The Rise of the White Lotus

After the dinner, Mr. Tang had to excuse himself as he has some other visitors he wanted to greet. Hence, together with his wife and children, Mr. Tang left while the rest of the men that surrounded him had dispersed with the crowd — either to get to know a prospective business partner or just to widen the range of their connections.

Before they went on their way, they invited Lexi to come with them. Alas, she politely rejected because, at the same time, Jarred Guo was ringing her phone. Thus, she had a good reason to refuse.

Letting her phone continuously vibrate, Lexi found her way outside the function hall to find a good and silent spot to hear whatever Jarred Guo wanted to report. Fortunately, her unfamiliarity about the place led her to a serene garden.

Great spot!

The night wind gently caressed her exposed shoulder and face. It was cold, yet the temperature was enough for a person to bear; just to indulge the sight of the moon reflecting on the still pond nearby.

There was a modernized Chinese style pavilion with its foundation pillars having approximately half or a meter long from the pond's surface. It stood over in the middle of the huge pod to like the typical ancient times. There were white lotuses floating on to it and gave the illusion that the lonely moon had some company.

Thus, Lexi wanted to see the rare view up close.

As she walked towards the pavilion, there were pagoda lanterns around, small lights that clung to some trees and trimmed bushes that added some serene lights to enjoy the area without interrupting the real catch of the whole landscape. Still, it baffled her that no one was in this area as it appeared that it's a better area than the grand function hall, especially at this hour.

"Yes?" Reaching the small bridge that connects the pavilion and the garden, Lexi finally picked up her persistent vibrating phone.

"Madam, I'm sorry for bothering you. The preparation was complete." Sounding more professional than ever, Jarred Guo instinctively mimicked how Lyrick Jiang usually delivered his reports to their master. Unbeknownst to him, Lyrick Jiang rarely calls Ethan Lu more than three failed attempts before sending him a personal email instead.

"Alright, thank you." Lexi faintly chuckled as she nodded her head in understanding before ending the call that soon. It was her first time hearing Jarred Guo sound so awkwardly stiff, which was amusing in a way.

She assumed that maybe Jarred Guo was just uncomfortable dealing with the reports, as he was not used to it. Not to mention, he was temporarily working under Lexi's orders tonight. Therefore, he was conscious of how he would appear more appealing than his peers.

"Ethan's subordinates are truly amusing in their own way…" Heading towards the pavilion, Lexi murmured as the corner of her lips curled into a smile. 

Soon, she reached her destination. It wasn't as spacious as it appeared to be, but it was enough to accommodate at least ten people. Well, she was now alone so; she has all the space to find the best spot to enjoy the view,

Standing on the corner, Lexi stared down at the reflection of the moon, which was oddly bright tonight. Regardless, with the mild howl of the wind along with the slight motion of the leaves, it was truly relaxing. If she only has the choice, Lexi would remain in here to clear her head from all the things that were keeping her mind occupied, instead of going back to the lively event inside.

Lexi just stood there in delight as she stared at the pond and its beauty without noticing that ten minutes had already gone by. Actually, for some odd reason, staring at the white lotuses, she could not help her past flashed across her eyes.

In the past, they labeled her as a white lotus b*tch for having a beautiful shell while having a rotten personality; Her, for acting innocent, but was truly scheming.

It was a creative title that this generation had cooked up. 

However, now that she was seeing these blossoming flowers, Lexi felt bad for it. How could they use its name hastily, if it was this pretty? It beautifully bloomed from the deepest, thickest mud, and musky waters. Thus, doesn't that mean how precious and strong it was?

Despite all the odds, it bloomed in the most beautiful and captivating flower. Well, now that she thought it that way, Lexi somehow liked her former title. Because, just like the white lotus, despite all the dirt and trouble, she could say that she too has bloomed just like it.

"It's cold out here." Just then, Lexi heard Morris Liu's voice from behind her which made her snapped from her deep thoughts. Turning around, she saw him walked closer while he was taking off his blazer suit.

"Oh, is it?" Surprised at his sudden arrival, Lexi heedlessly responded as she ignored the fact that he took off his blazer suit. She returned her attention back to the pond and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, compare the view inside, this is better. It's worth it." 

"Is it?" As he drew closer to her, Morris Liu, with his usual cold tone that could lower the temperature, responded. Without further ado, with no short notice, he placed the blazer over her shoulders, which made her turn to look at it.

"Your husband will be furious if you ever catch a cold. I don't want to hear his nagging." Morris Liu explained as he stood next to her. He first cast her a side glance before turning to look at the pond she had been staring at since thirteen minutes ago.

"Huh," She briefly chuckled. "I don't know which reason will he get more furious: me catching a cold or another man offering his blazers to me." Thinking of her beloved petty husband, Lexi shook her head as she humored Morris Liu.

"Either way, even if he would be displeased by my gesture, I wouldn't mind as long as you're well." When he uttered those words, Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as she slowly turned to face him. Staring at his side profile, she could see the reflection of the moon that mirrored on his eyes.

It was as if, in his eyes, he has a completely different understanding of the view before him and it felt... lonely.

"Brother Mo…"

"I'm sorry." Slowly, Morris Liu faced her as his gaze went straight to meet hers. "Lexi, I'm sorry." He repeated. This time, his sincerity flashed in his eyes that was laced with different other emotions.