Imperfect Desires

Han Bohai didn't know what to say, he just stood still staring at Nora's face with a sad smile. The male version of Xiu? He didn't mind that at all. If that could make people remember his sister Xiu, he really didn't mind. But he knew Nora wasn't talking about his sister Xiu, and yet it made him feel happy. 

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you're somehow related to my best friend." Nora was still very excited. "This level of shamelessness and illogical logics are completely in sync with her character. And even the ambition and resolve to do whatever comes to mind without thinking twice. Along with that single-minded love line. Everything matched perfectly!" She leaned closer as she asked, "Don't tell me she gave you private lessons."

"Private lessons?" repeated Han Bohai doubtfully.

"Yes! Because I always thought my Xiu is one of a kind. There can't possibly be another girl out there like her. Well, I was right to some extent since you're not a girl." Nora tapped her chin, "My best bet is that she gave you private lessons."

"Ah! Now I get it," Dylan also chimed in. "No wonder you easily hoodwinked our Ying Jie, you learned from the best."

Nora glared at Dylan, "Are you calling my girlfriend, hoodwink?"

"Isn't she one? She tricked my best friend into dating her, just like he tricked Ying Jie."

"It takes two to tango bro. It's not like Xiu tied Darren up to make him date her. It was completely mutual and the same goes for these two. If they are willing to give dating another chance, it means that they found something in the other person that's worthy of their time and effort."

"Wow! My girlfriend is getting smarter," praised Ah-Si and Nora smiled gratefully at him.

"Well, she is the mother of a baby girl, it's about time for her to get smarter."

"Xiu is absolutely right about you Dylan. You're always itching for a beating!"

Dylan stuck his tongue out at her and didn't bother saying anything. While they were busy arguing, Han Bohai's mind had long drifted off to another place.

***

'Xiao... Xiao... Xiao... Xiao Han!' The silky smooth but soft voice was still gentle as always but now, it had a certain allure to it as the words came out slightly slurred.

'Yes?' Very accustomed to this situation, he calmly replied while cleaning the mess of wine bottles that were lying at her feet.

'If you ever fall in love, remember to hold that person tight. Don't ever think twice. If your heart says so, just do it! No question and no doubts. Because once you let the questions and doubt get to you, everything slips away from your hands.' Even though she was tipsy, her words showed her firm stance.

He frowned, 'Are you still thinking about Zhou Jinhai? Didn't you say you won't ever think about him?'

She shook her head, 'But I'm not talking about him.' She got down from the bed and sat beside him on the thick carpet as she said, 'The reason why I took a chance with Jinhai was exactly that I lost my first love while still doubting and questioning myself.'

He was shocked but he didn't want to say anything. He was that one person who had heard about this first love. Although he didn't know that person, he wasn't blind. He had also known that some peculiar gifts like that huge billboard birthday ad were done by that man. He also knew that even his sister Xiu wasn't sure about this person's identity and for some reason, she tried not to find his identity either. He was like her safe haven in a virtual world, she didn't want to bring him into the chaos of her reality.

'And how would I know if I'm in love?' he retorted impatiently trying to sound like he didn't even hear her lamenting.

'That's simple.'

'Don't say my heart will start beating loudly because my heart feels like it's about burst whenever you get into your character to practice the lines with me. So, I certainly don't believe in that logic.'

'Good brother, we are on the same page. I also don't believe in that logic. But I do believe that when you love someone, they bring a strange peace to your mind, heart, and soul. A single smile that reminds you of a warm summer day. A simple hug that makes you feel safe and at home. Love isn't the name of turbulent feelings, love is the name of inner peace and joy.'

'Sister Xiu, people don't find such love these days.'

'Hehe. That's why you need to learn the art of seduction.'

'Seduction? Do you think I can seduce anyone?'

'Aiyo, dear brother! Seduction is an art based on your skills, not on your beauty. You can definitely learn.'

'You're just indirectly telling me that my face value is too low.'

'Hahaha!' Chen Xiu's face has a look of indulgence as her hand touched the crown of his head as she added, 'How can my brother's looks be questioned? But that's exactly why I don't want his skills to be questioned as well. So, learn well from the master.'

'Okay. Teach me then.'

Chen Xiu was more than happy to pass on her knowledge as she placed her hand on his shoulder and said, 'There is only one thing you have to do to seduce someone.'

'And what is that?'

'Be shameless!'

Han Bohai gaped at her in disbelief as she laughed out, 'Trust me! Become a koala and get stuck to that person.'

'I'd scare them away or they'd get irritated of me. Those are the only possibilities.'

She firmly shook her head, 'Nah! There is another possibility... That person will get used to your presence.'

'Huh?'

'Baby brother, habits are dangerous than love.'

His brain suddenly buzzed with her words as he looked at her eyes and said, 'Sister Xiu, your drunk version is sinister.'

The girl who was already intoxicated grinned happily, 'No, no, no! My drunk version is actually very honest.'

'But you're wrong this time. Love and seduction are two different things. I can't achieve love through seduction.'

'Oh, poor soul! How are you so naive?' Han Bohai looked at her as she stood up clad in her silk nightgown that was trailing down. The way it hung loosely on her frame it looked gorgeous. She leaned against the railing as she looked at the bright moon as she usually did and added, 'Love and seduction... I can't find a way to separate the two. Do you think people fall in love out of nowhere? No darling! Even if it's love at first sight, it began with the way someone's eyes or looks seduced your senses. No matter what kind of love you choose, it begins with seduction.'

'Are you done with the valuable lesson of the day?'

She turned around but almost tripped. However, she was holding the railing, so she didn't fell. His face was getting blurry in her vision but she still asked, 'What valuable lesson? I'm just passing on my heart and soul to you. It's precious, cherish it!'

He stood up and followed her saying, 'I really cherish it. That's why my phone is now filled with your voice.'

'Bobo has gone crazy...' she started humming while he was left shaking his head at her but then threw her head back and laughed heartily.