Games That People Play

Chapter 10: Encounter

Yuanrou caught his breath at the sight of Xinli, he couldn't take his eyes off her. The combination of soft cotton and silk in deep magenta accentuated her slender figure and her fair skin glowed against the colour. She was so simply beautiful and elegant. Her dark brown hair tumbled around her perfectly oval face with a beautiful forehead. Her brown deepset eyes were clear and bright. She smiled at Yuanrou as she made her way to the car.

"Let's go Yuanrou, you have all the time to stare at my cousin over dinner!" Xunan laughed as she fetched their coats and boarded the SUV.

"I sure have done something good in the past to be with two gorgeous women tonight." Yuanrou chuckled as he opened the front door for Xinli, who was giggling too. She was excited and looking forward to a nice evening with her friends.

Houbin was already at their table waiting for them. He motioned for the three and they sat down comfortably as a waiter promptly served them wine. Their table was located near a nook with pots of beautiful flowers partly covering the spot. Their food was served hot and freshly cooked. All of the dishes were delicious and flavorfully presented.

"We should do this regularly, i mean, spend some time out every month at least, so we have something to look forward to, every payday." Yuanrou said.

"Hmn... why not? Xunan and I haven't been going out lately due to heavy workload." Houbin agreed after a thought.

"You seem reluctant, Sweetie..." Xunan observed her boyfriend. Xinli was just listening while enjoying her food. The meal was exceptional. She liked all the dishes that were served.

"I was just thinking that since the arrival of our boss, we've been really working hard, as if treading on a thin rope all the time..." Houbin replied. This got Xinli's attention.

"Another monster boss..." she interjected while munching oh her last steamed prawn. All three turned to her.

"What...? Did i say something so surprising to deserve three pairs of piercing eyes?" Xinli asked in feigned confusion and laughed.

"Monster boss?" Yuanrou laughed.

"Well, when somebody thinks that just because he's the boss, he can do whatever he wants with his employee,he better think twice!" Said Xinli.

"... and where exactly this indignation of our dear Lia coming from?" Xunan interjected playfully.

"I used to have a monster boss, he was the most domineering man..." she tailed away and stopped herself just in time. All attention was now aimed at her since this was the first time she talked about her past.

"What...?" Xinli pretended to look puzzled. "Aren't we here to enjoy the food and music? So i offer a toast..." she raised her glass of fruit juice and continued, "to lifelong friendship!" and with that, all three raised their wine glasses, thus successfully evading the topic.

"Seriously, our boss is really something." Houbin interrupted. "The few times that i saw him at the hotel, he never smiled." He added thoughtfully.

"Did you say that he was here for treatment and recuperation from an illness?" Xunan asked.

"That's the official statement of the management." Houbin rejoined.

Xinli was oblivious to the chatter of the three, she was enjoying the food. Just as she raised her hand with a big fried prawn between her fingers aiming to her mouth, a tall man with excellent build caught her eyes. Her hand trembled and great fear clinched at her heart, Xinli didn't think twice, she immediately excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Xinli washed her hands and dampen her cheeks with cold water before she decided to just go home. She would phone Xunan that she didn't feel well. She quickly walked towards the exit, carefully hiding her face as she walked past the tables.

She was almost at the parking lot when she heard someone following her. The footsteps were strong and steady. She quickened her strides but halted at the sound of a deep and powerful voice.

"Bai Xinli"...

Lu Jinian's voice exploded in her brain like thunder. Her knees wavered a little and her face lost all colour. Xinli summoned her courage and silently prayed for strength as she slowly turned to look at the face of the man who utterly humiliated her in the past. A face she will never forget.

"Hello Lu Jinian" she greeted casually with clear unblinking eyes.

"So this is where you have hidden these past two years..." It was more of a declaration than a question.

Xinli was about to say something before turning to run away but Lu Jinian's long strides came without warning. He reached her and wrapped his arms around her, imprisoning her with his strength.

"No more running away..." she heard him whisper before he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. Xinli wriggled violently and slapped him accross his face.

"Are you crazy? What are you trying to do, you maniac!" Xinli was trembling with fear and anger as she put some distance between them. Lu Jinian slowly walked towards her as she started to back away.

Yuanruo was looking for Xinli when he chanced upon the two near the parking lot. He quickened his strides when he saw two people seemingly in a heated argument. It wasn't long before he recognized the girl as Xinli while he seemed not to know who the other party was. His heart was thumping hard as he neared the location of the two.