Imperfect Desires

According to Xiu's wishes, the elders indeed went to have their own breakfast. As they all settled around the dining table and breakfast was served, none of them moved for quite a while. Each seemed to be having their own thoughts.

"Call the others for breakfast," said Xin Zimen and waited for the younger generation to show up for breakfast.

Soon, Ying came to join them with her arm slung around Han Bohai's neck as he supported her to the table saying, "I told you I could pick you up."

"I'm not that useless yet," she retorted and insisted on walking or limping her way over.

After them, Xiao Li came along with Dylan who was still refusing to eat anything and Xiao Li had to drag him over. "Do you want me to call dad? Would you listen to me or him?" That threat worked as Dylan obediently came for breakfast.

"What about Nora?" questioned Zhao Huan.

"She is with Xiu," replied Dylan. 

Initially, breakfast was a very quiet affair. But then, "Zimen, Xiu's arm...?"

Xin Zimen looked at Francesca and replied, "The doctor already said we don't need to worry about it so much. Although that drug did some damage to her nerves, her arm's movement can still go back to normal with therapy. Don't think about it. Even she is not thinking about it."

"The more she acts like it's okay, the more worry I feel," said Francesca.

"France," Xiao Li spoke up. "If Xiu says she is okay with it, trust me she is okay with it." He looked at the person who was coming their way and added, "If you don't believe me, ask Nora."

Nora felt everyone's gaze on herself as she sat beside her father-in-law and asked, "Why is everyone staring at me like that?"

"Did you meet with Xiu?" inquired Xin Zimen in return.

"Yeah, I was with her. Why?"

"Xiu's dear mother-in-law is concerned about her arm."

Nora snorted, "She isn't even thinking about it herself though. Why are you worrying so much?"

"See? I said so," were Xiao Li's words.

"Maybe she is just acting to be strong before us," said Zhao Huan. "It's possible that she doesn't want to worry us that's why she is hiding her pain."

Nora shook her thought, "I agree that my best friend is thoughtful but trust me, she isn't acting. For one second, I'll believe that she's acting before you all but before Darren? No way! If she is in pain, she will whine before him. Even if she is not in pain she will still whine before him to get his attention."

"His attention is already on her though," Dylan couldn't help saying.

Nora pointed her fork at Dylan saying, "Exactly!" She took a pause and added, "Right now, the only thing wrong with her is that she is talking more than she usually does. She's been constantly talking."

"She must have had a bad dream," Han Bohai's voice rang out and everyone went quiet. When he realized what he said, he laughed awkwardly, "I mean, I tend to talk a lot when I have a bad dream. It makes me fight my fear." He cursed himself under his breath for such a bad excuse but since no one pushed him for another answer, he was relieved. Otherwise, how was he supposed to tell them that his Sister Xiu had a recurrent dream that'd always make her want to talk and talk and just talk?

He was absentminded now. He didn't expect that she'd still be having that dream. It seemed he needed to ask her about this. 

The only person who paid attention to Han Bohai's words was Nora. She eyed Han Bohai strangely before saying, "It must be a coincidence because Xiu does like to talk a lot after having a nightmare."

Han Bohai pursed his lips and stayed quiet. He really needed to watch what he said. He didn't think there was anyone around here who knew about Xiu's secret. So, he needed to be cautious with his words. 

"But apart from that everything else is fine," informed Nora. "She's more than just fine. She's even in the mood to bet with me over her baby's gender!"

"What?" 

That was everyone's reaction.

"I'm telling the truth. She is insisting that she is gonna have a boy." Nora thought back to what Xiu said and added, "She also said, she wants a boy because my Ava needs a brother. Idiot!"

Xiao Li chuckled at that, "You should be happy about it. She is thinking about you even in this situation."

"Who wants her to think about me?" retorted Nora. "I'd be more than happy if she stops giving me second-hand embarrassment."

"They did something again?" asked Dylan in amusement.

Nora glared at him, "If you already know why are you asking?"

She was yawning when Xin Zimen said, "Now that you have seen she is fine. Please, rest a little."

Nora looked at her father-in-law, "Dear father-in-law, before saying that to me, do it yourself. And ask your son to do as well. Or your brother. You've all been awake for a long while now."

"You worry about yourself," retorted Xin Zimen.

Nora made a face, "I've noticed it before, you seem to always agree when Xiu's name comes up. But you won't give in to anyone else." She sighed out, "But then again, your dearest niece must be more important than us."

"How come I haven't noticed it before?" 

"What?" she inquired.

Xin Zimen poked her head, "Your brain works in sync with that little lass. Both of you really can put up a performance."

"But she's right," added Ying. "Zizi, you've been working for a while now. Go and take some rest after eating." She looked over at Xiao Li and went on, "You too!"

The way she looked at Xiao Li showed how she was feeling. She was actually very suspicious of this best friend of hers since last night. The thought of what he knew and she didn't frustrated her to no end!