2 Shi Ailin

Shi Yen went home after work, finding her sister Shi Ailin already there.

Shi Yen always went to work shortly after first light and returned after dark. She worked more hours than her employees because it was something she was used to doing, but more importantly, because she needed to immerse herself in something. She hadn't stopped working hard since she lost the two people she cared about most in the world.

Shi Yen went straight to her bedroom to wash up and changed into her nightgown. She combed out her long dark hair, swooping it over one shoulder, revealing one side of her pale collarbones. She put on moisturizer and rubbed it over her dry skin when she suddenly heard the doorbell ring.

She stood up hastily, holding the hem of her skirts, descending the stairs.

She answered the door to a dark-haired, plain-faced man. He was holding flowers in his hand, wearing a boyish grin, and Shi Yen pitied him on the spot. Don't waver now, she told herself.

He shivered at the spot upon seeing her. "Oh—Hello, Miss Shi Yenni. I didn't expect to see you."

"It's Yen," replied Shi Yen. She didn't like it when people referred to her as Yenni. Her parents were the only ones who ever used her full name, and they were gone.

"Sorry, Miss Yen. Is your sister ready?" Bo questioned.

"My sister won't be going on your date," Shi Yen replied neutrally, not trying to sound harsh or soft.

"Why?" asked her pestering neighbour.

"Listen. I'm sure you're a nice man. But—to put it straightforwardly—she doesn't want to go."

Bo frowned, lowering his hands with the flowers, feeling rejected.

Shi Yen didn't realize that her face frowned, too, lowering her guard, showing sympathy. He glanced up at her, his eyes widening. "Miss Yen. I didn't realize how beautiful you are," he said in awe.

Shi Yen's face tightened immediately. "What?" she questioned.

"Miss Yen! You're not as they say!"

"What are you talking about?" asked Shi Yen, demanding an answer.

Bo gave out a soft chuckle. "I thought that when you came out here, it was because you were protective of your sister since many say you are as hard as iron. But, now, I realize. You want me!"

Huh?

"I beg your pardon Mr. Bo, but what gave you that impression?" she asked. Shi Yen was utterly appalled.

"Well. You want to stop your sister from going out with me, and you're wearing a very lovely nightgown," his eyes gazed her body up and down appreciatively. "I'd say that you were jealous and wanted to come in between us! But don't worry. I much prefer women who are more assertive and know what they want."

Shi Yen was so taken aback that she was left speechless.

Her neighbour then pushed the flowers to her hands and said, "Soon enough, the two of us will be courting!" He said, walking away.

Shi Yen shut the door quickly behind. She heard Shi Ailin descend the stairs near the front door cautiously. "How did it go?" she asked.

Shi Yen gritted her teeth, crushing the flowers in her hand. "We need to do something about that man because I will not have rumours spreading where people think I am in love with him! I have a reputation to maintain."

Her sister, Shi Ailin, covered her mouth, repressing a shaking laugh.

Shi Yen glared at her.

"You see, this is why I wanted to get rid of him! He's so persistent," Shi Ailin said.

Shi Yen nodded. "I know, which is why I wanted to speak with him. But he doesn't give you a chance. It's annoying. We both have to avoid him."

The doorbell rang again, and Shi Yen clenched her jaw, striding towards the door. "If it's that boy again—" Shi Yen began to say as she answered the door. "—Oh, hello, uncle!"

Her warm-faced uncle, Shi Ma, entered the house. Shi Ailin walked and leapt into his arms. "Oh, it's nice to see you, uncle!" Their uncle smiled at them.

Shi Yen grinned warmly, watching the two of them. Her childless-uncle looked after them since the passing of their parents when they both felt like they had no one to lean on. Shi Ailin and Shi Yen only had each other. They had Shi Ma when everyone from her mother's side schemed to take half of Shi Yen's inheritance during a vulnerable time. However, she offered them a great lesson.

"My dear nieces," he said. "Why was I informed that you two have declined to attend the Luo banquet?"

Shi Yen crossed her arms, as Shi Ailin flayed her own. The three of them walked towards the living room to sit down.

"That banquet is, no doubt, hosted for the Luo's to find their sons' brides," Shi Ailin ground out. "Yen and I are not interested."

Their uncle sighed. "But you two have proven your worth. The High Society welcomes you again for how far you've risen, and it's time to secure heirs. You two are the last of the Shi family, the ones that count. When you die, who will take what you have? Some distant relatives that you don't know? A commoner who stems far from the roots of Shi?"

Shi Yen sighed. "Stop your theatrics, uncle. The last thing I want is a husband."

Her uncle smiled grimly. "I encourage you both to go. You don't have to fall in love, but you can surely secure what you've built."

"I didn't build anything," replied Shi Ailin. "So, I can wait to get married however long I want."

"You can marry a man who will provide for you," replied her uncle.

Shi Ailin scowled. "No, thank you."

Shi Ma exhaled a breath, running a palm down his face. "I'm merely encouraging you two to consider your positions. You are both in your mid-twenties, and the Shi family had been ruined for years. Bring yourself out there; make something of it."

Shi Yen blew out air as she tilted her head on the head of the couch. Her uncle was right. Her parents have wed out an arrangement; it wasn't a love match. And she, too, cared about their lineage. She wanted an heir, but she didn't want to fall in love, something she knew wasn't possible for her. But, still, she wouldn't just marry anyone.

"We'll go," Shi Yen responded almost quietly to satisfy their uncle. Her sister gaped and stiffened, surprised by her answer. Shi Yen read Shi Ailin's expression and said, "We don't have to go husband-hunting, but it's time that we bring ourselves out there, we can't keep ourselves caged forever."

Shi Ailin shrank back in her seat. She didn't like to attract attention, and eyes would surely be on them. And most of all, someone she had spent a long time avoiding was going to be there. But, she always followed her sister's lead. "Since you're going. I will go, too," she said.

Shi Ma stood up. "Excellent. That's all I wanted to hear. I will see you two soon!"