Huaze Lei - (24)yrs Daoming Si - (23)yrs Ximen Yen - (25)yrs Feng Meizuo - (25)yrs
English looks like this "" and Chinese looks like this [] thoughts are in italics and texts are a mix of both depending on if they're in english or Chinese. * are for memories (POV will change from time to time when certain things imperative to the story need to told)
Set during the show. Some events will be the same and others will differ - What if Shancai never existed? What if a love once thought lost, was not so lost any more? Who will she choose? The ever so loving Lei or the ever forceful Si? They remembered her, but can she remember them?
"It's been decided. You're going to Shanghai. Ming De University has already accepted your application. You leave in the morning. I suggest you pack first thing when you get home."
This was an order. An order from my "adoptive" father. One Dennis E Lee. A supposed friend of the family that took me in when both of my parents passed away a decade ago.
If you guessed he was half Chinese, you'd be correct. My name is Whitney Rhodes, sorry, no, that's my old name. My new name is Xue Lee (Snow Plum) or rather Lee Jiang Xue (Plum River Snow)...cute, right?
Let's get one thing clear...I own and run one of the biggest companies in America...only...my adoptive father runs it in my place. The company is in my name, so why does he run it? Board of directors said so. Still do. He lets me run the smaller and newer travel agency he just expanded into. "Rhodes to travel" he calls it. Insert special insulting name here...he's every name in the book. I hate him.
He's even chosen my college major. I wanted to major in music or even literature but 'dad' wants me to major in just about everything else. Give me half a day and I'll have a second major going for me. That way we both get what we want. More or less.
I thought for a moment before answering him. There was no question in his order. He just expected a conversation.
Great. I'm going to China...I knew there was a reason he made me study Manderin these last few semesters. Is he trying to get rid of me? Not a chance I'll let that happen. On second thought...maybe a half world away might just be far enough away for me.
"I was born and raised in Shanghai for a little while, right?"
I couldn't help but ask. If I could go that far away from him and still be home, so to speak, then I'll jump at this chance.
"You were very little, but yes. Your parents brought you to the states for some time as well. Dual citizenship allows you to move there with little effort."
He sat in his oversized office chair and crossed his legs.
"There's a house all ready for you. You'll have to sign the final documents as it will be in your name and your responsibility to pay for it. I've signed your financial accounts fully over to you so the money you make is all yours. I've had everything converted to yuan so you're all set to go."
A lot of this sounded fishy...but my money being all mine pretty much had me ready to leave right then and there.
"Question."
He looked at me over his thin rectangular glasses. This was his permission to speak.
"Might I be able to take the things my parents left me? Out of their house? It would free up your storage unit for other things."
I tried to bribe him with his own space. Was that clever or was it going to make things worse?
He thought about it for a moment. Three long moments went by before he nodded.
"Take your assistant with you. He'll arrange for a new service crew when you get there."
I nodded with a smile. I could finally look at the pictures we owned and all of the things I so fondly missed...or at least I think I missed them. I can't remember much...some things are hazy and others feel more like dreams. Memories, I've learned the hard way, are so very precious.
He dismissed me with a wave of his hand. I bowed slightly and walked away. Once I was out of Rhodes Way Industries (my parents modeling industry if I forgot to mention that) I called Sam. He was my trading partner.
"Tell me you have good news for me."
I smiled as my driver pulled up beside me.
"Remember how I said to hold those big ones?"
"Yes, now let me guess...you're going to China."
"You see? I told you he was up to something, Sam. He thinks I don't monitor my own accounts. Now about those stocks I was mentioning…"
Typing could be heard in the background as I climbed in the car.
"Done and done Ms. Rhodes. You are now a multi million Yuan owner. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
I laughed slightly as I shook my head.
"Keep me updated. I'll check them in a few weeks. I sent you a list of stock investments I want you to make."
"I'll get to them in just a second smallish one. You have a wonderful rest of your day."
I rolled my eyes.
"Bye weirdo."
I hung up and sighed. There really was nothing left to do except fly to Shanghai. How wonderful this is going to be.
The car pulled into the driveway and then parked beside the stairs to the front door. The driver got out and opened the door for me. I thanked him and went up the stairs. The door was opened by my assistant Zhong Shun Kai. He's quiet and dull. Never says much. I guess that's just the way he is. He's tall, fit, fast, an excellent fighter, and an even better marksman. I swear he worked for the mafia at one time. He's got this scar on his left eye that he won't talk about. I've asked. All I get is this angry huff and a dark stare. I get the shivers just thinking about it.
I went up to my room to find a few of the maids finishing my packing. I was surprised. I was almost sure they were told not to help me. Yet, here they were, packing the last of my closet and nicknacks off of the shelves. Sarah noticed me and ran right over. I almost fell when she wrapped her arms around me not having come to a full stop yet. I used my foot to push her back as we leaned towards the floor.
"Oh, Ms. Rhodes! We're going to miss you so much! Tell me it isn't true!"
She sobbed. Sarah was a little older than me and I considered her and the rest of the maids much like sisters. She was also over emotional if you couldn't already tell. Dennis didn't have children so I was almost always left alone. The maids were all I had.
"Sarah...you're crushing me...but it's true."
She let me go and straightened my jacket.
"Sorry. I just...I don't want you to leave...please stay."
I scoffed at the whine in her voice.
"Now you're overdoing it. You're not going to miss me one bit."
I grinned as she glared at me. Tears still hung at the corners of her eyes.
"Now you're just being mean."
She pouted as I shrugged.
"You know a mistress is going to move in just as soon as I leave and trust me, I can't get out of here fast enough."
Sarah wiped the remaining tears from her eyes as Milly and Rebecca walked over to us. I tucked my hands into my jacket pockets as Milly spoke.
"We don't want to serve a mistress. We want to serve you and your family when you have one again."
Rebecca nodded.
"I agree. Mr. Lee treats us like dirt. I can't believe he used to be a big deal over there. We don't know what happened but he went under and stole everything from you. How cruel of a master can he be?"
Rebecca had a point. The board wasn't going to let me have my company until I got married. I had Mr. Kai look into it once. He assured me that this was the deal between my parents and them. I still am not so sure he told me the truth or even if he told me everything but that's what he gave me.
I scratched the back of my head. I was seriously getting uncomfortable now. I smiled and clapped my hands together.
"Welp. I'm going to shower and go to bed. Thank you guys for doing all of this for me. I really didn't want to pack all of this by myself."
They nodded at me then gave me a group hug. I hugged them back and walked to the shower as they bowed and left my room. Tonight was going to be a long night…
I sighed as I pulled my jacket off. I know I've been a bit of a bad seed in recent years but I always thought I was within my guidelines. Don't go to jail and don't be a pushover. I guess I crossed a line somewhere. Not that I care a whole lot now. I can't wait to get out of here. Then a sudden thought hit me.
I wonder if my pen pal is awake.
I pulled my phone out as I walked into the bathroom. My sisters had already filled the bath and lit the candles. I smiled as I set my phone on the little table that was above it. I tied my hair up, took my clothes off and slid right in. The bubbles were super fluffy this time around. They must have emptied a bottle instead of trying to pack it. I giggled to myself as I picked my phone up. My Pen Pal and I kept our names a secret just like we were supposed to. Stranger danger and all that. I called him Music man and he called me Paint brush (I was an artist at heart). Yes, we're weird like that.
I opened his messages and was surprised to see that he had already sent me a text.
"Are you asleep yet?"
I was slightly confused. It was only like 8:00 p.m. here. Why would he think I was asleep? What time was it where he lived?
"Yes. Sound asleep as we speak."
"You must be replying in your sleep then."
"That is exactly what's happening."
"I'll let you sleep then."
"Says the guy who messaged me first."
"True. How are you doing?"
"I've been better. My dad is sending me to some sort of elite college overseas."
"You're studying abroad?"
"So to speak. More like moving there. Apparently I've lived there before. When I was little I guess. I don't remember much about it though."
"Think we might meet then?"
"Well...then that depends on where you live."
"If I tell you...you have to give me your name."
"In person. If you're close."
"Deal. [Shanghai, China]"
I gasped and covered my mouth. There was almost a 0% chance that this was happening right now. My pen pal...best friend...and secret crush was in the city I was going to move to. I stared at the screen and almost dropped my phone in the water.
"[Ming De University?]"
I knew he was in college. He was a year older than I was. He was majoring in music and attending one of the most prestigious colleges where he lived...what were the odds he was there as well?
"[You're moving to Shanghai? And going to my school? Stalker.]"
"[Excuse you. Not a stalker. My dad is the stalker. Blame him.]"
"[I do. I also thank him.]"
"[Why?]"
"[He sent you to me. Can't I be happy about that?]"
"[Stop flirting Mr. Taken by a far away love.]"
"[That hurts.]"
"[She's a model, right? In paris?]"
"[Yes. She's going to come back soon. I hope you two can meet.]"
"[I look forward to both the rejection and her public claim of you.]"
"[You sound so confident.]"
"[I support your decisions. You know that.]"
"[True. Let's meet at school then. I'll let you know when and where when I'm free.]"
"[Sounds like a plan. I won't get there until 9:00 p.m. so maybe the day after.]"
"[Talk to you soon.]"
"[Not soon enough.]"
"[Good night, Paint brush.]"
"[Good night, Music man.]"
The new day couldn't come fast enough…
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The flight was long and boring. I slept most of the way to Shanghai. I got off the plane and took a cab to my new home. Kai was already there when I walked up to the front door. He opened it and welcomed me home. I walked into the kitchen, signed the remaining documents, and took a deep breath. This place was huge. It was a maze. I was going to need MONTHS to find everything, all the rooms, and get it all set up. Kai walked over and took the paperwork from the counter.
"I have your room all set up. Furniture and clothes are in their places. If you wish to move anything please let me know and I will assist you."
I nodded and looked around.
"Where's my room exactly?"
"Up the stairs, to the left of the foyer, and it's the last room on the right. Paint colors have been placed on the floor. All of your furniture and accent pieces are black and red so might I suggest a black and grey color scheme for your walls?"
"Suggestion noted. I'm going to go lay down now."
I took my luggage to my room as my phone dinged with a new message.
I opened my door and closed it, placing my luggage just the other side of the corner of the wall. I fell on my bed face first...it was already 10:00P.M. and I was dying. I pulled my phone out and looked at the message.
It was from him.
"[Did you land yet?]"
"[OMG! I totally forgot to message you when I got here! I am so sorry…]"
"[It's okay. You lost a day getting here. I'll live.]"
"[Are you sure?]"
"[Yeah. I'm just glad you got home safe.]"
"[This place is amazing. It's way bigger than where I used to live.]"
"[Where was that?]"
"[Southern USA.]"
"[Accent?]"
"[You'll have to meet me to find out.]"
"[This is true. How about we meet after classes are over for the day? It looks like I'll be pretty busy tomorrow.]"
"[Sure. I'll have to get a map of the campus though.]"
"[Not a problem. You'll get an upperclassman to walk you to your classes for the first day. They should help you map things out. The front office will hand you a full layout of the school. I look forward to meeting you.]"
"[I look forward to meeting you too. I'm going to rest now. See you tomorrow. Goodnight.]"
"[Sleep well. Goodnight.]"
I could not contain my smile. My cheeks tingled in pain.
I can't wait until tomorrow. I can FINALLY hug my best friend.
Our friendship was six years in the making. I met him through one of those chat sites you can use on campus where you create an account and use whatever name you want on it. One of those ones you can use to talk with other college students all over the world. The funny part in all of this, was that I had applied to be an exchange student a few semesters ago but I had yet to choose where I wanted to go. Being sent here was just icing on the cake.
The sound of my alarm clock going off pierced my eardrums. It was already time to get up and I felt as though I had just fallen asleep. Jet lag was going to kill me today. I could already feel it. I turned off the alarm and got ready for my exciting day.
I grabbed my messenger bag and headed out the door. I decided to walk to school today. The air was nice and the day looked beautiful. So I put my headphones in and turned on Saint-Saens - The Carnival of the Animals: XIII, The Swan. A violin piece that should be the opening of every movie that opens on a bright beautiful new morning.
There were a lot of people on the streets. Sidewalks were full with people busy trying to get to work. It was amazing how different this place was. The funny part was how familiar it all felt.
When I finally reached the school, I picked up my schedule, a layout of the place, and my guide for the day. Her name was Yeung Yaling, a junior in Digital Design. Something I wanted to minor in myself. She smiled and talked the whole time. She took me from class to class after orientation. It was amazing how fluent she was in English. She did slip back into Chinese often and I told her it was fine to stay there if she wanted to. I was only all too thankful when I was done with classes at noon that day. Yaling could really talk and with someone as short as she was she had me speed walking to keep up with her. I was so tired when we started our way to the cafeteria.
[Let's sit here and talk awhile. You look like you could use a rest.]
She giggled at me as I happily plopped myself onto a stone bench just outside the cafeteria. I had no sooner begun to ask her something when this loud group of girls came around the corner. There were several much taller boys in the middle, walking like they never saw any of them. Now I had a different question.
[Hey Yaling, who are they?]
She rolled her eyes.
[That would be F4. They're a group of Seniors who have become very popular over the years. The one with dark hair rolled into stiff locks is Daoming Si. He's got a short temper and a bad attitude. The redish brown haired one is Huaze Lei. He's quiet and very kind. The one with glasses is Ximen Yen. He's smart and very fond of things he considers cute. The other dark haired one is Feng Meizuo. He's funny and very charming.]
[What makes them so popular?]
[Well...with the four of them averaging around 185cm tall, they're all very handsome, talented, and outgoing. Not to mention they all excel in their respective fields here at school. You see, Huaze Lei majors in music. He can play almost any instrument perfectly. Ximan, Meizuo, and Daoming Si major in business administration. Put all of this into play and you can see how they attract a lot of attention at school. Each one of them gets the best scholarships and are all skilled in at least three languages. I hate to say it but they're not just smart, they have great taste as well. The four of them might look like players, but they respect women. What's more is that the four of them are very close. They've known each other since they were little which makes it almost impossible for someone new to join them. This has always made F4 a mystery here at Ming De. All of the girls love them, except me, and there are a lot of boys who want to challenge them and prove that they're better than they are and more attractive.]
My attention is now on full.
[Challenge? What do you mean?]
She smiled.
[You'll love this part. They challenge them to a game of Bridge.]
Seriously?
[The card game?]
She nodded.
[They're stars in the Bridge world as well. Meizuo is the artistic one of the group. He loves literature and art.]
I can relate to that.
She rolled her eyes as if knowing what I was thinking. I must have made a face.
[At the Bridge table, his memory is unbeatable. He forgets nothing so he uses his humor to lower his opponents defenses. Once they feel relaxed, they take the game less seriously and then they lose.
Ximan is very subtle and cautious. His family adores tea so he's very skilled in the art of tea making. At the bridge table, he's a strategic artist and he plays mind games with his opponents. He distracts them and his opponents never even know they've lost. They call him the Battle God.
Huaze Lei is a music genius. Remember how I said he could play almost any instrument? Well, he has perfect pitch as well and he earns many music scholarships every year. At the Bridge table, he's calm and poised. You'd expect that from someone with the patience to play that many instruments. His opponents can never tell what kind of hand he has. Some, I've heard, even say he has laser eyes and can see through the trickery of others. They also say that when an opponent sees his smile, they'll give up their best card.
Daoming Si is the leader of F4. He has great interest and talent in finance. When he turned 18 he earned a million yuan through trading securities. At the Bridge table, he's very aggressive. Much like he is in general. Some of his opponents sit down and get scared into making mistakes. They fail to utilize their best cards and always regret it afterwards.
With talent like this the four of them have earned the school many Bridge awards and our school is very proud of them.]
I nodded.
[I can understand why. How do people challenge them then? It sounds like everyone wants a piece of them in some way.]
She scoffed.
[Challenges don't just happen. You have to receive the Joker card first.]
I was now curious and confused at the same time.
[Why would someone need a Joker card?]
[It's F4's invitation to a game. It's a rule now. You have to find a chance to tell them in person that you wish to challenge them. To get the card, F4 has to find you to be qualified then they send you the Joker card and a time for the game. However, you have to wager something before the game starts.]
[What would anyone want to wager if they're just going to lose?]
I crossed my arms. I didn't get it. If people were just going to lose why would you wager anything at all? I get it's a rule but it's just crazy to me.
[There are rumors about that. Some funny and some not so funny.]
I shook my head.
[I can only imagine…]
[I can tell you.]
[I think I'll pass. If they're anything like some of the kids back home, I'm sure it's more sad than funny.]
[I think the one where they made a kid eat a pair of slippers is the sad one.]
I laughed a little.
[Oh, come on. Now that's just made up.]
I could now hear the group of squealing girls getting closer to us. F4 was apparently going for lunch. How fun.
[One question though, Yaling.]
[Hm?]
[If you know so much about them, why do you dislike them so?]
She frowned.
[You hear all that noise? That's why I dislike them. That right there is just insane. Makes my head hurt.]
I crossed my eyes and she laughed. I looked up at the group as they walked by. I give them credit. They were all pretty cute. Though I do wonder why they're ignoring the gaggle of girls around them. Don't they like the attention?
I sighed slightly as I turned to Yaling. She nodded as if knowing what I was thinking.
[Come on. I have an extra lunch box in my car we can eat instead of dealing with this.]
I nodded and followed her to her car. We ate and made jokes, talked about school and boys for that matter, more her than me, I just got here. I learned a lot about the school. Yaling was even kind enough to show me where the best routes to my classes were and where to hang out if I wanted some quiet time to think. It was fun. She waved me off when she left for the day. I wanted to explore the campus while I waited to meet my Pen Pal.
I was walking through the music corridor when I heard this beautiful sound. I followed the music without hesitation. I recognized it. A Violin accompanied by a piano. A song both heavenly and sad. I could hear the story of love and heartbreak. I could hear the joy and tenderness, the laughs and the tears. I could feel the smiles and the warmth, the ache and the loneliness. This was power. The ability to control emotion simply through sound. I could almost picture the story in my mind. It wasn't until I stopped walking that I realized I was now standing in front of one of the practice rooms for the music students. Beside the piano player was Huaze Lei. Perfect pitch was no joke. The notes he played were crisp and flawless. I felt transcendent. A tear rolled down my cheek as I listened to him play. The last part of the song he played told of loss. Not just a loss of love but loss of the one he loved. The sadness and blame he put on himself was breaking my heart. But that's what music was for. It was to express what words never could or the lack thereof. He stopped and let the Violin come down by his side. I wiped my face as he looked up at me. I smiled and walked off in a hurry. Maybe I wasn't supposed to hear that. His eyes held pain. His expression was bleak. I knew that every emotion I felt was what he was giving it. I knew something had happened to him and it was none of my business what it was. I was just compelled by my own feet to follow the music. I hope he wasn't mad at me for listening.
I felt lighter now than I had previously. This is why I loved music. I always felt free after listening to it. I called my assistant and he came to pick up my bag. I kept the smaller version of it which was my purse and waved him off. I made my way to those long stairs out by the courtyard. Many students used them to sit and chat or even eat at so I thought this a good place to wait for my friend.
I put my earbuds in and turned on Roundtable Rival by Lindsey Stirling. She was a new youtube artist that played the Violin like it had a voice. This was a more up tempo western like song which I was so in the mood for. No, it wasn't classical but we can't all be a classic all the time now can we?
The wind blew slightly as I zipped up my leather jacket. I loved biker jackets but I was now wishing I had worn a sweater under it. It was starting to get chilly. A few songs later, I got a message from him.
[I'm free for now. Where are you?']
I smiled as I replied.
[Courtyard.]
[What are you wearing? It'll help me find you.]
[You're joking right? I look like a tourist out here. I stick out like a sore thumb.]
[Red leather jacket?]
[Yeah]
I pulled my headphones out as a pair of long legs stopped in front of me. I put them away as I looked up. A look of surprise ran across my face.
[Hi.]
I jumped up.
[No way! Omg! Hi!]
He smiled as he reached out for a hug. I gladly obliged. I hugged him hard too. Now I was excited. My best friend was a popular guy at school. NEVER IN MY LIFE!
He patted my head as we parted. He tucked his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
[You really do look a bit out of place here.]
[Huh...and here I was thinking I blended in with the concrete.]
He chuckled as he looked at the ground and then back up to me.
[What's your name?]
[Lee Jiang Xue. I'm guessing you already know that I know your name.]
He nodded as he smiled.
[It's good to finally be able to meet you.]
[Agreed.]
[I saw you standing outside of the practice room earlier.]
I scratched the back of my head.
[Yeah, sorry about that. I heard the music and my feet just carried me off. I get lost in the feelings of it sometimes. I've gotten lost a time or two because I listened a little too hard instead of watching where I was going. You play beautifully by the way.]
[Thank you.]
[Why didn't you tell me you played the Violin? I would love to hear more of that song some time.]
[I don't play the Violin for just anyone.]
I nodded. I totally get it. I can play the harp and I don't play that for just anyone either...wait a minute...I don't play the harp. So how do I know that I can?
I looked confused for a moment and shook my head slightly to shake the thought out of my head. Huaze Lei looked like he wanted to ask what I was thinking but he stayed quiet so I changed the subject.
[So what do you wanna do?]
I looked up at him. He was a good six inches taller than I was. Oh, sorry. I'm in China now. He was a good 20cm's taller than I was. I felt really short now. He smiled as he nodded towards the stairs.
[I have a Bridge game I need to practice for if you want to come watch and meet my friends. You can always sit and read too. There's plenty of books there as well.]
[Sure. Sounds like fun.]
I smiled back at him as he led the way to the Bridge Club room.
[I told the guys about you. They're excited to meet you as well.]
I blushed slightly.
[Jeez...How much did you tell them?]
I stuck my hands in my jacket pockets as he smirked.
[Huaze Lei?]
[Hm?]
He looked at me as we rounded a corner.
[Am I going to get weird attention now? It seems that if I become friends with your friends that the other girls might get jealous or something. I don't need more weird looks than I'm already getting.]
He smirked again.
[Chicken.]
[Excuse you? I am NOT chicken.]
[You're already running from things you know nothing about.]
He wasn't wrong. I was a little worried what associating with F4 would do to me later on. I shrugged as we walked up to the club door. With the banners on either side you really can't miss this place.
Lei opened the door and looked at me. I sighed slightly as I walked in. He followed and headed down the stairs first. I pulled my hair out of the ponytail it was in and ran my fingers through my hair. It was wavy, the color of caramel, and stopped just below my ribs. I placed my hair tie on my wrist and looked at Lei who had stopped half way down the stairs. He smiled at me and I smiled back, following him down the stairs. I have this weird fear of falling down the stairs so my eyes never left my feet until I hit the last stair.
Lei was standing beside the staircase with his arms crossed loosely over his chest. I looked at him before looking at the others. They were staring at me. Much the same as if they had seen a ghost.
[What?]
Ximen looked at Meizuo who also looked at him before looking back at me. Daoming Si had gotten out of his chair. I stayed where I was. His look was intense. I couldn't tell if he was angry or not. I stepped down to the floor and tilted my head in curiosity as he leaned down to become eye level with me. He looked down and then back up at me. Dude has no idea what personal space is.
[So this is the infamous Pen Pal we've heard so much about. At least you're cute.]
He stood back up as he smirked.
[Kind of fat though.]
Lei went wide eyed and I lost it. I punched him in the gut with everything I had. He doubled over in pain and I stepped aside as he landed on his knees.
Ximen smiled.
[I like her. Anyone brave enough to punch Ah Si is good in my book.]
He got up from his seat and offered a hand out to me.
[What's your name, beautiful?]
I smiled and took his hand.
[Lee Jiang Xue. It's nice to meet you.]
[You as well.]
Meizuo came over as well.
[Where did you find this one, Lei? She got a death wish?]
Lei didn't say anything. He had raised a hand to his face and was tapping his lower lip with his index finger, a grin plastered on his face as he looked at Ah Si. I rolled my eyes as Meizuo offered his hand as well and I shook it too.
[You guys have such a reputation here. I've heard a lot about you.]
Ximen nodded.
[We get that a lot here. Don't mind the rumors though. Most of them aren't true.]
[Most?]
I really hadn't heard any rumors yet...or had I? I really needed to pay more attention to what I'm being told.
Ah Si got up and glared at me.
[What?]
[You're dead.]
I smiled.
[Try me.]
Lei shook his head as Ah Si scoffed and walked off. I looked over at him and he smiled sweetly at me.
[Don't worry. Ah Si's harmless.]
[Speak for yourself. Are we going to practice or not?]
Ah Si sounded a little ticked off but I think he was more embarrassed than anything. Lei grabbed another chair and placed it beside his. I took the hint to sit beside him as he sat.
The boys played for what seemed like hours. Si always nominated the Spade suit as the trump suit if they played with trumps. I loved watching them play. Lei even let me choose which cards to play at times, making me feel like I was included. As time went by Si lightened up. He even looked at me with a smile from time to time. Of course he was upset when he lost on a turn when I chose a card. Lei laughed at his misery. It was right about then that I leaned back into the chair. I was still jet lagged so exhaustion overtook me and I fell asleep.
~Hua Ze Lei's POV~
It wasn't until I felt her head hit my shoulder when I noticed that Xue had fallen asleep. I reached up and gently leaned her head back towards the side of the chair so she didn't fall forward, careful not to wake her. She still had to be tired from the trip. We were 12 hours ahead of where she came from. I can't blame her for being so tired.
[Hey, Lei.]
I looked up at Ximen.
[Isn't that our little rose all grown up?]
I looked at Xue as Meizuo spoke.
[Yeah. You know, for someone who's supposed to be dead, she sure looks good.]
I looked at them both and then down at the table.
[I've been wondering that myself.]
Ximen nodded.
[I thought I was looking at a ghost when I saw her come down the stairs.]
Meizuo nodded as well.
[I almost ran to her. But it's obvious she doesn't remember us.]
I nodded.
[She said she's got amnesia from a car accident she was in when she was a kid.]
Meizuo put his cards down.
[I was so sure that Ah Si was going to say something but as usual, he just acted out instead.]
I smiled at the thought of Si doubling over in pain.
Ah Si sucked his teeth in frustration.
[Shut up! You gonna play or what?]
[Come on Ah Si. You have to be wondering the same thing.]
Si looked at his cards, deep in thought. He pushed them together and sat them down as well.
[If it really is her, what can we do? If she doesn't remember us it's not a big deal. I mean...I'm unforgettable unlike you losers.]
He grinned and we all shook our heads, slightly chuckling as we did so.
Ximen picked up his phone as he set his cards down.
[She certainly remembered how to play cards easily enough.]
Meizuo crossed his arms and sat back in his chair.
[That's a totally different thing than remembering people. Truth be told, I'm wondering how she's alive right now. Last we heard she died in the landslide that killed both of her parents a decade ago.]
Ximen pushed his glasses up.
[We need to look into this more.]
He sat his phone down as I turned my head to look at Xue. I tucked the loose strand of hair behind her ear and she cuddled her head into my neck. I couldn't help but smile. Some part of her remembered. I was sure of it.
[She still seems fond of you, Lei.]
I looked at Meizuo as Si got up and walked off. Obviously unhappy.
[I guess we'll have to do this all over again.]
My eyes went to Ximen.
[Do what?]
He leaned back in his chair and pointed up at Ah Si who was going up the stairs.
[The constant fighting with Ah Si. She's going to like you both and you know that. Should history repeat itself, we need to be ready. Ah Si's got a clean slate now. Don't tell me you believe he'll just let this go. Not with the way they ended things. He still blames himself for her leaving.]
He looked at Xue now as well.
[I wonder how this is going to change things now. She doesn't seem to have changed much. Time will tell though.]
Meizuo and I nodded as Ximen smiled.
[You remember that time she knocked the lights out of Ah Si for kissing her in front of Lei at Christmas?]
Meizuo grinned.
[Yeah. He was out most of the day. We were like, 7 maybe? She always had one hell of a right hook.]
I nodded again. That was the truth.
[He was so pissed when he woke up that he threw the fruit cake at her and an all out food fight started in the dining room. Ah Si's sister was so angry with us that she ended up joining us.]
I grinned as Meizuo laughed.
[She always knew how to keep us smiling. Even when Ah Si started down his dark path. It was always too bad for Ah Si's mother that she never could take Xue out of the picture.]
I put my cards down. I had been holding them for no real reason.
[I wonder if she had anything to do with Rose's disappearance.]
Ximen thought about it a moment.
[You know, it never even crossed my mind that she may have been involved. I think the landslide might be a reach but the rest of it could be possible.]
Meizuo pursed his lips in thought.
[I think we need to look into this more as well. We were young when all of this happened. We couldn't do much for her then but we can help her now.]
We all nodded in agreement. Rose was alive...and we needed to know why.
I shifted in my chair, careful not to wake Xue up, and crossed my arms as I leaned my head against hers. I think I might take a nap as well.
~No one's POV~
Meizuo nudged Ximen when Lei drifted off to sleep.
[Look who's reminiscing now.]
Ximen smiled when he looked at Lei and Xue, both sound asleep next to each other. A small smile was on Lei's face.
[Who do you think she chose back then?]
Meizuo leaned over to Ximen.
[My money's on Lei. She was always attached at his hip.]
[I wish she would have at least said before she left. Maybe it could have saved them both another round of heartbreak.]
Meizuo nodded.
[I'll look into her parents if you want to look more into her.]
Ximen nodded.
[We shouldn't tell them anything until we have something definite to give them.]
[Agreed.]
[Let's get out of here. They deserve some peace.]
Meizuo nodded and the two got up quietly and climbed the stairs, exiting the club room. Leaving the two little birds to rest.
~Xue's POV~
My eyes opened slowly. I was looking at the ceiling at an angle that didn't make any sense with how I fell asleep. I started to shift and realized that Lei had leaned his head against mine at some point. I groaned slightly and sat up as I stretched. I yawned and turned to look at Lei. He smiled.
[You fell asleep during the last game.]
I looked around the room to find that everyone but us had gone.
[Where did everyone go?]
Lei shrugged.
[They do that sometimes.]
[Oh.]
I leaned over and propped my elbows on my thighs. Lei turned his chair a little so that his knee was now touching mine. I rubbed my face with a hand and then leaned my head back to look at him.
He tilted his head in question.
[You were asleep for about two hours.]
I groaned again. I can't do that again. That's going to mess my sleeping schedule up. If that's even possible. I stood up and stretched again as Lei got up as well.
[I guess we should leave then.]
Lei smiled as he slid his hands into his pants pockets.
[Want to eat something before you go home?]
I got excited and grinned ear to ear.
[That would be amazing!]
Lei chuckled slightly.
[Come on then. I know a quiet place we can go to.]
[As long as the food's good I don't care where we go.]
I walked towards the stairs with Lei on my heels. It's funny. I know this is the first time I've met Huaze Lei...but something about him seemed so familiar...they all did.
We got into his car and headed to this quaint little restaurant. Wood lined the walls of the restaurant and the same wood was used to make the tables and seats. I slid onto the bench seat at the chosen booth and Lei slid in beside me. I started to ask him why when Meizuo and Ximen slid in opposite us. Meizuo nodded at me in greeting and I smiled back at him.
[Do you guys always hang out together like this?]
Ximen shook his head.
[Not always. Most of the time, when we're all free, we do.]
[Wow. That's pretty cool of you.]
Ximen smiled as Ah Si grabbed a chair and sat at the end of the table.
[Better get used to it Xue. You're stuck with us now.]
[Stuck? What is that supposed to mean?]
Ah Si grinned.
[Means we're claiming you. And as part of F4, you get to spend all of your free time with us.]
He leaned on the table, folding his arms as he did so.
[Don't even think about running away.]
He smirked as Lei laid a hand on my thigh.
[Don't take him too seriously. He's just trying to intimidate you.]
I nodded and realized that Lei's hand was warm. I welcomed the comforting feeling. I should be compelled to remove his hand out of embarrassment but it...it felt...I don't know...normal? I didn't give it much thought. He moved his hand when the menus showed up.
Everything sounded so good. I couldn't decide what to eat.
I wonder if I should ask Lei what he recommends…
Suddenly, my menu was pulled down and forced to the table. Everyone was making suggestions. I laughed to myself. They were just big kids. It's hilarious. My dinner was chosen for me and Lei looked at me, making sure I was okay with the choice. I shrugged, leaning my head to the side. There was nothing I could do about it. I was going with the flow of things.
Ximen passed Lei a book out from under his coat. Lei took it and began reading. Ah Si gave the waiter our order and we ate shortly after. It was the after dinner drinks that got me. I didn't really drink alcohol. A short glass with ice held a honey colored liquid that hovered just over the edge of the ice. I raised an eyebrow in question and it was Meizuo who answered.
[Don't worry. It's smooth. You'll like it.]
Lei sipped at his drink as everyone else looked at me. Waiting to see if Meizuo was right. I took a deep breath and let it out as I picked up the glass.
Here goes nothing.
I sipped at the liquid. It was sweet and smooth. It had a honey flavor with a slight nutty after note. It was so good. I closed my eyes and slowly drank the rest of it. It reminded me of a cold December day with a fire in the hearth. It brought the feeling of being wrapped up in a soft, fluffy blanket with a good book in my hands as I sat in front of the fire. I could even feel the warmth.
I opened my eyes as I sat the glass down. My eyes went wide when I found the boys staring at me. Meizo was grinning, Ximen was smiling, Ah Si looked slightly concerned, and Lei...well...I couldn't tell...I think he was just curious.
[Can I help you guys?]
The table busted out in laughs. Ah Si leaned on the table and pointed at me with the hand that held his glass.
[You must be part fish.]
Meizuo nodded.
[We thought you'd never come up for air.]
Lei just shook his head as he grinned.
[What? It was good!]
Ah Si nodded.
[So good, in fact, that you downed the whole thing in one go.]
I rolled my eyes.
[What. Ever.]
He smiled again as he drank the rest of his drink. Ximen looked at his watch.
[I should go. I'll see guys tomorrow.]
We waved him off as he left.
[I should get going too. See you.]
We waved Meizuo off as well. I sighed lightly and looked at Lei.
[I hate to say it, but I should get home too. I'm still adjusting to this time zone and I don't want to be up too much longer.]
He nodded as Ah Si nodded.
[Guess I'll leave too. No point in drinking alone.]
Lei smirked at Ah Si as he slid out of the booth and helped me out.
[Don't be a baby Daoming Si. You're a big boy. You can stay if you want to.]
He made a face and sucked his teeth at me as he got up.
[You're just asking for it aren't you?]
I shrugged as I walked out. Lei came out with Ah Si a few seconds later. Ah Si waved as he walked off to his car. Lei opened my door for me and I climbed in. He got in and looked at me.
[Where do you live?]
Oh, yeah...totally forgot about that.
I gave him the address and we took off. I leaned against the window and watched as the scenery passed by. Shanghai was beautiful at night. I'm impressed with all of the screens placed on the buildings. It's like one giant sports bar covered in T.V.'s. I was so used to the darker streets of Kentucky. I missed Kensie's ranch and the smell of horses. Too bad she was just on my summer break visits. I really loved that place.
I frowned as we pulled up into the driveway. I didn't want to come home...but I needed to.
Lei parked and I unbuckled.
[Thank you for the fun Huaze Lei. I'll see you tomorrow.]
He smiled and nodded as he got out.
What's he doing?
I watched him walk around to my side of the car and he opened my door. I stared at him. Surprise evident upon my face.
He just smirked and nodded for me to get out.
I climbed out of his car and he shut the door behind me. I shrugged to myself as he walked me to the door.
[You didn't have to walk me to the door.]
[It's fine. I wanted a hug before you went in.]
I grinned and wrapped my arms around him. I felt his sweater against my face as he hugged me back. I closed my eyes and took a slow, deep breath. He smelled like the ocean in the middle of summer and his warmth made me feel like I was diving into those sun soaked waves.
He pulled away all too soon and I looked up at him.
He smirked and walked off. I opened the door and watched him drive off. I shut the door and headed to my room. Well...not right away. I got lost in my own house. When I finally found my room I scribbled on a piece of paper to paint my door red. There were just too many hallways in this place. I swear I'm going to make a map of this place. Just until I get used to it. I set my purse on the couch in my room and plopped down on my bed. I was so very tired…
-End of episode 1-
What you think? Should I continue? ~Leave some love~