Fallen Angel

Song Sheng saw the name of Zhong Liu appear on Qian Meigui's phone screen when she rose quickly to answer the call. Irritated, Song Sheng left the yard abruptly, entering the house, finding something else to keep himself occupied. He remembered that he came here for Song Ren.

Qian Meigui watched Song Sheng enter the house as she answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hello Mei," Zhong Liu said, charmingly over the phone. "How are you at the moment?" he asked.

Qian Meigui looked up at the cloudy sky where a flock of birds flew. Her heart felt heavy, but she wasn't sure how to tell anyone how she felt at the moment. "I am doing well, just studying," she told a half-truth. "How are you?" Qian Meigui questioned him.

"I am fine, thank you," he began to say sincerely, "I'm sorry to interrupt; I wanted to speak to you about the recent case."

Qian Meigui walked around the yard, kicking at some of the grass. She breathed out deeply, "Mhm, go ahead."

"The police arrested Mrs. Jian, but she left on bail this morning."

Qian Meigui thought momentarily. The court charged the Jian's for fraud and lying on police records. Qian Meigui ensured that Mr. Jian took his son and left the city with enough money to be comfortable, and Song Corporation dropped the charges against Mrs. Jian for defamation. But still, the bail money should have been a hefty sum for Mrs. Jian never to leave prison.

"Isn't the bail money one million yuan?" she asked curiously.

"Yes," Zhong Liu answered. After a moment, he asked, knowing the answer. "Who else would have that much money to bail her out?"

Qian Meigui tightened the grip on her phone, "Sun Group," she gritted out. "It was compensation? Wasn't it?" she asked him.

"It was," Zhong Liu answered.

Qian Meigui loosed a deep breath. She was not sure what Sun Group is up to, but she figured that Song Ren is handling it. After a moment of silence, Zhong Liu said, "I'm not sure what the dispute is between Song Corporation and Sun Group, but as a professional, I will keep it confidential."

"Thank you, Zhong Liu," Qian Meigui spoke genuinely.

"I care about you and your sister," he said.

"I appreciate it."

There was a slight pause over the phone. "Is that everything?" Qian Meigui asked, wanting to go back into the house.

"I was wondering," he began, "Would you like to meet tomorrow? I want to catch up and know what you, Song Mei, has been up to since you've changed so much."

"Mhm. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then."

Zhong Liu tone changed, sounding more vibrant. "Send me your address; I will pick you up tomorrow."

Qian Meigui hung up the call and sent him a pin of her address. After she sent the message, she walked inside the house.

--

Song Sheng was helping Song Jinyi prepare desserts for Song Ren when Qian Meigui returned to the kitchen. He glanced at her slightly, viewing her emotionless face. Her face had grown more reserved lately, and he felt like asking her what's wrong, demanding answers. But his glance did not linger on her face for too long. He turned away, continuing to stir the curry.

Qian Meigui sat at the stool of kitchen island, and soon after, she ate a bowl of fruit while making minimal conversation with Song Sheng and the twins. Song Jinyi then mentioned out the blue, directed towards Qian Meigui, "I heard you and Ren worked with Zhong Liu. How is he? It's been awhile."

Qian Meigui peaked a glance towards Song Sheng who'd seemed to not care about their discussion. She faced Jinyi and said, "Mhm. I spoke to him just now."

Song Jinyi raised a brow and smirked. "Is he still handsome?" she asked blatantly.

Qian Meigui thought for a moment and wasn't sure how to answer. She smiled at Jinyi and said, "I don't think Zhong Liu could ever be ugly." Song Jinyi then smiled back, graciously, "Ah, my dear Mei Mei. You need to court him before another woman grabs hold of him."

At those words, Song Sheng had suddenly spilled some batter on the dessert trays. Song Jinyi lectured him, "Sheng, what's gotten into you?" Song Jinyi grabbed hold of the cloth and began to clean after him. After they finished, Song Jinyi changed the subject and asked questions for Song Sheng. Song Sheng informed Jinyi about his upcoming movie, telling stories about his time on set. Qian Meigui overheard him speak about his co-star, prompting her to rise from her seat to head to the living space.

For most of the afternoon, Qian Meigui studied until she fell asleep on the couch. When she woke from her nap, the sun was setting in an array of colours, blending oranges, yellows, and periwinkle hues. The balcony doors wide open as the curtains swayed with the wind, and she made out a figure who stood leaning against the door frame at the threshold, the curtains flying around him. He stared at the sunset, deep in thought, as he took at a drag from his cigarette. He folded the sleeves of his white-collared shirt to his elbow; one of his hands were in his pockets. Qian Meigui wasn't sure if she was awake or still sleeping, because, at the sight of him, he looked like a fallen Angel. Qian Meigui hoped he wouldn't turn, because she couldn't peel her eyes away.

Her heart thundered; she was afraid he'd hear it. But something compelled her to stand, to approach him. She took small steps, watching his graceful posture. When she reached the threshold, she passed him, heading towards the rails that weren't too far from him. She held onto the balcony, inhaling the fresh air deeply, looking out towards the sunset. She heard the sighing trees in the distance and savoured the sight.

After a moment, she turned to face him, her eyes gently raising to meet his deep, bottomless, gold-flecked eyes. He blew out the smoke as their eyes met. She shivered slightly, pretending it was the wind when she covered her arms.

"Why are you out here?" she asked him.

"For a smoke," he replied. Qian Meigui felt stupid. Of course, that's why he was here.

"I see," she composed herself quickly, "Anything on your mind?"

Song Sheng took another drag as he approached the railing next to her, resting his elbows over. He shook his head, "Nothing in particular."

"Ah," Qian Meigui responded, not knowing what else to say. "Did you hear about Song Ren's news?" she said, trying to make conversation.

"Mhm. That's why I'm here. I want to congratulate her."

Qian Meigui looked toward him, "Do you still feel sorry for leaving the company to her?" she asked. "Something like that," he said.

"Well, don't be," Qian Meigui demanded.

Song Sheng looked at her. But she was still feeling unsettled by how breathtakingly handsome he was. But she did not show it.

"How is the process with school?" Song Sheng asked. Qian Meigui stilled. No one had asked her about school yet, even when she took her entrance exam a few weeks ago and only got the results today.

"I made it into Law school," she casually said. Qian Meigui didn't predict that her words would stun him. Song Sheng held the bud of his cigarette that nearly burned him. His lips parted, but within a second, he extinguished his cigarette bud, swiftly picked her up and twirled her around, saying, "That's good news!"

Qian Meigui was shocked that Song Sheng held her tightly. He placed her down gently, and she stared up at his face, entranced, lost, and everything in between the gaps. She felt a whirlwind of emotions. She smiled. Song Sheng was the first to know, and he congratulated her.

Song Sheng looked down at her, tucking a strand behind her ear out of habit. "I knew you could do it," he said gently. He was so close that Qian Meigui shuttered. He looked at her so smoothly that it was almost like he wanted her too. Qian Meigui stepped closer to him, daring a step. She felt his lingering breath near her face, and he did not take a step back. Song Sheng was already holding her waist, but she felt him tighten his grip. She wanted him; she wanted him now. As she stepped closer, Song Sheng raised his hand near her hair and ruffled it.

Qian Meigui moved out of his embrace, staring over at the now-deep purple sky. They both heard someone come into the living space. "Ren is home!" Song Jinyi said.