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, we were having a conversation about our lives after we separated. I remembered Xi An as a shy and quiet girl. So, I was astonished when I found out she served for two years in the army. I couldn't perceive her as a soldier. She looked so sweet, girly and feminine. The only indicator showing her training was her muscular body. Actually, if I didn't know her, I would think she was a model despite that.
And her personality had undergone many changes. Being a year younger than me, she was more talkative than when we were children; however, she looked too timid. She didn't act like someone from the army with steady vision and confidence. Either my perception about the military was wrong, or she had a side of her character, which I didn't know. By the way, I wondered how she and my cousin would work out their relationship. He was an extrovert, and she seemed to be an introvert. I hoped they could cultivate mutual feelings because I really liked Xi An. After the long flight, the plane finally arrived in Italy. I was able to get some sleep, so I didn't completely feel totally wasted. When we checked at the hotel Xi An exclaimed happily.
''I can't believe my eyes! Isn't this the hotel where The Tourist was filmed?''
''No way, you know the movie?'' The voice of Yan Si was pleasantly surprised.
''Of course, I know. It's one of my favourites.'' Xi An's joy made her face radiant. My cousin looked at her, mesmerised. It looked like I was the only one who didn't know what was going on.
''What are you two talking about?'' I enquired curiously. The next second, their stunned gazes met my quizzical eyes.
''How can you live in a country when there are no movie restrictions by the government, and you didn't even watch this movie?'' Yan Si's voice was full of indignation.
''Well, I can't watch all the movies ever created.'' I retorted with irritation. ''Right, Xi An?''
''This is a movie with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. As Yan Si said, we can't always watch western movies, and it is surprising that you, as a person who can, didn't watch a classic like this.'' Excuse me, was this film really that good and popular? Pirates of the Caribbean and Mr and Mrs Smith were classics to me, but this…I didn't even know this ''The Tourist'' existed. And here I worried Xi An and Yan Si would have nothing in common. At least it was possible to have similar tastes regarding cinema. And looking down on people who didn't like the same as them.
''When we were on the plane, and I booked the hotel, I saw only two available rooms. It looks like Xi An will be left alone.'' After this statement, both of us looked at him like he was an alien.
''Shouldn't I be the one who is alone in her room?'' I asked mockingly, but he shook his head.
''Xi An is not a relative, nor she is married to me. It will be inappropriate.'' Really, what a lame excuse. I searched for his fiancée's face to analyse her expression. Unfortunately, I couldn't read anything from her tranquil features.
''You are engaged, so it's not a problem. Moreover, I don't want to listen to your snoring the whole night or to be hit by your arm.'' When we were children, Yan Si was afraid to sleep alone at night and often came into my room. I didn't know if he really snored, but he had bad sleeping habits and often hit me in the middle of the night with one of his limbs.
''I don't…'' He started, but I cut him midway.
''Xi An, sorry, you don't have luck with my cousin. Just forget being able to sleep after you marry.'' When I said these words, I didn't have the smallest idea of how accurate my prediction will be. In the future, Xi An started wearing scarfs almost every day. She complained a lot about having muscle and back pains, and if I didn't know better, I would think Yan Si was beating her. I guessed Xi An secretly cursed me in her mind for jinxing her.
I climbed the stairs leading to my room. It was spacious, comfy and had this Italian classy vibe. I used the daylights to catch up on some sleep. Despite finding a way to sleep at night with the lights on, my sleep wasn't deep and refreshing. I always felt tired. But it was better than being pulled into a world of endless misery. Even if I had nightmares, thanks to the light, they weren't that deep, and I always knew when I dreamed. I could find a way to wake up easily.
However, if I tried to sleep when there is only darkness around me, I often felt like I never escaped Xavier's torture. I screamed, waking up in cold sweat with a wildly beating heart and fear gripping my soul. I took a deep breath, trying not to think about it. After I came back in the past, I forced myself to ignore these memories. I didn't want to be reminded of all my desperation and helplessness back then. But sometimes, I felt like all I do is pointless. I was like a little child thinking that if it closes its eyes, then the monster under the bed will disappear. Part of me knew it would stay there until I face it. However, a bigger part of me was aware I was too weak to do it, and the better option is just to hope all of this would be better one day.
Without realising, the night came. There was a knock on the door, which woke me up. When I unlocked Xi An, and Yan Si entered.
''You remember I told you I had a plan about Bei He?'' I growled lowly. At least say good evening, you uncultured prick.
'' I am still young, and my memory is fine.'' I sat on a comfortable armchair while my cousin and his fiancée sat on the sofa.
''I shared my plan with Xi An, and she wanted to help. She has military training, and Bei He is not exactly a law-abiding citizen, so we will need someone who can take care of him.'' Well, well, future love – birds started to work together just fine.
''Ok. Do I have some role in your plan?''
''Yes, we need you to lure him so that Xi An can interrogate him. He works for one of your father's business partners so that you can track his location.''
''How am I supposed to lure him?'' I asked doubtfully, and Yan Si smiled widely.
''This is the funniest part of the plan.''
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
While I tried to recover from my shock of being in a relationship I knew nothing about, Han Wei noticed my presence.‘’So, the unfilial daughter decided to come home.’’ Her deriding tone made the blood in my veins boil.‘’Can you not jump to conclusions until you hear her opinion of the matter?’’ My mom said through gritted teeth. ‘’Maybe she has a reasonable explanation. Right, Luo?’’‘’I don’t have any relationship with that man.’’ My tone was firm and collected. I wasn’t sure what game Kang Xianliang tried to pull, but I didn’t want to participate.‘’If you don’t have a relationship with him, why were you photographed in one of the high-class restaurants in the city? Even the dress you wear now is the same.’’ Yan Si’