A few hours later, there was a loud commotion in the hallway outside my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes, listening to the loud voice of Yan Si's mother. The words were a little bit unclear due to the thick walls, but I could grasp the conversation's meaning. Or the monologue, to be exact. Han Wei was urging Yan Si to wake up, and knowing how he slept like a bear in hibernation period; I could guess she found the task excruciating. I got up from my bed and came closer to the door. Normally, I wasn't a nosy, gossiping person. However, I couldn't stop wondering why Han Wei was so nervous. Her voice was laced with panic, and she sounded almost hysterical.
I switched the lights off, which I used to doze off until morning, and looked outside. Only my eye was visible. Han Wei was standing at the doorstep, stomping with her foot. From her profile, I could see she was red with anger and worry.
''Yan Si, I order you, get up right now, or I will beat you until your ass is red! I don't care that you are a grown-up man!'' Oh my, that was a sight to behold. I should definitely record it. I laughed mercilessly at his misery, and when I saw his dishevelled look, I almost couldn't hold myself. His eyes were half – opened, his hair standing in all ends like he was hit with electric current, and he was totally unaware where he was. He blinked slowly and scratched his ear.
''Mom, did the asylum throw you out, and now you come back to bully me?'' Had he been in his right mind, he would never say something like this out loud. I bit my palm harshly, barely suppressing my giggles. The silence following his unrespectable question was tensed. I was waiting patiently to see how Han Wei would beat him. And I wasn't disappointed.
''You prick, did your father taught you to speak this way to me?! Let this mother of yours teach you some respect!'' She grabbed his ear, twisting it painfully and, after that, slapped the back of his head continuously. He ran into his room, pleading for mercy while I stuck my head outside. If I wasn't afraid Han Wei would beat me next, I would take my phone and record a video. Well, I had to admit, his mother could be over the top sometimes, but watching how she made Yan Si suffer was a pleasure like no other. Thinking the fun for tonight was over, I was ready to close my door when I heard her words.
''You idiot, do you know how worried I am for you? When your father told me that this cursed Kang Xianliang wants your life for compensation, my heart stopped beating. I was scared stiff, and I couldn't even breathe. How dare he…'' Her voice stopped abruptly while I stood rooted on the spot. I came out of my room, stopping a few steps before the open door of my cousin's bedroom. I could hear distant sobs and hiccupping. The silence that followed was breath-taking. I felt my chest was heavy, and I wanted to go in and try to offer some comfort. I could say that we found the whereabouts of the man who stole the money. But before I can act, her terrified voice filled the air.
''Your father and I agreed to send you away until this problem is solved. The plane is ready and is waiting for you. Xi An will come with you too so that you won't be alone.'' I froze on the spot. I knew the situation was quite serious, but I couldn't really imagine Kang Xianliang fulfilling his threat. Yes, there was this case with CEO Fu, but I found he was quite a shady person while I was checking his background. He was in court for money embezzlement, but the accusations were later dropped thanks to Kang Enterprise. However, later he had the audacity to lie Kang Xianliang trying to involve him in the Ponzi scheme. He holding grudges exacted revenge. However, Yan Si had nothing to do with Kang Xianliang. He never offended him. So, unless he wanted to incur the wrath of Yan Corporation, Yan family, their allies, he wouldn't act that ruthlessly. Well, of course, he wouldn't let the money matter to slip but still.
''Hmm, if that is the case, I want to go to Italy and take tang jie with me.'' Now, I was dumbfounded. Why did he want to go to Italy with me?
''What? Fine. I don't mind. Italy is farther enough. Kang Xianliang shouldn't be able to hurt you there.'' She sounded more relaxed now. ''I will go and wake her up. Later, maids will come to pack your luggage.'' When she came out of the room, she stopped, surprised to see me there. After that, her face became gloomy. ''Did you eavesdropped just now?'' A cold sweat ran down my back when her threatening voice rang out. Behind my back, Yan Si had taken his phone. The moment he saw my coldly shining eyes, he waved back at me. If my life weren't endangered, I would have beaten him into nothingness.
''Aunt, I hear voices from biao di's room, and I was worried. Why does he want to go to Italy with me?'' I tried my best to play clueless and innocent. Han Wei's eyes narrowed at me, and she sneered derisively.
''I didn't see you for years, and you have become such an actress. I suppose this is a family trait.'' One of my brows raised at her biting remark. What had she against my family? I stayed quiet because she was my elder, and I couldn't be disrespectful towards her. She looked at me, condescendingly, and my only answer was an indifferent stare. Seeing that I have nothing to say, she reminded Yan Si to hurry and left us alone. When she was out of sight, I stepped into my cousin's bedroom and looked at him.
''Was she always like this, or this is something new?'' He glanced at me thoughtfully.
''I am not sure. As far as I know, there was a feud between your mother and mine. The reason why was forbidden for discussion when both of you left for Scotland.'' Hmm, interesting. Since I knew Han Wei, I didn't have any negative feelings towards her. During my childhood, she was really irritating but seeing she acted with uncle, mother and Yan Si the same way, I didn't mind it that much. That was her personality, after all, and nothing could be done except ignoring her and finding ways to reduce the conversations. I could bear for a while being in her company. However, things were different if she had ill feelings toward my family and me.
''Ok. Let's left that aside. Why do you want to go to Italy with me? I don't want to be a third wheel.'' He snorted.
''You won't be a third wheel. Besides, I will need your help. I am planning to land in Venice, where Bei He is. I want to catch him and force him to return the money.'' Hearing this, I almost couldn't resist to facepalm myself.
''Pray do tell how did come up with this brilliant idea.''
''It's not stupid! I have a plan. I will tell you when we land.'' A plan, he said. I didn't know what happens in his brain; however, I knew if I weren't with him, he would lose his head without realising. Later, I would try to change his mind about this plan. Some more capable people should handle a person like Bei He. I took a deep breath and turned to the left.
''You are so lucky to have a relative like me. Not everyone is capable of tolerating a person like you.''
''Yes, tang mei, thank you!'' I pursed my lips angrily and shut the door loudly.
Early in the morning, the private plane set off from China to Italy. The flight was long, and I had nothing to do. Last night I tried to sleep in set on lights, but Han Wei disturbed me. Since then, I counted many sheep. Alas, it was futile. So I thought I would have the chance to rest during the flight. ''Luo Luo, we didn't have much time to talk yesterday.'' It was Xi An's voice. At the engagement party last night, we only had time to nod at each other. There were so many guests and friends of both families, and Yan Si and Xi An, together with their parents and family heads, had to pay attention to them. My mother and I were left to the side, but mom had old acquaintances in China, so she wasn't left alone, and I…well, I preferred being bored than speaking nonsense. Besides, I hated hypocrites, and most of the people there were like this. ''Well, we can make up for that until we land in Venice.'' I smiled gently, not too sad for my wasted opportunity to sleep, and not long after, w
The lights of the casino were bright and blinding. I blinked a few times, waiting until my eyes adjusted. It was so noisy here. The sounds from the betting machines, the people exclaiming happily when they won and their disappointed wailing when losing pierced through my eardrums.Oh my God, why did I agree with Yan Si's plan? It was such idiocy. I was supposed to find Bei He and charm him. He was forty years old unmarried man and had a liking for younger women. Thank you, Facebook, Instagram and Weibo, for giving me this information. Next, when he was head over heels for me, which I thought was totally impossible, I had to take him out of the casino where a rented yacht will take us away to a more secluded place. Then, Yan Si and I will let Xi An and her military training took care of Bei He.It looked like a piece of cake. However, many variables could screw us. I walked around the many slot machines which the people played, stopping for a second or two because I was
I was ready to open my mouth and explain. I didn’t see a reason to keep my cousin’s problem a secret. I preferred honesty when possible. And considering this case, I thought that I would win more if I told the truth. Besides, I was a bad liar. However, before I can realise it, Leonardo strode towards me, wrapping his fingers around my throat. My eyes bulged from surprise, and I wanted to remove his hand. But, the next second, his grip became stronger, and I choked due to the lack of oxygen. Panic surged in my veins, and I desperately tried to fight with him. He was unmovable like a rock.‘’What is your relationship with him?’’ His voice was as dreadful as the death incarnate. It was devoid of any emotions. I could feel the eerie feeling of impending doom upon me, which made my adrenaline rush. I strug
The next day Yan Si received a call from his father. The problem with Kang Xianliang had been settled. Uncle had anonymously received information for Bei He’s location, and he sent it to Kang Enterprises, leaving CEO Kang to deal with the stealer as he saw fit. My cousin almost hit his head on the ceiling when he jumped from happiness. Xi An and I had a sigh of relief.Now, when that burden had been lifted, and we had no more worries, we could enjoy our stay in Venice. We did all the things a typical tourist would do. We sailed on a gondola, we visited some of the landmarks like Doge’s palace, and we enjoyed an opera night in La Fenice. Also, we visited Gallerie dell’Accademia because one of Xi An’s most favourite periods was the Renaissance. Alas, all good had its end.After a week, we returned to China from our abrupt but funny vacation. The preparation for the wedding was in full motion, so both the fiancé and fiancé
After we left my mother at the family mansion, I received a message from her. As I guessed, she felt the situation between Kang Xianliang and I was fishy. She demanded an explanation after I went home.‘’What is it?’’ His cold voice sounded from my left. I turned my head meeting his side profile. His eyes were closed, and if it weren’t for his question, I would think he was sleeping.‘’Nothing. What business do you have with me?’’ I didn’t hide the animosity I felt toward him. After all, he threatened Yan Si’s life and scared me at the engagement night. My opinion of him wasn’t positive at all. I wanted to be as far away as possible from someone like him.‘’Didn’t you hear that the curiosity killed the cat?’’ His low chuckle caught me off guard. He turned his head, and his dark
I spent the whole night in the car with that crazy man. Luckily, he didn’t wake up until morning. I had enough time to reminiscence about the events yesterday. Everything was so surreal. If the backseat wasn’t filled with broken glasses and I didn’t have cuts on my body I would think I dreamt. By the way, that made me sit on the passenger seat. I didn’t want to sit in a pool of glasses. When I relaxed my body on the seat I gave Kang Xianliang curious look. He stopped time. It was for five seconds but the slow-motion was the same as the one in the movies. Which made me realise a few things.Firstly, the woman he mistook me with. It should be her. The one who reversed time back for me to change my fate. I wasn’t delirious that time. Part of me always doubted that everything was a dream. After all, this was out of common logic. That made me ask myself why. Why did she do it? What was her history with CEO Kang? Did she give him the ability to slow do
I thought Kang Xianliang would drop me at home. However, he continued driving to Kang Enterprises. The sun was up, and the traffic was high. Everyone could see the broken mirror behind the backseat. I felt really uncomfortable and tried to hide somehow. I knew it was a pointless feat, but the stares I got every time we stopped in front of a traffic light made me feel like a museum exposition.‘’Shouldn’t you change the car?’’ My voice was low and timid. I was too overwhelmed with the stares I received from the people on the walkway. One woman stopped with a widely opened mouth. If it wasn’t her husband who nudged her, I thought she would stare at us for a whole day.‘’No, why? I don’t see a problem with this one.’’ I gave him a disturbing glance. My mind couldn’t quite comprehend how it was possible to exist such a thick-skinned person. Let&rsqu
After we were done with lunch, my phone vibrated. I furrowed my brows. I forgot I put it on silent mode. I had twenty missed calls from my mother. Seeing this, I remembered some traumatic cases when the same thing happened, and after I went back home, she yelled at me for hours. Bracing myself for the incoming nagging, I called her back.‘’Luo McCarner, which hellish hole did you throw your phone in?!’’ I took the phone away from my ear, making an unpleasant expression. Uh, my hearing would be bad for some time.‘’Mom, calm down…’’‘’Don’t tell me to calm down! When did you go after that wild man took away? You don’t have a relationship with him, do you?!’’‘’Mom, it’s not what you think it is…’’‘’I swear if I find out you have something with this Kang Xianliang, I will pinch your ear and take you back in Scot