| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“Hey, you look like you’re up to something,” Qiao Qiao said while she’s waling in.
Wallace just lets out another smile before shutting the door behind everyone and switching the sign to “Closed” also.
“Ready to go to the festival?” Chen Yi asked. “Or…should I say…ready to face up to the challenge? I heard you haven’t started yet.”
Wallace doesn’t answer Chen Yi but turns to Tony. “You told him?”
“It wasn’t me,” Tony said. “Somehow, he found out.”
Wallace wrinkles his face. “Who told him then?”
Then they turn to Chen Yi at the same time.
“It was Angela jie, but she told us how strange you guys were for competing about something like this,” Chen Yi explained.
“Where’s the fun if there isn’t anything exciting going on, right?” Wallace asked rhetorically.
They’re surrounding the desk area by now. Cyndi is just listening in with them while Simon has waved them a goodbye before heading out.
Tony looks around the room out of habit. “What happened to Jacky? I guess he left to pick up Sonia?”
“He doesn’t work here anymore,” Wallace informed Tony.
“It was just last week that he settled in.”
“That’s life. Orchids found someone to replace him already and besides, it was just a temporary job to begin with. He wouldn’t die if he doesn’t have it. He was thinking about opening up his own business too, so…”
“What?”
“That’s him.”
“So…Orchids ready?”
“She’s probably going with Vincent and with his family for a family dinner.”
“I guess I’m better off than them.”
“Guess so. So, I guess you’re ready to tell us about failing?”
“Says who?”
Wallace turns to see Yan Yan smiling at him. “Her smile doesn’t prove anything.”
Tony takes a hold of her hand – to which she doesn’t react.
“All right. I believe you.”
“I can’t believe what Angela said is true,” Cyndi commented. “You guys are nuts to bet like this.”
Wallace turns to Cyndi. “I must admit it’s crazy because whoever loses will have to endure Qiao’s cooking for…”
“What?!” Qiao Qiao exclaimed, outraged. “So it was your idea after all?”
Wallace turns back to Qiao Qiao. “Sorry, it wasn’t mine, but…” Wallace doesn’t dare to look at Tony since he knows he had agreed to the terms too. He can’t sell Tony out. He clears his throat as he flashes on his charming smile to win Qiao Qiao over. “It was just for fun, okay? Besides, I think Ehlo’ll be willing – after all.”
“Are you bluffing?” Tony asked. “You haven’t forgotten that you didn’t even do yours yet.”
Wallace smiles. “Don’t worry. By tonight, we’ll see.”
Tony points his sunglasses at Wallace. “We’ll definitely see.”
“What are you guys up to?” Orchids asked from behind them.
Everyone turns their attention to her.
“We’re watching a show unfold,” Chen Yi informed her.
“I’m locking up, eh?” Wallace asked., diverting the subject towards a different direction on purpose.
Orchids smiles. “Thanks, Wallace.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Orchids gives the others a slight nod before heading for the door. The others know that Vincent is probably waiting for her outside so they don’t want to keep her long. After Orchids is outside, the others turn back to each other.
“When are you going to do your end of the challenge, Huo?” Tony asked.
“We’ll see,” Wallace said.
Tony looks at his watch. “You do live dangerously, don’t you? By the time we meet up to watch the performance, that is the deadline, you know.”
“I know. Don’t have to worry for me.”
“I guess we’re leaving first.”
Wallace nods. “See ya.”
The others follow Tony out.
When it is just Wallace and Cyndi again, Wallace turns to her but she turns away from him. He could see that she’s beginning to pack so he walks over to her.
Wallace clears his throat. “May I have a word?”
“Don’t ask me if I’m going to the festival with anyone ‘cause what difference does it make? We’re all meeting there tonight anyway, right? I’ll probably go with…”
“Care to stop a bit so I can talk to you?”
Cyndi finally takes the hint to stop talking and turns her attention to him again. “What? Don’t we always pack and talk at the same time?”
“I need your help with something.”
“What?”
“You guys still here?” A voice asked from the door.
Wallace and Cyndi turn to see Penny walking in.
“Hey,” Cyndi greeted Penny. “You’re here for Melody or…”
She stops because she could see the bracelet on Penny’s hand. It is the exact shade. What in the world is Mr. Huo talking about? He already succeeded. And he was just putting them on after all with not doing his confession yet.
Wallace walks to Penny. “I thought I locked that door.”
Penny smiles. “Obviously not.”
Wallace grabs the door and locks it before turning back to her.
Penny gestures her hand. “So, you ready yet?”
“I was just locking up.”
“Melody and I will wait for you outside?”
Wallace nods.
Penny turns to Cyndi. “See you later at the fair, Cyndi!”
Cyndi smiles at her.
Wallace waits for her to exit before turning back to retrieve his briefcase. “Okay, no more interruptions. I need to get this straightened out so all of us can go on.”
“No need,” Cyndi said. “I saw it. And if anyone was saying anything about you and me, I’ll tell them not to talk nonsense behind our back anymore.”
Wallace is at her side again and is smiling while she’s saying that.
“What? You think it’s funny? I’m just trying to be helpful here, Mr. Huo.”
Wallace has just picked his briefcase up from his desk but now he tosses it aside on one of the desks again. She watches his action in silence as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a lavender bracelet, raising it to their eye level. Her expression turns from passiveness to surprise. She still looks intently at him, trying to figure out his motive. He suddenly reaches his left hand out to take hers. Then his right hand slips the bracelet gently onto her hand. He tightens the string a bit so it would fit her better before turning to look at her again.
Wallace smiles. “Like it?”
Cyndi is suddenly lost for words. She doesn’t know how to react although she’d been anticipating this moment many times before in the past.
“I thought…but…” She stuttered.
“Don’t like it? The shade’s off? Mine’s a bit darker since I like it that way.”
Wallace points his right index finger to his left hand where Cyndi could see the dark purple bracelet on it. This isn’t the first time she’d seen it since he has been wearing it for the past week. However, it is the first time that she sees the lavender bracelet on her hand so she’s just trying to see how well the two fit together.
“So, how do you like it?” Wallace asked again, snapping her attention back on the current situation.
Cyndi, still unsure of the whole situation, looks up at Wallace again.
“ Okay, okay. I’m cutting corners so I should use the proper way, right?” He clears his throat. “Wang Xin Ling, are you willing to go with an idiot like me?”
“But…but…”
“Your senior Xie Zhi has someone now. You’re stuck with me.”
“Huo Jian Hua!”
Wallace puts his hands on her shoulders, smiling still. “I’m just kidding. So, are you willing to accept me?”
“I thought you told the others that you’re confessing to Penny and…I saw her bracelet.”
Wallace smiles. “That’s where I’m clever. Everyone present last time had a big mouth. Even Chen Yi and Qiao know already. Do you think Jacky didn’t spill it either? It would have been an accident but still. Would I ever let anyone spoil my surprise?” He pauses for emphasis. “Besides, you understand me more than anyone, right? Do I look sincere enough or do I have to try harder?”
“I…”
“I admit that I’m an idiot for backing down when I see a strong threat like Tony but thanks to Jacky for being such a coward. So I thought it over while we were having that celebration weeks ago. I didn’t take any actions right away afterwards because I just want to surprise you today. After all, it’s the mid-autumn festival, right?”
Wallace reaches his hands out to wipe away the tears that had unknowingly fallen down her cheeks.
“I…”
Before she could force herself to say something, Wallace pulls her to him, hugging her tightly. She finally realizes the reality of the situation. Absent-mindedly, she slides her hands around him, hugging him back.
“I’m sorry for not saying it out earlier,” Wallace said softly. “I’m such a coward I guess I shouldn’t have criticized Jacky.”
“No, you’re not,” Cyndi said, finally finding her voice. “I’m not any better. I kept going with Senior Xie Zhi and the others ‘cause I just assumed that you and Penny were…”
“Miss Chen and Miss Lin were just using me as an adviser to buy items for their boyfriend.”
Cyndi nods into his shoulder.
“Wang Xin Ling…”
“Hmm?”
“Are you willing to date such a jerk who doesn’t know how to cherish you until what it seems to be too late?”
“I could try.”
Wallace smiles, holding onto her a bit tighter. She doesn’t seem to mind the pressure though. She lets him hold onto her, feeling so relief that everything turned out All right. No words could describe this feeling of felicity. As Cyndi’s lost in her own thoughts, Wallace promises himself silently that he will never let go of her again.
*****
Angela and Bianca take turns looking around the lot for the others. Bianca’s about to take out her cell phone and calls them when Angela calls her name.
“What?” Bianca asked.
“They’re here,” Angela answered.
“It’s about time too. It’s getting late.”
“It’s still early. It’s just that it’s getting dark faster nowadays. Or…”
Bianca could see the sly smile on Angela’s face. “What?”
“Are you just anxious to see your man?”
Bianca ignores Angela and turns her attention back to the parking lot. Angela smiles and turns in that direction also. They could see Jacky walking towards them with Sonia – hand-in-hand. Johnny and Ehlo are actually getting out from Ehlo’s car. When they’re closer, Angela and Bianca wave to them.
“Hey!” Angela yelled to them, with her hands cupping her mouth. “Showing off your relationship in public, huh? Aren’t you afraid we’re going to be jealous?”
Bianca smiles. “I’m not the least bit jealous.”
Angela turns to Bianca. “Of course you’re not since you have Johnny.”
“What are you implying?”
“Nothing.”
“Hey, my fiancée’s upset again?” Ehlo asked. “Who triggered you this time?”
Both girls turn around to see that the other four are standing in front of them already.
“Stop acting like that or Wei Ru will definitely…” Angela scolded.
“She’s not mad that easily. Besides…”
“Sure. Tell me that when you end up crying to us over a beer or two.”
“Stop being dramatic, Missy.”
“Where are the others?” Jacky asked, breaking through Ehlo and Angela’s argument.
“Probably they parked at the other lots or didn’t come yet,” Bianca said. “Let’s go or we’ll be late for the opening.”
As she says that, she grabs Johnny’s hand to go.
“Let’s go, guys,” Ehlo echoed. “You heard her.”
Ehlo slips his hand around Angela’s shoulder as he’s catching up with Johnny and Bianca. Angela slaps his hands off and continues on her way. Jacky turns to smile at Sonia before following the others also. Ehlo doesn’t give up since he catches up to her, walking side-by-side with her – putting Jacky and Sonia behind them again. However, he doesn’t slip his hand around her shoulders like before.
“Oh come on,” Ehlo said. “It’s the mid-autumn festival. Could you at least be a little more enthusiastic?”
“I’m just trying to remind you to set your priorities straight,” Angela said in an as a matter of fact tone.
“Good to know you’re concerned for me,” He said, flashing on his mischievous grin. “Talking about that, want to help me with something?”
“What?” Angela asked in an unconvinced tone.
Ehlo reaches into his pocket and takes out an item. Jacky and Sonia could see that it’s a bracelet with various shades of green when he brings it up to the light. Angela doesn’t see it since she’s facing front and is paying attention to where she’s going. Ehlo takes the opportunity to slide his right hand around her shoulders again, bringing the bracelet towards her vision line. Angela’s about to slap his hand off but she could see the bracelet shimmering in the light. Confused, she turns to him.
“What?” She asked.
Ehlo smiles. “Want to try it on for size? Helping a friend in need?”
“Because?”
“Her hand and yours are about the same. I just want a little help. Would you want me to be embarrassed in front of all my friends if it doesn’t fit?”
Jacky and Sonia continue to watch with curiosity as they continue through the entrance after Johnny hands his and Bianca’s ticket to the person at the gate. Ehlo grabs Angela’s ticket and combines it with his before handing it to the person. Jacky does the same with his and Sonia when it’s their turn. When they’re finally inside, they still walk in pairs of three with Ehlo still waiting for Angela’s answer.
“Well?” Ehlo urged.
Angela looks back at the bracelet in front of her before turning to Ehlo again. Before she could answer him, he grabs her left hand and secures the bracelet onto it. He ends up bringing her hand up a little higher to admire the bracelet in the light also.
Ehlo smiles. “Hey, not bad.”
Angela yanks her hand back and is trying to take it off but she’s having a little trouble since Ehlo seems to secure it really good on her hand. He watches her struggle with a smile still apparent on his face. Of course his hand had already left her shoulders since she yanked her hand back from him.
“Come on, it’s not funny,” Angela said, frustrated.
“Hey, you know what?” Ehlo asked, ignoring her impatient.
“Yea, I know. You can really tie a knot. Now would you take it off already?”
Angela ends up extending her left hand towards him so he could remove it for her. He reaches out to take her hand into his but doesn’t remove it right away. His expression seems to be saying something along the line of “Teasing her is so fun, I’ll let her cringe some more before I let her off.”
“Come on.”
“Patient, dear.”
“Huang Yu Rong!”Although she sounds fierce but her face shows some traces of embarrassment more than frustration.
“Okay, okay. But do you notice something?”
Angela wrinkles her face. “What?”
“The bracelet matches with your shirt.”
Angela rolls her eyes. “Whatever. It’s a coincidence.” Then she stops herself. She didn’t realize that she’s wearing green although she did spent quite an amount of time before deciding on the green shirt for tonight’s occasion. Not believing him, she looks down at her own shirt just to make sure. Then she turns her attention back on the bracelet – and their linked hands. “Stop smiling like that. You’re creeping me out. Let go.”
“Does that mean you don’t want me to remove the bracelet anymore?”
Angela yanks her hand away from his finally. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’ll just buy it off from you and you can make another one for your girl. It’s green anyway. My favorite color. Name your price.”
“You don’t have to, it’s for you.”
Angela stops dead in her tracks. He stops also. She turns around to look at him straight in the face. Somehow, Johnny and Bianca realize that they’re not following anymore so the two turn back also to see the other four are stopping out of nowhere – with Jacky and Sonia standing a safe distance away from Ehlo and Angela. Before Johnny or Bianca could speak up to investigate, Angela speaks up again.
“You’re not pulling an early April’s fool on me, are you? ‘Cause honestly…”
“What? You don’t like it? I thought you just said green is your favorite color.”
“Green is my favorite color but...”
“But what?”
“It’s not funny that you’re putting me on just like that.”
“Who says I was putting you on? I’m serious.”
“You can’t be serious as to believe it’s a friendship bracelet, right? Qiao pulled that one on Jacky so you guys should know by now.”
“So does that means I just got rejected…again?”
“Huh?”
Angela didn’t mean for it to come out that way but she feels more confused than ever of what Ehlo’s trying to get at.
Jacky’s about to walk up to them but Sonia pulls him back again, signaling that Ehlo can handle it. Johnny – the usual peace-maker – isn’t playing his role this time, but he just stands there observing in silence.
“I said the bracelet is for you,” Ehlo continued. “That means I’m confessing that I like you.”
“Huh?”
“Stop the ‘huh’ thing already! It makes you sound dumber than dumb.”
“Huang Yu Rong!”
Ehlo smiles. “That’s more like it.”
“I swear I just imagined you said something like you like me.”
“I did say it.”
“Practicing for later, right? Show’s over. I’m sure Wei Ru will like it too. Nice knowing about it too. Make a new bracelet for her. I think she likes pink better.”
Angela turns to leave again but Ehlo grabs her left hand to stop her.
“What?”
“Why are you so convinced that I like Wei Ru and is just putting you on?”
“You’ve been saying it to us these past weeks!” Jacky and Johnny shouted out at the same time, getting quite impatient with Ehlo’s slow tactic.
“You’re not helping!” Ehlo shouted back.
Bianca and Sonia try to calm Johnny and Jacky down again as they continue to observe the scene.
“Why are you yelling at them?” Angela scolded Ehlo. “They’re right.”
Ehlo turns his attention back on Angela. “I didn’t mean to. But they weren’t helping at all.”
“Why should they? We’ll be late for the show if you keep this up.”
“Zhang Shao Han.”
Angela turns to face him again, surprised at his serious tone. “What?”
“I’m serious about liking you. Are you willing to give me a chance?”
Angela tries to detect any signs of conspiracy in his eyes but couldn’t. She couldn’t be sure if his acting had gone up to another notch though.”Huang…Yu…Rong, you gotta be kidding me, right?”
Ehlo shakes his head. “No, I’m afraid not.”
“You…”
“I know I don’t like Wei Ru because I could function all right when she left. But when you’re not around as much anymore recently, I really miss you.”
Angela still couldn’t react.
“I know it’s silly to say you’re not around as much because we always hang out as a group during the weekends. But it was so much more fun when we tried to help Jacky get out of the mess and how we always fight. Even if it’s the silliest things at first, but I come to enjoy it more and more. It’s like an addiction that I can’t get rid of. Did you know that I want to beat Wallace up right there and then when he told Valerie that you were his ex? How inconsiderate could he get when he’s so smart? It’s also partially because it caused you to leave while we were still talking away. And you know how crazy I was the other day? I was standing around in front of the theater checking the weekend schedule for new movies and I saw Xiao Ling Ling’s other film coming out already. I was thinking to myself if you’ve seen it yet and…I remembered back how much fun we were having when we discussed her last adapted film. I realized despite our fights, we have the same frame of mind. And…I took the silly bet with the guys to see who could confess with their girl first…because I really want to take action before it’s too late.”
Angela seems to be frozen in the same spot with Ehlo still holding onto her hand the whole time. Angela, Bianca, and Sonia have one thing in common. They don’t just freeze in one spot just like that nor does their brain dare to process information so slowly. However, it is an exception when it comes to anything having to do with emotions. Ehlo – who is usually impatient – continues to allow Angela more time to mold it in her mind. He knows she couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t believe he’s doing it at that very moment either. He couldn’t believe it when he discovered he had liked Angela unknowingly while he was going through his “enlightened moment” weeks ago. How could he expect her to just say “Yes” right there and then?
As Ehlo’s lost in his own train of thoughts, Angela finally reacts. However, Ehlo’s the only one not noticing it. Jacky’s expression tenses up a bit and almost jumps forward again but Sonia – like last time – refrains him from doing just that. Johnny is less subtle than Jacky since he lets out a light cough to alert Ehlo. When Ehlo’s finally focused again, he realizes that Angela’s crying. What have he done?
“Angela, I…” He only knows of one thing at that time, which he does it right away before he second guesses himself. He pulls her closer and lets her cry into his shoulder, patting her lightly on the back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you like that. I know that I’ll never replace Wallace in your heart, but I’ll try to do my best to take care of you and…respect your decision. So it’s all right too if you want to reject me right here and now. We can just be friends again or arch-enemies.”
Angela hits his shoulder. “You idiot! I thought you really like Wei Ru…”
“Huh?!”
The others are as surprised since they could see how awkward and embarrassed Angela seems to look minutes before. They would never expect such response from her. As they’re paying intent attention to the two again, they couldn’t help wondering how Angela could talk so clearly even when she’d been crying so hard.
Angela finally takes her head off from Ehlo’s shoulder and looks up at him again. “I left that day because I was mad at Wallace for constantly reminding me that I used to be with him. It’s not because I still can’t get over him. But it’s because I know you’ll always be reminded of that so you won’t ever look at me any different than just being constant bickering friends. I already discovered that I like you when we were having the BBQ to celebrate for Jacky and Sonia.”
“Really?”
“And like it’s my fault that you don’t know anything. You always have to bring Wei Ru up in front of me and everyone.”
Angela hits his left shoulder with her right hand but he catches her hand in time and brings it together with her other hand.
“So I guess we’re clear?” Ehlo asked.
“Yes, we’re clear. But I’m not through with you yet. I have to think it over before accepting your confession. And I’m keeping this…” She raises her left hand up so he could see the bracelet. “…as hostage for the time being.”
With that, Angela turns around to face front again and continues on her way. She tries to wipe her tears off with her hands to which Ehlo whips out a pack of tissue ever so conveniently and tucks it into her hand. He also has conveniently resides his hand around her shoulders as they continue further into the festival grounds.
“What are you looking at?” Ehlo said to the crowd that has gathered to watch their show upon seeing them stopping abruptly earlier. “Show’s over! Haven’t you guys see a guy confess to his girl before? Move it!”
“You’re creating a scene,” Angela scolded.
Ehlo turns back to her. “Sorry!”
This time around, Ehlo and Angela are leading them while Johnny, Bianca, Jacky, and Sonia are tagging behind them.
“Wow,” Johnny said to the other three.
“You must admit only he could pull it off, right?” Jacky pointed out.
“Wow.”
“Stop it!” Bianca exclaimed – contradicting to her usual calm personality. “Angela’s not that bad, okay?”
“I’m not implying that. I’m just thinking it would be so interesting to see the drama unfold for the upcoming days.”
“All I know is…they’re hard to beat in an argument,” Jacky said.
Sonia turns to him. “You want to cause troubles again?”
Jacky puts on his innocent smile. “I wouldn’t dare.”
Jacky slips his hand safely around her shoulder as they increase their pace to catch up to Ehlo and Angela. When they’re closer together as a group, they could hear Angela talking in her casual voice like when they first arrived.
“So…who else is coming later?”
“I’m not sure,” Jacky said. “I know that Chen Yi, Qiao, and some of the others are coming.”
“You think Wallace’s coming, man?” Ehlo asked, turning to Jacky. “I mean he might hide since I’m not sure if he made it through his confession or not.”
“He…” Jacky stopped.
“What?” Ehlo finally understands when he turns around to look at Jacky. “He’s doing just fine after all. And to think we’re worried about him.”
Angela smiles. “He’s strong because he’s Wallace Huo.”
“And he’s going to pass us by if we don’t call him,” Ehlo commented. “Huo!”
Wallace snaps his attention towards his right to see Jacky and the others walking not far from them – but in the opposite direction. He turns to Cyndi and tilts his head towards the group. “You think we should tell them?”
“I think they already know,” Cyndi said.
Wallace grabs Cyndi’s hand and walks over to the group.
“Looks like you don’t need our help after all,” Ehlo said.
“What are you talking about?” Wallace asked. “I am Wallace Huo. I don’t need help. And I wasn’t bluffing either.”
Then he realizes Ehlo’s hand around Angela’s shoulder. He snaps his attention towards Ehlo’s face, trying to detect any traces of scheming or of their possible fights again.
“Don’t gawk,” Ehlo said. “Just because you have a happy ending doesn’t mean I can’t.”
“Congrats then,” Wallace said.
Ehlo nods his head. “Same to you.”
“I wonder what other type of surprises we’re going to receive later,” Bianca pondered.
“If you guys want another surprise, Senior Xie Zhi succeeded in his confession to Yan,” Cyndi told them.
“ Great,” Jacky said. “But too bad.”
Sonia looks at him with a smile. “And why is it bad?”
“He won’t be able to see us suffering through our punishment,” Wallace pointed out.
Sonia still keeps a sharp eye on Jacky. “Why are you relying on others’ struggle for amusement?”
Jacky raises his hands up in defeat. “I wouldn’t dare, Miss Sui. Besides…”
“What?”
Jacky puts his hand around her shoulders again. “I wouldn’t want to upset our favorite DJ, right?”
Wallace laughs and gives Jacky a high five behind Sonia’s back.
“You guys are killing me with all of this sweetness,” Angela said, wrinkling her face.
“It’s all right, dear fiancée, you still have me,” Ehlo reassured her.
“Huang…Yu…Rong.”
Ehlo smiles. “What?”
“Over-killed.”
“Oh, my bad.”
Bianca looks at her watch. “ Come on, guys. We still have to meet the others before the show starts.”
“That’s right,” Johnny said.
They walk several more minutes, trying to scan the crowd for the others. Jacky, Bianca, and Johnny try to call them up on their cell phone but with no luck. It could be possible that they might have turned it off or might not hear it ring. They decide to proceed to the tent where the show is taking place anyway. The others could already be there waiting for them.
When they’ve reached the center of the festival ground, they could see fireworks exploding from above.
“Did I miss some sort of tradition since I left those few years?” Angela asked, surprised.
Jacky turns to her. “What?”
“I thought they don’t allow fireworks in here ‘cause of what happened in the past.”
Jacky shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t know either.”
Just as they’re looking around for a possible explanation of the fireworks, Jacky spots Ming Dao and Sam along with the others on the other side of the wooden bridge.
“Guys! There go the others.”
They turn to look where Jacky’s pointing towards.
As they’re about to head in that direction, Sonia speaks up to alert them of change in events.
Jacky turns to her. “What, Miss Sui?”
“Look up.”
They focus on the fireworks to see a message high above in red and white. It reads: Sam Wang Shao Wei loves Joyce Zhao Hong Qiao. They could hear some screams from the crowd – both mixed with excitement and curiosity.
“Can’t believe he go all the way,” Ehlo said, clapping his hand at the same time. “Too bad Xiao Qiao’s not here to see it though.”
“Says who?” Jacky asked.
Ehlo is about to ask but he could see the three angels coming towards Sam’s group on the other side. “I guess someone did their homework after all.”
“Probably planned ahead to meet the girls here,” Jacky guessed. “Come on.”
He and Sonia walk towards the others at that time. The rest of them don’t waste anymore time to talk either. They follow Jacky and Sonia towards the other side also. When they’re closer, they could see that Sam and Xiao Qiao are holding hands so she probably accepted his confession.
Jacky turns to Sam. “Good job, man.”
While talking, they walk towards an open space so they wouldn’t block the path. When they finally stop at a decent spot, Qiao Qiao notices Wallace and Cyndi so she puts on her teasing smile.
“It looks like your confession was successful as well,” Qiao Qiao commented.
Wallace smiles. “Was there ever any doubt? I’m Wallace Huo after all.”
“It seems like we have a few surprises today,” Tony commented.
“Wait a minute,” Chen Yi jumped in.
The others turn to him.
“I thought you said you’re confessing to Penny.”
“If I didn’t say that, would you guys be surprised?” Wallace asked back. “Most importantly, there wouldn’t be any surprise for my girl.”
“You guys are such loudmouths after all,” Ehlo continued. “A secret isn’t even safe with one of you – nevertheless a group.”
“Exactly.”
Ehlo and Wallace give each other a high five for another Huang and Huo agreement.
“You guys are stealing the limelight away from Sam here,” Chen Yi said.
“Sorry,” Ehlo and Wallace mumbled apologetically.
They turn their attention back on Sam and Xiao Qiao, waiting for the two to talk. However, Tony snaps to alertness upon seeing Ehlo’s hand around Angela.
“Eh…you guys…” Tony pointed to the couple.
Sam could see it too. “I thought you said you’re confessing to Wei Ru.”
Ehlo turns to Wei Ru. “Sorry, Xiao Ru. I hope they didn’t tell you yet. If you were expecting some sort of confession, uh…you missed it.”
Wei Ru wrinkles her face. “What are you talking about?”
“I guess they didn’t tell you then.”
Then he couldn’t keep up the front anymore, they bursts out laughing at the same time. The others look confused as ever.
“We missed something?” Jacky asked.
“Again?” Wallace asked.
“Guys?” Tony prompted.
Ehlo finally straightens up again and is leaning onto Angela for support. “She’s dating Gino. She told me that night after we were back from Uncle Ben’s house. He confessed to her and was still waiting for her answer. She finally decided and told me about it. I also told her about me and Angela.”
The others try to be patient when listening to Ehlo but they turn to Wei Ru right away after Ehlo’s finished to hear the words from Wei Ru herself. But before Wei Ru could explain further, Xiao Qiao opens her mouth to speak first.
“You’re dating Gino? You mean that horrendous bouquet of flowers was from him?”
“He’s not the most romantic guy but he tries, okay?” Wei Ru said defensively.
“Who is Gino?!” The others – except for Ehlo, Xiao Jie, and Xiao Qiao – exclaimed at the same time.
“Some guy in my town,” Wei Ru said.
“The most…” Xiao Qiao added.
“Hey, you want me to pick on your Sam?”
“Ladies, I don’t think it’s wise to start an argument here,” Jacky reminded them. “How about using our energy on congratulating Sam and Xiao Qiao?”
They know that Jacky’s right considering their sole purpose of gathering there that night so they turn their attention back onto Sam and Xiao Qiao.
“So…tell us, Mr. Wang…how you did it.” He gestures his hands. “Bribe the guards into letting you sneak the fireworks in?”
“Or did you persuade them otherwise?” Ehlo continued. “Like…”
“Must be because you have connections in here, right?” Wallace asked. “Setting this up isn’t as simple.”
“You guys are just too nosy,” Xiao Qiao commented before turning to Sam. “Come on. Ignore them.” She grabs Sam’s hand to go further into the festival grounds instead of addressing the others.
“We’re a bunch of nosy people then?” Jacky asked, repeating Xiao Qiao’s accusations.
“You know you are, Young Master Chu,” Sonia said.
“I guess I can’t contradict her.”
Jacky puts his hand over Sonia’s shoulder once again as he catches up with Sam and Xiao Qiao also. The rest of them follow behind but at their own pace, stopping at different stands and participate in games of their choice. Wallace manages to win a prize for Cyndi at one of the game booths while Chen Yi continues his monitoring with Achel’s food consumption at different stands before they head into the theater to watch the show.
Like many times before, they sit in pairs as soon as they find some good seats. Wei Ru and Xiao Jie end up sitting next to each other and are chatting away since their date isn’t there at the moment.
The show lasts for about an hour before they could go back outside to enjoy the night air and the chaotic atmosphere. As they’re standing around at one corner of the tent trying to stretch their legs before deciding their next destination, they spot a couple walking past them. Wallace recognizes them first.
“Hey, Penny!” Wallace shouted out to stop the couple.
Penny turns around upon hearing her name. She smiles when she sees him. She signals to the guy next to her and they walk over to the group. “I can see why you didn’t want to come along with us before when you came back outside to tell us to go first.”
Wallace smiles. “That was part of it.” He turns to the others. “Hey, everyone. You know Penny already.” He gestures towards the guy. “This is her boyfriend, Ambrose Hsu.”
The others nod their head in acknowledgement. Ambrose also smiles back at them.
“Care to join us then?”
Penny turns back to Ambrose to see him nod. She turns back to Wallace and smiles. She then realizes something. “Oh…you guys are such hypocrites.”
“What was that, Miss Lin?”
“I swear I heard someone complaining about how childish or cheesy it was with all these bracelets. Why are you all doing it?”
Wallace realizes that Angela also has one on her hand, except it’s green – not lavender like Cyndi’s. He reminds himself that it would make sense since Ehlo did show the sealed yarn package to them last week. On the other hand, Cyndi finally realizes that the bracelet on Penny’s hand isn’t purple like she saw before but dark blue. Maybe it was the lighting in their shop that she was mistaken before, causing misunderstandings.
“You can’t blame us for liking the idea though,” Wallace asked. “It works, right?”
“Whatever, Mr. Huo,” Penny said, not convinced.
“Come on now,” Ambrose said, attempting to calm her down. “You should take it as a compliment that you’ve influenced them, right?”
Penny smiles at Ambrose’s words.
“Only he could make you smile,” Wallace teased.
Penny turns back to Wallace. “Since I influenced you thus far, shouldn’t you…”
“Don’t tell us to make one for ourselves as well,” Ehlo said. “This is as far as I’m going. Besides, it’s not as…”
“Watch it,” Jacky warned him.
Ehlo then remembers that Jacky’s wearing one as well.
Cyndi smiles. “You’re always digging holes for yourself. Watch who else is wearing it.”
“Huh?”
He turns to Angela for help. She smiles and tilts her head towards Penny’s direction. He looks to see one on Ambrose also.
Ehlo flashes on his bright smile in lightning speed. “Didn’t mean it, man. You’re still awesome.”
Ambrose smiles back but with a half grin only before giving Ehlo a dagger look.
“I told you to be careful,” Angela whispered to Ehlo. “You’re always careless with your words.”
“I thought I don’t need to watch out as long as you’re here with me,” Ehlo whispered back.
“Guys, are we going to move on or are we going to stand around here and chat until daybreak?” Chen Yi asked impatiently.
“All right,” Wallace said. “Let’s get going then.”
“Where though?” Ming Dao asked.
“How about over there?” Jacky suggested.
“Where?”
“Over that bridge.”
It is actually not the same fake wooden bridge structure they’ve crossed before but a real cemented bridge that is just outside of the festival grounds.
“It’s a nice view from there,” Tony said.
They all head for the bridge and line up by it to watch the fireworks. They discover that it is a really good view by the lake for such an event.
“We should do something like this next year too,” Qiao Qiao said.
“Why are we waiting for next year?” Chen Yi asked. “Let’s do something like this for New Year.”
Angela smiles. “That’ll be nice.”
“As long as there’s food, I’m in,” Ehlo declared.
“When did you become such a pig?”
“Hey, we need food to live after all, right?”
After that comment from Ehlo, they remain silent to take in the breath-taking sight of the fireworks ahead. Just as they spot the greatest set of fireworks unleashing itself, Jacky turns around to see the other pairs are either leaning into each other and are enjoying the scenes or are talking happily about something. He couldn’t believe the turns of events in the end. As he smiles, Qiao Qiao turns to him and they share a secret smile. They made it after all despite all the stupid mistakes they’ve made in the past few months. Everything turned out all right in the end after all.
Sonia sees his smile. “What are smiling about, Young Master Chu?”
Jacky turns his attention back on her. “Nothing, Miss Sui.”
They exchange a smile as he hugs her to him once again. They turn their attention towards the fireworks again, enjoying the last of it before it fades into the night like any other elements of this festival.
© Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 – Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Posted: Sunday, March 15th, 2009