To Love You Again

"But then, I kind of realized as I grew up that we should be holding hands instead, and you know, dating. That's what couples do nowadays." Tang Xinyang said a bit embarrassed. 

'That was what couples always do ever since,' Xiong Zhi wanted to retort but restrained herself. Just let the girl speak her heart out. She looked so confused.

"Then why are you asking this, girl? You don't need to do that. We can just go to the Jang family and let Jang Shin know that he was chosen to continue the Tang family line. They would not reject you," Mistress Tang said this with confidence.

It was true. It was an honor for the Jang family, a butler family, to have their family member marry into the Tang's, and become a member of the legendary family.

"I know that. But this little sister showed how it is to love someone, and made me realize what it means to love. In the future, what if Shin hated the fact that I forced him to marry me? I think I wouldn't be able to take it," Tang Xinyang bleakly said while staring at her hands.

"Tsk! Your little sister is blinded by love. She could marry anyone she likes who's not from—"Mistress Tang suddenly paused and cautiously scrutinized Xiong Zhi.

"Anyways, I would head off first. You two young people can talk for five minutes at most."

"Thank you, Mistress Tang, for coming here."

Mistress Tang just waved her hand and left.

Xiong Zhi then clasped Tang Xinyang's hand with her own.

She knew what Tang Xinyang was feeling right now. They were both new to love and they did not know how to express their feelings to someone they dearly loved. 

In a whispering voice, she said to Tang Xinyang, "I will help you. My friend and I have this operation called 'Seducing Your Man'. Do you want to join us?" 

Tang Xinyang's eyes lit up.

"Yes!"

Thus, this day decided the fate of poor Jang Shin that was bound to endure various heart attacks in the upcoming summer vacation.

Xiong Zhi also became friends with Tang Xinyang on this day.

The Tang family bid goodbye and left the Xiong Mansion.

******

Late at night.

Only the butlers and maids were left to clean up the big pavilion.

Xiong Zhi was in front of the mirror.

A maid knocked and went inside her room.

"Young Miss, did you call for me?" the maid respectfully asked.

Xiong Zhi lightly smiled at this maid. She was the same maid who had helped Xiong Zhi before on her first date with Linfeng.

"Can you please help me put this on?" Xiong Zhi pointed at the last dress that she have not worn yet for this night.

*Gasp*

The maid was amazed to see the beautiful navy blue long dress. There were delicate silvery beads on the chest area, which seemed like stars on the galaxy, and a translucent sheer gauze dr.a.p.ed on the skirt. The back of the dress cut low. The maid was sure that once their beautiful Young Miss wore it on her body, this exquisite long dress would surely make for the most gorgeous scenery for the night.

A few minutes later, she was proven right.

Xiong Zhi's translucent snowy skin contrasted deeply with the color of the dress, emphasizing her glowing white skin. The deep cut behind exposed most of her snowy back, tempting others to caress the smooth skin. Xiong Zhi then put away all the ornaments on her hair. She let her curled hair fall down in waves. It appeared lazy but seductive at the same time. It suited her well.

"A lady had once said, a man likes it more when the woman's long hair was naturally let down," Xiong Zhi said as she removed all her accessories one by one. 

"And I agree." Xiong Zhi smiled at the maid.

The maid teared up, feeling blessed to witness such a picturesque sight. Moreover, she was very happy that her Young Miss had remembered her words!

Xiong Zhi walked up to the emotional maid and slightly pleaded.

"Will you help me go to the east garden without anyone noticing?"

The maid's eyes sparkled.

'Is it the legendary date under the moonlight, the rendezvous of Romeo and Juliet behind everyone's back?! And I will be…the sidekick!'

"Yes, Young Miss! You can count on me!"

It was a little later when the maid came back and finally told her that no one was around. The maid assured that no one would be in the east garden as they were informed that the Young Miss wanted some alone time to enjoy the view tonight.

Xiong Zhi thanked her, though it was not really needed since she knew that that person would take care of it. She only needed to go there unnoticed.

As she was walking out of her room towards the stairs, she thought of the words that Little Ryu had whispered to her.

'At the night when the clock starts to run.'

It was that precious night spent together in that place.

'When the clock starts to run.'

It signified the start, when they finally opened up their hearts to each other.

Xiong Zhi seemed to hear his voice again.

'So, can you please wait for me?' It was the moment the man had turned the clock on for them and it started to slowly tick away while waiting for the world of their own to come to completion.

Xiong Zhi smiled gently, her eyes soft. She knew that Linfeng was doing his best to answer her. Perhaps, the answer would slowly come tonight.

She arrived at that place.

East Wing Garden.

She saw the tall man waiting for her, standing in the middle of the garden.

With the help of the moonlight and the gentle glow of lamps in the garden, she could see Linfeng's warm smile.

He was wearing a navy blue tuxedo, which matched her dress. On his chest was a silver pin shaped like a wing. Xiong Zhi could not see it clearly from the distance. But she could see his hair that was combed up suavely, with a rose in his hand, and his eyes that twinkled gently under the moonlight. Linfeng looked so young and fresh. 

They stood for a long while, just looking at each other.

His bewitching eyes slid all over her, from her face to her body, slowly devouring her.

Once his eyes were fully satiated, he raised his foot and slowly closed the distance between them. He stopped merely two steps away. Very close to her.

He looked at those alluring eyes of hers that were intensely watching him in return.

Linfeng coughed. He was now a bit embarrassed. 

"H-happy—cough."

He turned serious and looked straight into those clear eyes reflecting his figure.

"Happy Birthday, Zhi'er."

He smiled gently at her, his eyes soft like a pool of water.

Xiong Zhi then took a step forward and embraced him in her arms tightly.