| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
Tang Feng turns to the others again. “I keep one, you guys keep one. Fair?”
Wallace nods. “Fair enough.”
“May our collaboration be a success,” Tang Feng continued in his professional tone, extending out his hand to Wallace.
Wallace shakes Tang Feng’s hand to seal the deal while Ehlo zooms in on the handshake to dramatize the moment on his camera.
“Doesn’t this call for a celebration?” Ehlo asked excitedly, looking at his watch.
“What do you suggest then?” Wallace asked back.
“Everything’s still too early to be sure of anything,” Tang Feng reminded them. “How about saving it for your actual success?”
Wallace nods. “That’s true.”
“If everything goes smoothly after two months, I’ll personally pay for all expenses of your so called celebration.”
“Deal,” Ehlo said, extending his hand out to Tang Feng.
Tang Feng shakes it real quick before turning to stare at the girls. “Objections?”
“Wouldn’t it be unfair since the time limit would cut into renovation?” Qiao Qiao asked.
Tang Feng smiles. “Clever girl.”
“Well?”
“I won’t count renovations or preparations. Two months will start from opening day, all right?”
“That’s better,” Qiao Qiao said.
Tang Feng scans everyone present once again. “Anything else?”
“I guess it’s done for now,” Wallace said on everyone’s behalf.
“Our planning starts tomorrow then.”
Wallace nods.
“I don’t like people coming late or bringing friends along,” Tang continued, his eyes staring at all the extra people in the room.
“It’ll only be me tomorrow,” Wallace said.
“What do you mean?” Chen Yi jumped in. “What about us?”
Wallace turns around to see Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao giving him disapproving looks. “You guys have work, remember?”
“We’re in on the plan,” Chen Yi said, speaking for both him and Qiao Qiao.
Wallace wrinkles his face.
“You can say I’m bored of my current job,” Qiao Qiao said.
“And I’m too talented for my company to handle,” Chen Yi joked.
Wallace turns back to Tang Feng. “It’s your call.”
“Since most of the people leave already, I guess I’ll need some to get this whole thing going, right?” Tang Feng said casually. “Who else is in then?”
“I am,” Cyndi said, stepping forward at that time.
Tang Feng turns his attention to her upon hearing her declaration. “Are you sure, Xiao Ling?”
Cyndi nods.
The others are a bit puzzled that Cyndi doesn’t care to correct Tang Feng of his nickname for her. But they guess that since Tang Feng is willing negotiate with them already, so Cyndi does not want to upset him at that moment.
“Me too,” Simon said, stepping forward from the group also. “I wasn’t there for the rest of the team when they needed me this past month. I want to be there for everyone from this time on.”
“All right,” Tang Feng said. “Five.”
Wallace turns to Simon with a smile, clapping on his shoulder. “Welcome back, S.”
“That’s it,” Tang Feng said. “No more.”
“Looks like you guys are back where you started,” Ehlo said, smiling.
“And…” Tang Feng jumped in before the others could voice their opinions. “No more silly games in the future like buying those ornaments or other types of decorations. If you guys have problems, come talk to me. Sabotage is only for kids or people who do not have brains. I expect you to be more responsible than that.”
The others nod in agreement.
“And…”
The others stay silent again, waiting for Tang Feng’s next words.
“The reason why I actually agree to go ahead with this is because I could see through your friendship with one another, not because I agree with your games.”
“All these coming from a prankster?” Ehlo asked, shocked of Tang Feng’s little lecture.
The others turn to give Ehlo a murderous look, wondering what possessed him to speak up like that. They do not want to risk getting Tang Feng mad for whatever reason.
“Former prankster,” Tang Feng corrected Ehlo, still looking at the crowd in general. “The reason why I’m even saying this is because I’m going to be your boss starting from this day on. I do not want to end our plan before it even starts.”
The five – who he has directed his eyes towards when he spoke those last few words – nods.
“I’m going to clear up some suspicions before we can all leave.”
The others still stay silent.
“I saw you guys the day you went to that place to buy your props for the silly skit. I followed you and saw it all. It was then that I sent my assistant out to investigate further into the matter. That was how I knew from the start and did not fall into your traps.”
The others exchange a look with one another, feeling chills running down their back.
“This is not to scare you but to say that don’t think that others do not know.”
“Why did you follow us then?” Qiao Qiao asked, puzzled. “I mean we’re just doing…”
“It’s sabotage,” Tang Feng said, cutting her off. “Others aren’t aware of it because they’re your neighbors and are aware of your gatherings that they thought it was somewhere along that line.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Why did you follow us?”
“Curiosity.”
“That means you were sneaking around too.”
“Qiao,” Wallace said, placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her. “He’s right. If he didn’t follow us and tried to stop us, we would’ve gone overboard with the game.”
“But we were just…”
He turns his full attention to her this time, his eyes serious and sharp. “It doesn’t matter. What if we got too excited in the game to stop? Or how long would we continue this until we could think of a better solution?”
“But I still don’t get why he would help us like that.”
“You can call it curiosity and an itch for old time’s sake,” Tang Feng said. “Or I like to throw money around because I’m bored since I just got back from the States.”
Qiao Qiao doesn’t say anything more but still looks like she’s still suspicious of the whole situation.
“All right,” Tang Feng said. “That’s it. Let’s get out of here and call it a day.”
“Wait,” Qiao Qiao said, speaking up again.
The others turn to her, holding their breath silently.
“You haven’t told us about your idea for the new name.”
The others turn their attention to Tang Feng.
“It’s a secret,” Tang Feng replied. “But you will know in the upcoming days.”
Qiao Qiao wrinkles her face.
“Mr. Huo did say that it’s up to me.”
“That’s right,” Wallace said.
“Then we’re set.”
The others nod in agreement before dispersing.
“Where are we going now?” Ehlo asked Wallace as they’re piling out the door.
“You guys go first, I’ll stay a bit more,” Wallace said, stepping back.
Ehlo turns to look at Wallace but he could see that Wallace probably has some unfinished business with Tang Feng so he nods. He follows Angela, Chen Yi, Achel, Qiao Qiao, and Simon outside. Cyndi turns to Wallace and sees him gesture for her to go first so she nods, joining Ehlo and Angela by Wallace’s car, which is parked a little down the street. The others head for their car instead of lingering around like many times before. They promise to meet up at East Shore Café later to talk more among themselves. Only Ehlo, Angela, and Cyndi are still around since they came with Wallace earlier.
Wallace watches the others disappear out of sight before turning back to Tang Feng.
“What is there to talk about now?” Tang Feng asked – out of curiosity and not annoyance.
“Although you didn’t answer Qiao Qiao’s question but…” Wallace began.
“It doesn’t matter. Why must there always be an answer? Can’t I be some strange person who likes to experiment since I can toss money around?”
“I thought you’re not like that. Didn’t you say that we could think that the other day and now?”
Tang Feng shakes his head. “Nothing gets past you, huh? You’re the cleverest one among that bunch. But sometimes you just have to let it rest. Maybe you will understand my bizarre side when we work together for the upcoming days.”
“How can we trust you if…”
“It’s not a matter of trust but professionalism. I already agree to your terms. Don’t you think that I will suffer a higher lost if it doesn’t work?”
Wallace knows there is no point in pursuing the matter further since Tang Feng would not tell him so he decides to drop it for now. He nods and turns to leave at last.
“I honestly hope that our collaboration will be successful,” Tang Feng said.
“We’ll see,” Wallace said, pulling on the door handle.
Tang Feng looks after Wallace with a secretive smile of his own. We’ll see indeed, he thought to himself.
*****
Wallace steps outside in the afternoon sun and takes in a breath of fresh air before glancing down the street to see the others already inside his car, waiting for him. They’ve rolled down the window to enjoy the afternoon’s air. He must admit that he rather have them here with him than none at all. He suddenly feels lucky that Tang Feng had to delay their meeting until the afternoon instead of in the morning like they’ve agreed upon last week.
“Hey Wallace!” A girl’s voice calling him from nearby.
Wallace turns towards his left to see Penny walking out from next door. She must be visiting Melody again.
“How’s it going?” Penny asked with one of her sweet smiles. “Haven’t seen you around for a while.”
“I’ve been busy,” Wallace answered.
“Found a new job yet?”
Wallace smiles, looking at the shop behind him again. “Yes.”
“That’s great then.”
“What about you, Miss Lin? How’s life?”
Penny lets out a secretive smile before answering. “I have good news.”
Wallace studies her face carefully, wondering what she’s up to. “What?”
Her smile suddenly turns to indescribable happiness. “I’m getting engaged.”
“With Ambrose?”
“Who else?”
Wallace smiles, feeling silly. It must be his overworked brain from these past weeks that has caused his slowness. He finally speaks up after that brief reflection moment. “Congratulations then!”
She shakes his extended hand with that same felicity smile. “Thank you.”
They let go of each other’s hand and let out a casual smile once again, looking at the afternoon’s setting sun.
“When is it your turn?” Penny asked suddenly, turning to him again.
Wallace smiles. “We’ll see.”
“All right. See you around then.”
Wallace smiles again before stepping towards his car where his friends are waiting.
*****
“So he knew our little game the whole time?” Jacky asked, eyeing the others to see if they’re making it up.
“Yes,” Ehlo answered, his expression less determined than his usual self.
“He’s creepy then,” Bianca said.
“I thought we agreed on that a long time ago,” Ehlo reminded her.
“I guess we’ll have fun working with him, huh?” Chen Yi asked the others, flashing out his mischievous boyish smile – which seemed to have been gone on his face since when they could not remember.
“Good luck, man,” Ehlo said, clapping Chen Yi’s shoulder for luck.
“Like I need it. I’ll blend right in.”
“We’ll see.”
Wallace smiles upon hearing the familiar phrase he uttered out since he left the shop earlier – on both very different occasions and circumstances. He raises his iced tea glass up suddenly. “How about we toast for our reunited team?”
Cyndi is the first to raise her glass to him – contrary to many times before where Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao would’ve beaten her to it already. “I agree.”
“Why not?” Chen Yi asked, raising his glass also.
Qiao Qiao quickly raises her to the others as well.
“Welcome back, S,” Wallace repeated his words from when they were at the agency.
Simon smiles and raises his glass to theirs.
After they drink a sip or two to demonstrate the little toast, Ehlo speaks up.
“Why did you two decided to come back though?” Ehlo asked, studying Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao carefully.
“Excitement,” Chen Yi said.
“What about Alyssa though?” Bianca asked, raising up the question some of them have long waited for an explanation.
“Family problem,” Tony said. “We can’t jump in and tell Auntie Zhao what to do. But…”
The others wait for him to continue.
“I already clarified with her what is going on at the old place so she knows that it has nothing to do with Alyssa anymore.”
Wallace nods. “I guess we have to get used to the idea of not having a lady boss anymore, huh?”
“I wonder what he has in store for us tomorrow,” Qiao Qiao said.
“I hope he doesn’t disappoint,” Chen Yi said, letting out a secretive smile. “I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this. A gift shop?”
“You might be bored of it again,” Qiao Qiao reminded him.
“No,” Chen Yi said. “Not with the former prankster around.”
“You’re still not scared after that lecture he gave us earlier?” Ehlo asked, his voice teasing more than showing signs of fear.
“I have a feeling it’s just a matter of pep talk so we could be serious about our commitment in the plan.”
“Oh yeah, how are you guys going to drop this one on your boss?” Wallace asked, turning to Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao.
“Submit my resignation letter, what else?” Chen Yi said, shrugging his shoulders. “I’ll probably have to stay awhile until they find someone to replace me.”
“Same,” Qiao Qiao answered.
Wallace turns to Cyndi at that time.
“I’m still in my initial point,” Cyndi said. “It wouldn’t be a problem if I quit now.”
“That’s set then, huh?”
“Let’s cheer before we separate,” Tony said.
“Where you going?” Ehlo asked, turning to him.
“Home, what else?”
Ehlo stares at the sky with the tints of orange waiting to take over the blue-ish color.
“Mom wants to meet Yan.”
Ehlo nods. “Ooooh…judgment day, huh?”
“Don’t joke about that. You’re making her nervous.”
“I’m not,” Esther protested.
Tony turns to give her a smile before returning his glare to the others. “How about that toast then?”
“What is it for?” Qiao Qiao asked.
“Future success?”
“Big deal!”
The others turn to Qiao Qiao, waiting for her to elaborate.
“We already toast on that one thousands of times.”
“So?” Ehlo jumped in, contradicting her on purpose.
“So let’s try something else.”
“Like?” Chen Yi prompted.
“Power!”
Wallace and Ehlo exchange a look.
“We love to hear about it,” Ehlo said. “But could you speed up the process a bit before the ice in our drinks melt?”
Chen Yi couldn’t help giving Ehlo a high five while Qiao Qiao sends them a dagger look.
“Calm down, sis,” Jacky said. “They’re kidding.”
“Of course we were,” Ehlo said, giving in.
“Okay,” Qiao Qiao said, not convinced at all.
“Power for what?” Jacky asked.
“Power over Tang Feng!”
Ehlo and Chen Yi couldn’t hold it anymore. They end up holding their stomach, trying to stop their laughter with not much success. Chen Yi – who has been sitting on top of a table nearby – instead of in chairs like the others, have to switch to sitting at the chair near him before he falls down.
“Very funny,” Qiao Qiao snapped upon seeing the guys’ reaction.
“It’s not…that….” Ehlo managed but stopped again since he’s still unable to control himself.
Chen Yi has to stop since he has ended up coughing and is trying to take a drink out of his glass so he could restore himself.
“Not in a million of years,” Ehlo said finally.
“Why not?” Qiao Qiao asked.
“Either we end up being friends with him or let him boss us around,” Chen Yi said. “Overpowering him? It’s like trying to overpower Tony.”
“Thanks for the support,” Tony said.
Chen Yi gives him a smile before turning to Qiao Qiao again.
“Just because he’s our senior?” Qiao Qiao asked, looking at Chen Yi with much disbelief.
“No,” Chen Yi said. “Because he is a former prankster.”
“If we’re not toasting on anything, then I’m leaving,” Tony said.
“How about saving this toast for next time then?” Wallace suggested.
“When success is finally here?”
Wallace nods.
“Fine with me.”
“Good luck.”
Tony wrinkles his face in confusion.
“He meant with presenting your mom her future daughter in law,” Ehlo clarified on Wallace’s behalf.
“Very funny,” Tony said, tugging on Esther’s hand at that time.
Ehlo flashes out his mischievous smile. “Anytime.”
“Have fun!” Qiao Qiao shouted after the two.
“What do we do now?” Ehlo asked, turning to the others again.
“Head home and sleep,” Wallace said, letting out a yawn.
Ehlo wrinkles his face. “At this time?”
“Come on man.”
“What did you do last night?”
“Finalizing the plan,” Wallace said.
“I thought you had that ready ages ago.”
“I had to double check and add more details in.”
“Oh.”
“Want to drive?”
“Sure, why not?”
Wallace and Ehlo get up at that time.
“I guess we have no choice but to follow you two, huh?” Angela asked, getting up also.
“Sorry, Mrs. Huang,” Ehlo said. “I don’t have my car with me.”
Angela smiles. “I’m just kidding.”
“See you guys later,” Cyndi said, waving to the others.
“Well?” Jacky asked, turning to the ones still around.
“I think I’m leaving too,” Simon said, standing up to excuse himself.
“All right then. Take care.”
Simon nods and heads towards the parking lot also.
Jacky turns to the last of the group at that time.
“I guess I have to go pick Johnny up,” Bianca said, standing up also.
“We’ll go with you,” Jacky said, getting up.
“We are?” Sonia asked, looking at Jacky.
“I changed my mind.”
Sonia nods, getting up.
Jacky turns to the remaining five. “I guess see you guys later?”
“Guess so,” Chen Yi said, giving them a wave.
“I’ll call you tomorrow regarding our upcoming program, Sam,” Sonia said quickly.
Sam nods.
Jacky and the others leave after that.
“Well?” Qiao Qiao asked, turning to the other four.
“Karaoke night?” Chen Yi suggested.
“Yea right,” Qiao Qiao said.
“Then why you ask?”
“Maybe we should all go back since we still have a long week before us?” Ming Dao hinted.
“No fun,” Qiao Qiao said, wrinkling her face.
“He’s right,” Chen Yi said. “Come on, Xiao Yu.”
He and Achel leave also.
“And if you need help typing your resignation letter, feel free to holler!” Chen Yi yelled back at Qiao Qiao in mockery.
“You’re not funny!” Qiao Qiao shot back.
They could hear Chen Yi’s laughter though he has gone far.
Ming Dao, Qiao Qiao, and Sam end up leaving together since they have no choice but to. The guys drop Qiao Qiao off at her house before heading home also.
Qiao Qiao feels a bit strange as she makes her way into her house. Like it was more exciting last time with the mid-autumn festival and other things to look forward to after their last set of dramas. This time? How come everything’s so quiet? Or are they still waiting for the final verdict that they do not want to rush forth to celebrate before finding out they lost? Qiao Qiao decides to brush those thoughts aside and think positive for the future. She knows that she will fight along their side no matter what in the upcoming days.
*****
“Are you sure this game is beatable?” Ehlo asked, turning to Wallace again.
“Of course it is,” Wallace said. “If not, why would they make it for? Trying to tempt us?”
“They could.”
“Why are you guys arguing over a game?” Angela asked.
Ehlo flashes out his charming smile. “We just have all the time in the world.”
“Cute.”
Ehlo brushes his hair with his hand real quick. “Of course.”
Angela shakes her head and joins the others in the kitchen again.
“Ready for Round 2, Huang?” Wallace asked, turning to Ehlo again.
“Sure,” Ehlo answered with much more confidence than a minute ago.
“Why are we hiding from the others?” Angela asked, sitting down between Cyndi and Bianca.
“Because we’re sick of them?” Ehlo asked, having heard her.
“Don’t shoot him!” Chen Yi shouted out seconds later.
“Sorry,” Ehlo said, his attention back on the screen.
“You just lost us a life.”
“Relax, kid. We’re going to get it back like…now.”
“I think he has a lot of luck tonight,” Wallace commented.
“Do you guys think it’s right to just abandon the others just like that?” Angela pondered aloud again.
“Come on now,” Ehlo jumped in again. “If we spend every single minute with them, we’ll go crazy.”
“If they find out we’re here, we’re dead meat.”
“When have you become such a scaredy-cat?”
“I’m not. It’s just…”
“What?”
“Don’t!” Chen Yi and Wallace yelled out at the same time.
“Sorry!” Ehlo said, turning back on the screen again.
“Lucky you missed or we’ll kill you for it,” Wallace said.
“But seriously,” Ehlo said. “Why are you worried about it? I’m sure they have other plans too.”
“I don’t know,” Angela said, wrinkling her face.
“Come on, cheer up,” Bianca said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s like we’re trying to avoid Qiao or something,” Angela said finally.
“Are you still thinking about it?” Ehlo asked.
“Yu Rong…” Jacky said, trying to shut Ehlo up.
“She hinted it first,” Ehlo said.
“It’s okay if we talk about it,” Achel said. “I mean I’m okay. Jie, don’t be sad. What passed already passed. We can’t hold it over anyone.”
“Angela jie, you can’t be serious,” Chen Yi jumped in. “No one cares about it anymore. Besides, it’s just Monday. Everyone has to work tomorrow so it would make sense that we’re not really up for any other activities.”
“And we’re all here because?” Angela asked them all.
“We’re bored?” Ehlo filled in.
“I was in for this new Wii game you guys got,” Chen Yi said. “But seriously though, it’s tiring to be hanging out with some people all the time, especially when they don’t have a sense of humor.”
“Who are you talking about then?”
“Just saying.”
“It feels kind of comforting though,” Wallace said.
Ehlo raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”
“No outsiders around.”
“Thanks then,” Chen Yi said.
“What do you mean?” Ehlo asked.
“For saying that I’m not an outsider.”
“We’re in the same clan, you can’t be an outsider.”
“This is the part where Chen Yi’s going to hug you for saying that,” Wallace jumped in.
“Shut up, man!”
“Ha!”
“Good shot.”
“Do you guys ever get tired of all these shooting games?” Bianca asked from the kitchen counter.
“It’s fun,” Ehlo replied.
“And challenging,” Wallace chimed in.
“And addicting,” Chen Yi wrapped up.
“Great, we have ‘The Three Musketeers’ now,” Bianca muttered before turning back to talk to the other girls.
“Isn’t it a bit silly that we’re hiding here and playing games though?” Ehlo asked suddenly.
“Now you feel weird without the others too, huh?” Angela asked.
“No. I just think it would be fun to beat the other guys so bad they have to run home and cry.”
“Who is going to cry first though?” Chen Yi asked.
“We’re from the same clan, don’t tempt me.”
“Votes?” Wallace said suddenly.
Ehlo turns to him briefly. “What?”
“Who wants to invite those guys over here? It’s almost dinner time anyway.”
“Might as well.”
“No objections?”
“Finish this battle first,” Ehlo said.
“Yea,” Chen Yi agreed. “This is the final battle.”
“I’ll go then,” Jacky said, getting up from his seat behind the counter – next to Sonia.
“Thanks, man,” Ehlo blurted out.
Jacky makes sure to walk behind the guys instead of in front of them so they wouldn’t be affected. He shakes his head silently at his friends’ addiction. As he grabs the handle, the doorbell rings. He turns around to look at the others once more before turning back to open the door.
“You look devastated,” Jacky commented. “What happened?”
“I’m just bored,” Qiao Qiao replied, sounding energy drained.
“Come on in,” Jacky said. “We’re going to cheer you up in no time.”
Qiao Qiao steps into the room to find the others – who claimed tiredness or other commitments – all there in the house. “You guys have been hiding here all this time?”
“Hey, was going to call some people over for more fun,” Ehlo said, sounding almost defensive.
“Don’t talk,” Chen Yi said. “You always get distracted. I don’t want to play this again.”
“Okay,” Wallace said. “Focus, everyone.”
“They’ve been at it since they got home,” Jacky explained to Qiao Qiao. “Just go ahead and go into the kitchen with the others but don’t walk in front of them or you’ll have to face the consequences. I’m going to ask Ming Dao and Sam if they’re interested in joining us for dinner.”
Qiao Qiao steps into the room timidly, feeling like she just invaded into their private party after passing the threshold. She could see that all three guys – Chen Yi, Ehlo, and Wallace – have their eyes clue to the screen, focusing on their game. She looks into the kitchen to the see the girls chatting happily among themselves. What makes her feel even more out of place is her two best friends are fitting in with the others more than she – who is usually more actively involved with the others than them. Sonia catches her eyes as she continues to stare with envy at the others engaging in conversation. Sonia waves to her and gestures for her to come towards them. However, she feels like she’s going to create some ruptures if she as much as take a step.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been standing here the whole time,” Jacky’s voice brought her back to reality. “Come on, sis.”
Qiao Qiao turns around to see Jacky – but no Ming Dao and Sam.
Jacky seems to have read her mind so he flashes out his reassuring smile. “They’ll be over in a bit. Come on.”
Qiao Qiao allows herself to be led into the kitchen by Jacky, finally feeling all right that he’s there since he has always been the one link between her and the rest of his friends.
“Darn it!” Ehlo yelled out seconds later.
“Cover me,” Wallace said. “I’m going to shoot the disc, you two shoot the dude.”
“Okay,” Chen Yi agreed.
“Why are you so quiet tonight?” Jacky asked, looking at Qiao Qiao.
Qiao Qiao has chosen the space next to Bianca but only listened in since she sat down. Now that Jacky asks, she turns to him with a clueless expression on her face.
“You all right?” Jacky asked, his full attention on her now.
Qiao Qiao nods.
“Yes!” All three guys – Chen Yi, Ehlo, and Wallace – screamed out in joy, slapping each other high fives at that time.
“This is what I call teamwork,” Ehlo shouted out.
“Will you guys knock it off?” Angela asked, turning to give them all a look.
“What happened?” Ehlo asked back, walking into kitchen at that time.
“Qiao, you all right?” Angela asked, turning to Qiao Qiao.
Qiao Qiao nods again.
“You’re scaring us by not saying anything,” Ehlo jumped in.
“It’s just weird to see you guys all here,” Qiao Qiao said finally.
“You could’ve come here to look for us.”
“How about karaoke night then?” Chen Yi said, putting up his suggestion from earlier again.
“Sure, why not?” Wallace said, walking into the kitchen.
They hear the doorbell at that time.
“I’ll get it,” Ehlo volunteered, running to the door.
A minute later, he comes back with Ming Dao and Sam.
“Looks like a reunion tonight,” Sam blurted out as soon as he stepped into the room.
“Seems that way,” Jacky said.
“What’s going on here?” Ming Dao asked, looking from one person to the other.
“All right, everyone,” Jacky said, clapping his hands together. “Dinner time.”
“I’ll go call Johnny,” Ehlo said, walking away from the group.
“I’ll clean up then,” Wallace added.
“I’ll help you,” Chen Yi chimed in.
“Then let’s go.”
While Wallace and Chen Yi clean up the living room, Jacky and the others help set dinner up while Ming Dao and Sam take a seat at the table. Qiao Qiao finally stands up to help the others as well, feeling her mood finally improving since she could feel the excitement of the night building up again.
“Who says we can’t celebrate early, right?” Qiao Qiao asked the others when they all sit down to eat.
The others smile, knowing that Qiao Qiao is never sad for a long time. They’re also glad that their princess is cheerful again. Though Ming Dao and Sam have no idea.
“To our success in teamwork,” Wallace said cheerfully, raising his orange juice glass.
“You mean the game or…” Ehlo began.”
“Both.”
“All right!”
“Stop toasting or we’ll be full of water instead of food,” Sonia warned them.
“That’s right,” Jacky agreed. “Listen to our favorite DJ.”
Sonia turns to give him a look. Jacky returns it with one of his charming smile while Ehlo claps him on the shoulder for support.
“Huang Yu Rong,” Angela called out, her voice stern.
“I know,” Ehlo said. “I forgot my place again.”
Angela smiles. “Now you remember.”
“It feels like the good old days again,” Wallace commented.
“Let’s hope we can survive Tang Feng,” Ehlo said.
Wallace turns to him. “What are you talking about, Huang? We’re the ones dealing with him, not you.”
Ehlo smiles. “Hey, you know me.”
Yes, they all know Ehlo too well with his exaggeration.
The rest of the night continues in that cheerful tone – full of jokes and laughter. They even stay for karaoke night – and then some.
© Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Posted: Monday, November 9th, 2009
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A/N: A great thanks to everyone who have read this all along.