6 (III) Xiao-Fen

"Just up ahead," the captain of the ship said beside me, "is the island of Wang Xiao-Fen."

The captain was a fat short man with a greasy shirt but held a hint of iron will, a man not to be messed with. I looked up ahead across the waters to find an island sprinkled with palm trees and wooden huts. There was a group of people by the wooden port we were sailing towards and there was a huge banner behind them.

"Who are those up ahead?" I asked. The captain began to walk away but replied, "Wang Xiao-Fen and the servants who'll greet you."

They all looked excited as the boat neared. It was nearly sunset and the sky was a beautiful gradient of orange and yellow. The waters were calm and peaceful. The island was the perfect touch to this vacation. I rarely left my house, not very comfortable about the outside world yet I agreed to a stranger to join him on his vacation just because I married him. Strange? It really is.

I looked over to the other side of the deck to find Li Jun talking with the crew members. He looked really tall among them and his hair was swept back after he hastily fixed it with his fingers because of the windy journey. He only wore shorts so his legs were seen. They were muscular and looked perfect for runners and hikers. I never saw him at a far distance and only admired his eyes. But seeing his full appearance, I could see why many were desperate to marry him. As if we could communicate through our thoughts, Li Jun looked up and he smiled at me. He muttered an "Excuse me," to the men and walked towards me. I straightened up, suddenly conscious of how I looked. He stands in front of me and I could clearly see his chest peeking out of his shirt. I tried to avoid my gaze.

"We're nearly there," he said.

I nodded, still trying to focus on the water.

He leans over towards the side, his head bowing down, his hair nearly touching the sea. I laughed, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," he replied, raising his head to smile playfully at me, exposing his dimples. I desperately wanted to sink my fingers in them but I shook my crazy thoughts. He then says, "You know, Xiao-Fen is probably the only Wang left in our family who isn't married."

"Really? I thought you were required to."

Li Jun nods, "Well, yes. But you see, Xiao-Fen is a troublemaker. He rebelled and somehow escaped the many weddings arranged for him every year he ages. So he escaped to this island and began his own business."

He sighs, eyes on the water, "Xiao-Fen is very immature at times and can be quite-," he clears his throat, "flirtatious around women."

I nodded understandingly. He stands up straight and hurriedly says, "Wait, I didn't mean to! Sorry, I don't want to ruin the vacation."

I waved my hands, "It's okay, Li Jun. I understand."

"Just for a heads up," he says, "if Xiao-Fen does anything that makes you uncomfortable, I'm here. He can't help but introduce himself to beautiful women."

All of a sudden, I felt my face blushing. Why am I blushing?! Suddenly, Li Jun's ears turn red and he avoids my eyes, "Y-You are beautiful, Mei Zhen."

I smiled, "Thank you, Li Jun."

He closes his eyes and walks away, his fingers madly tapping against his thigh. I chuckle to myself.

Cute.

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"Welcome Cousin Li Jun and Mei Zhen!" the man greeted, arms in the air to embrace Li Jun, whose hands were full of all the bags. Li Jun slightly frowns but hugs him back.

"It's good to see you, Xiao-Fen," he greets back, patting his cousin's back.

Xiao-Fen lets go and turns his direction to me. He gapes and approaches me, kneeling and taking my hand, "It's an honor to meet a Zhou daughter. I am Wang Xiao-Fen." He pecks his lips on my hand and I quickly pulled it back. Li Jun clears his throat. Xiao-Fen snaps his fingers and stands up, "Right, right. She's your wife."

Xiao-Fen was almost as tall as Li Jun. He was tan, especially since he works on the beach every day. He was really fit, his body sculpted beautifully. He was wearing a dark blue robe, exposing his brown-ish chest. He had a shining smile and his hair was jet black. It was wet, he probably had a swim before we arrived. To make it short, he was attractive. It was hard to tell the fact that he and Li Jun were related but both had remarkable blue eyes.

"It's an honor to meet you, Prince Xiao-Fen," I said, awkwardly laughing off the little moment he had with my hand. Xiao-Fen laughs loudly, "No need to address me like that, Princess Mei Zhen. I no longer wish to be called a 'prince'. It doesn't suit me."

"Would 'player' check the box?" Li Jun suggested.

Xiao-Fen laughed, "Ah, Li Jun. Still a joker. Don't ruin the vacation with your silly jokes. You don't want to bore out your wife already. Haha!"

I could see Li Jun clenching his jaw from annoyance. He looked ready to strike Xiao-Fen in the face within a second. Without thinking, I skip to his side and take his arm. He immediately relaxes and breathes calmly. "Li Jun is quite exhausted from the ride. Could you, perhaps, show us to our room?"

Xiao-Fen nods, "Ah, don't worry. Follow me. For now, leave your things here. The maids will just bring it to your room."

Xiao-Fen skips ahead, his body full of energy. A group of servants dressed in cool white robes bow at us and begin to carry our bags. For a while, I stood there beside Li Jun, my arms still wrapped around his left one. He sighs.

"Thanks," he whispers. "I needed that."

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The room was spacious and well furnished. There was a huge bed that could probably fit five people on them. The walls were lined with red and golden curtains, almost like an emperor's palace. Carpets and small wooden carvings that brought a cozy atmosphere and was the perfect environment I dreamed of. Li Jun walked around, amazed at the decor. He glances at the bed and points at it, gesturing me to take a closer look. I pulled away the light translucent curtain around the bed and find rose petals scattered all around the bedsheet. I stared at it.

A bed fit for a newlywed couple. A honeymoon.

I stepped back and I could hear Li Jun muttering, "Sorry, sorry,"

I faced him and frowned, "Let's set some rules."

He immediately looked worried. He nods, "O-Okay."

"Stop apologizing. Everything is not your fault," I said.

He nods.

"Second, don't worry about Xiao-Fen. I can handle this."

He straightens his back, "What do you mean? He could be really touchy and I don't want him getting his hands all over--"

I held my breath. He stopped, realizing what he was about to say. "Sorry, I didn't--"

I stomped towards him and gently put a finger against his lips. He freezes and it becomes silent. All we could hear was each other's rapid heartbeats. I whisper, "Stop apologizing."

"I just don't want Xiao-Fen to get you uncomfortable," he says in a soft voice.

"I'll be fine--"

"Remember this, Wang Mei Zhen," he says in a serious tone, his words emphasizing on 'Wang', "Xiao-Fen is just a distraction. I, Wang Li Jun, am your husband."

I stammered, trying to reply but he just continues, "L-Li Jun,"

"If he lays a finger on you again, I will make his life a living nightmare."

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