"I just wanted to get out of his shadow as soon as possible and do something for myself," Yating faintly smiled. "I didn't give much thought over the deal. I was twenty-two and too young to think about marriage anyway. That was a faraway event for me, but my career was right before me. So I agreed to it."
Ai parted and shut her lips numerous times, bewildered about what to think of all this.
He shook his head. "But I regretted the deal when I met you and started to like you. Dad would have caused a big ruckus if I dared to choose my wife as well. It was really frustrating and complicated. It was a trouble I made for myself, and I didn't want you to be involved in it and needlessly let Dad clash with you. But none of it matters right now. You are…" his trembling fingers formed a fist, "happy with Liu Jun, right?"
"Yes."
"That's…nice," he chuckled with a ring of defeat to it. "After the Summit, I thought many times that I wanted to snatch you away from him. I wanted to believe that he wouldn't keep you happy but unfortunately, he is not so bad for you."
Only he knew how much his own words stabbed his heart. His eyes were on the verge of showing his tears to her.
He cleared his throat. "Anyway, he better continue being nice to you or don't blame me if I think about having you all for myself again."
A weak smile formed on her lips.
"I will take my leave…"
Yating quickly nodded. He said with disdain, "Yes or your boyfriend will be too much of a pain in the ass. See you later."
As she turned, she heard Yating speak again, "Ai."
She stopped.
"I…I am glad we got to talk like this again."
Her beautiful eyes reflected a whirlpool of many emotions. "Yes. Me too."
He tapped his finger on the counter and suggested it after much thought. "I know you work in Sky now, and you have Liu Jun's full support. But if you ever need my help for anything at any time, please don't hesitate to ask me. Let me…at least be a good friend to you."
Ai's shoulders shivered. She couldn't speak for a long time. "Yes."
Feeling a big burden lift off his chest, he thanked her sincerely.
Watching her leave with the distance increasing between them, the tear he had been holding onto for this whole time gently slipped across his cheek.
"Bye, Ai…"
He quickly wiped his cheek and ordered another glass of a drink. "Give a strong whisky this time."
He heard a soft thud from his back and turned to look. His eyes blinked with surprise. "Zhu Chyou?"
She awkwardly smiled as she struggled to maintain her balance. She had knocked on a vase and almost stumbled. "Hey…"
His brow twitched. "What's all that cream on your face?"
She recalled the twins' mischief and gritted her teeth. "Some annoying brats went out of control, and now I look ugly. Who will take responsibility for my career if something happens to my face? Cakes are meant to be eaten, not played with…" she murmured to herself.
Yating took out his handkerchief and offered it. "You can wash your face after this. Will be much easier."
"I don't want to ruin your handkerchief."
"It's just a handkerchief."
"Ah, you are a lifesaver…"
Chyou coughed and swiftly patted her face. "Thanks."
Yating asked, "How much did you hear?"
"...From the part where you explained about Ai Publishing to her?"
"So everything."
"I was just heading to the washroom when I saw you two together. I didn't mean to pry."
He gave an aloof smile. "It's alright. Doesn't really matter now."
Chyou pressed her lips together. "That was really sweet of you to think of making a company for Ai's sake. Hmm…if I already didn't have someone I like, I would have seriously considered you."
Yating tilted his head. "Are you fine with an arranged marriage?"
"Why not?"
"I thought the queen of the entertainment industry would be stubborn about love marriage. You know, like in the movies."
Chyou took a seat beside him and answered. "Love or arranged marriage really doesn't matter that much. I did dream of finding someone just like my Mom and Dad did," she smiled, "But even if it's arranged, I don't mind because Mom and Dad would be choosing the guy, and I know they will have the best choice for me. They won't compromise anything on my partner. So if you weren't a good man, Dad wouldn't have even bothered to tell me about you."
He scratched his chin. "I feel flattered."
"You should be," she chuckled.
Yating then asked, "Did you find anything about Dad's rivals?"
Her countenance turned serious. "There is nothing suspicious about them. But I did find something that could help. Are you free to come to set tomorrow?"
"Sure."
The waiter brought the strong whisky that Yating ordered. He was about to take it when Chyou pushed the glass aside. "I know letting go of your love is difficult. But don't drown in alcohol to pour your sorrow into. Alcohol is overrated. Let's try something else," she wanted to cheer him up.
"Like what?"
"Let's have a food competition. The one who can eat the most spicy dumplings wins."
"..."
He was speechless. "This is…silly."
"Silly is fun," she grinned.
"Aren't you worried about your weight as an actress? Models and actors are very conscious about their looks. Wait, you are not planning to let me take responsibility for any mishap in your career, right?"
She snorted in dismissal. "You overthink. Plus, I exercise a lot so I will shed the extra fat in no time."
When the huge order of the dumplings arrived a few minutes later, Chyou clapped her hands with delight. "This is what you call a feast! Let's dig in."
Popping in dumplings upon dumplings inside their mouths, Chyou and Yating soon had tears in their eyes when the tingling spiciness hit their tongues.
"Delishioush!" She praised the food. "Oh, I forgot to tell you something."
Yating breathlessly gasped with the spiciness as he fanned his tongue. "What?"
"You are paying the bill. Thanks!"
"..."
But this wasn't even my idea…
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