Imperfect Desires

Xin Zimen's eyes shook violently when he looked at the photo of the adorable little girl in Zhao Huan's hands. She had two ponytails and a big bright smile on her face while playing with soap bubbles. He didn't even think before taking the photo from her and saying deliberately, "You shouldn't be touching my stuff."

Zhao Huan took a deep breath when she saw his expression of melancholy mixed with longing. She placed her hand on his shoulder as she said, "Xiao Zi, what's wrong? I know you got this sudden fever because of this photo but the question is what reminded you of your little daughter? You have always been very good at concealing your emotions. But you aren't doing a very good job right now."

Xin Zimen slid the photo frame under his pillow as he said, "I just miss her. Am I not even allowed to miss my own daughter now?"

"You miss her every single day," said Zhao Huan sincerely. "Can't you tell me what really happened?"

Xin Zimen had an expression of struggle. He was troubled by his own thoughts. What Zhao Huan said was indeed true. His fever didn't come out of anywhere. There had not been a single second off his life when he forgot about his daughter. But it was rare for someone to remind him of her existence in a way that it slashed right through his heart.

*Flashback*

Early in the morning that very same day, he received a call.

"Little lass, how come you're calling me so early in the morning?" he asked with a faint smile lingering on his lips which would instinctively appear whenever this little lass was mentioned.

"Xiao Zi!" Xiu's voice was very soft as if she was trying to sneak around. He could even hear the sound of water running from her side.

"What's up? And where are you?" 

"I came to see Regan," she answered in a small voice.

"And with Regan around, you still remember the world. What a marvelous feet you have accomplished!"

Xiu could tell he was taunting her for having a one-track mind. It was no secret that she would forget the world around Darren. Of course, he was also one of those people who knew about this habit of hers. But he didn't have to be so sarcastic about it.

"You can't tease me like that!" Xiu's voice raised a little without her realizing it.

"Sweets, you okay inside?" 

Xin Zimen heard Darren's voice from her side and stayed silent.

"I'm fine!" Xiu had replied to Darren.

"Who are you talking to?" Darren queried since he clearly heard her voice earlier.

"Myself! I'm talking to myself!" Darren chuckled at her response and didn't ask any further. Xiu exhaled the breath she was holding and turned her attention back to the phone saying, "Xiao Zi, I need your help. It's a very teeny-tiny favor that I'm asking for."

Xin Zimen's brows furrowed up as he replied, "Why teeny-tiny? Ask for a big favor! But first, tell me why do I feel like you're hiding something from Regan?"

"You're an astute person, indeed," praised Xiu. "I really am hiding something from Regan but only because the favor I want to ask you is a surprise for him. He can't know right now."

"Then go ahead," urged Xin Zimen. He was intrigued to know what surprise she had in stores for Darren that needed his help. 

That's when Xiu shared the news of how she wants to take Darren to the Civil Affairs Bureau and get the marriage certificate. But to have smooth sailing, she needed someone with an affluent and powerful background. After all, she didn't want to spend days going over just to get her marriage certificate. The sooner, the better.

After hearing her request, Xin Zimen was really amused, "You really are a very decisive person, eh?"

"Can't help it," replied Xiu with a small smile that didn't hide how proud she was of her own self right now. "I just have one motto now, if I want it I won't wait for it to come, I'll go and drag it to myself."

Xin Zimen chuckled at her words and agreed, "Consider it done. Anything else?"

"Oh? That's it?"

"What else?"

"No, nothing." Xiu was just taken aback because he so readily agreed to her request. Not that she had any doubt that he would reject her, but still... It felt too smooth sailing that it made her feel weird in her heart.

"You still there, little one?" When he didn't hear her speak for a minute, he spoke up.

"I... I'm here," Xiu replied.

"Why so quiet then?" he questioned.

Xiu pursed her lips before saying, "I'm just trying to think of a way to show my gratitude."

"Are you happy?" asked Xin Zimen.

"I'm very happy," answered Xiu honestly. "I feel like floating on cloud nine that's how happy I am."

Xin Zimen smiled at her response as he said, "Then that's enough. You don't have to worry. I'll take care of everything at the Civil Affairs Bureau. You just need to show up, take a photo and sign a few documents. Your marriage is my responsibility."

When he said it like that Xiu felt so warm inside. He had repeatedly said that he'd allow her to cause trouble however she liked it because he'd be there to take care of the aftermath. And now when he said that her marriage was his responsibility, it seemed to have worked like a charm because she suddenly realized how she also had people who had her back.

She thought about it before she chirped, "Thank you so much, Ah-Xin! You're the best!"

Xin Zimen's body stiffened when he heard the way she called him. "What did you just call me?" he choked out with difficulty.

"Ah-Xin!" replied Xiu without thinking. "I've been thinking about it lately. Calling you Xiao Zi is good but I still think Ah-Xin seems more natural. I like it. Do you mind?"

Xin Zimen didn't know what to say to her. It had been so many years since he last heard someone calling him Ah-Xin. It overwhelmed him to the point that he blurted out, "I don't mind. I don't mind at all. You can call me however you like."

"I knew you'd say that," said Xiu happily. "Okay, I'll call you after coming back. Thanks once again! Bye!"

"Bye!" With a heavy heart, he hung up the call.

*End of Flashback*