Evening came fast. I yawned leisurely watching the city lights from the car's window. They were so blinding it hurt. I closed my eyes but the drowsiness immediately attacked my body. God, I didn't sleep since yesterday afternoon. I knew I could stay awake a while longer but my brain wouldn't be in its best condition.
''Xiao Luo, you won't fall asleep in the club, will you?'' Yan Si asked worriedly. I looked at him disdainfully.
''Now, you are afraid. You should have let me sleep on the beach instead of pestering me the whole time.''
''But the human body is meant to sleep at night and work at day. It's unhealthy to switch your sleeping regime.'' He said righteously.
''Did you hear about people called night owls? Do you live under a rock?''
''These are exceptions. Plus, these people don't stay up the whole night. They just go to sleep after midnight. Not like you, who wander like a ghost in the mansion until sunrise and during the day sleep like the dead.''
''Put your facts right when you speak if you want to criticize me,'' I said sneeringly. ''First of all, I don't wander anywhere. I just stay at the library reading. Secondly, I don't sleep during the day. I am forced to pay attention to other family members like you. I can't afford to neglect them.'' I folded my arms thinking this was the end of this meaningless topic until he opened his mouth again.''
''Bu Butler Che told me that you had been sleeping the whole day the day before.''
''That was an exception. It won't happen again.'' I said frankly. It was a real trial to stay awake for two days. I didn't want to repeat it again.
''I hope. Otherwise, I won't be lenient and will make you reveal everything you hide.'' His chocolate eyes looked at my silver ones with determination. I was surprised for a second. Or maybe I shouldn't. Yan Si was always good at sensing my emotions no matter how hard I tried to conceal them. Nevertheless, that didn't mean I would speak. But, he was so cute thinking he has the ability to make me. This made me giggle which was a surprise for my cousin.
'' Biǎo dì*, please, no matter what tricks you use you can't make me do something I am unwilling. Spare me your empty words.'' I leaned on the leather seat, ignoring him.
'' Biǎo jiě, I am not the same person you know from thirteen years ago. Bear that in mind.'' He sounded calm and unperturbed. However, there was something strange in his tone. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
''If I didn't know you better, I would think you are warning me. Don't use again such a serious tone for trivial things as my sleeping routine.'' I laughed it off dispelling the suddenly tense atmosphere.
''I'm worried about you. After all, you are like a little sister to me. I know there is something serious you hide '' He looked at me with huge puppy eyes and I caressed his silky locks.
''Did you hit your head, Yan Si? Where did your sharp tongue go? I'm telling you if you don't become the cousin I know I would thing the fae changed you.'' He frowned unpleasingly at my words.
''What do you mean fae changed me?'' He was blatantly ignorant wondering if I insulted him.
''Read some UK's folklore.'' I was too lazy to explain it to him. Soon, we arrived at the club. It was an expensive famous place which only fixed clientele could afford. It was hard for common citizens to come here. When we entered we were escorted to one of the private rooms. While we walked around many gazes were glued to us. I felt uncomfortable and stuck close to Yan Si. Some of the men and women whispered when they saw us. Good enough, the music was loud and couldn't hear anything.
''Why the women here are watching us with so much animosity?'' I whispered to my cousin and he lifted a brow mockingly.
''That's not animosity. It's jealousy. They wonder if you are my lover.'' After I heard this sentence, I had an urgent need to throw up somewhere.
''Didn't they see that we look alike?'' I asked wondering do all these people need an ophthalmologist. He turned back to look at me and inspect my face.
''No, we aren't. Your western genes make the structure of your face a little bit different.''
''What do you mean? Except for my silver eyes, everything in me looks like a Chinese.''
''What I mean is that most Chinese's women faces are small and white like dolls. Their bodies are short and petite or lean and elegant. You on the other hand…Your hips are wider than a Chinese woman and your head is a little bit. Oh, your forehead is such a nightmare for the men.'' He clicked his tongue in a derisive manner and looked pitifully above my head. My 1.67 cm were no match to his 1.88 cm so I had to lift my head in order to look him in his playful eyes.
''Well, you are uglier than me. You look like a stick. I pity your future wife. When she needs a man to do the hard work she will be utterly disappointed.'' My words destroyed his good mood and I continued walking in front of him. Seconds later he caught up with me and we entered the private room. There was an unknown man waiting for us.
''Mr Yan, such a pleasure to meet you! And who is this extraordinary beauty?''
''Nice to meet you too, CEO Fu. She is my cousin which I like to pamper.'' Yan Si was polite like well-brought gentlemen. After this blatant lie about pampering me, I looked at him darkly but kept my mouth shut.
''Oh, so that's the case.'' The other man took his seat and not long after the two mеn were immersed in business talks. CEO Fu searched Yan Corporation for investing in his business. The profits he promised looked promising, actually more than promising. Yan Si listened carefully nodding his head, asking questions and negotiated the conditions Yan Corporation wanted. I was surprised from his eloquence. My uncle trained him well to be a successor.
''CEO Fu, I'm more than pleased from what I heard and I think my father will be very happy too. Let's sign the contract next week. My secretary will call you to schedule an appointment.'' They both shook hands and at this moment the door for the private room burst open. Three men looking like gorillas on steroids entered with deadpan faces, black clothes and murderous air. I was too stunned to realise what happened. Yan Si frowned threateningly. One of the strangers said with a low but clear voice.
''CEO Fu, CEO Kang wishes to have a word with you. Please, follow us.'' CEO Fu sweated profusely. His face glistened illuminated by the lights on the ceiling.
''CEO Kang? There must be some mistake.'' He tried to smile, however, his fear was evident. I narrowed my eyes. I didn't know who CEO Kang was but obviously he and CEO Fu had bad blood. Were this business-related? If yes, Yan Si definitely would want to find out what it was.
''CEO Fu, don't put your friends in a difficult position.'' He made a step forward showing his gun on his tight which was hidden under his leather jacket. My eyes opened wide from fear. Yan Si sensed I was afraid and stood protectively in front of me. CEO Fu reluctantly took a step forward with no other choice but to obey man's order. After we were alone, I took a deep breath.
''Who is this CEO Kang?'' Yan Si's face was unreadable.
''Someone people shouldn't trifle with. If CEO Fu disrespected Kang Xianliang in some way he wouldn't live very long. Well, I suppose I have to tell dad our deal fails.'' I was terrified when I heard him. Who was this man who so freely could threaten other people's lives? I felt a cold shiver down my spine. I hope Yan Corporation wouldn't have a head-on with CEO Kang.