Imperfect Desires

After he was listening to his son, Xin Zimen frowned, "Who texted you?" Then he ran his eyes around the room doubtfully, "That person has to be here." 

As his suspicious eyes settled on Darren, the latter raised his hands in defense, "Uncle Zi, my phone is even in the room. How can I text him? I just came out to eat in a different atmosphere!"

Xin Zimen moved his eyes at looked at Ah-Si, "Dad, don't look at me! I was too busy enjoying the show. I had no other thought at that time than to engrave that memory into my mind!" Xin Zimen narrowed his eyes at him but didn't say anything.

Then he glared at Su Xixi who raised her brow calmly, "Just like Si, I was also getting my long due dose of entertainment. Rather than texting, I'd have taken the time to record that moment instead, it's a pity that my phone's battery died."

The only suspicious person left was Nora who slowly slipped behind Xiu. Xin Zimen sighed out, "Daughter-in-law, I didn't expect this from you."

Nora gave him a sheepish grin, "Sorry! I just couldn't help it."

Even Ah-Si was baffled at this development as he looked at his girlfriend and asked, "Did you really contact my brother?" Nora nodded her head in reply honestly. "When did you both get so chummy?"

"He is your brother," reminded Nora. "Aren't I supposed to be close to him?"

Ah-Si shook his head, "No, no and no! Stay far away from him. He is a dangerous man. Keep your distance. Ah!" He wanted to glare at the person who hit his head but seeing Xiu, he zipped his lips immediately.

"Are you really talking bad about my Li bro? I think you're really looking for a beating!"

Seeing this lively scene and the happiness on Xiu's face, Xiao Li felt the knots in his heart easing up slowly. Just seeing Xiu being carefree was enough to make him forget about all his exhaustion. All of his efforts and cruelty was all worth it as long as he could see his family happy and safe. 

"I can't even remember when was the last time I heard such loud laughter in this family," stated Su Xixi as she stood close to Xin Zimen.

He was looking at the kids talking animatedly as they ate their lunch and joked around. His heart felt at ease as he nodded, "It sure seems like it's been way too long." He looked at Su Xixi, "But now that I have seen this scene, I seem to be intoxicated by these vibes. And I never want to sober up again."

.....

Later at night...

"Are you sure he comes around at this time?" asked Xiu in a low voice as she was crouched down behind a plant.

"I'm telling you," came Nora's voice from behind the other plant. "He always comes at this time."

"You are really not trustworthy when it comes to keeping track of time," Xiu couldn't help saying.

"Have some patience!" answered Nora. "I might not be as precise as you are but I'm not that bad either!"

"If you both didn't stop talking, we'll be found out soon," came Ah-Si's voice from behind Nora. "There is no point of sneaking around if you both can't keep silence for a minute."

"Shut up, Ah-Si!" The same sentence Ah-Si heard from both best friends and decided to not say anything. Why did he even agree to be a part of this plan? And why were they even planning like thieves?

Then he looked at both Xiu and Nora in the dim lights and sighed out. These two had been away from the excitement for a while now, that's why they just wanted to do something to have fun. No matter how silly it was!

"He is here!" said Xiu and further hid behind the leaves.

The trio was currently watching Dylan's lone shadow walking up to the room that Darren and Xiu lived in these days. His shoulders were slumped and even in this dim lighting, one could clearly see his weary look. He really exuded the aura of depression. It was so suffocating that Xiu could even feel it from this much distance.

She frowned at his condition and said, "What the hell! Seeing him like this, I don't even feel like bullying him. And that has never happened before!"

Dylan waited out of the room for five minutes and during this time, he had extended his hand repeatedly trying to open the door but eventually dropped the idea. He just couldn't bring himself to open it for some reason. Maybe the last 10 or so days had put a distance between him and his friend that he couldn't cover now. Seemingly it was just a door and yet, he wasn't able to cross over the threshold.

How pathetic!

"Go inside!" Nora urged in a quiet voice but obviously, Dylan couldn't hear her voice. After waiting long enough, she looked at Xiu, "He isn't gonna make a move on his own."

"I can see that," replied Xiu and shook her head. Then she sighed out, "Let's give him the necessary push."

Ah-Si was left watching as the Xiu and Nora gave Dylan the necessary push. And the so-called necessary 'push' was literally just a push! They both tip-toed to his side while he was in a daze. One of them tapped his shoulder and while he turned around, the other opened the door giving the first one the chance to push him inside the room catching him off guard. 

And even before Dylan could react, the door was locked from outside. After locking the door, Xiu played with the key by spinning it around her finger with a triumphant smile. Her husband might be patient enough to wait for Dylan to come around but she had only so much patience now when she could clearly see how Darren's eyes would dim seeing Nora and her chattering around.

"Mission accomplished!" Both best friends fist-bumped and laughed out happily.