419 Like A Teenager (1/2)

”Give me the bags and go back to your place.”

Darren looked at the bags of grocery in his hands and then at her. They were standing at Xiu's door when she demanded to take the bags from his hands.

”Why? I'll take it inside.” He was ever so willing to help. How could he let her take these heavy bags on her own?

Xiu snatched the bags from his hands saying, ”And then you won't come out.” Darren looked around when she continued, ”As if I can't read through your schemes. I told you it's a private dinner. You're not allowed to join.”

Darren pouted trying to look adorably at her, ”Sweets, Cali is my friend. Why can't I join the dinner along with her?”

”How will we talk about you right before you?” retorted Xiu. ”That's not how it works.”

”If you guys are eventually gonna talk about me then it's even better if I'm right there,” said Darren. He couldn't understand why he had to leave. After all, the only person common between Cali and Xiu was him. Well, there was Dylan too but he purposely chose to ignore that point. ”You can pretend like I'm not even there.”

Xiu looked him up and down before saying, ”Baobei, you're too hard to...”

”Resist?” suggested Darren making her narrow her eyes at him. He poked her arm as he called out, ”You can't just kick your Baobei out like this. How will I spend this time without my Furen?”

”What did you just call me?” Xiu stared at him wide-eyed.

”Furen...” he answered softly making her heart beat wildly. (*Furen: Usually husbands would call their wives 'Furen' in Chinese to show respect and affection. English translation would be 'lady'. Additional note: The author has learned from someone it means 'Honey' as well but it's not confirmed to me.)

Xiu couldn't talk for a good minute since she couldn't wrap her mind around that title. Taking a deep breath, she placed the grocery bags down and pushed him towards his door. ”You are dangerous for my sanity. Go away!”

”Oh, now you're literally pushing me away?” Darren was really amused at the expense of how flustered she looked. ”I'm hurt now.”

”I don't care,” replied Xiu harshly.

Darren placed his hand against her cheek. ”I'll miss you.”

Xiu furrowed her brows, ”Why is everyone saying this today?”

”Who else said it?” Darren was suddenly in his alpha male role.

”Dylan. When he hugged me goodbye, he said the same thing,” answered Xiu calmly.

Darren's face twitched in anger, ”He really needs a good beating.” He meant it. How could his dear best friend forget that he wasn't supposed to be so casual with his wife? He not only said he'll miss her, he even dared to hug her?! Oh, Dylan! You're really looking for trouble now!

Darren gave her a tight hug that almost made it difficult for her to breathe as he said, ”Sweets, if you need a hug. Come to me. Don't let anyone just hug you.”