The Rise of the White Lotus

Awkwardly glancing across him, Ethan's tension wasn't reduced -- rather, it intensified before her overwhelming presence. After all, it's their first time meeting each other again after a month and their brief greetings earlier weren't counted as he barely winked at her.

However, now that there are only the two of them sitting opposite each other -- no Elliot Gong, no Abigail Fan or other judgy eyes present; just the two of them inside the whole establishment, Ethan Lu was anxious.

"Uh… dig in. haha!" As sheepish as he may sound, Ethan Lu gestured her to eat which she did with a little portion on her plate. 

By the looks of it, both of them were distracted about something as neither of them uttered a word without sounding awkward. 

Lexi glanced at Ethan Lu as he drank another glassful of water as if he was very high-strung. She then glanced at Churu who sat at the very edge of the table -- away from the dumplings and buns.

"This date is sooo boring~" Churu protested as she frowned while watching the two eat without voicing a single word. She added with a humped, "This is very frustrating! Frustrating! Frustrating! Frustrating!"

Lexi lightly shook her head seeing that the adorable dumpling was again throwing a huge fit. Regardless, Lexi didn't mind this stifling silence between them as she was afraid that Ethan would just confess if he opened his mouth.

"Umm, I'm sorry for not telling you I'd drop by." After some time, Ethan finally broke the foreboding silence between them as he forced a smile.

"It's fine… It's not like you have to tell me in the first place." Since Lexi managed to keep her heart at bay with their momentary silence, she raised her gaze and smiled. She added,

"By the way, how was your soul searching?"

"Well, it went well -- I found what I was looking for." Riding along with the confidence she regained, Ethan slightly relaxed. 

At least, Lexi was back being at ease around him. After all, he first thought that she might be a little mad for his interruption earlier.

"I see…" Lexi unhurriedly nodded in understanding. 

Of course, she already knew that. However, she couldn't let him know that she knew, right? Also, she wanted to interact with him without thinking of his feelings and her meddling mind -- just like what they used to be.

And then again, no matter how much they wanted to converse, the awkward silence never leave and was always lurking around them. 

In retrospect, Ethan Lu was always the one to open a conversation but now, he didn't initiate another conversation. Lexi glanced at him again and saw that he was profusely sweating as he plays with his food.

'Sissy?' Having an idea in mind, Lexi called Churu telepathically.

"What, chu?" Still not on the right mood, Churu dryly responded.

'Are you on your period? Gosh.' Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head which Ethan didn't notice as he was overwhelmed by his chaotic mind. He knew that Lexi might think that he had become weirder but he couldn't help his restless heart!

'Can I use my one-time skill; mind reading?' Ignoring Churu's edgy attitude, Lexi demanded inwardly. She wanted to know what was going inside Ethan so that she'd prepare herself what was coming at her.

"Are you sure chu?" Squinting her pair of round eyes, Churu smirked as she confirmed. In her mind, Lexi would be shaken if she read Ethan Lu's mind that was filled with none other than a certain someone. 

Seeing the little dumpling's expression, Lexi hesitated. Is there something that she'd regret after having a glimpse of Ethan's mind? 

Regardless, this only increased Lexi's curiosity. After all, she removed her makeup and her skin was tired. Hence, there's a possibility that Ethan was judging her unpresentable appearance?

'Yes!' With that irrational thought in mind, Lexi affirmed. After she spewed her affirmation, Churu unhesitantly snapped her fingers as she let out a faint giggle.

'You did this to yourself,' Churu thought inwardly as she watched Lexi with interest.

'Calm down -- just calm down! I cannot mess this up! Never, even if she was so beautiful. Ahhh! This is annoying, she's just too gorgeous. Man… I really miss her like crazy but I'm being a coward! Ah ah, now she looked at me! She might think I'm insane -- ahh! I'm so, so, so not ready for this. Her presence alone was overwhelming enough it makes my heart race like d*mn...'

Lexi almost jolted from her seat as she cast Ethan with a disbelief look. Is this what he had been thinking? Though part of her was flattered that Ethan Lu was endlessly complimenting her even if she didn't try too hard -- still, she was mind-boggled!

She didn't expect that his mind was this chaotic as she read more of his thoughts for the next one minute. Lexi was rendered more speechless as she heedlessly stared at Ethan with a vacant look. 

"You…" Murmuring, Lexi's soft call snapped Ethan Lu from his rioting mind. He looked up and met her surprised gaze that made him raise his brows and he immediately looked away.

"Me?"

"Yeah… what did you just say?" Pursing her lips, Lexi's brows knitted together with the last words that Ethan Lu uttered in his mind. 

Before the mind-reading went off, Lexi clearly heard his last remarks;

'*sigh* Can I just marry you? Will you even like me?'

"I didn't say anything." Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu was a little confused. After all, he had been talking to himself like a weirdo.

"Uh, sorry. I was just a little tired." Finding an excuse, Lexi meekly smiled as she turned her attention back on her half-filled plate. 

For some reason, something inside her was moved by Ethan Lu's thoughts. She had prepared for any revelation and confession Ethan Lu had on his sleeves, but Lexi didn't imagine that far such as Ethan Lu wanted to marry her.

Is this how rush he could be? Though he wasn't saying anything yet, Lexi was troubled that he'd just propose just like that.

'This guy… can he be normal for once?'