Imperfect Desires

While Xiu was upset about how both Cali and Nora left their boyfriends and came over to share her table, a certain someone was busy trying to pull Nora out of her chair.

"What do you want Jackie?"

Nora looked at her little brother who didn't look very happy. But then again, she was way too used to this expression of his. She thought it'd be weird if she saw him laughing and playing around like normal kids of his age.

"Change your seat," was all Jackie said with a straight face.

"Why?" retorted Nora even though she knew the answer herself.

"Because I want to sit between both my sisters."

Nora's lips rose a little and she wanted to squish this brother of hers but she knew if she tried to do that here, he'd definitely create a scene. So, she held back her urges. Besides, she could squish him at home since their parents weren't home and he won't have anyone to run to. Even the thought was very pleasing. 

So, as she was feeling very pleasant inside with her daydreaming, Nora obediently shifted her seat and allowed Jackie to sit between herself and Xiu. The little man looked very happy with this arrangement.

"Where is your tail?" asked Xiu which earned a glare from Nora. So, she rephrased, "I mean where is your dearest niece?"

 "Her dad took her," was the only answer Jackie gave. He never liked talking much so his lack of explanation was very much aligned with his character. 

"Your brother is really adorable," Cali chimed in as she smiled at Jackie.

Nora looked at her brother then looked at Cali before asking, "You need an eye doctor."

"Don't pay attention to Nora," Xiu also joined in. "She is just jealous of our Jackie. He is so perfect after all."

"Me and jealous of him? Never!" retorted Nora but Xiu definitely wasn't gonna believe her.

"Xiu, isn't Ying coming?" asked Cali when she noticed how the ceremony was about to start. "I haven't seen her around."

"I'm wondering the same thing," said Xiu as she looked towards the stage, and seeing Xin Zimen beside Xiao Li, she frowned. "Hold on!" she turned her head towards her husband asking, "Don't tell me that foolish brother Li actually chose Ah-Xin as his best man?"

Darren nodded his head saying, "If it comes to honor the most important person in your life, don't you think Uncle Zi rightfully should be there?"

Xiu thought about something and smiled softly. "Ah-Xin didn't even tell me anything."

"He didn't know," answered Darren for her. "He was just told that he is playing the role of the best man."

"Huh?"

"But Xiao Li had subtly made him do everything a best man should do," said Darren. "Uncle Zi helped him pick his groom wear and the rest of the items needed. He gave Ying the green light for that epic and unforgettable bachelors party where the groom was not invited. He spent last night with Xiao Li, having a heart to heart. He helped his son in getting ready for his big day. So, as I said, Uncle Zi has been doing everything a best man should do without even knowing that he is the best man for this wedding."

Xiu shook her head, "Li bro sure loves to play the hide and seek game."

"That he sure does," Darren agreed.

...

"You should have told me earlier," said Xin Zimen in a low voice.

"Dad, why are you so nervous?" Xiao Li wanted to laugh seeing how his father was all fidgety. It looked rather strange but yet funny. His ever-mighty father was actually having stage fright. How amusing! "Were you this nervous at your own wedding?"

Xin Zimen shook his head in reply, "Of course, not! At that time, your mother was with me. How could I be nervous about anything?"

Xiao Li's expressions changed slightly as he stared at his father's face saying, "It's rare for you to talk about mom."

"No, son. I talk about her all the time. It's you who never asks about her."

Xiao Li was quiet for a moment before his eyes tried to find a certain someone but couldn't do so. "Dad, where is Ying?"

"How would I know?"

"You don't sound very trustworthy right now," replied Xiao Li.

Xin Zimen fixed his sleeves saying, "Do you really think I'd let her witness your wedding ceremony? She might have lost her mind, I haven't."

"Dad!"

"Don't dad me. She'll be here but she'd be a little late. Besides, I don't think she'd be missing you right now."

"And why is that?" questioned Xiao Li.

"Because she has good company," answered Xin Zimen with a playful smile.

As the music started playing and they waited for the bride to enter the hall with her father, Xin Zimen shifted closer to his son to ask, "This is your last chance. I'm asking again. Are you sure about this? I can solve everything without you having to go through this wedding."

Xiao Li smiled back at his father, "Dad, aren't you worried that it might ruin your friendship with Uncle Yi?"

Xin Zimen rolled his eyes, "My friend isn't that unreasonable. Besides, it's only right that I'd be taking my son's side."

Xiao Li felt grateful to hear that and said, "It's enough to know that you've got my back. This is something I have to go through."

"You're just a fool!" complained Xin Zimen and took his place, not wanting to continue this conversation.

Soon, Xiao Li's eyes focused on Qiu Meihui's figure clad in the white gown as she walked down the aisle. He didn't feel entranced. But rather found it very funny. Once upon a time, he dreamed of this very scene with so many feelings and now that it was a reality, all he felt was a disappointment.

Oh, she was still as beautiful as she once was. But somehow, she wasn't that person anymore whom he loved with all his heart. Or maybe he did love her even now. But this love didn't feel anything like he remembered.

It was just as he had been hearing around; He was really a fool!