A Missed Opportunity

Qiao Ruo took a few deep breaths and contemplated the situation before her. Calm, calm. It's going to be alright. She reminded herself. It's just a date. Who knows, he might even not like you after meeting.

She was doubtful of herself, and if she had made the right decision, despite her belief that Cree had betrayed her first. She fidgeted nervously with the hem of her dress, asking herself repeatedly if she wanted to go to the date. 

But that didn't mean she had to accept someone now, did she?

A glance at her watch told her the time was now seven-thirty. She had purposefully taken her time to get ready because she was reluctant to go to the date. It occurred to her that she was not prepared to accept a replacement, and she probably would never be. She had reserved that spot in her heart for Cree. It wasn't fair for that person.

There was just too much on her mind right now. This place where she called her home now, though beautiful, suddenly seemed so foreign. Especially at night. She stared out of the window at the surroundings, observing the beauty of the night view of City N.

She suddenly missed her old life in City A. Though she couldn't afford most things, her life then seemed to be much simpler. A life that only had the two of them.

Cree and Qiao Ruo. Were they never to be?

She was still thinking about him, after all.

She finally realized the date was not going to happen. It was meaningless to go on when her heart still longed for Cree. Cree, whose news the media seemed to have 'gone cold' in the past year. Some columns had deduced he had met with an accident. Others said he had gone an extended vacation. In his absence, other stakeholders had run the publisher and Qing Tian. 

She probably should stop trying to find out news of Cree. 

Qiao Ruo focused on the matter before her. In ten minutes, her chauffeur was about to arrive. She still had time to back out. 

Tonight was a special day for her, as it was also her twenty-third birthday. Did she intend to spend such a unique occasion with a stranger?

All of a sudden, she feared for the future. She didn't know what to expect from her 'relationship' with this man who was a mystery to most. 

She eventually had a last-minute decision to bail out on the date, and said in a clear voice to her chauffeur, "Uncle, please take me to the closest beach instead."

Uncle Lu was their trusted chauffeur, have been working for the Xias for more than two decades. He obeyed, without questioning the reason behind Qiao Ruo's sudden decision. Just before the turn into the hotel where the restaurant was, he made a sharp U-turn. In the opposite lane, a dark black BMW passed them, and Qiao Ruo did not think of taking a look at the driver.

Following that, there was only silence, and melancholy fell over her as she felt all the emotions spiralling through her. At last, after the long drive to the beach, only one thought remained in her mind, and that was how Cree was. Would a dream come true, and she could see him again?

At the Hotel De Marinara, a young man in a black tuxedo descended from the dark BMW, passing the keys to the valet. As expected, nobody in the city recognized him, and he was no more of a stranger to them than to Qiao Ruo herself. Although, now, she ceased to exist as Qiao Ruo, and now adopted a different name, Xia Xinyue.

Immediately a waiter held open the doors to the restaurant for him, and he entered coolly. Behind his tinted glasses, his eyes were downcast, and he knew he had lost this one opportunity to meet Qiao Ruo.

"Booking made under Cree Ye." 

Cree had never appeared in City N with his real identity, but he had wanted to give Qiao Ruo a surprise. For months he had successfully maintained Hui Yi, an identity he had revived from long ago. Few knew he had an interest in trading, and Qiao Ruo had guessed accurately that his name was a similar-sounding name to 'Memories'. It was his painful memories of him and his mother that he had sought to forget. His adoptive parents had advised him that stock trading carried a high amount of risk, and wanted him to drop the habit. 

Later, when he ran into Qiao Ruo and started a relationship with her, he was overly obsessed with her, that he soon forgot his desire to trade. Only after Ye An had informed him of the news going around that Qiao Ruo would quickly take on the minor role of a stock trader, did Cree made the ultimate decision to resurrect Hui Yi and begin a quest of influence. When he discovered that she had left a message on the popular trading platform, he seized the chance to strike when the iron was hot. At the same time, all news of Cree had died down and all this while, he allowed Ye An and the stakeholders to take over affairs of the businesses and the publisher, managing from a distance to ensure nothing went wrong in his absence. He took all the time he needed to recover after he was assured that Qing Tian was doing well enough.

Unfortunately, he knew his plan had failed, when he saw Qiao Ruo's chauffeur making a detour. Maintaining the icy demeanour of Cree, he entered the private room that he had prepared for her along with all the arrangements to serve her favourite foods, and took one long stare at the clock on the wall. Eight o'clock.

Thirty minutes passed, and there was no sign of her. As it was not like her to cancel a meeting without first informing the other party, he hoped she would change her mind and turn up.

Another ten minutes passed, and he heard a beep from his smartphone.

"I'm sorry I can't come tonight. You will find someone else better than me."

In his frustration, he attempted to dial Qiao Ruo's number, but it was in vain. She had switched her smartphone off.

Still, he would continue to wait for her, because he refused to believe his fate with Qiao Ruo was over.

.......................................

At the beach, the light breeze felt serene and relaxing, gently blowing on Qiao Ruo's face and hair, taking away her worries for the moment. The real issue would come in a few weeks, when Qiao Ruo would have to face her popularity issues.

Qiao Ruo chose not to depend on connections to pursue her dreams. From the day she worked at the publisher to the day she became an actress, she had only wished for recognition. Though she could have easily depended on Cree while she was a journalist, she had not. Everything she had achieved up to today was based on her effort.

Although, due to her incompetence and lack of experience as an actress, her previous endeavour had ended badly. Though she was reassured that she had followed 'Hui Yi''s advice properly, she had not succeeded in portraying the image that she was supposed to play during the initial episodes of the drama. In the end, a more versatile actress substituted her. It had been game over for her in that particular drama. Hence, her manager had suggested her try to date Hui Yi due to his influence after she had received nine hundred and ninety-nine roses from him. 

The reason was because Hui Yi was a rising star right now due to his past identity that had left the stock market and suddenly returned to it abruptly with an unexplained success! This fact had left many in awe while some long-time players even felt threatened by his presence. Even then, years ago, he had already turned into an overnight star when he struck it big. And now, he was back. His success was twofold or trifold of what he had gained in his past endeavours. He was even playing with higher risk! 

As she strolled down the soft sands of the beach, she recalled her moments with Cree, and how she had ended up with almost nothing when Li Yao came into the picture. If only there were a way to return to the past, she would have gladly relived her memories with Cree over and over again.

Sometimes, what is past would remain the past, she told herself. Her love story with Cree was no exception. What were the odds he was, like her, still missing and reminiscing on their love? 

Qiao Ruo didn't know. All she knew was that the coldness and silence of the night were making her feel even more lonely.

If only he were there with her, they would have been together for three years now. And maybe their relationship had borne fruit, she thought. They were probably married, or at least, engaged.

Two hours had passed, and she decided it was time for her to switch on her smartphone. Hopefully, Hui Yi would not have bombarded her with messages. She turned on her smartphone, and to her surprise, there was a voice message from Xinyuan urging her to return home.

What was it that couldn't wait? She thought, recalling how cool and collected her godbrother naturally was.

Whatever it was, it sounded crucial.

..........................................

Brushing the sand off her dress, Qiao Ruo returned to where the chauffeur was awaiting her and entered the car gracefully. She took off the rubber sandals she had been wearing at the beach and replaced her high heels which she had left in the car. It was an awkward night to be wearing an evening dress to such a sandy area, but she didn't care. Nobody was going to see or even judge her for having her moment. She had been as discreet as possible while being Xia Xinyue, and the chauffeur had brilliantly selected the location of an unpopulated beach.

But what if anyone had happened to come to that beach? Would it have mattered anyway?

As Uncle Lu manoeuvred the vehicle away from the beach, Qiao Ruo saw a dark BMW similar to the one earlier near the hotel, pass them. This time, she felt the temptation to take a peek at the driver. However, the darkness of the night inhibited her from doing so.

She daydreamed of the possibility of the driver being Cree but remembering she was in City N, not City A. She just brushed off her idiotic thoughts.

They reached the mansion in forty minutes and were welcomed dramatically by 'the godbrother'.

Xia Xinyuan appeared to be in a festive mood, which was a good thing for Qiao Ruo. She was glad that he was not here to nag at her for bailing on the date, but then it was her choice to make. He comically wore a polka-dot long-sleeved shirt with black jeans and held a microphone as if making an announcement.

"Go straight to the point," Qiao Ruo uttered impatiently. "It's super late, almost eleven and I need my beauty sleep!" Of course, that was not the truth, but Xinyuan could be super annoying when he dragged conversations.

"A super duper big event will be coming to City N!" he shrieked excitedly. 

Qiao Ruo cast Xinyuan a dubious glare. "Don't we all already know about this event?"

"The point is, a lot of CEOs will be attending, including my Goddess Akira Yuan! I can't wait to see her in person!" Xinyuan expressed himself, dancing crazedly. Qiao Ruo shook her head. Compared to how cool he was when they had reunited two years ago, he was now more like a desperate fanboy. He acted that way every time he read or heard about Akira Yuan, the CEO of iBuyTech. This lady had inspired him on many occasions, and he worshipped her like a goddess. At least it was a significant change from him being depressed over Mengchen's departure, Qiao Ruo thought.

"Fine then, you can go, but why drag me along?" Qiao Ruo interrogated Xinyuan with her demanding eyes.

"Get the hint? 'A lot of CEOs will be attending'! You should attend in case what's his name is coming!" Xinyuan winked at her playfully.

Qiao Ruo scowled. While she knew who he meant, she sensed Xinyuan deserved a huge pinch for his cheekiness, and how he had turned into a childish and immature kid ever since they became brother and sister. The minute she pinched his thigh, Xinyuan almost fell over.

"What was that for?"

"You're getting out of hand, Young Master Xia," she laughed at him. 

"I was lightening the mood. How did your date turn out?"

She looked at him as if she was going to kill him. "It didn't happen. I went somewhere else."

He heaved a sigh of relief, then led Qiao Ruo to the sofa and patted her shoulders. "I'm glad you backed out. This Hui Yi, nobody knows who he is. Even I tried to get him investigated, but nobody was able to get near him. He could be dangerous or even ugly!"

"You didn't object to me meeting him," Qiao Ruo said. "Hey, I could have run into danger!"

"Well, at the restaurant, how could anything have happened to you?" Xinyuan retorted. "Plus, Uncle Lu was with you, and he is a black-belt holder! Don't forget. I have planted men almost everywhere you go. Even then, one call that you're in trouble and I'd come flying!"

Qiao Ruo stared at her brother, sheepishly. Now she understood why every time she was out with a friend from university, be it male or female. She had sensed eyes following her. 

"I'm fine, really, bro." She tried to dissuade him, but he looked at her with concerned eyes.

"Don't rush your feelings, Ruo Ruo." He caressed her hair gently, then gazed into his eyes. Care was evident from his eyes, and in his heart, nobody would be more important than his little sister. If only she wanted, he would have sought out Cree and taken Cree to his sister. Time after time, Qiao Ruo had told Xinyuan she was over Cree but were her words actual from her heart? 

"I have something to tell you, Ruo Ruo," Xinyuan suddenly said.

"What is it?" Qiao Ruo asked. Xinyuan had been her best companion all this time, and she was intent to know what was on his mind.

"Ye Nantian is the nemesis of the Xia family," Xinyuan explained. "If there's anyone we are against, it was never Cree, but his adoptive family. I just needed you to know this."

She nodded. "I understand. But Cree also has his problems with his adoptive parents, as we both know."

"The point is if the Ye family or their businesses are attacked, Cree being the CEO is likely to get hurt as well. We're not the only family who has grudges against Ye Nantian. So I hope you can get this."

Qiao Ruo shivered slightly at the thought that Cree would be involved in matters of the older generation, but was there any way she could help him? She didn't know what to do, and she was thankful that Xinyuan was giving her a heads-up on the issues that could happen. 

How would she even get to him? She wondered, and then her eyes fixated themselves on the brochure sitting on the table.

'Wish On Me' Cultural Event. An event designed to reunite the various Chinese ethnic groups all over the world. Would he attend the event?

She would also stand to benefit in her career, and broaden her understanding and knowledge of different cultures, by merely attending such an event. 

"If you wish to attend, you can come as my esteemed guest," Xinyuan offered.

"I take up the offer," she said with a laugh and gave Xinyuan a brotherly hug. Xinyuan felt glad at her decision, and he hoped that perhaps the event would be an opportunity for her to find her destiny, be it her lost love, a new love or the answer to her unstable career. She was already twenty-three years old, and he would not be able to take care of her all the time.

"There's something else," Xinyuan said and snapped his fingers. Servants came in holding plates of food, snacks, desserts and red wine. Qiao Ruo's maid had carried a container containing a mini-sized cake which was just enough for the two of them.

"I'm sorry I'm a bit late, but happy birthday, sister."

She smiled as she blew out the imaginary candles on the cake and sliced it well enough to be shared between both of them. 

"I'm glad you remembered."

"Haven't I always?" Xinyuan chuckled back at her.

"Thank you for being by my side and saved me in the past. Thank you for being my brother, and thank you for everything," Qiao Ruo said appreciatively.

"This is what siblings are for," Xinyuan said. 

Qiao Ruo nodded. In her confusion earlier, she had forgotten she was hungry, and walking at the beach had taken her mind off her hunger. Now her stomach was starting to rumble abruptly. Without wasting any time, she took a delightful bite of the food in front of her.

"What about my diet?"

"Worry about that tomorrow," he laughed. "For now, just have moderate portions."

The struggle of a celebrity was severe, and if Qiao Ruo were to go on that route, she would be starving herself more often. But tonight called for a celebration, and perhaps she could put away her worries about her weight.

"When's the event happening again?" Qiao Ruo suddenly asked, midway into her meal.

"Next Saturday," Xinyuan said. "Do you have a dress for the occasion, or do you need me to accompany you to get one tomorrow?"

"Mengchen will be dropping by for a visit tomorrow," she said. "Do you want to see her?"

Xinyuan turned away so that she would not see him blush. "No, it's fine. You girls have fun."

After a long talk, the two retired to their respective rooms. Instead of going straight to bed, she suddenly had the urge to pull out her spiral notebook and look at the notes she had innocently written about her relationship with Cree then. From their first meeting, until the last she had seen of Cree were all recorded in her neat and meticulous handwriting in the notebook.

There was a page she had not seen before, and in it, were written the words "one day if we lose each other, please wait because I will come back and find you - Cree."

A lone tear found its way down her cheek, and she wondered if Cree had anticipated their separation.

Would he still love her now?