Conversation

Chen Kaori instinctively held onto He Zifeng's arm.

He frowned as he noticed how timid she looked when they arrived, as if she was a rabbit hiding in the bushes when a pack of lions came.

He Zifeng placed his warm palm on her hand and nodded subtly.

People started mingling with the host family right away.

Chen Kaori stood in a daze as she looked at her mother blow candles on her majestic cake as people ended singing the birthday song.

When her mother looked around to thank everyone, Chen Kaori locked eyes with her for a moment.

After the program, people were free to mingle again.

Chen Kaori barely left the spot where they were standing. He Zifeng kept her company.

"Kaori..." Egashira Misaki gave a tender smile to her only daughter.

Chen Kaori was tear-jerky as she bowed slightly, "Okāsan..."

"Egashira-san, tanjoubi omedetto!*" He Zifeng interrupted them before one of them cries. He held out a small gift box from his coat pocket and presented to the elder. (*happy birthday!)

"Uh, hai*! Otanjoubi omedetto!" Chen Kaori flashed a smile to greet. (*yes)

Egashira Misaki chuckled, "Arigato...eh, I didn't expect you to come together." She received the box.

The two youngsters just smiled together. They would not bother to explain why they were together.

Before their conversation became awkward, Egashira Misaki was called by her husband. She looked at her daughter once more, reluctant to just walk away.

"We're okay, Okāsan. You should go..." Chen Kaori forced a wide smile.

Her mother slightly bowed to the both of them before turning to walk towards her husband.

He Zifeng shifted his hold on her to wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Did she not tell them she was married before?"

Chen Kaori had a bitter smile, "They know...but they didn't know that she had me. I'm not even allowed to bring a gift, just in case it can be traced back to me. I'm here as her 'friend'."

"We should go." He Zifeng moved with her as he kept his tight hold of her shoulders.

They sighed when they arrived at the hotel lobby.

"Oh...I forgot to tell you. I checked into one of the rooms. No need to send me home." Chen Kaori smiled sweetly towards him, though her eyes were sad.

"So did I." He Zifeng declared. "Since none of us is driving home, would you care for some real food? Their cocktail menu at the party would not pass for dinner," he snickered.

Chen Kaori finally chuckled. "Just say you're hungry!"

They walked into the restaurant and got themselves seated by the window.

"The river is glistening with the moonlight...how nice..." Chen Kaori admired the view as they await their orders.

He Zifeng stared at her and was glad to have caught the plane to see her.

She wore a light blue one-shoulder tulle empire-cut gown embellished with crystals and lace appliqué at the side. Her makeup enhaced her facial features and her dark hair was neatly swept in a low bun.

He would have regretted if some other guy was eating with her right at that moment, or worse, getting her drunk in the party.

Not long after, their seafood dinner came, which they finished off with mango pudding.

"I'm so full..." Chen Kaori chuckled as she patted her abdomen.

"Wanna go for drinks downstairs?" He Zifeng offered. He already browsed the different restaurants and bars in that hotel while he was on the plane.

"Sure." Chen Kaori wanted to stay with him for a bit more. Maybe they were both really hungry, that they only ate and did not have a proper conversation over dinner.

They could at least talk over some drinks.

They went down to the second floor bar. Chen Kaori ordered a Japanese slipper while He Zifeng got himself a glass of Yamazaki whiskey.

"Hey, that's really expensive..." she whispered to him when the bartender turned around.

"I can afford it."

"It can get you drunk."

"Will you be afraid of me when I'm drunk?"