands had crumpled the edges of the paper she was reading.

    Suddenly, the door to the study opened.

    The little boy dashed towards the desk. He squirmed to prop himself atop one of the chairs.

    "Baa-chan! Mommy and Uncle Dan are fighting!"

    Aoi initially had wide eyes for a second, then she furrowed her brows. She knew her daughter was hormonal. She sighed as she pitied her son-in-law.

    "Get down from the chair, Masa-kun."

    "Baa-chan, boku ga* Manta-kun!" He pouted.

    "Oh..." Aoi had a warm smile as she recalled how her son used to climb and stand onto a chair.

    She grinned. "Gomen ne, Manta-kun!" She ruffled his soft hair. "Baa-chan is getting old."

    He accepted the apology and smiled. "But Baa-chan is still beautiful!"

    Aoi Xiu laughed. "Let''s eat." She carried the boy without any sign of hesitation or difficulty.

    ________________

    Ming Rushi threw her bag onto the bed. She sat beside it and held her head with her hands. Her eyes were filled with fury.

    She thought that with her knowledge and skills, she could easily climb up to XCG and claim what should be hers, but it seemed like the son of that horrible man was as sly as he was.

    Her existence only had two reasons, to ruin the lives of the cheater and his children and to claim what was rightfully hers.

    She screamed in the bedroom to vent out her anger. Her pretty face was contorted into a crazily scary face.

    The man who lived with her was alarmed by the scream. He turned off the stove, pulled out his mittens and briskly walked into the bedroom with his apron still on. He furrowed his brows when he saw her disheveled hair.

    "What happened to you?"

    "That jerk tossed me from one country to another! If it was not for taking over XCG, I would''ve quitted this stinkin'' job on my first day! I graduated with a master''s degree from H School of Business and they treat me like this?!"

    He moved her bag to sit beside her, propping one leg on the bed. He kissed her temple.

    "I really don''t get why you needed to go through such lengths for a company." He played with her long hair

    She glared at him. "Because it is rightfully ours."

    ________________

    When the elder and little boy was walking along the hallway, they were surprised to see the husband and wife holding hands as they walked towards the dining room.

    As they were waiting for all the food to be served from the kitchen, Aoi blurted, "Manta said that you two were fighting."

    Manta''s mouth formed a round opening as he furrowed his brows. He was not lying! He really heard their fight.

    Helpless, he gave his grandmother a subtle glare.

    Aoi chuckled and then raised a brow towards her daughter. "Well?"

    Midori smiled at her nephew''s predicament. She shook her head gently.

    Manta looked incredulous.

    Midori smiled at the little boy. "We were just having an argument. It''s over now, okay?"

    The boy nodded. "Itadakimasu." He picked up his chopsticks.

    Soon, they began eating. Dan picked out food for his wife, noting everytime her bowl was left with only rice in it. He was so particular with what she ate that he had not touched his own food.

    "Hey, you need to eat too." Midori whispered.

    Dan stopped, raising the piece of tonkantsu between his chopsticks. He smiled as he realized that the rice in his bowl had gone cold.

    Aoi Xiu snickered. They were like this when they were only in high school. In his shamelessness, Dan picked out food for Midori when they were eating, even if it was in the Xiu estate. It was just that now, they are officially a family.

    Suddenly, the adults were startled by the question spoken in a small voice.

    "Uncle Dan, will my cousin be a boy or a girl?"

 122 You Donst Know Me Well

    "Jin." A wide grin appeared on the still delicate face of Su Linyu as she approached him while holding her half-filled champagne glass.

    Xiu Jin subtly smiled and recognized her in a professional manner. "Madam Zhou."

    "I didn''t expect to see you here. Why do you sound so formal?" She was keeping the conversation casual.

    "A drink, Sir?" A waiter came with a tray of wines and cocktails.

    Xiu Jin took a glass of rum mix. "Thank you."

    "I thought you would send your son. It''s not like you to bother with events like this." She inched towards him and tilted her head and shoulder to almost lean against him, showing a good view of her bosoms from her off-shoulder burgundy gown.

    Xiu Jin furrowed his brows in discomfort. "Then you don''t know me well." he answered.

    Su Linyu had a sly smile. She brushed her fingers along the shoulder area of his coat. "Can you enlighten me then?"

    "I believe that what you know is enough." He looked towards a distance and pretended to have seen someone important. "Ah! Excuse me, Madam Zhou. I just need to..." his voice trailed as he strode to escape the flirting.

    He was forced to initiate a conversation with the most irritating businessman in City S.

    Su Linyu''s face contorted. It was clear that he was avoiding her. She strengthened her back as she gulped the rest of the contents in her glass.

    Gazing intently on her fair smooth back were the eyes of Chairman Song, full of lust.

    In the world of the elites, Su Linyu is already considered a rich single lady again, since her husband''s recovery is very slim. A lot of widowers and divorcees are already eying the chairperson of ZFC.

    The latest wife of Chairman Song is Madeline''s mother, but it was just for the papers. In order to make his daughter legitimated, with the help of some bribes here and there, he needed to marry a mistress whom he had considered a stranger for more than a decade. He had no child on his first legal wife, and the rest of his children from other mistresses were not too smart. He planned to use his half-Caucasian daughter for a marriage to expand his business. However, since he did not plan to actually treat her mother as his wife, he sent her back to Country E, with the premise that she could not tolerate the culture in City S.

    After Madeline''s engagement ceremony to Verdan Zhou, he became complacent about the future of his business. During the ceremony, his eyes were fixated on his ''soon-to-be in-law.''

    Su Linyu is indeed beautiful. In fact, she does not look her age. There was definitely nothing wrong with her qualifications. It was just Xiu Jin could only treat her as a sister.

    Xiu Jin finally excused himself after enduring listening to how the businessman''s submarine could document the mating of sea creatures. He had had it with all the fake smiles.

    It was just that, he had no choice. When they were young, he knew that Su Linyu had feelings for him, but the naive him was in denial about it, until he met his wife and had to hurt his fianc¨¦e.

    He was actually relieved when Su Linyu married into the Zhou family. He felt less guilty. At least she married into a good family.

    Su Linyu was startled when Chairman Song suddenly spoke from behind her.

    "It''s been awhile, Linyu. How are the preparations for the wedding?"

    She quickly changed her mortified expression into a surprised one before facing him.

    "Chairman Song. All preparations had already started. Do you wish to change anything?"

    Though she agreed to make this man her in-law, she actually finds him disgusting. He had always looked at her as if she was naked in his imagination. Whenever he visits her mansion, he would always hint of wanting to come into her bedroom. Though she feels like she is single again, she only wanted Xiu Jin. This viper could attack her when she had her guard down.

    She swallowed some saliva and flashed her bright smile. "Have you eaten? Can I get anything for you?" She wanted to flee towards the buffet table without offending the man.

    "A dessert or two will do." He eyed her meaningfully.

    Su Linyu subconsciously stepped back. Something inside her told her she should stay away. After two steps, her back landed on a sturdy chest. Her eyes flickered at the sight.

 123 Our Baby

    Xiu Jin took out a stick from a box of expensive cigarettes. He lit it up using his vintage-styled brass lighter. He started smoking at the veranda of the hall.

    The way he blew out smoke was more like sighing. He gazed down on the green garden outside. It was also this green, their garden, on that fateful day.

    _

    "Jin!"

    The eyes of the younger Xiu Jin widened as Wong Xiaoyu dashed towards him, holding a baby.

    "Look! Our baby looks like you!"

    When her words fell, he felt like ice water was poured from his head.

    Before he could even react, Xiu Lan''s scream penetrated the hall.

    "Aoiiii!" Xiu Lan was mortified to see the lady of the house faint, with blood flowing down her legs.

    Xiu Jin harshly pushed his ex-girlfriend on hearing the scream. He madly bolted towards the staircase, hurriedly came up to find his wife.

    He saw her lying there, unconscious, with blood oozing from between her legs.

    "Noooo!" He had tears in his eyes as he swiftly picked her up from the floor. When he reached the living room, the crying Ming Xiaoyu came before him.

    "Jin, it''s our..."

    "That''s not mine! Get out of my way!" he screamed at her.

    "But Jin, this is our daughter!" She held up the baby towards him.

    "I want her out. Now!"

    Guards and maids hurried to take the woman out of his sight.

    When the then pregnant Aoi Xiu woke up, she immediately moved her hands to feel her abdomen. It was still large.

    Beside her was her husband, sleeping with his head resting on the side of her hospital bed.

    Sensing her movements, he gradually wokeup. When he saw her awake, his head bolted up, his eyes filled with worry.

    "Sweetheart! How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere?"

    Aoi Xiu looked around her. Her arm which was farther from him had an IV line inserted. She guessed that she was on tocolytics.

    She looked at him in disdain. This man fathered a child with another woman and he dared to still sleep next to her!

    Seeing her reaction, he had an assumption of what she was thinking.

    "Aoi, I didn''t..." He was shaking his head.

    "Are you gonna tell me that you didn''t know that woman?" She was actually hoping that he would.

    "No. I knew her. But that baby is not mine! I swear!" He was trying to sound sincere.

    To her, it sounded desperate. It was hard to tell if he was lying or not.

    She looked down, her thick lashes partly covered her partially opened eyes. She lovingly caressed her abdomen.

    Xiu Jin tried to console her. "Don''t worry. Our baby is fine."

    Our baby. It rang in her ears. Her eyes welled up with tears. She could vividly remember the woman in their house.

    "Aoi..." Xiu Jin tried to caress her face but she moved her head on the side to dodge it.

    Looking at him with a glare, she exclaimed, "Stay away from me!"

    "Sweetheart, don''t believe what that woman said. I did not cheat on you! I will never cheat on you! You have to believe me, Sweetheart!"

    "She''s your ex! You even considered her as your ''one great love''! Given the chance, won''t you be with her instead?!" Aoi Xiu winced as she felt another contraction.

    The contraction showed on the monitor. Within seconds, the resident-on-duty came into their room to check on the patient and to monitor if another contraction will occur.

    A rescue dose of the tocolytic was administered, stabilizing her uterus.

    Aoi kept silent after the doctor went away.

    Xiu Jin wanted to comfort her, but seeing her icy face, he knew she would only be triggered again. She might really go into preterm labor.

    He gritted his teeth. He knew he needed proof to convince his wife that the baby is not his child.

    He took out his phone and dialled a number.

    For Aoi, her clan had been in business with all sorts of dealings for decades, and it was nothing.

    However, her husband''s next words made her shudder.

    "Remember the neonate yesterday? Get her blood whatever it costs. Make sure no one finds out."

 124 Recovery

    Michelle teared up as Butter and Scotch ran towards her as she stepped into the yard of their new home. Riley gestured for the dogs to stop just before they manage to topple his wife.

    Though limited, the dogs still managed to show their excitement by happily wagging their tails.

    Michelle knelt down on the grass to hug a dog on each arm.

    Riley sighed but smiled. His in-laws had gone back to Country K for business matters.

    Due to her condition, his wife was granted indefinite leave of absence, while he filed for his own leave until they find a companion for her during her recovery.

    The dogs started to lick her face. Riley cleared his throat. "Butter, Scotch, that''s enough."

    Recognizing their names and the stern look of their owner, the dogs went back into their house, disappointed.

    "Why"d you stop them?!" Michelle furrowed her brows while pouting like a kid.

    "I don''t wanna taste dogs when I kiss my wife later." He snickered.

    He helped her get up and gently wiped her face with a handkerchief.

    They slowly walked towards the front door. When they reached it, Riley looked at his wife.

    "Ready?" He smiled.

    Michelle chuckled. "Hmmm!" She enthusiastically nodded.

    Riley held the brass knob and turned it.

    The interior of the house was modern and elegant. The furniture and walls complement each other with nudes and neutral colors.

    Michelle smiled. "This house looks like coffee mixes."

    She was startled by the arms which suddenly embraced her from behind.

    "Your parents knew you''ll like the colors."

    She looked upstairs. "How many rooms are there?"

    Riley held her hand as they went upstairs. "You could count as we go along." He had a warm smile.

    They went through three bare rooms and an entertainment area before they reached a two-door room.

    Riley had a wide smile.

    Michelle was skeptical. "What''s in there?"

    He placed her hand on a knob, his hand on the other. "Together."

    In sync, they opened the doors together which revealed a cozy bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a fireplace.

    Michelle was gaping in awe. She had a smile but was teary-eyed. Then she frowned, as if remembering something.

    "What''s the matter?" Riley saw her expression.

    She looked him in the eye. "Riles, what if we can''t have children? Will we be the only ones living in this big house?"

    He kissed her temple while he hugged her. "You need to recover first. Then we''ll talk about it. Right now, I only need my wife."

    ________________________

    When he arrived back from City T, Dan went to visit his father.

    Since his father could only blink, Dan began his monologue as he stepped into the hospital room.

    "Hello, Dad. It''s been awhile. The nurses said you were doing just great. Is that true?"

    Victor Zhou blinked once.

    "Good, good! ZFC is also good. Don''t worry about it. You should focus on your recovery so you could come back." He had a warm smile.

    Victor Zhou blinked once again. He was agreeing to it.

    Then Dan''s face became serious. "Dad, I need to tell you something. Something Mom doesn''t know."

    Victor Zhou blinked once for the third time.

    Dan sighed. "Dad, I married Midori. Y''know, my first and only girlfriend way back in high school?" He was a bit shy on telling this part. "But Mom setup an engagement for me with Chairman Song''s daughter. However, the two of us are just faking it."

    Dan came closer to the man on the wheelchair.

    "Dad, I''m going to be a dad soon." His smile became wider. "Midori''s pregnant." he declared.

    Suddenly, he saw his dad subtly move his forefinger.

    Dan almost burst into tears. He quickly went for the call button. A nurse rushed in, followed by a resident-on-duty.

    "Mr. Zhou, what happened?" the doctor asked.

    "He...he..." Dan was too shocked to answer.

 125 Investigate

    "Verdan!" Su Linyu had wide eyes. She stabilized herself. "I thought you could''nt make it to the party tonight?" She was actually there to represent ZFC, and of course, to see her ex-fianc¨¦.

    "Mother, is something the matter?" He eyed the elderly whose sly smile had just vanished.

    "Oh...uhm..." Su Linyu needed to hide her discomfort towards Chairman Song, otherwise, her son could use it as an excuse to somehow break the engagement.

    "Do I need to know something?" Dan''s voice was monotonous, but his eyes were dangerous.

    "Verdan...uhm, we were just talking about your wedding. We were wondering if you already had a date in mind." She somehow salvaged the situation.

    "Madie had yet to decide. I will agree to whenever she wants it to happen."

    Chairman Song guffawed. "Are you already surrendering to your wife even before the wedding?"

    "My wife''s wishes come first." Dan''s eyes were sincere and there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

    Su Linyu was overjoyed by how her son considers his future wife.

    Little did she know that this son of hers was talking about another woman.

    Dan cleared his throat. "Chairman Song, can I borrow my mother for a while?"

    The elderly chuckled. "Why still so distant? You could start calling me ''Dad''."

    Dan only pursed his lips.

    Feeling awkward, Chairman Song added, "Ehrm...why of course, she is your mother after all."

    Dan bowed respectfully and led his mother to the veranda.

    "What is it?" Su Linyu was relieved to be rescued, but her son''s face was serious enough for her to worry.

    "Mom, Dad...he..." Dan started to tear up.

    Her face shamelessly lit up. She was hoping that she could become a widow soon.

    Dan furrowed his brows when he saw her expression. It was weird to suddenly light up to almost smiling before she hears the good news.

    Su Linyu became aware of her expression and retrieved her worried face.

    "Verdan, just tell me. What happened to your father?" Dead. Dead. She was already repeating the word in her mind.

    Dan gritted his teeth. He knew that his parents did not marry out of love, but the anticipation in her eyes was disgusting. He almost forgot that he was bringing good news.

    He looked down to compose himself.

    Su Linyu''s eyes widened to the news. Her look of disappointment was not hidden at all.

    _______________

    Aoi Xiu just presided a clan meeting. There were a lot of issues tackled, and she was tired.

    She entered her room to take a nap. As she lied on the bed, her eyes caught the photo, framed and displayed on the bedside table, of Midori''s first sakura viewing. She was barely a year old then, happily babbling in her mother''s arm. Aoi remembered that it was Xiu Jin who took this photo.

    Aoi Xiu propped up her head using her arm on the pillow to better look at the photo.

    She was staring at it until sleep took over her, bringing back memories.

    .

    Because she was heavily pregnant back then, airlines would not permit her to take a domestic, much more an overseas flight.

    Aoi Xiu called her parents to send a private jet. Her father was startled by her request. He was worried about the grandchild in her womb.

    At that point, Lady Igarashi, Aoi''s mother took charge. She sent her own private plane to fetch her daughter and bring her back to City T. Lady Igarashi was a gentle lady, but her conviction that time reminded her family that she was indeed once a part of the royal family.

    Xiu Jin was ready to be killed when he presented the DNA test to the Igarashi household.

    "Jin." Igarashi-san was a scary clan leader but a gentle father. When Aoi married Jin, he already considered him as his own son.

    Xiu Jin was still in his dogeza, asking for forgiveness.

    "Get up, Jin." The old man ordered.

    Xiu Jin slowly sat up. His face was serious. His father-in-law was holding the test result.

    "So it was a misuderstanding...but tell me, why was the girl having such delusions?"

    Xiu Jin gulped. "She was my ex...but she married someone else. I honestly don''t know where she''s coming from."

    Igarashi-san thought carefully, stroking his gray goatee.

    "It was indeed peculiar. Tell me, Son, did you investigate on why she married someone else?"

 126 Confrontation

    When Midori was making tea in the office pantry, Ryuuji suddenly walked in.

    She tried to take her cup and walk out, but he grabbed her arm.

    "Midori, can we talk?" His eyes were filled with worry.

    Her lips shook subtly. She wanted to run away from this confrontation as much as she can, but it seemed that time ran out.

    She sighed. "What is it?"

    Takagi Ryuuji frowned at how she pretended not to know the issue at hand.

    "About that night, during dinner...why did you let that guy drag you out while you were eating?"

    She gulped. She expected him to be straightforward, but she was still taken aback by how tactful he was.

    She did not have the chance to answer as he continued, "Even if you got back together with him, he still had no right to humiliate you like that!"

    There were only a few people in the restaurant at that time. The only one to witness that she was dragged out was actually Takagi Ryuuji. However, his tone was actually because he was mad that Verdan Zhou could do as he pleases.

    "Ryuuji...I..." she could not continue, if she does, she will hurt her bestfriend.

    He sneered. "It''s alright. I knew I wasn''t significant enough to share your life with. Carry on, Xiu-san." He swiftly turned around to hide the tears which streamed down his cheeks.

    Midori felt bad and clutched the teacup in her hands.

    ______________

    Masaichi Xiu strode towards the door to a private room of a restaurant. Trying to catch up behind him was the fragile-looking Secretary Ta, who held a few folders.

    Madam Ming sipped her tea as she awaited the CEO of XCG.

    Earlier that day, he requested a meeting with her in that establishment.

    She had a cunning smile on her face. Her rouge was bloody red, matching her long, painted nails. She wore a fur coat and her hair was up in a french twist bun.

    The man in black clothing stood like a statue at the corner of the wall.

    Her smile became wider as the door was slowly opened.

    Madam Ming stood up. "CEO Xiu." she greeted.

    "Madam Ming." Masaichi Xiu bowed before taking his seat.

    Then he gestured towards Secretary Ta, who placed the folders before the lady.

    Madam Ming''s face contorted as she read the reports. She thought that the incident could not be traced towards her. It seemed she underestimated the power of the Xiu household.

    After taking everything in, she composed herself and her face. "So?"

    Masaichi Xiu had narrow eyes. "I would like to ask how you manipulated my wife to do it."

    Madam Ming had a crazy look on her face as she started a low chuckle, which turned into a loud laugh, which escalated into a high-pitched sinister one.

    "I thought you already know." She was brimming with pride.

    "It was not like her to obey you rather than seek my aid." Even if Agatha Wang was blackmailed, he knew she was smart enough to ask for his help rather than succumb to the demands of these people.

    Madam Ming laughed again. "Because your innocent wife was not as innocent as she wanted you to think she was." She continued to laugh.

    He became more annoyed.

    The man in black clothing moved a liitle bit. He noticed the dangerous look in Masaichi Xiu''s eyes.

    "You wanna know why she couldn''t tell you?" She chuckled. "She was carrying another man''s baby on the night she died." Her smile was chilly.

    "You liar!" Masaichi bolted forward to grab her neck.

    However, the man in black clothes pulled his boss away, then threatened a sharp knife before Masaichi Xiu''s eyes. "You would want to preserve your pretty face, don''t you?" His voice was husky and his eyes were dark.

    Suddenly, in a swift movement, a needle poke into his carotid artery and delivered about 10ml of liquid.

    The man fell on the floor like a rag doll.

    Secretary Ta replaced the syringe in its container and smirked. "Of course he would."

    It was filled with pancuronium bromide mixed with potassium chloride, much like the composition of lethal injections, without the sedative, so the victim was wide awake as he feels his whole being go limp.

    Masaichi Xiu turned around to leave. Before he turned the doorknob, he spoke without looking back. "Don''t you try to hurt anyone from my family again, or I can''t guarantee your daughter''s life."

 127 Heartbea

    It was nighttime at City T.

    "Mommy look!" Manta came into the sitting room holding a piece of paper.

    Midori was sipping tea when he came running. She smiled on seeing his drawing. For a first grader, he had good drawing and coloring skills.

    "Is that you and me?" Midori eyed the drawing of a woman carrying a child.

    "No! This is the baby and you!" He pouted.

    She looked closer. "You''re sure the baby will be a boy?" She giggled.

    "Uncle Dan promised me a playmate. How can I play with a girl?"

    Midori laughed. "What about the girl in school who kissed you?" She could vividly remember a pigtailed girl who gave her nephew a peck on the cheek before happily waving goodbye.

    "Wha--!" He frowned. "You were spying on me?!"

    She giggled. "I was fetching you. Did she kiss you goodbye?"

    The boy blushed up to his ears. He was fidgeting, thinking of an excuse.

    "Uhm...Mommy, can we listen to the baby again?"

    Midori smiled while gently shaking her head.

    She took the handheld doppler and some jelly. She squeezed out some jelly onto her abdomen and positioned the doppler probe. She is in her second trimester and her abdomen had grown into an obvious, but not too large bump.

    Manta gaped in awe as he heard the fast heartbeat. "Woah...baby..." He extended his arm to feel the baby in the abdomen.

    The sounds raced as the boy felt movement with his hand. Manta''s smile seemed to be fixed.

    "Mommy, will the baby look like you or Uncle Dan?"

    ______________________

    Masaichi Xiu could not sleep that night. He kept thinking about the words uttered at the restaurant.

    It would not make sense for Madam Ming to fabricate such lie. At the very least, there was some truth in it. He thought back on that day.

    .

    His personal phone rang as he was reviewing documents in the office that afternoon.

    "Hey!" He was surprised by the call coming from his wife.

    "Hi, Honey! Are you busy?"

    She could hear the flipping of pages from the other end as he continued to browse through the documents.

    "Uhm...not really." he lied. "What''s up?"

    "Otou-saaan!" Manta''s small voice came from the other end.

    "Oh, hello, Manta-kun. Are you doing well in school?"

    "Hai, Otousan. Today, I got 4 stars!"

    "Good, good. Can you give the phone back to Okaasan?"

    "Hai, Otousan. Demo..."

    Sensing the hesitation the boy''s voice, Masaichi probed, "Something the matter, Manta-kun?"

    "Tousan, I will send Okaasan to you today for a..."

    The last word was muffled by the sound of the ringing office phone.

    "Sorry. I''ll call you back."

    .

    The current Masaichi Xiu furrowed his brows as he could not recall the rest of the conversation. He was certain that it was some sort of clue on whether or not his wife was really pregnant at that time.

    It came to him to ask his son, but he dropped the phone on the bed as he dismissed the idea.

    He will not force his son to recall the last day he saw his mother just because some crazy old lady uttered some nonsense.

    But were they really all lies?

    He thought it through multiple times as he squirmed on his large bed until dawn arrived.

    Sleepless, he went into the bathroom and took a cold shower to clear his thoughts.

    As he was drying his hair, he had an idea.

    Secretary Ta could hear her heartbeat ringing in her ears as she saw the caller on her ringing phone.

    "Yes, CEO?"

    "Book the earliest flight to City T today. Two tickets." He made his order clear.

    However, she was unsure whether her boss has a companion or he will bring her along. In the end, she could not ask him.

    "Yes, CEO."

 128 Becoming a Father

    The neurology resident was making rounds when he noticed a subtle, but obvious enough, movement of the patient''s fingers on verbal command. It was his first time to encounter a locked in syndrome case who showed improvement. It might have taken years, but this is still a great achievement since most patients would suffer for the rest of their lives, comprehending, but unable to express themselves.

    "Nice! Good response, Sir." he tried to cheer the patient on. It was good to reinforce the small achievements.

    Victor Zhou just stared blankly at him after blinking once.

    After his examination, the doctor bid goodbye and left him alone in his room.

    Beyond the expressionless face was the great mind of Victor Zhou.

    He was reminded of his son''s words. "Dad, I''m going to be a dad soon."

    If only he could, he would have rejoiced to the news and hugged his son. At that moment, he swore to himself that he cannot die without being able to hold his grandchild from his son.

    Then he recalled his cunning wife who revealed her plan to him awhile back. He wanted to strangle her. He wondered if she had just been pretending during the times when they were happy to have their children, especially during the birth of his son.

    Verdan Zhou was born in spring, when tea leaves were ready for harvest. To match Victor''s name and the greenery before him, he was given his name.

    There was true delight in Su Linyu''s face when she had him. In truth, she was glad to produce an heir to the company.

    She was actually disappointed when her firstborn was a daughter. Thus, she was aloof towards Vanessa.

    In contrary, for Victor Zhou, becoming a father is not just because you needed someone to take over the business eventually. To him, being a father is very special. Though he knew love was not between him and his wife, he truly loved their daughter since the day she was born.

    It might be said that he doted on Vanessa too much.

    She always had the latest in fashion and technology. It was a blessing that she was also smart and skillful. The more her father gave her the world, the more she proved that she deserved it.

    It had been difficult for Vanessa''s parents to conceive again, mainly due to their stress at work.

    Victor Zhou was actually fine with having just one child, but Su Linyu would not give up. She considered it a failure if she could not give him a son.

    She did everything she could for this to become possible, from aligning the date of conception to the traditional calendar, to the position to take in bed. She calculated everything, even taking a break from work to go to a secluded place for their ''second honeymoon.''

    Victor Zhou recalled how desperate she was, even to the point of seducing him.

    Indeed, it all went well eventually. Su Linyu doted on Verdan too much during his infancy, however, for some reason, she became distant to him and buried herself into workloads.

    Victor Zhou was also busy running the company that the children were left to the nannies.

    Vanessa never envied her brother for her mother''s affection. At a young age, she already felt the faint hostility from her mother. She was just grateful that her father made her feel that she is his princess.

    When Verdan was born, she became more hesitant to approach her mother. It was as if another woman had possessed Su Linyu in her eyes. Her mother had never cared about anyone before, not even her and her father. Suddenly, the block of ice melted towards the little baby.

    This made her interested in her brother. When her mother became a distant block of ice again, she started to play with her brother, at times, spending time with their father.

    After some years, it was just her and Dan.

    This might have been the greatest regret for Victor Zhou, not spending enough time with his children.

    Right now, he could regret all he wants for he could barely express himself.

    How could he tell his son the feeling of becoming a father?

 129 No Two Marriages are the Same

    Aoi Xiu back then was discharged from the hospital after remaining stable for two days, meaning, she did not go into preterm labor.

    Her parents revealed her hospital room to her husband after he had adequately explained the situation with Ming Xiaoyu. This was only hours before they finished processing her discharge papers.

    "Sweetheart!" Xiu Jin was panting as he ran towards her room.

    He found his wife in casual clothes, ready to go.

    Aoi glanced at him before lifting her bag from the bed without saying anything.

    "Let me carry that for you!" Xiu Jin hurriedly took the bag from her hand, then carried the baby supplies bag she had brought just in case her labor progressed.

    Aoi kept silent as she stared at him with a condescending look.

    She knew that her parents would not reveal her whereabouts to him if he could not prove his innocence. They would just chop him up instead.

    As her thoughts were flooded, she didn''t notice that they reached the hospital lobby. Her identifier band was cut by the personnel and was granted gate pass.

    Her driver had arrived with the car, taking the bags from her husband.

    His hand being free, Xiu Jin opened the door for her.

    They rode back to the Igarashi estate with deadly silence.

    "Aoi!" Kaori Igarashi embraced her daughter. Then she acknowledged her son-in-law. "Jin."

    Aoi''s brothers eyed Xiu Jin mischievously at the dinner table. Indeed, he was forgiven by their father, but they still could not wait for permission to beat him into a pulp.

    "Souichiro, Kotarou, stop messing around." Lady Kaori commanded them in their tongue.

    Xiu Jin ate silently, and excused himself when he was done.

    Aoi''s left brow twitched. So after begging for forgiveness and explaining tremendously, he regained his pride to walk out from her?!

    Xiu Jin leaned on the wooden railing of the connecting passageway from the dojo to the main house. He took out a stick of expensive cigarettes from his pocket and lit it up.

    He was about to puff out some smoke when he heard his father-in-law''s voice.

    "Y''know...that''s not good for the baby." Igarashi-san declared.

    Xiu Jin choked in the smoke he was about to blow out and coughed violently.

    With pursed lips and lazy eyes, Igarashi-san poured out his tea to the ground while still looking at his son-in-law.

    Xiu Jin found the action peculiar so his eyes traced the flowing tea. He saw that it extinguished the cigarette he unconsciously dropped on the grass.

    When he regained the ability to speak after his violent coughing, he first said, "Sorry."

    "Hmmn." Igarashi-san nodded. "Y''know, every marriage is not easy, in its own way. You might think that your conflict is greater than that of others, but in reality, they are not comparable since no two marriages are the same."

    Xiu Jin gave him his full attention.

    "My wife was the emperor''s only daughter. Though she won''t succeed the throne, they were still adamant in making her marry someone from the royal family." He paused. "Marrying me was the first time she disobeyed her elders. It cost her her title and her family." He chuckled. "They especially disliked the idea that I am the head of a clan." The old man had a gentle smile.

    He continued. "From then on, I promised myself that I will never give her a reason to regret her decision. I strived to provide for her, a life that may not be not as luxurious as how she was raised, but enough so she need not work for money."

    He laughed, recalling their younger years. "It was the story of the class president and delinquent." He chuckled. "She was so strict, always scolding me for wearing dirty and untidy uniform and having ear piercing. I knew I would take over the clan so I didn''t go to college. She studied visual arts. It must be fate that my parttime job was located across the university she was attending. And of course, the rest is history."

    "You must have been a real catch back then, Otousan." Xiu Jin tried to compliment him.

    "So I only look like an old man now?!"

    Xiu Jin was taken aback but laughed with the contagious laughter of the old man.

    "Aoi might''ve been raised in a clan, but she is still a woman. As a man, you should always dote on your wife. Every father expects that in his son-in-law." He tapped Xiu Jin on the shoulder.

    "I will, Otousan." Xiu Jin gave him a sincere smile.

 130 Ripple Effec

    It was raining when the then full term pregnant Aoi Xiu went into labor. Her husband could barely see the road to the hospital through the wind shield.

    Aoi pulled through the car ceiling handle as she felt another strong contraction. Contrary to melodramatic, noisy mothers in labor, she breathed in and held her breath, then pushed with teeth clenched.

    This reminded Xiu Jin that his wife is a strong woman. He was chanting in his mind.

    ''I''ve done this before. It''s gonna be alright. I''ve done this before.'' He gritted his teeth as he swiftly passed through an intersection, not caring about which light is on. ''Sh**! Not in this rain!''

    When they arrived, Xiu Jin hurriedly went out to help his wife out of the car.

    An emergency medicine doctor went to check on them and called out to a nurse. "Page OB!"

    Xiu Jin requested access to the delivery room, so the nurses made him change into a pair of scrubs with surgical cap and booties.

    After changing, he immediately returned to her side and clasped their hands together.

    The attending doctor did another internal examination.

    "The baby is almost there. Be ready to push on your next contraction."

    Aoi Xiu nodded her head as she breathed deeply.

    Xiu Jin''s fingers were almost broken as she squeezed his hand as she effectively makes each push.

    After awhile, she pushed a little longer and harder until the baby''s head was delivered.

    The doctor maneuvered to deliver the rest of the body and the attending pediatrician was there to catch the newborn and started drying her with a sterile cloth.

    Aoi heaved asigh of relief when she heard her child cry after stimulation.

    Xiu Jin was in tears to see his daughter, still clutching his wife''s hand.

    "Congratulations! It''s a girl. Will the father cut the cord?"

    Xiu Jin was surprised. ''I can do that?'' he thought.

    The doctor had smiling eyes above her mask. "Give the father a pair of gloves and the bandage scissors." she ordered the nurse.

    Xiu Jin hesitated to let go of Aoi''s hand, but seeing the gloves being served, he felt it was impolite to decline.

    The cord was clamped on both ends and he was instructed to cut near the plastic clamp.

    He was startled by some of the blood gushing out, but recovered himself as he saw his daughter.

    The pediatrician was considerate enough to swaddle the baby so he could carry her.

    "Sweetheart, look! Our little girl looks so much like you!" He leaned to show the baby''s face to his wife.

    "Hmmn." Aoi nodded and smiled, but she was too tired to comment.

    __

    The second child of the Xius were publicly announced in newspapers and in television news as the family is a prominent figure in the business. Since it was female, she would make a suitable future wife to the heir of a company.

    Many became interested, to the point that some of them were already introducing their sons to Xiu Jin.

    Midori''s birth was like a pebble dropped into a lake. It created an impact greater than anyone would expect.

    Su Linyu had just weaned her then toddler son from breastmilk when she heard the news. It reminded her that the boy she was holding should have been fathered by her first love. This led to her change in behavior towards her son. She was mad to see Aoi Xiu holding the little baby girl in her arms. ''That should be me!'' she thought, as she clenched her teeth.

    On the other hand, Ming Xiaoyu was nursing her child when the news flashed on her television screen. She looked at her own daughter.

    Few weeks ago, a temporary restraining order against her was filed by the Xius. Good thing that her husband was on a business trip, for he need not know about it.

    Her anger rose on the news about the daughter of the Xius.

    "How dare him deny you of your rights?! That daughter of hers is the bastard!" She glared at the image on the TV, then she turned to the baby in her arms. "Rushi, my daughter, time will come that we will take back what is rightfully ours!" Her laughter was between sinister and crazy.

 131 Leave Me Alone

    "I don''t care if you''re into both men and women. Leave me alone!" Madeline Song shouted in an otherwise empty street.

    Her car had just hit a tree she missed noticing as she oversped to lose the car behind her.

    Fortunately, the car behind was able to hit the breaks before it sandwiched her car to the tree.

    Unfortunately for her, she was forced to step out of her car, granting the chance for the chaser to talk to her.

    "Madeline Song!" Her arm was snatched in a pull.

    "I already told you that I will never like you!" Her fury was like a tiger''s. She slapped him hard, leaving a mark on his cheek. "Stop chasing me!"

    She hurriedly tried to fled. Suddenly, her heel broke after getting caught on the crack on the road. "Ouch! Dam* it!"

    The man hurried to support her by grabbing both her arms.

    "Let go of me!"

    She took her other heel and broke it to make them even. Her shoes were then reduced to flats. She sped up her pace as he can, dragging the hands which refused to let go of her arms.

    "Just...just hear me out!" Long Yun was struggling to restrain her arms.

    "No!" She closed her eyes as she screamed.

    "Madeline Song, have you ever tried to date a man before?!"

    "No! And I will never!" Madeline Song was steadfast on her decision.

    "Give me a chance! Just one! Just a single chance! If you still won''t like me, I will leave you alone!"

    Her eyes shook as a pair of dark eyes stared her down in a tranquil state.

    __________________

    Masaichi Xiu''s lips quivered. He could not believe what he had heard.

    So his wife was really pregnant at that time? And she told their son but not him?

    "When...when...when did you find out?!"

    Midori shivered. She had never seen her brother so furious.

    Aoi Xiu remained calm. "Your son slipped up when they were visiting a pregnant lady. He told your sister. You were still in a coma back then."

    "But I woke up for months now! You never intended to tell me?! You wanted me to hear it with other people''s lies?!"

    "Masa-kun, we were never sure whether it was true or not. Manta could''ve..."

    "Now you''re saying that my son is a liar?!" Masaichi gave a domineering aura towards his mother. Any other woman would have folded, but his mother is Igarashi Aoi.

    "Your son could have been confused. Since your in-laws cremated your wife, we cannot confirm if she was pregnant on the time of her death. I knew you would be upset to know, but why are you so angry right now?" Aoi Xiu tried to pry on where he was coming from. Her daughter and future grandchild will be in danger if her son cannot contain himself.

    Masaichi''s eyes were wide and his teeth were clenching his anger.

    "The wife of M Jewellery''s chairman told me that my wife carried the child of another man before she died! And now, you''re telling me that you knew?!"

    "We knew about her possible pregnancy, but to how it happened, we have no clue! How dare you raise your voice to mother?!" Midori became angry when he began shouting.

    "You don''t have the right to go against me because you kept things from me!" He clutched her chin, as his fingers buried into her lower cheeks.

    "Masaichi Xiu! Let your sister go!" Aoi started to panic a little. He could throw his sister with a flick of the wrist.

    He let go of her face as if listening. He turned half-step around.

    Just when they thought that he was leaving, he turned back and Midori was mortified to see a speeding fist towards her.

 132 Question

    Michelle took a deep breath, then knocked steadily at the wooden door.

    "Come in." The indifferent yet familiar voice allowed her access.

    Verdan Zhou was browsing through a business proposal when he heard the knock. Not thinking too much into it, he did not confirm the person through the intercom.

    However, his brows twitched when he heard heels clicking against the wooden floor.

    He looked up just in time to meet her nervous eyes. There was a subtle surprise in his eyes which was gone in an instant.

    Nevertheless, since Michelle had worked for him long enough, she caught this reaction and became more anxious. Can she get her job back? It has been weeks since she had the accident. Though physically weak, her mind never faltered. She believes that she could still do this job. She was just hoping that the CEO could take her back into the office.

    Noticing her expression, Dan sighed. He pressed on the intercom. "Liu."

    After waiting for several seconds, he repeated his call. "Liu. Are you there?" There was a hint of annoyance in his voice.

    Outside the office, Liu Fei Long had just come from the restroom when the annoyed voice of his boss sounded through the intercom.

    He dashed, to the point of diving into the inner side of his desk from behind, bypassing the piles of papers and folders around his desk.

    "CEO! Yes! Yes, I''m here." He took a deep breath. "Wha-t can I do for you?"

    "Get into the office."

    Liu Fei Long immediately complied. He was surprised to see a woman standing before the CEO.

    He had only gone to the restroom, and a woman barged into his boss''s office.

    He was mortified. "I...I''m so sorry CEO." He gave Dan a 90-degree bow. Then he turned to Michelle. "Miss, thank you for being a fan, but our CEO is busy at this time, could you give him some time?" It was the generic statement to turn fans down.

    Dan glared at him. Not only did he fail to note a visitor, he actually mistook his senior as a crazy fan.

    "Before you say anything else. Do your research."

    Liu Fei Long shuddered.

    "Now, get out of my sight."

    Before this fresh graduate new assistant even applied for the job, he had heard rumors about the ''silent killer'' that was CEO Zhou. However, this was the first time he felt that the rumors were true.

    He dashed towards the door and quickly shut it behind him.

    Dan''s expression turned gentle after the new assistant left.

    "Michelle Park. It''s been weeks. How are you doing?"

    _____________________

    Midori''s eyes squinted but remained peeled as the fist brushed near her hair.

    To their surprise, the first was caught by a fair hand and slender fingers.

    "I will not let you ruin even a sheet of paper in this house." Aoi Xiu was firm and the strength she applied on her hand was domineering.

    Masaichi never intended the punch to land on his sister. It was directed towards the wall behind her. This was just a small attempt to scare her and to make his point of being upset.

    This is also why Midori seemed fearless of the quick and strong fist of the Igarashi clan heir. She trusts her brother so much that she would not even dare dodge a bullet if he chose to pull a trigger while aiming at her.

    "Niisan, we''re sorry about hiding things from you." she admitted the mistake. It was useless to argue that they are not sure about the information.

    It would be actually up to him whether to deem it as the truth or not.

    Masaichi''s fury settled down as he nodded.

    As Aoi Xiu and her daughter heaved a sigh of relief, his next question almost shook the earth.

    "So, whose child are you carrying?" He eyed Midori''s abdomen, well hidden by a baggy sweater.

 133 Still the Same

    "CEO." She bowed. "Thank you for your help. My husband and I will forever be grateful."

    Verdan Zhou nodded. "Are you here to report back?"

    Michelle Park had a surprised look on her face.

    Indeed, she was only on an indefinite leave. She was never dismissed from work.

    However, her absence lasted for several weeks. A normal employer would have replaced her by then.

    She composed herself. "CEO, though I am still the same on the scope of the work requiring intellect, I''m afraid it would be difficult for me to run errands right now. I am actually here today to confirm if I''m still part of ZFC."

    "You are." He did not even think twice or hesitated before answering. He continued to browse through his files. Then he stopped and briefly stared at his shut office door as if he thought of something.

    Michelle was relieved, but then could not help but follow his gaze. She furrowed her brows when it revealed nothing. She looked back at him, confused.

    "Don''t worry. The guy you saw earlier will be your assistant."

    Her eyes widened. Is she not an assistant? How can she suddenly get one?

    Before she could react, he continued speaking.

    "You could report back tomorrow. Tell your husband that he is free to come and go here if he needs to take you. You can go now." He had a barely discernable smile on his face.

    "Ah, yes! Thank you CEO!" She hurriedly bowed down, straining her injured lower back a bit.

    She bit her lip to endure the pain and flashed a professional smile when she straightened up to face him before leaving.

    ___________________

    "Mom! How can you allow this?!" Masaichi was furious when Midori did not say anything regarding her baby bump.

    "She is still the same baby girl that I gave birth to and raised. Why would I not allow this?" Aoi Xiu decided to play with him for awhile.

    Midori shot her mother a questioning look.

    Aoi shrugged her shoulders at her, as if leaving the explanation to her.

    Midori frowned and was about to retaliate. She is married for pity''s sake!

    Suddenly, a familiar voice rang from across the hall.

    "Masaichi Xiu, how dare you raise your voice towards your mother?"

    Everyone followed the voice. A pair of cozy slippers came walking towards them.

    "O-otousan..." the siblings chorused.

    "Sorry for being away for a long time." Xiu Jin had a warm smile, which he turned into a teasing frown. "However, that does not mean that you could verbally harrass your mother and sister." He eyed his son.

    "But she did not even deny that she is pregnant!" Masaichi replied in defense.

    "So? Why did you assume that she''s carrying a child out of wedlock?"

    "What? You secretly married someone?!" His interrogation was back to his sister.

    "Don''t say it as if I''m underaged! I had a wedding!" Midori got her strong presence back.

    "You knew about this?!" He looked at his parents, hoping not to get confirmation.

    "We knew for some time now." Aoi nonchalantly answered. "She did not invite us." She raised a brow towards Midori.

    The atmosphere became even less serious when Xiu Jin laughed.

    "Otousan...what''s so funny now?!" Midori was irritated because she was in a predicament on revealing everything.

    "I..." Xiu Jin continued to laugh until everyone was annoyed of it. "I just...remembered something." He could not help laughing more.

    "You weird old man! Spill it out instead of looking like an idiot!" Aoi Xiu scolded him. She knew this habit of him laughing when recalling memories. However, at this point, she was curious what he was laughing about.

    Wiping some tears at the corners of his eyes, Xiu Jin finally composed himself. "Masa-kun didn''t know, but someone really close to him had the right to know. I guess he was indeed the bigger man!" He laughed again.

    Masaichi''s furrowed brows even became closer together. He does not have a brother. He does not even have a bestfriend! Who was the man who knew this before him?

    Just then, something was tugging his pants.

    He looked down and realized the answer.

    "Tousan, when did you come back?" Manta was rubbing his still sleepy eyes.

 134 More Reasonable

    "Manta knew?!" Realization dawned on Masaichi.

    "Of course. He is more reasonable than you are." Midori had a smug look on her face.

    Xiu Jin started his irritatingly contagious laughter again.

    Aoi Xiu could not help but chuckle.

    These made Masaichi even more irritated. "Why you..!" He leaned in over his sister.

    Just then, he felt small hands pushing him away from his sister with all their might.

    "No, Tousan! Aunt Midori is pre-nant!" Manta was still getting into his new vocabulary.

    Masaichi almost laughed. His son is quite adorable. He took the boy into his arms.

    "When did you start keeping things from me?" he interrogated him as they went out to the lanai.

    Midori heaved a sigh of relief, then eyed her mother. "Did not even defend me..."

    "Didn''t even invite me..." Aoi Xiu contorted her lips before walking away, playfully shifting the blame back to her daughter.

    Midori turned to her father. "Otousan, why are you here?"

    "You don''t like seeing your old man anymore? I heard your husband often visits. Do you question him like this?" Xiu Jin was pouting immaturely.

    "Uhm...it should be alright. However..." Midori mimicked the curled up lips her mother had just shown. "If Niisan is here...and you are here...who''s running XCG?"

    Xiu Jin scratched the back of his head. "It doesn''t matter. I know my people."

    Midori frowned. "Did you appoint an OIC?"

    He flashed a wide, apologetic grin.

    "You careless old man! Do you need us to replace you already? Do you have Alzheimer''s?!" She could not believe that her father would just leave the company under subordinates without appointing a temporary leader.

    "Don''t worry. Adams is there. You know him." Xiu Jin tried to save himself.

    "Can you be more reasonable?! You left the CEO assistant to fend for himself off your wolves of shareholders?!"

    Indeed, Riley Adams can deal with subordinates and colleagues, but he would not have a voice against the demanding shareholders.

    "Well...I think he knows your husband. He''s in City S now, right?" He looked around the hallway as if afraid to find that his son-in-law was there.

    Midori took a deep breath. "My husband is not part of XCG. Why are you expecting him to interfere?!"

    "He''s partially responsible for it after marrying you." He shrugged his shoulders and grinned at her.

    Midori rolled her eyes and ended the conversation by walking away.

    Xiu Jin''s face became serious. He walked to find his wife just outside her room.

    Aoi Xiu was sitting on a wooden rocking chair at the terrace facing the pond. The sound of the sozu bamboo clashing against the rock as it emptied the water adds to the traditional feel of the garden.

    "Aoi..." he cleared his throat.

    "Do we have a problem again?" She did not even look at him. She kept staring at the bamboo fountain.

    "No! I mean...I do have a problem, but it does not really concern you." He never wanted her to worry. He just wanted her to know.

    "Really...so, what''s her name?" Whenever her husband talks like this, he had tangled himself with a woman, most of the time, a delusional one.

    "You already know Su Linyu." His face became serious.

    "So Midori''s mother-in-law wanted you after what had happened to her husband?"

    Xiu Jin was surprised for a second before he smiled. Indeed, his wife is amazing.

    His silence meant affirmation.

    "So, did you finally agree to her proposal?" This was a pun because Xiu Jin left Su Linyu on their engagement party.

    "Of course not." Xiu Jin furrowed his brows. Then he truly frowned. His wife had been like this ever since Wong Xiaoyu showed up in their home years ago.

    "Hmmn." Aoi Xiu squinted her eyes. Indeed, if it was just Su Linyu, she would not feel threatened. However, if it were someone else...

 135 Keep It Secre

    Midori Xiu was walking towards her office, ready for another workday. She was wearing an empire-cut dress with ruffled skirt, successfully hiding her baby bump. Her low wedge shoes matched perfectly to her coral-colored dress, and the light blue blazer conceals her enlarged bosoms.

    "Good morning, Director Xiu."

    "Good morning, Mariko. Are the reports ready?"

    "Yes, Director." Tanaka Mariko nodded and opened the door to the office.

    Midori browsed through the files, nodding at times.

    After she finished signing the documents, she handed them back to her secretary.

    She expected that Tanaka Mariko would leave after getting the files. However, she noticed that her secretary remained planted near her desk.

    "Anything else?" Midori eyed her suspisciously.

    "Uhm..." Tanaka Mariko shook her head like a rattle.

    Midori sighed. "Say it."

    The secretary gulped. "Director, sorry if this could offend you, but I don''t intend to be rude. It''s just that...I noticed that you have gained some weight. I have a good exercise and diet regimen you can try...if you only want to..." She was doing the itsy bitsy spider hand motion as she spoke due to nervousness.

    ''Dam**t! How dare this woman call me fat?!'' she was ready to scold her in her mind. Midori looked down on her bulky clothes. At least she was mistaken to be fat, rather than her pregnancy revealed.

    She sighed deeper to contain her annoyance. "It''s none of your business. Never mention something trivial again."

    Tanaka Mariko shuddered. Looks like she had offended her boss this time. "Yes, Director. I''m sorry!" She bowed and hurriedly left the office.

    Midori pouted as she caressed her belly. She giggled as she felt a kick. It was hard enough to explain to her brother. No one else needs to know...for now.

    She suddenly had the urge to pester her husband.

    .

    Verdan Zhou was presiding over a meeting when his personal phone rang.

    Liu Fei Long became flustered and almost emptied all the contents of the CEO''s briefcase in searching for the phone.

    Michelle Park, who had just came back for less than a week, calmy retrieved it in another black purse and swiftly handed it to the CEO.

    Dan frowned when he saw the name of the caller. It says ''MXZ'' and was clearly his wife.

    He raised his hand to gesture for the reporter to stop and took the call outside.

    The reporter lost all his fright and momentum at the same time. It has been long since the CEO had taken a call that seemed more important than the company.

    Some suspected that it was his fianc¨¦e. After all, they had seen their future lady boss visit the CEO''s office.

    Dan strode all the way to his office, even taking the stairs to avoid ears waiting for gossip.

    "Darling, what''s up? Is something the matter? Are you alright? How''s the baby?" He was so worried that he bombarded his wife with questions. She certainly knew that he is currently at work. At most, if she wanted to tease him, she would send a message.

    Though a bit irritated, he heaved a sigh of relief when he heard her giggle.

    "Sorry, Darling. Were you in a meeting?"

    "What do you expect?" He let her sense annoyance but he never raised his voice towards his wife. It even sounded as if he was about to laugh.

    "Gomen ne. It''s just that...I miss you a lot." Her voice was sweet and a bit flirtatious.

    "I''ll see you this weekend, alright?" Dan also misses his wife, but since it was not urgent, he felt that the meeting was important and must proceed.

    Just then, someone knocked on an office door.

    Dan was glad to hear his wife''s next remark.

    "Someone''s here. Gotta go. Love you!"

    "I love you more." Dan heard the beep of hanging up after his words left his mouth.

    He was smiling brightly when he came back to the meeting room, much to the surprise of his subordinates.

    .

    On her end, Midori allowed access to the person behind the door.

    "Director, Ms. Jiang is..."

    "Midoriiiiiiii!" The high-pitched voice of Jiang Mei Ling echoed inside the office.

    "Mei!" Midori''s face lit up into a bright smile.

    Behind Mei was Lu Shaoting, also walking into the office.

    Mei hugged her friend with overflowing enthusiasm. "I''ve missed you!"

    Midori returned the embrace with a big smile.

    "Hey, how''s your pregnan--"

    "Hey! Yeah! You will have a great presentation of your locks in this commercial!" Midori tried to mask her words with her own louder and deeper words as she eyed the secretary who had yet to close the door behind her.

    "Hey, what''s the big deal?" Mei looked back towards the now shut door.

    "The company is still blind. You must keep it a secret!" Midori gestured her finger over her lips.

    "Oh...that''s so exciting! I need to do that in my next pregnancy!" Mei was whispering but there was excitement in her voice.

 136 Brother

    Masaichi Xiu pursed his lips as he stared at the steam emerging from his hot black coffee. His eyes were dazed and his brows were furrowed. He recalled his conversation with his son when he visited City T.

    "Manta-kun, I have something to ask."

    "Sore wa nan desu ka, Otousan?*" Manta blinked adorably as he looked up to his father. Since he was in City T, he was used to speaking the language more often. However, he still perfectly converse in his grandfather''s native tongue.

    "Did you really tell your aunt that Okaasan had a baby when she left to see me."

    The little boy pursed his lips then nodded. His eyes were starting to water.

    "Who told you that?" Masaichi kept his gentle tone.

    "Okaasan...she said that I will soon have a brother...or a sister...and she will give it as a present for you...but she..." Manta was already sobbing.

    "Sshhh...It''s okay...Don''t cry. Otousan believes you."

    "Tousan...I could''ve been a brother right?" Manta looked up at his father, seeking confirmation that he had a correct understanding of things.

    Masaichi pursed his lips, deeply sighed before answering, "Hai." He embraced his son who let go and cried all he wanted.

    At that moment, he had confirmed that his wife was indeed pregnant when she died. However, he could never believe that it was not his child. He still believes that his wife will never cheat on him. This was actually strengthened by his son''s account that the baby would be a present for him.

    Masaichi''s thoughts abruptly ended with a knock on his office door.

    "Come in."

    Secretary Ta came in her professional smile. "CEO, the CEO of ZFC is here for your requested meeting.

    _

    Hours prior, Dan was pacing back and forth on his condominium unit. Secretary Ta informed him just the night before that his brother-in-law had requested an audience.

    His jitters even become worse when he got a message from his wife.

    [MXZ: Hey, I forgot to tell you. Brother knows I''m pregnant. Have a great day!]

    [Why are you telling me this just now?!]

    [MXZ: I told you, I forgot. I just heard from Riley that they told you to meet him for a ''business partnership'' <grinning emoji>]

    [You really want me dead, don''t you?]

    [MXZ: Of course not, I love you! <kissing emoji>]

    [If he kills me, remember that I love you.]

    Dan pulled out a dozen of suits, shirts and ties. On a normal day, he could wear his work clothes with not much thought on them, but still coming out in stylish combinations. However, this is definitely not a normal day, and his wife was miles away so he could only decide for himself.

    _

    Dan came into the CEO office wearing a pair of black suit, under which was a plain white shirt and narrow black tie. It was rather plain looking, but because of his face and his height, he looked dashing in the outfit.

    His goal in deciding on this was to not get too much attention which could trigger his brother-in-law.

    He was convincing himself that he will not get killed. ''It''s business. They did not lie to my assistant. It''s just business, Dan. You will not face him as your brother-in-law, but the CEO of XCG. That''s right. It''s gonna be fine...''

    Though these thoughts run through his mind, he kept an indifferent face.

    ''It''s gonna be fine. You''re fine, Dan.'' When the door was opened into the office, he gulped. ''I''m fried.''

    Masaichi Xiu walked towards him and offered a hand to shake.

    Verdan Zhou shook the hand firmly but briefly.

    "I will be back with refreshments." Secretary Ta bowed before leaving.

    "CEO Xiu, what can ZFC do for you?"

    Masaichi Xiu gestured that they sit on each sofa, directly facing each other.

    Dan complied without a word, keeping his indifferent expression.

    Masaichi Xiu sat, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.

    "Shouldn''t you be calling me ''Brother'' by now?"

 137 Change of Hear

    "Just...give it a try... Try me..."

    "No! I can''t! Please, just leave me alone!" Madeline Song turned hastily towards Long Yun.

    As she did, her heels toppled and she was outbalanced.

    Long Yun tried to reach for her hand, but everything was too sudden.

    She fell into the river below the bridge. If she was not wearing heels, she would have more body mass on the railing of the bridge, however, her 10cm platform heels made the railing at the level of her thighs.

    Long Yun looked over where she fell while clutching the railings.

    It was several seconds before she managed to emerge her head from the water.

    "Madie!" Long Yun''s eyes widened when he saw her flapping her arms wildly. She obviously did not know how to swim.

    "I''m...I''m coming, Madie!" He took off his coat and shoes and jumped into the river.

    Madeline Song kept flapping her arms desperately even when Long Yun had swam close to her. Her feet were having cramps for trying to keep herself afloat, and her heavy heels were pulling them down.

    "Madie! Stop squirming!" He tried to take her in his arms, water splashing onto his face, some into his mouth.

    Madeline Song wailed and reached out to hug him when she finally realized that help had arrived. She was so mortified on the idea that she could drown and die.

    When they reached the riverbank, Long Yun had a gentle smile on his face as Madeline Song kept her hold on him like a koala to a tree branch. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, almost choking him, while her legs were wrapped around his waist. Her heels were slightly poking his lower back, but he does not mind one bit and enjoyed this slightly awkward position while rubbing her back to console her.

    When they had successfully climbed up to the bridge, Madeline tightened her hold onto him when she saw the spot where she fell from.

    Good thing that Long Yun had a large built and good training, so walking around while carrying another person with both their clothes wet was possible for him.

    He bent down slightly to pick up his shoes and to wrap his dry coat onto her shaking body.

    "It''s...it''s alright...I...I''m here..." his voice was shaking as he cannot help but shudder. It was a cold night, and after emerging from the river, he too was freezing.

    It was hard for him to coax her to get in the car. He almost had to drive with her on his lap. Finally, he was able to convince her to sit shotgun and fastened her seatbelt.

    He drove to his villa which was situated overlooking the sea. It was a relatively long drive from where they were, so when they arrived, she was already fast asleep, even softly snoring.

    He carried her straight into his bedroom and laid her down ever so gently. He took a hot shower and changed into a pair of gray loungewear. Then he took some warm water and a towel to clean her still shivering body which he had wrapped temporarily in several towels.

    He gulped when he managed to take off her clothes. It was not the first time for him to see a naked woman in his bed...well, not on this bed. He had never brought anyone in his villa before.

    It took all restraints to keep him from devouring her curvy body. He gently wiped her body with the warm towel, avoiding to touch her skin with his hands. He was afraid that slight contact could trigger him to do things that she would forever hate him for. He used another towel to hold up her arms using his other hand. He almost entertained the idea of using kitchen mittens.

    After helping her clean up, his eyes were only half open when he put her into his pair of navy blue loungewear.

    After tucking her under the new sheets, he went into the room next door to sleep. However, at an hour past midnight, he heard her cries from next door. He dashed to check on her and saw her crying in her sleep.

    He did not think about it too much and lied next to her to embrace her. As if by instinct, she held onto him and buried her crying face in his chest.

    He furrowed his brows as he thought, ''What kind of experience did this lady go through for her to cry like this in her sleep? Wasn''t she a protected young lady of a wealthy household?''

    Of course, he would postpone his questioning some other time. After she stopped crying, she fell in a deeper sleep in his arms.

    Madeline Song woke up in an unfamiliar bedroom, wearing a man''s clothes. She was first in shock, but she remembered some details of the night before and concluded that this was his house. She could smell something good coming from downstairs.

    As she went to check on it, she realized that the top of the loungewear she was wearing would pass as a dress for her, yet the pants were adjusted and tied to not fall from her waist. It was such a pity that it was still dragging on the carpet.

    When she reached the kitchen, she saw an omelette rice on the table and his back as he poured some coffee on two mugs.

    Her heart melted. She knew that he was a gentleman. He changed her clothes but she knew he did not do anything else.

    The only person she trusted was her mother, who went and left her with the manipulative father she had. Her fear of drowning stemmed from being pushed into a deep pool by a bunch of bully boys when she was in middle school. She then vowed to herself that she would never let another man take advantage of her weakness. She started dating girls.

    But this person...his kindness made her change her mind...and possibly, her heart.

    When Long Yun turned and placed the mugs on the table, he saw her staring at him. He shyly held his nape. "Uhm...breakfast?" he offered.

    Just then, she bolted towards him, wrapping her legs around his waist, and kissed him hard.

    He reached to support her thighs as he returned the kiss. Then he started walking upstairs into the bedroom while carrying her.

    The steam from the coffee disappeared without a drop being sipped.

 138 Husband

    The actress Mei was brisk walking on a pavement along the streets, seeming to be in a hurry to go somewhere. She suddenly had to stop on a traffic light, so she pivoted a step and whiplashed her voluminous locks for the camera to capture, along with her expression of eyes expressive and mouth gaping.

    Then came a convertible driven by a fairly handsome guy.

    "Cut!" Lu Shaoting ended the recording of the scene. "The car was late to arrive. There shouldn''t be a lag time for the viewers to wait for the guy to come into scene. The airing of this ad is paid by the second. Again!"

    His wife glared at him. Her husband is a good director, but he is too strict. She needed to run in heels again!

    "Director, people are starting to gather up again to watch the shooting."

    Lu Shaoting frowned as he turned to his assistant. "Get crowd control." He looked at the other staff and his wife who was staring daggers at him. He sighed. "Take 5!"

    Midori was giggling as her bestfriend took the water bottle from her hands and took big gulps without any poise. Mei was fuming and she clearly shows it to her husband.

    Midori chuckled. "Hey, don''t be angry with your husband. He''s just doing his job."

    "That''s not my husband! That''s Director Lu!"

    Indeed, Lu Shaoting was very dedicated to his job. His wife thinks that he is too professional.

    He managed to direct her romance films even before they got married, perfecting her kissing and bed scenes with another actor as if they are not related at all. He does not show an ounce of affection towards her on the set and if they were not leaving together in the same car, no one will believe that they were already together back then. Thus, a lot of people were shocked when their wedding suddenly happened and was even broadcasted live.

    Even in commercials like this, after getting married, he was still the same director, still not a husband to her while on set.

    "Stop laughing!" Mei scolded her bestfriend.

    "It''s okay, Mei. He''ll be your Shao again once you get home." Midori flashed a warm smile.

    Mei, who was pouting smiled at the realization that that was true. He was especially gentle towards her when she was pregnant. He transforms into a doting husband when they are not on set.

    "Ah, speaking of which...where''s your hus-"

    "Ah! You don''t remember my house in City T anymore?" Midori gave a forced laugh as she cut her friends sentence as the makeup artist was coming their way.

    Mei frowned. Guess she will have to ask when they are alone. Having this secret was initially exciting, but she thinks it is now irritating.

    Mei glanced at Midori''s layered outfit. She had to commend her friend for being stylish, while maintaining to hide her pregnancy through her clothes.

    ___________________

    Secretary Ta bowed after placing two cups of tea on the coffee table between the sofas. She immediately left the office after doing so. She knew her boss does not need her ''special skills'' right now. Though he wanted to skin this brother-in-law alive, he could never truly hurt him for the sake of his sister. Plus, her boss would never get his office dirty. That was why she had called Madam Ming out in a restaurant that day.

    When the door was shut tight, Masaichi refocused his stern eyes towards the man facing him.

    Dan maintained his neutral face, but his thoughts were like a tropical depression.

    Masaichi thought, ''This face could attract both men and women and will always bring trouble.'' He could not understand why his sister picked this guy again after dumping him once.

    "CEO..." Dan broke the eerie silence.

    Masaichi raised his fist to cover his mouth as he cleared his throat, his expressive eyes telling him that he had said wrong.

    "Uhm...Brother...in-law..."

    "Yes?" Masaichi''s stern look, if he were any other person will not affect CEO Zhou at all. However, he is here as his brother-in-law.

    "Uhm...I believe we''re here to discuss about a collaboration on promotional bags and tumblers?"

    "Try cheating on my sister again and I will have your head! You understand?!"

    Dan gulped. "Y-yes! Uh-understood!" If anyone could see how nervous he was right now, they would not believe their eyes.

    Masaichi continued to stare him down. "I don''t care about your fake engagement schemes, but your real wife is my sister. I had been a husband, and sad to say that I did not put my wife and child as priority and look where that got me!" There was regret in his eyes and voice.

    Dan instantly understood. If not for their complications, he would love to live with his wife and their coming child.

    "Rest assured, Brother. Her well-being is my top priority." Dan said sincerely.

    "Good. Now how would you want Zesty''s bags and tumblers to look like?"

 139 Possible

    Few months had passed after Michelle had the accident. Since she did not overexerted at work, while attending her regular physical therapy session, her recovery came smoothly.

    One afternoon, after work, she came home to hear her husband''s voice conversing with someone in the kitchen.

    "Can''t you give Scotch to us? We have been taking care of him for a few months now. The dogs had a huge impact in my wife''s recovery." His voice sounded tired.

    Michelle stopped on her tracks when she heard a woman''s voice. She thought he was talking through the phone.

    "Riles, you gave him to me when we broke up. Are you going back on your word?"

    "Scotch is originally mine. You just begged to keep him. I did not dognap him from you. You left him with us, so I am now requesting you, if it could be possible to let Scotch stay here with us?"

    "But he''s my dog!"

    "No. He''s my dog! You just claimed him. Now, I''m taking him back since you cannot take care of him when you''re away, anyway."

    "I...this is not fair!" She was pulling on her hair.

    "Charlene!" Riley tried to tell her to behave herself, when they heard a ''thud'' on the floor like something had fallen.

    Riley rushed towards the sound.

    "Eeekk!" Michelle was shocked to find Michelle on the floor, looking lifeless. "No...I... I''m not involved in this!" She totally forgot her purpose of bringing her dog back and hurriedly fled the scene.

    "Michelle! Michelle! Answer me!" While his ex was panicking over how to escape, Riley was already carrying his wife to the garage.

    Though not right, Riley called his neighbors while driving to watch over the house he left open with the dogs as he stated the emergency.

    The middle-aged couple agreed, as the dogs know them as well. They understood the situation and was willing to lend their help.

    Doctors examined Michelle as soon as they arrived at the hospital.

    After about quarter an hour, the ER physician told him to book a room since he will admit the patient. She needed a drip for dehydration.

    "Don''t worry. It was just hormones plus lack of water intake. The baby''s fine. You should remind your wife to eat healthier meals." The doctor advised.

    "What baby? Im-impossible. She...suffered pelvic fracture...and one of her ovaries..." Riley was too shocked to make sense.

    The doctor had picked up some important points from his muttering. "Sir, nothing is impossible. Women who had pelvic fractures or who only had one ovary can still get pregnant. It''s possible. Congratulations!" The doctor lightly tapped on his shoulder and left him smiling like an idi**.

    He then remembered to fix the papers needed for admission. He can''t wait to tell his wife the good news.

    __________________

    Meanwhile back in Long Yun''s villa by the sea...

    "What are you thinking about?" Long Yun handed a mug of butterfly pea tea.

    "Why is this blue?" Madeline Song could not be any more blunt.

    "Take a sip first."

    She complied. "And then?"

    He took the half slice of lemon from his saucer. "Watch." He dropped it into her cup.

    Her eyes widened in disbelief as the blue turned into a shade of red. "No way!"

    "If the two of us were possible to be together, how could this be impossible?"

    Madeline giggled while shaking her head. She then tiptoed to kiss him.

    She was now only wearing the top of the loungewear set.

    He took her waist using only an arm to lift her up.

    "Hey! Put me down! If even a drop of my magical tea spills, I''m leaving this instant!"

    Long Yun chuckled at her term. She never fails to surprise him. He gently set her down, her feet landing slowly on the floor.

    However, he kept the hand on her waist. "Hey..."

    "Hmmm?" Madeline Song looked up at him while sipping her tea.

    "Why didn''t you tell me you were a..."

    "What did you think I did with girls?!"

 140 Hold on

    Michelle was crying tears of joy upon hearing the good news. She and her husband did not lose hope, but they did not expect that they could have a baby this soon.

    Upon remembering her circumstances on just recovering from the accident, her smile turned to a worried look.

    She turned to the doctor. "Will my fracture affect my pregnancy?"

    The attending OB-GYN smiled. "Most women who had accidents and had hip fractures were able to carry the baby to term. The only concern would be on the delivery, but some of then could still give birth normally."

    Michelle continued to frown. "If it is safer for the baby, I can undergo Cesarean section."

    The doctor maintained the professional smile. "We can discuss it later when you reach the third trimester. Right now, you need to be wary of food choices and activities."

    Michelle finally nodded in understanding.

    "Thank you, doctor." Riley smiled as the doctor bid her goodbye. He understood that everything was too much to take in for his wife.

    "Riles, I''m scared." Michelle held onto his arm.

    He sat on the side of her bed to embrace her. He kissed her temple. "Don''t be. I''m here."

    "Don''t tell my parents yet. I don''t want them to expect anything."

    "We will protect this baby no matter what, but if you want to delay telling them, it''s fine." Riley stroke her head gently, continuing to kiss her head.

    _______________

    "Why are we here?" Madeline Song sounded like she was complaining. Earlier that day, Long Yun told her to wear swimwear underneath her clothes, which she excitedly did. However, she was disappointed to see trees and more foliage as they were driving. It did not look like it will lead to a sandy beach anytime soon.

    "You''ll soon find out." He flashed her a grin.

    She pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, highlighting her ample bosoms.

    To her dismay, he parked the car seemingly in the middle of nowhere, with tall trees still surrounding them.

    She looked down on her outfit. She was wearing a loose, almost see-thru shirt over her bikini top and white short shorts over her bikini bottoms. Her open-toe flat footwear completed the look of someone going to the beach.

    She looked out her window and concluded that whatever could bite out there could easily spot all her exposed skin.

    "Why do you look like that?" Long Yun had a teasing smile.

    She harrumphed and turned her head away from him. She should have known that they are not going to the beach. If they were, why ride a car when it was obviously his backyard.

    Long Yun went down first, which irritated Madeline Song.

    However, his next move extinguishe her anger. He opened the door for her.

    "Just bring your immediate necessities." he ordered.

    Her furrowed brows became deeper, but she followed.

    When she stepped out, she realized that there was a clearing for a path which looked like it was maintained by people. They walked for several meters until they came into a river. At its wooden dock was a plane/boat tied by a harness.

    "Aren''t you a pilot? Is that a boat or a plane?" She was confused. The thing looked like a small plane but it was floating on the water.

    "It''s both. It''s the Icon A5." he replied nonchalantly. He then proceeded to open the flip-up door to reveal two seats which resembled a sportscar''s.

    He went into the boat and stretched out his hand to support her.

    Though hesitant, she decided to trust him and took his hand.

    He buckled her seatbelt before his own.

    He started to drive the boat through the water in a steady pace. "You okay?"

    She was then smiling brightly as she appreciated the scenery.

    He had a satisfied smile, then he lowered the door/windshield to close their compartment.

    "Hold on tight." He sped up the boat.

    "What?!" She actually held onto his arm.

    Her eyes widened when the boat started its takeoff from the water, successfully transforming into a plane.

    "This is so cool!" She slapped his arm hard, making him wince a little.

    He kept silent with just his smile and loving eyes on her.

    He maneuvered the plane to make an 80-degree tilt as they reached a small island with fine white sand.

    When they finally landed on the water, Madeline Song was so elated that she gave him a hug on a neck and a kiss on the cheek.

    Long Yun laughed as she helped her out of the plane. Then he lifted her up to sit on one of its wings while he sat on the other.

    Madeline Song beamed at him before taking a selfie, capturing him with the plane.

    "So, you like your surprise?"

    She nodded her head like a rattle. If he was not on the other side, he would have bathed in kisses.

    _____________________

    "Hold on. You''re line is choppy. Calm down." Dan could not make it what his wife is trying to say.

    On the other end, Midori was in tears. "Baby, hold on." She was caressing her abdomen.

    She winced as she felt another contraction.

    "Hey, are you still there?" Dan was trying to keep calm, but the sudden call from his wife plus her anxious tone worried him.

    "Come here. Now!" she shouted.

    "What? Why?!" He started to panick.

    "I''m having premature contractions!"

    "What?! Hold on! I"ll be right there." He hung up and made another call. "Johnson, we''re flying to City T."

    "What time, Sir?"

    "Now."

    Employees were shocked to see the CEO ran like someone was after his life.

 141 Distance

    Verdan Zhou was sitting on his private plane, ready for take off, 15 minutes after receiving the call from his wife.

    Montgomery Johnson, ''Monty'' to his close friends, was a former pilot for fighter jets in Country A, but he decided to live better by being hired by the heir and CEO of the international group of companies, ZFC.

    He had always been to the CEO''s beck and call while duly compensated. However, it was the first time that he saw his boss this flustered.

    Dan only ordered a glass of water, much to the surprise of the attendant.

    He gulped it down in a single continuous tilt of his head.

    "Uhm...would you like another glass of water, Sir?" The attendant was a bit scared of how frustrated and anxious he looked.

    Dan glared at her.

    "Perhaps some wine or whiskey, Sir?" She still tried to maintain her professional smile.

    Dan ran his finger through his dark locks, messing his hair. His suit was wrinkled from running and abruptly taking his seats as he rode the car and the plane.

    "Scotch. On the rocks." he ordered, without looking back at her.

    It was still too early for the baby to arrive. It can somehow survive, but it will be an early preterm neonate.

    He could just imagine how frightened she must be right now. He started hating the distance and his absence by her side. He wanted to comfort her so badly. He could only wait for his plane to arrive.

    Before his drink could arrive, he went striding into the cockpit.

    "Monty." his steady voice rang in an otherwise quiet area.

    The pilot almost screamed in surprise.

    "Boss! Do you need something?"

    "How long?"

    It seemed like the CEO wanted him to speed up. Since there is no heavy traffic as excuse, he did not know what to say. However, he could not compromise their safety. He is not driving a jet this time.

    "Uhm...45 minutes."

    Before he could know what will happen next, the CEO strode out, seemingly sulking.

    _____________________

    "We will try to control the contractions. Please calm yourself so as not to aggravate your preterm contractions with too much stress." The doctor excused herself after checking on the rate of her drip and adjusting it with the machine.

    "Mom...I''m scared." Midori was almost in tears.

    "Shhh...it''s gonna be fine, Sweetheart. I was also in the same situation when you were inside me. Plus, your husband said he''s on his way." Aoi caressed her head gently, consoling her daughter.

    Of course, they did not tell their daughter about the trouble they had with Ming Xiaoyu.

    They even made Xiu Lan take Masaichi away for awhile in fear that the woman would be back in their house.

    Xiu Jin distanced himself from her thoroughly, even asking a temporary restraining order from the court.

    Going back to the current scenario, Aoi Xiu did not inform her husband and son on what was happening on her daughter. She deemed it unnecessary.

    "You shouldn''t have buried yourself in work for three days. Why did you do that? Too much stress is definitely bad for the baby." Aoi scolded.

    "I...I was preparing everything before I go on leave for the baby''s delivery...but I..." Midori''s hormones were not helping her calm down.

    "Doctor..." Aoi Xiu went out to call the resident on duty.

    "Yes, Ma''am. What can I help you with?"

    "My daughter is having preterm contractions and her emotions are making things worse. Can you give something to sedate her?"

    "Sorry, Ma''am. We refrain from sedating our patients when it can still be avoided since it could affect the baby." The doctor had an apologetic and understanding tone.

    "Oh...it''s alright then. I''ll just keep her company then." Aoi was enlightened and walked back to Midori''s room.

    Before she could reach it, a hand landed on her shoulder.

    "Mom!" Dan was panting as he stopped her.

    Aoi Xiu looked down at her watch. "You''re pretty fast on closing the distance. Come, calm your wife."

 142 Absence

    Michelle Adams went to report into the office early in the morning. Actually, she was there to tender her resignation. She wanted to thank the CEO for the opportunity, at the same time to explain why she had to leave.

    As she approached the office, she saw Liu Fei Long fixing his desk and putting on his sling bag.

    Her eyes shook. ''It can''t be! Is he fired?'' Her thoughts ran wild. How can she resign if the other assistant has been fired.

    She gulped and strode towards his desk.

    "Liu, what happened?!"

    Liu Fei Long was a bit confused abour her worried face. He eyed her suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

    "Why are you leaving?" She was afraid to hear him say that he was dismissed. No matter how generous the CEO is, he could not work smoothly without the help of an assistant. Though girls will fight over this position, she knew it was not a small task and not everyone can do it.

    Therefore, if the CEO really fired this guy, she cannot resign just yet.

    "CEO Zhou is not in today. He made me cancel all appointments for the next two weeks. He appointed Director He as OIC." He took some papers in his arms and turned to leave. "He also gave me the two weeks as vacation. Must be applicable to you too. Ciao!" He waved his free hand and went for the elevator, leaving the dazed woman behind.

    Michelle was taken aback. The CEO never bothered to inform her of his absence. Is he considering her less reliable than Liu? Then again, she had been absent for a couple of days because of her own issues.

    She blinked, as if realizing something. Could it be...CEO Xiu?

    ________________

    "What?! Where is he?!" Su Linyu was almost killing Director He with her glare.

    "Madam, the CEO did not disclose other information regarding his absence. He simply appointed me as OIC. I did not dare to ask." The tall man felt like a mouse under a cat''s paw.

    "Useless!" She strode away, her black pumps clicking against the marble floor.

    As Su Linyu asked to be driven home, she was making another phone call to her son which did not go through again.

    She was so pissed off that she threw her phone forward, hitting the windshield before brokenly landing onto the dashboard.

    The driver almost swerved the car to the other lane in fright.

    She took out her other phone and dialled Chairman Song.

    The old man picked up after a single ring. "Hello, Linyu! What can I do for you?"

    The younger man opposite him almost puked. Chairman Song sounded so pretentious that it was disgusting.

    "Chairman Song, has your daughter been away from home?" She was afraid to hear otherwise, because it would mean that it was not Madeline who was with her son.

    "Oh, yes! Is your son also missing? Don''t worry about it. Maybe they were just trying to know each other better." In reality, he did not care whether or not his daughter comes home. He just knew of it from the housekeeper. Knowing that Verdan Zhou is also missing without notice made him elated and his thoughts went into having grandchildren soon.

    Su Linyu hang up after some small talk, with a smile on her face. It seemed like she had successfully led her son to the right path. She was still thinking of making Xiu Jin hers, so her son cannot be with his daughter at all costs. It seemed like she was worried for nothing.

    _______________________

    Secretary Ta declared, "CEO, the Chairman is in his office now."

    Masaichi Xiu bolted up from his seat and strode out of his office.

    Secretary Ta, though thin and fragile-looking, kept up to maintain the distance of 2 steps away from him.

    He steadily knocked on the door.

    "Come in." Xiu Jin was expecting him. Earlier that day, his son requested a private audience with him. Even when he was planning to relax at home, Masaichi''s tone over the phone pulled him into his office.

    Masaichi bowed to his father. "Dad."

    Secretary Ta, who was following behind, greeted with a bow as well. "Chairman."

    Xiu Jin was confused. He furrowed his brows. His son is definitely addressing him as his father, so the topic should be personal. Why then is his secretary in the office as well?

    "What brings you here?" Xiu Jin had a warm smile but eyed the secretary.

    "Dad, do you know the madam of M Jewellers?"

    Xiu Jin''s expression darkened, but he tried to compose himself. "Yeah, I do know her. What about it?"

    "Dad...she tried to kill me."

 143 Too Early

    Midori''s uterine contractions remained regularly moderate to strong despite tocolytics.

    The attending doctor went in and did an internal examination.

    Dan was called back into the room after the examination.

    "Mrs. Zhou, your cervix is now 6cm dilated, and your contractions are regular. You are now in preterm labor, and the delivery of the baby is inevitable."

    "What?! No! It can''t be! It''s too early! How can my baby make it?" She held onto her husband''s arm. "Dan..."

    Seeing her in the brink of tears with fears in her eyes, Dan held his wife''s shoulders with his arm. Then he toughened up. Looking at the doctor, he asked, "What are the chances for the baby?"

    "We will refer you to a neonatal intensivist. It''s the kind of doctor for preterm newborns. She can take care of your baby." The doctor had a warm smile. "The youngest we delivered, just last month, was only less than a kilogram, at only 24 weeks. The baby needed to be monitored here, but in just two weeks, she was able to latch and feed from her mother. She was discharged 2 days ago." The doctor beamed with pride and happiness while recalling the youngest neonate that she delivered.

    "Oh...my baby is at 31 weeks now. The chance will be greater, right?" Midori was hanging on the hope that the baby will be alright.

    "It would be improper to promise you guys that everything would go smoothly, but rest assured that all hands would be on deck to ensure the safety and health of both mommy and baby."

    "The...the steroids...you gave me earlier today...would it really help?"

    "Yes! Definitely! It''s to hasten the lung maturity of the baby. However, it would be better if we could still give you the second shot tomorrow, hours before the delivery."

    "Can''t you give it earlier? What if I deliver tonight?" Midori held her abdomen and Dan''s hand.

    "We need to follow proper dosing for it to work. Don''t worry. Usually, first-time moms delivery later from labor onset compared to those who had given birth before."

    "That''s right. Vanessa had her second child much faster than the first one as soon as she went into labor. Darling, it''s gonna be fine. You''ll be fine and so as our baby. I''ll be with you through it all." Dan kissed her forehead and held her in his arms.

    The doctor smiled and excused herself before she eats more dog food.

    _______________________

    Madeline Song was tossing the stir-fried noodles when a pair of hands snaked aroud her waist.

    "Hey! Yun, what are you doing?!" In her surprise, some bean sprouts fell off the wok.

    "Hmmm...smells good. I want it." He sniffed the crook of her neck and planted a kiss on her smooth skin.

    "Are you taking about the food or me?" She continued to stir the ingredients.

    "Hmmm...I can eat both for breakfast, so whatever works for you." He tightened his embrace as he sniffed her hair. He could smell the sweet jasmines from her shampoo.

    "It''s too early to think like that. You must be hungry. Now, behave yourself so I can finish cooking and we can both eat so that you will not be thinking of such nonsense." She tried to free herself from the arms.

    He let go reluctantly, mimicking the sound of a hurt dog as he sat at the stool by the kitchen counter.

    For a few days now, they were together in his villa since he was on vacation. This was also the truth regarding Madeline Song''s whereabouts.

    Initially, he was the one cooking, but after several harsh criticisms, he let her take over his kitchen and watched as she cooked.

    She placed two bowls of the noodle dish before him, then she removed her apron and sat next to him.

    "Hmmm...you''re good! This...this is good!" Long Yun praised while chewing noodles and biting off the peeled shrimp.

    Madeline Song laughed. "I had tried this yakisoba when we were in City T. I thought I''d remake it."

    "You could do that?!" He was surprised that she was able to make it after only eating it once.

    "Of course. My mother is a sous chef in Country E before she met my father. She had to lower herself in doing other jobs so she could raise me and send me to school." There was a tinge of regret in her voice.

    "And you turned out great." He kissed her lightly then beamed a bright smile.

 144 Hiding

    Ming Rushi just came from work. She sighed in exhaustion as Masaichi Xiu had assigned several workloads for her again. She frowned upon realizing that that man is away on a business trip.

    She flicked on the switch and the lights turned on as she absent-mindedly locked the door and stepped into her condominium unit.

    She was about to go directly to her bedroom when she caught something from the corner of her eye.

    "Waaaaaahhh!!!" She screamed in fright as her eyes fell on a pair of hazel eyes and dimples on each side of cherry red lips.

    The owner of those lips grinned even wider. Then she lit up a cigarette from her pocket.

    She was wearing an all black ensemble, befitting a motorcycle rider, so she was not obvious in the dark, but under the bright living room lamp, her features were clearly seen.

    Her hair was cut short and dyed black. She looked like a handsome young man with multiple ear piercings and a lip stud. If not for her painted lips, it was doubtful if she was a woman.

    Though her getup seemed rough, her straight, white teeth showing from the sinister smile, revealed that she is someone who takes care of her appearance.

    "Wha-what are you doing here?!" Ming Rushi''s lips were trembling while her eyes blinked to fight back the tears. She was frightened as sh**!

    The woman smirked and puffed out some smoke which filled the living room. Making her look more dangerous.

    Ming Rushi is used to cigarette smoke since the man who lives with her usually smokes. Her frown was due to the presence of the woman.

    "How did you get in?" Her words were heavy and demanding.

    "Next time you inspect the production line, you should keep your bag in your person." There was a hint of teasing in the mellow voice.

    Ming Rushi gritted her teeth in anger. "You should not show yourself in City S and you know the consequences if you do." The threat was heavy.

    "Oh, really? I heard that the viper is dead."

    "You think we would be affected by his death?" Ming Rushi would never back down that easily.

    "Of course, after all, he was killed by that man." The smile through the red lips became gentle.

    "My mother was only caught unawares. The viper failed to sense danger, costing his life. It was nothing." Ming Rushi sat calmly on the sofa, her hand secretly searching for a blade in between the upholstery.

    The woman in black smirked again, then with a swift movement of her hand, she produced a thin blade with horse bone handle. "Looking for this?"

    Ming Rushi''s eyes shook. Words could not come out of her gaping mouth.

    "Oh c''mon...you should''ve known that I had already searched this house. All your toys have been confiscated." She flashed a wide grin, bordered by red.

    "Tsk. What do you want?" Ming Rushi sat, facing her, with arms crossed over her chest.

    "Hey...I have been in hiding for years now. I wanna come out!" The woman made a pout with her red lips.

    "We had an agreement!" Ming Rushi slammed her hands on the wooden coffee table.

    "No, we didn''t. You threatened me." There was a dangerous glint in her eyes.

    "You think you could get what you want from threatening us?!"

    "Why should I be afraid? Even if you kill me now, everyone believes I''m dead." She chuckled, then continued with a sinister laugh.

    "Tell me what you want." Ming Rushi''s face was livid, her knuckles hard from clenching.

    "I want to see my son."

    "He''s not here! That man managed to hide him under the wings of that organization. Anyone who dared to come near him never saw the light of day again."

    "Then give me enough money so I could see him in secret."

    "So that you would appear to him as a ghost?"

    She harrumphed. "He never believed that I died."

 145 Little One

    True to the words of the doctor, Midori''s labor progressed slowly. By the time they administered the second dose of steroids, she looked exhausted.

    She gripped her husband''s hand as another strong contraction came, while she gritted her teeth and went with the urgency to push.

    She looked at the monitor and saw the recovery of the baby''s heartbeat after the contraction. Earlier, the doctor explained to them how the monitor works.

    Dan held her sweaty head, parting the strands of hair sticking onto her face. He kissed her temple. He could just imagine how much more she would have hated him while he was away when Manta turned out to be their child. She would have underwent labor alone, without him.

    He embraced her tightly. He would have regretted it all his life if he had let her suffer alone.

    After an hour, the doctor went in to do another internal examination.

    Midori never appreciated this, but at this point, she was only hoping that it would be time to deliver.

    "Alright, Mrs. Zhou. The baby''s head is already coming down. On the next contraction, I want you to take a deep breath, hold it in with pursed lips, then you need to push like you are defecating. Understand?"

    Midori nodded. It was a bit uncomfortable to be instructed like that, but she could only follow so that the baby will be delivered safely.

    After pushing through two contractions, there was clear fluid gushing out.

    "What''s that? Something''s coming out!" Midori was scared.

    "Doctor, tell us what''s happening! Is the baby okay?!" Dan could not hold his emotions as well.

    "Mr. and Mrs. Zhou, don''t worry. The amniotic sac is expected to burst during labor and delivery. The fluid it contained gushed out just now. It would actually hasten the delivery of the baby."

    The soon-to-be parents sighed with relief.

    "Mrs. Zhou, we now need to transfer you to the delivery room. Would the father want to come in when the baby is out, to cut the cord?" She eyed Dan.

    Dan looked at his wife, as if pleading for an answer.

    Midori took his hand and nodded, then she answered for him. "He will cut the cord."

    "Alright then, I will ask a nurse to give you a change of sterile clothes." The doctor asked for assistance on the patient''s transfer and a nurse to provide scrubs for the father, who will be informed when the baby is out.

    Aoi smirked at the dazed Dan as his gaze followed his wife being rolled away into the delivery room areas. "You had the same look."

    Dan snapped out of his thoughts. "Mom! Uhm...were you telling me something?"

    She gently shook her head. "Nandemonai."

    Dan kept clenching the stuff the nurse gave him to change into.

    "So, are you gonna stand there or will you change? The baby is coming any minute now." She had to wake him up from all his thoughts so he would move.

    Dan realized that he was wasting time. He immediately went to the changing room and put on sterile clothes, shoes and cap.

    "I''ll get that for you." Aoi gestured to get his clothes which were placed inside a clear bag which was also provided by the hospital staff. She snickered. "Nervous?"

    "Dead scared." he declared.

    "Even more than when I almost killed you?"

    He chuckled amidst his nervousness. "Maybe?" He had a timid smile.

    "Sir, the baby has been delivered. You could enter now." A nurse opened the door for him.

    He looked at his mother-in-law like a toddler in his first day of school.

    Aoi almost chuckled. "Go!"

    As soon as he entered the delivery room where his wife is, he could hear the cries of a newborn.

    "Congratulations, Dad! You now have a baby boy!" The doctor declared.

    Dan''s first reaction was to look at his wife. She looked beaten up.

    He held her hand and kissed her forehead full of beads of perspiration.

    "It''s already a minute. Serve the father sterile glove and the bandage scissors." the doctor commanded.

    A nurse complied. He was instructed where to cut the umbilical cord.

    The baby was being dried with a warm towel, another doctor was checking his breathing, heartbeat and temperature.

    Dan looked at his son. He looked so small and fragile. He thought this little one could fit in his shoe box...not that he was planning to lay him there.

    The neonatal intensivist instructed him on how to hold the baby.

    Dan had always been confident about his abilities, but at this point, he doubted himself. The way he held his son was so stiff, as he was scared to death of the possibility of dropping him.

    Other staff members volunteered to take photos for the new little family.

    Midori tried to smile despite how tired she was.

    After keeping skin-to-skin contact with the mother, and trial of latching, the doctor declared that the baby had low temperature, so they transferred him inside the incubator. Although his breathing and heartbeat were both fine, he was a preterm newborn after all.

    After giving back his son to the doctor, Dan went back to his wife''s side as the doctor was finishing her sutures.

    "Did it hurt?" he asked worriedly.

    "Try asking it one more time and I''ll bring you the pain."

 146 Familiar

    Ming Rushi grew up in a household with an average income. Though her father was the heir to a publishing company, it was in the brink of extinction when it was passed on to him. He managed to keep it afloat for some time before they decided to sell it and venture into the jewelry industry.

    She had an elder brother who will inherit the company, so she decided to start her career in ZFC branch in City B.

    Her final goal, in reality, was to take whatever belongs to Midor Xiu. She never liked Dan romantically, maybe a little interested when she first saw him, but that was it. She just targeted him when she found out that he was close with Midori.

    Since the goal of breaking them up was accomplished, she just continued to work in ZFC until her transfer was rejected. Thus, her next target came early as she transferred to XCG.

    However, it seemed like the heir to XCG was more cunning than she had expected. She can only grit her teeth to every order coming her way. She will never give up until this group of companies would be under her control.

    "Young Mistress Ming." That night, a young man greeted her with a nod.

    "Young Master Ji." She greeted back with a smile.

    That night, Ming Rushi is in a black satin V-neck empire-cut gown, her ears adorned by diamonds set in white gold, and her wrist was wrapped in a bracelet of similar gems and setting. There was a see-through lace portion on the gown at the waist area, letting people take a peek at her fair skin.

    "Ming Rong Zhang did not even mention that his lovely sister is back." He seemed to look past her as another lady caught his eye. "Your friend?"

    "Ah! Yes! Uhm...this is A-...Anika Wen." She tapped on the fair shoulder, bare on one side, covered by soft, purple chiffon on the other side. "Anika, this is Young Master Ji of the Ji Hotel Chains."

    The woman turned to face him with a pair of dimples complementing her white teeth and pink rouge.

    Young Master Ji was taken aback. This woman is gorgeous! However, after a couple of seconds, his brows met. It seemed that this woman is familiar.

    "Hello, Young Master Ji! I''m Anika Wen." She held out her fair hand to shake. Her voice was modulated to a deeper, yet still feminine voice.

    He reluctantly reached out to shake it. His smile stiffened. "Have we met before, Miss Wen?"

    "I don''t think so, Young Master Ji!" Ming Rushi interrupted. "My third cousin had been living in Country K since she was a toddler. I only get to see her when we go over for a visit."

    He narrowed his eyes, detecting the bunch of lies Ming Rushi spat. "Hmmm...is that so? You''re eyes still look familiar to me." he tried to pry.

    "Save the compliment, Young Master Ji. I believe my eyes already belong to someone else." The person addressed as Anika Wen replied.

    "Oh...too bad...were they really that dark?" He tried to break their act. Even a subtle reaction could confirm something.

    The Miss Wen became flustered for a split-second, but it was enough to raise the brow and suspiscion of the witty Young Master Ji.

    "No, they''re not." To his surprise, she did not deny it. She flashed a gorgeous smile. "My eyes are lighter in color, but I have poor eyesight so I needed to use contacts which I can see through the solution, hence the dark color. Did it bother you, Young Master Ji?"

    Ming Rushi managed to excuse herself and her companion when the program for the launch of their company''s newest collections started.

    Young Master Ji escaped into an empty veranda to make a phone call.

    The lady with flowing wavy black hair and black contacts may not be familiar among other people, but he knew her features too well from the photos from the phone of someone he knew.

    "Shengde. What do you want?"

    Young Master Ji sighed. Ever since Young Master Xiu lost his wife, he became cold. Can he even be considered his bestfriend? Oh yeah!

    "Masa! You have to attend the jewelry launch by M!"

    "I told you I don''t plan to go."

    "You need to see someone interesting!"

    "Not interested."

    "Masaichi, I think your wife is alive."

 147 Do I Know You

    "You''re really messin'' with me at this hour?!" Masaichi''s voice was filled with fury.

    Due to the new information regarding his wife, she became a taboo topic. Since Young Master Ji was barely his friend anymore, of course he will not know that he stepped on a land mine.

    "Chill...Young Master Xiu, are you on your period?" He still continued to mess with his friend.

    "I''m hanging up." Masaichi Xiu''s voice became stoic.

    "Hey! Wait, wait, wait, wait! I really saw someone who looks like her! If it turns out to be really her, don''t blame me for not telling you, alright?!"

    Masaichi held the phone over his ear, his hand shaking.

    Truth was, after waking up, he had asked his parents regarding his wife. They vaguely knew the details since they were focused on him at the time of the incident. After she was declared dead-on-arrival at the hospital, her parents took her body for cremation.

    "Hello?" Young Master Ji checked his phone to see if the call was ended. Seeing that it was still ongoing, he replaced it over his ear. He patiently waited for his friend to respond after minutes of silence.

    Finally, Masaichi regained his composure and asked, "Are you sure it was her?" His deep voice sounded threatening for the person not to lie.

    "Well, Ming Rushi is keeping her from talking too much." Young Master Ji scratched the back of his head. He is not sure about this himself. His friend might strangle him if this turns out to be a big misunderstanding.

    Masaichi narrowed his eyes. If the Mings are involved, the possibility that his wife is still alive is not too far-fetched.

    "Where are you?" Masaichi''s deep voice was demanding.

    Young Master Ji gaped in astonishment. This friend of his did not even bother to remember the venue of the jewelry launch he was supposed to be attending.

    "Ji Shengde." His friend took back his attention.

    "Ah! Yeah! Uhm...RCP Hotel...Grand Ballroom. The launch had started already...you should-"

    Young Master Ji twisted his lips in a weird pout, he felt used. He sighed and somehow brought himself back into the ballroom.

    ____________________

    "CEO..." Secretary Ta was about to bring in some documents when the CEO stormed out of his office.

    "I''m leaving." he declared.

    She tried to keep up with him as she started dialling a number on her phone. "I''ll get the car ready."

    "No need. Just finish the work here then leave." He finished his sentence as he pressed the elevator buttons and shut its door before her.

    Masaichi Xiu drove the usually covered Maserati Ghibli from the company''s garage swiftly into the night, passing through two traffic lights, almost hitting other cars, before abruptly hitting the brakes at the entrance of RCP Hotel.

    The uniformed personnel tried to greet him, but he walked past them all and slammed onto the elevator button.

    There are other people who would want to use the elevator, but his imposing aura made them back away. In the end, when the lift arrived, no one dared to ride with him.

    Thus, he arrived at the ballroom without interruptions.

    He blended in smoothly through the crowd who was busy looking at the jewelry pieces on display.

    His eyes were scanning everyone in the large room.

    Ji Shengde''s wine swished inside the glass as his had trembled. He had spotted the domineering aura in a black business suit.

    He is definitely dead if he was spotted. At this point, he could not find the lady he was talking about. He will be deemed a liar and it might be the end of him.

    As they were subconsciously playing a game of hide and seek, the lights were turned off suddenly and the large room filled with people were immersed in darkness.

    Just then, a spotlight was turned to illuminate the famous actress, Janice Chen, who was wearing the bridal set for the new collection, as she descended the stairs in an ivory lace A-line wedding dress with a beaded illusion neckline. The choker diamond necklace adorned her neck, giving the illusion that it was the high collar of the dress. The large stud earrings were framed by her black hair which was secured by an updo.

    This alluring view did not matter for the two men who were in search of a different woman.

    The ceiling chandeliers were lit up again as the host announced that the set will be for auction.

    Masaichi Xiu heard a faint snicker just behind him. He had the urge to turn around and have a look.

    And turning he did. His eyes widened as they laid on a dark-haired woman in a mermaid silhouette purple dress with a one-shoulder sleeve neckline. Her fair skin contrasted well with the color of the dress.

    He tried so hard to prevent himself from doing something as he continued to stare at her.

    As if detecting his gaze, she looked up at him and smiled, showing her pair of dimples.

    "You..." Masaichi Xiu blurted out, as if sighing.

    Her eyes turned into slits. "Hi! Do I know you?"

 148 Leaving

    For two weeks, Director He had been utilizing the two assistants to the CEO even for unofficial and personal matters.

    Michelle had been stressed out and tired from all of it.

    Riley held his sleeping wife after they had arrived home. The two dogs made it difficult for him to climb upstairs with her in his arms. Their paws almost woke her up.

    When he had tucked her in bed, he went downstairs so that the dogs will not bother her.

    He went to play with them at the yard, tossing frisbees and rope balls.

    He did not even noticed that an hour had passed. He missed his dogs and they clearly missed him too. He thought how great it would be for the baby to interact with the dogs as he grows up. Yes, he is hopeful that it would be a boy.

    Michelle woke up after few minutes of rest. She went and found her husband happily playing with the dogs.

    She went ahead and took the rack of lamb ribs in the fridge. She placed it in the marinator, together with herbs and seasonings. Then she placed them in the oven and started making the homemade barbecue sauce according to her mother''s recipe.

    When the lamb was ready, the rice also was. She then went to call him for dinner.

    Riley sensed her stare even when the dogs tackled him down on the grass. He looked up to meet her eyes.

    "You''re awake." he said, with a warm smile.

    "You''re dirty." she snickered. "Quick, take a shower or I''ll devour everything before you are done." She had a teasing smile as she walk back into the kitchen to chop the lamb and serve it on a plate with a hefty serving of the sauce.

    "So, when are you leaving ZFC?" Riley asked his wife as he sliced his meat.

    She was drinking some juice and almost spat it out. She cleared her throat. "I cannot leave when the CEO is away."

    "But that Director He is taking advantage of you as an assistant. He is the OIC, but only in the company. You''re the CEO''s personal assistant. He cannot order you around like that! Plus, the baby..."

    "Shhh..." she held a finger over his mouth. "You sound like you have more hormones than I do." she giggled. "Relax, there is not much physical tasks. Most of them were done in a phone call."

    "But you''re pregnant! I can provide for us. You don''t need to work." his voice was full of worry.

    "Riles...I can''t go when the CEO is away. You know that." She held his hand to console him.

    "Where is he anyway?"

    "Overseas. No details. I suspect it''s about Ms. Midori, but there was no news on your end."

    ______________________

    ""Why are you leaving so soon?" Aoi Xiu gave a questioning glare at the new family.

    They had just brought the baby home, and her daughter was already leaving for City S.

    "Mom, we want to live together as a family. You know that Dan cannot just leave ZFC. Please understand. Even you yourself made this decision when you raised our family."

    Aoi Xiu narrowed her eyes. Her daughter had a good point. It might run in the daughters of their family, to leave the family and live with their husbands.

    It was a trend since her own mother left the royal family for her father. Igarashi Aoi left home to marry a foreigner. Now, her daughter will come back to City S to be with her husband.

    It was like she was required to understand.

    Aoi Xiu sighed. "I''m not keeping you from living together, but considering the circumstances, I''m worried about your safety and that of my grandson."

    Midori looked down sulking.

    Aoi turned to her son-in-law. "If you could ensure their safety, you could go."

    Dan''s eyes lit up and a smile flashed on his face. "I will, O-okaasan." He was awkward in his address.

    Aoi Xiu chuckled. "No need to force yourself. ''Mom'' will do. Anyway, will you guys bring Manta?"

    Midori looked up again. "Mom, why don''t we all go back to City S? I''m sure dad and niisan will be happy if you and Manta could stay in the house again."

    "We''ll see...but not now."

    Dan could see the sadness his mother-in-law hid from Midori''s eyes.

    Just then, the baby started crying and Midori rushed to check on him.

    "Mom..." Dan remained at the sitting room.

    "Yes?"

    "Are you having problems with Dad?"

    Aoi Xiu clenched her teeth beneath the stoic face.

 149 Wicked, Right?

    As Verdan Zhou tucked his child and wife in bed, he recalled the conversation with his mother-in-law.

    "I trust you...but there are things you need not know." She had a bereaved expression.

    He did not have the courage to pry further. At least, she granted them the permission to go back to City S.

    Suddenly, his personal phone rang. He took it and gently closed the room door as to not wake up his sleeping wife and baby.

    He looked down. It said ''SM calling.'' He sighed and picked up.

    "Hey! F-i-an-c¨¦...dun'' care where you''ve been, but you need to tell the elders that I was at your place, alright?"

    "Why?" Dan was skeptical. He does not care either whatever this girl wanted to do with her life. He was only thinking about his own family.

    "You know your high school bud, Yun?"

    "Yeah. What about him?" There was slight annoyance in his voice.

    "We''re together now!" she happily declared.

    "What?! What did you do to Captain Yun?" He could not believe his ears. He even checked to verify that it was actually Madeline Song who called.

    "Hey! Why do you sound like I was mean?" she complained. "Rather than that, you should ask what he did to me!" she teased.

    "I don''t care! I just brought my family home today. Don''t do things that could get us all in trouble, you understand?" His expression was stern as his voice sounded serious.

    "Yeah...yeah...I''m just tellin'' ya. That we should have the same excuse. At least your absence from the office coincided with me missing in action too." she giggled.

    "How''d you know I was not in the office?" He became suspicious.

    She giggled. "Well, I have flies buzzing here and there."

    "Just don''t cross the line. I''ll be back in the company tomorrow. Get your fabricated story together."

    "Roger that! Say hi to the missus for me!"

    "Hey, wait! Aren''t you gay?"

    She giggled. "Well, the captain is bisexual, so it''s not really an issue. Toodles!"

    "What?!" She hung up on him before he could ask further.

    He dialled ''LY'' after her call ended.

    "Hey, Dan, guess what?" There was excitement on the other line.

    "You hooked up with Madeline Song?!"

    "Yeah! Wicked, right?" Long Yun guffawed.

    "Were...were you really...gay?" Dan still could not process that their basketball team captain back in high school preferred either gender.

    "I can do both." He laughed. "Why, are you feeling awkward about it?"

    "No...no...well, maybe a bit." He scratched the back of his head. "Back in high school, you were..."

    The guffaw was so loud from the other side.

    Just as he was feeling awkward, a hand laid on his shoulder.

    He turned around instantly, and saw his wife scratching her still sleepy eyes.

    "Hey..." he whispered, as he kissed her temple.

    "Who''s that? Why is it so loud? Let''s sleep." She yawned, and tried to drag his arm with her.

    "Captain Long, keep your wicked endeavors to yourselves. Madeline will explain the details, alright?"

    "Hey! I''m still not finished telling how it happened!" Long Yun complained.

    "Sorry. Family duties." Dan hung up without a chance for the other person to reply.

    He then wrapped an arm around his sleepy wife as they entered the bedroom.

    ____________________

    Xiu Jin held a pistol and aimed it.

    Three shots were fired.

    He was still contemplating how to bring justice to his son and daughter-in-law. He knew that Ming Xiaoyu is a delusional woman. However, it had been years since he last saw her. That was when he denied on her face that the daughter she had was not his. He even got her husband to affirm that that night, she was drunk when she encountered Xiu Jin, but he, as a loyal husband, called for her own husband to fetch her.

    The family seemed to have taken everything in. However, at this point, it seemed that she is crazier than he had predicted.

    "Chairman Xiu." A hand fell on Xiu Jin''s shoulder. It was of a young man with a sly smile.

    "The son of the late Chairman Tang." Xiu Jin recognized him.

    "I''m glad to hear that you know my face. But...I''m chairman now. So I hope you will correct the way you address me." He extended his wide grin.

    Xiu Jin shook his hand off. "The younger generation should show some respect."

    "Woah...Chairman Xiu...I didn''t mean to offend you! I just wanted to praise your accuracy and precision. The person you were thinking while shooting will never survive it."

    Xiu Jin furrowed his brows and looked at the target. It had a single large hole. His bullets hit the same spot at the center of the target.

    "I guess you didn''t intend that." Tang Jinxuan waved off his hand as he walked away.

    Xiu Jin could not help but stare at the target. It was the first time for him to be able to shoot that accurate and precise.

    The first time he went at a firing range was when his wife showed him her skills, much to his dismay on his inabilities.

    She was also on point and precise. Did she also have revenge in her mind when she shot those bullets?

 150 Fired

    Dan took long strides towards his office. His pair of navy blue suit fitted his tall and muscular physique quite well. He still maintained his indifferent expression amidst the enthusiastic and surprised greetings of every employee present.

    When he opened the door, he saw the OIC sitting on his chair, with shoes tapping on the top of his desk.

    Director He, to his surprise, fell down from the office chair, slamming the telephone he was just using onto the hardwood floor.

    He managed to stand back up in a hurry. He was rubbing his hips as he greeted, "CEO Zhou, welcome back!" He forced a smile out of his face.

    "Stand at the corner." CEO Zhou''s icy voice rang.

    Director He almost crawled away into the corner. The two assistants who were following CEO Zhou could not help but snicker.

    "Liu. Get me a new office. Get all things in here burnt and the whole place disinfected. Print new copies for all the documents." CEO Zhou frowned in disgust and turned around to leave.

    Before he reached the door that Michelle Adams opened for him, he stopped in his tracks.

    "Oh, and Mr. He, you''re fired." he declared without looking back, then proceeded in going out of his former office.

    CEO Zhou went down with Michelle Adams to the underground parking. Liu Fei Long was left to burn and disinfect everything.

    Dan was about to enter his car to leave when his assistant stopped in her tracks.

    "CEO!" she called his attention.

    Dan turned around swiftly, with indifferent eyes.

    "Sir, I will formality submit my resignation, but at this point, I believe it is only appropriate to let you know beforehand. I didn''t dare to do it while you were away, Sir. However, now, it is necessary for me to tender my resignation." She took a deep breath after explaining everything.

    Dan had his brows furrowed. "Why?"

    "Sir, I''m pregnant. I need to focus on my baby since I had just recovered from the accident."

    "Oh..." His slight frown eased. "Then don''t resign. File an indefinite leave. You can use the income for raising the baby."

    "Sir, what my husband earns will be enough for us. I..."

    "Then make your husband transfer to ZFC to be my assistant. Brother-in-law has a capable secretary. You expect me to thrive while working with someone like Liu?"

    Michelle Adams pursed her lips in realization.

    "I can grant you a leave of absence until half a year after your baby is born, but for those last 5 months, you need to do some of the paperworks at home." Dan was trying to convince her.

    "I...I need to discuss it with Riley. After all, we owe you a lot, CEO."

    "I''m not trying to force you as an obligation. What I did for you guys back then was a sign of my appreciation for everything you''ve done for me and my wife. You just need to think of the upcoming headaches I will have with only Liu around. Please tell Riley to pity me? I also have a child to raise and I miss his chubby face right now, so I need to go. You may also take the rest of the day off to think about it."

    He went into his car and drove off.

    "Do-does it mean that Ms. Midori had already given birth?!" She almost squealed at the thought and excitedly went home.

    _____________________

    Dan hurriedly drove off to their spanish villa. As his car reached the courtyard, he saw a black and a silver Audi A8 units parked just outside the house. He hurriedly went in to check on his family. Only a few people new of this place. Who had discovered their peaceful home?

    "Hey! There''s my son-in-law!" Xiu Jin smiled at him in delight. He was carrying the baby. "Hey, Dmitri, welcome Daddy back home!" Xiu Jin held the baby, so the eyes would stare at Dan.

    Suddenly, there was a baby''s cry not coming from the newborn who was visible in the area.

    "No, no...it''s okay, Sweetie. You want Daddy? Okay, Daddy, take Xinyu first." Jiang Mei Ling emerged from the kitchen area while handing her child to her husband.

    Dan sighed in relief. It seemed that his friends got another unfamiliar car.

    He turned to Xiu Jin. "Father, did Mother tell you where we live?" He had remembered giving the address to his mother-in-law before leaving City T. He was hoping that their relationship is getting better if she would tell Xiu Jin such details.

    "Oh, no...Midori told me. Masaichi is still busy somewhere though, so I did not bother telling him." Xiu Jin continued to coax the baby to sleep.

    "Why is Niisan so busy these days?" Midori just came down from upstairs, clutching a bag of diapers.

 151 I Donst Know You

    Masaichi Xiu took the chance of another spotlight blackout to drag the woman he saw out of the hotel and into his car, to the astonishment of the personnel.

    He fastened her seatbelt and went to sit on the driver''s and started the car. As he clutched the steering wheel with both hands, he froze before he stepped on the accelerator.

    The last time he was in the car with his wife was the incident. His eyes and lips shook as he tried to calm himself from the trauma.

    He took a deep breath and let go of the clutch pedal as he stepped down the accelerator.

    The car sped away in almost 200kph, that the lady sitting shotgun was even clutching her seatbelt. Everything went fast that she did not have time to process and react accordingly to the situation.

    "Uh...S-sir...can...can you slow down?" She was careful with her words while checking if his expression will change.

    Unfortunately, he did not make even the slightest reaction, as if he did not hear her. He even stepped more onto the accelerator pedal, making the speed even more dangerous.

    When they reached the roads to the mountains, he slowed down to maneuver through the sharp curves, but still maintained the speed over a hundred.

    At this point, the lady was just waiting for the car to fall off a cliff.

    Luckily, it did not. Masaichi was once a mischievous drifter in City T when he was younger, so he actually knew how to steer his car even in high speed.

    Finally, they arrived at the seaside road.

    With screeching brakes, the car stopped.

    The man driving unbuckled his seatbelt and went to open the passenger seat. He unfastened her seatbelt and dragged her out, taking her wrist.

    He strode away, with her trying to keep up behind him so that her wrist will not be injured.

    Behind him was the sad and painful expression of those hazel eyes behind the dark contact lenses.

    She gulped and cleared her throat. "Mister, can you please stop?! Where are taking me?!" She tried to pry her wrist free.

    Contrary to her request, the grip became tighter and the man sped up, almost making her lose balance.

    When she lost footing, she expected her face to fall flat on the sand, but it instead landed on a sturdy chest. She then realized that she was being held at the waist and shoulders by a pair of strong arms.

    She looked up and was terrified by his expression.

    At this point, when Masaichi Xiu looked down, he saw his wife''s face. Grief and longing filled him. He wanted to caress her face and kiss her, but as he stared longer, he remembered the report about her. His expression turned to anger and almost madness, as if questioning her of her betrayal.

    She still tried to free herself. "Sir, why did you take me here?" She tried not to use the word ''kidnap'' as not to trigger his emotions more. She remembered to use her deeper voice to talk to him.

    "Why?" Masaichi''s voice was cracking.

    "Yes, Sir. The reason for you to drag me out here..."

    "Why are you still pretending? Why are you still lying to me?" Masaichi''s expression was mad as he gripped her shoulders by both hands.

    Her eyes watered, but she kept her stance. "Sir, you must have mistaken me for someone else. I''m sorry, but I don''t know you."

    "Stop lying!" he spat, tightening his grip on her shoulders.

    She winced in pain. She gritted her teeth and looked him in the eyes, with an expression which looked like she was blaming him.

    He suddenly let go of one of her shoulders to cup her cheek as his lips smacked onto hers.

    As he kissed her passionately, a tear fell from the corner of his eye.

 152 Gone

    When the host finished introducing the blue diamond necklace in black gold setting as the highlight of the event, the chandeliers were turned back on.

    As the skirt of her black gown turned, Ming Rushi was stunned to find the woman with her gone.

    She gulped, a worried look flashing on her face.

    She walked past several guests with still no sign of that woman. Her delicate features started to contort in annoyance. Where did that crazy woman go?! If more people recognize her, they will all be in big trouble.

    She almost bumped into a waiter with a tray of drinks in panic. She abruptly halted, losing her balance.

    Suddenly, a pair of hands supported her shoulders, stabilizing her.

    She managed to stand properly in her platform pumps as she turned towards the force who saved her face.

    "Who are you looking for?" Young Master Ji flashed a teasing smile.

    "No one." she lied.

    "Oh. I thought you lost your cousin." He shifted his expression to a pursed lips smile, revealing a one-sided-dimple as he turned his head, as if looking around.

    Ming Rushi was irritated by his teasing. She shrugged his hands off and stomped away.

    Young Master Ji took out a pocket sanitizer, squeezed a small amount, and rubbed his hands.

    He looked at the retreating back full of mockery and with a dangerous glint of his eyes.

    Earlier when he came from the restroom, he saw his bestfriend dragging his wife out into the hallway, straight into the elevator.

    Even though it was surprising for him to see Agatha Yang in a new name, he knew that the situation is complicated. He also knew how ruthless Masaichi Xiu can be if someone crossed the line. He will wait and see how the story will unfold.

    __________________________

    When Masaichi Xiu finally let go of her lips, they were both breathing heavily.

    As the woman regained her senses, she slapped him hard with all the force her hand could gather.

    Her long nails even scratched his skin with such a great and swift force.

    Masaichi tasted blood on his lip, while his cheek burned from the slap.

    However, instead of getting angry, he laughed. He laughed heartily at first, then he transitioned to mimick a mad man. Then, his eyes filled with grief.

    "It''s you. It''s really you!" His voice cracked on the last syllable as tears fell from his eyes.

    She has been crying the moment her lips met his, and tears poured even more as she bit her lip and shook her head at him.

    "I...I would''ve given up everything to see you again!" His expression was so sincere that her knees almost gave up. At this point, he has thrown all his doubts on her. He does not care anymore if she had forsaken him, as long as she is truly alive.

    Her face was not popular in City S as he kept his family under the protection of the Igarashi clan in City T. Even their wedding was held in City O, where his grandmother was originally from. XCG just knew that the heir to the company and CEO is married with child. Some female employees did not even believe this and kept their hopes on him.

    However, he had at least introduced her to his close friends so they knew her face. He had to remember to thank Ji Shengde for peeling his eyes in that event.

    "No! Please don''t!" She struggled to free herself from his embrace once again.

    She did not intend to reveal herself to him, at least, not this soon. She just wanted to see her son. She knew that if he found out about what she did, he could never forgive her. She was even prepared to face her real death when that day comes.

    "Please...no more lies! Please!" The tall man pleaded over and over. He held her like he would never let go.

    He was afraid that if he let go even for a second, that she would be gone and dead again, like his previous reality.

 153 My Wife

    Aoi Xiu gazed out the window. She saw the paved runway of the airport and blinked.

    She took her hand bag, heavy with a pistol hidden in its secret compartment, and strode towards the door.

    She was wearing a hat over her dark brown hair neatly tied in a low bun. The color of the hat matched her navy blue trench coat which ended below her knees. Her black gloves and pump heels made the look more sophisticated and the dark sunglasses with golden frame made her look mysterious.

    She was about to exit the airport and into her black Porsche Panamera which was waiting for her, when beside the car appeared a middle-aged man with handsome features.

    He was wearing a light grey business suit and dark grey tie, enhancing his appearance despite his age.

    He held the card with Aoi''s name on it. As she approached him, he flipped the card which showed ''Boku no tsuma'' in weird strokes of the calligraphy of her language.

    She could not help but chuckle. She took off her sunglasses and casually placed it to hang on her neckline, as he gave her apeck on the cheek.

    He opened the passenger door for her, then sat beside her.

    Instead of going to the Xiu estate, the car went beyond city limits and parked just outside a Spanish villa.

    Xiu Jin and Aoi Xiu took turns to play with their new grandson. Coaxing him with a rattle and setting their prides aside to make goofy expressions.

    Midori was chopping vegetables for the hotpot when Dan found his wife after arriving home. At first, he was again startled by an unfamiliar car, but the laughter coming from inside the house appeased him.

    "They seem happy together..." he remarked.

    "What made you think that they''re not?" Midori flashed a confused expression.

    "I didn''t think that!" The way he denied it sounded more suspicious.

    "Dan, when we grow old, I want us to be like Mom and Dad." Her smile was warm and sincere.

    Then she continued chopping some mushroom.

    He embraced her from behind and gave her a kiss on her head. "I want us to even be happier than they are." Even though he knew that she meant well, because he suspects something was amiss in his in-laws, he could not totally agree with her.

    She giggled. "Okay. Now, remove your snake arms from my waist so I could finish preparing and we could all eat hotpot."

    "Snake arms?" He raised an eyebrow without removing his arms.

    "Y''know...your arms tend to slither here and there."

    "Where, here...?" He moved his hands all over her abdomen and waist.

    She almost squealed when they ventured on her buttocks. She even dropped the knife while giggling.

    "Dan! Stop that!" She was trying hard to scold him as she turned to flash him a stern look. "Go wash up before dinner!" She pointed to the curved doorway.

    Dan made a sad puppy noise and teasingly licked her lips before leaving the kitchen.

    She squinted her eyes at his retreating figure and chuckled. "Dog!"

    _____________________

    "I...am not...who you think I am!" She placed her palms flat on his chest and exerted all her efforts to push him away. "Mister, I don''t even know you! This is kidnapping!" she blurted out. She decided that this is the more normal response.

    He shook his head. "No! You know in yourself that you are my wife! Why do you want me to pretend with you that you are somebody else?!"

    "I am not-"

    "It''s not only me! Manta misses his mother...EVERYDAY!" He emphasized the last word.

    This melted her legs as she fell on her knees. She felt the sand scratch her smooth skin. She wailed.

    Masaichi Xiu supported her up and held her.

    "Please don''t!" she protested, but her whole body felt drained of energy.

    He embraced her tighter. "Anata wa boku no tsuma.*"

    She continued crying. "Gomen...gomen ne...gomenasai!"

 154 Can We Talk?

    Aoi Xiu took her sleeping grandson from her daughter''s arms.

    "You two have fun tonight. I know you had been busy taking care of the baby these past few weeks." She gave Dan a meaningful look.

    He reciprocated with a subtle salute and an excited smile.

    Indeed, the last time they were intimate were several months ago, due to the distance and Midori''s pregnancy.

    Dan took his opportunity to lead his wife into their bedroom.

    Midori glanced worriedly at her baby before leaving.

    "Don''t worry. Mom took care of you and Masaichi. She had a lot more practice than you do." Dan coaxed her.

    She smiled then nodded. She almost squealed when he lifted her by the thighs, just like old times, as they entered their bedroom.

    Earlier that day, Aoi asked for her own bedroom. It was not a problem for the 6-bedroom villa, but she specified that it should be only her room as she glared at her husband.

    Midori just chuckled, thinking of her parents'' random petty fights.

    In truth, they just bought the beds for the other rooms a week ago.

    Midori suddenly went to City T right after they had acquired the property, so this was not prioritized.

    Dan thereafter relocated to his condominium unit and never slept in the villa without his wife.

    When they came back with the baby, they rushed to buy furniture pieces because they had invited her mom to come over for a visit.

    Fortunately, after alternating on caring for the baby, Midori managed to at least arrange bed covers, sheets, and pillow covers for three of the other five bedrooms.

    Aoi Xiu carried the baby into her designated bedroom and laid him gently on the center of the bed.

    She had to commend her daughter for the choice of redwood pieces of furniture in the pale yellow-walled room. The bed was covered with beige and maroon stripes linen on the lower half, continuing as a beige cover on top. The pillows were covered with plain maroon linens. The carpet surrounding the area of the bed was mimicking the wooden patterns of the furniture. The heavy blackout curtains were also a shade of marsala, with golden belts.

    Outside the glass doors to the balcony was a pair of iron wrought chairs with matching table, all in bronze.

    Her room looked like something a hotel could offer, even having an electric kettle, cups, saucers, teaspoons, coffee packs, and tea bags on the side table. There was also a pitcher of water if one wanted to have tea before bedtime.

    The only thing lacking is a mini fridge.

    She smiled as she praised her daughter in her mind.

    She cleaned herself up in the bathroom, with door ajar, to hear if the baby will be crying.

    Fortunately, he remained sound asleep.

    As she was drying her hair, with a white fluffy bathrobe on, there were three knocks on the door.

    She furrowed her brows and glanced at the baby, worried that he would wake up to the noise.

    She then went hurriedly to get the door to prevent another set of knocks.

    Before her appeared Xiu Jin, still in his dress shirt, with the two top buttons undone.

    She had always understood why ladies hate her so much.

    "What are you doing here?" She frowned. She pointed at the far end of the hallway. "Your bedroom is down the hall." There was annoyance in her voice.

    He sneaked a peek inside her bedroom.

    She intentionally blocked his view with her body.

    He gulped. He could smell the faint scent of shampoo and shower gel on her. He also knew that under the robe was nothing.

    He cleared his throat. "Can...can we talk?"

    "About what?" She raised her left brow.

    "I need the clan." he declared sheepishly.

    Aoi''s eyes shuddered. She looked around as if fearing that others might hear.

    She led him inside and locked the door.

 155 This Canst Be Happening

    Su Linyu was beaming as she sipped from her cup of tea as she eyed her son as he sat beside Madeline Song on a garden couch adjacent to her seat. Before them was a wooden coffee table with a pot of hot tea, some scones, bowls of strawberry and blueberry jams, and a bowl of clotted cream.

    It looked like an afternoon tea on a fine weather.

    Su Linyu looked at the ''engaged couple'' meaningfully as she laid her cup on its saucer.

    "Verdan." She had a serious tone, with a hint of delight. "You two had been together overseas, and had tried living together for several weeks. I think it is only proper for the wedding ceremony to commence as soon as possible...for Madeline." She flashed a warm smile to the young lady.

    If an outsider could hear their conversation, he would think that the older woman''s child is the young lady, rather than the young man.

    "Ah...no! It''s okay...I don''t mind..." Madeline Song was startled by the ''as soon as possible'' and blurted out these words without thinking.

    "No. It''s not alright. You are a respected young lady. Since you had been spending nights in my son''s place, it is only proper for him to take responsibility. Plus, you are already engaged. It will only a matter of time before you have the wedding ceremony, so why not do it sooner?" She scolded them.

    Dan finished sipping from his cup and looked at his mother. "We still want to know each other better." he calmly replied.

    His face was full of indifference, but Su Linyu did not think too much into it as she was used to his stoic face. She remained optimistic and encouraging.

    "You youngsters! What more would you need to know when you already..." she was hinting at them with her eyes and meaningful smile.

    Madeline Song blushed. Even if she already did it with Long Yun, she is still not very open on talking about such topics.

    "What do you think we already did, Mom?" Dan still had his indifferent face, as if this question is similar to asking the time.

    "You know..." Su Linyu felt embarrassed herself. "Young man! Why are you making your mother talk about such things?!"

    "Because you were trying to suggest that we already...-ouch!" Dan was indifferently speaking when a stilletto stomped on his black oxford.

    Madeline Song glared at him with reddened ears. "Aunty, we just spent some quality time together...uhm, sight-seeing, and eating in restaurants...yeah, that''s what we did!" The enthusiasm was so fake that she even heard her voice convincing herself more than the older lady.

    Su Linyu chuckled. She thought that the ridiculous excuse was because this future daughter-in-law is too embarrassed to talk about such topic, especially in front of her fianc¨¦.

    "Whatever you want me to believe in...that''s what I''ll consider as the truth." She winked at her son with a meaningful smile. "However, we have chosen the perfect date. It would be a month from now." she declared.

    "What?! No!" Madeline Song stood up, slightly hitting the side of her table with her knee due to the sudden movement.

    The cups and saucers danced, with some of the tea spilling on the sides.

    Su Linyu tapped on her chest, her hand looked like the fingers are fluttering as she tried to calm her heart from shock. "Wha-why? What''s wrong with that date? Since you guys kept on postponing tge selection, we elders decided to set the date for you."

    Dan looked at his face fianc¨¦e. It was clear that she had lost it. He used his hand to rub his temples as he waited for her to spill everything.

    "Aunty...I..." Tears were starting to form in her eyes. Her lips were trembling. She clenched her fist. Then she took a deep breath before refocusing her eyes to the startled Madam Zhou. "Aunty, I cannot marry Dan!" she declared.

    "What?! Why? Was it my son?! Did he fool around with that Xiu b**** again?!" She turned to her son who seemed to be nursing a headache. "You ingrate! This is the only thing I asked of you and you decided to mess it up! Don''t tell me you really got back with Xiu Jin''s b**** of a daughter! Verdan Zhou! You need to cut ties with her cleanly! You already have a fianc¨¦e and you hurt her just to be with that b****?! You''re out of your mind!" Su Linyu hysterically waved her hands as she animatedly made her monologue.

    "Mom!" Dan stood up, unable to take another foul word against his wife. "You would stop if you still want me to think of you as my mother." His voice was dominant. "Madeline and I decided to cancel our engagement. I believe it would be righteous of you to respect that."

    With that, he strode away.

    Madeline Song was frozen for a few seconds before her brain started working again as she decided to go with him.

    "So-sorry, Aunty." She bowed to Su Linyu, then hurriedly tried to catch up with Dan.

    "No! No! No, no, no! This can''t be happening!" Su Linyu pulled onto her hair that was previously swept in a high bun. "Xiu Jin! You should''ve tied your daughter on a leash! I''ll make sure that she will never have my son!"

 156 Insecurities

    When his in-laws had given him the opportunity to be with his wife, without worrying about the baby, Dan took it with a bright smile as he led his wife into their bedroom.

    "You can shower first." He told her nonchalantly.

    Midori blushed. On a usual day, this was an ordinary statement. However, given the circumstances cooked up by her mother, she had a wild comprehension on such a simple everyday statement.

    When they were still in high school, she had always admired his smile, no matter what emotion was behind it. She was innocent back then and had very little thoughts on the anatomy of the opposite sex. Even when they did it, she has always been shy in taking a look at his body.

    When they got back together, she had already noticed the changes in his body over the years.

    Aside from his height, which towered significantly from hers, his body looked bulkier and toned. He indeed transformed into a man from being a teenage boy.

    Right now, she is married to him. However, even if they had done it several times again, she still had yet to memorize every inch of him as she was usually brought to a euphoric state in every encounter.

    As she waited for him, she looked down on her body. The pregnancy sure changed a lot in her. Sure, her chest were way larger, but also her waist. Her previous flat and fair abdomen is now with some fat, and with dark striae.

    She stared gloomily at it, berating herself as ugly.

    "Your turn!" There was excitement in his voice as he suddenly appeared at the bathroom doorway, his smile seductive. He was only wearing a towel wrapped lazily around his waist. Some water droplets were still falling from his hair to his chest and shoulders.

    Midori snapped out of her thoughts, and gulped at the sight of him.

    She hurriedly went into the bathroom, right past him, who had an arm just above her head at the doorway.

    Dan chuckled at his flustered wife and continued drying his hair with another towel as he went to the closet area to find a robe.

    _____________________

    Agatha Yang lied beside the muscular figure of her husband after they concluded an intimate activity.

    Soon, she noticed that his breathing became slower and more even as he dozed off.

    She rested her head on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. Her hands wandered on his skin.

    There was pain in her eyes as she touched scars from bullets on his chest and abdomen area. There was also the scars for the surgeries he had been in.

    She could not sleep despite the exhaustion. Guilt kept her awake.

    Though he had confirmed that she is indeed the wife he thought she lost, he had never asked her about what really happened. It was either he was waiting for her to volunteer the information or he does not care anymore.

    She closed her eyes to recall the day before their incident.

    "We will bring him on the operating table once you are in the car to the agreed destination." A middle-aged woman with gentle facial features but scary expression stated the condition.

    "You will keep your word?" She was still suspicious of this lady called Miss M.

    "You think I will joke about it when my son would also be under the knife?"

    With that, she nodded in agreement.

    The lady smirked and left her outside the door to a private room.

    Agatha went inside after putting on a face mask and saw her mother crying as she clasped her younger brother''s hand.

    Her father looked at her as if begging her to do something about it.

    She stared at her brother who was fast asleep. He was pale as a paper, with mouth dry and hair thinning.

    She could still remember how he actively played outside their home before his diagnosis. His brown locks were full and were moving with the wind as he ran with their dog.

    He was a kind and considerate child. He was perfect in her parents'' eyes.

    She needed to bring back that version of him...even if it requires sacrifice.

 157 Motives

    Ming Rushi bit her lower lip as she controlled her sobbing. Tears mixed with wine splashed on her face was dripping from her jaw and hair, staining her clothes.

    Her mother was furious enough to empty her glass on her in a single splash when she reported how Agatha Yang had escaped and was probably roaming City S.

    "Why is she here anyway?! We had an agreement! Does she not value her family anymore?!" Ming Xiaoyu slammed her palms on her oak desk. Veins looked like they were ready to pop at her temples.

    She turned to her daughter who looked like a drenched puppy. "And you! Why did you even bring her to the launch? You imbecile!"

    Ming Rushi clenched her fists and teeth. She dared not talk back. ''I did it to keep a hold on her and monitor her actions!''

    "Get out! Out!" Ming Xiaoyu yelled at her while directing her pointed forefinger nail at the door.

    When Ming Rushi had left, her mother retrieved another cellular phone unit from one of the drawers at her desk and dialled a number.

    "Ms. Wong! It''s been a long time since I last heard from you!" The excited raspy voice of a man came through.

    "Find the Yang family who had a transaction with us years ago. I want them in front of me in three days." she commanded.

    _______________________

    Agatha Yang was in a daze, staring blankly at the coffee machine. It was apparent in her eyebags that she did not sleep a wink the night before.

    Masaichi Xiu silently stared at her back from the kitchen doorway. He too did not sleep well. He was just good at making his breathing slower and more even. He knew she had been awake and that their sudden reunion might be bothersome for her.

    Of course, he is also itching to know everything that happened, her motives in setting him up, how she survived, and what she had been doing after.

    However, he could not thouroughly interrogate her as he was afraid that she might flee from him.

    After pouring the hot coffee in a mug, she sipped some and turned around.

    "Hah! You''re awake!" She almost dropped her mug. "Uhm...you want coffee too?"

    She placed her mug on the table and reached for another mug from the upper cabinet.

    "No need for that." He walked towards her.

    Before reaching her, he suddenly took her mug and sipped from it.

    Agatha blushed. Even though they are married and had done a lot of things, this simple gesture of an indirect kiss still affected her.

    "Ow!" He winced. "How did you manage to hold and sip from this?!" He gestured as he complained about the temperature of the drink.

    She chuckled. "You know me..." she reminded. She had a higher tolerance to heat than most people.

    He smiled warmly as her pair of dimples showed as she smiled. Manta got his eyes and dimples from his mother. His other features were definitely from Masaichi.

    He furrowed his brows subtly as he thought of how the other baby would have looked if it survived.

    Indeed, if his son claimed that he would have had a sibling, Masaichi would believe that it was his.

    To brush off these gloomy thoughts, Masaichi went to open the fridge. He had asked the housekeeper to shop for some groceries the day before, and so the fridge had been filled with ingredients and drinks.

    He took out some eggs and bacon. From the pantry, he took out some flour and opened a box of fresh milk. He also picked up some blueberries on the table and washed them.

    He started whipping the ingredients then cooking the bacon in a pan.

    Agatha Yang watched intently as her husband was making breakfast. He used to do it for them whenever her visits in City T.

    She felt guilty for leaving her family. She did not have a choice.

    It was already hard for her brother back then to find a bone marrow donor with good HLA matching. So even if she needed to do what she did, she believed it was worth it.

    Her parents doted on her brother too much, even neglecting her at times.

    At first, she thought that it was because he was their male offspring. After all, she had genuinely treated him as a good sister would, as he also respected her.

    However, a week ago, she understood why they were willing to sell her to the demons to save their son.

 158 Non-disclosure Agreemen

    Riley was fixing his tie when he saw his wife on the sofa at the living room, busy with paperworks as she typed on her laptop.

    "Hey, why are you still working that much?" He kissed her temple.

    "My resignation was denied, remember?" There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, with a tinge of annoyance from being interrupted.

    "Alright. Alright. Don''t be mad. Just...don''t overwork yourself. You have to take extra care now...for the baby...okay?" He wrapped an arm over her shoulders and continued to kiss her cheek.

    "Hmmmn." She nodded as she continued typing. She might pretend not to heed his advice, but her face softened as she was reminded to take caution on her stress levels.

    "Your boss is helpless, but he is a good man. This compromise of working from home is considerate enough."

    He retracted his arm and gently stood up. "Well, mine is still MIA, so work has piled up. I need to go now." he declared.

    She glanced at him for a second, then returned her gaze on the laptop as she nodded. "Hmmn."

    "Remember to heat the food and eat on time. I''ll try not to work overtime." He sighed as she was immersed in her work.

    However, he will not leave home without a proper kiss from the wife.

    He bent down to lean in.

    She moved her head as if adapting on the sudden view obstruction.

    Since she did not scold him, he went for a peck and abruptly straightened up and turned towards the door, as if it was a stolen kiss. "See you later." he said, without looking back.

    Before the door was shut, she looked up from the laptop to his back, and she flashed a sweet smile.

    ______

    Riley was waiting for the traffic light to change when his phone rang.

    Seeing it was the CEO, he became so flustered that he almosr dropped his phone. He drove his car to the side of the road and turned his hazard lights on.

    "CEO!" He gulped as he realized how his voice sounded like he shouted to his boss.

    "Adams, print 11 copies of the non-disclosure agreement I sent yo your email. Then take 10 men with you to the address I will be sending shortly."

    "But CEO, if it only requires 10 men, why 11 copies...oh..." he stopped himself as he realized how stupid his question was. "I understand, Sir. We will be there as soon as possible."

    Masaichi went back into the bedroom from the veranda after finishing his orders and hanging up, only to find his wife missing.

    Seeing she is not in the bathroom, he bolted out and looked down from the railings near the stairs. She is not in the living room. He hurriedly went downstairs and searched the kitchen and all the other rooms. Still, she was nowhere to be found.

    Cold sweat ran down from his forehead as he went out to look for her.

    The villa was at least a couple of kilometers from the nearest bus stop and neighboring houses.

    He strode along the vicinity, until his feet took him near the shore.

    As sand started to bury his feet as he walked heavily, he realized that he had reached the beach area.

    Before he goes crazy again, he saw a pair of fair legs and feet protruding from behind the rock formations.

    He ran like he pulled all his strength into running, almost tumbling on the sand.

    When his eyes gazed at her face again, he almost burst out crying.

    "Wha-why did you leave?!"

    Agatha was shocked to find her husband looking even more vulnerable than when he met her again. He looked mortified.

    "I...I''m sorry, Honey...please don''t be mad. I didn''t mean to..."

    He suddenly knelt with both knees as he embraced her delicate figure in his arms in an overly protective stance.

    ___

    Riley heard his boss''s personal phone ringing from somewhere inside the house.

    They had arrived shortly after their boss left.

    When he saw that the door was ajar, he decided to enter the premises as his boss was not taking his calls.

    They found the phone abandoned on the bedside table.

    All other doors of the house were open, but each piece of furniture was neatly in place, so it could not have been a break-in.

    Riley was about to dial the CEO''s business phone when he was stopped by a familiar voice.

    "Adams, there''s no need for that."

 159 Donst Need Your Pretty Face

    "You ungrateful little bi*h!" Chairman Song''s palm landed hard on the fair cheek of Madeline Song.

    It was so hard that she lost her balance and landed straight onto the wooden door frame of the study.

    "You are so much like your mother! Nothing but a wh**e!" he spat.

    She glared back at him with a mocking smile. "And you''re the d**k who fu**** that wh**re and fathered a bi**h that''s me!" Then she laughed like crazy.

    He landed a punch on her abdomen. "Shut up!"

    She flashed a brighter smile to provoke him, but she clutched her abdomen as it hurt like hell.

    She had taken some punches before, but this one hurt even more.

    ''He''s an old geezer, dam**t! How could his punch hurt this much?!'' She gritted her teeth to hide her pain.

    "I should''ve left you to die with your mother! No! I should have forced her to get an abortion! You useless piece of trash! I knew I shouldn''t have depended on you to get ZFC for me! You''re just a stupid little bi**h who only knew how to f**k everyone!"

    In his fit of anger, Chaiman Song took the ashtray on his desk and aimed for her face.

    She tried to dodge it, but it still landed on her forehead.

    "You don''t need your pretty face anymore since you cannot even seduce the right person!"

    "You''re the devil!" she spat, blood started to flow from the gaping wound on her forehead.

    "You bet I am! I''ll make sure you''ll be in hell!"

    It was the last statement Madeline Song heard before everything went black.

    A man in a black suit was just outside the study.

    "You there! Take her away!" Chairman Song ordered.

    The man clearly heard the commotion, but his boss is the chairman so he was just awaiting orders.

    He immediately went in to pick up the lady who looked like a lifeless doll.

    "Get someone to burn the carpet. Take her to the shed and lock it. I''ll play with her later." The old man''s smile was so sinister, even the young man had a shiver.

    Keeping his stoic face, he bowed. "Yes, Chairman."

    The man did as told and locked the door of the shed from the outside.

    Madeline opened her eyes as she heard the door shut.

    She was bleeding all over. Her head and abdomen hurts like hell, but she knew that in order to survive, she needed to get away as soon as possible.

    She limped inside the shed and after some minutes, found an ax.

    With whatever strength left, she hit the planks that served as wall at the back of the shed. Fortunately, they were old and worn out. After some hits, she produced a hole on the wall that could just fit her.

    She crawled her way out and ran towards her car.

    Her adrenaline worked just enough for her to be able to drive, despite her vision getting blurry at times.

    She wanted to see him. Even if she was dying, she wanted to at least see him one last time.

    She did not expect to drive to the Long estate for such reason.

    A week ago, Long Yun took her there to introduce, but his parents were away.

    He told her he would stay there for awhile.

    She was strongly hoping that he is there as she stepped on the accelerator.

    Her strength is dwindling and her adrenaline could only hold on for her.

    _____________

    The young master was reading documents on the sofa when the bell rang at the main door.

    Since there were no househelp nearby, he decided to get the door himself.

    When Long Yun opened the front door, Madeline Song flashed a brief smile before collapsing before him.

    His quick reflexes caught her in his arms.

    His face was filled with anxiety as she became unresponsive.

    There was blood on her forehead, which drips down her face, and more blood oozing from between her legs.

    It was a bothersome sight, and he was scared to death by her condition.

    "Get the car! We''re going to Yinshi''s place!" The man in a black suit hurriedly followed his orders.

    Long Yun carried her limp body to the car, her blood staining his hands and shirt.

    As their car sped away, he kept tapping her cold cheek.

    "Madie...you have to make it, Madie...be strong...I need you! I love you!"

    He kissed her bloody lips as tears flowed out of his eyes.

    The man in the black suit, who was driving, briefly glanced from the rearview mirror.

    His eyes narrowed as he looked at this scene.

 160 A Cold, Desperate Woman

    That weekend, Aoi Xiu declared that she will be kidnapping her baby grandson.

    She and Xiu Jin bid the couple goodbye while flashing their meaningful smiles.

    Midori almost could not help herself but worry too much.

    She pumped out enough milk for the weekend away for her son to consume.

    After waving goodbye to her parents and baby for the nth time, Midori stood grounded on her spot in a daze long after the car had disappeared.

    "Wanna drive?" Dan''s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

    To her surprise, he tossed the car key to her. Her good reflexes caught it.

    When she looked at her hand, she saw the familiar key. It was her car, and it was already out of the garage, parked behind her.

    She giddily opened the fold up doors and sat on the driver''s seat.

    She sighed as she caressed the steering wheel. This was her first baby.

    As if remembering something, she frowned. "Where are we going?"

    "You''ll know." He flashed a mischievous smile. "I''ll tell you when to turn."

    "Okay!" She had a bright smile as she stepped on the accelerator.

    _______________

    "I''d like to remind everyone that Xiu Jin is my husband. Failure to accomplish any task from him and you''ll have to answer to me!" With that, Aoi Xiu went out of the study, taking her sleeping grandson, and leaving 5 men who were facing her husband.

    "Hai!" they said in chorus as they bowed at her retreating figure.

    "Thank you...for coming in such a short notice. I believe that my men alone could not handle such merciless opponents..." Xiu Jin started his agenda.

    When the matter regarding Masaichi Xiu was mentioned, all the 5 men clenched theirs fists tightly as if on cue. Veins started to become prominent, and the knuckles turned white.

    "Any questions?" Xiu Jin asked after elaborating his orders.

    The man with a snake tattoo that looked to be slithering around his neck looked up slowly. "You don''t want instant death for them, but torture. Am I right?" His eyes had a murderous glint in them, but his other facial muscles kept his face looking indifferent.

    "Hai." Xiu Jin''s face turned dangerous as well, as if he himself would like to do the torture.

    "Give us a week to gather them all." The man replied with certainty as he stood up.

    "Hmmn." Xiu Jin nodded.

    "If there is nothing else, we will start with the work now." The man bowed politely, followed by the four others.

    Xiu Jin kept looking at the direction of the door long after it was shut after the men had gone.

    His fingers kept tapping the wooden desk as if he was playing a piano piece.

    Thoughts came flooding through his mind.

    He still does not get why Wong Xiaoyu would do such things to his family. She was the one who did not wait for him to come back and married another guy. Why did she cling to him back then as if she had been wronged. She even dared to show her face and bring her baby to his wife.

    He had known her as a beautiful lady, with a pleasing personality and a good heart, yet his absence of several months changed her into a cold, desperate woman.

    He turned his tapping fingers into a fist as he recalled how they almost lost Midori due to that crazy woman''s claim that he had cheated on his wife.

    True, he had loved Wong Xiaoyu. She was the first woman he truly loved after playing around while thinking that he would be married off to a stranger anyway. However, she was also his first heartbreak.

    Aoi Xiu healed him just in time, as his gesture comforted her in her time of need when they were young. He truly believes that fate brought them back together. When he promised to be loyal to her on their wedding day, he meant it. So when Ming Xiaoyu came into their home to make him responsible for a baby he had nothing to do with, he was mortified. He was dam* scared of how his wife will take it, not because he was afraid that he will be labeled a cheater. He was afraid that she would be hurt, and that it would be enough for her to leave him.

    That was why he took everything within his power to prove his innocence...but he knew that even though the truth was out, his relationship with his wife was already tainted.

    It was the reason why his doting became excessive. He was too afraid to hear her say that she had enough of everything about him.

    He might go crazy if she asks for a divorce.

 161 An Island

    Midori hit the brakes when Dan told her that they had reached their destination.

    It looked like a private airport outside city limits, but on opposite direction from where their villa is.

    As they alighted from the car, Midori saw an aircraft parked just outside the hangar.

    "Are we riding that?" Midori pointed towards the small plane.

    "Yes." Dan took her hand and led her towards the plane.

    "Good morning, Sir...Madam." Monty Johnson nodded slightly as he recognized them.

    "Hi Monty!" Dan flashed a smile and took his hand to shake. Then he turned to his wife. "Dori, this is Monty." he introduced.

    "Montgomery Johnson, Madam." Monty held out his hand.

    Midori shook the hand strongly but briefly. "Nice meeting you. You can call me Midori. Where will you be taking us today?"

    "Oh...no, ma''am. I will just need to be in the plane to take it back after we reach the island." He shook his head.

    Dan gave him a glare to scold him for spilling his surprise.

    Monty became scared of his boss and could not wait to make himself volatile to evaporate...if only he can. "Well, I''ll...uhmmm...I need to check on some supplies inside." He hurriedly excused himself before he loses his job.

    "Hey, wait..." Midori turned to her husband. "We''re going to an island? I did not pack anything!" She frowned at him and pouted her kissable lips as she looked down on her knee-length blush sunday dress.

    Dan chuckled. "You look fine." He pulled her hand. "Come on now, let''s hurry so we could arrive there earlier than lunchtime.

    Midori followed him, as he was almost dragging her up the steps, but she was still looking everywhere. "Bu-but...the captain is still not here." She had taken in that Monty will not be flying the plane to the island.

    Dan flashed her a bright smile as he led her to the cockpit.

    "Wha-what are we doing here?" She pulled on his arm. "Don''t play around. Only the captain and the co-pilot should sit here."

    Dan laughed. "You''re looking at the captain." His smile was still that toothpaste commercial one.

    Midori eyed her husband as if saying, "You''re ridiculous."

    He laughed at her expression and started to put on the aviation headset. He also handed her one.

    Midori hesitantly received it and secretly asked herself if she is putting it correctly. In the end, she copied how it was worn by him.

    "Zulu-Foxtrot-Charlie ground, Cessna 2548, Cessna Skyhawk/uniform, at the old tees, request taxi 15 for departure to Mike-Xray-Zulu island."

    The radio from the control tower responded, "Roger that, Cessna 2548."

    When Dan started to push buttons on the controls, Midori panicked.

    "Dan, this is a plane! This is not a sportscar. You can''t drive this!"

    "This is a Cessna. I can make us arrive there in one piece." He had an even brighter smile.

    He brushed off some hair on her worried face with his finger.

    Soon, the plane took off, with Midori clutching her seatbelt tightly.

    .

    Midori was still shaking when Dan led her down the plane.

    She looked at her surroundings. It was filled with trees and plants. There was an obvious clearing where people would have passed by. "S-so...this is...Zulu island, was it?"

    Dan chuckled. He shifted from holding her hand to wrapping an arm around her. "It''s MXZ island. I was talking in phonetic alphabet awhile back."

    She looked up at him. "Oh...why MX-" she gasped.

    She started shaking her head. "You did not... You did not just name an island after me!" She was almost laughing.

    He took a deep breath as if he was thinking of an answer. "Well, for one, I bought the island. So I get to call it however I want." He gave her a teasing smile.

    Just then, the plane they had arrived in started to take off.

    "Hey! Where is it going?! How are we gonna get back?!" Midori clutched on his pink casual shirt.

    Dan laughed. "Didn''t Monty tell you that he will return the plane after we get here?"

    Midori remembered and frowned. "I don''t have my things with me! And my baby...he..." she started to get emotional.

    "Dmitri will be fine. He had a lot of supply of..." he eyed her breasts, which became full-size after giving birth. "That." He smiled teasingly.

    Midori instinctively covered her chest with her arms. "Pervert!"

    "Turning shy now? We both know that I was the first to try them..." He followed his wife as she started walking along the clearing with no direction to follow.

    "Shut up!" She continued walking, keeping her arms across her breasts, aimlessly stepping everywhere.

    She was forcefully stomping her feet as she walked, when suddenly, a foot stepped on nothing but air.

    "Aaaaahhh!!!" she screamed as she saw the ocean below the cliff.

    Strong arms pulled her back on time, as her arms went and stuck onto the sturdy torso like a koala to a tree.

    Dan was luckily right behind her. He did not expect for her not to look at where she was going. The cliff was quite obvious.

    She was sobbing, so he lifted her up like their first night, and he walked towards the right direction.

    It did not take long for them to reach a set of newly-painted iron gates, where the warm smile of a middle-aged woman appeared.

    "Mr and Mrs. Zhou! Welcome!" She had a thick accent, but the words were comprehensible.

    "Thank you, Mrs. Velasquez. This is my wife, Midori." Dan reciprocated the warm smile.

    Midori struggled as she whispered, "Put me down."

    He snickered. "Not a chance."

    "Oh...hello, dear. You must be hungry. Food is at the dining area." Mrs. Velasquez took a set of keys from her skirt pocket. "Here are the keys. They have names. I''ll be back to clean up tonight. You young ones enjoy yourselves!" She left on a nearby boat with a smile, as she waved at them.

    "Hey, why is everybody going somewhere?" Midori protested. She was still being carried.

    "I won''t go anywhere. It''ll just be the two of us here. Alone. In an island." Dan moved his face towards hers with a mischievous grin.

 162 Still Perfec

    "I''m hungry! Let''s eat!" Midori brushed off his advances and hurriedly went inside the villa and searched the dining room using her sense of smell.

    The villa was way smaller than their home, with only two bedrooms upstairs and another one on the first floor. The layout was also quite open, with only few pieces of wooden and rattan furniture.

    It did not take long for her to find her target. Before them was a feast of dishes, seemingly the specialty of people who had been living in the nearby community.

    There was stir fried noodles with mixed vegetables and seafood, grilled stuffed squid, grilled oysters topped with diced green mangoes and onions, fried rice, duck in garlic soy sauce and vinegar, and a roasted suckling pig in the middle, which earned a lot of sympathy from Midori.

    "Awww...it was just a cute piglet." She pouted.

    Dan took a crispy piece of skin off of it. "It has already made the sacrifice. Instead of feeling sorry for it, let us just make the most of what it could offer." He placed it between his teeth and offered her.

    Midori gaped at the gesture. He was being ridiculous again.

    Realizing that they were alone in an island made her pout in thinking that his shamelessness might go all out.

    She bit off her share, her teeth almost reaching his lips. She was sulking as she chewed.

    Dan placed a little bit of each dish on her plate, refilling it with other dishes when she manages to finish one. He had a warm smile as he watched her eat.

    He had missed spending time with her, eating with her, like they were on a date. It was as if everything was done hastily. He had yet to savor enough quality time with his wife when they found out that they were having a baby and that she needed to transfer to City T.

    They did not even have the time for a proper honeymoon.

    That is why when his in-laws provided the opportunity, he grabbed it gleefully and planned this weekend getaway which he did not even bat an eye to pay for.

    As she continued to eat, he was barely eating as he was busy looking at her.

    Some sauce was caught near the edges of her lower lip again, like it always did, and he had the urge to directly lick it off her lips this time.

    He pursed his lips as he fought the urge. He wanted her to eat her fill. She must be hungry from not eating breakfast properly when she prepared Dmitri''s things.

    Midori finally noticed his stare when she reached out for the roasted pig.

    "What are you looking at?" She raised her left eyebrow as she glared at him.

    Dan chuckled. "Just like old times."

    He stood up and grabbed her hand which held a piece of roasted pork skin.

    To her surprise, he led her hand to feed him, and after chewing the pork, he licked off the sauce left on her fingers.

    "What are you doing?!" She tried to free her hand, but his grip was firm.

    He took a hand towel and wiped off the grease on her hand. Afterwhich, he gave her knuckles a soft kiss. "I''ve missed you."

    Midori''s eyes flickered. "What are talking about? We''re married." She was trying hard not to tear up on his sincere face.

    "Then..." He helped her stand up. Then he leaned in and kissed her softly. "I''ve missed this."

    Before tears start to fall from her eyes, she yelped as he carried her by the thighs. He strode easily upstairs, opening the largest bedroom in the villa, which had a balcony facing the sea and another balcony out of the en suite bathroom which had a jacuzzi.

    Midori squealed as they landed on the fluffy mattress of the bed.

    Their laughter echoed inside the otherwise empty villa, as the waves of the sea kissed the shore.

    Dan began to kiss her gently, then passionately as he felt her reciprocate the actions.

    Dan started undoing the buttons of his shirt.

    Midori suddenly grabbed his hand to stop him, then she shook her head.

    He frowned. "What''s wrong?"

    She pouted. "La-last time...didn''t you see the changes in my body? All the stretch marks, excess fat, cellulites...it''s...I''m ugly!" Her brows were tightly drawn together.

    He let go of his shirt.

    Midori bit her bottom lip as she was filled with insecurities.

    To her surprise, he started lifting the skirt of her dress. She was snapped out of her shock when she realized that she is only in her underwear.

    He started kissing her lower abdomen, where most of her feared imperfections are.

    "You mean this..." he planted a kiss after a kiss. "...and this..."

    He looked up at her. "These are the proof that you are my wife and that you carried and gave birth to our child." He flashed a warm smile.

    His hazel eyes looked to her dark brown ones intently as he adjusted his body to be on top of hers, supporting his weight with his arms on her sides.

    "You are mine. You''re still perfect, and will always be, in my eyes."

 163 Long Yishin

    Long Yun bolted up from the chair as the swing door to the emergency room opened.

    "How is she?" Worry was written all over his face.

    "Brother, who is she?" Long Yishin had a stern look on her face. She kept her hands inside her scrub suit pockets.

    Long Yun cleared his throat. "Her name is Madeline Song. She''s my..."

    She frowned even more. "Sorry. I couldn''t save the baby."

    His eyes shook. ''Baby?! She''s pregnant?'' He gaped for about half a minute before finally saying, "Can...can I see her?"

    Long Yishin nodded, keeping her stern expression.

    Long Yun hurried into the treatment area. He rushed at bedside to clasp her pale, cold hand in his. He can feel the warmth being conducted from his palm to her much colder fingers.

    His eyes watered. He felt guilty. He told her he loved her, but he was not responsible enough and got her pregnant. And now, they lost the baby, and he almost lost her.

    "I...I''m sorry..." he whispered as he kissed her cold hand.

    .

    Long Yishin eyed the man in a black suit, who drove her brother and the patient to her hospital.

    "Qian Bai, walk with me." Her heels began clicking away on the smooth tiles before her last words fell.

    The man hurried to maintain 2 steps behind her as she strode away.

    When they reached the terra cotta tiles of the garden walkway, she pivoted her heels to suddenly turn to face him.

    "How did my brother get a woman pregnant?! Wasn''t he with you?" She was skeptical.

    Her big brother had been with both sexes, but he had always protected himself, from disease and for other untoward incidents.

    "We...we broke up." Qian Bai was a bit cautious of stating the facts. It was like he would not mention it if only he could.

    "Oh..." Long Yishin was taken aback for about a couple of seconds, then she frowned again. "How long has he been with that woman? I never saw her in the house."

    Qian Bai almost rolled his eyes. ''Because you only come home twice in a year.''

    Basically, Long Yishin lives in the hospital she manages.

    She is a prodigy in the medical field. She had skipped several grades and levels that she graduated in medical school before the age of 18. She had trained in surgery and internal medicine, subspecializing in intensive care.

    Since she was a favorite among specialists, aside from her parents'' money and her own savings, she had earned a lot of funding and eventually built a small hospital for intensive care.

    However, only powerful individuals knew of the existence of this hospital. Even the entrance to the emergency room would require the ambulance or car transport to enter a garage door and ascend through a special lift.

    The building looked like a wealthy company for telecommunications since several satellite dishes sat on the rooftop.

    In order to be catered in this hospital, the powerful needed to pay for a membership card and five first degree relatives will be able to avail the services. A member could also sponsor a non-member who is not blood-related, for a certain fee.

    These actually will ensure the sustenance of the high-end facilities of this small but state-of-the-art health institution.

    It is also the rule that only critical patients will be catered on a walk-in basis. Those who only wanted an outpatient consultation should always set an appointment a week prior to the visit. Violators such as those who come to the emergency room with non-critical cases were charged twice the value of the examination and their membership will be cancelled.

    Because of this, even the rich and famous would not dare anger the management which is embodied by the young but brilliant Long Yishin.

    Other doctors she employed were the best among their fields and her hospitalists were all intensivists.

    Seeing that Qian Bai did not seem too cooperative, she walked away, back inside the hospital building.

    Long Yishin sat on her swivel chair and rested her elbows on her marble-top desk.

    It was not the time to interrogate her brother, but she would definitely do!

    Suddenly, there was a knock on her door, afterwhich came in a handsome face in bronze skin.

    "Ishin, what do you want for dinner?" He had pearly white teeth with prominent canines.

    She briefly glanced at him. "Anything is fine."

    "You always say that. I always decide on what we will eat. Can you at least decide for once?" He pouted.

    "I can''t do this right now. Either you decide or you get out!" She glared at him.

    "Alright. Alright. Don''t turn your bad vibes towards me. I''ll go and buy Greek." He flashed a bright smile and left her alone.

    She sighed. She is tired of that man who assumed that she was with him just because she was a little nice to him.

    She began to picture a different man in her memories. He had a goofy smile, not very nice set of teeth, chinky eyes, tall nose, soft lips. Yeah, she missed those lips.

    He was the only one she wanted to save, but she could not.

 164 Loss

    Long Yun woke up when he felt his hair being caressed. He looked up to see Madeline''s face weakly smiling at her. He reached out to cup her face.

    "Oh, thank God!" He embraced her and kissed her forehead.

    Madeline continued smiling. "It''s okay...my father...he was just too upset that I broke off the engagement with Verdan Zhou."

    "But..." Long Yun had bitterness and regret on his face.

    Madeline was startled. She expected worry, anger, with a hint of vengeance, but not this expression. She frowned. "Do you have something to tell me?"

    Long Yun had tears in his eyes. "I...I''m sorry..."

    "It''s okay...I''m still alive." She consoled. "Did all the blood scare you?" She chuckled.

    "Madie...you were pregnant..." he looked down, almost choking on the words.

    It registered in her mind. ''WERE pregnant...''

    Madeline Song felt a tear dropped on her cheek. She had a baby! And she lost it...

    She looked at Long Yun. She suddenly embraced him, despite her whole body aching, and she started wailing.

    Long Yun held her, warmly but gently, as they mourned the loss of the child they never knew.

    .

    After stabilizing the patient, Long Yishin ordered her transfer to a private room that night. She knew that her brother refused to leave that woman''s side, and she was itching to know how they end up together, even losing a baby.

    She decided to do her rounds that morning. After taking a shower, she donned a bathrobe and started drying her hair in front of the vanity mirror.

    As she looked at her face, she realized how long it was since the last time she had dolled herself up to please someone.

    Actually, Long Yishin is a beauty with a strong presence. She had her fair complexion tanned to a toffee-colored smooth skin, with her brown straight locks dyed in a golden ash brown color and volumized in soft curls. She might even be a different person to someone who just met her once several years ago. However, for those who really knew her, they will remember her dark eyes, sharp angled brows, petite nose, and plump lips.

    She tried to smile in front of the mirror. Then she pouted as she could not remake the genuine smile she once had.

    Accomplishing her goal of drying her hair, she went into the walk-in closet and opened the drawer to choose a set of undergarments.

    As she stepped out of her room, she began walking with a pair of cream-colored d''orsay pumps, her long coat swaying, overlying a tan-colored neoprene dress in a boat-neckline.

    After a few minutes, she had reached the patient''s room. She took a deep breath before knocking.

    When she opened the door, her jaw almost dropped at the scene.

    Her brother was sitting on the bed, his arms wrapped around the patient, as their heads were leaning on one another.

    She frowned and cleared her throat.

    The couple finally noticed her, and Madeline tried to free herself from the embrace, with no success.

    Long Yishin put on her professional demeanor. "Good morning. I''m Dr. Long..." she sharply glanced at her brother. "...Yishin. I am your attending doctor. How are you feeling today?"

    Madeline Song weakly smiled. "Sorry we had to meet this way. My name is Madeline Song. You can call me Madie. Thank you for taking care of me. Yun is lucky to have a sister like you."

    Long Yishin tried to hide her embarrassment as she cleared her throat again. "I supposed he had told you everything?"

    "Yeah..." Madeline Song bit her lower lip.

    "I''m sorry for your loss."

    Madeline Song warmly smiled. "It might not be the time for us. We''re just both glad that I managed to survive."

    Long Yishin nodded. She strode to check on the patient''s wound, which had dried up, apposed with the stitches. She took her heart rate and checked on her pupils. "Does it hurt anywhere?"

    "Not something I couldn''t bear." Madeline smiled at her.

    "Good. We have transfused two units of packed red cells to replenish the loss through all the bleeding. However, you need to take iron supplements for several months. You could come to this hospital for regular check-up to monitor your blood parameters."

    "Okay. I understand." Madeline nodded.

    "There will be no diet restrictions, but please eat more fruits, vegetables and lean meat."

    "Got it." Long Yun seemed to want the conversation to end soon.

    Long Yishin turned to glare at him. "Brother, come with me for a bit." She smiled at Madeline while nodding, to signal her retreat.

    Madeline Song smiled and nodded back to recognize the gesture.

    When the siblings had gone to the garden, Long Yishin turned to her brother with arms crossed over her chest.

    "So, are you gonna marry her?"

 165 Stay Married

    Riley Adams looked like a flustered hen who could not lay her eggs. Today, he arrived in the office even before the sun started peeking from the mountains.

    His task was to ensure that the press conference would go smoothly. After all, it is the first time for the CEO to introduce his wife to the public eye.

    After securing media passes for selected broadcasting stations, he gathered the 5 of the 10 men who were tasked to ensure the security of the couple. The other five are with his boss. Only they knew where the couple is currently staying.

    Indeed, even the chairman and vice chairman, the CEO''s parents, have any clue about this press conference.

    Riley wondered if he will still have a job after this. No, he should wonder if he could survive this day.

    .

    Masaichi Xiu looked at his wife. She had fastened extensions to style her hair in soft curls swept to the side. Her earring dangles along her slender fair neck when she moves. She wore a light blue chiffon sleeveless blouse tucked in a cerulean pencil skirt, which ended at her knees. Then she put on a chestnut blazer which complenented her 3-inch mary janes. She also wore three thin bangles on her right wrist, while she had her leather rectangular-faced watch on the left.

    Masaichi frowned when he noticed that she was not wearing her rings.

    He walked towards her. "Did you lose them?"

    "Wha-what?" Taken aback by his sudden question and presence, she stabilized herself as she stepped back a little.

    "Your rings." Masaichi frowned. "Where are they?"

    "Uhm...during the incident..." she bit her lip. She could not continue to reveal that the rings were divided among the perpetrators.

    He sighed. "They cut mine when I had to undergo surgery. It''s no good anymore."

    "Oh..." she smiled weakly. "Do we need new ones?"

    "Of course."

    Agatha gasped as her husband suddenly knelt before her.

    "Agatha Yang, will you stay married to me?" He suddenly had an open blue ring box with three rings.

    "Yes!" She had tears in her eyes as she nodded like a rattle.

    He took the blue marquise-cut sapphire with diamond halo in a half-eternity white gold band and put it on her right ring finger. Then he stood up and took the remaining rings while placing the box on a nearby table.

    Masaichi took her left hand to place the larger wedding band on her palm. Then he took her right hand again. "With this ring, I promise my love and loyalty." He put the eternity ring, which had alternating round cut diamonds and sapphires, over the engagement ring he had made her wear earlier.

    Agatha''s tears kept flowing from her cheeks.

    Sobbing, she took his right hand. "With this ring, I promise to always be by your side, not whenever you want me, but whenever you need me." She put the platinum band with a small round sapphire embedded in between the metals on his right ring finger.

    With that, he suddenly grabbed her cheeks and kissed her passionately.

    When she was gasping for air, he finally let go of her lips.

    "All right. We''re ready." He smiled.

    She pouted. "I had to wash my face and do ny makeup again!"

    He chuckled.

    "Why are you laughing?! It''s all your fault!" She stormed into the bathroom.

    Masaichi knocked gently on the shut bathroom door. "Just wash your face. You can put on your makeup in the car. We need to leave or we will be late. You don''t want tardiness noted on their first impression of you, do you?"

    The door was suddenly opened.

    "What made you think it''s easy to do it inside a car?!" She said it, but she was already clutching her makeup purse as she strode out of the bedroom.

    Masaichi followed her shortly. "Still, you can do it."

    She glared at him before riding the car.

 166 Young Madam Xiu

    Jiang Mei Ling almost spat out the tea she just sipped as a prominent television network suddenly broadcasted the press conference conducted by XCG to introduce the future matriarch of the Xiu household.

    "Sh**! She''s back from the dead?! Or is that an imposter?!" Her mouth was gaping at the television.

    "Can you watch your mouth? You''re holding our child." Lu Shaoting frowned as he reprimanded her expression.

    "Oops. Sorry, Baby." She looked down on her daughter, then chuckled at her husband. "She won''t remember it anyway."

    Lu Shaoting continued to frown, not towards her, but on the television screen.

    Since he is the heir to the entertainment company, he had known about XCG''s heir and his wife. The news of their incident was also kept within the elite, so he knew that the lady smiling in front of the camera should be dead.

    "Shao..." Jiang Mei Ling was getting worried because of his dangerous expression.

    Lu Shaoting suddenly stood up. "I need to check on something."

    "Oh...okay..." Mei was still skeptical as she received a kiss on her forehead before her husband left the house.

    She continued watching the broadcast with the headline, ''Young Madam Xiu, the Woman Behind XCG''s CEO'' as she was also filled with suspicion.

    Her face lit up, as if remembering something. Then she reached for her phone and dialled a contact.

    _____________

    "Hello, everyone. My name is Agatha Yang. Masaichi and I had been married for eight years now." Agatha Yang''s dimples showed as she flashed a bright smile for the multiple cameras to capture.

    "That''s right. We have a son, but he is currently studying abroad." Masaichi supplemented the statement with as much facts as he could share.

    Camera flashes flooded their faces. Reporters asked questions at the same time.

    Agatha kept her diplomatic smile. Masaichi had a hint of a smile as he admired her composure.

    Finally, Riley Adams calmed the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, please be reminded that this press conference is systematic. We had drawn numbers awhile back, and you can ask questions based on your order."

    A reporter raised a card labeled ''1'' as he asked, "Why are you only revealing this marriage now?" He raised the microphone he was holding towards the stage. The rest of the reporters closed in to get everything on video or audio recording.

    Masaichi Xiu cleared his throat. "We never made it secret. Sure, we got married abroad, but those in the upper class knew of our union. We did not see the need to announce it to everyone...at that time." He emphasized every word as he calmly answered.

    "So you think there is a need to do this now?"

    "Yes. We believe that this would lessen his invitations for meet-and-greet, a common futile attempt for people who did not know of the marriage in getting him into a relationship with other people." Agatha Yang flashed a rather teasing smile.

    "Why does your son studying abroad? Did you want him to be away?"

    Agatha pursed her lips as her eyes started to well up. She really misses her son, so bad that she hates every moment away from him, being dead to him.

    Masaichi noticed the change in her expression. He held her hand which was concealed under the linened table.

    He cleared his throat again. "The quality of education and safety were our parameters in selecting the best school for him. However, we do see him on a regular basis."

    "Is this marriage only for the business or CEO Xiu, do you love your wife?"

    Masaichi tenderly looked at the woman beside him who was about to cry.

    "We admit that it was initially for the business, but right now, I am certain that I love my wife. I will never let anything happen to her." He said it with so much conviction and sincerity, convincing almost all the reporters present.

    _____________

    "Sh**! What is that woman doing?! How dare she reveal herself! Dam**t!"

    The sound of broken wine glass echoed in the room.

    Ming Rushi was as beet red as she was fuming with anger.

    Then she dialled a number on her phone.

    After two rings, it was connected. "Yes, Young Mistress?"

    "Did you find that woman''s family?!"

    "They are within our perimeter. Just say the word and they will be in front of you." The voice of the man can mimick a casanova''s, but with a dangerous tone.

    "Get them to the 12th of the 5th by 1700H tomorrow." She hung up.

 167 Romina Ta

    In front of another television set is a slim lady in her night gown. She was eating potato chips when the breaking news about her boss was broadcasted on national television.

    She was given a month of vacation and she was enjoying it. However, realizing that she was kept in the dark about the reunion of her boss with his wife, the chips tasted bitter.

    "That''s all for now. Please show yourselves outside." Riley Adams directed the reporters to the exit on broadcast.

    The couple on TV smiled for awhile before being escorted back to the office.

    Secretary Ta clenched her hand around the canned drink as tears started to well up in her eyes.

    Officially Romina Ta, she had worked initially under the Igarashi household. Her father ''gifted'' her to the clan after training her, before he passed away while on a mission. She never knew her mother, so Igarashi Aoi took her in like a younger sister.

    She started her ''clerical'' job when Masaichi Xiu was director to XCG.

    Aoi Xiu entrusted her son to her, both in the company and on his security.

    Romina Ta frowned as she reminisced that fateful night that she took Masaichi''s offer to take the rest of the day off. He was smiling from ear to ear as he anticipated his meeting with his wife, who surpisingly went to visit.

    "Secretary Ta, you may take the rest of the day off." Masaichi was grinning.

    It made her heart pound in her chest. "Bu-but CEO, it''s only lunchtime. You still have a meeting in the afternoon." She knitted her brows as she wondered about the sudden change in his workaholic attitude.

    "Cancel them all...and make a reservation at R Bistro at 2100H."

    "Sir, why not attend the meeting first? The reservation would be hours away."

    "I still need to pick up my date." His dark eyes were smiling.

    "CEO, let me ask the driver to take you to the restaurant." She was about to dial a number but was stopped by his statement.

    "No need. I''ll drive. See you tomorrow!" He waved his hand without looking back as he stepped out of the CEO office.

    It was the only time that her boss went out that late at night without security. However, she could not object, since it was a date with his wife. Who was she to interfere back then?

    Her face contorted as she realized how he managed to send her away again because of his wife, who seemed to have emerged back from the dead.

    Romina Ta had always been suspicious of the young madam. There were times when Agatha Yang would drive alone without any bodyguards despite orders from her husband.

    However, Romina Ta brushed off her suspicions when the little master was born.

    She saw how his parents loved the little boy so deeply, thus she believed the sincerity of the young madam. Besides, Agatha Yang never really did anything wrong on her part. She was even humble whenever she talks to subordinates.

    When her boss had the incident where they were told that his wife perished, Romina Ta felt a bit guilty for suspecting Agatha Yang. But now, now that she was looking at that familiar smiling face, she held the bag of chips so tightly, as if she was trying to turn the contents into powder.

    Suddenly, her cellular phone on the coffee table rang. She peered and saw the caller.

    She bolted from her sitting position and received the call.

    ''Hello?"

    "Romina, where are you? What is happening?"

    "Uh...I..."

    "Is that an imposter? Did Masaichi Xiu lose his mind and hired one?"

    "No!" She gulped. She would not dare think that her boss had lost it.

    "Well, how can she just come out alive again? What is Masaichi Xiu thinking?"

    "I...I don''t know...even I don''t understand it anymore."

    The man on the line sighed. "Alright. It''s fine. Are you okay though?"

    "Yeah, I''m fine." Her eyes started to well up with tears.

    "Good. Just tell me if you need anything."

    "Hmmm...thanks, Shao..."

 168 Headlines

    Midori smiled at the sleeping flesh next to her, as they lied on a soft mattress on a sturdy wooden bed.

    The sun is shining from the glass doors of the veranda, while the cool sea breeze blows through the slightly open window.

    She propped her head with her hand as she placed its weight on her elbow.

    As if detecting her stare, Dan''s lashes moved as his brows knitted.

    "Mornin'' handsome." Her soft voice rang in his ears as he opened his eyes.

    He groaned. "Good morning..." He let out a yawn. "Gorgeous." He flashed his pearly white teeth.

    "I can hear some noise from the kitchen. Hungry?"

    "Hmmn." He nodded, but suddenly grabbed her by the waist.

    She let out a squeal. "Hey! Quit it! Someone else is here!"

    "They won''t mind." He coaxed her.

    "But I would if they hear something!" She spanked his chest and shoulders.

    __________________

    "Why can''t I reach her phone? Where the heck is Midori Xiu?!" Jiang Mei Ling was tapping her foot onto the wooden floor as she continued to dial her friend''s number over and over again. She had sent multiple messages on different sites, but still getting no response.

    She looked at the television again. The press conference had ended, but the news still reported of the sudden announcement from XCG.

    She frowned as she read the deadlines.

    Jiang Mei Ling knew that Midori would have not returned to City S had it not been for the incident that sent her brother into a long coma.

    Then again, if not for such circumstances, Midori would have stayed away from Dan, and would have never known that it was all just a big misunderstanding.

    This time, everyone who knew that the incident killed Masaichi''s wife is itching to know how he exhumed her and brought her back to life.

    Jiang Mei Ling would like to find out if her friend had any idea about this, much more the nephew who had longed for his mother.

    She looked at the now shut door. "Where did Shao go?"

    ____________________

    "Hello?" Aoi Xiu was surprised to get a call from Xiu Lan. They are currently staying at their villa in the mountains as they took care of their grandson.

    "Have you seen the news?!"

    Xiu Lan''s panicking voice made Aoi frown.

    "What''s the matter?" Aoi Xiu leaned on the doorway as she looked at her husband who was playing with the baby.

    With a shaking voice, Xiu Lan blurted, "Masaichi and Agatha appeared in the news together."

    "What?!" Aoi Xiu''s voice was almost a shout.

    "It''s in the 4th channel."

    Aoi Xiu hung up as she dashed for the remote, much to her husband''s surprise.

    "Something wrong?" Xiu Jin placed the baby on the crib and gave him a rattle to play with.

    Aoi managed to turn on the television and changed it to the said channel.

    Both of them had wide eyes as they read the headlines.

    "Young Madam Xiu, the Next Matriarch of XCG" and "XCG CEO confirms marriage"

    Aoi turned to her husband with a distorted face and gaping mouth.

    Xiu Jin shook his head vigorously to show that he did not know anything about it and had nothing to do with it.

    Aoi returned her gaze to the screen, scrutinizing the close up of their alleged daughter-in-law.

    Her frown became worse as she verified the face of the person in question.

    It was indeed Agatha Yang.

    Did their in-laws fake her death?

    Aoi Xiu could still remember Agatha''s mother as she wailed in front of her back then.

    Aoi even asked her whether Agatha could be a donor for her brother.

    However, the woman just shook her head, saying, "She''s not a match."

    Apparently, she is not even dead!

    Aoi Xiu was fuming as she realized their deception.

    Right now, the better concern is, why is she back from her ''death?''

 169 Confrontation 1

    Aoi Xiu went to their villa by the sea. They had entrusted their baby grandson to Xiu Lan.

    Xiu Lan was staying in the Xiu estate for all this time. It was the first time for her to meet the baby boy, so she was eager to take care of him. She had taken care of Masaichi and Mantarou throughout the years. As another little master came, she would be at his service.

    .

    As Xiu Jin walked closely behind his wife, he was still contemplating on the best approach to the situation.

    They had to confront the matter once and for all.

    "Mother." Masaichi Xiu greeted.

    Agatha Yang just bowed as she still could not fathom the expression of her mother-in-law.

    Aoi Xiu just strode in. She had no time for ridiculous pleasantries.

    Xiu Jin followed his wife closely, bringing out a serious expression.

    ____________

    Midori watched the news about the announcement about her sister-in-law via streaming through the internet. She had just arrived from the island, and they are now on their way to the villa by the sea.

    Her mother''s call was the first to come through after recovering her network signal.

    "Midori, doko imasu ka?" The voice sounded serious.

    "I...we just came back...Okaasan, daijobou desu ka?" Midori was instantly filled with worry.

    "Remember the Sunflower villa? I need you to be there as soon as you can."

    "Oh...okay. Yeah...I know how to get there."

    "While on your way, you should also search for the news of your brother''s press conference."

    "Huh? What did he do now?"

    "Just search it and you''ll know." Aoi Xiu hung up.

    Midori searched and found the news. The headlines continued to flash from the screen, but it was not enough to lighten up her dimming face.

    "Hey, is this the right way?" Dan suddenly woke her from her daze.

    Her head jerked towards him. Then she looked out the window.

    Tall trees loomed before the road, forming natural arches as they pass by. The milestone came to her sight, and she knew that they are in the right road.

    "Hmmn." She nodded, not retracting her gaze from the scenery outside.

    _______________

    Agatha Yang cleared her throat. "We have prepared some dishes for you. They are ready in the dining area."

    Aoi Xiu almost snickered. This woman sounded like the house is hers!

    Xiu Jin observed every move and expression made by his wife. He knew that her trigger buttons are starting to light up.

    He looked at his son. "Your sister is on her way here. Let us all wait for her."

    Indeed, he could not look at his daughter-in-law.

    He could accept Midori being secretly married, but he felt betrayed by someone who pretended to be dead.

    Masaichi Xiu took the hint from his father that they plan to ask for an explanation after everyone has gathered. He glanced at his wife.

    Her face was full of guilt and regret. He reached out to grab her by the shoulders, then he gently smiled at her.

    .

    Finally, the Porsche Panamera arrived and parked just outside the front door of the villa.

    Dan hurriedly took off the key as he chased his wife who dashed into the house.

    He found her bolting towards her brother with a tightly closed fist, being propelled by her shoulder.

    Dan ran to stop her, but she was some feet away.

    Fortunately, Masaichi had anticipated his sister''s fury, so he skillfully dodged her fist, which swished as it hit air.

    Failing to hit him, Midori twisted her body to land a kick to his torso.

    Masaichi blocked it with his muscular arm.

    Midori gritted her teeth as she continued to bombard his defenses with attacks.

    After some time of failing to land a knuckle or a kick, she stood still, heaving.

    Masaichi was also breathing heavily after all the defensive moves he made.

    He stood before his sister who stood like a statue as she looked down.

    Suddenly, with his defenses low, Midori raised her head to look at him, then landed a hard slap on his face.

 170 Confrontation 2

    After landing her palm on his face, Midori sighed deeply, turned to walk towards the sofa, then glared at her sister-in-law as she sat on the sofa.

    Dan, who was still in shock, sat beside his wife.

    Xiu Jin cleared his throat. "I think everyone''s here. Kindly take your places on the sofa." He gestured at the two long sofas facing each other and the recliner chair which seemed to join the sofas.

    Everyone complied and found their seats.

    Xiu Jin sat on the recliner seat, seeming like a referee.

    His wife sat beside their daughter.

    Dan sat beside his wife. He held her back, gently rubbing it as he tried to calm her down.

    On the opposite sofa were Masaichi and his wife.

    Midori kept her stare at Agatha Yang as her arms were wrapped just below her chest.

    Xiu Jin cleared his throat again. "I believe it is obvious that we requested this meeting to discuss the matter revealed in the just broadcasted press conference." He eyed his son.

    Aoi Xiu leaned forward and propped her chin with her hand as her elbow rests on her thigh as support.

    She sternly looked at Agatha Yang. "So, how did you die again?"

    "Yeah! And where have you been when Manta was calling me ''Mommy'' as a defence mechanism.

    "Agatha, you have to tell us." Xiu Jin maintained a neutral voice amidst the brewing tension. "What happened that night?"

    __________________

    Lu Shaoting drove past the largest building in the city as he went to his destination.

    The phone call earlier convinced him that something was amiss, so he drove towards the place without hesitation.

    pressed on a buzzer outside a numbered door.

    After a minute, the door slowly opened and showed the teary-eyed face of Romina Ta.

    "Hey, are you okay?" Lu Shaoting''s voice was filled with worry.

    Romina Ta was barely herself as she stood there, slowly shaking her head.

    Her hair was disheveled and fell messily covering her crying face.

    Her slim body and fair skin added up to the horror of the scene.

    Fortunately, the man before her had directed several films that featured better makeup effects than the hideous look before him.

    He looked around to check if there were people watching. Seeing none, he led her back inside her condominium unit.

    ___________________

    "Hey Riles, didn''t Masaichi Xiu''s wife died in an accident?" Michelle, who had been the assistant to the CEO, knew at least a little bit about other companies'' leaders.

    Riley looked exhausted as he entered their home.

    His wife instantly confronted him the moment he stepped foot into the living room.

    "He made us sign a nondisclosure agreement." He declared.

    "Oh...ah, wait!" Michelle tried to catch up to him as he strode towards the bedroom while loosening his tie.

    Riley Adams continued to undress himself naked before coming into the bathroom.

    Michelle smiled at the sight of his back muscles before he managed to disappear into the bathroom.

    She chuckled as she turned the doorknob and found that he did not lock the door as usual.

    Riley Adams let the cold water hit his skin harshly. He had been stressed out about keeping the secret to his wife.

    The press conference in itself was his biggest stressor.

    As he showered, he also remembered that due to his extra work, he barely made time for his wife.

    As if reading his mind, her refreshing smiling face came into view.

    "What are you-?!" Riley was shocked as his naked wife joined him in the shower and began kissing him.

    She caressed his growing stubble. "Since everything is out in the media, won''t you tell me more?"

 171 Why Did You Do It?

    "We''re not in that stage yet..."

    A palm landed hard on Long Yun''s face.

    "You''re in the stage that could get her pregnant but not in marrying her?! You jerk!"

    Long Yun''s expression was that of shock and guilt. However, it is true that their relationship is too young. He does not even expect Madeline Song to say ''yes'' if he proposes marriage to her at this point.

    Long Yishin shook her head as she looked at him mockingly. "You were so against my affairs back then! But at least I had the guts to fight for it! You don''t even have the balls to take responsibility!"

    "I''m not just playing with her!"

    "You''re serious?! Then why did you do it without any intention of legally being with her?"

    "It was just..."

    "You''re a jerk! I''m ashamed to even call you my brother!" she spat, as she walked away into the hospital building.

    Long Yun sighed. He did not want it to be like this. If he proposes right now, he was afraid that she would decline thinking it was just the spur of the moment due to the circumstances, or it was at least based on how he knew her personality.

    Long Yishin strode into her office with mixed emotions. She was both angry and sad, and at the same time was full of envy.

    She slumped on her swivel chair and frowned. As she looked straight on her desk, she stared at the old photo framed and propped up near her pens.

    She reached out to get the frame, then caressed the glass covering it.

    On the photo was the younger her who was enjoying a soft serve as the guy with weird teeth took their photo.

    They were young, innocent, and in love back then.

    Tears streamed down her cheeks as she smiled bitterly.

    "Tang Jinxi, why did you do it?"

    She recalled how she instinctively ruined the scene when she grabbed the stray chair and used it to come up and cut the noose with a pair of scissors she found on the bedside table. Wailing, she tried to wake up the limp and cold body before her. With her limited knowledge as a medical student, she even tried to start administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    She could still remember how cold his lips had turned when she tried to blow air into his lungs.

    Those lips were once naturally pinkish, soft and warm. His warmth always comforted her in times of stress, but at that point, it hit her that he is gone.

    _________________

    With a serious face, Agatha Yang began her narration.

    "That night, my brother will undergo a bone marrow transplant. We had failed so many times in seeking for a donor match, because even I was not. One day, a man volunteered to be tested, and he was a match. However, his mother wanted something in return. That night, they sent me to go back to City S and meet my husband. They said that I should be able to make my husband bring me to that restaurant. As to the details of why they ordered that, I had no idea at that time. My parents agreed immediately so that my brother would get the transplant. Though I was hesitant, I followed the orders and boarded the flight. While I was on the plane, an attendant handed me a parcel and told me to change my clothes. The parcel had a note from my parents telling me that I should look good when I meet my husband."

    The faces around her became more serious.

    "So I changed into the high neck dress with a bulky bodice area. When Masa-kun fetched me, I told him that I wanted to eat in that restaurant, and with no surprise, he took me. And...and that''s when it happened..." she was choking on her words.

    "It was a rather suspiscious order from strangers. Why did you still do it?" Xiu Jin was skeptical.

    "They...they said that if I deviate from the plan, they will not give the marrow to my brother."

 172 Good Job

    "I felt multiple bullets hit my chest and I saw bood coming out of my dress. I fainted..."

    Masaichi Xiu wrapped an arm around her shoulders to comfort her.

    "When I woke up, I saw my parents smiling at me."

    She recalled how they looked so happy when she woke up.

    .

    Her father was in tears. "Thank you! Oh, thank you, Agatha! Aaron just woke up! He did not have any reaction to the transplant!"

    Her mother was also nodding while smiling.

    Agatha Yang smiled back, but she was confused.

    Was she not with her husband just awhile back?

    "Ma-masa-kun...I was with him...wasn''t I?" She searched her parents'' faces for answers.

    They evaded her gaze.

    "He..." her mother was trying to explain.

    Suddenly, loud, slow claps sounded in her room.

    "Good job!" The donor''s mother had a smug smile on her face.

    "What...what happened?" Agatha was worried about her husband.

    "Your parents declared you dead. And you need to stay that way. Unless...you won''t be the only one dead...for real." She eyed Agatha''s parents before sinisterly laughing at them.

    "What did you do to Masaichi?!" Agatha almost sprang up from the bed.

    "He''s dead." the lady declared. "Don''t be too rash. It would be a shame if the recipient of my son''s bone marrow die shortly after the procedure, wouldn''t it?" she threatened.

    "Please, Madam Ming! Have mercy on my son! We are grateful for the sacrifice your son has done for him. We will do as we''re told." Agatha''s father tried to appease the lady.

    "Good. Make sure to put a leash on your daughter. I don''t wanna see her set foot in City S."

    With that, the lady turned around with her heels clicking against the floor and left the room.

    "I...I did this to Masa-kun...I got him killed!" Agatha''s lips trembled as she uttered the words and tears fell from her eyes to the bed sheet.

    "Don''t sound like you love him so much. It was just a marriage for the business. You''re such a hypocrite." Her mother stated mockingly.

    "Mom, he''s still my husband." Agatha felt insulted. She indeed loves him.

    Then, as if remembering something, she gasped. "Ah, what about Manta-kun? Does he think that he is now an orphan?! My poor baby..."

    "You don''t have to worry about that. He will be the next young master and inherit all of XCG. He would live a good life." Her father said indifferently.

    "How could you just say that?! He''s your grandson!"

    Her mother suddenly checked her watch. "Oh, look at the time...we need to go back in looking after your brother. Since you don''t have actual injuries, you can manage on your own. Go and rest now."

    "Yeah. We better get going." Her father nodded, and soon left with her mother.

    Agatha was left to mourn for her husband and her life.

    __________________

    "Don''t ruin yourself like this. I told you that you always have the option to leave XCG." Lu Shaoting tried to console the woman before him.

    "You don''t understand! I had always done my best for him and not once had he praised me for doing a good job! That woman almost got him killed and he just accepts her again just like that?!"

    "Romina, you are just an employee. She''s his wife." Lu Shaoting gave her a reality check.

    "I grew up with him! I trained with him in the clan! Why can''t he even look at me? What''s wrong with being able to fight? Why does he prefer someone who was a damsel in distress?"

    "Romina, love cannot be forced on a person. If it does not come naturally, maybe you deserve someone else."

    "You really think so?" Her teary eyes looked at him.

    "Hmmn." He smiled as he nodded.

 173 Need To Live On

    After narrating up to the point that she thought Masaichi was dead, Agatha Yang was crying nonstop.

    Masaichi handed her some tissues, then got up to fetch some water.

    Xiu Jin''s expression softened a little, but his wife and daughter remained cold.

    Just when Masaichi returned from the kitchen with a glass of water, his sister cleared her throat.

    "Manta told us that before you left for City S that afternoon, that you are having another baby, and that you will be surprising Masa-nii with this information. Did you lie to your own child?" The way Midori emphasized the last sentence was too heavy and accusing.

    Masaichi was also shocked. He had totally forgotten to ask his wife about this. He too preoccupied in making her stay that he forgot to confirm this detail.

    Midori smirked. "Seems like you have yet to tell my brother about it."

    Agatha gasped. She looked at her husband who was anticipating her answer.

    She lowered her head. "There was a baby..." her voice was cracking. "After the incident, I thought that I could live on because the baby inside me needed to live on. However, when I went for a prenatal consult...there...there was no heartbeat anymore." Tears started to stream down her face again.

    Masaichi embraced his wife. It was painful when his son told him about it, but it was even more painful when he heard it from his wife.

    She was alone when she mourned. No one cared about how she felt.

    Everybody thought she was dead.

    "So why come out now? Do you not value your family''s lives anymore?" Aoi Xiu had a sly smile. She was still suspicious of Agatha''s comeback.

    Agatha pursed her lips. Everybody was silent in anticipation.

    "I...they...I did it for my brother...but they..." she could not continue.

    Masaichi looked at his parents. "She was always the one to sacrifice for the said brother because she is not even their daughter in the first place."

    Midori''s eyes shook.

    Aoi frowned deeper.

    Xiu Jin sighed. "So they ruined your life so their son could live...people nowadays."

    Aoi glanced at her husband. He of all people knows how emotions could make people do despicable things.

    "I..." Agatha managed to speak again. "When they told me the truth as I became useless to them, I decided to take my life back...or at least what was left of it. I miss my son. Before I have known that Masa-kun is still alive, Manta-kun is the only reason I managed to live on."

    "Masaichi, when are you telling your son?"

    "I tasked Takagi Ryuuji to bring him here. There are currently in our private plane." Masaichi declared.

    Dan, from having a neutral face, frowned at the mention of his rival.

    "Wait. Mom, Dad, where is Dmitri?" Midori suddenly remembered that her son should be with her parents.

    "Give your Aunty Lan a chance to play with him." Aoi said.

    "Oh yeah...she had not met Dmitri...well, until now." Midori touched her ear as she smiled. It was a shame that she did not personally hand her child to her aunt who raised her.

    Dan''s brows lifted as he remembered the old lady who stays in the Xiu estate.

    "Oh! If Mantarou is on his way, we should get Xiu Lan to come over with the baby too!" There was clear excitement in Xiu Jin''s voice.

    The heavy atmosphere seemed to have been lifted just like that.

    Xiu Jin and Masaichi made phone calls on their own.

    Midori walked into the kitchen to rummage the fridge, with her husband trailing behind.

    Aoi and Agatha were left in the living room.

    "Tell me, who was the donor of your brother?"

    The interrogation is not finished just yet.

 174 A Man Named Ming Rong Zhang

    After finishing his call, Xiu Jin walked across Masaichi to block his path.

    "Otousan..."

    "I believe it''s better if you let them be for a bit." Xiu Jin had a reassuring smile.

    "But she..." Masaichi was reluctant to leave his wife alone.

    "Your mother might be a clan leader, but she is fair and considerate."

    Masaichi glanced at the hallway leading to the living room.

    "Besides, I wanna know how you found her again." Xiu Jin gestured towards the veranda.

    Masaichi nodded and followed his father.

    .

    "Hah! Found it!" With a victorious smile, Midori held up a pint of pistachio ice cream she had retrieved from the freezer.

    Dan scratched the back of his head as he chuckled.

    He had to keep in mind that his son should not be given too much sweets.

    He watched as his wife devoured the green creamy treat as some of it smudged near her lower lip.

    "What?" Midori became conscious of his stare.

    Dan came closer to her, and without saying anything, he licked the ice cream off her face.

    "What are you doing?!" Flustered and blushing, she hit him with the side of her fist which was holding the spoon she was eating the ice cream with.

    Dan chuckled. "I thought you wanted me to directly take it off, unlike last time."

    She peeked beyond his tall figure, checking that none of her family members saw what he did.

    She frowned at him. "We''re not in our home!"

    "Then I can''t wait to get back." He embraced her escaping figure and held her tight.

    "I...we better go back now." Midori pointed at the doorway out of the kitchen.

    Dan kept her in place. "Just let them talk for a bit. It would be easier for your mother to extract information. Too many people will make your sister-in-law more apprehensive of the situation."

    "Oh...hmmmn. Okay." She stopped squirming and eyed the doorway.

    .

    "The donor...he was a man named Ming Rong Zhang." Agatha answered.

    Aoi''s face darkened. "Did you remember the name of his mother who ordered you to visit City S that night?"

    "No...but they call her ''Madam Ming'' and that she seemed to know my parents." Agatha Yang wanted to shrink into herself as her mother-in-law''s face turned grim.

    "Hmmm...Ming Rong Zhang. I think I''ve heard of that name before." Aoi tapped her chin with her fingers.

    "Also, after that, it was reinforced that I stay out of City S. The Ming lady has a daughter who seemed close to my mother. She was nice to me. I went to see her when I came back. It was not easy living being dead, so unlocking her door was a piece of cake." Agatha snickered as she recalled Ming Rushi''s expression.

    Aoi noted her reaction while thinking back.

    "Truth is...I did not plan to reveal myself to your son. I planned to meet Manta secretly and make him swear not to talk about it. After all, despite everything they did to my life, my fake family still raised me and provided for me. Their lives are not worthless." Her smile was full of regret.

    "However, despite the disguise I had, I never expected Masa-kun to suddenly turn up in that event to take me away." She looked at Aoi Xiu. "I tried to escape from him and make him believe that it was all a dream. Hate me all you want, because I did try to hurt him again."

    Aoi chuckled. "Too bad you didn''t succeed." Her sarcastic smile was a weird combination to her genuine gaze of concern.

    Just then, a small voice was heard. "Okaasan!"

 175 Fa?ade

Sorry, content is lost, You are reading Novel on Novelhall.COM, we will fix it as soon as possible, thank you

 176 Hidden Proposal

    "No...how could he..." Long Yishin''s eyes shook as they watered. "He...he was murdered?!"

    Long Yun placed a hand on her upper back and led her from the corridors to her office. He kept mum until he had locked the door to her room.

    He made her sit on the leather sofa as he grabbed a chair to sit facing her.

    "Xiao-shin, you may wanna take a look at this." He produced a piece of paper from his coat pocket and handed it to her.

    She stared at the piece of paper, in a daze, for a minute, before finally taking it from him with trembling fingers.

    She looked at her brother, seemingly anticipating instructions.

    Long Yun sighed. He thought that this little sister of his is a little girl again, awaiting instructions as she did not know how to proceed.

    She had only been so for a few years. Due to her intellect, he often finds her having more knowledge than he has, so she rarely asks him for guidance.

    At this point, she seemed lost.

    "Yishin." Her brother''s voice snapped her back to the present.

    Her blank eyes finally looked like they had come back from another world.

    "Unfold the paper." he instructed.

    She slowly did as told. As the text was revealed, she furrowed her brows.

    She found the handwriting familiar.

    After a minute of staring at the words, she was certain that it was Tang Jinxi''s handwriting. He had written her several letters when they were still studying. She could not be mistaken.

    She silently read with understanding.

    "My amazing Yishin,

    We have known each other since junior high school. Do you still remember the first time we met? It was during the first PE class of the year when the basketball I passed landed on your head..."

    Long Yishin laughed with teary eyes as she recalled the event when they were young.

    "...Everyone laughed but I didn''t. I rushed to check on you when I saw that you fell after being hit by a ball. My adreline allowed the skinny me to carry you to the school clinic, not minding the stares from everyone. After the nurse treated your wounds, you slapped me hard, so that a red mark of a palm was evident until I got home."

    Long Yishin pursed her lips as she read on.

    "We got up on the wrong foot, so it was like a miracle when you agreed to go with me to the dance. You were the most beautiful back then, that many of my friends envied me. However, I still remember how you laughed at my poor dancing skills. I''m sorry for stepping on your foot for more than once...

    Yishin, thank you for being with me. A lot has happened since then. We almost fell apart when some girl made up things about me having a relationship with her, but we got through with it.

    Yishin, I cannot imagine living my life without you. If you leave me, I don''t think I can still call my existence a life.

    So, Long Yishin, will you marry me?"

    Long Yishin''s tears which welled up came streaming down in large droplets from her face to the floor. She subconsciously raised her hand to cover her face as she wailed, as her other hand clutched the letter, almost crumpling it.

    Long Yun almost could not bare to look at this miserable state of his sister.

    .

    The case of Tang Jinxi''s death had long been closed as suicide.

    However, Long Yun had a hunch that what his sister said back then about the guy not having a reason to take his own life had more substance in it than a messily written suicidal note.

    He had hired investigators since then. However, it took them years to finally unearth a letter hidden under the empty cushion in the box of the watch the guy was wearing the day he died.

    Actually, police had some suspicion of foul play when they saw the victim. For someone who was about to commit suicide, he had dressed up a little bit too formally, as if he was going out.

    Indeed, he was about to go to dinner with Long Yishin that night. When he stood her up, she went to his place and found his lifeless body.

    The police dismissed the clothing as a way of life for people living in the high socioeconomic class. They eventually closed the case as suicide after finding the note on the bedside table and finding no defensive wounds on the corpse.

    .

    Long Yishin looked up at her brother with fierce eyes.

    "Tell me the details." Her voice was coarse but filled with fury.

 177 Family Firs

    After having dinner, Xiu Jin and Aoi bid good night and left the villa by the sea, giving Xiu Lan a ride back to the estate.

    Midori had an awkward feeling when Manta arrived, as he addressed his real mother appropriately, then running to clutch onto her clothes. This awkwardness dissipated when Midori held Dmitri after Xiu Lan brought him to the villa.

    After her parents left, Midori felt the need for her brother''s little family to catch up on their own, so she also expressed her desire to leave.

    Before she went into their car, her brother spoke with her.

    "M''dori-chan..." he placed his palm on her head.

    She pouted, hating the nickname. "Nii-san, I''m a mom now." She gently gestured by lifting her son who was fast asleep in her arms subtly.

    Masaichi removed his hand as he chuckled. "Hai, hai. Remember to always put your family first. You need not learn through experience like we did."

    Midori smiled then nodded. "Hmmn."

    "Ch¨±i shite kudasai.*"

    "Hai. Oyasumi, Nii-san." She got inside the car.

    Dan made a couple of beeps as courtesy before he drove their car away.

    Masaichi''s gaze followed their car until the car''s rear lights disappeared into the distance.

    Suddenly, the front door of the villa creaked open.

    "Otousan...can we sleep now?" Manta''s little voice got his attention. The little boy was rubbing his eyes as he yawned.

    Masaichi turned to look at his son with a tender gaze. He picked him up and made him lean on his shoulder as he carried the little boy upstairs.

    Agatha Yang opened the door to the smaller bedroom, which they prepared beforehand for their son to occupy.

    After tucking him to bed, Manta''s parents quietly went out and into their own bedroom.

    As the couple lied beside each other on the bed, the husband heard the wife sigh deeply.

    "What are you thinking about?" Masaichi Xiu turned his head to look at her.

    "Masa-kun...I''m really sorry...about everything." Her face was full of guilt.

    "Don''t say that. You can be sorry about a lot of things, but not everything." He showed her a gentle reassuring smile. "You can''t be sorry for marrying me...and for having Mantarou, so you can''t be sorry about everything."

    She had a smile, but there was still regret in her eyes.

    "Masa-kun, are we safe here? Do we need to go back to City T?"

    His face turned stern. Even he was not certain of the answer.

    He turned his body to better face her. "My parents had called in some clan members to get to the bottom of everything. Our men here in City S also heightened the security of our family. It is safe...for now."

    "What are your plans for Ming Rushi?" She remembered how the woman brought her to the jewelry launch where her husband found her.

    "As they say, ''Keep your friends close...and your enemies closer.''" He smirked and wrapped an arm around his wife.

    _________________

    "Oh yeah...what did you tell your wife when you left to go here? Are you sure nobody saw you?" Romina Ta asked as she was chopping some carrots.

    "I made sure. She doesn''t ask much. She trusts me anyway." He shrugged and continued to play with the newton''s cradle on the kitchen island.

    She snickered. "Will I lose too much hair if she found out that you stayed with a woman for hours?"

    He chuckled. "Should we call her and find out?" He gestured with his phone.

    "Don''t you dare!" They both laughed.

    After several minutes, the aroma of the beef stew filled the kitchen.

    Romina Ta placed two sets of stew and rice on the bar counter. Then she sat beside the man, and they ate side by side.

    "Hmmm...good. This is good food." Lu Shaoting complimented as he chewed.

    "Thanks." Romina Ta slowly sipped some of the stew, then placed a spoonful of it on her steaming bowl of rice.

    He snickered. "Too bad he chose someone else. He could''ve enjoyed your cooking."

    She gave a fake laugh. "He had a lot of chances to try it, but he always dodged the opportunity.

    She remembered how Masaichi Xiu rejected every dish she made, whether lunch or dessert. He did not even try the cookies she made during home economics class. He always reasoned out that people might misunderstand.

    "He''s a fool." Lu Shaoting continued to clean off the food on his bowls. "Seconds, please!" It was as if he was declaring it.

    "No. Go home to your wife and child. It''s getting late now." she scolded.

    He pouted like a kid. "I never forgot about having my own family...but right now, let me be the family that you need."

 178 I Want ZFC

    Su Linyu paced in her office full of jitters. She still has not decided yet how to bring up the matter with her son.

    Verdan Zhou is back in the office after a week of being away.

    Since Michelle Park is working from home, only Liu Fei Long is there to attend to his needs.

    "Liu." Dan''s indifferent tone called in his assistant.

    Liu Fei Long bolted from his swivel chair. The action was quick enough to leave the chair spinning for some time. He hurriedly knocked on the door to the CEO''s office, and entered after being given permission.

    "CEO." He bowed.

    Dan tossed the folder he was looking at onto the edge of his large desk.

    Liu Fei Long''s eyes widened as he was startled by the gesture. Is he supposed to get that?

    Before he could reach out to get it, his boss spoke.

    "Liu, do you have a girlfriend?"

    Liu Fei Long was leaning forward to get the folder when he was shocked by the question and he almost tripped.

    "Wha-what?" He was still astonished by the randomness of the question.

    "I read in your resum¨¦ before that you''re unmarried. I assume you at least have a girlfriend...given your age..." Dan leaned back on his leather swivel chair as his arms were on its rests and his fingers interlaced. He was waiting for the answer in a relaxed manner.

    The words ''unmarried'', ''girlfriend'' and ''age'' hit Liu Fei Long like sharp arrows, directly hitting his core. At the age of 28, he only had one ex-girlfriend, and that was a short-lived relationship when he was still in high school. He tried courting girls after that relationship ended, with no success. It even became more difficult for him to land himself into a relationship since he was an unpopular nerd in college.

    He gulped. "I...I don''t have one right now." he answered weakly. Indeed, he does not want to declare that he will not be having one anytime soon. One can say that he is quite hopeful.

    He furrowed his brows. He thought he was receiving orders when he came in, but was taken aback by the question.

    "Oh..." Dan raised a brow. "Then, what did you used to give your previous girlfriend?" Dan assumed that he had a girlfriend before, based on his answer.

    ''Can I say ''nothing''?'' Liu Fei Long deliberated in his mind. His previous relationship barely existed for just two weeks. He had only paid for the girl''s meals. He had yet to buy her gifts when it ended.

    Dan was getting impatient. "What do you suggest would be a perfect gift for a lady?"

    In reality, Verdan Zhou had a lot of ideas for expensive gifts. However, he had given Midori such gifts before. He wanted to approach her birthday differently, so he turned to ask his assistant for something less extravagant.

    "Uhm...jewelry?" Liu Fei Long was thinking of alternatives.

    "She had a lot of those." Dan turned the idea down.

    Liu Fei Long frowned. Did his boss not cancel the engagement with Miss Song? Is he trying to get her back, or does he have another woman? Is she the reason they broke off the engagement?

    "Uhm...a car?" His brain is turning into soup.

    In his shock, his boss''s face lit up, and a smile featuring his pearly whites flashed across his face.

    "A car...not bad...not bad..." Dan rose from his chair, put on his coat and strode out of his office.

    _______________________

    Chairman Song took his gold-plated cutter and cut off the end of the fat cigar he just retrieved from an oak box. He then took a bronze statue and flipped the head to reveal its true purpose of being a lighter. He puffed a few then took the glass filled with brandy from the table near him.

    He smirked as he thought how foolish Su Linyu is to go with his suggestion.

    Just then, there were a couple of knocks on the wooden door of his study.

    "Enter." he commanded.

    The brass knob twisted and the door creaked open slowly.

    "Boss." A young man bowed. Then he went towards the old man with steady strides.

    He handed his boss an envelope, the size that could fit a legal-sized folder.

    "Hmmm...good record. Can we trust him?" The old man''s eyes were skeptical.

    "He has never failed even once, Chairman."

    "Tsk tsk tsk. Tang Jinxuan...we both know that you had to kill your brother to be the successor of your father. You have to admit that your judgment is not one of the best." His tone was mocking the young man.

    Tang Jinxuan clenched his teeth discretely as he lowered his head subtly. ''Just endure it...for now.'' he told himself.

    "Should we get another then?"

    Chairman Song frowned. "No need. Just make it flawless. I want ZFC in my hands before the month ends."

    "Absolutely." Tang Jinxuan had a subtle sly smile as he bowed and strode out of the study.

    Chairman Song''s face contorted. "You little bi***! Now, you will be at fault for what will happen to that Young Master Zhou." He snickered.

 179 Family Secrets

    "Cut! Li Zhen, your expression is too stiff. Wu Min, you''re blocking her face with your hand. Go over the script again. Fifteen minutes!" Lu Shaoting is in full work mode and it was not apparent that he had little sleep the night before.

    His assistant bent to his level and whispered, "Director, Miss Jiang is here."

    His eyebrows shot up and he turned his head towards the direction of the lady who was slowly approaching her.

    Jiang Mei Ling smiled professionally to every staff and crew member who went and greeted her, concealing the brewing tension towards her husband beautifully. Her nude blush block heels clicked against the paved ground as her lavender chiffon halter dress moved like flowing water with every move she made.

    "Director Lu." She bowed. Then she looked at her mother of pearl wrist watch. She gave him her usual smile. "It''s almost lunchtime. Is it possible for you to extend the break and move the filming in the afternoon?"

    The assistant almost blurted out his agreement. Everyone seemed tired and hungry anyway.

    Lu Shaoting cleared his throat. "Guess it won''t hurt." He turned to his assistant. "It''s lunchbreak now. Be back half past one."

    "Yes, Director Lu. I''ll inform everyone." He bowed and went towards the crew.

    Lu Shaoting tilted his head to signal his wife. Then they went to the deserted makeshift crew lounge.

    As soon as nobody can see them, Jiang Mei Ling lost her sweet, professional smile.

    "Where have you been the whole night?" she asked with a stern expression.

    "My parents needed me for a dialogue."

    A delicate palm landed hard on his cheek, leaving the clashing areas of skin both red and swollen.

    "Save it. You were not in the Peach Villa." she declared accusingly.

    Lu Shaoting had a subtle and swift shocked reaction, but Jiang Mei Ling caught every change in his expression as she was staring at him.

    "Who is she?" Her eyes were steady.

    "Her name is Romina Ta. I came to her place and spent the night." He chose to reveal the truth.

    "Why?" she blurted through gritted teeth.

    "She was greatly affected by the announcement of XCG. I...needed to be there for her."

    "How did you know her?" She would probe further and would remain nonviolent as long as the person does not lie to her.

    "You remember my Aunt Meixin?"

    She furrowed her brows as she remembered that her father-in-law had an only sister who suffered dementia. "Hmmn." She nodded.

    "Romina is the daughter she lost."

    __________________

    Ming Xiaoyu flashed a nice smile bordered by bloody red lips.

    Sitting opposite her is a middle-aged man with an obvious pattern baldness. He seemed nervous and a little out of sorts.

    "Yang Jeong Cheol , it''s been a long time." Her smile was both seductive and dangerous.

    "Madam Ming...we...we didn''t expect her to show herself to the Xiu''s again." He took out his handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat on his forehead.

    "Hmmm...how''s your son?" She brushed off the statement as if she did not care.

    "Uhmm...Jeonghan...he...he is good. He has good health. He takes good care of himself." He replied stuttering.

    "Yang Jeong Cheol, why are you so nervous? You were not like this with me 33 years ago." Her tone was mocking him.

    "Ming Xiaoyu, as I''ve confessed before, I was just paid to do it. Back then, my parents needed the money. I...I really didn''t want to do it."

    "You really didn''t? Then how come you fathered my son who became the donor of your bastard then, huh? Didn''t you enjoy torturing me with the rest of your friends?" Her face turned more livid as her lips contorted.

    "I was wrong! I admit it! Please spare my family! Agatha did her part already! She went according to your plan!"

    "But she exhumed herself from the dead. Why is that? What made her quit protecting your measely little lives?" She had a mocking smile.

    "She...my wife told her the truth about not being our biological daughter."

    "Tsk tsk...your taste in women really deteriorated. You even married an idi**. One day, the woman would cost you your lives."

    "Please...please don''t!" He knelt down on the cold floor abruptly. "I...I will do anything...Jeonghan had just recovered. Please spare us!" he pleaded.

    "Of course I will not waste my son''s marrow, so I will not touch him. However, if that adopted daughter of yours kept messing with my plans, I''ll have no choice but to redeem damages from someone."

 180 Forced to Marry

    "Lu Shaoting!" Jiang Mei Ling broke into tears. "You spent the night with another woman without explaining anything to your wife! Maybe...if I didn''t ask, would you even bother?!"

    "Mei...I...you don''t understand..."

    "What do I not understand about you sleeping in another house instead of staying with your family?!"

    "She is also my family! I''m the only family she had left! When you were a pampered princess in your happy family, she only had her father. When fans loved you, she already lost him! My aunt was too sick to even recognize her. My father did not want to recognize her so I had to meet her in secret. She needed me so I went to be there for her. I''m telling you right now because I don''t want you to misunderstand." He grabbed her arms to make her steady.

    "You...you''re mean!" She raised her fists to knock onto his sturdy chest as she made a childish expression.

    "Mei..."

    She suddenly stopped her antics. Then she chuckled. "Then again...you were just forced to marry me." She had a bitter smile.

    Their engagement had been long arranged before they reached the age of 10. After graduating high school, they had their formal ceremony before entering college. After graduation, they prepared for their wedding for two whole years. Nobody objected to anything, but then again, not objecting does not always mean agreeing.

    "No." He looked at her sternly. He never thought that he was forced to do so. "Don''t say that ever again!" The words sounded like they weighed tons.

    "But in your eyes, I''m just a pampered spoiled princess, a piece of work." She widened her bitter smile.

    "Don''t be unreasonable!" His grip on her arms tightened as his expression turned gloomy.

    "Now I''m being unreasonable?! Did I tell you to sleep with another woman?!"

    "I''m not having an affair! She''s my cousin for pete''s sake!"

    She snickered. "Don''t worry. It happens to most arranged marriages. I can understand." Her sarcasm made him furious.

    "Jiang Mei Ling! Listen to me!" His hands shook her petite body as if to wake her up. "I married you because I wanted to, not because my parents wanted me to. When I faced you on our wedding day and made my vows, I meant every word. I will stay married to you and loyal to you because I love you! You know me. I never settle for anything less than what I think is best! Even my parents, if they would give me a half-ass production, will get a word from me! So I did not settle for less when I married you! I chose the best! It is just of good riddance that the person my parents chose would be the person I wanted to spend my life with."

    Her pretty face contorted as she sniffed while her eyes watered.

    ___________________

    Ming Xiaoyu rode her black BMW M6 after meeting Yang Jeong Cheol.

    There was an eerie silence in the car, but the driver was too afraid to turn on the radio.

    In her reverie, Ming Xiaoyu remembered the day she brought her son to be tested as a donor for Yang Jeonghan.

    "Mother, why do I need to be tested? We''re not even related to them. Are they so desperate in finding a donor?"

    She eyed him with a subtle shock in her eyes which she successfully changed before he noticed.

    "They were long time friends with me. His father contributed to my success. I only wanted to lend help as much as I could. Don''t worry. There is a low chance that you''ll be a match since you''re not related by blood." she explained.

    In truth, she also used the opportunity to bribe a geneticist to do a DNA test between her son and Yang Jeong Cheol, who also submitted his sample, hoping he could be a match.

    When the old Madam Xiu ordered the attack on her son''s lover, she had sent several young men from rich families to have their way with her one after another.

    The first to take advantage of her was Ming Rouguang. He never learnt that several men came after him in succession. When Wong Xiaoyu was known to be pregnant, he took it as his responsibility and nobody else objected.

    Wong Xiaoyu was forced to marry him even though she was not even sure if he was the father of her unborn child back then.

    However, as Ming Rong Zhang grows up, she saw that he does not resemble his father, not one bit. She began to suspect that his father might be someone else from all the men who wronged her.

    One-by-one, she managed to test them through either unknown or forced way. This time, it was Yang Jeong Cheol''s turn.

    When she found out the results, she took advantage if the donor match to use this family to carry out her next plot of revenge.

 181 Pride

    "You''re a liar!" Jiang Mei Ling loosened herself from his grip and hurriedly went out of the makeshift lounge. She went back into her car before anyone could notice her.

    The cast and crew went to resume the filming after their lunch break.

    Lu Shaoting, who had not eaten a bite, calmly took his place behind the scenes, ready to resume work. His professionalism is in a way too strict. He acted as if nothing happened. His mood did not even reflect how he treated others. He remained patient with them, without compromising the quality of the production.

    Jiang Mei Ling drove to the Lu estate, and with her emotions came the reports of her husband''s recent activities to her in-laws.

    This made the old couple personally request an audience with their son at the Luxe Entertainment Chairman''s Office.

    "How dare you ignore your wife like that? You even went to meet that woman! How many times do we have to tell you not to associate yourself with her?! She...we''re not even sure if she is really your cousin! She just came out of nowhere and claimed being related to us. She might be scamming you!"

    A lot more insults came his way. He never interrupted what they were saying.

    After they sighed and finally stopped yelling at him, Lu Shaoting looked them in the eyes.

    "This is the first time I failed to fully inform my wife of my whereabouts and activities. I had always been on her beck and call, even for unreasonable and petty things. I did everything without complaint because I love my wife. This is the first time I wronged her. That was why I explained my side. However, telling you something I told her out of confidence is betraying me. I cannot believe that she chose not to understand me...just.this.once. I also have my pride as a man. You could tell her that unless everyone of you will try to see through my eyes, I will be out of your sight from now on."

    With that, he strode away, leaving his parents dumfounded.

    That day, Lu Shaoting booked an overseas flight no one else knows where.

    ___________________

    "You. You bought the flowers for the backdrop?!" Ming Rushi was not in the slightest good mood as she checked the venue for the fashion show of the newest bridal collection of XCG.

    "Ye-yes...Director Ming..." the subordinate stuttered and shivered before her.

    "How could you pick something this awful?! This is a bridal collection! The flowers look dead! How did you even manage to land yourself in the marketing department?!"

    "I...Director...I''m...I''m sorry!" The poor woman hurriedly went and took a flower arrangement away as she was tear-jerky.

    "Director Ming." A deep steady voice suddenly called out to Ming Rushi.

    She swiftly turned and had a look of shock for a second before turning into her professional expression. "CEO Xiu." She bowed.

    "Is this how you treat our employees?" Masaichi Xiu had a poker face on.

    "CEO, I am in charge of this event. I had given them the color scheme for the decorations 3 weeks ago. Forgive my actions, but I deemed it necessary to reemphasize my point."

    "Do you think they would improve using that approach?" He was trying to provoke her.

    Ming Rushi will not back down. "CEO, as a subordinate, I am open to suggestions on supervision for the improvement of the company''s workforce." She eyed him mockingly, waiting for his orders.

    "Secretary Ta." he called.

    Romina Ta had an indifferent expression behind her glasses. She maintained her professionalism despite of her roller coaster emotions the day before. She will never allow others to mock her because she let her emotions prevail. No one can trample her pride.

    She walked until she was a step behind her boss. "Yes, CEO?"

    "I will give you an hour to fix this mess she created." His chin pointed to Ming Rushi.

    "Yes, CEO." Secretary Ta bowed and moved to take her leave.

    "Wait." Masaichi eyed Ming Rushi.

    Romina Ta held her breath. She did not want to stay for a minute longer. She was having a hard time holding onto her emotions.

    "Take Director Ming with you. She needed some tips in mobilizing her subordinates." He gave Ming Rushi a snicker before he strode away from them.

    Romina Ta glanced at his retreating back before turning to the lady who was about to lose her temper.

 182 Gif

    As Dan lied on bed with his wife, he kept staring at her as her eyelashes flutter as she tried to get some sleep. Earlier that night, she nursed Dmitri and put him to sleep. She was clearly tired.

    Yet, he was restless and could not help but ruin her almost achieved sleep.

    "Darling." His melodic voice rang in her ears.

    "Hmmn?" She raised a brow but did not open her eyes.

    "Your birthday is fast approaching. What do you want as a gift?"

    She frowned and turned her back on him without opening her eyes. It was not a good enough reason to disrupt the sleep she was trying to get.

    "Hey! Darling..." his arm slithered along her waist. "If you don''t tell me, all you''ll ever get is me." He chuckled with mischievous eyes.

    She turned to face him with a glare. "Dmitri is not even a year old. Don''t be ridiculous!" She gently hit his shoulder.

    He laughed heartily. "Hey, they said that breastfeeding is a form of contraception. Don''t you wanna prove it?"

    Her brows furrowed deeper. She could remember the doctor telling her this information just before they left the hospital after she gave birth.

    "I think you have gathered enough proof of the trustworthiness of the information in MXZ island." She maintained the furrowed brows but a smile was evident on her lips.

    He laughed even more as he pulled her closer into his embrace.

    Midori was afflicted with his contagious laugh and chuckled. Her husband was flashing his toothpaste commercial smile. It was still amazing.

    She could not help but stare at his gorgeous face. Too bad for most people, he keeps this smile when he is at work.

    "Darling..." she called out softly as she looked up to look him in the eyes.

    "Hmmn?" He caresssed her face and brushed off some stray hair near her eyes with his fingers.

    She suddenly moved her head to give his lips a peck.

    He chuckled. His wife continued to play him like this even after they had Dmitri.

    "Can I have another one?" he teased.

    "Go to sleep." She turned her back to him and wrapped herself with the blanket.

    Dan pulled onto the blanket until he could wrap his arms around her waist and hips.

    ___________________

    Takagi Ryuuji was walking along a path surrounded by cherry trees. It was the season that their blossoms are in full bloom.

    He could still remember walking with Midori that spring before they graduated.

    As he pondered on his memories, a blossom fell before him, gently swaying in its natural motility, before it landed on his then stretched out palm.

    She loved cherry blossoms. She even treated him to sakura mochi.

    That was when she revealed that it was her birthday.

    She had a rather lonely expression with her declaration.

    Later on, he learned that it was on her birthday that her ex-boyfriend cheated on her.

    From then on, his yearning to be with her grew, promising himself that if this girl ever gives him a chance, he will give his all to make her happy.

    He stared at the flower on his palm as he reminisced their times of being together.

    He still could not get why she had to get back together with the man who hurt her.

    He closed his palm ever so gently, as if he wanted to protect the flower without crushing it.

    It was similar to how he felt for Midori. He wanted to protect her, keep her close, but he never intended to imprison her in his grasp.

    He looked up at the majestic cherry tree with abundant leaves fluttering and flying about, making nature''s confetti.

    He sighed as he remembered his conversation with the doctor earlier.

    Then he opened his palm to see the blossom again.

    He smiled as he figured out what he will give Midori for her birthday.

 183 Meeting

    Verdan Zhou strode towards his office after alighting from the VIP elevator.

    Liu Fei Long bowed as he greeted, "Good morning, CEO Zhou."

    "Hmmn." Verdan Zhou subtly nodded, keeping his indifferent expression.

    As they continued walking towards the end of the hallway, the assistant gave a briefing on the schedule for the day.

    Dan gestured his assistant to follow through into the office as he subtly tilted his head. For a tall person, his movements were minimal.

    Liu Fei Long followed his boss inside the office. Then as if remembering something, his expression lit up. "Ah! CEO, Madam Zhou had asked for you."

    "When?" Verdan Zhou raised a brow as he took off his coat, hang it on the rack, then strode to sit before his desk.

    He started browsing through the pile of folders before him.

    "CEO, Madam requested the meeting today since she was not able to see you yesterday."

    Verdan Zhou continued to browse and sign.

    "What is it about?"

    "She did not disclose, Sir."

    Verdan Zhou frowned, sighed, then strode out of his office.

    Liu Fei Long was stunned for a couple of seconds before he followed his boss who had almost reached the elevator. He sprinted in his suit to beat him in pressing the going up button.

    His boss frowned. "She''s in her office?"

    "Uhm..." Liu Fei Long gulped. He just assumed that the chairman requested the meeting in her office.

    "It''s fine. Checking her office won''t hurt." As Verdan Zhou finished this statement, the elevator had landed to the top floor.

    "CEO." Greetings in bent backs flooded them as they walked along the hallway to the chairman''s office.

    When they arrived at the door, a female voice stopped them.

    "CEO Zhou, the chairman is not yet in her office." A bespectacled lady in a neat bun declared.

    She abruptly rose from her swivel chair behind her cluttered desk, which faced the door to the chairman''s office.

    "You requested for a meeting with me." Verdan Zhou glared at her. "Yet she is not even here. Are you kidding me?!" He looked at her, then he turned to his assistant for answers.

    Liu Fei Long shook his head like a rattle. He pleaded with his eyes that the CEO would believe his innocence on this matter.

    "Useless!" He continued glaring at them subsequently, before his black oxfords pivoted back to the hallway.

    He took out his phone from his pocket as he continued to stride to the VIP elevator.

    "Good morning, CEO. What can I do for you today?" Michelle Adams had great energy in her voice and answered after a single ring.

    "Did you know about my mother summoning me this early?" There was a hint of annoyance in his voice.

    Even if she could not see her boss''s expression, Michelle Adams surely detected the danger in his voice.

    "CEO, I had informed Assistant Liu 2 days prior that the Madam wanted to see you. She requested a meeting at DM Seafood Restaurant at 1100H. Would you want further details, Sir?"

    Verdan Zhou''s expression turned dark. At this point, he wanted to strangle Liu Fei Long.

    Sensing his boss, Assistant Liu unconsciously stepped back, and cursed himself for being alone with the CEO, who obviously want him dead, in a contraption called the elevator.

    After restraining himself from firing his assistant, Verdan Zhou worked all morning to finish his paperworks which pile up after being away.

    At 1045H, there was a knock on his door.

    "Enter."

    The wooden door slowly opened with a bit of squeak. Assistant Liu entered.

    "CEO, the meeting with the madam will be a quarter of an hour from now." he reminded.

    Verdan Zhou flicked on his signature on the document in his hand before standing up.

    He strode out of his office, Assistant Liu just behind him.

    When the CEO entered the VIP elevator, he swiftly pivoted to look face-to-face his assistamt.

    "Stay here." He ordered.

    Liu Fei Long had cold sweats. He would probably better off looking for another job.

    .

    Verdan Zhou drove his new gray Peugeot 508. The restaurant is about 10 minutes away, but considering the flow of traffic, he might be late at this point.

    As he drove, he was trying to compose in his mind how to gently turn down his mother, who seemed to remain persistent on marrying him off to Madeline Song. He won''t be surprised if this is a setup for them to meet.

    "Mr. Zhou, this way, please." A pretty waitress gestured as she led him to a private room.

    She left after he was led to a closed door.

    He turned the knob with irritation in his mind.

    To his surprise, the room was dimly lit, with no one occupying the seats.

    Suddenly, his vision turned black.

 184 Coming Home

    That night, Midori came home from the supermarket after buying almost a month''s supply of ingredients.

    She had left Dmitri with her parents after spending her day with them.

    Tonight, it is just for her and her husband.

    Few hours earlier, she was pouting because she did not get any surprise or gift from him.

    However, she brushed it off as him being busy.

    She decided to surprise and cook for him instead, as her birthday celebration.

    When she drove up to the driveway of their villa, she stopped her car just outside the front door, since there was a car parked at the garage.

    Before she started getting her groceries from the trunk, her curiosity led her towards the unfamiliar car.

    On closer inspection, it looked like it was ''wrapped'' in rose gold foil ribbon.

    It was a pearl white

    "Oh my..." Midori gasped as she covered her mouth to suppress a scream.

    She looked around. This is the point where her husband would magically appear behind her with his flashy smile.

    However, no one was there.

    She smiled sweetly and thought that he might have sent his gift in advance, and that he will probably be home late.

    She turned back and walked towards her car, then she started unloading the trunk.

    They did not have any househelpers who stay with them. Few of them would only come 3-4 times weekly to clean the villa, with no questions asked.

    Dan kept it that way for security purposes.

    Midori was used to being alone whenever her husband needed to work late. The only assurance was he always came home, unless he told her he could not.

    She enthusiastically organized the dry and wet ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator accordingly, leaving some ingredients on the countertop.

    These will be the ones she planned to cook with that night.

    She then began to work in the cozy kitchen.

    She smiled as she recalled the first day they stayed in the villa.

    Dan immediately began cooking for her upon their arrival.

    Midori chuckled as she recalled how she thought that he was being intrusive in that ''restaurant'' and smiled at the memory.

    Her phone began ringing.

    She stopped chopping and wiped her hands with a towel, then she swiped her phone to answer the call.

    "Okaasan. What''s wrong? Is Dmitri alright?"

    "Take him with you if you don''t trust me." The annoyed voice of Aoi Xiu rang from the other end.

    Midori chuckled. "No. He''s yours for the night!"

    "What a mother! Leaving her son so she could have some sugar!"

    "Mom!" Midori was flustered and embarrassed.

    Aoi laughed. "So, have you started? Did I interrupt anything?"

    "Mom! He''s not even here yet!" Midori was thankful that her blush was not seen by her mom.

    "Haha! Alright, alright. That''s why you''re grumpy. I was just checking on you. Good night then."

    "Good night, Okaasan."

    .

    Meanwhile, Michelle Adams was restless.

    Liu Fei Long reported that the CEO drove himself to meet the chairman. However, he had not come back thereafter.

    When he missed his meeting and appointments, both assistants tried to contact him, to no avail.

    They started contacting the chairman''s secretary, but was informed that she had not met her son that day.

    Michelle Adams was trying to call Young Madam Zhou, but her phone was busy.

    Just as she was pacing back and forth in her living room, the main door unlocked.

    "Riles!" she exclaimed, with a hint of relief.

    Riley Adams frowned with worry. "What''s wrong?"

    "We...we have a situation. Can you still contact your previous boss?"

    He furrowed his brows closer. "Miss Xiu?"

    "Yes. We...I believe CEO Zhou had gone missing." The fear on her face was evident.

    "What? Since when? Did you call the police?"

    "Not yet. Our people are still trying to find him. But...he is still nowhere in sight since 1000H."

    "Did you contact Miss Xiu?"

    "Her phone is busy."

    Riley Adams reached for his phone and dialled his former boss''s number.

    After four rings, it went through.

    .

    Midori Zhou had just resumed cooking after ending the call with her mother when an incoming call startled her.

    She lowered the heat from the stove and reached for her phone.

    She furrowed her brows as she saw the contact calling. It has been a long time since she was contacted by the assistant to the CEO of XCG.

    "Hello, Mr. Adams. It''s been a long time. What made you--"

    She was interrupted by his distressed voice.

    "Madam Zhou...your...your husband..."

    She frowned deeper. "What happened to Dan?!"

    "Madam Zhou, we believe your husband is missing." Riley gulped after uttering the words.

    He could hear a utensil toppling on the floor.

 185 Already Married

    Verdan Zhou woke up with a throbbing, severe headache. His whole body felt tired.

    A ray of sunshine irritated his eyes. He squinted as he tried to figure out where he is.

    "Oh...CEO Zhou is awake..." the excitement in the voice of the old man was obvious.

    Chairman Song giddily strode towards the barely conscious man who was securely tied to a single sofa.

    With clotted blood was still over his nape and shoulders, Verdan Zhou struggled to make out what was happening.

    Suddenly, he felt the rope around his arms loosening.

    A man in an all black attire and sunglasses approached him, but stopped a couple of steps away, as he carried a brown legal envelope.

    Another man in black placed a table between the single sofa and the man carrying an envelope.

    With a sneer, Chairman Song bent forward to mock Verdan Zhou.

    "Tsk tsk...you should''ve just married my idi** daughter as planned. Y''know, I could always force her. She moves as I want her. I..." he chuckled. "I would''ve not needed to do this to your pretty face, boy." He laughed sinisterly, then abruptly stopped with a frown.

    His subordinates who had smiles when he was laughing recovered their indifferent look when he stopped.

    "Pen." Chairman Song ordered.

    The man who had the envelope placed it on the table and took out its contents. Then he produced a pen from his coat pocket.

    Another man rudely pushed the injured Verdan Zhou, making him almost hit the table with his face. Dan at least managed to support himself by propping his torso by pushing on the table with his forearms.

    "Sign here." Chairman Song had a wide grin on his malicious face as he pointed to an area in the paper.

    Dan looked up to him, then turned to where the wrinkled finger was pointing.

    Dan chuckled. "Sure."

    With shaky hands, he grabbed the fountain pen on the table.

    Chairman Song''s grin became even wider as he watched every stroke from the pen.

    His face contorted when he saw that Verdan Zhou wrote ''Joker'' instead of his signature.

    "How dare you mock me!" His fist landed on Dan''s face with the last word of the sentence.

    Verdan Zhou turned his head back to an upright position as he began to subtly laugh. Then his laughter continued into a more audible one, progressing to a contagious one as he continued to stare at the old man with mocking eyes.

    "Why you!" Chairman Song slammed on the table.

    At this point, Verdan Zhou was being restrained by two men, one of them tying his hands behind him.

    He snickered. "Even if I sign on that paper, you still could not register that fake marriage." His smile was done to irritate the old man more.

    "And why is that?" Chairman Song was skeptical. He had some men in the city registry who could register the marriage with only the papers he had with him. He could actually forge his daughters signature. However, he had never gotten a good signature from Verdan Zhou.

    For some reason, the employees of ZFC had been loyal to the company and the CEO. No one provided him with documents signed by the CEO himself. Small matters are actually handled by the directors and his assistants so he does not need to sign everything.

    Verdan Zhou looked up at the old man with a smile bordered by his bleeding lower lip.

    "Too bad for you. I''m already married."

    Chairman Song had wide eyes. He landed another fist onto Dan''s face.

    "Get rid of him!" he ordered, and strode out of the dark room, with all but one of his men following.

    One was left behind. He was tasked to kill him.

    Verdan Zhou sensed the hesitation in him. "Can you even do as they say?" He had a wide grin.

    The man felt insulted and dragged him up by the collar, but said nothing.

    He almost dragged Dan out of the abandoned building, into a black van parked just outside.

    The man aimlessly drove until he decided to take the prisoner on a cliff by the sea.

    Verdan Zhou continued to mock his capabilities. "Would you rather work for me? I could give you a higher pay. You who could not even decide what to do with me will only be useless to them. I am the CEO of ZFC. I can give you a better job." he offered.

    Within a few feet away, Romina Ta was walking under the moonlight. She knew the passages among the bunch of trees near the house her father once built for their family.

    As she neared the cliff, she could hear a familiar voice, seemingly reciting a monologue since no one answered back.

    When she could finally see his face, his whole body was pushed from the cliff by an unknown man.

    "No!" She shouted. Then she covered her mouth, realizing her mistake.

    The man became aware that another person was there. However, he was more scared in being caught by the police. He ran away after quickly scanning the area and seeing no one.

    Romina Ta tried to calm herself as she hid behind a large tree.

    When she was certain that the man had gone, she hurried to view the raging waves below the cliff. She shuddered as she thought that it would be impossible for him to survive.

 186 No Idea

    Takagi Ryuuji changed into slippers, placing his oxfords at the getabako. It has been long since he was called into the old house of the Igarashis.

    Two nights before, he received a call from the lady of the house.

    "Hello, Takagi-san."

    "Ah! Ko-konbanwa, Madam Xiu." He was flustered to receive a call from Midori''s mother.

    "I''d like a meeting with you."

    Takagi Ryuuji could still remember how the iron lady of the Igarashi clan begged him for help.

    And, there he was, still having no idea what to do.

    Standing at the end of the hallwaywas Aoi Xiu, cradling an infant in her arms.

    Takagi Ryuuji remembered her words the day before.

    "Midori''s husband died a month ago. They have a son."

    He could not let the words sink in, not until now that he saw the child.

    When he reached the lady of the house, he greeted, "Madam Xiu." He bowed.

    "Takagi-kun." She recognized back.

    He avoided looking at the child.

    Aoi Xiu noticed this. "This is Dmitri Zhou...Midori''s son." she declared.

    Takagi Ryuuji gulped. He was still bitter of the fact that Midori married another. It was even harder for him to accept that she now has a son.

    "Hmn." He nodded in recognition, still avoiding to look closer on the features of the child.

    Aoi Xiu observed him closely. Maybe it was too early for him to be alright with her grandson.

    "Madam, where...where is Midori?" He tried looking around.

    "Behind the door." Aoi Xiu moved from her place to unblock the door behind her.

    It was the only bedroom door in the old house which had a solid wooden door.

    Aoi Xiu strode away with her grandson after gesturing Takagi Ryuuji to come into the room.

    He sighed heavily and braced himself. He opened the door gently, causing a slow, a bit eerie creak of the old, but sturdy wood.

    He gaped at the scene before him.

    On the bed lied Midori, not moving an inch, eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

    Aoi Xiu''s words echoed in his mind.

    "She lost him for a month now, but her grief was too much. I understand that the sudden loss would be hard to accept for such a short amount of time, and I do not expect that from her. It''s just that...she can''t even take care of her son anymore. It''s like she lost the will to live. If...if she could at least talk to familiar people...I had asked her friends, but still...not even a reaction was seen. Can you...at least try...to breach her walls?"

    If he could not see her breathing with the movement of her chest and the hands resting atop her abdomen, Takagi Ryuuji would really think that Midori Xiu is dead on the bed.

    "Midori..." he walked towards the bed.

    Silence answered him. He continued his monologue.

    "So, Aoi-bachan told me that you were married." He had a chuckle. "I met your little boy along the hallway. He''s adorable." He came closer and decided to sit on the side of the bed.

    "You''re mean! You know that? Didn''t even invite me on your wedding!" He pouted like a spoiled kid.

    Still, no reaction.

    "Midori, can you tell me about your son? Was it hard for you when you were pregnant? Come to think of it, if he is here now, then, you were pregnant when you were still working in the Igarashi group?! Oh wow, how did you keep it a secret?!"

    Midori stayed still, no matter how enthusiastic he sounded.

    "Midori, I believe you owe me a lot of explanations. After all, you rejected me for him, didn''t you?"

    ________________

    On a tropical little town, a lady carried a rattan basket filled with fruits, vegetables, and some eggs.

    She entered a nipa hut by drawing its curtains made of shells hanging from strings.

    "Louella!" She called out.

    A little girl of about five years old hurriedly came running towards her.

    "Ma!" The girl hugged her mother.

    "Did you watch over your father?"

    "Yes! I even cleaned his wounds!"

    "Good! Now, help me in the kitchen."

    The mother and daughter cooked together, happily laughing and singing as they did.

    A pair of hazel eyes were reavealed by lids that parted after hearing their songs.

 187 Cover Up

    Romina Ta was pushing a shopping cart along the aisle of a supermarket.

    It has been over a month since she tendered her resignation, to the bewilderment and reluctance of her boss. She had been living in their old house by the sea, but visits the city proper every two weeks to buy her supplies. She had been living off her savings and the inheritance from her mother.

    As she walked along the detergent section, the clicking of high heels caught her attention.

    "Vincent, stop running around! You can hurt yourself!" A scolding, but motherly voice was heard.

    Romina Ta noticed a boy of about 5 years old running around, while holding a box of chocolates as if he was protecting a treasure. Then she glanced at the woman in a tan jumpsuit in pursuit of the boy.

    Romina Ta''s eyes widened and shook for a brief moment. She recognized the lady.

    It was the new CEO of ZFC, the first born child of Victor Zhou. Three weeks ago, ZFC had announced that they will switch their CEOs for the branch in City B and City S. There was a vague reason given, but everyone accepted that CEO Verdan Zhou just went abroad. The press never learned that he was missing.

    Romina Ta, who witnessed his last moment, knew otherwise.

    She gazed at Vanessa Zhou. This lady has a strong personality. ZFC was still lucky that she is capable. Otherwise, they could come crumbling down.

    Romina Ta was impressed of how well the Zhou family had covered up the death of their heir.

    The child the CEO was chasing was probably her son.

    Speaking of an heir, Vanessa Zhou''s children would not be heir to ZFC, since their father is also a prominent figure in the business industry.

    Romina Ta furrowed her brows. ''Miss Midori''s child is the heir then?'' She thought that they will wait for the child to grow up and take over the company. He is a Zhou after all.

    Romina Ta sighed and continued pushing her cart away.

    If the Zhou family chose to cover up the death of their heir, she will not bother to disclose what she had witnessed.

    Vanessa Zhou felt a stare behind her back, but when she turned, the person who was pushing a cart had gone to another aisle. She had a weird feeling that the person wanted a conversation. ''Do I know that person?'' she asked herself.

    After not recalling the person who had been on the same aisle as them, she shrugged her shoulders and lifted her son to make him sit on the cart.

    Her movement was fluid, despite being in heels. Her aura was confident, but not overbearing.

    Indeed, she had to be strong. Her brother is no longer around, and her mother refuses to recognize his marriage to the daughter of the Xiu family.

    She left her husband in City B, but she could not part with her children, so they went back with her to City S.

    That day, she brought Vincent, her eldest, to go shopping for groceries. Her younger child was left under the care of her mother. However, since she does not trust her mother''s ability to raise children, as she was the one who truly raised her brother, she assigned one of the housekeepers to ''assist'' her mother in caring for the baby.

    She frowned as they reached the section with breakfast grains. Her brother once told her the story of how he met Midori again.

    She reached and took out a box of their product, Cerealz. She stared at it as if reading the details, but she was just reminiscing the flashy smile of her brother as he animatedly described his encounter with Manta.

    In truth, the idea of bringing Manta into the production area was made by Vanessa Zhou, after her brother had told him about the child.

    Right now, she needed to endure the inconvenience of raising her kids while keeping the company afloat. At the same time, she wanted justice for her brother.

 188 The Search

    Su Linyu touched a porcelain urn with hand-painted design. She was staring at it for almost an hour.

    Her eyes blinked. She was still not convinced that it was her son whom she cremated that day.

    Indeed, three days after Verdan Zhou went missing, the private investigators, with the help of the police, recovered his barely-resembling-a-car Peugeot 508, with an unrecognizable burnt body inside.

    Thus, the investigators believed that it was her son and the search ceased. Their cover up included making the police treat the case as highly classified.

    Despite all these, Su Linyu had doubts in the investigation. She might just be in denial, but she can feel that Verdan is still alive.

    "Madam." A young man in a suit greeted.

    Su Linyu jerked her finger off the urn and blinked multiple times, as if she just woke up from her trance.

    She maintained a stern face. "Any news?"

    "We haven''t found him...but now, we have a lead." he was hesitant with his answer.

    "What?! What did you say?" Su Linyu bolted from her chair with wide eyes.

    "A fisherman whom we asked said that he saw someone resembling the young master. Our men are on their way to confirm this."

    "Be certain about this." Her voice was stern, but her face had hope and happy tears. "Go now."

    "Yes, Madam." He bowed and left the study, gently shutting the door behind him.

    As the young man turned along a corridor, his collar was yanked off and he was pushed and pressed hard against a wall.

    He was shocked to see his Young Mistress glaring at him, her face only an inch away from his.

    "What did you tell my mother?" she demandingly asked.

    The young man hesitated. He pondered briefly on whether he could divulge the information to the Young Mistress. He remembered that the order was to keep their search unknown to the public.

    "Young Mistress..." he was sweating buckets. "Our men may have found your brother." He decided that the Young Mistress is not an outsider, so he answered when asked.

    "What?!" Her grip on him loosened and her voice cracked. "He''s really still alive?!" Tears were brimming from her eyes.

    "We...we still need to confirm his identity."

    "When are you going to where he is?"

    "Our men will be heading to the island now...for the initial search."

    Vanessa Zhou had a stern face, resembling her mother''s. "When are YOU heading there?" She inched closer to his face again.

    "Tomorow...early morning...we will be at the pier at 0500H." He was getting flustered by the distance.

    "Oh...then we''ll be coming along." She swiftly let go of him and pivoted away with her clicking heels.

    Vanessa Zhou drove her Porsche Panamera directly to the airport.

    When she arrived, Monty was waving at her with a big smile.

    "Hello, Miss Zhou! Why are you suddenly going to City T?"

    "I need to talk to my sister-in-law." She had a gentle smile.

    "Oh...then buckle up, Miss." He went into the cockpit.

    _______________

    "Open your mouth now." Takagi Ryuuji coaxed as he held a spoonful of porridge towards Midori''s lips.

    Like a lifeless mechanical doll, she followed the instruction, but her expression did not change. She continued to stare blankly straight ahead.

    Takagi Ryuuji was just thankful that she was at least willing to eat. At least, it will save them the trouble of providing nutrition for her through tubes.

    He continued to coax her until she finished the bowl. He carefully held a glass of water for her to drink.

    As he was about to walk out of the room with the food tray, the door burst open.

    The flustered face of Vanessa Zhou came into view.

    Aoi Xiu came in after her.

    "Midori! My brother is still alive!"

    For the first time, after a long time, they had elicited an expression from Midori Zhou, proving that she is still alive.

 189 Having a Family

    "Oh! Papa, you''re awake! Come! The food is almost ready!" The little girl called Louella happily greeted him as he stepped out of the bedroom.

    His towering figure almost reaching the low ceiling of the nipa hut.

    "What''s for dinner then?" His smile can melt anyone''s heart.

    The lady who was cooking with her daughter timidly smiled. "We''re having fish stew. You two wash your hands. It won''t be long ''til it''s ready."

    "Okay." He smiled and fetched some water from the nearby pump.

    She was placing plates on the table when the two came back into the house.

    "Papa, please take off the fishbones for me." The little girl requested with puppy eyes.

    "Sure, Darling." He smiled gently at her, but was startled by the glare from the lady.

    "Luis, don''t spoil her. She can do it herself." She turned towards her daughter. "Louella, debone the fish yourself. Don''t bother your father. He needs to eat well to regain his strength."

    "Oh...okay..." Louella had a deranged expression, bur she started eating.

    "Eleanor, it''s fine. She''s my daughter after all. Spoiling her a little won''t hurt." He flashed his smile.

    As they were having dinner, the man''s thoughts were swirling around a lot of things.

    He might have lost his memory, but he thought that the feeling of having a family seemed natural to him. He just regretted that he needed to know them again from the beginning. Eleanor had told him that he had gone missing at sea for a long time. That was why most neighbors do not recognize him, and that she was thankful that he had finally returned.

    What convinced him more are their matching rings, signifying their marriage. When he tried to pull his, he had a mark on his finger that proved that he had worn the ring for quite some time.

    _________________

    In the private plane bound to City S, Midori held her sleeping son, which she failed to do for several weeks. Her thoughts were running about several possibilities.

    Earlier on, Vanessa told her that a fisherman had seen her husband in their small town.

    The news of Dan''s death took her in a state of shock. Since the body was burnt already, they proceeded with cremation. But even in the funeral, Midori never cried, instead, she became like a lifeless doll, to the dismay of her family.

    Now, she had hope that he could still be alive. But what if they were mistaken? What if the body that they recovered was really his and this is just false hope.

    She kissed her son on the forehead. She had a bitter smile on her face. She felt guilty for abandoning him and not being strong enough for him.

    She turned her head towards where Aoi Xiu was seated.

    Amidst her strange reaction to the turn of events, her mother stood by her and even took the role of taking care of Dmitri personally.

    Midori is also aware of all the efforts she put in trying to make her come around.

    She knew, but at that time, it was as if her whole being did not want to do anything purposefully.

    She wanted to. She knew she had to. However, she was so depressed to do anything about it.

    As if feeling her stare, Aoi Xiu looked towards her direction and flashed a gentle smile.

    Midori mouthed, "Thanks, Mom!" And had a warm smile.

    Aoi nodded as she smiled more.

    Midori adjusted her son''s sleeping position on her chest as she tried to catch some rest too.

    Aoi Xiu pondered. If her daughter failed to bring back her son-in-law, it might be a bigger problem.

    She looked at Takagi Ryuuji, who was asleep after few days of taking care of her daughter. She pitied him. If Dan can really be rescued, then this man, whose fault was only loving Midori, would have to get out of the picture again, whether he likes it or not.

 190 Who are You?

    The investigators then led the team for the search for Verdan Zhou.

    Earlier, with the help of their witness, they had tracked the house where the Young Master was being kept..

    Midori held her son close as the bumpy road to the small town required them to ride a local jeep right after alighting their boat.

    Aoi Xiu and Vanessa Zhou tried to share her burden of protecting Dmitri throughout the long journey, but she insisted on caring for her son because of her guilt of neglecting him.

    After hours of travel, they arrived in the small village near the sea.

    A man in an all-black attire, despite the suffocatingly hot weather, approached Vanessa Zhou.

    "Miss, the Young Master was seen to have come out and into that house." He pointed to a nipa hut surrounded by bushes and shrubs.

    Vanessa Zhou nodded. She took a deep breath, then she started walking towards the small house.

    Before she could arrive at the door, the towering figure with the face of her brother came out from the makeshift front door.

    "Verdan..." she whispered, more to herself than to call out to him.

    This was muffled by a shout.

    "Dan!" Midori Xiu bolted to the man who just came out and hugged him tightly, as if she would not let go.

    It was a good thing that Aoi Xiu had taken her grandson from her daughter when they arrived at the place.

    All eyes to the man were wide.

    A month ago, they had held a funeral for him, but now, he is clearly still alive.

    "Dan..." Midori kept her tight embrace as she started crying.

    The towering man before her looked baffled. He eyed the people surrounding them.

    "Who...who are you?" he asked, confused.

    A tear dropped down Vanessa Zhou''s cheek. Her brother seemed to have lost his memory.

    Midori stopped sobbing and gasped. "Dan, it''s me, Midori!" Her tone was laced with pleading.

    "I...I don''t..." He shook his head as he gently pushed the fragile-looking woman before him.

    "Papa?" A little voice called out.

    The man managed to push Midori at arm''s length from him as the child came out.

    "Papa, who are they?" A little girl came out of the house and held onto the man''s pants. She looked up to him as she asked.

    "Uhm...I...uhm, sweetheart, could you get back inside the house. Papa will just tell these folks some directions."

    "Oh...okay." The girl obediently went back into the house.

    When he was certain that the girl will not be hearing the conversation, he looked at the people before him with a stern expression.

    "I''m sorry. I believe you got the wrong person. I do not know anyone of you. Please leave me and my family alone."

    "Dan! How can you say that?! We''re married! See, here''s my wedding ring, and you..." Midori showed her engagement ring and wedding ring set on her ring finger. However, she stopped as she found a different ring on the ring finger of the man.

    "Yes, I''m married, but not to you. Please don''t make things difficult for my family. My daughter is young. She could easily misunderstand." The man kept his composure and chose to be civilized.

    Vanessa Zhou was about to burst in irritation and anger, but she controlled herself when she noticed Midori''s reaction.

    Midori heaved a heavy sigh. Then she smiled ever so sweetly.

    "Oh, I''m sorry...sir. We might have truly gotten the wrong person. Please excuse my earlier behavior. Please rest assured that we will not bother you and your family...ever again." The last two words were heavy as she almost choked as she blurted them out.

    With a tear-jerky expression, she turned around and never turned back. She went straight back into the jeep they rode on the way and never looked back on the direction of the man.

    Vanessa Zhou was hesitant, but she just shook her head in regret and followed Midori into the vehicle.

    The rest of the search party followed through, and it was not long until the engine started and dust was the only trace of the people who came looking for the man.

    After they had gone, the woman called ''Eleanor'' came back from the market.

    "Luis! Why are you just standing outside in this heat?" She had a worried and tired expression.

    She looked towards the direction the man was staring at.

    "Did something happen?" she asked.

    The man shook his head. "Nothing." He changed his confused expression and smiled at her. "Are you tired? Let me carry that for you." He tried to get the basket from her arm.

    "No! You...you''re still recovering." She said worriedly as she shook her head.

    "It''s fine. Your husband is not that weak." He successfully took the basket from her arm and entered the house.

    The smile from Eleanor''s face disappeared when he turned his back on her. She glanced at the area he was previously staring at before she stepped into the house.

 191 Kidnapping

    Vanessa Zhou and the rest of the search party stopped by a caf¨¦ in the mountains near the port they arrived at after the boat ride.

    "Was that not really Young Master Zhou?! Did we really burn his ashes during his funeral? But he looks so much like him!" The young man in a black suit uttered the words in disbelief.

    "He is my brother." declared Vanessa Zhou. "But we need to prove it to him."

    "What if he really is another person? We can get sued for breaching his privacy."

    "The man you cremated is definitely not Verdan Zhou." A smirking Lu Shaoting suddenly appeared near their table.

    He surveyed the table and frowned. "His wife did not join the search party?"

    "Director Lu, Midori had gone through a lot today. What are you saying? You did not even see the man we saw today, how can you be certain that my brother was not the man burned in his car?" Vanessa Zhou was skeptical. Lu Shaoting did not even show up to pay respects when they held the funeral. Now, he is suddenly declaring things with such certainty.

    "Because I have a witness who saw how your brother fell from a cliff to the sea...and he was definitely not inside a car."

    "And who is that?! Why only tell us now?!" Vanessa Zhou slammed her palms on the table. Cups and cutlery jumped with the force.

    "Why would I let someone under my protection get wind up in the troubles of your family?" Lu Shaoting had a serious face.

    .

    Two hours ago, Lu Shaoting visited Romina Ta who is currently living in their villa by the sea.

    She looked like she was scared and had not slept for ages.

    "What''s bothering you? Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"

    "You didn''t need to bother yourself with my concerns, Cousin." Romina Ta weakly smiled.

    Lu Shaoting heaved a sigh. "I''m here anyway. Tell me what''s going on."

    "Well, I kept having nightmares about the day I saw CEO Zhou being pushed off from a cliff."

    "What?! But they said that he was burnt in his car! Are you certain that it was him that you saw?"

    "Yes! He was even speaking before the person who pushed him off. I am certain that it was him."

    "Why did you not tell the authorities about this?"

    "ZFC had covered up his death. You think the police would believe my story?"

    "Then you should have called for me sooner."

    In reality, she did not even call him for help. He just found her unusual self when he video called her once to check on her.

    Lu Shaoting just came back from Country F after shooting a film. His stubborn self only focused on work and never contacted his family. However, he remained in touch with Romina Ta, whom he treats as his sister. He had always felt that he owed this girl a family, because of what his father did to his aunt.

    Romina Ta remained silent as she pondered over her actions.

    "Alright. Let me fix this mess for you. You just relax here, alright?" Lu Shaoting gave her a pat on the head, then he left.

    .

    And so, when he found Vanessa Zhou and some bodyguards discussing their search, he decided to jump into the conversation.

    "You''re really certain that my brother is still alive?" Vanessa Zhou had hope and uncertainty in her voice and expression.

    "Hey, I am only certain that he was not burnt alive inside his car. Whether or not he survived his cliff fall is beyond me."

    "Tsk. So what are you trying to get at?"

    "You wanna prove that he is really Verdan Zhou? Why don''t you take that man you saw back in City S for testing?"

    "That''s kidnapping! If he really is a different person, we can get convicted!"

    "Would you rather defend yourself for a case of mistaken identity, or pass on the opportunity of retrieving your brother and saving your company?"

    Vanessa Zhou eyed Director Lu as she thought about her answer.

 192 The Old You

    Aoi Xiu glanced at her daughter who was sitting like a lifeless doll in the car. Her grandson had just caught sleep after crying for awhile, as if sensing the distress from his mother.

    When they were back in the Xiu estate, Midori went straight into her room and shut the door behind her.

    Takagi Ryuuji placed a hand on Aoi Xiu''s shoulder and nodded meaningfully before he went after Midori upstairs.

    He knocked. When no one answered, he slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open.

    He expected Midori to be back on the bed, expressionless, like a mannequin. However, he found the bed empty. The gush of cool breeze gave him the instinct to go out to the balcony as its curtains were swaying with the wind, inviting him.

    True enough, he found her standing at the balcony, her arms leaning on the railing.

    However, to his surprise, she had an expression.

    The day he saw her looking lifeless, he promised himself that he would do anything just to bring back her old cheerful self. He had planned a lot of ways to do so, but now, he thought that the effort might not be needed.

    Midori Xiu was smiling at him when she sensed his presence.

    ______________

    "Are you sure you can take him back? As much as I wanted to beat him up to his senses, I still want my brother to return in one piece." Vanessa Zhou gave a stern look. "Getting him back to his old self will be another matter."

    "Of course. I had been directing plays since before I reached the legal age. Manipulating people is my specialty." Lu Shaoting had a smug look of confidence.

    "Yet you left your wife and child alone." She gave him a suspiscious look.

    "As much as I love my craft is how much I hate people trying to manipulate me. There is a limit to everything, so as your concern on how I manage my affairs." He had an expression that could warn anyone.

    "Just make sure you retrieve my brother alive. I will take it from there. My husband has a membership card to the exclusive hospital of Dr. Long."

    _______________

    "Linyu, you should really consider my offer." The sinister smile on his face was showing.

    That afternoon, Chairman Song paid a visit to the Chairman''s office of ZFC.

    "Chairman Song, my daughter is very capable. A merger is not necessary."

    "An acquisition is actually a better option. C''mon Linyu...your son already secretly married my daughter before he..."

    "Can you stop this ridiculous claim?!"

    "The marriage license is the proof. My daughter is also still recovering from the death of her husband...but she''ll get over it."

    "Stop saying that! Mr. Song, I will not agree to a merger, more so to an acquisition! Please show yourself out if there is nothing else!" Su Linyu was livid as she pointed towards the door. She did not care how rude she had been. She just could not take hearing from the man that her son is dead.

    Until now, Su Linyu still blames herself for the disappearance of her son. In truth, she suspects that Chairman Song had planned everything all along, and she realized that she had been dumb enough to put the heir of ZFC in danger.

    Few minutes after the old man left, the secretary to the Chairman of ZFC was startled to see her boss leaving with her shoulder bag.

    "Madam!"

    "I''m taking the rest of the day off. Go home if you want. I don''t care!" Su Linyu strode away and into the VIP elevator.

    She went straight down the basement and took her own white Porsche Panamera and drove away.

    She drove for a dozen of kilometers before reaching a quiet villa situated on top of a hill.

    Though no one had gone to this villa, it was well maintained by their people, so that the grass on the lawn was trimmed, and the bushes were kept neat, with some roses blooming.

    She parked just outside the front door.

    After rummaging through her bag, she found the key to the house.

    Her heels clicked along the paved walkway. She keyed in and turned the knob, then the heavy wooden door opened with a loud creak.

    As she walked into the living room, Su Linyu could remember how her children played on the sofa when they were young.

    She glanced at the french windows which let the dim light of the sunset. Her husband used to stand there, admiring the garden outside, as he sipped his coffee.

    She was woken up from her reverie as she heard soome movements.

    Her neck swiftly followed the sound from behind her, her body pivoting with it.

    "Linyu?" A familiar voice resounded in her ears.

    Her eyes widened as she recognized the person who called out to her.

 193 I Know

    A pair of hazel eyes appeared before her.

    "Victor? You..." She looked at him from head to toe.

    The man is in a wheelchair but he was smiling. There is also evidence that he could use his arms and hands well.

    Su Linyu bolted into his embrace and leaned in, as if she had lost all strength.

    "Victor..." she broke into tears in his embrace. "Verdan...he...I..."

    "I know..." he consoled her by gently rubbing her back.

    "B-but...then he...and now he..." she wailed.

    "I know...we will get him back. I will help you." Victor Zhou had a subtle smile on his face. His hazel eyes showed sincerity.

    Even though she had been mean to him, especially that time when he needed family support, he still considers her as his wife.

    As they were married for financial reasons, Victor Zhou had always considered his wife as a friend whom he needed to provide for. Except when they needed to have children there were never any romance between them.

    However, he made sure that at least on the surface, his children would perceive their marriage as something that works. As time went by and the children grew up to be adults, he knew they understand what their real relationship is like.

    "Linyu...we have to take him back. Not just for us...most importantly, for his own family."

    "You actually believe that old monster?! My son would never marry his daughter!"

    "No. Verdan did not marry the daughter of Chairman Song..." he paused. He took a deep breath and looked at his wife in the eyes. "He married Xiu Jin''s daughter."

    "What?! No! It can''t be! No...he can''t!"

    "Would you rather prefer him dead?" Victor Zhou was half asking and half joking.

    Su Linyu glared at him.

    He chuckled at her glaring face streaked with tears.

    "Let''s talk about his family later on. Right now, we need to take him back first."

    _______________

    "Agatha..." the fair hand of Samantha Yang reached out to pat the hand of the daughter she raised as they sat facing each other in a caf¨¦.

    Agatha Yang finally agreed to meet the only mother she knew. The meeting was requested several times. She finally succumbed when she was informed that her brother is back in the hospital.

    "I''m back at the Xiu''s now. Can''t you leave me alone?"

    "Agatha, I''m your mother! How could you talk to me like that?!"

    "As far as I know, you only have a son." The indifferent expression on Agatha''s face hid her dimples. Her hazel eyes looked lifeless. She slid off her hand from her mother''s. She held the teacup with both hands, as if creating an excuse for her action.

    Samantha Yang refocused her objective and shifted her expression. "I was hoping you would at least be grateful of your parents who raised you. You might not be our biological daughter, but we treated you as our own. We even married you off into a rich family."

    Agatha''s face turned into an irritated expression. "What do you want?"

    "Your brother is in the hospital again."

    "I know. I can''t pay for his bills again. I only have enough for my everyday needs. I seldom go out. I tend to eat at home."

    "You unfilial child!"

    The sound of the wooden chair legs harshly rubbing against the floor, along with the sudden movement of standing, startled the older lady.

    "It''s enough that you almost got me and my husband killed. Don''t bother me again!" Her heels clicked against the tiled floor of the restaurant.

    The older lady frowned too much that her face contorted to something ugly. She glared at the retreating figure as she dialled her phone.

 194 How Dare You

    "Who...who are you?!" The woman named Eleanor struggled to free herself as both her wrists were grasped as a stranger suddenly pinned her against the cold stone wall of the old church.

    "It''s not important to know who I am...but if you really know the husband you are keeping at home." The strange man had a mocking smile as he stared down at her.

    "O-of course...he''s my husband...I...I married him!"

    "Oh really? Is that really the man you married? I heard people in town talk about how you picked up a person from the shore then claimed him as your husband..."

    "How dare you!" She tried to free herself again, to no avail.

    "Don''t you know that you could end up in jail for what you''re doing? You don''t know the man you''re living with right now. Keeping him will only bring you trouble."

    "Why are you doing this to my family?! My husband had been missing for years! It was only a miracle that he came back! Stop bothering us!"

    The man tightened his grip on her. "That man inside your house had only been missing for more than a month. Before that, he had a wife and a son. Aren''t you feeling guilty by keeping him away from them?"

    Her expression revealed the truth.

    "You took advantage of his memory loss and introduced lies to him. Continue this and you and that cute daughter of yours shall pay the price."

    "No! No...Louella!" She stared at the direction towards their house.

    The man had a sly smile as he released his grip on her.

    The woman dashed towards the direction she was staring at after being freed.

    _________________

    "Verdan Zhou..."

    "I said I am not him! My name is Luis de Castro! Leave my family alone!" He glared at the bespectacled good-looking tall man, then anxiously glanced at the little girl being restrained by two men.

    "Alright, alright..." he held up his hands as if in surrender. "Mr. De Castro, you should come with us. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee her life." He raised a brow and tilted his head to gesture towards the girl.

    "How dare you! She''s only a little girl!" He struggled to free himself from two large men clad in black who looked like bodyguards.

    "Mr. De Castro, you should just willingly come with us." The man nodded on the man in black who was holding the girl. The latter then took out a handkerchief from his side pocket and covered the girl''s mouth and nose until she lost consciousness. After which, the bespectacled man pointed a 9mm pistol with silencer towards her direction.

    "You''re a monster!"

    Lu Shaoting shifted the direction of his gun towards Verdan Zhou. He still held a grudge during the time he was punched when Verdan met Midori again after several years. He was secretly slightly hoping he could elicit fear from this once powerful man.

    However, to his dismay, he concluded that the man before him is really Verdan Zhou.

    When the gun aimed at him, there was no trace of fear in him. He looked at the bespectacled man as if ordering him to aim towards himself. He might have been stripped off his business suit and oxfords, but the composure and determination is definitely that of a big company CEO.

    Lu Shaoting snickered. He slowly walked towards the brave man, still aiming the gun at him.

    When the barrel landed on his chest, Lu Shaoting gave him a challenging smirked. "Trying to be tough, huh?"

    Before the man who identified himself as Luis could even utter a word, a hard fist landed on his abdomen, and he almost became limp.

    "Take him away." Lu Shaoting instructed the men.

    "Mr. Lu, what about the girl?" asked another man in black clothes.

    "You can leave her here. She''s not gonna die anyway."

    "I found it!" Romina Ta came out of the small bedroom, holding up a rose gold twisted wedding band.

    "Good job! We can leave now."

    The woman named Eleanor hurried back home. As she entered the nipa hut, she saw her child unconscious on the old rattan sofa.

    "Louella!" She checked up on her. Seeing that her pulse and breathing was regular, she was relieved.

    Then she gasped as she remembered something.

    "Luis!" she called out, but no one answered.

    She dashed into the bedroom, only to find it as if everything was turned upside down.

    She went and knelt to open a drawer. She cried to find the clam shell which she had hidden empty.

 195 Not Him

    Long Yishin stared at the MRI scan of the sedated man who had just been transferred to the hospital bed. Earlier on, she personally perforned a DNA test between the supposed siblings, just to make sure that the man she had allowed in her hospital is really the supposedly dead CEO, Verdan Zhou.

    "Doctor Long, will his memories come back?"

    "Ms. Zhou, it will depend on how much and how fast he can recover. He might recall some memories, but in such cases of trauma, most of the time, not everything will be remembered."

    "What exactly is the problem?"

    "Well, the blunt force trauma to the head caused a probable previous arteriovenous malformation to rupture and bleed. The hematoma here is pushing the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyri, causing his retrograde amnesia." Long Yishin pointed towards the area of the monitor to demarcate the extent of the problem.

    Vanessa Zhou cleared her throat. "I majored in business, Dr. Long. In other words..?"

    "Ah, oh!" Long Yishin lit up as if she just realized her mistake. "Uhm...his memory loss is due to clotted blood inside his brain, pushing the areas responsible in keeping his memory intact." She surveyed the expression of the CEO before her.

    "Oh...so, can you take the blood out?"

    "We can...but that will not guarantee that he could get his memory back. We need to rehabilitate him after the procedure."

    Vanessa Zhou put out an expression of sadness and disappointment.

    "However, since the patient can retain new memories, based on our neurologic examination prior to his sedation,I believe that you could re-introduce facts for his brain to store. The proof is that he stands by his knowledge of being married with child to a woman who had lived in that remote island all her life. Since he could still remember this after his abduction, I believe he could retain new memories. His skills and abilities are also retained so it will not be difficult for him to go back to work."

    "So we need to re-introduce his wife to him?"

    "CEO Zhou is married? Uhm...I mean, I don''t mind. When he told me that he is married during the interview, I only thought that he accepted the lies of the family where you took him from. Hmm...maybe he remembered the feeling of being married that''s why he could easily accept the lies." Long Yishin was more like talking to herself than explaining to the relative.

    "Just please do everything you can to do something about his condition."

    "Of course. This hospital was built to cater for special cases."

    "Thank you, Dr. Long."

    ____________________

    "Victor, why is this woman here?!"

    "Linyu, let me introduce our daughter-in-law, Midori."

    "No! I will not accept this! I will not accept her!" Su Linyu pointed towards the woman who just arrived, with her index finger trembling in her anger.

    "Linyu! Sit down! Don''t be rude!" Victor Zhou scolded his wife. He turned towards the young woman before them by manipulating his wheelchair. "Midori, please take a seat. We appreciate your coming here." He gestured towards an empty seat.

    They are actually inside a private room of a restaurant which caters by appointment. Before them were sumptuous cuisines of different Asian countries.

    "Chairman Zhou." Midori nodded and followed as instructed.

    "Please...call me ''Dad''." Victor Zhou had a gentle smile on his face.

    Midori mustered to put up a subtle smile, in order not to offend the man.

    The veins around Su Linyu''s face and neck looked like they were ready to burst. Her face was livid with anger. Her worst nightmare came true through the presence of this woman.

    When her husband told her that their son married Xiu Jin''s daughter, she was in a state of shock and denial. Now that she was facing her supposed daughter-in-law, it was as if Pandora''s box was opened.

    "Well, let''s eat before the food gets cold." Victor Zhou gestured towards the table with a lazy susan filled with dishes. He grabbed his chopsticks and his bowl of rice and started eating enthusiastically.

    Su Linyu did not have a choice. She slowly picked up his chopsticks to get some food as she glared at Xiu Jin''s daughter.

    Midori took two pieces of sweet and sour pork ribs. She finished eating a piece and drank the served hot tea before wiping her mouth with the table napkin.

    "Chairman Zhou, Mrs. Zhou." She took their attention.

    "Midori, please don''t be too distant around us. Our son will recover in no time. He would remember you by then. Please be patient. We accept you and our grandson as part of the family."

    "Victor!" Su Linyu was about to rise from her seat as she slammed her chopsticks on the table.

    "Shut up or I will be the one to kick you out of the family!" The thunderous voice of Victor Zhou echoed in the room.

    Su Linyu sat back like a scolded puppy. Even when he is in a wheelchair, she still recognized the power of her husband. Also, he had always been patient towards her. Getting him angry is a dangerous thing.

    Midori tilted her head down for awhile, the she leveled her eyes towards the sincere hazel ones of the old man. "Chairman Zhou, while it is true that I once married your son, the one whom you took from the island and whom you are currently treating in the hospital...is not him." The weight of the words can be felt in her voice.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Chairman Zhou, you might be able to prove that he is your son, but that is not the man I married." She took a deep breath. "Also, when we held a funeral for your son, I had declared him dead in the registry and myself as his widow."

    "But Midori, he..."

    "Sir, today, I came here not to formally introduce myself as your son''s wife. I came to give you this." She handed the old man an envelope.

    Victor Zhou''s hazel eyes widened as he read the wedding invitation he received.

    Su Linyu, who sat beside her husband, saw it too. She had a confused and suspicious expression on her face as she looked at the young woman before her.

 196 Coping

    Earlier that day, Midori showed a copy of the invitation to her parents, with Takagi Ryuuji by her side.

    Xiu Jin''s eyes shook.

    Aoi Xiu frowned, then she glared at Takagi Ryuuji. "Takagi-san, come with me." She stood from the sofa and strode towards the study.

    Takagi Ryuuji strode in pursuit as instructed.

    When they reached the lanai, Aoi Xiu sat on a wrought iron chair and gestured for him to sit opposite her.

    He complied as he gulped subtly. He knew that the idea was too sudden.

    "Takagi-san. You do know that this is stupid, right?" Aoi Xiu was blunt while keeping a skeptical face.

    "Igarashi-kaichou..." Takagi Ryuuji felt embarrased and disappointed.

    "Ryuuji-kun, this is just a coping mechanism for my daughter. I had known long ago that you hold a torch for her. Are you doing this in desperation?"

    "No! I...I don''t know..." He shook his head. "I just...I can''t bear to look at her seeming like a lifeless doll. When she proposed this idea, she was smiling again...and she was smiling at me!" He was more like explaining to himself than to the woman before him. He sounded like he was reasoning out with himself over this decision.

    Aoi Xiu took a deep sigh. She knew that this man is powerless over her daughter. If only Midori had loved him instead. There would have been less complications.

    "Ryuuji-kun, you don''t deserve this."

    He snickered as he slowly shook his head. "When I fell in love with her, I stopped caring about what I deserve." He looked at her in the eyes. "I only want her to be happy. If she could be happy by my side, even for just a little while, then I''ll be contented."

    "She is still married to someone else."

    "Someone who do not wish to recognize her. Kaichou, I saw how damaged she was when he rejected her touch. I felt the pain she tried to hide. For the few years I had known Midori, I understood how she copes for the losses and the disappointments. She will just remain quiet until she finds another thing that could occupy her time and attention for the meantime."

    "I know that. She and Manta have weird coping mechanisms for losses. However, you should remember that they also easily give second or third chances." Aoi Xiu was still not convinced. To her, the idea of having a wedding right now is not well thought of.

    "Kaichou, I will not touch her, even after the wedding. She is still a married woman. I...I just want to help her...help her cope. She needs me right now, so I''ll be with her."

    Aoi Xiu frowned. This man can never be truly happy.

    _________________

    "You will not tell Verdan about him having a wife!" Su Linyu was conflicted. She did not want to accept Xiu Jin''s daughter as her daughter-in-law, but when she saw the invitation, she felt cheated.

    "All the more reason to tell him! I can''t let his wife just marry someone else while he is like that!"

    "If that woman cannot even wait for him to recover his memories, then she doesn''t deserve him!"

    "You were the one who kept information about his whereabouts for too long! You even held a funeral for him! Now you blame our daughter-in-law?!"

    "I will never recognize that woman as an in-law of this family!"

    "Su Linyu! One more word about this resistance and I will make you remember that you were the one who trapped our son into this!"

    Su Linyu was dumbfounded. She did not know that the intel of her husband had gone to such an extent. Her eyes shook as she looked at him.

    "What? Did you forget whom you married? I might be in a wheelchair, but I still hold power in ZFC and its partners." Victor Zhou had a smug victorious smile.

    Indeed, after the failed engagement with Xiu Jin, Su Linyu was engaged to the then young master of the Zhou family. Back then, he just came from Country F where his mother was born. He is half European, which was evident in his features. When his father became ill after a stroke, he took over ZFC. To strengthen the company ties, he needed a wife from a prominent family. That was where she came in.

    At the start of their marriage, Su Linyu believed that he was just a rich and powerful tycoon because of the company. However, as time went by, she found out that the man she married had connections beyond legal organizations.

    "Stop playing now, Linyu. Let me clean up after your mess." He exuded a dangerous aura as he thought of how to deal with the chairman of the Song corporation.

 197 Had Them

    Long Yishin sat beside the hospital bed as she wrote on the patient chart. She is currently letting the patient watch some news on the television to help him gain new memories and to check later if he could retain them.

    After a report segment on supplies price hike, next came business news.

    Long Yishin saw a flicker on the hazel eyes she was observing. She knitted her brows and swiftly turned her head to look at the television.

    The news featured the traditional Shinto wedding with the headline, ''Igarashi group''s Young Mistress tied the knot'' and was showing the unique lips of Midori Xiu painted in red as she donned a shiromuku during the ceremony. Clips from the wedding videos followed, with changes into modern wedding attire for the bride and groom.

    Verdan Zhou''s brows are together, but he looked confused.

    "What''s the matter?" The clear voice of Dr. Long rang in his ears and snapped him out of his thoughts. Long Yishin pretended not to know the woman they were seeing on the television getting married.

    "That woman...she appeared before me when I was still in Sta. Teresa. She...I...I don''t really remember her, but..."

    "But what? What about her?"

    "She...her lips...it''s as if I''ve had them..."

    "What?!" Long Yishin exaggerated her response a little bit.

    "I...I think we have kissed before...that woman...is she my ex?"

    "She will be if you continue being like this..." she mumbled, barely audibly.

    "What did you say?" Verdan Zhou believed that what she mumbled was important.

    "Mr. Zhou, I do not keep track of your social life, so please don''t ask me randomly if a woman you saa is your ex." She managed to escape from questioning in such a witty manner.

    "Oh..." he looked at the smiling woman on the television again.

    "How do you feel that she is now married to someone else?"

    He pondered hard on it. "I...I think something hurts inside of me..."

    "Why is that?"

    "I feel like I don''t like that woman to be with someone else. Back in Sta. Teresa, she hugged me when she saw me, but I rejected the touch since I believe that I''m married."

    Long Yishin scribbled some notes on his chart. She sighed. "Then, what are you planning to do now?"

    "I need to know who she really is..."

    ____________________

    "Rest assured that I will treat him as my own." Takagi Ryuuji bowed to the older Xiu couple.

    Masaichi Xiu was still frowning on his sister''s wedding. His parents had already explained the circumstances to him, but he still believes that the idea is stupid. He was even annoyed that the press caught wind of it.

    Agatha Yang snapped him out of his thoughts. "Anata, you should smile. It''s a happy occasion." She flashed her white teeth as her dimples sank deeper.

    "She is just fooling herself." Masaichi Xiu had a stern face. He never approved of this. Even though he does not particularly like Verdan Zhou, he had already recognized him as his brother-in-law. His pride prevents him from tolerating this act.

    "Well, she can legally do this, after all, Verdan Zhou''s ''death'' had been registered even before his ''funeral'' and besides, marriage is territorial." Agatha Yang reasoned out with a gentle smile.

    Masaichi Xiu frowned. "You have been overseas for quite some time. Did you have another husband there?"

    She chuckled. "Who knows..."

    "Why you..!" He finally laughed.

    "Anata, we should laugh this off, for now...besides, maybe this could make your real brother-in-law to realize who his wife really is."

    He looked at the couple who were greeting the guests. "I do hope so."

    It was quite ironic that his sister''s real wedding was too intimate and was kept hidden, while the null one was even broadcasted by several news channels. It would be a shame if his brother-in-law would just remain ''dead'' to his sister.

 198 Siblings

    Masaichi Xiu walked into the Marketing Director''s Office of the Igarashi group without even knocking at the door. Riley Adams strode in just a couple of steps behind him. He raised a hand to stop the secretary who bolted from her seat just outside the door.

    Midori Xiu, who was reading from a pile of folders subtly looked up unperturbed. She was wearing a mocha-colored turtleneck blouse topped with a navy blue blazer. It was such a contrast to her brother who wore an all black ensemble which must mean business.

    Masaichi Xiu cleared his throat to get her attention.

    She furrowed her brows then looked up to meet his eyes. "Niisan, what are you doing here?"

    "I wanna switch positions with you." he declared.

    She leaned back on her high-back cream swivel chair as she folded her arms at chest level. "Why?" Her tone had a hint of mockery.

    Before her brother could answer, she continued, "Tsk, tsk...the CEO of XCG wanna quit and become a mere manager for a bigger group of companies? How low do you plan on putting yourself down, Niisan?"

    "I want to be with my family. They are safer here. If I had to be demoted, then so be it."

    Riley Adams gulped. He might get tossed to his former lady boss again; this time, with more complications.

    "What about the safety of my family?!" Midori thought about her son, who is only an infant. She did not want him to be in danger as well.

    "The man you''re living with is not even your husband." Masaichi mocked.

    "Tsk, as if you are sure that the woman you''re sleeping with is really your wife."

    "Midori!" Masaichi''s fury was building up.

    "Did I hit a nerve, Brother?" She had a sneer on her face.

    "Just trade places with me and I will never bother you again." Masaichi Xiu calmed himself. He needed to achieve his goal of sending his sister back in City S, especially that ZFC asked for a collaboration project with XCG.

    "You are so desperate..." she shook her head slowly as she smiled in disappointment.

    Just then, it was as if she just noticed Riley Adams.

    "Can I keep Adams then? He knows XCG too much that he is essential to the CEO." Midori requested.

    "Help yourself. He will be over-qualified to be my assistant when I become a ''mere'' director."

    Riley Adams thought to himself, ''Help yourself? Am I just like a snack for these two? They really are siblings!''

    "Fine!" Midori slammed her hand on the oak desk. The pile of folders as well as the pens in their holder shook with the impact. Then she grabbed a folder and shoved it towards her brother. "Get to work then." She had a look seemingly challenging him.

    Masaichi Xiu''s reflex caught the folder awkwardly. However, as his sister angrily strode away with her heels clicking against the wooden floor, a smile of victory bloomed slowly from his face.

    __________

    Vanessa Zhou stared intently at her brother who was browsing through their company files. Dr. Long''s words rang in her ears.

    "He might have lost his episodic memory, a part of his explicit or declarative memory, meaning the events that he could have recalled if he was to construct hiis autobiography, but his semantic and implicit memory seemed to be intact, that would be his general knowledge on common facts and his memory on how to carry out tasks respectively, so he could get back to work. You just might need to refresh him of the actual figures for ZFC."

    She looked at her brother again. His fast-paced reading ability was still apparent. It might take him less than a week to take over ZFC.

    Also, their father regained his position as chairman, while their mother seemed to have toned down her antics.

    "Van-jie, what''s this?" Verdan Zhou raised up a green legal-sized folder.

    Her eyes shook. This is it.

    "XCG has requested a collaboration. We will be meeting their CEO next week."

    "Oh..." He innocently browsed through the file and nodded as he read on.

    ''Masaichi Xiu, I hope this plan of yours won''t mess up.'' she thought.

    ____________

    Jiang Mei Ling sat looking excited. She was half an hour early at their meeting place.

    When the door creaked open, she had the brightest smile on her face.

    She was utterly delighted when Lu Shaoting asked to meet her after several months of not hearing anything from him. She actually thought that he went missing with Verdan Zhou for quite some time.

    Her face fell when her husband walked in with a woman.

    "Why...why is she here?!" She was furious to see the woman who caused her marriage to crumble down together with her husband.

    "Mei, calm down. We have something to tell you." Lu Shaoting sounded indifferent.

    Even when she was on the verge of crying, Jiang Mei Ling sat down and then glared at the woman before her.

    "Mei..." Lu Shaoting looked her in the eyes. "She just got tested..." he wrapped an hour around Romina Ta.

    With trembling lips, a tear fell on Jiang Mei Ling''s cheek.

 199 Hello, Ism...

    "Mei, let me introduce my sister, Romina Ta." Lu Shaoting looked gentle but proud.

    "Uhm, hello, I''m Romina Ta. Nice to finally meet you, Sister-in-law."

    "Uh...what?!" Jiang Mei Ling had an astonished look on her face, bouncing glances over the two before her.

    "My parents forbid me to meet her and discouraged me to find out more about our relationship because they were afraid that I will discover the truth."

    "But...but isn''t she supposed to be your cousin?!" Jiang Mei Ling had a gaping mouth. Her expressive eyes were wide with shock.

    "My aunt had always been so good to me when she was still alive. I thought that she was just channeling her love and care for her lost child to me, but I was wrong. She treated me like a son because I am her son."

    "What?!"

    "My father succumbed to the demands of the Lu family since he was just an ordinary man working for a clan. He tried to accept losing his son by believing that he will be in a well-off family. The only thing he regretted was that we could not continue to live with my mother." Romina Ta explained.

    "The parents I grew up with failed to conceive a child. They didn''t want to adopt a stranger to be their heir, so when my real mother had me, they made her give me up and sent my real father away." Lu Shaoting had a grave face.

    "How...how did you know all of these?"

    "We found my mother''s diary in the old house my father built for us. I did not want to believe any of it, but my brother made me undergo DNA testing. True enough, we are really siblings."

    "Before my aunt...my real mother died, she stored some of her blood for testing when her child ever appear. Romina is her real daughter. They are my real family."

    "Shao...I...I''m sorry...I...I''m sorry I told your parents...I...I didn''t..." Another tear fell from Jiang Mei Ling''s eye.

    Lu Shaoting hurriedly stood from his seat and came to her side to embrace her.

    "I''m sorry, Mei. It''s not your fault. I''m sorry for leaving. I...we just had to settle this matter on our own. I don''t want you to have to lie to my parents if you knew..."

    "Shao, I missed you!" She embraced back as tears poured out.

    "Brother, Sis-in-law, I''ll be heading out first." Romina Ta felt awkward as a third wheel and volunteered to leave first. She knew they needed some time alome.

    "Mei, let''s go home."

    "Hmmnn." Jiang Mei Ling nodded as she put out a sweet smile behind the tears.

    ________________

    "CEO Zhou, please have some coffee." The secretary served a steaming cup with a shy smile.

    "Hmmn." Verdan Zhou nodded. He scanned the office. Its decor reflects how minimalist and masculine the CEO of XCG is. He is confident that it will be an easy transaction.

    As he was finishing his cup of coffee, the clicking of the cup with the saucer on the coffee table synchronized with the clicking of the doorknob.

    However, instead of hearing the sounds of oxfords, he heard heels clicking against the black granite floor.

    He suddenly looked up to the person who barged into the office.

    His eyes shook as he recognized the person before him as he stood from the sofa.

    "CEO Zhou." The woman who was wearing a black blazer over her neoprene solid white dress offered a hand to shake but she looked indifferent.

    Verdan Zhou hurried to take her hand and shook it firmly. He had a familiar feel to the soft touch of her hand. "Uhm...hello, I''m Verdan Zhou."

    "Takagi Midori." She gestured to the sofa. "Please have a seat." She sat on the opposite sofa.

 200 This is My Wife

    Midori looked indifferent, as if she was talking to a complete stranger. It was barely a couple of hours since she came back to City S when she received the call that the CEO of ZFC is already in her office for a meeting. Instead of going back to the Xiu estate with her son, she regrettably sent the nanny to take him home. She came into the office with the car brought by her assistant.

    Earlier that day, Vanessa revealed to him about his own real family. She also confirmed his relationship with the woman he saw on television.

    And now he is looking at her in the flesh.

    He cleared his throat. "Here is our proposal for the project collaboration." He took out a folder from the envelope lying on the coffee table.

    There was a knock on the door when Midori was about to reach for the documents.

    "CEO, your tea." Riley Adams had his professional smile on as he entered.

    "Thank you." Midori reached for the folder.

    At this point, the men were not sure whom she was thanking as she lowered her head to start reading the files.

    Riley Adams placed the cup of tea on the coffee table and meaningfully glanced at the man with his boss. He still could not believe that this man could forget his wife just like that. He somehow understands how hurt the CEO must be right now. He bowed before leaving them alone in the office.

    Verdan Zhou caught the meaningful glance and understood that the assistant might know him personally. He turned to the indifferent woman before him.

    ''So this is my wife...'' he thought.

    He remembered when he first saw this woman. She desperately clung onto him at first glance, but he turned her away. If it is true that she really is his wife, she might have been deeply hurt by his actions. However, at this point, he still could not remember her.

    He eyed her whole body from head to toe, then back up to her face. His sister told him that they already have an infant son. He was astonished as this did not show on her body which is tightly hugged by the flowy white dress underneath her blazer.

    Midori was not naive. She lifted her gaze from the document to the man who was eying him intently.

    "CEO Zhou, you have to remember that it is rude to stare." She raised her left brow as she looked at him intently.

    "Oh...I''m sorry. I...I just want to remember your face." he blurted out.

    Midori frowned. It hit a nerve. It implied that he could still not remember her...yet she regained her composure as she cleared her throat.

    "You will have to meet me for this project several times. I believe that would be sufficient to remember someone." She put out her indifferent face again.

    Verdan Zhou had a hopeful expression. He really wanted to know her again. Even though he cannot remember the memories with her, he is determined to make new ones with the wife he had wronged.

    "CEO, clause 35, section 2."

    Verdan Zhou was startled. He totally forgot the purpose of this meeting. He panickingly grabbed another copy of the proposal and turned to the stated part.

    "With you." His other hand reached for his nape as he was embarrassed. He had a timid smile on his face.

    For the past two hours, the atmosphere turned into full work mode as the two CEO''s discuss the contents of the proposal, noting revisions and sketching some plans for the project.

    This is the first time for the two of them to work together, representing their companies, and both of them liked working with the other.

    As the discussion went on, from sitting opposite each other, the CEO of ZFC transferred to where the lady was seated as they read documents together.

    When Midori became conscious of this, it had been the case for several minutes then. It would be rude and nonsense if she would ask him to go back to his original seat now.

    As she sketched something for logistics, she was startled.

    He reached out to her drawing hand, rested his larger hand on hers, then led it to draw some more lines and symbols.

    This made her looked at his face. This sudden movement startled them both as they found their faces only a few inches away from each other.

    Verdan Zhou understood then and there how he became attracted to this woman.

    Midori Xiu stared deep into those hazel eyes again. Her son has those eyes.

    She turned her head before her eyes start to water. She turned her head to look at the clock.

    "CEO Zhou, I believe that would be enough for today as I have another appointment." She showed a protective stance of herself.

    "Oh...is that so? Then, when can I see you again? For the proposal, that is..." He knew she was defensive. This is still too early to force their relationship back to how it was, or at least how his sister depicted them.

    "My assistant will set an appointment." She stood up and eyed him.

    He understood that she wanted him out of her office. He stood up and offered his hand to shake.

    She took it and briefly shook hands with him.

    "Nice meeting you, CEO Xiu." He gave her a gentle smile.

    "Likewise..." she forced herself to say with a slight smile.

    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Riley Adams opened it and with him came the sounds of a baby crying.

    Then the nanny who was carrying Dmitri came in with an anxious expression.

    "Dmitri..." with her maternal instincts, Midori hurried to take her crying son from the nanny.

    Verdan Zhou slowly took steps toward them.

    Dmitri is now almost a year old. He had developed stranger anxiety. However, when he saw the tall man approaching, he reached out both arms as if he wanted the man to carry him.

    Midori was startled by this gesture. Her son was used to being with Takagi Ryuuji, but never did he reach out for someone like he is doing now.

    With all awkwardness, Verdan Zhou reached out to take the infant and carried him in his arms.

    To everyone''s surprise, Dmitri chuckled as if it was the happiest of days.

 201 When You Told Me

    "How was your day?" Takagi Ryuuji wrapped an arm around Midori''s shoulders and gave her a kiss on her temple.

    Midori kept silent but blinked as she stared at the darkness from their balcony.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "He saw him." She closed her eyes.

    Takagi Ryuuji was not sure if she was recalling something or trying to forget something with this gesture. After all, he is with her only for companionship. Even though they are married, their relationship is not even better than friends.

    "It''s okay whether you tell me or not...but if it can help ease your mind, I''m here to listen." He gave her a gentle smile even though her mind is somewhere else.

    She heaved a deep sigh. "Verdan Zhou is back as CEO of ZFC. We had a business meeting this afternoon. When he was about to leave, Dmitri came and saw him. He...he reached out to that man...Dmitri does not even make that gesture towards me! I''m his mother! I had been with him all the time, yet...that man only showed himself after a long time and Dmitri looked really happy! Isn''t this the time for him to develop stranger anxiety?! Why did he act like that?"

    Takagi Ryuuji was first startled when Midori mentioned that she had a meeting with her ex. Then he listened intently to her emotions. He was trying to figure out if there was a trace of happiness in her voice and expressions as she went along with her story.

    Alas, he was torn between letting her be happy with someone and making her happy by himself.

    _____________

    There was a pair of lips slightly raised to a side, propping a cheek up, producing a whisker-like dimple just beneath the eyebags. The matching hazel eyes flickered with determination.

    Verdan Zhou was sipping a cup of earl grey tea as he sat on the lounge chair at the veranda.

    His smile widened as he recalled his interaction with the woman who was supposed to be his wife, as per what his sister told him .

    "Did something good happen?" A pair of fair, long legs appeared to his line of sight as he returned the cup on the saucer.

    His expressive eyes looked up to the woman as his lips curved to a somewhat proud smile.

    "Oh...tell me! Tell me! How was your meeting?"

    "She...she''s amazing..." His smile became gentle as his eyes spaced out while recalling the events earlier that day. "When you told me how great she is, I thought you were just exaggerating. But now, I already understand how I built up an attraction towards that woman. Even though I still remember nothing about my past with her, I want to create new memories with her."

    Vanessa Zhou pressed her lips as tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

    "Also, today I met my son..." he sighed. Then her used his hand to brush up his hair and then touched his nape.

    "Oh?! Dmitri is so cute, isn''t he?"

    He chuckled. "Yeah, that woman looked mortified when he reached out for me to carry him..."

    "You were able to hold him?! Wow...so, how was it, any memories?" Vanessa Zhou''s eyes showed her great excitement as she had a wide grin.

    To her disappointment, he shook his head.

    "Still nothing, eh?" She pouted.

    "But...I can feel it. It might be my instincts, but holding him seemed...very natural."

    "That''s great! You should never let anyone take your right as his father, especially not that Taka guy!"

    He frowned. "Why did she marry him anyway?" It sounded like his musings instead of his question to his sister.

    "Uhm...I don''t know either..." She was taken aback and replied.

    "Maybe because I hurt her too much...Van-jie, I saw it. I saw the hurt in her eyes, even when she tried to be professional in front of me."

    Vanessa kept mum as she did not know what to say.

    "Her smile looked stiff. I don''t remember the past, but I feel that her smile could be genuine and sincere. I felt a longing to see that kind of smile. And, when she gets serious about work, there was a glow within her that made her more beautiful."

    "Brother, I think you have a good grasp of the situation now. I''ll let you take it from here." She gave him a pat on the shoulder before leaving.

    Verdan Zhou took another sip from his cup as he planned ahead.

 202 Act Now

    "Mother." Ming Rushi''s greeting sounded formal for a dialogue in their house.

    Madam Ming did not look happy. She slammed her hand on the oak table.

    "Who told you to get so reckless as to get yourself pregnant?!"

    Ming Rushi shivered as she was shocked as to how her mother found out.

    "What? You think I wouldn''t know?! You imbecile!" Madam Ming threw a pen towards her daughter, losing all gracefulness as the lady of the house. "Xiu Jin will not take someone like you to be his heir!"

    Madam Ming was shaking with the intense emotions. Her old, but still delicate, facial features were distorted in an ugly, menacing glare. It was as if she was going to punish a slave, not scolding her own flesh and blood.

    "Mom...I..."

    Ming Xiaoyu turned calm, then with a straight face, said, "Get rid of that baby."

    "No! Mom, I can''t...I won''t!"

    "No one is asking for your opinion. It seems like you are more vulnerable than necessary. I believe we need to act now. XCG should be ours!"

    Ming Rushi did not even get the last few statements as she mumbled while holding her still flat lower abdomen, "No...no..."

    _____________________

    "So he really survived the cliff?! Mojito, did I not tell you to make sure he''s dead?" The old man looked like he could burst an artery or two as his eyes were almost popping out of their sockets.

    The man who had been talking with Verdan Zhou before he was pushed off the cliff had grown a full beard and mustache. He looked down as he lamented on a failed mission.

    "What? Cat got your tongue now?! Did you forget how to kill people?! Then let me remind you..." The old man pointed a pistol with attached silencer towards the bearded man''s head.

    The bearded man closed his eyes as he accepted his fate.

    The trigger was pulled. The pale man standing diagonally from the bearded man fell face forward. Blood pooled from his head.

    "Now you remember?" The old man had a mocking look on his face. He turned towards a bald man with a long scar traversing his cheek down to his neck. "Gin, clean this up."

    The scarred man nodded and simply took the dead body over his shoulder as if he was just taking out the trash.

    The man called ''Mojito'' gulped. "Will make it up to you, Chairman." He bowed as a sign of obedience.

    The old man took out a photograph from his pocket.

    Mojito''s eyes shook as his target turned out to be an infant.

    __________________

    A pair of hazel eyes surrounded by crowfeet due to aging had a glint in them.

    "Looking sharp, aren''t we?" Victor Zhou had a teasing smile on his face.

    A pair of hazel eyes which seemed to be the younger version of the old man smiled with the nice set of teeth which goes with them.

    "I''ll be out to dinner." Verdan Zhou was looking dapper in his navy blue suit, beneath which is a white shirt and dark gray slim tie.

    "Date with your wife?" Victor continued teasing.

    "It isn''t until she recognizes me." Verdan''s wide grin transformed into a regretful subtle smile.

    "Son, even if you don''t remember the past, use every opportunity to remember new encounters with her. You...you had hurt her before, when you were just kids exploring romance. It took her years to forgive and forget that misunderstanding. You need to persevere to resolve this one. After all, I cannot let my heir take up another man''s name."

    "Heir? You''re giving ZFC to my son?!"

    "Why not? You''re gonna give it to him eventually as your firstborn..." Victor was a bit disappointed that his son was not happy about it.

    Verdan curled his thin lips in contemplation. "It''s not a problem, Dad, but I just wish that I was the one who will turn the company over to him. It was as if you skipped my generation for this turnover."

    "Jealous?" Victor Zhou guffawed.

    Verdan Zhou laughed with his father.

    When they had calmed their emotions down, Verdan adjusted his tie and coat.

    "I''ll go now, Dad. Can''t let the wife wait." He flashed his toothpaste commercial smile before heading for the door.

    "Good luck, Son." Victor Zhou mumbled with a gentle smile.

 203 See You Again

    It was the day of the product launch. Zesty collaborated with XCG''s reusables to eliminate disposable takeout containers and to give special discounts to customers who brings their own container for takeouts.

    Midori Xiu wore a dusty blue neoprene tea-length dress, with round neckline and A-line skirt, and layered with soft tulle embroidered with dainty navy blue carnations. Her blue solid pumps added some height and more poise to her look.

    Verdan Zhou extended his hand in greeting when he came to her. "It''s nice to see you again, CEO Xiu." He flashed his nice set of teeth.

    Midori Xiu forced a smile. "Likewise."

    Riley Adams gulped. Earlier that day, his wife had slit eyes as she bid him good luck on his job as she nursed their newborn infant. "See you later, Honey!" The words still echo in his head. He took from that moment the courage to brace himself to this event. However, hearing the earlier pleasantries, he might be mixed into a complicated situation.

    He cleared his throat. "CEO Zhou, this way pleaae." He gestured in pursuit of his boss.

    Midori''s blue heels strode onto the beige carpet of the hall and straight up to the stage.

    Janice Chen, the offiial endorser and the leading actor in the TV commercial for the latest in takeout of Zesty came out holding one of the containers, with her flashy smile of big teeth and bloody red lips. She wore an emerald tea-length dress and white heels, matching the logo of the food chain.

    The collaboration of the two large companies and the promotion of their new products were featured in every news company which covered the event.

    When the press and guests were calmed down into an early dinner, the heads of the two companies sat by each other with their assistants joining them in their table.

    "So, be honest with me. Have you ever sat down and eaten in any Zesty branch?" Verdan Zhou asked with a smile.

    "Of course." Midori took a glass and sipped some iced tea. She gulped. "Not."

    Verdan Zhou chuckled. The serious woman has a sense of humor within her.

    He leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. "Truth is, neither have I."

    She blushed due to the close distance.

    "So, why don''t we drive down the closest branch and take in...well, real food?" He eyed the buffet filled with finger foods and liquor shots.

    She finally laughed. This time, her smile was genuine.

    This made him smile with a mixture of joy and regret in his eyes.

    "It''s the lamest pickup line!" She continued laughing.

    "You have a beautiful smile." Verdan Zhou had a gentle smile with admiration in his eyes.

    "Ha! Look who''s talking!"

    "You like my smile too?"

    "Too?" Her eyebrows furrowed.

    "I like it fine. You like it that much?" Verdan Zhou had a teasing grin.

    She shook her head.

    "No?"

    "How come no one ever got you to endorse a toothpaste brand? Your teeth can match veneers..."

    He had a pretentious frown. "I''m not so sure if that is a compliment or should I feel insulted."

    Midori laughed.

    "So, are you in for a taste of Zesty?"

    "I believe your employees will be delighted to serve the CEO."

    "Can I take that as a ''yes''?"

    She chuckled. "Sure."

    With this, the tensed up Riley Adams shoot up into a standing position just before his boss can completely stand from the seat.

    As if remembering that she had her assistant with her, Midori shot him a look.

    "Oh yeah...Adams, you are dismissed for the night?"

    Riley Adams was so shocked, he almost lost footing. "I...uhm..."

    "I''m not gonna disappear into thin air, Adams. Go home to your wife and son."

    He politely bowed. "Thank you, CEO." And just like that, Riley Adams strode away, exiting the hall, before his boss changes her mind.

    "So, shall we?" Verdan Zhou offered his arm.

    Midori looked at it for a while before siding with her demons and took his arm.

    """"""

    "Did you have fun?" Takagi Ryuuji just came from the balcony in his pyjamas and greeted with a smile when Midori entered their bedroom.

    "It was fine. I guess it could be considered successful?"

    "You don''t look too happy..."

    She already shut the door and locked herself into the bathroom.

    She heaved a deep sigh as she stepped into the shower.

    It pains her to lie to him, but she did enjoy herself with the company of her ex.

 204 Belongs to My Husband 1

    Midori Xiu had been seeing Verdan Zhou, mostly for work, other times, during social gatherings of the elite.

    And so they bumped into each other again on the wedding anniversary celebration of Janice Chen and her husband, Fa Zhang. Just like on their wedding day, the couple still purchased their celebration shoes from XCG''s wedding shoe brand, Bixiu.

    Midori Xiu clapped along with the crowd to congratulate the couple.

    Just then, a soothing deep voice rang over her left ear, tickling her pinna with the warm air from the breath.

    "Good thing I did not pass this one to my assistant."

    At that point, Midori thought, ''The voice belongs to my husband.''

    However, she turned from him, who was only inches away, and sped off in her own pair of blush satin tied heels from Bixiu, as if she had not noticed him.

    He chuckled as he discretely chased after her.

    "Miss Xiu, are you trying to avoid me?" With his long legs and large strides, he was able to catch up to her, and soon his face appeared before her, with his signature pearly whites.

    Midori gasped as he suddenly appeared to her face, the tip of their noses almost touching.

    "Were you looking for me?" She sounded a little flirtatious compared to her usual aloof tone.

    He chuckled. "Maybe..."

    "Is that so?" Her eyes were challenging him.

    "Well, I had treated you to several meals already. Isn''t it time for your payback?"

    She snickered. "Do you have the time to eat in your office?"

    "Hmmm...I can make some..."

    She smiled. "Alright. Lunch time tomorrow."

    "Wha-? Really?!"

    "It''s payback. I''ll kick you if you think there''s something about it. We appreciate that you were willing to collaborate with XCG for several projects. The boost in our finances are more than negligible."

    "Well, you deserve it."

    .

    The next day, Verdan Zhou was more smartly dressed than his usual black office ensemble. He donned a khaki suit and pants with olive green shirt and green-white striped tie. There was probably an extra layer of setting wax on his dark locks and an added spray of perfume on his collar. He smiled as he signed the papers his assistant brought in as he arrived in the morning.

    The assistant is a new one, a fresh-graduate finance major who had yet to fully immerse herself in going about with the affairs of the company and its people. When she was hired, her boss was not grumpy, but it was as if he was lost in his own world so he was rather indifferent. Seeing him in such a good mood sent shivers down her spine.

    Her fingers were subconsciously doing the movements for "itsy bitsy spider" as her eyes darted around the room, while she anxiously await for her boss to finish with the papers and for further instructions.

    "You can have your break now." His oddly soft voice startled her.

    "What? Uhm...excuse me Sir?" Even though she heard him, she could not properly process the statement.

    "Go have your lunch break. Just be back in four hours." He gave her a subtle smile while his brows and eyes were commanding her to get lost.

    "Oh...uhm, then please excuse me." She hurriedly took off with the documents, afraid that she might get fired if she spout further nonsense. What a smart girl.

    Verdan Zhou straightened his tie and suit as he glaced at the clock. It was a minimalist, all lines, black and white clock, and it told him that it was only 11 am.

    He chuckled as he realized how silly he was. It might be too early to anticipate her arrival.

    Midori Xiu took a deep breath as she held onto the bento boxes packed in a thermal lunch bag. She woke up early to cook for everyone in the house. However, nobody knew that the packed lunch she made that she was bringing to the office was different from what she served to them, or so she thought.

    The sound of the elevator brought her back to her objective and her heels started clicking against the floor.

    When she arrived at the CEO''s door. The assistant, who was usually greeting her was not behind her desk.

    She had a slight frown as she proceeded to knock on the door.

    Verdan Zhou hurriedly flipped open a random file on his desk and pretended to be working when he replied to the person at the door to come in.

    Midori Xiu then slowly entered with a subtle smile. She slightly raised the bag to indicate that she brought lunch.

    "Ah..." pretending that he had just remembered, Verdan Zhou hurriedly stood from his swivel chair and gestured towards the sofa and coffee table.

    Midori placed all the contents of the bento box as well as the thermal tumbler full of hot tea.

    "Oh...I''ll get cups." Verdan Zhou volunteered.

    While waiting, Midori walked around the office. Though his personality was almost the same, the dec¨®r of the room seemed to have subtly changed but she could not quite put her finger on what was the difference.

    Without her knowing, she had arrived at his desk. As her eyes fell on the document he was previously reading, she chuckled.

    Verdan Zhou had just walked in to find her reaction puzzling.

 205 Belongs to My Husband 2

    "What''s the matter?" Verdan Zhou was bothered by her expression.

    This made her burst in a hearty laugh.

    He hurriedly placed the cups he got on the table and went to find out what she was laughing about.

    As he peered through the document, he noticed that it was upside down from the view he had when he was sitting. He blushed.

    However, not wanting to concede just like that, he asked, "What''s so funny about this?"

    She wiped a tear from her eye as she calmed herself. "It''s upside down!"

    "You turned it!" he accused.

    She laughed even more as she pointed at the lower part of the upside down document.

    He chuckled as he touched his nape in embarrassment.

    He had signed the date of the document.

    "You must be too hungry to make such a mistake." she remarked.

    "I must be..." he said, redeeming what''s left of his pride.

    He looked at her gently.

    She meet his eyes and they stared at each other for a while.

    Then as if snapping out of a trance, she broke the seemingly staring contest and turned to find her seat on the sofa. "Let''s eat then."

    As he sat down, he saw a familiar-looking pancake filled with meat and vegetables, tppped with sauces and spices. "Oh...okonomiyaki!"

    She chuckled. "You really don''t remember anything, do you?"

    "Huh?" He had a puzzled look. Was the dish significant?

    She had a smile with a tinge of regret. She started slicing the savory pancake.

    "What did I forget this time?" His voice was really gentle. He was sorry for not remembering.

    She shook her head and put up a forced smile. Her eyes were watery. "Nandemonai."

    "I''m sorry for not remembering." He picked up his chopsticks and took a piece from his plate. "I will try my best to remember this from now on."

    "The food might get cold. Let''s eat." She tried changing the atmosphere."

    They chatted more about their project collaboration throughout the meal.

    While they were eating,Verdan Zhou noticed that some mayonnaise was left on a side of her lower lip.

    "Uhm...you..." He had the urge to wipe it off but he ended up pointing with his finger.

    "What?" Her innocent reaction was a bit cute.

    He sighed. Then he reached out to hold her jaw and he used his thumb to wipe off the sauce from her lip.

    To her surprise, he licked it off from his finger. She blushed to this.

    "You say you don''t remember...but why are your actions the same?" Her brows are drawn together.

    "I...it was tempting..." he said honestly. "I...I was doing it often before?"

    Her face was flushed as she remembered how he threatened to lick it directly from her face next time.

    "I...I''ll go and wash the containers first." She took them and hurriedly left him in the office, even leaving the door ajar.

    He brushed his hair with his fingers as he shook his head. He wondered how they were before. As of now, they are back to an awkward phase of getting to know each other.

    Midori took her time washing the food containers, sighing and smiling while she was at it.

    Verdan Zhou, on the other hand, fixed his appearance in the room en suite to his office.

    He went back into the office as he heard the door creak.

    However, his bright smile vanished and his eyes widened at the person before him.

    The frail-looking lady wore a simple button-down white blouse and black straight-cut pants and black flat shoes.

    "Lui-- uhmm...Mr. Zhou, is it?"

    "Eleanor..." he almost whispered.

    "Please don''t send me away just yet. I don''t mean to disturb your life. I...I just need the ring back...the one I made you wear... It...it belongs to my husband." She tried to explain her presence before someone kicks her out.

    He frowned. "It''s not with me anymore. I''ll send someone to bring it back to your place once it''s found."

    "Oh...I...I understand." She looked up to him. Her eyes were begging him. "Mr. Zhou, can I embrace you one last time? I promise not to show myself in front of you again."

    His frown became deeper, but he nodded ashe stood still.

    She took her opportunity and embraced him tightly. "I''m so sorry." she whispered.

    Then, they heard things falling onto the floor.

 206 My Son 1

    Two weeks ago, succeeding collaborations happened between ZFC and XCG. One of them was good enough for Midori to call her brother who was living in City T.

    "Mosh." The tired voice of Masaichi Xiu answered. It was obvious that he is still at work.

    "Moshi mosh...Niisan!" Her voice was full of excitement.

    "Nani ka?" He continued typing on his laptop.

    "Cerealz needs a genuine fan that will promote its new snack bowl designed by yours truly." Her voice remained excited.

    "Get to your point." He was irritated about the conversation loop as he was truly busy.

    "We want Manta." she gulped.

    "My son? He might wanna go to the factory again."

    "It''s fine. We can take him if he wants to go."

    "Don''t make it sound as if he''s your son."

    "He was my son when you were asleep." she teased.

    "Don''t be so full of yourself. Fine. I''ll tell your sister-in-law."

    "Hah! Arigatou, Niisan!"

    She hung up with a smile.

    __________

    And so, they had Manta to make a commercial about Cerealz.

    However, contrary to the earlier excitement, there was an awkward atmosphere between the two collaborating CEOs.

    It was a week after Midori Xiu saw Verdan Zhou hugging the woman he was with when they found him on the island.

    They had not spoken since.

    Verdan Zhou tried to reach out, called, requested a meeting, to no avail.

    He finally had a valid excuse to see her during this shoot, but she did not even respond to his greeting, even if it was just for show. She was really upset.

    Actually, after that moment of ''being caught'', he utilized all the men who went to the island to find the ring which got him in trouble. They were ordered to deliver the ring to the island and to make Eleanor sign an agreement never to find Verdan Zhou for any matter again.

    Even after resolving the matter of the ring, he had yet to resolve this misunderstanding with Midori.

    On the day of the shoot, he wore his real wedding ring. However, he noticed that she did not wear her engagemenf ring that day.

    Recently, though she wore the wedding ring she exchanged with Takagi Ryuuji on their wedding in Country N, she started wearing the sakura diamond ring on her other ring finger when they seemed to be getting along again. This actually gave Verdan Zhou some hope.

    This hope was crushed today.

    He still tried to approach her again while she was watching Jiang Mei Ling feed Manta as mother and son in the commercial.

    After announcing that she had a child, Mei has been having offers for mother roles, and this was one of them.

    Verdan Zhou cleared his throat to distract her from her focus as he stood a step behind her. "CEO Xiu." he called to her.

    She blinked. Then she slowly turned her head to look at him. "CEO Zhou."

    He sighed. "Do we have a problem?"

    "What do you mean?" Her voice was indifferent.

    "What happened in my office...I...she just showed up..."

    "Let''s just keep it professional, CEO Zhou. No one asked about that. Stop explaining."

    "So, we were not keeping things professional before?"

    She glared at him. "CEO Zhou, I''m married."

    "Yep. You married someone else even though you found that I''m still alive."

    She looked incredulous. She shook her head and walked away. Her black platform heels clicked against the floor of the studio.

    Just then, she stopped as some babbling were heard.

    "Dmitri..." she took her son from the nanny. "Wait for Manta to finish. You take him home." she ordered.

    Verdan Zhou saw them and hurriedly chased after them.

    Midori almost lost footing when he suddenly appeared before her.

    He reached out to stabilize her position as he was dead scared for her and the baby.

    Dmitri again reached out to him when he saw him, babbling, as ic talking to him.

    Verdan Zhou tried to take him, but Midori twisted her body and held on to her son. "No!"

    "He''s my son!" His voice was loud but still controlled.

    "You stopped being his father when you recognized someone else to be your child!" she spat.

 207 My Son 2

    "When will you forgive me for losing my memory?!" He looked desperate. This is something he was trying his best to resolve little by little. He thought that he was making progress before, but it seemed all his efforts were in vain. "What should I do to make you accept me again?"

    "You chose to believe in the goodness in people you don''t really know, not only once! You might have forgotten about it, but because you chose to believe just what people say, you hurt me time and time again! Now you expect me to forgive you every time!?" Her tears were flowing.

    He looked at her, with his eyes full of regret.

    Sensing the distress, Dmitri started crying too.

    "Shhh...Baby, I''m so sorry...stop crying..." she consoled, swaying him gently.

    Dmitri continued to wail.

    Verdan Zhou reached out to get him. "Let me..." he told Midori. "Give him to me."

    She hesitated, but gave in to the request.

    Dmitri''s cries became sobs as his eyes widened towards the man who took him and began singing while embracing him.

    "Anata wa doko ni iru ndarou..." his deep voice was soothing.

    Tears continued to fall as Midori realized that he was singing ''First Love''.

    Dmitri reached out to touch his face. Short stubble on his chin gave his son something to be interested in. He fondly patted the baby''s head in a gentle manner. He could feel the still soft fontanel part of his head. In no time, Dmitri was chuckling in his arms, grabbing onto the suit and successfully crumpling its collar.

    Midori wiped the tears from her face. She spoke while sniffling. "Verdan Zhou, I guess...I...I really need to forgive you, don''t I?"

    "I will do everything so you won''t have to do so ever again..." His sincerity showed on his face.

    Midori had a wry smile.

    "Let me take you home." Verdan Zhou volunteered.

    "Hmmn." Midori nodded and strode towards the parking space of Luxe Entertainment.

    Midori instructed him of which road to take.

    He still remember going about the city proper since he had been driving around it for years. When they reached the limit, he furrowed his brows. "The Xiu estate is located in a village within the city, right?" Or so he heard. Then why are they going into the outskirts?

    Midori snickered, but stopped as to not disturb her son who is sleeping in her arms.

    "Just drive, Mr. Zhou." She had a mischievous smile.

    "Aye, aye, Mrs. Zhou!" He flashed her a full smile as he stepped onto the acclerator and his panamera traversed the long straight asphalt road.

    __________

    "What did you do to my son?!" A blue and white china piece came crashing on the floor.

    Papers of medical records and ultrasonography are scattered across the living room. The lamp which was previously sitting on the corner table has been smashed to the point of beyond salvation. Some drops of blood from the wounded hand which broke the pieces of furniture trailed across the room, splattered in different sizes, some smudged by the slippers which has stepped om them.

    "Fu Bai, I had no choice! My mom..."

    "You had a choice!" His seething breath went with his words.

    "She would have gotten us all killed!"

    "I could have protected you!" The man''s expression became solemn. His eyes watered as he looked at her with his eyes blaming her. "Yet you chose to kill our child!"

    And just like that, he left, slamming the door behind him.

    Ming Rushi knelt on the carpeted floor as she cried until she fell asleep.

 208 Not Forge

    "What are your orders?" Ming Rushi talked like she was waiting for command from a supervisor when she was actually talking to her mother.

    "Good that you had come to your senses."

    Ming Rushi kept an indifferent face, but her teeth were gritted beneath the mauve rouge.

    "Right now, it is not the children of Xiu Jin whom we need to eliminate, but their heirs."

    Ming Rushi''s eyes widened. She had just killed her own child. Does this mean they have to take more innocent lives? At this point, she remembered how regretful it is not to have fled with Fu Bai.

    "Don''t worry. We won''t get our hands dirty. I had called someone...who will do the job." Madam Ming smirked, and her beautiful face once again turned evil.

    "Then what do you need me for?" Ming Rushi was regretting everything more and more.

    "Well, to carry out the plan, we need information. You can still find out information about the Xiu''s even though you were demoted to the branch company, right?" Madam Ming had a mocking smile.

    The gritted teeth she chose to hide clashed harder together. Ming Rushi simply said, "Of course."

    "Good. Then off you go now. Don''t waste our time." Madam Ming gestured to shoo her off.

    Ming Rushi left as told.

    The smirk on the old lady''s face vanished as the door to the study closed.

    It is beginning now. She will get back what once was hers...what is supposed to be hers. She will not forget the pain and suffering for her loss, and she will make them feel everything she experienced.

    Ming Rushi strode along the hallway with a gloomy and angry look on her face. The maids tried really hard to avoid bumping into her, and no one dared to make eye contact.

    It is true that she was demoted to a supervisory position in the shoe company of XCG. Masaichi Xiu had done so before turning over the company to his sister. He cruelly gave her too much workload, then found fault in one of them, making the transfer to the branch company justifiable.

    It was a smart move, and Ming Rushi had no chance to redeem herself. She also lost the chance to spy on their important transactions and the personal affairs of the owners.

    This task of getting information is harder than when she still had a high position in the main branch. However, she will get it done. The loss of her child will not be in vain.

    _________________

    As they arrived at the Spanish style villa, Verdan Zhou parked near the front door.

    He went to the other side of the car and opened the door for Midori, who was still carrying the sleeping baby.

    Midori slowly and carefully alighted from the car.

    When they were at the front door, Midori instructed, "Pull up the keypad cover."

    Verdan Zhou did pull up the copper cover and revealed a keypad, with a biometrics scanner right above it.

    "Press 3684..." When she saw his fingers comply, she continued, "Then press your ring finger against the scanner."

    Verdan Zhou had knitted brows but complied. It surprised him that the door unlocked.

    Midori gave him a knowing smile as they entered.

    When the door was shut behind them, she looked around the living room. "You set the code and scanned our fingerprints for security.

    "3684?" He was curious as how he came up with it.

    "DMTI." she replied, as she gave the sleeping baby a kiss on the forehead.

    VerdaZhou felt regret once again. How could he forget his own family?

    He followed Midori around the house, but his body taking the steps up the stairs felt natural.

    Midori made him open a two-door room. She placed the baby gently on the crib.

    Verdan Zhou looked around him. It looked like the master bedroom, with a crib near the king size bed. He deduced that it was their bedroom as he looked around.

    Suddenly, he felt her hand holding his, dragging him out of the room, as she gestured for him to stay quiet.

    He followed her, holding firmly onto her fair, slender hand.

    They arrived at a single door. Midori looked up to him.

    "Even if you don''t remember now, it''s fine." She had a weak smile with her lonely eyes.

    She opened the door before he could respond, revealing a room full of photographs.

    Verdan Zhou looked at every one of the photos. Regret filled him again. He still does not remember.

    Then he turned to face her. He held her shoulders with both hand and sincerely looked at her.

    "Midori, from now on, I will not forget."

 209 Come to Your Senses

    Midori went back to the Xiu estate with her son sleeping again, after the baby repeatedly chuckled, amused by his father.

    Verdan Zhou volunteered to drive them back, but his idea was shut down.

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    "It''s best not to do this yet. I need to resolve some issues first." Midori eyed him knowingly.

    He understood them and nodded. "Alright."

    Midori had called the driver to fetch them at a mall.

    Verdan Zhou stared at his little family as their car head off.

    .

    Midori was received at the front door by her mother.

    Seeing Manta beside her, who was about to scream in greeting, Midori gestured them to hush.

    "Sshh..." she gestured with her finger.

    Manta made an "oh" expression with his mouth, but he made sure it did not produce a sound.

    Aoi Xiu gently took her grandson from her daughter as she smiled, then she walked upstairs.

    Midori stared up to them, and when they disappeared from sight, she bent down to talk to Manta.

    "So how is our Little Master Xiu?" she teased, as she gave him a pat on the head.

    Manta frowned. "Aunt, it''s just Manta."

    She chuckled. "Sooner or later, people...especially girls, would call you that. You should get used to it."

    "I don''t care about other girls. No one is better than my mom!" He had a grin on his face.

    "Not even me?" Midori asked.

    "You are good enough as temporary mommy...but my mom is different!"

    "Hey, that''s rude of you!" Midori pretended to be offended as she pouted.

    Manta laughed. "Don''t worry, Aunt. You have your own son now. I''m sure you are the best for him."

    Midori chuckled. This boy can really sound mature at times.

    "Speaking of which, where''s your mom?" Midori''s eyes darted around the house.

    "She said she would be in the garden." Manta''s innocent eyes stared at her.

    "Alright. Go play in the rec room for awhile. We''ll call for you when it''s dinnertime." She smiled as she gave him another pat on the head.

    Manta nodded, then immediately set off to play.

    Midori glanced at the french doors leading to the garden.

    Her brother''s voice echoed in her ears. "Fine, I will send my son back to City S for your project, as my wife agreed." he paused. "But Midori, you have to keep an eye on your sister-in-law. She acts weird at times, and I have a bad feeling about it."

    Midori took a deep breath then walked out to the garden. She found her sister-in-law sitting on a wooden bench.

    Agatha Yang''s eyes are closed as she wanted to take a rest, but she remained conscious throughout.

    Midori saw that her eyes were shut, but her steady position on the bench told her that the woman is awake.

    Midori lightly tapped on her shoulder. "Nee-san."

    Agatha immediately opened her eyes. She was startled to see Midori so close to her. She did not even feel her drawing near. As expected of an Igarashi descendant.

    "Oh, sorry for waking you up." Midori gave a gentle smile to reassure her. She intentionally concealed her presence so she knew that it would catch the woman by surprise.

    Agatha Yang smiled back. "No, it''s fine. I was just about to wake up."

    They both knew that it was an outright lie.

    The atmosphere had become awkward.

    To brush this off, Midori gave a more genuine smile. "I miss cooking with Nee-san. Shall we make a feast for tonight?"

    "Sure." Agatha''s smile was still awkward, but she followed Midori back into the house.

    .

    Agatha was tasting the soup when Midori''s serious voice sounded.

    "Nee-san, you have not told us what happened to you all the years that we thought you were dead."

    Agatha was startled and she slightly burned her lip with the soup. She pursed her lips.

    "I...I was forced to stay away."

    "Who had the guts to do that?"

    "I...I lived fine. My parents knew where I was. Nobody hurt me."

    "You were threatened, so you just abandoned my brother and your son." Midori''s accusing tone was like a blade.

    "I was weak. I am weak. I...I''m unlike the women in the Xiu family. I''m not as strong as you are." Agatha declared, her voice slightly trembling.

    "At least you had come to your senses. Don''t even try to betray my brother again." Midori''s tone was threatening.

    Agatha shot her retreating figure a glance.

    ''Did she find out?''

 210 Taken

    That night, Midori walked out of the bathroom after taking her shower. She saw Ryuuji lounging on the sofa, a glass of whiskey on his hand.

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    She frowned. "Are you trying to kill yourself?"

    "I don''t need a pity party. I know that your concern is limited as he had successfully taken you back over again." He said in one breath as he continued to swirl his drink.

    Her eyes widened. Then again, she knew that Takagi Ryuuji is no idiot. She just did not expect him to find out too soon.

    It was awkward to feel like you''ve cheated on someone with your own husband. It does not feel right at all.

    She sighed. "Still not enough reason to drink."

    Before he could protest, she had snatched the drink from his hand and gulped everything down.

    Her face reddened, but remained stern.

    "We still got married in City O. As your wife, I still care about you. Don''t just throw your life away."

    She took the glass with her and lifted the bottle of whiskey from the table. She returned everything to the bar downstairs.

    .

    The following day, Midori could not believe how clingy her son acted in the morning. She was preparing herself to come to the new product''s press conference when the nanny just could not calm him down from crying.

    When she held Dmitri, he finally calmed down, but began to cry again when Midori tried to leave him behind.

    Midori sighed. She turned to her nephew and sister-in-law. "You guys head out to the studio first. This might take awhile."

    They both nodded with a smile and walked out of the front door.

    Midori looked at her son and gently tapped a finger on his nose. "You sly little one. Did you know that I''ll be meeting your father today?" she chuckled.

    She turned to the nanny. "Prepare some clothes for him, and his bag. I''ll be taking him with me."

    "Right away, Young Mistress."

    On the way to the studio, she called a familiar number.

    "Good morning, my wife." Dan''s cool voice sounded from the other line. "Running late, aren''t we?"

    "Tsk. Dmitri did not cooperate this morning, so I''m bringing him with me." She glanced at her drooling son, fastened safely on his car seat.

    She took a soft towel from his bag and wiped it off.

    Dan chuckled. "He must miss me a lot."

    She frowned. "Yeah. This is all your fault, so you''ll be the one to take care of him." she joked.

    Suddenly, their car stopped.

    Midori frowned and looked at the driver. "What''s the matter?"

    "Ma''am, a man covered in blood is lying on the road." The driver opened his door as he uttered the words.

    Midori glanced at Dmitri before she opened her door. She remained standing behind the open passenger door.

    Just then, she saw a masked man knocking the driver out with the handle of a pistol when he bent down to check on the bloody man.

    This alarmed her and she went to help the driver.

    The assailant had some martial arts skills, but ge was no match against a descendant of the Igarashi clan.

    Soon, five more masked men simultaneously fought with the tough target.

    Even though she is skilled, Midori still took some time to defeat all of them.

    As she landed the final blow on the last one, she saw their black van speedily drive away, leaving their defeated comrades.

    When she turned to look back at her car, her face was filled with horror as the door to where Dmitri''s child seat was has been opened.

    She rushed to the car to find that her son was taken.

    "No..." she instinctively ran towards the direction the black van had left, but found nothing.

    She rushed back to the car to retrieve her phone.

    She redialled a number.

    "Is the traffic that bad?" the teasing voice of Verdan Zhou sounded.

    "They...they..." she was sobbing.

    Dan''s face turned serious from the other end. "Midori, what''s wrong?" his voice was full of concern.

    "They took Dmitri!" she wailed.

 211 No Choice

    "What?! Midori, where are you?"

    "I''m...past the intersection of M Street and..."

    "Don''t move! I''m coming!"

    Verdan Zhou started the engine if the SS Aero. He was actually planning on letting his wife drive it again after learning that it was her favorite. Who would have thought that he will be needing its speed in this way?

    As he stepped on the accelerator, the call he dialled connected.

    "Young Master."

    "My son was kidnapped. Check all the traffic cameras. I need to find him and there''s no time to waste!"

    "Right away, Young Master." the person on the other end hung up in a hurry to get on the job.

    When Verdan Zhou reached the scene, he dashed towards Midori.

    As he embraced her, he could feel her whole body trembling.

    "Shh...it''s gonna be fine. I''m here." He rubbed her back gently to console her.

    "I''m such an idiot! I...I did not intend to leave him alone in the car...but Uncle Hao was hurt by that man...I... I had no choice but to help him...before I knew it, I...I was surrounded...then...then when I went back to...he''s gone!" Midori wailed as she clenched his shirt.

    He hugged her tighter as his heart was stabbed by her tears. A dangerous expression was evident on his handsome face.

    He called several numbers, and soon the police and an ambulance arrived.

    The police took their statements and Uncle Hao was taken to the hospital. The men who were left behind by their comrades were taken in by the police for interrogation.

    Verdan Zhou did his best to prevent his wife from killing them.

    After much restraining, he had persuaded Midori to come home.

    He took her back to the Xiu estate, and everyone had known what happened.

    "I got my people to track the vehicle. We will ve in pursuit once we know where they are." Verdan Zhou''s expression remained dangerous.

    "Son-in-law, what you are doing is enough. Don''t show Midori that expression. She will feel the guilt." Xiu Jin tapped on his shoulder as he nodded.

    Takagi Ryuuji happened to pass by behind them, returning from the kitchen to get Midori a glass of water.

    His expression turned solemn when he heard the old man address someone else as his son-in-law.

    ...

    Meanwhile, the press conference had ended, with no one alerting anyone in it about the kidnapping situation.

    Agatha Yang held Manta''s hand as they walked to the exit of the studio.

    Suddenly, her phone rang.

    The number was not registered on her contacts but it was familiar to her.

    She frowned as she answered, "What do you want?"

    "Oh...getting cocky, are we?" the devious voice of a woman sounded from the other end.

    "I''m busy." Agatha Yang was about to hang up.

    "Are you sure you don''t mind me killing the people who raised you?"

    "What do you want?" Agatha''s expression turned dark.

    Manta held on tighter to her hand as he was suddenly scared. He can sense that there is something wrong.

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    "Agatha! Don''t forsake us! Help us!" she suddenly heard her parents scream in despair from the other end.

    She clenched her phone. "Is it money? I''ll send it to your account within the day." her voice was irritated.

    "If you don''t want their heads on the headlines tomorrow, come to the WT villa. They are only gonna wait for 20 minutes. And of course, no police, if you catch my drift..." A laugh could be heard from the phone before the call was cut.

    Agatha looked around. The driver is nowhere to be found. She tried calling him, but no one took the call. Even the household phone was busy.

    She checked the time. She was wasting it. She did not want to take her son with her on this matter. However, as they boarded a cab, she knew she had no choice.

    "Madam, the boy is with the woman as you''ve said. They are on their way." A man in an all black ensemble who was watching from the studio alley reported.

 212 Gunshots

    The conversation between Xiu Jin and Verdan Zhou was interrupted by a ringtone.

    Verdan Zhou quickly reached for his phone in his pocket. "What?! I''ll be right there!"

    Xiu Jin grabbed his arm. "Where?"

    Verdan Zhou knowingly nodded to him and strode away.

    Xiu Jin followed closely. Takagi Ryuuji also overheard them and went to drive the family car.

    The two mistresses of the house just came from their rooms just in time to notice the atmosphere change and followed the men.

    Three cars sped away from the Xiu estate, one containing bodyguards.

    As they arrived at the old abandoned hotel building beyond the outskirts in the south, the bodyguards began to engage a fight with the black-clad men at the gates.

    This paved the way for the masters and mistresses to enter the worn-down building.

    Midori was terrified. There was no sound of a baby crying.

    She dashed to enter.

    The piercing sound of a laugh echoed in the high ceiling space.

    Everyone looked up and saw a familiar face.

    Ming Rushi was cuddling a sleeping baby.

    "What have you done to my son?!" Midori''s piercing voice echoed in the room.

    Ming Rushi sneered as she looked down upon them. "Well, he was being too noisy, my hand had pushed too much sedative."

    "You monster!" Midori was ready to dash towards the stairs, but Verdan Zhou held her tightly in place.

    He calmly spoke, "What do you want?"

    "Oh? CEO Zhou is trying to negotiate for his heir..." Ming Rushi eyed the older couple. "Chairman Xiu, are you making the same terms for yours?"

    "What-" Xiu Jin followed the gaze of Ming Rushi. They all saw Agatha and Manta being pushed by two armed men.

    The culprits had more hostages than they thought.

    The snipers on stand by were shocked. It would be a tough mission.

    "Manta!" Aoi Xiu called out.

    Manta tried to be brave and bitterly smiled back to them as he shook his head.

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    Xiu Jin looked at his daughter-in-law. "Agatha, how..."

    Agatha Yang was already crying as they descended the stairs. She had just witnessed the father who took her in and raised her shot dead before her eyes.

    Manta tried hard to hold his emotions in. He is so young, yet he had to be brave. His father is miles away. He had to look after his mother.

    "Why are you doing this?" Everyone was astonished to hear Xiu Jin''s voice sounding so desperate, even his wife was startled by his tone.

    "What do I want?" Suddenly, the slim physique of Madam Ming came into everyone''s view. She stood proudly besides her daughter and looked down mockingly to the people downstairs.

    She snickered. "I want XCG."

    "Xiaoyu..." Xiu Jin felt remorse. After some years, he had found out what his mother did to his ex-girlfriend. He felt regret and pity, but he would not wrong his wife for such matter.

    He knew their family had to pay for the deeds of the old matriarch, but he was hoping that it would not be in this way.

    "Jin, I want to take back what is rightfully ours." Ming Xiaoyu snickered.

    "Xiaoyu, don''t hurt the children! They are innocent! They had nothing to do with what happened before!" Xiu Jin was becoming more desperate.

    "Oh...alright then..." Ming Xiaoyu gestured to the black-clad men.

    They pushed Agatha and Manta away to let them go.

    Manta is a bit mature for his age, but he is a child after all. When the men let go of them, he ran towards his grandfather.

    "Jii-chaaan!!!"

    Xiu Jin dashed to him halway.

    At the same time, Ming Rushi tossed the sleeping baby in her arms and let him fall to the ground.

    "Dmitri!!!" Midori dashed to catch him, with Verdan Zhou following closely behind.

    With the reunion with the two children, everyone was preoccupied with the scene.

    Then, several gunshots were fired.

    Midori then saw a man before her, lying on his pool of blood.

 213 Be Happy 1

    "Ryuuji!" she screamed.

    Several gunshots were fired. Aoi Xiu was firing at Ming Xiaoyu who tried to aim at her husband and grandson.

    The snipers had acted and Tang Jinxuan, who aimed at Verdan Zhou and his family, was already coughing up blood.

    Ming Rushi was terrified and fled the scene.

    Verdan Zhou took his son as Midori was trembling. They both looked down at the bleeding man who laid beside them. His blood was emptying fast.

    "Ryuuji...why...you know your condition...you didn''t have to take the bullet for us! Bakka!"

    Takagi Ryuuji sighed. "Mi-midori...shi-shiawase...ni...naru."* He weakly smiled at her.

    "Hey, the ambulance is almost here! Hold on, Ryuuji!" Midori started to cry.

    His breathing was heavy. "Anata ni...man-manzoku."** he tried to touch her crying face. "Nakanaide***...shi-shiawa-se...ni...na-ru."

    And with that, his hand fell and his eyes closed.

    "Ryuuji!" Midori''s tears gushed out. She screamed as she hugged him. It was the tightest she could give him.

    She felt remorse, regret and guilt.

    She knew he was sick. He had hemophilia. A single large wound would definitely take his life.

    "Okaasan! Okaasan!" On the other area, Manta stopped holding everything in and cried when he saw his mother took the bullet for them.

    When Xiu Jin noticed this, Agatha Yang was already lying on the ground, wheezing and grunting.

    The sound of an ambulance relieved him. "Manta, help is here..." He tried to console his grandson.

    Aoi Xiu looked at both scenes, then she looked down. She tried hard to suppress her emotions.

    Her family just went through a calamity. She needed to be the strong matriarch they need.

    She dialled on her cellphone.

    ...

    Miles away, at the Igarashi Enterprise, Masaichi Xiu was irritated by the report and he could not understand why. To his rational mind, nothing was wrong with it except for being a bit long, but it should still be acceptable. He wondered why he felt impatient.

    Just when the COO was about to close his presentation, the CEO''s phone rang.

    Masaichi Xiu frowned before answering.

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    His face turned dark as he listened to the other line. Then he bolted from his seat and dashed out of the room.

    No one knew what happened. He acted as if he did not owe anyone an explanation.

    He sped through every intersection and dashed out of the airport to board his private plane.

    ___

    Midori had just hung up from a phone call. Though it hurts so much, she had to tell Takagi Ryuuji''s parents herself.They were going to bring him home.

    She looked at the small hospital bed.

    A tall grown man is barely lying on its edge as he caressed the face of the sleeping baby whose hand had an IV line.

    She felt guilt once more.

    She gently tapped on his back.

    "Dan, you should go home first."

    He sat up and shook his head. "I''m okay. I want to stay here."

    She pursed her lips and started to cry again.

    Verdan Zhou held her in his embrace, rubbing her back as she soaked his shirt with her tears.

    "It''s over now. Everything will be fine." he consoled.

    She continued crying. In sobs, she said, "Why? Why did he have to love me?!"

    "Shh...it was his choice. You are a person whom we both chose to love. I understand him."

    "I...I became a widow again. I''m bad luck!"

    "Shh...no..." He pushed her gently to look at her face. "Can''t you see? The other husband is right here. And I feel so lucky to have you. I will be forever grateful to his sacrifice because I can still see you and my son. Didn''t he tell you? Be happy." Dan kissed her forehead as he continued to stroke her back.

 214 Be happy 2

    Masaich Xiu caressed the jade bangle greatly as he recalled that day two years ago.

    .

    She looked at his weary face--his face weary from the rushed travel--as she drew deep breaths.

    He gently touched her face--as if he was afraid to break her--her small face which was almost covered by the oxygen mask, with every breath, fogging her pale skin.

    She smiled. She tried to reach out to touch him, but stopped and winced as the tube connected to her side moved slightly.

    "Shh...don''t move. It''s alright. It''s gonna be fine." he assured her.

    A tear fell from her eye. Her shaking hand tried to remove the oxygen mask, to no success.

    Masaichi understood her intention, he helped move the mask down her neck area.

    "Ma-masa...kun..." she weakly called out.

    Another tear streamed down her pale cheek.

    "Hai...I''m here. I won''t leave you alone again...does...does it hurt anywhere?" He moved some stray hair from her face.

    She gently shook her head, then looked at him intently.

    "Mas-masa-kun...I...I''m sorry...so-sorry..." her face was full of regret and guilt.

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    "Shh...it''s not your fault...rest now." He replaced the mask to cover her nose and mouth as she took deep breaths.

    Then he kissed her forehead as she closed her eyes.

    Masaichi had a solemn face. He knew that his wife was vulnerable. He was full of regret for not coming back to City S in time to protect them.

    But he also knew that she was not naive. Going to the enemy with her son was a choice she need not make.

    In the end, because of this decision, he almost lost everything.

    The following day, he went back to the hospital with Mantarou to visit. Since Agatha was in intensive care, relatives were only allowed for a few minutes. Nurses were assigned to monitor the patient.

    When they reached the intensive care complex, they were startled as several doctors and nurses seemed to flood in.

    Masaichi had a bad feeling, as well as Mantarou, who clung onto him tightly.

    He managed to pull a male nurse to inquire.

    "What''s happening?"

    The flustered nurse replied, "The patient in room 5 suddenly had a hard time breathing, then her vitals went down. We-we''re trying to revive her now." He struggled from the visitor''s grip and joined the commotion.

    Manta started crying. He knew the room where his mother is in.

    Masaichi lifted him in his arms and embraced him tightly.

    "We got heartbeat! Get the BP!" A female doctor suddenly shouted.

    People who alternately were pumping onto the patient''s chest stopped to wait if there would be spontaneous recovery of circulation. The one who was squeezing the air bag also checked if the patient would breath on her own, so he could synchronize air delivery.

    At that moment, as if everything stopped.

    "100/60!" Another doctor broke the silence and announced the patient''s blood pressure.

    Doctors and nurses stabilized the endotracheal tube they inserted, removing the connected bag and connecting the tubing to the mechanical ventilator. They also reconnected several wires for the monitoring of her vital signs.

    The doctor who was leading the code walked towards the father and son.

    She took out a piece of paper from her coat, then presented it to them.

    "She was trying to write on this minutes before she had difficulty breathing. She struggled to give the paper before passing out." She gave a slight nod as she walked away to excuse herself.

    Masaichi unfolded the paper.

    Agatha Yang had a nice, dainty handwriting.

    The doodle that he tried to read was nothing like it.

    "Masa-kun I sorry For giv me" were the letters which they somehow were able to make out of the lines.

    Masaichi Xiu peered down on her unconscious face, slightly distorted by the tracheal tube fastened at the edge of her mouth.

    He leaned close so he could whisper on her ear, "I forgive you."

    .

    "Otousan..."

    Masaichi Xiu snapped out of his reverie with the voice of his son.

    He stopped touching the jade bangle.

    "Otousan, it''s been two years already. I won''t mind. I think, it''s time for you to give yourself a chance tobe happy."

    "You''re nine, right?" he looked at his son skeptically.

    They both laughed.

 215 Leaving

    The following day, Masaichi Xiu was startled to find a man in his office.

    When the individual turned around, he was even more startled to recognize the face.

    "Oh...good morning, CEO." Romina Ta, who just had a haircut politely greeted him.

    "You...your hair..."

    "Oh...is it bad? I''m saving up shampoo." she chuckled.

    "Did something happen?" He frowned.

    She had a subtle smile. "CEO, this is my last day in this office. This marks as my fresh start."

    "You''re really leaving..." he muttered.

    She did not catch what he just said, but she only tilted her head and knitted her brows.

    She will never dare to pry on his thoughts.

    When he did not make a clear order, she straightened her back and smiled professionally.

    "CEO, I had turned over everything to Secretary Ma. I will be leaving now. I wish for XCG to prosper."

    With that, she bowed politely and went her way out the wooden door.

    Masaichi Xiu had gaping mouth, but no word was spoken.

    In the end, he had no right to make her stay.

    In truth, he had known for quite some time that she held a torch for him.

    However, he treated her as a sister, so he dared not confirm it. He was afraid that it would make them feel awkward and it will make the work environment tense.

    When he got married, he knew that her eyes turned lonely, but at that time, he fell truly in love with his wife.

    As years went by, he appreciated how professional she kept herself, never crossing the line and maintaining her position.

    When his wife came back to him after he woke up from his coma, he saw how Romina Ta tried to endure it.

    He even understood why she tried to resign.

    When he lost his wife two years ago, she paid her condolences but did not take advantage of the opportunity.

    A year ago, he accidentally met her again. She was living off her savings.

    He convinced her that it should not be the case and took her back as his secretary.

    She agreed with hesitation.

    Then a couple of months prior, she handed him her resignation letter.

    She assured him that she will be working under her biological brother, so she will not be living off her savings.

    For the first time, he was truly troubled about this woman. For the first time, he felt someone had abandoned him.

    However, who was he to object?

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    When his son gave him the idea of chasing his happiness once more, he actually thought of her.

    This morning, he was about to start another approach with her.

    He actually forgot that he had approved her resignation, and that it was actually her last day as his secretary.

    "CEO." A woman''s voice snapped him out of his reverie.

    He swiftly turned, but frowned when he saw Secretary Ma holding onto the tablet containing his schedule for the day.

    He had a lot of chances. He had a lot of time.

    Yet he did not take them.

    He will never get the chance, as he had never given her any.

    Suddenly, as if an idea struck him, he strode out of his office, to the surprise of Secretary Ma, who was still briefing him with his schedule.

    He reached the elevator as its doors opened.

    He immediately went in.

    Secretary Ma, who was wearing heels could not keep up with his large strides.

    Before the elevator door closed, he told her, "Stay there."

    When the elevator door opened again, Masaichi Xiu is already in the parking lot.

    He strode towards his BMW with a smug look on his face, as if he was about to make a done deal.

 216 Going Back

    "See ya, Mom-mama, Dad-da!" Dmitri hugged his mother first, then reached out to his father. He has learned enough words for his age, but is not yet fluent in quick sentences.

    At age 2, he already resembles his father a lot, even taking the refreshing smile after him. His hazel eyes are round, then turns chinky as he smiles.

    After embracing him tightly for the nth time, Midori finally let the little boy go with his grandparents.

    She looked at her mother who held her son.

    "Mom, make sure he eats healthy and drinks his milk twice daily. The meal plan I prepared..."

    She was cut off by Aoi Xiu. "Yeah, yeah...I raised you and your brother, right? Didn''t you turn out fine?"

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    "Just...just don''t spoil him too much." Midori reached out to caress the soft fair chubby cheeks which are forming the smile she loves.

    "You will see him again in two weeks. Don''t worry. The worst that could come out of this is I would turn him into a marshmallow." Aoi chuckled.

    Midori gave her a stare, but laughed in the end.

    "Alright. We''re going now." Dan had to drag his wife away from his son or she will spend the whole day bidding him goodbye.

    "Take care!" Aoi Xiu waved as the car went away.

    Dmitri mimicked her and was also waving at his parents'' car which sped away.

    When the car was no longer in sight, they went back into the mansion.

    Aoi saw some servants taking framed photos up towards the second floor.

    She thought that the enlarged wedding photos of her daughter and son-in-law would definitely go to their bedroom. However, she noticed that they were taking the frames into another room.

    She followed them curiously with Dmitri in her arms, who was also curious about the frames.

    .

    The itinerary for their honeymoon after their second ceremony was meticulously planned by Midori.

    As they arrived in City H, she had a victory smile as the car took them to a traditional hotel surrounded by natural plants, trees and a lake.

    Indeed, she planned to recreate their trip in the same city, just like how he planned it for them years ago.

    So, they are going back to reminisce their first out-of-town trip together.

    Verdan Zhou looked at her from behind as he had a smirk.

    His wife was so excited and enthusiastic enough to mention a trivia or two about the place.

    Unknown to her, he had regular appointments with Dr. Long, and that something important is yet to be revealed to her.

    When they arrived at their room, Midori looked around and took a deep breath.

    Although some of the furniture has been replaced with new ones, the layout of the room was pretty much the same.

    "Dan, we''re here. Any small memory?" She went to stare at his gorgeous poker face.

    He looked at her with regret on his face, then he gently shook his head.

    She pouted for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "You will love how our dinner is served!"

    She took his hand and dragged him out of their room.

    He almost chuckled as he let her lead the way.

    The scenery is quite vivid in one''s memory.

    Soon, they were dining in the floating restaurant, with the dim light of the lantern and a steaming pot of tea.

    "Eat more of these..." she took some shrimp which she peeled herself, dipped it in spicy sauce, and landed it on his bowl of rice.

    "Thank you, Darling." he replied, ever so tenderly.

    As if realizing that it was too straightforward, Midori blushed and continued eating from her bowl.

    When they went back to their room, Midori was frantically looking for something among her things.

    Dan had just showered and he chuckled at her antics.

    "Looking for this?"

    Midori turned to face him and her eyes widened to see a familiar taupe tie.

    "You remember?"

 217 You Tricked Me

    "Would you like to recreate what we did after you gave me this tie?" Dan had a provocative look and an alluring voice.

    Midori blushed for a moment, then as if regaining consciousness of the issue at hand, she frowned while gesturing with her hands on her hips.

    "Wait! Your memories are back?!" her voice had a mixture of surprise, joy, and a little bit of feeling betrayed.

    "I...I was working on it..." his smile had a tinge of regret.

    "You tricked me!" She landed a light punch on his chest.

    Then she paused, as if realizing something. She grabbed onto his shirt to pull him near.

    "When?!"

    "I get off work earlier for quite some time now. I attend therapy sessions."

    She frowned. He had always fetched her after work.

    "What therapy?"

    "With Dr. Long...she works wonders."

    Midori pouted.

    "Hey, what''s wrong? Aren''t you glad that I can remember things now?" Dan tried to lean in closer to her pouting face.

    From crossing her arms over her chest, she tried to push him.

    "Get away from me." she muttered.

    "Hey...don''t be like that...we''re on our second honeymoon..." he tried to coax her.

    "You knew but you''re still talking about another woman!" she snapped at him.

    "I just told you how I got some of my memories back. Why are you making a big fuss about it?"

    Midori turned her back on him and tried to get off the bed.

    Dan reached out to pull her back. As he grabbed on the tie of her robe, it went loose and at the same time the movement made her spin a little towards him.

    His eyes widened as she landed on him in her teddies.

    "When...when did you own such a..." He could not even continue what he was about to say.

    "Not like it? I thought you knew this was a honeymoon?"

    "Hmmn...I remember that..." he started to kiss her.

    ______

    "Sis-in-law, you are so organized! The set usually looks like a dumpster." Jiang Mei Ling praised and insulted in one sentence.

    Romina Ta chuckled. "It''s a force of habit."

    "This industry might tire out a busy bee like you." Jiang Mei Ling gave a little wink and went up to do a take on her scene.

    Suddenly, Romina Ta''s phone notified for a message.

    "Come up to the office." said the message from her brother.

    She had a slight frown as she had accomplished most of her tasks for the day. It might be something important.

    .

    Meanwhile, at the topmost floor of Luxe Entertainment, two gentlemen in fine suits are seeing eye-to-eye.

    "CEO Xiu, if you are indeed sincere, then why are you too late?"

    One corner of Masaichi Xiu''s lips went up to a smirk. Indeed, he had been a fool for years.

    "Didn''t they say, ''You don''t know what you got ''til it''s gone?"

    Lu Shaoting chuckled. "Then what makes you think you deserve to get her back?"

    "Why do I feel like I''m talking to a rival in love?" Masaichi had challenging eyes.

    "Don''t get me wrong. My sister is the closest blood relative I have. She had been through a lot. I would not just hand her out in a silver platter."

    "Then tell me your terms." Masaichi''s gaze turned to determination. He will do whatever it takes, even pleasing this cunning future brother-in-law.

    Lu Shaoting chuckled once more. "I want all your endorsements exclusive to my artists."

    Without batting an eyelid, Masaichi Xiu answered, "Sounds reasonable. Deal."

    This made even the famous director and now entertainment enterprise president, who held full control of his emotions, reveal surprise in his eyes.

    "Surprised? Yes, I love your sister that much. I am even willing to give everything I have to her. All she needs is to ask." Masaichi had a gentle smile.

    "Heh, you knew she will never ask for too much. You''re too lucky. But you know, even if I approve of you, the decision lies with her."

    Just as Lu Shaoting spoke the last word of the sentence, there was a knock on the door and came into view is the fair face of Romina Ta.

    "Oh, sorry for the intrusion." Pretending not to notice and keeping her head down, she retreated from the room and quickly shut the door.

    She went for the elevator in hurried steps.

    .

    At the CEO''s office, Masaichi was already on his feet, ready to dash after her.

    "Mr. Xiu..." Lu Shaoting called out to him.

    Masaichi Xiu stopped on his tracks and turned to face him. He waited for what he was about to say.

    "If she accepts you, I will too. Good luck."

    Masaichi Xiu smiled and nodded to him before chasing after Romina Ta.

    The elevator door shut before he could reach to stop it.

    Masaichi headed for the stairs.

    Romina Ta felt confused. ''Why is he here? It was so hard for me to decide to not see him again. Why did he appear before me when my life just started to become normal?!''

    As she was deep in thoughts, the elevator had arrived to the ground floor.

    She continued her strides and reached the paved sidewalk.

    Before she could hail a cab, her wrist was grabbed and the force turned her towards a tall man.

    "What do you want?" she managed to spat between clenched teeth.

    "Don''t be mad. I just wanted to see you." Masaichi answered patiently, but he just would not let go of her wrist.

    "You made him trick me! You''re too much!"

    He sighed. "Mina-chan..."

    She laughed in disdain. "Indeed, I am just like everybody...I can be compared to just anybody. So don''t waste your time on me."

    He chuckled. "Iie. Everyone together could never compare to you."

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    "I...I can''t love you anymore. I want to love myself now." She was almost in tears.

    "Then don''t. Just love yourself. I will be fine with it...just...let me love you this time."

    He cupped her face and kissed her passionately.

 218 Chose to be Happy

    "Captain Long..." a curvy woman took off her sunglasses as she smiled to greet the man in uniform.

    "It''s been long indeed...since the last time I saw you." the deep voice of Long Yun replied.

    Her smile remained but her eyes had a tinge of sadness.

    "Would you mind having a cup of coffee with me? For old times sake..." his voice sounded odd. He was sure she would immediately reject.

    She looked deep into his sad eyes. "I don''t mind. Captain, don''t be too serious. It''s just a cup of coffee."

    He forced a chuckle. "Then, this way please." he gestured towards the way.

    Walking distance from the airport is a cozy caf¨¦ adorned with potted plants with glass walls. The whitewashed wooden furniture made it daintily rustic.

    When the waitress came up to take their orders, the lady took off her sunglasses, which she was wearing when they walked under the sun.

    "Two cups of butterfly pea tea...then lemon slices on the side please." her voice was soft but carried certainty.

    Long Yun kept on staring at her.

    Since the waitress heard no objection from the other party, she immediately went her way to process their order.

    She pretended to just notice his stare. "What''s wrong?"

    "Did I not invite you for coffee?"

    "Oh...I didn''t know you like to order for yourself. Sorry!" her antics were a bit childish.

    "Heh, I was just curious as why you ordered tea when you agreed with having coffee."

    "Well, sometimes we do things differently from what we agree to..." she answered.

    He fell silent. He looked grim.

    She smiled at him tenderly. "We both learned from it all. It''s just that...we both chose to be happy."

    He looked back at her in the eyes. "Are you...happy?"

    "I am...happy...now." Her smile reflected the truth. "I also believe that you are happy as well?"

    "I am..." he answered with a tender expression.

    "Good." Madeline Song had a contented expression. She sipped her tea for the last time. "Thank you for the tea." She stood up to leave.

    He also wanted to take her back and stood from his seat.

    She gestured with her hand to stop him. "It''s best that I leave first." she gently shook her head.

    "Oh...alright." He sat back down.

    "See yah around!" she waved with her fingers and left without another glance.

    As he stared at her leaving figure, his phone rang.

    "Are you still at the airport?" a deep voice inquired.

    "I...I''m at the caf¨¦ nearby. When did you arrive?"

    "I just landed."

    "Then I''ll walk back. Wait for me."

    Long Yun had a subtle smile. His partner is also a pilot. They work things out even with the busy schedule. Indeed, he is happy now.

    He and Madeline Song parted after she recovered. Her mother took her to Country E and they both agreed to loosen up any ties within them. They wished each other happiness and they still do.

    However, losing a baby together is hard to forget.

    ___

    Xiu Jin sat at the other side of the glass wall.

    "Why are you here...to mock me?" Ming Xiaoyu glared at him.

    "I just...wanted to check on you. Xiaoyu, what my mother did was indeed unforgivable...but you should''ve chosen to be happy when you decided to break my heart instead of telling the truth."

    She sneered. "You think you would''ve accepted me if you knew?"

    He was taken aback. Even now, he would not be sure if he would make a different decision back then if the circumstances is what he had laid out.

    She snickered. "See. You are not as nice as you make yourself out to be. Jin, I regret nothing. If you are done trying to wash your conscience clean, then don''t bother coming here again."

    "Your...your daughter..."

    "She will recover...eventually. Don''t worry. Even if she isn''t truly yours, she is not as wicked as I turned out to be. Besides, I believe that the boy she used to date still cares about her. He is not like you...not like you at all." she smiled wickedly before walking away.

    .

    In a recuperation facility, a young man was squatting while talking to a young woman in a wheelchair.

    Her gaze was empty, her expression blank. She looked like a breathing mannequin.

    "Rushi..." the pain in his eyes reflected in his voice.

    "I''m sorry...I''m sorry for leaving. Our son...I knew you wanted him...but I blamed it all on you. I''m sorry. I''m here now...I will take care of you. I will never leave you again...just...just come back to me. Rushi..."

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    Her cold expression did not change.

    He was unsure if she can hear him but he still tried. He is trying everyday.

    Fu Bai was about to marry into a political marriage, but when he heard that Ming Rushi lost her mind after everything that happened, he went back to see her.

    He could have chosen to be happy with someone else, but he chose to be with her.

    Now, he was trying to bring her back, and he will not give up.

 219 Love Like No Other

    "Hey Dad, care for a one-on-one?" A teenager of about 15 or so, with gleaming hazel eyes and flashy pearly white teeth wiped some sweat off his face with a towel from a nearby bench as he held onto the basketball with a single arm. He is already at 175 cm, but he is still growing taller.

    The father he was talking to just arrived and had just parked his car in the garage.

    He took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. "You don''t know whom you''re up against." The older version of the teenager smirked as he removed his tie.

    They played about 5 rounds before someone called out from the house.

    "Master, Young Master...the Mistress and Young Mistress have arrived." A uniformed servant came to politely inform them.

    Verdan Zhou passed back the ball. "You know what that means.

    Dmitri Zhou chuckled.

    They both went back into the house to wash up.

    Midori Zhou looked at her husband who just came into their bedroom drenched in sweat.

    "So, did you beat him?"

    He chuckled. "He is still too young."

    "Were you as good as him when you were his age?"

    "You don''t remember?" He reached out to embrace her.

    "Hey, quit it! You''re full of sweat!"

    "Hmmn...we can shower together then." He kissed her on the neck and hugged her tighter.

    An hour had passed and the servants called out for dinner.

    The dinner table conversation was about waking up early the next day even though it is a weekend.

    "Tomorrow, anyone who fails to get oneself ready by 6 AM willbe left here in City S." declared Dan.

    "We''re going out of town, Daddy?" Misaki, the youngest, now twelve, asked with gleaming eyes.

    "Not just out of town, Darling. We''re going to City O." Dan beamed a gentle smile towards her.

    "Oh, nice! I have never been in the Old Capital." Dmitri was excited as well.

    .

    The following day, the family went to visit City O. After some sight-seeing, the children were confused as to why they suddenly visited a graveyard.

    Verdan Zhou held his children at bay as his wife paid her respects to one of the tombstones.

    Dmitri frowned as he read the name. Aoi Xiu taught him her language. Though he still sucks at calligraphy, he can read well.

    When they checked into their family room within a ryokan, the ladies went on to dip into the female spring.

    The guys went into their own hot spring shortly after.

    Dan noticed a change in his son''s attitude.

    "Buddy, what''s up?" he asked cautiously. Teenagers can be unpredictable.

    "Dad, the tomb we visited...it''s the guy with a portrait with Mom, right?"

    Dan blinked. "Yes, the one at the farthest in our memories room."

    "Dad, how could you tolerate this? You love Mom that much?" Dmitri''s brows were too close to each other. He took a deep breath. "She married that guy before. Why do we keep their wedding portrait in our memories room? Aren''t you insulted? Plus, you even gave the excuse of coming here just so she could visit his grave! Dad, I mean no disrespect to the dead, but I just...I feel bad for you." Dmitri poured out his thoughts. After all, it is his father who is with him.

    Contrary to his expectations, Dmitri saw his father smile.

    "Dmitri...your Uncle Ryuuji means so much to your mother..." he paused.

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    However, before Dmitri could interrupt, the deep voice of Verdan Zhou rang.

    "But believe it or not, I am the most thankful for his existence in our lives. Yes, he married your mother behind my back. But then again, it was when I turned my back on her, on you guys. Indeed, he tried to keep you and your mom for himself, but if he did not love you and your mom..." Dan turned to face his son. "I believe, I would not be able to be with you again...and to see you grow up."

    Dmitri felt even more confused that his knitted eyebrows became tighter, but his gaping mouth said nothing.

    "When you were kidnapped, he sacrificed his life to protect you and your mother. I was there, but I was late to react. In a way, it''s like I owe him my life...because I can''t go on living if I lost you that day. I will forever recognize his love for your mother. It was like no other...and I will be forever grateful of his generosity."

    "But Dad, doesn''t Mom always say that you are her one true love?"

    "Exactly." Dan chuckled. "Your Uncle Ryuuji knew that, but he still loved her anyway. Dmitri, your mom and I...we were lucky. We are fortunate enough to find each other...to fall in love and to stay with each other. Your mom...is my only love. Dmitri, when you find someone...it is alright to fight for her, but the most important thing is...to make her happy."

    "So Uncle Ryuuji wanted Mom to be happy..."

    Dan ruffled his son''s hair. "Now you get the picture."

 220 Not Easy

    When they returned to City S, everything was on its usual state. The next weekend came in no time.

    Dmitri Zhou was awakened by a call on his mobile phone.

    He sluggishly picked it up.

    "Mighty!!!" shouted a girl from the other end.

    Dmitri was irritated. "Meimei! What''s with you this early?! It''s the weekend for pity''s sake!"

    "Tri-ge, you and Manta-ge promised to come to the mall with me today!" the girl on the other line was sulking.

    "Meimei, the mall will only open at 10AM! It''s only 6AM! Call Manta-kun if you dare. I''m done talking to you!" he tapped to end the call.

    Lu Meimei smiled. She loves to tease these guys. Today, she is planning to set them up with some girls.

    She tapped to call another number.

    "Hey Baby, good morning." a soothing male voice greeted when her line connected.

    Lu Meimei blushed in an instant. She gulped, then cleared her throat.

    "Goo-good morning, Monty. Are-are you up? Why...why are you up so early?" her voice was shy. There was no trace of the demanding girl who made the earlier phone call.

    Montgomery Adams, or Monty for many, stretched his tall body and got up from his bed. His Caucasian-Asian mix is a never fair advantage against other guys.

    He met the Young Mistress of Luxe Entertainment when he shoot an advertisement for a carbonated drink.

    "Meimei, I''m up. Wanna go somewhere?"

    "Uhm...Manta-ge and Tri-ge will take me to the mall later...but...but we can take the dogs for a walk."

    "Sounds fun. I''ll go over in 30."

    .

    Mantarou Xiu, now 21, cleared his throat as he stood before the couple with their dogs.

    "Manta-ge!" Lu Meimei''s mind was up in the clouds that she did not notice him closing in.

    Monty Adams bolted and bowed. "Director Xiu."

    "Monty, we''re at the park...not in XCG." Mantarou chuckled. His smile and hazel eyes closely resemble his late mother''s.

    Lu Meimei looked around. "Is Tri-ge already here as well?" her voice had a tinge of preparing to be scold.

    "Not yet. Go wash up if you still plan to take us to the mall." He turned towards the man with a dog on a leash. "Monty, I believe you are coming as well?"

    "Uhm...Mei, let''s go and prepare then." Monty got his year-old golden retriever up and jogged away to prepare.

    Lu Meimei walked with Mantarou Xiu back to the Lu manor.

    Technically, Meimei is not related by blood to Manta but she is his stepmother''s niece so he treats her like a little sister.

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    Though he misses his own mother at times, Mantarou Xiu was lucky enough to grow up under his stepmother, Romina Ta.

    Romina never treated him as somebody else''s child. She had twin daughters with Masaichi and she oriented them of the only brother they have.

    .

    Back in the Lu residence, Dmitri who had just arrived was forced by the master of the house to have breakfast with him.

    "Dmitri, you should eat more. Your dad can''t keep boasting about himself for so long." Lu Shaoting guffawed.

    "Erm...I already ate at home, Sir...but, please excuse my intrusion as I have some coffee with you."

    "Not a problem. My sister''s stepson...uhm, I mean your cousin...he came earlier to look for Meimei, too. You guys going somewhere?" Lu Shaoting took a bite from the marmalade laden toast.

    Dmitri snickered. "We believe your daughter is trying to match us up with some people she recently knew. We just let her be as not to burst her bubble."

    "Hah! It''s troublesome to find someone worthy nowadays. Good thing my son is still on his way to learn ABCs."

    "Tri-ge!" Lu Meimei was mortified. Her big brothers are ready and she was still playing with her samoyed. "Gi-give me thirty minutes!" she gestured the digits with her fingers then dashed upstairs to prepare.

    "Director Xiu...would you join us for coffee?" Lu Shaoting feels that this young master has a lot of mystery in himself.

    They talked about random things over coffee.

    "Just a word of advice. If you guys can avoid marrying an actress, the better. It''s not easy, I tell ya. I am a famous director, the entertainment company president, but she still prefers to shoot out of town than to have breakfast with me on weekends." he had a sad laugh.

    Then as if he went overboard, Lu Shaoting added. "But if you fall in love with an actress, you should know that the great ones have a one true love, and that is their job. If you can live with that, then it''s fine."

    "Brothers! I''m ready now!" declared Lu Meimei, who just appeared at the doorway of the dining area.

    They bid the older man goodbye and went out into the yard.

    "Brothers, Monty will bring his SUV. You guys can leave your cars here to save us some parking space."

    Just as she said so, a black Audi pulled up into the yard.

    "Very well." Manta smiled.

    Dmitri just shrugged his shoulders.

    "I call gunshot!" Lu Meimei exclaimed then hurried to the passenger seat.

 221 Serendipity

    Dmitri Zhou looked like a robot as they sat in a restaurant within the mall.

    Lu Meimei really set them up with some actresses from Luxe Entertainment.

    However, even if their looks are exceptional, to him, their personalities are so-so.

    He can''t wait to get out of the sticky situation for his ''date'' is becoming unnecessarily touchy.

    When the ladies excused themselves to typically enter the restroom together, Dmitri tapped his cousin''s shoulder.

    "Manta-niisan, let''s go." he had a mischievous flashy smile.

    "Hey wait..." Monty tried to stop them.

    "Mr. Adams, we believe you could handle this one." Manta gave him a casual, mini salute and they strode away.

    Of course, Monty had no choice. His girlfriend would get angry since he let them escape, but she will be mad if he escapes with them. He sighed. His father is right. Asian women are adorable, but very demanding.

    .

    "Cousin, let''s split up from here. Our presence together catches attention easier." Dmitri gave a slight wink and waved goodbye as he brisk walked to the different food stands in one wing of the mall.

    Manta sighed as he waved back. Truth be told, he already had someone in mind. He just did not want to upset the Lu''s Young Mistress.

    To his dismay, problem is, he only met her once and he did not even get her name.

    .

    Meanwhile, Dmitri Zhou chuckled as he stared at a young lady devouring every product in the churros stand.

    She seemed to notice the chuckle and looked at him with disdain.

    "Problem?" she confronted him as she swallowed.

    "Heh...just that...you, you got something..." Dmitri tried to point out that she had sugar on her cheeks.

    "What?" she furrowed her brows.

    "Here...let me..." He took out his handkerchief, and very gently wiped her blushing cheeks.

    The young lady seemed mesmerized as she failed to reject his touch.

    Then her face seemed to crumple. "Don''t be so full of yourself!"

    He laughed. He turned to the seller. "I''ll have a small pack of the regular."

    "Right away, Sir."

    "Let''s check if your palate is sensible."

    "Heh! You''ll regret it once you''re addicted." She had a proud smug smile.

    Soon, a pack of warm churros was handed to him. He took a large bill to pay and told the seller, "Keep it."

    The seller had a huge smile.

    "Well, try it." The young lady was impatient to prove her point.

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    Dmitri complied and took a huge bite, almost consuming a piece in one go.

    "Well?" The young lady leaned in, waiting for his reaction.

    He flashed her his beaming smile.

    "Good, right?" she was rattling her head as she slightly pulled onto his casual coat.

    "Miss, if I told you that I find it ordinary, will you be mad?"

    "Hmmp. Arrogant! Just because you wear branded clothes does not prove your tastebuds to be superior!"

    He laughed again. "What I mean is...this is how Churroz intends to deliver their products, so it is not out of the ordinary...given the manufacturing company."

    "What bluff are you trying to pull?"

    "I can take you to the factory...that is, if you''d be willing to tell me your name."

    "Huh! What a pick up line! Don''t you playboys always ask for the number first?"

    "Your name is enough." He did not feel insulted at all and had a gentle smile.

    "How can you prove that you can simply snuck into Churroz factory?" She was skeptical. Though he looked rich and dashing, he might still be a swindler.

    "You can just give them this and you can have a free pass." He gave his calling card.

    Her round eyes widened to see the name.

    "You...your family...you own Churroz!" she exclaimed.

    He placed his palm over her mouth, muffling the rest of her words.

    He looked around, and when he was surd that the actresses are not around, he dragged her out of the sea of people.

 222 Words I was Brave Enough to Say

    Verdan Zhou woke up to a fairly familiar environment.

    As he recalled, he noted that he is in his old condominium unit in City B.

    ''Was I not at home in City S with my wife?'' he thought.

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    To his surprise, he sensed something soft laying on top of himself.

    ''Did I go back to when I was in university?'' He thought.

    He smiled as he felt the person on top of him move.

    Back then, he and Midori were adventurous and often sleep together.

    However, he was startled to see another face appear from beneath the sheets.

    The memory of Midori telling him that he cheated on her on her very birthday echoed in his mind.

    "What are you doing?!" he pushed Ming Rushi away and did not even look back even though she fell from the bed.

    Then he heard running sounds. He remembered that Midori would be coming over.

    He dashed out of his room and out to the hallway.

    "Dori!"

    As he chased after her, he felt something landed on his face. She is crying!

    "Dori!" Because his strides are already larger, running after her was easy.

    He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him.

    "What?!" she spat.

    Her teary face was awful.

    "I didn''t! I don''t know how I got into the bed and why she was there, but I did not cheat on you!"

    "Heh! So you''re naked for nothing?" she had a mocking smile.

    "I was preparing dinner for your birth-" he paused as if remembering something.

    Then she grabbed her wrist as he dashed back into the apartment. "The chicken galantina!"

    "What?! Hey, quit dragging me! I''m gonna trip!"

    This was the scene another couple witnessed as they came with light baggage and gifts.

    "Eh, Midori?" Jiang Mei Ling was confused.

    She and Lu Shaoting just saw Midori being dragged by a half naked Verdan into a unit.

    "Should we..." Mei did not know what to do.

    "No. Let''s just pretend not to see that. Let''s check into a nearby hotel. Then I''ll call him later if it''s alright to come over."

    The future Lu couple went back into the elevator.

    When Dan and Midori got back to the condominium unit, there was no trace of Ming Rushi.

    Dan locked the door after checking the whole unit. Then he immediately checked the oven.

    "No!" In his panic, he reached out to get the pan out but burned himself. "Ow!"

    Midori, who was not sure if Ming Rushi being there was just an illusion, was startled when she noticed that he burned himself.

    "What are you doing?!" her voice was full of worry.

    "But the dish is gonna burn!"

    She took the mittens and took out the pan, settling it on the counter to cool.

    "Not yet burned, but your hands are!" she scolded.

    He looked like a puppy whose foot got stepped on.

    Her worried face was back. She took some ice from the freezer and wrapped them in her handkerchief.

    She gently placed it on his burned palm and fingers.

    "Ow!" he jerked his hand.

    "Stop whining like a baby..."

    Her next words were swallowed back as he kissed her passionately.

    The next moment, he took out a birthday cake and lit up the candles. He slowly went up to her.

    "Happy birthday, my Dori!" he greeted with his wonderful smile.

    Looking how he had prepared a lot and that his dish was almost burnt in the oven, she believed that he would not cheat as what it seemed to be awhile back.

    She swore to get back on Ming Rushi later, but right now, the candles are melting fast on the frosting.

    After making a wish, she blew them.

    Dan placed the cake on the kitchen island.

    Then he hugged her, hugged her with all his might that it was suffocating.

    She huffed and tapped on his chest.

    "Oh, sorry!" he placed his palm over his nape.

    She giggled. The next moment, she placed some icing on his nose.

    "You!" He took a small portion of icing from the side of the cake and messily ruined her makeup as some are immediately smeared on her cheek.

    They tickled and giggled and made a mess of themselves.

    Then he carried her into the shower and drenched them both with their clothes still on, only removing their shoes.

    He kissed her under the shower.