The Rise of the White Lotus

"So tell me, how did you know that? And why am I bound to doom?" Getting back on the main discussion, Ethan Lu was now inclined to know the reason behind Chris Yu's statement. In retrospect, among his circle of friends, Chris Yu had a past serious relationship that was, of course, gone down the drain with no clarity. Also, Ethan Lu never really thought that Chris Yu was being serious at that time as he never seemed he really cared about his break up.

Regardless, with a more sensible question and on-point statement, Ethan Lu was a little at ease to listen as it was different from his grandfather's love advice. 

"Man… you are bound to doom because that is just not a simple crush or infatuation -- you like her… or probably, fell for her already." Seeing the enthusiastic Ethan Lu, Chris Yu shook his head as he heavily sighed. 

From his point of view, there's a huge difference between infatuation and love. Based on Ethan's responses, he could fall on the category of love. After all, love grows while infatuation was more of a fleeting moment. If his friend showed signed that he was in love with his so-called friend, then, that would be a problem.

Although they teased Ethan and was intrigued by her mystery girl, Chris Yu didn't expect that his friend would fall this deep to that girl. He knew it, he experienced it beforehand and somehow, Chris Yu was well-versed on the pain of loving someone. Not to mention, with Ethan Lu's current status and all the internal affairs of the Lu family -- it would be a real pain in the head to entangled his precious girl in the middle of their power struggle.

"Eh? How can I fall for someone without even realizing it?" Frowning with his friend's absurd speculations, Ethan Lu blurted out. 

Granting that he liked Lexi and Chris Yu's last question was right, Ethan Lu didn't consider he was already in love with Lexi. Also, he didn't think that far as he was confident that his fleeting emotions would subside in time. However, with Chris Yu's unplanned consultation, Ethan Lu pondered about it as he languidly rubbed his chin and leaned his back against the expensive sofa.

After some time, Ethan Lu murmured, "But, that's… impossible."

"It is possible. If I were you, get your ass out of it before you become a slave of love before its too late." Chris Yu shook his head as he opened the bottle of untouched wine that has been standing on the small table in the middle of the set of sofas.

It is evident that he was slightly sympathizing with Ethan's situation. Since he had a bad impression of the beautiful word called loved -- however, it was rare to find a woman who would want you just as you are and not because of what you can offer. Indeed, in this world where material things matter the most and deep feelings only come in second, Chris Yu was concerned about Ethan. 

After all, Ethan had a tough childhood and even to this day, even if he acts dumb and free -- everyone knew that if he gets too fond of something or someone… Chris Yu was afraid that Ethan would never be the same again.

Hence, even though he sounded harsh and uncaring, to Chris Yu, prevention is better than cure.

"So… you're telling me I shouldn't talk to her? But it's crazy when I don't do that." Ethan Lu was somehow considering the advice of his friend as he was terrified with the word 'slave'. Thinking on his volunteer deeds to Lexi, despite not regretting it -- Chris Yu's words had a point.

Spending more time with Lexi makes his feelings grew deeper and sometimes, he was having immoral thoughts that a friend should not have. However, not keeping in touch with her makes him crazy that led him to overwork himself just to divert his mind away from her. 

Just thinking about it made him conflicted about which route to choose. Ultimately, he purely wanted to be friends with her, but, if this indeed continues, his feelings might not subside but could grow bigger. And if he stopped talking with her, then, that means the end of their friendship? Neither of the two, Ethan Lu would suffer, no?

Suddenly, Ethan Lu felt his phone vibrated from inside his pocket suit; snapping him back from his stupor. Heedlessly checking who it was, his eyes lit up seeing Lexi's caller ID on his screen. Without a thought, Ethan grinned setting aside all his ideas behind as he opened Lexi's message.

Chris Yu, on the other hand, glanced at him and almost spewed his wine from his mouth seeing that Ethan's serious countenance earlier as he pondered about his advice was suddenly surrounded with hair-raising sparkles. With this sight he witnessed, Chris Yu was now a hundred percent certain that his friend was trapped.

"Ay, this guy… tsk tsk, it's too late bro," Shaking his head in disbelief, all could he could do was to comment on the side as Ethan was indeed hopelessly in love without even realizing he was. He was tempted to take a peek of the message that made Ethan's mood brighten -- more blinding than the sun. Alas, Ethan glanced at him and blocked his phone by his hand which made Chris Yu rendered speechless.

"Damn this lover boy." He dissed in dismay before grabbing his phone from his pocket and composed a message and sent it to his other brothers.