| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“Get in, Miss Sui,” Jacky commanded. “You’re the one in a hurry.”
Sonia snaps out of her trance and gets into the backseat, feeling a bit strange. Jacky pulls out after the door’s closed.
“Had fun waiting?” Jacky teased.
“Definitely,” Sonia returned in her usual sarcastic tone.
“Hey, don’t have to be sarcastic. I wasn’t the one responsible for your car breaking down.”
“You never know.”
“What kind of response is that? Ungrateful.”
Sonia ignores Jacky and turns her attention to Qiao Qiao. “So you’re Qiao, right? Nice to finally meet you.”
Qiao Qiao turns sideways in her seat to and greets Sonia with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you too.”
“Don’t have to lie to her,” Jacky said. “She knows.”
Qiao Qiao turns to him. “Huh?”
“She knows we’re not boyfriend and girlfriend, but we’re just playing out our roles to deceive Jo. That is until I find another solution to this obstacle.”
“Oh.”
Jacky glances at her briefly. “Why do you sound so disappointed? Do you want it to be real then?”
“I could care less.”
Jacky lets out a smile before looking into the rearview to check on Sonia. “Where are we heading, Miss Sui?”
“Post office.”
“Okay then. Let me drop Qiao off first.”
“Okay.”
The trip back to Orchids Agency was somewhat awkward and consisted of a lot of silence and constant staring. Just as they’re one block from the place, Qiao Qiao told Jacky to drop her off at the corner of the street.
“I’m not in a hurry,” Jacky reassured her.
“It’s all right,” Qiao Qiao said. “I want to take a walk.”
Jacky stops the car and turns to Qiao Qiao. “Are you all right? You’re still bothered by what happened before?”
“No. I just need to take in some fresh air.”
“All right then.”
Qiao Qiao nods and steps out of the car.
“Be careful!”
As they’re talking, Sonia has stepped out of the car. She takes the passenger seat after Qiao Qiao left. Jacky pulls out after knowing Qiao Qiao’s safe.
“She’s quite pretty,” Sonia commented casually.
“Yes. Pretty disturbed.”
“Did something happen?”
“Maybe she just needs to get use to certain things.”
Sonia isn’t sure what Jacky meant, but doesn’t want to pursue the matter further. She could hear the serious tone again, so she stays silent for the rest of the trip.
*****
Qiao Qiao feels a bit strange as she’s walking back to the agency. She has never experienced this type of feeling before. She’s feeling both helpless and confused at the same time. And yet she’s somewhat glad of the helplessness. What’s going on here? She can’t be beat down by some minor failure. It’s unavoidable. She can’t let her spirits sink, especially on a nice day like this. She takes in a deep breath and increases her pace towards Orchids Agency. She notices that Cyndi is not around – possibly discussing the latest case with Orchids. Simon’s actually working on a case right now since he’s holding a yellow folder instead of the white binder like before.
Wallace looks up at that time to see Qiao Qiao’s long face. “Why the long face, Miss Zeng? What did he do?”
Chen Yi takes his attention off the computer in front of him and turns towards Qiao Qiao.
“Nothing,” Qiao Qiao answered passively, walking towards them. “Just some unlucky event. But lucky Jacky was there.”
“What happened?” Wallace asked – not out of curiosity but of concern.
“He’s a flake after all,” Qiao Qiao said, tapping on the folder in her hand.
“You exposed him?”
“I had a plan, but Jacky beat me to it. Then he…” She stopped to tap on the folder again. “…got mad and tried to attack us.”
“You let him have the opportunity of his face feeling the carpet?” Chen Yi jumped in because of how slow Qiao Qiao’s story-telling is.
Qiao Qiao shakes her head.
Chen Yi wrinkles his face. “Then what?”
“Jacky blocked him. We got out of there in time.”
“You mean that show-off beat you to it?”
I didn’t have time to react,” Qiao Qiao confessed, sitting down at her desk. “I was…shocked.”
“Shocked? Are you serious? You beat half of our class until they cried.”
“Self-defense class isn’t real life, Chen Yi.”
Qiao Qiao sighs and begins to write her report. Chen Yi looks towards Wallace. Wallace shrugs.
*****
“Your invitation card, please” The security guard at the door prompted mechanically.
Jacky hands him the card. After a brief inspection and verification with the guest list, the security guard steps aside for them to pass.
“This place is…” Qiao Qiao began.
“Nerve-wrecking?” Jacky finished, turning to see her expression.
“Nerve-wrecking?” Qiao Qiao repeated his choice of words, wrinkling her face and turning to him. “Where did you get that?”
“Just thought I add in some words of my own while we’re describing the place?”
Qiao Qiao smiles.
Sam and Sonia join them at that time after they passed through the security check.
“This place is…” Sam began the same way Qiao Qiao did a minute before.
“What’s with you two and describing this place?” Jacky asked, cutting Sam off.
“It looks quite glamorous,” Sam finished, ignoring Jacky’s rudeness.
“I want to say the same thing!” Qiao Qiao exclaimed with a gleeful smile on her face.
Sam gives her a polite smile.
“So…where should we go first?” Sonia asked, looking at Jacky. “Ballroom or…”
“Let’s do a quick tour first,” Jacky suggested.
“Okay, which side you want?”
“I’ll go left, you go right. We’ll meet at the end of the hall and go into the ballroom together.”
“Sounds good.”
“Okay, kids,” Jacky said to Qiao Qiao and Sam. “Feel free to explore while we work.”
Qiao Qiao glares at him while Sam looks somewhat offended.
“What?!” Sam exclaimed, his voice matching his expression.
“Calm down,” Sonia soothed. “He’s joking.”
“You haven’t gotten used to him yet?” Qiao Qiao asked, turning to Sam again.
“Hard to,” Sam said. “He’s unpredictable.”
“Thank you,” Jacky said proudly.
“That wasn’t a compliment,” Sam pointed out.
“I know.” Jacky’s cell phone rings at that time. He fishes the phone out of his pocket and answers it. “Hello?”
“Where are you guys?” A voice asked impatiently. “We’ve been here ages already.”
“Where are you then?”
“Ballroom. Come quickly. You’re missing a show.”
“We’re not the paparazzi. We’re here on serious business.”
“One of the guys you’re going to interview is here. Come on.”
“Okay, fine. We’ll be there.”
“We?” The other guy asked, sounding confused.
“You’ll see,” Jacky said secretively before hanging up and turning to Sonia. “Change of plans, Miss Sui. We’re going to the ballroom first.”
“What happened?” Sonia asked.
“Ehlo said there’s a show going on that we should see,” Jacky elaborated.
“We’re not the paparazzi,” Sonia echoed Jacky’s words from a minute ago.
Jacky smiles, not saying anything. He turns to Qiao Qiao and grabs her hand. “Let’s go see the show.”
“What show?” Qiao Qiao asked, puzzled.
“I’m not sure. But Ehlo said it’s good.”
Sonia looks hesitant, but follows Jacky and Qiao Qiao down the hall anyway. Sam wonders what’s all the “secret talk” about, but he doesn’t want to ask.
They could hear yelling vibrating down the hallway as they’re closer to the ballroom. Jacky turns to look at Sonia.
“The voice…” Sonia remarked.
“Sounds familiar, huh?” Jacky continued.
Sonia nods.
They increase their pace.
“It looks serious,” Sam said.
“Strange,” Jacky mumbled.
“Regarding?”
“Why would you argue in front of the crowd like that?”
“When you’re that mad, it doesn’t matter who’s around.”
They could see two men arguing heatedly in the center of the room as the crowd’s looking at them from the doorway.
“What are they talking about?” Qiao Qiao asked.
“It’s financial stuffs,” Jacky explained. “Mr. Chen got ripped.”
“Mr. Chen?”
“The guy in the blue suit.”
“Oh.”
They focus on the argument again as Mr. Chen’s voice raises to another level.
“Do you think that anyone would believe you?!” Mr. Chen bellowed. “I got evidence!” He pulls out some papers and shoves it into the other person’s hand.
“What is this?” The man in black suit asked. Then he realizes the contents of the documents so he rips it up and tosses it into the air. “You don’t have anything now.”
“This must be some kind of skit,” Jacky whispered to the others. “They must be blind not to see us here.”
“If you think I’m foolish enough to give you the original copy, you’re wrong,” Mr. Chen continued with a confidence smile.
“Tell me where you hidden the papers!” The man in black suit yelled out and lunging forward at Mr. Chen, attempting to strangle him.
Just then, another man steps into the scene.
“Stop right there!” The man in brown suit ordered.
The man in black suit lets go of Mr. Chen and attempts to run. The man in brown suit advances forward and restrains him.
“You’re under arrest,” The man in brown suit delivered smoothly before turning towards the crowd, saying, “No one escapes from the law.”Then he lets go of the other man.
The three men then come together in a straight line and bow at the audience.
Everyone in the crowd claps – excluding Sam, Sonia, and Qiao Qiao.
“How did you know they were just acting?” Sonia asked, turning to Jacky.
“I told you already,” Jacky whispered back. “No one would argue in a crowded room like this. It’s not in their characters.”
“Then this is the show?”
“What do you expect? We’re getting a preview of Mr. Chen’s new play.”
The crowd is scattering right now. Most of them are making their way towards the three men, trying to get in their words of praises. Some are walking towards the refreshment table to the right. Jacky could spot Ehlo and Johnny making their way towards him.
“So how did you like the show?” Ehlo asked when he’s within earshot.
“Lame,” Jacky said. “Thanks for wasting our time.”
Sonia pokes Jacky on his sides. “I thought you said we get a preview of Mr. Chen’s new play.”
“I’m talking to him, not you,” Jacky shot back, annoyed.
Qiao Qiao tugs on Jacky’s sleeve at that time. “Stop.”
“I’m just telling the truth,” Jacky continued, not backing down.
“So…” Johnny spoke up casually, gesturing towards Qiao Qiao. “Care to introduce?
“Oh,” Jacky said. “This Qiao and Qiao, this is one of my friends, Johnny.”
“Nice to meet you,” Johnny said, extending his hand.
“Same here,” Qiao Qiao said back in a polite manner before realizing something. “Oh, would you be interested in…”
“No need for that, Miss Zeng,” Jacky jumped in, cutting Qiao Qiao, knowing too well of her intention. “He has plenty of girls clinging onto him already.”
“How did you know my last name?” Qiao Qiao asked, surprised.
Jacky beats himself up inside. He just blew his own cover. “Uh…” He pretends to casually look at his watch before saying, “Look at the time. We better get started, Miss Sui.” Then he turns to Ehlo and Johnny. “I’ll be back later.” He remembers also to turn back to Qiao Qiao. “It’s best that you stay here since it could get boring. The guys don’t bite so don’t worry.”
“You want to interview the three performers,” Sonia asked him, gesturing towards Mr. Chen and the other two men. “Or me?”
“I’ll do it,” Jacky volunteered.
“Alright then.”
Jacky, Sonia, and Sam leave the group at that time.
“Why does he look so suspicious?” Ehlo asked, confused.
“That’s strange,” Qiao Qiao muttered. “Oh yeah, did Orchids look at your case yet? Did you get a call?”
“What call?” Johnny asked.
“Uh…he...”
“Nothing!” Ehlo jumped in, cutting Qiao Qiao off on purpose. “Let’s go grab something to eat. I’m hungry.”
Johnny looks at Ehlo’s disappearing back and then turns back to Qiao Qiao.
“Why does everyone seem so strange today?” Johnny pondered aloud.
“I have no clue either,” Qiao Qiao admitted.
“Maybe we should just go get a drink and come back later?”
“Okay.”
“Want me to show you around? Ehlo and I did a little tour earlier.”
Qiao Qiao smiles. “That’s fine.”
Johnny leads Qiao Qiao towards the entrance of the ballroom and back out towards the main hall to begin their tour after they stopped at the refreshment table to pick up a drink. Ehlo joins them halfway through the tour. The three of them return to the ballroom when they’re done with the tour. They find Jacky, Sonia, and Sam standing at the corner near the door. Jacky and Sonia seem to be sharing a joke of some sort.
“All done?” Ehlo asked loudly.
“Of course,” Jacky said, ignoring Ehlo’s subtle hostility. “If we’re not done yet, we might as well go polish Ray’s shoes.”
Sonia hits him on the shoulder.
“Do you have anything better to do than hit my shoulders?” Jacky asked, turning to her.
“I have to keep you in line somehow,” Sonia reminded him.
“So now you want to become my…”He stops and gives her a charming smile as he could see her frown.
The ballroom becomes extremely noisy at that time. The group turns to see what’s going on. They could see a crowd “in-the-gathering” again. They step closer to the entrance to see what’s with all the commotion. When they’re within view of the doorway, they could see a couple walking in. Qiao Qiao’s face brightens up.
“It’s Orchids!” Qiao Qiao exclaimed excitedly.
“Calm down,” Jacky reminded her of their whereabouts. “You’re acting like a kid that was just given candy.”
Qiao Qiao hits Jacky on the shoulder for that comment.
“Girls and their…”Jacky stops as the crowd becomes a bit uncontrollable. He quickly pulls Qiao Qiao aside as more people shove past them and towards the new arrived couple.
“Who is he really?” Sam asked, puzzled about the crowd’s abnormal behavior. “Why is everyone trying to get his attention?”
“You’ve got to be kidding, right?” Jacky asked back.
Sam turns to Jacky. “Why?”
“He’s the Magician of the Stock Market,” Sonia answered in Jacky’s place.
“It’s him?” Sam asked, more surprised than before. “He looks different from those business magazines.”
“Miss Sui, you forgot to add in ‘young’,” Jacky corrected her. “He’s the Magician’s son.”
“Oh,” Sam said in a more casual tone. “That makes more sense.”
After answering some questions from the press as well as the crowd in general, the couple makes their way into the room. The crowd finally disperses to make room for the two. As the two walks by their group, Qiao Qiao waves frantically at Orchids. Orchids smiles at Qiao Qiao. Jacky gives Orchids a warm smile as she walks by him. Orchids returns one of her own also. Ehlo takes that opportunity to step in front of Jacky and snaps his fingers in Jacky’s face.
“What?!” Jacky exclaimed, somewhat annoyed.
“Stop staring,” Ehlo said. “You have a date.”
Jacky wrinkles his face at Ehlo.
The ballroom becomes dark at that time. Jacky could feel Qiao Qiao’s hands clinging onto his left arm.
“It’s alright,” Jacky reassured her in a soft voice. “They’re just switching lights.”
Just as Jacky said, they turn on the lights again, but it’s dimmer than before, creating a soothing atmosphere. Music comes on about the same time as the lights. It’s a slow song. Couples begin to fill the dance floor at that time. From the little light in the room, Jacky could see Ehlo and Sam tapping their feet to the music.
“Why don’t you two go dance?” Jacky suggested, smiling. “It’s a bit silly to stand around and tap your feet.”
Sam turns to Sonia with a smile. “How about it?”
Sonia takes Sam’s extended hand and they head towards the dance floor together.
Ehlo looks around the room to find a possible dance partner.
“Ehlo, give me your hand,” Jacky commanded.
Ehlo, alarmed, snaps his attention back on Jacky. “Say again.”
“It’s not what you think. Just give me your hand.”
“What for though?”
“Come on! What are you afraid of? I’m going to chop it off?”
Ehlo still looks reluctant, but puts out his right hand anyway.
Jacky takes Qiao Qiao’s left hand and puts it into Ehlo’s right hand.
“Go have fun,” Jacky said in that same commanding tone again.
“What?!” Ehlo exclaimed, confused.
Jacky turns to Qiao Qiao. “Give me a minute.”He then grabs Ehlo by the arm, stepping away from the group and towards a corner. “Isn’t it obvious enough already? This is your chance.”
“What are talking about?” Ehlo asked, still not getting it.
“Both of you are matching. Get it?”
Ehlo turns to look at Qiao Qiao again before looking at his own outfit.
“I saw you hanging your outfit on the closet door since last weekend,” Jacky continued. “You’re always so prepared that it gets on my nerves sometimes, but it makes you so predictable.”
“You mean you bought Qiao that blue dress because…?” Ehlo prompted, still not believing it.
Jacky nods.
“You’re crazy! You can’t do that to her.”
“Hey, I’m not going to take advantage of her. Come on.” He grabs Ehlo’s elbow to steer him back to the group. “Qiao, could you help Ehlo? His dancing feet are itching right now.”
Qiao Qiao looks towards Ehlo to see him smiling awkwardly at her. She knows that the other girls in the room are all taken, so she nods.
“That’s my girl,” Jacky said, patting her on the shoulder.
Qiao Qiao gives Jacky a look.
“Hey! I’m not saying anything else.”
“Don’t let him ruin your mood,” Ehlo interfered, extending his hand. “Come, Miss Zeng.”
Qiao Qiao takes Ehlo’s hand and follows him onto the dance floor. They begin to dance.
“How did you know my last name?”Qiao Qiao asked.
“Jacky called you Miss Zeng earlier and you confirmed,” Ehlo said smoothly.
“But you say it so naturally that I swear you knew it way ahead of time already,” Qiao Qiao argued.
“You’re smart.”
“So you both are really hiding something from me?”
“Not exactly. Jacky just likes to act all mysterious.”
“How about you?”
Ehlo lets out a secretive smile before responding. “You’ll find out in the future.”
“You like to act mysterious too, not just Jacky.”
“Ah…so you found me out. I confess then.”
“Really?” Qiao Qiao said, her innocent so earnest that it was hard to tell whether she was kidding or not.
“No way! Are you kidding me?”
They both laugh as they’re gliding around the dance floor together.
Jacky’s wearing a satisfied smile on his face right now as he’s watching from the corner of the room. He could see Sam and Sonia are dancing and chatting happily also. He looks towards the wine bar to see Orchids sitting on one of the stools all alone. He makes his way towards her. Feeling mischievous, he taps her on her left shoulder but stands on her right side instead of left like he intended. Orchids, not falling for the trick, turns right to face Jacky. Jacky smiles at her without any awkwardness although he was exposed.
“I see you’re the same as always,” Orchids remarked.
“What’s there to change about?” Jacky asked, sitting on the stool next to her. “I like myself very much.”
“Arrogant, aren’t we?”
Jacky smiles. “It’s a hard habit to break.”
“What type of drink, sir?” The bartender asked, looking at Jacky.
Jacky turns to bartender. “Apple cider.”
“Huh?” The bartender uttered out, unable to restrain his confusion mixed with a tint of amuse.
Jacky smiles. “I’m driving later.”
The bartender frowns but goes to get some from the back.
“Only you could make people nervous without feeling guilty,” Orchids said, bringing his attention back to their conversation.
“It’s for everyone’s safety, including your cousin’s,” Jacky rattled out – as if scripted.
“Talking about Qiao, thanks for taking good care of her,” Orchids said sincerely, putting her wine glass down at the same time.
“Oh? Regarding what?”
“She told me about the whole incident at Richard’s house.”
“No problem. She’s like a sister to me. And we’re friends so…”
“When did you know that we’re cousins?”
“She told me the first day we met.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, she’s very straight-forward.”
“Too honest.”
“She still has a pure heart unlike the rest of us.”
“Are you implying that the rest of us are bad?”
Jacky shakes his head. “No.”
The bartender places a glass in front of Jacky at that time.
“Thanks,” Jacky said, turning to bartender with an appreciative smile to make up for his past mischief. He waits for the bartender to leave them and go tend to another guest before speaking up again. “It’s not that we’re bad. It’s just that Qiao’s not tainted by the society like the rest of us.”
Orchids turns her attention to the dance floor. Jacky does the same. Ehlo and Qiao Qiao are still dancing and talking happily. They both smile at the scene in front of them at the same time. Qiao Qiao’s expression changes as she spots Jacky and Orchids talking happily at the bar. Ehlo realizes it right away.
“What’s wrong?” Ehlo asked.
“Nothing,” Qiao Qiao lied.
Ehlo could finally see what’s the cause as he’s facing the wine bar again. “Oh. Them.”
“How come you sound like you could care less?”
“Because I know he will come back later.”
“Hmm…”
They continue to dance as Ehlo changes the subject to distract Qiao Qiao from thinking about Jacky and Orchids. Jacky and Orchids turn back to their drinks again.
“So…what happened to your date?” Jacky asked casually, taking a sip of his drink.
“He has to socialize with the general public,” Orchids said, stating the obvious fact that Jacky should not be surprised of.
Jacky turns to see Orchids’ date – aka the Magician’s son – being cornered by the press and others next to the door, asking questions still. He turns his attention back on Orchids again since he couldn’t see anything interesting or unusual about the scene. “I see a huge amount of the female population there. Don’t you want to stay close?”He couldn’t help but let out a wink and a mischievous smile to accompany it.
Orchids smiles. “Just let him then.”
“Oh, right. Why are you two here instead of the Magician?”
“Uncle has an emergency meeting so he told us to go in his place.”
“Oh. You both just stole the spotlight from Mr. Chen and his men.”
“What are the consequences then?”
Jacky shrugs his shoulders. “I’m not sure. We’ll just have to find out tomorrow if there is any news of assassins taking you both down in the next couple days.”
Orchids smiles.
“Glad I could entertain you while your Prince Vincent is away.”
“Are you two talking behind my back?” A voice behind them asked.
Jacky and Orchids turn around to see Vincent.
“So you made it safely back,” Jacky joked.
Vincent takes a seat on the other side of Orchids. He orders a drink before turning back to them.
“They sure are curious,” Vincent admitted.
“I’m surprised you still have this much enthusiasm,” Jacky said.
“Can’t do anything about them. Might as well answer all their questions. They’ll get bored and go away soon enough.”
The bartender puts a drink in front of Vincent at that time.
Jacky smiles. “Let’s drink to that enthusiasm then. Let’s hope you still have that enthusiasm in the upcoming years.”
The guys clink glasses and then empty their glasses.
“They offer beer here?” Vincent asked as he’s putting his glass back down.
“No, apple cider,” Jacky said with a mischievous smile.
Vincent wrinkles his eyebrow. “What?! And I just emptied my glass?”
Orchids smiles. “He put you on…again.”
Jacky laughs. “It’s not your first day knowing me, Young Magician.”
“I’ll get you back later,” Vincent threatened, pointing at Jacky for dramatic effect.
“We’ll see about that,” Jacky returned in an equally challenging smile tone.
“Don’t you guys ever quit it?” Orchids asked both guys.
“Why? It’s fun,” Jacky said, looking at his watch. “All right, I’m going to leave you two alone since you’ve been separated for most of the night already.” He sets his glass down before descending the stool.
“Take care,” Orchids said.
Jacky makes his way back towards the dance floor again.
“I’ll get you real good next time!” Vincent repeated his threat to Jacky.
“I’ll wait for it then!” Jacky shouted back.
As Jacky’s making his way back to Johnny, he hears a familiar voice behind him. Chills run down his back as he recognizes it. He pretends not to hear and increases his pace through the crowd.
“Jacky ge!” That same chilling voice called out again.
Jacky knows it’s useless so he turns around to face her.
“Oh, hi Jo,” He said casually. “What are you doing here?”
“My father is here so I’m coming along tonight to help him,” Jo answered.
Jacky lets out a nervous laugh. “Oh really? That’s great then. I’m heading…” He stops to point towards the dance floor. “…that way if you don’t mind.”
“So you don’t have a date after all, do you?” Jo asked.
Jacky wrinkles his eyebrows. “What are you talking about? Of course I do.”
“Jacky ge, don’t lie,” Jo said in her chilling voice again. “You know it’s not working.” She takes a step forward and clings onto his arm like many times in the past.
“Look,” Jacky pressed, detaching her hands from his arm. “I’m sorry. But Qiao’s waiting for me right now.”
“Don’t lie. She’s not waiting for you and she’s not your date either. She’s dancing happily with Ehlo right now.”
“What?!” Jacky exclaimed, pretending to be surprised. “Why that… I’m going to get him.”
Jacky makes his way rapidly towards the dance floor, weaving through dancing couples. He knows Jo’s still behind him. Probably waiting to see a show. Jacky zigzags around the crowd on purpose to stall for time as he’s pretending to look mad – mad at Ehlo that is. Just when he thought that he couldn’t find any other solution to dodge Jo without breaking Ehlo and Qiao Qiao up, he spots Sonia standing on the other side of the dance floor. Where is Sam? He scans the surrounding area, but couldn’t see Sam. Who cares? As long as he could get out of this one. He walks happily towards Sonia and whisks her away and into the dancing crowd again.
”What are you doing?” Sonia asked, alarmed.
She has to dance along with him since they’re already in the crowd so she doesn’t want to disrupt the other couples.
“Where is Sam?” Jacky answered with a question of a totally different subject.
“He went to the washroom,” Sonia said.
“Oh. Okay. Great then.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Help me with this one, will you?”
Sonia could see Jo making her way towards them. It looks like Jacky has lost her among the crowds when he was zigzagging earlier.
“Jacky ge!” Jo called out in an out of breath voice.
“Hi, Jo!” Sonia greeted cheerfully.
“I thought you said you’re going with Qiao or whoever that girl is,” Jo confronted Jacky, ignoring Sonia completely.
“I like to change partners, okay?” Jacky said casually.
“I thought you both are rivals at work. You’re not fooling me.”
“So? Can’t rivals turn into lovers?” He pulls Sonia closer to him.
“Don’t go too far or I’ll expose you,” Sonia whispered into Jacky’s ear.
“Play along,” Jacky whispered back. “I’ll give you your freedom back when she’s gone.”
“What?” Sonia asked, infuriated. “Now you own me?”
Although they’re silently arguing, but they still carry a smile on their faces that Jo doesn’t know that they’re actually at odds at the moment.
“I want Sonia to say it,” Jo demanded.
Sonia smiles. “Say what? Isn’t this enough?”
“I’m not convinced,” Jo whined, pouting at the same time.
Sonia puts her head gently on Jacky’s left shoulder as they continue to move to the music.
“How about now?” Sonia asked.
Jo could see the happiness on Jacky’s face as Sonia puts her head on his shoulder that she couldn’t bare to see it anymore.
“Fine then,” She muttered, enraged as she’s making her way back where she came from again.
Jacky breathes out and releases Sonia a bit, but not letting go completely yet. Sonia stands up straight again, looking after Jo to make sure she’s gone for real.
“So can I go now, Young Master Chu?” Sonia asked.
Jacky could detect her words dripping with sarcasm, but he still maintains his smile. “Let’s finish the song. It’s one of my favorites.”
“I don’t know if I’m helping you to get rid of her or she’s helping you to play a trick on me.”
“Take it however you want it to be.”
The song ends at that time. Some couples are leaving the dance floor and heading towards the refreshment table or to the other side of the room to talk among themselves. Jacky and Sonia release each other. Just as Sonia’s about to walk away, the next song comes on. Jacky grabs her hand and pulls her back.
“What?!” Sonia exclaimed out a familiar response from minutes back.
“Calm down,” Jacky said. “Another song? Please?”
“Don’t tell me it’s one of your favorite songs again,” Sonia said, seeing Jacky’s gleeful look.
“ You’re smart. Yes. Come on. It’s Rang Wo Ai Ni. Everyone loves it, right?”
Sonia couldn’t resist it either since it’s one of her favorite songs too. She takes Jacky’s hand again. Jacky smiles happily and they begin to dance again.
“By the way, I finally figured out what’s wrong with you tonight,” Jacky said in a as a matter fact tone.
Sonia wrinkles her face. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not trying to pick a fight. I’m serious.”
“What’s wrong with me then?”
“Your hair.”
Sonia frowns.
“It looks better down since it’s all curly like that.” He removes his hand from her waist and reaches up to her hair to remove the hairclip that’s holding her hair up. Her hair tumbles down onto her shoulders again. He puts his hand back onto her waist again after putting the hairclip in his pocket. “See? It looks better now.”
“Like I can see it.”
“Don’t frown. Smile. You look prettier when you’re smiling.”
Sonia couldn’t help but smile.
They glide around the room again in silence and enjoying the moment.
When the song’s finished, they still stay in each other’s arms. The next song starts and they begin to dance again. As they’re gliding around the room, they catch a glimpse of Ehlo and Qiao Qiao so they slow down.
Qiao Qiao smiles. “Can I cut in?”
Sonia smiles back. “Sure.” She releases Jacky and lets Qiao Qiao step in. Sonia watches as Jacky and Qiao Qiao disappears into the crowd again. She turns to see Ehlo smiling. She knows that smile. “All right.”
“That’s the spirit,” Ehlo said encouragingly.
They didn’t get to finish the song because Sam cuts in halfway through the song. He has been talking to Johnny before and is itching to dance again. Ehlo has no choice but to walk back to where Johnny’s standing.
“Looks like it’s an interesting night tonight,” Johnny commented causally, using his drink glass as a microphone. “So…how does it feel like when your dance partner wants to dance with your best friend instead?” He stops and points the fake microphone in front of Ehlo.
“Knock it off, man,” Ehlo snapped, irritated.
Johnny laughs and they talk about something else instead of how Ehlo got dumped. Ehlo walks towards the refreshment table to get another drink.
After Qiao Qiao cuts in, she begins to fire away questions at Jacky. He’s half amused and half trying not to laugh. He knows she’s very confused by now. He can’t wait to hear what kind of information Ehlo had fed her earlier.
“So…how did you know Orchids?” Qiao Qiao continued. “What were you two talking about? Why were you two looking towards my way and laughing earlier?”
“Whoa!” Jacky exclaimed, attempting to stop her series of questions. “What’s with all these questions?”
“Don’t change the subject. Answer me.”
“Okay, first one – how can anyone not know her? We were talking about you mostly. That’s also why we were looking your way.”
“So you knew all along who I was?”
“Not exactly. I sort of guess.”
“Oh…”
Jacky smiles. “Anything else?”
“Um…”
Jacky takes the time to glance at his watch. “Whoa. It’s getting this late already.”
“Are we heading home soon then?”
“It depends on Sam and Sonia.”
“I feel kind of bad for you.”
“Just kind of? Why though?”
“You have to drive them around and…”
“It’s my choice. I’m fine with it, you know.”
“Tell me seriously though, are you dating Sonia?”
“What made you say that?”
“The way you two interact are like husband and wife.”
Jacky laughs. “Where in the world did you get that idea? We’ve been working together for so long so we know each other too well. It’s also a tactic to remain half-friend and half-enemy with your rival. It’s a great one in fact. Maintaining the balance and all.”
“Hm…”
“Not convinced?”
“No, it’s not that.”
Jacky realizes something. “So…how was it with Ehlo? I saw that you two were having fun?”
“He’s a funny guy.”
“In a good way or bad way?”
“Good, of course.”
Jacky smiles. “That’s good then.”
Qiao Qiao wrinkles her face. “Are you playing match-making?”
Jacky flashes out his secretive smile. “What do you think?”
“Don’t do it to me or you’ll pay.”
“Like what?” Jacky challenged.
“Like…”She pinches Jacky on the sides.
Jacky wrinkles his face a bit, but still manages to control himself. He resumes his smile. “It’s not bad. I must wish Ehlo luck then.”
“Whatever.”
“Does that mean you pick Chen Yi then?”
“What does Chen Yi have to do with anything?”
“Come on. You can’t be that naïve. You know Chen Yi likes you, right?”
“No way. He just likes to tease me.”
“That’s what all guys do. Act like a little foolish to make the person they like smile.”
“Like you’re doing with Sonia?”
“Clever, but no. We’re talking about you right now.”
“Why are you such a gossip?”
Jacky smiles. “Not sure. Maybe ‘cause I’m a curious person. So…what makes you so sure that Chen Yi doesn’t like you then?”
“He prefers Yan Yan over me, okay?”
“Has he ever told Yan Yan he loves her?”
“What? No. At least not that I know of.”
“Then he doesn’t like her all that much. He’s just saying that so he could get your attention.”
“What are you? Love Adviser?”
“I could switch occupation if it’ll convince you.”
Qiao Qiao feels a bit uncomfortable having Jacky stare at her like that. “Come off it already. It’s not funny.”
“Want to bet then?”
“No deal.”
“So you’re scare to find out.”
“Who says I’m scared?” Her expression sharpens up at that time.
“Okay then. Let’s bet.”
“Fine. Tell me the bet.”
“Let’s test Chen Yi. Whoever wins get to decide what to do with the other person.”
“Hey!”
“What?”
“How about betting on an item?”
“Scared that I’m going to sell you off?”
“No, but what if you have unusual requests?”
Jacky raises an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is that you want me to win?”
Qiao Qiao turns a bit pink. “No. I mean…what if…aiya! Stop staring at me with that mocking smile!”
“It’s not mocking, it’s amused.”
“Whatever, it’s not funny.”
Jacky turns his amused smile off as not to aggravate Qiao Qiao any further. “Okay then. Happy now?”
Qiao Qiao smiles. “Yes.”
Jacky puts on a normal, friendly smile instead of his previous one. “Girls.”
They finish the dance and walk off the dance floor after that to join Ehlo and Johnny by the door.
“It looks like you two are ready to leave,” Jacky said.
“Definitely,” Ehlo confirmed. “It looks like nothing exciting’s going to happen soon.”
“You’re leaving too?” Johnny asked Jacky.
Jacky shakes his head. “Not yet. Waiting for Mr. Wang and Miss Sui.” Just then, he spots them coming towards their group of four. “And here they are.”
“Leaving?” Sonia asked.
“Whenever you’re ready,” Jacky said.
“All right then. Let’s go.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As they’re walking out the ballroom entrance, they hear a voice calling Qiao Qiao’s name. They turn around to see Orchids weaving through the crowd. Qiao Qiao walks towards Orchids.
“What’s wrong?” Qiao Qiao asked, seeing Orchids’ concerned look.
“Your parents are back early. They just called me and asked where we were. Come back with me.”
Qiao Qiao turns back to Jacky.
“Go ahead,” Jacky said. “We don’t want to explain too much…yet.”
“All right,” Qiao Qiao said reluctantly. “Thanks.”
“Take care.”
They watch until Qiao Qiao disappears into the crowd with Orchids before they turn around to leave again. Jacky detects a string hanging in front of the door for no particular reason. He has a feeling there’s something going on. He steps forward and pushes Ehlo and Johnny past the door before going through it himself. They hear a splashing sound behind them and then a loud thud seconds later. They turn around to see an empty pail on the floor with water surrounding it. The crowd are chattering among themselves and pointing towards the entrance.
“Whoa!” Ehlo reacted first among their group of five.
“Where did that came from?” Johnny asked, looking around for possible source of the trap.
“Old trick,” Jacky replied. “Will never work with me.”
“Was that intended for you then?” Sam asked.
“Yes.” He scans the area to see Vincent’s disappointed face towards the back of the crowd. Jacky gives him a thumbs-up sign and a challenging smile before turning to leave with the other four. “He never learns.”
“Who?” Sam asked with the same puzzled look on his face.
“Vincent,” Ehlo answered.
Sam still looks puzzled.
“It’s the Young Magician,” Johnny clarified.
“You know him?”
“Who doesn’t?” Jacky said.
“I mean personally. I saw you chatting with his date earlier and then he came. I was asking Sonia and she said you’re mere acquaintances.”
“And you doubt her? No one doubts Miss Sui.”
“If you’re just mere acquaintances, then why would he play such a trick on you?”
“For hitting on his date?”
“Really?”
“How complicated do you want it to be?”
Sonia smiles. “He’s putting you on again. Stop being so naïve.”
Sam turns to Jacky. “Stop joking around all the time, will you?”
“Why not? It’s fun.”
“Don’t mind him. Let’s go.”
Sam and Sonia increase their paces to the main entrance.
“What did I do?” Jacky asked innocently, looking from Ehlo to Johnny.
“Serves you right, man,” Ehlo said. “Keep playing jokes on the new guy.”
“Hey, I can’t help it if he can’t take it.”
“Enough already,” Johnny said, attempting to break off their nonsense talk. “Let’s go.”
The three guy catch up to the other two. They chat among themselves until they reach the parking lot. Then they separate into two groups like before when they first arrive – with the exception of Qiao Qiao.
© Monday, June 2nd, 2008