[This chapter is dedicated to Hazel_Cat_Eyes for her continuous support in reading my stories. ^^ Thank you for being one of those readers who motivate me to write! ^^ You guys are a blessing. Mwah!]
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"As long as I escape from my uncle, I would rather suffer than be in his merciless hands."
When they heard this from Shu Xian, Cai Li could not help but feel pity towards her. She stood up from her chair, surprising her from her strong front when Shu Xian got an embrace from her.
"Oh, child... you must have suffered a lot," she whispered, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Shu Xian didn't know what to say. She just gave a small smile to Cai Li, nodding once as she wiped her tears that were forming in the corners of her eyes.
Cai Li then looked at her son, getting his attention as she spoke.
"So, when you saved her, did she start staying at your place?" she asked, Pan An, nodding as he almost forgot about their fake act.
"Yes. At first, Shu Xian stayed by paying rent and by doing chores, but as it went on for months, we started falling for each other," he lied, Cai Li nodding at his answer.
"I could see why you started falling for her," she commented, already sitting back on her chair. "She is a strong lady at such a young age. A few people have picked themselves up independently."
Pan An smiled, agreeing to what she said even though he just heard about Shu Xian's past just now.
With that, he got Shu Xian's hand that was trembling under the table. Being a "boyfriend" to her, he kissed her hand after he interlocked his fingers with hers.
Shu Xian looked at Pan An, her eyebrows furrowing with the mixed feelings that she felt.
Talking about her past, even though it was not detailed, was something sensitive to her. But oddly, even though she knew that Pan An's actions were just an act, she felt comforted.
"Thank you," she whispered, slowly calming down as Pan An planted a kiss on her forehead.
Seeing them act this way, Cai Li smiled. She couldn't help but feel happy that finally, her son was out of a black hole, making her feel hopeful that someday, he would come back home once in a while.
However, her smile slowly disappeared when she remembered Pan An's relationship with his father. Since then, he rarely comes home, making her wish that someday, her son would find happiness out of their home.
With Shu Xian in the picture, Cai Li hoped that someday, she could convince Pan An to visit the house someday.
"Now then," Cai Li spoke, getting the attention of the two. "The food can't wait any longer. Let's eat!" she added, getting her knife and fork.
With what she said, Pan An gave Shu Xian's plate, the meat already sliced for her convenience. Shu Xian then smiled at him as she started eating, not shy to show her hunger since she is indeed hungry as of the moment.
As the three started eating, Cai Li asked her a question after she chewed and swallowed a piece of her steak.
"May I ask, Shu Xian, the name of your best friend?"
"Oh!"
Shu Xian wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin before she answered.
"Her name is Shi Lian. I think you know her."
"Ah!"
A wide smile appeared on her face, already familiar with who she is.
"She is the youngest child and only daughter of one of the best accessory companies of the city! Yes, we're partners with them!"
"I see!"
A wide smile appeared on Shu Xian's face, making her look prettier.
"I am thankful for my friend. Our meeting was unexpected, but what I like about her is that she is a humble girl."
"I agree!"
Cai Li took a sip of her wine.
"Her mother is a great friend of mine! His older brother who is the CEO of the company is good friends with my son!"
"Oh!"
Shu Xian looked at Pan An, curious.
"I didn't know that big brother is your best friend," she commented, Pan An, rolling his eyes at her as he remembered his friendship with him.
"Yeah. He's the only great friend I have. How small the world is, knowing that her little sister is your best friend," he replied, Shu Xian, giggling before she took a small sip of her wine, a thought passing her mind.
'How small the world is, indeed... now I can't escape from Shi Lian once she knows that his brother is friends with the guy I am living with...'
The atmosphere in the room started to feel lighter. Shu Xian felt more comfortable as she conversed with Pan An's mother with ease, Pan An, smiling from time to time as he observed the two.
To be honest, even Pan An was happy to see his mother this way. He wanted her mother to be happy as well, but then, he felt somewhat bad for fooling her that he is in a relationship with Shu Xian so that the blind dates would stop.
"Shu Xian, is it okay for me to ask," Cai Li trailed off, snapping Pan An out of his thoughts. "I know this is a very sensitive topic... but may I know the name of your uncle?"
Shu Xian's eyes widened. She shook her head slightly and slowly, unsure if she could tell her.
"I-I'm sorry, but you wouldn't investigate about him, right? I mean... even as his niece, I don't know much about him as I am locked in my room all the time," she asked and said, Cai Li, heaving a small sigh.
"You're right, Shu Xian," Cai Li replied, feeling bad for prying into a topic that is so sensitive. "I should understand. I'm sorry for being insensitive."
Shu Xian gave her a small smile, shaking her head at the same time before giving her reply.
"Oh, it is alright, Ma'am," she answered, taking another small bite of her steak before speaking again. "If you do investigate about him, please don't let me know as I am already happy with my life as it is," she added, a sincere smile curling on Cai Li's lips.
"Alright, then."
Shu Xian then got her newly refilled wine and took a sip, her answer, silencing Cai Li as her ears twitched with the familiar name she heard.
"My uncle's name. He's He Shen."
Shu Xian continued to eat her steak, her hunger evident than ever in her actions.
Cai Li's body, however, stiffened after she spoke, Pan An's eyes, landing on his mother's surprised expression, completely getting his curiosity.
'He Shen... I know that name somewhere...'