Games That People Play

Chapter 12: Rerouted!

"Have you really made up your mind, Lia?" Aunt Feng anxiously asked Xinli for the nth time.

"Yes Auntie, i also want to go visit our hometown and stay there for a while..." but in her heart, she knew she had to go far away from Lu Jinian.

He would only make her his plaything if he knew she loved him. He was known for his womanizing activities and many women have stupidly thrown themselves at his doorstep and not a few rich parents tried to arrange marriage for their daughters to Lu Jinian, but to no avail. All of their efforts went into thin air. Clearly, the man had no intention of being in the clutch of anyone and he considered their efforts as an exercise of futility.

Xinli smirked, she would never give herself to such a man! And no one would ever know her deepest secret, she would guard her heart no matter what.

"Alright, you can always come back if you like. Our home is always open for you." Aunt Feng finally agreed. Xinli was nudged from her own thoughts.

"Thanks Auntie" and they hugged each other, she will surely miss everyone in NYC.

While on their way to the airport, Xunian couldn't help but nag Xinli why she would suddenly leave NYC when she was doing well and things are getting bigger for them in the design and RTW market. But Xinli has made up her perfect alibi and promptly changed the topic.

Upon reaching the airport, the two girls said their goodbyes tearfully, hugging each other. During this time, the cousins developed a strong bond and they respected each other's work and personal preferences.

"Be careful on the way, remember to let us know when you have reached China." Xunan said.

"Yes master", Xinli teased her while wiping her tears. "I'll go in now or i'll miss my plane."

"Off you go, girl!" Xunan laughed, and the other girl went inside the airport foyer with her luggage.

Xinli was about to check in when Mo Lian suddenly appeared near the counter.

"Miss Bai, may I speak with you for a moment?" She was surprised and Mo Lian hastened his request when he noticed that Xinli was hesitant...

"I promise you, it wont take long..." the man pleaded with his eyes.

"Okay..." she replied. " Mr. Mo Lian, I hope you will keep in mind that i have a plane to catch" she added.

"Yes, yes of course!" He answered hurriedly. The went to a nearby coffee shop, Xinli seated herself and invited Mo Lian to take the opposite seat. When they were comfortably seated, Mo Lian awkwardly initiated the conversation.

"Miss Bai, our young master is still in the hospital recovering from an illness..." he began. "These last two years have been very difficult for all of us..." he tailed.

Xinli looked at him straight and asked, "What is wrong with your master and why did he faint just like that?" She clearly remembered that Lu Jinian was strong as a bull and he could break a neck in one stroke if he wanted to.

"He worked day and night and drove himself to exhaustion. One night, when he came home from a meeting, he passed out, and it was fortunate that Mr. Cheng Han found him slumped inside his car near the gates of the HLY Mansion, otherwise..." he suddenly paused with a morbid expression on his face.

"Otherwise... what?" Xinli's soft voice prodded him out of curiousity and... concern? She brushed off the thought immediately.

"Otherwise, he would have been dead a long time ago." Mo Lian continued.

"Why are you telling me this? It has nothing to do with me." Xinli was genuinely puzzled.

"On the contrary, Miss Bai, our young master has not been himself since you left Zenith without his knowledge." Mo Lian informed her.

"He searched for you these last two years but he failed to locate you. We only came to NYC for treatment. He has been admitted to The Medical City for a week now, undergoing physical therapy and Chinese herbal prophylaxis." Mo Lian informed her in detail. For him, it was now or never.

"But why would he look for me? I have tendered my resignation in absentia to Master Shang Bi, everything was legal." She said worriedly... "It's not like i've committed a big mistake..." she tailed..

Mo Lian thought deeply and chosed his words carefully, "Miss Bai, please help make our lives a bit lighter..."Madam Huang Lin requested for your presence at young master's bedside. She will greatly appreciate it if you can grant her wish for her son."

Xinli was more stupefied than shocked. "What??" Her voice rose, while her hazel eyes widened in a most attractive way. Mo Lian eyed her silently... it was when Xinli's flight announced the last call. He held his breath as her hands moved to her luggage.

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The Medical City

Xinli hesitated as she slowly approached Lu Jinian's bed...

The trip from the airport was relatively silent. No unnecessary word was spoken. For Xinli, she just wanted to do something humane, she told herself. Helping someone and nothing more. She knew she had to guard her heart hard against the man.