Chapter 173 - Pretty Cold (1/2)

Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time or situation. But nostalgia is also defined as denial - denial of the painful present.

Coming back to the city she grew up in, Xiu was in dilemma. Her inner self was in a conflict over whether she was supposed to feel any nostalgia? Especially when her present was so much more beautiful than the past? But she couldn't possibly deny that she had some level of attachment to this place. This city had seen the glory of Chen Xiu and her downfall as well.

This city had seen her laughing, crying, struggling with her mental health, her depression, her loneliness. What this city didn't see before was her satisfaction. Because Chen Xiu was never satisfied with her life.

It was early morning when they had landed in the Xia Capital. She had rolled down the windowpane of the car to breathe in some fresh air. However, she ended up coughing because of the heavy smog and rolled up the window. Now that felt very familiar to her. Sitting at the back seat, Dylan chuckled at her reaction. Xiu scrunched up her face at him but said nothing.

First, they left their luggage at the hotel and then went straight to the meeting. Xiu followed Dylan for the whole day around and was surprised to see how serious he was about this project. After how much she was tired, she only wanted to drop on her bed and sleep.

Despite that, Dylan pulled her to the hotel's restaurant and said, ”Have dinner with me.” Seeing her scowling, he added, ”I don't like eating alone.”

Xiu rolled her eyes at him and shook her head before taking a seat. They both ordered a steak.

”Is Cabernet Sauvignon okay with you?” he asked Xiu's opinion for wine.

Hearing the name of her favorite wine with steak, Xiu's heart blossomed. However, it instantly withered when Darren's voice rang in her mind, ”You're not allowed to drink when I'm not around.” Her face fell and she forced herself to say, ”I'd like a glass of lemonade. Thank you!”

”What?” Dylan was shocked. ”Lemonade with steak? You sure about that?”

Xiu clenched her fists tightly and nodded her head firmly. Dylan shrugged his shoulders and ordered the wine for himself and lemonade for herself. As the wine was served and Xiu saw Dylan savoring the taste of the red wine, her heart cried out. Dylan noticed her expressions and said, ”If you want it just say so.”

”I don't want it,” said Xiu and looked away from him. ”My boyfriend said I can't drink in his absence.”

Dylan almost spurted out the drink when he heard her mumbling to herself. He thought something was wrong with his hearing. ”I didn't know you're this obedient.”

”I'm very obedient, you just don't know it,” said Xiu.

”You're never obedient around me how would I know?” Dylan pointed out.

Xiu waited for the server to leave before she picked up her knife and fork and said, ”There is the difference between you and your best friend.”