Imperfect Desires

In Xiu's mind, there was only a vague image of this person. He didn't have a strong presence. In fact, it was like one could completely overlook his presence. And she did overlook him. 

During Xin Xiaoli and Qiu Meihui's wedding, she did overlook him. Not even once did she think about him. But even the more unbelievable thing was that she couldn't understand the motive behind this massive net he had cast for years. 

Bo Jiu could see that Xiu was again in deep thought and decided not to disturb her. She already had her orders, it was better to start working. She looked around as if searching for someone and when she didn't find Han Bohai, she frowned. But it was better to stay away from that superstar. She didn't like his company anyway. And she even wished that he didn't come back.

In the meantime, the one in question, Han Bohai was still pacing around with his phone in his hand. He had been trying to make a call for the past half an hour but he just couldn't do so! Was it alright to accept that he was scared of his girlfriend? But could you blame him? He had a feisty girlfriend.

And the worst part was that she would rather beat him up than yell at him.

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't bring himself to shift the blame on his Sister Xiu. Even though the plan was hers, he was the one who eagerly accepted it and even offered to help. 

What to do? What to do? What to dooo???!

He continued to hit his phone on his forehead and end up hurting himself. 

"Oh, forget it! I'll just bite the bullet! It's only a couple of punches and maybe a kick or uppercut. You're a man! You can do it! You can take on this much." After he was done with his pep talk, he finally dialed the number he was dreading from.

The call was picked up right before it was about to cut. However, he didn't hear anything from the other side. There was only an eerie silence and he could even hear the 'swoosh' sound of the air that sent a chill down his spine. 

Han Bohai rubbed his sweaty palm against his pants before fanning his face with his hand and in a meek voice called out, "Ah-Ying..."

"Oh, look! The liar's calling."

"L-Liar?" Han Bohai stuttered. "I didn't lie to you. I told you I'm going to the Capital."

"But you didn't tell me you're taking someone with you," replied Ying trying so hard to control her temper.

"Yes, I did hide that from you," he obediently decided to plead guilty before the matter gets out of hand. Arguments weren't gonna get him anywhere.

"And do you think there is a difference between lying and hiding things?"

"Yes," replied Han Bohai. "Lying is done to hurt the other person and hiding is temporarily done to prevent the other person from hurting."

"Don't try to play with me here, Hai! I'm really mad right now!" exclaimed Ying as she finally lost control. "Do you think I would have stopped you? If anything, I'd have been a part of this escape mission! And that is why I'm unable to understand why did you not tell me?! Am I that unreliable? I know, I will spill the beans if Zizi asks anything but that still doesn't give you the right to question my reliability."

"I'd never dare question your reliability," told Han Bohai.

"Then why didn't you tell me? Do you know how stressed everyone had been since the time they learned Xiu wasn't home? And I can't understand this girl at all. Why did she suddenly think about running away like this? What is she up to?!"

"She is up to no good," the words came out of his mouth before he could even stop it.

"She had never been up to any good!" retorted Ying. "That I know very well. That's why I'm not really that surprised that this escape plan that is one of a kind came out of her crazy brain!"

And then Han Bohai spent the next hour listening to her venting all her anger. Strangely though he had felt relaxed in that moment. He even leaned against the wall just listening to her. And by doing so he came to know that his sweetheart wasn't mad that he lied or hid things from her. She was mad because she felt left out.

Such a awesome escape plan and she wasn't a part of it. Such tragedy! How could she be okay with that? That was so not okay!

And after she was done complaining about that, she took a whole 180 degree turn and lectured him over how to take care of Xiu. And not be lazy at all.

When she finally got tired, she drank some water and asked, "Hai, I want to ask you something."

"Hm?"

"Are you seeing Xiu as a replacement for your Sister Xiu?"

He really wondered how many people were asked the same question. It couldn't be him alone. And he certainly wasn't wrong either.

"She isn't anyone's replacement," said Han Bohai calmly and solemnly. "No one can replace Sister Xiu in my life." But it's different that she took her place back. However, that's a story I can't explain to you.

"That's good to know. I don't want you to confuse things."

"So... Am I forgiven?"

"What nonsense? So easily? I'm not done with you yet!"

Han Bohai grinned at her response, "So, when are you gonna be done with me?"

Ying scoffed at him, "Not in this life!" Han Bohai's face stiffened when he heard that while she continued unbeknownst to torrent of emotions she stirred up in his heart. "Don't even think of escaping from me. You and I have a long way to go! I'll make you slowly pay for this." She was surprised when she didn't hear a single sound from him. "What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"If you say it like this..." His voice was so soft and right against her ear even through the phone, it made her ear tingle for some reason. "Forget this life, I'm even willing to pay with my next life."

Ying scoffed trying to hide the way her lips titled upward inconspiciously.

After another silent moment of just listening to her breath, he called out to her, "Ah-Ying~"

"Hm? What is it?"

"I love you!" His breathy voice struck her heart making it beat violently. 

She even had to place a hand over her chest to calm it down. This was so not like her. How could she lose her control over a confession like this?

Ying-ah, Ying! You're pathetic!

She huffed, "What's with that random confession? Who does it like this?"

Han Bohai chuckled softly, "Someone said to me that most random confessions are the best one. They not only come as a surprise, they also serve to evoke the most unconscious emotions."

"I believe this advce came from the random person of the century, Xiu! Right?" Han Bohai laughed and hummed in agreement making Ying shake her head. "I just knew it. That silly girl has no good advice."

"If she didn't have anything good to say, you and I wouldn't be where we are today."

Ying couldn't argue with that. Indeed, Xiu played a big role in her relationship with Han Bohai. She'd have never realized her feelings without her and she'd have never been able to let go of that first love she cherished for years with no hope.

"By the way, did my confession make your heart flutter?" asked Han Bohai cheekily trying to take a mile when he was only offered an inch barely.

"What nonsense!" Ying flared up trying to hide her real emotions. "I'm old enough to have control over my heart."

"Ah-Ying, when will you understand that age has nothing to do with what heart desires. We age, our heart always stays young. So, if your heart is fluttering, let it be. There is nothing wrong with accepting your own feelings."

"Spend a little less time with Xiu."

"But you just told me to take care of her," reminded Han Bohai in amusement.

"Well, then you take care of her but don't listen to her nonsense. I don't even know how her brain works at all. I know it's her influence that you're talking like this."

"Or maybe I've been like this from the beginning and you've only noticed now."

"It took me so long to notice how you are? Unbelievable!"

"Believe in the unbelievable. Life might get easier in the future."

"What do you mean by that?" inquired Ying with furrowed brows.

"You'll know eventually."

"Hai, you're being really suspicious now. Don't force me to come over there!"

Han Bohai laughed at her, "I won't talk nonsense but you don't even think about rushing here. Even if you're able to walk on your own now, you're not completely fine yet. So, be a good girl and stay there. Rest well. I'll come back before you know it."

"Who wants you to come back soon? You can stay there for all I care!" With that she hung up the phone leaving Han Bohai to smile foolishly staring at the phone screen.

"This tsundere is really cute. And she is mine as well."