Chapter 8: The Ups and Downs
"What do you think of your new image, Shan Chai?" asked Jing, after making some last touches on her hair. 'Oh, my god! Is that me? That can't be me.' The reflection she saw in the mirror was too stunning that she, herself, can't believe it was really hers. Touching the mirror, to unsure herself that the mirror was real, she stared at the image, awed by the difference Jing made on her.
Her hair was now wavy and even had bangs at front. Her lips were covered with shiny, glossy peach-colored lipstick, the eyes appeared larger than it usually was, mainly because of the dark colored eye shadow Jing used and her cheek appeared as if she was blushing. The makeup was not too thick and came out natural. It fits perfectly with her 'new' clothes, the pink blouse and white slacks.
"Jing, thank you. I never thought I could ever look like this," she said, turning around to face Jing.
"Shan Chai, you don't have to thank me. Just remember the techniques I taught you, you'd be able to create this new image of yours anytime you want to. You're beautiful Shan Chai, physically and emotionally. Just believe in yourself and the beauty will shine through no matter what your image is. Now, let's stun the guys." Taking Shan Chai's hand, Jing lead her downstairs.
'I hope Lei will love this new look. How would he react? This is making me nervous,' said Shan Chai to herself.
~~~
He knew they were watching him even without taking his eyes off the magazine he was reading. "What is it that you want to ask me? About Shan Chai?" he asked, lazily.
"Well now, smart aleck, tell me why the hell you are after a girl? Particularly Shan Chai, though you knew about the particular bet?" asked Xi Men, who sat beside him.
"Yeah.and what you did have made Ah Si became.I don't know how to explain about him," agreed Mei Zhuo, still eyeing Ah Si, who eventually giving Lei a deadly stare.
"I just want to be her friend. Isn't it about time for me to listen to your advice about girls?"
"Listen here you! If you perform that stunt again, I will.." warned Ah Si, impatiently and violently throw away the magazine Lei's been reading and grabbed Lei's collar.
With a numbed face, Lei shook Ah Si's hand of his collar and said, "You'll what, Ah Si? Punch me in the face? You are not being a gentleman, are you Ah Si?" For the second time in the same day, Lei has shocked his friends with his changed attitude.
"What happen to you, Lei? You're acting strange. Where is the 'I don't care about other people's business' Lei? You're like this new person that we don't know. Is there something wrong?" asked Mei Zhuo, with a concerned expression.
Looking over at Mei Zhuo and Xi Men, "Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired of being bossed around," he said, his eyes glanced over to Ah Si.
"WHY YOU?!" Ah Si flared up, holding up his punch to Lei's face. Xi Men, who happens to be the nearest between the two, stood up and broke apart the disaster that might happen. "Stop it! Lei, you know how Ah Si is, stop provoking him. Ah Si, sit down. Calm yourself. We're best friends. Don't let this small matter come between us."
Hearing to what Xi Men has said, Ah Si put down his clenched hand and glaringly fronting Lei, making a warning gesture to him before sat back down on the sofa. His eyes never left Lei's. "I don't know what is up with you, but you better watch yourself," whispered Xi Men to Lei before the both of them sat down.
'He sure is mad with me. Either he really cares of the bet or he is just pissed off that I ignored him, but either way he really as hell furious at me. I don't care, as long as I'm with Shan Chai, he wouldn't have the chance to hurt her.'
While he was thinking to himself, with the other's eyes still on him, Jing's voice heard.
Standing on the upper edge of the stairs, Jing announced, "Gentlemen, let me introduce to you, the stunning, beautiful Shan Chai with a new look."
Hearing to that, the four of them focused their sight to their stairs, waiting to catch the glimpse of the new Shan Chai. But, Shan Chai didn't come out after she was called. Jing made a gesture for her to stage forward.
'She must've had the jitters,' he thought, still waiting to see his Shan Chai with the new appearance. Seconds after that, he saw her coming out to where Jing was standing. He was shocked to see her wearing 'his' clothes.
'The clothes, the hair, the choice of color for the makeup, Jing has outdone herself. She really changed her. Shan Chai looked more vivacious, elegant, outstanding and more beautiful than ever. Though she's not as beautiful as Jing but, she really shines!' he told himself.
Walking down the stairs, Shan Chai held on to Jing's hand, hiding herself behind Jing's back. "Well? What do you guys think? Doesn't she look elegant and refined? Hey! Snap out of it. I'm asking you a question," asked Jing, when there was no response from the four of them.
Mei Zhuo stood up and walked towards Jing. "My dear darling, you're magnificent! Shan Chai looked really awesome. But don't worry, you will always be the most awesome, beautiful woman to me," expressed Mei Zhuo, teasing Jing at the same time.
Jing pretended to be offended by the remark and playfully slap Mei Zhuo's arm. They laughed together.
'She really seems happy with Mei Zhuo and Mei Zhuo treated her as if she was the only one for him. Mei Zhuo has really changed himself from a playboy to a one-woman man. I'm happy for her,' thought Lei, watching the couple, his once love of his life.
"However, there is one thing that is still amiss. The shoes.. It doesn't fit at all. I need someone to take her shopping for them. No, Lei, let it be someone else. You already bought her the blouse and slack. Emm.Ah Shi, you go and buy for her," ordered Jing.
He looked disbelievingly at Jing and so does Shan Chai. "Jing, but I don't.." said Shan Chai, trying to object.
"Shan Chai, we need to make sure you are perfect from head to foot. Further on, you already know Lei, why not get to know the others? F4 is really nice and friendly, once you get to know them, that is. They love to put a show as this rich, powerful, gangster-like group in front of other people, especially Ah Shi, the so called leader of the group," explained Jing.
Shan Chai looked over to Lei, trying to ask for help. Lei kept quiet and looked away from Shan Chai's gaze. 'I don't like it as much as you do, Shan Chai, but I just couldn't say no to Jing. I'm sorry Shan Chai.'
Since Lei didn't say anything about it, Shan Chai, obligatory, just nodded her head. "Alright then, what are you waiting for, Ah Shi? Go and help her out with the shopping."
Ah Shi stood up, a happy face shown on his face, but he quickly wiped it off when he noticed Xi Men and Mei Zhou were smiling teasingly at him. "You heard the lady. what are you waiting for? Let's go!" said Ah Shi, dully and walked off living Shan Chai behind.
"Well, I have to go then. bye," said Shan Chai, a bit frustrated. She looked at the others and lingered her eyes for a while at Lei before she reluctantly follow Ah Shi's footsteps.
Seeing her go off, Lei felt frustrated and angry with himself as well. He was hoping Shan Chai would give some fight about it but since she didn't, he was angry with himself for keeping silent about it. Since Shan Chai was no longer there, he stood up to go home.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Home. Sleep," he answered short, not interested in making explanation.
"Oh! No you don't. We demand to know what was wrong with you. And what did you say to Ah Shi before at Ying De? He changed right after that conversation!" demanded Jing.
Stopping at his track, he turned and looked at Jing and the others. "Nothing. Just wanted to say to Ah Shi that I wanted to be San Chai's friend as well. And he reacted as if I wanted to make him lose the bet. No self-confidence at all. Now, can I go?"
"I know there's more to that, Lei. You won't blurt it out, eh? Never mind.. I'll let it go, for now." said Jing, not easily fooled by Lei's answer.
After that sentence, he left them. 'I know you can't be underestimate. You're always one step ahead of me. you understand me like the back of your hand.but guess what, Jing? This time, I'm not going to make it an easy guess for you. Don't forget, I also know you that well.'
~~~
She sat in the silver BMW in silence. She felt awkward to be together, alone, with him. Looking over him, she tried to think of a good opening conversation.
'Oh, boy! How should I start this? I don't know him that well. I wish it were Lei and not him that has to take me shopping. He is so rude and grouchy sometimes. Not like Lei. I wonder why Lei avoided my eyes when Jing asked Ah Shi to take me shoe shopping. Why would he keep quiet about it, though he wanted to do it first? When I think I understood him, I have to reconsider it again. I don't think I would be able to understand him.'
"Penny for your thought? You were looking at me but I sense that you really 'don't see me'. So, what is on your mind?" Ah Shi's voice broke the silence and brought her back to reality.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking why 'The Almighty, Great Master Dao Ming Shi' would follow Jing's order without any haste and took me 'the skinny, plain, poor weed Shan Chai' to shoe shop. It's not like you were happy to do it, anyway."
"Stupid woman! No one could or able to order Master Dao Ming Shi around. I do it because of respect towards Jing even if it means have to take YOU out to shop for shoes," growled Ah Shi.
"I KNEW IT! Then why must you take me then? Just drop me off here! I don't want to go with you either!!" screamed Shan Chai, angry with what Ah Shi said.
Hearing her scream, Ah Shi's face changed into sadness. Still looking up straight, he said sadly, "You really don't like me do you? What does Lei have that I don't? Don't try to deny it.. I know you like him. He just said two to three sentences to you, you already willingly going out shopping with him. If he can, why can't I? I want to be your friend too."
"Sorry." she apologized. 'I didn't know he was that sensitive. I really should give him a chance and also myself. Maybe after getting to know him better, I would understand him through all that roughness and rudeness. Well, Jing did say they were nice guys and they only act like that in front of others.'
"I would be honored to be your friend, Almighty Master Dao Ming Shi," she proclaimed, smiling. Ah Shi took a glanced at her and grinned by the last remark. "Thank you. Okay now, let's go and buy that shoe."
Ah Shi took her to some of the branded shoe shops, even though she objected, Ah Shi ignorantly dragged her in to all the shops. Every shoe that she looked at in the stores is more than her salary for a month at the café. She tried to persuade Ah Shi not to spend that much amount of money for her sake but he didn't listen and kept asking her to try out the shoes he picked. After two hours going in and out of stores and trying for about 30 to 40 types of shoes, Ah Shi finally approved of a cream streaked pink, party string shoe with a 4-inch heel and studded with reddish gem stones at each left side of the shoe.
'What? This shoe? This high? Is he stupid? I can't wear this shoe to college. I'm not used to high-heels and look at the price! Stupid!'
"Ah Shi, I'm not wearing this tomorrow. Even if I want to, it is possible for me to use while riding my scooter. Furthermore, it is way toooo.. expensive!" she declined.
"Shut up! I'm paying it, not you and you're not going to college tomorrow with that old scooter of yours. I'll pick you up. Now, pick up that bag and let's go!"
'Well, since you want to pay for it, I'll take it, stupid! I am not going to pay it back since I am not the one who wants it at the first place,' she said to herself.
"I'll take you home. Now tell me the direction, if not tomorrow I wouldn't recognize the way to pick you up."
Shan Chai nodded. She gave the direction to her house. It's at the edge of town and not at the most fancy part of housing premises. At every turn, Ah Shi would make disgusted sound, indicating his uneasiness of the area.
"Okay, stop. This is my house. I know it's small compared to yours but the three of us, dad, mom and me lived happily here. This is my house and I love it. I don't care what you think of it but stop doing that awful, disgusting sound!"
Getting out of the car, Ah Shi looked at the single-story terrace house with the wooden gate that has hole at some part of it. Making a sickened face, he looked over at Shan Chai. "YOU love THIS house? You must be kidding me.. anyway, I'm leaving. Not going to stay here long. Urgghhh.."
Shan Chai put her hands on her hips and shouted at him, "STUPID, ARROGANT DAO MING SHI! You take that back!! Don't easily misjudge people just by their surrounding. You may not like the environment but the people living here is very kind, helpful, caring and the most loveable type of person you'll ever be or even imagine!! Go away!! Go back to where you belong.. the cold-hearted, fancy house with no love would survive in it. And don't even bother to come tomorrow!"
Shan Chai pushed Ah Shi away, turned around and stormed into her house in rage.. not even glancing back to Ah Shi to watch him leave.
Ah Shi, being an egoist as usual, hopped back in the car and fast reversed back to the main road. All the while his face were infuriated by the whole event that had just took place.
"What do you think of your new image, Shan Chai?" asked Jing, after making some last touches on her hair. 'Oh, my god! Is that me? That can't be me.' The reflection she saw in the mirror was too stunning that she, herself, can't believe it was really hers. Touching the mirror, to unsure herself that the mirror was real, she stared at the image, awed by the difference Jing made on her.
Her hair was now wavy and even had bangs at front. Her lips were covered with shiny, glossy peach-colored lipstick, the eyes appeared larger than it usually was, mainly because of the dark colored eye shadow Jing used and her cheek appeared as if she was blushing. The makeup was not too thick and came out natural. It fits perfectly with her 'new' clothes, the pink blouse and white slacks.
"Jing, thank you. I never thought I could ever look like this," she said, turning around to face Jing.
"Shan Chai, you don't have to thank me. Just remember the techniques I taught you, you'd be able to create this new image of yours anytime you want to. You're beautiful Shan Chai, physically and emotionally. Just believe in yourself and the beauty will shine through no matter what your image is. Now, let's stun the guys." Taking Shan Chai's hand, Jing lead her downstairs.
'I hope Lei will love this new look. How would he react? This is making me nervous,' said Shan Chai to herself.
~~~
He knew they were watching him even without taking his eyes off the magazine he was reading. "What is it that you want to ask me? About Shan Chai?" he asked, lazily.
"Well now, smart aleck, tell me why the hell you are after a girl? Particularly Shan Chai, though you knew about the particular bet?" asked Xi Men, who sat beside him.
"Yeah.and what you did have made Ah Si became.I don't know how to explain about him," agreed Mei Zhuo, still eyeing Ah Si, who eventually giving Lei a deadly stare.
"I just want to be her friend. Isn't it about time for me to listen to your advice about girls?"
"Listen here you! If you perform that stunt again, I will.." warned Ah Si, impatiently and violently throw away the magazine Lei's been reading and grabbed Lei's collar.
With a numbed face, Lei shook Ah Si's hand of his collar and said, "You'll what, Ah Si? Punch me in the face? You are not being a gentleman, are you Ah Si?" For the second time in the same day, Lei has shocked his friends with his changed attitude.
"What happen to you, Lei? You're acting strange. Where is the 'I don't care about other people's business' Lei? You're like this new person that we don't know. Is there something wrong?" asked Mei Zhuo, with a concerned expression.
Looking over at Mei Zhuo and Xi Men, "Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired of being bossed around," he said, his eyes glanced over to Ah Si.
"WHY YOU?!" Ah Si flared up, holding up his punch to Lei's face. Xi Men, who happens to be the nearest between the two, stood up and broke apart the disaster that might happen. "Stop it! Lei, you know how Ah Si is, stop provoking him. Ah Si, sit down. Calm yourself. We're best friends. Don't let this small matter come between us."
Hearing to what Xi Men has said, Ah Si put down his clenched hand and glaringly fronting Lei, making a warning gesture to him before sat back down on the sofa. His eyes never left Lei's. "I don't know what is up with you, but you better watch yourself," whispered Xi Men to Lei before the both of them sat down.
'He sure is mad with me. Either he really cares of the bet or he is just pissed off that I ignored him, but either way he really as hell furious at me. I don't care, as long as I'm with Shan Chai, he wouldn't have the chance to hurt her.'
While he was thinking to himself, with the other's eyes still on him, Jing's voice heard.
Standing on the upper edge of the stairs, Jing announced, "Gentlemen, let me introduce to you, the stunning, beautiful Shan Chai with a new look."
Hearing to that, the four of them focused their sight to their stairs, waiting to catch the glimpse of the new Shan Chai. But, Shan Chai didn't come out after she was called. Jing made a gesture for her to stage forward.
'She must've had the jitters,' he thought, still waiting to see his Shan Chai with the new appearance. Seconds after that, he saw her coming out to where Jing was standing. He was shocked to see her wearing 'his' clothes.
'The clothes, the hair, the choice of color for the makeup, Jing has outdone herself. She really changed her. Shan Chai looked more vivacious, elegant, outstanding and more beautiful than ever. Though she's not as beautiful as Jing but, she really shines!' he told himself.
Walking down the stairs, Shan Chai held on to Jing's hand, hiding herself behind Jing's back. "Well? What do you guys think? Doesn't she look elegant and refined? Hey! Snap out of it. I'm asking you a question," asked Jing, when there was no response from the four of them.
Mei Zhuo stood up and walked towards Jing. "My dear darling, you're magnificent! Shan Chai looked really awesome. But don't worry, you will always be the most awesome, beautiful woman to me," expressed Mei Zhuo, teasing Jing at the same time.
Jing pretended to be offended by the remark and playfully slap Mei Zhuo's arm. They laughed together.
'She really seems happy with Mei Zhuo and Mei Zhuo treated her as if she was the only one for him. Mei Zhuo has really changed himself from a playboy to a one-woman man. I'm happy for her,' thought Lei, watching the couple, his once love of his life.
"However, there is one thing that is still amiss. The shoes.. It doesn't fit at all. I need someone to take her shopping for them. No, Lei, let it be someone else. You already bought her the blouse and slack. Emm.Ah Shi, you go and buy for her," ordered Jing.
He looked disbelievingly at Jing and so does Shan Chai. "Jing, but I don't.." said Shan Chai, trying to object.
"Shan Chai, we need to make sure you are perfect from head to foot. Further on, you already know Lei, why not get to know the others? F4 is really nice and friendly, once you get to know them, that is. They love to put a show as this rich, powerful, gangster-like group in front of other people, especially Ah Shi, the so called leader of the group," explained Jing.
Shan Chai looked over to Lei, trying to ask for help. Lei kept quiet and looked away from Shan Chai's gaze. 'I don't like it as much as you do, Shan Chai, but I just couldn't say no to Jing. I'm sorry Shan Chai.'
Since Lei didn't say anything about it, Shan Chai, obligatory, just nodded her head. "Alright then, what are you waiting for, Ah Shi? Go and help her out with the shopping."
Ah Shi stood up, a happy face shown on his face, but he quickly wiped it off when he noticed Xi Men and Mei Zhou were smiling teasingly at him. "You heard the lady. what are you waiting for? Let's go!" said Ah Shi, dully and walked off living Shan Chai behind.
"Well, I have to go then. bye," said Shan Chai, a bit frustrated. She looked at the others and lingered her eyes for a while at Lei before she reluctantly follow Ah Shi's footsteps.
Seeing her go off, Lei felt frustrated and angry with himself as well. He was hoping Shan Chai would give some fight about it but since she didn't, he was angry with himself for keeping silent about it. Since Shan Chai was no longer there, he stood up to go home.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Home. Sleep," he answered short, not interested in making explanation.
"Oh! No you don't. We demand to know what was wrong with you. And what did you say to Ah Shi before at Ying De? He changed right after that conversation!" demanded Jing.
Stopping at his track, he turned and looked at Jing and the others. "Nothing. Just wanted to say to Ah Shi that I wanted to be San Chai's friend as well. And he reacted as if I wanted to make him lose the bet. No self-confidence at all. Now, can I go?"
"I know there's more to that, Lei. You won't blurt it out, eh? Never mind.. I'll let it go, for now." said Jing, not easily fooled by Lei's answer.
After that sentence, he left them. 'I know you can't be underestimate. You're always one step ahead of me. you understand me like the back of your hand.but guess what, Jing? This time, I'm not going to make it an easy guess for you. Don't forget, I also know you that well.'
~~~
She sat in the silver BMW in silence. She felt awkward to be together, alone, with him. Looking over him, she tried to think of a good opening conversation.
'Oh, boy! How should I start this? I don't know him that well. I wish it were Lei and not him that has to take me shopping. He is so rude and grouchy sometimes. Not like Lei. I wonder why Lei avoided my eyes when Jing asked Ah Shi to take me shoe shopping. Why would he keep quiet about it, though he wanted to do it first? When I think I understood him, I have to reconsider it again. I don't think I would be able to understand him.'
"Penny for your thought? You were looking at me but I sense that you really 'don't see me'. So, what is on your mind?" Ah Shi's voice broke the silence and brought her back to reality.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking why 'The Almighty, Great Master Dao Ming Shi' would follow Jing's order without any haste and took me 'the skinny, plain, poor weed Shan Chai' to shoe shop. It's not like you were happy to do it, anyway."
"Stupid woman! No one could or able to order Master Dao Ming Shi around. I do it because of respect towards Jing even if it means have to take YOU out to shop for shoes," growled Ah Shi.
"I KNEW IT! Then why must you take me then? Just drop me off here! I don't want to go with you either!!" screamed Shan Chai, angry with what Ah Shi said.
Hearing her scream, Ah Shi's face changed into sadness. Still looking up straight, he said sadly, "You really don't like me do you? What does Lei have that I don't? Don't try to deny it.. I know you like him. He just said two to three sentences to you, you already willingly going out shopping with him. If he can, why can't I? I want to be your friend too."
"Sorry." she apologized. 'I didn't know he was that sensitive. I really should give him a chance and also myself. Maybe after getting to know him better, I would understand him through all that roughness and rudeness. Well, Jing did say they were nice guys and they only act like that in front of others.'
"I would be honored to be your friend, Almighty Master Dao Ming Shi," she proclaimed, smiling. Ah Shi took a glanced at her and grinned by the last remark. "Thank you. Okay now, let's go and buy that shoe."
Ah Shi took her to some of the branded shoe shops, even though she objected, Ah Shi ignorantly dragged her in to all the shops. Every shoe that she looked at in the stores is more than her salary for a month at the café. She tried to persuade Ah Shi not to spend that much amount of money for her sake but he didn't listen and kept asking her to try out the shoes he picked. After two hours going in and out of stores and trying for about 30 to 40 types of shoes, Ah Shi finally approved of a cream streaked pink, party string shoe with a 4-inch heel and studded with reddish gem stones at each left side of the shoe.
'What? This shoe? This high? Is he stupid? I can't wear this shoe to college. I'm not used to high-heels and look at the price! Stupid!'
"Ah Shi, I'm not wearing this tomorrow. Even if I want to, it is possible for me to use while riding my scooter. Furthermore, it is way toooo.. expensive!" she declined.
"Shut up! I'm paying it, not you and you're not going to college tomorrow with that old scooter of yours. I'll pick you up. Now, pick up that bag and let's go!"
'Well, since you want to pay for it, I'll take it, stupid! I am not going to pay it back since I am not the one who wants it at the first place,' she said to herself.
"I'll take you home. Now tell me the direction, if not tomorrow I wouldn't recognize the way to pick you up."
Shan Chai nodded. She gave the direction to her house. It's at the edge of town and not at the most fancy part of housing premises. At every turn, Ah Shi would make disgusted sound, indicating his uneasiness of the area.
"Okay, stop. This is my house. I know it's small compared to yours but the three of us, dad, mom and me lived happily here. This is my house and I love it. I don't care what you think of it but stop doing that awful, disgusting sound!"
Getting out of the car, Ah Shi looked at the single-story terrace house with the wooden gate that has hole at some part of it. Making a sickened face, he looked over at Shan Chai. "YOU love THIS house? You must be kidding me.. anyway, I'm leaving. Not going to stay here long. Urgghhh.."
Shan Chai put her hands on her hips and shouted at him, "STUPID, ARROGANT DAO MING SHI! You take that back!! Don't easily misjudge people just by their surrounding. You may not like the environment but the people living here is very kind, helpful, caring and the most loveable type of person you'll ever be or even imagine!! Go away!! Go back to where you belong.. the cold-hearted, fancy house with no love would survive in it. And don't even bother to come tomorrow!"
Shan Chai pushed Ah Shi away, turned around and stormed into her house in rage.. not even glancing back to Ah Shi to watch him leave.
Ah Shi, being an egoist as usual, hopped back in the car and fast reversed back to the main road. All the while his face were infuriated by the whole event that had just took place.