Chapter 22: Tempestuous Night

::a number of peaceful weeks have passed, the calm before the storm draws to a close::

"Is Ah-Si coming or what?" Ximen asked his playboy friend.

"I don't know. He's been spending a lot of time with Jing lately. I think she's managed to tame him some too, but are they really…together?" Mei Zuo wondered.

"Nah, I think Ah-Si is planning on moving to New York for a while, and Jing knows a lot more about the area than he does. We know how Ah Si has this thing for his sister, so Jing probably falls into that type of role." Ximen mused to himself that the last month had been an emotional roller coaster for his group of friends. He had nursed Mei Zuo back to his former glory, easing him away from a life long infatuation with Jing, only to see him now with his cousin Xiao Zi!! The two of them were such an energetic, playful, and daring couple that Ximen could barely keep up. They were a danger to the social scene no one could have predicted. F4's leader Dao Ming Si had difficulty accepting San Chai's rejection of his love, but as a sign of how much he had matured over the year, he was able to be a man about it. He respected her feelings and even blessed the couple. In his own heart, Ah Si knew that he still loved her, but if he couldn't be the one to bring her happiness then he shouldn't be the one with her. It had taken weeks, crates of alcohol, and a number of street fights for him to reach this level of acceptance. Tonight, the gang was going to be gathered at VS for some harmless fun.

~*~

Sunbeams streaked the spacious loft, and it was quiet throughout. In the bedroom, two figures were curled up in bed.

"What time are we supposed to meet the guys?" San Chai turned to ask the resting boy in bed next to her. She stroked his messy hair, admiring his handsome face.

"Let's call and cancel. I have better plans in mind," All hint of sleepiness vanished from Lei's face, and in a swift move had San Chai wrapped tightly under him. The weeks after the trip had been bliss for the couple, and they enjoyed the typical dating scene. Plenty of movies, dinners, long walks, and other equally so-cute-it's-nauseating activities filled their days. Under Lei's gentle tutorage, San Chai had even grown less prudish…which is quite an accomplishment on Lei's part. Lei would never pressure her and was pleasantly surprised how much she had wanted to demonstrate her affection. Now flipped back over, San Chai threw a slender leg over her boyfriend and rested her head on his chest. When she finally rose from bed to get ready, they were already late for the party. Lei's absurd sleeping habits seemed to be influencing her as well.

"Come on Lei. Let's go." San Chai threw a clean outfit at him and tugged at his arm. He flatly refused to budge, and San Chai was getting antsy.

"Only if I get a kiss," Lei said finally, smirking deviously. San Chai of course obliged willingly.

Minutes later, Lei skillfully swerved the Jag into a parking space, and helped San Chai from the car. Headed down the street, the loving couple attracted the looks of those around them, as usual. They were two gorgeous people, dressed for a night out, and obviously immensely happy. They were only a few feet from the VS entrance, but they would never make it that night.

"Mr. Hua Zhe Lei, Miss San Chai. If you will please come with me," a mod of suited men blocked the path in front of them. San Chai gritted her teeth and clutched tightly to Lei's hand. Someone's parents were dissatisfied, but it would never cross her mind whose. On the other hand, the inevitable Lei had been fearing, dreading, was finally taking place. Reluctantly, they climbed into a black limo and were speeded toward the Maple Hotel.

~*~

"Why the hell are we here? If that bitch is back, tell her I don't want to see her!" Dao Ming Si flung a glass at the floor angrily. Jing was seated calmly next to him, patting his arm in a soothing manner. They were seated in a large private room in the Maple Hotel, and Dao Ming Si was infuriated that a crew of his mother's toadies had prevented him from going to see his friends tonight. The door clicked open, and he rose with glass in hand ready to assault his overbearing mother. He did drop the glass, out of shock at who walked through the door now. Lei and San Chai were escorted to seats across from Ah Si and Jing.

"I see we've all arrived," Dao Ming Feng sashayed into the room. She still wore a business suit from earlier in the day, her hair twisted up as usual. This meeting was all business anyway.

"Damn it. What do you want??! And why did you drag all these people here?" Ah Si snarled.

"Is that any way to talk to your mother? Mind your manners."

"This must be San Chai. I've never seen her in person," Dao Ming Feng pointed a manicured nail at the girl seated next to Lei.

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Dao," San Chai greeted politely, wringing her hands in her lap.

"I'm a busy person so just listen up. My son here is arranged to be married to San Chai. Sometime in the last month, it was reported to me that San Chai and Hua Zhe Lei are now together. This is not how contracts are fulfilled."

"Mom, I'll marry who I choose to. You can leave them all out of it," Ah Si roared, his temper flaring.

"I'm not finished. Furthermore, it's always been accepted that Teng Tang Jing would wed Hua Zhe Lei. You all seem to have confused your partners. I won't be made a laughingstock in the business community. You will wed who you're supposed to, and the mergers will go through as planned."

"Mrs. Dao, my personal matters will be discussed with my family. I'm sure Jing's parents will be equally understanding. We've all been friends for innumerable years," Lei interjected in an icy voice.

"I have no control over your decisions Lei, nor your wedding plans to Jing. However, San Chai is involved with my family, and her actions DO concern me. I am not pleased that she has chosen to dismiss my son and the arrangements. Like I said, the plans will go through as agreed upon," Dao Ming Feng continued solemnly.

"Mrs. Dao, I'm sorry that I didn't handle the situation better, but marriage should be based on love. I'm sure you want Dao Ming Si to be happy right?" San Chai pleaded.

"Love? Fine then. Ah Si, do you love San Chai?" Dao Ming Feng turned sharply on her son, playing her cards expertly. Ah Si could not make a response to the question. He was never a convincing liar, and the truth was that he did love her.

"Alright then. Like you said Miss San Chai, marriage should be based on love. My son loves you, and that should be enough."

~*~

Crowded around a breakfast table, everyone was just informed of Dao Ming Feng's latest intrusion into her son's life. The four victims looked a mess, no one having gotten much sleep. Still dressed in their outfits from last night, Ah Si, Jing, San Chai, and Lei sat back while their friends screamed and cried out at the abominable woman.

"She's such a.. manipulative person."

"That's shit. What do we do now?!!"

Seated in silence, there seemed to be no obvious solution to this massive dilemma. Jing surprised her friends by naming an overlooked source of help.

"Let's call Zhuang. She should have some thoughts on the matter."

It was late in the afternoon the next day when Dao Ming Zhuang was picked up from the airport and immediately chauffeured to a posh private restaurant. Teng Tang Jing had called, and Zhuang knew this was no ordinary visit to her friends. Casually strolling into a banquet room, she flashed a brilliant smile at the troubled group of teens. There was the expected warm welcome, as hugs and kisses were exchanged, but as soon as she was seated the occurrences of the night prior were retold.

"Jie, you have to help me. I…I don't know how to deal with that woman," Ah Si sighed.

"You don't deal with her, Ah Si. She deals with you and you learn to play the game. Now, tell me how your fiancée became Lei's girlfriend. Not that I care, I just figured you two were well matched," Zhuang replied.

There was an uncomfortable pause in the conversation. The topic was sensitive, and no one really knew where to begin. Zhuang tactfully brushed over to a new subject, and the remainder of the group breathed a bit easier. Knowing that the flight over from Los Angeles was exhausting, Ah Si insisted his sister head back to the hotel for rest after dinner. She agreed and bid them each goodbye individually. She came at last to San Chai, whom she hugged fondly, commiserating with the girl's predicament. Quietly she whispered to her, "Meet me for lunch tomorrow. Someone will call you in the morning. Good night."

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