The Rise of the White Lotus

After a while, everyone headed to the next wedding reception. Everyone had congratulated and made a toast for the newly wed couple. 

When it was Lexi's turn to wish Rika Song and Jaime Liao their best wishes, everyone stared at her figure. Lexi stared at Rika Song's blooming face and then shifted her gaze to Jaime Liao's natural gentle visage. 

"First of all, I want to congratulate the two of you for tying the knot. Bestie, Dr. Liao, congratulations!" After clearing her throat, Lexi stretched her lips from side to side. Obviously, the couple smiled back at her. 

"Honestly, it is still a wonder to me how I became friends with Rika." When Lexi said her remark, she chuckled and the guest and the newly wed could as well. "My mother used to tell me I'm a miracle baby — as you know, I'm an only child. So, growing up, I often wanted to have a sister or a brother but sadly, things happened." Glancing at Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang, Lexi saw them smiled at her as they nodded. 

"So, to fill the small void in my heart, I made tons of friends. However, no matter how many friends I had, the void was never filled. As time passed by, I came across different types of friends; friends that gave me different lessons to learn... until I met Rika." Lexi paused as she pursed her lips together. Meanwhile, Rika was already welling up as she listened to Lexi's speech. 

"Rika, one of the best person who taught me a lot about empowering women. Rika came in my life like a raging bull — you can't dodge or avoid. All I had to do was to anticipate the hit, and I'm glad I did..."

"It was not like you have a choice!" From the crowd, Elliot Gong shouted, which made Lexi, and everyone shared a merry laugh. 

"My hubby, why did we even invited him?" On the other hand, Rika Song who was emotionally crying by Lexi's speech turned to her husband while sobbing. 

Jaime Liao just gently smiled at her crying wife as he wiped her tears away. Well, he couldn't rebut Elliot Gong as he had a point. After all, just like what Lexi said, Jaime Liao could not avoid or dodge Rika Song when she was shooting dangerous love arrows at him. 

"Yes, Eli, but let's not make it obvious alright?" Chuckling, Lexi humored back as the emotional atmosphere lightened by Elliot Gong's remarks. 

"What I was saying is, Rika, she's the most amazing and the realest woman I have ever met. She's a straightforward person, no sugar coating, but also has the biggest heart. Working in the same industry in the past, I had never met someone who was the same as what their image says. She's like the phrase: what you see is what you get... that's Rika." Lexi stared at Rika Song who was fanning herself as the tears on the corner of her eyes threatened to fall, again. 

"Jaime, I know you already know this, but you got an amazing wife. She might be needy and moody at times, she might force you to watch barbie movies on some days with her, and she might get emotional over little things... but she's still a wonderful person. Rika will love you, will give you everything even if it's her world, without questions and doubt. She's that kind of person so, please, love her unconditionally because that's what my sister deserved." As Lexi said her piece, her eyes turned watery as she smiled at the two of them. Seeing Jaime Liao nodded in understanding matched with a smile, Lexi raised her glass for a toast. 

"Cheers to the both of you. I wish nothing but the best in the world and let love conquer any obstacle in your marriage." Saying this piece, Lexi saw Rika and Jaime Liao raise their glasses for a toast. 

After Lexi's speech, Elliot Gong and other friends that haven't toast with the couple then followed it. The event went on for quite some time before the bride must throw her bouquet to the female crowd behind her. 

Rika Song danced with the music as she paraded her bouquet in her hand. As the host instructed everyone and counted down from three to one, Rika Song threw her bouquet to the girls behind her. 

Turning to see who got it, Rika Song grinned from ear to ear upon seeing Andy Chang's surprised front. On the other hand, Lexi giggled as she glanced at Nico Zhuang, who also glanced at her instinctively. 

When Lexi and Nico Zhuang's eyes met, Nico could only shake his head sideways as he had guessed what Lexi had in mind. Fortunately, Nico Zhuang wasn't near Lexi or else she would tease her that very second. 

"Stop teasing Nico." Meanwhile, Ethan Lu set Lexi a side glance. Seeing the playful grin plastered on his wife's lips, Ethan Lu leaned closer as he whispered. 

"I am not," Lexi raised her brows as she shamelessly denied the obvious. 

"Andy~! Omg~!!" Pleased that Andy Chang was the one who caught the bouquet, Rika Song clasped her hands together 

*****

Meanwhile, inside a private ward, Morris Liu perched on the chair with a book on his lap — legs crossed. If one set their eyes on him, they'd feel the aristocratic vibe that repelled any commoner. 

With every slow flutter of his eyelashes, his eyes seemed to grow warmer than usual. 

"Ahem!" Clearing her throat, Churu pursed her lips together as she watched Morris Liu for a while now. Ever since he arrived this morning, Morris Liu didn't speak a word and just read that book he was reading. 

"Are you not hungry? It's past lunch..." Churu made up a lame excuse to scoot the man away. What's the purpose of his visit if he'll just bore her, anyway? 

Thinking of the time when Morris Liu was in the hospital, Churu was convinced her visits were always eventful. Right... she had nearly killed him during those times too. 

"Is it?" Raising his gaze, Morris Liu slowly checked his wristwatch. Seeing that it was already past noon, he closed the book and slowly rose from his seat. 

However, instead of taking strides outside, Morris Liu headed to Churu's bed, which made her knit her brows. "Wh — what?" Vigilant, Churu moved to the edge of the bed as he came close. 

When Morris Liu stopped on the side of the bed, he stared down at her pair of silver orbs. For some reason, Churu gulped down as she didn't know why the intent stare. 

As Churu was contemplating what he has in mind, Morris Liu used his forefinger and raised Churu's chin up. Surprised, Churu was caught off guard when Morris Liu suddenly leaned down and pressed his lips against her. 

The kiss wasn't long, yet it was enough to electrify the still recovering Churu. She blinked her eyes numerous times as Morris Liu retracted his head away. 

"I told you, you won't get away from what you've done to me." Although his voice was still cold, it was laced with a bit of playfulness. Studying Churu's mortified front, he smiled — pleased that he finally got his revenge for all the shocks he received when Churu barged in his room.