A Billion Dollar Exchange

Liling was feeling dizzy. She had been sitting for so long, though others were moving around and exchanging pleasantries, she didn't, since she knew only Richen and Xin Yong.

She didn't have enough tolerance on alcohol so she didn't take any.

Richen was with her too, they hadn't left yet, partially waiting for Xin Yong. Liling suddenly felt that someone had been staring at her, so she involuntarily turned, only to meet Liu Wei's gaze, he casually picked up his drink and took a sip from it, but never shifting his gaze from her.

Her eyes widened in shock, she immediately turned around and looked elsewhere.

'Why is he staring at me?, wait don't tell me he recognizes me!. No no, we met just once, and it's been months ago, there's no way he could recognize me!. Yes!, there's no way, he may just be wondering if I'm really the one, that's it. I'll just have to pretend I don't know him, hehe, so smart!'

With that Liling kept her gaze forward, not even looking sideways to prevent unintentionally glancing at him. She felt he was still looking at her, and even though she felt uneasy, she maintained her posture.

Picking up her untouched wine glass, she took a sip from it.

'Yuck!, this is so bittterrr!, how is everyone enjoying this?' she cursed internally but her face bore an entirely different expression.

From the outside it seemed as though she was not even bothered about anything in the world, but only her knew how wet the palms that held the glass were.

Liling thought of how to escape from that awkward situation, though the party was not yet over, she wasn't contributing anything at all. So she decided to retire to their hotel room.

"Richen, let's go back, I'm feeling very dizzy, Mm? "

She pleaded in a cajoling manner while holding onto her arm.

Richen who had been seeking for an opportunity to meet with Liu Wei knew that if she followed Liling, she may never get to talk to him. She had wanted to turn down Liling immediately but then, if she turned down Liling, she would not leave and therefore she won't be able to talk to Liu Wei without him looking her stunning friend.

So on a second thought, she turned down the idea.

"Liling, you go up since you're feeling sleepy, Xin Yong's already in the room. I'll come up later, okay, don't worry about me" She urged her with a very warm smile.

Liling who couldn't suspect anything, smiled back and nodded. She swiftly stood up to leave.

"Liling.. " Came the soft and warm voice from behind her.

'No!, he remembers.. . my name? no no... he can't possibly.. '

Richen who had heard him more than clearly turned to look at him, then at Liling.

'They knew each other? ' Her eyes flashed of envy mixed with defeat and she swallowed a very bitter saliva. 'So she had lost the battle even before it ever started?' With that she sadly sank back on her seat and watched the both of them.

Liling pretending to not hear him, she gently picked up her purse and made to leave.

"Liling, where are you off to?, the party isn't over yet"

'Now game's over.. '

Turning around, Liling let out a sweet smile, her dimples ever radiating.

"Mr Liu Wei, my apologies. I'm having a very painful headache' thinking that her excuse wasn't good enough she added "and all my limbs are aching, so I want to go back and get some sleep"

Liu Wei's brows furrowed, he watched her intently.

'Hehe, he's buying it. He's handsome but very dumb!, all I need to do to spice it up, is to pretend I'm hurting then he'll let me go immediately, haha, I'm so smart'

With those thoughts, Liling placed her hands on her head, and pretended that it hurt her. Her face became pale and she creased her brows.

Liu Wei was not buying her tricks but he decided to play along with her.

"Alright, ...but a sick person shouldn't be sleeping, she should be admitted in a hospital "

With that he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

'Admitted.... hospital.... noooo'

What Liling hated most was taking medications and going to hospitals, not to talk of being admitted when nothing, absolutely nothing was wrong with her! It was utter tragedy!.

"Ah, Mr Liu Wei, you don't need to trouble yourself unnecessarily, I just need to sleep a little, and I'll be okay, you shouldn't trouble yourself this much"

Liling smiled as she tried to coax Liu Wei.

"Mm?" He thought for a while "okay then, you still have to go for a check up, I've called someone to... oh he's here already "

Tracing Liu Wei's gaze, Liling saw a middle aged man, walking towards them. He greeted Liu Wei and after a small talk he turned to Liling.

"Miss, you have to come with me..."

'This is getting out of hand.... please I didn't mean it like that. ...I just want to sleep!'

"Ah, doctor, it's just a minor headache, In fact I'm okay. No need to worry. I'll just be heading upstairs"

With that she made to run away, but Liu Wei who had already stood up held her hand before she could take more than three steps. The people around watched them with amazement. They had never seen Liu Wei talk so much to a girl, talk more of holding her hands!.

It was surprising.

"Liling, pretty girls aren't naughty". Liu Wei said almost in a whisper, his voice was endearing and he smelt of fresh fragrance. So inviting!.

Liling tilted her head and her eyes met his beautiful ones. She stared at his face, completely forgot about the hospital. His eyes were crystal clear, deep and blue, his lashes were really long and...

Liling was bolted out of her thoughts when she felt Liu Wei start walking towards the exit, she turned and saw the doctor following them.

"No please... I'm not ill... i just want to sleep... please.... let me go... " She cried until they reached an SUV parked outside the hotel. Liling was quietly pushed into the back seat and Liu Wei entered, closing the door after him.

The doctor sat in the front while Wang Feng who had been following them quietly, sat on the driver's seat and put on his seat belt.

That was when Liling finally noticed him for the first time.