Gentle touch

Fan Xiao Yao stared at Huang Li the moment she entered the room. She was actually surprised in seeing him since Shi Enxi didn't inform her that he came.

Huang Li was wearing a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved white shirt with an open collar underneath. There was a silver hoop earring on his right ear and his black hair was a bit messy, almost like a bad hair although one side was neatly fixed by two hairpins. Though if Fan Xiao Yao remembered it correctly, Huang Li has always that kind of style since high school.

The most attractive part of him was his eyes. They were sharp like an eagle's beneath his metal-framed spectacles that were resting on the bridge of his nose.

He was a bit chubby back then but Huang Li in front of her was lean, fit and tall.

Huang Li noticed that the stares he was receiving were coming from the dining room's entrance. He raised his head and looked at Fan Xiao Yao.

She quickly averted her eyes, she didn't want to be rude by staring at him for so long. It was even embarrassing if she got caught!

"Hi." She greeted Huang Li.

"Hey."

Fan Xiao Yao was not really close with him so she felt a bit awkward with him being there. She went and sat beside Shi Enxi instead.

Shi Enxi poured the carrot smoothie on Fan Xiao Yao's glass before she poured one for Huang Li as well.

Since she hated carrots, Huang Li prepared mango smoothie for Shi Enxi earlier.

"Did you made all of these, Xi'er?"

"Huang Li helped."

"How nice." Fan Xiao Yao pouted, "Next time, let me help you, okay?"

Shi Enxi didn't say anything. She started eating instead. Huang Li followed without saying a thing.

Fan Xiao Yao pursed her lips as she stared at the two. She started digging in her food as well.

Her eyes brightened the moment the food touched her tongue. It was better than the ones she had before! If vegetables were always this tasty and were prepared this well then she would gladly turn into a vegetarian!

"This is so delicious!"

Huang Li nodded in agreement, "Xiao Xi is a good cook."

Fan Xiao Yao smiled, "Mr. Huang-"

"Huang Li is fine. You don't have to be polite," said Huang Li with a friendly smile.

Fan Xiao Yao shook her head, "But you are older than me, it's only normal for me to properly address you."

"Alright, if you insist."

Shi Enxi turned her head to Huang Li, "How's Vanilla? Did you bring her to my brother's place?"

"Yes, I did. Although your brother doesn't like her, he wanted me to take her back."

Fan Xiao Yao blinked a few times, "Vanilla? Who's Vanilla?"

"She's Xiao Xi's cat," replied Huang Li.

Shi Enxi sighed. If her brother was complaining about taking care of Vanilla then why wasn't he calling her? He should complain to her instead of complaining to Huang Li.

During the meal, most of the talking was done by Huang Li and Fan Xiao Yao. Shi Enxi would only insert when needed. She was not in the mood to talk with them that was why she remained quiet most of the time.

While the two were busy talking, Huang Li's phone vibrated. He took it out and his face turned serious when he saw it. He stood up, "I need to take my leave now."

"Already? You haven't finished your food." Fan Xiao Yao stared up at him.

Huang Li smiled a bit, "I have an emergency to take care off. I need to save a life."

"Oh! Then you better get going!"

"Wait." Shi Enxi stood and took a takeout container. She transferred some food there before she gave it to him. "You can eat this after the surgery, just make sure you put it in a ref."

Huang Li was working as a doctor in Imperial City's famous hospital. He belonged in the Anesthesiology department since it was his specialty. That was why back in Lu Mello's past life, Huang Li was able to slip in Wang Hao's room in the hospital to kill him.

"Thank you."

...

Later that night, Shi Enxi got on her bed after she studied the documents that she brought with her.

She turned off her bedside lamp and was about to go to sleep when she suddenly heard a knock.

"Xi'er? Are you still awake?" Fan Xiao Yao's voice was heard from the other side.

Shi Enxi ignored her. She pulled her blanket until her shoulders and closed her eyes.

She heard a small creak and footsteps entering her room.

Shit... she forgot to lock her door!

"Xi'er?" Fan Xiao Yao approached her while hugging her pillow.

"Are you awake?"

Shi Enxi sighed heavily, "Can't you see that I am trying to sleep here?" She glared at her, "Why are you here? I never gave you my permission to enter."

"I'm sorry about that..." Fan Xiao Yao hung her head low, "But can I sleep here for the night?"

Shi Enxi raised a brow, "What are you? A kid? Go back to your room and just let me sleep already."

"Please? Just for tonight?" Fan Xiao Yao wasn't feeling scared of being alone. As she thought of the things that were going to happen tomorrow, she couldn't help but get worried and as she thought more of it, her anxiety and depression kicked in.

Being alone in her room didn't help at all. She felt so alone and she didn't like that feeling at all. Her mind couldn't stop thinking of the depressing thoughts that was why in the end, she decided to go to Shi Enxi's room.

"Please... just for tonight."

Shi Enxi stared at her for a while but she couldn't see well through the expression she was making since the lights were off.

Just this once. She was only going to allow her to sleep in her room just this once.

"Do whatever you want." Shi Enxi turned and faced her back to her.

Fan Xiao Yao was grateful when Shi Enxi gave her permission. She got on her bed and lied down beside her.

"Xi'er, thank you."

Shi Enxi didn't reply. She wanted Fan Xiao Yao to think that she was already fast asleep.

Not long, Shi Enxi turned to check if Fan Xiao Yao was already asleep.

When she turned, she was surprised to see how close Fan Xiao Yao was curling to her. Shi Enxi could clearly see that she was already asleep because of the closeness of their faces although she noticed that Fan Xiao Yao's brows were creased as if she was having a bad dream.

Of course, she'll have a bad dream! She was sleeping next to the person who hates her!

"Mom... dad..."

Shi Enxi pursed her lips when she heard what she mumbled. Was she dreaming of her parents?

From what she knew, Fan Xiao Yao's parents died because of an accident, just like hers.

Shi Enxi knew the feeling of waking up from a nightmare, a nightmare where she could see her parents' accidents right in front of her.

She clenched her fists for a while before she finally gave in. She reached out and gently caressed Fan Xiao Yao's head.

Shi Enxi's warm and gentle touch was able to erase the crease on the middle of Fan Xiao Yao's brows, the expression on her face became better.

Fan Xiao Yao snuggled against her like a kitten, as if wanting to stay close to the warmth and gentleness that she felt near her.

Shi Enxi wanted to push her away but if Fan Xiao Yao woke up then she has to deal with a new set of trouble she'll make. Ah... she really is so annoying.