Imperfect Desires

That night, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin arrived to look for Xiu. First of all, they inspected her from head to toe to make sure she wasn't injured at all. Then they made her sit on the sofa as they started lecturing her over how irresponsible her behavior had been. Xiu had no complaints about this, she even attentively listened to them.

Usually, these two brothers would never even have a full sentence to say to each other but before her, they had a tacit understanding. They even allowed each other to take a breather. While one lectured, the other rested and vice versa. It was such a harmonious scene that Xiu had the urge to laugh. 

She was really enjoying this scene right now. There was no remorse on her face. If a third person saw it, they'd think she was being praised with how satisfied she appeared to be right now.

Xin Zimen paused when he noticed her expressions and held his brother's arm to stop him from continuing as well. He crouched down before Xiu as he asked, "My silly lass, are we that entertaining?"

Xiu grinned foolishly and nodded her head.

"The more you speak, the more I feel like you love me a lot," told Xiu honestly. "And it feels warm. You can continue to scold me, I don't mind."

Xin Zimen quietly looked at her face and really couldn't find any words to continue. He just placed his hand on her head and rubbed it. 

"We really don't want to restrict your freedom," said Xin Zemin as he sat beside Xiu. 

"I know," replied Xiu. She gave both of them a reassuring smile, "I understand everything. It was really irresponsible of me to run away from home like that. I worried you both. I'm sorry!"

"As long as you understand that."

"Then shall we have dinner now? You both must be hungry as well," suggested Xiu.

"What should I make for you?" asked Xin Zemin with a soft look in his eyes.

"Father, aren't you tired? Let it be. Ah-Xin has already arranged for a private chef for me."

"How do you know that?" inquired Xin Zimen in surprise.

Xiu narrowed her eyes at him, "Ah-Xin, I also know that you've already booked this entire floor. Not only this, you even cleared out the floor above and below this. Isn't that going too far?"

"I don't think so," the answer actually came from Xin Zemin which not only surprised Xiu but also his younger brother, Xin Zimen. He couldn't believe his brother was taking his side.

However, it was still understandable. As long as it involved Xiu, they could really agree with each other and even interact peacefully. It was quite interesting how Xiu was becoming a bridge between the crack that had appeared between these brothers' relationships years ago.

Han Bohai chose to avoid Xiu's two fathers because he knew they won't be as nice as his girlfriend to let him off the hook for aiding Xiu's escape plan. And Bo Jiu had no time to even pay attention to anything. And that's why Xiu had her dinner with her two fathers and talked animatedly with them.

She hadn't been talking to them in the past weeks and it worried both of them. But now seeing that she seemed to have gone back to her previous state of mind, they were naturally relieved. So, the dinner was a lively affair just because of Xiu's presence.

Xiu had truly settled the struggles in her mind now. She didn't feel as difficult to approach these two fathers as she did a few weeks ago. 

These two fathers had already lost years that they could have spent with their daughters and now, she couldn't take any more of that precious time. She was a daughter to both of them. Why was it so difficult to accept? Since she didn't want to see either of them hurt, she had to make sure to protect them both from unnecessary pain. 

It wasn't worth it.

"You both are gonna stay?" asked Xiu after the dinner.

"Yes," replied both brothers simultaneously.

Xiu tapped her chin thoughtfully, "For how long?"

"As long as you're staying," came the prompt reply.

Xiu had expected that and nodded. "But you won't keep an eye on me all the time, right?"

"No, you're free to do whatever you want."

Xiu nodded in satisfaction, "Got it!"

Xin Zimen had a phone call and after taking the call he told her, "I'm going to the hospital."

"Why?" inquired Xiu.

"Xichen is alone at the hospital," replied Xin Zimen. "I should at least go over to check up on him and also, I need to see how Jinhai is doing as well."

"I'll go with you," Xin Zemin also stood up. 

They were not only acquainted with Zhou Jinhai, now they were kind of relatives as well. Not kind of since Darren was undoubtedly Zhou Xichen's son. So they were relatives no matter how one looked at it. That's why it wouldn't be good if they didn't go over to check up on the situation. Since their family's daughter was also involved in this incident. All the more reason for these two fathers to go over.

Xiu neither stopped them nor gave any opinion over that. It's not she wanted Jinhai to die, so she obviously wanted them to go to see him. She wanted to become heartless but she couldn't really be completely heartless. At least, not towards people who didn't really deserve such ruthless treatment.

They say children have to pay for the crimes of their parents. This fact seemed to have turned to reality for Zhou Jinhai. The crimes of his mother, he had to pay for it all. But she didn't want him to pay it with his life. That was too much to ask for.

Even though she had paid with her life, she still didn't wish the same for him. It was unfair to him. 

"We'll be back soon," said Xin Zimen.

Xiu nodded at him and then thought of something, "Ah-Xin if I ask for something will you give it to me?"

"Of course, he will," answered Xin Zemin for his brother. "You just tell him what you want. Let me see how he refuses you."

Xin Zimen really wanted to question them, when did he ever say no to her? But he stopped himself in time and looked at Xiu calmly, "What do you want, little lass?"

Xiu pointed at something behind him, "Him!"

Xin Zimen's brows knitted up when he heard this and turned his head. When he looked at the person standing behind him, his frown deepened.

"You want Brother Kuan?"

Xiu smiled at him and nodded her head. "I thought if I take him around, you wouldn't worry at all. Am I right?"

Xin Zimen looked at Xin Kuan and nodded in agreement, "That's true. If you take Brother Kuan, I can rest assured."

"Then can you let me borrow him for a few days?"

"What do you say, Brother Kuan?" 

Xin Kuan was still in shock over why he was suddenly called out by this little devil of the Xin family. Don't think he didn't know anything about Xiu. This devil could entrap a soul without you even knowing it. However, he was also curious about why she pointed him out. And was really interested in knowing that as well.

"As you say, Xiao Zi. I'll follow the orders."

Xin Zimen nodded satisfactorily, "Then you stay with her. And follow what she says. No matter how crazy it seems, just do it."

"I'll naturally follow any order given," answered Xin Kuan.

"Since this is settled," began Xin Zimen. "Let's leave now, Mr. Xin Zemin."

"I'm your elder brother, talk nicely."

"It's as nice as I can ever be."

Xiu watched them leave and silently smiled at Xin Kuan who felt like there was a hidden meaning behind that smile he wasn't able to read at all. How strange! He had managed to live till now because he was good at reading people. How was he unable to read someone half his age?

"So, why are just standing there, Uncle Kuan?" asked Xiu and paused. "I can call you Uncle Kuan, right?"

"Young Miss can call me however you like," answered Xin Kuan.

"Why so uptight? I'm a casual person. Just call me by my name. And I'll call you Uncle Kuan. Do we have a deal?" She didn't even wait for his reply before adding, "I already like this cooperation. Let's get going now."

Xin Kuan really wanted to ask her when did he agree to any part of that deal or was her original plan to just agree on her own? However, he didn't mind it either. This kind of deal reminded him of the time his Mistress left him with Xin Zimen.

She had also begun with, 'Brother Kuan, let's make a deal? Ah-Xin doesn't have anyone with him. So, you be his brother and stay by his side. I know my parents left you with me. But I want you to protect my husband. If you protect him, I'll be at ease. If I'm at ease, I'll be happy. And haven't you always wanted to see me happy? It's a win-win situation for both of us.' She also hadn't waited for his reply as she went on, 'So, our deal is final. Don't go back on it.'

He still wished to ask Wen Ai, how exactly was that a win-win situation? And when did he agree to any of it?

And now looking at Xiu, the same feeling was back. It was just as he originally thought, this girl had an uncanny resemblance with Wen Ai's personality.

Right now standing before Xiu, he was certain of one thing from his previous experience with growing up with Wen Ai. Xiu was definitely gonna drop a bomb on his head sooner or later.