Yan Xiuchen was playing the popular classic piece, "You Are My Sunshine". It can be sung as a love song, a heartbreak song, or a lullaby, but Xiao Rufeng had no idea which one Yan Xiuchen was playing. She stood there in silence and listened intently to Yan Xiuchen's playing. The man didn't even realize that he had company at that moment.
Yan Xiuchen felt that his day didn't start in a good way. Not only did he oversleep and because he was binge watching Xiao Rufeng's TV series last night, but he also received a short notice from his assistant that he needed to file an indefinite leave or a two-week leave due to his illness.
Of course as his loyal companion for many years, Yan Xiuchen couldn't decline his assistant's request and promised to cover his medical expenses and gave him a paid leave. However, this only meant that his daily routine would spiral into chaos. How was he supposed to meet his business associates and continue his routine without his reliable assistant?
Once he hit the last note of the piece, Yan Xiuchen was startled when he heard someone clapping after his performance. He then found the woman of his dreams, watching him from the doorway. His heart almost leapt from his chest upon seeing her, but he forced himself to calm down and not to make a fool out of himself in front of her.
"Miss Xiao." He greeted her, turning his scarred face to the other side so she won't see how hideous it looked under the light. "What are you doing here?"
"Everyone seemed occupied with their game and I heard someone playing the piano. I was curious and here I am." She smiled at him.
Yan Xiuchen stared at her for a moment, noticing the slight tear track on her cheek.
"Have you been crying?" He couldn't help but ask.
Xiao Rufeng sucked in a deep breath, not expecting that he would notice her distress.
"Oh. No. It's just, uhh… my makeup is running off." She lied, but Yan Xiuchen obviously could see through it.
Even if he knew, he didn't comment on it, much to her relief. She had no idea how to explain the pent-up frustration she was feeling these days, and she certainly didn't want to dump it on him just to find some relief.
"Crying doesn't suit you. You're more beautiful when you smile." Yan Xiuchen said as he stared blankly at the piano keys in front of him. It bothered him to know that something or someone might have upset her again.
Has Xiao Yunyao not learned her lesson yet?
He felt an indescribable urge to reach for Xiao Rufeng, asking her what made her cry, but he wouldn't. It wasn't his place to question her when he was nothing but a person who apparently saved her life.
Xiao Rufeng smiled at his words. She wasn't sure why. This was the second time they met, but he didn't repulse her the same way others did.
"Is that what you say to every woman you just met?"
When she saw him flinch at her words, she immediately regretted saying it. From the way Lu Qingfeng talked about Yan Xiuchen earlier, it seemed that the latter really had some issues in socializing with other people. Xiao Rufeng chastised herself for being stupid.
"No. I've only said those words to you." Yan Xiuchen replied, which was true because other women flinched at the sight of him, but not Xiao Rufeng.
He would be foolish if he denied that he liked her. He simply wanted to be near her, to hear her voice and enjoy her presence. But for a man who was like him, Yan Xiuchen knew not to raise his hopes up and wish for more. It was already enough that Xiao Rufeng wasn't running the opposite way upon seeing him.
He knew that he wasn't appealing to the opposite sex, especially to a beautiful woman like Xiao Rufeng, an actress on top of that. She deserved to be with someone she could be proud of. Perhaps until that day that she found that man that would give everything she deserved to have, he could just stay and bask in her warm presence a little longer.
And he cannot be that man. Yan Xiuchen knew this, but he couldn't help but be a little selfish. She was so beautiful and lively, unlike him. He didn't have a single idea how he should approach her, how he should talk to her. Hell, even with his brothers, he had to think twice or thrice what to say, and he'd known them for years.
He must have been losing his mind, because he now badly wanted to be acquainted with Xiao Rufeng. Wasn't this asking for more trouble in the future once she decided she didn't want to be associated with him anymore, and found a better man that suits her?
"You played well. Would you mind telling me who taught you?" He heard Xiao Rufeng say.
He shook his head.
"It's the only piece I know to play. My mother used to sing it to me when she was alive." He answered.
Xiao Rufeng didn't miss the sadness in his tone. She was upset with herself for being so insensitive towards him. He looked so sad when he was playing earlier. She should have taken it as a hint.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked…"
"It was a long time ago." Yan Xiuchen replied, not looking at her. "It's not your fault. I specifically learned this piece so I wouldn't forget her." He explained, purposely dismissing the fact that the song now had a new meaning because of her.
"Still…" Xiao Rufeng scowled. "I'm kinda sorry that I asked."
Yan Xiuchen tilted his head slightly to look at her. His dark eyes looked so beautiful, Xiao Rufeng thought she might sink into it.
"Don't be sorry, Miss Xiao. I didn't mean to make you feel bad or take pity on me."
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