Love Struck

Carefully wrapping the hand painted scarf,Shi Ai packed the rice cakes and together Zhang Min and her went to leave the small house.Zhang Min had come in the car arranged by Uncle Chu and so they were able to reach the Zhang's house soon.Once the car arrived,Shi Ai could feel her legs trembling.As a young girl in an orphanage,they would be made to meet new people all the time so that they would be adopted.But it was always the younger ones that were chosen and so a fear of rejection had ingrained in her mind.The only few people who had accepted her unconditionally also did not stay in her life.She tried to regulate her nervous breathing and strengthen her trembling legs.Her hands tightened on the small gift box that sheheld.

Uncle Chu stood at the door waiting for them.His elegant attire and stern posture as a butler almost made Shi Ai want to turn back and run away but then he smiled kindly and bowed to her in welcome.

Zhang Min smiled brightly and said,"Little cousin Ai this is the main person of the house,Uncle Chu.Father and Mother may be the head but this person is the neck.So you know that is the most important one.If you please him,then you are going to have a smooth sailing life in this house and if you offend him,then you better have a cast iron stomach!I'll tell you his secret later."Zhang Min then turned to uncle Chu and introduced Shi Ai,"Uncle Chu,this is the cousin I told you about!She is pretty,isn't she?She even made rice cakes to bring here.And I had one, it was yummy.Here take them and please serve them for breakfast!I am really hungry!!"Uncle Chu shook his head at the lean master when he complained of hunger.He was never not hungry.Politely,he held the box that the young master had taken from Miss and shoved it in his hands and said,"Please come in." 

Passing him a smile,Shi Ai also followed Zhang Min who was already inside.The first person she met inside was Mrs Zhang who had observed the entire scene with the butler.She stood there staring at her son with a poker face while he was shuffling his feet guiltily.This of course made Ah Hai worry and she hesitantly smiled at Mrs Zheng while offering a polite bow.Mrs Zheng observed the nervous and mannerful girl and smiled back at her.The girl was pretty but did not look arrogant.And she had the manners to make something for everyone.While Mrs Zheng assessed Shi Ai,she said quietly,"Thank you for having me madam."Mrs Zheng was even more impressed with the girl and said,"You can call me Auntie Luo or Mother Luo if you wish.Most of my kid's friends call me that!Come in Shi Ai.We are all waiting for you."But Shi Ai came forward and offered the small box to her and said,"I made this for you.I hope you will like it!"

Mrs Zheng thanked her for the unexpected gift and opening the box felt her heart melt.It was a beautifully hand painted silk scarf.Mrs Zheng was proudly materialistic!She loved all pretty things and did not pretend otherwise.Seeing the beautifully painted scenery on the scarf and the exquisite design,Mrs Zheng instantly forgot her husban'd warnings to not get too attached and hugged the girl,thanking her profusely.She imagined showing off the beautiful creation to all her friends and even praised Shi Ai for being so talented.Shi Ai had won the first round already..