The Heartbeat at the Tip of the Tongue

Word count: 3879

Neurasthenic Qian Fan?

“Antisocial, clean freak, neurasthenia, obsessive compulsive disorder?”

Dr Xie’s shoulders hunched as he laughed happily.

“It seems like you have a deep understanding.”

“you won’t tell him, that I said all these ba?”

“Of course not. As a psychologist, the thing I’m the best at is being tight-lipped.”

Don’t know why, but Lin Ke Song had a feeling that she was being tricked by the other party.

“Do you know why he’s antisocial?”

“Why?”

“because he is always able to tell the other party’s mood and attitude from their tone of voice, intonation and breathing, no matter how well the other person hides it. In face to face interactions, a lot of times, people will lie to protect themselves or for other motives, but these things that an average person can ignore, to Jiang Qian Fan is infinitely emphasised.”

“Like his sense of taste?”

A little flaw will not be undetected by his taste buds.

“Yes. His world isn’t the same as the average person’s. his demands are more absolute, more, how do you say it…… nit-picky. He can only wait, for a situation or a person, to attract his attention, to free him from these absolute feelings.”

Lin Ke Song arched her shoulders “Mother ah…… feels like the person who he takes a fancy to is really unfortunate ah!”

“Why?”

“Because his expectations are so high, so absolute. As his girlfriend, wont it probably be really exhausting?”

“He won’t freely treat anybody well. But when his heart is moved, he will give all of himself. This is his absoluteness.”

Dr Xie straightened up, and walked past Lin Ke Song’s side.

At that moment, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that the Jiang Qian Fan Dr Xie spoke about was so familiar, yet unfamiliar.

She had no more mood to go to the kitchen, and turned back to her room, clearing a few clothing.

She went online to search for the temperature in Washington, made a call to her Uncle saying that she was going to leave New York. She had originally wanted to send a message to Song Yi Ran, but she didn’t send it. Because she couldn’t find a compelling reason to tell Song Yi Ran about her itinerary.

When she just had a seat at the table, and was searching about the information of different types of fishes and spices, the phone suddenly rang.

Lin Ke Song looked at the name and it was actually “Song Yi Ran”, and almost fell off her chair.

Thinking about Jiang Qian Fan’s sensitive hearing, Lin Ke Song took the phone out of the villa, to under a tree in the courtyard, squatted there, covered the earpiece, and was about to answer, when the call was hung up on.

Lin Ke Song could only return the call.

“Hello, Song Yi Ran, why’d you look for me?”

“I was wondering if you had severed your ties with me, I called and you didn’t even answer.” Song Yi Ran’s voice was still that lazy tone, asking for a beating.

“No ah. I was afraid that talking to you would disturb others.”

“Who can you disturb? Your cooking teacher?”

“Considered ba. He’s a little neurasthenic.” Lin Ke Song laughed.

But when she lifted her eye, she was stunned.

Because the thing that was facing her was the terrace of Jiang Qian Fan’s room. And he was leaning on the terrace, his eyes downcast, his stare like a waterfall pouring down, totally crushing Lin Ke Song’s bones to fragments.

Impossible ah! wasn’t the big ice block unable to see?

Why does it feel like he knows where she was ah!

This is unscientific!

Wait, she was crouched here on the phone, did Jiang Qian Fan hear it?

Like that word “neurasthenic”?

“Is he neurasthenic, or unhappy that you are calling me?”

“How can it be? Haha…… haha……” Lin Ke Song laughed dryly, and walked to a place that was further away.

“is there something you’ve forgotten to tell me?”

Song Yi Ran’s voice was still like he was joking, but Lin Ke Song inexplicably felt that he seemed unhappy.

Did Uncle tell him, that she was going to Washington?

But Uncle had no reason to even report to Song Yi Ran about this ah!

“what do I have to forget to tell you ah! ……but I’m going to Washington tomorrow la! To attend a chef’s birthday party!”

“is that so. If I didn’t ask you, would you have told me?”

With this, Lin Ke Song confirmed that Song Yi Ran was unhappy. Seriously baffling.

She Lin Ke Song was already 18 years old! Song Yi Ran wasn’t even her guardian, based on what did she have to tell him everything ah!

“I won’t tell you.” Lin Ke Song decided that she too wanted to be proud for once.

“Then I too won’t tell you.” Song Yi Ran purposely imitated Lin Ke Song’s tone of voice.

“Won’t tell me what?”

“Secret.”

When he finished saying so, Song Yi Ran hung up the call.

Lin Ke Song had a feeling of being stuck. She shook the iron gate with all her might, and in the end decided not to stay angry at this dreg man, and walked back to her room.

She lifted her head, Jiang Qian Fan was still on the terrace. A wine glass of red wine was beside his hand, expression as per normal.

Lin Ke Song exhaled a breath, he probably didn’t hear it ba.

The next morning, Lin Ke Song was awakened by Nina.

She took out her phone to take a look, and realised that it was only 5 in the morning, the sky outside the was only that of day break.

“Nina? Why did you wake me up so early? Isn’t the flight at 11?”

“Mr Jiang wanted me to wake you up.”

“Ah?”

When Lin Ke Song got to the dining table, she realised today’s breakfast was very dull. There wasn’t the delicious dim sum, there weren’t any side dishes that lifted people’s appetites, there was only plain porridge and pickled cucumber.

Lin Ke Song thought that it was because she was up too early, so Nina hadn’t prepared the breakfast yet. But she drank the porridge slowly for 20 plus minutes, Jiang Qian Fan walked down the stairs leisurely at six o’clock sharp, and nothing else appeared in front of Lin Ke Song.

She turned her face, elevated her neck looking at Jiang Qian Fan. Because of the angle elevation, his legs looked extra-long and slender, every twist was just right. Needless to say, his action of gently tugging his clothes…… really wonderful.

Even if his eyes couldn’t see, no matter where he went, he was a proper male god.

But when the male god sat in front of Lin Ke Song, Nina not only served shrimp porridge, there was also sliced emerald green lettuce salad and a few kinds of dim sum.

But Nina didn’t seem to have any intention of coming over to Lin Ke Song’s side.

Just what is happening? Discrimination?

Lin Ke Song looked at Nina, inquiring with her eyes. But Nina stood quietly behind Jiang Qian Fan, not even sparing a glance for Lin Ke Song.

There’s a problem! Something tricky!

Mayer as usual carried a tablet pc to Jiang Qian Fan’s side, and started the morning news broadcast.

But this time, he only smiled, looking at Lin Ke Song and said: “Ms Lin, have you finished your breakfast?”

“Oh…… Almost……”

“Sir’s meaning is, from today onwards, to have you recite the current affairs and industry news.”

“What? Me?”

“This is advantageous to your English, and it can also help you expand your vocabulary of similar English words.”

Mayer passed the tablet pc over, and Lin Ke Song could only receive it.

No wonder she needed to wake up earlier! It’s to allow her to read the news during Jiang Qian Fan’s meal time!

Mayer help her choose an article on the food safety act, and Lin Ke Song stammered while reciting.

There were so many words she didn’t even recognise, and could only guess it phonetically.

When she finished reciting the first sentence, Jiang Qian Fan interrupted her.

“Do you know what it means?”

When that word overflowed from Jiang Qian Fan’s lips, there was a rigid cold feeling.

Lin Ke Song had seen that word before, she knew that it had something to do with law, but in front of Jiang Qian Fan, she actually couldn’t remember what it meant on the spot.

“Aren’t you going to hurry and search for it on your phone?”

Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, having spoken with Jiang Qian Fan so many times before, she had long figured out his temperament. Being honest had a better ending than covering up.

“Sorry, Mr Jiang, I can’t remember it.”

“it’s Chinese translation is legislation. And, your accent is wrong.”

Lin Ke Song inhaled, and read the first sentence again, but before she could finish reading the first paragraph, she was asked to stop again.

“what does atives mean?”

Lin Ke Song 囧-ed, why was Jiang Qian Fan always able to pick out the ones that she didn’t know to ask her?

Is this the senate or the house of representatives?

“I’m not sure if it’s the senate or the house of representatives.”

“House of representatives. And, your pronunciation for ative is wrong.”

Jiang Qian Fan has been in America for many years, and might even have been here since he was young and had grown up here. How can her pronunciation be compared to his?

Lin Ke Song suppressed her resentment, and read finish the first paragraph.

This report that Mayer could have finished in two minutes, Lin Ke Song recited for a full 10 minutes, needless to say about the many corrections Jiang Qian Fan did for her.

She felt that she was having oral lessons. Jiang Qian Fan’s pronunciation was very nice to hear, very perfect, but every time she was interrupted, Lin Ke Song had a feeling that the other party wasn’t trying to correct her for her own good, but was trying to pick on her.

She suppressed her anger with all her might, and Mayer at the side was constantly gesturing for her to calm down.

Until later when she started to read industry news, Lin Ke Song was totally going to go crazy. A chapter of the article, had too many words that she’d never seen before.

Like what “leavening agent”, “hydrolysed collagen”, “distillation”, she didn’t recognise them and they were hard to pronounce too, Lin Ke Song just couldn’t read on.

As for Jiang Qian Fan, he corrected her page after page, that demand to have a perfect grasp of pronunciation totally drove Lin Ke Song to insanity.

“You think it’s annoying that I correct your pronunciation?”

Just as Lin Ke Song was about to smash the tablet pc into his brain, Jiang Qian Fan asked.

Can she be honest? Can she really say the truth?

The problem is that she doesn’t dare to ah! this is Jiang Qian Fan’s territory! This chap just saw a psychologist last night!

“I’m only annoyed at myself, why I can seem to learn properly.” She admitted her annoyance, but didn’t admit the reason for her annoyance, she doesn’t believe that this way, Jiang Qian Fan would be able to hear her lie!

“What time is it, Mayer?”

“It’s nine o’clock already.”

Lin Ke Song then realised that she’d actually already read for two and a half hours?

“Let’s go ba, to the airport.” Jiang Qian Fan got up.

Lin Ke Song’s throat was so parched it was smoking up, grabbed the glass at Jiang Qian Fan’s place and gudugudu, drank till the base of the glass could be seen.

After she finished drinking, she wondered, whether OCD, autism, obsessive disorders and the like are contagious.

They sat in the car, and Jiang Qian Fan stayed silent on the way. Good thing Mayer was seated in the passenger seat, continuing to read the news for Jiang Qian Fan, otherwise, the silent atmosphere will totally freeze Lin Ke Song up.

When they reached the airport, Miller took the luggage down, and placed them on a trolley.

And Mayer actually handed his tablet pc to Lin Ke Song saying: “Ms Lin, because sir handed me some tasks, I have to stay in New York, so for the few days in Washington, please take care of sir.”

“Ah? you’re not going?”

If it were only her and Jiang Qian Fan together…… doesn’t it mean it’s going to be so frozen they’re going to become popsicles?

“Yes. If sir needs so, remember to read the news to him.” Mayer blinked.

Lin Ke Song’s face collapsed to the ground. Even though through reading the news to Jiang Qian Fan she is able to correct her pronunciation and broaden her vocabulary, have a free English teacher, and enjoy 1v1 VIP treatment…… but this teacher had expectations that were too high, she wouldn’t be able to bear it ah!

Good thing the both of them didn’t have much luggage, Lin Ke Song too, wasn’t those kind of ladies who needed to bring the whole house and do facials the moment they walk out of the house, two average luggage, when pushed, is actually pretty light and convenient.

But if she were to push the luggage, who will bring Jiang Qian Fan through customs to the boarding gate? It so big and spacious here, once you’re careless, you’d bump into people……

At this time, she heard a familiar voice.

“Hey! You guys are here!”

An outfit of casual clothing, a lady wearing sunglasses brisk walked towards them.

When she drew up to Jiang Qian Fan’s arm, Lin Ke Song realised that she was Iris.

“Chef Quentin? You are going to Washington too?”

“Of course. Chef Montgomery isn’t only Mr Jiang’s teacher, he’s also my teacher.” Iris smiled when she saw Lin Ke Song: “didn’t expect that Mr Jiang would actually bring you to Washington?”

Lin Ke Song was stunned, turns out Jiang Qian Fan and Iris came from the same place ah! she thought this whole journey will be her and Jiang Qian Fan only, didn’t expect that Iris would be around.

She likes Jiang Qian Fan so much, will probably take good care of him ba?

“Mayer is busy. If I don’t bring her along, who would carry the luggage?”

Jiang Qian Fan’s reply made Lin Ke Song feel like she was suddenly stabbed.

It’s been a long time since she was attacked…… what a painful realisation.

She really thought that he brought her along just to show her face to grand teacher Montgomery. Actually it’s just as a porter.

“Ms Lin’s strength is actually so great? It’s troublesome to drag this luggage along, put them together ba.”

Not even waiting for Lin Ke Song to talk, Iris had already placed the luggage on the trolley.

Lin Ke Song had just gaped, but Iris just held onto Jiang Qian Fan and walked towards the security channel.

Looking at their backs, Lin Ke Song could only think about the comment of “handsome man capable lady, a couple made for each other”.

And she, pushing the luggage became something that was laid out beforehand.

Forget it, at any rate, Iris had taught her before.

Their seats were first class. And even Lin Ke Song got to share the spotlight.

Even though it was only an hour plus of flight, when Lin Ke Song sat in the spacious seat, and could even lift her legs to avoid travel fatigue, she felt it was totally worth it even it’s being a porter ah!

It’s just that on the way, Lin Ke Song could feel Jiang Qian Fan’s indifference.

He would answer Iris’ questions from time to time, topics about cooking techniques and handling of ingredients, Lin Ke Song had to try very hard to be able to understand. And Jiang Qian Fan’s face, never once faced her direction, like she really had become air.

Lin Ke Song actually wanted to close her eyes to sleep, but she had no sleepiness at all.

Until the plane landed, she was only like a shadow following behind Jiang Qian Fan and Iris.

The one that pushed the luggage from the airport was her too, Iris had no intentions to be polite.

Mayer had long arranged for someone to pick them up.

The car left the airport, and headed downtown.

This city had many world war II monuments or buildings. Like the Washington monument, Lincoln Memorial, etc.

When they passed by the Whitehouse from a far distance, Lin Ke Song’s face was almost plastered to the car’s window.

“Oh……” she looked at the white building dazedly, the marble under the sun seemed exceptionally bright.

Iris who was originally sitting in the back row suddenly laughed: “Ke Song, is this your first time seeing the Whitehouse?”

“It’s my first time seeing it in person. Is it possible to visit the Whitehouse?”

When Lin Ke Song turned her head around, and saw Iris through the gap of the chairs, she then understood that in Iris’ eyes, she was like a tourist who had never seen the world.

“Of course you can. But Mr Jiang and I are very busy, there might not be anyone free to bring you.”

“Oh.” Lin Ke Song sat straight, and looked forward.

She doesn’t wish to visit the Whitehouse with Jiang Qian Fan or Iris ah, will totally lose all the fun in touring.

She glanced at Jiang Qian Fan, the other party’s facial expression was as indifferent.

And Iris clearly knew what topics would arouse his interest, even though most of the time it was Iris giving her opinion, but Jiang Qian Fan would express his agreement from time to time and succinctly express opinions.

They reached a luxurious hotel, just walking in would let people feel it was magnificent, like a palace.

She had just alighted from the car, and she realised there was someone who helped her take the luggage in.

Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan to the reception, to confirm the room details.

Lin Ke Song stood at the side, a receptionist greeted her with a smile, the other party had a clean smile, and small dimples had much affinity.

Don’t know what happened, Iris requested of the receptionist to verify some details about the rooms.

“You must have gotten it wrong. How can Mr Jiang only book one room?”

“We are sure, Mr Mayer only booked one room for Mr Jiang and Ms Lin.” The hotel staff courteously replied.

“Mr Jiang, do you want to confirm with Mayer. How can he make this kind of mistake?” Iris could not accept it.

“Mayer won’t make mistakes. He definitely has his reason.” Jiang Qian Fan’s voice was calm.

Hearing that he had no intention to object, the hotel staff prepared to send the luggage up.

Lin Ke Song tilted her head as she handed her passport to the reception, then she realised that she was actually going to share a room with Jiang Qian Fan?

Mayer doesn’t look that old ah, his brain doesn’t have a problem ba.

Iris gave a look to Lin Ke Song, that warning look was totally too obvious.

Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, and smiled towards that handsome dimpled guy, asking: “That, may I ask if there are any other rooms available?”

The Jiang Qian Fan who had already walked towards the lift suddenly spoke: “Mayer let you take over his place. Don’t you understand?”

“Ah?”

At that moment, Lin Ke Song suddenly understood. That hotel room could not compare to the villa that Jiang Qian Fan was familiar with, he needed to have someone look after him.

At this time, the handsome dimpled guy lowered his head and said softly: “the room Mr Jiang booked is a deluxe suite, it comes with a suite room.”

So she was to stay in the suite room?

She had thought that she and Jiang Qian Fan were going to share a room! A hassle for a half a day because she was mistaken ah!

Jiang Qian Fan did not say another word, and had already walked into the lift. Taking advantage of the lift doors not having closed yet, Lin Ke Song hurried in, her head was rather abruptly caught between the lift doors.

“Aiya!”

Jiang Qian Fan never moved at all, his expression indifferent as always.

Iris irritably looked away.

“Ms Iris are you staying in this hotel too?” Lin Ke Song asked.

“No, I have a place in Washington.”

Lin Ke Song’s heart repeated this sentence, totally over the top ah. you actually have a place to stay, then why did you follow us here for?

The hotel staff helped them open the room door, and pushed the luggage in. Iris opened her purse, gave the other party a tip, very much like a queen.

Lin Ke Song had thought at first that this deluxe suite room would only have two rooms, but she had totally gotten it wrong. Apart from Jiang Qian Fan’s master bedroom and Lin Ke Song’s suite room, there was still a study room and a guest room.

The carpet under the feet was soft and meticulous, the colour was a light yellow, making the whole room seem warm and cosy. The interior was that of a luxurious European style, with various embosses styles, making it seem gorgeous like a European palace, but Lin Ke Song could not help worrying about whether Jiang Qian Fan would accidentally bump and hurt himself.

She went to the door of the master bedroom, and saw a very spacious and wide doubles bed from the half opened door, the doubles bed also had a tray on it, and it seemed like there was chocolate, and roses on the tray.

As expected, a luxurious hotel is different, the placement of the dessert and fresh flowers had that much more romantic and graceful atmosphere.

Lin Ke Song had just taken half a step forwards, and she saw a hand reach across, and took away the chocolate in the tray.

That was Iris’s hand, she was sitting on Jiang Qian Fan’s bed.

There was obviously a sofa by the bed, she doesn’t sit on the sofa, why must she sit on the bed?

And Jiang Qian Fan took out a cane, lengthened it, and gently tapped it on the floor, the cane tapped past the edge of the bed, the continental windowsill, the edge of the sofa, like it was determining the worth.

“at your nine o’clock direction, walk forward two steps, it’s the coffee table. There is a tea set on the coffee table.” Iris reminded.

“Thank you.”

A few minutes later, Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan out of the room, to the living room.

“walk five to six steps towards your 12 o’clock and it’s the sofa. Walk straight towards your six o’clock direction for about 20 steps to reach the study room’s door. About two arm’s length to your left, is the dressing table……”

Lin Ke Song then understood the reason Iris came up with Jiang Qian Fan to the hotel room —— to help him familiarise with the environment.