Chapter 2: Reunite
"Lei darling.. Wakeup honey! It's time to open your eyes and see the world, dear," a deep, soft, husky voice broke the silence. 'This is not real', he made a note in his mind and kept on sleeping. Then, his body started to shake, furiously. He tried to ignore it but the person that shook him has started to tickle him too.
Opening his eyes lazily, he asked, in an annoyed, sleepy voice, "Ugghh...What do you want? I'm not your honey or darling. Go find them somewhere else! I'm still sleepy." Just then, he noticed that Mei Zuo's and Xi Men's face was totally near to his. They're touching, caressing and blowing air all over his face.
Annoyed, he swung his hand towards the nearest face to his. "Oww! That hurts!! Lei, wake up! It's already 10.30 am. Enough sleep! GET UP!" screamed Xi Men, rubbing his left cheek.
Knowing that he wouldn't be left alone, he forced himself to be awake. Sitting on his bed, he watched sternly at his friends. "Well, what is it that is so important?"
Xi Men and Mei Zuo exchanged looks. A surprised look passed between them. Looking back at him, Mei Zuo opened his mouth, "Ah Si's flight is at noon! Have you forgotten all about it?"
Not looking even a little bit surprised, he nodded and landed back on his bed. "Hey, get up! Didn't you hear what Mei Zuo just said?" asked Xi Men, at the same time shook him.
"There's still time. Give me another half an hour," he murmured, closing his eyes once more. Shaking their heads, Xi Men and Mei Zuo walked out from his room.
Exactly half an hour after that, he was already at the back seat of Mei Zuo's BMW and on the way to pick up Ah Si. Ah Si or Dao Ming Si was the third generation of Dao Ming, the richest family in Taiwan.
Three years ago, after their high school graduation, Ah Si's mother forced him to further his study at New York, so that she could keep an eye on Ah Si. However, this time, Ah Si managed to persuade his mother to allow him transferred to Ying De on his final year.
Since Ying De was practically financed by the main 4 families in Taiwan, Ah Si's, Xi Men's, Mei Zuo's and his, they would absolutely graduate even if they don't attend any of the classes. Not that they haven't attend to any, it's just that they already know what there is to know to take over their family's business. The certificate was just a piece of paper telling the world that the heir of each family has obtained some level of education.
Having Ah Si back to Taiwan would mean that Ying De would never be the same again, because F4 would be reunited. F4 was the name of their group ever since they were preadolescent, which meant the Flower of 4.
Ah Si was the one who came up with the name, and the three of them just go along with it, since going against Ah Si would've meant arguments. Ah Si has always been the leader of the group and, being a spoilt and hardheaded brat, he was used of people obeying to his command.
Secretly, Lei had always admired Ah Si for his straight forwardness. He, on the other hand, had always been the observant, quiet type in the group. He likes to keep his opinions and feelings to himself.
As for Mei Zuo and Xi Men, well, they've always seen together because of their similar attitude and same taste, especially if it involves the opposite sex. Their only difference was Xi Men's coolness and Mei Zuo's easily panic manner. Also, not forgetting Xi Men's habit of changing girlfriends every week, because, for him a woman is only good for a week, as well as Mei Zuo's tastes in older woman.
Deep down, Lei are thankful to have such good friends. They care, understand and respect for each other without the need to show it. They just know that they can depend on one another and at the same time still have their own privacy.
"Lei, are you sleeping back there?" asked Xi Men, turning back to have a peek on him. He faced Xi Men, indicating that he's not. Grinning, Xi Men faced back in front.
"Will Jing be coming, Mei Zuo?" queried Xi Men. "No, she has a modeling show this afternoon. But she'll be at VS tonight. Hey, won't Ah Si be surprised when he heard about the two of us!" Both Xi Men and Mei Zuo chuckled, imagining Ah Si's reaction. Hearing Jing's name being mentioned, Lei turned his sight to the side.
His mind floats back to the night of his conversation with Jing, five days earlier. She had waited for him at his house, making his escape impossible. He sat opposite of Jing, not looking at her. She then stood up and sat next to him on the sofa.
"Lei, I know you're upset and I do know why you're trying to avoid me by creating a gap between us. It's about me going steady with Mei Zuo, right? You will always be number one in my heart, Lei. No one will take your place. You will forever be my Lei," explained Jing, in her soft, caring voice.
All the while, he only looked down at the floor, dare not see the face of the person he missed a whole lot. "But, I will never be the one you love," he expressed sadly.
There was silence between them. "I do love you, Lei. But, yes, not as the love I have for Mei Zuo," she confessed.
He looked up, staring straight into Jing's clear, watery eyes. "I had always loved you, Jing. Never will I find anyone else like you. There will be no one that could replace you in my heart," whispered Lei.
Hearing what he has just said, a tear dropped from the corner of her eyes. Taking Lei's hand, she caresses it. Looking down at the hand she had in hers, she speaks out softly, "You'll find someone. Someone much better than me, and she will love you greatly. You deserve the best, my dear sweet Lei. Please be happy for me."
He wiped the tear away with his free hand and lifts up her chin to face him. "I am happy for you. Don't worry about me. The wound will heal, eventually.. Come on, I'll send you home."
It really hurts him to see her cry because of him. Even if he was terribly crushed, he still wanted Jing to be happy and have her own happiness. He will always support her and care for her like old times.
Screeechhh.. The BMW stopped right in front of the international arrival gateway. Getting out of the car, he walked slowly behind Xi Men and Mei Zuo who are searching for Ah Si excitedly.
From afar, he could see Ah Si standing near the public phone together with his luggage. Nothing much has changed in his appearance except for his hair. His hair was no longer straight up like a porcupine but flopped to his left side and about shoulder length. He looked like a model standing there. No wonder there are a lot of girls eyeing him from far. Seeing us coming towards him, he walked up to us with a large smile on his face.
"Mei Zuo, Xi Men, Lei.. It's so nice to see you guys again. By the way, you're late!" exclaimed Ah Si, after briefly hugging and patting them. He can't help smiling from Ah Si's last comment.
'Exactly just like the old Ah Si,' he noted.
"You know 'who' needed his 15 hours beauty sleep. Hey, what happened to your porcupine hair? I thought you could never make it stay down?" teased Xi Men.
"Much better ha? They have the technology there at New York. I looked like I have more 'size', eh?" said Ah Si. "SENSE! And I thought your English would be better after staying at New York for three years. Hahahahahaha!!!" Mei Zuo and Xi Men laughed.
Smiling, he took up his thumb and turned it upside down, indicating the 'Not Good' signal. Frowning, Ah Si grabbed his suitcase and nudged Mei Zuo's side with his elbow. "Let's go!"
~~
"Shan Chai, Shan Chai.. Wait up," called out Qing He. She swirled around. "What is it, Qing He?" Seeing Qing He out of breath made her more curious.
"Have you heard about F4?" She nodded. "The ones you've told me? The group made up from the 4 heir of Ying De's financial benefactor?"
Nodding vigorously, Qing He added, "Before, there are only three of them studying here. Now, the gossiped is that the leader of F4, Dao Ming Si is back from New York to finish his final year here. Wouldn't it be great? The heir of the richest family in Taiwan is studying at the same college as us. He must be as cool as the other three. I wish I could be in their group. All of the girls would line up to ask me to be their date." With Qing He still daydreamed of his desire, Shan Chai walked off to her favorite spot, the rooftop.
'What is so special about having the heirs here? Transferred at the middle of semester.just because it's his family's college, he can do whatever he wants. Rich kids act the same, arrogant, rude, think high of themselves, look down at others, ignorant, selfish and all the other negativity in the world! Maybe they are ugly as well.hehehe,' grinned Shan Chai at her own thoughts.
~~
He was really annoyed by the reaction they got the moment they arrived at college together with Ah Si. Everyone was looking at them, whispering and even tried to swarm around them. Ah Si seems overwhelmed at first, then lost his patience after one of the girls ripped his shirt.
"Are you stupid?! Look what you have done to my shirt! Get lost!! All of you!" Ah Si's yelling startled everybody, except for the three of them. They know Ah Si too well.
"I..I..I am really sorry, Dao Ming Si," apologized the girl.
Looking furious, Ah Si shouted, "If sorry is enough, what's the use of the police?!" At that moment, everyone kept away from them.
Xi Men and Mei Zuo laughed at the whole situation. "There goes his phrase! At first I wondered if he had forgotten all about it and maybe grown up a bit," kidded Xi Men. "That's true! What do you think Lei?" asked Mei Zuo. He pointed down his thumb, smiled in amusement.
Still annoyed, Ah Si looked at him. "Hei Lei, did I asked for your opinion?" That remark made Xi Men and Mei Zuo laughed even louder. "There goes the other one! Ah Si is still Ah Si, no matter how long he leaves us."
Ah Si grabbed the both of them on the neck and wrestled them. Not wanting to be part of it, he shook his head and walked past them.
~~
Leaning at the railing, she looked up towards the sky. She didn't have any class for another hour, so she decided to sky gazed and had her breakfast at the rooftop. It felt so peaceful and quiet. Just then, she felt of another person's presence. She quickly turned to her right.
"You! When did you get here? I didn't hear the door being opened, or your footsteps. Huuuhhhh.. You've really frightened me!" She rubbed her chest up and down, trying to calm herself. "What kind of attitude is this? Nearly make my heart stopped!" whined Shan Chai, softly.
"You're too absorbed with the sky and clouds; I didn't have the heart to disturb you." He gave out a slight smile, but it is still enough to make her heart jumped excitedly.
She tried to stay composed. "Haven't seen you up here ever since that night. Solved your problems? Or you have a new one? But you looked quite happy. Mmmm." She looked at him steadily, trying to figure out the reason.
"Just felt like it. Maybe I wanted to see you. Thank you," he replied. His answer startled her.
"Thank you?" she asked.
"You've been a great help the previous night. I've felt much better after you left. So, thank you," he explained. "Mmm.it's really nothing. I'm happy that I've helped you turned around," she expressed, smiling. They stayed looking at each other for a while before they turned back their gaze to the sky.
'Why did my heart beat so fast? Knowing his existence here, really made me anxious,' she thought, taking a secret glance of him.
"Emm.want to share my breakfast?" invite her, trying to make conversations. He turned to face her and took a piece of her sandwich.
They stayed in silence until it was time for her class. Even though they don't have any conversations, she didn't feel awkward at all. Just by having his company, she felt really calm and free. She turned to look at him for the last time.
He looked so purely beautiful. Sitting on the railing with his legs propped up, he placed his chin on his knee. Gazing towards the sky, with the sunlight shone at his left side, he really looked like an angel.
"Sorry for disturbing you, but I have to go. I have class. Nice to see you again, bye," she said, excusing herself. Turning, facing her, he smiled.
After she left, he looked over to the place she stood earlier. He knew she had secretly glanced towards him, thinking that he didn't notice it. What she didn't know is that, he too has stolen some glimpse of her. She doesn't look like she belonged in Ying De. She is fragile and innocent in his eyes, not like the rest of the girl in the college.
He didn't know why he mined so much about the girl. There is nothing interesting about her. She's not a beauty nor does she have the perfect figure. She is nothing like Jing; but her inner self really shines.
He felt he could be himself in front of her. Not the cold, closed up Hua Zhe Lei, but the gentle, understanding, real side of him that he kept hidden from the rest of the world including his best friends. He doesn't like people to know about his feelings.
That is why he kept a straight, cold and uncaring attitude, hoping to be left alone and not being intruded. He has never thought that anyone can make the hidden 'him' to emerged, not even Jing managed to do it.
"Lei darling.. Wakeup honey! It's time to open your eyes and see the world, dear," a deep, soft, husky voice broke the silence. 'This is not real', he made a note in his mind and kept on sleeping. Then, his body started to shake, furiously. He tried to ignore it but the person that shook him has started to tickle him too.
Opening his eyes lazily, he asked, in an annoyed, sleepy voice, "Ugghh...What do you want? I'm not your honey or darling. Go find them somewhere else! I'm still sleepy." Just then, he noticed that Mei Zuo's and Xi Men's face was totally near to his. They're touching, caressing and blowing air all over his face.
Annoyed, he swung his hand towards the nearest face to his. "Oww! That hurts!! Lei, wake up! It's already 10.30 am. Enough sleep! GET UP!" screamed Xi Men, rubbing his left cheek.
Knowing that he wouldn't be left alone, he forced himself to be awake. Sitting on his bed, he watched sternly at his friends. "Well, what is it that is so important?"
Xi Men and Mei Zuo exchanged looks. A surprised look passed between them. Looking back at him, Mei Zuo opened his mouth, "Ah Si's flight is at noon! Have you forgotten all about it?"
Not looking even a little bit surprised, he nodded and landed back on his bed. "Hey, get up! Didn't you hear what Mei Zuo just said?" asked Xi Men, at the same time shook him.
"There's still time. Give me another half an hour," he murmured, closing his eyes once more. Shaking their heads, Xi Men and Mei Zuo walked out from his room.
Exactly half an hour after that, he was already at the back seat of Mei Zuo's BMW and on the way to pick up Ah Si. Ah Si or Dao Ming Si was the third generation of Dao Ming, the richest family in Taiwan.
Three years ago, after their high school graduation, Ah Si's mother forced him to further his study at New York, so that she could keep an eye on Ah Si. However, this time, Ah Si managed to persuade his mother to allow him transferred to Ying De on his final year.
Since Ying De was practically financed by the main 4 families in Taiwan, Ah Si's, Xi Men's, Mei Zuo's and his, they would absolutely graduate even if they don't attend any of the classes. Not that they haven't attend to any, it's just that they already know what there is to know to take over their family's business. The certificate was just a piece of paper telling the world that the heir of each family has obtained some level of education.
Having Ah Si back to Taiwan would mean that Ying De would never be the same again, because F4 would be reunited. F4 was the name of their group ever since they were preadolescent, which meant the Flower of 4.
Ah Si was the one who came up with the name, and the three of them just go along with it, since going against Ah Si would've meant arguments. Ah Si has always been the leader of the group and, being a spoilt and hardheaded brat, he was used of people obeying to his command.
Secretly, Lei had always admired Ah Si for his straight forwardness. He, on the other hand, had always been the observant, quiet type in the group. He likes to keep his opinions and feelings to himself.
As for Mei Zuo and Xi Men, well, they've always seen together because of their similar attitude and same taste, especially if it involves the opposite sex. Their only difference was Xi Men's coolness and Mei Zuo's easily panic manner. Also, not forgetting Xi Men's habit of changing girlfriends every week, because, for him a woman is only good for a week, as well as Mei Zuo's tastes in older woman.
Deep down, Lei are thankful to have such good friends. They care, understand and respect for each other without the need to show it. They just know that they can depend on one another and at the same time still have their own privacy.
"Lei, are you sleeping back there?" asked Xi Men, turning back to have a peek on him. He faced Xi Men, indicating that he's not. Grinning, Xi Men faced back in front.
"Will Jing be coming, Mei Zuo?" queried Xi Men. "No, she has a modeling show this afternoon. But she'll be at VS tonight. Hey, won't Ah Si be surprised when he heard about the two of us!" Both Xi Men and Mei Zuo chuckled, imagining Ah Si's reaction. Hearing Jing's name being mentioned, Lei turned his sight to the side.
His mind floats back to the night of his conversation with Jing, five days earlier. She had waited for him at his house, making his escape impossible. He sat opposite of Jing, not looking at her. She then stood up and sat next to him on the sofa.
"Lei, I know you're upset and I do know why you're trying to avoid me by creating a gap between us. It's about me going steady with Mei Zuo, right? You will always be number one in my heart, Lei. No one will take your place. You will forever be my Lei," explained Jing, in her soft, caring voice.
All the while, he only looked down at the floor, dare not see the face of the person he missed a whole lot. "But, I will never be the one you love," he expressed sadly.
There was silence between them. "I do love you, Lei. But, yes, not as the love I have for Mei Zuo," she confessed.
He looked up, staring straight into Jing's clear, watery eyes. "I had always loved you, Jing. Never will I find anyone else like you. There will be no one that could replace you in my heart," whispered Lei.
Hearing what he has just said, a tear dropped from the corner of her eyes. Taking Lei's hand, she caresses it. Looking down at the hand she had in hers, she speaks out softly, "You'll find someone. Someone much better than me, and she will love you greatly. You deserve the best, my dear sweet Lei. Please be happy for me."
He wiped the tear away with his free hand and lifts up her chin to face him. "I am happy for you. Don't worry about me. The wound will heal, eventually.. Come on, I'll send you home."
It really hurts him to see her cry because of him. Even if he was terribly crushed, he still wanted Jing to be happy and have her own happiness. He will always support her and care for her like old times.
Screeechhh.. The BMW stopped right in front of the international arrival gateway. Getting out of the car, he walked slowly behind Xi Men and Mei Zuo who are searching for Ah Si excitedly.
From afar, he could see Ah Si standing near the public phone together with his luggage. Nothing much has changed in his appearance except for his hair. His hair was no longer straight up like a porcupine but flopped to his left side and about shoulder length. He looked like a model standing there. No wonder there are a lot of girls eyeing him from far. Seeing us coming towards him, he walked up to us with a large smile on his face.
"Mei Zuo, Xi Men, Lei.. It's so nice to see you guys again. By the way, you're late!" exclaimed Ah Si, after briefly hugging and patting them. He can't help smiling from Ah Si's last comment.
'Exactly just like the old Ah Si,' he noted.
"You know 'who' needed his 15 hours beauty sleep. Hey, what happened to your porcupine hair? I thought you could never make it stay down?" teased Xi Men.
"Much better ha? They have the technology there at New York. I looked like I have more 'size', eh?" said Ah Si. "SENSE! And I thought your English would be better after staying at New York for three years. Hahahahahaha!!!" Mei Zuo and Xi Men laughed.
Smiling, he took up his thumb and turned it upside down, indicating the 'Not Good' signal. Frowning, Ah Si grabbed his suitcase and nudged Mei Zuo's side with his elbow. "Let's go!"
~~
"Shan Chai, Shan Chai.. Wait up," called out Qing He. She swirled around. "What is it, Qing He?" Seeing Qing He out of breath made her more curious.
"Have you heard about F4?" She nodded. "The ones you've told me? The group made up from the 4 heir of Ying De's financial benefactor?"
Nodding vigorously, Qing He added, "Before, there are only three of them studying here. Now, the gossiped is that the leader of F4, Dao Ming Si is back from New York to finish his final year here. Wouldn't it be great? The heir of the richest family in Taiwan is studying at the same college as us. He must be as cool as the other three. I wish I could be in their group. All of the girls would line up to ask me to be their date." With Qing He still daydreamed of his desire, Shan Chai walked off to her favorite spot, the rooftop.
'What is so special about having the heirs here? Transferred at the middle of semester.just because it's his family's college, he can do whatever he wants. Rich kids act the same, arrogant, rude, think high of themselves, look down at others, ignorant, selfish and all the other negativity in the world! Maybe they are ugly as well.hehehe,' grinned Shan Chai at her own thoughts.
~~
He was really annoyed by the reaction they got the moment they arrived at college together with Ah Si. Everyone was looking at them, whispering and even tried to swarm around them. Ah Si seems overwhelmed at first, then lost his patience after one of the girls ripped his shirt.
"Are you stupid?! Look what you have done to my shirt! Get lost!! All of you!" Ah Si's yelling startled everybody, except for the three of them. They know Ah Si too well.
"I..I..I am really sorry, Dao Ming Si," apologized the girl.
Looking furious, Ah Si shouted, "If sorry is enough, what's the use of the police?!" At that moment, everyone kept away from them.
Xi Men and Mei Zuo laughed at the whole situation. "There goes his phrase! At first I wondered if he had forgotten all about it and maybe grown up a bit," kidded Xi Men. "That's true! What do you think Lei?" asked Mei Zuo. He pointed down his thumb, smiled in amusement.
Still annoyed, Ah Si looked at him. "Hei Lei, did I asked for your opinion?" That remark made Xi Men and Mei Zuo laughed even louder. "There goes the other one! Ah Si is still Ah Si, no matter how long he leaves us."
Ah Si grabbed the both of them on the neck and wrestled them. Not wanting to be part of it, he shook his head and walked past them.
~~
Leaning at the railing, she looked up towards the sky. She didn't have any class for another hour, so she decided to sky gazed and had her breakfast at the rooftop. It felt so peaceful and quiet. Just then, she felt of another person's presence. She quickly turned to her right.
"You! When did you get here? I didn't hear the door being opened, or your footsteps. Huuuhhhh.. You've really frightened me!" She rubbed her chest up and down, trying to calm herself. "What kind of attitude is this? Nearly make my heart stopped!" whined Shan Chai, softly.
"You're too absorbed with the sky and clouds; I didn't have the heart to disturb you." He gave out a slight smile, but it is still enough to make her heart jumped excitedly.
She tried to stay composed. "Haven't seen you up here ever since that night. Solved your problems? Or you have a new one? But you looked quite happy. Mmmm." She looked at him steadily, trying to figure out the reason.
"Just felt like it. Maybe I wanted to see you. Thank you," he replied. His answer startled her.
"Thank you?" she asked.
"You've been a great help the previous night. I've felt much better after you left. So, thank you," he explained. "Mmm.it's really nothing. I'm happy that I've helped you turned around," she expressed, smiling. They stayed looking at each other for a while before they turned back their gaze to the sky.
'Why did my heart beat so fast? Knowing his existence here, really made me anxious,' she thought, taking a secret glance of him.
"Emm.want to share my breakfast?" invite her, trying to make conversations. He turned to face her and took a piece of her sandwich.
They stayed in silence until it was time for her class. Even though they don't have any conversations, she didn't feel awkward at all. Just by having his company, she felt really calm and free. She turned to look at him for the last time.
He looked so purely beautiful. Sitting on the railing with his legs propped up, he placed his chin on his knee. Gazing towards the sky, with the sunlight shone at his left side, he really looked like an angel.
"Sorry for disturbing you, but I have to go. I have class. Nice to see you again, bye," she said, excusing herself. Turning, facing her, he smiled.
After she left, he looked over to the place she stood earlier. He knew she had secretly glanced towards him, thinking that he didn't notice it. What she didn't know is that, he too has stolen some glimpse of her. She doesn't look like she belonged in Ying De. She is fragile and innocent in his eyes, not like the rest of the girl in the college.
He didn't know why he mined so much about the girl. There is nothing interesting about her. She's not a beauty nor does she have the perfect figure. She is nothing like Jing; but her inner self really shines.
He felt he could be himself in front of her. Not the cold, closed up Hua Zhe Lei, but the gentle, understanding, real side of him that he kept hidden from the rest of the world including his best friends. He doesn't like people to know about his feelings.
That is why he kept a straight, cold and uncaring attitude, hoping to be left alone and not being intruded. He has never thought that anyone can make the hidden 'him' to emerged, not even Jing managed to do it.