Imperfect Desires

"I should look to do something because I have nothing to do except to take care of Rowan. And since I enjoy cooking, I should start with that," said Xiu as if talking to herself.

Xin Zimen looked at her who was now sitting by his side sipping tea. 

"Do you really think I don't know what you've been up to these days?" he asked. Xiu looked up at him inquisitively and he went on, "I heard about your campaign."

Xiu narrowed her eyes at him.

"I'm not keeping an eye on you," said Xin Zimen to clear up. "But even if I don't want to keep checking on you, some people would still let me know stuff. Since the time people learned you're the precious daughter of the Xin family, they have been doing all sorts of things to please us. I don't think you didn't hear about it from my elder brother."

Xiu nodded her head, "I've heard about it. Father told me how desperate they are to please him and kept using my name. How displeasing!"

Xin Zimen rubbed her head, "Don't worry about them. Your father and I can take care of such people so that they don't trouble you. As for your campaign, I'm not against it. I definitely am not against it but why are you doing this?"

"As if you don't know that, Daddy," said Xiu. "People have taken it for granted how they keep bullying artists online. They don't realize that words hurt. A knife is not the only thing that can pierce a heart. Words go deeper than a knife. I just want to protect those artists before those people drive them to their deaths. One word is enough to push someone to death. I've been there. I know that. And I know I'm not the only one as well. As sad as it is but it's true. People don't learn. A person loses his or her life but people don't learn from it. Their so-called remorse, can't help anyone." She took a deep breath and continued, "Today, they keep posting how bad they feel for Chen Xiu. How they want to apologize to her for everything they said to her. But what's the point? She is gone! Dead doesn't care about excuses that you make. Because they are long gone."

"And that's why you want to reach out a helping hand to others?" 

"Yes," answered Xiu. "If I can protect even one person through my actions, I'm willing to do it."

Xin Zimen patted her head, "I'm proud of you."

"Huh?" Xiu was dumbfounded when she heard that.

Xin Zimen smiled at her gently as he said, "I'm proud of my daughter. Even though the same thing destroyed her, she is still willing to face it. She is willing to use her power to help others. How can I not be prouder if my daughter's actions can save another father's daughter or son? Hm? I can't be prouder right now."

Xiu felt genuinely happy when she heard him say that. It meant a lot to her. 

"Thank you, Daddy!"

"There is no need for thanks. If you need any help, let me know about it. I'll do anything for my daughter. And don't think you're alone in this. Because I'm always here for you."

Xiu nodded her head vigorously because she couldn't find the right words.

"If your father would be here, he'd say the same thing as well. Although he is traveling around with his wife as a late honeymoon, you can still count on him as well."

Xiu chuckled, "Lately, you keep talking in support of your elder brother."

Xin Zimen cleared his throat, "It's not that we fixed everything. But we are getting somewhere since we have a common ground now and that is our love for you."

"I know," said Xiu. "And I'm glad you both are willing to give each other a second chance. Even if it's just for my sake."

"By the way, when is your father coming back exactly?" asked Xin Zimen. "He has been gone for over a month now."

"He will be back before Mama's wedding," answered Xiu. "Also, he said he is moving to An City so that he is near me."

"Yeah, I know. He even asked me to sell one of the houses in this society," said Xin Zimen bitterly.

"Did you agree?" asked Xiu curiously. She already knew that all the villas in this society had been bought by Xin Zimen long ago. There were thirty villas and all were under his name. Only because he wanted privacy for his family and he wanted a quiet place for his family. That's why even she got to live in the villa right next to him.

"I did but I charged him twice the price of the market," said Xin Zimen evilly.

Xiu laughed out, "I didn't know you also liked such games."

"It's not that I like it," said Xin Zimen. "But if it's my elder brother, I don't mind playing such games."

Xiu was laughing happily in amusement. She didn't think Xin Zimen was just as petty as she was. But she loved it. 

"Daddy, let's go on a date on your next holiday," suggested Xiu.

"Anytime you want," agreed Xin Zimen readily. "And anywhere you want, my little lass!"

"Great!" Xiu clapped her hands. "Also, let's go to meet mom as well. It's been a while."

Xin Zimen smiled lovingly, "Okay. Ai would love to see you as well."

"I also think she'd love to see me," said Xiu. "But I wonder what should I take for her. White lilies or white roses? Which one?" She tapped her chin thoughtfully before adding, "Oh, I know it! We'll take both!"

"As you like," said Xin Zimen indulgently. How could he go against her wishes? If she wanted to go east, he'd definitely not go west! It was just as it was. His love for her was just like that. Unreasonable!