Chapter 133 - Free Drinks (1/2)
Nora had brought Xiu to her own family hotel which made Xiu even more perplexed. The interior carved beams, exquisite frescoes, and expensive retro wall lamps of the hallway along with the panoramic view of the city at night through the floor-to-ceiling windows were always a highlight of this hotel for Xiu.
As they neared a banquet hall and Xiu noticed where they were headed, she stopped walking and said, ”You brought me to a wedding?” Nora smiled sheepishly. ”You know I don't like weddings.”
Nora held her arm and puckered her lips, ”I didn't want to come alone and you're my only best friend.”
Xiu gaped at her for a second before saying, ”I literally am feeling like a scapegoat right now. Just because you didn't want to suffer through this alone, you pulled me along to ruin my Saturday night. I could have gone on a date with my boyfriend.”
”Woah! Stop right there girly! How can you even say that? I know date would have been a lot more fun but still, you can't shun your best friend just like this,” said Nora as she crossed her arms over her chest. ”Besides, I don't know anyone inside.”
”Then what the hell are you doing here?” Xiu yelled at her in disbelief.
”It's my friend's sister's wedding. I couldn't say no.” Nora answered innocently blinking at her. When Xiu didn't budge, she used her trump card by saying, ”There will be free drinks.” Xiu's resolve wavered a bit as she heard that. Nora could see that it was working so she struck when the iron was still hot by saying, ”And tonight I won't even stop you from drinking. You can have your heart's fill.”
Xiu looked at Nora's sincere expressions and said, ”Sheesh. Sold!”
Nora fist bumped in the air to show how happy she was after succeeding in her mission.
While Xiu's attention was on Nora, a figure walked past her but halted after a couple of steps. He glanced up instinctively at the scent of perfume. He watched Xiu talking animatedly to Nora without even blinking, a wrinkle of confusion was etched between his brows as he observed the side of Xiu's face.
Feeling a scorching gaze at the side of her face, Xiu tilted her face slightly and her eyes widened slightly to see the person standing not too far from her. Zhou Jinhai's eyes couldn't hide the disappointment that he felt when he noticed Xiu's face clearly. His heart felt heavy and he was feeling hollow inside.
Xiu, on the other hand, didn't have the reaction that she could have expected from herself. It was a crazy thought but the look in Zhou Jinhai's eyes made her think for a second that he was looking for someone else in her and this thought in itself was funny and heartwrenching.
But she wasn't wrong. Zhou Jinhai had indeed stopped because of that scent of perfume which he always associated with Chen Xiu. For a second, his heart had an illusion that it was Chen Xiu but the reminder that she was dead, broke his fantasy. A dainty arm wrapped around his own as he heard, ”Jinhai, what happened?”
Xiu also noticed the woman beside him. She was petite and wore a rose-colored mermaid-bottom maxi dress. It complimented her beautiful fair skin and clear eyes. Watching them stand side by side, Xiu had to admit once again that they looked perfect together. Just like his mother used to say.