Chapter 65 - A Fine Gentleman (2/2)

”Hmm... I can't say it was a boarding school. More like training school.” His vague answer left her feeling all curious and restless. But she didn't want to appear anymore nosy than she already did. This much probing was not good after all.

Xiu silently finished the entire bowl of the soup and felt a lot better than before. The headache wasn't as bad as it was when she woke up. It was quite bearable now. Darren was about to help Nora in cleaning the table when she refused to take his help. That action made her smile.

”Oi, McSpicy! Did you pay for the meal last night?” Xiu's question made him frown but he nodded. ”Why did you? I said I'd pay.”

”First, you weren't in the condition to pay at all.” Xiu retracted her gaze as he pointed out her 'condition' from last night. ”And second, my mother would kill me if I let you pay.”

”Huh?” Xiu was dumbfounded.

”Before you start on your feminist speech again, my mother is even more of a feminist than you are. But she had told me to never let a lady pay what I owe.” Xiu was left silent as he continued, ”And the dinner was my responsibility as the new neighbor and for your friendly welcome. That's what I owed you both. How could I go back on my values?”

Xiu patted his shoulder and said, ”Did anyone ever tell you?”

”What?”

”Your mother has raised a fine gentleman. And it's rare. Trust me, it's rare!” Xiu dramatically flailed her hands as she spoke to emphasize her point.

”Now that's an exaggeration. You never know what kind of a person I am.” His voice sounded bitter for some reason. But Xiu couldn't bring herself to believe his words. ”It's already late, I should take my leave now.”

Like a good host, Xiu stood up and walked him to the door. She was about to close the door when she heard his voice, ”Sweets wait! I have something for you. Just a sec!” He entered his apartment and came back within a couple of minutes with a black gift box in his hand which he extended towards her and said, ”This is for you. But you have to give me a promise with this.”

Xiu took the box and felt it was a bit heavy. She tried to shake it to know what was inside but to no avail. ”What's the promise?” She asked absentmindedly since her attention was solely on the gift box now.

”You will only open this gift the day you'd feel happier than ever.” Xiu frowned at his words. What kind of promise was that? ”Last night, you drank because you're sad. Now, I want you to only open this when you're truly happy. Promise?”

”But I love opening presents. It's torture for someone like me.” Xiu gave him the puppy eyes but he didn't budge at all. ”Aish! Fine!” She hooked her pinky with his and even stamped the promise. ”But can't you give me a little hint? What's inside?”

With a thoughtful look, Darren replied, ”It's something you asked for last night.”