GIVE YOU A PERMISSION TO MISS ME

"Oh, Ice cream." Luo Jingyi excitedly pointed to the ice cream parlor she saw just around the corner as they made their way back to the hotel. 

Luo Jingyi recalled a memory. When she tasted ice cream for the first time, she was shocked by its coldness that she spat it out, landing on Alexa's face. Alexa was mad that she grabbed the bucket of ice cream, scooped a handful, and threw at Luo Jingyi. To retaliate, Luo Jingyi gathered the remaining ice cream and chucked it back. Because Alexa dodged, it landed on the scroll hanging on the wall.

Both of them were frozen because that was one of Uncle Antoine's favorites. Luo Jingyi was willing to tell Uncle Antoine what happened but Alexa decided against it. In the end, they took the scroll down and went hiding in the attic, devising a plan.

The painting was simple so they sneaked into Uncle Antoine's "special room" and Luo Jingyi imitated it. Alexa was astonished that Luo Jingyi was able to replicate the painting and calligraphy. But Luo Jingyi was aware that the difference between the original and her painting could be discerned by trained eyes. Nonetheless, it was the least of their concern at that time. 

They replaced the scroll which was never noticed by Uncle Antoine until three years later when Luo Jingyi bought him a rare collection of ink painting from a 12th-century artist and confessed about what they did. The funny thing was, the scroll was an imitation too, according to Uncle Antoine. 

Luo Jingyi was immersed in that particular memory that she didn't respond when he asked which flavor she wanted. Only when he waved a hand to get her attention did she stash the memories away and answered. "Peppermint."

"Wait here then." He moved away from her, heading to the direction of the shop and ordered. 

"Thanks." Luo Jingyi took the cone he passed. Bringing it closer to her mouth, she tasted the ice cream. As soon as it touched her palate, flavors exploded in her tongue. It was rich, creamy, and not overly sweet. 

Yun Jinghan watched her with interest. He liked the way she savored the dessert. His eyes kept lingering on her lips, seeing how she would wipe off the stain on them with her tongue. His throat suddenly went dry. 

He contemplated but his shamelessness won, he lowered his head and planted a kiss on the unsuspecting woman who filled his mind all the time. It was quick that when Luo Jingyi realized what happened, he was already inches away. 

"Hmm. Delicious." He mumbled, winking at her. 

Seeing him strolling and whistling away as nothing happened, Luo Jingyi paused. 'This man. He really liked taking advantage of every situation.'

Yun Jinghan turned back. "Do you want another taste test?".... He had to admit, he was craving for more. 

"In your dreams!" Luo Jingyi marched forward, leaving him. His laughter followed her. 

.....

It was late in the afternoon that the two of them flew back to Shanghai. As usual, Yun Jinghan made changes to her arrangement so they could be seated together. It was a short flight but she fell asleep. When she woke up, her head was resting on his shoulders. Luo Jingyi was embarrassed that she sat up and glanced at him. His eyes were closed. A sigh of relief escaped her. 

Luo Jingyi noticed the blanket covering her. She was certain he was the one who put it on her. It was a simple act but whether she admitted or not, she felt something in her heart. It felt good to have someone care for her. 

When Yun Jinghan stirred, she hurriedly took off her gaze and folded the blanket but her auditory sense was attuned to the man beside her. Luo Jingyi heard nothing so she peeked again and he was still asleep.

'Is he cold?' Luo Jingyi wondered. She lifted the neatly folded blanket on her lap but hesitated. Eventually, she covered him. When Luo Jingyi returned to her original position, she never noticed the smile that rose on his lips. 

It was evening when the plane landed. "K5 will drive you home." Yun Jinghan told her as they stood facing each other. They were at the arrival area and noise surrounded them. 

"Are you going somewhere?" She asked, noticing that Amy was waiting meters away from them.

Yun Jinghan stepped closer. Grinning, he touched her hair. "Missing me already?"

"No." Luo Jingyi answered crisply, wondering why he kept holding her hair like that.

"You should because I'll be gone for two weeks or a month at most." Yun Jinghan didn't want to be away from her at this point but this was the third time he canceled on this trip and the acquisition of the trading company was important for his future plans. Hence, he must go.

"Go." Shooing him, Luo Jingyi turned away but he pulled her back. 

"No goodbye kiss?" He teased, not letting go of her hand.

Luo Jingyi rolled her eyes and tugged her hand. She must run away before he steals another kiss. 

Yun Jinghan laughed. "You are too cute darling." Yun Jinghan planted a quick kiss on her lips and immediately distanced himself away from her, leaving her flustered. 

"Goodbye, darling. I'm giving you permission to miss me." Waving, he spun on his heel and head to the departure area. 

*

While the relationship between the two improved, something was happening elsewhere. 

"Contact that woman. Tell her I have a proposition." Chen Guozhi held the small phone as if his life depended on it. It was an old model. He 'rented' the phone from another inmate, swearing in his life to pay the man half a million. This inmate borrowed the phone from another person who he bribed to slip it in. 

 While awaiting trial, he was incarcerated in this prison which he considered as hell. He was raised in a rich household so he had trouble being in here. It's only been three weeks but he won't last. Chen Guozhi now understood what Dr. Luo meant when she said she would give back every pain he inflicted on her sister. In this hell, hierarchy existed and he belonged to the lowest. He had to suck up with all the torture he was subjected to. The guards were inhumane. None of them could be bribed or threatened. And each day, he was subjected to different kinds of punishment. He just couldn't withstand the torture any longer.