Xunyi went back to her dorm after a long day of shopping. Even though she didn't buy anything that she wanted but she did get an extra sneaker and denim jacket since her old sneaker got worn out and she needed a spring jacket as well. England's weather wasn't particularly cold, but often, it can get quite gloomy. She had to carry an umbrella almost everywhere she went.
She got used to the environment and often enjoys spending time alone at a cafe while bringing her study materials along. Since her first year was almost over, she was grateful that everything went quite well during this year. She will often think about Deming, but she doesn't want to disturb his work, so she always ends up not asking random questions like when a girl was interested in a guy questions. She will only call him when it's necessary.
Deming called her several times whenever she was free. But on the inside, he wished she was there with him. His schedule was also hectic, with endless client meetings and court sessions. He almost got no free time.
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After finishing with all of her finals, Xunyi and her friends went to London, which wasn't far from the school. Hailey and Gabriela were with her. They took Xunyi to museums, famous tourist spots, and art galleries. Xunyi was ecstatic to discover so many places in London that she had to keep photos of these places.
Gabriela was also a pro photographer who could take unbelievably beautiful pictures, and it doesn't matter how many people were in the photo... she could always blow their mind when she finished editing the photos. Xunyi's photography skills were not too bad, but it could be improved by Gabriela's standard. Hailey had photography skills, but she only knew a few basic functions.
After taking a group selfie by the Big Ben and London Bridge, the three of them went to an afternoon tea place. Gabriela paid the bills since she got a gift card from her parents back home (in London). Hailey bought some random souvenirs so she could give it to her family back in the USA. Xunyi didn't know what to get for Deming since he's the one who gave her money in the first place. It will be awkward for her to buy things for him using his money. On the other hand, she knew that his family were rich, so she assumed that they didn't need anything in particular. But she did record a video of herself in London and a short greeting message for Deming. She did the same for her grandparents, but she used her own money that she saved up before coming to London. Although it wasn't too much, it was more than enough to buy a few postcards and a few fridge magnets.
After several hours of hanging out, Gabriela's parents came to say hi to them. As expected, even Gabriela's parents were good-looking. They parked their white Porsche beside the cafe, and they brought some luxurious items for them. Gabriela's mother gave Hailey a GUCCI bag and Chanel makeup set. She gave Xunyi a YSL black shoulder bag and a make-up set from Dior. Gabriela didn't get any since she got all of them at home.
Gabriela's father acted surprised, but honestly, he knew what she had bought.
Hailey was so excited that she almost dropped her phone, "I'm totally going to show these to my sister and parents! They are going to be so jealous!" Xunyi smiled as she secretly thought about her own parents. She accepted that life has to move on even though her parents passed away.
Gabriela looked at Xunyi and noticed she was tearing up, "What's the matter, Mia? Is everything okay?" Xunyi looked at her and smiled, "I'm fine. I just suddenly missed my parents."
"You can go back in a few weeks. All classes will be over. I'm sure your parents will be very happy to see you return." But Xunyi shook her head, "They're not here anymore. I can't see them ever again."
Gabriela hugged Xunyi and said, "I'm so sorry, Mia. I didn't know. If you don't want to go back, you can always stay at my house. It's like a mansion, so we'll have plenty of spaces. My brother is in Singapore right now, so he won't be back until next summer."
Xunyi smiled and replied, "Thank you for your offer. I have my grandparents in China, so I need to visit them."
Gabriela nodded, "You're lucky to have them. I never got to see mine. They passed away before I was born. My grandma passed away when she gave birth to my mom, and my gramps passed away from brain tumor when my mom was in high school. Take care of yours, grandparents are also a gift from above." Xunyi and Gabriela hugged for a longer time before she left with her parents.
"Mum, wait! Can you also drop off my friends back to their dorms?" Gabriela shouted because her mom was a bit far from her.
"Sure! Ask them to hop in." Gabriela's parents were nice enough to drop off Hailey and Xunyi back to their dorms while Gabriela was leaving early because her family would be traveling to Dubai.
That night, Xunyi video called her grandparents. She was relieved that they were doing well. They ended up telling her to stay in England and try to find a part-time job because traveling during this season (summer) was expensive. Xunyi obeyed them, and she'll try to find a part-time job on campus. Xunyi can't always depend on Deming's financial support, especially if something goes wrong. Since he already provided her with enough money, she couldn't have asked for more. Her grandparents were right because this way, she could earn money and support herself.
Susie and the two officers stayed at the parking lot outside Xunyi's dorm. She dialed Deming's number, and he answered.
"What is it?"
"Xunyi is planning to find a job on campus . Should we continue to watch her?"
"No need. You guys can come back. I have another plan. Thank you for your help for the past six months." Deming replied, and Susie made a fist and thought, "Finally, I can go back and catch up on my TV dramas." After she hung up, she told the other two officers that their job was done for now. Deming had other plans, so they won't be needed anymore unless absolutely necessary.
Deming's fingers were tapping on the phone while his eyes were shut. He barely slept for the past four to five days. He was too exhausted. But he gathered enough energy to make one more phone call, "Li Xun, book two plane tickets."
"Why two?" Li Xun asked.
"For Xunyi's grandparents. It will be her birthday in a few days."
Li Xun almost spat out his tea, "Her birthday? One year passed already?"
"Where you've been?" Deming asked him in a comedic way.
Deming couldn't believe time passed so soon. He wanted to surprise Xunyi since she must've missed her grandparents. He will plan accordingly since his schedule was almost full.