[12:07pm Lungmen City Centre, Zhang's Perspective]
Me, Mum and Aunt Talulah have arrived at Lungmen's central park, a place that always seems to be bustling. Not really a surprise, considering it is at the heart of the city.
Many food and souvenir stalls line the edges of the paths offering a wide array of their respective merchandise.
"Zhang, my nephew," Aunt Talulah places a hand on my head. "Would you like a snack?"
"Eh?" I look at her. "I-I was just...observing."
"You don't have to lie to me." She starts wandering towards the stalls. "I'll go get you something. Just stay there, with your mother!"
"No, really I..." I trail off.
Well, whatever, she seems to be happy, so I won't spoil it for her. Mum on the other hand has been very quiet the whole way here.
"Mum, are you alright?" I ask.
She suddenly turns to me and shallowly smiles. "Yes, I'm fine, Zhang. There's no reason to worry."
I'm not entirely convinced, but...remembering what Hoshiguma said, it's probably better I leave it.
"Okay..." I turn around to see Aunt Talulah on her way back over to us.
[12:14pm Lungmen Central Park]
Not too far from Ch'en and co, another individual can be seen 'enjoying' their day off.
(Why have I only been in one chapter so far?) Officer Huang, 3 years on the L.G.D. (More importantly, how can I get Madam Ch'en to notice me?)
He's lost in his thoughts, only walking on autopilot.
He sighs. (I have to know more about her, but she's so privatized and far above my rank...)
Huang continues to walk until something, or rather, someone catches hs eye.
(Madam Ch'en?!) He stares for a few seconds, assessing the situation. (And her son, Zhang, and also...who is that?)
He slowly approaches stealthily until he can hear the conversation.
"Here, Zhang." The 'mysterious woman' speaks to Zhang. "And one for you too, Ch'en."
"No, I'm fine." Ch'en replies. "You can have it."
"Great, now YOU'RE lying to me." The silver haired draco exclaims. "Just take it!"
Ch'en sighs and reluctantly takes the box of food.
"See! That wasn't too hard, was it?" The woman smiles smugly at Ch'en.
(How can she speak to Ch'en that way and not end up with a few missing teeth?) Huang thinks to himself. (She must be a friend, or something similar...)
"Whatever..." Ch'en dismisses the remark.
"Let's head over to the fountain." The Draco takes Zhang's hand. "Come along."
(Seriously, who is she?) Huang questions to himself.
[Zhang's Perspective]
I comply and follow Aunt Talulah over to the fountain, where we enjoy the snacks she bought for a short while.
"...So, Zhang, do you have anywhere you've wanted to go, but your mother's too busy to take you?" Talulah suddenly asks.
"Let's see..." I think to myself. "Not within Lungmen, I suppose."
"Hmmm?" She ponders. "Then, if you could go anywhere in Terra, where would you go first?"
"Well, I am kind of interested in the rich valleys of Victoria." I answer. "The few images I've seen look great."
"Good choice." She nudges me. "I've been there, and the valleys truly are breathtaking."
"Oh, really?" Mum suddenly speaks up. "Where is the real Talulah?"
"Huh?" Talulah focuses on Mum. "What are you on about?"
"Breathtaking' isn't a word you'd normally use, is it?" Mum smiles.
"What's got into you, Ch'en? Can't you just sit there quietly, like you were earlier?"
"Maybe it's got something to do with you acting like you're Zhang's parent..."
"Oh for fuck sake, Ch'en, are you jealous? A feeling you said was ridiculous. Have you ever thought about the fact that maybe Zhang doesn't always want to be around you."
Mum stutters.
I want to interject, but I can't bring myself to say anything.
"I'm trying to bring him out of his sheltered life and get him to live in the real world, but you're too worried about you're self verification of being a good mother. Am I right or am I right, Ch'en?"
"How..." I see Mum tear up. "How dare you!"
She stands up.
"How dare you come into his life this late and start acting like you know what's best for him!" Mum grabs my arm. "This is exactly what I was afraid of."
I'm pulled to my feet.
"You haven't changed Talulah! You're still the same cold, snarky, person you always were. I am ashamed to call you my sister!"
Mum starts leading me away before Aunt Talulah can respond, while wiping her eyes.
Am I the cause of this? It really wasn't a good idea...
Mum stops and looks at me.
"Zhang, listen to me..." She still has a few tears in her eyes. "This is why I didn't want you to meet her unless absolutely necessary. That is what she's been like for years."
"I-I'm sorry, Mum..." I stutter out.
"No, it's not your fault." She suddenly hugs me. "We don't get along. We haven't for over 20 years, and I don't think our relationship can be fixed. I've been trying for a long time, but she's too sarcastic and full of resentment. I can't stand her."
I stay silent, unable to conjure a response.
"Zhang, I always do my best for you, understand?" Mum's eyes start streaming with tears. "I know I'm not perfect, I'm far from it, but I just...I want you to know that I am truly trying my hardest."
She pauses to wipe her eyes again.
"I admit that you only see one half of me regularly and any rumours you may hear about me at work are true." Her hands grip my shoulders as she stares directly at me. "I am crass, short-tempered, aggravating, stubborn and intimidating. You've just never seen it."
"Mum, that doesn't-"
"Change your opinion on me, right?" She ruffles my hair. "That kindness is from your father..."
My father..? Mum's barely ever mentioned anything about him throughout my entire life.
She pulls me in for another hug. "I, Ch'en Hui-Chiey, am unshakable." She whispers. "But you, Zhang, are my one weakness."
