Chapter 73: The Calm Before The Storm

Liang didn't know what to think about that. It felt like a simple question, but when he thought about it on a deeper side, he could see something changing in Zhiyuan that made him question this.

Why was he so curious? Why was this question affecting him now? Why does he want to know about that guy?

He said, "Sorry bro, but I don't know about that guy. I don't think Ah Cy knows it either or she would have told me."

"Oh…"

Zhiyuan felt a little disappointed.

All sorts of questions invaded his mind.

Was he in her same class? Was he her senior? Did Xinyi ever confess to him?

Liang quietly stared at his friend. He had an inkling in his mind.

"Zhiyuan, are you okay?"

"Hm? Ah, I am fine," he quickly said, "It's just a bit of curiosity."

Liang seriously doubted his statement.

He left with Ah Cy and Leina. Leina was asleep in the car while Liang softly whispered to Ah Cy, "Hey."

Ah Cy asked, "What? By the way, what were you and Zhiyuan discussing in the garden, standing so far away?" She narrowed her eyes. "Are you two planning some mischief behind your wives back?"

Liang chuckled. "I wouldn't dare. I wanted to ask you about Xinyi. Do you know who she liked in college? Her crush?"

Ah Cy was surprised. "This is so sudden. A guy that Xinyi liked? Why are you asking this?"

"Not me. Zhiyuan."

Now, she was genuinely taken aback as he recalled their conversation.

She touched her chin. "I don't know the guy though I am sure she did like someone."

"How?"

"Well, I remember one conversation. We were all girls gathered together to hang out, and Zizi brought the topic of crushes. Caihong and I talked about Zhiyuan and you while Shuang just lazily said that games were her crushes all time."

"..."

That Shuang…

"When we asked Xinyi, I noticed she became strangely nervous. She said she didn't have any, but I was sure she did. She might have wanted to keep it personal, so I didn't pressurize her."

"I see."

Ah Cy said, "But I am surprised that Zhiyuan asked this after so long. Even if he knows who that guy is, what will he do? It has been seven years already."

Liang sighed and leaned back his head. "Yeah, but I felt that Zhiyuan...he felt a little different today. You know, he was nervous like I would have been in the past if I realized that you liked someone else. Do you think…"

Ah Cy touched her chin. "He is beginning to like her? Honestly, I did notice a change between them ever since they returned from the cruise. It is faint, but they seem closer than before? It will be too soon to say that he might be feeling jealous though."

He nodded.

Ah Cy smiled. "If that is true then wouldn't it be the happiest thing for them? Xinyi and Zhiyuan were forced to marry against their wishes, but it's not too late for feelings to develop. If they could become real husband and wife, then even Siying will become happy in the true sense."

"I hope so too."

The sleeping Leina on Ah Cy's lap slightly twitched. With her eyes still closed, her brows furrowed.

Uncle Zhiyuan and Aunty Xinyi don't like each other like Mama and Dada? Hmph. Adults are sneaky. They are hiding this from Siying! But I will definitely tell him tomorrow!

---

The next morning, Xinyi and Chyou sat together as she taught her the art. "So, you make the eyes bigger like that and the jaw will be a little smoother. Chibi characters have lesser details so they are easier to draw."

Chyou attentively moved her pencil following Xinyi's instructions.

Xinyi brightened. "You are good at this. This is only your third attempt and you are already so close."

Chyou felt shy. "Thank you, Aunty."

Her heart fluttered in joy. She was finally able to do stuff the other kids did her age with their parents together. This time spent with Xinyi was beginning to grow on her.

Zhiyuan entered and peeked in the book. They were so immersed that they didn't notice him at all.

"Is that me?"

Xinyi shut the book instantly. "No."

"Wait, let me see it. It was me, right? I want to see your drawing."

Chyou brightly said, "Yes, Uncle! It is you!" She giggled. "Aunty is teaching me to draw your chibi character!"

Xinyi turned red in embarrassment.

Zhiyuan curiously smiled. "That seems interesting. Show me."

"No!"

Zhiyuan was dumbfounded. "Are you that against it? I am praising you, trust me. I can see why Shuang chose you as her artist."

Xinyi pursed her lips and mumbled, "I thought you already left for office…"

"..."

Zhiyuan shook his head. "You should be proud of your talent and here you are getting embarrassed. Wait. Now I understand."

"What?"

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He held her hands in his palm. His fingers gently brushed on top of hers, making her heart race.

"That your fingers are a little rough on the edges. You draw a lot and…" he sneaked a glance at her, write too…"

Of course, Xinyi didn't understand that he was talking in terms of her diary.

As Zhiyuan pressed her palm more, he realized how small it was against his hand. His fingers wrapped around her palm. The softness of her skin urged him to brush his thumb along it. He liked that feeling.

He stared at her, "You should take care of your hands."

"I do…"

"You don't and that's why your fingers look so delicate. Look how they are chapped at this end," he pursed his lips and showed her.

Xinyi coughed guiltily.

I should ask a good doctor about this, thought Zhiyuan.

"When are you going to start working with Shuang?"

"Tomorrow."

Xinyi glanced at him. "Today, I am taking Siying to the An residence."

"You just came from the hospital yesterday. So, rest. The driver will drop him."

She shook her head. "It's alright. Plus, I also need to tell her about some stuff like his allergy and all. So it's better I personally go too."

Given the situation, it was inappropriate for him to go and drop Siying.

He sighed. "Alright."

His phone buzzed and he said, "Need to leave, but I will quickly return."

She nodded.

Zhiyuan smiled at Chyou. "Have fun."

"En!"

"Oh yes, I don't see Siying."

Xinyi said, "He took my phone and said that he has a super important thing to discuss with Leina. He didn't say anything else. I guess they must be talking right now."

Zhiyuan chuckled. "Kids are also getting so busy these days."

---

At the An residence, Xinyi stepped inside, holding Siying's hand. Since today morning, Siying couldn't hold his excitement at all.

"Aunty! I am here!" He waved his hand in excitement.

"Sshh. Siying, you don't scream like that," Xinyi scolded.

He pouted.

From upstairs, she saw Caihong coming down. Her gaze was fixated at Xinyi with an unreadable expression on her face. 

Caihong stared at the wound on her head and remembered the video clipping of her in the hospital with Xiaosi. She lowered her gaze as she recalled their confrontation last night.

Xinyi smiled. "Caihong. I brought Siying."

Siying hopped up and down. The sparkles around him felt even brighter than the sun. "Aunty!"

Caihong smiled at Siying. "En. You brought all your books, right?"

He furiously bobbed his head up and down.

Xinyi said, "I have packed all his things. If-"

Caihong said, "I am a strict teacher, okay Siying? So, I want all your concentration while I teach you or hmm... there will be a punishment."

Siying giggled. "I will be a good student!"

She nodded.

Xinyi waited and said again, "I am sure Siying wouldn't trouble you. I have packed all his essentials. Oh yes, as for his lunch-"

Caihong shot a glance at her. Her gaze squinted in annoyance. "Do you think that I cannot take care of Siying because of how I behave with Chyou? Do you have any doubts on my capability, 'Mrs. Han?'" She smiled and there was a faint sarcasm in her tone.

Xinyi was taken aback for a moment. She blinked her eyes. "No, no. I was only saying that Siying is allergic to soy. So-"

"Not to include soy in his lunch. I can understand that much."

Xinyi smiled with a little hesitation. "Yes, but I have also included-"

Caihong grimaced. "I heard enough already. We are getting late. Text me the rest."

Why does she feel a bit different today? Maybe she is in a bad mood… Xinyi wondered.

"Okay. I will leave then. If he makes any fuss, don't hesitate to call me."

Caihong didn't respond.

Xinyi ruffled his head and left. Caihong stared at her back for a moment and looked at Siying. "Let's go. My room is upstairs."

"Yay!!"

An Meiying who silently hid in a corner and watched her go, raised her brow.

"Hooo. This is interesting…" she smiled as a glint flashed past her eyes.

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