Imperfect Desires

"What did you say? Darren is awake?"

Dr. Ling nodded her head repeatedly before all these people. To reassure them, she even added, "And don't worry, he's actually doing better than I had anticipated."

"Where is Francesca?" asked Clara who had come after her whole day of running around because of the lawsuit. She was definitely going all out with her temper but she was also worried about Xiu and Darren. So, before going home, she had stopped by to check up on them.

"She just went to sleep after much difficulty," informed Xiao Li. 

"Then let's not disturb her," said Clara in understanding. She looked at Dr. Ling, "We can see him?"

Dr. Ling pressed her lips together before voicing out, "The patient needs complete rest. Seeing you all right now might stimulate his emotions. That won't be good."

They agreed with that statement. As long as they knew that Darren had woken up, it was enough for now. They could see him later. 

"There is really nothing to worry about, right?" asked Xin Zemin carefully examining Dr. Ling's expressions.

"There really is nothing to worry about," repeated Dr. Ling. "He just needs some time to get back to normal."

At this time Xin Zimen also joined them and inquired, "I heard Regi woke up?"

Seeing him, Dr. Ling was like... Cat got her tongue. She couldn't even say a word. No, she couldn't even make a single sound before him. 

Xiao Li rolled his eyes at her in disdain before telling his father, "He is awake. And he is doing much better. The other specialists have also checked up on him. And they said there is no need to worry. He is already doing better than expected."

Xin Zimen exhaled a heavy breath, "That's good... That's great actually."

"But we can't meet him just yet," added Xiao Li.

"That's fine," replied Xin Zimen. "As long as he is good well."

Xin Zimen got busy with Clara discussing the case she had filed against Qiu Meihui and Xin Zemin's attention was also listening attentively.

Nora who had been sitting in the background felt her soul coming back to her body knowing that Darren was awake. She had come here right after she woke up. Although she wasn't completely fine, she was still not willing to stay at home to rest. 

While she was staring blankly at the elders talking, she saw Dr. Ling dragging Xiao Li aside.

"What? Is something wrong with Regan?" he asked in a heavy tone and this one sentence was enough for Nora to give them her complete attention. "Are you hiding something?"

Dr. Ling squinted at him, "I'm not a liar! I already told you his condition honestly. Don't doubt my words."

"Doubt your words?" he retorted. "I doubt all of you!"

Dr. Ling pressed her lips together and shook her head to shake off the temper he was provoking with his words. And when she opened her eyes, she clasped her hands together and gazed towards Xin Zimen saying, "He looks very worried."

"Because he is worried," retorted Xiao Li.

"How can he look this handsome even when he is so worried? Is it even legal?"

Xiao Li noticed Nora's strange look towards them and tried to smile at her politely before he said to Ling Wanwan. "Stop it!" He took a pause and added, "Even my dad's brother looks like him, why don't you find him that handsome?"

"How are the same?" she retorted. "Your Uncle looks gentle, your dad looks regal and cold. That's not the same! Not at all!"

He rubbed his temples and sat down on the couch opposite Nora as he said to her, "Since you know he is fine, why don't you go back?" Nora shook her head. "The doctor said you were shocked because of everything. Take some care of yourself as well."

"I'm fine," said Nora.

"Woah!" was heard from Dr. Ling. "Icebox, when did you start taking care of others?"

Xiao Li didn't pay her attention as he continued to say to Nora, "Even if you're fine, don't take your health so lightly."

Nora smiled at him, "Brother-in-law, worry about yourself! You haven't slept since the day of your wedding."

Being pointed out like this Xiao Li had no way to retort. So, he tried to change the topic, "Why don't you take a trip next door? Spend some time with your daughter. And help me take care of Asteria as well."

"And now, you're just changing the topic," said Nora and shook her head at him.

Hearing their conversation, Dr. Ling suddenly recalled something and asked, "By the way, why haven't I seen your wife yet? Not that I'm interested in seeing her proud face, it's still strange that she hasn't come here. I think even her brother showed up. Why didn't she?"

Xiao Li stayed quiet in reply. He didn't think it was necessary to answer her.

"Xiao Li!" Dr. Ling shook his shoulder. "I asked you something. Didn't you just got married two days ago? Where is your wife?"

"She is the jail," the answer came from Nora whose smile had turned into a devious one now. 

Dr. Ling didn't take her words seriously. How could she? Who were they talking about? Qiu Meihui! That girl was not only the love of Xiao Li but also the only daughter of the Qiu family. She really couldn't believe Nora's words especially because she didn't know her.

"That joke is not even funny," she said with a complicated look.

"But she is not trying to entertain you," said Xiao Li. "Meihui is indeed in jail. And will stay for long enough."

"Huh?" Dr. Ling was dumbfounded. She felt like she heard something inconceivable! This was utter rubbish! But Xiao Li won't joke about something like this. That meant, it was indeed true. Goodness, gracious! Was she dreaming? How did the world change so much? Why did everything around her look different all of a sudden?