54 Male White Lotus (1/2)

Li Xiuying and Ren Daiyu had just finished watching the film. Ren Daiyu stretched her arms above her head.

Ren Daiyu: ”I haven't watched that film in ages; I had forgotten how good it was.”

Li Xiuying: ”Ice cream?”

Ren Daiyu: ”One scoop of strawberry please.”

Li Xiuying walked to the kitchen.

Ren Daiyu was flicking through the channels in search of something to watch; when her phone started vibrating on the table.

She leaned forehead and picked up her phone. She looked curiously at her phone screen; it was a message from a number she didn't recognise.

This surprised Ren Daiyu because this was her personal line; she had changed her phone number straight after her break up and only her family had this number.

Ren Daiyu opened the message and read: 'Daiyu, this is Chong Honghui. Our father's thought it would be a good idea for us to try and date. I believe you have an acceptable background and an adequate appearance hence I'm willing to give you a chance. I've booked a table at Yuèliàng for 7 pm next Friday. Be on time, dress appropriately and try not to douse yourself in perfume and smother your face in makeup.'

Ren Daiyu quirked a brow and snorted as she read the message.

Who the hell was this caveman?

Li Xiuying returned with two bowls of ice cream. She handed one bowl to Ren Daiyu and sat back down in her seat.

Ren Daiyu said in a sarcastic tone: ”Well my blind date has just informed me that I have been granted the wonderful opportunity to date him as well as a set of guidelines concerning my adequate appearance.” She turned her phone screen towards Li Xiuying.

Li Xiuying looked at the screen: ”Narcissistic personality disorder?”

Ren Daiyu looked confused: ”Is that a thing?”

Li Xiuying nodded: ”DSM IV published by the American Psychiatrist Association.”

Ren Daiyu: ”He probably does have a personality disorder, but I favor the diagnosis of A**hole. What was my dad thinking? I can't believe he would set me up like this.” She shook her head as she thought about how her dad her arranged this blind date.

Ren Daiyu ate a spoonful of ice cream.

Li Xiuying: ”Who is he?”

Ren Daiyu sighed: ”He's the son of my father's best friend. He comes from a long line of lawyers and Judges. I think he went abroad after he graduated for a few years to practice law. The last time I saw him is when we were 16; but from childhood until the end of high school my family and his would get together once a month for a meal. And at that time he was just as arrogant and stuck up; but he always put on a humble appearance in front of all the elders like butter wouldn't melt. He was especially courteous, shy, quiet and respectful around my dad. Chong Honghui is a typical white lotus. Is there a male version of white lotus?”

Li Xiuying thought for a moment, and then shrugged her shoulders a little: ”Equality. Why now?”