Chapter 23: The Delivery Gift

As Emily was savoring her ribs and fries; Lin Zoe was trying to figure out what was the "Paris International Painting Exhibit," Emily was talking about. She never heard of something like that and thought it could be new.

She stopped thinking and directly asked to Emily.

"Emily, what is that international exhibition, you're talking about? Is it important to you?" 

Emily nodded, "Yes, it is important to me, because that is the greatest exposition of painting that has ever existed in the world."

"Wow!" Shen and Lin Zoe made. 

"It is a meeting between famous artists, gallerists, and painters. It is where the most valuable paintings in the world, are presented. It is also a chance for starters like me, to become famous. There will also be a lot of house of expositions; the best among them -- Sotheby's. 

Instantly, an idea winked in Lin Zoe's mind. 

"Emily, will there be prizes, there?" 

"Yes,"

"You can enter some... hmm... contests?" 

"Yes!" she instantly shouted, half-confused. 

"Then it's fine. I will help you paint and draw some portraits," Lin Zoe said. 

Shen spits out his coffee on the floor and Emily choked her meat. 

"What? Are you sure?" they both made.

"Ha! Like brother, like sister, huh?" she thought. Lin Zoe sighed and then explained carefully what she planned to do.

"Hey, I learned how to draw in primary, college, and faculty. I can perfectly draw a regular face and symmetric figures." 

"Rea..." Shen was stopped by his sister who continued; "Really?" 

"Hmph! Don't underestimate a professional scholar like me. Models don't only grow beautiful faces and wealth," 

"You think, I only got a pretty face to model in front of people. In my previous life, I was so popular and rich, that I owned my own modeling house and designed a lot of dresses."

"Including faces and legs, in my drawings," she thought. 

" Wow, sister, you will help me correct my imperfections, then," 

"Yes, no problem. Haha," she replied.

"Tsk, they are always getting along,"

When they all finished eating, they all ordered drinks. It was already noon and Emily still had a lot of time left with Zoe. Emily and Shen ordered a coke, while; Lin Zoe ordered iced tea with mint leaves. 

They drank leisurely as they were preparing to leave. Lina came back at them and took their cups and trays. She left a tiny basket, with a small note inside. It was - the bill. 

Lin Zoe took out her money and left it inside the basket. 

They went out of the building and walked freshly out, in the parking. Emily held her brother's hand, in the way. 

"Shen, sister Lin made it even more exciting for me to go with her," she smiled.

"Hmm...Really?" he said, suspicious and teasing at the same time.

"Yes!" Emily held tighter his hand. 

"Alright! I hope... both of you... may have fun," He looked gently at Lin Zoe. 

Emily ungrasped herself from Shen's hand and went to the back of the car. Lin Zoe wanted to go too but, she was stopped by Shen Zi. She was frictionless and turned her face back to his. She smiled and asked what was going on. 

"Zoe, ... hmm... don't sit behind today. I want you in front, beside me," he said. Her heart thumped like a car race and went on, beating faster and faster. His way of saying it, was so gentle, she could not help blushing red.

"Hmm... Alright! I will sit in front with you." 

He sighed and then sat at the driver's place. Lin Zoe was a little bit confused and wondered what was going on in his mind. She sat in front and left Emily behind. Emily thought she will sit behind with her and got confused.

"Sister Lin, why don't you sit behind? You know, it's more convenient, since we are going out together," 

Zoe sighed and answered, " It feels hot behind. We will stay together, do not worry." 

"Emily don't bother Zoe anymore. You stay calm," Shen said.

"Hmph!"

...

They went back home and got out to rest. Emily entered the house and this time; Shen was stopped by Lin Zoe. She held his hand tightly, which made him look a little red. 

She had worriedness in her eyes and it made him feel anguish.

"Shen is there something you worry about? You can tell me," she asked, gently. 

He released her hand, and went straight to the house, without answering back.  

"Shen, wait!" she shouted. 

She was feeling bad and could not restrain herself any longer. 

"It's Halloween today in the Western countries. There is a night lantern watch at the marketplace tonight. Come with me and Emily," 

He smiled and only said four words; "Yes, I will come." 

He went inside and left Zoe outside a little bit confused, but happy. She never saw him that way and tried to find some plans, to coax him. 

"Why is Shen so distant? I'm gonna speak with him. We are gonna speak during the lantern watch," 

... 

On the wooden sofa, beside the window, Lin Zoe was seating and waiting for an order, which had to be delivered to their home. She asked Shen and Emily not to go out before she receives her delivery. 

Zoe was looking out from the window, Emily was watching a movie on the TV screen while; Shen Zi was reading the newspapers. 

They were very -- calm. Almost like, boring. 

Emily was weary of the screen and could not stand anymore the silence at home. She was curious about what Zoe was desperately waiting for and started nagging her. 

"Oh! Sister Lin. What is that mysterious you are waiting for and stubbornly hiding from us?" Emily said, in a boring way. 

"Emily, it is a secret. It is for someone very important to me," she murmured in Emily's ears. 

The reason she murmured, was for Shen Zi not to hear anything. "Can I just know who is the person?" Emily smiled, trying to act cute.

"Emily Shen, it will not work with me. The person too, must be kept secret," she murmured once again. 

"Alright! I will put the hands-on that delivery first, you will see," 

"Yeah, Yeah!" Zoe replied.

The doorbell rang and Zoe shook herself, then stood up to check the door. 

"Oh! The special gift for the special person. hee hee..." 

Zoe stopped herself from frowning and received the packet from the delivery man. 

"Thank you, Mr," she said, closing the door.

Back inside, Shen who was sitting at the dining table, observed the packet which was for the special person, Emily talked about. 

"Who is that special person? Why was my wife waiting so desperately for it?" 

Zoe rushed upstairs with the box and entered her room. Emily followed her closely, without her noticing. 

She closed the door, and when she heard no one outside, she tried to open the box. Emily who was eavesdropping, accidentally pushed open the door, before Lin Zoe could open the box. Lin Zoe was startled and pushed the box aside.

"Emily, what is wrong?" she asked, scared.

"I will keep your secret, sister. I just can't wait to see what's inside," she said, excitedly.

Lin Zoe sighed and accepted. 

"But, do you promise?" 

"Yes!" 

"Time to unbox the box..." Zoe said, taking the box back.

When she opened it, Emily was very surprised. 

" Sister it's so beautiful!" 

...