Chapter 19: What's With Everyone?!!
"And this is your room, my hard working virgin." Ximen had to dodge the fist that came swinging towards his arm. "Why don't we all take a nap and get refreshed. I'll have the chef whip up refreshments for when you get hungry." He rushed downstairs, and San Chai flopped down on her bed. She stretched for the stereo control on the nightstand and switched on some soothing music. With her eyes closed, she started to doze off in the warm room when she heard the click of a doorknob. [Argh. Now what? Can't a girl get some beauty sleep?]
"Who's there?" San Chai was too lazy to pick her head up.
"I wanted to see how you were doing. Hey! I think your room is nicer than mine. I'll have to take it up with Ximen later." It was Mei Zuo, and San Chai was surprised that he would be popping by for a visit.
"I'm more loveable than you are. Where's Jing?" San Chai propped herself up to ask.
"Dunno. You're nothing close to my level of sex appeal. Actually, you look pale. You're not sick are you?" Mei Zuo's face revealed genuine concern. He sat down on the edge of her bed and reached over to feel her forehead even though he knew she probably wasn't sick, at least not physically.
"I'm fine." She wondered how many times she'd said that lately when she felt anything but fine. "I just had trouble sleeping last night. Must've been something I ate."
"Yeah, must be hard to stomach some things."
San Chai didn't know what he was aiming at and simply didn't feel like dignifying that comment with a response.
"Well, I think I'm going to take a nap before brunch or lunch, whatever it is." She kicked off her shoes and crawled under the comforter.
[I really just wanted someone to talk to. Don't kick me out, I'm not ready to face Jing yet. Lei screwed us both over.] Mei Zuo leaned over San Chai's face, pressed a finger to her tiny nose, and ventured, "Hey, since your room is so much nicer, think I can stay here for a little bit?"
San Chai's eyes fluttered open and she quirked an eyebrow, staring at him with suspicion. "I guess so. You're risking your reputation though. I'll be the only girl you're in bed with that doesn't want you."
San Chai didn't know why this playboy would choose to spend the afternoon napping with her, but she was grateful for the company. His presence prevented her from thinking about all the drama of the past couple of days. She had long grown accustomed to his innuendos and jokes, knowing he was harmless to her.
"Ouch. You hurt me." Mei Zuo slipped into bed next to her, relishing the warmth of their proximity. It was actually quite comforting for two people, who were hurting so much on the inside. Mei Zuo patted her head, and they drifted off into a shallow slumber.
~*~
"Xiao Yooo!!" Ximen was practically singing her name as he walked down the halls.
"BOO!" Xiao Yo playfully leapt onto his back, almost knocking Ximen over.
"Whoa. Hey. If you wanted a piggy back ride, you only had to ask." He crouched down, and she giddily hopped on, hugging him tightly. Together, they were childish, silly, and incredulously happy. Xiao Yo's optimism and cheerful disposition rubbed off on him every moment, and Ximen found less reason to dwell on his depressing family life when he was with her. Their companionship was steadily growing into more, but they were probably the only couple that was still in tact that morning.
"So…where to?" Ximen asked the tiny girl he was toting around.
"Hmm, you think I can see your room?" Xiao Yo felt her face heat up, but Ximen was grinning smugly to himself.
"Ahhh!!!" Ximen charged headlong towards the bed and flung them down on it. He started tickling Xiao Yo relentlessly, and all her efforts to escape were futile. Wrestling around on the large bed, they landed themselves in an intimate position. As Ximen leaned closer to her, he wondered if she would reject him. Xiao Yo was equally afraid of what Ximen was thinking, and she dreaded that he would be dissatisfied with her lack of experience. But lost in the passion of the moment, Ximen dared to dip down and kiss her gently, on the lips, for the first time. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he was relieved and dove in for a deeper kiss. He ran his fingers through her fair hair, unable to recall any kiss he cherished so much.
Snuggled in each others arms, Ximen and Xiao Yo rested in quiet. Finally, Ximen felt it was a good time to go for a dip in the springs. He tucked strands of Xiao Yo's hair behind her ear and whispered an invitation to her.
~*~
"Psst. Sleeping beauty. Come on, it's time to get up." Mei Zuo tried to rouse San Chai as gently as possible.
"Hmm? What time is it?" San Chai asked groggily.
"I think we're going to head out to the springs. Up, up." Mei Zuo tugged at her arm.
~*~
"Alright guys. There are three private baths and then three larger ones. All are open for us, so split up how ever you want. I'm claiming one of the private baths though." Ximen and the rest of the boys were assembled at the top of the stone steps leading down to the springs, waiting for the girls.
"Geez they're slow. It can't be that hard to put on a bathing suit." Dao Ming Si complained.
"They're girls, Ah-Si. That's just how it goes." Ximen retorted.
~
"Here San Chai, I think this one is your size," Jing handed San Chai a swimsuit.
The girls were rummaging through the collection of new suits that Ximen had prepared.
"Great, hand me that sarong will you?" San Chai pushed her sunglasses in her hair and reached for the wrap from Xiao Yo.
They were all set and were heading out the door when another girl crashed through, knocking them all over. In the tangle of arms and legs, muffled apologies could be heard.
"Oops! I'm soo sorry!" The stranger blurted.
Xiao Yo, San Chai, and Jing collected themselves but failed to recognize who the mysterious girl was.
"You look so familiar, have we met before? My name is Jing."
"Jing Jie-Jie! You don't remember me? Well, it has been a while hasn't it."
"Xiao Zi?! Is it really you???!" Jing gasped recognizing the energetic girl's voice.
~*~
"It's about time!!" Dao Ming Si shouted when he saw the girls file out of the house. One, two, three, FOUR?! The guys collectively whistled and hooted at the babes, but they couldn't figure out how three girls became four. As they got closer to the steps, Ching He announced the obvious, "Hey, who's that girl? Where did she come from?"
"Excuse me, do we know each other?" Ximen asked the girl who had intruded on his private time. Who could possibly know about the new estate?
"O, stop it you male slut! Aren't you going to say hi to your cousin?!" The girl marched right up to Ximen and stuck her hands on her hips. Ximen didn't get a chance to answer.
"O god. When did you get back? Aren't you supposed to be in New York?!" Dao Ming Si grimaced visibly.
"Ah-Si!" Ximen poked his friend.
"Xiao Zi? What happened to you?! You look…so different!" Mei Zuo stuttered. [Hot, even. Definitely hot.]
"Guys, monkey's back," Dao Ming Si sneered.
"Xiao Zi?" Lei remembered the nickname at once.
"Hua Zhe Lei! It's soo good to see you again!" Xiao Zi hugged the boy warmly, then stepped over to Ximen and did the same for each of F4 in turn, even the reluctant Ah-Si.
"When did you get back? We haven't seen you in years!! You have certainly changed..um..you actually look like a girl now!" Ximen choked out.
[Cousin? Wow, they're nothing alike at ALL] San Chai stood in awe at the drama unfolding in front of her. Why were they so crude to each other? Why hadn't anyone mentioned her before?
The arrival of Ximen's cousin livened up the group's spirits considerably. She was interesting to say the least. Instead of heading right down to the baths, they lounged around on the patio getting acquainted with Xiao Zi.
"Well, I was called back last week to help with the merger with that computer company, you know which one I'm talking about Ximen. Then I hear that my F4 buddies are all off vacationing, and I couldn't resist the chance to surprise you all."
"Xiao Zi, you could've called or something," Ximen sighed.
"And miss the looks on your pampered faces? Nah. Four years is a long time isn't it? You'll all be proud to know that I've finished my studies. This trip back to Taiwan also allowed me to set up arrangements for the move back."
"You're moving back? Seriously?" Ximen gawked in disbelief.
Xiao Yo, San Chai, and Ching He felt completely outside the circle. The F4 and Jing were obviously close to this girl, but they failed to clearly explain the relationship, beyond the fact that she was Ximen's cousin.
"San Chai! Do you want something to drink?" Dao Ming Si inquired suddenly.
"San Chai? I'm sorry. How rude of me to exclude you all from the conversation," Xiao Zi began.
"You're probably wondering how we all know each other and all that. Well, I'm cousins with this king of flirts over there. I grew up with the F4 and Jing but moved away to study a few years ago. I lost touch with them some time ago, and they're just really surprised to see me." Xiao Zi grinned.
"Hush you monkey. Here San Chai, take this lemonade." Dao Ming Si reached over the table to hand her the glass.
"Yo worm head, this is one the first times I've seen you so caring. Is San Chai your girlfriend?" Xiao Zi narrowed her eyes at Ah-Si.
"Shut up you monkey!" Ah-Si snapped.
"Must you be so rude?! You haven't grown up at in these years! I'm pretty sure San Chai ISN'T your girlfriend because she looks like she has more sense that that!" Xiao Zi retorted.
"Do you have to move back? Taiwan's not big enough for a disaster like you!"
"In that case you better leave the country because the last time I checked the Taiwanese were disgraced to call you one of their own!"
"Ximen!! You better get your cousin away from me fast!" Ah-Si's fists were balled tightly.
"Hmmph! Come on girls, let's go check out the springs."
"Goddamnit!!! She just ruins everything! I can't believe you're related to her!" Dao Ming Si fumed as he watched Xiao Zi drag the other three girls with her.
"Hey! Xiao Zi! Leave my girlfriend alone. I don't want her corrupted by you." Ximen dashed off to save Xiao You from his cousin's grip.
"And here I thought we'd get to bathe with the girls…" Mei Zuo moped. He tried to get the attention of the other two, but they didn't notice his presence. He huffed a loud sigh then waltzed off in search of entertainment. Ching He tagged behind him not wanting to be left to the wrath of Dao Ming Si and the cold indifference of Lei.
[San Chai…] And yet Dao Ming Si and Lei were thinking along the same lines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Review!!! Look for the next update soon. ^_^]
"And this is your room, my hard working virgin." Ximen had to dodge the fist that came swinging towards his arm. "Why don't we all take a nap and get refreshed. I'll have the chef whip up refreshments for when you get hungry." He rushed downstairs, and San Chai flopped down on her bed. She stretched for the stereo control on the nightstand and switched on some soothing music. With her eyes closed, she started to doze off in the warm room when she heard the click of a doorknob. [Argh. Now what? Can't a girl get some beauty sleep?]
"Who's there?" San Chai was too lazy to pick her head up.
"I wanted to see how you were doing. Hey! I think your room is nicer than mine. I'll have to take it up with Ximen later." It was Mei Zuo, and San Chai was surprised that he would be popping by for a visit.
"I'm more loveable than you are. Where's Jing?" San Chai propped herself up to ask.
"Dunno. You're nothing close to my level of sex appeal. Actually, you look pale. You're not sick are you?" Mei Zuo's face revealed genuine concern. He sat down on the edge of her bed and reached over to feel her forehead even though he knew she probably wasn't sick, at least not physically.
"I'm fine." She wondered how many times she'd said that lately when she felt anything but fine. "I just had trouble sleeping last night. Must've been something I ate."
"Yeah, must be hard to stomach some things."
San Chai didn't know what he was aiming at and simply didn't feel like dignifying that comment with a response.
"Well, I think I'm going to take a nap before brunch or lunch, whatever it is." She kicked off her shoes and crawled under the comforter.
[I really just wanted someone to talk to. Don't kick me out, I'm not ready to face Jing yet. Lei screwed us both over.] Mei Zuo leaned over San Chai's face, pressed a finger to her tiny nose, and ventured, "Hey, since your room is so much nicer, think I can stay here for a little bit?"
San Chai's eyes fluttered open and she quirked an eyebrow, staring at him with suspicion. "I guess so. You're risking your reputation though. I'll be the only girl you're in bed with that doesn't want you."
San Chai didn't know why this playboy would choose to spend the afternoon napping with her, but she was grateful for the company. His presence prevented her from thinking about all the drama of the past couple of days. She had long grown accustomed to his innuendos and jokes, knowing he was harmless to her.
"Ouch. You hurt me." Mei Zuo slipped into bed next to her, relishing the warmth of their proximity. It was actually quite comforting for two people, who were hurting so much on the inside. Mei Zuo patted her head, and they drifted off into a shallow slumber.
~*~
"Xiao Yooo!!" Ximen was practically singing her name as he walked down the halls.
"BOO!" Xiao Yo playfully leapt onto his back, almost knocking Ximen over.
"Whoa. Hey. If you wanted a piggy back ride, you only had to ask." He crouched down, and she giddily hopped on, hugging him tightly. Together, they were childish, silly, and incredulously happy. Xiao Yo's optimism and cheerful disposition rubbed off on him every moment, and Ximen found less reason to dwell on his depressing family life when he was with her. Their companionship was steadily growing into more, but they were probably the only couple that was still in tact that morning.
"So…where to?" Ximen asked the tiny girl he was toting around.
"Hmm, you think I can see your room?" Xiao Yo felt her face heat up, but Ximen was grinning smugly to himself.
"Ahhh!!!" Ximen charged headlong towards the bed and flung them down on it. He started tickling Xiao Yo relentlessly, and all her efforts to escape were futile. Wrestling around on the large bed, they landed themselves in an intimate position. As Ximen leaned closer to her, he wondered if she would reject him. Xiao Yo was equally afraid of what Ximen was thinking, and she dreaded that he would be dissatisfied with her lack of experience. But lost in the passion of the moment, Ximen dared to dip down and kiss her gently, on the lips, for the first time. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he was relieved and dove in for a deeper kiss. He ran his fingers through her fair hair, unable to recall any kiss he cherished so much.
Snuggled in each others arms, Ximen and Xiao Yo rested in quiet. Finally, Ximen felt it was a good time to go for a dip in the springs. He tucked strands of Xiao Yo's hair behind her ear and whispered an invitation to her.
~*~
"Psst. Sleeping beauty. Come on, it's time to get up." Mei Zuo tried to rouse San Chai as gently as possible.
"Hmm? What time is it?" San Chai asked groggily.
"I think we're going to head out to the springs. Up, up." Mei Zuo tugged at her arm.
~*~
"Alright guys. There are three private baths and then three larger ones. All are open for us, so split up how ever you want. I'm claiming one of the private baths though." Ximen and the rest of the boys were assembled at the top of the stone steps leading down to the springs, waiting for the girls.
"Geez they're slow. It can't be that hard to put on a bathing suit." Dao Ming Si complained.
"They're girls, Ah-Si. That's just how it goes." Ximen retorted.
~
"Here San Chai, I think this one is your size," Jing handed San Chai a swimsuit.
The girls were rummaging through the collection of new suits that Ximen had prepared.
"Great, hand me that sarong will you?" San Chai pushed her sunglasses in her hair and reached for the wrap from Xiao Yo.
They were all set and were heading out the door when another girl crashed through, knocking them all over. In the tangle of arms and legs, muffled apologies could be heard.
"Oops! I'm soo sorry!" The stranger blurted.
Xiao Yo, San Chai, and Jing collected themselves but failed to recognize who the mysterious girl was.
"You look so familiar, have we met before? My name is Jing."
"Jing Jie-Jie! You don't remember me? Well, it has been a while hasn't it."
"Xiao Zi?! Is it really you???!" Jing gasped recognizing the energetic girl's voice.
~*~
"It's about time!!" Dao Ming Si shouted when he saw the girls file out of the house. One, two, three, FOUR?! The guys collectively whistled and hooted at the babes, but they couldn't figure out how three girls became four. As they got closer to the steps, Ching He announced the obvious, "Hey, who's that girl? Where did she come from?"
"Excuse me, do we know each other?" Ximen asked the girl who had intruded on his private time. Who could possibly know about the new estate?
"O, stop it you male slut! Aren't you going to say hi to your cousin?!" The girl marched right up to Ximen and stuck her hands on her hips. Ximen didn't get a chance to answer.
"O god. When did you get back? Aren't you supposed to be in New York?!" Dao Ming Si grimaced visibly.
"Ah-Si!" Ximen poked his friend.
"Xiao Zi? What happened to you?! You look…so different!" Mei Zuo stuttered. [Hot, even. Definitely hot.]
"Guys, monkey's back," Dao Ming Si sneered.
"Xiao Zi?" Lei remembered the nickname at once.
"Hua Zhe Lei! It's soo good to see you again!" Xiao Zi hugged the boy warmly, then stepped over to Ximen and did the same for each of F4 in turn, even the reluctant Ah-Si.
"When did you get back? We haven't seen you in years!! You have certainly changed..um..you actually look like a girl now!" Ximen choked out.
[Cousin? Wow, they're nothing alike at ALL] San Chai stood in awe at the drama unfolding in front of her. Why were they so crude to each other? Why hadn't anyone mentioned her before?
The arrival of Ximen's cousin livened up the group's spirits considerably. She was interesting to say the least. Instead of heading right down to the baths, they lounged around on the patio getting acquainted with Xiao Zi.
"Well, I was called back last week to help with the merger with that computer company, you know which one I'm talking about Ximen. Then I hear that my F4 buddies are all off vacationing, and I couldn't resist the chance to surprise you all."
"Xiao Zi, you could've called or something," Ximen sighed.
"And miss the looks on your pampered faces? Nah. Four years is a long time isn't it? You'll all be proud to know that I've finished my studies. This trip back to Taiwan also allowed me to set up arrangements for the move back."
"You're moving back? Seriously?" Ximen gawked in disbelief.
Xiao Yo, San Chai, and Ching He felt completely outside the circle. The F4 and Jing were obviously close to this girl, but they failed to clearly explain the relationship, beyond the fact that she was Ximen's cousin.
"San Chai! Do you want something to drink?" Dao Ming Si inquired suddenly.
"San Chai? I'm sorry. How rude of me to exclude you all from the conversation," Xiao Zi began.
"You're probably wondering how we all know each other and all that. Well, I'm cousins with this king of flirts over there. I grew up with the F4 and Jing but moved away to study a few years ago. I lost touch with them some time ago, and they're just really surprised to see me." Xiao Zi grinned.
"Hush you monkey. Here San Chai, take this lemonade." Dao Ming Si reached over the table to hand her the glass.
"Yo worm head, this is one the first times I've seen you so caring. Is San Chai your girlfriend?" Xiao Zi narrowed her eyes at Ah-Si.
"Shut up you monkey!" Ah-Si snapped.
"Must you be so rude?! You haven't grown up at in these years! I'm pretty sure San Chai ISN'T your girlfriend because she looks like she has more sense that that!" Xiao Zi retorted.
"Do you have to move back? Taiwan's not big enough for a disaster like you!"
"In that case you better leave the country because the last time I checked the Taiwanese were disgraced to call you one of their own!"
"Ximen!! You better get your cousin away from me fast!" Ah-Si's fists were balled tightly.
"Hmmph! Come on girls, let's go check out the springs."
"Goddamnit!!! She just ruins everything! I can't believe you're related to her!" Dao Ming Si fumed as he watched Xiao Zi drag the other three girls with her.
"Hey! Xiao Zi! Leave my girlfriend alone. I don't want her corrupted by you." Ximen dashed off to save Xiao You from his cousin's grip.
"And here I thought we'd get to bathe with the girls…" Mei Zuo moped. He tried to get the attention of the other two, but they didn't notice his presence. He huffed a loud sigh then waltzed off in search of entertainment. Ching He tagged behind him not wanting to be left to the wrath of Dao Ming Si and the cold indifference of Lei.
[San Chai…] And yet Dao Ming Si and Lei were thinking along the same lines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Review!!! Look for the next update soon. ^_^]
