401 a (2/2)

”Surprise?” repeated Xiu thoughtfully. ”But my baobei is in a meeting right now.”

Ben didn't reply. But this silence was not very suitable for Xiu whose mind had a habit of wandering off from nowhere to anywhere. Her head was pressed against the window as she stared at the passing lights. After a long time, today once again her eyes darted off to those led screen playing advertisements.

She had been trying to convince herself of how much she hated her previous life only to come to the conclusion that she had never hated being an actor. It was the favorite part of her life; playing different roles and conveying so many different emotions. Evoking people's feelings along with her character.

Ah, the tragedy of our society where celebrities are treated as products.

”Ms. Bai, we're here,” announced Ben breaking her trance. She looked around and furrowed her brows a little seeing that they had parked before a French restaurant. ”Someone's waiting for you inside.”

Xiu's frown deepened but she didn't question anything. Since her fever had yet to completely subside, she was feeling the tiredness along with sleepiness now. But she persistently kept her eyes open.

”Xiu! Here!”

Xiu had yet to enter the restaurant when she could see her mother-in-law waving at her. Oh, so she was the one with the surprise! Xiu shook her head as she turned to look at Ben. Did he have to keep this a secret?

Francesca immediately looped her arm with Xiu's and walked inside with her. ”My son had a meeting so I thought I should use this time to my advantage and take my daughter out on dinner. Besides, we need bonding time as well.”

Xiu smiled in reply. There was no way she could understand her enthusiasm but Xiu found it quite adorable.

Francesca had booked the best table in the restaurant that was right beside the glass wall that looked over the beautiful flower garden. She was very pleased with her choice.

”You don't mind this restaurant, do you? I'm not really fond of Chinese food so...”

”It's okay. I can eat anything.” Xiu cleared it up even before Francesca could finish her sentence.

”That's good then.”

”So...”

Seeing Xiu's reaction, she smiled sweetly at her, ”Are you trying to figure out what to call me?”

Xiu looked down sheepishly. She had been wondering about that exactly. She really didn't want to get ahead of herself and call her mom. And she also didn't want to call her by her name out of respect. But calling her auntie felt weird because well, look at that gorgeous woman! She was defying age through and through!

”Call me anything you like. I'm not very picky about this stuff.”

”Then can I call you...?”

Xiu wasn't even given a chance to say it when France spoke up herself.

”I'd prefer if you call me mom though.”