Imperfect Desires

Dinner was served precisely at 8 and everyone took their usual seats at the dining table. Xiu sat beside Clara and helped in serving.

"Is Jackson still sleeping?" Xiu turned to ask Sister Qin who shrugged her shoulders to indicate that she had no idea about the second child of Jing Family.

Right then, Xiu heard a groggy childish voice calling out, "Ma! I'm hungry!" Xiu craned her neck to see a cute little bunny descending the stairs while rubbing his eyes adorably. At the sight of that little bundle of joy, Xiu's heart melted.

"Food is served, Jackie." Nora's voice made the little kid open his eyes and his big eyes blinked in surprise before a huge grin spread on his cute face. He ran down the stairs as Nora opened her arms saying, "Come little brother."

But imagine her stiffened face and awkward posture when that little bunny went past her and ran into Xiu's arms. Xiu had knelt down on the floor to face that six-year-old. He immediately wrapped his small arms around Xiu's neck and kissed her cheek. "Baby Xiu, Jackie missed you so much." His cute pleasing voice made Xiu smile widely.

She kissed him back saying, "Baby Xiu missed her Jackie more."

"You did?" He blinked his eyes at her earnestly making Xiu nod vigorously. "Don't miss me anymore. Jackie is back for his Baby Xiu."

"Aiyo!" Xiu hugged even tightly at his cute words.

And a huffing and puffing Latina was left with her mouth twitching as she crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Oi! I'm your sister. Why are you forgetting that all the time?"

Little Jackson stuck his tongue out at her and heard his father's stern voice, "Jackson! That's very rude. As the only brother, don't you think you shouldn't be bullying your sisters?"

A crease appeared on Jackson's forehead as he thought for a while before saying, "Sorry, dad! I promise I won't bully my sisters. And I won't let anyone bully my sisters as well." Hearing such words from that pea-sized brother, both Xiu and Nora were moved as they smothered him between their arms together. "I... Can't... Breathe." He managed to squeeze out.

Clara and Jing Ge laughed seeing this scene and shook their head. This was a very usual scene in Jing Residence. Since Jackson was the youngest, he was like the Sun of this house; everything revolved around his preferences.

"Little brother, I think you're turning into the second Baby Xiu'er," Nora teased Jackson as he was trying to hold his chopsticks. "You both love your sleep." Nora laughed at her own joke but when she saw Xiu's narrowed eyes, she shut up.

"Stop your nonsense, Nora. Jackie was jet-lagged and that's why he slept for so long." Clara also reprimanded Nora for teasing her brother who seemed happy now that Nora was being rebuked.

"Besides, our Jackie is still growing up. He needs plenty of sleep." Xiu also defended him and added, "Jackson, you don't listen to her at all."

"I normally don't listen to her," Jackson replied in amusement leaving Nora to gasp at him in disbelief.

The dinner was a hearty affair as it passed with a lot of chatter, laughter, and teasing. Xiu was having a stomachache from all the laughter. As Sister Qin served the chocolate cupcakes that Xiu made, Jing Ge spoke up, "This must be our Xiu's creation."

"Huh? Dad, how did you guess?" Nora asked picking up a cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting. It was her favorite flavor.

"Because our Xiu is the only undefeated dessert queen in this family." Jing Ge said with pride in his tone and affection in his eyes as he looked at Xiu.

Xiu got up and served a cupcake in his plate saying, "Uncle Jing, you eat this cream cheese frosting one. I made this one for you."

"What about me?" Jackson pouted at his seat as he looked at Xiu adorably.

Rubbing his head, Xiu placed another one for him. "Here you go, my prince. These Strawberry frosting ones are all for you." Jackson laughed in excitement and dug in.

Xiu couldn't describe the feeling she had when she saw the looks of content on their faces. The happiness in their eyes made Xiu feel really satisfied. Also, she felt invigorated as if someone was slowly bringing her confidence back to her.

After dinner, both Nora and Xiu helped with cleaning up the utensils before Xiu was called to the study by Jing Ge. She entered the study and found Jing Ge sitting behind his mahogany desk.

"You called for me, Uncle?" asked Xiu as she stood at quite a distance away from his desk.

"Take a seat. I have something to discuss with you," Jin Ge said and Xiu took a seat at the couch. Although Jin Ge was a very compassionate person, Xiu couldn't forget that he was the Chairman of the largest Hotel's Chain in the world. She wasn't scared of him but she did find him a bit intimidating at times. Perhaps, it was because of the great respect she had for him in her heart.

"How's your job at Spark International Group?" He asked after she stopped tapping her foot impatiently on the Persian Carpet on the floor.

"It's good," Xiu replied plainly.

"Are you still not gonna consider working with me?" He asked looking straight at her. Xiu was sitting with her head lowered and lips pursed. Jing Ge had seen the potential in her and he really admired her straightforward personality. He really liked her as a person who had a clear distinction between who or what mattered to her and who didn't.

"Actually... I'm being transferred from my department." Xiu didn't want to decline him straightforwardly like before. "I'll probably become the Chief Executive Assistant of our CEO."

Jing Ge didn't look surprised at all rather he seemed pleased to hear that. "Hmm... CEO Qiu from the Qiu Group, right?" Xiu nodded her head. "Not bad. He is considered a very righteous businessman with high morales. I guess it'll be fun to work with him."

"Hopefully." Xiu mumbled before added, "Besides, you know I'm not suited to be a hotelier. I hope you don't mind."

Jing Ge smiled at her saying, "You're overthinking. I just don't want you to suffer any grievance out there."

"I think dad, you should have faith in Baby Xiu'er. She doesn't suffer loss." Nora announced as she entered the room with a huge grin.

"I have full faith in her. You don't need to remind me, Nono." Nora smiled at her father before pulling both of them out to the family room.

Xiu lost track of time as she sat with the Jing family and chatted over snacks and tea. It was close to midnight when she decided to leave but since Nora was to stay back, she had to leave alone.

None of them wanted her to leave but Xiu insisted on going back as she had something important to do. Nora gave her the car keys and asked her to take it back. It was difficult to get any cab at this time.

Xiu didn't decline her good-will and took the car. She wasn't worried at all about driving since the roads were mostly empty at this time. She was happy about this fact but couldn't remain happy till the end.