I’m Alright Wan Xin

"Xiaojie. Xiaojie," the voice continued to worriedly call.

[Who is it?] Xiao Yiu mentally questioned. [Is this the same voice from... four months ago...] Her vision was a watery blur so she couldn't see properly, which made Xiao Yiu become even more confused. It was like her mind had entered a state of dementia after recalling the past. She felt lost to her surroundings. The past of four months ago feeling very much like the present. [That voice from four months ago... NO. This isn't that voice....] Xiao Yiu closed her eyes, knowing something was amiss. It was like she was forgetting something important.

"Xiaojie, don't scare me. Are you alright? Xiaojie. Xiaojie!"

[XIAOJIE] Xiao Yiu's mind finally cleared. She blinked away some of the tears before wiping her wet eyes. The edge of her lips slowly curled into a timid smile. Her vision was now as clear as day and Xiao Yiu stared straight at Wan Xin, who looked back at her with worry. "Wan Xin," she whispered. [Ah, that's right. All of 'that' is in the past now] she thought. The flurry of turbulent emotions inside her dissipating ever so slightly.

"Xiaojie, why are you crying?" Wan Xin tried to reach out to wipe Xiao Yiu's eyes. She was deeply concerned.

Being self-conscious Xiao Yiu instinctively flushed and moved backwards. [H-how embarrassing? How can I cry in front of Wan Xin and make her worry?] She quickly wiped at her eyes with her sleeves. "I'm alright Wan Xin. Don't worry," she managed to say.

Wan Xin studied Xiao Yiu with an intense stare. With the noticeable tear stains on that heavily painted face, Wan Xin wasn't convinced that Xiao Yiu was fine. "Xiaojie, are you really alright?" Wan Xin had to ask again. "You can tell me anything. You don't have to keep everything to yourself."

Understanding Wan Xin's sweet intentions Xiao Yiu pulled the girl into a light hug. "Thank you," she murmured into Wan Xin's ear. She then immediately let go. Her actions were so nimble that it felt as though the fleeting cuddle never happened. It threw Wan Xin off guard.

Xiao Yiu forced out a big smile, "I'm alright Wan Xin."

Wan Xin was still surprised by the pleasant hug to properly respond. Her attention was distracted by her own warm cheeks going pink. "Xiaojie…"

Xiao Yiu gave Wan Xin a light but firm pat on the shoulders. "I really am alright," she said a final time before turning away from Wan Xin. The instant Wan Xin could no longer see her face, Xiao Yiu's smile vanished. As much as she wanted to be fine, those memories that came flooding back to her from seeing Prince Ping again; it all felt too recent, like it had all just happened now. Xiao Yiu truly wished she could let it go. However, Prince Ping's coldness towards her simply opened up her deepest unhealed wounds. It was impossible for Xiao Yiu to ignore the steadily growing pain in her chest. "Wan Xin, I..." Xiao Yiu began to move. "I don't feel hungry anymore. I'm returning to the garden hut to rest." She needed to be alone. She needed to sort out her pitiful emotions.

[I knew it] Wan Xin stared after Xiao Yiu folding her arms. [I knew Xiao Yiu isn't fine]. She wanted to ask what was wrong but decided it was best not to. She noticed the obvious change in Xiao Yiu since they bumped into Prince Ping and Heng. [It must be Prince Ping] Wan Xin guessed. [He was so hostile towards Xiao Yiu, she must be upset. That Prince Ping... the way he treats Ding Ding is completely different]. Wan Xin puffed her cheeks. "Humph. No wonder my Ding Ding Xiaojie calls the prince a blockhead. He's only good at bullying our Xiao Yiu because she's the biggest softy in the world," she said aloud.

Giving off a few more huffs, Wan Xin made her way to the kitchen. As she continued to copy Ding Ding and bad-mouth Prince Ping, completely blaming him for Xiao Yiu's sadness, Wan Xin found herself becoming curious. [What happened between Xiao Yiu and Prince Ping in the past? It doesn't seem to be as simple as Zhou Yourong's cursing incident. I mean… there's always this weird vibe around them whenever they are together…] She only pondered for a few minutes before giving up. Wan Xin understood there was little she could do about Xiao Yiu's past. Therefore it was better for her to concentrate her efforts in taking care of Xiao Yiu's health instead. Deciding to allow Xiao Yiu time to sort out whatever emotions she was going through, Wan Xin continued towards the kitchen for some food.

[I just hope with time Xiao Yiu will be fine] Wan Xin sincerely wished.