MISERABLE....

De Xi chuckled softly and let Nan Xi hug her as long as she wanted.

"Right! Do you know? I am the only one who brought you a present. See how thoughtful I am." Nan Xi said as she boasted proudly.

"You sure are confident in being the only one to prepare gifts." Su Yunxi said with a smirk.

"Okay. Maybe you are all prepared as well but mine will be the best. After all, no one knows Xixi better than me." Nan Xi said with a proud huff.

"Darling...I-I..." Su Yang wanted to say something but could not say it.

"What is it? Just spill it already." Nan Xi said as she looked towards Su Yang in slight annoyance.

"This useless husband of yours might have forgotten your gift back home..." Su Yang said it in a go with his eyes closed tightly in fear.

"You are not useless, because you can still be used, as a bad example." Nan Xi said as she gritted her teeth and looked at her husband in exasperation.

"Ask Little Chen to bring it." Fang Ai suggested calmly as she walked towards De Xi and hugged her gently, like a serene wave.

"It's good to see you again, Sister." Fang Ai said in a calm tone but the delight was easily detectable in it.

De Xi smiled softly as she patted Fang Ai's back comfortingly, the bond between her and this sister-in-law was strong yet nicely camouflaged.

The tacit understanding between them made their bond ever-so-special.

"All of you will be tired after the long flight. Your rooms are already ready, retire for the night, we will talk tomorrow. Also, I asked Aunt Ro to prepare some supper, in case if you are hungry have some first." De Xi said as she nodded towards the Head Butler.

"Though I can't wait to eat Aunt Ro's cooking again, I will take a shower first." Su Yunxi said as she smiled warmly towards Head Butler Melan, who smiled and back and nodded her head in respect.

"Sure, Aunt Melan, please show them their rooms." De Xi said as she smiled towards Head Butler Melan.

"Right away, Young Miss. Everyone, this way please." Head Butler Melan said as she led them upstairs through the central stairs.

"Xixi, a moment please." Li Chen who was silent all along said as everyone ascended the stairs.

De Xi nodded and motioned for him to sit down beside her on the sofa.

Li Chen nodded and took his seat beside De Xi, facing towards the grand white piano in the living room.

"How are you?" Li Chen asked his tone calm and casual.

"Do we need these pleasantries in between us?" De Xi asked with a soft chuckle.

"I really meant my question." Li Chen said his tone slightly serious.

"I'm good, as you can see. Living comfortably, with people who understand me and I'm very comfortable with." De Xi said with a small smile.

"Is this your definition of being good?" Li Chen asked his tone calm but slightly annoyed.

"It is." De Xi mumbled reluctantly.

"But why do I feel like, you are even more miserable than your life before marriage?" Li Chen asked sharply.

"Miserable?" De Xi was clearly offended by this certain word.

"Right, miserable. Battling guilt, ego, and pride all together with loneliness inside your heart. At the least, before marriage, you were only lonely but now..." Li Chen sighed at the end, not wanting to continue further.

"I'm good, living a worry-free life on a personal level, I don't have to be ever so cautious and wary of people around me because of my loved ones."

"Always thinking if I made this move, will it hurt my family or friends, that was what was making me miserable." De Xi said her tone firm and determined.

"You are quite capable, after all, you have been holding onto that lie for seven-plus years with that heart of yours." Li Chen mocked with eyes full of disbelief.

"Mock me all you want, this is for the best. I don't intend to change a thing even if given a second chance." De Xi said resolutely as she stood up and looked down at Li Chen.

"Give up." De Xi said coldly as she went upstairs as well.

De Xi entered her room and turned to close the door when Li Chen stopped her, holding the door from closing.

"Chen, what are you trying to do?" De Xi asked in annoyance.

"Bai is no more the previous Lu Bai you knew, he is now strong enough to protect you and your family from all the problems. Give him another chance and trust him with your worries." Li Chen said his voice calm but almost pleading.

"Let's be clear I trust no one." De Xi said calmly her tone indifferent.

"Did you forget that you and Lu Bai built your marriage and relationship on this trust? All the talk about trusting no one." Li Chen said as he chuckled mockingly.

De Xi looked at him coldly and was about to close the door, only to be held back by Li Chen.

"Xixi, you can't stay alone all your life. You also need people to lean on, even a mountain needs ground to support it, what are we humans before it?" Li Chen said, trying to convince De Xi.

"I went through my darkest times alone, so I'm sorry if I act like, I don't need anyone." De Xi said as she removed Li Chen's hand and closed the door in a fluid motion.

Li Chen looked at the closed door, helplessly sighing, frustration clear in his eyes.

"She has always been so stubborn, hasn't she?" Chang Mei's voice came from the staircase.

Li Chen looked at his wife and chuckled dryly, nodding his head in agreement, while making his way to her.

"Sometimes you put up walls, not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough, to break them down. I trust Brother Bai, he broke through that wall once, he can again." Chang Mei said as she smiled reassuringly.