Touched by an Angel

Chapter 8- Coincidental Encounter

Lei slammed shut the door of his locker and strolled down the corridor, reluctant to go to his next history class. They were studying ancient Egypt, which in ordinary circumstances would've been highly interesting, but somehow their teacher managed to make it mummifying dead people as exciting as washing the dishes. Lei silently congratulated Ms Hong on making the best subjects into the worst ones.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks, not because he wanted to, but because the huge gathering in the corridor completely blocked his way. All the Ying De girls were squealing in delight at the site of something. As if I'm not in a bad enough mood already, thought Lei grumpily and tried to push his way through the excited crowd. The people made way for him to pass through and Lei moved forwards.

And came face to face with none other than Teng Tang Jing.

She was still as magnificent as ever; still as beautiful as she was the day she left him. She turned and Lei could see the brief looks of surprise come over her face. "Hi Lei," she greeted and plastered on a smile that she gave everyone. "How are you?"

Lei mumbled a reply, and hurriedly pushed past the rest of the crowd, not daring to turn back. People threw curious glances at him, and Lei heard the rest of the student population whisper to each other, speculating at what was wrong with him. Everyone knew that Hua Ze Lei loved Teng Tang Jing. But no one knew what had happened that night.

What was wrong with me? Thought Lei despairingly. How about the love of my life rejects me, and then comes back and pretends that nothing ever happened between us? How's that for an excuse. He continued walking, determined to get away from crowded atmosphere that surrounded Jing. Maybe he'd skip history now.

Lei was so anxious to get away that he, or anyone else for that matter, failed to notice the pain that flashed in Jing's eyes for a moment.


Lei did skip history.

He went to the rooftop instead, seeking refuge in the peace of the early morning. He could hear laughter ringing from the classrooms below and the noise of students making trouble for their teachers. Lei sighed deeply. Everyone was carefree here in Ying De. Girls seemed to worry only about what brand of clothing the person next to her was wearing, and guys did nothing except laze around and chat to the girls.

So why does all this trouble seem to come to him?

He didn't know what the sudden reappearance of Jing meant, nor had he any idea why she came back. Did it mean that she finally accepted him? Or was she here for non-personal reasons? But his instincts told him that the peaceful days were soon to be over- something big was stirring below this layer of calmness, and Lei was right in the eye of the storm.

And then a question that was always lurking at the back of his mind nagged him. That moment he had brushed past Jing, he felt something strange that he had never felt before with her. It wasn't the anxiousness that always fluttered in his stomach usually, but it was something else. But what?

Lei dared to let his mind wander and the first question that popped into his head was- did he still love Jing?


Shan Cai was waiting for him at the library, and Lei greeted her not very enthusiastically. The only place they ever seemed to meet at was the library. Not that it was a bad thing for no one beside them ever went there. Shan Cai smiled and grabbed a seat for him.

"Someone's not in a very good mood," she commented lightly, flipping through a large book on modern American history. She grabbed a pen from her pencil case and hurriedly scribbled down a few notes. Not hearing a reply, she looked up inquiringly.

Lei sat down and muttered, "Just not a good day."

Shan Cai nodded knowingly and continued writing. "How was Ancient History?" she asked.

"I didn't go to it," admitted Lei.

Shan Cai frowned disapprovingly. "Why not?" she inquired, still not looking up.

"Just didn't feel like it," muttered Lei and put his head in his hands.

Shan Cai groaned. She grabbed an eraser and rubbed vigorously on her notepad, muttering to herself as she did so.

Lei looked at her, and had he been the type, he would've rolled his eyes. "Do you know the meaning to the word 'stop'?" he asked.

"Haha, that's so funny," remarked Shan Cai sarcastically. "Do you know the meaning of subtly?"

Lei didn't reply and continued to drown himself in his miseries. There was a knock on the door and Lei's head snapped up, as a soft voice whispered, "Is anyone there?"

Shan Cai turned around. A beautiful girl with long flowing hair and elegant attire walked in the library, looking at them curiously. She saw Shan Cai behind the bookshelves and smiled at her warmly. "I was looking for a book. Could you please help me?"

Shan Cai was confused for a second, but then quickly realized what the girl meant. "I'm sorry, I'm not the librarian. I think she has gone for lunch or something."

"Oh," said the newcomer. She walked towards Shan Cai. "Are you a student?"

Shan Cai nodded. "What book are you looking for? I might be able to help you."

"Oh... I..." she suddenly stopped in the middle of her sentence as she noticed Lei. A smile played on her face. "Why Lei, I've got to say that this is the last place I'd expect to see you."

Lei silently cursed his bad luck. Of all the people, it just had to be Jing to come in. However, he merely shrugged in a careless manner and Jing's attention returned to Shan Cai. She looked from Lei to Shan Cai, and then back to Lei, and back to Shan Cai again.

"Is this a... friend... of yours, Lei?" she asked.


A/N: sorry for slow updates. will update more. more drama to come...

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