The Rise of the White Lotus

"Uh, I'm not his girlfriend -- just a friend." Lexi corrected when she heard Chan's statement. Alas, Chan only peered her with his unconvinced gaze as if he was saying 'you don't have to lie', which made the side of her lips twitched.

"Uh, yeah, by the way, this is Chan my little brother." Ethan introduced Chan with a wide smile that seemed none can afford. He added,

"And this is Lexi, my uh, friend." 

Chan slightly bowed to her which she did as well in return. After that, Lexi slightly tilted her head on the side with a questioning look on her face.

"Brother?" To her knowledge, Ethan Lu is the only young master of the Lu family; the heir of the Lu clan. Hence, does that mean Chan is an illegitimate child? Alas, scanning both of their facial features, they don't have any similarities which led her to the conclusion that probably, they had a close brotherhood. But, why would the young master of the Lu family befriend someone that has no connection?

Recalling her downfall, Lexi was slapped by the harsh reality of the norms of the socialites in the top social ladder. There are no real friends but only connections that could benefit each other. Hence, despite Ethan's happy go lucky personality, he must know that well.

"Uh huh, we're brothers!" Ethan grinned as he announced that slightly caught the few customer's attention.

"Ge, Miss Yang, take your seats first." Chan shushed Ethan in an embarrassed tone then gestured for them to take their seat which Lexi and Ethan agreed.

The moment Lexi perched her bum on the wooden chair, she placed her elbow on the surface of the table then propped her jaw whilst arching her right brow. 

"You have a brother?"

"Hmm," Ethan nodded with his eyes smiling that seemed it was near a closed eyes. He cupped his flushed cheeks by his palm and focused his attention to the girl sat across him.

"Not biologically." Chan who placed the small laminated menu on the table, shook his head in defeat knowing that Ethan Lu won't explain himself. He had always been like that, too cool to be bothered and care if he was misunderstood or not.

"Ohh,"

"How could you not know anything about me? Oh, Morris, right." Ethan frowned then knowingly nodded when he was reminded of Lexi's only interest. Part of him was slightly bugged about it but, who cares? It's not like he is jealous about it… or so he thought.

"Mr. Initial task is jealous chu~!" Churu giddily marched her small feet on the top of the table as she stared at Ethan and his sly words. 

"Yes, it's because of him but please, refrain from reminding me of that because that's the least you could do." Lexi rolled her eyes as she reached the laminated menu and skimmed through it. She knew little things about Ethan Lu of course, however, her instincts tells her not to reveal the truth to him. She continued, 

"The usual." Since Lexi was a regular customer, Chan already knew her favorite dish. It's just that they never interacted before aside from getting her orders and serving it to her.

"Alright. Ge, what about you?" Chan shifted his gaze on Ethan's direction, alas, before Ethan could even respond, Lexi spoke first.

"Anything that could help him sober up, please." 

Chan altered his eyes from Lexi to Ethan's nonchalant countenance before he nodded in awe. 

"Alright… Enjoy your date." After he jot down their orders, Chan teased -- directly to Ethan before he sped away.

"Why does he thinks were on a date?" Lexi glanced at the fleeing figure of Chan whilst knitting her brows.

"I really think we should go on a date -- getting to know and all." Ethan proposed without turning his eyes away from her. Despite his mild drunken state, he could see every move of her facial muscles, her shaky eyes, and relaxed pink plum lips. Seeing her repelled expression that he expected, Ethan smiled, he added.

"A friendly date." 

"Hey, chu! Don't sabotage yourself chu!!" Churu's sparkling smile slowly vanished and grimaced in dismay.

"Aren't we doing it now?" Lexi heaved a sigh of relieved when Ethan clarified what he meant. 

Given that she was now inclined to make him fall for her, alas, she knew it won't work if they dated immediately. It will only lessen the chances of completing her task because she believed that Ethan would grow tired if she agreed instantly. Moreover, she was already satisfied with the pace of her progress. Hence, she ignored Churu's dissatisfied banter in the middle of the table. She resumed,

"So, tell me --" Lexi was about to ask Ethan's relationship with Chan and his connection with this small restaurant alas, she halted midway as Ethan spoke at the same time.

"Then, what are -- ladies first." Ethan chuckled and thrust his chin forward, indicating she speak first.