(ShanCai's POV)
I guess that I'm really exhausted for I never wake up this late before since I was in grade 6. These days I grew more and more restless, every time I try to shut my eyes ... those pictures of DMS and Yesha keep coming back and haunting me even I've decided to let him go for our story has really ended. Somehow last night I can have nice sleep again in my pillar of strength's arms.
***Flashback***
After having dinner we went out to the veranda to see those scattering stars amidst the clear sky. The air out there was really cool, such a perfect match for my lonely mood.
Seeing that I shivered involuntarily, he asked with concerned voice: "Are you feeling cold? Here, take my jacket".
I shook my head: "Could I ask you a favor?"
"You know. You're always welcomed." he said looking expectedly for what I would say.
I whispered softly "I'm asking you the same thing you once asked me that night on the beach of Okinawa"
Hearing this, something glinted in his eyes I can't decipher what exactly it was. But isn't it always like this, I've never seen through him the way he always does with me.
Hua Zhe Lei didn't say a word, just silently swept me into
his arms and patting my back in a slow but repeated motion. By this time, I
clearly understand how he felt that night when he got back from France
being rejected
by Senior Jing.
Your heart is so cold, yet numbed and void of emotion. Your energy is draining out, surrounding atmosphere practically sunken into zero degree. I wrapped my arm around his waist in return, letting myself fully into his embrace. I listened to his heartbeat and little by little his warmth had filled my emptiness. I don't know for how long we stayed like this; the last thing I remembered is my eye lid became heavier and I found myself on the bed this morning.
***End of Flashback***
The striking chimes awake me from my reverie. Gosh, it's already 9 o' clock. I walk away from my room into Lei's. He's still deep in sleep just as I thought.
I chuckle at this, Lei and his 15-hour-sleep habit never change.
I sit on the edge of his bed, calling: "Sleepyhead, get up. It's 9 already."
Getting no response, I begin shaking him: "Lei. Wake up, will you?"
As if annoyed he tries to hide under the thick cover yet unsuccessful because I already grab the other side. Before I know, a thin yet strong arm reach out and scoop me down. And I find myself lying next to him on the bed.
"Sleep." he mutters heavily with closed eyes.
There's no way to drag this guy out of the bed, I groan inwardly. Somehow he
sleep peacefully just like a child, having his lip curve into smile. Looking at
his beautiful and angelic face, my memory drift back to the very first time I
saw him, how I fell in love with his cold yet mysterious aura, our first kiss
on the beach, flying kite on our first and only date at that park and how he
support me through many hard time.
"It's funny to think that a young master like you always stand by my side and look after me. Don't you have an empire to take care? How could a plain and normal girl like me pull you from you multi-million businesses?" I question myself.
A strand of hair falls on his face and unconsciously, I lift my hand to brush it away. He stirs at this, catching my small hand in his large palm before slowly open his mesmerizing eyes to look at me.
I feel my cheek is burning hot. I ask shyly: "Care to have breakfast now?"
"Hmmm. Give me 10 more minutes" he said drowsily.
Giving myself mental note that I shouldn't stay any longer, I reply: "I guess I better go and prepare for it now".
With that I turn around and quickly walk toward kitchen, unaware of Lei's gaze that fell upon my retreating figure. If only I turned back and look at him, I would have seen love and tenderness behind those cold eyes.
Lei enter the kitchen shortly after that. We sit down and having breakfast together. I tell him that I want to go to Ah Mei shop for I owe an excuse to Ah De. When we reach there, I explain everything to Ah Mei and ask them to forgive me for my own stupidity.
Ah De shouts: 'See? How many times did I tell you that I didn't take ShanCai's wallet? You just wouldn't believe me! Still have to accuse me!"
Ah Mei: "Fine. Then this time I'm the one who's wrong. But who told you to have been a thief originally? You had a past like that before, how can I trust you?"
These siblings argue for a while before Ah De gives a big sigh, slowly gets up and walks away.
I feel really bad for I'm the cause of their quarrel but Ah Mei just shrugged saying its okay before walk away to take order from her customers. I spun around and ask Lei if he want to accompany me to grocery store. He asked me why and for what. I explain that I want to treat Ah Mei and Ah De a dinner since I've wrongly accused Ah De before, only by making it myself that I'd feel much better. Lei just nod his head, signaling that he understand what I've in mind.
Walking around the shops with me, he ended up helping the old lady to sell her vegetables and getting 100 bucks as a reward.
Lei: "You know what. This is the first time that I earned money with my own hands."
I smile at this and told him: "Then you should keep and treasure it".
Then, I turn to look at some more vegetables.
After a while, he walks back, hiding something behind his back. Waking slowly toward me, he draws a bouquet of flowers and say: "This is for you."
I say happily: "Thank you" before taking the flowers from his hand. Looking back and forth between the flowers and him, I can feel certain emotion surge through me. Touched deeply by his act, I can't stop my tears falling down my cheek.
Sobbing, I ask him: "Why are you always nice to me, Lei? I don't do anything to deserve this"
He looks at me with those caring eyes and gently weeps stain of tears from my face: "Don't be silly. You deserve much more than this."
And tease me cheekily: "Anyway haven't I told you before, you look ugly when you cry"
I retort with pounding my fist at his arm slightly. Lei pout at this playfully, making me laugh out loud. He asked if I finish shopping yet, I said yes. Then he gets the remaining bags from me and we're heading back to the house.