"Do you know what you did wrong?"
"... well..."
Suddenly, the events that had occurred the previous night hit him like tidal waves and he couldn't suppress the blush that threateningly crept up his cheeks. Seeing his reaction, Ding was certain he had remembered what had happened between them.
"Do you remember what..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Lian suddenly knelt down before him his head hanging low. Ding blinked in surprise but did not dare say anything, waiting patiently for Lian to do whatever it was he was doing.
"Am sorry master... I know a verbal apology can not make up for my actions towards you in my drunk state so I..."
A box fell before him and he looked up surprised.
"..."
"A new phone for you. Your last one was crashed."
As if not believing him, Lian slowly stretched his hand and grabbed the box examining it. He shook it for a few seconds before opening it and true to Ding's words, a brand new phone lay inside.
"This... thank you master."
Finally he had something to use to communicate with Rin. His fingers itched to immediately dial Rin's number and tell her about what happened but he held back. Ding watched him and stood up alarming him.
"Let's get going," he said and walked towards the door only to stop, his hand hovering above the handle.
He abruptly turned back and Lian stopped in his tracks looking at him with a confused expression. Ding eyed him from head to toe, dismissed his uncertain thoughts and yanked the door open.
"Keep yourself hidden," he said and walked out of the room.
Lian hurriedly rushed after him not sure what he meant by keeping himself hidden. As they made their way down the hall, they ran into the servants of the house, who only sent curious gazes in their direction.
"Aren't those the master's clothes?" one maid whispered to the other.
"They sure look like his clothes..." another whispered.
They made their way down the stairs and only then did Lian notice a difference in the structure of the place. He tugged at Ding's sleeve to get his attention.
"Hmm?" he asked without turning his face to him.
"I couldn't help but notice that this place is different from the place we went to last time."
Of course the place was different. Due to the circumstances that befell him the previous day with a drunk, sobbing man yelling and throwing tantrums, he had no other choice but to bring him to his own personal home.
"Yeah?"
Lian slowly released his grip on Ding at this and pressed no further.
"Mr. Ding..."
A butler walked up to them and bowed in respect.
"What is it?"
"Sir, Mr Tsun just called inquiring about your schedule."
"And? What did he want?"
"He told you to go home for an important task."
Before Ding could reply, Lian let out a sneeze causing both men to turn to him.
"Um..."
He rubbed his legs together and pulled at the hem of the huge shirt trying to cover his exposed skin from the cold breeze around them. One could clearly see his knees and knuckles were already a faint red. The butler watched the man before him and slightly bowed his head.
"Would you like something warmer to wear?"
Lian turned to Ding asking for permission with pleading eyes.
"Am heading out. I'll be back later," he said and turned to the butler," make sure he doesn't leave the residence."
"Understood sir."
Lian watched as Ding's figure disappeared and turned to the butler who had a smile on his lips.
"Come with me young sir," he said and Lian almost tripped.
Young sir? Who? Me? Hey... I may look younger because of this giant's clothes but am way older that what is on your mind. I may even be your age..
He returned the butler's smile and quietly followed after him. He was led to a large room lined with various clothes in neat rows. He looked around the room and his mouth hang open at the sight before him. If the room did not resemble a mini clothing mart or boutique, he did not know what words to use to describe it. The butler noticed his shocked expression and took the liberty to explain.
"This is the master's clothing department. He fancies collecting tiny fashion clothes."
"Tiny? If this is his definition of tiny then I would not want to know of a larger one."
The butler chuckled at this and directed him towards an aisle laid with a few simple but fashionable clothes. Lian curiously grabbed a white shirt and black trousers carefully studying them. The butler looked at the clothes and nodded his head.
"Wait a moment sir," he said and before Lian could speak, he already disappeared only to come back seconds later holding a light blue sweater.
"This should match perfectly with the outfits you have chosen sir."
Lian had no time to react before being pushed into the changing room. He put on the clothes and walked out after a few minutes. Compared to Ding's oversize shirt, these clothes were the perfect fit for his figure. The butler walked forward to starighten out the wrinkles on his clothes and Lian studied his face. Watching him closely, he could see the faint wrinkles of old age creeping up his face.
He wondered how old he was and how long he had worked with Ding.. if he wanted to know something, wouldn't the butler be of great help since Ding seemed to trust this specific butler?
"All done!"
The butler pulled back and studied Lian seemingly satisfied with his work.
"Thank you," he said and the butler smiled in return.
"Follow me. I believe you haven't had your breakfast yet."
Lian frantically waved his hands," No, no.. I actually drank some..."
"Non sense! Come with me and I'll serve you something delicious."
Lian had no strength to argue with his fatherly tone and he only nodded his head. He was led out of the house and onto a small house like structure in the middle of the garden. The small structure was on a small man made lake surrounded by flowers. He walked down the stone slabs leading to the structure. The scent of flowers mixed with the morning water dew hit his nose and he marvelled at the natural scent.
"Rest and I'll bring you something."
Lian watched as the butler hurried into the house before turning his attention to his surroundings. He moved closer to the edge and looked into the crystal clear water.
"Wow! This place is breath taking."
His reflection on the water was still, almost like a mirror. As he was watching, he saw a faint glow in the water.
"Hmm? What's..."
He had no time to confirm what he had seen before the glow disappeared.