Chapter 8: Love Rivalry

Wu's fingers touched the fabric curls of the curtains and he drew it aside in one strong motion and it made way for the wake-up call of birds that flit between the summer-clad trees outside.

The profound gold of the room became a flamboyant buttercup yellow as the light flooded in, bathing Lijuan in the first light of the day.

She tousled a bit before her eyes fluttered open to see a tray of warm croissant, jams on toast and hot chocolate beside her.

"Good morning, Lijuan" 

Lijuan was surprised. "Breakfast in bed? Mr Chang, you didn't have to."

"It's fine. I enjoy doing things like this for you. So make the most of your morning meal without worrying about anything."

She gestured, in spite of the fact that she felt bad.

"Cheer up alright. It's ideal to begin your day with a grin." 

"Yeah" she sipped her hot chocolate before she took a bite from the toast. With the way he was feeding her, she'd blow up soon, but he seemed to not mind that.

"Do you have clothes to wear?" 

"Yes. I always carry a change of clothes in case of emergency."

"Do you have work today?" 

"Yes, I have a meeting by ten." 

"I'll drop you off, so get ready. No need to Rush. It's just seven."

"Thanks for the breakfast." 

After an hour, it was still early, but she had to stop by her house first to get her suit. She wanted to spend more time with Wu, but she couldn't risk missing the meeting. She was sure he understood why she insisted on leaving hours before the time.

"I'm taking you to your house or…"

"I called my driver to pick me up." 

"Oh, I was looking forward to meeting your family, maybe." 

"You shouldn't anticipate meeting my mom. She's still brainwashed by Fu, so I still need time before we can all meet and have dinner at least." 

"I see." 

He pulled over at the next bus stop, and she texted her driver where they should meet. Once the message was sent successfully, she turned to Wu who kept his eyes on the road. She moved to give him a kiss on his cheek, but he turned before she got the chance.

Her face slowly reddened after their lips made contact, and she tied her scarf to hide it. 

 "Goodbye" She said before he could get an opportunity to remark on what had happened.

"Was that accidental?" He wondered before he started the car. Thoughts about the peck occupied his mind, and he wished he lasted a little longer. 

***

"It wasn't my first time...but why did I react that way. I feel so embarrassed" Lijuan's mind replayed the accidental peck for the tenth time ever since she started her drive home. 

She got out of the car the moment it came to a stop, then headed straight for the main door. To her surprise, two buff men in black denied her entrance.

"I'm sorry ma'am we can't let you in" 

"Excuse me? What is the meaning of this?" 

"Ma'am we're just following your mother's orders" 

From the balcony, Mrs Qin looked down and spoke "Go back to wherever you came from!" 

"Mom, what's going on? Why won't you let me in?"

"You know what you did!" 

"I just stayed at my boyfriend's place! What's wrong with that?" 

"You've grown wings, precious Lijuan. I called and called, but you didn't answer any."

"because I knew you'd want me home, and I texted a hundred messages telling you I was in a safe place with someone that loves me. Don't ruin this for me mom"

"You're acting like me when I was young and stupid. Don't let history repeat itself Lijuan. Knock out of this and just accept Mr Fu!"

"NEVER!!! Nothing will make me too. I'm happy with Wu. He's a great man, and he knows how to respect a lady. Tell Fu to learn a thing or two from him." 

"Very well, since you refuse to use your head. I'll ask you to leave." 

"Okay. I want to pack my..."

"No!!!" Her mom cut her off "You're not taking a single thing from this house." 

"But they're my things." 

"And this is your dad's and my house. Have a problem with that?" 

Lijuan bit her lip, then turned for her car. "Jake, take me to Hyuna stores. I need a suit, ASAP." 

Miss Qin frowned, watching the car drive out of the gate. She turned back to see her husband standing by the door. 

"You should understand she's grown now…"

"I don't want her to suffer like I did. I love her, and I want her to be happy. Fu Hong is someone I can trust. He'll take care of her. Who knows the intentions of other people? I don't want her to fall into the wrong hands" 

Her husband wrapped his hand around her and kissed her temple "Don't worry. She'll be fine. I'll call her back tonight okay." 

"Okay."

***

"Lijuan! Your mom was looking everywhere for you. She called me a lot…"

"I don't want to talk about that right now."

"What's wrong, you seem sad" Jessica followed Lijuan to her office since she finally arrived a few minutes before the scheduled meeting.

"My mom kicked me out. But it's all good. I have my house. What's bothering me is that I have to shop for a lot of my things again." 

"I'm sure she's just angry. Where exactly did you go?" 

"Wu's place."

Jessica clenched her fist in anger. She despised him, and she despised Fu Hong as well. She despised every man that got in between her best friend and herself. 

"Why does she need a man when I'm here?" She muttered.

"What was that?" Lijuan titled her head and Jessica frantically denied saying anything.

"I should leave you. It's almost time for the meeting." 

"Yeah. Talk to you later" Lijuan waved as her associate left. 

Jessica cussed once she ventured out, outrage unmistakably in her eyes "What's so special about Wu? If Lijuan wanted a place to spend a night, I would've gladly given her my whole bed space. What are best friends for...even though I want to be more than that…" 

She shook her head, composing herself after zoning out for a minute "It's not too late... maybe there's still hope for me in this fight. Lijuan deserves better, and I'll be the best for her" She skipped her way back to the office with a smile on her face after riling herself up.

"I will start by investigating that bar place. There has to be some important information there, and if I find out something bad...I won't hesitate to tell." 

***

Wu: Hi! How was work?

Lijuan smiled when she saw his text and she replied, "It was good." 

Wu: I'm missing you already :'-(

Lijuan typed, "I miss you too. I guess we're both lonely in our house"

Wu: But you don't stay alone

Lijuan sighed before she sent the next text, "My mom kicked me out today. I'm at my place right now."

Wu: Why didn't you tell me? I would've loved to have you around again.

Lijuan giggled "And have you spoil me with your special food? No thanks ^3^"

Wu: Were you sad?

Lijuan pursed her lips "Yeah. Fu Hong is ruining my relationship with my mom, and I hope she realises that soon."

Wu: Whenever you're feeling down, just call me or leave a text. 

"Sure, thanks for checking up on me, Wu."

Wu: That's what a good boyfriend does. Your smile last night was beautiful, and it's something I want to protect forever.

"Hmm," Lijuan tapped her cheek as she thought of an idea "You've been really sweet ever since we met so, I want to do the honors and fatten you up" 

Wu: Lol. What do you want in mind?

"For our next date you're coming over to my place" 

Wu: Oh, no problem!

She smiled as she bit her lip to muffle her laugh "And don't forget to bring a pack of condoms ;-)"