| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“All right, everyone,” Jacky began. “We’re gathered here today to…” He sees Qiao Qiao’s stare. “Patient, sis, patient.”
“We all know why we’re here today, right?” Qiao Qiao asked.
Johnny looks at Bianca.
“Uh…” Bianca managed, not knowing where to begin.
“I’m sure everyone knows that all four of you are dating each other…meaning Ming Dao and Qiao….and…Johnny and Bianca,” Jacky summarized.
Ming Dao turns to Bianca. “You guys are dating? How come I don’t know?”
Qiao Qiao hits Ming Dao’s shoulder. “It’s too obvious. I thought you knew. They’re always going together and she doesn’t hang around us anymore, even when you invited her to some art events. She went with Johnny instead.”
“Oh…I thought it was like how she and I were before. You know, going on weird adventures together since we have some common interest.”
Bianca clears her throat. “I’m not as weird as liking that grass drink.”
Ming Dao points at Bianca. “You just don’t know what good stuff is.”
It’s Jacky turn to clear his throat. “Guys. I think we’re all very tired with Ehlo and Chen Yi arguing. So please don’t argue here. We’re here to negotiate.”
Ming Dao turns to Jacky. “If you know, that means everyone knows already? Then why are we hiding it from them?”
“I was getting to that part.”
“Oh.”
“So…now that we all know…or at least the five of us know, we have to conceal it from the others temporarily until we can find a way to break it to them lightly. But the sooner the better since the longer Chen Yi and Ehlo fall into the pit, the more they will get hurt, so…”
“It would be too hard though, considering we don’t know how long Chen Yi has been liking Qiao,” Bianca pointed out.
Qiao Qiao looks down at the table at that time.
Bianca puts a hand on Qiao Qiao’s shoulder to reassure her. “Don’t worry. We’re going to find a way.”
“I’m more worried about Ehlo here,” Johnny said.
“And I don’t know why he was aggravating Qiao yesterday. Is that the latest harebrain idea from Wei Ru?”
“I don’t think so,” Bianca answered. “‘Cause yesterday when you were in your room with Qiao, Wei Ru grabbed Ehlo aside to talk to him. Probably she told him to quit it since after they returned, Ehlo seems less aggressive.”
“Great…”
Bianca looks at Johnny. “How did you find out about Ming Dao and Qiao?”
Johnny looks a bit nervous since he is caught. Seeing his uneasiness, Jacky speaks up instead.
“That’s not the point,” Jacky said.
“I want to know though.”
“Okay,” Johnny mumbled.
Johnny tells Bianca and the others of how he followed Ming Dao and Qiao Qiao the day they were at the mall and were talking about the Soulfest Duo’s book with Bianca. Then he followed them awhile more. From there on, it was some hints here and there with Bianca’s words or Ming Dao and Qiao Qiao’s interaction that led him to that conclusion. After he’s done, Qiao Qiao speaks up first.
“For the record, we didn’t start to date until later,” Qiao Qiao clarified. “I meant the day we were going to the Soulfest Duo’s thing was just something I suggested ‘cause I wanted to make up for the whole thing with his ruined cell phone. Then I was curious about him and somewhat…”
“You don’t need to explain to us,” Jacky said, cutting her off. “You must have feelings towards him already to even plan the whole thing with the tickets and the day off to go with him.”
“How did you know? You weren’t around.”
“The others told me about some events happening here. And to piece it together isn’t that hard with you guys telling me which event it began with, etc.”
“Oh…”
“I can’t believe we’re gathering here to talk about our love life instead of our career or some other life threatening events.”
“This is life threatening,” Bianca said. “Well, if someone wants to…”
“Don’t say it,” Johnny stopped her. “You’re scaring Qiao.”
“Don’t worry,” Jacky said. “It was mostly my fault for sending people wrong signals and using my mouth to give them advice. I’ll clean it up in no time.”
Bianca smiles. “Brave, eh?”
“Thank you, Miss Bai.”
“No wonder Sonia likes you so much.”
Jacky looks away for a bit before turning back to them, clearing his throat. “We’re not talking about me today.”
“So…” Ming Dao said.
“Does this mean we’re all in on this conspiracy now?” Johnny asked, looking from one to the other.
“You want to back out?” Bianca asked him. “It’s only right. I mean Ehlo is…”
“No. If Jacky’s not backing out, I’m not either.”
Bianca twirls the straw in her hands for a bit before speaking up again. “Have you guys notice how strange Chen Yi has been acting too? Has he lost it?”
“I don’t know,” Jacky said. “I no longer know anything.”
“Is he using Xiao Yu to get Qiao jealous?”
“I don’t think so…I hope not.”
“Am I that despicable?” A voice asked behind them.
Everyone jumps – almost – at the same time. They turn to see Chen Yi and Achel walking towards them. They freeze, not knowing how to react, except just to watch Chen Yi’s actions before deciding what step to take next.
“A secret without us?” Chen Yi asked rhetorically. “No way.”
The others do not know how to react or say to ease the situation – since they’re still trying to recover from the awkwardness or pondering how much Chen Yi listened in, so they remain silent to wait for Chen Yi’s next words. However, Chen Yi doesn’t speak up right away. He takes a quick glance at everyone present first. Qiao Qiao tenses up even more when Chen Yi’s eyes pass her, waiting for the worst. Chen Yi sighs out quickly and shoves his hands into his jacket pockets before beginning.
“I’m going to be straight-forward with you guys,” Chen Yi spoke up finally.
They all wait for him to continue – like before.
“I heard what you…” He stops and points at Qiao Qiao. “…and Jacky were talking about yesterday when they sent me in to check on you guys.”
“I should’ve known to stop you,” Bianca said.
“I’m glad I know though.”
Qiao Qiao stands up. “Chen Yi, I…”
“Let me finish first.” He gestures for Qiao Qiao to sit back down.
She does as instructed.
Chen Yi turns to the others again. “I know you must be surprised why I’m here today and how I could still maintain such calmness right now. But let me tell you all something.” He pauses to make sure he has everyone’s attention. “I already found out a long time ago.” He turns to Qiao Qiao before continuing. “Sorry, Qiao. I was that creepy stalker following you guys the day you were on your first date.”
The others stare at Chen Yi, trying to determine if he’s kidding or not, especially about the last part. He looks quite serious so they decide that he’s telling the truth.
Johnny clears his throat. “You were the guy in the shadow in front of Qiao’s house that night?”
The others turn to look at Johnny, curious about what he’s talking about. Chen Yi has on this confused look on his face while Achel’s the only one to still show a passive, observant look. Jacky has somehow managed to find his voice again so he speaks up.
“What creepy stalker?” Jacky asked. “What shadow?”
“I told you guys that I followed Ming Dao and Qiao around since they left the mall,” Johnny reminded them of his recounts. “And I didn’t realize it, but when Ming Dao left to haul a Taxi, I tried to follow him so I wouldn’t have to go back the way I came. I was across the street from Ming Dao, but there was a car that passed by and with the help of the light, I could see someone hiding near Qiao Qiao’s house. Just barely, but I couldn’t see who. Later, I thought that I was just being paranoid and that person was just walking by.”
“Yes, that was me,” Chen Yi confessed. “I was curious. And…okay, a bit jealous too. But then something happened later.”
They wait without interruptions like before.
“Xiao Yu.”
Qiao Qiao wrinkles her face, confused. =Huh?”
“I bumped into Xiao Yu when I was trying to stalk you guys one day. And she looked troubled so I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was having trouble at work, some confidence problem. Nothing that severe. I tried to help her whenever I can. So…uh…I found out something weird, which I’m glad I did.”
“You’re with Xiao Yu, aren’t you?” Jacky asked, gesturing his hand. “It’s the only explanation for your over-protectiveness of her these past weeks.”
Chen Yi nods. “Yes. And it’s not ‘cause I lost Qiao to Ming Dao either.”
“Then…”
“I realize something. When I’m with Xiao Yu, I’m like all out on my behavior, not having to hold back or check with myself mentally if I should do this or that. Or should I act cool in this situation or maybe I shouldn’t? At first, I thought I was just feeling sorry for her since she’s having problems, but then I found out as I was trying to stalk Ming Dao and Qiao one day that…it’s gone.”
“What’s gone?” Johnny asked.
“The magic dust surrounding her.”
Bianca couldn’t help but to laugh out loud. But she pulls herself together at once. “Sorry. I may have misunderstood.”
Jacky turns to Bianca. “It’s a guy thing. I’m not putting you on. When a guy likes someone, he worships or treats her like a princess, imagining that she has this little fairy dust surrounding her thus creating attractiveness and charm. But when he realizes that the magic dust is gone, it just means that she’s just human after all. It’s just one of those harmless crush and not something serious. It actually happens mostly with guys who has never been in love before or only those who live in his mind more than in reality. Chen Yi belongs in the first category.”
“Wow. You’re such an expert.”
“Experience.” He turns to Chen Yi again. “Sorry. I was stealing your limelight.”
Chen Yi smiles. “No wonder Qiao worships you.”
“I’m not,” Qiao Qiao said defensively.
“I don’t mean it in that way. Don’t worry. Anyway, after the dust falls off, I was still confused. But then I realize…like Jacky just said…I’ve known Qiao all my life but only started to like her about a year ago. Maybe I suddenly notice girls more than my car models or…”
“Your dog.”
“That too.” He clears his throat out of habit since no is speaking at that time. “So…just to test myself some more, I try to live normal again, not acting crazy or stalking you guys anymore. I work and then get off work and then help Xiao Yu some more and sometimes hang out with Yan too. Then I realize why I like to hang around Xiao Yu so much.”
“You can bully her.”
Chen Yi lets out a nervous laugh. “That too. And because what I already mentioned. I can be me around her. I’m comfortable around her. You know why I always slide my hands around her shoulders sometimes when we hang out or maybe like we stand near each other?”
“Like the day I had to clear my throat to remind you?” Jacky asked.
“Yea, that one. I’m just comfortable with her. I wasn’t trying to play Romeo. And then…somehow we just got together. Oh yeah, remember that day at lunch when you guys asked why we have matching couple’s jackets?”
“You went shopping together?”
“Yea. But we didn’t get together yet...until that night. Anyway, the jackets were on sale so I was trying to help her boost her confidence so I agreed to get one too.”
“And you’re here today ‘cause you just want to ease Qiao’s pressure? Considering that you’ve overhead our conversation yesterday?”
“Yes. And ‘cause I want to show my Xiao Yu off!” He smiles sheepishly and slides a hand around Achel’s shoulder.
Jacky smiles. “You just can’t stay serious for long.”
“Oh come on, what are you talking about? I’m trying to relief some stress off all your minds here. So the only one out now is Ehlo. And of course the rest of the gang. But I can’t hide from them any longer. And…”
“What?”
“You guys were suspecting me during the BBQ so I had to keep calling Ehlo ‘Mr. Pervert’.”
“Clever.”
Chen Yi flashes on his proud smile.
Jacky turns to look at Ming Dao and Qiao Qiao again. “So…I guess you both are free now.”
Ming Dao smiles but Qiao Qiao still looks worried.
Chen Yi could see that Qiao Qiao’s still troubled so he puts a hand on her shoulder. “Come on. We’re going for a walk.” He turns to Ming Dao. “Need to borrow your girlfriend for a bit.” Then he turns to the others with a threatening look. “Keep my girlfriend safe or else.”
“Yes, Master,” Jacky joked, saluting.
Chen Yi points at Jacky before leading Qiao Qiao from the group. They walk towards the walkway leading out further towards the water. Qiao Qiao follows Chen Yi silently until he stops at the end of the walkway and turns around to face her again.
“Why are you still unhappy?” Chen Yi asked. “I know we still have to break it to Ehlo but…”
“Are you just doing this ‘cause you don’t want to see me sad?” Qiao Qiao asked back. “I know it was my fault for hurting you and misled you into…”
“Come on, Qiao. Would I team up with Xiao Yu to do such a thing? Am I that good of pretending?”
“You’re not that kind of person.”
“Then there you go. I know you’re feeling guilty, that’s why I left early yesterday to talk things over with Xiao Yu and the others. I don’t want to see you like that anymore. I’m happy and I want one of my best friends to be happy too.”
Qiao Qiao stares into Chen Yi’s eyes, trying to detect any signs of him trying to hold everything back just for her. Or any signs of pretention. But all she sees is her own guilt reflecting in his eyes and is staring right back at her.
“I know you’re still feeling guilty so I’ll give you a reason not to,” Chen Yi said, seeing how morbid Qiao Qiao looks.
Qiao Qiao waits for him to continue.
“I found out something quite spooky.” He pauses for emphasis. “I liked you because you were exactly like me. Isn’t that creepy or what? Liking someone like yourself is like liking yourself. How conceited is that? Or egoistical?”
Qiao Qiao laughs at that comment and also because of the disgusted look Chen Yi’s displaying on his face.
Chen Yi smiles. “That’s better.” He resumes his serious tone again. “So…promise me you’ll be happy.”
Chen Yi extends his hands out to her. Qiao Qiao hesitates before hugging him finally.
“Thanks, Chen Yi. You’re the best.”
“Wow!”
“What?”
“Hugging you wasn’t like what I imagined.”
“Huh?”
“I thought it would feel quite heavenly to hug you. But now all I’m feeling is relief. It’s like I just overcome the worst. And now we’re friends again and I don’t have to worry whether you’ll be mad with me or not. Or if we’re still going to be friends.”
“We definitely will be.”
They finally let go of each other.
Chen Yi gestures towards the walkway again. “Shall we get back now? Or they’ll think we’re eloping.”
Qiao Qiao laughs. “Glad to have you back, Chen Yi.”
“I wasn’t gone to begin with.”
“True.”
They continue back to the others side-by-side.
When they’re at the edge of the walkway, the group from the table looks up at them. Achel has taken Qiao Qiao’s place temporarily when they were gone. But now they’re back, Achel stands up again.
“I told you they didn’t elope yet!” Jacky told the others at the table, his voice rising on purpose.
Chen Yi hears that. “Very funny, Zhu Fan Gang.”
Jacky smiles. “You’re welcome.”
Bianca gets up to pull some extra chairs so Chen Yi and Achel could join them before sitting back down at her place. Qiao Qiao sits back down next to Ming Dao again.
“So…does this call for a celebration?” Chen Yi asked, scanning the others.
“Wait until we can get through Ehlo first,” Johnny said.
“By that time, I already dehydrated about six times or more.”
“Stop exaggerating,” Qiao Qiao scolded him.
“You know how he is. But I think…”
“What?”
“I think he has something going on with Wei Ru behind our back.”
“Nah, Wei Ru was just helping him getting through me.”
“Oh? But I sense something more.”
“Wishful thinking?” Bianca asked.
Chen Yi shrugs his shoulders. “Maybe.” He glances at his watch briefly. “And…Tony and Cyndi should be here soon.”
“Tony and Cyndi?” Qiao Qiao echoed.
“Yea. I was in a meeting with them yesterday and they helped me decide whether I should come here today or not. Tony and Yan supported me. Cyndi and Xiao Yu were a bit hesitant but of course Xiao Yu supports me.”
“I thought Cyndi went with Wallace yesterday.”
“Actually….” Johnny spoke up.
They all turn to Johnny.
“They left around the same time as me, but I saw them leave separately.”
“Oh…” Qiao Qiao uttered.
“Talking about that, now we’re in another mess,” Jacky said. “I don’t even know why we care so much about their love life.”
“What happened?” Qiao Qiao asked, turning to him. “Something to do with Wallace? I thought he’s with Penny.”
“I haven’t told you but I don’t think he’s with Penny. Or he wouldn’t be so down lately. I think he misunderstood that Tony’s with Cyndi, so…”
“Tony’s getting along with us better though,” Chen Yi reported. “I mean after his arrogant exterior falls off.”
“Cyndi was right. That was just a façade.”
“Is he serious about Yan then?” Jacky asked.
“I don’t know anymore. He seems more distance with her. I meant like he’s more polite to her now than before but not sure if they’re going anywhere with this in the future. He said something about getting her all riled up before but I’m not sure now.”
“Maybe he used to like Cyndi so now that he reunited with her again, he backs out?” Chen Yi suggested.
“Far-fetch but possible,” Jacky said.
“But…” Qiao Qiao began.
“Let me remind you, Missy. You were the one objecting him the whole time.”
Qiao Qiao frowns.
Jacky smiles. “That won’t help them.” He glances at his watch out of habit. “Are they coming at all?”
Before Chen Yi could reply, his cell phone rings. He picks it up and talks into it briefly before hanging up.
“Well?”
“Found something else to do with Yan so yea…”
“I guess this meeting is coming to an end?”
“Don’t we have to figure out what we’re going to do with Ehlo?” Chen Yi reminded him.
“As long as you’re not hurt, I don’t care.” Jacky gets up after that.
Bianca gets up from her seat also. “That sounds a bit harsh.”
“I did create chances for him, but I didn’t put ideas into his minds. You should have been there the day he met Qiao. He was staring.”
“Are you trying to make light of the situation again?” Johnny asked.
“You bet I am.”
As they’re continuing their conversation, they begin to walk towards the parking lot.
“Where are we going now?” Chen Yi asked. “Since we’re already up so early and out of the house.”
“I’m going back to prepare for tomorrow’s segment,” Jacky said.
“I’m going to take Qiao home or she can go with Ming Dao and I’ll…” Bianca said, gesturing her hand.
“To reduce all suspicions, you can go with Johnny but I have to take Ming Dao back or they’ll catch on to something.”
“I’ll take Qiao back so you guys can go,” Chen Yi told Bianca.
Bianca turns to Chen Yi. “You sure? What about you and Xiao Yu?”
“Come on. We’re closer than you guys are to her anyway.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Chen Yi smiles. “Don’t mention it.”
*****
“This one looks better on her,” Chen Yi argued.
“No way,” Qiao Qiao said, not backing down at all. “It looks too flowery. White still looks the best. Purity, get it?”
Chen Yi rolls his eyes. “That’s so last century. We need something special just for Orchids and Vincent. How about this yellow one then?”
“Hmm….I still say go with the white.”
Chen Yi turns to give Qiao Qiao his famous aggressive glare.
Qiao Qiao has this innocent look on. “What?”
“Are you trying to contradict me on purpose?”
“Come on, you two,” Achel interfered. “Stop arguing. You know what? She can wear both.”
Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao turn to Achel and wrinkle their face at her.
Achel smiles. “Didn’t you two forget about the reception afterwards? She can wear the fancy white one for the ceremony and the simple yellow one for the reception.”
“Huh…that’s not a bad idea,” Chen Yi admitted.
Achel and Qiao Qiao exchange a smile as Chen Yi goes back to look at the catalogs in front of them.
It appears a trip just to send Qiao Qiao home ends up in them poring over some wedding pictures for hours, helping Orchids narrow down her choices.
As Qiao Qiao’s poring over another magazine nearby, Orchids walks into the room with a tray of drinks and desserts.
Orchids smiles at the sight in front of her. “Break time, anyone?”
Qiao Qiao jumps up from the floor and heads over to where Orchids’ standing. “It’s funny that Chen Yi’s even more into this than me.”
“Hey, I won the bet after all,” Chen Yi reminded her, without looking up from the magazine. “I have to be more actively involved, right?”
Orchids looks from Chen Yi to Qiao Qiao. “It looks like you two are back to normal. What happened?”
“We’ve sort some stuffs out so…”Chen Yi said casually.
“What production or play did I miss this time?” Orchids teased.
“It’s not important anymore. The most important thing right now is preparing for your wedding. We have to make it perfect or else.”
As Chen Yi’s saying those last few words, he finally looks up from the magazine and smiles at Orchids.
“Great to know that I have you three around as back up,” Orchids said in an appreciative tone.
“Anytime.” Then he looks around the room. “Where are the angels?”
“They left half an hour ago. Xiao Qiao said she’s going to finish her novel this week.”
“Wow. I would’ve switch to writing novels too if it were that easy.”
“I think she said something about getting the right inspiration ‘cause it usually takes her longer to write one,” Qiao Qiao said.
As they’re exchanging those words, Chen Yi and Achel have joined Orchids and Qiao Qiao at the sofa. Now, they’re distributing drinks and desserts among themselves as well as continuing with the conversation. Chen Yi takes a quick sip of his apple cider before continuing.
“I wonder what Xiao Qiao’s writing about though,” Chen pondered aloud. “I mean what is there to write about here?”
“What you guys think might not be important or special might be to Xiao Qiao,” Orchids pointed out.
Chen Yi nods. “True.” Then he realizes what Achel’s doing. “Eh…what are you doing?”
Achel turns to look at Chen Yi. “What?”
“You’re ruining the food by adding in candy. And why are you eating that again? I thought I told you it’s…”
“Mr. Health Nut, stop being so strict,” Qiao Qiao said. “Like you weren’t munching on candy bars all through high school.”
Chen Yi turns to Qiao Qiao. “Like you said, that was high school.”
Achel could see where this conversation might be heading to, so she puts the other candy bar aside and begins to munch on her dessert instead.
“Anyway…” Chen Yi continued.
“What?”
“What are we going to do after this?”
“I thought you guys are…”
“Nah…we’re so going to hang around here until dark…”
“Are we going to check back with Tony ge and Yan Yan later?” Achel asked.
“Nah. Let them call us.”
Achel nods and goes back to eating.
Seeing that the three are getting along just fine, Orchids goes back downstairs again. But about 15 minutes later, she comes back. Chen Yi’s deep in thoughts about something but when he sees some shadows coming near them, he snaps to attention.
“Oh hey!” Chen Yi greeted the new arrivals. “I thought you guys want to go somewhere together instead of hanging around with us.”
Achel and Qiao Qiao had gone back to look at the wedding arrangement magazines so they didn’t notice it when Orchids came back. Now that they hear Chen Yi talking, they turn to see who had just arrived. They could see that Tony and Yan Yan are together, and Tony had settled down on the sofa next to Chen Yi while Yan Yan joins them down on the floor aside the magazines.
“Good thing that you guys came,” Qiao Qiao said in an excited tone. “We need as much help as we can.”
Tony spots the contents on the floor. “You guys been at it since morning?”
“Not really, been out for a bit before that,” Chen Yi said.
Tony suddenly remembers. “Oh, the meeting? How did it go?”
“Better than I expected it to be.”
“That’s good then.” He turns to look at Qiao Qiao. “So we’re all good now?”
Qiao Qiao smiles. “Yea.”
Tony looks at his watch. “Vincent came by at all today”
“Nah,” Chen Yi replied. “At least not that I know of.”
They turn around to look for Orchids to realize that she has gone back downstairs again.
Chen Yi turns back to Tony. “Maybe she went downstairs to wait for Vincent.”
“Possibly,” Tony said, getting up. “I’m going to join her downstairs as well. I’ll see you guys in a bit.”
They nod and turn their attention back on the wedding magazines again.
*****
As Qiao Qiao leaves with Chen Yi and Achel, Jacky and Ming Dao are about to head for Jacky’s car as well, but Bianca calls them back.
“What is it, Miss Bai?” Jacky asked, turning around to face her.
“Where did you learn about those ways of categorization in guys and the pattern they fall in love?” Bianca asked.
“What categorization?” Jacky asked with a puzzled expression. “What pattern?”
“What you said earlier about Chen Yi and the whole princess theory.”
Jacky laughs.
“What? Come on. Tell me.”
“He’s putting you on,” Johnny explained in Jacky’s place. “He was just trying to ease the tension from before and help backing Chen Yi up. Those things do happen but I don’t think that was the case for Chen Yi.”
“That means he really used Xiao Yu so that Qiao wouldn’t feel guilty?”
“I don’t think Chen Yi is that type of person,” Jacky said, regaining himself again. “I think what happened was he spent too much time with Achel lately that he discovered many things about her, so…”
“Why in the world did you tell me then?” Ming Dao asked. “Now I feel guilty if Chen Yi still likes Qiao.”
“We’ll know for sure later. But I think that Chen Yi does care for Xiao Yu. Can’t you see the way he keeps pestering her with the whole health thing and…”
“What?” Bianca asked anxiously.
“The way he looks at her.”
“Are you saying it from experience?” Bianca teased.
“Very funny.”
“All right, guys,” Johnny interfered. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Are we still going to watch that one movie?” Bianca asked.
“Uh…”
Bianca smiles. “We don’t have to.”
“Then how about…”
“What?”
“Let’s head somewhere and relax. I mean without the others. How about an amusement park or something?”
“All right then.”
Johnny turns to Jacky. “You guys want to come with us?”
“Come on,” Bianca urged.
Jacky turns to Ming Dao. “How about it?”
“That’s fine,” Ming Dao said.
“We should have asked the other three to join,” Bianca said. “I mean at least Qiao so she and Ming Dao could have some more time together.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Jacky said. “I mean it allows us more freedom now. But we can still call Chen Yi and ask him if he want to join.”
“Nah,” Ming Dao agreed with Jacky. “Let them spend time together since they need to get their friendship back on track again, right?”
Jacky pats Ming Dao on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit.”
They reach the parking lot at that time and enter their cars. Johnny follows Bianca to her car while Ming Dao follows Jacky. As soon as Jacky closes the door on the driver side, he sighs out.
“What’s wrong?” Ming Dao asked.
“Nothing,” Jacky lied. “I’m just tired. It’s a good idea Johnny suggest that we go to the amusement park and relax a bit. I need to get some stress out.”
“Things must have been hard for you these past weeks, huh?”
“You can’t imagine.”
After that, he pulls out without another word.
They end up spending most of the morning at the amusement park on different rides and enjoy themselves at different game booths.
*****
At the arrival of the following week, things seem to be quiet for the most part. In short, everything’s smooth-sealing as far as their career go. However, it couldn’t be said the same for their personal lives. There isn’t any major live changing events happening, but it is not really a promise paradise either. Jacky dives into his work 125%, not paying attention to anything else – at least that is what it seems to be. On the other hand, he and the other six people are keeping a secret to which they need to come up with the solution soon. On the top of that, Chen Yi and Achel help the others plan for Orchids’ wedding also. Only Xiao Qiao, Wei Ru, Xiao Jie, and Ehlo seem to be the only ones not having a care in the world. Xiao Qiao continues with her story while the other two girls are making their final visit to different locations to take pictures as well as take in the scenes for the last time before going home. Ehlo seems to accompany Wei Ru most of his time off-work to different places so he doesn’t seem to notice about the conspiracy involving the seven people – of which two he lives with. Wallace seems less attentive at work and seems less like his charming self. Orchids and Cyndi are worried for him although they don’t dare to ask since they want to respect his space. If he wants to share, he will. Aside from that, Laura – the new girl – seems to get along fine with the rest of them. However, without Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao, Orchids Agency seems even more quiet than ever. Even Simon couldn’t get used to it.
It is until the end of the week that things start to stir up again since Jacky has to see the three angels off. He and Qiao Qiao follow their car until the end of town before saying goodbye.
“Jacky ge, are you going to miss us?” Xiao Jie asked innocently.
“Of course,” Jacky replied automatically. “It wouldn’t be the same without you all.”
“And next time you come, be sure to look us up again,” Qiao Qiao chimed in. “We always have room for you.”
“Of course,” Xiao Jie obliged. “You guys are so fun.”
Wei Ru smiles. “If you let her talk anymore, we’ll never go.”
“Hey, I’m just being friendly.”
Jacky smiles at them, knowing too well they like to pick on each other but are very good friends.
Qiao Qiao turns to Xiao Qiao. “So…did you manage to finish your novel, Miss Xiao Yue Lan?”
Xiao Qiao nods. “I did. It’s the first time I did it so fast. But then again, I will have to go through editing and all the gists that all novels have to go through before it gets published. It just depends how they like it this time. You know how it is with book.”
Qiao Qiao nods. “We’ll be looking forward to it then.”
“All right, “ Wei Ru took over. “I think we better head off.”
“Take care then,” Jacky said.
Xiao Qiao turns to Jacky. “One last thing.”
Jacky smiles. “What?”
“Aren’t you the least curious as to what I’m writing about?”
“I’m sure I will find out when it gets published.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret.”
“What, Miss Zhao?”
“You’re my inspiration for the main character.”
Jacky smiles.
“Don’t believe me?”
“I guess it’s not impossible since…”
“You wrote a song for her, right?” Xiao Jie reminded him.
Jacky lets out a nervous smile.
“Okay,” Xiao Qiao said. “We’re off. You both take care, all right?”
Jacky and Qiao Qiao nod and wave to the girls as they return to Xiao Qiao’s car.
“When will they be back?” Qiao Qiao asked.
“Not anytime soon,” Jacky replied. “Xiao Qiao will have to spend a lot of time getting her book published and…”
“Maybe we could go visit them?”
Jacky shrugs. “Maybe.”
Qiao Qiao turns to Jacky. “Are you all right?”
“What?”
“You look so tired lately that you’re worrying us.”
“It’s life, Qiao.” He slips a hand around Qiao Qiao’s shoulder at that time. “Let’s go.”
Qiao Qiao doesn’t ask anymore questions but just lets Jacky lead her back to his car. They stay silent for the rest of the ride to Orchids’ house.
© Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 – Wednesday, December 31st, 2008