To Love You Again

The banquet had already ended.

The staff began cleaning up the villa.

Erich had to stay in the country as per the request of his grandparents for three more days. Caleb, Johan, and Eugene would have to go to back abroad after tomorrow.

William was currently at the balcony. He was on the phone talking to his grandfather.

"Gramps, I need to stay in Country C for one more week."

"Oh?"

The tone of the elder from the other side was still energetic.

"Have you finally settled for a girl?! I don't care if she's oriental, just marry her already and stop fooling around. When I was your age, I already had your father…"

William had an awkward smile.

"It's not about a woman, Gramps. It's business—"

"What nonsense. Your business is here. What else do you have to do there?"

"It is really for business. Just let Hatch handle the meeting for the week. Don't worry I'll attend the signings."

"Sigh, what else can I do? Just good luck there."

"Thanks, Gramps."

"Try and see if you can find a nice girl."

"…Gramps."

After having a small talk with his grandfather, the call finally ended.

William looked up at the dark sky and wondered about life.

How come two people who were several years younger than him managed to boss him around?

William was not a saint. He usually would not tolerate someone to boss him around. However, it was his friend, their youngest. And he really had to do something to be forgiven…

Sighed.

He could only blame himself for riding a tiger recklessly.

He took out a slim cigar pipe.

"Well, I guess I should stay here and get bossed around for a whole week."

The balcony slowly was filled with smoke.

***

The car drove smoothly against the dark night to the Xiong Mansion.

On the backseat, Xiong Zhi was leaning on Linfeng's shoulder while playing with Linfeng's hand. She finally noticed the cut on the cuff of his sleeve. Her brows rose.

"There's a cut here. You have to be careful. You almost hurt your hand."

Linfeng glanced at the cuff and smiled. He did not tell her the encounter with the two bugs and his fight with surnamed Guan.

"Got it, I will be careful next time."

He sighed, remembering Xiong Zhi's situation earlier.

"Zhi'er, I know they are my friends, but they still acted too familiar and impolite earlier, when I haven't even introduced you to them yet. In case something like that happens in the future again and you feel cornered, you can just reject them outright. Although they tend to get loose, but they still stop when you tell them 'no'."

Xiong Zhi nodded and apologized.

"Alright. It's my mistake too. I got caught up with their stories…"

She suddenly remembered the stories that were not finished because of Linfeng's interruption. Alas, too bad that she did not hear the whole story from them.

She looked up at Linfeng. "By the way, before you came, your two friends, Caleb and Johan, were telling me something. Is it true that they had invited you a couple of times before to a party?"

Linfeng thought back. "Yes, they did."

Actually, it was not just a couple of times. Every week they would do what they could to drag Linfeng out of his office and party with them.

He did not notice himself that the corners of lips rose slightly.

"And you always use me as your excuse?" Xiong Zhi confirmed.

Linfeng sheepishly smiled. "Yes. They are so stubborn so I always used you as an excuse...."

Linfeng remembered those times…

Johan came to his office and said straightforwardly to Linfeng.

"We will party at 9:00 p.m."

Linfeng: "I can't. It's my girlfriend's lunch time. I have to stay with her."

Johan who was fed with dogfood unknowingly: "..."

Then it was Eugene's turn.

"Linfeng! I set up a party in my house. Just the five of us. It's not like William's at all!"

"I am sorry. I can't drink. I promised my girlfriend I won't drink alcohol past six."

Eugene who was fed with dogfood unknowingly: "...."

When it was Erich's turn.

"Linfeng, you have to take a break. Come and join us for dinner."

Linfeng's eyes rose.

"Dinner at five? I am not yet hungry."

"Then drink with us. It's not six yet."

"I am sorry but today's no alcohol day."

"...Who said that? Your doctor?"

"No. My girlfriend. I can't say no to her."

Eugene who was fed with dogfood forcefully: "..." 

'I give up.'

.....

Xiong Zhi was stumped after hearing Linfeng's stories.

"I am sorry I used your name many times. I hope you're not angry," he said and kissed her temples.

Xiong Zhi laughed.

"What's there to be angry about? You can use me as an excuse any time. Besides, I actually like it." Then her face turned serious. "But sometimes, you have to enjoy your friends' company as well."

"There are always a batch of girls accompanying them whenever they drink."

"…"

Xiong changed her words. "Actually, I don't have any complains with you not going with them. If they ever invite you though, just tell them I won't let you go if there is a woman involved."

Linfeng chuckled at the woman's pretending to be serious face. His girlfriend looked really adorable acting like a strict girlfriend. He loved this little vinegar jar.

He lightly pinched her nose.

"Alright. I will take note of that."

A small smile formed on Xiong Zhi's lips.

She was glad Linfeng agreed. She might be too strict but... Xiong Zhi did not like the idea of another woman seeing the drunk Linfeng.

Hmm?

Xiong Zhi suddenly had a thought. She had not seen Linfeng's drunk side at all!

Before she fully conjured the idea, Linfeng's voice sounded again.

"By the way, what do you need William for?"

Xiong Zhi's mind was distracted. She looked down and was silent for a few seconds. She was still playing with Linfeng's hand.

"…Do you remember about what I said regarding the 'list'?"

Linfeng's eyes suddenly became serious.