In Huian’s case, it was the CCTV that captured her mixing the papers in Xin’s office. At that time, she was extremely fearful. And guilty.
What if he finds out everything? was the only thought that plagued her mind, which caused her to miss out on the already known fact that the office is always under surveillance.
Had it been not for that, everything would have been circumstantial; no evidence and no third party involved.
Xiang Wei fiercely looked at her and roared, “Tell me the truth already Huian! Every single thing.”
Huian got startled. She finally broke down. Now, she couldn’t hide it anymore.
Flashback.
After Xiang Huian’s failed confession on her twenty-fifth birthday, she lost her patience to wait anymore.
Grandma Liu was also tired. She really liked Huian for her grandson but he just wasn’t ready to budge.
Mother and Father Xiang knew about her love for him, and they also wished for her to be happy, but they didn’t want to force Jinhai.
One day, Grandma Liu made a plan.
“Huian. I have thought of something. Jinhai loves and respects me a lot. He may be stubborn now, but if…something happened to me, then he will definitely listen to whatever I will say.”
Huian asked, “Something happened? Grandma! Don’t talk like that.”
“Stupid. Just as an act. I will fake a heart attack, and create a panic that I have not got much time anymore. As my last wish, I will tell Jinhai to marry you. Seeing me in that frail condition he won’t be able to reject. He will definitely fulfill it.”
“But then…we will also have to include the doctor in all this. Otherwise, who will give your fake reports?”
“No! Don’t be crazy. We cannot include anyone in this. What if they come back and bite us in the end? They will definitely give my case to Dr. Xie. And he is a very honest and upright man. He won’t tolerate any lie. Don’t worry. I will act my part.”
So as planned, one day Grandma Liu complained about a strong pain in her chest. The whole family was in a panic. She was immediately hospitalized.
Dr. Xie tried his best to convince that everything is fine, but she would clutch her chest and breathe hard as if bearing an extreme pain.
In the private ward.
Jinhai came to meet her after she was given some medication. Grandma Liu smiled faintly.
“Ah, my dear grandson. Come sit near grandma.”
“How are you feeling now?”
She sighed. “I can see my time coming.”
“Don’t talk nonsense Grandma. Dr. Xie says you are fine.”
“What does he know? Only I know how much I’m suffering. I can feel it. My end.”
“Grandma-“
“Jinhai, promise me. Promise me that…you will marry Huian. This is my only wish.”
He froze.
“What is not there to like in her? Her family is as reputable as ours, she is your childhood friend, you both have spent so much time together. What is the problem in accepting her as your wife? I really like her. I want to see you both together. Please Jinhai.”
Silence.
“I have some important matters to attend. Take some rest.” He left without looking back.
“Grandma! Did Jinhai agree?”, she asked excitedly coming after Jinhai left.
She sighed. “Not until now. But I have faith that he will come back and definitely agree to it. Just give some more time. Have you arranged the marriage registration papers?”
She nodded.
“Good. You keep your signature ready.”
Over the past two days, Jinhai thought a lot. But he couldn’t muster himself to say ‘yes’. He was at a crossroads. He didn’t want to disrespect her, but at the same time, the idea of spending his whole life with Huian…he didn’t like it at all. He couldn’t see his future with her.
Just how his father found his true love in his mother, he also held a tiny wish to find that one important person in his life.
He also wanted to fall in love.
His thoughts were interrupted when somebody knocked on the window of his car. He was stuck at a traffic signal.
He saw a young girl with her hair tied in a braid, and who wore a mask covering her nose and mouth. She was probably sick. It was quite windy outside.
She held a small box in her hands.
He rolled down the window and asked a little annoyed, “What?” His mind was still occupied to make the decision.
The girl was a little startled.
She bowed down. “I apologize for suddenly calling out like that.”, her voice sounded muffled and hoarse through the mask. “Can I ask you to taste the cookies I baked? I have recently opened my own restaurant, and I’m advertising some of my recipes. If you like it, um…here is the flyer. You can visit my place. It’s called-“
Jinhai snatched the flyer. “Not interested.”
“Sir, please. Can you try them out just once? It’s free!”, she emphasized on ‘free’ hoping that would attract him.
He held back his urge to roll his eyes. Does he even need to think about the money here?
He sighed in frustration and grabbed a cookie.
The moment he tasted it, he was stunned. Being the young master he was, he had tried many delicacies from the most renowned chefs and top-class hotels. But this simple cookie was enough to make him actually savor it.
He felt like the warm, sweet chocolate melted away all his apprehensions and uneasiness. He was truly impressed.
Before he could talk to her, the signal turned green.
The girl quickly said, “Oh, it’s time to go. I hope you liked it and…I also hope that it may have relieved you of your pain, even if it’s tiny bit. Thank you for your time and goodbye.”
“Wait-“, but she was already gone. The cars behind him were continuously honking.
He opened her flyer but luck wasn’t on his side. A strong gust of wind flew it away from his hands.
“Damn it!”
He could only helplessly sigh and finish his cookie.
I will find out about her later.
