Unrecognizable feelings

"Huh?" 

Lian looked up and his eyes locked with Ding's cold gaze.

"What the… what're you doing?"

Lian immediately jumped back and eyed Ding's messy clothes. Before he could speak up though, Ding pushed him aside and walked into his room slamming the door shut behind him. Lian stood by the door dazed by what had just happened. Ding took off his clothes, took a warm shower and lay on the bed. Just as his eye lids began to feel heavy, a knock sounded from the door. With his limbs exhausted, he decided to ignore the person on the other side of the door but apparently, they had their own plans.

"Go away!"

"Sir?"

Ding could tell from the tone who it was and he groaned in exhaustion.

"Leave me alone!"

Lian did not give up, if he wanted to make him fall for him, they had to at least spend time together.

"Sir?"

He knocked on the door for a few more times and when he received no reply, he gave up and walked back to the kitchen with the tray in hand. He set the tray on the counter and headed into his room. Ding tossed and turned in bed as his stomach grumbled loudly, he tried to ignore it but his stomach was not having it. When it became uncomfortable to lay in bed with a protesting stomach, he walked out of the room and into the kitchen in search of some food. As he walked past the counter, he saw the tray which had a tea pot, glass and some baked cookies. He studied the snack, scoffed in annoyance and headed to the cupboard. Taking out a packet of ramen, he set to make himself the simple yet delicious meal. Once he had satisfied his stomach, he headed to the room and drifted off to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The following morning, Ding sat up in bed and stretched his hands above his head. He prepared himself, slipped into his designer suit and neatly combed his hair. After confirming his appearance was presentable, he walked out of the room and was met with Lian who had arranged his breakfast on the table.

"Morning sir, I made breakfast for you," he said a customer service smile on his lips," hope you enjoy it."

Ding looked at him and sensing no ill intention from him, sat down and looked at the food before him. Lian had made a Japanese breakfast consisting of rice, tamagoyaki, tsukemono, fruits and green tea. Ding picked the food and took a careful bite. Lian leaned in close to his face and watched him eat.

"Is it good?" he asked, eyes sparkling excitedly and Ding turned his face away.

"Too close!"

"Sorry."

Lian moved away from him and for a moment, Ding thought he looked like a sad cat. He shook his head dismissing these thoughts and finished the meal. He stood up to leave when Lian stood and grabbed his forearm preventing him from taking another step.

"Sir? Your tie…"

Ding looked at his tie and raised a questioning brow at him," What about my tie?"

"Ah!"

Realising he was holding onto him, he immediately retracted his hand and Ding straightened his coat.

"Don't casually touch me as if we are close. Know your place."

Lian slightly winced at his tone and as he whacked his brain for something to say, Ding walked out banging the door shut behind him.

"Oh…"

An unknown feeling settled in him and it made him uneasy for some reason. His heart ached and he could feel tears in the corner of his eyes. He brought his thumb and wiped his right eye and looked at the water droplet.

"Huh? Tears? Why?" 

The sight made mixed emotions whirl up inside him. Ever since the death of his mother, he swore to never shed a tear and yet here he was crying over something he didn't know nor understand himself. He stood watching the door for a few more minutes and when he heard their room door close, he quickly wiped his eyes and turned to the approaching Cole.

"Morning."

"Lian, morning. You woke up early today."

"Yeah, I made breakfast want some?"

Cole agreed excitedly and they both preceded to the table and shared the meal. Ding arrived at the mansion and was welcomed by Zixin at the entrance.

"Sir? What are you doing out here?" he asked and took quick strides towards him.

"Sir? Is that how you call me now?"

"Father… what are you doing?"

Zixin moved to take a step towards him but a pain shot up his spine and he let out a groan almost falling to the ground. Fortunate enough, Ding reacted quickly enough and caught him, stabilising him on his feet.

"You should have waited for me in your study."

Zixin smiled sensing the concern and worry in his voice. He stretched his hand and pat him on the shoulder.

"Thank goodness you caught me huh?"

Ding shook his head and let out a frustrated sigh at his joke which was obviously not funny.

"This is not the time for jokes father. You could have seriously gotten injured," he stated in a grave tone.

Gently, Ding aided him into the house and steadily supported him as he took a seat. After ensuring he was in a comfortable position, he took a seat in front of him and gently massaged his knees. Zixin's muscles relaxed and slowly, he began having a hard time keeping his eyes open. He let out a yawn and blinked wearily.

"Rest up father."

"Mmh."

His eyes slowly closed as he drifted off to sleep. Ding laid him on the couch, covered him up and sat cross legged by his head watching him sleep.

"Sir?"

Ding turned and looked at the maid assigned to look after his father.

"How is his condition?"

"The doctor said he should refrain from walking too much and focus on recuperating."

"What about the x-ray?"

The maid bit her tongue and Ding could tell she did not want to share the results with him.

"Okay forget about it," he said dismissing the topic," am heading to his study."

"Yes."

Leaving his father under the care of the maid, he made his way to the study and met with Tsun who was by the desk with numerous papers cluttered before him.

"Ding, what are you doing here?" he asked as if noticing Ding's presence in the room despite him being in front of him for a few minutes.

"What are these documents?" he asked picking one from the pile.

"Nothing much," he said and tried to take the paper from his hands but Ding moved his hand preventing him from doing so.

"What happened to uncle Kyle?" he asked after noticing the familiar name boldly displayed on the paper he had in his hand.

"Well…"

Ding took a seat on the desk and crossed his right leg over his left and turned his gaze to Tsun who let out a defeated sigh.

"He was attacked on his way to the hotel after the seminar."

"The one that was held in France?"

"That's the one. Luckily, the bullet did not do much damage to him but he won't be able to use his right hand for a while."

 "Who did it?"