Disclaimer: Nope, I still don't own neither MG nor HYD. But maybe one day. . . when jerry and I are married, I can ask him to buy it off for me. . . then we'll rewrite it and have tsukasa/ah si meet and fall in love with a girl based on me instead. . . hahahaa. . . me an my crazy delusions, I'm probably scaring you guys, so okay I'll stop now. . .

Shopps: hehe. no need to thank me! i should be the one thanking u for reviewing.
salamat din po! anyways, i didnt make jerry happy, i dont think i can make a story
otherwise anyway. hehe, i know i'm biased. but what can i do? i'm too obsessed with
that guy. anyways, about the couples, hmmm. . . you have to read to find out. hehe.
tnx for reviewing. me happy that you found my fic.

Chapter Seven: Between Secrets and Lies

Two days after that fateful midnight when Dao Ming Si asked her to be his wife, a glowing Shan Cai fell back on Xiao You's bed, sighing happily.

"I still can't believe that I'm really engaged," Shan Cai heard herself murmuring for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last two days.

She knew she sounded absolutely lovestruck when she was never soft on anything remotely romantic, so Shan Cai couldn't blame how Xiao You suddenly burst out in a fit of giggles.

Frowning, Shan Cai bolted upright from her position. She half-pouted at Xiao You who was sitting by her vanity table.

"What?" Shan Cai asked. Xiao You's laughter was making her feel uneasy. Had she really sounded positively lunatic for Xiao You to laugh so much?

Probably seeing the panic in her eyes, Xiao You shook her head and smiled reassuringly at Shan Cai. "I'm sorry, Shan Cai, I didn't mean to laugh." Reaching to open the jewelry box on her table, Xiao You continued, "It's just that I was remembering how you once told me that you'll never let 'dowager empress' be your mother-in-law." Xiao You smiled teasingly, "Now, not even three years after, here you are engaged to her son!"

Shan Cai shrugged, "Well technically, she would still be my mother-in-law but that 'dowager empress' has pushed Dao Ming Si over the edge, he never wants to come back to that cold house so I guess it won't really matter. She can't annoy me if I don't see her."

Xiao You laughed once more; Shan Cai suddenly felt a cold shiver, she had a bad feeling that she said something very wrong.

"Are you saying that if Dao Ming Si returns home, you wouldn't want to marry him anymore?"

"Of course not!" Shan Cai unthinkingly cried out vehemently. "I don't care about his mother! I want to be with Dao Ming Si, if it meant facing and fighting his mother then I'll do it! I love hi-. . . " Trailing off Shan Cai realized she had said too much after seeing the knowing smile on Xiao You's face. It was even wider than the Pacific!

Blushing profusely, Shan Cai looked away. "I said too much, didn't I?"

"Yeah," Xiao You agreed. Then shaking her head, she continued, "But it's okay, really."

Though Xiao You said that, Shan Cai spirits didn't lift.

Smiling at the sulky faced Shan Cai, Xiao You added as she looked something inside her hewelry box, "I don't think Dao Ming Si will find you less cute if you become more. . . well open sometimes."

A single muscle fiber at the corner of Shan Cai's mouth began to twitch. Then suddenly, Xiao You was giggling again, Shan Cai turned back to her, one eyebrow raised questioningly.

Xiao You shook her head, "I'm sorry but I just can't stop thinking about those times when you would deny, even to yourself, that you like Dao Ming Si."

"Like when?" Shan Cai challenged confidently.

Xiao You smiled, accepting the challenge. "Like when Dao Ming Si got engaged to Xiao Zi. You came back to the shop, ranting and fuming about him making you look like a fool."

"Well, I-" Shan Cai began, fumbling for an excuse. She could feel her cheeks were burning again.

"It's okay, Shan Cai," Xiao You interrupted before she could say anything more. "It's just me. Even you didn't admit them, I knew. I guess friends kinda sense this things."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Xiao You replied, absent-mindedly playing with something in her hand.

At that moment, Shan Cai found a way to turn the course of teasing around. She had been watching Xiao You holding a strange necklace in her hand for a while now. Just now, she had a glimpse of the pendant. She smiled inwardly realizing it was the one Xi Men must have given her.

Yes. It was time to get to business.

"Yes, I guess a friend do know these things," Shan Cai echoed. Then very innocently she added, "So how are you and Xi Men?"

A sudden blush overcame Xiao You's face. It was a score for the Operation Bring Xi Men and Xiao You Together.

"Me and Xi Men, what do you mean?" Xiao You asked. She looked very flustered.

Shan Cai shrugged, still acting out with an innocent face. "Nothing." She pointed at the butterfly necklace in Xiao You's hand, "Isn't that a gift from Xi Men, I think Dao Ming Si said something about accompanying Xi Men to get something."

Still blushing, Xiao You quickly dropped the necklace on the table. "Oh okay. Well, yeah. This is the necklace."

Shan Cai nodded in understanding. Clasping her hands together in front of her, she said with a pretend childlike glee, "I'm glad the things between you and Xi Men are going well."

Xiao You looked away, nodding; she was still blushing.

"So when is the wedding?"

Xiao You jerked back to Shan Cai with a speed faster than light. Xiao You's priceless expression was definitely another score on the matchmaking operation.

"Excuse me?"

Trying not to smile, Shan Cai explained plainly. "The wedding. Don't tell me you and Tian Li still haven't been preparing. It'll be on the last week of February right?"

Smiling in understanding, Xiao You nodded. "Yes. It's on my birthday, the twenty-first." Blushing a little, she continued, "Tian Li and I are still finalizing the guest list and the invitation but. . . um our couturier will be coming over to take our measurements tomorrow."

Shan Cai nodded, watching the restless Xiao You and decided to finally take pity on her. The teasing for today was enough.

"Well preparing a big wedding is really hard." Wrinkling her nose, Shan Cai added, "Dao Ming Si and I will be having a small wedding, and just thinking about it is tiring enough, what more in a big wedding, no?"

Xiao You nodded. She looked absolutely grateful that the direction of the conversation had shifted away from Xi Men.

"Yeah, it is tiring," Xiao You admitted.

"Well you guys need a break."

An incredulous look passed over Xiao You and Shan Cai had to laughed. That was another point but it wasn't intentional in her part.

"What I meant was you guys need to relax a little." Smiling Shan Cai said the reason of her visit, "There'll be small celebration over at Dao Ming Si's apartment tonight. He insists on partying for our engagement. I think the easy mood is what you and Tian Li need. You have to be there Xiao You." As an after thought, she added, "Please?"

It was a few seconds before Xiao You smiled.

"Okay. I'm sure Tian Li wouldn't mind."

Shan Cai smiled widely. Though she wished the best for Operation Bring Xi Men and Xiao You Together, her heart's first priority now was her Dao Ming Si. Tonight they'll be celebrating their engagement and Shan Cai wanted all her friends to be there. Of course Xiao You had to be there, even if it means she'll have to Tian Li along too.

Still smiling, once more Shan Cai fell back on the bed; she looked like a giddy fourteen year old with a major crush.

"I'm engaged!" she shouted for the world to hear.

--------------------------

"You looked like a nerd."

Startled from the sudden voice in her room, Jing looked up from her thick Civil Law book and turned to the direction of the door. She found Hua Zhe Lei there, slightly smiling amusedly.

Never did Jing thought she can ever grin at Lei in a sheepish and casual way, yet today she did. "Is that how you greet now? 'You looked like a nerd?'"

Lei shrugged and walked over to sit beside her in the bed; they sat side by side that their shoulders were almost touching. Lei knew it was too close than he usually had ever dared to sit next to her but he shook off that feeling and turned to focus on Jing instead.

She smelled really nice; no jasmine this time, only the faint scent of her soap and freshly shampooed hair. And her hair though pinned in a granny's bun had some loose strands softly framing her face prettily. Lei smiled inwardly, it's been more than ten years since he last saw Jing without the slightest touch of make-up, but still she looked very lovely. Yes. She was the loveliest nerd.

"All you need is a big spectacles and the look is complete," Lei said jokingly, smiling at Jing. He earned a playful slap on his arm from her for that.

"You sure know how to compliment a girl," she said in annoyance. For a moment Lei though she was seriously insulted but there was mirth in her eyes and he instantly knew was just fooling around.

Fooling around. . . Lei shook his head inwardly. Never had their whole relationship ever turned to that of a casual and playful direction. His feelings for her not had permitted it. Before, when inside the same room as her, he would pay more attention on admiring her and making sure to do everything the way she did – flawless and ideal. Because of this, never had they had enough chance to really bond – not like the way he and Shan Cai bonded.

Shan Cai. It was strange to find himself thinking about her and not feel the pain he always used to feel for her. The pain he had told Ah Mei about. The pain of understanding Shan Cai.

The moment they got engaged, Dao Ming Si called him to announce his good news and Lei felt nothing but happiness and good hopes for the two. Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai belong to each other; Lei knew that more than anyone else.

Still looking at Jing's eyes, Lei found himself thinking that with her, it was a different kind of pain he used to feel. It was more like a deep ache of intense longing. A longing of always trying to reach something that seemed so unreachable.

But now Jing was so close. Sitting next to her, all he had to do was reach over and he would be touching her face just like the way he had always wanted. His heart beginning to thump faster, Lei's eyes slowly drifted down to Jing's softly curved lips. They were the same lips he had always yearned to kiss.

Suddenly the next moment, Lei felt an invincible force pulling him towards Jing. He chose not to fight it, he let himself leaned into her millimeter by sweet millimeter. . .

But just as quickly as that force urged him towards Jing, it disappeared just as promptly as Jing suddenly turned away to burry her head in her fat leather-bound book. You'd think it was the Bible the way she was drinking in its words.

Watching Jing closely, Lei wondered whether she realized what he was about to do yet chose to evade his kiss or it could be that she was still oblivious to his feelings just like before. Either way, it was greatly disappointing.

But then again, maybe it was for the better. In his life, he had kissed only two girls. Jing was the first during that time at the cruise ship. After teasing him, he had fought back by finally admitting his feelings for her and in a pure impulse, he leaned over to kiss her. At the end he found out those blissful few seconds of pleasure only brought him more pain, finding out the kiss had not really mean anything to her.

Then his next disastrous impulsive moment was with Shan Cai. She was crying and she looked so willing to share his pain; after the unthinking kiss, he ended up with a sore cheek. Dao Ming Si wasn't a black-belter for judo, karate and ai-kido for nothing.

But his second well thought about kiss with Shan Cai turned out into a less disastrous one though. Yes, he ended getting very much hurt but at the very least when he kissed her that time, he understood his own feelings. He wanted to kiss her, wanted Shan Cai to know he was there for her. . . though she loved Ah Si, at least Lei was able to express his own feelings.

Yes that was it. Until he figured out these strange new feelings he had for Jing, he should rather keep everything between them the way they are now. After all, who knew what another impulsive kiss could lead?

Finally after a few seconds of silently mulling over, Lei cut off the awkward mood with his casual question. "So what are you reading anyway?"

Glancing briefly up at him, Jing explained. "It's for my civil law."

Lei blinked at her. For a moment, he forgot that she was only back for a vacation. . . that she only returned for Tian Li's wedding.

"You mean you're still going back to Paris?" Lei heard his voice came out monotonous and distant.

This time when Jing looked up, she risked eye contact with him. His voice and expression was really weird. It almost seemed he was somehow affected; but in whatever way, Jing didn't know.

"Of course. Since I can't take my finals this end of January, I've arranged it with my professors that I take it when I come back after the wedding sometime in late February."

Lei stared deeply at her soulful eyes and searched for hidden answers there. Had she really given up being Teng Tang Jing? Could nothing really ever change her mind? He couldn't three years ago. . . what made him think he could now. . . ?

"What about m-" Catching himself, Lei said instead, "What about your parents?"

Jing sighed sadly. Closing her book, she leaned back on the headboard, "I know they're hoping that I would stay. They still haven't given up the thought that one day I'll change my mind and inherit our company instead." Closing her eyes, Jing continued, "I really don't want to disappoint them again but I've long decided this."

A few seconds of silence followed before Jing opened her eyes again and straightening her back, Jing stared on her far wall, eyes clear and distant, "Though I would admit, a few months back I had thoughts of coming back, after this vacation I already missed my work and school. I even missed by intimidating professors. . . I guess before when I wanted to return, it was just a phase." Then turning to Lei, Jing frowned. "Lei, what's wrong?"

She reached over to put a hand on his knotted neck muscles. "What's with that look? You looked really weird."

Lei didn't know how he looked but he couldn't help it anyway. Not after hearing Jing say those words. It was almost the same as admitting that all that happened in Barcelona was nothing to her. . .

Her desire to come back to Taiwan then was just a phase. . . does that mean her feelings for him too were just a phase as well?

But wait. It's not like she had admitted feelings for him then. . . She asked for his opinion. . . that didn't mean his opinion mattered to her. . .

Suddenly Lei's thoughts were pleasantly interrupted as Jing's fingers began to massage his tensed shoulders. The trail of warmth left by her hands was simply amazing.

"You looked so cute when you're serious," Jing whispered, smiling lazily. She laughed teasingly, "If I didn't know better, I'd think you'll miss me that's why you're like this."

Lei turned his eyes to Jing. She was smiling and he knew she wasn't serious but the truth was she was actually right. Visiting her once in a while this past two weeks had been a wonderful comfort for him and maybe for her too; after she leaves, Lei knew he'll definitely miss her. Terribly miss her.

"Yes, Jing. I'll miss you. Very much," he added seriously before he could stop himself.

A completely surprised look over came Jing's features. She pulled her hands away, pupils disbelievingly big. Lei could feel his heart thumping in anticipation. Either she pretend she didn't hear the meaning in his words and play along like it was just a joke or she accept this small confession from him and be honest with her feelings too.

Slowly, the corners of Jing's lips curved into a smile. Leaning forward, she buried her head into the strong curve of Lei's neck. "I'll miss you too," she whispered very softly, lips slightly grazing the bare skin there.

And with that, Lei's arms automatically went around her. He pulled her as close as possible, not minding the dull ache it caused on his arms.

Even though he couldn't read behind her words. . . all he knew was Jing was telling the truth. She'll miss him too. . . that was good enough for him.

Heart beating steadily on his ribcage, Lei leaned forward to bury his head on her fragrant hair. Never before had he let himself touch Jing like this. Before it would always be Jing who would hold her arms around him to give him warmth and comfort, but never the other way around.

Right now it didn't matter if he was being impulsive. . . it didn't matter if he wasn't thinking straight. . . and even if he was risking his heart again at that moment, it didn't really matter then. . . Right now to have his arms around Jing was all that mattered. . . This time it was him who was giving her warmth and comfort. . . For the first time, he felt that Jing needed him. . . he wanted to prolong this precious moment as long as possible. . .

Yes. He'll worry about her departure when it comes. . .

. . . he'll wonder about this new feelings for her later. . .

. . . he'll think about what's on her mind afterwards. . .

. . . right now, all he wanted was to enjoy having his arms around Jing. . .

-------------------------

"So how's it going?" Dao Ming Si asked his buddy as he sat down next to him. Xiao You had just stolen away Shan Cai so he decided to catch up with Xi Men while his fiancée talked to her best friend.

Xi Men shrugged as he drank his wine. Dao Ming Si warily watched his movements.

"Still not okay?"

Xi Men turned to him and frowned. "What makes you say that?"

Dao Ming Si rolled his eyes. He motioned to where Xiao You stood next to Tian Li. "Because those two are standing there together while you sulk on this sofa, watching Xiao You like a faithful puppy?"

Xi Men snorted and lightly hit his chest. "You know what? You have a very crude humor, Ah Si."

Dao Ming Si shrugged. It was just immensely pleasing to tease Xi Men. Xi Men who used to always bug him about girls and endlessly tease him being a virgin; rubbing it to his face that he, Dao Ming Si was engaged to the woman he loved while he, Xi Men was not was left pinning for the apple of his eyes was definitely nice.

Shaking his head, Dao Ming Si remembered that the woman he loved was determined on set up Xi Men and Xiao You. He could tease Xi Men but he had to help him out too.

"Anyway, what happened with the necklace plan? Tell me a little," Dao Ming Si urged Xi Men.

He sighed. "She liked the necklace." After a moment, he added dejectedly, "But I've never seen her wear it once since Christmas. She's smiling at me again and has become a little more civil but I don't think Xiao You's planning on leaving my brother anytime soon."

Dao Ming Si stared at Xi Men, face aghast. "And you're not doing anything?" Xi Men stared back at him dumbly; Dao Ming Si sighed. "Must I dictate everything for you to follow? Do you want to win her back or don't you?"

"Of course I want to!" Xi Men exclaimed passionately. "But I. . . I just don't know what to do," he admitted.

Dao Ming Si shook his head. "You, Lei and Mei Zhou are all like this. I don't know where all your heads are right now. You don't have to know what to do, just do it! Be more persistent!" Motioning towards where Lei sat with Mei Zhou, he continued. "Lei, that slow guy. You'd think he could have at least convinced Jing more to go here tonight."

"Huh? But Jing said she was sick."

Dao Ming Si scoffed at Xi Men's excuse. "Sick? Have you ever seen Jing sick?" Xi Men thought over it for a moment before shaking his head. "See? I think she made that up. What Lei should have done was persuade her some more, eventually she might have given in." Wrinkling his perfect straight nose, Dao Ming Si added, "And there's Mei Zhou. I don't know what it was, but he must have done something that's why Xiao Qiao isn't here today."

Xi Men nodded, he too noticed Xiao Qiao's declining interest in Mei Zhou lately. Wasn't it just two weeks ago when Mei Zhou was complaining some sort of Xiao Qiao withdrawal syndrome?

Xi Men bit his lip thoughtfully. He hated to admit it but once more, Dao Ming Si could be right. After all, his never-ending determination finally got stubborn Shan Cai to yield, right?

"So you think I should be more pushy towards Xiao You? Wouldn't that scare her away?" Xi Men asked while his eyes remained fixed on Xiao You who was brushing Tian Li's locks away from his forehead.

Dao Ming Si nodded. "Definitely." He cringed a little as Shan Cai's mom, who was seated in front of the TV, singing videoke, hit another wrong note. "But if you really want to take it slowly, just be a bit more friendly." Frowning Dao Ming Si added, "But yes, don't overdo it, okay? If you throw her down the bed, she'll definitely get scared."

Though he was very serious, Xi Men couldn't help but laugh.

"That's not what I meant by being more pushy but still, wow! I never thought I'd hear this kind of talk from Virgin Ah Si!" Xi Men said. He was laughing so hard, he was gasping for air.

Dao Ming Si growled at Xi Men; he just had to bring that up, did he? So what if he was a virgin? He'd rather be than do 'it' with just anyone; just thinking about it was appalling enough, much more the act.

As he cursed as to how infuriating Xi Men was, he was jolted off his thoughts as Xi Men nudged him lightly.

"But oh I forgot, in a few months you're finally getting some."

At first, Dao Ming Si was at lost at that. Xi Men tilted his head pointedly and Dao Ming Si followed his gaze. It was Shan Cai walking up to them.

Shan Cai. His Shan Cai was soon to be his wife. When he asked her to marry him, all he was thinking was that she was his life and he wanted to be with her till the end of time; he never thought about all the implications that comes along with marriage. Now realizing all those implications brought immediate blood into Dao Ming Si's face.

"Hey, what's up?" Shan Cai asked as she reached them. The moment she looked at Dao Ming Si, she noticed his ripe-tomato face. "Eh, Dao Ming Si, are you okay? Your face is so red."

Embarrassed beyond belief, Dao Ming Si quickly looked away. "Eh, I'm fine." Getting on his feet, he half-mumbled an excuse.

"I think I drank too much wine."

With face still red as China's great flag, he quickly walked off. Behind him, Dao Ming Si could hear Xi Men's amused and annoying laughter.

-----------------------------

Her laughter was invigorating.

The man beside her couldn't help but leaned closer, taking more of that infectious lilting sound.

Mei Zhou was tightening fist more each second as he watched the said man move closer to his Xiao Qiao.

Who in damnation was this guy and why was Xiao Qiao with him? About four hours ago, Xiao Qiao declined Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai's invitation for a small gathering over at Ah Si's apartment for the celebration of their engagement, saying 'something important came up' and now, he finds her here in a quaint little French café laughing familiarly with some nameless guy? Was this her 'something important' excuse?

Sure. Some of Xiao Qiao's music friends were with them but still that wasn't an excuse to have the damn guy sit next to Xiao Qiao.

And it was pure chance how he met this bothersome sight. He was on his way home, after he made some excuse to Ah Si that he was not feeling well, when he passed by the small café. Seeing the deliciously displayed breads by the window, Mei Zhou thought of stopping over to buy some croissant for his little sisters.

Everything went well until he finished paying for his purchase. That was when he heard the melodious laugh he had come to adore. Craning his head to look inside the café that's when he spotted his girlfriend sitting with her music pals and beside some unknown guy.

All the blood rushed into his head, watching the guy wolfishly staring at Xiao Qiao. He could murder him now!

Forgetting the bag of bread for his sisters, Mei Zhou stealthily strode through the doors and towards the right side wall where the group of musicians was all having fun.

"Xiao Qiao."

At the sound of his voice, Xiao Qiao promptly looked up.

"Mei Zhou." Smiling sweetly, she quickly got on her feet to give his cheek a peck. Triumphantly, Mei Zhou smiled inwardly to see the nameless guy looked away, embarrassed.

"How did you find me here?" Xiao Qiao asked as one slender hand was caught into Mei Zou's own hand.

"I was buying some bread when I saw you guys through the door," Mei Zhou explained smoothly. He turned to the group and smiled. "Can I borrow my girlfriend for a while?" he asked, emphasizing the word 'girlfriend'.

The group of artist all nodded their head politely. Without another word, Mei Zhou half-dragged Xiao Qiao towards the opposite side of the café. Only when they reached the farthest left wall did Mei Zhou released his death-grip on Xiao Qiao's hand.

"What's with you?" she asked, lightly rubbing her hand. The action didn't fail to go unnoticed by Mei Zhou.

"Are you okay? Does it hurt much?" he asked worriedly. Even though he asked that, he already knew the answer. "I'm sorry," he added, softly, remorsefully.

Xiao Qiao smiled reassuringly. "It's okay," she said. Then turning her smile to a teasing one, she laughed, "I don't think you broke it, so it's okay, I think I can still play my cello."

Mei Zhou half-smiled at her joke. Sometimes, it still irked him how special her cello was to her. Sure, he knew about the story about the cello and him; but Xiao Qiao had been with her cello for years, sometimes he still felt like the inanimate object was even closer and more special to her than he was.

Clearing the silly thoughts off his mind, Mei Zhou asked, "What are you doing here?"

Xiao Qiao shrugged. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? Shouldn't you be over Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si's small party?"

"I left early," Mei Zhou explained, hastily. He didn't want to add the fact that he was missing her throughout the party, that's why he left; she'll probably call him crazy if she knew that. He stared seriously at her, "Now answer me, why are you here? And who is that guy?"

"What gu-" Then in understanding way, Xiao Qiao amended, "Oh you mean Charles?"

"Yeah, whatever, who is he?" Mei Zhou asked, leaning closer to Xiao Qiao forcing her to lean backwards until her back pushing against the wall.

Her face reddening attractively, Xiao Qiao lightly pushed Mei Zhou away. "Mei Zhou!" She looked around the café, "what are you doing? People might see us and misunderstand."

Sighing wearily, Mei Zhou pulled away to give her some space. He has forgotten Xiao Qiao wasn't the kind of girl he used to go out with, she wasn't one who likes to be get some attention from the public. After the blush on her face lightened a little, that was the time Mei Zhou decided to speak again, "Now can you please tell me who this Charles is before I go crazy?"

Xiao Qiao shrugged, "He's a friend from music school, he was my classmate at some classes. He visited some of his relatives in the Philippines and decided to stop over here in Taipei before going back to America." Her eyebrows creased in confusion, "What are getting so worked up for?"

As if he didn't hear her question, Mei Zhou raged on, "Just a friend? I saw how he was looking at you, Xiao Qiao!"

With that Xiao Qiao blushed again. She bit her lip, before continuing, "Fine, I admit, he asked me out several times but-"

"You said no, right?" Mei Zhou cut on, not waiting for her to finish.

Xiao Qiao's eyes widen in shock. "Mei Zhou! I know I've already told you about my infatuation with you ever since but I was in college, I don't think it was wrong if I went out once in a while."

Mei Zhou tried to retort but no words came into his mouth. Of course, she was right. After all, wasn't he worse by going from one girl to another back at college himself?

Mei Zhou took a deep breath, "Fine, I'm sorry. I guess I'm just a little frustrated. You didn't want to go to Ah Si and Shan Cai's party then I see you here enjoying yourself with those guys."

"Those guys are my friends too, Mei Zhou," Xiao Qiao said, staring directly back at him.

"I know but if you really wanted to go with them, you could have just told me, I would have been happy to go with you."

Xiao Qiao shrugged. "Somehow, I doubt that." With that, Xiao Qiao pushed away to walked back to her friends but a hand on her arm stopped her.

"What's that? What's that suppose to mean?"

Xiao Qiao sighed warily. "It's nothing, it's just that lately I've been thinking about us and how we're so much of a mismatched couple."

Mei Zhou's eyes went incredulously wide. "What are you talking about? Our families are-"

Xiao Qiao cut him off as she lightly shook herself off his grip. "I mean aside from that, we know we're well-matched in that department, that's why our parents are very much happy with our relationship. What I meant was personality-wise."

Mei Zhou stared back at Xaio Qiao dumbly, his mouth hanging opened.

Xiao Qiao continued, "I mean, you like funky and rap music while I can only stand classical ones. You like to party while I hate large crowds." Rolling her eyes, Xiao added in mock seriousness "You say 'sel-lo' while I say 'she-lo'."

"Xiao Qiao-" Mei Zhou began.

Xiao Qiao shook her head, interrupting him. "Look, I'm sorry for saying those things. I don't want to sound ungrateful because I am." Reaching over to touch his face, she continued, "I'm touched that you would patiently listen and wait for my every cello practice and you've been so nice to my friends too but this time, I thought it would be better if I didn't invite you. I don't think you would appreciate much about our debate over Mozart and Beethoven."

She said those last lines jokingly but Mei Zhou could tell they both knew it was the truth. The realization seemed to slap Mei Zhou right in the face.

Xiao Qiao was right. They had nothing in common; their opposite preferences even goes right up to clothes and food. He likes to experiment with his attires – from hip to colorful funky shirts; Xiao Qiao, on the other hand, only likes just the basic wares – black dresses and white shirts. When it comes to food, Mei Zhou liked those heavy greased food served in bars and pubs, Xiao Qiao loved the freshly baked goods from quiet cafes like this.

As he stood there like a statue, Xiao Qiao watched him closely as she pulled away. She could tell her words affected him greatly but the words had been said, she can't pretend otherwise.

Giving his hand an affectionate squeeze, Xiao Qiao excused herself, saying she needed to go back to her friends.

And though he wanted to call her, Mei Zhou didn't at the end. He just let her walked away.

-------------------------

"What are you doing here? A groom isn't supposed to see his bride in her wedding gown until the wedding!"

Tian Li shrugged and to Xiao You's mortification, he continued right into her room.

Gaping at him, Xiao You watched as Tian Li sat on the side of her bed; then he smiled amusedly up at her. "I don't exactly think seeing the bride being measured and getting draped with different fabrics for her gown is the same as seeing her in her wedding gown."

Xiao You pouted but inwardly she smiled. Okay, she had to admit her fiancée was probably right about that. Besides, there's nothing that could happen in the next six weeks that could stop the wedding. . .

Yup. Nothing could stop the wedding, her fiancée's eyes assured her that. And as Xiao You lost herself in Tian Li's intense gaze, she became certain that he was ready to battle anything for the two of them. . .

Then before she could think more on that matter, she was jolted back to the present as she felt the woman working on her began to remove the white sheets of silks on her.

"That's it, Ms. Xiao You, we're done," the woman said, smiling pleasantly.

Xiao You nodded, she walked over to sit next to her fiancée as the woman and her two assistants arranged their things.

Finally, after they had packed everything, the woman turned back to Xiao You. "Well, Ms. Xiao You and Mr. Tian Li, that's everything. We would be back after two weeks so Ms. Xiao You can try out the bodice. We need to make sure it fits perfectly on her before we start on the bead work."

Xiao You and Tian Li thanked the woman and her assistants, then Xiao You turned to her personal maid and asked her to show the three ladies the way out. In a few seconds, she and Tian Li were the left by themselves in the room.

Turning playfully to her fiancée, Xiao You joked, "So what is it do you want this time?"

Tian Li laughed. "I wanted to propose something, I'm feeling bored."

Xiao You pursed her lips and pretended to be thinking hard. "You want to play backgammon?" Tian Li smiled and shook his head. "Bridge?"

Tian Li rolled his eyes. "I hate bridge."

Xiao You smiled then snapped her fingers playfully. "I know! You wanted to play checkers!"

With that Tian Li laughed again. Xiao You smiled at herself, it was a wonderful feeling to be able to make someone that was most of the time reserved laugh.

Fondly pinching her cheek lightly, Tian Li whispered, "Nope, I don't think I can handle the embarrassment of losing again."

His words were whispered right at her ear, and Xiao You instantly felt her body respond. She knew Tian Li well, she knew the intimate act was nothing but innocent to him but still Xiao You felt her whole face reddening.

And oblivious to his effect on her, Tian Li pulled her closer so he can bury his head on her shoulder. Xiao You's hand automatically went around him.

In the stillness of her room, Xiao You and Tian Li held each other, completely contented.

"I want to paint you," Tian Li whispered all of a sudden.

His words were whispered against her hair muffling it, Xiao You thought she might have heard him wrong.

"What?"

Gently pulling away, Tian Li stared at Xiao You before repeating his words. "I want to paint you."

Xiao You blinked at her fiancée. Paint her? Whatever for?

As if reading her mind, Tian Li brushed a stray strand of hair from her shoulder. "Because an artist tells the world about his feelings through his works." He leaned over to kiss the tip of her nose before continuing, "I'm an artist and I want the world to know my feelings."

"Feelings for me?" Xiao You asked, uncertainly. . . timidly. Tian Li nodded and at that moment, Xiao You had never felt so touched by anyone before.

Yes an artist does tell the world his feelings through works that's why when they first met, Xiao You had been intimidated by Teng Tang Jing's obvious affect on Tian Li. Portraits by endless portraits of Jing could be seen in Tian Li's sketchpads and canvases. Even ordinary notebooks used more often for doodles were filled with Jing's smiling face.

But obviously Tian Li has put all those in the past. He had said it many times before, he loved her now and he really did mean it. To be loved this much sometimes made Xiao You feel ashamed, she didn't deserve this love from him; no, not when half of the time, her heart was torn.

"Thank you," Xiao You finally managed to say, her lips trembling and eyes watering.

Probably confused with her reaction, Tian Li pulled her closer and gently stroked her arms. In this silent manner of his, Xiao You found a great solace and she calmed down after a while.

Then finally after a few minutes, Xiao You pulled away so she can smile at her fiancée. "Let's go?"

Tian Li returned her smile. Then they both got on their feet, halfway to the door, Tian Li stopped.

"What is it? You're not thinking of changing your mind are you?" Xiao You asked playfully.

Tian Li shook his head, "No, I was just thinking if you could wear that some necklace or anything." Pulling her towards the vanity table, Tian Li added, "You're beautiful enough but a beautiful piece of jewelry would really compliment you."

Reaching the vanity table, Tian Li quickly spotted a necklace she had forgotten to put back on her jewelry box. Xiao You then watched with horrified eyes as Tian Li picked up the butterfly necklace Xi Men had given her. Oh gods, she was usually very orderly. How could she have not put the necklace away? And now Tian Li saw the very thing she wanted to hide from him.

"Wow. This is beautiful," Tian Li exclaimed, impressed. Knowing he would be as thrilled if he finds out the giver of the necklace, Xiao You felt her tongue in knots.

Oblivious to internal battle within her, Tian Li asked right on. "Did you buy this yourself?"

Not wanting to lie, Xiao You stammered out a soft no.

"So it's a gift then?"

But before make out any reply, Tian Li turned to her and then smiling first, he reached over to put the necklace on her. The motion brought more guilt into Xiao You, remembering how Xi Men clasped the very necklace around her neck too before. Like before, the butterfly pendant nestled comfortably between her breasts and right on top of her beating heart.

Staring down at her, Tian Li gave in to a satisfied beam. "Perfect," he whispered. "Better than perfect."

Leaning down, he gave Xiao You a soft kiss. The swirl of warmth tingling on her lips brought both pain and pleasure within Xiao You.

And yet even when Tian Li pulled away, she couldn't find the courage to open up and tell him the truth. Her mind was shouting that she had to be honest but her lips didn't form the words. Couldn't form the words.

And so with forbidden tears forming behind her eyes, Xiao You silently let Tian Li pull her out of her room. Across the long hallways and then down the great staircase, she remained silent. And even when they finally walked through Tian Li's studio, Xiao You offered no words of confession.

It was the fourth of January and in six weeks time, she would be Mrs. Xi Men Tian Li. Day by day, Xiao You was finding out she was not deserving of that title. . .

And as Xiao You sat there, posing for this wonderful and sensitive artist, Xiao You felt the biggest irony in the world. . .

There, sitting not more than ten feet from her was Tian Li; with paintbrush in hand, Tian Li was drawing out and expressing to the world the feelings in his heart. . .

His feelings were the best gift she had ever received in her lifetime. . . and yet, here she sat, wearing closest to her heart someone else's gift. . .

-------------------------

Xi Men Zhong er Lang walked through their home's enormous double doors, his mind was set on having a late afternoon tea with Xiao You.

Be a bit more pushy. That's what Dao Ming Si advised him to do. Xi Men had decided to stop being contended with Xiao You's casual smiles. Though there was an atmosphere of awkward between them, he wouldn't let that get in the way.

Right. Xiao You may be his brother's fiancée but that wasn't stopping him to fight for his chance.

If he had a chance. . .

Clearing that annoying thought, Xi Men smiled as he spotted Xiao You on the first step up the grand staircase.

"Xiao You!" he called after her, running towards the foot of the stairs.

Xi Men saw her sigh before turning to him. There was a wary look in her eyes.

"What it is?"

The expression in Xiao You threw him that Xi Men was almost tempted to say nothing but behind his ears, Xi Men heard Dao Ming Si's bossy voice.

Be more pushy. . . be more pushy. . . be more pushy. . .

Taking a deep breath, Xi Men smiled as warmly as he could. "I'm having some tea, I'm hoping you can join me."

A look of worry came to Xiao You's eyes. She smiled apologetically and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I'm not really up for it."

With that, Xiao You turned around once more to continue up the stairs. Automatically, Xi Men's hand grabbed for her wrist.

"Xiao You, wait!"

A reluctant Xiao You turned back to him. She opened her mouth to speak but Xi Men cut her off.

"Please, Xiao You?" he pleaded. "I thought we are friends again," he added. Xi Men knew he sounded pathetic but at the back of his mind, he remembered Dao Ming Si begging Shan Cai endlessly before.

Xiao You bit her lip as she shook her head. "Don't get me wrong, Xi Men. Of course, we are friends but I can't con-"

"Please just one cup of tea?" Xi Men cajoled, he knew he sounded downright weak but he didn't care. He was determined to share even a cup of tea with her, he'll beg if he had to. He turned most pleading eyes on her.

At the end, it won Xiao You over. Though she reluctantly sighed first, the fact that she finally agreed sent an excited thrill down Xi Men's spine.

Not taking off his hold on her, Xi Men led Xiao You into the patio. He sat on the very chair he sat three years ago when he first entertained Xiao You into his home. While Xiao You sat on the very same chair too. It gave a sense of nostalgia to Xi Men as one of the maids served them their tea.

They didn't really talk much. Xiao You seemed to be so preoccupied, Xi Men didn't mind though. He contended himself by watching Xiao You closely.

As Xiao You sipped her tea, Xi Men began to memorize her features. He didn't like to think it would be soon forbidden; all he knew at that moment, his feelings made it right for him to be looking at Xiao You this way.

The silky hair freely flowing down her face, neck and shoulders. . . the exotically-shaped eyes and lips. . . the beautiful curve of her neck and. . .

"You're wearing it!" Xi Men exclaimed. He was surprised and infinitely thrilled to see his gift on Xiao You. She had never worn it again till now.

Xiao You smiled half-heartedly, she touched the necklace, rather a bit frustrated Xi Men noted. "Yeah," she whispered strangely.

Releasing her hold on the pendant, though still a bit distracted, Xiao You she added with a warm smile, "Really, I want to thank you again, Xi Men. This necklace is so nice."

Xi Men shook his head. Putting all the sincerity in his words, Xi Men locked his eyes and her and whispered"You don't need to thank me, Xiao You. I'm contented enough to see the happiness in your face."

For a moment, Xiao You searched his eyes before she could smile at his words. Very gracefully she picked up her tea again.

Xi Men picked up his tea too and for the second time in two weeks, he thank the heavens for his good buddy Dao Ming Si. Though a bit lacking at the language and social skills department, Dao Ming Si sure was a master at the love department. Xi Men should quickly go and see him for his next lesson.

Then for the next five minutes, the two didn't say another word.

-------------------------

That night Xi Men Tian Li lay on his bed, staring up at his ceiling. The feelings in his heart were both familiar and new. He had known this emotion before; at the same the pain was a bit different this time.

Jealousy. Insecurity. Anxiety. He had felt it all before with Hua Zhe Lei. . . now, he was feeling all of these on his brother.

He had just come out from his art studio to join Xiao You for some snack when he stopped suddenly hearing his brother's warm voice mixed with his fiancée's soft key. Before he could stop himself, he peeked through a pillar and saw Xiao You and Ah Lang, just sitting there, chatting. It was nothing really and he was about to step forward to let his presence known but Xiao You's words had froze him up.

"Really, I want to thank you again, Xi Men. This necklace is so nice."

To pretend he didn't hear those words was no easy feat. The sudden stab in his heart. . . the nauseous pit deep in his stomach. . . they wouldn't go away. . .

He just could not believed Xiao You lied to him. Then Tian Li quickly shook his head, rejecting that thought; no, Xiao You didn't lie. It was his fault for choosing not to ask who gave it to her. . . but still why did she kept the fact that it was Ah Lang who gave it?

Tian Li took a deep breath. They had a misunderstanding like this before. Xiao You was hurt when he didn't tell her that he went to see Jing; they resolved everything when Xiao You asked him about it but would the situation be resolve too if he confronts her? Wouldn't that looked like he doubted her?

Tian Li sat up from his bed, head throbbing like hell. No, of course he trusted Xiao You. The truth was he was more concerned with Ah Lang; his words had come as a surprise to him.

"You don't need to thank me, Xiao You. I'm contented enough to see the happiness in your face."

Never had he heard his brother speak to any girl as warmly before. The way he spoke her name. . . the sincerity in his voice. . . the fondness of his gesture. . . it scared Tian Li to think that his brother could actually have feelings for Xiao You.

If his brother did have feelings for Xiao You, Tian Li honestly didn't know if he could be so willing to give up a second time. Before he was able to; but now, Tian Li knew he wouldn't be able to stand the pain all over again.

Lowering his face and hugging his knees to his chest, Tian Li realized that he had isolated himself from everyone for far too long. He has become so suspicious of everything. . . his judgment was running far too fast than his logic. He needed to clear his mind.

Clear his mind. . . and even though he knew it was impossibly crazy, that it'll just create more conflict, somehow Tian Li couldn't erase his sudden thought. . . For that in his secret and put-away heart, he knew there was only one person who could help him to clear up his fogged up mind and heart. . .

Jing.

-------------------------

Next chapter: A hurt Tian Li runs to his best friend to find comfort in her arms, but what would happen when Lei mistakes the situation? And what's this, Mei Zhou resentful of Tian Li too? Does Xiao Qiao's change have something to do with any of this? Between a simple act of helping someone and the reassuring words to go with it, would old feelings spark once more? Find out next time in Between Jealousy and Trust.

Note: In the HYD manga, Akira(Mei Zhou) has two adorable lil twin sisters. When I found out about them, they seemed effective if I add them on my twist on MZ and XQ. I just mentioned them in this chap but sometime in the next three chaps, we'll get to meet those adorable twins!

AN: Anyway, don't mind me with the 'sel-lo' and 'she-lo' thing. Hahaha, I couldn't think of something else to 'worsen' the situation so I came up with that lame pronunciation thing. Anyway um I don't remember exactly but I think the Tagalog dubbed was like that. Hehe.

Ok change, topic there'll be a 'guest appearance' of one character from MG/MGII in next chap, if anyone could guess who he/she is, I'll dedicate the next chap to him/her. Hehe, I just like dedicating my chaps to my readers. Anyways, if you like, please do write your guess on your comment. Oh for a clue on who the character is, think about the title as to it also applies to him/her. Hehe, she/he will be spicing up the romance between one of our darling couples. Anyways, see you next time! Please review po! Suggestions, criticisms and violent reactions are much welcome as well; thanks in advance!