Grown Wings

************

Feng Houyi was still in a trance after Lawyer Han left his office. He was not only processing their conversation but also basking in the shock that Mei Xing was serious when she spoke about divorce the previous night.

He thought she was bluffing. From their two years together, he has come to know his wife as a person who goes with anything she is being told- especially orders from her parents and his.

This new rebellious act was new and he had no immediate idea to tamper it down.

After a while of going through his thoughts, Feng Houyi finally spoke. "I see that the little bird had finally grown wings big enough to blow its cage open. Too bad I know a way to clip those wings and have it back in the cage."

Feng Houyi called for his secretary and asked that she prepare for the next meeting he needs to attend.

"I've got things to do at the moment. Once I'm done, I'll have a word with my wife."

••••••

After the long hour spent on the road, the cab Mei Xing boarded, finally drove to a stop in front of one of the many houses on the street. She paid her fare and alighted.

She held onto her hat and her dress as a strong gust of wind blew in her direction. It was both windy and sunny today so she took extra precautions by donning a dark shade to reduce the intensity of the sun's rays to her eyes.

With a deep breath, she pulled her luggage with her and walked further towards the modern blue and white-themed cottage house.

Just a press on a button beside the door and a ring reverberated.

"Just a minute!" Following the loud feminine voice from behind the door were hurried footsteps that grew louder as its source drew closer.

As soon as Mei Xing heard the clicking sound made by the door, it pulled open and a five-foot-seven brunette pounced on her.

"Oh my gosh, you're finally here," Yi Chunhua gushed and smothered Mei Xing with kisses on her cheeks.

Mei Xing giggled as she finally found balance on her feet and then she returned the hug. "I've missed you, Chunhua."

"Me too."

Ever since Mei Xing's marriage to Feng Houyi, she has barely had time to meet with her best friend. It's funny how being a housewife with lots of time can't make out a few minutes to see her friend, right?

Yeah. We'll have to thank Feng Houyi for that. Feng Houyi disliked Yi Chunhua to the guts. He felt she was a bad influence on his oh-so-obedient wife. So he limited Mei Xing's time with her until they could only be in touch through their phones.

As much as Mei Xing hated it back then, she could only do as he pleased because that is what a good wife should do. She was too scared about the consequences.

But that was the old her. New Mei Xing is willing to face whatever consequences not only her disobedience would bring but also her rebellion to stay married to Feng Houyi.

"Let's get you inside. Where are your luggage?" Yi Chunhua asked looking being Mei Xing for extra bags but she found just one.

"I have just one, Chunhua. I took only what was mine. I don't want anything to do with Houyi," Mei Xing explained as she went in.

"I get your point. But a few jewelry wouldn't have hurt, you know," Yi Chunhua joked.

"I suppose you are right but..." Mei Xing's words were put to a stop when a cute furry creature dashed into her arms.

"Oh my God. Hey, Snow," Mei Xing openly welcomed her pet.

She couldn't have him with her back at Feng Houyi's mansion because he didn't want him there. So she had Yi Chunhua take care of the Samoyed as she couldn't bear sending him back to the streets.

"Yeah, he's been a big baby since your last visit. Talk about being a drama queen," Yi Chunhua rolled her eyes.

"Aww. Did you miss mummy so much you gave your aunt Chu a hard time?" Mei Xing got a bark in reply.

"Thanks for housing him for me, Chunhua. I owe you big time."

Yi Chunhua waved her off. "Nah. Just repay me by staying here as long as you like."

"Thanks."

Yi Chunhua showed Mei Xing to the room she prepared for her stay. After putting her things in order, Mei Xing took a quick shower, changed into more comfy clothes and joined Yi Chunhua for brunch.

"So, have you got any idea what your journey from here on will be?"

Mei Xing poked at the bacon on her plate as she pondered for a short while. "Well, I'm still waiting for my lawyer to give me feedback. Plus I want to be prepared for whatever trouble my parents will bring to me once Feng Houyi goes to open his big mouth to them."

"Ugh, I hate that guy so much. I'm glad you left."

"Hmm," Mei Xing fed another bite of French toast to herself. "And I need to start somewhere to earn me money of my own. I need something I can fall back on in case my parents decide to cut me off. You know what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I get it. Any idea what you want to do?" Yi Chunhua asked.

"Well, I don't really have any much work experience since my intern days. But I'm hoping to create a website to start advertising my architectural skills and hope some will need an architect for their home or office design."

"That's a good step forward. While you do that, I'll keep my ears out for anyone who wants a remodelling."

"Thanks, Chunhua. You're the best," Mei Xing appreciated.

Flicking her hair backwards, Yi Chunhua made a haughty reply, "Of course I am."