Imperfect Desires

Holding the cardboard box in her hands, when Xiu left the office building she drew in a lungful of oxygen only to cough up because of the gases that the traffic caused in the air. However, it wasn't enough to dampen her mood. Not today!

As Chen Xiu, she had worked all her life to achieve a bright future, because that's what her mother wanted and even as Bai Xiu, she chose to run after a bright future again because that's what Destiny wanted. However, never for once, she thought about what she wanted. And even if did, she never came to a conclusion.

But today when she submitted her resignation, she felt like the cobwebs blew right out of her head. She did something for herself and it felt refreshing. Today, she took a decision as just Xiu. 

Seeing that Darren was already waiting for her outside, she trotted over and grinned widely. He looked at the cardboard box in her hand and then at her face. Without any question, he simply took the box from her and placed it on the front seat. 

"You look unusually happy," stated Darren when they were on their way back and she still was grinning like a fool.

Xiu placed her one hand over another on his shoulder before placing her chin on the back of her hand and looked up at him sweetly. "I'm happy."

"I can see that but why are you so happy?" he questioned.

"Because today I feel free," began Xiu. "In the morning, I did feel like I was caged within my own feelings and those memories that aren't mine but yet are trying to invade my brain. But when I placed my resignation on Dylan's desk, everything cleared up. As if I suddenly found my way back up the water. I can breathe again. I think this is what freedom feels like."

Darren listened to her attentively as always without disturbing. His one hand lifted to rub her head affectionately as he asked, "You resigned?"

"No need to fake that surprised look. I know how much of a blabbermouth my boss. Oh, no. Wait! He is my ex-boss now!" Xiu straightened up as she clapped her hands together in excitement. "How amazing! Just in a moment, Dylan became my ex-boss. I can't tell you how happy this makes me." She cracked her knuckles while laughing evilly, "Now, I can abuse him all I want."

Darren smiled at her indulgently. Of course, that blabbermouth Dylan had already informed him about Xiu's resignation. But he was still amused to hear Xiu talking about it. Especially her future plans involving his best friend.

"Ben. stop the car at the supermarket."

"Yes, Ms. Bai," Ben replied calmly as he changed lanes for convenience.

"Why the supermarket?" asked Darren.

"Baobei, do you even listen to me or just pretend like it?" Darren avoided her eyes not daring to tell her that no matter how attentive he seemed half of the time he didn't know what she was talking about.

"You can't blame me, I lose my senses around you," replied Darren with his cheeky smile making Xiu shake her head at him. He really was too good with words. How could he say that it was her fault? But in fact, Darren wasn't lying at all. He usually lost himself whenever she started talking. Even if he wanted to pay attention to her words, her expressions would seem so amusing that he would not be able to look away.

Sighing out, Xiu decided to not pursue this matter for now as she informed him, "I told you in the morning that I have made a list of things that you can eat and not. I'm gonna buy ingredients according to that. Besides, I also have to get ingredients for steamboat as well."

"You're making steamboat tonight?"

"Not for you," Xiu broke his smile almost instantly. "I have dinner plans with Cali but instead of taking her out, I thought having a homecooked dinner would be the best choice. And since she must have eaten a lot of western delicacies I thought some traditional old touch of cuisine would do her some good."

Darren sighed out in disappointment, "And here I thought after resigning, you'd have more time for me."

"Don't try that on me," warned Xiu sternly. As Ben parked the car, she turned to ask, "Would you like to come with me or would you like to wait here?"

"I'm a loyal person," said Darren making her frown before he concluded with, "I'll follow my queen anywhere." Xiu was left gaping at him but she really had no words for him.

Inside the supermarket, it didn't take her long to collect everything on her list but when it came to ingredients for steamboat, she was in deep trouble, "Regan!" 

"Huh? What?"

"Should I make a clear soup base or spicy soup base for Cali?" asked Xiu seriously. "Which one would she prefer?"

"She can eat anything," answered Darren offhandedly before adding, "But I think spicy would do match her taste better."

Xiu thought about it and nodded before saying, "Since I like a clear soup base, I'll just make both. Good thing I have the special pot with the divider in the middle for just these occasions." Darren really wanted to ask why did she even ask for his suggestion then? But she wasn't done yet as she went on with, "Does she prefer seafood or meat?"

"She isn't very fond of seafood but she can eat it," said Darren.

"What kind of meat then?"

"Huh?"

Xiu pointed in front at the long aisle as she said, "Beef, mutton, lamb, chicken, duck?"

"Sweets, why are you asking so much? Just take whatever you think is good."

Xiu stretched her hand to pull his hair making him yelp slightly as she said, "Why did I bring you if you're not even gonna help me? Be a good boy and help me with everything."

Darren pouted at her sadly but she didn't pay attention. However, he couldn't help smiling when he saw her attentively picking everything. He was just following her around with the trolley. She did everything on her own. 

They really looked like a married couple out for grocery shopping. Aiyo, the thought was enough to leave Darren in bliss for another year or so.