Chapter 5
"Your teacher said you fainted. What happened?" Her grandfather's voice was intimidating like usual. However, she recognized the subtle worry and so she raised her head respectfully, "I-it must have been the heat grandfather. I'm fine now."
The dining table was as cold as ever. Out of five, two of her cousins were present. Li Hong was ignoring her existence and Li Fei was rolling her eyes like Li Xiu had done something that displeased her. Li Xiu was already used to their obvious dislike towards her that she opted to once again simply smile at them.
"Indeed. You should consider the way you dress. You'll burn from within if you keep that up," her grandfather suggested. A snicker was heard from Li Fei, "even if she does strip a little, she'll still look like a widowed wife or something horrendous."
Grandfather sighed-- not even retorting. Li Xiu kept quiet, knowing it'll only cause more chaos if she even dared answering back. Also, Li Fei only listens to words she wants to hear. It's a waste of time trying to explain something to her.
"Thank you for your concerns grandfather, but I'll be fine." Li Xiu's voice was soft, gentle and it made the old man's face lighten up. He nodded, "good, it wouldn't do me any good to have my most obedient grandaughter passed out in the middle of nowhere."
"And you two, you just got back from a month long vacation, make sure to catch up on your missing classes," his eyes drifted towards the other two person on his right. Li Hong answered with a firm 'yes grandfather' followed by Li Fei who said the same thing, afterwards glaring at Li Xiu for no apparent reason.
Li Xiu stood up and reached for her bag when she saw the other two finish their meals. Li Hong briefly glanced at her before muttering a quick 'goodbye' to grandfather and strolling away from the dining hall. Li Fei ran after her brother. Before following them, Li Xiu kissed her grandfather's cheek.
"What happened while I was gone?" Li Fei immediately interrogated the moment she stepped in the luxurious car. Li Hong was situated at the back most part, Li Xiu at his right side and Li Fei at his left one.
Li Xiu blinked, choosing her words carefully, 'well, first of all, I bought a magic potion even though it's shady and ridiculously expensive and then I accidentally used it on Wang Jian, the person you like the most and now the whole school knows that he likes me which is far from the truth.'
Li Xiu cleared her throat, "n-nothing at all cousin." She knew that she'll probably recieve a slap later if her cousin finds out but right now, she'll bask in the unawareness both Li Fei and Li Hong shared.
"Nevermind that cousin...how was um, how was your trip?"
Li Fei leaned towards the seat ungracefully, "hm, it was boring. You should have come instead, you fit there."
Li Xiu's eyes betrayed nothing as she remained smiling, the insult flying pass her ears, "is that so? maybe if I'm free I'll go."
Her cousin irritatingly glanced at her, then down her body where her three layered clothing covered almost her entire body. The hint of mocking found its way back on her eyes, "gee, you seriously look like a grandma, no wonder you're still alone and miserable."
Li Xiu registered her words before innocently tilting her head, "but I have you. I'm not at all alone and miserable." Her smile was luminous and it caused Li Fei to choke on her supposedly next insults. It was true though, despite them being mean and rude sometimes, and unnecessarily arrogant and aloof, she still finds comfort whenever they are there with her.
Silence enveloped the air. Finally, a sigh was heard and it was from Li Hong. "You innocent fool," he mumbled. His voice straight and smooth like Li Xiu had always known them to be. Li Fei spoke again-- more like whispered, "can't believe you're even a Li. So stupid."
Li Xie simply smiled and never said anything after that as she settled her head against the seat. Her worries about the magic potion stuff and Wang Jian momentarily left her head as she reveled in the peace that flowed within the quietly moving vehicle.