The Rise of the White Lotus

Both Churu and Lexi were surprised seeing his passionate complaint regarding the difference between Lexi's former system and his. Based on his reaction earlier, they were certain that he was disappointed. 

However, by the looks of it, Ethan Lu was displeased at the fact that he didn't have the same exciting system. Although Battle of Life was what he needed, his wants were that the same Otome Love System. 

"You're not mad?" Churu innocently blinked her eyes as she asked. 

"Huh? Why would I?" Stopping from his series of complaints, Ethan Lu glanced at the dumpling perching on the table. "Anyway, good job." Ethan Lu offered his knuckles for a fist bump. 

Though appalled at his reaction, Churu willingly bumped in his fist by hers. Little did she know, Ethan Lu recalled her statement "shooting love arrows since day one" yesterday. 

Hence, Ethan Lu somehow understood Churu's proud statements yesterday. Nevertheless, he truly owed Churu a lot — not just because she saved him yesterday but also, for pushing Lexi to him and playing as their cupid. 

"Ethan, are you sure you're not mad? I mean, I'm not really that honest to you while you've been transparent to me ever since." Confused, glad, and curious, Lexi muttered. 

If she was in Ethan Lu's shoes, she probably needed a day to process everything. After all, knowing that she only let him inside her life at first, was because she was forced to do the tasks she needed to accomplish. 

"Hmm..." Ethan Lu pondered as he produced a long humming. "If I look at that perspective, it's quite disappointing. However, my love..." Slowly, Ethan Lu stood as he took light steps towards her. 

Placing his palms on the armrest, Ethan Lu leaned down as he drew closer to her. When his face was inches away from hers, he spoke; "Even if you stand naked in front of me, if I don't like you, I'd never fall for you nor will I ever touch you — no matter what you do." A sly smirk formed on the side of his lips. 

Lexi could see the cunningness of his eyes and yet, a touch of happiness glinted across his pair of dark eyes. 

"What I'm saying is, the only thing you did for the system is to let me linger around you. The falling in love part, that's our responsibility. Have I told you the reason why I fell for you?" Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he watched Lexi's front slightly flush — it was barely noticeable but, after being with her for a long time, he could see through her. 

Even the beat of her heart, Ethan Lu seemed he could hear it. Lexi was good at concealing her emotions with her poker face. But, even if she does let him see her genuine side, only he has the ability to go beyond and feel the sincerity of her soul. 

"Because it's you." Slowly, his eyes softened as he memorized Lexi's facial features and thought to spot any difference from their "four years" separation. 

Lexi, stared at the kind and gentle person smiling inches away from her. Her heart melted, upon hearing his reason. 

He told her many times, that she couldn't even count, of how much he loved her. He already complimented her numerous times and even shout how lucky he was being her man. 

However, Lexi never really gave a thought about why does he love her so much. If someone asked why she loved him, perhaps, Lexi would give them a long list that was longer than a novel. 

But Ethan, his answer was short. It has no complicated answer, no long backstories, and long compliments. Yet, that simple three-word response has thousands of untold stories to tell. 

Regardless, everything goes down to "HER". 

Perhaps, his answer was the answer of many couples on why they chose and kept choosing their partners: they would probably also answer the simple "because it's you," as well. 

"Well, that's my cue I guess." Sensing the built-up spring on the atmosphere, Churu whistled and with a poof, she disappeared. Still, before Churu left, a satisfied smile form on her lips. 

"How can you be so kind and sweet?" Lexi helplessly sighed as she smiled. "Sometimes, I ask myself if you're actually real because you're too good to be true." She humored. 

Her hands slowly reached for his firmed cheeks as she leaned closer. "I can find out, can I?" 

"Hmm," Humming a tune, Ethan Lu voluntarily leaned closer and gently pressed his lips against her. 

It was just a ten seconds peck and yet, both Ethan and Lexi were satisfied with it as his forehead rested on her forehead. 

"Did you find out that I'm an alien?" He humored which made her chuckle. 

"I did." She humored back along with the waves of their lovely chuckles. 

"What? No, I should prove that you're wrong!" Retracting his head, Ethan Lu grinned and without further ado, he carried her on her waist that made her squeal. 

"No, I'm sure you're an alien!" In between her peals of laughter, Lexi continued to tease him as both of them crashed to the long sofa. 

Ethan on top of her tickled her as he forced her to take her playful accusations back. After a minute, he stopped as he lovingly stared at his wife. 

"Mrs. Lexi Lu, I love you." Out of the blue, he expressed his feelings for her. 

He already said these words as many times he repeated a sentence in his entire life. Each time, the meaning of these three words weigh heavier and deeper — along with his sincerity to love her for the rest of his life. 

Ethan Lu, he would never get tired of saying it to her and hearing the same words be uttered by her lips. Although at first, he thought that these words were an understatement but actually, the longer he repeated them, the more he understood what it meant to love someone; as well as the responsibility and obligations when you said these words to someone. 

"I love you too, Mr. Ethan Lu." An answer full of affection and sincerity, Lexi responded as she leaned her head forward and placed a peck on his lips. 

Their relationship and marriage life, it wasn't perfect— it was actually far from that. They had bad days, a busy schedule to follow, a career to pursue, and so on so forth. 

However, those were all nothing if they were in the right person, right time, and right love.