Chapter 72 - The Calm Before The Storm (1/2)
Liang didn't know what to think about that. It felt like a simple question, but when he thought about it on a deeper side, he could see something changing in Zhiyuan that made him question this.
Why was he so curious? Why was this question affecting him now? Why does he want to know about that guy?
He said, ”Sorry bro, but I don't know about that guy. I don't think Ah Cy knows it either or she would have told me.”
”Oh…”
Zhiyuan felt a little disappointed.
All sorts of questions invaded his mind.
Was he in her same class? Was he her senior? Did Xinyi ever confess to him?
Liang quietly stared at his friend. He had an inkling in his mind.
”Zhiyuan, are you okay?”
”Hm? Ah, I am fine,” he quickly said, ”It's just a bit of curiosity.”
Liang seriously doubted his statement.
He left with Ah Cy and Leina. Leina was asleep in the car while Liang softly whispered to Ah Cy, ”Hey.”
Ah Cy asked, ”What? By the way, what were you and Zhiyuan discussing in the garden, standing so far away?” She narrowed her eyes. ”Are you two planning some mischief behind your wives back?”
Liang chuckled. ”I wouldn't dare. I wanted to ask you about Xinyi. Do you know who she liked in college? Her crush?”
Ah Cy was surprised. ”This is so sudden. A guy that Xinyi liked? Why are you asking this?”
”Not me. Zhiyuan.”
Now, she was genuinely taken aback as he recalled their conversation.
She touched her chin. ”I don't know the guy though I am sure she did like someone.”
”How?”
”Well, I remember one conversation. We were all girls gathered together to hang out, and Zizi brought the topic of crushes. Caihong and I talked about Zhiyuan and you while Shuang just lazily said that games were her crushes all time.”
”...”
That Shuang…
”When we asked Xinyi, I noticed she became strangely nervous. She said she didn't have any, but I was sure she did. She might have wanted to keep it personal, so I didn't pressurize her.”
”I see.”
Ah Cy said, ”But I am surprised that Zhiyuan asked this after so long. Even if he knows who that guy is, what will he do? It has been seven years already.”
Liang sighed and leaned back his head. ”Yeah, but I felt that Zhiyuan...he felt a little different today. You know, he was nervous like I would have been in the past if I realized that you liked someone else. Do you think…”
Ah Cy touched her chin. ”He is beginning to like her? Honestly, I did notice a change between them ever since they returned from the cruise. It is faint, but they seem closer than before? It will be too soon to say that he might be feeling jealous though.”
He nodded.
Ah Cy smiled. ”If that is true then wouldn't it be the happiest thing for them? Xinyi and Zhiyuan were forced to marry against their wishes, but it's not too late for feelings to develop. If they could become real husband and wife, then even Siying will become happy in the true sense.”
”I hope so too.”
The sleeping Leina on Ah Cy's lap slightly twitched. With her eyes still closed, her brows furrowed.
Uncle Zhiyuan and Aunty Xinyi don't like each other like Mama and Dada? Hmph. Adults are sneaky. They are hiding this from Siying! But I will definitely tell him tomorrow!
---
The next morning, Xinyi and Chyou sat together as she taught her the art. ”So, you make the eyes bigger like that and the jaw will be a little smoother. Chibi characters have lesser details so they are easier to draw.”
Chyou attentively moved her pencil following Xinyi's instructions.
Xinyi brightened. ”You are good at this. This is only your third attempt and you are already so close.”
Chyou felt shy. ”Thank you, Aunty.”
Her heart fluttered in joy. She was finally able to do stuff the other kids did her age with their parents together. This time spent with Xinyi was beginning to grow on her.
Zhiyuan entered and peeked in the book. They were so immersed that they didn't notice him at all.
”Is that me?”
Xinyi shut the book instantly. ”No.”
”Wait, let me see it. It was me, right? I want to see your drawing.”
Chyou brightly said, ”Yes, Uncle! It is you!” She giggled. ”Aunty is teaching me to draw your chibi character!”
Xinyi turned red in embarrassment.
Zhiyuan curiously smiled. ”That seems interesting. Show me.”
”No!”
Zhiyuan was dumbfounded. ”Are you that against it? I am praising you, trust me. I can see why Shuang chose you as her artist.”
Xinyi pursed her lips and mumbled, ”I thought you already left for office…”
”...”
Zhiyuan shook his head. ”You should be proud of your talent and here you are getting embarrassed. Wait. Now I understand.”
”What?”