Delightful Nemesis

The Sharp-Tongued Man（2）

Life went on, and time waited for no one. She thought she would never cross paths with anyone named Xi again and was forcing herself to forget what needed to be forgotten. Her mother arranged blind dates every two weeks. But she forgot that her and the Xi brothers' paths were not entirely parallel; there was at least one intersection—a class reunion invitation, handed to her as a former classmate.

Yes, they were classmates, so a reunion was expected. But was nine years too late for a reunion? When Yao Si received the invitation from Fei Ying, she was somewhat dazed. Fei Ying was one of the few high school classmates she still kept in touch with. A small-time fashion designer with a cool demeanor, Fei Ying had long black hair and a sharp gaze. She had been sitting behind Yao Si since the first day of high school, admired by many girls for her cool, almost domineering presence. On one point, she and Yao Si were allies; they both had a crush on Xi Ziqian. The difference was that Fei Ying also secretly liked Xi Zixiao. She admitted to being quite the flirt herself.

"I don't know why Luo Ke suddenly decided to organize a reunion. It's been nine years since you last saw them, right? That little vixen has been clinging to Zixiao for years. Just the other day, she asked me to design her wedding dress. Wedding? More like brain-dead. She still hasn't tamed that playboy Zixiao. She's been talking about engagement for years, and I've made six dresses for her, but it never happened. She almost got stood up on Valentine's Day. She called and complained to me for two hours, feeling better afterward, while I was stuck at home all night without even a handsome guy to flirt with," Fei Ying said, her tone gossipy despite her cool appearance.

"And you? You went to a bar event that day, right? Did you meet any interesting men, maybe have a one-night stand?" Yao Si nearly choked on her orange juice. This girl was too open-minded, always thinking about such things. Did she ever think about anything other than men?

Men? Did Xi Zixiao count? Yao Si wanted to share her encounter with the sharp-tongued man, but Fei Ying couldn't keep a secret. She would embellish and spread the story everywhere. So Yao Si just smiled awkwardly and endured another round of Fei Ying's lectures.

"Why are you so clueless? If you like a man, just go for it. Forget about being reserved; in this day and age, boldness wins. Come stay at my place tonight, and I'll make you look stunning. Let those guys drool when they see you, especially Xi Ziqian. Take him to a hotel and get it over with, so that vixen Luo Ke won't be smug anymore. She took Zixiao, now she wants Xi Ziqian too? Over my dead body!" Fei Ying's fierce words were often more bark than bite. Though she flirted around, she seldom took things further, much like Yao Si.

Yao Si chuckled, "Fei Da-ma, you're one of Luo Ke's best friends from high school, right?" Despite being a few months younger, Fei Ying's gossipy nature earned her the nickname "Da-ma" (Auntie).

"So what? Being friends doesn't mean I can't criticize. I criticize you too. Can't you be more proactive? The whole world knows you like Xi Ziqian, but you let nine years slip by without doing anything. Didn't I give you his number? Have you ever called him? Why keep it in your phone if you never use it?"

"Not the whole world... Xi Ziqian doesn't know," Yao Si mumbled.

Fei Ying poked her forehead with a manicured finger, "That's because you're both idiots! Even Zixiao, that big i***t, can see it."

"When did Zixiao become an i***t? Isn't he supposed to be clever?" Yao Si was puzzled.

"All his cleverness is wasted elsewhere. He has zero emotional intelligence," Fei Ying huffed, poking Yao Si again.

"Not really, he seems quite adept at navigating romance, always surrounded by admirers, never getting too involved," Yao Si replied, recalling the scene she witnessed.

"He's not using it where it matters," Fei Ying glanced at Yao Si's blank expression and groaned dramatically, "Oh, why do I have to deal with three fools? My life is shrouded in darkness." Was it really that exaggerated?

"Let's go. I'll personally coach you. I refuse to believe we can't hook a man," she said, dragging Yao Si to her place for a makeover. For the next few days, Fei Ying trained her, though it mostly made Yao Si feel inadequate. Fei Ying, tall and well-proportioned, looked stunning in anything she wore. Poor Yao Si, an average woman in appearance and height, wondered why such an amazing person like Fei Ying went unnoticed by the Xi brothers. She thought Fei Ying was more beautiful than Luo Ke. Maybe her bold behavior overshadowed her femininity.

The reunion was held at Luo Ke's restaurant in the upscale southern district, near Xi Zixiao and Xi Ziqian's apartments. The Mediterranean-style decor was charming. Despite it being a busy weekend, the restaurant was closed for the event, likely costing a small fortune.

"Rich people!" Yao Si sighed. Fei Ying winked at her, "You could be richer if you wanted." Yao Si, thinking Fei Ying was about to push her usual agenda about Xi Ziqian, rolled her eyes and fell silent. Fei Ying giggled mischievously.

Dressed in a black blazer with a white boutonniere, her hair in a ponytail, and smoky eye makeup, Fei Ying looked cool and imposing. Mimicking a gentleman, she opened the car door for Yao Si, who linked arms with her as they entered the restaurant. Truly, clothes make the man. Fei Ying's handiwork transformed Yao Si into a beauty. She wore a white dress designed by Fei Ying, modestly low-cut, exuding elegance and a hint of allure. With subtly winged eyeliner and earthy-toned eyeshadow, she appeared both refined and captivating. If tonight's goal was to attract men, her appearance was undoubtedly a success.

As they entered, many admiring glances, including those from Yao Si's long-time crush, Xi Ziqian, turned their way. Fei Ying, arm around Yao Si's waist, whispered something before leading her towards Xi Ziqian, ignoring the unfriendly gaze from someone nearby.

"Hey, kiddo, dumbfounded? How's my Si Si?"

"Yeah, dumbfounded. Yao Si, it's been so long. You haven't changed a bit."

Blushing, Yao Si smiled shyly, "Xi Ziqian, long time no see." His gentle demeanor made her feel at ease. The long-suppressed affection surged like a tide, unstoppable.

A tall figure in red rushed over, hugging her tightly. "Yao Si! I've missed you so much!" It was Luo Ke.

"Luo Ke, you look even prettier. I've missed you too," Yao Si replied, though it was mostly out of politeness. She wasn't close to Luo Ke. Seeing Xi Ziqian's tender gaze at Luo Ke, she felt a pang of sorrow. Nine years had passed, did he still love her? Perhaps Xi Ziqian was right after all; they were both rational yet stubborn, even their looks of affection were alike—intertwined with pain and joy, forming a deep, bitter vortex they struggled to escape, refusing to grasp the lifeline right in front of them.

Fei Ying was right; this pain was self-inflicted.

Xi Zixiao's cough broke the moment, his sharp tongue ready to strike.

"Dumb goose, at your age, why act cute? I suggest you don't smile today; your crow's feet are showing. Dressed so provocatively, trying to hook a man? Too bad all the good ones are taken. Even the leftovers won't be interested in an old maid."