Chapter 36 - A Play-Off (1/2)
With her small and soft hands tightly wrapped around Nora's arm, Xiu was grinning from ear to ear. After a whole day of a bad mood, she was finally at ease in Nora's presence. She kept telling Nora about her day with enthusiasm, not even taking a break.
Nora certainly was enjoying Xiu's carefree look. She scarcely found Xiu chattering like this. It put her mind and heart at ease.
”Let's head to the rooftop restaurant. I'll treat you to dinner tonight,” Xiu announced as she pulled Nora along towards the elevator.
Nora had to run in her high heels to keep up with Xiu's pace and as the elevator doors closed, she said, ”My stingy Xiu'er is actually gonna buy me an expensive dinner? My my! Am I dreaming?”
Xiu slapped her playfully as she glared at her and stuck her tongue out childishly, ”You know I'm not stingy when it comes to you.”
Nora pinched her adorable nose saying, ”I know. But you're stingy when it comes to yourself.”
”How is that?”
”Baby Xiu'er, you still haven't bought a car for yourself. Even though it's very important for traveling.” As Xiu opened her mouth to say something, Nora added, ”And don't say that you can't afford it. You very well know about your finances.”
Xiu couldn't argue with that. She indeed could buy the car if she wanted to. But the problem was simple. She didn't want to! ”Nora darling, you know I still have trouble with driving. I have to stay focused while driving. And then those mirrors. Argh! You know I'm not comfortable with them.”
Living as Chen Xiu, she always had a nanny van right there at her service. She never had to bother with driving since it was a hassle. And she never even learned to drive back then. But living as Bai Xiu, Nora had taught her how to drive and even managed to get her driving license. However, Xiu was literally just an average driver.
She was the kind of person who never managed to park the car properly. And counting herself as a lost cause, Xiu had given up on learning. It was just not what she could get better at. And she didn't want to either.
”Besides, in public transport, I get loads of time to clear my head. I get to zone off, dose off, and even get a chance to let some steam off.” Xiu added as the elevator stopped at the top floor.
”Steam off?” Nora asked in surprise and confusion.
”Yeah! You know when someone tries to harass a passenger, I get to yell, shout, and sometimes punch them. It's a very fulfilling feeling.” Xiu explained with a satisfied expression while Nora shook her head at her.
”I think you should be saying that you get to show off.” Nora remarked helplessly as she turned to the usher and said, ”Table for two.”
”Right this way, Ms. Cartwright,” the usher obviously knew Nora as the manager of the hotel. Therefore, she was extremely polite and humble with her as she led them to a table.