I speak broken English (and not finish stuffs)

It was once in fall, Einar went deeper to the forest. His eyes caught fairy rings form a weird path leading him to some part he never been before. His brain’s whirled, the woods maybe was much bigger than he expected.

He let himself deeper and deeper, until he decided to stop. It was common case when people gone missing in the woods, they went too deep they forgot the path they came from. He decided he would call it a day.

Einar was about to turn when the air felt quiet, even he couldn’t catch a small chirp of insects. A soft hum pierced between the leaves, thin and calm. Einar eyed the path beyond warily. The hum might be a human singing, or worse it was the forest spirits playing tricks on him.

He walked on regardless, until he came to group of trees. Somehow in his sight they bent slightly to the sound.

His eyes found a massive cage between the trees with vines curled around the rusty rails. He glanced around warily, trying to make sure whether it was trap or not. Years living in the village, he never heard any about a cage deep in the forest. 

He threw few pebbles around the cage, still cautious with the area. One of the pebbles clanked the cage and the hum stopped.

Einar moved forward warily, his hand was ready near in reach of his pocket knife. His feet was about a step from massive cage. The vines covering the cage prevented him to observe inside it.  Though the vines was so thick, he could see gorgeous curve. It was a well made.

He ripped away some vines to find a pair of light blue eyes staring back at him.

Even though news often traveled slow into the village, Einar was aware with things happened in outside world. Sometimes it was from wanderer, the other from merchants decided to have a break from the war. The elders sometimes mentioned the war as children stories, a war happened when the other races found each other way to their worlds. A sweet stories ended shattered with grief and greed.

‘Maybe you’re the first living thing I see after these years.’ A soft voice spoke. ‘I mean, humans.’ It added.

Einar startled, his feet slowly moved backward. His sudden action only made him tripped and fall. He stared at a soaring figure with pale skin and elfling like ears emerged from the shadow inside the cage . His eyes glowed a soft blue - with no pupil - similar as a cloudy sky. His robe matched the color of his eyes, adorn with flowing platinum long hair. The hands looked more like claws, and from the low voice he heard, Einar assumed the creature was a male.

Einar got up, cautiously examined the cage. He wasn’t sure what he was dealing with and he knew the thing inside the cage glanced at every moves Einar made.

The creature tilted his head. ‘I won’t hurt you, little one. I can’t move out from here.’

Einar hesitated, his hand was still within the reach to his knife.

‘What’s your name?’ His pale stare peered at Einar up and down.

The woodcutter blinked. He pondered whether it was safe to give his name to a stranger.

‘I’m Cavan.’ The creature said softly, as the wind rose with the trees slowly bent to him and the sky filled with chirping birds.

Einar froze on his feet. Never in his life he reckoned to meet one of the creatures only told in children stories at night, forgotten in a backwater village untouched with the Endless war.

He pushed the door in. There was no sign of other people in the empty gallery. The only light on was the lamp near an empty desk which Ah Cheng assumed as receptionist area. ‘Excuse me…’

Ah Cheng checked his watch again whether he came in wrong time, but it wasn’t. He might come too early. He sat on one wooden bench by one of the wall, waiting nervously.

‘Sorry I was at the back, you’re the new intern?’ A man walked out from the hall.

Ah Cheng stood up, ’Yes. I’m Hao Cheng.’

‘Nice to meet you, I’m Ming Tang. I’m the owner,’ he shook Ah Cheng’s hand. ‘I will make this brief, I’m sure you have read the job description in the email I sent for you.’

Ah Cheng nodded, taking notes what he should do. Currently there wasn’t any exhibition, but there would be in two weeks. The only thing Ah Cheng needed to do was held out catalogues on opening exhibition, and the next days after opening he had to came to gallery every morning to lunch time as the time table given to do general cleaning.

‘I’ll email more details to you soon.’ Ming Tang nodded to him.

‘Thank you,’ Ah Cheng bowed politely. He felt lucky that his first job wasn’t really complicated. He rowed his bike out the parking area with a little smile on his face.

----

‘I feel that you will be drown in those books, Ah Cheng ge,’ Ming Tai leaned to his chair, eyeing at Ah Cheng who sat on the floor. Books and notes were scattered around him.

‘I need to understand these works for upcoming exhibition. Though in my experience it was rare people came to ask.’ Ah Cheng made notes. ‘Also I have a paper to do.’

‘But you should tutor me today.’ Ming Tai puffed up his cheeks.

Ah Cheng looked at Ming Tai with raised eyebrows. ‘Hmmm…you can read these books with me.’ The younger man made a disapproval noise but he joined Ah Cheng on the floor. He poked the books with no interest.

‘Ah Cheng ge.’

‘Hmm,’ Ah Cheng replied, still focused on the books and his laptop.

‘Ah Cheng ge.’

‘Hmm.’

Ming Tai sighed. ‘I’ll get some snacks.’

‘And tea please.’

Ming Tai rolled his eyes. ‘Sure…’

 Ming Tai took out a cookie tin from kitchen cupboard while waiting the water got heated. He sat on the stool, once in a while chewing the cookies.

‘Are you making tea? Make one for me too.’

Ming Lou walked into the kitchen, took one of the mug laying in the rack near wash basin. He already wore his pajamas with his hair down – a bit disheveled.

‘How’s Ah Cheng?’

Ming Tai turned to his older brother, giving a disappointed look. ‘Ge, do you care more about my friend than me, your own brother?’

Ming Lou gave a light slap to his head.

‘He’s fine. He already got new place to live,’ continued Ming Tai, rubbing his head. ‘If you care about him so much, then how about paying all of his debt clean and give him a better place to live?’ Ming Tai crossed his hands. ‘I think making sure he gets every part time jobs and scholarship he applies to isn’t enough.’

Ming Lou made a stern smile. ‘ A stranger paying all his debts? There’s nothing free these days. With his personality, he won’t accept it or worse he will feel indebted to me and do unnecessary things. Also he already forgets about me. ’

‘Just keep your mouth shut, Ming Tai,’ added Ming Lou.

Steam flew through the electric kettle. Ming Lou poured the hot water to his mug and another mug Ming Tai already placed on the counter.

 Ming Tai pursed his lips, taking one mug and holding the cookie tin with his other hand. ‘Well, a bonus pocket money will do.’

‘This kid!’ Ming Lou shot Ming Tai a warning look. The younger brother laughed and walked out the kitchen.

----

Few days passed, life felt more quiet for Ah Cheng. Feeling half-relieved and half-cautious, Ah Cheng tried to enjoy coming home without the harassing from debt collectors. He knew sure the situation wouldn’t stay long. They always found a way to find him.

Ah Cheng made a turn with his bike to the mini market. From outside, he caught familiar silhouette of Ming Tai talking to Jinyun. He parked his bike and walked through the glass door.

‘Hey, Ah Cheng,’ said Jinyun as Ah Cheng approached the counter and Ming Tai made his obvious fake pout.

‘Thanks for changing shift with me.’ Ah Cheng said to Jinyun while wearing his apron.

‘No problem.’ Jinyun nodded. ‘Then, good night.’ She took his bag, walking out the counter. ‘This gentleman will do your transaction.’ She walked passed Ming Tai who about opened his mouth and closed it again.

Ah Cheng laughed. ‘What are you doing?’

‘A ruined dinner date I guess,’ said Ming Tai in a flat voice.

‘This is your….?’

‘First time talked to her.’ Ming Tai interjected.

Ah Cheng laughed for the second time. ‘Next time, wait until she finishes her shift. You don’t want to get in trouble and get reported as pervert, don’t you?’

‘I’m a pious pervert. I will never hurt her.’ Ming Tai muttered then quickly covered his head from Ah Cheng’s light slap.

‘If you don’t have anything to do, just go home. You’ll ruin the business.’ Ah Cheng shoved his hands to his pockets.

Ming Tai leaned to the counter, poking the lollies. ‘No one come here so far. I’ll retreat to the seat if there’s a customer.’

‘No one’s home?’ asked Ah Cheng.

‘Hmm,’ replied the younger man idly. When his brother and sister went on business trip, Ming Tai always attended the student gatherings, or nagged his seniors in studio until night. Ah Cheng was one of them and with Ming Tai already knew one of his part time jobs, he sometimes crashed to the mini market, bought food, and ate alone in dining area.

‘Want me to read a chapter from a textbook?’

‘No!’ said Ming Tai hastily. ‘Just… keep it on Tuesday and Thursday. I want package one please, with ice tea.’

‘Package one with ice tea,’ Ah Cheng repeated the order. ‘I’ll heat the food; you can wait in your seat.’

Ming Tai skipped to dining area and took one seat near window. ‘Ah Cheng ge, do you work alone in this night shift?’ His eyes caught a man outside kept pacing back and forth at the front of mini market. He seemed checking something inside.

‘Someone will come around an hour later.’ Ah Cheng spoke from the counter. ‘Welcome.’

 The man walked in, glancing around the mini market as if making sure the coast was clear. ‘May I help you?’ Ah Cheng politely spoke but then immediately closed his mouth.

‘Of course, Hao Cheng. We need help from you,’ he said. He wiped his hand to his jacket. ‘Get me one of that cigarette then we can talk.’

‘Yes,’ Ah Cheng breathed. The microwave made a soft beep. Ah Cheng turned, took out the food Ming Tai ordered. Heavy eyed, he put it on the tray. ‘A sec.’

‘Here’s your order, sir.’ Ah Cheng made a thin smile to Ming Tai. He slid the tray to his table. ‘Don’t ever poke your nose into this, OK?’ Ah Cheng whispered before Ming Tai about to ask with his habit of eager curiosity.

Ming Tai’s eyes followed Ah Cheng walked back to the counter, taking a pack of cigarettes from the shelves. The man was talking something indistinctive to him. Ah Cheng’s eyes gleamed darkly in frustration.

‘Let’s… talk about this outside.’ Ah Cheng sighed.

 Ah Cheng went back in with somber look plastered on his face. He slid back to the counter and sighed, a bruised showed in his left cheek. Ming Tai watched Ah Cheng put out a cigarette, placing it between his lips but then spat it out again.

‘You okay, Ah Cheng ge?’ Ming Tai approached the counter.

Ah Cheng pursed his lips but made no answer. He hunched to pick the cigar he just dropped.

‘Maybe I can help?’ Ming Tai said.

Ah Cheng waved his hand. ‘You already help more than enough.’

---

They didn’t leave him alone. Even after Ah Cheng gave option he preferred go to jail instead of paying all the money back. They only wanted their money.

Often he wondered, if he didn’t follow the woman walking outside the orphanage gate, would he have a better life. He thought of a simple breakfast he always had in orphanage. He thought of running in the halls with other children to quiet his anger.

Ah Cheng glanced at the dull ceiling of his room. They gave another options too and he had a month to reconsider it. His teeth ached. He dreamed of coming back, but what else he had in life.

Ah Cheng shifted out his bed, took his jacket. It was an hour away from his appointment with Ming Tang in his gallery. He noticed the familiar man when he dragged his bike outside the gate.

‘Work. Aren’t you tired waiting outside for me every day?’ Ah Cheng hissed between his teeth. His eyes shot a disapproval look at the cigarettes butts around him.

‘Last time you moved out without noticing us, so we kinda worried.’ He smiled, puffing smoke between his lips.

Ah Cheng hopped to his bicycle. ‘I will pay. Now, leave me to work.’

‘Good day.’

Ah Cheng managed to push Ming Tai away. He remembered this brat succeed to get him to spend a night. It seemed he fell from his bed right to Ah Cheng who was sleeping on spare bed on the floor.

He rubbed his eyes, pacing across the room and turned the knob. If his memory was right, the bathroom was two doors from Ming Tai’s room.

The mansion was felt spacious. From talking with Ming Tai yesterday, he was living with his two older siblings and Ah Xiang the housekeeper. With his sister on business trip and often his brother did the same too, Ming Tai mostly spent his time alone.

Ah Cheng merely throw his glance to living room below. A man was sitting there, reading newspaper. Ah Cheng wondering who he was then went to the bathroom.

Ming Tai was still sleeping when Ah Cheng was back. Ah Cheng slipped a smile then kicked Ming Tai’s leg. The young man made a muffled yelp.

‘I have to go.’ Ah Cheng put his stuffs to his backpack. ‘Do you have any class today?’

Ming Tai grumbled as a reply. ‘What time is it?’

‘Around eight,’ said Ah Cheng while wearing his watch.

‘Shit!’ Ming Tai jolted awake and crawled out from bed – tripped by the blanket once. He zoomed out his room, letting Ah Cheng snorted a bit and continued packing. From outside he could hear a faint yelling which something like a warn not to run inside home and Ming Tai yelled back ‘like I care.’

Ah Cheng had finished packing and folding the spare bed when Ming Tai went back in. His face still wet with his hair stuck down to his forehead. He shoved his things that scattered on the desk to his backpack. ‘I can’t afford failing this class again. If I come late, Minamida laoshi will scratch me out from her class.’

Ah Cheng leaned to the wall, seemed amused with how panicked Ming Tai pacing back and forth in his room. ‘Fuck, I still wear my shorts!’ Ming Tai opened his drawer and clothes poured into him.

The young man grunted in frustration and fished out a denim pants.

‘Come on, Ah Cheng ge,’ Ming Tai grabbed his backpack and dragged Ah Cheng out his room. He dashed down the stairs with Ming Tai at front.

The man whom Ah Cheng saw first in the morning looked up from his newspaper, he wore a disapproval look on his face. ‘Ming Tai, what did I just say before?’

‘I’m late, Da Ge! Later!’

Ah Cheng nodded to the older man, he was about to greet him when Ming Tai’s hand pulled him again outside.

‘Ming Tai, slow down.’

‘No, I’m going to be late!’ Ming Tai ran to the garage, crudely opened the door.

Ah Cheng sighed. ‘It’s still 6, Ming Tai.’

Ming Tai who was dragging his bike out stopped half way. He caught his breath. ‘What?’

‘6,’ Ah Cheng pointed to his watch.

Ming Tai dropped his bike and ran to Ah Cheng. The older guy giggled while trying to avoid Ming Tai’s kick.

‘Ah Cheng ge, I almost died!’ Ming Tai cried, dropping to the ground.

‘Sorry,’ Ah Cheng grinned, straightened Ming Tai’s bike then moved pulling Ming Tai up.

Ming Tai pouted, patting his pants. ‘Let’s get back in.... we still have time for breakfast anyway.’

 ‘You’re back in like three minutes, no class today?’ The man checked his watch then looked up from his newspaper when Ming Tai and Ah Cheng walked back into living room. Ah Cheng almost let out a giggle and Ming Tai squinted to him.

‘Young master, you woke up so early. I have prepared breakfast.’ Ah Xiang walked down the stairs with laundry in her hands. She gave a slight grin to Ming Tai who replied with a pout.

The man folded his newspaper. ‘Let’s have breakfast. Also it seems I see a new face this morning,’ he made a thin smile to Ah Cheng who standing beside Ming Tai.

Ah Cheng bowed politely. ‘Nice to meet you, I’m Hao Cheng.’

‘I’m Ming Lou, Ming Tai’s brother. Nice to meet you.’ He stood up and nodded to Ah Cheng.

 ‘Ming Tai, how’s your study?’ said Ming Lou while pouring his tea.

Ming Tai throw a sour look to his brother then to Ah Cheng who looked awkward, facing his congee.

‘Your practice is good, but if you don’t base it with good knowledge of theories, you won’t grasp any with your works.’ He added in stern tone.

Ming Tai nodded in silent, scooping more congee to his mouth.

‘Hao Cheng, are you in the same year with Ming Tai?’ asked Ming Lou to Ah Cheng.

Ah Cheng shook his head. ‘No, I’m in my third year’

‘Ah Cheng is awesome, Da Ge.’ Ming Tai chirped in. ‘He straight As his report and could do lots of stuffs.’

Ming Lou gave Ming Tai a hard glance. ‘Then you should learn from him.’

‘Yes, Da Ge,’ said Ming Tai meekly.

‘I have to go,’ Ming Lou sipped his tea. ‘Da Jie will be back tomorrow, make sure you don’t come home to late.’ Ming Lou made a brief smile to Ming Tai and Ah Cheng then walked out the living room.

Ming Tai slumped in his chair, looking at Ah Cheng who continued to eat his congee in silent. He kicked Ah Cheng’s leg.

---

After few rounds, Ah Cheng found a place, much cheaper than the room he rented before. Though it was smaller, it was enough with a bed and desk fitted in. He didn’t expect that Ming Tai transferred that much in his bank account. The kid said he paid for four sessions up front so Ah Cheng would not give tutor to someone else. After counting all money he had, he was save for at least two months. If he had more, he would pay back the three months’ rent he owed to the previous landlord.

He put his boxes on the desk, taking out his stuffs and placing his clothes in the drawer. In no time all was in place, his possessions weren’t that many at all. He sat on the bed, munching bread he bought night before.

So far it was good. 

---

A week has passed. A mail in his inbox made Ah Cheng felt relieved. He got the scholarship and could start to work with a project tomorrow. Ah Cheng sighed in relieve, saving the contacts posted in the email.

‘Another job?’ Yu Manli peeked to Ah Cheng’s phone.

‘Hmm. I got from this scholarship I applied last week,’ replied Ah Cheng. He put the phone down and focused back to his canvas.

‘You already have so many jobs then you applied another job?’ She picked up a paint tube and put it back to Ah Cheng’s tool box.

‘Well, life should go on,’ Ah Cheng smiled at Yu Manli. She was one of popular girls from year two. He knew she came to his booth for ‘accidently’ meeting with Ming Tai. The girl didn’t hide her favoritism over Ming Tai who always got along with her antiques. She would leave Ah Cheng alone after she was sure Ming Tai not coming visiting Ah Cheng.

‘Do you come to student gathering this evening, Ah Cheng?’ She sat on one empty chair.

‘No, I have to work,’ said Ah Cheng immediately.

‘Is that so…,’ muttered Yu Manli. The dull expression on her changed so fast into a sheer of excitement. Without peeking out from his canvas, Ah Cheng could guess who just walked in to the studio.

‘Ming Tai!’ She waved her hand.

‘Oh you’re here too?’ Ming Tai grinned and ruffled Yu Manli’s hair.

She pursed her lips. ‘You miss me?’

‘Of course! Haven’t we just met half hour ago? It feels like a decade.’ Ming Tai made overjoy gesture and hugged the petite girl.

‘Go elsewhere you two,’ said Ah Cheng. He flopped his brush in oil tin eyeing the two who still huddled near Ah Cheng’s booth.

‘But Da Ge said I have to learn from you,’ said Ming Tai.

Ah Cheng rolled his eyes. ‘You have your own session, no need to come here every day.’

The young man shrugged his shoulders. ‘I just want to keep my eye on my tutor.’

Ah Cheng made a little smirk and faced back to his canvas. ‘You two will get bored.’

‘I know,’ Yu Manli said immediately, getting a soft laugh from Ah Cheng as reply.

PART I

CHPT 1

Ah Cheng solemnly opened the gate. A notice was plastered over the door to his room, his rent was over three months due. He sighed, putting in his key.

Ah Cheng threw himself on the bed. He should be ready to be out from this place. Almost every day the landlord came to him reminding to pay his rent. 

He picked up his backpack and few boxes he could carry. His possession not really that many after all. Maybe he could crash to his friend’s place for few days until he could manage to get a new place.

He wondered if he could get an overlap scholarship. After all his multiple side jobs couldn’t cover much at all. The debt collector kept coming every week to him, taking anything left in his pocket.

‘Fill your information here, and do you bring your ID card copy?’

‘Yes,’ Ah Cheng nodded, taking out his copy of student card. ‘You sure already know about this scholarship, right? You have to join some projects and seminars. I hope you can spare your time for it.’ The lady smiled, waiting for Ah Cheng finished filling the paper.

Ah Cheng scribbled his name. His brain started to calculate how many free time left for him to take more side jobs. But this one was a good deal. If he could have more excuse to spend a night in college, he didn’t bother at all. At least until he could find a new place, any cheap place.

‘We will review your academic report and within a week the result will be sent via email. But I’m sure you will go through easily.’  She made a reassured smile, receiving the papers from Ah Cheng.

‘Thanks,’ he smiled briefly.

Ah Cheng put his boxes in his booth. There wasn’t any reviewing schedule today, so the studio was nearly empty. Only few seniors were staying in their booth doing their own business. He counted how many days he could sleep in the studio until the employee who’s in charge with the keys would shoo him away. Maybe he could sleep near library or student center. Too bad he didn’t join any club activity – if so he could sleep in the club room.

He rubbed his nose bridge in frustration. Quitting college was one in his options.

‘Ah Cheng ge,’ A face popped from behind his canvas, giving a wide grin. Ming Tai, the second year student, known with his easy going attitude and popular in clubs – also blessed with good fortune. With his charming personality, he was close with almost everyone, including Ah Cheng.

‘Hey,’ Ah Cheng straightened up.

‘What’s that?’ Ming Tai pointed the boxes in Ah Cheng’s booth.

Ah Cheng looked down at the boxes, answered merely. ‘Supplies...’

‘Have you eaten, Ah Cheng ge?’ Ming Tai leaned on the canvas, making Ah Cheng squinting at him. ‘No.’ He gave a warning look to Ming Tai, made the younger guy took a step backward and vanished behind the canvas.

‘Let’s eat then. Senior Wang didn’t want to eat with me. I’m sad.’ Ming Tai stepped into Ah Cheng’s booth, took Ah Cheng’s hand and tugged.

Ah Cheng scowled but then made no objection. He didn’t have his breakfast this morning after all. ‘Ok.’

‘Ah Cheng ge is the best,’ grinned Ming Tai, vibrating with excitement. It was easy to please this brat, Ah Cheng’s lip curled.

  ‘Ah Cheng ge is so thin. Ah Cheng ge should eat more.’ Ming Tai put his pork cutlets into Ah Cheng’s bowl.

‘What are you, my mother?’ said Ah Cheng indulgently, half-laughing. ‘What do you want?’ Ah Cheng looked up to the younger guy who was shoving a big heap of rice into his mouth. ‘I’m sure Wang Manchun refused to accompany you to lunch because you have something in mind.’

Ming Tai’s mouth turned into a pout. He looked up from his meal and gulped his ice tea. ‘You see, Ah Cheng ge, I’m failing in Art History.’ He put down his chopsticks. ‘and other theory related subjects.’

Ah Cheng cocked his head. ‘So?’

‘Could you help me please? Lend me your old notes? Tutor me? You’re one of the straight A students,’ Ming Tai clasped his hands. ‘At least make my E to C. I don’t want another butt slap from my Da Jie.’

Ah Cheng snorted then wiped his mouth with tissue. ‘Well sure, I don’t mind. I have all my notes today. You’re lucky.’

Ming Tai squealed in delight – making an ugly fake cry.

 Ah Cheng collected his notes from one of boxes. Ming Tai peered from his senior’s shoulders but said nothing.

‘Here.’ Ah Cheng dropped some note books to Ming Tai’s hand. ‘You can read these for your references.’ Some more books weighed in. ‘I recommend you to get more references from library. I can write the titles for you. A sec.’ Ah Cheng hunched to his backpack, taking out his mini notebook.

‘I wonder how you can manage.’ Ming Tai dragged a chair with his foot and sat beside Ah Cheng.

Ah Cheng looked up briefly to Ming Tai then back to his notebook. Most of his friends knew he took many part time jobs – though Ah Cheng so far could hide his family matters in dark.

‘Get these books and copy the chapters I wrote here.’ He tore the note paper, placed it on top the books in Ming Tai’s hands. ‘I’m sure you’ll get better in your grades if you take notes properly in class.’

The young man made his signature pout. ‘You sounds like my brother,’ muttered Ming Tai.

‘Well, I'm not in the mood for sugar coating things at all,’ Ah Cheng retorted, ‘Just remember to bring them back to me when you’re done.’

Ah Cheng turned to his boxes, arranged the contents back in. Ming Tai stared at his senior then grinned, his eyes glittering. ‘Ah Cheng ge?’

‘Hmm?’ Ah Cheng replied. He didn’t turn around, still busy with his goods.

‘I’m bad at reading stuffs. I’ll sleep in no time with these.’ Ming Tai lowered his gaze to the books in his hands. ‘Maybe… you can read them for me, pointing out the important stuffs.’

Ah Cheng shot Ming Tai an impatient glance then sighed. ‘I don’t have time for that. You can do group study with your friends. It’s more effective.’

‘I’ll pay you,’ Ming Tai blurted out but immediately regretted it noticing Ah Cheng’s face went darker. ‘If you’re interested….’ He added carefully.

Ah Cheng was almost too tired to reply. He still had things to do, finding new place to live at least with his remaining money in hand. Money, yes, he needed money. Ah Cheng met Ming Tai’s eyes, which quickly looked away in embarrassment. This spoiled little brat though he did things as he please, Ah Cheng thought getting this offer wasn’t that bad at all.

‘I have time after my evening shift.’ Ah Cheng closed his box. ‘I can tutor you until around 9 PM because I have to get back here immediately.’

Ming Tai’s eyes flickered. ‘Sure, I’ll get you. Where you work today?’

This brat was really serious. Ah Cheng eyed Ming Tai who was sitting at the mini market dining area, slurping his instant noodles. He thought everything was all talk and Ming Tai would go having drink party with his friends like he used to do almost every day.

His shift was almost done. Ah Cheng tucked in some food he already paid to his backpack. He would ask the studio employee to let him spend the night there though he would still lock the door and open it again on 6 AM next day. Ah Cheng was fine with it, he had done it once before and some seniors who was stuck with final thesis did it too several times.

‘Ah Cheng, sorry, I’m not late, right?’ The girl who worked for the next shift walked in, catching her breath. Her cheeks flushed in red.

Ah Cheng eyed his watch. ‘Nah, you come right in time. Good night, Jinyun,‘ Ah Cheng walked out from cashier booth.

‘Good night,’ she nodded.

Ah Cheng approached Ming Tai who already finished his noodle. ‘Oh you’re done,’ Ming Tai fling the empty cup into the trash bin. ‘You have bike, right?’ Ah Cheng nodded curtly. ‘Then it’s good,’ Ming Tai continued.

Ah Cheng followed Ming Tai’s bike into resident area which made Ah Cheng sure his entire life time bank account would never afford any houses, even bought a square meter of land there. Ming Tai stopped at one massive gate. Ah Cheng blinked and frowned. He knew from the gossips that Ming Tai was rich – at least his family was - but he didn’t expect a massive garden and a mansion within.

‘It seems Da Jie is still in her business trip…’ Ming Tai muttered while leaning his bike in the garage. ‘I’m saved,’ He grinned to Ah Cheng who was locking his bike. ‘What are you doing? No one will steal your bike here.’

Ming Tai poked Ah Cheng’s arm. ‘Come on.’

Ah Cheng awkwardly sat on one of the sofas in living room while Ming Tai was gone to wherever Ah Cheng didn’t really care to know. He glanced at the shelves with family photos, showing three persons at most. Ah Cheng noticed Ming Tai, and the woman who seemed older could be his Da Jie or maybe his mother. There was a man he didn’t recognized too, maybe it was his brother whom Ming Tai sometimes brought up in conversation.

‘But young master, Da Jie will scold you if you bring your dinner to your room.’

Ah Cheng heard a soft voice from the back.

‘Da Jie isn’t here. Also I’m going to study with my friend, I’m sure Da Jie will let this one time go,‘ Ming Tai sulked.

‘But…’

‘Aahh. Ok, I’ll have dinner downstairs.’

Ming Tai peeked from one of door. ‘Ah Cheng ge, let’s have dinner first.’

Ah Cheng peered at his watch. ‘You sure?’

‘Ah Xiang always makes superb dinner; you shouldn’t miss it.’

Ah Cheng opened his mouth to refuse, and then reconsidered. He could talk how often Ming Tai would ask to tutor him and the payment over dinner. ‘Very well.’

It’s been long since Ah Cheng had a proper dinner. He remembered the last time he had a nice dinner was when he celebrated his birthday at orphanage. The offer to tutor Ming Tai wasn’t that bad at all. Ah Cheng really appreciated it. The younger man said it was ok to come twice a week until Ming Tai’s finals week, he would get dinner, and payment would be transferred to his bank account after every session. Ah Cheng felt relieved, after few sessions he would collect enough money to make deposit to rent a new place. 

It was almost 9 PM when they finished dinner.

‘Thank you for the dinner, Ming Tai. I have to go or I will get locked out.’

Ming Tai crossed his hands. ‘But I haven’t learned anything today.’

‘We can start tomorrow,’ said Ah Cheng.

‘Then how about stay a night here?’

It was late at night; Ah Cheng sullenly stepped inside to his room. He had pampered Ming Jing who cried herself to sleep. The little brother decided to accompany his sister in her room; suggested Ah Cheng to take a rest too.

He slumped into his chair and felt tears rolling down his cheeks again. ‘The Death Plan is perfect,’ Ming Lou assured him many times each Ah Cheng questioned him whether there was another way to not sacrifice himself. His hands curled, fisting his desk. He couldn’t save Ming Lou. He could only carry on, moving on to the next plan and finishing his task.

The night crawled slowly. Ah Cheng couldn’t bring himself to sleep. The feeling when he unveiled the cloth, staring at his brother lying on the cold wooden table crept in Ah Cheng’s mind each time he closed his eyes. In the end, he would only cry again, baffling in his silent weeping.

Sighing wearily, Ah Cheng dragged himself out of bed. He remembered Ah Xiang stored chrysanthemum tea somewhere in the kitchen. He solemnly stepping down the stairs; merely he laid his eyes at the door to Ming Lou’s room. This night and the night after, no one would answer his call.

Ah Cheng stood by the door, hesitantly raised his hand and made a little knock. ‘Da Ge…’ Ah Cheng made a weak chuckle. Of course, no one would answer. His fingers wrapped to the door knob, pushing the cold door in.

The room still smelled like Ming Lou. It felt like his brother was still there, made everything Ah Cheng had done today was like something surreal. Ah Cheng moved his hand to click the light switch on.

Maybe for few seconds, Ah Cheng forgot to breathe. His eyes caught a figure was sleeping on the sofa, wearing familiar shirt and vest. The suit jacket and his coat were lying haphazardly on the seat. His face looked very tired made the line on his face more defined. Ah Cheng knew well who he was, for years in his life he would never mistaken his older brother.

Maybe it was just a dream.

Ah Cheng stepped closer, taking the coat from the seat. He gently wrapped the coat to the sleeping figure. His cold fingers brushed the arm. It was warm. His brother was there, breathing.

Ah Cheng bit his lip, trying to hold his tears.

***

Rustling of fabric made Ming Lou awake. His eyes caught someone bent over him, covering him with his coat. Someone familiar.

Maybe it was only a dream. He was tired. He saw things.

***

Ah Cheng was startled when Ming Lou slowly opened his eyes - which gradually turned into a frown.

‘Ah Cheng?’ His lips quivered he looked momentarily astonished. ‘How?’ Ming Lou’s voice trailed off. ‘No. It must be a dream. Yes, it’s a dream….’ Ming Lou shook his head then pinched his nose bridge.

Ah Cheng reached out his hand, warily touch Ming Lou’s hand. Ming Lou flinched a little, looking at Ah Cheng with disbelief but somehow regret was gleaming from his swollen eyes.

‘Ah Cheng, I’m sorry.’ Ming Lou’s hands tremblingly wrapped Ah Cheng hand reluctantly; as though he was afraid he would break him. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Da Ge, I…’ Ah Cheng couldn’t continue. Tears kept sliding down his cheeks. He should be the one who said sorry. He couldn’t do anything to save his brother.

He sat beside Ming Lou who still held his hand, glancing toward him with a smile though his eyes blurred with tears. Ah Cheng merely rest his head to his shoulder, feeling the warm hands moved and wrapped around him, pulling him closer. He would miss the warmth and the gentle touch forever.

Ah Cheng closed his eyes. It was only a dream.

***

Patch of morning light gleamed to his eyes made Ah Cheng awake. He pushed himself up, finding he was in Ming Lou’s room, alone. His fingers brushed the vacant seat beside him. It was cold, stabbing him with loneliness. He could feel his eyes started to wet.

Not now

Ah Cheng wiped his tears. Exhaling, he stepped out the room. He glanced at the vacant room behind him. He could cry later, he should finish everything Ming Lou left for him.

*** ***

The morgue was dimly light. At the end of the rows of tables, a body was laid. Ming Lou stepped reluctantly, feeling the cold gradually crept in. His thick coat and suit jacket didn’t give any warmth from the night outside, and the wintry air inside the room bit further into his flesh.

He recognized the dark blue coat, the shoes, and the gray suit. The familiar lean fingers were covered in black gloves.

His glance strayed at the white cloth which covering the face. He tore the cloth away, revealing a pale face with closing eyes as if he was sleeping.

Ming Lou fell to his knees.

***

CHPT PROLOGUE

Ji Bai grunted on the bed. He shouldn’t look down at the man who smiling teasingly across the room. Regret always came last. He tried to move his hand but the knot didn’t budge. The man stared at him with satisfied look, smiling.

‘Now, what should I do to you first?’

***

***

It was another slow day for Crime division. The day filled with doing only reports. Ji Bai decided to go to shooting practice area, sharpening his skill. After made few laps at the running ground, Ji Bai went back to his office to change his clothes. His superior was in his room, turned to him when Ji Bai walked in.

‘Morning, Chief.’ Ji Bai greeted. He smiled.

‘At first I just want to leave it here. But here.’ He offered a folder to him.

‘What’s this?’ He frowned, flipped the cover. ‘Public service announcements?’

His superior nodded. ‘Just count it as a holiday for having fun.’ He patted Ji Bai’s shoulder then walked out his office.

***

It turned out the members of Crime division received the task in anticipation. Even XuXu the introvert in the group showed her interest. Her roommate Yao Meng was very eager to share some tips for self defense.

‘Ok then, you all can go to this address for briefing tomorrow.’ Ji Bai placed the folder on the table.

‘You aren’t going, teacher?’ Yao Meng asked.

‘It’s more than enough with all of you. I’m not interested in appearing on tv.’ Ji Bai shook his hand.

Zhao Han throw his arm around Ji Bai’s shoulder. ‘If I become more famous than you, don’t sulk.’ Ji Bai snorted as reply.

***

They came back next day with sour look. Ji Bai looked up from his reports. ‘How’s the briefing?’

‘The art director is very picky.’ Da Hu threw himself to a seat. ‘He said I’m too big.’

‘Even he said our faces are too abstract for appearing in advertisement.’ Lao Li, Xiao Fang, and Lian Yu sulked.

‘He said I’m too tall, like a pole.’ Yao Meng sighed.

‘He said I’m too short.’ XuXu muttered with her soft voice behind Yao Meng.

‘He said we aren’t beautiful enough.’ They talked in unison.

‘Haha what?’ Ji Bai laughed.

‘So, teacher, can you come with us tomorrow?’ Yao Meng asked. ‘The art director asked us whether we had more people, we said yes.’

Ji Bai tightened his lips. ‘Well… let’s try.’

***

Idea was a very well known advertisement company. Ji Bai couldn’t figure out how the Police Department got a link to have an art director here only to direct a public service announcement.

A pretty girl with saccharine smile escorted them to a meeting room. She obviously tried to attract Ji Bai’s attention but failed. After serving them drinks, she excused herself, said that she would inform the art director.

Ji Bai leaned back to his seat, throwing his glance to the spotless meeting room. Zhao Han nudged his glass, ‘If the art director rejects all of us, what will happen? Will it be the end of my acting career?’Lao Li rolled his eyes.

The glass door was opened, showing a lean figure walking in with feminine strides. He wore a suit with miss-matched pattern that people maybe called it as ‘high fashion’. Even Ji Bai didn’t want to know what kind of abomination the person wore.

‘Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.’ He greeted while positioning his red framed glasses. His tone was something made Ji Bai a bit cringed. In instant Ji Bai felt maybe it would be hard to get along with this person.

‘Oh!’ He exclaimed when he made an eye contact to Ji Bai. ‘My presumption isn’t wrong. You all hide the good stuff from me. Meanie!’ He pouted dramatically.

The art director walked over toward the detective, it seemed he didn’t care any other presence in the room anymore. Ji Bai instinctively tried to get back but the seat made him couldn’t do any move.

‘Your name?’ He asked while place his hand to Ji Bai’s shoulder.

‘Ji Bai…,’ He muttered.

‘I’m Chen Jia Ming. Nice to meet you, Ji Bai.’ He flicked his hand, making a sweet smile.

CHPT 4

‘Is there any peculiar person passing here around this year?’ Xunran was asking around the area where Jing Rui was found. Far down the hill there was a group of vendors that selling food and items for hikers. 

‘Hmm… I am not really sure.’ One vendor was deep in thought. ‘Hey, you remember something?’ He asked to the vendor next to him.

‘If there’s one maybe I have reported it to you already, mister police.’ The auntie chirped.

Xunran tapped his pen to his notebook. Sure the suspect might be very careful not to be seen or deliberately passed a group of vendors. ‘Have you seen one of these people?’ Xunran showed photos of the victims to the vendors who started to gather around him.

Few of them looked trying to dig their memory, others shook their head. ‘Did you once go here with him?’ A vendor auntie pointed a photo of Meng Ao.

‘Me?’ Xunran frowned.

She nodded. ‘Yes. I remember you and him. I always remember handsome lads who bought stuffs from me.’ She was gotten some teasing from other vendors.

‘When was that?’ Xunran was trying to remember. He didn’t have any relationship with Fang Meng Ao the victim, and also he didn’t go to the place before Jingrui was found before.

‘Hmmm aaah it was long time ago.’ She shook her hands. ‘But you sure you forgot you went here with him? Maybe I’m just old, my memories go everywhere.’

Xunran thanked the vendors and wrote few information he found to his notebook. If the vendor mistook him with someone, he knew a man who often got mistaken as him – vice versa. He dialed a number while walking to his car.

----------------

When Xunran was back to the office in the evening, he found a sunflower bouquet on his desk. Li said it was delivered when he was out. Xunran smiled a little. He needed to contact Ah Cheng again for asking some questions though.

He leaned back to his seat, taking out his phone.

Thank you for the flower By the way, are you free this night? I need to ask some questions

Anytime I’m free after -

Xunran was halfway reading the reply when Chen took Xunran’s phone from behind. ‘Oh, is this your mysterious girlfriend?’ He typed something on Xunran’s phone.

‘Xiao Chen, give it back.’ Xunran startled and tried to grab his phone back from Chen.

‘You aren’t going to sneak out from our drink party today.’ Chen grinned mischievously then placed back the phone on Xunran’s desk.

A reply typed by Chen was already sent to Ah Cheng.

Tonight, 8 pm Drunken Pigeon bar

Xunran bit his lip and immediately wrote a reply to change the meeting place but a message notification popped up before he finished writing.

Sure, meet you there

Xunran massaged his forehead. He thought a good excuse for changing the place (though maybe Ah Cheng would think he was weird changing the meeting place in seconds) but he stopped typing midway. Maybe it was better to invite Ah Cheng to the drinking party to shut his coworkers about his secret girlfriend.

-------------------

‘Not her?’ Chen turned to Xunran when a girl with loud make up and sparkly dress went in to the bar. Xunran shook his head.

Xunran sipped his beer nervously. He was torn between both wanting Ah Cheng to come and cancelling the meeting. His colleagues were chatting to each other. They had placed a bet for guessing each person who came from the bar door.

‘Sergeant Li’s girlfriend should be someone refined, the one with long hair and gentle smile, maybe someone who is older few years.’ One of his workmates exclaimed while placing money at center of the table.

‘I think he prefers cute girls.’ Li commented, he eyed Xunran who gulping his beer again. ‘Come on, don’t be nervous. It’s your girlfriend.’ He patted his colleague.

‘I have said already, I don’t have girlfriend.’ Xunran pinched his nose bridge in frustration.

‘Oh oh oh who is going to come from the front door now?’ His workmate throw his glance, followed by the others - to the door which about to open. Xunran looked up from his beer glass.

It was Ah Cheng. He was taking off his dark blue coat, revealing his designer black crisp shirt and pants.

His workmates sighed and sulked when a man was coming in instead of woman. Xunran looked down to his beer glass. He knew Ah Cheng was looking around to find him – and had made eye contact to him.

Bet was placed again on the table when Ah Cheng walked approaching Xunran.

‘Xunran.’ He gently touched Xunran’s shoulder. Gulping, Xunran turned and looked up to Ah Cheng who made his – maybe sweetest – smile.

‘Ah Cheng.’ Xunran nodded, hoping his cheek not went red.

Chen spoke. ‘Your friend, Xunran?’

‘Hello.’ Ah Cheng went into his polite-business-like smile mode. ‘Thank you for the invite; I’m Ming Cheng, Xunran ge’s friend.’ Xunran maybe wanted to dig a hole and went in when Ah Cheng intentionally added honorific to his name.

Few of his workmates blinked in confusion, the rest who didn’t really listen offered Ah Cheng to sit and ordered beer for him.

They continued to chat casually while sometimes glanced over the door to check who was coming in. Ah Cheng smiled to Xunran, sitting next to him. Xunran mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ to him, telling Ah Cheng that the one who sent the reply was his colleague. Ah Cheng only shrugged it off; he said he knew already because the reply wasn’t really Xunran’s.

‘Also I offered you a meeting place, but you only gave me short answer of information.’ Ah Cheng said. ‘Well it’s kinda interesting place, tho. I like it.’ 

Xunran nodded in agreement. The bar his friends chose were more like a themed bar - or most likely the owner maybe had an obsession in pigeons. Some parts of the wall was decorated with weird pigeon decals. The tissue holder were pigeon shaped. Some little pigeon figurines were placed on wooden shelves. They were so many that Xunran decided to ignored them. The waiters wore pigeon hat too.

‘Xunran, when will your mysterious girlfriend come? It’s already past fifteen minutes. Does she come late on purpose?’ Li said while leaning his chin to his palm.

‘The person in question is already here….’ Exhaling, Xunran replied.

His workmates turned to Xunran. ‘Huh?’

Xunran could feel his cheek burning. ‘He is Mister Ming. The one you all thought my girlfriend who kept sending me flowers and food...’

Ah Cheng purposely frowned and turned to Xunran. ‘Girlfriend?’

‘They take their own conclusion and force it to me since the first time you sent the flowers.’ Xunran sighed. He was shaken by Chen who sat beside him. His colleague thought Xunran was joking or he might reply the message to wrong person. Xunran ignored him.

Ah Cheng let out a laugh. ‘Well technically I’m your friend.’ Xunran snorted then laughed, covering his mouth a bit. 

Ah Cheng quickly blending in with Xunran’s colleague which not a surprise for the police deputy. Somehow Ah Cheng was enjoying the drinking party and asking lots of questions to his workmates, made Xunran realized in no time that his friend tried to find out information of him. He nudged Ah Cheng shyly to stop asking around, which only making his workmates got more excited to share more about Xunran.

‘I will report you all, just wait.’ Xunran warned all his colleagues who giggling.

‘You should introduce a girl to him, Mister Ming.’ One of his colleagues shook his head with a concerned look. ‘His favorite girl is going to be married, he sulks every day.‘

‘Oh stop all of you.’ Xunran covered his face with his hands in embarrassment.

‘Who is this lucky girl? Do I know her?’ Ah Cheng purposely asked to Xunran, making it sounded like he was joking to him. He remembered vividly the pretty girl when he first saw Xunran, the one who sometimes came to his shop with her little sister.

Xunran looked at Ah Cheng between his fingers. He was a bit hesitant to tell him, considering whether he should let Ah Cheng know or not. She was someone important to him, and she always be. He might be not the one for Jian Yao, but he would protect her always.

He moved his hands from his face. ‘You met her once with me.’ Xunran replied. ‘She’s Xuan Xuan’s older sister.’

‘Ah.’ Ah Cheng nodded with a smile. ‘She’s pretty.’

‘Don’t you dare touch her,’ Xunran turned to Ah Cheng with serious face. Ah Cheng looked at the man beside him, staying silent.

Xunran snorted then burst out laughing. Exhaling, he leaned back to his seat. ‘’It’s not just me who won’t stay silent if anyone touch her.’

The police deputy turned to Ah Cheng. ‘I’m sure you won’t do anything to her.’ He chuckled then sipped his beer.

Ah Cheng smiled. ‘Thank you for your trust in me.’ Xunran nudged him.

‘So what do you want to ask about?’ He leaned to Xunran.

‘It’s related with my work. I think it’s better after this finish.’ Xunran made a brief smile. Ah Cheng nodded and carried on making casual conversations with Xunran and his colleagues. 

After few of his colleagues were bit drunk, they decided to end the drink party. Xunran bid goodbyes to his colleagues, then Xunran nodded to Ah Cheng, walked towards the back area of the bar which more quiet.

They sat by the glass table as Xunran asked for water from the waiter who approached them.

‘I’m sorry if I bother you with questions related with my work. It’s about the serial killings related with Xiao Jing Rui that I interviewed before.’ Xunran pulled a paper from his bag then slid it across the table. He showed it to Ah Cheng, ‘I find out that you might know Fang Meng Ao. May I know how your relationship with him is?’

Ah Cheng picked up the paper; it was filled with general information and a photo of Fang Meng Ao. ‘Fang Meng Ao…’ He put the paper on table. ‘We were acquaintances. I knew him from company dinner; he was introduced by his father.’

‘I have asked around the vendors and crosschecked it; Fang Meng Ao went hiking with you.’ Xunran showed photos around the area where Jingrui was found.

‘Yes. I once had a meet up with him because his father asked me to convince him for taking over his business. It didn’t bear any fruit; I’m not someone that close with the deceased,’ said Ah Cheng.

Xunran nodded. ‘Did he mention something peculiar, anything that will help the investigation?’

‘Let’s see…’ Ah Cheng frowned. ‘It was long time ago, like four years ago. I don’t know if I can be much help. We only did casual conversations, a little bit talk about business. After the hiking, I didn’t meet him anymore.’

‘Someone who was close with the deceased also became a victim; do you happen to know him?’ He slid Cui Zongshi photo across the table.  Ah Cheng eyed the photo and shook his head. ‘I’m sorry. I never know him.’

Xunran sighed. At first he thought he could get any new information that would help the investigation, it seemed he shouldn’t let his hope too high.

‘Fang Meng Ao, he wanted to be a pilot,’ muttered Ah Cheng while scanning Fang Meng Ao bio in front of him. ‘His father was against it, made his relationship with his father wasn’t in good term.’ Ah Cheng made a thin smile.

‘He was found near the sky, wasn’t he?’ Ah Cheng slid the paper back to Xunran. ‘With somewhere close to the sky, someone hoping he will get closer to his dream.’

-------------------------

-------------------------

‘Morning, auntie.’ Xunran greeted while changing his shoes to room sandals. Jian auntie cheerfully replied his greet and said the breakfast would ready in few minutes. Xunran gave a smile to Jian uncle who was reading newspaper by the dining table then he merely walked to Yao Yao’s room. From outside he could see the sisters were chatting casually. Xuan Xuan was on the bed, hugging an animal plushie. Her older sister sat by the table, scribbling something. Few opened dictionaries were beside her, she might be doing her translating side job.

‘Ah, Xunran ge!’ Xuan Xuan grinned. ‘Come in, we are just talking about you.’

Xunran snorted then stepped in, taking an empty chair. ‘I hope it wasn’t something bad about me, hm?’

Yao Yao turned from her desk. She made a teasing smile which made Xunran started to question these two sisters. ‘Of course not, Xunran. Here, for you.’ She handed an envelope with beautiful engraving on it. ‘You can ask … a friend to come with you too.’

Taking the wedding invitation, Xunran raised his brows when Yao Yao emphasized the word friend. On the bed Xuan Xuan muffled her chuckle with her plushie. Xunran tilted his head. ‘What?’

‘Xuan Xuan said you are very close with the flower ge.’ Yao Yao smiled. Now Xunran knew the nickname they gave to Ah Cheng.

‘Hmm kinda. We are, yeah, friends.’ Xunran muttered, looking down at the golden engraving on the envelope forming his best friend’s name and Bo Jinyan.

Xuan Xuan sat up then grinned. ‘But Xunran ge. I know you gave cakes to him. They were the limited ones we have to queue for it. You never buy one for us but you bought several times for Ah Cheng ge.’ Xunran blinked then turned to the younger sister who giggling. ‘I got your cakes. Ah Cheng ge shared it with me.’ She continued before Xunran could reply.

Xunran shrugged in his seat. ‘It was a token of gratitude. Nothing special.’ He cursed to himself. He didn’t expect that Ah Cheng would share the cake to Xuan Xuan too.

The little sister tilted her head. ‘Gratitude?’

Xunran shrugged. He carefully chose his words. ‘He helped me with cases.’ It was vague enough. At least he did interview Ah Cheng for cases but that wasn’t the reason Xunran gave gifts to Ah Cheng.

‘Oh’ Xuan Xuan nodded, but Xunran knew Yao Yao wasn’t convinced with the answer. His best friend looked at him with a knowing smile, I know there’s more.

Yao Yao laughed at Xunran who looked puzzled. ‘Come on, let’s have breakfast.’ She hopped off her chair and patted Xunran’s shoulder.

-------------------

-------------------

 Ah Cheng started the car and drove out from Ming mansion gate. It was one chilly day with blue sky, an awkward change between spring and summer. Sun light shone through the row of trees by the road. The morning was still early making him eager to open the car window, inhaling the fresh morning air.

‘Do you mind?’ Ah Cheng asked to Ming Lou who was reading something in his phone at the back, maybe news articles or checking his social media.

‘You should remind me to wear extra scarf today.’ Ming Lou chuckled briefly. ‘Go ahead.’

Ah Cheng grinned then opened the car window by his side. The air went in, giving a scent of morning dew. He could see Ming Lou was smiling a bit and turned back to his phone.

‘Ah Cheng, please make a reservation for tonight. Dinner for two.’ Ming Lou had put back the phone into his pocket.

Ah Cheng stared in the rearview mirror at Ming Lou. ‘Sure. I’ll book it. The usual restaurant?’

Ming Lou nodded. He merely threw his stare outside the window. ‘I may be late. But you will wait, won’t you?’ Ah Cheng could hear each word although Ming Lou said it like a soft whisper. He made a nod.

Ah Cheng focused his attention back on road when he felt he was thrown.

The sky was somewhat turning around in his vision. The rear window was shattered into pieces. Ah Cheng instinctively turned around to look at Ming Lou but a loud pang made a ringing sound to his ear and his vision became blurry.

Ah Cheng half opened his eyes, everything was out of focus to him. He could feel the side of his head was wet and his feet were numb. Some worried people who shouted outside were heard like a muffled voice.

Da Ge

Ah Cheng tried to turn. Every move he made felt like thousands of needles churning into his skin and bones.

No... Da Ge

------------------

Chapter 1

Ray walked through the dark aisle with a candle in his hand. He stepped forward cautiously. There were no stars and moon tonight, he could see nothing outside the massive windows.

The candle was about five centimeters left. Ray gulped, wincing a little when a burning droplet touched his skin. His steps were stopped when a big wooden door was right in front of him. He took out a key and unlocked it.

***

The bell rang.

Ray groaned, reaching out his right hand from the blanket and hit the alarm clock. He was about to go back to sleep when his cell phone rang.

Sighing, he hung his phone. ‘Hello?’

‘Hello, Raymond. Wakey wakey.’ A cheerful tone was heard from the other side.

‘Hmmm…’ Ray yawned.

‘Don’t forget about the meeting up, OK? I have something interesting for you.’

Ray muttered a yes then cut the connection. Lazily he woke up and went straight the bathroom. He saw his tired face of his in the mirror. Those dreams that kept coming each night had drained his energy. It was always the same with dark aisles, candle, and locked door. Somehow he always woke up with his body felt like a slump.

He washed his face and brushed his teeth. He was hoping he could go through the day well.

***

Ray walked into a small bar. It turned into a mini café that served breakfast in the morning. He saw a man waving at him from a seat a little bit behind, so he walked there.

The man smiled politely to Ray. He was a man in his thirties and dressed casually with dark grey tee and black jeans. In front of him were a bunch of draft papers. A pot of warm tea was placed beside two cups, one already filled.

‘How are you?’ He asked Ray, who replied it with a dry nod.

‘What do you want to talk about, Ian?’ Ray rubbed his face with his hand, yawning. ‘Please make it simple, I want to go back to sleep.’

Ian chuckled then looked at the person across him with concern. ‘Do you have enough sleep? Are you still having the dream?’ He poured tea for Ray.

Ray answered with a groan while rubbing his temple. His headache was gotten worse. Maybe if someone offered him a pillow to him, he would right go to sleep.

Ian exhaled. He took the draft papers and gave it to Ray. ‘I have pointed all the design parts that you need to change.’

Raymond flipped the draft papers, checking the comment writings and mark. ‘When is the deadline?’

‘This one is not in hurry. The client gave one month.’ Ian sipped his tea. ‘I think you need some rest.’

Raymond muttered some gibberish as an answer.

‘How about to go to a holiday home?’ Ian asked to his friend who frowned at him. ‘Maybe it’s good for changing pace. Here, my distant relative has a castle and I can ask him so you can have a nice bargain for the rent.’ Ian showed photo of building in his phone. ‘You can relax there, maybe for a week.’

Sighing, Ray tapped his finger to the wooden table. ‘With my condition like this, maybe I will give it a try. Please email the details to me.’

‘Sure.’ Ian smiled.

***

The castle stood on a hill near small forest woodland. It was built with grey stone and from the condition of the castle, most of the outside wall parts had been renovated.

The owner of the castle, Victor, was a man with young appearance – although Ian had told Ray that he was in late thirties. When Ray met his eyes, he somehow looked a bit amused meeting him but then it changed to a warm polite smile.

Victor greeted Ray, gave his hand a shake. He invited Ray in, showing him the front hall.

The massive hall made Ray felt like going into the other dimension. His eyes admired every single side in there; the wooden stairs at both sides which arched to the second floor, the beautiful patterned carpet, carvings on the wall. There was so many to see making Ray had a little hope this place could make him feel more ease from his bad dreams.

His eyes spotted a girl – maybe she was a maid because she wore apron while wiping a table – but when her stare met Ray’s, she quickly went away. Ray joined his brows.

‘I hope you enjoy your stay here.’ Victor’s voice was heard, made Ray turned to him. ‘Every morning a maid will come here to clean and cook for you. Her name is Sylvia. She’ll be here in a moment. I’ll give you her contact so if you need something, you can ask her.’ He continued, and then gave him a set of keys. ‘These are the keys for every room you can access in this castle.’

Ray thanked Victor. After few minutes of waiting, a woman walked to the front hall. Ray noticed she wasn’t the girl he had seen earlier. ‘Good morning, mister.’

Victor introduced Sylvia to Ray. They talked briefly about the terms and conditions for living in the castle, and then Victor excused himself and let Sylvia accompany Ray for choosing his room.

‘Do you need help to bring your luggage to your room?’ The mad asked politely.

‘Ah, no need, I only bring this one suitcase.’ Ray replied. ‘Where is my room?’

‘You’re free to choose your room here. They are on second floor. I’ll show you the rooms.’ She smiled.

Ray walked behind the maid, bringing his suitcase. ‘Are you working here alone?’

‘Yes. I’ve worked here for about for years. Once in a while my friend does stand in when I can’t work.’ She nodded.

‘I saw other maid when I came earlier. Is she your friend?’

Sylvia chuckled a bit. ‘Mister Raymond, I work here alone. There’s nobody else.’ She unlocked the first door. ‘How about this room?’

It was a massive elegant bed room with wooden canopy bed. Fluffy sofa and beautiful carved round table was placed at right the side of room, near the fireplace. Ray narrowed his eyes. The gloomy sunshine gleamed trough the foggy glass window. A blur silhouette of fragile woman was merged at the window.

Ray blinked.

There was nothing near the window.

‘Um, can I see the others first?’ The sweet fragrance in the room made him felt dizzy.

Sylvia nodded with a smile. She continued walked through the aisle.

‘Before, the room was used by Mister Victor’s great grand mother. It’s one of the biggest room in this castle. And this…’ Sylvia unlocked a door. ‘….is his great grand father’s room.’

Ray walked into the room. Weirdly enough, somehow he felt familiar with the scent inside.

Hello

Ray quicly turned to the soft voice which spoke to him but instead he heard from his hear, it was more speaking into his head. Ther was a guy at the working desk, making a soft smile to him. He had blue eyes and long blonde hair which tied with a red ribbon. He wore white working shirt – which looked very old fashioned. Beside his hand was a bottle of ink and some letters.

‘Nice room isn’t it?’ Sylvia’s voice nearly made Ray jumped. He stared back to the working desk but nobody was there.

He nodded, tried to make a smile. ‘Yes. It’s nice. May I see the other room?’

‘Sure.’ Sylvia cheerfully replied. She always loved to give tour for guests in the castle. ‘How about a room at the end of this hall? It’s not as big as the rooms in this castle but it’s comfortable enough.’

‘I’ll see it first.’ Ray smiled politely.

They walked through the endless aisle. He threw a slight seeing to the portrait that hung at the wall, but Ray couldn’t see it clearly because the sun light from the massive window blinded him.

Sylvia unlocked another door. The opened door showed Ray a room, but it wasn’t as luxurious as the two big rooms before. It was just like an ordinary room with a bed, table, sofa, and closet. A dim light shone through the window.

Ray stepped in, throwing his glance around the room. It was felt comfortable enough for him. The bed and the pillows looked fluffy he couldn’t wait to throw his body there.

‘I take this room.’ Ray turned to Sylvia.

‘You don’t want to see the other rooms first?’ She asked.

‘I’ll see them tomorrow. This room is perfect for me so far, also I need a quick rest too.’ Ray made an assured smile to the maid.

Sylvia smiled politely. ‘You can call me anytime if you need help. Good evening, Mister Raymond.’

Ray replied her with a smile. After she was gone, he unpacked his things.

***

Raymond woke up in the middle of the night, feeling hungry. He walked to the table where he placed a jug of water, pouring the water to his glass then gulped it. He checked his phone; Sylvia had sent a message that she left some snacks in the kitchen for him.

He took his jacket and walked out of his room, deciding to get the snack from the kitchen. He couldn’t sleep with his stomach growling. Fortunately, electric lamps were installed to the castle so there was source of light in the aisle even though it wasn’t bright enough.

He stepped through the dim aisle. Silver ray of moon shone through the massive glass windows. When Ray passed the portrait again, he stopped. The gloomy light gleamed right to it. He stepped closely to it.

He narrowed his eyes; it was obviously a portrait of a man. Ray felt a little strange because he felt that he had seen the man before.

Even before when he saw the man in the second room he walked into.

Gulping, Ray glanced at the portrait again. It was shown a handsome face with blond hair. But the blue eyes made Ray felt uneasy. But maybe it was only his impression because the gloomy moon light gleamed right to it.

Somehow Ray didn’t feel hungry again. Weirdly enough, his mind forced him not to go any further again this night. Ray turned back to his room and closed the door. His heart beat very fast but he didn’t know what he was scaring about.

CHPT 3

Xunran opened his eyes in the morning with a different ceiling with his room. The cotton sheets smelled unfamiliar, a faint smell of wood and flower. He climbed out of bed, rubbing his eyes. It was a room with a bed, a simple desk, mirror, and cupboard. A sofa was placed by the window. He wasn’t in his home. He found his cell phone and wallet placed the desk beside bed. The clock showed 6 o’clock.

He found out he had changed his clothes to a soft gray tee and drawstring sweatpants. They were definitely not his. His clothes were nowhere in sight; he opened the cupboard but it was empty. His mind tried to find out what happened last night but nothing came out. He remembered visiting Ah Cheng’s home, having a dinner and wine.

Wine. Was he drunk? Xunran shook his head.

Xunran stepped out the room. He glanced around, finding out that he might be on second floor of Ah Cheng’s house. He recognized the first floor when he reached the stairs down.

The smell of coffee filled the first floor, made Xunran instinctively walked to the kitchen. Ah Cheng wasn’t there, but Xunran noticed bowls for two was placed on the table.

‘Good morning, mister Li.’

Xunran jumped a bit, finding Ah Cheng was behind him. ‘M-morning.’

Ah Cheng was smelled fresh of soap. His hair was down – hadn’t yet been touched with hair products but it was combed neatly. He wore black sweater and gray ankle swinger pants. It was rare for Xunran to see Ah Cheng with casual clothes.

Xunran felt bit embarrassed, he even hadn’t washed his face and he was sure his hair sticking out everywhere.

‘Breakfast is waiting,’ Ah Cheng gestured towards table, offering a seat for Xunran.

Xunran nodded and sat. Ah Cheng came over carrying a jug and poured coffee for Xunran. It had nice pleasant aroma like always. He brought over an earthenware pot filled with warm chicken congee and a plate of you tiao.

Ah Cheng filled a bowl and gave it to Xunran, then filled one for him.

‘Mister Ming.’

‘Hm?’ Ah Cheng sipped his coffee.

‘I’m sorry to bother you. I don’t intend to spend a night here.’ Xunran bit his lip.

‘It’s fine. You passed out yesterday and I thought it was better for you to rest.’ Ah Cheng assured Xunran.

Xunran scratched his head in embarrassment, ‘I should watch my intake next time.’ So if he passed out, could it be it was Ah Cheng who changed his clothes? Xunran gulped.

Ah Cheng snorted, he knew what was going on in Xunran’s mind. ‘It’s okay. I used to change my little brother clothes.’ He casually talked like nothing happened. ‘I have washed your clothes. It should be dry now.’ He continued.

‘Thanks. Sorry.’ Xunran looked down and took a mouthful of congee. His ears were red. He didn’t know whether it was bliss or not he was passed out, imagining those lean fingers unbuttoning his one by one.

Xunran shook his head, trying to erase the thought. It’s still morning, Xunran.

Ah Cheng raised his brows seeing Xunran who shifted awkwardly and hold his laugh.

----------

When Xunran was in the bathroom, he found out Ah Cheng had placed his clothes and a new toothbrush on the cabinet. His clothes were ironed neatly and his shirt fabric felt soft. He didn’t know what magic Ah Cheng used.

After finished showering he combed his hair with his hand, letting his hair down because he didn’t dare to touch Ah Cheng’s hair products – even though Ah Cheng had said to use whatever in the bathroom.

When he was out the bathroom, Ah Cheng was sitting on sofa, reading newspaper. He had change to his usual white shirt and gray khaki pants. His hair already styled.

‘I’ll replace the toothbrush, and wash the clothes and towel.’

Ah Cheng looked up and folded the newspaper. ‘Leave the toothbrush here. It will be useful if you want to spend a night here again.’ He walked to a cabinet and took out a paper bag.

Xunran blinked. ‘Ok…’ He put in the dirty clothes to paper bag Ah Cheng offered.

Ah Cheng looked at his wristwatch. ‘It’s time, or you’re going to be late.’ He took his car key, coat and gloves. ‘I can drop you at your workplace, or do you prefer other place?’

Xunran raised his brows, ‘At my office, please.’ He followed Ah Cheng out and waited him locked his house.

Again, out of his habit, Ah Cheng opened the passenger door for Xunran. Ah Cheng saw Xunran who awkwardly went in then smiled a bit.

‘Mister Ming?’

‘Hm?’ Ah Cheng still kept his sight to the road.

‘How do you know I need to get to my office today?’ asked Xunran.

Ah Cheng drove into highway. ‘Yesterday your friend Chen phoned you many times until I decided to take the call.’

Xunran sighed; it might be when he passed out again. ‘Sorry to bother you again.’ He said weakly.

‘It’s fine,’ Ah Cheng chuckled. ‘It’s like I have another little brother.’

Xunran then turned to Ah Cheng, frowning. ‘How old are you this year, Mister Ming?’

‘Hm? Why so suddenly?’ Ah Cheng laughed.

‘Because you don’t know mine, and I don’t know yours. I should know before I can become your di di.’ Xunran leaned back to his seat.

‘I’m 27 this year, how about you?’ Ah Cheng replied.

Xunran stiffed a chuckle. ‘Mister Ming, you don’t have any right to make me your di di. I’m 28.’

Ah Cheng grinned. ‘Well, it’s just a numbers.’

------------

Ah Cheng parked his car and about going out to open door for Xunran. ‘You don’t have to, Mister Ming. I can open the door by myself,’ Xunran smiled then stepped out the car.

Ah Cheng snorted then stepped out too.

‘Thank you very much for the ride, Mister Ming. Also for the food and clothes,’ Xunran showed the paper bag.

This time maybe it was Ah Cheng who was blinded by the smile that the detective made.

When Xunran was about to turn, Ah Cheng grabbed Xunran’s hand, which brought the paper bag. He untangled Xunran’s fingers one by one.

‘Mister Li, you don’t have to insist washing these clothes,’ Ah Cheng took the paper bag from Xunran’s hand. ‘You can come to Jade Porcelain anytime for coffee. We don’t need reasons and excuses.’

Xunran looked baffled at first, and then he giggled. ‘We both have hidden motives, don’t we?’

Ah Cheng smiled and waved good bye to Xunran. ‘Good day, Xunran ge.’

When Ah Cheng had gone inside his car, Xunran blinked. Did Ah Cheng just call him by his name? And he added an honorific?

Xunran couldn’t help to smile while walking to the police office.

 ‘What happened with your hair?’ asked Chen when Xunran walked in.

---------------

When it was lunch time, Xunran decided to send Ah Cheng a message.

What should I call you? You have called me Xunran ge. I have to know my di di’s name

Ming Cheng or Ah Cheng it’s fine, Xunran ge <3

Xunran chuckled at the heart emoticon until he decided to stop because Chen seemed ready to tease him again about girlfriend topic.

----------------

----------------

Xunran scanned the board in front of him. He sighed; he might be spending reading the files again before sleep.

He leaned back into his seat and stared at Xiao Jing Rui’s photo. It was for around a year, and the suspect was regularly came back to put flowers. The suspect was very dedicated, especially when Xunran noted the place Fang Meng Ao body was found. It was hard to get to the place. Yao Yao said the suspect might have both respect and regret to the victims. A year was a long time; he would ask Chen or Li to interview more people around the area where Jingrui’s was found.

-----------------

-----------------

Ah Cheng opened his eyes to a soft cotton sheet. It was still smelled fresh; he remembered he put it on Ming Lou’s bed. He climbed out the bed, turned to window. Sun light glimmered through the sheer curtains. He must be dozen off yesterday.

He checked his phone. It was seven o’clock. Usually when he brought breakfast, Ming Lou already woke up and read his newspaper.

‘Have breakfast with me. You purposely bring breakfast for two, or do you think I can finish all of these?’

Ah Cheng smiled bitterly then stepped out the room. After he made sure he had locked the room, he took his coat that placed on the sofa in living room.

-----------------

The avenue in the morning was always filled with various food stalls selling for people who needed a quick breakfast before work. Ah Cheng sighed. He didn’t have any mood to eat today. Did he ever eat something yesterday? He sometimes wondered how he could still function for these three years.

He passed the food stalls, ignoring the vendors who greeted him and offered their goods. Their voice turned into muddled sound which made Ah Cheng’s stomach felt tightened. He stopped and stood there in the middle of avenue, gulping his breath.

‘For you!’

Ah Cheng blinked. He saw one little hand with a bun. He looked up and a face of young boy was in front of him, who wore a blue jacket and jeans. His hair was tied a bit messily and paper bag filled with buns was in his other hand.

‘For you!’ He repeated while shoving the bun to Ah Cheng.

‘Thank you for your offer, but no. Thanks.’ Ah Cheng smiled to the young boy. When he was about to go, he felt his sleeve was tucked.

‘For you! No need pay!’ He took Ah Cheng’s hand and put the bun to his palm. Before Ah Cheng could reply, the boy already went away and disappeared between the people in the avenue.

------------------

------------------

Xunran walked across the boulevard with a box of affogato cake. At least this was the thing he could do because last time they met Ah Cheng refused his offer to wash the clothes.

He raised his brows when he saw unfamiliar man was sitting at the table by the window, reading magazine. Xunran thought maybe he was a customer.

Xunran pushed the shop door, making a faint tinkling sound. ‘Excuse me…’

The man looked up from his magazine. ‘Ah Cheng ge, I thought you said you would be gone till 1?’ He frowned seeing Xunran over from his head to feet then he seemed try to get his composure back. ‘I’m sorry sir, I mistook you with someone.’ He put down the magazine then stood up. ‘The owner is out for a while, maybe half hour later he will be back if you want to wait.’

‘Thank you, I can wait.’ Xunran nodded with a brief smile.

‘Please,’ he gestured to the seat area.

Xunran placed the box on table then sat. The man walked towards the counter, where Ah Cheng put his coffee machine and back with a cup of warm coffee. Xunran was already familiar with the scent of it; it was Ah Cheng’s special blend. Xunran thanked the man for the coffee.

He sat across Xunran, noticed the gift box that Xunran brought then leaned a bit, ‘Are you friend of Ah Cheng ge?’

‘Ah yes. I’m Li Xunran.’ Xunran nodded. The man called Ah Cheng casually by his name; he might be someone close to him.

‘Nice to meet you, I’m Ming Tai.’ He smiled, offering his hand to Xunran. ‘Maybe if someone doesn’t know my brother well, they will mistake you as my brother.’

‘Nice to meet you,’ Xunran greeted, shaking Ming Tai’s hand. Weirdly enough, a little part inside him felt bit relieved when he found out the man was Ah Cheng’s brother. ‘Most people I meet thought I’m his brother.’ Xunran chuckled and covered his mouth a bit.

Ming Tai turned his gaze to Xunran. This fellow was really like a twin of his brother. The eye wrinkles that appeared when he laughed were almost the same with his older brother. The few differences were more into his character and maybe the style he wore. When he talked, Ming Tai immediately knew he wasn’t Ah Cheng ge. The smile he made was different, his brother was like a night sky and this fellow was the sun.

‘But Ah Cheng ge never once tell me about you.’ Ming Tai pouted. ‘How long do you know my brother?’ His eyes brightened, waiting for answer from Xunran.

‘Maybe about three or four months?’ Xunran said.

‘Hmm Ah Cheng ge made a friend is something new tho,’ Ming Tai muttered to himself. ‘Ah how about you join us for dinner tonight?’ He grinned. ‘Da Jie will be very happy to have more company.’

‘Eh? It’s your family time. I’m just an outsider,’ said Xunran hesitantly, shaking his hand. ‘Also I still have work this evening.’

‘Nah, it’s fine. I can get you after work, where do you work?’ Ming Tai took out his phone. Xunran made an awkward smile, thinking how to get away from the offer.

‘Ming Tai!’ Ah Cheng stepped in to the shop. ‘Xunran,’ He smiled to Xunran and turned to his little brother again, frowning.

‘I didn’t do anything.’ Ming Tai raised his hands while pouting. ‘I only asked your friend to join our family dinner. The more the merrier.’

Ah Cheng stared for a second, and then shook his head. ‘Ming Tai…’

‘Da Jie will be happy,’ Ming Tai interrupted. Then he turned to Xunran, ‘What’s your phone number?’

Xunran looked between Ah Cheng and Ming Tai. Ah Cheng looked concerned and Ming Tai was like expecting Xunran’s immediate answer. That was maybe he was very relieved that he received a phone call from Chen.

‘Excuse me. I… have to go back to work. Please enjoy the cake.’ Xunran smiled. ‘Good afternoon.’ He walked out the flower shop. He tapped his phone. ‘Yes, Chen?’

Ah Cheng turned to Ming Tai who made a ‘what’ face. Ming Tai leaned his chin to his palm. ‘Invite him, Ge. I don’t want to see you just staring down at plates all night. Can I open this?’ Ming Tai pointed at the cake box Xunran left on the table.

--------------------------

It was a tiring day for Xunran. This afternoon there was a case of robbery which fortunately it was solved in the same day. Although there were lots of leg work to do. He was very tired and a hot shower at home was a good idea. Xunran was tidying up his desk and got ready to go home when a message notification popped to his phone.

I’m outside.

Xunran hurried to the front office. Ah Cheng was waiting there, wearing black turtleneck and navy blue coat.

‘Hey, Xunran.’

‘Ah Cheng,’ Xunran looked at Ah Cheng with question on his face.

‘I just want to ask maybe if you want to join our family dinner,’ Ah Cheng said softly. ‘You don’t have to if you don’t want. Ming Tai kept nagging me.’

Xunran was about to turn him down, because it might be a private family time. But if Ah Cheng had decided not to ask him to come, he would not bother himself to get him to his office; it might be his little brother instead who would come.

‘Ok… but,’ Xunran said.

‘But?’ Ah Cheng raised his brows.

‘Let me change first. I had a case this afternoon and I had to run, lots.’ Xunran laughed. ‘Just give me a minute.’

Ah Cheng nodded. Xunran stepped back into the office. He remembered that he put few spare clothes in his locker. After few minutes he decided with a chambray shirt which was found tucked between his tees. He found a pair of white slim chino pants and changed. Next time he should put more spare shirts in locker, Xunran noted. He hoped this was good enough for a family dinner – though Xunran thought he was still undressed.

Ah Cheng and Xunran walked together to the parking lot. Like always, Ah Cheng opened the door for Xunran and then got in on the driver’s side.

As Ah Cheng pulled away, Xunran could feel his stomach tightened. Was he too early to say yes for going to Ming family dinner?

‘You okay?’ Ah Cheng asked, after a while.

Xunran nodded.

‘Don’t worry; it’s just a casual dinner. Like Ming Tai said, my older sister is always happy to have more company.’ Ah Cheng smiled then focused his attention on the road.

-------------------

Xunran was still wondering where Ah Cheng would take him until he stopped at driveway. His mouth went dry seeing a mansion. Xunran was about to question Ah Cheng, but he already stepped out to open the big iron gates.

Xunran bit his lip and stayed silent when Ah Cheng went back inside car then drove up to the curved driveway at the front of the mansion. He parked beside a red sport car.

‘Once in a while we have dinner here.’ Xunran startled. Ah Cheng had opened the passenger door for him.

It was a two floor big mansion, which made Xunran got reminded who Ah Cheng was. He followed Ah Cheng to front door.

In the front room, Ming Tai was sitting on the sofa, reading a book. A plate of sliced apples was on his lap. When he saw Ah Cheng and Xunran stepping inside, his face brightened like a kid who got his candy. He put aside the plate.

‘Oooooh Da Jie will be very happy.’ He clasped his hands.

‘Where is Da Jie?’ Ah Cheng asked.

‘She was having tea with Jiyun in sunroom. Eh, Xunran ge, come with me.’ Ming Tai grabbed Xunran’s hand, made Ah Cheng frowned to his little brother.

‘Ming Tai,’ Ah Cheng made a stern face. He knew Ming Tai was thinking something mischievous.

‘A sec, Ah Cheng ge. I want to surprise Da Jie.’ Ming Tai giggled while dragging Xunran to living room. Xunran throw a worried look to Ah Cheng.

‘It’s ok,’ Ah Cheng replied while following Ming Tai but he waited outside sunroom.

Two women were chatting happily when Ming Tai walked in with Xunran. The one seemed older wore an elegant styled hair with designer white long sleeves shirt and purple skirt. Beside her was a woman who looked younger with shoulder length hair and simple pastel blue dress.

‘Da Jie, Jiyun darling,’ the little brother cheerfully called. ‘Look who is coming.’

Ming Jing turned. ‘Ming Tai, is Ah Cheng – oh Ah Cheng, you have come. I thought you wouldn’t come, you didn’t answer my call. Ah Cheng, why are you hiding behind Ming Tai?’

Ming Tai giggled while Xunran was awkwardly standing behind him.

‘Jie, I think the gentleman over there isn’t Ming Cheng,‘ Jiyun smiled.

‘Eh?’ Ming Jing frowned to the man. She noticed his hairstyle was different with Ah Cheng’s usual hairstyle. And somehow the man had different vibe with her second younger brother.

Xunran was about to speak up when Ah Cheng stepped in to living room. ‘Jie, he’s my friend.’ Ming Jing blinked while Ming Tai was laughing harder. ‘You two, you sure like to play around with me despite your age.’ Ming Jing sighed and shook her head.

‘I’m sorry, Jie. I just can’t help,’ Ming Tai stiffed his laugh.

‘Hello. So you’re friend of Ah Cheng? I’m sorry with our young master attitude.’ Ming Jing approached Xunran with apologetic look. ‘Please have a seat.’ Meanwhile Jiyun deliberately dragged Ming Tai to the kitchen.

‘It’s fine, Miss. Thank you.’ Xunran smiled as he sat beside Ming Jing and Ah Cheng immediately knew Ming Jin had fallen into that cute smile too.

‘Jie, he’s Li Xunran. Li Xunran, this is Ming Jing, my older sister,’ Ah Cheng decided to properly introduce Xunran to Ming Jing.

Xunran greeted. ‘Miss Ming Jing, nice to meet you.’

Ming Jing shook Xunran’s hand with a gentle smile. ‘This kid never once introduce his friends to me I don’t know why.’ She threw an accusing look to Ah Cheng who only shrugged then poured tea for Xunran and refilled Ming Jing’s cup.

As Ah Cheng expected, Ming Jing asked various questions to Xunran, from how they met, his relationship status, to where Xunran worked. Xunran patiently answered the questions, it was like talking to his mother – the older sister was very fond of listening to stories. ‘Jie, I invite him over to have dinner together, not to be interviewed. You will make Xunran uncomfortable.’ Ah Cheng sighed after a dozen of questions.

‘That’s why you should invite your friend more often, Ah Cheng. I think it’s the first time ever you bring a friend.’ Ming Jing said then faced to Xunran.

‘I’m glad that you befriend Ah Cheng, Xunran,’ Ming Jin patted Xunran’s hand then rolled her eyes to Ah Cheng. ‘He always looked up to his older brother. Now I don’t really know what that kid up to.’

‘Jie… I’m fine now, you’re embarrassing me.’ Ah Cheng said.

‘Dinner’s ready,’ Ming Tai appeared and dramatically gestured with his hand, he wore a soft pastel green apron with ruffles; it might be Jiyun’s. Ming Jing scolded Ming Tai to stop playing around when a guest was around. The little brother replied with his signature pout and went back in. Ming Jing gestured Xunran and Ah Cheng to follow her to dining room.

‘Ah Xiang, this is Li Xunran, Ah Cheng’s friend,’ Ming Jing introduced a girl who was placing plates on table to Xunran. The girl bowed politely. ‘Nice to meet you.’ Xunran bowed back as reply.

‘And this is Jiyun, Ming Tai’s wife.’ Ming Jing introduced the girl with blue dress Xunran saw earlier. Xunran politely greeted her and shook her hand.

Xunran took a seat next to Ah Cheng. ‘Ah Cheng, next time you have a friend, you should introduce them to me.’ Ming Jing said to Ah Cheng. ‘Also, Ah Cheng have you seen the photos I sent to you? They are nice ladies from good family.’

Maybe it was the first time Xunran saw Ah Cheng face went a hint of red. ‘Jie, please stop sending me marriage applications.’

‘I do it for you, Ah Cheng. I’m worried about you,’ said Ming Jing with concerned face.

‘Let’s eat before the food cold.’ Ming Tai chirped in. ‘Jie, eat lots.’ He put a meat on his older sister’s rice.

‘Silly, it’s you that need to eat lots.’ Ming Jing gently tapped Ming Tai’s shoulder.

‘Ah Xiang is a good cook, you should try them all,’ Ah Cheng merely placed some food to Xunran’s plate. Xunran thanked Ah Cheng and he found out that Ming Tai winked to him.

----------

Xunran was viewing a painting in front room when Ah Cheng approached him. He turned to Ah Cheng. ‘It’s a beautiful painting.’

‘My brother called it ‘Home’.’ Ah Cheng merely smiled. ‘He wanted to have a home like in that painting one day after he retired.’

‘Home…’ Xunran muttered. It was painting of lone home beside a river with trees, somehow reminded him of current Ah Cheng’s home. He remembered that Ah Cheng made several sketches with same theme too.

‘Xunran, dear, here, bring this home,’ Ming Jing went it to front room while carrying few containers in her hands. ‘Enjoy it with your family.’

Xunran took them, smiling. ‘Thank you very much.’

‘Ah Cheng, drive your friend home safely, OK?’ She patted Ah Cheng’s shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about me, Ming Tai will drive me home.’

Ah Cheng nodded. ‘Good night, Da Jie.’ Back in his heart, it was painful that the Ming mansion was no longer a place they called as home. He glanced at the door behind his sister who was saying goodbye with Xunran. Sometimes he hoped his older brother would open the door, walking to the kitchen asking for tea like he always did when he worked at night.

Ming Jing turned and made a wan smile to Ah Cheng as she knew what he was thinking. ‘Ah Cheng…’

‘Good night.’ He smiled gently to his older sister.

-----------------------

CHPT 2

Xunran tossed the umbrella between his hands. He eyed the board in front of him. Yan Yujin had been asked for some information, but like the last victims, Xiao Jingrui went missing without a trace around a year ago.

The morning when Yujin came to ask Jingrui to jog together, he wasn’t in his apartment. There wasn’t any sign of robbery or fight. Phone, bank books, and wallet were still intact. His car was still in basement.

If the perpetrator from the series of killing was the same with Xiao Jingrui’s, he could narrow down the suspects – it might be someone close to Xiao Jingrui. But the problem was, most victims didn’t relate one another. They all had different occupation and social strata. It should be someone with wide connections.

Xunran eyed the list of victims. The first victim to be found was a salary man named Cui Zongshi. One hiker found the burial and reported it to forest ranger because the concern of burning incense.  At first they thought someone buried dead animal, but turned out it was human inside.

Second one was Jing, a normal housewife. She was buried near a lake with grave built from stones. She was the fastest to be found comparing with her time of death. It might be because the stone grave was easier to locate.

The third to be found was a military man working for air force named Fang Meng Ao. He was related to Cui Zongshi as his close friend. His body was found on the top of mountain. Not like the other victims, he wasn’t buried, but positioned at a tree like he was asleep while watching the sky. Formaldehyde was injected to his body for preservation and dried flower bouquet was placed beside him. Bo Jiyan had assured Xunran that the perpetrator was same person. Also Meng Ao – like Xiao Jingrui – had peculiar background. He was son of Central Bank owner, although his relationship with his father couldn’t be say in good term condition. But no matter how much money his father had spent for finding the murderer of his son, the case still hadn’t been solved yet.

The fourth victim was found buried in forest under full blossomed tree. A noodle shop owner called Fan Chuan. Most of his customer and the shop owner next to his shop thought he was on vacation, visiting his old friends. But turned out he was found dead two months later.

The most recent one was Xiao Jingrui. But from the condition of his body, he took the longest to be found because the area he had been buried. 

Xunran rubbed his tired eyes. The serial killings had gone for over a year and he didn’t know how many more bodies that hadn’t been found. The killer always chose a forest, mountains, or somewhere near lake, not something which other people would accidentally found something amiss.

‘Sir, are you going overtime?’ One of his subordinate stood by the door with a concerned look.

‘Ah, sorry, I will go home soon. You don’t have to wait for me.’’ Xunran replied. His subordinate nodded and left.

Xunran sighed and turned off his computer. He put the file papers to his bag then he noticed the umbrella. At first he intended to give it back to the flower shopkeeper after work but apparently he stayed in his office until late night. Maybe he would deliver it back tomorrow or when he could get free time from work.

------------

------------

After few days, at last Xunran could get free time. He visited Jian family first in the morning because Jian auntie said she needed help for changing the curtains and light bulbs. When he arrived, Yao Yao was out (might be with Bo Jiyan again) and Xuan Xuan had study group with her friends. Xunran felt bit relieved because he didn’t have to listen to Xuan Xuan talking about Ah Cheng to him. The flower shopkeeper was her new favorite topic recently. He excused himself after breakfast (and auntie gave him lots of snacks to bring home).

Xunran parked his car and walked across the avenue. It was weekday so it wasn’t very crowded at noon. The flower shop was noticeable from far because the flower display outside.

‘Thank you, come again.’ Ah Cheng smiled to a girl who looked so flushed. Xunran snorted, this girl maybe already fell to that sweet-polite-business-like smile.

‘Mister Li,’ Ah Cheng face changed bit when he saw Xunran.

‘Mister Ming,’ Xunran greeted.

‘Please, come in,’ Ah Cheng opened his shop door for Xunran. ‘At last you come when the weather is nice. Have a seat; I’ll make coffee for you.’

Xunran smiled briefly then went in. He walked towards the table near window; there were some papers on it with drawings of landscapes with a lone house. ‘They are beautiful.’ Xunran commented.

‘Just a little hobby of mine,’ Ah Cheng replied while pouring the coffee. ‘Sometimes I draw for killing time.’

Xunran sat and observed the sketches more. Most of them were landscapes drawings. He flipped some drawings and noticed a sketch of person. He knew well the person because he already briefed Ah Cheng’s background when he needed to interview Ah Cheng for Jingrui’s case. It was the sketch of Ming corp. former owner, Ming Lou, who died in car accident three years ago.

When Ah Cheng walked towards the table with coffee, Xunran put the sketches back to its position. He mouthed thank you as Ah Cheng placed the coffee in front of him. It had nice pleasant aroma.

‘Thank you for the umbrella,’ Xunran took out a paper bag. ‘Also there is some snack, I got lots from my friend’s mom and maybe you’d like some.’

‘You don’t have to, it’s just umbrella,’ Ah Cheng laughed. ‘But if you insist, few snacks won’t hurt,’ he casually smiled – and again Xunran heart was felt like skipped a beat. Maybe because the smile he made wasn’t the polite-business-like which Ah Cheng always wore when he treated his customer. It was more….intimate.

‘It’s delicious!’ Xunran commented after he sipped the coffee.

‘I’m glad you like it, mister Li,’ Ah Cheng chuckled a bit. ‘It’s my special blend.’

They talked stuffs non private, like the weather, recent events in television, and stuffs. Xunran enjoyed the smiles Ah Cheng made – which sometimes it would change into a quirky smirk.

Ah Cheng in the other hand, observed how Xunran covered his mouth a bit when he smiled or laughed. Sometimes he would cover his entire face when he was embarrassed.

A faint tinkling was heard, signified that a customer walked in. Ah Cheng excused himself to Xunran who replied with a nod.

He could hear the casual talk a bit; the customer thought Xunran was Ah Cheng’s brother because they looked almost the same. Ah Cheng replied it with a casual laugh that Xunran was his long lost brother then winked to him.

Xunran wanted to die (lol)

He gulped his coffee. He should calm down; he only met Ah Cheng for like few times as acquaintances and once because of his job. Maybe it was Ah Cheng’s personality that he was kind to anyone, and as a shopkeeper he needed to be approachable to everyone who came to his shop.

He startled a bit when flower in pot was placed in front of him. Ah Cheng’s face peeked from the side. ‘For you, mister Li.’ He pushed the flower pot toward Xunran. ‘It’s easy to nurture it. If it’s still difficult for you, next time I’ll give you a cactus instead.’ Ah Cheng caressed the little blue flowers.

‘Hm? Why are you giving me this?’ Xunran raised his brows bit confused.

‘This is actually a bribe.’ Ah Cheng wore a serious face then sat across Xunran. ‘May I ask your phone number?’

-------------

Xunran was about to sleep when his phone screen showed notification of message

Good night, mister Li

A very simple and short message. Xunran chuckled and typed the reply.

Good night, mister Ming, have nice dream.

The next morning, when he woke up, Xunran found there was a reply around an hour earlier.

I dreamt of you last night

Xunran spluttered his water.

---------------

---------------

Xunran was doing his report when his colleague called him, ‘Xunran, there’s a delivery for you at front office.’

‘Ok, thanks, Chen,’ Xunran nodded.

‘Who is she?’ Chen made a teasing smile to Xunran.

‘What?’ Xunran joined his brows in confusion but his colleague left him and went to his desk.

Xunran walked to the front office. A guy wearing white shirt and plain black apron was there, talking to the receptionist.

‘I thought you’re mister Li’s relative.’

Xunran overheard the conversation. He knew immediately who he was talking to.

‘Afternoon.’ Xunran greeted.

The man turned to Xunran with his usual polite-business-like smile. ‘Hello, mister Li, I have a delivery for you. Let me get it for you.’ Ah Cheng excused himself and went out to his van.

When he was back, he brought a sunflower bouquet.

‘Please sign here,’ Ah Cheng gave Xunran the receipts.

Xunran nodded – still bit confused – and signed it.

The bouquet was passed to his hands. He could feel Ah Cheng’s fingers brushed his. ‘Have a nice day,’ Ah Cheng smiled then went back to his van.

Xunran blinked then stared at the sunflower bouquet in his hand. Could it be Xuan Xuan or Yao Yao send it to him? But there was nothing for him to celebrate, his birthday was still months later and if they wanted to give him flowers or gifts they always went straight to his home – or nagged him to take it himself at their home. Bo Jiyan was out of list.

While walking back to his office, Xunran noticed there was a little envelope tucked in between the flowers. Xunran flipped it, no sender.

When he was back, his colleagues bombarded him with questions. ‘Who is this generous lady, Xunran?’ ‘You should invite her to our party next time.’

‘I don’t know who the sender is, it can be from family we had helped before,’ Xunran replied – which rewarded him with boo reactions from his workmates.

He opened the envelope. Neat writings were shown on the card inside.

Next time, when the weather is nice, please come again.

His coworkers kept teasing him all day. They said Xunran had to admit that he already had girlfriend – or Xunran shouldn’t hide his girlfriend as secret admirer – also they should celebrate for Xunran.

‘Back to work!’ Xunran shooed his workmates.

-------------------

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The flowers kept coming once every few days. Sometimes after he had to visit few sites, he found a bouquet was placed on his desk – and his coworkers gave him knowing smile. Even in rare times Xunran could take the delivery himself, Ah Cheng kept his polite smile when he delivered the flower to Xunran. And each time Xunran wanted to ask why he did this, Ah Cheng had excused himself and drove off.

‘A very persistent admirer, isn’t she?’ Chen patted Xunran who covered his face while sighing – looking at stuffs on his desk. ‘You should reply to her, maybe when you’re free, visit her more often. Now she sent you bento box?’ Chen peek the contents inside.

‘Yeah..  I should give a visit next time when I’m free…’ Xunran muttered. He opened the box. It was filled with various food with inviting aroma. The other box filled with snacks. Xunran tasted one of the snacks and he swore it tasted much better than all boxed foods he had tried before.

He shared the snacks with his coworkers. ‘You should keep her, Xunran. These are all awesome.’ Chen commented with his mouth full.

Xunran continued eating his lunch. He took out his phone and scrolled the contact list. Should he call?

Thank you for the lunch and snacks. I share the snacks with my friends. They all taste good, may I know from which shop did you order them from?

Xunran decided to send a text message. After few moments, a message notification appeared.

The shop is Jade Porcelain Looking forward to have dinner together next time

------------------------

------------------------

Ah Cheng stopped his car at the front of Ming mansion gate. The big mansion was looked the same like when all Ming family lived there few years ago. Even though they didn’t live there anymore, Ming Jing still maintained it. Every few weeks a gardener would come and Ah Xiang sometimes came did general cleaning.

Sometimes Ah Cheng felt both foreign and nostalgic each time he paid the mansion visit. Ming Jing was right, what was the point of home when no one was home. He unlocked the front door and walked in. Subconsciously Ah Cheng hold out his hand, ready to help Ming Lou taking off his coat.

Ah Cheng curled his fingers, sighed.

He took off his coat and folded his sleeves, then went to kitchen where Ah Xiang put some utilities for cleaning. He took out a cloth, detergent, wood cleaner, and filled the bucket with water.

From the condition in living room and kitchen, Ah Xiang had come yesterday, so all the room should had been cleaned, except one room. Ah Cheng walked to the door at the side of stairs and unlocked it. He had requested Ah Xiang to only let him doing the cleaning inside.

Ah Cheng stepped in.

‘Ah Cheng,’ Ming Lou would call him while concentrating whatever in front of him. Sometimes it was a report from the flour factory or other business, the other day was newspaper.

The desk was in the same condition with family portrait, some economic books, laptop, writing tools, and few notes. Ah Cheng put them neatly aside and wiped the desk.

He carefully put the items back. He remembered he brought some flowers with him, maybe today he would put a little vase on his desk. Ming Lou used to complain when Ah Cheng put flowers on his desk – both at his workplace or home. ‘It’s better if you give them to Da Jie. These flowers don’t suit an old man desk.’

Ah Cheng checked the bookshelves. Few books were a little off placed. It must be the little brother doing again. Sometimes Ming Tai still came and borrowed books but maybe he forgot where the row for the books from so he always misplaced. Ah Cheng arranged the books back to its position. He would remind this brat later.

He took out a fresh bed sheet – he always changed it once a week. Ming Jing had told him that it wasn’t necessary but Ah Cheng still did it. Back in his mind, maybe, someday, Ming Lou would come back.

Ah Cheng dropped himself on the bed, crying.

------------

------------

Xunran went to the shopping district after send a message to Ah Cheng that he was free today. Ah Cheng replied that he could come to his shop at evening time. He went there by taxi because Ah Cheng said at night most of the parking area was used for food stalls.

Xunran noticed the usual buckets filled with flowers were already put inside. He could see Ah Cheng was sitting on the chair by the window – looked like he was writing or drawing something. He had taken off his usual black apron. When Ah Cheng looked up, he noticed Xunran who walking towards the store and waved at him.

Xunran pushed the store door then went inside. ‘Long time no see, mister Li.’ Ah Cheng greeted while closing his notebook.

‘Good evening.’ Xunran  smiled. ‘This is, for the flowers and delicious food you had brought to me the other days.’ Xunran gave Ah Cheng a box of chocolate cake. ‘I don’t know what you like, also I can’t cook, so…’

‘Thank you,’ Ah Cheng received the box. ‘With this much, we can enjoy it together.’ He made that quirky smirk again which Xunran swore that his cheeks went burning red.

Ah Cheng took his coat and car key. ‘Okay then.’ He turned to Xunran who looked confused.

‘We have dinner outside?’ Xunran asked uncertainly.

‘Yes of course, I don’t have kitchen here.’ Ah Cheng laughed while wearing his gloves.

‘Oh,’ Xunran nodded, ‘I’ll wait outside then.’ He walked out.

Ah Cheng chuckled then turned off the light. After he made sure he had locked everything, he approached Xunran. ‘So, shall we?’ He smiled, and again Xunran felt his face was warm.

They walked between food stalls and Xunran wondering which one Ah Cheng would stop and recommend to him. But he didn’t stop and went into a parking building. The security there casually greeted him, seemed they had known for long time.

‘Your brother?’ The security guard asked.

‘No, a friend, at first I was surprised too,’ Ah Cheng laughed then passed by.

Ah Cheng unlocked his car. Out of his habit, he opened the door for Xunran – who awkwardly went in.

‘Where will we go?’ Xunran asked.

‘My place,’ Ah Cheng stole a glance to Xunran who shifted a bit in his seat.

‘Oh ok,’ Calm down, Xunran. Friends visited each other place. It was common.

‘It will take around half hour to an hour depend on the traffic,’ he drove into highway. ‘It’s bit around the outskirt.’

Xunran leaned back in his seat, watching as the road gradually became fewer buildings in sight, replaced with trees. Ah Cheng made few turns until a lone house was seen from far.

‘Here we are,’ Ah Cheng parked his car. It was a moderate house, nothing extravagant. Not far from the house, a river could be seen. At first Xunran thought, as one of Ming siblings, Ah Cheng might have a big gaudy house which would make Xunran felt more awkward than he already was.

Xunran followed Ah Cheng inside. At front room, there were few blank canvases put at one corner near the sofa. ‘Sorry, it was delivered this morning. I haven’t put them aside. Please sit wherever you like,’ Ah Cheng took the canvases and disappeared to second floor.

Xunran sat on the sofa while looking around. It was a normal house, nothing seemed oddly expensive in sight – which made Xunran felt more comfortable. Family portraits were placed neatly on the corner table. He noticed a flower was placed beside Ming Lou’s photo.

‘Sorry for the wait,’ Ah Cheng stepped downstairs. ‘What will we have today?’ He clasped his hands. ‘Do you like meat? Veggies?‘

‘I eat everything. The one you sent to me few days ago tasted all delicious,’ Xunran grinned sheepishly.

‘Thank you for the compliment,’ Ah Cheng laughed, ‘So, ready for dinner?’

Xunran followed Ah Cheng to kitchen area.

‘Want to help?’ Ah Cheng turned to Xunran who smiled awkwardly. ‘Sure, but I don’t know if I can be much help.’

‘It’s fine. You can help with washing stuffs,’ Ah Cheng wore his apron and offered one to Xunran.

They worked side by side. Sometimes Ah Cheng pointed what Xunran should do. Then Xunran would observe Ah Cheng cooked, and let Xunran tasted the food. It was all tasted amazing.

Xunran and Ah Cheng sat at the table and filled their plates. Sometimes Ah Cheng would put food on Xunran’s rice while mouthing ‘eat more.’ Xunran didn’t really mind, because they were all superb. After they finished the meal, they picked up the plates and washed them. While they were wiping the plates, Ah Cheng asked whether Xunran had to work tomorrow.

‘Why?’ Xunran asked. He put the last plate to the rack.

Ah Cheng put out a bottle of wine from the cupboard with a grin.

Xunran pursed his lips. ‘Fine, but only a tiny bit. I don’t have to get early tomorrow though.’

Ah Cheng poured to one glass and handed it to Xunran.

‘Thanks,’ Xunran could smell a fragrant aroma as he tilted the glass a bit. He sat on one stool in the kitchen and saw Ah Cheng poured one for himself.

‘Do you want to ask me something?’ Ah Cheng turned to Xunran.

‘Eh?’

‘You looked like that since we met this evening.’ Ah Cheng sipped his wine.

Xunran took a breath then looked down to the wine glass in his hand. ‘The flowers and dinner, I appreciate it.’

‘I thought you already said that to me before, mister Li.’ Ah Cheng laughed but then he noticed Xunran’s ears were red. He smiled then sat beside Xunran. ‘Hey, it’s fine. I do it because I want to.’

Xunran blushed. Cute.

‘I mean, I won’t hide that I have some motives with the flowers and asking you over for dinner,’ Ah Cheng continued. ‘If you don’t like it, I will stop.’

‘No.’ Xunran snapped – a bit too loud maybe because he noticed Ah Cheng’s eyes widened a bit in surprise. ‘I don’t hate it. So...’ Xunran voice trailed off. His mind tried to find suitable words.

‘Please continue send the flowers and treat me dinner?’ Ah Cheng stifled a chuckle.

‘You don’t have to say it like that.’ Xunran cheeks went pink, he gulped his wine in embarrassment.

Ah Cheng let out a laugh. ‘I will continue to send you flowers, Mister Li. Please wait patiently,’ Ah Cheng bowed - which made Xunran burried his face to his hand.

--------------------------------

There was a void, when Ming Lou was gone. It was the first time he looked at the blood with blank stare and his shaking hands reached Ming Lou - closing his eyes. 

 The authority said he died because a mere car accident. But Ah Cheng knew it wasn’t simple as that. Someone wanted Ming Lou dead. He was out there.

--------------------

--------------------

Ah Cheng first noticed Li Xunran in a bar he frequented too. The person had same appearance with him, who amused him for a while. At the first time, Ah Cheng thought the person was like a mirror, but the smile he made to the girl in front of him was a bright smile with a tingle of sadness.

It took his interest Ah Cheng tried to find many informations of him.

Maybe it was a mere coincidence or not, one girl who frequented his flower shop commented that her older sister’s friend was looked alike with him. ‘You’re more handsome of course!’ She said.

‘Xuan Xuan.’

‘Ah, Xunran ge!’ She walked towards the gentleman who called her. Ah Cheng turned to view the man; again he was blessed with the bright smile. It was like a sun shone after rainy days.

---------------------

‘Xunran ge, that’s the flower shop I’m talking about,’ Xuan Xuan cheerfully motioned towards a flower stall. ‘The owner is as handsome as you I almost mistook him when I first came to his shop. I thought you quit your police job then open a flower shop.’ She grinned.

‘Hm?’ Xunran raised his brows then turned. He noticed a figure with a plain black apron arranging buckets filled with flower but Xunran couldn’t see his face properly because he faced the other way. ‘Nah, you’re joking. Let me help you.’ He chuckled while taking some groceries bags from her.

Xuan Xuan thanked Xunran then continued, ‘No, I’m not joking. Next time Xunran ge should accompany me to the shop.’ Xuan Xuan pounced happily next to Xunran.

Xunran let out a light laugh and walked along her.

-----------------------

-----------------------

Another body was found. It was neatly buried under a full blossomed tree as if the perpetrator gave a fully respect of him so the nature could give flowers for the dead even the other living people couldn’t. Hands were folded neatly, eyes were closed. The information for the body came out like the body was found before. He was a good man, living honest life, and no one hold grudge or resented him.

At first Xunran thought it was a random serial killing, because each body had different backgrounds. But after few discoveries, it had a click. The killer went to person which lead honest life and buried them with respect. Only the perpetrator somehow so skilled, the police hadn’t found any useful lead or witness. Even Xunran had to ask Bo Jinyan to help but the man himself was so baffled with how neat the killer did his job.

------------------

------------------

It was one day when Xunran had few hours of free time and the sisters decided dragging him along to accompany them shopping. ‘You just want me to carry your bags, right?’ Xunran playfully commented while showing few paper bags in his hand.

‘I thought your manner has improved after you become a civil servant?’ Yao Yao giggled and nudged him.

Xunran faked a sigh then grinned. ‘Sometimes I forgot’.

As expected, the little sister leaded them to a certain flower shop. Xuan Xuan kept nagging Xunran about the shopkeeper to him for days until he agreed to go with her when he was free. As long as the pretty little princess happy – said Xunran jokingly.

He read the shop sign: ‘Jade Porcelain’. Foldable white wooden shelves filled with flower buckets were placed outside the shop.

Xuan Xuan pushed the door and a faint tinkling was heard from little bells attached to it. It was a nice modest shop with a desk and couple of chairs by the glass window. Flower buckets were filled the shelves and a bit behind there was a wooden counter with various tools. It might be for customers who wanted to requests bouquet or gifts. Xunran walked in, the person whom the sisters kept talking about was nowhere in sight.

‘Hello, welcome. I’m sorry I was at the back.’

A voice was heard, it was like a melted chocolate, nice and sweet. Xunran stammered, staring at the shopkeeper walked through door behind the counter.

Xuan Xuan was right. The shopkeeper had a strong resemblance of himself - the neat brows, the nose, eyes, and the chin. He was as tall as Xunran. Although after moments of glance, people would know it was a different person. He wore polite-business-like smile, and his hair was very neatly styled – comparing to Xunran which sometimes preferred more laid back style because of his busy work (in other time he styled it better though). He wore white shirt with a plain black apron, with the long sleeves folded.

The shopkeeper noticed Xunran staring at him, then made a polite smile to him. ‘See Xunran ge? He looks like a carbon copy of you,’ Xuan Xuan commented, rewarding her a light slap on head from YaoYao.

‘Is he your handsome ge that you keep talking about?’ The shopkeeper asked.

‘Yes!’ She chirped. ‘He is Xunran ge! What? Sis?’ Yao Yao nudged her little sister again, mouthing ‘that’s not polite.’

------------

Ah Cheng made a polite smile – he always did when he first met someone. At least he chose to act like that in front of Xunran. He had searched about the sharpshooter police deputy long before. He once had unfortunate case with Flower Cannibal but now he had recovered fully.  He lived with his parents, and frequently visited his best friend’s family. Sometimes he would sing in bar if his friends nagged him to.

‘Hello, because little Xuan has revealed your name, maybe it will be fair if I let you know my name. I’m Ming Cheng.’

Xunran, with his kind nature he had, didn’t dare to not reply so he smiled. ‘I’m Li Xunran.’

‘Awesome. You look like twins!’ Xuan Xuan covered her mouth in excitement. ‘Xunran ge is chubbier tho!’

‘Xuan Xuan, you want to buy some flowers, right? Not only for chit chat.’ Yao Yao dragged her sister away to view some flowers on display. ‘But- but- sis’

‘I’m sorry sometimes she is too lively.’ Xunran smiled with apology.

‘It’s fine. It’s good to change pace sometimes. Your little sister is nice to talk to.‘ Ah Cheng moved some buckets on the shelves while talking. He made a vacant room for more flower buckets that placed on the floor.

‘Ah, they aren’t my sisters.’

Ah Cheng raised his brows purposely – he already knew the information.  ‘I see.’

‘Ah Cheng ge. I want this.’ Xuan Xuan had back and pointed white anemone flower. Xunran was amazed that Xuan Xuan had already called the shopkeeper casually with his name.

‘Ok, let me wrap this up for you.’ Ah Cheng again made the smile who made Xuan Xuan swooned. This man knew how to make girls heart fluttered – Xunran noted.

Ah Cheng skillfully wrapped the flowers; he asked whether they wanted a ribbon for it. YaoYao politely refused, said the flowers will be put in a vase so no need to make the wrapper pretty.

Xunran waited by the door while Yao Yao paid for the flowers. Her little sister chatted and asked casual topic with Ah Cheng. It seemed the younger little princess had grown attached to the shopkeeper ge who had same features with him.

‘Thank you, Ah Cheng ge!’

‘You’re welcome. I’ll wait for your next visit,’ Ah Cheng patted her head, which made Xuan Xuan turned red again. YaoYao needed to drag her squealing little sister out the shop.

Xunran politely said goodbye to Ah Cheng before went through the door.

‘Come again, mister Li. I have coffee if you want to chat some other time.’ Ah Cheng smiled.

------------------

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It was a silly drink party with his colleagues after one case was solved. Xunran decided not to drink much because he still needed to drive, and maybe dropped few his workmates home. It was when he glanced around he noticed the back of figure which now familiar to him.

Xunran excused himself from his workmates and walked towards the bar.

‘Hi, mister Ming. May I sit here?’ Xunran greeted Ah Cheng who sat and chatted casually with the bartender. He was wearing gray shirt with bordeaux tie, covered with black suit jacket.

‘Ah, sure. Mister Li, what a coincidence.’ Ah Cheng smiled. ‘But unfortunately I don’t have any coffee for you.’ He added playfully.

Xunran remembered the goodbye Ah Cheng gave to him at flower shop, made him chuckled a little. He took a seat next Ah Cheng and asked for beer.

‘Are you regular here?’ Xunran casually asked.

‘Sometimes I come here after work,’ Ah Cheng replied, ‘and I assume that you come here with your friends?’

Xunran glanced at his workmates who still drinking and chatting at the next table. He sipped his beer. ‘Yes. Today is a bit good day so we treat ourselves.’

‘Oh, then how about I treat you something to celebrate the good stuffs happen in your life?’ Ah Cheng smiled. This smile made Xunran somewhat giddy and he hoped his face not going red.

‘I don’t drink any beside beer today. I have to drive my friends back home.’ Xunran politely refused and gulped his beer to calm himself.

‘Hmm? How about coffee, I haven’t made one for you right?’ Ah Cheng rested his chin to his right hand. He somewhat enjoyed each Xunran’s reaction.

‘That can do,’ Xunran shyly smiled, he covered his mouth a bit.

‘Hey, Xunran! Come here! This game isn’t complete without you!’ One of his workmate called him excitedly.

Xunran turned and took his beer. ‘We will chat on other time, Mister Ming.’

‘When the weather is nice, please come to my shop. I will make coffee for you,’ Ah Cheng smiled.

-------------

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A light tinkling of bells was heard.

Ah Cheng looked at himself for second time in mirror. He fixed his tie and suit. After he thought he looked fine enough, he walked to the shop door. Someone already waited outside.

‘Ah Cheng ge,’ he greeted. He wore neat and formal clothes similar with Ah Cheng, but with more colour and fashionable style which younger generation preferred.

‘Ming Tai,’ Ah Cheng nodded. He motioned inside his shop and Ming Tai went in to get a flower bouquet that placed neatly on table near window.

After Ah Cheng took his coat and locked the shop, they walked in silence towards a car which Ming Tai parked nearby the boulevard.

‘I will drive,’ Ah Cheng hold out his hand, asking for car key from Ming Tai.

‘After all these years, ge still doesn’t trust me to drive.’ Ming Tai made his signature pout.

Ah Cheng still hold out his hand. ‘Your driving style made Da Jie preferred to walk home last time.’

Ming Tai sighed in defeat while mouthing ‘my driver license isn’t a mere decoration’ and gave the car key to Ah Cheng. He sat on passenger seat and let his ge drove his car.

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‘You know, somewhat it will be easier if we live closer to each other. It’s boring to just sit for more than an hour.’ Ming Tai stared outside the car window. ‘I had said already that you could go with Da Jie, then we can meet up there.’ Ah Cheng replied.

Ming Tai yawned. ‘I just want to know how are you doing, Ah Cheng ge.’ The little brother turned to Ah Cheng. ‘Ah Cheng ge, you have to visit Da Jie more often. She said she had lots of arrangements for you too.’

‘Arrangements….yes…’ Ah Cheng sighed, knowing the conversation would lead to.

‘Ah come on, Ah Cheng ge. I had married, and now it’s your time to have a happy life,’ said Ming Tai casually.

‘Now you sound like Da Jie. It’s more than enough to have one people in life to nag me about marriage.’ Ah Cheng rolled his eyes.

‘Da Jie is worried about you, ge. I’m too…’ Ming Tai was about to mouthed something but he chose to stop.

‘I’m grateful that you’re worried about me but I’m totally fine with my current life.’ Ah Cheng turned to one intersection and drove into a building.

A woman was waiting at the lobby. She had an elegant styled hair, dressed in black qipao covered with purple coat. When she recognized the car approaching, she waved and walked towards happily.

Ah Cheng stopped the car and walked out. ‘Da Jie.’ He smiled and opened the passenger door for Ming Jing, the oldest from Ming siblings.

‘Ah Cheng, how are you?’ She patted his arm before went in. ‘Ming Tai.’ She gleefully greeted Ming Tai who gave a cheerful smile to her.

---------------------

Photos of victims scattered on Xunran’s desks. The case hadn’t yet come into a leading which gave Xunran a headache everytime he faced the files. Bo Jinyan had given some of his insights but it was limited to how the perpetrator would prefer and how he worked with the bodies. Xunran had warned people close to him to be more careful with strangers (which result a comment from Yao Yao that Xunran was like a nagging mother) because most of the bodies were normal people who lead a normal life.

Xunran’s face went darkened when he received a call that another body was found. It was deep in a forest, where flowers grew. Several dried bouquet of wild flowers were placed on the burial. Maybe someone sometimes went back to place the flower there and then stopped after few days ago. Footprints were found, from a regular boots that could be bought in any store.

The body information fitted a missing person from over a year ago - one of biggest donators, Xiao Jingrui.

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Ming Jing put the flowers on the grave and arranged them neatly.

‘You, silly, you left your younger siblings so early. You even didn’t come to see Ming Tai married last year.’ She commented while caressing the cold stone.

‘Da Ge, Ah Cheng ge still not married!’ Ming Tai added.

Ah Cheng made a sigh. This little brat.

They stood in silence until they decided to leave, mouthed a faint goodbyes to their Da Ge and Di Di.

Ming Tai asked for a big feast to Ming Jing. The dotting big sister of course couldn’t refuse the youngest master request so she asked Ah Cheng to drive to a restaurant they frequented.

‘Ah Cheng, how’s your flower shop? If you want to go back to work with us, we will happily accept you,’ Ming Jing asked Ah Cheng with a concerned look.

After Ming Lou’s burial, Ah Cheng chose to back off from Ming family business then opened a small flower shop. He also moved out from Ming mansion. At first Ming Jing was totally against it but then she understood, maybe Ah Cheng still needed some time to heal - which everyone needed too.

Ming Jing then found it too painful when she was alone in empty home. So she moved to an apartment a bit close where Ming Tai lived so she could visit her favorite younger brother frequently.

Sometimes Ah Cheng would go back to Ming mansion to clean it – even though it was useless because no one living in there anymore. He would go to Ming Lou’s room and wiped the dust from shelves. Then he sat on one couch, imagining Ming Lou sitting while reading newspaper until the night came and Ah Cheng quietly went back home.

‘I’m doing good, Da Jie. And I think Ming Tai can manage the business himself.’ Ah Cheng replied.

‘I can because I’m the great Ming Tai,’ Ming Tai added while patted his chest proudly.

‘If you need something, don’t hesitant to ask.’ Ming Jing still made a worried look to Ah Cheng. ‘Also, Ah Cheng, I know this girl, she’s nice and has good family background.’

Ming Tai made ‘told ya’ face to Ah Cheng while eating his shu mai.

------------------

Ah Cheng said goodbye to Ming Tai then walked towards his shop. Few droplets of water started blotching the stone pavement. It might be a downpour in few moments. When Ah Cheng was about few meters from his shop, he noticed two men were standing in front of his shop. One of them was familiar to him.

‘Good evening, mister Li. I’m sorry the shop is closed today but I can treat you and your friend coffee.’ Ah Cheng greeted.

Xunran smiled. ‘It’s fine; today I come here as police officer, mister Ming. He’s Chen, my work partner.’ Chen bowed politely and showed his identity card.

Ah Cheng raised his brows, ‘What business for a police officer coming to flower shop?’ He unlocked his shop and invited them in. ‘Please have a seat.’

‘We need to ask some questions. From the record, you had been asked about Xiao Jingrui from a year ago. May I ask how your relationship with him is?’ Chen asked.

Ah Cheng moved to the coffee machine and put some beans in. His mind dug some memory from years ago. ‘Yes, I met a lot with him when I used to work with Ming corp. He’s one of business partner of Ming family business.’

Xiao Chen took note. ‘When was your last time meeting him?’

‘Hmm. Over a year ago? Or two years? After I resigned from Ming corp., I don’t meet much with business partners anymore. Most of work related meetings now were handled by my brother now. I sometimes still meet with Ming’s business partners only for friendship matter.’ Ah Cheng poured the coffee to two cups and placed them on table.

‘Last time I met Jingrui it was over a dinner...’ Ah Cheng stopped. ‘Does something happen with Jingrui? He was found?’

‘Yesterday a body was found, and we identified it as Xiao Jingrui who was claimed missing from a year ago.’ Xunran said.

Ah Cheng’s face darkened.

‘We assumed the suspect was someone close to him. So if you have any information that will help the case, we are very grateful.’

‘When he went missing a year ago, I didn’t have any clue. I thought he was gone for vacation. But with his nature, he wouldn’t just go missing.’ Ah Cheng exhaled.

‘Do you know anybody who might hold grudge against him personally?’ asked Xunran.

‘I don’t know,’ Ah Cheng shook his head. ‘He is an ingenuous man, who will hate him? Maybe if you want more information you can ask Yan Yujin. He’s his best friend, the closest to Jingrui.’

‘Yes. He is already in our list. Thank you for your time, mr Ming.’ Xunran and Xiao Chen stood up.

When Xunran and Xiao Chen were going outside the shop, the rain poured hard. Ah Cheng offered them umbrella to use. ‘Today isn’t a nice day, is it?’ He made a wan smile.

----------------------

KK likes cute things and JD knows it. KK’s very sweet around cats and dogs. When they both can have free time together, JD buys ticket to the zoo and asks KK to go with him.

So they go to the zoo, but KK being KK he’s so easily scared. When they first go to birds area and the parrot speaks,　KK flinches a little. JD encourages KK to go nearer the cage, going to take KK’s photo. The bird speak again and the result is a photo with agitated face KK and a parrot.

(’You can take photos with birds if you want,’ the staff kindly offers him. ‘No. Thanks’ KK automatically refused.

JD be like why not? Then they take photos with birds put on their hands - KK still scared so JD wrap his hand around KK’s shoulder to calm him? Also he says to the staff, ‘Put the bird on KK’s head.’ KK be like no no no no, but JD be like yes yes yes)

He hides behind JD when they get to crocodiles / alligator area. Peeking to the animals which enjoying the sunbathing time. ‘Nah, they’re fine. Why are you hiding?’ JD laughs. KK refuses to move closer to the fence.

KK is interested into tigers and the cubs. Cubs look cute. Mom tiger looks beautiful. JD is beautiful too, so he takes JD’s photo secretly. The low growl from mom tiger makes KK takes few steps away from the glass cage, bumping to JD.

Of course KK refuses to go to the snake area. They are scary looking for him. But JD wants to see, they have paid tickets, at least he wants to explore. KK unconsciously hugs JD’s arm while walking through the snake cave. When they out the cave, KK still hugs JD’s arm. Some people smile looking at them and KK wonders why. When he finds out that he’s still hugging JD’s arm, he goes beet red and let go.

(JD: ‘I’m fine if you want to hug longer? I still have other arm.’)

JD finds it’s amusing to see KK so agitated in the zoo trip. He’s sure KK is curious with some animals and goes awww by them, but he will flinch if they go closer to him. KK is more cautious with animals with bigger size than him. He will simply hide behind JD’s back or maybe he doesn’t realize it that he does it a lot - he touches or hugs JD’s arm.

(Maybe a sudden roar from lion, or when a polar bear scared KK, he will jump-hug JD. Later JD will buy KK a koala plushie to tease him)

He will let JD does the feeding - like the girrafe, elephant, or llama. When the zoo staff offers KK to feed the animal, he will politely refuse. ‘He will do it,’ KK said with awkward laugh.

‘Want to ride the elephant?’ JD asks. KK’s face turns pale. ‘Uh, No... the height is too...’ but JD drags him before he finishes. They ride elephant together and JD hugs the slender figure from behind 

(JD can’t help see KK looks nervous when riding the elephant, so well, hug him from behind.

After the elephant ride. ‘Not that scary, right? You’re red, KK. Are you sick?’

KK walks away from JD because he is so embarrassed but JD gets to him, laughing.)

KK is more content when they get to fluffy smoll rabbits area. They can pet the rabbits. There will be lots of KK photos with fluffy rabbits. 

‘They are so sweet,’ KK beams with his smile, brushing his fingers to the soft fur. JD’s heart skips a beat.

(Then JD will drag KK to more petting smoll furry animals area so he can see that smile more.

(JD gets a headbutt from a sheep. KK laughs his ass off)

(Some fans maybe spot them? Taking their photos when they ride elephant together, petting the rabbits, when JD buy drinks for him or when KK hug JD’s arm, bumping into JD, etc. Then the two become trending topic that night. ‘JD and KK go to a zoo date???’

KK is very flustered seeing him with JD in that photos, but uh well they both look happy so maybe it’s ok? JD doesn’t really mind with that photos and articles surround them, when staffs or friends asking him about the zoo date, he answers it casually, ‘We’re just having fun together,’ with meaningful smile.

HG be like ‘I see what you did there’ to KK. Tease him about ‘how firm is da ge’s biceps’

Few days later, JD gives aquarium ticket to KK.

‘Let’s see some sharks!’

KK makes a hesitant face

She noticed at last he brought his bag, maybe a good sign he would go home. Isaac had been sleeping in his office lately, sometimes she found he was camping in laboratory - covering himself with blanket and slept on the floor. Some reports, both old and new were scattered around him.

A little smile pursed on her lips, still couldn't believe that Isaac asked her to have dinner together - or for exact maybe biting food bar together. She envied the stories from the past, about having organic food, stylishly arranged. There were synthetic food with appearance like organic food, of course it cost more. Some factories didn't produce it no longer because most people prefer a simple food bar with block shape - easier to bring and eat. Other made product with plain white color with many flavors, called it 'Surprise Sack' or such. 

Eileen walked out, finding Flannan was outside. 'Would you mind talking?' Eileen nodded, following Flannan to his office. Comparing to his reckless personalty, his office looked much neat.

'It looks like situation will become much difficult for us.' Flannan stopped a while. 'Not only us, though....' Looking at uneasy expression  her colleague made, Eileen noticed the thing he wanted to point out. Even though the report of weird symptoms wasn't pilled up much until this time, it had alarmed all the staffs. They had been careful with each interviews from media too. 

'And the most thing I hate....Isaac will take all the blame.' Eileen gulped, yes it was right. The mass production of synthetic food could be stopped, but then what was next? She had felt long that this would lead somewhere foul. People just didn't care and accepted quickly the invention. At the end, people would blame Isaac, because blaming a black sheep was the easiest thing to do.

'Do you think it's really from the food?' Flannan tapped his desk a little. 'We have lived long with this kind of environment. Synthetic food was found just around decade ago, even you should realize that our life expectancy keep decreasing, but it had happened before the synthetic food was invented.'

'Isaac was right though, he told us to be careful with interviews.' Flannan stopped. 'Maybe he knew something...'

'We can manage, right? I mean we're working with the new formula?' Eileen frowned at her colleague.

'But no one told us that the allergic symptoms were caused by our products or at least, synthetic food. It was just... there, suddenly we were shoved by this problem. I don't know what in Isaac mind, he just accepted everything.' He shrugged. 'I don't like this side of him, he doesn't tell anyone, keeping all to himself.'

'I'll try to ask him then.'

'Yea, and he still keep his mouth shut. You said the same months ago and I think he wont say nothing now.' Flannan sighed. 'You know what, I'll resign maybe in few days. I can't stand those reporters keep coming to my house.I'm out of there things.' 

Eileen smiled faintly. 'Maybe it'll be the end for this. I know the life we live can't hold much anymore.'

'Are you referring to green thing you read on paper?' Flannan made a bitter chuckle. 'I don't know who should we blame. Well, it's human nature to survive, isn't it?'

----------

Eileen eyed the man sitting in front of her. His eyes stared vacantly - and she was sure he didn't stare at her. She could hear he mumbled something nonchalantly. Maybe he's nervous, Eileen thought.

'Isaac?' He didn't reply, still mumbling.

'Isaac?'

He jolted. 'Sorry.' Isaac shrugged. 'I.. was lost in thought.'

Eileen pursed her smile. 'What do you want to eat?' She knew it was like reversed-date or something and Isaac should give more initiative since he was the one who asked her out. But she couldn't help, this guy was so interesting in his own way.

Isaac, again, didn't focus on her. He looked alarmed of something, kept eyeing outside the cafe window. Eileen frowned, 'Are you ok?' Eileen's vision felt so wrong. She looked at Isaac who looked back at her. He was stunned. The ceiling all falling apart, the windows crashed.

'Isaac?' Nothing came out from her lips.

She felt her body became numb, but her eyes still fixed at Isaac. Voices filled her head. What... happened? Why were the military here?

'No pulse, he's dead'

What? Eileen tried to focus, glancing at some figures standing by Isaac. 

'Take him and burn with the others'

NO! But again, her body was unable to do what she told to do so. Even her hands just stayed limp, she couldn't do anything, staring at the uniforms dragging Isaac out.

One of the uniforms sat across her, whom Eileen recognized as a woman. She had unkempt hair but her uniform was neat, Eileen tried to read her name tag but failed to do so. 

'I wish this was a dream.' A soft voice was heard, 'and when I woke up, I would forget.'

----------------------------------------

It was like the other morning. Eileen grabbed her little clip and hurriedly went out her room. She didn't want to get late. Earlier meant a bit better air too. Mask, check. Name tag, check. Snack, check. Water bottle, check. Hammer, check. Gun, check. Spare bullets, check.

She stopped at the mirror, smiled a bit. Isaac should be there. She stepped out to the empty gray pavement.

It's Christmas Eve, I don't want to make Isaac waiting too long.

I met him again few months later when I was strolling in the bookstore. He waved enthusiastically when seeing me, asked whether I want to have a coffee with him. I nodded, simply eyed the unpresent ring at his finger.

He just grinned while we talked nothing private topic, mostly about himself – because he loved to talk about it. But never once he talked about his wife, marriage, or… maybe the missing ring already gave the story in silent.

Again, I felt something wrong again.

I shouldn’t be with him.

‘You never call me once. Looking forward to go out together, will be fun.’

I sipped my tea.

‘I’m busy, but I’ll call you of course.’

‘Sure, I’ll wait!’

Then he continued talking about few names I recalled as high school classmates.

And I never once called him.

—————

One day, I found him standing in front of my door. I didn’t have any idea how he could get my address. He gave me his usual slight smile. ‘Long time no see.’ He grinned.

I just simply let him in. He looked alright, nothing wrong with his look or his talking tone. But I still felt something wrong with this.

I didn’t deserve him.

He said to me he cancelled the wedding.

He said he waited the call from me, but I never once called him.

My head hurted. He grabbed my shoulders, clawed to them. I winced.

‘Why you do this to me?’

I knew, I should dissapear from him again.

————-

There was always a space between us, not much, it was a little tiny space like a piece of paper. I could say he always two steps ahead. When I knew  I couldn’t reach that back. I decided to stop because I didn’t deserve him.

When he looked back. I was never there.

He came back next day, finding  my room empty. On the table, an empty notebook was lying there. I wanted to write something to him, but nothing came out. Maybe I was too coward saying goodbye to him, so he kept finding me.

Even though he was too steps ahead. He already learnt.

He only needed to stop.

So he would find me who kept walking in my pace.

————-

Few years later. I saw him again when I was about going to work. He recognized me, and smiled at me. I quickly went away from there.

Did you ever see the ocean at night? It was dark it consumed you but as the morning came, it changed to the brightest blue, so beautiful and you just lured yourself into it. He once told me when we had breakfast together. I thought he was talking nonsense again. He did something weird though, once I caught him smelling me. He said casually it was hard to resist. Other than that, he was kind, although somehow I could sense sheer of coldness from him.

——-

Another body, again. I felt huge pain as other memory crept in. Sometimes it came to much I couldn’t handle it. It stayed haunting me. Remembering each time I slept, disguised as nightmares, I reached out nowhere.

And I only did the thing I knew. I stepped backwards because I knew he would be there. One step, two step, three step.

I always found him. Gradually it felt closer and much closer

——-

Did you know, we could easily miss something. It could be so important, or something we could forget in next few seconds. It was close to you yet you were blind to realize. I noted this for myself.

'Hey....'

Eileen knew him, no one didn't recognize him, Isaac, one of inventors of synthetic food still alive. He was so young comparing to other inventors who were old enough to be her grandpa. Despite his very ordinary looking, it was well known that he was very... rich.

Making a brief smile, Eileen gathered the report from her desk and gave it to him. 'This is all for today, I have pointed out the allergic symptoms  from new product.'

Isaac studied the report she gave, murmuring something. Something like tiredness faintly drew on his face. She knew the cases had suddenly appeared from years ago and kept increasing. Isaac once tried to stop the production for a while but what would the people eat? There was nothing beside the choice of synthetic food. Lots of factories had ignored Isaac's proposals.

He sighed, the signs of no improvement. 'You can go home early.' Isaac walked out her laboratory. 

--------------------

Biting her food bar, Eileen throw her glance outside the mini cafe. Between a dull fog, Christmas tree could be seen fascinating especially the faint light from hanging blinking lamps. Some shops provided fake snow to be flown to the air - not really a good idea for some people though. Mostly they thought it was annoying dust from pollution. It seemed the city tried to swap itself to a bit more cheerful.

She took another food bar from the counter and a little thought crossed her mind. How people could survive if the synthetic food production definitely stopped. Organic food or 'real food' was like already extinct with the greatly decreasing amount of plants and animals. Eileen had thought about inventing new formula, but Isaac still not sure whether it was really because of the synthetic food. It was made from chemicals, and people had been exposed with chemicals for more than hundred years, even long before the synthetic food was invented.

Eileen didn't want to know more how much pure the water they drank everyday. Lots years ago, some certain community still had access to pure water with high price,  now the commercial wasn't  aired anymore. Life expectancy was gone short each year. Having a healthy 50 years old birthday was a very blessed thing.

Exhaling, Eillen wore her mask and put some coins into the counter machine.

----------------

Tomorrow, it looked like the same, bit more cheerful though. Some weird steam-punk Santa with gas mask wandered around the street giving away free tart-tasted food bar sample. The pavement had covered with fake snow mixed with dusts. It wasn't a really good sight and Eileen wondered why the fake snow machine was still produced. She took the food bar sample from one of Santas and went into the station.

She glanced a bit to health care room while passing the long aisle.  People who exhausted with air pollution were there resting, the other looked passed out. Gas mask no  longer helped for some people. The siren of ambulance had been a common thing, no one would fuss around to know anymore.

Isaac looked very tired when Eileen met him in laboratory. It looked like he wasn't going home last night. The report she gave him yesterday scattered in front of him.

'M'ning' He mumbled.

She nodded then put off her mask. Isaac moved a bit from his desk and rubbed his eyes. 'I guess I'll take some' Eileen knew what he meant, walked to the shelves and grabbed a bottle of caffeine pills. She got some water from the tap, frowning at the color today was so murky. Eileen threw the cup to the bin, and put out a bottle from her bag. Not so clear, but at least it looked better. Her apartment still provided a little nice quality of water.

After gulping several pills, Isaac muttered something that made Eileen frowning - because she didn't understand any. She was afraid her boss going to pass out soon, she shouldn't give him the pills. He often did this when overworked. Looked like he gave up to mutter a sense, Isaac went back to his desk and scanned the reports. Eileen knew that he had tried finding alternative when he had to stop the food production, but it was like a hell cycles because with nothing organic left, the choice was only replacing chemicals with other chemicals - which he had already did several times. It seemed he still hoping of real organic food, but with nothing organic left beside human, it was like a daydream.

A phone ring made Eileen startled. Her boss tiredly answered it, he nodded a bit and hung it. 'I'll tidy up...' He dragged his steps outside laboratory.

When Isaac wanted to look at least better than his usual day, maybe it was another interview, sometimes he got requests or such. Eileen collected the scattered report and put back some tools which haphazardly placed. She found some old newspapers file from many years ago - before the invention of synthetic food on his table. Mostly it was about industrialization and new inventions.

'Knock knock!' Muffled voice was hear from outside.

A head popped, wearing a gas mask which plastered with so many stickers. Eileen shrugged and approached the door. The taken off gas mask gave a look of cheerful smile. He grinned, shoving a tablet to Eileen. 'Here's new report and stuffs.' 

Eileen nodded. 'Thank, Flan' She scrolled around the data while frowning. She backed off to make room the other visitor to walk in.

'Isaac gone?' He sat on a stiff looking white chair.

'Yeah, maybe for some interview. Is the purifier here broken or what? The water is very bad condition today.'

Her colleague shook his head. 'I don't know. It's like the same for me everyday.'

Eileen sighed. 'By the way, Isaac still wants to stop the production. I don't know what will happen if he does that.'

'He doesn't have power to do that. I mean, how you stop mass producing product already spread entire world? Thanks to him anyway, and his old fellas, no food problem anymore.' Flannan stretched his body.

'He's afraid his inventions is the reason behind these sickness.'

'But there is still no evidence, right?' He spun around with the chair and slid across the room. 'I mean the moving blood case, we even don't know the exact time it started and the thing caused it.'

Almost every people were familiar with moving blood symptoms. The media brought it up about few years ago. Eileen had seen it herself when she supervised allergic patient whose Isaac predicted happened because of the synthetic food. It wasn't a pleasant sight. First the patient lost conscious, then slowly the skin melted with foul odor, and blood rushed through it. The blood was moving, like the owner could command it - but of course the patient looked still unconscious. Not so  long the patient died, with a simple blood loosing.

Surely synthetic food was brought up a little, along with water quality and complaints about the air people always breathed. After years, Isaac still got interviews, Eileen bet in every session the moving blood accident was brought up to him. Isaac was afraid too if the formula had some mutation effect to human body.  

'I feel Isaac though.' Flannan frowned a bit. 'If all expectations were true, you'd responsible for entire world. And with the two pops already gone, he's all alone.'

----------

Isaac wasn't back to the laboratory until the end job shift. His bag was still in the lab, maybe he was about staying there again. Sighing, Eileen packed her things and decided to go home. She left the tart-flavored food bar on his desk.

Too early Christmas jingles were heard from each shop Eileen passed. People tried to blend in with the spirit wore gas mask with Christmas decoration like antlers or wearing Santa hat. More fake snows were flown, some annoyed people used their umbrella. The pavement covered with dust and snow, made an ugly mixture of gray color.

Eileen bought some food bar from vending machine and eyed the tv screen across the street. It was again about moving blood case with the warning about the thing people consumed. Eileen stared at the food bars in her hand. All people had eaten same food with same formula, breathed same air, and drank nearly same water. No one had bothered to think each time a bite was consumed. Maybe it was the time people thinking about synthetic body, Eileen chuckled realizing her thought.

Living with only chemicals was like a ticking bomb.