CHAPTER 11
(Four years ago)
Xiao xu:
People always thought I was a delinquent for having a "tattoo" at age 17. The truth is ever since I have known myself I have had the eagle's mark on my hand.
It all changed when I was painting an abstract scene in Shang's backyard. A white butterfly sat on the canvas. I became aware of my hands due to spillage of paint. The eagle's wings started to fade eventually it was removed entirely from my skin. It was a day where I was happy people were no longer going to judge but also a day where I acknowledged the mysteries of life.
(Present day)
Xiao xu:
"Ling hun, I am really trying to meet you halfway here but how am I going to switch souls with you if I am aware that you would dissipate into the wilderness and never be reborn again?" I argued.
"Xiao xu it is better for me to embrace my nirvana and be free from this earth than to forget our identities and love to live."- Ling hun
"If the tenth butterfly does reach,and we do forget our memories, we can still create new ones, don't you want that!?"- Xiao xu
My loud shouts echoed in the room. As I over-scrubbed the dish it slipped from my hand and shattered.
She came to help me pick it up and all she said was, "We can create our memories now, but we have to return each other's souls before it is too late."
"Today I have seen your true love for me." I sarcastically replied and exited the kitchen.
Ling hun:
The title of an article written in bold and black letters against its white digital background, attracted the attention from my curiosity. "The eye glance Ling hun Hong gave to model Zai Xin in a photoshoot is more than what it looks like."
"White Pearl Ltd. has launched their newest product, "the red lantern rouge"; it is expected to be advertised on Beijing's largest billboard. Netizens looked at the photos taken with two popular models, Ling hun Hong and Zai Xin. They noticed the kiss marks painted on to Zai Xin's body which already gave a seductive vibe along with his black leather pants. Ling hun also wore a revealing halter dress that was also critiqued by netizens. Apart from what was being directed for the photoshoot, taking a close look you can see that Ling hun eyes are on Zai Xin. People questioned whether this was for the photoshoot or if Ling hun and Zai Xin have a hidden love.
Here are some pictures taken where it can be seen that Zai Xin is holding on to Ling hun's thighs. Another one where Ling hun placed her red lips on his neck. Though these advertisements are meant to be enticing, netizens suggest that it is something more."
I was a public figure. I expected that these types of situations would occur so I took it with a calm mind and hoped that this would be forgotten by tomorrow.
"Sunshine! Sunshine! Guess who is here?"
Out of everyone Jin Hai was the last person I wanted to entertain. Besides he could possibly be a murderer, well in the past life that is.
"What do you want Jin Hai?" I asked while rolling my eyes.
"Well the day for your birthday I never got to put on the necklace I bought for you and….."- Jin Hai
"Jin Hai we are no longer together why don't you understand that?"- Ling hun
"Sunshine, I promise once you give me this last chance to put on this necklace I will move on and find another girl," he said persuasively.
I figured it was time for Jin Hai to move on with his life. I handed him the necklace and allowed him to put it on.
His hands passed through my hair and his lips slightly touched my neck. He hooked the golden chrysanthemum. In my instincts, I somehow felt Jin Hai was innocent but he still had the eagle's mark. What was I thinking?
At the same moment when Jin Hai was putting on the necklace Xiao xu came walking down the stairs.
"Ling hun! Ling hun! I am sorry for what I told you I did not mean…."- Xiao xu
I saw the dejected look on his face. He did not utter a word or confront Jin Hai.
"Goodbye Jin Hai, I hope happiness follows you." I faintly said.
Xiao xu:
What Ling hun did was not enough for me to hate her. My love and desire to fight for her grew stronger.
I packed my bags and travelled on my bike to Shang's house.
I rang the doorbell twice and a recognized voice said, "Uh, can a girl have a little time for herself?"
She was wrapped in a towel and her face was covered with an aloe vera mask and two large cucumbers.
"Shang is not home right now, what do you need?" she rudely asked.
"Well Lang shi, I called Shang and he said I am welcome to stay the night so if you don't mind, scoot scoot."
"Hon please do NOT disturb me, you know where the guest room is so make yourself at home."
I entered an immaculate room with neatly packed shelves and a made up bed. I scrolled through my phone until Shang returned from what he was doing and there was no way I was going outside to talk to Lang Shi.
I saw a random fan account of Zai Xin, the model the other day. I clicked on its latest posts and it was Ling hun and Zai Xin on the photoshoot. The caption of the post was, "Lai Xin is so adorable we need to give them lots of love!" with a red heart emoji.
First of all "Lai Xin" was the cringiest ship name and it was just meant for advertisement purposes without any real emotions or feelings.
"Lang Shi did Xiao Xu came?"- Shang
"Hmm I think I remembered someone coming while I was having a peaceful facial but I am not sure maybe you can go see?"- Lang shi
"Xiao Xu! Are you there!?" Shang screamed.
"Hey Shang, thanks for letting me stay by you."- Xiao xu
"No problem, so what happened with Ling hun? Is everything okay?"- Shang
"Oh yes Ling hun is just super busy with work and all so I wanted to spend some time with you all." I ambiguously replied.
"Well Lang Shi, since you were kind enough to allow for Xiao Xu to stay I bought you something!"- Shang
I did not know Lang shi gets rewarded for little things she does which was not even special because she clearly showed me she did not care.
He came walking with a garment covering marked "Dior". Lang Shi then grabbed it like a hungry pack of wolves.
She unzipped the plastic to a sleek mermaid style gown. The satin fabric had a silver sheen with flared out sleeves that had pearls hanging from it. The bodice was beaded with white crystals and the train was outstanding with its laced flowers.
"Ling hun, I do not know what faith had in store for me but I just want to sincerely thank you for giving me this experience. I felt like I finally had a purpose in this life when I wore that tuxedo."
"Hey you do not need to thank me! You should be thanking yourself! You did yourself a favour by getting that! Only your body knows the struggle you put it under by wearing all those whatever you call that."
Her laughter always made me smile, the sarcasm in her words were the epitome of who she is. A flashback of memories came to my mind. I loved Ling hun so much, I just needed some time to figure out my life and how I can be a more reliable boyfriend to her.
"Sweetheart, I love you so much! What did I do to get you?"- Lang shi
"I love you too. The only thing is that you have to save this dress for something special. I am not going to tell you yet but you cannot wear it until then."- Shang
"Okay, whatever."- Lang shi
"I have something else! But this is for both Xiao xu and you my darling."- Shang
"We… are… going… to… see…THE PEKING OPERA!"- Shang
"Shang, really my..my head is hurting and I am not in the mood. Lang shi say something!" I replied.
"Oh baby you know how much I love dance and vocals, this is perfect. What is the problem Xiao xu?"- Lang shi
"Xiao xu I thought you said Ling hun was busy and you wanted to spend some time with us?"- Shang
In this vast world where there are so many things to "spend some time" with, Shang chose to take us to the peking opera at the same time, same place and same day as Ling hun!?