| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
On the other hand, Wallace goes back to his usual routine at Orchids Agency. He seems less interest in his surroundings and focuses in his work 100%. However, it is only a front. He looks like he’s occupied with work because he’s frequently making trips out of the agency to meet clients or taking care of matters for Orchids.
All seems quiet on different levels since they’re just getting on with their work routines and trying to set their lifestyles back into motion like before. After all, they’ve already uncovered some things and can finally rest with everyone acting like normal again. Not exactly normal to other people’s definition, but to them.
*****
It is until Wednesday that Valerie finally proceeds with her original plan. She couldn’t find the right time to approach Jo since it conflicts with her own schedule. However, she’s glad to have several more days to prepare. She’s confidence but not so negligence of her surroundings and the person she has to deal with this time. That girl might be acting out of childish antics, but she knows she still has to be very careful.
That afternoon, she waits for Jo just in front of the gift shop. And for the record, it’s actually called Niters. Valerie smiles at the silly name. It might have been better off being ‘Notorious’, she thought.
Taking a quick glance at her watch once more, she braces herself for the moment since it’s almost 5. Jacky is actually across the street – in his car, waiting for her. He insisted on coming even though she said she could take care of herself just fine.
Jo is finally off after another 5 minutes – past her working hours. Valerie straightens up since she has been leaning on the rail a distance not far from the shop. She tosses her hair back behind her shoulders before approaching Jo. Jo doesn’t seem to notice her since Jo is looking for something in her purse at that exact moment – possibly her keys.
“Jo Wu?” Valerie asked in a casual tone.
It is then that Jo looks up.
“Yes, you are?” Jo asked back.
“Valerie Tao.”
“Do I know you?”
“You will soon enough. Let’s step away from here and find another place to talk.”
Jo looks hesitant, eyeing Valerie suspicious. However, Valerie still maintains her composure.
“Scared?” Valerie asked.
Jo could sense the challenging tone in Valerie’s voice. Her anger suddenly rises since she couldn’t believe that this stranger should try to mock her.
“Sure,” Jo said in an equally challenging tone. “Why not? Let’s see who will be scared then.”
Valerie must admit Jo has some gut. The others must have been lenient when describing Jo to her since Jo just met her but seems to display such arrogance. But she knows that she’s not any better. She silently reminds herself that she’s the one in control so she shouldn’t distract herself with other irrelevant facts.
Valerie smiles. “Let’s go then.”Valerie leads Jo towards her car and signals for Jo to get in. “I’m not going to take you to a secret alley and attack you in case you’re wondering.”
Jo gets in without even having second thoughts since she could hear Valerie’s mocking tone again.
Valerie pulls out after Jo gets in safely. She checks the rearview mirror real quick to see Jacky following them at a distance. He has taken Wallace’s car so even if Jo spots the car, she wouldn’t guess it’s him.
“Where are we going really?” Jo asked.
“Ever heard of a place called Serpent Cliff?” Valerie asked back.
Jo seems to be a bit taken aback.
Valerie lets out a secretive smile. “Don’t worry. There are no serpents there like legends have it. It’s just a great place for those film-makers to scare others with those fancy effects after the shoot.”
They arrive at Serpent Cliff around 20 minutes later. Valerie maintains a casual conversation with Jo on the way just to keep her on the edge and set the mood for the upcoming “talk”. Valerie parks at a spot located inside a parking lot for visitors near the edge of the cliff and signals for Jo to get out. She knows that Jacky’s nearby so she directs Jo away from the scene as soon as possible so Jo wouldn’t notice the car if it were to come up.
“Are you going to tell me your purpose or are you going to lead me closer to the cliff and try to…” Jo asked, stopping at mid-sentence.
“I’m not going to resort to that,” Valerie reassured Jo.
They cross the street towards the other side before stopping at a railing a distance from the cliff. Valerie holsters her hands onto the rail with her back to it – leaving Jo standing a distance from her – before speaking up.
“Okay,” Valerie said, resuming the mysterious tone. “Time for the talk.”
“So, who are you actually and what’s your purpose in scaring me on the way here and…” Jo rattled off.
Valerie smiles. “I heard that you’re getting married to Jacky soon.”
“And that concerns you because?”
Valerie lets out a laugh of amusement, not believing that Jo couldn’t guess her purpose at all. “I work at the same radio station as him and the way I see it…”
“Oh! So you’re one of that Sonia’s friends and just want to speak up on her behalf, right? Well, you’re wasting your breath. Because I…”
Valerie lets out another laugh, shaking her head at Jo’s incapability to register the information into her head. “Kid, you know nothing about romance at all. And you definitely don’t know anything about Sonia. Would she want someone to speak up on her behalf? Besides, who says that I’m here to speak on her behalf?”
“Then what are you here for? Stop trying to insult me because that won’t work either.”
“This is just going to be too easy. When I heard the rumor that you’ve defeated Sonia and possibly some others and finally winning Jacky’s heart, I thought you’re some extraordinary being. I guess I’m wrong. You’re just a little girl who doesn’t know anything at all.”
“I’m warning you. Are you trying to distract me by taking me here so Sonia can meet with him somewhere and begs him to take her back?”
Valerie shakes her head. “If you’re so dumb as to not figure it out yet, I’m here for myself. Yes, that’s right. I said it. I’m declaring war on you. I’m going to take Jacky away from you, just like how you did it with Sonia. But…” She stops to point her right index finger at Jo before continuing. “…I won’t use such lowly tricks like using his parents. I will let you see what’s the proper way to win a guy’s heart.”
Jo’s face color has changed a few shades by this time – which isn’t lost on Valerie at all. She knows that everything’s going as she planned. Under one more minute, Jo will blurt the information she needs for this mission.
“You think you can do just that, right? It’s too late. The Chus already announced the wedding. They can’t back down. Besides, what makes you think you can win his heart?”
“I work with him. I have the right advantages. Besides, I won’t violate the rules if I quit my job for him.”
Jo smirks. “You say that I’m dumb but you’re even more naïve for thinking that. You know the reason why his parents agree on our marriage?”
Valerie turns on her challenging look again. “What? Don’t tell me because of your childishness.”
Jo still has on that arrogant smirk of hers. “Superstition.”
Valerie tucks her hair behind her ear again. “Kid, you don’t make sense at all.”
“Our birth dates are a perfect match and I will bring him a future of luck. You can’t beat that.”
Valerie laughs out in disbelief that it’s such a simple answer, displaying her usual amused look when she regains herself again. “You know what? I can arrange otherwise.”
“You’re just all talks and threats. What can you do? Are you going to swap my birth date and yours just like how I did it to Sonia? No way are the Chus going to believe you since I have solid connection.”
“Thank you for telling me the tip. But like you could have the brain cells to do that.”
Valerie removes her hands from the rail she has been leaning on and begins to walk away from Jo with her usual challenging smile.
“I said it and I’ll say it again!” Jo yelled after Valerie. “I did it, okay?! You’ll never top me in anything like that! Why should I care if you don’t believe me or not?! You’re just a jealous old hag!”
Valerie turns around to face Jo again, but this time with a passive expression. “Oh really? How old are you again, kid? 30? You don’t fool me with that look. Must have been a lot of plastic surgery, right?”
Jo’s face is burning red from anger by now. “Shut up! I’m only 24.”
“As if I believe you.”
After that, Valerie turns around and walks to her car, leaving Jo standing there alone. She knows that Jacky will call a Taxi to come this way casually so Jo could have some sort of transportation to escape from this place. He will know Valerie’s done when she drives away. That’s their pre-planned signal. No matter what Jo’d done, they agreed before-hand not to leave Jo here alone at such a deserted place. However, Valerie feels that this has been so easy. Why did the others fret so much?
*****
Ehlo whistles and taps on the edge of his car as he’s waiting for Jacky to lure Mrs. Chu and Jo outside.
“Would you stop it?” Angela asked from the other side.
Ehlo smiles and looks over at her. “I’m just bored, okay? Can’t I tap on my car?”
“You’re distracting us. And it’s not your car.”
Ehlo turns his attention back on the mansion. “From? And we all know why it’s not my car.”
“You’re just distracting us, okay?”
Ehlo nods. “Okay.”
“Guys,” Wallace interfered from behind Ehlo.
“Here they come now.”
“Finally,” Angela muttered.
“Someone’s impatient. Jo may be dumb but she will be suspicious if Jacky’s not careful.”
As Ehlo’s saying that, he rolls up his window so the others couldn’t see them in the car. Angela does the same to her side although it isn’t necessary. They wait for Jacky’s car to pull out first before following at a safe distance. This time, they have to use Bianca’s car since Mrs. Chu is very familiar with Ehlo’s and Wallace’s car by now to be mistaken. They have to take all precautions. Bianca’s actually driving Ehlo’s car and is already at the temple with Sonia and Valerie, waiting for their arrival. Chen Yi, Achel, Ming Dao, and Qiao Qiao are actually behind them right now since they want to watch every single detail of the operation. What about Johnny? Johnny has a photo shoot this morning and won’t make it to see the plot unfold. But they promised to tell him later when he’s back.
As they stop at a red light, Sam – who’s sitting behind Angela, speaks up.
“Do you think it’s going to work?”
“It has to or all efforts will go to waste,” Angela said.
“Auntie got out of the house, right?” Wallace pointed out. “She must believe that Jacky’s just taking her to the temple to pray. She would be more than happy to see that Jacky’s getting along with Jo as well.”
“No wonder people often say that you shouldn’t be happy when someone’s so nice to you.”
“What do you mean?” Sam asked, confused.
“See how sweet Jacky’s acting towards Jo now? It’s the hidden poison. Sudden change in attitude is scary.”
“It would creep you out if Ehlo act nice towards you then?” Wallace asked.
“If you guys want to argue, don’t bring me into it,” Ehlo said.
They continue the conversation in that manner until they reach the temple.
*****
Ehlo makes sure to park a safe distance from Jacky’s car before getting out of the car.
“Show time,” He muttered dramatically.
“I could almost imagine you putting on a pair of sunglasses while you said that,” Angela joked.
Ehlo looks over at Angela to see a teasing expression on her face. “Very funny.”
Wallace and Sam are out of the car by now as well.
“So…how should we proceed?” Sam asked.
“Let’s go find the others,” Ehlo replied.
Sam nods.
“Bianca should see them coming since she’s parked on the other side,” Wallace said.
“You know what?” Ehlo asked them. “I’m starting to really like that Valerie girl. She has style.”
“You can start a fan club for her after this if you want,” Wallace snapped.
Angela laughs at Wallace’s joke as Ehlo gives Wallace a dagger look as Wallace passes by him.
Sam could see the tension. “Come on, guys.” He puts a hand on Ehlo’s shoulder. “Let’s take care of this before we do anything else.”
Ehlo shrugs his shoulders. “Whatever. Let’s go then.”
They join Bianca and Sonia at the tree near the fortune-telling stand, knowing that Valerie already entered the main hall of the temple. She’ll probably take them here after pretending to bump into Jacky and Mrs. Chu.
*****
Valerie spots Jacky, Mrs. Chu, and Jo right away as soon as they enter the main hall. She’s actually standing next to one of the big poles waiting for their arrival. She waits until all three are done offering the incense and are about to step out before stepping forward.
“Jacky!” She called out in a cheerful tone.
Jacky turns around in every direction, trying to find the source of the voice. Valerie increases her pace and taps on his shoulder seconds later. He turns around to see her smiling at him.
“Oh, hi Val,” Jacky greeted her in an as happy tone. “What are you doing here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?"While she’s saying that, she gestures her right hand for emphasis. Jacky smiles back at her. She then turns to Mrs. Chu and Jo, extending her hand. “Hi, I’m Valerie Tao, Jacky’s colleague. You must be Mrs. Chu, Jacky’s mother. And nice to meet you again, Jo.”
Jacky silently praise Valerie for her natural acting skills. He could see the annoyed look on Jo’s face. It almost costs him a smile – which might expose their intentions. He tries to repress his laughter and focuses on Valerie’s words again.
“Nice to meet you too, Valerie,” Mrs. Chu said with a friendly smile. “You can just call me Auntie.”
“That’s even better, Auntie.” She looks around cautiously. “Are you three busy? I wouldn’t want to keep you with my random talks. I just wanted to come over and say hi since I spotted Jacky here.”
“No. We’re actually heading towards the fortune-teller’s stand to thank him.”
“Oh? You mean the one by the big tree in front? I was heading there too. Would you mind if I join you, Auntie?”
Mrs. Chu shakes her head.
Somehow, Valerie is guiding Mrs. Chu out of the front hall with her hands hooked through Mrs. Chu’s right hand while Jacky’s holding onto her left. If others were to notice, they would’ve thought that Jacky and Valerie are a couple who are guiding the mother out like a happy family. Jacky could almost blow it again as he sees Jo’s expression at that moment. However, he represses the urge to laugh again. Just a little more, he thought. He needs to be patient.
“Coming, Jo?” Jacky delivered the last blow to rattle Jo since he couldn’t resist it.
Jacky could hear her footsteps following them as they pass through the double doors. He exchanges a smile with Valerie as they turn right and walk down the right path that leads back towards the fortune-teller’s stand.
When they reach the stand, they could see that there’s a sign in front of his stand saying he’s closed for lunch. However, he’s still sitting there. They could also see three girls sitting down in front of the stand also. Upon their presence, the girls turn around. Jacky sends Sonia a smile out of habit before he could stop himself. The girls have already gotten up from their seat when they see Mrs. Chu. Bianca approaches them first while Angela and Sonia stay a safe distance away.
Bianca smiles. “Jacky. What are you doing here?”
“Just spending some time with my mom,” Jacky replied casually. Then he flashes on his teasing smile. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re here asking about your future.”
“No. Not at all. It’s about something else.”
“What’s the big secret anyway?”
“I’m not telling you,” She said before turning to Mrs. Chu. “I’m sorry, Auntie. I’m Bianca Bai, Jacky’s friend.”
Mrs. Chu smiles slightly at Bianca before looking towards the stand. She could see that Angela and Sonia have already moved away from the stand to make way for her.
“If you young ones want to talk among yourselves, you can go ahead,” Mrs. Chu said, turning to Jacky. “I’ll just step over there for a bit.”
“Sure, Mom,” Jacky said causally.
Valerie takes the opportunity to guide Mrs. Chu over to the stand. Jo also has the opportunity to guide her also since Jacky had let go of his mother’s left hand to talk to Bianca.
Upon seeing Mrs. Chu, the fortune-teller stands up to greet her. He gestures for her to sit down before he does so himself. Valerie and Jo sit down as well, sending each other dagger looks behind Mrs. Chu’s back.
Mrs. Chu smiles at the fortune-teller. “I want to come here to thank you for your advice last time. I also want to ask you for a good day to arrange their marriage.”
Mrs. Chu takes the hint to write down Jacky and Jo’s supposed birth date and hands it to the fortune-teller. She then reaches out a hand and puts it onto Jo’s hand for reassurance. Jo smiles a victory smile and stares ahead at the fortune-teller also, waiting for his delivery of good news. The fortune-teller takes a quick glimpse at Angela, Jacky, Sonia, and Bianca before turning back to Mrs. Chu and Jo. (Angela and Sonia have managed to join the other two since after Mrs. Chu sat down and are engaged in a casual conversation.)
The fortune-teller points at Jo. “Are you asking for this young lady here, Mrs. Chu?”
Mrs. Chu nods, still maintaining her smile.
The fortune-teller wrinkles his face. “It can’t be right.” He looks over to Jacky and the girls. “Miss Bai!”
All three – Angela, Bianca, and Jacky – walk over to the booth at that time. Sonia’s tagging behind them at a safe distance.
“What’s wrong, sir?” Jacky asked on their behalf.
“Wrong birth date,” The fortune-teller informed them. “She can’t be this person here.” He points at the paper in his hand. “But your birth date…” He points at Jacky. “…is correct.”
“What are you saying?” Mrs. Chu asked. “You took a look at it last time.”
“I did, ma’am,” The fortune-teller said. “But she wasn’t around so I was just saying it by the birth dates and not the face. By looking at her, I know she’s not this person.” He points at the paper again.
Mrs. Chu turns to Jo. “Jo, did you…”
Jo turns to the fortune-teller. “What are you saying? It is my birth date.”
Jacky steps closer to the table. “Let me see it. I should know.”
Jo’s face turns a bit pale but she tries to maintain her composure in front of Mrs. Chu. Jacky takes the paper from the fortune-teller and studies it. The others could see his wrinkled up face – not out of confusion or anger but recognition.
“What’s wrong?” Mrs. Chu asked her son.
Jacky turns to look at his mother finally. “This is Sonia’s birth date. How did you get it?”
“Well, I thought that I bring both birth dates in for him to see since I heard about how well you and Sonia were getting along but unfortunately, she didn’t make it. But…”
Then Mrs. Chu realizes it. She turns to Jo. Jo jumps up from her seat before Mrs. Chu could ask her.
“They’re all lying, Auntie,” Jo blurted out. “He’s just trying to get back at me just because you don’t agree to their marriage and their bad fortune if they’re together. They probably paid him…” She points at the fortune-teller. “…to set this up.”
“I’m sorry, Miss,” The fortune-teller said, somewhat offended. “But I wouldn’t do such a thing.” Then he observes Jo more carefully.
“What’s wrong, sir? Jacky asked.
“Wait a minute.” He stands up upon realizing it. “I recognize you. You’re that girl who was here that one time when I was in a hurry to pick up my kid. You were wearing sunglasses and dark clothes that day but I recognize you, especially that voice. “
Mrs. Chu turns back to him. “What are you talking about?” She looks around at the others. “Would someone please explain this to me?”
The fortune-teller tells Mrs. Chu what happened several days before the day Mrs. Chu came to him with the birth dates.
“This is outrageous!” Jo exclaimed. “You’re lying!”
Jo is now actually standing a safe distance from them all, trying to protect herself from the so-called “accusation”. Valerie takes this time to step forward to face Jo.
Valerie smiles. “Are they lying or are you?”
“Shut up!” Jo bellowed, pointing at Valerie. “You’re just using this opportunity to your advantage! You’re probably in this with them too. You’re just pretending to help him and that Sonia because you want to gain their trust so you can get to Jacky. Don’t you dare sacrifice me for your schemes.”
Valerie still smiles. “Kid, you’ve got a lot to learn.”
Mrs. Chu’s a bit surprised at Valerie’s sudden change of tone – opposing to her sweet voice from before. The others are actually used to Valerie’s tactic by now so they’re just observing the scene unfold.
“You know why I’m so confident?” Valerie asked. “Because I…” She stops to point at herself. “… have proof.”
“You’re just making it up to frame me.”
“Is this some sort of misunderstanding?” Mrs. Chu asked.
Jacky puts a hand on Mrs. Chu’s shoulder. “Mom, let Valerie continue.”
Jo turns to Mrs. Chu. “See, Auntie? I told you he’s in on it.” She turns her attention to Jacky. “She’s just trying to win your heart by helping you in this. She told me the other day.”
Valerie shakes her head. “Kid, you’re wasting time. It’s no use.”
Valerie finally relieves everyone from the wait. She reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls out a compact-sized recorder. She presses “Play” and turns the volume up so the others could hear it as well. There are some background noises before they hear any talking. When it comes on, they hear the conversation being exchanged between Valerie and Jo, starting with Valerie saying, “I heard that you’re getting married to Jacky soon.” At first, Mrs. Chu couldn’t stop staring at Valerie, trying to figure her out. However, when it gets near the end, she directs her attention towards Jo. Jo knows that she’s in for good since she’d never guessed that Valerie had set up a trap for her. Mrs. Chu’s face has changed a few shades since she heard the first of Jo’s confession on the tape – from both anger and disappointment. However, Valerie’s the first one to speak up after the tape’s done playing.
“Kid, you’re careless I wonder how you’ve thought of that little scheme in the first place. And let me clarify it for you. The only truth in this whole thing is that I like Jacky. But I won’t use such despicable methods to take him away from others.”
Jo knows that she couldn’t defend herself anymore since she’s already exposed. Mrs. Chu’s sharp looks are already tearing her apart, making her unable to shoot anymore attacks back at Valerie.
“How could you play on my trust like that?” Mrs. Chu asked.
“Auntie, I…I…” Jo stuttered.
Jo doesn’t know what to say at that moment. She suddenly bursts into tears, causing everyone around to be surprised since she has been so firm on her words towards Valerie before. Is this the result of the pressure of having everyone starring at her at that very moment?
“Jo, no matter how hard you cry, you can’t convince me otherwise,” Mrs. Chu said.
Just when the others are exchanging looks all around, not knowing what to say, they see Angela stepping up.
“Auntie, she didn’t mean to deceive you in such ways,” Angela said. “I think she did it because of her love for Jacky. Even if she knows it’s not the best way to approach the situation.”
The others are more than taken aback by Angela’s reaction than Jo’s sudden crying episodes. They couldn’t believe that Angela should step up to defend a girl who they have been trying to expose since last Sunday. Moreover, it is she who has been so anxious to help Sonia the whole time while they were planning their trap. How could she defend the enemy just when things are finally brought to light?
Mrs. Chu – not knowing Angela very well – gives Angela a warm smile. She then turns to Jacky. “It looks like you have a good group of friends.” Then she turns back to Angela. “You are wise for your age, young one.”
“Each of us has our priorities in life already set in mind,” Angela continued. “But not all of us know how to take the right approach to achieve our goals. That’s why I think it’s better to forgive than to set shame upon that person’s mistake.”
Mrs. Chu smiles again. “Don’t worry.” She pats Angela’s hand for to reassure her. “I won’t take it out on her or anyone. “
“Mom, I hope you’re not proceeding with the wedding,” Jacky said, feeling their chance slipping by. He gives Angela a dagger look behind Mrs. Chu’s back as he says that since she seemed to have undone their effort and softened his mother’s heart. She shoots a look back at him when Mrs. Chu turns towards him. “She might’ve have done it out of 'love', but I’m not marrying someone who pulled such a trick on our family.”
“Just because I want to listen to your friend and forgive her doesn’t mean she still gets special treatment,” Mrs. Chu said. “Even if I finally realize how my overly concern with birth dates and fortunes had caused, I won’t let someone get away with playing on my trust.”
Jacky smiles back at his mother before stepping over to where Sonia’s standing. He tugs on her left arm and leads her over to Mrs. Chu. Sonia smiles and gives Mrs. Chu a polite nod full of respect.
“Mom, this is your future daughter-in-law,” Jacky said.
He could see Sonia blushing. Even if she seems to be the strong and aggressive type at work, but she couldn’t help but feeling a bit strange upon hearing him say that, especially in front of his own mother.
Mrs. Chu smiles. “Nice to finally meet you, Sonia.”
Just then, they hear Ehlo’s voice from behind them. They turn around to see him, Wallace, and Sam walking out from behind the big tree with a camcorder in his hand.
“And this is a wrap, everyone,” Ehlo said, continuing his speech from before. “Nice job. You’ve been witnessing a production from Huang and Huo. Thanks for everyone’s cooperation and support.”
Angela steps away from her spot near Mrs. Chu and walks towards Ehlo. “Huang…Yu…Rong…”
Ehlo smiles innocently at her. “What? I can’t capture a historical moment? Not to mention such a touching one too. You’re the best by the way with your lines. I would’ve never thought you’ll be so forgiving.”
Mrs. Chu has on a confused expression. “Ehlo? Wallace? What are you doing here?” She then turns to the others. “Are you guys up to something again?”
“Don’t worry, Auntie,” Wallace reassured her. “We’ll explain it from the top.”
For the next ten minutes, Ehlo and Wallace take turns to fill Mrs. Chu in on their discoveries since this past weekend up until their plans. Somehow along the way, Jo had stopped crying and is listening in as well but at a corner a distance away from them all. The fortune-teller ends up not taking his lunch break like he planned after helping them as a witness. He listens intently with interest also.
When they’re done, Mrs. Chu speaks up again.
“You kids could’ve told me instead of going through so much.”
“Mom, would you have believed us?” Jacky asked.
Mrs. Chu hesitates for a bit then nods in agreement to Jacky’s words. “All right. Should we all go back and tell your father the news?”
Ehlo brightens up. “Good idea, Auntie. I’ll come and visit as well.”
Angela gives him a look. “You just want to finish the last part of the Huang and Huo production.”
Ehlo leans in and whispers to her, “And the food too.”
Angela shoves him aside and begins to walk back out to the direction where they parked earlier.
Mrs. Chu turns to the fortune-teller and thanks him once again before walking with them down the path that leads back towards front.
“Miss. Chang, remember what I told you earlier,” The fortune-teller yelled after them. “That person is present right now.”
Ehlo turns to Angela. “What’s he talking about?”
Wallace – who’s walking on Angela’s right side – turns to her as well.
“What?!” Angela exclaimed. “Is this a staring contest?”
Bianca smiles. “You won’t believe what he told Angela the other day!”
“Bai Xin Hui!”
“This must be good,” Ehlo said with a sly smile. “What did the fortune-teller tell her?”
“He said that someone’s going to confess to her in the upcoming month!” Bianca exclaimed out, ignoring Angela’s glare.
Angela’s face is burning red by now. Whether is it from anger or embarrassment, they’re not sure themselves. She has already increased her pace after receiving some more stares from the others so they have no other chance to observe any further.
“It’s definitely not Jacky if we’re going by what he just said now,” Ehlo teased. “You know, with him being present right now.” He turns to Wallace. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to get back together.”
“You just have too much time on your hands,” Wallace said.
After that, Wallace increases his pace also.
Ehlo turns to Bianca. “What did I say?”
“You’re beyond help,” Bianca muttered.
She takes this opportunity to double back to the side parking lot to retrieve Ehlo’s car.
Ehlo suddenly realizes that Jo’s lagging behind them. “Hurry up, Jo! You’re the main star of the next scene here, wouldn’t want to delay the production, would you?”
“Huang Yu Rong!” Angela shouted out from the front.
Ehlo quickly catches up to her and walks side-by-side with her again. He flashes on his innocent smile. “What?”
“Stop rubbing salt onto someone’s injury!”
Ehlo gets into the saluting mode. “Yes, ma’am!”
“Remember what I told you the other day, Huang Yu Rong,” Valerie said, walking on Angela’s left.
Angela turns to Valerie. “What are you talking about?”
Ehlo still has on his teasing smile. “She wants to get together with me behind your back.”
Angela hits him on the shoulder before turning to Valerie for the “accurate” explanation.
“Nothing,” Valerie said. “It was some unfinished business between us. Anyway, I’m going to leave, okay? Since I’m done for the day already.”
Jacky hears their conversation although he and Sonia are guiding Mrs. Chu down the path in front of the chattering group. He turns around and gives Valerie a gratitude smile once again as she approaches him.
Valerie smiles back. “Don’t mention it, Zhu Fan Gang. Remember to take good care of Sonia or else.”
Jacky smiles again. “Yes, Miss Tao.”
Valerie turns to Mrs. Chu. “I’ll be going now, Auntie. Sorry for my rude behaviors earlier. I’ll come by to visit sometimes.”
“I should thank you for helping our Jacky,” Mrs. Chu said.
“It’s my pleasure.”
After that, she leaves them.
“She’s just amazing, man,” Ehlo complimented. “She’s actually the most incredible out of all of you girls here. Well, except for Angela’s aggressiveness of course. No one could win a fight with her.”
Angela turns to give him a look for starting with her – yet again.
“Come on now. You must admit that although all of you pretend to be strong on the outside, but you’re vulnerable on the inside. Only Valerie could carry on with such confidence and poise.”
“You’re into creative writing now?” Wallace asked in a mocking tone.
“Shut up! You’re ruining my mood!”
They’ve reach the front entrance at that time. They could see Bianca driving Ehlo’s car up towards them also, parking into a spot nearby. Ehlo steps forward to give Bianca her key back as she steps out of the car to do the same with his. While they’re doing that, Jacky and Sonia are leading Mrs. Chu across the street to Jacky’s car – with Jo still lagging behind.
Bianca looks at Angela. “Coming with me?”
“Of course,” Angela confirmed. “If I stay with ‘Huang and Huo’ any longer, I might blow up.”
Ehlo turns to Wallace. “Sorry, Huo, you’re out.” He turns back to Angela with a smile. “Now you only have to deal with me.”
“Whatever.”
She follows Bianca after that without another word. Ehlo takes a quick scan of the street for cars before proceeding with Wallace and Sam on either of his sides. When they’ve safely crossed, Chen Yi turns around from his car – since he has been facing in the other direction to talk to Ming Dao and the girls.
“How did it go?” Chen Yi asked.
“Awesome!” Ehlo said. “You should’ve been there. But it’s no problem. I got it all captured.” He taps on his camcorder for emphasis.
Although Chen Yi and the others claimed that they want to watch the show and wouldn’t want to miss any part of it, but they do not want to sabotage the group’s plan either. Too many tagging along might attract unwanted attention, causing Jo to react if she should recognize them – especially Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao, so they’ve been waiting by their car for further news.
“Great that you did, Huang,” Wallace interrupted Ehlo’s story-telling. “Can we get going now? Jacky already left. We might miss the next shooting if we don’t hurry. Even Angela and Bianca are gone.”
Qiao Qiao wrinkles her face. “What are you guys talking about?”
“I’ll tell you later when we reach there,” Ehlo said.
Without further ado, they – Ehlo, Wallace, and Sam – cross the street again to Ehlo’s car and pulls out at last. It actually implies it literally also since Chen Yi had pulled out while they were getting in the car.
****
The next day, they meet again in front of the Chu mansion to talk. This time, Johnny’s around also. Jacky had stayed with his parents since yesterday afternoon so they’re just meeting him there to check up on further news.
“So…how do you feel now, man?” Ehlo asked.
“Relief actually,” Jacky admitted.
“I feel you. You’ve finally got rid of Jo, right? Why didn’t we socialize with Valerie earlier? This conflict would’ve been solved much earlier too.”
“You’ve been praising her non-stop,” Wallace said. “Is she really your new target? Or is it still Xiao Ru?”
“Huo, you want to disperse? Stop exposing my motives!”
“Guys!” Bianca interfered.
Ehlo and Wallace turn to her at the same time. “ What?!”
“We’re here to ask Jacky about his family’s well being, not argue.”
Ehlo and Wallace turn their aggressive look off since they know Bianca’s right. They turn their attention to Jacky – like the others as well, waiting for him to update them.
“After you guys left, Jo’s parents wanted to move out since…” Jacky gestures his hand. “…you know.”
“Embarrassment or shame?” Ehlo asked.
“I think a little of both.”
“I guess their daughter has gone too far,” Wallace pointed out. “After all, it’s one thing with being so thick-skin as to cling to your family for status and connection, but it’s another with cooking up such a scheme? So what happened in the end?”
“Mom agreed because she could see how embarrassed they were. She doesn’t want to force them to try and forget it. Dad said that it would be good to let us all have some time and space for this thing to pass also.”
Ehlo nods. “So what’s left now?”
“I don’t know.” He turns to the others for suggestions.
“Maybe go somewhere to relax since we all need a break after this whole thing?” Angela suggested.
“How about dropping the good news on Uncle Ben?” Ehlo continued.
“Good idea,” Bianca said. “I mean he has been quite upset about what happened too.”
“Then it’s set?” Angela asked.
“You bet,” Ehlo replied.
Since the others don’t seem to object, Ehlo turns to go to his car. He’s not really paying attention while he’s walking so he ends up bumping into Angela who is walking a few steps in front of him.
“Watch it!” Angela exclaimed.
“Sorry, dear…” Ehlo started to say.
“Cork it.”
Johnny and Bianca have been walking behind them the whole while since Bianca’s car is parked in front of Ehlo’s. Now that they see another set of dramas about to unleash, they couldn’t help but brace themselves for it.
“I guess you guys won’t be going in the same car then, considering how you two aren’t getting along at all,” Wallace noted, walking up to them.
Angela turns on Wallace. “Who says so? If I don’t, he’ll think that I’m scared of him.”
“Aggressive, aren’t we?” Ehlo commented.
“Move it already. We’re wasting time.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The others continue walking again since the drama seems to cease for the time being.
When they actually arrive at their designated area, the others watch closely to see if Angela would follow through with her words – aka going with Ehlo. Only Jacky and Sonia aren’t with them since Jacky’s car is park right in front of his mansion – instead of out on the street like theirs.
“Are you backing out?” Ehlo asked in a challenging tone.
“You wish!” Angela shot back.
“This will get so interesting,” Chen Yi said before turning to Wallace. “You’re better off with me and Xiao Yu.”
“I guess I have no choice,” Wallace said.
“Or you can go with Jacky,” Qiao Qiao pointed out.
“Major suicidal.”
“Are you implying that my driving is dangerous?” Jacky hollered over to them.
Even though he’s not with them, but he could still hear them considering how quiet this neighborhood is.
“No!” Wallace hollered back. “More like I need motion sickness meds!”
“Suit yourself,” Jacky muttered, turning back to Sonia and signaling for her to get in the car as he does the same.
Qiao Qiao grabs Ming Dao’s hand. “Come on. We have to make sacrifices for the others.”
“What?” Ming Dao asked, confused.
“If Wallace doesn’t want to go with Jacky, we have to since we came with Chen Yi earlier, remember? We can’t all squeeze into his race car.”
“Oh.”
“Good luck, man,” Chen Yi said to Ming Dao. “I hope you survive.” Then he turns to the others again. “How about we see who gets there first?”
Before he finishes, he’s already tugging on Achel’s hand and increasing his speed to his car.
The rest doesn’t want to waste anymore time either. Sam ends up going with Johnny and Bianca in Bianca’s car since the others are already switching around. Moreover, no one would dare to enter the same car with Ehlo and Angela. Yesterday was an exception because they were still trying to achieve their mission and wouldn’t do anything rash to sabotage their own team’s moves.
© Thursday, February 26th, 2009 – Friday, February 27th, 2009
Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2009